Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 1

Proudly published by

ABN 58 129 541 706 February / March 2016 Issue 64

Visit Yackandandah’s visitor information website, call in at the Old Post Office, and make sure you take your visitors there.

There are some great people there to help youwww.uniqueyackandandah.com.au

By Lauren Salathiel

His farm was left

a charred mess by

the December 20 fire that ripped through

Barnawartha and the

Indigo Valley, and yet

valley resident Denis

Ginnivan is one grateful

man.

The fire stopped 15 metres short of his home,

leaving it standing like a

small white beacon amid

a blackened, smouldering

landscape.

What’s most amazing

about this closest of calls

is that Denis and his wife,

Helen McGowan, weren’t

even in the state during the

blaze, and no firetrucks or helicopters had been

anywhere near the

property during the crisis.

“We’d gone to Sydney

for a pre-Christmas

family gathering,” Denis

said.

“I was just walking

down the street in

Sydney, minding my own

business, and at about

midday Helen started to

see things popping up

online about this fire at Barnawartha.”

With 100km an hour

winds whipping up the

flames on the 42-degree day, Denis said he and

Helen had resigned

themselves to fate.

“We were thinking to

ourselves, ‘well, that’s it.

There’s nothing we can

do about it’,” he said.

“My neighbour called

and said that things were

looking pretty grim.

“I told him that I

didn’t expect him to do

anything, but if he had

time to duck over to

the house, perhaps he

could just flick on the evaporative cooler to

create a bit of outwards

pressure and moisture

inside the house.”

By five o’clock in the afternoon, however,

Denis said he could no

longer stay in Sydney,

and began the long

drive home with his two

daughters, Leah and

Georgia.

“We drove through the

night, taking it in turns

sleeping and driving,

and got home at about

3.30am to find that our road [Dicksons Road]

was just lit up by burning

trees,” he said.

“Our road had

been taped off, which

obviously meant that no

firetrucks had been in or out, and we could see

that these trees looked as

though they were about

to tip over, so we ended

up staying at a mate’s

place for the night and

going back the next

morning.”

Upon their return the

next morning, the road

was blocked by a large

fallen tree, forcing Denis

to cut fencing to get into

his property.

“The driveway to our

property was also littered

with trees, and all I was

thinking when I was

going in was, ‘if we had

still been at home, we’d

have had no access in or

out’,” he said.

The fire had left a 15m unburnt radius around Denis’ home,

skirting around a grass

area - which Denis had

kept carefully whipper-

snippered - on two sides

of the house, and a gravel

driveway on the other

two sides.

“The heat of the wind

had scorched the grass,

but amazingly, the house

was unscarred,” he said.

“The fire stopped about 30cm away from

my ute and Tarago.”

The flames decimated about 50 wooden fence posts and strainers,

burnt his shed and small

farm equipment, melted

three kilometres of pipe

(disrupting his water

supply) and left nine of

his 40 steers with burnt hoofs.

“The Department

of Primary Industries

vets came the day after

the fires to look at our stock, and we ended up

being able to sell the

nine injured beasts to an

abattoir and agist the rest

at a property in Leneva,”

Denis said.

In the weeks since

the fire, a team of Blaze Aid volunteers has rolled

up to help with the mop

up, spending days fixing fences and helping Denis

attend to the long list of

tasks that need to be done

to get his family’s farm

back on track.

• Continued page 3

A close call for Yack

After the fires: Indigo Valley resident Denis Ginnivan (pictured bottom left) has spent the weeks since the December 20 fire cleaning up his burnt-out farm, finding agistment space for his cattle, and receiving substantial help from a dedicated troop of BlazeAid volunteers (pictured top left). Miraculously, the fire burnt almost everything on Denis’ property, except for his home (main picture - see arrow!).

2 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 3

“Yackandandah” has been a word on everyone’s lips during the past few months.

First, it was due to the amazing coverage of the town on the ABC’s “Backroads” program, which depicted the lives of a number of the town’s residents, groups and businesses.

A mere week later, it was because the town found itself in the path of a raging grassfire, which threatened local farms and properties, as well as, at one

stage, the town itself.It was during this

fire that the community spirit depicted in Backroads came to the fore, as our amazing CFA volunteers donned their uniforms and toiled to protect property and life.

It was a close call - too close - and one that really highlighted the fact that CFA volunteers are volunteers like no other.

There exist very few volunteer roles that require people to put themselves, quite literally, in the line of fire, so selflessly and so courageously.

The hubbub around the fires may have simmered down a little for most of us, but for these volunteers, every day of summer, and every “high fire danger” rating, brings with it the possibility that one will be called out to battle

the flames.In light of this, I have

been pondering how best to say “thank you” to our local volunteer brigade, and it has led me to wonder whether perhaps the best thing we, as community members, can do is to not just thank the brigade, but ensure that we all plan well for fire season, and use the months leading up to summer to learn as much as we can about how to make our firies’ jobs easier.

- Lauren

YACKITY YAK

Yackity Yak is a free bi-monthly publication aimed at providing news, entertainment and information to the people of Yackandandah.Yackity Yak is published by YCDCo (Yackity Yak) Pty Ltd. and 1,500 copies of Yackity Yak are printed with each release with a minimum of 900 copies distributed free of charge to homes in the Yackandandah and surrounding area via Australia Post.

Submissions are welcome, encouraged and

valued, although the editor reserves the right to edit reports for the purposes of space.

CONTACT DETAILS:Editor / Advertising / Printing / AccountsLauren SalathielYackity YakC/- Yackandandah Post Office,High Street,Yackandandah VIC 3749Ph: 0422 854 909Email: yackity_yak@yackandandah.comWeb: uniqueyackandandah.com.au

Yackity Yak wishes to advise that the views and or remarks expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of Yackity Yak editorial or production staff, and no endorsement or service is implied by the listing of advertisers or contributors. Although every effort is taken in reproducing and printing advertisements correctly, we take no responsibility for errors. 2016 DEADLINES: Forthcoming deadlines for submission of advertisements and articles for the Yackity Yak are 5pm on the following days:Issue 65, April-May: Monday, March 14Issue 66, June-July: Monday, May 9Issue 67, Aug-Sept: Monday, July 11Issue 68, Oct-Nov: Monday, September 12Issue 69, Dec ‘16-Jan ‘17: Monday, November 14

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Attention turns to Yack, for many reasons

Another two for the pool room: Yackandandah

folk musician Pete

Denahy is going to

need to stabilise his

mantelpiece, after

picking up two more

Golden Guitar awards

at the recent Tamworth

Country Music

Festival.

Pete’s stash of the

awards now sits at five, with the addition of an

award for bluegrass

recording of the year

for his song, Singin’

Shoes, and another

for instrumental of the

year for the tune Cluck

Old Hen.

Well done, Pete!

Program jogs memory

To the townspeople of

Yackandandah,

I watched a program on

television recently all about your

town. I love the avenue of trees.

I was returning home with

a group in a small bus, we had

been to a folk festival in Victor

Harbour, I think, about 2008 or

could have been earlier.

We had a short stay in your

town, we women were running

in and out of shops, I bought a

handbag which I still use often

but in the pocket inside the bag I

had written on a piece of paper, “I

bought this bag in Yackandandah”.

It is still in the pocket!

The program brought back

pleasant memories.

Doreen O’Keefe,

Fairy Meadow, NSW

Farewell and thanks!

Yackandandah was my home for 10 years while I worked at music director at Catholic College Wodonga.

After two years in Boston,

USA and a lot of thought, I have

decided to move closer to family

in Melbourne for 2016.

I will never forget coming into

Yack from the Beechworth Rd

and seeing that beautiful view

every afternoon after work, or

the Wednesday music sessions at

the Star each week, Carols in the

Park, or unforgettable times at

the folk festival each year.

But most of all I will miss “the

people of this place” (as the song

goes!). I am so grateful for the great

community of this great town.

Thank you, and see you at the

folk Festival!

Fiona Dyball

Now of Melbourne!

Letters to

the editor

Send your letters to the

editor to yackity_yak@

yackandandah.com,

or snail-mail them to Lauren Salathiel, Yackity

Yak, C/- Yackandandah Post Office, High Street,

Yackandandah, VIC, 3749

A Ramble with the Editor

• Continued from

page 1

“All I can say is

that these Blaze Aid

volunteers are the most

amazing bunch of

people,” Denis said.

“They work so

efficiently, are great communicators, have

great leaders providing

the teams with terrific briefings each day before we start work.

“It’s been a real

experience to have them

at the farm to help us.”

Denis said he

was also floored by

the community’s

willingness to provide

support.

“One day, I was

outside and looked

down my driveway

and saw seven vehicles

pulling up - people

coming by to help,

bringing hampers of

Christmas food,” he

said.

“It’s a harrowing

thing to have happen

to you, but something

like this shows you the

important things in life

- it’s family, and it’s

community.”

Fire shock

The Yackandandah community is urged to gather to discuss the future of a beautiful local natural feature, the Commissioner’s Creek Dam, at a community meeting at the Senior Citizens Clubrooms on January 28 at 7.30pm.

Yackandandah

resident Michael

Metzger has lobbied for

a meeting with North

East Water to enable the

community to discuss

the water authority’s

plans to substantially

reduce the water levels

of the dam in order

to comply with safety

guidelines.

The spring-fed dam

currently holds 20ML of

water, and is zoned as an

informal livestock water

supply, reservoir for

firefighting, for farming and public conservation.

Michael said concerns

about a lack of capacity

for the dam’s spillway to

cope with extreme flood events had led North

East Water (which owns

the dam infrastructure,

while Goulburn Murray

Water owns the water

itself) to seek to lower

the spillway by 2.4m, reducing the dam’s

volume by 83 per cent, to

approximately 3.5ML.“This seems to be

part of North East

Water’s infrastructure

rationalisation process,”

Michael said.

“I have no qualms

about making the dam

safe, however I’m very

concerned about what

this means for the dam as

an ecosystem and public

recreational area.

Michael said of

greatest importance to

him - and he hoped, to

the community - was the

dam’s status as unique

habitat to a range of

native species, some of

which are threatened.

“Commissioner’s

Creek Dam has become

habitat for many species

including birds, fish, marsupials mammals,”

he said.

“It’s a large and

beautiful wetlands area,

and is home to complex

ecosystems.

“I’m very worried that

these ecosystems will be

destroyed by the work

that is being planned by

North East Water.”

These concerns

have led Michael to

create a Change.org

petition, which garnered

189 petitions, calling

on the community

to rally around the

dam and demand

that it be maintained

for community,

environmental and

firefighting purposes.

“I’m really happy

to North East Water

to make the dam safe,

but what I want is for

the community to be

involved and for the dam

to be rescued for the

good of the community,”

Michael said.

“There is so much

potential here - the

dam could be a stop-off

point along the railt rail,

and could have picnic

facilities, interpretive

signage, walking tracks.

“With Totally

Renewable

Yackandandah currently

looking at making

Yackandandah 100 per

cent renewable, there

might be the potential for

there to be some kind of

micro-hydro plant at the

dam, as there is a 65m drop from the dam to

town.

“With the recent

fires, I think it’s more important than ever that

we maintain reserves of

non-potable water that

could be utilised in the

event of another major

fire in the area, as well.”Michael said that, as a

former educator, he was

particularly excited about

the potential for the area

to become an educational

resource.

“The dam could

be an environmental

educational resource, and

I know there is funding

available through the

Williamson Foundation

for environmental

leadership and

educational projects at

the moment.

“Any funding or

project is contingent

on community support,

and with the wealth of

talent and skills in town,

I know that we could do

something wonderful

with this resource, if we

could all come together

to discuss this.”

This is exactly what the

January 28 community

meeting, which is to be

attended by North East

Water representatives, is

aimed at.

Michael, who will chair

the meeting, said he hoped

it would be a form for

positive discussion about

how the water authority

and the community could

work together to preserve

the dam.

“We have a wonderful,

unique asset here,

that we can never

recreate once we start

reducing the water

levels and changing the

characteristics of the

ecosystems,” he said.

“As much as is

humanly possible needs

to be rescued, because it

has benefits for the whole human and non-human

community.”

Dam project up for

town discussion

4 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 5

To report a fire 000

Burn-off notification 1800 668 511

Bushfire information line 1800 240 667CFA website

www.cfa.vic.gov.au

BlazeAid had set up at Barnawartha to help properties affected by the December fires. It uses voluneters to work with farmers who had property damaged.

The men’s shed members started work at 6.30am on one of the first properties be affected by

the fire. The farmer had no notice and had to round up their horses within minutes of seeing the fire come over the Hume Freeway.

He had to cut fences to lead them to safety as the horses fled to the extremes of their paddocks and they could not access gates.

The fire burned nearly all of his 30 acres and most of his fencing, but they saved the house.

The men’s shed team dismantled 1105 metres of damaged fencing, under the farmer’s direction, and he thought that would save him weeks of work.

Men’s shed helps with mop up

Yackandandah will celebrate the effort of the volunteer firefighters who worked so hard to keep the town and the district safe from harm during the recent fires, at a special concert during the Yackandandah Folk Festival.

The concert, which is scheduled to take place on the evening of Friday, March 18 at the

Yackandandah Public Hall, is being organised as a means of expressing the community’s gratitude to the firies and their families.

The programming for the concert will be announced closer to the festival, however CFA members and families are invited to attend as the community’s guests of honour.

By Cameron McKern,

Captain, Yackandandah

Fire Brigade

On Sunday, December

20, a little before

midday, a fire started at Barnawartha. This fire caused major damage to

Indigo Valley and posed

a significant threat to Yackandandah.

Our thoughts are with

our neighbours, family and

friends of Indigo Valley.

Fortunately, no lives were

lost, but the damage was

major. Four dwellings

were destroyed, 34 sheds and other structures were

destroyed or damaged, 44 vehicles (motorbikes, cars,

boats, trailers, caravans,

etc) were destroyed, 1100

sheep and 70 cattle died

or had to be slaughtered,

and 210km of fencing

was lost. More than

6,500 hectares was burnt with the fire’s perimeter measuring more than

100km.

Three of

Yackandandah’s four fire trucks were dispatched

to the fire within minutes of the call-out, while our

pumper-tanker stayed

in the town, ready for

any local emergency

and town protection.

Several hundred

firefighters fought the fire on the day from Country Fire Authority

(CFA), NSW Rural Fire

Service (RFS) and the

Victorian Department

of Environment, Land,

Water and Planning.

It was a close call for

Yackandandah, with

the fire jumping the Beechworth-Wodonga

Road at several places. If

not for the extraordinary

efforts of firefighters, aircraft and a timely wind

change, we may have had

a much worse story to

tell. The fire was stopped 4km from our town – more than close enough

for our liking!

It was several days

before the fire could be declared under control.

Even on day four of the fire (Wednesday), more than

250 personnel were still deployed at the incident.

The local brigades – mostly Indigo Valley and

Barnawartha - continued

to receive calls to trees on

fire within the burnt area for a couple of weeks after

the fire. We hope they get

several quiet weeks now – they deserve it.

It was an extraordinary

day. At its peak, the

fire danger rating for Yackandandah was

higher than it was at any

stage on Black Saturday

2009, with wind gusts

exceeding 70km/h.

The fire service response was similarly

extraordinary. The CFA

response, together with

our friends at NSW

RFS and colleagues at

DELWP was magnificent. Our brigade put in a huge

effort on the day, and

for the next few days.

Neighbouring brigades,

mostly from our Bogong

Group, were on stand-by

ready to step-up to

protect Yackandandah, if

needed.

The brigade would like

to thank the vast majority

in our community for

remaining aware and

informed, for heeding

the advice, warning and

emergency messages

that were issued on the

day, for enacting their

fire plans, for remaining calm, and for their offers

of support on the day and

subsequently.

Longer term residents

of Yackandandah will

recall the days when

the siren at the fire station was activated

to summon firefighters each time there was

An extraordinary day

a fire call, as well as for monthly testing.

The Yackandandah

Fire Brigade averages

more than 50 such calls each year. With the

introduction of new and

improved pagers, we no

longer use the siren for

this purpose. Instead, it

has become a community

alerting device. If you

hear the siren going

off for more than a few

seconds, that means we

are using it to alert the

community to a potential

emergency – listen to your radio, check the

emergency website,

check with neighbours

or check with us at the

fire station to find out why the siren is being

sounded.

Remember, it is

your responsibility

to be aware on days

of high fire danger – look outside, listen

to the radio, use the

FireReady App – it is up to you.

Don’t expect a knock

at your door – there are 600 dwellings in

our brigade area, too

many to visit with four

firetrucks (especially if only one is available)

and 50 volunteer firefighters.

We would like to thank

Yackandandah Lions

for feeding many tired

and hungry firefighters on the Sunday evening.

Smoke and fire: Residents of the district watched in horror as flames and smoke tore down the Indigo Valley. (Photographs: Cameron McKern)

Evacuation: Yackandandah residents were warned to evacuate the town as the

blaze approached.

Team effort: Yackandandah’s firefighters were joined by firefighters from the CFA, NSW Rural Fire Service and Department of Environment, Land, Water and

Planning.

Additionally, Indigo

Shire Council deserves

much credit for its speedy

response in re-opening

roads, assisting with the

disposal of destroyed

livestock, facilitating the

fodder drop and its overall

recovery program. Now

it’s over to the community,

with the assistance of

groups such as the team

of Blaze Aid volunteers,

to complete the recovery

– let’s hope our summer is interspersed with regular

rain!Neighbourhood Safer Places

Yackandandah has

two Neighbourhood

Safer Places (NSPs) – the Memorial Gardens

and the Senior Citizens

Centre.

Note that the Sports

Park is not a NSP. It was

assessed but failed to

meet the criteria - it is

not a safer place to be.

NSPs are not refuges

or relief centres. Relief

centres are set up in

places where the risk is

considerably less. On

Sunday, December 20, The

Cube in Wodonga was set

up as a relief centre.

It is worth having a

look at the signs at our

two NSPs to remind

yourself of what a NSP

is. To pick up a few:

• Locations thatmay provide some protection

from direct flame and radiant heat, but they do

not guarantee safety.

• Not an alternative to planning to leave early

or to stay and defend

your property; they are

places of last resort if

all other fire plans have failed.

• In a fire, the CFA or other emergency services

may not be present at an

NSP.

• There will be no support services (food

or drink, material aid) or

provision for pets.

Let’s say

thank you

Hard workers: A group of Yackandandah Men’s Shed volunteers has worked tirelessly over recent weeks

to help local farmers clean up after the December 20 fires.

Natural disasters like

bushfires are extremely challenging for the people

directly affected. Some

people are able to manage

the stress, others can find it difficult to cope.

If you or someone close

to you is having difficulty coping in the aftermath

of the bushfires, there are a number of ways to get

help, including contacting:

• Your GP• Psychologist or

counsellor

• Lifeline 13 11 14• Kids Helpline 1800

55 1800• For financial

assistance: Salvation

Army, St Vincent de Paul,

Department of Human

Services.

Indigo Shire Council’s

Community Development

and Planning Manager

Kate Biglin can also refer individuals on for outreach

support from partner

agencies. Please contact

Kate on 1300 365 003.

Help is at hand

6 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 7

By Lauren Salathiel

The ABC’s Backroads program, filmed in and around Yackandandah throughout 2015, generated such a spike in traffic to Indigo Shire Council’s Yackandandah webpage that the website’s service provider thought it was under cyber-attack!

Backroads, broadcast on December 13, 2015, looked at the lives and social fabric of our unique little town, focusing on community organisations such as the community garden, old time dance group and youth theatre group, and businesses such as Nelmac and Yfuel.

Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre representative Rod Millechamp said the program had been the catalyst for a massive increase in the number of visitors and wannabe treechangers stopping into the information centre.

“During December, we had 1120 people through the door of the information centre, compared with 689 in December 2014,” Rod said.

“This January, we have had around 2700 visitors come in, compared to 1058 in January 2015.

“We’re seeing incredible numbers of people, with a lot of people saying that they’ve been in other towns around Australia, and have heard people talking about the Yackandandah Backroads program!”

Rod said the things upon which people were most often commenting were the aesthetics of the town, the pace of life

here, and the excellent range of services available to residents.

“Overwhelmingly, people are saying things like ‘this is such a beautiful town’, ‘it’s such a friendly, happy, vibrant place’, and commenting on how family friendly it seems,” he said.

“There has also been great interest in the natural features around town, and we’ve handed out up to 40 copies of our town walking trails map a day during some

weekends!”The information

centre volunteers have handed out an unprecedented number of brochures and maps, and about 20 copies of a special “welcome to Yackandandah” pack, designed for those thinking of moving to the area.

“It has been a huge boon for the town,” Rod said.

“We now have to think about how to maintain this momentum.”

Radio powered by local people

Mon

Tues

Wed

Fri

Sat

9.30am to 11.30am Morning Morning Memo with Greg

12 noon to 2pm Musical Mash with Spencer

7.30pm to 9.30pm# Bullfrog’s Roadhouse with Mark

10am to 12 noon Music with Phil with Phil

4pm to 5pm School News with Dayna & Jordyn

10am to 12 noon Light Classical with Phil

8am to 10am* Everyone Deserves Music with Scott

12.15pm to 1.15pm Musical Mash with Spencer

# - Program broadcast when available * - Program broadcast fortnightly

Indigo FM transmits 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When lives

programs are not on air, the station plays a diverse and eclectic mix of

music from all eras. Indigo FM also broadcasts shows from other Indigo

Shire towns - Beechworth and Rutherglen - as part of its playlist, and

repeat shows from Yackandandah, just in case you missed them!

88.0 FM

Cut me out and put me on your fridge!

Become a radio presenter - email yackandandah@indigofmradio.

com to find out how!

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Become a Yackity Yak advertiser in 2016. Email yackity_yak@

yackandandah.com, or phone 0422 854 909 for details.

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Magdalena boogies

her way into top 10

Ausmentos Like wombat in “Wombat Goes Walkabout”

we dig a lot and think a lot and have unearthed a quality range of Australiana , Books and Puzzles

Warren and Denise Gould 15 High St

Yackandandah 3749 ausmentos @gmail.com

phone 0260171025

Open M-Sat 10-5pm Sun 1-5pm

By Lauren Salathiel

What started as a hobby for Magdalena Macdonald 10 years ago, has earnt the Yackandandah woman national accolades, with the placement of a song she wrote in one of the Australian Songwriter’s Association’s top 10 listings for 2015.

Magdalena’s song, Mr Boogey Man, made it into the top 10 “lyrics” section of the awards.

Magdalena took up song-writing after completing an online course, and taught herself guitar in order to compose her pieces.

She said song-writing

was a natural extension to her love of wordplay.

“I’ve always loved playing with words, I love poems,” she said.

“For me, song-writing is all about the wordsmithing.

“I start with the lyrics first - there’s usually a hook, a title, then I look for a line or a phrase that can be repeated as a refrain, and that’s when I pick up the guitar.”

Many of Magdalena’s songs also feature social messages, with her having written pieces dealing with communities’ experience of bushfire and issues

such as drugs.Mr Boogey Man was

about the experience of raising children.

“I’ve written 60 or 70 songs, and have recorded about 50 to demo level,” Magdalena said.

“I find song-writing is a great way to get my thoughts down, and I like the idea that it’s something I can leave for my kids.

“It just pours out of me - I wish I had started writing songs sooner!”

You can listen to Magdalena’s songs on the Today Country digital radio station, or at https://soundcloud.com/magdalena-macdonald.

Her happy place: Yackandandah song-writer Magdalena Macdonald had a song placed in the Australian Songwriter’s Awards top 10 for lyrics.

Indigo Shire Council and the Yackandandah Community Centre are seeking input into the design of a garden space at the centre and a toilet facility for the disabled next to it.

“We wanted to get some ideas from the community before we put this proposal to a designer,” Indigo Shire Mayor Cr James Trenery said.

“We will be putting together a small community group to advise

on the project.“People with special expertise

or interest in these sorts of community facilities could be part of the group.

“They may have great suggestions that we can include in a brief to a designer.”

“If anyone has a special interest or experience in heritage, commerce, disability, tourism and gardens/design and would like to be part of this group, they

can register their interest with the Community Centre.”

Please register your interest with the Yackandandah Community Centre by Friday 26 February 2016 by phoning 02 6027 1743, calling in during office hours (Tuesday/Wednesday 9am- 5pm, and Thursday 9am - 4pm) or emailing manager@ycc.org.au.

Council has $10,000 for the design of the disabled toilet facility.

Council seeks design input

Great response to

television program

Great success: An ABC film crew spent months in Yackandandah filming a documentary, which screened on December 13, and caused a huge spike in

interest in the town.

8 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 9

Ph: (03)5728 1585 Mobile: 0409 120 392 All-Car Auto Electrical

Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning on-site service 5 1/2 Days per Week

Over 32 years of experience working on cars, trucks, earthmoving and farm machinery

Local, friendly service from a Yack resident covering Indigo Shire and surrounds

Vehicle Electronic Systems and EFI Spe-cialist using the latest scan tool technology

covering a wide range of cars

By Leah Ginnivan

What are all those perspex yellow yaks doing in town? That’s the question on everyone’s lips as Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) gathered pace this summer.

Those yaks are a mark that the householders are supporting the goal to get Yack onto 100 per cent renewable energy by 2022.

Totally Renewable Yackandandah, with support from Charles Sturt University’s Community-University Partnerships Grants Program, commissioned a report on community attitudes towards renewable energy in Yackandandah.

As well as undertaking a community survey, TRY interviewed 26 community leaders, including business operators, health professionals, farmers and artists, people involved in arts, cultural, community groups and sports, as well as renters and homeowners, parents and retirees.

There’s overwhelming support, in-principle, for TRY’s goals. Almost every interviewee reckoned TRY’s plan to switch to cleaner power sources was worth going for - especially following on from similar challenges, such as YCDCo, that Yack’s tackled before. This innovative character is also evident amongst the sporting, arts, theatre and service parts of our

community. One key message,

raised by many interviewees, was that some clear possible scenarios need to

be developed so the community can then discuss how to best reach the target. This will prompt community ownership of, and

involvement in, the project. The need for households to have access to quality, affordable advice from trusted sources (who aren’t trying to sell them things) also came up in the interviews. TRY is taking this on board, and the next big step is figuring out how to get it happening!

TRY president Matthew Charles-Jones said a new Victorian Government grants program may well allow the group to take the next crucial step identified by the interviewees.

“We need a strategic blueprint, which brings together the technological, financial and community dimensions of 100%

Energy blueprint on horizon

goal,” he said.“TRY is very grateful

that a diverse range people were so willing to give of their time and knowledge and help TRY decipher the next steps.”

The report authors, Leah Ginnivan and Tom Stayner, would like to say a big thanks to Dr Joanne Millar, who assisted in the project, as well as Ali Pockley and the Yackandandah Community Centre who allowed them to use

the space to conduct these interviews, as well as the interviewees for making time on their weekend to chat about these important issues and the future of Yackandandah.

The report is available at http://totallyrenewableyack.org.au/watts-happening/news/. To stay updated on TRY, jump onto http://totallyrenewableyack.org.au/get-involved/subscribe/

To commemorate the centenary of World War I, Indigo Shire Libraries and the Beechworth Burke Museum are presenting a touring exhibition from the State Library Victoria exploring the stories of ordinary Australians told through their own photographs, letters, diaries and writings.

The exhibit, Writing the war: Personal stories from WWI tells the story of Australia’s involvement in WWI seen through the eyes of seven ordinary Australians from very

different backgrounds – a teacher, a nurse, a bank clerk, a farmer, a journalist, an artist and an activist.

Their experiences are conveyed through personal and published writings, photos, drawings and multimedia which take us from Gallipoli to Egypt, Gaza and the Western Front, and capture a diverse range of perspectives.

Some of these writings helped shape public opinion about the war effort, such as

Sir Keith Murdoch’s Gallipoli letter or the writing of pacifist Vida Goldstein.

Some were never intended to be read in public, like the diaries of George Auchterlonie which remained in his family’s possession for more than 70 years.

“These diaries and letters of both prominent and ordinary Australians give us an insight into WWI that is immediate and intimate because it is told in their own words,” Indigo Shire Libraries team leader Wendy Kerr said.

Yack Library

War commemorated in writing

Totally Renewable Yackandandah

Yak-tastic!: Chris McGorlick earned himself a TRY

yak for his 100 per cent renewable-powered home.

Town first: Yackandandah Community Centre was the first community organisation in town to earn itself a TRY yak.

Thinking of the future: Ben Gilbert, with son Fela,

have their eyes firmly on the future with the design of their energy efficient home.

Quality, professional childcare in a warm, secure

home environment

Vacancies for 2016

Phone (02) 6027 1288

10 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 11

Happy new year

to all our friends,

customers and

volunteers. We’re

looking forward to

another productive

year at your

community centre so

please let us know if

there’s anything you

would particularly like

to see put on in the

way of courses.

JUNIOR DRAMA

– Brendan is taking

a well-earned rest

from drama for term

Yackandandah

Community Op

Shop

This great little Op

Shop (probably the

best in north-east Victoria!) runs out of the Yackandandah

Community Centre in

the High Street.

We are seeking

expressions of

interest from qualified people who are

interested in a limited

hour paid short-term contract (which may

well be extended) to

manage the Op Shop.

Duties would

include recruiting

new volunteers,

arranging rosters,

upgrading facilities

and forward

planning.

Please register

your interest at the

Yack Community

Centre, 02 6027

1743 or email

manager@ycc.

org.au and we will

arrange to forward

you details of the

position when it

becomes available.

Yackandandah

Community Garden

We are seeking

expressions of

interest from suitably

qualified people to

re-invigorate this wonderful community

asset.

This will be a paid

short-term contract (which may well be

extended) to recruit

more members,

coordinate gardening

sessions and plan

for the future.

Please register

your interest at the

Yack Community

Centre, 02 6027

1743 or email

manager@ycc.

org.au and we will

arrange to forward

you details of the

position when it

becomes available.

Your community centre

- a cool place to be!

Three prominent Yackandandah

artists will come together to

stage an exhibition of paintings,

sculptures and mixed media

artworks at Wodonga’s GIG

Galley from January 26 to

February 21.

Painters Mandy and Scott

Murray will join with sculptor

Linda Fish to stage The Murrays

and a Fish exhibition.

Mandy and Scott met whilst

studying painting at RMIT in

Melbourne.In 1998 they made the

treechange from Melbourne to

Yackandandah.

Early in 1994 sculptor Linda Fish also made the move from the

city life to Yackandandah. They

have become good friends and

encourage each other’s artwork.

Husband and wife Scott and

Mandy make an impressive artistic

team. Scott creates contemporary

landscapes whilst Mandy uses a

mixed media technique to help us

look closer into the natural world.

Linda has concerns about

how we have become removed

from nature. Her sculptures are

small comments about the plastic

and chemicals we use in our

environment.

All artists are creating a

personal response to their

surroundings.

Yack artists join forces for exhibit

By Lauren Salathiel

Give Arli Waddell a piece of wood and a set of tools, and chances are the 14-year-old will turn them into something amazing.

The Yackandandah teenager is currently in the process of creating a handmade wooden bow, the second such bow he has made.

What makes the bow even more fascinating is that it is built from discarded pieces of wood that Arli has found in the shed at his house.

“I’ve made one bow before, which was kind of like a prototype,” he said.

“It had detachable limbs made out of an old set of skis.

“I wanted to try making a one-piece bow, so I hunted around for whatever I could find in the shed.

“I’ve used some old verandah boards, window frames, railway sleepers, and have laminated them together.”

It has taken two months for Arli to make the riser (handle of the bow), shape the limbs and glue on the bow

limbs using epoxy glue.He has only just added

fibreglass to the top of the limbs to give them strength, and is now shaping the other side of

the riser.This amazing creation

is the product of Arli’s natural ingenuity, and hours of avid reading of articles and how-tos

online.“I looked at the basics

on the internet, and used the first bow as a test, learning from that one to make the second one as good as possible,” he said.

“It will soon be ready to shoot, and I plan to use it to shoot targets.”

Arli said the most satisfying part of the process had been “building something out of nothing” - a feat for which he is already known, having last year constructed a billy kart out of recycled materials for the town billy kart race.

“The hardest part has been getting the bits of wood for lamination thin enough. I’ve had to plane each piece ot the exact thickness that I want,” he said.

“The most useful tool I used was a kettle, for helping me to steam and bend the pieces of timber into a recurve bow (a bow with its tips bent, which turns in on itself).”

(Arli’s mother Frances added that a new kettle was almost on the cards, after the old one was boiled dry so many times!)

1, particularly as it’s a

short term. So we will

be in touch with our

regular young thespians

a little nearer Easter

to let you know what

Brendan has planned

for term 2.

MUSIC LESSONS

– Vanessa Delaine

will be continuing her

great music making

classes on Tuesday

afternoons in Yack.

She may have limited

spaces available, so

call her on 0403 412 346 to see availability of keyboard, guitar,

voice and music theory.

Vanessa’s latest CD

was release around

Christmas time and has

proved to be a great

seller on iTunes. She

will also be going to

Tamworth later on in

the year.

BIRD

PHOTOGRAPHY

– We are planning a

photography workshop

with Chris Tzaros in

the autumn/winter.

He’s currently working

on a project with

the local Swamps,

Rivers and Rangers

initiative operating in

north-east Victoria.

Chris is an amazing

photographer and if

you are a member of

Birds Australia, then

you will have seen his

work – he thinks like a bird and consequently

has the knack of taking

extraordinary photos of

birdlife. Please register

your interest as soon as

possible. This will be

a one-off opportunity

unlikely to be repeated

anytime soon! Chris

knows the area well

and a wonderfully

productive workshop

can be guaranteed.

There will be some

theory at the centre and

then a trip into the bush

to put your skills into

action.

PERMACULTURE

– under the auspices

of the Professional

Permaculture Guild,

a design certificate course will be held from

the end of February

until early June. Cost

$640 per person. This will be a wonderful

opportunity to learn all

about the very topical

principles and ethics

of permaculture. Call

Susan on 03 5728 1458 for further details or

leave your details with

us.

WHAT ELSE

YOUR CENTRE

OFFERS – please

remember that we are

a Cool Relief Centre.

That means that you

are welcome to drop in

and use our facilities

when the weather is

hot. Bring your craft

work, a magazine, write

some letters, use our

Wi-Fi facilities and

generally chill out in

our air-conditioning.

You can also potter

around our lovely Op

Shop and chat with our

great volunteers. Make

yourself a tea or coffee.

Listen to Indigo FM,

but don’t sit at home in

the heat feeling hot and

bothered.

We also have the

“Hot Office’ where you

can rent office space by

the hour, session or day.

Very reasonable costs

with photocopying/

scanning facilities and

Wi-Fi available. You

can book on the internet

if you prefer: http://

ycc.org.au/facilities/

hot-office-bookings/

We can do your

printing, scanning,

laminating and

photocopying for

you as well at very

reasonable rates. We

guarantee that we can

undercut Officeworks,

so don’t waste fuel

driving into town!

Our office is

open from 9am-5pm Tuesdays/Wednesdays,

and 9am-4pm on Thursdays. Phone (02)

6027 1743 or email manager@ycc.org.

au. You can find our

website at http://ycc.

org.au. The Op Shop is

open 10-4 Mon/Fri. Looking forward to

seeing you soon!

New community opportunities

Quite the craftsman

Skilled craftsman: Yackandandah’s Arli Waddell has

built himself his very own wooden bow.

Do you know of a local young person doing something amazing? Let the whole

town know! Email yackity_yak@yackandandah.com or phone 0422 854 909.

12 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 13

By Michelle Croker

Tired of singing in the shower with no-one to appreciate your talents?

Do you want to be part of an exhilarating sound?

Then join the Arts Yack Community Choir and perform at the next Yackandandah Folk Festival.

You don’t need to be an experienced singer. All ages and abilities are welcome.

We would especially like to encourage lots of blokes this year and the more kids the merrier.

This year, we are excited to have Chris Pidd as our choir leader once again.

The Arts Yackandandah Community Choir commences with a taster workshop on Sunday, January 31 from 3pm to 5pm at the Yackandandah Town Hall, with rehearsals culminating in a performance at the 2016 Yackandandah Folk Festival on Sunday, March 20.

Rehearsals every Sunday through February and March at

the Yackandandah Public Hall, High St. (opposite the school) except for Sunday, March 13 at the Yackandandah Sports Park.

Taster workshop: 3pm to 5 pm, Sunday, January 31.

Rehearsals 2pm to 4pm, Sunday February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13; 7pm to 9 pm Thursday, March 10, 17.

It’s an uplifting experience that may just keep you coming back each year.

For more info or

to register email

yackchoir@gmail.com.

By “Kingfisher” (Anna Kusmierski) and “Sparky” (Rob Gollan)

The logistics of bringing

8371 Scouts, 194 Venturers and 2351 leader, Rovers and support staff together

for a 10 day Jambouree is an

extraordinary accomplishment

and to think it was all done

by volunteers is an incredibly

proud thing for any member of

the Scout Movement to brag

about.

Overnight a tent city springs

up, set with everything from

a hospital to a coffee shop.

Jamboree TV, radio station

and newspaper keeps everyone

informed of daily activities.

There is no time to miss mum

and dad as there is something

going all the time.

Despite the deluge of rain in

the first few days of the 24th Australian Jambouree, held

recently at Cataract Scout Park

in Sydney, the Scouts did not

forget their Scout Law – “A Scout is cheerful”. Soggy feet

did not stop them from leaping

into adventure!

The planning to get as many

Scouts from 1st Yackandandah

Scout Group to Cataract Scout

Park for the 24th Australian Jamboree started more than

two years ago.

There have been a lot of

people who have helped us

along the way and we would

like to say thank you and share

our experiences. As you will

see these children have had

the time of their lives and have

made friendships and have

experiences which they will

have for a lifetime.

Troop D625 was made up of 35 scouts and five leaders from 1st Yackandandah, 1st Bright, 1st Seville and 1st Wonga Park.

The 24th Jamboree was hosted by the NSW contingent at Cataract Scout Park.

We were able to set up camp in the dry but it wasn’t long before the rain started, and stayed, for four days.

We dug trenches to divert the rain but it still went under and through tents, stretchers, and bags. We became quite good at making clothes out of plastic bags.

It was amazing to see the Scouts adapt so quickly to a challenging situation and when the sun finally came out and the clothes, socks and boots started to dry, the sheer joy was

unmistakable. Scouts would rise before

7am and generally be at activities between 7.30am and 9am, depending on whether they were on- or off-site.

Duty patrols would pick up food supplies and ice from the Q-store and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Free time was between 8pm and 10pm.

Each member of D625 contributed to the overall experience and it was great to see the Yack Scouts have such a great time and also get to know the other leaders and their scouts. We had a happy troop with lots of laughing and joking, card playing and walking.

At opening ceremony it was said that Jamboree would change a doubtful Scout and after talking to Scouts when we arrived back it Victoria it seems this truly is the case.

Without a doubt Jamboree is the pinnacle of the Scouting experience, it brings together mateship, resilience, perseverance, comradeship, skills, knowledge, leadership, personal development, physical development and solidarity. It was a great honour to serve as line leaders for 1st Yackandandah as part of D625.

Jamboree was fun. It changed my life. It was easy to make lots of friends. I got lost once. It rained a lot. Jamberoo Water Park was the most fun activity. My favourite rides were the Funnel web and the Taipan. I’m going to start saving for venturers AB2018 in Brisbane.

- Oliver Cottee• • • • • • • • • • • • • •On the last day of

Jamboree my patrol went to a beach on Botany Bay while the other half of our troop were left to pack up our tents. Because we were leaving that

night we had to get up at 5.50am to pack our stretchers and sleeping bags but it was definitely better than having to pack up nine tents.

We caught a bus which took about an hour. Once we arrived we got a bracelet and were sent to a place to put down our bags and we then applied sun cream and ran off to go swim in the ocean.

I went on an obstacle course and then went canoeing.

We saw jelly fish and we went into the mangrove. After a while we went back to

our bags and ate lunch and played cards.

Then we were told we had to leave and that was the end, back to camp to help clean and pack. The whole 10 days were amazing!

We went through rain, wind, thunder and then finally some sunshine.

We made friends that hopefully will last a lifetime and most importantly we had an amazing time.

Even though it is over I am still ecstatic and would do it again in a heartbeat.

AJ2016 was one of the best experiences

of my life and anyone who has the opportunity to go should.

- Lara Johnson• • • • • • • • • • • • • •My favourite off-site

activity was the water park, Jamboroo when we went on the funnel web, tobogganing and all the other rides and water slides. My favourite on site activity was Endurance when we got soaked in green and blue food dye. My most memorable moment is the fireworks at the open and closing ceremonies. I made lots of new friends and

learnt new card games and it was really fun. I learnt that I should pack more jumpers….just in case the weather isn’t what you think it is going to be.

- Mia Kusmierski• • • • • • • • • • • • • •Jamboree was

fantastic! One of my favourite activities was City Sites where we spent the day exploring Sydney and even caught a ferry over to Manley and swim at

the beach. I also really enjoyed Caving and Challenge Valley, a big mud course. The water park at Jamberoo was brilliant with lots of fast exciting rides. All of the night activities and concerts that were put on were heaps of fun and we made lots of new friends. Although the weather was very wet at the start, AJ2016 was still one of the best experiences I’ve had.

- Lily McPherson

Mud all part of Jambouree fun

Big happy family: Scouts from the 1st Yackandandah troop joined with those from Bright, Seville

and Wonga Park to form Troop D625 at the recent 24th Australian Jambouree in Sydney.

Straight from the Scout’s mouth...Dirty boots: Yackandandah Scout Lachlan picks his

way carefully through the mud at the 24th Australian

Jambouree campground.

Home away from home: The Scouts spent 10 days

at Jambouree, working together to maintain their

camp and trying a range of fun activities.

Fun park: A visit to a water park was a highlight

of this year’s Jambouree. for members of the

Yackandandah Scout troop.

It’s festival time again!

Hit the stage with town choir

Audience favourite: It’s always standing room-only in the Public Hall when the Arts Yackandandah Community Choir performs.

The Yackandandah Folk Festival is back for its 19th year from March 18 to 20, bringing to town some of the finest musicians you’ll hear this year!

For Yackandandah locals, that means it’s time to start thinking about purchasing early bird tickets to ensure you snare a great deal (they also make terrific

gifts), and considering how you might be able to contribute to the smooth running of the festival by

volunteering your time and skills.

The first few bands on this year’s festival program have already been announced - make sure you’re the first one to hear about additional bands by liking the festival’s Facebook page, and keeping your eye on the festival website at www.yackfolkfestival.com!

Ticket type Eligibility Early bird

(until

28/2/16)

Full price

Adult Aged over 18 $84 $99

Student Full-time student with concession card

$70 $85

Concession Valid Centrelink Health Care Card only

$74 $89

Youth Aged 16 to 18, photo ID required for ticket

collection

$39 $39

Child Aged 15 and under accompanied by

paying adult

Free Free

Early bird catches a bargain!Tickets are now on sale for the 19th

annual Yackandandah Folk Festival, and there are still several weeks left for punters to take advantage of special early-bird ticket rates.

To book and pay for your early bird ticket, head online to Eventbrite, a secure booking site.

Tickets will also be available in town in the lead-up to the festival - keep an eye on the Yackandandah Folk Festival website for further details as to where to purchase your tickets.

During the festival weekend itself, tickets will be sold at the Yackandandah Community Centre.

Much of the line-up for the upcoming Yackandandah Folk Festival is still a closely guarded secret, however one name that slipped from the lips of the festival organisers is Ashley Condon (pictured).

Raised between two potato fields on Prince Edward Island, Canada, Condon is the grandchild of Bill Leblanc, a Canadian country pioneer who once spent the night in jail with Hank Snow.

Condon has won over audiences across the globe with her larger-than-life stage presence, down-to-earth charm,

and her blend of country, folk, blues and soul.

David Francey, who produced Condon’s 2013 album, and who himself has appeared at the festival in past years, This Great Compromise, has called Condon “the finest writer and performer I have heard in many years”.

One thing’s the be sure - Condon is not to be missed.

Find out more about her music by visiting http://www.ashleycondon.com, and check out the festival line-up as it is made available at www.yackfolkfestival.com.au.

Canadian folk artist

leads festival line-up

Volunteers are integral

to the running of the

festival and in contributing

a few hours of your time,

you become part of the

community that enables

this festival to happen.

Similar to 2015, the volunteer application

process will utilise

the website, requiring

volunteers to complete the

online application form

below indicating which

roles and tasks you prefer.

The volunteer

committee will email

information to the

volunteers with designated

tasks and duties.

The committee is open

to enthusiastic individuals

wanting to take on a

greater role with the folk

Ffestival so if you are keen

to get more involved, talk

to a committee member

Volunteers are asked

to commit to at least two

hours as a minimum, but

the more the better!

Volunteering comes

with a great range of perks

- those who complete six

hours of volunteer work

will receive a half-price

festival ticket, while those

who do 12 hours will

receive a free ticket!

All volunteers are also

invited to a vibrant social

gather after the festival,

with food and drink

provided.

To find out more about volunteering, and

to learn about the range

of roles available to

volunteers, visit http://

yackfolkfestival.com/

join-in/volunteers.

Join in, get involved

14 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 15

Stay tuned for more Arts Yackandandah events. For further information as it becomes available, visit www.arts.yackandandah.com, and don’t forget to “like” the Facebook page - www.facebook.com/artsyackandan-dah.

Program of upcoming events

Cut me out and put me on your fridge!

Saturday,

February 6

Tenzin Choegyal (Tibet) and Taro Terahara (Japan)

Yackandandah Public Hall

Wednesday,

August 3 Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Yackandandah Public Hall

Tibetan singer songwriter Tenzin Choegyal draws on his roots to create original compositions which uniquely express his musical lineage. He joins with Taro Terahara, one of the leading musicians in the thriving and high competitive Indian classical music

scene in Japan.

UKE-N-DANDAH

Yackandandah’s own Ukulele

Club is proudly associated with Arts

Yackandandah.

We meet every Monday night

between 7.15pm - 8.30pm at the Court

House.

New members are most welcome, and if you are a beginner, no problem

as we offer basic instruction.

Come on - have fun

and strum!Tim Evans, 0412 106

085

“FRESH & UNFRAMED” –

CALL for HELPERSArts Yackandandah is looking for

fresh enthusiastic people interested in helping out with the organising of this year’s Visual arts exhibition

“Fresh and Unframed”, which will be held towards the end of the year

(dates to be confirmed).

As is the natural way of things we need new people to assist in order for this wonderful community event

to continue into the future.

“Fresh and Unframed” began in 2000 to encourage the visual arts for all the local community. It has contributed to encouraging the careers of many local artists and

collectors.

There is currently a small group who are happy to continue and

who would warmly welcome new members to assist with this year’s

organisation.

If you are interested please contact:

• Jenny Poyner : 0260271458 Mb :0448754538

• Helen MacCalman : 0260271397 Mb: 0438499910

Or email : arts@yackandandah.com

By Frances Higgins

Arts Yackandandah is a

volunteer organisation which acts

as an umbrella organisation for

a number of vibrant community

groups.

Arts Yackandandah Community

Choir performs annually at the

Yackandandah Folk Festival.

Yackandandah Theatre

Company stages a performance

once a year. They frequently

perform locally written plays and

are active in encouraging local

actors and playwrights.

Yackandandah Young Players

exists to support performances by

talented young actors.

Flickside film society screens movies in the local

courthouse - entry is free for Arts

Yackandandah members

Other groups and events

include:

• Fresh and Unframed- visual art exhibition

• Uke-n-dandah- ukulele group meets weekly on a Monday night.

• Yack Poetry Group meets on the first Sunday of the month.

Arts Yackandandah also hosts

performances by travelling theatre

groups, music acts including folk,

classical, opera and jazz, film festivals and any other event the

committee feels enhances the

creative and artistic qualities of

our community.

Arts Yackandandah

membership

Membership of Arts

Yackandandah is for the calendar

year and is very affordable,

just $20 individual or $30

family. Your membership fee

covers public liability and

volunteer insurance, Regional

Arts Victoria membership, Arts

Yackandandah community choir

subsidy, organisational costs and

general support of the arts in

Yackandandah.

It also entitles you to discounted

ticket prices to Arts Yackandandah

events and free attendance to

Flickside screenings.

If you would like to join or

renew your membership please

visit our website at www.arts.

yackandandah.com. If you have

any enquiries please email arts@

yackandandah.com or phone 0417 292 917

Look forward to seeing you at

the next Arts Yackandandah event!

Arts Yackandandah is looking forward to 2016 and Arts providing a range of visual and performing

arts experiences in Yackandandah. Make sure you mark you calendars for the following events at the

Yackandandah Public Hall:

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra returns with Mozart’s Piano

Supporting the

arts in Yack

Yack Station will

host the “All Things

Chook” exhibition, a

community event to help

raise money for Gemma,

a young wheelchair-

bound resident who has

outgrown her carseat

and needs to travel in her

wheelchair instead.

This means major

modification of the family car. Many families would

know Gemma through the

Yack Kinder.The artists at Yack

Station and the Wooly

Yackers Spinners and

Knitters are asking the wider community to

make chooks or anything

relating to chooks in any

medium they like e.g

paint, sculpture, appliqué

etc.

Cost is $5 per entry,Date March 12 through

to Easter Monday

You can sell you

exhibit, 10% or donate

the sale to Gemma or

simply display your work.

Of course there will be

a chook raffle.All age groups

included

There will be no prizes,

just fun!

Contact Heather.

heather@mullen.com.au

Bekerk!: Yack Station will host a chook-themed art fundraiser from March 12 to Easter Monday.

Yack Station rounds up

the chooks for Gemma

Saturday 20 February 2016-Double Feature; 6.30pm Belle and Sebastian -PG | 104 min | Adventure, Family | 2013 |France

A six-year-old boy and his dog look to foil a Nazi effort to capture French Resistance fighters.

8.40pm The Women on the Sixth Floor- PG | 102 min | Comedy | 2010 | France

In 1960s Paris, a conservative couple’s lives are turned upside down by two Spanish maids

Saturday 16 April 2016 –Double Feature; 6.30pm The Lunchbox -PG | 104 min | Drama, Romance | 2013 | India

A mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connects a young housewife to an older man in the dusk of his life as they build a fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox.

8.40pm Chef- M | 114 min | Comedy, Drama | 2014 | USA

A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family.

Saturday 21 May 2016 - 7.15pm Argo- M | 120 min | Biography, Drama, History | 2012 | USA

Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in

Iran in 1980.

Saturday 18 June 2016 - 7.15pm Les Miserables- M| 158 min | Drama, Musical, Romance | 2012 |USA

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.

Saturday 20 August 2016 - 7.15pm Pride- M | 119 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama | 2014 |UK

U.K. gay activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984.

Saturday 15 October 2016 - 7.15pm The Dressmaker –M | 118 min | Drama | 2016| Australia

A glamorous woman returns to her small town in rural Australia. With her sewing machine and haute couture style, she transforms the women and exacts sweet revenge on those who did her wrong.

3 December 2016 - 7.15pm It’s A Wonderful Life - PG |130 min | Drama, Family, Fantasy | 1947 | USA

An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed.

Another year of great films

Share your art with

Yackandandah!

Yackity Yak will embark upon a series of artist profiles in upcoming

editions. If you are an artist - emerging or established, get in touch, and see your name

in the pages of your local newspaper!

16 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 17

Working bee Thank you to all

who attended the Yackandandah cemetery annual working bee on Saturday, December 5.

Morning tea (scones and tea) were kindly provided by Kevin and Lyn Williams. We would love to see more people help as we never quite get everything done and then we add it to the long list of jobs that needs tending throughout the year.

On this list is cleaning the headstones as they gather grime but clean up well with a brush and water.

If you do have some spare hours throughout the year, we would be very happy to have small or large jobs shared with our trust members.

Cemetery WalkThank you to

Yackandandah Museum (and especially Thelma Buchanan) for a very well attended Cemetery

Walk, featuring servicemen from First World War.

Thank you to all of the trust members for preparing the graves and walkways for the event.

A special thank you to Cameron Parker, a volunteer who did a huge amount of maintenance work in preparation.

General meetingOur next general

meeting is Wednesday February, 3 at 7.30pm at the Yackandandah Community Centre.

Please remember that the Yackandandah Cemetery Trust website includes information on burial costs, as well as a feedback and enquiry form.

Visit www.cemetery.yackandandah.com.

Yack

Cemetery

Trust

Many hands make light work More than 30

community members attended a workshop on Tuesday, November 24 to share their vision for Yackandandah Creek and surrounds (which includes the whole creek catchment).

The workshop, supported by the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) and Indigo Shire Council, included a guided tour of the parkland followed by a BBQ and a facilitated workshop.

Discussion was focused around two main questions: “What do you value about Yackandandah Creek and surrounds?” and “What would you like to see done to improve or retain these values?”

A terrific discussion was held and it was evident that Yackandandah Creek is a much-loved place for the local community. Top

priorities identified by workshop participants included;

• weed reduction and revegetation

• construction of a walking bridge across the Yackandandah Creek from Bells Flat Road

• installation of historical informative signage

• improvements to water flow and quality

• development of a digital app sound trail for iPhone use

Other outcomes included the establishment of a core group of volunteers to form a ‘Friends of Yackandandah Creek’ group to initiate and support work being done along the Yackandandah Creek (and tributaries).

The Scouts have indicated they are

keen to undertake a project to clean up the wetland/swamp area at the front of the Sports Park. This is being supported by the Sports Park Committee.

Kiewa Catchment Landcare Group was recently successful in securing $14,000 for a project titled ‘Creating Homes and Habitat for Yackandandah Creek Threatened Species: - A community-led initiative’, which will be based in the parkland.

Indigo Shire Council has provided funding to the Yackandandah Chamber of Commerce to kickstart a Yackandandah Gorge Walk Development Project.

A scoping paper earlier this year highlighted four areas for development; wayfinding signage, facilities, interpretation and revegetation.

The Friends of

Yackandandah Creek group will be working with the Chamber of Commerce to see where the two projects can collaborate.

Many thanks to NECMA, Indigo Shire, Kiewa Catchment Landcare and local participants for making this happen. Thanks also to Tony and Jocelyn McAlister for their commitment to Landcare in Yackandandah over many years.

The new Friends of Yackandandah Creek group will hold their first meeting at 5pm on Tuesday, February 16 in the main meeting room at the Indigo Shire Office in Yackandandah.

Please RSVP to Jenny Pena at jenny.pena@indigoshire.vic.gov or if you would like to just stay informed of progress please email your contact details to Jenny.

Creek projects identifiedFriends of

Yack Creek The release of the

Victorian Government

Know Your Council website on the

performance of all local

government Councils

shows Indigo Shire

is performing well in

many core areas when

compared to other rural

councils and the state

average.

This includes Indigo

Shire having one of the

lowest levels of rates in

the state.

Indigo Shire Mayor

Cr James Trenery said

the report was proof that

Indigo Shire Council was

a well-governed, well-

run, open and efficient Council that all residents

could be proud of.

“We don’t quite run on

the smell of an oily rag,

as the saying goes, but

we have been diligently

assessing our expenditure

and finding savings with minimal impact on

services,” he said.

“And we do this with

one of the lowest levels

of rates and expenses per

head of population in

Victoria.”

The website, which

captures data from the

new Local Government

Performance Reporting

Framework, shows that

the average residential

rate per residential

property assessment

for Indigo Shire was

$972.01.

This compares

favourably to the average

for the small councils

group at above $1100

and for all councils it

around $1400.“So while our rate

revenue is less than most

councils, we manage

our core business

efficiently with an eye to minimising costs where

possible, and this website

data demonstrates that,”

Cr Trenery said.

“We are doing better

than most councils,

small and large across

the state, in a number of

Indigo - ‘well-governed,

open, efficient’other key areas including

the cost of running our

five swimming pools, the cost of sealed local

road resealing and

reconstruction, the cost

of animal management,

food safety inspections

and the openness

of council decision

making.”

“Our community

satisfaction rating

for consultation and

engagement remains high

at 61, well above the

state and small councils’

average of 56,” Cr Trenery said.

“This website data

shows that as a Council

we are performing well

and delivering best

value services to our

community.”

Indigo Shire chief

executive officer Gerry Smith said the Victorian

Government introduced

the new methodology

for 2014-15 to measure the performance of

the 79 councils across

Victoria.

The website www.

knowyourcouncil.vic.

gov.au publishes data

for all councils cross the

state.

“We will use this

data to keep us on our

toes – to monitor our performance in how we

deliver services to our

community,” Mr Smith

said.

With much of south-

eastern Australia in

drought, Victoria’s duck

populations - including

threatened Freckled

Ducks - are flocking to rapidly drying wetlands

to seek refuge.

However, with hot,

dry weather set to

continue, Victoria’s

wetlands will provide

little refuge in the

coming months and

BirdLife Australia is

urging the Victorian

Government to call off

the 2016 duck-shooting

season.

“A duck-shooting

season should not be

declared this year,”

said Dr Jenny Lau,

Conservation Manager

at BirdLife Australia,

Australia’s peak

bird conservation

organisation.

“All evidence points

to a sharp decline in

waterbird numbers and

drying wetlands across

eastern Australia.

“On the basis of all

the evidence, BirdLife

Australia is calling

on the Victorian

Government to cancel

next year’s duck

season.”

“Waterfowl and other

wetland birds have

become concentrated on

key Victorian wetlands

because there is simply

nowhere else for them

to go.

“Threatened species

of waterbirds, such as

Australasian Bittern,

Australian Painted Snipe

and Brolga, will also

be trying to find refuge and BirdLife Australia is

concerned that hunting

activities will put these

birds to flight, disturbing their roosting and

feeding grounds at a

time when ‘flying away’ to find a new home simply isn’t an option.”

“The duck-shooting

seasons were called off

in both 2007 and 2008

due to environmental

concerns, and the

conditions in Victoria’s

wetlands are worse this

year than they were back

then.

“One of the

Government’s own

criteria for closing

wetlands to hunting is the

need to provide refuge

for waterbirds during

periods of drought.”

Duck crisis looms

18 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 19

www.classicalconstructions.com.auBy Jackie Ashman

(Controller) and

Mario Scalzo (Deputy

Controller)

During 2015 the Yackandandah SES members attended many jobs, mostly for trees that had fallen during bad weather onto roads causing hazards to road users.

We also attended some land searches for people who had gone missing. On new year’s day at 6am we were sent off to search for an elderly man who had wondered off from his campsite. He was found safe and well.

We also searched for forensic evidence for Victoria Police in another local town.

We helped at the recent fires in the Indigo Valley preparing to evacuate residents from their homes. A big thank you to the Yackandandah and other local CFA

crews that helped during the fires. Wonderful job.

We have been lucky not to have had any severe flooding but the weather is very unpredictable so we might be in for a lot more rain. If roads are covered with water please never drive though. Nobody really knows what could be under the fast-flowing water. You might think it looks safe but you won’t see debris under the water or that the road may have been washed away by the fast flowing water.

Never drive through flooded roads.

2015 was a great year for members that are alpine trained. The weather was great and there was plenty of snow to conduct some great training. Two weekends proved to be quite tough as two of the members became sick while on

the training exercise, but they picked themselves up and kept going. True champs.

During 2015 Kathryn Haley achieved her General Rescue skills. This is a great achievement as it takes quite a few months of solid training and a final assessment to attain. Well done.

The Yackandandah members would like to congratulate James Trenery on his appointment as Indigo Shire Mayor. Your involvement with the community and volunteer groups within the Indigo Shire has been invaluable and we wish you all the best during your seat as mayor.

Please be safe on our roads and never drive through floodwaters.

If you need SES assistance call 132500 or for Emergencies call 000.

Stay safe on flooded roadsYack SES

Great achievement: Yackandandah SES member Kathryn Haley (centre) achieved her General Rescue skills

certificate, after months of training.

Training opportunity: Yackandandah SES members spent two weekends

training in the Victorian alpine area.

New Year’s Eve Dance PartyOur masquerade dance was well attended with

many enjoying the non-stop music and dancing – a great community event enjoyed by some true party-goers!

Special thanks to Judy Flinn for her creative flair with the decorating of the hall – pure class!

Proceeds from the night will fund our new music system.

Thanks to all who attended for their support.Christmas PicnicAnother great turn-out enjoyed by the Osbornes

Flat gang.Our shared picnic table is always a treat and

the value of catching up with your neighbours in a beautiful setting under the gum trees is not to be under-estimated.

It was great to see some new faces initiated into our community gatherings - thanks for coming along.

Pilates at the HallGet fit and join in our pilates classes, held on

Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm. Cost is $15 per class (casual) and $100 for 10 sessions.

Pilates has many benefits – call Janene on 0423 289 215 if you have any enquiries, or just call in and join the friendly group on Monday and Thursday evenings

Hire me!Our beautiful old hall is available for hire. We have a fully functional kitchen, heating and

cooling and a large area outside that works well set up for weddings and bigger gatherings.

With a reasonable hire charge of $150, the hall is a great size (can seat up to 80 comfortably), is close to town and is a popular venue for parties, family events, weddings etc. Our new sound system is also available should you book a hire.

We also have a small meeting room available to community groups free of charge.

For all enquiries please contact either Lisa on 6027 1808 (email greenwoodil@bigpond.com) or Andrea on 6027 1991.

Flat out partying for new year’sOsbornes Flat Hall

A big night out: Local revellers saw in the new year at

the annual masquerade dance party, celebrated at the

Osbornes Flat Hall.

Cook up a storm!Due to the success and popularity of

Yackandandah Organics’ 2015 Cooking Class Series, we are now organising classes for 2016.

All classes are conducted in our farm kitchen here in Yackandandah. If you are a foodie, then you’ll love these fun, hands-on classes! A great

gift idea for that foodie in your life, too.

Saturday, April 9 – A Taste of New York: Bagels and Bellinis

Sunday, April 17 – Pasta

Saturday, May 28 – Italian Sweet Crostoli

Sunday, July 17 – “The Three Gnoccis”

Cooking classes will be conducted all through the year, and “How to Make a Great Sourdough” will

be one of the classes being offered. Stay tuned!

To go on our mailing list, email Gena at yackorganics@gmail.com or phone 0497

345 269.

Support our local wildlife warriors - make a donation to Kangaloola Wildlife Shelter, and help local volunteers carry

on their good work caring for injured native wildlife.

Visit http://www.kangaloolawildlifeshelter.org.au/dona-tions-page to make your donation today.

NEW HOMES EXTENSIONS RENOVATIONS

EVAPORATIVE AIR CONDITIONING

HOT WATER SYSTEMS GENERAL PLUMBING

20 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 21

Family and friends

gathered on January

11, 2016 to celebrate

the life of long-term

Yackandandah resident

Allan Frauenfelder

(pictured), who passed

away on January 2 at

Yamaroo Hostel.

Allan, along with his

wife Melva, first called Yackandandah home

in 1970 and have ever

since enjoyed living and

raising a family in this

lovely community.

Allan was the much

loved husband of Melva,

father and father-in-law

to Darren and Cath,

Brett and Cheryl, Nathan

and Jane, Narelle and

Gary Paull.

He was poppy to

Charles, Edward,

Margaret, Oliver,

Emerson and Myles, and

brother to Leslie, Patsy,

Keith, Christopher and Phillip.

A special thanks

goes to the staff of

Yamaroo Hostel for the

great care of Allan over

the last two months,

and also the staff at

Central Medical Group

Yackandandah, in

particular Dr Sartini.

Allan’s family wishes

to take this opportunity

to thank those members

of the community

for their thoughts

through cards, flowers, messages, phonecalls

and for joining in the

celebration of his life.

ObituaryAllan

FrauenfelderSeptember 25,

1939 to January 2,

2016

Family, friends farewell

longtime Yack resident

Every day, foster carers with Upper Murray Family Care make an incredible difference to children who are unable to live with their own families.

Foster carers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Carers need a commitment to children, a willingness to undertake training and assessment and the eagerness to give it a go.

Foster carers can be single, married or partnered, they may own their own home or rent, they work in or away from their homes, some have children, some don’t.

Some of Upper Murray Family Care’s carers provide respite care one weekend a month, while others prefer to deal with emergency or short-term placements.

Training and 24-hour support is provided.

Carers also receive a non-taxed reimbursement.

Our carers tell us that the good times far outweigh the tough, and their lives are enriched as they help a child move toward reaching their potential.

For more information contact Jeanine on 02 60055 8042 or see www.umfc.com.au.

Make a difference in the life of a child

The Indi

Community Summit

ReportIt’s a privilege to

have former Melbourne Lord Mayor Winsome McCaughey AO, who grew up near Benalla, to launch the Indi Community Summit Report – Delivering Our Vision. The launch is next Wednesday, January 27 at the Huon Hill Hotel, Wodonga at 10.3am. The report outlines the vision and actions arising from the inaugural Indi Summit held on 24 October 2015. Other speakers include report author Susan Benedyka facilitator Janelle Boynton and Mt Beauty Secondary College students Marvin Smith and Tallon Smith who participated in the Summit, and will share their experiences of being part of this inaugural community event. RSVP online.

Mobile phone black spot nominations

A list of 42 mobile phone black spots has been submitted to Government. Under Round Two of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Programme, Cathy was invited by the Minister for Communications, Senator Mitch Fifield, to submit three new priority locations for Indi.

She worked with the Indi Telecommunications Action Group (ITAG), with representatives from each council, to nominate the following locations based on people’s safety in emergencies and community support: King Valley, including Cheshunt South and Rose River, Kevington in the Mansfield Shire and the Tallangatta and Mitta valleys.

Kancoona will be carried over from Round One. Cathy will continue to advocate for improved mobile phone coverage for all communities.

Agricultural inquiry comes to Indi

Cathy welcomed her colleagues on the HOR Standing Committee on Agriculture and Industry to Wodongaon Thursday, January 17.

Nine local groups, including the Alpine Valleys Dairy Pathways Project, Charles Sturt University, Rutherglen Premium Lamb and North East Catchment Management Authority, appeared at the hearing, which was a great opportunity for the agricultural sector to explain what is needed for agriculture and food production and manufacturing to thrive in the North East using the latest technology. Public hearing program information can be found online.

Have your sayCountry of Origin

Labelling - Feedback is being taken on the proposed Country of Origin Labelling reforms until January 29. Have your say online.

Arts - The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts is holding an inquiry into the importance of public and commercial broadcasting, online content and live production to rural and regional Australia, including the arts, news and other services. Submissions are being

taken until 5 February 2016. Terms of reference and submission information can be found online.

Innovation - Joint Select Committee on Trade and Investment Growth will investigate how the research and innovation sector can better assist in overcoming Australia’s geographic, economic, and labour challenges. There is also a focus on commercialisation including, how technology imports and exports could be further facilitated. Submissions close 11 February 2016.

Transport and economic growth - The Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities has launched an inquiry into increased transport connectivity and economic activity, with a focus on value-capture as a funding mechanism for infrastructure development. Terms of reference and submission information can be found online. Submissions close on 12 February 2016.

ABC – Senate inquiry to investigate how the ABC delivers services in regional Australia. Submissions close 26 February 2016 and can be submitted online.

Grants/Nominations/Inquiries

National Stronger Regions Fund -

Round three closes March 15, 2016. Communities are encouraged to liaise with their local council about submissions for community-based projects. Information here.

Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

Small Grants for Rural Communities - Open until March 24. Grants up to $5000 are available for projects and activities to benefit rural and regional communities.

Priority is given to communities of 10,000 or under.

Ron Furze has been a familiar face around Yackandandah Health and Yamaroo Hostel for many years – more than 39 in fact!

Ron’s dedication and service was recognised late last year at an award ceremony and luncheon at Government House in Melbourne.

Ron was the recipient of the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards – one of a small group awarded as an Outstanding Adult Volunteer.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Governor Linda Dessau presented the awards and chatted with attendees during the luncheon on November 29.

Ron is a quiet achiever, serving the Yackandandah community and surrounds in a voluntary capacity for over six decades!

Ron certainly would not chase the limelight himself, but staff at Yack Health felt Ron’s efforts worthy of recognition so a submission to the Premier’s Department was made several months ago with the winners announced in early November.

A small sample of Ron’s work includes:

• 39 years on our board of management, closely involved in

securing funding for the establishment of Yamaroo Hostel in 1994;

• more than 50 years as Church Warden at Allan’s Flat Parish;

• 60 years of service as a member of the Allan’s Flat Fire Brigade;

• establishing a representative farming lobby group for the dairy industry in the 1950’s and 60’s;

• president of the board of Yackatoon Retirement Village (a position he has held since its inception in 1974, overseeing the development of the village into a vibrant

community) and ongoing;• delivering Meals on

Wheels in Yackandandah and surrounds for many years;

• providing pastoral care for our residents (an ongoing role), and the list goes on !

At 82 years of age, Ron continues to give back to our wonderful community and we are extremely proud of his achievements.

Thank you from all of us at Yackandandah Health and congratulations on your award Ron.Solar installation

nearing completionThe installation of

our solar panels is now complete, with finishing touches to our internal systems being made.

By the time this edition of Yackity Yak is published, we expect the system to be fully operational.

The 90kw system will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 115 tonnes annually – the equivalent of taking 23 cars permanently off the road.

The project to install 348 solar panels on the roof of the health service’s facility heralds a new high-water mark in the success of Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) – a volunteer-run community group which is aiming to power its small Victorian country town with 100% renewable electricity by 2022.

We are proud to be supporting this ambitious but achievable goal.Annual bowls day a great success

The annual bowls day held in January was well attended once again, with bowlers coming from the Yack and wider surrounding areas keen to take out the trophy.

Yackandandah Bowling Club hosted the day as a fundraiser for the Ladies Auxiliary group, with close to $2000 raised.

The winner of the men’s four event, consisting of 18 teams was Yackandandah (Ken Bray, Ray Melbourne,

Frank Artis and Bob Bullivant), with second place going to Corryong.

Our thanks to all who participated on the day, with special thanks to the sponsors and the Yackandandah Bowling Club for their efforts in getting the greens match ready and running the event – we really appreciated it.

The ladies group provided lunch and refreshments throughout the day and sold raffle tickets for the rolling raffle held.Activities update

The latter part of the year is always a busy time for our residents as they prepare for the Christmas festivities.

Once again our family night tea was a popular evening, offering an opportunity for families to join together for a meal and celebration.

Our event in December was enjoyed by 202 people, with many setting a fancy table and providing special treats for their loved ones.

Plans for the 2016 activity program have been finalised, with some new ideas and projects sure to keep our resident group interested and active.Can you help?

We are currently making up reminiscent boxes for resident activities. We are looking at collecting costume jewellery, strings of beads and large decorative buttons (20 cent piece size or bigger).

We are also happy to

take old calendars and old boots off your hands for other projects. Please call Leonie on 6028 0149 during business hours:Refurbishment program update

We have been fortunate to have received some small donations recently that we have added to our pool of funds to update resident sitting rooms.

The second resident sitting room will be fitted out in the coming weeks.

A-wing was decorated in colours with a summer theme. B-wing will feature the colours of spring.Entering aged care

Do you have any queries regarding entering aged care?

This can be a challenging time for potential residents and family members.

We are happy to help you with plans for this transition and answer queries regarding fees and charges.

If you would like to take a look around our facility or discuss respite or permanent placement please contact us on 6028 0100 to arrange an appointment.

Have you taken a look at our website yet?

Our website at www.yackandandahhealth.com.au offers up to date information on our aged care and primary health services, along with latest news, events and employment opportunities. We welcome your feedback.

Yack

Health

Ron a volunteer champion

Equipment hireWe have had a

number of community members availing themselves of our hire equipment recently – this is a convenient alternative to hiring in town.

We offer short term hire at the following rates:

• Wheel chairs - $5/day or $10/week; maximum hire period one week

• Shower chairs - $8/week; maximum hire one month

• Over toilet seats - $8/week; maximum hire one month

• Shower commodes - $10/week; maximum hire one month

Members of Yackandandah Health receive a 50% discount on the above prices. Membership is open to all residents and is $10 per annum for families and $5 per annum for singles.

Equipment can be hired by contacting our admin staff Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

Meeting/training

room for hire

Our meeting room is available for

community groups who are looking for a comfortable space to meet.

A small kitchenette provides tea and coffee making facilities and we have a white board, projector and television available with USB access.

The room will comfortably seat 30 people theatre style and 20 people for conference or training. There is a separate access for privacy. Phone 02 6028 0100 for enquiries.

Dorevitch Pathology

is now providing pathology services and will continue to open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8am to 11am. Other services include physiotherapy (Rebecca Stamp), remedial massage (Julie Walker), kinesiology (Trina Costin) and bowen therapy David Thorpe).

We have a number of consult rooms available for health professionals to rent at a very reasonable price. If you are interested, please give us a call.

Yack Health member and community services

What a champ!: Ron Furze and his wife Evelyn

attended a ceremony at Government House in

Melbourne, where Ron was awarded the Victorian

Premier’s Volunteer Champion award for his

dedication to the community.

A first for Indi - community

vision launched

Federal

Member for

Indi Cathy

McGowan

22 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 23

Since the Indigo Trail Horse Riders’ first ride in September 2014, many friendships have been formed, with dozens of amazing rides through the surrounding bush.

Trail riding in the local area is five star with most of our rides in our own backyard - Stanley State Forest behind Yackandandah.

We also go further afield, depending on the interest.

Camping and riding weekends have been held at PrettyValley, Tunnel Bend, Lake Buffalo with

more planned during the coming months (in addition to our weekly rides).

Members of the group come from all areas and information and pics are posted on our Facebook page.

We look forward to another great year of riding with friends and many enjoyable hours in saddle.

Saddle up for adventure

Indigo

Trail Horse

Riders

Natural beauty: The Indigo Trail Horse Riders enjoy

exploring trails all around north-east Victoria.

As 2016 commences

we hope you all had a

wonderful, safe, and

happy holiday period,

celebrated with your

loved ones, and you

enjoyed ringing in 2016

in style. We at YFNC are

looking forward to 2016

and what it may bring

on the football field and netball courts.

The seniors football

squad has been hard

at it, training through

November and

December but after a

couple of weeks off

over Christmas are back

in the swing of things.

Netball registration will

take place on the third

February 2016 at Butson

Park at 6pm.

Throughout the 2016

season we have many

events planned and

hope we can connect

not just with the YFNC

community but the

wider Yackandandah

community our club

represents.

The first social event of 2016 is the annual

‘Music Trivia Night’.

This will take place at

Butson Park on March

5, 2016. More details on times and booking tables

will be posted on the

Facebook page.

TABLE TENNIS

Did you know that table tennis is played every week in Yack

(excluding public and some school holidays)? A lively group of locals meet on Mondays between 10.30

am - 12.30 pm and enjoy a sociable game. Skill levels range from ‘pretty

good’ to ‘absolute beginners’, so there is competition to suit all

comers. Please call in at the Scouts Hall at the Sports Park.

Yackandandah Sports Park

A great venue for parties,

weddings, special events.

Very reasonable rates with

excellent facilities.

Please call Lynda on 0427

852 846 for information

Indigo Shire Mayor Cr

James Trenery paid tribute

to residents across the shire

for their commitment to their

communities, when announcing

Australia Day Awards winners.

“I congratulate all the

winners. They give selflessly

to their community, in various

ways, and are great role models

for us all,” he said.

“Many do countless hours

of volunteer work and many

organisations across Indigo

Shire simply could not function

without them.

“Others achieve high

standards in their chosen field

and set a very fine example of

what can be achieved if you set

your mind to it.”

“The committee that selects

the award winners is made up of

members from right across the

shire.

“It is not easy to find winners

from so many deserving

nominees, and I thank the

organising committee for their

hard work and consensus in

deciding our winners this year.”

Cr Trenery also thanked the

many groups and organisations

who help with the running of the

Australia Day events across the

shire.

Australia Day Awards

Citizen of the Year: Kurtis

Hickling, Chiltern

It seems like Indigo Shire’s

Citizen of the Year, Kurtis Hickling, can always find plenty

of time to give someone a hand.

With a big friendly smile

and a calm “can do” attitude,

he gives countless hours to

his community in a variety of

roles. Kurtis is a lieutenant in the Chiltern Fire Brigade. As

junior development co-ordinator

he works with youngsters aged

11-15, imparting his skills and enthusiasm to prepare a new

generation of firefighters.

Kurtis received the Chiltern Achievement Award in 2013 in

recognition of his fundraising

efforts for emergency services

with his Christmas lights

display.

Everyone is a winner when

Kurtis brings his expertise to other community-based

activities, including the annual

rodeo and Good Friday Appeal.

He is an active role model

for young people in his church

group, and has achieved much

for Indigo Shire and his home

town of Chiltern.

Young Citizen of the Year:

Ashley Whitehead

Ashley is a deserving

recipient. She has been able to

successfully divide her efforts

so that while achieving excellent

results for all her classes during

Year 12, she has also been able

to serve her school and wider

community.

She is always willing to

help other students and other

members of the community.

She is calm, kind, patient and

generous at all times.

Indigo Shire Community

Organisation of the Year :

Lions Club of Beechworth

The Lions Club of

Beechworth has assisted in the

Community over the past 56 years. Last year saw the Lions

Club become reinvigorated with

an increase of membership of

100 per cent to 16 members with

another four to be inducted this

year increasing.

During the past 12 months

members have worked 5,342 volunteer hours, also raising

funds, and donating $7,674 back into the Beechworth community

and to groups in Beechworth

requiring financial assistance.

The Club was awarded Premier

Club in the Lions district which

has a total of 66 Lions Clubs.

District Certificates of

Achievement: Dianne Kerr,

Kiewa-Tangambalanga

Di Kerr recently celebrated 50 years of involvement in the Kiewa Sandy Creek Netball Club. As a player, umpire,

coach, and on the executive

committee, Di always gives her

best.

She has volunteered hundreds

of hours in the development of

juniors and netball in general,

both at the level and also the

league level, where she has been

an outstanding administrator for

many years.

Personally Di is well

respected and loved by her

community. Her contribution to

the community through scouts,

school involvement and events

has been enormous.

Greg Lumby, Rutherglen

Greg is a tireless worker

for a number of community

organisations and has been for

many years.He never hesitates

to put himself forward as a

leader and organiser and to take

on executive roles that require

additional time and dedication.

Greg has the respect and

support of others within the

community organisations he

represents and leads by example.

The organisations Greg has been

involved with are varied and

include sporting bodies, non-

profit organisations, industry

support and lobby groups, and

service organisations.

Gwen Anderson,

Barnawartha

Gwen’s commitment to the

Girl Guides movement over

30 years is commendable. The

lives she has enriched through

Guiding during that time is

incredible. Gwen is a quiet

achiever - she has trouble saying

“no”. Her level of reliability

and compassion is such that she

becomes everybody’s friend.

Gwen is a hard worker for all

the organisations she is involved

in.

Bruce Forrest, Beechworth

Bruce Forrest has made

an outstanding contribution

to the community across

many levels, from his active

involvement in the community

to the quiet consistent caring

he demonstrates at all times to

many friends and acquaintances.

He is a longstanding and

much respected member of the

CFA.

His contributions include

being a community ambulance

officer and school bus driver

-- kids love him! -- and he

regularly visits the elderly.

Emma George Sporting

Scholarship: Tess Palubiski and

Alec Mills

Tess Palubiski, 12, is a

talented hockey player who just

completed Year 6 at Rutherglen

Primary School.

Tess was recently drafted into

the Victorian Hockey Academy

and represents her local hockey

club, Corowa Rutherglen

United, at both junior and senior

levels. Tess will represent

the North East region at the

Victorian Championships in July

and will nominate to trial for

the Victorian U13 Girls Hockey

Team.

Tess has represented

Rutherglen Primary School at

the Victorian Primary School

Championships in cross-country

and track and field. She is a

member of the Victorian Little

Athletics, representing her club

at state level in track and field

for the past three years.

In 2015 Tess captained the Rutherglen Primary School

Hockey Sevens team at the

Victorian primary school

championships where they were

silver medallists.

Tess has a great passion for

hockey and wishes to advance

her skills and performance so

she can participate at the highest

level possible.

Alec Mills, 14, is a Beechworth Secondary College

student and a champion soccer

player who plays in the National

Premier League in Victoria. Alec

regularly travels to Melbourne -

last year there were 37 trips.

Alec has been selected for

Victoria for the past two years

and participated at the National

Youth Titles in Coffs Harbour in

2014 and 2015, finishing second to NSW and the ACT.

Indigo’s community spirit on showAustralia Day

Awards

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Yack

Football

Netball Club

Club prepares for 2016 seasonYFNC – Social Calendar

March 5 – Music Trivia Night, Butson Park

April 16– Players Auction Ladies Night

June 5 - $10,000 Draw

July 16 – Black Tie Ball

August 13 – Vote Count

September 4 – Junior Presentation Day

September 17 – Seniors Presentation Night

November 1 – Twist Creek Cup

We look forward to your support over the coming season “Go Roos”!

Yack Fishing Club

had a great Sunday

afternoon Christmas

lunch down at our

shelter with our new

electric barbecue.

We had around 35 new and old members

turn out for the event,

and we where delighted

to host our Mallacoota

host of some four

years now in Alan and

Veronica McKendrick.

It was also terrific to see our great sponsors

of many years John

and Jenny Dale.

The fishing club looks forward to

another of fun by the

water, and the barbie!

Yack

Fishing

Club

Fisherfolk gather

for Christmas do

24 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak

Phone: 02 6027 1901Website: yfuelyfarm.com

Remember to like us on Facebook

facebook.com/yfarmyfuel

Your Local Community Owned & Operated *FUEL *HARDWARE *PRODUCE & FARM SUPPLIES

Fantastic shopping ideas at Yfuel, hardware

and produce

YCDCo - Non-Daylight Saving Mon-Friday: 7 am to 6 pm Trading Hours: Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Sunday: 8.30 am to 5 pm

2015 mm Days rain

Jan 131.0 7

Feb 51.6 6

March 8.8 4

April 106.4 9

May 98.4 11

June 66.2 9

July 94.8 16

Aug 112.2 14

Sept 31.0 4

Oct 45.4 5

Nov 72.4 6

Dec 41.4 7

Total 859.6 98

2013 811.0 106

2014 885.8 97

2016 to 10/1 26.4 6

Reg’s rain report

Don’t forget to take advantage of our FREE livestock exchange and FREE

daily delivery service

February / March 2016 Yackity Yak Issue 64

Check out our

Ytrendy range!

Fantastic summer specials

while stocks last!

Are you fire ready?Come in and check out our great range of rural water supplies to keep you prepared for summer

and the fire season.

WANTED TO BUY

Coins, large lots or small. Cash paid. Phone Ray on 03 5721 7341 or 0401 177 370.

Collector seeks HMV

and Edison machines

or parts there of,

particularly wooden

horns. Phone Chris on

0407 271 760..

FOR LOAN

Outdoor chairs:

Osborne’s Flat

Community Hall

has donated about

70 stackable plastic

outdoor chairs for use

by the community

for free. They will be

stored at Yack Station

and are available to

whoever needs them.

Phone 6027 0954 BH to book them.

FOR HIRE

Artist studio: Half

studio (shared with

another artist) available

for rent at Yack Station,

in Turntable Lane. For

information call 0407 910 368.

We are happy to put in

classifieds free of charge. Forward your advert to yackity_

yak@yackandandah.com.

Classifieds

New

manager

for YfuelBy Lauren Salathiel

Yfuel has farewelled its manager Andrew Earl and welcomed to the helm new manager David Lerch.

David, who has lived in Yackandandah with his family since 2007, started in his new role for the new year.

“I’ve got a background in horticulture, mainly in the nursery industry, and a few years ago also started doing a bit of work in animal health and produce,” he said.

“For the past six years I’ve worked at Parkside Produce in Wodonga.”

David said he was keen to maintain the exceptionally high standards of customer service developed by Andrew and the Yfuel team over the past few years.

“I think when people think of Yfuel, they think of local people going above and beyond to provide great

service,” he said.“This is going

to remain my main priority.

“I’m also hoping to start further developing our line of produce and animal health goods.”

David said he hoped word would get around to outlying towns, like Beechworth and Wooragee, that Yackandandah had a versatile resource like Yfuel.

“I want to see people stopping by on their way through to fill up, and shop here,” he said.

“I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Yfuel team - it’s exciting to lead such a dynamic bunch of people and a really community-oriented organisation.”

Why not pop up to Yfuel Yfarm, in Turntable Lane, and welcome David to his new role - he’s there Mondays to Fridays, and is happy to help you find whatever products you may need!

Changing of the

guard: Andrew Earl

has handed over

leadership of Yfuel

to new manager

David Lerch.