NEXT EDITION

Articles and advertising for the

September Elpho Info are due by
Monday 15 August 2016. Email
your articles, photos etc. to
amitybradford@gmail.com
For billing queries contact Gill at
the shop.
Elpho Info is a member of the
Community Newspapers
Association of Victoria.
The Elpho Info can be read online:
http://elphoinfo.blogspot.com.au

Amity Bradford (editor)

Councillor Christine Henderson, Dot Pollard and Reverend Anne McKenna

Historic memorabilia retrieved from
the now-decommissioned St Marys
church has now been installed at the
Elphinstone Hall and is on public
display. St Marys Church, built on 27
April 1861 was recently sold to
private buyers.
On the 5 March 2016 a short
ceremony was held to recognise some
of the people who had attended the
Church in Elphinstone over the many
years of its existence as a place of
worship. A number of people travelled
from far and wide to come to
Elphinstone for the event.
The event and installation was
organised by Mrs Dot Pollard with the

very able assistance of Elaine

Geraghty, secretary of the Elphinstone
Facilities Committee and her helpers.
Councillor Christine Henderson and
Mrs Pollard made short presentations
and the Reverend Anne McKenna
from the Anglican Parish of
Castlemaine also attended.

Thanks to Gill, Erin and Maree for

providing refreshments on the day.
Mike Reeves
Chairman,
Elphinstone Facilities Committee

Ciao Lecco from Elphinstone PS

As part of the Language Other Than
English (LOTE) program, Elphinstone
Primary School has linked up with a
Middle School in Lecco in Northern
Italy. The Grade 3,4,5 and 6 students
exchange emails with a class of Italian
students who are learning to speak
English.
Elphinstone students communicate
with the Italian students by email
several times during the school
year. The students practice and learn
a second language as well as
exchange information in both English
and Italian.

LOTE teacher, Mrs Perry said, It

provides students with a better
understanding of the Italian language
and helps them gain some insights
into the Italian culture. The
experience has enhanced our LOTE
program by providing learning
activities that are authentic and
meaningful.
Elphinstone student, Lauren is
pleased to participate and indicated
that, It is exciting when the emails
arrive from Italy and I really enjoy
writing back. My friend Mimosa and I
have been writing about our pets,
food and sport.
Students have been involved in the
email exchange program for the past
four years. Initial contact by teachers
from Lecco led to a decision to plan
email exchanges between students.
This program has become an

important addition to both Language years. The photo below was taken by
classes in Lecco and at Elphinstone Asha and the gliders were not
Primary School.
disturbed in any way.
New Vegetable Garden
It is wonderful to see so many
parents chipping in and helping as
the new garden takes shape. The area
between the building and the hard
court area certainly looks a lot
different with it cleared and
excavated. Thank you to all the
families and children for your efforts!
These projects are so important to
small schools and communities as we
rely so heavily on parental support.
Without your support the school
would not be able to implement or
even dream about these projects.
Creating communal spaces, such as
the new garden, brings everyone
together and motivates our own
children to feel nurtured and proud,
connecting them to a bigger family
environment. So when you can, give a
little time to these projects many
hands make light work and many
thanks as well!

Nesting Box inspection

Last week we had a visit by Asha
from Connecting Country to inspect
the three nesting boxes we have
scattered around the school. The
students were amazed to find out that
we have a family of sugar gliders
happily living in the trees beside the
front playground. The boxes are
designed to attract either sugar
gliders or the rare phascogales and
have been at the school for over six

Elphinstone Rocks!
Last week Willkie's grandad Bryan
visited the school and shared his
knowledge of geology. Students
learnt about different types of rocks,
what to look for and where they came
from. This is part of the terms unit on
the Lithosphere and our students
have certainly been very enthusiastic
about the subject.
We have had plenty of samples
bought into school and have quite an
impressive collection of rocks,
minerals and crystals. Last week we
experimented on the harness of rocks
using the Mohs scale and students are
learning about metals and their alloys
and relating it to their properties and
uses that we tend to take for granted.
We hope to organise a field trip later
in the term to look at rocks and
geological formations in our local
area, in particular the granite found
at Mt Alexander and some of the
folded sedimentary rock beds in and
around Castlemaine. Other topics that
we will cover this term are mining,
the discovery of gold in Victoria and
soil.
It is great to see parents and relatives
of students volunteering their time to
come into the school. The students
appreciate it and we encourage it to
continue throughout the year!
Wright Street Elphinstone
(03) 5473 3285
Elphinstone.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
www.elphinstone.vic.edu.au

As we embark on the Winter 2016

season it has been nice to reflect on a
lovely autumn with some much
needed rain and temperatures a little
more mild than usual.
In Autumn the Brigade was busy with
a few fires, ongoing maintenance and
training, and a couple of special
fundraising activities.
First and foremost, a huge thank you
to Chris and Mani for arranging and
hosting the annual St Patricks Day
evening at the Elphinstone Hotel. The
evening was a huge success and
brimming with goodwill from our
hosts, the local community and the
sponsors of prizes on the night.
Manis Irish Stew has become a
delicious annual tradition and it was
great to see our dedicated community
getting behind this wonderful
occasion yet again this year. Over
$2000 was raised and the Brigade is
humbled by the generosity of all in
attendance.

'Winners are grinners' - Heidi with her basket of eggs

at the St Pats Day fundraiser
We hosted our garage sale on the fine
and sunny Labour Day weekend. We
also had very good support for this
event which has been going for
around five years, and next year we
will be thinking up some new ideas as
a change to the format of this
fundraiser is in the wings. Thanks to
all those who supported us not only
this year, but over the last few
years. It has been a wonderful way
for the community to raise funds to,
ultimately, help the community. Many
generous hours of time given by
Brigade members, and the donation
of goods from locals, and others from
further afield, have been sincerely
appreciated.

One special, anonymous donation

was gifted to the Brigade in loving
memory of a former staunch Brigade
supporter and, as with the donors
blessing, was auctioned for the
purpose of fundraising on the
night. Thank you to that person (you
know who you are) as your heartfelt
gesture had very special meaning to
the Brigade members, not only for the
kindness shown but also for what it Among our recent jobs was a house
represented.
fire at Drummond North which was
competently managed by the vastly
Another donation on the evening was experienced Elphinstone Captain
received from a person who at the Andy
Chapman
as
Incident
time was terminally ill and has since Controller, and the Elphinstone crew.
passed away. That person was also a Around
50
firefighters
from
keen
supporter
of
Brigade surrounding Brigades attended. The
fundraising activities. All donations fire was non-suspicious and had
are very much welcomed however additional challenges including gas
these two in particular were cylinders and the roofing being
extremely selfless and the story difficult to access. Unfortunately,
behind these gestures make them despite the best efforts of all, the
even more meaningful to us.
house was fully involved on arrival
and was unable to be saved.

Praise was received from the

Malmsbury
Brigade
to
thank
Elphinstone for a job well done. It is
wonderful to lend a hand to help our
neighbouring brigades and at such an
event it is nice to be acknowledged as
a key player. We can be very proud
of our Brigade and its achievements.
We have recently welcomed a new
young recruit, Enrique, who has
shown that he has the grit and
determination
to
make
a
firefighter. He recently qualified after
attending at the station for many
training sessions, learning the ropes
from our Brigade mentors (indeed
true champions who always rise to
the
occasion).
Congratulations
Enrique for your dedication to
becoming qualified (a commitment in
itself!) and we look forward to
working with you, side by side, at
future incidents.
On the subject of training, I also
recently attended a two night Hazmat
awareness incident training course
held at the Castlemaine Fire
Station. It was delightful to attend
such a well organised course and
meet with many of the cheerful,
helpful members from other Brigades
around the District, for some

interesting combined learning Please ensure that heaters and

experiences and valuable inter- chimneys/flues are in good order,
Brigade bonding.
and that electric blankets are
turned off prior to leaving the
Now that Winter is upon us, our home.
focus turns to house fires (termed
structure fires within CFA) and we We wish you all a wonderful
would encourage those who didnt Winter and hope that you keep
change their smoke alarm warm and safe.
batteries on the traditional date at
the end of daylight savings, to do In appreciation,
so now.
Tracey Franze
Brigade Secretary

FUN FACT
Halley's comet will next appear in the night
sky in the year 2062. It orbits the sun every
75-76 years, so this is the time between
appearances. Halley's comet was recorded
by Edmund Halley in 1682. It was seen again
in 1758, 1835, 1910, and 1986.

AVERAGE RAINFALL
Elphinstone 1988-2003
Castlemaine 1966-1994
Harcourt 1968-1994
RAINFALL RECEIVED 2016
Elphinstone

Mar
mm

Apr
mm

May
mm

32
36
40

46
45
56

75
62
73

48

30

79 to
11/5/16

Many thanks to local resident Wes Watson for keeping

rainfall records and diligently passing them on to be
published in this newsletter.

Firefighter Kath Chapman celebrates her

birthday at the St Pat's fundraiser every year,
putting out her own fire!'

Im pleased to report that ELMA was

successful in its Community Grants
Program application through Mount
Alexander Shire Council. In February,
we submitted a proposal titled
Elphinstone township beautification
project to improve and enhance the
appearance of Elphinstone through
avenue style tree planting, providing
shade, shelter and protection to local
residents and strengthening the
visual entry experience for residents
and visitors when approaching the
town centre.

The proposal was supported by the

Elphinstone Progress Association as
identified
in
the
Elphinstone
Community Plan to enhance the
facilities and environment within
Elphinstone.

Mount Alexander Schools Landcare

Day facilitated by Connecting
Country. We are keen to foster a keen
sense of environmental awareness
with the students and will be making
decorative mandalas (mandala art
refers to symbols that are drawn,
painted or arranged in a circular
frame) so students can appreciate the
beauty of nature in the local
environment, to understand what
part those objects play in the natural
environment and to make a piece of
art based on the principles of
mandala.

gaining some insight into the lives of

our local reptile and frog populations
and understand which habitats
different species prefer. My family
and I are looking forward to being
part of this program and will keep
you posted on the results.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered
a few hours of their time last Sunday
morning at the ELMA/Facilities
Committee working bee. Fortunately
the sun was shining and the tools
were out for our clean up in and
around the hall, tennis courts, cricket
ground and arboretum. As you can
see from the photo, the bonfire will
be quite spectacular come our ELMA
Winter Solstice event in June (please
see attached flyer for details).

The school day will culminate in an

event at the Vaughan Mineral Springs
on Tuesday 13 September which aims
to foster the next generation of
Landcarers and to create and
strengthen links between Landcare
groups and local primary school
communities and to encourage Our next meeting will be on Thursday
environmental
awareness
and 26 May at the pub at 7pm. All
leadership of the students.
welcome.

The next stage will be to meet with

council
representatives
in
a
consultative approach to decide on
what tree species would be most
suitable for council approved
planting locations along Diggers Way A few ELMA members have signed up Sue McLennan
and Wright Street.
for another Connecting Country
Secretary
program which aims to monitor
In other news, ELMA will be working
native reptiles and frogs in the Mount
closely with the school in late
Alexander region. The monitoring
August/early September for the
sites will assist the community in

approved farm management plan, is

that it prevents future sale of that
block to a farmer seeking to expand
their landholding to build a more
economically
viable
farming
enterprise.

Since becoming a local councillor I've

learnt a huge amount about roads
and drains, waste disposal, sports
grounds
management,
heritage
protection, public buildings etc. Town
planning, or statutory planning as it's
called in local government, has been
the biggest challenge of all. In the past
I've written about the challenges for
people wishing to build on township
zoned blocks in unsewered towns
such as Taradale and Elphinstone.
Recently councillors have grappled
with decisions on planning permit
applications for houses in rural areas.
In our Shire, all rural land is zoned
farming, apart from some rural
living zoned land on the edges of
Castlemaine. The Planning Scheme
says that a planning permit is needed
for any house in the farming zone on
a block of under 40 hectares, and that
a house should only be allowed
where it will support agricultural
activity i.e. the farmer has a need to
live on site. So a 10 ha block in the
farm zone may be given a planning
permit for a house if the applicant has
submitted a farm plan that involves
some form of high maintenance
agriculture, such as dairy goats, berry
or vegetable cultivation, free range
hens. Running a few sheep or beef
cattle would not be seen as requiring
the farmer to live on site.

I've been told that you need at least

1000 acres (400 ha) for a viable
sheep or cattle enterprise, or for
cropping. While it presently seems
unlikely that much land consolidation
will happen in the Shire, it's
important to keep in mind that
planning decisions have implications
for land use well into the future. Who
knows what farming possibilities may
exist in 50 or 100 years time?
Planning
decisions
become
complicated
when
a
rural
development is proposed in an area
where there are already a number of
houses on blocks under 40 ha,
forming a de facto rural living area
with houses on anything from 2 ha to
20 ha. These developments have
come about in previous times, before
the current zoning was introduced
after amalgamation of shires in 1995.

often decisive factor is the quality of

the land under consideration. The
Shire's good farming land lies
towards its borders, with granite
soils providing good grazing country
in the east and basalt flats making
good cropping land in the west. With
a few exceptions, such as the
Muckleford valley, the middle part of
the Shire is gold country, with poor
soils
and
relict
box-ironbark
vegetation, unsuitable for broad acre
farming. Therefore the planners are
more likely to recommend approval
for a house on a small rural block on
the outskirts of Chewton or western
Taradale and Elphinstone, and refusal
for more viable farming country.
A recommendation to refuse a permit
is considered by Council for a
decision. The responsibility of making
the right decision, not only for the
applicant
and
their
potential
neighbours but also for future local
farming needs, is one which all
councillors need to take seriously.
You can contact me on
0466 004 628 or email:
coliban@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Is it fair or reasonable to refuse an

application to build on block that's Christine Henderson
surrounded by developed rural Coliban ward councillor
properties? If there's no farming
happening in the local area and all
properties
are
in
different
ownerships, what difference will one
more house make?
But wait. Farming land does not have
to be contiguous. A farmer can and
often does own parcels of land
separated from each other. So the
mistakes of past eras - allowing nonfarming development in land set
aside for farming - should not
necessarily be used as justification to
allow more development in the farm
zone.

That seems straightforward enough.

The argument against allowing a How on earth to make the right
house on a small block, without an decision? It's never cut and dried. An

The Elphinstone Facilities Committee

is a Section 86 committee of the
Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC)
which
has
limited
delegated
responsibilities for the Sawpit Gully
reserve and the Elphinstone Hall and
Recreation reserve at Olivers Lane,
which includes the cricket grounds and
the tennis courts.

competition, and regular players

either hire the Taradale courts
(recently upgraded with funds
related to flood recovery) or play in
Harcourt or Castlemaine. The courts
are in need of refurbishment and a
serious commitment of time to raise
funds/apply for grants and then
organise the works that is required.
To my knowledge, the last time work
The future of Elphinstones tennis was carried out was back in the early
courts
2000s when Trevor Gallagher
At our most recent meeting on 11 organised a grant for them to be
May 2016, members of the resurfaced.
Committee and people interested in
the future of the tennis courts heard a The Shire requires that any upgrade
presentation from Brian Anderson, will mean that the courts meet
(Recreation Development Officer current standards, which will most
from the MASC) about the Shires likely incur additional expense. The
proposed strategy for the Recreation current committee will support
Reserve.
efforts to get the courts improved and
we would expect that this would
The draft (Local Reserves Strategy most likely come through the Tennis
2016-2026) proposed that the tennis Club as the driving force. We have
courts
and
pavilion
be offered funding to do maintenance on
decommissioned and the Committee the pavilion and this still stands as far
had asked Bryan if this (and other as I know. In the past (and even now)
matters in the draft) could be people have been involved in tennis
clarified, as well as inviting other with their children and moved on
interested parties to the presentation. after that, but there are also people in
There was a good turnout to the the community who continue to play
meeting with both tennis players and even after the kids have left home.
members of the cricket club Maybe it should not be left to busy
attending.
parents to get things done!
In summary, the outcome is that
undertakings have been made that
the report will be updated to reflect
the wishes of the community i.e. that
the
recommendations
for
decommissioning the courts and
pavilion will be deleted, also the
reference to non-existent toilet
blocks.

Upgraded external lighting at the

Hall
The Hall now has motion-activated
lighting above the external doors. The
lights should come on when people
are within about 5 to 6 metres, at
night only. It is hoped that this will be
helpful for Hall users arriving and
leaving at night and make it a little
safer.
This coming Queens birthday
weekend marks the unfortunate
anniversary of the Hall and Cricket
club buildings being broken into and
items stolen. Our police force is very
skilled at many things but catching
mindless
vandals
in
isolated
community setting unfortunately
doesnt have a great strike rate so far.
So if you have any time on your hands
this Queens birthday take a drive
down to the Hall and check it over! If
you see anything suspicious call
Castlemaine police on 5470 4100
local information is vital to assist
them and they are open 24 hours a
day.
Working bee with ELMA a great
success
A big thank-you to all the people from
ELMA and the committee who gave
up some of their Sunday morning to
do some tidying up at the Hall and
Recreation reserve on Sunday
15tMay. We trimmed bushes and
branches, cut grass, swept away
leaves and built a great pile for the
Winter solstice bonfire as well as did
some minor maintenance on the Hall.
Thanks to Rob, Jack, Sue, Dave, Gill,
Gerard, Wayne and Robin.

If there is no action taken, by default

the courts will get less use and
continue to deteriorate which would
be a great shame it is often said that
there isnt much to do in Elphinstone
so this would be one less activity
available. However, on the positive
side
decommissioning
is
an
expensive exercise apparently so it
wouldnt be happening anytime soon, Next Meeting and AGM for the EFC
Cr. Christine Henderson, who was in and less likely now the draft has been The next meeting for the EFC will be
attendance, will also discuss the amended.
on Wednesday 13 July and will start
desires of the community with the
with the AGM at 7:00 pm. We
Acting CEO, Vicky Mason in regards The Local Reserves Strategy 2016- welcome members of the community
to the tennis courts.
2026 could be considered to be to join the committee we meet four
something of a warning shot it is up times a year and as necessary for
The current situation is that the to the community to do something fundraising, community events and
Elphinstone
courts
are
not about their tennis courts.
working bees. One interesting fact
considered
good
enough
for
that came out of the meeting with

that larger councils do not have

section 86 committees sporting
grounds are administered centrally
from town hall with no local input.
Licence fees are charged to sporting
groups which are considerably higher

Taking place again over the Queens

Birthday weekend in June, this years
Castlemaine Jazz Festival will see
over 340 musicians perform in a
kaleidoscope of combinations. There
will also be eight big bands for the
listening pleasure of thousands of
local and visiting music fans.

and
less
flexible
arrangements.

than

local

Mike Reeves
Chairman, EFC
Pictured: St. Marys Church display

the practicalities of keeping a music

festival rolling are unrelenting, with
the next order of business being a call
-out for festival volunteers.

Weve had great feedback from our

volunteers that it has been a unique
way in which to experience this
wonderful event, Linda said.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to

contribute, to intimately experience
the festival up close; to meet and
enjoy the company of like-minded
Castlemaine business owner Linda people, Linda, organising committee
Carpenter is a founding member of member, said.
the Festival organising committee
and says the festival, now in its third The festival offers a range of
year, continues to go from strength to volunteer roles including front-ofstrength.
house, back stage, administration and
promotion, with shifts programmed
While, to use a jazz-like expression, to allow volunteers to enjoy the
the festival vibe couldnt be better, events taking place around them.

Volunteers accepted for the festival

will receive passes to Festival events
and will be invited to a special follow
up event for volunteers.

At Elphinstone Playgroup we paint,

draw, cut, colour, ride, slide and
play. We have an outside area with a
sandpit and play equipment, as well
as a large range of toys and activities
to enjoy.
Playgroup provides benefits for both
adults and children! It is for babies,
toddlers and pre-schoolers and their
parents or carers. Adults stay with
their children during playgroup,
making it a great way to meet other
people going through similar
experiences. This eases the isolation
that can come with caring for young
children and provide a great
opportunity to meet new people
who live in and around the local

community.

To register your interest in

volunteering please send an email to
Castlemainejazzfestival@gmail.com
indicating any skills and experience
you may have with events and
festivals.

Rebecca Paine from the group. We

thank her very much for her many
Children who come to playgroup:
years of involvement and leadership

Make new friends

of the group. We also farewelled

Have new experiences

Niah, Kate and Isla as they headed

Gain self confidence

off to school and Claire to Kinder.

Develop physically, socially, They have all been greatly missed.

emotionally and intellectually This year has seen new faces and the

Develop
their
skills
of fun continue.
cooperation

Develop verbal and non-verbal Elphinstone Playgroup is on every

communication skills through Tuesday of the school term in the
contact with other children Elphinstone Hall from 9:15amand adults
11:15am. We look forward to

Extend their experience of seeing you there.

literacy
in
a
social
environment.
For further details please contact:
Katie Mawson 0435450810 or
At the end of last year we farewelled Erin Downie 0407401406.

10

Are you interested in BOPPING THE BLUES?

You are invited to a monthly Jam Session at
Elphinstone
This is a non-professional, informal get-together
of people who want to make some noise and
have some fun!
If you are into Blues, RnB and Rock music and
sing or play an instrument, you are welcome!
For more information: patrickcox53@gmail.com

11

The live.life.well. Project developed

as a result of concern across the
Mount Alexander Shire about the
mental health and wellbeing of
community members.
Following round table discussions,
organised by the Maldon Community
Bank, a group of citizens and
organisations was formed to respond
to the major issue of focus, that being
suicide prevention.
Castlemaine District Community
Health took the lead to apply for
funding. The William Buckland
Foundation was approached and very
generously provided funding for a
three year community development
project to address this issue within
the
community.
The
William
Buckland
Foundation
supports
activities, organisations and projects
which create lasting benefit for the
Victorian Community.
The project commenced in early 2015
and is overseen by a Reference Group
made up of a diverse, committed and
a well-qualified alliance of individuals
who live and/or work within the
Mount Alexander Shire community.
The key objectives of the live.life.well.
Project are to build a community of
individuals who are equipped with
the skills, knowledge and confidence
to: improve and maintain their own
positive mental health and wellbeing
and respond to other community
members in their immediate network
who may have a mental health
problem.

This
two
hour
live.life.well.
information session is available to all
members of the Mount Alexander
Shire community, and presenters will
deliver this session free of charge to
The live.life.well. Project, is built your club/organisation/community
around the catchphrase/mnemonic group/business, at a time and place
I WILL. I WILL look after myself, & that is convenient to you.
[I] W.I.L.L Watch out for others,
Invite
conversation,
Listen For further information please
contact Doug Doran or Sarah Day
respectfully and Lend a hand.
Community Development Workers
As well as the I WILL action plan, the on:
information session briefly covers
information about mental health, Phone 03 5479 1000 &/or
mental illness, and alcohol and other ddoran@cdch.com.au or
sday@cdch.com.au
drugs.

12