Nov 2009 - Signpost Magazine

Cover Photo: Little Gem Nursery, 40 Livio
Drive Gembrook.
Photos courtesy Jean Hayne.
Layout Ash Jamieson.
Signpost Office:
1-3 Church Street, Emerald VIC 3782
P: 5968 2855 F: 5968 2854
E: editor@signpostmagazine.org.au
www.signpostmagazine.org.au
Signpost Production Team:
Editor in Chief Peter Crawford; Editor/Writer
Jean Hayne; Desktop Publishing Ash Jamieson;
Proof Readers Diana McMahon.
Contributors:
Wayne Collins, Ash jamieson, Genseric Parker,
Melisa Hepworth, Trish Bull, Mark Davidson,
Graeme Legge, Peter Haddow, Yesha McKenzie,
Lynne Coombs, Jan Cheshire, Bill Clohesy, Dennis
Dawson, Owen Dempler, Suzanne Scott, Robyn
Lobbe.
Published by:
St. Mark's Church, Emerald
Printed by:
Roda Graphics Australia Pty Ltd,
Shop 4/1 Victoria Rd, Kinglake 3763.
P: 03 5786 2178 M: 0411 231 302
E: rodagraphics@bigpond.com
Signpost is distributed to:
Clematis, Emerald, Avonsleigh, Macclesfield,
Cockatoo, Beaconsfield Upper and Gembrook.
Advertising/Subscriptions:
Contact Jean Hayne or Rosanne Asling
on 5968 2855
Disclaimer:
Views and comments expressed in this magazine
are not necessarily those of any members of
Signpost Community Magazine (SCM) unless
acknowledged as such. Products or services
listed in the magazine should not be considered
endorsements. While every effort is made to
ensure accuracy of editorial content, SCM takes
no responsibility for errors.
4 Signpost Community Magazine - November 2009
remember the first time I I went overseas it deepened
my appreciation of Emerald.
Having seen countries and places
that were of great beauty I
returned to look at the hills with
the eyes of a tourist. The beauty
was fantastic, and caused me
to say there is nothing better
anywhere; how lucky we are to
live here.
This spring has driven
home the same reaction. It is
a magnificent time with such
It seems that everywhere I
go lately people are talking
bushfire. This is understandable as,
highlighted by Bushfire Awareness
Week; the Dandenongs are
Peter's Pen
good rain. The colour of new
oak leaves, the perfumes, the
birdsong, the blossoms. One
of my favourite flowers is the
waratah; I took a bunch to my
Dad, who is 95 and living in a
retirement home – they created
a sensation amongst the poor
suburbanites who don’t see
what we do.
Last week I had a
small bonfire as part of
bushfire preparation and
Thoughts from
tipped to be under particular
threat this summer. Of course, we
all have to be bushfire ready. But
living under the constant media
bombardment is getting me
down.
At home we are doing what
we can to clean up around the
place and we will maintain that,
but it doesn’t alter the fact that
we live in a leafy street and there
when I went back to the fire
there was a young male koala
sitting there with his back to
the fire warming himself.
We live in a wonderful place
in good communities – I hope
we don’t take it for granted but
say thank you each day. ♦
are several huge trees on, and
neighbouring our property.
I have now come to the point
that having prepared our home
and personal effects the best
way we can, I am going to do my
best to let the threat of bushfire
take a back seat and not become
a victim of it before time. ♦
SIGNPOST DEADLINE 15th of the Month
Ph: 5968 2855 Fax: 5968 2854
email: editor@signpostmagazine.org.au
Great Christmas ‘Stocking Stuffer’
‘Everything is out of control; smoke, heat, the threat
of bushfire and the internal struggle to
stay or go. Then the decision is made...’
Written by local author Jean Hayne, this novel is
recommended reading by CFA Victoria and Cardinia
Shire Council for its unique and positive outlook in the
face of danger and bushfire recovery.
Pick up your copy at:
Signpost Magazine office, 1 Church Street, Emerald
(next to Emerald Op Shop),
Concept Books, Main Road, Monbulk,
Internet at bumpyroadbooks@hotmail.com
or order over the phone (03) 5968 6857.
The Rev
Dr Peter Crawford
the Dungeon with Jean Hayne