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<strong>Merrijig</strong> Community <strong>Newsletter</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />
INDEX<br />
Quote and FYI 2 Calendar 3<br />
Happy NY, School concert report 4 Hall news 5<br />
Special accom. offer for M'jiggers 6 Bladder health program 8<br />
Greenstone Trees special Crepe Myrtle sale 8 Cattlemen's get together traffic control 8<br />
Unsafe speed limits 9 Blackberry Management 11<br />
More Hall news 12 Cattlemen's get together news 13<br />
Have your say <strong>Merrijig</strong> 15 Favourite Photo is <strong>Merrijig</strong> 15<br />
<strong>Merrijig</strong> Rodeo 17 Gymkhana in March - Pilates class 18<br />
Alex Dad Jokes 19 A word from the shire 20<br />
Final Laugh 21<br />
“By the Dam” Photograph by Adele McCormack<br />
Spring time on ‘Bally Patrick’ <strong>Merrijig</strong><br />
Quote of the month.<br />
The view from the deck of Bally Patrick Homestead.<br />
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McGill is a United Nations appointed Global Champion and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, who received a Congressional commendation<br />
applauding his, "highly commendable life's work," as an Ambassador of Goodwill. His thoughts on human rights have been featured by<br />
President Clinton's Foundation, in humanities programs with the Dalai Lama, and at the Whitehouse.<br />
Back issues of the newsletters can be viewed on the web at<br />
http://www.merrijig.com.au/html/local_news.html<br />
Some articles in this newsletter may be picked up by the Mansfield Courier so consider this if you are<br />
submitting stories you could be sensitive about sharing with the <strong>community</strong> wider than <strong>Merrijig</strong>.<br />
If you’re looking for a Justice of the Peace,<br />
Laurie Jacob, Buttercup Rd 0439 280 333<br />
Catherine McNish, Sawmill Settlement0429 482 309<br />
<strong>Merrijig</strong> Defibrillators are located at <strong>Merrijig</strong> Motor Inn<br />
& McCormack Park<br />
The procedure in case of an emergency where a person is possibly having a heart<br />
attack is to dial Triple Zero. The call takers at Triple Zero have the location of the<br />
<strong>Merrijig</strong> AED registered and will advise the caller of its location if that is the closest<br />
unit to your location. McCormack Park unit is located in the machinery shed of the<br />
Motorbike Track. If it is the <strong>Merrijig</strong> Motor Inn should be contacted by phone.<br />
The Motor Inn phone number is 5777 5702.<br />
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◄ December <strong>January</strong> <strong>2020</strong> February ►<br />
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat<br />
1 2 Rubbish & Recycling 3 4<br />
5 6 7 8<br />
local hist. grant<br />
appn. Close<br />
9 Rubbish 10<br />
Mountain<br />
Cattlemen<br />
11<br />
Mountain<br />
Cattlemen<br />
Get Together Get Together<br />
12 OPEN MIC 13<br />
Mountain Mountain<br />
Cattlemen Cattlemen<br />
Get Together Get Together<br />
14 Trivia at the<br />
Pub<br />
Bush poets meet<br />
at Library 2 till 4<br />
15 16 Rubbish &<br />
Recycling<br />
Close of<br />
submission for<br />
budget<br />
17 18<br />
19 20 21 22 23 Rubbish 24 25<br />
26 OPEN MIC 27 28 Trivia at the<br />
Pub<br />
29 30 Rubbish &<br />
Recycling<br />
31 Bladder<br />
Health 3<br />
dates in<br />
March<br />
Things to look forward to ……..<br />
Crepe Myrtle sale Feb 14 & 15th<br />
March 7 th <strong>Merrijig</strong> Rodeo<br />
March 14 th <strong>Merrijig</strong> family fun Gymkhana<br />
More Calendars from WinCalendar: February, March, April<br />
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Thank you to the folk at 155 Buttercup Rd for the fireworks display on New Year's Eve. My children<br />
and I really enjoyed watching both displays at 9:30 and then again at midnight as did several other<br />
families in cars. Michele Lunam (Mansfield)<br />
<strong>Merrijig</strong> Primary School break up concert night<br />
Including a visit<br />
from our<br />
favourite<br />
person at<br />
Christmas time<br />
spreading the<br />
joy of giving.<br />
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のあ 。◕‿ ◕。 あの<br />
(ꈍᴗꈍ)<br />
News from <strong>Merrijig</strong> Hall<br />
Thursday’s <strong>Merrijig</strong> UFO stitching group had recently wound up its year with a trip to Melbourne and<br />
lunch at the National Gallery of Victoria Garden Restaurant, however there was no finishing the year<br />
without a final get together which was the week before Christmas.<br />
Normally each week participants bring a plate to share for lunch but this final gathering, without any<br />
pre-planning turned out to be a delicious banquet, as each person arrived with something quite<br />
special to make a beautiful Christmas lunch.<br />
It’s a lot of fun at stitching and a great chance to meet new and long time members of the <strong>community</strong>.<br />
The group meets each Thursday from 11 am till about 3 pm for a cost of $5. Gatherings resume in<br />
mid <strong>January</strong>.<br />
If you are interested in joining the group give Kerrie Purcell a call on 0437 380 384.<br />
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Pictured are from left Kerrie Purcell, Rhonda Johnstone, Lynne Taylor, Claire Hirst, Kaye Gerrans,<br />
Jenny Millen, Julie Neal and Janice Jago.<br />
و(ᐛ)╭ ᕦ( ᐛ )ᕡ ┗(ᐖ )┓ ᕦ( ᐛ )ᘎ<br />
A wonderful and special offer<br />
for <strong>Merrijig</strong> People.<br />
Mick Stafford who was the former chef at<br />
Pinnacle Valley has made this special offer for<br />
the venue he is now working at right in the<br />
CBD.<br />
Keep this in mind when you next want to go to<br />
see a show or meet up with people visiting<br />
Melbourne.<br />
It’s not often that special rates are handed out<br />
with all day parking and breakfast at this rate.<br />
Make a note of the web address and the code<br />
word loyalty.<br />
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\\\(۶ ᐛ )۶////<br />
The program is aimed<br />
at those 65 years and<br />
older who are having<br />
difficulties with<br />
incontinence (both<br />
bladder and bowel).<br />
This is a very common<br />
issue, (particularly for<br />
ladies who have had<br />
children) but there is<br />
hope to overcome the<br />
uncomfortable and<br />
inconvenience<br />
condition.<br />
There is no need to<br />
feel embarrassed as<br />
seeking help is a<br />
positive step to taking<br />
back control.<br />
The three week<br />
program involves three<br />
guest speakers;<br />
a continence nurse,<br />
a dietician and<br />
a pharmacist<br />
who all share<br />
information on better<br />
ways to manage any<br />
concerns.<br />
For those wishing to<br />
secure a spot they can<br />
call us on<br />
0357232082.<br />
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☾♒✮ ☄☁☄☼☁☼☄☁☄✮ ♒☽<br />
“A note for your diaries – Greenstone Trees much awaited Crepe<br />
Myrtle Sale – Friday 14 th February 9am to 5pm and Saturday<br />
15 th February <strong>2020</strong> 10am to 1.00pm – just in time for Valentine’s Day!”<br />
Mountain cattlemen's get<br />
together weekend,<br />
FYI traffic Management.<br />
So as to not cause a build up of slow banked up vehicles on Mt<br />
Buller Road while people wait to pick up their wrist bands for the<br />
weekend the organizers have taken the decision to direct traffic<br />
down Buttercup Road from the top of the valley, around Purcell's<br />
lane to School lane then into McCormacks Rd.<br />
This could cause dust in Buttercup road but a water truck will<br />
regularly sweep past to settle this. There will be ample room for<br />
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vehicles needing to use the opposite side of the road and negotiate<br />
safely past the waiting vehicles.<br />
To show appreciation to the local people, production of a licence<br />
showing a local address will allow the driver to purchase tickets at a<br />
discount. The committee encourage local people to attend, as it will<br />
be a most exciting weekend.<br />
ヽ(ᐖ=)♡<br />
Friday 12 December 2019 PRESS RELEASE NO. 1<br />
<strong>Merrijig</strong> Residents Action Group<br />
UNSAFE SPEED LIMIT TO BE ADDRESSED AT CORNER OF BUTTERCUP AND MOUNT<br />
BULLER ROADS<br />
A <strong>Merrijig</strong> Residents Action Group (MRAG) convened a meeting with Ms. Kerry Craig (Regional<br />
Engagement Manager) and Mr. Josh Lewis (Team Leader Road Safety and Traffic Engineering) of<br />
Regional Roads Victoria on Wednesday 11th of December, to discuss the unsafe speed conditions<br />
currently permitted through the intersection of Buttercup and Mount Buller Roads, <strong>Merrijig</strong>. Mansfield<br />
Shire Mayor Counsellor and Tolmie ward councillor (incorporating <strong>Merrijig</strong>), Marg Attley and CEO<br />
Peter Reeves also attended, held on the site. The MRAG was represented by Louise Jacob, Des<br />
Dunn, Kym Lynch and Laurie Jacob.<br />
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Mr. Lewis acknowledged the concerns voiced by the few members of the MRAG, and those present<br />
representatives of the Shire, agreeing that the 'safe intersection sight distances' in both directions (i.e.<br />
the Buttercup Rd junction at the top of Corn Hill, does not have 'safe intersection sight distance' in<br />
either the Mount Buller or Mansfield directions)does not meet the Austroad standards. Suggesting<br />
that 100 kph through this intersection is dangerous to road users on the major and minor roads in<br />
question. Therefore requiring attention with suggested measures to slow the traffic.” Local MRAG<br />
spokesperson, Kym Lynch stated “Mount Buller Road is a unique road in the Shire, being shared by<br />
residents, farming vehicles, a large and varied consort of trucks of all sizes and a fast growing<br />
number of tourists who travel this road in cars, 4WDs, mini vans, coaches, on motorbikes, as cyclists<br />
and occasionally on horseback. Many vehicles pull caravans, off-road trailers or horse floats. Winter<br />
is of course the time when it is most dangerous, with traffic volumes the highest and the chances to<br />
join or cross the flow of constant traffic approaching with mindsets eager to get to the ski fields or<br />
tired from a day’s activities and heading for home, is the most fraught. Victoria Police is aware of the<br />
significant speeding in this area and showed its concern this winter with sustained speeding blitzes<br />
using highway patrol's, stationary vehicles and helicopter surveillance. The Victorian Roads Minister<br />
Jaala Pulford convened a Road Safety Summit in May this year to address safety on rural roads. She<br />
wants local communities to come forward and advise of areas where they know road safety needs to<br />
be improved, so MRAG has done just that. We hold an expert traffic report from the Traffix Group<br />
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which says the sight distances are less than stipulated in Austroads standards and the consequences<br />
of an accident at this intersection could be fatal given the permitted speed limit is 100 kph. Of course<br />
it is much worse when drivers choose to exceed this speed."<br />
Ms Lynch concluded that "Today’s meeting was productive and most encouraging. We are grateful<br />
that the Shire supports and agrees with MRAG in trying to make our <strong>community</strong> safer. We are now<br />
hopeful that further work will be done in a timeframe to have approvals and speed changes in place<br />
for the <strong>2020</strong> snow season. “Meanwhile as locals, we all need to be vigilant when using or passing<br />
through this intersection. An accident could happen at any time, not just in winter. Many locals talk of<br />
near misses on this corner and now we know why. Let’s not have a tragedy before we can gain a<br />
safer situation,”<br />
Written by Louise Jacob 0419 346 249<br />
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ლ(ಸ 益 ಸლ)<br />
“A man interrupted one of the Dalai Lama’s lectures with a flood of abuse.<br />
Buddha's representative waited εïз until ☮ he had εïз finished and then asked him:<br />
If a man offered a gift to another but the gift was declined, to whom would the gift belong?<br />
To the one who offered it, said the man.<br />
Then, said the Dalai Lama, I decline to accept your abuse and request you to keep it for<br />
yourself.”<br />
ѧѦ ѧ ( ( ( Ѧѧ ( ( ѧ Ѧ o ( ѦѦ ѧ<br />
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News from <strong>Merrijig</strong> Hall<br />
Another group which meets regularly at the <strong>Merrijig</strong> Hall is the Muscle Club which had its Christmas break-up<br />
recently. Christmas lunch was enjoyed at Barb and John Hayes’ home.<br />
Every Tuesday at 10 am the group meets for about 40 minutes of exercise then a very sociable morning tea.<br />
The exercise program was provided by a physiotherapist and the participants lead themselves through it.<br />
If you’d like to join in give Kerrie Purcell a call on 0437 380 384 for further details.<br />
From left Jeni<br />
Best, Sue Dyason,<br />
Sue Swan, Mary<br />
Houghton, Louise<br />
Jacob, Helen<br />
Bohren,<br />
Fiona Tweedie,<br />
Coby Dove, Marie<br />
Sellstrom, Partly<br />
obscured, Kerrie<br />
Purcell<br />
and at the front<br />
right Jan Howarth.<br />
From left Jeni Best, Helen Bohren,<br />
Kerrie Purcell and Coby Dove enjoyed a<br />
delicious lunch.<br />
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From left<br />
Jan<br />
Howarth,<br />
Fiona<br />
Tweedie,<br />
Mary<br />
Houghton,<br />
Sue<br />
Swan,<br />
Sue<br />
Dyason<br />
and Marie<br />
Sellstrom<br />
replete at<br />
the end of<br />
the lunch.<br />
Photos by<br />
Barb<br />
Hayes.<br />
Mountain Cattlemen’s Get together<br />
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It’s happening again in <strong>Merrijig</strong><br />
Roughly every five years the Mountain Cattlemen gather in <strong>Merrijig</strong> where it all began. The 'Get<br />
Together' events will reflect the traditional values and skills of Mountain Cattlemen and celebrate their<br />
rich history and heritage. The whole event is a family friendly affair.<br />
Gates do not open until 9am on Friday<br />
Book on line through Try booking<br />
https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=521802&<br />
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<br />
. <strong>2020</strong> Live Entertainment<br />
Friday Night the legendary RUCKUS<br />
Friday Night UPRISING - Mansfield home grown and loved!<br />
Saturday Night the best covers band ever with FICTION<br />
Saturday Night get ready for THE MASON BOYS<br />
Sunday Night relax with the family and sing along with GEOFF WRIGHT<br />
The Don Kneebone Mountain Heritage Awards<br />
All the Poets are again gathering for the fray at the <strong>Merrijig</strong> Cattlemen's this year.<br />
Entries will be strong for the famous Don Kneebone competition held on<br />
Saturday Jan 11 in the Heritage tent. Be early if you want a seat.<br />
The Poets breakfast on Sunday Jan 12 will be hosted by well known competitor<br />
Howard James, a previous winner of the "Kneebone"<br />
Photography<br />
There are two sections in the photo competition;<br />
Junior (Under 18 years of age) and Open.<br />
This year there are 3 categories: Battling the Elements, Summer in the High Country and Animals.<br />
Only 2 images per person entering.<br />
Please ensure all photos are entered on Friday (Jan 10) at the Event Coordination Centre by 2pm.<br />
Event sponsored by RB Sellars<br />
Plus lots more, including -<br />
Forum - lets talk about logging, grazing and lots more<br />
Carry your wife championship, Heritage tent display, Friends of Wonnangatta information and display, Mulga Bill Bike<br />
Race, Hunt Club Hotel Heritage Parade, Tug O War, Hay Stacking, Horse Novelties for kids to 17yo, Dog High Jump,<br />
Kids disco, Crate Climb & LOTS MORE!<br />
Tickets<br />
Tickets will be available throughout the weekend, with a<br />
3 day ticket available for $160 at the gate, which includes all entertainment, use of amenities and 3<br />
days of camping.<br />
2 Day Ticket is $110<br />
1 Day ticket $40. Kids 17 and under are free. Discount for locals who can show a local address on their<br />
licence.<br />
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Image: 1st Cattlemen’s Cup - Sheepyard Flat<br />
(via <strong>Merrijig</strong>) 1983 – provided by shire of<br />
Mansfield.<br />
Includes<br />
Historic displays,<br />
Heritage parade,<br />
Bar (BYO only to your camp site) No glass<br />
Food stalls,<br />
Novelty and kid friendly activities<br />
Merchandise sales<br />
Stall holders varieties<br />
COFFEE<br />
Four camping areas available so that everyone has the best time possible.<br />
These are:- Horse Camping, Family Camping, General Camping and Staff Camping.<br />
No powered sites or water provided throughout camping areas, but will be available in the<br />
Main Arena. There is little to no shade in the camping areas, so prepare for the weather and bring<br />
your own shade/shelter. Strictly no camp fires allowed.<br />
Dogs: Yes, you can bring your pet as long as it is kept on a leash or confined and is in good<br />
health<br />
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Have your Say at <strong>Merrijig</strong><br />
There was an enthusiastic gathering of several residents at the <strong>Merrijig</strong> Hall who were well prepared,<br />
offering a lot of suggestions which would benefit the <strong>community</strong>. Convened by mayor, Cr Marg.<br />
Attley with fellow councillor Paul Volkering also attending. Both councillors were very receptive to the<br />
input at the meeting and appreciated the efforts people had gone to. The suggestions put at the<br />
gatherings held throughout the shire will be collated and a report prepared for council.<br />
Cr Attley said she was very impressed with the input from <strong>Merrijig</strong>.<br />
R M Williams Outback Magazine -<br />
https://www.outbackmag.com.au/favourite-photos-of-2019/?fbclid=IwAR1GLHi6k49b4LD9kbeLGwUP9-<br />
nGzroZ04G_FTOFk6vbnh2-wVZsBloIXBo<br />
Favourite Photos of 2019<br />
Photographer Shaye Hughes has won a spot in this well loved outback magazine with her photo<br />
taken at <strong>Merrijig</strong> 2019 Rodeo. Shaye is justifiably proud to have been chosen and happily agreed for<br />
her winning entry to be shared in the <strong>Merrijig</strong> <strong>Newsletter</strong>.<br />
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<strong>Merrijig</strong> Rodeo Lock in the 7th March <strong>2020</strong> !<br />
Online tickets are a live for this year’s<br />
Our home grown Australian Champion Bull Rider began riding at <strong>Merrijig</strong> Rodeo in the Local Steer<br />
Riding event. Come along and see if you can pick the next Australian Champion.<br />
https://www.ticketebo.com.au/merrijigrodeo<br />
ツღ<br />
<strong>Merrijig</strong> Family Fun Gymkhana<br />
This fun event is also on in March on the 14 th also at McCormack Park<br />
Lots of fun for the whole family, Kids and ponies, Mums on horseback, Dads and<br />
dress ups. What could be more fun? BBQ and drinks for sale on site.<br />
εïз ☮ εïз<br />
Yoga-pilates group classes<br />
Mondays 5:45-6:45pm<br />
<strong>Merrijig</strong> Hall<br />
$15 per class.<br />
(Photo taken from the internet) .. Bring a mat if you have one.<br />
Classes are a blend of Pilates strength and stabilisation exercises with traditional yoga postures and<br />
mindfulness. A great blend of strength, mobility and balance that will leave you feeling grounded,<br />
centred and more connected to your body.<br />
Ladies and gents welcome.<br />
Beginners through to more advanced students.<br />
For more information call Uschi Steedman on 0484 540 362 or visit www.uschisteedman.com<br />
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☻ ☺웃 유<br />
Alex’s Dad Jokes … Groan !!!<br />
My friend keeps saying "cheer up man it could be worse, you<br />
could be stuck underground in a hole full of water”<br />
I know he means well.<br />
What do you call a woman who's really good at catching fish?<br />
A-nnette<br />
What did the window washer with arthritis say to the broken<br />
window?<br />
I feel your pane.<br />
What did the ocean say to the shore?<br />
Nothing. It just waved.<br />
What do you call it when a chicken looks at lettuce?<br />
Chicken Sees A Salad<br />
I just got given 7 parking tickets in 60 minutes.<br />
It was my finest hour.<br />
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Bye for now Adele<br />
Adele McCormack<br />
67 MacPherson-Smith Dve<br />
Mansfield 3722<br />
☏ 0409 600 655<br />
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