05.01.2020 Views

81 .. January 2020 Merrijig community Newsletter E

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

1<br />

<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 />

1


2<br />

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 />

2


3<br />

◄ 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 />

3


4<br />

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 />

4


5<br />

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 />

5


6<br />

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 />

6


7<br />

\\\(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 />

7


8<br />

☾♒✮ ☄☁☄☼☁☼☄☁☄✮ ♒☽<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 />

8


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 />

9<br />

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 />

9


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 />

10<br />

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 />

10


11<br />

11


12<br />

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 />

12


13<br />

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 />

13


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 />

14<br />

<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 />

14


15<br />

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 />

15


16<br />

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 />

16


17<br />

<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 />

17


18<br />

☻ ☺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 />

18


20<br />

Bye for now Adele<br />

Adele McCormack<br />

67 MacPherson-Smith Dve<br />

Mansfield 3722<br />

☏ 0409 600 655<br />

20

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!