109 May 2022 Merrijig community Newsletter

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Merrijig Community Newsletter May 2022
Issue # 109
Photo by Juliet Jurrjens “Above the clouds”
Juliet was taken for a hot air balloon ride for her recent birthday and captured this wonderful shot from above the cloud cover
Contents
Quote of the month ............................................................................................................................... 2
May Calendar ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Mounted Guard of Honour for those who served .................................................................................. 4
Long but Lovely Anzac Poem ............................................................................................................... 8
Making a name is Bonkonia Speckle Park .......................................................................................... 11
Mountain Cattlemen’s Get Together. .................................................................................................. 13
Eliza Love the CWA ............................................................................................................................ 13
Trash 2 Treasure ................................................................................................................................ 14
Alex’s Dad Jokes. ............................................................................................................................... 15
Thanks ................................................................................................................................................ 15
Notice for Non Resident Ratepayers ................................................................................................... 16
Still a champion Bull Rider after Covid break ...................................................................................... 17
Merrijig Barrel Racing Club ................................................................................................................. 18
CFA News ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Merrijig Newsletter preserved in local history ...................................................................................... 20
Adele’s Radio Play finally gets a showing ........................................................................................... 21
Final laugh. ......................................................................................................................................... 22
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Quote of the month
Back issues of the newsletters can be viewed on the web at in e-magazine form at
https://www.yumpu.com/... See Facebook Merrijig Newsletter for monthly link
Some articles in this newsletter may be picked up by the Mansfield Courier so consider this if you are
submitting stories you could be sensitive about sharing with the community wider than Merrijig.
If you’re looking for a Justice of the Peace,
Laurie Jacob, Buttercup Rd 0439 280 333
Catherine McNish, Sawmill Settlement 0429 482 309
Merrijig Defibrillators are located at Merrijig Motor Inn
4 Stirling St & McCormack Park
The procedure in case of an emergency where a person is possibly having a heart
attack is to dial Triple Zero. The call takers at Triple Zero have the location of the
Merrijig AED registered and will advise the caller of its location if that is the closest
unit to your location. McCormack Park unit is located in the machinery shed of the
Motorbike Track. If it is the Merrijig Motor Inn should be contacted by phone.
The Motor Inn phone number is 5777 5702. For UPPER MERRIJIG at 4 Stirling St.
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May Calendar
◄ April May 2022 June ►
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 10am Muscle Mob @ 4 23 RUBBISH &
6 7
Hall
RECYCLING Bin Night
5 Craft group 11am @
Hall
8 9 10 10am Muscle Mob
@ Hall
Bush Poets meet at
Library 2:30
11 RUBBISH
Bin Night
12 Craft group 11am
@ Hall
13 14
15 16 17 10am Muscle Mob
@ Hall
18 23 RUBBISH &
RECYCLING Bin Night
19 Craft group 11am
@ Hall
20 21
22 23 24 10am Muscle Mob
@ Hall
25 RUBBISH
Bin Night
26 Craft group 11am
@ Hall
27 28
29 30 31 10am Muscle Mob
@ Hall
。◕‿ ◕。
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Mounted Guard of Honour for those who
served
Photo by Juliet Jurrjens “Flag bearers”
For 12 years Merrijig Anzac Day has
honoured the animals as well as the
service personnel.
2022 sees them back in force with a
compliment of approximately 70
riders who left the base of the valley
– Hunt Club Hotel Car park – at 6:30
– rising out of the misted valley for
the 7:30 ceremony in remembrance
of those who served and made our
country great.
Photos taken by Hans Peter Lang
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Above “As Dawn Breaks”
Left - Escorted riders rising
out of the misted valley after
almost one hour of riding.
Right – Almost at the Five
Pines War and Service
Memorial at the top of the
valley.
Panoramic shot by Hans Peter Lang of the dawn gathering at Merrijig Five Pines War and Service Memorial around the remaining
lonely (Radiata) Pine planted in c1921 by Jack E Lovick (returned WW1 serviceman) and Daniel Hearn who could not serve being
deemed to be in an essential industry (he donated the land for the 5 pines ).
This is becoming a local Park where visitors can often be seen walking through the site as one drives
past. Now with a BBQ building and seats to sit and reflect on those who lost their lives to keep our
country free, the people who attend the ceremony are welcome to a gunfire breakfast provided by
local residents the Siewert’s and prepared by volunteers from the Merrijig Hall committee. Perhaps
one day picnic tables might be added so those passing by might take their picnic to our lovely
memorial park and soak up the atmosphere.
Official Anzac Day report by Louise Jacob:- A moving ANZAC Day service at Merrijig where
hundreds of people and around 70 horses gathered at the Merrijig War and Service Memorial to remember those
service men and service women who served in all conflicts that Australia has been involved in.
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After everyone returned to the memorial from watching the riders approach along Mt Buller Rd with the sunrise as a
backdrop, it became very obvious there was another huge crowd attending the service. Some estimates being close to
400.
The address on the day focussed on the role of Australian women in two world wars. The address was written by
Professor Kate Warner, in 2017 who was the then governor of Tasmania. The talk was delivered by local resident,
Louise Jacob and long-time visitor to the area, Meredith Chesney.
Before the address began, the gathering was told of the five local women - nurses, who voluntarily enlisted during
World War 1 - all demonstrating great courage and sacrifice. The women were Ethel Lillian Forsyth of
Maintongoon, her sister Connie, Mabel Julia Justice of Jamieson, Agnes Wotherspoon King of Mansfield and
Marjorie Elizabeth Ritchie of Delatite Station. There was a Merrijig woman, discovered during researching for the
book ‘About Merrijig’ in 2004, who was determined to be part of the war effort in WW1. She was Mrs A Poolman
and she served in the ‘Voluntary Aid Department’ driving motorized ambulances, the report showed.
In part, the speech delivered included: - “The Australian Services Nurses National Memorial was
established to honour the collective efforts and sacrifices made by Australian nurses in all areas of
combat and service life since the Boer War. It acknowledges the harsh truth that, although nurses were
guaranteed protection under the Geneva Convention, many experienced physical danger and, like the
nurses on Bangka Island, were killed.
In academic historian Madeleine Turner’s words: “By articulating the danger and deplorable conditions
in which nurses worked, the [National Memorial] effectively dismantles the myths of their ‘safe’ wartime
experience that have trivialised their significant role in war. It is a version of history where the activities
of men are not more important than those of women. Nor are horrific war experience memories exclusive
to men. Women have shared a part and their memories allow the definition of hero to be reworked.”
We need to honour the distinctive contribution nurses made. When the nurses on Radji Beach knew
death was coming they did not scream or whimper. As they walked into the sea Matron Irene Drummond
called out, “Chins up girls, I’m proud of you and love you all.”
In conclusion: alongside our remembrance of the brave male soldiers, sailors and airmen of the war, let
us diligently remember their women colleagues, the nurses in particular who lost their lives, and let us
also remember the contributions made by women in the services, in the Red Cross, the land army and in
the factories. Lest We Forget
Those interested in her talk, which is very moving, can go to
https://www.govhouse.tas.gov.au/sites/default/files/anzac_day_service_2017_.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1c0O3YMQELCgvAIy1pNe_M81ssN2ihhMikw5-zKhY_Cn2U-kaCWUwGp0
After a welcome to all from Merrijig Public Hall president, Des Dunn, he handed the service over to hall Vice
President, Adrian Lawrence. Adrian invited those wishing to lay wreaths to come forward. Wreaths were laid by
Merrijig Primary School, community members and groups. The primary school students laid a wreath from Cindy
McLeish MP, and Mr Rho Fry laid a wreath on behalf of Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines.
The ANZAC dedication was given by hall committee grants co-ordinator, Georgie Deyell, followed by the address
from hall secretary, Louise Jacob. The memorial committee co-ordinator, Mr Peter Howarth, lead the gathering in
prayer. The traditional Ode was recited by Merrijig School Captain, Quinn Harwood and Vice-captain, Stella Brandl.
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Merrijig's Ed Adamson, played The Last Post, and The Rouse during which the flag was raised to full mast by Laurie
Jacob, followed by instrumental versions of the Australian national anthem, Advance Australia Fair and that of New
Zealand, God Defend New Zealand.
In conclusion, Des Dunn sincerely thanked those involved in putting the day together. Special mention to Eric and
Liz Siewert, from Gone Riding, and his team, who each year provide the Gunfire Breakfast for as many as would
like to join in. Des also thanked John and Denise Findlay, for preparing the site for the day and to Kane Lovick for
maintaining the memorial site throughout the year.
Des also thanked the police, St John Ambulance for attending, all those who took part in the service, all the riders for
participating co-ordinated by Jacquie Pollard, and the hall committee who provided logistical support for traffic
management, kitchen staff and so many other behind the scenes tasks like the sound system.
SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THE GUNFIRE BREAKFAST
20 dozen eggs
20 kgs of bacon
30 loaves of bread
196 slices of cheese (have to order more next year!)
an estimated 250 breakfasts served.
Awesome service from Eric, Liz and the team.
Photos by Helen
Goldsworthy
Left – The laid wreaths
and set flags from the
lead riders.
Right –“Standing guard”
– Donated by CAOS
Concepts of 9 Crosby's
Lane, Mansfield,
Jacquie Pollard, who organizes the riders, said “Another great, successful Merrijig Dawn service once
again with a terrific turn out of horse riders to honour our ANZACS and the animals that fought and
the many that never returned home.” She went on to say, “I’d like to thank the Police, CFA and St
John's Ambulance for all your great assistance, which without their help this parade would not be
possible up Mt Buller Rd with so many riders.”
Jacquie concluded by saying “I look forward to seeing all the riders and support people again next
year. Thank you.” Then she mentioned, “Thanks to everyone that took photos as well.”
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Wreath which Merrijig Craft group have been laying annually disappeared following 2021 Anzac Day.
They got busy and produced another. So keen were the crafty ladies that they created enough to
make two wreaths which were both laid in memory of the men, women and animals who were lost
due to wars.
Long but Lovely Anzac Poem
Christine Sheldrick of Alpine Ridge found this poem which is very appropriate at this time.
THE ANZAC ON THE WALL
I wandered thru a country town, 'cos I had some time to spare,
And went into an antique shop to see what was in there.
Old bikes and pumps and kero lamps, but hidden by it all,
A photo of a soldier boy – an Anzac on the Wall.
'The Anzac have a name?' I asked. The old man answered 'No'.
The ones who could have told me mate, have passed on long ago.
The old man kept on talking and, according to his tale,
The photo was unwanted junk bought from a clearance sale.
'I asked around', the old man said, 'but no-one knows his face,
He's been on that wall twenty years... Deserves a better place.
For some-one must have loved him, so it seems a shame somehow.'
I nodded in agreement and then said, 'I'll take him now.'
My nameless digger's photo, well it was a sorry sight
A cracked glass pane and a broken frame - I had to make it right
To prise the photo from its frame I took care just in case,
Cause only sticky paper held the cardboard back in place.
I peeled away the faded screed and much to my surprise,
Two letters and a telegram appeared before my eyes
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The first reveals my Anzac's name, and regiment of course
John Mathew Francis Stuart - of Australia's own Light Horse.
This letter written from the front... My interest now was keen
This note was dated August seventh 1917
'Dear Mum, I'm at Khalasa Springs not far from the Red Sea
They say it's in the Bible - looks like a Billabong to me.
'My Kathy wrote I'm in her prayers... she's still my bride to be
I just can't wait to see you both, you're all the world to me.
And Mum you'll soon meet Bluey, last month they shipped him out
I told him to call on you when he's up and about.'
'That Bluey is a larrikin, and we all thought it funny
He lobbed a Turkish hand grenade into the CO's dunny.
I told you how he dragged me wounded, in from No Man's Land
He stopped the bleeding, closed the wound, with only his bare hand.'
'Then he copped it at the front from some stray shrapnel blast
It was my turn to drag him in and I thought he wouldn't last.
He woke up in hospital, and nearly lost his mind
Cause out there on the battlefield he'd left one leg behind.'
'He's been in a bad way Mum, he knows he'll ride no more
Like me he loves a horse's back, he was a champ before.
So Please Mum can you take him in, he's been like my own brother
Raised in a Queensland orphanage he' s never known a mother.'
But Struth, I miss Australia Mum, and in my mind each day
I am a mountain cattleman on high plains far away.
I'm mustering white-faced cattle, with no camel's hump in sight
And I waltz my Matilda by a campfire every night
I wonder who rides Billy, I heard the pub burnt down
I'll always love you and please say hooroo to all in town'.
The second letter I could see, was in a lady's hand
An answer to her soldier son there in a foreign land.
Her copperplate was perfect, the pages neat and clean
It bore the date, November 3rd 1917.
'T'was hard enough to lose your Dad, without you at the war
I'd hoped you would be home by now - each day I miss you more'
'Your Kathy calls around a lot since you have been away
To share with me her hopes and dreams about your wedding day.
And Bluey has arrived - and what a godsend he has been
We talked and laughed for days about the things you've done and seen'
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'He really is a comfort, and works hard around the farm,
I read the same hope in his eyes that you won't come to harm.
McConnell's kids rode Billy, but suddenly that changed.
We had a violent lightning storm, and it was really strange.'
'Last Wednesday, just on midnight, not a single cloud in sight,
It raged for several minutes, it gave us all a fright.
It really spooked your Billy - and he screamed and bucked and reared
And then he rushed the sliprail fence, which by a foot he cleared'
'They brought him back next afternoon, but something's changed I fear
It's like the day you brought him home, for no one can get near.
Remember when you caught him with his black and flowing mane?
Now Horse breakers fear the beast that only you can tame,'
'That's why we need you home son' - then the flow of ink went dry-
This letter was unfinished, and I couldn't work out why.
Until I started reading, the letter number three
A yellow telegram delivered news of tragedy,
Her son killed in action - oh - what pain that must have been
The same date as her letter - 3rd November 1917
This letter which was never sent, became then one of three
She sealed behind the photo's face - the face she longed to see.
And John's home town's old timers - children when he went to war
Would say no greater cattleman had left the town before.
They knew his widowed mother well - and with respect did tell
How when she lost her only boy she lost her mind as well.
She could not face the awful truth, to strangers she would speak
'My Johnny's at the war you know, he's coming home next week.'
They all remembered Bluey he stayed on to the end.
A younger man with wooden leg became her closest friend.
And he would go and find her when she wandered old and weak
And always softly say 'yes dear - John will be home next week.'
Then when she died Bluey moved on, to Queensland some did say.
I tried to find out where he went, but don't know to this day.
And Kathy never wed - a lonely spinster some found odd.
She wouldn't set foot in a church - she'd turned her back on God.
John's mother left no Will I learned on my detective trail.
This explains my photo's journey, of that clearance sale.
So I continued digging, cause I wanted to know more.
I found John's name with thousands, in the records of the war.
His last ride proved his courage - a ride you will acclaim
The Light Horse Charge at Beersheba of everlasting fame.
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That last day in October, back in 1917
At 4pm our brave boys fell - that sad fact I did glean.
That's when John's life was sacrificed, the record's crystal clear
But 4pm in Beersheba is midnight over here......
So as John's gallant spirit rose to cross the great divide,
Were lightning bolts back home, a signal from the other side?
Is that why Billy bolted and went racing as in pain?
Because he'd never feel his master on his back again?
Was it coincidental? same time - same day - same date?
Some proof of numerology, or just a quirk of fate?
I think it's more than that you know, as I've heard wiser men,
Acknowledge there are many things that go beyond our ken
Where craggy peaks guard secrets 'neath dark skies torn asunder,
Where hoof-beats are companions to the rolling waves of thunder
Where lightning cracks like 303's and ricochets again
Where howling moaning gusts of wind sound just like dying men.
Some Mountain cattlemen have sworn on lonely alpine track,
They've glimpsed a huge black stallion - Light Horseman on his back.
Yes Sceptics say, it's swirling clouds just forming apparitions
Oh no, my friend you can't dismiss all this as superstition.
The desert of Beersheba - or windswept Aussie range,
John Stuart rides on forever there - Now I don't find that strange.
Now some gaze upon this photo, and they often question me
And I tell them a small white lie, and say he's family.
'You must be proud of him.' they say - I tell them, one and all,
That's why he takes - the pride of place - my Anzac on the Wall.
By Jim Brown
Making a name is Bonkonia Speckle Park
So the blueprint opportunity Speckle Park sale is on Friday May the 13th, at Pine lodge, Shepparton.
Bonkonia Speckle Park is exited to offer 2 yearling bulls in the sale.
These two bulls are bred from genetics which were sourced from Canada. Chosen as they combine
low birth weights, explosive early grown rates with excellent bone structure and temperament, making
them perfect bulls for a self-replacing herd and safe to use over heifers.
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“We have had a bunch of success with these two bulls this show season.” Scott Purcell, owner of the
stud said, “They are pictured below at just 12 months old.”
Scott went on to say, “If anyone is interested in the Speckle Park breed and what to know what it can
offer to your herd, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat!” He then added, “You can stay up to
date and get in touch on the Bonkonia speckle park Facebook page.”
https://www.facebook.com/bonkoniaspecklepark
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Scott with partner Tia and two year old son, Beau, have put a lot of hard work and research to get to
this stage.
“It’s
exciting to
offer
such quality
animals for
auction so
early in our
journey and
we
are excited to
keep
unravelling
our
progress as
the
next batch of
calves comes
through the
ranks.” Scott added.
Perhaps Beau will grow up to be a bull rider like Uncle Will.
Pictured is Beau’s bull! Bonkonia ‘The Situation’
Such a placid fella, baby son Beau can sit on him.
This is the second bull to go to the sale
- Bonkonia ‘Shindig’
ˁ(⦿ᴥ⦿)ˀ
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Mountain Cattlemen’s Get Together.
October 7 th -– 8 th -9 th 2022
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
Make sure you come along to one of Victoria's longest running
regional events.
Ticket price includes 3 nights of camping.
$150 Per adult (kids under 18 free)
That is 3 full days entertainment; on site food and drink available
amazing variety of activities and amusements. – Where else can
you get this including camping site for $50 per night and kids for
free.
Ticket prices go up $10 per month so the sooner you
purchase the more you can save.
There will be no ticket sales at the gate
Click the link to purchase:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/754230?bof=1
More information – check out
https://www.mcav.com.au/news-events/annual-get-together
Eliza Love the CWA
✲´*。.❄¨¯`*✲。❄。*。¨¯`*✲
The Mansfield CWA where Merrijig’s Eliza Foster is an active member, had a
Make and Bake sale over the Easter weekend and she proudly announced it
managed to raise almost $500 for the Royal Children's Hospital. The CWA
ladies thank all the locals and visitors who supported the sale by coming in to buy
our delicious jams, cakes and biscuits!
The CWA Hall will be used for pre-polling this year so
people can come in and vote early... get it over and
done with, in the week before 21st May. “Before this happens however,”
Eliza said, “we will have to empty the hall, so please come in to visit our op
shop and pick up a few pre-loved bargains!”
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Trash 2 Treasure
Merrijig Hall’s Trash2Treasure proved another successful event for the community with a steady
stream of shoppers checking out the many stalls in attendance.
Kitchen helpers from left Robert Reeve, Eliza
Foster, Barb Jones, Jan Howarth and Fiona
Tweedie.
Val Stockton sets up her display of her creative
mosaics.
Amanda Bryant was a cheery face near the entry
gate to market
And winner of the main raffle prize Adam
Thompson of Merrijig pictured at right with the
hall’s president, Des Dunn at left. Sammy is the
Highland Cow!. The raffle was kindly donated by
Beth Ryan of Southern Charm, Mansfield.
Other raffle winners were Georgie Deyell,
Sawmill Settlement, with a meal voucher and
wine from Hunt Club Hotel; Kath Lovick of
Merrijig won a camelia bush from Buttercup
Cottages, Merrijig and Ken Lofhelm won a beauty pack from Blue Gum Ridge Cottages, Merrijig.
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Alex’s Dad Jokes. …
My brother got addicted to brake fluids, our family are very worried
But he says he can stop wherever he wants
I’ve just finished writing a book on snakes.
It would have been much easier if I’d just written in on paper.
Every morning I get hit by the same bike…
It’s a vicious cycle.
I know a soldier who got peppered with shrapnel...
He's a seasoned veteran
Never date a tennis player
Love means nothing to them
I went to a bar last night and my beer said I was a very handsome man.
It was a complimentary drink.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks
Both Adele and Louise wish to say thanks to those readers who sent their appreciation to Louise for
working on the April Newsletter while Adele was hospitalised and all the get well wishes for Adele
which were greatly appreciated. Adele can now sit at the computer for one hour at a time and has
managed to put this May issue together. Adele also thanks Louise and everyone else who offered to
help.
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Notice for Non Resident Ratepayers
Enquiries: Kaylene Conrick
Telephone: 03 5775 8555
Our Ref: E1037
Dear Mansfield Shire Ratepayer
Mansfield Non-Resident Ratepayers Forum in Melbourne
Council invites you to a Community Presentation & Discussion Forum regarding the Proposed Budget
2022-23. The meeting will take place during the public exhibition period of the proposed budget. The
presentation will be facilitated by Councillors and senior officers who will answer questions about the
budget and other issues.
This Forum will be held on Wednesday 11 May from 6.30pm to
8.30pm at the Matsudo Room, Box
Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. Please refer to map
visit the Box Hill Town Hall website for full details on venue location
and parking options:
boxhilltownhall.com.au/visit-us/location-and-parking
Council is expected to endorse the Proposed Budget 2022-23 (including schedule of fees and
charges) on 26 April 2022. Once endorsed the 2022-23 Budget document will be available on
Council’s Engage Mansfield portal for a period of 28 days.
The Engage Mansfield portal also provides:
► Information about how you can provide your input while the Proposed Budget is on public
exhibition. This includes details of the process and timeline for adoption of the Annual Budget
2022-23.
► Answers to frequently asked questions, updated regularly (including the opportunity to ask a
question online)
.
► The opportunity to make an online, email or postal submission to Council to support or oppose an
issue related to the Proposed Budget.
Council is committed to consulting with all residents and ratepayers and welcomes your involvement.
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Should you be unable to attend the Forum we would still appreciate feedback on topics that interest
you.
To have your say and stay up to date on what matters to you, register at Engage Mansfield
engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au
Yours sincerely
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Cr James Tehan
Mayor
ஜ۩۞۩ஜ ஜ۩۞۩ஜ
Still a champion Bull Rider after Covid break
Moving around the
country finally, after
taking the Covid years
off to build solid farm
fences around the
district, he has not lost
any of his champions
touch and said
following the Merrijig
Rodeo that he “Had a
fun weekend at the tri series getting all 3 bulls ridden for 8 seconds, but the
highlight was winning at my home town show in Merrijig, on my favourite
McPhee bull Mr Fabulous” (pictured)
SAA Imaging produced this of Merrijig’s Will
Purcell. Will has been taking out all the wins at
rodeos around the country and makes staying on
the back of a bucking bull for 8 seconds as easy as
pie.
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Merrijig Barrel Racing Club
Latoya Wards who with her sister TeAna operate the Merrijig Barrel
Racing Club reported “Our Next round is scheduled for May 15th
(round 5&6) this list below is the current leaders with the fastest time
being 18.346 seconds on the full open course.”
PPooiinntt lleeaaddeerrss aafftteerr Round 4
OOppeenn 1D Sarah Williams, 2D TeAna Wards, 3D Melanie Lamont, 4D Dani Quinsee, Sam Ferrari,
Kim Cooke & Elise Huddle, 5D Kylie Hunter-Boyd
TTeeeenn 1D Clara McCormack, 2D Zoe Prior, 3D Ella Birt & Lara Hunter-Boyd, 4D Chloe Dean, 5D
Spencer Donald
YYoouutthh 1D Willow Mason, 2D Billie Donald, 3D Billie Donald,4D Emily Melville, 5D Ella Dean
SSeenniioorrss NIL FFuuttuurriittyy Nibbles - Sarah Williams
MMaattuurriittyy Miss M & M - Dani Quinsee, Jacks Last Hammer - Melanie Lamont
SSeenniioorr HHoorrssee Mr Radical - Dani Quinsee
MMeenn’ss Brad Elmeer
OOppeenn PPoolleess Kylee Paull
TTeeeenn PPoolleess Addison Drapper
YYoouutthh PPoolleess Emily Melville.
Local rider Clara McCormack is leading the top division of the juniors.
Keep Latoya in your thoughts and prayers as she undergoes reconstructive knee surgery and
recovery.
The love for her sport is impressive and her willingness to get in and run this club for others who love
barrel racing is commendable. Latoya is a recently qualified nurse who is also studying for her
diploma - now all is on hold until she is back on her feet.
Best wishes from Merrijig community Latoya
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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CFA News
From Anthony Wakeling
Well after a very welcome quiet Summer Fire season it has been a busy Autumn for the Merrijig
Brigade. Numerous minor call outs kept the Brigade volunteers busy with call outs to a number of
incidents that required attendance, a minor roadside fire on Mt Buller Rd, two minor fire incidents at
Tolmie, an escaped burn off at Howqua Hills, a vehicle off road at Sheepyard Flat, a Hydraulic Oil
spill on Mt Buller, and 2 false alarms on the Howqua Track after recent FFM Planned Burns. A huge
thank you goes to all brigade members who gave up their time to attend to these incidents.
Volunteers, in all forms, are the pillar of our community and play an essential and much
appreciated role.
Once again the Merrijig Brigade was able to assist with the always popular Merrijig Rodeo, manning
the Competitors gate. Thanks to those brigade members who gave up their time to help out both on
the Friday evening and Saturday morning. Our congratulations to the Rodeo committee volunteers
who again put together a fabulous event, a great achievement to totally sell out the event and again
our thanks for your generous donation to us and other volunteer organisations who assisted in
making the Rodeo the great spectacle it was.
We have recently had two long term members resign from the brigade and I would like to
publicly thank John Findlay and Michael Wharen for their selfless contributions they have made in
their service to the community. Both have served numerous roles within the brigade giving up much
of their personal time to strengthen the brigade's efficiency and value to the Merrijig community. Both
John’s and Michael’s presence and contribution will be sadly missed by the Brigade. Michael and
Martina are leaving the district and we wish them well in their new ventures.
Very fortunately we have recently recruited two new members to the Brigade, Tom Dunlop and Adrian
Laurence have completed their Fire Fighting training with flying colours and are now both fully
qualified to serve. Thanks for coming on board guys, it’s great to have some fresh faces about the
brigade. If you or anybody you know wishes to sign up with the Merrijig Brigade please contact the
Brigade Captain, Anthony Wakeling 0425877516. New members are always very welcome.
On a final note please be aware that while we may have had a quiet summer, autumn and winter also
bring their share of attendances. Plan your burn offs with thought, take into account weather
conditions and ensure the area around your burn piles are well clear of any grass or debris that may
allow the fire to run out of control. As the weather cools off wood heaters are going to be back in use
again, is your chimney and flue in good condition? When was the last time you had it cleaned?
Regards
Merrijig CFA Brigade
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Merrijig Newsletter preserved in local history
Our Merrijig Newsletter is now being preserved in the history of the district by the Mansfield Historical
Society.
They have a computer program which allows researchers to scan the
PDF documents for what they are searching for and now all the back
copies of our community newsletter are amongst these documents.
Initially hardcopies were donated of the first 2 years until a request
came for the digital version to be used with this program by those
seeking information.
This means there is no need for Adele to write a second Book “About
Merrijig” as it’s there and available for anyone. Years ago former
Merrijigger, John Steele said that the Newsletter was like a sequel to
the book “About Merrijig” and this proves him right.
The book “About Merrijig” took two years to research, scanning
microfilm of Mansfield Couriers and personally interviewing some of the
oldest residents who grew up and had memories of Merrijig way back
then. It was a joy to write the book, and eventually see photos of
people who had just been names, as locals came forward with family
photo albums.
The Historical Society and Country Book shop have copies for sale as does Adele. There are not
many left now though.
The Historical Society has also asked to be on the mailing list so they can keep up to date with all that
happens in Merrijig.
They are the second organization to want back copies of the Newsletter, as the local library has
printed off hardcopies of each issue for their “Local History’ section.
\_(ツ)_/¯ 12. \_(ツ)_/¯
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Adele’s Radio Play finally gets a showing, recorded
before a live audience.
On Thursday 28 th April at the Delatite
Hotel, the Mansfield Arts Society
presented Radio Plays performed
and recorded before a live audience.
After Covid caused 2 cancellations,
take 3 was successful. The first play
to be presented was Adele
McCormack’s first ever radio play
“Old George’s Wake” where Beryl who is 80 odd and hard of hearing hilariously mishears so many
things in such an amusing way that the audience is in stitches for most of the show.
One of the actors who had not previously met Adele, following the
show mentioned to her that it was
a joy to be up on the stage and
watch the smiles and laughs
come to the faces of the
audience. He said “I wish you
could have seen it from where I
stood too.”
Many locals known to Adele
personally congratulated her.
Following the production Adele was presented with a beautiful
bouquet of native flowers in appreciation for her creating the radio
play which will be on Radio Mansfield in the months to come. As
she left the room many of the audience not known to Adele
praised the work which was most rewarding for her.
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Final laugh.
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