Olivia’s Place receives kick start

Drouin CWA

The Country Women’s Association’s 89th state conference was held this year in Shepparton from May 25 to 27.

Five delgates from Drouin Branch attended this interesting and informative conference.

On the Thursday afternoon the Ecumenical Service was held at the Conference Centre and had as its theme “Sharing the Friendship”. The collection taken up at the service was given to Foodshare, Mooroopna. It realised more than $6000.

In the evening at the annual general meeting, incoming executive and committee chairmen were announced. This year for the first time all financial members registered and voted for those positions where more than one nomination had been received.

Members of the Latrobe Central Group were very proud as one member of its group, Wendy Earwicker of Bunyip branch was elected as the incoming chairman of the Associated Country Women of the World/International/Community Support committee.

An urgent resolution was put forward: “The CWA of Victoria Inc. expresses serious concern at this week’s Accouchement by the state government of the splitting of the CFA to create a new organisation to be known as Fire Rescue Victoria without any consultation with the Victorian community and we ask that this be put on hold until such consultation takes place”.

This resolution was carried but not unanimously.

A partnership was set up between the Yellow Pages and the Country Women’s Association through on line entries to find an area’s Undiscovered Baking Legend. This has resulted in nine CWA cover photos being published in Victoria. As you have probably already discovered Fiona Bertoli, representing Latrobe Central Group and her recipe for Passion Fruit Melting Moments, is featured in the Warragul, Drouin, Leongatha and Korumburra issue. The branch congratulate Fiona.

The Thanksgiving Fund to which all branches contribute realised $25,258, which was accepted on behalf of Victorian Stroke Foundation by chief executive officer Sharon McGowan.

This year’s Thanksgiving Fund is Crohn’s and Colitis Australia. These two chronic illnesses are classified as inflammatory bowel diseases for which there is currently no cure. Most sufferers are in the 15 – 39 age group.

One can only imagine with symptons that include constant diarrhoea, fatigue, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain the level of support that is needed for both sufferer and families. To aid sufferers Crohns and Colitis Australia have set up an IBD Helpline IConnect; put out a digital and print magazine; developed a list of best practice standards for hospitals; funded research; and supported younger researchers who work with youth groups and run camps for teenagers 12 to 18 years.

It was announced that the branch members had voted that the recipient of the 2018 Thanksgiving Fund would be the National Centre for Farmer Health.

The State Project for 2017 is Archives (Her Story/Our Story). This project has been chosen as next year 2018 CWA celebrates its 90th birthday.

The Archives committee has asked all branches to ensure that all completed minute books, local Club historical photographs and written short stories about branch members, former members and pioneer members are submitted to head office for inclusion in a book which will mark the hundredth anniversary of the Association in Victoria.

If any community member has the story of a relative that they would like to submit contact any branch in your area.

State President and Chairman of the Committee arranging the Associated Women of the World Triennial Conference in Melbourne Lynette Harris reported that the theme for this important event will be “90 Years of Challenges and Oppotunities”. It will take place at the Melbourne Convention Centre in 2019 from April 4 to 10.

Branches are being asked to help raise funds so that Islander Women will have the opportunity to attend the conference and participate in the various workshops to be held prior to the start of the conference.

Drouin CWA branch meets on the second Monday of each month at the clubrooms, 10 Sinclair Street, Drouin at 1.30pm. Newcomers are very welcome to attend.

West Gippsland Genealogy Society

The genealogical society’s monthly general meeting will be held on Thursday, June 22.

The guest speaker will be Anthea Day, presenting DNA – a family history perspective.

At last month’s meeting, Max Beck presented ‘A Different Earth’ – Cornish pioneer miners to Australia. Max’s great grandmother, who along with her husband Richard and seven children, migrate to Adelaide, South Australia in 1849 after successfully applying for a ‘free passage’ to Australia.

The story describes Jane and her family’s journey from being on the threshold of starvation when the potato blight hits Cornwall; the cramped living conditions in the steerage quarters of the ship; the Burra copper mines in South Australia; losing her husband and two daughters in Burra to Jane hiring a bullock dray and driver to travel overland to the Victorian goldfields in 1851.

Ultimately she re-marries, has three more children and eventually 59 grandchildren.

The Family History Writers Circle will meet on Friday at the Warragul Library, Victoria St, between 10am and noon. All welcome.

The Society meet on the upper floor of the Old Shire Hall, Queen St Warragul at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Further details about the Society can be obtained from the president Barbara, phone 5611 3871 ot visit the website www.westgippslandgenealogy.com

Warragul and District Historical Society

Migration to Gippsland after World War 2 from the Baltic countries of northern Europe will be the subject of the talk at next Monday’s meeting of the Warragul and District Historical Society. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Guest speaker will be Josef Sestokas, who has written a book titled “Welcome to Little Europe” – a story of displaced persons, the first migrants from the Baltic countries who arrived in Gippsland during 1948.

In May 1947, Australia joined the International Refugee Organisation to help deal with the aftermath of World War 2. By 1950 the term ‘new Australian’ was coined, with the largest intake of refugees being from Yugoslavia - Croatians, Serbians - and Slovaks.

Josef’s book is mainly based on Yallourn North and the coal mining industry. Warragul also had migrants living here while they were employed to build the duplicate rail line for the electrification of the trains. Many stayed on to make their homes in the community.

The society’s meetings are held at 7.30pm on the last Monday of the month in the Old Shire Hall in Queen Street.

Baw Baw Sustainability Network

Is it economic to put batteries on my solar system? Which are the best batteries to use? Can battery power solve the ‘base load’ requirements of renewable energy?

All these questions and more will be discussed at a special Baw Baw Sustainability (BBSN) night on batteries to be held at the hall, 94 Albert St. Warragul, on Thursday June 29.

Three expert speakers will talk about all aspects of battery technology.

John Ballas from Grid Edge will talk about the different style of batteries that are available and how they work.

Local installer Trent Mair from Trentleck will talk about the up to date costs of involved in installing solar and batteries.

Craig Hunter from Selectronics will discuss how batteries interact with the grid and how new technology is driving smart battery systems. Selectronics is the only manufacturer of inverters in Australia and is based in Croydon.

Whether we like it or not, battery related technology will drive big changes in domestic and industrial energy and transport systems. This discussion night will give everyone a chance to keep up to date on what is happening in this developing technology.

There will be battery displays starting at 6.30pm, with talks starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend. Cost of admission is $12 ($9 for members).

For more information on the night and for other events BBSN is running through the year, visit the BBSN website at bbsn.org.au

Warragul Garden Club

Guest speaker at the May meeting, Mark Brammer from Strzelecki Heritage Apples told members about his passion for collecting and growing more than 400 varieties of apples, while his wife Margaret provided samples of several of them to pass around to try.

Many of the varieties, unheard of by most members, originally came from all over the world. Mark and Margaret also grow more than 100 varieties of pears and plums.

Winner of the flower of the month (a container of Autumn flowers) was won by Heather Coustley, who also received the best exhibit award. Joy Talbot and Carol Burns won door prizes.

Once the business section of the meeting was complete, judge Roger Kennett talked members through the show bench, giving useful suggestions on several exhibits.

Tax deductibility status granted to Warragul pregnancy and early parenting resource centre in May is hoped to give a strong kick start to its fund-raising for the rest of the year and next year. The status is back dated to June 16 last year. President and co-founder of Olivia’s Place five years ago Kirsten Finger said a major initiative was an appeal for 500 businesses or people to commit to donating $20 a month or $200 a year for three years to provide guaranteed funds of $100,000 a year that would make current operations sustainable and improve the ability to meet growing demand.

It would also remove the uncertainty regarding continuation of services.

Ms Finger said that already this month three local services clubs have got behind the appeal with donations.

Warragul Inner Wheel has donated $250, the Lions club of Warragul $500, Drouin Rotary

The next meeting is on Monday, June 26 commencing at 9.45am (doors open 9am). Show bench entries to be placed for judging prior to 9.30am.

Speaker at the meeting will be president Ralph who, with the aid of a large number of colour slides, will describe his experiences growing roses in four regions of the world, including the harsh conditions of the mid-west of USA.

Flower of the month is one stem of an Australian native flower. Morning tea duty – Carol and Gary.

Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further details phone Judy on 5623 6180 or visit our website www.warragulgardenclub.com

Warragul Camera Club

Forty-one members and visitors saw competition judge, Ian Bock of the Melbourne Camera Club, comment on the entries in the current competition, “Portraits”. Winners were:A grade Prints: 1st Bruce Langdon, 2nd and Highly Commended David Woodcock, 3rd and HC, Ruth Burleigh, HC Wilma Meirmans.

B grade Prints: 1st Carol Monson, 2nd Cathie Tisdale, 3rd Geoff Gillies, HCs Andrea McVicar and Cathie Langdon.

A grade PDI: 1st David Barton, 2nd and 3rd Terrie O’Dwyer, HCs Ruth Burleigh and Linda Keagle.

B grade PDI: 1st Geoff Smith, 2nd Nigel Beresford, 3rd and HC Kerrie Matthews, HC Kevin Gibson.

CREX A grade: 1st Linda Keagle, 2nd and 3rd Bruce Langdon, two HCs Roger Keagle. B grade: HC to Kerrie Matthews. After the judging, Ian Bock discussed the making of photo books and illustrated the many different possible types.

On Monday June 12, Bruce Langdon chaired a “Know Your Camera” workshop of 24 members to answer questions about their individual cameras and their operation. For the second half of the meeting, members with like cameras divided into groups for a group discussion.

Later this month, a workshop will be held at Crossover, with Louise Sedgman running a session on portraiture in the morning, and Bruce Langdon a tutorial on Lightroom techniques in the afternoon.

Meetings are held the first Monday each month at the Mawarra Workshops. Visitors are welcome.

For further information, phone 0419 525 124, or visit the club website, where competition entries may be viewed. $1000 and Warragul Rotary $2000.

This financial year Olivia’s Place has provided material aid, mentoring and education to more than 90 families.

Last year the organisation was successful in receiving grants from the Andrews Foundation ($10,000), Trinity Families ($20,000) and the Department of Social Services ($5000) but the money has now been expended, Ms Finger said.

She said previously donated and raised funds were being relied on to continue services until the end of this year and applications would be made for further grants and there would be continued annual fundraising events.

However, she said further financial support was required to confirm the service’s availability next year.

People interested in making a one-off donation or regular financial contribution should visit www.givenow.com.au/oliviasplace.

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.