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Now that's a Christmas Tree

17/11/2015

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Forget the hype over large, expensive, floating conical shapes masquerading as Christmas Trees – the lights are finally up on Point Lonsdale’s real deal!

A small band of volunteers from Rotary and Lions Clubs labored for hours yesterday (Saturday 14th) to string festoons of more than 400 new environmentally-friendly coloured bulbs up the 37-metre high icon.

Among them was Wayne Pecar, who was perched at the very tip of the Norfolk Pine.

The new LED decorations were purchased with a $20,000 Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Community Enterprise grant. They replace the outdated incandescent bulbs used for the past 60 years and will greatly reduce running costs.

The switch will be flicked to light up our giant Norfolk Pine on Saturday December 5.

​The Point Lonsdale pine is over 100 years old, stands approximately 37.5 metres high and once lit can be seen some 30 nautical miles out to sea. 

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Pictured: Wayne Pecar at the top of Point Lonsdale's 37 metre Norfolk Pine

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Queenscliffe remembers

12/11/2015

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Upwards of 100 people have gathered at the Queenscliff RSL today (November 11) to honour the memory of those who have died or suffered in battle.

The ceremony included the traditional minute’s silence and a formal wreath-laying.
Students from each of the Borough’s three primary schools were present.

Lieutenant Colonel David Millie (retired) addressed the gathering, drawing inspiration from the death of fellow officer and former colleague Lieutenant Colonel Jim Bourke – the man responsible for Operation Aussies Home.

The program was initiated to recover and bring home six remaining Australian Vietnam War soldiers declared Missing In Action.  

“Some of the highs and lows of the life of Jim Bourke have been outlined. He gave noble service despite trials and tribulations, he was a compassionate man I am reminded as saying; you will know a man by his deeds.
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“During the research [into] writing this tribute to Jim Bourke I wondered of the fundamental message we can learn from his story, for adults and for children. For me it is this; be faithful to your cause and persevere.” 
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LIOR celebrates 10 year milestone at QMF

12/11/2015

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LIOR vividly remembers his first appearance at the Queenscliff Music Festival. He had just released his debut album Autumn Flow and the reception he received here with not exactly what he had been expecting.

“I was just starting out and I really didn’t even know much about Queenscliff, I sort of thought it would be a little folky kind of festival. I was doing a solo show and I walked out onto the stage thinking I would be playing to a couple of hundred people and there were about 3,000 people there and I was absolutely terrified.

“I will never forget that because it was one of the first times that I had thought oh wow, this album is really connecting with people.”

That was exactly a decade ago. This month, the acclaimed singer and songwriter is preparing to take centre stage again to the mark Autumn Flow’s tenth anniversary. This time he is no misconception about what to expect when he gets to town.

“I love it, I sort of look at Queenscliff, Woodford and Port Fairy as my three favourite festivals in the sense that they do have a really inclusive and relaxed feel, the music is always eclectic and really well directed. I rate it as one of the top three in Australia for me.

“I’ve had such good times around Queenscliff so it was kind of natural that I bring the show down there,” he said.

Autumn Flow quickly captured the public’s imagination and far exceeded LIOR’S own expectations when it was released in 2005. The opening track ‘This Old Love’ received widespread acclaim and three ARIA nominations.

“I put it out independently and I self-funded it and had very modest expectations of it and it was just one of those beautiful moments where I was doing something for myself and if it connected with people it would be an added bonus. It moved on from me hoping to sell a couple of thousand copies so I could pay everyone back that I borrowed the money from just to do the album to going platinum.

“I never would have even dreamed of that and if you had told me that would be the case before I would have laughed at you.”

Some of Australia’s finest musicians have been assembled to help with the on-stage celebrations including Brett Hirst, Evan Mannell, Bree Van Reyk, Ben Edgar and Gerard Masters.
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“I have a great band and we will be doing the album back to back and I will just throw in a couple of extra numbers as well,” said LIOR. 
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​Going the distance – Swimmers given a longer challenge

10/11/2015

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Demand from swimmers wanting an even greater physical challenge has forced organisers of the Point Lonsdale Rip View Swim to add a new endurance event to the program.

Up to 150 competitors will line up for an inaugural 3.6km swim on Sunday January 3.
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Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club president Matthew Ponsford said the event will run in conjunction with the famous Springs to swings swim.

“The 1.4km swim will start at midday along the normal course but we are now also doing a 3.8km swim, which will start at 11am.
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"People have been wanting us to do this.  You will find that Lorne runs a 5km swim now, Jan Juc and Anglesea run a longer swim…
 it’s simply because of the demand that we are adding it,” Mr Ponsford said. 

​“We are limiting it to 150 people this year and we’ll see how that goes.”


The course will take swimmers from Santa Casa Beach and along the bight before joining up with the main swim at The Springs and continuing on to the finish line.

Upwards of 1500 people are again expected to sign up for the 1.4km event – one of the four big ocean swims on the state calendar and the borough’s single biggest sporting event.
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Moremac – developers of Point Lonsdale’s The Point estate - have signed on as new major sponsor.
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Stingray feeding furore on the cards

9/11/2015

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​Fisherman’s Flat residents are understood to be mobilising in opposition to a giant stingray feeding tourist attraction, planned for Queenscliff’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

Queenscliff Harbour Pty Ltd (QHPL) has lodged a formal planning application with the Queenscliffe Council, seeking approval for a giant auditorium and five metre wide outdoor cinema movie screen.

Under the proposal the Cayzer slipway will be filled in, former fishing sheds removed and a reinstated concrete wharf installed.

The crescent shaped auditorium will have seating for up to 120 people and will feature a floating pontoon presentation deck. Extensive landscaping will include 75 formal car parks.

Announcing details of the vision on its website, QHPL said it would transform the heritage site.

“Fisherman’s Wharf Site has been cordoned off for several years as the initial works to refurbish the wharf had to be abandoned as it was not possible to properly repair the structure while the building remained onsite. 

“The proposal currently before council will see the entire wharf structure & dinghy basin renewed, with the surrounding areas landscaped to reflect the natural beauty.

“The disused slipway will also be transformed into a modern arena dedicated to the display of Smoot Rays, an attraction that will ultimately prove to be a great addition to the Harbour and the overall Queenscliff experience.”

Public submissions close this Friday, with a number of nearby residents set to oppose the plan.
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“The residents of Fisherman’s Flat are not happy, as you can imagine,” one resident told The Rip.  “We are writing individual objections, and I would be surprised if there were not at least 25 coming from down here. 

“We have found that the general Queenscliffe community is unaware that this planning application has been submitted,” the resident said.

The site sits in a HO1 – Heritage Overlay zone and according to leading heritage architects Lovell Chen “is of historic significance to the precinct as a remnant of an aspect of life specific to the Queenscliff fishing community.”

However interpretive signage “has the potential to mitigate this loss, and enhance and understanding of historic wharf and industrial activities in this part of the precinct,” it acknowledges in a report prepared on behalf of QHPL.

The outdoor cinema is proposed to operate only during January and on public holidays. The stingray display shows will be twice daily between 9:00am and 5:00pm between December and march, and otherwise once daily.

A traffic analysis has predicted the attraction will result in an additional 320 daily vehicle movements in the precinct.

​Mayor Helene Cameron is an employee within the harbour and under conflict of interest guidelines will be unable to vote on the planning permit.





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Students to trial new Nipper program

1/11/2015

 
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​ One hundred local primary school students will hit the beach in coming days as part of a new Nippers in Schools program, initiated by the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club.
The pilot scheme, targeting grade 3 to 6 levels, will be trialled in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff Primary schools.

“It aims to educate these students about their local environment in terms of surf safety and awareness, while developing their skills and confidence to promote healthy living and fun at the beach,” said Club spokesman Liam Petrie-Allbutt. 

“Recently, Life Saving Victoria published a report highlighting a widespread lack of swimming abilities in primary school aged children. Such findings make the new Nippers in School pilot program especially relevant and important for coastal school communities such as Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff Primary,” he said.

“In addition to the surf lifesaving aspect of the program, there will also be some friendly competitions as well as other fun activities including stand-up surfing on G-Boards, beach volleyball, and beach soccer.”
Time, demand and cost constraints mean many local children miss out on the opportunity to participate in the regular two-week intensive Nippers program, conducted by the PLSLSC over the Christmas holidays. 
Mr Petrie-Allbutt said schools, parents, club volunteers and local business have thrown their support behind the initiative.

“The 360 Property Group, Michael Limb Builders, Kerleys Coastal Real Estate, SISU Wellness & Banjo have kindly donated funds for the provision of a complimentary sun-smart rash vest for all student participants.”
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Six Nipper sessions will run through November and December at no cost to the students.
Anybody interested in volunteering to help facilitate the program can contact Liam Petrie-Allbutt -svp@pointlonsdaleslsc@asn.au.
 
Photo courtesy John Donegan.

$7 million health centre vision unveiled

1/11/2015

 
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​Bellarine Community Health (BCH) has unveiled a dramatic new vision for its Point Lonsdale facilities incorporating 66 two-level townhouses, café, indoor swimming pool, as many as 200 underground car parks and a new modern medical and community health centre.

The design, estimated to cost upwards of $7 million, represents a complete rebuild of the existing site bounded by Point Lonsdale, Lawrence, Nelson and Grimes Roads.
The much-anticipated masterplan was revealed to locals during community information sessions last month.

The current medical centre will be knocked down and a new facility built at the southern end of the land, facing Lawrence Road. That complex would also incorporate a lap pool and café.
Sixty-six independent living townhouses will run the length of the Point Lonsdale Road boundary and part-way along Nelson Road, replacing the existing Eric Tolliday units and administration buildings.

“People’s tastes on design is very personal, so as expected the feedback was varied,” said BCH Chief Executive Officer John Fendyk. “Some people were ready to book a unit, others hadn’t considered the need for independent living units in Point Lonsdale.
​“Our architects will now work to incorporate some of the initial feedback into the design concepts and we are still awaiting modeling around the costing of the proposal before moving to the next stage of consultation.”

The proposal has been presented to the Queenscliffe Council, however no formal planning application has been lodged. 

“We will keep moving forward on detailed planning for the Community Health Centre design over the next month. The Masterplan design is a work in progress while we continue to seek and incorporate local feedback,” 


Mr Fendyk said. The Federal Government has pledged $3 million towards the community health centre redevelopment. The remaining works, totalling upwards of $4 million, will be funded through the sale of the units.
If approved the development would be built in three stages over a 7-to10 year timeframe. Twenty two townhouses will be built during each stage, Mr Fendyk said. 


The proposal to open the site up to increased independent living was based on a predicted high demand from the region’s ageing population, Mr Fendyk said.

“This project is a great investment for the whole community and will provide modern, safe and high quality health service facilities which benefit everyone,” said Mr Fendyk.

Marchese Partners principal architect Anthony Delduca said the precinct plan, which also includes areas of open space and pathways, is aimed at giving "the ultimum in living for seniors."

The company has won international awards for its aged care designs. "The aged care facilities of the past are a thing of the past. They are not very nice, Mr Delduca said. "They don't have to be horrible places and we're transforming them into lovely places.

"I think the most important component of what we build is to have lovely gardens and plenty of sun, they are the number one ingredients because seniors love sun and you've got enocurage them to get out and walk.
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"They are also designed to encourage family and friends to visit and that is also really important.
"If the grandkids don't come to visit then we've failed our job," he said. ​

Young guns ready for job

1/11/2015

 
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The youngest coaches in the Bellarine Football League (BFL) will spearhead Queenscliff’s 2016 finals campaign.

Former Geelong Football League (GFL) talents Andrew Hodgson, 26, and Jono Casey, 24, have taken over the reigns of the job from Tom Limb and Steven Owen. The duo, who were part of last season’s winning St Joseph’s senior side - playing under former Queenscliff coach Heath Jamieson - decided early last season they wanted to try their hand at coaching.  “We’d heard nothing but good things about Queenscliff as a whole, not just on-field but off-field as well, which is really important,” Hodgson said. “It was something that we didn’t have to think too much about because we’d spoken at length earlier in the year about if something like this came up.” 

​Hodgson has two years of assistant coaching within the Kyneton District Football League under his belt. He also coached last season’s St Joseph’s U/16 side.

 “Whilst we’re quite young… I think we bring a youthful look on coaching,” said Casey. “I know the last couple of coaches here have been 25. You can relate really well to the group you’re playing with and you’re coaching alongside. “I think obviously being with Jamo [Jamieson] the last couple of years we’ve learnt how to bring a really good culture around the club…and getting good people to the club and creating a bit of excitement as well.” The pair say they will seek guidance from Limb and Owen, who will continue to play this season, but will bring their own coaching styles.

“We know that it’s a lot of hard work and coming into a new league you want to impress, not only on the coaching side but playing as well. We still think we’ve got a lot to offer as players and we’ll be working as hard as anyone to make sure we’re playing well in what is a new environment for us. We’ve never played in this league, we’ve never really played against these clubs,“ Hodgson said. They are also keen to see the Coutas back at the top of the ladder.

“We’re not saying we’re going to win six or seven or eight games, but we certainly want to get the best out of the group and hopefully what we bring can help do that. “If we can field a full squad there’s no reason why we can’t be really competitive with the top-end teams,” said Casey.

Meanwhile Queenscliff’s player stocks have risen with the return of Triple premiership player Daniel Gibbs and the signing of Bell Park talent Jason Graham. Gibbs has spent the past two years playing with St Josephs and the Geelong VFL side. 

Christie position up for grabs

1/11/2015

 
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One of two Queenscliff residents will be propelled into the position of Borough of Queenscliffe Councillor, following the resignation of Cr Graham Christie.

In a letter formally tendered to Council last night, Cr Christie cited health reasons for his decision not to continue in the role. “This has been a most difficult decision to reach. I am most grateful to the residents of the Borough for electing me to represent them. I have tried my upmost to represent their interests and needs at all times,” the Vietnam veteran said.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the success, challenges and benefits of working with a professional team of Councillors and officers whom I admire very much, both individually and collectively.
“This step is one that I must now take, in light of the advice from my treating doctors and given the health issues that are impacting on my life.”

The Victorian Electoral Commission will now conduct a count back of votes from the 2012 municipal election to fill the “extraordinary vacancy” in accordance with the Local Government Act. The next highest vote getter – either Point Lonsdale businessman Greg Jones or Queenscliff resident Peter Russell – will be asked to take on the vacant role.

The two unsuccessfully contested the election in a three-way ticket with Cr Christie. Mr Jones finished fourth after preferences were tallied. However the re-count will not consider any of Cr Christie’s votes or preferences.  The Victorian Electoral Commission will now conduct a count back of votes from the 2012 municipal election. 


The next highest vote getter – either Point Lonsdale businessman Greg Jones or Queenscliff resident Peter Russell – will be asked to take on the vacant role. The two unsuccessfully contested the election in a three-way ticket with Cr Christie.
Mr Jones finished fourth after preferences were tallied. However the re-count will not consider any of Cr Christie’s votes or preferences.

​Should either candidate refuse the position a fresh election will be called to fill the position.

Cr Christie underwent significant surgery late last year. He has been on formal leave of absence from Council since May.

Certainly it is difficult for me personally to accept the fact that he has had to resign given his history in serving the community in a number of activities, be it sporting, be it business or be it tourism and particularly given the fact that he’s worked with the RSL in such a leadership role  - as he did this year for the 100th celebration of Anzac Day,” said colleague Cr Bob Merriman. 

​“To think that he can’t fulfill the last year of his role as Councillor mainly as a result of the activities that he undertook in serving this country in a foreign land, foreign war, it is certainly difficult to accept that a man of his quality has now had to come the conclusion that he can no longer serve on this Council. "I respect him greatly. I respect that he’s had the go within him to serve the community but I also respect the fact that he’s come to the conclusion that time has come and he’s needed to resign. “We will miss him and we wish him well,” Cr Merriman said.   ​

Residents to make the tough call on Anzac Trees

1/11/2015

 
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​Queenscliffe’s historic Avenue of Honour trees are unlikely to last beyond the next 50 years, the man tasked with helping to determine their fate has warned.

Homewood Consulting’s Principal arborist Ben Kenyon has told locals the community must make the tough call within the next year on whether or not the Monterey Cypress pines stay or go and what, if anything, they should be replaced with.
Mr Kenyon and co-consultant Megan Bittingham addressed public information sessions in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale last week – the first step in an 11-month consultation process that will ultimately decide the  future of the war memorial plantings.

“The biggest issue you face with the trees here is age, then you’ve got other factors that will influence how long you can get out of the trees, but the biggest one is age, followed by power lines, the road, water issues and [the incurable disease] seridium canker is another one,” Mr Kenyon said.  
“Every living thing is going to pass at some point and I think you’ve got a couple of distinct age classes here where you’ve got some trees that you’re going to have to do something about sooner than others.

“The way I tend to look at it is what’s the best outcome for the landscape and are we maintaining assets or are we maintaining liabilities. If we’re maintaining assets then let’s keep going, if we’re maintaining a liability then let’s get an asset into the landscape as quickly as we can.
“Ultimately you’ve got a big opportunity to define the way that Queenscliff looks for the next 100 to 200 years. This is probably one of those opportunities in time when you get that chance. Doing nothing is also a big decision as well,” he said.




The 112 Monterey Cypress pines were planted between 1918 and 1956 to honour local soldiers. It is one of just a few memorials of its kind in the state. “We have looked at the avenue in Mildura where irrespective of community sentiment they don’t have too many options. They will be lucky if they get 10 years out of their 70-odd trees. You do have a number of different options and so the community consultation process is fairly vital,” he said.

​Homewood Consulting's initial report indicated the trees were at various stages of health, with some requiring immediate action and others likely to survive another 40-plus years. 


As part of the consultation process the Borough will seek guidance from other Councils that have replaced Avenues and/or dealt with canker.  Residents will ultimately determine the fate of the trees in a community survey timed for around March next year. A final report is due in August.
“If the community came back and said don’t touch them then the replacement strategy we would develop would take that into account and what that would mean is we would try to retain the trees individually for as long as possible and only remove those trees that presents an immediate risk or have died,” said Mr Kenyon. 

“If I look at the bulk of the trees in human terms they are Great Grandpa and Great Grandma and when you start to get significant events it’s about how much energy reserves do they need, how many times can they cope. If they were a young adult, 18-to-25 year old, they could cope with a lot of significant events and still bounce back. Once you start to be quite elderly it doesn’t take a lot to tip it one way or another….they’re an ageing population, that’s your primary concern
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“No matter what you do, if you do nothing these trees are not going to be here in another 50 years. Working back from that now you need to decide whether  Queenscliffe is going to have some decent trees in 50 years time. “

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