Sharon Greenaway's Bendigo

new site

2012-04-21T09:56:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone, looks like I will be using http://sharongreenaway.wordpress.com/
from now on, so please visit me there, best Sharon

Tags market day

2012-04-16T17:14:00.001+10:00

Just got this info
About a market day at
TAFE as part of National Youth Week , so thought I would pass it on.

Bendigo TAFE is excited to be hosting a market day on Wednesday 18 April to celebrate National Youth Week and to showcase the works and wares of its talented students.
Bendigo TAFE Market Day will be held between noon and 2.00pm ‘Under the Sails’ near Vahland’s Bistro at the Bendigo City Campus.

Photo opportunities will be available for the media including apple bobbing, live music, interactive displays and more.

Come and soak up the carnival atmosphere.

What a weekend for local Arts

2012-02-25T15:13:00.002+11:00

What an Arts weekend in Bendigo! The weekend began with two openings in the CBD within a short stroll from each other. The first one I went to was the 'Art Blast' exhibition upstairs at the new Viewpoint Gallery opposite the fountain, 13 View Point Bendigo. Walking into the quirky shop-cum-gallery was a treat in itself but one needed to climb the aged stairs in order to access the opening night venue. Here the first piece I noticed was a huge cosy and soft looking chair (by artist Isobell Sirianni ) where people could snuggle down into, should they so desire; I didn't despite the encouragement of one young teddy bear carrying lady who assured me she had already tried all the cosy corners of the show. I was too hot to try, but given a cold evening it would have been hard to climb out of the seat. Photographs by Christine Sayer adorned the walls of the viewing space (a fabulous view of Bendigo could also be obtained through the windows of said place.) In a small passageway a computer was set up where the audience could read the work by blogger Kelly Robson on what the Art Blast project was all about, including the fact that tickets for the show (over the weekend only ) in the various venues are available at the Capital for $10. Next, a stroll up View Street led me to the opening of 'Environs' by a group of local artists. This show in parts took my breath away - both the 2 d ad 3 d works which was supplemented by the smell of incense burning. Unlike the Art Blast which is open only this weekend this latter show runs until 5th March so if you can't fit it all in this weekend you won't miss out. Then this afternoon I was fortunate to go along to hear Kyneton artist Daniel Butterworth talk about his work at El Gordo cafe in Chancery Lane. Daniel's talk revealed an easy going, passionate and dedicated-to-his-art bloke. It was an intimate meeting with nibbles supplied by El Gordo where people were able to ask questions and discuss all things arty in an informal way after the talk. I am so glad I ventured outdoors the last couple of days even though the weather was so hot. Oh and by the way, for dinner last night hubby and I enjoyed a yummy burger from Grill'd where $5 from each burger was being donated to the Otis Foundation. A simply nice way to spend time in my home town.

Some analogue photography for you...

2012-01-19T16:09:00.000+11:00

If you are looking for some olde style photography then try out this new exhibition by photographic artist Kaye Dixon.

Imagining Mum 2012

2011-12-29T15:37:00.003+11:00

Mother painting with light et al techniques

Vignettes - my own [environmental] flowers and foliage combined with my mum's much-used vase on Irish linen tablecloth covering her corner table.
What memories does this invoke or create for you?

SHARON GREENAWAY

Colin Hay at Theatre Royal in Castlemaine

2011-12-17T15:41:00.000+11:00

My family and I had the pleasure of seeing and listening to a great international performer at this small country theatre in Central Victoria last night.

Colin gave a full 2 hour performance that consisted of a mix of story telling from his life as an entertainer as well as a fabulous rendition of old (some from his former band Men at Work but not all) and new songs. I was particularly moved with his reasoning for and rendition of the song about his father.

Hay's technique with the four guitars that he alternatively used during the night was really a great sight to behold.

The venue itself left a bit to be desired, with the evening dinner show starting an hour later than was advertised. The meal when it came, a two course meal that included a hot soup (or pizza) on a warm summer night and a main that was tender but not the best for the $30.00 price tag.

Staff were pleasant.

The venue also had a lot of noise going on that seeped into the performance, some was filtering through from the other people who were attending the bar/restaurant in another part of the theatre, but a lot came from the kitchen as dishes were washed/ stacked etc. True to his professionalism Colin Hay continued on as if there was nothing but his performance to be enjoyed but as an onlooker I was dismayed and as I was leaving I noticed a well known media critic saying a few words about the noise to the doorman.

Anyway it was a lovely way to spend time with my family that consists of husband and two adult children, a rare treat nowadays.

Vintage Pretties: Mark Shaw A Legend in Vintage Fashion Photography

2011-12-03T16:36:00.000+11:00

Vintage Pretties: Mark Shaw A Legend in Vintage Fashion Photography: Mark Shaw ~ 1955 It would be so simple to just buy vintage at an estate, put it on a mannequin, take pictures then sell ...
Just came across this piece and thought I'd share it with people who are considering going to the bendigo art gallery with its latest glamour show that was launched last night.

World famous detective Phryne Fisher comes to Bendigo....

2011-12-03T11:35:00.001+11:00

World famous detective Phryne Fisher came to Bendigo this week but there was no crime to be solved by this 1920’s heroine as she was not on a sleuthing mission.

Actually it was author Kerry Greenwood who was visiting our town talking about her famous protagonist as well as her love of history and life as a an author. Ms Greenwood gave those lucky enough to be at the Campbell Theatrette an enthralling talk about her life as an author, lover of history and solicitor for legal aid (where they attempt to get justice for most).

Fans of the Phryne Fisher series will know that Greenwood’s attention to detail is immense and the Melbourne scene in the 1920’s comes alive to the reader as the crime story is unveiled.

In the time allotted of an hour, Greenwood packed in much as well as introducing her wizard friend David Greagg and his latest book about cats, of which he also gave a reading. The couple share their home with several cats and Greenwood attributes her health to the cat Belladonna which won’t allow her to sit at the computer writing for too long. Prior to the cat’s intervention Greenwood would type from one dawn to another dawn and subsequently suffered from carpal tunnel problems.

Some of the comments and information Greenwood made that I jotted down from the night...

You can get drunk on words.

[She]Wrote her first book of 100,000 words was inspired by Tolkien (of which the public will never see it) whilst sitting up in the apricot tree of her family home and looking after her younger siblings.

[Her] Tips for new writers (or any others new to novel writing). Do not try to fix the first chapter before the whole novel is written, Books have their own life, the story has to be told.

I’ve never had writer’s block.

The Government year book is a wonderful source for historical research.

Greenwood enlisted the help of her mother whilst researching for her books and subsequently got her mother hooked on history. Greenwood’s passion for historical research is motivated by her need to get the facts correct I have to get it right.

Deciding on writing about Phryne Fisher in 1928 happened when Greenwood was nearly 30 and she wanted to get published. After being rejected with some of her work Greenwood was approached by publishers Mc Fee Gribble and while they didn’t like the story she had shown them asked her to write a 2 book series about a detective. The setting of 1928 was brought about in a complex way which included her father being a wharfie and knowing some old wharfies who had lived through that time of the 1928 -1929 wharfie strikes. Greenwood met these two chaps and loved their rhyming slang and readers will recognise their legacy in her Fisher books.

The name of Phryne (named after a Greek courtesan who comes with her one legal story) was a popular one in the year of 1900 when she was born, and seems fitting given Greenwood’s love of the Greek language which harks back to her Greek lifelong friend who she met at the age of 5 ½.

Fans of the detective will be delighted to know that after 20 years of Greenwood being approached to make a series about her there is at long last one being made, and it is Essie Davis (from the Slap) who has been selected by Ms Greenwood to play Phryne. The delay of a series being made about this extraordinary female detective was due to Greenwood insisting she be able to vet the scripts and she was to choose Phryne. At the audition Davis came in and displayed the right arrogance and persona for the part, as well she is not too young, as Greenwood explained a woman in 1928 who was 28 was considered to be much more mature than a 28 year woman of today.

Personal note:

I was delighted to know that as Ms Greenwood was signing my copy of The Long Walk, a children’s novel set in the depression years when the Great Ocean Road was being constructed, the picture on the front cover was actually that of Greenwood and her family.

For more information about Phryne Fisher go to: http://www.phrynefisher.com

You will find a link there for Kerry Greenwood information, which is great because she is an author of 58 novels and 5 non-fiction books, not all about Ms Fisher.

I’m glad I brought along my 4 copies of Greenwood’s books and then was able to buy another directly from the author, Media, but was disappointed that she was not represented by any of the local bookshops in town where I may have been able to add even more signed copies to my collection.

Doing it hard

2011-11-15T12:59:00.001+11:00

Living in Central Victoria gives me the opportunity to enjoy an amazing array of birdlife.
Last year our home was home to a family of Tawny Frogmouths for a time until the poor young ones died.
Yesterday our home was paid a quick visit by another pair (may be the same?). They were not fazed by my pointing a 500 mm lens at them. Hope you enjoy the pic!

Blogging Tips and Tricks by Sharon Greenaway

2011-11-09T12:36:00.000+11:00

October Writers Explore – Sharon Greenaway

10^th October 2011

The lives of 16 people will be even busier after attending last night’s BWC meeting as they begin to blog or revitalize their existing skills in blogging.

Many were sceptical about its usefulness but Sharon was convincing in her argument to writers that if you want people to read your work regular blogging is an advantage, it presents you and your style of writing to the public – but only to those who read it. Therefore not only is it necessary to write on your blog, since it is chronological you should write regularly, for example, 2-4 weekly but you must also alert people to the fact that you have a blog.

But I am ahead of myself. What is a blog? How do you set one up? Among other things these questions were answered while Sharon discussed and facilitated blog writing exercises.

Briefly, a blog is a network of communicating thoughts, happenings, news, facts, anything you choose, for either professional or social purposes on your own individual blogspot. It can be linked to a website and/or “advertised” through Facebook, Twitter, business cards, email etc.

Your free blogsite can be set up through www.blogger.com, an offshoot of google. Sharon suggests that a blog should be about 100-700 words and that any pictures attached ought to be converted to small pixels, say 500x500.

Your blog will be protected by a password with strong recommendation to remember it, retrieval is very time consuming.

Overall, I found the evening well worth the effort to attend, it was very informative and was facilitated at a comfortable pace.
Thank you Sharon & BWC.

- Christine Haddrick. [1]

Christine's Details: "Respectfully Yours"
Celebrant Services
Melbourne Metro and Country
Christine Haddrick 0408731821
www.melbourne-celebrant.com
E: christine@melbourne-celebrant.com

An email from another member on the night:
"Hi Sharon,

> Thank you for being our Writers Explore speaker. I know a lot of those
> that
> attended are keen after hearing from you, to start up their own blog
> [including myself] and I know of one that has already done so. She
> likened
> it to giving birth to a baby! Although I hope mine to be less
> excruitiating
> to initiate I hope I get the same sense of joy from the living product.
>
> Sorry that it may have taken a while for this message and the photo to
> come
> through - I thought I'd send the uncompressed file so that you have more
> scope to manipulate it as you would like. It is a lovely photo of you.
>
> All the best with everything Sharon and thanks again for the inspiration.
> Kylie
Kylie Hendy.

[1] Used with permission, first published in the Bendigo Writers Council Muse News November 2011.

Langley Hall Open House brings back memories

2011-11-07T11:20:00.001+11:00

Nov 7, 2011 10:58am

Langley Hall in Napier Street Bendigo was open to the public for the last 3 Sundays as a fundraiser for the St John of God Horizon House, a project that aims to meet the long term needs of disadvantaged and homeless young people in order to break the cycle of homelessness that has beset these young people.

A trip back to the Hall was important for Mary and Ray Evans of Bendigo as they were married there in 1981.

Bridget Gurry and her family opened the house as a fundraiser for Horizon House as she is involved in the Rising Light competition. Langley Hall was built in 1903 for the first Anglican Bishop of Bendigo, Henry Langley

Well Being Survey

2011-11-03T20:55:00.000+11:00

I have just completed the BENDIGO WELLBEING SURVEY.

It took about 15 minutes but it is fairly comprehensive and gives you a chance to send your views on how you are coping/enjoying/living in Bendigo and what you think should be the priorities of your council should be.

As outgoing Mayor Cr Fyffe said the City of Greater Bendigo is undertaking the Bendigo Wellbeing survey to find out the community’s attitude to a range of wellbeing issues.

“Wellbeing is one of those things where we all know what we mean, but can’t quite put into words. It is hard to pin down exactly makes us feel contented with our life but we are trying to understand what affects our resident’s wellbeing, so if there are things we can change to improve wellbeing we can prioritise them. This might be through strategies, programs or services,” said Cr Fyffe.

“The survey results will provide a broad reaching wellbeing scorecard to understand what our community is most positive about, and what there should be more of. It also asks about people’s concerns, areas of risk they identify and needs. The information will not only inform our own decision making, but will also give us powerful data to lobby other levels of Govt about issues that are important to our community, but not necessarily in Council’s control.

The survey is open until November 30 and can be easily completed online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au Or printed copies are also available from City of Greater Bendigo offices or by phoning 5434 6148.

“A detailed report of the results of the survey and other information including the census results will be prepared and made available to the community in early 2012,” said Cr Fyffe.

So if you want the council to know how you are living here, then fill in the survey, it is great that we live in a society where we can give our opinion freely.

NBN for Bendigo, the wheels (aah wires) are rolling, metaphorically speaking......

2011-11-02T17:13:00.000+11:00

NBN4Bendigo Chair Bruce Winzar with NBN4Bendigo Ambassador, City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe discussing how the NBN fibre is constructed (pic supplied)

After just signing onto a new system for Internet connections that is sooooo much faster than our 256 kbps, I wonder where the NBN will take us.

If you are, like me, not sure about what the NBN is, read on and you may gain some enlightenment about just how fast our Internet may go as this latest release from council goes into some detail.

...

" MAYOR FIRST OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR FOR NBN4BENDIGO CAMPAIGN

The NBN4Bendigo Working Group today announced City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe as their first official Ambassador.

Cr Fyffe lent his support to the push for early rollout of the National Broadband Network in Bendigo, recognising the huge advantage it will bring to the City.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to show our support for the NBN4Bendigo Campaign – and I am personally delighted to be its first Ambassador. I’m a firm believer in the advantages this technology will bring to every aspect of our city and its services – including our tourism industry,” explained Cr Fyffe.

Many of the City of Greater Bendigo’s services and tourism attractions stand to benefit from fast broadband. Tom Seddon, CEO of The Bendigo Trust, which includes the Discovery Science & Technology Centre in its stable of attractions, said tourism will be a big winner from the NBN.

“We run four of Bendigo’s major attractions – including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Joss House and tramways – and being able to connect them all together with fibre-based broadband would be amazing,” said Mr Seddon.

“Once we have that reliable, always-on connection to superfast internet, it has the potential to change the whole way visitor experiences are delivered. We could streamline our ticketing processes and even run virtual tours at all the sites,” said Mr Seddon.

Bendigo is one of many regional cities seeking to be on the list for early rollout of the NBN. Currently 49 locations have been accepted for rollout, are underway or completed. Of these, only seven are in Victoria. 28 new locations were announced in October for rollout in 2012, including Ballarat Central.

The NBN for Bendigo Working Group is developing a business case to convince NBNCo and the Federal Government that the Bendigo region is ready for the NBN and needs to be included in the next rollout list, to be announced next February.

Cr Fyffe said the City of Greater Bendigo was ready and able to assist in the rollout of the new service.

“This is an enormous infrastructure project, putting many kilometres of fibre in the ground. So we are placing the total support of Council behind it, which will make a difference in getting the work done quickly and efficiently.

“Our Council is ready to work with NBNCo to develop and implement planning controls designed to make the rollout of the NBN in this local government area a very streamlined process,” explained Cr Fyffe.

Cr Fyffe encouraged all Bendigo residents to join the Campaign.

“This NBN campaign has already garnered support from Bendigo’s leading organisations and I hope more will join in. As the first official ambassador, I urge everyone to get behind the campaign and register their support on the group’s website,” said Cr Fyffe.

Residents, businesses and organisations can register their support by visiting www.nbn4bendigo.com.au or visiting the group’s site on facebook.

The NBN for Bendigo Working Group includes representatives of Regional Development Australia, City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Community Telco, Community Telco Australia, Bendigo Business Council, La Trobe University, Bendigo TAFE and the Loddon Mallee Rural Health Alliance.

NBN Fast Fact:

NBN is set to revolutionise household entertaining. Currently, downloading an average movie (1 gigabyte of data) can take between 8 and 24 hours. With a fibre connection via the NBN this will be reduced to as little as 1 minute and 20 seconds!"

An important message from the Bendigo council...fire havens...

2011-10-21T11:44:00.000+11:00

TWO NEW SITES DESIGNATED

NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES

With the bushfire season approaching the Greater Bendigo City Council has designated two extra sites in Redesdale and Heathcote as Neighbourhood Safer Places - Places of Last Resort during a bushfire.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe said the two extra sites located at Holy Rosary Catholic School Heathcote and the Redesdale Recreation Reserve were designated following requests from the CFA in both townships.

“The purpose of places of last resort is to provide some protection from the effects of radiant heat during the passage of a bushfire. They may not have the capacity to cater for special needs and there will be no provision for pets or support services for food, drink or material aid available.

“On a code red, there is no guarantee that the sites will be a safe haven and we would like to make clear that people still need to be fire ready, and have their bush fire safety plans prepared.

“Places of last resort should only be contemplated when all other bushfire plans have failed,” said Cr Fyffe.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s Neighbourhood Safer Places – Places of last Resort include:-

· Redesdale Recreation Reserve

· Holy Rosary Catholic School, Ebden Street, Heathcote

· Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street Bendigo

· Canterbury Park, Simpsons Road Eaglehawk

· Bendigo Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo,

· Maiden Gully Primary School, Carolyn Way, Maiden Gully

· Lord's Raceway, McIvor Highway, Junortoun

· Strathfieldsaye Primary School, Uxbridge Street, Strathfieldsaye

· Centro Lansell Shopping Centre, High Street, Kangaroo Flat

· Dower Park, Station Street, Kangaroo Flat

“The existing eight neighbourhood safer places have all been reassessed by the CFA and the City of Greater Bendigo in accordance with the City’s Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan,” said Cr Fyffe.

Santas in Rosalind Park...

2011-10-18T10:31:00.000+11:00

If you happen to be passing the Rotunda in Rosalind Park this morning at 11 and see a sea of red and white, there is no need to rub your eyes, as this sight is not a figment of your imagination.

It is a promotion for the forthcoming Variety Santa Fun Run in Bendigo which will coincide with the lighting of the Bendigo Christmas tree on Friday 2^nd December in Rosalind Park.

Variety is an organisation that “...gives more than a million dollars worth of goods and services a month to Australian children with special needs.”[1]

The fun run or walk or wheelchair or hop will be 3 kilometres long and participants will need to be dressed up in their Santa refinery to join in.

“Thousands of would be Santas will be running for Variety across the country during December and we are so excited that Bendigo gets to have its own run” said Anne Henshall, Chairperson of Variety Bendigo and Board Member for Variety Victoria.

“Variety continues to provide thousands of dollars worth of equipment and support to children in our region and I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who will want to join in the fun of getting as many Santas in Rosalind Park as we can.”

The Santa suit is supplied and is included in the affordable registration fee, so no excuses for not getting into the Christmas spirit on the day!

You can enter as an individual, as a family, team or with your friends.

Your entry includes a 5 piece Variety one size fits most Santa Suit. Children under 5 receive a Santa Hat. Google Variety Santa Fund Run Bendigo to link to our registration page.

For more details go to: http://www.variety.org.au/VIC/WHATS-ON/Santa-Fun-Run/Bendigo-Santa-Fun-Run/

(pic supplied)

[1] http://www.variety.org.au/VIC/HOW-WE-HELP/

Accessed 18^th October 2011.

Olde fashioned home deliveries...

2011-10-17T16:32:00.000+11:00

I have seen ads for staff in the paper about the Aussie Farmers Direct Company and so not knowing anything about this new business thought I would find out a little more about what it offers.

I believe it is offering an olde style delivery service...

What's that I hear you say? Everything old is new again?

Below is the media information I received today as well a pic supplied by Aussie Farmers Direct.

Let me know if you use this business and what you think of them.

The local ‘milkman’ is back

Local residents Pete Andrew and Rochelle Phillips, have brought back the much loved, old fashioned concept of the ‘milkman’ – delivering fresh, delicious and 100% Australian produce direct to the doors of Bendigo residents.

A former salesman and receptionist, Pete and Rochelle took the reins as the local Aussie Farmers Direct ‘milko’ because they wanted to be part of a service that supports 100% Australian products, in a flexible and convenient way to suit the lives of their busy customers.

“As an Aussie Farmers Direct franchisee, we are not only my own boss with all the flexibility that it brings, but I’m also able to make a positive impact on my community, support other Australian businesses and assist busy families with the convenience of free home delivery.

“With an easy online ordering system, Aussie Farmers Direct customers can choose to ‘set and forget’ a regular order or can make last minute amendments as their requirements change, saving our customer’s time and money. Fewer trips to the supermarket means customers are not buying products that were not on their shopping list and enables busy parents to spend more time with their families,” says Pete.

Avid community supporters, Pete and Rochelle are currently supporting local pre-school, primary, and secondary schools in the ‘Healthy Kids, Healthy Families, Healthy Fundraising’ program.

“The Healthy Eating Fundraising program is a simple and healthy approach to raising funds for schools. Parents simply sign up as an Aussie Farmers Direct customer, nominate their local school, and Aussie Farmers Direct will donate 2% of each family’s annual spend directly to that school!” says Rochelle.

With quality, value, freshness and convenience in mind, Aussie Farmers Direct is committed to sourcing only the best quality, locally sourced food and delivering direct to the doors of more than 100,000 Australian households in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

Aussie Farmers Direct’s range of fresh goods continues to expand but their commitment to quality; healthy 100% Australian produce remains the same. The current range includes milk, bread, eggs, cheese, bacon, butter, coffee, water, fresh pasta, yoghurt and juice. We also deliver fruit and vegetables, meat, chicken, salmon, prawns and even seasonal lines such as hot cross buns for Easter and Christmas hampers.

Deliveries are made overnight and placed into esky cooler bags, which are left out on the doorstep by customers before 7am, to ensure optimal freshness, whilst fruit and vegetables are delivered in boxes in the afternoons.

We currently have two rounds in Bendigo run by young couple Pete and Rochelle. They service the following areas:

3555 - Kangaroo flat, Golden square, Golden Gully

3550 - Bendigo, Flora Hill, Ironbark, Kennignton, Long Gully, Quarry Hill, north bendigo, Strathdale, White hills, Sandhurst East, Spring Gully

3551 - Epsom, Strathfieldsaye, Junortoun, Maiden Gully

3556 - Sailors Gully, Eaglehawk, California Gully, Jackass Flat

Anna ThomsonPR Manager
Aussie Farmers Direct

For further information visit www.aussiefarmers.com.au or call 1300 MILKMAN (1300 645 562).

If you use or plan to use the Bendigo stadium...

2011-10-13T08:45:00.000+11:00

INPUT WANTED INTO MASTER PLAN FOR

BENDIGO STADIUM PRECINCT

The City of Greater Bendigo in conjunction with Bendigo Stadium Limited is asking for community feedback and ideas in order to develop a master plan for the Bendigo Stadium Precinct.

All you need do is fill out a survey which is available at two areas. If you are a current user of the area then go to: www.surveymonkey.com/s/BendigoStadiumPrecinctPlanUserSurvey

while the survey for all other groups or associations can be found at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/BendigoStadiumPrecinctMasterPlan

The surveys can be accessed until Tuesday, October 25 with all results to be used to assist in the design phase of the masterplan project.

Local consultant CPG Australia is working with Bendigo Stadium Limited and the City of Greater Bendigo to develop the master plan for the site. Anyone wanting further information on the development of the masterplan can contact Mark Hands at CPG Australia on 54482500 or Lincoln Fitzgerald at the City of Greater Bendigo on 54346000.

An important notice about Cervical Cancer Vaccine program...

2011-10-12T15:04:00.000+11:00

From the City of Greater Bendigo...

MEDIA RELEASE

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12, 2011

YOUNG GIRLS PUTTING THEMSELVES AT RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER

City of Greater Bendigo Director of Community Wellbeing Pauline Gordon is urging young girls in Greater Bendigo not to become complacent when it comes to their health, as alarming figures show only three out of four girls in Victoria are completing the three-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation course, despite it protecting against 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

“Vaccine coverage rates released by the National HPV Vaccination Program Register show that although 83 per cent of girls aged 12-13 have the first injection, only 73 per cent of them go on to have the second and third dose, meaning they are not fully protected.

“Having the three vaccines is the best step girls can take to reduce their chances of developing HPV-related illnesses later in life.

“HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that four out of five men and women will contract at some point in their lives. For the vaccine to be effective, it must be administered before exposure to the virus has taken place. That is why it’s best to immunise girls from a young age, before they have become sexually active.

“The fact that only three quarters of eligible girls are having all three doses is extremely worrying, particularly when preliminary research has shown the enormous scope of the vaccine in reducing the number of cervical cancer diagnoses in Australia.

“Taking this precaution now means much higher protection against this deadly disease in the future,” said Ms Gordon.

Since 2007 the HPV vaccine has been provided to Victorian girls in their first year of secondary school as part of the National Immunisation Program. The combined three doses, given within a six month period, protect against four types of HPV which cause around 70 per cent of cervical cancers and 90 per cent of genital warts.

‘In the City of Greater Bendigo girls who have the first injection in Year 7 have until the end of Year 8 to complete the course for free. Any dose taken after that time will need to be purchased at a cost of approximately $150 each.

‘We encourage any girl who has missed out on receiving a dose at school to contact Angela Evans at the City of Greater Bendigo on 54346364 to get information on the vaccine catch-up sessions that are available,” Ms Gordon said.

Australia already has one of the lowest rates of cervical cancer in the world thanks to the success of the National Cervical Screening Program, with around 700 women being diagnosed each year.

To find out more please visit www.cervicalcancervaccine.org.au or call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

HPV Vaccine: Fast Facts

· Protects against four types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts

· Is provided for free to all girls aged 12-13 as part of the National Immunisation Program. Girls of this age who miss a dose at school can still access the vaccine from their GP or local council immunisation provider

· The vaccine is given in three doses over a six month interval, ideally at 0, 2 and 6 months

· The vaccine is most effective if given before exposure to the HPV virus, that is before any sexual contact with another person

· The vaccine doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, so always use a condom

· Even after having the vaccination, regular Pap tests are still recommended for women aged 18 - 69 to help further protect against cervical cancer

To find out more visit www.cervicalcancervaccine.org.au

Property holders urged to clean up for Fire Season

2011-10-07T09:33:00.000+11:00

COUNCIL TO SEND OUT ‘COURTESY’ LETTERS TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO TIDY UP FOR SUMMER

With the fire season fast approaching the City of Greater Bendigo is asking residents to start cleaning up around their property.

City of Greater Bendigo Fire Prevention Officer Eric Smith said over the next week Council will send out 4,500 courtesy letters to remind residents to begin preparing their properties for the fire season.

“Residents who have received a letter in the past as well as properties that have been reported to Council by concerned members of the community will receive a letter. The letters are purely a reminder to clean up the property and are not meant to cause any offence especially if the property has since been cleaned up.

“While most people adopt a responsible attitude to ensuring their property is clear, others need a reminder and we hope the courtesy letters will provide this.

“The City of Greater Bendigo would also like to thank residents who have identified hazards and reported them to us, however it’s important to note that action will not commence until mid to late October.

“The approaching fire season is once again expected to be a challenging one for both landholders and the City of Greater Bendigo with recent rains expected to cause excessive grass growth across the municipality,” said Mr Smith.

Indicators from both the CFA and DSE show that this year there is most likely to be a greater risk of fast moving grass fires. This is something that has already been confirmed with the report of up to 200 grass fires in Queensland in recent weeks and with 30 fires attended across Victoria on the one day last week.

“To help residents prepare for the fire season the City of Greater Bendigo will provide residents with an opportunity to dispose of their green waste free of charge at the Eaglehawk and Heathcote Landfills on the weekends of November 5 & 6 and November 19 & 20.

“The two, free green waste disposal weekends will assist residents to prepare for the summer fire danger period, and by taking advantage of the free disposal, residents will save $20 per ute or small trailer load at the landfill,” Mr Smith said.

He said the City of Greater Bendigo has also commenced its annual grass slashing program on land managed by Council.

Latest news from the council may be of interest to those in the city affected by last years floods.

2011-09-27T09:56:00.000+10:00

CITY UNDERTAKES REPAIRS TO

BENDIGO CREEK FOLLOWING FLOODS

The City of Greater Bendigo has undertaken two important projects along the Bendigo Creek to repair damage caused by major flooding in late 2010 and earlier this year.

City of Greater Bendigo Director of Presentation and Assets Darren Fuzzard said 32 sections of the Bendigo Creek’s floor between Charing Cross and Maple Street Golden Square were damaged as a result of the storms.

“The work has involved the removal of debris and the excavation and replacement of damaged concrete on the creek floor and channel.

“The $126,000 repair work commenced in mid May and was completed in late June,” said Mr Fuzzard.

He said the City has also undertaken a $15,000 project to repair damage to the Bendigo Creek’s historic bluestone section between Rosalind Park and the rear of the RSL.

“A number of bluestone blocks were dislodged in the floods and the creek bed was damaged as a result.

“This project involved the recovery and relaying of the bluestones and repairs to the creek bed.

“While we have undertaken these repairs we will need to secure significant funding from other sources to continue to repair and restore the Bendigo Creek,” said Mr Fuzzard.

He said the City is continuing to undertake a range of other infrastructure works to repair damage resulting from the floods.

Calling all Tulip lovers

2011-09-12T10:07:00.000+10:00

CITY DEVELOPS BROCHURE TO HIGHLIGHT CONSERVATORY GARDENS TULIPS

The City of Greater Bendigo has produced a new brochure to highlight the annual tulip display in the Conservatory Gardens in Pall Mall.

The City’s Parks and Natural Reserves staff have planted 50,000 tulips at the Conservatory Gardens which are set to bloom over the coming weeks.

City of Greater Bendigo Intensive Horticulture Team Leader Brendan Beale said the brochure details the 14 tulip varieties that have been planted in the Conservatory Gardens and includes hints for growing tulips at home.

“Our annual tulip displays always create a lot of interest and Bendigo is becoming known for its beautiful Spring Tulips.

“They create a lot of interest and we thought that this year we would produce a brochure to showcase the 14 different varieties that have been planted and provide some interesting facts about tulips in general,” said Mr Beale.

The A5 brochure is available from the City of Greater Bendigo’s main office in Lyttleton Terrace, the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre and the Conservatory. It is also available online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

Free books for young children to celebrate National Literacy Day!

2011-08-31T14:43:00.001+10:00

FREE BOOKS TO CELEBRATE

NATIONAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK

To celebrate National Literacy and Numeracy Week the City of Greater Bendigo has 1200 free books to give away to children aged between 2 and four years who attend one of the City’s Maternal and Child Health sessions.

National Literacy and Numeracy week, which runs from August 29 to September 4 is a collaborative approach by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development together with early childhood services to raise community awareness around the enjoyment of literacy and numeracy and to highlight the pleasure of teaching these skills to young children.

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe who is also a school teacher said he could not stress enough the importance of spending time reading to children.

“No matter how young children are, telling stories and reading books with your child is so important to help them develop the skills they need to learn to read and write. Every minute you can read with your child makes a difference.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is proud to be a child friendly city and I hope that parents visit one of our maternal and child health sessions and take home a book for their child,” said Cr Fyffe.

A broad range of books from authors including Pamela Allen (My Cat Maissie, Is your Grandmother a Goanna), Mem Fox (A Particular Cow, Where the Giant Sleeps), Graeme Base (Animalia, The Sign of the Seahorse), Beatrix Potter (The Tale of Johnny Town Mouse, The Tale of Samuel Whiskers), Alison Lest (Magic Beach, Imagine) and Lynley Dodd (Hairy Maclary series) plus several other authors and titles are available.

The free books will be available for all children aged between 2 and 4 years attending their local Maternal and Child Health centre and the City of Greater Bendigo Childcare centres at Annie Galvin, Bendigo Creche and Helen Jessen Children’s Centre.

To locate your nearest Maternal and Child Health Centre or Childcare Centre, please contact the City’s Children and Family Services on 5434 6364 or go to www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

Check out my photography site too!

2011-08-17T10:06:00.001+10:00

http://sharongreenawaysphotos.blogspot.com/

Bendigo calling for community grant applications

2011-08-15T10:03:00.001+10:00

CALLING FOR APPLICATIONS FOR CITY’S COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

Local community groups and organisations can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 through the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2011/2012 Community Grants Program.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe said funding is available in the Cultural, Community Events Community Assistance, Recreation and Environmental Sustainability categories.

“The City of Greater Bendigo Community Grants Program is open to applications from community groups, clubs and associations to assist them to undertake projects, events, exhibitions and performances that will contribute to our vibrant community.”

“Council has made available $224,000 this financial year for the Grants Program and I encourage local organisations who may wish to access funding assistance to start working on their applications well before applications close on Friday 9 September 2011.

“Council’s Community Grants Program has assisted hundreds of local organisations to undertake an array of fantastic projects and initiatives over many years and I encourage all interested in applying to read the criteria carefully so they can determine the appropriate category for their application,” said Cr Fyffe.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Craig Wright on 5434 6463 or by visiting www.bendigo.vic.gov.au. Application forms and a separate guideline document are available on line or from City of Greater Bendigo offices in Bendigo and Heathcote.

$7.55M major expansion of Bendigo Art Gallery released today!

2011-08-11T19:52:00.000+10:00

The City of Greater Bendigo has released designs and lodged a planning application for a new $7.55M major expansion of Bendigo Art Gallery which will include construction of two new gallery spaces, an enhanced enlarged entrance and much needed storage and loading facilities.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe said the expansion of Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Council’s major projects and a key component in delivering its View Street Arts Precinct Master Plan.

“The plans for the project have been designed by architects Fender Katsalidis who have integrated art, heritage and modern sustainability elements to produce a practical yet captivating design. The design features recycled and reneweable building products and energy efficient systems and lighting.

“We are excited to have lodged the planning application for this important project. Once all planning approvals are in place we expect to commence construction works in mid-2012 following the international blockbuster exhibition: Grace Kelly: Style Icon which will run from March to June 2012,” said Cr Fyffe.

The project will include:-

· Creation of a new “Park Gallery” exhibition area featuring open, flexible spaces to cater to the needs of major exhibitions and floor level storage spaces;

· Creation of a new multi-purpose exhibition “Pavilion Gallery” separated from the new “Park Gallery” by a glazed link;

· Construction of a new back-of-house loading dock and exhibition management zone; and

· Expansion and refurbishment to the existing entrance building to include a new entrance and ticketing hall, new cloak room facilities, altered gallery entrance and modifications to reception and gallery shop areas.

“Since 1996, Bendigo Art Gallery has undergone four carefully staged redevelopments to enhance its look and feel and this project will tie together the previous modifications and incorporate additional space for the Gallery to change and grow.

“The gallery is currently utilising off-site storage facilities in Melbourne to house its collection and out-of-exhibition artworks. This is definitely not an ideal solution and we are looking forward to the new storage spaces solving this problem and saving us unnecessary costs.

“Bendigo Art Gallery’s reputation as Australia’s finest regional gallery continues to grow through exclusive exhibitions such as the current White Wedding Dress exhibition which is attracting people from throughout Victoria and beyond to Bendigo.

“This project will greatly improve the gallery and its capacity to host international blockbuster exhibition well into the future,” said Cr Fyffe.

The $7.55M project will be funded by a $3.775M contribution from the Victorian Government, a $3.325M contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo and a further $450,000 philanthropic contribution.