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"We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the waters and lands on which we live and work,
and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present
Richard Casley to the left and Dr Erich Fitzgerald of Museum Victoria right of Vicki
An update from Dr Erich Fitzgerald of Museum Victoria:
In terms of research news, we are making progress with a major paper on the diversity of fossil baleen
whales from Beaumaris. It has been delayed as new finds keep being made, but we are approaching
the point where we'll have to draw a line and exclude new discoveries. More will be revealed when the
paper is published, but you can report the following if you like:
1. Fossils from Beaumaris reveal that the biodiversity of whales in Australian waters 5 million years ago
was higher than the present day. However, the average body size of whales was much smaller than the
species alive today.
2. A handful of fossil ear bones from Beaumaris are the first evidence for the existence of a major group
of baleen whales in the western South Pacific.
3. There are a number of whale ear bones that are true enigmas, defying classification. We simply
cannot determine what family of baleen whales these fossils belong to--they are something
unprecedented in the fossil record. Only discovery of more fossils, especially parts of the skull, will
reveal what this group of whales is. For now, they are an utterly tantalising mystery.
4. Most of the ear bones of baleen whales from Beaumaris are from physically immature, indeed
juvenile, individuals of an extinct species of right whale. That there are so many fossils of young
individuals hints that 5 million years ago the shallow sea around what is now called Beaumaris was a
calving ground for right whales.
You may also wish to report that Museums Victoria has begun an ambitious field program to uncover
the untold 30-million-year saga of whale evolution in Victoria. We begin in 2 weeks' time with a week-
long expedition to Jan Juc, followed up by expeditions across the state--including a major shore-based
and underwater survey at Beaumaris in the near future. If any SFA members are interested in assisting
with this pioneering program of discovery they can contact Dr Erich Fitzgerald at Museums Victoria
(efitzgerald@museum.vic.gov.au).
We were delighted to also hear from Richard Casley, now well known to the Bayside residents for finding
incredible fossils at Beaumaris Bay. A few words from Richard:
Beaumaris beach continues to release extraordinary fossils to amateur collectors. These three fossils
are some of the more memorable ones from the past 18 months of collecting. The white shark tooth is
my second largest of its kind, the megalodon tooth is solid evidence of the largest shark to ever live and
the sperm whale tooth is now part of the collection of Museum Victoria. This beach is for everyone to
enjoy, happy hunting!
SFA commend the tremendous efforts of James and Harry who are cleaning our beaches on their own initiative
to raise money for a great cause! They are very keen and decided early on that they would prefer to fundraise by
doing something positive.
Harry and James are Year 10 students at Parkdale Secondary College. They are participating in a World
Challenge, a program where groups of students visit third-world countries and participate in community services
as well as going for a trek or two whilst there. Their group is going to Uttarakhand in Northern India, and part of
the experience is raising funds to get there, about $6500 each. In order to do this (as well as both having part
time jobs) James and Harry have embarked on a program of cleaning up beaches, parks anywhere really!
So far, they have collected 115 kilograms of rubbish mainly from beaches in the Cities of Kingston and Bayside.
Yes, 115 kg!! They are aiming for 200 kilos but may not stop there.
If you would like to reward their efforts by donating to their cause you can do that by going here:
www.gofundme.com/world-challenge-2017-fund-raising
They have a Facebook page which is here: https://www.facebook.com/Pristine-Clean-1845731782362847/
The boys welcome any publicity at all and we are very proud of their efforts. They have quite a bit of money to
raise and we really hope that the local community can see the benefits of supporting these community minded
young people no matter what they are doing. World Challenge is an expedition company that organises trips for
secondary school aged kids to third world countries where the groups perform community service of some kind
as well as experiencing local culture and trekking around the local area. More Details on WCE here:
http://www.worldchallenge.com.au/
By Cassandra Philippou, Senior Project Manager, Coastal Programs, Port Phillip Region
Grain size analysis has been completed for several locations around the breakwater, and so far, has shown that
there is sand of very small grain size around the northern end of the breakwater (which is not suitable for
renourishment as it will be eroded from the beach too easily by wind, waves and tides) and is likely to be the
result of littoral drift from beaches to the north and south. Larger grain sand that is suitable for renourishment of
Hampton beach exists to the west of the breakwater. We are now awaiting further information regarding
quantities available and the additional testing results from within the harbour as outlined above. Meanwhile the
coastal engineering consultants Cardno Victoria are developing the next draft of designs based on the single
longer groyne with a revegetated area at the landward end.
DELWP is grateful for the input and feedback that has been provided by local stakeholders, including members
of the Sandringham Foreshore Association. Any queries about the project can be directed to Cass Philippou,
Senior Project Manager, Coastal Programs at cass.philippou@delwp.vic.gov.au or 0448 397 452.
Note the length of the proposed groyne for Option 4 is 160m, which has increased 125m as
per the information issued previously:
Summer fun activities
The 'Summer by the Sea' program hosted by Friends of Bayside [Bayside City Council] was a great success.
Here is a photo of Elizabeth Walsh of Friends of Wildlife Natives taken at one of the events discussing microbats
and rakalis, both local natives, and their habitats in the Bayside foreshore:
Sunset gathering at Sandringham beach 18 Feb. 2017 & update on Sandringham beach
works.
Many thanks to Alison Horton, Vice President of SFA who brought along a hearty warm mulled wine for us to
enjoy the sunset and meeting to discuss the proposed works at Sandringham beach in April 2017. Here is a
lovely sunset photo taken on the night by Alison. We will keep you informed when plans are finalised by DELWP
on how they are recycling the rocks from the Southey St groyne, which might include creating a submerged reef
and shore platform with the bigger rocks and stabilising the Tennyson St ramp with the smaller rocks.
Sandringham beach sunset 18th February 2017 8.45pm Letter from Jill Whyte 18th Feb 2017,
long term resident of Sandringham
Below is a photo of timber groynes used at Scheveningen beach in the Netherlands. This is an example of how
the Dutch reduce the flow of sand movement on beaches using open timber type groynes. The photo was
provided by local resident Mark Slykhuis's mother. Mark is profiled in this newsletter [see below].
Scheveningen beach in the Netherlands - using timber groynes to stabilise beaches
If you volunteer in the Barwon South West, Port Phillip and Gippsland regions your group can apply for up to
$7500 to undertake projects that help protect and enhance the coastal and near-shore marine environment.
Victorias clean and healthy coastlines are the backdrop to a huge number of social and recreational activities in
our communities, and one of the main drawcards for millions of visitors to Victoria each year.
Community announcement
Our Gardens: Our Refuge will be an exhibition of your photographs and stories about your own
Bayside garden.
Our Gardens: Our Refuge will be an exhibition of your photographs and stories about your own Bayside
garden, revealing the importance of the garden to you. The exhibition will be launched in the Artrium, at the
Bayside City Council Corporate Centre in Sandringham, before touring Bayside Libraries.
How to apply For a copy of the application form and any queries, email Pauline Reynolds
pauline.reynolds.au@gmail.com or phone 0408 587 763.
Garden lovers can send an image of your garden and a short story (300 words max) detailing the importance of
your garden and the positive outcomes that you associate with gardening. Please submit well exposed and
focused images in the biggest image size available setting on your camera.
The photographs will be enlarged to the maximum of 20 x 25cm. They can be any shape you wish within these
dimensions.
Submissions close April 5th 2017.
Historical photos of our Half Moon Bay, Sandringham beach [south end] and Red Bluff
cliffs, 1926
Featuring Half Moon Bay and Sandringham beach - images provided by Charles Lyne AM,
local Bayside resident
"Hello Vicki,
The historical photos are all from an album of my original Lifesaving Club Photo album North Rd
Brighton. The photos I have copied out from you are all North Rd members during the late 1920's taken
down around the Red Bluff and Half Moon Bay beaches. The thought being, perhaps a comparison of
Bluff condition and sand as compared with now. Note the old Cerberus in one and the pathway view
looking down to the Red Bluff. The girls look alright too!"
Below is a snapshot of Charles's incredible life and contribution to developing Lifesaving clubs in Victoria, and his
continued efforts to help Vietnamese children from drowning through his on-going service to Water Safety
Vietnam. Well done Charles! We are also grateful for the historical photos.
"I was born in November, 1933 and grew up with the beach at Middle Brighton Baths as my second
home. I learned to swim at about 3 years of age. Mum brought me a Seasons Ticket to the Middle
Brighton Baths.
At age 6, Tim Jones invited Peter Whiting and I to join the early morning swimmers at the Baths.
I went to Miss Gregorys kindergarten in Brighton and then at 4 years I went on to Gardenvale
Primary School where I shared at desk with Neil Roberts of St. Kilda Football fame.
We wore our bathers to school and caught the brown bus from school, got off at Miss Leighs chemist
shop and straight over to the baths. We would stay as long as we thought we could without getting into
trouble at home.
I joined the Brighton Icebergers, and I am the only living one of those original groups.
I had a stint at Royal Brighton Yacht Club in cadet dinghies, skiffs and the old Mistrel III.
I went to North Road and with Bill Kerr and Guy Copley we re-opened the North Road Life Saving Club
in about 1949/50. This finished again around 1958 with the affect of the Brighton Marina, (no sand, the
pier at North Road fell over and the North Road L.S.C. disbanded).
Then to Torquay so the life saving side is 63 years.
Life Saving has been quite a commitment.
1967 : I started the Nippers in Victoria.
President of Torquay : 1970 : the Clubhouse burned down.
Over 30 years on the Board of Examiners for Victoria
Surf Life Saving Victoria : a Vice President for 8 years.
Then President from 1987-2000.
A Director of Surf Life Saving Australia 13 years.
Then the new headquarters of what is now Life Saving Victoria was built.
A 15 year journey involving joining Royal and Surf in Victoria and the new building to house the new set
up which cost went from $3.5m to $7.5m.
I am a life member of Torquay.
I am a life member of Surf Life Saving Victoria
I am a life member of Surf Life Saving Australia
I am a life member of World Life Saving.
I received a Citation of Merit from International Life Saving (ILS.)
And was awarded A Member of the Order of Australia for my contribution to Life Saving.
In retirement I chair a Not-for-profit organization namely Water Safety Vietnam but I still have strong
concerns
about our environment and what we humans are doing to, particularly our coastline."
Above photo. Note Red Bluff cliff and the beach huts at the Sandringham beach (1926) in the background with
no evidence of erosion and extensive vegetation of the cliffs.
I feel incredibly privileged to live in Bayside. We have such a wonderful clean, safe and beautiful
environment with a minimal population. I have always taken an active interest in our environment and
the increasing pressures we are placing on it.
Every day, I visit the beach or the foreshore area for either a swim or a run to clear the head or freshen
me up for the day ahead.
This is something I have done for 30 plus years and I hope to be able to do for another 30 years.
I am one of the lucky ones to be working with young people and being able to share and hopefully have
a positive influence in creating healthy active bodies. I run a Community Sports Program at St Leonard's
College and share a development role with our Indigenous Program.
Community Sport is a program devised to encourage our young people to try new sports and activities
that will help connect them in the community and for them to develop a lifelong passion for healthy living
and engagement. The sports I look after include; sailing, triathlon, adventure racing, surf lifesaving,
kayaking, basketball, gymnastics and dance sports, running and mountain biking/cycling. Most of the
training and events we do are in the bayside area.
Growing up I was always in the surf, or running or cycling and basically enjoying keeping fit in the
outdoors. We started the Bayside Triathlon Club nearly 30 years ago, so that we could have fellow
fitness fanatics to train with. Surf Lifesaving has been another passion of mine as it is a great way
to keep fit and do some community service also. Both my sons have grown up in surf lifesaving and
have progressed through the ranks to be professional lifeguards. My oldest son Jack spent a lot of the
summer in the Westpac helicopter watching over our beaches and chasing away a lot of big fish.
The Half Moon Bay Lifesaving Club is a wonderfully active club where is there is a constant hive of
training activity going on throughout the year with kids as young as 6 thru to masters over 60. It is such
a beautiful beach that gets protection from the afternoon sea breeze. Mind you, the keen ones are
always paddling over to the Bluff to pick up some waves, which are always lots of fun. The sea life
around our beaches is still pretty amazing and hardly a week goes by without seeing dolphins, large
sting rays, seals or other fascinating creatures.
We do live in one of the best kept secrets, so get out there and enjoy it, but dont rave too much about it
! We should all also appreciate the custodians of the land; The Boon wurrung People who protected and
have a strong connection to the land and waters of Bayside for many thousands of years!
We hope you have enjoyed reading the autumn 2017 edition of the SFA Newsletter!