Axe Creek Eppalock Newsletter

Incorporating news from the Eppalock Primary School, Axe Creek Fire Brigade & the Axe Creek Landcare Group.

Welcome to the Spring Issue Edition 53. Summer 2016/17

Here we are at the end of another year. No doubt you have plenty Welcome
of milestones that have been celebrated during the year to reflect Community Notice Board
on.
CFA News
Within this issue, as always, the update from the Axe Creek CFA pro- Eppalock PS Update
vides valuable and import information that each reader should take
the time to review. Fire Safety is everyones concern. Axe Creek Playgroup

If you have kept up-to-date with our issues throughout the year, you Landcares Latest
will know the Primary School have been busy, and participated in Axe Creek Cricket Club
many theme days, incursions and excursions to broaden their
Church News
knowledge.
Community News
This issue includes an update from the Axe Creek Cricket Club, if you
are looking to join a local team - they would be happy to chat with Kids Corner
you. More details on page 14.

Whatever you plans for the silly season, have fun, enjoy the compa-
ny of those important to you and stay safe. Thank you to this issues
Until next year, Contributors
Sam Spence John Wells - Axe Creek Fire
Brigade

Marie Mannes - Eppalock PS

Advertise your Business AND help the Community
Gillian Wells & Chris Kirwan -
If you would like some great local exposure for a reasonable price, then advertise in the
next issue of the Axe Creek Eppalock Newsletter. Axe Creek Landcare
Full Page $100 James OBryen - Axe Creek
Half Page $50 Cricket Club
Quarter Page $25 Fees charged help cover printing costs. Steve Weickhardt - Anglican
Advertising deadline for future issues: Parish
Autumn 2017 Mar 3rd

Winter 2017 June 2nd

Spring 2017 August 31st

Summer 2017 Dec 1st Contact us via axecreeknews@gmail.com

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 1
 Community Notice Board
Emergency Contact Numbers
Fire, Police & Ambulance 000
(life threatening or time critical emergencies only)

Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226

Information about all emergencies, including bushfires, storms and floods

Burn Off Notifications 1800 668 511

Poisons Information 13 11 26
Wildlife Rescue Service 0419 356 433

Useful Websites Local Churches

CFA www.cfa.vic.gov.au
DSE www.dse.vic.gov.au
Strathfieldsaye Community Church
Vic Roads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
920 Wellington St, Strathfieldsaye
Combined Service - Sunday Mornings 9.30am

School Terms St Josephs Catholic Church

2017 Cnr Axe Creek & Strathfieldsaye/Eppalock Rds.

Sunday Mornings 9am

Term 1
30 Jan 31 Mar All Welcome

Term 2
18 Apr 30 Jun

Term 3
Axe Creek CFA
17 Jul 22 Sept

Term 4 Captain Neil Irving-Dusting

9 Oct 22 Dec 5439 6388

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 2
 CFA News From Axe Creek Brigade
UPDATED SEASONAL OUTLOOK

The official Seasonal Outlook for Southern Australia was re-

vised at the end of November to take account of the spring
rainfall and fuel growth.

Most of Victoria and inland NSW have higher than normal

bushfire potential (the area shown in red on the revised
map). Our part of the state is well within the red area, be-
cause of the exceptional spring growth.

The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting warmer and dryer

conditions for the summer months. The wetter spring has de-
layed the start of the fire season, but once the grass dries
offand its already drying off quicklyexpect hot, fast-
running grass fires.

Grass fires are driven strongly by wind. Even on cooler days we can have dangerous fires that travel sev-
eral kilometers. In the past this has frequently happened after a cool change, when people have re-
laxed a little and started to use machinery, for example, in dry grass. This summer stay alert to the fire
danger, whatever the weather.

OUR NEWEST FIREFIGHTER

Fourth-generation firefighter Will Houlahan recently completed his recruit training, just after his 16th birth-
day. Wills great-grandfather was the first President of Axe Creek brigade, his grandfather was Captain,
and his father, a career CFA officer, is still an active volunteer. Congratulations, Will!

NEW EMERGENCY HOTLINE AND APP

Emergency Hotline: BE AWARE that the Victorian Bushfire Information Line has been replaced by a new
hotline, the VicEmergency Hotline, 1800 226 226. The new hotline has information about all emergen-
cies, not just bushfires. For the time being if you ring the old number you will be transferred to the new
service, but eventually the old number will be discontinued, so make sure you enter the new emergen-
cy number in your phone straight away, and remove old fridge magnets etc.
VicEmergency app: BE AWARE, too, that the old Fire Ready app has been replaced by the new
VicEmergency app for mobile phones and tablets. The new app can give information about all sorts of
emergencies, but you can choose which ones will generate notifications for your device. You can also
set watch zones for home or other locations similar to those for the old app.
At the time of writing the new app is not working properly on some devices. Emergency Management
Victoria is working to rectify the problems, so keep checking for updates on the website
www.emergency.vic.gov.au .
Emergency warnings will still be sent as text messages to mobile phones in affected areas. But dont rely
on any single source of informationmonitor the radio, and social media, and of course check outside
whether you can see or smell smoke!

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 3
PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Brigade members have been preparing for what could be

a busy summer. An important pre-season training exercise
is to practise entrapment drillthe procedure to be fol-
lowed if the truck gets caught unexpectedly in a hot fire.
Safety of the firefighters is always the priority during fire-
fighting operations, and brigade training constantly em-
Climb on board, phasises safe working practices.
drop down the heat-shield curtains...
CFA tankers have drop-down heat-shield curtains in the
cab and on the back, and are fitted with crew protection
sprays. When these are activated crew members can
shelter safely in the vehicle.
Very few firefighters have needed to use these systems
during operations, but there have been occasions (such
as at the Swan Hill fire last month, in tall, thick grass) where
the protection systems have probably saved lives. So we
practise the entrapment drill every year.

...and start the sprays

THUNDERSTORMS AND FIRESTORMS

Really big fires occur in hot, dry conditions, but thunderstorms are associated with rainy weather. Right?
Well, not quite.
The first part is right: the biggest fires happen after hot, dry spells, when the fuels are tinder dry. In Victoria
they are often associated with hot, northerly winds that bring dry air from the centre of Australia.
But theres another factor that was not well understood for a long timeconditions in the upper atmos-
phere. On some days the smoke column from a fire will rise at first (because it is hotter than the surrounding
air), but then level out when it reaches a warmer layer of air above. This is called a stable atmosphere.
The effect is like closing the damper in the flue over your wood heater. Because the hot gases cant get
away, fresh air cant get in to the fire at ground level fast enough for it to burn strongly.
On other days there is no such warmer layer of air (the atmosphere is unstable), so the smoke and gases
(CO2 and water vapour) given off by the fire rise to a great heightsometimes several kilometers. As the
smoke column rises, more and more fresh air is drawn in at ground level, fanning the flames and making
the fire burn much hotter.
Eventually, at high altitude, the smoke column cools, and the water vapour may condense to form a
storm cloud. This can cause lightning (and so potentially start new fires) and even rain. The fire has now
created a firestorm, a potentially disastrous phenomenon. The fire has created its own weather, with
strong and erratic winds at ground level. Thats what happened on Black Saturday in Victoria, at the Can-
berra fire of 2003, and at other megafires of recent decades.
Theres still a lot to learn about firestorms, but fire scientists are beginning to understand them better. Fire
managers now take the stability of the atmosphere into account when issuing warnings about impending
fire weather, declaring total fire bans and so on. We know that if its hot, dry and windy, and the upper
atmosphere is unstable, things could get really bad.
So take heed of the warnings, and activate your bushfire plan when they are issued!
KEEP YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION SAFE ON A USB STICK
An important item in your emergency kit is a usb memory stick with scanned copies of documents that
you might want to re-establish your identity and entitlements should everything be burnt in your house.
Here are some suggestions: Personal (birth certificate, passport, drivers licence, Centrelink card/s, medical
information, will), financial (bank statements, insurance policies, superannuation, investments), assets
(property documents, mortgages, vehicle registration), copies of cards you carry in your purse or wallet,
and so on.
Make a separate copy of the memory stick for safekeeping with a family member or friend who lives
somewhere else. You can protect the contents of the memory stick with a password in case it should fall
into the wrong hands.
axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 4
MEMBER PROFILE: KEVIN READE
Kevin Reade lives just round the corner from the fire station, and just across the road from where the old
fire shed stood in 1979, when he and Debra moved into their new house. At that time their nearest neigh-
bours were about 1 km away, with another 3 or 4 half as far again. Seeing he was going to live much
closer to the fire station than anybody else, he decided to join the brigade even before hed moved in.
That was getting on for 40 years ago.
Most of the time Kevin has worked as a fencing contractor in the district, except for 14 years when he
managed an outdoor power equipment business in Bendigo. Except for the time he worked in Bendigo
he has been able to turn out with the brigade to fires in the district, and has done so frequently. He was a
brigade Lieutenant for 6 years.
He remembers well the brigade meetings in the old shed: We looked at one another across the shed,
sitting against the walls on wooden planks supported on oil drums. I dont remember the meetings lasting
too long!
Kevin and the rest of us learnt about firefighting on the job, the only training being with the competition
team, where we had to know how to run the pump, couple hoses and operate knapsack sprays. Brigade
members were not issued with overalls, boots etc., but there were some helmets on the truck. In those
days anybody turned out to fires, but now all firefighters must complete minimum skills training.
The truck, an International, originally had just railings at the side to hang on to as we went to a fire, and
a bellno siren. We had to know the radio call sign: our truck was MK10, and the Group base just
MK. [The Groups full call sign is still VL3MK, but the trucks are Axe Creek Tanker 1 and Axe Creek
Tanker 2.] The brigade was called out by a phone treeno pagers thenand we just had to keep ring-
ing around until we had a crew. I used to run across the road to the old station, but the new one is further
away (and uphill), so I have an excuse to drive.
In the 1980s Axe Creek brigade wanted to carry on the truck a portable quickfill pump that could be
set up at a water point to fill several trucks quickly. At the time CFA policy did not allow quickfill pumps on
fire trucks, but the brigade felt so strongly that a group of members--including Kevindrove to Mel-
bourne and had it out with the Chief Officer, who made an exception to the rule.
It wasnt long before the quickfill pump proved its worth at a major fire near Heathcote. After working for
a time on the western flank, Axe Creeks crew, led by Kevin, set up the pump at Mt Ida Creek and filled
about 5 trucks before loading it on again to join a strike team working on the eastern flank near Coster-
field.
That was a big fire! At Costerfield the fire was in the forest, about 100 m from the road. We were told to
go in and fight it, but I insisted that the truck couldnt manoeuvre safely among the trees, so we waited
for the fire to reach the road, and used about half a tank of water to put it out. Other crews, who had
gone into the forest, had a much harder time but achieved no more. I was commended for making a
good call.
Axe Creek has been fortunate in that theres not been a seriously bad fire in our own district, but the bri-
gade has worked at large fires in the region, the most notable being at Redesdale and West Bendigo on
Black Saturday. Kevin was not on the first Axe Creek crew to respond to Redesdale, but his relief crew
was recalled at midnight and told to be ready to go to West Bendigo at 7 am. The devastation in the
streets in town was amazing, with house after house burnt, yet others seemed to be untouched.
On a lighter note, Kevin recalled that he was working one day at a neighbours place when the pager
went off. I downed tools and drove immediately to the station. As we headed to the fire I remembered
that I hadnt closed the gate when I left. Returning at about 11 pm I stopped to close the gate, but the
next morning I discovered that far from keeping out wandering stock Id shut a small mob of sheep in his
garden!
Kevin still carries his pager, and turns out to fires when he can. But as well as the fire brigade, he has been
active in other community organisations, including 32 years on the School Council of Eppalock School,
28 years in Rotary (for which he built a superb barbeque trailer!), and 15 years in the Bendigo Show Soci-
ety. He is currently chair of the board of CEPA.
As we were finishing our conversation the other day he remarked how good it was to see young mem-
bers joining the brigade. We can hope that some of them will contribute as much has he has. Thanks,
Kevin.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 5
DRONES AND FIREFIGHTING
Technological developments often bring both benefit and harm. This is certainly the case with drones.
They have great potential for gathering information about fires that cant be obtained from the ground,
and where aircraft cant go. They have been used to observe fires inside buildings, and in experimental
situations for bushfires. They are likely to become a standard tool for fire management in the future.
HOWEVER the use of drones near fires by members of the public is dangerousand illegal. A small drone
could bring down a helicopter or water bomber flying close to the ground. If a drone is spotted near a
bushfire all air operations must cease immediately, potentially hampering efforts to control the fire.
So PLEASE keep your drone well away from fires, and make sure your friends do the same.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Our stories this time illustrate once again how over the years the community has come to the aid of those
in need.
The Age, Tuesday 1 January 1929
FLOCK OF SHEEP RESCUED
Grazing Property Ablaze
BENDIGO, Monday. Volunteer fire fighters were summoned from Sutton Grange, Sedgwick, Upper Axe
Creek and Emu Creek this afternoon to combat a bush fire which broke out in the grazing property of Mr.
John Wilkinson, adjacent to the Old Ram's Horn Hotel, on the Sedgwick-Sutton Grange road.
Attention was first directed to the saving of a big flock of sheep which were grazing in the track of the
flames. They were hurriedly mustered, and driven into a drafting yard without a single loss.
The fire made rapid progress, but the absence of wind was in favor of the fire fighters. At one point the
fire broke away, and entered a belt of timber, but the arrival of a pump erected on a motor chassis ena-
bled the fighters to hold the outbreak in check. The fire was confined to the one holding, only grass lands
being burned.

The Age, Monday 12 April 1954

New Home for War Veteran
BENDIGO, Sunday. A former prisoner of war, Mr. Eric Jackson, whose five-roomed home at Emu Creek
was destroyed by fire a week ago, will not be without a home for long.
To speed the erection of a new home, more than 50 volunteers combined in clearing the debris caused
by the fire and levelled the area to lay the foundation for another home.
The volunteers worked
from early yesterday morn-
ing until late at night. Farm-
ers travelled for miles to
assist and one man loaned
a bulldozer.
Mr. Jackson spent more
than three years in a Japa-
nese P.O.W. camp. He is
married and has three chil-
dren.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 6
axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 7
 Eppalock Primary School

ELMORE FIELD DAY EXCURSION

The Prep, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 and Grade 4 students along
with staff and several parents had a fantastic day at the Elmore
Field Days. The weather was great however underfoot was very
very muddy due to the rain earlier in the week but even the mud
could not deter the enthusiasm of all involved. There was lots of
goodies gathered and lots of fun had by all. Tractors, motorbikes
and the animals seemed to be the biggest hit with the students.

Students also went to a story-telling sessionQuirky Tales The Gi-

gantic Turnip . Students and some lucky teachers got to help act
out the story. Mr Arrowsmith was very, very luckyhe was chosen to
play the part of The Gigantic Turnip!

INTRODUCING MR JASON ONEILL

Jason has been appointed to the acting principal role of Eppalock

Primary School for the 2017 school year.

Jason comes to Eppalock Primary with a wealth of knowledge and

experience in education as well as great leadership capabilities. He
is an outstanding classroom teacher who leads with great calmness
and poise. He is extremely well organised and will continue to com-
mit to improving the learning opportunities for all students in his care.
Jason will also be firm and consistent with his management of stu-
dent behaviour and will have high expectations of behaviour of eve-
ry student attending EPS

Jasons appointment is for the full 2017 year and we extend a very
warm welcome to him.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 8
CHINESE CULTURAL DAY
Students had the opportunity to enjoy a Chinese Cultural experience at the Bendigo Senior Secondary
College Language Centre recently.

They joined students from Goornong Primary School and participated in a range of engaging activities
which included cooking of spring rolls, the art of paper cutting, using chop sticks and kung fu.

CHINESE IMMERSION PROGRAM

During this term we have welcomed two Chinese students to our school community. Melody and Frank
are part of a 60+ group of students and teachers from Suzhou Industrial Park School who have spent 8
weeks with host families from 17 primary schools across Bendigo.

LIVING GREEN
Eppalock Primary Schools Living Green
initiative is an innovative and hands on
curriculum linked to the sustainability and
science programs. The lessons engage
students in learning about the local and
global environment and how they can
have a positive impact in their own
lives. The students love being engaged
in the hands on opportunities that the
program provides. We are currently in-
vestigating the plight of bees and have
begun building a bee hotel to provide
habitat for native bees in the area.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 9
JUNIOR SCHOOL COUNCIL CRAZY HAIR / ODD SOCK DAY
One of the activities that Junior School Council organised was a CRAZY HAIR / ODD SOCK DAY. Students
and staff were asked to wear crazy hair and odd socks to school and in return donate a gold coin. All
money raised went to Cancer Research. It was a fun day with some very very interesting and brightly col-
oured hair styles as well as lots of odd socks. As part of the day students were involved in some crazy
hair art activities. Hannahs Aunty Em who had shaven her head for Cancer was the model for our crazy
hair styles.

When Friday Mornings 9am - 11.00am

Where Eppalock PS Old School Building.149 Patons Road Axe Creek
(just a few minutes from Strathfieldsaye)

Come along and join other families for a cuppa and chat whilst your pre-school children enjoy lots of fun
activities. Fresh fruit is provided.

Morning Tea & activities provided.

Gold Coin Donation

For further information please

phone (03) 5439 6366
email: eppalock.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
http://www.eppalockps.vic.edu.au
All Welcome

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 10
 Axe Creek Landcare
The Axe Creek Landcare Committee meet at Eppalock Primary School,
in the Community Room (off Patons Road) on the
first Monday of each month (Feb - Nov)
Meetings start at 8.00 pm during daylight saving period
or at 7.30 pm for the rest of the year.
President:
Chris Kirwan Ph: 5439 6494 Mob: 0458 348 448 Email: cwkirwan@bigpond.com
Secretary:
Gillian Wells Ph: 5439 6240 Mob: 0429 396 242 Email: gill@wellsoz.net

Members of the community are always welcome to attend any meeting!

LANDCARE IS 30 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR

In this, the last Newsletter for 2016, I should point out that it is 30 years since the birth of Landcare. It hap-
pened in Victoria. I was surprised when I realised how young Landcare is because 30 years seems such
a short time for the achievement of the respect and reputation for valuable environmental works that
the Landcare movement enjoys.

There was a considerable gestation period, though, marked in the 1970s and early 1980s by a growth in
action by community groups to rescue the environment from the problems that had become appar-
ent. There was a focus on increasing salinity, tree decline, reduction in biodiversity and the degradation
of our rivers in particular.

The very first Landcare group was formed by a group of farmers at Winjallock in north central Victoria.
While many of the early groups had, as their focus, the improvement of farm production by harnessing
the power of cooperation and the sharing of knowledge, the movement has diversified and some of
the most active groups now are lifestyle or hobby farming people. The Axe Creek Landcare groups
members fit this description.

The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Hon Lily DAmbrosio commented in the latest
edition of the Victorian Landcare magazine, I doubt anyone could have predicted the success that
Landcare has achieved in its first 30 years. Thousands of hectares of Victorias landscape have been
protected, restored and enhanced by committed Landcarers working together in their local areas.

Such was the success of Landcare in Victoria that it went National in 1989 and International in 1994, with
the setting up of Landcare in Iceland of all places. New Zealand, South Africa, East Africa, the Philip-
pines, Pacific Islands, Sri Lanka and Indonesia all, now, have Landcare and the Movement continues to
grow.

Poo Pile!
Need manure for your garden? Bags available from out the front of
125 Axe Creek Rd at $2.00 each or phone
54393144 for a trailer load at $10-$15.00 per load.
All proceeds to Riding for the Disabled Association.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 11
AUDREY DRECHSLER LANDCARE PIONEER
This year the Axe Creek Landcare group recognised Audreys great contribution to Landcare by making
her a Life Member.

Audrey is one of the few individuals who were actually involved in the initial discussions that led to the
establishment of Landcare and who have remained involved from the very first meeting, a couple of
hundred kilometres east of Bendigo 30 years ago, until the present.

After growing up in the lush, beautiful Yarra Valley around Warrandyte, Audrey thought the countryside
around Sedgwick dry and barren when she arrived there as Bill Drechslers wife. She thought more should
be done to look after the waterways and improve the land. Daughter of a baker (and still the owner of
the family bakery in Warrandyte) she entered into farming life with the enthusiasm that characterises all
her many and varied undertakings.
The Sedgwick-North Harcourt Landcare group was the first Audrey took the lead in establishing. Initially
the group undertook weed control, grass trials, tree plantings and created a path along Emu Creek. She
believes that sharing knowledge and ideas and strengthening community bonds are the greatest bene-
fits that Landcare offers.
Later, in the 1990s, Audrey, keen for more sharing and community cooperation, called the public meet-
ing at the Eppalock Primary School which decided to start the Axe Creek Landcare group. We were in
existence!
Speaking of herself as a primary school student, Audrey described herself as the wildest kid in the
school, but she was made class captain and later a prefect. Maybe for wild we should read
energetic.
Now an octogenarian, Audrey continues to be energetic. Keen on travel, she says that someone merely
has to suggest a trip somewhere and she is ready to leave instantly.
I asked for her recipe for success in Landcare. Her priority is for practical action rather than meetings. For
meetings she advised make them interesting, dont let them go on too long and make a decent sup-
per. Were trying to do just that Audrey! And thank you for your help and inspiration!

Advertising
Opportunity!

Your Advert could be here!

Contact us via
axecreeknews@gmail.com
for more details.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 12
 THE LANDCARE WORKING BEE AND PICNIC

The venue was Stony Crossing, one of the Axe Creek Landcare groups favourite places. Over the
years we have done quite a bit of work in this conservation reserve which is under the aegis of Parks
Victoria. They are kind enough to support us in what we do and to respond to requests for help from
time to time (for example to spray the gorse that we are gradually getting on top of).

This days working bee was to put back up some wild-life boxes that had been taken down and re-
paired by group members and to erect some new ones provided by Parks Victoria. A member had
noted that a pardalote box needed a new roof. He set off towards its tree with a ladder and a friend
to collect it but that plan changed when he discovered a nesting pardalote that apparently cared
little about the broken roof.

Back near the Reserve entrance, the

members who were setting up the picnic
were growing impatient, especially David
who hadnt had breakfast. The last group
were taking an inordinate time to get
their boxes up. (Someone had drilled a
hole the wrong way so the box wouldnt
sit on its nail. It took him no time at all to re
-drill the hole but it took a long time to
walk back to the ute to collect the drill. Of
course it had to be the box that was fur-
thest out.)

With the cold chicken and salads all set

out, we urged David to start eating but If you look closely you can see the posts and wire-netting
that keep out pest animals.
he is a gentleman so he and we all
waited for the last team to come in before regaling ourselves with Good Food and Drink and cheerful
conversation.

Incidentally, if you have never been to Stony Crossing, do have a walk there! The entrance is down a
rutted dirt track, just about opposite Steens Road which runs off Axe Creek Road. Axe Creek itself runs
through the Reserve. Because of the recent rain it still has water in it but can be crossed in many plac-
es now.

In the Reserve there is a walking route marked with posts. You will be able to see some of the fenced
exclusion plots where some of our older plantings are thriving, safe from the depredations of kanga-
roos and rabbits.

What you wont see much of is

gorse. It used to be dense and high.
We are still working on the problem,
and on the thistles, and you will see
there is a lot more work to be done.

Do pay attention to the birds! There

are quite a few native species. On
our annual bird counts we have nev-
er seen any introduced species at
Stony Crossing.

Lazily chatting after the work is finished.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 13
 Axe Creek Cricket Club
Axe Creek Cricket club have started the 2016/17 season well with the first XI sitting in fourth place of
division 2 Emu Valley Cricket Association. The highlight so far was an exciting 1 run win against United
CC at Ewing Park. Other notable achievements were Brad Warners first century for Axe Creek (135)
and Daniel Dixon and new recruit John Gourley both taking five wicket hauls.
The Second XI are without a win for the season but have shown some very encouraging performances
from the younger players.

The All Abilities team have started their season in the Melbourne All Abilities cricket season and are cur-
rently in fourth place after defeating Ascot Vale St Johns at Club Court Strathfieldsaye. The second XI
are sitting on second place. Both sides have an away game next round down at Moorabbin.
The club was sadden by the loss of one of our brightest and most loved characters, Joey Walsh who
passed away on the 10 November. Joey will be missed very much by his teammates and we send our
most sincere condolences to Joeys mother Kaye and the family. Over 30 people from the club at-
tended the funeral service and formed a guard of honour.
Wonderful news for our all Abilities first XI captain Zach Taig
and our own Ben Kenyon. They were both selected to play
for the Victorian Vikings in this years Australian all Abilities
national carnival. Good luck guys and wear the Big V with
pride.

On the social side we have had some fun nights

with a Trivia Night, Music Night, Poker night, Pink
Ball test r Thursday night BBQs

Players and supporters are still desperately needed for this season. Whether you play just one game, a
few games or the whole season, you are more than welcome to play. Please contact James OBryen
on 040 840 5640.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 14
 Church News
How would you know when you have been a success?

People judge the idea of success in different ways. I once shared a house with a young man who de-
clared he who dies with the most toys wins, and who worked and played very hard to make sure he was
that man.

For others, just getting through another day of physical pain or mental anguish is a success, let alone think-
ing about the next week, month or year.

On reality TV shows, expert judges declare what successfully meets the required standards, and what does
not. On the occasions I have watched the judging (or judgment?) of the contestants work, I have
thought that it seemed more to be in the eye of the beholder, rather than in the actual object (dish, reno-
vation) in front of them. There are times that make good television when the judges argue between them-
selves over their judgments.

What is the required standard of success in this life anyway? Who decides?

As a Christian, I understand that God is the Creator of life, and therefore uniquely qualified to provide a
standard of what living a successful life looks like. And His standard of success has nothing to do with mon-
ey or toys, Facebook likes or community influence or who got the best Christmas presents.

Jesus told His followers that God has two great commandments, which summarised all of the teaching of
the Old Testament of the Bible. These two standards of success are: (1) Love the Lord your God with all
your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind, and all your strength. (2) Love your neighbour as yourself.
The rest of the New Testament (Gods promises in Jesus Christ) explores stories and teaching of what these
two standards look like in real life.

As God is the expert judge, this is the required standard we all will be judged on when this earthly life has
been completed. And God doesnt leave it at that He wants us so much to be able to achieve 100%,
that Jesus Himself took the penalty for failure on the cross for all who turn to Him in faith. And even more
God promised His Holy Spirit to help and guide us in faith to excel at these two standards.

We are all unworthy judges of ourselves and each other. Why? Because we cannot see the heart and soul
of one-another. But God our Creator and lover can including all the ugly stuff. But He has dealt with that
on the cross of Jesus, and instead desires to write 10/10 on every one of our cards or blackboards.

Let the God who made you and knows you fully redeem you in Christ Jesus, and may you hear Him de-
clare You are ten out of ten to me you are perfect.

Your local Rev,

Steve Weickhardt.

The Strathfieldsaye Community Church has a hall available for hire for small to
medium size groups with heating, kitchen facilities and toilets all under the same roof,
and plenty of parking.
Contact details are on the sign on the front of our Church at 920 Wellington Street,
Strathfieldsaye. Please note that no alcohol is permitted.

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 Community News

email us at axecreeknews@gmail.com

Community Gamelan group

Mugi Rahayu is your local gamelan (Javanese music and dance) group. We are from
Eppalock and we practice weekly and perform at various cultural events and fund-
raisers around the district. No experience required and its free.
New members Welcome
Practice every Saturday 2:00 pm at 101 Carneys Rd, Eppalock.
Contact Nita or Aaron phone: 54392678
email: aaronita94@gmail.com

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 Kids Corner
A Wee Christmas Tree
Cut five 18 x 24-inch triangles from cardboard.
Score the center of each triangle to make it easier to
bend.
Fold each triangle in half and glue together.
Use clothespins to keep the pieces together.
Paint the tree white.
Roll corrugated paper around a cardboard tube to
make the tree base.
Cut a star from felt.
Add a wire to the bottom of the star to attach to the
tree.
String O'Dots
Cut two yards of string.
Every few inches, place a sticker on the string and then
press another sticker back to back.
String around the tree.
Fa-la-la-felt Skirt
Trim the edges of a two by two-foot piece of felt to make
a circle.
Glue rickrack to outer edge of the circle.
Decorate with felt circles.
Place under mini-tree.
Via parenting.com

Christmas Wreath Cookies

This recipe is via Taste.com

250g butter, softened

2/3 cup pure icing sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup custard powder
Christmas sprinkles, to decorate
Lemon glaze
1 cup pure icing sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Step 1
Preheat oven to 160C/140C fan-forced. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Using an electric mix-
er, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Sift flour and custard powder over butter mixture.
Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Step 2
Spoon one-quarter dough into a piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm fluted nozzle. Pipe 6cm circles, 3cm
apart, on prepared trays. Repeat with remaining dough to make a total 20 wreaths. Bake for 14 to 16
minutes, swapping trays halfway, or until golden. Cool on trays for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to
cool completely.

Step 3
Make glaze Combine icing sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Place wire rack with biscuits over a bak-
ing tray. Drizzle with glaze. Top with sprinkes. Set aside to set.

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axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 53 18