AS THE new chairperson of the board of governance of Belgrave South Community House and member for six years, I dispute the claim made by a resident in a Lyster candidate’s brochure that she is responsible for the “rebuilding” of the community house.
Belgrave South Community House has operated continuously since 1983, and we have seen the most growth and many changes in the last few years.
In the five years since Lyn Young has been the manager the following changes have occurred:
Childcare has been increased from three to five days per week and from 1420 places per session – a 42% increase. Facilities have also been greatly improved.
It has taken over management of Belgrave South Community Hall (formerly Youth Club Hall) on behalf of council and subsequent upgrade and improvements include verandah with disability access, new kitchen, new carpet, computer room with 10 computers, new disabled toilet and storeroom, new roof and one new wall. The hall is now available for the community to hire. It is also used to run numerous classes.
Gained funding from Melbourne Water and Shire of Yarra Ranges to support the volunteers working in Belgrave South Reserve, conducting frog information days for local families and Belgrave South Primary School students.
Obtained funding from Shire of Yarra Ranges and Adult, Community and Further Education to develop a New Residents Kit for Belgrave South with contributions from local community groups, businesses and council information.
Gross income has increased by almost 80 per cent in the last year alone without any increase to recurrent funding indicating greater turnover, and more services provided to the community.
Heather Zethof
Belgrave Heights
THE article and graphic photo of the mauled Capi the goat of Monbulk (Mail, 1 November) highlights concerns about dogs left to their own devices, unconstrained either day or night.
Having grown up on a farm, I have observed that dogs left that way are therefore able to follow their natural instincts to hunt.
The domestic dog descended long ago from the wild, became man’s companion for both the fireside, security and the hunt.
When the owner comes home of an evening, and sees the socalled warm, lean, loving friend sitting on the deck, it’s comforting, a welcome! However, the reality is that through networking often dogs meet to play, stray and hunt.
The small ones begin the aggravation amongst their victims, and the bigger ones come in for the kill.
This may sound a bit too dramatic, but think of Capi and many like him who others have known murdered by a pack of dogs.
I’m not saying that dogs are dangerous. I am however asking dog owners to be aware and responsible!
Ralph Wilson
Belgrave Heights
DON’T be fooled by a Legge spin.
It’s obvious there is massive dissatisfaction with Cr Graeme Legge’s happygolucky performance when six opponents each believe he has to be replaced at their own cost.
Maybe they know that little has happened in Emerald that Cr Legge can claim personal credit for. Perhaps his best claim would be that little has happened in Emerald while he has been our councillor.
Fancy taking credit for road schemes paid for by ratepayers. His comments on Pepi’s paddock are misleading. Despite village committees and residents meetings against any sale, Cr Legge (not his fictitious Mr and Ms Negative) voted to sell off the prime area of our precious heritage.
The footpath on Heroes Avenue was achieved by local residents to safeguard school children with minimum support from Cr Legge. Yes, Cr Legge certainly listens as he claims sadly for the residents and ratepayers of Emerald to the tunes played by the Pakenham marching band. To move forward, Ranges Ward has to give Cr Legge the boot.
Mike Shaw
Emerald
I WOULD like to thank residents of the area for all their support of Fernlea House over the last few years.
Fernlea is a notforprofit community organisation, which grew out of community concern that no hospice existed for people with lifethreatening illness. After much work we can finally start to address this need.
The day hospice in Emerald is now operational and is run by nurse manager Helen Pike and her team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Funding has been achieved through the Federal Department of Health and Ageing and the Upwey and District Community Bank.
Local people have been fantastic with their contributions of goods, labour, donations and support. We remain committed to eventually providing 24hour residential care, which is much needed.
The official opening is on Thursday 17 November at 11am and La Trobe MP Jason Wood will officiate. Everyone is welcome to attend this celebration of what a local community can do.
Fernlea House is at 149 EmeraldMonbulk Road, phone 5968 3895.
Jan Lancaster
President
Fernlea House.
