LEST WE FORGET FREE. ISSUE 91 APRIL 2017 The Tattler. Follow Us on our NEW Facebook page - 1

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1 ISSUE 91 APRIL 2017 The Tattler Port Albert s Local Monthly Newsletter FREE Tarra Festival Committee Meeting 4th PA CFA Meeting Rooms Tourism Sub-committe meeting 11th 6pmPA CFA Meeting Rooms Progress Association Meeting 11th 7pm PA CFA Meeting Rooms St Johns services will be held Easter Saturday the 15th 8pm LEST WE FORGET Dawn on the Port Albert foreshore is a beautiful and moving place to commemorate ANZAC Day. Please join us on Tuesday 25th April 2017 for our ANZAC Dawn Service in Memorial Park, Tarraville Road Port Albert. Time: 5.45 for a 6.00 commencement The commemorative flag raising will be conducted by the 424 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets. Reverend Jo White, St John's Anglican Church will read the opening prayer. Saul is not available this year so we will have a visiting bugler, David Farrands. The Port Albert Coast Guard will provide some warmth with their very welcome fire drums and the Australian and New Zealand national anthems will be sung by the Yarram Secondary Singers. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided by the Port Albert Café and Wine Bar, Tumaini for Africa, Customs House Inn, Wild Fish and Port Albert Fish & Chips, following the dawn service. Tables and chairs will be provided by the Port Albert Mechanic's Hall and the Port Albert Maritime Museum. If you would like to lay a wreath in the ceremony, please let Lynda at portalbertprogress@gmail.com know so she can prepare the announcements. The Port Albert community welcomes you in commemorating ANZAC Day 2017 with us. Follow Us on our NEW Facebook page Easter Market Sunday 15th 9am Mechanics Hall Easter Sunday in Port Albert 16th 10.30am Rutter Park ANZAC Dawn Service PA 25th 5.45am Memorial Park Port Albert (please arrive on time) thetattlerportalbert@gmail.com All works in The Port Albert Tattler remains a copywriter of the writers and writers accept all responsibility for the published work on submission. the views of the writer may not represent the views of the progress. All care is taken to ensure that information provided is correct. if we are notified of any error a correction will be issued in the next Tattler.

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3 There is a whole lot of activities going in Port Albert this year for Easter. Below is a timeline and list of the activities GOOD FRIDAY 7PM Mechanics Hall Port Albert FRIDAY pm Movie Night Port Albert Hall - showing Grease SATURDAY - Parade and other events in Yarram SUNDAY am Easter Sunday Market at the Port Albert Mechanics Hall - Including Fresh Produce, Crafts, Trash and Treasure and other amazing stalls. 10am - 4pm Maritime Museum Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt, Family Fun Games & Indigenous Art Exhibition, which will also be held at Port Albert Yacht Club am Convoy leaves from Yarram Memorial Park to Rutter Park, including Good Times Car Club, Motor Cycles, Horses and Buses to bring along those who need a lift, for a gold coin donation Rutter Park easter celebrations include - Good Times Car Club Car Meet, two performances of Ruby & Dr Jazz (Harlem Jazz), a big yellow tent from The Dreaming Space, full of circus acts and equipment the kids can learn to use. There will be free Henna tattoos magic shows, circus skills, cultural story telling for the little kids, enough bubbles to fill the park AND lessons in how to blow those monster bubbles plus. There will also be a large range of International Food Stalls and Trucks.The Day will also include Free henna tattoos and balloons, and a Monster easter egg hunt at 3pm. The entertainment runs until around 3pm with buses running backwards and forwards to Yarram over the day. We will also have a bus picking people up from Foster & Toora as well as other tourist locations around the area. AS PART OF THE TARRA FESTIVITIES IN PORT ALBERT, THERE WILL BE A MOVIE NIGHT HELD 7PM GOOD FRIDAY (21ST) AT THE PORT ALBERT MECHANICS HALL FOR $5 PER PERSON. THERE WILL ALSO BE POPCORN AND SLUSHIES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. DON'T MISS OUT ON A GREAT NIGH!! 3

4 Port Albert Toilet Block - I recently received the councils press release regarding the current situation with the loss of toilets at Stockyard Point. I was quite surprised by the outcome considering the last news that I herd was that a sub committee had been put together to try and find an alternative solution to the problem, including pushing for additional toilets in this location, considering the (new) toilets that they mention adding since, where put in a park that is only used approximately twice to three times a year not at all as much as stockyard point which is busy any day with a little sun and every weekend. I was also surprised when I watched the streaming of that specific Council Meeting, that the only option that was discussed was the reopening of the previous toilets which does not work, instead of bringing up what the subcommittee had been working on and even discussing the alternative of a new facility which was stated as not needed in a rapport completed by the wellington shire officers (in sale) who I am sure believes that the 4.3 mil new sale hub and Port or the 500,000 new outdoor pool upgrade are all money well spent. Additional toilet block s at stockyard point could cost as little as $130,000 which was formulated by the toilet sub committee including Warren Curry, Lynda Patterson and Chris Cato. Why was this not brought up also at the meeting. The council have not provided any additional services to us, other than removing services we previously had (caravan park with toilet block and original toilets at stockyard point) and then replacing them with inferior facilities (Rutter park and its toilet's and public toilets attached to Wild Fish) Since the toilets where built at the water tower when I was a kid; I would say a good 20 years ago, Port Albert has always had three Public restrooms. Now you may say why on earth where the original public toilets down there moved and then placed onto The Wild Fish (a fine dinning restaurant), well the original plans put forward to the town had the restaurant on a second level and the toilets seperate, instead however the Shire altered plans and cut corners by having the Public Toilets shared. You can view the full council meeting regarding this issue and other meetings online at the below link. Live-Council-Meetings - meeting was 21st of March and this agenda was within the first 5 minutes. Councils Media Release: Closure of public amenities at the Wildfish Restaurant, Port Albert Wellington Shire Councillors have considered a petition from Port Albert residents in relation to the closure last June of the public amenities at the Wildfish Restaurant, Stockyard Point in Port Albert. The petition raised concerns about the distance to the nearest toilet now that the Wildfish toilets are closed. Council closed the toilet after a review of service levels and complaints from the operator that the public were abusing the facility which was negatively impacting on his business. Council has also constructed an additional public toilet in Rutter Park since the original construction of the Wildfish toilets. At its Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 March, Wellington Shire Council decided to contact the lessee of the Wildfish Restaurant in Port Albert negotiate reopening of the Wildfish toilets to the public. Although evidence provided to Council confirmed that the current provision of toilet facilities in Port Albert is adequate, Councillor Gayle Maher said that these public amenities were seen by people with a disability, medical condition or young children as essential to the area as they are in a popular area of town for visitors. Council will install new wayfinding signage in Port Albert to provide information on the existing public toilets available in the town. Have your say thetattlerportalbert@gmail.com Port Albert Waterview Retreat Family Friendly Holiday Home 20 Wellington St, Port Albert PH Now from my experience people don't treat public toilets with the same respect as a fine dinning establishments restrooms, I have seen those toilets during summer and I can tell you they are more befit a Sydney Rd Dive pub than a seafood restaurant in Port Albert? 4

5 Progress Monthly Update Drainage Project Progress have been in contact with WSC for an update on the community meeting they intend to convene to discuss the upgrade of Port Albert s drainage and storm water management system. The community meeting will be arranged to discuss a Special Charge Scheme which will be essential to any prospect of an upgrade to our drainage systems. WSC have previously advised PAPA that any upgrades or expansion of existing drainage / flood protection infrastructure requires longer term planning and would require high level support and financial contribution from property owners who derive a benefit from the upgrade. WSC have advised they will begin community discussions within the next few months. Town Entrance Beautification We have been advised that work will begin shortly to weed and prepare the town entrance, on both the East and West side of Tarraville Road in preparation for replanting in May this year. The melaleuca screen on the western side of the road will look a bit thinner initially but will be infill planted with more than 100 new melaleuca trees to fill the gaps left by removal of the weeds. Council have ordered 15 ficifolia for the Eastern side, there may not be room for all 15 but as many as can sensibly fit will be planted. Its time for more ideas for the extension of the streetscaping to the full length of the Tarraville Road. A recent suggestion is to plant our grove of trees down the centre of the road. That certainly answers the issues caused by poor drain and crossover engineering. Let us know what you think and keep sharing your ideas with us. Stockyard Point Public Toilets Progress applauds councillors support of the Port Albert community in the decision on March 21st to re establish a third set of public toilet facilities at Stockyard Point. Extract of PAPA General meeting minutes 14 th March 2017 Business arising from previous minutes: ANZAC Day: Saul unavailable this year to coordinate. Volunteers were called for. Spencer & Lynda will do the coordinating. Saul to send Lynda his checklist. Contact John Robinson re the PA system Contact Warren Curry re MC, Terry confirmed the Coast Guard fire drums, Lynda to write a letter of confirmation for the booking of the Cadets. Saul has booked the choirs, Michael will confirm breakfast arrangements this week. Cherie offered to donate bottled water for the cadets and choirs Combined Fund Raising Activity: Lynda to arrange meeting with Kerrie in April to discuss. Warren informed the meeting that he had spoken with Gayle Maher about his concerns for the relationship between PAPA and the Hall committee, reiterating how well historically, both organisations had worked together. Gayle informed him that the hall committee were faced with some significant maintenance costs for the hall. The meeting discussed the idea of organising a combined fund raising activity. Lynda to have this on the next agenda for follow up early in Old Port Foreshore RD Port Albert Hooked Inn Cottages A n d w i l d f l o w e r f a r m luxury cottage accommodation on a quiet wildflower farm only 700m from the beach For Bookings call Or go to 5

6 Tennis Courts: Waiting to receive updated quotes. Photo of the McLaughlin s Beach project was circulated. Terry questioned whether the courts would be used. Masami and Michael pointed out the growing number of children in town and catching the school bus and expressed their view that they will be used. Building Better Regions Grants facility: This funding scheme has been designed to support proper planning for growth and sustainability for regional towns. PAPA continues to argue for proper planning with WSC and have once again asked them to work with the Port Albert community to develop a foreshore plan under this funding scheme which is available during the next four years. This is the perfect scheme to be utilised to bring planning for Port Albert up to date. But our shire and our representative councillors have to support that goal. The meeting clarified for those present that PAPA is not against having $1,000,000 spent in Port Albert. Our mandate is to address the community needs expressed in the June 2016 Community Plan survey. Copies of the survey results were distributed to all in attendance. To achieve success for the community, measured against those survey results, we need WSC to agree to proper town and foreshore planning. The history of the Port Albert community s bid for this planning was outlined. Community Plan Drainage discussion paper: Lynda has written to WSC asking for an update on this project. No answer was available at the meeting. However subsequent advice is that WSc are intending to initiate community discussions sometime in the next few months. Stockyard Point Toilets subcommittee: The PAPA subcommittee have written to all WSC councillors and advised we believed the creation of standalone facilities at Stockyard Point. A concept plan will be submitted with costings and sketched plans before the 21 st March council meeting. Boat ramp extension: Refer President s report and reference documents which Homewares l Gifts l Arts & Crafts Robert Gordon Pottery Myrtle & Moss Polka Luka Zin & Bert And many More 69 Tarraville Rd, Port Albert The best place to find truly unique gifts by Australian and Gippsland Locals Ph Ph Open Sat and Sun 10am 3pm or by appointment will be provided President s Report - Saul Stainer Saul received a written response from Carolyn Crossley to his submission to the council meeting of 7 th March. Copies of Saul s submission are available on request. Frustratingly the response was a fob off and we remain no closer to planning for RV/caravans, boating or foreshore planning. Discussion clarified that PAPA is not against having $1,000,000 spent in Port Albert. Our mandate/purpose is to address the community needs expressed in the June 2016 Community Plan survey. Copies of the survey results were distributed. The history of the Port Albert community s bid for consultation and planning was outlined. To achieve success for the community, measured against those survey results, we need WSC to agree to proper consultation and proper town and foreshore planning. Our coastal ward elected representatives are depended on to represent our community needs. Tourism Sub-committee: Michael provided some background history on past efforts to establish and maintain a group of people willing to be part of a sub-committee with a focus on tourism, the PATT for example. Historically there have been too many groups for such a small a town with too few people to support them. A sub-committee as part of the incorporation of PAPA has the best chance to succeed. Ulla remarked that the Tarra Festival funding included a requirement to seed fund a new group in Port Albert. PAPA will need to clarify that with WSC. The meeting agreed to convene the Tourism Sub-committee for its first meeting on April 11 th at 6pm at the Port Albert CFA rooms. The meeting is open to all businesses in Port Albert and community members interested in supporting PAPA and the sub-committee. Brian, Cherie, Shane and Kerrie nominated themselves to attend. The sub-committee will need to elect a chairman. This is not the full meeting minutes. I as the editor of the Tatter have only included current activity. if you would like to read the full meeting minutes please portalbertprogress@gmail.com THE SHACK H O L I D A Y A C C O M O D A T I O N PORT ALBERT SANDY & SAUL

7 Sunset Soiree Success! The Reverent Joe White and the friends of St John's Church, Port Albert presented a sunset Soiree on Saturday 18 March. What a delightful late afternoon of entertainment was provided. The weather smiled on the large number in attendance. We started with a delightful afternoon tea, glasses of champagne and plenty of delicious sandwiches, held in the delightful gardens of St John's Church. After about an hour or so enjoying ourselves in the sun and catching up with people. We retired into the church to attend the afternoon concert. We were in for a wonderful surprise. presentation we heard was absolutely excellent, again today, their music was brought to life. The church was packed and we all sat enthralled at the excellent renditions presented to us. At the end a standing ovation for the wonderful music presented to us by this talented trio. An afternoon to remember, we trust it will not be too long before a similar afternoon's presentation can be repeated. All those that missed out this this time, I can only say, you missed out on one of the most pleasurable afternoons held in Port Albert. Graeme Island The presentation was by an Affinity String trio, young people link by their music. Nicholas Waters, Mee Na Lojewski, and William Clark. They played the Beethoven Piano Trio in D Major 'Ghost'. Bach Goldberg variations arranged by Sitkovetsky and Dohnanyi s Serenade. The presentation of this wonderful music, written by the German composers that were imprisoned in the German concentration camp Auschwitz. And later died there. But their music lives on to this day. And I can only say the Nooramunga Sailing Tours W Y N N E A N D C A R O L H O B S O N Ph For amazing sailing experiences to suit all budgets 7 wynnecarol@bigpond.com u SUICIDE FOR SANDFLY S Repels Sandfly s & Sketers Takes the Sting out of bites IT REALLY WORKS! $14.95 for 187.5ml irelex@iinet.net.au AVAILBLE FROM Port Albert General Store & Wharf Fish & Chips

8 Anglican Church services over Easter - Rev Jo White 13 th April - Maundy Thursday pm a commemoration of Jesus washing the disciple s feet, fellowship meal and Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Hall, Yarram 14 th April - Good Friday am Combined Churches Ecumenical Service at Christ Church, Tarraville followed by morning tea at The Historic Tarraville School House 15 th April - Holy Saturday pm Lighting of the New Fire and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at St John s, Port Albert 16th April - Easter Sunday am St John s, Port Albert Holy Communion & Renewal of Baptismal Vows10.30am Holy Trinity, Yarram Holy Communion, Baptism of Carlene Peirce and Renewal of Baptismal Vows Statewide forum Phillip Island April 29/30 Planning for the 2017 Coastcare forum at Phillip Island is well underway. Remember to book on e/coastcare-volunteer-forum tickets During the forum, there will be an opportunity for groups to present their successes or challenges - so if you are interested in a time slot, please let us know. We are also be looking at holding a range of workshops for attendees, on topics such as citizen science, coastal geomorphology, using social media and developing leadership skills. Accommodation: Phillip Island Nature Park has kindly offered use of the volunteer house near the Penguin Parade at no cost. There are 30 beds available in bunk style accommodation in the Volunteer house and this will be available on a 'first come first served' basis - so if you would like free share accommodation for the weekend, then please book your spot through Evelyn via evelyn.nicholson@delwp.vic.gov.au ACCOMMODATION Fully self contained units Waterfront Position Pet Friendly RODONDO A C C O M M O D A T I O N Harbour View Suits - Traditional B&B - Cottages & Cabins Enquiries & Bookings PH P H com.au 8

9 THE GREAT DIVIDE? Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. Henry Ford I know that I am not alone at sensing this growing divide within our community and considering how small our community it is, its seems like such a waste of energy that could be better used working together to improve our beautiful little town. I know that everyone loves this place, otherwise we wouldn t get so passionate about it. But when our passion for this place finds us instead having infighting; well guess what, we are starting to be detrimental to this town we say we love. I m sure that there is a place that this divide started and I m sure everyone s opinion of it is probably like looking through a kaleidoscope, but honestly as a community member, I don t really care, I expect that the people representing me, representing our community and representing Port Albert would put the town first and not their personal issues with one another. And guess what, if your opinion of how this town can be better supported, lead, represented doesn t match what is currently happening, well don t bitch about it, stand up and put your name too it, have some guts to be the people out there working for the town. And if those people/groups don t agree with each other, well then get together and work it out, because guess what, that s what being an adult is. Port Albert Progress Mother s Day Raffle We are putting this year s Mother s Day raffle together, tickets should be available for sale from April 8 th. Again, our local businesses and community members have been fantastically generous with donations toward the raffle. So far we have a gift pack from Tumaini for Africa valued at $60, a half hour massage donated by Serenity for the Soul valued at $45, an antique print from Maritime, Art and Antiques valued at $150, from Southern Exposure Port Albert a Mothers Days Gift Pack valued at $150, a beautiful string of pearls valued at $350 from Angler s Arms Cottages, Old Palmerston Honey and a bottle of Narkoojee Sparkling Harriett valued at $35. Keep a look out for the poster. If you would like to make a donation to the raffle prize please contact Lynda at portalbertprogress@gmail.com. Funds raised will go toward the project to resurface the Port Albert tennis SOUTHERN EXPOSURE PORT ALBERT I ve found that Port Albert recently has more resembled a high school, school yard than a community and that truly saddens me. If we are trying to fight the shire to take notice, to listen to what we deserve for all the rates that we pay, we ll hey you know what, their winning, because I right now we sound like a room full of people all taking at the same time about different things. Imagine what it would be like if we were room full of people, all chanting the same thing. I put forward to all our community leaders, our community groups and the general community to step up to the plate and sort it out, because honestly your all better than that.. And if you choose to scoff at this then do, because I happily put my name to this, in the name of finding some bloody unity in this town that I love! We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Martin Luther King, Jr. I look forward to hearing from anyone one about this, I cant be alone in wanting to address this not behind closed doors. This message is approved by ALEXIS CURRY for the Port Albert Tattler, Port Albert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9

10 GIPPSLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY FORUM Series 1 Tuesday 4 April at Traralgon Vineyard Hosted in partnership with Latrobe City Council, Wellington Shire Council, the Latrobe City Business Tourism Association and Wellington Regional Tourism this is the first in the Series of four to be held throughout 2017 in Gippsland. The day has been divided into two sessions. Morning and afternoon which includes two networking opportunities over lunch and at the end of the day. The morning session invites leaders across the Gippsland Tourism Industry who represent a wide range of groups including National, State and Local Government, Regional Tourism Associations and Local Tourism Associations. The afternoon session will provide all attendees the opportunity to hear from Keynote speaker Robynne Berg, followed by a number of workshops to assist with business and professional development within the Industry. REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE AFTERNOON SESSION Visit Port Albert For mid month progress updates and to find out what s happening in Port Albert, like our new page Faecbook.com/visitportalbert The Port Albert Maritime Museum Open Daily September to May 10.30am pm Weekends and School Holidays During June - August A vivid insights into the early history of Port Albert as the gateway to Gippsland and its colourful maritime history. APO l Takeaway Food l General Supplies l News Agent 72 Turbull Street, Alberton Phone:(03)

11 Koori Art Exhibition The Port Albert Hall committee is proud to host a display of Koori Art in our small hall on Easter Sunday. The display will be open from 9am to 3 pm and will cost a gold coin donation. The art is of vibrant colours and is mainly one man s collection, we also will be displaying a sample of a local s artist Ross Smith art, his paintings can be purchased at the exhibition. GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL WITH JAN the man BLUES FRANK & JANE SAVAGE + SPECIAL GUESTS 11am -7pm 7 days 2 P M t o 5 P M Everyone's favourite fish & chips on the Port Albert 40 Wharf St, Port Albert PH Open from 11am 7 Days Large Selection of Beers Extensive Wine List Eat In or Takeaway Courtesy Car 39 Wharf St, Port Albert PH

12 Jennifer Nickell-Davies Dip.Rem.Massage Deep Tissue Sports Injury Relaxation Ph AAMT Member/Health Rebates PORT ALBERT YACHT CLUB SAILING EVERY SUNDAY 10AM OCT MAY Contact