BRIDGE 71 Feb March 2022-compressed.pdf -

Please enable JavaScript to view the full PDF

THE BRIDGE Bi-monthly community magazine for Balnarring, Bittern, Crib Point, Flinders, French Island, Main Ridge, Merricks, Pt. Leo, Red Hill, Shoreham, Somers and Tuerong Issue 71 February March 2022 www.bridgemag.com.au Photo by Jai Seales Some of you will have spotted The Sybil Disobedients, who are part of our local Extinction Rebellion (XR) Group, performing at the Balnarring shops a few months ago to mark COP21. See inside for more photos and a great article about this group of proactive locals. Photo by Talei Kenyon. Made possible by... Heartfelt Thanks to the Bridge’s wonderful co-GOLD SPONSORS!! Hello Everyone! This morning I overheard a man talking with others while awaiting delivery of their coffees outside a local café. He was describing how important his little dog has been for him through these Covid years, and that without his little mate, he would most certainly have been one of the numbers of those who had died during these extreme, previously unimaginable times – ‘I would have become a statistic,’ he said. Like many, these last couple of years have made me become more aware of when I feel my happiness and peace – like that man, just being with my little mate; also, time with friends, gardening, walking on the beach, writing and reading, feeling a belonging, or connection, to this whole world really, which has been interesting as I’ve never before felt I belonged anywhere in the world! But a crisis will focus us on where/how we feel safe/sustained – alone or in company, or both. And to get clear about what we need to give our energy to in order to enhance our wellbeing is to become a conscious being on this planet. Something I’ve been able to increase in my life over Covid is time spent in meditation. When I was growing up, my dad was a bit of a yachtie. Yes, he had a boat (sorry! Yacht!) moored at a yacht club, but he also had a wall of books about yachties, their travels and their experiences. I recall reading in those hardbacks, usually with mountainous seas in full colour on the dust jackets, about the feeling experienced in isolation and solitude on the high seas – that of a presence of ‘something bigger, loving, protective’. I too have had that experience in meditation, with not a wave in sight! I’ve been taking more time to be alone, silent, inward focussed and listening for whatever may emerge. It is one of those wellbeing pieces in the ‘me’ jigsaw that has become a keystone in life. I thank Covid for this. So many silver linings have emerged, thanks to Covid. Take good care of yourselves, everyone! And please do read Brian’s gorgeous story, The Box, on pages 64-67! Love to you all, from us both, Jen and Ali xx info@bridgemag.com.au ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Bridge volunteers: We would like to acknowledge the traditional Editorial & layout team: owners of this land, the Boon Wurrung and Jen Atherton, Ali Hoelzer Bunurong language groups of the Kulin Nation. We would like to pay our respects to their Website: John Ashton (Ikoniq) elders, past, present and future. Accounts: Lesley McMillan Subscriptions: Robyn Agg Distribution team: CONTENTS Robyn Agg, Thomas Hoelzer, Birthdays/Angel Card 3 Chris Newell, Celia Sexton, How to Contribute last page Faye Poll, Jimmy @Balnarring Post Office, Ed & Meg Pawlik, The Bridge Magazine Jen Atherton www.bridgemag.com.au Email: info@bridgemag.com.au Content: Address: PO Box 248 Balnarring VIC 3926 Our wonderful community! You! Birthdays February March 4th Jason 3rd Ronnie Little 6th Matt Wood 5th Adam Harris 9th Jasmine Wigley 7th Audrey Russo 11th Terry Mulcahy 7th Hope Ryan 12th Christian O’Toole 8th Harry Mussel 13th Bec Davis 14th Crystal Fieldhouse 13th We remember 17th Paul Olson Jane Featherston 19th Danni Josephine 18 Deirdre McLean th 21st Frank De Backer 19th Jo Treweek 22nd Steve Haylock 20th Daryl Gordon 25th Jeff Fortuyn 25th Suzi Callender 27th Sophie Douglas 26th Neil Adams 28th Mimi De Backer 27th Grant Bradbury 28th Vince Cafici 27th Dr Tiv Nirmalaan To add a name to community birthdays, email info@bridgemag.com.au February March 2022 Inspirational Angel Cards for the Community Balance Relax How can you weave these into your day to support and empower you? Source: Inspirational Angel Cards, by Simon Bunyevich, Somers. Who do you appreciate in our community and why? Email submissions of appreciation, & birthdays in our community, to: info@bridgemag.com.au or Post to: The Bridge, PO Box 248, Balnarring 3926 Would you like to receive a digital copy of The BRIDGE in your email inbox? Email info@bridgemag.com.au “subscribe” in the subject line. Want to contribute to The Bridge? For deadline reminders, email info@bridgemag.com.au with “deadline reminders” in the subject line. We're moving An exciting new branch is coming Opening in Balnarring village early February 2022! 4 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178, AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879 A1373507, OUT_8667635, 04/01/2022 Our commitment to serve you We are passionate real estate experts who love our community and the coastal environment we live in. We know how important your home or investment is to you and we’re ready to serve you and achieve the best result. Our guidance and grounded local insight will give you all the support and confidence you need every step of the way. Your local coastal property experts thecoast.com.au 5 The Coast Real Estate - Shop 4 Balnarring Village Phone 03 5983 1980 News from your elected advocate for Red Hill Ward, Cr. David Gill. The festive season allows some extra time for reflection on important local matters. I believe our biggest local issue is land use planning. Mornington Peninsula is recognised in State planning policy as an area of significance and that there should be only moderate to low levels of housing growth. Our biggest protection to the character and liveability of the Peninsula is the urban growth boundaries around our towns and villages which prohibit any reduction of green wedge land. I have listed my main planning issues and welcome your feedback: • A general lack of understanding and sympathy from the State Government (politicians and bureaucrats) that the Mornington Peninsula is different to Metropolitan Melbourne. • The shortage of light industrial zoned land for job creation improved by using excess Port related industrial land. • The increasing use of State Government introduced ‘VicSmart’ planning regulations that do not notify neighbours (or councillors) of developments and take away all community appeal rights. • Protection of strategic agricultural land. There is an increase of rural living on previously viable farmland. • Drought proofing the Peninsula using recycled water to help safeguard the effects of Climate Change. • Maintaining the Urban Growth Boundary and not allowing any reduction of the Green Wedge on the Peninsula while ensuring protection of strategic agricultural land. • Land use compliance should not be arbitrary but enforced when regulations are ignored to the detriment of the environment or to your amenity. • A lack of acknowledgment of the authorised local planning statement in planning decisions at VCAT (Planning Appeals Tribunal) and the State Government planning department (DELWP). • A Wildlife Management Plan is needed to protect the vulnerability of our diminishing fauna on the Peninsula. This would be a much needed first in Victoria. • The sensitive introduction of the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (C219 Planning Scheme Amendment) to help prevent three storey development from changing the coastal character of the Peninsula forever. • The future stabling of trains for any electrification to Hastings must not occur within the Green Wedge. • The current state government, municipal wide bushfire prone area legislation which allows exemptions for tree clearance around existing dwellings to 10 metres and along 6 fence lines out to 4 metres in most areas, is altering the green character of the Peninsula forever. Tree removal should require a permit and justification in residential areas. In local updates: • There is growing community concern about proliferation of signs around Balnarring Village Shopping centre. • The threatened iconic Balnarring Beach Eucalyptus tree is safe for now and may be the catalyst for road safety improvements near Catherine’s store. • The trial community ‘pop-in’ Hub has come to an end. A big thank you to the Balnarring Village Management for allowing the use at a peppercorn rent while planning for the IGA extensions. The Hub successfully showed the need for a community centre and was embraced by many locals. The next step is a replacement venue while planning is underway for a permanent community Hub. Your feedback to Council will help with the competitive budget process. • A Somers Community meeting is being planned to discuss the lack of community input into foreshore management since the State Government removed the local committee some years ago. Maintenance has been poor and funding almost non-existent from DELWP and Parks Victoria. • Thank you to the Balnarring CFA volunteers who attended the recent Merricks Beach Community Association AGM to discuss fire danger precautions. I was very impressed with the practical advice and their feel for the environment conveyed to all present. • Merricks beach residents are very concerned about the Merricks Beach Road intersection with Frankston-Flinders Road. An overhead warning light is required and consideration of a speed reduction from 100kms. • Recent storm damage is still being addressed with costs estimated to be well over $2m to Council (and ratepayers). Hopefully Council will have learnt a lot and will be better prepared in future. Please continue to report dangerous trees and I will continue to follow up. I understand the frustration of those who have waited a long time for help. Stay well. Regards, David. Phone: 0437 129 016 7 Balnarring & Surrounds Community House Community members met with Council staff from the Community Facilities and Community House teams on January 24 visiting the Pop In Hub, Balnarring Hall and Common land. The meeting purpose was to to discuss intermediate arrangements between demolishing the existing premises for Ritchies expansion and occupying a new space. As soon as an incorporated organisation is formed, proposals can be put before Council and Government and funding can be applied for. An outcome of the meeting is an implied urgency to form a committee to become an incorporated organisation. If there is anybody who has experience in setting up committees wishing to put their hand up to be on this committee could you please email info@bridgemag.com.au. Also invited is anyone passionate and wanting to be a part of the formation of a committee. The incorporation process could take at least a couple of weeks thereafter the organisation can apply for and receive funds. Meeting discussion points: - Need to move furnishings and white goods out of Balnarring Pop in Hub (by Jan 30). - An incorporated Community House Committee is required to enable funding and insurances ASAP. - A proposition was put forward to Council representatives to rent the small meeting room as an immediate measure to store furnishings & continue activities for the cost of the annual fees received currently by Council. - As an interim solution, the Community House Group may take over management of the Balnarring Small Hall which would be more suitable as it’s bigger. Council will advise the current annual income for the space and the Community House Committee may consider finding funding to cover this cost, alternatively Council may waive fees. - The small hall may be refurbished to suit Hub activities e.g. for art and dancing – replace old damp carpet with polished concrete with rugs, paint walls. Install glass doors rather than solid ones for natural light, have lounge areas and lighting as per the Pop In hub. This type of change requires consultation with current regular users. - Long term vision for Community House servicing Balnarring and several surrounding suburbs: purpose built facility – may be on edges of Village Common land. Master plan may be revisited. - Russell Street rental is not an option without an incorporated group established to apply for funding. - It is understood that if the Community House group has an identified committee and becomes incorporated, that remaining hub funds currently held by the Balnarring Village Common (BVC) may be transferrable to the new Hub/House organisation - Signage from current location needs to be retrieved before demolition. 8 Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Project The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Project is a world-first project, supported by both the Australian & Victorian Governments. The aim of the project is to safely produce & transport clean liquid hydrogen from Victoria’s Latrobe Valley to Kobe in Japan. A key objective of the project is to demonstrate an end-to-end supply chain between the two countries. The H.E.S.C. Project is being developed in 2 phases, beginning with the pilot, which aims to demonstrate that hydrogen can be produced using Latrobe Valley coal & transported to Japan. Hydrogen has never been shipped in liquid form on this scale before, “This is a World First”. The process includes: Hydrogen being produced from coal at a newly constructed plant at AGL’s Loy Yang complex in the Latrobe Valley, through a coal gasification & gas refining process. Carbon offsets have been purchased to mitigate emissions from the pilot. In the commercial phase, carbon dioxide would be captured during this process & stored deep underground in a process known as Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS). The Hydrogen is then transported by truck to a liquefaction & loading terminal at the Port of Hastings, the first of its kind in Australia. The hydrogen is then liquefied & loaded onto a specially designed marine carrier (Suiso Frontier’) for shipment to Japan. The decision to progress to the commercial phase, which will produce clean hydrogen from Coal with CCS will be made after the pilot project is completed. SUISO FRONTIER Vital Statistics • ‘Suiso’ means hydrogen in Japanese • Length (overall): 116 m • Molded breadth: 19 m • Molded depth: 17.90m • Molded draft: 4.5m • Gross tonnage: approx. 8,000t • Tank cargo capacity: approx. 1,250m3 • Main engine: Diesel Electric Propulsion • Sea speed: approximately 13 kn • Capacity: 25 people • Launched December 2019 The Suiso Frontier is due to berth at The Port of Hastings Steel, Wharf #1 1200/20th Jan 2022. Launch Video: https://youtu.be/WGPkSuIH7uA References: https://www.hydrogenenergysupplychain.com/about-hesc/ https://www.industry.gov.au/policies-and-initiatives/growing-australias-hydrogen-industry/hydrogen- energy-supply-chain-pilot-project https://static1.squarespace.com/static/592f5720f5e2317ce97cec2c/t/61e7434d49a5a2228edf920f/16425 45997360/Forward+Shipping+List+190122.pdf 9 Community slams Brown Coal to Hydrogen project as first ship arrives in Port Members and supporters of Save Westernport and WPPC gathered at Woolleys Beach last week to mark the arrival of the Japanese Hydrogen tanker Suiso Frontier in Westernport and to make our concerns known. The Suiso Frontier will be docked at BlueScope Hastings until February to collect the first shipment of Hydrogen for Kawasaki’s Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project. Hydrogen may be a viable alternative to fossil fuels, but only if the Hydrogen is Green: made by electrolysis and sustainably sourced power. Media reports expressed excitement about the ‘world first’ project but glossed over the truth that Hydrogen produced at the La Trobe Valley facility was made from brown coal donated by AGL, in a project backed by state and federal funds. Far from being Green, the pilot project will generate 100 tonnes of carbon emissions, producing a mere 2 tonnes of Hydrogen, while 30 tonnes of CO2 will be generated for each tonne of Hydrogen. If it proceeds to its commercial stage, the project will depend on the development of government subsidised, experimental Carbon Capture and Storage technology that involves transporting carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphates and methane emissions to be injected beneath the seabed off Victoria’s Gippsland coast. No emissions produced in the pilot have or will be captured, although purchasing carbon offsets had led HESC representatives to promote the pilot as “a clean energy project”. The commercial stage would also require channel deepening by dredging in Westernport, to accommodate the upscaled Hydrogen supertanker transports to Japan. Dredging can affect the marine and coastal environment in several ways. Suspended sediments and increased turbidity are known to impact seagrass meadows, while “leading to long-term effects on intertidal and sub-tidal communities”, according to the University of Melbourne Associate Professor and leading geomorphologist David Kennedy. The risk of marine pest infestation from increased commercial shipping is also a major source of concern. We were perplexed by the preponderance of uniformed and plain-clothes police at our peaceful protest — including several sent all the way from Spencer Street in Melbourne, but the local support and wider media interest was heartening, and we thank everyone who attended. Save WP1 and WPPC 2 prepared media releases that detail our reasons for objecting to the project and questioning the legitimacy of extending the life of the La Trobe Valley coal Industry in the production of ‘Brown Hydrogen’ for Japan. For more information on why the HESC project should not proceed to its commercial stage, and its many risks to Westernport Bay visit https://www.wppcinc.org/ Or https://savewesternport.org/ 1 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lx4zEyiMPqOjlVZUB3IG4qiRGEYMwn4m/view?usp=drivesdk 2 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E0TetwjSNLqpSMvUUZFBl9TtYUPLp9yq/view?usp=drivesdk 10 Picture of the ‘Suiso Frontier’ by Jane Jobe taken from Red Rocks Beach, Phillip Island. Westernport locals protest the arrival of the tanker at Woolleys Beach, while the Suiso Frontier passes in the background, photo by Don Juniper. 11 The sea, the sea SA R A H FAU L K N E R | F I O N A H U G H E S | N A N N E T T E S H AW 5 – 27 MARCH 2022 Silver Leaf Art Box is excited to present The sea, the sea — an exhibition of new works by Sarah Faulkner, Nannette Shaw (Tyereelore, Trawoolway, Bunurong), and Fiona Hughes (Tyereelore, Trawoolway, Bunurong). Shaw and Hughes make their work in the same way the ancestral women of Tasmania have done for thousands of years. Shaw’s bull kelp vessels are created in a slow process that begins with gathering the kelp. Similarly, Hughes begins her work by gathering shells from coastal locations she knows intimately. Shell stringing is the cultural practice of collecting, preparing and stringing necklaces and bracelets by Tasmanian Aboriginal women, and is widely recognised as being the finest work of its kind in the world. The materials used in both art forms are increasingly hard to find as the kelp forests and the shell dwellers who live there are impacted by warming waters from climate change. Having relocated from Melbourne to Blairgowrie just before the pandemic, Faulkner’s new works portray the mercurial moods of the Back Beach. Painted from memories of her daily walks, Faulkner captures the dramatically varied atmospheres and energies of the sea. Together these works invite contemplation and celebration of the sea, her ecologies, cultural connections, her essence, and her depths. Enquiries: 0422 132 525 Images from top: Nannette Shaw, kelp vessel, 2021, bull kelp and river reed, 11 x 6.5 x 5.5 cm Fiona Hughes, shell bracelet, 2021, maireener, grey gull and estuarine mud-creeper shells on elasticised thread, approximately 4 cm across 12 The sea, the sea SA R A H FAU L K N E R | F I O N A H U G H E S | N A N N E T T E S H AW 5 – 27 MARCH 2022 OPENING Saturday 5 March, 3–6pm With live music by Carissa Nyalu Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung singer/songwriter WWW.SILVERLEAF-ARTBOX.COM.AU 3361 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Merricks, VIC Image: Sarah Faulkner, Mushroom Reef, Flinders 2021, oil on board, 61 x 92 cm 13 14 MARCH 19th 2022 10am – 7pm BALNARRING BEACH, ROBERTSONS PARK AND CAMPING RESERVE The 2022 Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee line-up is finalised! We are thrilled to welcome our community to celebrate and honour indigenous cultures through an impressive day of performances, cultural workshops and market stalls while enjoying the delicious food and amazing community atmosphere. It will be an honour to have N’arwee’t Dr Carolyn Briggs AM conduct Welcome to Country. N’arwee’t Carolyn is a Boon Wurrung Senior Elder and the Chairperson and Founder of the Boon Wurrung Foundation. A descendant of the First Peoples of Melbourne, the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung, she is the great-granddaughter of Louisa Briggs, a Boon Wurrung woman born near Melbourne in the 1830’s. N’arwee’t has been involved in developing and supporting opportunities for Indigenous youth and has been proactive in developing strategies for the promotion and maintenance of Boon Wurrung culture and heritage for over 40 years. Celebrate the presentation of the Narragunnawali Award to Balnarring Preschool. Balnarring Preschool won this award in November 2021 in recognition of their philosophy to weave learning with First Peoples into every day, as an act of reconciliation. The Narragunnawali Awards are the only national awards program that recognises and celebrates Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives. Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee presents a diversity of sounds and cultural experiences. Talented vocalists and performers John Wayne Parsons, Deniece Hudson, Dave Arden, Brett Willoughby and Fred Leone will be on the Balnarring stage. John Wayne Parsons is a solo artist, composer, producer and performer. He is a proud Yuggerabul and Ngarangawal man from south east Queensland who also has ancestral ties to the Kemer Kemer Meriam and Maluligal Island nations within the Torres Strait. His singing practice is deeply embedded within his cultural identity. 15 Deniece Hudson, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta singer and songwriter, brings a mix of contemporary rock, and rhythm and blues. David Arden is a Kokatha-Gunditjmara guitarist, songman, and storyteller with an impressive performing, touring and recording history. As an artist his extensive body of work provides insight into Aboriginal heritage and contemporary Aboriginal culture. Bart Willoughby is a pioneering Aboriginal Reggae Artist, a founding member of bands “No Fixed Address” and “Mixed Relations” and is best known for life-altering and defiant Indigenous anthems. Said to be the tip of the spear in the modern indigenous song-line, Bart Willoughby forged the path for many and has been an undeniable influence on acts that have since followed his lead. Headlining our 2022 festival is Fred Leone. Fred is one of the Butchulla Songmen, a traditional song custodian, and a ground-breaking, award winning artist who works across genres and mediums to bring a distinctly original voice to his performances and recordings. Fred is a well-respected community leader, with strong Australian Aboriginal, Tongan and South-Sea Islander heritage. Dance and cultural performances are a must see on the main stage. The dynamic and uplifting Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe are on a mission to sing and dance up Country and create connections between people, Culture, Country and community. Indigenous Outreach Projects is a Hip Hop dance group with a focus on delivering health and positive messages to youth and community, delivering their motto “no shame, be proud, respect” by encouraging a strong mind, body, spirit and culture. The inspiring group Western Creation will bring an important moment for relaxation and reflection with their captivating meld of traditional chants, western music and beautiful harmonies with yidaki and interactive dance. Members of the Bibbulmann clan from the Noongar tribe of Western Australia, they use many aspects of Aboriginal culture, including dance, music, song, art and history, to bring Indigenous people into the hearts and minds of their audiences. In the workshop area, Living Culture return with the always popular Bush Tucker walks and a Wayapa session will be facilitated by Karan, owner and operator of Yimba Yumba. Karan is a proud Bidjara women with strong Irish Heritage and is locally connected having lived and worked across the region for over 20 years. Yimba Yumba uses the modality of Wayapa - an exciting Aboriginal Earth Connection and Wellness modality based on what has been known to Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years: the importance of connection to the earth to connect to Spirit and to oneself. To ensure you have a safe and wonderful experience at the festival this is a fully accessible event. Remember to park in the paddock with a contribution to the local Lions club and please check in at the entrance. Volunteers are needed to help run this incredible day. Please register your interest on our website: www.balnarringfestival.com.au 16 17 Red Hill Open Day 12 Feb 2022 10am A Conservations delight of bushland on 40 acres of private land, Red Hill, will be open to the public for guided tours on the 12 February 2022 at 10am. This tract of bush has required woody weed removal over 4years but is otherwise pristine forest which is part of a larger 100 acre forest providing significant flora and fauna diversity. The Powerful Owl and Masked Owl, who are our champion raptors against the use of second Generation Rodenticides(SGARs) on the Mornington Peninsula, are residents in this incredible bush tract along with many other significant species. For geologists there is a Bluestone intrusion one of the rare accessible bluestone sites on the Peninsula. In short, this is an ‘awesome’ opportunity to experience the best forest the Mornington Peninsula offers. Address: Red Hill Full address on RSVP [RSVP: Insert Subject as 'Open Day' send to info@hrfund.org] 18 Parking: None onsite. See below Land vacant on Shoreham Rd diagonally opposite the address. Please observe Parking Marshalls directions on the day including safely crossing Shoreham Rd Walking: Tracks are well formed but do consider appropriate footwear as the terrain is steep. Also it is recommended you carry water, snacks, sun cover, insect repellent and any other requirement you may have IMPORTANT NOTES: Current COVID19 rules apply and double vaccination & QR Code check in expected. Pets are prohibited. Toilets are unavailable. RSVP is essential [Subject: Open Day Send to info@hrfund.org] 19 Western Port Uniting Church Parish (consisting of Balnarring, Crib Point and Hastings congregations) Service Locations and Times for February and March 2022 February Balnarring 10.45 am Crib Point 9.00 am Hastings 10.45 am and March Church Locations: Balnarring - 10 Balnarring Beach Road, Balnarring. Crib Point - 382 Stony Point Road, Crib Point. Hastings - Cnr Marine Parade and Hodgins Road, Hastings. You are most welcome to join us via our Sunday Zoom Worship service conducted at 10.45 am. Use this Parish link https://zoom.us/j/6688830489 to participate in the service. If you wish to contact a Uniting Church or confirm our service arrangements, please phone a Parish Contact as listed below. Parish Contacts Parish Minister: Rev. Nigel McBrien 0456 298 267 Parish Chairperson: Margaret Baker 0400 096 669 Parish Secretary: Colin Watt 0427 379 815 Parish Opportunity Shop - 149 Disney Street Crib Point Our Op Shop has resumed normal trading as follows: - Tuesday to Friday – 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. Saturday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Donations are accepted, with thanks during these hours. Frontier Services – Bunnings Sausage Sizzle – 8th January 2022 Thanks to all – volunteers and community members - who supported the Frontier Services Bunnings Sausage Sizzle on the 8th January 2022. Aldi Hastings donated the bread which was very much appreciated. Welcome to Reverend Keiron Jones The Western Port UC Parish welcomes Keiron as Priest-in-Charge of St. John the Evangelist Flinders with St Mark’s Balnarring. We look forward to a co-operative working relationship with Keiron and the Anglican Parish. 20 21 Balnarring Dental Centre Hate the feeling of having your teeth professionally cleaned? Have sensitive teeth? ……. No more fear, no more pain! The Airflow Revolutionary New Dental Technology Now Available here in Balnarring! A visit to the dentist is often still associated with pain and a lot of fear. This is also true with professional tooth cleaning, especially for those with sensitive teeth and receding gums. Luckily there is now a solution to this problem with revolutionary technology called the ‘Airflow’ and it is now available locally at the Balnarring Dental Centre! No more fear, no more pain! Instead of using sharp metal instruments directly on teeth, Airflow technology uses a gentle jet of air, warm water and natural anti-bacterial powder to professionally clean your teeth and remove the bacteria. The Airflow makes your teeth cleaning session like a wellness spa experience. The treatment is painless and does not damage the teeth. It is today’s game changer and has nothing in common with the old dental hygiene methods. Applying the ‘Guided Biofilm Therapy’, the Swiss-made Airflow technology highlights all the biofilm on your teeth prior to removal, making it more accurate, more efficient and more gentle! It also helps improve your daily oral hygiene care at home as you are given the opportunity to see where the biofilm is sitting and which areas you may be missing on brushing. Biofilm is a soft layer on your teeth that has millions of different bacteria, good and bad ones. They thrive in your mouth and feed on the food you eat, especially sugar. Biofilm bacteria turn sugar into acids, which causes tooth decay. This mass of bacteria is oral biofilm (dental plaque). Biofilm grows every day and is barely visible to the naked eye. All of this makes your mouth the ideal entry point for bacteria into the body. 22 Research studies show that biofilm increases the risk of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, premature birth, respiratory disorders, diabetes and more... Professional teeth cleaning removed the biofilm (harmful plaque) on teeth and gums. It is the only way to prevent gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth decay (caries), both identified as common diseases by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Airflow was also designed with dental implants in mind, being shown to be gentle, safe & effective in removing biofilm around them. Research shows it may significantly prolong dental implant lifespan as it helps prevent build-up of harmful bacteria around implants that can lead to dental diseases. We are very lucky to have this modern technology available here in Balnarring as only a few dental clinics have the necessary equipment & trained Oral Health Therapists who can offer the Airflow service. Anyone who has met Dr Tiv & Darina, know how much they love to keep up to date with modern technology and having the best dentistry available to our local community. Darina decided to use the COVID19 lockdown time productively in 2021 by investing and upskilling in using the Airflow. It has already helped many local patients who usually find professional teeth cleaning uncomfortable; especially those with receding gums, sensitive teeth and dental fears/phobias. A patient this week who usually needs to be numbed with anaesthetic to have her teeth professionally cleaned due to severe sensitivity, could not believe how different the dental experience was. She found she did not need anaesthetic and barely felt anything, with tears of joy she called the Airflow “Pure Magic”. Darina hopes it will help more patients overcome their fears and phobias of going to the dentist. Like anything in medicine, results may vary between individuals, and any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you or someone you know would like to experience the revolutionary Airflow to have your teeth professionally cleaned, please ensure you let our receptionist know on booking. Please note this technology has already proven to be very popular and there are limited spots available in the coming months, so book months ahead if you wish to try it! Balnarring Dental Centre Ph: 5983 5348 19 Balnarring Rd, Balnarring Darina Balnarring Dental Centre 23 Somers Ladies Probus Club Probus is about Friendship, Fellowship and Fun - with the emphasis on FUN! Our Club began in 1987 to provide opportunities for retired and semi-retired ladies to engage in a variety of activities in a friendly environment. At our 2021 Christmas Lunch we welcomed our newest member Jennie Rowntree (left) who was introduced by Lis Maude and inducted by President Elizabeth (centre). In normal times the club hosts a variety of activities including Mah Jong, Canasta, Music, Singing, Walking, Knit and Natter, Fireside Films, a regular Happy Hour, a Lunch Group and a range of outings. Over the years of Covid-19 we have endeavoured to provide support and assistance to our members, maintaining contact and information. Somers Ladies Probus Club meets on the first Friday of each month at 10 am at the Stone Pavilion, Camphill Rd. Somers. We invite retired and semi-retired ladies to contact Elizabeth (5983 5898) or June (5983 5321) for more information. 24 SWEETLEAF BOTANICAL Farmgate Herb Shop open 7 days 9.00 - 5.00 Come in to browse! Herbal Tinctures, Teas, Organic Skincare products Flower essences, Plants Moonbird Vintage Jewellery WARRAWEE 87 Warrawee Rd. Balnarring Contact Jane 0411399212 sweetleafbotanical.com.au warraweewholistic.com 25 The Balnarring to the Bay Biolink and Koala Corridor An update • Estimated cost of project $80,000 to $100,000 • Project Funding – A total of $40,626 has been raised. Thank you to the following for their donations • Balnarring and District Community Bank $20,000 • Mornington Peninsula Shire Council $10,000 • BlueScope Steel $1,500 • The Landcare group and the Community - a total of $9,126 Monies spent so far - In July 2021 - $20,000 for removal of 46 massive pine tree weeds in the area from the skate park to behind the Balnarring Hall (This area has been replanted with indigenous plants). For further information and to DONATE : https://chuffed.org/project/balnarring-to-bay- biolink We are applying for more grants and asking for more community contributions. $40,000 plus still needs to be raised. The Biolink project will create new habitat for koalas and other native animals by clearing some areas of weed species and other unsuitable introduced plants. Replacement with indigenous plants will give struggling animals and native birds a chance to thrive. Cleared and replanted areas will connect with remnant pockets of bushland on farm properties all the way down to Merricks Creek. Native vegetation, connecting the skate park with the Balnarring Village Common (BVC) and on to Balbirooroo Woodlands and Wetlands, will be a significant improvement to our local environment. If it wasn’t for community engagement on Balbirooroo Woodlands and Wetlands (27 years ago) and on Balnarring Village common (BVC) 3 years ago, they would not exist. Please assist with this project by donating via the link above and/or join the Landcare group. Please send us a message https://www.facebook.com/MCCLandcare or https://www.facebook.com/BalnarringBiolink or send an email to mcclandcaregroup@gmail.com This project is a community initiative of Merricks Coolart Catchment Landcare group, your local Landcare group. 26 27 Hi there! My name is Jose Zandveld, a local photographer sharing images of the area I grew up in. The beautiful Mornington Peninsula. I am passionate about our amazing surroundings and enjoy capturing moments in time that they produce to inspire. I offer prints for sale as well as doing family and pet portraiture, small intimate weddings, sporting events and business photos for websites. You can follow my pages on Facebook or Instagram under Right Spot Photography and contact me on 0411 685 476. 28 29 TIDES CHART WESTERN PORT (STONY POINT) LAT 38° 22’ S LONG 145° 13’ E TIME ZONE –1000 TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS FEBRUARY – 2022 m Time m Time m Time m Time m 2.88 0009 2.78 0620 2.78 0120 2.64 0012 0.91 0.62 2.68 1 0534 1.33 9 1220 0.45 17 0700 1.29 25 0618 2.74 TU 1133 2.43 WE 1910 2.70 TH 1300 2.31 FR 1228 0.31 0.77 1749 0.43 1859 0.75 1930 2.82 2.83 0.53 2.69 2 0118 0652 1256 2.87 1.21 2.49 10 0037 0648 1254 0.95 2.68 0.49 18 0210 0752 1400 2.74 1.14 2.44 26 0055 0656 1309 1.03 2.67 0.34 WE TH FR SA 1901 0.40 1949 2.64 1950 0.70 2022 2.75 0.89 2.76 0.45 3 0221 0759 1410 2.97 1.03 2.59 11 0115 0717 1330 1.07 2.57 0.55 19 0253 0836 1453 2.82 0.98 2.57 27 0142 0742 1357 1.16 2.58 0.40 TH FR SA SU 2.70 2004 0.39 2031 2.58 2036 0.67 2121 2.67 1.03 2.68 0.40 4 0315 0855 1515 3.03 0.84 2.70 12 0155 0750 1407 1.19 2.47 0.62 20 0331 0916 1541 2.86 0.81 2.69 28 0238 0839 1456 1.26 2.48 0.50 FR SA SU MO 2.69 2100 0.42 2119 2.52 2120 0.66 2229 2.62 1.17 2.60 0.39 5 0402 0945 1611 3.05 0.67 2.77 13 0241 0830 1452 1.31 2.36 0.71 21 0406 0954 1627 2.88 0.65 2.79 SA SU MO 2.69 2151 0.49 2215 2.48 2203 0.68 1.29 2.51 0.41 6 0444 1028 1701 3.02 0.55 2.80 14 0337 0923 1547 1.40 2.26 0.78 22 0439 1032 1711 2.87 0.51 2.86 SU MO TU 2.72 2237 0.59 2318 2.49 2246 0.72 1.36 2.44 0.43 7 0519 1108 1747 2.96 0.48 2.79 15 0445 1030 1653 1.45 2.20 0.82 23 0511 1110 1756 2.85 0.40 2.89 MO TU WE 2319 0.71 2329 0.80 8 0551 1145 1830 2.87 0.45 2.76 16 0023 0556 1147 2.54 1.41 2.22 24 0544 1148 1842 2.81 0.33 2.88 TU WE TH 2359 0.83 1800 0.80 © Commonwealth of Australia 2020, Bureau of Meteorology Datum is Lowest Astronomical Tide When daylight saving time is in force, add one hour to times The Bridge thanks Grant Bradbury for supplying the above. WESTERN PORT (STONY POINT) 30 LAT 38° 22’ S LONG 145° 13’ E TIME ZONE –1000 2250 0.49 2255 0.67 23 © Commonwealth of Australia 2020, Bureau of Meteorology Datum is Lowest Astronomical Tide When daylight saving TIDES CHART time is in force, add one hour to times WESTERN PORT (STONY POINT) LAT 38° 22’ S LONG 145° 13’ E TIME ZONE –1000 TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS MARCH – 2022 Time m Time m Time m Time m Tim 0348 1.32 0515 2.79 0502 1.38 0523 2.77 00 1 0955 2.39 91111 0.39 17 1113 2.21 25 1128 0.25 1 06 TU 1611 0.60 WE 1800 2.89 TH 1715 0.98 FR 1830 3.02 FR 12 2343 2.64 2333 0.87 18 2 0513 1125 1734 1.27 2.38 0.64 10 0542 1144 1833 2.73 0.41 2.84 18 0031 0615 1235 2.51 1.25 2.34 26 0000 0600 1209 0.96 2.71 0.30 2 010714 WE TH FR SA SA 1828 0.94 1916 2.91 19 3 0054 0633 1253 2.71 1.12 2.48 11 0007 0610 1215 0.95 2.66 0.46 19 0127 0713 1342 2.61 1.05 2.53 27 0044 0643 1252 1.06 2.63 0.40 3 020814 TH FR SA SU SU 1851 0.63 1908 2.76 1927 0.88 2004 2.78 20 4 0157 0740 1408 2.81 0.92 2.64 12 0041 0639 1247 1.04 2.58 0.54 20 0214 0800 1438 2.70 0.84 2.73 28 0130 0732 1341 1.15 2.53 0.54 4 030815 FR SA SU MO MO 1956 0.61 1944 2.68 2018 0.83 2059 2.66 21 5 0250 0834 1509 2.89 0.72 2.78 13 0115 0711 1322 1.15 2.48 0.64 21 0255 0844 1529 2.77 0.64 2.90 29 0224 0835 1440 1.21 2.43 0.70 5 030916 SA SU MO TU TU 2050 0.61 2024 2.58 2105 0.80 2202 2.58 21 6 0335 0919 1600 2.91 0.56 2.88 14 0154 0749 1400 1.26 2.38 0.75 22 0333 0925 1615 2.80 0.47 3.02 30 0334 0957 1557 1.23 2.36 0.84 6 041016 SU MO TU WE WE 2138 0.65 2114 2.48 2150 0.80 2314 2.56 22 7 0414 1000 1645 2.89 0.46 2.92 15 0242 0839 1450 1.36 2.28 0.87 23 0410 1006 1700 2.81 0.33 3.08 31 0456 1130 1723 1.15 2.41 0.90 7 041017 MO TU WE TH TH 2220 0.72 2215 2.42 2234 0.82 23 8 0446 1037 1724 2.85 0.40 2.92 16 0345 0947 1557 1.41 2.20 0.96 24 0446 1047 1745 2.80 0.26 3.08 8 051117 TU WE TH FR 2258 0.79 2327 2.43 2317 0.88 23 © Commonwealth of Australia 2020, Bureau of Meteorology Datum is Lowest Astronomical Tide When daylight saving time is in force, add one hour to times The Bridge thanks Grant Bradbury for supplying the above. 31 MonikaWithaKCeramics.etsy.com locally MORNINGTON PENINSULA handmade gifts use LOCALPICKUP coupon code IF YOU'RE COLLECTING YOUR ORDER LOCALLY IN MonikaWithaKBeachArt.etsy.com BALNARRING Want to Volunteer for THE BRIDGE ? WILDLIFE We are seeking help with the RESCUE Contacts following roles: @Koala rescue • Deliveries to French Island Jenny Bryant • Deliveries to Red Hill 0417 395 883 • Website events calendar • Flyer creation/distribution @WHOMP • Social Media (Wildlife Help On • Writers Mornington Peninsula) • Any other area you think 0417 380 687 we could improve! @Klarissa Gaunaut If you can help the team, 0488 494 667 please email info@bridgemag.com.au 32 B A L N A R R I N G P I C N I C R AC I N G C LU B A D U LTS $ 1 5 (C U P DAY $ 2 0 ) CHILDREN (UNDER 18) FREE G AT E S O P E N 1 0 A M CO N C E SS I O N S BACK TO THE PICNICS AT BALNARRING SATURDAY 06 NOVEMBER 2021 CHRISTMAS PICNICS AT BALNARRING SATURDAY 04 DECEMBER 2021 SUMMER PICNICS AT BALNARRING TUESDAY 28 DECEMBER 2021 BALNARRING CUP WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY 2022 RELAX AT THE PICNICS AT BALNARRING SUNDAY 13 MARCH 2022 FASHIONS ON THE FIELDS AT THE PICNICS AT BALNARRING SATURDAY 16 APRIL 2022 BOOK NOW AT BALNARRINGRACES.COM 33 *Pending Government advice on crowd size and COVID-19 protocols. Western Port Climate Alliance urges transition to clean energy 06 January 2022 Environment Victoria has released its plan for a state-wide Climate Action Open Letter, which will be delivered to Federal MPs and prospective candidates prior to the upcoming Federal Election. It has set up five community-based action groups across Victoria, each group seeking regional businesses and individual signatories for the Open Letter. Today the Western Port Climate Alliance (WPCA) released its ‘Open Letter for faster and fairer Australian Climate Action’. Carmen Bush, spokesperson for WPCA, invites all in the Western Port region to sign the Open Letter, which calls for: • a legislated plan to reduce Australia’s 2030 emissions to 75% below 2005 levels; • a reduction of our reliance on the burning of coal, oil and gas, the biggest single cause of earth’s current climate crisis; • rejection of heavy industry development around Western Port; • ensuring Western Port continues as a viable place of recreation, agriculture and ecotourism by enhancing local environmental services; • the removal of barriers to community renewable energy projects; and • support packages to enable households to switch to efficient electrical appliances. Carmen says: “Every Victorian community has a stake in moving our state and nation in a just manner beyond polluting fuels, to protect our natural world.” 34 “We call on our Federal political representatives and candidates to back our vision on behalf of the people around Western Port, by committing to an effective plan to reduce and end our reliance on polluting energy sources.” Carmen and others will be contacting community groups, businesses and other organisations to invite them to sign the letter. If you would like more information or would like to sign the Open Letter, please email Carmen Bush: ccbush@bigpond.net.au From one side of Western Port to the other, people have gathered to pull their politicians into line. For BRIDGE readers The Western Port Climate Alliance (WPCA) is one of five Victorian regional community- based action groups set up by Environment Victoria. Each group is calling on their Federal MPs and prospective candidates for the upcoming federal election, to address climate change issues affecting their region. In this case, French Island and the four councils bordering Western Port form the Western Port region. If you need additional information or would like to discuss the matter, please call Carmen Bush, spokesperson for WPCA on 5956 9456. 35 Melbourne Period Project WINTER will soon be upon us; homeless numbers are still increasing. Please get the knitting needles out! Melbourne Period Project have prioritised the following for collection: • School supplies • NEW sleeping bags • Mittens / gloves, scarves, beanies • women’s NEW nighties Donate directly: Melbourne Homeless Collective BSB: 063027, ACC: 10118955 Commonwealth Bank of Australia For more information contact me (Barb Rimington, 0418 333 747) or check out: Website: http://wwww.MelbournePeriodProject.org.au/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PeriodProjectMelbourne Twitter: @PeriodProjMelb; Instagram: @MelbournePeriodProject Balnarring/Somers Mother's Day classic Amazing effort May 2021 $27,898 was raised towards breast cancer research. The current committee wishes to thank all participants for this wonderful result. Some committee members are stepping down, we would like to send them a big thank you for their support and dedication over the years. We are hoping to continue running this event, which has been running since 2013 to do this we are seeking new members. If you are interested call Michelle 0400753531 36 A ‘HOW TO’ ON OUR DAILY RUBBISH I see many people throwing plastic bags of bottles and cans into the recycling bin. This is not the way. When a soft plastic bag goes in to the recycling bin, it renders the whole batch as rubbish because soft plastic jams the automated sorting machines. Bottles and cans and other recyclables need to be put in the bin loosely. One easy way to do this is to have a bin in your home in to which you put your bottles, cans, plastic trays etc, then tip the contents into your wheelie recycling bin. You can easily wash the bin if needed. Alternately, simply take the items to the recycling bin as you use them. Food cans only need to be rinsed clean, simply to get food waste out. If you feel the need to use a rubbish bag to keep your bin clean, then don’t tie the top, but empty the loose contents of the bag in to the wheelie recycling bin. The rubbish bag can then be used again, or collected to put into a soft plastics collection and put in a bin at Woolworths or other. Unfortunately, we no longer have a soft plastics collection bin at Ritchies in Balnarring, because foreign objects were too often in the container, making it unviable for the provider to process. The processing of soft plastic is different to the processing of hard plastic, and it is important that we get it right to reduce landfill and enable companies to make new products from our waste. Soft plastics are made into things such as outdoor chairs, furniture, bollards, and signs, if we sort it correctly and take the time to deposit it at the available collection points. Hard plastics are used to make items such as buckets, traffic cones, pipes, garbage bins, car parts and even clothing. I have a pair of soft comfy jeans that has 22% of recycled plastic in the fabric. Of course, the best thing is to make purchases without plastic, but that is not always possible. However, if you can scrunch the plastic, it does not go in the kerbside recycling, and can be collected to take to a soft plastics collection point. If it is hard plastic, pop it loosely in the recycling wheelie bin. Del Skinner “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan, Author 37 Red Hill Op Shop Summer is still here …. Summer is going to be with us for the coming weeks and if you are out and about, making the most of this beautiful part of the Peninsula, we would love you to make a visit to the Red Hill Op Shop. For some it’s a well-worn path, but for others who have not yet discovered the Op Shop, it’s an experience that you will love. The shop is well planned to allow for easy access. Our volunteers who give their time are constantly amazed, and so very grateful, for the donations we receive each week! Clean good quality clothing, bric-a-brac, books, jewellery, shoes, sporting equipment, framed pictures and so much more are all available, and it changes each week. Donated items are sorted, and then displayed in our ‘emporium style’ shop and the regulars love the opportunity to browse and find unique items. Everything is keenly priced to sell, and the monies generated by our shop are donated to the Peninsula Home Hospice, our main beneficiary, and other local ‘not for profit’ organisations. We also recognise that by recycling unwanted items through our shop, we are all reducing landfill. Located at 33 Mechanics Road, RED HILL, we are open 10am – 1pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. We guarantee that you will receive a great welcome! If you want updates on sales and special offers, please send us a note to prredhillopshop@gmail.com requesting that you be added to our Friends of Red Hill Op Shop mailing list and we’ll send a confirmation note. Or follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/redhillopshop. Gutter Vacuum-Cleaning • Roof Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Solar Cleaning • NEW- Roof Demoss Treatment Book 2 of our services for a 15% Discount 1300 883 236 www.gutterwiz.com.au 38 Regarding The Esplanade Balnarring Beach, fence ‘on beach’. Sometimes fences are not just fences. They can just sometimes represent values above individual property rights. Planning decisions can last forever and represent and shape the future of where we live. Boundary fences on or next to beaches may one day prevent access along and to beaches. Is this the future we wish to allow to happen? The State Government has ignored the consequences of rising sea levels affecting our access to beaches, perhaps because it is gradual and not seen as a priority. Fences are not always allowed, especially front fences in some suburbs and sub-divisions so there are plenty of precedents. My defeated motion at the last Council meeting to keep a fence off Balnarring Beach was based on net community benefit including recreational values, landscape values and planning for sea level rise in this environmentally sensitive foreshore area; already water levels reach the property boundaries occasionally along this section of beach and deter walkers. The background is: - The previous road was washed away in storms in the 60’s, the road reserve is still theoretically in place but acts as part of the beach. - Property boundaries go to the edge of the old road reserve and also look like part of the beach and foreshore. - Most properties on this stretch have front fences set back to an old sea wall alignment rather than put fences out to their legal boundary on the sand-dunes. The compromise decision by Council to alter the fence permit application so that the proposed fence is set back some metres from the actual property boundary is still a brave and forward-thinking outcome that is an issue for us all to think about. Cr. David Gill 39 40