Official opening of Wycheproof historic Railway Station Friday 25 September

The official opening of the historic Wycheproof Railway Station as a community hub will be held on Friday 25 September at 11.30 am. Officials from VicTrack, Buloke Mayor Reid Mather and members of community organisations will officiate. Members of the Charlton Brass band will add gravitas to the occasion.
All community members and past railway workers are invited and welcome and a light lunch will be available.

WoT #106 Sept 2015: Locals who Lunch

Locals who Lunch

This group is growing in number and we welcomed 17 ‘lunchers’ at the Royal Mail Hotel on Friday 21 August. While Murdoch Matheson is still outnumbered 16-1, a great day was had by all. Discussions are already taking place regarding the Christmas Party and a BBQ in the beer garden seems like a pleasant option.

The next lunch will be held at the Terminus Hotel on Friday 18 September at 12.30pm. To book your spot for great food and company contact Amanda 0407844 904

WoT #106 Sept 2015: Outdoor gym

For those who may not have noticed, Wycheproof has a new Outdoor Gym behind Centenary Park. We thank the Buloke Shire for sourcing the grant that made it possible.  

Still to be installed as part of the same grant is walking track signage and some solar lights.

WoT #106 Sept 2015: Chamber Chatter with Tracy

Well,  isn't the year going fast! It won't be long and we will be decorating the peppercorn trees again.

I have been talking to a few of the local shoppers and they agree with the hardware store and Butcher shop opened up again, the town has been busier. Many asked the question of when the new Bakery is having its grand opening, maybe some answers in this ON TRACK? 

Good to see some businesses still working on their shop fronts and the inside of the craft shop finished. Even par with most businesses  that local shopping is a bit slow and we are glad of the road traffic, sporting clubs etc. Although I feel this is a general feeling everywhere.  If the rain keeps coming down  farmers will be happy and happy farmers makes for good trade. Until next edition BUY, BUY Local.  

Cheers Tracy!

In answer to Tracy's question...

We, at Bakery on Broadway, would like to thank everyone for their patience.

Everything is nearing completion, and we look forward to opening as soon as possible.

WoT #106 Sept 2015: Wycheproof P-12 College news

Children’s Book Week

Wycheproof P-12 College recognises the importance of reading for all students. Each morning the school set aside 10 minutes for quiet reading for all classes from Prep to Year 12. In late August the College joined with other schools and public libraries to celebrate Children’s Book Week. During the week various literacy activities were held to encourage students to participate including: shared reading, quizzes, and puzzles held in class time, school assembly and lunchtimes. The week concluded with students bringing along their favourite book and coming dressed as their favourite book character. Children’s Book Week began in 1945 and is now in its 70^th year.

So what are some of the students favourite books or authors? 

The Year 8 girls like the Cathy Cassidy series of Books. Paige Arnel (Year 3) likes “The Wishing Chair” by Enid Blyton.  Steph Mill (Year 11) is an avid reader of  Isabelle Allende and Erin Morgenstern books. The Grade 4 boys like “Skullduggery Pleasant”

…And what book charatcer will you be dressing up as on Friday?

Kasie is coming as a Harry Potter character. Max will be Spiderman and Ollie, the Hulk..while others are still debating between Pippa LongStocking and Where’s Wally?!

Mathletics

Every student at Wycheproof is enrolled in the Mathletics Program. This allows each child to participate in this activity at their year level either at hom or school. Mathletics can be accessed as often as you like. Certificates are awarded each week for those who gain 1000 points or more thus encouraging and promoting excellence in Maths. Each week the high achievers are listed in the School Newsletter. If you think this task may be too daunting for the little ones then check out the picture with Max Fawcett, Darcy Coles, Libby Thompson, Lana Fawcett and Tessa Fawcett with their certificates for 1000 points or more.

The School Newsletter is available in hard copy at the Wycheproof Newsagency, or online via the Wycheproof Schoolbag App on your phone, or at the  Wycheproof P-12 website

WoT #106 Sept 2015: New drinking water fountain

GWM’s Water Refill Station

GWM Water has installed a Water Refill Station at Wycheproof’s Centenary Park. This gives travellers the opportunity to fill up their own water bottles instead of creating more waste by buying disposable bottles. A great initiative, and another valuable asset for the park.

WoT #106 Sept 2015 News with Amanda

This month we celebrate the beginning of spring, and some wonderful happenings around town.  There are two engagements, that I know of; congratulations to James Coatsworth who popped the question to Casey Tonkin and to Tessa Allan and Jason Coles.  We wish you all many years' happiness.

Often we don’t take the time to appreciate what we have in this community, and sometimes it takes outsiders to remind us of what we do have. This month I was reminded of this after receiving an email forwarded to me from Mark Remnant at the Buloke Shire from some people travelling through town. They were so impressed they felt compelled to write to the Shire, see letter below:

“To the CEO of the Wycheproof Shire Council (Buloke Shire Council), 

As my husband and I pulled into Wycheproof I was blown away by the innovation and creativity I saw on the corner opposite the shops, an amazing installation of creativity and imagination and a high degree of skill! As a practising artist myself I investigated and had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy Johnson!

What talent this retired welder has! He was so friendly, informative and his work inspirational. After admiring I bought two walking sticks but plan to return to look at his more serious sculptures to purchase! They are incredible in concept skill and structure. I could only admire them and dream of purchasing one, one day. 

My further thoughts were what an asset to this town this creative man is. It adds a most interesting dimension and installation to the streetscape, which we also found neat and tidy. Well done local community. 

I also met a very nice woman selling tickets for a trailer of red gum  competition for  your Agricultural and Pastural Show. We are so excited as we now know when your Agricultural Show is on.

Thank you Wycheproof community we will return with pleasure.         Celia & Greg”

Footnote:

I emailed Celia and Greg to thank them for their kind words and to ask permission to publish their story, and I am pleased to report that they are planning to return to Wycheproof for The A&P Society Show in October.

WOT #105 August 2015: Waterless fountain update

It was around 10 years ago that local residents and community groups around Wycheproof delved into the archives and the back of cupboards and drawers to find treasures and mementos that were to be preserved in the Wycheproof Waterless Fountain. The unveiling of the 'fountain' in 2006 was marked by an article in the Bendigo Advertiser (here).

Created by Bendigo artist Carlo Rolfe, the 'fountain' started out fulfilling the community's brief ...to preserve our proud history and to mark our resilience in time of drought. The 'fountain' was proudly placed in front of the rotunda at the corner of Broadway and O'Connor St. However, the vagaries of our climate, particularly over 40 degree summer days, quickly took their toll on the 'fountain' made of resin and it soon discoloured and cracked in the full force of the summer sun.

Over many years there have been attempts to repair the sculpture and find it a new home. Unfortunately repairs have failed and the discolouration can't be reversed. The fountain is currently at the Wycheproof Mens Shed where the volunteers are trialing ways to retrieve the objects and memorabilia intact to return to community groups and individuals. However, it is likely that not all items will be able to be retrieved.

Anyone who donated an item to the Waterless Fountain sculpture project and who wants that item returned is invited to inspect the 'fountain' at the Mens Shed to see if that is feasible, please contact the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre on 54937455 to arrange a time.      

WOT #105 August 2015: Youth report

Wycheproof Youth Report

For the past month, the Youth Group has been busy renovating our youth room. From cleaning, to painting and making plans for the space we have created. 

We met on two separate occasions to prepare our room with sweeping, dusting and scrubbing and preparing walls  it for the base coat of paint. Then the next working bee we finally got to paint after a quick wash to take the remainder of dust and dirt off. The base coat we achieved by the end of the afternoon and we are excited to start planning for pops of colour. 

Our vision for the room, once completed, is for it to become a fun environment fit for many different events from Disco’s, movie nights and bonfires.                                                      by  Mackenzie and Hannah

                             ... here we are hard at working preparing for painting of the Youth Room

WOT #105 August 2015: Chamber Chatter with Tracy

Chamber Chatter with Tracy

Well I think all would agree it was a very successful market day once again in July.

And to all who held or went to the garage sale weekend a big thank you for making that a great day, also to the many businesses that opened on the day ,and lets not forget the Resource Centre for their great work.

A REMINDER for ALL businesses; if in need of special flyers, or other printing for your business, please use the resource centre, as we are very lucky to have the service. 

Some businesses are still working on their shop front makeovers and looking good. 

Hope to see you out and about shopping in the local businesses. 

Mt Wyche Cafe

We’re adding a bit of fun to the workplace and end of the working week by introducing...

 Fancy Dress Fridays.

Come in and see the staff,  have a laugh and put your vote in for best dressed.

A special a makeover.

Wycheproof VISION would like to congratulate Tony, the owner of the building that is home to the Art/Craft Shop, for his efforts in renovating the inside of the shop. The creation of an ‘office’ area and the other work completed makes it a comfortable and inviting environment for both workers and customers alike. 

With the winter chill continuing, call into the Art & Craft shop for warm knitted children's clothing, beanies and scarves.  

Volunteers WANTED: Call in to the Art & Craft Shop or Wycheproof Community Resource Centre for more information.

Thinking of Christmas!!!

Christmas Decorating on Broadway

Well Wycheproof, Christmas is not far away and suggestions are welcome for this year's Christmas Tree Competition for Broadway. The competition was well supported by local businesses and groups who adopted a tree to decorate. 

Wycheproof VISION is keen to host another ‘Decorate a Peppercorn

Competition’, but need to decide whether it should have a theme or just open, like last year?

We would like to aim to have all trees decorated by the

1 December 2015 to maximise the publicity for our community.

So, put on your thinking hats. All suggestions are welcome.

WOT #105 August 2015: On the Wyche police beat

On the beat report with Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnstone

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is warning the public to be aware of a phone scam, that is again circulating, where fraudsters are intimidating people into paying a fake tax debt over the phone.

The aggressive scam attempts to force people to pay a fake tax debt over the phone by threatening arrest if they don’t comply. Assistant Commissioner Thomas Ryan said, the ATO makes thousands of calls to taxpayers a week, but would never contact taxpayers about a debt in this threatening manner and urges people to protect their personal details.

“We take your privacy seriously. We urge you to be alert to these types of scams and never send money or give your financial details to someone you don’t know and trust,” Mr Ryan said.

“Generally the ATO would send an SMS or letter to remind you that a payment was due. If we don't get a response from this we would then call you to discuss payment. If you do have a tax debt we encourage you to contact us early on 13 11 42 so we can discuss your circumstances,” Mr Ryan said.

If people receive a call from the ATO and are concerned about providing their personal information over the phone, they should ask for the caller’s name and phone them back through the ATO’s switchboard on 13 28 69.

If you think you may have fallen victim to a phone scam, contact the ATO on 13 28 61 (8.00 am–6.00 pm Mon to Fri).  Any scam using the internet or email can be reported at the following website: www.acorn.gov.au

WOT #105 August 2015: Wycheproof Community Garden

Wycheproof Community Garden Sproutings

With the coming of July and our shortest day behind us, it’s time to consider the on coming spring growing season. Thanks to a small band of members who have maintained the gardens and surrounds, the vast majority of our garden beds, vines and fruit trees have survived the past summer in good health. 

With the Spring growing season not too far away members are now planning what they would like to plant and nurture through to harvest. The recent welcome rainfall has done our property a lot of good and hopes are high for a successful growing season.

Membership for the full season commencing July 1 2015 until June 30 2016 is only $10. The cost per garden bed is $5 for the full year. 

Two or three working bees are normally held during the year in order to keep the garden in top shape. If you would like to be a part of the fun, contact any of the following: Ian Wheelhouse, Prof Milburn or Russ Bedggood to secure your spot. For anyone not familiar with our location in Park St, we are situated next to the hospital and directly behind Dr Ken’s residence.

Garden beds planted out with winter veges.

WOT #105 August 2015: Wycheproof Lawn Tennis Club news

In December last year, Wycheproof Lawn Tennis Club (WLTC) player Mary-Anne Pollard was nominated and accepted into the Sunraysia Academy of Sport 2015 Tennis program. The program, supported by Tennis Victoria,  provides junior athletes with a high performance sporting program within our region by enhancing pathways for young athletes to achieve their elite sporting and personal ambitions.

 As part of the 2015 SAS Tennis Program, Mary-Anne (pictured with WLTC president, Rob Elder) is required to travel to tournaments throughout Victoria. To support her in her endeavours the Wycheproof Lawn Tennis Club applied for a VicTalent grant, in the Victorian Government 2015 Phase 2 funding rounds, and was successful.

VicTalent provides a $500 travel assistance grant to community sport and recreation organisations in rural and regional Victoria to assist athletes, coaches, officials and teams with the travel costs of training and competition. The grant will help cover costs involved in travelling to training and competition events.

Wycheproof Lawn Tennis Club Meeting Wednesday 5 August at 7pm at the Royal Mail Hotel.

WOT #105 August 2015: Wyche P-12 news

Grounds looking good. Wycheproof P-12 College school grounds are looking great after the recent rains and some TLC from Peter Dillon and Noel Gretgrix. New grass has been planted in the primary school footy oval area and on the Saffin Oval. The result is two, very plush, green areas that are almost ready for students. During the holidays, Noel and Peter created a new concrete area ready for four seats for the students. The Parents and Friends Association donated seats for the children to sit on during the day. 

Waiting for the seats from the P & F  are: Olivia Driscoll, Amara Cowell, William Ison, Will Allan, Noah Greco and Hunter Connolly.

The High Street entrance to the school has been landscaped with the area mulched with woodchips and new plants which will offset the old machinery on display. The machinery has been made available courtesy of Noel Gretgrix and Mick Giddings. 

The gardens are an ongoing process with pruning and planting and the staff and students are enjoying having such nice surrounds to learn, teach and play in.

Visiting Shows. As a country school, Wycheproof P-12 is lucky to have many shows come to us rather than have to travel to some of the bigger cities. Wycheproof Secondary students were entertained by a trio of actors  perform the play, “The Importance of Being Ernest” by Oscar Wilde. 

The Primary students were introduced to life in British Colonial times that portrayed the life of convicts and transportation to different colonies and life during the goldfields era. The children were made aware of the punishments, crimes and difficulties involved in living in cramped conditions on the convict ships. The “Sargeant” kept the students well under control and explained the history of the British flags and the evolvement to form the Union Jack.

Cross Country - Bundoora. Georgia Sheahan and Meg Fawcett (pictured) earned their place to compete in the State Cross Country Finals held in Bundoora on Thursday 16 July. The girls competed in the Open Girls event and posted quite good times. They finished 44th and 62nd respectively. Well done on having the opportunity to compete at this elite level.

An Insight into Uni Life. On Tuesday 21 July,  Meg Bloomfield ( pictured below) returned to school to talk to Senior students about living at Mannix College (Monash Uni). She gave a presentation with pictures of the new modern facilities that include cultural and sporting facilities. Mannix is a Catholic facility but most of the residents come from all different denominations. The first week, "O Week", is a time for getting to know people and learning to find your way around. This is helped with the aid of an App for your phone making it easier to find where you have to go. Mannix has large rooms for your personal items. Showers and toilets are communal. Every Thursday night Mannix has a social activity or get together. 

Talks such as this give the students an insight into what they can expect when moving onto Tertiary Education.

Wycheproof on Track #105 August 2015: News with Amanda

There are so many things to celebrate in Wycheproof this month. Some are happy things and some sad. But they all need celebrating in their own right.

Our July Wycheproof VISION meeting was a celebration as it was our first meeting in the newly refurbished Railway Station. At the meeting we welcomed two new community members who are prepared to take a vested interest in this town we all call home. Being a member and being interested does not mean you need to be at everything, it means you are prepared to stand up for what is important for you and your family. All input and correspondence is important and feel free to contact me if you would like to receive our meeting minutes.

At the meeting we paused and a condolence motion was minuted as we remembered Gordon Hutcheon. Our town lost a great community man, an active participant in so many groups, they are too numerous to mention, but we extend our condolences to the Hutcheon family and give thanks for the man we all knew as 'Hutchy'.

On a happier note, how could this issue of Wycheproof On Track go to press without celebrating James Coatsworth’s mammoth achievement reaching Cape York, the northern-most tip of Australia. Riding alongside him was his partner in peddling Jamie Ison (Freddy). Together they conquered 3700km in just 23 days, an amazing effort indeed. Just a reminder that it’s not too late to donate to James' special cause, diabetes research, on the website www.toptotip.com.au 

Activities this month

Wycheproof VISION hosted a brief meeting with the Murtoa Progress Association on 11 July 2015. The Murtoa association is interested in restoring their railway station to allow it to be used for community use and used the visit to Wycheproof as a chance to view the refurbished railway station and to share information on how the project happened. We wish them well.

 The following is a copy of an email received in Wycheproof VISION's inbox this month:

Hello everyone up there, Are you skiing off the Mount yet? It is COLD here, at Metung, East Gippsland. My sister, Win Tunstall, sent me a copy of Wycheproof on track (great title), with the section about James Coatsworth, and since then I have been following his progress. What an amazing achievement for both him and Freddy. He must have a wonderful support team with him too. What grit, what determination. I hope he writes an article or something about it, although I don’t think he would see many of the sights. Perhaps on the way back, though. I do hope the town does something special for him.

Best wishes to you all. Judith Williams (nee Taylor).

WOT July 2015 Dates for your diary

8th Annual, Wycheproof Chamber of Commerce

TOWN GARAGE SALE

Sunday 12 July 9am - 1pm

Maps available at Mt Wycheproof Cafe on the day.

No early birds  Garage sales and shops open from 9am 

For more information, contact the Wycheproof Community

Resource Centre 5493 7455

Email: bwcrc@bigpond.net.au

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Locals who Lunch  Christmas in July 

Next Lunch: Friday 17 July at 12.30pm

Place: The Terminus Hotel

RSVP to Amanda on 0407 844 904

All welcome

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Wycheproof-Narraport Football, Netball and Hockey Draw.

4 July, Round 12 - Birchip vs Wycheproof-Narraport

11 July, Round 13 - Wycheproof-Narraport vs Boort

18 July, Round 14 - Wedderburn vs Wycheproof-Narraport

25 July, Round 15 - BYE

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Years Ahead Lifestyle series

Personal and Home Safety presentation covers:

           Personal safety

           Vehicle safety

           Home security

           Home emergencies

           Falls in the home

Presented by RACV.

Where: Wyche Resource Centre

When: Monday, 29 August, 2pm

Afternoon tea provided.

Everyone welcome

WOT July 2015 Youth Group news

Wycheproof Youth Page

This month the youth group had a working bee. We cleaned walls, the roof, both bathrooms and  kitchen.

On Sunday, 28 June at 10am we will be holding another working bee. We kindly ask that anyone interested come along, as our aim is to hold events that include both Charlton and Nullawil youth as well. 

It would mean so much to the group to see people helping us get this room up and going for the next generation of youth. 

Some of the jobs needed are washing walls, painting, some carpentry work, assistance with making new curtains and cleaning up outside.

The Wycheproof Youth Group would like to express our sincere thanks to Albie Harding for relocating the bee hive that was in the logs around the campfire area. Albie and his family are relatively new to Wycheproof and we welcome them to this community.