Forrest Post June 2014

June 2014 1

Forrest’s main street will soon have a colourful makeover. Trees chosen for their brilliant autumn foliage and cool summer shade will be planted in the coming months along Grant Street between Henry and Blundy Streets.The $9500 planting program is the final part of Colac Otway Shire Council’s Grant Street redevelopment project, which also includes the new footpath and car parking areas near the shop and Brewery.Three species of trees have been chosen to complement the existing framework of deciduous trees in this area:

Acer rubrum ‘October glory’ (lipstick maple), Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) and Quercus coccinea (scarlet oak). The trees will be planted in large gaps or places where previous plantings have died or become diseased, or proven to be inappropriate for the position. The new trees will be positioned where they have space to grow into their natural

shape and size, without having to be pruned to allow for power lines.Forrest and District Community Group secretary Mary Dracup said she was delighted with this opportunity to beautify Forrest: ‘We consulted with locals who had been involved with previous streetscaping plans. Sue Harris was particularly helpful—we’re lucky to have some people here who have considerable expertise in planning and managing trees. The aim is to redefine and strengthen the original plans which also had a deciduous theme for autumn colour. The street will be a blaze of colour in a few years!’

A bright look for Forrest

Sculptural bike racks are in...and a hit!

JUNE 2014

Finishing touches were applied with a chainsaw to three new sculptural bike racks installed last month. Tim Schoenhofen used his arborist skills for a unique purpose, almost working as a sculptor himself to ensure the slots were straight and finished off neatly, while Michael Bishop measured and chiselled the spacings.The bike rack designs bring together the logging history of Forrest with the modern tourism economy. Located at the hall, tennis courts and

by the river on Hennigan Crescent, images depict a rider, saw blade and platypus etched in steel uprights.The beautiful apple box logs were generously donated by John Marriner, with the project funded by a Small Town Improvement Program grant. Visiting riders have responded with enthusiasm to the designs, with one group talking to Tim about how they could create one for their own house.

‘Tiger’ update

The feasibility study for the Tiger Rail Trail from Forrest to Birregurra via Barwon Downs and Deans Marsh is underway. It will examine the costs and issues, economic and health benefits, and determine an appropriate corridor for the trail.

An issues and opportunities (interim) report will be ready in July with the final report to be submitted in December.

A series of ‘open houses’ will be held in June for those interested in meeting with the consultants and discussing the project.

Open house times:

Thursday 19 June

Barwon Downs 9am-12pm Barwon Downs Hall

Forrest 2-4pm Forrest Hall

Tim Schoenhofen turns a log into a bike rack while Michael Bishop uses

a wheel to check measurements.

Transplan  Pty  Ltd  –  Planning  +  Design  Web:  transplan.com.au     email:  [email protected]      Ph:  08  94744655            Mob:  0419  744  655  

Tiger Rail Trail Feasibility Study Project Newsletter No. 1 - June 2014  

The Project Work has commenced on the preparation of a feasibility study to establish whether it is possible to extend the existing Tiger Rail Trail all the way from Forrest through to Birregurra. The “Tiger” (a 1936 Dodge sedan converted to run on the railway tracks and painted yellow with diagonal black stripes) ran until 1952. The railway line was closed in 1957.

Colac Otway Shire, with a grant from the Victorian state government and The Friends of the Tiger Trail, has appointed specialist trail planning consultancy Transplan Pty Ltd to investigate the practicalities, challenges and potential benefits of developing the trail. A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the preparation of the feasibility study. Mike Maher of Transplan said recently: “The existing 7km rail trail north of Forrest appears well used and, together with the Forrest Mountain Bike Park, has stimulated visitation to the area and new business opportunities. However, rail trails cater for a vastly different market to mountain bike parks. Although most users of rail trails are cyclists, they are predominantly seeking a more relaxing bike ride in attractive rural settings. Rail trails are ideal for family groups and leisurely cyclists because they are flat and traffic free. These types of facilities have proven to be a boon for small towns and the extension of the rail trail could be very beneficial for Barwon Downs and Deans Marsh, as well as the bigger towns at each end”. Mike Maher said fieldwork later this month will look at possible alternative routes (such as the water supply channel and road reserves) that could be used where the former railway corridor is now in private ownership.

What the Project Involves The feasibility study will examine the costs and issues in establishing the complete rail trail as well as examining the economic and health benefits that will be enjoyed by local people and businesses. The study will also determine which sections of the former railway corridor are still in public ownership.

The Project Timeline Assessment of issues – May/June Examination of former railway corridor - May Community engagement sessions – June Issues and Opportunities (interim) Report – July Draft Feasibility Report submitted – August Community review of Draft Report – September/October Final Report submitted - December

Consultation Engagement with the community is an integral part of the project and, following the investigations of possible route options, the consultants will undertake a thorough process of communicating with community groups, landowners and other key stakeholders. A series of ‘open houses’ will be held in June when those interested in the project can come and meet and discuss the project with the consultants preparing the Feasibility Study. These events will be well advertised in local newspapers and on Council’s website.  

The  Tiger  Rail  Trail  

The   first   7km   section   of   a   possible   31km  trail  route  (between  Forrest  and  Birregurra)  is   already   in  operation.  Heading  north   from  the  small  township  of  Forrest,  the  Tiger  Rail  Trail   travels   alongside   farmland,   passes   the  old  Yaugher  railway  siding  and  then  enters  a  magnificent   stand   of   eucalypts   before  terminating  near   the  Forrest  Birregurra  Rd.  The   existing   rail   trail   has   been   in   place   for  several   years   and   expectations   are   that   a  trail  all   the  way  to  Birregurra  can  be  found,  using   the   former   railway   corridor,   road  reserves   and   perhaps   the   water   supply  channel.  

The existing Tiger Rail Trail near Forrest is located alongside the Forrest Birregurra Road before

following the original railway formation to Yaugher and beyond.

Left, Scarlet oak (Penny Rushby-Smith, https://flic.kr/p/4gcWrt) Right, Japanese maple (autan, https://flic.kr/p/491EtC)

Lipstick maple (JanetandPhil, https://flic.kr/p/jCR181)

June 20142

Looking for quality childcare that’s fun and educational?

Look no further…

FORREST EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Catering for children from birth- school age

Morning (9-2pm) and Afternoon (2-6pm) sessions available

Contact Forrest Primary School for more information

Tara Hulonce 5236 6393

Looking for quality childcare that’s fun and educational?

Look no further...

FORREST EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Catering for children from birth-school ageMorning (9-2pm) and

Afternoon (2-6pm) sessions available

Contact Forrest Primary School for more information

Tara Hulonce 5236 6393

Two unique, fully self-contained, 3 bedroom cottages

Centrally located in the township of Forrest

For bookings:www.ozbook.com.auPhone 5233 3579

5 Grant Street FORREST

Imagine a science classroom where curiosity and teamwork are celebrated, and students are encouraged to learn by doing. Since Term 2 Forrest Primary School has been implementing an inquiry approach to science and the program has been captivating the students’ minds.

The prep/1/2 and the senior room students have been studying Chemistry this term. They have put on laboratory jackets and goggles and with their experiments have begun to develop ideas about what it is like to work scientifically in a team. Students are making and testing predictions and exploring different ways to represent their thinking.

Prep/1/2 room students are investigating mixtures and their properties, for example: can they be separated? Chocolate crackles will never be the same to the preps year 1s and 2s!

In the senior room, the students are developing skills in planning investigations based around solids, liquids and gases. The students are encouraged to work in small teams to investigate a question and then observe, record and communicate their new understandings. There is a lot of fun in finding out how best to melt an ice cube!

Being in a science classroom where students are making their own knowledge and exploring scientific concepts in a hands-on way makes for fantastic teaching and learning by all.

Kaz Standish, Forrest/Deans Marsh schools science teacher

Questions, questions, so many questions!

Sophie Lane: I like when we made volcanoes in bottles with food dye, bicarb soda and vinegar.

Jordi Roberts: I

like wearing

a coat and

gloves, like a

real scientist.

Senior room students (l-r) Jarrah

Ashton, Kaye Troughton and Kayla

Forssman experiment with liquids

William

Standish: We

get to learn

new words

and it’s fun.

June 2014 3

TRIPP BUILDING

Peter Tripp 5237 7348 / 0429 799 829

PTYLTD

Reg. Builder: DBU-12327

New Homes... Extensions...Renovations...Small jobs and all other building work

MBA Member: 099036

In 1934, British royalty played a large part in many people’s lives. A visit to the area by the Duke of Gloucester was a major event. After his train’s arrival at Colac he was to tour the Otways. He and his party were to be treated to a traditional Otway welcome at a site on Turton’s Track. A bark hut was constructed for the occasion with a table and white cloth,

and the meal prepared for the visitors consisted of chicken and crayfish with all the trimmings. A sign installed on the Mountain Ash nearby read ‘Gloucester Hut’.On the auspicious day the local dignitaries gathered, but after a worrying delay were informed that the Duke was ‘indisposed’ and unable to leave the train!The Duke’s Centenary Tour was to

continue on to the Great Ocean Road, to unveil a plaque commemorating the ex-soldiers who built the road. The residents of Apollo Bay arranged a welcome at Skenes Creek with banners and flags across the road. The local school children assembled in their best clothes. When the organizers heard the news of the Duke’s ‘illness’ they responded in typical bush style, making the best of things. Some locals suitably attired came down the road in a car, pretending to be the visitors. They were greeted with shouting and flag waving until the deception was realized. A good laugh ensued all round.For years the Duke’s hut was a popular local attraction. (Local historian Jim Spiers relates this story in his history book Kaanglang, Otway secret treasures and special places, available from the Society’s book shop for $9).

Ken Widdowson, Forrest and District Historical Society

The Duke’s hut

…...and they all had egg on their faces! Local historian, Jim Spiers relates this story in his popular Forrest history book Kaanglang, Ot-way Secret Treasures and Special Places. In the past, British Royalty played a larger part in peoples lives than they do today. So it was a ma-jor event when it was planned that the Duke of Gloucester would visit the area in 1934. From the arrival of his train at Colac he was to tour the Ot-ways. It was decided to treat him and his party to a traditional Otway welcome at a site on Turton’s track. A bark hut was constructed for the occasion with a table and white cloth and Jim was told the meal prepared for the visitors consisted of chicken and crayfish with all the trimmings. A sign installed on the Mountain Ash read “Gloucester Hut”. On the auspicious day the local dignitaries gathered and after a worrying delay were informed that the Duke was ‘indisposed’ and unable to leave the train! The Duke’s Centenary Tour was to continue on to The Great Ocean Road via Skenes Creek to unveil a plaque commemorating the ex-soldiers who built the Great Ocean Road, before going on to Lorne. The residents of Apollo Bay rallied to the occasion and arranged a welcome at Skenes Creek with banners and flags across the road. The local school children assembled in their best clothes. When the organizers heard the news of the Duke’s ‘illness’ Jim reports that they re-sponded in typical bush style, making the best of things. Some locals suitably attired came down the road in a car pretending to be the visitors amid shouting and flag waving until the deception was realized and a good laugh ensued all round. For years the Duke’s hut was a popular local attraction along with the amusing stories that went with it. (Jim’s book is available from the Society’s Book Shop, $9). Ken Widdowson. Forrest and District Historical Society.

Duke of Gloucester Hut

Geotechnical RepoRtsRisk assessmentscomputeR DesiGnslope stabilityWateR supplyFaRm Damsbush FiRe assessmentsite classiFications

Consulting EnginEEr

MICHAEL DELAHUNTY beng mieaust

ph 0428 141 441Fax 03 5233 4608

[email protected]

www.2020es.com

Who’s who: Jeff Fox

You’re Forrest born and bred?

My mother’s family were from Forrest and Dad came from Beech

Forest. 40 years ago you knew everyone. There were 115 kids in the school when I went there. The town’s swinging around and needs to keep going.

Tell us about trail building.

I rode motor bikes all my life and rock climbed since about 20. When the kids came along I couldn’t get away so I took up mountain bike riding. I started off travelling to Anglesea and all the trails I was riding I thought, ‘I could build better than this.’ So I did.

Trail building became a passion, an obsession really. I was building the house and every time I ran out of money I built trails. I used an axe, a rake hoe and a shovel and built pretty much all the trails at Yaugher. I also designed Follow the Dog. I had a German Shepherd (Geena) and we would go out walking picking lines and mark the

trails on the way back. I built most of the trails after I broke my back.

How did that happen?

I was out riding at Newcomb Spur and went over the handle bars at 60-70 kms and landed on my head. I couldn’t move – I have never felt pain like it. I was riding on my own and I lay there for 4-5 hours until a motor bike came through and found me. I broke T5 and crushed a vertebrae either side.

Every thought about leaving?

Leaving here? Everything I want is here. It’s about the lifestyle. People drive 2 hours to get here for a ride. In that time I’ve had a ride, come home and gone out on the motor bike.

So what does the future hold?

I’ve got no idea – I take life as it comes.

June 20144

Who’s

Who

Jeff

Fox

Owners: Claire Barrett and John Cameron, Turner Drive.

Name: Born with the pedigree name Steemdaro Daisy Chain (from Classy Lady and Maximus Brown!). Chosen from the litter by our son, Alex because ‘she looked sad’ and renamed Coco by our daughter, Rose, after Coco Chanel the fashion designer.

Best trick: Coco has never grasped the idea that a game with a ball works best if the ball is returned. Although obedient when food is involved, Coco has no tricks other than being a good companion on morning walks with Claire, and evening walks with John.

Favourite pastimes: All year round, Coco enjoys swimming in the river, and chasing (and eating) green apples from

the trees on the reserve, now used in place of sticks.

Misadventure: The entire year 2010 was a misadventure for Coco, beginning with throat surgery to remove wood splinters from chewing sticks. A diagnosis of terminal sarcoma followed. After three miserable months and huge cortisone doses daily, Coco had a spontaneous remission. As a result, Coco is now known to the vet as Australia’s Luckiest Dog. Her troubles not quite over, a huge cyst grew on her head, leaving her with a permanent parting after its removal. Life has been quieter since.

John Cameron

Four-legged locals: Coco

Enjoy a full cooked country-style breakfast

Relax in our large hydro-therapy spa pool

Soak up the Otway Valley views from your private suite

Your Hosts - Bob & Carol

www.forrestrivervalley.com.au

Couples ACCoMModAtion

The Cob Clinic in ForrestAcupuncture &

Massage TherapiesAndrew & Shizu

(03) 52366 493colacotwaychinesemedicine.com

June 2014 5

Who’s new: James, Beth, Kohima and Luca Sprunt

Why did you come to Forrest?

James: We bought a farm on Kents Road, 4 years ago, to farm organic beef using holistic management. Beth: I work at the Nossal Institute for Global Health in a field called disability-inclusive development and thankfully can mostly work from home. I’ve also just started a PhD.

Can you tell us about your farming methods?

James: Holistic management guides us: we utilise the cows to mimic what happens in big herds in nature to improve the landscape. Livestock graze an area for short periods, only returning (ideally) when grasses are fully recovered—in 4-12 months. Inputs are few: livestock access ad lib minerals, homeopathics and hay. Holistic management encompasses nearly every aspect

of our lives: energy use, time with family, impact on environment and community to name a few.

What do you like most about living here?

Beth: I love the sweet smell of the air as I get off the train at night; the stars, the rainbows, the quiet, the cows, the closeness of the school community, the groundedness of the people, our amazing neighbours… I could go on!

James: I like the diverse community. The school is humming, really supportive, the kids seem to be quite mature, teachers are awesome, and there are some great parents involved.

What plans do you have for the future?

James: Next year we’ll be selling more beef, because we’ve built up the herd numbers now, and maybe we’ll do meat chickens as well. Beth: I am dying to get building a straw bale home.

What is your beef called?

‘Sprunt Farm Barwon River Beef’.

Who’s New

Th

e Sprunt Fam

ily

CommunityCalendarFootball & Netball

June 7June 14June 21June 28

Alvie (Home)Birregurra (Away)Simpson (Home)Sth Colac (Away)

Run Forrest

June 8 21 & 10km trail runsrunforrest.com.au

Church Services - St James Church, Grant St

2nd & 4th Sundays

1st Sunday

Anglican Services, 11.15am

Uniting Services,10.30am

Soup Fest

June 8 Delcious soups, local music and market

Mountain Bike Riding

Thursdays, 6pm ‘Brew Crew - Under Lights’ Meet at Forrest Brewery

Women’s Health Night

June 17th6.30-9.30pm

Birregurra Health CentreColac Area Health More info call 5236 4000

YOURRIDESTARTSHERE

CNR STATION ST & BLUNDY STBIKES - COFFEE - CULTURE

June 20146

The Antarctic, a beautiful wilderness, has become the final frontier. Unlike locals Wal Miller, Allan Winter, Brett Ruffin and Tyrone Blake, most will never ply their trade on ice floes or amongst orcas. Al went from pub chef in Deer Park to camp cook on Macquarie Island in 1978, followed by 17 months at Mawson. ‘I felt cheated not getting to Antarctica the first time so I had to go back,’ laughs Al.‘There was big money in the mines, but I hate the heat,’ said Wal. He worked as a mechanic at Davis Station in 1993 and Casey in 1999 after a teacher’s stories of life on the

ice captured his attention. Brett was fired up by the experiences of his mate’s father. After 8 years as a carpenter at Alcoa, he made his first trip to Casey in 2003, followed by 17 months at Mawson and Davis bases.‘The photography is fantastic,’ said Brett. ‘The sun is coming up on one side as the moon is going down on the other and at night there are the auroras.’All have stories of rugged adventure. Al was responsible for husky teams heading to a remote hut when a wrong turn nearly ended in disaster. ‘The ice cracking underneath us sounded like thunder. If the dogs hadn’t had their wits we wouldn’t have come home,’ remembers Al.Wal spent 5 months on a 2400 mile traverse between bases with 5 others and 3 heavily laden dozers. NASA signed them up for research during the trip as it’s the closest thing to

investigating the isolation of space.As ‘winterers’, the group of around 20 have to share the roles of a whole community, including SES, fire and medical crew, and everyone has a role in the science.

With 2 weeks training as a theatre nurse in Hobart before leaving, Brett helped take out an appendix, while 2 diesel mechanics sewed the doctor’s cheek on following another incident. ‘He was awake telling us what to do,’ said Wal.Australia has a commitment to maintaining the pristine environment, shipping everything home including rubbish and sewerage. Huskies left the bases 20 years ago because their waste couldn’t be contained.And the cold? ‘I’ve had colder days in Torquay!’ said Brett. ‘You’re kitted up down there and the wind doesn’t get through.’

You think Forrest is cold? Try the Antartic!

A place to call home: Mawson Station

Map image source: Australian Antarctic DivisionAurora over Mawson station

Forrest & District Neighbourhood House Program

June update 2014First Monday of the month BINGO 1-3pm. $5 for 2 books & arvo tea

Tuesday 1-4pm Free counselling with Lena CollopyBooking essential 0487 244 310Wednesday 6.30-8pm Tai Chi with Seona Gunn $10/8conc

Thursday Gentle Exercise Class 10-11am. $2Mind Games 11am-12noon. $2Community Lunch 12.30-2pm $6Southern Otways Food Co-op 3-6pmYoga with Teresa 6.30-8pm $10

Friday (School Term) Diploma/Cert IV Visual Arts10am-3pm

REGuLAR ACTIVITIES at the Forrest Hall (unless otherwise indicated) COMING uP... CWA Info session Wed 11 June 3.30pmInterested in starting a Forrest group? Join us for a cuppa and find out more.

Forrest Youth Group Friday 13 June 5.30pm Parents and children are invited to discuss possible future activities. Free pizza & G rated film to occupy littlies.

Bluegrass Jam arvo 4th Sunday of the month - 22 June 3pmAcoustic bluegrass style - beginners welcome

For more info contact Gillian Brew T: 5236 6591 Office Hours: Mon 10-5pm & Thur 10-6pm

June 2014 7

The Forrest Post is an initiative of the Forrest and District Community Group. Every effort is made to remain current, accurate and non-partisan. Feedback, submissions and advertising input are encouraged. Submissions may be edited. You may request an electronic version by email delivery.

Contact [email protected] Editors Mandy Bishop, Mary Dracup Layout/design Laura McKinnon © Forrest and District Community Group

Caspers Accommodationa true Ride-in Ride-out experience

Located in the heart of the Yaugher Trail Network

Fully self-contained apartmentSleeping up to four

Contact Rob or Deb0408 982 880

[email protected]

Kugelhupf from the kitchen of Barbara SchoenhofenThis is Barbara Schoenhofen’s signature cake, which many Forrest people will have tasted over the years.250g butter250g sugarVanilla essence6 eggs250g self raising flour250g grated dark chocolate100g almond meal

Cream the butter and sugar. Slowly add the eggs and then gently add the flour. Stir in the gratedchocolate and almond meal.Pour into a well-greased Kugelhupf tin or 22cm round spring-form tin. Bake for about 1 hour at175-200C. Cool the cake for 10 minutes before tipping it out of the tin. Decorate with a sprinkleof icing sugar (or fancy like in the picture).

OPEN THURSDAY - SUNDAYSeasonal Menu - Craft Beer

Casual AtmosphereBike Friendly - Kid Friendly - Dog Friendly

Also open Sunday night and Monday night over the June long weekend

Thursday night is neighbourhood night, Serving rockin’ PIZZAs from 6.00pm onwards

Or join the Brew Crew, on a socially orientated mountain bike ride

from 6.15pm, followed by PIZZA

Takeaway pizzas also available

PHONE 5236 6170forrestbrewing.com.au | Apollo Bay Road, Forrest

The Birregurra Hall Tuesday 17 June, 6.30 – 9.30pm, Cost $5.

Dr Jenny McKenzie, “Balancing Your Hormones”

Cyndi Darnell, sex therapist, speaking about women’s libido and wellness.

Supper, door prizes and lots of fun guaranteed.

More information www.cyndidarnell.com or ring 5236 4000 to RSVP

What Women Want - A Women’s Health Night

June 20148

Have you ever wonder what those olivey green birds that move round your garden in packs are? Well they are probably immature satin bowerbirds, and they love to get into fruits and fresh growth in your garden and veggie patch. The name Satin comes from the male bird which is a satin black colour, with a blue sheen, where the female and the immature birds are the greeny colour. You can tell the difference between them by their bill, the females being black and the immature males being a light colour. Satin bowerbirds live in the mountainous high rainfall areas, from the Otways right through to north Queensland. What makes the bower birds so special is the bower that the male builds. The bower is an intricate

arrangement of small twigs and grass, built to form a short open-top tunnel. The male bird collects mainly blue items, such as feathers and your clothes pegs, that he decorates the bower with. Along with his grand design and

decoration he also undertakes an intense dancing display, in the hope of courting and mating with a number of females. The female then goes on to lay the eggs and raise the chicks by herself. If you are lucky enough to find a

bower out in the bush, take your time to see how well it is built and marvel at what is a pretty impressive feat.

Peter Ashton

Satin bowerbirds

Football and netball teams aim high

Above, What’s your favourite colour? Blue!

Right, Female Satin bowerbird

Forrest Football Netball Club has started the season on a positive note. As at round 7, we have three wins for senior football, and our reserves, under the coaching of Greg Giblin, are on top of the ladder. Both teams remain focussed and have ‘finals’ in their mind.Netballers as yet are still to have a win but their team spirit is high. Special praise must go to our junior teams-they have been competitive but as yet that ‘win’ has remained elusive.We had three football players selected for the interleague match between the CDFNL and Warrnambool District on 24 May. Shaun Wells, Joel Daffy and Danny McGill were selected, but unfortunately Joel and Danny were both injured and unable to play. Shaun, a new recruit

to Forrest who is proving to be a great addition to our team, represented Forrest in the match. However, Warrnambool’s win ended hopes or back-to-back interleague wins for the CDFNL.Forrest remains upbeat for the remainder of the season and urges locals to become involved with the club. New players, both netball and football, as well as supporters, are most welcome.

Bob Brooks, President FFNC

The senior football team in a tight huddle at a quarter time break in their 16.13-109 to 10.6-66 win over the Western Eagles

Forrest B-grade attack the goal circle in their match against the Western Eagles