Is Anyone Able To Help Stuart??

While I was in Ballarat from 1998 through 2002, I used to listen to a poem that was frequently played on the the local radio station.
I am trying to find the word of the poem, as I cannot remember them.
Some parts I do recall are:
I’m a Ballarat man and I’ll always … something about a railway line from/to Bendigo
I was wondering if you know where I can obtain the words, or better still if I could hear it.
Is anyone able to help Stuart please contact him via email: stuart.l.jenneker@gmail.com.

Under The Floorboards Creative Residency Calling All Artists

UnitingCare Ballarat is seeking expressions of interest from artists of all disciplines interested in participating in a month-long creative residency at one of six UnitingCare facilities across the city.
UnitingCare Ballarat offers a broad range of community services, with programs provided to people of all ages, people with varied needs, and people in unusual settings. UnitingCare sees the world with different eyes, and its Under the Floorboards initiative is an invitation for artists to share this world and to produce art that reflects what they find.
Selected artists will work for a month in a specific UnitingCare facility.
This may be a meals program for homeless people, Lifeline telephone call centre, a withdrawal unit for young people, aged care facility, a kindergarten, a facility for homeless young people, or an historic guesthouse.
UnitingCare will commission those resident artists to produce original work in response to their experiences, which will then be auctioned/sold/presented to raise funds for UnitingCare’s continued services for people in need.
Participating artists will be paid a fee of $5,000, with additional funds of up to $5,000 provided for the production of artwork.
To receive a full prospectus for Under the Floorboards, including guidelines on applying, please contact Anna on 03 5337 2782 or www.unitingcareballarat.com.au.

New Cultural Education Centre To Boost Tourism

International visitors to Australia are at an all time high after steadily increasing since 2004 and Ballarat is hoping to benefit with the opening of their new Cultural Education Centre.
The Cultural Centre which boasts a living history museum, cafe, conference centre and is linked to local schools with their education program hopes to attract both locals and out of town visitors to the new centre.
The staff at the NEW BADAC Cultural Education Centre at 403 Main Road are looking forward to the official opening on Tuesday 3rd of April and hope locals will take advantage of having somewhere new to visit over the school holidays. With an interactive learning focus they are confident it will be a great place for families to visit in the coming weeks and months.
• Tourism was estimated to be worth $15.2 billion to Victoria’s economy and employ approximately 193,200 people in 2008-2009 (ABS)
• Tourism Victoria data recently released shows that visitors to Ballarat had steadily increased in 2011
• Figures released by Tourism Australia show domestic visitors accounted for more than half of all tourists to Ballarat and south-west Victoria last year.
The new BADAC Cultural Education centre manager, Michelle Hetherington says “learning about local Aboriginal history, culture and stories in a beautiful setting that provides people an opportunity to relax, with or without their kids in tow is a great day out for visitors to Ballarat. Being close to Melbourne sets Ballarat apart in terms of city people having access to something a little different to do during the school holidays”.
She also says with recent floods still impacting on our local area it’s “an important time to continue supporting local tourism while it continues to grow”.
To further information contact Narelle 0407 796 117 or 03 5331 5344.

Ballarat Arts Alive Public Meeting

Become a part of Ballarat Arts Alive!
Are you an artist or passionate supporter of the arts? You are invited to attend the Ballarat Arts Alive first General Meeting on March 27, 6.30pm at the Mechanics Institute, 117 Sturt St.
A public forum was held last July at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, attended by 200 locals to discuss the cultivation and promotion of arts in the region. Out of this discussion, Ballarat Arts Alive was born, and a Steering Committee has since been formed and continued the development of identified needs, including a regional arts website, inquiry into disused spaces and regular gatherings for the creative community called Art Sparks.
The General Meeting will focus on the next step of formalising the group through incorporation (approving a set of Rules of Association) and inviting group membership. Achievements thus far and plans for the future will be presented. The night will also include a tour of the historic Mechanics Institute and drinks at a nearby venue afterwards.
For more information please contact Ballarat Arts Alive Secretary merle.hathaway@bigpond.com

Help Bring Ballarat’s Memories Alive

The City of Ballarat needs you to help bring Ballarat’s memories alive during this year’s Ballarat Heritage Weekend.
The City of Ballarat is searching for video footage captured in and around Ballarat between 1930 and 1975.
The footage needs to have been captured on Super 8, Standard 8 or 16mm film that has since been transferred to digital format.
The footage will be used as part of Ballarat Heritage Weekend to be held over Mothers Day Weekend, 12 and 13 May. This year’s event theme is ‘Childhood Memories’.
Footage of Ballarat streetscapes, around the home, community gatherings and celebrations, picnics and car trips are wanted. Material will be copied for the purpose of ensuring technological compatibility only and will not be reproduced for any other purpose.
If you have footage that you would like to share with the community over Ballarat Heritage Weekend, deliver it to 17 Armstrong St, South (next to the Phoenix Building) on the following dates and times:
• Sunday 25 March, 2 – 4pm.
For more information contact Council’s Community Events unit on 5320 5620.

BREAZE Launch Of National Big Solar Campaign In Ballarat

BREAZE launch of national big solar campaign in Ballarat at 11.20am, Saturday 24 March at the Burke & Wills Fountain, cnr Sturt and Lydiard Streets, Ballarat. Around 50 local residents, including children, who support renewable energy. They will be dressing up the fountain to look like a highly visual solar thermal power station with bright yellow balloons, mirrors, placards and big letters because the national 100% Renewable big solar campaign has been launching in towns and suburbs around the country, showing support for large scale solar plants and the creation of the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Today is Ballarat’s turn.
For further information contact Andrew on 0421 379 646.

Feedback welcomed on Ballarat Gaming Policy Framework

The local community is invited to have their say on Amendment C154 when the Ballarat Gaming Policy Framework is placed on public exhibition from Friday 9 March.
The amendment will bring the Ballarat Gaming Policy Framework (2011) into the Ballarat Planning Scheme. The Framework seeks to establish a local policy direction for the location of electronic gaming machines within the City of Ballarat.
Mayor Cr Mark Harris said the Amendment would assist Council in managing planning permit applications for electronic gaming machines (EGMs).
“The placement of EGMs has been high on our agenda for some time. Ballarat has a cap of 663 which is well above the state average”.
The amendment applies to all land within the City of Ballarat and proposes to modify Clauses 21.04 and 21.10 of the Ballarat Planning Scheme to include policy direction and to incorporate this Framework as a reference document. It also introduces a local gaming policy at Clause 22.13 of the scheme.
Council will be hosting a drop in information session regarding Amendment C154 on 13 March 2012, between 4 and 7pm, in the Trench Room, Ballarat Town Hall. Interested community members are invited to drop in at their convenience, review the amendment documents and ask questions about its content. Those interested in attending this session are asked to register either by phone 5320 5536 or via email to strategicplanning@ballarat.vic.gov.au
The Framework and amendment documents can be viewed on Council’s website www.ballarat.vic.gov.au under ‘Strategic Planning – Currently on Exhibition’, or in person at the Ballarat Town Hall, Sturt Street, Ballarat.
Submissions can be sent by email to strategicplanning@ballarat.vic.gov.au or by post to Strategic Planning, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat VIC 3353
Submissions close on Monday 16 April, 2012 at 5pm and must be clearly marked with the reference: “Ballarat Planning Scheme Amendment C154”.

Wil Hobbs Is Seeking Assistance With Shave For A Cure

Wil Hobbs has his hair but he has decided he is willing to sacrifice it for others, like Aslan the lion who allowed the witch to cut off his mane. He doesn’t think his looks will suffer too badly with his hair gone and he knows it will soon grow back. But Wil feels that participating in Shave for a Cure is a small way that he can give back to the community.Leukaemia is a widespread condition worldwide but Wil feels that if everyone can get together and do a little bit then hopefully a cure will be found. Many leukaemia sufferers are diagnosed in their teens and Wil relates to this as since the age of 13 he has been wheelchair bound but not from leukaemia, he has a rare genetic neurological disorder – Friedreich’s Ataxia. Perhaps in the future here will be the opportunities for research into Wil’s condition but meanwhile he can still do his little bit to help others and have some fun at the same time. Wil is keen to hear from anyone who is holding a Shave for a Cure function that he could attend, or someone approved by Shave for a Cure Foundation to assist him with shaving on Thursay 15, Friday 16 or Saturday 17 March, and also from anyone who is willing to sponsor his efforts. Wil can be contacted at whobbs75@gmail.com or 0424 264 235.

Australian Government Mobile Office visits Daylesford and Castlemaine

The Australian Government Mobile Office will visit Daylesford and Castlemaine shortly to offer locals easy access to government payments and services.
Department of Human Services General Manager, Hank Jongen said the Australian Government is committed to providing a better service for rural Australians, with two Mobile Offices servicing areas where residents have difficulty accessing help.
“In the past rural residents affected by remoteness and isolation may have had to travel significant distances to access vital services,” Mr Jongen said.
“The department recognises people living in rural and remote communities need to have easier access to government payments and services.
“Recent innovations in rural service delivery have allowed this to happen – improved technology and mobile servicing are helping to bridge that gap.
“Staff on board the Mobile Offices live and work in rural communities. They understand their needs and they can tailor services to suit, providing information and assistance to seniors, students, families and farmers,” Mr Jongen said.
Mobile Office staff can assist people with a wide range of services, including:
• New claims for a wide range of Centrelink payments
• Updating Centrelink and Medicare customer information
• Confirming customer documents and supporting information
• Information on how financial matters may impact on Centrelink payments
• Payment and service options to suit individual circumstances
• Non-cash Medicare transactions such as arranging cheque or EFTPOS claim payments
• Medicare enrolments
• Specialist support and referrals
“Since 2006 the Australian Government has supported rural communities through Mobile Offices, with these two vehicles formerly known as ‘Drought Buses’,” Mr Jongen said.
“In response to the diverse needs of rural residents and customers, our Mobile Offices now provide a broader range of Australian Government payments and services. This makes it easier for people to conduct their Centrelink and Medicare business.
“While the Mobile Offices are used primarily to provide a convenient and personalised service to rural communities, their capabilities mean they can also be quickly relocated to provide emergency on-the-ground support for Australian Government disaster recovery efforts.”
“Itineraries and more information about the Australian Government Mobile Offices are available at humanservices.gov.au or people can call 13 2316.

The Mobile Office will be visiting Daylesford on Thursday 23 February from 9:30am to 4.00pm, in the bus zone, Bridport Street, Daylesford.

The Mobile Office will be visiting Castlemaine on Friday 24 February from 10.00am to 4.00pm, near the Western Reserve, Forest Street, Castlemaine.

Cancer Council Victoria’s 15th annual Arts Awards: Entries now open!

Cancer Council Victoria is pleased to announce that as of 15th January, entries are officially open for its 2012 Arts Awards. Now in their 15th year, the Arts Awards provide all Australians touched by cancer with an opportunity to express their experience creatively through art, writing or film.

The awards are open to both amateur and professional artists and entries are accepted in the categories of:

• Visual Art
• Short Story
• Film
• Poetry
• Indigenous Art
• Youth and Children’s Writing and Art

The theme for 2012 is ‘Strength’ and experts including writer and storyteller, Arnold Zable and children’s author, Tony Wilson, will judge entries. A range of works will be displayed via a touring exhibition with a grand opening on 29th July in Melbourne at 120 Collins Street. It will then travel throughout Victoria, including Melton, during September and October and at Burrinja Cultural Centre from 18th October – 18th November. An outstanding entry from each category will also be awarded a cash prize – $250 allocated for exceptional entries in children’s categories, $500 for the youth section and $1000 for adult categories.
Cancer Council Victoria spokesperson, Deb Stringer, says, “Cancer presents an enormous physical and emotional challenge for all those affected including patients, family, friends and carers. Whether directly affected or supporting a loved one, many will draw on their inner strength to help them get through such a difficult time. We run our Arts Awards initiative as artistic and literary expression can often help people through their cancer journey, and we believe the awards provide valuable support”.
This year, for the first time in the awards’ 15 year history, Cancer Council Victoria will be offering creative therapy workshops across the state. Participation in these workshops can help patients and their families find strength through creative pursuits.
Creative therapy sessions will be held in Melbourne on 18th February at Cancer Council Victoria’s Drummond Street premises, at Burrinja Cultural Centre on 17th March and the Melton Visitor Information Centre in March (see website for dates and bookings).
Entries close on 27 April 2012. For further information or to enter, please visit www.artsawards.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.

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