Mobile phone reception survey results confirm no great improvement - Sandy Point
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Autumn 2018 Price $1.00 Volume 18, Issue 1
Mobile phone reception survey results
confirm no great improvement
Current Situation
You may recall that prior to and over the 2017 Christmas The results again bear out the evidence we hear from the
holidays the Sandy Point Community Group (SPCG) ran a community; namely reasonable service at the flatter far
survey of members and visitors to gauge satisfaction with western end of town and non-existent at the eastern end.
mobile services. The result confirmed what we had heard What is somewhat surprising is how quickly the signal
anecdotally: that no great improvement had occurred fol- strength declines as you move east.
lowing the installation of the Telstra mobile tower.
While this cannot be construed as a rigorous analysis it
Recently we decided to more rigorously assess the signal does point to deficiencies in what was an expensive exercise
strength to gauge the scope of the problem. Using the to improve communications in Sandy Point, which were
signal strength monitoring feature of a current smart- importantly expected to mitigate the bushfire risk to the
phone and using a Telstra mobile phone plan, the signal township residents and visitors by allowing the Govern-
strength (in dBm) was measured at each intersection in the ment’s disaster warning SMS messages to reach people.
township.
SPCG would like to think that there may be cost effec-
The survey results have been transcribed to a map of the tive solutions to upgrade the current infrastructure to
township and are as shown below. A chart showing signal improve services for all residents/visitors no matter which
strength data collected at noted intersections can also be carrier they choose to use. We are pursuing options with
found on page 7. the relevant Authorities and will keep you informed of the
outcome.
Mobile Signal Strength at road junctions in Sandy Point (Continued on page 7)
Township. Green is good, orange is fair, red is poor and black is bad.
Sandy Point News
Sandy Point Landscaping around toilet facility – we’ve had a meeting
with Council and local landscaper Rob O’Sullivan and planning
Community Group: for this is now underway.
President’s Report Beach Wheelchair – successfully utilised over the Christmas
holidays and very positive feedback received. See page 19 for
We hope you enjoyed the summer at Sandy Point and a story about the beach wheelchair. Further promotion of this
the many events provided by the various community facility will hopefully increase usage.
groups. The SPCG events of the Sandcastle Competi- Communications – A report on mobile phone signal strength
tion, Sausage Sizzle, Foodies Market and Raffle went throughout Sandy Point has been compiled and sent to Council
well and the weather was kind to us once again. The and Telstra. See our article on the front page.
events aim for community involvement for residents
and visitors, whilst providing the necessary funds to Defibrillator – Thanks to Andy and Sue for housing the de-
enable SPCG to donate to worthwhile causes, local fibrillator in the General Store over summer, making it avail-
projects and to contribute to our running costs. We able for public use. SPCG are applying for grants to assist in
thank you for your generous support. We also thank the purchase of a 24 hour access external cabinet which will be
Aldi (Leongatha) for their continued generous donation mounted on the wall near the Mini Golf.
towards the sausage sizzle provisions. We’ve redesigned the homepage of our website
Our combined raffle raised a total profit of $1012.00 www.sandypoint.vic.au, with quick links to popular pages and
which was equally divided between the SPCG and the a list of upcoming events (see screenshot below). You can also
TP Taylor Reserve Committee of Management. visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/SandyPointCom-
munityGroup for more information about what’s happening at
The prize winners were: Sandy Point. Minutes of our committee meetings are also on
Ist Prize – $300 Webjet Voucher - Neil Shaw our website at www.sandypoint.vic.au.
2nd Prize – 2 bottles of Waratah Hills wine plus 2 Please take care and be mindful to all those using our shared
tickets to a Sandy Point Music Club Event - Mary H roadways and respect our dog regulations by adhering to the
from Acacia St restrictions on their access to our wonderful beaches.
3rd Prize – Package of cheeses from Pangrazzi Cheese - Best wishes for a safe and happy Easter!
Vicki Reddick Anne Kinne, President SPCG
Congratulations to the winners and many thanks to
our generous sponsors Pangrazzi Cheese, Waratah
Hills Winery, and the Sandy Point Music Club for your
generous donations. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, due to unavailability of SPCG commit-
tee members we won’t be running the Easter Sandcastle
Competition and Sausage Sizzle this year. This high-
lights the need to increase the number of committee
members so that we can share the workload and more
effectively cover these regular events on the occasions
when many of us are away from Sandy Point at the
same time. Please consider joining our committee so
we can continue to run events and provide support and
advocacy to our community.
Developments on our ongoing projects and issues:
Community Plan and survey results
Jannine Mulford was the winner of 2 free tickets to a
music club event for completing our survey about Sandy
Point, sent out to ratepayers last October. The results of
the survey were presented and discussed at the Commu-
nity Planning Meeting in January and have now been
incorporated into our Community Plan. You can view
the updated plan and results of the survey on pages 9
and 10.
Waratah Way – see page 4 for an update from Cath
Giles.
2
Sandy Point News
Could it get any better than this?
The Music Club has held a string of extremely success- “Dave Gunning from Nova Scotia, Canada followed suit
ful events over the last year and last Saturday’s, when the with his own personal stories, lyrics, talent and humor.
Festival of Small Halls visited Sandy Point, was no excep- We should adopt him and call him a national treasure too.
tion. Word is obviously getting around and we’re starting Perhaps if we put a tractor in the paddock, he might agree.
to see people coming to our events from outside the im-
“Both were fresh from the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
mediate area. So much so that we’re starting to get worried
Both gave us exceptional solo performances. Then they
that we locals won’t be able to get tickets for future events!
“jammed” together to end the night. They were sensational.
We’ll all have to book our tickets well in advance from
now on we think, rather than risking leaving it to the last Thank you to the South Gippsland Shire Council for their
minute and buying them at the door! grant and to the Festival of Small Halls for their collabora-
tion.”
Word also seems to be getting around in the music
industry about the great venue, enthusiastic audiences
and hospitality of the Sandy Point Music Club and we’re
getting emails from musicians and bands offering their
services.
Recent gigs included local bands, the Grand Ole Factory
Band and Blind Cobbler's Thumb, who took to the stage
in January. The place was packed to capacity and nearly
everyone was up and dancing by the end of the evening.
In February, as Donna Killeen wrote on the Music Club’s
Facebook page, “Andy Baylor and his talented band the
Hip Hillbillies had the young and the old up, swinging and
boogie woogie-ing all night…. The divine Ms Sandra Talty
was a knockout with the swinging hip in her voice while
playing the drums. The stand-up bass player, the trumpet-
er, the banjo player and the guitarist were also exceptional The Music Club have got several more music nights lined
support for Andy as he took us on a journey to the deep up for you so don’t delay – get your tickets now! You can
south of Louisiana and Tennessee with his voice and fiddle find out more about them and how to buy tickets on our
stick. Hip, hip hooray to the Sandy Point Music Club for Facebook page or on our website at www.sandypoint.vic.au.
another wonderful night.” 21st April - King River Rising. King River Rising are
an eight-piece groove powerhouse who push the bounda-
ries of Reggae, Rock and Funk while paying homage to the
genre’s predecessors. Skillfully blending deep grooves and
intertwining harmonies and melodies, KRR contains skilled
players in their own right – but together they project a tight-
knit, passionate band. Fresh from their 22 date east coast
tour they’re set to be as tight and as pumping as ever.
7th July – Perch Creek. Perch Creek are a band of five
exuberant and multi-talented musicians, four of whom are
siblings. They play harmony driven modern folk music with
a creative energy and fearless golden spirit. With diverse in-
strumentation including guitar, bass, keyboard, trombone
and saw, Perch Creek combine five-part vocal harmonies
Then in March fresh from the Port Fairy Folk Festival and with folk, pop, roots and rock musical styles, all threaded
courtesy of the Festival of Small Halls, folk singers Dave together by the band’s unique five-way collaborative song-
Gunning and Claire Anne Taylor played at Sandy Point. writing.
As Donna wrote: “Sandy Point Music Club – you’ve done Perch Creek have toured from Europe to Canada, Woodford
it again. When Claire Ann Taylor sang her first song Folk Festival to Golden Pains, Edinburgh Fringe to ABC
without music I nearly dropped my camera, certainly I TV’s Spicks and Specks. The band consistently deliver un-
dropped my jaw. Every song was a blend of syrup, guts, forgettable, uplifting and high-energy shows.
talent and personal lyrics that made you wish you grew up
in Tasmania’s Tarkine with a family of Tassie devils under
the house. You’re a national treasure Claire.
3
Sandy Point News
Waratah Way Shared Trail Update
March 2018
On Wednesday 28 February I (on behalf of the Sandy reflect the true intent of consideration for the Waratah Way,
Point Community Group) presented to the South nor the community’s keen desire to work on creative solutions
Gippsland Shire Council regarding the Waratah Way that could see this project progress.
Shared Trail, as Councillors were voting that day on the
Wednesday 30th May is the new date for the adoption of the
adoption of the 2017 Paths & Trails Strategy.
2017 Paths & Trails Strategy by Council and any interested
Unfortunately there had been considerable administra- supporters of the trail can briefly address council at 10.00am
tive disarray in the week preceding this which resulted on that day. It is invaluable for councilors to hear from the
in the Waratah Way ‘disappearing’ from the body of the broader community about why this local project is so widely
strategy altogether and then later from the 2017 Priority and strongly backed and of course its many and varied
Projects List in the Appendix, only to reappear in both at benefits, particularly given the opposition from landholders
the 11th hour. Despite this, an amended Council Meeting adjacent to the coastal reserve.
Agenda still committed that council: “Works with the
Alternately, you can just come along and demonstrate your
Sandy Point/Waratah Bay community and stakeholders
interest by being in the gallery. Please contact me for further
to explore and understand the issues around options for
details.
the Waratah Way Trail, acknowledging that this project
has demonstrated significant community support as iden- Our community voted the Waratah Way the No. 1 Project
tified in the February 2018 results of the Sandy Point of Priority for Sandy Point and this is now reflected in the
Community Survey and updated Sandy Point Commu- updated Community Plan (Feb 2018).
nity Plan.” Your ongoing support is important to the long term success
Given the oversights and subsequent confusion as to of this proposed trail. Thank you.
how the Waratah Way was to be detailed and portrayed Any queries to Cath Giles, Project Officer, Waratah Way
in the 2017 Paths & Trails Strategy, Cr Alyson Skinner Shared Trail: cathygiles@bigpond.com or 0417 307 843.
(a great advocate for the trail) moved a new motion to
defer the adoption of the strategy to ensure that council
“Complete further work to rectify inconsistencies in
the current report”. This motion was passed unani-
mously. Both Cr Skinner and Cr Rich talked on this
item citing that in its current form, the strategy did not
4
Sandy Point News 5
Sandy Point News
Things have settled down after a very hectic Christmas For further information email our booking officer - info@
season and so we’re back on Sandy Point time, but with sandypointcc.org.au or have a look at www.sandypointcc.
Easter fast approaching it’s time for the Art Show. org.au
The Art Show will once again be held at the Sandy Community Bash
Point Community Centre from Saturday 31st March to On Sunday 11 March all local groups and locals were invited
Monday 2nd April 2018, 10am – 4pm. to a social get together at the Centre just to get to know
Only $2 to come and see some spectacular art works by who’s who and have a chat. This proved to a great success
the talented local artists. even though it would appear that there was a communica-
tions breakdown with some groups. So let’s put this on the
Once again our Café will be open daily, serving Devon- calendar and make it a regular event, say every 6 months. If
shire Teas, or if you fancy a light lunch why not try the your invitation went astray please contact me so that I can
Homemade Soups, Slices and Sausage Rolls, or just enjoy update the records.
a cuppa.
Have a great Easter and see you at the Art Show.
Trivia Night
What a great success the Trivia night was, with the Di Cooper, president@sandypointcc.org.au
Centre filled to capacity, and everyone enjoying them- President, Sandy Point Community Centre and TP Taylor
selves. Thanks to all our committee members and friends Reserve Committee of Management
who gave their time to ensure its success.
Market Day
Unfortunately, the weather gods did not shine on us for
the Market. It was a hot windy day and hence numbers
were down –both of stall holders and visitors. The Com-
mittee has now decided to outsource the Market. We
know the community wants the market but our delega-
tion from South Gippsland Shire Council is to manage
the Centre and the Reserve and this is requiring more
of our time. Therefore, we feel it’s time to hand over the
market to a new group to run. So if you know of any
group that would be interested please contact me. For
more detail see page 20.
Sandy Point Music Club
They have certainly got the Centre ‘grooving’ with
great music from some amazing artists over the last 12
months. The feedback from all the artists has been very
positive and they all love the venue. Personally, it’s so re-
warding to see the locals from Waratah Bay, Fish Creek,
Toora and of course our own Sandy Pointers coming
together and socialising, while appreciating the talented
musicians. It’s great to see everyone up on the dance
floor. So why not come along to the next event and find
out for yourself. You can always find out what’s hap-
pening in Sandy Point by visiting www.sandypoint.vic.
au
Weddings, Parties or anything
The word’s out about what a great place we have for
weddings. Brides have a blank canvas to style their
special day the way they want it. As well as weddings,
there has recently been an engagement party, a 50th Top: Scene at last year’s Art Show.
Wedding Anniversary and a family reunion. The Centre Bottom: A packed hall for the ever popular Trivia Night.
is just a great venue for weddings, parties or anything.
6
Sandy Point News
(Continued from page 1)
Mobile phone reception in Sandy Point survey results:
Signal strength data collected at noted intersections
Street Crossing Street dBm Street Crossing Street dBm Street Crossing Street dBm
Acacia Street Banks Street -124 Beach Parade Second Ave -103 Manuka Street Sandy Point Road -111
Acacia Street Beach Parade -112 Beach Parade Surfers Walk -107 Manuka Street Trelawny Avenue -121
Acacia Street Graeme Grove -112 Beach Parade Third Ave -94 Manuka Street Woodlands Avenue -123
Acacia Street Sunshine Rise -117 Beech Court Third Ave -104 Oak Street Second Ave -104
Anderson Avenue Manuka Street -123 Church Parade Ocean View Parade -117 Oak Street The Boulevarde -104
Anderson Avenue Ryans Rise -127 Church Parade Sunshine Rise -106 Ocean View Parade Park Avenue -110
Aqua Court Sandy Point Road -91 Ennisvale Avenue Graeme Grove -113 Ocean View Parade Surfers Walk -111
Ash Avenue Banksia Ave -108 Ennisvale Avenue Sandy Point Road -110 Park Avenue Sunshine Rise -106
Ash Avenue Box Avenue -99 Ennisvale Avenue Sunshine Rise -120 Park Avenue The Boulevarde -105
Ash Avenue Tecoma Avenue -101 Fifth Avenue Harbour View -102 Ryans Rise Sandy Point Road -123
Ash Avenue Telopea Drive -88 Fifth Avenue Sunshine Rise -111 Ryans Rise Trelawny Avenue -127
Banks Street Ennisvale Avenue -119 First Ave The Boulevarde -110 Ryans Rise Woodlands Avenue -122
Banksia Ave Box Avenue -104 Fir Court Sunshine Rise -116 Sandy Point Road Telopea Drive -89
Banksia Ave Oak Street -105 Fourth Ave The Boulevarde -103 Sandy Point Road Tilikum Court -98
Banksia Ave Tecoma Avenue -89 Graeme Grove Ryans Rise -108 Second Ave The Boulevarde -106
Banksia Ave Telopea Drive -91 Graeme Grove Woodlands Avenue -116 Sunshine Rise Surfers Walk -110
Beach Parade Church Parade -108 Harbour View Park Avenue -96 Tecoma Avenue The Boulevarde -104
Beach Parade First Ave -111 Harbour View Poplar Court -111 Telopea Drive The Boulevarde -106
Beach Parade Fourth Ave -104 Harbour View The Boulevarde -107 The Boulevarde Third Ave -105
Beach Parade Park Avenue -113 Harbour View Waratah Ave -107
Table 1 – Signal Strength Data Collected at Noted Intersections
7
Sandy Point News
Sandy Point Koalas – update on Labour
Day fieldwork weekend (March 2018)
On the Labour Day weekend, Cassie Wright and Robbie Gray from
Nature Matters – a husband and wife environmental consulting
team from Gippsland – came down to spend the weekend at Sandy
Point to help with the koala project. They specialise in wildlife
habitat protection, vegetation assessment and working with com-
munity groups. Shout out to Jill and Phil Treeby for kindly offering
up their house for the weekend for Cassie, Rob, their kids and their
parents (the babysitters!) to stay in, so that Cassie and Rob could
get some big days of fieldwork done.
Ray and Robbio kindly shared their expertise by spending a
morning in the reserve showing us all of the gum trees and scoping
out potential revegetation projects there.
The purpose of the field work was to map and assess koala habitat in
Sandy Point – assessing how many trees, what size and age, and the health
of the trees. Surveys were done throughout the coastal reserve, in some of
the town and in some private property around town. We found 12 koalas
in our travels. We also collected koala scats wherever we could find them,
and in one instance I very nearly received some fresh ones directly onto
my head, had I not ducked in time! The koala poo will be assessed by the
folks at Fed Uni, who will be able to shed some more light on the origins
and genetic health of our koalas. Stay tuned, and come along to the session
on 7th April to find out more about what’s been going on and how you
can get involved, and share your ideas for projects.
Caitlin Pilkington (0428 302 938 or email sandypointkoalas@gmail.com)
8
Sandy Point News
Community Plan 2018
A survey about Sandy Point was sent out to ratepayers last October. The results of the survey were presented and
discussed at the Community Planning Meeting in January and have now been incorporated into our Community Plan.
The Sandy Point Community Plan was first compiled by the community in 2014 and has been reviewed and
updated several times since. This document shows the results of the community survey in November 2017
and identifies those projects that are considered to be priorities.
Having a Community Plan gives a community some strong advantages:
It identifies and communicates to the community the preferred future for the community
It indicates clearly to potential funding bodies that the community has come together to identify the projects
that are important to them
It illustrates to South Gippsland Shire Council the cohesion of community projects and potential
partnerships on activities
Who is responsible for the Plan?
The Community Plan is owned by all of the community in Sandy Point. The Sandy Point Community Group
‘holds’ the plan and helps to coordinate plan reviews and updates and share information. For any project to
develop and grow it needs people to champion it, to advocate and to drive it! Since 2014, various
community groups and community members have been working on these projects to bring them to
completion.
Successfully Completed Projects - at January 2018
Category Project Details
Recreation Basketball half court Successfully completed - and well supported and used
Boulevard / Beach Increased play equipment and upgraded
Parade Playgrounds
Facilities Toilet Block near start New toilets with change rooms and shower completed.
of beach track
Beach shower Replaced with better showerhead and push button system
T.P. Taylor Hall Landscaping of T. P. Taylor Reserve complete, exceeded
expectations
Beach Wheelchair Purchased, stored and in use
Men’s Shed Group formed, funding for building received, site identified, plans
submitted, lease on site approved
Events Foodie’s Market Successful events held in 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 positive
feedback means that this is now a regular event
Safety Defibrillator Acquired and in place
The survey asked “What do you love about Sandy Point?”
Natural beauty and quiet Beaches (inlet) Lack of development Community (family events) Natural
roads and footpaths Wildlife (flora and fauna) Facilities (including trails) WBSLSC Dog friendly
Visitors
Continued on page 10
Sandy Point Community Plan – August 2017 page 1 of 2
9
Sandy Point News
Continued fron page 9
Projects Identified as Priorities in Survey
Project Details Votes Notes
Waratah Way A 4.5km shared, off-road trail project along the 50 Included in the Council’s
Shared Trail pastured side of the foreshore reserve between Paths and Trails Strategy
Ned Neales Lookout and Waratah Bay.
Wildlife Koala health issues (lack of food trees, mange, 26 Funding received for
disease, dogs, cars). koala project, consultant
Koala Count run in 2017. Grant received for koala employed, investigating
projects to be carried out over 2017-20. tree planting and tree
Hooded plovers: Grant received to work on Hooded corridors, with long term
Plover project through Foreshore Committee. approaches to
Signage installed maintenance
Telecommunication The new Telstra Tower has not made significant 21 SPCG
improvements to our poor mobile phone service:
issue to be pursued with Telstra.
Roy Henderson Roy Henderson Track in use already but needs 21
Trail public education campaign via more signage and in
newsletter. The hill between Ennisvale and Ryans
Rise used to access the start of the track is
dangerous and needs attention.
Road safety plan This includes traffic management, speed control, 19 SPCG & Community
signage, traffic calming, shared roadway, extension
of footpaths – planning for the whole township with
consideration for all users. Consider safe cycling /
pedestrian paths around Sandy Point and out of
Sandy Point. Need vegetation trimmed more than
once a year!
Dog control Times when people may take their dogs onto 17 Foreshore Committee &
beaches and use of the designated off leash area at SPCG
Ned Neale’s Lookout needs enforcement in season
- early/mid/late to ensure adherence to the rules.
Improved signage and information to visitors and
online.
Landscaping at Beautification and landscaping/planting to area 17 SPCG
Toilets/Car Park surrounding new toilet facility.
Community use of SPCG request Council to retain this site and are 15 Need to build a case for
old transfer station looking for ideas for community use of this site - eg community use!
site on Sandy Point community garden, solar energy site, skate park,
Rd multi-use - what’s your idea?
Rabbit control Community to consider rabbit control options 13
Inlet Rd grading Needs to be regularly graded and maintained; 10 Foreshore Committee
liaison with Foreshore Committee and Council.
Wastewater Long term planning for water treatment, information 10
on alternative treatment options, better coordination
between wastewater and bore permits to minimise
planning issues. Informing public of treatment
options when applying for permit.
If you would like to support any of the activities, please contact us at info@sandypoint.vic.au
Sandy Point Community Plan – August 2017 page 2 of 2
10Sandy Point News
Community event – Saturday 7th April, 1-3pm
JOIN US TO LEARN ABOUT
Come along to learn about Sandy Point koalas & koala projects, including:
• Results of the 2017 community koala survey – a fun day out!
• Recent mapping of koala habitat
• What we’ve found out about the history
of koalas in Sandy Point
• Revegetation projects (tree planting)
• Contribute your ideas about protecting
local nature and environment
• Learn what you can do to help
WHEN, WHERE, & MORE INFO
Saturday 7th April, 1pm – 3pm
Sandy Point Community Centre, Church Parade, Sandy Point
Cuppa and afternoon tea provided. For more information, contact Caitlin
(0428 302 938) or Di (0437 392 277) or sandypointkoalas@gmail.com.
Community actions to help protect koalas could include things like tree planting, local
volunteers helping capture sick / injured animals, signs, and koala friendly yards. If you
can’t make it along but would like to be involved, or have ideas, please get in touch.
Brought to you by WHiSPA: Wildlife and
Habitat in Sandy Point Action Group
The WHiSPA project is about protecting our
native wildlife and improving their natural habitat
in and around Sandy Point. One of the projects
run by the WHiSPA group is the Sandy Point
Koala Action Project, which is funded with the
support of the Victorian government.
http://www.sandypoint.vic.au/koalas.html
11Sandy Point News
Koalas, echidnas, possums, wombats, snakes,
plovers – and peacocks and dunnarts too!
There are many animals and birds we are familiar with around Sandy Point – but
there are others which it may surprise you that live here too.
Andrea Seal of Andersons Rd contacted us in January with some great photos of
a peacock that was wandering around the Ryan’s Rise area that day. Apparently it
belongs to one of the local landowners who also has a couple of hens. The male
(called Pete) goes off for a wander quite often it seems but usually takes himself
home OK. Apparently they are very good watchdogs and will call out if someone
or a fox for example approaches the house. Keep a watch out for Pete!
The other animal we’d never heard of that apparently inhabits Sandy Point is the
white-footed dunnart. According to Sandy Point’s page on Wikipedia, “There are
large populations of white-footed dunnarts in the region.”
“The white-footed dunnart (Sminthopsis leucopus) is a marsupial that occurs in
Tasmania and mainland Australia. It occurs along the coast and in inner Gipps-
land and Alpine areas up to 400 metres. The length from snout to tail being
140–200 mm and it weighs just 19–27 g. It has a diet of invertebrates and reptiles
of between 1 and 18 mm in length.”
Talking to a long time resident of Sandy Point about this, he recalled that some
research was conducted into these marsupials here a while ago and remembered
seeing a few specimens. He believes they could still be around but as they are very
similar in size and looks to a mouse we probably wouldn’t realise what they were.
If anyone knows anything more about these animals could you please let us know
at info@sandypoint.vic.au
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12Sandy Point News
Support for 40 kph speed limit in Sandy
Point and other traffic management issues
Frank Schrever, Vice-President of the Sandy Point Community Group sent this letter “Absolutely 40. And 60 on the
to South Gippsland Shire Council on behalf of the Sandy Point Community in Sandy Point Rd where it borders the
February this year about their request for comment about the proposed 40 kph speed town. Also a stop sign from Telopea
limit in Sandy Point. entering sandy point Rd. I almost
This is to indicate strong support from the Sandy Point Community Group, and get collected every time as people
indeed from the general Sandy Point community, for the proposal to impose don’t look right.”
40kph limit within the township of Sandy Point. The proposal is to add signage “I absolutely agree with 40 around
at all 4 entry points to the estate and additional repeater signs as per the map SP. I only ever do 40 anyway. Over
below: my 30+ years of having a house in
Sandy, I’d probably say that Beach
Parade is the biggest “speeding
culprit” as this is where non-regu-
lars tend to access the shops area”.
“Even 40kms is too fast in some
sections. Need to travel at walking
pace when passing bikes, walkers
etc”.
The comments above also highlight
the problem of speeding in Beach
Parade and blind corners in a number
of locations. This has been the subject
of a previous communication from
SPCG to the council.
Of particular concern are:
• The dogleg in Beach Parade at
the Caravan Park corner, where
vehicles travelling east towards
the shops have no visibility of
This proposal was placed on the Community Group Facebook page and all pedestrians/cyclists crossing to/
comments received were unanimous in their strong support. Some of the from the beach path and on the
comments received were as follows: roadway
“This is one of the only places in Victoria where I think this makes very good • The corner adjacent to 9 The
sense. It is uncomfortable to drive faster than 40 around Sandy Point, and Boulevarde, which has bollards
dangerous given the blind corners and foot traffic on the road.” forcing pedestrians onto the road
at the blind corner
Continued on page 14
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13Sandy Point News
Continued from page 13
Support for 40 kph speed limit in Sandy Point and other traffic management issues
• The “U” bend at the start of Beach Parade
approaching Ned Neales lookout entry
• The intersection of Graeme Grove with
Ennisvale. and
• The hill on Graeme Grove between En-
nisvale and Ryan’s Rise. Many near misses
at these locations are observed every year.
These issues urgently require some form of
traffic calming/footpaths in addition to the
proposed lowered speed limit.
In addition to supporting 40kph signage at the
entry points and throughout the estate, SPCG
also supports the change from 80kph to 60
kph from the western approach to Telopea
Drive on Sandy Point road, all the way to the
entry to Shallow Inlet reserve. There are tight
corners in this section which cannot be nego-
tiated at 80kph and with many driveways and
roadways entering, 80kph is considered to be
a dangerous limit for this section of roadway.
Much support has been expressed from the
general community for this change.
We look forward to council moving forward
with these changes as soon as possible,
Best Regards,
Frank Schrever,
Vice- President SPCG
Top: The junction ofTelopea Drive
and Sandy Point Road has extrem-
emly poor visibility and there have
been many near misses at this inter-
section. A stop sign is required at the
end of Telopea.
Middle: Coming off the beach at
Shallow Inlet, which has a 15 kph
limit, there is an 80 kph sign. Driving
at this speed on what is still a narrow,
rutted and often busy sandy track
would be extremely dangerous.
Bottom: This right-angled bend on
Sandy Point Road has an advisory
speed sign of 50 kph, yet immediately
afterwards is a 80 kph sign.
14Sandy Point News
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15Sandy Point News
Sandy Point Community Men’s Shed:
We’re nearly ready to start building!
The Men’s Shed recently held its AGM; yes we’ve been
going a year now! Whilst there is no shed yet to show for
our endeavour the President’s report shows we’ve not been
sitting idly around. Here is a brief summary of the year’s
accomplishments.
• Registered as a member of the Australian Men’s Shed
Association.
• Successfully negotiated lease arrangements to ensure a
secure site for our shed.
• Worked with Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club to
secure a $90k grant to build the shed to jointly house Finally, if you are a current member of SPCMS we would
a Marine Rescue Vessel and provide the Men’s Shed encourage you to renew your membership due by April
facilities. 1st; the annual fee of $45 covers both membership
and insurance. If you are not a member we would love
• Submitted a grant application and were awarded a $60k to have you join us. More details regarding the Men’s
grant for the fit out of the Men’s Shed. Shed, including the application form can be found by
• Registered the Sandy Point Community Men’s Shed as an following the links on the Community Group’s website
Incorporated entity with our own ABN. at www.sandypoint.vic.au or contacting us directly at
spmensshed@gmail.com.
• Secured the services of architects (MGS) on a pro bono
basis to prepare the planning application and drawings. Phil Cornwell
This is now with Council and we are anticipating
approval within 2-4 weeks and hopefully a start to
physical works soon there after.
• We also received confirmation of our registration as a
charity from the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit
Commission (ACNC) allowing for tax exemptions for
both us and potential donors.
• Participated in a number of Regional Men’s Shed
activities hosted by other Sheds in our area.
16Sandy Point News
Wildlife Rescue: Who would have thought
it was like this!
Story and photos by Donna Killeen
It started with a koala sitting in a pot plant in my backyard, very
cute, but obviously suffering from mange. The problem for a
mangy koala is that the lesions become so encrusted that they
can no longer grip their food source of gum leaves or climb their
beloved tree for protection. And when they come to ground it
makes them more vulnerable than they normally are.
Have you ever wondered what happens after you call the local
wildlife rescue number?
I did just that to see how I could help this cutie in my pot plant. It
started a chain of events that I could never have imagined. There is
a secret, silent army of volunteers who swing into immediate action
and go to great lengths to save the injured wildlife. Bless them.
If the mange in my koala had not been so advanced, the local vol-
unteer would have helped me to treat the animal on site until he
was healthy again. As it was, she decided he needed to be moved to
be treated. Either way I was grateful for the wildlife support as a
“place to go”. It is quite distressing to see one of Australia’s native
animals so defenseless and in need.
Central to the rescue was Sue Moore who runs the Tarwin Lower
Wildlife Shelter.
To get behind the scenes of the Shelter, I visited Sue and followed
her around the menagerie of rescued animals she has there.
At the time of visiting there were 4 young wombats, 3 koalas, 2
possums, a joey kangaroo, a joey wallaby, (cute as) a dog and a
partridge in a pear tree. The partridge bit is not true of Top: the mangey koala in Donna’s pot plant. Middle: an orphaned
course. koala in Sue’s care. Bottom: Sue cuddles a little “pinky” kangaroo
It all started 10 years ago when Sue was asked to care for recently taken into care.
a sick wombat baby found on her property. It was
rescued from its dead mothers pouch. Sue called
him Wilbur and nursed him until he was able to
fend for himself before being released in Yanakie.
According to local sightings, and as far as Sue
knows, Wilbur is still alive.
Wildlife rescue is an innate calling. Sue has been
surrounded by pets and animals all her life. For this
grandmother it is now a lifestyle that she shares with
Michael, her supportive husband of 37 years.
The day begins with bottle feeding the babies at
6am, then hi ho, it’s off she goes to her part time
work, chores, drawing classes or spending time with
the grandchildren. This is followed by sourcing
specialized grasses, gum leaves, fruits and various
native gourmet foods for the animals. They cannot
be fed manufactured food, unless they are suckling
babies, for which there are special formulas availa-
ble. Sue teaches them to recognize what they can eat
in the wild in preparation for their release and in the
case of birds, teaches them to swoop for their food.
17Sandy Point News
Continued from page 17
The day continues on with feeding the animals, cleaning their
habitats, redressing the surface areas to keep the natives dry and
warm, feeding the babies again, which happens four times a day,
toileting them regularly as well as oiling their teeny tiny baby skins.
In addition Sue collects wildlife in need, accepts wildlife, catches
wildlife, answer a myriad of calls, sources and dispenses medical
supplies, visits the vet clinics and organizes the rescue volun-
teers. I’m exhausted already and I am only following Sue around
watching, as a lot of that happened while I was there.
In her “spare time” Sue keeps up with the relevant guidelines and
legislation as well as researches each breed so she can provide
the best care and talk to them in their language. Sue works with
dogged determination, pure passion and good humor.
Once, a mauled koala with a badly damaged paw that needed
cleaning and dressing daily was brought into Sue’s care. The koala
protested and resisted with all its might until day four when it just
held out its paw for the dressing change. He knew he was in safe
hands.
There are the funny stories too, like the drive along a corrugated
road to release the wedged tail eagle that wanted to flap its ex-
pansive wings in protest of the drive. And the stranded cormo-
rant tangled by fishing line in the middle of a river that saw both
Sue and the bird end up in the drink. And what about the 6ft lace Top: Sue bottle feeds the pinky baby kangaroo four times
monitor that worked its way free in the vet’s surgery and caused the a day. Bottom; A baby wombat currenly in Sue’s care.
staff to move to higher ground.
When the native bundles land in Sue’s hands they get a second chance at life and that is more than most native animals
get. Their environment is already harsh and they have quite enough on their paws just to survive the vagaries of their
climate and growing populations. The number of rescues has increased to around 500 a year with the peak time being
January and the Easter holiday period.
Sue is one of the many South Gippsland’s wildlife warriors and animal whisperers who along with all the other volunteers
in the area look after our native animals.
Sue funds it all herself along with any donations received and the occasional grant. Most essentially, the Tarwin Lower
Wildlife Shelter requires donations. These can be in the form of cash, Mitre 10, Bunnings or Caltex gift cards to purchase
bedding, formulated dietary milk for the suckling joeys, petrol to collect the animals and materials to maintain the enclo-
sures.
All monetary donations can be sent to Wildlife Rescue and Protection Incorporated (WRAP). WRAP is listed on the
Register of Environmental Organisations and all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. The WRAP website is http://
www.wrap.org.au/donations
Donations can be made by Paypal, direct debit or by post using the following details:
BSB - 633 000
Account number – 129959664
Reference – SM1
This reference ensures the funds reach the Tarwin Lower Rescue Shelter.
By post: WRAP Inc PO Box 51, Morwell 3840.
Gift cards can be sent to Tarwin Lower Wildlife Shelter at:PO BOX 317, Tarwin Lower, Victoria 3956. If you include
your address, you will receive a thank you card advising of how your donation was used.
Sue Moore can be contacted by mobile on 0429 016 695.
If you have ever seen a maimed animal and wondered what happens when you call wildlife rescue here is your chance to
do something to help.
Donna Killeen
18Sandy Point News
Joining the family on the beach once again!
Vera Cornwell tells the story of her trip to the Sandy Point beach using the
Beach Wheelchair in January this year
For many years I had enjoyed the long walks along this
glorious beach, bare feet splashing in the low waves as we
strolled along, my husband Bob and I.
Then changes come with age, sadness, disabilities and one is
left with just the lovely memories ...UNTIL... how lucky one
can be, as I was when spending time with my family here at
Sandy Point, I was asked “Would you like to go for a walk
along the beach?”
How could I possibly walk there again, I thought, I need
my sticks to get me around the house. BUT there it was and
I was helped into this amazing wheelchair, the family took
control and I found myself once again heading for the beau-
tiful beach.
What a joy, what great fun, here I was again going along
the path over the dunes and on to the sand. Once again
I was near to the ocean, watching the young ones surfing,
swimming, making their sandcastles.
The walk was wonderful. I saw soldier crabs again, the
seagulls swooping, and oh so many memories returned. I
was there once again with my family, enjoying it all. Yes,
the appearance of the chair caused folk to stare at me, but
always with pleasure. I must have had a big smile on my
face. I was even assisted to stand in the waves .... what joy!
I can only thank the people who had the idea and made the
effort to acquire this great innovation. I am sure it will give
pleasure to so many others as it has done me. No more The Sandy Point Beach Wheelchair is available for
sitting on the bench to see it all – now I am able to join the use free of charge not only for those people living
family there on the glorious beach. I look forward to my with a disability but also people, often elderly, who
next visit and another walk. just find it too hard to walk over the soft sand to
the beach. For more information about the wheel-
THANK YOU.
chair and how to make a booking please see our
Vera Cornwell page on the Sandy Point website:
www.sandypoint.vic.au/beachwheelchair.html
or ring Di on 0437 392 277.
19Sandy Point News
Seeking Expressions of Interest
Fundraising Event - FREE to a Good Home
Sandy Point Community Centre has been running an annual community market in Sandy Point for
more than a decade. This market has been a good fund-raiser, however the time has come for
another group with fresh ideas and energy to have a go.
The existing members of the Sandy Point Community Centre & T.P Taylor Reserve Committee of
Management (The Committee), are required to focus on managing the Community Centre. The
community wants the event to continue however, and so the Committee is offering the event to a local
group which may appreciate this fundraising opportunity.
The Committee would like to hand-over the management of the market event by mid year to enable
the new crew to organise the next event which is usually held in January 2019.
Ok, a bit about the market to help you decide if you may be interested in looking at this opportunity.
The Market:
● Runs every year on the 1st Saturday in January
● Advertised to run between 11.00am to 5.00pm
● Approx. 40 stall sites are available, including both internal and external sites,
● There are approximately 20+ repeat stall operators
Based on our past events the expected income has been approx. $1,000 - $2000+ based on stall
fees. Operating our own market stalls has also added to the income stream.
We feel that new ideas and energy would provide even greater returns!
As part of the ‘package’ and to assist the transition we will also provide:
1. Our current and past stall holder contact list.
2. Existing market advertising signs (these are generic and can have appropriate dates inserted)
3. All our current document templates including:
a. Site layout
b. Terms & Conditions
c. Public Liability Insurance Application (once of stallholders)
4. Advice on any market issues that may assist e.g. timelines etc.
What’s the catch? What do we want in return?
● The Committee will need to charge a fee for the use of the Centre and Reserve. This would
be in line with our normal hire fee.
● The Committee would like to continue to operate the Sausage Sizzle in the BBQ Rotunda.
● Continue to provide one internal and one external site for use by Sandy Point Groups free of
charge.
We would anticipate finalising the new ‘Market Coordination Group’ by the end of this financial year.
All expressions of interest must be in writing and received by 31st May 2018 to allow for a decision to
be made by 30 June 2018. If you are interested we would be happy to meet with you to discuss the
opportunity further.
Contact details:
Dianne Cooper - President
Sandy Point Community Centre
Mobile: 0418 336 690
E: president@sandypointcc.org.au
This newsletter is produced quarterly by the Sandy Point Community Group (SPCG) on behalf of the local
community. You may use content from it as long as you provide appropriate and proper reference to SPCG as
its source. The newsletter can be purchased in hard copy from the Sandy Point General Store and is distributed
by email to all members of SPCG free of charge. If you’ve received this newsletter by email it is because you
subscribed to receive it when you joined the SPCG. You can unsubscribe or update your details by emailing
SPCG.editor@gmail.com or by writing to: The Editor, Sandy Point Newsletter, c/- Post Office, Sandy Point,
Vic. 3959. To join the SPCG and receive this newsletter by email, use the form attached or go to
www.sandypoint.vic.au.
20Membership Application and Renewal Form
for the Sandy Point Community Group (SPCG)
website: www.sandypoint.vic.au
email: sandypoint.membership@gmail.com
Membership renewal
Could you please complete the form below and return it to us so we can confirm your details on our
membership list.
New members
Please complete all the details in the form below and return to us.
Person 1 Person 2
Family Name
First name(s)
Local Address (Sandy Point)
Postal Address
(if different to above)
Phone (home)
Mobile
Email
• Do you wish to receive our Newsletter by email? Yes No
• Do you wish to receive other information from us by email? Yes No
• Would you like our Newsletter posted to you for an extra $10 per year? Yes No
• Is there any way in which you would like to contribute to the work of the SPCG?
• Are there any issues you would like the Committee to consider?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Membership is $10 per person or $20 per family living at the same address. Please add $10 onto
your payment if you have indicated above that you would like the Newsletter mailed to you.
Payment options
• Direct deposit into SPCG Inc. Bendigo Bank account BSB 633 000 Account 1440 68590
o Please identify your deposit by using your Initial and Surname.
o Save your completed application form and email to
sandypoint.membership@gmail.com
• Cheque made out to SPCG Inc. and mailed with a printed copy of this form to:
o Sandy Point Community Group, Sandy Point, Vic 3959You can also read
