Issue 56 | Thursday January 16, 2025

All things Mt Evelyn!

Jan 15, 2025

In This Issue

New CFA Siren Testing Time
In memory of David Edwards
Supporting anxious children as they return to school
Mt Evelyn in the News
Sport Calendar

New CFA Siren Testing Time

Recent changes in CFA’s procedures means they are no longer able to test the siren prior to their Brigade meetings on a Monday night.

They will now be testing the Community Alert Siren at 10am on the first Sunday of each month. You may hear the siren sound for one cycle (approximately 30 seconds).

The Community Alert Siren is designed to alert the community to an immediate threat of an emergency event such as a flood, fire or storm. In these instances the siren will sound for 5 minutes and if heard the community should seek further information from a reliable source such as www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Further information about the Emergency Alert Siren can be found at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/emergency-information-and-services/community-alert-sirens or https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/responsibilities/victorias-warning-system/community-alert-sirens

In memory of David Edwards

Last week Tuesday, January 7, friends and family of David Edwards came together to celebrate his life at a newly erected seat dedicated to his environmental work on the Aqueduct Trail, between Selet St and Hunter Rd.

Jean Edwards spoke a few words about her husband and his commitment to the Aqueduct Trail.

"Without David there would be no aqueduct reserve and no walking trail through the whole of Mt Evelyn to Hunter Rd, Silvan.

In 1979 David met a real estate agent in Ringwood who told him that he had been valuing some land in Mt Evelyn - the Board of Works Aqueduct.

David, with Jan Simmons, immediately took a petition to the Mt Evelyn shops which was rapidly signed by many people.

A few weeks later, with Mt Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association's (MEEPPA) support, a much larger petition was presented to the Victorian Parliament.

At the 1982 election both the Labour and Liberal candidates supported the retention of the aqueduct as public open space.

Throughout the next three and half decades (from 1982 - 2018) David devoted a great deal of time and money to controlling weeds in the significant natural areas of the Aqueduct reserve.

With a small band of Friends of the Aqueduct monthly meetings as well as working bees were held.

I am so appreciative of Council, MEEPPA, Mount Evelyn History Group and the Friends of Mt Evelyn Aqueduct for all their support and hard work to get this seat placed here in the bushland section of the Aqueduct to enable walkers to enjoy the remarkable natural environment and quiet of this part of the Olinda Creek valley."

A memorial plaque on the new seat:
"David S. Edwards
1938-2022
A FRIEND OF MOUNT EVELYN AQUEDUCT
Remembered with fondness and gratitude for his pivotal role in protecting and caring for the aqueduct for 40 years"

During the memorial, a number of people spoke, including Cr Len Cox and Cr Tim Heenan.

Photos by Joy Phillips

Supporting anxious children as they return to school

By Naomi Rossthorn BA, GradDipPsych, PGPsych, M.A.P.S Psychologist.
Harnessing Wellness Psychology, Mt Evelyn. www.harnessingwellness.com

Supporting anxious children as they return to school can make a significant difference in their comfort and readiness. Here are some strategies to assist.

Open Communication: Start conversations and try to encourage your child to talk about their feelings regarding going back to school. Make sure they know it's okay to feel nervous, and listen to them with empathy. This will help them feel heard and know that you are aware and are available to talk.
Familiarise Them with the School Environment: If possible, take a trip to the school before the first day. Walk around, find their classroom, and maybe even meet their teacher. This can help remind them and make the school feel familiar.
Establish Routines: Start before the school term begins and engage in a daily routine. Start practising wake-up times, meals, and bedtimes this can create a sense of practicability and help reduce anxiety.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, visualisation, or mindfulness. Practicing these with each other can give them tools to manage their anxiety.
Encourage Positive Social Interactions: Arrange playdates with school friends before school returns. Reengaging with familiar faces can make the transition easier and help your child feel more connected.

Using practical strategies can help your child feel more confident and ready for the school year ahead.

Best wishes for the beginning of the school year.
Naomi - Psychologist