Sunday, February 5, 2012

Tallong PS Newsletter Term 1 Week 2

Welcome back everyone to an exciting year ahead. We are very pleased that, due to new enrolments, we have two full-time classroom teachers for this year which is just fantastic. It was so wonderful, on Monday morning, to see our five new Kindergarten students bright-eyed and buzzing with enthusiasm as they embark on their educational journey.
I was also very excited to have five energetic and eager boys in Year 3 who have moved up into my room from the Koalas, ready to take on new challenges.
Both classes have made a very settled start to the year and Mrs Neale and I are very excited about the year ahead.
S. Matthews
Principal
Thursday Afternoon Club Commencing!!

Margaret Botticchio has very kindly offered to run an Art Club on Thursday afternoons, commencing at 3:15pm and finishing at 4:30pm. Chloe and Heidi Wursten have offered to assist Mrs Botticchio which is very much appreciated. As there will be resources needed, we ask that a $2 gold coin donation is paid each week per student.
Please supply students with afternoon tea if they are attending.

Kangas Classroom

We are pleased to report that the 3-6 senior classroom will be receiving a new fresh coat of paint.  This will commence tomorrow.  We have been conducting our lessons in the library and will continue to do so until our classroom has had its “freshen up”.







Upcoming Events
Term 1

Week 3
Monday 6th February        P&C meeting 3:15pm in the library. All welcome!
                                         Kindergarten Best Start assessment commences
Wednesday 8th February   Playgroup commences. 9:15am
Week 4                                          
Monday 13th February     Explorers Club 3:15pm - 4:45pm
                                        Wednesday 15th February   Playgroup 9:15am                                 
                                         Games Club    3:15pm - 4:30pm  
Thursday 16th February     Art Club with Mrs Botticchio 3:15pm - 4:30pm

Week 5
Monday 20th February        Explorer’s Club      3:15pm - 4:45pm
Tuesday 21st February        Swimming Carnival (3-6)
Wednesday 22nd February   Playgroup commences. 9:15am
                                            Games Club         3:15pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 23rd February       Art Club with Mrs Botticchio 3:15pm - 4:30pm                      Friday 24th February            District Swimming Carnival


Monday, January 9, 2012

Newsletter Jan 2012

Dinner at Santa Sabina
The Tallong Community Dinner at Santa Sabina College on Saturday 25th February is proving very popular. Numbers are limited and already dozens of bookings have been made. So, if you haven’t yet done so, make up a table and book it in – as soon as possible.
The guest speaker is the well-known author, broadcaster, and concerned environmentalist, Paul Collins. He says: “If we respect the world, we will respect the environment. We will respect other creatures, other species, and in a way I think we will respect ourselves much better. Sadly, we cannot bring back what has already been lost to extinction.”
The evening will begin at 6pm with nibbles and drinks followed by a Twilight Walk in the various ecological systems on the campus. Dinner is at 7.30pm. Paul will speak after the main course but there will be plenty of opportunity for questions and a chat after the dinner. The cost is $15pp. Drink is BYOG.  Please note that the whole Santa Sabina campus is smoke-free.
For catering purposes, we need to know final numbers. So, please fill in the form at the bottom of the page and hand it to the Tallong General Store. Please NO money or forms in the TCFG box.

BOOK NOW!!    

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Please use this form to RSVP to the Santa Sabina dinner on Sat 25 February.
Name
Contact phone number or email address:
Cost is $15pp – no of attendees ____­­(please enclose correct money)


Movie Time
Our summer movie season continues with two films that will appeal particularly to children, but to adults as well. The first will be shown after the Tallong Community Picnic on Saturday 28th January.
The annual picnic is a popular event. Starting at noon, picnickers are invited to bring their own food and drink. BBQ facilities will be provided.  It’s a great opportunity for everybody in the village to get together.
The main feature after lunch is the exciting hit Australian movie Red Dog, based on a legendary true story. It tells the tale of the Red Dog who united a disparate local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost master. 
But earlier in the week, at 2pm on Tuesday 24th January is another Australian classic Happy Feet.  
The story takes place in the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song. But one penguin is born who cannot sing.
On the other hand, he knows how to tap dance, something the other penguins have never seen before!  
Both films are ideal holiday fun for all audiences. So, roll up and enjoy Australian film-making at its best.


School Prize-winners…
Last month, the Tallong Public School held a very successful Presentation Assembly for 2011 before a large audience of appreciative parents, teachers and the Mayor of Goulburn, local Tallong resident Geoff Kettle.
Principal Sue Matthews welcomed the crowd and was full of praise for her pupils. The TCFG Community Citizenship Award was presented by TCFG President Margaret Bottichio to Tyson Lewis.
The Lions Club – Tony Cosgrove Award for emerging leadership was presented by Lion Walter Darda to Finlay Maguire.  Brandon Porter won the TPS Citizenship Award and Alexander McDonald won the Pru Goward Award for reading improvement.
The Assembly opened with a music performance by the children under the tutorship of Miss K Abotomey. And the afternoon wound up with a Sing-A-Long and a visit by a large man with a white beard and a sack of presents who arrived on the Tallong Fire Truck.

 Tango One Bravo…
The Tallong Rural Fire Service is now the proud owner of a new Category 1 Fire Truck. The Isuzu FTS755 is an important upgrade for the Brigade as it has ergonomically designed pump outlets and increased tank capacity.
“Tallong One Bravo” has an extra 55 horsepower over the old tanker which means response times should be improved.  With the Brigade having to deal with motor vehicle accidents and highway assistance as well as fires, every second counts.
The new truck is equipped with instant response 20 and 25-mm diameter reel mounted hoses on the rear deck and its 38-mm semi-percolating hoses coupled together can reach more than 300 metres.
 One of the most dangerous aspects of the Rural Fire Fighter’s job is a fire over-run. This happens when a unit is caught out by a rapidly advancing fire front with no time to make a retreat.
This is an extremely rare occurrence, but crew safety is a highlight in the new Cat 1 with a spray system operated from inside the cab.  With the touch of a button, a continuous spray of water flows over and under the cab, around the wheels and over the surrounding grass.  And the crew are kept safe inside.
Tallong RFS meet at the Fire Shed every Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm. Visitors and potential new members are always welcome.

Calling all Grannies…
The Tallong Apple Day Festival committee is calling for nominations for the Tallong Granny of the Year award to commemorate Granny Smith apples. They originated in Eastwood, NSW, in 1868 from a chance seedling propagated by Granny Maria Ann Smith. We’re looking for nominations in fewer than 50 words for Tallong’s best Granny.
All nominated Grannies must be present at the Festival on Sunday 6th May next. The winner’s name will go on a perpetual trophy and she will get a replica to take home. Nominations please in the TCFG box at the Tallong General store.
So, all you Tallong grandkids: tell us who Tallong’s best Granny is for 2012. 

Bulk purchase special deal…
 One member of our community is trying to organise a special bulk purchase discount with various electricity companies. If you are interested, please contact Julee D'Alcorn: jdalcorn@optusnet.com.au or leave a note in the TCFG letterbox at the Tallong General Store.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Tallong Apple Day Festival May 6 , 2012

Planning is well underway for the Tallong Apple Day Festival on May 6 , 2012.
Mr Mike Kennedy is the co-ordinator and can be contacted on 4841 0330 or weathervane12@gmail.com


We already have a major sponsor on board. Essential Energy issued the following statement:

  • “Events like the Tallong Apple Festival bring people back to our regional centres and as an organisation that supports 1,500 regional communities across NSW we are proud to be able to support projects like this” said Phillip Green, Regional General Manager.
  • Essential Energy’s regional general manager South Eastern, Phillip Green, said following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, Essential Energy was delighted to be invited to come on board again.
If you would like a stall, please see the Application Form below:

Tallong Apple Day – May 6th, 2012
Stall Holder Application Form

The Tallong Apple Day Committee would like to invite you to participate in the 2012 Apple Day Festival scheduled for the 6th of May 2012. Sites are 3m wide and approx 4m deep, from the kerb of the road to the fence-line. For a larger area you may require multiple sites. The entry fee will be $25 per site. If you require electricity then there will be an additional charge of $15 per site. For amusements/rides the fee will be $40.
NOTE: Prepared food stalls are required to comply with the Food Act, 2003 and Food Standards Code, and will have to pay Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s inspection fee of $30. The inspection fee must be included with your stallholder fee. We will notify Council and the NSW Food Authority on receipt of your application.
 To ensure your booking, please send a cheque made out to theTallong Community Focus Group” to the following address:

Tallong Apple Day
c/- Mr. G. Clark,
467 Mulwaree Dr.,
Tallong, NSW, 2579 
Contact details:  Tel. 02 4841 0577 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            02 4841 0577      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            02 4841 0577 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            02 4841 0577      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting             02 4841 0577 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            02 4841 0577      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            02 4841 0577 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            02 4841 0577      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting   0437 409 336 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0437 409 336      end_of_the_skype_highlighting                 0437 409 336 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0437 409 336      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0437 409 336 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0437 409 336      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting       Email: geoff_run@hotmail.com
And include the completed form below:

Application Form
I agree:
1.    That the stall must be ready for operation by 9.00am on the day of the fair.
2.    Participation is wholly at my own risk and I will have insurance cover to absolve organisers of any legal liability.
3.    I will bring necessary tables, chairs, tents, etc with me.
4.    All of my electrical leads have been tested and tagged.
5.    I agree to abide by the rules set down by the organizers.

Applicant/Group:

Business Name: ……………………………………………….  ABN: ……………….. (if applicable)
Contact Name: …………………………………………………………………………….
Signature: …………………………………
Address: …………………………………………………………………………………..
Telephone number:  (H)………………………….  (M) ………………………………….
Email address: …………………………………………………………………………….
Type of stall (e.g. craft, produce, food type, etc) ……………………………………………..
Food Business Notification Number (if known)………………………….
Area required for stall: Width (m): ………..  Depth (m): ………..  Electricity required :  Yes/No          
We are limited to about 50 stalls so please apply NOW. Late applications may miss out!


Please note:
1.    Entry to your site can take place after 6.30am
2.    You must enter the area via Memorial Drive from the Highland Street direction at the Huon Street entrance point (see the map below).
3.    All stall holder cars/vehicles must be parked in adjacent streets after off-loading the stall contents, unless other arrangements have been made with the organisers prior to Apple Day. Exit to the area will be via Bumballa Street. No vehicular traffic movements will be allowed in the closed section of Memorial Drive between 9.00am & 3.00pm unless permission has been obtained from the Festival Convener and a “Follow Me” marshall has been appointed to lead the vehicle. 


Monday, November 28, 2011

Tallong Community Focus Group Newsletter - November 2011


Tallong Community Focus Group Newsletter Nov 2011


Party time…
Christmas is a-coming and fast… and the Tallong Christmas Party arrangements are in full swing. The party is on Saturday 10th December at the Tallong Memorial Hall starting at 5.30pm with a barbecue organised by the Rural Fire Service and the Tallong Community Focus Group. They will also provide nibbles, salads and desserts.   Adults should BYOG and soft drinks will be available for sale.
Santa will arrive at 7pm on board an RFS truck with a bag full of goodies.  And there be children’s games from 7.30pm. We expect to be finished by 8.30pm. We are looking for decorations for the Christmas tree and some festive items suitable for Christmas hampers to be presented as ‘lucky door prizes’ on the night.
Entry is by a gold coin donation. But for catering purposes we need to know the numbers of adults and children. So please let us know if you are coming by Thursday 1 December at the latest. Just fill in the form below and put it in the TCFG post box at the Tallong General Store or Email secretary@tallong.com.au
TCFG contact details:
Margaret Bottichio Ph 4841 0324 northman@goulburn.net.au;
Lionel Willison Ph 0418 609 572 lionelwill@optusnet.com.au;
Geoff Clark Ph 4841 0577 or 0437 409 336 geoff_run@hotmail.com

Tallong Community Dinner at Santa Sabina College, February 25, 2012 - Book Now!
We’re also looking for bookings for next year’s dinner at Santa Sabina on the theme of the Native Plants of Tallong on Saturday 25 February.  We’re already getting inquiries so it’s likely to be very popular and the numbers are going to be limited. So why not make up a table and book it in.
Guest speaker will be the well-known author, environmentalist, and broadcaster Paul Collins who will talk about environmental aspects of the Southern Highlands and in particular the Tallong region. He is well known as a witty and inspirational speaker and author of a popular book on the history of bushfires in Australia.
The evening will start at 6pm with nibbles and drinks followed by a Twilight Walk through various different ecological systems on the campus. Dinner will be at 7.30pm and Paul will speak after the main course. There will be an opportunity for questions and chat with Paul after the dinner.  The price is $15pp and includes nibbles, main course and dessert as well as the walk and the guest speaker. Drink is BYOG.
But we need to know numbers for catering purposes as soon as possible. So please can you fill in the form at the bottom of the page and hand it in to the Tallong General Store. Please don’t put the form or money in the TCFG box. 

Dugald or Janet Black Ph 4841 0613 jlm.black@bigpond.com;
Sharyn Ward 4841 1502 or 0418 286 008 cavanpark44@bigpond.com
John Lombard 4841 0265 or 0424 956 534 lombard.john@gmail.com



Police Patrols…

Goulburn Mayor Geoff Kettle told the Community Outreach meeting in Tallong this month that a speed gun trailer is to be put in the village of Tallong in the near future. This will be backed up with police patrols targeting speeding.  So be well advised to keep to the 50kph speed limit going through the village.

The Outreach meeting also decided on action over the naming and numbering of streets and roads in Tallong. The meeting agreed the present situation was unworkable.  For example, the confusion of Bumballa Street vs Bumballa Road has resulted in emergency vehicles arriving at the wrong address on a regular basis. It was agreed that a small action committee of the TCFG Secretary and a Council member will investigate the whole problem and recommend solutions to the Council.

Many residents will be pleased to learn from Council that the dip in the Highland Way between the railway underpass and the Hume Highway is scheduled to be removed in next year’s work program.
Before the meeting, the Council Manager and Works Supervisor carried out a site inspection to examine road conditions in the Tallong region.  Concerns raised with the Council included the repairing of pot holes, breaking edges and the narrowing of roads, vegetation growth along road edges, and faint road markings.
In particular, some residents are worried about a narrowing shoulder of the road near the railway bridge on Old Wingello Road where canoes and kayaks are launched onto the adjacent dam. The safety of people using this launching place is of concern when traffic appears unexpectedly. Council undertook to inspect the site with a view to widening and strengthening the road shoulder.
She’ll be Apples
A new feature of next year’s Apple Festival will be the Tallong Granny of the Year award. Granny Smith apples originated in Eastwood, NSW, in 1868 from a chance seedling propagated by Granny Maria Ann Smith. So to recognise the famous Granny Smith green apple with its crisp, juicy flesh, nominations in less than 50 words are invited for Tallong’s Best Granny. A condition of entry is that all Grannies nominated must agree to be present at the Festival on Sunday 6th May next. A short list of five finalists will be chosen.
A perpetual trophy will honour the winning Tallong Granny of the Year and there will be a trophy for the winner to take home as well.  Please put your nominations in the TCFG box at the Tallong General Store. Close of nominations is Monday 16th April
Please don’t forget the TCFG home-made produce stall at Apple Day.  When you are making your jams, chutneys and other items please make one or two extra for the stall.  Remember, all the proceeds will come back to benefit the community.






Please use this form to RSVP to our upcoming functions:

Name:

Contact phone number or email address:

      Christmas Party Sat 10 Dec - No. of adults ______ No. of children ________________

      Santa Sabina Dinner Sat 25 Feb 2012 $15pp No. of attendees _____ (please enclose correct money) 

Monday, October 24, 2011

Tallong Community Focus Group Newsletter - October 2011

Coming in…
The Tallong Community Focus Group has a new Committee elected at the annual general meeting on 1st September. President is Margaret Botticchio; Vice President Lionel Willison, Secretary Geoff Clark, Treasurer Dugald Black and the Committee members are Janet Black, Sharyn Ward, and John Lombard.  Helen Wise was elected but resigned for personal reasons.
The TCFG is an active community group that lobbies the Council and other regulatory bodies on behalf of all Tallong residents. It also helps to bring the community together in an enjoyable social setting. So, it has two important roles to play in the life of the community.  And it costs only $2.50 to be a member. What a bargain to have your say in what happens in your village!
Contact details: Margaret Botticchio Ph 4841 0324 northman@goulburn.net.au; Lionel Willison Ph 0418 609 572 lionelwill@optusnet.com.au; Geoff Clark Ph 4841 0577 or 0437 409 336 geoff_run@hotmail.com; Dugald Black 4841 0613 jlm.black@bigpond.com; Janet Black 4841 0613 jlm.black@bigpond.com; Sharyn Ward/Kettle Ph 4841 1502 or 0418 487 159 cavanpark44@bigpond.com
President Margaret Botticchio told the AGM she thought the community spirit shown over the past year had been brilliant. She said the integration of various groups and the TCFG had been impressive and strong links have been forged between community individuals, groups and the TCFG.  Special thanks were given to the Committee and office bearers, in particular to the outgoing Treasurer Mike Kennedy who has been playing an ever increasing role in organising the Newsletter, publicity in the Goulburn Post, as well as being the Apple Day convenor and the many other duties involved in being Treasurer.

John Lombard has taken over responsibility for the Newsletter and the Goulburn Post notes and he welcomes all contributions
lombard.john@gmail.com  or ph 4841 0265 or 0424 956 534. Just drop him a line.

Coming up…
Your Committee has an exciting program of events planned for the next 12 months. So, get out your diaries and jot down the following dates:
·         22nd November 2011 – Community Outreach meeting with Goulburn Mulwaree Council
·         10th December 2011 – Community Christmas party
·         16th December 2011 – Tallong Public School End of Year Presentation 12pm
·         17th December 2011 – Marulan Carols at 3pm
·         21st January 2012 – Community Picnic
·         25th February 2012 – Community walk, talk and dinner at Santa Sabina
·         4th March 2012 – Clean-up Australia
·         24th March 2012 – Bush Dance
·         6th May 2012 - Tallong Apple Day Festival

Reaching out…
The Community Outreach meeting on 22nd November at 6.30pm at the Tallong Memorial Hall is an important event to meet Goulburn Mulwaree Council representatives and senior staff. It is a unique opportunity for the Tallong community to raise issues directly with Council representatives.  So, if you have any questions contact the TCFG and we will submit a list to the Council prior to the meeting. Questions, please, in the TCFG letter box at the Tallong General Store or email to secretary@tallong.com.au.  Advance notice of your concerns helps the meeting to run smoothly and everyone gets their say. It is a golden opportunity to raise issues directly with the decision makers.

Walking out…
On Saturday 25th February next year we’re planning a walk, talk and dinner at Santa Sabina on the theme of the Native Plants of Tallong.  There will be a walk at 6pm followed by a three course dinner at Santa Sabina and an engaging guest speaker, Paul Collins, a historian, environmentalist, broadcaster, writer and former Catholic priest.
He is the author of twelve books including one many Tallong residents may know Burn: the epic story of bushfire in Australia.  Paul is an inspiring and witty speaker. He is well known as a commentator on environmental and population issues. He will talk about the Tallong bushland and environmental aspects of the Southern Highlands. He will be speaking from his wide experience as a historian, a conservationist and an environmentalist.
We expect this to be a very popular evening and the numbers will be limited, particularly as the evening will cost only $15 a head, BYO. We will need firm bookings so please ask for Janet or Margaret for information. More details about pre-booking will be in the next Newsletter but put the date in your diary: Sat 25th February 2012.

Firing up…

Chris Boland, President TRFB, reports: During a quiet and fire free period, the Tallong Brigade received a call to attend a motor accident on Highland Way south of Glenrock Station. Tallong One Alpha responded to find a Holden sedan had lost control on a southbound bend and was lying upside down in a drainage ditch. Thankfully the driver had crawled free and was unhurt, but the vehicle was leaking so much raw fuel that the petrol had filled the rear wheel wells. While there was no immediate environmental threat to any waterways, brigade members swiftly applied a blanket of fire retardant foam over and around the car. This substantially reduced the risk of accidental combustion, especially from sparks when the towie arrived to extricate the vehicle from the ditch.
With the new fire season running from 1st October until 31st March, now is a good time to clear away all those piles of firewood from underneath your wooden veranda and have a close look at all those overhanging tree branches. Also from 1st October, a Permit is required before lighting any fires in the open. The procedure is very simple, just a phone call to the Tallong Brigade Captain, Kevin Roberts, on 0418 221 019. He can issue the Permit and will advise how to proceed with notifying surrounding neighbours and Fire Control local HQ.

Being Crafty…
Calling all knitters, embroiderers and crocheters, all makers of jams and jellies, chutneys and relishes, all makers of items useful and funny – and we’re being non gender-specific here!
As one of the highlights of next year’s Apple Day, we want to have a Tallong Community Focus Group handicraft and produce stall selling items donated during the year. We are looking for help with donations. Can you assist us, please?
Perhaps before you put the knitting needles away for the year, could you make us an apple-themed beanie for instance? And whenever you make a batch of jam or chutney, could you make an extra one or two bottles for us? When the lavender blooms, would you dry some for making lavender bags later? If you enjoy wood-turning or pottery, could you give us a piece or two?  Even if you don’t have time to make the jam yourself, if you could donate the fruit, we can organise the making.
We will collect wherever, whatever and whenever! Make things in your own time and avoid the last minute rush. Contacts: Janet Black 48410613 or jlm.black@bigpond.com or Vicki Kennedy 48410330 or weathervane12@gmail.com

Lights down… action…
Our summer movie program begins on Saturday 5th November with the brilliant musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell play two little girls from Little Rock who grew up on the wrong side of the track.  They are lounge singers on a transatlantic cruise, working their way to Paris. And even though Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, the two singers enjoy the company of any eligible men they meet on the way… Curtain up is at 7pm at the Memorial Hall and light refreshments will be served. All welcome.


Tallong Christmas Party – December 10th
The traditional Tallong Village Christmas party will be held on Saturday 10th December 2011 starting at 5.30pm at the Memorial Hall. We’re looking for gold coin donations. Please bring a decoration for the tree, and some festive items suitable for Christmas hampers which will be raffled on the night.  There will be lots of games for the children.
Food will include a BBQ, salads and desserts. BYOG but there will be a canteen for soft drinks.   The highlight of the evening will be the arrival of Santa Claus.
Please RSVP by November 26. We need to know how many Adults and Children will be coming.  Call Janet (4841 0613) or Margaret (4841 0324) or Email Secretary@tallong.com.au



Subscriptions due…
With the new committee elected and the AGM over, subscriptions of $2.50 per adult are now due. Please contact a committee member and/or drop your money and details into the TCFG letter box outside the Tallong General Store. It’s a small price to pay for participating in the life of your community.

School is in…
Tallong Public School is now enrolling for 2012, so it’s time to contact the School Principal Sue Matthews on 4841 0292 for an appointment.  Choosing your local public primary school means your child is never too far from home!

There are great advantages in our small size as it generates great school spirit and pride among students, families and teachers.  There is a high level of local community involvement. The Tallong School offers before and after school care.

www.tallong-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/

Calling for Ideas…
 We’re pretty sure many members of our Community have some brilliant ideas that could be developed into cultural or social projects for Tallong. You know people who say ‘if only Tallong had a night of…’ or ‘if only the Committee would put together a program of…’
Well, now’s your chance. We would welcome any suggestions of practical projects that could be developed for the benefit of the whole Community.

So, thinking caps on… don’t grizzle to your friends or family. Tell us and we’ll see if we can make it work.