Inc Eudunda, Robertstown and Surroundings
Brought to you by:
Eudunda Community, Business & Tourism (ECBAT)
Editor: Peter Herriman 0429 811 958
Welcome to another local newsletter,
We have so many news worthy items happening locally, they deserve to be delivered to you as early as possible. I hope this new newsletter will do that for you. The news this week - HOT! HOT! HOT!, Fires not too far away, and Christmas fast approaching. STAY SAFE, KEEP SMILING AND KEEP LOOKING AFTER EACH OTHER.
Peter Herriman - Editor.
By Peter on Dec 04, 2020 07:15 am Eudunda Christmas Party – Light Up Christmas 2020 – Poster
With the Registration deadline of 5th December you had better get registered quick.
With the late cancellation of the Santa’s Magic Cave due to COVID, it is even more important that you get involved in this Christmas Street party initiative as the ladies are still able to run the ‘Light Up Christmas 2020’ Competition for anyone within the Eudunda, Point Pass, Robertstown and surrounding areas. We want you to decorate your house, business, farm gate, letter box or paddock with anything Christmas related-not limited to a fancy light display.
Brighten up the region for the Children, so they feel some extra Christmas Joy!
By Peter on Dec 04, 2020 05:38 am RCOG Free Green Waste Disposal – Nov-Dec 2020
REDUCE FIRE HAZARD NOW!
To assist with fire prevention in the region, the Regional Council of Goyder have organised free green waste disposal between Sunday 29 November 2020 until Sunday 13 December 2020 for Goyder residents.
Eudunda Wednesdays between 2-3pm Eudunda Saturdays between 10-12pm
Acceptable items: Clean residential green organics including grass clippings, pruning’s, leaves, small branches and burned vegetation. Loads are limited to a all utilities, trailers above water level (inc. Hurdles). Unacceptable items: Pallets or timber or artificial (astro) turf. Commercial or truck loads of materials, waste or hard rubbish, or proclaimed weeds including Rose, Poplar, Blackberry, Gorse, Olive, Bridal creeper, Kikuyu, Couch, and Bamboo.
Please adhere to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Please note: The above dates are subject to change based on State or Federal COVID-19 health advice. Please follow our friendly staff’s directions to the drop off point All transfer stations are run by Clare Valley Waste Service. Enquiries should be directed to Michael on 0407 434 082
On the on 15 November 2020 Eudunda celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Unveiling of the Colin Thiele Sculpture and Colin Thiele’s 100th Birthday.
A midday start for the free BBQ had a very hot and extremely windy start, luckily the Eudunda Centenary Gardens affords good protection. This year, even though COVID-19 restrictions were much eased, many things were done differently, to keep everyone COVID-Safe.
To start the official part of the event off Councilor Debbie Hibbert gave a “Welcome to Country”.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Debbie & Margaret – Photo by Robyn Bradbrook
Organiser of the event and MC for the day, Margaret Doecke welcomed 130 guests, including the Hon. Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP and his wife Rebecca and Janne & Jeff Minge from Queensland (Janne is Colin Thiele’s daughter). We were very lucky to have had Janne & Jeff attend, as once again, covid restrictions between the states had only just lifted.
The history of the sculpture, from an idea to eventual unveiling 25 years ago on Sunday 5th November 1995 was very interesting, and Margaret was happy to see that many who were involved so long ago were able to make it to celebrate again. The Committee at the time gave sculptor Chris Radford a donation of $600 for his work. Margaret also mentioned the work of the late Myles Schutz who did the stone work that Colin’s sculpture is mounted on.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Luke Herriman & Samuel Doering (insert) – Main Photo Robyn Bradbrook
Samuel Doering, Chairperson of the Eudunda 150th Committee addressed us via Skype from Celle, Germany. To do this Luke Herriman contacted Samuel on Skype with his mobile phone, and he is seen here holding the phone covered by his hat to keep the wind out of the conversation, it worked quite well and everyone could hear Samuel.
Samuel welcomed those attending and inspiring us with part of Colin’s Sun on the Stubble story about Marcus and Bruno with the car and he also read a poem and told of how he introduced Colin’s works to his University English Lecturer, who was impressed with Colin’s work.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Janne Minge – Photo by Robyn Bradbrook
Janne Minge gave us an interesting talk about her father Colin, of his growing up in the district from early school life in Eudunda, to riding his pushbike to the train at Hampden to study at Kapunda, and return late at night and eventually off to University and his war service.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Mike Roberts – Photo by Robyn Bradbrook
Local singer song writer Mike Roberts of The Barn at Wombat Flat sang three songs including “Farmer’s Gamble”. A highlight was ‘Hidden Springs’ first written and performed locally 35 years ago for the ‘Eudunda Show’ and Mike encouraged everyone to sing along to this song, with the words in the event programme.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Marcus Reseigh – Photo by Robyn Bradbrook
Marcus Reseigh, local poet recited 3 poems from Colin’s book ‘Songs for my thongs’ published in 1982, and they were Magpie, Wrong Bait, Return Ticket, the last two were very funny.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Di Bills – Photo by Robyn Bradbrook
Di Bills read a prose poem about Bruno having to go to Adelaide to High School, when really Bruno wants to stay on the farm, an emotional story indeed.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Jackson Court – Photo by Robyn Bradbrook
Eudunda Area School student Jackson Court read Colin’s book ‘Gemma’s Christmas Eve’, published in 1994,
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Claire Schiller – Photo by Robyn Bradbrook
Followed by fellow Eudunda Area School student Claire Schiller reading Colin’s book ‘February Dragon’ published in 1965.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – reading Farmer Schulzs Ducks – photo Peter Herriman
The St Johns Lutheran School house captains were next to contribute to the event with Charlie Ross reading Colin’s book ‘Farmer Schultz’s Ducks’, which was published in 1986.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – Lucy Mosey reading Storm Boy – photo Peter Herriman
and Lucy Mosey reading ‘Storm Boy’, originally published in 1964.
Colin Thiele 100th Birthday – St Johns Lutheran School Choir – Supplied
Front L-R: Brooke Schaefer, Emma Doering, Grace Jenke, Annabelle Preston, Bridget Williams, Charlotte Nietschke, Caitlin Schutz and Kayley Schutz. Middle L-R: Mandy Verco – Choir Teacher, Julie IÁnson, Marissa Ross, India Cluse, Zoe Neal, Demi Mosey, Milly Roebuck, Lucy Mosey. Back L-R: Jaz Williams, Amalie Jenke, Lilly Verco, Ruby Preston, Shayla Scholz.
The twenty girls making up the St John’s Lutheran School Choir did a great job battling the increasing wind to sing four songs under the guidance of Choir Teacher Mandy Verco. The songs were, ‘The Only Name (Yours Will Be)’, ‘When I grow up’, from musical Matilda, ‘Write your Story’, and the most fitting song of the day was the last one of ‘Beautiful Day’. Bravo Girls!! Well Done!. By this time the wind was so strong, it was hard to hear the girls singing, so we are thankful for the borrowed video camera from the Council as this allowed us to capture some reasonable sound to be shared later on.
Debbie Hibbert gave an update on the Silo Art Project and an invitation to look at the proposals to decide which artist and works will work on our local silos next year.
The final celebration of the afternoon was to have delicious country baked scones, jam and cream, a great tradition.
Janne & Jeff Minge with the Colin Thiele Sculpture on Colins 100th Birthday Anniversary Photo – Peter Herriman
We thank Margaret Doecke, Dot Bonner, Di Whatling, Barb Button, Janne Minge, Samuel Doering, Mike Roberts, Di Bills, Marcus Reseigh, Jackson Court, Claire Schiller, Charlie Ross, Lucy Mosey, Mandy Verco and the St Johns Lutheran School Choir, Debbie Hibbert, Andrew Partington, Robyn Bradbrook. Also the many people helping setup for the event, and with cooking and serving food and drinks. The wonderful Eudunda Gardens Committee who do such a great job of looking after the gardens, and for cleaning the BBQ afterward, and those who cleaned up and packed up afterwards, also Luke, Jenny & Toby Herriman.
We thank everyone that helped make this a great event. The Regional Council of Goyder, Australian Government – Drought Communities Programme, Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism Inc (ECBAT), and the Eudunda 150th Committee who helped fund the event so that it was free.
After being closed for a very long time, it is pleasing to see the Eudunda Roadhouse open for business again with new owners.
Sai Opens Eudunda Roadhouse
The Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism (ECBAT) welcome and congratulate the Eudunda Roadhouse for opening and wish them all the best. The Eudunda Roadhouse is a critical part of Eudunda’s Tourism and local shopping choices.
The new Roadhouse operator is Sai, a very pleasant young man who is keen to be part of the Eudunda community. He opened quietly last Friday 27th November at 2pm.
There are still lots of things to set up, new fridge and lots of stock to come, and of course customers to come in, and Sai has set a very high bar of service for the area planning to be open 365 days of the year. Additionally with hours of 6am to 8pm there is plenty off opportunity to drop in.
The Roadhouse has:- Fuel with Diesel, UPL and Premium (98) available at very good prices, Food Take Away Pizza, Burgers, Main Meals like Schnitzel etc. Sai explained that he is waiting for the menu to be out late next week. Automotive parts
The Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism Committee (ECBAT), rely on local businesses to join as business members to help fund our projects. See the web page ECBAT Business Members List for our current members.
ECBAT urge our community to buy local when they can.
Great items beautifully presented in gift baskets. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Prizes Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 tickets for $5.00 and are available at the Heritage Gallery.
Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery Christmas Raffle Prizes
This is a fund raiser for the Gallery, please support us. Thank You to all who donated toward the prizes.
And to all those who buy tickets – Good Luck There will be three lucky winners
Prize Winners will be drawn at the Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery on Friday the 18th December 2020 at 12 Noon.
Make sure you write your name and phone number clearly, so we can notify you of your win, and to arrange pickup from the Gallery which is the only option available.
By Peter on Dec 02, 2020 09:06 am Helen & Sandy, at the Eudunda end discuss Multi-use Trail for Eudunda to Hampden Rail Line to include Horse Trail use
The disused Eudunda to Hampden Railway Line may have no trains on it now, but it continues to attract interest from groups wanting to gain access to use it for community, tourism and physical fitness related reasons.
Cyclists and Horse Riders are looking at the Lavender Federation Trail (LFT) to gain access for thier sports as well.
The railway corridor fell into disrepair after the railway was closed the 90’s, Since then the farmers adjoining the land have grazed stock on it to keep the growth down. If left to grown it would become a fire hazard. Access to the rail line area itself (the raised ballast where the rail line ran) has been prevented by the current managers of the land, Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DPTI) for fear of toxins in the soil.
Eudunda to Hampden Rail Line showing how overgrown it has become especially close to the Hampden end
The railway corridor gained a new lease on life when the South Australian Recreation Trails Inc (SARTI) was able to negotiate access for the Lavender Federation Trail for walkers. This part of the trail was opened in April 2016 when SARTI had the official opening of the Eudunda to Webb Gap section of the trail, which marked the start of Map 5.
Unfortunately the walkers were only allowed to walk along the bordering fence line, and not on the main rail line ballast. During the Spring growth time the wild oats is waste high on the fence line growing as quick and strong as walkers knock it down. You will notice in the first photo the growth almost to the top of the fence posts. The logical and safest path is on the ballast line.
Walkers can negotiate this trail on the fence line, but it is not suitable for other users, and that has been the situation which is trying to be remedied now. Cyclists, people wanting to take thier children by pram, horse riders and more would like to have the safe passage north of Eudunda on the Lavender Federation Trail.
SARTI and the community have been faced with expensive testing for toxins in the soil and then the cost of covering the ballast area with material suitable for a multi use trail. Back about the time the railway line was opened to walkers a quote to cover the railway line was approximately $150,000. At the time SARTI had to keep focus and press on to finish the trail to Clare. That is now done and many walkers have enjoyed the trail. Some have even walked the whole trail. (See next article in this newsletter).
Access to the rail line will foster sport tourism in the Southern Goyder Region as it will allow the access and exit to Eudunda to be safe and attractive, and include the story and experience of the historic railway line. Many people travel around Australia just to follow the Railway Lines, commonly called ‘Rail Trails’ once developed. When this section of the line is opened up the recently developed cycling trails around Eudunda, Point Pass and Robertstown and also to the South will become much more safe and attractive.
Helen describes the Eudunda to Hampden Railway line
In the near future, I hope you will be able to cycle up to Hampden along the Eudunda Hampden Rail Trail. The approach to Hampden Siding will be wonderful – you come in through a deep cutting and under an old single lane road bridge.
We have already heard that Council is not be prepared to have a tunnel or pipe to create easy access under the bridge saying cost is an issue, but they have said they will plan for and provide access for walkers, cyclists and that horse riders should also be able to negotiate the area.
SARTI and the Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism (ECBAT) have continued to campaign for access to the railway line, by lobbying the Regional Council of Goyder (RCOG) for help and funding through grants. Early on they flagged thier plans by submitting proposals in the Goyder Master Plan. SARTI and Council have also approached DPTI. Recently available grants appear to suit the funding of the trail development if Council give support.
The recent activity of the Council (RCOG) planning a replacement bridge at Hampden (See SG news Article ‘Council Meets to Discuss Hampden Bridge‘ on Oct 20th 2020 ) has certainly created some excitement. Council has since voted on the replacement bridge. At a recent ECBAT meeting that David Stephenson, Council CEO attended it was confirmed that the dumped pine trees and other rubbish will be cleared by Council as they need access for construction of the new bridge. (See SG News Article ‘November ECBAT Committee Meeting had David Stevenson as Special Guest‘ on Nov 15th 2020)
Hampden Railway Line blocked by dumped pine trees near the Hampden Road Bridge
A recent letter from Corey Wingard MP, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Recreation, Sport and Racing has shown that DPTI are also evaluating the situation at the same time as the Hampden Bridge. It is hoped that this will be speedily resolved.
Things are looking positive for a second push at improving tourism in our area.
To support the project you can like and follow the Facebook Eudunda Hampden Rail Trail page, you can also giving support to our local councilors as they support the trails and tourism in our area. To find out more about cycling the Lavender Trail in this area see Lavender Cycling Trail Cycle From Murray Bridge to Clare (M2C).
There is definitely an interest in walking the Lavender Federation Trail, with many doing it ‘End to End’ which is 325km from Clare to Murray Bridge. Some walkers start from the Murray Bridge end too and some aspire to do it both ways.
Di Carroll and walking partner Richard from Brisbane shown here at Monarto Recreation Reserve in late September on day 16 of their walk from Clare to Murray Bridge.
Did you see Di & Richard as they came through our area? If you see walkers – please say ‘Hello’.
Brisbane walkers Di Carroll and Richard at Monarto Recreation Reserve late Sept 2020
They are both from Brisbane. Richard is currently walking the Heysen Trail, and has skipped across to do the Lavender Federation Trail with Di whom flew down especially to do the Lavender Federation Trail.
They reported on meeting a runner on the Lavender Federation Trail traveling from Clare to Murray Bridge over three days.
Water was a problem they needed to overcome particularly between Springton and Monarto. The next shelter planned to be erected at Rockleigh this year by the Murray Bridge Council will include a rainwater tank.
This article is thanks to the South Australian Recreation Trails Inc (SARTI) quarterly newsletter ‘Footsteps’ November 2020 . Why not keep up with ‘our’ walking trail news. If you like you can submit an article to the newsletter, which would be a great way to draw peoples attention to the fantastic trail we have here in the region.
The Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism Committee (ECBAT), rely on local businesses to join as business members to help fund our projects. See the web page ECBAT Business Members List for our current members.
ECBAT urge our community to buy local when they can.
By Peter on Nov 30, 2020 05:06 pm Committees Do Sport – Club Development Webinar Series 2020-2021
FREE WORKSHOP – Attracting and retaining volunteers at your club – 8th Dec 2020
Upcoming online STARCLUB education sessions are available to clubs, associations & community group committees. This workshop series to work through or move forward from COVID.
WORKSHOP: Attracting and retaining volunteers at your club Tuesday 8th December 2020 7.00pm
A characteristic of all successful clubs is that they have a culture of volunteering, that a culture where is everybody in the club helping and contributing towards its success. In this session we show you how to create this amazing culture at your club. We show how to ensure you always have enough volunteers, how to reduce the workload on your committee and how to ensure you are preparing your next generation of volunteers. This is a very practical session, that uses many examples from clubs and how they have successfully created a culture of volunteering.
Seasonal Job & Regional South Australia is a jobs campaign run by Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA helping both people looking for work and primary industries to find people to help them bring in the harvests. Check it out
The Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism Committee (ECBAT), rely on local businesses to join as business members to help fund our projects. See the web page ECBAT Business Members List for our current members.
ECBAT urge our community to buy local when they can.
Kapunda & Eudunda Medical Practice – ECBAT Business Member
