My wife and I live in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges at the gateway to the beautiful Lysterfield Valley, in the home that we created 60 years ago and where we still live. I first became involved with the save the Dandenongs League when a group of local residents opposed the development of yet another basalt-rock quarry in that valley. There was already a plethora of quarries in the area – one at Upper Ferntree Gully and another in Lysterfield. With help from the Save the Dandenongs League we managed to overcome the proposed new quarry, some councillors lost their seats, and Sherbrooke Council became more environmentally friendly.
We have been involved in a number of issues throughout the year 2008. However, the small number of committee members has at times limited our activities. The first two items below are wins and the second two are losses.
SHIRE OF YARRA RANGES HOUSING STRATEGY
BACK PACKERS HOSTEL PROPOSAL, MONBULK
HISTORIC STAIRCASE, LILYDALE
MONBULK COMMUNITY HUB
We have reached the fiftieth edition of our newsletter which we currently call “Greenprint”. This has grown from very humble beginnings, nearly thirty years ago, to a more substantial version that we have today. It includes articles, press releases and photographs about the Dandenongs, and feedback from our readers suggests that many people enjoy its contents. Carolyn Ebdon has now taken on the task of being editor and is doing a fine job, following in the footsteps of Betty Hotchin who enhanced the publication with her own distinctive style.
Application for the “Castle” in Olinda.
The Warburton Trail.
