No. 9 – March 9, 2011… Rob Brownlee
2011 works season
It is just six weeks to “action stations” at Farina. The work program for 2011 will be for 3 weeks:
Week 1. Sunday 1st to Saturday 7th May,
Week 2. Sunday 8th to Saturday 14th
Week 3. Sunday 15th to Sunday 22nd.
Note that the “Farina Festival Weekend” is on Sat 21 and Sun 22 May, and includes cricket, wool-shed capers, food and fun.
We have currently 50 early bird respondents to the “first call” nominations for attendance in 2011. If you are tempted to join us it is now VITAL that you advise Tom A.S.A.P. of your intentions to enable program and campsite planning to proceed in detail. Either send the attached form (Volunteers Details for 2011.doc) by email to Tom.
A wide ranging works program from building stabilising, stage 1 of the rail precinct (there are multiple tasks there), tourist handling, including the “Historic Bakery Cafe”, managing our own campground ( at the Shearers Quarters) and of course RDO’s are permitted and encouraged. Remember the aim is to have a fun program!!!!
Camping/Caravan Equipment.
We will be sending out more detailed notes on preparing for your time at Farina and particularly regards tools and equipment in the next Newsletter. In the mean time consider the following items. Make sure your caravan fridge is working on Gas. There is limited power available for lighting and other low current items, but not fridges, compressors or any other high power items. There is water for drinking and washing, but it is advisable to always carry a supermarket 10 litre container full of drinking water.
Food re-stocking is easy –via Leigh Creek Copley or Lyndhurst by individuals or group excursion. It helps the program if the “early birds” arrive on or before the first Sunday.
The weather is usually mild and sunny, but be prepared for cold nights (they did not happen last year) and the possibility of rain.
Caravan and Camping Show. Melbourne March 2011
A team of volunteers were present at the “Farina restoration Group” stand throughout the show. The volunteer team of Lindsay (given medical leave after doing a masterly job of organising us there – right down to the last drawing pin !), Steve Coleman, Jim Payton, Syd and Gail Hulland, Bob Brownlee, Barry and Bron Jacquier, Marie and Tom Harding did a great job there in promoting us.
The stand layout proved to be a public “stopper” and made our function as receptionists very straightforward. We were “blown” away by the Public response, both in generating new contacts – and revived interest, where they had previously been there – both to Farina and in our project. A job very well done!
Part of the aim of the stand at the Caravan Show was to solicit finances for our programs. We sold 29 Gibbers to Ghost Town books and 7 Postmarked Farina Books, which cost us $505. We “sold” walking trail marker posts to map the railway lines in the Railway Precinct ($15 each) and received donations – resulting in financial receipts of $1100. The net proceeds were $595. In addition the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria (through their CEO Peter Wright) donated a very generous and valuable sponsorship of $5000.
Another issue that became clear at the show is the need to encourage the appropriate tourist authorities to promote Farina in their literature and list us a tourist attraction. Look forward to seeing you at Farina.
Bob Brownlee. Farina News Correspondent.