Behind the Scenes In October and November

Tourism Signage Committee

This Committee has met for the second time, the purpose of the group is to review and improve all Tourism Signage throughout SYR.

An audit on all Blue and white and brown and white tourism signage will be undertaken in the New Year by SYR and any outdated signs removed. Vic Roads tourist Signage Guidelines Booklet has been issued to us and all new signage planned will be in accordance to these guidelines. This will no doubt be a long process but one that SYR is taking very seriously.

If anyone knows of any outdated or unnecessary signs in their area can you please let us know by contacting us at business@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au and we will make note and pass on information to SYR.

Village Entry Signs

The new SYR Village Entry signs are well on their way, final designs are now being approved at SYR. Villages has been asked to nominate where the signs should be placed, existing positions are preferred as no Vicroads permits will need to be applied for but where necessary we will suggest new positions. Villages Executive has planned a drive along Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd in December to mark out what we think are the right spots. If anyone has any ideas on where these signs should or shouldn’t be please contact us at business@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au and we will take note of your comments.

Village Offer Cards

Delivery of the Village Offer Card Stands will be complete next week to those that agreed to carry them in their business. We apologise for the delay in getting these out but they have been quite time consuming to put together and a little thing called Spring Fest got in the way!

We have some stands left over if any members who maybe didn't respond previously would like to offer their customers or guests some excellent discount offers and specials at local businesses. Just email marketing@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au and let us know.

New Memberships

In the New Year the Villages will be accepting new members for the July 10 - June 12 year. This gives you 6 months free exposure on the website and all the other member benefits such as inclusion on the Villages Map in July 2011. Keep an eye out for the membership forms on your email in the New Year.

Late Night Xmas Trading

Late Night Xmas Trading in the Villages is on again this year with businesses opening Thursday nights 9th, 16th and 23rd December until 8pm. Press advertising is going ahead with a 10x6 ad running this coming week in both the Trader Mail and Free Press Leader promoting the night shopping and giving readers some gift ideas. This will be followed in both papers by reminders each week. It will also be advertised on our website and with banners around the Mountain.

Jon in and open your business until 8pm on those nights and spread some festive cheer.

Villages Website Update

The Villages website continues to increase in traffic with 8,500 visits since it went live, 5,500 of which were absolute unique visitors. The page views highlights the importance of event themes with Spring Fest topping the list of most accessed pages. This is followed by the Calendar of events, Thing to Do and See, Accommodation, Eating and Drinking and Shopping. Other pages then follow on from there.

With our next phase of promotion going into planning with press and radio advertising, it is more important than ever for members to make sure they have entered their business onto the website and keep it up to date with your current offers and specials. All promotion will be driving traffic to the website as our key marketng tool so make sure people can find your business.

Spring Fest Wrap Up

Spring Fest is over for another year and despite some terrible weather and the two football grand finals, people still made the effort to come up to the Villages and attend the events, lectures and open gardens on offer. This week we were pleased to hand over cheques to the CFA totalling $4,223 which were raised for them during Spring Fest.

Thank you to the committee, advertisers and everyone who gave their time and expertise to the events, it wouldn't happen without you.
Being able to bundle a variety of events that run over a period of time under one umbrella such as Spring Fest is important to the region. It gives us sustained exposure over a whole season and increases visitation on an ongoing basis. It also gives us a great medium by which to push traffic to the Vllages website with all the wonderful businesses on there.
In the New Year we will be discussing the future of Spring Fest and invite anyone who is able to bring their time and expertise to the table to let us know. There are plenty of excellent ideas that we would like to implement but they take peoples commitment to give their time to make them happen. If your business is in a particular sector that you would like to have promoted then we ask you to think about taking on that segment as a project for the next Spring Fest.

Please email events@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au to receive notification of the initial meeting in the New Year.

Spring Fest Launch

Thursday night the 9th September at Sky High saw the launch of Spring Fest.

Wes Fleming, who volunteered his time to speak at the Launch, was entertaining and his story about why they participate in the London Chelsea Flower Show was amazing. The images he showed of the team building this years Gold winning Australian Garden were nothing short of spectactular and we thank Wes for his time and being such a great speaker.

Jeremy Francis was signing copies of his book 'Cloudehill - A Year in the Garden' and Lyrebird Linens, Mallalieu by Coach House and Tiara Black Pearls closed the night with a fabulous Spring Fashion Show. The effort and time that went into the organising the Show was amazing as you can see from the preparation picture and we thank Carolyn, Kathy and Winnie for their time and effort and also the lovely goody bags for people to take home.

It was a great fun event and we thank the staff at Sky High who were so accommodating to some very unusual requests as we were setting up for the night!

Spring Fest Is On

Spring Fest in the Dandenong Ranges is on with gardening, food, wine and art events going on in September and October

If you were unable to make the Launch on Thursday night you can pick up the Spring Fest booklets from the Info Point at Stockdale and Leggo at Olinda. We will keep stock topped up here so if you run out you can collect more.

You can also see all events on the website at www.inspiringinspring.com.au

13,000 booklets are being distributed around Melbourne over the course of the 2 months and 10,000 in our own region. We have also received wide media coverage as well as being a major part of the 12 page lift out in the Age last week. Signage in the Villages is being completed as we speak as well as distribution of booklets to key high traffic attractions.

The Spring Fest story has been picked up by the media in a variety of places including gardening, what's on and food sections of newspapers.

Please be aware of what is going on so that when your guests or customers ask you can answer their questions.

Please see the booklet and website for full details but here is a quick guide for your reference.

Garden Events & Flower Shows

20 August - 26 September Hancock’s Daffodil Garden Show
11 September - 12 September Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Spring Show
16 September - 13 October Tesselaar Tulip Festival
19 September Hanami Festival
16 October - 2 November Rhododendron and Azalea Show
16 October - 17 October The Golden Jubilee Rhododendron Show
23 October - 24 October Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Flower Festival

Plant Sales

11 September Bulbs, Plants and Trains for the Garden
19 September Karwarra Spring Plant Sale
9 October Friends of George Tindale Garden Plant Sale
16 October - 17 October Como Gardens Fern & Orchid Sales

Open Gardens

16 October - 17 October Como Open Garden
23 October - 24 October Hillangully Homestead Private Open Garden
23 October - 24 October Gentiana Private Open Garden
23 October - 24 October Allandayle Private Open Garden
23 October - 24 October Australian Native Private Open Garden
23 October - 24 October Coonara Springs Open Garden
24 October The Patch School Open Garden
30 October - 31 October Beechmont Private Open Garden
30 October - 31 October Coonara Springs Open Garden
31 October Mernda Heights Private Open Garden

Garden Lecture Series

18 September Phillip Johnson - Sustainable Gardens
2 October Phillip Johnson - Sustainable Gardens
3 October Tim Orpin - Woodland Plants
9 October Tim Orpin - Cultivation and Propagation of Trilliums
9 October Phillip Johnson - Sustainable Gardens
10 October Craig Wilson - The Art of Bonsai
10 October David Daly - Cool Climate Plants for Today’s Landscapes
24 October John Rayner - Plants for Childrens’ Landscapes
24 October John Rayner - Designing and Building the Patch School Garden
24 October John Rayner - Designing and Building Green Roofs

Gardening Q&A Roadshow

26 September Gardening Roadshow at Cloudehill - Matthew Reed & Michael Morant
3 October Gardening Roadshow - Tim Drewitt
10 October Gardening Roadshow - Judy Button
17 October Gardening Roadshow - Robyn Menhennitt
24 October Gardening Roadshow at Cloudehill - Matthew Reed & Michael Morant

Guided Garden Tours

15 September Ranger Ramble - Ranger Guided Tour: National Rhododendron Gardens
29 September Ranger Ramble - Ranger Guided Tour: Alfred Nicholas Gardens
2 October Kenloch Guided Garden Tours
3 October Kenloch Guided Garden Tour
6 October Ranger Ramble - Ranger Guided Tour: George Tindale Gardens
13 October Ranger Ramble - Ranger Guided Tour: Pirianda Gardens
16 October - 17 October Como Gardens Tours
20 October Ranger Ramble - Ranger Guided Tour: William Ricketts Sanctuary

Kids Activities

10 September Wild About Tour for Children
19 September Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Classes at Wild Oak
22 September Parks Victoria Junior Ranger Holiday Program
22 September - 23 September Discover the Fun of Tulips
22 September - 25 September Trains for the Garden
25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 September Children’s Week Activities at SkyHigh
29 September 30 September Discover the Fun of Tulips
1 October Children’s Week Activities at SkyHigh
9,10 & 16,17 & 23, 24 October Day Out with Thomas Puffing Billy Emerald Station
16 October - 17 October Como Gardens Kids Entertainment
24 October Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Classes at Wild Oak
24 October The Patch School Kids Activities

Things to See & Do

11 September Trains for the Garden
16 September Elvis Rocks the Rails
17 September - 8 October Friday is Seniors Day at The Tulip Festival
18 September - 19 September Turkish Weekend
21 September Dog’s Day Out at the Tulip Festival
25 September - 26 September Dutch Weekend
7 October Ken & Dolly on Country Tracks
9 October - 10 October Annual Australian Blacksmith Show
9 October - 10 October Steam in the Gardens
9 October - 10 October Irish Weekend
15 October - 16 October Wandin-Silvan Horticultural & Farm Machinery Field Days
16 October - 17 October Como Gardens Vintage Car Museum

Art & Exhibitions

Closes 26 September Bill Henson: early works from the MGA Collection
16 September - 13 October Sculpture Amongst the Tulips
2 October Artists bring their Studio to Kallista Market
3 October Artists bring their Studio to SkyHigh
7 October Art Demonstration at Sherbrooke Art Gallery
8 October - 21 November The Melbourne Satellite Reef
9 October - 24 October Sherbrooke Art Society Spring Exhibition
16 October - 31 October Mont De Lancey Photography Competition Exhibition
23 October - 7 November Wildlife at Karwarra

Food & Wine Events

7 September ‘Cloudehill - a Year in the Garden’ Book Launch & Lunch
11 September Wild Oak Cooking School - Plan and Cook a 3 Course Dinner
11 September Private Dinner at Pirianda
8, 11, 12 September Making & Filling Belgian Chocolates at Wild Patch
12, 19, 26 September Live Music at Yarra Ranges Estate Winery & Restaurant
16 September Wild Oak Cooking School - Cook Sensational Seafood
17, 24 September Friday Night Wine Tasting at Olinda Cellars
19 September Live Music: Mainstream at Elmswood
22, 24, 25 September Immerse Yourself in Chocolate at Wild Patch
22, 25, 26 September Belgian Chocolate Making at Wild Patch
24 September Live Jazz at Wild Oak Restaurant
26 September Bunch Series: Sylvia Johnson at Wild Oak
30 September Wild Oak Cooking School - Cooking Fantastic Fish
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October Friday Night Wine Tasting at Olinda Cellars
1 October - 31 October Oktoberfest at The Cuckoo
2 October - 3 October Food, Wine & Blues Weekend at the Tulip Festival
2 October Wild Oak Cooking School - A Cooking Breaducation
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 October Live Music at Yarra Ranges Estate Winery & Restaurant
4-8 & 11-15 October Luscious Lunches: $30 lunches At various restaurants
6, 8, 9 October Immerse Yourself in Chocolate at Wild Patch
6, 9, 10 October Belgian Chocolate Making at Wild Patch
9 October Latin American Mumbo Jumbo Dinner
12 October Bunch Series: Ann Creber at Seasons of Cloudehill
13, 16, 17 October Making & Filling Belgian Chocolates at Wild Patch
17 October Live Music: Mainstream at Elmswood
16 October Decadent Dinner: Woods Sherbrooke
16 October Decadent Dinner: Pirianda
22 October Decadent Dinner: Coonara Springs
24 October Bunch Series: Holly Kerr Forsyth at Rose Cottage
29 October Decadent Dinner: Wild Oak Restaurant
24 October Brunch with Holly Kerr Forsyth
29 October Live Jazz at Wild Oak Restaurant

Villages Website

The Villages Website is now up and running and attracting more and more visitors each day. All members have now received their log in and tutorial on how to add and amend their details on the website. With Spring Fest advertising directing people to the site, you should be making sure that you are on there and that your information is up to date.

If you have any issues with the website or require assistance please email website@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au

Remember that if you have any events or short term specials that you would like to add to the events calendar, please send these to events@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au with an image if you have one.

Olinda & Sassafras Information Points

The Stands have now arrived and have been erected at Stockdale & Leggo in Olinda for Gold and Silver Members to stock their business flyers. There are names in each slot for businesses, so if you are a Gold or Silver member and have yet to put your flyers in, please do this soon as we will be officially opening it in the next couple of weeks when the 'I' signs are erected.
The Sassafras stand will go up next week as well and you will be informed when you can stock this.

Sponsorship Opportunity with The Patch Network

Please see the attachment to the newsletter notification for a full Information Pack about this event.

Event date : Saturday, November 13th 2010 @ 7.30pm
Event venue : Proudly sponsored by the Monbulk R.S.L., Main St, Monbulk 3793
Event host & entertainment : Local Comedian, Sue-Anne Post
Event is open to all local community members with expected guest numbers to exceed 150

Patch Networks - Live Local, Shop Local

PatchNetworks is a social occasion that provides a platform of advertising opportunity for local community businesses, with the philosophy of “Live local, shop local”. It is a fundraising event designed to support The Patch Early Learning Centre. This event exists out of our desire to support the local community.

Our concept is to showcase an evening of entertainment for a varied group of community locals and highlight to them the excellent businesses and amenities we have in our own backyard.

We are patching YOUR network together.

Sponsorship Opportunities end 4th October 2010

PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT LOCAL OPPORTUNITY
SUE KIDD - 0417 328 113 or Email suekidd@bigpond.com
NICOLA RYAN - 0422 996 121 or Email nicolaryan@aanet.com.au

Some Help from Above

During the week of September 5 - September 12, the Anglican Parish of Mount Dandenong conducted an Open Church week inviting people who are not normally church goers to share with them.

Going forward they are also encouraging church members to pray for the businesses of the local community and seek God’s blessing on their work. If you have anything particular that you would like them to pray for, please let them know at sj_may3@bigpond.com so that they can pray more intelligently and intentionally.

Behind the Scenes in August

A meeting was held on August 13^th with the Executive and representatives from SYR in response to our letter of request for several projects on the Ridge.

Present were Geoff Davies, Senior Roads Engineer, James Martin, Manager Community Relations Village Entry Signage, Gary Bateman, Urban Designer Hills Project

Road Works

Geoff Davies discussed road sealing, Woodlands Ave and Prince St Sassafras are private roads, to seal these would require the land owners to agree to the cost, SYR contribution is the engineering and organization of the work to be done which is about 20% of the total cost, a survey can be conducted on each street to see if there is a 70% agreement by landholders on this initiative. A survey was done about 8 years ago but as the parking next to the nursery is part of the road reserve due to cost it was rejected by the land owners. Dust suppressant treatment was also a possibly for these roads and can be arranged at a cost within SYR Asset Maintenance Programme.

Parson’s Lane required drainage work and construction using the 3metre easement acquired by SYR from the commercial properties abutting Parson’s Lane, this was possibly a Roads to Recovery Project as it could be classified as having Community benefit, this will be followed up with Cr Noel Cliff.

Service Rd at rear of IGA Mt Dandenong, this is a Council Road, half of it has been sealed by IGA, we asked if they look at improving the entry to the service Rd at the Bendigo Bank end and we can apply for naming of this road through SYR Corporate Services. Geoff Davies was to follow up on this request.

Bus Shelters- we expressed our desire for a more aesthetically pleasing bus shelters, this request was rejected as I ideas of what is a bus shelter that would enhance our area will not pass regulations, we did however request a gable roof on any new bus shelters installed rather than the bull nose roof we currently have. Geoff Davies promised to enquire with the manufacturers to see if this is possible.

Village Entry Signs

The new SYR Village entry signs are well on their way. SYR has designed a sign for the “Villages of Mt Dandenong” to be placed at each end of the Mountain, possibly at Ferny Creek and Five Ways area.

Individual Villages will also have new signs either side of their indicating village names, Sassafras, Mt Dandenong and Olinda. Where possible these signs will be placed where the current signs are already as no permission will need to be sort from Vic Roads, we will however be looking at their placement closely, if anyone has any thoughts on alternative positioning of these signs in their village please contact us and let us know your ideas on business@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au

Hills Project

Gary Bateman is now responsible for “The Hills Project”, a feasibility study has been completed on creating a footpath from Montrose to Upwey and the first stage will be Kalorama to Mt Dandenong as this stretch received the highest vote by the Community, no date as yet for commencement but it will happen.

Directional signage in each Village for things such as toilet’s, ATM, Police station, chemist etc was discussed, Gary was to look into the design and placement of these signs.

Shuttle Bus Feasibility Study

A meeting was held with Michael Krypuy from Buchan Group who has been employed by SYR to create two models of how a shuttle service could operate up here, this would include a business plan that can then be put out for tender to bus companies. Michael has met and talked with many stakeholders and businesses on the mountain to determine how this service might work, Villages emphasized the potential benefit of this service would enable us to bring more tourists up from the city midweek who currently have no way of getting here. We look forward to the final result.

Vic Roads Tourism Signage

On 8^th September the Executive met with Michael Hibbert from Shortlist Marketing who has been employed by SYR to coordinate a Signage Committee that consists of the main Tourism stakeholders within SYR. This project has come out of the new SYR Tourism Policy. Judy Ischia will be the Villages representative on this committee which is holding its first meeting on the 23^rd September. The purpose of this committee is to create new Tourism signage from the freeway signage right down to individual B&B signage using the new Vic Roads signage Policy document.

Matt Mills State Liberal Candidate for Monbulk

Matt has requested to attend our next Villages Meeting. Matt has already met with a number of business owners and is keen to meet more of us and here what our concerns are. He has already arranged Louise Asher Shadow Minister for Small Business to come to the Mountain and walk the streets, Matt has been impressed with what we are doing within the Villages Association and is wanting to highlight our achievements to Ms Asher.

Please put the next meeting date Tuesday 18^th October in your diary, now Spring is here we are looking for a big attendance of members next month, we need you there, come and hear what’s going on and have your say, drinks are available at the RSL too, if your inclined.

If there are any local matters or concerns that you wish to bring to the attention of the Villages Executive please contact the following people:

Judy Ischia is your contact for:

Fire signs and Fire Issues, Shire of Yarra Ranges Enquiries, Vic Roads, Local Politicians
Judy is contactable on business@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au and 0439931959

Lisa Simpson is your contact for:

Villages Website, Infopoints, What’ On Events Inclusions, Newsletter inclusions
Lisa is best contacted by email on marketing@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au

Spring Fest 2010 Highlights

Dandenongs Ranges Spring Festival 11th September – 31st October 2010

Some Festival Highlights

Wes Fleming Opens the Dandenongs Spring Festival
9th September 6.30 - 8.30pm SkyHigh Mt Dandenong, Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong Tickets $25 from Dandenong Ranges Tourism 1800 645 505

Wes Fleming, of Flemings Nurseries in the Dandenong Ranges and Gold winner at this years Chelsea Flower Show in the UK has generously volunteered his time to open the festival and talk about the winning Australian Garden and how his team accomplished it. www.flemings.com.au/chelsea2010/ “In 2004 Fleming’s Nurseries presented the first ever all Australian Show Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Since then we have showcased some of the best that the Australian horticulture industry has to offer. This is reflected in the Australian gardens being awarded 3 Gold Medals and 2 Silver-Gilt medals – a record of which we are enormously proud. Along the way enormous positive media attention has been generated for the Australian Horticultural Industry on the world stage and within Australia. Our gardens have also added a unique element to the Chelsea Flower show itself. This year we presented a garden that again reflects the passion that Australians have for an outdoor lifestyle. Over the past years we have learnt that the thing that sets Australian Gardens apart from other gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show is that they are designed to live in. Visitors to the show can imagine themselves being in the garden and interacting with elements of the garden.”

Annual Garden Events
Tesselaar Tulip Festival 16th September - 13th October www.tulipfestival.com.au
With more than a million spring flowers in the fields and live entertainment daily, this is not to be missed. With Turkish, Dutch and Irish themed weekends, Children’s Days and a Food, Wine and Blues weekend, there is something for everyone.

Hancocks Daffodil Garden Show – 20th August – 26th September Free Entry
Wander through Hancocks display garden and see hundreds of different varieties of daffodils and other spring bulbs.

National Rhododendron Gardens Spring Floral Festival - 16th Oct - 2nd Nov 2010 Free Entry Enjoy a self-guided tour, strolling through 40 hectares of scenic botanic gardens and view the colourful array of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and more. www.parkweb.vic.gov.au 13 1963.

Top Garden and Landscaping Experts share their expertise (and their gardens)

Phillip Johnson - Sustainable Landscapes
10am - 12 noon - 18th September, 2nd & 9th October At Phillip Johnsons property in Olinda Tickets $36 (Limited to 25 per session) Call 9751 1009

After a quick sell out session, this year, Phillip is sharing his knowledge and garden in 3 sessions this year. Learn and share sustainable landscape design insights and practices with Phillip Johnson - the 2009 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show overall “Best of Show” winner & finalist in the 2010 Premier’s Sustainability Awards. Phillip is undeniably one of Australia’s more passionate and irrepressible landscape designers. Phillip will host a tour of his own magical, multi-award winning landscape, and explain his design objectives and philosophies along the way.

Tim Orpin

Lecture & Tour - Woodland Plants
12noon Sun 3rd Oct Tickets $45 on 9751 1009

Lecture & Tour - Cultivation & Propagation of Trilliums
12noon Sat 9th Oct Tickets $45 on 9751 1009

Kenloch Private Garden Tours
10am, 12noon & 3pm Sat 2nd Oct & 3pm Sun 3rd Oct Tickets $30 on 9751 1009

Tim Orpin, owner, botanist and collector of rare plants, hosts walking tours of the historic Kenloch Gardens. Sweeping lawns shaded by mature trees, soaring Himalayan rhododendrons, beds of rare woodland treasures and a lush fern gully are just a few of the many elements that combine to create one of the finest private gardens in the country.

Craig Wilson - The Art of Bonsai
Sun 10th Oct 10am Tickets $20 on 9751 1009 - Held at Gentiani Nursery, Olinda
We are fortunate to have Craig Wilson of Gentiana Nursery lecturing on the basic horticultural and artistic principals of bonsai alongside a display of Craig’s bonsai trees. Bring your own trees for an advice session following the lecture.

David Daly - Cool climate plants for today’s landscapes
Sun 10th Oct 2pm Tickets $20 on 9751 1009 Held at The Conifer Nursery, Ferny Creek
David Daly, owner of Conifer Gardens Nursery will take participants through the best uses of conifers, maples and other cool climate plants in today’s dryer landscape. This knowledgeable talk will invite participants to ask questions and get answers and will be followed by a guided walk through the older part of the nursery where you will be able to see older specimen trees up to 50 years old as well as the Peony garden, Kalmia and weeping Maples, Dogwoods and Magnolias.

New to the Dandenongs Spring Fest

Gardening Roadshow at Cloudehill Gardens - A Sensational Gardening Q&A

Sunday 26th September, 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th October
Cloudehill Gardens, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda - Entry $10
Something new to the festival this year, bring your gardening problems for a Q&A session with garden experts. Held in the beautiful Cloudehill Gardens, the advice will be enlightening and the surroundings inspiring. A different garden expert hosting 3 sessions on each day at 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm.

Open Private Gardens - an opportunity to see ‘the secret gardens’ that are rarely open to the public

Saturday 23rd October & Sunday 24th October 10am - 4pm $6 entry (a CFA Fundraising event)

Hillangully Homestead Private Open Garden,
126 Falls Rd, Olinda
This property is most interesting for its indigenous restoration project through the assistance of the Olinda and Vic. Landcare Groups and Melbourne Water. The project includes clearing and restoring the property’s patch of rainforest to its natural condition, free of weeds and restocked with indigenous species. Includes 1 acre of European Gardens.

Gentiana Private Open Garden,
138 Olinda Monbulk Rd, Olinda
Take a wander through the private garden created by Craig Wilson. Gentiana is an owner operated nursery in the true sense of the word and all stock is propagated on site and in an open air north facing aspect.


Allandayle Private Open Garden, 1461 Monash Ave, Olinda
Purchased in 1980 with a very overgrown blackberry and holly infested garden, the landscaping was designed by owner Ray Cordon in stages in an Arts and Craft style. With son Aaron building many of the dry stone walls, it is a plant collectors garden with many rare Alpine, woodland, bulbs and shrubs. It also features 2 glass houses for raising seed from overseas. There will be some plants for sale.

Australian Native Private Open Garden, 75 David’s Hill Rd, Monbulk
Experience the beauty of Australian native plants at Shirley Carn’s garden in Monbulk – a flowering masterpiece as seen on Gardening Australia May 2010. Enjoy the dainty and colourful nature of Epacris Impressa in amongst Silver Princess eucalypt, Scarlet Blaze wattle and blue Hovea Elliptica plus masses of daisy like flower Brachyscomes, Dampierias, Leschenaultia and Darwineas. There will also be an information table on the progress of the newly formed Monbulk Landcare group and a collection of local plants.

Coonara Springs Open Garden, 129 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda
Coonara Springs Restaurant sits within 4 acres of beautiful Edna Walling gardens, with unsurpassed views of the Yarra Valley. The terraced gardens are full of mature trees including a 100 year old Weeping Elm, Magnolias, Copper and Tri Color Beech and many more, with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Hellebores, Clivia and Cyclamen all adding to the understory. A beautiful secret garden well worth visiting.

The Patch School Open Garden, The Patch Primary School, Kallista Emerald Rd, The Patch (Sunday 24th only) This is your opportunity to see this special garden which was the Winner of Victorian School Garden of the Year in 2009. There will also be kids activities and garden lectures on the day.

Saturday 30th October & Sunday 31st October 10am - 4pm $6 entry (a CFA Fundraising event)

Beechmont Private Open Garden, 12 Mernda Rd, Olinda
10 acres of beautiful gardens features a formal walled garden, perennial borders, hedges and parterres. A serpentine rill connects to a reflective pond and is surrounded with collections of exotic trees and shrubs. Sculptures, a card parterre and a secret garden add further interest. Plants for sale, wine tasting and teas. Picnickers welcome.

Coonara Springs Open Garden, 129 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda
Coonara Springs Restaurant sits within 4 acres of beautiful Edna Walling gardens, with unsurpassed views of the Yarra Valley. The terraced gardens are full of mature trees including a 100 year old Weeping Elm, Magnolias, Copper and Tri Color Beech and many more, with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Hellebores, Clivia and Cyclamen all adding to the understory. A beautiful secret garden well worth visiting.

Mernda Heights Private Open Garden, 10 Old Road, Olinda (Sunday 31st October only)
In 1937 F.G. Coles Esq. purchased a hillside covered with bracken and blackberries, known as Mernda Heights. Four generations later the family are caring for the six acres that boasts glimpses of Western Port Bay. Enter through a drive lined with large rhododendrons. Search for the vivid Mollis Azalea Garden and the Magnolia lawn. Highlights include standard and weeping maples and a large semicircle of Bhutan Cypress.

Key Food and Wine Events (with a Spring Garden Theme)

‘Cloudehill - A Year in the Garden’ Book Launch & Lunch
Seasons at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda Monbulk Rd, Olinda $55 includes lunch, a glass of wine and entry to the gardens Call 9751 1009
Your opportunity to meet Jeremy Francis, author of ‘Cloudehill - A Year in the Garden’ and hear about the making of the book whilst enjoying a gourmet lunch. The special guest will be award winning garden photographer Claire Takacs, who has provided the hero shots for the book. Claire has won a first, second and a third place in the ‘International Garden Photographer of the Year’ competition hosted by Kew Gardens in conjunction with the Chelsea Flower Show.

Luscious Lunches
$30 lunches at restaurants and cafes throughout the Dandenong Ranges
Monday 4th - Friday 8th October and Monday 11th - 14th October
The restaurants and cafes of the Dandenong Ranges bring you their Spring menus with $30 lunches to temp you away from the beautiful gardens. The theme is the edible garden and you’ll see some interesting dishes with lots of fresh garden produce and maybe even a few flowers. See www.villagesofmtdandenong.com.au for a full list of participating restaurants and cafes.

Brunch with Holly Kerr Forsyth
Rose Cottage, 25 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Monbulk $30 includes brunch
Garden designer, historian and author Holly Kerr Forsyth is the creator of beautiful gardens and the author of sumptuous books. Her gardens have been featured in Vogue Living, Home Beautiful and Country Style. Holly writes a regular column in the Weekend Australian and is the author of a number of books including Remembered Gardens (2006), The Constant Gardener (2007) and Gardens of Eden (2009). Holly joins us from Sydney for this very special event.




Entertainment

As with last years Festival there will be art exhibitions, music events, kids activities and family entertainment across the villages and at key attractions making it a great time out for everyone. The Dandenongs is the place to to take your kids for the school holidays with a Children Week of activities daily at SkyHigh, Thomas the Tank Engine making an appearance at Puffing Billy, Childrens Week at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival and an array of other activities throughout spring. With the Villages of the Dandenongs being decorated with the Spring Fest theme and fresh flower stalls in each village and plant sales and craft and produce markets throughout the Dandenongs, the buzz will be great.

A full schedule of events can be viewed at www.inspiringinspring.com.au

Last chance for Spring Fest Advertising

The booking deadline for the Spring Fest 48 page book is now a few days away so if you would like to advertise, please check your reminder email for the Advertising Pack and Order Form. Just get your form to us by 5pm Saturday and you're in.

Ad spaces start from as little as $190 + GST and the Booklet will gain exposure across Melbourne from September 1st and also be downloadable from the website from August 24th.

Remember that there are no restictions on sharing the space with another business if you like and share the cost.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop us an email at events@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au

Villages Website Softly Launches

Today, the Villages website has softly launched itself onto the world.

There is still work being done (so it may disappear every now and again as new code is upoaded) and businesses to add, but those that sent their information, will find themselves under their business category. Please check that your links work and that your businesses adds to the intinerary builder.

The site will be continually added to with interesting features, events and things for people to do up on the mountain. Remember that this is your website so if you have something going on that people should know about, please keep sending those through to: events@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au

In the next couple of weeks all members will be sent a user manual for the website and login and password. This will enable you to amend your details, packages etc when ever you like and also your photos. You will be able to choose which of your images apears on the main listing page as well as your business listing.

All buttons on the right hand side of your listing are automatically created by entering that information into your online form so you have complete control of your listing.

All members who hadn't already sent in their information will be able to log in and do this once they receive this guide.

Please feel free to send in material for the yet to be created sections of:

• Great Reasons to Visit the Villages and;
• Some suggested itineraries

Behind the Scenes in July

Recent Developments with Government and Local Agencies.

The executive committee continues to work on your behalf to communicate our needs to SYR, State and Federal Government representatives. Since the last General Members meeting the following actions have been taken:

1) Following a meeting at SYR a letter has been sent to Cr Noel Cliff, CEO Shire Yarra Ranges and Simon O’Callaghan, Economic Development SYR, re sealing of roads in each town, bus shelter installation, directional signage and Village Entry signs, we are still waiting on an official response.

2) On request from Jason Wood’s office a list of what concerns we have as a business community was forwarded to Jason’s office. This request will be used by Jason and the Liberal party to develop their policies and pre election campaign.

The issues we raised were:

Fire Ready Villages
• Installation of minimum 10,000 litre underground or above ground water tanks in each village
• Undergrounding of power poles in the Villages

Street scaping and Infrastructure Improvements
• Street Lighting
• Directional Signage for trails and walks, interpretative signage
• Construction of pedestrian walkways along with pedestrian safety improvements
• Street tree planting
• Street paving and furniture reflecting the Villages unique character and Villages style.

Marketing and Events Funding
• Events Funding, Springfest, Luscious Lunches, Masquerade Ball
• Villages map print runs, marketing material
• Village flag installation

Karin’s Walk Olinda

Approximately a year ago Karen the owner operator of The Cuckoo restaurant offered her land
to construct a Tourist Nature Board walk from the bottom of her customer car park through
natural bushland ending in Olinda Village at Credo car park some 500 metres. Funding for this
project is required so was put forward.

3) Meeting was held at CFA Olinda on 5th July with local Community representatives and Kevin Tolhurst, Fire Scientist, Kevin announced his 3 year fully funded Melbourne University study that will provide in depth knowledge of fire risk factors specific to our area. Studies have commenced and when the final report is received it will help to give a fresh perspective on our fire risk status.

4) A meeting with James Merlino is to be held on 5th August.

• We will give James our feedback on the findings of the Royal Commission. This feedback will
contribute to the broader Community feedback which will be used by the State Government
to choose which recommendations made on fire safety will be implemented by State
Government.

• For this meeting we have also requested to receive details of the Regional funding announced by John Brumby which included Sassafras, Olinda and Mt Dandenong, this way we can work to
maximize the benefit of this funding in our area.

5) A meeting with Mark Challis, CEO of Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Regional Marketing was held on the 5th July, he was interested to see what we have achieved so far, we have already isolated projects where we can work together to achieve maximum marketing and exposure to our area.

Our first Monthly Events Press Ad

Look out for first monthly events press ad running in the Trader Mail 27th July edition. This has been generously sponsored by Bendigo Bank as part of their Community Grants Programme for 2010 and gives us 13 months of 36 x 2 press ads to communicate to the local community events and specials on the Mountain.

More than ever it is worth your while getting your events and specials into us each month so you can be included. Remember that this is a local press ad, so things that locals will be interested in will always get priority. Things to do, discounts and specials at shops and restaurants, you get the idea.

Deadline for all submissions is 20th of each month for the following month.

Spring Fest 2010

The organisation of Spring Fest 2010 is now well under way and the call for events has gone out to all businesses and community groups to submit events for Spring and Summer. This year we are inviting events of all types from Garden and Spring specific to Food and Wine events.

Wes Fleming, Gold Winner at the Chelsea Flower Show will be speaking at the launch on September 9th at SkyHigh. Further details and ticketing information will follow.

Our Spring / Summer Events booklet will be produced for distribution in the 1st week of September. To be part of the free events marketing programme for Spring / Summer please go to www.villagesofmtdandenong.com.au for futher details. Closing date for events is Friday 16th July. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities will be distributed shortly.

Villages Website

Screen shot of Gold Listing

As the Villages Website draws to a close in it's development stage we really now need your information. Requests have gone out to Gold and Silver members in the Accommodation, Retail and Restaurant categories and the rest will follow shortly. Please now give this your attention as we can't go live without your content. Beta testing is currently taking place to iron out any issues and having full content will assist us with this process. Reminders will be sent out to those that have already been sent requests in case you can not find the original documents.

Bronze and other category members will be sent login details to upload their business details and images directly into the administration system. Gold and Silver members will also be sent logins to amend their details and images in future at anytime they like.

All members will be informed when the beta system is ready for you to view so that any changes or requests can be delat with before it goes live.

Village Gift Voucher Scheme

The Villages Gift Voucher Scheme will go live with our website in July. A full information Pack will be sent out to member businesses so they are aware of how the scheme will work. There is no extra work for businesses as the cards work exactly like credit cards on your eftpos machines. It's an easy way for visitors to the area to spend money at member businesses. They will come in amounts of $30, $50, $100, $200 and $750 and for now will only be available for purchase online through the website.

Monthly 'What's On' Press Advertising

On July 27th, the first of our monthly 'What's On' 36 x 2 advertisements will appear in the Trader Mail. This has been made possible by a Community Grant from the Bendigo Bank for $4760 that we were successful in getting last week. We thank Luan Hanlen and the Bendigo Bank for this generous contribution. This will give us a direct way of communicating our events each month to locals in the Dandenong Ranges. The Grant will cover these advertisements plus editorial space for 13 months.

Village Offer Cards

The Village Offer Cards have been approved and will go to print on the 9th July. If you are a Gold Member and haven't submitted your information yet, please do so before then. A reminder will be send out via email with further instruction if you are unable to find your original request.

Information Point

The Information Point has been costed, approved and subject to Stockdale & Leggo's approval of the layout, will be installed in 2-3 weeks time. Inside, there will be four stands holding 80 DL slots, 3 large posters above for promotion of gold members (above is layout only and not final posters) and general messages about the Villages and a smaller poster with our current event promottion and what's on calendar. Outside there will be a large wall mounted version of our map with a weather proof holder for maps. The overall look is professional reflecting our member businesses.

There will also be another smaller Information Point in Sassafras in the internal space between the Wool Store and House of Coffee. This will hold 32 DLs and also have a large map with map holder externally.

Both Information Points will display the blue 'i' sign so visitors can easily find them.

John Conellan from SkyHigh has indicated that they will be putting in a cafe at the 1000 Steps with space for Tourist Information and be has kindly allowed us to install our Information Point there as well which is great for our businesses.

General Business

Memberships Extended until 30th June 2011

All Villages memberships have been extended until 30th June 2011. This is to fall in line with the financial year and also as the majority of your promotion will commence in July this year. This is an extra 3 months membership for founding members who's faith in the Villages has allowed us to move forward and gather momentum.

Meeting with Shire CEO

Judy and Carl attended a meeting requested by Glenn Patterson of the Shire to discuss various projects that had been tabled with them. Judy reported on the Capital Works budget as it related to the Villages interests in having Parsons Lane Olinda, Woodlands Ave. and Prince Street Sassafras sealed. This was all well received.
There appears to be money in the budget of the SYR for new entry signs which would fit in with the Villages plans for new signage. Glenn showed design drafts for entry and boundary signs. Lisa’s original concept design was shown for the Shire’s consideration and Glenn took that away to be copied.
Judy was invited to submit a letter with our requests in response to their invitation to “add everything we’ve talked about and we’ll have it done by the end of the year”. A very positive response from Shire. Judy is drafting the letter currently and asking to be included in their planning for signage. The signage should be ready to go up in November.
It was also noted that the Shire of Yarra Ranges is changing their name to Yarra Ranges Council.

Masquerade Ball 2010 a Great Success

What a fantastic night it was, from being papped by the papparazzi when you arrived to having magic tricks done at your table. Our first Masquerade Ball was a sell out and a great success raising $8,536 to further promote the Villages. Lots of stories have come out of the night with people saying it was the best night they had ever seen on the Mountain. Many thanks to Andrew for making it all come together and news is that he is hard at work on the next one already which will be bigger and better than this years so keep posted for dates. Thank you to all our sponsors who helped make it possible, SkyHigh, Wild Oak, Olinda Cellars, Seasons at Cloudehill and Pellegrino's and thank you to all that attended and the tremendous effort that everyone went to.

SpringFest 2010

Festival Dates 16th September to 31st October

The Spring Garden Festival will be happening again this year but under the umbrella of SpringFest 2010. DRT have agreed that The Villages of Mt Dandenong should run this event and we will be co ordinating and promoting it with the Garden Festival committee. Funds from last year will be transferred from DRT to The Villages.

Along with the Garden events that took place last year, we will also be incorporating food, wine, art and crafts, family and any other kind of event that businesses would like to host that have a Spring theme.

The Spring/Summer Villages Events Booklet will come out in August and cover all events taking place over Spring and Summer but the SpringFest events that take place between 16th September - 31st October will be the hero events. Likewise on the website, SpringFest will be highlighted as a master event.

In March, the PR students at Swinburne University at Lilydale were briefed on the Festival as a project and will be submitting their work at the end of this month. It will be interesting to see their take on possible PR opportunities and hopefully a programme will emerge that we can put into action. Events are already being submitted to Regional Marketings PR company for any possible PR opportunities in the lead up to the Festival so the sooner we know about your event the sooner you can start getting some exposure for it.

If you would like to include an event in the programme please send details of your event to marketing@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au

We will keep you updated as SpringFest progresses.

General Business

European Wasp Problem - This has been a problem this year. Mark from Cream spoke to the Council and was told it is up to individuals to deal with it themselves. Although over for this year, we should be prepared for it to be a problem next year. A letter will be written to Council and notices shall be put up on eradication of wasps nests. John Ischia from Mangana has kindly offered to see to any nests that anyone finds.

Grant Applications - Grant Applications have gone into The Shire, Bendigo Bank and Woolworths for a variety of marketing projects and we will let you know how we go.

Letters - Letters have been submitted for road sealing in each village, underground power lines and an adjustment to hard rubbish collection times. The hard rubbish was on paths and roadways over the Easter break and looked unsightly.

Bushfire Funding - Discussions are still going on as to where the funding went that was allocated to the Dandenongs last year. We have not yet had a satisfactory answer.

Marketing Update

The Villages Website development is now being finalised and we are ready to start uploading all your information. You will receive on your email a PDF Form requesting various information about your business. Please take the time to consider this carefully in order to maximise your listing. You have a few weeks to get this back to us so you don't need to rush it. If you have a logo, images and videos, please send these as indicated on the form. If you don't have any images, there will be options for you in order to get the most from you listing. Please read the information that accompanies the form as it will be specific to your business type.

Village Offer Cards are ready to go to artwork so if your membership includes this you will also receive an email regarding the supply of information for this and the layout.

The Information Points are also being finalised at the moment so get your DL (210mm x 99mm) flyers/brochures ready for inclusion.

The Spring/Summer Events Booklet is currently in the planning stages and Spring Fest 2010 will be the hero event. It will be a 64 page DL size (in order to be accepted into the Melbourne Visitor Centre) and will feature all events taking place in Spring and Summer with a location map, articles and sections for attractions, accommodation, restaurants and shops. See the Spring Fest 2010 post for more information on how to get involved.

The Villages Map & Visitor Information

The Villages Map is now complete, printed and on it's way out to you. Thank you to everyone for their input and contributions to it. By pulling everyone's ideas together we have a great map to help visitors navigate their way around the mountain to all the wonderful things we have to offer.
All members will receive a supply of copies within the next week so keep an eye out for them. Please put them on display for visitors to pick up and feel free to hand them out.
The maps will also be available for visitors to pick up from locally at SkyHigh, The National Rhododendron Gardens, William Ricketts, Puffing Billy, Grants at Sherbrooke, The Olinda Golf Course and the DRT Information Centre at Upper Ferntree Gully. In Melbourne they will be displayed for pickup at The Melbourne Visitor Centre in Federation Square and also 30 Hotels around Melbourne.
You have been allocated enough copies to last you quite a while but when you run out, please email marketing@villagesofmtdandenong.com.au and we'll send you some more.
Non members can collect copies from Linden Gardens, 1383 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mt Dandenong between 8am - 1pm daily.
The next print run will be April next year so if you have any suggestions or come across other things that would be useful on the map please let us know.

Villages Masquerade Ball 2010

The perfect excuse to have a ball... at the Villages Masquerade Ball
On Saturday 12th of June, SkyHigh Mt Dandenong will transform into visions of a Venetian Carnivalé.
Doors Open at 7pm for canapés and welcome drinks, 3 course dinner with matched wine and beer and a host of entertainment featuring The Stiletto Sisters, Cirque Mystique, Chameleon Entertainment, Magician Anthony De Masi and dance the night away to Team X.

Wild Oak have generously donated the canapés and entreés, Pellegrino's the fruit and veg for all courses, Seasons at Cloudehill the desserts, Olinda Cellars the matching wines and beer and SkyHigh the venue, chefs and staff to make this a fantastic night.

All proceeds are going towards promoting the Villages in Melbourne and inter state so please support the businesses that are supporting the ball and also help us by send the email marketing material that was sent to you out to your mailing lists.

Tickets for the night are $99 for members and $120 for non members (booking fees apply). Tables of 12 and 10 are also available to book.
Get your friends or work colleagues together, have fun organising your mask and get dressed up for a fun night.
Go to www.villagesofmtdandenong.com.au for more information and to book your tickets.

If you need a mask you can purchase one from Mangana. If you choose one before this Friday 15th May you will be 30% off so get in there this week.