ecological sustainability, democracy and solidarity

It's been a very busy month and I've met some incredible people who've really left their mark.

I had the very great privilege of being invited to the Sustainable Cities event organised by Federal Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, spoke to an intimate group of invited guests about what makes cities sustainable.

Key to his message was a sustainable ecology, for without a healthy environment and a clean water supply, cities cannot ever be sustainable.








In my role as President of the Victorian Local Governance Association, I hosted a reception for His Excellency, the Hon Zacarias da Costa, Foreign Minister for Timor Leste. In talking to the Minister and his staff, it impressed on me the critical importance of democracy to Timor Leste and its people and reinforced to me the significant relationship Australia has with Timor Leste in assisting with their democratic election processes.

























This month also saw the 60th anniversary of the Australian Local Government Women's Association. The Governor General, Quentin Bryce AC, addressed attendees. Her Excellency talked about the importance of women's participation in all spheres of life and recognised the significant efforts of women in local government. She talked about solidarity amongst women and acknowledged that we stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us.

A very inspiring month, meeting very inspiring people.

samantha in the press - health

Bin call to end syringe scourge
Mail Newspapers
28 June 2011

samantha in the press - environment

Paper fight hots up
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
28 June 2011

ethical paper, logging and the ombudsman

Since council resolved to support the Ethical Paper pledge back in April, there has been continuing and ongoing media interest.

The ongoing interference in local democracy is explored in this story in a local paper, I hope the state government is not trying to pressure our decision making process and our independence in decision making.

Paper warfare intensifies
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
21 June 2011

Even though we continue to be told that logging is managed sustainably, the Ombudsman has been asked to investigate VicForests:

Call for inquiry as salvaged wood exported

The Age

by Josh Gordon

20 June 2011

Ombudsman asked to investigate log exports
ABC News

20 June 2011

Bushfire logs heading offshore

774 AM
by Simon Lauder

Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh, says council has a developer for the VicForests office. Just for the record it was VicForests who approached the Shire of Yarra Ranges about the relocation, although the media doesn't seem too keen on reporting this. And VicForests did it under no illusion about the stance of council and it's opposition to logging of water catchments and the Toolangi region at the time.

Walsh reveals council had developers interested in building Vicforests office
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
21 June 2011

The export of salvage logs to China gets some local media attention:

China log shipment embarrasses VicForests
Maroondah Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
21 June 2011

Local member, Brad Battin, accuses council of 'rushing ahead with a motion without consulting with the community, just like it had done so with the Ethical Paper Pledge'.

Cox calls for more roadside planting
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
20 June 2011

Protesters continue to advocate on behalf of the threatened species of the Central Highlands forests.

Conservationists target paper office
9 News
by Belinda Cranston
23 June 2011

samantha in the press - planning

Fast food flashpoint
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
21 June 2011

and for those interested in the McDonalds application, this story appeared on the Channel10 news - Saturday 18 June.


Not what we ordered
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
22 June 2011

samantha in the press - graffiti

Performance tags graffiti message
Mail Newspaper
21 June 2011

samantha in the press - public transport

Blitz on free Maroondah rail rides
Leader Newspapers
by Tim Michell
21 June 2011

samantha in the press - emergency planning

Healesville helipad gets all-clear
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
21 June 2011

lantern festival lights up belgrave

The fifth Belgrave Lantern Parade was once again a great success. People came out in their thousands to watch the parade or walk in the parade.

The parade always kicks off with live music in downtown Belgrave, here's the Mater Christi band getting people in the mood for a festival.

The firetwirlers are a wonderful addition to the parade.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges are great supporters of the Lantern Parade, so are the Belgrave Bendigo Bank. Pictured with me is bank manager, Charmaine Jeffries.


Here's myself and Bob Clarke from the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, DRERS were out collecting for their latest fundraiser. DRERS want to be able to fund a van to pick up food from the Victorian Food Bank to enable them to better assist those more needy in our community.

Rudy, the one man band, provided much entertainment along the parade route.

This whale lantern was a stunning creation.

Another wonderful lantern, this festival brings out the creative spirit of the hills community.

ethical paper, logging and vicforests relocation, the story continues

There's been a lot of continued interest around logging, Yarra Ranges Council decision to sign the Ethical Paper Pledge and the relocation of VicForests. In this dispatch:

In another extraordinary turn of events, the Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce supports the Lilydale Chamber of Commerce in their stance to oppose council's decision to support the Ethical Paper pledge.

Yarra Glen business backs Lilydale's Reflex stance
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
13 June 2011

And for those of you wondering what the view line from Yarra Glen would look like should logging continue at Mt St Leonard, you should click here.

The issue of the potential loss of Forest Stewardship Council certification of Reflex got a mention.

Council's ethical stand vindicated
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
9 June 2011

The Latrobe City Council is now pitching for the relocation of the VicForests office to their municipality.

Council pounces on jobs
Latrobe Valley Express
by Phillipa Williams
9 June 2011

Whilst it seems there's been some highly questionable logging/export practices with salvage logs being exported to China. Logs are supposed to be 'processed' in Victoria in order to protect jobs. Does chopping them to size to fit in a shipping container really constitute processing?

VicForests investigates timber claim
The Age
by Jared Lynch and Ben Butler
11 June 2011

China logs
ABC Stateline
by Cheryl Hall
10 June 2011

And whilst all this goes on, plantation timber can meet all our needs.

grassroots soupfest a super success

It was wonderful to be out and about at the Upwey Grassroots Community Market this weekend.

As the market was in the midst of winter, organisers decided to have a soupy theme.

Upwey Traders were invited to submit their soup for judging in Soupfest. Competition was fierce with six traders submitting their best soup.

I had the very great pleasure of awarding the Golden Ladel to the award winning soup which was taken out by Cafe Grounded and their Thai Pumpkin soup.

Leanne, proprietor of Cafe Grounded, was chuffed to be awarded the Golden Ladel, busily working away in her cafe, we decided to take the award to her.

Peoples choice award was taken out by Gherkin Relish Catering with their entry, Wont You Take me to Smokey Town.

It was a terrific day out, the weather was kind and the locals came out in droves.

Next market will be a twilight market on Saturday 10 September, from 4pm to 8pm.

samantha in the press - planning

First look at proposed McDonalds in Tecoma
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
15 June 2011

samantha in the press - public transport

Metlink prepares blitz on Belgrave line evaders
Leader Newspapers
by Tim Michell
15 June 2011

african drumming circle comes to selby

After the resounding sucess of Selbyfest there's been a lot of interest in African Drumming, so Selby Community House is putting on an African Drumming Circle and Tuition session.

When: Sunday 26th June, 3pm till 4:30pm
Where: Selby Community House, Wombalana Rd, Selby
Cost: $10 per person

Mark Chamberlaine, tutor, has had over 15 years experience with African beats and Middle Eastern drumming.

The session will be a casual guided drumming circle, open to beginners through to intermediate levels.

Make sure you bring your own Djembe, there will be some drums available if required.

All enquiries and bookings to Leanne at leanne_hall3@yahoo.com.au.

hills amnesty fun fundraiser

The Hills Group of Amnesty International are holding a Trivia Night fundraiser.

A regular event, this year's Trivia Night will be held at the Burrinja Cafe. Your $25 entry fee gets you the meal of your choice, a soft drink and entry to the Trivia Competition.

As always there will be plenty of fun games and great prizes on offer throughout the night as well as more goodies available through the silent auction.

It promises to be a night of fun facts and great company, so please get your family and friends together and make sure you book a table early to avoid disappointment as it is a very popular night!

Maximum table size will be 8 people but feel free to come down just on your own as AI will easily accommodate you into a table where you will get to make new friends and have plenty of laughs!

Interested? RSVP to: aihills@people.net.au as soon as possible!

samantha in the press - libraries

Works threaten to shelve Lilydale library service
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
14 June 2011

samantha in the press - health

Daylight druggies
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
14 June 2011

ethical paper - commentary continues

The commentary continues from Yarra Ranges council resolution to sign the Ethical Paper Pledge. I've received a terrific amount of support for council's position when I've been out and about at events in the local community.

We've had a letter in the local paper from MP for Evelyn, Christine Fyffe. Christine covers the Lilydale region of the Shire.

We've had a letter in the local paper from MP for Gembrook, Brad Battin. Brad covers the Dandenong Ranges in the Belgrave/Selby area as well as the Upper Yarra area including Yarra Junction and Warburton.

There's been an article in the Weekly Times where John Lenders has told Victorian Parliament that Japanese-owned Australian Paper, near Traralgon, is likely to lose "international environmental accreditation'' unless it moves away from native forest woodchip harvested by Victorian Government native forest logging agency VicForests.

Australian Paper jobs on the line
Weekly Times
by Leslie White
7 June 2011

We've seen Lilydale Chamber of Commerce president, Aussie Home Loans franchisee Alister Osborn, come out against council's support of the Ethical Paper Pledge.

Lilydale business to fight council Reflex paper ban
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
7 June 11

We've also see The Age feature a story highlighting that Australian Paper's international certification is at risk will come as an embarrassment to Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh, who recently threatened to take forestry jobs away from the Yarra Ranges Council unless it ends a boycott of Reflex paper.

Green paper needs Reflex action
The Age
by Ben Butler
30 May 2011

It's seems at the heart of it was the letter that council received from Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh. Futher exacerbated by a hand out of this letter at the MAV state council meeting.

I reiterate the statement issued by our Mayor in relation to our resolution to sign the Ethical Paper Pledge.

Ethical Paper Pledge
"Council's procurement policy supports sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs.

We purchase copy paper in line with the procurement policy, it requires that paper is made in Australia to minimise 'paper miles' and our carbon footprint. The paper Yarra Ranges purchases contains 80% recycled fibre and 20% plantation timber fibre, it contains no native forest content from any country.

Australian Paper supplies almost 100% of Council's paper and their Australian (TM) product line was chosen on its environmental credentials and alignment with our sustainable procurement commitments.

We purchase paper in accordance with the Ethical Paper Pledge and encourage other authorities to do likewise. We feel strongly that the pledge is an accurate reflection of our commitment to sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs as outlined in the procurement policy."

Relocation of VicForests' corporate offices
"Council is supportive in principle of a proposal to relocate the VicForests corporate headquarters to the Yarra Glen/Healesville area. As part of this approach, the CEO of Yarra Ranges Council has had meetings with Minister Walsh and the VicForests CEO to advance the project.

Such a partnership would demonstrate the commitment of State Government and Council to expand local employment bases, promote working closer to home, deliver recurrent operational savings and stimulate the local economy in areas directly affected by the February 2009 bushfires.

We are disappointed that Minister Walsh has chosen to establish a direct link between the two unrelated issues. We certainly remain open to discussing the opportunities to partner with the State Government to relocate VicForests' corporate headquarters to Yarra Ranges."

fernlea fundraiser - 17 june

Fernlea House are organising a fundraiser with a difference. A range of local artists will

be on the stage together performing on stage round robin style.

It's a great opportunity to hear local artists, Tracey Roberts, Owen Hardridge, Michelle Chandler, Christina Green, Phil Smith, Stax & Zoltan Almady.

All monies go to Fernlea House respite day centre for palliative care.

Where: The GEM Community Arts Centre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald
When: Friday 17 June, Doors open 7pm, music starts 7.30 sharp.
Cost: $15 tickets at door.

Great door prizes. Food & drink available too.

Fernlea House offers a very special palliative care service for our community. It is not a clinical model of service but a social respite model that cares for people diagnosed with a life limiting illness.

Since opening in 2005, their service has flourished and offers social respite as a free service. They also offer bereavement support, home visits, assisted memoir writing, community education and extensive training programs for volunteers.

What I find significant about Fernlea is their dedicated pool of volunteers, numbering in excess of fifty at any given point in time.

One of the stand out things for me about Fernlea is its ability to make guests comfortable and at ease, many guests enjoy a meal together and will happily eat, a rare experience for those with a life limiting illness.

I have no doubt that Fernlea House fills a critical need in our community for those with life limiting illness and I will continue to be a strong advocate for Fernlea House and the social respite model they practice.

belgrave abuzz

It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the success of two new small businesses in Belgrave.

Last Friday saw the launch of the very first Th'INK Tank project at Limerence. Twice a year Limerence opens entries for the Th'INK Tank project, a competition for interested artists to submit designs to be printed on a limited run of Australian made, organic cotton t-shirts. An exhibtion of the finalists is currently on the wall at Limerence and well worth a look. The pen and ink work is just extraordinary.

Pictured left to right in front of the winning art work: Winning artist, Nina Maskiell, Cr Samantha Dunn and Limerence owners CJ Baxter and Brent Dakis.

CJ and Brent intend to run the Th'INK Tank project twice a year to provide local artisans with an opportunity for great exposure and also provide access to exciting and high quality pieces of wearable art.

On the same night owners of Through the Looking Glass, recycled book shop celebrated their first birthday with music, wine and song. I had the great pleasure of being barrel girl for the raffle draw and was delighted to pull out the names of some well known locals.

Pictured with me are business owners Sarah (left) and Margo (right). They've done a great job with their book selection and have really found their niche in the town.

Both businesses are a terrific additions to Belgrave and well worth a visit whether you be a local or a visitor.

women on the go

It was terrific to be able to open the Women on the Go Business Networking Forum in Lilydale this morning. They are great events, held four times a year in a partnership between the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Maroondah City Council and the City of Knox.

This morning's event was no exception, a great range of speakers takling about their journey in business and on business.

Pictured left to right: Rebecca Archer - Spitting Image, Mooroolbark, Liz Fritzlaff - Inspiring Futures, Lilydale, Cr Samantha Dunn - Lyster Ward and Vanessa Williams - First Aid 4 All, Montrose.

Vanessa, Rebecca and Liz spoke about how they've established themselves in Yarra Ranges and the trials and triumphs involved with being a woman in business.

The forum is a valuable insight into women in business and is a great chance to learn from others. Participants on the day learnt about networking tools, discovered new management techniques, and what resources are available in the community to support women within business.

It's terrific to be part of a motivated and inspiring group, I'm looking foward to the next one.

samantha in the press - ethical paper

Council's resolution to support the Ethical Paper Pledge has certainly been a hot media topic. There's been many media stories generated since we committed to sign the pledge at our meeting of the 27th April, 2011.

This is what an intact forest in the Central Highlands looks like before it is logged for woodchips. This forest, although in Melbourne's water catchment, is not protected from logging.


Council urged to lure VicForests
ABC Gippsland
6 June 2011

Blackmail on green paper pledge
Greg Barber MP speaks to the issue in the Victorian Parliament.
1 June 2011

Victorian Councils reject Yarra Ranges Reflex boycott
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
1 June 2011

This is what a Mountain Ash forest looks like after being logged for pulpwood, and to think there's enough plantation wood to meet the needs of paper manufacturers.


Green ideas mock us all
Herald Sun
by Miranda Devine
26 May 2011


Yarra Ranges councillor slams Reflex boycott
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
25 May 2011

And this is a "habitat tree", left and not logged so the fauna of the forest has somewhere to live after logging. After the regeneration burn, this once magnificent tree is near death and isn't providing habitat for anything.

Yarra Ranges paper stand fallout
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
25 May 2011


Reflex rebellion
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
24 May 2011

say yes to climate action - 10,000 in melbourne

How terrific to see 10,000 people come out to Say Yes to Climate Action in Melbourne on World Environment Day, 2011.

It is always good to catch up with fellow Greens and there were plenty there. Here I am, pictured with long time Greens members Karin Geradts and Janet Rice.

It was wonderful to meet up with many Yarra Ranges residents who'd travelled to the rally to Say Yes.
Rupert has good reason to Say Yes to climate action, living in a coastal region he's concerned about the sea level rise predictions.

The Greens were in full swing Saying Yes, pictured here are dedicated party members with Greens MLC, Sue Pennicuik and myself.

These long time Yarra Ranges residents have cared for our precious forest environment, of course they'd like to see a halt to logging as part of action on Climate Change.

And more Yarra Ranges residents Saying Yes, it was good to see we had such a strong contingent of committed community members who want to see action on climate change.

container deposit legislation gets support at mav

It was great to learn that the motion I put up for consideration at the MAV State Council was approved by the majority of local governments across Victoria.

Back in March this year, I moved a motion for Yarra Ranges to support Container Deposit Legislation (see blog) to let both the state and federal governments know about our support to see this scheme implemented.

Further to this, my motion also wanted us to forward a motion to the MAV to get the support of local councils across the state. The MAV is one of the peak bodies for local government in Victoria.

The motion:
That the MAV support the introduction of a broad based packaging/container recovery scheme supported by legislation; integrating initiatives such as Container Deposit Legislation.

There are enormous environmental and economic benefits to a container deposit scheme, it's pleasing that the MAV will now be advocating this on behalf of councils across Victoria.