Category Archives: News

Photos of Doug Ralph

Posted on 2 March, 2015 by fobif

We are in the process of setting up a page of photos of Doug on FOBIF’s Flickr site. So if you have any photos you would like to contribute to this page, send them to info@fobif.org.au. Photographers will be acknowledged.

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Celebrating Doug Ralph’s Life

Posted on 2 March, 2015 by fobif

There will be a gathering to celebrate Doug Ralph’s life next Saturday (March 7) at the Rotunda in the Botanic Gardens, Castlemaine. The group organising the event have provided the following information: The celebration will start at 12 noon & the … Continue reading →

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Hot rods at Gowar: some questions, some answers…

Posted on 28 February, 2015 by fobif

Representatives from the FOBIF committee attended a meeting with Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre (CHRC) and planning consultant David Robb from Planit to discuss plans for a Dynamic Vehicle Testing Facility, Events and Recreation development at Gower on the Castlemaine-Maldon Rd … Continue reading →

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Vale Doug Ralph

Posted on 24 February, 2015 by fobif

FOBIF members and people in the wider community have been saddened by the news that Doug Ralph, founding President of the Friends, has died of a heart attack at his home in Little Bendigo. On his retirement from the FOBIF … Continue reading →

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Fire stoushes: do we need them?

Posted on 18 February, 2015 by fobif

Readers of the Midland Express on Tuesday February 17 will have noticed a letter from the Shadow Minister for the Environment, Brad Battin, as follows: ******* ‘The 2009 Royal Commission into Black Saturday recommended the State Government adopt a five … Continue reading →

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Fire review, but the old order remains for now

Posted on 18 February, 2015 by fobif

The Labor Government is persisting with Coalition policy on fire in the short term. This is confirmed in a statement released yesterday, announcing an independent review of the fuel reduction program. The statement, from the Environment Minister’s office, goes partly … Continue reading →

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Kalimna: an old question

Posted on 18 February, 2015 by fobif

FOBIF has written to David Major, Ranger in charge fire and emergency operations for Parks Victoria, about track works in Kalimna Park. Our key question was: we believe protocols were developed by Parks some years ago to do with track works. … Continue reading →

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Golden Orb Weavers are about

Posted on 16 February, 2015 by fobif

The Golden Orb Weaver Nephila edulis is reasonable common in our local bush. At this time of year the females are mature and able to construct large wheel-shaped orb webs. In certain lights these strong webs look golden, thus the name. Their egg sacs … Continue reading →

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Burning Kalimna

Posted on 9 February, 2015 by fobif

The Department of the Environment is preparing to burn Kalimna Park this autumn, some time between March 1 and May 31. This activity has been long planned, and is part of the current Fire Operations Plan. The map below shows the … Continue reading →

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Gouging Kalimna

Posted on 9 February, 2015 by fobif

As we reported above, participants at the January 30 consultation meeting were assured that track works and mineral earth breaks related to burning operations would be carefully managed and would not involve unnecessary gouging or road widening. Residents can judge … Continue reading →

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