Friday, December 24, 2010

Boxing day sale catalogues

After Christmas there are always sales, so I decided to check out if the latest Target catalogue was available online and it was. I’ve found if you’re about to buy something popular it is a good idea to check the online catalogues. This approach has saved me money in the past and I thought it might also help others. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Monday, December 20, 2010

Vandals destroy Diamond Valley decorations

Meanwhile, a string of electric baubles was stolen from Lorraine Neal’s home in Ramptons Rd, Eltham North.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Battle over Eltham's Belle Vue

James McCormick, who inherited the property known as Belle Vue with his brother and sister, told councillors that the smaller of the two lots, at 17 Livingstone Rd, should not be included on the overlay.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

AFL premiers take on an Eltham North primary

A Glen Katherine student tries to evade two Collingwood players, including Dale 'Daisy' Thomas... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Indoor sports clubs get court hire hike for Christmas

The new fee structure will affect Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre, Eltham Leisure Centre, Diamond Creek Community Centre and to yet-to-be completed Community Bank Stadium in Diamond Creek.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Family outraged at Eltham heritage claims

James McCormick, who owns 17-21 Livingstone Road with his brother and sister, said the council had gone against his family's wishes by including their small vacant block of land in the heritage listing of a historic house next door, known as Belle Vue, which they also own.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Australian birds in an Eltham back yard

It has been a busy year in our aviaries - I don't know if the end of the drought has anything to do with it, but we've had many new babies, some of which didn't survive, but there were new ones hatching all the time.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

The Black Swan by Celia Bridle

I went to a book signing today. It was for the children's picture book, The Black Swan by Celia Bridle. It was not only for Celia but she is the person I know, so it was for her book that I attended.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Micallef to spend novel night out at Eltham

SHAUN Micallef describes his new novel, Preincarnate, as a murder-mystery, science-fiction parody of The Da Vinci Code.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Rain a mixed blessing for Diamond Valley wineries

George Apted, owner of vineyards in Arthur’s Creek, Eltham and Strathewen, said he was hoping Melbourne’s wettest spring in almost two decades translated into bumper crops.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Help-seekers on rise in the Diamond Valley

Residents can fill a washing basket with goods and toys for the Salvation Army at Bunnings Eltham’s Adopt a Family event on December 13.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Nature walk at Eltham High

Entomologist Ken Walker took 75 students in Year 7 at Eltham High School for a nature walk around their school grounds last week.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Shaun Micallef: Talking 'bout his incarnation

Shaun Micallef will launch Preincarnate next Tuesday, December 14, at Montsalvat... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Monday, December 6, 2010

Book Signing in Eltham

I’m doing a book signing at Eltham Bookshop... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Eltham MP survives anti-Labor swing

A FEW hundred votes was the difference between political obscurity and a position on the Opposition front bench for State Eltham MP Steve Herbert.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Eltham Comp - Sat 11th Dec

Eltham Skate Park is located on the corner of Bridge and Brisbane Streets in Eltham. Comp kicks off at 11am with prizes up for grabs for scoot, skate and BMX.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Christmas Carols - Eltham Town Square

Go along and hear your favourite Christmas Carols!... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Eltham town square revamp

ELTHAM Town Square is set for a $1.5 million facelift after Nillumbik Council approved concept plans last week.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Wet weather work for Eltham and Kinglake SES

SES spokeswoman Natasha Duckett said a tree came down on Main Rd, Eltham, which caused a traffic hazard.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Eltham bowls trials fast-paced 40/40

Eltham Bowling Club is trialling Forty/40, a high-paced take on the traditional game. They are hoping to attract younger members.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Eltham town square revamp

ELTHAM Town Square is set for a $1.5 million facelift after Nillumbik Council approved concept plans last week.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Friday, December 3, 2010

I'm dreaming of a christmas filled with monkeys, sausage dogs, elephants and poodles!

Grandma Chuckles will be making her first appearances at the Monkey Markets over the next couple of months.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Big guns exit in Labor shake-up

The party's Left will have four fresh faces in the Andrews cabinet, believed to be Altona MP Jill Hennessy, Eltham MP Steve Herbert and upper house MPs Brian Tee and Jenny Mikakos.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Eltham motorists fined over parking confusion

TRADERS in Eltham’s Commercial Place say parking inspectors are taking advantage of customers confused about the length of time they can park their car.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Karissa Marshall: Jumping at a new sports career

In less than a year, Marshall, a year 10 student at Eltham’s Catholic Ladies’ College, has won not only the Victorian Aerobics Championships in level three, but went on to take out the Australian Aerobics Championships.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

What's happening around town

The Eltham Community Craft and Produce Market is on this Sunday at Panther Place, Eltham... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Joshua Parish: This Eagle soars and scores

Joshua Parish is obsessed with soccer. Ever since the 15-year-old was introduced to the sport by friends three years ago, there’s been little time for anything else.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Nillumbik urges government to chop lop rule

NILLUMBIK Council has called on the State Government to scrap the contentious tree-lopping rule in urban areas.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Donna Parker

Only Just is a Fair Trade shop, which means all our products come from Third World communities who are working to trade out of poverty. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Nillumbik moves to end vegetation rule

NILLUMBIK Council will challenge the state government's bushfire vegetation removal law after residents complained it is being exploited.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Eltham too close, Yan Yean stays red

THE state seat of Eltham hangs on a knife’s edge, with less than 250 votes separating ALP incumbent Steve Herbert and Liberal Party challenger Andrew Hart after preferences, with 30 per cent of the vote still to be counted.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Nillumbik councillors not ruling anything out in scramble for top job

NILLUMBIK councillors Helen Coleman and Chris Chapple are set to battle for the city's top job next month, in the wake of claims incumbent Ken King has been an "absent mayor".... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Social Chess at Eltham High School

Northern Star Chess is proud to support chess in the Eltham community.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Eltham on a knife's edge

Labor incumbent Steve Herbert has predicted several sleepless nights as about 3000 postal and 4000 pre-poll votes are counted.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Dave Hughes's love for his dad

"I gave the German couches to my brother-in-law in Eltham. They're a joy and he's got them, while we're sitting on f------ benches!"... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Eltham writer's hidden tale revealed

Writer and artist Celia Bridle of Eltham has written a children's book titled 'The black swan'... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Christmas lights shock for Eltham North child

Jill Marinelli said her daughter Christina was thrown against a wall and burned her wrist after switching on a set of $10 Kmart brand Christmas lights bought at Greensborough on November 14.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Eltham North boy suffers season's first snake bite

ELTHAM North’s 10-year-old Luke Edmonds is Victoria’s first snake-bite victim in a season predicted to be one of the state’s worst.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Friday, November 26, 2010

Clarkson conduct off to VCAT

MISCONDUCT allegations against a Nillumbik councillor will go to the state’s peak tribunal after a conduct panel collapsed.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Young ambition pays

Eltham College of Education captain and environment leader Brittany Green introduced many sustainable practices at her school.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Special stolen seat found intact

Brad Harris and Cass Knight’s stationwagon was stolen from the Eltham Gateway Hotel carpark overnight November 12, prompting the distressed parents to issue a plea for the $2000 car seat used by their daughter Shannon, who has severe cerebral palsy, to be returned.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

What you need to know about your seat

Candidates: Andrew Hart (Lib), Steve Herbert (ALP), James Searle (Greens), Trudi Aiashi (DLP) and Shane Porter (Family First).... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Nillumbik green wedge's future safe

AFTER more than a three-year delay, Nillumbik Council last week finally adopted its green wedge management plan, to the relief of environment groups across the shire... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Friday, November 19, 2010

SEARCHING for library books online will never be the same when a new website is launched on Thursday.

On-site demonstrations of the new system will be given at Eltham, Lalor and Thomastown libraries on Thursday

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Greens accuse Labor of broken record politics

Eltham car wash go-ahead costs car parking

Election fight hots up in Eltham, Bundoora and Yan Yean

Eltham has five election hopefuls, with a swing of 6.49 per cent to the Opposition needed to oust Labor’s Steve Herbert.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Greens could hold key to Eltham

A PREFERENCE deal with the Greens is likely to determine which major party will win the state seat of Eltham later this month.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Eltham school tackles homophobia

Eltham College principal David Warner said the community needed to accept that harassment and homophobia were not acceptable.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

'Pants man' charged

Tim Ratje: Goooooaa.... oh wait

There was a moment at this year’s national lacrosse competition that Tim Ratje would like to forget.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Lapping for charity at Eltham High

STATE ELECTION: Eltham MP back boost for north-east link

THE Labor Party has committed $15.4 million for a study into the controversial north-east link.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Weed found at Eltham threatens waterways

The Department of Primary Industry recently found about 30 water hyacinth weeds

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Vow to get Hurstbridge bus up and running

School girlfriends get support but principal sticks to her guns

Claire Gardener is lapping up world titles

Out of bounds?

A LIBERAL MP was embarrassed last week by an election blunder.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Parties divided on Eltham road

Eltham father Stan Gower lost his daughter in a road accident in the 1980s and is still lobbying for changes to Bolton St

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Bogus tree feller warning

ROGUE tree loppers are doorknocking Diamond Valley households and in some cases, pressuring residents into giving them work.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Eltham landscape at risk from 10/30 abuse

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners fear Eltham’s leafy landscape will be destroyed unless contentious tree-felling laws are scrapped.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Rotary Eltham Town Festival celebrates 35 years

Traders angry as Eltham redevelopment delayed

A $300,000 Eltham redevelopment has been delayed because of a stoush between Nillumbik Council and a developer over a one-way street.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Maidstone development a gem among the gum trees

Managing director Martin Wagg was keen to bring the ''leafiness'' of his home Eltham area into the project.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

What's happening around town

Broadband key to Nillumbik growth

IMPROVED broadband internet in Nillumbik's northern township has been mooted as major factor in improving the shire's economy.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Christmas at Lilies On Brougham

So today I'd like to share a place that is dear to me, a place called Lilies On Brougham set on 4 acres in Eltham

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Eltham RSL club revival offer

Bolton Fish Shop menu is now online (Bolton Road, Eltham)

We regularly buy our fish and chips from Sue and Abdul's Bolton Fish Shop. They're always friendly and their food is very good. The best part is their generous serve of chips which is enough for a family of four and their grilled fish is also a good portion.

For me the frustrating thing with local restaurants is they don't provide their menus online, so I decided to do something about it and sponsor a couple of local businesses by  putting their menus online for the benefit of local residents.

You can now find Bolton Fish Shop at http://www.boltonfishshop.com/ and also on the JustLocal postcode page (www.JustLocal.com.au/3095).

If you're looking for a product or service from a local business, visit www.JustLocal.com.au/3095 and use the search engine. The search engine only promotes local businesses which means you get relevant results. There are now over 200 local businesses in the local search engine which is a free service for businesses in the postcode area of 3095.

Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham residents caught up in $5m scam

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Croydon sculptor finds new life for discards

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

TED: Ideas worth spreading

I’ve listened to a number of the talks from a site called TED. I find some of the ideas shared to be thought provoking and felt that perhaps others may wish to know about the site.

 

Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world

- Kelvin Eldridge

Eltham reached 81.8 per cent of its 1670 code-one cases within 15 minutes.

New SmartBus Routes and DART Smartbus 901, 905, 906, 907, 908.

I found the references to Smartbus and then DART to be somewhat confusing. Are there now three bus services or something I thought. So I thought I’d simplify things. A bus is a bus. Just think of the Smartbus and DART as marketing, remove the terms and think of a bus service. Then it becomes simpler.

901 – This bus goes from Frankston to Melbourne Airport. Quite a few people have said to me who’d bother. But I reply, “think of the bus as a continuous route where you can get on and off where it suits you. If I just want to go from Templestowe to the Pines I can”. Just because a bus can go from Frankston to Melbourne Airport doesn’t mean we all have to use it that way. The 901 travels up Blackburn road to the Pines, along Reynolds Road, Fitzsimmons Lane, Main Road, Para Road, Greensborough Station. To me we now have a service which services Templestowe, Doncaster East, and can be used to go to Greensborough Plaza, The Pines and at a push, Ringwood shopping centre.

905 – City to The Pines. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, Thompsons Road, Parker Street, Porter Street, Blackburn Road, The Pines. It replaces the old 301 route and now makes the service a continuous service every fifteen minutes between 6:30am and 9Pm on weekdays and 30 minutes at other times. Previously the 301 stopped travelling to the city and a bus charge was required.

906 – City to Warrandyte. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, Blackburn Road, The Pines, Andersons Creek Road, Heidelberg Warrandyte Road, Warrandyte. The bus runs seven days a week every 7-10 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes at other times.

907 – City to Mitcham. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, Doncaster Road, Mitcham Road, Mitcham Station. The bus runs seven days a week every 7-10 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes at other times.

908 – City to The Pines. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, High Street, King Street, Blackburn Road, The Pines. The bus runs seven days a week every 7-10 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes at other times.

To me the really interesting route is the 901. Because this always stays in zone 2, it means only a zone 2 ticket is required and that can be more cost effective.

I still feel there are two aspects missing. A bus going from The Pines to Heidelberg station via Foote Street and Templestowe Road would help reduce one bus for locals travelling to La Trobe University and those taking the train from Heidelberg station. A second aspect is the cost of public transport discourages very short trips. It costs me the same to go from Frankston to the Airport as it does to go from my local bus stop to Templestowe Village shops or up to the local swimming pool. I noticed the same problem in the UK. Short trips aren’t encouraged and I think that is short-sighted. This encourages people to use their cars. The fuller buses are the better for the environment. When buses run around empty and via quite indirect paths, a fuel efficient car may be a better environmental choice and that shouldn’t be the case. A gold coin option for short trips on buses I feel should be part of our public transport options.

The update to the bus network in the Templestowe area is a welcome change. Will it encourage more people to use public transport. Only time will tell.

Kelvin Eldridge

 

 

Friday, October 8, 2010

Show us the money

Free fencing sessions!

Students give cyclist something to smile about

On Tuesday I found myself caught up in massive hordes of students from Eltham High School.

Thanks to Patricia Taylor for sharing her experience. It is a reminder of the good around us when often the not so good gets more attention.

- Kelvin Eldridge

AFP confirm part in Securency raids

Eltham gymnast wins Games medals despite 'Delhi belly' bout

BILL shock is a concept the Todd family have been forced to tackle head on.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Golden chance in doubt for Eltham gymnast Georgia Bonora

Reduce the need for printed catalogues like Target's

I often think there is no need for printed catalogues from most of the major department stores and have a no junk mail sign on my letterbox. Unfortunately that doesn’t stop the department stores as they simply move their catalogues into the local papers and local papers ignore the no junk mail signs. If I want to check out a department store’s catalogue I just go to their site such as Target’s (http://target.dynamiccatalogue.com.au/portal?lsm) and select the area. Catalogues will keep coming because department stores make money from the catalogues as advertisers have to pay for product placement. If catalogues were a cost they’d probably stop tomorrow and that would save a lot of trees. Check out the online catalogues. You can often find out the information before your local paper arrives. When I’m looking to buy a commonly advertised item I’ve often checked for and found products using the online catalogues saving some money.

Kelvin Eldridge

New bushfire refuge in Nillumbik

Eltham North's Nicki Holding

Monday, October 4, 2010

Mobile speed camera locations (Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Eltham, Lower Plenty, Montmorency, Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Warrandyte)

Published mobile speed camera locations for October 2010.

Bulleen
Bulleen Road, between Thompsons Road and Manningham Road

Doncaster
King Street, between Williamsons Road and Veda Court
George Street, between Victoria Street and Williamsons Road
High Street, between Manningham Road and Doncaster Road
Wetherby Road, between Doncaster Road and Koonung Creek
Doncaster Road, between Rose Street and High Street

Doncaster East
Doncaster Road, between Blackburn Road and Wetherby Road
King Street, between Nedlands Court and Ashcroft Avenue
Blackburn Road, between Raintree Road and Johns Grove
Blackburn Road, between Beverley Street and Turnstone Street
Blackburn Road, between Reynolds Road and King Street

Eltham
Main Road, between Leane Drive and Kalbar Road

Montmorency
Sherbourne Road, between Porter Street and Karingal Drive

Templestowe
High Street, between Rosemary Street and Linton Avenue
Serpells Road, between Church Road and Killibury Court
Reynolds Road, between Hawtin Street and Smiths Road

Templestowe Lower
Manningham Road, between Ayr Street and High Street

North Warrandyte
Research-Warrandyte Road, between Camelot Close and San Angelo Road


Kelvin Eldridge

No Games backflips from Eltham North commentator

Dramatic entrance for VCE exam season

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

UltraFeedback – Research Analyst

The following position just crossed my radar. Whilst JustLocal is about helping us to more easily find businesses selling products and services in our local area, one outcome I am hoping for with JustLocal is increased local employment for locals by local businesses. Perhaps you know someone who is interested in this position.

http://jobview.careerone.com.au/Research-Analyst-Job-Eltham-VIC-AU-91023125.aspx

Kelvin Eldridge

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Smartbus 901 free for two weeks

“An extended SmartBus Route 901 from Frankston to Melbourne Airport is starting on Sunday September 26. Route 901 is free to all passengers during the first two weeks of operation – to Sunday 10 October 2010.” - Metlink

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Eltham library upgrade opening celebration

I was reading news about Eltham on the internet and found this PDF on the Eltham library upgrade opening celebration which runs from Monday the 20th of September to Sunday the 26th of September.

What caught my attention was the building itself. The Bulleen, Doncaster and Doncaster libraries tend to be libraries that appear to be stuck underneath the local shopping centres as simply a place for them to be. But check out the location of the Eltham library and the building itself.

I've often driven down the road as it is next to the park and I must admit I'd never registered this was the Eltham library. I'll now be dropping in to check out the upgrades, the building and surroundings. It looks pretty impressive.

I live in Templestowe and with the new Smartbus this might be the closest library to me being a 5-6 minute bus ride. I don't really use libraries, but I did have fun exploring them when I was younger.

A current pet project I've been exploring is a way to make all those books we have sitting around our homes available effectively for free. The idea is everyone puts their books up on the internet and then rents them out for $3 each.

At first this doesn't look free, but if people lend to others and then borrow from others equally, the money cancels out. This avoids the situation which is so common where a lot of people simply take and never give back. Check out my list of books at MyTreasure, or my personal development book page directly on this link. If you'd like to loan our your books everything you need is free including the software I provide.

Kelvin Eldridge

Walter Wither?s After the Heat of the Day 1891

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Mobile speed camera locations - September 2010 (Bulleen, Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Eltham)

Mobile speed camera locations for September 2010.

High Street, between Rosemary Street and Linton Avenue, Templestowe
Serpells Road, between Church Road and Killibury Court , Templestowe
Reynolds Road, between Hawtin Street and Smiths Road, Templestowe
Manningham Road, between Ayr Street and High Street, Templestowe Lower
King Street, between Williamsons Road and Veda Court, Doncaster
George Street, between Victoria Street and Williamsons Road, Doncaster
High Street, between Manningham Road and Doncaster Road, Doncaster
Wetherby Road, between Doncaster Road and Koonung Creek, Doncaster
Doncaster Road, between Rose Street and High Street, Doncaster
Doncaster Road, between Blackburn Road and Wetherby Road, Doncaster East
King Street, between Nedlands Court and Ashcroft Avenue, Doncaster East
Blackburn Road, between Raintree Road and Johns Grove, Doncaster East
Blackburn Road, between Beverley Street and Turnstone Street, Doncaster East
Blackburn Road, between Reynolds Road and King Street, Doncaster East
Bulleen Road, between Thompsons Road and Manningham Road, Bulleen

Kelvin Eldridge

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Problems with user login and email on its BigPond internet and Foxtel cable services afflict Eltham.

Eastern freeway traffic cameras show up-to-date traffic conditions (Bulleen Road, Yarra Bend)

Frequently when I get to around Bulleen Road on the Eastern Freeway of a night, the bank up of traffic ahead is shocking. I’ve often wondered if there was a way I could check out the traffic beforehand. As it turns out VicRoads provides a live feed from their cameras which are updated frequently. Below are the links to the cameras that interest me and may be of interest to others in the local area.

 

Bulleen Road looking East

http://livetraffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/region/23010?expanddiv=group3

 

Eastern Freeway at Yarra Bend looking East

http://livetraffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/region/23002?expanddiv=group3

 

Happy motoring.

 

Kelvin Eldridge

 

Parking at Eltham train station

I was at Eltham station this morning so I decided to check out the parking. It was 8:02am and the parking was nearly full. This includes parking on both sides of the station. I would estimate that by 8:10am all day parking would have been full. The five hour parking spaces were available, but obviously this won't suit people going out for the day into the city.

Kelvin Eldridge

Monday, September 13, 2010

Two pictured riding back of train of Eltham bound train

Dangerous and illegal: two youths on the back of the Eltham-bound train leaving Jolimont Station on Saturday afternoon.

I can’t help wondering. If they were spotted getting onto the train and Metro was notified by their intercom, “why wasn’t action taken at the next station where the train stopped?”

- Kelvin Eldridge

Metlink News - Eltham, Hurstrbridge line delay

After writing the earlier post stating an advisory service by Metlink was required I couldn’t help feeling Metlink might have something in place. I checked and they do have a News page which provides updates. Those with smartphones may wish to check for delays or issues whilst waiting, or before starting their journey. The JustLocal blog entry was found within minutes by Google so a search of Google would have worked if I know about an issue in the local area but Metlink pages for the delay don’t appear. Trains are now working normal again on the Hurstbridge line.

Kelvin Eldridge

UPDATE: Sadly it appears the delay may have been someone was hit by a train at Montmorency this morning.

Eltham train disruption this morning

Trains from Eltham station to the city weren’t going this morning and a bus to Greensborough was needed. The government needs some form of advisory service for the public as this type of unexpected situation causes everyone grief and results in loss of confidence in the public transport system. The problem is bosses don’t care why people are late and it causes friction in the workplace. The bus to Eltham from Templestowe could have warned commuters so alternate travel plans could have been made. I pity the workers who have to face their bosses this morning.

Kelvin Eldridge  

UPDATE: Sadly it appears the delay may have been someone was hit by a train at Montmorency this morning.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

MELBOURNE'S 10 most violent railway stations aren't Eltham, Heidelbery or Box Hill

The analysis showed 45 per cent of all reported assaults occurred at Flinders Street, Dandenong, Broadmeadows, Footscray, St Albans, Ringwood, Bayswater, Frankston, Southern Cross and Thomastown stations.
I was pleased to read in this article in The Age, the local railway stations which are typically used by people from my local area weren’t in the top ten list of stations. Of course Southern Cross is a concern as it is one of the common destinations in the city.
I also liked reading that by being sensible and covering just 10 stations where 45% of the violence occurs, targeted use of enforcement resources may be able to make a difference for a lot of commuters. One of the concerns with public transport is always safety and poor safety can easily dissuade people from using public transport.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Weeding with Friends of Diosma Road - Eltham

Collision occurred on Leanne Drive about 9.50pm

ENVIRONMENT campaigners fear abuse of tree-felling rules will destroy Eltham's leafy landscape.

Government had bought a 4.5 ha flood-prone property opposite Eltham High School for $700,000

Doncaster Area Rapid Transit (DART) project,

Monday, September 6, 2010

News relating to Eltham and Eltham residents

The following is a collection of links to news articles relating to Eltham and Eltham residents.

Eltham College student Fletcher O’Leary is already a familiar face to fans on the popular soap, Neighbours, on which he played the character, Mickey Gannon, for more than two years.

Attendance has more than tripled, and many, like 43-year-old Martel Davey, of Eltham, literally “stumbled” upon the choir after she heard the members practising during a visit to the doctor at the Banyule Community Health Centre.

A LOST masterpiece belonging to one of the founders of the Heidelberg School has been found after laying unrecognised in a private collection for almost 40 years.

ELTHAM East Primary School’s Stella Ascott and Brendon Eanes proudly rode home on shiny new bikes last week.

WHEN Prof Graeme Clark, AC, told his peers in the 1960s he was going to use electricity to help deaf people hear they told him it would never work.

The first entry, tweeted in yesterday, warns that two magpies are swooping along River Gum Walk in Heidelberg. Other birds are also swooping in Eltham North and Hampton East.

TV thief caught on camera at Eltham store

A GROUP of about 15 Eltham North students were lucky to escape unharmed when a blaze tore through the roof of their school’s newly refurbished theatre last week.

A ST ANDREWS man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after an assault in Eltham on Friday night.

Lilydale was the hardest hit with 36 calls, followed by Eltham with 35

POLICE are investigating a vicious, unprovoked attack on a man by a gang of up to 10 men at the Eltham railway station car park on Friday night.

Less than 24 hours after the release of the Bushfires Royal Commission final report, Ms Westall felt her private grief had become public property.

Around 25 CFA firefighters are attending the blaze at St Helena Secondary College, in Eltham North, which has been going since 5.35pm.

A GROUP of former Eltham RSL members are calling for donations to fund a legal battle over ownership of the club’s former headquarters.

Artist Joan Pickard said about eight of the 22 message sticks on display at Eltham Library Community Gallery had been stolen since the exhibition

Matthew Carnell, 21, and Bessie Grant, 19, who are both apprentice chefs at Mercers Restaurant in Eltham, teamed up for the state final of the competition last month.

FOR 11 years Peter Brundell’s world has been "out of kilter".

A 48-year-old woman has been found alive and well after spending the night lost in bushland near a ski resort north-east of Melbourne.

Gary Jones of Eltham's G and R Gasfitting and Plumbing said he had been getting up to 20 calls a day from people seeking to have their heaters repaired or serviced.

A COUNCIL in one of the state's most bushfire-prone areas is already backsliding on fire-prevention policies, launching a legal bid to try to hinder residents' ability to clear trees on their property, a resident says.

A SEX offender who bombarded young girls with sick texts just days after walking from prison has been jailed for at least 2 1/2 years.

Eltham’s Terry Larson, who has more than 10 years experience in psychological counselling, has been engaged by the North East Valley Division of General Practice to provide outreach services.

The latest refuge sites are Diamond Creek Community Centre, the Yarrambat Golf Course clubrooms, Hurstbridge Basketball Stadium, the open area surrounding the stadium and Eltham Lower Park.

A MAN has been arrested in connection with a pub glassing attack that left a teenager with permanent facial injuries.

Yesterday, board member Harold Mitchell announced that the prep to year 8 school, which is an initiative of Eltham College, will extend its innovative education model to the senior years, with a year 10-12 campus to open in 2013.

Eltham artist paints a picture life on the edge

LONG-term development plans for Eltham and Diamond Creek will be directed to an independent panel after Nillumbik Council conceded its plans failed to address stakeholders' concerns.

Mr O’Donnell said trees had come down onto powerlines across the Diamond Valley and a large tree had crashed into the roof of a unit in Park Rd, Eltham, this afternoon.

Eltham canine behaviour specialist Catherine Saunders is worried.

Mr Hemming said he picked up 30 green bags full of food from Eltham Primary School last week after students rallied to collect canned goods and other non-perishable items.

Mr Mitchell has lived in St Andrews since 1974 and was one of the driving forces behind the creation of Eltham College.

Kelvin Eldridge