In a disappointing conclusion to the season last Saturday’s pennant final was cancelled late on Friday afternoon. The final decision on the pennant result for season 2019-20 will now be determined by the league at a later date.

With the pennant final cancelled, Kukerin Club decided to hold our wind-up to the season on Saturday by playing a round robin series during the afternoon, playing in the usual teams selected during the season. With a lot of banter and some very good bowls played the team of M. King, T. Adams, C. Faulkner, and P. Adams came out on top, narrowly.  Following play our wonderful ladies at short notice were able to provide a meal. The presentation of trophies won during the season followed. This concluded another successful and happy season for the club. 

We wish all our bowling friends and the general public good health in the current health crisis sweeping the world.
Article by Phil Adams

Congratulations to Dudinin on a solid win over Kukerin in the Grand Final on Sunday March 22nd.
The final result Dudinin 22 sets 184 games to Kukerin 12 sets 165 games.

Please see full story ‘Testing times at tennis’ in this Quack Chat issue.

Below is Carmen Bairstow’s speech in response to receiving the Liz and Owen Dare Shield for the most sets won over the season:

If I could, I would give this back just to be in the finals today.
Personally I do not think it is important who was in the final last year or the year before.
But today, it means everything. So congratulations to both Kukerin and Dudinin for being in the finals.
I am humbled to be recognised in front of the calibre of players in our Association.
I can only aspire to play tennis like some of you guys, so I am assuming playing every fixture may improve the numbers game. 😊
I would like to thank the Association and the committee members, Glenn and Megan as our captains, Jamie as our President and our Dumbleyung members, some regular, some not so regular and then the ones dug out of the woodwork to ensure we had a team each fixture.
To my partners, you are obviously awesome. Special mention to Jamie who has seen me at my absolute best, pulling some serious kick arse shots, to my very worse. Love 40 and Jamie does not dare to turn around at the net, to ask politely what is going on! But just says “Hey, you got yourself out of that one”, as we win the game.
To my opposition, I will work on my LOVE/HATE relationship I have with tennis, and my unconscious beliefs on my ability to throw a ball and hit a slow loopy ball, so there is a little more LOVE in the game.
 
Lastly, thank you to Liz and Owen for this recognition,it is an honour.
 
And in amongst all this self-isolation, may we be kinder to each other and to ourselves. Thank you.
 
Pictured above, Carmen Bairstow in self isolation with a well-received coffee organised and delivered via a couple of community angels.

COVID-19 MEDIA RELEASE 25 MARCH 2020
Media Release attached and web link here: https://mailchi.mp/934c3ca71247/update-2877073  
 
BAIN ESTATE APPLICATIONS CLOSE 3 APRIL 2020 AT 12NOON
Bain Estate Applications close 3 April 2020 at 12noon.  For those applying, please remember to contact Mary-Ann Davidson before submitting your application on 9863 4012.
Further information can be found athttps://www.dumbleyung.wa.gov.au/bain-estate-future-fund
In May 2013 the Shire of Dumbleyung was the sole beneficiary to the Estate of Ian Bain. The will contained a wish that the money be used to assist sporting groups, emergency organisations and hospital services within the shire; however the wish does not impose an obligation to restrict spending to these three areas. The intention of Council is for the Bain Estate Distribution to be used for the benefit of the shire over a thirty year period of time. The aim is to distribute the money to the community in similarly equal distributions over the thirty year period, taking into account the time value of money.
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DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS IN SHIRE
St John’s Ambulance Sub Centre Dumbleyung
Dumbleyung Bowling Club
Dumbleyung Ag Supplies
Dumbleyung Swimming Pool
Dumbleyung Roadhouse
Dumbleyung Hotel The G.O.D.I
Dumbleyung & District Men’s Shed
Dumbleyung Lake at the Yacht Club
Dumbleyung Lake at the Ski Club
Dumbleyung Golf Club
Bunge Grain Services Kukerin
Kukerin Practical Pistol Club
Kukerin Town Oval
St John’s WA Kukerin Sub Centre
Kukerin General Store
 
ST JOHN FIRST RESPONDER APP
Help us find you in an emergency
Pinpointing your exact location can become difficult in an emergency situation. The St John First Responder App sends your GPS coordinates to the operator when you call Triple 000 for an ambulance, speeding up the time it takes to confirm your location and dispatch and ambulance.
Over 200,000 Western Australians have downloaded the app which also contains a number of other resources, including:

• First aid instruction guides – helping you to treat a range of injuries and illnesses.
• Defibrillator (AED) locator - showing all the defibrillator locations near you.
• Upload the location of new defibrillator (AED) locations that aren't currently appearing on the app.
• Locate nearest medical centres and emergency departments - including live ED waiting time information. 
• Patient transport services information.
• Your first aid course information and refresher reminder notices
• First aid tips and special offers  - keeping you up to date with handy firstaid information.
• St John First Responder is a free app and available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. You can find out more about how to use the app in our First Aid Responder App Guide.

 
HOUSES FOR RENT
Well aged units available for rent:
42A Manser Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
23 Manser Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
1/32 Bath Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
2/32 Bath Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $150 per week
27B Manser Street, Kukerin: 2 Bed, 1 Bathroom $140 per week
 
READ THE MOST RECENT LAKE EXPRESS NEWSLETTER HERE:https://mailchi.mp/edb16b9fde33/shire-newsletter-lake-express-2862557 
 

DPIRD and CSIRO mapping extent of salt-affect land
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (previously Agriculture & Food) have partnered with CSIRO to map the current extent of salt-affected land in the south-west agricultural region. Landsat satellite imagery is being used to repeat the Land Monitor project that produced maps of salt-affected land in 1988–92 and 1996–2000. The goal of the project is to determine if dryland salinity is increasing and where the increase is happening.

The first draft of the 2016-2018 Land Monitor salinity map is now being evaluated. The map shows four categories of low productivity land that may be salt-affected. The map does not distinguish between moderately and severely salt-affected areas. An example of the draft salinity map is shown below.

Work will identify areas incorrectly mapped as salt-affected and areas that are known to be salt-affected which do not appear on the draft map. Feed-back will also try to reduce the inclusion of non-productive land that may be mis-classified as salt-affected in the draft maps such as bare soil, water logging and farm infrastructure. Capturing this information will help increase the accuracy of the map which uses multiple years of Spring imagery to define the areas of consistent low productivity.

DPIRD staff displayed the draft Land Monitor map at Wagin Woolorama on the 6th and 7th March and landholders were keen to compare the map with their local knowledge. DPIRD had planned to display the map at all the major agricultural shows, however Mingenew Midwest Expo and Dowerin Field Days have already been cancelled due to the COVID-19 risk. To the best of our knowledge, Newdegate Machinery Field Days will still run in September. Despite being unable to show the draft map at the agricultural shows, DPIRD still need to provide feedback to improve the map. DPIRD staff will be out and about field checking the map between now and spring, our engagement with landholders will be governed by cropping work schedules and advice on COVID-19 risk.
A new map of the extent and trends of salinity is expected in mid-2021.

Article by Dr Paul Raper | Research Scientist
Water Science, Agricultural Resource Management and Assessment Sustainability and Biosecurity
t +61 (0)8 9780 6295 | m 0447 953 158 | w dpird.wa.gov.au

During these stressful times there are many things you can do to help yourself and those around you get through it.

Go back to the basics - sleep a bit more if possible, drink more water, eat well and maybe in smaller portions, a bit more often as it can be harder for the body to digest efficiently during stressful times.
Be aware of your thought processes and find tips and techniques to create positive self-talk and reduce the mind clutter.

Have technology free times.

Realise that with the season change there is more chance of sniffles and colds. This is generally what happens. Keep the immune system as healthy as possible. Self-care is in your hands, very literally these days.

Spend social media and media free time periods - even just for an hour or two. Check in to see what is happening from a reputable source once or twice a day but otherwise get on with your business and reduce the white noise.

We don’t function at optimum during these times. Take time out to have a quick break throughout the day and encourage those around you or at work to do the same.

Get some fresh air, send a quick message of support to a loved one or check in on someone you may be concerned about.

Allow and encourage those around you to do the same.

Meditation is a great tool and easier than you imagine. There are some great apps available. If the mind is going overtime then walking meditation could be the perfect solution. All too hard? Then just walking on the grass or dirt in bare feet is a great way to ground yourself.

Whilst many sporting and social events have been cancelled we can still stay together as a community by doing a virtual form of them during the typical scheduled time. These can be streamed with other team mates and new groups for fitness can be formed.

Another untapped resource is your imagination.

Children needn’t be around during ‘those’ conversations or tv ‘updates’ or sensationalised media. Insulate younger ones from this and create a space of tranquillity and calm for yourself and them, even if only occasionally. Whilst children can be very resilient it is important to remember they can be like sponges, absorbing the tensions and strength of conversations around them. Lead by example - if you are able to stay calm and focussed with a positive attitude they will more likely be able to.

Tap into your hidden resource.

Bringing awareness to the breath and deep breathing are simple yet incredibly effective ways to reduce stress and calm the mind. They also help reduce stiffness, especially tight shoulder and neck muscles.

Fear is normal, especially in times like this. Find ways to be ‘normal’ in each day - watching the sunrise or sunset reminds us that the world does go on and that there is beauty all around us. Take time to smell the roses!

There may be times like last Friday where phones and data can’t be relied upon. The power might go out at times too. Find fun ways and contingencies to deal with this likelihood.

We are fortunate to have such a strong community - let’s use it to stay connected and cohesive.
Focus on how you would like the world to be post this event. How would you like it to feel, look like, act, be.

You are stronger and more resilient than you think.

We will get through this and are so fortunate to have each other and community!

This too shall pass.

Article by Davina Gossage

With lots of uncertainty around business and changes rapidly occurring given Covid-19 it’s exciting to share a good news business story in that there is a new business in town! We had the opportunity to ask Broadacre Auto Electrics a few questions and used emails and technology to get around the social distancing rules to learn what local and owner Caleb Murray hopes to bring and offer here in our Shire and surrounds!

Question. What is Broadacre Auto Electrics? What do you offer and what can people expect? 
Answer. Broadacre Auto Electrics is an owner operator business that offers auto electrical and air-conditioning services to our Shire and surrounds. Services available are electrical diagnostics, accessory fitting, air condition repair and servicing, repairs on starting and charging circuits.
Any of my customers can expect the highest quality workmanship and I pride my self on treating every job as if it were my own vehicle. Neatness is a priority to ensure the wiring looks as if it came standard!
Question. There’s a huge range of makes and models that you can work on, do you specialise in anything in particular and/or what makes models has your training included? 
Answer. Over the past seven years during my trade, I have worked on a large range of vehicles – from as small as a compressor through to as large as a CAT D1 Dozer. With experience in light vehicles, farm machinery and trucks. If you’re unsure I’m always happy to discuss over the phone to see if it’s a job I can assist with!

Question. Do you travel, fit and supply products for a job? 
Answer. Currently, Broadacre Auto Electrics is 100% mobile and our vehicle/trailer is designed and ready with the tools for the job. I can supply and fit new quality parts or fit parts supplied by the customer. As we’re completely mobile no place is too far or too close and can service from Katanning to Yealaring. Please contact to check if we visit your area!
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Question. Given the environment and a lot of changes for many businesses, It’s great to see a new business in town! How long have you had your business been established and why the name Broadacre? 
Answer. Broadacre Auto Electrics has been operating for just over a year though the name of the business had much older ties and actually originated as the name of grandfathers farm. As a fourth generation Murray to be involved in farming I saw it very fitting to name the business after the farm as I chose to go in a different direction within the Agriculture Industry.
Prior to the business and upon finishing my trade in 2017 I was also recognised as Apprentice of the Year – an achievement I hold highly and which pushed me to continue working in this industry and start a business of my own.
 
Thanks to Caleb for completing our short Q&A advertorial! It’s awesome to see a new business in town and hope this new service can help you in times of need whether personally or in business. If you’d like to utilise Caleb’s services or for a quote please contact Broadacre Auto Electrics today by emailing, broadacreautoelectrics@gmail.com or calling Caleb on 0475 521 563.
 

There may be discussion of no AFL this season and gyms and indoor sporting areas may be closed for the meantime, but glass half full, the Stubbs Park Committee look to provide great sporting facilities for the future.

Like last year the Stubbs Park Committee are planning to put a crop in at Ken & Robbie McDougall’s block south of Dumbleyung (Bibiking Road). This year the program has been upped to 200ha with canola to be sown. Though before the crop goes in the committee have organised a busy bee. They need your help to remove rock piles and fences in preparation for seeding. Loaders and trucks are needed, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

The busy bee is scheduled to take place next Wednesday April 1 at 1pm and you can meet in the paddock. If you can help and/or for more information/directions please contact Lee Smith on 0427 637 242.
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Last year’s efforts saw a 377T of Rosalind Barley delivered to CBH at Dumbleyung – a great effort by all involved and an awesome contribution by the community to help secure funding for the planned upgrades to our current sporting ground/facility. Building a bigger, brighter and sport filled future for many generations to come.