Should I Make The Change

[thumbsucker]

I post here because I am faced with a decision about what direction I take my life. For the last 6 years I have lived in Melbourne in a rather quiet but multicultural part. I have always lived in big cities the smallest place I lived is Launceston which is not that small. I have lived in Sydney, Melbourne, Launceston and Canberra. I also lived in rural Tasmania for a few months. I also followed the hippie trail around northern NSW in my youth.

The house here in Melbourne’s inner north that I rent is being sold in the next few months and I find myself looking for a new home.

I have two options:

One stay in Melbourne, a place to which I have no family attachments, significant others or regular employment to tie me down (all except a fur baby called Snowflake). I have made a few friends which for me is a major achievement. However you can always make more. The negative with Melbourne or any major city is the cost of living. While I can move further out into suburbia. I am of the inclination that if you give up the benefits of cities you might as well go all the way out. Also the cost is not significantly reduced in outer suburbia. I would rather move into a more rural or remote location. A place of open vistas.

Space is a factor in my deliberations. As a woodworker I find myself seeking the space to store wood and house tools / machinery. Space I think is going to be a difficult constraint going forward and will only get worse with time in Suburbia.

Two I can find a home in a small country town with a big shed. If I need something I can always make a trip.

To put things into context, I am single, I work sometimes as a casual secondary woodworking teacher but the work is not regular and no prospect of securing a contract ever seems possible.

At this stage I am considering locations. With my choices falling into two types. A location just outside Melbourne going out into the Yarra ranges (this could be a way to get my toes wet) or going further out to the Alpine region or further north towards Beechworth or Myrtleford areas or up into the Snowy region.

I would prefer a thriving place, a place with diversity. Last year I took a trip to a small town north of Shepparton. I had time to look around town it was a dying town. A dozen shops boarded up or just empty. The remaining were dying slowly. Most folks were welcoming and would engage in conversation. But the one thing I noticed was a lack of children well anyone under 60 was a rare sight.

I would not be in the market to buy but only renting. While work as a teacher would be nice I accept that it would unlikely. My only concern is access to medical services my health is not great and have rather high support needs. Once in Launceston I had health complication and unable to secure a
Doctor (would not take on new patients) I ended up in the emergency room.

Well that’s a start - what do you think?

[FenceFurniture]

Kyneton.

[cava]

Wangaratta.

My wife has family up there so we have been there quite a few times over the years.

It is expanding with all the services and has a hospital. Close to the snow and wine trails if that is your thing. Still very countrish but with conveniences and several schools.

[Simplicity]

Two hours out of Melbourne or even three there are heaps of choices.

And Melbourne being only a short trip away if it’s only needed say once a month.

How did the car license go.
Thumpsucker hit me a pm of you want to chat.

Cheers Matt


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[malb]

We moved from Croydon North to Alexandra 3 years ago and are quite happy with the move, but we did so as a retirement move funded from selling a half acre property to developers. It's a nice friendly community with a good mix of age groups, and at about 1.5hrs from suburbia, it has a fair compliment of local tradies and their families, plus a fair compliment of commuting tradies and other workers as well. There is a very active local shed/woodworkers group (with access to milling gear and logs). Rents are generally well below metro rents for properties of similar standard, as are property prices for those in that market. Hospital was built about 7 years ago, and the old one was made available to community groups but that is up in the air at the moment. Community built nursing home, the church tried to steal it off the community but we may have won that one and got it back, small town but 4 pubs doing meals for lunch and dinner, 2 servo's, 4 take aways, 4 bakery/cafes, Rotary, Lions etc. State primary and secondary schools, and a catholic primary, plus a number of school camp areas in the surrounding area, 20 mins to Lake Eildon if you are inclined to dangle a line.

[ian]

You're a woodworker.
You want to be able to showcase and sell what you make.
If not Melbourne or another big city -- Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth -- that means somewhere within weekend commuting distance of the big city. A place where people with money go for the weekend, winter and summer. In Victoria that means a place within 2 hours drive (3 max) of Melbourne.

I don't know Victoria well enough to nominate any particular towns, but in your position I'd be thinking of locating near where other woodworkers are located to be part of an artist community.

[Chris Parks]

Following on from what Ian has said, a town that has a thriving tourist trade with craft outlets, antique type shops might be a place you could make some money. Berry in NSW would be a good example of that if you are familiar with it.

[FenceFurniture]

You want to be able to showcase and sell what you make.
Somewhere within weekend commuting distance of the big city.
A place where people with money go for the weekend, winter and summer. In Victoria that means a place within 2 hours drive (3 max) of Melbourne.
I'd be thinking of locating near where other woodworkers are located to be part of an artist community.
Following on from what Ian has said, a town that has a thriving tourist trade with craft outlets, antique type shops might be a place you could make some money.
Kyneton.Yup. For a town to have a resident French Polisher (Steven Wilson), AND a yearly Lost Trades Fair, it has to say something.

[KBs PensNmore]

Some nice thought provoking ideas there, particularly if you eventually wanted to be self employed artist/teacher.
Kryn

[fletty]

A second vote for Kyneton, a thriving woodwork and craft culture ....... and good coffee!

[cava]

Community built nursing home, the church tried to steal it off the community
Which church?

[FenceFurniture]

A second vote for Kyneton, a thriving woodwork and craft culture ....... and good coffee!I CANNOT believe it. :no:

YOU, of all people, have forgotten the vast range of beers on offer........:doh:

:drink2:

:beer:

:cheers2:

It was only 3 we had wasn't it? (plus spillage :bawl:)

[Chesand]

I am not sure about the beers or coffee but Kyneton does have an award winning bakery - prizes for pies and vanilla slices.
Train is about 2 hours into the city.

[thumbsucker]

Thanks for prompt responses.

Simplicity - Regarding the license I have finished my 15 driving lessons and now need to purchase a car. I have a few car sales apps and I have put out some feelers. This is because I need to get experience and log driving hours before I go for my P plates. So if anyone has a cheap Ute/wagon for sale I would be interested.

Simplicity I will pm you to have a chat.

2 or so hours out of Melbourne would be ideal.

My friend who frequently holidays by driving around VIC says that the Macedon ranges is one of his favourite regions.

Kyneton sounds like the kind of place that would suit me. It’s were Rundell & Rundell Chairmakers are located in Kyneton my friend has been there many times.

Kyneton Is also a regional education centre which may present the opportunity to pick up some casual teaching work.

The other place is the NSW highlands because it’s close to Canberra and the Stuart School and the tourists trail. However I would prefer to stay in Victoria.

As Ian and Chris Park stated a town with a thriving art & tourism trade would be ideal for me. It would give me an opportunity to possibly sell my wares. I can dream - I am allowed to dream.

James Kernov wrote that as a woodworker we need to make choices. We can go into production work and comprise on our values and continue to live in big cities or we move somewhere we’re our overheads are reduced and we can do our best work with less compromises.

I also listen to fine woodworking shop talk live and they were talking about when the go on a photoshoot they inevitably end up in such remote locations because the nature of woodworking demands that woodworkers live in remote locations.

Alexandra looks like a growing town but I think it’s not ideal. More a farm / logging town.

Every time I hear Wangaratta I am reminded of Nick Cave the musician who grew up their. He referred to Wangaratta as a cultural hole.

If I move I will have to sell a bunch of stuff. I want to only take the essentials. I have a ton of potted plants, furniture and stuff that I will offload.

[Beardy]

For me in general cities are not very hospitable places and the cost of living is high and reality is clouded by busy city life, often busy achieving little in the process.
I would look closely at what city life is offering ( and costing) you compared to alternate more rural places and decide which way is best for you
Home is where you feel the most settled

[thumbsucker]

I have no specific fondness for the city. I do not go out to restaurants, I do not back a football team, I do not go out dancing clubbing or yahooing. My day consists of having some coffee taking my dog for a walk and then I spend most of my day in the workshop. At night I am fubar and I shower and off to bed.

City Positive

- Wide range of quality ethnic foods both eating out and shopping
- Strong dark coffee
- Broad range of people from all over the world
- Reasonable access to suppliers of goods and services

City Negatives

- Social Isolation
- Difficulty to form meaningful relationships
- Go Go Go

Possible Country Negatives

- Distance for goods and services
- Being a non Australian with an accent being shunned as an outsider WOG Muslim Aboriginal take your pick
- Work

[Gabriel]

Whilst I am completely bias as I grew up there, Warburton (Yarra rangers) is a delightful place. VERY busy tourist industry, about 1.5 hrs from the city centre and nestled in a bloody amazing community. The rest of my family still live there so I'm up there a number of times during the year.
Lost of walks for your dog.

The major concern from your previous lists are healthcare. There are a number of doctors and such reasonably local however the closest hospital is Maroondah (1hr away - 45 in an emergency....danhik)

Just my 2c...

Large artistic and environmentally conscious community (I'll say ex hippie as being a full blown hippie these days is quite time consuming and expensive)

Not sure of employment opportunities as there is only 1 highschool in the area

[thumbsucker]

Warburton Is lovely and I have been there many times. I have been up to the sawmill and to see people.

It would be great but I fear that it would be out priced as Melbourne grows in the near future.

Health care is always better in the city. Last year I was admitted to emergency and while I was in agony due an infection - the lady in the next bed was being questioned- she was from regional town and was rushed to Melbourne she had a brain tumour and their were no specialists available to treat her.

I also read that you have a much higher death rate in regional areas because ambulances are just that much further away. If you have a heart attack forget 10 minutes it takes in the city- you could wait for hours for emergency care.

But it’s not just city vs regional. A lady near me was diagnosed with bowl cancer up in Qld. She was told she had but months to live. She refused to accept it and came to Melbourne to get treatment 10 years later she is still alive. She says that if she had remained up north she certainly have died.

I have diabetes, and suffer from related conditions - hypos fainting nausea gout and infections I also have psychiatric concerns. I take a dozen tablets daily.

[thumbsucker]

I CANNOT believe it. :no: YOU, of all people, have forgotten the vast range of beers on It was only 3 wasn't it? (plus spillage :bawl:)

I am fond a good beer when I lived in Canberra I used to visit Wick and Pen a fine establishment.

[malb]

Which church?

The community as a whole was interested in establishing a community based nursing home in the early 1980's. Descendants of one of the early families were willing to donate ancestral land for the project, but somewhat uncertain as to who it should be donated to to ensure that it was used for the nursing home, and not kept vacant and sold for profit later. Ultimately they decided that they should donate it to the Anglican Church as trustees for the project, as they believed that the church was trustworthy.

The local community has raised funds for the home through three iterations/upgrades since then, the primary input from the church has been to have the bishop show up for a speech and pics when a new stage or upgrade is being opened. The bish is a defacto member of the Board for the home, as is the local rector. There are another 7 community board members, 4 closely aligned with the bish and the Anglican Church, the others less so. We currently have a 50 bed nursing home and a number of independent living units, funded to the tune of $10-15M from local donations, government grants and managing the facility properly for more than thirty years. The facility has enough cash on hand or invested to be able to refund all resident bonds and ILU contributions as resident move on because they invest these funds and use the interest earned to support the facility.

The Dioceses operates a substantially larger nursing in Wangaratta and the Dioceses office operates from those premises. The bish is chairman of the board of that facility, and regularly serves as its CEO as well because of high staff turnover in management positions. That facility has accumulated liabilities of around $40M and very little funds available to cover these. They have operated at a loss for more than 15 years, and the last 4 years of audit reports have included statements that they cannot continue to operate with losses of $300,000 to $500,000 every year, and need to do something radical to solve their financial problems. They lost 10 residents in a month last year in a flu epidemic that had the entire facility quarantined for some time, there will be inquests held sometime next year to investigate this issue. Apparently, a significant factor was the inability to, or lack of desire to employ replacement staff when more than 30% of the regular staff were of work with the infection.

The bish has been working with consultants for about 3 years trying to improve the finances and management of the Wangaratta facility, in preparation to sell it. He negotiated with a church based provider to sell the facility, but ultimately received an offer of about 2/3rds of what they wanted. After additional work with the consultants, an approach was made to a private provider who investigated the facilities viability with a view to buying it. They withdrew their interest after the flue epidemic last year.

In about March this year the Bishop proposed a motion to the Alexandra board that the local and Wangaratta facilities be merged under a new board which would have significant church and token local community representation. When this failed, he then had a relieving rector read a prepared statement from the pulpit stating that it was his intention to sack the Alexandra board and replace it with picked people loyal to him, so that he could force his proposed merger through.

Although he has been denying it, the community truly believes that the sole reason for a merger is to fatten up the Wang financial situation to improve the chances of a sale to a private provider. Amongst the proposals that the bish has made, one particular one was the notion of dismissing Care Co-ordinators and similar level staff from Alex and using phones to consult with their counterparts in Wangaratta for instructions on how to handle particular situations like a resident falling and being injured.

Through a lot of community uproar, public meetings etc one of our local business people has made a proposal to the Bishop that should completely remove our community funded facility from the church permanently and restore it to the community. However as a community, we do not know what this proposal is until a public meeting is held tomorrow and the proposal is explained and voted on within the community. However it expected that even if the community votes to accept the proposal, their will need to be a new round of fundraising, donations and maybe selling of shares in a new organisation to raise the funds to buy back a facility built and updated regularly by the local community over the past 35 years.

[thumbsucker]

I was reading the Wikipedia page on Macedon shire which led to a quality of life index by BankWest 2008.

Top shire in Australia is a Ku-ring-Gai in the north of Sydney. The best in Melbourne is Nillumbick and Macedon (best in VIC outside of Melbourne).

I grew up in Ku-ring-Gai in Sydney it’s a green edge of suburbia low density open space kind of place with lots of parks, reserves and rivers. The same as Nillumbick here in Melbourne.

I find it very interesting. That more natural places score higher then more industrial/ commercial areas with more events, entertainment, jobs and services.

[boo53]

If you're looking at about 2 hours from Melbourne I think I'd be considering larger towns with good medical services and a good train service.

In Seymour we have an excellent train service, but the medical is ordinary.

Ballarat would fit the bill but I gather rents are close to Melbourne rates.

Castlemaine would be worth a consideration with a maker scene, good train service and as well has good access to Melbourne also is close to Bendigo.

Shepparton only has 2 trains but good rural freeways and a large, mixed, ethnic population that is growing fast

[ian]

The 2 hours from Melbourne (3 hours max) is about locating where cashed up people from Melbourne spend their weekends.
These people tend to have time on their hands to browse shops and markets and suss out bespoke makers AND the cash to purchase things. Particularly things that can go in the back of the car (or Toorak tractor) when they drive back to Melbourne on Sunday arvo.

Now if the objective of moving out of Melbourne is to find somewhere cheap to rent, and you don't desire ready access to people who can afford your wares, then a whole lot of other possibilities open up.
Unfortunately, nearly all of them will require ready access to a vehicle for transportation.

[russ57]

I'd look around Yarragon.
Developing tourism, not far from Warragul hospital and Latrobe Regional at Morwell.
Only an hour or so to Melbourne.


Russ

[thumbsucker]

Thank you for your responses to my question. I have a few choices to consider. I now feel that some personal reconnaissance is required that means getting in the car and taking some trips to see first hand and how I feel about a place.

[thumbsucker]

How life takes turns you do not expect.

As I stated earlier in this thread I have been working as casual relieve teacher here in Melbourne and I had given up hope that I would find a contract position. Well November to January is the major recruiting period for schools. This year I really tried to put allot of effort into my applications and interviews, which are super demanding 30 - 45 minute ordeal where they bombard you with questions and one wrong word and you blow your chance. Well after 2 years of trying I have been very lucky to secure a contract at a regional school.

So on Tuesday I become a jewellery/woodworking/website coding teacher at Traralgon in Gippsland. So it seems I am moving to regional Victoria. I am excited and nervous so much to do and so little time.

Traralgon was not mentioned by anyone in their above posts, but its a very decent size town with all the basic amenities. I still think that I will be making monthly trips to Melbourne to stock up on my exotic foods.

Now starts the rush to find a new home and moving my stuff from Melbourne to Traralgon.

[Simplicity]

Congratulations Sir
On a new job, new beginning and a new adventure.
Traralgon is not that far from the big smelly smoke if you need something.
Some beautiful country around there too.
Plus the old gold mining town of Wahella too.

Cheers Matt,

[thumbsucker]

Thanks Matt, I have been told that old gold mining areas make good hunting grounds for natural waterstones. Something to do with the soil.

[Simplicity]

Thanks Matt, I have been told that old gold mining areas make good hunting grounds for natural waterstones. Something to do with the soil.

Are you saying that if I take a few steps outside my creative zone in Ballarat, and just lay a cutting edge on the ground I should be able start sharpening it [emoji849].

[thumbsucker]

According to Gadge (http://www.woodworkforums.com/members/58088-gadge) old mining sites are good sources for the right kind of sedimentary rock for whetstones. He also says that pine plantations are also good hunting grounds.

[russ57]

You'll be set then. Lots of pine plantations around Traralgon.
And coal smoke.
And dust
And soot
At least hazelwood is shut, a staggering difference in air quality.
And afaik the smell from the paper mill is a thing of the past.
(visit the valley regularly, grew up in Morwell and my mum and brother still live there)


Russ

[thumbsucker]

I have been in Traralgon for almost 2 months. I have been flat out with work. I scored a job as a woodworking/metalworking teacher at the local high school. I have been trying to get two workshops up and running after being negelegted and abused for years. None of the machines work, there are no tools except boxes and boxes of nails and claw hammers. The kids having nothing to do so they spent their time hammering nails into workbenches took me a week to pull them all out. There was so much rubbish in the both workshops that it took 10 ute loads to remove all of wood scraps, failed woodworking projects, car motors and scrap metal. At the same time I need to teach, develop curriculum and learn all the bureaucracy of teaching. The staff are nice and supportive. The kids are a mixed bag.

I am living in a really nice spacious & modern house. I have a double garage for my woodworking, a large shed that I want to convert into a metalworking workshop and a second smaller shed that I use to store my beer brewing gear all for less then what I paid in Melbourne.

The town is nice, it has all the big shops & services. Once a month a there is farmers market which is nice however very expensive (so I look for the most part). Folks are friendly enough, strangers on the street say hello. I live on the other side of town but it takes a 10 minute drive to get from home to work.

The negatives are that fruit and vegetables are expensive. Variety is limited. There is no ethnic food. Coffee is substandard and costs a fortune $5.5 for a medium watery latte. Take away food is bland and tasteless. The paper mill smell is still a problem depending on the which way the wind is blowing. You go outside and this bad smell fills the air, its hard to describe its a cross between organic waste and synthetic chemical smell. Then you can look out towards Loy Yang and the coal power station. Looking at the sky you can see this grey cloud even on clear days, follow it down towards the horizon the cloud splits into 6 columns gushing from the chimney stacks. So the air quality is worse than living in the city.

Then their is the intergenerational poverty this place has a very much the wrong side of the railway tracks. As a teacher I see kids, from both sides. La Trobe valley has 4 times the states domestic violence rate, and double the states murder suicide rate. A large number of my kids have apprehend violence orders on their names.

Once I get a car I will be making regular trips to Melbourne so that I can stock pile dried fruit, cheese, coffee, beans, nuts, pasta, Asian sauces/pastes, tofu, spices, meat etc etc..

I will try to last 3 years, give it enough time to safe some money and get myself on a more solid economic footing. Beyond that I am not certain.

[Gabriel]

Hopefully after a bit if time you may discover a couple if gems as far as food outlets go, and fingers crossed if the manual skills classes take off then some of these wayward teenagers will discover a love for something other than running amok - and that will be thanks to the hard work of a diligent teacher that spent a week pulling nails out of old work benches.....

[poundy]

PM me your postal address and your coffee desires and I'll send you a care package to tide you over.... I have a batch sitting here ready to go from my last roast I did a few weeks ago.

[woodPixel]

Poundy has it right!

Use Woolworths home delivery, or failing that Amazon! OR ring a good cafe/deli in Melbourne and have them stuff a box full of your favourite things :)

Never too late to learn to cook! :D

edit: Thumbsucker, your Location is still Melbourne :)

[thumbsucker]

My hope is that time over the coming years I can build the technology subject up. My hope rests with the year sevens. Getting them enthusiastic and committed to the subject. Seeing that there is a future in design, jewellery making, craft, architecture, industrial design, interior design and furniture making. At the moment it is seen as a dumping ground for the "special" kids on their way out of school. I had a punch up today in one of my classes. A female aid in the middle with two kids throwing wild punches, a second aid needed to step in to pull them apart.

The year sevens in metal are doing pewter castings that they are turning into brooches, rings, key chains, etc etc... In wood they are learning to carve a wooden spoon using gouges and spokeshaves. Really basic projects but I think they are working well as introductions to both mediums as I only have them for 1 term not a semester. I trying to get the year 8's to built a post and rung foot stool. Some will make it, some will not. It is a balancing act, make it interesting, make it a learning experience, build skills and make it challenging.

I will post some photos in a few weeks.

woodPixel I am a good cook. My first job was as an apprentice chef many years ago. I suppose that is part of the problem, also living in the ethnic heart of inner north of Melbourne, if I lived off McDonalds than I would not have a problem.

Thanks for the offer poundy. Are you pro roaster? I have my little stove top coffeemaker. I tend to like dark roasted coffee the way the arabs have it.

Gabriel I have been told that the local wines are good, and I am sure that when I get a car to around to visit some of the towns in the area, and hopefully find some fine food. I am told that there is allot of Venison going around. Hunting and guns is big in this part of the world so I am looking to see if I can score some in the future.

[burraboy]

Every time I hear Wangaratta I am reminded of Nick Cave the musician who grew up their.

I understood Warracknabeal was the town involved.

[thumbsucker]

Born in Warracknabeal grew up in Wangaratta, then Melbourne

[BobL]

Sounds like some good projects going with those kids,


. . . I tend to like dark roasted coffee the way the arabs have it. .

My limited Middle east experience is that while it varies a lot most only lightly roast their coffee beans. In fact quite a bit of the so called "coffee" I had there was made with a mix of mildly roasted and green beans - it was like drilling a brew made from straw. The most highly roasted coffees I've seen are roasts by old school Italian espresso roasters. Like the coffee being roasted in the 1960s' - shiny glossy black roasts - aromas and tastes of burnt toffee and charcoal.

Most of the best coffee roasters will deliver. They're expensive but if you want to try some of the best coffee in Australian then look up Five Senses coffee. They started in Perth but have Roasters in Melb. I've been a customers of theirs for 25 years - used to go through 4kg a month at my place but in the last few years are down to 2.5kg.

BTW if you are worried about air quality have a look at these consumer level PM2.5 dust meters (They PM2.5 stands for Particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller)
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Household-PM2-5-Detector-Module-Air-Quality-Dust-Sensor-LCD-Display-Monitor/302755086491?epid=6020031044&hash=item467d9c009b&enc=AQADAAADEFjVrDbVsZ8oH%2F8PNHtt9VX4%2Fw7FZcmMuqsX8uaFEduVQ3i1qa%2B0Xn2D7tXcc%2FnG67Azl%2BxOnAQs%2BFdjZq6JxWCURe3%2FqeKqC9IHnPWkGihlxhJWfJCrxLQBscDnHPnihAQAAH9l1eKDVbAwaZtUBb5Kb7YnSbDMPTV2zRVeI37pV%2BimIclLaK%2BOEi4vHdR7DQDYW7MjbIy9vdZIpONbWw17YEjs7I7mTgUSsigGM64fhSaAqhTi9%2FDe69X58mcNRsIJU5g8pBAOCP6ZDB1pYSNTMPZ%2FHIyuqTjka5Ysj7nU56fRkzhYAOn0Dt5%2BQu2sKHilwfhQ%2FHIMSzu5Vg15dOaIW%2BOn%2FTegMcWJjJN4fiL9fZqnBG%2Bi%2FcWzKHda929YtMIKBSESnwyG5oulpMcDIb1Hr%2BWbd%2BUI%2F4WBNsKKU6sEtRjcrc9m46KCXN%2BbjPFuLrM6pxaXBzb2rXq2evFB%2BE%2FQsfLJu8yBXRrtNw79uUkHGjnqLazFl98zkTJiVAkFB8dlGwS77IWOIK0RPAYSddKz%2BuKWNPgIcdqXloNJUZxMW9HjFuLveZQi9p5xZwuW47LgjHS3IbrWLB3X%2FjRXzUS4JfPdnpAkYzKYqcQpyTBxvcvQBjM9KZdFzUYTeC5XexJeUlBJPY7h8DsDSDmko3fRoMx4efA2u2pEtO4CAfmntcqjMlgA9IAhk1y0SdWeFqXzOnee%2BoLi2ei5jQUYMobPV6O4PdIap3J675cTvA4%2F1HsTVjecFNHwjWkPXh%2BSlMGBsxGA%2F3Hy6EZi4fPVmASrs7KkvboAiv0EG5RftylQqebgLxpG0B1nlLwhaEy8Y%2FcToFChOtCVLrxKSPJH2hFtrAsRqH%2BA9ZGJQCdXAOIKimgMgI0ICUaSP1U2EpcxE1ZtTdCSZ%2FZfo8yjYgicKZvqWduKDn%2F8oKvTiYdn9QeDgu%2BGKjAHY2mXfXRiL6b4%2FF0CPaUhDIB7kPJFDknk89VVtKg5PfbXYKWqc17L4sEOeSh11fjg661Ag94AYfmYDC%2FPKy6BQj6rQMg1q8m6o4I%3D&checksum=3027550864912c44d0c4fa2548c8865724dbdf2bc728
There are cheaper ones but these actually give something close to the right answers, they even display up to 10 microns although the 5 and 10 micron ranges are a bit low.
You can also use it in your wood work classes.
Just don't put it near a high level dust source like a WW machine or power tool - this will kills it. Keep is at least 1m away from any visible dust stream.

[woodPixel]

BobL, how good is that particulate metre! Amazing. I'm grabbing one, maybe two.

Thanks also for the coffee roasting place. We are big drinkers and looking to find something that's not in a packet.

[BobL]

BobL, how good is that particulate metre! Amazing. I'm grabbing one, maybe two.

I did a review of that meter when I got mine in 2018 - my description starts at post #138 in tis thread and full review is a few posts past that one
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f200/developments-dust-sensor-tech-214381/10#post2091861

[poundy]

Thanks for the offer poundy. Are you pro roaster? I have my little stove top coffeemaker. I tend to like dark roasted coffee the way the arabs have it.

No I'm a "passionate home roaster with a coffee hobby who has a larger than normal group of coffee drinking friends". I roast every few weeks (slightly more often than once a month) and send beans to friends and family around the country (although largely just work colleagues and close friends). Far from a pro-roaster, even if I have a commercial coffee roaster that I run in my backyard (random ebay purchase from MANY years ago). But I roast and many people seem to like it. I did a swap of coffee for some pen blanks a little while ago, so @Ironwood may chime in and comment. My roasting is more suited to espresso and filter preparation as it's (significantly?) lighter than what I'd expect dark-roast and stove-top imply, but you're still welcome to have some if you'd like. @Woodpixel, happy to send some your way too if you like (plus I can give you Canberra recommendations if you want). I like Five Senses too, although it's been a few years since I've drunk their coffee (pre their Melbourne opening I think). These days if I want a change I tend to go to a company in Newcastle, Josie Coffee, who have some great coffees especially if you're into unique single origin coffees in filter perparations...

[Ironwood]

".........so @Ironwood may chime in and comment....
Poundy sent me 1/2 kg of his Xmas blend and a kg of his January blend.
My machine is a DeLonghi Perfecta, a fairy automatic machine but still makes a passable coffee. I found the Xmas blend to be excellent, family and friends who tried it, all commented positively. I would be happy to drink that coffee for the rest of my life. The January blend wasn’t as good, but still far better than the Vittoria Oro beans that I had been previously using, and several steps up from the pod coffee that I also drink.
I am currently using some beans that I got from my favourite coffee shop @ $60 kg, the Xmas blend I would rate higher than these beans.
I am by no means a Barista, but I can tell Poundy knows his stuff.

[thumbsucker]

Thanks for the information on some interesting coffee rosters. The Crompton Road (https://www.fivesenses.com.au/product/coffee/crompton-road-blend/) from Five Sense sounds like my cup of coffees.


My local arabic shop in Coburg used to sell an Aden roast from Yemen. Very chocolaty and full bodied, not to acidic. A former house mate used to work at Seven Seeds (http://sevenseeds.com.au) in Melbourne and they had some interesting stuff.


Poundy I will PM you. I am not sure what I can swap for an exchange. I have some interesting woods.

[BobL]

I finally found something useful to do with the mountains of coffee ground we generate. I used to put them direct onto the lawn and they used to just disappear in a couple of days but according to the green thumbs the coffee grounds will turn into better compost by adding something with more nitrogen so after a big of research I add dog poo (two dogs - small back yard) in a compost container as this solves two problems at the same time.

[spruik]

Interesting reading.

I moved from Sydney to the Daylesford/Glenlyon region and no regrets. Beautiful environment with crisp clean air. Medical facilities are well above average and Ballarat is just a 30-minute drive away (Bunnings... for easy returns :D).

Only problem I have here is that my tractor has been out of action for a year and it costs an arm and a leg to have it repaired (Kiota DK40).

[poundy]

Only problem I have here is that my tractor has been out of action for a year and it costs an arm and a leg to have it repaired (Kiota DK40). that'd never happen in Sydney ;)

[Dougsshed]

Hi,
I realise that you started this thread some months ago. Have you made a decision yet? Have you actually made the move? If so, best of luck. My experience doing the same thing has been a very positive thing! My wife and I moved from suburban Melbourne to the Yarra Valley about 10 yrs ago and we have never looked back.

If not, rather than prattle on here, send me your ph no in a PM and I'll be happy to share some valuable tips with you on what to look for and what to avoid.

Cheers
Doug

[thumbsucker]

Well the first term is over, I have survived 2 months 1 term of school. At this time I cannot see myself staying regional for more than 1 or 2 years at the most. Assuming I last that long.

For those who have never meet me and may not know that I have an accent and could easily pass as some kind of "ethnic". Even if my blood is 95% German/Dutch/English with a the remainder a mix of East Asian and I have lived 3/4" of life in Australia. However the fact that I am not pure white has become a problem.

The school has a group of students who are devout neo-nazis. From the first class I had with them they have gone out of their way to harass me. Talking in an Indian accent and rocking their head side to side. Launching into rants about how Hitler was a great man who helped to protect White Australians from Jews, Muslims, Aboriginal and Blacks. Not to mention Donal Trump, their hero. They are using social media and messaging platforms to spreed rumours that I am Muslim - a treasonous crime. On parent teacher interviews staff had to intervene when a parent of one these students took offence to having a negor Muslim tell them that their Hitler loving son was not the greatest. The parents are so proud of their son, they remind me of the Duke family of KKK fame. At the parent teacher interview I physically felt that they were moments away from beating me if other staff did not intervene.

It has gotten to the point were two students have been removed from my classrooms. Because they go to the principle, were they make baseless accusation and then the school is forced to investigate. With baseless accusations they cannot remove me however at some point the school may find it easier to simple remove me to keep nazi elements within the school happy. Replacing me with a pure Arian. The students know that making false claims will not get them in trouble so they will keep doing it and their parents support them.

Then there was a trip home last week. When stopped at the traffic light I saw a Holden ute in front. The tailgate was painted with a confederate flag (a known hate symbol), the number plate was "Rdneck", the ute was covered with stickers like "White and Proud of It", and to top it off the ute was outfitted with a shooting platform, spot lights and other hunting paraphernalia. The driver would have put a bullet in my brain without hesitation.

This is not the kind of environment that I feel welcome or safe in.

While this is not indicative of everyone and while the staff/school are for the most part welcoming. I know that I am not wanted by the community. Having now seen the hatred that fills this place I can understand why migrants never stay in regional areas and return to the safety of the big cities as soon as their permanent residency comes through.

On the bright side my year 7's adore me, one told me I am her favourite teacher and gave me a hug at the end of term. I can tell that they genuinely learned something in my classes, they had a good time, they got a taster for working metal and wood and they took their work home to show mum and dad with pride. In the past students just abandon their work because it was all of such poor quality. Leaving me to dump three ute loads of abandoned projects from previous years.

However no matter how much good work I do and no matter how much some kids my like me I do not see myself living in this kind of environment. It's mid term break and I am planing to go to Melbourne a couple times to see friends, eat food, shop for food and to feel welcomed by strangers.

[BobL]

Sorry to hear about your recalcitrant students and environment.
Many teachers feel like you do after one term, are you able to talk to you supervisors about it? I had my big doubts at about the same time. Things got a bit better after the second year but I still wanted out, I then set up a planned exit by undertaking more study but it took longer than expected and I ended up teaching for a total of 7 years. .

RE; Treatment from certain Students
These people cannot be allowed to get away with this sort of nonsense.
I know it's easy for me say for me to say, but I would be documenting (diarising) this in detail and submitting copies to the principal, and the Human Rights Commissioners office.
https://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/commissioners/race-discrimination-commissioner-dr-tim-soutphommasane. Maybe seek advice from that office about how to do this.
Times/dates/locations, what was said by both sides, witnesses present etc.
It's hard to do this in a detached way because it can lead to stressful brooding over the issues, but you need to protect yourself.
If things go pear shaped and you don't have this sort of detail on hand you won't have much to support your side of things.

BTW I would be very careful about touching/hugging any students.

[thumbsucker]

I would love to transition out of secondary and into tertiary education, however there are not many opportunities for teaching furniture making at University. I would have to undertake a masters and there is few places that offer furniture making at a masters level that I would be interested in. It would would mean moving back to Canberra or Launceston. To be honest I would choose to go to the Canada or the EU, or even better would be Japan.

I am making records in Compass, however I think making copies that I can keep would also be wise. I am prone to anxiety and I work my guts out to give the kids the best educational experience. So it stresses me when I have to deal with this kind of sh-it. My hope is that now these two students are out my classes things will settle, but it will not stop them from bad mouthing me to parents, staff and students. My other concern is being a small town running into them and having to physically defend myself from a bunch of neo-nazis and their supporters.

I have not spoken to anyone in the school because I simple do not trust them. You never know what their personal agenda maybe and too who they may share our conversations with.

I tend to be very careful of physical contact, the student hugged me but I did not reciprocate the hug. I was caught off guard by the students actions.

[Bohdan]

I would love to transition out of secondary and into tertiary education

A while back I moved from secondary to TAFE. The student attitude difference was unbelievable.

Having to only deal with students that wanted to be there was a different world, until the government decided to "retrain" the unemployable, then it was like secondary again.

[BobL]

I would try not to worry too much about the bad mouthing. Chances are if they are bad mouthing you they are doing the same to lots of other so their option about anyone is not worth much. My take ended up being if you are doing your job right your will always be treading on some lazy mongrels toes as its impossible not to do so. My old dad used to say, "if you are out front out will always have someone trying to boot you in the clacker"

[justonething]

Sorry to hear that. All I will say is to make use of your phone's recording capability to catch those foul mouth up to no good sobs and report them, wether you are moving out or not.

[derekcohen]

This sounds too terrible. Not only is this destroying your dream of country life, along with high levels of stress, but your work and finances are at risk. You are at risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. The school must take action, and they will if they are aware of the impending financial threat that is heading their way. Speak with an Education Department supervisor and let them know the situation. You may also need legal representation. You are keeping records. Do a few sound recordings as well. What I would be aiming for at this time, if I was you, is relocation to another school in a distant district (you will not want to remain where you are after this), and the Education Department arranging this and picking up the tab for relocation (at the least).

Regards from Perth

Derek

[BobL]

No matter what they say I'll bet you will find making recordings will not be accepted as evidence and could land you in hot water.

[woodPixel]

Record everything.

On my phone, for calls, is an auto-record funtion. I can replay or store them if I wish (which I do, so to get details).

It also records at various bitrates, either voice/noise activated or continuous. I'd record the lot.

I'd ask the schools lawyer about it. As others have said, financially nuke the school from space. Go immediately right up to the top of the education pile and write a critical letter.

I'd make a huge deal of recording everything in class. Video too, mounted on the walls.

This teacher does it: https://www.youtube.com/user/misterwootube his classes are live to the internet, recorded and can be watched by all.


..
...
....
These students and their parents are a cancerous plague on our society. It is time to rip them out roots and all and throw them through the mulcher.

[justonething]

The recording is there to prove that a member of the teaching staff's health and safety requires serious attention of the education dept. The lawyer's will sort out the legality issue no doubt.

[BobL]

Before you record anything have a read of this.
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/governance/Pages/privacy.aspx

[woodPixel]

Use the bureaucracy. Write a formal complaint about each student and parent as it occurs.

State you were threatened by them.

One filing per incident. Enforce a form of malicious compliance.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/governance/Pages/risk.aspx

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/governance/Pages/interventionorders.aspx

I'd go for an even harsher regime. Use technology against them. Use a social media monitor and record their posts. Take out AVO's and sue them for liable/slander/defamation.

[thumbsucker]

Having spoken to a lawyer a few years ago I know that it is illegal to record anyone in Australia without their consent. Schools require parents consent to record and many parents withhold that consent for a variety of reasons.

I am surprised by the recommendation for a legal recourse. It is not in my nature to seek such remedies.

My view is - that starting a legal fight, going to another school/district. Would only give these people what they want. They want me to leave and go back to Afghanistan or Lebanon or as Donald Trump put it one of those "sh-it hole countries". Even if my sh-it hole country is Switzerland.

I also believe that the greatest revenge I can have against people like this is to make a life, to become an indispensable and beloved teacher.

These people deserve our pity. They listen to our political leaders, radio talk show hosts, they surf the net hanging out on websites/forums that I will not mention. Feeding on and regurgitating hate without the cognitive capacity to reason. Even if I win a trillion dollars lawsuit all the way to the UN Human Rights commission it would not change their behaviour or minds. It would only reinforce their preconceptions.

They do not hate me, they hate what I am which is simple "different" from their narrow conception.

However I will make notes of all events, as a teacher we have a system called Compass and we are told to enter all events no matter how trivial into it for the above reason. I will also chase up joining the Teachers Union something that I have not done yet.

In the end I have about 300 kids that I will directly teach this year. Only 1 is a neo-nazi, two more are followers of the first. That still leaves me 297 good kids to work with.

Love overcomes all.

[FenceFurniture]

These are stupid people they need pity.Well the first thing to do is be careful about what you say about them on here. There could so easily be a member in the Traralgon area who could point them towards these posts......in which case this problem will become immeasurably worse.....

[woodPixel]

One drop kick amongst 300 is but a rounding error or statistical aberration. No doubt he is "known to authorities".

Perhaps talk to other teachers and involve them? No doubt they are experiencing the same.

I apologise for my belligerence. Racism makes my blood boil. I apologise also if I've caused distress or made anyone uncomfortable with my rantings.

[woodPixel]

is there an update to this tale? I saw the other new thread....

[woodPixel]

without wanting to be negative, but here is a thing that was apparently on the tele: https://www.9news.com.au/national/60-minutes-la-trobe-university-melbourne-education-teachers-parents-students/9d9827c8-a8ee-4449-a39b-64fb8ae321af

[KBs PensNmore]

These people deserve our pity. They listen to our political leaders, radio talk show hosts, they surf the net hanging out on websites/forums that I will not mention. Feeding on and regurgitating hate without the cognitive capacity to reason. Even if I win a trillion dollars lawsuit all the way to the UN Human Rights commission it would not change their behaviour or minds. It would only reinforce their preconceptions.
Even if you didn't take it to court, getting the Education Department involved, should make the students accountable. We are constantly being told, you can't say this that or whatever in this Politically Correctness World, why can't you use that to try to stamp out the bad behaviour.
I'll be the first one to admit to not being politically correct in some form, but, it is done without Malice.
It's little wonder then where the ratbag element comes from. When I went to school, back in the late 50's and 60's, our teachers were respected, they commanded authority.
Now, parents expect the teachers to teach their "angels", but heaven forbid if it's not inline with their ideas. They seem to want it both ways, they can't control their own children, but expect to be able to control them, and then chastise the teacher when they do.
I know how Thumbsucker feels, I'm from a similar background, (Dutch born, with Dutch parents) and was constantly told to go back to wogland etc, harrased, as a school student. I don't have an accent, but because of my name, I was picked on, constantly. I now suffer severe depression because of the treatment I got at school.


BobL Before you record anything have a read of this.
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/governance/Pages/privacy.aspx The Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 applies to all forms of recorded information or opinion about an individual who can be identified, including photographs and emails. It establishes standards for the collection, handling and disposal of personal information and places special restrictions on ‘sensitive information’ such as:
Recording a voice would be acceptable, to show the type of aggravation used against a teacher

[KBs PensNmore]

Double posting

[sacc51]

Not good to hear KB. I'm afraid when a child I was one who harassed migrants with taunts and jokes such as Wog and Ding. Unfortunately as children we don't appreciate the stresses we place on people with our behaviours.

Interestingly, all my friends were Indian, Italian, Polish, Argentinian and so on, that should give you an indication that the comments were mere throwaways with no real malice intended.

I have often thought I would like to run across some of the people I taunted as a child and apologise for my thoughtless comments, so, on behalf of those who taunted you and for those I personally taunted I would like to apologise.

Take heart that as children we had no malice, the taunts were mere throwaways. If not for the different races that migrated to our shores all those years ago Australia would not be the country we now enjoy.

[woodPixel]

The older I get (49), the more I realise I've been wrong on almost everything.

Words are power.

Words can help, elevate and enliven, but they can also destroy, debase and humiliate.

One doesn't need to lift a finger to harm a person. It doesn't require a beating. A well aimed insult is something, that KB has demonstrated, lasts a lifetime.

For the last 10 years, especially the last 5, I've tried very hard to be a Good Man. I'll never be a paladin or knight, but I try to do the right and kind thing now. Say good things, mind what I say, not to pass off jibes or sarcasm as some form of intellectualism.

Doing good for the sake of good alone is all is needed. It is not weakness. It is strength.

One day, I hope to apologise to all those I've insulted, belittled or demeaned accidentally or otherwise. As I said, now I'm older I finally understand, properly, the lessons my teachers tried to get me to learn....

[thumbsucker]

At the end last term a female Chinese and a female Japanese teacher abruptly left the school. The reason given for their departure is racial intimidation by both students and certain staff. My current school asked me to confirm my intention to stay into 2020, I refused to commit, since I have decided to leave. I am putting out feelers for another school. I have settled into country life and I enjoy the more relaxed pace, however I need to find a more progressive and inclusive community.

The difference between mean spirited kids today and in the past is the world is radically different. These kids have been indoctrinated by social media, parents and politicians they know what they are saying and they feel the impunity of their words and actions.

A race war is coming based on nationalism and religious superiority. The age of international peace, free trade, and globalism is over. Mongrel dogs like me will be some of the first to rounded up and cleansed.

[derekcohen]

I am really sorry to hear this (and it does not help if I predicted it earlier in the thread). I fear that you live in an area in which prejudice runs high.

I abhor any form of prejudice. There was more than enough of this in my childhood, which was growing up in South Africa. Even the beauties of Cape Town, which was "progressive", was not enough to keep us there, and we migrated to Oz 35 years ago. There will always be those that remain narrow minded and afraid, and scapegoat someone, or a group, to blame for their own failures and inadequacies. Fortunately, they are really the minority, although their noise makes them seem more. I love the melting pot that is Perth, and I get to meet so many different people in my work. It is always so reassuring when the most unlikely person shows their ability for sensitivity.

I did write earlier that you would likely move. You deserve better, and the school do not. They should have stood by you (and the others) when it became apparent what was going on. At the least now, they should step in to aid with your relocation.

Regards from Perth

Derek