The full text of this Banner is stored in the PDF file linked below. Click on the link to read or download the Banner.
Read the Winter 2025 Banner (2.9 MBytes)
President’s Report
Welcome to this Winter edition of the Beaconsfield Banner. The Banner is available on our BPA website and printed copies are available in the town at businesses.
A significant local issue we are dealing with is the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) at Station Street, Beaconsfield. During March, the Station Street Beaconsfield boom gates from the level crossing were dismantled as part of the level crossing removal. In addition, the new McKenna Drive bridge was opened. The new bridge connects Beaconsfield Avenue to Kenilworth Avenue permanently separating vehicles and trains (cover photo). Crews have begun packing up the work site including taking down site sheds and will move out of the area in the coming months. Landscaping and footpath widening is nearly complete with approximately 80 Australian native and indigenous trees and 75,000 plants and shrubs are to be planted in the project area. The southern station car park with 105 parking spaces has reopened to the public.
A community event was held on Saturday, 28 June in the Beaconsfield Station car park to celebrate the completion of major works for the project. The event included activities for kids, free food and coffee. Steam Rail Victoria provided free rides on a fully restored A2 Class Steam locomotive from Berwick Station to Pakenham East Station.
The future of the Railway House which is owned by the State Government is still undecided. Part of the rear of the House was removed to allow the building of the new bridge. The house and Bunya pine need to be retained for heritage purposes and would be a valuable community asset for Cardinia Shire. It was great to see the red letterbox being handed back to a sentimental Ian Cole a previous owner of the Railway House.
The Beaconsfield ANZAC Memorial Service was held on Sunday 20 April at the War Memorial site at Bonette Reserve. Despite being held during Easter and School holidays there was a good attendance in fine weather to remember service men and women who served in wars and conflicts and, in particular, those from Beaconsfield. There was a march along Woods Street prior to the Memorial Service. The Memorial Service included the Memorial Address written by Penny Harris Jennings for Lieutenant Edgar Marsden, the reading of the Beaconsfield Soldiers’ names and the Ode to the Fallen by Eric Chaplin OAM Upper Beaconsfield RSL, the Last Post, one minute’s silence and the Rouse and laying of the Wreaths. Thanks to the many people involved in the service including Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, Cr Brett Owen, Beaconsfield Officer Scouts, Beaconsfield CFA including Juniors and Piper Simon Gibson.
The upgraded Bonette Reserve is looking good with new paving, seating, gardens, landscaping, underground power, new flag poles, parking and footpath upgrades. These works have greatly enhanced this Reserve for the use and enjoyment of the community.
Recently, Cardinia Shire Council installed various speed humps along Fieldstone Boulevard in Berwick Views to help the flow of traffic. Hopefully this will improve the safety of this road.
It was a pleasure to attend the Beaconsfield CFA Awards Night. It is always amazing to witness the number of fire brigade members receiving various service awards. On behalf of our community, we greatly appreciate all the work done by CFA volunteers.
APA has been conducting essential maintenance work on the T60 Longford to Dandenong Pipeline in Beaconsfield Park. The works involve excavation, pipeline repairs and site cleanup. The works are due to be completed soon.
Ann and I were honoured to receive the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) announced on the King’s Birthday. We thank all for the congratulation wishes that we received and acknowledge the help and assistance that we receive from organisations we are involved in and particularly from Beaconsfield Progress Assoc members.
Our Meetings are now held on the third Tuesday of each alternate month commencing February 2025 but there are no meetings in January and December. Meetings commence at 7.30pm at the Beaconsfield Community Complex. All local residents, business owners and others keen to be kept informed on matters predominately related to Beaconsfield are welcome to attend the meetings.
Graeme Taylor, OAM
President – Beaconsfield Progress Association
The full text of this Banner is stored in the PDF file linked below. Click on the link to read or download the Banner.
