Knox & District Toy Library Inc.
Term 2 April 2012
Newsletter
Contents
President’s report
The secret to keeping the Knox and District Toy Library running smoothly is
the team effort required from the Co-ordinators, Committee and Family
members. I would like to congratulate and thank everyone for the hard work
they have given over the year.
Throughout the year (April 2011/ 2012) we have achieved:
Opening a new Bank Account with the Bendigo Bank ($500)
Presidents report
Co-ordinators message
 New Sponsorship
 New Committee
 Party Packs
 Toy reviews
 Meet the co-ordinators
 Duty requirements
 Cleaning toys
 Fund raising
 Sponsors & businesses
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6&7
We have been able to run a few fundraising events such as Cadbury chocolates/ natural lollies, Aussie
Farmers, Intelex beanie heat packs, Grill’d Knox, Boccocks sausage sizzle and a Bunning’s BBQ. We have
been able to use the funds to purchase new toys, a printer, update our party packs, pay wages and bills and
keep the toy library running.
We received an official grant from Knox Council for $1700 with money going for new tanbark and new toys.
Keep your eyes open for some of our new purchases:
In the last two months we have brought: 2 red tunnels, 2 clear tunnels, 1 construction peak rail and road set
(Little tikes ), felt ethnic family set, bamboo building block set, freight train set, farm puzzle, large rubber leggo
blocks, basket ball hoop set, new balls for ball pits, leggo city. Thank you very much to the families whom have
donated toys. These include: circus caravan, activity walker, rocking moose and musical ride on pony.
We have picked up a number of new Sponsors such as: Connect East – Driving Eastlink, Aussie Farmers,
and some small business that have helped us over the year including: Boccocks Butchers, Master foods Head
Office , Baker’s Delight Vermont, Mountain Gate and Rowville and Brumby’s Studfield. Thanks to all our
Sponsors for their generous support.
The outdoor play area has slowly been revamped, cleaned and tidied up. The benefit of having a
Maintenance Officer who can co ordinate with the Knox Council and organise and run working bees. Thanks to
the Knox Council for all their work and to “Deloittee” who came and helped out on our working bee day.
The Toy Library is now on Face Book, we have our own website. Chelsea has redesigned our brochures,
gift cards, and poster and keeps our web page up to date and looking good.
We have continued to advertise the Toy Library through having a stall at the Baby Bazaar at the Caribbean
Market, talks with Maternal Health groups and Playgroups, brochures at the Knox Libraries, Display Day at
Bunnings Scoresby and advertising in the Leader newspaper.
We are delighted to receive a $2000 cheque from the Bendigo Bank Branch in Wantirna to purchase 2 new
theme party packs.
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It has been a pleasure working on the committee and though I will not be President for the 2012 year, I have
enjoyed the new friendships I have made. Thank you and welcome to our 3 new members who have joined our
committee and a big thank you on behalf of the committee to Troy Butler who has done a terrific job as Treasurer
over the last 3 years. . I hope to keep in touch and hear about all the great ideas presented over the upcoming
year.
Regards, Debby
A word from the new
president
The n
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Secreta
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Treasu
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Assista
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Memb
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Purcha
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Newsle
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Public
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Co-ord
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Assista
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Gerard
Raven
scroft
Jason
Stokes
Vanes
sa Cip
riano
Jodie
Beach
Liz We
ldon
Alex M
onson
As new president I would like to thank Debbie for her
efforts over the years, everyone agrees she has gone
Chelse
above and beyond to support the toy library and left me
a Fletc
her
some very big shoes to fill. Also a big thanks to all the
Francin
e Morr
ell
outgoing committee members.
Tamm
y Sma
ll
A little about my family, we joined the toy library after seeing a
party pack at a friends child's 1st birthday and thought it was a great
idea.
Since then our fortnightly visits to the toy library have become a really fun and positive experience. My son loves
the wooden play toys, which I don't even know where you could buy anymore.
It is also a great place as I can say yes to him playing with and touching all the toys, not like in a toy store, it also
allows his personality to come out by choosing his own toys.
I would also like to thank all the committee members who have continued on and to the new members of the
committee. There are still positions available, if you would like to join the committee please speak to Francine.
I am looking forward to working with everyone and to help the toy library continue being a valuable part of our
local community.
Cheers,
Gerard.
A message from the co-ordinator
Well first term has flown by. Thanks to all the members who have been doing their bit to help keep the Toy
Library running smoothly as well as keeping the fees as low as we can. The Bunnings Sausage Sizzle was a
great success and the money will go into more Toy library brochures to help get more members as well replace
toys that need replacing.
Unfortunately Karen has flown the coup and moved on to other commitments. She will be missed as she put a
lot of energy into providing our members with an enjoyable borrowing experience.
We are pleased Tammy has taken up the role as my assistant and will fill in for me when needed as well as run
the sessions on her own, any queries she will be only to pleased to help.
I would also like to thank the committee members who have moved on and welcome any new faces that have
generously come on board to help keep our Toy Library community growing.
I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter break.
Happy Borrowing,
Francine
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Thank you Bendigo Bank - Wantirna Branch!
We are delighted to receive a $2000 cheque from the Bendigo Bank Branch in Wantirna. Sarah Thurrowgood
(Branch Manager) and Staff and Board members presented us with the cheque at our Annual general meeting
on March 24th. Thank you to the Bendigo Bank’s Wantirna Community Bank Branch for this donation and we
look forward to working with you throughout the year and beyond. This donation of $2000 is for sponsorship
of 2 theme party packs. Alex our party pack representative is excitedly putting together a fairy and pirate
theme party pack, and will hopefully have that available shortly for borrowing.
A word from our new sponsor......
“At Wantirna Community Bank® Branch we are really excited about the new partnership we have formed with
the Knox Toy Library. To know that families can have access to educational toys and Birthday Party Packs to
celebrate that special event is really wonderful and very worthwhile. This $2,000 investment is made possible by
the customers of our branch who choose to bank with us, and I would like to take this opportunity to invite the
members of the Knox Toy Library to consider us for their current and future banking needs. Just by having your
account, children’s account, home loan or insurance with our branch the local community of Knox, Studfield and
Wantirna benefit. As we are a locally owned and operated Bank we choose where our profits go – and that
means up to 80% goes back into the community for locals to benefit.
For more information visit us at Shop 5, Wantirna Mall, 348 Mountain Highway, Wantirna or phone us on
9720 4122 to have your questions answered or make an appointment to discuss your financial goals.”
Sarah Thurrowgood
Branch Manager - Wantirna
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Party Packs
The Committee is very excited to announce that we will be introducing two new theme Party Packs this year,
thanks to the generous sponsorship from Bendigo Bank - Wantirna Mall Branch.
The Fairy Party Pack will include everything needed to ensure the birthday fairy princess has a magical party,
including fairy costumes, music, dancing ribbons, hula hoops, a ride-on horse, finger puppets and lots of fairy
games.
The Pirate Party Pack will be filled with lots of swashbuckling fun! There will be swords,
eye-patches and scarf-hats for all the little pirates as well as a pirate chest, Anchors Away
water activity table, a roller coaster, finger puppets,
bowling pins, pirate footballs and lots of other pirate
games.
We hope to have both new Party Packs ready by mid
2012. Both packs will also include tips and suggestions
related to the party theme, including games and party
food ideas.
Toy Review
BIGJIGS Rail 130-Piece Wooden Freight Train Set
This is one of the new toys purchased from the Knox City Council Grant.
Set contains 130 pieces. This set has so much included it will keep children (and parents) busy for hours. They
will adore this one hundred and thirty piece set that will inspire hours of imaginative and creative play.
This brilliant wooden train set includes the following items:
• Ground level and elevated track which runs across bridges, through a tunnel and in and out of various depots
and stations.
• A triple engine shed and clever connecting turntable.
• Two trains pulling assorted freight and goods wagons.
• A wonderful wooden crane.
• Other assorted building, people, landmarks and landscapes and vehicles.
Children will spend hours changing and creating the town and the train track that runs through it.
Compatible with other wooden rail systems including the;BRIO and PLAN TOYS Rail systems.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS:
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Develops and assists with fine motor skills
Imaginative play
Promotes ideas and creativity
Provides opportunities for sharing and taking turns
Gender: both
Ages: 3-5 Years
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Meet The Co-ordinators
Francine Morrell
My name is Francine,
I have been apart of The Knox Toy Library for about 9 years. I first joined as an
normal borrowing member when my boy/girl twins Shane and Maddison were
about 18 months old. They are now 10 and a 1/2 and are in grade 5 at Scoresby
Primary School. I also have a 27 year old daughter Tara.
I took on the roll of assistant Co-ordinator when the committee were no longer
able to assist the co-ordinator during the sessions. Then I moved into a job share
position when Noeline was the co-ordinator.
When she left for a full time position about 3 years ago I took on the roll of paid
senior co-ordinator.
Joining the Toy Library was the best thing I ever did as I love what I do seeing new members and their children get
so much out of their experience with the Toy Library and the sense of community you get when working with a
committee of wonderful people who give up their time to help keep the Toy Library running.
Which footy team do you support? I am a Carlton supporter but I don't really take much notice of the footy these
days. My opinion is you only need to watch the last quarter of the grand final to know what you need to know.
What album is currently in your cd/mp3 player? Adel Maddison and I really love her.
How do you like your steak? I like my steak well done no blood but not over done (not fussy).
If you had a snail that could magically grant wishes, what would you name it? I have no idea, as I am not very imaginative. I also dislike snails as they eat my mail before I can get to it.
f you could only eat 3 foods a day what would they be? one of course would be chocolate the other two would be
cherries and grapes, have to undo the bad the chocolate does.
If you could have a superpower, which one would you pick and why? I would like to be able to be invisible, that way I
could keep an eye on the kids with out them knowing.
What is your favourite board game? Ramekin and as a kid it would have been Trouble.
Did you ever try to sell lemonade as a kid? You could say I did sell Lemonade as a kid as my first job at 13 was
in a mild bar and i did sell lemonade.
What trip would you most like to take in your lifetime? To take all my children to Africa to
work in an orphanage for a month. That would be life changing for all of us.
Tammy Small
I have enjoyed working at Knox Toy Library for the past three and a half years,
which has been a rewarding part time job. I completed year 12 last year, I am
currently taking a Gap Year and will start University next year, studying midwifery.
In the next 12 months I plan to work full time and possibly travel.
Which footy team do you support? Collingwood
What was your favourite toy as a child? Baby Doll
What album is currently in your cd/mp3 player? Matchbox 20
How do you like your steak? Well done
What is your favourite board game? Cluedo
If you could only eat 3 foods a day what would they be? Chocolate, Hot Chips, Pasta
If you could have a superpower, which one would you pick and why? Invisibility, so that I could be in any place I desired.
If you had a snail that could magically grant wishes, what would you name it? Lucky
Did you ever try to sell lemonade as a kid? No
What trip would you most like to take in your lifetime? A tour of Europe
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Fund Raising Program
Aussie Farmers Direct - You can receive your daily grocery items delivered
direct to your door with Aussie Farmers Direct. Aussie Farmers have a healthy
eating fundraising program and the Toy Library is involved! For every family
that receives the service, they will donate 2% of your total spend back to the Toy Library. Pick up a brochure
and registration form from the Toy Library or if you are already a customer go to
http://aussiefarmersdirect.com.au/fundraising/Fundraising.html and link your account (see website for link).
A BIG thank you to the 5 people who have already linked their accounts!
Cadbury Chocolate Drive - This is one of our major fund raisers and has been so successful to date, so
please help out and take a box home to sell to your friends, neighbours or work colleagues.
Trouble doing your duty requirements?
If you are unable to attend duty as required by your membership, you have a few options:
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Pay a duty levy of $25 per term
Help with our fund raising
Participate in a stock take or working bee
Bagging new toys
If you’ve just had a baby or been in hospital, you don’t need to complete your duty in that term. Please contact
a co-ordinator to adjust your roster.
If you have not completed a duty this year and have not completed one of the options listed above, your
borrowing privileges will be locked.
Cleaning toys
All toys, puzzles and games are more appealing if clean. Do you want to borrow a dirty toy for your child to
play with? Always set aside time to clean the toys before returning them to the toy library.
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Wash the toys well in the laundry tub with soapy water and disinfectant.
Do not soak or immerse the toys.
Do not place toys in the dishwasher, as some toys will melt
Do not immerse wooden toys, wash with a old toothbrush and hot soapy water
We are on Facebook, ‘Like’ us via our website
www.knoxtoylibrary.org.au/ or search for Knox Toy Library on
Facebook. We would love to hear from you, your ideas, review of
toys borrowed. We hope to keep you informed of news and events.
Promote your business here......
Blankey Time fun with your baby
If you are looking for a fun, safe way to bond and stimulate your young baby, then
BlankeyTime is for you.
I am an Aussie mum that has designed, written and produced a DVD filled with singing
and movement that you can do with your baby from 10 weeks and upwards.
All your family can do this and it gives them and bubs the opportunity to bond, learn
and have some fun. You will also receive a CD of all the songs from the DVD so you
can play them in the car to keep the kids entertained.
For more information visit www.blankeytime.com.au
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