Bendigo Magazine - Issue 66 - Autumn, 2022 by Bendigo Magazine

ISSUE 66 | AUTUMN 2022 bendigomagazine.com.au

A BURNING

ambition

IN DEEP

FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS JOIN THE RANKS

BEYOND SOUNDS THE RESONANCE ORCHESTRA IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY

ISSN 1833-1289 AUD $5.95 (Inc. GST)

WATER POLO PLAYERS BACK IN ACTION

the king

ROCK & ROLL ROYALTY EXHIBITION HAS ARRIVED

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104 B E I S C H E R S T R E E T, B E N D I G O E A S T | 03 4436 1020

GOLDEN DRAGON MUSEUM... A LIVING HISTORY!

Ph: 03 5441 5044 www.goldendragonmuseum.org

Image: Yar Loong 1939 Collection: State Library of Victoria.

MANAGING EDITOR Dustin Schilling

dear reader, The leaves are turning red and gold, the days are getting shorter, and the nights are finally cooler. Autumn in Bendigo is a magical time of the year and with the return of the Bendigo Easter Fair there is much to be happy about this season. After a two-year break, Bendigo’s water polo players have enjoyed getting back in the pool. Lauren Ellis discusses the upcoming Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition, which is sure to draw an international audience to the Bendigo Art Gallery. Quarry Hill artist Wes Franklin creates art from the written word and Bendigo author Di Dempsey uncovers the hidden toll of war in her latest book. Nurturing our youth and beginners, supporting them to achieve their goals are at the forefront of two regional organisations. One is the Country Fire Authority, where three female volunteers are on the verge of being qualified firefighters. The other is the Resonance Orchestra, based in Woodend and Castlemaine, providing performance opportunities, tuition and friendship for musicians from young to old and beginner to experienced. We encourage you to enjoy all that Bendigo has to offer. Take care and happy reading.

FROM THE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHERS Leon Schoots, AJ Taylor and Daniel Soncin WRITERS Dianne Dempsey, Geoff Hocking, John Holton, Lauren Mitchell, Raelee Tuckerman, Sue Turpie and Marina Williams CONTRIBUTORS Beau Cook, Stephanie Dunne and Lisa Chesters PRINT MANAGER Nigel Quirk ADVERTISING advertising@bendigomagazine.com.au

PO Box 5003 Bendigo, VIC 3550 Phone: 0438 393 198

Bendigo Magazine takes all care but accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Bendigo Magazine holds copyright to all content unless otherwise stated. ISSN 1833-1289. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in this publication. The views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the editor or the publisher.

Visit the Living Arts Space

Showcasing works created by local artists from Bendigo and the central Victorian region, the Living Arts Space presents exhibitions, workshops and artist talks throughout the year for a unique visitor experience celebrating the region’s contemporary arts, culture and heritage.

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Edible gifts Unearth locally grown and produced delights from the City and region of Gastronomy. Indulge with delicious treats to take home and savour your Bendigo experience. Can’t decide on a gift for that special person in your life? Come in and let us help you create a one-of-a-kind, City of Gastronomy hamper. Shop in-store or online. Gift wrapping and click and collect available. www.uniquelybendigo.com.au

Make your own hamper • Local produce • Hand crafted items • Something for every budget • Complimentary gift wrapping

BENDIGO VISITOR CENTRE Open 9am to 5pm daily (except Christmas Day) 51-67 Pall Mall, Bendigo • 03 5434 6060 • tourism@bendigo.vic.gov.au www.bendigoregion.com.au • #Explore Bendigo • Find us on

contents

PEOPLE & LIFE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 19

Direct from Graceland - Elvis Presley Exhibition

A steady hand - Wes Franklin

Casualties on the home front - Dianne Dempsey

sounds special - The Resonance Orchestra

In the line of fire - Volunteer firefighters

The perfect fit - Amy Yates

Into the big league - Annabel Strahan

Pizza perfection - Recipe

Bendigo’s healthcare army - Lisa Chesters

Weekend notes - Wine tasting

Keeping it cool - Bendigo memories

A beautiful blend - Californian bungalow renovation

Sally and Adam - Local wedding feature

Material marvel - Architectural home feature

Power play - Bendigo Water Polo Club

Finishing touch - Outdoor living feature

FOOD, WINE & HOME

Emporium Creative Hub is your space to create, connect, learn and grow.

Bendigo’s Creative Industries Community

Coworking Business

Residencies Creative

Incubation

Workshops

Networking

Mentoring

Social Events

Opportunities

Emporium Creative Hub is an initiative of Learn more at emporiumcreativehub.com.au

BENDIGO EASTER FAIR Starting in 1871, the Bendigo Easter Fair is one of Australia’s longest-running community events. Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the city is finally ready to celebrate its 150th Bendigo Easter Fair. Over the four-day Easter long weekend, Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park and surrounding streets will be transformed into a vibrant precinct bursting with family-friendly entertainment, stage shows, hands-on activities, live music and more. Dancers, drummers, lion teams and 100,000 crackers will be part of the Chinese Spring Festival and Awakening of the Dragon. As the sun sets on Easter Sunday, find your place along the road to cheer on the convoy of illuminated floats in the Torchlight Procession, concluding with a fireworks display over the city. The 150th Bendigo Easter Fair will culminate when thousands of people line the streets on Easter Monday to watch the gorgeous display of colour in the Gala Parade. Experience the excitement as Bendigo’s newest dragon, Dai Gum Loong (the world’s longest Imperial Dragon), weaves his way through the historic streetscapes of Bendigo in his first solo parade outing. For more information, visit www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au

oldies but goodies are back

After a notable absence the city is preparing for the Bendigo Easter Fair, while a wide range of performers will be taking to the stage. Top-class jockeys are ready to go the distance, writers want to effect change, and there are added extras to the Elvis exhibition. GOLDEN MILE RACE DAY A fun day awaits punters and friends alike at the 2022 Golden Mile Race Day. The annual event, scheduled to be held in Bendigo on April 2, is shaping up to have an impressive field. There’s no need to dust off the bow tie or fascinator, as racegoers are encouraged to embrace country casual. The Bendigo Jockey Club has played host to punters and thoroughbreds for over 150 years, and the Golden Mile has proven to be a favourite with many Central Victorians, from lifelong members to those who just enjoy a great day out. Take in the sweeping views of one of Victoria’s premier racetracks, either positioned trackside or under cover from the comfort of an ornate and historic grandstand. Patrons can enjoy backing a winner from the bars or bookmakers on course at the event. Parking is free. For further information or to make a booking, visit country.racing.com/bendigo 9

REVOLT INTO STYLE: HOW ELVIS REDEFINED MODERN ART When we look throughout history, we can appreciate the relationship between art and lifestyle, from the Baroque to the Classical, from Romantic to the Modern. To explore a more recent chapter in the power of music as an artform, audiences can join an Australian academic in Bendigo as he discusses one of the most famous performers ever known. Dr Chris McAuliffe, professor and head of the Centre for Art History and Art Theory at the Australian National University School of Art and Design, will explore artistic responses to Elvis and how he redefined modern art. Dr McAuliffe has taught and written extensively on the relationship of art and popular music, and organised the symposium Tinnitus on art and rock music. Revolt into Style: How Elvis Redefined Modern Art will be held from 2pm-3pm on Saturday, May 14, at the La Trobe Art Institute, 121 View Street, Bendigo. Visit www.bendigoregion.com.au for more information.

BOOBS BOOBS is a ground-breaking tale of mammary proportions that follows one woman and her two breasts through a lifechanging decision, a million opinions, a natural disaster and an “Australian first”. When Selina Jenkins chose to undergo elective surgery of a fiercely personal nature, she hoped for good health and great results, but she didn’t anticipate the metaphorical hurricane of resistance that surrounded her decision. Selina is a multi-award-winning cabaret artist, acclaimed musician and celebrated musical comedian. She is also no stranger to adventure, with past productions recapping horse riding escapades across Mongolia, the accidental ingestion of an endangered species and surviving homelessness due to homophobia during the Australian Same Sex Marriage postal survey. Her distinctive style of story-telling marries humour and heartbreak among cleverly written songs and thought-provoking anecdotes. BOOBS is the story of one individual’s determination as she unwittingly shakes the foundations of how we perceive gender, body autonomy and boobs in general. BOOBS will be performed at the Engine Room on May 26 and tickets can be booked through gotix.com.au

Photo: Alison Fairley 10

29 MARCH ULUMBARRA THEATRE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST XI

AN ENSEMBLE THEATRE PRODUCTION BY GEOFFREY ATHERDEN

DIRECTED BY WESLEY ENOCH

BOOK NOW AT GOTIX.COM.AU This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

AN AFTERNOON WITH THE MSO Australian horn player-turned-conductor Peter Luff is partnering with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to bring an eclectic program of classical music to Ulumbarra Theatre, featuring work from Bonis, Kodály, Haydn and RimskyKorsakov. French composer Mélanie Bonis was highly regarded in her time but, as with many women in classical music, her presence has been obscured over the course of history. It’s fitting, then, that the orchestra will perform her haunting piece of swirling harmonies and quiet strength titled Legendary Women. Kodály is perhaps best remembered for inventing the Kodály method – a system known by many primary school students and Sound of Music lovers, where notes of the scale are associated

with hand signals. Kodály’s other major contribution to music was his celebration of Hungarian folk melodies on the orchestral stage, such as the beguiling dances from Galánta, a town on the train line from Budapest to Vienna, highlighted in this concert. MSO associate principal cellist Rachael Tobin will perform Haydn’s First Cello Concerto, a flowing and virtuosic showcase of the instrument that dances in perfect counterpoint with the orchestra. And with boisterous percussion and jovial brass, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol showcases the virtuosity of individual instruments in the orchestra through the amalgamation of Spanish dances and Russian gypsy music. The MSO will perform at Ulumbarra Theatre from 3pm on March 19. To book, visit gotix.com.au

CHANGE IS COMING A curation of dynamic writers and theorists from a diverse range of fields will come together for Dialogues 2022 – Change Your Thinking, a collaborative reflection on the issues of ‘CHANGE’. The event will be held from April 7 to 10 at the Castlemaine Goods Shed and venues throughout Castlemaine. It aims to stimulate active discourse where speakers and audiences challenge, inform, reassure and inspire each other. The program will include keynotes, panel discussions, in-conversation events, literary lunches and poetic creative interventions, all designed to encourage engagement. It features progressive thinkers and writers from Australia and beyond, via livestream, discussing all aspects of ‘CHANGE’ and its impact on our community, individuals, economy and environmental landscape. Speakers will challenge and engage with the audience, encouraging them to instigate, embrace, reject and consider outcomes of change along the way. The line-up of writers and guests includes Bill and Chloe Shorten, Van Badham, Julia Banks, Tim Burrowes, Gabrielle Chan, Dr Anika Molesworth, Alex Kelly, Stephanie Alexander and many more. The Dialogues 2022 program will be livestreamed allowing accessibility for audiences who cannot attend and if lockdown or significant COVID restrictions apply during event dates, the entire project will be delivered online. For details, visit www.castlemainefestival.com.au

2022

RACEDAY

SATURDAY 2 APRIL CITY RACING COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE Over $1.4 million in prizemoney on offer PACKAGES AVAILABLE Carlton Draught Punters Club - Fingerfood, Beer, Wine, Champagne & Soft drink $125 Mini Marquees $400 – 10 pax Trackside Umbrella Package $300 – 10 pax Terrace and Deck - Cash Bar $600 20-30 guests General Admission $20 • Kids Under 16 Free

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ELVIS ON SCREEN To quote the words of producer Hal B. Wallis: “An Elvis Presley picture is the only sure thing in Hollywood.” In a fitting addition to the Elvis exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery, fans can meet Paramount Pictures costume expert and archivist Randall Thropp and Elvis: Direct from Graceland curator Lauren Ellis, as they discuss the legendary star’s time at the film studio. They will also examine the work of costume designer Edith Head, who created a swathe of iconic looks for Elvis and his leading ladies. Many will be aware of Edith’s works, which were prominently showcased in a 2018 exhibition at the gallery. Elvis on Screen will be held from 6pm-7pm on May 26 in the Bendigo Bank Theatre at The Capital, 50 View Street, Bendigo. Tickets cost $10 and bookings can be made via www.bendigoregion.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN TENORS Five of the best tenor voices in Australia will bring their sensational program – along with romance, excitement, warmth and humour – to their performance at Bendigo’s Capital theatre at 2pm on Sunday, April 24. The Australian Tenors are Murray Mayday, Lorenzo Rositano, Martin Buckingham, John Donohoe and Michael Butchard. Their concert encapsulates the spirit, beauty and vocal demand of truly authentic tenor voices and will feature a variety of genres of the beautiful tenor repertoire. The audience can look forward to hearing the ever-popular classical arias from operas such as the tenor-trademark Puccini’s Nessun Dorma and Verdi’s Anvil Chorus. The Australian Tenors will also delight with songs from hit musical theatre productions, including The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha and Somewhere from West Side Story, as well as Neapolitan favourites Funiculi Funicular, O Sole Mio and Luna Mezza Mare. Beautiful duets will be featured including Romeo and Juliet’s A Time for Us and the Holy City. A performance from world-renowned The Australian Tenors is never complete without home classics such as Waltzing Matilda, Australia My Country and I Am Australian.

PRINT INFO Colours

For further information, visit www.tenors.com.au

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ON-TREND BOUTIQUE IS ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE The boutique laine & col opened in Maldon’s main street only six months ago. Owner Jane has quickly established the boutique as a trend-setter. With many unique but well known quality labels, catering for all demographics. The shop design and decor has been well considered and features some beautiful pieces to offset the latest clothing designs. Jane has chosen timeless linens, cottons, silk and fashion favourites as well as matching imported leather shoes and bags. There is also superb range of the most delicate imported and local perfumes. laine & col is located in a historic Maldon building, with the mainstay of appeal being the beautiful chandelier that catches your eye as you enter this very feminine inspired portal. This is well worth a visit when you are in Maldon … or simply make it a destination. For further information about this new business, including shop hours and stock, phone 0437 209 208. Visit laine & col at 5 Main Street, Maldon, or follow on Instagram: laine_and_col

looking to the future

It’s with thanks to loyal public patronage that these businesses can uphold timehonoured values while forging ahead.

HEARD & CO. SCORES AGAIN Independent boutique real estate agency Heard & Co. Real Estate has cemented itself as one of Victoria’s finest, again winning many awards with independent review platform RateMyAgent. For the past four years, the platform has recognised Greg Heard as the number one agent for the Bendigo region. RateMyAgent features independent reviews from sellers and buyers about their experience in dealing with agents and agencies Australia-wide. Greg was ranked number 22 in the Top agents for Victoria and ranked in the Top 100 agents for Australia for client satisfaction and sales results. Greg and his growing team are extremely proud of their achievements of the past four years. “The accomplishments come from a vision to establish an honest brand that our local community can trust,” he says of the familyowned business. “An exciting future is on the horizon for Heard and Co. The foundation we are setting, built on trust and integrity through oldfashioned hard work, is already respected and can only grow from where we are now.” To learn more about Heard & Co. Real Estate and the team visit, www.heardandco.com.au

CAFÉ SURVIVES WITH LOCAL SUPPORT As we look back on the pandemic and life begins to resemble preCOVID days, the owners of Percy and Percy reflect on the support of their patrons that got them through some difficult times. This trendy café in residential Bendigo, with a team of 15 staff members, sits on the fringe of the CBD. For nine years, it’s been treating the public to excellent coffee and quality café-style food. “We started our business from scratch in 2012,” Elisha says. “Myself and my builder husband Dan saw a change in the café culture of Bendigo and decided to jump on the bandwagon.” “We are so proud we survived the brunt of covid thanks to the support of our amazing community.” “We are now in continual recovery mode as we continue to transition into the new COVID normal and face new challenges head on. “We’re looking forward to welcoming new team members, new customers and continue offering our fabulous catering to the corporates as they head back to their offices and new flexible working arrangements.” Percy and Percy is located at 110 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. For further information, phone 54422997 or visit www.percyandpercy.com.au

TIMELESS QUALITY IN FAMILY BUSINESS This year, an iconic Bendigo establishment celebrates 75 years of business. Valentines Furniture started in 1947 with the opening of the first store in Queen Street by Fred Valentine. It has now been overseen by three generations of the one family. Andrew Valentine himself celebrates 30 years in the business this year and, with his wife and team, has recently refreshed the business with new and exciting store upgrades, latest styling trends and of course the very best of furniture brands in Australia.

THE BEST LAWN FOR KIDS & DOGS If you’re in the market for backyard turf that will withstand the rough and tumble of kids and dogs, it’s best to choose a variety with a high wear-tolerance and self-repairing characteristics Moama residents Stuart and Janine Milgate are proof that magnificent results can be achieved by choosing a lowmaintenance turf variety that’s well suited to your conditions and lifestyle. The couple, who own two labradors, installed Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo on the recommendation of the Coolabah Turf team – and they’ve never looked back. “It’s just such a beautiful, hardy and drought-tolerant grass, I don’t put much water into it. I simply follow Coolabah’s seasonal maintenance guide to the letter to keep it strong and healthy,” says Stuart. “We have two monstrous labs that are very hard on the lawn, but it holds up so well, you wouldn’t even know they were there.” Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is an all-round turf variety that’s great with pets and kids and is well suited to the Australian climate. It’s easy to install, drought-tolerant, is low-maintenance, self-repairing and non-invasive. It has a broad, soft luscious leaf that’s a great performer in high-wear areas and is the top-selling and best-performing grass for Aussie back yards. Sir Walter is the most versatile turfgrass available for residential home yard environments as it will perform well in full sun and part shade. Find out more at www.coolturf.com.au

Valentines Furniture has a reputation for quality furniture and service. Today it is owned by Andrew and his wife Jenny, who recently welcomed another staff member to their team. “Further upgrades and development are planned this year and into the future as we build arguably the very best and comprehensive retail store in Victoria,” says Andrew. “Valentines furniture currently supplies leading furniture brands such as Moran, Lazboy, Stressless, IMG and more, to the Greater Bendigo area,” Andrew says. “We have always sourced the best furniture available in each furniture category we sell and, along with a high level of customer service, we offer great value for money. We offer a best price guarantee on all products sold, giving piece of mind to our customers.” They can also boast stocking Sressless, the world’s leading supplier of ergonomically designed chairs and sofas, exclusively in Bendigo at Valentines Furniture. Valentines Furniture is located at 56 Beischer Street, Bendigo. For further information, phone 03 5441 6983 or visit www.valentinesfurniture.com.au

direct from Graceland The king of rock and roll joins a distinguished list of guests to be hosted by the Bendigo Art Gallery. By Dianne Dempsey While the blockbuster has become a well and truly established tradition in the art world, some eyebrows have been raised at the thought of Elvis Presley coming to town and having his way amongst the hallowed statues of the Bendigo Art Gallery. It may have been OK to host the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Mary Quant, but is Elvis a dance move too far? Curator of the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition Lauren Ellis argues that Elvis is a natural progression for the Bendigo gallery which has been celebrating style icons and fashion history for the past decade or so. “We’ve been aware that we haven’t really looked at a seminal figure in men’s fashion, style and culture as yet,” she says. “Fashion and style history is obviously one of our strengths and Elvis Presley actually had a radical sense of style; so part of this biographical exhibition will be about how he created this style

himself, almost like an artist.” Lauren hopes the exhibition will impress upon the general public that Elvis’s iconic style was not imposed on him in the way of the Monkees or the Spice Girls. “From early on, Elvis was aware of his appearance,” she says. “He was a creative, unique young man who became more determined in his own individualistic fashion and style – alongside his music. He grew his hair and sideburns, wore dress pants, box jackets and colourful clothes. He even went into his classes at high school wearing make-up.” She says the Memphis clothing store Lansky Bros, was a major influence on Elvis. The store was patronised by musicians such as Count Basie, Lionel Hampton and B.B. King. And like Elvis, these musicians were about presenting themselves in strong, vivid clothes that would represent their music and enhance their performances. 19

“It probably took some courage for a young man like Elvis to make that sort of statement,” Lauren says. “I think his unique attitude towards not only his music, which he loved, but fashion helps explain how Elvis became Elvis. “Once ‘the Colonel’ Tom Parker began managing Elvis’s career in 1955, his fame increased exponentially and Parker did everything possible to capitalise on this fame; that was when, arguably, Parker invented the notion of the celebrity as a commodity.” While the idea for the Elvis Presley exhibition has been circulating around the gallery team for some years, Lauren says they were aware that he would be a very big fish to try and land. “Fortunately, the introduction to Elvis came from colleagues at Paramount Pictures who we worked with a couple of times, most intensively for the Edith Head exhibition, and they were able to assist in an introduction to the Graceland team. It’s been quite a bit of a process – we had to work out a vision and earn their trust, as they’re very protective of Elvis’s story. Naturally he’s a living memory to Priscilla, his former wife, and to Lisa Marie, his daughter, and to the many people still involved in Graceland. So it was a slow process of building up our relationship with them and arriving at a story we could tell here.” RIGHT: Elvis Aaron Presley aged 2 with parents Gladys and Vernon in Tupelo, 1937. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2022 ABG EPE IP LLC. BELOW: Elvis with parents Vernon and Gladys, in uniform at Graceland, 1958. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2022 ABG EPE IP LLC.

Such is their confidence in the calibre of the Bendigo exhibition that Priscilla be flying from Los Angeles to attend the launch in person. And while the Graceland team has produced a few international exhibitions, Lauren says this is the first time it has collaborated with a major art gallery to curate a blockbuster-strength exhibition, starting with Elvis’s impoverished childhood and reflecting how his natural musical ability fused with the gospel and R&B music of the times. Other biographical elements include his concerts and movies, the abiding love Elvis had for his mother, and the importance of Graceland as his home and haven. While most of the discussions and negotiations with the Graceland team were done via Zoom meetings, Lauren says when the borders opened early this year, she made a mad dash to Memphis to meet the archives team in Graceland and finalise the arrangements. “Even driving up Elvis Presley Boulevard, as it’s now called, and getting a glimpse of the mansion was exciting,” she says. “As it was winter over there, I was lucky to practically get the place to myself. Stepping into Graceland for the first time, I was just transported by how warm and functional it was, alongside the playful, eclectic patchwork of the interior design.”

ABOVE: Elvis on the bridge in Bad Nauheim Germany, 1959. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2022 ABG EPE IP LLC. TOP: Elvis and Priscilla on their wedding day, 1 May 1967. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2022 ABG EPE IP LLC. LEFT: Elvis on stage in Tampa, Florida in 1955, captured in an image that would be used for the cover of his first album. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2022 ABG EPE IP LLC.

Lauren’s visit wasn’t all bells and whistles. Most of her time was spent with the staff assessing agreed-upon artifacts in terms of their size and eventual display in Bendigo. And in case people are wondering, the lavish, iconic jumpsuits, influenced by costume designer Bill Belew, will also be on display. Given the depressing nature of COVID over the past two years, Elvis will bring to gallery visitors a shot in the arm of an entirely different nature. The exhibition will include over 300 items, including costumes, vintage memorabilia, photographs and other items from the Graceland archives. Elvis: Direct from Graceland is showing at the Bendigo Art Gallery from March 19-July 17. Phone 5434 6088 for more information.

Bailey Cook and Henry Sheahan

Emma Berglund, Bree Rowe and Peta Nind

Joel Barnett and Brandon de Wys

Kim Lowe and Ginny Jeong

Natalie Ryan and Libby Noblet

Shaun Langdon, Trilby Langdon and Adam Staples

CREATIVE MINDS ON SHOW A cohort of creatives gathered at The Capital theatre for the conclusion of the Emporium Creative Hub Incubator. Participants came from a wide range of creative industries including film, fashion and design, pitching their innovative ideas to arts leaders and peers. The 12-week program aided entrepreneurs in kick-starting their businesses and sharpening their skills.

CORTILLE IS NOW A LICENSED VENUE SERVING A RANGE OF LOCAL BEER AND WINE Our seasonal main menu includes delicious favourites such as mushroom crumpets, cauliflower and gorgonzola fritters, fried chicken and waffles, 5 grain porridge and lamb salad served daily from 8am - 3pm. From 4pm - 8pm Friday and Saturday evenings we offer a light tapas style menu.

Showcasing a love for specialty coffee, all day breakfast and lunch, complemented by our friendly staff.

cortille est.2013

Open 7 days | 322 Lyttleton terrace, Bendigo | Ph: 5444 3082 |

Carla, Tully and Taine Lang

Matisse and Alexys Higgins, Willow Michielsen and Aubrey Higgins

Rebecca Beagley and Kimberly Egan

Jenny McGrath, Tara and Gus O’Connor and Nicole, Charlotte and Jenny Ashby

Nathan Deppeler, Hugh Casey and Beau Caia

Simone Jackson and Hayley Harrington

FUN RUN RETURNS Among the trees at Rosalind Park was the start and finish line for the first Bendigo Ford Fun Run in three years. Participants raised vital funds for the children’s ward at Bendigo Health through the multi-length events, all weaving through downtown Bendigo. Keen youngsters had a go at a 1km dash, supported by their parents.

a steady hand

Welcome to the world of Wes Franklin, where work becomes art. By Dianne Dempsey - Photographs by Leon Schoots

When we meet in his Quarry Hill studio, graphic designer Wes Franklin explains that while people are familiar with the world of typography, his passion – hand lettering – is a process that starts with the alphabet and the written word and then extends into something that is both utilitarian and beautiful. With mesmerising dexterity, Wes picks up a brush pen and shows me how particular strokes can turn the prosaic into art. How the curl of the “flourish” can take words into the realm of the aesthetic. Wes describes how the art of lettering is embedded in history – in the first marks humans made on stone and parchment. While initially it was thought that computers might mean lettering

would become obsolete, modern lettering artists have ensured its resurgence. It’s not uncommon for lettering artists to create their own typefaces. Herb Lubalin (1918-1981), who designed many iconic logos and typefaces, also created the title lettering for The Sound of Music. And Ken Barber is famous for his Jimmy Kimmel Live logo, which immediately suggests showbusiness, entertainment and fun. So prevalent is the world of typography that we underestimate the brilliance of a design that breaks through the crowd of words; a design that stays indelibly in the mind’s eye and intrinsically and cleverly reflects the client’s message. 27

Wes says he tries to keep his own style flexible in order to be able to draw whichever style is appropriate for a client’s project, whether it be a book cover, a t-shirt or a mural. He graduated in 2004 in graphic design from RMIT and eventually built his own business, where his many clients include start-ups, small businesses, nonprofits and community groups. Wes encourages a collaborative approach to achieving the ultimate design for his clients. The designs may be related to logos and brand identity; custom typography and lettering; or the wonderfully rich and fulfilling world of mural art. “Lettering is how I distinguish myself from other muralists,” Wes says. “And it gives my clients a way of putting their message on a wall in a literal fashion. But at the same time, they have the satisfaction of having commissioned a form of art.” A recent example of a Wes Franklin mural can be seen on the wall of the Kangaroo Flat library, where Wes collaborated with visual artist Rachel Doller. His unique lettering is enhanced by Rachel’s predilection for colours of the landscape and geometric shapes. As for the library message, Wes chose a quote from Dr Seuss, “Oh the places we’ll go”. Wes believes the great aspect of street art is its accessibility. For the uninitiated, there are no daunting portals of an art gallery to walk through; and as far as Wes is concerned, he has the joy of working outdoors and engaging with curious passers-by. It is a given that murals in progress will attract inquisitive people like magpies to shiny objects. 28

A favourite question of the curious public is about basic mural technique and Wes’s simplified reply goes something like this: if you are working on an interior wall, you can use a projector to project your original design straight onto the wall and then trace and paint in the image. Otherwise for exterior walls, you mock-up a design to scale within a grid; you then draw a larger grid on your wall and use chalk transpose the shapes and marks within the relevant square of the grid. After the interview, Wes takes me from his garden studio through to his house for coffee. The living room is warm with artwork and colourful furnishings and the hubbub of his three bouncy boys: Archie, 12, Chase, 10, and Rhonan, two. Wes’s wife, Heidi Franklin, teaches art at Creek Street Christian College and when she has time, works on illustrating her current project, a children’s picture book. Before coming to Bendigo three years ago, the family lived for four years in Darwin, a city Wes says seemed to bring him closer to the country of his childhood. Wes and his siblings grew up in Papua New Guinea, where his parents worked as missionaries. Indeed, a hallmark of Wes’s art practice is his generosity of spirit, which is to inspire others to explore their own creativity. “I think creativity in all its forms – visual art, poetry, stories, music, carpentry, whatever – is an expression of who we were made to be,” he says. “Not many things make me happier than seeing people expressing their creativity to the world.” At which point, with perfect timing, little Rhonan comes racing into the room to proudly show us his latest painting. Wes Franklin will be offering lettering workshops later in the year. For inquiries, contact him via wjfranklin.com or Instagram: wj_franklin

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