Bendigo Magazine Issue 72 - Spring 2023

MUSICIAN CALLY BARTLETT

ready to build your dream pool? so are we.

Evolution Pools is an owner-operated business so you will deal with our team from concept right through to completion. We are a small team dedicated to your entire pool project. We will keep your pool clean, healthy and safe all year round for your family’s enjoyment.

Evolution Pools offers a range of swimming pool options, including fibreglass, concrete and aboveground pools. We have been in the swimming pool industry for many years and are extremely experienced in the sales, installation, construction and service areas.

Positioned in a quiet bushland setting, discover a place of tree-lined boulevards and native flora and fauna, where majestic parks meet with thriving wetlands, and all are just a stones throw from every home. Whether you are looking for a large home site for luxury family living or a low maintenance allotment, Viewpoint has been designed to cater for your lifestyle.

HUNTLY RAILWAY STATION

VIEWPOINT CENTRAL PARK

EPSOM TOWN CENTRE

We’re all for a hardcopy. Take, for example, Bendigo Magazine, which after all these years is still committed to glorious, glossy print. Exhibit B, the cARTel Journal; a book of local artists’ work that is in itself a work of art. Perhaps you’ve sat and perused the pages at the Bendigo Library? If not, make sure you book some time to do so, after reading our story in this issue.

We also take you into the hearts and minds of a Bendigo Symphony Orchestra musician, an up-and-coming motorsport competitor and one of the city’s newest families, formerly of a Thai refugee camp.

A tree changer-come-winegrower revels in his new life, a historian strikes gold and veteran netballers get back on court together.

It’s an eclectic mix of stories this issue, all united by the positivity, creativity and ingenuity of Central Victoria; best experienced offline. Enjoy!

FROM THE TEAM

MANAGING EDITOR

Dustin Schilling

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Leon Schoots, Kate Monotti, AJ Taylor and Daniel Soncin

WRITERS

Dianne Dempsey, Geoff Hocking, John Holton, Lauren Mitchell and Raelee Tuckerman

CONTRIBUTORS

Beau Cook, Stephanie Dunne, Sarah McLean and Adrienne Pilley

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.

Showcasing Local Talent

Living Arts Space exhibition

SEPTEMBER 16 – NOVEMBER 19

Bendigo Crafted is a new annual initiative that supports a conversation between two artists exploring contemporary craft practices. This year, Bendigo Crafted joins master ceramist Garry Bish and emerging maker Froni Binns for a joint exhibition exploring the materiality of clay.

This event is presented as part of Craft Contemporary 2023, an initiative of Craft Victoria.

For more information go to www.bendigoregion.com.au/ explore-bendigo/living-arts-space

Bendigo Visitor Centre Atrium

SEPTEMBER 4 – NOVEMBER 19

The Symbiotic Pulse is a multimedia installation with its own circadian rhythms: kinetic sculpture and silhouettes by day, animated light and projection by night...

BENDIGO VISITOR CENTRE

Open 9am to 5pm daily (except Christmas Day) 51-67 Pall

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

IT’S TULIP TIME IN BENDIGO

Bendigo is a stunning place to be in spring, thanks in large part to the more than 50,000 tulips blooming in the CBD each year. In mid-September, the famed flowers will start opening up for visitors from all over to view and enjoy.

The annual display brightens up Pall Mall and the Conservatory Garden, and is tended to by the City of Greater Bendigo’s parks and natural reserves team. The now beloved tradition came about during the drought in 2003 due to the tulips’ low water usage, making them the perfect addition to the city’s gardens during a tough time.

Twenty years on, the tulips still create a beautiful sight, blooming in all sorts of colours and sizes. When going for strolls around town this spring, make sure you wander past and take in the view.

The Bendigo Annual Tulip Display is free to view from midSeptember to mid-October. To learn the latest updates about the tulips, visit bendigoregion.com.au

from fancy to free

ARTIST COLLABORATION EXPLORES SIGHT AND SOUND

Three leading Central Victorian artists will join forces for a unique exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery throughout spring and into summer. Multidisciplinary artist Brodie Ellis, painter and printmaker John Wolseley, and poet Paul Kane’s Essays on Earth will fill three gallery spaces with a fusion of artistic exploration and scientific process.

Kane’s 2022 verse essay series Earth, Air, Water, Fire provides a poetic dialogue for Ellis and Wolseley’s artwork, which includes photographs, sculptures, paintings and the moving image. Together, the works and poetry showcase the artists’ focused observations of and love for the natural world.

While viewing the exhibition, audiences are invited to partake in deep listening and reflection, and will leave with great appreciation for the complex systems of nature and their interconnectedness with human experience. This striking visual presentation should not be missed by nature and art lovers alike.

Essays on Earth by Brodie Ellis, John Wolseley and Paul Kane will run at Bendigo Art Gallery until January 14. Entry is free. Visit bendigoregion.com.au for more information.

Let your cup fill over with Bendigo’s spring delights; art, food, wine, music and a tiptoe through the tulips are all on the cards this season.

COMPETITION SHOWCASES PAINTING TALENTS

Since 2003, some of Australia’s most accomplished artists have submitted their works for the chance to win the Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize. The prize was created by the late Allen Guy in honour of his brother, who tragically passed away at age 30 while serving in the Air Force in New Guinea. Taking place every second year, established and emerging artists are encouraged to enter their contemporary paintings. In 2021, Kirsty Budge’s work Ok, so is this a fresh hell or are we just adding to the regular one today? won the $50,000 prize.

The judges for 2023 are Penelope Wise, who is representing the Guy family, and Geelong Gallery director and CEO Jason Smith. The winner will have their work permanently acquired by Bendigo Art Gallery.

Finalists’ work will be displayed as part of an exhibition at the gallery for three months, starting a day after the winner is announced. Fans of contemporary art will enjoy this diverse and extraordinary showcase of work.

Bendigo Art Gallery will display the 2023 Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize exhibition between November 25 and February 18. Visit bendigoregion.com.au to learn more about this free exhibition.

CUP DAY PROMISES TO BE A THRILL

The Bendigo Jockey Club will be bustling with action on the first day of November, as one of the most famous country cups in horse racing returns for another year. The 2023 Apiam Bendigo Cup promises to be a proud addition to the race’s 155-year history.

After last year’s nail-biting finish, when New Zealand horse High Emocean narrowly beat Port Phillip, all eyes will be on the track to see who will claim victory and the $500,000 prize money.

But you’d be mistaken if you thought the race was the only exciting element of the event. While the race itself is certainly a highlight of the day, there is an abundance of activities off the track for attendees to indulge in.

Those wanting to spend the day in luxury should book one of the many hospitality packages available, offering punters delicious meals, private bars and spectacular race views. There will also be live music for all to enjoy, and fashionforward racegoers shouldn’t miss their chance to step out in racing style for Fashions on the Field.

The 2023 Apiam Bendigo Cup will take place at the Bendigo Jockey Club on Wednesday, November 1. Gates open at 10.30am. To purchase tickets or hospitality packages, head to country.racing.com/bendigo

FESTIVAL TO FEATURE HEATHCOTE’S BEST WINES

For more than 16 years, the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival has been an icon on the Australian wine calendar. About 4000 people from around the country converge on the town each year to sample some of the region’s finest wines.

The two-day festival invites regulars and first-time attendees to fall in love with the exceptional wines produced in Heathcote, with over 40 winemakers set to exhibit their signature vintages and new releases.

A major industry for the region, the wines produced in Heathcote are internationally renowned, especially the Shiraz. To assist attendees with navigating the wide range of wines available to sample and purchase, festival scavenger hunts have been organised.

The Heathcote Agricultural Showgrounds will turn into a family-friendly village for the weekend with plenty of things to do, even for those who don’t drink wine. The Amazing Mister Mike will be on hand to entertain the kids, and there will also be lawn games and live music. Add in mouth-watering regional food, and it will be a weekend of fun for everyone.

The Heathcote Wine and Food Festival will be hosted at the Heathcote Agricultural Showgrounds on October 7 and 8. For tickets and more information, visit heathcotewinegrowers.com.au/festival

WINE WEEK A WALK THROUGH REGION’S GREATEST

It’s no secret that wines produced in the Bendigo region are outstanding. From Harcourt to Bridgewater on Loddon, and everywhere in between, there is no shortage of wineries to explore. As part of the Bendigo Wine Week, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a fantastic calendar of wine events in a short space of time.

The Bendigo Winegrowers Association will host a series of events celebrating our local wines and wineries, but the finale and the biggest event of the week is one that is highly anticipated.

After a three-year hiatus, the Heritage & Hidden Spaces Wine Walk will take place on October 21, sending attendees to nine different Bendigo locations that will highlight wines from more than 18 wineries. Regional beer, cider and spirits will also be available to sample.

If you consider yourself to be a wine connoisseur or just want to learn more, save the dates for what will be a week of delicious food, great people and, of course, fantastic local wines.

The Bendigo Wine Week will be held from October 13 to 21 at various locations across town. The full event program can be accessed via bendigowine.org.au

A FESTIVAL THAT CARES FOR ALL

If you are a vegetarian or just enjoy the food, be sure to visit the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in October. Since 2013, the annual Vegecareian Festival has been bringing people together to celebrate global vegetarian cuisines and cultures.

Not only can you sample delicious dishes from all over the world at the festival, but you can watch how they are made through cooking demonstrations. Guest speakers will also educate audiences on how vegetarianism has developed in other communities and the benefits the diet has for both humans and animals.

Kids can take part in a wide range of exciting entertainment, and there are even activities for your furry friends. Bring them along and have them blessed by a Buddhist monk – all animals are welcome, with dogs, cats, chickens and donkeys receiving blessings at past festivals.

The festival is one of the most popular multicultural family events in the state, so gather up your family and friends and head to the western world’s largest Stupa for a day of fun, food and compassion.

The free Vegecareian Festival will take place at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion on Saturday, October 14, from 10am to 3pm. More information can be found at stupa.org.au/vegecareian-festival

CONCERT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

The Rotary Club of Bendigo South is well known around town for its community service, and in October it will join forces once again with the Ulumbarra Foundation for a special fundraising concert.

Featuring soprano (and former Rotary Club president)

Merlyn Quaife and the Victorian Welsh Choir, the concert will raise funds for grants for emerging performers through the Ulumbarra Foundation and the Rotary Club of Bendigo South’s scholarship program.

The Victorian Welsh Choir is a traditional Welsh male voice choir that includes members from Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo. For this concert, they will be led by musical director Faleiry Koczkar OAM and associate musical director Rushan Hewawasam, and accompanied by Lorna Ogilvie. Together, Merlyn Quaife and the Victorian Welsh Choir will lead the audience through an afternoon of beautiful four-part harmonies and glorious music, including popular arias and songs, all for a good cause.

The Victoria Welsh Choir 2023 Rotary Club of Bendigo South Fundraiser will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 29, at Ulumbarra Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at bendigoregion.com.au

MOVING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Now in its fourth year, Bendigo Health’s Move for Mental Health Challenge is back this October.

The challenge encourages people to improve their own physical health, while raising awareness and funds for local mental health services.

And it’s all up to you. Choose a way to move appropriate to your age, fitness level and interests – walk, run, bike, or dance your way to the finish line. The choice is yours.

Research shows that people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional wellbeing, and lower rates of mental illness. Overall, exercise is an effective and natural way to improve mood, reduce stress, sleep better and promote mental health.

Since the challenge began in 2020, more than $200,000 has been raised to improve the wellbeing and recovery outcomes of mental health patients throughout the Loddon Mallee region. During this time, a specialised exercise program, an on-site gym and sensory modulation tools have been introduced to mental health departments, which have made a world of difference for patients. With funds raised in 2022, a new patient transport bus is now available to allow greater access for our patients from across the region to access specialised exercise programs.

So don’t wait, sign up now and get ready to move! Registrations are $25 per individual or $50 per family. Register or learn more at bendigohealthfoundation.org.au/ m4mh

good to know

Get a read on what the locals are up to, from caring for our health, to keeping us well stocked in vintage treasure, to launching a brand new novel.

INTRODUCING FABRIQ

For 28 years, Reanne Curtains & Designs has been making quality curtains and blinds for homes and businesses in the local community.

Under the ownership of Justin and Melanie Clark for the past 13 years (and the same family since 1995), the business has evolved and grown, and now they know it’s time to change their name to take them forward.

Introducing Fabriq. Same good people, same great service and same business; with a new name.

“We did feel reluctant to change our name, as it’s been Reanne for so long and we feel the name has such a good reputation. We’re looking forward though, and have finally realised it’s time to make the business our own; hence the new name,” owner, Melanie Clark tells us.

“As well as that, I’m often referred to as Reanne on a weekly basis,” laughs Melanie.

“You can trust that we’ll still provide the same level of detail, quality and expertise that you have come to know for the past two decades.” adds Melanie.

“Reanne Curtains doesn’t fit as well for us any more – we offer more than just a curtain shop.”

Fabriq encompasses bespoke window furnishings, colour advice, re-upholstery of custom pieces, and consultancy services for customers to make the best decision – to create a space they will love.

The bird icon in Fabriq’s logo symbolises a bowerbird, reflecting Melanie’s passion for all things colourful, beautiful and creative. What has stayed the same, is the workroom – the core focus about what they do. Making and manufacturing right here in Bendigo. All of their soft furnishings have always, and will continue to be, made in Bendigo.

Contact the friendly team at Fabriq today for a no-obligation measure and consultation. Phone them on 5442 7222, email hello@fabriq.com.au or visit fabriq.com.au

NEW NOVEL FROM LOCAL AUTHOR SET TO BE A SENSATION

Amy Doak has done many exciting things throughout her media career. From advertising to freelance writing, and even founding the Bendigo Magazine, her passion for the written word has led her to her biggest adventure yet – her debut novel, Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer.

Considered to be the hottest Australian debut of the year, Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer is a young adult murder mystery focused on a high school student new to town who suddenly finds herself intertwined in danger and secrets after the first person she meets is stabbed.

In a tribute to her home, Amy launched her novel at the Bendigo Library on September 1, four days ahead of publication, giving locals a sneak peek of the world she has crafted. Another launch event in Melbourne followed on September 8.

Amy’s first foray into fiction writing is perfect for fans of fellow young adult mystery authors Fleur Ferris, Holly Jackson and Karen McManus. Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer is available from local bookstores and all major book retailers. To learn more or to purchase a copy, visit penguin.com.au

TREASURE TROVE OF VINTAGE GOODIES

Located inside The Mill, commonly referred to as Castlemaine’s happy place, is 2400 square metres of pure vintage bliss. With more than 150 stallholders, the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar is the perfect place to find what you are (or are not) looking for.

Eight years ago, rumours started circulating around town that Phil, owner of The Mill, was interested in establishing a vintage market. Jane Goodrich heard the talk and got in touch to discuss collaboration, as her passion for vintage goods and sustainability paired with her background in running markets was the ideal fit for Phil’s plans.

A year later, Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar was born. Initially hosting 28 stallholders, the business has seen great success and has expanded multiple times. The latest expansion in March this year saw another 25 stallholders added to cater to the demands of more than 15,000 visitors per month.

The vintage and handmade treasures on offer include furniture, fashion, homewares and books. There’s something for everyone, even a ping pong table and vintage arcade games in the foyer, making Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar the perfect place to bring the whole family.

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar is located in The Mill Castlemaine, 9 Walker Street, and is open from 10am to 5pm every day. To get in touch with the friendly team, call 03 5470 6555 or visit castlemainebazaar.com.au

Bendigo Foodshare is run by the community for the community.

Can you help?

Since we began in 2013 we have distributed over 8 million kg of food, much of which would otherwise have gone to waste, to support over 13,000 people across central Victoria every week to put a meal on the table. Become part of the team by volunteering or signing up to be a regular giver. Just $10 a month can help us provide 20 meals to a family in need.

www.bendigofoodshare.org.au or call (03) 5444 3409

COMMUNITY-CENTRED SERVICES IN RADIOLOGY

For 43 years, Bendigo Radiology has been a trusted local business. With 14 sites in regional Victoria, including three in Bendigo, it is a community-minded partnership of radiologists providing a diverse range of medical services.

Bendigo Radiology is constantly updating and improving its services to meet the needs of patients and the community. In exciting news, a new, fully comprehensive practice will be coming to Echuca in the near future, boasting MRI in addition to all other modalities. The Lucan Street practice will also be expanding to include an MRI service.

MRI isn’t the only new service coming to Bendigo Radiology this year – the Castlemaine site now has ultrasound procedures such as steroid injections and contrast CT scans two days a week, and the practice at St John of God Hospital in Bendigo has been updated to include a new Dual Energy CT scans service.

In a bid to help the community even more, the Bendigo and Castlemaine sites now offer bulk-billing for most x-ray and CT services. As Bendigo Radiology continues to expand, serving the community and doing what is right for patients will always remain at the forefront of the business.

Bendigo Radiology’s three local practices can be found at 109 Lucan Street (private practice), Bendigo Health, and St John of God Hospital. To request an appointment or learn more about available services, visit bendigoradiology.com.au, call 03 5440 3500, or email referrals@bendigoradiology.com.au

boundposterity for

Photography by Leon Schoots

Bendigonians, both present and future, can get a glimpse into the city’s vibrant creative climate, thanks to the cARTel team that has been archiving local artists’ works at the Bendigo Regional Archives Centre since 2016.

“The idea to create the journals for archiving came to me one evening while hanging out by my fishpond, strangely enough,” reflects Kelly Hartland, founder and producer of the cARTel Journals.

“So many Bendigo artists are creating quality works quietly in the background, and it’s been in my heart for many years to create hope for the unknown artist; hope their works may be discovered and remembered; hope their works may not be in vain nor forgotten.

“The Underground Artist needs to be sought out to be discovered; these are creatives who quietly work away at their craft, with little means or interest to showcase the works they produce. Many create with little regard for their audience, which is why I love them so much!

“Their works are often edgy, surprising and innovative due to not having to pander to the vision of a gallery, publisher, or record label; many create because it’s who they are and what they do.” Thus, the cARTel Journals were born.

Bendigo Library manager Robin Pearson loves that the cARTel Journals provide a snapshot of creativity that tells a local story.

“They are living history,” she says. “The books aren’t about art –they are the art itself. Every time we display them, they are like a cosy fire and people are encouraged to just curl up with them. I’ve seen people sit for ages looking through the works.”

Maree Tonkin, Creative Communities coordinator and advocate of the project, adds: “The cARTel Journals mean a lot, they matter to me as an artist and many others across the creative communities. The journals provide a platform for deep and free creative expression and tap into the creative pulse of the city to assist us all to engage in and bear witness to the wonder of the arts.”

Reflecting on the past, Kelly tells how she read Virginia Woolf’s essay A Room of One’s Own in 2014 and felt inspired to call on artists to “form a collective, with the idea to pool our resources and platform ourselves in guerrilla ways”.

“I had some incredible talent meet in my lounge each week,” she says. “We called ourselves cARTel partly due to the embedded word Art, but also to illustrate our intention of creating a cooperative arrangement to collectively create value upon our art.

The cARTel Journals are books to bear witness to the works of local artists, for now and forever.

PICTURED: Local artists involved in the cARTel Journals.

“What I find a profound coincidence is that the etymology of the word cartel comes from the Italian word cartello, which means ‘a leaf of paper’ – fitting, given our current project is handing out a single sheet of paper to artists to collate into a journal for archiving.”

Since the group’s inception, cARTel has become a revolving group of four, with Elise Lidgett and Kelly Hartland being the staple of the team. “This year, cARTel is being steered by Mici Boxell, Dom Balwin and I, as Elise is needing to step out… but she promises to be back on board next year.”

Kelly is currently an artist-in-residence at the Emporium Creative Hub, working on a new platform for local artists and businesses alike, aiming to enhance local spending.

“If my plans are successful, the first artists I’ll approach will be from the varied artforms represented within the cARTel Journals,” she says. “Look out for Bendigo Famous is all I can say for now.”

So far, the team has produced seven cARTel Journals with plans for 10 volumes in total, each focusing on a unique aspect of creativity. Volume 8 is for diverse expressions and Volume 9 is dedicated to First Nations creatives, also embracing diverse expressions. The grand finale for 2024 will archive the works of Bendigo musicians, particularly those who have pressed their music to vinyl and designed their own artwork.

One hundred pages for each journal are made available for pick-up from the Bendigo Library and returned by October 17 for binding by S&B Libris.

The launch date of the cARTel Journals is December the 8th, 2023, at 5.30pm - 7pm Bendigo Library. All are welcome to attend.

Kelly Hartland, known as .hartland. creates visual art, aphorisms, and collaborates with the community. She terms herself a ‘naive drummer’ in a band called Vanta Black and works at createA, a contemporary arts company for performers with disability. Examples of her work can be found on the last page of the cARTel Journals, on Bendigo streets including Chancery Lane, and recordings of Vanta Black by way of a guerilla plant at Trash Cult.

AUSSIE ICON ON SHOW IN BENDIGO

May saw the launch of a highly anticipated exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Before officially opening to the public, lucky guests celebrated The Australian Women’s Weekly: 90 Years of an Australian Icon exhibition, enjoying a sneak peek at the history of the famed magazine.

David, Maggie and Jane

Jamie and Cecilia

Gina and Julie

Deborah and Margaret

Matilda and Cortney

Val and Shirley

La Trobe Bendigo

YOUNG ARTISTS SHINE AT AWARDS

Some of our region’s best young artists gathered at The Capital theatre to find out if their work was a prize winner.

YO Bendigo’s RAW Arts Awards received 90 applications this year, with five winners and four commendations announced. The awards aim to showcase and foster the talents of upand-coming artists.

Dinali, Ryan, Sammy, Jin,Tess, Sara and Anna

Janell and Tess

Rachael, Matt, Maggie and Beth

Dinali and Shenal

Paul, Andrea, Chan, Marla, Phil, Eva, Jin, Ryan, Steve, Skye, Gill, Kate and Jade

Ryan, Jin and Max

a home

in music

Words by Adrienne Pilley - Photography by Leon Schoots

At ballet lessons, while her classmates were being taught to pirouette, Cally Bartlett was far more interested in teaching herself which notes went well together as she made up songs on the studio’s piano.

Then, in Year 3, she met the instrumental love of her life when her school in Melbourne offered free strings tuition.

“They said I better pick the cello, seeing as I’m very tall. And that was that – it was my instrument then. I stuck at it all the way through, despite playing a few different things along the way,” she tells me modestly.

In fact, there are not many instruments Cally hasn’t played. A multi-instrumentalist to the extreme, she has picked up new instruments on her path through life like others might collect shells or gems.

Following the cello, she started learning the bassoon in Year 5, the piano in Year 8, and then the violin, viola and double bass in her late teens. More recently, she has taught herself clarinet, percussion and brass.

“I’ll just give it a go. I don’t care if it sounds bad – I know I’m going to enjoy it either way,” she laughs.

Right from the beginning, there were signs that music was Cally Bartlett’s special place.

In addition to her love of playing music, from a young age Cally also felt a strong urge to teach it – wanting to give others the same feeling of inspiration and belonging her primary school music teacher had bestowed on her.

“A lot of the time I felt quite socially awkward – music was my happy place, it was my team,” she says. “I love providing that for my students – so they get to find their team and their place in the school.”

After completing her studies in music and primary education at Melbourne University, Cally packed up and left the city alongside “Bendigo boy” Brendan, her future husband, who had always wanted to return home after uni.

She soon found her way to Girton Grammar School, where she has now taught for 17 years, and this year assumed the role of Head of Arts, overseeing the school’s drama and visual arts programs in addition to music.

Her vision is to ensure all students studying these timeless forms of expression are encouraged to trust their artistic voice – whether it’s through workshops with high-profile artists (most recently Australian jazz virtuoso James Morrison), or through opportunities to share their art with the community.

It was at one of these community showcases – last year’s Ensembles Spectacular at Ulumbarra – when Cally experienced the most powerful moment of her teaching career, while conducting a very special massed item involving 230 primary students singing and playing I Am Australian.

“It was really emotional – hundreds of kids singing, all at once, all their eyes on me. I think the audience was blown away, and I was completely overcome and had a good cry afterwards,” she recalls, clearly still moved.

“It was amazing to see that amount of kids that engaged and loving being on stage, and see the collaborative vision of our talented music staff brought to life.”

Outside the classroom, Bendigo has proven the perfect place for Cally and Brendan to make a home with their two sons Alastair and Percy, aged eight and six.

“We have found the best of both worlds here – we live in the bush but we’re 10 minutes from the supermarket, which suits me nicely as a former city girl,” she laughs.

Cally has also found herself right at home in Bendigo’s inclusive music scene, where she cherishes her roles as musical director of the City of Greater Bendigo Brass Band and principal viola in the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, on top of working with the Bendigo Theatre Company and Forever Young Rock Choir.

“When we moved to Bendigo, musically I was in quite a low place – I didn’t feel like I was very good, or like I got enough gigs. But I think Bendigo’s music scene embraces everybody, and there’s opportunities for people to show excellence and not be cut down for it.”

Through the brass band in particular, Cally says she has discovered a group of people who simply love getting together to play music and have fun, which provides a source of escape and connection that was hugely missed during the COVID years.

For a seasoned performer who “isn’t one to sit on the couch”, this change of pace created an enormous sense of loss for Cally. But it also sparked her composition work, which she can now claim as her proudest achievement – with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra premiering her very own creation, Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre, at its 40th anniversary gala in 2021.

“I’m really proud of being able to create something from scratch. Now I’m a bit older, I find I’m going back to doing what I love –writing music that I like, rather than trying to please somebody,” she says.

And that’s exactly the lesson she hopes to impart on her students: “Trust what you love – if you like it, that’s enough.”

CHRYSLERS FOR A CAUSE

Car enthusiasts crowded the streets of Bendigo to marvel at the Midstate Mopars show.

Organised by the Central Victorian Chrysler Club, more than 250 early and late model Chryslers from around the state were showcased, with trophies handed out to the best. Proceeds from the event were donated to Sunshine Bendigo.

Open 7 Days 8 am to 4 pm

Public Holidays 9am - 4pm

We look forward to welcoming you seven days a week with our traditional opening hours.

The Das Kaffeehaus & Coffee Basics Team

Craig and Ezla

Archie

Hugh and Wendy

Sandra

Adrienne and Gary

Bob

9 walker st castlemaine@ the mill ph: 5470 6270

FRESHLY ROASTED IN CASTLEMAINE

STUDENT SHOW A HIT

Young performers from Catherine McAuley College brought a popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to Bendigo.

Ulumbarra Theatre audiences were delighted by the school’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which ran for two evening shows plus a primary school matinee. Students from all year levels were involved through on-stage and backstage roles.

MAXIMISE YOUR VCE POTENTIAL

The students in this photograph are working in one of the Year 12 Study Spaces that are located around the Girton campus. These dedicated spaces provide students with a base to focus on their work during private study periods and are just one of the aspects of the Girton VCE experience that optimise their chances of academic success at school and beyond.

Other initiatives include our Motivate program that explicitly teaches study and wellbeing skills, a VCE Conference to commence the Year 12 academic year, and holiday tutorials that help students developing a deep understanding of their subject content. These are some of the factors that contribute to Girton’s VCE results consistently being in the top 15% of the State.

To find out more about the Girton VCE difference, including scholarship opportunities, call our Registrar on 5441 3114 or see our website: girton.vic.edu.au

Samuel, Aimee and Ryan

Jessi and Stuart

Penelope and Jayde

Shona, Lyra, Mhairi and Nikki

Lea, Xanthe and Amy

Daniel, Elijah, Claire, Rosemary and Neal

the historian and the black box

After being a historian for more than 40 years, Ross McMullin was attuned to the highs and lows of research – the hours of trawling through primary sources, the genealogical searches, the interviews and transcriptions – that would some days take him down a blind alley and on other days reward him with salient information. But as he tells me, nothing quite prepared him for the thrill he felt the day he tracked down the daughter of a “Mrs S. Hill of London”. Ross says his motivation to pursue this particular inquiry was considerable. His latest book, Life So Full of Promise: further biographies of Australia’s lost generation, features a brilliant barrister from Bendigo, Murdoch Mackay, who died at the Western Front. Ross wondered about the postwar life of his widow, and whether contacting relatives of hers could provide fruitful insights into Mackay.

For Ross, Murdoch Mackay was an obvious choice as one of the three main biographies in his book. Widely known as Doch, he was the son of George Mackay, editor and publisher of the

Bendigo Advertiser. Doch’s family was prominent in Bendigo’s social, sporting and political arenas. Doch himself was charming, principled and an exceptional scholar; he exuded the qualities of a Mary Grant Bruce hero. One of the brightest and the best, his future in politics or the law was practically assured. He was also a gifted cricketer. He was loved and admired by his family, colleagues and friends. And he was loved by Margot Watson, who was to become his wife. If we are to compare Doch to Jim and Wally of Billabong, then Margot exuded all the hallmarks of Norah Linton. The letters between Doch and Margot are beautifully employed by Ross. They are of an era when correspondents spent hours devoted to their task; phrases and sentiments were well considered and, for the purposes of this book, they illuminate the character of the letter writers. Initially, Doch was far more ardent than Margot, but after four years of courtship he won her over. A week before Doch departed for the war, they married. Their letters to each other when he was at the front are intense.

DIANNE DEMPSEY discovers how author Ross McMullin discovered the biggest treasure of his career.

Surrounded by the thunder of artillery, Doch knew his chances of survival were slight – shortly before his death, he had been buried and dug out of a trench. Before his final action, he quipped to his brother Eric (both were in the 22nd Battalion) that going into battle was “not as good as playing cricket together for Bendigo”. The last words he was heard to say as he led a vital attack on a ridge were, “Come on, boys!”. Major Murdoch Mackay was shot through the heart at Pozières, France, in 1916. He was aged 25. The public and private response to his death was enormous. Margot was now a widow.

Ross McMullin was keen to find out what happened to Margot after Doch died. The only knowledge he had was that Margot had travelled to England, where she remarried – to a Solly Hill, hence Mrs S. Hill of London. Would he have to travel to London to continue his work?

First, he concentrated on a genealogical search from Melbourne – and he hit the jackpot. He discovered that Margot and her second husband had a daughter, Judy, who eventually settled in Australia with her husband, Bob Carroll. Better still, Judy Carroll was now living in a suburb of Melbourne. Ross couldn’t believe his luck. He contacted her and arranged a visit. It was a pleasant, modern home in Mount Eliza. Judy Carroll was the epitome of courtesy and sympathetic to the biographer’s quest. She answered questions readily, and presented him with a black tin box. Judy said that Margot rarely talked about her first husband, out of loyalty to Solly, but everything she had kept relating to Doch was in this box. With fascination and excitement, Ross went through the contents – the photos, news cuttings, documents, wartime

Life So Full of Promise

further biographies of Australia’s lost generation

diary, and especially the frank and intimate letters. “It was the richest private treasure trove I’ve ever encountered in more than four decades as a biographer,” he says.

There was one letter in particular that almost brought the seasoned historian undone. Doch had written a letter to be delivered to Margot in the event of his death. Such was his love for her, he wanted to reach out to her, and console her, should he die. He wrote “…the time for our reunion has been postponed longer than I had hoped would be the case. You were everything to me darling”. Margot was respectful of her second husband’s sensibilities, but Doch’s letters were always close by.

Ross McMullin’s motivation for writing about Australia’s lost generation is clear. “In my view, the First World War was the most influential event in Australia’s history since European settlement,” he says.

“From a population of fewer than five million, over 300,000 enlisted, some 62,000 died, and the official tally of wounded, around 150,000, doesn’t include many who suffered psychological trauma. In addition, before 1914, Australia was regarded as an advanced social laboratory – people would visit from Europe to see for themselves the progress our young nation was making. In the 1920s, however, there were no such visitors.

“We paid an immense price in the numbing number of losses, but it was quality as well as quantity. It’s the quality of our lost generation, that’s what this book is about. We lost so much.”

Life So Full of Promise: further biographies of Australia’s lost generation, by Ross McMullin, 2023. Ross is also the author of Farewell, Dear People: biographies of Australia’s lost generation (2012) and Pompey Elliott (2002).

ROSS McMULLIN

author of FAREWELL, DEAR PEOPLE

VSTONE SAYS THANKS

VSTONE’s treasured clients and suppliers came together at the East Bendigo showroom for an industry information event.

Over pizza and cocktails, they learned more about the work VSTONE does and saw the firm’s Techni Waterjet cutter in action. During the event, VSTONE directors professed their heartfelt thanks to all who have supported them over the past 15 years.

JIBRIL ONG

“I’m increasing my life knowledge and forming new friendships.”

SNEHA GOSAI

“There are people from so many cultures, with so many different views.”

ANNA WINTER

“It doesn’t matter what path you’re on, you find likeminded people here.”

TAIT POYSER

“Whatever your interests or subject choices, there’s something for you at BSSC.”

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

BSSC offers the greatest choice of subjects for senior secondary students in Victoria. With a wide range of specialist programs and flexible learning options, BSSC is designed to create an environment that supports learners at every level.

Like to find out more?

Phone: 5443 1222

Email: admin@bssc.edu.au

Bendigo Senior Secondary College

Empowering learners for individual, community and global leadership www.bssc.edu.au

Brad and Ash

Jacinta, Ethan, Boden, Sam and Kaylah

Jay and Brent

Tracie and Gavin

Joseph and Vicky

Kane, Jess, Steve, Kelly, Cass and Andrew

Monday—Friday 9am to 5pm / Saturday mornings by appointment. 03 5442 7222 / hello@fabriq.com.au / fabriq.com.au

WINTER

WONDERLAND WOWS

During the winter school holidays, Rosalind Park was transformed into a world of vivid imagination.

The interactive Electric Wonderland installation featured the latest in light and sound technology, illuminating the park with flowers, creatures and much more. Due to popular demand from local families, the event was extended for an additional week.

Same good people. Same great service. Same business. New name.

For 28 years, you’ve known us as Reanne Curtains & Designs, but our business has evolved and now we’re Fabriq.

You can trust that we’ll still provide the same level of detail, quality and expertise by our local team that you have come to know for the past two decades.

Paul, Andrew, Philip, Charlotte, Sarah and Kerry Lorenco and Krystal

Emmy, Carol, Annabelle and Dave

Orlando, Bec and Amira

Ebony, Sam, Lily and Harry Jacob, Caitlyn and Sabrina

a sense of

By John Holton - Photography by Leon Schoots

Many young people go through a journey of discovery in their teens and early 20s; exploring identity and where they fit in the world.

For Bendigo sisters Emily and Josie Gower, that journey has not only been one of self-discovery, but has led to a cultural awakening and connections that run deep through time and Country.

Now proudly identifying as Palawa women, Emily was 16 and Josie just 12 when they began to explore their cultural heritage as a family and explore connections of both ancestry and community. “We’d always known we were of Aboriginal descent, but we didn’t publicly identify,” Josie explains. “It has opened us to a whole new way of experiencing life… of being in the world.”

For Emily, it felt like discovering the missing piece of a puzzle.

“It’s a feeling of belonging,” she says.

That sense of belonging was even more pronounced when Emily enrolled at Bendigo Senior Secondary College in 2018 and became part of the school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program.

“It gave me a really supportive environment to keep exploring,” she says, “especially through art and connecting with local mob.”

Emily and Josie share a love of art and have both drawn and painted since they were kids. Art has also been a cathartic experience – a

way of connecting with community and exploring identity. In June this year, their art-making found a new direction when they were invited to create two murals – one for their former college and another for the offices of Headspace Bendigo.

The project was born out of the Headspace ‘Take a Step’ campaign designed to connect and engage with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community.

Headspace Bendigo youth community engagement worker Haylee Kennedy says the campaign was about making the centre more inclusive, inviting and engaging for young Indigenous people.

“We connected with First Nations students from BSSC and took them on a tour of our centre,” she says. “The students provided feedback, including a suggestion that they’d like to see Indigenous artwork displayed on the walls.

“Emily and Josie presented their ideas for the artwork and the stories behind it and were excited by the chance to share their journey of discovery while embracing their Aboriginality.”

Haylee worked closely with Emily, Josie and Sue Pickles, the coordinator of BSSC’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, to create a timeline for the project that would see the murals unveiled during NAIDOC Week.

These talented Bendigo sisters are not only sharing a journey of cultural discovery, but leaving an artistic legacy of connection and Country.

*Please note, this article contains names of deceased people.

Emily and Josie describe the process of creating the murals as “intense, but incredible”.

The bulk of the work happened over the space of a month at Headspace Bendigo, with Emily and Josie putting in long hours to meet the deadline.

“We worked really long days,” Josie says. “Early mornings, late nights – outdoors, through some really cold and wet weather. We had a rough idea of what we wanted to do, but we formed a lot of the stories as we went, allowing the murals to flow.”

The process was driven by this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: For Our Elders.

“We both have really strong connections with local Elders, but also wanted to pay respect to past Elders as well,” Emily says. “It was our first major painting project together and was a lot of fun. We bounced ideas off each other as we went along.”

The result is two murals painted on four large wooden panels that tell stories of both Djaara Country and the sisters’ own journey of discovery and connection to place.

The BSSC mural includes representations of the Bendigo Creek, meeting places to honour the knowledge of the Elders, emu and kangaroo tracks, mountains that link to both Country and the ups and downs of life, Bunjil the creator, and a scar tree with a butterfly

that represents Emily and Josie’s dad, Ray, who passed away in 2019 and is their connection to Palawa Country in Tasmania.

The Headspace mural is topped by a mass of bright stars that represent the dreaming, with the spirit ancestors linked by dot trails.

Emily and Josie used many traditional painting techniques they’ve developed by working with local First Nations artists.

“We learnt so much of the symbolism and stories from Elder, Aunty Robyn,” Josie says.

“Learning about our Indigenous heritage has drastically changed the way we make art,” Emily adds. “Local artist Aunty Janet Bromley is another person who has guided and encouraged us in our art practice.”

Once the murals were completed, the Gower sisters had another life-changing experience, when two of their former BSSC teachers arranged a trip to Palawa Country in northern Tasmania to connect with family and Elders.

“It was incredible to meet our mob, including a cousin, and hear stories about our Pop,” Josie says. “We met with a local Elder, Uncle Merv, who took us on Country and showed us around their cultural centre.”

“The feelings of connection to Country were undeniable,” Emily says. “It was amazing to share that experience with my sister; to learn alongside each other and make those connections.”

For these two young leaders, the future is about connecting and serving others. Both are currently supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students – Emily at Eaglehawk Secondary College and Josie at BSSC.

As Josie says: “It’s about ‘holding space’ for young mob… creating a place to feel safe and thrive.

“Whatever the future holds, I want to continue helping mob,” she says, “supporting them through life in whatever capacity I can.” And Emily, no doubt, will always have her back. “Dad would definitely be proud of us,” she says.

planting the seed

In April this year Bendigo Foodshare marked 10 years since it was established as an independent charity, a seed of an idea that has blossomed into a thriving community-owned support organisation making a big impact across Central Victoria.

The history of organised food relief in Victoria dates back to the 1930s when the State Relief Committee was formed to aid Victorians in need during the Great Depression. Early food relief included jam-making drives and town hall ball fundraisers. In 2006, 76 years later, it was clear that there was a need in Bendigo for a dedicated local food relief entity.

Foodbank Victoria supported the Peter Harcourt Disability Centre in establishing a local Foodshare, and in 2008, UnitingCare Bendigo took over the management and operation of the arrangement. A more formal partnership was formed in 2011 between Foodbank Victoria and UnitingCare Bendigo, forming Bendigo FoodShare as it was then known. To support the food relief effort, the warehouse at Havilah Road was officially opened in a ceremony on 2 September 2011.

In 2012, Bendigo UnitingCare realised that the work of Bendigo FoodShare didn’t align with the core focus of its operations and

began work with the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, St Luke’s Anglicare and the Bendigo Sustainability Group to create an independent Foodshare organisation. The inaugural meeting of the new Bendigo Foodshare took place in January 2013, and the first Board was appointed. Bendigo Foodshare was officially established as an independent charity on 11 April 2013.

By 2014, news of Bendigo Foodshare spread through the community and people began to take note – more local businesses, agencies and volunteers signed up. Cathie Steele was appointed the new Chair of the Board and served as Chair for the next nine years.

By 2016-2017, Bendigo Foodshare’s income was greater than operating costs. By 2018, over 550,000kg of food was being rescued and supplied to 49 emergency relief agencies and 45 schools, supporting an estimated 8,800 local people each week, made possible by 80 volunteers.

Photography by Leon Schoots

From day one, the organisation has had support from Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and IGA supermarkets and other smaller grocers and retailers. Regular pick-ups by volunteers in the highly visible Foodshare vans are central to Foodshare’s focus on repurposing food that would otherwise go to waste. Without the support of supermarket partners, Bendigo Foodshare would not be able to supply the 80+ relief agencies that rely on the food provided. During the pandemic, supermarket rescues increased to 7 days a week, from 40 to 96 collections, and with generous local farmer donations, local food increased to 72 per cent of the total food collected. In 2018–2019, Bendigo Foodshare began to focus on building community capacity. It introduced a range of community engagement initiatives and outreach programs with great success – improving the visibility of Bendigo Foodshare locally while working to prevent food poverty. New programs such as the Food Ambassador Program, Grow Cook Share, Grow a Row Pick a Branch, Soupfest and the Mobile Christmas Pantry began. At the same time, positive PR increased, and the annual Million Meals in May campaign gained major sponsorship from Bendigo Bank. Meanwhile, a dedicated team of volunteers, known as the ‘Foody Funders’, started distributing donation tins across the region. Bendigo Foodshare has always valued a partnership approach and is committed to collaborative relationships. An exemplary partnership for Foodshare has long been with the City of Greater Bendigo and being involved in the rollout of their Food Systems Strategy 2020-2030 was a major milestone for the organisation.

The challenges of COVID-19 were significant for Foodshare. Fortunately, the Bendigo community kept Bendigo Foodshare (deemed an essential service) going through these challenging times with a big surge in people coming forward to volunteer.

COVID-19 saw a dramatic 40 per cent increase in demand for food relief. In 2023 the demand sadly has further increased with an estimated 60% increase in people in need of food relief across central Victoria than prior to the pandemic.

The last 12 months has seen the community face significant challenges, including the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, the devastating flooding of large parts of central Victoria and relentless financial pressure on households. However, in the face of these challenges, the generosity of the wider community has not diminished.

Bendigo Foodshare was founded on the generosity of volunteers who remain at the organisation’s heart. In ten years, their workforce has grown to include an incredible 256 dedicated and passionate volunteers supporting around 750 tonnes of food to move through their warehouse every year and out to those in need, all across central Victoria.

Bendigo Foodshare is committed to continuing its important work, in partnership with the local community, connecting people to healthy, affordable food; improving local supply and access; developing food skills and supporting a sustainable and healthy environment.

11 April 2023 marked 10 years since Bendigo Foodshare became an independent charity, a seed of an idea has blossomed into a thriving, independent, community-owned support organisation. From little things, big things truly grow.

The Rotary Club of Bendigo South and the Ulumbarra Foundation presents a concert fundraiser featuring

TIME TO TASTE WINE

Wineries across the region welcomed wine lovers for an exclusive experience in July.

Bendigo Winegrowers Association’s annual Barrel Tasting Weekend was once again a hit, as the usually tight-lipped secrets of the industry were shared and wines were sampled straight from the barrel during the small, intimate tours.

WINE. FOOD. FUNCTIONS, WEDDINGS & CONFERENCES

James and Wayne

Kerrie and Jane

Maureen and Cliff

Gemmah, Laura, Jacinta, Eliza and Sherrie

Peter and Kay

Molly and Luke

“AN EXCELLENT WINERY, PRODUCING WINES OF HIGH TO VERY HIGH QUALITY” JAMES HALLIDAY

LIGHTING UP THE STUPA

A birthday party for the Dalai Lama was thrown right here in Bendigo.

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion’s Enlighten event was a celebration of the spiritual leader involving delicious food, roaming performers and live music. The shimmering lights on the Great Stupa were a beautiful sight to see, and guests decorated their faces with UV paint to match.

WE’RE NOW SCANNING THE CHILDREN OF THE CHILDREN WE SCANNED 43 YEARS AGO

Our highly skilled staff are committed to promoting an environment of excellence to deliver an exceptional and comprehensive level of care

• X-ray including dental imaging

• Ultrasound • CT and MRI

• Interventional Radiology

• Breast Imaging including mammography

• Nuclear Medicine

• Bone Mineral Densitometry (DEXA)

Ben, Fenix and Danielle

Daniel, Nikki and Curtis

Laura, Pat and Luca

Chris and Julie

Kylie and Sandy

Rachelle, Brett, Mikayla, Jasmine, Sophia and Cocoa

health called to

Moving

By Sarah McLean - Photography by Kate Monotti

In 2013, Eh Doh Lah and her parents migrated to Australia in search of a better life. Eh Doh was born and raised in a refugee camp for 16 years, so moving to a new country meant quite the adjustment.

“Being from the Karen ethnic group, we didn’t have much freedom. Living in a refugee camp was incredibly difficult; we were only allowed to do what the authorities permitted,” she says. Though there were a myriad of changes to face, Eh Doh was fortunate to be welcomed by a strong support network in Bendigo.

“I found it challenging to live in Australia at first because I knew nothing about the country. Bendigo is a really friendly city, however. I received a lot of support from family members and the Karen community, who taught us about the Australian culture.

“The health services in Bendigo also provided us with health care, clothing and living essentials,” she says.

Four years later, after successfully completing her senior year at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Eh Doh enrolled in a tertiary enabling program at La Trobe University, setting her up for a Bachelor’s degree.

to a new country can be daunting, but Karen refugee and registered nurse Eh Doh Lah knows she’s found a home – and her true calling – in Bendigo.

“I started university in a Bachelor of Health Science course, but I actually wanted to get into nursing,” she says.

Eh Doh soon got her wish, transferring to a Bachelor of Nursing later that year. It was in her third year she began to forge the path to her dream career.

“When I first started learning about mental health, I didn’t know much about it. Most people from my culture don’t know about mental health, as we don’t talk about it.

“As I learnt more, I developed a strong interest in mental health and underlying psychological issues,” Eh Doh says.

From the moment she completed her third-year placement in Bendigo Health’s Older Person’s Unit – a 20-bed mental health inpatient service for those aged 65 and over – Eh Doh says her passion for mental health and mental health nursing flourished.

“I learnt so much about mental health during that time and wanted to keep developing my knowledge. I always knew I wanted to come back,” she says.

After graduating in 2021, Eh Doh was fortunate enough to gain an ongoing position in the OPU.

“I really enjoy working with older people and helping them with their health needs,” she says.

“In our culture, we take care of our older people as much as we can.

I’m living with my grandparents at the moment, looking after them and taking them to their appointments. That also inspired my passion for taking care of older patients and their mental health needs.”

Coincidentally, Eh Doh’s cousin, Gai Porh La Myint, began working in Bendigo Health’s pharmacy around the same time, which was another reason Eh Doh was keen to pursue her nursing career at Bendigo Health.

“She is valued by Karen patients and the pharmacy. It shows Bendigo Health welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds,” she says. And since day one, Eh Doh says she too has felt supported by the health service.

“I’ve always liked the work culture here; it’s very multicultural. Everyone cares about each other and the patients.

“My colleagues are always happy to share their knowledge and work as a team,” she says.

Now on her way to completing a Master of Mental Health Nursing, it’s safe to say Eh Doh has found her true calling.

“I want to keep learning about mental health and psychological issues. It’s all very related to what I’ve learnt on the job so far,” she says.

“I would advise anyone considering this career path that they would be making a great decision.”

SHEEP SHOW A SUCCESS

Passionate sheep breeders from across the country converged on the Bendigo Showgrounds to show off their flocks.

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show saw 3000 sheep compete to be deemed the best of their breed, with food, fashion and fibre also key parts of the weekend. The event will return to Bendigo in July next year. OCTOBER

Sponsors Platinum Sponsors

Alexander and Charlie

Tasman, Daniel and Percy

Zoe, Trent and Mia

Charlotte, Lochie and Harry

Willy, Lucy and Charlie

LADIES LUNCHEON SELLS OUT

An afternoon of fashion, comedy and great conversation was a highlight of this year’s Sheep and Wool Show.

The sold-out Women of Wool Luncheon, hosted by Kevin Wilde, attracted women from all over the country. Over a two-course meal, attendees heard

Sue, Lee and Allanah

Leah, Elisabeth, Rob and Catriona

Sharon, Helen, Lisa and Jenevieve

Keryn, Robyn, Janine and Wendy

from deepest jungle to Quarry Hill

Photography by AJ Taylor

We are at the home of new arrivals Day Wah, Hsar Nay Htoo and their four children. This modest brick veneer home has views of historic Victorian cottages, and the Quarry Hill Primary School playground, where the three eldest children are today; they are the first Karen students to attend the 166-year-old school.

A neat row of shoes lines the entrance hall, ascending from smallest to largest. In the living room, two grey sofas and a four-piece dining setting are pushed against the walls and the space between is filled with a big, brightly coloured floor rug. The couple, plus Bendigo Community Health Services Settlement Services staff Sue Ghalayini and Nay Chee Aung, are sitting cross-legged on the rug, with a thermos, jug of tea, mugs and coffee sachets at the centre of their circle. Hsar Nay Htoo places warm, sweet drinks into everyone’s hands.

It’s been just six months since the Karen family moved into this rental home in Bendigo, having spent their first month in Australia living with their relatives and sponsors. Having waited eight years between their humanitarian visas being accepted and leaving a Thai refugee camp, Day Wah says they almost lost hope.

Day Wah had lived in the Mae Surin refugee camp for 22 years, due to sustained and systemic violence towards Karen people in their homeland of Burma (Myanmar).

Mae Surin is the remotest of all of Thailand’s camps and home to approximately 2000 people. Conditions are primitive. There are few opportunities for work and education. There is one small medical centre, no bigger than this Bendigo living room, where landmine injuries are treated and babies are born. As Sue says, it’s deep in the jungle “out of sight, out of mind”. Sue had visited in 2015 and 2016 as part of her role in supporting Karen refugees and understanding their journey.

LAUREN MITCHELL spends a morning in the home of one of the city’s newest families to discover the challenges and joys of a complete cultural change.

Sue is one of three part-time humanitarian settlement case workers at BCHS. The team is currently supporting 195 former refugees and expects another 94 to arrive before the end of 2023. Since the Australian Government opened borders to refugees following COVID-19 restrictions, approximately 300 have arrived in Bendigo. In the camp, Day Wah worked in education, religious and legal roles. He is hoping to use his diverse skills in Bendigo, but first must learn English. “I have so many things to learn,” he says. “I want to be independent.”

Day Wah says overwhelmingly the biggest challenge as a new arrival is the language barrier. (Today, Nay Chee is translating.) He does not understand English-speaking locals, and they do not understand him. But, six months into English lessons at Bendigo TAFE, he is learning. As are Hsar Nay Htoo and the children. The boys are coming home speaking the words of the playground and classroom.

Last month, Day Wah got his driver’s licence. His driving instructor is now looking out for an affordable used car on his behalf. Sue asks how they’re settling in, how are the neighbours, how are they going maintaining the garden? Day Wah nods and smiles that all is well, they have been welcomed into this street. Someone gifted them a second-hand mower.

Today, Sue has explained the pilot light in the gas heater and checked the light globes in the lounge. She laughs that she’s also good with plumbing. She helped the family secure this private rental home, thanks to her strong connections with several local real estate agencies.

“Many landlords now seek Karen tenants,” Sue says. “They’re clean, they’re tidy, they pay the rent on time… until they save a deposit and buy their own home.”

It’s also more common for new arrivals to stay with family rather than require private accommodation. Those families also sponsor and pay for their loved ones to come. In this case, almost $10,000 was saved for expenses and airfares.

New arrivals to Australia receive 12 months grace before the government requires them to either work or pursue further study. During that time, in Bendigo, they take part in many Bendigo Community Health Services programs, covering such things as road safety, laws and culture, emergency services, public transport and more.

Sue says while local food producers such as Hazeldene’s and KR Castlemaine are the biggest employers of Karen people, BCHS also encourages them to pursue other goals. She says if people commit to learning English, their long-term career and social outcomes are better.

She says considering the hardships and trauma new arrivals have endured, and the challenges they start with, their journeys to make a life here are phenomenal.

“A couple of people who arrived last month had never held a pen,” she says. “And they need to sign so many documents when they come. We have to explain to them that x or circle is now your mark.”

POPULAR MARKET BACK FOR WINTER

It was a chilly evening, but locals flocked to Hargreaves Mall for a winter edition of the beloved Moonlight Market.

They were greeted by falling snow, great tunes, and the inviting aromas of belly-warming food. There were also plenty of stalls with handmade goodies to explore.

Jugs and old wares, boots and mohairs; retro and kitchenwares plus denim and chairs. But hark, look today, avoid the sorrow, they’re here today, gone tomorrow.

Elle, Caleb and Brad

Kiara, Keisha, Grace and Lilly

Suzanne, Dale, Simone and Emily

Harry, Ruby and Linda

Stephenie, Reggie and Zerlina

Warren and Phoenix

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE

Volunteers for the annual National Tree Day planting event weren’t afraid to get dirty.

Gathering at the Garden Gully Recreation Reserve in Ironbark, they joined thousands around the country in planting trees with the aim of revegetating and enhancing local sites. Major sponsor GJ Gardner Homes was onboard to support the event for another year.

Aliza, Harriette, Frankie, Kylie, Jack and Amelia

Jimmy, Liam, Pip, Cora, Freya, Indi and Eric

Nikki, Nycole and Ky

Belinda, Akiko, Moby and Fraser

Margot, Dave, Edith and Eliza

Olivia, Gemma and Nina

a life in tune

GEOFF HOCKING hits play on an eclectic collection of musical memories, from the Blue Hills theme to the bum song.

Words and illustration by Geoff Hocking

We were never a musical family – at all!

In fact, we didn’t even have any form of sound reproductive technology in our home (except for the Astor Mickey radio in the kitchen) until I was lucky enough to win a small record player in a colouring competition when I was about 11 years of age.

My mother listened to Blue Hills every day and the musical introduction (Pastorale by Ronald Hanmer, 1949) can, upon hearing, bring back warm memories of hearth and home. After all, that is what Blue Hills was all about – the serialised daily doings of country folk: their trials and tribulations, joys and delights, failures and successes and all that lies between.

My paternal grandmother, who always appeared to be ancient, dressed in black widow’s weeds: a little straw hat adorned by a posy of plaster cherries, black shawl drawn at the neck with an ersatz Wedgwood cameo and the sort of gloves that Charles Dickens would have once described – knitted wool with fingers absent. She rarely ventured past her front door, but could be found in her darkened living room, seated at an old pump-organ, belting out her favourite Wesleyan classics while the instrument wheezed and gasped beneath her treadling feet. No wonder my father didn’t develop a love of music; Janie at the organ was a terrifying spectacle.

We were often serenaded by a group of brass-playing wandering minstrels on a Saturday night, when a small cadre of Salvos would assemble on a nearby corner and toot out a selection, featuring such numbers as Faith of Our Fathers’ O Death Where Is Thy Sting and Rock of Ages. I was more interested in Jailhouse Rock and Rock Around the Clock.

The bloke over the road had an old wind-up gramophone in his shed and a collection of old shellac 78s. Among them were such classics as Song of the Volga Boatmen and our favourite, Hallelujah! I’m a Bum. As kids, we loved that song and learnt all the words, careful not to sing it within earshot of our mothers, who thought it was distasteful and censured old Jack for allowing us access to his obscure collection.

The age of long-playing recordings and hi-fi was soon upon us and everything changed, although my parents never saw the need to avail themselves of any music at all.

One uncle, an early adopter, demonstrated the delights of longplaying records to all the family who assembled in my other grandma’s parlour, when he played a recording by Jimmy Shand on his new hi-fi machine – a moulded-plastic object with a concertina sliding canopy. It was a marvel of the industrial designer’s art, and when the first song ended, uncle suggested we should all clap and

be played another song – and Jimmy did, and no one had to change the record. It was amazing.

My first record player was a battery-driven Pye portable, which worked well enough, but after just a few singles the battery ran down and songs were rendered in whooping cycles of fast and slow, not waltz time – fast, slow, quick, quick, slow – just wobbly slow, slowing and even slower. It was a very frustrating machine.

I soon tired of the very annoying Pye portable, with its blue vinyl cover and its little yellow plastic face dial, and my very limited, if not eclectic range of singles and EPs. I begged my not-so-terrifying,, but friendly and encouraging grandmother to lend me a few pounds to buy a proper stereo. My uncle had just taken proprietorship of an electrics store and was selling off some older appliances at discount rates; my new stereo was one such item. It was a lime green, vinyl-clad portable unit with two speakers, which unclipped from above the turntable.

By now, I had joined the Australian Record Club and every month, a selected LP would arrive in the post. I had a week to return it if it was not suitable, but never did. Over a couple of years, I built a collection of mainly modern jazz: Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk,

Dave Brubeck, among many more. I was still only in my mid-teens, just started at the art school at the Tech and was already embracing New York ennui. I wanted to be a beatnik but couldn’t quite figure out where to begin. I certainly couldn’t grow any facial hair, so it was just me, alone in my room, with my little lime-green stereo, a candle in a bottle, Miles and Monk and a pile of MAD magazines.

My first job was with the World Record Club, where I learnt about something I had never been exposed to before – the classics. I do sometimes wish I had received a proper music education, rather than learn it all from the back of album sleeves, but maybe not. Maybe an eclectic love of music is more liberating.

After 50 years, I upgraded my stereo today with a new amplifier and, once again, both speakers are working. The first LP I played was a Beethoven Concerto, then Allan Sherman’s Hello Mudda, Hello Fadder. I might play my old EP of Peter Sellers singing Any Old Iron next – or maybe That’ll Be the Day, or Take Five or even Theme from Peter Gunn. They are all still in there, in the little cotton pouch that I asked my mother to stitch up for me more than 60 years ago. It’s a little pocket of timeless classics – my desert island discs. Hallelujah!

Selected verses from the Bum Song: Behappyandgayforthesummerhascome Wecanallquitourjobsandgooutonthebum Hallelujah,I’mabum,Hallelujah,bumagain Hallelujah,giveusahandouttoreviveusagain. Theyjustletmeoutoftheoldcalaboose

Withoutanymoneytheyjustturnedmeloose Hallelujah,I’mabum,Hallelujah,bumagain Hallelujah,giveusahandouttoreviveusagain. Iwenttoahousewithalimpandahop Andtheladysays,“Run,bum,orI’llcallacop” Hallelujah,I’mabum,Hallelujah,bumagain Hallelujah,giveusahandouttoreviveusagain.

MOMENTOUS MILESTONE FOR CHURCH

In August, the Bendigo Baptist Church celebrated a big birthday.

The congregation gathered at Ulumbarra Theatre for a special afternoon service in honour of the church’s 170th anniversary, full of inspiring worship and uplifting testimonies. The service was followed by a casual dinner at its Junortoun site, complete with family-friendly fun activities.

Brenda and Margaret

Ian, Daniel, Brenda, Phil and Margaret

Matt, Chloe, Julie, Dave and Andrea

Chloe, Julie and Dave

Madelyn, Luke Lauren, Michelle and Melyce

Matt, Mike and Matthew

SPECTACULAR ALPACAS

Bendigo was lucky enough to play host to the most prestigious alpaca event in Australia in August.

For three days, the Bendigo Showgrounds became a sea of fuzzy friends as the Australian Alpaca Association held its National Halter Show, judging the best in Australian alpaca breeding and fleeces.

BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACES

Sharyn, Ada, Pru and Dave

Izzy and Shelby

Matthew, Cathy and Roger

Hayden

Marie, Allee and Brody

Rubey, Sam and Katy

new-look lamb

Take a fresh approach to spring lamb with this casual meal that’s perfect to share. It’s also easy peasy to prepare, all that’s needed is a little love and time.

By Beau Cook - Photography by Leon Schoots

INDIAN SPICED LAMB WRAPS

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 6 Frenched lamb shanks (approx. 2kg)

• 1/2 cup plain yoghurt

• 8 wraps or tortillas

• Salad of your choice and extra yoghurt to serve

Paste:

• 1 large thumb-size piece of peeled ginger

• 6 cloves peeled garlic

• 1 tbls. grape seed oil

• 1 tbls. tamarind paste

• 3 tsp. sea salt flakes

• 1 tbls. sweet paprika

• 1 tbls. garam masala

• 1 tbls. ground coriander seed

• 1 tsp. chilli powder, alternatively use cracked pepper

• 1 tsp. turmeric powder

• 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 150°C. Meanwhile, in a small food processor blend all paste ingredients into a coarse paste.

2. Place shanks, yoghurt and paste into a large bowl and mix until shanks are coated all over.

3. Line a large baking dish with a layer of foil then a layer of baking paper. Place coated shanks onto the baking paper and wrap tightly, then wrap with foil layer to seal.

4. Place in oven and roast for 3 hours or until meat is falling off the bone.

5. At this point, remove the wrapping and return shanks to the oven and roast at 200°C for a further 15-20 minutes to caramelise then set aside.

6. Serve straight from the dish onto some warmed wraps with salad and yoghurt.

THE SWEETEST SUNDAY

Ten powerhouse local businesswomen united for a Sunday market with a sugary twist.

The aptly named Sweet Sisters shared their tasty handmade treats with eager crowds out of their View Street venue. From macarons to cupcakes, and biscuits to fresh pastries, there was something for every sweet tooth in town to enjoy.

Licenced plumber with over 15 years experience servicing Bendigo and surrounding region.

Specialising in

HVAC | DUCTED SPLITS SYSTEMS SPLIT SYSTEMS | EVAPORATIVE COOLING & DUCTED GAS HEATING

Angela, Tammy and Georgie

Hayley and Ashleigh

Brittney and Sarah

Aoife and Sarah

Elie, Izzy and Risa

Jaime and Jodie

TRAINERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

August saw local horse racing’s night of nights at the Bendigo Jockey Club.

The Bendigo Trainers’ Association’s annual presentation dinner was a jolly celebration of the industry’s achievements over a two-course meal, with chestnut gelding Just Folk winning Horse of the Year for the second year running.

AUTUMN AT MUNARI WINES

Briga, Anne-Maree, Peter, Jan and Alex

Greg, Bron, Sabrina, Bob and Shelley

Aileen and Jenny

Bronte, Molly, Emily and Ethan Hayden, Hannah, Sam and Jack

Rod, Sarah and Mike

spring fling

Casual appreciator LAUREN MITCHELL dips into five of the region’s loveliest wines.

All the colours of the Bendigo wine region arrived for tasting, just as the blossoms burst. All around our Strathdale home, candy pink and popcorn plum trees peppered footpaths with petals. Daffodils trumpeted, jonquils joined in, and the big wattle brought a promise of sunshine in its vivid yellow tufts. Ahh, spring. Let’s raise a toast.

This season’s regional wine selection reflects the breadth of tone, taste and variety of life as it is, right now. Once known for its big and robust red wines, the Bendigo and Heathcote region’s output continues to challenge the brand, with a host of lighter and sparkling varieties perfect for the warmer months.

TURNERS CROSSING - 2021 ROSÉ

Out by the Loddon River at Serpentine, winemaker Rob Ellis has nurtured into being a beautiful Rosé that’s both sweet on the palate and dry in finish. Only the best Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were used in its production, resulting in distinct strawberry flavours and a deep, satisfying colour of onion-skin pink.

Enjoy now, before or during a meal of fish, pork, veal or vegetables. Or, pack it as part of a posh spring picnic and head to where it all began, at a quiet spot by the lovely Loddon.

Photography by Leon Schoots

VIN DU VAN - 2022 ROSÉ

Did you know, the Vin Du Van wines are only available from the estate’s Mandurang cellar door? A weekend visit to taste or stay awhile and enjoy lunch in the French-inspired bistro is a great way to view the new growth about to burst on Bendigo vines. This elegant, pale pink drink has sweet hints of strawberry, and the provinces that inspired the Vin Du Van owners to move from Melbourne in 2021 and revive this 25-year-old vineyard.

MUNARI - 2023 ‘THE VENETO’

Be quick to enjoy the latest iteration of The Veneto, for last year’s bottles are all sold out! With a lovely pale colour and tart, tropical flavours, this white is perfectly suited to your spring table.

The Veneto pays tribute to the history of the Munari family, who originate from Gallio in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It’s also a favourite grape of winemaker Adrian Munari. Find out what all the fuss is about with a scenic drive to the winery at the foothills of Ladys Pass, near Heathcote.

SANDHURST RIDGE - 2014 FRINGE SHIRAZ CLASSIC BLEND

The Greblo brothers of Sandhurst Ridge are sharing the love here. This blend comprises 70 per cent Shiraz and 30 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, all sourced from vineyards near their own Marong property.

The same time-honoured winemaking method used for their estate wines was employed, being fermentation in small, open vats followed by basket pressing and maturation in American and French oak barriques for 18 months. The result is the ideal regional snapshot, featuring loads of powerful fruit, vanilla and mint flavours, with firm, ripe tannins.

MANDURANG VALLEY - 2022 GRENACHE BRUT ROSÉ

Truly toast to the coming warmth with this gorgeous wine from the ever-hospitable Vine family of the Mandurang Valley. The fun and spritzy blush-toned wine promises hints of rosewater and Turkish delight, and crisp acidity on the palate.

It’s bright and slightly sweet, with a refreshingly dry finish. A pretty crowd-pleaser that would make an ideal celebratory gift.

Stephanie and Joshua

Photography by Justin & Jim

In April 2019, Stephanie and Joshua made a small decision they didn’t realise would end up changing their lives forever – they swiped right on each other on the dating app Tinder.

They decided to meet for coffee shortly after, with a nervous Stephanie booking the date for just before cafe closing time in case it didn’t go well. Thankfully, she had no need to enact her escape plan.

“We liked each other immediately,” she says.

After three and a half years of dating, Joshua planned to pop the question in December 2022 with a ring from the 1930s. But Stephanie inadvertently made it difficult for him.

“I must be less spontaneous than I thought,” she says. “Poor Joshua had made multiple elaborate plans to take me away and propose. I kept putting them off and changing my mind, not knowing what was planned.”

Joshua eventually decided to keep the proposal simple, suggesting the couple take their beloved dog for a swim. It was there Stephanie turned around and saw Joshua down on one knee, asking her to be his wife. While she was very surprised, she didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’ straight away.

It wasn’t long before the wedding planning started, with Stephanie and Joshua choosing to get married as soon as possible rather than waiting a few years like most.

The date was set for June 10, 2023, and it was very important to the two of them to use as many local vendors as they could.

Stephanie and her bridesmaid Kaitlin had their hair and makeup done by Demi Ryan Makeup, and Joshua and his best man Benjamin donned suits from Joe Paul Menswear. Winter Creek Flowers near Maldon supplied the beautiful bouquets; Sue Begg officiated the ceremony; and Amanda’s Cake Emporium made the delicious cake.

Melbourne-based vendors included wedding band Craig Francis Music and Made With Love Bridal, from where Stephanie purchased an elegant lace wedding gown.

Through keeping things local and filled with family and friends, Stephanie and Joshua’s big day was an amazing celebration of their love.

But it was the venues that were of most importance to Stephanie and Joshua.

“We had always envisioned using Mackenzie Hall and the Boardwalk as they are both such beautiful venues, so (we) were delighted when they were both available,” Stephanie says.

Other special details from their big day included a wedding ring Stephanie picked specifically to match her antique engagement ring, as well as plenty of involvement from loved ones.

“Our neighbour Alan was kind enough to provide the wedding car and drove us there himself,” Stephanie says. “Our friends and family helped with decorating and (the) set up.”

Despite a few nerves from both of them, the ceremony went off without a hitch and with a lot of smiles. Once it was over, Jim from Justin and Jim - Photographers wandered around the CBD with Stephanie and Joshua, photographing the newlyweds in front of iconic Bendigo locations such as The Capital theatre.

After a quick stop at a pub with their bridal party, Stephanie and Joshua headed to their reception to enjoy a fun first dance and heartfelt speeches, before sneaking outside with their photographer to catch the last rays of light over Lake Weeroona.

With such an amazing wedding day, you could understand the difficulty in picking a highlight. For Stephanie and Joshua, however, it was easy. “Seeing all of our friends and family together was wonderful for both of us.”

NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS IN FULL SWING

A flag-raising ceremony kicked off a very busy NAIDOC Week for the Bendigo & District

Aboriginal Co-operative.

Aboriginal Community Awards were handed out to five youth winners, with an additional five adult awards presented at the evening’s gala ball. Also on the schedule was a comedy show and a fun family day at the Bendigo Showgrounds.

Faith, Jasie, Shea, Kevin, Hudson, Tanisha and Charlie

Tara, Kim and Brock

Merekia and Malikye

Indianna and Ebony

Kiarrna, Charlene and Aleira

Sophie and Alex

COSPLAYING AROUND

The pop culture extravaganza that is BendiCon returned in full force on the last weekend of winter.

Red Energy Arena was filled with people of all ages dressed in their best cosplay, entering a contest to raise funds for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation. Special guests including Neil Fanning (who voiced Scooby-Doo in the films) also delighted crowds.

Property Styling

Andrew and Xavier

Innes and Lisa

Jess and Rheanne

Daniel, Matilda and Phoenix

Jackson, Tim, Liz and Samantha

Mini and Heidi

FARM FRESH FOR EVERYONE

There was loads of fresh regional produce on offer at the Bendigo Community Farmers Market in July.

With close to 50 stalls filling the Dai Gum San Precinct, shoppers were spoilt for choice, filling their bags and baskets with all sorts of goodies, including fruit and vegies, meat, and sweet treats.

Gabbie, Caz and Caitlin

Julia and Peter

Matt and Liana

Harvey, Josh and Kate

Kristy, Oscar and Simon

Paul and Michael

vans, vines and vintage style

Ever wonder what happened to all those COVID-19 tree-changers? One former Melbourne couple has just joined the Bendigo Winegrowers Association.

By Lauren Mitchell - Photography by Leon Schoots

Nellie could not have been given a more perfect place to park. The 1969 aluminium Viscount van had seen some sights in her years. With the Millard family, she’d rolled the breadth of Victoria’s roads, from the Cape Schanck cliffs to the Yarrawonga riverbank, but she’s home now. For good. Permanently parked with a view of the Mandurang Valley, Sheepwash Creek, and one of the region’s prettiest vineyards. Thanks to Nellie, and her new-found friend, Polly, this place has been dubbed Vin Du Van, or Wine of the Van. Blake Millard moved his beloved caravan to this property, along

with the rest of his family, in 2021, mid-COVID-19 pandemic, in a lockdown-inspired tree change. Blake and his partner Annalise Bailey had worked for airlines when the pandemic progressed and grounded the world’s planes.

“COVID inspired a lot of people to reassess life and move away from the city,” says the former Melburnian. The couple both lost their jobs, “sat on their hands” for a couple of months, then started looking at properties.

“We had planned to move in five years’ time, but thought, let’s go now,” Blake says. “In retrospect, it was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to us.”

Initially, Blake and Annalise were motivated to buy and run a country pub, but a drive to Bendigo and a viewing of the former Lynnevale Estate quickly changed those plans. Just one glimpse of this valley from the house and cellar door was enough to captivate them. As it does for all who now visit.

“Some things you can’t manufacture,” Blake says on the elevation and view across the vines. He says a typical reaction of a first-time visitor is, “Oh my god, I never knew this was here”.

It’s taken two years of physical work to transform the property into what’s here now; a French vintage-inspired cellar door, bistro and function space, an inviting garden and flourishing vineyard. A place for locals to wine and dine on the weekend, and for intimate weddings. And sometimes, for visitors to stay awhile in the vintage vans.

“The house and vineyard had been on the market for 18 months, and it needed some elbow grease and TLC,” Blake says. The couple has also built up their wine stocks and added to the five-acres of 25-year-old Shiraz Cabernet, grafting in 10 rows of

Pinot Gris. But being new to the wine industry, they haven’t done it alone. Cue the Vine family, of Mandurang Valley Vineyard, yonder of the creek line.

“I visited Wes Vine when we were thinking about buying this place,” Blake says. “He sat down beside me and was so generous with his time and knowledge, and he has been ever since. He asked me, can you grow plants? I said yes, and he said, you’ll be just fine. The whole Vine family has since helped here in some shape or form. With support like that, it doesn’t feel daunting.

“We’ve made new friendships and new relationships and I’m learning something new each day. I’m a great believer that you’re never too old to learn something new, as long as you’ve got the motivation.”

Blake and Annalise were also fortunate to engage a semi-retired viticulturist from the much-loved Margaret River wine region. So, the bottles with the beautiful Vin Du Van peacock label are increasing, although exclusively available for tasting and purchase from this property.

Blake grew up on a farm at Kilmore, where his grandfather raised sheep and cattle and his father trained horses, including the 1970 Melbourne Cup winner Baghdad Note.

“I come from the country, so moving here has almost been like coming home,” he says. “I’ve loved every minute of it. Over winter I’ve loved the crisp mornings and the frozen puddles – all the things I remember as a child and missed.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to wake up to this every day. It’s just so grounding.” This, from someone who once spent half their working life in the air and over the seas… “It’s our little piece of provincial France in Bendigo,” Blake says. “And that’s what we were trying to emulate.”

CINEMA SHOWCASES CYCLING

The Big Bike Film Night’s desire to share a love of bikes brought a crowd to the Star Cinema.

Screening the best bike-themed short films across two nights, the event attracted some of Bendigo’s most devoted cyclists. Alongside Bendigo, the films will be shown in over 30 other Australian locations during coming months.

Banjo, Albert and Ziggy

Jennifer and Susan

Dave and Cam

Marigold and Polly

HERE’S TO THE (CRAFT) BEER

Beer lovers from across Bendigo and beyond ventured to nine venues to sample the best craft beers.

The Bendigo on the Hop event, organised by Bendigo Beer, brought together independent breweries from around the country to celebrate craft beers in all their glory. The event is one of Australia’s most unique winter beer festivals.

Nick, John and Matt

Tim, Cam and Tim

Fraser, Trev and Wayne

Renelle and Belinda

Daniel, Adrian, Jono, Merryn, Tearna, Emily, Beth and Lisa

Lachie, Ben, Luke and Amy

driving force

Named after a Formula 1 legend, this teenager is on track to make his own brand of motorsport magic, whether he’s behind the wheel or behind the microphone.

By Raelee Tuckerman - Photography by Leon Schoots

Lightning McQueen has a lot to answer for in the Filippi household. As the Eaglehawk family found out the hard way, when you take a car-crazy four-year-old for a spin in a go-kart, things can go from 0 to 100 faster than the famous red cartoon Corvette. For Ayrton Filippi, a day out at The Zone entertainment complex was the start of a passion that has seen him racing sprint karts and superkarts, circuit cars and Formula Vees, as well as hosting his own weekly motorsport podcast. And he’s only 16 years old.

“Mum took me around the track in one of their double karts and apparently I just yelled at her to go faster the whole time,” he says. “I developed my love of going fast from there. It was something no one saw coming – I got into Cars when I was very young and since then, there’s been nothing else.”

Parents Brigid and Marc did not expect their eldest son to follow his famous namesake when they called him after Ayrton Senna. They were not diehard F1 fans, just lovers of all sports.

Photo by Phil Wisewould photography

“I really just liked the name more than anything,” laughs Brigid. “I never could have imagined things would turn out like this!”

Not too long after those first fast laps, Ayrton started steering billy karts around the carpark of his dad’s workshop and, at age eight, convinced his folks to buy a second-hand sprint kart and join a club so he could compete.

“I did a few races here and there and was the only one my age,” he recalls. “I had to learn my flags and do a basic safety test to get my licence before I went out for the first time and came back with the biggest smile on my face. Honestly, there was no turning back after that.”

While Ayrton jokes his parents “had no clue and weren’t sure if I was good enough”, seasoned local onlookers noticed the youngster’s potential and encouraged them to take him to Melbourne to race. So, in 2016, Ayrton entered the Victorian State

Karting titles for some higher-level experience, shocking his family with first place. He even made a magazine list of the Top 50 Australian Karters that year alongside the likes of current F1 ace Oscar Piastri and Supercar drivers Broc Feeney and Kai Allen. In his first full year of racing, he collected 20 podium finishes from 29 starts.

Ayrton raced a round of the 2018 Australian Kart Championships at the Todd Road track in Port Melbourne and finished a creditable 12th out of 53 of the nation’s best young drivers. It is the only national event he has contested due to the expense.

“I was the only kid there who wasn’t in a team, so I didn’t have professional karting mechanics,” says Ayrton, whose family has dubbed their self-formed support crew Filippin Mad Motorsport. “I’d grabbed two mates to come along and help and we chipped away. In one of the heats, I came fourth, in the rain.”

As it turns out, Ayrton has secured some of his best results when the heavens open – partly because Marc often took him out to practice in the wet on slick tyres and partly because it is a great equaliser.

“We’ve never had the money that other people put into their karts, engines and teams,” says Brigid, “but when it rains, it puts everyone on a level playing field. That’s when Ayrton excels.”

The wunderkind moved into superkarting at age 12, clocking 175kmh in his first outing at Phillip Island and claiming second place in the Victorian State Series junior category that season. He broke the Broadford Motorsport Complex track record, which he still holds today.

But his dream was racing cars. He’s won many Bendigo Car Club events in his Hyundai Getz and Subaru Impreza in the past three years and was recently named 2022-23 Junior Champion and third outright at the club. This has helped build skills and confidence in a manual vehicle in preparation for even bigger stakes: the open wheel, single-seater Formula Vee class.

“In 2020, we bought a Formula Vee car for $2000,” says Ayrton, who rebuilt it at home with his dad and younger brother Henry. “As much as COVID hurt people, it also helped us because Mum, being awesome, made face masks and sold them through our online social media pages and the local post office as a fundraiser for my racing. We got a lot of support, and it helped raise enough money to afford it.”

Unfortunately, the car sustained damage when Ayrton hit a wall at speed at Winton last year in a crash that left him needing stitches in his shins. While he has fully recovered, the car is being slowly repaired and the Filippis, with the help of sponsors, have purchased an older, slower, cheaper model so he can keep racing.

“We’ve just got it to a point where it is running more reliably and in June, we went to Phillip Island for round three of the Victorian state series with high hopes, having done so much work.”

Ayrton started at the back of the grid but saw an opportunity when it began raining before race two. “From where I took off to turn one, I went from 17th to 9th because others were going so cautiously. When I came out of the last corner, I got on the throttle and went around the outside of two guys. They saw it on the broadcast and the commentators were going right off. It was a great race.”

He finished 8th, “but it felt like a win because it had been 20 months since I’d done something major at that level of circuit racing”.

When he’s not driving, the Year 10 Catherine McAuley College student showcases motorsport via his Grassroots Racer podcast, featuring mostly unsung heroes, rather than famous names (although his better-known guests include V8 Supercars legend and Touring Car Masters driver John Bowe, AM, and motorsport journalist Greg Rust, whose podcast Rusty’s Garage has been a source of inspiration).

“I want to promote the grassroots level of motorsport. It doesn’t matter what motorsport it is, if it has wheels and an engine, I am intrigued. And everyone has a story to tell – there are lots of local

legends who everyone knows in their own town, but not further afield. They are talented but may not have had the opportunity to speak about their story. My goal is to give them that chance.”

Ayrton has done about 120 podcasts over the past three years, releasing new episodes each Monday. He also co-hosts In the Pits, a motorsport show, on Fresh FM with Peter Welch on Wednesdays, works part-time, does CrossFit and practises driving on his homemade simulator.

“I don’t have time to go out and do typical teenage things because I prefer to focus on my career. I want this and I know I have to make sacrifices and if that means not going to parties and hanging out with friends, I’d rather that than not being able to race.”

But the cost of pursuing his goals at a higher level is prohibitive for an average country family, so he is seeking corporate sponsors to join the loyal band of businesses who already help him out.

“Their support has humbled me so much because without all the brilliant businesses behind me, I would not be sitting here today talking about how I get to race cars. I am living my dream and our partners are kind enough to put in money and services so I can do that.

“They see something in me that I’ve had to look inside myself to find. It’s so difficult to get to the top level of motorsport, but I believe in persevering. I’ll never give up.”

Follow Ayrton’s racing career or contact him via the Filippin Mad Motorsport Facebook page, Instagram and TikTok accounts, and find his Grassroots Racer podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

BUNJA THAI

AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD | DINE IN | TAKEAWAY

Bringing fresh and delicious Thai food to Bendigo’s CBD with Thai chefs and table service in an amazing Gold Rush Architectural masterpiece. Fully licensed and open for lunch Mon-Fri and dinner from 5pm Mon-Sat.

bunja.com.au

BENDIGO ERNEST HOTEL

STAY | DINE | SHOP | EXPLORE

Situated in the heart of the CBD, our new boutique offering provides holiday and business travellers a luxurious, modern and ambient getaway set against a grand heritage backdrop. Complimentary off-street parking. 100m from the Art Gallery.

hotelbendigo.com.au

STAR CINEMA

BENDIGO’S ONLY BOUTIQUE CINEMA

Plush couches, a licensed bar and an amazing programme

BEECHWORTH BAKERY

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | CATERING

Conveniently located on the main thoroughfare through Bendigo, Beechworth Balery offers a variety of scrumptious cakes, pastries, breads and pies plus a huge selection of fresh sandwiches, wraps and focaccias. beechworthbakery.com.au

PERCY & PERCY

COFFEE | BREAKFAST | LUNCH | CATERING

Watch the world go by from the courtyard or settle inside amongst a cosy setting of wooden tables and low pan lighting. Our coffee is reason alone to make a visit - but after a peek at the menu, you won’t be able to resist staying longer. percyandpercy.com.au

walk down memory lane

A modified version of a popular sport is luring mature-age players out of retirement and back from injuries they thought had ended their days on the competition court.

By Raelee Tuckerman - Photography by Leon Schoots

After having two hips and both knees replaced, the last thing Lynne Colbert expected to be doing at age 70 was pulling on a netball bib and returning to the game she loved and excelled at in her youth. It’s likely the decades of running up and down the court contributed to the wear and tear on her body that led to her giving it away in her 40s and eventually having major joint surgeries.

“Netball involves so much stopping and starting and I’d been playing since I was eight,” says Lynne, who suffered debilitating pain and walked with a slight limp before her final operation in 2019.

“While I recovered really well, have great movement and can walk and jog a bit now, I certainly can’t run hard and dodge so I always thought I’d never be able to play netball again.”

That was until a friend mentioned the Bendigo Walking Netball Competition – a slower-paced, lower-impact twist on the traditional game, where running and jumping is banned. Instead, players walk (many more quickly than you might imagine) and rely on precision passing to their teammates.

Lynne, a former Sunraysia netball and basketball representative whose son Leigh and brother Dale Weightman were star AFL footballers, went along to watch a match and was soon hooked.

“I love it,” she says. “Walking netball is ideal for me because I’m able to walk quite fast but don’t have to run and jump to try and get intercepts. It’s very social and while you do your best, it’s not for sheep stations so it’s fun. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”

Organiser Kerry Egan says the aim is to improve health and wellbeing, especially among older women, by encouraging physical activity and improving strength, balance and fitness. Mental health also receives a boost because participants catch up for a cuppa afterwards, building social networks.

The competition launched on August 1 last year, with matches played on Monday mornings at Red Energy Arena stadium in West Bendigo. While the average age of players is around 64, it’s designed for everyone and has seen young mums through to greatgrandparents taking to the court so far.

“I saw walking netball being played in Sydney online about three years ago and I’ve always been a mad netball fan, so I thought it looked interesting,” Kerry explains.

“I had discussions here in Bendigo for about 12 months then went to a 30th reunion and talked to some of the older players who were there – three girls were really keen so we pushed ahead to get it started and approached the Monday Ladies Netball Association to be affiliated with them.”

Kerry played competitive netball until she snapped her Achilles tendon representing Bendigo at the Australian Masters Games at the age of 50.

Now 67, she is looking forward to returning to Masters competition as part of the Bendigo Golden Oldies team that heads to Adelaide in October for the national titles. It will be the first time walking netball has been part of the Australian Masters program and the team is seeking sponsor support.

Kerry laughs when she recalls her walking netball debut.

“The first time, almost all of us find that the strength in our throwing arm is just not there anymore. We have to go off and build it back up again. My hammies were also a little bit tight, so now we have to make sure we warm up our muscles!

“But it’s such a positive to be out there again, laughing and having fun with the girls. Some take it more seriously than others, but everyone is very supportive. We can still have a bit of push and shove, but nothing like the physical contact that can occur in traditional netball.”

Zippy midcourter Colleen Rowe is recovering from shingles and felt her fitness was not back to the level needed to resume “running netball” so decided to come back via walking netball first. And it sounds like she’s there to stay.

“Honestly, I am finding I get enough out of this because you have to be really mentally focussed on not running,” she says. “And you still break out in a sweat, so it’s a good workout.

“It’s such a surprise package when you get out there on court – it’s a lot faster than people expect and we get a lot of satisfaction from it. Plus, you don’t get knocked around as much as in other serious netball competitions.”

Also among the 40-odd locally registered players are Theresa Gee, Di Hickson, Colleen Kemp and Lyn Roulston – four legends from Mount Pleasant Football Netball Club, who love being back in action.

With her Mounts career spanning over 300 senior games and including seven premierships, 65-year-old Di joined the walking competition at its inception after learning about it on Facebook.

“The social side of it is brilliant and it’s kinder on the body than traditional netball.

“The biggest challenge is trying to adjust your mindset that you can’t run and can’t jump. And what you expect to be able to do, you often can’t. You think you can get to a ball and catch it before it goes out of court, but you don’t get there because you can’t run.”

Clubmate Theresa, 77, was watching from the sidelines the chilly day Bendigo Magazine called in (“I have some arthritis issues so I’m not real good when it’s very cold”). But the member of Mounts’ 1973 B-grade premiership team looks forward to her weekly netball fix with friends. “The physical activity is just great – still being able to do the things you did and really enjoyed in years gone by.”

Co-ordinator Kerry is keen to spread the word and expand Bendigo’s walking netball competition.

“We want more players so we can have regular teams playing, rather than combining players into scratch-match teams on a weekly basis,” she says. “We would welcome whole teams wanting to join us, or individuals who we can allocate to a team.

“It’s all about socialising, fitness and fun – if that’s what you’re looking for, come along and see what we offer.”

The Bendigo Walking Netball Competition is held at Red Energy Arena on Monday mornings. Registration costs $15 annually and the weekly fee is $10. All ages and abilities are welcome. For more information, or to sponsor the Bendigo Golden Oldies, message Kerry Egan on 0410 056 274.