Chewton Chat December 2018 by Chewton Chat

Issue 237

December 2018

My community is our community...

The spotlight has just been on the Chewton Community, courtesy of the Chewton school’s efforts that culminated in the Community on Show spectacular. In the background, though, the children have been contemplating their community and their roles in it. And their participation and contributions! In the school’s newsletter, it was fantastic to see and read Raffa and Rhona’s thoughts on “community”. By sharing them on the front page of this Chat, it is to be hoped those contributions can cause us all to pause and think of “our community” and our roles within it. Do we support “our” local businesses? Do we contribute as a volunteer any in any way? Within this community there are many who contribute in so many ways to improving the quality of our local living. From environment to education, Senior Cits to Soccer, CDS to CFA, pool to publishing, Landcare to lots of things – volunteers contribute input into so many facets of everyday life. It’s often said volunteers are vital, they are the glue that keeps society together. And that glue in Chewton? We are surrounded by it. The CFA, Chewton and Golden Point Landcare groups, parents and friends at Chewton Primary School, supporters of the Chewton pool, Castlemaine Goldfields F.C., Post Office Hill Action Group, St. John’s Anglican

Church, Chewton Phoenix CWA, Chewton Senior Citizens, Red Hill Social Club, the People and Places Town Hall Display and the Chewton Domain Society Management Committee are groups that we often read about in the Chewton Chat. Each year the Biggest Morning Tea comes to Chewton courtesy of even more volunteers. And the Chewton Chat owes its existence to

CHEWTON DOMAIN SOCIETY Inc Reg # A0034364L PO Box 85, Chewton. Victoria. 3451

www.chewton.net

the continued input from an all-volunteer group. And there are still more volunteer groups that are integral to Chewton’s fabric and reputation – the archers, the cemetery, the book club, the choir and the playgroup are just a few that spring to mind. And no doubt there are some that have been overlooked in this listing! Apologies to any group that has been overlooked in these lines but the pages of the Chewton Chat are always open for you to publicise your activities. And there are the many Chewton people who are involved in volunteering further afield, taking their expertise and interests to other organisations. Thanks for sharing your reflections Raffa and Rhona! May we all think as deeply as you!

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WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE CHEWTON CHAT

Chewton’s response to the State election The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website provisionally lists Chewton’s state poll results as: ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY 39 • NUSKE, Marilyn LIBERAL 84 • FINN, Kevin • EDWARDS, Maree AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY 317 109 • WHELAN, Laurie AUSTRALIAN GREENS Informal votes 21 Total votes polled 570 Chewton’s 2 party results today... • Maree Edwards 452 • Kevin Finn 97 The VEC has Maree Edwards leading the Bendigo West count with 23629 votes, which is 68.66% of the twoparty preferred vote. Maree Edwards received 82.3% of the two-party preferred vote in Chewton! This is another increase on the 2014 Polling Place Results that ABC’s Antony Green noted was 74.8% at Chewton Primary School! W hat will he say now?

With rotating volunteers from 3 of the parties handing out how to vote cards it wasn’t possible to include them all in the photo, but this was the group on duty at lunchtime. Handing out how to vote cards at Chewton is always a social occasion!

A glitch at the Garfield?

The word spread through Chewton there was filming at the Garfield last week. And a “Unit” arrow sign was set up outside the Chewton Store, and a posse of big vehicles circled and drew up in the back carpark of the Soldiers’ Memorial Park. An impressive sight! Glitch was back in town! A bus was parked outside the Chewton Store in the afternoon. A big one. Apparently bound for the Garfield water wheel, but it was stymied by the load limit on the ageing North Street bridge. A real genuine glitch! But returning vehicles towing the accoutrements of filming began parking in Fryers Road as drivers and passengers abandoned them. The attractions offered by the posse were obviously very enticing. They do on-site catering very well...

The Chewton community goes back to school

The Chewton Community on Show! Sounded too good to miss – so off to the Chewton schoolground on a late and rapidly cooling evening. Past the trucks – Vicky with the never diminishing queue, and the Chewton CFA vehicle with a constant line of would-be fireys, climbing in, on and over. Around the school and many Chewton Groups were on show; The Chewton Pool, Chewton Playgroup, Landcare groups, St John’s Church and Castlemaine Goldfields FC. The Chewton Phoenix CWA ladies were cooking pancakes and making pompoms with children, and Ingrid Button offered free tastings of delicious wild food dip whilst promoting her Free Food Foragers Workshops. A particularly interesting display was by Nalderun which is a local Aboriginal Services organisation run by local indigenous people. Nalderun is a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning “altogether”.

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If you have never done yoga before, feel free to come and try the gentle class. If you have experience then join the progressive course. We do body postures, breathing practices and guided meditation. Wednesday afternoon/evenings in the Chewton Town Hall.

YOGA IN CHEWTON For enquiries or enrolment forms, please call Iris on 0419 110 125.

An interesting book called “Tarrengower and Langambook” was on display which is a dreamtime story about the mountains in the region. One of the main draw-cards was Vicky the Truck. Vicky is a State Government funded interactive hi-tech social inclusion program. Inside the truck people view experiences from other community groups as well as how recent migrants have found their place in communities around Victoria. This experience is enhanced by using 3-D virtual reality goggles. People were able to record their own stories about what it means to be part of a community. The Chewton Expo was a wonderful community event with a great atmosphere. The school pizza oven was fired up and the school children roamed the crowd selling delicious slices of pizza. The Blenders provided musical entertainment followed by the Thompsons Foundry Band. An amazing evening and even after all the stalls had packed up there was still a long queue waiting to see the hi-tech insides of Vicky. Thanks Chewton School children – great organisation! Jackie McMaster and John Ellis.

Monster Meeting Commemoration 2018 We again invite everyone to gather at the Monster Meeting site on Saturday December 15 to celebrate the 15,000 Diggers who gathered at Forest Creek in 1851 to defy the Governor’s threat to double the cost of their gold miners’ licence. Their peaceful political protest meeting – the first in Australia – forced the government to back down and demonstrated the power of ordinary people’s demands for social justice. It set in motion the democratic movement that led to Eureka and the establishment of democracy in Australia. At 2.30pm there will be a sausage sizzle, music and a display of the history of the Monster Meeting and the Diggers’ flag and mining equipment. There will also be the opportunity to explore the Heritage listed site and the surrounding historic remains of mining on Burns Hill and walk along the creek path leading to the Reservoir with Parks Victoria. The Monster Meeting Concert will start at 4.00pm with music, songs and poetry from Kavisha Mazella and a Melbourne choir, Fay White, Jan Wositzky, Mick Coates and others. Jan Wositzky will also tell the story of the Monster Meeting and its contribution to Australian democracy with speeches and song. The celebration and commemoration of the 1851 Monster Meeting is organised by the Chewton Domain Society and Parks Victoria. For more information contact Pat Healy 0412 759 661

The flags fluttered in the wind in 2006, and hardy souls walked from Castlemaine in 2008

MONSTER MEETING COMMEMORATION 2018 Saturday 15 December 2.30pm @ Monster Meeting Site Golden Pt Rd Chewton.

A very CHEWTON CHRISTMAS PRESENT The Monster Meeting double CD makes a great Christmas present. It features local singers and musicians performing 13 contemporary songs about the Meeting written by local songwriters (booklet of lyrics included) plus the Monster Meeting story narrated by Jan Wositzky. $30 from the Castlemaine Tourist Information Centre or from CDS (phone Pat 0422 759 661)

CELEBRATE... ...THE 1851 DIGGERS MONSTER MEETING SATURDAY DECEMBER 15 @ MONSTER MEETING SITE GOLDEN POINT ROAD, CHEwTON

• MONSTER MEETING CONCERT @ 4pm A concert featuring music, songs and poetry from Kavisha Mazella & Choir, Jan wositzky, Mick Coates, Fay white and others. Hear the story in music and words of how the Diggers, at the very start of the goldrush in 1851, forced a government backdown and set in motion the democratic movement that lead to Eureka and the establishment of Australian parliamentary democracy.

• AND FROM 2pm A sausage sizzle & display of the Monster Meeting history and flag & guided walks of the historic Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park surrounds. Explore old mining relics on Burns Hill with a Parks Victoria guide & take a guided walk along the creek path to explore the history of the MM site & Forest Creek to Expedition Pass Reservoir.

Know Your Neighbour

$1,000 pool donation

Have you met Hugh Feary? Hugh Feary was born in Ballarat but has lived in Castlemaine since he was eight, attending primary school there, then later attending high school in Bendigo. Always interested in sporting activities, Hugh played soccer at the Chewton oval, and also enjoyed both tennis and swimming. Currently he is undertaking studies in Physiotherapy. He is in his third year at Monash University. It was understandable that when he heard of a summer job as a lifeguard at the Chewton pool, Hugh was immediately interested. ‘I saw this as a good opportunity as an outdoor job and one that I would find stimulating.’ To be eligible to do this job Hugh was obliged to undertake a two day course in Melbourne with Lifesaving Victoria. In order to pass he had to swim 200 metres and demonstrate an ability to tow someone in the pool. He also had to learn to do CPR. The forthcoming season will be Hugh’s second Summer at the Chewton Pool, this time as the Senior Lifeguard. He admits the job occasionally presents a few challenges though is quick to add that these are nothing out of the ordinary, ‘just occasionally speaking to some of the kids who may be acting up in the pool and being a nuisance to others.’ His work hours can be anything between four and seven days a week and will begin again when the season starts at the end of November. Gloria Meltzer.

Aaron Brown CPA 0409 807 497 aaron@abasolutions.com.au www.abasolutions.com.au 73/1 Halford Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450

As volunteers and local tradies clean, fix gaps, and fill the Chewton Pool ahead of summer, Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, has donated $1,000 towards the restoration works. Lisa caught up with the Chewton Pool Committee in November and she recognises the importance of community run pools. ‘Community run pools are just the best,’ Lisa said.

Red Hill Hotel (03) 5416 1133

Oh Deer! During thirty years of living in this district I had not until recently sighted wild deer in the bush. A young male Fallow Deer is currently living in the Whitehorse Gully area of Chewton. He is pictured here helping keep the grass down at a property in Whitehorse Gully Road. He seems quite tame so maybe he is an escapee from someone’s deer farm. Also sighted along Dinah Road a few weeks ago were a couple of deer peacefully mingling with a mob of kangaroos.

With newspaper reports of feral deer numbers in Victoria soaring to over one million one wonders if this is a sign of things to come. Last year there was an incident of a feral deer invading a Ringwood Funeral Home and causing $100,000 in damage. There have been increasing reports of deer causing car accidents in the eastern Melbourne fringe areas. They also cause damage to fencing, gardens, agriculture and national parks. The only current method of controlling them is through licensed recreational hunters. Jackie McMaster.

That Oh Deer! article above, and some deer photos, were posted on chewton.net Facebook in early November and attracted a huge response with 6,809 views to date. The comments varied from “How beautiful” to “They don’t belong here.” Others commented on deer they had sighted in the area with one person saying that wild deer had been in the area for ten years and someone else saying that a local deer farm went bankrupt and let the deer loose in the bush. With such different viewpoints, from people finding the deer sighting delightful and others offering to come and take care of the problem, the article certainly created interest. Whilst most people don’t like the idea of “Killing Bambi” it is a very harsh reality that with the deer population in Victoria reaching estimates of one million causing destruction to native habitat, agriculture and fencing, difficult decisions will need to be made on how to manage the problem. A rapidly escalating problem apparently!

Deer are moving in on Melbourne as well as Central Victoria, and some horrific figures are quotedvin the late November Weekly Times… “Deer … population could exceed two million by 2020” “According to the draft strategy, hunters killed about 106,000 Sambar deer in 2017, well short of the 300,000 minimum needed to keep the population at about one million.” Maybe carnage on the horizon? https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/victoria/ periurban-councils-call-for-pest-declaration-as-deerinvade-melbourne/news-story/423f57f368f51b0921713ef 832a61939

Chewton CFA Brigade news This summer we welcome a new recruit to the brigade. Andrew Pye recently completed his firefighter training. We’re sure this summer will provide him with opportunities to put his training into practice. And we thank him for volunteering. If you’d like to volunteer as a firefighter or support person, talk to Rob at the Post Office. Or pop down to the station any Sunday morning for more information. Don’t know what to get the kids for Xmas? Imagine their faces if they woke to find this cubby house in the backyard on Christmas morning. (Photo left courtesy of Jo Willen.) Thanks to Amy and Ross at VR Builders, we’re raffling an amazing cubby house to raise funds for the brigade. You can buy tickets from the Chewton General Store or the Post Office. We will draw the raffle on the 22nd of December. The brigade has participated in several events and activities pre-fire season. Earlier this month we participated in Chewton Primary School’s Community Day. And we attended the annual Metcalfe Uniting Church blessing of the tankers. Several members helped pump out the Chewton Pool (below) in readiness for its busy time of the year. And we conducted a couple of burn-offs, including one at the Chewton Archery Club.

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Fire Restrictions now in force Please be aware that fire restrictions are now in force in Mount Alexander Shire. They will remain in force until May 2019. You cannot light a fire in the open air without a permit or without following requirements. If you don’t have a permit, you could be breaking the law and prosecuted. See Can I or Can’t I? on the CFA website for more information: https://bit.ly/2piP8Aa The Can I or Can’t I? brochure is also available at the Chewton General Store and the Chewton Post Office. Pick up a copy and stick it to your fridge. 3 things you should do before summer With low winter and spring rainfall, this fire season could be long and intense. You should take these three basic steps to protect life and property this fire season. First, understand your risk and prepare your property. If you’re new to the area or haven’t lived in the country before, check out Am I at risk? on the CFA website: https://bit.ly/2Kp4cGs You should also download Your Guide to Property Protection: https://bit.ly/2OwTcax Second, prepare a Fire Plan. Leaving early is always the safest option. Staying to defend your property is a big decision. Don’t take it lightly. And don’t assume you’ll see a CFA tanker pulling up your driveway in an emergency. The recently updated Fire Ready Kit on the CFA website will help you draft your plan: https://bit.ly/2PLGwBQ And please remember, your Fire Plan is a working document. You should update it as your circumstances change (e.g. you have a new pet, or changed jobs or your kids started school). Third, stay alert. ABC Central Victoria (99.1FM) is our local emergency broadcaster. It provides up-to-theminute information on local emergencies. If you have a smartphone, install the Vic Emergency app and create a watch zone to alert you to local events. Make sure you understand the three levels of warning and activate your Fire Plan as needed. • Advice: An incident is occurring or has occurred in the area. Access information and monitor conditions. • Watch and Act: An emergency is developing nearby. You need to take action now to protect yourself and others. • Emergency Warning: You are in imminent danger and need to take action now. You will be impacted.

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Don’t wait to receive an official warning before acting. Fires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. Be aware that warnings can be issued in any order.

Are you ready for summer? With a high risk of bushfires predicted this Fire Danger Period, Mount Alexander Shire Council is urging all property owners to prepare their property as we come into summer. Mount Alexander Shire Council Municipal Fire Prevention Officer Luke Ryan said that clearing rubbish, cutting grasses and clearing gutters around your home is a good place to start. “Fine fuels like fallen leaves and branches, long dry grass, small shrubs and weeds are the most common hazard we encourage you to clean up,” said Mr Ryan. “These can act as kindling for a fire – they are easy to ignite and means a fire can spread quickly. By preparing your property well you’re protecting not only yourself and your family, but also helping to protect the lives of others in the community. It’s great to see residents took up the opportunity to clear away potential fuel for fires during Council’s free green waste period during October and November. Nearly 600 local residents dropped off more than 580 cubic metres of green waste during the 16 days.” Council staff have been out and about with the CFA undertaking fire prevention inspections to identify properties that need to reduce vegetation or fuel loads to reduce the risk of fire. “We focus initially on rural properties close to towns as these are the ones that can make a big difference in reducing the spread of a bushfire from farms into towns,” said Mr Ryan. “It’s been good to see so many fire breaks around rural properties and people clearing a radius around

Council’s Luke Ryan and Captain of the Taradale Fire Brigade Rob Schomacker prepare to head out on fire prevention inspections. their home and sheds. The more we work together the safer our community will be.” Along with preparing your property Mr Ryan said there are other ways to stay safe during the Fire Danger Period. “If you haven’t already, make sure you prepare an emergency plan so you know exactly what you’ll do in the event of a fire – what you’ll pack and when you’ll leave. Have a look on the CFA website for ideas,” he said. “For regular updates make sure you download the VicEmergency app. And don’t forget to check your insurance – in the event of a bushfire you risk losing everything if you’re not covered.” Taken from a Press Release.

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Flying high into Bendigo Two firefighting helicopters arrived in Bendigo today in preparation for the fire season. The aircraft will be used throughout summer by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and CFA to respond to fires in Central Victoria. FFMVic Regional Manager Fire and Emergency Preparedness, Carsten Nannestad, said these helicopters are ideally suited for our conditions and have been based in Bendigo for several seasons. “By using pre-determined dispatch arrangements, as soon as a fire is reported the helicopters are deployed at the same time as the fire trucks so we can hit the fire hard and fast giving firefighters a greater chance of limiting the size and spread of fires in the early stages,” Mr Nannestad said. “Aircraft are particularly useful for fires in inaccessible areas where it could take vehicles some time to reach the fireground. The arrival of the aircraft with their fire-bombing capability is a significant contributor to our preparedness for bushfires. This aerial capability supplements the great work our crews do on the ground. The flow-on effects of this are that potentially less property is lost or damaged by bushfires and the length of time firefighters are required on scene is reduced. We have had lots of feedback from the community over the last few years that seeing and hearing the helicopter in the sky on a bad fire day gives them confidence and reassurance that the fire services are doing all they can to limit the impact of fires on the community.” The firefighting aircraft based at the Bendigo Airport this summer are: * Helitak 335: Bell 214B water bombing helicopter. Carries 2,650 litres of water in its belly tank. It can fill the tank in 40 seconds by dropping its three-metre snorkel into a water source and hovering two and a half metres above the water source. * Firebird 305: Airbus EC120 helicopter. Carries the Air Attack Supervisor who oversees and coordinates the aerial tactical operation of the fire. Acts as a liaison between the on-the-ground firefighting and aerial water bombing. The Bendigo based aircraft are part of Victoria’s fleet of 50 firefighting aircraft that will be positioned across the state this summer.

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Fire investigators trained to look for clues

Fifteen trainee bushfire investigators from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), CFA, Victoria Police and Parks Victoria searched for clues at multiple sites of “suspicious bushfires” in Walmer State Forest near Castlemaine as part of a bushfire investigation course. FFMVic and CFA ran a joint five-day bushfire investigation course that provided trainees with the skills to investigate the origin and cause of bushfires. The “suspicious bushfires” were deliberately lit inside a previous planned burn by the course instructors and then extinguished so trainees could put their sleuthing skills to the test. FFMVic Statewide Fire Investigation and Training Coordinator, Les Vearing, said bushfire investigation is

an important and highly skilled job, so it is essential that trainees receive practical training on a real fire ground. “Trainees will figure out where the fire started, what caused ignition and which way the fire spread,” Mr Vearing said. “The key to fire investigation is finding the point of origin because it usually contains the clues to show whether ignition was natural, an accident or deliberate. Course participants were on hands and knees looking for clues such as staining on rocks, burn patterns on trees, tyre tracks or signs that someone has been using machinery, a chainsaw or other hand tools such as angle grinders.” Fire crews were on site to control and extinguish the fires once the investigation training has been completed. Taken from a Press Release.

Services for St. John’s in December In December we celebrate the season of Advent. This is a period for reflection before the Festival of Christmas. • Saturday 1st, 6pm Chewton - Eucharist. • Sunday 2nd 6pm Castlemaine - Advent Carol Service. • Saturday 8th 6pm Chewton - Eucharist. • Tuesday 11th 8pm Castlemaine - Come and Sing Christmas. • Saturday 15th 6pm Chewton - Eucharist. • Sunday 16th 6pm Castlemaine - Healing and Remembrance Service. • Saturday 22nd 6pm - Chewton Christmas Carols. • Christmas Services * Monday 24th Christmas Eve. • 5pm - Children’s Christmas at Castlemaine. • 8pm - Carols at Christmas Castlemaine. • 11.30pm - Midnight Mass Castlemaine. * Tuesday 25th Christmas Day 9am Eucharist at Castlemaine. • Every Monday at St John’s 3.30pm Into the Light Silent prayer and Meditation. Everyone Welcome. We would be delighted if you could join us for our Carol Service at St. John’s.

le who e h t g ild turin very ch r u N in e

It is a sure sign that the year is coming to an end when we have our 2019 preps come along for their first day of school. Transition is always an exciting time for all. Our grade 6 students have already had several days at the secondary school of their choice with a state wide transition day in a few weeks. Following the success of our two day bike ride (from Geelong to Queenscliff on day one and Queenscliff to Port Lonsdale and return on day two) we had a team of students enter the Bike Education Challenge in Bendigo. This was the first time that we had been involved and judging from parent and student feedback, we will certainly be returning with two teams in 2019. Following three busy weeks of camps I was a little daunted by the prospect of finalizing the arrangements for the ‘Chewton Community Event’ with Vicky the Truck as a feature guest. Three days out I was no longer daunted but in panic mode. Thankfully the Chewton community were well on board and the school parent group helped to organise the pizzas and the musical entertainment for the night - see pages 4 and 5. We raised over $200 that will go towards drought relief in NSW. This year’s State Election BBQ was at our school

child

with the proceeds going towards supporting our pool. The Chewton Pool Committee is always generous with blocking in our swimming lessons, our end of year events and by providing membership support for struggling families. Our long awaited outdoor stage will be completed by the end of the year. Earth and fencing works will start by the end of the month. In true Chewton School form I can see that there will be a flurry of activity in the final few days of term. I still have strong memories of the artificial turf removal three days before the end of the school year in 2017. Sadly, the outdoor kitchen and musical garden projects will not happen until term 1 of next year. Despite the dry, our garden is performing at its best. With limited water it always amazes me how well plants grow up here on the hill. With just four weeks till the end of the school year there is plenty to do. Teachers are finishing end of year reports, class supplies are being ordered for 2019 and planning documents, complete with goals and targets, are being prepared. Our end of year celebrations are not far away so please mark Dec 19th in your diary to help us farewell the grade 6 class of 2018. Julie.

Council adopts Chewton streetscape design Designs to improve streetscapes in Chewton, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Newstead and Taradale have been given the tick of approval at the November meeting of Council. Council staff worked closely with residents and community planning groups to develop streetscape designs for each township. The designs propose key elements such as the placement of trees and plantings, traffic management, pedestrian safety and creation of social spaces. “Community members were very keen to share their ideas about how to improve their townships, and their input was critical in coming up with the final designs,” said Gaynor Atkin, Manager Community Partnerships, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “The design process

was led by each community. From the creation of design priorities to their promotion, we were guided by what the community wanted and what was important to them. We are very grateful to everyone who was involved in helping to develop these designs and ensuring that their ideas were represented.” $100,000 has been budgeted by council to begin implementing the streetscape designs this financial year and external funding will be sought for some of the larger elements of each design as required. “We’ll also meet with each community to discuss implementing elements of the streetscape designs,” said Ms Atkin. Take a look at the final designs on Council’s website www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Community_Plans Taken from a Press Release.

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Real Estate Round Up

The market seems to have slowed a little and some vendors have reduced their asking price. Here is the round up for December. Cantwell Real Estate: • Pyrenees Hwy 2890m2 commercially zoned land next to Castlemaine Bus Lines and Castle Auto. Price on application. Castlemaine Property Group: • 6 Dinah Rd, A classic 1896 cottage on 1.6 acres. 4 living spaces, 3 bedrooms, a sleep-out, a billiard room and a conservatory. There is a delightful garden and the property may have subdivision potential (stca). $735,000 • Lot 1/128 Fryers Road, Elevated land with mains water, sewer and power. 2440m2. $199,000 Keogh Real Estate: • No properties available at present. Jellis Craig: • NEW - 651 Pyrenees Hwy, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with quality fittings and good heating and cooling systems. Additional self contained cabin. The 4 hectare property is fully fenced. $750,000 to $790,000

Waller Realty: • NEW - Adelaide St, Charming character-filled one bedroom cottage on 965m2 elevated block. $385,000 • NEW - 35A Adelaide St, 690m2 block in leafy street within walking distance to Chewton town centre. All services available. $185,000 • Ottery Cottage 226 Main Rd, historic house with charm and character. Also a self contained stone cottage currently run as a successful BnB. $685,000 • 151 Main Road, Unique and beautifully remodelled home in the heart of Chewton. The home has many features including a river rock fireplace, two bathrooms, granite kitchen bench tops and hardwood floors. There is a series of studio or workshop spaces all set in a beautiful garden setting. $625,000 • 15 Steele Street, “Amble Cottage”. A classic two bedroom miner’s cottage on 1000m2. Established gardens, original timber panelling and hardwood floors, gas heating and split system. $399,000 • Lot 1/50 Albert Street, Elevated 1836m2 block with views. Power, water and sewer ready to connect. $215,000 • Lot2/50 Albert Street. Attractive 1474m2 block. Power, water and sewer ready to connect. $195,000 For Sale By Owner: • 734 Pyrenees Highway, large family home with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an indoor pool and a recreation room. Set on over 1 hectare of maintained grounds, $597,000 Jackie McMaster.

Chewton General Store... Wick-ed things now at the shop...

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Occasional Verse launched

Remembrance Day November 11, 2018 Bettie Exon and Max and Gaylene Lesser organized a Remembrance Day ceremony for Chewton and so a small group gathered by the flagpole at the gate to the Soldiers’ Memorial Park at 11.00 a.m. to honour those who served and to commemorate the signing of the Armistice Pact between the Allies and Germany. This saw the end of hostilities in World War I - the “war to end all wars” which of course it wasn’t, as can be clearly seen on the Memorial Park Gate by the names of the countries where Australians have subsequently served on military duties.

Re-visiting the launch of David Watson’s book of Occasional Verse that was covered in last month’s Chat.

During the brief ceremony Pat Mudford spoke about the experiences of a member of her family. The Ode was recited and after a minute’s silence, wreaths were laid on behalf of the Mt. Alexander Shire Council and Chewton CWA Phoenix.

Memories of WWII were bought to mind by the presence of a beautifully restored Dodge vehicle. These were used briefly to transport USA Officers of senior ranks. They were thought to be more appropriate for important people than the tough little Jeep. They were not in use for long. The enemy quickly identified their purpose and so any of these Dodge vehicles that were seen were immediately picked off as prime targets. Barbara Dry. Photos courtesy of Jackie McMaster.

Chewton’s Community BBQ – Movember (another hairy night in old Chewton town!)

The gauntlet was thrown, the challenge was issued: “It’s Movember! So turn up and show your mo’”. And we did in droves; the young and old, the regulars, the irregulars and some out-of-towners. Sadly, the “Olde Redacteur du Chat” was noted for his absence, so the rest of us made up for it and made a toast to his good health. And there were moes; indeed more moes than people. All but three were of the stick-on variety, and as the night went on, some moes were spotted on the cheek, or the odd eyebrow, and who knows where…... The legendary Chewton crew lived up to all expectations. Despite being a bit chilly in the wind, the warmth of conviviality and friendships around the BBQ made up for it. The champagne corks were popping to celebrate an upcoming birthday (and thanks for the yummy chocolate cake), and as sun went down, several concurrent, animated and wide ranging discussions touched on the politics of the day, the stormy weather the day before, gardening, the Castlemaine show, and a number of current horse races in Bendigo and Melbourne. Meanwhile, the cheeses and nibbles disappeared as the snags, steaks and skewers were cooked to perfection. Mikael Hirsch.

Upgrade to Chewton Primary School entrance

The Anteroom Shuffling on a walking frame, We enter the Consultant’s rooms Hoping He’ll ease the agony. Abolish pain. We sit. And wait. The crowded anteroom air is Festive. Oldies of both sexes In summer clothes and tennis tans As if they’re waiting for a bus To take them to the Sunshine Coast. Exchanging tales like dear old friends. Old. Bureaucrats would call them “aged” Like bottles of premium wine.

Chewton Primary School students are enjoying the safety benefits of a new bus bay, entrance steps and footpath following an upgrade project by Mount Alexander Shire Council. The works were completed over the September school holidays to reduce the impact on students, staff and parents. Council worked with staff and the local community to identify the project and come up with a solution that improved road and pedestrian safety along Hunter Street. “Bus safety has been an increasingly challenging situation for our school,” explained Julie Holden, Principal of Chewton Primary School. “We can now safely load children on and off the bus and families are now clear about where they are allowed to park." Chewton Primary School is a thriving school that is growing each year. The new entrance will accommodate a further increase in student numbers whilst maintaining pedestrian and cyclist safety. Council received a $42,000 grant through TAC Local Government Grants Program to assist fund the project. After and before photos show the work's effectiveness... Taken from a Press Release. Safer and swisher above... ...and a reminder of what was there below!

P o e t r y C o r n e r

What can the Consultant tell them That they don’t already know? You have cancer, a diseased heart. Loss of sight, hearing, touch, smell Taste, loss of mental faculties. Cross out the words that don’t apply. Please see the girl at Reception (Casually disregarding Gender appropriate language) Who smiles, takes medicard details And checks out the private health fund Will that be by cheque or by card? A joke they’ve heard a thousand times: I’m only here on borrowed time No fuss. We don’t charge interest. Also we show no interest You’re in a never ending line Stretched from here to end of Time. You are superannuated Afraid you’re unemployable. You’re much too old to be re-trained. Too wrinkled for a counter job. Too clever for the bean counters Who sit in company boardrooms. The tanned ones in the anteroom Does their banter mask their terror Of what lies beyond Life’s boundary? Perhaps they are Happy Clappers: Promised abundance in this life Singing with angels in the next. Licensed to sin now; pay later. I hear a bus pull up outside “Plenty more room!” the Driver smiles. A timid passenger enquires: “You going to..?” the Driver smiles. “End of time. Destination Death.” “EVERYBODY OUT!” The Driver smiles... David Watson 2018.

Art across the generations Local artist Mark Dober and daughter Emily (above) have a joint exhibition of figure drawings called The Two of Us on at the Phee Broadway Theatre foyer. Emily Dober is an emerging artist who has autism. Her figurative work typically engages with the themes of dance and celebrity. Her drawings are inspired by magazine advertising and pop culture, energised with familiar lines that reflect fashion and design trends. Her father Mark Dober, is an independent artist based in Castlemaine. His most recent solo exhibition featured watercolours of the You Yangs at Geelong Art Gallery. His work at the Phee show cases recent figurative drawings made from life, including gouaches of his wife Elizabeth made during last year’s Hill End residency.

Riddles in Mechanics Lane

Local artist Jessie Stanley has set the community a riddlesolving challenge in her new paste-up commission in Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine. The installation titled Here Beneath / Suspended Above contains two riddles that describe aspects of our relationship with our environment. One that is unique to Castlemaine and one that echoes a more universal experience. When viewed from the laneway, a jumble of letters are suspended within a blue and red pattern to create a vibrant sign that needs decoding to discover its hidden messages. The riddles can be read during daylight hours by using the blue and red filters provided with an invitation in the foyer at the Phee

“The Phee Broadway Theatre exhibition program provides us with great opportunity to have a joint show,” said Mark. “Getting Emily’s work out to a wider audience was a key reason for applying to exhibit in the space.” Mark said Emily’s favourite work in the show was a coloured pencil on paper work titled Japanese Girl. The Phee Broadway Theatre exhibition program is dedicated to showcasing creativity from across the community. “It’s important the programming is accessible to and reflects our diverse population,” said Vicki Anderson, Cultural Development Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “My personal favourite in the show is Emily’s Girl in White Dress. It’s pure Audrey Hepburn.” The Two of Us will be on display in the Phee Broadway Theatre foyer until Monday 10 December. The International Day of People with a Disability is Monday 3 December. Broadway Theatre and Castlemaine Library. Jessie’s work embraces the congruence of graphic design and art in public space as platforms for affecting the way meaning is produced within society. “The process of my creative practice sculpts my way of seeing and understanding our relationship to the world,” said Jessie. “Each art-exploration begins with site-specific historiographic and geographic research, on a quest to understand our relationship to time and space.” “Jessie’s work responds and speaks to our cultural precinct in a truly interactive way,” said Vicki Anderson, Cultural Development Officer. Think you can solve the riddles? If so, you are invited to contact the artist at post@jessiestanley.com. Correct answers will go into the draw to win one limited edition print from Jessie Stanley in January 2019. This year’s paste up program in Mechanics Lane has featured commissioned works by Steve Parsons, Wendy Murray and most recently, Elissa Sadgrove. For more information about these exhibitions visit www.pheebroadwaytheatre.com.au Taken from Press Releases.

Chewton Domain Society The November CDS Management Committee meeting started with a presentation by Jan ‘Yarn’ Wositzky on his proposal to present his new production about the Monster Meeting in mid-2019 in the Chewton Town Hall. The presentation would tell the story of the Monster Meeting, with vaudevillian participation and audience members performing the Diggers’ speeches and songs from the Monster Meeting CD. Negotiations are taking place to purchase extra Monster Meeting flags in time for the coming event on December 15th. Updated CDs with the thirteen songs and the background story to the Monster Meeting are now available for sale as well. (See page 6). It was reported that the Chewton Film Society had a successful season overall and a very successful final night showing a short film They Played in a Tin Shed about Thompsons Foundry Band - and they were graced by the presence of band members. Arrangements for the Film Society in 2019 will begin in February. The Chewton Chat turns 20 in March next year and plans are being talked about now to celebrate this milestone. John attended the Waranga News 40th anniversary as guest speaker on Sunday 18th November. The Red Hill Hotel has offered the opportunity for a Friday night raffle organised by the CDS and this is being organised. Watch this space! Work to improve access to the Police Lock-up is ongoing with the intention of having it opened at advertised times in 2019. The Chewton Town Hall and the PO Conservation Management Plans along with the Lock-up and the park maintenance plans will be used to develop a short, medium and long term maintenance plan and budget again in 2019. CDS Membership is now more than 100, with many people taking advantage of making a direct deposit into the CDS account at the Bendigo Bank (Chewton Domain Society, Account No: 106 516 479). Arrangements are also being made to investigate an interest-bearing account with the Bendigo Bank. A response has been received from Parks Victoria’s Area Chief Ranger Goldfields regarding the CDS interest in supporting future programs in the Chewton area. A time will be made in 2019 for the committee to be provided with an overview of the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park’s Heritage Landscape Management Framework.

MASC is seeking support from the State Government Building Better Regions Fund Round 3 for construction of the Small Towns Streetscapes Project in 2019. It seems as though 2019 is shaping up to be a very busy year and if you see something that may interest you and that you would like to help with, please contact a CDS committee member. The Showcasing our Community event held at the Chewton Primary School recently gave a great indication of what a lively and interesting place we live in.

Newsflash - latest score: Weather 1 Chewton Pool’s Friday Opening plans 0 As you know we were scheduled to start the season with a party on November 23. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t in our favour. We don’t open if the maximum is 22 or below, and therefore we could not be open as planned. Looking forward to sharing a fantastic pool season with you all (once it’s warm enough, of course!) For more information regarding our opening policy or season details please contact our Pool Operations Manager - Hayley Sommeling-Farrugia. hayley.chewtonpool@gmail.com Best Regards, Committee and Management Team, Chewton Pool Inc.

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Buda Historic Home and Garden A property of national significance.

Home of the noted Gold and Silversmith ERNEST LEVINY and his family from 1863 to 1981, featuring authentic furnishings, arts and crafts collection, significant heritage garden and grounds. Nursery selling drought-hardy plants, many propagated from the garden. Open hours Wed - Sat 12noon to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Groups by appointment. 42 Hunter Street, Castlemaine 3450, T/F: (03) 5472 1032 E: admin@budacastlemaine.org

Changing streetscapes

A new sign adorns the Red Hill - proclaiming “The Red Hill Chewton”. We don’t live in Carlton any longer!

The foundation for an even taller change is being prepared in Railway Street. The new Telstra communication tower is taking shape.

Crane your neck to see the top of this one! A new house is rapidly appearing...

...and appearing...

Rob’s lawn mowing lawn mowing Rubbish and unwanted goods Removed (fully insured) $30 per hour

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2018 a good year for Chewton Landcare With the help of grants from the Northern Central Catchment Management Authority, DELWP’s On-ground Biodiversity Action Program, and the Landmate team from Loddon prison, Chewton Landcare has completed a year of weed eradication and land rehabilitation on the Wattle Gully Flat and along the Wattle Gully in Chewton. Mechanical mulching by Bushco Land Management removed dense gorse and blackberry infestation and small willows in the creek along Fryers Rd between the Dinah Rd bridge and the rail underpass and on the other side of the railway between the pool carpark and Main Rd with treatment of any weed regrowth to be done in early 2019, depending on weather and revegetation will hopefully follow next autumn. In July a Landmate working party from the local Loddon Prison cleared dense gorse and blackberry infestation from the Wattle Gully Creek between the railway tunnels and the ford, revealing a long unseen view of the historic rail tunnels and an old dry stone wall of unknown origins. Further work will be needed to keep this area and the rest of the creek free of the choking weeds. Next job is to clear the rest of the path along the creek that was created a decade or so ago and has since fallen into disrepair.

CHEWTON LANDCARE NEEDS HELP Chewton Landcare needs new members to help with the many projects needed in Chewton. We have all the tools and equipment needed. BUT we need more people to join our semi-regular working bees and to help with grant applications and community workshops. 2019 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS Chewton Landcare is planning a free Healthy Waterways Workshop in Chewton early in 2019. Let us know if you are interested in taking part. OR IF you have ideas for any other community workshops we could have next year. Phone Pat (0422 759 661) if you want to know more about Chewton Landcare or about plans for community workshops. Pat Healy.

Chewton Landcare can help you if you need extra equipment to eradicate weeds If your weeds are worse than you thought you may need a bit of extra help by way of a hefty whipper-snipper, strong rakes or loppers that you might not already have. No problem. Chewton Landcare can help out because, courtesy of grants from our local Shire Council, we have all the equipment and tools needed to tackle any weeds and we are happy to lend them out to Chewton locals. We just ask that you take care of the equipment, that you work safely and use the protective equipment we provide. To arrange a loan phone Pat on 0422 759 661.

Do you check chewton.net Facebook? 4,150 did this week and 1,061 people are following it! And 2,780 saw “Glitch” and 2,033 saw the poll result!

African Lovegrass in Chewton

Some of our worst weeds are perennial grasses from South Africa and South America. These include Serrated Tussock, Chilean Needlegrass, Texan Needlegrass from South America and African Lovegrass from South Africa. These are all considered weeds because they colonise pasture and replace nutritious pasture grass with unpalatable grass. Some were introduced accidentally and others deliberately as a fodder grass. As with the Australian spear grasses (the Austrostipa’s), the introduced spear, or needle grasses are palatable when the leaves are young and tender, and left alone when in flower and seed. This is a logical defence mechanism for plains grasses where vast herds of herbivores move across the landscape. Many of our lawn weeds are such because of their adaption to intense grazing. The flowers of Capeweed for instance, are able to complete their reproductive task beneath the lowest setting of your lawnmower. African Lovegrass is a weed of ditches and roadsides. Its seeds are spread by the movement of water and dirt. For this reason it is a problematic in the irrigation zones of Victoria and any part of Victoria where the catchment system flows north to the Murray. An infestation such as the one I found on the east side of Golden Point Road, south of Havelock Reef Road, will spread downstream over the decades and eventually find its way into the Loddon irrigation system. The seeds would have arrived in the mud caked on the wheels of a road maintenance vehicle.

African Lovegrass is a regionally controlled weed in parts of Victoria, particularly the irrigation areas and their upstream feeders. Regionally controlled means that whilst eradication might be impossible, the spread of that weed should be controlled. Land managers, both private and public, have a legal responsibility to prevent the spread of such a weed. Prevention is far easier than control. Contractors must clean their equipment if moving from one area to another. There must be clarification about who is responsible for the introduction of weeds when an agency engages a subcontractor. If an agency or a representative wants to do work on your land not contracted by you, such as a pipe or telephone line, ask to see their weed management plan. If you want to do work on your land, get your own plan. Contact weed management experts for advice about what to do after you move lots of dirt around! Individuals must be vigilant. Weedy grasses can even be introduced via trouser cuffs and socks! Fritz Hammersley.

Nature Photography at Newstead Railway Arts Hub Bronwyn Silver, Geoff Park and Patrick Kavanagh roam the goldfields of Central Victoria, stealing images of the beauty they find. Birds, mammals, plants. Not even mosses and lichens are safe from their pilfering ways! While the targets of their larceny are unaffected by the process, these thieves have been profoundly altered by the images they’ve stolen from the wild, seeing more deeply into the wonders of the natural environment. They are happy to share their bounty at Newstead Arts Hub this December.

Newstead Railway Arts Hub 8a Tivey Street, Newstead

One of the exhibition photos by Patrick Kavanagh. Lipotriches Bee with Black-anther Flax-lily. Patrick Kavanagh, Geoff Park and Bronwyn Silver are holding a photographic exhibition at the Newstead Railway Arts Hub starting on Saturday 1st December 2018. The expression “taking photographs” is a curious and revealing usage. In English, we don’t “make” photographs, we “take” them. When photographing nature – wildlife, plants, landscapes – it can seem that the photographer “captures” a beauty already there, taking something that belongs to the subject, but without diminishing the subject.

Starts 1 December 2018, 10am – 4pm Opening: 2 December 11 am, refreshments provided, everyone welcome Open 10am – 4pm on the first four weekends in December: 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th, 22nd & 23th. Contact Bronwyn Silver for more details, 0448751111

http://www.fobif.org.au/2018/11/naturephotography-at-newstead-railway-arts-hub/

Yuk! Dumpings in Golden Point Road Secondly, at the other end of Golden Point Road a phantom defecator left evidence of another dumping! On Tuesday night (the 20th) at the Monster Meeting site another dumping took place, with a small white hand towel left with the mess.

Two reports of unsavoury dumping in Golden Point Road surfaced during this week. Appalling! Firstly, some concrete has been dumped (above) and left to set at Expedition Pass Reservoir. Just metres on the downstream side of the reservoir wall, it is not a great start for summer when usage of the popular reservoir will be expected to increase.

Lots of head shaking has accompanied these reports and you do have to wonder about the social skills and social consciences of those involved!

Chickens hatching a plot!

Three weeks in an eggshell, what a start to life! 12 hours in the outside world saw the first seven socialising and exploring. But back in the incubator the next more chicks were emerging.

Carpet and Rug Steam Cleaning • 25 years’ experience (semi-retired) • $25 per average size room (4x4m) (most carpets dry in 2–3 hours)

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Act now to reduce wasps this summer

Have you ever had a picnic or barbecue cut short because of an onslaught of European wasps? These unwelcome visitors are attracted to meat and sweet foods and can be very annoying during summer. The good news is that if you act now and put out traps, you can help to reduce the numbers of wasps in months to come. Trapping in October and November means queen wasps will be targeted before they can establish a nest. This interrupts the breeding cycle and can make a considerable impact on the number of European wasps within the community. You can purchase traps and baits from hardware stores and some nurseries, or look online for ideas to make a trap yourself. European wasps aggressively protect their nests and can sting a victim repeatedly. Not only is their sting nasty, it also emits a chemical that alerts other European wasps to attack.

To reduce the risk of stings: • Keep compost heaps and rubbish bins covered at all times • Remove old or damaged fruit from trees and fallen fruit • Avoid leaving food, drink or pet food outside • Water the garden in the evening when wasps are least active • Cover bird baths and fish ponds with fine mesh or shade cloth • Check and use fly screens on windows and doors • Pour canned or bottled drinks into a glass to avoid swallowing them • Leave wasps alone as they are more likely to attack if provoked. Take care if eradicating a nest on your property. Treatment products are available but it is important to take precautions as wasps will actively defend their nest. It is strongly recommended that you hire experts to destroy any wasp nests on your property. In the meantime place a few traps around your place to reduce the likelihood of European wasps ruining your outdoor fun. Mount Alexander Shire Council will treat wasp nests in public areas on Council land. If you see a nest you can report it to Council on 5471 1700 or info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au. For more information visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au Taken from a Press Release.

Take a gander at this lot... Two goslings - tracking the gander around the pond. Meanwhile the goose is back to work - sitting on a second clutch of eggs she has just prepared.

Post Office Hill Action Group (POHAG)

The POHAG AGM was held in November, and all office-bearers were re-nominated and all accepted that vote of confidence! So, Ian O”Halloran is President, John Leavesley is Secretary/Treasurer and Robert Mawson is Vice-President. Annual membership fees remain at $5 per household - an absolute bargain. Interested in joining at that price? Either contact the Chewton Chat or come to a monthly meeting (second Sunday of the month in the Chewton Town Hall at 10). What does POHAG do? It manages a substantial area of Chewton and these snippets from the president’s report add some detail. • Applies for grants and when successful oversees the expenditure of them. • Plans works and work priorities. • Monitors activity on the reserve, including illegal dumping. • Is currently arranging “gates” to keep illegal dumpers and vehicles out. • Works in with local Landcare groups and organizations. • Has working relationships with other land managers such as Parks Victoria, DELWP, Connecting Country, Mount Alexander Shire and Native Title groups. • Employs and co-ordinates groups like Conservation Volunteers and LandMate. • Researches history of the site, and will be publishing a POHAG collection for the Chewton Town Hall collection. • Prepares signage and a brochure of the area. • Organises slashing on the site in preparation for the fire season. • Lobbies council to take weed control measures on the rehabilitating tip sites adjacent to Post Office Hill. For $5 a year you and your family can be part of this group too!

This map is available to download in colour at https://cartography.id.au/post_office_hill/ post_office_hill.htm

Exposed rock formations, and even a defunct Chewton Railway Station make Post Office Hill a place to explore!

Wesley Hill Community Market Every Saturday Now 9am – 2.00pm An old fashioned Country Market Opposite the Albion Hotel New stallholders always welcome.

Call the Market Manager

0418 117 953

Water. water, water... Managing urban waterways Mount Alexander Shire Council has adopted a plan to manage the 70 hectares of public land around urban waterways throughout Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton. Council worked with two local Landcare groups – Friends of Campbells Creek and Castlemaine Landcare Group – along with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) providing strategic oversight into the plan. The plan will guide Council and Landcare groups in managing the shire’s urban waterways over the coming years. “Local Landcare groups have been working on this public land for decades and working with them has resulted in a thorough and well considered plan to manage these important areas,” said Kylie Stafford, Natural Environment Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “The plan identifies opportunities to improve walking and cycling links, improve the visitor experience and undertake initiatives to address the water quality of the creeks. A big part of our plan is to encourage the community to make the most of the areas along waterways. They are brimming with wildlife and are a fantastic place to explore and take in the natural beauty so close to town. Thanks to the feedback received during consultation we think the final version of the plan is balanced in its approach to protecting the natural environment, providing a positive experience for users and improving infrastructure.” Council officers will now seek to attract further funding and resources to implement a number of initiatives over the life of the plan. The Castlemaine Urban Waterways Management Plan is available on Council’s website www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Managing flood risk Mount Alexander Shire Council has adopted an amendment to the local planning scheme to provide better flood protection in Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton. If approved by the Minister for Planning, Planning Scheme Amendment C082 will incorporate new flood mapping boundaries and planning overlays in flood prone areas. The flood maps are based on updated modelling by the North Central Catchment Management Authority in township areas that have a long history of flooding. The amendment proposes two overlays to reduce community exposure to flooding: • A Flood Overlay (FO) on land subject to the highest flood risk and where floods occurs most frequently, and • A Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) on land affected by riverine flooding where it occurs on average one in every 100 years. The introduction of the overlays means a planning permit may be required when building works are undertaken, or when developing or subdividing land, to reduce the impact of flood. Some exemptions do apply for minor buildings and works. For more information visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/C082 Both items taken from Press Releases.

POHAG meeting 10 a.m. 9th December 2018 Chewton Town Hall

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Chewton’s People and Places Collection As 2018 draws to a close we can reflect on another year of gathering, preserving and sharing Chewton’s rich history. Thank you to all the volunteers for staffing the display, researching people’s family history, sending digitally enhanced photos and gathering and collating more material. There have been some quiet days with very few visitors and other days when visitors have been buzzing with excitement as they discover aspects of their family history. It is those occasions that make it all worthwhile. As well as researching family history, the collection has lots of wonderful images and information which are of interest to the general public, and these are available for viewing on Sundays at the Chewton Town Hall from 1pm to 4pm. The volunteers will be taking a Christmas break with the 16th of December being the last day of being open for the year. Jackie McMaster. Here are some summer holiday images from the collection... play on the old tennis courts that were in Mount Street, the 1920’s Tennis Club (includes Jade White, George Archer, Arthur McMillan, Rose McMillan (Madigan), Bert Archbold, Margaret Ebbott and Stan Ebbott), swimming at the Garfield Dam in 1926 and Elvie Till.

Financing the Chewton Chat... In January the front of the Chewton Chat changed, and a new masthead was adopted. Certainly, donations for a 12 month’s period were received, and an advertiser immediately, and generously, made a further donation. And a mail subscriber on seeing postage charges had gone to $2 per month and the Chat to a gold coin donation wrote out a cheque, adding the words “Cheap at half the price”! Donations can be made where the Chat is collected from OR a year’s donations can be made to the Chewton Domain Society all at once - either by cheque to the Chewton Domain Society or by direct deposit the the Chewton Domain Society account at the Bendigo Bank (BSB 633-000 and account number 106516479, specifying it is a Chat donation and including the donor’s name).

PEOPLE AND PLACES ROSTER SUNDAYS 1pm to 4pm

December 2nd Allan Dry & Glen Harrison December 9th Elaine Appleton & Frank Benbow December 16th Rose Darling & Marion Landy Re-opening on January 20th 2019 We need friendly people with an appreciation of Chewton’s history, who are prepared to give 3 hours one Sunday each month. Please ring Allan Dry 5472 3385 if you would like to be part of the team.

Chewton 100 years ago December 1918 Castlemaine Mail, Monday 2 December 1918. CASTLEMAINE V. CHEWTON. A miniature match will be shot between Castlemaine and Chewton this evening. The Chewton team will be selected from :- J. Starr. F. Starr, N. Loder, C. Purches, J. Jones, H. Bentley, T. Bentley, J. Botten, W. Watkin, A. Carman, O. Jones, Marshall, O. Archbold, S. Musselwhite. Castlemaine Mail, Saturday 7 December 1918. Yesterday morning, a little after ten o’clock, Mr Jacobsen, a resident of Chewton, was driving in a jinker along Duke Street, in the direction of Chewton, when something startled the pony, which bolted into a side street, and made off down the hill towards Embley’s. Half-way down the hill, the rough track upset the jinker, and the pony was speedily captured. Mr Jacobsen escaped without serious injury, but the jinker sustained considerable damage.

Castlemaine Mail, Saturday 28 December 1918. A very old and respected resident of the district in the person of Mr Martin Ustick, passed away at the residence of Mrs J. Martin, in Adams street, on Christmas Eve. Deceased was a former resident of Wattle Gully, Chewton, where he was well known. He was in his 85th year. The remains were interred in the family grave near those of his brother, the late Mr Stephen Ustick, at the Chewton Cemetery, on Thursday morning, in the presence of a number of old friends and his only remaining brother, Mr J. Ustick, of the Audit Office, Melbourne, who came from Melbourne to attend the funeral. The coffin was carried to the grave by Messrs. J. Brown. J. Vesper, senr., J. Martin, M. Warren, S. McDonald, and W. Trevena, and the Rev. H. F. Taylor, of Chewton, read the burial service. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. T. Odgers and Co. Glen Harrison.

Castlemaine Mail, Wednesday 11 December 1918. CASTLEMAINE GOSSIP (By “ZEKLE.”) “Zekle crep’ up quite unbeknown, An’ peeked in thru’ the winder.”— Lowell A leading citizen who resides out where Chewton used to be, has written to me taking me to task in connection with my little story of Joe Endall’s snake. He writes, inter alia, “In justice to the reverend gentleman I am writing to say he was on his way to the post office and saw the snake, he did not go inside the hotel.” He also objects to my statement that “no explanation was forthcoming for the minister’s presence.” I would advise my friend to try a feather. I once knew a Scotchman who was never known to laugh at any joke, and in his case the feather proved successful. This column is for the lighter side, and is without malice or favor, sort of treat-em-all-alike principle, and I do not anticipate the possibility of there being one other reader so devoid of humor as to treat my reference to the reverend gentleman as anything but a joke. By the way, you will notice that our friend says “the reverend gentleman was on his way to the post office and saw the snake.” Now, here IS just cause for complaint. Thank goodness, I have never been guilty of accusing a minister of “seeing snakes.” If my critic fails to see the joke this is the place to apply the feather.

Go orange for gender equality (25 Nov – 10 Dec) Businesses in Mount Alexander Shire are encouraged to go orange for 16 days to show their support for gender equality. The best window display will win a $200 prize. The #respect campaign led by the Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network, is part of Victoria Against Violence which aims to change the culture that drives family violence. It coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign to challenge violence against women and girls around the world. The campaign runs each year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to Human Rights Day on 10 December. Local businesses are invited to take part by creating an orange window display for the 16 day #respect campaign. Orange is designated by the United Nations to symbolise a brighter future without violence. “The #respect campaign is a really positive way to start a conversation about the need for gender equality and how it can help prevent family violence,” said Nicki Renfrey, Chair, Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network. “Gender inequality is a key driver of family violence. We are encouraging all businesses in our community to show their support and help raise awareness.” The business with the most innovative window display will win their choice of a two hour session small business mentoring service or a $200 pre-paid visa card. For the chance to win, businesses must upload a photo of their window display to Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #RespectMA by 10 December. Entries will be judged by Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network. The winner will be announced on Monday 17 December on Council’s Facebook page. Starter kits with templates, coloured paper, posters and printed resources are available from Monday 12 November for businesses to collect from the Civic Centre in Castlemaine.

Council’s Sharna Cropley and Tammy Beckworth are encouraging businesses to go orange as part of the #respect campaign For more information about #respect and how to get involved contact Mount Alexander Shire Council on 5471 1821 or email info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au. For information about Victoria Against Violence visit www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au. The Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network membership consists of representatives from the Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership, Victorian Police, Castlemaine Health, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Castlemaine Community House, Centre for Non-Violence, Castlemaine Secondary College, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, Maldon Hospital, Castlemaine District and Community Health, Sports Focus and Castlemaine Women’s Alliance. Taken from a Press Release.

Chewton’s Town Hall The Chewton Town Hall offers a beautifully restored space available for a variety of events and uses. (Because of the age of the building universal access is limited)

To discuss what you might need, what we can offer and the costs of hiring all or part of the hall...

contact 5472 2892 or goldenpoint2@bigpond.com 32

Cr Machin re-elected as Mayor

Councillors re-elected Cr Bronwen Machin as Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire for a one year term at a Special Meeting of Council. Cr Tony Cordy was elected as Deputy Mayor for the 2018/2019 term. Mayor Machin is in her third term as a representative of the Castlemaine Ward. She was first elected as Mayor in October 2017. Deputy Mayor Cordy joined Council as the Calder Ward representative in May 2014. As Deputy Mayor he may deemed to be the Acting Mayor or Acting Chairperson during absences of the Mayor. “It is an honour to be re-elected and continue another term as Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire,” said Mayor Bronwen Machin. “I have lived and worked in Castlemaine since 2003, and continue to be inspired each day by the depth, strength and generosity of our community. We have a fabulous team of councillors and skilled officers here and I look forward to continuing to work strongly together and achieve great things for our community.” Councillor Cordy said he was very pleased to accept the position of Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months. “It’s a great opportunity to serve the community and I would like to extend my thanks to my fellow councillors

for their support,” said Cr Cordy. During the meeting, Council also set the council meeting dates for next year and appointed councillors as representatives on committees. Mount Alexander Shire Council comprises of seven councillors elected by residents and ratepayers from five wards. Taken from a Press Release.

Young Makers’ Christmas Market

If you’re looking for unique and locally-made Christmas presents head along to the Young Makers’ Christmas Market in early December and support our creative young people. “With only a few weeks left until Christmas, the young makers of Mount Alexander Shire are putting on one last hurrah,” said Jade Bujeya, a member of Mount Alexander Shire’s Youth Advisory Group. “Whether

AT THE SIGN OF THE UNICORN REG & SYLVIA EASDALE Antiques, Coins, Badges Open Friday & Saturday 67 Forest Street Castlemaine 3450 Ph: 0419 673 663

you’ve got some last-minute Christmas shopping to do, or you’re looking to enjoy some retail therapy, we’d love to see you there. There’ll be relaxing live music and you’ll also be able to grab a bite to eat.” The Young Makers’ Market will be held from 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday 8 December at the Theatre Royal courtyard, Hargraves Street, Castlemaine. This will be the Youth Advisory Group’s final market for the year. “Feedback from the September Young Makers’ Market was so positive, and the atmosphere was amazing,” said Jade. “We just couldn’t resist doing just one more market before the year winds up.” Young people aged between 12 and 25 are encouraged to register for a stall to showcase their unique talent and creativity. The stalls are free and may be booked by contacting Shannon Lacy, Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer, on 0429 369 894 or email the market sub-committee at youngmakersmarket@outlook.com Taken from a Press Release.

• Florins pay $2 each • Shillings pay $1 each • Round 50 cents pay $5 Phone Reg 0419 673 663 33

The December Crossword to Chew_on 1

Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answers were...

N G U I

H O

U 35

30 32

36 37

P A L

C O

E N

A I

R N

C L

O R

I 41

W D

C I

E Y

E E

E 33

R L

R A

L L

29 32

L 25

H O C O

N S

A W O N G

28 31

M P

T 21

W G

8 12

L 23

E 17

O N

T P

E W

D O

r â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e b m Dece ers answ nth... mo t x e n Jackie McMaster.

Across

Down

1 Historic cemetery in Vaughan (7) 3 Popular product processed at local factory (5) 6 Referring to the self (2) 7 As soon as possible (4) 9 A bush food refered to as a native peach (8) 10 Town between Fryerstown and Guildford (9) 14 Intense adverse criticism (4) 17 To separate by force (4) 18 A test (4) 19 ****** Cafe, a monthly event in Castlemaine (6) 23 A coarse file (4) 24 Imagining improbable things (7) 25 A person who excels at a particular activity (3) 27 Historic mine in Chewton (6) 28 A small nail (4) 30 The time it takes for the earth to rotate on its axis (3) 31 River north of Kyneton (7) 34 A transportation vehicle (3) 35 Freedoem from difficulty (4) 36 Type of eucalypt with bark that sheds in strips (10) 37 Mindful and perceptive (5)

1 Chemical used to extract gold (7) 2 A female lobster (3) 3 Sturdy footwear (4) 4 Mechanical part that transfers motion (3) 5 Used to indicate the maiden name of a married woman (3) 6 Mount Alexander Animal Welfare (4) 8 Colourful wildflower, Running ******* (7) 11 Refering to a male (2) 12 Mountain that overlooks Maldon (11) 13 Material from which valuable metal is extracted (3) 15 Australian native orchid with spots (7) 16 Street in Castlemaine near the railway line. (7) 20 Money that is due for work done (3) 21 Type of eucalypt with deep furrowed bark (8) 22 Egyptian sun god (2) 24 Local primary school where the pupils were once all kidnapped (7) 26 More rough (7) 29 Local sculpture garden, **** Grange (4) 32 Dogs do it (4) 33 An edge tool used to cut and shape wood (3)

And please support our valued advertisers too... ...without them there would be no Chat! 34

Advertisers in this Chewton Chat AB Accounting Solutions P8 Albion Hotel P 18 AVWorx P 32 Blues music, jam sessions P 35 Buda Historic Home and Garden P 22 CAE Performance Products P 12 Cameron Stewart, Podiatrist P 17 Carole Kernohan, Bowen Therapy P 13 Castlemaine Mini-Diggers P 16 Castlemaine Office Supplies P2 Chewton General Store P 16 Chewton Service Station P 10 Come Clean Window Cleaning P 13 Doors R Me P 11 Doug Drury, Carpenter and Handyman P 21 Enviro Shop P 24 Fasom Plumbing P 15 Goldfields Concreting P 27 Goldfields Electronics P 26 Lawn and Bush Mowing P 2 Lawson’s Gardening/Property Maintenance P 11 Life Cycle Gym nasium P 22 Lisa Chesters, Federal M.P. P 29 Maree Edwards, State M.P. P 12 Mark Mitchell, Plasterer P 24 Newstead Natives, Native Nursery P 24 Ray Fowler, Master Painter P9 Red Hill Hotel P8 Robin Haylett, Gardens P 6 Rob’s Lawn Mowing P 23 Rob’s Carpet Cleaning P 26 Soldier and Scholar, 2nd Hand Books P 28 Tamsin Whaley Celebrant P 21 P5 Taradale Wine & Produce Thompson Family Funerals P6 Tori’s Pooch Parlour P8 Unicorn Antiques P 33 Waylaines Tiling P 23 Wesley Hill Market P 28 Wildlife Rescue P 30 Yoga in Chewton P 11 Printing of the Chat is now generously provided courtesy of Thompson Family Funerals.

Chewton Chat • • • • • • • • • •

2007 - Winner - best editorial comment 2008 - Finalist - best hard news reporting 2009 - Finalist - best history article 2010 - Special mention - best community reporting 2011 - Finalist - best editorial comment 2012 - Winner - best editorial comment 2013 - Winner - best news feature story 2013 - Finalist - best editorial comment 2014 - Winner - best history article 2015 - Finalist - best editorial comment

Published by the Chewton Domain Society and produced on a voluntary non-profit basis

P.O. Box 85, Chewton 3451 goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or 5472 2892 A CDS subcommittee of John Ellis (Ed.), Gloria Meltzer, Debbie Hall, Phil Hall, Glen Harrison, Jackie McMaster and Beverley Bloxham is responsible for the publication. Many volunteers help with production and circulation. It is circulated on the first of each month, necessitating a deadline of about the 22nd of the month before. Material can be left at the Chewton General Store, with any of the sub-committee members, sent by e-mail goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or by contacting 5472 2892. Contributions of ideas, news items, articles, and letters are always welcome; as are advertisements that help meet monthly production costs. Circulation is via the Chewton General Store, Chewton Pet Supplies, Chewton Post Office, Chewton Service Station, Red Hill Hotel, Castle Automotive Enterprises and Tourist Information Board, as well as the Castlemaine Library, Market Building, CHIRP, Fasom Plumbing and Castlemaine Office Supplies. Mt. Alexander Hospital Residential receives monthly copies too. Whilst copies are free, there are donation tins at many collection points and donations can be mailed to the CDS address below. Subscriptions for mailed copies can be arranged. Circulation is now 600. A full colour Chewton Chat can also be read each month on www.issuu.com - as can some earlier issues. The State Library of Victoria has all issues digitally available at https:// www.slv.vic.gov.au/ and search “Chewton Chat”. Free email subscriptions are also available. Just request and forward an email address.

The Chewton Chat wishes to advise that the views or remarks expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the editor, the management team or the Chewton Domain Society and no endorsement of service is implied by the listing of advertisers, sponsors or contributors.

ELPHO JAM SESSIONS You are invited to our monthly Jam Sessions at Elphinstone These sessions are informal get-togethers of people who want to make some music and have some fun! Aimed at the over 50’s, but open to all.

Sessions: 3rd Saturday of the month (1:00pm – 4:00pm) We play Electric Blues, R’n’B, ‘60s, Rock & more…. For more information:

The last word this month goes to this soccer playing contortionist! Amazing entertainment!

Email: elphojamsessions@gmail.com

Is it Spring or Sprummer ? It wasn't until last month's weather was with the printer, that I suddenly realised that I had forgotten that our Australian climate provided us with more than the classical four seasons copied from the northern hemisphere. Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens has proposed the five season change. We have already seen the 'spring' flowering period that began in August, the last winter month and the peak wattle season. Would 'sprummer' be more descriptive of our changeable weather in the last two months? You only have to be away for a few days at this time of year to see lots of change. The trip between Chewton and Bendigo is full of interest as the vineyards go from pruned brown twigs, to specs of green, to full-bodied branches. The apple trees forming buds, then blossom with the promise of the fruit to come in autumn. Even the trees along the freeway (or what is left of it), are preening in the new softer greens. Will the leaves change from green to grey as the summer arrives bringing more heat than rain ? There is little argument that the month has provided the variability of a sprummer month. The highest high was thirty-three (33) degrees Celsius, one day at the beginning of the month, and another during the last week. By contrast, a lowest daytime high was just 13 degrees, in the middle of the month. I was surprised to find that I had recorded twenty days of more than twenty

Dec 1st Dec 1st Dec 8th Dec 9th Dec 15th Dec 15th Dec 16th Dec 17th Dec 18th Dec 18th Dec 19th Dec 21st Dec 22nd Dec 25th Dec 26th Dec 30th Dec 31st

(20) degrees Celsius, and 6 days of 30 degrees or more. This has led to an average daytime high temperature of 24.5 degrees C., but a mode of 21 degrees C. It just has not felt that warm yet-a-while. Maybe I need to get out more!! Overnight temperatures this month have been equally variable. The highest overnight temperature was 19 degrees Celsius, whilst the overnight lowest was quite a chilly 5.5 degrees C. This has led to an average overnight temperature of 11.4 degrees C. The mode was nine degrees Celsius. Rain has been relatively scarce this month, as expected. The first and third weeks provided most of the rain, with fourteen millimetres in the first week of the month and eighteen millimetres in the third week. This resulted in a total of 33 millimetres over the month as a whole. A monthly total of thirty-three millimetres is at the lower end of the recent historical data for November. We have had Novembers of more than 100 millimetres. However, in line with Bureau of Meteorology predictions, we are experiencing precipitation at the lower end of the spectrum. A brief inspection of the Bureau of Meteorology website sees them continuing their El Nino Watch, as some of the indicators become neutral, and a full blown El Nino less likely. A dryish spring and a typical summer is the likely outlook for coming months. John Leavesley.

Calendar of Events

Chewton community BBQ, 6 p.m. (see page 18). Eucharist Service 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. Eucharist Service 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. POHAG meeting, 10 a.m., Chewton Town Hall (see page 29). Monster Meeting Commemoration, 2.30 p.m., Monster Meeting site (see pages 6 and 7). Eucharist Service 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. People & Places closes for 2018 (see page 30). Chewton Domain Society Man. Comm. meeting, Chewton Town Hall. MAS Council meeting, 6.30 p.m., Civic Centre, Castlemaine. Deadline for the January Chewton Chat. Farewell the grade 6 class of 2018, Chewton School. Last day of school for 2018 with 11 a.m. dismissal. Christmas Carols 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. Christmas Day (public holiday). Boxing Day (public holiday). Chewton Chat distribution, 2.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. New Year’s Eve.

Been a long time since Chat Number 1 in March 1999... Twenty years ago! The Chat turns 20 in March 2019... 36