Chewton Chat February 2019 by Chewton Chat

Issue 240

February 2019

Well-deserved recognition

“I’m very proud of my family”

The Billy Cart Challenge was played out some time ago, and a great local story remained unshared until Affrica McCarthy made the Chat aware of it and volunteered to tell the tale… The sun was out, the breeze was fresh, families gathered in the street, chatting, laughing, music played and sausages sizzled. But above it all, up Monument Hill, things were getting serious. Looking up between the long course of hay bales and bollards the eye was drawn to a cluster of machines. All manner of glorious contraptions burst from the passionate imaginations of their creators. Pointing fingers and wide smiles, the onlookers marveled at what beauty and mechanical perfection can be hewn out of a pile of old junk. Bullet sleek rockets, clunky old carts. Works of art. (And spandex). But the faces of the billy cart drivers were furrowed in focus. Last minute brake checks and wheel adjustments, and helmets on. The kids were up first. No mistake, this was serious business. Weeks of passionate building, and training had gone into this moment. Test drives and repairs, shouts and joy with mates, dragging carts up just - one - more hill, imagined glory, quiet tinkering. The moment had arrived. Excited tension s t r e t c h e d And then CHEERS ensued and rolled above the

rattle of the wheels as the carts sped down the drive. The moment was just the cherry on top really. Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge organizers had been tireless for months. Businesses had gone above and beyond (and to Melbourne and back trucking bollards), the police had commandeered a spare speedo to clock the occasion. A billy cart challenge down the main strip doesn’t just happen. What brings people together like a billy cart challenge? Well, it turns out looking after each other does. All this fun and work was in honour of mental health week. Days like the billy cart challenge, when our senses are full of laughter, sunshine and shiny contraptions, and we come together in community, are what see us through when all we can hear is the squeaky wheel. The adults were up next. Gosh that hill is high. The ride on mower engine strained with 3 long billy carts on a tow line up. Dare devil roller skates and stunt bikes whirled and whizzed - a somersault of cornflakes. The crowd waited. The drivers were a motley crew, from professional carters, to downhill skiers making the transition for their summer sport. This year included the oldest competitor

yet, Heinz, and the first woman to drive since the billy cart challenge was revived last year, Chewton local Caroline Pfleiger. It was over in a few gasping moments. Flashing by, the carters knew no fear. Bone shaking efforts to clock top speed. When all was done and dusted and prize time came around, the shiny trophies held high reflected a few familiar faces. Chewton shone! Hooray! Local boy Marcel took home the winner’s glory for the kid’s run. With a proud grin he reports “I knew I could do it” and Dad explains how Marcel had been hauling his cart up and down the hills around town for weeks. And then, the whole family was invited to step on stage… …tap, tap, tap… …A week earlier… someone sat typing at their keyboard, as I do in the aftermath, reflecting on what it means to have community around you and how a little billy cart can bring a lot of people together… …Years earlier, a woman named Norma Gray thought about the same thing. One of the pioneers of soap box derbies and billy cart races in Australia, Castlemaine resident Norma Grey drove carts in the early Castlemaine races and continues to champion and support the values behind the race. Every year the Community Spirit Trophy in her name honours this. … tap tap tap… Dear Race Organisers [the anonymous writer’s email went] “…Can I put forward Tony Russell (aka Antonio Flyger, father of Marcelio Flyger… ) for the Dr Norma Gray Community Spirit Trophy? “We all live on Steele Street in Chewton, and Tony kindly made a second billy cart (we named it Chewton Steele) for the kids in Steele

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Street to share, as well as the one he made for Marcelio (his son Marcel). He made this extra billy-cart completely of his own volition and has graciously received it back a few times for painting, modifications and repairs, as the Steele Street kids (Gus, Harry, Caspa and visiting friends) gave the billy cart a real work out up, down and around our street. Tony is a kind and generous model of community spirit, as he gives without looking to receive, gently bringing together his local community, encouraging kids to work together and be active little people.” Caroline and Tony are humble and humorous in the spotlight. In the week after the race I meet up with them in Tony’s garage. Projects abound – vintage car racing is up next, but only after he repairs an engine… he shows me the blown apart components…

Marcel and Tony workshopping, and previously, the award, Marcel and Heinz. Making me a coffee on his Rocket Roast machine, Tony jokes that being an ex-bike mechanic, car mechanic and backyard engineer he couldn’t show his face around town if he hadn’t entered the billy cart challenge! The cart for the kids? The repairs and enthusiastic mentoring? Tony’s grin is echoed by his son’s as he listens to dad’s jokes - I get the impression, though a lot of work, it was a lot of fun! And sharing fun around is its own reward for this generous family. Caroline explains how Tony persuaded her dad to come and race and what that meant to her. I ask her about being the only female competitor this year, and she mentions plans are afoot for a women’s team next year. Tony promises to enthusiastically support this also. So is he offering to build us all a billy cart???! Quietly listening to all this banter is Tony and Caroline’s daughter Martika. I ask her what she thought of their family receiving the Community Spirit Award. She thinks a moment, then simply states, “I’m very proud of my family”. So is Chewton Martika! Affrica McCarthy.

Wanted... ...more great stories from our community like this... Thanks Affrica!

- and the aftermath! Well - with 3,720 views to date, and 55 likes as well, the billycart news shared by Affrica has been a hit on chewton. net Facebook! It attracted comments too... • “Beautiful story, beautifully told! That cart was my son’s favourite of the day!” • “Wonderful community spirit. Lovely story. Simply........ Thankyou.” • “How lovely. Thankyou for sharing.” • “Great memories on a fun day out. Wonderful sharing of community spirit.” • and an endorsement from Joe Henry (slightly edited)... Thank you for the story about Tony and the family team’s award. I had the pleasure to be involved with the team on the day. In the weeks leading up to the event, l was a member of the support crew, who encouraged Tony to take their involvement to the level you mention. I spent the day at their tent near the finish line, l do not know if l was

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It’s the little things... Little things… like picking up the papers from the Chewton Shop. Yep. A name acknowledging the order is usual. But December 24 saw a smile break out. Then on December 31 it was the smile accompanied by a message...

babysitting Rocket the dog, or if he was babysitting me. Tony’s commitment to the event goes further than you say, l was collected and returned home after the event. On our way to the event Tony detoured to collect another competitor’s cart and transport it to the event. I had a great day cheering on all the competitors and cart builders. Tony’s final surprise for me was he gave me a Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge T-shirt. Other highlights of the day included speaking to other competitors and especially listening to Norma Gray talking about the photos in the program, while she was handing them out trackside. I know my involvement with the Billy Cart Challenge was one of my highlights of 2018 and improved my mental health. Thanks to Tony and team for the opportunity to be involved and again thank you for putting them forward for the award. It was a great day and l look forward to being there next year. Thanks to all who gave such great feedback! (Seems like we all like good news stories!)

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

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What’s the role of such little things? Well, acknowledging that message when picking up today’s papers was worth a million dollars. Really. A little message, a little acknowledgement and an explosion of laughter. Collecting the papers from the Chewton Shop may never be the same again…

• And don’t forget our special raisin toast and coffee • Or our egg and bacon toasties

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Chewton CFA It was looking good for Chewton CFA in the lead up to the New Year, then everything went pear shaped. On the 30th we were called to a blaze on the southern flank of Mount Alexander started by a lightning strike. Fortunately the weather conditions were favourable and it was quickly brought under control by local crews. (At one point it even rained, which added a surreal but welcome touch to the event.) Three days later Fryers Ridge Fire Tower spotted a column of smoke rising above the Chewton Bushlands. Unfortunately Mount Tarrengower Fire Tower was unable to see the smoke, which prevented Fryers Ridge from pinpointing its exact location. Our pagers told us to head for Havelock Reef Rd, which no doubt alarmed a few locals. Eventually the small fire was located off Old Settlers Rd and quickly extinguished with help from other local brigades. Despite some hot weather it looked like things were settling down again when we were called to Chewton Pool on the 11th of January to help a child who had their arm stuck in a drain (not a day likely to be forgotten by those concerned). A week later we sent a crew to Benloch as part of a strike team responding to a large grass fire that had started the day before. It was a long, hot day and our crew was happy to get back to Chewton. Unfortunately they’d barely cooled their heels when we were called to

Rob and Amy at the Don KR incident

an ammonia leak at Don KR. The factory’s night shift was evacuated as CFA crews from as far afield as Ballarat and Bendigo worked with local crews to isolate and close down the leak. It ended up being a long night. Our crew was eventually released at 6am, just in time for some of our members to head to work. Needless to say there were some weary firefighters around town by the end of the week. In addition to the above, we also responded to two car accidents, one on Fryers Rd and the other at the intersection of the Pyrenees Highway and Harmony Way. Fortunately neither was too serious. As ever, we urge everyone to abide by current fire restrictions and to keep informed of local events via ABC Local 91.1 FM or http://emergency.vic.gov.au

LEAVE EARLY The reasons are black and white emergency.vic.gov.au

Download the VicEmergency app

There’s no questioning the facts. Bushfires can start quickly and threaten lives within minutes. When it comes to fire, what you need to do is black and white. Check Fire Danger Ratings in your district daily, and monitor conditions. Most bushfire deaths happen close to home, so on high-risk fire days, leaving early, before a fire starts, is always the safest option. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Tarrengower tower ready

What about Chewton?

Works to improve the Mount Tarrengower Lookout Tower are now complete, thanks to upgrades by the State Government to improve conditions for observers. Work on the $1.4 million upgrade began in June last year and was completed on time, with a new fire cabin installed in October and fully operational by midNovember 2018, in time for the start of the fire season. As well as replacing the cabin, structural repairs have been completed to ensure the tower meets current health and safety standards. The decking on the public viewing platforms has been replaced with locally sourced ironbark planks and the entire tower has been repainted with zinc enriched primer and a top coat estimated to last 25 years. “This upgrade delivers the best possible working conditions for fire observers – who can spend up to 10 hours a day in the cabin during summer,” Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said. The Labor Government invested in and planned the infrastructure works to ensure the heritage value of the tower is protected, recognising the significance of the building to the local community. Mount Tarrengower fire tower is one of the strategically located towers managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria across the state and is part of a statewide upgrade of the fire tower network. The tower protects the community by providing the essential early detection of bushfires, communications links and intelligence gathering of fire behaviour. The upgrade is part of the Reducing Bushfire Risk program that further reduces risk on public land by supporting early detection and rapid suppression of fires through fuel management, upgrading fire towers, building new bridges and improving roads. Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said, “The Mount Tarrengower Tower is a local landmark and these upgrades will ensure it is fit for visitors and locals for years to come.” Taken from a Press Release.

I’m obviously not a good spotter? How can I spend 20 odd years looking at something several times a day and be oblivious of it? Then I post a press release about the Tarrengower fire tower and someone asks about Chewton’s local tower - the one on Fryers Ridge. Oops.

Yep, it’s still on the horizon. Every day. So a pic from the drive showing its position on the horizon, then it was off to see the tower. Tunnel Hill Track. And to cap it all off the spotter was there. Paul Leishman was well above the tree line with a commanding view - and said he was fortunately having a quiet day. The word from DELWP was that, “the Fryers Ridge fire cabin was replaced two years ago.” Not only that, but the publicity that followed was broad. The ABC News coverage is at https://mobile.abc.net. au/news/2018-02-15/life-as-an-australian-fire-spotter/93 99608?pfmredir=sm&fbclid=IwAR1nCsAJeQBjilZWVa K2qoTJXtk-X9JpAIoj0UEyeKG5sMo9TCBLT4ABROQ and is really one for all locals to read… and feel relieved that in the midst of our current heatwaves we have a Paul Leishman standing guard and watching over us. Some appetite whetting quotes: • “Less visible — and less celebrated — than firefighting, fire spotting is a solitary task, performed in relative obscurity. Much of the population is unaware of the existence of fire spotters like Paul Leishman, even as his work protects their daily lives.”

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• “His patch... stretches through the box ironbark forest as far as the eye can see in all directions. 80 or 90 kilometres, on a clear day.” • “To the north is Mount Alexander. To the south, Kyneton. South/south-east is Mount Macedon and Daylesford lies to the south-west.” • “When the wind gets up, the tower shakes and rocks. When it gets really windy - about 85 kilometres per hour - the tower stops shaking and instead leans, pinned to one side.” • “In the fire tower for eight hours at a stretch (10 on a day of Total Fire Ban), Paul’s become intimately attuned to the rhythms of the landscape.” • “Over the years, Paul has become no better at predicting what days are going to lead to fires.” The interest in Paul Leishman’s role in the Fryers Ridge fire tower has led to a chase for more info and images - and images were received from DELWP of Paul at work. Talk about being on a high at work...

Position, position, position... small elevated dwelling on a huge block, and surrounded by stunning views!

Paul at work, pulling up his daily supplies, hourly weather reporting, plotting a fire on the map and communicating with Bendigo Central.

Feeling the warmth? The 2018 BOM report sort of explains why… It seems Central Victoria is not alone. Last year was a time of exceptional weather and record-breaking heat according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s annual climate statement, which was released in January. The Bureau issued four Special Climate Statements relating to “extreme” and “abnormal” heat, and reported a number of broken climate records. https://theconversation.com/australias-2018-in-weather-drought-heat-and-fire-109575 And don’t miss John Leavesley’s report on our local weather on page 36... Yoga classes leave you with a deep sense of relaxation on all levels - physically, mentally and emotionally...

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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.

Fryers Ridge watches over us... According to http://www.firelookoutsdownunder.com this tower was erected in approx. 1979 to replace the old tower, which was about 1km away. And they cite a letter from early 2018… “I can confirm the tower was erected on or about 9 May 1979. Obviously construction took more than one day. My late father, District Forester at Castlemaine, Mark Stump, took me to the tower after school in May. It was very cold and a strong breeze was blowing adding chill factor. My father’s initials MS are on the north eastern leg of the tower although he said he did not put them there. The skilled crew who bolted the tower together had also erected the new tower at Blue Mount a few weeks prior to coming to Fryers Ridge. Later that month we returned to the tower one evening in order to commence the calibration of the tower using the lookout at Mt Tarrengower as the main point of reference. A colleague at Mt Tarrengower shone a powerful light in our direction and we marked the position of the light on the scale board. Later that year I had opportunity to stand the first watch on the tower and for a few summers after that year. Regards, Mark Stump.”

Heather Shill remembers too... “I have many memories of the old tower. My late father George Brown spent many summers on watch at the old tower, in fact can remember going out on Xmas day to have lunch with him. Dad retired from the Forest Commission around 1968/69, (I think) Mr Parnaby, who was Dad’s boss before Mr Stump, painted a lovely painting of the tower for Dad when he retired. My brother who lives in Brisbane has the painting. Dad used to communicate with the tower at Maldon over his radio. Wonderful memories for me.”

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WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE CHEWTON CHAT

Please be seated... The big day looked promising… not too hot, but hot enough to make the pool water look inviting. And we gathered at the Chewton Pool to remember two pool volunteers we very much miss, and to unveil a new seat dedicated to them – Harry and Isabel. A blue cloth kept that seat from our prying eyes though. Jenny Jarman welcomed us, assuring us what was to follow would be informal and almost speech-free. Not totally speechless though! Jenny thanked Harry’s and Isabel’s family members for coming to join with the community, pointed out the contributions and impact both had made as the pool transformed to an independent entity - and thanked the ever-supportive Castlemaine Lions Club for being so well represented. Both families and the Lions were invited to help raise the cloth, and the looks on their faces as the vivid blue dolphin encrusted(?) seat was unveiled said it all. President and Vice-President of the pool committee, Daria and Frog, endorsed the dedication sentiments and congratulated those involved in bringing the project to a successful conclusion. Lions’ representatives then spoke, giving us some insights into Harry’s Lion-hearted contributions that most of us had no idea of. Photo time then… family groups, Lions (with not a snarl or roar in earshot), the families together, the Lions - and then Jenny extolling the virtues of Replas products. Recycled plastic products aren’t just pool seats! And the best company to work with according to Jenny! Looking at the new seat with its commanding view of the pool, who could argue. Another shot, of the organizers, then it was cuppa time and inroads had to be made into Jacki’s legendary catering. Situated at the end of the pool, in thick shade – no doubt many more photos will be taken of pool users sitting with the dolphins in the future. Just sitting and remembering the good times with Harry and Isabel…

Listening Post held in Castlemaine last Friday of the Month 10am to 2pm. Please phone for appointment. 8 Panton Street, Golden Square VIC 3555 P: 5444 4125 @mareeedwardsmp mareeedwardsmp www.mareeedwards.com.au Authorised by M Edwards, 8 Panton Street, Golden Square. This material has been produced by Maree Edwards MP using her Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications budget.

Ten years and it only feels like 20? That was a headline used in February 2009 when the Chat turned 10 years old. And, guess what? February 2019 is when the Chat turns 20... and it’s worth looking at the article to see how the personnel and Chewton itself have changed.

tEN YEArs - AND it oNlY FEEls liKE tWENtY!

yearsof the Chewton Chat has been a long time coming. The first edition was in March 1999 and is probably a collector’s item now although it’s embarrassing to compare it to more recent editions. The Chat was four pages long, 120 copies were printed on Jim Jones’ personal photocopier and the main news was a Management Committee being sought for the “Chewton Reserve” (sic), and an action plan for Ellery Park was being devised. Time has a way of slipping away! In edition 2 the first advertisement appeared - Goldenpoint Kennels. Since then the advertisements have multiplied and now contribute substantially to the cost of the production. There have been many things advertised in the Chat, even hand painted coffins at one stage! The Chat expanded quickly. The “Calendar of Events” first appeared in edition 2. In edition 4 Barbara James started a wonderful historical collection by writing about the “Post Office Squabbles”. In edition 7 Glenn Braybrook wrote a “My Chewton” entitled “The Hills of Home”, then set about collecting other people’s “My Chewtons” and these continued intil we seemed to run out of people willing to contribute. Edition 18 saw Maltby’s Nursery begin advertising, and Evelyn didn’t miss an edition until her passing in 2008. In December 2000 Keith Richardson began weathering the storm - there hasn’t been been a lot of water under the bridge (or down the Church St. drain) since then. Edition 24 saw The Batteryman begin the “This Month” column which lasted until the final one on December 2003, and this has now been replaced by Albar’s “150 years Ago”. Edition 29 saw the first 12 page Chat and the usual is a 28 pager now. Occasionally into the 30s but usually 28. In edition 44 A2 began her “Businesses of Chewton” column with an article on The Rod Shop. There have been many enterprises featured since then as businesses have arrived, been “discovered”, changed hands or left the scene. In February 2005 Kay Thorne began reporting on Fryerstown - taking over from Pat Cubeta. In April 2006 Gloria Meltzer interviewed Allan and Barbara Dry in the first of the series concentrating “on Chewton’s greatest asset - its people”. And she’s still finding them - but getting to the bottom of the barrel this month. It will no doubt improve to start the next ten years in the March issue. Then Ken McKimmie looked east from Adelaide Hill in November 2006 and the Chewton Then and Now column was up and running... and as more old photos come to light it keeps running! The Theatre Company began using the Chat in July 2007, with Annette Engstrom taking us behind the scenes initially from February 2008, and regularly from the following month. The Jungle Book became reality before our eyes. In September 2003 a lot of hard work culminated in the launch of the Community Website www.chewton.net 14,500 visitors later it’s still growing - and has spawned several mini-sites. In January 2005 Webmaster Blade started a Computer Chat column, the first being on how to email digital photos. The Chat relies heavily on email photos now. In April 2004 Lisa started the Chat Crossword - this month is number 58 (and the arrival of each is a real story in itself!) years have seen campaigns such as the Save the Pool (too many times to count), the “Traffic Stratagement” that led to the introduction of the 50 kph speed limit through Chewton, to get Broadband for Chewton and to get road maintenance for the Chewton Bushlands. It has helped publicise many local events. All the while the circulation grew; from 120 through 200, 300, 400, 425, 450 to the present 600! Copies are mailed to subscribers locally, interstate and overseas. After Jim Jones’ initial printings the Chewton School printed many, many editions and MAS helped out with others. The CDS photocopier worked hard for many more editions, and in recent years the Chat has been printed at the Castlemaine Copy Centre and at Mount Alexander Shire . And of course the Chat can be downloaded each month from the Chewton website www.chewton.net - since March ‘07 in full colour! years has seen many comings and goings - elections, councillors, Biggest Morning Teas, pool seasons, school years, Monster Meetings (we now celebrate each and every year!), celebrations, AGMs, awards, grants - and all the while a team of volunteers to report and photograph the occasions. About 80 volunteers contributed to a recent issue! And over these 10 years we’ve been priviledged to see the Rhone Mechanical Repairs ads document the growing up of Alex, Jess and assorted friends. Feedback about the Chewton Chat is always appreciated, and the various contributors often speak of any feedback they receive. The guestbook on the Website is a source of inspiration with its many positive comments, some of which relate to the Chat as well. And for the first time we are taking a breath and asking you, as a reader, to let us know what you think of the Chat. Please share your thoughts and stories with us - cut the survey opposite and let it rip.... or use your own paper. Either way - drop it in one of the Chat papered boxes in the Chewton Shop, at Rhones, at the Red Hill, at East End Servo or mail to Chewton Chat, PO Box 85, Chewton 3451.

10 10

As is often said, “Well, there you go!” 9

The Chewton Chat is 20 years old! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 240 editions... The Chewton Domain Society invites you to celebrate this milestone on

Sunday March 3rd at 10 a.m. in the Chewton Town Hall Please bring your special Chewton Chat story to share with everyone whilst sharing morning tea RSVP to goldenpoint2@bigpond.com (or 5472 2892) for catering. N.B. News vender (sic) Forest Creek (left) is a favourite S.T.Gill sketch for obvious reasons. The correct version is in the on-line gallery of the State Library of Victoria.

Mica Grange is most grateful for the promotion given by Chewton Chat to their Open Gardens and look forward to continuing their support and association for future years.

Congratulation on 20 years of Chewton Chats and the ongoing local support of the corns and calluses of Chewton! Cameron Stewart (Stewart Podiatry).

Bede Gibson.

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

Buda Castlemaine congratulates the Chewton Chat on keeping local history and news alive over the past 20 years. In the same spirit, we are offering a localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deal. If you are a resident of Mount Alexander Shire, you can visit Buda for free if you bring a paying guest from out of town. Just bring an ID showing you are a resident and you can visit Buda Historic Home and Garden as often as you like when you bring a paying guest. Vivienne Hamilton (Communications and Administration Manager, Buda Historic Home & Garden)

Congratulations... I would like to congratulate all past and present contributors of the Chewton Chat on 20 years of great service to the local area through the publication. A community can change a lot in two decades, but it’s wonderful to see Chewton residents still celebrating the ground-breaking history of the town, and wanting to document more recent history via a publication like the Chat. As the Federal Member for Bendigo I have always been very proud of the fact that the path to democracy in Australia started right here in Central Victoria. The Monster Meeting commemorations each year ensure that history is kept alive and celebrates the passion, commitment and comradeship of those 15,000 diggers who gathered in Chewton in 1851 to fight for a fair go. It’s something that continues to inspire me to fight for workers as I stand up in Parliament. The Chewton Chat is a vital service connecting community members and recording the more recent history of the area. Here’s to another 20 years! Well done. Lisa Chesters (M.P. Bendigo).

Services for St. John’s Services are back to normal at St. John’s in February. There will be a Eucharist Service each Saturday night at 6pm. * Saturday 2nd,

* Saturday 9th,

* Saturday 16th

* Saturday 23rd.

Into the Silence will meet as per usual at 3.30pm on Monday afternoons for silent meditation and prayer. (If it’s over 36 degrees we will cancel).

Everyone Welcome!

Fancy a piece of Chewton’s history? Large new flag $100 Monster Meeting book $20 Monster Meeting CD $30

Small flag $50

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Know Your Neighbour Have you met Jacki Heath? Jacki Heath was born in Melbourne, and as a youngster lived in Brighton. Her family later moved to Rosanna where she attended the local high school, then at Melbourne Uni completed a Bachelor of Education. In the years since she has travelled a lot – India, Nepal, Malaysia, much of Asia and Europe. Jacki’s working life started at technical schools. ‘I then moved on to high schools where I stayed until I retired, mostly teaching Years 9-12. Since I retired I’ve been doing casual replacement teaching. I’m not quite ready to retire yet because I really love teaching.’ Although Jacki never imagined that she would live anywhere but the inner city area, in 1996 she met her husband Jamie who grew up in Chewton, ‘and we began regularly coming up to visit his family.’ They began talking about needing more space to grow things. ‘We’re both interested in sustainable living and sustainable building, so we decided to move to Chewton and build an 8.2 star house. We also made a conscious decision to choose a local builder, VR Builders, who employ local tradies. We wanted our build to contribute as much as possible to the local economy.’ They moved into the house at the end of 2014. Very early on Jacki became involved locally, beginning with attending an International Women’s Day event at the Chewton Senior Cit’s ‘where I was told that help was needed with fund-raising for the pool, so I put my hand up, and eventually I became the fund-raising committee’s co-ordinator.’ During her three years in this role, Jackie instituted several new fund-raising initiatives. She explains that she tried to draw on some fund-raising possibilities from outside the community. One example was the annual Long Lazy Lunch at the Bress Winery. ‘This was always successful and drew people from far and wide. I’ve also tried to develop local activities, which cost less, and were more accessible to families, local events to engage people with the pool.’ These too have been successful. Key events are the film afternoons at the Theatre Royal. ‘In 2017 we showed ‘The Princess Bride’, the film’s 30th anniversary. This was very popular with both adults and children. In 2018 we showed ‘Back to the Future’, another successful function. As a result we’ve developed a very good partnership with the Theatre Royal. We’ve also continued our fund-raising annual plant sale in the first week of November.’

Jacki stresses that the pool committee needs to look for various forms of funding, such as the recent successful Pick My Project grants, a Victorian state government initiative. ‘The committee put a lot of effort behind this. We put in for a grant of $120,000. The intention was to buy a pool blanket, as well as Heliocoil panels, a form of solar heating, which would help warm the pool. Our project will also include shade structures to hold the Heliocoil panels.’ There was also a second Pick My Project idea which, as Jacki said, ‘we were happy to host.’ Cathy Wheel saw the need for disability hoists in the region and applied for Pick My Project funding with the Castlemaine Community House. One of the hoists will be installed at Chewton pool. In November Jacki decided to resign as fund-raising co-ordinator, although remaining on the pool committee. ‘I feel it’s now time for others to take over, and if they don’t wish to continue in the way I have done it, that’s fine. I’m not precious about the things I’ve done. Other people will come up with other ideas that will be just as good.’ As she explained, Sally Melville, the new Events and Volunteer Co-ordinator will organize the fund-raising events during the pool season. At the same time Jacki appeals for anyone who is interested in fundraising to join the pool committee. ‘They would be very welcome.’ Jacki feels strongly that the Chewton pool is a resource that was saved from closing. As she says, ‘it’s a cliché, but it is the hub of the town in summer. As such, it requires ongoing care and attention. Saving was the beginning, now we have to grow and improve our facilities to ensure that the people of Chewton can continue to enjoy it long into the future.’ Jacki Heath has no regrets in moving to Chewton to live. ‘I wondered how I’d cope because I’m very sociable and I thought I might feel isolated living in the country, but it’s the opposite. There are so many wonderful people in Chewton. I also love the peace and quiet here.’ Gloria Meltzer.

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For Sale By Owner: • 734 Pyrenees Highway, large family home with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an indoor pool and recreation room. Set on over 1 hectare of maintained grounds, $597,000 Jackie McMaster.

Real Estate Round Up Most noteworthy for this month is the release of six building lots in Steele Street Chewton starting at $147,500. Here is the round up for February: Cantwell Real Estate: • Pyrenees Hwy 2890m2 commercially zoned land next to Castlemaine Bus Lines and Castle Auto. Price on application. Castlemaine Property Group: • Lot 1/128 Fryers Road, Elevated land with mains water, sewer and power. 2440m2. $185,000 Keogh Real Estate: • NEW – 231a Main Road. Quaint light and bright one bedroom timber cottage. Split system, built-in robes, low maintenance block and great views. $365,000 Jellis Craig: • No properties available at present. Waller Realty: • NEW – Lots 1 to 7 Steele Street. New land release in the heart of Chewton. Sizes vary from 663m2 to 1174m2. Prices vary from $147,500 to $210.000 This land will be titled in late 2019. All town services available. • Ottery Cottage 226 Main Rd. Historic house with charm and character. Also a self contained stone cottage currently run as a successful BnB. $645,000 • 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. $389,000 • Lot2/50 Albert Street. Attractive 1474m2 block. Power, water and sewer ready to connect. $185,000

Chewton’s Real Estate in times past Courtesy of some old Mount Alexander Mails... 1915... MAM 9 Oct Chewton looks at the present like a town which has been bombed. Houses in all directions are in a state of ruin, some half pulled down and others wholly so. The reason for this is that the estates of two of its residents (deceased) have been put on the market, and a number of old houses have been sold for removal. It is hoped that new and up to date buildings will replace many of those moved. 1866... MAM 15 March Local Health Report. — The following, in reference to Chewton, was contained in the report of the Local Board of Health for last six mouths. Population, 3000 ; dwellings, 791, principally substantially built of brick and wood. Water supply inadequate. No baths. Recreation reserve not improved. No offensive trades carried on. Swine under supervision of inspector. Two lodging houses. The public footpath had been repaired. Sanitary measures were receiving attention from the inspector. No special rule, in reference to the public health, had been adopted by the Board. Eighteen contracts had been entered into for improving the roads, watertables, etc. There had been no epidemic or contagious disease. Number of births, 69 ; and of deaths, 27. 1900.. MAM 6 Nov Houses are at a premium in Chewton at present, and people who work in the borough have had to look for a house to live in at Wesley Hill or Castlemaine. Graphic: Golden Point Post Office, painted by A.M.E.Bales (Castlemaine Art Museum)

Business of the Month...

The Paddock

Building an Eco Village. The Paddock: Eco Village, Castlemaine. Back in 1983, Heather and Neil Barrett moved from Melbourne to a disused chicken farm on the western outskirts of Castlemaine. From there they raised a family, ran their business and developed strong connections to the Castlemaine community. They sold their film making business in 2001 and in recent years they decided to do something with the three acres of land adjacent to their house that they were not using for their personal space. They could have subdivided it, and sold it off which would have turned into another little pocket of suburbia, but that is not Heather and Neil’s style. They decided to use the opportunity to build an eco village with the aim of creating a new standard in sustainable living. Heather and Neil both have a strong history of being environmental activists. In 1975 Neil was the Victorian State Co-ordinator of Friends of the Earth. More recently they founded the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group and the Hub Foundation which is a not-for-profit company aiming to reduce carbon emissions in the shire. Neil also founded the bulk solar panel buying organisation More Australian Solar Homes (MASH). Heather manages the Hub Plot which is a demonstration food growing garden

and she is an active member of The Growing Abundance Project which is a social enterprise organisation involved with sustainable food supply. With those environmental credentials one would expect something special with their housing project and it looks like The Paddock will deliver on those expectations. The plan is to build 26 two-storey houses which will be built in four stages. The buildings will be sited in a horseshoe shape around a large area of communal vegetable gardens. Each home will have its own private garden space and be built to a very high energy rating. Electricity will be abundant with 16 solar panels on the roof of each home. The site will be fully landscaped and have a community centre and shared electric docking stations for electric cars or bikes. The village has been specially designed to facilitate interaction between the residents. Already Stage One of the village has sold out and the building work has commenced. A highly experienced team of people have been brought together for the project. Architect Geoff Crosby introduced Heather and Neil to The Living Building Challenge and they decided that they would set the goal of meeting the very high standard expected to receive the Living Building Certification. The use of recycled materials, carbon-offsetting, minimisation of waste are just a few of the stringent requirements that need to be met. Heather and Neil were happy to answer my questions about the eco village and its progress. What do you think are the key ingredients to a happy and healthy village? • Heather: Firstly we are not creating the community, we are providing a beautiful space for people to create a community. Private spaces and open spaces are important, as is a community centre to meet, share activities and make good connections. • Neil: We are not selecting people but trust that mature

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environmentally minded people will buy into it, people who will want to contribute to the project. Good governance through the owners’ body corporate will be essential. How do you personally feel about your role in creating the eco village? • Heather: Inspired! It is an exciting thing to be a part of. • Neil: There have been some difficult times but now we feel very comfortable. So far, is the project taking shape the way you expected it to? • Heather: Our expectations have evolved as the project has evolved. • Neil: We are pretty much on schedule for Stage One to be completed in August. The builder is going well. How much interest is there in the next three stages of the project? • Neil: We have 420 people who have registered their interest. Interest in Stage 2 is very strong. Are there any particular difficulties you have had to overcome? • Neil: Financing has been a major one. Getting finance was a long, arduous and complex process. Also cost rises that were not expected and the cost of recycled materials sometimes costing more than new. Tell me about the people interested in the eco village? • Neil: The interest goes across all ages. The people who have bought in so far range from young singles to an 82 year old retired medical professional. • Heather: I am pleased that there is also a six week old baby.

Has the interest been mostly from locals or are you attracting people from other areas who like the eco village concept? • Neil: Half and half. We showed a couple from Alice Springs around the other day. Have you had any interest from other landholders wanting to build a similar project? • Heather: That is what we would love! • Neil: There has been some interest but we expect that to grow as the building progresses. In a few months time it is expected that The Paddock will host an open day and Stage Two will be offered for sale. The first residents are expected to move in later in 2019. For more information see www.thepaddock.com.au To find out more about the Living Building Challenge see www.living-future.org.au Jackie McMaster.

Pizza party in the park Intrepid Landcare

• Are you a young person? • Do you want to help care for our land and the environment? • Do you like pizza??? Aaron Brown CPA 0409 807 497 aaron@abasolutions.com.au www.abasolutions.com.au 73/1 Halford Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450

Come along and chat about starting an Intrepid Landcare group for people aged 18-35. Pizza and music provided, BYO drinks. Call or text 0418 428 721 for more information. Saturday 9 February 2019 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (near the rotunda),

India - where the cricket team comes from! The compiler of the Arts section of the Chewton Chat has been incredibly busy – as she usually is. Especially at this time of the year! Organizing, planning and travelling to India takes time even if it is a destination she has visited many, many times before. Beverley Bloxham still keeps her friends in the loop though – via regular updates on her blog. https://kasutours.wordpress.com/2019/01/11/getting-outof-wn/to On the page there’s a button to follow the blog by emailed updates from Beverley. Great holiday reading… and super photos of a fascinating part of the world..

Chewton Film Society: Season 2 film details are on: https://chewtonfilmsociety.wordpress.com/season-3-february-to-june-2019/

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Chewton’s Community

BBQ Baaaaack for 2019, but obviously feeling a little sheepish! Flock to first Community BBQ on Saturday the second of February which can be written 2/2 and said as two twoth. Don’t let anyone pull the wool over your eyes - read the notice and be rounded up. No-one will be fleeced on the night... although that’s been said before.

Haggis at the Red Hill pub

The Deb Ball

(Robbie Burn’s Night 2019)

Warm blushes set her heart aflame When Rommie’s invitation came. Now life will never be the same For Juliette.

The Haggis Sassenachs abhor T’aint hoggies innards (sow or boar) But made of sheep to Scottish lore Known to Jimmy and his crew. Tonight we ate this ancient dish (‘Tis neither beef, nor bird, nor fish) It’s made of what? Whate’er you wish. By Jimmy and his crew. A dram of Johnny Walker’s Red For those who claim they’re Celtic bred Long cherish life! (You’re longer dead) Cheers! To Jimmy and his crew

P o e t r y

David Watson.

Yessiree, it’s still around! Anyone else?

YOUR TURN TOO?

The Chewton Chat welcomes contributions to Poetry Corner each month; just as news, articles, letters, photographs and ideas are welcomed. Email to goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or leave in the Chat box at the Chewton General Store.

C o r n e r

“It would give me great delight “If you would join me Friday night “Boys in black. Girls in white “At the Deb Ball.” She asked her mother what to do “You’ll need the frock, the perfect shoe “A classic line (frills just won’t do) “If you’re to shine.” A long drive to the nearest town: They bought the shoe. They found the gown. And topped it with a crystal crown For the Deb Ball. Young Rommie is the Mayor’s son He’s never seen by anyone; Nor sees he star nor light of Sun. For he is blind. Two souls who never met before Touch fingers on the ballroom floor. Sweet silence quells the dancehall roar. And angels sing. Her fingers on his hand alight Then he, who dwells in endless night, Sees Beauty in a flash of light Inside his head. By paraplegia wheelchair bound Juliette can’t feel the ground Through Rommie’s touch her limbs have found The warmth of Love. The band struck up an eightsome reel When dancers weave their partners wheel Said Rom to Jule ‘That’s no big deal.” He danced. She steered. David Watson 2019.

Wesley Hill Community Market Every Saturday Now 9am – 1pm An old fashioned Country Market Opposite the Albion Hotel New stallholders always welcome.

Call the Market Manager

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Swimming lessons now in-house at Chewton Plenty of activity at the Chewton Pool of late. And not just the hot

weather causing it. Nope, it’s learn-to-swim time, and after advertising the program it filled it quickly. Chewton Pool are now running their own swim school! Week 1 was an awesome success, and that continued through the second week. Chewton Pool has its own trained instructors, and, as they say, “at Chewton Swim! we endeavour to provide lessons to all and are offering lessons at the Wonder level (6 months to 3 years), Courage level (3 to 5 years) and Active level (school aged).” The Swim and Survive program is being taught in Chewton. What a great initiative! They also cater for any adults too, from beginners to stroke correction, individuals needing one-on-one support and established swimmers just wanting a good workout. Wonder, Courage and Active classes have been run over two intensive weeks... so there’s plenty of activity at the Chewton Pool, and has learning ever been so much fun?

Chewton Pool is planning to run 5 weeks of weekly Saturday lessons as well, starting February 2nd. Don’t miss this opportunity - book now! And see page 32! Enrolment forms are at the pool’s kiosk, email chewtonswim@gmail.com for details.

Councillors’ Chat Hi all, I hope you had a great Christmas and new-year. I am sure 2019 will be a good year although I must admit the hot weather is testing us. It only seems like yesterday we were worrying about Y2k . Where did all those years go??? I was interested to hear the discussion about security and reliability of our power supply. This will certainly become a hot topic if the grid fails. It seems that Government has got lost worrying about side issues and forgetting about infrastructure. When I studied Engineering in the 70s we were taught that the coal reserves gave our industry a competitive advantage. Now our manufacturing has progressively gone off shore and coal fired power stations are not popular. Where will it end?? One beneficiary of the hot weather is our local pools. They are a real community hub during the summer months. Talking about infrastructure the new change rooms at the Wesley Hill are now open and the lights at the Doug Powell oval are progressing well. This project is a fine example of what can be achieved when Council works together with the local community. I look forward to seeing our junior sports hub in full swing when the lights are complete. As part of my role as a Councillor I have been representing Council on the La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park Committee. The Committee has had a number of resignations over the past few months. For those interested there will be opportunities to get involved with the Committee of this important community facility. Council will be back in full swing with our local Australia Day community events. Hopefully we continue to get good numbers and interest in celebrating everything that is Australia. How fortunate we are to live here. At Council we will be working hard over the next few months on the 2019/2020 budget. That is certainly an interesting time. Please feel free to contact me if you have any great ideas for our community. Best regards to all, Tony. A.G. Cordy 0439 742 434

Newstead Community Garden benefitted from a 2018 community grant...

Community grants... ...new look Community groups and organisations planning events in 2019 will soon be able to apply for a funding grant under Mount Alexander Shire Council’s revamped community grants program. The changes reflect feedback received from previous grant round applicants as well as a review of other local council grant programs. “We are very excited about the new look program and believe that it provides more flexibility for our community to create and deliver some amazing projects” said Gaynor Atkin, Manager Community Partnerships, Mount Alexander Shire Council. The main changes under the new program include: • Introducing two annual funding rounds in January and July • Simplifying the application form and guidelines • Offering funding streams for small grants (up to $3,000) and partnership grants (up to $10,000) over three years for projects involving three or more groups. “The introduction of two rounds per year will make it easier for local community groups to plan their projects,” said Ms Atkin. “For example, groups planning projects for this year can apply in the January/February round and those planning events for next year can apply in July. We also expect the new Partnerships Grants will encourage stronger collaboration between like-minded community groups with similar project ideas.” Expressions of interest for the 2019 Community Grants Program will close on Friday 18 February. Information sessions will be held in early February to give applicants an opportunity to speak to Council about their project idea. Program guidelines and information session details will be available on Council’s website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/CommunityGrants For more information contact the Community Partnerships Team on 5471 1700 or email grants@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

This is an event not to be missed by anybody who takes their antiques seriously.

From the Murray to the Moyne - by bike(s) Murray to Moyne is approaching… Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of April, 2019. The Murray to Moyne is a team relay event. Participants raise funds for hospitals, health services and related charities. The event continues Graham Woodrup’s (Woody’s) dream of getting more people to realise the fabulous health and social benefits of riding a bike. Going now for more than 30 wonderful years, more than 30,000 riders, 46,000 kilometres covered and $20,000,000 raised!!! Big numbers and getting bigger. “This photo was taken of Mike Grinter and myself in our last M2M ride together in 2015. I met Mike at racing in Castlemaine in the early 80s and had been friends since. Just of late we were pretty close with lots in common – cycling, motorcycling and both loving a beer that usually finished off with too much red wine. Mike was tragically killed while doing what we both love.” Carl Harris.

Call into the Chewton Shop to support Carl and this wheely amazing event.

Excerpt from “The Art of Healing” Rider Carl Harris

“Riding in fond memory of my mate Mike Grinter”

There is nothing more important in my mind than mental health. And it is with this in mind that I write this Editor’s note. The latest statistics I have (which were released in September 2017), are that 1 in 5 Australians will experience mental health issues, which equates to 3.2 million people. Further only 45% of people experiencing mental health issues will seek mental professional help. I also write this after returning from the Australasian Society of life style medicine conference 2017, where Dr David Katz (immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine) said there was only one thing, only ONE THING, that we could do to improve absolutely every aspect of our wellbeing, and that is … exercise. He said if you could bottle it or make a pill out of it, it would be all over. Game, Set, Match. Which is all very well said and done, but the issue most of us have, is getting to do exercise. What we can do… what can we all do… to incorporate some exercise into our daily lives. This is the multi-billion-dollar question, and one that I know practitioners the world-over are grappling with every day with their clients. Cate Mercer, editor/publisher of “The Art of Healing”.

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What can you do about fruit fly? Would you be able to identify a Queensland fruit fly if it invaded your garden? While there is growing awareness about fruit fly, most people are not on the look-out for the distinctively yellow patterned Queensland fruit fly. To increase community awareness of Queensland fruit fly and explain what we can all do to prevent further spread, Mount Alexander Shire Council has created a series of educational videos in partnership with City of Greater Bendigo. Viewers are introduced to the cheeky character of Ernie the Queensland Fruit Fly with a catchy song and tips on what we can all do to stop him in his tracks. “We wanted to make sure the videos capture the attention of residents so along with a healthy injection of humour there’s lots of local footage,” said Bronwen Machin, Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire. “We know that Queensland fruit fly are nearby in and around central Victoria, so we’d love everyone to take a look at the videos and become informed about what you can do to help keep them out of our shire. By working together we can reduce the spread of fruit fly in the region and protect our horticulture industry, as well as all the amazing fruit and veg that people grow in their backyard,” she said. Tips on managing Queensland fruit fly • Set traps to monitor and reduce fruit fly numbers (watch the videos to see how you can make your own or talk to

your local garden supplier about the different types) • Remove unwanted fruit from trees, collect fallen fruit from the ground and dispose of fruit correctly • Keep fruit trees well pruned • Place fruit fly nets over your fruit trees and vegetables. Visit our Facebook page to see Ernie’s adventures for yourself or head to our website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/FruitFly. A wide range of products are available from nurseries, chemical resellers and hardware stores to control flies and protect fruit from damage. Taken from a Press Release.

Out and about at night... Always intriguing to see what the wildlife is up to when no-one is there to observe. The trail camera tells lots of

tales – a kangaroo fruit picker, a grazing wallaby and an ever-hungry deer.

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Fritz eases into semi-retirement It is with a mixture of sadness and relief that I announce my partial retirement from this column in the Chewton Chat. A monthly column is sometimes difficult to sustain so it is with this in mind that I introduce with much pleasure and little fanfare Renfrey Holmes (Ren for short) who has just arrived from the northern suburbs of

Melbourne to temporary accomodation in the Chewton Bushlands and will be offering his opinion on all matters Chewtonian starting this issue. I will be continuing to make observations about nature and the environment. Welcome Renfrey! Fritz Hammersley, Feb 2019.

Renfrey Holmes blows into Chewton It was with a niggling sense of foreboding that I farewelled the staff car on the corner of Golden Point Road and Harmony Way, pausing only for a moment of deep reflection as it sped off to Melbourne Town with most of our supplies. Even the most seasoned driver can spin gravel in your face unintentionally. Suddenly, in that unseasonable, unreasonable hail, I realised our generous rations of cream filled chocolate biscuits, melted cola slush and salted nuts were gone. I assessed we had two extra-strong mints almost fully intact and a supermarket receipt for same (already premasticated in the wash) to supply me with the sustenance I would so desperately need to go on the journey, a journey straight through the crooked siding, past the shimmering waters of that most mysterious and unfathomable of reservoirs, down under those stubborn clouds to a Shangri-La called Golden Point. The journey from which there may be no return. Ah, Golden Point! How that name was silently spoken amongst the circles of women and men whose duty it is to mention the unmentionable! For this expedition, we would need all our wits about us. I need not mention that my journey was taken in what could only be described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the gathering gloom.â&#x20AC;? The time was 4:28 pm AEDT and there was no threat of rain. A past adventurer had carefully marked our trail with a contemporary clew of strawberry flavoured milk cartons. Naturally, its un-natural colours would stand out as a guide for the displaced soul. Even in the darkest woods, litter glows comfortingly for the lost white child in all of us! After forensic scrutiny, I knew that the Minotaur was deceased and buried in a pile of forby-2 and cement sheet offcuts in a skip behind a wire fence in a labyrinthine housing development in Harcourt. My attention wandered to what looked like a stricken

bird in the middle of the double white line close to a blind corner, one wing at an awkward angle. As I got closer I apprehended that it was, in fact, a long-necked turtle shuffling down the road, as if participating in a race where determination would surely decide victory. I heard a car hurtling round the corner behind me. The driver must have seen me as I saw the turtle. Due to the plethora of illegally parked cars, (required minimum distance from the edge of the road adjacent to double white lines is..?) the car was unable to swerve but luckily the clever driver, the turtle and I reached an unstated agreement that we would hereby enact the Achilles Paradox. As I tended towards the turtle (whom I shall now call Achilles) so too did the driver tend towards me... I knew at that instant there would be no loss of life, but a long-necked turtle, an anonymous driver and I would be stuck in a philosophical conundrum for eternity. Such is life! If ever there was an opportunity to have a considered conversation with a turtle called Achilles, this was it. Renfrey Holmes.

New residency program opens at The Phee Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting local creatives to be part of the At Home residency program at the Phee Broadway Theatre in Castlemaine. Applications for the 2019-2020 At Home residency program are now open offering industry development opportunities in three areas. The creative residency program was first pioneered for local theatre groups and performers as part of the 2018 Regional Centre for Culture. Building on its success, Council has reshaped the residency program to enable local creatives to create, play and exhibit At Home in the theatre. • Create At Home - three creatives/groups will each be granted a three-week residency in the theatre. A further two residencies are scheduled in partnership with the 2019 Castlemaine State Festival and Punctum Inc.’s Seedpod program. • Play At Home – an individual or group in the shire will be granted free use of the theatre over 12 weekday sessions to try out a new monthly or weekly program of events. • Exhibit At Home – five creatives/groups will be granted a six-week show in The Foyer. The program includes free venue hire, technical and promotional support, public liability insurance and use of the venue’s ticketing system. Create At Home residents will also receive a bursary of $3,300 each to bring their work in development to the public. The At Home program investment is valued at more than $22,000. “The Regional Centre for Culture’s support allowed Council to collaborate with the community in exploring what the Phee Broadway Theatre can be,” said Vicki Anderson, Cultural Development Officer, Mount Alexander Shire. “Our community took full advantage of the opportunity in 2018 and we can’t wait to see what new ideas will animate the space and engage the community this coming year.” According to 2018 At Home resident Kate Stone of Red Room Theatre, having time to develop Abattoir Noir in the theatre space was invaluable. “As a direct result of the At Home residency, Red Room Theatre was offered a further development

Abattoir Noir by Red Room Theatre. Photo by Mick Vovers opportunity at The Engine Room in Bendigo and has also been recommended to the team at The Meat Market in Melbourne,” Kate said. How to apply: Submit your expression of interest by 5.00pm Monday 11 February. For more information on criteria and how to apply visit www.pheebroadwaytheatre.com. au or contact the Cultural Development Officer via 5471 1700. The Phee Broadway Theatre is booking out fast in 2019. If you are interested in hiring the theatre or other Council venues visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ venues. Taken from a Press Release.

Expressions of interest close 5.00pm Monday 11 February.

Key developments at the Wesley Hill pavilion

Mount Alexander Shire Council this week handed over the keys to a new $2.43 million sports pavilion in Wesley Hill, with local sports clubs keen to start using the facilities. The pavilion includes four new unisex change rooms, a first aid room, change rooms for both football and netball umpires, office space, kiosk, storage, public toilets and accessible car parks. The pavilion project was completed on time and budget, marking the completion of the second stage of the redevelopment of the recreation reserve. “We’re really pleased to complete the pavilion – it was a key part of the community’s vision for the reserve and will be such a well-used asset,” said Ben Grounds, Manager of Community Places and Spaces, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “The upgrade will go a long way in encouraging more girls and boys to participate in junior sport in the

shire,” he said. “We’d like to thank the Committee of Management and user groups for their valuable input and partnership in this project.” President of the Castlemaine District Netball Association Ken Maddern acknowledged the strong working relationship with Council to complete the project. “I am thrilled to finally have the keys in hand and to start to use it,” said Mr Maddern. “We as a committee cannot thank council and government enough for supporting our vision.” The pavilion, along with the new netball courts and cricket nets completed as part of stage one, provide great facilities for everyone in the community to enjoy. Council funded the majority of the pavilion project, with a contribution from the State Government’s Female Friendly Change rooms program of $100,000, and generous contributions from the clubs and committee. The construction was completed by Fairbrother Pty Ltd, who efficiently completed the work to a high standard, while accommodating walk throughs with committee members to see progress. Council recently installed new 50 lux floodlights at the Doug Powell Oval. They are undergoing testing and are expected to be operational by the end of January. Council is planning a community event to officially open the pavilion in autumn. Taken from a Press Release.

Eyeballed by a kangaroo?

CDS memberships and renewals A big thank you to all those people who have renewed their CDS memberships or applied for membership for the current year of July 1st 2018 to June 30th 2019. Many have taken the opportunity to make a bank deposit or transfer into our Bendigo Bank account making all our lives much easier. And the generous donations that have also been made are much appreciated - the program budget to manage the heritage listed properties in our care is being worked on and there is always something to be done to maintain and improve them.

Pear trees get visited by cockatoos and corellas during the day. Chasing the seeds means a fair mess gets left on the ground, but the cleaners move in overnight.

Stay safe this summer Victorians are encouraged to stay safe and remain aware of conditions as the weather heats up across the state. Loddon Mallee Regional Controller, Mark Catell said the Mallee, Northern Country and North Central regions are experiencing Severe fire danger. “Summer is not just about the risk of fire; it also includes storms, heat health and water safety, as well as road safety – particularly when people travel over the summer holidays,” said Mr Catell. “All campfires are banned during Total Fire Ban days. Solid and liquid fuel barbecues and ovens (including Hangis) are also banned during Total Fire Ban days. Approximately 10 per cent of fires are started by campfire escapes, there are on-the-spot fines for people who do not comply with campfire rules. The regions are also experiencing warm temperatures so drink plenty of water and look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.” He went on to say, “Wildlife can be affected by hot weather and may behave differently. There are several things members of the community can do to help wildlife survive the heat. Assist wildlife by placing bowls of water out around your garden and by using the garden hose to spray mist into trees and shrubs to create cooler niches that they can use to hydrate and escape the heat. If you come across wildlife that appear lethargic, non-responsive or sick, contact a wildlife rehabilitation organisation, vet or Wildlife Shelter or Foster Carer for further assistance.” More information on the Total Fire Ban, fire danger ratings and Heat Health Alerts is available at http://emergency.vic.gov.au Information on how to assist wildlife experiencing heat stress is available at https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au Taken from a Press Release.

...but don’t rely on town water in the event of a bushfire Coliban Water is reminding customers to be prepared with an alternative source of water when making their fire plans this season. Chief Operating Officer Neville Pearce said bushfires can affect the water supply and customers should not rely on town water as part of their fire plans. “In the event of bushfire, water pressure or our ability to supply water may be affected. Fire may impact on our ability to maintain enough water pressure to properties or to supply water if infrastructure is damaged. If customers intend to defend their property as part of their fire plans, it is important to be prepared with another source of water if town water becomes limited or unavailable. Customers could consider installing a water tank specifically for firefighting purposes with a pump that is protected from radiant heat and not reliant on mains power supply. It is also important to set aside drinking water during times of hot weather or fire danger days,” said Mr Pearce. CFA Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Freeman said it is important to be aware of the Fire Danger Ratings and if a district has been declared a Total Fire Ban. “Being prepared is key to reducing risk when severe weather events are predicted. You don’t have to live in the country to be at risk of fire. If you live near areas that have significant bush, forest or long grass then you need to plan and prepare for the fire season. Understanding your level of risk is the first step in knowing what to do before and during a fire. Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. You could be in serious risk of uncontrollable fires on Severe, Extreme and Code Red days. Defending your home is very risky. Most houses are not constructed to withstand fires in Severe, Extreme and Code Red conditions. I urge everyone to stay safe and have your fire plan ready,” said Mr Freeman. For emergency information and warnings visit the www.emergency.vic.gov.au and for information on fire safety visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au Taken from a Press Release.

Chlorination of local town water Coliban Water recently held a community information session for local customers to provide an update on the current change to the drinking water treatment process. Executive General Manager Water Quality David Sheehan said the way the Castlemaine drinking water supply system is treated was changed late last year, and the first three month review of the planned 12-month trial period has recently been completed. “In October last year we commenced a 12-month trial to change the way we treat the Castlemaine drinking water supply, using a method known as free chlorination, or chlorination. The change was made in order to improve disinfection and maintain chlorine levels across the entire Castlemaine water supply network. Maintaining chlorine levels throughout the water supply network is important. It protects against contamination as the water travels through our water mains to customers’ properties, after being treated at our Castlemaine Water Treatment Plant,” he said. Mr Sheehan said the chlorination treatment method itself is not a trial. “Chlorination is a tried and tested treatment method which is widely used across Australia and internationally. We have been trialling the effectiveness of this disinfection method in the Castlemaine water supply network,” he said. The Castlemaine water supply network supplies water to the towns of Castlemaine, Chewton, Campbells Creek, Elphinstone, Taradale, Harcourt, Fryerstown, Barkers Creek, Maldon, Yapeen, Newstead and Guildford.

Answers sought... Questions continue to arise on Facebook, and through the chewton.net website contact page. This query is a new one this month, and has attracted one respose to date. Can you help?

Q. Also, who were those streets were named after? A. Like a lot of Chewton streets they are weird as it was all done in the gold rush. I’ve been led to believe when they were named there was no train line there so that is why Steele Street continues through the line. I could be wrong though..

...Can any Chat readers help?

Results to date indicate that improvements are being seen across the network, with some adjustments to dosing being made. “The water quality data is showing an improvement in the chlorine levels across the network, particularly in areas where there has been very low chlorine levels previously. However we are aware that some customers in areas of our supply network have experienced a strong chlorine taste and odour. Chlorine dissipates over time. The recent very warm weather and greater use of water is having an impact on chlorine dissipation in some parts of the network. We are making adjustments to the treatment dosing to ensure the seasonal fluctuations do not have a greater impact on our customers, whilst ensuring safe levels are maintained throughout the network. The water continues to be safe and meets the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines,” Mr Sheehan said. An update on the treatment trial program with details of the community information session was mailed to residents. For further information please call our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200 or 1300 COLIBAN or visit the website – www.coliban.com.au ***There has been discussion about the water differences of late and a local on-line petition was started some wweeks ago at https://www.change.org Coliban water has information on the reason for chlorination available at www.coliban.com.au as well as data on the process implentation in the 2017/18 Report.

Heritage Festival The National Trust of Australia’s Australian Heritage Festival will be held between April 18th to May 19th . This year’s theme is Connecting People, Places and the Past - and what better place to start than the People and Places Display in the Chewton Town Hall? CDS will be working with Parks Victoria over this time with guided walks, displays, children’s activities and Jan ‘Yarn” Wositsky will be performing his show in the hall over four nights. More details will be available as the planning progresses. During this festival, events across Australia will be held at historic buildings, landmarks, shipwrecks and sacred sites. The festival will bring together communities from all walks of life to recognise and celebrate heritage and culture through ceremony, song and dance, performance art, art in various media and artefacts, talks on books and stories, and guided tours of towns, places and spaces. The Australian Heritage Festival will bring to life all chapters of Australian culture and history, telling the stories of diverse and distinctive experiences that make up our communities.

Chewtons’ People and Places Collection... Prior to 1995, Chewton was a part of the Shire of Metcalfe, along with Barkers Creek, Barfold, Elphinstone, Faraday, Harcourt, Metcalfe, Redesdale, Sutton Grange and Taradale. When the Victorian Local Government boundaries were reshuffled in 1995 most of the Shire of Metcalfe merged with the City of Castlemaine and the Shires of Newstead and Maldon to create what we now know as the Mount Alexander Shire. In 1992 the, then, Shire of Metcalfe commissioned a large study entitled The Metcalfe Heritage Study. This study is an excellent resource as it contains not only the environmental history of the shire and heritage recommendations, but also a comprehensive list of individual sites. The individual sites covered include historic residences, shops, halls, cemeteries, churches, hotels, post offices, schools and railway stations. There is also information about individual mining sites, relics and ruins and details about the construction of the beautiful 1800s bridges and viaducts of the district. Chewton’s buildings and sites are predominant in the study but there are many interesting sites in other areas such as the ruins of the silk worm farm in Harcourt. Anyone who enjoys getting out and seeing historic sites would find this comprehensive resource fascinating. The study includes lots of interesting information about the ambitious engineering projects of the 1800s such as the water channels built to bring water to the goldfields and the Kyneton to Bendigo Railway Line which opened in 1862. This section of railway line has a large and spectacular collection of early stone and iron viaducts and bridges beautifully hand built from local stone or bricks. At the time, the construction of the line was the largest building work in the colony. The 385 meter long Elphinstone Railway Tunnel was a major undertaking with the excavators having to dig what was then the deepest cutting in Victoria. Solid rock had to be blasted through to create the tunnel to Chewton. During this period a huge workers’ camp clustered on the outskirts of Elphinstone. Another site described in The Metcalfe Heritage Study is the Donkey Gully Bridge. This now decaying relic off Golden Point Road looks picturesque and mysterious in a bushland setting. “This bridge connected the Golden Point Road across Forest Creek to the mine sites and dwellings in Donkey, Golden and Deadman’s Gully. It was a major traffic route for crossing the hills to Moonlight Flat, Specimen Gully and Barkers Flat. The mining activity in the area continued from the 1851 alluvial diggings through to the quartz and dredging that still operated in the 1930s”. If you would like to look up some historic sites and go on a bit of an adventure to find them, you are welcome to come and look at the resources available in Chewton’s People and Places Collection. The opening hours are Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. in the Chewton Town Hall. Jackie McMaster. Local railway bridges, Taradale’s railway viaduct, the Welsh Street bridge and the seat and sign honouring the late Barbara James, an important local history researcher.

Chewton 100 years ago February 2019 ...and it’s time for a name change! After running newspaper articles from 100 years ago for more than five years, and prior to that there were the items from 150 years ago, it’s time for a change (due to lack of interest on the part of the publications of the day). Where possible 100 Years Ago will still be published but otherwise there will be items, hopefully of general interest, from days long gone in Chewton. PREVIOUSLY IN CHEWTON….. Argus, Tuesday 25 February 1919. CASTLEMAINE. The official opening of the new State battery between Fryerstown and Chewton took place on Saturday afternoon. Among those present were the Premier (Mr. Lawson) and Mr. Merrill, chief inspector of mines. In the course of an address the Premier said the Government was out to render assistance to the mining industry. It was disheartening to see once-thriving mining towns dropping into a state of decay, and the Government would help any genuine undertaking to bring back their ancient glory, but, in the interest of the general taxpayer, all applications would have to undergo strict scrutiny and inquiry. The erection of the battery has stimulated prospecting in the Chewton and Fryers districts, and there are indications that the battery will have a long run. Age, Thursday 27 February 1919. KYNETON. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission has refused the request of Metcalfe shire council to contribute £100 towards the cost of repairs to Chewton-Faraday road, necessitated by heavy traffic in connection with the commission’s works at Sutton Grange. The ground of refusal was that the traffic was not in excess of what the road could reasonably be expected to bear. The council will make a further claim. Argus, Saturday 8 November 1851 MOUNT ALEXANDER DIGGINGS. My last was a hurried account of what I saw after a visit of a few hours, consequently it did not contain much interesting matter. Since that time, I have been both up and down the creek, and having time on hand, will make you acquainted with what information I have gleaned. The diggings are not on Mount Alexander, as is generally supposed, but in a gully known as Forest Creek, and situated about seven miles from the Mount, and twenty from the Loddon, which receives the waters of this Creek. It is generally supposed that the gully contains gold the whole distance, and tents are being pitched for four miles lower down than the Commissioners. The sides of the ranges are covered with white quartz, with veins of slate running from mountain to mountain, forming bars at the bottom, on which the gold appears to have lodged - in some instances from twelve

to seventeen feet below the surface, and in others within two feet. The work here I cannot call laborious. The first day or two will blister hands, and make one’s back ache. The nights are cold and uncomfortable, and those who have been used to a drawing-room, or stationed behind a desk, would think it “demned disagreeable” and laborious; but I can assure you that carpenters, bricklayers, and such trades, work much harder in Melbourne than here. Even the pressmen of your office may envy the life of a digger; for the latter have their night’s rest; and I unhesitatingly assert, that had I a hut here, and compelled to work at the same wages, I should prefer being here. Still, to some, the very idea of stooping so much, and making themselves so very dirty, has induced them, after laying in provisions, tools, and walking the whole distance (the hardest work to my mind of any), to sell quietly off everything, and decamp, to tell the awful sufferings and ill luck they have experienced. This is the real state of some of the accounts given in town, and I was dubious about trying, until I visited this El Dorado. Since Saturday morning, the scene has greatly changed - then a tent would be seen here and there, but now they are becoming inconveniently crowded, and the confounded bull and mastiff dogs chained to tents and drays, compel one to have the eyes of an Argus, to escape feeling their teeth. On Saturday, dozens were arriving at a time; on Sunday, hundreds; Monday and Tuesday, one continuous line of new arrivals. Your Melbourne departures are but trifling compared to the arrivals from Ballarat and the surrounding country. Kyneton has but two men in it, and Mr. Edmiston has allowed his carter to supply the deserted females of that village with water, otherwise they must go without. Under the heads of deaths, marriages, and accidents, I have nothing to note ; but under births, a Mrs. - - - brought a little daughter to have a peep at the gold, and is doing well. There are about twenty women on the creek. Gold continues to be found in abundance - two, three, and four pounds per day seem common among the luckies; but water is becoming more scarce. We had a few slight showers on Sunday morning, but nothing to affect the creek; and though thousands are arriving, and thousands more on the road, the more experienced are quietly retreating to the Loddon, where report states that gold has been found in abundance. I was glad to find that the Commissioner has strictly forbidden any work being done on Sunday; and, indeed, the diggers appear perfectly satisfied to make it a day of rest. The Rev. Mr. Sullivan, of Kyneton, visited the ground, and preached an excellent and appropriate sermon, selecting for his text, 16th chap. Mat., 26th verse: “For what profiteth a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul,” &c. Glen Harrison.

PEOPLE AND PLACES ROSTER SUNDAYS 1pm to 4pm

3rd Feb 10th Feb 17th Feb 24th Feb

Allan Dry and Glen Harrison Pat Healy and Marie Jones Rose Darling and Marion Landy Elaine Appleton and Frank Benbow

Elsie Palmer Field now dog free Mount Alexander Shire Council has designated the Elsie Palmer Field at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve a dog free zone to improve public safety at the sports ground. The move follows a Council decision to declare the upper oval dog free in December following concerns about public health and safety issues at the field over the past year. Council heard concerns from local user groups including dogs not under effective control, damage to the cricket pitch and residents not picking up after their dogs. Affected user groups include local cricket and soccer clubs, school groups, as well as volunteers maintaining the grounds. This resolution follows the declaration of a dog free area at the Doug Powell Oval and an on-lead area at the netball courts in December 2017. The regulations were changed following a review of animal restrictions at the site after a cyclist was injured in an incident involving a dog at the velodrome. The introduction of animal restrictions at the reserve were supported by the Committee of Management which includes local cycling, football and netball clubs. Council has installed new signage and officers will patrol the area to educate users about the changes at the field caused by irresponsible pet owners. Council has published a notice of the order, in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act. For more information and a map visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au Dogs can be off-lead in other areas at the reserve but must be kept under control at all times. Don’t forget to pick up after your pet.

Fast facts - Dog walking in Mount Alexander Shire • • • • • • • • • • •

No go zones Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve – Elsie Palmer Field Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve – Doug Powell Oval / Velodrome Victory Park Castlemaine Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Playground On-lead Campbells Creek Community Park Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Castlemaine CBD Maldon CBD Don’t forget Dogs may be walked off-lead on other Council managed/public land Dogs must be under effective control Clean up after your pet - dog bags are provided at most facilities Taken from a Press Release.

Exploring State forests

The More to Explore interactive app, which helps the community to get out and explore Victoria’s incredible state forests, is now available on Android devices. Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Acting District Manager Simon Brown said there’s never been a better time to discover state forests in Central Victoria. “The More to Explore app will help the community connect with nature in new ways,” Mr Brown said. “The release of the More to Explore app for Android devices coincides with an update to the already available Apple version. The app provides comprehensive information to help people use and enjoy Victoria’s 3.1 million hectares of state forest and its network of approximately 400 visitor sites and 250 recreational trails.” It has been designed to help users navigate when out in the forest to find trails and sites that suit their needs and interests. “You can plan your visit before even leaving the house, using the search function on the app to find the ideal state forest site or trail. If visiting areas likely to be out of mobile phone range or with limited mobile reception – explorers can download maps onto a mobile device, to enable offline navigation and location on the map using the device’s GPS function,” Mr. Brown added. The new and improved More to Explore app includes enhanced search functions, upgraded road information, new integrated capabilities for offline maps and an emergency location function.” The More to Explore app is available for iPhones from the App Store and for Androids in the Google Play store. https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/vi…/more-to-exploreapps-and-maps Taken from a Press Release.

At the heart of fire and land management is people… Forest Fire Management (FFMVic) Assistant Chief Fire Officer Scott Falconer has brought many learnings back to Loddon Mallee since his Churchill Fellowship trip to North America, but none more so than the importance of building trusting relationships when it comes to land management. Mr Falconer recently released a report about his seven-week trip to America and Canada, where he studied Indigenous people’s involvement in land and fire management with a focus on self-determination and returning cultural burning to Country. Mr Falconer met with First Nations people and other land managers to learn about how indigenous cultural fire management practices are being reintroduced on public land and what practices could be applied in Victoria. “The trip reinforced my belief that it is people and developing respectful and trusting relationships, not fire or any other management practice, that is at the heart of good land management,” Mr Falconer said. “I was fortunate to meet with many amazing and inspiring people during my trip and discuss many issues including fire prevention techniques, how communities recover from fire and how governments can work with Traditional Owners On Country to enable self-determination. A lesson for me as a non-Indigenous person and someone who works in an organisation that manages public land, is that my role is that of an enabler. I need to work with Traditional Owners to open the doors for them to manage Country again, then step aside. During the trip I also became aware that in many ways here in Victoria we are far ahead in working with Traditional Owners on Country. In central Victoria we have the ground-breaking Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement between the Victorian Government and Dja Dja Wurrung as well as the partnership FFMVic has developed with Dja Dja Wurrung and Barapa Barapa to return cultural burning to Country. The people I met with in Canada and the United States

Scott Falconer, Tim Kanoa and members of the Karuk Tribe in Northern California were very interested in what we are doing in Australia and were very keen to share information and their experiences. I learnt so much and there were many highlights including travelling and sharing the journey with Trent Nelson, Director Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and Tim Kanoa, DELWP Director of Aboriginal Inclusion and Support. Having Trent and Tim’s insights as Traditional Owners while talking with First Nations people about land management and planned burning was invaluable.” A report of the trip is available at: https://www. churchilltrust.com.au/media/fellows/Falconer_S_2017_ The_Return_of_Cultural_Burning.pdf and includes a range of recommendations for Victorian land managers including FFMVic. Several recommendations have already been adopted in Victoria. Mr Falconer has worked in fire, forestry and fisheries for more than 25 years and was appointed Loddon Mallee Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Forest Fire Management Victoria in June 2016. Taken from a Press Release.

Red Hill Hotel

(03) 5416 1133 31

Goldfields Libraries is now eSmart accredited! eSmart, an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, uses a cultural change approach to improve cyber safety and reduce cyber bullying. There are three eSmart programs – eSmart Schools, eSmart Libraries and the eSmart Digital Licence. The Alannah & Madeline Foundation and the Telstra Foundation formed a partnership in 2012 to develop and implement eSmart Libraries – one of Australia’s most significant community cyber safety initiatives. The eSmart Libraries program provides a framework for libraries, staff and library users to help integrate better cyber safety practices and promote the safe use of online technology in communities. “Our libraries see more than 1.4 million visitors each year and with an increasing demand for public computers, internet and wi-fi, it’s important that we understand how to stay safe online,” says Goldfields Libraries CEO Mark Hands. Throughout 2018 we worked towards our accreditation by: • Understanding the issues faced by our patrons and staff regarding online experiences. We all want to have positive and safe experiences online and we want to support our patrons to achieve this. • Reviewing and updating our relevant governance documents to ensure, as an organisation, we are all aware of good online practises and that we collect and store data appropriately.

• Providing information and resources to our patrons and library members to spread the eSmart message, this includes a series of posters of tips for staying safe online. • Exploring ways of connecting with the broader community to provide useful advice and guidance. We do this through regular social media posts, displays at our branches and agencies and through our digital literacy training. Now that we are eSmart accredited, we will continue to deliver the eSmart message and provide our communities with safe and accessible places to engage online. For more information and online resources that can assist you in safe cyber use, visit https://www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/ esmartonline and https://www.esmart.org.au/ Taken from a Press Release.

Swim and Survive at the Chewton Pool... Following the success of our inaugural Chewton Swim two week January intensive, Hayley and I will be running a 5 week term 1 Swim and Survive programme on Saturday afternoons. Classes will start Saturday 2 February 2019 and run each week concluding on Saturday 2 March 2019. We are keeping the cost of the 5 week programme the same as the intensive weeks: $40 per child, simply to cover the cost of the running the programme. Classes will be 30 mins each week. Hayley will be running a Wonder Class (6 months to 36 months) @ 4pm and Courage Classes ( 3-5 years) between 4.30 and 5.30pm. I will again be running the Active Classes (5 years/prep -14 years) between 3pm and 6pm, ascending in level order. Frog Peck.

Swim and Survive... what is it? Chewton Pool Inc. is proud to be a Swim and Survive Partner, working with Royal Life Saving to make communities safer around water. As part of our Partnership, we offer Swim and Survive as our core water safety education program for children. Swim and Survive is a broad balanced swimming and water safety program of Royal Life Saving that is aligned to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework. Swim and Survive focuses on swimming, personal survival skills, basic rescue and water safety knowledge to provide children with solid foundation skills to safely enjoy a lifetime of aquatic recreation. Swim and Survive provides a pathway for ongoing learning and development and is designed to keep children engaged, actively learning and most importantly, having fun along the way. The program is broken up into 3 stages: • Wonder: A water familiarisation program for parents, carers and children aged from 6 months to 36 months. • Courage: A program that builds water con dence for preschool school aged children between 3-5 years. • Active: A swimming and water safety program for school aged children between 5-14 years.

Community Satisfaction Survey The annual Customer Satisfaction Survey is about to kick off across Mount Alexander Shire, giving residents a chance to have their say on how Council is performing. The annual state-wide survey is coordinated by Local Government Victoria to collect community feedback on the performance of local government areas. The telephone survey will be undertaken by independent market research agency National Field Surveys. Households in the shire may receive a call over a period of two to three weeks, starting from 4 February. “Each year the survey is a great chance for residents to tell us what matters to them and how Council is performing,” said Cr Bronwen Machin, Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire. “The survey results give us a good idea of the needs and expectations of the community, and help to identify areas for continued improvement in service delivery.” Council delivers a range of services like maternal and child health, home and community care, town planning, and cultural and recreational activities. It also maintains local roads, footpaths, bridges, drains, parks, playgrounds, community buildings and much more. The survey will involve interviews with a representative sample of at least 400 residents. Individual details and responses remain confidential. “We appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback,”the mayor said. The majority of Victorian Councils participate in the state-wide survey. The results are benchmarked against a state-wide average and similar sized local government areas. Participation will ensure Council is compliant with the Local Government Performance Reporting Framework. For more information contact Customer Service on 5471 1700.

FIELD NATS Visitors are welcome at club meetings and excursions... Fri Feb 8th meeting: Guest speaker Gayle Osbourne of Wombat Forestcare Ordinary membership: Single $35, Family $50, Pensioner or student: Single $25, Family $30. Subscription includes postage of the monthly newsletter, Castlemaine Naturalist. General meetings - (second Friday of each month, except January) are held in the Uniting Church (UCA) Hall (enter from Lyttleton St.) at 7.30 pm. Field Trips - (Saturday following the general meeting) leave from the car park opposite Castle Motel, Duke Street at 1.30pm sharp unless stated otherwise. BYO afternoon tea. Outdoor excursions are likely to be cancelled in extreme weather conditions. There are NO excursions on total fire ban days.

CASTLEMAINE FIELD NATURALISTS, PO BOX 324, CASTLEMAINE 3450 http://castlemainefnc.wordpress.com/

FOBIF Walks for 2019 FOBIF walks are on Sundays, they are free and non-members are welcome. We meet at 9.30am outside 30 Templeton Street, Castlemaine (Continuing Ed.) and carpool to the start of the walk. Bring water, morning tea and lunch. Walks usually finish mid afternoon. Walks are cancelled on Total Fire Ban days in the area.

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17 March Burns Hill – a recovering landscape 21 April Stones Gully 19 May Warburton Bridge 16 June Whisky Gully, Mount Alexander 21 July Chewton Bushlands 18 August Beyond The Res 15 September Wewak Track 20 October Railway Dam to White Gum Track

The 100th issue celebration... ... and now it’s the 240th! How time flies... 33

The February Crossword to Chew_on 1

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Jackie McMaster.

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1 Expel (6) 5 A statement that contradicts itself (7) 8 A dishonourable man (3) 10 Farmyard noise (3) 12 Box ******** Forest (8) 13 Local traditional owners, the Dja Dja ******* (7) 16 A period of excessively hot weather (8) 20 Sold at Soldier and Scholar (5) 21 Street in Castlemaine CBD (6) 23 A sudden rush of wind (4) 25 Overseas (2) 26 Australian egg laying mammal (7) 30 Reservoir North of Mia Mia (8) 32 Refering to a male (2) 33 Street in Chewton and historical event in Ballarat. (6) 34 ****** Point Landcare Group (6) 35 Machines used to help extract gold (8)

1 Street in Chewton and earthy colour (5) 2 Historic mine in Chewton, the name meaning “a skilful hunter” (6) 3 Someone who finds new paths through unexplored territory (5) 4 An exclamation expressing surprise (2) 5 Done without delay (6) 6 A type of gemstone (4) 7 Cool shade trees at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (4) 9 Flying over Chewton is the ******* Flag (7) 11 Either (2) 14 Sets of questions (5) 15 Carman’s ****** in Maldon (6) 17 The highest point in Daylesford, ****** Hill (6) 18 Common bird with distinctive colouring (6) 19 To lavish with love (4) 20 Bachelor of Science (2) 22 Played at Chewton Soldier’s Memorial Park (6) 24 The instinctive part of the mind (2) 27 Long dirt road leads to Moonlight Flat (6) 28 Type of produce grown in Harcourt (5) 29 Renowned Chewton artist living in Chewton, Jeff ***** (5) 31 To retain possession of (4) 32 Infused with colour (4)

POHAG meeting 10 a.m. 10th February 2010 Chewton Town Hall 34

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Advertisers in this Chewton Chat AB Accounting Solutions P 15 Albion Hotel P 18 Blues music, jam sessions P 35 Buda Historic Home and Garden P 10 CAE Performance Products P 14 Cameron Stewart, Podiatrist P 10 Carole Kernohan, Bowen Therapy P 14 Castlemaine Mini-Diggers P 24 Castlemaine Office Supplies P7 Chewton General Store P3 Chewton Service Station P2 Come Clean Window Cleaning P 13 Doors R Me P 21 Doug Drury, Carpenter and Handyman P 13 Enviro Shop P7 Fasom Plumbing P 12 Goldfields Concreting P 23 Goldfields Electronics P26 Lawson’s Gardening/Property Maintenance P 7 Life Cycle Gym nasium P 16 Lisa Chesters, Federal M.P. P 11 Maldon Antique Fair P 20 Maree Edwards, State M.P. P8 Mark Mitchell, Plasterer P5 Newstead Natives, Native Nursery P 22 Ray Fowler, Master Painter P 30 Red Hill Hotel P 31 Robin Haylett, Gardens P 24 Rob’s Lawn Mowing P 22 Rob’s Carpet Cleaning P 21 Soldier and Scholar, 2nd Hand Books P 25 State Government Fire message P4 Tamsin Whaley Celebrant P 17 P 20 Taradale Wine & Produce Thompson Family Funerals P 19 Tori’s Pooch Parlour P5 Unicorn Antiques P3 Waylaines Tiling P 26 Wesley Hill Market P 17 Wildlife Rescue P5 Yoga in Chewton P6 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….

The last word this month goes to Paul Leishman imagine spending every working day looking down on Chewton!

For more information:

Email: elphojamsessions@gmail.com

The day it hit 43.5 degrees in Chewton It was the second day of the latest disastrous test match (cricket). It was a Friday, it was the first week of the new year, and it was decidedly hot. My car thermometer read 38.7 degrees Celsius at 11 o’ clock in the morning. By 3 o’clock, it was 43.5 degrees Celsius, a record high temperature for my observations. However, not to be outdone, along comes the third week of the new year, and this time it’s 44 degrees Celsius. Not once, but twice, on two successive days. And for many, the first week back to work. Not a good start to the new year for most of us (though an air-conditioned office might have been a bonus for some of us). So, our highest daytime temperature was 44 degrees Celsius; and for the record I recorded these values on the 24th and 25th. of the month. With temperatures like this even the cooler days were still quite warm. Only four days of the month registered between 20 and 30 degrees C., the lowest of them being 25 degrees Celsius. For nineteen (19) days of the month temperatures were between 30 degrees and 40 degrees. The big hitters were the ‘more-than-40-degree-days’; seven (7) in all. This too is a record for my observations. To summarise, the day-time temperature for the month reveals an average of 35.5 degrees Celsius over the 31 days. The mode was 30.5 degrees C. It comes as no surprise to find that this month’s daytime temperatures have been unaccompanied by any substantial rain. My gauge has registered just 3.5

millimetres this month. A quick review of January rainfall in the last eighteen years shows totals of between 25 and 50 millimetres, BUT we had 200.5 millimetres in January 2011 and just 2 millimetres in 2013. So much for normalcy!! A check of the Coliban water levels reveals little change in volumes, but they do appear to be greater than one might expect following our dry old summer. Coliban Water has three main storages that feed Castlemaine, and Chewton in particular. They are Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury. They also have a share of Lake Eppalock. At the other end of the scale, our night-time temperature range has been wider. Our lowest overnight temperature was 10 degrees Celsius, and the highest a most uncomfortable 25 degrees. On high temperature nights it’s not so much the lowest temperature that is important, but the slow pace of decline from the days high point. Going to bed on these nights can be most uncomfortable, unless you have air-conditioning of course. Checking in with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), the Bureau’s ENSO-Outlook has moved to El Niño WATCH. “However, there remains an increased likelihood that El Niño will develop later in 2019, meaning there is approximately a 50% chance of El Niño developing during the southern hemisphere autumn or winter,” says the Bureau. This is BoM longhand for ‘less rain’. John Leavesley.

Calendar of Events Feb 2nd Feb 2nd Feb 2nd Feb 3rd Feb 7th Feb 9th Feb 9th Feb 10th Feb 10th Feb 11th Feb 16th Feb 16th Feb 17th Feb 18th Feb 19th Feb 22nd Feb 23rd Feb 24th Feb 28th Mar 3rd

Swim and Survive program starts, Chewton Pool (see page 32). Chewton’s Community BBQ, 6 p.m., (see page 16). Eucharist Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. People and Places display, 1 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. Chewton Film Society first 2019 screening, 7.30 p.m. sharp, Chewton Town Hall. Eucharist Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. Pizza Party in the Park, 7 p.m., Castlemaine Botanic Gardens (see page 15). POHAG meeting, 10 a.m., Chewton Town Hall. People and Places display, 1 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. EOIs for Phee Broadway residency program close (see page 24). Maldon Antique and Collectables Fair, 8 a,m,, Maldon Football ground. (Also 17th, see page 20). Eucharist Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. People and Places display, 1 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. EOIs for MAS Community Grants close (see page 19). MAS Council Meeting, 6.30 p.m., Civic Centre, Castlemaine. Deadline for the March Chewton Chat. Eucharist Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. People and Places display, 1 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. Chewton Chat distribution, 2.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. 20 years of the Chat morning tea, 10 a.m. Chewton Town Hall (see page 10).