Chewton Chat November 2018

Issue 237

November 2018

Pick My Project success!

You may have heard the cheers of joy across the length and breadth of Chewton when we heard that our community pool had been successful in the Pick My Project grants. With steep competition and so many worthy community projects, we had crossed our fingers and hoped that the community would support us – and here we are, proof that the Chewton community can pull together and support the pool whenever it needs support.

Reflecting on our last few seasons, and the journey of Chewton Pool, the committee of management, along with all our members, firmly believe that Chewton Pool is here to stay – what began as a rally to save our pool from closure has become a stable, steady and much loved asset. For the last few seasons we have averaged 8000 visits per season, the number of people who buy season passes to swim all season long has increased and the committee, with support from Lions, MASC and our wonderful volunteers have worked to make the pool nicer, better and more user friendly.

There are some big costs associated with pools, pumps and all the things that go into running an awesome community pool and we have now turned our focus to how to maintain and improve pool infrastructure – how to get our water warmer, how to get our pump and plant working at their best, how to upgrade our Kiosk buildings and change-rooms – all of these are the next steps in Chewton Pool’s journey.

This Pick My Project grant provides us with the chance to start that journey with the most important step – getting our water warmer!

The project involves warming the pool water by using a solar heating system called Heliocoil. The Heliocoil panels will be mounted on specially constructed shade structures and absorb warmth from the sun. This warm water will be cycled through the pool using our pump. In addition to the solar warming panels, we are purchasing a pool blanket to keep the precious warmth in the pool where it belongs.

We are hoping that lifting the temperature by several degrees will help lift our visits and bring in more people and more income for Chewton Pool to continue to improve. The project will be delivered over the course of the season as funds become available from the Victorian Government. The Committee of Management has already

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

www.chewton.net

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Fishing for answers...

Not once...

A photo and a message about a catch in Expedition Pass Reservoir arrived!

“Caught estuary end of Res,” was part of the accompanying message.

Better out than in as the saying goes!

had meetings to plan the staging of the works and has met with the local tradespeople who will support us to fulfil this contract.

In other news, you may have also heard that the Chewton Pool will be receiving a hoist for use by those with limited mobility. The Castlemaine Community House and Cathy Wheel campaigned for two hoists for this region – one to be located at the indoor pool in Castlemaine and one at Chewton. We were very pleased to be asked to support this submission as it will allow many residents in our region to engage with the community and to access local pools for the first time. We look forward to welcoming many new swimmers.

Keep your eyes out for planning and works going on throughout this season, which will be the last season of bracing temperatures!

For more details about the upcoming season and changes to the committee and management please see our article on page 8.

See you at the pool!

Kind Regards, Chewton Pool Inc. Committee of Management

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An exotic fish caught in Expedition Pass Reservoir most likely from an illegal dumping.

It was not alone (or even a sole!) as several flashes of gold were spotted nearby.

The same day there was someone in the Castlemaine’s Botanical Gardens who was watching the coloured fish in Lake Joanna and muttering about the aquarium dumping!

...but twice Search and Rescue were called in from Melbourne to help recover a car from the waters of Expedition Pass Reservoir.

The car was an old Daewoo sedan that had been reported by a diver who had been exploring the reservoir.

Police were notified and Search and Rescue called in to help recover the vehicle.

The badly damaged car was recovered from the water and taken into police possession.

Apparently the car was a stolen Queensland vehicle and is believed to have been in the reservoir for a long time before it was discovered.

A road block on Golden Point Road leading to the reservoir was in place for about two hours while the car was recovered.

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CDS receives Heritage Council of Victoria Award The Chewton Domain Society has been recognised with an award from the Heritage Council of Victoria for its work in preserving the history and heritage of Chewton.

Since its beginnings in 1996, the Chewton Domain Society has undertaken wonderful work, securing heritage places in the community, overseeing large conservation works on some of the town’s most precious buildings and preserving Chewton’s history so it remains at the heart of this small and thriving community.

The organisation also produces the monthly Chewton Chat that promotes Chewton and its district, circulates local news and provides an opportunity for local organizations and businesses to promote themselves and their activities. The Domain Society also manage the annual Monster Meeting events.

Chewton Domain Society has developed many innovative and effective ways to talk with tourists about heritage sites around town; they have made films featuring precious oral histories of Chewton as well as overseeing major conservation works to the Town Hall and then ensuring the building is available for community events and functions.

The Heritage Council award will be presented by Stuart Macintyre, chair of the Heritage Council of Victoria in Chewton on 28 October.

“The Heritage Council was impressed by the vibrancy of the Chewton Domain Society, its wide scope of activities and the innovative way it is looking at preserving and protecting the heritage of its community. We applaud their efforts with this award,” Mr Macintyre said.

In addition to a framed certificate, the Chewton Domain Society have received a $2000 donation from the Heritage Council as part of the award.

The Heritage Council of Victoria recognises community organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of the heritage of the state with this award. It is given out on merit and previous award winners include the See Yup Temple and the Dimboola Historical Society.

Taken from a Press Release.

Late News: The Heritage Council of Victoria award to the Chewton Domain Society took place over a bush morning tea at the Monster Meeting site. That was followed by a walk on Burns Hill. More photos are on Facebook, and there will be more in the December Chat.

Plan your visitto…

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The 15th Biennial

Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens Gardens of The Goldfields Melbourne Cup Week

Listening Post held in Castlemaine last Friday of the Month 10am to 2pm.

Please phone for appointment.

3-11 November 2018

…when 22 gardens across Mount Alexander Shire open their gates for your enjoyment.

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Eureka Reef heritage walk - on November 3rd Join a Parks Victoria ranger to explore the heritage of Eureka Reef near Chewton in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Explore Aboriginal artefacts, such as rock wells, and extensive remains of mining activities in the area.

This includes a water race, remains of buildings, a large excavated quartz reef, diggings and more.

A 1.8km walk in relaxing bushland takes you back through 140 years of mining history. The walk helps you see the forest through the eyes of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, alluvial gold diggers and quartz reef miners.

This is a Grade 3 formed track, with a few short steep sections and uneven ground that may be slippery after rain.

Suitable for most ages, with moderate fitness levels, including children with close supervision.

• Full loop: 1.8km, stops 1 - 20, allow 1/1.5 hours.

• Shorter loop: 550m, stops 1 - 9, allow 30/45 minutes.

Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat and bring water to drink.

Note: The Chewton Town Hall display on Eureka Reef will be open between 11.30 and 2.00.

Book of Occasional Verse launched

David Watson explained why he refers to his works as “occasional verse” at the launch of his newly published book.

Well-known actor John Flaus was on hand to read several of David’s poems whilst launching the publication in the Chewton Town Hall.

The sales queue and the queue for signatures were long, and there was obviously much joy in the room!

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More photos are on Facebook, and there will be more in the December Chat.

Dingo Conservation Australia Tehree and Hamish Gordon are Wildlife Rescuers and carers who have run the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary at Barwon Heads for a number of years and in 2005 came to Chewton where they care for dingoes and other native wildlife at Dingo Conservation Australia.

If you turn into Eureka Street from Chewton’s Main Road, cross the railway line and continue along the bumpy track for four kilometers you will come to the gates of the Dingo Conservation Australia property.

Since 2005 a great deal of work has been done by the Gordons and their helpers to secure the boundaries as well as build secure compounds and aviaries to ensure the safety and comfort of the rescued animals and birds they care for, none of which could survive independently.

There are dingoes and, at the moment, dingo puppies, koalas, wombats and birds in residence. Parrots are well represented – many of which chatter and dance to try to hold your attention. The koalas loll in the forks of their trees looking very comfortable and sleepy, just waiting for the next delivery of eucalyptus leaves from Geelong. (These koalas are all from the Geelong area and can only eat gum leaves sourced there.) The wombats, naturally, are rather sleepy in daytime but one youngster will submit to cuddles from adoring humans.

Among the birds are Tawny Frogmouths and a Barking Owl. Parrots and cockatoos predominate. There are pretty Major Mitchell cockatoos, yellow tailed black cockatoos and also the beautiful, endangered red tailed black cockatoo.

Sulphur crested cockatoos and galahs are well represented.

And then there is Sir Samson, an apricot poodle, who is minder to the dingo puppies. When they come out to play it runs itself ragged making sure that none escape from its care.

The grass and garden beds make this an attractive place to visit and support.

There is to be an OPEN DAY on the last Sunday in November, between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm. This would be an outing that your entire family would enjoy – mine did!

Barbara Dry.

Melanie (left) and Barbara (above) making friends with a wombat, and Ken practising “falconry” with a young Barking Owl.

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Know Your Neighbour Have you met Hayley Sommerling-Farrugia?

Hayley Sommerling-Farrugia was the first person in her family to be born in Australia. Although Hayley was born in Melbourne and spent her early childhood years there, at the age of nine she and her Dutch mother then spent four years in the Netherlands. Hayley attended school there and learnt the language. ‘It was a fantastic experience.’

She returned to Australia when she was thirteen. After she left school Hayley began studying for a BA, but didn’t finish. She is now studying primary school teaching at Swinburne.

‘I was still living at home when I met my partner, Felix. We moved into a two bedroom apartment in Ascot Vale. Then a year ago to Castlemaine.’

Hayley says it had been a long-term plan that they would move to the country. ‘When our daughter, now aged two, was born, the apartment became too small so we decided we would move to Castlemaine. We had spent a lot of time in Castlemaine in our late teens, and had a lot of friends here. Felix was very fond of the town. His family live in Elphinstone and he grew up in the area and went to school in Castlemaine. As we both now have jobs in Chewton, we keep an eye on the real estate here.’

Hayley has been the Operations Manager of the Chewton pool for the last season and for the forthcoming one. She explains that this entails co-ordinating the rostering of the lifeguards, the volunteers and the pool programs, as well as making sure that the pool plant is operating properly, and generally checking that the maintenance is ticking away. Hayley emphasises that this is not only a full-time job during Summer, ‘I have already started work in June/July for the coming season, attending conferences and training sessions throughout the year.’

She stresses that a strong emphasis is placed on making sure that the volunteers are trained in CPR, and comments that it has surprised her how few incidents occur. ‘I think this is because the community are very conscious of water safety. They take this very seriously and teach their children to take it seriously.’

Hayley is well qualified for this position, having been a swim teacher since 2013 and works as a swim teacher at the indoor pool in Castlemaine. This is apart from her

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other job as a childcare educator at Carinya Child Care Centre in Castlemaine.

‘I was just so lucky to stumble upon the pool job.

It’s such a nice little community. The Chewton pool really is a family oriented hub. It’s lovely because you know everyone on a first name basis, what they’re doing and who their kids are.

I really love Chewton. It’s been very welcoming.

Lovely people. It has that real sense of community and that real sense of people putting time in to their community.

I haven’t encountered that before. So many people give a lot of their precious time, to the pool, to the store, to the soccer club, to landcare, to the Domain Society. It’s amazing how many people give so many hours of their time. They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk.’

Gloria Meltzer.

THE RED HILL HOTEL SOCIAL CLUB

Chewton Car Rally Join us for a really fun day of driving around the countryside, looking for clues and answering questions along the way.

We provide the plan; you will need a car, $10 spending money, a liquid container with a lid and at least 2 passengers (one to drive and one to navigate) You will travel approx 100 kms and it will take approx 2.5 hours to complete the course.

The first prize winner will receive a $100 petrol voucher Date:

Saturday 17th November

• 25 years’ experience (semi-retired)

Time:

Meet at the Red Hill Pub at 2pm promptly

• $25 per average size room (4x4m) (most carpets dry in 2–3 hours)

Cost :

$10 per car for members and non members

Enquiries:

Please message our Facebook page - The Red Hill Social Club - or you can speak to and pay a committee member: Deb, Di, Locka or Rob

Ph 0402 645 467 6

***Staggered start times will apply***

*** If you wish to stay on for a meal at the pub afterwards – please pre book a table ***

The Third Act: Talking with our Generation The lovely ladies of Chewton Phoenix CWA recently hosted a presentation and short conversation workshop at the Chewton Town Hall. The workshop facilitator was Russell Deal OAM who was presenting his new conversation building cards called The Third Act. Russell explained that he has spent 45 years working as a social worker and in that time he has published numerous resources for the human services sector. For example, The Strength Cards and The Bears Cards are now used by practitioners in many countries. Some card sets were created with very young children in mind, some for school children, some for adolescents. His new set of cards was a collaborative effort with Kevin Vallence and is focused on issues that mature people in “The Third Act” of their lives often experience.

By using the cards, a safe space is created for people to open up and share their stories. Each card has a thoughtprovoking question and if comfortable, the conversation can start to flow. The Third Act cards can be used in multiple contexts, from professional settings to informal gatherings. Preparation for retirement, couples’ therapy, bereavement counselling, seniors’ group activities, life coaching and aged care training are all areas in which the cards can be useful.

The topics on The Third Act cards include issues of trust, change, relationships, health, wisdom, security and well-being. In this mini-workshop Russell asked the participants to randomly choose 3 cards and to choose one to talk about for 2 minutes. People felt they had been given permission to talk and share their stories in a safe

Russell Deal OAM and caring environment. Russell says, “story telling is the fabric of communities” and explains that it is important for people’s stories to come out.

Jenny Howe, who is the president of Chewton Phoenix CWA, said that she could see The Third Act card set being useful at CWA meetings. Scones, jam and cream accompanied the mini-workshop and Jenny said, “the CWA are known for their scones, but it is on the back of the scone that we reach out into the community.”

Jenny Howe, president of Chewton Phoenix CWA If you would like to contact Chewton Phoenix CWA sms Jenny on 0408 599 801, and to find out more or purchase The Third Act cards contact Russell on russell@metaphors.ink Jackie McMaster.

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Chewton Pool Inc - a message from the Committee Dear members and supporters of the Chewton Community Swimming Pool… welcome to the 2018 /19 season!

We have had a couple of changes on the committee of management during the off season; primarily co-opting two new members to join Daria and Frog on the executive following Bronwyn Dawson and Monica Sullivan leaving their respective posts as treasurer and secretary. While both Bronwyn and Monica remain on the committee as general members, we welcome Sheila Maloney and Wendy Hopkins to the committee and into the roles of treasurer and secretary. With assistance from Bron and Mon and the wider committee they have both launched into their roles over the past 6 months and, as an executive, we have made some great progress with changes to our governance and policy management.

To Bronwyn and Monica we thank you… in particular we extend an enormous thank you to Bronwyn who will be stepping down from the committee all together at the AGM. Bronwyn has been our tireless treasurer over an incredible number of seasons, always going above and beyond what is required and keeping us afloat (pun intended)... what wonderful work!

In addition to Sheila and Wendy, we have also co-opted Sera-Jane Peters and Sarah Myles onto the committee. Sarah has downed tools as Pool Manager (more on that below) and Sera-Jane comes to us as one of our valuable volunteers.

We very much look forward to having their input, expertise and support on the committee.

So, the committee currently looks like: • President: Daria Healy-Aarons • Vice President: Frog Peck • Secretary: Wendy Hopkins • Treasurer: Sheila Maloney • General Members: Jenny Jarman, Jacki Heath, Monica Sullivan, Ingrid Button, Sarah Myles and Sera-Jane Peters The committee as it stands, including the executive structure, will be re-standing for election at the AGM. Sheila, Wendy, Sarah and Sera-Jane will also need to be elected as part of official proceedings at the meeting.

If anyone else is interested in nominating for the committee please write to Wendy: chewtonpoolsecretary@gmail.com

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AGM - Sun 11 November Chewton Pool Inc @ the Pool The Chewton Pool Inc. Annual General Meeting is where you as members and supporters can get updates on our activities, policies, programmes and the Pick My Project project for the upcoming season.

It is also a chance to get involved by voting, suggesting, doing and signing up to volunteer! We are a membership and volunteer based organisation who rely on all of your involvements to keep the pool going.

In saying that, we will be encouraging all members who attend the AGM to renew your membership at the meeting. This does a couple of things. Firstly, it takes the pressure off the opening weekend when everyone is keen to renew their season membership and get their passes. By renewing early you’ll be able to stroll right in with your pass as soon as we swing open the gates. Secondly, being a not for profit organisation, all of our membership and entrance fees go towards the upkeep and operation of our pool. The reality is the sooner we get membership fees, the better we can manage our spend.

New members are of course most welcome and encouraged to come to the AGM. We will be putting on a BBQ from midday following a mini working bee in the morning from 9am. We encourage you to come to the BBQ, for food and chats and questions.

The actual meeting will take place 2pm - 4pm. Hope to see you there.

For any further information on the AGM, please contact Wendy: chewtonpoolsecretary@gmail.com

Change in Staff/Management Structure As you may be aware, last season we split the management position into two roles with Sarah Myles returning to the pool as Pool Manager, looking after our volunteers and the daily running of the kiosk and events.

And we brought newcomer Hayley Sommeling-Farrugia into the role of Operations Manager to oversee the team of lifeguards, attend to safety and keep an eye on the general upkeep of pool facilities.

A few things happened in the off-season that sparked yet another re-think of our management structure; Sarah finished up in her position as Pool Manager and, as you have already read, has joined the committee of

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

management. Additionally, our dedicated pool plant coordinator for the last couple of seasons, ‘Sam’ Samson, has popped the chemical-handling gloves on the shelf and has forgone early morning pump testing! As well as these team members stepping down, the committee conducted a review of the season in relation to staff management and decided to create one single management position with support from a couple of coordinators to assist with dedicated duties.

So, we are very pleased to announce that for this season Hayley Sommeling-Farrugia moves into the new position with the title of Pool Operations Manager with responsibilities for the safe operation of our Swimming Pools, management and coordination of lifeguards and swimming programs, and general management of our facilities. Sally Melville steps up from being one of our fantastic volunteers to the crucial position of Volunteer and Event Coordinator. This role will focus on the recruitment and training of volunteers, the smooth running of the kiosk and entrance takings, while overseeing the various events bubbling away during this season. Thirdly, Hugh Feary jumps into the position as Facilities Coordinator. You may all remember Hugh as one of our friendly lifeguards from last season, and whilst Hugh will be returning to the lifeguard team he will be taking on extra duties to keep the pool plant running and ensure we train up more volunteers to assist in this area.

Please join the committee of management to enthusiastically welcome Sally and Hugh to these roles!

To Sarah and Sam we thank you so much for all your work last season and for your wise words and feedback when conducting the season review. Hope to be seeing you at the pool...

If anyone would like to get in touch with our key staff please see details below.

Season 2018/19

Grand Opening for the 2018/9 Season Fri 23 Nov @ 3pm.

Opening hours will remain the same as last season with a change to Public Holidays. * Mon-Fri: 3pm-7pm (with an option to stay open to 8pm as the weather dictates) * Sat-Sun: 12midday - 8pm * Public Holidays: 3pm-8pm More details regarding programs on offer will be discussed at the AGM and publicized in the next Chat.

See you all at the pool!

Chewton Pool Inc Membership and Entrance fees 2018/2019: * as authorised by Chewton Pool Inc. Committee of Management Oct 18

Hayley 0484 763 140 - hayley.chewtonpool@gmail.com Sally 0484 764 166 - sally.chewtonpool@gmail.com

Frog Peck on behalf of the Committee of Management.

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ild

ch hole w e g th ild turin very ch r u N in e The final term has not let us down for excitement levels.

We have 3 school camps in the next few weeks and our sleep over at the end of the year. I’m writing this month’s chat sitting in the car (Scott is driving) on the way to bike camp. We have 30 children and 20 adults on camp so it was a bit of a logistics nightmare but hopefully my carefully laid plans do not let me down.

30 children and 20 adults on bike camp!

Our long awaited Street Library has had its official launch. We hope the Chewton community comes on board with this project by borrowing and depositing books. Our students will keep it tidy and well stocked... and Julie continues on page 11.

“Our names are Leila and Kite and we’re a few of the student leaders at Chewton Primary School and we are launching a new street library for our Chewton community.

Our hope is to try and reuse books and to encourage people to read on a daily basis.

A street library is an outside wooden box that contains books for all ages, picture books and chapter books. It will be next to one of our main school gates where it’s fully accessible to the community as well as the students.

There are now quite a lot of street libraries around Victoria and we are very lucky to have had such a lot of support from the Men’s Shed and a student’s parent.

A small group of 5-6 students drew the design and some men from the Men’s Shed came and had a look at our design, and built it for us.

We painted it with school colors and had a lot of fun in the process.

Our street library is now ready to be used by all ages!

Thank you.”

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards was on hand to cut the red ribbon and declare the library open, assisted by representatives from the Men’s Shed (who, incidentally, wear Men’s Shed shirts that match the Chewton school’s colors!)

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

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And who borrowed the first books from the new library?

Brian (from the Men’s Shed) and Maree borrowed as soon as the ribbon-cutting and the obligatory photographs were over.

Quotes have started to come in for the outdoor kitchen. Cooking space in the staff room is stretched to the limits. We only have one planning area for staff that doubles as a community hub for parents. Daydd has drawn some great plans to move much of what happens in the staff room to an area next to our vegetable garden.

Another project that I hope can be completed very soon.

Naomi has become the face of our garden program and we are excited with her initiative re composting.

(See page 13 for her detailed explanation of this project.)

Improving our school’s profile as a community hub is exciting. Scott has continued to learn the ropes of being our Sustainability Leader and has spent time learning how to upload the many sustainable stories we have to the website.

Despite all of our other great programs we still have a core curriculum with inquiry units changing each term. This term we are studying Spain. Three of our students lived in Spain for 6 months so it has been a great opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences.

We are planning a Spanish Festival Day for some time in December.

So far we have had a very limited response from Chewton Community Groups re our showcasing of Chewton with ‘Vicki the Truck’. (See the details on page 13). I will be calling or emailing you all again so please let me know if you intend to come. With just 9 weeks to go till the end of the term, there’s lots to be done!

Julie Holden.

Julie continues: In April of this year I applied for an ‘Inclusive Schools Grant’ to build a musical sensory garden for our school. It was one of my more ambitious grant applications and as I waded through the many pages of evidence, quotes and rationale I ended with 6,000 words of reason as to why this would be a great addition for our school. At our street library launch we were also given the great news of our success with this grant. I am not sure when works will start as this project will be managed by the Department.

Hopefully there will be music in the grounds by the end of the year. (See page 12 for the result of this grant application!)

Nurturing the whole child in every child

Yoga classes leave you with a deep sense of relaxation on all levels - physically, mentally and emotionally...

Come and join the yoga course in Chewton.

• We are starting back on Wednesday the 10th of October and there are a few spots left.

• • • •

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.

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$92,200 to assist Chewton school’s inclusiveness schools better support the social and educational needs of young people with a disability.

Since it was established by the Labor Government in 2015, nearly 90 creative projects to build inclusive play spaces, outdoor learning areas, sensory gardens and calm spaces have been delivered.

Inclusive education is about ensuring that all students, regardless of disabilities or other differences, are able to fully participate, learn, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools.

More information about these projects is available at www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au Taken from a Press Release.

Chewton Primary School is one of 93 schools across Victoria sharing in $15 million to build all-access play areas, sensory gardens and outdoor learning areas to support students with disabilities and additional needs, under the latest rounds of the Andrews Labor Government’s $30 million Inclusive Schools Fund.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards MP said Chewton Primary School is receiving $92,200 to create an outdoor sensory space. “This funding for the outdoor sensory space will make a real difference by ensuring Chewton Primary School provides an inclusive environment for all students,” Ms Edwards said.

The Inclusive Schools Fund is helping government

Karate kudos On Saturday the 20th of October 2018, at the award ceremony, I was presented with the Omoikiri Martial Arts, Junior Student of the year award! (It turns out Mum knew I was going to get the award all along!)

I have been doing karate for four years and been training with Jason Grey (the leading teacher for the Omoikiri Martial Arts Castlemaine) for two years. I am two belts away from getting my black belt.

Jason has been mentoring me and two other students on how to teach the smaller belts and younger classes. I do three classes, then our own class so it’s about three hours all in one day!

Ariana, Gr. 5.

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That’s not rubbish – that’s food for our garden!

A new partnership between local businesses and Chewton Primary School has come about through shared interest in waste management. Chewton School has recently installed three compost bays made from recycled pallets, which will reuse donated vegetable scraps and coffee grinds from the Red Hill Hotel and the Chewton Store to make compost.

Compost generated in the bays will be used to feed the school garden and reduce landfill.

Head Chef at the Red Hill Hotel, Rachel Dutton, said recently that, “Donating to the school helps appropriately deal with vegetable waste from our kitchen and deepen our links with local community. In Melbourne every kitchen has separated bins and services to deal with different kinds of waste, but not so much here, that’s why we’re so happy to be involved.”

The vegetable garden at Chewton School is tended and enjoyed by students of all ages. Learning to feed their garden with compost is one facet of teaching food production.

“It’s great,” said Grade 2 student Sophie. “I like looking after the garden and worms need food too”.

Learning to understand where our food comes from, and what’s required to grow it, is an important part of understanding our connection and reliance on our planet’s resources. This partnership will see a healthy community and healthy planet, sustained and enriched by local children and adults who are keen to look after the future.

Red Hill chefs, Rachel and Will help Sophie, Caelen and Sienna out with filling the compost bays.

Photo courtesy Julie Holden.

Naomi Raftery.

r u o Y nal o n... s r e p atio t i v n i Chewton Primary School invites you to attend a community event that will showcase what is great about our community

• When: Thursday November 15th, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

• Where: Chewton Primary School • Who: We are inviting all community groups and business to set up a stall in our grounds to showcase what they offer the Chewton Community.

• What: Other than viewing the many displays, there will be pizza slices for sale and musical entertainment.

This event is being organised by our grade 5-6 students. If you are a community group that would like to be involved and have not received your invitation please respond using my email link below.

Vicky the Truck will be a guest at this event: Who is Vicky? Vicky is a State Government Funded Project.

She is an interactive truck that has been designed to promote the shared values of Victoria. Inside the truck you can view experiences from other community groups as well as how recent migrants have found their place in communities around Victoria. This experience is enhanced using 3D virtual reality goggles. You will also be able to record your own story of what it means to be part of a community by making a 30 second video to upload on the day.

Vicky has been designed to be accessible to people with a range of abilities. She has a wheelchair lift and staff who can provide assistance as required. Our grade 3-6 children will be visiting Vicky during the day.

For more information about Vicky go to: https://proud.vic.gov.au/vicky-the-truck/ All funds raised from this event will go towards the NSW Farmers Drought Relief Fund.

Local communities supporting local communities.

Julie Holden. holden.julie.j@edumail.vic.gov.au

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Chewton Playgroup, what a great start!

Every Monday morning from 9:15am Chewton Primary School hosts families of pre-school aged children for two or more hours.

Next year, Chewton Playgroup will celebrate their ten-year anniversary.

Chewton local, Sera-Jane Peters, formed the playgroup in 2009. Since then it has seen many children and their carers through the school’s multi-purpose room doors, in the sandpit, running around the beautiful gardens or burning off steam on the play equipment.

Chewton Playgroup is free of charge, informal, open and relaxed.

Lily Fermer is the current playgroup co-ordinator. “We welcome pre-school children of all ages, including babies,” says Lily. “Our playgroup aims to make it as easy as possible for families to come along, no matter what sort of morning they have been having. They are welcome to arrive at any time after we start.”

Play is unstructured and there are relaxed start and finish times. There is no formalised food sharing and attendance is on a casual basis.

Socialisation is the mainstay activity. Young children who are learning to share have an opportunity to practise whilst playing. Adults, including mums, dads, grandparents and sometimes neighbours or friends, have the opportunity to share in the ups and downs of life and have a cuppa. For many families, friendships for both young and old have lasted long past participation in the group.

People who are new to the area are always welcome. “It has been a great way for my youngest to meet others, now his sister has started prep,’ says Wendy, a new resident of Chewton. “He now has friends in the community his own age.”

Typically the children spend about an hour indoors then, weather depending, the rest of the time is spent in the playground. “But if some children want to play inside and some outside, we accommodate that,” says Lily. The group has its own toys and playdough and, being in a shared space with the art room at the school, the children are lucky enough to have their own stash of paper and make use of the school’s paint, paintbrushes and smocks. Once outside, children make use of the playground and sandpit. In summer the entire time is often spent in the shaded sandpit with relaxed grown-ups seated around the edges having a chat.

Generally the playgroup finishes at the end of recess, but if play is in full swing families will stay longer.

Playgroup has also been known to continue even later at the Chewton Store or Chewton playground. Staying during recess allows for older children at the school to have interaction with pre-schoolers and vice versa. The school children are very considerate of the smaller ones in their play zones and the pre-schoolers love to observe the ‘big kids’ at play. Children who have older siblings at school can see their big sister or big brother at this time.

Families who may be considering Chewton Primary School for their child’s education can make connections with the school through attending playgroup. “For those children who do go on to attend the school, this transition can be made easier though simply knowing others in their prep class,” says Lily.

For more information you can contact Lily (0408 584 078) or the school (54722557) or come along on Monday morning and head to the office or the multipurpose room.

Naomi Raftery.

Photos: Chris and Rudy enjoying some outdoor play

PLUMBING & GAS FITTING: Please contact us for all your requirements • • • •

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•

Real Estate Round Up The one million dollar mark has now been reached, with a Chewton property currently listed for $1,045,000!

Here is the round up for November.

Cantwell Real Estate: • Pyrenees Hwy 2890m2 commercially zoned land next to Castlemaine Bus Lines and Castle Auto. Price on application.

Castlemaine Property Group: • NEW - 6 Dinah Rd, A classic 1896 cottage on 1.6 acres.

4 living spaces, 3 bedrooms, a sleep-out, a billiard room and a conservatory. There is a delightful garden and the property may have subdivision potential (stca). $730,000 • Lot 1/128 Fryers Road, elevated land with mains water, sewer and power. 2440m2. $199,000 Keogh Real Estate: • No properties available at present.

Jellis Craig: • No properties available at present Waller Realty: • NEW - 39 Hoopers Rd, Unique country villa comprising an original gold rush cottage with a stunning contemporary extension. 2 living spaces, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, high end appliances and finishes, all on 7.2 acres. $ 1,045,000 • NEW - 169 Main Rd, 542m2 block in the centre of Chewton. Power, town water and fully fenced. $135,000

NEW - Ottery Cottage 226 Main Rd, historic house with charm and character. Also a self contained stone cottage currently run as a successful BnB. $685,000 • 151 Main Road, Unique and beautifully remodelled home in the heart of Chewton. The home has many features including a river rock fireplace, two bathrooms, granite kitchen bench tops and hardwood floors. There is a series of studio or workshop spaces all set in a beautiful garden setting. $648,000 • 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. $420,000 • Lot 1/50 Albert Street, Elevated 1836m2 block with views. Power, water and sewer ready to connect. $215,000 • Lot 2/50 Albert Street, Attractive 1474m2 block.

Power, water and sewer ready to connect. $195,000 For Sale By Owner: • 734 Pyrenees Highway, large family home with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an indoor pool and recreation room. Set on over 1 hectare of maintained grounds. $597,000 Jackie McMaster.

POHAG AGM 9.30 a.m. 11th November 2018 Chewton Town Hall

40 Lyttleton Street Castlemaine P: (03) 5472 4622 A/H Txt: 0407 837 321

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WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE CHEWTON CHAT

15

Chewton Domain Society The Heritage Council of Victoria visit is planned for the weekend 27/28 October. There will be an award presentation to the CDS acknowledging the work done to support the area’s heritage (see article on page 3).

The following week will be the Parks Victoria Eureka Reef Heritage Walk on Saturday 3rd November with the Chewton Town Hall display open from 11.30 – 4 p.m. for visitors. An RSVP has been sent to Chewton Primary School for the CDS to be part of the showcasing our community event on Thursday 15th November 6-7.30 pm. at Chewton Primary School.

An email will be sent out to CDS members reminding them that memberships are due each year as part of the requirements of Consumer Affairs and the CDS Constitution.

An offer to help plant native plants in the park has been made and once the grass has been cut this offer will be followed up. The MASC Heritage Adviser was asked for an assessment of and advice on the Lock-up door and general maintenance issues as this building is registered on the MAS Planning Scheme Heritage Overlay Schedule. It was recommended that we seek advice from a tradesperson for possible solutions. A draft outline for the town hall and PO property Conservation Management Plans and Lockup and park maintenance plans was tabled for comment

on and consideration by Committee members. The town hall is being well used with both regular and one off event bookings.

Further advice about the Chewton Streetscape Draft Plan Project from MASC will be provided in the future.

The management of the Argus Flat area was discussed and it was agreed that the CDS should write to land managers, Parks Victoria, seeking an update on any future plans and an offer from the CDS to provide support through possible appropriate funding applications to assist.

In the financial report a generous donation has been made to assist in the necessary work to provide access to the Lock-up (left) as well as continuing its maintenance.

The Welcome to Chewton kit on the website needs updating.

It was originally thought to charge businesses to advertise on the website but because most advertise in the Chat already it was recommended that businesses continue payment of advertising through the Chat as the financial management processes are already set up for this.

It was reported that the Chewton Film Society film nights have been very successful and there is a waiting list for 2019 membership. In November the Film Society Committee will decide on films for next year and invite renewal of membership.

Chewton General Store...

Wick-ed things now at the shop...

...gorgeous, luxurious soy candles!

Special quality double porcelain coffee keep-cups Dishwasher and microwave safe - $16.50 filled with your first coffee!

Using a keep-cup saves you 30 cents on each coffee!

Customer loyalty coffee cards are available too!

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

Sprout bread available Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays!

Hours 7:30 - 5:00 Mon-Fri 7.30 - 4:00 Sat 8:00 - 4:00 Sun

Main Road, Chewton

16

wton!

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Ph. 5472 1100

Red Hill Hotel (03) 5416 1133

Councillor’s Chat...

One of my councillor roles is as council’s representative on the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), the peak body for the 79 Victorian councils. My duties as rep involve attending meetings, reporting back to council and attending the twice-yearly MAV State Council. The business of State Council is largely to vote on motions submitted by member councils. If a motion is supported by the majority then it requires the officers of the MAV to take action on behalf of its members. It’s always interesting to see what are the current issues of concern.

For example, one city-based, or so-called metro council proposed that State laws be altered to allow better control of noise, including construction noise; another wanted the State Government to invest in electric buses and another wanted special planning zones that allow councils to require affordable housing as part of any development.

Rural council reps listened to the arguments put for and against, when there was opposition, and voted along with our metro colleagues.

Rural and regional councils on the other hand had other priorities. One rural council wanted a government guarantee that funding for roadside weeds and pests will

be ongoing; there was a call for the most recent changes to bushfire planning controls to be reviewed. Macedon Ranges Shire submitted a motion calling for three species of deer to be declared as pest species and for an effective Deer Management Strategy. A motion from Surf Coast Shire for an 80 km/hour limit on all gravel roads was hotly debated by rural council reps while most of our city counterparts listened on. That motion was narrowly defeated, so the MAV will not be talking to the Minister for Roads about the possibility of a speed limit change.

Some motions brought all councils together, such as the call to make available the landfill levy fund for improvements to waste management and recycling initiatives. Every year the State Government collects a substantial levy from all councils, based on the quantity of waste collected. The original plan was that this money would fund large-scale improvements in the management and reduction of waste. However the fund has become a safe nest egg propping up the State Government’s credit rating and as such remains tucked away in financial institutions. It’s fairly predictable that a motion of this type will appear at every State Council. Hopefully one day it will bear fruit!

Cr. Christine Henderson, Coliban Ward.

November dates for St. John’s • • • • • • • •

Saturday 3rd, 6pm Communion Service Sunday 4th, 6pm All Soul’s prayers at Christ Church, Agitation Hill.

Friday 9th, 3.30pm Annual Fair at Christ Church.

Saturday 10th, 6pm Communion Service.

Sunday 11th, 6pm Remembrance Day Evensong at Christ Church.

Saturday 17th, 6pm Communion Service.

Saturday 24th, No service in Chewton.

Sunday 25th, 10am Combined Parish Service at Christ Church, followed by lunch. All welcome!

Enquiries: Revd Anne McKenna ph 5472 1137 Email: castlemaineanglican@bigpond.com

Do you check chewton.net Facebook?

4,827 did this week and 1,016 people have “liked” it.

(Up from 3,206 and 995 liking it this time last month.)

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A report of a solid tiger snake sunning itself on the road at Warbutons Bridge was first report the Chat received.. The second was the next day - a four foot brown crossing Golden Point Road - which coincided with the arrival of this presser from DELWP…

Snakes slither into Spring The arrival of Spring weather means people are getting outdoors at the same time snakes are starting to become more active. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Wildlife Officer Georgia de Salis said snakes are emerging from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and to search for food and a mate.

“The recent sunny weather also means more people are spending time in their gardens or in parks and forests,” Ms de Salis said. “As people and snakes become more active it is quite possible they’ll encounter each other while enjoying the outdoors.”

Eastern Brown, Tiger and Red Bellied Black snakes are most common in Central Victoria - encountered in tall grass and around wetlands, creeks and rivers. These three species are all highly venomous but it is rare for them to bite people.

However, they are known to bite animals when disturbed. If you are a pet owner and your dog or cat encounters a snake causing you concern, the best course of action is to remove your pet from the area or tie it up while the snake passes.

Being aware that snakes may be around and being informed about how to react to them is veryimportant at this time of year.

Some key points to remember about living in or visiting an area with snakes: • •

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If you see a snake – keep calm and try to move yourself, anyone with you and your pets away from the snake.

Never touch or attempt to capture or hurt a snake – instead call DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186 who will provide you advice or put you in contact with your nearest licensed snake catcher.

•

• • •

Have a spring clean – clean up around the house and cut lawns regularly. Snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, or building materials.

Undertake first aid training, ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten call 000 immediately.

Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to capture, kill or harm them.

Bites can occur when people try to kill snakes.

Adam Leslie is the snake catcher in our area.

Mobile: 0431 874 523. https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/news/flying-doctorissues-new-snakebite-advice/ And from the Chewton Chat in December 2009…

Chewton Pool Inc... ...from our fundraising team Last Sunday, The Chewton Pool partnered with The Theatre Royal to show the classic film “Back to the Future” to raise funds for the forthcoming season. There will be a more detailed report and photos of the event in the next Chewton Chat, but I would like to thank the Theatre Royal for their generous and ongoing support for the pool.

On Saturday November 4th, our annual plant sale will be held at the Chewton Store. We have a range of plants for sale from herbs and veggies to Jenny’s special hardy plants that grow well in our region. There will be a garden themed raffle to be drawn at 1pm. The funds raised from this will go towards the purchase of a memorial bench for our long time volunteers, Isabel Kelly and Harry South.

Cheers Jacki Heath on behalf of the fundraising committee.

Chewton Pool dates for your Calendar: • Sat 3 Nov Plant Sale Fundraiser @ the General Store • Sat 10 Nov Working Bee 9am - 1pm • Sun 11 Nov Members BBQ (12 noon) and AGM (2pm) • Fri 23 Nov Chewton Pool - 18/19 Season Opening (3pm)

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

Shock Jock He has the ear of ministers of state Fills the airwaves with his vicious hate You disagree? he’ll fix you, just you wait.

The jock whose kingdom is a microphone.

Inventing facts to back a spurious claim Rough-shod he’ll wreck some innocent’s name Much holier he for putting them to shame The jock whose kingdom is a microphone.

Some bee is always buzzing in his hat “They oughter do” ...(whatever) “and that’s that!”

Don’t disagree poor mouse; he’s one cruel cat The jock whose kingdom is a microphone.

And when at last the devil claims his own And priests their funeral platitudes intone His corpse will lie beneath the heaviest stone: The jock whose kingdom was a microphone.

David Watson 2018.

Chewton’s community BBQ The night was marked by old and new. There were a number of people new to the BBQ, some new to Chewton, mixing with long-term regulars. The Community BBQ is an great place for new residents to meet others in a relaxed friendly environment.

Also evident was the new season. Spring and daylight saving was a big change, the brazier no longer needed. The warmth of good company and conversation all that was required. What will November’s BBQ bring?

DOORS R ME Flyscreen doors and window screens

Made to measure

Chewton’s next Community BBQ 3rd November 6 p.m.

BYO everything...

CHEWTON SERVICE STATION 37 Pyrenees Highway, Chewton, 3451.

Phone: (03) 5470 5444 eastendservo@outlook.com * Trading hours 6am - 7pm every day * Winter diesel additive available on request * Premium 98 available * BULK FUEL DELIVERIES * Firewood, Ice, Swap N Go gas bottles, Grocery items * $1 SOFT DRINK CANS

Ph: 0427 608 407

* Photocopy services * Slushy & Coffee now available * Like us on Facebook for a chance to win monthly fuel vouchers

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“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”

Leonardo da Vinci

what’s on?

Phee Broadway Theatre, Mechanics lane, Castlemaine.

Lunar Phase: An Over the Moon Youth Dance Work November 25 This will feature students aged 13-19 from Over the Moon Yoga and Dance Studio in a work developed in collaboration with their teachers, who are highly experienced dancers and choreographers.

Entry FREE, but booking essential.

Phee Dance Video Works December 8 Phee Dance Video Works aims to reflect and respond to the familiar space of the Phee Broadway Theatre through the artistic forms of sound, physical movement and the digital image.

As a bonus to society members, both director Nicole Ma (above) and producer John Moore attended last month’s screening of Putuparri and The Rainmakers, with Nicole introducing the film and then both participating in an entertaining Q&A session afterwards. The applause for both the film and for the inputs from Nicole and John was well warranted.

In Didj’n’us Hip Hope in Youth December 22 The Phee Broadway Theatre is proud to open its doors to The Meeting Place who will develop a show of hip-hop songs and dance to help connect Aboriginal children living within the Mount Alexander Shire to Country.

Bookings via the Phee Broadway website: http://pheebroadwaytheatre.com.au The Left Bank Gallery 155 Barker Street, Castlemaine 0412 545 555 Continuing exhibitions by Ron Holden and Heather Duff. https://www.ronholdenpaintings.com/

The Chewton Film Society committee is certainly kicking goals with their premiere season… and committee

Mark Mitchell...

ing r e t s Pla 252 143

llabn: 62 843 e h c t Mi

Solid Plastering Specialist Free Quotes

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Ph: 5473 4300 0447 928 090

member Tim Purdie did a great job hosting the Q&A and was happy to be photographed with John and Nicole. Next month the screening will be The Band’s Visit. With our last movie for the season on November 1, the committee is presently choosing movies for the next two seasons in 2019.

If you would like to be the first to know about the 2019 seasons, check out our website in December for updates.

Membership is limited, so be quick if you would like to become a member. https://chewtonfilmsociety.wordpress.com/

How The Hell Did We Get Here???

A creative local history project, this 2-part performance is a live radio experience with an audience to be staged at the Phee Broadway Theatre in Castlemaine.

Mt Alexander Shire residents, Kavisha Mazzella and Pete Dawson are just two characters who will be featured in this innovative show. The show combines stories, songs and graphics displays, with people telling their account of settling down in the Mount Alexander Shire on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Renowned singer-songwriter, Kavisha Mazzella with broadcaster & writer, Pete Dawson, will lead a fine group of locals in telling their tales, accompanied by music from: Kavisha, Jack Norton, Nic Lyon, Jan Wositzky, Raziel Gutierrez Soto, Luca Sartori, Elizabeth Scanlon, Cate Mercer and Gil Ransikhe.

The performance will be staged in two parts, with each part being a complete show in itself…

Kavisha Mazzella is an ARIA award winner and folkloric explorer whose songs cover humour, poetry, social justice and the spiritual. Passionate about social justice, she was blessed with an Order of Australia in 2011 for her services to singing, song-writing and reflecting the experiences of aboriginal, refugee and multicultural communities through her performances.

Pete Dawson has had over 45 years experience working in community arts, music and radio. A producer of concerts and festivals, he presents a weekly 2-hour program on MAINfm 94.9 Castlemaine entitled In Didj’n’Us AustralAsia.

Part 1 at 8pm on Saturday 3rd November: The storytellers will be Aboriginal elder Julie McHale, musician, storyteller and writer Jan Wositzky, actor Meg Clancy, plus playwright and director John Romeril.

Part 2 at 3pm on Sunday 4th November: The storytellers include yum cha king Cho Wai Lam, music teacher Raziel with Nikki Gutierrez, restauratore Luca Sartori and performers Madeleine & Mark Hudson.

An exhibition of paintings by Eliza Tree, which depict the local environment in pre-goldrush days, already adorns the theatre foyer. Photographer Robbie Noakes is in charge of projecting images of people and places onto a backdrop during the performance Tickets at the door: Adults $20 or $35 (both shows), Concessions $15 or $25 (both shows).

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/YTBO Donations to support the project can be made at pozible.com/project/how-the-hell-did-we-get-here and there is a Facebook group named HowTheHellDidWeGetHere

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

Call the Market Manager

0418 117 953

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Flight at the Mill

They played in a tin shed The Thompson’s Foundry band was established in 1885 and has been playing continuously ever since.

In 2017 the band played two sell out shows as part of the Castlemaine State Festival. It was a much celebrated event as they were given the opportunity to perform in their namesake foundry; it was a celebration of our band’s rich history with the much beloved thespian, John Flaus, narrating a moving script that highlighted the importance of this brass band in our town’s culture.

Local filmmaker, Leonie van Eyk, captured the performance as well as some other footage in a video titled They played in a tin shed.

The film sets out to share in the joys of why the band is still surviving and what keeps bringing the members coming back. It’s a current history of who’s involved now, what it takes to join and what makes it such a special experience to be a part of.

The DVD can be purchased at Maine Shoes & Accessories in Barker Street, Castlemaine.

Hand Solo has established Coiled Springs Studio and gallery at The Mill (Walker Street, Castlemaine) and is currently showing Flight on the crisp white walls of his tiny gallery.

With a history in street art and graphic art, Solo’s painting style pushes beyond those origins whilst being informed by them in this exhibition of finely rendered birds in flight. With ominous bushfire skies, one wonders if these flocks will escape the inferno subtly hinted at in some images, and illuminating the horizon in others.

The exhibition of paintings finishes on November 4 and is open weekends from 10am - 4pm or other times by appointment.

Contact the artist on 0419 557 910 coiledsprings@gmail.com instagram: @coiledsprings Beverley Bloxham.

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

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

0402 645 467 22

Creatures photo exhibition Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest is currently holding a ‘Creatures’ photo exhibition at Togs Place, 58 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine.

The 24 photos show a small percentage of the many ‘creatures’ that inhabit our Box-Ironbark Forests. They have been selected from 125 photos that were sent in by 23 local photographers to Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests. You can see all these photos in a FOBIF Flickr album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/45437563@N07/ albums/72157691284248700 More than half of the exhibition photos are birds and include the endangered Swift Parrot, a group of perching Juvenile Scarlet Robins and a Red Wattlebird bathing. The rest show photos of local fauna including a macro shot of a Grasshopper Nymph, a watchful Koala and a curious Yellow-footed Antichinus.

Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests has been conducting art and photography exhibitions since 1999. They have all had the same purpose: to honour the native forests of the region, continuing the long tradition of artistic involvement with these forests. Photographers in this exhibition are all local residents.

This Creatures exhibition aims to give viewers an appreciation of the amazing variety and unique qualities of fauna to be found in our local bushlands.

All photos are for sale with proceeds going to Friends of the BoxIronbark Forests. More than one copy of each photo is available for sale.

The exhibition runs from 12 October till 29 November 2018.

Enquires Bronwyn Silver: 0448 751 111 Photos from the top: Red Wattlebird, Vivienne Hamilton, Castlemaine. May 2018 Yellow-footed Antechinus, Damian Kelly, Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve, January 2014 Dusky Woodswallow, Geoff Park, Mia Mia area, September 2018

Evanmore tracking Been a while since wandering around the Specimen Hill area south of Chewton. Evanmore Track is off Fryers Road, and the gullies off the gravel road are showing some magnificent colour at present. And further along on Morgans Track the colour continued – with the wildlife enjoying the exploration too.

23

Community newspapers making news

1

It was a privilege to be invited some months ago to the Bridge Connection’s fundraiser held in the Redesdale Hall on a Saturday night. It was even more of a privilege to be there! To see a community come together to acknowledge and laud their community newspaper, the people who publish it and the committee behind it was an absolute eye-opener. And obviously well-deserved.

Bridge Connection has it’s 99th edition out and about, and the 100th is due in November. Hence the celebration,

2

... “It’s going brilliantly,” she says. “The circulation has gone up - people love that it’s a paper about them and their area. We’re proving that people still want newspapers in country areas.” ... Community Facebook pages administered by local volunteers have been springing up in towns and suburbs across Australia and have whetted an appetite for hyperlocal news.

and that cake! And the candles, the banner, the balloons, the entertainment, the cheering, the applause and the dancing… and the dancing! And even more dancing!

Congratulations Bridge Connection and to editors Kathy Hall and Regina Bennett! With the support of the Heathcote and District Community Bank, with entertainment from Jefferson Smith (The Voice) and the oversight of the evening by Lady Bombay Sapphire the event attracted more than a hundred people.

Jane O’Connor believes one of the reasons for the success of Kinglake’s Mountain Monthly is its ownership structure. The newspaper was set up in 1981 as a community cooperative with a board and paid staff.

“I’m the reporter - myself and the whole community are reporters,” says O’Connor. “It’s that hyperlocality. It sounds like ratty old socialism but if the people have a sense they own it - that it’s not this remote thing that people impose (on them) then they would pick up the pitchforks if anyone threatened it.”

https://medium.com/the-walkley-magazine/the-peoples-press-2a79964b3aa5

3

The 2018 annual conference of the Community Newspaper Association of Victoria (CNAV) has been held in Creswick. A presentation from the State Library of Victoria detailed the way community newspapers are stored for future research in the histories of communities, and how the process of digital filing is progressing.

Workshops were held on the topics of surveying a paper’s readership, on layout and on managing interviews.

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In conjunction with the conference, the annual CNAV awards were presented.

The community newspaper of 2018 was the Warrandyte Diary. Local papers recognised were Harcourt’s The Core, GREAT Gisborne Gazette, Carisbrook Mercury, The Blackwood Times and Glenlyon and District News.

New monthly market for Harcourt A new monthly produce market is set to be launched in Harcourt on Saturday 24th November.

The Harcourt Twilight Market combines live music with kid’s activities, food trucks, licensed bars and local producers showcasing their wares. It’s a destination event for friends and families to catch up, and for visitors to the region to experience country hospitality and enjoy fresh food and produce from our talented local farmers.

Harcourt is home to some extraordinary food and beverage producers. These include apple, pear and berry growers, vegetable farmers, beekeepers, award winning wineries, cider makers, gardeners, egg producers and ethical meat farmers. It’s also an incredibly creative community populated by musicians, artists and sculptors.

The Castlemaine Farmers Market began life in Harcourt, when it was based in the carpark of what is now the ASQ Skydancers Cafe and Nursery and the Harcourt Applefest, now in its 27th year, was one of the region’s first small town festivals. Harcourt loves a celebration and the Harcourt Twilight Market will celebrate and showcase local producers from throughout our region.

In the 2013 Harcourt Community Plan, local residents identified supporting the region’s producers along with hosting more community events to attract visitors to our

town as two key aspirations. The Harcourt Progress Association is very excited to auspice the new Harcourt market to help realise these goals. Secretary of the HPA, Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns is herself a local producer and has experienced first-hand the benefits of country produce markets.

“We attend a monthly market in a tiny goldfields town. Every month we are amazed at the benefits which the market brings, attracting 1000’s of visitors. It’s great for our business but it’s also a really great thing for small country towns. I am very excited to be involved in bringing this opportunity to Harcourt.”

The first Harcourt Twilight Market will take place on Saturday 24th November from 4pm till 8pm in central James Park, High Street, Harcourt. The market will feature live music from Los Impenetrables, who are members of the Sugar Fed Leopards and TEK TEK TEK, playing a fascinating mix of country, calypso and Mexican sounds, designed to get you on your feet.

You can follow the Harcourt Twilight Market on Facebook or contact the HPA Secretary for more information, telephone 0425 323 005 or email: takandjak@bigpond.com Taken from a Press Release.

Great local ideas funded through Pick My Project Victorian Miniature Railway and Harcourt Lions Club has secured vital funding through Pick My Project – the Andrews Labor Government’s ground-breaking program that gives locals the power to choose the projects their community needs.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards MP, announced Victorian Miniature Railway in conjunction with Harcourt Lions Club and Castlemaine Secondary College will receive $198,856 to engage trade orientated secondary students in community based work experience.

The project will also provide a vital new tourist attraction for the Harcourt community and support local businesses.

It’s one of 6 projects across the Castlemaine region that will receive funding through the $30 million, Victorian-first initiative.

Other local projects to receive funding include: • Castlemaine Library - $197,400 – Floor repairs and improving community space • Castlemaine North Primary School $79,800 - Rehabilitate sports oval at Castlemaine North PS for community use • Castlemaine Community House - $36,000 – Disability access for regional swimming pools • Mirawara Outdoor Experiences Inc $94,755 - Outdoor education program and Indigenous culture workshops building resilient communities.

• Chewton Pool Inc. - $120,000 - Help community pool harness solar-power to warm the pool water Through the $30 million Pick My Project initiative, Victorian residents aged 16 and over were given the

opportunity to submit their idea for a project or program that made their community a better place to live. People were then given the chance to vote for their favourite project. More than 95,000 Victorians cast votes, with successful projects receiving grants of between $20,000 and $200,000.

A full list of successful projects is available at www.pickmyproject.vic.gov.au Taken from a Press Release.

25

What’s in a name in Chewton?

One of the iconic Acacias found in Chewton is Acacia mearnsii or the Black Wattle. It has pale flowers which are happening right now in late October and would have towered along the creek lines and alluvial flats many years ago. As firewood it burns very hot with little or no intermediate charcoal stage so it would have been a popular addition to the kilns of the day and is still used by some contemporary potters to get their kilns up to temperature.

It is reasonably long lived in wattle years and there is nothing like the deep cool of a dense glade of these locals to foil the afternoon summer sun.

There is another Black Wattle, or Early Black Wattle to be precise, that has been making its presence known over the years. Its scientific name is Acacia decurrens.

Decurrens means “running down” and is an attempt to describe how the leaf stems merge with the trunk by running down it rather than joining abruptly, looking more like a grass stem junction. Early Black Wattle has showy golden flowers in early spring and like all weeds with

Free green waste disposal Mount Alexander Shire Council reminds residents they can take green waste to our Maldon and Castlemaine waste facilities for free until Sunday 4 November Council began the annual free green waste disposal initiative to help residents prepare their property for the Fire Danger Period.

“It’s such a good time to get out in the garden and begin your property clean up in readiness for summer,” said Luke Ryan, Municipal Fire Prevention Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “Clear out your gutters, tidy up the yard and garden and if you’re on land make sure you have a clear fire break around your property. Don’t forget your green waste needs to be free of household rubbish and noxious weeds and not be in plastic bags.”Acceptable green waste includes grass clippings, natural wood and tree branches less than 10cm diameter.

Proof of residence in the shire is required on entry.

Taken from a Press Release.

26

pretty flowers, is hard for humans to contemplate getting rid of, seeing it, like its cousin the Cootamundra Wattle, was probably introduced for its showy display. It occurs naturally on the inland slopes of NSW, north of the ACT. A few years ago Acacia decurrens was supplied as Black Wattle to various plantings around the district and now has a firm foothold. Bad infestations have been recorded near Chewton Primary, on private property on Golden Point Road, on the slopes of Mt Alexander and in various bush sites around Castlemaine. This accident illustrates clearly the importance of knowing the scientific names of the plants you are planting and the importance of not whacking something in the ground because it looks pretty and grows well. Acacias are very weedy and any acacia not from this area, if planted, must be monitored to see how many seedlings it produces in a year. The jury has come back in on Acacia decurrens. It is extremely weedy and can out-compete the locals very easily. This means that life cycles of insects and other critters that are dependent on local acacias can be confused and disrupted.

If you have Acacia decurrens, get rid of them and plant a local.

Fritz Hammersley.

Image from “Wattles of the Mount Alexander Region” Swing into Spring with the Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition.

Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition

Open each weekend October 27 to November 25, 10.00am to 4.00pm. plus Monday & Tuesday of Melb. Cup week.

Group Bookings available during week. Entry $6 Children Free

Morning Tea - Lunch - Afternoon Tea - Garden Art - Plants - Preserves available.

A wide range of sculptures and garden art to enhance the beauty of your garden.

373 Faraday Sutton Grange Rd. Sutton Grange (ph.5474 8262, 0499 897242).

For more info. visit www.micagrange.com.au

2018 Spring...

Featuring more than 60 sculptures and a vast array of garden art the exhibition provides garden lovers with creative ideas on how they can enhance the beauty of their gardens. The sculptures and art are complemented with plants and preserves, providing something for everyone with prices ranging from $7 to $7000.

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea are served on the deck with its panoramic views overlooking the Sutton Grange valley from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The abundance of gardens, including a Fairy Garden, a large vegetable garden, expansive lawns and stunning views make Mica Grange an idyllic location to relax, meander and enjoy the beauty of garden and the wonders of art.

Entry is $6 per adult, children free.

What: Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition.

When: Each weekend from October 27 to November 25 plus the Monday, Tuesday of Melbourne Cup. Group bookings are available during week.

Where: Mica Grange 373 Faraday Sutton Grange Rd. Sutton Grange. M/A Tea, Lunch, available.

Contact: Ph.5474 8262 or 0499 897242. Visit www.micagrange.com.au for further information and directions.

Caution: koala crossing!

POHAG

A koala crossing Golden Point Road at night?

Yep, a report of a night sighting within the last few weeks. The report was passed along with a request from the driver that motorists travel more carefully along that stretch of road!

Koalas in Golden Point aren’t an everyday occurrence. But a search of previous Chats shows sightings are regular. This page from the December 2017 Chat being one example.

Post Office Hill Action Group Some time has elapsed since the last item for the Chat.

However, regular monthly meetings have been held with the main topics including control of gorse, blackberry, broom, and cootamundra wattle. Recently, a ‘Landmate’ crew spent three days to the west of the Chewton school applying herbicide on young re-growth of gorse and to a dense infestation of aged plants in the vicinity of the former Chewton railway station. POHAG thanks those involved as a lot of territory was thoroughly covered.

Further additional weed control is planned, including the decommissioned tip-site along Railway Street.

Plans are well advanced to install barriers on Kidd track (which goes around the decommissioned tip-site) to restrict the illegal dumping of rubbish - the most recent consisting of building materials and other recyclable items.

Families living in close proximity have notified POHAG about this happening. We appreciate their actions and are dismayed by such irresponsibility from the perpetrators.

A group from Conservation Volunteers Australia has now been and physically removed feral Cootamundras along Railway Street and Hunter Street.

On a positive note, recent research has uncovered additional information about the goldrush hotels and shops that were established on Post Office Hill and in the near vicinity.

Regular monthly meetings are held in the Chewton Town Hall on the second Sunday of the month, starting at 10:00 am. The next meeting will be the AGM on Sunday, 11th November. (at 9.30 a.m.). All welcome!

Nominations open for LGBTIQ+ Roundtable Are you looking to help make your community a more inclusive place for LGBTIQ+ people? The Mount Alexander Shire community’s LGBTIQ+ Roundtable has a number of vacancies and you could be the person we need.

There are currently 15 members on the roundtable, with five vacant positions. Mount Alexander Shire Council Mayor Bronwen Machin and Roundtable Co-chair Martyn Shaddick are encouraging community members to come forward and join in.

Nomination forms and the Terms of Reference are available on the Mount Alexander Shire Council and Castlemaine Community House websites. www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay www.cch.org.au/regular-activities/lgbtiq-roundtable/ Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 2 November. All personal information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

Taken from a Press Release.

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This is absolute rubbish!

The search for wildflowers can be somewhat spoiled by unknown persons…

What do you do after finishing a paint job? Rollers, tins, drop sheets all bush bound? And drop a few tyres too? And top up the mine shaft left empty by the Parks Victoria crew that removed the dumped fridges from it not so long ago?

But then you only have to walk to the other side of the track to find another fridge anyway.

And driving a little further down the track there’s a load actually dropped on the track! And driving around that, you quickly find it was only half a load that was dumped - because the other half sits mid-track too!

All this on the outskirts of Chewton!

A Saturday afternoon of discovery…

Lifecycle Gym & Massage 732 Pyrenees Hwy, Chewton

Join Carl Maree Libby Lachy & Eve in improving your health & wellbeing and strive to be the best you can be.

At Lifecycle Gym we welcome everybody, allowing all clients to feel welcome & comfortable regardless of shape size age or fitness level.

We Offer

membership plans from $12.50 per week Personal training & fitness programs developed specifically for your goals.

Up to date maintained equipment Spin Classes (free for members) Non-members $10.00 Mondays & Wednesdays 6.30 (booking in advance recommended) • Circuit Classes (call to check times or visit our web page) • Lifecycle Gym is fully air conditioned & open every day of the year

• • • •

•

Massage on site or we can come to you, Certificate 4 & Diploma qualified.

Carl - Gym Spin & Massage 54705500 or 0438 246 164 Libby - Gym & Massage - 0439 653389 Lachy – PT, Spin & Circuit classes 0418 758459 Eve - PT & 5 Minute Fitness 0450 797837

Email - lcg@aapt.net.au Website - www.lifecyclegym.net Lifecycle Gym is a pin code entry system and staffed part time so calling first recommended.

28

Some Facebook stats from chewton.net...

October FOBIF walk ...in the Muckleford Forest The last FOBIF walk for the year was an enjoyable and pleasant 5 km off-track walk led by Geoff Nevill in dry forest near the Red, White and Blue Poppet head. Geoff’s expert and relaxed guiding made for an interesting and informative day. Frances Cincotta and other flora experts were a great help with plant identification.

Noel Young provided the following flora list: Musky Caladenia, Grey Everlasting, Downy Grevillea, Daphne Heath, Sticky Everlasting, Chocolate Lily, Riceflower, Guinea flower, Pink Bells, Many-flowered Matrush, White Marianth, Fireweed (Senecio sp), Bluebell (Wahlenbergia), Twining Fringe-lily, Showy Podolepis, Twiggy Bush-pea, Showy Parrot-pea, Beard Heath, Trigger-plant, Yam Daisy, Creamy Candles, Early Nancy, Milkmaid.

He also made this bird list from calls heard: Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Magpie, Raven, Fantail Cuckoo, Pallid Cuckoo, Spotted Pardalote, Grey Currawong, White-throated Treecreeper, Red Wattlebird, White-winged Chough, Olive-backed Oriole, Grey Shrikethrush, Weebill, Thornbill sp., Crimson Rosella.

Faraday walking Yes, it is happening and we have permission to do a wildflower walk on the Coliban land on Kennedys Lane (Faraday) at 11 am on Saturday November 10 accompanied by the Environment Officer Lisa Cox. Lisa Joined us on Saturday October 13. A group of us met in perfect weather and we found many species unrecorded by their department before in this area. The trees in this area is also recovering from wind damage so there was a lot to see there too. Hopefully the Chocolate Lilies will be in full flight by then. Entry from Harmony Way is best! Thank you to Coliban Region Water and Lisa Cox - and everyone else for coming along. The discovery of a Golden Moth orchid was particularly exciting!

Antoinette Birkenbeil.

Geoff Nevill explaining a Puddling Machine The 2019 walks program will be on the FOBIF website early next year: www.fobif.org.au Taken from the website.

Threatened Species Forum & AGM

Join us for an afternoon of science, food and fun: Woodland birds and phascogales in central Victoria

Saturday 10 November 2018 at 4.00 pm

Hear from two leading scientists and share a yummy vegetarian meal, incorporating our brief annual general meeting (AGM) All welcome!

4.00 – 5.00 pm Welcome to Country, brief AGM and fun activity 5.00 – 6.00 pm Professor Andrew Bennett (La Trobe University & Arthur Rylah Institute): Connecting Country’s woodland bird data – trends and questions Jess Lawton (PhD candidate La Trobe University): Results of Connecting Country’s Brush-tailed Phascogale monitoring 6.00 – 7.00 pm Light vegetarian meal Location:

Campbells Creek Community Centre 45 Elizabeth St, Campbells Creek VIC

RSVP essential: email tanya@connectingcountry.org.au or phone 5472 1594 `

Photos: Brush-tailed Phascogale by Russell Jones Crested Shrike-tit by Geoff Park

29

Chewton 100 years ago November 1918 Castlemaine Mail, Monday 4 November 1918.

WELCOME HOME AT CHEWTON. SAPPER J. COCKS. The Red Hill Hall at Chewton was filled on Thursday night by the friends of Sapper John Cocks. Mr G. Carman acted as chairman, and after explaining the reason of the gathering, he warmly welcomed Sapper Cocks back to Chewton. Mr F. Elliott spoke forcibly in welcoming the guest of the evening, and Mr W. Morrison also voiced his appreciation of Sapper Cocks. Sapper Cocks responded, thanking those present, and the speakers for their hearty welcome. A bounteous supper was partaken of, and dancing was indulged in to finish off an enjoyable evening. Songs were rendered during the evening by Messrs. N. Hocking, J. Shiels, and Sapper Cocks, and a duet by Mr and Mrs J. Shiels. A collection was taken up to defray expenses, and after paying them. £1/8/ was left over, which is to be given to the Castlemaine Hospital.

Castlemaine Mail, Monday 25 November 1918.

A sensational incident occurred in Greenhill Street about 7.30 on Saturday evening. There had been an auction sale at the residence of the late Mrs Penney, and several vehicles were in the street at that hour taking away goods that had been purchased. Among them was a jinker belonging to Mr F. Cocks, of Chewton, in which he and his three little children were seated. Mrs Cocks was bringing her purchases to the jinker, and in handing up a piece of linoleum it struck the pony, which at once bolted off across the street, and dodging other vehicles and street trees in a marvellous manner dashed over the stone embankment into the creek. The occupants were thrown out, and fortunately fell in the soft slum, and escaped serious injury. When it landed in the creek the pony, still attached to the jinker, turned up the creek, and the wheel of the vehicle went over Mr Cocks, but did not injure him. It galloped along the bed of the creek for some distance before being captured, the only damage done being the breaking of the tips of the shafts. Considering the circumstances, it is fortunate no one was seriously injured.

PEOPLE AND PLACES ROSTER SUNDAYS 1pm to 4pm

November 4

Elaine Appleton & Frank Benbow

November 11

Allan Dry & Glen Harrison

November 18

Rose Darling & Marion Landy

November 25

Pat Healy & Jackie McMaster

We need friendly people with an appreciation of Chewton’s history, who are prepared to give 3 hours one Sunday each month. Please ring Allan Dry 5472 3385 if you would like to be part of the team.

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Castlemaine Mail, Tuesday 26 November 1918.

CHEWTON. Chewton was en fete on Saturday afternoon, when the Chewton State school celebrated the signing of the armistice by marching in procession to Mr Purches’s gardens. A committee of citizens and the school committee had canvassed for subscriptions, and the result was very satisfactory. The children all received gifts. Races and games were indulged in, and a pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by old and young, in spite of the rather unpleasant weather. The children competed in flag races and ball games, as well as ordinary races, and the older folk also showed their agility in footraces and walking matches.

Two dark horses in the veterans’ race will need watching in future events. Their true form was not disclosed in the race as they fell down at the starting post. In the married ladies’ race one of the ladies fell while going strong, but there is no suspicion that she did it to hide her true form, as the fall was quite accidental. Ice cream, fruits, and soft drinks were in great demand, and it is doubtful whether a more enjoyable picnic has been held in Chewton. Great credit is due to the workers and Mr Cousens (head teacher) for the successful outing.

Castlemaine Mail, Tuesday 26 November 1918.

THE ROLL CALL 445th AND 446th LISTS VICTORIAN CASUALTIES. Two casually lists, the 445th and 446th. were issued by the Defence Department yesterday, containing in all the following Victorian details : — 38 killed in action, 29 died of wounds, 20 died from other causes, 1 missing, 626 wounded.

The following Castlemaine district names appear :— Corporal G. L. Lupton, killed in action; Private R. W. F. Huckel, Chewton. gassed; Private D. McDonald, Metcalfe, wounded (2nd occasion) ; Sapper J. E. Llewellyn, Chewton, gassed.

Glen Harrison.

Chewton’s 2018 Remembrance Day gathering will be at the Soldiers’ Memorial Park Gates on the

11th of November at 10.45 a.m. marking the 100th anniversary of the ending of the first World War.

Chewtons’ People and Places Collection The 11th of this month marks 100 years since the end of the World War One. The campaign at Gallipoli was the first place Australian Diggers were sent in which as we all know the loss of life was devastating. Later on Australian troops were sent to the campaign at Somme in France and then to the Western Front in France and Belgium where they fought in trenches until Germany surrendered on the 11th November 1918. There were also campaigns in the Middle East that included defending the Suez Canal.

The First World War remains the most costly in terms of Australian deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than 5 million, 416,809 men enlisted, more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner.

The Australians showed great loyalty to the British Empire but what a tragic waste of human life. Many of the Diggers were young and naïve but showed enormous bravery and courage in the face of adversity.

In Chewton’s People and Places Collection there is a large display book named “Armed Services”. In this book there is a photo of the World War One Honour Roll in the Chewton school (previous page). Reading the long list of names on the roll we see multiple listings of well-known Chewton family names such as Archer, McMillan, McCance, Ebbot, Llewellyn and Strong amongst many others. With many Chewton families having multiple losses, just imagine the grief that they had to overcome.

There are quite a few pages of moving World War One history to be viewed.

From photos of Chewton men in uniform to sweet postcards, and colourful Service Certificates which were issued by the Shire of Metcalfe.

If you would like to view this history or any other aspect of Chewtons’ rich history, the People and Places Collection is open on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm in the Chewton Town Hall.

Jackie McMaster.

Photo top right: Robert Archer, C P Archer and T.Hanrahan.

Photo bottom right: Stan Archbold, Les Harrison and Albert Ellery (seated)

A co-incidence...an article for the Chewton Chat Today I had a very interesting chat to John Ellis quite by accident. I have been researching my Grandfather, Aloysius James McGann of Chiltern, with the help of the Chiltern Athenaeum Files, and discovered that a fellow soldier, Priv. Charles Phillip Archer, had actually carried him out of the trenches the day he died.

I discovered that he came from Chewton so I rang to speak to Bettie Exon, and due to a wrong number, I spoke to John and discovered that only a few moments earlier, he had been looking at a photo of P.C. Archer (top right on this page!) I call that a coincidence.

He had written to Aloysius’ Mother, reported in the Federal Standard newspaper on 17/8/1917, “It is with regret that I am informing you that poor Aloysius was killed on June 7. A shell dropped just in front of him, and he only lasted a few minutes. He suffered no pain whatever. I cannot express to you how very sorry I am to lose him, as we had been good pals ever since we met at Ascot Vale camp. It is very hard to part with a good pal over here. He had been happy and contented ever since he came here and it seemed hard for him to go.

If it is possible I will send you a photo of his grave and the name of the cemetery. I carried him out of the trenches so he will get a decent burial.”

There was a cemetery quite near the battle area, Bethleem Farm East, where some of the soldiers were buried, but Aloysius is not mentioned there. There are eight not identified so he could be one of those. What a great mate to have. Charles was 10 years older than Aloysius who was only 19.

When he died in the Battle of Messines, he left a daughter, Mary Iris, who was born in December 1916, and his wife Celia who lived in Rutherglen. In a note he sent home he said, “I’m looking forward to seeing my baby Mary.” My Mother kept that note and I have it still today.

I would like to have thanked Charles Archer for his true gift of Australian Mateship in carrying Aloysius out of the mud to a nicer place, we know not where. His name is on the Menin Gate as one of the thousands who are “Known unto God”.

To quote from a poem I wrote, “We often think and thank Aloysius one of a band of brave young men whose futures were never to be.

World War 1 took away my grandfather.

The man I never did see.”

Sandy Pemberton. 23/10/18.

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MASDAG Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group The Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG) is hosting free disability awareness workshops for healthcare providers, retailers and their staff.

More than 90% of disabilities are invisible. This means that barriers we are not aware of play a big part in the day-to-day lives of customers and clients. To be able to identify barriers is the first step to opening your business and practice to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to use your services or buy your merchandise.

The first session will be facilitated by LeadershipPlus and will include information about language, behaviour, attitude, access and other barriers. Lunch will follow and then the Disability Discrimination Legal Services will provide information about rights and obligations.

The workshop dates are 7 and 21 November, the one on the 21st being a repeat. You can choose the most convenient date for your practice or business.

This awareness training is focused on contributing to a welcoming, inclusive day-to-day living for people with a variety of disabilities. There are often simple, inexpensive solutions to problems that will make all the difference to someone’s life.

Practitioners may find that their professional organisations will accept this training as Continuing Professional Development credit. Retailers may find that people with disabilities have money to spend and by removing barriers and making them feel welcome in their businesses, their customers may increase.

Booking is essential by emailing masdag@cch.org.au or ringing Cathy on 0439 964 179.

Taken from a Press Release.

MAAW grant Cats will now have a new cattery facility thanks to an Animal Welfare Victoria grant. Member for Bendigo West announced today that Mt Alexander Animal Welfare Inc. has been awarded $50,000 grant to replace non-compliant facilities with brand new ones.

Ms Edwards congratulated the volunteers at MAAW for their solid application for the grant.

Taken from a Press Release.

Shire’s fire prep.

Apart from the free waste disposal period (see page 26) Council is undertaking other activities to prepare the shire for summer, which is forecast to have a high risk of bushfire.

In partnership with the CFA, Council staff have started property inspections and are assessing for fire hazards against CFA guidelines. Inspections began in the north of the shire and will move south.

Mr Ryan explained the team prioritises inspections on properties on the outskirt of towns.

“These properties can significantly reduce the likelihood of a bushfire moving from farms into more densely populated townships,” he said.

The team expects to complete the inspections by early November.

Council’s Works Unit have commenced its annual weed management and slashing program on strategically selected roadsides. The activities will continue until midDecember and aim to reduce the likelihood of ignition and spread of fire.

For more tips on preparing your property ahead of the Fire Danger Period visit Council’s fire prevention page at: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/FirePrevention Taken from a Press Release.

32

Free training available Connecting Country has received funding through the Victorian Government to provide free training to community members who are volunteering in the environment space, doing conservation work on their land, or interested in joining a Landcare or Friends group. This informative training is tailored to Landcarers needs, and will be presented clearly and concisely by an experienced trainer.

Governance Training on Friday 23 November (12 - 4 pm) • How to run an efficient, effective, and fun meeting.

• How to achieve your group’s goals.

• What are you responsible and liable for?

Attracting, Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers on Friday 30 November (12 - 3 pm) • How to attract, recruit and retain volunteers for your Landcare group.

First Aid Training on Thursday 29 November (9 am – 4 pm) • Option of Level II First Aid training (full day) or CPR refresher course (morning only).

Please email margaret@connectingcountry.org.au with your name, email address, phone number, and the course you are interested in, at least one week before the training date. Call 5472 1594 if you have any questions.

HARCOURT TWILIGHT MARKET a Market stalls featuring local produce a Enjoy live music & kids’ entertainment a Food trucks, licenced bar

Saturday November 24th from 4pm to 8pm James Park, High Street Harcourt

FIELD NATS Fri Nov 9 meeting: Guest speakers Kirsten Hutchinson and Deanna Marshall from Trust For Nature on Plains Wanderers Sat Oct 10 field trip: Wildflowers on Fryers Ridge with Richard 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/

What’s On What’s What’s On Eureka Reef heritage walk Eureka ReefEureka heritage walk Reef

On

heritage walk

Join a Parks Victoria ranger to explore the heritage of Eureka Reef near Chewton in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Join a Parks Victoria ranger to explore the heritage of Eureka Reef near Chewton in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Explore Aboriginal artefacts, such as rock wells, and extensive remains of mining activities in the area. This includes a water race,Join remains of buildings, a large excavated reef, diggings more. a Parks Victoria rangerquartz to explore theandheritage of Eureka Reef near Ch Explore Aboriginal artefacts, such as rock wells, and extensive remains of mining activities in the area. This Heritage Park. includes a water race,National remains of buildings, large excavated reef, diggings and The more.

A 1.8km walk in relaxing bushland takes youaback through 140quartz years of mining history. walk helps you see the forest through the eyes of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, alluvial gold diggers and quartz reef miners.

A 1.8km walk in relaxing bushland takes you back through 140 years of mining history. The walk helps you see the Explore Aboriginal artefacts, such asground rock wells, and extensive remains of m forest eyes of the Dja Wurrung alluvialand gold diggers and quartz This is through a Grade 3the formed track, withDja a few short people, steep sections uneven that reef may miners. be slippery after rain.

includes a water race, remains of buildings, a large excavated quartz reef,

This is a Grade 3 formed track, with a few short steepincluding sections children and uneven that may be slippery after rain.

Suitable for most ages, with moderate fitness levels, withground close supervision.

Suitable moststops ages, fitness including children with close supervision.

Full loop:for 1.8km, - 20,moderate allowwalk 1/1.5 hours.

A1with 1.8km in levels, relaxing bushland takes you back

forest through the eyes Full loop: 1.8km, stops 1 - 20, allow 1/1.5 hours.

Shorter loop: 550m, stops 1 - 9, allow 30/45 minutes.

through 140 years of min of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, alluvial gold digger

Shorterwear loop:sturdy 550m,shoes, stops comfortable 1 - 9, allow 30/45 minutes.

Please clothing, a hat and bring water to drink.

This is a Grade 3 formed track, with a few short steep sections and uneven

Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat and bring water to drink.

When Details

Heritage Walkages, with moderate fitness levels, including children wit SuitableDetails for most Departs from Eureka reef Carpark

10.00am to 11.30am When Saturday 3 November 10.00am to 11.30am Saturday 3 November 2.00pm to 3.30pm Saturday 3 November 2.00pm to 3.30pm Saturday 3 November

Free Heritage Walk No booking required

Departs from Eureka reef Carpark Full loop: 1.8km, stops 1 - 20, allow 1/1.5 hours.

Free Heritage Walk No booking Departs fromrequired Eureka reef Carpark Free

Walk Shorter Heritage loop: 550m, stops 1 - 9, allow 30/45 minutes.

No booking required Departs from Eureka reef Carpark

4th Saturday of every month

Free NoMuller, booking required For further information contact Noel Parks Victoria, on 8427 3289.

Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat and bring water to d

For further information contact Noel Muller, Parks Victoria, on 8427 3289.

Parks Victoria Phone 13 1963 www.parks.vic.gov.au Parks Victoria Phone 13 1963 www.parks.vic.gov.au

When

Details

10.00am to 11.30am Saturday 3 November

Heritage Walk Departs from Eureka reef Carpark Free No booking required

2.00pm to 3.30pm

Heritage Walk

Cactus field days finished for Summer

Cactus field days have finished for the summer months due to heat and snakes.

We’ll be back in action Mayreef2019.

Saturday 3 November Departson from26 Eureka Carpark Free In the meantime, we wish everyone a very happy and safe Festive Season.

No booking required

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For further information contact Noel Muller, Parks Victoria, on 8427 3289.

The November Crossword to Chew_on 1

2

3

4

7

8 12

9

5

6

10

13

1

14 17

18

2

F 6

A

15

16

October’s answers were...

11

9

I

T

16

B

20 21

22

I

25

24

I

D

28

25

S

33

A

31

30

S

32 33 36

35

38

37

U

N

A

L

H

A

S

R

N

T

A

Z

U

F

35

E

37

Z

T

U

R

T

R O

19

Z

O O M R

A

I

A

L

E

R

V

E

O U

S

T

H 38

D

R

A

A E

28

N

N

29

U M

D O G

A

U

R

M C

C O M E

T

L

S

T

Y

I

32

42

S

S

I

39

K

A 20

P

27

F

S

N

N

8

E

I 24

I

I

R

H O O

E

E

41

A

I

12

C O

Y

A

7

15

L 31

5

L A

18 22

T

4

R M T

A

N 43

34

N

E

T

E

E

A

M E

30 34

E

N

Q

J

36

14

23

26

29

T

3

17

M P

O

27

11

H A

R

26

10

M

N

23

A

R

R

A 21

C 13

R

19

S

W H

C

A

40

Y I

44

E

N

D

r ’s e b m Nove ers answ nth... mo t x e n

39

40 41

Across

Down

2 Chewton Chat poet is also a *** dancer. (3) 7 Street in Chewton and breed of cattle. (5) 8 Large grey bird (9) 13 Cloth used to propel a boat (4) 14 Chewton charity, Golden **** Foundation (4) 15 Zero (3) 16 In contact with and supported by (2) 17 Old ******** Road, in the Chewton Bushlands (8) 21 Surface mining (8) 23 Rock of **** in Maldon (4) 25 The sheltered side of something away from the wind (3) 27 Mobile phone application (3) 29 Archaic expression meaning “you” (2) 30 Mining relic in Fyerstown, the **** of Cornwall Mine (4) 31 Purple coloured wildflower, the ********* Lilly (9) 34 Local water authority (7) 36 To throw or hit in a high arc (3) 38 Bargains at the ** shop (2) 39 Local village (8) 40 Village between Campbells Creek and Guildford (6) 41 A well known comic opera, The ****** (6)

1 Flavourful vegetable (5) 2 Historic cottage in Castlemaine (5) 3 ** sweet ** honey (2) 4 Hold steady (5) 5 Computer in 2001 Space Odyssey (3) 6 Many goldrush miners came from ******** (8) 9 A speaker refering to themself and others. (2) 10 A US state (abbreviation) (2) 11 Famous artist from the goldrush era S. T. **** (4) 12 Emanating from the stars. (6) 14 New ******* Honeyeater (7) 18 1850’s entertainer who toured the goldfields **** Montez (4) 19 Stumpy tailed lizard (11) 20 To finely adjust (5) 22 Payment (3) 24 ******** Hill, Chewton (8) 26 Organ perceiving light (3) 28 Enthusiastic approval (7) 31 Series of metal links (6) 32 In the direction of (6) 33 Shedshaker in Castlemaine **** a good beer. (4) 34 Reluctant to give details (3) 35 A type of gemstone (4) 37 Either (2) Jackie McMaster.

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Advertisers in this Chewton Chat AB Accounting Solutions P 10 Albion Hotel P 18 AVWorx P 12 Blues music, jam sessions P 35 Buda Historic Home and Garden P 22 CAE Performance Products P2 Cameron Stewart, Podiatrist P 15 Carole Kernohan, Bowen Therapy P 12 Castlemaine Mini-Diggers P5 Castlemaine Office Supplies P 15 Chewton General Store P 16 Chewton Service Station P 19 Come Clean Window Cleaning P 11 Doors R Me P 19 Doug Drury, Carpenter and Handyman P 20 Enviro Shop P 17 Fasom Plumbing P 14 Goldfields Concreting P 4 Lawn and Bush Mowing P 5 Lawson’s Gardening/Property Maintenance P 7 Life Cycle Gym nasium P 28 Lisa Chesters, Federal M.P. P 27 Maree Edwards, State M.P. P3 Mark Mitchell, Plasterer P 20 Mica Grange P 9 Newstead Natives, Native Nursery P 23 Ray Fowler, Master Painter P 32 Red Hill Hotel P 16 Robin Haylett, Gardens P 17 Rob’s Lawn Mowing P 22 Rob’s Carpet Cleaning P 6 Soldier and Scholar, 2nd Hand Books P 21 Tamsin Whaley Celebrant P 25 P 24 Taradale Wine & Produce Thompson Family Funerals P 22 Tori’s Pooch Parlour P7 Unicorn Antiques P3 Waylaines Tiling P 26 Wesley Hill Market P 21 Wildlife Rescue P 21 Yoga in Chewton P 11 Printing of the Chat is now generously provided courtesy of Thompson Family Funerals.

Chewton Chat • • • • • • • • • •

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

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

P.O. Box 85, Chewton 3451 goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or 5472 2892 A CDS subcommittee of John Ellis (Ed.), Gloria Meltzer, Debbie Hall, Phil Hall, Glen Harrison, Jackie McMaster and Beverley Bloxham is responsible for the publication. Many volunteers help with production and circulation. It is circulated on the first of each month, necessitating a deadline of about the 22nd of the month before. Material can be left at the Chewton General Store, with any of the sub-committee members, sent by e-mail goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or by contacting 5472 2892.

Contributions of ideas, news items, articles, and letters are always welcome; as are advertisements that help meet monthly production costs. Circulation is via the Chewton General Store, Chewton Pet Supplies, Chewton Post Office, Chewton Service Station, Red Hill Hotel, Castle Automotive Enterprises and Tourist Information Board, as well as the Castlemaine Library, Market Building, CHIRP, Fasom Plumbing and Castlemaine Office Supplies. Mt. Alexander Hospital Residential receives monthly copies too. Whilst copies are free, there are donation tins at many collection points and donations can be mailed to the CDS address below. Subscriptions for mailed copies can be arranged. Circulation is now 600. A full colour Chewton Chat can also be read each month on www.issuu.com - as can some earlier issues.

The State Library of Victoria has all issues digitally available at https:// www.slv.vic.gov.au/ and search “Chewton Chat”.

Free email subscriptions are also available. Just request and forward an email address.

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

ELPHO JAM SESSIONS You are invited to our monthly Jam Sessions at Elphinstone These sessions are informal get-togethers of people who want to make some music and have some fun!

Aimed at the over 50’s, but open to all.

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

The last word this month goes to Chewton Pool volunteers who have taken the pool from this in 2012 to the facilty Chewton has today! Amazing!

For more information:

Email: elphojamsessions@gmail.com

35

Autumn is feeling a little warmer Reviewing the month’s weather we have had a really mixed month of hot and cold. Much as we might expect from Springtime. We have had an average overnight low temperature of just 10 degrees Celsius, with a lowest low at the beginning of the month of zero 0 degrees C. Still a dearth of tomato plants in the market yet, and little wonder at that temperature. The long-term average overnight temperature for October is 6.5 degrees Celsius, so really a little warmer than many years.

Our daytime high temperature has climbed to an average 20 degrees Celsius; with a month high of 26.5 degrees C., this too in the early weeks of the month.

This is a touch higher than the long-term average daytime temperature in October, of 19 degrees Celsius.

So the end of October is looking likely to be a little warmer than usual.

Turning to rain. This month’s total is 26 millimetres, about half that that we might have expected.

October is perhaps the least easily predictable rain month. In 2006 we had as little as TWO (2) millimetres in October, yet in 2010, a total of 140 millimetres provided a really damp month. So 26 millimetres is up to October standards.

Following a few days in Singapore this month, I returned to find that the grass was growing rapidly.

It was at least thirty centimetres high, and back to ‘mowing-time’ again. I do seem to recall much longer periods of the year that required time on the ride-on mower. Today, October/November seems to be the first

C A L E N D A R 36

Nov 1st Nov 3rd Nov 3rd Nov 3rd Nov 3rd Nov 6th Nov 10th Nov 10th Nov 10th Nov 11th Nov 11th Nov 11th Nov 11th Nov 11th Nov 15th Nov 17th Nov 17th Nov 19th Nov 20th Nov 22nd Nov 23rd Nov 24th Nov 25th Nov 30th

of the new season, when both temperature and rain are enough to encourage growth. Two more sessions during the heaviest of the growing period, and by December/ January, the summer heat has removed any residual moisture and growing stops until next Spring.

Whilst October is traditionally a variable rain month to predict, other signs are suggesting a warm dry spring and summer. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), have provided a recent review of the outlook for the coming Spring/Summer. They say: “The Bureau’s ENSO Outlook (El Nino Southern Oscillation) remains at El Niño ALERT, indicating there is approximately a 70% chance of El Niño occurring in 2018 - around triple the normal likelihood. In the Indian Ocean there are signs that a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is underway”. This tends to raise the risk of heatwaves and bushfires.

The Indian Ocean Dipole is a similar meteorological phenomena located in the Indian Ocean, that spreads its influence into the Pacific Ocean, and can couple with the ENSO effects, thus increasing the effects on weather, particularly temperature and rain.

International climate models suggest further warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean is likely, increasing the chance of coupling occurring in the coming months.

Six of eight models predict El Niño thresholds will be met or exceeded in November.

Sounds like a warm dry summer.

John Leavesley.

Chewton Film Society.

Eureka Reef walks and display (see page 4).

Chewton Pool plant sale fundraiser, Chewton General Store.

Chewton Community BBQ, 6 p.m. (see page 19).

Communion Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton.

Public Holiday (Melbourne Cup).

Chewton Pool working bee, 9 a.m., Chewton Pool.

Wildflower walk in Faraday (see page 29).

Communion Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton.

Chewton Pool working bee 9 a.m., Chewton Pool.

POHAG AGM, 9,30 a.m., Chewton Town Hall (see page 27).

Remembrance Day, 10.45 a.m., Soldiers’ Memorial Park gates.

Chewton Pool Members’ BBQ, 12 noon, Chewton pool.

Chewton Pool AGM, 2 pm., Chewton Pool (see page 8).

Chewton Community Showcase, 6 p.m., Chewton School (see page 13).

Red Hill Social Club car rally (see page 6).

Communion Service, 6 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton.

Chewton Domain Society Man. Comm., 7 p.m., Chewton Town Hall.

MAS Council meeting, 6.30 p.m., Civic Centre, Castlemaine.

Deadline for the December Chewton Chat.

Chewton Pool Opens, 3 p.m. (see page 9).

Victorian State Election, Chewton School.

Open Day at the Dingo Conservation Centre (see page 5).

Distribute December Chewton Chat, 2.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall.