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Front cover: It's time to say goodbye to 2020 and roll on 2021! And to keep you occupied over Summer we have given you a few ideas of places to visit in your own backyard.

Image: Contributed

December 28, 2020 Issue 212 Roll on 2021!

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.

The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local Publishing Group's editorial guidelines and complaints-handling process can be found at www.tlnews.com.au We welcome all feedback.

Local Lines

What virus?

(After John Fuller)

The things that lately I do hate And over which I cannot skate Is people now have crazy theories (Instead of simply having queries) And what they say is just a series Of views the foolish duplicate.

To listen to these silly dearies Sometimes I think it is my fate They simply cause my nerves to grate And from this dross that simply wearies Fly naively to their eyries While we for sense just have to wait

They set a course that never veeries With fantasies no one can slate. While we’re left watching from the gate With sadness and eyes full of tearies.

They want us to ignore the law And think of neighbours as a chore Which they don’t want to care about. Then marching they all cop a clout And go home with their heads quite sore. And in their rooms just scream and shout.

Well all of this just makes us glum That people really are so dumb To simply run around the grass And end up sitting on their arse In cuffs with bruises on their bum Thinking that they’re bold as brass

The Local is a weekly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, January 4, 2021. Or online on Sunday, January 3 at www.tlnews.com.au

Space bookings: Wednesday, December 30 Copy deadline: Thursday, December 31 Editorial deadline: Thursday, December 31

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout, Sandy Scheltema and Donna Kelly

Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White

Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness

Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Glenn Robinson (cartoons) and Matthew Richardson (money)

Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey

Editorial & advertising: 5348 7883 or 0416 104 283

news@tlnews.com.au or sales@tlnews.com.au

See a photo you like? They are available for sale.

Contact Kyle on 0416 104 283

They blame the network called 5G We roll our eyes and sip green tea They blame world banks and paedophiles Their logic showing all the wiles Of Hector and his dancing flea

They want us all to give them freedom They think that laws you just don’t need ’em They suit themselves and ignore others Go where they like and have their druthers But still want all of us to feed ’em

When blaming they all say cabal It’s vague, embracing and banal The commies, Muslims and the Jews, Like blaming sadness on the blues, Or Lenin, Moses, or Kemal

When they say virus from China All we see is virus denier While others say it’s all a hoax And facts and stats just will not coax Them into looking any higher

I suppose that when it’s all wrapped up Conspiracists are babies, pups. They’re really saying look at us We are not coping, stop the bus, Don’t treat us like we’re all grownups

- Tom Perfect

Tom Perfect thanks everyone living here and in Melbourne who did the community thing during this pandemic.

Local Lines are mostly written by a group of local poets but if you would like a poem considered for publication, contact Bill Wootton - cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Wildlife warrior

HE'S been likened to the late Steve Irwin, rubbed shoulders with international film and music stars and famous politicians, is a regular on Australian TV and his shows and documentaries air across the world, inspiring kids and adults alike.

But despite all this, Chris Humfrey, founder of a private zoo nestled in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, is a humble family man devoted to wildlife conservation with a passion for instilling the wonderment and respect to our natural world. And it all started at a very young age in the local loos at Coffs Harbour.

“I was three and remember seeing a frog on the toilet wall and kept it. I’ve had Freddo the Frog ever since and he’s still alive today,” he said.

“My father was a school principal and district inspector and he always instilled a passion in us to follow our own adventures. When we were growing up in Kilsyth I kept hundreds of creatures inside and outside our home.”

Nothing has really changed. Chris and partner Erin purpose-built their home to ensure the animals that need 24-hour care can do so in the house they share with their two teenage daughters. At any given time there could be penguins, lizards and even sheep roaming around the house needing a little extra care.

Chris started Wild Action Zoo, an 4.4-hectare wildlife facility, in 1994 and while it is a licensed exhibiting zoo, it's unlike regular zoos. This place is totally hands-on. The highly qualified team also venture out to kinders, schools, aged care centres, workplaces and private parties, where everyone gets an up close and personal experience with some incredibly amazing wildlife.

“For us, it’s about giving everyone exclusive interactions with the wildlife. It’s not like a regular zoo where you view the animals through enclosures. This is completely personal where kids can walk alongside a pack of dingoes, chat to the penguins and hold some amazing endangered species in a highly regulated environment,” he said.

And we’re not just talking about cute and cuddly creatures. Salt-water crocodiles, behemoth python snakes, blue-ringed octopuses and giant monitor lizards join the cuddly crew of koalas, critically endangered mountain pygmy possums, tiger quolls and even penguins.

Chris’s story could have been entirely different given his other passion in life is kayaking. At 18 he had to toss up between zoology or following his childhood dream of representing Australia at the Olympics in his chosen sport.

He chose the former but over the years has represented Australia internationally in extreme numerous wild water kayaking events, including at world championships.

“This is the best of both worlds, as you can see some amazing wildlife out on the water,” he said.

Chris and his team, including his family, host interactive workshops at the zoo for people of all ages: some children even travelling from overseas to attend. When he talks about the kids’ reaction to the workshops, his joy is almost palpable.

“Our interactive workshops not only strengthen kids’ understanding of the importance of wildlife and protecting biodiversity, but so much more is gained through the workshops. We have children that may have special needs and often their parents might be concerned with how they will cope during an entire day in the workshop, or if they will fit it. In 15 years, I have never met a child that wasn’t mesmerised by the experience or didn’t want to be there. Some of the kids walk away with a newfound resilience and such a sense of achievement that they did fit in and were fine without mum and dad there with them.

“There is so much power in animal education and my amazing team makes everyone feel safe and engaged. I’m incredibly proud of my team and we really are like an extended family.”

Like every story told these days, COVID naturally gets a mention because the pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. Chris and the crew at Wild Action were no exception. “We suffered badly. A year’s worth of bookings was lost overnight but thankfully we could access some government grants to keep the zoo going and 2021 is looking good with bookings coming in,” he said.

So, for now, it’s business as usual for Chris. Caring for more than 2000 animals, TV and media appearances, hosting animal workshops and his number one passion to educate the world about the importance of wildlife and the natural environment …one child at a time.

“Our ethos is simple - how can we save the natural world, if we have no empathy or understanding of it?”

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed