The Local Issue 107 September 25, 2017

September 25, 2017 Issue 107 Spring friends

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: Every year Verna Baker holds a Friendship Day at her Basalt property. Read her story by Kevin Childs on page 7.

September 25, 2017 Issue 107 Spring friends

The Local proudly supports marriage equality.

Image: Kyle Barnes

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, October 9, 2017.

(Or online on Sunday, October 8 at www.tlnews.com.au)

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local.

Money, money, money...

Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local: Space bookings: Wednesday, October 4 Copy provided by: Thursday, October 5 Editorial deadline: Thursday, October 5

Advertisements in The Local are very affordable - unlike traditional print media we don’t charge like wounded bulls!

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes

So here goes with our loyalty prices...for six consecutive editions, or more...

Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

An eighth of a page - $60.50 plus GST A quarter page - $121 plus GST A banner - $121 plus GST A half page - $242 plus GST A full page - $484 plus GST (Prices are per edition)

Writers: Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Donna Kelly, Jeff Glorfeld, Anthony Sawrey, Dan Lonergan

But wait, there’s more!

Columnists: Glen Heyne (gardens), Samantha Redlich (wellbeing), Matthew Richardson (money) and Tonia Todman (recipes and home hints).

All adverts in The Local are full colour (it is 2017...) and we have fantastic graphic designers who can help you with adverts and branding - also at very affordable prices.

Delivery: Damon and Noni O'Donoghue

Photographers: Kyle Barnes, David White Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness

So, if you want to get your business or organisation out there in the community, in the best-read publication in the Central Highlands, give us a call or send an email. (See our details right.)

Oh, we also have an average reach of 14,000 readers - in print and online!

Even more reasons to get in touch today.

The Pool Room!

The Local - winner of: *Daylesford Rotary's 2017 Employee of the Year *Rural Press Club of Victoria 2015 Best Feature Series *Daylesford Rotary’s 2015 Business of the Year *Kyneton Daffodil Festival Parade 2015 Best Commercial Entry

Great editorial and affordable sales - 5348 7883 | 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | ads@tlnews.com.au donna@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au Free e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au See a photo you like? Photos are just $22 each, or $55 for commercial use, and will be emailed at high resolution.

You can print as many copies as you like...

“The Local is the future of regional publishing!”

- former senator John Madigan in the Australian Parliament Just sayin’... :)

www.tlnews.com.au

News 3

Sharing plarn and a yarn for the homeless

T

HERE are so many plastic bags swirling around in the environment that it has become something of a national calamity.

There is no point being alarmist, but that is putting it mildly.

Plastic bags are insidious, they float and can be borne on the wind, turning up everywhere, befouling the most unlikely locations and this is the thing, they don’t go away. Sure they may break down, but they don’t return to anything like an organic substance that dear old Mother Nature can assimilate.

No, they remain as plastic polymer chains, diminishing in size but not destructiveness, because microscopic plastic particles remain toxic for hundreds of years. We need to ban them. But in the meantime, what do you with the proliferation of bags right now?

Lorelle Thompson-Pope has an idea and that is sleeping mats for the homeless around this region. For Lorelle and a dedicated group of women operating from the Mitchell Hall at the Uniting Church in Daylesford, re-appropriating plackie bags for such a use is well worth it.

“I saw a story on television that was discussing the need for some kind of ground mat for people sleeping rough. Something light to help insulate themselves from the cold ground, and they were using long strips of plastic woven together. I did an internet search on it and soon found a pattern to knit mats out of used shopping bags.”

Very soon after discovering what looked like a deceptively easy method to make use of the vast collections of shopping bags swarming and multiplying around town, Lorelle set to work creating the items.

However these are objects that require an enormous amount of material, a total of 700 bags is needed to make one mat 40cm wide and 180cm long. They are truly a labour of love.

“The first part, and the most complex, is converting the plastic bags into what we call plarn (plastic yarn).

You have to cut the bottom of the bag and handles off, then fold the bag up, cut it into strips and loop it together to make a continual yarn. It is the most time consuming part but then it is just a matter of knitting it together.”

“Time consuming” doesn’t fully capture just how long they take to knit. One person working full-time would need about two weeks to complete one mat."

After that the completed mats are provided to the Community Op Shop where they are given away to people in need.

Not only that, but as the Op Shop moves away from Above, from left, Liz Togni, Dotti the retriever, and using plastic bags, they have been supplying them to Lorelle Thompson-Pope Mats For The Homeless, as Lorelle’s informal group is called. What’s more, Coles has begun supplying bags too.

Now the only thing concerning Lorelle is what’s going to happen when plastic bags are eventually banned in the region, and that’s not far off. “The banning of plastic bags will be a good thing for the environment but I would imagine it will be a limiting factor for us eventually. We won’t have the resources we need for knitting. We guess we will have to decide what's next. I guess that means a bit more internet searching.”

Lorelle and her group are always keen for more people to create the plarn and knit the mats. If you would like to get involved, call Lorelle on 0448 037 314.

Clean plastic bags can be left in the labelled bin outside the Uniting Church in Central Springs Road.

"The banning of plastic bags will be a good thing for the environment but I would imagine it will be a limiting factor for us eventually."

Words: Anthony Sawrey | Image: Kyle Barnes

Let’s meet and talk travel Paul Pearman Personal Travel Manager

M: 0433 751 671 E: paul.pearman@travelmanagers.com.au travelmanagers.com.au/PaulPearman

Leanne Pearman Personal Travel Manager

M: 0467 594 444 E: leanne.pearman@travelmanagers.com.au travelmanagers.com.au/LeannePearman

4 Our artists

www.tlnews.com.au

Imagination driven by landscape's texture and moods

"

LANDSCAPE forever drives my imagination.

I see my landscapes in terms of texture and moods. And their most elemental aspect is time. As American writer Janet Fitch says, 'Memory is the fourth dimension to any landscape'.

Landscape gives scope and allows the flight of memory and emotions when one looks on the ever-changing weather-face of nature. The textures of earth, sky, sun, sleet and rain are like painterly surfaces upon slow-changing forms.

My landscapes are not realistic. But the truths within them, expressed through my acrylics, oil sticks and other materials, are as realistic as the country that surrounds us.

I arrived in Woodend almost seven years ago, after almost 20 years in Sydney, followed by five years in the high-mountain village of Blackheath, in the Blue Mountains. And in all those places, my immediate landscape has been the dominant influence on my work.

In Sydney I lived in Rushcutters Bay, on the harbour. What an environment. The constantly changing play of light on water and foreshore was a constant stimulus. Old slowly-rotting jetties, sails dancing across the water, blazing days punctuated by sudden storms … this was a fertile setting.

Then the Blue Mountains, with their rugged majesty and their constant reminder of how precarious our habitats are, as every season brought new swathes of land devastated by bushfire. Baking heat in summer and driving snow in winter – the Macedon Ranges seem benign and comfortable by contrast.

The landscape is as invigorating as any I have found, with gentle rural landscapes contrasting with plains strewn with gigantic boulders. The region’s rivers and cascades help make up a panorama of constant change and delight.

Changing cities and states is not easy for a practising artist. All contacts with galleries and patrons are foregone. It’s as if I had just left Sydney’s National Art School all over again. But soon after arriving here, I was fortunate to meet up with gallery owner Anita von Bibra, who ran the wonderful Woodbine Gallery in Malmsbury.

But Anita, following the death of her lovely husband Henry, found she could not keep the gallery going. Now I must search for another venue. And in the meantime, I’ve been fortunate to find a temporary space late this October, with friend and fellowartist Mary Lanarch-Jones granting me exhibition space in her own wonderful studio.

So, on October 21 and 22, from 11am till 5pm, you can find a representative sampling of my paintings, assemblages, ceramics and jewellery at 4 Mahoneys Road, Woodend. I look forward to meeting you there."

- Robyn Clarke

"The landscape is as invigorating as any I have found, with gentle rural landscapes contrasting with plains strewn with gigantic boulders. The region’s rivers and cascades help make up a panorama of constant change and delight."

www.tlnews.com.au

News 5

Oak and Monkey Puzzle, realising a dream

T

HESE days Spargo Creek is just a locality on the way to Daylesford with nothing more than a closeddown pub to mark it; that and the beginning of an 80kmh section haunted by speed cameras.

Very few people would know that tucked away in the bush is the old village Post Office.

It dates from the 1860s and speaks of a time when Spargo Creek was an independent and thriving logging community.

But those days are gone now. Today the old building, on its two-hectare site, is occupied by Natasha Morgan and her two children, Saffron, six and Oliver, four.

“I moved from Melbourne, from West Footscray three years ago,” says Natasha.

“Initially I was looking for a weekender, somewhere with high rainfall, good soils for establishing a garden but also something a bit different. This place came up, I visited it and fell in love with the property and its huge old trees.”

The dwelling has passed through many hands and assumed many identities since it was erected. As well as serving as a post office, it has been used as a general store and pub.

But by the time Natasha found it, the house was practically falling down and its surrounding land was neglected and bare.

Natasha made use of her knowledge in landscape design and architecture to appropriate the site as a perfect canvas to create a tree change with a difference.

Today the place is known as Oak and Monkey Puzzle and is a realisation of her dream to establish an evolving hub for ideas exchange between visitors from all walks of life. This has been brought about by ongoing workshops, collaborations and bespoke events.

“As soon as I found it I could imagine all the things that I could do here, I could teach landscape architecture, grow all the things I wanted to grow and really it has just become a haven.

"I have been amazed by how much the artistic community has tapped into this. All the activities have happened organically, just through conversations and interaction between really talented, creative, passionate and skilled people.”

Today it is obvious to see that Natasha’s vision has rapidly taken on a life of its own. The house has been brought back from the brink of dereliction and is complemented by what Natasha calls a contemporary formal garden. It is laid out in a grid featuring sightlines incorporating the house and surrounding forest but is still very much for generating produce as well.

“I’ve always loved growing things for the family and the garden also provides much of the ingredients for visitor lunches. Not only that but there are also berry bushes, a cut-flower garden and much more.”

Natasha is overjoyed to see her dream project becoming a hub for artisans, creatives and lovers of gardens. And certainly the property continues to develop as a canvas for such cross-pollination to occur.

g n i n i D

age r e v e d an B

Scotch Fillet Pepper Steak

Tender beef cut cooked to perfection with your choice of Pepper or other tasty sauces

There is no doubt for Natasha, who was raised in inner urban Melbourne, that her lifetime attachment to city convenience for work and resources has gradually dissolved.

“I was teaching and working at a landscape practice for a decade and while it was difficult to resign from my position and make that choice to move, I have discovered that the creative pool is even greater here.

"I knew when I found this place that it would all come together, I could imagine everything here and it has just gelled. I’ve been very lucky, I’ve met one person, then another person and another and I have just felt so welcomed.”

Words: Anthony Sawrey | Image: Kyle Barnes

Passing Clouds “Angel” Cabernet

A soft and dark-fruited wine offering a fleshy palate

Two Birds Stout

Ripe fruit flavours mixed with stout nuances 65 Gingell St Castlemaine VIC 3450 Phone 5472 1250 www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au railwayhotelcastlemaine

Open for dinner daily and weekends for lunch

6 News

www.tlnews.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

News 7

Verna’s wonderful, wacky, warm world

V

ERNA Baker oozes vitality. From her extraordinary home in Boots Gully at Basalt she turbo-charges into a head-spinning amount of activity that would surely exhaust a less committed person.

Recently she stood surrounded by friends who basked in sunshine among a great host of daffodils at her annual Friendship Day to once again thank those involved in helping her son Rodney in his long, costly and apparently successful fight against cancer.

After pausing to note her unconventional hand painted signs on entering Boots Gully, a visitor is first greeted by Bonnie, aged four, one of her three border collies, who stretches on her back to be rubbed.

Inside her house, an 1880s miner’s cottage, memorabilia jostles for space with scores of family photos. Here is a 1931 Weekly Times poster featuring a timber cutter, there an announcement of the world gold-panning championships (one of her enthusiasms), colour photos of Verna after fighting a fire, and ancient domestic equipment.

First we take tea with just-baked scones, topped with jam, and little cakes. Then her story: “I’ve lived in Basalt all my life,” says the 62-year-old. She is a Rodoni, her brown eyes and thick hair reflecting her Swiss-Italian heritage. Her parents had a small dairy farm and their five children walked 6.5km home from school. “We enjoyed it because we saw so much native flora and wildlife.”

After the hour’s walk it was on with the milking and feeding the calves and pigs.

Evenings were by candlelight, then gas lamps, for the power only came through in 1966. Before that if you wanted hot water you boiled the kettle or the copper. “It was a fantastic experience,” she says in her enthusiastic way.

“I did a lot of horse riding and droving cattle.” Verna keeps three horses and still rides.

Her first job out of school at 16 was in a Daylesford dry cleaners. After two years she moved into pre-school education where she has stayed: in 43 years she reckons she’s taught over 5500 kids. Now she teaches the children of former students.

Consider, then, some of her other activities: 44 years with the CFA at Franklinford; in St John’s Ambulance for 23 years; a former member of the Glenlyon Pony Club; secretary of the Agricultural Society for four years; 15 years a wildlife carer; second in the world rabbit-skinning championships (3.5 minutes) and second in the women’s bullboar eating contest (“I started to laugh…”).

Throw in tennis, gold panning down at her creek, hauling up rocks to build a path, caring for her chooks, ducks, geese and 40 pet sheep on her 16-hectare property, and helping in 20 gardens around town and you get to see why she sticks to a schedule of up at six, two hours housework and “by 8.30 I have the day to myself ”.

Right.

Verna tells how her eldest of three sons, Rodney, was diagnosed with lymphoma.

She sold daffodils and gardened to raise money for his treatment. “I was overwhelmed with support from Daylesford,” she says.

A bad reaction to his treatment caused a setback. That was the start of four and a half years of battling the disease, which sometimes involved injections at $1000 a shot.

That was 13 years ago. Rodney, now 35, is back working.

“Even though the community got together and helped, we ended with practically nothing,” she says. There were the inevitable gaps in health insurance which ate into the family’s funds. Until $20,000 had been spent. “We’ve still got Rodney, and that’s worth more than $1 million to me.”

This is the eleventh year of the Friendship Day. “It’s our way of thanking friends and community who donate to the cancer appeal.” The day is free and has become an annual get-together for many old friends.

AFL GRAND FINAL PARTY

“A lot of people who come have had cancer. Some have died, but seeing those here with smiles on their faces is something lovely to share.”

Inevitably, we must talk about the signs approaching her house: ROAD IS BUSY; KEEP LEFT; KANGAROO’S (sic) DAY & NIGHT; GRAN’S SHEEP; GRAN. Then: WELCOME TO; BOOTS GULLY; BASALT; POPULATION 27.

Followed by: SLOW DOWN; TRACTORS; TRUCKS; CARS; KIDS & BIKES; ANIMALS. And at her place: DARKIE THE WOMBAT IS ABOUT; KANGAROO’S (sic) DAY AND NIGHT; SNAKES. Apparently there really was a Mr Boots. Her contribution is a cascade of old boots hanging from trees and signs all over the place. “I wanted to make the place more interesting,” she explains, laughing.

That worked.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH WATCH THE GAME IN THE BACK BAR 12NOON - 5:30PM FREE PARTY PIES AND SAUSAGE ROLLS!

DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

8 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

Pick me, pick me...

S

CHOOL holidays have arrived again. (Is it just me or do there seem to be more these days?)

I taught for a while in Japan. I don't remember the holidays but I do remember students having to clean the classroom at the end of each day. Well, not at the end, there was sport or hobbies after the cleaning-up part.

Some people would say having students clean up after themselves is a good thing and I would agree but I felt sorry for the ones who had to clean the staff rooms and empty overflowing ashtrays.

Yes, it was the old days and teachers still smoked, inside, outside, but only the men. Women never smoked. It wasn't ladylike. I was a smoker back then, before I realised Ventolin and cigarettes don't mix well, so it was actually good for me. I smoked less in Japan than any other time, so didn't put too much money into the cigarette vending machine below my apartment. Mind you, I think a packet was about 100 yen ($1) at the time. I watch people buy smokes at the supermarket now and cringe at the prices. I don't know how they hand over their money - but each to their own.

Back to school holidays. Most of ours were spent at home but every couple of years about this time we would make the trek to south-east Queensland where dad's work, PMG, rented out affordable holiday accommodation. (That's Post Master General, a sort of pre-cursor to Telstra.)

We would drive and it would take three days. Three kids in the back, and mum, dad and one kid in the front. What great family bonding time, not. Someone always needed to pee, or throw up, or dad would say for the umpteenth time "If I have to pull over...".

One of the highlights was staying at motels. We would race to steal the sugar packs and then put in our order for breakfast, mostly toast and vegemite for me, and early the next morning, the little hatch into the unit would open and the steel tray would clunk down with our breakfast aboard.

Then there were the car games - no electronic devices in those days, kids. We would play I Spy, or Odds and Evens with car regos, or even count the livestock ramps as we flew through the country-side. Yes, simple games for simple days.

Once in Queensland we would swim most days - pick the Victorian - or make a trip to the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary or Sea World. I remember once we all, bar mum, boarded a light plane for a flight out over the Pacific Ocean.

I didn't realise then that my dad was basically scared of flying - think engineer no longer in control of his own destiny - and while we loved staying up longer circling the same spot after we spotted a shark he was on his own white knuckle ride. As I said, it was the old days and dads didn't show emotion or open up about their feelings. They just got on with it.

Then there was the three-day drive home, back to Frankston, and school. Where there were no pupil free days, the strap was still around and you called all your teachers Mr, Miss or Mrs. And the next show and tell was a photo of you with a bird on your head or feeding a jumping dolphin.

Good memories. If it applies, enjoy the holidays. Oh, and go Tiges! Just sayin'...

Hey there, I’m Bon Bon and I think I am a pretty stunning cat.

I am two and a half years old, a girl – you already knew that. I can be a little shy to start with, but I'll soon warm up to you. I'm not demanding, but I do enjoy cuddles. I may be happy living with a desexed feline friend. MC# 956000006063272

Castlemaine RSPCA is at 24 Langslow Street, Castlemaine. Phone 5472 5277. Open: Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm. Friday to Sunday 10am to 2pm.

(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie and Curly. We picked them.)

The Local - Connecting the Community Audition bookings are now open for the Sprout Theatre Company's 2018 production of Mary Poppins.

Auditions are being held from October 23-28, open to all ages and by appointment.

The Local believes in giving back to the community. Each edition The Local has two free advert spaces for not-for-profit organisations. Because it's right. So if your group needs a helping hand just email donna@tlnews.com.au The Local, your True Advocate for the Central Highlands.

Ts & Cs apply.

The production will be performed at Woodend's Bluestone Theatre on May 4-13.

Rehearsals are planned for Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. www.sproutmusicaltheatre.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

News 9

Saving trees a tradition for Isabel Mackenzie

W

HEN Isabel Mackenzie, now 94, chained herself to a tree to try to raise the importance of trees three years ago, she was following a tradition. Her mother was an early campaigner for votes for women who also served three years nursing the wounded from Gallipoli, only to lose half of her friends in the following war.

We sit in the house built by another crusader for women’s rights, William Stanbridge, the multi-millionaire, whose part in the story of Daylesford can never be over-estimated. “A very far-sighted man,” she sums him up, in her succinct way.

As we warm ourselves in front of a wood fire in the former butler’s pantry she tells of how Stanbridge wanted to farm the property, then gold changed everything.

Almost unimaginably, he had six or seven gold mines on his land (the shafts are still a danger) and royalties of 12 per cent poured forth. Stanbridge’s daughter married Herbert Cox and together they finished building the existing house in 1910. Before this, Stanbridge lived in a little Georgian house on the property. This house was moved to Frazer St, where it is still a home.

The next owners were called Brooke. Coincidentally, a good friend of Isabel’s mother introduced Mrs Brooke to her future husband, Astor Brooke. The friend and the woman who became Mrs Brooke first met in India. Relics of those days, an ancient flintlock rifle, a British sword and its Indian equivalent, dangle from a wall.

With five children, Isabel Mackenzie moved to Daylesford in 1996 after 50 years on a farm at Buangor. There the family had lived modestly but well, growing vegetables and having chooks, while running sheep and cows. The fridge ran on kero and there was no state-supplied electricity. In winter, the trip once a week in a Morris Minor to shop meant crossing several fords and sometimes breaking down in calfdeep water. The car was light enough to push and Isabel could restart it with a crank handle. Frugality was the order of the day: as a child of the Depression, she wasted nothing. Fruit was bottled, zips and buttons picked for reuse.

With the move to Daylesford, she carefully restored a large old house with the help of her eldest daughter, Kythe. Piping for the original gas lighting now bore electrical wires. As one of her children recalls, “The restoration took years and diligence and restraint from the many people concerned.”

It was back to Buangor that Isabel Mackenzie went to draw attention to VicRoads’ cutting down of thousands of old gum trees, treasures by a state standard, she says, and even more widely valued.

A $660 million scheme to widen the Western Highway at Buangor, 20kms from Ararat, has led to a five-year battle involving Isabel’s daughter MariAnne, who is trying to save land and trees now said to be of cultural significance to Aboriginals, including a “birthing tree”. The road may be diverted from these trees following the intervention of an Aboriginal group with responsibility for the area.

“It’s just so retro,” Isabel says. “The existing highway would only take half of the trees and save three hills.” This family passion for trees is seen in the magnificent drive, with its 80 or so towering oaks and elms. I’m told the blossoming of oak and ash trees forecasts the weather: Ash before the oak, We’re going to get a soak.

Oak before the ash, We’ll only get a splash.

A large metal wheel at the entrance to the drive was turned by a coach driver to open the gate for a horse and carriage. Once Stanbridge bought a car, however, the wheel fell into disuse, although all its parts are carefully stored.

The house, which is on the National Trust heritage list, is noteworthy for its fine internal timberwork.

Architecturally, it’s described as an intact example of what is known as the English-inspired Arts and Crafts style, especially fine internal timberwork, balustrades, importantly stained and not painted, fretwork and window joinery.

Nearby stands the twin gable stables, much older than the house.

Isabel Mackenzie remembers the impenetrable old garden, as it’s called, with its mass of blackberries. Here the trees are aged around 140, compared to the striplings of 110 years in the new garden. From the front door, the view is of lawn and a marvellous tapestry hedge comprising 10 different blocks of eight varieties.

All up there are about 400 mature trees. With his new-found wealth Stanbridge brought them from China, Europe and the US almost as soon as they were found, planting them across his 800 hectares, now down to a fraction of that. And where once four full-time gardeners worked, now there is Stewart Henderson.

He shows the croquet lawn (still in use), the gravel path through the old garden, lost beneath lawn since WWII and a gap in a hedge where a mighty tree fell (its timber is milled for highly valued wood). Stewart arrives at a stand of deciduous trees.

“These guys think they’re still in Europe,” he says, as rain pelts down.

Straight as a ruler, a line on the trunk of one tree separates the bare north side from the velveteen moss on the south. “We’re losing some of the cedar 140-year-olds,” he says, “but some have self-seeded.”

More trees stand in the paddocks, which are also home to 350 ewes.

For Isabel, a favourite image is that of four children holding hands around one of her trees to see how fat it is.

These days she is recovering after collapsing in August. Close at hand are fresh copies of New Scientist magazine, which claims three million highly intelligent, engaged readers. Add compassionate and spirited and you perhaps have the subscriber at Wombat Park.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

Boathouse Daylesford

Open every d ay !

Located on beautiful Lake Daylesford, providing year round comfort.

Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch

Perfect for a meal, wine with friends.

For more information about Boathouse Daylesford, please visit our website: www.boathousedaylesford.com.au

2 Leggatt St, Daylesford 03 5348 2199

10 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Newstead Short Story

J

USTINE Sless, pictured right, is a Jewish-Australian comedy performer and will be performing at the Newstead Short Story Tattoo held over October 6, 7 and 8. She chatted with program director Neil Boyack.

Neil: You grew up in Sunderland, England. What are the most cherished memories you have of your childhood?

Justine: Spending time with my cat Biggles who seemed not to worry about Margaret Thatcher's over-use of hairspray or the closure of the coal mines. The sound track to this time was Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours' and 10CC 'Bloody Tourists'.

Neil: What are your artistic/ performance/comic influences?

Justine: My cousin Simon Inglis around the dinner table at Shabbos told hilarious stories and it always made me wonder what made people laugh. Mel Brooks particularly The Producers, John Cooper Clarke, poet/spoken word artist - Chicken Town - if you've not heard it - do yourself a favour. My hero was the poet Roger McGough, he knows how to be funny with so few words. And Catherine Tate and League of Gentlemen Neil: What drew you to comedy?

Justine: When I went into labour with my second child my husband gave me a look that could only mean one thing - he was too pissed, so I had to drive myself to hospital. I took that moment and other times that had enraged me to dark dingy comedy rooms and made them into jokes. Then I fell in love with the craft of it: the writing, the performing and grappling with fear on a regular basis - it's very addictive.

Then I created the Melbourne Jewish Comedy Festival as a way of celebrating culture through comedy. Who knew Jews and comedy could be a thing, right?

Neil: Is there something that you fear above anything else?

Justine: Running out of single malt whisky.

Neil: Is there something you believe now, that you feel, will never change?

Justine: We will always need comedy.

Neil: When are you performing at the Newstead Tattoo?

Justine: Opening night - so excited. Me and two other top chicks, Annabel Tellis and Penny Tangey, are in Funny Girls at 7pm at The Railway Hotel in Newstead.

Also I’m part of a session called Political Animals with Tony Birch, Lidia Thorpe and Pi O at Butterland on Saturday at 11am. I'll be doing a part-story, part-monologue about why the Holocaust isn't funny, but survival is.

Neil: Have you ever been to, or near Newstead before?

Justine: Never been to Newstead, but I've been to Maryborough and Daylesford as part of Words in Winter many times. It feels like NSST is going to be something quite special.

Link: www.newsteadtattoo.org

Challenge yourself with our crossword! Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. Last issue's solution is on page 39.

www.tlnews.com.au

Us Two 11

Us Two with Brian Nash and Roberta Donnelly

B

RIAN Nash and Roberta Donnelly are painters and also run a B&B in Daylesford. They met in the 70s when they were both living in Noble Park and Roberta wanted a painting framed. The move to Daylesford came accidentally after they stopped for a cold drink on the way back from Maldon. They told their story to Donna Kelly.

Brian: I was born in Yarraville, a place I loved and still have contact with many school friends, we have a reunion every year, I also have reunions with people I played football and cricket with. Yarraville was full of characters, friendly people, a bit like Daylesford, a village-like atmosphere. I moved to Noble Park when I was 15, spent the next 20 years there and that was when I decided I wanted to paint for a living and have been doing so for the past 44 years.

I met Roberta at Noble Park, she was one of my students. Around 1974-75 Roberta and her mum came into Dolbear Art Gallery & Framing where I was running art classes. Roberta wanted a painting framed, I fell for her at that moment, she was and still is the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.

We work separately and yes we do critique each other’s work, very often.

I am having an exhibition on Thursday, September 28 at the Woodshed Gallery in Raglan Street, it will also be the launch of Artober.

Roberta runs our B&B - it has been going for 17 years. There have been a few very trying times but we have met some really interesting people and made some good friends who keep coming back.

We came to Daylesford accidentally actually, passing through from Maldon. We were looking for a place to live and have an art gallery and Roberta thought maybe a B&B. It was the best move for me, I was so glad to get away from the stresses of suburban living. Living here is a dream come true for my art and quality of life.

We have met so many great people who have become friends, wouldn’t change it for anything.

Roberta: I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland shortly after WWII. I have one sister and two brothers and at the age of five we moved to the country. We had to move because our house was falling apart because of the bombing of Belfast, we lived very close to Harland & Wolf ship building and aircraft building.

We were moved to emergency housing and we ended up with my aunt and uncle living with us. My grandmother had died and we had a small three-bedroom house with eight people, five school-aged. There was only a few years’ difference in our ages so it was a very busy household. I drew/painted/made things just to get away from it all. I started work at 15 because the family needed the income. I came to Australia as an engaged 21-year-old and lived in Camberwell before I moved to Noble Park.

I met Brian in Dolbear Art Gallery and Framing, I was having a small painting framed. My mum was here on holiday and I was having it framed for her to take home. I remember Brian walking from the back of the gallery and just standing staring at me, I went back a few weeks later and signed up for classes, I had been painting in oil and wanted to learn how to handle acrylic. Then I had to learn how to handle Brian!

I was attracted by his very Australian sense of humour and easy-going ways. Yes, he had a beard and a moustache which I don’t like. I prefer clean-shaven, you never know what is lurking in a beard.

Brian and I work separately most of the time but we do critique each other’s work. As I don’t paint as often as Brian he is critiqued more than me. Brian loves to work with loud classical music or football/cricket in season. I love quiet - just the sounds of birds outside.

Brian’s work can be seen at Clayfire Gallery (Daylesford) and online or at our place, 6 Albert St, Daylesford by appointment. I am not presently in a gallery, I mostly sell through art shows.

I have been running the B&B for almost 17 years and have met and made a few good friends. I had an occasion once to call police, a couple doing drugs and dealing in town. Two girls invited a crowd back from the pub to have a party, I had to evict them at 1am, too much abuse (Brian slept through it all.)

Brian and I lived in Aspendale, had a gallery in Parkdale and decided to move to the country. We went to have a look around Maldon and passed through Daylesford where we stopped to have a cold drink and bought a house. We decided to have a gallery then thought we could use the front of the house as a B&B and here we are.

We just love living here and have no desire to move, we have made great friends over the years, some have come and gone. We never seem to have enough time to do everything we want.

Image: Kyle Barnes

12 Opinion

Kyle’s Rant

S

O, A sailor walks into a bar, actually it was an ex-sailor, well actually it was yours truly.

Anyway, I walked into a bar (no, not the bar pictured) the other day, and some idiot, well I actually know the bloke, yelled to his mate “Hey did you know Kyle voted no”. The bar went quiet. I was getting stares from a holidaying same-sex couple just enjoying a drink.

Now anyone who knows me, knows that I stand firmly in the “It’s none of my business if someone wants to get married, we should all have access to the most basic of human rights, love, yes camp”.

Besides why should just hetero couples be exposed to the anguish of marriage – let’s share the pain. (That’s a joke, dear wife). It was an awkward situation and I felt that I had to defend myself by telling everyone that would listen that I voted yes.

Now I am not saying the no voters don’t have a right to their opinion, blaming everything from the church to “It’s just not natural”.

In fact, I firmly believe that this decision should have been governed and not left to the bitter and twisted, great unwashed, just so they can have a gripe about their lot in life.

And sadly, through the process of this plebiscite, divisions have started to appear in our once-cohesive communities. In one case in the small town of Newlyn, signs have been appearing with 'no' on them, well actually a lot worse than that but not fit for print. And another case in Trentham of sabotage of the flagpole flying the rainbow flag. I also hear of Tony Abbott being headbutted by a guy with a Vote Yes badge in Hobart last week. Although he says now he just didn't like far right wing f***ing bastards... His words, not mine I think everyone should just calm down. Put your vote in the mail as is your right and before you do that try and think about this decision rationally.

Really if you are not in the LGBTI community you shouldn’t have a say anyway, it should have just been said. So, of course, vote yes. Rant over…

MCO festival wrap-up

T

HE Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s four concert festival, A Feast of Music, from September 8–10 in Daylesford, demonstrated what can be achieved with excellent musicianship and intelligent programming.

William Hennessy’s direction is a key part of this variable ensemble but with so much talent at hand it truly was a feast, as the title of the festival indicated.

The opening concert was an intimate affair with violinist Shane Chen and pianist Igor Machlak giving a powerful performance of sonatas of Beethoven (Op.12/1) and Brahms (Op.108). The playing remained poised throughout with an easy understanding between the two. The balance of sound, often a challenge with Beethoven’s piano writing, was well sorted. Brahms’s Scherzo from the F.A.E. Sonata provided a suitably dramatic finale.

The Hamer Quartet opened the second concert with Beethoven (Op.18/3). The ensemble playing was as expected from this highly successful quartet. The dialogue between parts and the shaping of textures were polished, with a clear sense of direction.

Australian Lachlan Skipworth’s single movement Quartet No.1 Yamagoe, evoking the shakuhachi, was a total change of mood and colour. Intense in its static nature despite its rippling undercurrent, the work gave the quartet opportunity to explore techniques with some excellent pizzicato playing a feature. Dvorak’s popular “American” Quartet rounded off the program with energy and enthusiasm balancing the beautiful lyricism of the work.

The Orchestral Concert, with guest recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey, covered a broad palette of musical colours and styles. Lacey’s arrangements of sacred vocal of Leonin, Perotin and Dunstaple gave small sections of the orchestra opportunity to shine. Challenging recorder concertos by Vivaldi and Sammartini were performed with ease, allowing the soloist to counterbalance the rapid outer movements with a fine cantabile in the slow movements.

Beethoven’s “Grosse Fugue” Op.133 had some of its mysticism removed in a precision performance with the full string ensemble. The MCO’s arrangement of the adaptable “Tyalgum Mantras” of Ross Edwards was spellbinding. The Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis of Vaughan Williams brought the concert to an equally sublime close.

The Brahms Piano Quartet No.2 filled the program of the final concert.

Composed on an epic scale its four movements drew the best from William Hennessy (violin), Louisa Breen (piano), Stefanie Farrands (viola) and Michael Dahlenburg ('cello).

The clear direction of the performance was driven by virtuosic skill and determination. The ensemble work was flawless as each musician pushed harder with the developing musical demands. The broad themes were logically shaped, ready to continue the progression. Breen’s work with the demanding piano part was solid overall yet particularly poignant in the slow movement.

- Bronislaw Sozanski

Music by the Springs

A

NEW festival will celebrate chamber music making combined with regional produce in Hepburn Springs.

Music by the Springs will be held over the weekend of February 9-11 and 13 of Australia’s best classical musicians will assemble at Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel to perform seven concerts. In addition, Classical Conversations will see an interview with a prominent Australian with the debut guest, journalist and author Laura Tingle, political editor of the Australian Financial Review.

The concerts will feature Australia’s favourite soprano Greta Bradman, piano virtuoso Timothy Young, British violinist and head of strings at Elder Conservatorium Elizabeth Layton, clarinettist Justin Beere and the Orava Quartet.

The festival is the brainchild of Melbourne pianist, broadcaster and producer Stewart Kelly. The program features something for all tastes including masterpieces of the repertoire like Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, Brahms’ G minor piano quartet, Schubert’s string quintet, Wagner’s Wesendonck lieder and the evergreen Octet of Mendelssohn.

In between there are less performed gems such as Borodin’s piano quintet and Debussy’s piano trio. There will also be a world premiere composition from Australian composer Paul Dean, who is composing a new work in homage to his late father.

Mr Kelly said they were looking forward to seeing “what magic will be created when we combine these superb musicians with a beautiful, intimate venue and gorgeous natural surrounds”.

Geelong Businessman, Mark Ward has ownership of the Mill Markets group and brings years of expertise to this amazing concept. The Mill Markets operate three massive venues located in Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong. With a total of over 12,000 square metres of undercover floor space, (3 acres), treasure hunters have the opportunity to spend many hours browsing and meandering through the eclectic mix of products. There is a fantastic variety of home decor, furniture, records, vintage and new clothing, books, fine china, glassware, industrial items, jewellery, antiques as well as Australian pottery, homewares, memorabilia, retro fashions and collectables. We also have many stalls selling new products and have gift vouchers for those people who have everything!

All goods are from the 1850’s right through to present day. Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of dealers, which allows small business operators and collectors who otherwise could not afford the overheads of their own shops, to showcase their goods. This equates to a wide and diverse range of products, available and open to the public, seven days a week. Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane through hundreds and thousands of items available for purchase at all three locations. With over 500 stall holders over three venues, there is always something for everyone. Travel The Amazing Mill Markets ‘Golden Triangle’ and enjoy quality food and coffee at each. All venues open 7 days 10.00am-6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).

14 News

www.tlnews.com.au

RECORD crowds attended the 2017 Glenlyon Swap Meet on Saturday, September 23 - on a perfect spring day.

Drone photography: Kyle Barnes

Stone and Straw welcoming locals and visitors

T

HEY had a dream to build a stunning B&B with an accompanying creative activities studio – and now, Anne and Sean are welcoming locals and visitors to experience their living dream.

The property, known as Stone and Straw, is located just 500m from the iconic Daylesford Chocolate Mill and comprises five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, a guesthouse built with Castlemaine stone, and an activities studio made from straw bales.

Building the activities studio, as well as a residence has been a long journey for Anne Milton, a registered nurse and massage and beauty therapist, and husband Sean Curlis, a glass artist - and now, the couple are proudly announcing that the centre is open for business.

“The activities studio will be a home for fun and creativity,” Anne explains.

“Local artists and creators can hold workshops there, it really is a beautiful space, and we already have Selena Smith conducting a range of mixed media art workshops.”

The wheelchair accessible centre is available for locals, as well as the B&B guests. People can escape from the stresses of their busy lives for a few days and return revitalised after spending time in this picturesque area.

Stone and Straw, as well as having an environmental focus, also wishes to give people on the cancer journey, and their families, a bit of light relief, with an emphasis on affordability.

The activities studio is living up to its name already - Sean is set to teach glass art classes, future school holiday programs are planned as well as yoga classes, meditation workshops, the increasingly popular ‘No Lights No Lycra’ dance events, and regular concerts, with Anne also providing massage and beauty treatments in a separate onsite treatment room.

“And we’re happy for people to approach us too, with the abundance of local artists and creative talents in this area, with ideas that they would like to explore.

We’re open for business, and we’re welcoming people with arms wide open.”

For bookings or for more information, visit the Stone and Straw facebook page or go to www.stoneandstraw.com.au Advertorial

FREE Meningococcal Vaccine for 15-19 year olds

Meningococcal Immunisation Clinics run during October 2017.

Please call us to make an appointment.

“Imagine living with No more Pain”

Daylesford

Trentham

4.30pm – 5.30pm Wed 4 October + Wed 11 October

3.30pm - 4.30pm Thurs 5 October + Thurs 12 October

Catherine Frith, is a pain relief specialist. Have the experience of a

pain free life. New to Daylesford, Catherine's therapy is unique personalized and effective.

With a 98% success rate Call for your 15 minute

Complimentary consultation

“You have nothing to lose other than Your pain” Call Now 040 990 56 12 Dip SP, Dip Kin ATMS H/F Rebates

Freedom at Hepburn House

L

IVING at Hepburn House means that John Franklin has the freedom to do what he wants, when he wants to.

And happily it also has the added benefit of his son regularly dropping in.

It all began when John had two respite visits to Hepburn House, a government-funded aged care facility which provides both permanent and respite care.

John had previously lived in Caulfield, Melbourne, with his wife for many years, and when a bed became available at Hepburn House, John moved in permanently, bringing him closer to where his son lives.

“My son lives in the area – he’s a great son, and he also brings me anything I need,” John says.

Hepburn House provides a range of services to its residents, delivered by dedicated staff who make Hepburn House a home-style environment.

There is a complete range of activities and outings available to residents – but John says that one of the best things about living at Hepburn House is that he isn’t hassled to participate in anything that he doesn’t feel like doing.

“I get to do as I please – I like to spend time reading, and I like to watch the ABC evening news and shows.”

Hepburn House is located at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford. For more information call 5348 8100 or visit www.hepburnhouse.com.au Advertorial

Meningococcal ACWY vaccines are FREE for 15 - 19 year olds until 31 December 2017.

Daylesford

10 Hospital Street tel: (03) 5348 2227

The Immunisation Clinic consultation will be bulk billed.

Trentham

22 Victoria Street tel: (03) ) 5424 1602

for more info, visit our new website: springsmedical.com.au

16 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Nothing like a mid-week break in Melbourne

W

E LOVE living in this neck of the woods but sometimes a trip to Melbourne can be a bit of a mental health break.

It’s the opposite of Cheers. A place where nobody knows your name.

And they don’t try to second-guess your dinner by peering into your supermarket trolley.

We generally stay just the night, make sure we get a fix of something Asian to eat, and then head back refreshed and enjoying the view of the city in the rear vision mirror.

Last week we were lucky enough to be offered a free night at the Mantra on Russell – so stretched the event into a two-day break.

We do love the Mantra on Russell. We always choose a one-bedroom apartment – so I can stay up late and Kyle can get up early, and there’s also a fully appointed kitchen so you don’t have to eat out three times a day.

We usually find ourselves cooking breakfast although the buffet on offer downstairs is always spot on. After a few visits we also found they do eggs however you like them, and loads of coffee options. The staff, like Katherine above, are very obliging.

Most rooms, maybe all rooms, have a balcony and ours looked out over Russell Street across the city. It’s a very pleasant spot to while away a few hours with a glass of wine, admiring the very different architectural periods that have made Melbourne what it is today.

The accommodation is also perfectly located just around the corner from Little Bourke Street – which takes care of our Asian hit, and just up from QV Melbourne – which has everything.

One of our favourites in Little Bourke Street is Gyoza Gyoza. It’s a Japanese izakaya, or pub. The food is mostly tapas style which means you can have a bit of everything and not break the bank. Between us we usually choose the gyoza, salmon sashimi, fried tofu, and yakitori – washed down with big glasses of Asahi Superdry beer. Heaven.

Another good choice, albeit it a bit more expensive, is the Flower Drum. We have only been a couple of times but I also remember going as a teenager with my sister.

For some reason mum insisted we should go – just the two of us – maybe it was an early bonding idea.

Nothing had changed – the service is still impeccable and the food divine. I think it was a lot more affordable as a teenager because I had not yet found alcohol. The wine is a bit pricey but there’s always beer!

This time around we headed a bit further afield, all the way to Bourke Street and found Madame Brussels. We had been told the door was a bit hard to find, and that was true, but once inside it was an amazing flashback to a prettier time where everyone wore tennis shorts and lacy ironwork furniture was all the rage.

And it is gay as they come. In a lovely gay way. We sat outside and while it was a bit cool, there are plenty of knee blankets if you feel so inclined. Well worth a look.

After that it was off to QV where we stocked up on sushi rolls, the most amazing bread from Bread Toppers, and, of course, booze from Dan Murphy’s. Now we do shop local as much as possible and I think our local bottle shops know us quite well, but I do like a Dan’s.

Now, if you’re like us, and hit Melbourne now and again, you probably won’t do the touristy things. But, when we first forayed into town, we did things like just going to Costco for a look – they let you in if you say you are thinking about joining, doing a loop on the City Circle Tram (all trams are free now in the city centre) and even heading to Gold Class at Crown or the Lux Cinema at Melbourne Central for a treat.

Who cares what’s on when there’s popcorn on offer?

And then there is the Melbourne Museum just up the road, galleries around the corner and plenty of green spaces if you need them. Mind you, coming from the country, we are happy to take in the buildings and pavements for a change. But by our second night we were well and truly refreshed and ready to come home. I even enjoyed doing the Coles run.

Disclaimer: Kyle and Donna stayed one night courtesy of Mantra on Russell and all other outings were fully paid for. But we are always open to any contra deals! Just sayin’…

The Spring edition of The Little Local is out now and being delivered every two weeks until December. Make sure you grab the only pocket-sized guide to the Central Highlands.

Want to be in the Summer edition?

Email kyle@tlnews.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

WELCOME! Dr Susanne Heringslake, Chiropractor, is now available for consultation at Hale House in Daylesford!

Did you know your movement affects your function and your function affects your health? When you move better, you function better and this may have a profound effect on your well-being, your vitality, even the way you feel!

Standing up for the Hepburn Community

News 17

Over 150 years of service to the shires of Daylesford, Hepburn, Creswick, Clunes ,Trentham, Kyneton and surrounds.

————————

Andrew Nuske and Alicia Kay 24 Bridport Street Daylesford 3460 53482762

With over 37 years experience, Dr Sue brings a treasure house of skill, knowledge and expertise helping you to be the best you can be.

For appointments and all enquiries, please phone 0407 301 352.

P: (03) 5338 8123 F: (03) 5333 7710

Location: 24 Raglan Street, Daylesford 3460

info@vereyfuneraldirectors.com www.vereyfuneraldirectors.com.au

Learn NEW skills in

A g e d C a r e S p a c e s s ti l l a v a i l a b l e C e r a m i c s @ C l a y s p a c e 9t h O ct H o r t i cu l t u r e 10t h O c t H a i r & B e a u t y 1 1t h O ct V o l u n t e e r i n g 11t h O ct Daylesford & Trentham

M a s s a g e 13t h O c t C h i l d ca r e 1 7t h O c t i P a d s & D e v i ce s 2 0t h O c t I n t e l C o m p u t e r B a s i cs 20t h O ct Gain experience for further study, work or just for the love of it 13 Camp St Daylesford

————————

Pre-paid and Pre-planned funeral plans available

5348 3569

daylesford@ ourneighbourhood .org.au

Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre

18 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Hospitality training for secondary students

Y

EAR 9 and 10 students from Daylesford Secondary College have graduated with hospitality honours after a 19-week program.

The Cook, The Chef and Us was run by Hepburn Health and saw students spending their Tuesdays becoming familiar with the inner workings of the tourism and hospitality industry – giving them a different kind of educational opportunity.

It demonstrated the kinds of job pathways available to students in the biggest industry in the region and was particularly designed to appeal to young people who might benefit from more practical and experiential training.

The students left the course armed with food safety and handling, and barista, certificates. They also visited a handful of different hospitality businesses in Hepburn Shire, Ballarat, and Melbourne, including Red Beard Bakery in Trentham, The Convent Gallery, Grill’d Ballarat, Queen Victoria Market, the Rocklyn Ashram and a farm.

Hepburn Health’s health promotion coordinator Ally Parnaby said the course had been run after a successful pilot program in 2009. “It was about giving students a hands-on experience and we are very fortunate to have so many chefs and businesses willing to give their time and commitment. It has been really successful and we have had extremely positive feedback from everyone involved.

“The certificates will give these students a foot in the door and they have experienced the whole gamut of hospitality.”

Images: Contributed

THANK YOU! We wish to thank Dr Brian Bourne, Chiropractor, for his commitment and service to our community over the last 10 years.

Holistic Funeral Directors

His care and compassion, and indeed, his desire to help people has been exemplary throughout his career as educator, mentor and healer. We wish him well in his retirement from active practice and forthcoming move to be closer to his family.

Dr Susanne Heringslake, Chiropractor, will be assuming the mantle left by Dr Bourne.

With over 37 years experience, Dr Sue brings a treasure house of skill, knowledge and expertise helping you to be the best you can be.

For appointments and all enquiries, please phone 0407 301 352.

Location: 24 Raglan Street, Daylesford 3460

Sustainable & authentic funerals Call 5427 3112 visit NaturalGrace.com.au

HOUSE.LAND.HOME.

Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands

House.Land.Home.

If you're thinking about selling your home, there's no better time than spring!

And if you want to get really vocal, make sure you advertise in The Local.

House.Land.Home.

House.Land.Home.

NEWLYN NORTH 2882 MIDLAND HIGHWAY

MODERN COUNTRY LIVING Situated on a large 2449m2 (approx.) block with views of the rolling hills of Newlyn, this modern and wellpresented home is located just a 10-minute drive from Daylesford. Ideal for the first home buyer, rental investor or plenty of space for a growing family.

• 3 large bedrooms, BIR's, master with WIR & ensuite • Entertainer’s kitchen with top of the range appliances • Open plan living/dining with an undercover alfresco area overlooking the fully fenced backyard • Split system heating/cooling & wood heater

௭ 3 º2 Ê 4 FOR SALE PRICE $450,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

WHEATSHEAF 15 GAYS ROAD

BUSHLAND RETREAT ON 5 ACRES A relaxing bushland property of 5 acres in Wheatsheaf, just 10 minutes from Daylesford. This renovated home boasts 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bright and light modern extension with high roof lines and double glazing, home office, alfresco decking and an abundance of native wildlife at your doorstep.

Currently being used as a permanent residence, this property would also be perfect for the ultimate country weekender. This lovely home invites you to take some time out and enjoy country living.

AS THE CREEK FLOWS Located in a quiet family neighbourhood on a large 1979m2 block opposite the Smiths Creek spring, this eclectic home features three bedrooms, central bathroom, full laundry, separate dining with study nook, open plan kitchen/dining/ family room which opens to a fabulous outdoor alfresco area. The outside offers plenty of space for the kids or pets to run around, with established gardens, vegetable patch and garden shedding.

௭ 3 º1 Ê 2 FOR SALE PRICE $525,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

FOR SALE PRICE $469,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

R T DE AC UN TR N CO

R T DE AC UN TR N CO

DAYLESFORD 31 GRENVILLE STREET

௭ 3 º1 Ê 4

DAYLESFORD 48 GRENVILLE ST

SHARED LIVING IN QUIET LOCATION Enjoy private peaceful living at this versatile home which features an apartment space at the front share with a friend, offer as holiday accommodation or use as a studio/home office. The residence is sited at the rear of a large garden allotment with rich volcanic soil…perfect for those wanting to establish gardens, grow vegies, keep chickens or maybe just run wild! Subdivision potential subject to Council approval – a recent application has received favourable consideration.

௭ 3 º2 Ê 2 FOR SALE PRICE $450,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

House.Land.Home.

Endless possibilities for unique property

D

Other areas of the home include a colourful bar and downstairs study created out of large books.

Outside there are raised veggie gardens, a pizza oven, a dam with reticulated The designer of myriad stage shows says the final design came about sprinklers around the home, a large woodshed, playground and even a blacksmith's in 1998 and the house was built in 2000 as a family home for his wife and two forge shed - built by Damian. daughters, with one more on the way.

"I was interested in blacksmithing so I built a forge. I just wanted to do it."

It was designed before he found the 13 plus acres where it was finally built at 557 And while the house has been a family home, Damian believes it opens itself up Yankee Flat Road, Buninyong - which meant he could move the three wings around to endless possibilities in its future life. to take advantage of the sun.

"I think it would be really good as a gallery. There are great outside spaces, a The wings also meant everyone had their own space although Damian admits that central area and then lots of spaces to exhibit stuff. Or maybe a performing arts most of the time the family gathered in the central area of the house which contains school. the kitchen and the main living area.

"We will miss it but the girls are grown up now with two of them at university.

"Everyone had their own area but they always ended up congregating there. It's a And I did have a design for a new house but when I started looking for property I great party house."

The second wing was for his three daughters and has three bedrooms, a bathroom found the old Mechanic's Institute at Windermere was for sale.

"I saw it online on Tuesday morning and bought it that night." and spacious upstairs rumpus room.

The third wing has a massive workshop and storage space, laundry and upstairs For sale through Buxton. Contact Bernie Massey on 0438 396 877 or office. Damian says he likes to work late into the night, with music playing, so this wing kept him happy.

Mark Nunn on 0409 412 518.

AMIAN Muller says the idea for his amazing "winged" home at Buninyong started about 30 years ago while he was still at school.

557 Yankee Flat Rd, Buninyong Unlimited Opportunity – Buninyong

The other wing has three bedrooms, a bathroom and a roomy upstairs rumpus room. The final wing comprises a massive workshop and storage, laundry One man’s vision comes to life in this unique home and upstairs office. The external structure allows for situated on approx 13.75 acres of predominantly lots of light and space. There are lots of areas to escape wooded land in Buninyong. Whilst currently being used as well as a big central point for the family to come as a spacious home, the size of the land and the unique together. Did we mention the raised veggie gardens? building lends itself to many or various uses. Art gallery, Contact: Bernie Massey on 0438 396 877 or Mark exhibition or entertainment centre or school camps...the Nunn on 0409 412 518. possibilities are unlimited! Wings come off the central part of the house comprising the kitchen and the living area. One wing is the master and includes a bedroom, bathroom and upstairs a gym and courtyard.

House.Land.Home.

Thinking of selling this spring?

If you are considering selling, now is the time to start planning.

Call Robert Broadhurst 0488 300 900

Sold

HEPBURN SPRINGS 120 Mannings Road SOLD AT AUCTION $955,000 68% over reserve

Sold

MALDON 35 Parker Street SOLD PRIVATE SALE $545,000 Last sold October 2015 realising 20% capital growth

Sold

DAYLESFORD 50A Railway Crescent SOLD AT AUCTION $1,400,000 Highest auction result in the Central Highlands 2017

Macedon Ranges 5427 2800 91 High Street, Woodend jelliscraig.com.au

Sold

HEPBURN SPRINGS 22 Forest Avenue SOLD OFF MARKET $660,000

House.Land.Home.

To fix, or not to fix...

Hi Matt, I am looking at buying a house and have read your previous column on property investment. Have you got any advice or knowledge on home loans and interest rates? Kira, Woodend Hi Kira, I’m glad you’ve been taking notice of the previous columns. Although I’m not a mortgage broker, I do have some views and opinions on different loan types that I can share with you. One of the main things to consider when obtaining a home loan is whether or not to fix your home loan interest rate. Basically, this means you have the choice to fix the interest rate for the term of your loan as opposed to having the interest rate vary in line with the changes dictated by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The RBA meets every month to decide what the cash rate will be in Australia.

Banks then make their decision as to what interest rate they will charge from the information from the RBA. At present this rate is 1.5 per cent. This is very low considering back in 2010 the rate was 4.75 per cent.

I personally am in favour of fixing your home loan for the following reasons: It makes budgeting easier – your repayments will not change regardless of the changes from the RBA which gives you security; and as present home loan rates are historically very low. Most experts are predicting nothing but rate rises in the near future so fixing now could mean you fix at a lower rate.

If you have a variable rate home loan there are also some potential advantages: You can make extra repayments – extra repayments can be made at any time, unlike most fixed rate loans; and there are less break costs if you decide to switch loans or sell your house.

There is another option, which means you can hedge your bets with regard to future rate changes. This is called “splitting your loan”. A split loan means you can have some of your loan at a fixed rate and some of your loan at a variable rate.

My best advice Kira, is that whatever option you decide to go with, make sure it is appropriate for you. There is no right or wrong answer, you just need the answer that best works for your situation! Cheers, Matt

(Matt Richardson is an accountant with MOR Accountants. While his advice is not necessarily the opinion of The Local Publishing Group, we do like him.)

CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING SERVICES – PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATION

A small, hard-working operation with a focus on delivering excellence in service within the building industry. We provide consultancy in all areas of the industry to the Consumer, Registered Building Practitioners and Tradesman alike, as well as providing services in Training and Assessment to the industry through the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

With our finger on the pulse of the building game we can ensure that our clients have the most industry current information and resources available to them. Specialising in; Procurement, Estimating, Project Management and Contracts Administration.

BUILDEST

Rem Lotito

0411 051 172

estimating@buildest.com.au

BUILDEST

www.buildest. com.au

House.Land.Home.

Home hints with Tonia

I

F ANYONE knows how to make a house sing, it's Australia's favourite style guru, and Kyneton resident, Tonia Todman. She has been on our televisions, written books and edited magazines helping us make the right choice throughout our homes. Here she shares a few more tips - and in perfect time for a Spring Spruce Up! Colour impact For full colour impact, use contrasting colours in your room. Blue and yellow or blue and orange positively sing when they are together, as do red and green or orange and khaki shades. Obtain a colour wheel from an art supply shop to fully understand the impact one colour will have on another. Take it with you when choosing colours – it will be very helpful and you will quickly know what are the best contrasting or coordinating colours. It's foolproof!

Use fabrics generously If using inexpensive fabrics - muslin (cheesecloth) or calico for example, use it generously. Nothing looks meaner than skimpy curtains in the best fabrics, let alone when they’re made from the basics.

Study home-style magazines Study the best decorating magazines. These may contain ideas and settings well beyond your means, but they are very instructional. Most libraries have magazines available, and you can take a copy of anything that inspires you. When reading these magazines, note furniture design, colour, room/furniture positions, how paintings are hung, where lamps are positioned, how cushions are arranged, where rugs are positioned on the floor, the proportions of furniture (how big, how small) compared with the room, how flowers are arranged, where pot plants are put and how table-top accessories are arranged. Eventually, you will develop an "eye" for putting "things" (regardless of their value) together in a pleasing and seemingly expensive way.

The cost of colour No colour costs any more than another, but some colours can look more valuable than others. It’s all a matter of trial and error, and this is where sample boards of colour become very useful. Generally, I have never regretted using a bold colour, but have ultimately regretted blandness.

Purchasing quality

There is an old rule about "never compromise on quality" when it comes to purchasing furniture. When starting out, spend most of your money on the things you use most. For example, buy the best bed and mattress and the most serviceable fridge and washing machine, but allow for some compromise on things like beside and coffee tables, dining settings and cupboards. Most second-hand or white-wood furniture can be painted or stained, fabric can be sewn into circular cloths to cover boxes to give you a bedside table, and old tables can have their legs shortened to create a coffee table, or use an old wooden chest, which also provides great storage. www.toniatodman.com

Wanting to sell in the Macedon Ranges?

Contact Garry Seddon, your local Branch Manager to discuss your needs.

Shop 3A, 81 High Street, Woodend, VIC 3442 Office Phone 03 5427 3200

Raine & Horne

®

Garry Seddon 0418 586 523

rh.com.au/woodend

26 Dine review

www.tlnews.com.au

Raving about risotto and ribs at The Spa Bar

W

OW. Had dinner at The Spa Bar, formerly known as Horvat’s Supper Club, and I can’t stop raving.

It’s touted as a great place for live music whether you enjoy piano, jazz/folk, country or even getting your dancing shoes on for the DJ Dance Club every Friday night. And all that is true. We had a great New Year’s Eve there to see in 2017 but unfortunately my ankle was still a bit dodgy so dancing was out. Owner Gabriel Horvat said they are just in the planning stages for this year so I think it’s time we booked a table.

Anyway, back to the food. It is really fantastic. Gabriel himself is the chef and he knows his stuff, also bringing in his European background and philosophy of “quality, satisfaction and creativity”. Our waiter Andre exuded professionalism, but with a friendly touch and soon had drinks on the table, a Bress Vermentino 2016 ($10) for me, and a pot of the Spa Bar’s Aussie Draught Lager for Kyle ($5).

Settled in a cosy corner table, we took in the ambience of 50s furniture teamed with heavy drapes and plenty of lamps and candles. It’s a beautiful setting and has that upmarket feel along with one of walking into someone’s front room.

Andre was back with menus and suggested we try both the starters, the Hand Rolled Tortellini ($15) and the Arancini Balls ($15). Both were just delicious.

The pasta was filled with spinach/ricotta/parmesan and ajvar/ricotta/parmesan tossed in butter and white wine. For those who don’t know, and who would, ajvar is a pepper-based condiment made using red peppers popular in Eastern Europe – so again here is Gabriel’s background shining through. The second dish, was perfectly shaped balls of risotto rice, crumbed and topped with parmesan and chilli aioli.

Again, amazing flavours in every bite, with both dishes very generous serves.

Taking a break, we listened to some cool tunes and chatted to Ryan, the resident barman, who mixed me up a stunning Tom Collins. Apparently it has three shots of gin but Ryan keeps his drinks nice and simple, so all I tasted was icy goodness. I can imagine a couple of them on a hot summer’s day. Ryan said he was busy creating a new drinks menu for the warmer months.

Then Andre was back suggesting we try the Heirloom Beetroot Risotto ($22).

Now, I am not a big fan of risotto, and in fact, I have never eaten it before. I think it’s because I lived in Japan for a few years and the only way I like my rice is out of a rice cooker. But I am nothing if not willing to have a go. While in Japan I even tried potentially deadly puffer fish. It was awful. I actually hoped the chef had left some of the poison in so I didn’t have to finish the bowl.

But back to The Spa Bar. The risotto was amazing! It was simply cooked with heirloom beetroots, vegetable stock, butter and topped with shaved parmesan. To my amazement the rice was still al dente but rich and creamy, and the flavours just zinged. At 52 I am a convert.

Kyle also went with a suggestion from Andre, foregoing the Chevapi ($18), beef/ pork/garlic skinless sausage served with hand cut chips, chef's coleslaw, aioli and ajvar, instead opting for the Barbeque Pork Spare Ribs ($35). Now you need a bit of a hunger happening if you want to finish this dish which is slow cooked ribs marinated in house-made Kansas City sweet bbq sauce served with hand cut chips and chef ’s coleslaw.

It was a massive serve and the ribs were perfectly cooked, just falling off the bone. Kyle managed all but one, which I happily accepted. Also on the menu, which we have had before, are the Central European/Italian pizzas from The Spa Bar’s traditional pizza oven. There are nine all up, each at $18, with choices including Roasted Pumpkin, Funghi, Calabrese, Eggplant, Ham & Mushroom, Gorgonzola, Spicy Lamb, Margherita and The Hugo – named after one of Gabriel’s sons. Oh, if you turn up for Locals’ Night on Wednesdays and Thursdays, they are just $10. That’s a real meal deal.

Now, we were really full, but Andre insisted on us at least looking at the Amaretto, almond & mixed berry semifreddo ($12) for dessert. Hmm. We did look and then we ate the whole thing. If you follow heart_of_the_highlands on Instagram you will see the plate with OMG written in the leftover sauce. If for nothing else, just come for the desserts – they are all made by Gabriel and are to die for.

If you aren’t a sweets person, and we didn’t think we were, then the Cheese Plate ($24) has a wonderful mix of Australian, American and French cheeses – nicely paired with house-pickled Glenlyon chestnuts and quince paste. Yum. Finally, as you would expect with Gabriel himself a winemaker, the drinks list at The Spa Bar is extensive. There are plenty of wines by the glass for the $10 to $12 mark including Gabriel’s own Horvat ‘G’ label Cabernet Shiraz 2010, G & J Horvat Nebbiolo 2015 and my favourite, the very tasty G & J Horvat Shiraz 2015.

Beer on tap is well priced with pots $5, schooners $8 and pints $10 and there is even that Spa Bar Aussie Draught Lager on offer. Then there’s the cocktails, sours, spirits and liqueurs. Something for everyone at The Spa Bar.

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes

the

SPA § BAR

DAYLESFORD BAR , DINING & DAYLESFORD’S ONLY LIVE MUSIC VENUE

LIVE MUSIC

Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday nights & DJ beats every Friday night

Locals’ $10 pizza

Every Wednesday & Thursday nights

OPEN Tuesday-Saturday 5pm till late Functions welcome

22 Howe Street, DAYLESFORD Phone: 0429

585 129 for bookings & enquiries

www.tlnews.com.au

Senior speaker for U3A

Fired up by Frida

ERARD Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians and Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention, will be guest speaker at the U3A Hepburn Shire's annual meeting.

RTISTS throughout the world have been inspired by the genius of Frida Kahlo.

G

Mr Mansour is a highly respected and passionate advocate for the needs of older people, with over 25 years of leadership experience within the aged and wider community services sectors.

As Commissioner for Senior Victorians, he provides advice to the Victorian Government on issues relevant to senior Victorians, such as the ability to live healthy, dignified and productive lives, and social engagement and empowerment.

Mr Mansour's role as Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention is focused on giving older victims of family violence a voice.

A priority is to raise community awareness so older people, their carers and family members are aware of the rights of senior Victorians and how to seek help.

The Commissioner is committed to working towards an age-friendly and inclusive Victoria for all seniors.

The meeting will be held at the Senior Citizens' Room at the rear of the Daylesford Town Hall on Monday, October 2 from 10 am. The meeting will be followed by a light lunch.

Details: Anne Tamblyn on 0411 866 643.

THE

R O YA L D AY L E S F O R D EST. 1916

27 WAYS TO EAT A

Every Wed & Thurs All Day Dining 11.30 – 9pm * Buy 1 get your 2nd for $5

TRADITIONAL | NAKED | SURF & TURF | NACHO NACHO MAN BREAK THE FAST | FAR-KEN-OT | HAPPY BIRTHDAY THE MEAT AXE | GLUTEN FREE | MIXED GRILL THE BBB | FARMA PARMA | DYNAMIC DUO THE TEXAS | FOR THE LADIES | CARBONARA |CALABRESE THE CANADIAN | KIDS | PULLED PORK | THE ITALIAN JOB FOR THE VEGETARIAN | SICILIAN | GREEK ADONIS CBA | MARGARITA | TROPPO

27 Vincent Street, Daylesford Ph: 5348 2205 E: admin@tdrh.com.au

Out & About 27

A

Now an exhibition called The Wounded Deer reflecting her work is coming to Daylesford.

It will be co-curated by husband and wife team Thomas Delohery and Sandra Minchin and feature contemporary Irish and Melbourne based artists.

The idea is to show how Kahlo’s legacy can affect and drive new works. The artists responded with what is said to be a beautiful, detailed and tumultuous show that reveals an intense connection to her work and life.

Wounded Deer opens at the Convent Gallery Daylesford on Sunday October 1 with a live art performance by Sandra Minchin at 2pm and the official opening at 2.30pm. She is an internationally-noted contemporary artist/curator and a cancer survivor, who developed a reputation for radical departures in live art, print, film and photography.

Her collaborator, Thomas Delohery, is a Melbourne-based contemporary visual artist who has had 43 solo exhibitions and been a part of 25 group exhibitions worldwide.

Other artists in the show include Suzy O’Mullane, Robert Ryan, Breda Lynch, Gavin Hogg and Inka Alexander, as well as live art performances by dance artist Isabella Oberlander, Minchin and Rochelle Quantock.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, October 28.

28 Gig guide

www.tlnews.com.au

Gig Guide

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn Springs Lunar Dust / Christina Green / Special Guests – Friday, September 29 Next Episode – Saturday, September 30 Steph Bitter – Sunday, October 1 Jojo Rainwater – Friday, October 6 James Hickey – Saturday, October 7 Open Mic - Sunday, October 8 (Call 5348 2297 to book a spot)

The Spa Bar, Daylesford Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, September 27, 7pm-10pm Phil & Trudy Edgeley – Thursday, September 28, 7pm-10pm.

DJ Beats with DJ Trent Niske – Friday, September 29, 9pm-11pm The Resignators – Saturday, September 30, 7.30pm-10.30pm Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, October 4, 7pm-10pm Whiskey Room – Thursday, October 5, 7pm-10pm.

DJ Beats with Clay Ravin – Friday, October 6, 9pm-11pm Kingstone SKA – Saturday, October 7, 7.30pm-10.30pm

Daylesford Cidery, Daylesford Lunar Dust - Saturday, October 7, 12.30pm–3.30pm

Got a gig coming up? Email news@tlnews.com.au

Belvedere Social, Daylesford Adrian Deakin – Friday, September 29, 8pm Michael Westlake Trio – Saturday, September 30, 8.30pm

Rose and raspberry frozen pudding (easy!) with Tonia Todman 300g tinned (drained) or fresh or frozen raspberries 300ml sweetened condensed milk 90ml pure cream ½ teaspoon rose water (Serves four) Combine all ingredients in a blender, and whiz until smooth. Pour the mixture into four cling-film lined moulds and freeze until set – probably best overnight, but four hours should be enough. Or, use an unlined and un-oiled silicon muffin tray.

Unmould onto plates, peel off cling-film and serve with more raspberries, sprinkled with fresh rose petals and dusted lightly with icing sugar. Puree some additional berries to pour around moulds as a sauce.

Crystalised rose petals Whisk an egg white until just frothy. Dip clean fragrant rose petals into egg white, smoothing it with your fingers until each petal is completely covered.

Set petals down on a sheet of baking parchment and generously sprinkle each with pure icing sugar until completely covered. Allow the petals to dry in a cool, dry place.

These are a lovely decoration on ice-cream or cake tops. Top off iced cup cakes with a rose petal – lovely! What you finish with is best described as a ‘meringue covered rose petal’.

Copyright: Tonia Todman

THE OLD HEPBURN BAR | DINING | LIVE MUSIC OPEN FOR DINNER

Weds - Sun 5pm....Breakfast & Lunch From 9am Weekends...

Frugal foodies $20 Menu Mon/Weds/Thurs $15 Schnitzels between 5-7 Thurs $15 Roast from 12pm every Sunday

LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND 5348 2207 | 236 Main Road, Hepburn | www.oldhepburnhotel.com.au

Free courtesy shuttle

www.tlnews.com.au

Meal Deals 29

Meal deals for locals...and visitors too!

E

VERYONE loves a good meal deal. So here are the dining establishments offering great food and great prices!

Saturday:

The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Tastings at Bellinzona, Hepburn - free wine tasting of up to six choices of regional wines when you order a pizza, platter or purchase a bottle of wine.

Monday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness - $20 (Vegetarian option available.)

Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Frugal Foodies - $20 Grande Hotel, Hepburn Springs - Locals' Night - 2-courses $35, 3-courses - $45

Tuesday:

Sunday:

The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and a glass of wine - $45 Old Hepburn Hotel - Sunday roast - two choices of meat with all the trimmings $15 from noon until sold out.

Every day

Perfect Drop, Daylesford - five courses - $55 Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips - $20

Casa El Ray, Daylesford - burrito with fries $17, spud with soft drink $17 and three tacos with soft drink $20

Wednesday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Frugal Foodies - $20 The Spa Bar, Daylesford - $10 pizza

Happy Hours:

Perfect Drop, Daylesford, has a Happy Hour, Thursday to Monday, from 4pm to 6pm with $12 cocktails and $2 oysters.

Raffles:

Thursday:

Fundraising raffles for local organisations are held on Friday evenings at The Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn and The Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford.

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Schnitzel Night - 5pm-7pm- $15 Frank and Connies - $30 for a dinner and a glass of wine The Spa Bar, Daylesford - $10 pizza

Friday:

The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and a glass of wine - $45 Tastings at Bellinzona, Hepburn - free wine tasting of up to six choices of regional wines when you order a pizza, platter or purchase a bottle of wine.

5000 Club - three-course lunch at Christ Church Anglican Hall, Daylesford

Eat. Drink. Be Local.

NEW SPRING MENU THURSDAY 14TH SEPT!

SATURDAY 30 SEPT FROM 12NOON

TUESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER

FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER FROM 6PM

GRAND FINAL PARTY

MELBOURNE CUP DAY

NOVEMBER IS MOVEMBER

• • • •

BIG OUTDOOR SCREEN FOOTY SWEEP GOURMET BBQ FREE HALF TIME SNACKS

1 EAST ST DAYLESFORD

• • •

•

03 5348 2091

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD $25 TIX INCL CHICKEN & CHAMPAGNE, GOURMET BBQ AND DRINK SPECIALS SWEEPSTAKES •

• •

OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER

WEEKLY RAFFLES GRAND AUCTION AT FINALE

•

THEFARMERSARMS.COM.AU

GENUINE LOCALLY GROWN BEEF, LAMB & PORK Our prime lamb & aged beef is produced on the family farm ‘Green Hills Natural’ near Malmsbury & the beef aged on our Daylesford premises.

Our ethically raised pork is from the ‘Beyond Free Range’ McIvor Farm in Tooborac and the free range poultry from local suppliers also in Central Victoria.

Where possible everything else is sourced locally.

Our business is a well known Daylesford icon and has supplied the locals and visitors with genuine local produce for over 50 years.

The on staff expert butchers make a select range of specialist sausages including our famous ‘Bull Boar’, another Daylesford icon.

OUR GOURMET RANGE OF HOUSE-MADE SMALLGOODS Bacons, Chorizo, Terrines, Ham Hocks, Strasburg, Pastrami & more.

Shopping at The Daylesford Meat Co. is an experience not to be missed so come in and talk with the friendly people who make and prepare your food.

Tooborac - Victoria

Seniors Card Holders 10% Off

37 Vincent Street. Daylesford.

Phone 5348 2094.

Find us on Facebook Mon - Thurs: 7am - 5.30 pm Friday: 7am - 6pm Saturday: 7am - 1pm

Show this ad in store and receive

20% off 4 or more bottles of wine One per customer per day.

*Conditions apply. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Offer applies to single bottle price only. Available on selected sparkling wines only.

Offer does not apply to champagne. See staff for further details. Offer ends 08/10/17

Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists Open every day until late 55 Vincent Street, Daylesford Tel: 5348 3577 * Not available on already discounted wines and special items

www.tlnews.com.au

News 31

Want to advertise your dining establishment? You can do it here from just $33.30 per week.

Sand sculptures on show at Romsey

T

HERE may be no nearby beach but that has not stopped some of the world’s most talented sand sculptors to come sculpt in the region’s first ever sand sculpture exhibition.

Romsey’s Sand Art Gallery owners Rosie Gallicchio and Leo Vamvalis invited eight sculptors from Russia, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Poland, Canada, Ireland and Singapore to carve 20 tonnes of sand each to the theme of The Art of Music.

“This is an exhibition to inspire and delight everyone,” Rosie said. “A must-see for anyone to admire the details that can be produced in sand.

“Each 20-tonne sculpture took seven days of enthusiastic work to create. Usually sculptors have to battle with the elements but in a first for Australia, our sculptors carved under majestic dome tents.”

Meanwhile, on October 3 more artists from Italy, Czech Republic and the Netherlands will arrive to carve another three sculptures.

Then, in November, Leo will also be creating his own masterpiece out of sand. He has been perfecting his craft for 15 years The gallery is open every day from 10.30am to 5pm.

Link: www.sandartgallery.com.au

In-house butcher

DAYLESFORD

Localised produce Gastro pub

Paddock to plate Open 7 days lunch and dinner w: farmersarmscreswick.com p: 5345 2221

Dining at it’s finest Nose to tail, in-house butcher, local produce

32 Gardening

www.tlnews.com.au

It must be spring

I

F THE beautiful masses of spring flowering, fruiting and ornamental trees everywhere we drive are anything to go on, spring has arrived...no matter how erratic our current daily temperatures may be.

At least my fervently mate-seeking pardalote in the still-bare branches of my ash tree would have it so, and as I write I notice a lonely brave red tulip has just opened in the bed outside my study. So let's ignore the final chilly blasts of wind and rain and set-to getting the garden back into gear and readied for the summer months ahead.

Blossom trees With deciduous flowering trees coming into their best, it's an opportune time to select the ones that appeal to you the most for adding to your own garden. Although usually purchased "open-rooted" when dormant in winter, most nurseries have them on hand at other times in containers.

They include many flowering forms of peach, cherry, prunus, and my favourites, the wonderfully different forms of crab apple, which provide the added bonus of fruit. Trees planted out from containers will benefit from a light trim to ensure a compact, well balanced shape.

Container plants It's a good time to have a look at your tub and indoor plants and decide whether they just need a bit of a trim and spruce or it's time to upsize the container. It's certainly opportune to take care of that now, so they can re-establish before the hot, dry weather sets in.

If any have grown too large to be kept in captivity you should plant them out into the garden, making sure you consider their needs when selecting the right spot for them to do well. Trim back rank, or poorly-shaped growth and remove dead, weakened or sickly wood.

A light dressing of blood and bone or other organic pellet fertiliser around each plant will ensure plenty of healthy new growth.

Spring flowering bulbs Ensuring your bulbs return next year with plenty of flowers is simple once you understand their needs. Spring flowering bulbs need to retain their leaves for as long as possible after they finish flowering to build up strong bulbs for next season. This may mean untidy clumps for a few weeks but resist the urge to cut them.

As they yellow you may gradually reduce the amount of water you give them until they are truly dead. In the meantime ensure next year's success by giving the bed a good dressing with soluble plant food.

Citrus pruning Spring is clean-up time for your citrus - the time to remove weak, spindly growth and dead wood from the trees.

As citrus trees grow, they tend to accumulate dead, woody twigs and light, spindly growth towards the centre of the tree. By using a sharp pair of secateurs and a little patience you can open up the tree to allow plenty of sunlight in, thus limiting the build-up of moulds, fungal diseases and insect pests that normally thrive on weak, damp, shaded growth.

Don't take too much from the top of the tree because citrus prefer a healthy green canopy of foliage as a protection for young growth and fruit from the scorching summer sun.

Hard pruning of citrus is best carried out by the end of September to allow a quick regrowth of young wood to protect the bare branches from the pruning. Keep an eye out for the hordes of insect pests attracted by the lush growth, using natural, organic - even home brewed - fungus and insect sprays where necessary.

Do you have a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

Above, a Japanese flowering cherry, below apple blossom

Dynamic Salesperson The Local is looking for a salesperson to join its growing team of local professionals.

The person must have a proven record in sales, including cold calling, have a great personality and be able to work with a team.

The position is approximately two days a week and the successful applicant will be given remuneration, commission and the use of a car. You also get to work on a fantastic product that is The Local!

If you are interested email manager Kyle Barnes at news@tlnews.com.au with a cover letter and resume.

Applications close on September 30.

History Week 2017 October 15-22 The Castlemaine Pioneers & Old Residents Association (who are celebrating their 138th year) in support of this week invite you to view some of Castlemaine's and the Shire of Mt Alexander's iconic past. People, places, buildings, commerce, gold mining and industry. From 1835 when Major Mitchell first rode through this area up to today.

Faulder Watson Hall, 210 Barker Street, Castlemaine (near the Post Office) October 15 - 22. Daily from 10am - 4pm Gold coin donation.

Proceeds to the preservation of our collection and upkeep of our hall and the Old Telegraph Station next door.

NEWSTEAD NEWSTEAD SHORT SHORT STORY STORY TATTOO TATTOO

NSST 2017 October 6, 7, 8

www.newsteadtattoo.org U3A HEPBURN SHIRE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 10am for 10.30am SENIOR CITIZENS' ROOM Rear of Daylesford Town Hall

The

Community Services

MAGICAL

Industry Jobs Tour Interested in working in Community Services but not sure how, which or what?

SPEAKER: MR GERARD MANSOUR Commissioner for Senior Victorians

Take away the mystery, grab a seat on the Bus & take a tour of organisations that employ people in that sector. Find out what skills & qualifications you need to enter into the field.

Followed by a light lunch

Every Weds 11th Oct-15th Nov

Enquiries: Anne Tamblyn 0411 866 643

5348 3569

34 News

www.tlnews.com.au

The fight against plastic not-fantastic goes on

W

HILE Daylesford and other towns nearby continue to push to be plastic-bag free, many parts of the state are much further advanced.

The reason for this is that the State Government refuses to respond to petitions seeking a ban on the bags, preferring to leave it to local communities.

So, while volunteers in Daylesford and elsewhere busy themselves trying to meet the demand for Boomerang Bags, towns like Maldon are already proudly plastic-bag free.

Thirteen years ago the towns of Cohuna and Litchfield were the first in an area stretching from the Macedon Ranges to Mildura to start the drive. They make up the conglomerate called the Central Murray Regional Waste Management Group, which is backed by the State Government.

The group’s executive officer, Karen Fazzani, says once the councils showed some interest, money flowed from Sustainability Victoria. One of the key problems was windborne litter from landfill ending up in paddocks.

“You have to have the community behind it – and the traders,” she says. “It’s a choice that consumers make.”

She is full of praise for projects such as Boomerang Bags, which brings a community together.

While both Coles and Woolworths say they are phasing out the plastic bags, she says the chains will charge for slightly heavier gauge bags. “That suits their business model.”

Another cause of surprise is that a plastic bag is the least lot of plastic a supermarket shopper gets.

Fazzani says the next challenge is to raise awareness of single-use plastic, those annoying wrappings that seem to encase so much, from herbs to mushrooms.

“Coffee cups are a paper-plastic composite and can’t be recycled,” she says, finding merit in BYO cups. “Responsible cafes offer a discount if you bring your own cup.”

Even plastic straws are a pest. Throw in water bottles and you have the four main villains.

Beyond the plastic wars lies food waste. Fazzani says a campaign will start in November to engage communities on how to deal with this waste – a topic powerfully brought to light by ABC TV. Fazzani’s equivalent at the local Grampians Central West Waste & Resource Recovery Group is La Vergne Lehmann, who says, “Recycling is important but it will never be the solution to rapidly expanding consumption. The focus needs to be on refusing, reducing and reusing. Although many plastic products can be recycled, actual rates of recycling are often low – particularly away from home at events and public places”.

Daylesford’s voluntary sewing bees encourage the community to come together monthly to sew bags for the campaign at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre. Michelle Stephenson, founder and project manager, says the Boomerang Bag campaign found this year that Victoria has been the most active state in the campaign.

Great support has come from the Daylesford Primary School.

“They have their Boomerang Box where parents donate bags so they help fill the town’s boxes at Coles, Tonna’s and now Daylesford Meat Company. The Mill Markets will be getting a box next. The school is also now sewing bags.”

“Daylesford Primary School have their Boomerang Box where parents donate bags so they help fill the town’s boxes at Coles, Tonna’s and now Daylesford Meat Company. The Mill Markets will be getting a box next. The school is also now sewing bags.”

Stop the press: Queensland politicians have voted to ban single-use plastic shopping bags, including degradable and biodegradable bags, from mid-next year.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: David White

Indoor playground and cafe

Open 9.30 - 5.00 seven days Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/daylesfordplaycafe daylesfordplaycafe@gmail.com 8/37 - 39 East Street, Daylesford | Phone: 5348 1537

www.tlnews.com.au

Out & About 35

To market, to market, to buy some fresh spuds

Y

OU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.

Daylesford Railway Market – every Sunday Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday Daylesford Farmers’ Market – first Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers’ Market - first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers' Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Kyneton Farmers’ Market - second Saturday Ballan Farmers' Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers’ Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market - third Saturday (pictured left) Glenlyon Farmers’ Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers’ Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday

Want to advertise your market? It's free. Just email news@tlnews.com.au

The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with Trentham Makers Market

Third Saturday, 9am - 1pm

TRENTHAM PETROL & STUFF

1 Market St PH 5424 1611 Mon - Sat 8am - 6pm Sun 9am - 6pm

Petrol, oils, swap & go gas, firewood permits, farm produce / produce store, ice, milk, soft drinks, take-away pies, coffee, confectionery, local honey etc. rusty junk, secondhand books, old wares

36 Trades

www.tlnews.com.au

A unique heater manufactured in Daylesford from Australian products Servicing Daylesford and Districts.

Railway Crescent, Daylesford P: 03

5348 2586

F: 03 5348 1200 E: nedkelly@woodheaters.com.au

0427 508 840

POOL AND SPA MAINTENANCE SERVICES DAYLESFORD AND SPA COUNTRY Over 25 years’ experience in the Pool and Spa industry.

Cleaning and servicing of pools, hot tubs and jacuzzis.

Water chemistry and water balance Commercial properties Domestic applications Reasonable rates All enquiries welcome Noel 0419 554 319 Declan 0438 212 107

Consulting in Administration & Management Book-keeping Administration Payroll Temp service Supplier monthly reconciliation Qualified to manage a small team of office workers Christ Jules Services Julie Hanson 0459 619 701 julphil.hanson@gmail.com www.christjulesservices.com.au

www.woodheaters.com.au

PLASTERER DAYLESFORD FIBROUS PLASTER WORKS (MACKLEY’S) • NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS • CEILING ROSES • ORNAMENTAL CORNICE Daylesford

Peter Mackley 5348 3085 or 0418 571 331 Gary Mackley 5348 1108

Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, dry-cleaning, stationery, photocopying and lots more...

We stock The Local!

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061

www.tlnews.com.au

Trades 37

Clement F Mooney

Email: c.mooney@bigpond.net.au Available to assist with all general accounting services and preparation/electronic lodgment of Tax Returns and BAS for Individuals, Sole Traders, Partnerships, Trusts and Companies.

A.B.N. 37 961 487 978

Certified Practising Accountant Registered Tax Agent B.Com, C.P.A., M.B.A.

Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

das3460@bigpond.com

electrical appliance repair service washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, oven, cook top etc.

Call Kiyo on

0419 267 685

das3460@bigpond.com

Servicing all Daylesford and Districts wastewateraus.com.au MOB: 0427 508 840

PH: 0400 059 613 - 5348 6634 ADMIN@JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU WWW.JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU

Are you a tradie? Want people to be able to find you? Why not advertise in The Local's Trade Pages? They are really well read and it costs just over $20 per week. And unlike other newspapers, we don't cram your advert into the smallest possible space! And let's face it, you are reading this!

38 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Rev Peter Blackwood at Trentham Uniting Church

R

EVEREND Peter Blackwood, a contemporary painter of religious icons and coordinator of the Uniting Church Icon Schools, will be at the Uniting Church in Trentham on Sunday, October 8.

There are three opportunities to hear from Peter – at the Uniting Church service at 10am, at lunch at noon (RSVPs for catering purposes) and at a workshop at 1pm.

At the workshop, people will learn more about the work of an iconographer, including the history of Byzantine icons, their liturgical function as a focus for worship through meditation and some contemporary expressions of this art form.

They will also learn about the historical development of the icon tradition and how much latitude a contemporary iconographer can take in interpreting this tradition.

RSVP to robyn.zanon@gmail.com by October 3 for lunch bookings.

Also mobile on-site service available

Drone photography now available 0416 104 283 FLYSCREENS MEASURED,

MADE, AND FITTED ON THE SPOT! FROM $ 00

03 5464 7380

• Roller Shutters • Security Doors • Fly Screens

39

SECURITY DOORS MADE TO MEASURE AT FACTORY DIRECT PRICES *Conditions apply.

Hepburn Shire & Ballarat

Phone: 03 5464 7380 or Michael 0422 643 901 Email: sales@onsiteflyscreensballarat.com.au www.onsiteflyscreens.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

Grants for WWI events

G

ROUPS can apply for grants to commemorate next year’s centenary of the Armistice which marked the end of the WWI.

Ballarat MP Catherine King said $50,000 had been made available for the Ballarat electorate.

“Eligible groups will be able to apply for grants of more than $3000 for a community-based project or activity that links directly with the centenary of the Armistice or commemorates the First World War,” Ms King said.

A community committee will be established to assess initial expressions of interest before selecting those groups which are to proceed to a full grant application.

Eligible projects and activities include public commemorations, new war memorials, new honour boards or plaques, restoration of existing memorials, wartime history publications, military heritage educational projects and school initiatives.

To apply call Ms King’s office on 5338 8123.The deadline for completed expressions of interest forms is November 22.

News 39

Daylesford Field and Game

F

OR September Daylesford ran a super sporting event with three pairs on each pad. This format is a bit tougher than normal.

Col Johns set the layouts and all enjoyed the day, conditions were good although a little cold, but a good number of shooters turned out.

Results

AA Grade - 1st Blake Nankervis 92/96, 2nd Adam Shale 86/96, Craig McNeil and Frank Vella shared 3rd place A Grade - 1st Shane O’Brien 87/96, 2nd Scott O’Brien 83/96, 3rd Troy Magee 77/96 B Grade - 1st Brian Wentworth 79/96, 2nd Josh Allison 78/96, 3rd Alan Contes 68/96 C Grade - 1st Matt Watson 59/96, 2nd Stan Cations 54/96 Ladies - 1st Linda McNeil 76/96 VETS - 1st Col Johns 84/96, 2nd Ed Magee 84/96, 3rd John Leach 81/96 Super VETS - 1st Rex Barber 78/96, 2nd Brian Rafferty 73/96 Juniors - 1st Luke Johns 53/96 Sub Juniors - 1st Brendon O’Brien 58/96 Good to see all our younger guys stay and help pack up, it makes it so much easier and quicker. “Thanks guys!” Next shoot date is October 14. 75 targets with the terrible two, Sam and Red Dog, setting up.

Words: Shannon Marshall

Here’s the solution for last edition’s crossword for Issue 106. Solve it?

OZ - TRANS

DAYLESFORD The ‘Local’ Blokes

FURNITURE REMOVALS

GENERAL FREIGHT

Melbourne & Country Victoria daily 0407 697 877

The Local loves promoting local services sports - whether that's SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE a club profile SEPTIC SYSTEM orresults, services just someone doing INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE something amazing at PERIODIC INSPECTION AND your club.

REPORTING OF WASTEWATER

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

TREATMENT SYSTEMS

TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISION OF SLUDGE PUMP-OUT LATEST SLUDGE-JUDGE TECHNOLOGY

www.sanae-svcs.com.au

PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460 koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au (03) 5348 6749 or 0437 747 619

Email us with all your sporting news at news@tlnews.com.au and we'll make sure you get your 15 minutes of fame - at least!

INVITING all baking enthusiasts!

The annual Lyonville Bake Off competition and cake stall fundraiser is on Sunday, October 22, with all entries to be submitted by 11am. There's also entertainment, a raffle, an auction, Devonshire tea and light lunches. The seven categories are: kids, decorated cakes, general cakes, cupcakes, slices, savoury and a new wholegrain category encouraging “clean� and organic baking. Each category winner receives a prize. Gold coin donation for competition entries. Details: dottifuller@gmail.com So dust the flour off your apron, turn up the heat in your oven...and even if you can't bake, head to the Lyonville Hall to support raising funds for the hall.