The Local Issue 117 February 12, 2018

February 12, 2018 Issue 117 A dog’s life!

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2 About Us

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Front cover: Rebecca Faulkner is an animal wrangler and recently wrangled her own dogs, Daisy, left, and Teddy, as they took starring roles in the Home Timber & Hardware calendar. Read her story

by Anthony Sawrey on page 3.

February 12, 2018 Issue 117 A dog’s life!

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The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

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Our careers 3

Right, Australian Koolie Teddy helps out his apprentice Jack Russell, Daisy, on the work site for the Home Timber & Hardware calendar Inset, Rebecca Faulkner offers her pooches a treat Image: Contributed Inset image: Kyle Barnes

It's a dog's life for animal wrangler Rebecca

T

And while they may not have any roles coming up at the moment, they recently HERE are some job descriptions that just never turn up in the took part in the 2018 Australia’s Hardest Working Dogs Calendar commissioned by classifieds and animal wrangler for film, television and photography is one of them. But for Rebecca Faulkner of Coomoora, that is exactly the Home Timber & Hardware store chain.

“They feature on the front cover, February and September and they look just what would go down on her CV. It is the culmination of a career trajectory divine.

We got that job through another wrangler when the production company that has seen her involved with all sorts of creatures great and small.

“I had the luck to land a job in the zoo industry back in England when I was 19 or 20,” says Rebecca, “and I started training in the presentation department doing free-flight bird shows, sea lion shows and educational demonstrations.

"Then in 2010 I came to Australia and got a job at the Alice Springs Desert Park when well-known film animal trainer Peta Clarke was managing there. That led me to working as her assistant on the Legally Blonde musical in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and since then I have continued working with other animal coordinating companies and doing freelance jobs.”

As well as securing several film and television gigs for the upcoming year Rebecca also has two of her own canine talent ready for work. They are Teddy, an Australian Koolie and a little Jack Russell named Daisy. They are both aged around five years old and are rescue dogs Rebecca found and brought home to train.

needed 10 dogs for the job and she called me. We had access to a building site for a day, the dogs were dressed up in toddlers' clothes and I got them to stand and place their paws on various implements to get the shots.”

When Teddy and Daisy are at home, they carouse like any other dogs and are always ready for a pat and a bit of a play. But one thing is apparent with these canines, they are not in the business of performing tricks or doing circus routines and the backyard does not have a training course with any ramps, swings or flaming hoops. Rebecca’s skills as a trainer lie in her ability to get her dogs to be responsive and enthusiastic in scenarios outside of their day-to-day surroundings.

“For film work it’s not so much about tricks and they are not actually requested that often. Usually I am working towards them being very confident and comfortable in the real world with all its sights, sounds and distractions.

"Film sets and photography set-ups can be noisy, scary places at times so the dogs need to be used to lots of things going on around them. If they were uncomfortable or not familiar with the goings-on during a shoot then they would look terrible and not be able to do anything for the camera either.”

Rebecca says the fundamentals of training are the same regardless of whether you are working with birds, dogs, fish, a parrot or an elephant. But while with exotic zoo animals your interaction with them is limited to perhaps several times in a day, a dog is nearly a full-time relationship.

“The secret to achieving good performing animals like Daisy and Teddy is all about ensuring that what they are doing feels like fun. It is actually about games and not about strict obedience.

"It is really about building up behaviours and doing it in a playful way so that they want to engage and not be thinking: ‘God, I have to go and do this training stuff, I really don’t like it and I’m really uncomfortable and scared’. With these two it’s like, ‘what game are we going to play today? What are we going to do?’”

Words: Anthony Sawrey | Inset image: Kyle Barnes

4 Our artists

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Communicating essence, empathy and engagement

J

ENNY Merkus migrated to Australia with her family at 19 after living in Singapore, India, Holland and England. Both her sisters live in Europe and all three have a strong love of diverse art, developed through their travels, and parents who inspired them with visits to galleries and passionately educating them about art and the expression of culture. Jenny told her story to Donna Kelly.

"I completed a degree in social studies and worked in various roles in counselling, social planning, community development and human services management. My last position was at the City of Moreland as the director of Social Development.

In this position I had the wonderful opportunity to influence arts in the city and to provide opportunities for the celebration and exhibition of arts in the community and I had some shocking and weird requests from artists.

One was to show a very diabolical caricature of a high-profile politician and the other was to exhibit a pickled intimate body part as part of an installation. There are many other stories I could tell.

When I moved to the Goldfields area in 2010 I started making art and applying my skills in organising arts events through the Maldon Artists Network. I have been particularly lucky in finding generous, encouraging teachers and mentors who are part of my network. I have so much to thank them for.

I am a painter and drawer. I mainly work in oils as I love the creaminess and flexibility of the medium, but I also work in other mediums including pastels, acrylics, water colours, charcoal, ink and pencil.

I use mixed media to communicate. My body of work is varied including portraits, landscapes, still life, and life drawing and painting. I hope that my work communicates essence, empathy and a sense of deep engagement through subject, form composition and colour. I approach my work with passion, which I want to communicate to the viewer.

I started exhibiting my work locally in 2014 when I entered the first Maldon Portrait Prize with a portrait of Tricia Migdoll, which was the winner of the first prize.

Positive comments about my portrait gave me the confidence to continue showing.

In 2015 I was thrilled to win an award for a pastel landscape and in 2016 I won the overall prize for my portrait of Nancy Whittaker, a Maldon identity and a fantastic person to engage with in the process of painting. She is active in the arts, including film and the visual arts and is involved in community radio. Her background is in arts education as a senior bureaucrat.

Encouraged by feedback and the above awards I have continued to exhibit in several group exhibitions, including the Art Walk and Maldon In Winter exhibitions, the summer and winter exhibitions in the Castlemaine Market building’s Drawing the Line exhibition, two Bodyline exhibitions of figurative art during the Castlemaine State Festival and a group exhibition at the Newstead Arts Hub. I have sold several pieces of work and I plan to continue exhibiting in the local area. I also plan to develop an online profile.

The Maldon and Central Goldfields Portrait Prize will be held in Maldon at the Community Centre from March 10 to 18. I am thrilled to be one of the artists exhibiting portraits of local identities who live in the area. The quality of the work in the last two exhibitions was exceptional and this one promises to be the same. Artist and portraitist Peter Wegner will be the judge for the prize."

Above, Artist Jenny Merkus, left, with Maldon identity Nancy Whittaker Image: Contributed

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News 5

Fabric art installation

T

RENTHAM artist Bern Barry will use 1000 metres of colourful fabric to dress 100 trees at the old Trentham racecourse over Easter, in an installation designed to recapture the colour and movement of the days when horse racing was a major town event.

This simple seat, dedicated to the memory of Friends of Cornish Hill stalwart Joan Endacott, has been stolen Image: Contributed

Memorial seat stolen

A

SEAT dedicated to the memory of Friends of Cornish Hill stalwart Joan Endacott, has been stolen.

Mrs Endacott passed away last year after playing an integral role in preserving the entire Cornish Hill after it was discovered that the State Government had hatched a plan to sell it off as a housing estate.

Friends committee president Margie Thomas said to recognise the achievement, Friends of Cornish Hill had arranged for the seat to be made and installed in her honour.

“The timber was sourced from the Hepburn Shire transfer station and the money to make it came as a donation from one of our members. It was made by contractor and committee of management member Ed Butler. Some time between Australia Day and last weekend, February 3 and 4, the entire seat was taken.”

Ms Thomas said she and the committee were extremely disappointed by the theft and hoped that whoever had taken it would rethink their actions and return it anywhere along the track.

“It was a simple seat, just a log sitting on two cross pieces of timber, but it had been placed where Joan liked to sit and watch the wildflowers after discussions with the family. We also planted a blackwood tree next to the seat.”

Ms Thomas said there would be no repercussions against those who had taken the seat as long as it was returned intact.

Meanwhile many people have reacted on social media expressing their disgust and offering to pay for a new seat in Mrs Endacott’s memory. Others have recalled memories of Mrs Endacott and how she had contributed to the community.

Last year, at a memorial service, Mrs Endacott’s daughter Judy Files said her mother was passionate about history and was one of many who rallied when the State Government’s then Department of Conservation and Natural Resources proposed the sale.

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The old one-mile long race course, on the south-west corner of the town site, operated from 1880 and attracted crowds of up to 3000 people before falling into disuse and being reclaimed by natural vegetation in the early 1900s.

The track where horses’ hooves once pounded is now part of the Trentham Wombat Walk which takes in Trentham’s sights and natural attractions as it loops the town.

Barry said the idea for the installation came while walking the race course bush after an overseas trip, struck on his return by his hometown’s forest beauty and thinking about how to make people aware of it.

He was also moved by the story of a young jockey being killed at a race meet at the course, and recalled how little life was sometimes valued back then.

“I remember the start of Banjo Paterson’s poem, Only a Jockey back then about another fatality of that era, which is prefaced with a media report of the time that read: Richard Bennison, aged 14, while riding William Tell in his training, was thrown and killed. The horse is luckily uninjured," Barry said.

“The objective of the installation is to bring attention to the beauty of this forest as well as the plight of the jockeys in the early days of racing, where it would seem the horse was more important than the jockey, as seen in that poem.”

He plans to spend three days wrapping the trees to heights of up to 2.5 metres in a variety of bright colours to echo the colours of jockeys’ silks and the colours worn by the crowds in the now long-gone grandstand. The colours have been chosen to coordinate with the tree types, colours and shapes.

The giant art work will open on Saturday, March 24 and run until Sunday, April 15, to be open over school holidays (with free entry) and during Trentham’s major annual Easter Art and Craft Show.

Barry hopes his installation will attract many visitors to experience the delight it is to walk on the Wombat Trail.

The fabric will be removed at the end of the installation period and is being attached and subsequently removed in a manner to ensure no trees are harmed.

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6 Our history

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The Wapshott Saga: An amazing Daylesford tale

T

HE Wapshot Chronicle is the classic first book about an eccentric family by the great American novelist John Cheever. Daylesford has its own but differently spelt Wapshott Chronicle, uncovered through years of research by George Wapshott, 80. It is rich and wonderful. George’s childhood in Daylesford was one of cheeky mischief in a family that had to struggle.

He was just two when his family moved here from Melbourne. They were escaping the threat of a Japanese invasion after the bombing of Darwin and midget submarines infiltrating Sydney Harbour. What he only found out much later, however, was that his mother was born at Sailors Falls, being brought into the world by her aunt, the local midwife and bearer of a well-known name, Amy Olver.

George’s story became even more astonishing when his convict research found one of his great-great-grandfathers, Henry Jackson, sent to Botany Bay for seven years from England in 1830 at 23 for pinching clothes, also lived here. At the end of his sentence he moved here to work in the goldmines, becoming a manager. He went to Melbourne in search of a wife and found Catherine O’Brien, an illiterate housemaid sent out with 209 other female Irish orphans in 1848.

One of their six children, Henry, married Jemima McKemmish in 1880. Jemima became a skilled midwife who would go out at all hours with a lantern or in a patient’s horse-drawn cart. Such was her importance that, when the phone came in, her number was Daylesford 1. At just 16, one of her sons, Jack, built Daylesford’s first petrol engine, based on a magazine design, opened the town’s first garage and left in 1917 to make plane engines in England.

Another son, Harry, was a champion axemen who toured England and the USA in the 1900s, using a block from a mill at Bullarto. Winston Churchill went along in London and Harry and a mate, Peter McLaren, appeared on vaudeville with Al Jolson, Will Rogers and Harry Lauder.

Three Jackson women put their names to a petition for the women’s vote in 1891, 11 years before it became law.

Another notable Jackson was Reg, head prefect at Daylesford High, who became a highly decorated chief commissioner of Victoria Police in the six years to 1977. When Henry Jackson died aged 55 in 1860, Catherine’s six children were aged nine to 18.

She then married John Thomas Hill and they moved from Glenlyon to Daylesford.

To add to the family saga, another of George’s great-great-grandparents, William Wapshott, was brought from England to help assemble and then drive a huge steam engine that helped carve out from Port Phillip Bay what is now Fishermen’s Bend.

And there’s more: George’s maternal grandmother, Gladys McMaster, was the grandchild of Alexander Sandy McMaster, who came from Scotland as a convict guard, only to be poisoned near Gisborne while escorting gold. His widow married a freed convict, Jeremiah Ashcroft, and they moved to Daylesford with her six children.

Her great-great-grandson, George Wapshott, lived with his parents and four siblings on the top floor of one of about 26 hotels in Daylesford, the Albert, on the corner of Camp and Albert streets. A bootmaker named George Anderson had the corner shop in this building, which is now a guest house After more than a decade George’s family moved to West Street, close to where the kindergarten now stands. In those carefree times his fun included sneaking some goose eggs from an empty block at the corner of Duke Street and replacing them with lemons filched from a nearby tree. George says he got away with this for a month but when he tried to repeat the stunt again, the town cop, Mr Palmer, lay in waiting. “He caught me, but he roared with laughter and didn’t charge me.”

Small wonder that the daily dialogue between George and his mother went like this: “Have a good time today?” “Yes”. “Don’t tell me where you went and what you did.”

George would bash blackberry bushes to catch the fruit in a bag, then stick it in a trough of water so it expanded and his customers remarked on how lovely and juicy his blackberries were.

His great uncle, Ted McMaster, kept a retired trotting horse called Molly. George remembers riding in a jinker trotting out to Coomoora and Glenlyon, catching up to 30 rabbits with ferrets, to sell up and down the street while his uncle put the skins on coathangers and pocketed the bounty.

As he grew up there were dances at Fitzgerald’s in Hepburn, often after the Daylesford dance. And pictures were on every night. Swimming was in a pool in Lake Daylesford, where he also rode in a motorboat. As for Central Springs, it was “so crowded you couldn’t move”. When a lollyboy at the pictures, he met the famous actor Chips Rafferty and remembers him going on a binge that finished at the Farmers Arms. At 14 George left school and was a cycling postie, delivering telegrams, with parcels on his handlebars, and delivered newspapers, emptying phone box coins on his round.

Top, George, on the right, with his mother outside Jenner's Drapery in Vincent St, Daylesford, below left, at 21 and below right, a state ballroom champion

George slept behind the telephone exchange. When someone rang a shutter fell and an alarm bell could go. Then he would put them through. Sometimes he slept through the alarm. The postmaster would descend from his bed above and yell, “George, will you answer the bloody phone!” Calls were easily overheard on one line.

“I knew everything that was going on in the town.”

At 17 George had to go to Melbourne to learn morse code as part of job. In 43 years he saw the transition from morse code to teleprinters and then computers, retiring at 57 as postmaster at Mount Waverley. Now 80, he continues a family tradition, with eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, the oldest 17. His brother, Ray, 67, recently moved back to live at Eganstown.

Words: Kevin Childs | Images: Contributed

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Our people 7

Sailing away into the wild blue yonder

A

CUPUNCTURIST Shelley Beer has had a busy life so no wonder she and partner Jill de Vos have decided to sail off into the wild blue yonder. But before they hoist sails on their catamaran, from their soon-to-be new home of Mooloolaba, back to the start.

Shelley, pictured left with Jill, right, found her way into Chinese medicine and acupuncture through a rather serendipitous route. The Glenlyon resident was 18 when she was reading Runner Magazine, later to become Nature and Health, and read an article by renowned Australian naturopath Dorothy Hall which serialised her natural health book. She decided then she wanted to be a Western herbalist.

After doing her more traditional degrees of Botany and Zoology at Monash University, Shelley found tai chi. It was after a car accident that left her with a whiplash injury which she found actually improved through movement, at the time, sheep shearing.

She then wanted to find a therapy that would give her the same energy, or chi, as in tai chi but it was not until she answered an advert for an acupuncture course that things fell into place. “I had been going to acupuncture courses for six months before I felt the chi, the stuff that moved me in tai chi, and correlated the two.

Acupuncture was the natural therapy I was looking for.

“What I also noticed that was when I went to acupuncture theory classes I would go ‘yes’, there was a real visceral gut feeling, but then when I went to natural therapy courses during the day I would go “why, why”, I would be hearing what they were saying but my intellect kept interfering. Acupuncture just makes sense, and I had really just stumbled into it.”

It was her “feminist” intellect that also stopped Shelley’s foray into the Australian Army Reserves, although it took five years, from 1976 to 1981, for the penny to drop.

“At uni I wanted to be paid to get fit so I joined the army reserves. I was a drill sergeant and I was so good at yelling that they got me to train their regular warrant officers when I was still a corporal at Puckapunyal.

“But I had been in five years when I finally realised I couldn’t have consensus decision making for my platoon. My feminist mind was getting in the way of army rules. I thought (originally) that because I wasn’t actually pulling the trigger I wasn’t supporting killing people but I realised that we were. I was part of the (killing) machine so I eventually left.”

After an internship in Beijing in 1989, Shelley returned to employment as an acupuncturist in Melbourne, the first to be on a wage to her knowledge. She worked with Ruth Trickey for a few years and then opened her own clinic with Robbie Todd at the Greville Street Clinic in Prahran.

Not long after she met Daylesford regulars, including masseuse Jaya Saunders, she spent time in the town and then moved in around the Christmas of 1993. Plans to slow her Melbourne practice didn’t quite work as she found herself offered work in Daylesford with Dr Chris DArramberg before opening a private practice at home, followed by Daylesford Health Professionals in Raglan Street. Finally in 2014 she opened Central Highlands Pain & Wellbeing in Albert Street, where she introduced low cost community style acupuncture.

But last year Jill had the chance to crew a catamaran from Vanuatu to Australia and “got the bug” and Shelley is now “following [her] heart”. The pair plan to moor their boat at Mooloolaba in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and then undergo any training they need for planned blue water rallies. The rallies, for example from Cairns to Indonesia, will see them accompanied by up to another 50 vessels.

“It’s a safety thing, a comfort thing. People who would not do a blue water crossing alone are happy because they know the boat over there and you have lots of people around. The organisers also take care of customs to make it easier to enter countries.”

Shelley has already let her clients know she is moving on but it is not the end of her craft. Just a few weeks ago she and Jill decided that pro-bono work might be possible in countries like Vanuatu or East Timor. “We have this idea of developing a non-profit organisation to see if local suppliers support that. And then just do it.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

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8 Opinion

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Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

Pick me, pick me...

H

AD a flat tyre the other day. No, not ground-breaking news but it got me thinking. Is it lazy to call the RACV?

Kyle noticed it. And he was the one who made the call. Now both of us can, and have, changed tyres. Kyle far more than me because when he was younger, and a fairly dumb Kiwi, he kept buying crap cars. Mind you, I have had my share as well.

The worst was the purple Torana - I know but I was just back from living in Japan and broke.

I bought it from a friend, who swore by it, and also swore she never realised there was no reverse gear. Which was fine, unless you wanted to park, or back away if a bus was about to hit you, or get out of the drive. I eventually sold it, to another friend.

My first car was also a Torana, sort of, it was actually a Sunbird. It was a lovely sky blue and I adorned it with plush car seat covers, white cushions and glitzy things hanging off the mirror. I think I mentioned it was my first car. My current car, the one with the flat, is also adorned, but with empty water bottles, newspapers, tissues (yes, sadly they are used) and the odd coin.

But I loved my first car, even though the back window leaked, causing the parcel shelf to turn a cool green mossy colour, and the choke didn't quite pull out far enough to keep the car revving on a cold winter's morning. Nothing to a young 18-year-old taking on the world.

But back to the flat tyre. We both felt guilty about calling the RACV, despite being members for many years, because we both knew we could change that tyre. I assuaged my guilt by moving it into the shade - it was one of those bloody hot days we had recently. Kyle talked about his "bad back" and the "shitty" jack that would clearly barely lift the car.

The last time we had a shitty jack was in Karratha in far north WA. We were in the company's Prado, a nice ride, but clearly not immune to the odd flat tyre. Yep, where else but on a remote beach track, about 40km from town, on a 45 degree day. And actually the jack was fine, just not quite big enough so we, read Kyle, had to scratch at rock-hard dirt to make enough room to remove the tyre and put the new one on. Meanwhile I kept the nuts cool by pouring water on them - the tyre's not Kyle's. The dogs were fine, they were inside the car in the aircon.

Anyway, back to the recent flat and the RACV bloke arrived and was very nice about the whole thing. He didn't once mention "lazy arses" which I think was very good of him. I stayed in the house while Kyle showed him where the car was - under the trees, and then stayed to have a good old natter - I think he was talking about his back.

But it got me to wondering. When do you call for help? I remember Eddie McGuire once saying that once you turned 50 the only outside "work" you did was play golf. Which seems a bit elitist to me. Maybe if you are on Eddie's salary...

But if you are paying for the membership, is there ever a wrong time to call the RACV? Just wondering...

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News 9

Autumn fungi arriving soon in the Central Highlands

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ITH their earthy fragrances and myriad colours, fungi capture the essence of autumn. Better known for their edible varieties that enhance autumn fare, fungi also underpin the health of Central Victoria's forests and woodlands.

Across the world, people have foraged for wild foods including fungi since the beginning of time. More recently, the local parks and forests of the Hepburn Shire have seen a growing band of foragers searching for wild edible mushrooms.

The region's food industry is rapidly evolving and restaurant chefs are constantly in search of foraged fungi. Foragers, slow foodies, permaculturalists, guerilla gardeners and those who simply enjoy a Sunday stroll to search for a few mushies, are all discovering not just the flavour and texture of wild mushrooms, but the 'foraging experience' as essential to their enjoyment.

Unlike many European and Asian cultures that have long traditions of eating wild mushrooms, less is known about the edibility of Australian fungi. Hence, those out foraging need to be able to differentiate the desirable from the deadly.

Unfortunately the various folkloric sayings about edible fungi always have their poisonous exceptions. Deadly fungi accompany the many edible fungi that can be found in local environments. For example, the appropriately named Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) is becoming more widespread. Every forager should be able to recognise this species.

Beyond the kitchen and the mythology, fungi are also the connective fibre of our world. While we usually only become aware of fungi when mushrooms push through the forest floor, the main part of the fungus exists underground as a network of connective fibres known as mycelia.

Every eucalypt and most other plants in the forest form relationships with fungi. In these subterranean alliances, fungi help plants access water and nutrients. Plants return the favour by supplying fungi with sugars produced through photosynthesis. Looking after trees therefore means looking after their fungal partners as well. Fungi also recycle organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil, increasing the resilience of our local forests and gardens.

Australia is a fungal Eden and about 8000 species of the larger fungi are known. While most people are familiar with the cap-and-stalk style mushroom, fungi exist in all sorts of weird and wonderful forms shaped like antlers, goblets, corals, brains and other more bizarre configurations.

While humans are discovering their penchant for these funky fungi, dozens of native mammals such as wallabies and potoroos also tap into this vital source. In autumn, fungi, especially underground fungi such as truffles, can constitute most of their diets. Whether you're interested in collecting, photographing or just enjoy seeing fungi in the forest, the Hepburn Shire offers an amazing diversity that will delight and enthrall.

If you'd like to know more about the amazing fungi of the Central Highlands, you might like to join a workshop or foray this autumn.

Several will be running from Trentham, Creswick, Ballan, Woodend and further afield.

Link: www.alisonpouliot.com Words & fungi images: Alison Pouliot

Clockwise, from above left, every forager must be able to recognise the deadly Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), the Peppery Coral (Artomyces austropiperatus) grows on old wood in the Wombat forest, the Saffron Milk Cap (Lactarius deliciosus) is a popular edible species that grows in local pine plantations, and local ecologist and environmental photographer Alison Pouliot, who will be running several mushroom forays in the shire this autumn.

Alison's photo: Valerie Chetelat

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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 Money

www.tlnews.com.au

Money with Matt Hi Matt, My husband and I are in our 40s and are thinking of investing in another property (in addition to our own home). After speaking with friends there are obviously plenty of things we need to consider. What are your thoughts on future prices etc? - Kylie, Daylesford Hi Kylie, Thanks for your question. Firstly, let me say congratulations. Your 40s are a great decade to start thinking of investing for the future, as it allows enough time to experience some good capital growth by the time you want to retire. With regard to the property market I am constantly reading about what the “experts” are saying about their predictions for 2018. The consensus regarding the main considerations for 2018 I can summarise into the following points: 1. Interest rates are tipped to rise, if they move at all. The current cash rate of 1.5 per cent is a record low and is unlikely to be reduced. It is prudent to factor this into any potential property purchase by not leveraging yourself to the absolute maximum. As a result, you will have a some room to move when rates eventually rise.

2. After experiencing staggering growth during 2016 and 2017, property prices in Melbourne and Sydney are expected to smooth somewhat during 2018.

3. In housing markets outside capital areas, there is a trend whereby people are opting for a tree change. This will actually increase prices in regional areas as these people look to downsize.

4. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, first home buyers are keenly taking advantage of stamp duty concessions, and are acquiring many homes in the lower and mid priced end of the market. With the demand in this area, prices are tipped to be steadily increasing within this price range.

5. Ballarat and surrounding regional areas have actually been mentioned as growth areas, given the close proximity to Melbourne for commuters. Property in regional areas close to public transport are becoming popular for first home owners from metropolitan areas.

While the outlook for regional Victorian areas looks favourable, it is still wise to be prudent in any decisions regarding property purchases. I always say that when purchasing a property it literally pays to do your homework.

Obtain as much information as you can about the area where you are looking to purchase. This can involve talking to real estate agents, current residents in that area and also a financial planner to assist you to get guidance, taking into consideration your specific financial circumstances. Unlike a pair of shoes, you can’t simply return a house from the place of purchase if they don’t fit properly!

Matt Richardson is an accountant with MOR Accountants. His opinions are not necessarily those of The Local. But we do like Matt!

Challenge yourself with our crossword. Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. See last issue's solution opposite.

www.tlnews.com.au

News 11

Vale Terry Oughtred

T

ERRY Oughtred (January 15, 1943 - January 28, 2018) was one of the earliest supporters of the cinema, and gave both financial and practical assistance to the nascent development.

When the cinema opened, Terry was one of the volunteers who ensured the smooth running of this community asset, owned and run by the people. He was one of those who could be relied upon if extra staff were needed. So his connection with the cinema goes back six years.

When The 5000 Club was formed in August, 2012, Terry once again lent his practical support and energy to this project. He was prominent on Fridays as he supervised serving the meals, usually imposing his considerable presence over the volunteers, who teased him mercilessly. As a forensic scientist, he was always aware of food safety and really kept the group informed on possible problems.

He was ill for many months, but insisted on carrying on his tasks at the cinema and The 5000 Club until he could no longer manage. We will all miss him so much... he epitomised the interesting and generous people who have made Daylesford their home.

Earlier, as a forensic scientist working with the police, he was involved in many high- profile cases, including the Russell Street bombing. Terry was also interested in acting, and appeared in many amateur productions on Melbourne.

A memorial service and wake will be held at Stanbridge Hall, Central Springs Road, Daylesford on Saturday, February 17 from 3pm to 6pm.

Words: Loretta Little

Immunisation

Recycling

Day of Prayer

O

H

S

Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said there was more work to do in Hepburn Shire.

Ms Pulford said since the introduction of the Victorian Government’s No Jab No Play laws, there had been a consistent increase in immunisation rates for Victorian children across the state.

Victoria’s immunisation rate has risen from 93 per cent in 2016, and at 95.3 per cent is the third highest rate in Australia behind Tasmania and the ACT. The 95 per cent "herd immunity" target is necessary to halt the spread of dangerous and virulent diseases such as measles.

High rates of vaccination provide important protection for those who cannot receive vaccines, such as babies who are too young or people who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons.

import restrictions, which includes accepting mixed recycling, is having a global impact.

"Waste and resource recovery groups, councils and the state government have been in discussions to ensure that there is a continuation of kerbside collection services for the community.

"We encourage members of the community to continue their recycling practices. For more information on what can be recycled visit our website."

Meanwhile, Macedon Ranges Shire Council is reassuring residents that recyclable materials placed in their yellow recycling bins will not go to landfill. The state government has been in talks with waste collection companies and recycling processors to find a solution after China imposed a ban on imports of low-grade and contaminated waste on January 1.

In 2018 that prayerful support will be directed at the 540,000 inhabitants of the Republic of Suriname, on the north-eastern coast of South America.

Despite a history steeped in slavery and political coups, this tiny nation has achieved remarkable progress since its independence in 1975.

A World Day of Prayer Service for Daylesford will be held at the Uniting Church on Friday, March 2 at 7pm.

Enquiries: Reverend Janet Blain on 5348 3365.

Meanwhile for those keen to head to Ballarat, on Friday, March 2, services will be held at: Skipton Street Uniting Church, Ballarat South at 10am; Neil Street Uniting Church, Soldiers Hill at 2pm; Buninyong Uniting Church at 7pm; and St John’s Anglican Church, Creswick at 7pm.

NLY 92.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Hepburn Shire are fully immunised.

EPBURN Shire Council says it is INCE 1887, on or near the first Friday in continuing to work with its contractors to March every year, millions of Christians have Meanwhile Victoria hit the "herd ensure that recycling collection services in gathered worldwide to pray for the issues of immunity" target of 95 per cent – its best immunisation the shire continue uninterrupted. family violence, child abuse, human trafficking, coverage in history.

A media statement said: "The introduction of China and other forms of injustice.

Here's the solution for Issue 116.

Solve it?

12 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Kyle’s Rant

I

N THE words of the immortal Rolling Stones “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you’ll get what you need”.

In fact, I wanted that song as my wedding dance (being of a pragmatic nature) but as, well, as what has now become usual I changed my mind.

Actually when I say I changed my mind, it was more like Donna changed my mind. In fact, this whole mindchanging thing has come to the point of not really being able to make a decision.

Of course, when it comes to business and those sorts of larger things I am the man. But the smaller decision, like what type of bread I buy, has been taken out of my hands. I blame it on the wedding band. In fact I hope this may serve as a public service announcement to all those same-sex couples rushing down the aisles. The ring on my finger has inhibited the small part of my brain, like it has cut off the blood flow to the small decision-making department of my brain.

Anyway, back to my point about getting what you need. My last column outlined my struggle to drive my car out of my driveway due to Hepburn Shire Council workers raising the road to what can best be described as Kata Tjuta of the Central Highlands - that’s the Olgas for the oldies out there.

Obviously someone at the HSC HQ was reading, because the mag was barely luke-warm off the press, if presses are still hot, and a dude with a truck full of dirt and a shovel turned up to rectify the problem. However, I am sensing that the solution to the problem was not particularly well thought out as he shovelled a couple of metres of dirt onto my driveway and drove off.

That’s right, no compacter, no nothing, which has made the problem worse, however the dirt seal is now starting to compact thanks in part to a bit of rain and the rubbish truck flattening it. Actually, now I think of it, maybe it was a planned solution. Dude with the truck says "Shall I put a compacter on the complaining idiot’s driveway?" and then his boss says 'No, there is a cold front coming through with a few millimetres of rain and the rubbish truck will be picking up the next day, problem solved".

Anyway, I shouldn’t complain. I have pretty much mapped out the ruts into my failing memory and am able to get both the 4WD and the sedan out of the property with just a little bit of scraping. So thanks to all who puzzled over my problem and came up with a fast, effective solution (said with tongue firmly in cheek). Rant over…

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Standing up for the Hepburn Community

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

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

Pre-paid and Pre-planned funeral plans available

What do you do after a hard day’s night at the Chillout Festival, dancing, enjoying local wines, eating out and taking it easy (or hard) at the local Daylesford spas? Well, Chill at the Mill of course!

The Amazing Mill Markets is the perfect shopping partner to your weekend – we have an incredible array of things to see and buy at our market, just 30 seconds easy drive from the centre of Daylesford.

Inside you’ll find a cornucopia of vintage, retro and contemporary fashion for all – you could find your perfect outfit to wear to the bush dance, or even perhaps the street parade!

We also have tonnes of interesting collectibles, antiques, art, home décor, industrial chic – ideal for adorning your home space or perhaps a friend’s! Come out for a visit, grab yourself a coffee made with love (and a bit of cheek!) by our resident superstar barista and while away the day exploring our Amazing space.

The Amazing Mill Markets wishes all of our visitors to beautiful Daylesford for the Chillout Festival a wonderful and refreshing weekend and we look forward to welcoming you to Chill at the Mill!

14 News

www.tlnews.com.au

There’s a huge weekend coming up!

March 9 - 12

ChillOut 25,000 Visitors

Lost Trades Fair 15,000 Visitors

Bullarto Tractor Pull 5000 Visitors

That’s a total of around 45,000 visitors, who will be looking at thousands of extra copies of The Local distributed around the region.

And with The Local the official media partner of both ChillOut and the Bullarto Tractor Pull, you would be crazy not to advertise your business in the next edition of The Local.

Space bookings by February 21, artwork/copy by February 22.

Contact Kyle: kyle@tlnews.com.au or 5348 7883 or 0416 104 283.

Community Sponsorship Program Drop into your local branch at 97 Vincent Street, Daylesford or phone 5348 4186 for more information. Applications for the first community grants round in 2018 close on Wed 21 February and can be found at http://www.bendigobank.com.au/daylesford Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch - we thrive on supporting the community that supports us.

‘Supporting our local community.’

Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. A278235-5 (383749_v13) (24/01/2018)

bendigobank.com.au

HOUSE.LAND.HOME.

Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands

House.Land.Home.

Selling your house, land or home? Make sure it's advertised in the next edition of House.Land.Home in The Local.

February 26 is our bumper ChillOut/Lost Trades Fair edition and will be in front of thousands of potential tree changers!

Tell your agent or call Kyle on 0416 104 283 or email kyle@tlnews.com.au Don't miss this huge sales opportunity!

HEPBURN EARTHWORKS All aspects of earth works

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PO Box 59, Daylesford, VIC 3460 Email: dig@hepburnearthworks.com.au Website: www.hepburnearthworks.com.au

DAYLESFORD NEWLYN LOT 29 ARCHIBALD ROAD SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD This sensational lifestyle property is located on the top of Forest Hill. A short 15-minute drive to the spa centre of Daylesford, 10 minutes to Creswick and 25 minutes to Ballarat. This unique property boasts spectacular, uninterrupted views across the countryside and is offered for the first time in 150 years- in a very tightly held farming area. The 270-degree view is simply indescribable, you can see forever.

• 60 acres [approx.] – Rural Conservation Zoning with rich red volcanic soil • Deep bore and road frontage on boundary • Current Land Capability Statement AUCTION Saturday 3rd March at 12:00pm CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

BLAMPIED 30 BRADSHAW COURT

EGANSTOWN LOT 1 PESCIAS HILL ROAD 1.5 ACRES WITH PERMIT ADJOINING STATE FOREST ON DAYLESFORD’S DOORSTEP Recently issued Planning Permit for a dwelling. 1.5 acres of native bushland with Wombat State Forest adjoining on 3 sides, located at Eganstown. An attractive bushland property on Daylesford’s doorstep featuring tall eucalypts, wildflowers, loads of wildlife.

• Hepburn Shire – Farming Zone. BAL 40 • Electricity, telephone available • A great property for bushwalking and horse riding

FOR SALE PRICE $198,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

LIGHTLY -TREED BLOCK ON THE EDGE OF DAYLESFORD This is your opportunity to purchase this 3.58 ha [ 8.9 acres] approx. lightly-treed block in this very tightly held location. The property is in Hepburn Shire – Rural Living Zone. All the hard work has been done with a site excavated for a residence, steel shed with concrete floor and small tank. The electricity has been connected. An ideal site for you to build country home, weekend retreat [STCA] or getaway glamping bush block.

SOLD PRICE $215,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

Testimonial for The Local "Bells Water Gardens ran an advertorial in the last edition of The Local. Within one week we had over half a dozen solid enquiries into ponds and natural swimming pools.

Advertising in The Local really works."

- Richard Bell

Bells Water Gardens creating tranquil oases

R

ICHARD Bell, of Bells Water Gardens in Newlyn, has been building ponds and selling aquatic plants for 35 years.

Richard, his wife Sally and oldest son Jacob, 25, were invited to the US last year to an innovative exhibition which proved the former heavy maintenance of ponds is a thing of the past.

A leaf skim system which picks up anything which drops in the pond and takes it to a pump (that uses less power than a 100-watt house light), before the water is recycled back to the top of the pond’s waterfall, has created an all-natural water feature – with no harsh chemicals and no backbreaking work.

“We now have customers who come here, to Newlyn, to buy a water plant, or a goldfish, and then just spend half an hour with their mouths open looking at the ponds we have.

Next up are natural swimming pools!"

Richard said the ponds came in three kit sizes, small, medium and large, and range in size from three to four metres, up to 10 to 15 metres, but ponds could also be made to any size. The only limit is your land.

The family business, which also includes 22-year-old son Toby, daughter Amy, 19, and two dogs who greet every visitor, rescue bitzer Ralphy and blue heeler Mac, remains a one-stop shop for everything aquatic.

Bells Water Gardens, at 1 Campion Road, Newlyn North, is open 10am to 4pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Tuesday to Thursday by appointment. Phone: 0418 567 195.

Advertorial

www.tlnews.com.au

News 19

Declan and Noel Beare racing at Broadford Track (State Motorcycle Centre)

Learning to live with the pain of loss and grief

O

“Declan is the driver because I have wanted to be the passenger from when I was eight years old and my father took us to see motorbike racing. I was absolutely transfixed by the sidecar racing, the passenger climbing all over the back and hanging onto the side. I thought that would be the most amazing thing to do – it just took me to the age of 48 to actually do it.”

But with speeds at Phillip Island’s race track reaching a punishing 220kmh, the But while Noel is happy to take part in races around Australia he will never again Daylesford postie, as he hung off the side of the vehicle just clearing the asphalt, was compete at the Isle of Man. wondering if he was finally reaching his use-by date.

“We went back last year, a year after Dwight had passed away - myself, my wife The accidental death of his eldest son, 27-year-old Dwight, while driving a sidecar Robyn, Dwight’s partner Tash, and Declan, and it was bittersweet but really fantastic. at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Race on June 4, 2016, was also weighing heavily.

I really love the event and am proud to have participated in it and there was so much But it was then that Noel felt that something remarkable happened. A wall of fog rolled over the circuit, something never seen before there, but something well known love for us there. We put up a plaque at the place he died on the circuit and there is a plaque in the cemetery devoted to all the fallen riders. at the Isle of Man. “And at the housing estate where Dwight worked as a tradie, all the workers asked The thick sea fog that occasionally smothers the British island's lowland areas is known as Manannan's Cloak, a reference to the Island's ancient Sea God, Manannán permission from the council to call the park, which all the houses face, Dwight’s Park.

To be there after a year, and sit and shed a bit of a tear was quite emotional. mac Lir, swathing his kingdom in mist to protect it from unwanted visitors.

“I wouldn’t do it (race there) again because I have seen first-hand what happens Noel saw it as a sign from his Dwight. “No-one had seen anything like it but if someone is killed or injured – what happens to the people left behind. I never I just had a feeling that it was Dwight protecting me, that I was OK.” The Irving thought of that before. And it is a dangerous race. You go within inches of 600-yearVincent team, with Noel, went on to take home a win in the class, a third, two old stone walls, telephone posts, gutters, buildings and trees, banks and hedges. And fourths and a fifth along with breaking the lap record for the class.

Noel said the death of Dwight, who grew up in Daylesford but moved to the Isle the average speed is over 106 miles (170km) per hour.”

Noel said he had also thought whether he should have regrets over introducing of Man to follow his dreams 18 months before he died, was “the saddest thing I have Dwight to the sport that killed him but ultimately it was a part of his son and ever experienced”. something he “absolutely loved doing”. “Sometimes when you are in a down moment “But one thing became clear over time and that is the love of the community you think: ‘Shit, would I rather have a boring son but one that is alive, or do you for our family and the love from our family. People have really rallied behind us and have the dynamic son who was literally chasing and living his dream?’ I am proud of while that doesn’t alleviate the loss, it helps us to carry on.

“People say it gets easier with time but I think you just learn to live with the pain that and I don’t have regrets.”

Noel said he still had many people in the community coming up to him and better. You have two choices, you can curl up in a corner or get back up and keep asking how the family was coping and while sometimes words were difficult, “a bit of going and doing the things you love. It has definitely highlighted that life is fragile and it has reinforced that you need to treat every day as special and do the things you a hug is always a good thing”.

“We are very proud of helping make him the person he was. He always went out love.” of his way to connect with people and there are heaps of people on both sides of the Noel said a number of people had expressed concern when he said he was going word who classified Dwight as their best friend. to continue with his racing after Dwight’s death. The father and son team had raced “And he lives on. We hold him in our hearts and he inspires us a little bit by together for many years, always with Dwight as the driver and Noel as the passenger, encouraging us to do the stuff we love. And sidecar racing is what I love, doing it even competing together twice in the Isle of Man TT, a race universally considered with my other son Declan and getting exotic rides like the Vincent. You have to keep among the most dangerous in the world. living the dream.”

“Racing is something I really love doing and just because Dwight died doesn’t Noel, Robyn, sons Hudson and Declan, and Tash would like to thank the mean I should stop doing the things I love. The sidecar is one of my big passions and Daylesford community for its love and support over the past 18 months. it was very special doing it with Dwight.

"And when Dwight went overseas I started racing with my other son Declan, and Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed that is very therapeutic, to still be racing with my son. It’s also a lot fun.

N THE last weekend of January, Noel Beare started to doubt himself. He had been asked to be the passenger on the Irving Vincent team’s sidecar, “a brand-new vintage style machine and one of Australia’s most iconic”.

20 Happy & Healthy

www.tlnews.com.au

Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you

Your garden is a place of co-operation not competition. [\ How does your garden grow?

For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352

FEBRUARY SPECIAL! Examination, Scale & Clean and Xrays if required $199 SAVE $75! (please mention the ad to avail special offer)

Opening hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 8 30 am to 6 30 pm Tuesday and Thursday 8 30 am to 5 pm Sat - 9 to 1 pm.

Dentists available

Dr Yasser Khan Dr Kevin Ho Dr Pallavi Mishra Dr Paul Soryal

Pledges of Support for Hepburn Health HEPBURN Health’s latest fundraising campaign has received a major boost thanks to generous contributions from local organisations.

Major donations have been made by Daylesford Rotary Club who funded the purchase of an ultrasonic sterilisation machine for the Hepburn Health Theatre Unit, and RACV Goldfields Resort who have funded a syringe driver for palliative pain medication, a breast pump for use by the Maternal and Child Health team, and a high-tech mattress for Creswick Aged Care residents.

Daylesford Rotary Club President Lesley Hewitt said the group was happy to see its donations having a positive impact in the community. “Daylesford Rotary Club has a long history of involvement with Hepburn Health, and we’re pleased to continue this by funding an upgrade to Hepburn Health’s theatre sterilisation equipment.”

Hepburn Health Fundraising Committee Chair Kate Redwood was full of praise and enthusiasm for the generous donors. “We’re thrilled to see the community, and these organisations in particular, get on board to support Hepburn Health. We’re very lucky to have such a wonderful local health service which is really a vital community asset across the whole of Hepburn Shire.”

Hepburn Health is still welcoming contributions from other community members or community organisations, with funds being sought to purchase an Alaris Infusion Pump for delivery of intravenous medications and fluids in the Acute Unit at a total cost of $16,500.

Hepburn Health’s Infection Prevention and Control coordinator Melissa Murphy, Daylesford Rotary Club’s Danny Moynihan and HHS theatre nurse Linda Ivanov.

65 High Street, Kyneton Phone 5422 6159 www.kynetondental.com.au

ORAL ALLERGY DESENSITISATION

Art-full Creative Challenge

A

now available at Springs Medical Daylesford

RT-full Living is about increasing your wellbeing by living creativity.

The recently published book The Arts Apothecary outlines the proof of the value to your health and happiness in a number of case studies. We are inviting you to take action and unlock your potential by signing up for the weekly (fortnightly in The Local) campaign of Creative Challenges…or take the challenge here and keep us posted with the results.

Creativity is the breath of life – giving purpose, a sense of wellbeing and contributing to our health. We are all instinctively creative and need to rekindle that freedom inside…

Here we go with the first challenge…

Alphabet Adventure This week’s challenge requires you to go exploring and get involved in an Alphabet Adventure - how many items of the alphabet can you find? Go for a walk and photograph or collect as many items as you can in under 15 minutes, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet.

If you have more time...see if you can find 26 items, one for each letter of the alphabet.

Think - How difficult or easy was it to do, were there any letters you struggled with?

Share - Share a photo collage of your items on #artfullifer & #art-fullweekly on Twitter & art-full living on Facebook. Share with The Local via donna@tlnews.com.au Then watch for the next challenge on February 24 and maybe your photo in the same edition.

Links: hello@art-fullliving.com | www.art-fullliving.com Art-full Living is offering a chance to take the challenge further in May in a first ever Art-full Living Experience. Find Your Story is an intimate live-in weekend of writing, painting and music at Casa Allegra, Trentham May 25-27. More information to come or contact Jill Rivers hello@art-fullliving.com or 0418 389 189.

Did you know that you can desensitise against some pollen and dust mites using a tablet now?

No more weekly injections! Instead you can now take a tablet from the convenience of your home!

Ask your doctor whether you should have Allergy Testing at Springs Medical Daylesford.

In an emergency always call 000

Daylesford | 10 Hospital Street | tel: (03) 5348 2227 www.springsmedical.com.au

Myo Studio has been running classes for over 2 years now and would like to reveal its new logo, new App and new Myotherapist!

Myo Studio is an extension to Daylesford Osteopathy and Myotherapy, it offers Pilates, Stretch and Myotherapy-led Exercise Classes.

Utilising Pilates Reformers, mat-based exercises, balls and bands you can improve your core strength, flexibility and balance in very small groups or one on one. Introducing Emilia Sadler - Myotherapist.

As a therapist, Emilia’s aim is to assist her patients in making lasting improvements to their physical condition.

Having trained in Clinical Pilates and Myotherapy simultaneously, she understands the importance of supporting hands-on therapies with the proper exercise prescription and movement pattern corrections.

Emilia spent eight years as a Pilates instructor at a leading Physiotherapy practice in Melbourne where she cared for patients with hugely varying abilities and requirements. Her approach is always individualised and continually motivated by that desire to support positive change.

Emilia is available Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Also on offer at Myo Studio are Stretch classes. These are led by John Ieleo. John is an experienced Myotherapist using “Stretch Therapy” classes as an extension of his hands-on clinic work. Stretch Therapy is a safe, efficient and comprehensive system of stretching, strengthening, muscle re-patterning and relaxing the body. You will learn to use a series of stretching and strengthening exercises, which effectively isolate all muscle groups and restricted areas for you.

Myo Studio is a place for people to exercise under close supervision and direction. Erin Richardson (Myotherapist, RN and Pilates Instructor) established Myo Studio as an extension of her hands-on Myotherapy treatments recognising corrective exercises as an essential Myotherapy treatment.

Classes Monday to Saturday.

Contact details and schedule: Erin Richardson: 0428 542454 Shop 8/11 Howe St, Daylesford (next to Daylesford Osteopathy and Myotherapy).

Parking at rear.

Find Myo Studio on MINDBODY App to book and see class schedule.

Also find us on Facebook.

Therapist, Emilia

22 Dining

www.tlnews.com.au

Tapas

Monday Thursday & Friday 5pm until late Saturday & Sunday 12pm until late Classic Pub Fare - Eat in or Take-away available Monday $20 Parma night ( 8 varieties ) Thursday $20 Curry Night

Thursday to Sunday noon till late afternoon (5pm)

Live Music, Beer garden Events, Functions, Venue Hire

We invite you to experience the culinary delights which have made Mercato a popular destination in itself within the Daylesford/Macedon Ranges region. Exquisite food & wine in an ambient setting now including regionally inspired Tapas.

www.pizzerialaluna.com.au

MERCATO@daylesford

32 Raglan Street, Daylesford dine@mercatorestaurant.com.au (03) 5348 4488

Y NIG

H

5348 4123 t "MCFSU 4U %BZMFTGPSE 7JDUPSJB

BEER GARDEN

Express Lunch

2 Courses $27 / 3 Courses $32

DA

HOME DELIVERIES FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

$20 Mains

2 Courses $32 / 3 Courses $40

Locals Menu – all day

N

delivering

Thursday, Sunday, Monday 5pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday 5pm - 10pm Tuesday & Wednesday CLOSED

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

SU

La L na

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on

Pizzeria

Monday night is Locals' night, enjoy one course meal and a glass of wine for $30. (not available on Public Holidays)

TS

LOCALS' NIGHT

No

The quality you know and love in small bites to share!

Tuesday & Wednesday 11.30am – 3pm Thursday to Saturday 12 noon – 10pm Sunday 12 noon – 4pm 31 High Street, Trentham (03) 5424 1144

theplough.com.au

Christmas 2017

Open every day from Tuesday 26 December 2017 to Sunday 7 January 2018 Please call 5424 1144 for opening hours

www.tlnews.com.au

Dine review 23

Great dining and live music at the Spa Bar

W

HEN you are looking for somewhere to go out it is hard to go past the Spa Bar. Formerly Horvat's Supper Club, the Spa Bar is a great live music bar and dining venue.

And when I say dining it is more than just their wonderful pizzas, which remain a beloved part of the menu. And this year the Spa Bar has a new addition to their staff in the form of chef Ross Durham. It has taken a great workload off proprietor Gabriel Horvat who previously took care of the cooking while looking after the bar and doing the meet and greets.

“Ross has been in town for 20 years at establishments like the Farmers Arms, The Daylesford Hotel and Galley Diner,” says Gabriel. “We still have the same menu keeping that Euro/Italian sort of feel but are aiming to do more snacky sort of stuff as well. We are also exchanging ideas and trying different skill sets so we are able to do lots of different stuff through the year.”

A new chef and an evolving menu? That sounds intriguing and certainly worth a visit to try out some new offerings. And here is an important bit of information for anyone looking to get in a good meal to start your night out. The kitchen opens around five, giving you plenty of time to quietly indulge before the punters turn up for the DJs and live music later on. We took advantage of this on a Friday evening sampling some fantastic dishes and excellent in-house wines.

We started by sharing a great appetiser in the form of arancini balls ($15). This dish came as three large crumbed capsules encasing risotto rice cooked to perfection interlaced with tangy melted cheese, accompanied by chilli aioli and topped with a sprig of basil. They were a perfect zesty opening to our main courses but would be a great pub snack on their own.

For mains, the first to arrive was the schnitzel cordon bleu ($28). This dish is a popular main course in restaurants, fast food places, and homes across Eastern Europe.

It is presented here as a wonderfully subtle main meal delicately fried in breadcrumbs and stuffed with a tender slip of aged beef, pancetta, basil and premium Swiss cheese.

Complementing the dish are Mt Prospect hand-cut potato chips, coriander aioli and a zesty salad with strips of marinated carrot, capsicum and fresh roquette.

Wine was mandatory and we tried the G & J Horvat Nebbiolo 2015 ($12 glass) to go with the schnitzel. It was a mellow fruity red that comes from grapes originating in the north west of Italy on the French border and similar in character to pinot noir.

Our second main was the porterhouse steak ($38). Coming in at 300 grams this is no trifling snack but at the same time, it is not a tough job to eat it either. It is a naturally tender, grass-fed meat with a nice marinated richness and rounded out with a jus that will surprise you with its subtlety. The dish is completed with more of those amazing hand-cut chips and a roquette salad.

Wine came in the form of a G & J Horvat Shiraz 2015 ($12). This aromatic offering with delicate peppery characteristics with a refreshing aftertaste was a perfect complement to the dry aged beef. Both wines are produced at Gabriel’s winemaking barn at Franklinford and while the Spa Bar has a broad range of local and Victorian wines it is nice to be able to experience what the Horvat family has to offer from their own property.

The Spa Bar menu does not neglect anyone desiring a suitable finish to a meal in the form of a classy dessert. They range from a white chocolate and banana calzone ($16) to a vanilla ice cream affogato topped with a shot of hot espresso and Frangelico liqueur ($16). We chose a traditional chocolate mousse ($12) crowned with a fat cherry and dusting of icing sugar. Gloriously rich, it was more than enough for two people to share and that’s what we did, completing a great evening meal.

Words & images: Anthony Sawrey

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

24 Gig guide

www.tlnews.com.au

Gig Guide Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn Springs

Spa Bar, Daylesford

Got a gig you want to list? It's free. Email news@tlnews.com.au

Friday Frivolities – Friday, February 16, Happy Hour from 6pm-8pm Michelle Parsons – Saturday, February 17, 8.30pm Daisy Kilbourne – Sunday, February 18, 5pm Friday Frivolities – Friday, February 23, Happy Hour from 6pm-8pm Gabe Atkinson – Saturday, February 24, 8.30pm Harry Jakamarra – Sunday, February 25, 4pm Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, February 14, 7pm-10pm Steve Murphy Jazz Trio – Thursday, February 15, 7pm-10pm.

DJ Beats with Moodle – Friday, February 16, 9pm-11pm Family Farm Band – Saturday, February 17, 7.30pm-10.30pm Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, February 21, 7pm-10pm Edgeley Williams – Thursday, February 22, 7pm-10pm.

DJ Beats – Friday, February 23, 9pm-11pm Ten Story Tale – Saturday, February 24, 7.30pm-10.30pm Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, February 28, 7pm-10pm

Caroline Gale - Friday, February 16 The Cartwheels - Saturday, February 17 Next Episode - Sunday, February 18 William Alexander - Friday, February 23 Jimi Crisp - Saturday, February 24 Never Eccentric - Sunday, February 25

Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine

The Zero Point – Saturday, February 17 The Regular Joes – Saturday, February 24

RACV Goldfields Resort, Creswick

Jesse Zahra - Friday, February 16 Geoff and Majella – Friday, February 23 Jesse Zahra - Friday, March 2 Jarrod Shaw - Friday, March 9 Don Fisher - Friday, March 16

OUR OWN LOCAL LAMB & AGED BEEF AND McIVOR PORK LOCALLY GROWN CHICKEN & FREE RANGE EGGS RANGE OF HOUSE-MADE SMALLGOODS & A GOURMET CHEESE SELECTION SUPPLIER TO REGION’S LEADING RESTAURANTS 37 VINCENT STREET. DAYLESFORD. PHONE 5348 2094 MON - THURS: 7AM - 5.30 PM FRIDAY: 7AM - 6PM SATURDAY: 7AM - 1PM

www.tlnews.com.au

Meal Deals 25

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!

Monday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness - $20 (Vegetarian too) Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Parma Night Mercato, Daylesford - One course, glass of wine - $30 Grande Hotel, Hepburn Springs - Locals' Night - 2-courses $35, 3-courses - $45

Tuesday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips - $20 Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek - Parma night - $16

Saturday:

The Surly Goat, Hepburn - 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.

Sunday:

The Surly Goat, Hepburn - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and a glass of wine - $45

Community Lunch:

The 5000 Club, Daylesford is open for lunch from noon at Stanbridge Hall, Central Springs Road, Daylesford. All welcome.

Happy Hours:

Wednesday:

Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine has Nibbles 'n' Bubbles with wine, sparkling and beer specials with free dips and nibbles, 5pm-6.30pm.

Old Hepburn Hotel - Friday, 6pm-8pm, raffles, trivia, bar snacks

Thursday:

Raffles:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20 The Spa Bar, Daylesford - $10 pizza Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Curry Night The Spa Bar, Daylesford - $10 pizza The Plough, Trentham - Locals' All Day Dining - 2 courses $27/3 courses $32

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

Friday:

The Surly Goat, Hepburn - 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.

Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine - Express Jalapeno Poppers $12, Fried Chicken Wings $12, Refried Bean Rolls $12, Fried Baby Calamari Tostada $16, 12-2.30pm

Real mates.

Real community spirit.

That’s a real pub.

Eat. Drink. Be Local.

FRIDAY MEAT RAFFLE

FEBRUARY RAISING MONEY FOR

HEPBURN KINDERGARTEN

OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER 1 EAST ST DAYLESFORD 03 5348 2091

OPENING MARCH 2018

THEFARMERSARMS.COM.AU

W E N

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U N E

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY DOLLY’S DISCO BINGO Wednesday 14th - 6.30-8.30pm Bingo with music & trivia.

Lots of fun and prizes to be won.

MARCH

VEG

N&

IA TAR

E

GLU

CHILL OUT TRIVIA NIGHT Saturday 10th - 6pm With Gabriella Labucci and Sarina Belle.

Entry includes: Trivia, show & 2 course dinner $62.50 per person

E

DOLLY’S DISCO BINGO Wednesday 28th - 6.30-8.30pm Bingo with music & trivia.

Lots of fun and prizes to be won.

RE NF

TE

NS

IO OP T

WELCOME to our new Bistro managers Karen & Emma & crew.

We have some exciting new options as well as some old favourites.

Camp St, Daylesford | 03 5348 2130 | www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au Stay updated on the latest events by visiting our website or Facebook page.

Awaken your spirit of discovery.

Lot 2 Railway Cres, Daylesford, Victoria . 03 5348 1920

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Out & About 27

To market, to market, to buy some watermelon

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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 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

A Happy Small-Town Market

Fresh organic fruit & veggies, handmade gifts, cakes, coffee, art, music

Sat February 17th, 9am - 1pm 3rd Saturday of the Month 19-21 Victoria Street, Creswick

Supporting local & regional producers, artists, makers & community

plants, eggs, jams, nuts, cheese, bread, kids fun, soaps, jewellery & more

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

28 Trades

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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

Torrance

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

EarthmovingPty Ltd

• • • • • •

All types of excavation work Driveways & access roads Pipe laying & drainage Site clearing and leveling Dam construction Tree & vegetation removal Call Rob 0427 483 238 Or Kerry 0409 707 146 ABN 83622329500 torranceearthmoving@bigpond.com

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

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DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

Trades 29

das3460@bigpond.com

Clement F Mooney

Email: c.mooney@bigpond.net.au

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

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.

Call Kiyo on

0419 267 685

das3460@bigpond.com

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

Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458

www.hepburnfencing.com.au

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

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!

Malone Tree Services Liam Malone . Limited Access . Fully Insured .Specialists Qualified . Mulching Available

0423 945 436

30 Gardens

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Where’s Wally? Probably still wasting water!

I

T HAPPENS every hot summer, when I drive past verdant (often municipal) gardens with expanses of lush green lawns with sprinklers randomly spraying buckets of precious water…I get bloody angry with the thoughtlessness, no, the arrogance of those who put the quality of their lawn above the real purpose of our water supplies.

Especially so when probably 85 per cent or more is blown onto surrounding paths and roadways, or onto top level foliage and never reaches the roots, where the plants need it most.

I won't go into the problems caused by damp leaves in a hot wind or the fungal problems brought about by watering at night.

Having been involved in the launch and promotion of the earliest "drip watering systems" in the early 70s, it was at that time that I first wrote a story for the now long defunct, Australian Home Gardener, which shows just how much water is needed to supply our daily needs. For your convenience, if you read on, I've metricated the volume amounts.

I have been committed to that form of garden watering ever since, so much so that, through my radio programs, I became a mouthpiece for the 'Don't be a Wally with Water' water-saving campaign.

It's scary to think that even in the most wasteful home, the water use is negligible when compared with the amounts used by plants and animals in the production of food and this is where the real problem lies.

Admittedly, these figures were derived in the early 1970s, long before our modern techniques and practices, in Western populations generally brought the actual usage down.

Look at it this way, although it may take 5500 litres of water for industrial and personal purposes per person, it could take up to 50 times that amount for the foodstuff in the daily diet of each person each day. The figures prove it.

A normal loaf of bread requires 2545 litres of water, for the plant that produced the grain. For a single egg 1000 litres is needed to produce the grain that fed the hen.

An orange would have used 300 litres of water, a litre of milk 500 litres and a pint of beer 150 litres. Most staggering of all is the fact that it took more than half a million litres to produce a man's woollen suit.

It's just that we're never going to have any new water, we've been recycling the one same lot since time immemorial. It's a sobering thought to consider that some great, mud-encrusted triceratops had probably once rolled in the water that's just gone into your scotch. Or, as someone more perceptive than me once said, we are today drinking Archimedes' bathwater.

I'm doing my best. As well as converting my entire garden beds to slow release "weeping" hoses, an hour per week, per bed and, that summer brown mass, I jokingly call my lawn is left to struggle until the autumn rains.

I've always wanted to have the brilliant display of a vivid orange-scarlet eucalyptus ficifolia of my own but have never lived anywhere long enough for one to grow to adulthood - that is, until now. Well, we actually inherited not one, but several, with our current house, above right. And thanks to the E. ficifolia not being totally consistent with the colours of their seedling progeny, we also have a beautiful white one.

Like many other native plants, eucalypts flower in annual cycles flowering randomly for two or four years and then producing masses the next. This year, with that sudden period of unexpected downpours at just the right time, the flowering gums have produced, to my delight, a bumper crop of blooms, not to mention the swarms of hungry bees and chattering flocks of musk and other lorikeets.

Also paying us a brief visit recently was a juvenile grey butcherbird, above left, who stayed long enough to refresh at our birdbath before continuing his croaky search for his family.

Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

WATER BORING Water Divining

NO WATER NO CHARGE Over 25 years experience

Dan McMahon 0421 870 308

www.centrestatedrilling.com.au

centrestatedrilling@yahoo.com.au

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

Just briefly 31

Citizen wildlife project

L

ANDOWNERS and environmental groups in the Macedon Ranges will have the chance to record sightings of the threatened greater glider, powerful owl and brush-tailed phascogale as part of a new citizen science wildlife project.

The $70,000 project is a partnership between the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network and Macedon Ranges Shire Council. The funds will be used to undertake a series of spotlight and remote camera surveys for the target species on public and private land in the Macedon Ranges and surrounding areas. Interested landowners can contact environment officer William Terry, call 5421 9674 or email wterry@ mrsc.vic.gov.au The project will be launched on March 10 at Newham Mechanics Institute. Bookings: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events or call 5421 9660.

Autumn flower show

K

YNETON Horticultural Society is hosting its annual Autumn Flower Show at the Kyneton Showgrounds on Saturday, March 3 from 1pm to 5pm and Sunday, March 4 from 10am to 4.30pm.

The show highlights dahlias, roses, cut flowers, shrubs, pot plants, cacti and succulents, floral art, vegetables and a children’s section. There is also a special division recognising 70 years of the hybrid ‘Peace’ rose. A range of plants will be available for sale, grown by KHS members. As well as the plant stall, there will be a treasure trove of many potted offerings for sale of rare plants including succulents from a local 150-year-old garden. Afternoon tea provided. Admission $4. For enquiries and entry forms contact president Nicholas Scott on 0438 664 849 or email nicholasscott@bigpond.com

Net zero emissions

T

HE Victorian Government, with the Coalition for Community Energy, Hepburn Wind and the Hepburn Shire community, will work to develop a plan to achieve net zero emissions for the municipality.

Hepburn Shire residents will be surveyed on the emissions generated from their home electricity and transport usage as work begins on the TAKE2 Community Transition Pilot this month. The pilot will support the development of a net zero emissions transition plan for the Hepburn community, identify a range of local projects and build community capacity and resources to transition to a net zero emissions community. The Victorian Government has invested $81,000 in the pilot, while the Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Wind, and the Danish Samsø Energy Academy are providing additional funding of $30,000.

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 LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT results, a club profile SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION services or just someone doing & MAINTENANCE something amazing at PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING your club.

OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISION OF SLUDGE PUMP-OUT LATEST SLUDGE-JUDGE TECHNOLOGY AUTHORISED TAYLEX SERVICE AGENT

www.sanae-svcs.com.au

PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460 koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au (03) 5348 4852 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!

D

AYLESFORD'S Noel Beare lost his eldest son Dwight in 2016 after the 27-year-old was killed in a sidecar race at the Isle of Man. But while he has been through the worst pain imaginable to a parent, Noel is determined to keep living and doing the things he loves, like being a passenger on the Irving Vincent side car at Phillip Island. "Dwight continues to inspire us."

Read his story on page 19.

Image: SD Pics