January 28, 2019 Issue 142 Bullarto’s Browns
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
www.tlnews.com.au
2 About Us Front cover: Peter Brown's family has lived in Bullarto for five generations. Read his story, by Bob Kearsley, on page 14. Image: Kyle Barnes
January 28, 2019 Issue 142 Bullarto’s Browns
llectualise the “I do not over-inte ple: I try to keep it sim production process. ry.” Tell the damned sto cy - Tom Clan
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, February 11, 2019. Or online on Sunday, February 10 at www.tlnews.com.au The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd
Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local:
The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
Space bookings: Wednesday, February 6 Copy deadline: Thursday, February 7 Editorial deadline: Thursday, February 7
HE Local is a free publication distributed throughout the Central Highlands of Victoria. The first "monthly" edition was published in September 2013 and immediately became fortnightly thanks to the demand of our readers and advertisers.
Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes
T
The Local is brought to you by a team of local journalists, photographers, columnists, sub-editors, graphic designers, book-keepers and, of course, great delivery people. So when we talk about being local, we really do put our money where our mouth is. The Local's motto is to "connect the community" by bringing people closer with great features on amazing local people and ensuring you know what is happening around your community whether that's a festival, a fete or maybe just a great special from one of our fantastic advertisers. Content is key. We love writing about local people doing inspiring things and even local people doing ordinary things. And as some people, mostly politicians, have found out, if you are not local you will not appear in the pages of The Local. You will find The Local, and all the back copies, online at www.tlnews.com.au and we deliver bulk drops throughout the region along with smaller "cafe" packs to every cafe, hotel, bar and restaurant we can find. We've even heard of The Local turning up in places like a cafe in St Kilda and a bar in Bali! All up we have a print and online readership of about 14,000. The Local's advertising rates have always been kept affordable so even small advertisers can advertise big. Colour is free, the sizes are an eighth, quarter, banner, half and full page and we can help with making up branding and graphics. The world is confusing enough, so we like to keep things simple. Finally, from the start, we have offered two free adverts in every edition for notfor-profit organisations along with a rescue pet looking for a new home. It's just our way of giving back. We really hope you enjoy this edition of The Local. Cheers, Donna (Ed)
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
Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Sales | Samantha Murdoch on 0490 056 178 or sales@tlnews.com.au Writers | Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Anthony Sawrey, Peter Young and Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Columnists | Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design) and Sam Redlich (wellbeing) Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Anthony Sawrey Call us for news and advertising on 5348 7883 or 0416 104 283 Email: news@tlnews.com.au, donna@tlnews.com.au, kyle@tlnews.com.au See all our 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 as you like...
“The Local is the future of regional publishing!” - former senator John Madigan in the Australian Parliament Just sayin’... :)
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News 3
Vale Jack Atkinson 1924 - 2019
A newspaperman, sportsman and weatherman. Read Jack's story in The Local at www.tlnews.com.au - May 22, 2017, p5.
Report on failed Live.Love.Life. festival
A
The report makes a series of recommendations that will ensure that Daylesford N INDEPENDENT review into the abandoned Live.Love.Life festival has found significant issues in the operations of Daylesford Macedon Macedon Tourism can continue to operate, each of which has been accepted by Visit Victoria and the Daylesford Macedon Tourism board. Tourism contributed to its failure.
The review found that Daylesford Macedon Tourism lacked the governance structures and capability to deliver a festival of its size and scope. Visit Victoria, which granted the $450,000 funding of which $200,000 was spent, has welcomed the findings and will work with the organisation to ensure all recommendations are fully implemented. The Victorian Government has also committed to invest $200,000 towards community festivals in Hepburn and the Macedon Ranges shires. New CEO of Daylesford Macedon Tourism, Steve Wroe, is working with new board members to resolve these issues, strengthen governance and business practices, and make sure that the organisation continues to deliver marketing initiatives for the region. “We fully accept the findings outlined in the report and will commit to the recommendations that will ensure the sustainable future of our organisation,” Mr Wroe said. “Daylesford Macedon Tourism is already working to resolve these issues, rebuild relationships with community groups and re-establish trust in our organisation.”
These include implementing new governance practices and establishment of a Finance & Risk Committee, reprioritisation of core business delivery and a review of criteria assessment for regional events by Visit Victoria. Daylesford Macedon Tourism will also invite both Macedon Ranges and Hepburn shire councils to take up positions on the board. To ensure Daylesford Macedon Tourism can get back on its feet and meet all of its financial commitments, Visit Victoria will bring forward part of the next portion of the organisation’s Regional Marketing Partnership grant funding. A Daylesford Macedon Ranges newsletter for 2019 said of the $200,000, $116,000 was spent on contracted staff who were employed to organise and promote the event, $48,000 on marketing and PR costs, $18,000 on operations and $18,000 on cancellation costs. The newsletter said it was “worth noting that the scaled-back event that ran was extremely successful, with 1600 event tickets sold. While it was not as envisioned, the Live.Love.Life Weekend still delivered.”
*Letters page 35
Words: Donna Kelly
4 Our artists
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From Sunbury Rock Festival to McCubbin
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ICHARD Chamerski was born in England to Polish parents in 1951 and migrated to Australia in that same year, settling in Tullamarine.
Studying commercial art and then working in advertising, he always enjoyed painting and drawing, deriving his artistic lineage from the great artists of the Australian Heidelberg School. Richard was also a bass player with the Total Fire Band which performed at the first Sunbury Rock Festival in 1972 alongside Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs and The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, to name a few. “The band split up in 1978 and that's how I got into art. I sat on the back porch and copied one of my favourite artist’s - Frederick McCubbin - paintings. He actually lived in the Macedon Ranges. “My paintings are traditional impressionistic landscapes and seascapes which often feature children and romantic figures from an era long since past. I mainly work in oils but I have tried other mediums. “To me, art is all about light. What I try to capture in my paintings are the contrasts of light in the landscape. My favourite time to paint is early morning or late afternoon when the shadows are long and the sun bathes the hills in glowing sunlight.” Richard has held exhibitions in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and his work is represented in many collections throughout Australia, including the Ledger Collection, Benalla Regional Gallery, Victoria as well as overseas in many collections in Japan, England, Switzerland, Hong Kong, America, Germany and France. He is currently part of the Woodend Art Group which holds exhibitions throughout the year, with his work also on show at the Woodend Lions Art Show. “The Central Highlands has so much to offer the artist as it is so diverse with subjects to paint. I've lived in the area for over 30 years and am still discovering places to put onto canvas.”
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
Newstead Live
Newstead Live had music for everyone over the long weekend. Clockwise from left, Nadia, Great Divide, GraceJean and Live 'n' Local stage organisers Tino and Marlow Images: Anthony Sawrey
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Wellbeing
Daylesford Swim
with Sam Redlich
febfast – a family affair I told the kids that their dad and I were going to try febfast this year and asked them if they wanted to join us. They had no idea what a febfast was. We talked of the history of fasting in terms of religion, spirituality and health benefits. I explained that in our contemporary world, febfast was picking out a naughty habit that you wanted to stop for the month of February, something that would be challenging but not impossible. I chose coffee, Martijn chose alcohol, Alex chose soft drink and Lukas chose high jumps - jumping from high places like the couch or shed roof! In preparation we started two weeks before Feb. Martijn began to reduce his daily alcohol intake to a few on the weekends and I reduced my coffee intake to one per day and introduced decaf. Stopping either alcohol or coffee abruptly has shown to have a negative effect due to rapid detox, so our reduction and preparation process a couple of weeks out was to combat this. Lukas did a high jump off the tramp and came running yelling “Mum, Mum I’ve failed febfast”. I said, “It’s OK honey it’s still only January. But hey, good practice for when the real challenge starts”. Alex? He’s well on his game. So, what will you fast from in February? Food? Drink? Unhelpful behaviours? The list is endless, but whatever you choose, please febfast safely. If you drink alcohol regularly, cut down first before eliminating completely. Other naughties like too much caffeine, smoking and sugar also require slow elimination as opposed to an abrupt stop and it could be wise to visit your GP and let them know what you are up to. There may be some health indications and methods of support they can advise. So why don’t we make febfast a fun time with the family, partners and friends as together we commit to changing unhelpful habits and support each other in the process? Chats on our struggles and successes can bring us closer together and give us an opportunity to share ideas of how to stay true to our fast.
T
HE 10th Annual Lake Daylesford Swim Classic will be held on Sunday, February 3.
The free event is a 1.3km open water swim with entry available for those aged 14 years and over. Registration is from 10am and the start is at 11am. There are plenty of fabulous prizes on offer and the event is a fundraiser for the La Faek Diak Medical Clinic in Triloka, East Timor. The event is strongly contested by swimmers from the Central Highlands region and Melbourne.
Details: gregfstewart6@gmail.com
T
Clarification
HE Run for the Willow at Cricket Willow, Shepherds Flat, held on Sunday, January 6, raised $2220 for Camp Quality.
The last edition of The Local, January 4, wrongly printed the event had raised $220. Sorry. The 14th annual event saw a strong field of almost 400 contenders from Australia and Scotland vying for wins and places in a full card of Victorian Athletic League professional races from 70m to 1600m. The main events are the $2000 Telstra 100m Daylesford Gift and the $700 Cricket Willow 100m Women’s Vase. The winner of the Women’s Vase was Loryn Savoia of Spring Hill. The winner of the Daylesford Gift was John Hilditch of Altona.
Happy febfasting Yours in health and wellbeing, Sam
ON THE BANKS OF LAKE DAYLESFORD
2019
Thurs 18 - Mon 22 April Closing date for entry applications: Fri 5 April Opening & presentation of awards: Thurs 18 April: 7.30pm (all welcome)
Trentham Mechanics Hall 85 High Street, Trentham General Enquiries: Jill McCallum 0403650811 jillmccallum@live.com Entry Enquiries: Bette McLaren 54241127 mclarenjr@bigpond.com Jacinta Burke 0418542411 jacinta@jacintaburke.com.au trenthamartshow.org
Exquisite water views from any vantage point, The Boathouse Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can take in the beautiful views from our warm and cosy indoor dining area for winter catch ups and our outdoor deck and seating area during the warmer months. The Boathouse Restaurant provides year-round comfort with stylish food and a relaxed yet professional style of service, making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine over a meal with family and friends. BREAKFAST Saturday and Sunday 8.30-11.30 sharp LUNCH Wednesday to Sunday 11.30-2.30
DINNERS ARE HERE Friday and Saturday nights 5.30-8.30 Bookings available for dinner
The Boathouse Restaurant does not take bookings for breakfast and lunch but welcomes guests on a walk in basis.
2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford | 03 5348 2199
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News 7
Hundreds farewell Trentham treasure David
M
ORE than 400 family and friends braved the late-January heat wave weather to gather in Trentham’s Quarry Street Reserve just before Australia Day to farewell the late David Bryant, described by one prominent local as “a Trentham treasure”.
David, who died of heart failure while working on his emerging Trentham fern gully oasis next to Trentham’s Stony Creek, was a prominent supporter of local community projects and the local arts. He was described in a dozen formal tributes on the day as a passionate family man, gardener, nature lover, a person who nurtured people and trees, artist, free spirit, Demons football supporter and a person who “made things happen”. Former Trentham Spudfest chair Jacinta Carboon described David and wife Janine as two of the most community-minded people she had ever met, when paying tribute to his important work helping to create and sustain the town’s annual potatothemed festival which celebrates its 12th year this coming May 4. “He cared for family, friends and community – and put this into action walking the walk,” she said when detailing David’s enthusiastic and practical work supporting local projects such as Spudfest, Landcare, the Historical Society, the Hairy Arch art award, and work to make a Matthew Harding memorial a reality. Prominent local artist Rose Wilson paid tribute to “loyal and feisty friend” David’s suggestion, which he followed up with relentless enthusiasm, that local artists who attended Trentham life drawing classes together should enter prestigious national art awards, a thought that had never entered any of their minds. David, who became a gifted painter after years of running a commercial art business with Janine, subsequently qualified as a finalist in the major, National Blake Prize, was short-listed for the Black Swan Portraiture Prize and was hung six times in the annual Hidden Faces or Victorian Salon des Refuses. Rose, to her surprise, went on to feature in the high-profile Archibald, Doug Moran and Black Swan awards. Rose and fellow award-winning artists Helen Cottle and Louise Otten supervised the painting of David’s coffin in his studio in the socalled “blue house” at the west end of Trentham’s High Street by 30 or so local artists, close friends and his grandchildren. She said the exercise was a cathartic experience for those involved, a tribute to their former friend and echoed David’s project five years ago when he asked the local art community to help him paint a life-sized fibreglass kangaroo which was later auctioned to raise funds for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. David’s 100-year-old mother Bess, in a message delivered by David’s sister Jill Newton, described him as an inquisitive tiny tot with yellow curls, always eager for his next naughty episode with naughtiness that seemed to last until he was at least 24 years old. Brother Leigh said: “While he didn’t have a religious bone in his body, he lived a life of Christian values”. Wife Janine Bryant said David started his graphic design business in 1982 with a kitchen stool at a card table with a home-made light box as his only equipment. They became a team and started their commercial art business, called Art Attack. They moved to East Trentham in 1993, initially as weekenders, and David subsequently planted literally thousands of trees and plants, each one with a story remembered. This helped get him through the working week back in Melbourne. “He was not one to sit back,” she said, while describing subsequent projects to build Bessie’s Bridge on their property with neighbour Paul Bibby in honour of his mother’s then-imminent 100th birthday and to install Matt Harding sculptures to appear to float on their dam. Then there was the conversion of the ugly hulk that is now the striking building providing an appropriate town gateway from the west at 22 High Street, and to begin converting the weed-choked, flooded block between the Quarry Street Reserve and the old railway.
“He was so excited – and his vision was not just for us, but for the whole town,” Janine said when detailing the two Trentham town-site projects. David Bryant’s funeral service noted that his family were grateful his heart attack happened in a place he loved and that the people he loved were with him. “Alan and Jim Dickerson – he considered you his brothers. Chris Brown – he considered you a friend and was enjoying getting you involved in his projects. Chris is an active CFA member and was able to call his son Ethan, who is an emergency first responder. Their fast action meant David was given every chance to still be with us today. “In lieu of flowers, you may care to donate to our Trentham/Tylden CFA units. “Contributions can be placed via EFT. BSB: 633-000 Account: 130941362 D Bryant Donation Account."
Words & image: Peter Young
8 News
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Daylesford, Creswick among top 10 suburbs
D
AYLESFORD and Creswick are among the top 10 regional growth suburbs according to quarterly data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
REIV president Robyn Waters, pictured right, said regional Victoria’s property market was the star performer in the 2018 calendar year, with a 5.5 per cent annual increase in the median house price to $400,000 (up from $379,000) and annual increases of more than 20 per cent in the top five regional suburbs according to annual growth. “The 2.5 per cent increase in the median house price for the December quarter was the second strongest for the year, in contrast to Metropolitan Melbourne which had its weakest quarter,” Ms Waters said. “Our latest data showed some surprise quarterly increases in inland Victoria with Golden Point, Irymple and Daylesford all achieving an uplift of more than nine per cent.” The data also revealed that Melbourne’s median house price increased 1.4 per cent to $826,500 (from $815,000) and the unit price increased 1.8 per cent to $597,000 (from $586,500) in the 2018 calendar year. Ms Waters said despite low confidence, sluggish auction clearance rates and a 20 per cent reduction in residential property sales in the past 12 months, vendors are still getting good prices for their homes when they do sell. “It might take you a bit longer to sell and you might have to put in a bit more effort, but the big picture is showing that house prices have increased slightly in Melbourne over the past 12 months. “There is no doubt that the banks’ tighter lending conditions are contributing to this trend as are incentives for first homebuyers which encourage the purchase of affordable properties, more likely to be found in outer Melbourne or regional Victoria.” Ms Waters said the REIV expected Victoria’s property market to remain steady in the first half of 2019, waiting on the outcome of the banking Royal Commission and the federal election “but things should begin to look up again in the second half of the year”.
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Regional: Top 10 growth suburbs (quarterly) (Dec-18 Median, Sep-18 Median, Quarterly Change, Annual Change) 1 Golden Point (Ballarat) - $370,000, $331,500, 11.6%, 21.3% 2 Irymple - $351,500, $320,000, 9.8%, 9.0% 3 Daylesford - $600,000, $550,000, 9.1% 17.6% 4 Newborough - $251,500, $235,000, 7.0%, 10.5% 5 Ararat - $214,500, $200,750, 6.8%, 2.4% 6 Creswick - $357,500, $335,000, 6.7%, 12.4% 7 Maryborough - $250,000, $235,000, 6.4%, 26.6% 8 Yarrawonga - $382,500, $361,750, 5.7%, 12.2% 9 Wendouree - $320,000, $305,000, 4.9%, 25.7% 10 Bell Post Hill - $501,500, $481,750, 4.9%, 25.7%
Regional: Top 10 growth suburbs (annual) (Dec-18 median, annual change, quarterly change) 1 Loch Sport - $225,000, 32.4%, 2.3% 2 Wonthaggi - $348,500, 29.1%, 2.8% 3 Maryborough - $250,000, 26.6%, 6.4% 4 Wendouree - $320,000, 25.7%, 4.9% 5 Golden Point (Ballarat) - $370,000, 21.3%, 11.6% 6 Wallan - $507,500, 19.4%, 4.0% 7 Corio - $370,000, 19.4%, 1.4% 8 Armstrong Creek - $525,800, 19.1%, -0.2% 9 Kyabram - $290,000, 18.4%, 0.0% 10 Grovedale - $505,000, 17.9%, 3.6%
Nutritious lunchbox ideas to get your child back-to-school ready
I
t’s almost back-to-school time with many parents busily preparing their child’s school list, uniforms and lunchboxes. Hepburn Health’s Health Promotion Officer Taletha Rizio knows the many challenges parents face in finding nutritious food that won’t end up uneaten at the bottom of the school bag.
To find out more about our Health Promotion and Oral Health services and how they can support you and your child’s needs, contact Taletha, Health Promotion Officer on 5321 6699 and the Oral Health Team on 5321 6580
With experience supporting children and parents to develop good healthy eating habits, Taletha’s excited to share tips and ideas about healthy eating through Hepburn Health’s rollout of the Victorian Government’s Achievement Program across local kindergartens and primary schools. “The Achievement Program will provide a holistic approach to integrating and supporting physical activity, mental health and wellbeing of children, teachers and the wider community,” says Taletha. To support and inspire families to create healthy lunchboxes, Taletha recommends the Department of Health & Human Services’ terrific tool – Pick & Mix 1-6 which provides a range of ideas and practical tips to follow. Great recipe ideas and menu planners are available on the website https://heas.health.vic.gov.au/ schools/healthy-lunchboxes
Smiles 4 Miles
Tooth decay is Australia’s most common yet preventable health problem. Smiles 4 Miles encourages children to maintain good oral health habits, healthy eating and to drink plenty of water. Developed by Dental Health Services Victoria, the Smiles 4 Miles program will see our Oral Health Team visit kindergartens and early learning centres across the Hepburn Shire providing dental examinations and oral health education along with practical advice to parents. “Developing healthy habits early sets up young children and their parents to form good choices and recognise ‘every day’ foods such as fruit and vegetables, dairy, lean meats, poultry, fish and limit ‘sometimes’ foods such as sugary drinks and foods containing added sugar” says Liz McLoughlin, Oral Health Coordinator at Hepburn Health. To maintain strong and healthy teeth, our Oral Health Team recommends: • Water as the drink of choice; • A wide variety of nutritious foods every day from the five food groups; and • Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day.
SUPPORTED PLAYGROUP is back for term 1 Hepburn Shire residents with children aged 0-5 years are invited to attend Supported Playgroup, funded by Victorian Department of Education and Training held in Daylesford and Creswick. Join us for free weekly two-hour Supported Playgroup sessions during school terms, where children will have the opportunity to meet other children, access activities and participate in singing and story groups. A qualified facilitator will introduce various weekly topics as part of the smalltalk program. This program includes visits from early childhood professionals who will provide information on local support services and programs. Daylesford: Tuesdays 11am – 1pm Creswick: Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am For more information about eligibility and to register contact smalltalk on 5321 6550 or email smalltalk@hhs.vic.gov.au Advertorial
HEPBURN HEALTH DENTAL SERVICES
SMALLTALK
SUPPORTED PLAYGROUP
Daylesford & Creswick
CRESWICK | DAYLESFORD We provide free dental services for children 0-12 years. Dental treatments available for Health Care Card and Pension concession card holders (co-payment applies). Additional services on offer include: •
Youth Dental (age 13-17)
•
General, Emergency Care & Denture services
Speak to our friendly staff for eligibility requirements and services available on 5321
6580
Smalltalk is a welcoming, fun learning environment for parents and their children. Enrol now to develop skills and techniques that support your child’s learning. •
Weekly 2 hour sessions during school terms
•
For newborn to school age children
•
Join to meet other parents, form new friendships and receive professional support if needed
•
No cost involved (Eligibility Criteria Applies)
REGISTRATIONS
NOW OPEN
Contact us to discuss eligibility criteria and to register on
5321 6550 or email smalltalk@hhs.vic.gov.au
10 Happy & Healthy
Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you
My dear friend has died. She has left behind a legacy her family, her friends, her garden. Am I strong enough to feel the sadness of this loss? Can I honour her ever-present touch on my heart, my mind, my soul? Can I share her greater gifts as I live from moment to moment? When you encounter loss
what dream do you hold? For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352
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Clinical Hypnosis for
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Also providing counselling and clinical hypnosis for the management of insomnia, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, anxiety & depression.
Hale House 24 Raglan Street, Daylesford Enquiries and appointments Phone 0491 331 951 No referral required. Medicare rebates apply. leighhibbins.com.au
Ken loving life - and dessert - at Hepburn House
H
EPBURN House resident Ken Layfield came for the care – and stayed for the dessert.
When Ken was a child, his mother owned three restaurants and he used to go around to all of them watching the chefs cooking and sometimes they would teach him how to cook meals and let him taste what they were making. So, when it comes to commenting on the meals, as well as morning and afternoon tea at Hepburn House, Ken has the experience. “I love the dessert, that is my favourite – I’m a real sweet tooth and I love a trickle of honey on everything,” Ken said. All Hepburn House meals are made at the on-site kitchen, with the menu easily able to be tailored to meet dietary as well as religious requirements. Residents also enjoy the in-house team of dedicated personal care workers, as well as access to allied health professionals who visit Hepburn House regularly. It’s the company of that staff which also makes Hepburn House a home-style environment for Ken – along with visits from his four children, eight grandchildren and more than 15 great-grandchildren. “I enjoy the staff, and I also love visits from my family.” The staff also enjoy Ken’s company, giving him quite the glowing comment. “The staff at Hepburn House love caring for Ken - he is an absolute delight!” Residents at Hepburn House can choose to participate in a range of activities, from exercise classes to craft groups and Morning Melodies. Regular outings are also held, for residents to head into town for coffee and shopping.
Hepburn House is located at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford. For more information, call 5348 8100 or visit www.hepburnhouse.com.au
Advertorial
Do you keep people happy and healthy? Advertise here and let everyone know.
Dr Greg Malcher retiring from practice DR GREG Malcher is retiring from his practice at Springs Medical on April 18. Dr Malcher, who has worked as a GP in Daylesford for 32 years, said he and his wife Sally wanted to thank everyone - fellow staff members, medical, nursing and allied health colleagues - that they had worked with over the past 32 years, as well as the patients and so many in the local community who have given their friendship and trust. Dr Malcher said he would work over the coming weeks with his current patients to provide ongoing medical care for them with the GP team at Springs Medical after his retirement. He spoke with Springs Medical’s Dianne Caithness. Dianne: How long have you been working at Springs Medical? Greg: I have been working as a GP in Daylesford for 32 years, the past 11 years at Springs Medical, and previously at Daylesford General Practice and with Dr Peter Harper. My wife Sally set aside her work as a midwife for her new career as the stay at home parent to our three daughters, a challenge at times due to my long work hours and my onerous on call and obstetric duties. In addition, she shared with Karyn and Vicki the early management at Daylesford General Practice, while answering the home phone before mobiles came in. It was sooo long ago! Dianne: What do you like about working in a rural clinic? Greg: Living in the community with my workmates and patients. Dianne: What can you tell us about you that not many people know? Greg: I won the men’s doubles at Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club with the Gold Logie winner Sam Johnson as my partner: he’s a gun player and I am not.
L-R Sally and Dr Greg Malcher - Photo: Leslie Scott Photography
Dianne: What is your favourite book? Greg: The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien: atomic surrealism meets an Irish Crime and Punishment. Dianne: Can you share a story about your time at Springs? Greg: I realised after six months working at Springs Medical that I had chosen the consulting room closest to our old surgery, now the Taj Mahal restaurant. It shows how much I loved working with the smaller team there while recognising that the change to the new premises at Springs Medical was crucial to the ongoing provision of top quality care to our community. Dianne: Why did you study medicine? Greg: To understand genetics, the basis of so much of our health. Then I realised that what I loved was talking with and understanding people. Dianne: What surprised you about your medical career? Greg: How important my non-medical workmates would be to me.
Essential Health Information For Residents And Visitors CODE RED (CATASTROPHIC) BUSHFIRE RISK POLICY Springs Medical is committed to providing essential health services to residents and visitors to our region. THE PERSONAL SAFETY OF OUR PATIENTS, OUR STAFF AND THEIR FAMILIES IS PARAMOUNT.
On all CODE RED days we will:
Dianne: What would your second career of choice be? Greg: Travel agent. Dianne: How do you see the medical profession changing in the future? Greg: Consumers are going to demand quality and convenience so in the short term general practice will continue to morph into one-stop shops with nurse practitioners and allied health providers working independently of, but also with, GPs. Who knows where digital medicine will take us, but I hope not away from the personal contact that is crucial to the best care. Dianne: What advice would you give a medical student and GP registrars? Greg: Take the time each day to walk through the back office, reception and the nurse’s station to say hi to everyone there. Dianne: Where to from here? Greg: We will see. Finding something to do that makes me feel good. Dianne: Anything else? Greg: Finally, if anyone was considering a farewell gift, I would be grateful if contributions be made to Motor Neurone Disease Victoria, for whom we are doing the Larapinta Walk in NT in September, via the following link: https:// mndvic-larapinta-2019.everydayhero.com/au/sally-and-greg-mnd-walk Advertorial
CLOSE
Springs Medical at Daylesford and Trentham.
Seek to provide an ‘Urgent Care’ service from Daylesford Hospital.
Attempt to contact all patients with booked appointments to reschedule as appropriate.
Please heed the advice of the CFA and other authorities. For urgent medical attention on a CODE RED day contact the
After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222.
We recommend that you download the Vic Emergency App.
In an emergency always call 000. Daylesford
10 Hospital Street tel: (03) 5348 2227
Trentham
22 Victoria Street tel: (03) 5424 1602
www.springsmedical.com.au
BOOK ONLINE WITH
Beauteous Blampied
Maze House
B
lampied, between Daylesford and Newlyn, was named after Louis Blampied who built a hotel, now the very popular Swiss Mountain Hotel.
The town, which had a population of 212 at the last census, also boasted the Blampied Post Office, which opened on November 20, 1879 and closed in 1971. And while it is easy to whiz past on the way to Ballarat, there are plenty of reasons to stop and stay awhile. Firstly, the aforementioned Swiss Mountain Hotel, with great meals and plenty of ways to wet your whistle. Then, almost just over the road, is Overwrought, a fantastic sculpture park and garden with creations by artist David Dawson. A little further up the road you can lose yourself at Maze House which has a 27-year-old hedge maze set in a five-acre country carnival garden with a milk bar/café. Meanwhile at the foot of Kangaroo Hills, Captains Creek is a mixed organic farm, with cellar door, run by four generations of the May family. And while it may be at Smeaton, just a stone's throw away, Tuki Farm and Retreat is another must-do for the area. They take pride in providing visitors with a home away from home that is like no other when travelling for business or for pleasure. So, have a read here, and have a look opposite for some ideas for days off, weekends away or just a lunch break. Beauteous Blampied indeed!
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aze House has a 27-year-old hedge maze set in a five-acre country carnival garden with a milk bar/café.
Go missing in our beautifully manicured conifer hedge maze. Test your skills with original carnival games, like Knock 'em Down target practice, windup horse racing game, "return" bowling and The Amazing Buzz Test. Check out our big food garden, stroll along perennial borders and in the flower cutting garden and find a spot to relax under shady trees. Our café sells delicious homemade light lunches, cakes, scones, good coffee and ice creams. Open 10am to 5pm weekends & school holidays. Costs $11 children and concession, $13 adults and children under 4 free!
www.mazehouse.com.au
Overwrought
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verwrought Garden Art is an inspiring creative retail enterprise set on five acres of lush farmland in Blampied.
Artist David Dawson creates his uniquely Australian sculptural metalwork designs in his extensive workshop, displaying them next door in the rustic hay-shed gallery and beautifully landscaped garden setting that he has created. The gallery also offers the art and produce of more than thirty local artists and makers and some international fair trade artisans. Facilities include an extensive sculpture garden and gallery - and multiple toilets, coffee, drinks and ice creams and picnicking areas are available. Accessible for people using wheelchairs and mobility aids. Extensive parking available including for caravans and buses with an easy access roundabout.
Captains Creek
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aptains Creek rises on a mixed organic farm at Blampied at the foot of Kangaroo Hills. Four generations of the May family have run the 80 hectare farm for more than 100 years since 1909.
The inviting cellar door offers wine and apple cider tastings and delicious lunches served on Saturday and Sunday. The seasonal menu showcases Captains Creek's farm fresh produce direct from the paddock to your plate. Grab a table on the verandah overlooking the vines and try the popular tasting plate which is laden with a selection of local delicacies accompanied with a glass of chilled Captains rosé.
www.captainscreek.com
www.overwrought.com.au
Tuki Farm and Retreat Swiss Mountain Hotel
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ou are guaranteed to catch a trout at Tuki because family fun is our specialty.
Whether you visit for a day or stay for a week in our retreat cottages, you're sure to experience what many of our guests have described as "a piece of heaven on earth". From the pond to the pan or paddock to the plate, the Tuki historic stables restaurant offers a unique opportunity to catch your own lunch and enjoy the true meaning of fresh food. Eat your meal while taking in the amazing ever changing vista we experience at “Stoney Rises”.
www.tuki.com.au
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he Swiss Mountain Hotel, built in 1865 is the oldest weatherboard hotel in Victoria & one of the oldest licenced hotels in Victoria.
Owned and operated by the Frangos family, the hotel was lovingly restored and renovated, four and a half years ago. The menu is a bounty of regional produce featuring the classics and modern bistro with a large range of local and Victorian craft beers and also showcasing local wines. Great place to relax in the stone courtyard in the sunny months or in front of the open fire in the cooler months. Opening in mid-2019 will be a new stone barn housing a produce store/café/ bakery and function room.
www.swissmountainhotel.com.au
Open every day 10am - 5pm 3409 Midland Hwy, Blampied We have a large garden to wander through as well as our gallery featuring a variety of local art and artisan wares from over 30 artists.
Phone : 03 5373 8091 | www.overwrought.com.au
Maze House
Old hedge maze Country carnival garden Milk bar/café
3155 Midland Hwy, Newlyn North. 10 mins from Daylesford. Open weekends, school holidays 10 to 5. Other times by appointment. www.mazehouse.com.au or phone 0437 842 018
Swiss Mountain Hotel MONDAY closed TUESDAY 4PM-onwards WEDNESDAY 10AM-10PM Lunch & Dinner THURSDAY 10AM-10PM Lunch & Dinner FRIDAY 10AM-LATE Lunch & Dinner SATURDAY 10AM-LATE Lunch & Dinner SUNDAY 10AM-LATE Lunch & Dinner Theme nights: Tuesday Night – Pub Classics Wednesday Night – Parma & Pot $25 Thursday Night – Mussels & wine/beer $25 Sunday Night - $15 pizza Full menu is available from Wednesday to Sunday as well as the theme nights 3454 Midland Hwy, Blampied 3364 Phone: 5345 7006
An advertising feature brought to you by The Local
Five generations of Bullarto Browns
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"Nothing unusual about that," says Peter, "part of the deal the railways offered in ETER Brown, pictured above with his wife Judy, knows just about everything there is to know about Bullarto. Not surprising really – he’s those days was to move their families, lock, stock and milking cow.” Along with the railway families came the gatekeepers, who made sure the level lived there for every one of his 82 years, on the same property that his crossings were clear when the trains came through. A Mr and Mrs Drew operated the grandfather carved out of the bush when he settled there in 1886. The place has been home, over the years, to five generations of the Brown family. As Peter says, there are plenty of stories to be told, handed down from generation to generation, about the family, their friends and neighbours, the impact on the local community of external events like world wars and all the other things that have made Bullarto what it is today. One of the most remarkable stories goes back even further than 1886. Peter’s great-grandfather, Alfred Brown, who arrived in Ballarat in 1853 in the wake of the first gold discoveries, was a black American originally from New York. He’d been involved in restaurants back home but – quickly identifying a need – became what his countryfolk called a teamster, running horses and drays to haul anything that needed hauling. He married a Scotswoman, Alison Ormiston, and together they produced 11 children, many born at bush sawmills where their father was contracted to haul timber for the mines and the building boom that followed the gold. Peter’s grandfather, Peter Jerome Augustine Brown, took on the same line of work when he settled at Bullarto at the age of 26. As he told his little grandson years later, that meant travelling all over Victoria and up into New South Wales with his horses and drays, helping to build railway lines. The property at Bullarto was his home base, more a works depot in those days than a farm. For the most part, the fledgling community at Bullarto was welcoming, embracing newcomers to a life that was simple and lacking most of the comforts now long taken for granted. But there were people – wherever the family lived or worked, who couldn’t get past their mixed-race background. Kids were bullied at school, adults subjected to cruel remarks and discrimination. Occasionally, it became too much to bear – a sister of Peter’s grandfather took her family to New Zealand, hoping for a better deal in a country with a substantial Maori population, but they eventually came back. And one of the old man’s brothers, called up for service in WWI after years of torment at school, took to the bush instead. “If they’re going to make fun of me, I’m not going,” he said. And he never did. Peter’s proud of that part of his heritage, and quick to point out that times – and attitudes – have changed. Bullying might still be a problem in schools, but he says the casual and hurtful racism of the past is rare. If there was a single unifying influence in Bullarto when he was growing up, Peter says it was the railway – running between Woodend and Daylesford and connecting with the line that ran from Daylesford to Ballarat via Creswick. ”It was the lifeblood of the place,” he says. “Everything came and went on the railway – potatoes, timber, livestock, milk and cream, the mail and the newspapers.” And the railway people – there for a few years before they moved on to another posting – were indispensable. Peter’s mum was the daughter of a railway family. She came with her parents and sisters from Mildura, with all their worldly possessions, including the family milking cow.
Bullarto crossing for decades without a hitch. But one fateful morning Mrs Drew slept in and the early train from Woodend demolished the gates. She was mortified, but her impeccable record was enough to see the gates rebuilt and the incident swept under the carpet. Her husband, an Englishman, had been a butcher in an earlier life, so he took on the annual task of helping the local farmers slaughter the pigs that provided bacon, ham, salted pork and other delicacies for the year ahead. All part of a simpler country life, as Peter recalls. No refrigerators when he was young, not even an ice-chest. Anything his mother wanted kept cool would be lowered in a bucket by his grandfather into the well near the back door – to sit on the cold water at the bottom until it was needed. When the domestic revolution finally arrived, it was in the form of a kerosene fridge and a petrol-driven washing machine with a choke and a kick-starter. Now, that was progress… But life at Bullarto wasn’t without its rules and regulations. The pound man was a case in point. His job was to round up any animals that had strayed outside the fence and take them to the pound in Daylesford, whence they could be freed for a fee. Not the most popular bloke around, says Peter, recalling the day his father came home for lunch and tied his horses up at the trough just outside the gate while he went to the shed for their feed. The pound man happened along, “arrested” the horses and headed for Daylesford. “Dad hopped on his bike and went after them,” Peter says, "there was one hell of a row, but he got his horses back.” And then there was the “spud inspector”. He turned up when the potatoes had been dug and bagged and the local farmers had brought their crop to the railway goods shed to go to market. The inspector’s job was to make sure the spuds were in good condition, free of disease or scabs and scars from the digging. A bad sample could be enough to condemn an entire season’s crop, so everyone was careful. But one local farmer had an exemplary record – never the slightest sign of a problem and that made people suspicious. So one night, says Peter, a couple of locals popped into the shed and moved the front row of his sacks to the back. The next day, the inspector made his checks and that unblemished record stopped right there. “Can’t understand it,” wailed the unhappy owner of the offending spuds. “I had all the good ones in front. I dunno what went wrong.” Peter is physically a little frail these days, but his love of his family - Peter and Judy celebrate 59 years of marriage in May, and the community of Bullarto – past and present – is undimmed. He talks warmly of the informal “After 5” gatherings that have been organised by local people. “You can have a yarn and a drink and a nibble,” he says, “and catch up with what’s going on. And if someone needs a hand, you can help them out.” That’s the way it’s always been in Peter Brown’s Bullarto, and he doesn’t see that changing any time soon.
Words: Bob Kearsley | Image: Kyle Barnes
DNC - Term 1 Summer Program, 2019
We are a Not-for-Profit organisation and our community is at the heart of all we do.
Poetry Discussion & Workshop When: Monday, Jan 14 to April 1 (8wks) Time: 7pm - 9.30pm Cost: $15 per session
Eight Silken Movements When: Mon, Feb 11 to April 1 Time:10am - 11am Cost: $10 per session,
Intro to Agriculture Micro
When: Feb 20 (10wks) Time: 11am - 4pm Cost: $75, $70 concession
French Language
When: Tues, Feb 29 (8wks) Beginners’ Class: Cost $150 Grammar Class: Cost $120 Conversation class: Cost $80
A Men’s Group
Responsible Serving of Alcohol When: Tuesday, Feb 5 Time: 10am - 2pm Cost: $110
Computer Skills for the Terrified!
Thursday Crochet Group When: Thurs, Feb 7 (8wks) Time: 10am - 12pm Cost: Gold coin donation
Bee-Centred Beekeeping When: Sat, Feb 9 & Sun, Feb 10 Time: 10am - 4pm Cost: $300 / $200 Concession
Intuitive Development for Beginners
Adult Belly Dancing for Beginners
When: Mon, Feb 11 (6wks) Time: 6.30pm- 9pm Cost: $108
When: Tues & Thurs from Feb 12 Time: 11.30pm - 1.30pm Cost: $15, $10 conc.
When: Tues, Feb 12 (8wks) Time: 7pm - 8.30pm
When: Sat, Feb 16 to April 6 (8wks) Time: 10.30am - 11.30am Cost: $100
Ceramics@Clayspace
MULTI MEDIA & MARKETING
First Aid level 2 or CPR Only
Food Safety Handler
When: Mon/Tues/Weds Feb 25 (6wks) Time: 10am - 2.30pm Cost:$145, $120 concession
When: Thurs, Feb 28 (5wks) Time: 10am - 2pm Cost: $100/$90 concession
13 Camp Street Daylesford, Vic 3460 Phone: 5348 3569 | Email: admin@dncentre.org.au Book online @ http://dncentre.org.au/book-a-course.php
Cost: $160, no concession
When: Friday, March 22 Time: 9am - 4pm Cost: $150, $70 CPR Only
When: Friday, April 5 Time: 9.30am - 1.30pm Cost: $110, no concession
Buying or selling property?
ium 019 em Pr mn 2 tu Au
HOUSE.LAND.HOME. Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands
Unlock your property’s potential by advertising in the next edition of HLH Premium, our region’s premium gloss real estate magazine, set to hit shelves in time for the Labour Day weekend visitor rush. Talk to your agent or call the team at The Local on 5348 7883.
'$</(6)25'
AUCTION
DAYLESFORD 1A QUEENSBERRY STREET LUXURY ARCHITECT DESIGNED RESIDENCE Created by Melbourne architect Adam Kane “Hardwood House” was designed with an open, flexible floorplan, to be used both as a single house, or as two independent private rentals with separate entrances. Situated on the top of Wombat Hill and close to Wombat Botanical Gardens, Convent Gallery and a brief walk to Daylesford main street this unique property features numerous bespoke finishes with exceptional attention to detail throughout. The residence comprises of three generous bedrooms, master with freestanding bath and BIR, second with ensuite and BIR’s and a third bedroom with direct rear garden access, open plan living room with high ceilings, dining room with outdoor decking, luxurious country kitchen with gas cooking, European laundry and fully landscaped gardens and established tree surrounds. Capitalise on the lucrative holiday market, or enjoy as a permanent residence close to all the things Daylesford offers (spas, restaurants, galleries, historic villages, wineries and more). • Approx. 440m2 land Size with all town services connected and rainwater tank • Gas central heating, split system heating/cooling & ceiling fans • Environmental features - 6.5 Star rating, double glazing, floor & wall insulation • Fully landscaped and established gardens with matures trees
ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections
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AUCTION Saturday 23rd February at 12pm PRICE Contact Agent CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
bigginscott.com.au
House.Land.Home.
DAYLESFORD
HEPBURN 26 GOLF LINKS ROAD ELEGANT HOME IN EXCLUSIVE GOLF LINKS AREA • Quality-built designer style, impressive proportions & deluxe finishes • Designer kitchen, spacious open plan living-family area, alfresco dining • Master bedroom suite plus 3 other bedrooms and family bathroom • Large study with powder room (possible 5th BR) • Gas log fire, ducted evaporative cooling/heating • Land area approx 1446 sq.m.
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FOR SALE PRICE $825,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
SAILOR FALLS 5A LIVERSIDGES ROAD APPROX. 35 ACRES WITH PLANNING PERMIT Situated just an hour drive to Melbourne and 8 minutes to Daylesford this outstanding lifestyle property is situated in Sailors Falls. The property is substantially cleared, near flat, zoned Farming and offers many opportunities and would be suitable for horticultural pursuits- such as truffles, vineyard etc and would be the ideal site for a country retreat. Approx. 35 acres [ 14.24 ha] of highly fertile, well drained volcanic soils abutting lush forest with old growth trees.
DAYLESFORD 25 PERRINS STREET A MODERN COUNTRY LIFESTYLE Hidden from view by established gardens this stylish residence has a wide inviting entry deck and refreshing water feature that create the impression of arriving at an exotic villa. Private but not isolated, the property is located in a quiet neighbourhood in central Daylesford close to cafes, and stores and just a short walk to Lake Daylesford. Providing all-season tranquil country living where open plan living leads to a generous outdoor entertaining area, this home will suit those seeking a secure family home, private secluded retreat or holiday accommodation.
DAYLESFORD 16B HEPBURN ROAD FOR SALE Price on Application CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections
PICTURE PERFECT VIEWS Situated on a private no through road between Daylesford and Hepburn, this immaculately presented 2-year-old home boasts a number of desirable features and beautiful bushland views. This 4-bedroom home is rated 6.5-star energy efficiency with doubled glazed windows and a solar hot water system. The central kitchen features quality fixtures and fittings, stone benchtops, double oven, integrated dishwasher and stainless-steel appliances. The lounge space features a open wood fire and dining area opens to an expansive outdoor decking ready for entertaining.
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FOR SALE PRICE $530,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
a4 b2 c2
FOR SALE PRICE $720,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
bigginscott.com.au
DAYLESFORD
DAYLESFORD 80 WEST STREET CONTEMPORARY DESIGNER RETREAT ON 1377M2 Situated in a tightly held location and within walking distance to Lake Daylesford and Daylesford township, “St. Etienne” is currently successfully offered on the Holiday Accommodation market. This three-bedroom Federation home circa 1912 maintains its period features whilst adopting a minimalist and contemporary style in the native surrounds of a woodland garden. This immaculately presented property would suit a permanent home or luxurious weekender.
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FOR SALE PRICE $1,100,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
HEPBURN SPRINGS 4 PARK AVENUE MINERAL SPRINGS CHARACTER COTTAGE Overlooking Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, this high set country cottage features two bedrooms, central living room with open wood fire, central bathroom, updated kitchen with gas cooking and mansard ceilings. Outdoors the gardens have been well designed and landscaped and a large decking offers the ultimate entertaining space with views over the reserve. All in walking distance to popular restaurants, cafes, Peppers Springs Retreat and The Hepburn Bathhouse.
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FOR SALE PRICE $620,000 - $655,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
UNDER OFFER
BULLARTO 955 DAYLESFORD-TRENTHAM ROAD “WOMBAT COTTAGE” – RENOVATED COTTAGE ON OVER HALF AN ACRE Sited on over half an acre with Wombat State Forest nearby, the original cottage has been charmingly refurbished to provide relaxed country living with lovely garden views. Set privately behind a flourishing courtyard garden the cottage features a living area bathed in natural light, a large welcoming modern kitchen, and 4 bedrooms. A large garage, workshop, separate studio, established fruit trees and productive vegetable gardens complete this property that has plenty of space to play and dream.
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FOR SALE PRICE $470,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections
DAYLESFORD 76 DUKE STREET SERENDIP COTTAGE - LAKE DAYLESFORD PRECINCT If you are seeking a delightful cottage, set high on a quiet block with spectacular views in the Lake Daylesford Precinct. As featured on a recent episode of Escape from The City, SERENDIP COTTAGE is just waiting for you. Set on a private, leafy established garden close to Lake Daylesford and a short stroll to Daylesford’s main street shops and cafes the cottage features open plan living-diningkitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom and separate laundry.
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FOR SALE PRICE $585,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
bigginscott.com.au
House.Land.Home.
Design
with Indre Kisonas
Colour and the sexes
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OLOUR selection is a huge part of what I do as a designer and it has always struck me that my female and male clients varied in what they saw as colour and their descriptions were equally never the same.
It is widely accepted that women have a more expansive, descriptive vocabulary when it comes to naming colours. Men will cite blue, red and yellow whereas women may say sky blue, blood red and lemon, grey versus charcoal and green versus leaf green. This descriptive difference between the sexes has often been the butt of many jokes but there is a proven study conducted by Israel Abramov, a behavioural neuroscientist of the City University of New York’s Brooklyn College. He asked men and women to break down the hue of a colour and to assign a percentage to the categories red, yellow, green and blue. Abramov found that women were more adept at distinguishing between subtle gradations than men. This sensitivity was most evident in the yellow and green colours as the women could see the differences in colours that looked identical to the men. Slightly longer wavelengths were required for the men to see the same hues as the women. On the other hand, Abramov found that when he put a screen of light and dark flickering bars in front of both women and men, men were better at seeing the changes in brightness across the space. Even better when the space between bars narrowed. This study suggested men are more sensitive to fine detail and rapid movement than the women. The parietal lobe of the brain used for our senses, responds differently in both women and men, through wiring and testosterone receptors in the brain. Believe it or not, there are more testosterone receptors in the brain than in the reproductive organs. Men have more of these, naturally. Harking back to our roles as hunters and gatherers, the women needed the colour gradations when picking fruit, nuts and berries. The men needed the shadow and light benefits to spot prey at a distance. Nowadays we use these differing skills to choose fresh fruit and vegetables to feed our families, paint artistically, rummage through colour charts to create appealing environments, play ball games and traverse city traffic. As much as I dislike pointing out the differences between men and women, I now know there is a scientific reason for people's differing colour perceptions. I won’t simply put it down to a difference in communication skills. All the more reason for you fellas to double-check your colour choices with the closest agreeable female or engage the services of an interior designer before embarking on a project. - Indre Kisonas – principal designer iok design
indre@iokdesign.com.au | www.iokdesign.com.au
Another colour quandry - was the dress blue or gold?
Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn
Bells Water Gardens has been in the water garden business for over 25 years, building and maintaining ponds and growing a diverse range of aquatic plants for the nursery trade and public. We are passionate about building natural eco-system ponds, adding beauty and encouraging wildlife, allowing interaction with nature. Water gardens built by us are quiet, contemplative places to rest and energise the senses. Visit our display water gardens, water plant nursery and new pond shop for advice, inspiration and pond accessories in Newlyn. Opening hours are: Friday and Monday 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm Call Richard - 0418 567 195 or Sally - 0412 090 850 www.bellswatergardens.com.au
Sustainable harmonious healthy homes and cabins
Build Something
Wonderful
0448 534 626 enquiries@timberset.com.au timberset.com.au
If you are looking to downsize, maintain your independence and create new friendships, McAuley Retirement Community is the perfect choice for you. Nestled in the quaint township of Trentham, McAuley offers two and three-bedroom units in the community you love. • Spacious, open plan living • Kitchen with quality fittings • Landscaped courtyard • Single and double garages
Architectural masterpiece on 16 acres
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ocated at Lexton, only a lazy 30-minute drive west of Ballarat via the Sunraysia Highway, is this amazing three years young, custom built, designer home. This solar passive 6-star energy efficient home has to be inspected to be appreciated. This unique dodecagon (12-sided polygon) home is comprised of three interconnected pods that allow for the ultimate in separated living and sleeping zones. The massive vaulted ceilings have exposed hardwood beams in every room and large double-glazed windows that allow light and energy to flow throughout the home. Each pod opens onto the expansive decking that has stunning views of the sunsets and 180 degree views of the majestic Pyrenees Ranges. No detail has been overlooked with stunning décor that beautifully complements the design, much of which can be negotiated with the sale. The home comprises three bedrooms and a study all within two separate living pods that could easily be let as a stunning B & B or farm stay accommodation. The master bedroom has separate "his" and "hers" walk in wardrobes, en-suite and its own wood heater for ambience. The open plan kitchen/living/dining pod has recycled hardwood bench tops, electric cooking and reverse cycle air-conditioning plus a free-standing wood heater - all this opening onto the expansive decking that has stunning views of the Pyrenees sunsets and the surrounding countryside. A double carport with separate workshop plus two 40' containers with a skillion roof gives great storage for tractors, mowers and farm equipment. The home is connected to town water plus 2 x 22,000 litre tanks. There is a huge private rear deck to enjoy a cuppa and watch the sunrise. The land is predominantly cleared and is traversed by a long winding driveway of approx. 500m leading to the dwelling. The cost of designing and building a home like this would be way in excess of the finished asking price.
Priced between $649,000 to $699,000
PRDnationwide Buninyong 511 Warrenheip Street, Buninyong Contact Neville Dooley on 0419 307 882 or 5341 2200
House.Land.Home.
Sesquicentennial Prize This year my family will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding, by my great-grandfather Ernst Bernhard Heyne, of a horticultural business in Adelaide tha today, five generations later, still thrives as Heyne's Nurseries. In a late 1970s survey of the 100 longestrunning original Australian businesses by the Australian Financial Review, Heyne's Nurseries came in 70th and was certainly the longest-running nursery. Among Ernst's claims to fame as an eminent botanist and prolific writer was his involvement in the development of the viticulturist industries of both Victoria and later South Australia. He was the secretary of the Winegrowers Society in both states, and in particular helped in the eradication of the dreaded phylloxera virus that all but wiped out many wine-growing areas of the world in the late 1800s. In 1860, several years before his death, he had compiled a complete catalogue of more than 500 European wine grapes and their almost 2000 synonyms with an emphasis on phylloxera-resistant varieties for The Australasian National Weekly which he had dedicated to his former colleague and mentor - Baron Ferdinand von Mueller. I had already discovered and downloaded a copy of this list from the Trove website some years ago for my own family archives. To my amazement and delight, late last year, in my ongoing search for an affordable first edition copy of his Amateur Gardener for South Australia, I discovered a listing for A Catalogue of European Grape Varieties on a German antiquities bookseller's website - unfortunately, at an exorbitant price. I knew then that, at least, such a publication existed. After many long hours on Google I discovered one on offer for a sensible price on Amazon. Apparently the catalogue had been discovered in 1881 and adopted as a reference guide by the famed wine growers of Napa Valley. My initial excitement faded somewhat when, on ordering the book, I discovered that Amazon had suspended deliveries to Australia. But a kindly gesture by Peta's American nephew provided me with an early Christmas gift – a shiny, new, circa 2018, facsimile reprint. Not the gilt-embossed, leather-bound ancient tome I had anticipated but still a treasured gift…and a singularly appropriate memento of this anniversary year. At least the original hand-typed manuscript is reproduced in all its glory. They say that apples never fall far from the tree and that's certainly the case with E.B. and me, it's just a great pity that it took a four-generation wait for it to happen. We each have had regular garden articles and several books published, and even wrote gardening columns in the same South Australian rural weekly, the now-defunct Chronicle, under the same pseudonym - "Horticula". Admittedly, mine were a century later! E.B. mightn't have lived long enough for the added experiences of broadcasting both on radio and television, but, on the other hand, I'm yet to be invited to speak to major industry and government bodies, or be awarded a gold watch by the wine industry for services rendered.
Got a gardening query for Glen? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com
FLYSCREENS MEASURED,
MADE, AND FITTED ON THE SPOT! FROM $ 00
03 5464 7380
• Roller Shutters • Security Doors • Fly Screens
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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
HEPBURN EARTHWORKS All aspects of earth works
BRAND NEW CATERPILLAR EQUIPMENT 3.5 TONNE EXCAVATOR 5 TONNE POSI-TRACK BOBCAT COMMERCIAL WOOD SPLITTER
Call for a quote
0438 600 242
• • • •
Domestic Commercial site preparation & cleanup Concrete & lawn/grounds preparations Green waste, stump, tree & dirt removals Driveways, firebreaks
•
Services to 100km radius of Daylesford
•
No charge for quotes or travel time to & from jobs
•
Fully insured
PO Box 59, Daylesford, VIC 3460 Email: dig@hepburnearthworks.com.au Website: www.hepburnearthworks.com.au
24 Dining
Special menu for Valentine's Day? Advertise in the next edition of The Local!
www.tlnews.com.au
The Food Gallery: great food and value
Y
OU could not find a nicer mine host than Pasquale, co-owner with Toni, of The Food Gallery. Last Thursday, despite the rising heat outside, all was cool and serene inside.
We arrived for lunch and Pasquale, who originally hails from Napoli, quickly showed us to a table, leaving us to peruse the well thought-out menu. There's plenty to choose from, including all-day breakfasts, but I was keen for a salad and decided on the Roasted Pumpkin and Goat's Cheese Salad with mixed greens, pine nuts and a raspberry balsamic dressing ($18). It was a beautiful dish, with vibrant colours and flavours. The pumpkin skin was left on and added a lovely bite, along with plenty of fresh tomato and cucumber slices. For me, this is the perfect summer salad and how good is a mix of raspberry and balsamic - who knew? Kyle surprised me, just because it was a hot day, and ordered the Seafood Chowder with prawns, fish and clams in a creamy potato base served with toast ($22). It was a real winner. A thick sauce filled with loads of tender seafood and just buzzing with flavour. Kyle made short work of the toasted bread to mop up every bit of sauce. And the being surprised bit? I shouldn't have been. Pasquale said while many thought of chowder as a winter dish, it was one of the most popular dishes all-year round. And it's made by Toni, an added bonus. Among the other dishes which caught our eye were the Spaghetti Marinara with Australian prawns, clams, calamari and fish in a white wine and fresh tomato sauce ($28). That will be next up for Kyle. For me, it will be a toss-up between one of the five enticing Piadina (Italian flat breads) which I could see in the cabinet at the counter and at $16 are huge, or the Smoked Salmon Rosti Stack with Swissstyle potato rostis, smoked salmon, poached eggs and lemon, capers and yoghurt sauce ($20). Yum! For drinks I had an Oyster Bay chardonnay ($10) and there's also a couple of beers along with a stack of delicious non-alcoholic drinks like smoothies, milkshakes and fresh juices. Oh, if you check out Trip Advisor you will see loads of five-star reviews on coffee too, with headlines like "best coffee in the world!". Pasquale and Toni moved to Blampied almost 20 years ago and with years of deli experience in Werribee took over The Food Gallery in 2011. They are providing great wholesome meals at terrific prices - and supporting the local economy. Kyle's mop-up bread came from the Himalaya Bakery and while we were eating, a delivery from Tonna's turned up. There is a really genuine vibe happening here and it was a pleasure to dine with Pasquale and his staff. It's a cliche, but do yourself a favour and grab a table. You won't be disappointed.
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes
Home-style foods cooked with passion. Eat in or take home. House-made cakes and pastries. Open 6 days a week 8am to 4pm, closed Wednesday. The Food Gallery Cafe
77 Vincent St, Daylesford | 5348 1677
Dine review 25
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Do you feed and water people? Advertise in The Local!
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Thursday, Sunday, Monday 5pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday 5pm - 10pm Tuesday & Wednesday CLOSED
Kick back and relax in the region’s 03 best 5424beer 1516 . garden Cnr High St & Cosmo Rd, Trentham . www.thecos 03 5424 1516 . Cnr High St & Cosmo Rd, Trentham . www.thecosmopolitanhotel.com.au
HOME 03 DELIVERIES 5424 1516 .FRIDAY Cnr High TO St & SUNDAY Cosmo Rd, Trentham . www.thecosmopolitanhotel.com.au 5348 4123 t "MCFSU 4U %BZMFTGPSE 7JDUPSJB
Daylesford
Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s - our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists. Open every day until late. 55 Vincent Street, Daylesford. 5348 3577
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Meal Deals 27
Meal deals for locals...and visitors too!
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VERYONE loves a good meal deal. So here are some of the dining establishments offering great food and great prices!
Sunday:
Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Roast - $16-$22 - depending on time Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Roast, a pot or glass of wine or soft drink - $25
Monday - Friday (Not available public holidays or school holidays)
Monday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness - $20 (Vegetarian too) Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Parma Night - $16-$22 - depending on time Daylesford Cidery, Musk - Pot of Daylesford Cider & any pizza - $20 Peppers Mineral Springs, Hepburn - Feed me - includes a glass of beer or wine $45pp
Tuesday:
Galley Diner, Daylesford - lunch deal - burger, soft drink, fries - $17 Casa El Rey, Daylesford - lunch deal - burrito, soft drink - $15
Community Lunch:
The 5000 Club, Daylesford is open for lunch from noon every Friday at Stanbridge Hall, Central Springs Road, Daylesford. All welcome.
Raffles:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips - $20
Wednesday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20 Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham - Locals' Night. Weekly specials @ $18
Fundraising raffles for local organisations are held on Friday evenings at the Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn, the Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford and the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham.
Thursday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Burger Night - $16-$22 - depending on time The Plough, Trentham - Locals' All Day Dining - 2 courses $27/3 courses $32 The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham - Woodfired pizza specials
Friday:
Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine - Express Jalapeno Poppers $12, Fried Chicken Wings $12, Refried Bean Rolls $12, Fried Baby Calamari Tostada $16, 12-2.30pm Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Parma Night - $16-$22 - depending on time
Introducing our newly refurbished (and now private) dining room. Perfect for functions and parties.
For bookings please email functions@farmersarmsdaylesford.com.au 1 EAST ST DAYLESFORD
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03 5348 2091 • THEFARMERSARMS.COM.AU
28 Gigs
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Gig Guide Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Friday Frivolities - Every Friday Gillian & Terry - Sunday, February 3 Sean Dixon - Saturday, February 9, 8pm Miles de Carteret - Sunday, February 10, 5pm
Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine Tricks - Saturday, February 2 The Zero Point - Saturday, February 9
Daylesford Cidery, Musk Mandy Connell Trio (& Slow Smoked Texas BBQ) - Saturday, February 2, 5pm Todd Clark - Saturday, February 16, 12pm-3pm
The Palais, Hepburn Hans' Haus Party - Saturday, February 2
Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham Sarah Wilkinson - Sunday, February 3 Jarrod Shaw - Sunday, February 10
Peppers, Hepburn
subj All gigs ec Fees t to chan ma ge! Che y apply. ck w ith the v enue .
JJ & Ray - Friday, February 8, 4pm-7pm JJ & Ray - Friday, February 22, 4pm-7pm
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn
Wine and dine your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic three course dinner at Bellinzona Resort’s Heritage Restaurant.
Jazz Deuce - Friday, February 1 Never Easy - Saturday, February 2 Nice Verdes - Sunday, February 3 Aurora - Friday, February 8 Josh Dance - Saturday, February 9 Open Mic - Sunday, February 10
Experience includes: • Romantic three course dinner • • Glass of Sparkling wine on arrival • • Red rose per couple • • Live Music •
Spa Bar, Daylesford Live Piano Bar - Wednesday, January 30, 7pm-10pm Brett Franke - Thursday, January 31, 7pm-10pm DJ Beats with DJ Sach - Friday, February 1, 9pm-11pm Nice Verdes - Saturday, February 2, 8pm-11pm Live Piano Bar - Wednesday, February 6, 7pm-10pm Open Mic Night - Thursday, February 7, 7pm-10pm DJ Beats with Clay Ravin - Friday, February 8, 9pm-11pm The Cartwheels - Saturday, February 9, 8pm-11pm
$90 per person Bookings essential.
Book today on (03) 5348 2271
bellinzona.com.au/events
Prestige Retreats
Got a gig coming up? Email donna@tlnews.com.au
BEER GARDEN
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY Express Lunch
$20 Mains
2 Courses $32 / 3 Courses $40
THURSDAY
Locals Menu – all day
2 Courses $27 / 3 Courses $32
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
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Markets 29
To market, to market...to get some artisan bread
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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 Sunday 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 Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday 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
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
30 Trades
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Builder
of Beautiful Homes
A unique heater manufactured in Daylesford from Australian products
8-10 Star Energy Rating Super Insulated Strawbale Construction Carpentry Consultancy PER BERNARD Registration DBU-3633
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Railway Crescent, Daylesford P: 03
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F: 03 5348 1200 E: nedkelly@woodheaters.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
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
Servicing Daylesford and Districts.
0427 508 840
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DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE
Trades 31
das3460@bigpond.com
Clement F Mooney
Email: c.mooney@bigpond.net.au
electrical appliance repair service washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, oven, cook top etc.
das3460@bigpond.com
PH: 0400 059 613 - 5348 6634 ADMIN@JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU WWW.JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU
A.B.N. 37 961 487 978
Certified Practising Accountant Registered Tax Agent B.Com, C.P.A., M.B.A.
Tel: 03 5424 1441 Mobile: 0142 584 555
Call Kiyo on
0419 267 685
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.
Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458
Malone Tree Services Liam Malone . Limited Access . Fully Insured .Specialists Qualified . Mulching Available
0423 945 436
Servicing all Daylesford and Districts wastewateraus.com.au MOB: 0427 508 840
Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, dry-cleaning, stationery, photocopying and lots more... We stock The Local! 55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061
32 Crossword
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W RD
CROSS
Challenge yourself with our crossword. Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. See last issue's solution below.
OZ - TRANS
DAYLESFORD The ‘Local’ Blokes
FURNITURE REMOVALS
GENERAL FREIGHT
Melbourne & Country Victoria daily 0407 697 877
services
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
services
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING OF WASTEWATER 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 4852 or 0437 747 619
Here's the solution for Issue 141. Solve it?
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Our artists 33
Japan sister city exchange for Kyneton sculptor
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HE work of Kyneton sculptor and gallery owner Larissa Gray will be heading to Japan after she was named as the successful applicant for an art exchange with Macedon Ranges’ sister city of Tokai.
Popular for her bronze and mixed media sculptural pieces that depict iconic Australian animals, Larissa, who owns the Golden Dog Gallery in Kyneton, will create three bronze artworks which will be sent over to Tokai, Japan in April next year. Likewise, an artist in Tokai will create an artwork that will be sent to Macedon Ranges. In November council invited local artists to submit an expression of interest to create an artwork that investigates and interprets the essence of the Macedon Ranges, its communities and its environment. Mayor Janet Pearce said the project was an action from the Sister City Agreement between council and Tokai city. “This is the first time that we’ve had a reciprocal art exchange with Tokai, so we’re really looking forward to it.” Ms Gray was chosen by a panel with representatives from council’s Arts & Culture and Economic Development departments, Multicultural Arts Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria. “Larissa has a great appreciation of Japan, having travelled there many times and was extremely excited to be part of the exchange,” Cr Pearce said. Larissa trained at the National Art School in East Sydney and began sculpting professionally after moving to Kyneton in 2012. In 2017 she founded the Golden Dog Gallery in a century-old building in the heart of the township. The gallery is named in memory of Yaegar, "the best dog that ever was".
Link: facebook.com/MacedonRangesArts&Culture
34 Opinion
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Pick me, pick me...
Just sayin’... By Donna Kelly
A
COUPLE of things happened this week, and one didn't.
The first thing was the incessant media coverage of an apparently impending doomsday scenario over last week's heat wave. The media (and I know we are sort of part of it but we are a little more laid back) loves a good disaster story. And let's face it, apart from the never-ending tennis, there is not that much else happening. So the heat wave, rather than just being part of a hot summer, turned into a major tragedy just waiting to strike. If that means people take more care that's great - and I thank every firie on standby. But it also means lots of people avoided trips to our wonderful region over the long weekend because of the message it was just too dangerous. I know lots of business owners who really suffered with sales down, bookings cancelled and empty restaurants. And who would travel to the bush with every television channel showing file footage of bushfires. File footage. Stuff that happened, not that is happening. I don't know the answer but there must be a happy medium between spreading the word to take care but not frightening the life out of every potential visitor and their much-need dollars. Another thing that happened was the release of an independent review into the failed Live.Love.Life. festival. The event was meant to happen in November last year but was cancelled only a few weeks earlier. And after $200,000 of the three-year funding of $450,000 had been spent. Anyway, it turns out that Daylesford Macedon Tourism, the organiser, was found to have "lacked the governance structures and capability to deliver a festival of this size and scope". So it was pretty much never going to work. Which is a little mind-boggling. I realise DMT are at fault, but surely Visit Victoria which handed over the funding - and keep in mind this is our taxpayer dollars at work - should have seen a red flag in its due diligence. How do you hand over $450,000 to an organisation which is later found incapable of holding such an event? Blindfolded? The only good thing to come out of the review is that Macedon Ranges and Hepburn shires are receiving $200,000 towards community festivals. That could be a $10,000 boost for 20 organisations - come back Swiss Italian Festa and Artober - we missed you! Finally, the thing that didn't happen. Each year Daylesford Rotary, as part of the Hepburn Shire Council's Australia Day awards, hands out business awards. It's been happening for a long time. The Local won Business of the Year one year and The Local's journalist Kate Taylor won Employee of the Year another year. It's really nice to receive recognition - and a pretty cool trophy. Anyway, those awards didn't happen this year. Council decided it was not a good fit and Rotary said it didn't have the capacity to hold its own awards. So that was that. But there are talks happening to try and get something up and running next year. I hope there is a compromise. Just sayin'...
Please pick me! Woof!
Hi there, I'm Sassy and I'm a staffy cross, just 13 weeks old. It's hard to believe no-one came looking for me, as I am so young and very sweet. I love people and am happy and outgoing. I will need proper training as I can be a little jumpy and vocal, but I'm just a puppy! I need a home committed to my care and wellbeing - with good fencing! MC# 956000010288783 Mount Alexander Animal Welfare is at 24 Langslow Street, Castlemaine. Phone 5472 5277. (Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie and Curly - we picked them!) (Stop the press: Jac and Zac found a new forever home together!)
The Local - Connecting the Community The Local is all about Connecting the Community. We run good news stories about amazing people and places, and festivals and events. And our fantastic advertisers run great deals for locals and visitors alike. To give back to the community, The Local has been running its Connecting the Community adverts for five years. The adverts are for not-for-profit groups and organisations to lend a hand when finances can be a bit tight - or just don't exist. We all know how hard it can be to make volunteer-run organisations work on the smell of an oily rag! To apply just email donna@tlnews.com.au with your event or organisation. We also put call-outs on our Facebook page and those of the various communities in our wonderful region. We work on a first-in basis, with a nod to time-lines too. There are a few conditions, well mostly that nonfor-profit bit, and also that you aren't grabbing a free advert and then we see a whacking big paid advert in other media. That wouldn't be fair. Cheers, Donna (Ed)
Let's come together in community and spirituality to empower one another. Interested in holistic health, alternative health, healing and all matters spiritual and how they play out in our daily life? Want to catch up with like-minded people with similar interests for support and thought-provoking discussion? If this sounds like you, please feel welcome to attend our first meeting to discuss possible directions and format for the group. Meeting at Freedom Light Collective, 69 Fraser St, Clunes on Monday, February 4 at 6.30pm. Please contact Teresa on 0407 515 298 for further information or RSVP by text.
www.tlnews.com.au
Kyle’s Rant
Opinion 35
Letters - Live.Love.Life. I refer to our letter published in The Local on November 5 regarding Plastic Bag Free Daylesford’s disappointment over the Live.Love.Life. festival being cancelled along with our order of 250 reusable bags that relied on local volunteers to make.
S
O CHRISTMAS has flown past with a whoosh, and by the time you are reading this most of the kiddies are getting back to school. And the summer shows no signs of giving up anytime soon.
In fact between last week’s humungous moon and the world record-breaking bloody heat, I feel like I haven’t slept for weeks. And it seems that the good folks of the Central Highlands are all in the same boat. As I drove around last week it seemed like every car had a driver with a gaped mouth yawning from a lack of sleep. Meanwhile, I called my father across the ditch to see how life was treating him. He offered me numerous explanations about the weather, the geographical perfection of his home near the Bay of Islands, how well he ate, “straight out of the ocean, son and onto the plate” and “veggies straight out of the garden, son”. I finish each pause in the one-sided conversation with “that sounds idyllic, dad,” meanwhile he bags out the Australian heat, the bitter coldness of the Central Highlands in the winter and starts on Australian politics. Because he has Jacinda, na na na na…. Once again I finish the awkward one-sided pause with “that sounds idyllic”. Although he has got a bit of a point with Jacinda Ardern. That young woman is sure taking the world by storm. I am not sure what’s in the water over there but their politicians certainly stick around, and I believe stability is key to the growth of what some refer to as the Switzerland of the South Pacific. Back home, before long we will be overthrowing yet another national government (I would love that business card printing contract) while New Zealand just gets on with governing. I mean in 2016 they reduced their car registration by about 30 per cent (what’s that about?) and at the same time everything here keeps going up and up to fund the bloated salaries and perks of the pollies. Look, don’t get me wrong, I love Australia. I think it is for me the most beautiful place in the world despite all the things that want to bite, scratch, sting, hurt and kill you. But the politics, the second guessing, backbiting and non-commitmentl that our governments do here is a real head-scratcher. It’s as if no-one wants to make a decision. For instance same-sex marriage is now part of the vocabulary, but we were one of the last first-world countries to embrace the idea. The knuckle-head pollies went around and around on the idea and then threw their hands up in the air and gave the decision over to the great unwashed. It seems to me the pollies have their feet up on the handlebars. It’s probably going to be the same case with the Australia Day debate, which is a rant for another time. Sleep-deprived rant over…
We wanted to share the good news that Steve Wroe, the new CEO of Daylesford Macedon Tourism responded to our letter and was not only apologetic for what had happened but made it up to us two-fold. In the end we had 100 bags left (others were sold to local groups) which Steve purchased at $5 each so they could be donated to the Hepburn Regional Community Cheer. This is a local volunteer community group that makes hampers for gifts to be offered to members of our community at Christmas. It was a great outcome that supported two volunteer groups that work hard to support our local community and we thank you Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Tourism for your generosity and kindness. - Plastic Bag Free Daylesford Committee
Letters are welcome, please keep them shortish and to the point. Email donna@tlnews.com.au Any letters addressed Dear Sir will be deleted! :)
PALMER STEVENS & RENNICK Barristers & Solicitors Property and Conveyancing Criminal Law Family Law Wills and Estates Commercial Law Employment Law Appearing in Castlemaine Court PLEASE CONTACT US
(03) 5422 6500 SINCE 1852
8 Jennings Street, Kyneton Email - psr@psr.net.au | Website - psr.net.au
7 acres of well organised, easy to navigate, recycled goodness in the heart of castlemaine.
Salvage Yard
Structural timbers, hundreds of doors and windows, landscaping timbers, ex-commercial double glazed glass, steel, masonry and found objects... right down to hard to find hardware and homewares! Now also supplying a range of small production, sustainably sourced new timbers for flooring, decking, overlay and cladding. Also, manufacturers of custom designed engineered trusses from recycled timbers. 6 Lewis Drive Castlemaine • 0435 500 112 • www.thesalvageyard.com.au
Newstead music festival
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EWSTEAD Live, held over the long weekend, offered a range of diverse international, national and local artists, including Anita, pictured, performing in venues, concert spaces and workshops throughout the township. Image: Anthony Sawrey More images on page 5