The Local Issue 152 June 17, 2019

June 17, 2019 Issue 152 Power play

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: Hepburn Shire is becoming a type of laboratory for the nation in finding solutions for the climate crisis. From a solar farm

my own writing. I "I am irritated by but whose ear is true, am like a violinist ly ec to reproduce pr ise whose fingers refuse within." the sound he hears -Gustave Flaubert

June 17, 2019 Issue 152 Power play

planned by Hepburn Wind and its manager Taryn Lane, pictured, to an ambitious council push towards zero emissions, work is going ahead at speed.

Read the full story by Kevin Childs on page 28.

Image: Kyle Barnes The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, July 1, 2019.

Or online on Sunday, June 30 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 Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association.

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, June 26 Copy deadline: Thursday, June 27 Editorial deadline: Thursday, June 27

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

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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)

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Sales | Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@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 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

“The Local is the future of regional publishing!”

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

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Networking event

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News 3

Win for park residents

HE Local and Hepburn Shire Council are holding a joint networking event this Wednesday, June 19 at the Daylesford Hotel.

It is the second seasonal event held, with the first at Bellinzona Grange in February. The events are open to all business people with free nibbles and drinks at bar prices.

The Local editor Donna Kelly said the networking event had been started in response to demand.

"There have been a few networking or business organisations around in the past but many are no longer operating and we just thought it was time to get something happening again.

"We have no political agendas involved, it really's just a chance to get together, see some familiar faces, meet some new people and maybe go away with a couple of new ideas for your business.

"When we started The Local we had to spend a lot of time hunting down the right accountant, bookkeeper, even a trademark lawyer. But you shouldn't have to reinvent the wheel each time a new business gets going. There is a lot of local knowledge out there to be shared."

Hepburn Shire Council Economic Development coordinator Rebecca Pedretti said the local business networking nights provided a great opportunity to meet other local business operators, in a low-key, relaxed environment.

"Business networking is so important, it helps form relationships with others, which in turn helps to expand your businesses ability to find new customers, collaborate and grow.

"Networking provides an opportunity to create opportunities."

The Local general manager Kyle Barnes said, for him, networking was a chance for people in small to medium businesses to meet up and share a few ideas.

"The Local has quite a few people working for it, but all pretty much remotely, so it's great to be able to get together with like-minded people and just have a chat. And it's only 90 minutes, 5.30pm to 7pm, so plenty of time to get home and get the fire started. We're all in the same boat."

Business Networking Event Daylesford Hotel Wednesday, June 19 5.30pm - 7pm All welcome Supported by:

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ERMANENT residents living in caravan parks on Crown land in Victoria are now allowed to remain, after a change to state government legislation.

This means residents living in three cabins at the Daylesford Holiday Park at Victoria Park will now be able to stay in their homes.

Eleven permanent residents at the park were served a notice to vacate in April 2017 by the park's operators, who took over the Crown land lease, managed by Hepburn Shire Council, in December 2016.

Former Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond told The Local at the time that the caravan park was on Crown land, for which council is Committee of Management, and "the decision to give notice to permanent residents is in line with the DELWP Policy Statement - Improving Equity of Access to Crown Land Caravan and Camping Parks 2011".

Asked why the council had not taken into account the status of permanent residents when the lease was taken over, Mr van Egmond said "the lease transaction that occurred last year was a transfer of an existing lease and there is no opportunity to 'strengthen' or change lease terms in that case".

"As landlord, neither council nor the minister can unreasonably refuse to consent to a transfer of lease provided the new tenant can satisfy council and the minister as to its financial capacity and provide evidence of satisfactory previous business experience."

Last week current CEO Evan King said the 2011 legislation had not taken into account the implications "on small rural caravan parks".

Mr King said the state government had now changed its policy so existing permanent residents could remain - but no new permanent residents could take up residence.

"At the time this started, there were seven permanent cabins at the Victoria Park caravan park. One left early, leaving six, another three left, and now there are three remaining."

Mr King said of the three vacated cabins, one had been bought by the Daylesford Holiday Park and the other two were to be demolished.

He said while it was a good outcome, council realised it had been a "traumatic and difficult time".

"It has taken some time but we are now happy to have a settlement. It's a good outcome but has been difficult and we acknowledge that."

Words: Donna Kelly

4 Poetry

Local Lines Closing Time You will look up from your love story as if you were called discreetly by name; you’ll hold your breath listening to that waiter that waitress in the echo clean kitchen – no their murmuring rhythms imply flirtation.

You’ll question the silhouette man at the far table half in half out of his newspaper – no his back is facing you.

You’ll check your watch ... still a few minutes.

You will look down but the page of your love story glares cold – so cold the words have lost weight in the final chapter.

You’ll reach for your coffee – swallow its isolation.

www.tlnews.com.au But now through the window a eulogy of grey light drips soothing a rapture of fog-yellow falling leaf by leaf each to its death.

You’re unable to voice why you weep but in your bones you hear the rustling of wreaths the kneeling of poets.

- Jan Price

Jan Price lives in Ballarat and is a widely published poet who also enjoys photography and painting - that's one of her works at right. She studies Thought Distraction for people who are depressed.

Poems for Local Lines come predominantly from a group of poets. However, other locals who would like a poem considered for publication can contact Bill Wootton cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

News 5

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Talks under way for 2020 Motorfest

This year's Daylesford Motorfest drew thousands of motoring enthusiasts including Jesse, left, and David Thomas.

Image: Kyle Barnes

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ALKS are under way for the 2020 Daylesford Motorfest, one of the region's most successful events, but its future is still uncertain.

In February this year the inaugural event saw thousands of motoring enthusiasts and vehicles flock to Victoria Park - raising $30,000 for local charities and organisations.

But with the next event just eight months away, and slated for February 16, Hepburn Shire Council and the festival committee are yet to sign a memorandum of understanding.

The chair of last year's committee, Peter Olver, has stepped down saying the council had failed to give the event the support it deserved.

Mr Olver, who started Cars and Coffee to fundraise for the Daylesford Hospital five years ago and long dreamed of the bigger event, said the council had too many stipulations including pre-registrations.

However Motorfest committee member Kate Larsen said the committee was currently going through "the process" of talking to council to try to find a way forward.

Ms Larsen said the inaugural Motorfest had been "such a great community event" and "no-one wants to see it stop - they all want to see if move forward".

"There is nothing solid at the moment but we will all know a bit more in a few weeks," she said.

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Evan King said the Daylesford Motorfest event was valued by council.

"We recognise that this event makes a positive economic and social contribution to the shire. Our commitment to, and support for Motorfest 2019 included our Economic Development Unit providing the organising committee with advice on event management in the lead up to the event, along with coordination of services delivered by our Parks and Gardens, Community and Facilities teams."

Mr King said council contribution of both financial and in-kind support for the event was approximately $15,000.

Mr King said in relation to Motorfest 2020, the council had again offered support to the organising committee. "That offer includes entering into a memorandum of understanding with event organisers that clearly outlines both council and event organisers' roles and responsibilities for the 2020 event."

Mr King said last month Mr Olver had advised council that he would not run the event next year and in the interest of fairness to the community, council had contacted the remaining organising committee members and reconfirmed its offer of support for the event.

"Council are continuing discussions with committee members and hope that the offer of support will be accepted and we look forward to working with the committee to deliver this event for our community in 2020."

Lost Trades Fair Meanwhile, Kyneton's Lost Trades Fair will move to Ballarat next year.

The fair has been held in Kyneton for the past six years but organisers say it has outgrown its current site at the Kyneton Racecourse.

Daylesford Macedon Tourism CEO Steve Wroe said the Daylesford Macedon region had led the way in supporting and celebrating artisans, particularly those who have helped revive "lost trades", for years and would continue to do so.

"From a tourism point of view, it would be a shame if the Lost Trades Fair moved.

But its growth is a testament to the incredible work of Lisa and Glen (Rundell) and while many larger capacity options have been investigated, finding one that is suitable to enable the continued growth of the festival has been a challenge.

"Our region will remain as the ‘go to’ Victorian region for lost trades and artisans year round, with countless classes and workshops every week and many operators and retailers servicing visitors."

Words: Donna Kelly

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Learning through doing: the bush tackers

If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise

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NY teddy bears are out of sight in these woods. Instead, a dozen little kids in gumboots, raincoats and backpacks are in the bush learning about the natural world while having fun.

As they approach a fenced-off creek, shepherded by four teachers, the dozen were about to learn more about fungi.

The kinder runs for about two and a half hours one day a week for two terms.

The presence of snakes means it is in recess during summer.

Teacher Narelle Shanahan says the bush is constantly changing, with different fungi appearing, for example, and moss growing higher up trees.

The children hunt for tadpoles and learn about Aboriginal culture, such as plants used for basket weaving and eel traps.

“These are quite interesting stuff,” observes four-year-old Darcy, peering through his magnifying glass.

Kangaroo and wombat droppings are examined before an excited cry, “Mushrooms! Mushrooms!” They are not collected.

Narelle says that, importantly, the bush is left just as it is found.

And the kinder, she says, functions especially well for children with special needs. Regular contact with nature is said to ignite children’s curiosity, expand their imagination, problem-solving and experimenting, while giving them respect for the environment.

And, if the planet survives, these may be just the people to one day help fix it.

The Bullarto Bush Kinder comes from the forest pre-school movement, which sprang up in Scandinavia 60 years go and has spread across Europe, the US and Japan.

The idea is to spend long and regular unstructured time in a natural environment picking up on animal life, water, leeches and fungi. Today it’s fungi on a tree that soon draws attention.

“A coconut!” says one, then elaborating, “It looks like a coconut cut in half.”

Out come little magnifying glasses for further scrutiny.

A boy wanders off to study a hole in a tree. “Look what I found. Something lives there.”

Running for six years now, the kinder draws children from Ballarat, Guildford, Bald Hills, Korweinguboora, Kyneton and Daylesford. They are collected and dropped off by the Daylesford Community Childcare Centre’s mini-bus near Bullarto Primary School.

Words: Kevin Childs : Images: Kyle Barnes With the bush as their playground, the children weave with bark, build cubbies from fallen branches and hide in the ferns.

Teachers and helpers tow a trolley carrying first-aid and safety gear.

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Poetry Prize History grants

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HE 2019 Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize has been launched with a major prize of $1000.

Judges for the 2019 competition are Claire C. Coleman and Kevin Brophy. Entries close on July 22 with the winner announced during the Daylesford Words in Winter festival in August.

Venie Holmgren, pictured above, began to write poetry in the late 50s and her first published anthology was The Sun Collection for the Planet in 1989. At the same time, she applied her environmental activist skills and commitment to the campaign to save native forests near her home on the far south coast of NSW. In 2010 Venie moved to Hepburn where she wrote her last poetry collection, The Tea House Poems. In January 2016, Venie "caught the bus" at the age of 93.

News 7

Rex check

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Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said the Creswick Museum and Creswick Railway Workshops Association had received funding under the program.

Creswick Museum will receive $4350 to purchase a new, lockable Compactus storage unit to protect historical items while Creswick Railway Workshops Association will receive $8330 to record the stories of older members of the Creswick community.

Ms Pulford said the grants are a small way of helping the Creswick community preserve local history.

"Council understands the need for the investigation.

We await the outcomes of the investigation and are committed to implementing best practice recommendations in relation to project management and procurement.

"This investigation will not delay the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project. We have received draft revised plans from the architect and hope to recommence construction in late July/early August."

WO Creswick organisations will be able to preserve community history for future generations thanks to the 2019 Local History Grants Program.

Roaring fires & red wine

HE Victorian Local Government Inspectorate will conduct an investigation into the Hepburn Hub project at The Rex in Daylesford.

LUNCH FRIDAY - SUNDAY 12-3PM DINNER 7 NIGHTS FROM 5PM DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

8 News

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News 9

Us Two - Kat and Clare

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AT Carter and Clare Johansson were both born and raised in Daylesford. They have worked at the Bookbarn, on Lake Daylesford, for more than 10 years. With the doors of one of the town's institutions just closed, as it readies for redevelopment, the pair spoke about working together, boss Andrew Green and moving on, with Donna Kelly.

Kat started about a year or two after I started when she began her studies in psychology and social work. We hit it off and I like her sense of humour but her coffees are too hot.

I started in 2007 in my first year at university doing my Bachelor degrees and will finish this year in the final year of my PhD. They say it takes a village to raise a child and my little village at the Bookbarn, namely Andrew, Katrine, and many of our clientele (in particular, Sue), have all played a special part in my journey so far. I’m really sad to see the Bookbarn close. I’ve had a parallel journey with the Bookbarn as Andrew built the business and I completed my studies, and as both of these chapters come to an end, the Bookbarn is closing for both of us. What does the future hold for me? In Andrew’s words, “an adult job”.

Kat My father is retired and at the time I began at the Bookbarn, my mother was the manager of the bowling club. My parents and myself were quite keen to find some casual work for myself to introduce me to employment and learning new skills, however I wanted to ensure I focused on VCE before working. After VCE, I began looking for work. One of my school friends was working at the Bookbarn and was ready for a change herself so she recommended that I submit my resume. I started in April 2009.

Pictured far left, Clare Johansson, and Kat Carter, right, at the Bookbarn.

I loved coming to this quirky little place that has books, a wood fire, and coffee.

Image: Contributed The people I work with, and the regulars, have become so much like family that coming to work feels more like a Sunday brunch and catch-up with my friends.

Andrew, Clare, and several locals have followed my journey over the past 10 years and have offered so much support and positive feedback. We have also been invited into their lives by helping them move house, waitress at their parties, and also house-sit and look after their fur-babies.

I am not a fan of the holiday periods where we get a lot of tourists. It's lovely to see new faces and people discovering the Bookbarn, however there are a lot of people and it can become quite overwhelming. When the shop is flat out, you don't get to have that quality time with your customers and by the end we are all covered in spills and coffee.

Clare and I had been going to school with each other since primary school, however she was a little older and we weren't in the same circles. I was officially introduced to her when I began at the Bookbarn. We got along great. I was rather shy when I started but Clare was a great instructor and taught me the ways of the shop and her coffee skills. We appear quite different however have a lot in common and love when we are rostered on together.

Clare has the most welcoming and happy eyes and smile. She is incredibly supportive and always encouraging me to go on adventures. We have never gotten sick of each other in the past 10 years. We have always made it through any problem with big smiles on our faces.

I am very saddened to hear of the end of Bookbarn. It was the first job I ever got and it has supported me through other jobs, moving house, relationships, and studying. I even have it tattooed on me. I will miss the regulars and their beautiful catch ups. I'll miss hearing about the dramas and the gossip of what's been happening, and I'll definitely miss my team. Strangely enough I will also miss the banging, steaming, and grinding of the coffee machine.

However I am excited for what the future holds for Andrew, Clare and the other girls. I could feel the Bookbarn was coming to an end and only wish that Andrew can have some well-earned rest and a new adventure. We are all excited that we finally get to have a weekend off.

Re my future, when I finished high school I started a Bachelor of Arts (humanities and social sciences) and after a year I decided to move to Ballarat. I have since completed a Masters of Social Work and work full-time during the week at the Department of Health and Human Services. I look forward to advancing my social work career. I have recently bought land and look forward to building a new home soon. The Bookbarn team is already submitting their designs to me.

Clare I started at the Bookbarn during my first year at uni. Working there helped put me through university and save to study in Italy. I was doing a Bachelor of Business/ Bachelor of Arts in Italian so this was a great opportunity and Andrew, Katrine and the Bookbarn were really supportive of this… even when I wanted lengthy leave to travel. Now, I'm doing my PhD in cross-cultural collaborations and I have been there 12 years as a casual - but there's nothing casual about it!

Apart from the Bookbarn’s location and character, I love seeing all our regular clients that come in. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know them so well and coming into work doesn’t really feel like work, it feels like I’m coming in to catch up with old friends.

I don’t like those public holidays when our little team is really stretched to the limit. Andrew is the best boss though and always tells the public just what we’re thinking (sometimes) and always has a drink or a bottle of something special waiting for us when we get the door bolted shut.

10 Happy & Healthy

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Clunes defibrillator

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HE Clunes Golf Club is the recipient of a defibrillator from the Department of Health and Human Services.

“The club is delighted to receive this gift as it gives peace of mind for our members,” said Ray Skinner, president of the club.

“It will be placed in a position which will make it available 24/7 to anyone in the area. We are grateful to the department for their insight into sporting clubs in a very practical way.”

Members of the club last month met with Jonathan Barge from St John Ambulance for a training session to better understand the workings of the defibrillator and CPR first aid.

The members were pleased to find out just how easy it was to work the defibrillator and provide CPR. The defibrillator instructs the operator how to perform the process of this first aid, for people who are having a heart attack.

Palliative care

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ALLIATIVE Care Services in the Macedon Ranges will be boosted with the launch of the Specialist Palliative Care Clinic at Kyneton District Health. The new clinic, operated by the Loddon Mallee Regional Specialist Palliative Care Consultancy Service, will operate twice a month from July 1.

Patients currently travelling outside of the region will be able to see a palliative care physician and/or palliative care nurse practitioner in Kyneton.

Kyneton District Health CEO Maree Cuddihy said the new clinic would complement the existing palliative care services already available through the hospital.

“It’s fantastic for our local community that we are able to bring the Specialist Palliative Care clinic to Kyneton District Health. This new clinic will allow patients to see their specialists locally, reducing the need to travel into a metropolitan centre which can often be a stressful experience,” Ms Cuddihy said.

To find out more about Palliative Care programs at Kyneton District Health, call 5422 9911.

Hepburn House favourite job for Glenn

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LENN Allen's only regret about starting work at Hepburn House is that the last job he has before he retires is his favourite.

Glenn moved from Sassafras in Mt Dandenong a year ago to be closer to his daughter, who works as a chef at Frankie & Connie's in Hepburn. And he loves the area.

Six months later he applied for the maintenance position at Hepburn House, and after 40 years working in building, carpentry and retail, found his dream job.

"I really love it. I love working with older people. They all have such great stories to tell and they really enrich my life. I know that sounds corny, but it's true."

Glenn said his role was varied every day and could include anything from a bit of gardening to fixing wheelchairs or changing batteries in hearing aids.

"The longer I am here the more I am asked to do by the residents, who are getting to know me now. I am very respectful of them and we have a saying that we work where our residents live.

"I am no spring chicken so it's really nice to have the chance to work at a place like Hepburn House where the attitude towards the residents is so great. I also love the LGBTIQ side of things as well - that's important.

"I have been working 40-odd years and it's funny that the last job I take on before retiring is finally the one I love the most."

In fact, Glenn is loving his work so much he is one day looking forward to moving into a room at Hepburn House himself!

Hepburn House is a government-funded aged care facility which offers all levels of care, from respite to permanent.

Residents are looked after by a team of personal care workers, with access to a team of allied health professionals who regularly visit Hepburn House, and there is also an in-house kitchen providing home-style meals.

Hepburn House is located at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford.

For more information, call 5348 8100 or visit www.hepburnhouse.com.au Advertorial

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In February 2019 our shop front closed but you can still buy our aromatherapy products online.

Locals can pick up orders Tuesdays from Daylesford and Fridays from Glenlyon and, of course, it will be freight free. Refills - sorry we won’t be providing this service.

Please remember we are an online store now so you won’t be able to call as there is no number, or swing by for favourite goodies. All orders need to be placed on the website with PayPal payment. If you can’t manage the payment or website get a friend or relative to do it for you. The reason for no phone number, refills and online orders only is it frees me up to do other things like more massage days at Aromatic Healing, hiking and most importantly spending time with family.

Looking forward to making your aromatherapy goodies.

Fiona, Daylesford Aromatherapy

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12 Inspiring

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Climbing a personal Everest in Blackwood

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HE Vintage Enduro Riders Incorporated club ran its first Australian 3-Day Vintage Enduro (A3VE) in and around the town of Blackwood from May 23 to 26.

“Enduro” is an abbreviation of the word endurance and the competition is a time trial event for motorcycles taking place over one to six days. Riders follow marked routes on public roads covering up to 150-200 kilometres per day along with a series of timed ‘special tests’ to sort out the final place getters.

Basically, the one who finishes with the shortest time over the period wins. It is the ultimate test of rider and machine. The A3VE is a little different as it only allows entry of pre-1988 vintage dirt bikes and the average age of the riders is around 50.

This event had 102 entries in total and at the end of it all on a windy and cold Sunday in a paddock at Mere farm near Trentham, the final moto took place. A shivering audience of about 60 spectators saw Scott Noble win out over veteran Geoff Ballard.

But this story is not about who won what and for most people this type of competition is unfathomable as curling. It’s not spectator-friendly, there is no great prize money on offer or glamour and all the winners take home is a plastic trophy. Ultimately, most riders choose to put themselves through such a battering for three days for a personal sense of achievement. I should know. I went in the race. I didn’t finish in the points, nowhere near it, but I made it to the end, through water, mud, cold and fog, and so did my bike.

Recently there was an image of hundreds of people queuing up to get to the top of Everest. They weren’t up there for prize money either, they were doing it for the challenge, the commitment of setting a task for oneself and seeing it through to the end.

However, you don’t have to spend $200,000 climbing a hill in Nepal to attain a sense of achievement. It can be found anywhere; on a bike, on a walking trail, a theatre stage, even in your own loungeroom. All you have to do is find it in yourself to commit to an achievable goal outside of your usual habits and follow the task through to the end. Set a date for something, months into the future and meet that target. This is your own personal Everest.

The A3VE was my Everest and every spare thought was bound up in this fool endeavour. Doubt and trepidation mixed with training and preparation. Why was I doing this? I am in my 50s, a time when I should be sitting back reflecting on the past high-water marks of my life, not marking new ones. As the date drew near, I felt like I was caught in a whirlpool. The anxious internal dialogue it generated looked set to overwhelm my focus. So, I shut it all down. I trained, I made my lists, I went over my machine. I focused on the immediate tasks at hand, not whether I could make it to the end.

And this approach worked, along with some wise words from Sam, my trainer, who almost took on the role of counsellor at times. Suddenly there I was, in the ride. Every day was rough roads, hills and rocks.

Over time the exhaust note of my XR200 became the single constant in my world as the terrain bucked and shifted beneath me. Each night I counted down the hours to completion. Every morning, I lined up and did it all again. And by Sunday afternoon it was done. No trophy, but no injuries either and here I am.

So, go out and set a goal for yourself. Why not? If you feel that you may be too old, too grown up to set new challenges for yourself, just remember: The satisfaction of a goal reached in your 50s is far sweeter than anything achieved in your 20s.

Words: Anthony Sawrey | Images: David White

Your real estate guide to the Central Highlands

House.Land.Home. is a division of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd

Contact: Kyle Barnes 5348 7883 | 0416 104 283

Grand Final (September 27) | Publication Date - SEPTEMBER 23 Bookings by September 15 | Copy by September 17 Summer Series (December 4) Publication Date - DECEMBER 2 Bookings by November 26 | Copy by November 28

Lock in your property advertising for 2019!

House.Land.Home.

Regional round up

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HE top three auction towns in regional Victoria so far this year are all in the Geelong area with Belmont leading the pack, chalking up 64 auctions in 2019 which is exactly the same number recorded at this time last year.

Similarly, auction was the preferred method of sale for 43 properties in Newtown in 2018, but there have been just 24 this year. And in Echuca, there were 41 auctions in 2018 versus 23 this year to date. Shepparton has recorded one less auction with 22 in 2018 and 23 in 2019.

The top regional Victoria auction sale so far in 2019 was a three-bedroom waterfront home in Geelong which changed hands for $2.38 million in April. This was followed by another waterfront property – two homes on Lake Nagambie with their own private jetty – that sold together for $1.49 million in March. Rounding out the top three was another Geelong gem, a three-bedroom house that sold under the hammer for $1.45 million in April.

The REIV says it is starting to see a pick-up in the auction market, which it expects to continue as the property market improves towards the end of the year.

According to the REIV, second on the list is Highton, which has hosted 37 auctions, compared with 58 at this point in 2018 and third is Geelong West with 35 auctions compared with 45 at this time last year.

While auctions are down 36 per cent overall in regional Victoria on last year’s figures, most likely due to low market confidence as well as buyers and sellers awaiting the result of the federal election, there are some country towns that have seen more Link: www.reiv.com.au/market-insights auctions in 2019 than 2018.

There have been 22 auctions in Lara, more than double the 10 held there at this point in 2018 while Mildura has hosted 24 auctions, compared with 21 in 2018. In East Geelong, there was one more auction so far this year, with 19, than the 2018 figure of 18.

There were a high volume of auctions in Torquay in the first part of 2018, with 54 held and that number has dropped to 32 this year.

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.

Contact us for all your water garden requirements or come and see our nursery at 1 Campion Rd, Newlyn.

0418 567 195

FLYSCREENS MEASURED,

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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

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

DAYLESFORD 234 LAKE ROAD

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY This property is made up of 2 titles with a total land area of 6.64ha or 16.4 acres approx. and is in wonderful position in a quiet area of Daylesford Township - close to beautiful Jubilee Lake with the famous Lerderderg Track at the rear boundary and adjacent to the Wombat State forest.

Renovated and neat as a pin this residence comprises 3 bedrooms with BIR’s, entry to open plan lounge-diningkitchen, bathroom, separate laundry and huge entertainer’s deck. Great 7m x 8m shed, woodshed and plenty of room to store a caravan or boat.

• Open rural setting midway between Lake Daylesford and Jubilee Lake • Possible subdivision for second dwelling [STCA].

a3 b1 c2 FOR SALE PRICE $625,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328 WHEATSHEAF 165 WHITEGUM DRIVE

EXPERIENCE THE SERENITY This beautifully presented, solid home provides a tranquil bushland residence in Wheatsheaf, just 10 minutes drive to Daylesford. The 5-acre approx. well maintained block provides seclusion with mature Australian native tree surrounds.

The home is ideally suited to a family, with 3 good sized bedrooms with BIR’s.

The floorplan includes a country kitchen with electric cooking, separate dining/ meals area and formal lounge. Extensive undercover veranda and large shed complete the package. Perfect permanent residence or weekend country retreat, or ideal holiday accommodation.

• Rain water tanks, septic system, mains power, ADSL internet • 2 x sheds - one 6m x 9m and the other 3m x 3m

a3 b1 c2 FOR SALE PRICE $525,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328 ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

bigginscott.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Design with Indre Kisonas

Keeping warm Feeling draughty? Leaking warmth? Here are some easy tips.

Winter has finally hit and when it gets cold enough to snow outside then those gaps and draughts you may not know about become very apparent. The trick to staying warm is ensuring that your thermal envelope is sound. That is, your walls, floor and roof of your home, house or office.

Up to 25 per cent of winter heat is lost by air leakages and draughts and there are many places that leaks can be found. To find obvious gaps, look for visible light under and around doors and windows. Sounds obvious now that it’s mentioned.

Another way of finding leakages is by feeling for moving air around doors, windows and fireplaces. Don’t forget air outlets, vents, stairways, floorboards, exposed rafters and beams, built-in heaters and air conditioners, architraves and skirting boards. Many of these gaps can be silicone-closed and will make a difference.

Look for movement in and around curtains. If you don’t have triple- or doubleglazed windows, use curtains or blinds to cover the glass. Adding pelmets at the top of the windows with close-fitting curtains or blinds reduces the warm air being drawn to the cold windows. This warm air then cools down, dropping down the window and creating a cool convection system with the warm air rising and cooling once again. A single pane of glass will lose almost 10 times as much heat as a same sized insulated wall.

When insulating a dwelling it is worth the extra cost of insulating to a greater level than the minimum stated. Put insulation not only in the walls but also in the floor (if possible) and roof. The type of insulation you use will be determined by your hip pocket, fire rating levels and environmental concerns.

To reduce the gaps found around windows and doors, add weather stripping to their edges. These are readily found at your local hardware store. Weather guards screwed to the bottom of external doors are also wonderfully effective. They can stop leaves and dirt as well as some draughting. We can’t talk about draught prevention without mentioning the traditional draught snake. Our grandmothers’ grandmas were kicking these sawdust filled snakes around the bases of doors, so we know they work.

Filling up your space with thick, warm soft furnishings also makes a space warmer and cosier. Rearranging a room to reduce long, open passageways or big spaces changes the way cold air moves around, reducing draughts and creating pockets of comfort.

Get in front of heaters or fires. Use rugs on cold floors and throws over knees.

Reverse ceiling fans in high-ceilinged rooms or voids will push warm air down into a room for our benefit rather than warming the ceiling space.

Having now raised the efficiency of your dwelling, you will rely on your heating less. You can turn down the heating temperature or throw a few less logs on the fire.

You will be saving money and energy and you’ll be kinder to the environment and yourself.

Indre Kisonas - owner and principal designer - iok design www.iokdesign.com.au | indre@iokdesign.com.au

Winter has certainly arrived and with a demonic vengeance - first with bitingly cold spells laced with threats of early frosts, but now with bouts of squally winds, thankfully accompanied by buckets of drought-saving rain and promises of more on the horizon.

I recently dealt with frost damage to the garden, now let's look at taking care of sudden flooding and intermittent gales.

Heavy rainstorms can bring with them a range of problems, particularly if the soil is parched and the surface compacted. That is because much of the early water runs off rather than soaks in, often leading to the double effect of moving topsoil and mulch from one bed to clog up and swamp the other. A particularly bad situation if the water is allowed to stay and waterlog the plants.

Both problems can be alleviated by taking advantage of the breaks between the spells of rain to dig a few channels and levees to slow the flow. Loosening up any compacted topsoil will allow any further rainfall to soak down into the parched subsoil. A few strategically placed holes (especially around the drip line of trees) dug deep with a crowbar or similar, is often a good method of getting moisture down to the feed roots in heavy soils, as well as dealing with the excess water.

When working to reduce the effects of any further downpours, try to minimise the disturbance of the soil until it dries out somewhat, especially in the case of heavy soils. Deep digging or turning over of the soil will result in large clods of earth which will then need to be broken up when it finally dries out, to say nothing of the disturbance caused to the plants' roots. A garden fork rather than a spade will do the job best.

With the wind comes damage to your trees and exposed shrubs, especially if the branches are being whipped against a wall or fence. If they have been weakened or damaged in any way it's best to deal with the problem immediately. Weak or young, split or broken branches should be cut back cleanly below the break. Cut back either to the base of the branch or to a place where young side shoots are likely to grow.

Eventually the young growth will then fill in the gap left by the removed branch.

Often the problem is a rubbed wound from constant impact with walls or other solid objects. Galvanised fences are the biggest culprits in this. Many a young tree or shrub has been decapitated by violent contact with sharp iron. Often the problem can be fixed by packing some hessian or sacking around the branch at the point of contact to lessen the impact.

In most cases storm damage to trees and shrubs requires minimal foliage removal to aid the plants but, in the case of large branch removal of established trees, it will mean a close inspection and often the cutting back of remaining branches to balance both the weight and appearance of the affected tree.

Of course, in the case of deciduous ornamental flowering and fruit trees, you may decide to go a step further and treat them to an early winter prune. At least even if they haven't yet suffered in the high winds, they will be in a better position to handle any further storm that may come our way.

Pictured above: We may not get snow like the year this photo of my front lawn was taken…but, the way this winter has gone - who can tell?

The Garden Studio at the Shelter Shed

Looking for somewhere to stay in the Central Highlands, perhaps with your pooch? Look no further.

The Shelter Shed is a private studio apartment, set on half an acre in the grounds of an old school at Glenlyon - and fully fenced.

Enjoy a quiet drink on the deck while your pup runs free.

Or stroll down to the welcoming Glenlyon General Store for a coffee, breakfast, lunch or Friday night dinner/ drinks.

Details: hello@2cool4school. com.au or call 0416 104 283.

18 News

www.tlnews.com.au

A couple with more than a one track mind

T

HE spa-shopping-wining-and-dining Central Highlands world is quietly being joined by more vigorous activity: trail-biking, bushwalking and orienteering.

At the heart of this are new maps, waterproof and tearproof that come from a home deep in Wheatsheaf, in the Wombat Forest.

Bushwalking has been around for a long time, of course, but new technology is turbo-charging it just as comparatively fresh forms of orienteering, such as by motorbike, gain popularity.

Former international IT workers Ken Dowling and Anitra Connolly produce these maps after exploring by bike and on foot.

Both New Zealanders, their work began in the early 70s when Ken read about orienteering, which began in Sweden. This, and his early role as a gun battery surveyor in his nation’s army, piqued his interest.

Moving to Britain, he joined an orienteering club in 1974, helping develop a map for the sport.

Then it was back home for 20 years, where he mapped orienteering routes and even developed the first ski orienteering map of trails on a snow farm.

Dramatic leaps in computer technology changed everything in 1996 when Ken found a computer-based tool for orienteering mapping.

Moving to Melbourne for work, Ken and Anitra bought their Wheatsheaf retreat, then helped a major six-hour motorbike event in 2005 with a map covering Glenlyon to Bullarto.

Noting what was happening in Europe, more maps followed as technology improved, leading to Ken and a partner, Jim Russell of Bendigo, importing a special strong map paper from Germany.

Sometimes an immense amount of work is involved. For the 100km trails project being developed near Creswick, every track had to be mapped.

Maps have already been done for tourism in Creswick, showing walking and biking trails, as well as one for the Creswick of the Lindsays brochure, covering the renowned literary and artistic family.

Last year, Ken assumed a new title, Community Cartographer, producing a map for what is called the Glenlyon bio-link brochure on an eco-nature walk between the Loddon Bridge and Glenlyon dam.

He traced the towns on the Goldfields Track for the Great Dividing Trail Association last year, moving on to the association’s Lerderderg Track map of seven walks. This handy map covers 87 km from Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh, covering some wild and rugged landscape and describing places of interests, with photos and warnings about traps, such as sudden drops of danger to bikers.

Exposed rocks laid down 300 million years ago can be seen.

Lerderderg is the south-eastern leg of the Great Dividing Trail Network, which includes Goldfields Track, 210kms from Mt Buninyong to Bendigo.

As to how long plotting a map takes, 73-year-old Ken just shakes his head. He started Lerderderg two years ago as DELWP spent $25,000 on the track, but along the way, there were changes to its direction.

Sixty per cent of the job is Anitra’s, says Ken. She explains, “I walk the tracks with a device that tracks where I’ve been. Then it’s downloaded and you get a map of the tracks I walked.”

Ken uses a small GPS device in his bike helmet to capture satellite information on location. “You can tell how many satellites are in range,” he says. “They have to be at least 15 degrees above the horizon.”

After 21 years on their two-hectare block, the couple put in a six-person bushfire bunker, complete with a sliding panel to see outside. “We can watch our house burn down,” says Anitra, laughing.

They certainly watch more than that, however, telling how locals are sometimes surprised to learn of some tracks, such as those on both sides of Doctors Gully in Hepburn, the track from Daylesford to Hepburn and a new one leading to the Chocolate Mill on the Midland Highway at Mt Franklin.

It has been said that the earliest maps were “story” maps made by artists who mixed knowledge with supposition, meaning and fear. Both landscape and what happened in it were described, so travellers could plot a route and experience a story.

Wonderfully, the Lerderderg map does much of that, without the supposition and not much fear.

WISH MOVING HOUSE WAS THIS EASY? No matter if you are moving into the area for the first time, moving to the big smoke or just moving across town - we will take care of you and your prized possessions like its our own home we are moving. Locally owned and operated, Oz Trans are the leading local removalist and general transport specialists in the entire Daylesford and Central Highlands region for over 25 years.

• Home, piano and commercial removals • House packing services • Sensitive freight • All kinds of art cared for

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes FREIGHT · TRANSPORT · REMOVALS DAY L ESFO R D AND CENT R AL HIG HL ANDS

• Furniture deliveries (new & second-hand) • General freight and produce cartage • Bulk freight, dry and chilled • Packing supplies available CALL JASON 0407 697 877 WWW.OZ-TRANS.COM.AU

REGULAR RUNS TO MELBOURNE, GEELONG, BALLARAT, BENDIGO AND EVERYWHERE IN-BETWEEN.

www.tlnews.com.au

Markets 19

To market, to market...to buy a warm hat

Y

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

Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday, pictured 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 (Not held during winter) 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

20 Dine Review

www.tlnews.com.au

Gavan brings food passion to the Daylesford

C

HEF Gavan Anders is leading the culinary team at the Daylesford Hotel - and the flavours on offer are amazing.

We arrived at the majestic icon in the centre of the town on a wintry Friday afternoon. The old girl's architecture remains breathtaking and speaks of a bygone era with opulent furnishings and fixtures - but we didn’t let that distract us away from the menu and its creator. Gavan is a longtime veteran of gastro-style pub food and also harbours a passion for dishes with an Asian flair - thanks to numerous trips to the continent.

Entrees We started with the fancy fish fingers with lettuce, pea & mint dressing ($16) and the chorizo, roast capsicum & green olive fritters served with a honey saffron sauce ($12). The fish was beautifully smoked, full of flavour, crisply coated and nothing like you will ever find in the frozen food aisle. This could easily be a quick lunch by itself. The fritters had a wonderful texture and we both loved the sweet dipping sauce. If Gavan does anything, it's flavour, flavour, flavour!

Mains Onto the mains and a hard decision. The vegetarian option of crispy tofu, broccoli, cashews, beansprouts, pickled vegetable & rice noodle salad ($25) or perhaps the Daylesford Hotel’s famous pie with mashed potato, peas and gravy ($28).

Gavan's offer of the lamb saltimbocca, rosemary roasted potatoes, broccolini and marsala sauce ($36) won Donna's hand. It's a huge serve of sliced lamb, perfectly cooked, basted in sauce and just daring you not to finish the dish. Gavan said later this would be exactly how he would serve the meal at home - and it shows.

I toggled between the Sher Wagyu beef burger with a milk bun, bacon, Swiss cheese, cos, tomato, dill pickle, mayonnaise and chips ($24) but finally settled for confit duck leg with pan-fried potatoes, Istra sausage and green beans with rich red wine jus ($34). The gorgeous duck leg fell off the bone, while the sausage and green beans offered even more flavour and crunch. The pan-fried potatoes were commandeered for a bit of a mop-up at the end.

Dessert There was no room left for dessert, but once the dark chocolate & orange tart, clotted cream, candied orange and mandarin sorbet ($15) appeared, it seemed there was. Who knew? This is a decadent sweet with the sorbet the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the chocolate and cream. Be prepared for a chocolate coma with this!

Drinks As you would expect, being a hotel, and publican Anne Marie Banting being an experienced sommelier, there is plenty on offer drinks wise here. Donna had a glass of Hanging Rock chardonnay ($10) with her entrees, followed by a nice glass of Smythes Creek pinot noir ($12) with her lamb. I stuck to mineral water - as I was fighting off jetlag and once again the designated driver.

Something else The Daylesford Hotel has offered its guests great food and drinks for more than 100 years and having Gavan heading up the team is a real bonus with his absolutes passion for flavour, food and honest, delicious fare. You can't do better than that.

Enjoy!

Words & images: Kyle Barnes

Roaring fires & red wine

LUNCH FRIDAY - SUNDAY 12-3PM DINNER 7 NIGHTS FROM 5PM DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

News 21

Time to get Uked!

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KED! the first play-along ukulele musical will premiere at the historic Guildford Music Hall from June 20-30, bringing theatre and ukulele lovers to the town.

Gin High Tea $69pp Every Sunday In June

Move over old fashion High Tea and celebrate the timeless tradition of Tea and Gin. Our High Tea is a creative explosion of food and drinks using local and imported Gin. Each Sunday in June you can enjoy this special High Tea in the beautiful surroundings of our Library.

Includes a Gin & Tea cocktail on arrival and a full High Tea menu of sweet and savoury treats.

Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.

m

LIVE MUSIC 2nd and 4th Friday of month

Andy Lacy will be playing in the lounge 1600-1900 both of these dates www.andylacymusic.com www.facebook.com/andylacymusic

HAPPY HOUR

Daily from

4pm to 7pm

LOCALS NIGHT (Save over $35pp) Chefs choice Feed Me option $45pp including a beer, wine or soft drink www.mineralspringshotel.com.au 124 Main Rd Hepburn Springs | (03) 5348 2202

Uked! is the hilarious and poignant story of Karla, who is dumped on her 50th birthday by her violin-playing boyfriend, Brian. Desperate to belong and prove her musical worth, Karla buys a ukulele and joins a dating site - learning that love and the ukulele have a lot in common.

Castlemaine actor and singer Rebecca Morton stars as Karla and Bendigo musician, performer and ukulele teacher Pete Gavin stars as all her YouTube ukulele teachers and dating interests. The show is directed by Castlemaine Theatre Company president Kate Stones and Guildford’s Tex and Fi Chant have cameo roles.

Writer and producer Jane Cafarella says, “I think the story will resonate with everyone. Karla is one of those people who’s fallen through the cracks of life. She’s never married, never had kids and never had a career. The world is changing and she’s struggling to find her place in it. But she’s resourceful, funny and active about finding a solution. Already, people are telling me, ‘I know a Karla!’.

“I wrote the show for all the Karlas out there, and to celebrate the humble ukulele’s ability to bring people together - and as an antidote to the daily misery of the news.”

Uked! offers unique levels of audience engagement. Audience members can just sit back and enjoy the show or they can bring their uke and sing and play along with Karla. A screen will display all the chords and lyrics for the sing-along songs, and chord diagrams will decorate the hall.

Those who have always wanted to tread the boards can register to be on stage playing Karla’s fellow club members. (Register at uked.beintheshow@gmail.com and then book your discounted ticket.)

But you don’t need to play the ukulele to enjoy the show. “Those who hate audience participation will be seated near the bar, ” Jane said.

Bookings: bit.ly/GetUked

D AY L E S F O R D B O W L I N G C L U B BISTRO

DISCO O G N I B

Great Food Great Atmosphere Morning Melodies Thursday Meat Raffle Friday Raffle Come make it your club!!

To avo i d d i s a p p o i n t m e n t b o o k i n g s a r e a p p r e c i at e d

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

www.tlnews.com.au

22 Dining

THURSDAY

BEER GARDEN

Locals Menu – all day

Mains from $22

2 Courses $32 3 Courses $37 3 Courses + Wine of Week $42

FUNCTIONS

when everyone is a local

Kids menu & regular menu also available

Thursday to Saturday 11am – close Sunday 11am – 4pm 31 High Street, Trentham (03) 5424 1144

theplough.com.au

Private dining room Catering for 8-30 guests Set menus available

OPEN EVERY DAY 7.30am - 3pm (03) 5424 1277 | 2/22 High Street, Trentham

Do you feed and water people?

Advertise here and let everyone know.

Except some public holidays. no bookings required

www.tlnews.com.au

News 23

Check us out on-line in a fully readable digital magazine format, simply go to www.tlnews.com.au and hit the “Read The Local” button.

This will give you all The Local stories from our second edition onwards.

(Sorry, we didn’t have the technology for edition one!)

You can also download your copy and print it out on your home printer - wow, now that’s home delivery!

June 3, 2019 Issue 151 Producers’ feature

August 4, 2014 Issue 25 Meet actor Tom in our Trenth McCathie am feature

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SECURITY

CAM | 3 23:45 24/12/2014

December 22, 2014 Issue 35 The Local You better watch out!

- Hepburn Shire ’s own comm unity publi cation

April 13, 2015

Issue 43

Harvest Festi

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April 27, 2015

Issue 44

Great Tren

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The amazing

Issue 51

life of Andy

of the Highla

Greenwood

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August 31,

The Kyneton

unity public

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2015 Issue

Daffodil &

53

December 21, 2015 Issue Daylesford 61 NYE Parad e judges Millie, Jude and Elshie

Arts Festiv

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The Local The Heart

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

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August 29 2016 Issue 79

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The Local The Heart of

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July 6, 2015 Issue 49 Meet the new owners of The Farmers Arms The Local The Heart

unity public

Issue 150

April 15, 2016 Issue 68 Gone

Fishing! the Highla nds’ own comm unity public

Victorian Rur al Press Club Awa rds 2016

own comm

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The Heart of

The Local The Heart

The Local -

The Heart of

June 5, 2017 Issue 99 Singin’ in the Rain Grab the winte r edition of The

the Highlands The Local -

The Local -

Wed, Thur & Sun:12pm-8pm Fri, Sat: 12pm-Late

Mammadonas @mamma_donas

Pizzeria

The Heart of

The Heart of

December 5, 2016 Issue 86 Crowing abou t the nest of the Highla

nds’ own comm

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The Heart of

The Heart of

the Highlands

February 27, 2017 Issue 92 ChillOut The Local -

the Highlan

The Heart of

the Highlands

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the Highlands The Local -

The Heart of

July 3, 2017 Issue 101 All aboard with Barrie

Little Local

the Highlands

the Highlands

La L na The Local -

The Heart of

www.pizzerialaluna.com.au

the Highlands

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Kyneton’s Little Italy!

Traditional Home-Cooked Italian Favorites 138 Mollison St, Kyneton 5422 1106

The Local -

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The Heart of

the Highlands

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Mamma Dona’s Restaurant

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The The Local Local - The- The Heart Heart of Highla of the the Highlands nds

July 17, 2017 Issue 102 Us Two - Kiera n & Sue

The Local -

nds’ own comm

February 13, 2017 Issue 91 At the world ’s end

the Highlands

the Highlands

- Th

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August 14, 2017 Us Two - Vicky Issue 104 and Wakka

The Local The Local -

of the Highla

May 20, 20 19

April 10, 2017 The life of Lily Issue 95 Langham

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August 3, 2015

The Local The Heart

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

HOME DELIVERIES FRIDAY TO SUNDAY 5348 4123 t "MCFSU 4U %BZMFTGPSE 7JDUPSJB

Daylesford

Hot Soup All Winter VEGAN / VEGETARIAN OPTIONS SALAD BOWLS / SPUDS MEXICAN BEEF STEW COCONUT PRAWNS & MORE!

WWW.CASAELREY.COM.AU

GALLEY

BURGERS BBQ RIBS

Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s - our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists.

Open every day until late.

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

5348 3577

“The home of tasty burgers” DINE IN - FOOD TO GO - DELIVERY 105 Vincent Street 7 days 03 5348 3884 www.galleydiner.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

Meal deals 25

Meal deals for locals - and visitors!

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

Community Lunch:

The 5000 Club, Daylesford is open for lunch from noon every Friday at Victoria Park, Daylesford. All welcome. (Closed July 5 and 12.)

Raffles:

Monday:

Peppers Mineral Springs, Hepburn - Feed me - includes a glass of beer or wine $45pp

Fundraising raffles for local organisations are held on Friday evenings at the Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford, the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham and the Daylesford Bowling Club.

Wednesday:

Mamma Dona's, Kyneton - a range of parmas, $15 takeaway or $18 eat in Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses & a glass of wine - $40

Thursday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $25 The Plough, Trentham - Locals' All Day Dining - 2 courses $27/3 courses $32

Friday:

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

Sunday:

Business Networking Event Daylesford Hotel Wednesday, June 19 from 5.30pm All welcome Supported by:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Roast, a pot or glass of wine or soft drink - $25 Daylesford Bowling Club - Parma Night - $14, 5.30pm-8.30pm

Monday - Friday (Not available public holidays or school holidays) Galley Diner, Daylesford - lunch deal - burger, soft drink, fries - $17 Casa El Rey, Daylesford - lunch deal - burrito, soft drink - $15

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

•

03 5348 2091 • THEFARMERSARMS.COM.AU

26 Travel

www.tlnews.com.au

A sentimental journey back to New Zealand Images: This page, the view from the Cape Karikari Winery, opposite page, Kyle reminisces among the Pohutukawa trees at Ngunguru, a swordfish is weighed at the Tutukaka Fishing Club, a jandal fence at Kaeo

R

Next stop was my father’s place at Coopers Beach but not before a quick stop at the famous Mangonui fish shop. Mangonui is a little village with half the buildings over the water and I remember hanging around the Four Square supermarket, kind My father was a commercial fisherman, just like my uncle and of like an IGA, with the fish shop having the best snapper, apart from dear old dad’s grandfather, so life was simple in Northland, New Zealand. The family would move to wherever the snapper were running at the time, which meant a total of 13 schools, smoker.

The next day dad and I went out for a fish although they weren’t exactly jumping and hometowns, around the district for me. into the boat but my dad is like a green-thumb of the sea so we somehow got our I once heard my dad saying we were moving to Houhora. It was a spot with a quota which made for a great evening of yarns, home-brew and fresh smoked fish. A caravan where we three kids slept in an annexe and the shower was out of a bucket late rise the next morning and we took off for a nostalgic look at one of our favourite and the toilet a long-drop - all conveniently located 50 metres down the road from old fishing grounds, Houhora Bay, however this time it was done with class from the the northern-most pub in the country because “The Cape’s the capper” refers to Cape Karikari winery, where the view was breathtaking.

North Cape being the most northern point - although tourists will tell you it’s Cape The final part of the journey was down to my old waterfront village of Ngunguru, Reinga. a beautiful estuary of calm water with a small entrance into the Pacific. This was the About a year later the description changed around to “The Cape’s the crapper”, highlight of the trip for me. This was where I went to my first school on the edge referring to the lack of fish, and the longline being torn up by sharks. And with of that estuary where we all learnt to swim. I was the first one in my class to get caravan sold we were off again to a quiet little place out of Whangarei called upgraded from the communal table to a proper desk at the age of five. All the kids Ngunguru, only accessed via a water-gorged ford over a riverbed and a dusty road.

So, a few weeks ago we landed in Auckland to embark on my sentimental journey. had a say in who got the upgrade and I won over through the vocal prompting from a good friend. Unfortunately, he is now serving time for murdering his girlfriend.

The first stop was Auckland where our accommodation was very near Karangahape In my early 20s, after moving to many more fishing grounds, we returned to Road or K Road as it’s known to the locals, a seedy area back in the 80s but nowadays Ngunguru, where my father purchased a waterfront caravan park which has since a great little dining strip with tonnes of those ride and leave scooters whizzing about the place - although I suspect some of the underbelly of the red-light district remains. been cut up into an estate for the wealthy. Also nearby is a treacherous mountain road between Ngunguru and Tutukaka which was about a 10-minute drive to get to My only memory of this place was as a teenager going to a peep show and not the then-infamous Tut Hotel where I had a little bar called Kyle’s Can Cave. The pub being able to get my coin-operated flap to open. I asked the nice creepy man with would host bands including Dragon with 5000 dancing fans, fights breaking out and the long overcoat in the next booth how he did his and got more than I bargained gang warfare. The mountain road was named “The Surgeon” by my father. He had for. Later that night we hooned along in a car jeering at the prostitutes on the strip, only to be pulled over by the police with a quick-thinking friend telling the police his contracted skin cancer on his bald head and made an appointment to get it removed but then a rum-fuelled session in the pub followed by a car accident saw the rear reason for yelling was because he thought he recognised his mother. vision mirror tear through his scalp. This resulted in my dad getting the all clear from Next stop on the recent journey was my place of birth, Warkworth, or as the the skin cancer surgeon the next day. jokers in passport control have stamped it on my passport, Wankworth. We stopped Ngunguru was the end of the sentimental road for me and just reinforced the for a cup of tea and a sausage stuffed with potato, an old favourite gourmet delight of beauty of that part of the coast, the magical scenery and memories that Northland, mine. I have limited memories of this place but it’s where I bounced into the world New Zealand holds. as a 12-pound malt-fattened Kiwi baby and where, in later life, as a teenager while sailing up the coast with some rich mates met Rachel Hunter, the ex-supermodel and Words: Kyle Barnes : Images: Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly former wife to rocker Rod Stewart.

ECENTLY I had a hankering for visiting my hometowns in New Zealand. And yes, there is a plural there.

28 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Saving the planet, one shire at a time

H

EPBURN Shire is becoming a type of laboratory for the nation in finding solutions for the climate crisis.

From a solar farm planned by Hepburn Wind to an ambitious council push towards zero emissions, work is going ahead at speed.

And free energy audits of people’s homes are due to start soon, showing the way to cut power use.

One small example of council action is its electric van, which is charged at the depot by solar-produced power.

The council aims to have its net emissions down to zero by 2021 through making its sites more efficient, continuing to install solar panels on its buildings and buying the rest of its electricity needs from 100 per cent renewable sources.

Heading the council’s projects is a diesel mechanic turned mechanical engineer, Dominic Murphy, who’s been the council’s sustainability officer for a year. One council project is to install what’s called an anaerobic digester in Creswick. This breaks down food waste to produce power.

The pilot stage uses about 100kg of waste. At full capacity, he says, it could take six tonnes a day, roughly equivalent to the shire’s output. Ultimately, it should produce enough power to supply 100 homes. “It’s not the solution to our energy problems,” says 30-year-old Dominic, “but a tool for dealing with excess waste. Wasting less is always a better option.”

The council also runs a solar savers program by which people registering for a rates rebate through their pension card qualify for help. This financial year 38 people were helped this way. Dominic said a $2225 state government rebate is paid and the council would cover the rest, to be repaid without interest.

The council is also making grants to make community buildings more energy effective.

Within the community, there is a plan to reach zero net emissions across the shire.

The project is called Z-NET. “The idea is to use data from sources such as power use and the number of vehicles and kilometres travelled.” The number of cows, pigs, sheep and even potatoes will be used to get information on local greenhouse gas emissions.

Once this information is compiled from sources such as ABS data on vehicles, it is hoped to build a picture of the problem and find possible solutions. Information from this investigation is publicly available at z-net.org.au/hepburn.

Over at Hepburn Wind, a $500,000 state government grant is helping build a solar farm, with early work due to start late next year.

After eight years, Hepburn Wind has earned over $1million, paid both its debt 10 years ahead of schedule and a $260,000 dividend.

Says Taryn Lane, Hepburn Wind’s manager: “We are trying to set a new benchmark for the shire.” After first taking what she says was a limited approach to the climate crisis, the focus is turning to transport and farming, moving beyond what she calls the “energy piece”.

There is no dodging just how complex and challenging the overall problem is, she says, but targets have been set. Local schemes such as bulk buying of solar batteries are in the 2021 target, with more efficient transport the aim for 2025, followed five years later by zero net emissions, which would involve land use and waste.

Two years ago she studied renewable energy in European villages while on a Churchill Fellowship and is applying what she learned on a larger scale.

Taryn, pictured right, sees a need to take action, while acknowledging a lack of interest from Canberra but help from the state government. Global warming must be limited to within 1.5 degrees within 12 years.

“We have so much potential in Hepburn Shire to find what is best practice here and for other communities to learn from us.”

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Contributed

www.tlnews.com.au

Gig Guide Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, Hepburn

Live music - 2nd and 4th Friday of the month

Gig Guide 29

‘Mixed Brew’Gig! ‘Sugar’n Spice’ & ‘Fat Chance’ on the same bill at Scrub Hill, Dean Don’t miss it!

Scrub Hill, Newlyn

Sugar ‘n’ Spice Homebrew CD launch and Fat Chance - Sunday, June 30, 2pm4pm

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn

Little Wigtown Duo - Friday, June 21 The Cartwheels - Saturday, June 22 Andy Lacy - Sunday, June 23 Polar Bare - Friday, June 28 Josh Dance - Saturday, June 29 Next Episode - Sunday, June 30 Floyd Thursby - Friday, July 5 Team Love - Saturday, July 6 Ellerby - Sunday, July 7

Bellinzona, Hepburn Live music - every second Saturday night

The Palais, Hepburn Springs

Dj Ezc with Sallie Harvey - Friday, June 21 Freya Josephine Hollick - Saturday, June 22 Kerryn Fields - Friday, June 28 Geoffrey Williams - Saturday, June 29 Hepburn Shire Council FReeZA All Ages showcase - Sunday, June 30

New CD Launch

The evocative ‘Homebrew’ CD by Sugar ‘n Spice Also available for sale will be some of Vanessa Craven’s fine artwork

Contact: 0408 994 393 acousticsessions@mmnet.com.au

VENUE: SCRUB HILL, 1869 1713 DAYLESFORD-BALLARAT Rd (Cnr Sawmill Rd), NEWLYN Food & Local Wine Available

Got a gig coming up? Email news@tlnews.com.au It's free!

http://scrubhill1869.com.au

WHEN: SUNDAY 30th JUNE DOORS OPEN 12.30pm CONCERT 2pm-4pm

T

HE Davidson Brothers are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their first album release, Blue Spruce, and will be performing a one-off show in Woodend to mark the milestone year.

Together Hamish and Lachlan have released eight albums, toured the globe and played with some of the biggest names in Australian country music including Melinda Schneider, Troy Cassar-Daley and Lee Kernaghan. More recently the boys have been infusing their bluegrass style with rock, performing with the likes of INXS’ Andrew Farriss and Joe Camilleri from The Black Sorrows.

“We’ve released over 100 songs in the past 20 years so we’ll have some fun picking out what to play on the night. We are looking forward to meeting Woodend’s music lovers.”

The Davidson Brothers' 20th anniversary show will be held at the St Ambrose Hall in Woodend on Saturday, July 20. The Devil Goat Family String Band kick off at 7pm and the Davidson Brothers will play from 8pm to 10.30pm. All tickets include a reserved seat/table. BYO drink and nibbles.

Tickets available at trybooking.com/BDBJY

An afternoon of great live music with a little bit of sugar, a little bit of spice, and fat chance of leaving without a smile on your dial...

And maybe with one of Vanessa’s artworks too !

TICKETS:

https://www.trybooking.com/BCPBY Adults $20 online (At Door $25) Children under 16 free.

30 News

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5000 Club at new home

T

he 5000 Club has opened in its new venue at Victoria Park with guests from Hepburn Shire Council, Daylesford Rotary and Daylesford U3A.

Lunches are held every Friday from noon - with two exceptions.

Organiser Loretta Little said the 5000 Club would be closed on Friday, July 5 and 12 with the Daylesford Football Club running events on those days.

"We will be resuming operation on Friday, July 19."

Loretta said anyone interested in volunteering should contact her on 0439 364 857.

"We need a trained cook to join our team, so do consider volunteering. One day a month from 9am to noon is all this involves."

Pictured, from left, Hepburn Shire councillor Fiona Robson, Loretta Little and Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Don Henderson Image: Supplied

W RD

CROSS

News 31

www.tlnews.com.au

Bag muster

T

HE Woodend Community Bags/Boomerang Bags team hosted a “Bag Muster” to spread its message about plastics late last month.

Spokesperson Sally Edwards said the team was joined by other likeminded people from both Romsey and Sunbury and production of beautiful bags was in full swing by mid morning.

"Brian Thomas gave a fascinating talk about sewing machines, types of bobbins and threads. Chef Lorraine Masterman prepared an amazing lunch and we made some new friends as well. Thanks to Sally Scanlan who organised the event."

The bags are for sale at the Woodend Farmers Market on the first Saturday of the Month.

Sally said the group was also keen to get more material if anyone had a fabric stash they are wanting to clear out.

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32 Trades

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Trades 33

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34 Opinion

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Just sayin’...

Pick me, pick me...

By Donna Kelly

I

T'S funny. Well not 'ha ha' funny, but I was wondering just the other day what had happened to the permanent residents who were facing eviction from Daylesford Holiday Park at Victoria Park.

You may remember, or not, that a group of residents were told to get out after, one, the state government, back in 2011, decided that no permanent residents should be allowed to live in caravan parks on Crown land, then two, the Hepburn Shire Council gave the lease to the new owners in 2016, and then three, the new owners decided to act on the legislation.

Quite legally.

The new legislation was a tourism kind of thing, I think, aimed at tidying up the parks for the tourists. After all, who wants to pay good money to stay at a caravan park when someone is living permanently next door? Wouldn't worry me but I think that was the idea.

Anyway, it caused quite a big ruckus at the time of the eviction notice. People were up in arms against the state government for dreaming up such a stupid idea, up in arms against the new owners for acting on it and up in arms against the council for not making sure the new lease looked after those permanent residents, many elderly.

And then it went quiet. Obviously people were working in the background to make things happen and didn't want the media in the mix anymore. And that's OK. It happens.

Sometimes, and I know this is hard to believe, people use the media.

So we stepped back, with a few emails now and again asking what was happening, but then, just this week, boom. Into my inbox came an email with a public notice that appeared in The Courier saying all had been settled. But with no explanation of how. Odd. So I contacted Hepburn Shire Council and had a chat with CEO Evan King - and there's been a good outcome. Sort of.

Evan said after a couple of years the state government had finally seen the error of its ways and changed the legislation so that anyone already permanently living in a caravan park on Crown land could stay. So no new permanent residents, but those who have already made a home can stay in their home.

Wow. What a simple idea. And it only took eight years for it to happen. FFS. And in the meantime how much angst and worry has it caused those people, who have found themselves living, many towards the end of their lives, in caravan parks? Evan said of the seven cabins, only three now remain. The others have gone. Who knows where?

I do get that it is a good outcome but did we really need to put people through that? It reminds me of The Castle. "It's not a house, it's a home." Or perhaps "It's not a caravan, it's a home. You just can't pick it up and plonk it down somewhere else."

I just hope someone says sorry. But I doubt it. Just sayin'...

Hey there, I am Minky. I am a seven-year-old affectionate girl looking for my forever home. I love a good pat and while I feel more secure being in my igloo I will come out to see you. Children freak me out so I’m looking for an adult household that is a calm, quiet place where I can do my own thing. Please come and pick me! MC#9000120009958455 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!)

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 more than 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)

www.tlnews.com.au

Just briefly...

Kyle’s Rant

L

IKE a lot of folks in the Central Highlands, the best thing to do when faced with the looming winter is to get out of the place.

Opinion 35

Now I know a lot of people say they love winter here. The roaring fires, quaint old pubs and rugging up against the cold.

Well, that is true for me too but not quite for four long wintry months. So we recently took off to Europe via Dubai.

In Europe there was a bit of freelance writing and photography about the old Eastern bloc countries of the USSR - more to come soon. (By the way it wasn’t quite the escape from winter we were hoping for, with a late start to their summer and some days as low as 13 degrees and a wind chill factor of “feels like five.”)

On the way home in Dubai we managed to wrangle a private tour by a local who gave the most open commentary, not just your typical sightseeing photo stops, but also subjects about Muslim life, marriage, the Koran and what it was like to live in the fast-moving metropolis of Dubai.

You see, they are getting ready for World Expo 2020, which kicks off in November 2020 (that's next year). First we toured the well-known Palm, where there are 20 huge cleared allotments, I am talking 10 football fields a piece, ready to have 20 huge resorts put on them. You know, the two-hectare swim-up pool, sprawling grounds and thunderously high buildings. For impact I have to reiterate this. This is 20 resorts which aren’t yet started. These must be not only built but fully functional

by November next year, down to the complimentary chocolates on the pillows.

This is not to mention the 1.5-kilometre high-rise (that’s 1500 metres high which well surpasses the current world record) and then there is the cruise ship port which is just a couple of blobs of stones in the bay at the moment. All to be shiny and new, and spick and span by November 2020.

I mean, around these parts, you would be struggling to get a permit through for a back deck in that time frame. It does make me scratch my head though about why we can’t get a rail link to our international airport, the east-west tunnel débâcle and even the failed fast rail system.

The dust has settled on the election promises and baby kissing so that will be the end of that. Up here we'll see a couple of new roundabouts and maybe a traffic light at the entrance to the new Woodend Coles – if we’re lucky.

And on a local scale, the droning on continues from our Macedon Ranges and Hepburn councils fiercely debating small “low-hanging fruit” subjects, while another year slips into the abyss on builds like the Daylesford Rex, tourism facilities such as toilets and urgently-needed youth spaces. It is certainly painful to watch when you have visited a city such as Dubai where they simply get on with the job.

Frustrated rant over…

A

SMALL Business Victoria Workshop, Building business resilience how to prepare for business challenges, will be held at Victoria Park, Daylesford on Wednesday, June 26 from 5.30pm to 9pm.

Learn to plan, prepare, respond and recover from a crisis, understand crisis planning, understand the impact of disaster, apply emergency planning development tools, identify key risks, develop plans, strategies and actions to follow, create your own crisis management plan and access tools, templates, support and resources.

Without an up-to-date crisis management plan in place to activate, the ability to shield a business from the fallout is already on the back foot.

Facilitator is Sally MacDonald, an experienced and enthusiastic small business operator whose areas of expertise include start-ups, financial management, team management, bookkeeping and marketing.

Cost: $30.

Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/BCXJB

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