The Local Issue 155 July 29 , 2019

July 29, 2019 Issue 155 Ready, aim, fire...

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: The geese have been removed from Lake Daylesford.

Read more about #geesegate the petition p3, goose-stepping p4, letters p7, Nature Diary p8, Just sayin'... p38, Kyle's rant p39.

rd of geese, “A giant motherboa te police, unruffled by the sta in harmony...” swarmed in unison, - Kristen Henderson

July 29, 2019 Issue 155 Ready, aim, fire...

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, August 12, 2019.

Or online on Sunday, August 11 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, August 7 Copy deadline: Thursday, August 8 Editorial deadline: Thursday, August 8

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), Sam Redlich (wellbeing) and Tanya Loos (nature).

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...

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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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News 3

#geesegate continues with apology petition

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PETITION asking Hepburn Shire Council for a formal apology after the removal of 29 geese living at Lake Daylesford, along with six ducks, is circulating around Daylesford and Hepburn, and will be tabled at the August 20 council meeting.

The council made the decision to move the birds at its July 16 council meeting in Clunes. And six days later, on July 22, they were taken – despite a number of protestors - to an unnamed private sanctuary on the Mornington Peninsula by contractor Nigel’s Animal Rescue Service.

Four of the geese were taken by locals to a nearby property with extensive waterways.

A media release from the council said “the domestic geese and ducks were rehomed from Lake Daylesford by Nigel’s Animal Rescue Service, a contractor with over 30 years’ full-time experience in animal rehoming”.

“The domestic geese and ducks were taken to a private property on the Mornington Peninsula. They are now roaming freely on the property where they have access to an appropriate habitat, including five dams. This secure private sanctuary is not open to the public and we do not have permission to release these details. Council is concerned about the welfare of the four geese that were separated from the flock by community members on the day of the rehoming. We are keen to reunite these four geese with the remainder of the flock at the sanctuary."

Meanwhile, the petition asks for a formal apology from council “in relation to the decision to rehome the Daylesford geese without due process or community engagement”. It says the geese have been an acknowledged icon of local tourism for decades and "much-cherished by the majority of the local community".

“This petition condemns council for acting with no consideration for ratepayer and stakeholder consultation, no due process and total denial of opportunity for conversation around possible alternative solutions. The pushing through of this decision by stealth and the unseemly and cruel haste in the removal of the geese against an overwhelming tide of concern, demonstrates blatant disrespect for the community in which we live and considerable disregard for associated risk to tourism and the economic health of this area. We ask that HSC offer a public apology and be prepared, as is its role, to engage fully and transparently with the community in matters demonstrated as being critical to stakeholders.”

There is also an online petition at www.change.org/p/hepburn-shire-council-save-our-lakedaylesford-geese/u/24851782 with almost 5000 signatures. The council does not accept online petitions at council meetings.

Meanwhile, lawyer Jane Penberthy said she would raise the matter with Local Government Chief Municipal Inspector David Wolf. Ms Penberthy said she and Lake House owner Alla Wolf-Tasker met with council chief executive officer Evan King on Friday, July 19.

The following Sunday, Ms Penberthy said she wrote to Mr King and all councillors and requested an undertaking for them to postpone the removal of the geese. “I stated that if I did not have a reply by 12 Monday I would seek urgent injunctive relief at VCAT." Ms Penberthy said she did not hear back from councillors and at noon asked for the courtesy of a response. "At 1.30 I asked again would (Mr King) and the councillors please postpone the removal.”

Just 20 minutes later Ms Penberthy received a call that the contractor had arrived to remove the geese.

Mr King told The Local that during the Friday meeting he told Ms Penberthy and Ms Wolf-Tasker that he had a lawful instruction from council and it was his duty under the Local Government Act 1989 to implement the instruction without undue delay.

"I informed Ms Wolf Tasker and the local lawyer that it had been made clear to me by councillors that the rehoming should occur as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the geese, contractor, staff and the community."

The Local asked Birch Ward councillors, who voted for the removal, for comment.

“I look forward to Lake Daylesford being a place where wildlife can flourish,” Cr Fiona Robson replied. Cr Kate Redwood said she was a "strong supporter of Hepburn Shire Council’s biodiversity policy and believe domestic animals should be appropriately managed".

Read more about #geesegate - goose-stepping p4, letters p7, Nature Diary p8, Just sayin'... p38, Kyle's rant p39

Going, going, gone...the geese are off to their new home Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes & contributed

4 News

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Are our councillors goose-stepping into a lake of folly?

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EEMS like it’s time to have a gander at what the council’s got up to with its goose ban plan. We know what's good for the goose is good for the gander, so why aren’t these creatures being looked after, rather than kicked out?

It would perhaps be wrong to say their goose is cooked, but since they attract so many tourists are the councillors risking killing the goose that lays the golden egg?

Let’s consider how geese were among the first animals to be part of human lives, being domesticated a mere 3000 years and even the old Romans bred them for their calm personalities, easy to miss I know, their luxurious feathers and their yummy eggs.

Then around 390 BC geese really came to the fore. Not only were they sacred to the goddess Juno, who, much like Alla Wolf-Tasker at Lake House, kept a flock of geese in her temple. These were the alarm geese who saw sneaky Gauls slithering up the hill and honked the alarm, awakening Roman guards who saved the city.

Let’s also not forget their propensity for weeding. Even old Caesar, when he dropped by Britain was entertained by how his subjects had geese for entertainment as well as weed removal, something that endears them still.

And apparently, unlike say guard dogs, geese can’t be bribed. Their keen eyesight spots any intruder, so in China's Xinjiang province they guard police stations, while in West Germany they kept watch at American military bases. In all, 750 geese were bought from German farmers for guard duty, needing little feed except the natural grass.

The canny Scots called them up as well, this time 120 of them to watch the Ballantine Brewery in Dumbarton, from 1959 until just six years ago when, like many humans, they were made obsolete by technology.

In the US state of Maine, the Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Keys hails geese as “the closest foragers known,” for their weed consumption and cheap maintenance.

Locks make walls “A goose will nibble all of the surrounding weeds to the ground,” said a local, “but of doors and windows not touch the vegetable leaves around them. Ideal crops to raise geese with include strawberries, raspberries, many herbs, tobacco, and anything grown on a small bush.

Emerging from pockets Besides reducing the need to hand-weed, the nutrients in goose droppings help to keys advance on locks keep the soil rich for fruits to grow.”

Over in California, a farmer reported renting out 20,000 weeder geese back in Firm metal slides 1986. Maybe the council could bring in more, hire them out, reduce the fiendish into the receptive latch noise of lawnmowers and whipper-snippers, while also cutting rates? Maybe…

Clearly this is not the time to suggest the council is embarking on a wild goose fills the aperture chase in a futile waste of time and effort as it strives for the golden goal of biopenetrates the wall diversity, meaning out with the geese and in with the swans.

Beyond all this, of course, lies the hope that black swans will return to Lake with a permissive click Daylesford, therefore restoring the tranquil balance of nature as intended. An end to enabling wider openings honking and hissing.

Those putting their faith in a different bird may perhaps heed one cautionary note. Australia’s finest literary hoax was perpetrated by a couple of poets who had Bill Wootton their verse published in an Adelaide magazine, complete with a cover painting by the great Sidney Nolan. The pair convinced the magazine that this was the work of a Bill Wootton, pictured, lives in Hepburn Springs and likes it. He writes and possible genius, a superb but obscure poet, Ern Malley. Blushes all round, of course, shares his poetry regularly in Daylesford, Trentham and Woodend. when the hoax was revealed. Its title: The Black Swan of Trespass.

Local Lines

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

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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The chance of war, and how to smuggle beer

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WO young Australians are caught up in the Vietnam War. Half a century later they are again joined, this time in a remarkable coincidence involving the Words in Winter writers’ festival.

Australia’s Vietnam Veterans Association put out a call to its 5000 members for their stories of the war. In they came, funny, poignant, hilarious, sad, outrageous, spanning an entire range of emotions and reactions.

One, called When I Was Only 19, was from Rex Fisher, of Ocean Shores, New South Wales, in the northern rivers region, not far from Byron Bay. He tells of being a signalman, narrowly escaping death and getting up to escapades such as using cipher equipment marked top secret to smuggle in beer. As editor of this book, called Vietnam, Our Stories, I thought it would be fitting to have some of the accounts read at next month’s Words in Winter.

Local actor Ellis Ebell, who has helped at past festivals, was asked to read When I Was Only 19. At first, he was reluctant because of his sensitivities about war, but after reading it he decided to go ahead.

Crucial to his decision was the astonishing fact that his partner, Frank Page, pictured left with Ellis, had been in the same unit in Vietnam as Fisher, and also as a signalman.

Says Frank, “When Ellis read the story he knew I had been in Vietnam and asked me what unit I had been in. It was 110 Signal Squadron, the same one.”

As a national serviceman sent as a result of a ballot, Frank was in Vietnam for a year from December 1967, serving during some of the worst fighting in mid-1968. For a former shipping company clerk from Melbourne it was a huge shock. “I had to go, there was nothing I could do about it. I decided to make the most of it, and I did. Life went differently as a result.”

He saw the aftermath of a now-famous furious battle between Australians and regular units of the North Vietnamese Army, flying in with cipher equipment “Some of my mates moved up to a big American camp at a place called Long Binh, where they were supporting a fire support base,” says Frank. “I found that 350 cans of beer fitted into a cipher box…but made it a bit heavier. American airmen helping load the boxes said they were a bit heavy. I was shit scared that the beer was going to be discovered.”

Frank also helped run a soldiers’ bar, the Sandbagger Inn, and as part-time barman found the cipher boxes helped boost the beer supply.

He was back at the end of the war in 1975, working for a Singapore scrap metal company. “There was plenty of that.” He moved on to Hong Kong, spending almost five years abroad.

Returning again in 2010 he found tourist hotels where he had worked among the sand dunes, and nostalgia in the old famous hotels of Saigon, such as the Grand and the Metropole.

And for someone who went to war against the northern Vietnamese, he now enjoys flying internationally with the relatively inexpensive Vietnam Airlines.

Ellis Ebell will read from Vietnam, Our Stories in the back bar of the Daylesford Hotel from 4pm-5pm on Saturday, August 17.

Words: Kevin Childs | Images: Kyle Barnes & contributed

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Meals on Wheels

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HE Commonwealth Bank’s Creswick branch has donated $500 to the Hepburn Health Service for its Meals On Wheels service.

The donation will be used to purchase new equipment ensuring that all meals are delivered to clients’ homes in the most fresh, hot and appetising condition.

The enhancement also features special light-weight design which provides an easier and safer food-transport experience for the volunteers dedicated to delivering the meals to local community members who are often frail, aged or isolated.

The bank's manager Jon Grant said many customers and staff had commented on how they respect and appreciate the important service that Meals On Wheels provides to the community.

From left, Meals On Wheels volunteers Ian Huntley and Maisie Turner, HHS Hotel Services manager Wendy vanderPol, Mr Grant and volunteer Quentin Turner at the kitchen facility of the Hepburn Health Service’s Creswick campus Words & image: Contributed

The Local Networking Event What: A Spring networking event for all business owners Where: The Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford When: Tuesday, September 3, 5.30pm - 7pm Who: The Local Publishing Group Why: Because networking is a good thing to do!

RSVP: Essential to donna@tlnews.com.au by Friday, August 30 What else: After the event, complimentary dinner and drinks are on offer for attendee business owners plus one.

See you there!

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Letters

I have read with dismay the extraordinary battle being waged by the community against Hepburn Shire Council's decision to move the geese away from Daylesford Lake.

I am a frequent visitor of many years to your picturesque region.

I have read the report on the council website and also the counter views. I have to say that there are a lot of unanswered questions regarding the council's website statement, a lot of hiding behind council speak and the very tenuous connection to the prevention of cruelty to animals, when the geese have been living wild for many years.

Nonetheless and irrespective of the merits for and against the geese it is extraordinary that the council would choose a solution that is so divisive and lacking in community consultation. It is undemocratic and garnering very negative publicity while chasing innocent geese around the lake.

It is obvious that the council has not taken its responsibilities seriously enough and has been taken by surprise by the reaction. More reason for the council to engage rather than persist. It is the council's role to consult and find solutions to issues that satisfy as many members of the community as possible as well as visitors. I’m sure that tourism is not by any means a small contributor to the council coffers. It is clear consultation and potentially a compromise is in order.

This issue will not go away for the council and it is causing untold damage to the area’s reputation. Council should think more carefully about its actions.

Ben Sington, Blairgowrie

I am writing not just about the removal of the geese from Lake Daylesford but also the processes that I perceive occurred in relation to this matter. At the outset I declare that I am one of the many who did not want the geese removed. I also understand that there are people that support their removal which I consider is their right.

Many, including myself. learned about council’s decision after it was made.

From what I have been able to ascertain via communication with a councillor, the main resource on which the decision to remove the geese was made was the council’s biodiversity policy. I am wondering what evidence-based research and literature was used to develop this policy.

Given that the geese are used to promote Daylesford and in observing the obvious delight the geese gave to many people at the lake, I would have thought that consulting all stakeholders would also have been an important process to assist with decision-making. Additionally, there are many resources amongst the people in the Hepburn Shire and utilising them to endeavour to find solutions would appear not to have occurred.

Letters 7

Given the huge, positive and very passionate response to the on-line petition for the geese to remain at the lake, which is a popular mechanism for a collection of people to support a cause, I was sure that council would have, at the very least, held off their actions until further public consultation and review was undertaken.

Sadly this did not occur. The geese were removed whilst the petition was still gaining responses. In any organisational setting, listening and reviewing is an important component of decision-making. Aside from the emotional response to the actions of council it would appear that many, including myself, perceive at the very least, the public has been treated with complete disregard. Public consultation and consideration is a catalyst for local wellbeing and spirit.

Katrine Green, Daylesford And from social media...

Zero community consultation, a decision made at a meeting in Clunes that local Daylesford residents had almost no chance to get to because of only being informed, about what was going on, the night before, (most didn't know about it until the meeting was over or the following days). Many people had prior commitments and couldn't go on such short notice, couldn't organise babysitters or transport, there's many reasons people couldn't go on such short notice and I believe their decision was already made within council so it wouldn't have made a difference if residents did go and lodge objections. Regardless, council now knows how the majority of residents feel about it and they have no intention of changing the decision or even listening to what those residents have to say about the matter.

Black swans prefer shallow lakes (e.g. Lake Wendouree in Ballarat) as opposed to the very deep MAN-MADE Lake Daylesford. So what makes council think that once the geese are gone the black swans will return? If anything will return, it will be wild foxes.

Now perhaps swans, various types of native ducks and other Australian native water birds will return. Must be a few younger locals who wouldn't have any idea what a native water bird looked like.

Councils and committees are elected by the community to make decisions on behalf of the community. If all decisions had to be put to the community or club there would be no point in having a community or council.

Can HSC claim ownership or destiny of wildlife which are not causing havoc to the community? Under what by-law are HSC allowed to make decisions that may be in conflict with the greater community? Shame on power claiming few.

Zero consultation required when spending community money on an issue that perhaps majority of community doesn’t want. But hey, simply ask our community minded citizens what best suits them and respond accordingly. A commercially sound enterprise never makes decisions without stakeholder consultation and quite frankly if this is how HSC wants to operate perhaps we should pass on the power to Federal Government and the self- righteous council leaders will be without power or employment. #ShameOnHSC

Letters are always welcome. They must be short and to the point.

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Nature Diary with Tanya Loos

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HE photo, right, shows the Lake Daylesford geese in their new home, a private animal sanctuary in the Mornington Peninsula.

Here, the geese have access to five lakes and are able to range freely on the paddocks without having to cross any roads, encounter dog walkers or groups of tourists. And they are protected by a fox-proof fence. As recently as two weeks ago, a goose was found near the mineral spring without a head, a typical sign of fox attack.

In my mind, the rehoming of domestic ducks and geese from the Lake last week was in fact a rescue.

One of the worst things about being a nature columnist, working in domestic bird and occasional wildlife rescue is that people send me photos of killed animals, asking for advice. I was extremely upset in 2018 when a friend of mine sent me two photos, depicting five geese that had been brutally run over in a hit and run. The police were involved, but the culprit never found. The geese that were rehomed last week will now avoid such a fate.

The council have put forward many arguments for removing the geese, but I will concentrate on the welfare of the geese and ducks. I understand people dearly love the geese, and love to take photos of them, but we need to be mindful of the birds themselves and their needs.

The geese, and the ducks which are regularly abandoned at the lake such as muscovy ducks, Indian runners and mallards are domesticated animals. They are not wild creatures. In many cases they have lost the ability to fly any distance, so even if they wanted to move to another lake, they cannot. All domestic birds require appropriate food, protection from predators such as a night shelter, bedding eg. hay, veterinary care, and when the flock is too large for the space, rehoming of some individuals.

The geese are quite tough and able to fight for limited food resources and fend off dogs and foxes, and as such their numbers have grown over the years. Unfortunately, the smaller domestic ducks live short and miserable lives after being abandoned at the lake, exposed to predators, dogs, and without access to a proper diet.

Nigel’s Animal Rescue is highly regarded by my small and tight-knit animal rescue community. Nigel has found homes for ducks and geese in over 70 urban lakes in Melbourne. His main welfare concern for dumped geese and ducks in urban lakes is exposure to injury from fish hooks, and malnutrition that results from being fed white bread. The malnutrition results in a deformity called angel wings, and the birds completely lose their ability to fly.

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For me, the uproar against the rehoming of the domestic geese and ducks has been mystifying. I know from experience with my rescue cockatiels and budgies that birds settle into a new place within mere hours if they have their flock mates, good food and shelter. My only hope now is that the four geese who were separated have the opportunity to join the rest of their flock as soon as possible.

For more on this issue, including the environmental issues associated with geese and ducks on lakes, see my blog https://tanyaloos.wordpress.com/ Tanya Loos is a keen field naturalist who spends a lot of time wandering around the bush in our beautiful region. She loves writing about nature and science - she blogs at https://tanyaloos.wordpress.com/ Image: Nigel's Animal Rescue

The Local's Education Feature

The Local's Education Feature

PRE-PREP PROGRAM FOR 2020 Choosing a school for your child’s education is the most important decision that as a parent you will ever make. Here at Bullarto Primary School we endeavour to make this decision easy.

Our Pre-Prep program BE PREPared is designed to make the transition to school much easier for your child. The program will enable your child to: 1.

Be orientated to the prep classroom and school grounds

2.

Become familiar with prep routines and expectations

3.

Meet the teachers before starting school in the new year

4.

Participate in early literacy and numeracy experiences

Our first 6 sessions are from 9:00am – 11:00am Session 1 – Wednesday 7th August This session will include a Parent morning tea / information session from 11:00 – 11:30am Session 2 – Wednesday 28th August Session 3 – Wednesday 18th September Session 4 - Wednesday 23rd October Session 5 - Wednesday 13th November Session 6 - Wednesday 4th December There will also be a Statewide Transition Day on Session 7 - Tuesday 10th December from 9:00am – 2:00pm

Happy Students Happy Parents Happy Staff

The Local's Education Feature

Hepburn Primary: A supportive community

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EPBURN Primary School is the combination of a supportive community, talented and caring teaching staff and a real sense of inclusiveness and student connectedness. As I stated when I was first appointed as principal, Hepburn Primary School is the hidden gem of the area.

Student enrolments have increased over the past few years and this has meant we are able to provide students with the opportunities of a larger school, but remain small enough to maintain connections on an individual level.

The school is currently operating five classrooms. We are in the fortunate position of being able to offer average class sizes of 14 students in the junior school. The students have access to specialist programs in music, art, drama, physical education, library, Italian and science.

This year has seen the introduction of the Extending Mathematical Understanding specialised mathematics support program, and an increased allocation of the Mini Lit and Multi Lit specialised reading support programs.

One of the highlights this year has been the implementation of clubs. Each term or semester, the children select a club to be part of. This semester included knitting, drama, creative media, bike education and Eco Warriors. The Eco Warriors were recently successful in gaining a community grant from the Hepburn Shire Council. Programs recently implemented such as Cook in a Box, Move Dream Create, Robotics and private music tuition have enhanced engagement and have allowed students to flourish in a variety of curriculum areas.

The children have an extensive camp program. Camping opportunities include Canberra camp, Camp Wyuna, The Sovereign Hill Experience and the Lady Northcote camp.

Hepburn Primary School recently joined the Wathaurung Sport Cluster. This enables children access to athletics, cross-country, tennis, basketball, soccer, netball, football and swimming competitions and the opportunity to progress to higher levels. The Daylesford Out of Hours Care utilises our facilities, running their after-hours school care and holiday programs from our site.

The above strengths and programs have been reflected in the annual Attitudes to School Survey. This is offered by the Department of Education and Training to assist schools in gaining an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school in Years 4, 5 and 6.

The results below validate the strategic work we as a learning community have been focusing our energy towards. The areas below placed the school at and above the state and similar schools and schools in our network in: • Stimulating learning • Student motivation and interest • Respect for diversity • Advocate at school • Managing bullying • Sense of connectedness • Sense of inclusion • The teacher has high expectations for success Over the past three years, significant resourcing provided by Equity funding, has resulted in staff having access to world-renowned educational consultants. Teachers have the greatest impact at school and are the school’s most valuable resource, so we invest in their development. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum across all learning areas, underpinned by literacy and numeracy. Significant investment in the area of Excellence in Teaching and Learning ensures evidence-based pedagogical approaches.

We continue to implement School Wide Positive Behaviour (SWPB) and the Bounce Back social skills and welfare programs. Bounce Back promotes positive mental health and student wellbeing, providing students with practical strategies and life skills to handle challenges and adversity encountered. The SWPBS initiative in Victoria aims to build and maintain: • safe, inclusive, highly predictable and orderly learning environments • positive school and classroom learning environments as platforms for improved engagement, wellbeing and learning outcomes for all students In late 2019, we have the opportunity to work with other schools and Mindful Meditation Australia. This training aims to improve the classroom experience, mental health and wellbeing of both students and teachers. This is an exciting opportunity for the staff and students.

Hepburn Primary School continues to promote the values of Respect, Perseverance and Kindness. These values are incorporated into learning programs, which develop the children’s social skills. The School Chaplain plays a vital role in coordinating this work.

Hepburn Primary School has established transition programs with Hepburn Kindergarten and Daylesford College. The reading and play-based transition program between the local kindergarten and the Year 5/6 children is extremely rewarding for all involved. The local secondary school provides many opportunities each term for the Year 5/6 children to attend whole day activities.

Our transition program has commenced, with a fantastic group of 2020 Foundation children having already spent time at the school. This term we are offering two transition mornings in the F/1 classroom. We have a healthy number of 2020 Foundation children already enrolled and prospective parents and caregivers are most welcome to contact the school on 5348 2342 for a tour or come along to one of our transition mornings on August 14 and 21 from 9.30am to 11.30am.

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The Local's Education Feature

     

    

The Local's Education Feature

DAYLESFORD DHARMA SCHOOL Live to be Kind. Learn to be Wise.

When asked “What does a learner at the Dharma School look like?” here is what our Prep through Grade 6 children shared: hers

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mindful

listening deeply

sharing our tim

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focused relaxed

Now enrolling in Prep through Grade 6 for 2020.

OPEN MORNING: Friday August 30th: 9 - 11 am RSVP at www.dharmaschool.com.au under ENROL Contact us: 5348 3112 or info@dharmaschool.com.au

TWILIGHT TOURS & MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT

Tuesday 27 August 2019 • TOURS from 4-6pm

Meet at Gate B on Forest Street

• Middle School Information Night, 7pm Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts

BALLARAT AND Q U EEN ’S ANGLI CAN GRAM MAR SC H O O L

More information on our website, Facebook or contact us on +61 3 5338 0830 or admissions@bgs.vic.edu.au

bgs.vic.edu.au

The Local's Education Feature

16 Happy & Healthy

Do you help keep the doctor away?

Advertise here.

www.tlnews.com.au

Day trips out on offer

R

ECENTLY Cobaw Community Health held a morning tea for all of the participants of Cobaw’s Social Support program.

The program which runs every weekday comprises day trips out to various locations in the region for activities such as the movies, lunch, a walk or shopping.

The activities are designed weeks in advance and participants can select which activities they prefer to attend to give as much choice as possible. Cobaw staff collect the small group of participants from their home in the morning and drop them back mid-afternoon.

“We’re over half-way through the year and we wanted to get some honest feedback from those that have been going out on the bus trips and find out which activities people liked the most,” said Carly Visscher, Community Connections manager.

“We are also keen to get some ideas on what we can do for future outings to make sure that people get out into the community.”

One of the most popular visits was to the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary in Toolern Vale where the group got to feed and hold the dingo puppies.

“There were smiles all round from the group who fell completely in love with the adorable animals,” Carly said. The participants also spoke about how much they enjoyed the drive through the ever-changing countryside.

The program is ideally suited for those wanting to meet people, connect with their community and get out and about but who face mobility or transport barriers.

The social connections program is funded mostly by aged care funding, so anyone interested can call to check on eligibility and be advised on the fee level.

There is availability on each of the days the program runs.

Call Cobaw on 5421 1666.

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

www.daylesfordaromatherapy.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaylesfordAroma/ Instagram: daylesford_aromatherapy

Sal’s Salon

Winter specials

Cut and Blow Wave $35 $30 pensioner Half head of foils, Cut and Blow Wave $100 Tint, Cut and Blow Wave $65

22 Raglan Street, Daylesford New phone number 0422 228 920

EAR WELLNESS CLINIC

Springs Medical Daylesford now has an operating microscope to enable micro-inspection of ear structures, and additional options for removal of wax and foreign matter.

Please ask your doctor if you should book an appointment in our dedicated Ear Wellness Clinic.

Specialised Ear Care For more information, visit our website www.springsmedical.com.au BOOK ONLINE WITH

In an emergency always call 000 Daylesford

10 Hospital St | tel: (03) 5348 2227

Trentham 22 Victoria St | tel: (03) 5424 1602

18 Markets

www.tlnews.com.au

To market, to market...with our best friends

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

The spring edition of House.Land.Home. PREMIUM will be published on September 23. If you want to get your property in front of thousands of locals and visitors in this glossy quality seasonal magazine over the Grand Final weekend, make sure you book your space!

House.Land.Home.

Our story begins with your story …

Circa Heritage and Lifestyle Property Specialists is a direct response to an unmet demand for professional and knowledgeable advice within a unique section of the real estate landscape.

At Circa, we are passionate about heritage and lifestyle property, from grand estates to diamonds in the rough and everything in between. We have highly experienced experts in their fields to assist you at every stage of the sale or purchase process.

We work diligently to be in constant communication with our clients - making sure they are well informed and updated regularly throughout the entire sales process.

If you have any selling or property enquiries, or wish to obtain a complimentary market appraisal of your property please contact us, we are ready to assist you in any way we can.

Tell us your story ...

DOMINIC ROMEO M: 0438 500 277 www.circaheritageandlifestyle.com.au “There is a lot of difference between listening and hearing”

- G.K. Chesterton

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.

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

REIV regional insight

T

HE latest data release from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria reveals that the median house price in regional Victoria has soared 3.8 per cent in the past financial year to $405,000.

Comparatively, metropolitan Melbourne recorded a 2.4 per cent dip over the same period.

The REIV’s data is based on the sales transacted between July 2018 and June 2019; taking all the results and then reporting the median, or middle, figure. Only towns that recorded at least 50 sales in the past year are included so the sample size is reliable.

The star performer for the 2018/19 financial year was the Bass Coast town of Wonthaggi which recorded a 21.7 per cent surge in its median house price, from $300,000 to $365,000.

Redan’s median house price increased 17 per cent from $305,000 last financial year to $357,000 in 2018/19. Next on the list is the Ballarat suburb of Wendouree where the median house price has gone up 16.8 per cent from $279,000 to $326,000.

Bendigo’s median house price also experienced a lift, going from $395,000 to $460,000 over the past 12 months, a boost of 16.8 per cent. Stawell recorded 13.2 per cent growth in its median house price which went from $190,000 to $215,000.

Canadian’s median house price went up 12.6 per cent to $397,000, Castlemaine experienced a 12 per cent bump to $545,000 while Colac’s median house price went up 11.9 per cent to $320,000.

Soldiers Hill and Ballarat East rounded out the top 10 for highest growth in median house price with 11.8 per cent and 11.5 per cent respectively.

Following a cool property market over the past 18 months, the REIV expects to see a slight resurgence in the spring selling season. Interest rate cuts and the relaxing of lending standards should stimulate buyer activity in regional Victoria.

Link: www.reiv.com.au/market-insights

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

HEPBURN SPRINGS 9 SIXTH STREET SPA COUNTRY INVESTMENT WITH DUAL OCCUPANCY This well-maintained double storey residence is situated in a quiet location of Hepburn Springs on a generous 1100m2 block, only minutes’ walk from everything Hepburn has to offer. The home which was previously offered on the holiday let market with dual occupancy, features 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Outside, both levels feature independent outdoor entertaining areas overlooking the fully landscaped gardens which includes several fruit producing trees & raised vegetable patches.

PORCUPINE RIDGE 36 RUSSELLS ROAD COUNTRY RETREAT ON 5 ACRES This property is nestled on 2 ha [5 acres approx.] and set in wonderful natural vegetation position in a quiet and tightly held area of Porcupine Ridge. Bathed in light, with a northern aspect, this residence comprises 3 bedrooms with built in robes. The open lounge-dining room features a wood fire heater and a separate living room adjoins the central kitchen. This space opens onto a wonderful deck with view across the valley. There are several sheds including a wood shed plus a fully buried shipping container that could be used as a fire shelter or superb canteen storage area.

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DAYLESFORD 53 INGROW LANE

a3 b1 c1

CRESWICK 91 CLUNES ROAD

FOR SALE PRICE $620,000 - $640,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

FOR SALE PRICE $480,000 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

SECLUDED AND TRANQUIL Situated alongside the picturesque Doctor's Gully within a peaceful bush setting is this 1100 sq metre property which offers an exceptional opportunity to live in a private, nature encompassing environment. Featuring two large bedrooms, generous bathroom and separate laundry. The open plan living and central lounge/dining offers high ceilings with a north aspect and gas heating. The kitchen has a large walk in pantry, electric cooking and a dishwasher. The French doors open to the west facing entertainers decking and offer views of the bushland surrounds.

'THE BLUE COTTAGE'. A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF PERIOD CHARM. Lovingly maintained and situated on the high side of the road is this Victorian era cottage, with stunning gardens and a plethora of original features including lead light windows and a mixture of timber and pressed metal ceilings. Rich in historic old world charm, 'the blue cottage' boasts wonderful street appeal. From the charming picket fence, to the lovingly maintained English cottage gardens with steps that lead up to the front veranda, you will become lost in the history of this charming home.

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FOR SALE PRICE $550,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

a3 b1 c2

FOR SALE PRICE $390,000 to $410,000 CONTACT Nik Bradley 0448 407 387 OFFICE 32 Albert Street, Creswick 5345 1073

bigginscott.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Design with Indre Kisonas

Risk and Reward There is dignity in risk. The risk is staying and living in your own home. Once the risk is negated, the rewards are plentiful.

I will be offering suggestions over a couple of articles to assist those experiencing difficulties traversing their homes because of impaired physical function or aging.

Basic necessities such as moving in the home without impediment, are across the board for every person with a health condition or impairment whether you are ageing, suffering dementia, wheelchair-bound, have low hearing or a loss of sight.

Being able to stay where you are comfortable, have mobility, enjoy accessing friends and family and be a part of a community is essential for a healthy and happy life. Staying in your own home is often the preference to becoming institutionalised.

Today I will concentrate more so on the aging and the early dementia affected people since the following modifications to the home can be beneficial for a wide audience and are often simple.

Dementia can present with confusion, memory loss and disorientation with limited mobility. There is a need for familiarity and routines to avoid confusion and stress. Keep paths swept and clear of obstructions. Avoid tripping hazards and remove floor rugs. Seal down loose carpet edges.

Keep rooms uncluttered with good lighting. Install night lights in hallways and toilets.

The bed should be at a height that is easy to swing legs into and out of. Add a chair in the bedroom for dressing plus easy-to-read clocks and calendars.

Have phones handy in the bedroom and main rooms and use an ID bracelet with an emergency contact number in the wallet.

Install safety switches and use appliances with automatic cut-off mechanisms and make sure power cords are secured, coiled or retractable. Keep electrics away from water and replace bar radiators with safe column heaters.

Remove hot water bottles and electric blankets and set a safe hot water temperature of 50 degrees maximum to avoid scalding.

Have non-slip floors particularly in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry as floors tend to get wet and slippery, with floor drainage if possible. Sometimes an all-white colour scheme in bathrooms cannot be differentiated by those with dementia so a coloured toilet seat and lid lessens confusion by making it stand out.

Bathrooms are tricky because they are confined spaces and often wet. Add grab handles near the toilet and shower. Have raised toilet frames if necessary, with a clamp for toilet paper and an extension of the toilet flush button. Use an adjustable handheld shower rail to avoid using the bath, as access in and out of a bath is difficult and leads to many broken hips.

Change tap handles to levered handles or opt for the all in one mixer tap with a lever for all sinks and showers for ease on weak or arthritic hands.

Unless doorways need widening or steps and inclines changed, most of these modifications can be easily achieved to assist every one of us at home, including those we care for and love. Life should not be a struggle.

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

Farming in a damp, dark place We're lucky, living as we are in such a bountiful countryside offering, as it does, fruits, nuts and berries to be foraged wherever we look - mostly from the plantings of our early settlers.

There is one particular tasty and bounteous crop, if you know where to look and, most importantly, know which ones to take or leave well alone - and that is the delicious mushroom.

Obviously they are readily available at the greengrocer but there is nothing like taking and eating them fresh from the soil...especially if they're homegrown.

You can, in fact, go about it in several ways, and the simplest is to purchase a "ready to go"complete mushroom "farm in a box" where everything needed is in place and you simply add water and go.

As long as you follow the simple instructions you will be feasting on them in a matter of weeks. These are usually readily available from garden centres, and definitely online.

I was delighted to discover that our own Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre can supply you with a Coffee Mushroom Kit. Everything you need to grow your own crops of delicious oyster mushrooms in recycled coffee grounds, in a cardboard box.

However, if you wish to be daring and try your hand at a larger crop and take advantage of a cool, dark, possibly moist, spot in a cellar, tool shed, under the tank stand, or in my case under the elevated area of my house - here's how to go about it.

Mushroom spawn is readily obtainable from some garden outlets, but certainly online and comes in a test tube, normally sufficient for a one square metre bed.

The first step is to prepare a bed of compost, consisting of one part sawdust and three parts straw. The size is up to you, but should be about 200cm deep. Give this a light watering to dampen it, then leave to rot, turning it over every couple of weeks until it has heated to about 24C, the temperature required for germination.

Preparing your mushroom bed This should be a large wooden box or frame with sides at least 18cm to 20cm high. Fill this with the compost to at least 15cm.

Level and smooth this out and sprinkle the spawn evenly over the top. Then, using a small fork, gently ruffle the spawn into the top 5cm. Then cover the box with two or three sheets of newspaper which will need to be kept damp for 14 to 21 days.

Don't water again until they develop to the size of a pea at least, and if you do need to, avoid watering directly onto the mushrooms.

The mature mushrooms can be picked by holding their caps and twisting them gently to lift them out of the casing. Fill the cavities caused by their removal with casing material and start the watering cycle again.

Hopefully a second "flush" should appear and you can repeat the process, often up to four or five times.

Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

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Pride Furniture “WE CREATE FURNITURE SUSTAINABLY AND RESPONSIBLY” Factory 7-37 East Street, Daylesford Phone: 0402 474 019 Email: pridefurniture@y7mail.com PrideFurnitureMelbourne Tuesday-Friday 9am - 3pm Sunday-Monday by appointment

WE OFFER FREE MARKET APPRAISALS ON YOUR HOME...

WE OFFER FREE RENTAL APPRAISALS ON YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTIES… WE SELL AND LEASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES...

CALL LUMA ON 0418 779 159 FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE ENQUIRIES...

OUR MAIN FOCUS IS TO ENSURE WE ACHIEVE WHAT YOU HAVE SET OUT TO DO...

www.daylesfordmineralspringsrealestate.com.au - Suite 4, 6 Howe St

FOR SALE 165B MAIN ROAD, HEPBURN $399,000 2/3 BDM 2 BATH 2 CARS…APPROX 589m2 Land Size

Daylesford

House.Land.Home.

THE HELLEBORE SPECIALISTS

p OS t office farm NURSERY

Open to the public every Sunday in July, August and September

Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn

Do you get gardens ready for spring?

Advertise here.

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,

MADE, AND FITTED ON THE SPOT! FROM $ 00

03 5464 7380

• Roller Shutters • Security Doors • Fly Screens

39

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

Hepburn Shire & Ballarat

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

Decadent dose of chocolate

I

T WAS freezing outside and the day had been crazy busy. And then we walked into Arkie T Williams' store, The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company, and we both breathed an audible sigh.

It was a warm space, simply decorated - black walls, white trims - with a big antique-looking clock on the wall quietly ticking away. Peaceful. And the perfect place for a real cup of hot chocolate.

Arkie opened the premises at 22 Raglan Street in November last year and it is clearly a labour of love. It looks a little like it houses an old fashioned apothocarist with containers of spices lining the walls. And it is becoming well known by those who appreciate both quality and decadence.

"I am very much about ethical produce. I know there is a lot of child slavery involved in the cacao crop, it is very secretive, so my philosophy was to introduce high quality chocolate with a really ethical background.

Ours is sourced from Vanuatu and we have a good relationship with Luke who used to manage the cacao plantations there."

Arkie said hot chocolate was a perfect fit for Daylesford and especially the cooler months.

"I was also wanting to do something again in hospitality - and I really think we have enough cafes in the town - and it was also about work/life balance. I didn't want to be a slave to my business and be able to spend time with my family. So I decided to go with the one thing that I really love. And if you are looking for a really decadent hot chocolate treat, we are just that.

"For me it's also about slowing it all down, doing as little damage as possible and offering something really beautiful for people."

For the record, I had the best hot chocolate of my life. A cardamon and pink salt blend using Vanuatu 72 per cent dark chocolate ($8.90). That's my hand in the photo sprinkling on the salt. Kyle had a Hot Mocha ($8) which he said was not only delicious but also gave him a real wake-up. Arkie doesn't do meals but there are some lovely cakes by Diana Tonna Middleton. We shared an awesome banana cake with walnuts and beautiful thick icing. Just yum.

Oh, Arkie has some really nice crockery and does not do single-use cups, so if you want a takeaway, perhaps for the Daylesford Market next door, take your own cup or ask for a boomerang cup. Just make sure you return it! Personally, I would rather sit in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Words: Donna Kelly Images: Kyle Barnes

26 Dining

www.tlnews.com.au

www.mineralspringshotel.com.au Bookings Essential: 03 5348 2202 124 Main Rd Hepburn Springs

Locals Night at The Argus Every Monday $45 per person “feed me”.

Local seasonal food prepared by our chefs in a shared banquet style for two or more.

Includes a glass of local house wine or beer.

"Thank you to The Local for a fantastic review.

We are so happy with the reaction we got from people we are using The Local again for another family business." - Mamma Dona's

DAYLESFORD BOWLING CLUB + KOONARA PRESENT

SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST FROM 2.30pm

$50pp FOR 5 COURSE TAPAS + MATCHING PREMIUM WINES + KOONARA GLASS TO KEEP 8 Camp St - Daylesford | 03 5348 2130 | www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au bookings can be made at Koonara.com/facebook or through DAYLESFORD BOWLING club

www.tlnews.com.au

Mamma Dona’s Restaurant

Kyneton’s Little Italy!

Traditional Home-Cooked Italian Favorites 138 Mollison St, Kyneton 5422 1106 Wed & Thur:12pm-8pm Fri & Sat: 12pm-Late Sunday:12pm-4.30pm Wed - Fri, 1 child meal free with every adult main meal.

Mammadonas @mamma_donas

News 27

Legend status awards

T

WO local identities have been inducted into the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Legends program.

Annie Smithers, the chef/owner of Du Fermier at Trentham was awarded a Local Legend. Annie Smithers is one of Australia’s most highly regarded chefs and one of the first to truly epitomise the paddock to plate ethos. With a career spanning three decades, Annie has spent the last 25 years in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria.

Richard Cornish was awarded as Communicator/educator Legend. Richard is an award-winning author, broadcaster and food writer whose love of the land led him to explore the issues around food. He has written five books on Spanish food with Frank Camorra. He is a former creative director of Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, was cast as the commentator for Iron Chef Australia and has a long-running column in Good Food called Brain Food. Richard was a former editor at large with Lost magazine and continues to work in regional Victoria promoting food and arts, recently taking an ambassadorial role with Cultural Tourism Victoria.

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

THURSDAY

BEER GARDEN

Mains from $22

Locals Menu – all day when everyone is a local 2 Courses $32 3 Courses $37 3 Courses + Wine of Week $42

Kids menu & regular menu also available

Except some public holidays. no bookings required

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

theplough.com.au

FUNCTIONS

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

28 Dining

IMMUNE-BOOSTING CONGEE When I’m feeling a little run down and need nourishing comfort food, I head to the kitchen and make my congee. This delicious recipe is featured in my Purely Delicious Cookbook and is the perfect warming dish to keep your immune system healthy this winter. Serve steaming hot in generous bowls and instantly feel the healing benefits of this magnificent yet simple soup.

INGREDIENTS 180 g (6 oz) organic brown rice 2 litres (64 fl oz) water or vegetable stock 1 spring onion, sliced 1/4 teaspoon cold pressed sesame oil Pinch shichimi togarashi (see notes) Accompaniments (allow each person to choose): fresh ginger, sliced coriander leaves wheat free - tamari soy sauce ground or fresh turmeric

METHOD 1. Place rice into a pot and dry-roast over a low heat until fragrant, but not coloured.

2. Pour over the water or stock and bring to the boil.

3. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and slow-cook the rice, stirring regularly for 1 hour or until rice is soft. The end mix should look creamy.

4. Spoon into generous serving bowls and garnish with shredded ginger, tamari, coriander, sesame oil, shichimi togarashi and turmeric if using.

NOTES AND INSPIRATION Brown rice can be replaced with quinoa, barley or whole oat groats.

A light sprinkle of fried shallots can be used for extra crunch and texture.

Use chicken stock in place of water or vegetable stock – add poached organic chicken, fish or a beaten egg for added protein.

Shichimi togarashi is a traditional Japanese seasoning with a hot chilli bite. It contains sea salt, chilli, white poppy seeds, golden sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, orange peel, brown mustard seeds, Sichuan pepper and lemon myrtle.

Christmas in Winter

Book a mid-year Christmas party for your team with a 3-course plated lunch or dinner for $60.

Including festive decorations & a complimentary glass of beer or wine per person.

Valid from 1st July to 31st August 2019.

Fancy making it a getaway?

Ask about our accommodation & breakfast special offer.

Bookings: 03 5348 2202

www.mineralspringshotel.com.au 124 Main Rd Hepburn Springs | (03) 5348 2202

Daylesford

Teresa Cutter, founder of The Healthy Chef, is an author, nutritionist and classically trained chef.

You can find more of Teresa's tips and recipes on her website, Healthy Recipes App, eBooks, Facebook and Instagram.

Website: www.thehealthychef.com Instagram: @teresacutter_healthychef Facebook: The Healthy Chef@healthychefteresacutter Made one of Teresa's recipes? We would love to see it.

Email donna@tlnews.com.au

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

Open every day until late.

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

5348 3577

Locals Night Every Wednesday night.

Mercato is now offering two dining spaces from Thursday, July 18.

Enter the door on the left where we will be offering breakfast from 8am until 11am and lunch with a different price point from 12 until 3pm.

Enter the door on the right for the Mercato you all know and love for lunch from 12 until 3pm and dinner from 6pm until late with our new a la carte “comfort food”.

Enjoy a two course meal with a glass of Balgownie Estate or Cleveland Estate Wine for only $40 per person.

Open from 6pm. Bookings encouraged.

Phone (03) 5348 2271 77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs VIC 3461 www.bellinzona.com.au

32 Raglan St, Daylesford Phone: (03) 5348 4488 Download WOWAPPS from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store, and search for MERCATO@DAYLESFORD” Prestige Retreats

30 Out & About

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Meal deals!

E

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

Gig Guide Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, Hepburn Live music - 2nd and 4th Friday of the month

Bellinzona, Hepburn

Monday:

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

Crazy Antz - Saturday, August 10, 5pm-7pm

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn

Wednesday:

Mamma Dona's, Kyneton - a range of parmas, $15 takeaway or $18 eat in Bellinzona, Hepburn - two/three courses & a glass of wine - $40/$50

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 The 5000 Club, Daylesford - noon every Friday at Victoria Park, Daylesford.

Wednesday-Friday:

Mamma Dona's, Kyneton - one children's meal free with every adult main meal

Sunday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Roast, a pot or glass of wine or soft drink - $25

Raffles:

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

The Mount Players presents

Nathan Power - Friday, August 2 Ellerby - Saturday, August 3 Jimi Crisp - Sunday, August 4 JoJo Rainwater - Friday, August 9 North East - Saturday, August 10 Open Mic - Sunday, August 11 Jazz Deuce - Friday, August 16 Arkie T Williams - Saturday, August 17 (Pictured below) Dana Crowe - Sunday, August 18 Andy Lacy - Friday, August 23 James Hickey - Saturday, August 24 Buck Jr. - Sunday, August 25 Aurora - Friday, August 30 The Old Married Couple - Saturday, August 31

The Palais, Hepburn Springs Open Mic – Thursday, August 1, 8.30pm-10.30pm James Mark – Friday, August 2, 8.30pm-10.30pm Alpha Hall – Saturday, August 3, 8.30pm-10.30pm Paige Duggan Jazz Duo – Friday, August 9, 8.30pm-10.30pm LuLu McClatchy Super Girly Show – Saturday, August 10, 8.30pm-10.30pm Dennis Jones – Sunday, August 11, 2.30pm Ken Buddah Trio – Friday, August 10, 7.30pm The Resignators ska party – Saturday, August 17, 7.30pm La Familia Cuban Band – Sunday, August 18, 2.30pm

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

Friday August 9th - Sunday September 1st The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon

Bookings:

www.themountplayers.com Recommended 13+ - coarse language, suggestive dancing and sexual references An amateur production by arrangement with Origin Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French.

Rock of Ages logo artwork designed by AKA NYC.

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Out & About 31

CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL DAYLESFORD, VICTORIA

6-8 September 2019

visit mco.org.au/feast

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

FESTIVAL PARTNERS DAYLESFORD MACEDON TOURISM

Comfort, luxury, style & discretion is what we are all about.

MY FRENCH TABLE COOKING CLASSES Every week your Chef, Denis Hagger, holds a hands-on French cooking class for a maximum of six people. Should you be interested in joining a class, for an informative and fun time, simply contact Denis directly on the contact details below. You will prepare and cook a three course meal together with the Chef then sit down with him and enjoy it. Good food, good wine and good conversation with like minded people - what’s not to enjoy?

Menus change according to the season so contact Denis and he will forward you full particulars.

MAISON MALDON GOURMET RETREAT 68 Allans Road, Maldon Vic 3463 P: 0411 037 618 | E: home@maisonmaldon.com | W: www.maisonmaldon.com

32 News

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Extreme off-road experience

Words: Anthony Sawrey | Image: Daylesford Drones

S

The idea of doing an extreme off-road driving experience came about from helping his friend on a nearby property muster sheep over hills, through gullies, over rocks and other obstacles. Dale thought this is actually a fair driving experience for anyone and that’s how the 4x4 park idea was born 12 months ago. And while you are never out of first gear, you are dealing with a constantly changing track full The area is not known for its extreme sports or anything. There is no bungy jumping in Breakneck Gorge, no jet skiing on the lakes. Paragliding? No. Bouldering? of potholes and twisting off-camber turns. In a sense it is a lot like the DaylesfordTrentham Road at the end of a wet winter but without the Harley riders. But, unlike Zilch white knuckle pursuits to be had. However, all that has just changed with the when dealing with the terror of long-weekend traffic, Dale is never far away. emergence of Extreme 4x4 Farmdrive at Sandon near Newstead.

“We have built the cars and the track to marry up and the biggest thing about Dale Matthews is a genial bloke with a funny look in his eye. A look common to those folks who have spent a great deal of their life racing at the very edge of disaster. using our vehicles is safety,” he says. “We know what’s in them, they are quiet, and we Since commencing his speedway career at 16 in the 80s, he has raced hot rods, sprint know the mechanics of them. It starts at a level so you can get used to the vehicle and while it gets more and more technical as you progress, I’m there to communicate with cars and AMCA modifieds at dirt tracks all around Australia. It doesn’t matter if you the drivers at any time if they feel a bit stuck.” don’t know anything about this popular form of motorsport, just believe it when It is very important not to text and drive. But I was having so much fun, I had to Dale says he knows how to handle a vehicle. He is also a trainer with many years of let someone know about it. You are going up and down a dancing trail that switches experience coaching drivers in competition race cars.

But these days he has turned his hand to teaching visitors at his pretty 28-hectare back on itself over and over. There are great holes to flump into and crooked deep ruts full of water. “I am in a 4x4,” I wanted to write, while steering with my knee. farm how to handle a four-wheel drive on a purpose-built track. In the process he has transitioned from a life at warp speed to life at walk speed. Quite a difference you “Lots of mud. LOL.” But then we arrived at Devil's Drop and texting was suddenly the last thing on my mind. I’m not giving anything away here, but this particular might think, but of course you are wrong. obstacle would give any off-road hero pause. Needless to say we managed to complete “Any sort of driving is a discipline,” says Dale. “It is about diagnosing what you have to do with one car and applying it to other ones. What I talk about with 4x4s is the section without needing a change of undies afterwards. We have Dale to thank for that. He is the consummate teacher and encourages you to push yourself that extra very similar to what I talk about with race cars.” bit. And the course is perfect to remind you how much your mental attitude can help That said, we were sent out in his specially-built Toyota Landcruisers on a you improve your abilities in a vehicle.

50-minute drive around a 3.5-kilometre course. The trucks were quite menacing“Anybody can push a pedal and turn a wheel," Dale says. “But it is really about looking things with their camo livery and 36-inch tyres but once you climbed inside, focus, concentration, looking where you are going. And of course, everything depends everything was nice and comfy. The seats were snug, the heater was on and the roll on the amount of confidence you do it with.” bars looked strong.

O, YOU are on a holiday in the glorious Central Highlands region.

There is lots of stuff to do, up to a point. But once you have checked out all the cafes, gone for a bushwalk, strolled up and down a few streets and had a wine in some cosy eatery, what then?

If this doesn’t turn you on... you haven’t got a switch!

1119 Creswick Newstead Road. Sandon (20 minutes outside of Daylesford) Phone 0401 129 337 Extreme 4x4 Farm Drive

34 News

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W RD

CROSS

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How did you go?

FREIGHT · TRANSPORT · RE MOVA LS DAY L ESFO R D AND CENT R AL HIGH LAN DS

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News 35

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Business workshops Choral performance

M

ACEDON Ranges Shire Council's 2019 business program includes a range of workshops in August aimed at helping businesses improve their social media and internet visibility.

S

TUDENTS from Trentham Primary School have been learning songs from the Dhungala Choral Connection Song Book and will join the Boite Schools Chorus at the Melbourne Town Hall on August 8.

The songs were written by Jessica Hitchcock and Deborah Cheetham from Short Black Opera.

The collection of songs features the experiences and languages of Aboriginal The SEO Foundations for Small Business workshop is part of the Australian Small children from around Australia.

Business Advisory Service Digital Solutions program and will be held on Thursday, August 15 from 9.30am to 12.30pm, at the Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Link: www.trybooking.com/BEBSQ Robertson Street, Gisborne.

This half-day workshop offers participants the chance to learn about search engine optimisation - an effective marketing method that increases website visibility in search engine results. Register for the workshop and program with a single payment of $55.

This provides access to a full range of small business events and workshops, tailored mentoring, webinars and the online portal.

Foundations for small business

Link: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events

Central Highlands Football Ladder Waubra 52 Buninyong 48 Newlyn 48 Gordon 44 Hepburn 40 Beaufort 40 Springbank 40 Skipton 32 Bungaree 28 Learmonth 24 Dunnstown 20 Creswick 20 Rokewood Corindhap 16 Daylesford 8 Carngham Linton 8 Ballan 8 Clunes 4

36 Trades

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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

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

Cleaning and servicing of pools, hot tubs and jacuzzis.

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

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Clement F Mooney

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

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Tel: 03 5424 1441 Mobile: 0412 584 555 Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458

Trades 37

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

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

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

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

38 Opinion

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Pick me, pick me...

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

S

O, THE geese are gone. Removed from Lake Daylesford after orders by Hepburn Shire Council. Apparently, biodiversity is all about returning the lake to its former natural self. Except it's man-made.

Love or loathe the geese, there are a number of issues here. Speed is one. The council made the decision on a Tuesday night and the following Monday the geese were gone. In the 15 years I have lived here it must be the fastest the council has ever acted. The Rex anyone?

The second issue, a bit of a side-issue perhaps, is that four local police were on hand for the removal. I always assumed the police station was a prop from a movie. But I digress.

The main issue, for me, is the complete lack of community consultation, before, during and after the removal. It was poorly handled and is a really bad look for the council.

I posted this on Facebook and was met with lots of "well said" comments but also a few people who said council is elected to act on our behalf and how ridiculous it would be if we were consulted on every move.

I agree. I once sat in a council meeting for an hour, not here, while councillors debated whether a garage should be placed half a metre, or one metre, from a fence. I don't want to be consulted about that. But when a council realises that something really contentious is on the agenda then I believe we have a right to know.

It seems that the council realised how the decision would be met and just went ahead at breakneck speed to make it happen - and now hopes everyone just forgets. That is not the way to run a democracy. Or be accountable to your ratepayers.

A few days after the meeting, I received an email saying on the day there would be shire officers on hand to talk to. On the day, I asked for information and was silently handed, by the biodiversity officer himself, a piece of paper. When I asked another question he walked away. I called the shire offices and was told no-one was available to talk to me. Not a single councillor, not an officer, not a member of the executive team.

Since last Monday, I have received another council media release saying the geese are happy and healthy in their new home, a private sanctuary, the name of which cannot be divulged. I also received a lengthy email from mayor Don Henderson giving me the headsup on defamation. It was kind of him so I wrote back with a thank-you. (Although after 30 years in the game I am pretty au fait with them.)

People are now asking council for a formal apology for its poor show. Paper petitions have been placed around the area. Apparently, despite it being 2019, council does not recognise online petitions. They need to be hand-written.

They probably won't but I do hope they do say sorry. Most of all I hope they learn from this and engage in real community consulation into the future. Just sayin'...

Hi there, I am Chloe. I am just seven months old. I am a shy girl who needs a very special home that is quiet, with no children and pets and an owner that is willing to give me a lot of time and space in order to bring me out my shell. MC#956000010822655 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)

AN ODE TO A WRITERS’ FESTIVAL Now is the time for Words in Winter, Readers and writers let nothing you hinder, Book quickly, move like a sprinter, Rush like you’ve been jabbed by a splinter.

There’ll be laughs galore, Authors, eccentrics and more, Best-sellers and bards To pack out the back bar.

So, get your tickets on-line, While there’s still time, For Spring’s on the way, And Words must have their day!

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Opinion 39

Just briefly...

Kyle’s Rant

T

HE Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey has shown that Hepburn Shire remains below both Small Rural and Statewide results in all performance measures.

L

AST Monday a call went out around the village of Daylesford that the goose capture people were onsite at Lake Daylesford about to capture their first goose. So, the crew from TL HQ sprang into action.

Now, I do take my job seriously when it comes to highly emotional situations and my job is simply as a voyeur to observe and take record. However, after I saw the argy-bargy between one of the goose catchers and one of Daylesford’s statespersons (I am talking about Alla Wolf-Tasker) and the rough treatment that the geese themselves were being given, I must admit it rattled me and I got a little involved.

These people were speeding around the lake in a boat within 50 metres of the shore, while four local police watched on. It was an absolute wild goose chase and these poor birds were at the centre of the action. I’ll leave others to talk on matters such as consultation and whether or not you think the geese should be in the lake but for what it’s worth my two cents follows.

Now, there are a lot of history buffs about, who if approached would better articulate my editorial but it is mine, so I’m not trying to give anyone a history lesson.

However, Lake Daylesford was/is full of mine shafts surrounded by denuded hills and is quite frankly a dumpsite from the mining era around the turn of last century.

Apparently it had a Chinese market operating there and probably either the gold ran out or the grass was greener somewhere else, so the miners left and some intelligent, future-thinking local folks decided to turn this disgusting blight on the landscape into a beautiful lake for locals and tourists.

Then 30 to 40 years ago the geese came along, whether by road or air, and made it their home too.

Fast forward to now. Lake Daylesford is a beautiful spot but it is by no means virgin wetlands. It is rejuvenated country with many new species calling it home including white people, tourists and, up until a short while ago, geese.

This whole biodiversity, which is the veil under which Hepburn Shire Council took these creatures, is a load of goose shit. At what point does the biodiversity end? I mean, the trees in the main street of Glenlyon were introduced around the same time as the lake was being rejuvenated so let’s tear them out and plant gums.

What about the white people, maybe we should go too, or even the seashells in the outback, let’s put them back in the sea.

But my point is that history is layered, not just stopped in a geological time capsule. It is evolving and moving right under our feet.

In the Central Highlands we have history ranging from Aborigines to Swiss Italians, the Chinese to the miners - and right through to electric car charging stations. I have probably forgotten some of the errors in my limited word count but I hope you get my point. Let's live and let live and enjoy everything this region has to offer.

Ruffled feather rant over…

Overall Performance for the shire was 56 compared to 58 for Small Rural and 60 for Statewide.

Community Consultation was 51 compared to 56 and 56, Advocacy was 51 compared to 55 and 54, Making Community Decisions was 52 compared to 55 and 55, Sealed Local Roads was 50 compared to 53 and 56, Customer Service was 68 compared to 70 and 71 and Overall Council Direction was 52 compared to 53 and 53.

Shire chief executive officer Evan King said the survey gave the council “a clear snapshot of our performance at a point in time”.

“While we’re performing well in developing tourism, the appearance of our public places and waste management, the community want us to do better in the areas of slashing and weed control, and planning and building permits. They also want us to do more when it comes to dealing with our shire’s waste.”

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