The local issue 40 march 2, 2015

March 2, 2015 Issue 40 ChillOut edition “Modern family”

The Heart of the Highlands’ own community publication

The Local - tlnews.com.au

2 About Us

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Heart of the Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, March 16, 2015.

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/DHSLocal to receive your e-edition early - on Sunday evening!

Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local: Space bookings: Wednesday, March 11 Copy provided by: Thursday, March 12 Editorial deadline: Thursday, March 12

Money, money, money...

General manager | Photographer: Kyle Barnes Managing editor: Donna Kelly Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Sales: Nick Bunning (Ballarat), Kate Colman (Kyneton) Accounts: Jan Oldfield Contributors: Glen Heyne, George Weiss, Robin Archer, Brian Nash, Anthony Sawrey Editorial and affordable sales - 5348 7883 | 0416 104 283 donna@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au

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

So here goes with our loyalty prices...for six consecutive adverts An eighth of a page - $50 plus GST A quarter page - $100 plus GST A banner - $100 plus GST A half page - $200 plus GST A full page - $400 plus GST (Prices are per edition)

See a photo you like? Photos are just $20 each and will be emailed at high resolution. You can print as many copies as you like...

But wait, there’s more!

“The Local” is a registered trademark of Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly

All adverts in The Local are full colour and we can help with basic graphic designs and layouts too! At no extra cost, of course.

Front cover: Modern Family - Jenni Thompson and Emma Wells chose the IVF path to create their family and today they are loving being parents to Mackenzie, 5, and Graycie, 3, Read their story on page 5.

Photo: Kyle Barnes

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

Oh, we also have an average of 76,000 impressions online each edition at www.tlnews.com.au - even more reasons to get in touch.

THE OLD HEPBURN HOTEL

An authentic country pub with a focus on food, family and entertainment.

MENU Modern Australian with pub classics.

Midweek specials.

Chef Josh Lucassen can design a menu for all occasions.

MUSIC Host to local musicians and some of Australiaʼs premier artists.

THE PUB Open 7 days lunch & dinner.

Courtesy bus.

Group bookings (up to 100 guests).

Amber Dooley

236 Main Rd, Hepburn

Beer garden.

drink@oldhepburnhotel.com.au

www.oldhepburnhotel.com.au

ph:03 53482207

The Local - tlnews.com.au

A

NDREW “Drew” Muscat will have his “drag on” at the Peppermill Café at The Amazing Mill Markets in Daylesford during the ChillOut Festival. And just maybe taking part in the Community Golf Tournament at the Hepburn Springs Golf Club this Friday…The Local’s Kyle Barnes caught up for a chat.

News 3

Life’s a drag for Drew

KB: What is your background?

AM: I am part Greek and part English and with a mother who worked in the theatre how could I not follow her example? In the late 1990s I sang with the Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride choir and came runner-up at The King and Queen of Karaoke competition in Brissie. I also sang at The Sporties Sunday Cabaret which was heaps of fun. In 2012 my partner and I took part in the mass same sex wedding on “Adam Hills in Gordon Street Tonight” with 40 other couples.

KB: Where are you working and living?

AM: I am currently working as a barista at The Peppermill Café at The Amazing Mill Markets here in Daylesford. And my partner of eight years and I are building a home in Wheatsheaf since moving here from Seaford two and a half years ago. I used to wield a mean hot glue gun but we now own four chainsaws and I am pretty good at chopping wood with an axe.

KB: What is your drag background?

AM: It started out in 1998 when friends and I went to The Beat Nightclub - looking quite tragic in a polyester dress, acrylic cardy and plastic beads. I met an old hand at the art and he helped me to improve my look and I discovered corsets, sewing my own outfits and more importantly, diamantes. A friend who I worked with at the time suggested Cara Couture as my name and I’m glad she did as I would have been Polly Cotton. Thanks Catherine. I then started to perform at The Sporties and The Beat doing several production shows before moving to Melbourne in 2001 and doing spot numbers at The Greyhound.

KB: What do you like - and not like - about drag?

AM: I love the transformation into a different persona and making people laugh. Besides you can get away with a lot when you’re in drag but I won’t shock you with those details. I usually take between half an hour and an hour to get ready for the transformation from putting my face on to getting dressed. The only down-sides that I can think of are all the hair removal - Greek don’t forget, and my corset is a little tight at the moment. The price of beauty I suppose.

KB: Is it just drag you do and where can we see you next?

AM: I have been out as other characters including drag king Poita Bread and Jerry Lewis. I’m always looking for more characters, any suggestions? And one or more of those identities will be making coffee and giving lip at The Peppermill Café over the ChillOut weekend. Hope you can come along and join in the fun and perhaps Cara might be able to be in the parade if Dot and Ray concede to my request.

The Local is the future of regional publishing!

- stated by Victorian Senator John Madigan in the Australian Parliament - November 2014 Just sayin’.... :)

4 Our artisans

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Hobby turns into dream job

R

EBECCA de Podolinsky studied management at Ballarat University and worked in marketing, human resources and communications roles in Melbourne for more than 15 years. The Kyneton resident is currently studying for her Master of History.

But Bec is also an artisan, a silversmith, a trade which is at least 2000 years old – and well qualifies for the Lost Trades Fair at Kyneton Racecourse over the Labour Day weekend.

“In my spare time I’ve always been creating things and working with tools. I started buying and restoring Australian antique furniture when I was 17 and along the way I’ve done lots of courses, such as French polishing and a perch chairmaking course with Lost Trades founder and chairmaker Glen Rundell.

“All of these things helped me to become more familiar with tools and how things are put together. It meant that when I started silversmithing it came quite naturally because I understood how to saw, file, sand and polish. The main difference was working with metal rather than wood.”

Bec took the opportunity to turn her hobby into her work when her corporate government job became redundant.

“The redundancy package changed everything and gave me the money to buy the equipment for my studio. I now walk 10 metres to get to my workbench and I’m being constantly challenged. My studio is high up on an escarpment overlooking Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock. The view is always changing and I never tire of looking out the window to see what’s happening. It provides me with constant inspiration.”

Bec also attended jewellery making short courses with renowned Montsalvat-based goldsmith Jeanette Dyke who trained in England and Germany and continues to have lessons with her gaining “invaluable advice and guidance along the way”.

She now spends her time creating minimalist pieces of wearable jewellery using silver, copper and brass combined with other materials such as Merino wool felt.

“I always had trouble finding affordable pieces of jewellery that were simple and classic. I design high quality handmade pieces that can be worn year after year and don’t cost the earth. Much of the range retails for under $100. Depending on the piece, it can take as little as half an hour while other more complicated pieces can take days or even weeks to complete.”

Bec has also just completed her first collection featuring lots of colour with the pieces understated

and aimed to complement not dominate an outfit. The range also includes upcycled pieces such as cufflinks made from brass shell casings, stud earrings made from .22 shell casings and earrings and cufflinks made using pre-decimal Australian coins.

“The pieces are simple, affordable and most of all, high quality. I love the collection and have been overwhelmed by the number of stores wanting to stock my range Pod Jewellery. It shows there is still a strong market for handmade artisan produced items.”

Bec said she chose Kyneton for her home after growing up in South Muckleford, just west of Castlemaine.

“After university in Ballarat, I moved to Melbourne for 10 years and spent some time living in Paris.

My heart was always in the country and eight years ago my mum found a property for sale just outside Kyneton. I love Kyneton, we have the most interesting mix of people and we produce some of the best food in Australia. We have top quality restaurants

right here in town and just up the road in Trentham and Malmsbury. So if I crave a beautiful meal, I don’t need to go into the city, I just need to head into town.”

And locals only need to head to Rundell & Rundell in Kyneton or Moss & Burrows in Daylesford to see Bec’s jewellery. Or the Lost Trades Fair to see her in action.

The Local - tlnews.com.au

News 5

Happy and blessed after IVF journey

J

ENNI Thompson and Emma Wells describe their lives as “extremely happy and blessed”.

And it’s no wonder. The pair, who met at a gay venue in St Kilda, now have two beautiful children, Mackenzie, five, and Graycie, three, and are living their dream life in Hepburn.

They both work part-time as teachers at Daylesford Primary School with Jenni, 41, working three days a week and Emma, 46, working the other two days.

When they met both were just out of long-term relationships so not looking for a new partner – but as it sometimes just happens, they connected and it went from “not taking it too seriously to realising it was serious”.

Along with sharing a love of teaching, both women also like to keep fit. Jenni is a keen runner and just completed her first marathon last year while Emma does “a bit of boot camp” and both are into meditation. Emma experienced her first silent retreat recently – leaving Jenni with both children.

And managing to have those children also took them on a shared journey. Jenni said she always wanted to have children while Emma was “not as keen as me”.

“But because Emma was older I said she should go first if she wanted to give birth. I was really ready but Emma had to think about it for a while – just whether she wanted to give birth or not.”

It turned out that Emma was keen and after choosing an anonymous donor with a teaching background through Melbourne IVF, was pregnant with the first try.

“Prior to that we had looked at a few different options, like donor sperm from interstate. I couldn’t access IVF in Victoria until my age, 39, could deem me infertile.

“But then the rules changed and I was able to go and see a doctor at Melbourne IVF. I believe it is a lot easier now.”

With Emma bearing their first child, Jenni was keen for her turn, to keep their children’s ages close together.

“It was harder for me and took quite a while. I didn’t get pregnant until I took time off work and we found out Christmas Eve which was great. It was a nice journey and I have tried to give back. I donated my eggs twice to a woman who couldn’t have children but they (the eggs) weren’t good enough. So I think Graycie is probably a miracle child.”

Both Jenni and Emma said they would “highly recommend” IVF, and in particular, Melbourne IVF. “We feel privileged to have been able to have the opportunity and Melbourne IVF were wonderful – they are very much part of our journey and our family. And we nearly named one of our children after the IVF nurses, they were so caring, and our doctor, John McBain was one of the founders of Melbourne IVF. He was amazing.”

Jenni said while the initial outlay was expensive, quite a lot was refunded by Medicare.

“For Emma, because she got pregnant straight away, it cost about $6000. For me, because it took six tries, it was more expensive. I guess when it takes longer that gets people stressed as well. For us it was the only way. And now you look back and feel like it just went but while you are in it, you put your life on hold for the process – the injections, the doctors, the trips to Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital.”

Jenni said both women had been amazed by the support from the community, especially from same sex couples who had already been on the journey and were willing to share their experiences.

“And when Emma was pregnant I had people coming to the school and leaving notes asking if we wanted cots or other things. This whole community is just amazing. And sometimes you forget how special and accepting it is here – you might go to Melbourne and be asked if you are sisters and get a funny look when you say you are partners. It’s easy to forget about that when you live here.”

Both Jenni and Emma were regular visitors to the region before they met, with Jenni looking at Daylesford Primary School one day thinking “when I finish studying to be a teacher I am going to work

and live here” and then promptly forgetting for a couple of years.

“I was teaching in Melbourne and not enjoying it, and then Emma got into Ballarat University and I applied for a job at Daylesford and we moved here from Taylors Lakes, of all places.

“No-one would visit us in Taylors Lakes but as soon as we moved here the visitors kept coming – they said when they drove into town they felt the weight of the world lift. We had to schedule in weekends for ourselves. Saying that, we don’t get as many visitors now we have the children….

“But we are extremely happy and blessed. And at this stage in our life this is where we want to be. It is right for our kids and our family.”

Photo: From left, Emma, Mackenzie, Jenni and Graycie - with Asahi.

Proudly supporting The Local Community Page...

6 News

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Zelman Memorial Symphony

P

REPARE to be literally blown away by Roman Ponomariov on horn, and mezzo soprano Selena Pettifer - accompanied by the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra at Daylesford Town Hall on Sunday, March 22.

Strauss’ first horn concerto, often said to be the greatest written in modern times, will be a feature of the concert.

Soloist Roman Ponomariov will play the concerto which was written for Strauss’ father, a leading horn player of his time who never played it, claiming it was too difficult for him.

The concert will also feature the premiere of a new work by George Dreyfus “A Song for Gallipoli” sung by Selena Pettifer.

The concert concludes with Brahms’ acclaimed first Symphony with which, after 21 years work, Brahms believed he had composed a worthy successor to Beethoven’s symphonies.

The 60-strong orchestra has an affinity with Daylesford – it is named after Alfredo Zelman Junior who once lived in Hepburn. This is the orchestra’s 10th visit here - the past four sponsored

by U3A Hepburn Shire.

Alberto Zelman was born in Melbourne in 1874 and founded the original Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1906 with a mix of amateurs and professionals. He then conducted it for many years.

After his death in 1927, the MSO was taken over by Professor (later Sir) Bernard Heinze who converted it into an all-professional MSO. The amateur players formed their own orchestra in 1933 naming it the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra in honour of Alberto.

Tickets are $20 and available at Paradise Books, Vincent St, Daylesford and the Bookbarn, Leggatt St, Daylesford.

Also online at trybooking.com/GWUB or phone 0411 866 643. Tickets will also be on sale at the box office on March 22 from 1pm subject to availability.

News 7

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Full pull at Bullarto I

T MIGHT seem like it’s all things ChillOut this weekend but don’t miss the chance to see a Full Pull at Bullarto this Sunday, March 8.

Started 21 years ago by Len and Marlene Orr, the Bullarto Vintage Tractor Pull has become the thing of legends as myriad classes of tractors pull their way along the track with ever increasing water weights to battle.

It’s best to let Len describe it.

“You have a sledge, you hook a tractor on it – the small tractors only have a little bit of water and the bigger tractors get more as they go up, and as they go up it winches its way up the track and you put more and more pressure on the tractor. It’s all about grip.

“The full pull is when they reach 100 yards. Once they reach that they sing out ‘full pull’ and they go back and put more water in it – and hopefully makes it heavier so they don’t make it next time.

“We start off in the under 20 horsepower and go up from there. You are allowed two goes and the winner might get a full pull, or might just pull 80 yards. Winners get trophies.”

Right. Clear as mud.

And on that first tractor pull, held in April 1994, it was all about mud with “different ones saying ‘you have to cancel’ and us saying ‘the trucks are lined up to the main road, how can we cancel now?,” Marlene said.

“There was terrible traction, even to get the trucks in to unload the tractors was hard, and we thought it would wreck the whole idea but it seemed to stick in people’s minds.

“And now when you ask about any tractor pulling that’s the one they remember.”

Len said the idea was first mooted with the Bullarto Hall needing repairs here and there and it turned into a successful fundraiser.

“We’ve had the hall reblocked and repainted, got a new roof…it all takes a few bob… and now that has people interested in using the hall for parties, even funerals.”

And even if you are not up for the full pull there are plenty of other activities. The grand parade is at noon, then there is the woodchopping, stone crushing, vintage car display, the Daylesford Brass Band, sheep shearing and a jumping castle for the kids.

Ladies can also try their hand at phone tossing – and win a new phone.

Len and Marlene reckon the best time to arrive is noon. If you come later “you are going to miss a lot”.

Fair enough.

O 38 High Street, Trentham Ph: 54241164 Open 7 Days

8 Opinion

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’ with Donna Kelly

M

ADE it. The “ChillOut” edition - enough to bring fear to any publisher/editor/ journalist/graphic designer - and sometimes toilet cleaner. That’s me.

It’s a bumper, 56 pages last time I checked, but it’s also such a fun edition to put together. We sometimes feel like we are the only straights in the village - but we have such a great time being ChillOut’s media partners. The committee is a joy to work with - everything ahead of time - and they understand a good idea when they see one - like our front page.

Yes, a take on Modern Family, but also an important issue to get some air time for. So many people these days don’t fall into the “average family” whether they are single, gay or lesbian parents, couples, and any of the above, without children. Then there are mixed marriages, mixed children, mixed everything. I reckon if you can just make your “normal” work, then you are on a winner.

I never wanted children...and although I was once called a “dried up old spinster” for merely mentioning that it might be nice to not be bothered by others’ children while at high-end restaurants...I just never tried.

And so many people said “you would make a great parent” to which I generally replied “yes, but wouldn’t you want to have them first?”. For the record I do love my nieces and nephews.

Anyway our front cover story is about a couple who really wanted children - and were lucky enough to make it happen through IVF. Read their story on page 5.

But, contrary to popular belief, the Labour Day weekend is not just about ChillOut. There’s the Bullarto Vintage Tractor Pull where tractors of various makes and models vie for a “full pull” - quite an honour if you can achieve it. And there’s also all the fun of good old fashioned family entertainment from sheep shearing to stone crushing. There’s even a mobile phone throw - just for the ladies. The winner walks away with - a phone. OK, I could talk about why anyone wants to throw away a phone to get a phone - but I have felt at times with our new iPhone that throwing it out the window could be good therapy. Len Orr explains it all on page 7.

Oh, don’t forget over at Kyneton there’s the Lost Trades Fair across the weekend. All those trades you thought were long gone - saddle making, chair making, blacksmithing -are back on the agenda. And the tradespeople will be there showing off their “thing”. Head to the Kyneton Racecourse for a look - and read silversmith Bec’s story on page 4.

Finally, the World’s Greatest Shave is coming up this month and we were privileged to talk to a family whose 12-year-old son shaved his head at the end of school last year. It was in honour of his brother Trent who passed away from cancer, Ewings Sarcoma, in 2012. And Hayden is not your average young bloke - he has a mullet becase when Trent lost his hair during chemotherapy it grew back “wispy” and he asked his younger brother to grow some extra hair for him. Read about an inspiring family on page 17 - with a tissue or two. And maybe you’ll be brave enough to shave too. Just sayin’.

The Local - Connecting the Community ATTENTION

PARENTS

OF HIGH SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses

Fully Subsidised - No cost to attend.

MARCH 14 - 15 MARCH 28 - 29 APRIL 11 - 12 Places Strictly Limited

More information via 0432 658 346 kate@oneandonecreative.com.au OR

The Local believes in giving back. So welcome to The Local’s “Connecting the Community” project. Each edition The Local has two free advert spaces to give away to not-for-profit organisations. Just because we can. So, if your group needs a helping hand, email donna@tlnews.com.au If we receive more than two we will use the tried and true “put them in a hat” system but also work a little bit on timing.

Participants will learn about adolescent development & the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, how & where to get help & what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective.

Bullarto Vintage Tractor Pull celebrates 21years on Sunday, March 8 from 10.30am

Activities include tractors going for the full pull, sheep shearing, woodchopping, mobile phone throwing for the ladies, stone crushing and kids’ activities. The grand parade kicks off at noon.

Plenty of food and drinks. Old fashioned family fun. Don’t miss out!

The Local - tlnews.com.au

On the land 9

Communication lines open at Yandoit

By Donna Kelly

I

T is a strange feeling.

Standing in the middle of a farm field in Yandoit, in a circle defined by large stones, and feeling a metal divining rod pulling to different directions in my hand.

As a journalist and a huge skeptic, it is hard to believe. I have watched other people “supposedly” water divine and always wondered if there was a little movement they were doing themselves to move the rod – consciously or subconsciously.

And then I read skeptic James Randi’s observations after a huge Australian divining test: “One thing must be made clear - dowsers on the whole are very honest folk.

They believe in what they do. Unfortunately their belief is poorly placed. They cannot perform as they think they can. Having a string of successful wells to which one can point, proves nothing.

“Though diviners will continue to be hired by believers in such powers, and wells will be dug with great precision on spots located by forked-stick folks, these water supplies will not prove that dowsing works. They will only prove that there is a great deal of water down under the earth, and we do not need silly folks wiggling sticks to tell us that.”

Mmm. With me, back on that field, is Eric Sartori, a dairy farmer of 50 years, a sensible sounding bloke, but one who has also been a member of the British Society of Dowsers and a water diviner for 60 years.

Mr Sartori believes there is an “energy line” running through his property and for miles either side. He has placed the rocks around what he also believes is an “energy circle” – one that he is happy to use to improve his health – and he looks pretty good.

“It’s not the only one, there are plenty around here, they are energy circles – but I am not going to try and tell you what it’s all about. In the past everybody has had their theories and they all tended to be wrong.

“It’s an invisible line that is capable of transmitting energy thoughts along those lines. I have been doing my own research on it for the past 20 years and I and my neighbour David are getting maximum benefit out of it. And as a journalist you would know that forms of communication are changing all the time.

Asked whether it could also be described as a “ley line” – supposed alignments of numerous places including ancient monuments, natural ridge-tops and waterfords, Mr Sartori seems doubtful.

“Ley line doesn’t really mean that much – no-one knows too much about them…

“But I have been in England looking around the stone circles there and felt the pull on the rod. Whether they knew that when they put the circles there I am not too sure.”

And I am not sure either although I agree with the communication comment.

My grandmother was amazed by television, my mother is still wrapping her head around Facebook and I am continually amazed we can receive 15MB emails…

Who are we to judge?

10 News

The Local - tlnews.com.au

A Sparkling Life (AN ONGOING column by Marian Sidwell and her recollection of living in Daylesford - and early childhood memories. The first excerpt ran in The Local, Issue 28, September 15, 2014. Back issues at tlnews.com.au) Drawing by Daylesford artist Brian Nash art@briannash.com.au

I

N THE pre-flasher days Richmond did have a lot to offer kids of our age. On weekdays during the school holidays we would walk through the park to the empty MCG. There was never any problem getting in and we would spend hours clambering over the seats, running up and down the stairs and making echoes in the concourse. It was the biggest playground a kid could wish for.

On other days we would catch the tram in Bridge Road and go into town for the day. My sister Joan knew the city well.

She would lead us up Bourke Street into the lovely pale green and highly perfumed entry of Mantons. We only went there for the smell, we never had much money to spend - especially on perfume. We were strictly a Coles eau-de-cologne family.

Catching the tram the other way down Bridge Road would bring us to the swimming pool. A huge covered in thing, it was known as The Baths but nowhere near as good as the open air one in Batman Avenue where we would trek to on hot days. Still the old baths served its purpose on the cooler days I suppose and it did have those fascinating penny in the slot peanut dispensers.

Quite often after our visit to the baths we would walk home chewing our peanuts via Bridge Road. Coles in those days was a fascinating store with thousands of upright pigeon holed dispensers containing everything imaginable to keep the world rotating at that time.

Our Christmases were simple affairs in those days. Mum would give us the whopping sum of ten shillings each to buy presents. We’d be up and down to Coles and up and down to Dimmeys for days on end. With average purchases of sixpence we had a lot of wrapping to do. There were no household Christmas trees in those days either. Father Christmas visited the end of our beds. With thanks to our immigrants Christmas trees came ashore with them a few years later together with a smorgasbord of tasty new food.

Walking from our shop then in the opposite direction to Bridge Road, brought us to Swan Street. We would walk way up past Dimmeys to the corner of Church Street and enter the wonderful world of Ball’s Corner Store. We would stand for ages watching the shop assistants put money and dockets into tin capsules with sliding doors that were then attached to wires that ran every which way across the ceiling of the shop all the way to the upstairs office. All I wanted to do when I grew up was to pull one of those cords and send it hurtling along that wire.

This was not however Ball’s sole fascination for us. For the sum of threepence we could purchase a lucky dip bag containing men’s blue detachable collars, odd buttons, buckles, garters, suspenders and all sorts of things that mum would thank us for and toss up into the top of her wardrobe.

Here is the solution to last week’s crossword. This week’s crossword is on page 32. All the answers are somewhere in The Local. Good luck!

News 11

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Love Your Sister campaign award

T

HE Love Your Sister campaign has been awarded an inaugural Community Champion Award by the Garvan Research Foundation.

The awards celebrate community and corporate partnerships that support Garvan’s ground-breaking medical research.

The Love Your Sister campaign was formed by Connie and Samuel Johnson two years ago, following Connie’s terminal breast cancer diagnosis. Connie set her brother a challenge, to break the world record for the longest distance travelled on a unicycle, raise $1 million for breast cancer research and spread Connie’s message of breast cancer awareness.

Two years later – Love Your Sister is a nationally recognised campaign, there is a new world record for the longest distanced travelled on a unicycle and over $2 million has been raised for Garvan’s cancer research.

Connie said she was incredibly proud of what the team had achieved “since Sam set out on his unicycle two years ago, and we are hugely grateful to the supporters who have helped us raise money for Garvan’s cancer research”.

“For us, the work is not done and we are excited about the future of Love Your Sister and our next campaign, The Bucket List Initiative, which launches in May. Our journey continues and our work will never be done until we find a cure.”

Link: giving.garvan.org.au/aboutloveyoursister

Daylesford 3460

La Vita eclectic and elegant homewares

Pola

roid

aroid

Pol

Pola

roid

39 Albert Street, Daylesford Thursday to Monday, 10am - 5pm

aroid

Pol

12 ANZAC 100

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Countdown for ANZAC 100

By Cheryl Johnson

T

HE countdown is on for a once-in-a-lifetime community event organisers hope will enthrall Shire residents. April 11 is ANZAC 100, Daylesford region’s tribute to the men, women and families touched by events a century ago at Gallipoli.

Tickets go on sale this week online at www.trybooking.com/GORT or in person at eCasa in Vincent Street or find out more at www.anzac100.org.au Structured to be affordable to most family budgets, the event is open to all come rain or shine. You can be either an onlooker at the free street program, buy tickets for the town hall concert, or attend both.

Activities begin as the sun goes down. Part one features a free outdoor spectacle, including a memorial plaque presentation honouring nine volunteer Daylesford CFA firefighters who served in WWI. Part two is a fund-raising ticketed concert, featuring favourite local musicians and singers.

RSL member and Vietnam veteran Frank Page, who is leading ANZAC 100 planning, says community spirit has long been a defining characteristic of Hepburn Shire’s residents and this year’s Anzac centenary has already generated a king tide of local interest and activity.

“This year, all Australia will be remembering when the Anzac legend began and locals and visitors alike can be part of it in Daylesford. Our event aims to have something for everyone when we commemorate the price our forebears paid in a terrible conflict.

“ANZAC 100 is a one-off complementing the traditional Anzac Day march and services and a commemoration through the celebration of the music and song of the WWI and WWII eras. We’re encouraging people to get in the mood by dressing up in wartime fashions for the concert and maybe win a prize.

“We’re expecting 300-400 people in the town hall, so to avoid the rush when they collect their commemorative tickets, we hope they’ll come along early and watch the street activity too.”

A core team of 10 volunteers met in October last year to form the ANZAC 100 planning committee and work began immediately. Through word of mouth, volunteers from the wider community offered their support in various ways from in-kind specialist services, helpers coming forward to help stage the event and people offering their skills and experience, contributing to a highly professional event staging.

Associated activities have already inspired individuals and groups to become involved including Maggie Nightingale’s Poppy Project, Daylesford Primary School, the Men’s Shed, senior citizens’ groups, Daylesford Bowling Club, Daylesford Country Women’s Association, Lumeah Lodge knitters, artist Sandy Breen and participants in Daylesford Community Centre’s planned activity group and the Glenlyon Quilters.

Vincent Street retailers have also enthusiastically supported the event, committing to decorate their windows with Anzac tributes and red poppies and on March 12 the RSL has invited Gallipoli historian Dr V. John Basarin to present a free lunchtime talk about Gallipoli viewed from the Turkish trenches. All proceeds will go towards the redesign and landscaping of Daylesford War Memorial.

RSL Commemorative Committee chairman Keith Pyers and ANZAC 100 planning group member Patrick Baird are conducting an energetic sponsorship drive and are delighted with the response, although they are encouraging more to come on board to help raise funds.

Platinum $500 donation and in-kind sponsors to date are Daylesford District Community Bank, Biggin & Scott, Copyworx, Daylesford Bowling Club, Designscope, Keith Pyers’ Family, Menadue Family and Piper Design.

DAYLESFORD RSL

A

HEPBURN SHIRE

NZAC 100 has chosen The Local as its media partner to bring the community all the news leading up to the commemoration of the first Anzac Day. Every edition of The Local will include stories and photos about the people and organisations who are working towards making the 100th anniversary one of the most memorable and moving events seen in Daylesford. Make sure you pick up your hard copy or read the online edition at www.tlnews.com.au

Dr Shelley L Beer Chinese Medicine

2/12 Albert St, Daylesford.

Community Open Group Acupuncture (drop ins welcome) Tuesday 2pm -5.30pm, Thursday 9.30am - noon.

Express needling on chairs at the SAME time as others $30 (cash) or bookings of four $5 off each.

Private consultations still by appointment Tues – Sat. 0417 036 153 www.tcmconsultancy.com

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

The Amazing Mill Markets is the perfect shopping partner to your weekend – we have an incredible array of things to see and buy at our market, just 30 seconds easy drive from the centre of Daylesford. Inside you’ll find a cornucopia of vintage, retro and contemporary fashion for all – you could find your perfect outfit to wear to the bush dance, or even perhaps the street parade! We also have tonnes of interesting collectibles, antiques, art, home décor, industrial chic – ideal for adorning your home space or perhaps a friend’s! Come out for a visit, grab yourself a coffee made with love (and a bit of cheek!) by our resident superstar barista, Miss Cara Couture and while away the day exploring our Amazing space.

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

14 Happy & Healthy

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Take time to chill out! www.healwithjaqi.com

For bookings or enquiries please call | SMS Loretta on 0401 481 130 or

Google | scan

Motion Massage Daylesford

Shamanic Healing Healing is within Us Intuitive Counselling Illuminations Soul Retrieval Extractions Readings

Aframe_bird_draft2.indd 1

Jaqi Mudge 0423 499 901

8/2/13 1:12:03 AM

BABAJI’S KRIYA YOGA 1st Initiation Seminar with Rohini MARCH 21& 22 (9.00pm - 5.00pm)

@ Ashtaanga Retreat Dairy Flat Road, Musk Awaken Kundalini Learn ancient yogic techniques and practise 18 postures, 7 meditations and 6 pranayamas Special Locals Offer:

$70 per person

to enrol: contact Rohini 0401369743 www.babajiskriyayoga.net

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Happy & Healthy 15

Take time to chill out!

Group Outdoor Exercise in Kyneton All fitness levels Monday 7.30pm Friday 9.15am (babies and children welcome) Phone Kate 0404 205 144

THE COTTAGE HERBALIST Caroline Parker BHSc Western Herbal Medicine

• Herbal Medicine • Bush Flower Essences • Diet & Lifestyle Advice • Wellness Programs • Hand Blended Organic Teas and Tisanes 0402 366 242 thecottageherbalist.com.au thecottageherbalist@gmail.com ANTA member 12687

March special: Receive a 60 minute facial for only $80 with a free upgrade option of a peel or microdermabrasion -savings of up to $30.

RedSpa Sanctuary Massage, Shiatsu, Bowen Therapy

To make an appointment please call: 5348 3154 or 0429 681 030 (Available Mon-Sat only)

Midweek/locals’ specials Health rebates 0422 103 569 www.redspasanctuary.com.au

Gift Vouchers Available 1 Camp Street, Daylesford 0429 681 030 | 5348 3154 www.ekospa.com.au

elax, dream and feel great

xperience . . . Day Spa

SALON-SPA

39 High Street, Kyneton Phone (03) 5422 3795 ellenis.com.au

restore balance naturally...

Relaxation Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage Remedial Massage Reflexology Motherhood Pregnancy Hot Stone Therapy Ear Candling Reiki Energy Balance Spiritual Healing Crystal Healing Chakra balance Facial Body Polish/Scrub Body Wrap Foot Treatments Tarot Astrology Past Life Regression Retail Therapy

we are open everyday!

Mon - Thu 10 - 5 Fri - Sat 10 - 6 Sun 10 - 5

Chillout and relax with us this long weekend!

Purchase ANY of our packages and receive 10% off the package cost and 10% off your Retail therapy purchase!

This offer is valid for bookings made and treatments enjoyed between 02 to 09 March 2015, subject to availability.

The retail therapy purchase must be made at the time of treatment. The 10% off excludes already discounted items.

Full payment is required at the time of booking. If you cancel prior to 48 hours of your treatment a 25% cancellation fee will be applied, cancellations within 48 hours of treatment will incur 100% cancellation fee. Changes may not be possible. No further discounts apply.

shop 5, 11 Howe Street, Daylesford 03 5348 1099

massage@massagehealing.com.au www.massagehealing.com.au

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Inspiring 17

Brave shave for students

W

HILE the World’s Greatest Shave may be taking place from March 12 to 15, nine brave students went under the razor on the last day of school last year.

The Kyneton Primary School students, along with three teachers and local motorbike celebrity Alex Bolton, put up their hands to raise more than $2500 for research into blood cancer.

Among them was 12-year-old Hayden Clapham - well known for his amazing mullet, and an even more inspiring reason for the interesting hair choice. Hayden’s older brother Trent passed away in 2012 from the second bout of a rare cancer, Ewings Sarcoma. Trent first underwent surgery for a tumour in his chin in 2008 followed by 14 cycles of chemotherapy. The cancer returned in 2011 with limited medical options.

Mum Fiona said when Trent lost his hair, it grew back but only in wisps, and he hated it. He asked Hayden to grow his hair for him – and the mullet was created.

Fiona said she had no idea about the Greatest Shave event until Hayden, now in his first year at Kyneton Secondary College, came home from school and said physical education teacher, and a good friend of Trent, Dave Romer, was organising the event.

“I said to Hayden ‘you’re not going to shave your mullet are you?’ and he said ‘no, just the top, I am keeping the mullet’.

“And we all thought he was just getting a little buzz cut on top, a number three or four, but on the day the teacher just turned up with the shaver and, zoom, did the middle strip.

“It was a great day, and I thought they were all very brave, but afterwards I asked Hayden (pictured left with Dave) how he felt about being bald on top and he just said ‘it’s only hair mum, it will grow back’.

“And it has – although it looked very strange for a while.

“But it’s not just about Hayden, it’s about all those students, and teachers and Alex, they were all so brave to sit up there in front of everyone and be shaved. I hope more people are inspired.”

Photo courtesy of Erin Cooper

SATURDAY The Daylesford Spa Country Railway will again host the very special High Tea on the Line as part of the

ChillOut Festival over the March long weekend.

Bookings Via:

www.chilloutfestival.com.au

SUNDAY

Sunday trains rides and

HUGE Sunday Market held at the

historic Daylesford Railway Station.

MONDAY

A great way to unwind after a

weekend of fun at ChillOut! For a

unique view of the local countryside come aboard our historic gangers trolleys!

Daylesford Railway Station between

WWW.DSCR.COM.AU

11am and 3pm

Tickets available on the day

A message to our valued patients and our community PATIENT FEE INFORMATION effective 02 March 2015 For many years, Springs Medical Centre has maintained fees lower than most comparable rural primary health care General Practice services.

We have been able to offer bulk billing to most concession card holders and many patients with chronic disease.

Over the past two years we have kept patient fee increases to a minimum, whilst government support for General Practice has significantly reduced.

Unfortunately it is no longer sustainable for Springs Medical Centre to maintain fees at the current levels.

To do so would seriously impact on our service quality and economic viability.

Our commitment remains to continue to provide the best access to high quality primary care services.

However to enable us to do this we have had to implement a new fee structure: From 2 March 2015: Concession card holders: A gap or co-payment will generally be charged for every second visit For a standard consultation $20 GAP pay on the day $30 GAP take an account The first and each alternate visit will generally be bulk billed.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will be covered by this new billing policy The following patients will generally be exempt from the co-payment:Eligible Veterans Affairs card-holders Children under 16 years old with a concession card Children under 16 years old for routine childhood vaccination-only visits Requests for prescriptions or similar without consultation are discouraged and will generally incur a fee of $20 GAP payments (out of pocket fees) may be reduced or waived by your Doctor in exceptional circumstances From 2 March 2015: Non concession card holders: General Practitioner Consultations delivered during ordinary hours Our fees will rise by $5 increasing the gap payable on the day for a standard Level B Consultation to $33 GP Consultations delivered during Evening (after 6pm) and Saturday/Sunday Clinics Our fees will rise by $10 increasing the gap payable on the day for a standard Level B Consultation to $38 Requests for prescriptions or similar without consultation are discouraged and will generally incur a fee of $25 GAP payments (out of pocket fees) may be reduced or waived by your Doctor in exceptional circumstances Rapid Clinics: For a very short, on the day, appointment for simple requests such as repeat prescriptions, referrals, and medical certificates, you may request a RAPID CLINIC appointment.

In addition, all patients may be charged for some services and consumables like dressings and PAP tests, for example.

New additional out of pocket fees will be charged for other services and consumables including: Nurse PAP tests will incur a $20 fee which may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare depending upon individual patient health card and chronic disease status.

Patients requiring regular wound dressings and similar may need to be provided with an approved dressing pack and a schedule of fees will be advised for these.

If you wish to let the Government know that the Medicare rebate is insufficient to assist you in meeting the costs of your medical care, please contact the Minister for Health, your local Federal Member of Parliament or Senator.

Yours sincerely Lynda Poke General Manager

At Springs Medical Centre our vision is to achieve the optimum health of our community Our values reflect our purpose in delivering excellence in primary health care Patient focused care | Privacy, integrity, honesty and respect | Community engagement | Sustainability | Accountability 10 Hospital Street Daylesford 3461 Phone: 5348 2227

www.springsmedical.com.au

22 Victoria Street Trentham, 3458 Phone: 5424 1602

The Local - tlnews.com.au

News 19

Don Huntley Memorial Recital

G

ERSHWIN’S Rhapsody in Blue, Beethoven’s monumental final sonata Op111 and a selection of the elegant Pieces de Clavecin of Couperin is the program to be played at the 2014 Don Huntley Memorial Piano Recital.

Mark Shiell − Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

The event will be held at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Ballarat, on Saturday March 15 from 7.30pm.

Ballarat Grammar piano performance coordinator Bronislaw Sozanski said the school’s guest for the concert was Dr Timothy Young, head of piano at the Australian National Academy of Music.

“Profits from the event provide an entry scholarship for piano study at Ballarat Grammar,” he said.

Champagne supper with artist tickets or concert only tickets are available on 5338 0980 or www.wcpa.com.au Special school student concert only price is $5.

TRENTHAM

&

Roman Ponomariov − french horn Selena Pettifer − mezzo soprano

Mary Johnston − concertmaster

Weber − Overture: Oberon Dreyfus − A Song for Gallipoli 2.00pm Sunday 22nd March 2015 Strauss − Horn Concerto No.1 Daylesford Town Hall Brahms − Symphony No.1 Vincent Street, Daylesford Tickets − General Admission $20 Buy at Paradise Bookshop, 46 Vincent Street or Bookbarn, 1 Leggatt Street Book online via trybooking.com/GWUB or call 0411 866 643

MAKERS MARKET

Two Markets – One location Spring has sprung – The grass is ris – I wonder where the birdies is???

The Town Square in Trendy Trentham The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with

U3A Hepburn Shire Inc. Reg. A0041248X & Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra Inc. Reg. A0031942K

Trentham Makers Market

Photo: Nik Babic

Third Saturday, 9am – 1pm

CARPORT/ WORKSHOP CLEARANCE

SALE 16 Hepburn Rd Daylesford

TRENTHAM PETROL & STUFF

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

from 9am Sat. 7, Sun. 8 March

old wares, furniture collectables, clothing, kitchen ware books, magazines, CDs, DVDs electronic bric -a-brac

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

TRENTHAM STATION SUNDAY MARKET Victoria Street, Trentham On the fourth Sunday of each month 8.30am - 2.30pm Enquiries/Bookings – Kaye / Leigh 5424 1466 or Ross 5424 1509 A great variety of stalls in and around the beautiful Trentham Station **Permanent carriage stalls open every weekend** Including - Craft in the Carriage, Kaye’s Soaps and Candles, Leigh’s Homemade Preserves, Snax on the Trax & Trentham Olde Worlde Lolly Shoppe Trentham - Always relaxed and refreshing!

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Local hairdresser Pauline Hartz has opened her doors on East Street, Daylesford.

The Lounge Hair and Beauty is open five days a week, offering two late nights, and is closed Tuesdays and Sundays.

Pauline, who has previously worked in Daylesford for the past eight years, welcomes new and existing clients.

Address: Unit 19, 37-39 East Street Daylesford Phone: 0429 792 078

News 21

Pick me, pick me!

Hi, my name is Beatrix and I am a domestic short hair girl kitten - just 10 weeks old. I am one of many kittens waiting for adoption at Castlemaine RSPCA. We have all been desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and of course, flea and worm treated.

Best of all this is all covered by the adoption fee. Please come and meet us all and play with us to see if one of us will be your new best buddy. (I had to say that - pick me, pick me!)

MC#956000004283955 Castlemaine RSPCA is at 24 Langslow St, Castlemaine.

Phone: 5472 5277. Open: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm. Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Daylesford Community Opportunity Shop lending a helping hand to organsations in need

T

HE Daylesford Community Opportunity Shop would like to thank its fabulous supporters and the community for all of their donations - and for choosing the op shop as their retail therapy outlet!

Manager Michelle Clifford, on behalf of the Committee of Management, said the opportunity shop was all about providing an affordable place for people to shop, find some special bargains - and raise money for many community organisations in need.

“Over the past years the Daylesford Community Opportunity Shop has raised more than $30,000 which has been donated to myriad organisations, schools and programs. It has also worked in partnership with many other local groups including the successful Daylesford Community Park Fair and Christmas Cheer.”

The Daylesford Community Opportunity Shop had become an incorporated charitable organisation last year.

“And we couldn’t have done any of this without our wonderful volunteers who willingly give us their valuable time - with plenty of laughs along the way.

“It has been a real privilege to work at the opportunity shop and we look forward to many more years of making a difference to the community.”

Daylesford Community Opportunity Shop is at 6 Mink Street, Daylesford Monday to Saturday 10am - 4pm

Past recipients include:

Current

Hepburn Wildlife Local Asylum Seekers Daylesford and Hepburn United Football Daylesford and District Food Aid Christmas Cheer (past two years) Riding for the Disabled Crisis Aid Bush fire recovery Hepburn Wholefood Collective Daylesford Community After School and Vacation Program Sweet Justice Choir The Breakfast Club Daylesford Community Park Daylesford Home Educators Daylesford Community Gardeners 5000 club Daylesford Primary School Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre VCAL Program Hepburn Health - Welfare and CAFS Words in Winter Family Day The Healing Ground Project Hepburn & Macedon Vision Impaired Daylesford Secondary College I Play Music Systems

Hepburn Primary School

Hepburn Community Radio Daylesford Girl Guides

Advertorial

CASHMERE POSSUM, ALPACA & WOOL

AN EXTRA

$50

Upcoming

OFF

Alpaca Blankets

Valid 2nd-9th March 2015 Est. 1947

DAYLESFORD - 41 VINCENT STREET CRESWICK - RAILWAY PDE www.creswickwool.com.au

Advertorial 23

Grist latest venture for master baker Tim

“

YOU don’t wait three days for a loaf of bread unless you love it.”

Those are the sage words of Tim Clayton, the owner and master baker of Grist, a boutique sourdough bakery in Kyneton’s Piper Street.

Not surprisingly Tim chose a former flour mill for his latest venture, built in the 1830s and still boasting remains of stone grinding wheels, augers and flour baggers.

And that history is something Tim also loves. With a 21-year career in baking, starting with work experience while still at school and just 14, Tim has spent his time wisely – learning from the best and learning from others’ mistakes.

He started full-time in baking after finishing school and being offered an apprenticeship with Goldsteins Bakery on the Gold Coast – one of the biggest wholesale bakeries of its time.

From there he moved to a head baker’s position with Brumby’s, also in Queensland and then found himself travelling over west for a while before heading back east to the Sheraton Mirage at Port Douglas.

The next step was where he started his French training with sourdough baking – at the Milawa Cheese Factory in Victoria.

“That was my first taste of sourdough and I wasn’t there long before I became head baker. I have learnt from a lot of bakers but especially from the guys at Milawa – they have been to France and they bring back those techniques to Australia and share them.

“And I use that French experience here too.

Sourdough is a two-day process. The leaven is made the first day and the second day we mix and then ten hours later we bake. And you have to love what you do. You don’t stand around for three days for a loaf of bread if you don’t love it.

“I am also about the old school techniques, everything is done with our hands, we still have some tins here but mainly use couche - linen canvases like they used to in France…We have timber benches – not stainless steel.

Apart from a few appliances and the fridges it’s like stepping back into the 1700s.”

But back to Tim’s amazing career.

After opening his own business, similar to Grist, in New South Wales, after a while he decided to expand his grain knowledge and headed to South Australia and worked in grain exporting terminals where he learned how to grade grain before being headhunted by the Royal Melbourne Zoo’s bakery and then moving to the famous Rustica Sourdough in Melbourne learning from master baker Brenton Lang.

Two years on Tim found himself at Red Beard Bakery in Trentham, using their 170-year-old wood fired oven and then “the biggest opportunity of my life came up with Grist”.

“My partner came up with the name and I researched it and found it was an old word for grain, as in grist for the mill, and it also means that nothing is wasted. And that’s what we do here – use everything possible.”

That means a bread range that includes from full 100 per cent sourdough to semi sourdough with fig and hazelnut, or olives, down to a very rich and sweet Brioche. There are also plenty of cakes and pastries with Tim learning his sweet trade from pastry chef maestro Alessandro Urilli.

Oh, and for those who want to learn from the best, Tim is planning “Breakfast with the Baker” classes on Sundays for a few hours. Participants will learn

techniques, get their hands dirty and also find out about the differences in gluten between “real” sourdough and commercial products.

“We only use flour, salt, water and natural yeast in our sourdough. And the longer the fermentation the more breakdown you get of natural gluten – so our full sourdough is 90 per cent gluten free.

“Many people with a normally high intolerance of gluten can eat sourdough instead.”

Watch this space for class times. And did we mention the cafe...

Grist - 2/18 Piper Street, Kyneton.

Phone 8376 6970 Hours: Wednesday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm.

Closed Monday and Tuesday.

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Following dreams 25

Boyhood train dream comes true for Bill Words | Images Kyle Barnes

I

N ENGLAND, during the war years, toy trains were scarce on the ground.

But like many boys Bill Longley always yearned for one of his own.

Oddly, it was in Cyprus while in the airforce that he started his first collection.

“I went into a barber’s and he had toy trains and I said ‘why have you got trains’ and he said ‘they were here when I bought the shop’.

“So I bought a few plastic kits for making coaches from him and I had a little model railway in Cyprus which I sold.

“And then when I came back home I just started building a few, which I scrapped as we moved houses, and this is my biggest yet.”

Bill, a Daylesford resident these days, is referring to the model railway at his home which is structurally sound enough “to stand on – which helps when you want to reach something”.

The railway has upwards of 20 locomotives and even more carriages, and is an intricate system of diodes, toggles, washers and switches.

Bill has chosen an English scene from the 1930s “before nationalisation when things were still in colours”.

“I run two different companies, The London Midland and Scottish – LMS – which is dark red and the Great Western which are predominantly cream and brown with green engines. The two did interact, especially in the west country.”

Bill has set up a series of programs which see the trains disappear into hollow hills where storage loops see them miraculously turned around and head back out “as if they have been somewhere”.

There’s the High Dudgeon Station and a “fiddle yard” where the trains need to be disconnected, turned around and sent out again on their way.

“You can constantly change that program all the time. And this particular layout is about five years old. I did have a smaller one but I decided to make it a bit more permanent. This is very heavily constructed.”

The scale of the model is “00” which is four millimetres to the foot – that’s mixing your imperial and metrics – and the hills are Plaster of Paris and chicken wire.

Meanwhile, the buildings are made from cardboard, some commercial and bought as kits, while others have been made from scratch. Even the shop bought ones have been added to for a three-dimensional look.

And Bill, whose health has been a little challenged lately, says it’s all “good fun”.

“There’s another bloke at Hepburn, he has a railway in the shed which is about a quarter of the size of this but very nice. He does British Rail – all his engines are black – that’s from after nationalisation.

“He comes up here sometimes and when I can’t pick things up properly he gives me a hand. We’re good mates. And it’s just good fun.”

So much so that Bill is keen to share his hobby with anyone interested in model railways. Phone: 5348 1638.

26 ChillOut

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Time to chill out at ChillOut

Michelle Dunn Photography

I

T’S just a few days before ChillOut. The sun shines a rainbow coloured light over our busy little village. Locals gay, straight and queer busy themselves with last minute preparations. It’s going to be a big year, Daylesford is buzzing.

ChillOut entertainment director Tanya Baricevich said the original idea of ChillOut was for people to come and “ChillOut” in the country after the big summer LGBTIQ party season.

“ChillOut offers an authentic country experience, set in a village atmosphere.

The gays literally take over the village…It’s a warm safe and friendly environment, charged with excitement and pride. Wrapping up the summer with one final big weekend. ChillOut has remained true to its roots.”

Tanya added that the Daylesford–Hepburn region was Australia’s spa capital, also famous for its world class food, wine, arts and culture – with “heaps to explore”.

“It is home to a diverse representation of people including artists and artisans, original free thinking, creative and interesting people. There is such a strong and inclusive sense of community that a lot of LGBTIQ people choose to settle in the area, as did we. Same sex parents choose the region to raise their families. For myself, having the festival so well established and supported by the community sits as a kind of beacon over the region and highlights it as a safe place in which you can be yourself. Whatever that is, this is a time many rural LGBTIQ people choose to come out.”

ChillOut is just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne so for those who didn’t want to stay overnight, the Street Parade followed by Carnival Day on Sunday was a perfect day trip and a simply must enjoy experience, Tanya said.

“Carnival Day is our big family fun day. Live and loud music all day on the main stage featuring some of the LGBTIQ community’s favourite entertainers. Meanwhile, ChillOut’s 18th birthday has us coming of age and with even more of an excuse to celebrate. This year’s theme is Queer Country Pride - think cowboy boots, big hats and even bigger hair.

“Finally ChillOut would not be possible without the ongoing support from our sponsors, partners, supporters, volunteers, families and friends that all give so generously to help us put on this great spectacular festival for all to enjoy – a huge hug and thanks to you each and every one of you. We are really looking forward to sharing ChillOut with you all and can’t wait to see you there.”

MY NAME IS BARBRA

Barbra Streisand Tribute Show Starring Maureen Andrew Friday 6th March 2015 Drinks from 7.00pm Show time 8.00pm $15.00 per head

The Grande Hotel Cabaret Room Bookings essential manager@thegrandehotel.com.au 03 5348 1978

CHILLOUT FESTIVAL 6-9 March 2015

6 - 9 M a rch 2 0

15

Labour Day Long Weekend chilloutfestival.com.au

EVENT MAP AND LISTING WITH TIMES 6 - 9 M a rc h 2 0

15

MAP EVENT

EVENT MAP 19

15

16

17 18

13

10

12 1 8

20 7

6

2

4

11

3

l

BUY TICKETS AT CHILLOUTFESTIVAL.COM.AU

FRI SAT SUN MON 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar

Bluehouse - presented by Rude Bookings and ChillOut

Daylesford Town Hall

7pm-12pm

x

17

Slowest Lunch at the Argus

Peppers Springs Retreat & Spa

12.30pm 4.30 pm

x

1

ChillOut Bush Dance

Daylesford Town Hall

8pm - 1pm

4

LOL Big Gay Comedy Nights

Convent Gallary 6.45pm

x

2

Short Fuse Films

Daylesford Cinema

5pm

x

19

Cream at the Old Hepburn

Old Hepburn Hotel

4pm - 12pm

x

11

Bromely & Co Feast at East

East Street

11pm - 7pm

x

11

Kate Ceberano - Feast at East

East Street

5pm - 7pm

x

7

Sunset Drinks

Daylesford Hotel

6pm - 10pm

7

Yard Party

Daylesford Hotel

6pm - 11pm

x

13

Out Open Yoga

67 Vincent St North

5pm - 7pm

x

6

We are Family - Queer Families 2015

Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre

2pm 3.30pm

x

10

Ballarat Roller Derby

Daylesford Arc

3pm - 5pm

x

14

Scenic Morning Bush Walk

Jubliee Lake Holiday Park

10am - 1pm

x

19

Can Twisted Rodeo

Old Hepburn Hotel

11.30am 2pm

x

16

Rainbow Mineral Water Bathing

Hepburn 5.30pm Bathhouse & Spa 8pm

16

Breakfast Yoga in the Park

Hepburn 8.15am / Bathhouse & Spa 9.15am

9

High Tea on the Line

Daylesford Spa County Railway

18

Community Golf Tournament

Hepburn Springs 11.30am Golf Club

x

15

Dolly Diamond at Grange Bellinzona

Grange Bellinzona

7.30pm

x

19

Honk Tonk Woman at the old Hepburn

Old Hepburn Hotel

7pm-11pm

12

Daniel Witthaus

Daylesford Library

1pm - 2pm

2

ChillOut Street Parade

Vincent St Daylesford

10.30am start

x

3

ChillOut Carnvial Day

Victoria Park Daylesford

11am - 6pm

x

20

Blastoff

Perfect Drop

12pm - 1am

20

Sun-kissed

Perfect Drop

12 pm - 1am

20

Liquid Dreams

Perfect Drop

12 pm - 1am

1

ChillOut Dance Party

Daylesford Town Hall

8pm - 3am

12

Rainbow Story Time

Daylesford Library

10.30am 11.30am

5

ChillOut Mass

Christ Church 5pm Anglican Chirch 6.30pm

7

Recovery Brunch

Daylesford Hotel 12pm - 4pm

14

2

TIME

1

9

5

VENUE

x x

x

x

x

x

x

x x

11.30 am / 2pm / 4.30pm

x

x

x x

x x x x x x x 6 - 9 March 2015

CHILLOUT CARNIVAL DAY 6 - 9 M a rc h 2 0

15

CHILLOUT CARNIVAL DAY SITE MAP N

VolunteersTent

E S

Toilets

Ticket Sales

Stalls

Main Stage

FOH

INFO

Entrance TAC Vanessa

Dog Arena

Parking

BAR FOOD STALLS SeatingShade

Hydrostation H2O

BeanBags

BAR

First Aid

Stalls

Rainbow Cloggers

Water Orbs

Stall Holder Parking

W

Public - Marques (Not to be placed under trees)

6 - 9 March 2015

BUY TICKETS AT CHILLOUTFESTIVAL.COM.AU

l3

SUPPORTERS 6 - 9 M a rc h 2 0

15

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

ChillOut could not happen without the support of our sponsors and partners. This year we are proud to acknowledge the support of the following: GOVERNMENT

SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

SPECIAL THANKS ChillOut could not happen without the support of our sponsors and partners. This year we are recognising those businesses and organisations that are supporting ChillOut. Please support our friends – you can easily recognise them as they will be proudly displaying our big ChillOut Supporter or ChillOut Event flags.

A very big ChillOut thank you…

6 - 9 M a rch 2 0

15

Official Event

6 - 9 M a rch 2 0

15

Supporter

THE 2015 CHILLOUT FESTIVAL TEAM Tim Hick President Natalie Moynihan Secretary Tanya Baricevich Festival Entertainment Director Lisa Hadingham Event Coordinator Penelope Cummins Festival Administrator Kaye Bricknall Volunteer & Worthy Cause Coordinator Jackie Allan Volunteer Coordinator 4

l

BUY TICKETS AT CHILLOUTFESTIVAL.COM.AU

Max Primmer Media Liaison Jake Gibbons, Jaqueline Collins ProBono Support Jane Penberthy Legal Greame Wallis Financial Advice Huge thanks to Andrea Pribaz from Pribaz Design www.pribazdesign.com

6 - 9 M a rc h 2 0

15

6 - 9 March 2015

L

A = M R E F SP N O I T NA

DO

1O

E M I IFET

O

E D I F PR

For more information on our donor program call 1800 111 483 or visit mivf.com.au/donor

Supporting LGBTI families.

1800 111 483 mivf.com.au

32 Crossword

The Local - tlnews.com.au

DAYLESFORD

COTTAGE DIRECTORY

Phone: 03 5348 1255 Mobile: 0438 662 201 41 Albert Street, Daylesford

rETREAT | Relax | reTURN

www.cottagedirectory.com.au stay@cottagedirectory.com.au

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Last Post honour for Eganstown resident

W

ILLIAM Menadue, who died nearly 100 years ago at Gallipoli, was recognised at a Last Post Ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday, February 25.

Eganstown resident Carolyn Menadue said William Menadue was the uncle of her husband, John Menadue.

“William was born in Eganstown in 1889 and was one of the first eight volunteers to enlist from Daylesford,” she said.

“He was 24 years of age when he sailed in October, 2014 from Melbourne to Cairo and then on to Gallipoli. He was injured in May, 1915, hospitalised in Egypt and then returned to Gallipoli in June.

“On August 11 he was injured again and sadly died of his injuries on the hospital ship Devanha and was buried 200 miles out to sea.”

Carolyn said she and John attended the Last Post Ceremony in Canberra and laid a wreath in William’s honour made from rosemary, gum leaves, gum nuts and red rose hips – all from Eganstown.

“It was a very moving experience,” Carolyn said.

News 33

To market, to market

Y

MARCH

7-9

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

Daylesford Railway Market – every Sunday (pictured right) Daylesford Farmers’ Market – first Saturday of the month

KICK BACK IN OUR RELAXED CIDER GARDEN & COURTYARD, SOAK UP THE SUMMER & NO DOUBT A FEW CIDERS, WHILE FEASTING ON OUR HOMEMADE FOOD & DRIFTING AWAY TO SOME TUNES

THE TAVERN @DAYLESFORD CIDER .Growers, makers & producers of traditionally crafted cider.

Saturday & Sunday 11am - 5:30pm Monday brunch from 10am, close 5pm Gluten-free & vegan available

Trentham Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market – third Saturday of the month Trentham Station Sunday Market – fourth Sunday of the month Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday of the month Castlemaine Artists Market – first Sunday of the month Buninyong Village Market – March 29 Maldon Market – second Sunday of the month Creswick Market – third Saturday of the month Golden Plains Farmers’ Market – March 7 Talbot Farmers’ Market – March 15 Want to publicise your market? Email news@tlnews.com.au

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM @DAYLESFORDCIDER BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES (03)5348 2275 OR 0468 468 955

Lunch - Friday to Sunday - 12 noon until 3 pm Dinner - Thursday to Monday - 6 pm until late Locals’ Night - Monday Night

MERCATO @ daylesford

32 Raglan Street Daylesford 03 5348 4488 www.mercatorestaurant.com.au

The Local - tlnews.com.au

News 35

Daylesford Central Motor Inn

We are looking for a Part Time Casual Cleaner.

Must take pride in their work and be experienced, to help us continue our reputation as a very clean Motel with above average presentation.

Must be able to work weekends, public holidays in addition to weekdays.

If you would like to join our friendly team please provide us with your details by email to

stay@daylesfordcentralmotorinn.com

Or you can drop your resume in at 54 Albert Street Daylesford.

36 Entertainment

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Town criers to compete in Hepburn Springs

H

EPBURN Springs will host the 26th annual Town Crier Championships under the auspices of The Australasian Guild of Town Criers this month.

Town criers from around Australia will be vying for the prestigious title of Champion Crier. Creswick town crier Philip Greenbank, left, and Daylesford town crier David Goldman, below wearing another of his many hats, said they were looking forward to showcasing the region and hosting the event.

Each town crier is required to prepare two presentations with one for this event based on the theme “Happy and Healthy in Hepburn”.

The town criers’ performances will be judged by a team including world respected judges. The event is at the Hepburn Springs Soundshell on Sunday, March 15 from 11.30am.

Meanwhile last month, Hepburn Shire Council voted to contact the Australasian Guild of Town Criers asking them to appoint a town crier for the shire. The council meeting agenda said town criers were a part of early communication to the public.

“The guild appoints the person based upon character and skill and can also appoint a deputy where another crier exists within a shire.”

ALL DAY BREAKFAST * LUNCH * DINNER DINE IN OR TAKEAWAY * BAR OPEN

N

delivering

DA

TS

www.pizzerialaluna.com.au

SU

La L na

w

on

Pizzeria

No

Open from 8am, 7 days a week. Functions by appointment.

Y NIG

H

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

CHILLOUT WEEKEND OPENING TIMES LABOUR DAY WEEKEND 6th - 9th MARCH 2015 Breakfast: All day from 8am Lunch: From midday Dinner: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening Dine on the deck or takeaway for a picnic around the lake.

boathousedaylesford.com.au 2 Leggatt St Daylesford boathouse@spacountry.com.au • 03 5348 2199

An award winning boutique winery in the heart of the Macedon Ranges.

Paramoor Winery is recognised as producing some of the best cool climate wines in the Macedon Ranges and Victoria.

Nestled between Woodend, Kyneton and Hanging Rock, Paramoor’s rustic cellar door offers a range of elegant wines in a beautiful and unique setting.

Open for wine tastings and sales every weekend.

PARAMOOR WINERY Open Friday to Monday 10am until 5pm 439 Three Chain Road Carlsruhe 3442 03 5427 1057 enquiries@paramoor.com.au Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @paramoorwinery

www.paramoor.com.au

A NEW BEGINNING FOR AN OLD TROOPER. The Historic

Blackwood Hotel Est.1868

Enjoy the relaxed local atmosphere, Music & Entertainment or just a quiet cool one anytime.

New owners, new chef and new menu.

Open 7 days/nights - Lunch and Dinner. l Quality Wines/ Fresh Seafood. l Accomodation l Functions (and friendly Kookaburras) Gre

Martin

enth le Tr

nda

N

Street

l

am

Blackwood Hotel d

ad

o st R Fore

Golden Po int Ro a

CFA

Blackwood Hotel 1 Golden Point Road Blackwood 3458.

Phone 03 5368 6501

The Local - tlnews.com.au

38 News

Cate McGregor guest speaker at IWD function

C

ATE McGregor is the guest speaker for Hepburn Shire Council’s International Women’s Day civic function.

The International Women’s Day Heather Mutimer Women’s Honour Roll ceremony will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Thursday, March 5 from 5pm.

The reception will include the announcement of the inductees with light refreshments after the event.

Cate McGregor (formerly Malcolm Gerard McGregor) is a serving member of the Australian Defence Force and also a well-known cricket commentator and author.

Cate was previously strategic advisor and speech writer to the Chief of Army.

She is well known for writing the speech on unacceptable behaviour in the Australian Army which the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO gave in June 2013, following the announcement of civilian police and defence investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct by army members.

Cate was recently on the ABC’s Australian Story and has been travelling Australia giving talks on her experiences.

RSVPs: Tracye Sutton on 03 5321 6419.

Fresh Juice and Refreshments Gourmet ‘Flat Top’ Hot Dogs Vegetarian ‘shroom Burgers Buttermilk Fried Chicken Bacon, Egg and HP Rolls Grilled Corn on the Cob Ice Cold Frosty Beers Cheese Burgers Steak Po Boys Dinner: Thursday - Tuesday from 6pm Lunch: Friday - Tuesday from 11am Breakfast: On weekends from 9am Coffee & Cake: Always available Locals’ Night: All welcome Fish Night Fridays: $26.50 with a glass of house wine (a la carte dining also available)

Open 10am till 9pm

PepperMill Cafe

Fully Licensed Daylesford & Newcomb Everything homemade Great CoffeeVegetarian and Vegan options Open 8.30 - 6.00 across ChillOut Weekend Located inside the Mill Market 105 Central Springs Road Daylesford Phone 0414 830 435 for bookings

Come visit Cara Couture One of Peppermill’s great team of baristas

LOVE AT FIRST DRIVE

2014

Peter Stevens Fiat Alfa Romeo 615 Creswick Road Ballarat VIC 3350 Ph: 03 5336 8777

THECHO!R

es to Comesford Dayl

Melbourne’s most exciting 100 voice community choir Conducted by the award winning creator of ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’

Dr Jonathon Welch AM presents an afternoon of

‘SINGING FOR YOUR SOUL’’

‘

Geoffrey Williams ‘Geoffery Williams’

with special guests

Dr ‘Dr Jonathon Welch Jonathon Welch AM AM’

DAYLESFORD SOUL CHOIR Conductor: Geoffery Williams

3pm Sunday March 15, 2015, Daylesford Town Hall, Tickets at the door from 2.30pm A fundraising concert to support ‘The 5000 Club’ in Daylesford www.thechoir.com.au $20 adults/$15 concession/U16

The Local - tlnews.com.au

40 Music

J

Our Musos

ONATHON Welch started his full-time singing career when he joined the Victorian State Opera chorus in 1980 – but he is probably most famous for creating the Choir of Hard Knocks for the ABC. On March 15, he is bringing his Melbourne group THECHO!R to Daylesford to perform with Geoffrey Williams and the Daylesford Soul Choir as a fundraiser for the 5000 Club. The Local’s editor Donna Kelly caught up for a chat.

DK: Tell us a bit about yourself.

JW: After joining the Victorian State Opera chorus I then went on to study at Queensland Conservatorium before I joined Opera Australia at the end of 1987 and made my debut with Dame Joan Sutherland in the Merry Widow.

After 15 years of full-time singing in opera, musicals, G&S and in concert here in Australia and overseas I decided to take a break and returned to teaching singing and choral directing. It was in 2001 I began the first choir experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in Sydney with Sydney Street Choir before I returned home to Melbourne and created the Choir of Hard Knocks for the ABC. My vision for arts and cultural programs for the disadvantaged was launched in 2012 with the School of Hard Knocks where we have a whole range of arts programs including a very extensive Absolutely Everybody choral program with 14 choir programs across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

DK: When did you know you were into music?

JW: My earliest childhood memories are all centred around music and creating little shows with neighbourhood friends and singing. I think when I was born I came out singing, not crying.

DK: What is the story of the choir/s?

JW: I owe much of my love of singing and choirs to the influence of my mother who was a great singer, accompanist and church organist. Most of my early experiences of singing in choirs were at the little church in Balaclava in Melbourne, before I went onto Melbourne Boys High School and really found my love of choral music and singing. I suppose in many ways it has been the “lifebuoy” that has carried me through many difficult twists and turns in my personal life. I just love sharing the knowledge, skills and passion I have for singing with people now and “playing it forward” which is our program philosophy at the School of Hard Knocks.

DAYLESFORD RSL

DK: Looking back, are there things you would have changed?

JW: It’s easy to look back and think maybe I could have done things differently, but I realise that the journey I have had, including the good and bad, has led me to do what I love doing now. The only regret I have is that my mother died when I was 23 years old and I never really got to share all the wonderful musical adventures I have had with her. But I know she’s with me in spirit and my heart every day.

HEPBURN SHIRE

DK: What’s your favourite venue/venues?

JW: I’ve been very fortunate to perform in many wonderful theatres around the world including Sydney Opera House (many times), Royal Albert Hall in London, Basilica Notre Dame in Montreal and of course many of our beautiful theatres in Melbourne. But I must admit I love coming back to Daylesford and performing in the town hall for all the local residents. It has such a fabulous acoustic and atmosphere.

Daylesford Remembers Honouring the men and women who served in World War 1 Join Daylesford’s centenary commemoration of the Gallipoli landings

Saturday 11th April 2015 Daylesford Town Hall Free commun ity

Outside Town Hall

event

All welcome come rain or shine 6pm to 7.30p m Vintage fire appliances Firefighters Classic cars Bands Creswick Lig ht Horse Tro op Memorial pre sentation Last Post & Re veille

dancing Concert and Town Hall

songs of To music & WW1 & WW2 e 7.30pm till lat per country sup Concert with ing Band Sw rd sfo yle Da nicipal Band Daylesford Mu es & Drums Daylesford Pip Harvey, Singers: Sallie , Nel Staite, Jenny Brown drew Maureen An er Danny Spoon xwell Ma Graham

DK: What do you think music means to people?

JW: I think music is often the language that we can all speak and relate to when words or actions alone just don’t get through. It also touches our heart and mind in a way that nothing else does, and I think time stops when we are truly absorbed in creating or listening to music. There are not many times in life that happens for us.

DK: Apart from THECHO!R on March 15 are you doing anything else local?

JW: I’m also planning to do some Morning Melodies style concerts in Daylesford later in the year.

DK: Finally, what music do you listen to in your spare time?

JW: I love all styles of music really. Good music making is good music as far as I’m concerned, no matter what the genre!

Tickets: Concert & Country Supper $65 Full (Con. $50$50) Concession $65 Gallery seats Balcony seatsonly only ($20 con.) $25 $25 Full $20 concession $12 children

More More information information www.ANZAC100.com www.anzac100.org.au

www.trybooking.com/GORT www.trybooking/GORT

World War 1 image taken on Daylesford Town Hall steps - courtesy Daylesford & District Historical Society

Or e-casa eCasa Or 89 Vincent St Daylesford

Bookings

Links: thechoir.com.au | jonathonwelch.com

Boo k esse ings ntia l

Come and join us for High Tea served in our Heritage Restaurant every Saturday from 12noon to 3pm Ribbon Sandwiches Begin your journey with a selection of delicate ribbon sandwiches Scones & Conserve Savour Bellinzona’s Honey & Fig scones, with double cream and strawberry conserve Petit Fours Spoil yourself with dainty handmade petit fours Tea & Coffee Your choice of espresso coffee or tea selections High Tea $39.00 per person Royal High Tea $49.00 per person Includes: High Tea and a glass of sparkling wine

77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs (03) 5348 2271

POP-UP GARDEN

PARTY

Join us for a REFRESHING pimm’s NO 1 COCKTAIL in the garden with a hit of badminton, a game of bocce, a turn at giant jenga or perhaps a spot of quoits...

LIVE DJ BIG KID GAMES FESTIVAL VIBES FOOD AVAILABLE fully stocked bar

SAT 7 + SUN 8 MARCH 12PM - LATE / LABOUR DAY (CHILLOUT) WEEKEND

the convent garden / theconvent.com.au / p: 5348 3211

Show this ad in store and receive

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

Conditions apply - see staff for details Offer ends 15/03/15 Open every day until late 55 Vincent Street Daylesford Tel: 03 5348 3577

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

42 Dining

The Local - tlnews.com.au

2013 HE YEAR PUB OF T P

www.thecosmopolitanhotel.com.au

NNER U

JOINT RU

MAGNIFICENT BEER GARDEN LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS FROM 1.30PM FUNCTIONS & S NG DI ED W R FO E BL LA AI AV S LE AB ST Cnr High St & Cosmo Rd, Trentham 03 5424 1516

THURSDAY

OPEN LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

2 courses $25 / 3 courses $30

$15 Mains

Monday 12 noon to 4pm

BEER GARDEN

Locals Menu

PUB OF THE

YEAR 2014

Open Thursday to Saturday 12 noon - late, Sunday 12 noon - 4pm 31 High Street, Trentham (03) 5424 1144

theplough.com.au

FRIDAY

FREE Glass of Wine with each à la carte main course

26 - 28 Albert Street Daylesford 5348 3711

Summertime.

Let’s play outside.

We have the largest balcony and the biggest beer garden in town so you can enjoy our fantastic meals and summery cold drinks enjoying the outdoors either overlooking the town or under the shade of big trees in our huge private beer garden.

With a great new menu and refurbished pub-style accommodation,we’ve got Summer covered.

MEALS SERVED DAILY FROM 12NOON. NEW SUMMER MENU. EVERY WEDNESDAY IS $20 POT & PARMA NIGHT. EVERY THURSDAY IS OUR FAMOUS $20 STEAK NIGHT FROM 5:30PM.

Open 7 Days from noon FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE OR CALL US ON 03 5348 2335

DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Nom nom nom 43

Generosity guiding philosophy at Farmers

S

USANNE Devine and Claire Levine took over the Farmers Arms Hotel almost six years ago with the philosophy of “generosity, warmth and making people feel welcome from the minute they walk in the door”.

And it works. Last week, on a supposedly quiet Tuesday in February, before a long weekend, they were busy serving both locals and tourists – whether that is meals, snacks or just something from their extensive drinks menu.

Susanne, pictured far right with Claire, said that offering of generosity extended to “comfortable surroundings, good food with quality ingredients and good wine”.

“We would rather serve a good wine at $10 a glass than an average wine at $6. And it’s also about never being tight with food or drinks, or someone’s birthday.

“Generosity underlies everything in hospitality and you shouldn’t be in it if you are not a naturally generous person.”

Claire said it was also about warmth – a friendly welcome when people arrived and an honest “goodbye and thank-you” when they left.

“It’s also about taking the time to listen to people as well.

A lot of people, especially visitors, tell us how much they loved their meal and it’s nice to take the time to ask what they had, to have that interaction. We want people to feel like they have had a really complete night out – not just good food, wine and service.”

The women admit it has been hard work but that there are also many benefits – and are very happy they opted after two years to close the fine dining restaurant and make the “Farmers” a good old fashioned pub.

“We just wanted to be a pub doing really good food and wine,” Susanne said.

“And it means we can have a much more extensive menu now. Our chef Gavin, who has worked on projects on and off with me for 25 years, has been here four years now and this is his sort of food – he really gets it. And he is such a master of so many cuisines – if you look at the menu board he can take you to Asia, to Italy, to India…

“And it’s worked, the business has doubled since we made that move.”

Claire said one of the biggest changes was no longer taking reservations but since placing staff on the door on Friday and Saturday nights, waiting for a table was a pretty quick affair.

“When people call we just say walk in and if there is nothing available immediately, have a drink at the bar and we will take your name and find you a table. That works really, really well. And some people end up staying at the bar because they find that’s such a nice environment.”

And that’s where we found ourselves recently, enjoying a bottle of Paringa Estate chardonnay ($56) and the Tasting Plate of fetta, prosciutto, olives, taramasalata, salmon

gravlax, mini caprese salad and chicken liver parfait ($25).

OMG. This is fabulous, all of it, although my favourite is the parfait, not pate, but light, fluffy, creamy house-made parfait. Kyle loved the gravlax, an amazing texture and just the right flavour, and also finished off the prosciutto.

He seems to have turned paleo today because he also orders the Vitello Tonnato – poached veal with tuna mayo and herbs ($22). It’s delicious.

Thin slices of veal, so tender they just melt in your mouth with this delicate mayonnaise. Mmmm.

Now this would almost do, seriously, in a flavour barrage and “I’m full” way - in a non-dining review world. But we must push on.

I opt for the Dukkah Crusted Snapper on rocket, fetta and pistachios ($32) and it is fabulous.

The fish is firm but perfect to the bite with the dukkah adding crunch and the salad underneath is generous and delicious. I love the pepperiness of rocket, the creaminess of the fetta and there are loads of pistachios adding even more texture. It’s a first for me but is now a favourite.

Kyle has the Slow Braised Italian Lamb Shanks with mash ($28) and declares no knife is needed as

the meat is falling off the bone. The tomato based sauce is perfect and quickly cleaned up with the creamy mash.

Now this is clearly enough. Not one more wafer…but perhaps just a taste of the Passionfruit Bombe with passionfruit sauce ($16) – and a twocheese – St Agur and D’Affionois – cheese plate with sliced pear, apple, toasties and quince paste ($18).

Yum. The bombe is the bomb. Meringue surrounding smooth passionfruit ice-cream which looks so good it’s almost a shame to eat it. But we do.

And the French cheeses – the Saint Agur is a blue cheese from the village of Beauzac in the Monts du Velay in central France while the D’Affionois Fromager is a French double-cream soft cheese produced by the Fromagerie Guilloteau company – are an incredible finish to the meal – with the sweetness and tartness of the fruit and paste.

For locals and visitors The Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford offers fabulous food and wine coupled with friendly service and a great atmosphere. A feast for the body and the soul.

Welcome to The Farmers Arms Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner The Farmers Arms Daylesford offers the perfect blend of country charm combined with a sophisticated menu, wine list and professional service.

For more information about the pub and also our current menu, please visit our website: www.thefarmersarms .com.au 1 East Street Daylesford ph. 03 5348 2091

44 Gigs

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Gig Guide Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn

Enjoy the largest selection of

craft beer in Castlemaine Poured from the only unique hand pump in town

DJ Daggers – Friday, March 6, 9pm Twisted Rodeo Trivia – Saturday, March 7, 11.30am Cream – Saturday, March 7, 4pm Honky Tonk Women – Sunday, March 8, 7pm Gabe Atkinson – Saturday, March 14, 9pm

Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham Cat & Clint – Sunday, March 8, 1pm Zeebs vs Miss Vitula – Sunday, March 15, 1pm Family Farm – Sunday, March 22, 1pm The Flames – Sunday, March 29, 1pm

The Grande Hotel, Hepburn Barbra Streisand Show – Friday, March 6, 8pm Around The Grande Piano with Peter Hurley – Saturday, March 7, 8pm Fox Force Burlesque – Sunday, March 8, 8pm Great Cabaret Shows – Friday, March 13, 8pm

Proud sponsors of the Bendigo Craft Beer Festival in conjunction with Golden Square Hotel Bendigo railway hotel castlemaine 65 gingell street, castlemaine vic 3450 phone 03 5472 1250

Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood Live music every Sunday, noon to 4pm

enquiries@railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au www.facebook.com.au/railwayhotelcastlemaine

Perfect Drop, Daylesford DJ Guy - Saturday, March 7 DJ Guy - Sunday, March 8 SIN Dance Night with DJ Swami salami and DJ Shimmy Shake - Monday, March 9

Radio Springs Hotel, Lyonville Cat & Clint – Thursday, March 5, dinner Jude Parsons – Friday March 6, dinner Marty P – Saturday, March 7, lunch Family Farm Band - Monday, March 9, lunch

Got a gig happening? Email donna@tlnews.com.au

28th M arch 2015 Part of Tombstone Hotel Group

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Entertainment 45

The Grande Hotel Cabaret Club presents...

Chillout Performances

Fox Force Burlesque Sun 8 March at 7pm Show $20

My Name Is Barbra with Maureen Andrew Fri 6 March at 8pm Musical theatre $15

Around The Grande Piano with Peter Hurley Sat 7 March at 7pm Dinner show $85

1 Church Avenue, Hepburn Bookings ph:5348-1978 or e:manager@thegrandehotel.com.au

Antares Iron Art Garden Open for Castlemaine State Festival 13- 22 March Daily 10am-6pm

Iron, stone, bone, wood and glass are gathered together, creating an art garden to entice and intrigue.

Cnr Brandt St & Punt Rd, Newstead - off Daylesford Newstead Rd Roger McKindley 0447 229 149 For map see www.newstead.vic.au

The Local - tlnews.com.au

46 News

Small bites to share Old Heppy

The Old Hepburn Hotel has its Twilight Makers Market this Friday from 6pm.

There will also be buskers performing so make sure you take some gold coins!

And then on Sunday it’s Honky Tonk Women featuring Michelle Parsons and Cyndi Boste from 7pm.

Oh, and the hotel has changed its opening hours with dinner seven nights and lunches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There’s also a new bar menu with “cheap eats” like good old fashioned bangers and mash. Yum.

Pimms anyone?

The Convent Gallery, up on the hill, is offering a Pimms Pop-Up Garden Party this Saturday and Sunday. So you can be spotted with a cocktail in one hand and a badminton racquet in the other as summer sounds play all day long with live DJ sets from late afternoon until late. As the sun goes down, dance your night away under the festoon lights. Best of all, it’s free entry. Don’t like Pimms? Don’t worry. The Altar Bar is well stocked with plenty of other beverages.

Juicy news Keeping everyone hydrated, The Galley Diner will be running a “cold press”’ juice station for the long weekend. Host and chef Dorian says there will be a variety of fresh juices available for the weekend for people “to refuel, refresh and rejuvenate”. Nice one!

Monkey Band collection

M

ELBOURNE ceramics scholar Patricia Begg will be guest speaker of the Australian Decorative & Fine Arts Society at Kyneton Town Hall on Thursday, March 19.

Ms Begg has been a collector of ceramics for more than 50 years and has studied in many large collections in England, Europe and America as well as Australia.

She is a freelance lecturer in ceramics, lace and social history and has lectured at the National Gallery of Victoria presenting, among others, lectures celebrating the 200th anniversary of the death of Josiah Wedgwood, the “A” Mark sugar bowl in the Melbourne Cricket Ground Museum, chinoiserie and lace.

Ms Begg is the president of the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia and has been curator of many exhibitions in regional galleries of Victoria.

At the society’s lecture, Ms Begg will look at the development of porcelain table decoration in the 1730s at Meissen in Germany and then move onto the French Rococo influence, which brought the Monkey Band to Meissen in the 1740s The Monkey Band is a collection of Meissen Monkey Orchestra figurines dressed in the style of the late seventeenth century, glazed in pastels of green, pink, blue and lilac and includes a fiddler, a guitarist, a harpist, male and female singers, and a hurdy-gurdy player and many others.

A small grouping can be seen at the Percy Grainger Museum at the University of Melbourne as a display of Rose’s (Percy Grainger’s mother) personal collection.

Link: adfas.org.au Phone: 0408 517 485 or 5348 7629.

Do you have some hospitality industry news to share? New menu, new chef, new music...Email news@tlnews.com.au

ork rtist Netw sents e pr

Maldon A

ART Maldon 3D K L A W

h

8–22 Marc

rket Day! , Maldon Ma h rc a M 8 y da Opening Sun

BAREFOOT BOWLS AT Daylesford Bowling Club Barefoot Bowls every Thursday at 6pm from 5th February $5.00 ALL WELCOME Bookings: 5348 2130

Take an art walk in the historic creative town of Maldon!

See 3D art in shop windows, cafés and historic venues.

Catalogues available from The Wheel & Loom on Main Street, the Visitor Information Centre and Maldon retailers.

Dining 47

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Meal deals for locals - tourists also welcome

E

VERYONE loves a locals’ deal. Especially a meal deal! So here are the dining establishments to head to for great value and meals.

Raffles

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

Monday

Mercato, Daylesford – main dish & a glass of local wine - $30 The Grande Hotel, Hepburn Springs – two courses and a glass of house wine, beer or bubbles - $38 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn – Parma Night - $17.50

Tuesday

Cosy Corner, Hepburn Springs – Curry & Hot Pot Night - $18

Wednesday

Perfect Drop - five courses with a glass of bubbles or beer - $50 Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot and Parma - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn – Roast - $17.50 Sault, Sailors Falls – a la carte menu with glass of wine

Happy Hours Daylesford Bowling Club has Happy Hour ‘n’ a half, from Monday to Thursday, from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Perfect Drop, Daylesford, also has a Happy Hour, every day, from 4pm to 6pm with $10 cocktails and $1 oysters.

Want to share a locals’ deal? Email news@tlnews.com.au

Thursday

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 The Plough, Trentham – two courses - $25, three courses - $30 Radio Springs Hotel, Lyonville – Thai night

Friday

Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham – two courses - $25 Cosy Corner, Hepburn Springs – Fish Night - $26.50 with a glass of wine

Sunday

Moor Please, Hepburn - any pizza + a glass of MP wine or 961 Lebanese beer $20

ve y fi e from l n O driv d s’ ute lesfor ham n i y m Da Trent rds a w to

luxury bed & breakfast - vineyard 238 Dairy Flat Road, Musk www.barcaldinehouse.com.au manager@barcaldinehouse.com.au Tel: (03) 5348 2741 Mob: 0422 954 667

ACCOMMODATION

CELLAR DOOR

Meals available Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm - Cellar door open 7 days a week 9am- 5.30pm

48 Our Homes

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Ballarat Tiles The Tile People Winner 2008/2009/2010 Vic. Tile Council BEST Regional Showroom

www.ballarattiles.com.au

Making it easy for you.

Mirrors & Sliding Wardrobe Doors

03 5331 8001

Your Local Tile expert.

• Ceramic Tiles • Porcelain Tiles • Mosaic Tiles • Glass Tiles • Decor/Listellos

• Tessellated • Outdoor Tiles • Natural Stone • Facade Tiles • Fireplace Tiles

• Kitchen Tiles • Bathroom Tiles • Swimming Pool Tiles • Tools & Accessories • Timber & Laminate Flooring

The Tile People Members will provide you with the best in service, advice, quality and value for money.

2020 Dawson (BallaratCentral) Central) DawsonStreet, Street,North North (Ballarat

5333 5336

Open 6 Days 5333 5336 Fax: 5331 8366 Email: sales@ballarattiles.com.au

Open 6 Days Fax: 5331 8366 Email: sales@ballarattiles.com.au

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Advertorial 49

The Bed Shop all about customer service

A

SIDE from your workplace, they are where you spend most of your time – your bed and your sofa.

So it makes sense that two years ago The Sofa Store joined forces with The Bed Shop, and together opened the large modern showroom at 65 Mair Street East, Ballarat. The Bed Shop has recently celebrated its 17th year of successful trading in Mair Street East.

Owners Jenny and Philip Browning have certainly made their mark on their showroom with stunning bedroom suites complete with bedroom furniture, gorgeous throws and coveted lamps – and then there are the sofas – complete with rugs, quirky decorations and comfy cushions.

Even if you are not in the market for a new bed or sofa, it’s well worth a wander for all the other treats on offer. Today, however, Jenny is keen to chat about your mattress and recommends a new mattress every seven years.

“We stock Comfort Sleep mattresses . It’s an Australian company which trades under several names and is based in Melbourne. Which means if any of our customers have a problem it is quickly sorted out – they are only an hour away. But they are a wonderful, award winning company, which makes a great product and we have been with them many years.”

The Bed Shop is also an award winning boutique company, think CGU and Powercor business awards to name just a few, for its customer service.

“Everything we do is based on our customers,” Jenny said.

“It’s all about what the customer wants and their perceptions. We do surveys and ask ‘are we doing what you want, what is your expectation?’ because we want to meet and exceed that. And you can’t imagine how upset we get if an order doesn’t come in on time – we don’t like to let our customers down.”

Part of that customer service includes having their own delivery truck and not charging for delivery – to Daylesford and Hepburn. They have even sent beds as far afield as Queensland, deliver weekly to their Melbourne customers and often head up to Horsham, Ararat and Stawell. So it’s no wonder that much of their trade is return customers.

“We have many, many return customers. Our business has really been built on that for the past 17 years.

We even have customers who have come in as children with their parents, then come back to buy their own bed, and are now buying beds for their children. And then they send their neighbours along…”

And that family connection obviously means a lot to Ballarat born and bred Jenny and Philip – who can date their bloodline “probably back to the First Fleet”. They have three children and five grandchildren – with another due in April. In the corner, by the desk, is a cot which is clearly where “nanny” does her extra duties along with sales, looking after full-time staff, the casual staff, and bookwork.

“And I love it all,” Jenny says.

“And bedding tends to be a fairly even business. It’s a good solid industry to be in and we have found that while different products sell at different times, the traffic is mostly the same.”

So if you are in the market for a new mattress, new base, beautiful bedroom suites, trundle or sofa beds, a new set of drawers, lovely linen or just a lamp to light up your life, head to The Bed Shop. Jenny and Philip will certainly make you feel welcome.

The Bed Shop and The Sofa Shop are open from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm. Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Oh, they are sometimes open on Sundays from 12.30pm to 4pm – but it is always worth a call first on 5333 2226. Even people who love their customers as much as Jenny and Philip need a day off now and again.

The Local - tlnews.com.au

50 News

JOURNALIST The Local is looking for an experienced journalist to work on a casual basis. The successful candidate will be expected to source their own stories, conduct interviews and write up good, clean, interesting local copy. If they can take a photo as well - bonus.

If you think you have what it takes to join a small but dynamic and committed team email a relevant resume (we don’t really care what school you attended or that you were a babysitter at 14) and a cover letter to donna@tlnews.com.au Applications close on March 11.

OZ TRANS DAYLESFORD --------------------------------# REMOVALS # PRODUCE # FURNITURE #GENERAL FREIGHT ---------------------------------MELB. & COUNTRY VICTORIA DAILY --------------------------------FREE QUOTES

0407 697 877 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

The Local - tlnews.com.au

with Glen Heyne

I

T’S hard to believe that summer has rapidly drawn to a close especially as we have managed to scrape through with a few minor heatwaves and virtually no periods of extremely hazardous fire conditions.

We could be forgiven then, for thinking our gardens have once again made it through unscathed. But don’t be fooled. March can and will turn on more than a few sweltering days before it’s through.

This is a critical time for the garden, because almost all plants (with the exception of Australian natives) whether evergreen or deciduous, start to wind down over the next week or so in readiness for their winter hibernation. It is important, then, that you now take time to help prepare them for winter.

Obviously their water needs won’t lessen for some time yet so don’t let any spasmodic spells of rain fool you into putting away your hose or turning off the drip system just yet.

Flowering shrubs, especially roses, appreciate regular dead-heading - the removal of spent flowers - at any time of the year. This could be accompanied by a light tidying trim and a dressing of an organic plant food to support any autumn growth encouraged by the lingering warm weather.

It would also be a good idea to supplement any diminished mulch to ensure continuing retention of soil moisture around the roots. Any growth inducing nitrogen fertiliser should be applied asap to allow any new foliage to harden before the arrival of winter chills and frost. This is particularly important for citrus and other frost tender plants.

Gardening 51

You can prepare your garden for a colourful spring by planting flowering bulbs now and, indeed, for the next four or five weeks. Bulbs are wonderful selfcontained, almost self-sufficient modules that require little more than sunlight, moisture and friable soil to spring forth and produce masses of colourful flowers.

Soil type isn’t particularly important as long as it is well drained. In heavier soils dig in a five to six centimetre layer of sand and well rooted compost to raise the level of the bed slightly to assist the drainage.

Planting bulbs at the correct depth will ensure best results. As a rule of thumb that should be approximately three times the bulb’s own diameter. Too deep and they have trouble reaching the surface. Too shallow and the bulb can suffer from sunburn.

Give them a good start by working a two to three centimetre layer of wellrotted compost or complete organic fertiliser which should be covered several centimetres above the actual bulb.

A good soaking drink at the time of planting should be sufficient for the meantime…unless the weather turns feral before the rains come.

It’s time to plant: Flowering annuals: alyssum, antirrhinum, calendula, cineraria, dianthus, gaillardia, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, pansy, primula, sweet pea and verbena.

Vegetables: beet, broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, cress, endive, French bean, kohl rabi, lettuce, onion, parsnip, peas, radish, spinach and turnip.

Advertorial

Dedicated to clients’ needs for 37 years

R

EALISTIC Kitchens and Bathroom Centre started back in 1978 with Malcolm Alexander operating a joinery business out of a garage at the rear of a rented property in North Ballarat.

In just three years, Malcolm bought land and built a factory and showroom – now expanded to create one of the best showroom facilities outside of the metropolitan area - at 729 Creswick Road, Wendouree.

Awarded a kitchen design certificate back in 1986, Malcolm also expanded his business from Ballarat to Daylesford and surrounding areas from 1990 – helping families and individuals renovate and build their homes to include stylish, practical and up-to-date kitchens, and then, from 2003 – fantastic bathrooms.

And Malcolm takes his work seriously. He was a member of the National Kitchen and Bathroom executive committee for 14 years, is a past winner and twice runner up in the Victorian Kitchen of the Year awards and continues to undertake design courses.

Malcolm said his team’s commitment to clients was the philosophy that had enabled them to achieve the growth of the past.

“We promise dedication to current design for each of our customers based on their individual needs and we provide consistently high class workmanship using only the best hardware available with a lifetime guarantee on their products.

“We ensure the time a home is occupied by my staff and sub-tradespeople will be as pleasurable as possible with a minimum of mess and a proper workflow put in place to achieve our mutual completion date.

“Our mission statement has always been ‘you will find us a pleasure to deal with’ and that is as true today as when I first received that kitchen design certificate 29 years ago.”

Realistic Kitchens and Bathrooms Centre is at 729 Creswick Road, Wendouree.

Phone: 5339 3066 | 0419 895 841 Web: www.realistickitchens.com.au Hours: Monday - Friday 7.45am - 5pm | Other Times: By Appointment

52 Business Guide

Promote your business here from just $30 plus GST!

Miles Electrical.Rec15116.

Small Job Specialist All household electrical work guaranteed Daylesford /Hepburn region...

Phone Gary Miles 0458 112 777 106 Albert St, Creswick garymiles5 @gmail.com

Call Jonathan Hurst 0411 216 043

Gardening: • Mowing including ride-on • Hedging, Pruning • & Brushcutting • Maintenance & Establishment of all gardens • Holiday rental Maintenance

Landscaping: • Fencing -Paling -Colourbond -Picket, post & rail • Retaining walls • Raised garden beds • Drive-ways & paths • Paving • Irrigation systems

Owner-operated, Established Local Business Fully Insured Free Quotes s.mountgardens@optusnet.com.au

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

We stock The Local!

November 24, 2014 Issue 33 Meet designer Victoria Varrasso

The Local The Heart of the Highlands’ own community publication

55 Vincent St, Daylesford 5348 2061

Promote your business here from just $30 plus GST!

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

Business Guide 53

John & Daniel's

CAR SERVICING Standard Service From Only

$165

Ring John or Dan

0419 133 046

Shed 4, Railway Cres Daylesford *conditions apply

Moss Shading Solutions For Hepburn Shire’s total shading solutions talk to Brian & Deborah Moss

Exterior Awnings Folding Arm Tension systems Drop screen Traditional canvas

Internal Blinds Roller & sunscreen Roman blinds Shutters

SOMFY MOTORISATION SPECIALISTS

RING FOR QUOTATION / ADVICE 5348 4045 8B, 38 EAST ST, DAYLESFORD (NO SHOWROOM)

‘Your complete flooring solutions’

Carpets, rugs, vinyls and timber floating floors

Michelle Stephenson 0413 600 807 info@bedesigns.com.au www.bedesigns.com.au Michelle Stephenson 0413 600 807 info@bedesigns.com.au www.bedesigns.com.au

BALLARAT

VINCENT ST

MIDLAND HWY

HO

WE

ST

RA

IL

WA

Y

EAST ST

MI

DL

AN

D

HW

Y

Corner East and Mink Streets, Daylesford 5348 4097 All the best names in the business, call or call in for free quote.

Daylesford Floor Coverings

CENTRAL SPRINGS RD

MINK ST

GRAND DESIGN WINDOWS

The widest range of high performance windows and doors locally made in Ballan.

Make sure your business is seen!

• • • • • • •

Digital printed and vinyl signage Business & Shopfront Vehicles & Transport Safety Promotional LED and Illuminated General Signage

Call Dan O’Toole for a free no obligation quote on 0437 854 274!

ph: Nick 0421 593 998 or Lachlan 0427 837 081

www.granddesignwindows.com.au See us at the Grand Designs Live! Home Show:

http://granddesignslive.com.au/

The Local - tlnews.com.au

Sport 55

Keith Bourke: A champion in the big race

K

EITH Bourke started his career competing in rodeo taking part in the Australian circuit from the early 1950s.

“At the time I was living in Sunshine (and) along with several of my mates, we would take off for six months of the year to compete across Queensland and northern New South Wales.”

Keith competed on bucking horses and bullocks against some of the best riders in Australia and in an age when blacks and whites were highly segregated, rodeo was one of those competitions where everyone was equal - ability was all that mattered.

For a young man, success was well worth it. If you could score well and not get injured you could make a living.

“The average wage in 1954 was 18 pounds a week but in my best seasons I was winning 20 pounds a week,” Keith said.

However, competition rodeo is a young man’s game and by the late 1970s Keith had moved to breaking horses in for the track. By the time he moved to his current thoroughbred racehorse training property in Lauriston in 1999 he was training full-time.

He made the move there from Bacchus Marsh and keeps several horses in training at his property Bally Doyle.

Kyneton and its surrounding districts boast some of the largest stables in the Victorian racing industry. Some of the big players have up to 200 horses being broken in or in training with up to 60 employees. However Keith Bourke’s operation is much more modest, he is the face of horse racing away from the glamour of the city tracks of Flemington and Caulfield. His domain is the country race meeting from Kyneton to Bendigo, Ballarat to Maryborough, and Echuca to Benalla.

Keith also encapsulates the type of horseman who trains racehorses first and foremost for the love it. While he has had successes over the years, and is “still waiting for the good horse”, he is proud to know that his small stables can give his charges all he has to offer as a trainer.

To Keith, success is not measured by how many trophies you have in your cabinet, but “gauged by the many beautiful people you meet along the way”.

“God likes the little people, that’s why he made so many of them. Not everyone can have wealth and success but if you can live your life honestly, humbly and do right by those who do right by you then you are a champion in the most important race of all.”

Words | Image Anthony Sawrey

RRP $6399 Come in and ask for a HOT DEAL

Now servicing four-wheel motorcyles - all makes and models.

1 Howe St, Daylesford 5348 2649

RRP $9399 Come in and ask for a HOT DEAL

Coming soon The “Little” Local - a pocket sized read about what’s on, what’s up and what’s what.

Watch this space!