The Local Issue 72 May 23, 2016

May 23, 2016 Issue 72 Puma rumours

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: There have been puma rumours around the Central Highlands for years. But things are not always as they seem. Read Kevin Childs' story on pages 36 and 37.

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, June 6, 2016.

May 23, 2016 Issue 72 Puma rumours

Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local: Space bookings: Wednesday, June 1 Copy provided by: Thursday, June 2

Image: Donna Kelly

Editorial deadline: Thursday, June 2

Puma courtesy of Decor Impact with showrooms at all Mill Market venues. www.decorimpcat.com.au

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Writers: Kevin Childs, Anthony Sawrey, Kate Taylor, Donna Kelly Photographers: Kyle Barnes, David White Graphic designers: Dianne Caithness, Robin Archer

The Local is a registered trademark of Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly

Layout: Donna Kelly

The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local.

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Columnists: Glen Heyne (gardens), Samantha Redlich (fitness), Roy Lever (ales) Great editorial and affordable sales - 5348 7883 | 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | ads@tlnews.com.au donna@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au Free e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au 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...

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News 3

Roundabout for Farmers Arms intersection

T

“Hooray ! That's fantastic news !!! Well done everyone for keeping at it !!! Yay !”

“Yeh people don't seem to be able to use the 2 in town properly I'm sure this won't be any different!”

In the five-year period to December 2015, there have been five crashes, “It is good news and avoids the need for traffic lights...as for using roundabouts.... resulting in 10 low-level injuries, at the intersection of Midland Highway, DaylesfordAustralians have never got it! Country people are the worst, but l feel safer on our Trentham Road and East Street. town roundabouts than I do in the Coles carpark! Alls we need now is a carpark for All of these accidents involved vehicles crashing into each other as they travelled tourists to be bused in and then we can get around on the weekend, and another through the intersection.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced supermarket, and an indoor swimming pool....what else....”

“Yay, great news. Thank you Daniel Andrews and Mary-Anne Thomas.” the $1.3 million upgrade last Tuesday.

“Just dropped my jaw!!! Wowewwwwowwww!!! Soooo happy!! At last we matter Visibility will also be improved with the installation of upgraded street lighting.

Planning works will begin this year, with the project expected to be completed by after all, thank you, thank you Mary-Anne Thomas. Fabulous result!!”

“Can't wait to see that roundabout on a Sunday market morning......will be ugly the end of 2017. like the two other roundabouts in town.”

The response to the news on social media came thick and fast.

“No different than now. I've seen traffic lined back to the first house coming in On Daylesford’s Community Grapevine and the Hepburn Shire Council’s page on the Castlemaine road last few weeks waiting to turn. As a result I avoid coming the “likes” flooded in, along with comments, some printed here mostly unedited. into town on Sundays unless I have to.”

The first was just “Hooray!!”

“Nice work, it's a much needed improvement to that intersection.”

“I wouldn't mind betting a fair few of those accidents have been due to simple lack of practicing general road rules... The amount of times I've witnessed left turning traffic off east st near colliding with right turning traffic off the midland.. When I first Above: Treasurer Tim Pallas, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and Hepburn got my licence I remember Bendigo used to have signs at intersections that actually Shire Mayor Neil Newitt said 'left turn before right'. A hell of a lot cheaper than a roundabout.”

“Bout bloody time...been almost wiped out many a time...some people have no Words: Donna Kelly | Photoshopped image: Kyle Barnes idea how to navigate this intersection.”

HE notorious intersection at the Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford will finally have a roundabout!

Art brings edge, character and old world charm

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Donna: What does your work mean to you?

IA Barber grew up in Elwood and her education, family and Pia: Painting brings me joy, and I hope this is reflected in my work. I now paint community life exposed her to different forms of creative expression.

After school she was accepted into a Bachelor of Visual Arts at Monash predominantly Victorian landscapes, with a strong local (Daylesford) focus.

University. There, Pia was surrounded by other like-minded people and had Donna: Where do you see your art taking you in the future? amazing mentorships from tutors and professors. She was encouraged to be Pia: Discovering and capturing the essence of more of our region. different and offered countless opportunities including living and studying in Italy. Eighteen months ago, Pia and husband Sam bought a little farm just Donna: What would you say to a budding artist just thinking about taking on the out of Daylesford “and love living in this great community”. The “event” world? painter chatted with Donna Kelly.

Donna: How do you paint an event?

Pia: When I was at uni I worked at Quat Quatta, a reception venue in Ripponlea.

It was lovely to witness beautiful weddings in an iconic setting. As I watched official photographers, I wondered how capturing a wedding live, on canvas, could work. It didn’t take long to grow the idea. After painting a couple of weddings at the venue, my own live wedding painting business was off and running. I have now been painting weddings and other significant occasions for four years. What I offer doubles as a form of live performance for guests and captures special moments on canvas as they evolve. I paint the essence of the wedding, anniversary, opening, fund-raiser, Christening, even a 90th birthday celebration, as I work on-site to create an original artwork. Art brings a unique edge, character and old world charm to any event.

Donna: When did you know you were an artist – was there a defining moment?

Pia: I have always been creatively inclined. For as long as I remember I’ve been drawing, painting and sculpting. It is important for me as an artist to let my craft evolve organically. Nature and environment have been a strong influence, and I am very lucky to live in such an aesthetically evocative landscape. In secondary school on an art tour I visited Monet’s Garden in Giverny and L’Orangerie in Paris, and was introduced to the sublime beauty and passion of the French impressionists, specifically Monet. For me, Monet’s landscapes were life-changing. It amazed me how colour and texture could stir such emotion. It was there I learned it was OK to let go of conventional approaches. I convey this in my work; for me it is not about a photorealistic interpretation of a scene but an impressionistic take on how the landscape evokes feeling through colour, texture and movement.

Pia: I think Salvador Dali said it best. “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings…A true artist is not one who is inspired, but who inspires others.”

Donna. Finally, where can we see your work?

Pia: I was lucky enough to open a gallery Ralph & Ralfs with my business partner and friend Bettina Ralph. We’re located at 1 Leggatt St, Daylesford adjoining the Book Barn on Lake Daylesford. It’s fantastic to have a space to share my work. We have a range of unique pieces for unique people! You can also see my work on my website www.piabarbereventpainting.com

Image: Kyle Barnes

"What I offer doubles as a form of live performance for guests and captures special moments on canvas as they evolve."

- Pia Barber

www.tlnews.com.au

News 5

Amazing community support as Section 8 4x4 Club rallies for Sabre's Cause

I

T COULD be a sad story.

A seven-year-old boy slowly losing his vision.

But with their amazing community rallying around them, mum Kyleen (Cookie) Cepanec, dad Robert and children Sabre and Xavier are staying positive.

The story starts about three years ago when Sabre, pictured right with his Victoria Police cap, went for an eye check before starting at Hepburn Primary School. Nothing out of the ordinary there.

But Sabre was soon diagnosed with a number of eye conditions their names don’t really matter – and he will eventually lose all sight.

Since being diagnosed he has already lost about 50 per cent of his vision. And there is no cure.

“Sabre is on the cusp of being classified as legally blind and they have told us that if he still has his sight in two years he will be doing really well, so we are hoping that’s the case.

“And what is rare about his condition is that it usually comes with mental retardation, and we don’t have any of that, so we are grateful.

When we have our really shitty days we think ‘nah, he’s good, he’s bright as a button’.”

Nine-year-old Xavier also does his fair share, looking after Sabre at school and actually telling his mum that he wished what was happening to Sabre was happening to him instead.

Cookie first thought that perhaps the attention Sabre was receiving was the cause behind that thought, but when asked Xavier said he just didn’t like his little brother being sad.

Cookie admits those early days were dark times. And there are still some bad days when Sabre says “it’s not fair”.

But the family is focusing on learning new things, like brailling and walking with a cane, and “dealing with things as they crop up”.

“Sabre is completely blind in the dark now and struggles in bright light and low light,” Cookie says.

“But we talked about it and he takes most of it in his stride. Some days we have bad days but it’s not an excuse, so we just plug along.

“I am a lot better now than how I was (at first). I had a really rough patch for a little while. Rob and I kept it to ourselves for a long time and then everyone started talking about it. And it turns out talking about it has made the world of difference.”

And that’s when Matt (Flash) Viola, son of Maria Viola, owner of the Hepburn Macaroni Factory, came on the scene.

“Cookie, a chef by trade, came and told me she makes parmesan cheese and asked if I wanted to try some. So we did that, and talked and I met Rob and the boys.

“I had a sister with special needs and I knew what they were going through so I thought, what can I do to make all of their lives better?”

Now 10 years ago, Matt had started a Section 8 4WD club and had plans for a 10th anniversary trek. He approached the club’s committee and raised the idea of not only doing the trek but also raising money for Sabre and Sabre’s Cause was born.

“Since then it has grown and grown into this big monster. I even had to incorporate my own club.”

The club has held morning sausage sizzles with raffles – the next one is outside Coles on Saturday, May 28, and has a 70s and 80s Trivia Night with fancy dress planned Friday, May 27 at the Macaroni Factory.

The fundraising trek around Victoria, which will also create some “visual memories” for Sabre, kicks off on June 26 with support from the SES and AFL, and there is also a Bingo Night at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre on August 6.

And there’s the Grand Finale event, when the family will find out how much has been raised, planned for later this year. The venue is not yet known but local bands are sure to be a feature.

For Cookie, Rob and the boys, the support from a community which they only joined about four years ago because they wanted a country lifestyle has been “amazing”.

“It is more than we ever expected, not that we were expecting anything, and has just been hugely surprising. It is really nice to know we live in such a community,” Cookie said.

“And I don’t think we will leave it either. We are quite comfortable here.”

And the final question? Why the sharing of parmesan?

“In New Zealand, where I come from, the culture is with the thing you make, you give away the first one. And that was to Matt.”

And that gesture has come back in spades.

To donate to Sabre’s Cause go to the Bendigo Bank.

Link: www.sabrescause.org/ or www.facebook.com/Sabres-Cause Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

6 News

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Flying feedback

Operation Axe

M

A

for management and development of the site.

Council’s Planning and Environment director Sophie Segafedo said the draft master plan was an opportunity to lay the foundation for a strong future for the site.

“The draft plan builds on work we undertook, involving widespread consultation in 2014, when Council resolved to continue the operation of the airfield primarily for recreational, emergency services, training and associated commercial activities.

“Through that process we identified a range of development opportunities for Kyneton Airfield such as additional hangars, short term pilot accommodation and an aircraft museum.

“The proposed extension of the main north-south runway would increase the shire’s capacity to respond to emergencies, particularly with regard to aerial firefighting activities.”

Once adopted, the Kyneton Airfield Master Plan will provide the basis for further planning scheme controls which will guide land use and development of the site into the future.

Senior forests investigator Samantha Moore said the aim of Operation Axe was to gather information from the community about the illegal sale of firewood from public land and then prosecute anyone found to have broken the law.

“This follows last year’s Operation Chainsaw which resulted in the identification of 121 persons of interest and the prosecution of numerous individuals who were convicted and fined up to $10,000 as well as having items such as chainsaws and trailers seized and forfeited to the Crown.

“DELWP regional authorised officers will be conducting investigations to determine the legality of commercial firewood suppliers across Victoria.

“Operation Chainsaw has shown that firewood is still being illegally removed from public land and sold.

This activity is making a profit from taking firewood that should be available free of charge to the community during the domestic firewood season. Operation Axe will seek new information and use it to stop these illegal activities.

“We also want to remind the community that it is illegal to remove firewood from any public land other than a domestic firewood coupe during the designated firewood collection seasons. These domestic firewood coupes are not available to commercial firewood sellers.”

The illegal sale of firewood attracts penalties of up to $7583 or one-year imprisonment or both.

ACEDON Ranges Shire Council is after feedback on its draft master plan for Kyneton Airfield.

Cancer support

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STATEWIDE operation targeting the OMEN with secondary breast cancer illegal commercial sale of firewood sourced will receive additional support under from public land has been launched by the a $7 million commitment from Labor, The draft plan outlines future challenges and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Ballarat MP Catherine King says. opportunities for the airfield and puts forward objectives Planning.

Ms King said statistics showed breast cancer was

Link: mrsc.vic.gov.au/kynetonairfield

the most common cancer in Australian women, and the second deadliest. Despite the great advances of recent years, diagnoses of breast cancer are unrelenting – at a rate of 43 a day, 300 a week and more than 15,600 a year.

“Almost everyone would know someone who has died from this terrible disease and as shadow health minister I’m determined to provide better support,” she said.

Ms King said the Breast Cancer Network Australia was the peak consumer organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer and has more than 110,000 members across Australia.

“Labor’s $7 million investment will enable BCNA to deliver improved support and information for women with secondary breast cancer and ongoing support for women with breast cancer in rural Australia,” Ms King said.

As part of this commitment, $4.4 million will be invested over four years to improve psychosocial support and information for women with secondary breast cancer.

BCNA, with the additional money, will deliver a telephone counselling service for women and their families staffed by oncology social workers, expanded access to specialist secondary breast cancer nurses and better access to information through a digital platform.

Challenge yourself with our crossword! Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. Last week’s solution is on page 17.

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Our performers 7

Dolly inspired by strong, independent women

M

ICHAEL Dalton is originally from London but has been calling Australia home for seven years. The man behind Dolly Diamond says he feels lucky to live in “one of the best countries in the world and the older I get, the more grateful I am”. Michael chatted to Donna Kelly.

Donna: When did you “find” Dolly Diamond?

Michael: Well I didn't "find" Dolly, she's not a lost wallet. I'd been performing as myself for years and then I was asked to "drag up" for a gig in Cardiff nearly 15 years ago. It went really well and Dolly was born. She's very different today to what she was then...me too for that matter.

Donna: What was her inspiration?

Michael: Strong and independent women are always my inspiration.

My mother was a loveable sharp-tongued hero for me and I guess I'm a bit like that, Dolly is too. I love a bit of Joan Collins glamour.

Donna: What are her best traits? And what are her worst traits?

Michael: She's feisty with feelings and always wants to make people laugh...she enjoys wine a little too much.

Donna: What sort of audience reaction do you get?

Michael: I'm really lucky with my audiences, I've been around a little while and they know what they're going to get so they come ready for fun.

I'll work my arse off to get a dead audience back to life though, if I have to.

Donna: How long does it take Dolly to get ready?

Michael: She likes a solid hour...I'm no Michelangelo when it comes to make-up but she always looks like she's made an effort. Even if I take longer than an hour I look exactly the same.

Donna: What can people expect from her show at The Grande?

Michael: They can expect to laugh and also be part of the joke. I'm never cruel but I can be merciless. Lots of songs and there's a full bar!

Donna: Where else do you perform?

Michael: I go back to London every year to perform. It gets me out of the Melbourne winter for a month and back to see all my friends in the UK. Donna: Finally, why are you such a regular in the Central Highlands?

Michael: I started performing at ChillOut before I even moved to Australia, I love the area and its people. They're no-nonsense folk and I like that. If you're good they'll let you know, if you're not, they'll let you know that too.

"Well I didn't 'find' Dolly, she's not a lost wallet."

- Michael Dalton

Dolly Diamond is playing at The Grande Hotel Cabaret Club in Hepburn Springs on Friday, June 3.

We really heart our locals.

So we now have $20 meal nights Monday-Thursday from 5pm.

MONDAY MEATBALL* MADNESS

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TUESDAY BURGER* NIGHT * Vegetarian options available

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8 Opinion

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Pick me, pick me...

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

I

T WAS one of those ideas that you wish happened more often. Simple yet effective. Cars and Coffee.

It was the brainchild of motoring enthusiast and Eganstown resident Peter Olver. Find owners of great cars, or any interesting vehicles for that matter, bring them together on a lazy Sunday morning once a month, grab a coffee and ask owners and those just showing up for a squiz for a gold coin donation - and then give that to the Daylesford Hospital.

Simple, easy, effective. But as sometimes happens with great ideas they can grow, really fast. As did Cars and Coffee. First stop was Lake Daylesford but the carpark started running out of room. Next was Jubilee Lake but that soon had the same problem. So Peter thought Victoria Park might be the perfect solution. Plenty of room.

And already host to annual events like the Highland Gathering and Daylesford Show.

So Peter went to Hepburn Shire Council to ask the question. Easy, right? No, not easy.

Council said no.

The official line to The Local came from chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond.

"Council is keen to work with and support groups wanting to use Council facilities, including ovals, for their events. Changes to the way we maintain our ovals has resulted in significantly improved playing surfaces around the shire. We are keen to ensure these surfaces are not subjected to avoidable levels of stress by events. We are aware of the need to balance good playing surfaces with the need to support economic development opportunities and initiatives, such as the Cars and Coffee events. For this reason, Council will continue to work with event organisers to determine how the event can continue and the conditions under which the event can use these facilities. We are supportive of this event and will continue discussions with the organisers."

But Peter has since decided to pack in Cars and Coffee - pop it in the too hard basket - which is easy to understand. And he is not blaming council for his move. He simply says it failed to see the direction the event needed to go to reach the next level.

I get that you need good playing surfaces but when one bloke can come up with a concept that over just nine months raised thousands of dollars for a local hospital, surely he needs support.

It is such a shame that Cars and Coffee, which was turning heads in other regions keen to fundraise for various causes, will end up on the cutting room floor. Sure, playing surfaces don't need "avoidable levels of stress" but surely more money for the wonderful Daylesford Hospital is equally important.

I don't know the answer, I am just sayin'...

"Hi there, my name is Angel and I am an 18-month-old female greyhound - but I have never raced! I'm a happy, sweet young lady and still quite puppyish so would love to have a doggy friend to play with at my new home. It would be great if I could live with someone who is home a lot, where I could be an indoor companion. We can make each other smile! So please come and pick me."

MC# 956000003664322 Castlemaine RSPCA is at 24 Langslow Street, Castlemaine. Phone: 5472 5277.

Open: Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm. Friday to Sunday 10am to 2pm.

(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie and Curly. We picked them.)

The Local - Connecting the Community WARM

THE Local believes in giving back. So we created a “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 just email donna@tlnews.com.au If we receive more than we can use we use the tried and true “put them in a hat” system but also work a little bit on timing.

Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre will host a knitting workshop this Thursday, May 26, from 10am to noon, with locals having the chance to take part in a textile arts project, WARM. The workshop is free, thanks to the support of Hepburn Wind, and needles and wool will be provided. All skill levels are welcome.

Knitters from across the state have signed up to the WARM project.

The knitters have six months to knit one or more small masterpieces, including native flowers, gum leaves and trees and miniature wind turbines.

In September the individual works will be put together to create a 3D artwork inspired by a painting of a regenerated landscape by Lars Stenberg, to be exhibited at the Ballarat Art Gallery.

The project aims to help people slow down and using the comfort of craft, find space to reflect on why the Earth is warming and how people can make a positive change. The workshop will led by pattern designer and knitter Georgie Nicolson.

Bookings: 5348 3569 or daylesford@ourneighbourhood.org.au

www.tlnews.com.au

Inspiring 9

Michelle feeding the community one week at a time

S

O FAR this year, 19 families, couples or individuals, have received a three-course meal – thanks to Michelle Symes and her 52 Gifts project.

The founder of the not-for-profit Bake Share Care, said she knew she wanted to do something for the community but didn’t have a lot of time.

The idea is that once a week, for the year, Michelle chooses a family or couple or individual who she thinks could do with a hearty meal, and after making contact, arrives on their doorstep with lovingly prepared dishes.

Recent dishes in the cooler weather have included slow-cooked food like hearty lamb chops with sweet potato mash and zucchini with lemon and goat’s cheese. Or maybe a beautiful beef rendang curry with homemade roti bread.

Those with small children might find themselves the recipients of something fun like baby baguettes filled with meatballs and cheese or building their own burgers with a host of ingredients.

And it all comes packed in baskets and the odd casserole dish, along with little notes on them “this is what you do with this”.

“I am into week 19 and I haven’t had to double up on any dishes as yet. I have made something different for every single person which is great.”

Michelle, who has cooked since she was young and done stints in the kitchens of Lake House and The Argus, said she started off thinking she would be feeding people in poverty or who were homeless.

“I thought that would be the core group but as it evolved I realised that actually everyone at some point in time needs help, whether it’s their health, a family tragedy or personal stuff. I could pretty much cook for everybody in this community.”

“There is always a story but I have also done a couple of celebration meals just for people for being an amazing part of this community.”

Many of her recipients are referrals via Facebook or Instagram, as people find out about Michelle’s 52 Gifts project.

“When I applied for the grant with Hepburn Shire Council I already had earmarked some people in the community but since then I have received referrals.

“I haven’t had anyone defensive about it but everyone thinks there is someone out there that deserves it more. I have only had one person turn it down and everyone has been very grateful and receptive.

“And if people suggest recipients I ask them to talk to them first so they know what I do, or to go onto my blog at 52gifts.com.au, just so I don’t go in blind and they are prepared.”

Michelle said she arranges her meals on plates and in casserole dishes from opportunity shops – and there is no request to return them.

“I just take them in my baskets, unload them on the kitchen bench and take my baskets away. I have already seen a few of the casserole dishes back in the op shops. And some people have returned them and quite a few have done that with something in them.

“Just this week I made lemon curd from a bag of lemons I received. And I have had quite a few locals dropping off excess veggies for me to cook with which has been really nice."

Michelle, who has a day job as a personal assistant at Lake House, said one memorable meal was dropped to the “mayor of Eganstown” Winsome Menadue.

“When I delivered to her I said ‘I am not sure about the pastry, I am not happy with it’ and she gave me eggs, a pastry recipe and feedback on the idea of including recipes with each meal so the recipient can make it again themselves. She was fantastic."

Michelle said cooking for her was cathartic. “My mind disappears while I am concentrating on what I am doing in the kitchen. I have always been drawn to the kitchen, my mum was a good cook and my nan was a good eater. So I got both of those from them. It’s been the one staple in my life.”

Meanwhile, Bake Care Share’s annual event, Baking Our Blues Away, held in conjunction with Beyond Blue, will be held on July 15.

Link: www.52gifts.com.au If you have a worthy recipient email michelle@bakingourbluesaway.com.au Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

10 News

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Central Highlands Pain & Well-being Centre Dr Shelley L Beer Chinese Medicine

COMMUNITY OPEN GROUP ACUPUNCTURE $30 Tues pm/ Thurs & Friday am Visit website or Facebook for sessions PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS Tues - Sat by appointment Daylesford - 12 Albert St Castlemaine -147 Mostyn St (Wed@ Healing Well)

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Phone 0417 036 153 www.tcmconsultancy.com Please check out the new look website

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News 11

Madigan forging ahead in bid for re-election

B

Y THE time you read this it will be too late to place a bid for a Ned Kelly suit of armour forged by Australian Senator John Madigan.

The eBay auction ended at 5.30pm on Friday with the winning bid of $2425 after 55 bids.

John, working at his Hepburn blacksmithery last Thursday, said the armour was his way of making a few bucks for his campaign to be re-elected in the July 2 federal election.

The independent head of John Madigan’s Manufacturing and Farming Party said Ned Kelly armour was “an appropriate way” of raising money.

“I don’t have the resources of the major parties, and it’s all well and good to ask people to support your campaign, but you also have to do as much as you can yourself.

“There’s been quite a lot of interest so hopefully we can pay for a few adverts.”

John, who was voted in as a member of the Democratic Labour Party in 2010 but quit the party in 2014, said he was standing again because there was “unfinished business”.

“There is more to be done for the farmers, for manufacturing, for jobs…

“There is going to be a tsunami of people affected by the closure of Holden, Ford and Toyota and those people predominantly live in the west of the state and I believe they have been forgotten.

“There are also issues around health and hospitals, around dental care, issues for the elderly, issues over fair and equitable funding. We have to try to take the argy-bargy out of politics.

“People say some of these things are state issues but they are all interconnected, even the current dairy crisis, what a lot of people need is not just words but actions.

“Politicians need to get out and speak to real people, not just bureaucrats and pie charts. Unfortunately, many groups purport to represent people but they become very cosy.

“When you speak to people on the ground there is a huge disparity in what they are telling politicians and what the people on the ground are seeing. You can see this in the dairy industry and manufacturing.”

John is also keen for more work in the health industry on lyme and lyme-like illnesses which cause a host of symptoms from shortness of breath and hearing loss, to memory loss and slurred speech. He says many are in “complete denial” of those suffering with the disease.

“People are being ridiculed. Instead of telling them what is isn’t, they should find out what it is. These people don’t care what you call it, they just want to find an answer. Even here in Hepburn it is amazing the number of people suffering with lyme and lyme-like illnesses.

“We have to try to take the argy-bargy out of politics. If we are not going to hand on Australia in a better state, then we shouldn’t hand it on worse. We should try to give people a hand up, and offer a word of encouragement, especially for young people.

“All kids, it doesn’t matter their background or the colour of their skin, need our help.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

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Spa Country’s original and only truly independent holiday accommodation providers for over 20 years. Villas, cottages, homes, studios, apartments and mud-bricks all scattered amongst Hepburn Shire.

Contact us today for more information.

(03) 5348 1255

greg@daylesfordcottagedirectory.com.au | 8 Park Lane Daylesford Victoria 3460

www.cottagedirectory.com.au

12 Our wordsmiths

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Words in Winter reins passed to Maia Irell

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year.

ORDS in Winter has been a fixture on the Daylesford cultural calendar since 2002. It was initiated by David and Lorelle Hall and has provided creative illumination during the darkest season of the

E IC TIO PR UC D

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Since its inception, Words in Winter has extended to Clunes, Creswick, Carisbrook, Dunolly, Maryborough, and Newstead. This wonderful event continues this year, August 5 to 7 with the reins being passed to Maia Irell. She promises more of the same but with some new and exciting changes as well.

Maia is originally from Hollywood, California, but made Daylesford her home 10 years ago with husband Zoran. She came here to raise a family but has found so much more and is very excited to have the chance to put the event together.

“I got involved because basically no-one was going to do it. David Hall was calling together everybody he could think of and I said, ‘I think I can probably do it'. It would be a shame for it to not happen.”

Putting together a festival like this is not simple and to take on its responsibilities, including curating, getting money and sponsorship, is to take on a workload that might be daunting to many. But happily, Maia is well experienced in such tasks.

“I was born in Hollywood, graduated from the University of Los Angeles and ran to New York, where I worked at a very upper scale literary agency. I read a lot and it was fantastic. Later I went travelling where I met my husband and ended up going back to LA where I worked in film production doing commercials; first as an assistant then coordinating, managing and finally, producing.”

Words in Winter is not only for writers to meet with other writers and bookworms but is for everybody. It is for anyone who is touched by words: artists, children, singers or those looking to be inspired. The most important task however, is to first get people to look in at what’s going on in their town.

“I think sometimes people need to be guided,” says Maia. “Just like opera, you often have to be led to it to get it. Some people, raised in the right environment, will think to go to something, but some people won’t think to go at all. They would walk right by the door and not even look in, which is why we are trying to plant seeds everywhere.

“Instead of being tucked away we will have the main festival venue in Vincent Street to try to encourage people to take that path even if it’s not the path of least resistance for them.”

While it is early days yet for Maia - having been in her new role for only a month, the program is coming together. She has been approaching all types of people for support and has seen interest grow. While there are lots of different activities planned, from advice on self-publishing, to how to write a crime novel, there is an emerging theme centred around food which, being Daylesford, is not a surprise.

“Not just food,” stresses Maia, “but food politics, family and how we live today.

Here in the region there is so much interest and discussion about down-shifting, about going back to the land. We want to look at this and facilitate a diverse range of workshops on fermenting and foraging, speakers and panels about food, food in the abstract, stories about food, even Shakespeare and food.”

Maia is passionate about her new role and is excited to be involved with such a revered festival. And after a lengthy hiatus being a mum and raising a family, it is something she is well up for.

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Words: Anthony Sawrey | Image: Kyle Barnes

“Just like opera, you often have to be led to it to get it.

Some people, raised in the right environment, will think to go to something, but some people won’t think to go at all."

- Maia Irell

DayleSforD 10 MalMsbuRy RoaD

A4 B2 C2

“tHe CoaCH HoUSe” - a Private CoUntry retreat

Private Sale eSr $649,000 this superb private property is perfectly located at the ContaCt Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 entrance to Daylesford, on a 1000m2 approx. block, just a short stroll to the farmers arms, restaurants, cafes and Rae Corris 0408 358 772 stores. views to Wombat Park estate. Mature landscaped gardens with outdoor entertainment space. the house has been recently updated with new kitchen, bathrooms and floor coverings. Currently a private residence but would suit perfectly as a stylish holiday accommodation or rental investment.

Biggin & Scott Daylesford 43 Vincent Street,

Daylesford 3460 P: 03 5348 2328 F: 03 5348 2311

Geelong Businessman, Mark Ward has ownership of the Mill Markets group and brings years of expertise to this amazing concept. The Mill Markets operate three massive venues located in Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong. With a total of over 12,000 square metres of undercover floor space, (3 acres), treasure hunters have the opportunity to spend many hours browsing and meandering through the eclectic mix of products. There is a fantastic variety of home decor, furniture, records, vintage and new clothing, books, fine china, glassware, industrial items, jewellery, antiques as well as Australian pottery, homewares, memorabilia, retro fashions and collectables. We also have many stalls selling new products and have gift vouchers for those people who have everything!

All goods are from the 1850’s right through to present day. Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of dealers, which allows small business operators and collectors who otherwise could not afford the overheads of their own shops, to showcase their goods. This equates to a wide and diverse range of products, available and open to the public, seven days a week. Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane through hundreds and thousands of items available for purchase at all three locations.

With over 500 stall holders over three venues, there is always something for everyone. Travel The Amazing Mill Markets ‘Golden Triangle’ and enjoy quality food and coffee at each. All venues open 7 days 10.00am-6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).

Recently, the Mark Ward Group acquired Decor Impact – a dynamic business featuring great visual items for sale and hire.

Life size animals, figures, dinosaurs and outdoor props. A great range of exciting new stock will be hitting the country on a monthly basis. Showrooms open at all Mill Markets venues!

14 Happy & Healthy

SUPPORT GROUP FOR CARERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Self Help CDs

Are you one of many people living in the Hepburn Shire caring for a person living with dementia at home?

By John Bohn, member A.S.C.H DEEP RELAXATION A journey of the mind Private consultations $100

Quit Gambling a life changing self help program TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE Living smoke free TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE Lose weight now!

CDs just $25 including postage.

To order your copy, contact John Bohn 5348 1214 1800 063 450 hypno@daylesford.net.au www.daylesford.net.au/hypno

Would you like to come along to a support group that meets monthly in Daylesford?

Next meeting is:

Tuesday 7th June 10:30am - 12pm For more information contact

Gabrielle Kirby

Manager Integrated Aged Care on

(03) 5321 6595

Innovative leisure and lifestyle program

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HE history of Peter Avery is as rich and long as that of the town he has spent 70 of his 85 years living in.

Born in Allambie House on Main Road, Hepburn, Peter arrived at a time when Hepburn was a small town in which everyone knew everybody else.

“I can remember when the power station that generated the power for Hepburn was situated at the back of the Springs Hotel. It is now covered in housing,” Peter recalled.

From his house Allambie to now living at Hepburn House, Peter can still enjoy his home town and the surrounding area with regular organised outings – as well as enjoying the stunning view from his private room.

And while life as a young man involved playing football for Hepburn – Peter is one of the club’s oldest still living players, and earned the nickname 'footblock’ – Peter now enjoys an innovative leisure and lifestyle program at Hepburn House, which has been specifically developed to suit his likes and dislikes.

It was 1956, the year of the Melbourne Olympics, which became the happiest of Peter’s life when, at 26, he married Ailsa and the couple went on to have six children.

And the move to Hepburn House has also been a happy decision that Peter has made.

It’s a place where, like the town he grew up in, Peter does not have to look far to find a friend.

“I needed looking after and they do a 100 per cent job. I am close to my family and friends, with good meals, good friends...people go out of their way to help with all the things I ask. Hepburn House is excellent and run well.

“I have six children and they visit me regularly, they are very good to me.”

Hepburn House is located at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford. For more information, call 5348 8100 or visit www.hepburnhouse.com.au

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Be mindful, be present and live in the moment!

Beautiful Therapeutic Massage and Complementary Therapies.

Phone: 0456 000 100 Address: Suite 1 / 12 Albert St, Daylesford Email: bookings@somamassages.com.au | Web: www.somamassages.com.au

16 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Kyle’s rant

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T MAKES me shake my head how things get so bent out of shape where the dairy farmers are getting paid less than what it costs them to produce milk. And to add insult to serious injury, they are asked to pay back their overpayment retrospectively.

And then petrol costs a buck and a bit at the bowser for something that took millions of years for the dinosaurs to die, dissolve into the earth, be refined and end up coming out of the tail pipe of your car. Yet a bottle of water that has had minimal refinement, and let’s face it, just came down in the last shower, costs twice to three times the price at the same servo.

Now things are so whacked out of shape that you can pick up a bespoke hamburger from a certain family restaurant. This is from a mob that prides itself on haste and consistency. I saw this idea on the TV and wanted to give it a go, so I went to the restaurant in question, walked up to the big touchscreen computer and started building the burger of my dreams. A young attendant walked up to me to offer assistance and it was then that the idea came over me to build the biggest most outlandish burger I could. The young fella helped me – yes, the old man plug in instructions into the machine to make my mega masterpiece.

I was feverishly consumed by consumerism and before I knew it the order was in. I had no intention of eating the burger as it was going to be so huge, I just wanted to see how big you could build a bespoke burger. (Honestly Doc…) Finally, the magnificent beast arrived. All $23.55 of it which included an upsell by the attendant to a medium diet coke and a side of fries. Now my mother told me never to eat anything bigger than your head; this was close enough so I took a photo and asked that it be packed into a takeaway bag and took off.

The burger consisted of, and I kid you not, one Angus patty, two grilled chicken breasts, three serves of onion rings, two serves of pickles, two slices of tomato, beetroot, two lettuce leafs, three slices of cheese, two rashers of bacon, three eggs (yes three), two rings of pineapple and two serves of fried onions. All nestled between two bakery buns.

It arrived home and quickly became an oozy blobby thing when it was unpacked, however once deconstructed and combined with a couple of slices of bread it fed five people so it turned out a lot of bang for your buck. And it seems quite common place, particularly in the 'burbs, all this consumerism and over indulgence. But it does make you wonder how that can go on and then the juxtaposition of the millions of starving people - all in the same world. Pause for thought.

Serving the business and private client needs of the Daylesford community with: Conveyancing Commercial Advice Family Law Dispute Resolution

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News 17

Here’s the solution for last edition’s crossword for Issue 71. Solve it?

Standing up for the Hepburn Community

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

18 Markets

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TRENTHAM PETROL & STUFF

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

Petrol, oils, swap & go gas, firewood permits, farm produce / produce store, ice, milk, soft drinks, take-away pies, coffee, confectionery, local honey etc. rusty junk, secondhand books, old wares

SUNDAY June 12

Fresh local produce including a wonderful range of meat, fruit and vegetables, cheese, wine, honey, preserves, pastries, coffee, plants, chickens and more.

Free music and entertainment, and gorgeous alpacas.

SECOND SUNDAY O F E V E RY M O N T H

Collins Place, Fraser Street, Clunes.

Enquiries: 0439 717 006 Visit us at www.clunesfarmersmarket.com.au Connect with us on facebook

www.tlnews.com.au

Markets 19

To market, to market...to buy some delicious apples

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

Daylesford Railway Market – every Sunday Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday Daylesford Farmers’ Market – first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers’ Market – first Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers’ Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Kyneton Farmers’ Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Ballan Farmers’ Market - second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers’ Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market – third Saturday (pictured left and right) Glenlyon Farmers’ Market – third Saturday Creswick Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers’ Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Buninyong Village Market – fourth Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday

The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with Trentham Makers Market

Third Saturday, 9am - 1pm

Saturday June

4 2016

20 News

Trapped

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HE Cathouse Players will bring Trap for a Lonely Man by Robert Thomas to the Kyneton Masonic Hall next month.

The cast includes Kyneton's Brian Fitches, Gail 'Murfi' McGregor, Frank Sartore, Alan Stone and Maggie Browne, joined by Alan Barrett, of Sunshine Theatre Company, and Main FM presenter, Chewton's Michael Gillies Smith. Bette Sartore is artistic director.

There will be just five performances at the Kyneton Masonic Centre with evening shows from 8pm on June 17, 18, 24 and 25 and a 2pm matinee on Sunday, June 19. The final gala show on June 25 includes a post-show supper and wine with cast and crew.

Tickets are $25/$20 concession with gala night tickets $30.

Tickets: Lynn on 0407 610 656 or www. trybooking.com/LDGU

www.tlnews.com.au

News 21

Holistic Funeral Directors

You’re invited to a FREE Information Evening!

How To Identify & Reduce Risk Learn valuable industry insights from local insurance professional Kate Fairley at this free information night hosted by Simplex Insurance Solutions.

“The Gam Namu”, by Kyneton author Kathleen V. McLennan, is the story of Misuk, who represents the amazing grandmothers of Korea.

They have endured; their families united throughout a century of unrelenting conflict and change in their lives and culture.

The ebook is available for Kindle at Amazon.com/The Gam Namu Some printed copies are available at

Venue: Holgate Brewhouse Function Room 79 High St, Woodend VIC 3442 Time: 5.30pm-7pm Date: Thursday 2nd June 2016 Includes Drink on Arrival RSVP: Kate Fairley 03 5422 3333 or email kate@simplexinsurance.com.au

Offices in Daylesford & Woodend Call 5427 3112 visit NaturalGrace.com.au

Aesop’s Attic Bookshop in High St. Kyneton.

Do you need editorial or advertising support for your community organisation, event or charity? Read on!

The Local, the Central Highlands’ best read publication, and its user-friendly online e-edition, could be just what you need!

The Local really is the region’s best read and most loved publication bringing you good news, features on people and places, and a sense of fun. We have free adverts every edition for not-for-profit community organisations which we have offered since we started in 2013. We call it “connecting the community”.

We really do believe in community and we love local stories. If you’re not local, you’re not in The Local. Ballarat news doesn’t cut it here. And we employ local people. We don't go off-shire let alone off-shore. Just sayin'.

We are always available if your organisation needs support - whatever that may be. And we won’t lock you into a contract. After all, who knows what your budget will be in March next year?

Anytime we can help, we are here. And keep those free adverts coming in. We love helping our community - and we don’t put a deadline on that!

(Oh, we also have proof readers. Always an advantage...)

Residential Building Plans Sketch Design & Planning Bushfire (BAL) Assessments Town Planning Permits Building Permits

Karyn Bianco 0425 723 183 www.2scale.com.au

22 Letters

Letters to the Editor Yes to pool, no to hub

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N THE May 16 edition of The Local (Just Sayin'...) editor Donna Kelly wrote about the rates cap and some aspects of Hepburn Shire Council spending. A survey in Victoria published on the web at knowyourcouncil. vic.gov.au found that Hepburn was the poorest of 59 councils in the entire state for both community consultation and decision making.

A major case in point is the Hepburn Hub. Council says that this will not result in an increase in rates. Well of course that is true if there is a cap on rates set by the state government. However the community will suffer in other ways. In recent years the council budget has gone up by more than inflation. Now council will have to borrow more, or reduce services, or both.

Funds for the hub are to come from various sources, including debt. Borrowing by the shire is the same as household debt - it has to be paid for down the track. In the case of local government, by ratepayers.

In promotion of the Hepburn Hub we have been told that the new council offices will result in efficiencies that will pay for the capital expenditure. This is grossly misleading. The case that has been put forward would be shot to ribbons by a board in the world of industry. Managers of companies are continually required to do more for less, without new offices.

Council claims that they have heard the voice of the community on spending $10 million on the hub. This is farcical. An internet survey which can be found at oursay. org/hepburn/hepburnhub was one important part of their “consultation”.

The strongest views that come out are that residents do not want a hub in the town hall, in fact they do not want a hub at all, as a way of spending their money.

They do want their swimming pool. Maybe Hepburn Shire cannot afford a swimming pool, but surely ratepayers would prefer to see their rates and whatever grants that may be available being spent on something they really want. The consultation that was done for the hub represents the opinions of a small section of the shire, not the ratepayers at large.

The worst aspect of the hub proposal is that it would cause parking chaos in Daylesford. The town hall site is not big enough to accommodate the facilities that the community would like to see, let alone room for future expansion. There is a perfectly good council-owned site at the Lost Children Reserve adjacent to the Mill Markets, with more than enough room for parking and expansion. Council have had a parking study done in relation to the town hall site. Please do not be deceived by that. Parking is barely adequate at present, and it will not get better even without the major impact of a Hub in the Town Hall.

So what is to be done about this? Two of the seven councillors have been strongly opposed to the hub proposal. Council elections are coming in October. Two new councillors prepared to genuinely reflect the wishes of the community at large can join with those two to rescind the decision that has been taken on the hub before more ratepayer money is wasted. So let us get started and find those councillors.

Ian Goudie, Trentham

Our career firies

Ou Jun t e6 House.Land.Home. is a new fortnightly real estate magazine for the Central Highlands.

Interested? Email: adverts@houselandhome.com.au

Queen’s Speech 2016

I

Dear All, Don’t forget to get your advertisement in The Local’s Queen’s Birthday weekend feature.

- Trish Radley, Daylesford

The villages and towns will be heaving with visitors and locals so we’ll have extra copies of The Local available.

So make sure you get the word out about your business...

HAVE to admit that I was upset by the article regarding volunteer firefighter in the latest issue of The Local (Concern at loss of volunteer roles at CFA, May 6, 2016).

I have a son that is a career fighter in the CFA and this kind of misinformed reporting is causing him and all career fighters a lot of distress.

I know that the union didn't respond by the time of publishing and I'm disappointed that you didn't hold off on publishing this article until you could present the facts.

We rely on our wonderful volunteers and it's distressing to think that they are also misinformed.

I love our Local but felt I really had to share my concerns with you.

(Editor's comment - The Local contacted the United Firefighters' Union of Australia before the article was published but did not receive a response. At press time of the May 27 edition, there has been no response.)

Letters to the Editor are always welcome as long as they are to the point.

Email news@tlnews.com.au Any letters starting with Dear Sir will be deleted.

Cheers, Liz

Booking deadline - June 1!

www.tlnews.com.au

Battle of the Bands

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IRED of playing in your garage?

Then tune up your guitar, turn up the amp and prepare your vocal chords – registrations are now open for the Macedon Ranges annual Battle of the Bands competition at Kyneton Town Hall on August 27.

The winner receives a cash prize and goes through to the regional finals to be held later this year.

Registrations close Monday, August 1.

Email mits@mrsc.vic.gov.au, call 5422 0242 or head to facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth

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Federal grants

RANTS of more than $37,000 have been approved for groups in Hepburn Shire.

Ballarat MP Catherine King made the announcement during a visit to the Creswick Men’s Friendship Shed last week.

The money comes from a $20 million Volunteer Grants Program. Funding goes to organisations including Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre ($3099) for computer equipment, travel contribution costs and to offset the cost of background screening checks on volunteers, Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre ($5000) for first aid training and reimbursement of volunteers training costs, Creswick Visitor

Information Centre ($5000) for first aid training, Smeaton Bowling Club ($4800) for leisure and sporting equipment and Musk Fire Brigade ($3245) for first aid safety.

News 23

Kyneton Town Hall

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ANAGAN: Waterways in Koorie Life and Art, opened at the Kyneton Town Hall on May 23 and is an invitation to explore Victoria’s waterways through Koorie eyes.

The exhibition features artefacts, artworks and stories by Victorian Koorie artists, and celebrates Koorie tradition and their continuing connection to caring for Victorian waterways. The exhibition will be open weekdays until July 22 from 9am to 3pm.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, May 24, at 7.30pm, theatrelovers have the chance to catch an award-winning piece of theatre in Boy Out of the Country.

A tale of land, family and belonging and set in regional Australia, Boy Out of the Country was written by playwright Felix Nobis and emerged out of the Melbourne Theatre Company Affiliate Writers Scheme.

Details: 1300 888 802 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/ buytickets

Sunday 5 June

Friday 27 May

12:45pm

The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG)

Captain America: Civil war (M)

3pm

Captain America: Civil War (M)

6pm

The Daughter (PG)

2:45pm

Eye in The Sky (M)

Tuesday 7 June

5pm

Captain America: Civil war (M)

8pm

5:45pm

Eddie the Eagle (PG)

8pm

Saturday 28 May

10am

The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG)

Eddie the Eagle (PG)

6pm

The Daughter (PG)

1:30pm

Eddie the Eagle (PG)

5:45pm

The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG)

3:45pm

Eye in The Sky (M)

6pm

Captain America: Civil war (M)

Saturday 11 June

10am

Eye in The Sky (M)

6pm

Sunday 29 May

Friday 10 June 8pm

The Daughter (PG)

3:30pm

The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG)

5:45pm

10 Cloverfield Lane (M)

Eddie the Eagle (PG)

8pm

The Daughter (PG)

5pm

Captain America: Civil War (M)

1:45pm

The Daughter (PG)

8pm

The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG)

Tuesday 31 May

Friday 3 June

Saturday 4 June 3:45pm 5:45pm 8pm

The Daughter (PG) The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG) Captain America: Civil War (M)

all movies & screening times are subject to change

www.daylesfordcinema.org.au

Sunday 12 June 3:45pm

10 Cloverfield Lane (M)

6pm

The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG)

1:45pm

10 Cloverfield Lane (M)

Monday 13 June 4pm

The Daughter (PG)

6pm

The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG)

Open Caption Selected Sessions

www.tlnews.com.au

Our singers 25

Vocal Ranges Festival success for Polly Christie Words: Anthony Sawrey | Image: Contributed

S

OMEWHERE back in the ancient past, humans realised that their voice was capable of more than just grunts and squeaks.

People found it was perfect for shaping sounds that could describe the world around them.

They also discovered one could formulate sounds that resonated pleasantly in their body that served as, not only a form of communication, but could express emotional states that transcended language.

Joy, delight, sadness, anger or frustration, in fact a whole gamut of feeling, was available through this simple act known as singing. The discovery no doubt helped these early communities bond, grow and indeed, evolve.

So today, since song is obviously as natural, indeed fundamental, to our well being as air, food and coffee, why is it so few of us spontaneously sing together?

Polly Christie, singer, musical director and choir conductor living in Malmsbury with her partner and fellow musician Andy Rigby, certainly has the answer. “I believe the emergence of television changed a lot of things.

People don’t sing like they used to because of it. They may still sing along to the radio or around the house but there used to be a lot more communal singing.

"There used to be a lot more choirs as well, church choirs, but also trade union choirs. At home people would sit around and sing together, they would have a pianola, piano or someone in the family could play an instrument. That’s certainly true with the family I came from.”

Polly grew up in a theatrical family in Brighton and was exposed to music as a natural and spontaneous expression for as long as she can remember. But if there was a catalyst that inspired her and set her life on the path of group singing then it was at 15 years of age in the mountains of Gippsland.

“My first real moment, if you like, was actually on school camp,” she recalls.

“We were bush walking in the mountains of Gippsland and we were camped in this valley and I had this sort of need to hear Amazing Grace as the mist was rolling in.

"So, I got everyone singing and said ‘you do a drone, and you sing that pattern and I’ll do a harmony’ and it was just a magical experience.”

From that time on Polly has been attracted to the transformative power of group and choral singing, it is her passion and specialty. Running singing workshops and leading choirs started almost as a hobby back in 1997 but has grown into much more.

She is a teacher, performer and has been the musical director of 14 choirs and led vocal workshops at festivals around Australia. Since moving to the area in 2007, she also founded The Pollyphonics Choir who sing a blend of global folk, spirituals, jazz and contemporary songs.

But one of her most exciting recent projects has been directing the inaugural Vocal Ranges Festival that just concluded in Kyneton.

“The feedback has been totally awesome. I have received comments from people that had the most wonderful day singing from sunrise to until nearly midnight. There were some people who had experience in community singing groups but there were others who had never sung in public in any way but were inspired to give it a go.

"The signature event certainly was the Singalong Session at The Royal George Hotel hosted by Joseph Bromley that literally included everyone and was a wonderful conclusion to a fabulous day.”

The first Vocal Ranges Festival was a great success and will ensure it will remain as an annual event using more beautiful venues in the town. But now that the work is done, Polly is off for the next three months overseas.

“I’m about to leave for South America to study playing a Latin American guitar called the cuatro then travel to the US to attend Bobby McFerrin's Circlesongs singing workshop taking place in New York State.”

It will be an enriching time for Polly before coming back to put together the second Vocal Ranges Festival for next year. Hopefully it will attract even more people keen to discover the power of their own voice through group singing.

$35 per hour Recording Mixing Mastering Two engineers

Denver, Vic

28 Nom Nom Nom

www.tlnews.com.au

Gem of a cafe offering classic dishes and ambience

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KYDANCERS, a gem of a café, is on the Midland Highway, in between Castlemaine and Harcourt. It’s part of the well-known nursery and butterfly enclosure that has been in the district for the last 25 years.

Five years ago the complex was acquired by ASQ Garden and Landscape; a local family-run business that developed the wonderful and popular eatery that now exists alongside the exotic range of plants and butterflies on view.

Julie, the horticultural manager of Skydancers Nursery, says the place attracts a constant stream of visitors even during the week; a fact to which we could certainly attest on the day we came to sample its lunch menu.

It may be the glorious array of butterflies that attracts visitors to Skydancers Nursery but it is the café that keeps them there.

It has a bustling ambience and lots of things to admire: from the selection of clothing and home wares in the gift shop, a wide range of essential oils, wines and condiments, to the many objets d’art adorning the walls and species of ornamental plants that grace each dining table.

The menu on offer features your classic breakfast dishes ranging from scrambled eggs to pancakes and a lunch selection that mixes the best of European and Asian fare, along with a comprehensive selection of local wines, beers and ciders.

For our entrees I chose the special, which today was my old favourite: Pea and Ham Soup. Amanda, my partner in thyme, decided on the Pumpkin Soup (both $12). They came with thick sourdough toast, a side dish of butter slabs and there is no other way you should enjoy such hearty and traditional dishes.

The pumpkin soup was rich and velvety with a ribbon of cream wending it’s way around the bowl while the pea and ham featured a cheery texture of fresh vegetables and specks of tasty pork. With the starters completed we now had to choose the mains.

I went for the special again, which was the Shepherd's Pot Pie ($19.50), while Amanda decided on the Thai Salad with Wagyu Beef ($18.50). The pot pie, featuring crispy flaky pastry under a creamy skein of mashed potato was made perfect by a rich sauce and delicate chunks of lamb.

It was complemented by sweet potato mash on a bed of baby spinach with steamed beans and carrots. My wine was a well-rounded sauvignon blanc ($8) from Water Wheel vineyards of Bendigo.

Meanwhile Amanda was circling the Thai beef salad, which was a slight variation on a traditional offering. Normally, thin strips of beef are used so as not to compete texture and flavour-wise with the greens.

However the Wagyu beef is so tender, it can be left chunkier and not overwhelm everything else. It was a fresh approach to a traditional dish. Amanda’s wine was a Harcourt Valley Riesling ($8) and its delicate array of flavours was a perfect addition to this sizable salad.

This was turning into a big lunch. Something we don’t usually indulge in. But in the spirit of a well-rounded food review we plunged ahead into dessert.

Skydancers is famed for its delectable array of cakes, slices, scones and muffins and, along with a fine pair of coffees that shook us from our endorphin haze, we decided to share a Spanish Orange and Almond Cake ($8). It was great value and perfect for two.

This fine treat was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful lunch. It’s a good thing we didn’t have to go off to work afterwards because the day’s menu was what siestas were invented for.

Words and images: Anthony Sawrey

Open 7 days | Breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea

Out & About 29

Love Quinoa, Love Kale

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OVE Quinoa has more than 100 delicious and healthy quinoa recipes from world-leading food and lifestyle bloggers. Quinoa is a source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, several B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary fibre and is among the least allergenic of the grains.

Meanwhile you also have to Love Kale. Packed with nutrition, kale is high in iron, vitamin k, and powerful antioxidants, keeping you healthy while tasting delicious. Love Kale is the essential recipe book you need to make sure you don't miss out on this latest health craze. With over 50 recipes ranging from smoothies to enchiladas and brownies to ice creams, and so many other delectable options to choose from, there truly is something for everyone, plus lots of variations to add even more kale recipes to your repertoire.

The Local has a copy of Love Quinoa and Love Kale to give away. For your chance to win one of the books just email news@tlnews.com.au with your name, town and phone number - and your book preference. Entries close on Sunday, June 5. Good luck!

163 Barker Street Castlemaine VIC 3450 I Phone 03 5470 5311 www.criterionhotelcastlemaine.com.au I criterionhotelcastlemaine Closed Mondays to Wednesdays

30 Music

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Gig Guide Perfect Drop, Daylesford Chris Harold & Loveland – Saturday, May 28

Farmers Arms, Creswick

Current menu and trading hours...visit:

www.theblackwoodmerchant.com 21 Martin Street, Blackwood

03 5368 6525

h a c il d

n frie dl

Mark Fisher - Friday, May 27, 6pm-8pm Arkie T Williams - Saturday, May 28, 6pm-8pm Ellerby - Sunday, May 29, 5pm-7pm Charley Phypers - Friday, June 3, 5pm-7pm Caroline Gale - Saturday, June 4, 6pm-8pm N. Ellerby - Sunday, June 5, 5-7pm

Licensed cafe - General Store - Bar - Collectables

ar e

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn Springs

merchant

we

Traditional Irish Music Session - 1st Sunday of every month from 2.30pm

blackwood

cafe.

Pig and Whistle, East Trentham

the

y

Cam Kettle - Friday, May 27 Swampfox - Saturday, May 28 Family Farm Band - Sunday, May 29 Lunar Dust - Saturday June 5

Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood Slash's one-person show - Friday, June 11, 8pm-10pm

The Grande Hotel, Hepburn Kelly Auty – Friday, May 27 Dolly Diamond - Friday, June 3 Rhinestone Cowgirl - Friday, June 10

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Experience Our Famous Heritage High Tea

Saturday Afternoon High Tea $39pp Complimentary Glass of Sparkling wine Indulge in home made scones with double cream, dainty finger sandwiches, and petit fours all deliciously presented on tiered cake stands.

Specialty tea and coffee included.

Served between 12 – 4pm.

Bookings encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.

Ph: (03) 5348 2271 77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs Email: bellinzona@grangecc.com.au

News 31

South Coast Fresh Seafood atch us at the Kyneton Farmers Market monthly

Fresh seafood available every Wednesday 9.00 – 11.00

In the carpark at the back of The Emporium 89 Piper Street Kyneton.

0402197486 Email freshseafood@live.com.au

www.belvederesocial.com.au 53482088

82b Vincent St Daylesford #bsocial3460

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r our Centre Meats fo So call into Spa s. er m ar heart w special range of Beef, sso Bucco , Diced Lamb shanks, O , or Lamb and Pork Chickens. et rm ou try one of our G cal r selection of lo Choose from ou l joy a very specia produce and en er warmer. tasty cool weath e comes from th ly selected Pork ality qu p to is d All our special an rat t Family in Balla local Beaumon n pork Australian grow the is produced on & b & aged beef ar Malmsbury Our prime lam ne l’ ra tu Na lls en Hi Daylesford. in s family farm ‘Gre ise em pr r ed on ou babs, the beef dry ag preprepared Ke llent range of ce ex an e luding the inc , es We mak ag us sa gourmet icken, Schnitzels and ar’, Malaysian ch Italian ‘Bull Bo e. famous Swiss or m d Greek lamb an

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32 News

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DAYLESFORD BOWLING CLUB Daylesford Bowling Club & Bistro Come and enjoy a meal and a quiet drink while taking in the beautiful view of Daylesford.

Club opening hours Sunday to Thursday 10am – 11pm Friday & Saturday 10am – 12 Midnight Bistro opening hours Wednesday to Sunday Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm Happy Hour & ½ Mon – Thurs 4.30pm – 6pm Happy Hour Friday 6pm – 7pm Friday Night Raffles & Members Draw Every Friday from 7pm

All welcome!

8 Camp Street, Daylesford Phone: 5348 2130 www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au

Bangladeshi dinner

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BANGLADESHI cooking class will be held at the Glenlyon Hall on Sunday, June 15 from 10am to 2pm.

Participants will learn how to cook the tasty flavours of Bangladeshi family dishes including beef kofta curry with tomatoes, cauliflower korma curry with potatoes. easy to make naan without a tandoor and plain rice.

Cost is $50 per person and includes lunch. Proceeds go towards the continuing development of the Rahela Salahuddin Welfare Center in Bangladesh.

Classes are limited to 15 people. Book with Rizwana on 5423 9272, 0438 177 583 or rizwana.karim.56@gmail.com

Magical lakes district

B swans!

RILLIANT shades of green contrast with scenic cottages and farmhouses, ancient rocks and those fences of weathered stones, the blues and greys of the lakes on the cloudy days - and the white

These are the subjects of the atmospheric photographs in the June exhibition at Margaret Chandra’s “Gallery 40 on 9 Piper St”, Kyneton.

Cards and jewellery as well as other hand crafted glass pieces will also be on display for sale.

Entrance is free. Hours are 11am to 4pm, Saturday to Monday, from June 4 until June 27. Link: www.gallery40.com.au

Bling at MADE Gallery

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LING -19th Century Bling Goldfields Jewellery - will be on display at the MADE Gallery in Ballarat from Saturday, April 16 to Monday, July 4.

The exhibition features more than 200 pieces of rare and exquisite colonial gold jewellery from the Australian goldfields 1851 to 1901, plus some key international examples. The exhibition and catalogue will reveal stories of the creators and wearers of this amazing jewellery, which often exemplifies exceptional world class craftsmanship and design.

MOTO BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS Award winning coffee roasted in Malmsbury Working hard to perfect the already super tasty Seasonal House Blend (bronze aica) barista-roaster Lachy Evans has brought it home again winning a silver medal in this years RASV - Australian international coffee awards.

Lachy’s philosophy is to inspire everyone to serve the best coffee that they can.

Why not take advantage of an award winning roaster from your own backyard?

Talk to Lachy about wholesale options for your venue - coffee@motobean.com.au 50 Clowes St Malmsbury, VIC Call us 03 5423 2327

The Perfect Drop Restaurant & Wine Bar Monday to Tuesday - 4pm until late Friday to Sunday - 12pm until late Live Music in the bar on weekends. www.theperfectdrop.com 5 Howe Street, Daylesford 5348 1100

Thurs 8am - 4pm Fri

8am - late

sat

8am - late

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8am - 4pm

closed mon - wed

motobean.com.au

Locals Night - Tuesdays $55 - 5 courses inc bubbles Happy Hours 4pm - 6pm Daily $12 Cocktails & $2 Oysters

Sunday (Funday) $3.50 Pots all day

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Wining & Dining 33

My Shout with Roy Lever

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ACH year in Melbourne and in venues across the state we see the largest festival of beer in the country - Good Beer Week.

GBW sees over 270 beer-related events all culminating in a three-day beer tasting event from some of the best brewers in the country, The Great Australasian Beer Spectacular or GABS. GABS is truly an amazing event. Held in the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, punters can sample new and rare release beers as well as some old favourites from over 110. (It was last week by the way. Sorry, but put it on your calendar for next year!)

Another festival that is making waves in the country is a growing weekend of beer in rural Victoria with Bendigo on the Hop. This is a great day out wandering around Bendigo venues and getting to sample beer and talk to the people who are responsible for it.

BOTH started three years ago and has grown to a stage where it sells out within a few days of tickets being released. This year on August 20, BOTH16 will feature 28 breweries each with a special beer for the festival.

To have such a festival is indicative of the beer uprising that’s happening now in Australia. Mainstream beer is in volume decline. Drinkers are not just walking away from the mass produced lagers that have been the “norm” for forever and a day, they are running straight into the arms of the smaller independent brewer with their wonderful hand-crafted beers.

Along with this uprising of new brewers comes a wave of beer styles that are sometimes so easy drinking you have to remind yourself that it’s beer and contains alcohol, to the ones that challenge our every sense and are so high in alcohol they could run a tractor for a whole week!

Thankfully most of the beers that are being produced are somewhere in the middle of this spectrum.

Here are a couple that are possibly on the outer edges of the inner part of the spectrum. Hmm, if that makes sense.

Anyway, enjoy!

Dainton Brewery (Kialla, Victoria) Bastard Brother, Belgium Rye IPA 8% abv RRP $24.99 per 6 x 330ml bottle This Bastard pours a golden amber colour, with a large cream head. It has a big fruit aroma of dried apricots and peaches along with rye bread and spices. This really wowed me even at this stage of the tasting. It has a big rye malt backbone but shoots across the mouth with a lovely hop bitterness which lingers long enough between mouthfuls. This is a cracking beer which I wish was a little lower in alcohol because I wanted to have another, but at 2.1 standard drinks and it was a school night, I had to pull up stumps at just the one.

Food match: pepper steak.

Young Henrys (Newtown, NSW) Real Ale, English Style Bitter 4% abv RRP $21.99 per 6 x 375ml can The Real Ale pours a reddish brown with a tight bubbled white head. It has a biscuity malt aroma with a slight hint of pine needles. It has a nice moderate mouthfeel with signs of malt and citrus finishing with the right amount of bitterness to cleanse the palate and want you coming back for more. This is clearly the easy-todrink offering from YH, being true to style and is certainly sessionable. I would love to try this one from the tap but it will certainly grace my fridge again.

Food match: classic meat pie with tomato chutney or aa sharp cheddar cheese.

To catch up on past reviews head to my blog: www.myshoutbeerreviews. wordpress.com Follow me and feel free to leave a comment.

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Conditions apply - see staff for details Offer ends 05/06/16 Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists Open every day until late 55 Vincent Street Daylesford Tel: 03 5348 3577 *Not available on already discounted wines and special items

34 Advertorial

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Family history connection to Malmsbury

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David also keeps the odd bottle of Bollinger and Mumm in the fridge for special occasions!

And while the revamped Small Holdings Cafe has only been open for a week, David, with that events backound, is already thinking about summer events, live What is unusual is that the new owner of Malmsbury’s Small Holdings Cafe has music, theme nights and Christmas parties. It's watch this space. only just found out that his great-great-grandparents lived in the village.

For winter, David has already created an atmosphere of warmth and comfort with “I found out after taking over Small Holdings a month ago, that they came here from Ireland, were married at St Mary’s in Kyneton in 1866 and worked at the bakery an open fire and candles everywhere. “It’s a really special place to come at night but still casual at the same time.” at 31 Piper Street.

In the kitchen is chef Kersley Salvara, a great family friend of David’s mother, and David, an events specialist who ran special events at the Hilton in Melbourne for someone he calls his second brother. four years before moving to the private sector, said he had known the former owners Kersley, a French-Mauritian, has been in Australia for 18 years and has worked in of Small Holdings for many years. various Melbourne veneus.

It was during one of his many visits that he mentioned he was looking for a new “Kersley is just right for Small Holdings. It’s an intimate space where the chef is venture, loved the restaurant and could see himself there “one day”. on show. Kersley has a great personality and fantastic smile - perfect for this type of It was an off-the-cuff comment but not long after he received a call saying the venue. venue was available.

And why Malmsbury?

“I talked to my partner, thought about it and then decided to go with it. I had “It is just beautiful. We came up here five or six times before I bought and about 48 hours to get my butt into gear! But I sorted out suppliers and we have had a couple of really big working bees – just stripping it all back but keeping the aesthetic every time I came up there was something new to look at, a new producer or a new winery. The sense of history also appeals to me and to find I have my great-greatand, of course, the history which people just love.”

David has also been keen to stamp his own personality on Small Holdings which grandparents' connection to the area as well…that is something special to me.” is happening with a rustic Italian-inspired menu – thanks to his father’s Italian Small Holdings Cafe is at 90 Mollison Street, Malmsbury. heritage - "with a few surprises here and there".

A blackboard specials’ menu will change every week and the day we were there Phone: 5423 2391. featured tempting items including Chicken Liver Parfait with Caramelised Onion Open: Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. and Croutons ($12), Silverbeet and Fetta Pie with a Rocket Salad ($14) and Warm Friday and Saturday from 6pm. Bookings recommended.

Kipfler and Smoked Trout Salad ($18).

“We wanted to keep prices reasonable and we have the same pricing structure for the evening as the former owners, $40 for two courses and $50 for three. We have a small wine list and have selected some amazing wines that are sure to delight.”

ITH his father a baker and his mother in catering, it would come as no surprise that David Galle would find himself in the food industry.

www.tlnews.com.au

Dining 35

Meal deals for locals...and visitors too!

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

Monday Passing Clouds, Musk - (lunch from noon) mains and sides from the grill with a glass of wine - $30 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 Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness with a glass of house wine, Furphy pot or soft drink - $20 (Vegetarian option available)

Tuesday Perfect Drop - five courses with a glass of bubbles or beer - $55 Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood - Parma Night - $15 + glass of house wine or pot Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips and a glass of house wine, Furphy pot or soft drink - $20 (Vegetarian option available)

Wednesday

Friday

Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and glass of wine - $45 Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood - Fab 5 meals specials from $18 Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn - Burger Night with vegan options - $16 Blackwood Merchant, Blackwood - House-made pizza - $16-21

Sunday Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and glass of wine - $45 Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn - Curry Night with vegan options available - $18

Happy Hours Daylesford Bowling Club has Happy Hour ‘n’ a half, from Monday to Thursday, from 4.30pm to 6pm. And Happy Hour on Friday, 6pm to 7pm.

Perfect Drop, Daylesford, also has a Happy Hour, Thursday to Monday, from 4pm to 6pm with $12 cocktails and $2 oysters.

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn has Happy Hours from Friday to Monday from 4pm to 6pm with $5 beer, wine or bubbles

Raffles

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn – Roast - $17.50 Belvedere Social, Daylesford - four shared courses with glass of wine - $50

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.

Thursday Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 The Plough, Trentham – two courses - $25, three courses - $30 Belvedere Social, Daylesford - four shared courses with glass of wine - $50

WI NE RY & CELLAR D OO R

L UNCH TH E WAY I T S H O UL D B E Rustic food honouring local producers served from the charcoal grill Overlooking the estate vineyard, just minutes from Daylesford Local’s Day Monday Mains and sides from the grill with a glass of Passing Clouds wine

$30

Wine tastings available every day, 10am-5pm Lunch available Friday-Monday, from 12pm passingclouds.com.au | office@passingclouds.com.au | 03 5348 5550 | 30 Roddas Lane, Musk, Victoria, 3461

FOLLOW US ON

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News 37

Is it a puma, or just a puma rumour?

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Rumours of big cats being spotted roaming in Gippsland and the Grampians have been around since the 1970s, with one theory that United States troops introduced them during World War II, eventually dumping their former mascots in the bush.

Yet although big cat stories have been dismissed as urban legend, Professor Henry’s research in the 1970s led to him concluding “that it was beyond reasonable His property is about 20 minutes from Daylesford but he asked to remain doubt that there was a population of big cats in the Grampians at that time". anonymous because he fears that shooters could come hunting and harm his stock.

"If we were able to dismiss any account by another explanation that didn't require But he has gone further than many who say they have seen big cats - he made a the invention of some exotic animal, we went for that every time,” he told the ABC plaster cast of what he says is a paw print. The cast puts him in conflict with a puma back in 2005. expert who told The Local the marks were made by a human hand plus claws which "At the end of that there were four eyewitness accounts that we really couldn't may have been detached from a wallaby or kangaroo. knock over.

This response drew derision from the cast-maker, who said, “I’ve seen it. I saw tail "If there are pumas in the Grampians - and we believe there's a strong case for marks as well”. that - then they would have bred up, they would He says he made a plaster of Paris cast within have then moved out into adjacent suitable habitat," half an hour of seeing the marks of a puma about he said.

12 months ago.

Professor Henry, whose background in biological “The first one I saw was on a foggy road. It science published a study in 2001 called “Pumas in stood up and I watched it for about half a minute.” the Grampians Mountains: a compelling case?”.

He says a neighbour was told by a backpacker He led a study of puma sightings in the guest that he also saw what seemed to be a black Grampians in 1975, gathering droppings and panther. plaster-casts of footprints to send to a puma expert Given the doubts thrown on the cast, could the in the US. The American wrote back saying that the marks be a hoax? “No way known,” he says. “I saw specimens were consistent in appearance with what the tail marks.” one would expect to find from a puma, but that the He says he also saw a young big cat from the evidence was inconclusive. rear.

The London Daily Telegraph reported in 2000 Many sightings have been reported around of video footage screened on national television here Drummond, he says. showing a sleek, muscular dark-skinned cat similar As for the cast, the expert, retired Professor to an American puma loping through long grass in John Henry, formerly of Deakin University, tells the Grampians. Pumas are normally tawny in colour, The Local that it is not of a big cat, big kangaroo though darker ones do occur. or wallaby. When both paws of a kangaroo or “The video, shot by Steven Temby, 31, from wallaby are side-by-side as the animal hops its Melbourne, could corroborate other evidence, such as photographs and plaster casts prints can be mistaken for a big cat. of pugmarks, which suggest that big cats may be breeding in parts of the Australian “The plaster cast is of no known animal in the Australian bush,” says Professor bush,” the paper said.

Henry. “My conclusion is that the cast was taken of a fabricated paw print where It quoted John McParland of Daylesford, who spent much of his time hunting a person’s palm was pressed into soft soil with a sideways motion followed by the rabbits with his ferrets, as saying he had an encounter with what he says was a black imprints of the two middle fingers and the little finger. Toe four is probably an "panther" - a leopard - eight years earlier imprint of the person’s thumb imprinted separately after the palm and fingers one, Mr McParland said: "I came up over a rise to view the area where I was going to two and three were pressed into the soft soil. hunt. I looked down the slope towards where the rabbits normally are and saw a great “Toes 5 and 6 are most likely imprints of other materials. They look claw-like so big black cat about a hundred yards in front of me. could be detached claws from a wallaby or kangaroo. The dimensions of the plaster "I watched it for five minutes as it went along a gully and eventually disappeared. cast fit with my assessment that the primary action in the fabrication was a human What really struck me was its tail, which was thick and sloped downwards. When I hand 17.5cm long.” saw the video film last week I said to my wife: 'That's it, that's what I saw’."

Professor Henry, who made extensive and intensive studies of claimed big cat Geoff Green, a retired professional game hunter who owned a farm not far from prints says they are similar to that of a dog, but with clear and subtle differences. The Mr McParland, was reported as finding the remains of sheep which he believed were big news is that 10 years ago a sighting was confirmed at Rocklands Reservoir near killed by one or more big cats. He also collected eye-witness accounts from farmers, Mt Bepcha in the western Grampians. Professor Henry says the sighting was made park rangers and police officers.

by Hamilton’s city engineer, David Hamilton, and a local farmer, Wally Smith. They The last word goes to Professor Henry, who said that although the remains of a too, made a plaster cast, so the sighting was recorded. Referred to a State Government puma or leopard have never been found in the wild does not necessarily mean that inquiry on the subject, it was ignored by timid public servants. they do not exist. He said: "In the US, very few people see pumas. They are highly Seven years ago a website commentator called Shane said that every day after secretive and solitary and we have huge areas of wilderness." school and on weekends he would ride his dirt bike around and through the Wombat People do make mistakes, what they may see is the rear of a black wallaby or a State Forest near Bullarto in 1988. dog. The presence of big cats, he says, is "plausible but not proven".

“This one particular day I will never forget, I can’t even sleep at night thinking about it. As I was riding my motocross bike through a track called Coopers Lane…

Words: Kevin Childs | Images: David White (inset) and contributed [when] directly in front of me appeared a long sleek black figure, dart out of the shrubs, dart alongside hugging the inside of the track, down and around the corner Front page puma courtesy of Decor Impact with showrooms at all Mill with the sun beaming down on its beautiful black coat. Then it disappeared as fast and as stealthily as it appeared.

Market venues. www.decorimpcat.com.au “I have seen most animals on my travels, this was like Satan himself. Long, like six feet, low to the ground like a snake, travelling at stealth speeds, making no noise and kicking up no dust, and black, blacker than anything wild I’ve ever seen.”

Also on this website were reports of a big black cat on the road just out of Daylesford in 2007. It was about two metres high with a long curved tail. Two people told the site about a huge black cat like a panther crossing the Blackwood-Trentham road.

TORIES of pumas and other big cats being spotted in the bush have been around for decades. Now an expert on animals says he has had five sightings of what he believes may be a puma in the last two to three years.

“I have seen most animals on my travels, this was like Satan himself. Long, like six feet, low to the ground like a snake, travelling at stealth speeds, making no noise and kicking up no dust, and black, blacker than anything wild I’ve ever seen.”

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Vintage petrol drums

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Our writers 39

Corinella entries spark long writing career

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YNETON author Kathleen McLennan has always loved writing stories. She used to try for the children’s certificates on Corinella's page in The Sun and won her first writing prize for an essay on the Royal Visit in the 1950s. After that she was “completely hooked”. Kathleen has just published The Gam Namu and chatted to Donna Kelly.

Donna: Tell us a bit about your background.

Kathleen: I was a teacher for 25 years, working mainly with children who needed help with reading, language or maths. We used the children's own experiences to make books for them that helped them restart the reading process. I changed careers and worked at Telecom Australia - now Telstra - developing school resources to help with the understanding of how telecommunications would change the way we now communicate.

Donna: What do you enjoy about writing?

Kathleen: I guess I like the “what if?" element that weaves all the possibilities together in a way that works out to a satisfactory conclusion. I love the way language changes its meaning when the sentences change their construction. I remember teaching a lesson on prepositions, and the kids wrote things like “went in the house" or "went in the door", but one child wrote “went in an old lady and went out a witch”. That's what I love about language!

Donna: What was the impetus for The Gam Namu?

Kathleen: I went to Korea with my son and Korean daughter-in-law to visit the children's maternal grandmother. We were made so welcome! They took us to a village depicting farming life over 400 years, and we slept on the floor in traditional style. I thought “what if Donna: Is there another book on the way?

I'd plated all that rice as well? And what if the war destroyed my food supply? How Kathleen: There is, but it's on hold while I'm developing a musical for next would I feed my family?”. I still think an old Korean lady whispered in my ear “lady March. I'm collaborating with Scott Cameron of Woodend who is an award-winning you don't know the half of it!” After that it was notes I made on my trip and research. composer of film scores. Through the Kyneton Theatre Company we'll be presenting Thank goodness the internet is such a great resource! a director's concert version for the communities of Trentham and Kyneton. We want the local people to offer their expertise on the way we develop the fully staged Donna: What do you hope readers gain from the book? musical.

Kathleen: When I met my beautiful daughter-in-law I knew nothing about Korea or its amazing cultural history. I couldn't even offer her a meal that contained familiar Donna: And what’s your Kyneton story? ingredients. I also assumed that a war-impoverished country was an uneducated Kathleen: I'd say I'm a free-change. I was born in Brunswick, married and moved country, but the ignorance was mine. Koreans have had writing, poetry, drama, music to East Coburg, and when our health and circumstances changed we went to Lake and art for many centuries and they value those aspects of their culture in everything Boga for 15 years. After my husband's death I wanted to be closer to my children but they do. I hope Australians who don't know Korea might find the book a way of remain independent. Kyneton met a set list of requirements for me and I settled here meeting the ordinary people, who are so courteous to ageing visitors like me! in 2008. I love it, brisk winds and all!

Donna: How long did you take to write it?

Kathleen: I'm in the habit of writing every day as a personal discipline. I also write musicals for community theatre, bush poetry and lyrics. But this book was special. I started planning it on the plane trip home. I arrived home on Melbourne Cup Day and the first draft was written by the end of November. Other books have taken much longer, nine or ten months for a first draft.

Donna: Many thanks for your time, anything else you would like to add?

Kathleen: One of the attractions of this region is its support for the arts. That feeling of support attracts creative people to the region. They don't open huge businesses, and goodness knows, they don't make a fortune out of what they do but they are incredibly important to what makes our area a desirable place to live. I see artworks and I hear musicians perform here who give better performances or present more professional creative works than many I saw when I lived in the city. They need to be valued by their communities because they often work alone and feel their work is un-noticed. They don't ask the locals to buy every piece of work. That's not viable.

But don’t overlook them. Value them! They contribute more than you see.

Donna: What would you say to other people keen to become authors?

Kathleen: Read in a variety of genres and styles, talk about it with like-minded people, and claim some time for yourself to do it. The last is the hardest. Time includes time for proof-reading and editing. If you're not good at it, pay someone who is. Getting publishers to read it is not hard. Getting accepted is. Don't let Image: David White rejection stop you if you know your work is good. You can put it online. That's what I've done. At my age I'm not a prospective long-term bread-winner for a publishing company. But I tell a good story. Know your own worth. But that implies being super critical and doing the very best you can.

40 Our gardens

www.tlnews.com.au

Build your own bug hotel

I

NTEREST in my friend’s bug hotel (Issue 70) has prompted me to revisit the story.

It’s all based on keeping your garden pest-free by encouraging such natural predators as praying mantis and spiders to take up residence on a permanent basis in a purpose-built “hotel”.

Construction is really simple as long as it provides plenty of nesting places.

I mixed pieces of “leaky hose” with bamboo lengths and drilled holes into wooden blocks for mine, which is in a rusted iron lamp frame. The twiggy bits at the top are to encourage spider webs (photo above right).

You could start with a wooden bird feeder or build your own. The main thing is to place it in a quiet spot among large shrubs and near to the plants you wish to protect.

There are several “Bug Resorts" among the trees in the Halls Gap Community Botanic Gardens and, judging by the quantity of webs in them, they were doing a brisk business.

Agave geminiflora (twin flowered agave) When David Cooper moved to Hepburn Springs over 20 years ago his mother gave him a small potted succulent for his new garden. When it inevitably outgrew its pot he planted it in a rock garden outside his front door.

Now he and partner Jo Roney have two beautiful children and a Twin Flower Century Plant (agave geminiflora) which currently stands about three metres plus tall (photo below right).

This native of Mexico forms a metre high spiky rosette with stiff, narrow leaves,.

After 10 or more years it can produce a dark bronze arching spike covered with pairs of greenish-yellow flowers. Unlike most other agaves which produce small bulblets, this species is propagated only from seed. The bad news is that when the flowers are spent, the plant goes into a seed producing and drying mode which exhausts the plant to the point of death.

The good news is that, if you cut the flower stem off at its base as soon as the flowers are almost spent, your plant can survive and produce healthy young growth from its base, to flourish for, perhaps another 20 years.

Perhaps you may have an excitingly different or equally interesting plant in your garden you’d like to share with us. If so drop us a line at The Local...

Email news@tlnews.com.au

Manage Your Habitat • • • • •

Property planning for biodiversity and sustainable living.

Garden design and planting.

Old gardens renovated.

Fruit and nut trees.

Watering systems.

Marita McGuirk B Ap Sc (Environmental Science) Masters Forest Ecosystem Science 0417 572 460

www.manageyourhabitat.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

Our gardens 41

Do you keep gardens growing? Rake up autumn leaves?

Maybe you just mow? Don't keep it a secret. Advertise on these pages from just $30.25 a week and help customers find your business.

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

A GUIDE TO

PERMANENT WATER SAVING RULES Permanent Water Saving Rules are a set of common sense rules that are applied every day of the year to ensure we use water efficiently. They are designed to allow flexibility and choice regarding your water usage, especially through the warmer months.

The key permanent water saving rules are:

USE

FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on Permanent Water Saving Rules call 1800 061 514 or visit chw.net.au

RULE Vehicles

Can be cleaned at any time with: • a hand held hose that is leak free and fitted with a trigger nozzle; or • a bucket

Gardens and lawns

You can water a residential garden or lawn using: • a hand held hose, bucket or watering can at any time; or • a watering system between the hours of 6pm-10am on any day

Hand held hose

Water using a hand held hose anytime if it: • is fitted with a trigger nozzle; and • is leak free

Fountains and water features

Water can be used in a fountain or a water feature when the fountain or water feature recirculates the water

Hard surfaces

Water can be used to clean driveways, paths, concrete, tiles and timber decking if: • cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency; or • staining to the surface has developed and then only once a season; or • due to construction or renovation, and then only using: • a high pressure water cleaning device; • or a hand held hose or bucket 01-14-SD04

42 Sport

Daylesford Field and Game

D

AYLESFORD held the shoot on Saturday, May 7 in ideal conditions.

Some good scores were carded while some had the “BLUES”. A good variety of targets were thrown but some including, Sam and Jody “who are looking for a new coach”, found the going tough.

RESULTS

AA Grade: 1st Col Johns 67/75, 2nd Geoff Zammit 64/75, 3rd W. Cammileri 61/75.

A Grade: 1st Col Batterbry 65/75, 2nd M. Cakeilli 62/75, 3rd Greg Passalaqua 61/75.

B Grade: 1st J. Fry 64/75, 2nd G. Adams 56/75, 3rd Darby Conroy 55/75.

C Grade: 1st Steve Raven 46/75, 2nd Frank Doblee 44/75, 3rd Ron Stein 44/75.

Ladies: 1st Nancy Disher 53/75.

Sub Juniors: 1st Brendan O’Brien 47/75.

VETS: 1st Wayne Nankerves 66/75, 2nd Chris Charlosso 64/75.

Super VETS: 1st Jack Johns 62/75, Ian Cooke 58/75.

The next shoot is on Saturday, June 4 with a 75-target compak. All welcome.

Thanks to canteen girls and all who set up and packed up.

Tennis Victoria’s Most Outstanding Club 2014 Kyneton & District Tennis Club thank their amazing volunteers, & community for their support.

All ages, levels, & times to suit Social family fun - New faces welcome Kids, juniors, ladies, mens & mixed Award winning Coaching No joining fee – Membership from $20 Ph.0418 142 430 Web:kynetontennis.com.au

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

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www.tlnews.com.au

Sport 43

Keeping Fit with Sam Redlich

A

COUPLE of years ago, to light the flame of fitness in the area, I decided to hand deliver 50 Vlinder Personal Training flyers along East Street, Daylesford, and a couple of streets behind.

Around the same time, Laurel Maddalon, pictured right, was in the throws of changing her life. Dissatisfied with her fitness and having done all she could on her own, she found my flyer and made the call.

Laurel is just like you and me. Struggling with her wellbeing and at times suffering from depression and anxiety, it was a courageous call she made to me that day. Her story of inspiration isn’t one of climbing Mount Everest or becoming number one ski bunny; it’s a story of change at the ground level of being – a level that we can all relate to.

I asked Laurel to describe her process of transformation through personal training over the past couple of years; “In my first contact with Samantha, I told her that I was looking for changes to occur in my life. Samantha replied, 'I love supporting change'.

This she did with not just her knowledge of fitness, but it was her sense of what was going on with me as a whole person. Her caring, kindness and support of me going through the many transitions was life-changing for me.

Her awareness of knowing when to push me, or when to support me, gave me self-confidence and trust in the process. Now I am a changed woman.

Thank you Samantha.”

What I witnessed in Laurel over the past couple of years: Laurel came to me in a state of flux. She was ready to take charge of her health and fitness, but was unsure where to start. Together we developed realistic goals, and it was with great pride that within a year I witnessed her run her first 5km fun run. From there Laurel never looked back, it was as if she had seen life anew. She continued to train with dedication, with a slip up now again - like all of us - and ran many more fun runs. Her fitness and strength increased, and she even started a dance class, which was a wonderful challenge for her. We went through ups and downs, laughed together and cried over our losses then picked up again right where we left off. It has been inspiring to watch Laurel’s progress and to see her happy, healthy and adapting to the changes that life throws at her.

Awesome work Laurel, you are an inspiration to us all!

Sam Redlich is the owner of Xistance Gym in Daylesford

Hepburn Springs Golf Club Men

Women

T

HE 13-hole competition played on April 21 was won by Neil Perrett with 28 points. Neil also got Nearest the Pin on the 11th.

The men played Stableford for the RSL Trophy on April 23. A Grade winner was Bernie Frith 42 points. Winner of B grade and the trophy was Ian Rodgers 43 points. C Grade winner was Terry Olver 40 points.

The 13-hole competition played on April 28 was again won by Neil Perrett 28 points. Neil also got NTP on the 11th again.

The men played Stableford on April 30 and winner of A grade was Jeff Pedretti 38 points. Winner of B grade was Bruce Cahoon 37 points. In the double’s KO Wayne Mobbs beat Heath Bolton 6/5. Bernie Frith beat Graeme Lucas 1 up.

The 13-hole competition played on May 5 was won by Barry Files 31 points.

NTP on the 11th was Paul Togni.

Andrew Bruno got the birdie hole on the 10th. The men played for the May monthly medal concurrent with the 1st round of the 5- hole championship on May 5. A Grade winner was Bernie Frith 69-8-61. B Grade winner was Chris Frith 76-1462. C Grade winner and the medal was John Krunic 79-23-56. Leah Yanner, Peter Fell and Neil Jobson all got the birdie hole on the 10th.

The 13-hole competition played on May 12 was won by Bernie Frith. The men played the 2nd round of the 54-hole championship on May 14. A Grade winner was Bernie Frith 70/7/63. B Grade winner was Heath Bolton 77-18-59.

R

OYAL Women’s Hospital 4BBB was held on April 27. Winners were Julie Guiney and Shirley Rodda with 51pts. Runners-up were Barb Fox and Liz Loder with 50pts. Nearest the Pin was Julie Azzopardi.

Pennant was played on May 2. Division 1 defeated Ballarat Red 3/2. Winners were Bev Smith, Andrea Holmes and Mary Davis. Division 2 were defeated by Midlands Gold 2/3.

Winners were Julie Guiney and Gaye Rodgers.

On May 9 Pennant was cancelled due to bad weather. As a result, Division 1 missed out on playing in the final by one game. Division 2 also missed out.

The first round of Doubles Knockouts was held on May 16. Bev and Jan Smith defeated Julie Azzopardi and Fiona Marshall on the 19th hole. Bilijana and Jackie Krunic defeated Vicki Horrigan and Jo Thompson also on the 19th.

In the stableford event A Grade winner and NTP was Rose Mobbs with 37pts and B Grade winner was Gaye Rodgers with 34pts.

44 Trades

www.tlnews.com.au

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

Cleaning and servicing of pools, hot tubs and jacuzzis.

Water chemistry and water balance Commercial properties

3 X3 STORAGE CONTAINERS 6 X3 STORAGE CONTAINERS SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Domestic applications

Inspection welcome by appointment

Reasonable rates All enquiries welcome Noel 0419 554 319 Declan 0438 212 107

Railway Crescent Daylesford P: 0437 482 586 F: 03 5348 1200 E: sales@chss.com.au www.chss.com.au

Consulting in Administration & Management Book-keeping Administration Payroll Temp service Supplier monthly reconciliation Qualified to manage a small team of office workers Christ Jules Services Julie Hanson 0459 619 701 julphil.hanson@gmail.com www.christjulesservices.com.au

Servicing Daylesford and Districts.

185

65

Ring John on

0427 508 840

www.tlnews.com.au

Trades 45

Business & shopfront Business & Shopfront

Digital Printing Digital printed full colour graphics

Vehicles & Transport

Hand Painted & Gold Leaf

Promotional & Event

General Signage

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OFF GRID SOLAR

Complete DIY system kits to power weekenders, sheds and homes, big and small, $2450 to $19,800 Also best prices on Batteries, Wind Turbines, Solar Pumps, even used panels available. $ave!

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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

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

We stock The Local!

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

WINTHIS $13K TRAILER PACKAGE

46 Advertorial

Industrial Ladder

O

SCAR is a 10-year-old black cocker spaniel who needs a home.

He has lived with a family of four children and a cat and with a single person. Circumstances beyond Oscar’s control necessitated these moves.

Oscar gets along with other dogs, is microchipped, vaccinated and healthy. He travels perfectly in a car. Oscar becomes quite attached to his owners and will need a couple of days to settle and the temporary carers are happy for you to give him a trial. When you arrive home Oscar will toss his toys in the air with joy. He is adorable and loving.

Call Cynthia on 5424 1834.

Microchip number #956000000349704.

Multi Line Laser Set

Compressor

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Kincrome, Macsim, Fastaid, Kingspor, Lockwood, All States Trailer Spares, Makita, Utility Diadora, Bahco, Spear & Jackson.

Promotion starts 18/4/16. Entries close 2/6/16. Drawn 14/6/16. The promoter is Hardware & Building Traders (HBT) Pty LimitedABN 13 076 075 413. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/15/04001, VIC Permit No 15/1166, ACT Permit No ACT TP15/05998, SA Licence No T15/899.Competition is available at participating HBT Member stores.

For full Terms and Conditions and a list of participating stores, please visit www.hbt.net.au

Moss Shading Solutions ‘Your complete flooring solutions’

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RING FOR QUOTATION / ADVICE 5348 4045 Studio 18 37 East Street, DAYLESFORD

www.tlnews.com.au

Ellen's Home book giveaway

Homes 47

E

LLEN DeGeneres has bought and renovated nearly a dozen homes over the past 25 years, and describes her real-estate and decorating adventures as "an education”.

She has long cared deeply about design: "I think I wanted to be an interior designer when I was 13."

In Home, DeGeneres shares her passion for home design and style. DeGeneres offers a personal look at every room in each of her homes. Included are seven of her homes past and present, from the famous "Brody House" up to her current homes, and she offers tips and advice on what each house taught her. An added bonus is a look at the homes of her friends and collaborators - some of the finest designers in the USA. They share their advice on home design and furnishings, as well as a glimpse at their awe-inspiring rooms.

The Local has one copy of Home to give away. For your chance to win, email news@tlnews.com.au with your name, town and phone number by June 5.

Teletronics Kyneton Installation of all brands of digital TVs and

Digital TV specialists antenna installation

components, including simplified instructions of operation.

New installations or existing upgrades.

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Now that you have the latest technology TV, make some space, make it safe, make it look great.

Have it professionally mounted on the wall with no cables to be seen.

Phone: 0438 823 121 teletron1@bigpond.com

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39

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OZ - TRANS

DAYLESFORD The ‘Local’ Blokes

FURNITURE REMOVALS

GENERAL FREIGHT

Melbourne & Country Victoria daily 0407 697 877

services

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

(03) 5348 6749 or 0437 747 619 PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISION OF SLUDGE PUMP-OUT LATEST SLUDGE-JUDGE TECHNOLOGY

www.sanae-svcs.com.au PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460

koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au

Table time

DAYLESFORD Table Tennis Club has been operating since 1956 and its current home base is Victoria Park. About 40 competition and social players get together on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The social players, Keenagers, are part of a statewide program for healthy living for people 50 and over. The club is keen to grow its memberships and offers a chance to"improve fitness and have fun". Call Peter Gartland on 5348 2093.

Above: Jane Wells and Russ Wilkinson enjoy a hit.

Image: Kyle Barnes