The Local Issue 92 February 27, 2017

February 27, 2017 Issue 92 ChillOut

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: ChillOut is almost here - the festival runs from March 9 to 13. And leading the charge is festival director Merryn Tinkler. So grab your gumboots and get ready to hit the Emerald Village! Full program details are in this edition of The Local. Check out our feature from page 37.

February 27, 2017 Issue 92 ChillOut

House.Land.Home.

THE real estate guide to the Central Highlands!

Now in The Local!

Image: Kyle Barnes and Dianne Caithness

Sales: Kyle Barnes sales@houselandhome.com.au 5348 7883 | 0416 104 283

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, March 13, 2017.

(Or online on Sunday, March 12 at www.tlnews.com.au)

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd

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So here goes with our loyalty prices...for six consecutive editions, or more...

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Writers: Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Donna Kelly, Jeff Glorfeld, Anthony Sawrey

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Photographers: Kyle Barnes, David White Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness Columnists: Glen Heyne (gardens), Samantha Redlich (fitness), Matthew Richardson (money)

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All adverts in The Local are full colour (it is 2017...) and we have fantastic graphic designers who can help you with adverts and branding - also at very affordable prices.

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

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Space bookings: Wednesday, March 8 Copy provided by: Thursday, March 9 Editorial deadline: Thursday, March 9

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Who's who in The Local's crew 3

A life propelled by music and mighty organs

T

HE National Anthem is booming out of a little music box. The British anthem, God Save the King.

From at least 185 years ago, it thunders away to honour Queen Victoria’s uncle, William IV, just as it did back then.

Made long ago in Switzerland, the music box is one of five owned by Daylesford’s Music Man, Damon O’Donoghue. This is but a toy when matched against the caravan-sized organ he towed for half a million kilometres across every state over 12 years: now he’s on the road again delivering The Local.

Today he sits at another full-size organ in his carpeted music room, the size of a two-car garage, rocking from side-to-side, waving his arms while operating stops and pedalling. The mighty 110-year-old Aeolian Orchestrelle, an elaborate self-playing reed organ, is in full blast, now playing favourites from the American South, such as Dixie and Old Black Joe. This organ is a twin of one bought by America’s famous author Mark Twain in 1904 and now housed in his museum in Missouri.

Damon’s enthusiasm is contagious and it’s easy to see why he made a living performing at festivals and fairs, busking legally and sometimes illegally, for all those years.

Music is in his genes: his parents toured the country, three children in tow, performing Gilbert and Sullivan operas. His father (“A lovely tenor voice”) moved here in 1956 after being with the acclaimed D’Oyly Carte light opera company that performed all over the UK from the 1870s until 1982.

The O’Donoghue family travelled Australia in an old converted ambulance (“We used to make faces at the police through the darkened windows”). He shows a photo of his vivacious mother, who still swims and cooks at 96. “She still has a voice to reckon with – she can launch ships, or sink them.”

His brother Rory was also a hit in showbiz. He was Thin Arthur in the uproarious Aunty Jack series on ABC TV. Damon’s road to the organ began at the Royal Easter Show in his hometown of Sydney in about 1967. Qantas brought out a small organ from Amsterdam. Once Damon saw it, he was hooked. “I kept that dream for 20 years.”

He began collecting gramophones until he and a partner raised $250,000 to have Australia Fair, the travelling organ, built in Belgium. With a sound equivalent to a 20-piece band, it still performs all over the country, including at Yarralumla, the residence of the Governor-General From 1999 Australia Fair and Damon were accompanied on the road by his wife Noni, before settling in Daylesford where he continued to track down organs. The one he’s seated at was bought in Brisbane and is only the second such working organ in Australia.

Putting one of his hundreds of rolls into the organ, he erupts it into sound, moving some of the 28 stops (deep bass is on the left, treble on the right), operating two knee controls, one for volume, the other emphasis.

“It’s all in the wind,” he says. As the roll scrolls through, its blue dots guide him.

Nearby is a smaller organ. “I bought one and the other went to Queensland, but its owner fell ill and I was able to buy it.”

He found a rare and valuable roll at the Sunday Railway Market.

It’s a piece called I’d Leave My Happy Home For You, by the former Harry Gumm, who not unsurprisingly changed his surname to the more aristocratic Von Tilzer after running away with a travelling circus at 14. He began composing, becoming a professional New York songwriter after selling a piece for $14 in 1898 before it went on to be bought as sheet music by two million people.

Besides such diverting pieces, Damon has classical rolls, musicals, love songs and waltzes.

Inside his home, which is called Harmony, are five elegant Swiss music boxes from the 1850s onwards, each with a distinctive sound.

Damon’s passion is such that he’s happy to help anyone with an interesting instrument in need of restoring, whether to be used by the owner or to go to a new home.

And when he’s not doing this he plans his autobiography. Its title: The Wind in the Bellows.

Words: Kevin Childs Image: Kyle Barnes

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Perfect for a meal, wine with friends.

For more information about Boathouse Daylesford, please visit our website: www.boathousedaylesford.com.au

2 Leggatt St, Daylesford 03 5348 2199

4 Our artists

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Connection with pottery from young age

S

ARAH Koschak has had a connection with pottery since she was seven years old. She recalls being at a craft fair, seeing a potter throwing pots on an old kick wheel and was mesmerised. She spoke to editor Donna Kelly.

Donna: How did you get into ceramics?

Sarah: I took lessons in my early 20s but as I was travelling and working (as a photographer), it was hard to find the space/time to devote to pottery. It’s now in my mid-40s that I decided to dive in and learn the craft. I learned from a master potter in Castlemaine for 18 months. I now have a studio and gallery space at 6a Panmure Street, Newstead.

Donna: What sort of work do you do?

Sarah: Functional tableware: bowls, cups, plates. I love that people who purchase my pottery will use it every day and it will be a part of their daily ritual: a quiet cuppa to reflect upon the day, sharing food and good times with friends or family, a vase to hold flowers and leaves.

Donna: What do you like about sitting at a pottery wheel?

Sarah: Working with the clay. I use porcelain and it is such a sensual material to work with. It’s all about repetition. I like to create multiples of the same form so I need to concentrate deeply on what I am doing. I am happy in my own company and I get into a rhythm and a groove in throwing pots: entering the clay, visualising the form, then throwing it. It is a rigorous process.

Donna: What does your work say about you?

Sarah: I love beautiful things, I love colour and form. My pots are practical, they are to be used.

Donna: What do you hope your work says to others?

Sarah: It’s a way for people to use art in their daily life. I hope to bring beauty and pleasure to the everyday.

Donna: Is it hard to be a professional potter?

Sarah: The hardest part of being a potter is the disappointment of pieces not working out - the ceramic casualties. Whether it is an issue in a kiln firing or pieces drying too quickly before I get to finish them – it’s a tricky balance, but even in the mistakes there is something to be learned. Other than that, I enjoy everything about my work. I enjoy the making, communicating with visitors, and working in my studio – it’s my happy space.

Donna: Where can we see your work?

Sarah: My studio and gallery will be open during the Castlemaine State Festival March 17 to 26. I am a part of the Newstead Open Studios and I am open every day 10am-4pm.

Donna: Finally, what’s your Newstead story?

Sarah: I have lived nearby in Strangways since 1999. I chose to have a studio in town because I wanted to feel a part of the community. I love that I have folks dropping in to have a look at my work or see how the last firing went. It is a great feeling to be a part of people’s lives in that way.

Image: Contributed

"The hardest part of being a potter is the disappointment of pieces not working out - the ceramic casualties."

- Sarah Koschak

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Pussy Hats

W

HEN about 500,000 people took part in the Women’s March on Washington to advocate for gender equality many were wearing “pussy hats” – knitted beanies with cat ears.

It was a movement initiated by the Pussyhat Project and was all about “women refusing to be erased from political discussion” co-organiser Krista Suh said.

The march was held on President Donald Trump’s first full day in office and the pussy reference was a play on his bragging about grabbing women’s genitals.

Meanwhile back in Daylesford, Trish Radley was watching and as someone who has knitted for charities and organisations for 25 years thought: “I can do that”.

Trish put a call out on Facebook and quickly the orders started piling up. At last count she had knitted 20 with eight going to New South Wales, one to Queensland and one even arriving in England last week.

“But I didn’t want to just be knitting cutesy hats for people to wear. I asked people to give me $5 for the wool and then donate whatever amount they wanted to women’s or women’s & children’s charities.

“It’s been really exciting. I think that sometimes we live in a bit of a bubble here in this amazing part of the world and we need a reminder that things aren’t like this everywhere. It’s a bit of a wake-up call.”

Trish, who is pictured above doing a fist pump with some of her pussy hat customers, and is currently knitting up a storm for the Syrian community in Victoria, is happy to knit more pussy hats but asks that people post their charity receipts online before they pick them up.

“It’s more than just getting a cute hat. It's about raising awareness."

(Yes, the photo has been photoshopped - a little!)

Image: Kyle Barnes

Redesdale Market

T

HE Redesdale Hall committee is holding the annual Bush Market at the Agnes Mudford Reserve on Sunday, March 12 from 9am to 2pm.

Entertainment will come from the Bendigo and District Concert Band with children’s entertainment including face painting, an animal farm and a jumping castle.

Several car clubs will also have their vehicles on display.

There will be a wide selection of stalls ranging from local produce including olives, honey, jams, chutneys, preserves, herbs, spices, beef jerky, cake stalls and plants, through to clothing - new, pre-loved and vintage, fishing tackle, tools, art, photography, craft items, electric warmers, children's plaster crafts, crochet, bags and baskets, glassware, crockery, nail wraps, toys, bric-a-brac, food stalls, Devonshire tea, ice-cream, donuts, great coffee and more.

Bring along a picnic rug or chair, enjoy the music and take in the local surroundings.

Outside stalls are still available for $25.

Bookings: Alwyn on 0419 513 976 or Carolyn on 5425 3194.

News 5

Cars & Coffee

T

HE Cars and Coffee organising committee will meet with Hepburn Shire Council next month to talk about using space and facilities at Daylesford’s Victoria Park once a month on Sunday from October to next April.

Spokesman Chris Murphy said Cars and Coffee began in 2015 as a not-for-profit fundraiser for local charities including Daylesford Hospital, at Lake Daylesford.

The event started with just 20 cars but quickly grew and was moved to Jubilee Lake and at the last meeting more than 500 vehicles and 2000 people were in attendance.

Mr Murphy said $10,000 was raised for the hospital “and they were most appreciative”.

“Since then obstacles have been put in the way of moving the event to a more suitable and underutilised venue, namely Victoria Park. We feel that we can overcome these objections so that all parties can be accommodated with a minimum of fuss, no extra cost to the council and no extra work for the curator of the park.

“Insurances are in place (and) all local sporting groups have an opportunity to run their own fundraising activities and are very keen to do so and every care will be taken to maintain and care for the playing surfaces of the oval.”

Mr Murphy said a bus was available to ferry people to and from the main street and the Mill Market to make it easy for those wanting to get around town while their cars are on display and give local businesses a chance to generate more turnover.

“Our target however, is to raise money for local charities and with this in mind we hope to generate $100,000 to $120,000 to be distributed to those in need.”

6 Our history

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Three lost children

H

OLLOW is Tripwire Theatre's next play and will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Daylesford's Three Lost Children.

The tragic event in 1867, where three boys went missing in the bush around Daylesford, was significant in the way it brought the fledgling community together. The story endures in the region, with memorial cairns near the boys’ homes and where they were eventually found some months later.

Their likely route has been turned into a 15km bush walk which draws many visitors to the region.

This true story forms the backdrop to a harrowing personal and political drama, written by central Victorian playwright, Megan Riedl, pictured left.

Ms Riedl has worked closely with local Daylesford history buff Yvonne Fix, pictured right, to ensure the play is historically accurate and honours the memories of the lost boys and the community of the time.

Ms Fix, who maintains a roadside memorial to the boys near their resting place in Musk, is confident that the project will increase awareness of both the 1867 event, and promote an interest in local history among residents and visitors to the region.

“Hollow gives the chance for previously unspoken prejudices to be aired and unexpressed emotions to be experienced, not from the dominant male prospective of the searchers but from those who stayed at home and waited,” Ms Fix said.

“And it gives us a chance to speculate, as many have done over the centuries, about what did happen to the children in the nine weeks they were away.”

Hollow will be performed by a cast of central Victorian actors in the iconic Daylesford Town Hall from June 30 to July 2 – opening on the same day the boys went missing 150 years ago.

Tripwire has been awarded a community grant from Hepburn Shire Council with Hocking Stuart, Daylesford Hardware & Timber, and the Farmers Arms Hotel sponsoring the event with in-kind support.

Ms Riedl said the next step of the funding strategy was crowd-funding with tax deductible donations able to be given through the Australian Government’s Australian Cultural Fund website.

Challenge yourself with our crossword! Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. Last week’s solution is on page 50.

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Our poets 7

Mollingghip Poetry Slam winning awards

T

HERE have been moments of heartbreak, and there have been moments of uproarious laughter – often not too far apart – but now, it’s a moment of pride for the Mollongghip Poetry Slam.

Now in its 11th year the event is not, as it could easily be, long and boring – it’s entertaining, it’s creative, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun.

There are judges wearing floral hats and giving insightful comments, amateurs are encouraged, there’ are children taking to the stage…and of course, there are professional poets throwing tantrums over the winners.

“No dramatic event worth its name passes without controversy,” said Mollongghip Community Hall secretary Gib Wettenhall.

“Once again, a number of poets ignored Noel Gregory’s blaring horn as he attempted to enforce the two-minute time limit on poems. Those who go on for over three minutes are automatically disqualified.”

From bush poets to the pros, it’s all about sharing yarns and, of course, gorging on the table of brought-along plates at the end of it all – it’s the spirit of the event that keeps the crowds coming back.

“Professional poets were heard to complain in the early years about the random nature of the judging – one admonished a judge for showing bias by addressing a poet as ‘My dear friend’. This would seem to miss the point.

“Mollongghip’s Poetry Slam is not about excellence, but about drawing out sparks of creativity and heartfelt performances from people who never ordinarily step out on a stage, let alone write a poem.”

The tiny Mollongghip Community Hall hosts the annual event which is now “award-winning” after picking up Community Event of the Year award at this year’s Hepburn Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards.

The whole event wasn’t an overnight success; it all started with the rejuvenation of the hall back in the mid-eighties.

“It held barn dances in the 1920s, it wasn’t being used for much more than church hall gatherings by the 80s, and now the next generation of locals is using it,” said Slam founder Mark Grant.

Mark first went to a Slam in 2004, and brought the idea back to the town – and in those intervening years, there’s been a few performances that have stayed with him.

“I was standing on the stage as the MC and this farmer came up and his poem was written with the words diagonally across the page – he probably couldn’t even write properly, but he got up and read his poem, and he’s done it a few years since.”

In the beginning, there were eight or nine poets sharing their work; now, the hall is packed to capacity every year.

With thanks to the energetic hall committee, the venue now hosts a full range of events – including annual performances by the Victorian College of the Arts, and the popular Walk and Feast.

The creative revolution in the area has extended to the old CFA shed – now called Fire Engine Red, it’s a free space available for writing and creative endeavours – it has even been used by campers on the Great Dividing Trail.

And even though original Slam founder Mark has since moved to Melbourne, he still returns to the area as much as he can.

“Like a lot of people in and around Mollongghip, once you’ve been there you can never leave.”

The next Mollingghip Poetry Slam will be held on Saturday, November 11. The first 30 people to register on the night will have the chance to read their poetry.

Words: Kate Taylor | Image: Contributed

“Like a lot of people in and around Mollongghip, once you’ve been there you can never leave.”

- Mark Grant

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8 Opinion

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Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

"

Pick me, pick me...

IT was a dark and stormy night in July. The phone went. It was Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond asking if he could come out to Glenlyon to talk about the possible purchase of The Rex Arcade.

I said it was pretty wet and wild - not that great for driving - but he insisted. He had good news.

And so Kyle and I and Aaron sat in the lounge and he ran us through the potentials involved. First of all public toilets - the need to spend a penny started the whole thing then retail, office space, a visitor information centre...but the lynchpin to the lot was the cinema. Aaron said it was imperative the cinema had a home.

Now, in my mind, and the smaller one of my husband (joke) we seem to remember thinking that it was great the cinema now had a permanent home in The Rex. No more worry about a new owner booting them out. Home safe.

Anyway, over the next few months the cinema committee seemed pretty happy and were deep in discussion about their future. They hoped for either The Rex or would be happy with the current library. They said they were having constructive meetings. President Gina Lyons said of The Rex: "We feel it's our natural home and we see the potential of colocation with the shire for extending the use of the cinema for the community".

But eight months is a long time in politics. And over the past few months all has gone a bit sour. The council now says it never intended for the cinema to remain in The Rex and the committee received their marching orders, signed by Aaron, in a "surprise" letter. They had to get out by April to allow construction to start. And there was still no future home in sight.

At last week's council meeting the council voted that they could not afford to build a third level at the front of The Rex to house the cinema and while the council encouraged further exploration into a future home there was nothing available right now.

In his report to the meeting, Aaron noted a couple of risk implications.

"If a suitable home for the Daylesford Community Cinema is not located, there is a risk of continued negative publicity and community dissent against the project, that up until now had been well supported by the community. In addition, there is a risk that a new home is not found for the Daylesford Cinema and it may not be able to continue operating."

If the second one comes true then the first is a given. People want this cinema. If council kicks the cinema out they need to find it a new and permanent home.

But this should not be down to council-speak of risk implications and engagement and compliance. This is people's lives and building communities. Find the money, find a place, find your leadership. No more just sayin'...just do it!

Hi there, my name is Jonte. I’m a wide-eyed, playful but gentle male kitten who’s just three months young. I’m looking for a forever loving home where I can flourish. I’ll reward you with lots of leg rubs and cuddles.

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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 DAYLESFORD FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WE SUPPORT CHILLOUT FREE LUNCH THURSDAYS 12-2PM ALL WELCOME

The Local believes in giving back to the community. Each edition The Local has two free advert spaces for not-for-profit organisations. Because it's right. So if your group needs a helping hand just email donna@tlnews.com.au If we receive more than two we use the tried and true method of "put them in a hat" but we also try and make sure they are timely.

SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE BEHIND DAYLESFORD TOWN HALL

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Inspiring 9

Pedal Pushers raising money for Lexi's chair

C

LARE Whitney is a regular visitor to Daylesford – but on Saturday, March 11 she will be in town for a special reason.

Clare’s four-year-old daughter Lexi was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a brain injury resulting in her physical, gross and fine motor skills being severely affected. Lexi requires assistance to do everything in her life.

To help their daughter, Clare and husband Dino are saving to buy her a specialised wheelchair and other essential equipment to help her take part in life’s activities.

“A wheelchair is so important to Lexi and our family as a whole in supporting her physically to be without pain and support all her communication devices. A wheelchair means she can keep up with her peers as she enters school next year; she currently is still in a specialised pram.”

But the cost of the wheelchair is $9000 and a modified car to transport the chair is another $57,000 – and that’s where Daylesford comes into it.

Clare’s long-time friend and philanthropist Richard Herr introduced her to Sue, who has taken over Pedal Pushers Boat Hire at Lake Daylesford. And Sue has offered to give the day’s takings from March 11 to Lexi and her family.

“Sue is offering us the gift of giving in the spirit of true community. Sue is offering to donate all proceeds from the day to Lexi, what you pay to pedal will go directly to Lexi. A great fun day on the water for all ages, by having fun you are helping Lexi get closer to participating in much-needed new equipment and wheelchair.

“I never seem to be able to articulate how grateful we are that people like Sue and Richard exist and give so effortlessly. To offer to help our family and Lexi in such a way relives so much anxiety from our life so we can focus more on being a family and letting her be a four-year-old having fun with her friends.

“The financial strain that living with a disability puts on a family is overwhelming.

Sue’s offer to contribute a whole day's taking to Lexi is kindness and empathy that makes a real change in real lives.”

Clare said Lexi would be there on the day and was hoping to get out in a pedal boat herself. “We are a very adventurous family and always give everything a go with Lexi - we just have to work out different ways to participate and think a bit more creatively. Nothing is impossible.”

There will also be a donation bucket for those who want to donate but aren’t keen on boat rides. The pedal boats operate from 10am to 5pm.

“The financial strain that living with a disability puts on a family is overwhelming.

Sue’s offer to contribute a whole day's taking to Lexi is kindness and empathy that makes a real change in real lives.”

If your property is not in the real estate section of The Local, House.Land.Home., ask your agent “Why not?”.

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10 News

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Daylesford Cinema issue 'not going away'

D

AYLESFORD Cinema will not be moved to above the library in The Rex Arcade after a Hepburn Shire Council report by chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond found it would cost $600,000 for the extra level to be built.

Councillors voted on Mr van Egmond's recommendation not to proceed with the idea at last week's council meeting. They also voted for council to continue to work with the cinema committee to find a permanent home for the volunteer-run organisation.

Committee president Gina Lyons said her preference for the cinema was to remain within the Rex but if that was not possible the current library would be "OK". Ms Lyons said she had asked a number of times why the cinema could not remain at the rear of the Rex but had been told it would create "circulation problems" and it was not feasible to have the cinema abutting office space.

Ms Lyons said she believed some council offices would be better on the top level, next to the new library where there was natural light. If the cinema was moved to the current library there would be costs involved in either dropping the floor or raising the roof, sound insulation, adding heating and cooling and moving the toilets.

Ms Lyons said she was also finding it difficult to reconcile her understanding, from the time council bought the Rex last year, that the cinema was a part of the Hepburn Hub to now being told there was never any chance it would remain.

However Ms Lyons did say with the third floor option now off the cards there seemed to be a renewed effort by council to find a permanent home for the cinema.

"There does seem to be a willingness now and I think that is because the response from the community has been so overwhelming. Council is hearing the message that this is not going away."

The Local emailed council's public relations office to ask if Mr van Egmond wanted right of reply. No reply was made by press time.

A pro-cinema street rally and march is planned for Saturday, March 18, meeting at 11am at the Daylesford Town Hall and marching to the Rex. (Opinion, page 8)

Letters to the editor

I

'M ADDRESSING this letter to Hepburn Shire CEO, Aaron van Egmond, in the hope that he will answer my questions, questions which Letters to the editor are welcome. Please keep them affect this community in both fiscal and lifestyle short and to the point. Any letters addressed Dear terms.

Sir will be deleted. Just sayin'...

At a public meeting, Mr van Egmond said he would

never have considered the council purchasing The Rex if he thought the cinema was going to stay. This is contrary to what the community believed was going to happen.

In the council’s view the Rex was purchased to house the ATTENDED the ‘drop-in session’ which was council offices, the library and a few retail outlets. held in the Rex Building on February 15 Whatever happened to the original plans for The dealing with the Hepburn Shire Council’s Plan Hub? After two sets of plans drawn at considerable 2017 – 21. Several items were on the agenda. expense to redevelop the town hall as the Hub, it appears Of key interest to myself and 30 or so others, was the that those plans have been shelved. The library, the fate of the Daylesford Cinema. The session was led by visitor information centre and the offices, plus meeting CEO Aaron van Egmond and Cr Kate Redwood was in space were to all be housed in the town hall, with the attendance as well. existing library, visitor information and council office The CEO presented the council’s plans for the buildings sold to raise funds for the Hub development.

Rex. These consist of the library, retail and council It would be far better to house the visitor offices. When asked what would happen to the cinema, information centre and the library in The Rex, have a he responded that he would not have recommended few retail outlets at the front of the building and leave purchase of the Rex Arcade if the cinema was to stay. the cinema in its present location.

To my mind, this statement indicates that the council The cinema currently pays $36,000 in rent so is not intended from the outset to move the cinema out of costing the council a cent. The location of the cinema the arcade, despite the banter “we are looking at various (also an ideal meeting venue), library and the visitor options”. information centre in The Rex would draw people into It was quite clear that people in attendance were the building making it a more viable option for retail very disappointed and angry with what they heard. outlets. It would then truly be a hub.

Many participants made very compelling and articulate If council offices need to be moved, though I can’t arguments for why the cinema needs to stay in the Rex. see why, especially after the expense of redeveloping the There is a total lack of acknowledgement from Duke St offices, then move them to the town hall. council for the unquantifiable “value” that has been Mr van Egmond, you are here to serve the added to the community at large, and visitors, since community and use our money wisely. the inception of the cinema. To move the cinema and Consider the time, effort and money spent by the reinvent the wheel, is in most folks’ books, a waste of community to develop the cinema. A true labour of love. money, and will more than likely see the demise of the Remember, you are a public servant. cinema. Please leave it where it is!

Pam Verwey, Daylesford

Hands off our cinema

I

Zdena Schwangmeier, Daylesford

Time for TREXIT

C

RITICS of Hepburn Shire’s continuing discrimination against Trentham are spot on.

My current concern is the Our Say program being touted extensively through the media and on the council website by the mayor and senior officers.

Claimed as an opportunity for residents to have their say, and to have their views incorporated in the council’s four-year plan; it is, even in this world of "alternative facts", a brazen scam.

Four years ago, seduced by the promise that council would implement the five most supported ideas, I managed to have my idea that council implement rate equity across the shire come in at No 4.

It was not solely my idea. Rate equity has been a long campaign by many residents to redress the continuing imbalance across the shire, and to implement what other councils practise naturally.

In Trentham for example we pay some of the highest rates in the state with little return from council.

Indeed it has been estimated that for identifiable capital expenditure Trentham has received less than 5 per cent for years while it has been contributing over 20 per cent of council rates. In recent years these figures have been moving significantly further apart.

Over the past four years I have had no contact from councillors or council officers to discuss my idea and I have no knowledge of any intention to implement this idea.

As a footnote, I have been recently informed that the idea which was placed second four years ago, that is to implement a biodiversity policy, has fared little better.

Clearly it is time for TREXIT: Trentham out of Hepburn.

David McCallum, Trentham

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

The Amazing Mill Markets is the perfect shopping partner to your weekend – we have an incredible array of things to see and buy at our market, just 30 seconds easy drive from the centre of Daylesford.

Inside you’ll find a cornucopia of vintage, retro and contemporary fashion for all – you could find your perfect outfit to wear to the bush dance, or even perhaps the street parade!

We also have tonnes of interesting collectibles, antiques, art, home décor, industrial chic – ideal for adorning your home space or perhaps a friend’s! Come out for a visit, grab yourself a coffee made with love (and a bit of cheek!) by our resident superstar barista and while away the day exploring our Amazing space.

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

all things estate planning. Today is part 2 of a 3 part series on jointly owned property.

Last week, we spoke about the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common. This week, we chat about the consequences from an estate planning point of view.

Joint tenants versus tenants in common - why does it matter?

If you want to leave all of your assets to your spouse or partner, then it may not matter too much (although it’s probably best to own property as joint tenants, which will save time and money for your partner when you die because the property can just be transferred to the survivor, without needing to go through your estate).

But I don’t want to leave all of my assets to my partner! You’re not alone - there are lots of reasons why you would not want your entire estate to go to your partner. For example, couples who have children from previous relationships may have pooled their resources to buy a house together, but want their contribution to the purchase price to end up with their own children, rather than their partner’s children.

I’m not sure I get how this works. Can you give me an example?

Sure. Let’s take Jim and Jane, and let’s say that Jim and Jane own their home as joint tenants. Let’s also say that Jim and Jane both have children from previous relationships. Jim has prepared a simple Will which leaves all of his assets to his children, and nothing to Jane. If Jim dies first, then all of Jim’s assets go to his children - except the property, which will go to Jane. Jane ends up with property, and Jim’s children receive any assets that were in Jim’s sole name.

However, the situation is different if Jim and Jane own the property as tenants in common. Let’s say Jim owns 50% as tenants in common, and Jane owns the other 50%. If Jim’s simple Will leaves all of his assets to his children, and nothing to Jane, then if Jim dies first, all of Jim’s assets go to his children – including his share of the home. After Jim’s death, Jane will continue to own her 50% share of the property, and Jim’s children will own the other share – so if Jim had two children, each child will own 25% of the property.

Owning property with my partner’s children? What’s wrong with that? Well, if Jim’s children want cash immediately, they’ll want to sell the property, whereas Jane might want to stay. Jane could buy out Jim’s children (if she can afford it), or she might offer to pay them rent.

They’ll need to find a way to resolve their differences, and if they can’t, the Supreme Court certainly will – but it will be a long and expensive process.

Next week – The solution – life interests and rights to reside

ESTATE PLANNING InFocus

In this column, Robertson Hyetts’ Trent McGregor will talk all things estate planning. Today is part 2 of a 3 part series on jointly owned property.

Last week, we spoke about the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common. This week, we chat about the consequences from an estate planning point of view.

Joint tenants versus tenants in common - why does it matter?

If you want to leave all of your assets to your spouse or partner, then it may not matter too much (although it’s probably best to own property as joint tenants, which will save time and money for your partner when you die because the property can just be transferred to the survivor, without needing to go through your estate).

But I don’t want to leave all of my assets to my partner! You’re not alone - there are lots of reasons why you would not want your entire estate to go to your partner. For example, couples who have children from previous relationships may have pooled their resources to buy a house together, but want their contribution to the purchase price to end up with their own children, rather than their partner’s children.

I’m not sure I get how this works. Can you give me an example?

Sure. Let’s take Jim and Jane, and let’s say that Jim and Jane own their home as joint tenants. Let’s also say that Jim and Jane both have children from previous relationships. Jim has prepared a simple Will which leaves all of his assets to his children, and nothing to Jane. If Jim dies first, then all of Jim’s assets go to his children - except the property, which will go to Jane. Jane ends up with property, and Jim’s children receive any assets that were in Jim’s sole name.

However, the situation is different if Jim and Jane own the property as tenants in common. Let’s say Jim owns 50% as tenants in common, and Please remember that purpose ofpurpose this column is to you information tohave help you have an informed Pleasethe remember that the of this column is togive give you information to help you an informed Jane owns the other 50%. If Jim’s simple Will leaves all of his assets to conversation withplanning your estate planning lawyer.

The general information that I’mthat providing may not be suitable to not be suitable to conversation with your estate lawyer.

The general information I’m providing may his children, and nothing to Jane, then if Jim dies first, alland ofI’dJim’s your particular circumstances, alwaysassets recommend that you seek legal advice before acting. your– particular circumstances, and I’d always that you seek legal advice before acting. go to his children including his share of the home.

After Jim’srecommend death, Jane will continue to own her 50% share of the property, and Jim’s children will own the other share – so if Jim had two children, each child will own 25% of the property.

Owning property with my partner’s children? What’s wrong with that? Well, if Jim’s children want cash immediately, they’ll want to sell the property, whereas Jane might want to stay. Jane could buy out Jim’s children (if she can afford it), or she might offer to pay them rent.

Robertson Hyetts estate team, They’ll need to find a way to resolve their differences, and if they can’t, the Supreme Court certainly will – but it will be a long and expensive process.

Next week – The solution – life interests and rights to reside

03 5472 1588 Hyetts estate team, Robertson

157 Barker St Castlemaine

Got a question you’d like answered? Want to find other articles and resources like this one?

Then find me on Facebook – Trent McGregor Lawyer – or email me at trent.mcgregor@robertsonhyetts.com.au.

www.tlnews.com.au

Our musos 13

Music an expression of freedom

R

ORY Cox can be found busking in Daylesford when he’s not at home enjoying his life in Lyonville. He talked to Kyle Barnes.

Kyle: When did you get into music?

Rory: Music feels like it's been with me since I've been born. As I've gotten older my passion has only gotten stronger and I can't see that changing.

Kyle: What sort of music do you enjoy?

Rory: I grew up listening to heavy metal and punk music, but as I'm getting older most genres hold some form of interest for me. In particular, I'm very inspired by the Australian garage and rock and roll scene from the 70s and 80s.

Kyle: What does your music mean to you and what do you hope it means to others?

Rory: Music is an expression of feeling. A source of inspiration and a drive for creativity. I hope music can be a realm for one to explore, express and escape with. Hopefully it generates life to everyone's unique journey.

$35 per hour Recording Mixing Mastering Two engineers

Kyle: You busk in Daylesford – what’s that like?

Rory: Busking is a joyful and mysterious experience. I started to build my skills and to generate confidence, but it's taken on a life of its own. The atmosphere that it creates is quite captivating for all walks of life. I recommend it to any budding musician who's looking to expand their horizons.

Denver, Vic

Kyle: Your children are also musical…

Rory: I think my children are musical because of the amount of music we have in our house. I think singing my children to sleep for years has developed their ear for sound. My six-year-old loves to play guitar and busk also. My two-year-old has a beautiful voice and will sing for hours. My baby is just starting to develop his voice box...

Kyle: Finally, what’s your Lyonville story?

Rory: I moved to Daylesford from Collingwood seven years ago because I was starting a family and I felt magically connected to Daylesford. Then I moved to Lyonville from Daylesford because of my expanding family and desire to be closer to nature. Lyonville has been a great place to live for developing my music. Open space and the beautiful forest have been very inspiring. From living in this region I've come to realise and appreciate the importance of a community, something that was lacking in my city life. I feel my work here is really just beginning...

25th and 26th of March 2017 from 9:30an to7:30pm Trentham, Victoria.

This weekend is about dance and culture. We will have lessons, workshops and performances held all over town hosted by passionate dance professionals from all over the world.

This is a once in a life time opportunity to not only participate in what you love but to experience something completely new.

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Come alone or bring some mates, we cater for all ages and abilities Check out our website and Facebook page for featured artists, ` session times and much more Early bird tickets still available

Com Che sess

A Dance Festival like no other 25th and 26th of March 2017 from 9:30an to7:30pm Trentham, Victoria.

This weekend is about dance and culture. We will have lessons, A Visit Dance Festival like no other workshops and performances held all over us on the World Wide Web: town hosted by 25th and 26th of March 2017 from 9:30an to7:30pm www.wombatboogie.com passionate dance professionals from all over the world.

Trentham, Victoria. & @wombat boogie This is a once in a life time opportunity to not only participate This weekend is about dance and culture. We will have lessons, in what you love but to experience something completely new. workshops and performances held all over town hosted by passionate dance professionals from all over the world.

Come alone or bring some mates, we cater for all ages and abilities This is a once in a life time opportunity to not only participate Check out our website and Facebook page for featured artists, ` in what you love but to experience something completely new. session times and much more Earlyor bird tickets still available Come alone bring some mates, we cater for all ages and abilities Check out our website and Facebook page for featured artists, ` session times and much more A Dance Festival like no other A Dance Festival like no other Early bird tickets still available 25th and 26th of March 2017 from 9:30an to7:30pm 25th and 26th of March 2017 from 9:30an to7:30pm Trentham, Victoria.

Trentham, Victoria.

Visit us on theand World Wideand Web: We This weekend is about culture. will have lessons, This weekend isdance about dance culture.

We will have lessons, www.wombatboogie.com workshops and performances held all over hosted workshops and performances held town all over townby hosted by & @wombat boogie passionate dance professionals from all from over the world. passionate dance professionals all over the world.

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www.tlnews.com.au

Autumn program

T

HE Australian Decorating and Fine Arts Society has launched its autumn program.

On March 2, at 7.30pm, Sarah Deere-Jones will musically illustrate the History of the Harp.

Sarah is a scholar, composer and performer on the pedal harp. She will showcase the evolving sound and repertoire by performing on her own antique instruments.

On March 23, at 11am, From Court to Kitsch at Castlemaine will be held in Castlemaine. People are invited to join other members on a self-drive event to the Castlemaine State Festival. It starts at the studio of Caitlyn Lehmann, who is opening her collection of etchings, caricatures and photographs featuring ballet stars of yesteryear.

The tour then continues to glass work and art LLUMINANT, an exhibition of paintings by displays in nearby open studios, then its lunch in the Christine Dobson will be opened on Saturday, Old Gaol Governor’s café, or Das Kaffeehaus or a March 11, from 2pm to 6pm at the residence BYO picnic. Booking details from Nancy Toohey at of Suzanne Brimacomb, 89 Central Springs Road, adfascenvic@gmail.com or 0419 494 822.

Daylesford.

On April 6, Sylvia Sagona will lecture on Madame de Tina Banitska, owner of The Convent Gallery, Pompadour and the Politics of Porcelain at the Kyneton will officially open the show at 3pm. The exhibition Town Hall. comprises 32 paintings and one photograph.

On April 20, Juliarna Clark presents The Songs "My medium is oil and acrylic and my painting style of the Fabulous Baker Girl. Classically trained soloist is stylized realism and more recently impressionistic and Juliarna will present a French-themed musical program abstract expressionism. I'm constantly amazed by water, at a lunch at the Macedon Wine Bar. light and colour contrasts," Ms Dobson said.

For membership or booking enquiries contact The exhibition will be open to the public from Norma Aplin on 0419 234 012 or Greg Heath on March 12 to 19 from 3pm to 6pm.

0418 561 051.

Painting exhibition

I

News 15

Castlemaine festival

T

HE Castlemaine State Festival, a 10-day multi-arts event, starts on March 17.

Heading up this artistic celebration is outgoing festival director Martin Paten.

“Art is a central part of what this town is about; the people of this place feel and live its importance. I know I will miss this, but, for now I’m focused on the event itself and the wonderful works we will be presenting this year; I’ll find time to reminisce after March.”

A hallmark of the festival has been the diversity of the arts on offer every two years.

A stark example of some of the edgier work offered by the 2017 Castlemaine Festival is this year’s focus on the cinema and art of the Philippines.

The 2017 festival has 415 artists from 18 countries and more than 100 individual performances, exhibitions, workshops and events, plus 80 local artists opening their studios.

For a range of reasons, a strong relationship has developed over recent years, between Castlemaine and Yirrkala situated in north-eastern Arnhem Land, with artists from both communities visiting one another to exchange art and culture.

This year the Castlemaine State Festival welcomes significant artists from Yirrkala, amongst them former Yothu Yindi singer and dancer Witiyana Marika and his son Yirrmal.

Dancing in the streets with Wombat Boogie

I

T’S been a long road from Canada to the Wombat Boogie for founder Todd Dales – but one that he has danced along to find happiness, rhythm, and community.

His story started five years ago in Melbourne, when Todd found himself without his business, without his wife, and with the feeling that he was being crushed under the weight of stress.

“Dance taught me that I could put everything aside, put the kids to bed at night, come downstairs and put my earphones in and dance around the lounge room, then I could be free. It was the only time in the day, with the rhythm and the music, and no time to worry about what happens tomorrow or what happened yesterday,” Todd explains.

Dancing around his kitchen not only soothed his soul, but gave him the creative head space he needed to allow the concept of a dance festival to spark.

Now, Todd’s story is a happy one. He has created the inaugural Wombat Boogie in Trentham, in partnership with Hepburn Shire Council, Frances Harkin from Harkin Property, and Multicultural Arts Victoria.

Seeing people wander about the town with single session, day, or weekend passes in hand, moving in and out of dance classes in multiple venues, with a dance party in the main street – it’s a spiritual, physical and soulful dream come true for Todd.

“There’s heart and soul in it that just attracts the most beautiful people.

There’s the Afro-Columbian, groove classes, and the Celtic classes, and the Aboriginal dance group True Culture - it's sure to be a cultural melting pot of rhythm and movement.

“Our dance teachers are coming here not to just inspire others, but to be inspired themselves, and it will be such a beautiful thing to be a part of.”

The Wombat Boogie, including camping at the footy ground, will be held in Trentham on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26.

For bookings and dance class timetables visit www.wombatboogie.com Advertorial

Happy & Healthy 17

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18 Happy & Healthy

Cyber safety

J

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with Janita Docherty

ANITA Docherty was with Victoria Police for 21 years, including in the digital/cyber world, before she decided the best way she could contribute to the safety of the community was through offering constructive help with cybercrime prevention and online safety. The Castlemaine resident handed back her badge to engage full-time with her CyberActive Services business in 2015 and, with Safer Internet Day held earlier this month, shares some advice to keep people safe online.

THE progress of new technology, new social media site features and internet connected devices and things, has the cyber world moving at the speed of light.

Nevertheless, just as real world dangers can impact on people, similar issues arise online, due to the world of cybercrime.

Cybercrime is currently the world’s fastest growing criminal activity. The awareness of this issue is important to help protect and prevent users from becoming victims of online incidents.

Here are some tips to help prevent cybercriminals and cybercreeps from meddling in your online world.

Privacy Ensure you know how to manage your social media accounts and find the privacy that suits you. Not everyone views privacy the same way. Some are comfortable with a semi-private account, giving away snippets of information for public view, while others want everything locked down. View the Stay Safe Online site to find privacy settings for the most popular devices and online services.

Security Most reputable sites today have some form of Two Factor Authentication (known as 2FA) to help ensure accounts have an added layer of security. Yet many people fail to activate this feature as they believe it cumbersome to manage. This safeguard to protect your accounts should not be overlooked, and may save you the anguish of an account being breached or compromised.

Prevention of hacks Hacks on systems occur often. In fact, according to cyber security company Symantec there were over one million web attacks against people each day in 2015.

Believing you are not going to be caught up in a computer attack is a naïve mindset.

Cyber thieves are looking to use your data and information found online to further their criminal activity. It may be to gain access to your banking details, to locate and target other people, your work systems or simply to profile you or your family for a phishing scam. If you are online, you are at risk.

Simple steps to avoid hacks Ensure you keep personal information to yourself and not posted on social media sites regardless of your privacy settings. It can still be copied and shared at any time.

Keep anti-virus software updated and this includes for Macs, they are not immune to hacks. Change your passwords often. I have a rule – change your clock, change your smoke detector battery, change your password. Change passwords whenever you believe your account may be compromised and if you find it too difficult to remember all passwords, take a look into a password manager.

Settings If you are on a social media site, gaming app, or creating an account on a website – ensure these things: Are there privacy and security settings? Is there a block/report feature? Can you delete the account? Is there a contact for further help? If these features do not exist then do not use it. In my opinion the site creators do not have your best interests in mind and are not looking to keep you safe.

Keeping updated Safety online is paramount to protect not only devices and online accounts, but people from maltreatment and abuse. So please ensure you keep updated with cybersafety information, including how to report and manage online incidents and offensive content.

Keeping updated can be done by signing up to newsletters, or following Facebook pages of those in the industry who share credible, current and correct information. I mention this as there are people who do like to share incorrect or old material which can be misconstrued and often leads to confusion.

If ever in doubt on what you read online, venture to the website to view a statement from the company, or the easiest option is to Google the topic information to ensure it is not a hoax.

With over seven years’ international experience on the frontline in prevention of cybercrimes, my role is to support you and your family to be safer online. If you would like to join me online, you can follow my CyberActive Services posts on Facebook or read more about my credentials on the CyberActive Services website.

Have a happy and safe online journey. Janita

In an EMERGENCY always call

000

WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRACTITIONERS Fresh new faces have recently joined the vibrant medical team at Springs Medical Centre.

GP Registrars

Dr Rashi Anand

Dr Fortunato Mazzei

Dr Haylee Ware

Deakin University Medical Students

Sara Dohrmann

Visit our website

Damion Drapac

www.springsmedical.com.au

DAYLESFORD

TRENTHAM

10 Hospital St Daylesford

22 Victoria St Trentham

(03) 5348 2227

(03) 5424 1602

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The Rant

Opinion 19

by Kyle Barnes

M

AN, I am mad and when I say mad I am not talking about the straightjacket type madness, in a padded cell rocking in the corner.

Although with the two deadlines we just had, The Little Local and this juggernaut ChillOut edition, I fear by the time you are reading this I might be blowing bubbles quietly reciting the alphabet with a mysterious tick to my left eye.

Anyway, the type of mad I am is angry. I am pissed off. Now many of you know about our fight with Telstra – so stop reading here and skip to the end where they add bloody insult to injury. Or read on, let me recap the story so far, and this will be the last thing I ever espouse about impending blight on the beautiful avenue of Glenlyon.

So, Telstra wades into a community promising a phone tower and holds a “community consultation”. Then the councillors of the day turned their backs on any voices that were not whistling along to the same hymn as the corporation. The community of Glenlyon was split into three camps. The fors, the againsts, and those who wait on the sidelines to see what their mates are doing.

Now all we wanted was a bit of intelligence - throw the pole up a hill but no, Telstra dug in and decided that the low-lying site was the most “cost-effective” not the hill where it would mean the most communication for the most people.

Now, I don’t boast of being Business Person of the Year, but my intelligence side of the brain tells me if you hook more people up to a phone tower you raise more revenue. So, if it costs 200K to put it in a “cost-effective" site, chuck another 300K to whack it up the hill. An average mobile phone bill is say, $50 per device per month if you have effective service. It wouldn’t be long before you have recouped your costs – in the words of the meerkat that parades around on TV with just a waistcoat on – simples.

Anyway, those of us against the project took our views to VCAT, where we sat down firstly for mediation with no result. Then a court date was reached. We tried to get the thing sorted by the fire season but Telstra said they couldn’t get a “key witness” before then, so the date was set for February 9. Oh, it's almost autumn and no tower.

I do find it strange that we had to wait for a key witness, he or she must have been important or did Telstra know that a state law was being pushed through? Who knows, however in December we were told of a new law that no decisions about blackspot-funded towers could be challenged. Talk about a kick in your civil rights.

Fast forward to now. Even though VCAT is not hearing the matter, they have refused to give us back our $1200 or so that we and the neighbours dropped on the case. Not to mention the $35 per hour car-parking arrangement for three hours of mediation and the money and time we have spent, getting a case together.

We have written to VCAT to no avail, and our local state member of parliament responded to our query for help with deafening silence.

So much for the right of appeal.

Rant over…

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Water, water everywhere – and ready to drink

T

HE water diviner does it by plane in the Outback, by vehicle or on foot elsewhere across the country and in places such as California, Mexico, Turkey and the Philippines. In the grounds of a former church turned social venue at Scrub Hill, between Dean and Newlyn, he helped brown grass turn green by locating two water sources.

Now Erick Van Ingen is building a drill to get water, based on a 4000-year-old Chinese system. “It’s like a giant crowbar,� he says. “Four metres high and weighing 300 kilograms. A machine lifts it and drops it.� A 15cm blade makes a 20cm hole straight down.

This is just part of Erick’s remarkable story as a Dutch boy whose family moved to France and who, after watching with his brother a water diviner on the US television series Bonanza, decided to try it. “I was only eight years old and my brother a year younger. We found a long stick but nothing happened. A neighbour asked us, 'Are you fishing for worms?’. When we told him what we were trying to do he said to get a forked stick and soon it was going up and down. “The distance between where it starts pulling forward and where it is pulling strongest is the depth to water.�

For some years he didn’t do much with this ability, which he says he shares with seven out of 10 people. Arriving in Australia in 1974 he became a tobacco picker in the Ovens Valley in north-east Victoria, then grew tobacco as a sharefarmer. By about 1977 he had a small property at Moyhu, not far from Wangaratta.

When he told locals of his plans for a nursery they replied, “There’s no water.� “I dug a well,� he says,� and then they got me to find water on some of their properties.�

The pace of his water-finding picked up during the ’82 drought.

Came a breakthrough, again through TV, when he faced a sceptic and about eight competitors on a current affairs show, Today Tonight, in 2002. “I was the only one who got 100 per cent.�

Calls started coming and some eight years ago he became what he believes is Australia’s only full-time water sourcer. He’s tracked it down on vast properties 230ks north of Hay in NSW, in the cotton fields of Nambour and for a golf course on a Philippines resort. “I can pick it from two and a half kilometres away,� says Erick. “It’s magnetic, similar to a radio wave, related to a form of X-ray wave.�

The force is transmitted by a wave he likens to producing a TV picture and demonstrates the magnetic force by turning on his mobile phone in one hand. The rod in his other hand turns towards the phone.

He explains how the movement of the earth’s tectonic plates produces cracks that allow water to flow.

If water eludes he may spend on research. “I do no more than two jobs a day for five days. After three months I need a break. If you do too much you are a write-off for a couple of weeks.�

Coming up to age 65 he doesn’t intend slowing down, but will share his knowledge with a class in France in August. There, his brother Henry has a large-scale water-boring business, sinking on average one a day year-round, with five drilling crews and 18 staff.

As for cost, Erick charges $350 a day for stock and domestic water and $650 for a day-long hunt for irrigation water. Considering the size of water bills that doesn’t seem too bad, especially as Erick says no fresh water found, no charge.

ART-FULL CONVERSATIONS IN PUBS Jill Rivers presents

Arts and Culture Unplugged Sharing the secrets of Movers, Shakers & Creators of Arts & Culture

Robert Sessions Former Publishing Director Penguin Books Australia Readers, writers and thinkers are invited to Join this highly respected Guru of Books & Writing in Conversation with Jill Rivers

SUNDAY 26th MARCH 201%

Words: Kevin Childs | Images: Contributed COSTS Early Bird before March 10: $30 incl. glass of wine/tea/coffee Normal price online: $35, $40 at door

Casa Allegra 10 High Street Trentham

BOOKINGS www.ticketebo.com.au/conversationsinpubs

ENQUIRIES jill@fcconversations.com - 03 5417 5228

Doors open 3.30 pm Conversation: 3.45 pm – 5 pm

Your real estate guide

HEPBURN SPRINGS 5 Mineral Springs Crescent

HEPBURN SPA LUXURY VILLAS Featured as “The place to stay in Victoria & Spa Country” by The Age, Good Weekend - 52 Weekends Away. These premier villas are architect-designed using sustainable building principles for the holiday let market. Each villa offers two private bedrooms en-suited with a two person Hydro Spa. The well-appointed kitchens integrate seamlessly into the sophisticated living spaces. Stainless steel European appliances, natural stone bench tops and an open plan layout make cooking and entertaining enjoyable. Upstairs high cathedral ceilings create a generous light-filled space, the floor to ceiling windows provide an uninhibited view over the treetops and there is access to an outdoor terrace that allows you to soak up the sights and sounds of the bush. The private bedrooms offer timber-louvred windows allowing you to take in the serene bush and garden views.

Ideally located in Hepburn Springs, with the multi-award winning Peppers Springs Retreat, Hepburn Spa complex and Mineral Springs Reserve all within a 5-min stroll while being only a five-minute drive to Daylesford and all that it has to offer. Using eco-friendly building methods, each villa offers upper level indoor outdoor open plan living area, with large windows and deck overlooking the tree tops.

Suit the investor, occupier or use as a weekend getaway and inspection of this property is a must.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

4

4

PRIVATE SALE ESR

$1,200,000

CONTACT: Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152

4

SHEPHERDS FLAT 950 Basalt Road

KAROO CREST RETREAT An enviable oasis, just near the Lavandula and Cricket Willow, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath house blends attributes and amenities to create an exclusive country property on 1.5 Acres (approx.) bordering the Hepburn Regional Park.

Designed to contain thermal mass and store water for the property (there’s lots of water - up to 160,000 litres) a state-of-the-art concrete water tank runs seamlessly through the walls of the 2 bedrooms and master bath, integrating form and function (you have to see it to believe it!).

Concrete flooring, stone columns and high ceilings combine in an attentive and deliberate floor plan, harmoniously joining the living room with floor to ceiling windows to frame the outdoor scenery, gourmet chef's Zen kitchen with stainless steel appliances and rangehood and alfresco retreat area.

Glass doors connect the airy, living room with the alfresco retreat area and a superior wood fireplace heats the main area.

This regal design elevates everyday life to something extraordinary and peaceful. Perfect for a residence or holiday rental.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

2

2

PRIVATE SALE ESR

$845,000

CONTACT: Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152

4

HEPBURN SPRINGS 14B Golf Links Rd

LUXURY RESIDENCE WITH PRIVATE VILLA Perched privately on 1460m2, this unique home combines the best of modern and country life. The property backs up onto over 16 acres of conservation bushland. Custom designed to fit a contemporary lifestyle but set in a country haven only minutes from Hepburn Springs this entertainer’s modern residence, with views from every room, welcomes you with a private driveway. It features an open plan living room and a formal dining room. The chef’s kitchen boasts granite countertops and island bench plus large butler’s pantry, modern central bathroom and double car garage with separate laundry and store room. Upstairs, the master suite opens out to its own private terrace and its luxurious bathroom with spa-tub and large shower, WIR and study/office space. Two bedrooms flank the first floor. Downstairs is the perfect indoor/outdoor entertaining level connected to the alfresco entertaining area and windows galore.

The home features reverse-cycle heating and cooling, a wood-heater in the open living space and upstairs in the master bedroom, a five-star energy rating with solar boosted hot water. The property with two residences lends itself as an ideal home or weekender on the lucrative holiday market.

Magically separated with a fish pond and fernery is a private, one-bedroom villa, Midnight At Hepburn. It boasts an enormous aquarium that buffers the bedroom and luxurious spa bath. Its modern lines are welcoming and the views are fantastic. It has constant occupancy on the holiday market.

Inspections are by private appointment and subject to availability.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

4

3

PRIVATE SALE ESR

$1,150,000

CONTACT: Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152

4

DAYLESFORD 8 Malmsbury Road DOUBLE STOREY BLUESTONE COTTAGE This superb private property is perfectly located at the entrance to Daylesford, just a short stroll to the Farmers Arms, restaurants, cafes and stores. Views to Wombat Park estate. Mature landscaped gardens with outdoor entertainment space and chicken coop.

The house offers four large bedrooms, two bathrooms, stone fireplace and country charm by the bucket load.

Currently a private residence but would be suitable for the holiday let market or rental investment.

• • • • • •

DLUG plus off street parking.

Country kitchen with gas cooking & dishwasher.

Sheltered rear verandah leading to the secluded entertainment area.

Separate workshop/studio/storage shed.

All services connected.

Short walk to Farmers Arms, Cliffys, cafes and stores.

Inspections are recommended and are offered by private appointment only.

4

PRIVATE SALE ESR

2

2

$595,000

CONTACT: 0408 358 772

Rae Corris

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328 DAYLESFORD 1 Elsbeth Court VERSATILE LIVING ON HALF ACRE IN CENTRAL DAYLEFORD Set on a rare half acre allotment in a quiet area of central Daylesford this versatile 3 – 4BR residence offers 2 separate homes linked by a central hallway and features long uninterrupted northern views over Doctors Gully to the distant Mt Tarrangower. Potential uses: extended family home, 2 holiday apartments, residence + holiday/rental accommodation or home business.

• • • • • •

Half acre allotment with creek gully. (subdivision potential STCA).

East wing comprises large living/dining, kitchen, private deck, 2-3 BRs, 1 bathroom.

West wing is a semi self-contained apartment with open plan living, kitchenette, BR & ensuite bathroom.

Ducted heating plus separate gas heating in both living areas.

2 street entry – Elsbeth Court & Hospital Street with drive through driveway.

Established gardens with roses, shrubs, fruit trees and vegetable beds.

3-4

PRIVATE SALE ESR

2

5

$725,000

CONTACT: Rae Corris

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

0408 358 772

MOUNT FRANKLIN 80 Sawpit Gully Road 50 ACRES WITH SPECTACULAR EASTERN VIEWS This wonderful rural property with spectacular views to the east offers a diverse undulating landscape of native bushland and cleared areas. Located in a quiet and unspoiled natural environment just a few minutes’ drive north of Daylesford. A beautiful site (subject to Council approval) for a contemporary country home designed to take advantage of the views - ideal as artist’s retreat or private weekender.

• • • •

5-7 mins north of Daylesford at Mt Franklin, 20 minutes to V-line services at Castlemaine.

Secluded rural allotment of approx 50 acres (20.14 hectares).

Eastern views over bushland to Porcupine Ridge farming area.

Undulating landscape with dam.

PRIVATE SALE ESR

$395,000 - $415,000

CONTACT: 0438 118 903

Rae Corris

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328 HEPBURN 11 Fifteenth

SOLID FAMILY HOME

SO

LD

CONTACT: Tom Shaw Michael DeVincentis

0438 118 903 0417 142 152

Inspections are by private appointment only and highly recommended.

• 3 Bedrooms with BIR, Main Bedroom with ensuite and WIR. • 2 living/family rooms with bay windows for natural light.

• Main Bathroom has bath, shower and separate WC. • Kitchen offers natural gas cooking, dishwasher and pantry.

• Central heating throughout.

• Full Laundry.

• Double carport with garden water tank.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

EGANSTOWN 3860 Midland Hwy

SO

0438 118 903 0417 142 152

Inspections are by private appointment only and highly recommended.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SO

LD

1

CONTACT: Rae Corris

1

Executive Luxury Residence 6 Mins to Daylesford Located in Eganstown, this modern and stylish, elevated home offers expansive views over the Wombat State Forrest and beyond. Built for entertaining the floorplan boasts generous room sizes, open plan and well-appointed kitchen/ dining/living, sunken lounge with atrium room, 2 living areas and outdoor entertaining. This well-presented family home has four bedrooms, with the large master upstairs featuring WIR, ensuite with double shower, the other bedrooms all have BIRs. The fifth bedroom is a fully self-contained studio with bathroom attached to the worshop/DLUG. The north facing decking at the front of the house is perfect for outdoor entertaining and the rear sheltered courtyard has a pizza oven and open fire. Outside the gardens are fully landscaped, with an olive tree lined driveway and established Australian natives.

• 1.64 Acres Approx.

• Split system heating & cooling, open wood fire and Ned Kelly.

• 3 x Large Tanks / Septic System / Mains Power.

• Close to school bus stop, on the doorstep of Wombat State Forest.

THE ACORN Read the guest reviews of this property and everything they say about The Acorn is true… it is quite simply an enchanting property. Nestled amidst an established private garden corner allotment with uninterrupted views to Mount Franklin and Wombat State Forest, the residence has been designed to provide a light-filled open plan interior that combines the living area, bedroom and kitchen-diner. While the property has a long history as an exclusive romantic holiday retreat for couples and is being offered fully furnished, it will also appeal to those seeking a unique personal studio-style residence or weekend hideaway.

• Open plan living with 2-person spa, double sided fireplace that screens the bedroom.

• Kitchen-meals area with banquette seating.

• Bathroom has a shuttered privacy window. to the spa area.

• Separate study/library.

• Split system heating/cooling.

• Carport, securely fenced, very private surrounds in a quiet area of Daylesford.

• An easy walk to town centre, The Sunday Market, The Convent Gallery and some of the best restaurants Daylesford has on offer.

• Corner allotment land area approx 674 sq.m.

1

0408 358 772

Inspections by advance notice only.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

LD

CONTACT: Tom Shaw Michael DeVincentis

DAYLESFORD 52 Jamieson Street

This tidy and well-presented three bedroom, two bathroom home offers easy open plan living with a low maintenance and fully fenced yard in a great location. A short walk to Hepburn primary school, kindergarten and local bush surrounds.

Elevated ceilings are a feature flowing throughout the kitchen/dining and family areas. An easterly facing deck joining into the dining area providing a sheltered and relaxed entertaining area.

PORCUPINE RIDGE 54 Woolnoughs Rd SET HIGH ON THE RIDGE

SO

LD

If you have been looking for that lifestyle property then this is it. Only 5-6 mins from Daylesford you arrive at this 4 acre, lightly treed block in a very tightly held locality.

Meander up the sweeping drive and the top of the ridge you arrive at the 4 bedroom, mudbrick country getaway. Great as a weekender, country bolthole or family home with open living/meals area, enclosed breezeway or second living area, central bathroom and separate laundry.

CONTACT: Tom Shaw Michael DeVincentis

0438 118 903 0417 142 152

Inspections are by private appointment only and highly recommended.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

Enjoy the secluded views from the front veranda and observe the wildlife in action.

Features include:• 4 bedrooms & 2 Living areas.

• Double carport.

• Central Landry & Bathroom.

• Ample tank water and grid connected power.

• Reverse cycle heating/cooling and wood heater.

$795,000 - $825,000

$735,000

HEPBURN SPRINGS 8 Mineral Springs Crescent SPA COUNTRY RETREAT WITH VIEWS OF DOCTORS GULLY This immaculately presented property is located in the heart of Hepburn Springs. An easy stroll to the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, and all that Hepburn has to offer. This delightful property is currently very successful in the holiday let market but would also be ideal for a stylish permanent home, luxurious weekender or use one villa and let the other.

The property consists of two self-contained retreats joined by a light and bright conservatory. The front of the property offers two generous bedrooms, spa bath, open plan living with a kitchenette, split system heating/ cooling and an open log fire with views over the mineral springs reserve. Passing through the conservatory, the privately appointed villa to the rear boasts a well-appointed kitchen fit for any Masterchef, with a walk in pantry, gas cooking and the highest quality fixtures and fittings. Open plan kitchen/living/dining with a gas log fire and split system heating/cooling.

The upper level consists of a large bedroom and sitting space with an ensuite bathroom with spa bath, WIR, store room and decking with views over Doctors Gully. Other features include plenty of on-site parking for guests, garden shed, full laundry and double glazing throughout.

Inspections are subject to availability and by private appointment only.

3

2

PRIVATE SALE ESR CONTACT:

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

2

$899,000

Tom Shaw 0438 118 903

BULLARTO 128 South Bullarto Road LIVE, WORK AND PRAY Prepare to be impressed by this truly unique property located just 10 minutes from Trentham, and close to Daylesford. Comprising a renovated brick church (former Uniting Church built 1953) with adjacent brand new double storey residence on approximately half an acre of land with adjoining Crown land reserve.

This exceptional property provides the lifestyle opportunity you’ve been praying for - a beautifully detailed brand new home and separate creative space that could suit as an art or music studio, private gallery, performance or event space.

•

Brick church hall with vestry, timber floors, high coved ceiling, beautiful timber beams, power connected - church furniture included.

•

Brand new double storey residence, beautifully aligned behind the church. Downstairs: huge open plan living area, 2 bedrooms, bathroom with bath/ separate shower, stylish kitchen, large laundry.

Upstairs: master bedroom retreat with sitting area and ensuite. Wood heater plus split systems, gleaming polished timber floors and quality tiling throughout, verandahs on 3 sides.

•

Land area approx half an acre adjoining Crown land reserve.

3

2

1

PRIVATE SALE $575,000 CONTACT:

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

Rae Corris 0408 358 772

If your property is not in the real estate section of The Local, House.Land.Home., ask your agent “Why not?”.

(03) 5348 7883

147 Harpers Lane Kyneton This property is a unique, modern creation by Joh Architects.

Enjoy glorious natural light throughout with large North facing windows overlooking the private rear lawns. ‘Hunters Run’ is an inspiring four bedroom home, set on an acre, offering a wonderful lifestyle just minutes from town. rtedgar.com.au FOR SALE VIEW Private Appointment | PRICE $1,275,000 - $1,375,000

Rick Lander 0408 571 485

This is Jane.

Jane is getting her hair done.

Jane is here for a wedding.

Jane is reading The Local.

Jane is thinking about a tree-change.

If your home isn’t in House.Land.Home. in The Local – ask your real estate agent “why not?”.

5348 7883

Feeling Hungry? Eat,Drink & Be Local

FRANCES HARKIN from HARKIN PROPERTY Frances Harkin, owner of Harkin Property in Trentham, grew up in Beaufort and went to school in Ballarat.

Frances comes from a large gregarious Irish Catholic family and has been living in the area for 45 years. She spoke to Donna Kelly.

Donna: You were/are a silversmith – how did you get into that?

Frances: A friend introduced me to it whilst travelling around Australia when I was in my twenties. I then established three galleries, the last one being The Little Gallery in Trentham. I like to support local artists and often buy local art as gifts for purchasers and vendors on the completion of a successful sale.

Donna: Are you still creating?

Frances: Once a silversmith, when I get time (not much these days) I still love to do a bit of hammering in the studio. Forging an organic leaf form in silver and copper is extremely fulfilling. My art tends to reflect the rural landscape I’m surrounded by. Helping people move and prepare for sale can be extremely stressful, so having a creative outlet is very rewarding and helps me unwind and find a balance in my life.

Advertorial

Donna: Why did you decide to get into real estate?

Frances: I love helping to build communities. I’m attracted to the relationships you can foster, especially in a great place like Trentham.

I also want to prove the old stereotypes of real estate agents are wrong. It’s a highly ethical business and can be a sometimes long-haul human relations exercise more than anything. I completed various courses including a full Real Estate Agents Licence at the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, and I just went right into it and haven’t looked back.

I took over Fitzgerald Property just over 12 months ago with the name change being Harkin, that’s me! Our business gets really involved in supporting many local community groups.

Donna: What do you think are the most important things a vendor can do in relation to selling their home?

Frances: A vendor would do well to find an agent who is honest, real and connects well with people. To get your house ready for sale pay attention to the small details, simplify. Clear out clutter and throw out anything that is broken or no longer needed. Consider storing old or bulky furniture. Wash windows and straighten contents in your closet; basically, make your home as presentable as possible.

Donna: Trentham has seen some great sales lately – is it an area that is taking off?

Frances: Trentham, and the surrounding area, is definitely taking off, the market is very strong, it’s on par with Daylesford prices now.

It has that country feel about it and a fantastic community of people.

It definitely holds its own. Young couples, families and tree changers all seem to want what we have to offer - a less stressful, healthy, community-based lifestyle. A lot of people, including locals, are looking at investing in Trentham as it has a strong rental market. I say to potential purchasers, “Yes it’s cold on the outside but warm on the inside.” I love this town.

Donna: Finally, what is your own Trentham story?

Frances: I fell in love with the town and bought an historic 1800s cottage five years ago. I think Trentham chose me and this job chose me. And I’m not complaining! I’m just very grateful to be in this position, I’m quite determined to give it my best and help everyone that comes to our office. Agency work is about decisions and timing. Everything has its time and place.

This is Tom. Tom is having a beer.

Tom is waiting for Jane.

Tom doesn’t particularly like weddings.

Tom is reading The Local.

Tom is thinking about a tree-change.

If your home isn’t in House.Land.Home. in The Local – ask your real estate agent “why not?”.

5348 7883

Harkin Property - Dedicated to providing the highest quality of service Harkin Property is centrally located in the quaint township of Trentham nestled at the top of the Great Dividing Range, up the hills and dales from Ballan and Bacchus Marsh and midway between Woodend and Daylesford. Perfectly positioned between the Macedon Ranges and the Spa Country, at the edge of the Wombat State Forest where we find the community of Blackwood. Within this golden triangle you could find the perfect place to settle with bushwalking, gourmet delights, wines or just to escape the hustle and bustle of city lifestyle.

Harkin Property provides a local comprehensive real estate service consisting of; property consulting, sales, leasing and management, through our well-educated and passionate team, who not only live within and love this triangle, but combined have many years of experience in buying, selling, renovating & investments. Working with you and your needs to achieve your results!

45 High Street, Trentham VIC 3458

P 03 54241866 | F 03 5424 1717 www.harkinproperty.com.au

FRANCES HARKIN 0425 766 799

The Haberdasheryp Natural cloth, Sewing notions, Tailor services, Vintage & new haberdashery, European bed linen, Cashmere, Wool, Handmade treasures

Open 6 days 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesdays) 6 Howe Street Daylesford Victoria 3460 hello@thehaberdashery.com.au www.thehaberdashery.com.au t +61 3 5348 1325 m +61 408 968 843

BRUCE BAVIN JOINS FORCES WITH BLUE RIBBON BALLARAT BLUE Ribbon Ballarat's owner/operators, Jamie and Simone Butterworth, together with Daylesford identity and licensed estate agent Bruce Bavin, have joined forces to service the real estate needs of the Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and surrounding communities.

Blue Ribbon Ballarat is a respected “boutique” agency with a prominent state-of-the-art office in Doveton Street North, and has been consistently ranked as one of the area's top five agencies.

The business is positioned and committed to ensure the highest level of customer service and to providing a memorable and much referred selling or buying experience.

Their ground-breaking policy of free advertising and free marketing is a huge point of difference and a break from traditional policies where many real estate agents insist that their clients cover all of the everincreasing costs of the essential internet and media advertising plus the outlays for the sales board, brochures, booklets, floor plans and photography to market the property and then have to pay them a commission.

The focus of Blue Ribbon Ballarat is on offering all clients the same opportunity to sell without the fear of being left with possibly thousands of dollars of advertising bills at the end. Their innovative system allows for the same high level of promotion for all clients, designed to achieve the premium result from the premium buyer and not based upon what the seller can afford or just how much the property may be worth.

Bruce Bavin will represent Blue Ribbon in and around the Hepburn Shire as a senior, highly experienced and qualified sales specialist.

He believes that with the continuing evolution and changes in the real estate industry plus the shift in buyer demographics together with the rapidly increasing values and demand from all over Australia and overseas, there is a viable place and need for an alternative, very professional and additional specialist agency in town.

Bruce began his memorable real estate career over 40 years ago in Melbourne and along the way has owned six of his own companies together with consulting to some of the industry's best and most successful estate agents. Three of these offices were in and around Daylesford, starting some 25 years ago. Bruce went on to head up one of the biggest and busiest agencies in the area. Apart from running two local farms, he also became heavily involved in community services. He also opened the first specialised holiday property management company.

On a more personal level, when not working, Bruce can be found spending quality time with his seven much-loved grandchildren, enjoying the local roads and scenery on his motorcycle tourer, playing golf, doing community service or volunteering at his local footy club.

This is Jane and Tom’s new house.

They saw it in The Local.

If your home isn’t in House.Land.Home. in The Local – ask your real estate agent “why not?”.

5348 7883 Advertorial

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

www.ballarattiles.com.au

Your Local Tile expert.

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

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

Whether getting a haircut ...

QUIET LOCATION EASY LIVING

6 Houston Street (off East St) DAYLESFORD

Scenic views of Cornish Hill and Wombat Gardens from this lovely corner block on 1142sq.m. Five minutes drive from town. Wonderful five bedrooms (all with BIRs) in an easy living house.

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Three living areas • Two bathrooms (one Jack and Jill) • Access for disabled (ramps and rails).

• Storage in nearly every room.

• Ducted vacuum system/dishwasher/electric oven and gas hot plates.

• Sixteen solar panels support the gas and electricity with substantial savings.

• Garden shed.

• Separate entrances.

• Two outside entertainment areas.

• Easy access through side gate to fresh mineral water supply.

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford Ring for inspection: 5348 2328 Carol Turner 0458 229 409 or 0487 270 910

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME Stockdale and Leggo Daylesford are professional and experienced agents. A long history in the area means we are experts in the region and most importantly understand your property.

We care about delivering the best outcome for you and your family.

Our professionalism means that whether you are selling or wanting your property managed once you make the decision to go with us we will handle the rest.

Call David or Lyn on today to discuss selling your property.

If you are interested in our Property Management services Contact Linda on 0499 989 031.

… or selling your home, always hire a professional.

(03) 5348 2766 51 Vincent Street, Daylesford

www.stockdaleleggo.com.au/daylesford

$635,000

Professional Property Management Dedicated and experienced sales team

David Wynack 0418 508 381 dwynack@stockdaleleggo.com.au 51 Vincent Street, Daylesford www.stockdaleleggo.com.au/daylesford (03)Lyn5348 2766 Orr 0427 144 890 lyn@stockdaleleggo.com.au

Welcome to ChillOut! A celebration of 20 years of the biggest and longestrunning Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia!

F

ROM humble beginnings, ChillOut has grown to become the biggest and longest-running Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia, and the largest festival in Hepburn Shire.

While events in the capital cities might be a lot bigger, ChillOut retains a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to let your hair down, and has found a special place in the hearts of gay men and lesbians across Australia.

ChillOut began as an annual festival of the Springs Connection, a local gay and lesbian business group in Daylesford. The first festival was staged in 1997 and each year the festival has been hosted over the Victorian Labour Day long weekend in March.

ChillOut is a not-for-profit community-based organisation dedicated to celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer pride within the unique setting of regional Victoria.

It's about building community, celebrating diversity, and sharing love for this beautiful part of Australia, while helping raise money every year for a dedicated worthy cause.

Just last week ChillOut received a State Government grant of $150,000 over three years. ChillOut festival director Merryn Tinkler (that's her on the front cover of The Local) said that the support was an incredible opportunity for ChillOut to be able to plan for a sustainable future.

“It will help us to achieve our five-year goals, as well as look at the advocacy and support that we can give our community in regional Victoria. We’ll also be looking to extending the festival and putting on other events throughout the year, which will be excellent for local tourism.”

Enjoy the festival - you never know who you might meet in Coles!

Link: www.chilloutfestival.com.au

“Silhouette Series” Exhibition March 9 - 13

“I love how the paintings reveal themselves to you slowly. It is almost as if the more patient the viewer, the more the painting will reveal of itself.”

- Michael Parker, Artist

PROGRAM Ongoing Event 20 Years of Country Pride – The ChillOut Archives Discover secrets of ChillOut’s history or take a trip down memory lane with this exhibition of costumes, stories and memorabilia from ChillOut 1997 until now.

Launch: Fri 3 March, 7pm Exhibition: Sat 4 – Mon 20 March, weekends & public holidays only 1:30 4:30pm, Daylesford Museum & Historical Society, 100 Vincent St, Daylesford ENTRY BY DONATION

Four Pillars Gin Bar and Games

Trivial Hirsute

Twist, tumble and drop playing giant games such as Jenga, Connect Four, Twister and enjoy the best Victorian Gin from our Four Pillars Bar.

Take the trivial low-road with this no-morals teamoriented game show as Melbourne’s cheekiest trivia comes to the Hepburn Hotel. Hosted by Dean Acuri.

Drag Bingo

The Jewel in the Crown

Number 17 – Dancing Queen, join Frock Hudson (Dean Acuri) and let your balls drop at the Perfect Drop Drag Bingo.

Join your hosts Lance DeBoyle and Gabriella Labucci, as contestants from across Victoria compete to be crowned the 2017 ChillOut King and Queen.

12 – 4pm The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford FREE

Thursday 9 March

5pm – 7pm The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford $15

Steak Night

Welcome Party

Chill Out with the locals at our famous $20 steak night. Succulent locally sourced steak with your choice of sauce, served with potatoes and greens.

5pm – 9pm Daylesford Hotel 2 Burke Square, Daylesford

ChillOut Launch Event Tickle Me Pink is back at the gay owned and operated Glenlyon Estate winery! Join Frock Hudson and Christina Andrews for dinner and fabulously camp entertainment. Plus we’ll be launching our special Pink Poofy sangria.

6.30pm – late Glenlyon Estate Winery 260 Green Gully Road, Glenlyon

Friday 10 March Lavish Lunch Roz Moynihan Worthy Cause Fundraiser The Lavish Lunch is your opportunity to give back to the community while indulging in fine food, delicious drinks and delightful entertainment.

Oh and did we mention there’s an auction?

12pm – 4pm Belvedere Social 82 Vincent St, Daylesford $150 for 3 lavishly themed courses including wine/beer

www.chilloutfestival.com.au

Get into the Big Chill with funky tunes, jugs of cocktails and icy cold beers on our magnificent balcony. Resident ChillOut DJs Debra Walters and DJ Kista playing 5.30 – 9pm.

5.30pm – late Daylesford Hotel 2 Burke Square, Daylesford FREE

OFFICIAL CHILLOUT LAUNCH Welcome Disco Dance Kick off your ChillOut with a “back to the future” disco party featuring BABBA and 70/80s DJs

8pm – late Daylesford Town Hall 76 Vincent St, Daylesford $35

Dolly Diamond – The Friday Night Special There is no mistake … she’s gorgeous, talented and wickedly funny!

We’re talking about Dolly Diamond of course! Come on a magical journey somewhere over the rainbow…

8pm (doors open 7pm) The Grande Hotel 1 Church Ave, Hepburn Springs $25

7.30pm Old Hepburn Hotel Main Street, Hepburn FREE

8pm – late Savoia Hotel 69 Main Road, Hepburn Springs $20

Opening Party Come out and get your ChillOut on at the Perfect Drop and party till late.

Live drag shows with Frock Hudson and guest performers.

8pm – late The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford $15 pre-sale, $20 on door (if available)

UnderBear Party Start ChillOut with a bang at the VicBears men only UnderBear Party. Throw on a jockstrap and get ready to shake it in style with lions and tigers and BEARS!

9pm Old Hepburn Hotel Main Street, Hepburn

Saturday 11 March NOMADS Scenic Bushwalk Enjoy a relaxed 4km (2.5 hour) circuit walk from Lake Daylesford into Hepburn Regional Park, tasting the local mineral springs along the way (bring a cup). Morning tea provided midway. Optional lake swim at the end. Please wear sensible footwear, BYO water, hat, sunscreen.

10am – 12.30pm Registration at 17 Leggatt Street, Daylesford $5 members, $10 non members (cash payment at registration)

Annual Rainbow Storytime Join superstar storyteller Di-alysis for a very special storytime full of fun, frivolity and ... frocks!

Fun for kids of all ages.

10.30am Daylesford Library cnr Bridport & St Albert St, Daylesford FREE

Join the conversation @ChillOut_Fest #ChillOut17

ChillOut 2017

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PROGRAM ChillOut 2 Person Ambrose

Lunch and Show

Cream

How’s your swing? Fancy a bit of country golfing?

This pairs golf event is open to social golfers and members of any golf club.

Join our hosts Sexy Galexy and Frock Hudson for a wet-your-panties lunch and show, full of song and cheeky fun, while enjoying a locally inspired ChillOut themed five-course lunch.

This year we welcome Rosie Burgess, The Sheilas of the 70s featuring Monique Brumby & Rebecca Barnard, The Party Girls and as well as new comers to Cream “This Way North“.

12 noon Hepburn Springs Golf Club Golflinks Rd, Hepburn Springs $25 club members, $35 non-members

12.30pm The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford $110 per person, includes 5-course lunch and glass of sparkling on arrival (limited seats available)

Farmers Arms Cabaret Wendy Stapleton presents an outstanding tribute to Dusty Springfield. Set over an intimate lunch with the sophisticated menu you would expect of the Farmers Arms, this cabaret lunch will be an afternoon to remember!

Bay Watch Pool Party Presented by VAC and

12 noon Farmers Arms 1 East Street, Daylesford $100 includes 3-course lunch, local beers & wines

Tapas on the Train Take a magic train ride through the Wombat State Forest on this delightful 1970s railmotor, while indulging in tapas and drinks and enjoying some live music. Runs to Bullarto and back.

ChillOut Whether you want to play it cool like The Hoff or bust out like Pam Anderson, slow run your way down to the Baywatch Pool Party.

Enjoy a snag poolside while listening to music.

Join in on a round of Bumpa Polo with Water Polo Victoria. Never heard of Bumpa Polo?

Get into one of the inner tubes on the day and you’ll soon find out.

1pm – 5pm Daylesford Pool Central Springs Road $20

Leaves 12 noon, 3pm and 5.30pm Daylesford Railway Station Hill St, Daylesford $55

Dorothy Goes to Brazil

Four Pillars Gin Bar and Games

Get into the Latin summer vibes at Belvedere Social with tropical cocktails, Brazilian BBQ and DJ Grant Cook. Come for lunch, dinner or drinks. Huge courtyard. Group packages available.

Play giant games such as Jenga, Connect Four, Twister, Totem Tennis and enjoy the best Victorian Gin from our Four Pillars Bar.

12 – 4pm The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford

2pm – 6pm Belvedere Social 82 Vincent Street, Daylesford FREE

FREE

The VicTennis ChillOut Picnic and LOW REZ – Male Choir Fast4 Tournament Get ready for some sweet vocal harmonies.

Bring your racquet and have a hit, or if you are in the mood for some fierce competition contact VicTennis to enter the comp as a team of two (or we can pair you up). All welcome.

12 – 5pm Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club 64 West St, Daylesford.

GOLD COIN DONATION

ChillOut Garden Get away from the hustle and bustle and take some time in the ChillOut garden with local beers and wines and yummy food.

From 12 noon – all day Farmers Arms 1 East Street, Daylesford FREE

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Melbourne’s Male Pop Choir sings pop music like you’ve never heard it before. More details at www. lowrezchoir.com

3pm Daylesford Town Hall 76 Vincent St, Daylesford $30 full price / $25 concession

“So who was the first gay in the village.”

Back by popular demand, local storyteller Anne E Stewart tells the history of gay friendly Daylesford. Using words and images Anne tells a moving, funny and poignant story.

3 – 4.30pm, 6 – 7.30pm 52 Millar Street, Daylesford $25

4pm – late Old Hepburn Hotel Main Street, Hepburn Springs

Queer Trivia Cheer and beer, lets get queer. Test your knowledge on all things LGBTI with your hosts Kristy Webreck (Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015) with the very entertaining Dean Arcuri.

4pm – 6pm The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford $15

Saturday Yard Party Famous Yard Party with beer cart, vodka and souvlaki bars serving $10 tasty treats till late. With resident ChillOut DJs Debra Walters and DJ Kista.

5pm – late Daylesford Hotel 2 Burke Square, Daylesford FREE

Saturday Drag Bar Welcoming Queens, queers and friends, our fabulous Drag Bar will be hosted by none other than the extraordinary Mister ChillOut Ambassador himself, Lance DeBoyle and his amazing sparkling entourage.

5pm – late Daylesford Hotel Back Bar 2 Burke Square, Daylesford FREE

Wizard of Oz – The Movie!!!

Daylesford Cinema is proud to present the original Wizard of Oz! Dress up and sing along with all the favourites!

6.30pm Daylesford Cinema Shop 20, The Rex Arcade, 47 – 53 Vincent Street $15/$10 www.daylesfordcinema.org.au

Join the conversation @ChillOut_Fest #ChillOut17

www.chilloutfestival.com.au

Dean Arcuri – FURRLESQUE

Chillout Carnival

Variety is the spice of life. Be dazzled by musical madness and physical feats from Dean and friends, topped off with award-winning comedy from the hilarious Kirsty Webeck, and a fabulously furry twist.

A fun-filled day of music, games and all things country carnival.

11am – 7pm Victoria Park Corner Ballan Rd and Burrall St, Daylesford $25/$20 pre-sale, $30/$25 at the gate

7pm Horvat’s Supper Club 22 Howe Street, Daylesford $25

LOL Big Gay Comedy Night LOL Comedy brings you the brightest and freshest comedy talents. A show bag of the best in LGBTI and friendly comedy stars.

8pm Anglican Church Hall 54 Central Springs Road, Daylesford $35

Bush Dance ChillOut’s annual hoedown! Get out your flannelette, don your Akubra and cowboy boots and get on down for a great footstomping, knee slapping time.

8pm – late Daylesford Town Hall 76 Vincent Street, Daylesford $35

Party Gras Guy DJ (Peel Hotel) paves the way for a fabulous night of bumping and grinding, fire twirling show, dazzling light shows and McFunk goes wild.

8pm – late The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford $15 pre-sale, $20 on door (if available)

Sunday 12 March Chillout Pride Parade The much-loved ChillOut Pride Parade, featuring everything we have grown to love about Queer Country Pride, takes over the street for one magic hour. Don’t miss it!

“So who was the first gay in the village.”

Back by popular demand, local storyteller Anne E Stewart tells the history of gay friendly Daylesford.

Using words and images Anne tells a moving, funny and poignant story.

3 – 4.30pm 52 Millar Street, Daylesford $25

After the Parade

Sunday Yard Party

(Pre Carnival Brunch)

Famous Yard Party with beer cart, vodka and souvlaki bars serving $10 tasty treats till late.

Resident ChillOut DJs Debra Walters and DJ Kista.

No need for waiting or line ups, escape the rush and get the best meat in your mouth with amazing local, in-house charcuterie and prosecco.

11.15am The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford $20.00 pre-sale

ChillOut Garden Get away from the hustle and bustle and take some time in the ChillOut garden with local beers and wines and yummy food.

From 12 noon – all day Farmers Arms 1 East Street, Daylesford FREE

Four Pillars Gin Bar and Giant Games Twist, tumble and drop playing giant games such as Jenga, Connect Four, Twister and enjoy the best Victorian Gin from our Four Pillars Bar.

12 – 4pm The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford FREE

Dorothy Goes to Brazil Get into the Latin summer vibes at Belvedere Social with tropical cocktails, Brazilian BBQ and DJ Grant Cook. Come for lunch, dinner or drinks. Huge courtyard. Group packages available.

2 – 6pm Belvedere Social 82 Vincent Street, Daylesford

5pm – late Daylesford Hotel 2 Burke Square, Daylesford FREE

Sunday Drag Bar Welcoming queens, queers and friends, our fabulous Drag Bar will be hosted by none other than the extraordinary Mister ChillOut Ambassador himself, Lance DeBoyle and his amazing sparkling entourage.

5pm – late Daylesford Hotel Back Bar 2 Burke Square, Daylesford FREE

LOL Big Gay Comedy Night LOL Comedy brings you the brightest and freshest comedy talents. A show bag of the best in LGBTI and friendly comedy stars.

6.30pm Anglican Church Hall 54 Central Springs Road, Daylesford $35

Michelle Parsons and Band RELOADED Bringing you all the best from Parsons’ own shows, the Etheridge Tribute, Women of Rock and more.

7pm – late Old Hepburn Hotel Main Street, Hepburn Springs $25

10am – 11am Vincent St, Daylesford

www.chilloutfestival.com.au

Join the conversation @ChillOut_Fest #ChillOut17

ChillOut 2017

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PROGRAM I’m with Dorothy – The Music of Judy Garland & Liza Minelli Celebrating the music and life of all things Judy Garland and a career made memorable by those red sequin shoes. Come along and click your heels…

7pm – late Horvat’s Supper Club 22 Howe Street, Daylesford $25

The Emerald Party

Norman Lindsay Tour and Lunch

Follow the yellow brick road to the party that will end all parties (until next ChillOut). Live drag shows with Sexy Galexy & Frock Hudson, Guy GJ & special guests.

Discover the hedonistic world of Norman Lindsay in the town in which he lived, Creswick. Meet at the Farmers Arms Hotel, Creswick, take a guided tour of the places that inspired him, finish off your adventure with lunch.

5pm – late The Perfect Drop 5 Howe St, Daylesford $15 pre-sale, $20 on door (if available)

Monday 13 March

POOF DOOF GOES BUSH

Kaye Sera’s Great Big Bush Bash

POOF DOOF AND CHILLOUT present EMERALD CITY – the official ChillOut after party.

Poof Doof, “a gay club for homos”, hits the frog and toad to celebrate the queer country pride. Known nationally and internationally for orchestrating parties of cork-popping proportions, Poof Doof have masterminded something out of this world for ChillOut’s 20th anniversary. Dust off your ruby slippers and get ready to dance to some of Australia’s best DJs and performers.

Join Kaye Sera on an exotic mystery romp through the countryside, stopping to sample, wine, cheese and gourmet treats before a BIG FINISH, which will be a high tea and cabaret show.

9.30pm – 2am Daylesford Town Hall 76 Vincent Street, Daylesford $35

10am – 4pm-ish Info and how to register: www.facebook.com/ kaye.sera

Recovery Lunch Nurse your heads and farewell your friends with a recovery lunch from 12 noon, with great burgers, icy cold beers and jugs of cocktails.

12 – 3pm Daylesford Hotel, 2 Burke Square, Daylesford

Our Generous Supporters MAJOR SPONSORS

12 noon start Farmers Arms Creswick 31 Albert St, Creswick $35 includes lunch plus tour

Masquerade Fantasy Youth Event Dress in all things fantasy.

Join your friends in a safe and supported environment where you can let your hair down and dance to DJs all afternoon.

12 – 4pm Daylesford Town Hall FREE UNDER 26 ONLY ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE EVENT

All Tickets: www.chilloutfestival.com.au

ChillOut would not happen without the support of our wonderful sponsors and partners.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

VENUE PARTNERS

ACCOMMODATION PARTNER

2017 ‘WORTHY CAUSE’

MEDIA PARTNERS PRODUCTION SUPPORTERS

LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTERS

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Disclaimer: Images used in this program were provided by the event holder, or as noted in the listing. Program contents were correct at the time of printing. ChillOut works closely with event holders and does its best to ensure event information is correct and updated. ChillOut does not take any responsibility for event organisers’ changes and/or cancellations. ChillOut is the registered trademark of ChillOut Daylesford Inc. ChillOut reserves the right to use any photograph or video taken at any event over the duration of the festival without the expressed written permission of those included. ChillOut may use the photograph/video in publications or other media.

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Join the conversation @ChillOut_Fest #ChillOut17

www.chilloutfestival.com.au

42 Out & About

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"It's a full pull!"

Tractor Pull

Field and Game

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And there will be the fun mobile phone tossing competition (that's Marlene Orr giving it her best shot in the top inset photo), antique stone crushing, dyno testing and woodchopping.

And don't miss the vintage parade at lunchtime.

Entertainment is provided by the Daylesford Community Brass Band and Daylesford Pipe and Drum Band.

Admission is $7 with children under 16 $3. A family pass (2 adults plus children) is $15.

Details or to enter the vintage display contact Len Orr 5348 5555 or maorr@outlook.com.au

Ladies - 1st Nancy Disher 50/75, 2nd Chantelle Paris-Webb 47/75, 3rd Hanna Klien 41/75.

VETS - 1st Colin Johns 66/75, 2nd Craig Hobbs 65/75, 3rd Ross Clancy 64/75.

Super Vets - 1st "Lap of the Lake" Jake Johns 64/75, 2nd Rex Barber 63/75, 3rd Alan Backman 59/75.

Juniors - 1st Christian Crosetti 59/75.

Sub Juniors - 1st Cam Hall 53/75.

HERE'S something for everyone at the Bullarto Vintage Tractor Pull on Sunday, March 12.

AYLESFORD ran its first state team selection shoot for the year on Saturday, February 4 with shooters attending from all over the state.

Junior tennis

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BIG congratulations to all the players and their families who participated in the recent junior tennis championships. The quality The event is in its 23rd year and just as popular of tennis and sporting behaviour was fantastic as ever with its tractor pull competition - you have to Conditions were good and some good scores were making it a wonderful event for the club. go along to find out what a "full pull" is - vintage car carded, none better than Matt Libbis who dropped one The results for the day: 12 & under girls singles: exhibition and, this year, a free jumping castle for the target for the day.

Winner Olivia Leonard, runner up Jessica Santurini; kids.

Jake set the grounds and although Red Dog wasn't 12 & under boys singles: Winner Jayden Liversidge, Organiser Len Orr said the event had been created happy, Sam was and gained the mister nice guy award for runner up Ben Ekstedt; 12 & under boys doubles: to raise money for the Bullarto Hall. Funds raised so far February.

Winner Nathaniel Lowe & Mitchell Yanner, runners have "completely renovated the hall from its stumps to up Adam Leonard & Jayden Liversidge; U14/ 16 girls the tin on the roof".

RESULTS singles: Winner Chloe Leonard, runner up Olivia Mr Orr said the hall was becoming increasingly Leonard; U 14/16 girls doubles: Winners Ursula popular with Melbourne couples looking for a quiet, AA Grade - 1st Matt Libbis 74/75, 2nd Frank Vella Pendlebury & Macy Roberts, runners up Lucinda bush setting for their weddings but also hosted "parties 69/75, 3rd Nick Guerar 69/75.

Lowe & Tayah Jack; U 14/16 boys singles: Winner for birthdays and engagements, dances...just about A Grade - 1st Greg Passalaqua 64/75, 2nd Bill Frasier Dominic Dennis, runner up Braydon Yanner; U anything".

63/75, 3rd Brett Waldron 63/75.

14/16 boys doubles: Winners Josh Liversidge & Ballarat MP Catherine King, pictured in the bottom B Grade - 1st Mich Barling 61/75, 2nd Emmual Dominic Dennis, runners up Rennie Saunders & inset above, will once again judge the vintage cars. The Attard 57/75, 3rd Paul DaMore 57/75.

Sean Naylor; and open mixed doubles: Winners Chloe cost of entering a vintage car is just $5.

C Grade - 1st Steve Raven 55/75.

Leonard & Dominic Dennis, runners up Briony Ferrier & Braydon Yanner.

We also had a wonderful championship competition for our “hot shot� players with Sienna, Logan, Oscar Mc, Oscar S, Manu, Ari, Mehdi, Isaac, Desi, Maddy and Josh participating.

Junior Saturday morning tennis will continue until Saturday, March 25 which will be our final day and presentation of trophies to the club champions and club award winners. All parents and carers are encouraged to Possibles, 25 straight shot, Matt Libbis two, Frank Vella one and Nick Guerar one. Thanks to the Blue Girl attend on this final presentation day for the season.

The senior club championships are on February 25 "Shannon", Nic and Ryley in the canteen and all who and 26. helped set up and pack up after a long day.

Greg Malcher

23rd ANNUAL BULLARTO VINTAGE TRACTOR PULL & VEHICLE DISPLAY Sunday, March 12 from 10.30am RALLY SITE:- BULLARTO HALL & RAILWAY GROUNDS VIA DAYLESFORD OLD VINTAGE TRACTORS & CRAWLERS Beautifully restored cars DON’T MISS THE VINTAGE PARADE AT LUNCH TIME DURING LUNCH TIME THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS OF AN ANTIQUE STONE CRUSHER (OVER 100 YEARS OLD) DYNO TESTING, WOOD CHOPPING A MOBILE PHONE THROWING COMPETITION (FOR THE LADIES) Entertainment provided by the Daylesford Community Brass Band and the Daylesford Pipe and Drum band Free Jumping Castle for Kids Trophies & Keepsakes to share among contestants A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL Admission $7 children under 16 $3 Family ticket 2 Adults and children $15 Restored vehicles $5 per vehicle Further details contact Len Orr: 5348 5555 fax 5348 5629 Email maorr@outlook.com.au The organising committee’s decision on all events is final.

CHILLOUT HIGH TEA (SAT) 11 March, 12-4pm $39 per person. Bookings essential.

Indulgences set in the most luxurious setting in Daylesford.

Enjoy home made scones with double cream, dainty finger sandwiches, and petit fours all deliciously presented on tiered cake stands. Specialty tea and coffee included.

Complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival and the famous Vida String Quartet will be entertaining guests.

ACCOMMODATION | PRIVATE EVENTS & FUNCTIONS | WEDDINGS

77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs, Vic, 3461 grangecc.com.au/bellinzona-daylesford/ (03) 5348 2271

i s v u e l n c e n s I s . . y R t i e s r s e p ec v i D t

Imagine an education where everyone is treated with respect and is wholeheartedly embraced for who they are. Support a school that supports the LGBTI community: dharmaschool.com.au/give

44 Gigs

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Gig Guide The Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine

Balls 'n' All - Saturday, March 4, 9pm-midnight

The Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn

Moonlight Arch – Friday, March 3, 8.30pm Jack Knife – Saturday, March 4, 8.30pm Dan Hannaford – Sunday, March 5 Dean Arcuri’s Trivial Hirsute – Friday, March 10 The Vic Bears Underbear Party – Friday, March 10, 9pm Cream – Saturday, March 11, 4pm Michelle Parsons & Band Reloaded – Sunday, March 12, 6pm

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn Springs

Brendan Forward – Friday, March 3, 6pm-8pm The Cartwheels – Saturday, March 4, 6pm-8pm Phisha – Sunday, March 5, 6pm-8pm Brett Franke – Friday, March 10, 6pm-8pm Nick Noon – Saturday, March 11, 6pm-8pm

The Grande Hotel, Hepburn Springs

Geoffrey Williams performing Nina Simone & Bill Withers – Friday, March 3 Dolly Diamond in Friday Night Special – Friday, March 10 Bliss Bombs Burlesque - History – Friday, March 17, 24 and 31

Horvats Supper Club, Daylesford

Adrian Deakin – Thursday, March 2, 7pm Pennyweight – Friday, March 3, 7pm The Jude Parsons Trio – Saturday, March 4, 7.30pm The Offbeats -Thursday, March 9, 7pm Adrian Deakin – Friday, March 10, 7pm Furrlesque starring Dean Arcuri – Saturday, March 11, 7pm I’m with Dorothy starring Maureen Andrew – Sunday, March 12, 7pm

Want to promote a gig? It's free! Email news@tlnews.com.au

BAR | BISTRO | ACCOMMODATION | FUNCTION ROOMS Rotary Club

BUSINESS of the YEAR Award 2017

Function Room Packages Available

Enjoy family friendly, country hospitality renowned for fine food, excellent wines and romantic spaces.

www.theamericancreswick.com.au Follow us on social media

Located in Victoria's beautiful forestry town Creswick, only 80 minutes from Melbourne along the Western Freeway, 20 minutes from Daylesford, just 12 minutes from Ballarat's CBD. FOR BOOKINGS CALL

In-house butcher

(03) 5345 2510

90 Albert St, Creswick VIC 3363 info@americancreswick.com.au

DAYLESFORD

Localised produce Gastro pub

Paddock to plate Open 7 days lunch and dinner w: farmersarmscreswick.com p: 5345 2221

Dining at it’s finest Nose to tail, in-house butcher, local produce

www.tlnews.com.au

Dining 29

Show this ad in store and receive

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

*Conditions apply. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Offer applies to single bottle price only. Available on selected sparkling wines only.

Offer does not apply to champagne. See staff for further details. Offer ends 12/3/17

Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists Open every day until late 55 Vincent Street, Daylesford Tel: 5348 3577 * Not available on already discounted wines and special items

S PA C E N T R E M E A T S

EED FOR ALL THE MEAT YOU NT HERE! CHILLOUT IS RIGH

Suppli e rs of Ge nuin e l ocal produce

Your Local Premium Meats OUR SPECIAL HOMEMADE SAUSAGES

OUR LOCAL PRIME PORK CUTLETS

OUR RESTAURANT GRADE AGED STEAK

OUR LOCAL PORK ROASTING RACK

ill be Centre Meats w The boys at Spa ur eparing all of yo hard at work pr . es vourit flavoursome fa ep pa lk ckage to ke Whether it’s a bu ell w g all weekend, a your bbq flamin ta k or you just wan ea st of t cu ng hu n e to put betwee big juicy sausag d! covere a bun we have it Daylesford icon, is a well known Spa Centre Meats locals and visitors with genuine d the years. and has supplie duce for over 50 locally grown pro duced on the & aged beef is pro Malmsbury & Our prime lamb ar ne al’ tur n Hills Na family farm ‘Gree our premises in Daylesford . the beef aged on also sourced from from local ultry is Our pork and po al Victoria. suppliers in centr urmet products ge llent ran of go We make an exce Swiss Italian ‘Bull Boar’ sausages ous ods. including our fam e-made smallgo selection of hous and an exclusive

. Daylesford.

37 Vincent Street us on Facebook . Find Phone 5348 2094

Seniors card holders 10% off !

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www.pizzerialaluna.com.au

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46 Dining

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

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

65 Gingell St Castlemaine VIC 3450 I Phone 5472 1250 www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au I railwayhotelcastlemaine

03 5348 3884

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS!! www.galleydiner.com.au

EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH AND CHARM OF A MUCH LOVED AND HISTORIC PUB

Locals Bar Beer Garden Bistro and Bar Function Room Cosy and warm surrounds OPEN FOR DINNER DAILY AND WEEKENDS FOR LUNCH

Breakfast Fri, Sat & Sun 8:30am - 12pm Lunch 11:30am 7 Days / Dinner 5pm 7 Days 105 Vincent Street Daylesford www.galleydiner.com.au

Ethically Produced Coffee www.camposcoffee.com

New summer menu

LOCAL LUNCH DEAL Mon - Fri 11:30 - 4pm Any Burger, Fries OR Onion Rings with coffee/drink $17 * not public holidays

BURGERS - BBQ RIBS - FRIED CHICKEN - TEX MEX

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Dining 47

Meal deals for locals...and visitors too!

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

Monday:

Mercato, Daylesford – main dish & a glass of local wine - $30 Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness - $20 (Vegetarian option available) The Grande Hotel, Hepburn - two courses $35, three courses $45, drink specials from $6, cocktails from $10

Tuesday:

Perfect Drop - five courses with a glass of bubbles or beer - $55 Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips - $20

Wednesday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20 Frank & Connie's Kitchen, Hepburn - whatever comes out of the pot - $20

Sunday:

The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and glass of wine - $45 Frank & Connie's Kitchen, Hepburn - whatever comes out of the pot - $20

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: 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 Frank & Connie's Kitchen, Hepburn - whatever comes out of the pot - $20

Friday:

The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and glass of wine - $45

Saturday:

The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona - (Saturday, March 11) Saturday High Tea, noon - 4pm, complimentary glass of bubbly and entertainment by the Vida String Quartet - $39

Open 7 days lunch & dinner Join us to experience the real country charm and all the fun at Daylesford's oldest pub.

Enjoy our tasty menu and drinks from our extensive beer and wine list.

We don't take bookings, so just pop on down.

thefarmersarms.com.au I 1 East Street Daylesford I ph: 03 5348 2091

Find us on

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48 Out & About

www.tlnews.com.au

Midnight Oil at Rock

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USTRALIAN rock band Midnight Oil will perform at Hanging Rock in November as part of their Great Circle 2017 world tour. It is the band's first world tour in more than 15 years.

A staple of the Sydney music scene in the 1970s, Midnight Oil rose to fame a decade later having etched some of the fiercest political anthems upon the Australian psyche, including classics such as Beds are Burning, Power & the Passion, U.S. Forces and Blue Sky Mine.

The announcement of Midnight Oil’s appearance at Hanging Rock follows on from Bruce Springsteen’s recent concert at the venue, along with The Eagles, the late Leonard Cohen, Rod Stewart and Cold Chisel.

Each of the previous concerts has been a huge success for the region, especially for accommodation providers and local restaurants, shops and cafes.

Australian artists John Butler Trio, Something for Kate, Frank Yamma and David Bridie will support Midnight Oil at their Hanging Rock show.

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Music festival

HE Anglican Parish of Springmount has launched its Four Seasons Fine Music Festival with patron Tim Fischer.

Four weekends of fine music and choral performances will celebrate the seasons of summer, autumn, winter and spring in the Central Highlands of Victoria.

The venues are St John’s Church, Creswick, and St Paul’s Church, Clunes buildings in historic Victorian goldfields areas each with first class acoustics and each housing an historically registered pipe organ.

The first event, High Summer was held on the weekend of February 25 and 26 featuring the Little Brass Band of Ballarat and Trillo: Baroque and Organ.

The autumn event will be held on May 6 and 7 and feature the Choir of Hard Knocks and Ballarat & Queen’s Anglican Grammar School Performing Arts students.

Details and tickets: fourseasonsmusicfestival@gmail.com

Link: midnightoil.com/tour-dates

' Whatever comes out of the pot!

97 Main Road, Hepburn Springs, Victoria

Open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner - Open Friday to sunday for lunch and dinner

For bookings call (03) 5348 1156

www.frankandconnies.com.au caliopi@frankandconnies.com.au

Wine Shop & Bar

SPECIALISING IN:

* ORGANIC, * BIODYNAMIC, * NATURAL, * LO-FI, * & DELICIOUS WINES!

A wine shop & bar dedicated to small producers

SAVE

20%

WHEN YOU BRING IN THIS AD & BUY 6 OR MORE BOTTLES OF WINE TO TAKE HOME VALID CHILLOUT WEEKEND ONLY!! – 97 Vincent Street Daylesford

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Out & About 49

To market, to market, to buy some super spuds

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

Want to advertise your market? It's free. Just email news@tlnews.com.au

The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with Trentham Makers Market

Third Saturday, 9am - 1pm

TRENTHAM PETROL & STUFF

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

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

50 Crossword solution

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Here’s the solution for last edition’s crossword for Issue 91. Solve it?

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OZ - TRANS

DAYLESFORD The ‘Local’ Blokes

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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

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The Local loves promoting local sports - whether that's results, a club profile or just someone doing something amazing at your club.

Email us with all your sporting news at news@tlnews.com.au and we'll make sure you get your 15 minutes of fame - at least!

Gardening 51 VOLUNTEER GARDENER/LEADER WANTED

Annie Pyers has a love of gardens, plants and gardening.

For some years now she has been leading the group of volunteers who look after the garden at the Daylesford Community Health Centre. Annie is looking for someone with gardening experience and knowledge to take on this role.

If you are interested and think you can help please call Annie on 5348 1723.

Leonotis leonurus, variously known as lion's ear or lion's tail Leonotis leonurus, pictured far right, was the first plant I learnt to recognise by its Latin name and of taxonomy - the system of identifying plant species by descriptive Latin terms. So, in essence leonotis leonurus is lion-like. Well, it does come from southern Africa.

It actually belongs to the lamiaceae or mint family and its leaves and flowers have been used for aeons by tribal Africans for herbal remedies and soothing teas. A sturdy woody, drought-resistant shrub, the leonotis grows well in almost any garden situation in well drained soil with protection from heavy frost.

With regular clipping it can be kept to a neat compact shape, and is ideal for growing in tubs or as a low hedge. Like a lot of other plants of my childhood, leonotis became out of favour with the advent of the supermarket nursery and super trendy new "plants of the moment". Fortunately, there are still plant enthusiasts and collectors who seek out and produce rare and often forgotten plants, many of which graced our colonial gardens, including that of my botanist great-grandfather in suburban Adelaide.

It would seem, by this week's reader's question that my answer to recent gardening question about planting fruit trees has created a "trickle down" effect.

Hi Glen, I don't want to plant trees, my problem is the need to re-locate some. I have a row of supposedly dwarf evergreen magnolias, pictured right, that have grown enormously in only three years and are almost obscuring my windows. How can I safely move them to a more spacious part of my garden? As you can see from the attached photo, they really are beautiful, especially when they flower. P.S. Any tips on a suitable replacement, preferably no more than a metre high? - Evan, Kyneton Hi Evan, You should have little problem in the move as long as you follow these steps. The best time to attempt to move evergreen trees or shrubs is in the dead of winter, when the soil is wet and growth almost non existent. But you must do it in steps to minimise shock to the system. (the plants and perhaps yours). First, in autumn, to reduce the amount of young tender foliage, and strain on the root system, prune them back by about one-third.

Then, in early June, if the weather has become wintry by then, progressively over the next four weeks cut down to a spade's depth around each side of the trees so that you have a "ball" of earth roughly a metre across. Water the soil well and regularly to prevent drying out, adding a dose of seaweed fertiliser to the first watering to help the roots. On the day of moving, with four spades around the tree, lift it all onto a sheet of canvas and carefully drag or carry it to a prepared hole. Then follow the planting steps for new plants and water them in well.

For the replacement you would do well to try dwarf forms of the Japanese camellia (sasanqua). These come in an array of colours and can be clipped as a hedge, neat shrub or espaliered along the wall. - Glen

Email gardening queries to glenzgarden@gmail.com

Trefor Prest Sculptor

As featured in Paul Cox’s last film “Force of Destiny”.

Studio open during Castlemaine State Festival March 17 - 26 or by appointment: 0403 328 125 136 Newstead/Daylesford Rd Strangways strangwayssculpture.wordpress.com

or Instagram

March 12

52 Trades

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PLASTERER DAYLESFORD FIBROUS PLASTER WORKS (MACKLEY’S)

Servicing Daylesford and Districts.

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0427 508 840

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

Cleaning and servicing of pools, hot tubs and jacuzzis.

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

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

A unique heater manufactured in Daylesford from Australian products

185 65 Ring John on

Railway Crescent, Daylesford P: 03

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F: 03 5348 1200 E: nedkelly@woodheaters.com.au

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

We stock The Local!

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061

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Trades 53

Business & shopfront Business & Shopfront

Digital Printing Digital printed full colour graphics

Vehicles & Transport

Hand Painted & Gold Leaf

Promotional & Event

General Signage

Macedon and Hepburn Fencing

www.hepburnfencing.com.au

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

das3460@bigpond.com

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

Call Kiyo on

0419 267 685

das3460@bigpond.com

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

• • • • • •

Property planning for biodiversity and sustainable living Garden design and planting Specializing in native and cottage gardens 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

Do you offer a trade?

Let people know by advertising here for just $18.15 per week.

That's a lot of bang for your buck!

Call Donna on 5348 7883.

People read The Local!

Even upside down!

Manage Your Habitat

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Us Two 55

Us Two - with Natalie and Mike Gretton

N

ATALIE and Mike Gretton celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on February 25. The couple moved to Trentham in 2007 but have lived around the country with Mike’s work which included being a “spy”. They celebrated their anniversary with a nostalgic day trip on a DC3 – as you do!

Mike:

Born in Lancashire in the UK, I grew up in Nottingham in central England.

After leaving school at 16, I worked in insurance before joining the RAAF in London in late 1965. I arrived in Australia wondering what I had let myself in for, and by the beginning of 1967 I found myself studying Vietnamese at the RAAF School of Languages at Point Cook for a year. Following that I was sent to Vietnam for a year as an interpreter which was followed by a second tour of duty in 1970/71. At the end Natalie: of 1972 I was commissioned into the Intelligence Branch of the RAAF and spent the I grew up in Kangaroo Flat and after completing schooling at Bendigo High School I worked in a pharmacy in Bendigo for four years before joining the RAAF in rest of my air force career as a “spy” that took us to Canberra, Brisbane and Malaysia and finally back to my alma mater, the RAAF School of Languages, as the director of 1966.

Studies until I left the RAAF in late 1986.

I met Mike when I was posted to RAAF base, Edinburgh near Adelaide as a Following that, we holidayed for several months in Europe until I returned to Service Police person. I worked in Adelaide but lived on the base at Edinburgh. We the School of Languages in 1986. I eventually became the head of the Vietnamese met at a party when he drove three WRAAFs, including me to the home of one of the Department, a position I held for 20 years, until retirement in 2007. As well as Adelaide WRAAFs. A couple of days later he phoned me at work and asked me out teaching, I was involved in interpreting duties, including for Bob Hawke when he and from then on we were an item. was Prime Minister, and eventually took several tour groups to Vietnam.

He was a great guy, pleasant and caring, as much as one can judge from the I met Natalie in Adelaide in 1966 while I was working in the library at the RAAF youth of 21 years old! These were the days when women could not stay in the forces Base at Edinburgh and she was a Service Policewoman. In the vernacular of the time, after marriage so that was the end of my air force career. We married in Kangaroo she was a bit of “looker”. The first date was a bit of a disaster as we had been to a Flat Presbyterian Church on 25 February 1967, young and probably somewhat party in Adelaide after which I invited her to the movies but having imbibed a little naïve about what lay ahead, which was a separation only a few weeks before our first too much I completely forgot. We met again and our first movie was The Sound of anniversary.

My wedding dress was sky blue and it was only when I walked out to my parents Music.

Our engagement was a bit of a whirlwind and we married in Kangaroo Flat in to go to the church that Mum told me she too, had been married in blue in 1942.

February 1967. Natalie’s father paid for the reception and we still have the invoice We had no honeymoon, just the Saturday night and Sunday, then Mike was back to for 41 people which cost $87. Our first anniversary was spent apart. I was in Vietnam studying Vietnamese. Saturday night when we got to our new flat in Altona we had by then and again for our fourth anniversary in 1971. In fact, for the first five years of nothing much apart from eggs, bread and bacon, so guess what was for dinner! marriage we were apart for almost half the time. In time we had two boys, James and We knew when we married that we had less than a year together because Mike Stephen. was on course at the RAAF School of Languages being taught Vietnamese and at We celebrated the anniversary with Natalie’s cousin and her husband, who had the end of the course was posted to Phan Rang in South Vietnam for a year as an their 50th anniversary in December, by going on a day trip on a DC-3. We will interpreter. celebrate on the day with dinner at The Plough in Trentham.

I returned to Kangaroo Flat, got an office job and waited for him to return. (He Following retirement in 2007, we decided on a “tree change”, which brought us spent his first wedding anniversary in Vietnam.) From then on he had postings back to Trentham which is a wonderful change from suburbia. Since being here I have and forth for the next few years to Vietnam and when that happened I went back to thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the local ANZAC Day ceremony.

Kangaroo Flat with whichever cat we had and waited again.

The secret to marriage?

I am not sure. We have widely different interests apart We had postings to Canberra, Amberley, Penang when Mike worked at from our love of travelling, but we have never had a serious argument in 50 years.

Butterworth, more time in Canberra and finally to Point Cook. During these years we had two sons, James born in Canberra and Stephen born in Ipswich.

I was able to be a stay at home mum and in later years went back to study. Mike retired from the RAAF after 20 years’ service and we settled in Werribee for the next 22 years while he was the head of the Vietnamese Department at the School of Languages. I completed a BA with Deakin University as a mature age student and enjoyed the study as I had chosen to do it rather than having to do it straight from school.

We travelled with our sons in 1986 when Mike left the RAAF. We went to England and met up with some of his relatives who were still there as well as travelled through some of Europe. We were away for eight months after which Mike took up the position as lecturer in charge of Vietnamese at Langs Business College at Point Cook. We travelled with our sons and once they were adults travelled by ourselves a lot.

I don’t know what the key to a long marriage is. One could say we must be very compatible but again, I don’t know. We have very little in common, different music tastes, different reading and hobbies, but a love of each other and places we’ve been, our family and our home.

Twenty years ago when I was diagnosed with MS Mike became my rock and has been wonderful and caring without being overly so. He has taken me to Vietnam 5 times since then as well as a world trip in 2013.

We celebrated our 50th anniversary with a nostalgic day trip on a DC3 which was the work horse of the RAAF when we were involved. We moved to Trentham in 2007 onto four acres when Mike retired and have now come back into suburbia in town as the time to downsize land was upon us.

I was able to complete a young adult novel which was published in 2015 and I believe that the peace and quiet of our home and town was a contributing factor in completing it. We love Trentham and feel we are part of the community.

As told to Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes Us Two is an occasional feature in The Local. Do you know someone - besties, relatives, workmates, couples - who would like to be our next Us Two? Email donna@tlnews.com.au

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