The Local September 13, 2021

September 13, 2021 Issue 236 A study in spring

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: Spring has certainly sprung at Kyneton's Avenue of Honour and Daylesford kids Lochie, 11, and Chloe, 9, decided to head outdoors last Friday and take advantage of the sun, and lockdowns lifting, for some different home schooling.

September 13, 2021 Issue 236 A study in spring

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.

The next edition is out on Monday, September 27, 2021.

Or online on Sunday, September 26 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, September 22 Copy deadline: Thursday, September 23 Editorial deadline: Thursday, September 23 Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283

Image: Kyle Barnes

news@tlnews.com.au | sales@tlnews.com.au Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

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

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout, Carol Saffer & Donna Kelly

The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

Photographers | Kyle Barnes, David White & Louise Gay

The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local Publishing Group's editorial guidelines and complaints-handling process can be found at www.tlnews.com.au We welcome all feedback.

Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Glenn Robinson (cartoons), Darren Lowe (gigs) Matthew Richardson (money) & Jen Clarke (recipes) Accounts | Julie Hanson

Local Lines

Just briefly

Pandemic (a haiku sequence)

Trotting Track A PUBLIC meeting will be held for the Daylesford Trotting Track Reserve at 44 Stony Creek Road, Daylesford on September 19 at 9am (possibly via MicrosoftTeams for Covid restrictions).

long lockdown … uprooted trees beside the railway tracks

The purpose is to nominate a committee of management for a three-year term.

Details: Secretary Anne-Maree Conroy on 0409 388 790.

abandoned farm a rabbit disappears into ruins

Stanley Park MACEDON Ranges Shire Council is after community feedback about proposed options for the future management of Stanley Park, Mount Macedon.

children eat lunch sitting on the trampoline – home learning

The proposed options are: a community asset committee, an advisory committee, a Friends of Stanley Park Group, a council-managed park or a delegated committee. Link: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or 5422 0333.

isolation – singing along with the frogs after rain social distancing a kangaroo and raven graze the paddock a man walks a dog both mouths covered without a mask at the end of a queue: the lone danger

Delivery | Tony Sawrey

Local Lines comes mainly from a group of local poets but other submissions are always welcome.

To have a poem considered for publication contact Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

- Myron Lysenko Myron lives in Woodend. His seventh book of poetry a ghost gum leans over was published this year, but due to Covid is yet to be publicly launched.

Vaccine rates CENTRAL Highland shires are doing well in the race for vaccines.

As of September 5, Covid vaccine rates for those aged 15 and over were: Hepburn Shire - 1st dose: 70.4%, 2nd dose: 50.3%, Central Goldfields - 1st dose: 71%, 2nd dose: 50.7%, Macedon Ranges - 1st dose: 73.8%, 2nd dose: 47.3% Mount Alexander - 1st dose: 72.7%, 2nd dose: 50.8%.

For Victoria the rates were: 1st dose: 60.8%, 2nd dose: 37.8%.

Vaccines are now available at many chemists around the region. Get the jab!

Winter Art Exhibition TRENTHAM'S Little Gallery's White Rabbit Winter Exhibition will be open until Monday, September 20

Tickets for the raffle are available from the gallery, Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm, or www.trenthamlittle gallery.com Proceeds from the show and the raffle will be donated to Path of The Horse and the Quarry Street Reserve.

After the storm

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“The neighbours managed to clear the driveway at the same time I was desperately trying to contact the SES. We made contact with our insurance agency but it was the immediate threat to our cattle that was our biggest concern.”

That’s when BlazeAid came to Sue and John’s aid. A neighbour suggested the Sue, 78, is the epitome of a warm hug. Together with her husband John, 85, the volunteer group, set up after the Black Saturday bushfires, who sends volunteers out couple have spent the past 20 years in Trentham, being actively involved in their immediately after severe storms, floods and bushfires to repair and replace fencing. community and much loved in the area.

“Oh, they were amazing and the three men, Peter, Bob and Kevin were truly our They chose the area to be closer to their family and run their South Devon Cattle farm, and despite many ups and down in life, nothing Sue says, compares to the night lifesavers. I don’t know where we would be today if not for their help,” Sue said.

The BlazeAid crew managed to repair the fence so the cattle were safe. Yet the the storm ripped through their property and the ongoing emotional strain associated work ceased because of lockdown and the couple are still waiting to hear back with simply getting some assistance – even getting someone to listen.

“I remember lying in bed as the winds got stronger. John had his hearing aids out regarding any additional government assistance that might be available to them.

The laneway on their property which they use to move cattle is still covered in and I remember thinking it sounded like a train was about to crash into our home. debris and fallen trees yet the couple have had no choice recently when they needed “It was truly one of the most horrifying experiences of my life and all I could to move one of their prized cattle. remember thinking was when would this end. I lay there terrified.”

“We have managed to move a lot of the trees around the property for bonfires but The couple were reluctant to share their story, believing there were so many people worse off. So many still without a home and struggling to overcome the long- we are coming into bushfire season so that is making us incredibly nervous,” Sue said.

At times Sue says she feels like simply giving up and on top of the June event term effects of experiencing a natural disaster. that still lives with them every day, John is recovering from radiation therapy after a They simply wanted a way to thank volunteer group BlazeAid, and numerous number of skin cancers. neighbours who helped the couple after the storm. But the help has stopped “Oh John is very placid and very calm but I can see the strain this is having and temporarily due to Covid. And despite one visit from a council staff member and it’s not fair that anyone has to put up with the additional emotional strain in trying to a Red Cross volunteer, and after spending hours filling in forms for assistance and contact agencies set up to help. This has become the worst time of our lives,” Sue said. dozens of phone calls, there has been no response – from any one of the agencies BRV was meeting with the Harveys last Friday. A spokesperson said a Recovery involved - to date.

Support Program was available for people impacted by the June 2021 Victorian storms The morning after the storm a neighbour appeared at their door. Sue and John and floods, with dedicated recovery support workers who provide a single point of contact weren’t aware of the damage simply because they were almost too paralysed with fear for those who need advice or support through the recovery process. to go outside to survey the destruction.

The Local will feature the work of BlazeAid in the next edition.

“Our neighbour told us our drive was blocked, fences were down and the pine Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Kyle Barnes trees used as windbreakers were down across our property,” Sue said.

HE emotional turmoil confronting Sue and John Harvey resulting from the June storm and the confusion surrounding the muchpublicised clean-up assistance, is echoed across Hepburn Shire.

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Explore.

Connect.

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News 5

Just one Covid case after 129 tests Saturday

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POSITIVE Covid case announced last Friday turned the first day of being out of regional lockdown from something to celebrate to a major concern for Daylesford and surrounding towns residents.

Pancho Cafe, also in Daylesford, was announced as a Tier 2 site after being exposed to a Covid-positive person on Wednesday, September 8 between 10.20am and 11am. Health advice for those exposed to Tier 2 sites is to get tested urgently and However, after 129 tests at a pop-up site at Victoria Park, Daylesford on Saturday isolate until they have a negative result.

Meanwhile, a pop-up drive-through Covid testing site was set up at Victoria Park afternoon, case numbers remained at just one on Sunday with the Grampians Public over the weekend. It will continue this week, testing from 9am to 7pm, until further Health Unit's Associate Professor Rosemary Aldrich praising the community for its notice. willingness to get tested as soon as possible.

Social media was flooded on Saturday afternoon by people saying they were "The demand for testing (which continued Sunday) tells me the people of forced to wait for hours, some turned away just as they reached the front of the Daylesford and surrounding communities are committed to doing the right thing queue. One post said while health workers at both marquees were very pleasant and when required." efficient, the lack of communication with people in the line of cars was appalling and Assoc Prof Aldrich also praised the actions of the Covid-positive person saying the cause of major distress and angst. they had travelled to Melbourne for permitted reasons, "returned with a spiky Assoc Prof Aldrich said it had taken some time to provide infrastructure and staff friend", but had isolated and sought testing as soon as they became symptomatic. for the pop-up testing site. Testing is also available at Daylesford and Kyneton Health.

The person had also been able to give very detailed information about where Springs Medical Facebook page said their Daylesford clinic would be open they had been and had used QR codes at every opportunity, saving Daylesford and Monday but with many staff isolating, there would be an emphasis on telephone or surrounds from a potentially bigger spread of the virus, she said.

"We were able to identify about 90 primary close contacts and Tier 2 contacts and video consultations. The Kyneton and Trentham clinics will be open as usual. about half will be able to go about their normal business if they return a negative test and the other half will be quarantined for 14 days from the time of exposure."

The person was at home, being checked on by a health team and was doing fine, she added.

The first news of the Covid case came when Daylesford's Cliffy's Emporium posted on Facebook last Friday that it had been advised a staff member, who worked on Tuesday, September 7 from 3.20pm to 8.45pm, had tested positive for Covid. The cafe closed for deep cleaning and staff testing.

Cliffy's post was followed by one from Springs Medical Daylesford saying that it had been advised by the Department of Health that a positive Covid case visited on Wednesday, September 8.

The Facebook post said as a Tier 1 site anyone who attended the clinic between 3.15pm and 4.30pm on that day needed to immediately isolate, get tested and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure. That includes household contacts.

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

Coaches replace trains on the Echuca Line As part of Victoria’s Big Build, works continue to upgrade the Bendigo and Echuca lines.

Train disruptions: Coaches replace trains in both directions

Works are progressing with strict COVIDSafe Plans in place. The health and safety of our workforce and community remains our top priority. For more information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Mulcairs Lane, Goornong

6 to 24 Sep

Closed between the Midland Highway and Wellsford Station Road

Wakeman Road, Bagshot

12 Sep to 16 Oct

Closed between Sherwood and Inglis roads

Echuca Line

1 Sep to 31 Oct

Bendigo to Echuca

Road disruptions: Closed roads

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

1185

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

STORM AND FLOOD

BULLETIN

This bulletin provides regular updates and stories about recovery and clean-up from the June 2021 storms and floods both in our local community and across Victoria’s affected areas.

Bushfire Recovery Victoria proudly works in partnership with council and the local community to support recovery.

CLEAN-UP PROGRAM

More make-safe works are underway across the state. Our current focus is to remove hazardous trees that threaten the safety of residents and work-crews, or to make these trees safe by eliminating large overhanging branches.

Over the past month, our Residential Storm and Flood Clean-up program has been receiving high volumes of registrations for the assessment of hazardous trees.

Getting out to everybody with registered trees is a big job and takes time. While you wait for your site assessment, or for an arborist to return, it’s essential that you have a safety plan in place that includes alternative accommodation options if strong winds are predicted.

PARTNERS IN WELLBEING It’s normal in these challenging times for small business owners to sometimes feel stressed or overwhelmed. It’s normal and important to get support.

For support, members of the public are encouraged to call the Recovery Support Hotline on 1800 560 760 to speak to a dedicated local Recovery Support Worker who can assist.

To find out more about the clean-up program, visit: brv.vic.gov.au/cleanup

Your wellbeing is vital to the health of your business. The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline is here to help.

Talk to one of the trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors, or business advisors today. It’s free and they’re here for you seven days a week. Call 1300 370 330 or chat online seven days a week.

Visit partnersinwellbeing.org.au

PARKS VICTORIA UPDATE AN UPDATE FROM HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL Unfortunately our Storm Recovery drop-in sessions planned for early September had to be postponed due to the snap lockdown for Victoria. These sessions were to provide an opportunity for storm-affected residents to speak with a range of specialists and experts on matters relating to storm recovery, including financial support, grant funding, tree assessment, building requirements, counselling support and more. We intend to reschedule the sessions soon and will promote the details once they are confirmed.

Council understands the significant impact the severe storm event continues to have on our community. Thank you to residents and community members for the way you have supported each other through these difficult times and thank you to everyone involved in the clean-up effort. The cleanup is a massive task and going to take some time. Council is working closely with Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) to manage these works. To speak to a member of our Storm Recovery Team phone 5348 2306. For information on available support, insurance, tax, personal support and counselling, visit: hepburn.vic.gov.au/storm-update

Parks Victoria crews have made significant progress managing the damaging impacts of the June 9 storm event at Macedon Regional Park, Lerderderg State Park and Trentham Falls (Coliban Scenic Reserve). Initial clearing of more than 50 kilometres of trails and roads has occurred, with Cameron Drive and Harbison Picnic Ground in Macedon Regional Park recently opened to the public.

Local rangers are working with professional arborists and skilled crews to identify and remove the hundreds of hazardous trees and tonnes of debris that remain. Ongoing tree fall and unstable ground conditions at closed sites will require long-term planning and works before visitors can return.

Clearing vehicle and fire access tracks, fuel breaks and management of green waste debris is a priority ahead of summer.

Parks Victoria will continue to work with Bushfire Recovery Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to ensure a coordinated response on public land.

Visitors are requested to observe site closures, signage and fenced-off areas as trees, rocks and soil may continue to move – especially during or after rain. Please refer to the Parks Victoria website for up-to-date information and maps relating to closures and change of conditions.

Stories of the Storm

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“A huge tree fell in front of our car. We started to turn the car around, another massive tree came down trapping us. We got outside with our chainsaws - we couldn’t hear each other speak - the wind was so loud. The rain was sideways, the leaves and debris were hitting us hard in the face. It felt like someone was spraying a pressure washer and sand blaster in our faces. This is the first time I’ve feared for my life.

“We were cutting the tree in front of the car, the bar got stuck, and the second saw was too small. We used the bull-bar of the car to free the saw. We managed to get The first in the series features Little Hampton’s Brad Climie, his partner safely back to Daylesford where we spent the night.

Joanna Mason, and their children Wyn and Isla. Brad is a voluntary unit “I had to share a bed with my fellow volunteer. I remember telling him: ‘You controller at Hepburn Shire Daylesford SES, responsible for keeping the 25 must keep your mask on while you sleep.’ He instantly went to sleep and kept me members safe and trained and managing equipment and finances. awake with his snoring the rest of the night.”

Brad reflects back on the event.

“I had a feeling with the two fronts and wind direction we might be in for a “I think people were already in a heightened sense of anxiety with the fatigue of busy night. I headed into the Daylesford unit about 5pm. Eight members were there Covid - it makes people more vulnerable. Events like this bring out the best and worst when I arrived. We put our three trucks out responding to requests for assistance. in people. We live in a place that can be volatile. Building resilience and community My neighbour, also a member of the unit, called to say a large tree was down on the connections is important because it helps us help ourselves and others.

Daylesford-Trentham Road, blocking all access. He said: ‘You need a crew out here, “The community needs to be aware of things that can help them through it’s really dangerous mate, it’s horrendous.’ I told him my crews were already out, he’d emergencies, like ‘where’s the relief centre?, ‘do we have a battery-powered radio?’ If have to cut through it or go home. people don’t volunteer and band together in rural communities, we’re stuffed. Who “While he was there, in the wind and rain and dark unable to get through, a fights the fires? Who clears the roads?” woman in labour approached him trying to get to the hospital in Daylesford. He told While Brad was dealing with the drama outside his partner Jo was at home with her: ‘You can’t get through here, the road’s blocked, go back to Trentham.’ the two kids. “I couldn’t get through to Brad, I was really worried about him. We had “The lady went home, called an ambulance, and a CERT team was sent. They no power, my phone was going flat. It was a miracle we didn’t lose lives. To see the requested assistance from us to help Ambulance Victoria get access through 20km of devastation in the forest, it was amazing a tree didn’t fall on someone. It was like a fallen trees to reach her. I paged the neighbouring unit at Woodend to help. giant had walked through the forest and just squashed it.

“My number one priority was making sure everyone was safe. While I was trying “I believe in climate change so I think it’s inevitable that our weather will change, to pull teams in, logistics were going through my mind. How do I get members off and we will get more extreme events. We need to be more prepared as a community. the side of the damn road, unable to get in? I told them: ‘You’re the judge of what From a layman’s point of view, it would be good if there was better warning of the you can do - if it’s safe, get in.’ risk and weather. Trentham is sub-alpine, we need more localised weather reports. It “I’m trying to get my members out, my neighbour sent the woman in labour back would be great to have more accurate forecasting. to Trentham. I’ve got members trapped on the roadside in 160kmh winds in the dark, “I was traumatised because of the worry I had for Brad and the pressure he was I’ve got an assist ambulance for a birth in Trentham, an assist ambulance for oxygen under. My trauma was for the kids on the back of Covid, in that it feels like there is bottles for people trapped in cars at Trentham Falls, I’ve got an assist ambulance for a so much for them to understand and so much for us to explain. heart attack in Daylesford and multiple people trapped in their homes.

“Brad left home at 6pm Wednesday night and didn’t return home until 9pm “Early in the night the SES got the red flag issued, which means all emergency Thursday night. The kids kept asking ‘Where’s Dad? When are we gonna see Dad?’ services have to pull out because it’s too dangerous unless there’s a priority one “I said to them: ‘The plan today is to get our SES uniforms on, go to school, and which there was with the woman in labour and people trapped in cars at the falls. I see if it’s open.’ We had no phones, no idea if it was open. stood my crews down and got them back to Daylesford. They were chainsawing trees “I said if it’s not open, we’ll go to the relief centre and volunteer. If they don’t with root balls the size of cars. need us, we’ll take the long way to Daylesford and help at the SES. When we got “My aim was to get back into Trentham to clear the road so the ambulance could there, I cleaned the bathrooms. My kids made signs for the volunteers saying ‘Thank get the woman in labour to hospital. The main roads were blocked so we went via you SES’ and ‘We love you SES’. They were very, very proud of the SES and all its Glenlyon, Little Hampton, Spring Hill. members.”

ANDY Scheltema’s ‘Stories of the Storm’ series is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham and Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club. The series aims to showcase stories of courage, tenacity, bravery and resilience within the community from people who experienced the terrifying storm on June 10, 2021.

8 Words in Winter

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Students shine with WIW story writing

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And when I remember this, I just agree with her and walk out of the room. I’ve OR the second year in a row Covid restrictions forced the cancellation found the best way to deal with these sorts of comments is to play along. of the popular Words in Winter writers’ festival. But while When she leaves for a trip to Estelle’s or a weeklong holiday, where she’s all cared internationally and nationally famous writers could not attend, for, she believes that it is because we are separating. But then her mind resets and I see primary and secondary students stepped up with stories, poems and pictures.

The student writing competition drew 117 entries that showed a range of imagination and flair. Competition coordinator Maureen Cooper commented: “In spite of the demands of home-schooling, then back-to-school dramas, so many students submitted entries. I wish to thank those who entered and the teachers and parents who encouraged them – truly a great effort.

“We planned a magical morning in the Daylesford Town Hall to honour the prize-winners, as well as those highly commended, but were stymied by the restrictions.”

But rest assured, she said, all the fittings, costumes, lighting and materials would be on hand for next year’s presentations.

Secondary students responded to the topic The Stranger, while primary students wrote about My Dream. “What a delight it was to read the entries and choosing winners was challenging. It would be fair to say that the judges laughed out loud, shed tears and were gobsmacked by the imagination of our students," Ms Cooper said. “Some of the wonderful entries we received are published this edition in The Local.” Winners and runners-up will be sent book vouchers, donated by Paradise Bookshop.

The Stranger She Became

by Eliza, 15, Daylesford College, Year 10 Garret was sitting on his 70’s camping chair amongst his rubbish; his wife had told him she no longer wished to be married. The 87-year-old could hear the rubbish truck slowly approaching, making its way up the street collecting the world’s rubbish. Soon it would be his turn.

She was standing at the side of all the dancing. Staring off into the distance, eyes glazed over, fondling a locket - a stranger. I knew she was interesting then, so I went over to introduce myself. And that was when I just knew - she was special. When we first met, she didn’t really talk; I found out why much later. But after a while, with me just hanging out with her, telling her stories, she opened up and eventually we got together. Well, then, she was the life of the party, the funniest, kindest, prettiest person ever.

We married when I was 23, Aggie was 21 and then a year later we had our baby girl, Estelle. It was the best time of our lives that first year, just the three of us. And then we found out we were going to have another baby; we were overjoyed! When Jean was born, she was the cutest baby. It was even better than the first time; we knew what we were doing. Estelle loved helping. Life couldn’t have been better.

But then came the first of August. Aggie went into the nursery to see Jean that morning, thinking she was going to be waking a refreshed baby, Jean had finally slept through the night. But all I heard was a shriek. I ran in and saw Aggie on the floor holding Jean, silent tears running down her face. I think I knew then, but I still asked and… and she just looked at me, blank faced, and I… I bent down and took Jean and she … she was cold. I rang an ambulance. I did compressions on my baby then the paramedics got there and they just… They pronounced her dead, and, and that was it.

We never found out how, why. I still don’t know how she died. She was just gone.

Our little girl. After that Aggie broke. For three months she just stayed in bed, too depressed to do anything. I was feeding my wife at the same time I should have been feeding my baby girl. It seems that as soon as Aggie held our lifeless baby she died as well. She no longer knew me or Estelle. She didn’t even remember Jean. She just sat. I resigned from my job. I did everything. Cooked, cleaned, looked after all of us.

Worked part time whenever I could at the local greengrocers.

When Estelle started school, I started working a bit more, typically during the day when Aggie just slept. There were moments when she knew us or even seemed OK. One time, 20 years after Jean’s passing, Aggie tried to do the washing, except she used hand soap and about a litre of it. I was cleaning bubbles for days.

Our most recent incident was yesterday, not for the first time, she was overcome by unprovoked rage and told me she no longer wanted to be married. I just stayed calm because whenever she has these moments, she fondles her locket and I remember when we first met. When she didn’t talk. When it was just us. No past.

When she touches the locket, I remember the people that it contains. The people that broke Aggie. Her Dad who died in the war, and Jean.

her in a week when she’s forgotten everything. She is a strangely familiar stranger. But we just get through it day by day, it’s been 60 years. We know how to do it.

Garret had always enjoyed watching the rubbish truck. His earliest memory was of him and his mother standing at the end of their driveway, waiting for the truck to come to their house. He smiled fondly at the memory of his ride in one, just a week earlier. He was once again sitting on his 70’s camping chair outside his home. This time waiting for the taxi that would bring his wife home.

The Stranger

by Laila, 14, Daylesford College, Year 9

Thick grey clouds of smoke billowed through the bush as the bullets penetrated through her caramel skin. Scarlet ribbons began to erupt from the fresh wounds. Three more shots fired through her head, hand and chest. She quickly fell and her body thumped, smacking the dry, shrubby ground. You could see her soul slowly slip away, her eyes began to flutter shut. The smoke began to clear.

It all seemed to happen so quickly. Everything was going according to plan.

I turned to walk away and slowly gazed across to see golden sunlight reflecting on the nearby lake. My mind began to wander as I questioned what was next in my plan.

The lake, that’s where I was going to dump her. Without a second thought I shoved her in a dirty hessian bag that was slung over my shoulder.

Seeping red from the corner of the bag the blood trickled onto the dirt as I dragged it near the water’s edge. I turned and I went to throw the bag into the murky depths. I stumbled but quickly refooted, and pushed it down the bank. The bag hit the water and sunk quickly. Sheets of blood began to bubble to the surface.

As I turned to gain my composure and analyse what I’d just done I caught something strange in the corner of my eye.

I saw a faint figure in the distance. I was sure they had seen me. My palms grew sweaty and a shiver tingled down my spine as I began to slowly creep backwards and away from the water’s edge. They’ve seen me! I needed to go. I had to move quickly.

I’d been caught in the act. They’d seen it all.

Time was running out. I had very little time and not a clue what to do. Now I could either run as fast as I could away and out of the forest or I could do the unthinkable. I glanced across at my gun lying in the dirt and quickly grabbed it, checking the barrel thoroughly to see how many bullets were left. One, there was only one bullet.

My heart beat quickly and my palms grew sweaty as I tried to decide what would be the better outcome. I decided to run. Perhaps they’d be too busy to come and find me or maybe they didn’t care. As I turned to leave I heard shuffling behind me. I had a tight grip on my gun but I was scared. Was I about to pay for what I’d done?

Evie, 8, St Augustine's Primary, Year 2, My Dream

Ellie, 7, Daylesford Primary, Year 1, My Dream

I had a dream 'bout my dog because he died and I really loved him. He really loved me. He was my first dog that I really loved.

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WIW story writing

Firewood concerns

I am confined to my cell. They say I am ‘safer’ here. They say one day I might be let free, but I know that neither are true. They keep me here because I am different, because I am not normal enough for the public society. I will never be let free to live my life how I like. They say that the world isn’t ready for me, but the world doesn’t even know of my existence. It is because I am different that they keep me locked up in this cold, hard, dull impersonation of a home.

No, not even a home, just a place.

They took me here when I was eight years old, when I had started showing signs of creativity. When I had started to show myself. They watched me sing and dance and draw and paint on their advanced technology, and at 10:00 on Saturday morning, two officers in grey uniforms came to my house on a street of identical, grey houses and took me away from my law-abiding, ‘normal’ parents and into custody, where they questioned me profusely about my strangenesses. I hoped not to get my parents in trouble for my wayward acts, as it was not them I was inspired by, but the items I found in the banned artifacts disposal bin, which was filled with all things that could spark hope.

After I was questioned, I was transported to my new room in a law enforcement car, which was coloured in monotones with a siren on top, much like a police car from the old world. I thought of the people who might have ridden in here like I was. People who were proclaimed wrong, with different outlooks and different personalities than what was ‘acceptable’.

For the first week I spent in confinement, I searched the whole place for any way out, but everything was sealed, with the only exception of a flap for my tasteless meals and drinks to be passed through. I don’t know why they even bothered to keep me alive. I was so distraught then, I would rather be dead. At least if I was dead, then no one could control my future.

Anyway, now I am thirteen, and I’ve been living in this environment for five years. Once a month I am allowed to meet my parents on a strictly controlled FaceTime. I long for them, but I worry. Do they even remember me properly? Do they even care anymore? They have had another child, who is now three years old, and I am so insanely jealous that he gets all their time, love and physical presence.

But I am still trying, I am still fighting. And when I get out, the evil government will have a rebellion on their hands, because thanks to them, people regard difference as an abomination, but difference is strength and power and life. Because everyone deserves the right to be themselves!

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A Different Normal

by Isabeau, 11, St Michael's Primary, Year 5

News 9

IREWOOD suppliers across the Hepburn Shire are concerned for their livelihoods once council’s free firewood program comes to an end.

While no-one is disputing that the firewood recovered from the June storm needs to be made available free for residents, many small, medium and large-scale operators believe consequences could cost jobs and the futures of small businesses in the area.

The Local has spoken to 14 firewood merchants and has identified at least 50 operators across the shire, many concerned their normal market for supply will diminish within a couple of years when the current free green wood is burnable and their normal customer base will not require seasonal wood.

Acting Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bruce Lucas said the council was aware of the issues but said to date the council had not had a lot of contact with concerned firewood suppliers.

“We are aware of some concerns that have been raised. We acknowledge there may be a small impact, however, council is also committed to ensuring that the resource is not wasted and we are supporting our community as much as we can during these challenging times,” he said.

“The initial small trial is to see how this approach might be effective, and council is considering a more detailed proposal and options considering the concerns raised.”

The Local understands the council and other government representatives meet weekly to discuss the ongoing issues yet to date the firewood suppliers contacted have not been engaged or offered a chance to be part of talks that directly impact the My Dream future of their firewood supply businesses.

by Zarah, 9, Clunes Primary, Year 4 At this stage it’s estimated that around 1500 cubic metres has already been processed into firewood and carted to depots. It’s believed at least around 2000 cubic As I fall asleep memories come rushing back, memories metres is sitting in rough log form waiting to be processed. of a life before Covid. "Haaaaaaaaaaaaa," sigh the sweet “Going off an average price of $125 per metre that means to date, local firewood memories of a life of freedom before Covid. cutters have lost collectively $200,000 over the peak firewood season," one firewood I dream of a time when...I could go to the shops merchant said. “This could go on for a couple of years so you can see why there are without having to social distance or sanitise a million many nervous wood guys in the area.” times a day, make plans without them getting abandoned Another third-generation firewood supplier said it was a "no brainer" that and have a good time. residents get the wood for free and it would be inappropriate for anyone to profit I dream of a time when...I could go to school without from it but called on council to actively involve the businesses that supply muchsuddenly having to switch into home learning, go to needed firewood, legally and ethically, to the shire’s residents. birthdays and HAVE FUN. “There are a few dodgy brothers but the rest make a living off providing firewood.

I dream of a time when...other people can go outside, It’s our business, our livelihoods and when the dust settles and all the wood has been when other people don't get sick and when people can see everyone important to given away, where will it leave us? The market might not be there even if council said them. there is only a small amount available to each household. There’s a shitload of wood I dream of a time when...I turn on the news and there is not just endless Covid still to be processed so this could go on for years,” he said. stories making everyone fearful.

One small-scale operator said the council had an opportunity to engage I dream of a time when...people don't lose their jobs, when citizens come together local businesses and hear their concerns and also to find ways council and other and when people don't listen to fake advice/news. government agencies could use local firewood suppliers in the clean-up effort.

I dream of a time when...I could go shopping, play an exciting netball game, go Hepburn Shire Council plans to reschedule the free firewood program once to swimming and when I could say 'hi' to my neighbours. lockdown is lifted while Macedon Ranges Shire Council said residents could expect a I dream of a time when...we could share food, when we could go to restaurants call soon regarding access dates to its free firewood/mulch program. and when we could go to entertainment. The life before Covid.

I dream of that time.

Many thanks to Maureen Cooper and Kevin Childs for compiling these entries.

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Images: Daylesford Drones Pictured, the current damage around Daylesford-Trentham Road For more amazing drone images and footage head to www.tlnews.com.au

CHECK IN NOW

CHECK IN EVERYWHERE EVERY TIME Victoria, every one of us needs to check in, everywhere, every time.

Checking in helps us stop the spread of coronavirus, and protects our businesses, our communities and each other.

So, let’s all check in. Everyone. Everywhere. Every time.

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Gastronomy money

Afghanistan action

A BUSINESS case and planning document for the Institute of Gastronomy in Daylesford has been given $200,000 by the Victorian Government.

FIFTEEN refugee support groups from around Victoria have met to develop a resolution calling upon the Australian Government to take urgent action to increase its humanitarian response to refugees affected by the events in Afghanistan.

William Angliss TAFE will also contribute some money to the project.

Macedon State Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the "critical project" was part of the $10 million Enabling Tourism Fund.

The Institute of Gastronomy has a detailed business case and planning document to explore a lucrative edutourism market for William Angliss TAFE. This will build on the preliminary business case from 2018.

The fund forms part of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, a strategy to drive annual visitor expenditure to $35 billion and tourism sector jobs beyond 300,000 by June 2024.

A Regional Development Australia media release in 2018 said the "standalone Institute of Gastronomy and Good Food" was one step closer to reality thanks to the completion of a business case co-funded by the Regional Development Australia Grampians, the Victorian Government and the William Angliss Institute of TAFE and with support from the Hepburn Shire Council.

"The proposed $25.1 million project to establish the Institute of Gastronomy and Good Food would bring together agriculture, culinary, hospitality, educators and tourism experts under the one roof – consolidating Daylesford as one of Victoria’s most popular food destinations."

A spokesperson for Ms Thomas said a location for the institute was still be decided.

In brief 11

Cornish Hill sale A PARCEL of land, next to the Cornish Hill Reserve in Daylesford, could soon be up for sale.

The groups are calling for five major action points to support vulnerable people in Afghanistan, and to assist distressed refugees in Australia who have families trapped in Afghanistan. This includes refugees who currently have no work or settlement rights in Australia.

The first action point is to ask the government to provide permanent protection for all refugees from Afghanistan who are currently on temporary protection visas.

Secondly, the groups ask that refugees from Afghanistan can apply to bring their families to safety in Australia. Thirdly, the groups seek a special humanitarian intake of 20,000 of the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan, in addition to the current intake.

Fourthly, the groups ask the government to lift the ban on resettlement of refugees in Indonesia to Australia through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Finally, the government is also urged to work with international partners to pressure the Taliban to take genuine steps toward peace and reconciliation.

The refugee support groups from Apollo Bay, Bendigo, Ballarat, Castlemaine, Daylesford, Dunkeld, Echuca, Hamilton, Kerang, Macedon Ranges, Stawell, Ararat, Swan Hill, Trentham, and Warrnambool.

Each group raises funds and provides moral and financial support, food and accommodation.

The land between 70 and 72 Grenville Street, Daylesford is crown land and has been determined surplus to the Victorian Government’s current and future requirements.

The Department of Treasury and Finance, on behalf of the landowner the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, has requested that the planning provisions for the site be changed to reflect that it is no longer required for public use and help its sale.

The site does not have street access and is landlocked, so the sale of the land will be limited to the adjoining properties.

The request to change the planning provisions includes a small portion of the neighbouring residential property, 74 Grenville Street, Daylesford, which is currently erroneously zoned Public Park and Recreation Zone.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has referred the proposal to the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee to consider and make recommendations on the proposed changes to the planning provisions on the site.

The government will accept submissions on the proposed changes until Monday, October 11.

An information session will be held on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30pm via MS Teams. A link to the session will be published at engage.vic.gov.au/glsac/ tranche-30.

A public hearing will be held mid November.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SPORT

For all your community sports results, scan the QR code or head to

www.tlnews.com.au Bendigo Bank

Community Bank Daylesford & District 5348 4186

Community Vaccination Clinic opens in Kyneton Central Highlands Rural Health’s vaccination clinic at Kyneton Health has received the long-awaited go-ahead to open its doors to the community. The vaccination clinic will open on Tuesday 14th September and complement other local vaccine providers in the region.

Working with the Loddon-Mallee Vaccination Hub based at Bendigo Health, Kyneton Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic will administer Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, as per government guidelines.

Central Highlands Rural Health CEO Maree Cuddihy said "we are really pleased to have secured a small but regular supply of vaccines for our community as a ‘sub-hub’ of the state-run vaccination centre at Bendigo Health. The goal here is to get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible and our clinic is one of many providers in our region”.

“Now is the time to pick up the phone or jump on the website and make a booking – whether that’s with our clinic, a state-run vaccination centre, a pharmacy or your local GP. The important message stays the same – everyone in our community should ‘Get the Jab Done’!”

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Kyneton Health will offer a limited number of appointments on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7-25 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton.

For more information including vaccine eligibility, visit www.chrh.org.au/covid-19-vaccines/

Kyneton Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Opening Tuesday 14th September 2021

Community Health Update: Storm Recovery Residents across Hepburn and Moorabool shires impacted by the devastating storms can now access personal support services from Central Highlands Rural Health.

A team of personal support workers, including social workers and welfare workers, are now on hand to provide emotional and practical support to local residents.

Central Highlands Rural Health’s Personal Support Workers provide Photo: CHRH Personal Support Workers Michelle and Natasha visiting storm affected areas a connected, supportive and personal response to assist with advocacy and mental wellbeing care, as needed. The service is funded by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) until 30th June 2022. Central Highlands Rural Health is working in partnership with Bushfire Recovery Victoria, Hepburn and Moorabool Shire Councils and Windermere (Statewide Referral Agency) through a coordinated and connected personal support response.

To access Storm Recovery Personal Support please contact Central Highlands Rural Health's Community Health & Wellbeing team on 5321 6550.

Storm Recovery Information Department of Families, Fairness and Housing: www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#financial_assistance Bushfire Recovery Victoria: www.vic.gov.au/recoverysupport-community-groups-and-local-government Hepburn Shire: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/storm-update/

Book your appointment Use the online booking system: https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/ Or call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398

Moorabool Shire: www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/ Emergencies/Storm-emergency Macedon Ranges Shire: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/News/News/Storm-Recovery Please note: Residents who reside in the Macedon Ranges should seek personal support from Sunbury & Cobaw Community Health via 1300 026 229 or www.sunburycobaw.org.au/a-z-services/counselling-mental-health/

Clunes I Creswick I Daylesford I Kyneton I Trentham 5321 6500 www.chrh.org.au www.facebook.com/CHRHorgAU

Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

I am writing this on the first day that regional COVID restrictions were lifted. It’s great to see shops open again and people out-and-about enjoying that. However, there is still a number of active COVID cases in the Victorian community and we all need to be diligent to ensure that we minimise the chance of an outbreak in the Hepburn Shire.

We’re well on track with our vaccination numbers. As of 6 September, data from the Australian Department of Health indicates that 70.4% of eligible residents have had their first vaccination dose and 50.3% in Hepburn Shire have had both doses. That’s a great result and will go a long way to protecting all of us. But we still need to comply with the COVID restrictions (wear a mask, maintain social distance), get tested if you have symptoms, and if you haven’t already done so, get vaccinated. Vaccinations are available now for younger people and you can book at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au. There are walk in public clinics in Bendigo or Ballarat and you can receive vaccinations from Springs Medical Centre or Central Highlands Rural Health (via appointment).

R U Ok? Day was on 9 September, and again, we know that support when you are struggling with big or small issues can make a difference. We also know that during a pandemic, many people are finding it difficult. We don’t have to wait for a specially designated day to check in and ask how someone is going – take the time to ask, it can make a big difference. And if you are feeling that life is a bit difficult at the moment reach out to others or contact one of the health or counselling services available.

The easing of COVID restrictions for regional Victoria means that our Customer Services, Libraries and Visitor Information Centres will be open for face-to-face customers from Monday 13 September. Tip shops are also open again (from Friday 10 September). You’ll need to wear a mask and check in with a QR Code, but staff are looking forward to seeing you again.

Take care and keep safe.

You can keep up to date with what is happening at Council on the Participate Hepburn website - https://particpate.hepburn.vic.gov. au. You can also sign up for Hepburn Life, the Shire’s e-newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/hepburn/sign-up, and keep up to date with recent news.

DO YOU HAVE A SEPTIC SYSTEM?

We are reviewing our Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP). The DWMP sets out how Council proposes to manage potential risks to public and environmental health from the use of septic tank systems.

If you have a septic system at your property, or your work relates to septic systems (such as plumbers, real estate agents or Land Capability Assessors), please provide us with your feedback by completing a short survey at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/domesticwastewater-management-plan by Friday 17 September.

DRAFT COUNCIL PLAN

Our draft Community Vision and Council Plan, which includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, were open for public feedback until 27 August. We developed these strategic documents following extensive community consultation earlier this year as part of the Hepburn Together Project.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the process, including attending community pop-up sessions or providing valuable feedback in person or online.

The draft documents will be considered at the September Council meeting for endorsement.

TRACKS AND TRAILS

Thank you to everyone who completed the recent survey regarding feasibility work into exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Shire.

The two principal opportunities on which community feedback was sought were the possibility of extending the existing tourist rail from Bullarto to Trentham and creating a rail trail from Daylesford to Fern Hill continuing all the way to Hanging Rock. The response was excellent with over 800 people having their say.

We will present a report to Council outlining the engagement feedback and feasibility study outcomes in October. Keep an eye out for updates on our project webpage at https://participate.hepburn. vic.gov.au/tracks-and-trails.

OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT - CLUNES

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the initial consultation on outdoor fitness equipment in Clunes in March 2021. The project has moved a step closer with the finalisation of the concept design for Clunes Creek Walk. The concept design is available to view at https:// participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/clunes-outdoor-fitness-equipmentconcept-design. Feedback is open until Friday, 17 September.

Cr Lesley Hewitt MAYOR

CONTACTS 

General enquiries

5348 2306



@

Mail Email Website



Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au

For after hours emergencies please call:  Animal Control - 0419 587 955  Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil

14 Inspiring

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Lynn & Peter: Saving wildlife to save us all

A

MOUNT Franklin couple’s campaign to protect wildlife across the globe has been boosted by $40,000 raised here and abroad in less than a fortnight.

The funds went towards translating their 40,000-word report into all the official United Nations languages as they seek an overhaul of the international trade in endangered species.

Lynn Johnson and Peter Lanius began examining the illegal trade eight years ago.

Then in 2017 they found that the legal trade was unfit for purpose because a lack of transparency hampered monitoring and enforcement.

The couple, both scientists, focused on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, CITES, established in 1975 to protect wild species from over-exploitation.

Today, says Lynn, it still uses 1970s technology to try to regulate a trade worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Sadly, as a species becomes rare, it becomes valuable and the legal trade is now valued at $540 billion annually. “This is driving the extinction crisis, yet the spotlight is often on the illegal trade.”

Lynn quotes an English conservation biologist: “People have a skewed idea of how large the illegal wildlife trade is relative to the legal trade, so everything negative - in this case, the spread of diseases - is attributed to the illegal part of the trade. But if I was worried about the spread of diseases, I would worry about the legal trade first.”

CITES, a UN organisation, doesn’t have enough money to work properly. Its annual budget of $6.2 million comes from signatory country dues but only pays for its Geneva-based staff.

Through their organisation, Nature Needs More, Lynn and Peter have come up with a plan to reform CITES, warning: “Without a radical departure from the current state we will not be able to arrest the decline in populations. Without an intact biosphere, human survival will be at risk and without implementing effective protections now, the trend on biomass extraction will make widespread collapse of ecosystems inevitable.”

About a quarter of all plant and animal species are threatened, which “makes a mockery of the idea that any of our current practices, including ‘direct exploitation’ or ‘legal trade’, are indeed sustainable. Sustainable use is just a convenient story to keep us from questioning the reality of unsustainable over-exploitation of wildlife.”

A start would be “whitelisting”, which is used in the pharmaceutical and aircraft component industries. Anyone who wanted to use a wildlife product or species would first have to prove “no harm”, ensure its use is sustainable and pay for research to prove this. CITES would licence and monitor any trade through a centralised digital system, which would provide an income, end-to-end regulation, real-time monitoring and transparency.

Processing of applications would be professionalised and centralised through a listing authority which would set strict rules for applications and evaluate the proposals. Business would be required to pay the cost of regulation.

And they found that back in 1981 Australia proposed what the pair is now putting forward, but it was rejected because only 700 species were listed for trade restriction. “That figure is now almost 40,000 and the need for change is urgent.”

Amid what seems like a gigantic battle, Lynn and Peter have a bright shaft: the pandemic restrictions meant they had “space and time to deep dive into how a range of global industries were regulated”.

Yet, as Lynn adds, “If the world doesn’t get this right now when we are in a pandemic and the line between humans and exotic animals has been breached for trade, I don’t know when we’re going to get it.”

Link: www.events.natureneedsmore.org/world-games-for-wildlife

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes & Contributed

“Without an intact biosphere, human survival will be at risk and without implementing effective protections now, the trend on biomass extraction will make widespread collapse of ecosystems inevitable.”

www.tlnews.com.au

Out & About 15

Creswick festival

T

HE Eric Bogle Trio, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, the Davidson Brothers, Amie Brûlée and Greek band Zourouna are just some of the names already lined up for the inaugural CresFest to be held next April 1 to 3.

Let’s support our community and shop local!

“Locals supporting Locals”

Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.

Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply.

Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver.

Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577.

Keep safe, everyone.

Volunteer coordinator Neil Adam, pictured below, said CresFest 2022 would showcase many of Creswick’s beautiful buildings including the town hall, the masonic hall and many rarely used venues.

“Creswick is a lovely little place, up and coming, and in its own way beginning to boom. There are a lot of people moving into the area, many Melburnians who realise they can work from home, so a lot of new ideas too.

“Judy, my wife, is an events organiser, and we are musicians, and she came up with the idea of launching a Creswick music festival.

“And Creswick is a real fund of beautiful old buildings, many of which don’t see a lot of public use, so it is great to put them back on the event map. They are mostly also within easy walking distance of each other.”

Neil said a whole host of musicians were already showing interest with many already booked and more to be announced.

He said organisers were also hoping to gain some more volunteers to help the town “come to life even more than it is already doing”.

“Festivals of all shapes and sizes need volunteers, they are central to their success, and I think local people with local knowledge staffing our venues will add to the warmth and charm of CresFest.

“We are hoping for some people with event experience but people without are absolutely fine. We are also interested in hearing from people with special skills in sound and lighting, and those who have been MCs and don’t mind introducing acts.

“In return they will receive a weekend pass and the chance to see fantastic acts and venues all over town, training and a souvenir T-shirt.”

Neil said other events included a busking competition at the IGA supermarket, the main stage at the town hall, a shire showcase for all musicians in Hepburn Shire and a family bush dance at the Creswick Primary School.

To sign up for volunteering, head to www.cresfest.com.au/getinvolved

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

A PUB FOR THE LOCALS Come in, grab a drink and be local.

Join us for STEAK NIGHT every Thursday $25 and our locals’ favourite SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST $25.

03 5348 2335 LUNCH SAT & SUN DINNER THU - MON

DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

16 Homes & Gardens

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Spring to it and join the garden movement Admittedly, the days aren’t all that warm yet but they’re definitely getting longer, like the sunny breaks between the showers. There’s movement in the garden with masses of spring blossoms and bursting leaf buds abounding on the deciduous trees and shrubs and the evergreens are starting to show new life.

All of this is telling me it’s time to “gird our loins” (never quite knew where that came from) and take advantage of any breaks in the weather and get out amongst it.

The downside of all this flurry of growth is that it also includes weeds and lawns, both of which absolutely flourish after the wet winter months and probably need tackling before most of the other spring garden tasks.

I am now reminded of the said task as I gaze out of my study window onto our patch of unruly self-sown grass we jokingly refer to as lawn. So it’s out with the hoe, rake and lawnmower at every opportunity. At least they are warming activities as are these other timely tasks below.

Pruning The pruning of roses, fruiting and other deciduous trees and shrubs should be over now, although it's still safe to tackle that task if the new growth isn’t too advanced. But don’t be too adventurous with the heavier wood. The same applies with your deciduous fruit and flowering trees. Make it a tidying-up/reshaping exercise.

Evergreens, if they are frost-resistant, could be given a light trim from now on although it would be wise to leave the pruning of the frost-tender ones until later in the month. There’s almost nothing worse than discovering blackened, wilting new growth on your plants.

That is especially true in the case of citrus trees which benefit from an annual prune of the healthy growth and a tidying up of any weak, spindly or dead branches.

Don’t be in a hurry to cut off the browning leaves from your flowering bulbs as their blooms die off, they need them to continue feeding the bulb for next year’s growth and blooms. Although it may look untidy, they’re still needed to provide nourishment to the bulb, so wait until they’re really dead before you cut them off.

Bells Water Gardens @ Bald Hills

Vegies and mulch At the head of my list are two important and timely tasks requiring the use of shovel and rake - the preparation of the vegetable beds for the summer crops, and it’s never too early to prepare to mulch the garden beds. The soil is moist and very friable for both activities and turning over the beds will ensure even better penetration of whatever rains we receive before the hot weather arrives. Besides, I’d much prefer to be doing it now than under the heat of summer sun.

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Last week we took advantage of the sunny break to take the dishlickers for a stroll through Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens to enjoy the benefits of a rain-soaked winter and the tender care of our Hepburn Shire staff - aided by volunteer members of Friends of Wombat Hill.

As expected, the gardens are simply magnificent, just bursting with lush new growth and early blooms. Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias in particular are making a splash, one pictured right above.

Another, Pieris japonica, often known as andromeda, is the Japanese pearl flower, an evergreen shrub growing to around two metres in height, pictured lower right. Its leaves, as well as the flower buds turn bronze in winter and it grows well in a semishaded shrub bed or large tub in lime-free soil.

Got a gardening question? Ask Glen at glenzgarden@gmail.com

Bells Water Gardens has been in the water garden business for over 25 years, building and maintaining ponds and growing a diverse range of aquatic plants for the nursery trade and public.

We are passionate about building natural eco-system ponds, adding beauty and encouraging wildlife, allowing interaction with nature. Water gardens built by us are quiet, contemplative places to rest and energise the senses.

Contact us for all your water garden requirements or come and see our nursery at 846 Gillies Rd, Bald Hills.

03 5345 7050 0418 567 195

18 Happy & Healthy

www.tlnews.com.au

Hospital needs help LGTBIQA+ health

T

HE community is being asked to help support the Daylesford Hospital, as it approaches its 160th anniversary.

The Daylesford Hospital Upgrade Appeal Committee chair, and Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt, said the hospital had provided greatly valued health services for the local community for almost 160 years.

“During that time much has changed as hospital services, care practice, and standards moved with technology and the hospital has adapted, where possible, to these changes.

“The hospital building has remained largely unchanged, and our community is at real risk of being left behind and unable to access many vital health care services.

“It is very likely that you and your family and friends have experienced the wonderful health care provided by the Daylesford Hospital staff, or one day will.

A modern local hospital will importantly enhance the liveability and prosperity of Daylesford and its surrounds.”

Cr Hewitt said if the hospital was to be retained it needed to be upgraded in a multi-staged project starting with a $100,000 masterplan.

With no money on offer from the State Government for the masterplan, it was hoped funding could be raised by Christmas through the community and the Daylesford Community Bank.

The masterplan will set the priorities for the upgrade and include sterilisation facilities, an operating theatre re-build, increased space for dialysis, replacement of shared rooms and ensuites with single rooms and improved disability access.

The Daylesford Community Bank has committed $1 for every $3 raised by the community (with the total amount capped at $25,000).

Cash, cheques and money orders can be deposited at Bendigo Bank Daylesford with online transfers via www.givenow.com.au/daylesfordhospitalupgrade

R

ESULTS from Healthy Heart of Victoria’s 2019 Active Living Census showed that people who identify as LGBTIQA+ were one of the groups less likely to meet the national recommended guidelines for exercise and physical activity.

The survey found that just over half of LGBTIQA+ people were doing the recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day but there was a strong motivation to change with 69 per cent of people wanting to be more active.

Since the publication of the survey results, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Country LGBTI Inclusion Program (CLIP) has been working with Macedon Ranges Shire Council to find out from people what might help them increase their participation and identify the particular barriers in the region that are preventing them from exercising.

To explore these issues further, a free workshop has been arranged in conjunction with Proper Pilates Kyneton director Trevor Buckingham. Rainbow Active: Let’s Talk aims to look at the findings of the survey, explore the barriers that keep people from getting active, and create opportunities for community members to try a new activity that they may never have had the confidence or opportunity to try before.

Guest speakers include Brad Burns from Eclipse gym's, exercise physiologist Melissa Sbaraglia and 2020 GLOBE Victoria winner, LGBTIQ Sportsperson of the Year and president and founder of the national Bushrangers Basketball and Queer Sporting Alliance Stella Lesic Rainbow Active: Let’s Talk is on Saturday, September 18, 2.30pm to 4pm at the Social Foundry in Kyneton. RSVPs are essential for catering and capacity limit purposes to Belinda Brain on 5421 1666 or belinda.brain@scchc.org.au

Words: Donna Kelly

Words: Donna Kelly

SUE’S PLACE

Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder

Allergy Testing SPRING CLINICS with Dr Albert Ip

a little gift from me to you Help!!

When we take care of ourselves, it’s easy to hear, to see, to feel another’s call for help.

It’s harder to discern if our energy is low. We’re not so aware, and can miss the subtle cries.

So please, take care of yourself first and foremost physically, mentally, emotionally.

We’ll be in the best place to truly be of service to those around us.

For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352

BOOK TODAY!

Did you know that you can desensitise against some pollen and dust mites using a tablet now?

No more weekly injections! Instead you can now take a tablet from the convenience of your home!

Ask your doctor whether you should have Allergy Testing at Springs Medical.

Scan the QR code for more information.

Springs Medical at Daylesford, Kyneton & Trentham will be CLOSED on AFL Grand Final, Friday 24 September.

Daylesford practice will be OPEN Saturday 25 September.

9am - 12:30pm for GP consultations.

12:30 - 5:30pm for the Covid Vaccination Clinic.

Kyneton practice will be OPEN Saturday 25 September, 9am - 3pm.

If you have an urgent, non-life-threatening health concern after hours, call the After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222.

In an emergency always call 000

Daylesford Kyneton Trentham 10 Hospital St 89 Piper Street 22 Victoria St tel: (03) 5348 2227 tel: (03) 5422 1298 tel: (03) 5424 1602

Fire and Covid inevitable

L

Meanwhile, vaccination rates in the county have stalled at around 40 per cent of the adult population fully vaccinated - nationally the number is closer to 75 per cent - as anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers continue to hold protest rallies. It was interesting to see them out on a street corner last week shouting and waving signs about how mask mandates violate their rights, on days when the air quality was rated as “very But then you walk out to check the woodpile - is there enough to see you through unhealthy” and smart people wore masks regardless of Covid-19.

It is worth pointing out that Covid vaccinations are available to anyone who the inevitable cold snaps from now to December? And then the fog rolls in again, wants one, at dozens of locations around the town. obscuring the treetops, and surfaces become slick from dripping mists, and you After the fire chief made his disturbing, if not altogether surprising, prediction remember summer - real summer - is weeks away. about fire in California’s future, I heard another remarkable prognostication recently.

Here in northern California, as summer slips into autumn, today the sky is grey I took my 89-year-old mother to see her GP for a regularly scheduled checkup. with a hint of blue, but lately we haven’t been able to see the treetops for days on end.

We visit this doctor often, so I noticed when we arrived at his rooms that a fresh It isn’t cloudy skies that have been blocking out the sun, however - it’s smoke from batch of signs had been taped on the door and in strategic places near the reception bushfires. desk, warning of Covid-19 safety protocols being enforced.

It is fire season in California - has been for months. In our general vicinity we’ve Now, as I said, here in the US we gave up on trying to thwart Covid long ago and had three going since July, only one of which has been controlled, and combined decided it’s better to accept the deaths, debilitating after-effects and breakdown of they’ve burned 1,214,765 acres of mostly forest land. That’s 491,598 hectares. the national healthcare system as the price to pay for keeping the economy going. So We keep an eye on a couple of air-quality monitoring apps because more often I was pleasantly surprised to see a reintroduction of Covid awareness, at least here in than not these days, the air outside isn’t fit to breathe; it ranges from “unhealthy for the doctor’s office. sensitive groups” to “unhealthy”, “very unhealthy” and “hazardous”. Right now, as I As the doctor’s examination of my mother concluded, I asked him about Covid sit here at 11am, the air outside is rated as “unhealthy”. booster shots. He is a young man - no more than 45, I’d guess - and I noticed that he In a news report in late August, Thom Porter, a chief from Cal Fire, the California too had resumed wearing a mask, so I was surprised by his answer.

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, told reporters: “There is fire activity “Covid will be with us forever, from now on,” he said. It was almost as if these happening in California that we have never seen before. The critical thing for you, the feelings had been building up and he needed to vent. “You will catch it, it’s inevitable. public, to know is evacuate early.”

Everyone will catch it.”

And then - maybe it was stress, but it was chilling to hear this fire-fighting His wife had it, he said - they thought maybe from the gym. His daughter had professional say: “For the rest of you in California: every acre can, and will, burn caught the virus too, but so far his son had escaped. someday in this state. Be ready now.”

He likened it to influenza, and how every year we’re all encouraged to have a flu Meanwhile, we too are still confronted by Covid-19, every day. You folks are shot to guard against the new variations - Covid will be like that, he said. doing lockdowns, contact tracing and trying to become vaccinated, while in the US He mentioned Australia and New Zealand and lockdowns. They won’t work, he we gave up on prevention long ago and are looking to the vaccines to see us though said.

We need to put our trust in vaccines. the pandemic. In the US, population 332.5 million, on September 3, there were 155,547 new cases reported, down from the seven-day average of 157,612. There were, however, 1822 deaths, up from the seven-day daily average of 1499.

After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, Jeff In Shasta County, where I live, population 181,000, we had 131 new cases Glorfeld went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past reported on September 2. The county has experienced 255 Covid-related deaths since the pandemic began. We’ve also lately seen record numbers of Covid-related three years he’s survived bushfires, snowstorms, Covid-19, and drought. And hospitalisations and intensive-care unit admittances.

Trump. The cicadas and locusts didn’t arrive. Well, not yet.

ATE August and early September can be trying times in the Central Highlands. The wattles and blackwoods are blooming, the air is filled with spring perfume, the days are growing almost stealthily longer, and the appearance of a special guest, sunlight, makes the morning dew sparkle on the leaves and grass.

Pets@Work It's a tough job but somebody has to deliver The Local.

Local. And who better than journalist and artist Tony Sawrey and stumpy tailed cattle dog Logik.

Tony said Logik made sure The Local was delivered in a timely manner and stopped anyone reaching for a copy from the back of his car.

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When you need to feed a few people outdoors, or just feel like some finger food, try these full flavoured chicken drumsticks. Start the day before and marinate them in the fridge overnight to let the flavours of garlic, oregano and smoky paprika. We use garlic powder here as it sticks so well to the chicken, but you can use two cloves of minced garlic instead. You can also use chicken wings. Make sure you have plenty of napkins are these are wonderfully sticky.

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METHOD

12 free-range chicken drumsticks 4 tablespoons tomato sauce 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon smoky paprika 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon white pepper

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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked and golden. Remove from the oven, allow to rest for five minutes before serving.

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22 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Your say...

Just sayin’...

Covid ready

By Donna Kelly

P

RIORITIES are interesting things. You would think if we had learned one thing over the past 20 months it would be that health is pretty important.

I got two emails this week. Well, I actually get about 100 a day, but most are junk and the others are actually in junkmail.

Anyway, one was about fundraising for a much-needed upgrade for the Daylesford Hospital. And it all starts with a $100,000 masterplan. Despite being a state-owned asset, and providing healthcare to the community for the past 160 years, there is no state government help with this.

So the fundraising committee is asking the community to help out, with money also on offer from the Daylesford Community Bank, with a Christmas deadline. I think it's a great cause but pretty ambitious. Covid has hit many businesses really hard, especially with this third wave and sixth lockdown, so many would struggle to donate.

Maybe individuals can come up with the cash. Maybe the savings on eating out and holidays have boosted their coffers. Not sure.

I also thought it seemed a lot for a business plan. But then I got the second email.

It was from Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, to announce that a business case and planning document for an Institute of Gastronomy in Daylesford has been funded to the tune of $200,000 by the state government.

Bugger me. I am so in the wrong business. $200,000 for paperwork. Someone is doing OK. But it also got me thinking about priorities. I am sure it is a great cause. If anyone needs a boost after this pandemic it is the hospitality industry. I get that. But surely a health service gets first dibs. Seems a little out of whack that a hospital, which already exists and is a proven asset, is asking the community for $100,000 for a masterplan but the state government is giving $200,000 for pretty much the same thing to an as yet, unproven idea.

But what would I know. When we started The Local we just got going. No business plan, no mission statement, no business cards. Just a pretty poorly drafted A4 copy of what we thought it might look like. We schlepped around businesses and asked if they would like to advertise. Some kindly said yes. And then we filled in the spaces with stories and photos and printed it at Kyneton Copy. Just 500 copies.

It worked, thank goodness, and we actually made a small profit from the first edition. And decided to go from monthly to fortnightly that very first delivery day.

We have just hit the eight-year mark - September 2, 2013 was our first edition.

Now we are up to Issue 236. And no plans to stop, pandemic or not. We are in this for the long haul, with our community.

Unless we win Tattslotto this Saturday. Then we are out. Just sayin'...

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WE REGIONAL people have some very difficult times ahead.

The government’s capitulation to the virus presents some dire challenges that up to date we have been poorly equipped to deal with. Within a few months lockdowns are predicted to be lifted despite a relatively high level of unvaccinated adults and children.

The urgent priority now must be preparing our hospitals and medical services for the influx of Covid-19 patients that will inevitably follow. Like the view during both wars that the conflict would be over quickly, the present pandemic crisis looks set to run for many years yet.

Once the virus is endemic in our regional communities the act of refusing to wear a mask, regardless of edicts, will be an overt act of harm against the unvaccinated.

Yet we all have an interest in protecting our medical services as we all need access to normal critical care services. We must urge immediate action to ramp up the preparations.

- Pat Hockey, Clunes

AusNet project query

LAST week I received what I presume was a mass mail-out letter from the Ripon State Liberal MP Louise Staley about the project to bring renewable energy from Stawell to Melbourne. This letter refers to it on numerous occasions as Labor’s project. This is incorrect. The facts are:

*It is not a state government project, it was formulated by the Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO, which was established by the Council of Australian Governments in 2009 to manage the national electricity market for the eastern states and the Australian gas markets. It is an independent organisation, a public company with federal and state government and industry representatives; *It was AEMO who contracted power company AusNet to deliver the project and it was AusNet who decided the route, which is to go from Stawell to Sydenham via Waubra, Newlyn and Darley; and *The Victorian Government’s involvement to date has been limited to requiring an Environmental Effects Statement though planning approval will now be required from both it and the Federal Government.

The aim of this project is a worthy one: to get the vast quantities of renewable energy from western Victoria into the grid for the benefit of all Victorians.

The proposed route has understandably attracted strong opposition from the many farming and rural communities through which the 80-metre high towers and power lines will run. Those opposing it want alternate routes and methods of construction (e.g. underground) to be considered particularly through sensitive areas.

This is undoubtedly a complex issue but Ms Staley must be aware of the above facts. Rather than using taxpayer funds to mislead the public by incorrectly blaming the state government for everything related to it, I urge her to join with local political, council and community leaders in encouraging AEMO, AusNet and the state and federal governments to work together to find a better way of delivering this important project.

- Jeremy Harper, Kingston

Letters to the Editor are always welcome. Please keep them shortish and to the point. Any addressed Dear Sir will be deleted.

Email news@tlnews.com.au

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Opinion 23

Kyle’s Rant

C

APTAIN'S Log Stardate...I’ve forgotten. It is as if the fog has started to seep into my brain.

It began with a simple enough operation I suppose. My mission was to cut an avocado into two equal parts, scoop half into a salad and return the other half, with the stone still in it and wrapped in Gladwrap, to the fridge. The Gladwrap was going back to the drawer.

A day or two later (I have lost count) I went searching for the other half of the avocado in the fridge only to find the Gladwrap in its place. With my powers of foggy deduction I worked out that the avocado had been living in the Gladwrap’s home.

I read an article the other day that talked about our minds being like batteries, gaining a charge and de-fogging, from the interactions with others, as humans are fundamentally social creatures.

You may remember the old days when someone would smile or make you laugh, when simply catching up for a beer wasn’t an illegal thing to do. And now even the most introverted amongst us have their batteries in the red.

I can’t imagine what a pandemic baby is going to think when the day comes that all the masks are removed and there are lips everywhere - terrifying for the poor little bugger.

So, not to go on like a broken record, and not to be a will o' the wisp like old mate Guy Sebastian, just go get the vaccine so as we can get back to some sense of normal and hopefully our batteries will recharge and the brain fog will lift.

The other day I saw an elderly gentleman stroll into the chemist and imperiously ask the young lady behind the counter to: “tell me about this vaccine thing”. This absolutely bowled me over and made my blood boil. It's not as if he had strolled into a car dealership and asked to be sold into the latest model Mercedes Benz.

For starters the elderly population should all be done by now. The rational thinking people among us waited at the beginning of the year for the elderly and frontline workers to be jabbed first and then took our turn.

But back to the bloke in the chemist. As the young blushing woman tried to explain what the vaccine was all about and this guy wasted the time of the other chemist patrons, it turned out there was a space available for him right then and there. But, oh no, he wanted to take the information back home with him and digest it. Honestly.

And that is today’s lesson in brain fog. I started this rant with a reference to Star Trek and by the time this column has pulled into the station it has found itself off the tracks somewhere in the shunting yard of my brain.

Why am I at the fridge, rant over…

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24 Crossword

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Public Notices JOHN BOHN 16.7.36 - 8.9.21

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL NEW VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT Daylesford Bowling Club, 8 Camp Street, Daylesford VIC 3460 1. The proposed facility consists of: • One (1) omni antenna (1.0m long, shrouded) mounted on the building rooftop, on the upper ridge line • Radio equipment mount below the omni antenna (a transmitter unit) • Two (2) yagi antennas (for transmission) mounted on the building rooftop, on the lower ridge line, together with a modem • Associated ancillary works including power supply and cabling 2. Vodafone regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above 3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An Environmental EME Report can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3460009 4. In accordance with Section 6 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or submissions should be directed to Vodafone, c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 19 October 2021.

Died peacefully at St John of God Hospital, Ballarat.

Loved father of Jenny, Merril and Peter.

Father-in-law to Ray, Rohan and Michelle.

Grandfather to Allannah, Nadine, Claire, Julia, Alexander and Sophie.

Great-grandfather to Rose.

Independent to the end.

Rest In Peace Private funeral to be held.

See www.vereyfuneraldirectors.com.au website for more details.

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The Last Word: Celebrating Clunes' history

O

N September 25, health restrictions notwithstanding, a plaque will be unveiled at Collins Place, Clunes honouring the memory of Francis Joseph Collins. Shire councillor, inaugural Clunes Tourist Development Association president and prominent local businessman in the decades after WWII.

One of four children, he was born at Ballarat in 1913 and grew up a big man with a shock of red hair, nicknamed Meggsie after the Ginger Meggs comic. A keen sportsman, Frank, as he was known, played in the Ballarat Football League for Golden Point Football Club (also known as the Rice Eaters) and by 1939 was the club president.

Clunes native and well known Geelong Cats player Bob Davis mentions him in Woofa, the book on his playing career: “One of the most influential ‘Rice Eaters’ was Frank ‘Meggsie’ Collins, a local footballer who taught all the kids special football and training skills. And when I was coach of Geelong, I adopted many of his techniques.”

At the end of the 1930s Frank decided to move to Sydney. Unable to take part in military service due to poor eyesight, he qualified as a chemical engineer and remained in NSW until 1949 when he returned to Victoria to take over running the National Hotel in Clunes.

“I came here and thought I would stay a couple of years, that was in 1949,” he recalled in an interview in 1986.

In the same year he purchased the Swan Freezing Company which sat on the site known today as Collins Place. Formerly serving as a Salvation Army hall, knitting mill and Clunes Auction Market, the large weatherboard shed was converted to a freezing works and commenced operations in 1948, purchasing rabbits from local trappers as well as supplying ice to businesses and homes.

Today most people tend to think of ‘rabbiting’ as something the rural poor did as a desperate measure to keep food on the table during hard times. But nothing could be further from the truth.

The reality was Australians were estimated to have consumed 27 million rabbits a year during the 1940s alone. Around places like Clunes where the creatures were in plaque proportions, trappers could earn over 20 pounds a week when the average wage in 1950 was six pounds per week. Frank continued in the rabbit buying and ice-making business until the 1960s, but as chicken gradually replaced rabbit on household tables, he decided to close the factory in 1969.

But the rabbit freezing business was only a small aspect of this man's contribution to the local community. He was involved in the setting up of the Clunes swimming pool, and was a member of both the cricket club and the Clunes Magpies Football Club. He coached there from 1949 to 50 and was also president twice, in 58-61 and 66-69, a period when the team was very strong, making the Clunes Football League grand final 13 times for five premierships.

His daughter Cathryn, one of five children, also recalls that Frank was known as Father O'Collins for the popular barrel he used to run on Sunday mornings to raise money for the Clunes footy and cricket clubs.

In 1967 he joined the newly formed Shire Council of Talbot and Clunes, serving until 1985. A tireless advocate for the advancement of Clunes, he was also instrumental in forming the Clunes Tourist Development Association and was its first president.

But Collins Place, with its rose gardens and lawns, is arguably Frank's most significant contribution to the fabric of his beloved Clunes. The old freezing works were demolished in the 1970s with the site being given over to hockey and basketball for many years. But upon Frank's retirement in 1985 he donated the land for the creation of today's park which was completed in time to commemorate the Australian bi-centennial in 1988.

From top, the site of the Clunes freezing works in the early 70s (image courtesy of Robert Campbell), Frank at 26, centre, 2nd row in suit with the 1939 Golden Point football team (image courtesy of the family), the 1960 Clunes Magpies premiership team with president Frank Collins centre, middle row (image courtesy of Clunes Museum), Collins Place today (image Tony Sawrey) Words: Tony Sawrey Thanks to the Clunes Museum for its assistance with this article.