The Local Issue 198, September 21, 2020

September 21, 2020 Issue 198 Model citizen

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front page: A model replica of the Glenlyon Shire Hall, made by Hepburn’s Butch Tori, has sold on prestigious auction site Leonard Joel for $600. The asking price was half that. Read his story by Donna Kelly on page 10.

September 21, 2020 Issue 198 Model citizen

The Local is a weekly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, September 28, 2020.

Or online on Sunday, September 27 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, September 23 Copy deadline: Thursday, September 24 Editorial deadline: Thursday, September 24 Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes

Image: Kyle Barnes

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Writers | Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Tony Sawrey, Peter Young and Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Tanya Loos (nature), Glenn Robinson (cartoons) and Matthew Richardson (money) Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey

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.

5348 7883 or 0416 104 283 | news@tlnews.com.au or sales@tlnews.com.au See all our e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au

Local Lines On being a man

For one thing I have the strongest hands in the house.

My wife and children try to stop a dripping tap and my teenage son can almost do it but only I can twist with a grip hard enough to stop that leak in its tracks for another night which means another day I don’t have to call in the plumber who is even more of a man than I am.

- Ross Gillett Ross Gillett lives in Daylesford. His latest book The Mirror Hurlers was published

by Puncher & Wattmann in late 2019, and can be purchased at Paradise Books in Vincent St, Daylesford.

Poems for Local Lines come predominantly from a group of poets. However, other locals who would like a poem considered for publication can contact Bill Wootton - cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Mick (23.9.1960 - 25.7.2020) (60th on Wednesday, September 23)

Forever in our hearts, Deeply missed, You meant so much to so many.

Always loved xxx

www.tlnews.com.au

Legends 3

Coles Daylesford - Legends of Lockdown

C

OLES Daylesford staff have been nominated as the latest Legends of Lockdown for The Local.

One reader said that supermarket workers were on the frontline and deserved recognition.

"The Coles Daylesford supermarket workers are exposed to the public, while still maintaining excellent customer service.

"These are abnormal times and they are often subjected to public frustration and anger. They have seen panic buying, increased demand and maybe, at times, some brawls and angry vents by the public, while working around the clock to keep shelves stocked and available for us."

Another reader said the staff were always ready with a smile, albeit under their masks, and remained helpful and upbeat.

"I really enjoy my little outing each day to buy what I need but also get some pleasant interaction with the staff who are always ready with a friendly word.

"They were legends before this pandemic happened and they are even more so now. I hope those at the top of the supermarket chain realise how lucky they are to have these hard workers keeping their community safe and supplied with all their essentials. Total legends, every one of them!"

Store manager Scott Napier said he and staff were very thankful for the nomination from the locals. "It means a lot!"

Meanwhile, you have until Monday, September 28 to nominate a Legend of Lockdown. Keep them coming!

Images: Contributed

Recognising our Legends of Lockdown

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O YOU know a Legend of Lockdown? They don't need a cape but they do need to have gone above and beyond.

The Local would like to recognise those people. Maybe they have served hundreds of meals to people in need, perhaps they have knitted warm clothing to keep others warm or perhaps it's just a neighbour who has helped deliver groceries to your front door?

Maybe it's a healthcare worker on the front line, someone who has set up a community helpline or a person who has kept the community informed.

And everyone has enough going on, so we want to keep it simple. Just email your legend along with 50-100 words about what they have done to enter legend status.

We also need their contact number - some people don't like surprises.

We will keep the entries happening until September 28, so there is still a little time to have a think about who has helped get you, or others, through this extraordinary time.

If lockdown lifts by then, and let's all hope it does, we are hoping to have a ceremony to say thanks! If we are still socially distancing then we will publish names and details in editions of The Local.

Details:

What: Legends of Lockdown Why: Because we should recognise goodness What: Your legend's name, contact and 50-100 words about them When: By September 28 (extended to the end of lockdown) Email: donna@tlnews.com.au

Community News Keeping the Shire COVID-safe Keeping the Shire COVID-safe is a high priority for Council. We are working with Victoria Police, DHHS and other partner agencies so we can welcome regional visitors back to our towns safely. We have been talking to local businesses to help them adapt to the new rules, especially our hospitality businesses with the emphasis on outdoor dining and using public spaces.

Council Supports Outdoor Dining Council is helping its hospitality businesses to adapt to the opportunity for more outdoor dining now COVID-19 restrictions are easing, while ensuring safety requirements are met.

We expect we will see some creative use of public space - not just footpaths and parks becoming outdoor dining areas but also considering full or partial road closures at times to allow for both outdoor dining and safe movement of pedestrians.

Council officers are currently speaking with business owners across the Shire to get their input into any potential changes.

Council will completely waive the following fees and charges for 2020/2021 to assist businesses in the transition to predominantly outdoor seated service as part of Regional Victoria’s roadmap for reopening: • Outdoor dining permits • A-Frame Signage • Table & Two chairs • Goods for Display or Sale • Wind Barriers.

We will also provide a 50% discount to fees and charges for the renewal of registrations.

Businesses with questions are encouraged to contact Council’s Economic Development team on business@hepburn.vic.gov.au or call 5348 2306.

Building Tender Awarded for Hepburn Hub at The Rex Council has endorsed the awarding of the building contract to complete works on the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project. A panel consisting of internal and external members to Council evaluated eight potential tenderers, ensuring probity compliance.

This project will deliver a fantastic new community facility, including library, auditorium, and Council accommodation.

A construction contract with the successful contractor, J Hutchinson Pty Ltd, will be prepared. It is likely the builder will commence works early in the new year and that they will be completed midyear.

In addition to the scope outlined in the tender documents, a number of additional tender options were sought to ensure the building is watertight. This has added $221,040 to the project cost.

A further shortfall of $518,960 has been identified to fund all the works now required to complete the project. This means there is a total shortfall of $740,000 which will be referred to the Mid-Year Budget review.

Council will continue to keep the community informed of its progress on this project.

CONTACTS 

General enquiries

5348 2306



@

Mail Email Website

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



Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

Council Takes Next Steps in Planning Scheme Review Hepburn Shire Council has endorsed the revised Hepburn Planning Scheme following last week’s Ordinary Council meeting.

The Review is a major strategic project and will result in a modern, up-to-date Planning Scheme that will guide the Shire through planning and development decisions for many years.

The current Hepburn Planning Scheme had not been reviewed for nearly two decades and as a result parts of the existing scheme are out of date and confusing.

The exhibition stage of the revised Scheme recently finished, and we received 267 submissions covering a range of matters, which shows how important this is to many people.

Members of our community were broadly supportive of the review, however, clearly indicated they were concerned about two issues - Design and Development Overlay 6 (DDO6) and the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO). The feedback has been clear, the community wants more work done on DDO6 and the SLO, so these matters have been set aside for more work.

To progress the remainder of the amendment, Council will request an independent panel be established by the Minister for Planning to look at all the submissions made to Council and advise on a way forward. Anyone who has made a submission to the amendment will have the opportunity to appear before the Panel and discuss their feedback. On receiving the Panel’s report, Council will then make a final decision whether to adopt Amendment C80hepb.

Thank you to everyone who made a submission as they have highlighted important issues for us to continue to work through, with their assistance.

CARETAKER PERIOD

Tuesday 22 September to Saturday 24 October, 6pm The Ordinary Council meeting held on 15 September 2020 was the last for this current Council term. From Tuesday, 22 September, Council must comply with special arrangements for Caretaker Period relating to Local Government elections.

A caretaker period: • ensures that council actions don’t interfere with the election process, and the election process is conducted in an ethical, fair and equitable way.

• safeguards the authority of the incoming council.

During the election period: • councils are prohibited from making certain types of decisions • material produced by councils must not contain matter that will affect voting at the election.

For more infomation on the Council elections, visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/2020-general-electionshepburn-shire-council/.

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

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When we work together, we get things done A big thank you to all Coliban residents who responded to the Council Survey about the Trentham Community Hub proposals WHAT WE HAVE

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More outdoor dining

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EPBURN Shire Council is backing its hospitality businesses to adapt to the requirement for more outdoor dining, in areas like Vincent Street, Daylesford (pictured above on Saturday), now COVID-19 restrictions are easing.

CEO Evan King said the State Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package aimed to make outdoor dining safe, practical and a reality.

“Under the State Government package, our local businesses can apply for grants up to $5000 to help them buy the things they need to be able to expand or create outdoor eating areas. This will help them meet the requirements around customer limits and physical distancing.

“Rural councils are eligible for up to $250,000 to help cover the costs of fee waivers and invest in any infrastructure like lighting or streetscaping to make outdoor dining safe and welcoming and we will be making the most of this funding source.

“I expect we will see some creative use of public space – not just footpaths and parks becoming outdoor dining areas but also full or partial road closures at times to allow for both outdoor dining and safe movement of pedestrians.”

At last week's council meeting, Hepburn Shire Council committed to waiving a range of fees to further support local businesses.

Mr King said this was great news for local business owners, many of whom had struggled so hard to stay afloat during the pandemic.

“With the easing of restrictions allowing regional Victorians to travel again, we can expect our wonderful restaurants, bars and cafes to attract not only our residents keen to support their favourite establishments, but visitors as well.”

Council will completely waive the following fees and charges for 2020/2021 to assist businesses in the transition to predominantly outdoor seated service as part of Regional Victoria’s roadmap for reopening: outdoor dining permits; A-frame signage; table and two chairs; goods for display or sale; and wind barriers. Council will provide a 50 per cent discount to fees and charges for the renewal of registrations.

“Our staff are talking to businesses across the shire to make sure we can slash through any red tape that might be in the way and get our economy moving again,” Mr King said.

Details: Council's economic development team on business@hepburn.vic.gov.au or 5348 2306.

6 News

Extra COVID care

M sessions.

ACEDON Ranges Shire Council’s immunisation team is taking extra precautions and implementing procedures to control risks of and exposure to transmission of COVID-19 during immunisation

These measures include: advising parents to stay at home if either they or their child is feeling sick; only one parent attending with their child; immunisation staff wearing required personal protective equipment; maintaining two metre social distancing; and a brief screening questionnaire and temperature check.

Planning and Environment director Angela Hughes said receiving scheduled vaccinations for children remained essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our immunisation team has incorporated extra precautions to minimise transmission risk while vaccinating your child,” Ms Hughes said.

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News 7

Social enterprise cafe for The Rex dropped

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Kyneton's Social Foundry's website says: “We seek to mentor and share life-skills HE total project of The Rex's Hepburn Hub has hit more than $13 million after a shortfall comprised of $221,040 to ensure the building to young people right here in our local community. We call these people our friends, is watertight and another $518,960 "to fund all the works required to and believe they have the potential to change the world. We focus on hospitality, conservation land management, and woodworking. We're training and equipping complete the project".

The cost to finish The Rex, a former movie theatre in Vincent Street, Daylesford, is now more than $13 million. But despite the amount being spent on the project, the long-mooted social enterprise cafe was dropped at last week's council meeting.

A Hepburn Shire Council media release said in order to meet the requirements of the State Government Library Funding, and to deliver an exceptional new library for the Daylesford community, the Social Enterprise Café at the Hepburn Hub at The Rex had to be removed from the project.

"Other factors that supported the decision to remove the café included the lack of funding for the fit-out of the café and no interest from community groups to run the café. As a result of removing the café from the project scope, the library is bigger and will include a youth space. Council will be developing a youth strategy over the coming 12 months and will be looking for ideas and feedback from the community, especially our youth, in its development."

A council media release in March 2017 said incorporating a community theatre into The Rex facility, "and the proposal to have a social enterprise café, will make this a true community building".

Daylesford teenager Eden Clifford queried the move with an email sending a question to council and The Local saying he had been excited along with many other young people to have funding set aside for the social enterprise café.

"We could all hang and work alongside each other and get learning and be paid.

(But) council took this away. How can dollars go to something else when they were meant for us? How can it go to stuff we already have? We don’t need a community space, we need a youth space. A happy fun one.

"I wish you could all remember what being young was about, no offence but old people don’t help us. Kyneton has the Social Foundry, friggin’ awesome, and Albury Council has the Retro Lane Café, both are successes that bring dollars and kudos.”

our friends to reconnect and sow good into our local communities...”

Albury City's websites says its Retro Lane Café supports social enterprise activities, sourcing environmental and ethical Vegware packaging that is vegetable based and compostable, with a strong focus on separating waste and recycling. The cafe is also aligned with Love Food Hate Waste and the Trim Bin Program.

“The cafe aims to make a social difference to young people. This includes programs such as regular Friday night gigs, school holiday and after school programs, homework and study assistance, arts and performance workshops, résumé writing, job seeking skills and much more.”

Meanwhile, Hepburn Shire Council last week endorsed the awarding of the building contract to complete works on the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project to J Hutchinson Pty Ltd. Council CEO Evan King said Hutchinson was based out of Melbourne and was considered to provide the best overall value for council and the community with proven experience and quality projects.

"They will spend 80 per cent on regional contractors and suppliers and have committed to providing opportunities for youth in the region and will encourage apprentices and trainees to be hired on the project," he said.

"They will coordinate a site tour for local schools in the area as well as engaging the local community in the form of work experience. They are also a member of Supply Nation; Australia’s largest national directory of verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Through Supply Nation we are able to identify local indigenous businesses that could be engaged on the project."

Words: Donna Kelly

“Think about who you love, then think about them in ICU.” For Sarah, who’s been battling coronavirus for nearly 8 weeks, being separated from her two little boys, has been heartwrenching. On top of coronavirus attacking every one of her body systems, intense pain and acute breathing difficulty, she still has no idea when she will be well enough to see her boys. Sarah’s hope is that by us all doing the right thing, no one else will have to experience the heartache her family has.

Please, play your part and help stop the spread of the virus. If you have symptoms - please get tested. Payments of $450 are available to help you stay home and wait for your test result.

To learn more of Sarah’s story go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Mental health help

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FREE mental health clinic has opened at Sebastopol. The HeadtoHelp clinic is one of 15 announced last month. There are six in regional Victoria, including one at Bendigo.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government recognised that the ongoing restrictions were having a significant impact on the wellbeing and mental health of individuals and communities in Victoria, and was committed to ensuring that support is available.

"These new clinics are a free service and over the next 12 months will provide a place within the community for people to access mental health care as early and as conveniently as possible.

"The clinics are staffed by multi-disciplinary teams of mental health professionals which may include GPs, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and/or other allied health workers.

"The HeadtoHelp clinics will provide on-site mental health support, and will also connect to other mental health services in their region, including intensive mental health care or social supports, to ensure people get the help they need when they need it.

"The clinics will play a key role in supporting our GPs, emergency departments, and hospitals by providing easily accessible mental health care."

Mr Hunt said, in addition to the clinics, $5 million in funding was being provided to enhance existing digital and phone services for specific groups that were experiencing significant challenges during the restrictions in Victoria.

These service providers include The Butterfly Foundation, Eating Disorders Families Australia, QLife, Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia and Victorian Aboriginal Health Service's Yarning SafeNStrong helpline.

"This new support builds on the more than $500 million additional funding provided by our Government for mental health and suicide prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, including 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subject to further restrictions."

Anyone concerned about their mental health can visit these clinics in person or call 1800 595 212 to talk to a health professional or connect to a service near them.

Link: www.headtohelp.org.au

10 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Butch's model a hit on top auction site

A

MODEL replica of the Glenlyon Shire Hall made by Hepburn’s Butch Tori has sold on prestigious auction site Leonard Joel for $600. The asking price was $200-$300.

Butch sells his models from around $100 but said the price was “a feather in my cap – not financially though” and wished the seller good luck.

The piece was bought from him about 18 months ago and while he was pretty sure he knew the identity of the buyer, he preferred not to say.

Butch said he became aware of the sale after someone saw the August 13 Leonard Joel Facebook post and thought it was one of his models.

“Good luck to him, he did well, and he did pay me what I asked for it, although I thought he wanted it for himself at the time. When I saw it was sold, I thought maybe someone wealthy had bought it for the Glenlyon Progress. But a lady also posted that they would have liked it for Glenlyon but they couldn’t afford that price.

I tried to get in touch, because I have another one here, but they never called back.

But she could have had the one I have for a hell of a lot cheaper than $600.”

While Butch’s popular front yard store, just up and over from the Hepburn General Store, is closed for a while, he is still making models although his popular bush walking stick days may be over with a second hip operation looming once elective surgery is up and running again.

“My legs are buggered so I can’t get any sticks at the moment, which is a real shame, because I enjoyed going out and getting them.”

Butch said all up he has made more than 200 models, using both timber and stone, some made to requests from proud home and building owners. There are about 30 tucked away at Cricket Willow in Shepherds Flat and about 18 at the Daylesford & District Museum. The very first came about as he stood in his driveway and looked over at the Macaroni Factory.

“I thought, I am going to make a bloody model of that old joint there. And that was the start. It all started with the Macaroni Factory.”

Butch said the time spent, and cost of the models, varied according to size, weather conditions and his own motivation. Some smaller ones could be completed in a day - if it wasn’t “stinking freezing and the glue won’t go off” while others with lots of detail, could take up to four days.

Making things is a long away from Butch’s career which saw him working with explosives in Deer Park. Rather than timber and stone and glue, his trade was all about mine detonators and, in those days, dynamite. He says there were a couple of frightening moments but “let’s just say no damage anyway”.

And while Butch and his wife Fay wait out COVID to get back to a more normal life they will celebrate his 78th birthday on Sunday, September 20. Happy Birthday!

Words: Donna Kelly | Image above: Kyle Barnes, below: a screenshot

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DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

GLENLYON 54 SEWELLS ROAD FARMSTEAD CLOSE TO DAYLESFORD Steeped in history and offered for the first time in 75 years is this charming original Farmstead. The house was part of a large family farm and built around the mid-1940s and has now been subdivided onto its own 2.5 acres. With many intact period features this property is waiting for some loving care to make it a sublime family home, country retreat, weekender or holiday house.

Comprising 3 large bedrooms, formal lounge, country kitchen, separate dining room and sunroom. Move-in as is or there is huge scope for renovation and additions.

a3 b1 c2

FOR SALE PRICE $750,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

MOUNT FRANKLIN 140 CHURCH ROAD 17 ACRES OF AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE JUST 10 MINUTES FROM DAYLESFORD With historic stone walls along the long front boundary and the ancient volcano Mount Franklin rising up majestically nearby, this superb lifestyle property features an appealing country home and adjacent studio with panoramic views over a rural landscape of rolling hills, pastures and forests.

Beautifully presented and surrounded by established colourful gardens, the property is a true country escape for permanent living or weekend retreat.

a3 b1 c4

FOR SALE PRICE $985,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 Curtis O'Neil 0423 904 050 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

DAYLESFORD 300 LAKE ROAD HIDEAWAY IN DAYLESFORD A private and peaceful 8.5 acre (approx.) forest allotment just a short walk to beautiful Jubilee Lake, one of Daylesford’s best secret locations, and just 5 minutes drive to Daylesford town centre.

With a current planning permit and building site already cleared, this property is ready for you to create your private country home or weekend retreat surrounded by beautiful native Australian bushland.

DAYLESFORD 2 SMITH STREET FOR SALE PRICE $545,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

SEVEN STAR EFFICIENCY IN CENTRAL DAYLESFORD This magnificent contemporary residence is only 8 years old and is sitting on an elevated 682m2 approx. block, a stone’s throw from the famous Cliffy’s Café, Beppe Italian Restaurant and an easy stroll to the Daylesford town centre.

This low maintenance property will appeal to the astute investor. Currently a fabulous private residence but equally suitable as a permanent rental or place it on the holiday let market.

a4 b2 c2

SOLD PRICE $765,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

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Members appointed

H strips.

EPBURN Shire Council has appointed community members to the Local Law No. 2 Community Reference Groups for firewood collection, salvaging at the transfer stations and planting on nature

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Evan King said the appointments ensured a strong local voice in the development of the way local laws were implemented.

“Following the July council meeting, expressions of interest were invited from the community to join the Local Law No. 2 community reference groups.

“I am very pleased we have 23 engaged individuals willing to give their time to helping us shape what this implementation looks like.

“The groups contain a breadth of experience and interests and will provide council with an important platform for the development of the guidelines, in partnership with the community. This will support and strengthen the implementation of Local Law No. 2.”

The group members are: Salvaging at transfer stations - Mara Ripani, Stuart Jonas, Jennifer Beecham, Tim Drylie, Ian McBean, Nikki Marshall, Marie Grenfell and Judith Henderson.

Planting on nature strips - Jen Bray, Deny Christian, Maia Irell, Brayden Crutchfield, Rebecca Faulkner, Meyer Eidelson and Gillian Trebilcock.

Collection of firewood - Tim Gauci, Per Bernard, Pat Connor, Julie Lee, Ian Tinetti, Alan Hives, Stan Faloon and Don McMahon.

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McAuley | Retirement Village 1 Bridge Street, Trentham

0408 956 114 vmch.com.au

House.Land.Home.

“The spring is sprung, the grass is riz.

I wonder where the boidies is.

They say the boidie’s on the wing.

But that’s absoid. The wing is on the bird.”

Sorry about that, but this damned silly doggerel springs to mind every year at this time of awakening in the garden - a time of golden daffodils, hyacinth and tulips.

That very special time when the gaunt, bare branches of our deciduous trees and shrubs are clad with plump buds which are suddenly about to be clad with fresh, new leaves, and, the air is filled with the sounds of birds. Even my love-lorn, little spotted pardalote friend has returned, with his persistent love song seeking that ever elusive mate.

A blooming season

Most pleasing however, this rain-enhanced Spring, is the promise of a bountiful display from such flowering trees and shrubs as azaleas, camellias, lilacs, magnolias and rhododendrons. Our ancient rhododendrons, and the multicoloured camellia copse at our gate, are currently laden with buds.

One special delight is our three-year-old dwarf camellia, Wirlinga Bride (pictured) which, for the first time, has covered itself with its delightful, glistening, white little flowers.

The original, tiny-flowered camellia lutchuensis species, a native of Southern China, Taiwan and Japan, seems relatively unknown to local gardeners compared to the more popular chinensis and sasanquas. However its sturdy but compact growth, and fragrant blooms, have made it the foundation of many extremely popular hybrids including Wirlinga Bride. This, unlike most of its dwarf cousins, produces willowy drooping branches which makes them perfect for training as a miniature, almost bonsai, weeping tree.

Sweet soil

Correct soil acidity is an important yet often neglected aspect of good soil management. Except in the extreme cases where such plants as camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and gardenias need a truly acidic soil, most plants grow best in a neutral to slightly acidic soil.

In neutral to alkaline soils, the soil pH level - a measurement of soil alkalinity or acidity, can naturally rise for various reasons but the most common is high rainfall where excessive water leaches lime from the soil. Alkalinity can also be countered by the use of peat moss, ammonium sulfate-rich fertilisers and, to the delight of my fellow caffeine enthusiasts, tea leaves and coffee grounds. (Another recycling exercise.)

On the other hand, a highly acid soil is not always welcome. Continuous cropping necessitates constant use of manures and compost to help decompose any organic matter, resulting in all available lime being used up.

Lime is the most used product to correct soil acidity. This is called sweetening the soil as it makes the soil more conducive to healthy plant growth. The careful application of lime simply returns the pH to a more neutral position where all available plant food can be released from the soil. In addition, a neutral pH level encourages earthworm colonies to multiply and so further improve the soil structure.

Lime helps in the decomposition of organic matter as well as assisting clay soils to become more friable. It also contains calcium and magnesium, two plant foods important to plant health.

Heavy clay soils usually result in oxygen starvation, reduced solubility of the important plant nutrients and subsequent destruction of some of the desirable soil organisms. Many gardens in this area, including mine, are prone to a shallow clay sub-structure, which as well as being almost physically impenetrable, does nothing to allow water to reach the fine feed roots of plants. Gypsum is a great material to dig in to break up clay. This can also be obtained in liquid form from most garden suppliers.

If you wish to find out and control the pH levels of your garden soil, simple and inexpensive litmus paper pH kits are available from most garden outlets and, for the technically-minded, electronic probe meters can be had online by consulting your favourite browser.

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

Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn

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

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

Contact us for all your water garden requirements or come and see our nursery at 1 Campion Rd, Newlyn.

0418 567 195

Big year for Frances Harkin at Trentham

T

RENTHAM real estate agent Frances Harkin has had a massive year and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

The founder of Harkin Real Estate has had her business acquired by Belle Property Daylesford but is staying on as the key salesperson for the region, a place she has called home for many years.

Fran is also looking forward to building a home on the 50-acre property she recently bought in East Trentham, where she thinks she will “become a farmer”.

The sale of her business, which she started in 2015, came as a result of COVID and Fran realising that as a single mother of two teenage daughters she needed to put family first.

“It was a little sad because it was my baby but Belle and the guys (Will Walton and Pete Douglas) have been awesome and it couldn’t have gone to better people. They can see it was a hard decision for me but they want me to remain as the key salesperson.

“So, the transition is going to be good, they are boutique, a bit organic, they like a dog in the office and they are green. It is all going to blend in well.”

Fran said despite the difficulties in navigating the ever-changing rules surrounding real estate, Trentham and the surrounding districts were well placed for those keen to move from Melbourne for a tree change.

A fortnight ago she sold two properties sight unseen except for virtual tours, and had also sold a property to a Melbourne buyer after their sister had done a house inspection for them.

“For the first four months of this everyone held tight and when we had the first bit of being allowed out, I had a lot of tyre kickers.

“But when lockdown happened again, some of those who had looked came back to me.

All of my land at Blackwood has sold and there is a real feeling of ‘we just want a parcel of land out of Melbourne’.

“I think next time Melbourne gets out it is going to go gangbusters. There is a little shortage of properties but once that lockdown is lifted we won’t have any stock left.”

Belle Property Daylesford principal Will Walton said his company was looking forward to welcoming the Trentham team to Belle Property.

“We know that the team are excited about the opportunities Belle Property can offer Trentham landlords and vendors accessing our advanced technology products and our enormous Melbourne and national office client network.”

This is the fifth in a series of features on what's happening with real estate in the Central Highlands.

STAGE 1 ALLOTMENTS - NOW SELLING DAYLESFORD

Welcome to The Hamlet, a limited collection of acreage allotments located within the renowned hamlet of Glenlyon.

All allotments within walking distance to the Glenlyon General Store and the tranquillity of Glenlyon’s Recreational Reserve & Mineral Springs.

Each allotment includes:

• Mortised post & rail fencing • Semi-mature ‘Autumn Blaze’ maple trees planted around the perimeter • Electricity via underground pits REGISTER NOW Register your interest now at: www.hamletofglenlyon.com.au or call our exclusive agents: Gary Cooke - M. 0488 547 004 gary.cooke@belleproperty.com Nathan Skewes - M. 0439 322 630 nathan.skewes@belleproperty.com

-

MALMSBURY

ROAD,

GLENLYON

16 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

Pick me, pick me

By Donna Kelly

I

SUPPOSE I should be writing about our new found freedom and that we can eat out again and enjoy each other's company.

It is great and long-awaited and what a completely crap six months it has been. I have made a few little bookings here and there, but as I have said before, I am not the canary, I am the coal miner. It's going to take a while to lose the anxiety and it seems I am not the only one.

I called for a "telehealth" appointment the other week and said I was feeling a bit down, you know, and maybe it was time for a mental health top up. "Sure," said the doctor, who is only doing telehealth calls which does not instil the greatest of confidence, "I can give you a referral". And they did.

Now, a few years ago I found myself in a bit of a bad/sad patch, and went through the process of finding a pyschologist. It's not as easy as you would think! You can check out the Yellow Pages, if you are my generation, or just Google "psychologists near me" and they appear. But who works best for who? It's a lot like finding the right doctor. A bit like Goldilocks. Not too hard, not too soft, just right. As in not "you need to stop smoking immediately or you will die", not "well, you know, smoking, my grandfather smoked until he turned 100 and he was fine" but just right "yeah, I know it's going to be hard but we can work on this together for a great outcome".

Finding a shrink is just as hard. (Interesting fact: Why are psychiatrists and psychologists called shrinks? It's a jocular reference to the ritual practice in certain tribal societies of literally shrinking the heads of one's vanquished enemies. The term shrink was adopted as a joking reference to psychotherapists in the 1960s.)

I tried a few before I found the right one. One asked me to lie back on a bed (ewww, who had been on that pillow before me) and then played really strange music into headphones. Apparently it was meant to bring you to a new awareness. It just annoyed the crap out of me. Another one chatted for ages and then asked if I was drinking too much and when I said probably, suggested adding ice to the glass of wine. No wonder they have a degree in this and I don't. Not. Anyway, I finally found someone who was just right. Interested, informed, nonjudgemental - and really helpful. So I had my referral sent to them. Just got a call back yesterday. I listened to the voice recorder and they said it was great to hear from me but they had no spots available for at least a month and I could try again then.

Maybe I will, maybe I won't. I just hope those really in need are getting the help they need. It's a strange time for us all, yes getting easier, but there are plenty of people still struggling and that will not end with the end of lockdown. So if you do need help, please seek it, and don't give up. Just sayin'...

If you need help now, call LifeLine on 13 11 14, MensLine on 1300 789 978, Beyond Blue – Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service on 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or SuicideLine on 1300 651 251.

Hey there, I am Rupert. I am an affectionate, easy going boy and quite like families with kids. I have lived with friendly dogs before as well. So call the shelter and then come and pick me.

MC# 956000012135770 BR100938 Mount Alexander Animal Welfare is in Castlemaine. Call 5472 5277 to make an appointment.

(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie and Curly - we picked them!)

Your Say Tourism Now that restrictions are beginning to ease, it's time to plan ahead.

I remember with horror the scene in Vincent Street, Daylesford, on the Queen's Birthday weekend when Melbourne people were released from the first lockdown and rushed out to the country.

I naively went up the street to buy something and found myself shoulder to shoulder and actually jostled by the crowd of visitors. The crowd in the street was twice the density of New Year's Eve or ChillOut, and far from the friendly holiday feel of those occasions. There was a kind of desperation among all those people out to grab a good time.

I know from talking with other locals that I am not exaggerating this. They were scared too, in our main street, not just of infection but of the invasion. Council took the matter seriously enough to close the market. It is a miracle that there were no local COVID cases as a result.

Sooner or later the fence round Melbourne will be removed again. There will be no excuse for naivety this time.

I do hope the council is planning now to control the reintroduction of tourists.

As on the national scale, so on the local, what's good for business is not necessarily good for community. Management, in collaboration with state and other local government bodies will be essential for the long-term wellbeing of our shire.

Council need to be planning urgently now, given that at the time we may have a newly elected Council with less experience than the present one.

- Janet Gaden, Daylesford

Bulls for Sale Located in Blampied, Kyah Park Angus has been operating for more than 10 years and during that time we have sold bulls and cattle all over Victoria and interstate. The progeny from our bulls has topped markets throughout the state at various times. We currently have some quality 18-month-old bulls ready to work. All our bulls are tested with HD50K genomics and the 10 genetic conditions as well as for their fertility.

Kyah Park Angus offer quality without the price of the larger studs.

For an inspection call Gary on 0408 486 710 or email on kyahparkangus390@gmail.com

www.tlnews.com.au

Opinion 17

Kyle’s Rant

L

IKE a lot of people, over my life I have suffered with body image issues. I reckon it started in the 70s, trying to figure out my mother’s diet fads. There was the grapefruit diet, the F-plan and lots of cottage cheese and rice cakes stuffed into the fridge and pantry.

I thought I was fat as a kid but when I look back on my photos now I see I was anything but plump. There's me in the backyard looking like I knew something about rugby, ten pounds wringing wet dressed in a tattered top with tighty whitey shorts.

Fast forward to 52. I have had moments of body dysmorphia growing up and now I don’t really care what people think. Well, I didn’t until something came into my life recently. Or actually, someone.

This someone is not who your average middled-age bloke gets involved with. I have developed a relationship with a weird breed of human, some would call them sub-human, the sort of person you find behind a bush watching people, calculating and sizing folks up with their photographic memories. The sort of person who looks for small faults in people to embellish. They don’t say much, they just observe. These sorts of beings are often referred to as cartoonists.

Yes that’s correct, the past year of my life this guy Glenn Robinson, whose signature appears as GROB, has been illustrating my rants and created a new wave of body dysmorphia. I have only met him a few times due to the pandemic but have had hundreds of conversations with him about my weight.

The thing is that while most folks have been “isoing up” with experimental cooking and nothing to do in the day but raid the cookie jar, I have been working hard, and as a result have lost over 10 kilos. But I cannot seem to get that through my cartoonist's head. I have sent him photos but no, he still has this vision of me 10 kilos heavier plus an extra 30 per cent artist's discretion. Even this rant did not work, see above right!

Speaking of weird things, The Local has been sent some FOI documents regarding last year's #Geesegate. You have probably had it up to the back teeth with the geese abduction story, but I still find these FOI documents fascinating. And where are the black swans that where meant to touch down as soon as the geese were gone? You can read all about it in the next editon.

But for now, the geese are gone, like my 10 kilos, and I look skywards for the swans to return, and for my cartoonist to finally trim off a couple of kilos.

Dysmorphia rant over…

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Also, manufacturers of custom designed engineered trusses from recycled timbers.

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18 Crossword

www.tlnews.com.au

W RD

CROSS

services

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LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

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Here is the solution for last edition's crossword, Edition 197. How did you go?

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

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REGULAR RUNS TO MELBOURNE, GEELONG, BALLARAT, BENDIGO AND EVERYWHERE IN-BETWEEN.

Let’s support our community and shop local!

The Local is keen to help our hospitality sector get to COVID-normal. If your business is back up and running send us a logo and a few details and we will give it a free run.

The Local - Connecting the Community!

Email: news@tlnews.com.au

“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.

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20 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Cultural signage

N

EW cultural signage, above, has been installed at Malmsbury Common Reserve in conjunction with Djandak, the business enterprise of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Planning and Environment director Angela Hughes said during the development of the Malmsbury Common Reserve master plan a desire was expressed by the community to have Dja Dja Wurrung traditional owners acknowledged and reflected in the reserve.

“This provided the impetus to initiate dialogue between Malmsbury Landcare, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and council officers to explore ways that this could occur,” Ms Hughes said.

Through Djandak, Dja Dja Wurrung people worked with Malmsbury Landcare to develop the design and content of the signs, which have now been installed.

The signs speak to the values of the Djaara people as reflected in place, the waterway and specific food and fibre plants that can be found there. These include the Dja Dja Wurrung Djaa-ndak-i (Welcome to Dja Dja Wurrung Country), the Kapa Gatjin (Knowing Water) and the Manya (Meeting Place, a Cultural Place).

Six interpretative signs are located along the trail - Buwatj, Witji, Gitawil Matom, Murna, Dhurrung Wurrkuk and River Mint. These provide information on how plants were used and how people are together relearning their cultural importance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mary-Anne Thomas MP LABOR MEMBER FOR MACEDON

As your local Member of Parliament I am keen to hear from the community and assist with any State Government matter.

Mary-Anne Thomas Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne, VIC 3437 P: 5428 2138 E: mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by MA Thomas, Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne. Funded from Parliamentary budget.

Rail trail feasibility study

D

AYLESFORD Macedon Rail Trail's feasibility study will be expanded to include Daylesford Spa Country Rail's Crossing the Divide project.

The Daylesford Macedon Rail Trail builds on the region's wellness brand and offers visitors the opportunity to walk, ride, unwind and explore the region.

The Crossing the Divide project proposes an extension to the existing vintage train service between Daylesford and Bullarto. The project will examine the feasibility of extending the service to Trentham and the development of tourist products such as walking and cycling trails and the introduction on a new Spa Country Sleeper train service. The route identified for both projects incorporates the same rail corridor between Daylesford and Trentham.

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Evan King said combining the feasibility study for these projects maximised council investment and resources, significantly reduced the cost of having to do a separate study into the railway extension and had the support of Regional Development Victoria.

Council has previously adopted both projects as priority projects for Hepburn Shire.

“Completing this planning would greatly assist in identifying and sourcing possible government funding streams to support delivery of these key regional projects,” Mr King said.

Daylesford Spa Country Rail vice president Steven Fiume said the opportunity to bring the Crossing the Divide project to not only to Daylesford and Trentham but the wider region was exciting.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with council on this project and believe that an extension of the railway in conjunction with the rail trail will be of great benefit to the communities along the line, not just economically but by providing additional transport options for residents.”

The successful contractor will be appointed this month.

Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/HepburnShire-Priority-Projects-2020-2021-Daylesford-to-Hanging-Rock-Rail-TrailPlanning.pdf

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Happy Birthday Butch Sunday, September 20 Have a great day!

Links to YouTube working models If it isn’t quite what you’re looking for, If it doesn’t quite do what you want, If you have some ideas of your own to explore:

Ask Mike: 0418 508 573 info@fixengineering.com.au

Tradie Torque

W

ILLIAM Zammit was always into his sport. He started sailing in 1998 and by the mid-2000s had won three national titles and was racing in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

He stopped while in year 11 when his parents divorced and never realised he had been offered a scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport.

Will was also into BMX since childhood, training with the Victorian Institute of Sport at times, and taking part in plenty of races.

In 2012 he got back into sailing – hoping for the London Olympics - but his body wasn’t performing properly; he would later be diagnosed with a cyst which was causing his spinal cord to degenerate, so instead he designed and built a hydrofoil to try to make sailing a more feasible sport for all. That took four years and Will ended up with a Masters of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Melbourne in 2017.

“I sailed a little until 2015 and realised it was too hard to be an Aussie Olympian and was going to move to represent Malta, but my body wouldn't perform for some reason. Then they found the cyst and I was told I would need a major operation.”

Will then moved to Daylesford “to seek refuge and relax” and while he loved the place he got involved doing small building projects under Artisan Projects as well as being the Hepburn Handyman.

He has helped renovate and fit out the Daylesford Steakhouse, making the dining table, even pouring beers. Clayfire Gallery displayed some of his furniture and he has also become involved with the Daylesford Foundation, a community-based philanthropic organisation helping people when needed.

“2018 was a tough year, learning the cyst in my neck was serious. To be honest, when something attacks your personal health so severely, COVID is a walk in the park compared to struggling to move.

“But it wasn't done alone, some nice people up here, people you can count on like my 78-year-old neighbour Gill who will give you a mental tug-of-war to challenge even the most alert of minds. She was a real help early on, back when just a walk around the block was an achievement.

“And I have some great clients and friends who have helped my wife Mary and I feel at home here - Gill, Megan, Jen and John, Jane, Tim/Nicole, the crew at Home Hardware and the good people of the Hepburn Shire.

"So I guess it turns out not all the blow-ins from Melbourne are bad news after all. And last week I expressed interest in the Paralympic cycling team and someone interviewed me this week. Within a few weeks a physio will assess me. I may be trying to put in some good lap times over in Mt Buninyong at the National Road Race this coming February as a para-entrant. And the best part is, the future is unwritten. Bring it on.”

See Will's advert in The Local's Tradie pages

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Spring in the Central Highlands More images: www.tlnews.com.au