Hillscene 16 online

Spring Issue 16 * 2014

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Step into the Arts @ Burrinja Burrinja Open Day Sunday 19 October • 11am – 3pm

A day of visual, theatrical and experiential activities to inspire the artist in you.

Free Entry – program available at www.burrinja.org.au

Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Applications Now Open

The Nicholas Chamber Orchestra Sunday 28 September at 2pm

Enjoy an afternoon of chamber music featuring the finest classical musicians of the Dandenong Ranges, all performing under the baton of Eric Klay.

The 2015 program will include four categories of artists including Individual Artists, Emerging Artists, Collectives and Odd Balls. Applications are due by 30th of September 2014. For information go to www.openstudios.org.au Burrinja - Cnr Glenfern Rd & Matson Drive, Upwey ph: (03) 9754 8723 w: burrinja.org.au

burrinja - BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH ARTS

Spring is a special time of the year. A time when renewal is at the front of our minds.

The cold of Winter starts to lift and everything begins afresh. That’s why it’s the perfect time to begin a new project of your own and the hillscene is no different.

Hillscene’s latest venture has been to move into a studio, retail and workshop space to be more easily accesible to our audience. I have been working from my home office for many years and recently an opportunity presented itself to move into a shared studio space with a group of fellow artists, so I felt it was a good time to spread my wings and fly, to give the hillscene and my design business a chance to grow and expand beyond what I have known for so long.

Our vision is for it to be a place where creativity can be shared between artists and where a collaborative spirit will fuel our ideas. To celebrate this new project we held a Spring tea party, photographed by Jenny Angel, including the work of all the artists involved in the space.

I hope you will come and see our premises at Leaf Studios in Kallista and see where the hillscene will be created from now on.

This is where Zoë Amber Preston, our second work experience student also helped me design the ‘Motivate Project’ page. She’s our first guest designer and has been one of our regular young writers and photographers on several occasions especially on our blog.

This issue also sees our second hillsceneLIVE event, an exciting adventure after having so much great feedback from the first. I feel it was a huge success and was blown away by the amount of performance based artists who are doing such interesting, vibrant and experimental work in our own backyard.

Of course there’s more features on local people doing great things in the community.

Like Betty Marsden who has been working in the area of conservation for many years, our regular cafe review, Cam’s Spring poetry

Proudly sponsored by

inspiration, artist profiles and a feature on Oscar’s at Belgrave who regularly have live music at their venue, just to name a few.

To keep updated on more regular features make sure to go to our blog at hillsceneblog. wordpress.com/ where we have stories that just won’t fit into the quarterly issues. Or check our facebook page for all things hills.

Editor/Designer Adriana Alvarez Roderick Price Cover Editorial Committee Ross Farnell, Zac Exner, Amy Middleton, Gareth Hart Contributors Gareth Hart, Tiffany Morris North, Sarah Hitchings O’Connor, N McTwisp, Jenny Angel, Justin Bishop, Carolyn Oates, Edward Willoughby, Cameron Semmens, Mark Westaway, Amy Middleton and Adriana Alvarez facebook: The Hillscene www.hillscene.com.au blog: hillsceneblog.wordpress.com/ For submission and advertising enquiries e: hillscene@westnet.com.au Printed by Ferntree Print on Envirocare 100gsm recycled paper. © Copyright 2014

Work experience student Zoë Amber Preston

The hillscene is created in partnership with Burrinja

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WOW ! Great Cover Words by Amy Middleton There are artists and then there are creators!

The artist featured on the cover of this issue seems to fit quite suitably into the latter of these descriptions. Roderick Price describes himself as a sound designer but as we can tell from his delightful digital photo montage titled ‘Blue Wren Wattle’, he wears a multi-feathered cap!

How would you describe your creative practice?

I am a sound designer, which is a fancy name for audio geek. I like to compose sounds in my head as I hear them from my everyday excursions.

This could be a bird song, the electrical hum of appliances, voices, places, rain, drones and tones… This practice of sonic awareness helps me to form structures around sounds that later take artistic shape in the studio.

How long have you lived in the Dandenong Ranges, and is the environment you live in important to your making?

I’ve been a hills resident for most of my life.

The Dandenong Ranges is an environment brimming with sonic diversity and therefore regularly features as a character in my work.

I’ve always felt privileged to live where I do and therefore try to celebrate that in my sound design work wherever possible.

What motivates you as an artist?

I’m always searching for new forms and processes of art making. I guess in that sense I like being restless and never settled, that’s probably my main motivation. I find that if I sit too long and don’t challenge myself, my ideas and processes become uninteresting and dull.

In what ways, if any, do you engage with the Hills community?

The Hills community has a strong creative network that I am privileged to be part of. I actively seek out other artists and practitioners in

the community to create new collaborative opportunities and build new artistic relationships.

I constantly seek to find possible outlets for my practice that allow me to create new work for new audiences. Recent projects include performances at local festivals and my collaboration and mentorship with the Tiffaney Bishop Collective.

What do you wish you knew about being an artist before you got started?

I’ve always been content with knowing that the life of an artist is one of commitment and compromise. At this stage I’m happy with not knowing still where my practice will lead me and what opportunities await.

Who are your creative heroes?

My creative heroes are the people who mentored me through my under grad and post grad studies in fine arts and sound. Darrin Verhargen and Philip Samartzis were two of my supervisors who encouraged and supported my sound arts practice. I also have friends Chris Vik and Brad Hammond from ‘Ethno Tekh’ whose creative and technical work has greatly influenced my methods of sound production and live performance.

Roderick is always keen to hear from people who might want to collaborate on creative projects, so if the idea of working with a multitalented maker tickles your fancy, head over to the following sites to see more of his work and touch base. soundcloud.com/amnion www.facebook.com/amnioticsounds

Yellow lantern Words Sarah Hitchings O’Connor I was lucky enough to watch a whole Grade 6 class transform last week. My son had been doing a public speaking course through his school - Menzies Creek Primary School. Run by Nathalie Brewer, Yellow Lantern is an innovative course that brings even the shyest child out of their shell. My Bill wasn’t one of the shy ones but on graduation night he forgot to bring his speech. He knew it off by heart but with an audience in front of him he froze.

Amazingly he handled it with a grace I had never seen before. Instead of bursting into tears he said “give me a moment” before going behind a partition to pull himself together. Luckily his dad went to the rescue and had his speech there by the end of the night. Bill got up, did the deep breathing exercises they had practiced, and delivered his speech like a champion. The focus for all the kids isn’t about not making mistakes or being the most composed, it’s about being your true self to the best of your ability.

When the onus is taken off of the performance itself the children just shine.

I’m not the only one who sees the fantastic benefits in such a program. Rachel, whose daughter Aisha did the course last year, told me. “My daughter was always a pretty confident public speaker so I wasn’t sure what she would get out of the course other than just reinforcement of what she already knew. I was so wrong. She learnt a new level of empowerment and self-belief that translates well beyond the scope of public speaking. It has put her in such good stead as she navigates the challenges of high school”.

I spoke with Nathalie about the reasons she has devised this much needed program. “I created Yellow Lantern because I saw a need for an alternative to traditional and outdated public speaking programs”.

“Public Speaking coaching for kids should be about self-acceptance and belief in the self, not merely tools and techniques. The truth is, piling a heap of rules on a young speaker, such as body posture, hand movements and the worst one of all “never say um” is, in my experience counterproductive, and in some cases damaging”.

“The Yellow Lantern’s approach is different.

We teach kids how to express from the heart, make mistakes, breathe powerfully and be themselves in front of an audience, however that looks. The results are so much more than the ‘ability to give a good speech’”.

What are Nathalie’s goals for the future of Yellow Lantern? “From our humble beginnings at Menzies Creek Primary 3 years ago, the Yellow Lantern approach to public speaking is gaining traction in schools across Melbourne and now in N.S.W. Our trained facilitators are vibrant educators who come from counselling and life coaching backgrounds. We offer Yellow Lantern programs in schools and also in private coaching sessions for locally organized peer groups”.

Tanya Cooke, principal at Menzies Creek Primary School, shared her insight into the Yellow Lantern program with me. “We are delighted with the Yellow Lantern course as it commences from a basis of developing huge self-belief within each child which then allows them to become confident public speakers. Turning anxiety into excitement and various other strategies appeals to the students and engages them in a process that will positively contribute to their future life.”

For me, the proof is in the pudding so to speak.

I have seen children once too scared to get up at assembly, doing their speeches proudly with a smile on their faces. Yellow Lantern caters to children of all abilities and is a wonderful program for giving kids self-confidence and inner happiness. What more could you ask for? www.yellowlantern.com.au 5

Photos by Ariel Haviland

Creative Grit Words by Amy Middleton It is not very often that I begin an article by quoting the last thing an artist tells me in an interview but on this occasion, I just couldn’t help myself.

“When I was a little girl I wanted to be a ballerina”… followed by comical vomiting gestures!

After spending just one short hour chatting to Gretel Taylor, I was left feeling like I had only scratched the surface of her creative practice.

I was enticed by her grit and drawn to her honesty. Gretel is a dancer, performance maker and researcher who completed a PhD in 2008 exploring embodied experience of place in Australia. It included a series of live site-based works and a video installation Still Landing, shot on Warlpiri country in the Northern Territory. Gretel’s CV is littered with impressive collaborations, qualifications and festivals but what provoked me to put pen to paper (finger-tips to keyboard) was her creative mettle.

Gretel’s work is site specific and brings together themes of body, place, relationship and 6

performance. Gretel says, “Being in a particular set of surroundings informs my movement and I take on the qualities of that space.” She recommends that other artists spend time alone walking in nature in order to listen to what your own creative contribution is. She explains that, “traversing through landscape takes me out of that inner space, it gives me a larger perspective.”

For those of you who attended the inaugural hillsceneLIVE mini-festival at Burrinja, you may recall Gretel’s solo performance, ‘It’s MINE!’ as being a visual reality check, leaving the audience wedged somewhere between horror and wonderment. Gretel described ‘It’s MINE!’ as a mash up of many performances she has done over the years that have dealt with different aspects of the relationship white Australians have with the land, but this work pushed it into an absurd space.

I was also pleased to hear that hillsceneLIVE had given Gretel an opportunity to present a work that is not typical of what she would usually make, yet is keen to develop further.

The themes explored in this performance have developed over a number of years and are supported by a wealth of research. In Gretel’s own words, “I had a sense of a big gap between my body and this place because my ancestry lies elsewhere.” Gretel has researched some of the saddest and darkest events in Australian history, causing her to challenge the role arts can play in framing the emotional aspects of non-Aboriginal Australians choosing to live in this country. In the interview Gretel shared some of her own feeling towards these ideas, “by dancing in certain places, I am able to explore the relationship with this land as a white Australian woman. Who am I to dance in relation to this land when my people have dispossessed the Aboriginal people from being here? There has been genocide and violence, so no wonder there is a rift. No wonder it is hard for us

to have a direct communicative relationship with our country. There is all of this horrible stuff that needs to be drawn out – this is the nitty-gritty that comes out in my performance art. This is the strength that frames my work. I am somehow trying to balance out the past.”

This subject is complex and vast but I get the sense that Gretel would not have it any other way. Her experience as a performer is steeped in defying physical, cultural and emotional boundaries. The ballerina dream was clearly too limiting for this courageous artist.

For information about upcoming projects Gretel is producing, please head to www.facebook.com/BodyPlaceProject 7

poetry

Cam’s Poetry Patch

This season’s new growth, a celebration of Spring (and paint colour names!): Greenerosity!

There’s so many greens on our property I had to turn to the Dulux Colour Atlas to find words for them.

In the foliage of a fern I see Coincidence and Jazzercise.

In the centre of a succulent I see Old Money and Wimbledon.

In the stem of a tulip I see Kermit.

Every time I get out the car I’m greeted by Molly Robins with traces of Antarctic Lake and Hypnotism.

When the wind catches the monstera I see flashes of Jurassic Park and Bladerunner with a hint of Calculus.

The gum tree leaves, ironically, sit somewhere between Sea Grass, Sea Cabbage and Sea Lettuce.

In the mature leaves of our rhododendron I see Lamb’s Ear fading out to Martian Moon.

And the patchy lawn is a feast of Mint Ice Cream, Peppermint Pie and Effervescent Lime just to name a few.

Coming from the suburbs the only greens I really knew were grass green, wheelie bin green and left-wing balance-of-power Green.

But here, even the Dulux Colour Atlas doesn’t really capture the greenness!

The greenality! And the all-round greenerosity!

Grow your own poem: Idea 1.

Write about one of the changes that Spring brings. Then compare/parallel the seasonal change with a change e it you’ve experienced in your life. Prun ds. wor l -vita non all out well, cutting Idea 2. g Write about your favourite flowerin a plant or tree in detail, and weave in . ered flow y reall have you n time whe h (e.g , Magnolia trees peak early, muc er.) care is tenn table like my Idea 3. ful Go to a paint shop. Pick up a hand a e writ and s, card of colour sample haiku on each card, inspired by the name of the colour. Then slip them into friends’ wallets.

Idea 4.

Choose a place to write about that captures the essence of Spring for you.

Choose one sense to focus on – give that sense your full attention, capture everything you can about it. Choose r the best lines and put them in an orde it… that gives a sense of journey. Title . and you’ve got a new Spring poem

Cameron Semmens Cameron Semmens is a full time poet and performer living in Selby. He’s available for poetry workshops, see his website for full details: www.webcameron.com

PreLoved Tecoma 1539 Burwood Hwy Tecoma Ph: 04136 06898 PreLoved Tecoma is a recycled clothing and collectables store. We stock quality preloved label and vintage clothing for women, men and children, leather bags and boots, vinyl records, homewares, jewellery and other quirky bits and pieces at bargain prices.

Situated next to Bon Ton and across from the Salvos.

Kylie Haberl Pilates Instructor

Ba. App. Science. Diploma Therapeutic Massage Level 1 APMA Pilates Instructor

10 week term - $100 Casual rate also available Feel free to start at anytime during the term.

With over 15 yrs experience as a trained Pilates Instructor and a strong understanding of the human body, Kylie’s teaching is suitable for all levels.

Belgrave South Community House Monday 10.45 am 6pm and 7.15pm Gilmore Court, Belgrave South - 9754 2274

Selby Community House Wednesday 6pm and 7.15pm Wombalana Rd. Selby - 9754 2039

Photos by Justin Bishop

Justin Bishop - man of classic style Words by Adriana Alvarez.

Justin Bishop has a beautiful home. Which is no surprise since he’s an interior designer. His style is classic and timeless and the muted monotones of his home show the influence of his growing up in a period country home. It’s full of character, memories and personal touches that make you feel immediately at home.

That’s the feel that Justin strives to accomplish for his clients in their homes. “What I try to do is achieve a kind of timeless aesthetic. I work mostly on period homes, that’s my niche. My taste is period, traditional, classic. I grew up in a period home. My parents renovated a period farmhouse when I was a kid. I think that’s just stuck with me.

I do try to have a blend of old and new, because we are in 2014 and you have to live with modern technology and so on.”

His philosophy is to work with the clients to create a home that is functional and practical for their 10

lifestyle, taking their taste into account first but also incorporating the architecture and existing style of the home and trying to work sympathetically with that style. “I would try to work with material that matches the era that the home was built in, then I’ll blend that with the client’s taste in a more contemporary style. So I hope that I’m creating a classic, contemporary style,” says Justin. He can work right from the beginning of a renovation helping to rework the architectural plans and floor plans to choosing the exterior finishes, or come in later once renovations are already done. But always working with people to create a seamless overall style, that suits them and their home.

Throughout our discussion which stretches over many topics including the horrors of home renovation shows and how a contemporary style can be created if you are drawing influences from the past. The discussion keeps revolving around the idea of creating memories and telling stories in

your home from what you already have. His home and B&B are filled with the architectural models he used to create, that led to him working in interior design. His grandfather’s British flag is framed and on display, prints he has had since childhood and even a pair of boots are all waiting to reveal their stories and lend the space an authenticity.

Justin recounts the story of a family that nearly threw out some old trunks that had belonged to their grandfather and were the only thing he came to Australia with, now they are being used as a glass topped coffee table, sharing their story. Or the renovation he did recently for an older man with an incredible past, having grown up in India and travelled with the Australian cricket team, many years ago. Bringing all those stories out of their hidden recesses can create your home’s style and aesthetic and tell your unique story.

His home is a testament to this design philosophy.

Justin bought the tiny cottage in 2006 with the idea of renovating it. “The gardens were a jungle and it was hard to tell there was a house there at all.” He started with a minor cosmetic rework, but

when his partner moved in, they embarked on a major renovation. This exposed so much space at the back they added a studio and workshop space.

Last year they decided to turn that space into a B&B because of their central position in the heart of Sassafras.

The Blackwood B&B is a beautiful accommodation space that caters to a couple who want to be right in the heart of the Dandenongs, enjoying the shops and cafes of Sassafras, a beautiful bush outlook and a luxurious, comfortable style with all the mod cons. Displaying the same aesthetic feel and mood of ageless country charm that is Justin’s stamp.

With one book about country style under his belt and another more hands on how-to book on the way next year, workshops on design he holds from his home and interior design work, Justin seems to be in huge demand. Which is what happens when you are creating something that’s in tune with people’s lives and has a timeless lasting elegance.

For more information go to www.justinbishop.com.au www.theblackwoodsassafras.com.au 11

What is the truth?

At the hillscene we like to focus on all things local including the enquiring minds of those who live in the hills. Here N. McTwisp (a bunny who burrows in the hills) poses some big questions about the world around us.

September 11, 2001 is a date most of us will never forget. It was an unprecedented event and one none of us will ever forget. In fact it will forever change the way we live. We were for the first time introduced to the concept of a “war on terror”.

terrorists? What was So who were these so-called tled with the ideas set e hav ny their motivation? Ma s act of humanity, that it was just some heinou an way of life and seeking to destroy the Americ For others there .

Western ideals of democracy s agenda. iou obv n tha needed to be a less life where I realised 9-11 was the first event in my I began to think for and s the answer was not obviou Shortly after the events myself and ask questions. e. Just about every of 9-11, I discovered YouTub ther and further down thread of videos took me fur discerning between rs the rabbit hole. I sat for hou more convincing videos the absurd content and the archives or classified that presented facts from the picture in my mind of journals. I began to paint a ht be. what the bigger picture mig What if 9-11 was in fact an insid e job? Would it be the first time the CIA had craf ted an attack in selfish interests? I began to explore the deliberate destabilization of the African con tinent through covert operatives, the concealing and exposure of ancient pyramids in China and Bosnia, the Bermuda Triangle, theories about the Sphinx and Moai of Easter Island, Prime Minister Chamberlain’s supposed peace deal with Nazi Germany. The further down the rabbit hole I went, the more I was exposed to the possibilities of deeper truths. What were the Georgia Guidestones, the pyramids submer ged below the water off the coast of Japan? I kep t on searching for the answers.

I became increasingly aware of a ruling group of elite families that operated independent of the financial system, multinational corporations, academia, and government. I came to read about a ‘secret’ order founded in 1776 in Bavaria, called the Illuminati, those that hold secrets and yet were enlightened with the mysteries of the universe.

Many deny their existence to this day, or believe that they were disbanded.

What can be certain is that a New World Order has been at the center of a push by the global elite for centuries.

In George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty Four, he wrote of a fearful existence set in post World War 2, a time where civilization was segregated into classes and each movement by the populace was pre-determined and monitored, similar to our world today where every move, each Google search and Facebook post are recorded. Every inch of our planet is watched by military and civilian satellite; yet (MH370) just disappears, never to be seen again? The distressing news regarding MH17 has not been concluded, and probably never will be. Will we just go on accepting that innocent people go missing with no further account given to loved ones?

Consider the words of Morpheus in the movie, The Matrix, when he presented the choice of the blue or red pill to Neo; “You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

Do you accept the obvious? On the surface it might seem straight forward but beneath the surface we are likely faced with confronting realities. Will you dare to ask the more confronting questions and share your views with others?

The truth is out there. Leave no stone unturned.

the coop shop A co-operatively run shop stocking high quality modern and vintage recycled clothes, jewellery and accessories.

All profits go to groups fighting against animal cruelty.

Shop 4/1545 Burwood Hwy, Tecoma facebook: Co-op shop e: tcs@hotmail.com

Cockatoo school exchange Words by Gareth Hart

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Of all the places to hear about the incredible happenings in our hills community, the website Pozible was the last place I expected. Yet this is where I stumbled across a school exchange program between Cockatoo Primary School and Ramingining Primary School in northern Arnhem Land. The program is framed as an opportunity for students to “participate in life and cultural experiences in day to day schooling and activities in the wider communities”.

Annually, students from each school travel to the other location, and spend three weeks immersed in local culture. For Indigenous students, this means a range of things from excursions to amusement parks, trips to a wave pool and even a visit to the local hairdresser, and for Cockatoo students this could mean anything from mud crab fishing, to crocodile spotting, to basket weaving. To my surprise, I learnt that 2014 marks the 21st year of this relationship. What a perfect time to write a little something about it.

It is an incredible program, with a long history.

It started very simplistically. When the Assistant Principal from Cockatoo was up visiting his

daughter in Darwin, he went into the education department there and said ‘if you hear of a school up here that wants to form a link here are our details’. And the story goes that later that same day, Lee Mullins, who was the then Principal of Ramingining PS, went into the education department and said ‘if you hear of anybody from down south who wants to make a match up, we are interested’, explains Darrelyn Boucher Cockatoo Primary School Principal.

From day one this program was almost destined to achieve amazing things. The longevity of the program has enabled some truly magical things to happen, including some very close relationships between Cockatoo Primary School staff and families in Ramingining.

“We are so entrenched up there, for instance I have a Yuppa (which means sister), and her family is also my family. I have a skin name.

That has happened to quite a few of our staff members”, says Darrelyn.

To be so welcomed within the community is very indicative of the mutual respect and genuine appreciation of the program from both parties.

In fact, as Darrelyn mentions: ‘Last year there was a new Principal at Ramingining, and when I spoke to her she mentioned that she knew of this program well before she started working there, that most people in the Northern Territory know of it. She said ‘there is no way I’m messing with this. It is too strong a program, and too much good comes out of it, both ways.’

It seems that indeed, good news travels far and fast.

Darrelyn and I talked at length about the program, and some of the most fascinating stories that have emerged through it. At many times, Darrelyn apologised to me about ‘rambling on’, citing that she could ‘talk forever about the program’. I try to reassure her that there is no need for an apology, because her enthusiasm for the project is infectious, and anyone who speaks with such passion about a project of theirs is an inspiration to me.

Specifically, Darrelyn tells me about a rather special occurence the first time that Ramingining came to Cockatoo Primary, some 18 years ago...

John, one of the elders who came with the students in the first year, stood up at our goodbye assembly, and announced that his totem was a Black Cockatoo. Living up here, we all understand that the black Cockatoo’s never fly alone, they always travel in groups. So as John is telling his story about his totem being a Black Cockatoo, one single Black Cockatoo flew low over the assembly area and just squawked

all the way over us! Darrelyn and I share some simultaneous goose bumps.

On a practical level, I ask what benefits she sees for the students involved.

The feedback [from Ramingining] is that student’s English improves, and they see the options in life that education can bring, they hang out at school more. In fact, one of the young girls who stayed with us through the program, was Ramingining’s first ever student to go on to University.

What has it done for us? Gosh, we are so far down the road of reconciliation it’s just not funny. Our kids have an understanding of disconnectedness to land, and then what the ramifications of that are (as much as a Primary School student can), they understand stolen generation issues and loss of land, loss of connectedness to family.

Darrelyn tells me that during her visit last year, one of the Indigenous elders told her, ‘you watch the kids and they are all the same. Your mob is the same as our mob. We are all the same.’

If only we were all privy to such an incredible experience during our grade 5 education. Imagine the possibilities?

Morning & Evening Classes Belgrave Upwey Sassafras Silvan

Please call Su for details

0437 949 9 1 9

su@chigeneration.com.au

www.chigeneration.com.au

cafe tarts The Piggery Café at Burnham Beeches - Sherbrooke It was a glorious Winters morning when we headed up to The Piggery at Burnham Beeches.

So much has been written about this place in all the major papers since it opened about two months ago, so expectations were high.

We were welcomed in to the converted piggery and shown to a communal table. The ambience is relaxed but classy, concrete floors and marble bench tops. The staff; relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable. We decided on selecting from the breakfast menu. We arrived at 11.00, the breakfast menu finished at 11.30 and the lunch menu started at 12.00 but were given both menus to look at to make our choice.

The items on the menu are unmistakably French but not pretentious in any way. The choice was a difficult one. Should I have the smoked ocean trout plate with poached egg and avocado $18, the charcuterie plate with boiled egg $19, croque madame $13.50 or the pork belly BLT $13? From previous reviews, you may have noticed my addiction to pork belly which I tried to resist but, after advice from our waitress, I gave in and was so glad I did, shredded pork belly in a soft brioche bun with tomato relish and a creamy

sauce with a sprinkling of crackling crumb Deeelish!

My friend ordered the breakfast cassoulet $12.50, a hearty, rich bean stew, served with a sausage, baguette and corn fritter. The corn fritter was a little strange. Not what we anticipated and a bit tough to cut. Tasty, but not sure whether it was meant to look like it did or not!?

We finished off our substantial breakfast with more coffee (thumbs up) and cake. Again, a difficult decision, we opted for a canele which was sweet and custardy, and the frangipane tart, which we forced down. We were both so full but were determined not to leave a crumb.

The lunch menu included the popular Lobster roll $19, Barramundi Burger from the chargrill BBQ $12, and Lamb Korma Pie $24.

They also have a Menu of the Week, 2 courses for $39 or 3 for $49, which is great value.

Their selection of cakes and salads were numerous. The bread baked in house at the Burnham Bakery was worthy of any French boulangerie.

The plans for the rest of the estate are really exciting and I think we are truly fortunate that Shannon Bennett and business partner, Adam Garrisson have chosen this special place for such an enormous venture. I look forward to seeing the restoration of the abandoned 1930’s mansion, the opening of the steakhouse and the micro-brewery.

We would love for this to be our very own ‘hills secret’ but fortunately for Shannon Bennett word has got out!

1 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke. www.piggerycafe.com.au Tiffany Morris-North

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Tiffany is a passionate artist/crafter/foodie living with her family in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Follow her adventures on her blog tiffanymorrisnorth.wordpress.com

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Kallista Community Market 9am - 1pm 1st Saturday of the month 2 Church St, Kallista Enjoy our leafy atmosphere & visit our market in the hills for Handmade, Homemade, Homegrown, Recycled & nourishing Food.

For bookings & enquiries 9754 4930 / 0402 012 247

Leaf studios Words and styling by Adriana Alvarez For years around a school playground a group of artists and friends shared a dream of having a studio space from which to work, collaborate and sell their handmade goods. But with small children to take care of dreams often get put on hold until later. So when a perfect space became available it was time to turn that dream into a reality.

Leaf Studios in Kallista is the embodiment of that dream. Sharing the space between six people made the venture viable for the artists, who often find it difficult to obtain affordable studio space.

Sharing the costs is not the only advantage to sharing a studio space. With a central room used for a retail store and shared communal space, it’s perfect for collaborations and workshops. Having a shared communal space can be inspiring and can create an environment for sharing ideas and knowledge as well as learning new techniques.

Sharing ideas is an aspect of Leaf Studios which has the potential to make it a creative melting pot for the community. Fine artist and maker Tiffany Morris North, one of the studio artists,

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already holds art classes there on a Friday in the communal space and there are plans for more workshops and children’s art classes in the future. With a diverse range of talent at the studios, the workshops will provide a great variety to choose from.

The artists in the space are Amy Bruni Laker of ‘Lillebeart’ who makes jewellery and accesories and has a passion for recycling; Katherine Slater of ‘cre8ed by K8’ is an art teacher and creates intricate textile artworks; Tania Williams from a ‘feather at your foot’ upcycles lace tablecloths into beautiful garments; Erin Downie of ‘Rebellious Bird’ constructs theatrical millinery pieces and myself Adriana Alvarez, an artist and designer. I’ll be producing the hillscene magazine from it’s new home in Kallista.

With so much artistic energy flowing through Leaf’s veins, the dream of a studio space that could become a creative hub is well underway.

Leaf Studios - 77 Monbulk Rd, Kallista www.facebook.com/leafstudioskallista www.leafstudios.com.au

Photos by Jenny Angel m:0412 475 562

Venue love Words by Carolyn Oates

Carolyn Oates

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Carolyn is a local singer/songwriter and also offers instrument tuition, for more information go to www.carolynoates.com

I am constantly grateful for the thriving live music scene in the Hills. You can pretty much find a venue that covers every genre you could think of. Having recently celebrated its fifth year in Belgrave, Oscar’s Alehouse has set its reputation as the place to go for blues/roots and singer/ songwriter types.

Oscar’s has been a great supporter of quality acts, both local and national. On any given Friday or Saturday night you will find a solo, duo or trio act gracing the stage for a couple of fabulously good sets. Having recently invested in a PA that caters specifically to the acoustic style of music and to the room itself, it’s made the listening experience at Oscar’s even more enjoyable.

Also host to the poetry evening , “To the Ends of the ‘Verse” once a month, this event has been attracting a crowd of wordsmiths that actively make the journey out to Belgrave from the inner city just to be a part of the evening and to hone their skills with their peers.

The other niche that Oscar’s fills nicely is that they happen to be the only place out of the inner city that specializes in a stupendous range of boutique beers, not only from Australia but around the world. The bar staff have a passion for their beers and will be able to talk beer-nerd talk to the most avid hops boffin; but they are also great beer tour guides to those of us a little overwhelmed by the options.

Do yourself a favour and take a night out at Oscar’s for the music, the atmosphere and the beer.

To find out more go to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/OscarsAlehouse You can find Oscar’s Alehouse at 7 Bayview Rd, Belgrave, just near the entrance to Puffing Billy.

work in progress

Edward Willoughby

Edward Willoughby is a Cockatoo-based composer, pianist and sound artist. He is an ardent believer in the importance of music in our lives – especially live music.

He also composes for dance, theatre and film, and sings power-ballad duets with goats in the paddock next door when nobody’s listening. www.facebook.com/verrevert

Focus on conservation Words by Gareth Hart Two years ago now, local Kallista resident Betty Marsden was acknowledged with two separate honours: she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal, and also named Yarra Ranges Citizen of the Year. Quite a feat for anybody really, but all in a day’s work for this remarkable human.

Betty is most well known for her activism and work within the realms of conservation and sustainability in the Yarra Ranges. She is currently the President of the Save the Dandenongs League (SDL), a very active community organisation that seeks to preserve the unique green nature of our tree covered hills and surrounds. Betty has held this position since 1986, and I must say, the SDL is in good stead with her at the helm.

Betty speaks with me about what she has seen change in the area over this time….

So Betty, tell me a little about your story.

I began my work with the environment in the mid to late 70’s when I joined the Save the Dandenong’s League. SDL was always involved with council, planning applications, developments and that sort of thing.

There was a real push for awareness around conservation and such, and in 1981 I was asked, by some of the local residents, to run for Council.

There was a really strong pro-conservation push around that time, so we achieved the numbers.

I had seven years on Council, leaving in 1988.

In fact, during the time I sat on Council we also had a planning application for a McDonalds in Belgrave.

The thing about conservation is that you have to get in at the right time. Because once a permit is approved, it’s too late, there is nothing you can do about it. An example of this was the purchase of Birdsland by the Shire in 1981/2, which was bought to prevent a number of small-lot subdivisions, over 30 in fact.

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In 1981 we had a big thing around Burnham Beeches. The Nicholas family decided to sell it, and had already donated about 13 hectares of the gardens, as a memorial to its founder, Alfred Nicholas. Burnham Beeches was put on the market and turned into a hotel and restaurant: up market to a degree, running successfully until the early 1990’s when it was sold again. And it’s never been open since! People have bought it a couple of times, and they seem to give up when they realise how much it will cost to renovate and restore.

I’m meditating on the obvious cyclical nature of ideas and trends that seem to flourish, fade away, and then flourish again. The community fights a McDonalds development, Burnham Beeches sold again. An interesting tale….

And where do you see conversation sitting now?

Well there are few really great Land Care groups and also friends groups, such as Friends of Sherbrooke Forest and Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands. They have done a lot of good locally; there is no doubt about that.

They operate voluntarily though, so it’s important that people lend a hand to assist them. They struggle a little bit for numbers sometimes, so I think volunteers are very important up here.

I was also involved in the beginning with Burrinja.

The commissioners wanted to sell it [the building].

It could very much have been sold. We organised meetings, activated things, and really pioneered this. Council support and the volunteer support have made it a great success story. And now with the theatre, it’s such a beautiful place. It’s a real community resource. I think that is testimony to the community spirit that we have here. It’s a brilliant community we have, there is no doubt about that.

Is there something that you would like to see community members do, conservationally?

I suppose the biggest thing is being aware of what is going on, take notice, read your local paper, keep a track of what is going on in the community. And if you are not happy about something, well then find out what you can do about it! I would also support an increased investment in heritage.

How do you see Heritage preservation and conservation playing into each other?

I suppose it’s a bit to do with Heritage being what is left from the past: a building, a streetscape, a photograph or sometimes a story. And conversation about what we will have into the future.

You were awarded an OAM, and a Citizen of the Year award in the same year. How did that make you feel?

I was pleased, I thought it was a recognition of what I had done, but also recognising the

whole community and their work, the volunteers we have up here and such. I think it was really acknowledging the whole conservation movement up here.

For more information on the Save the Dandenongs League go to www.sdlg.org.au/groups

Rusted is a unique store in the foothills of the Dandenongs.

We import jewellery, clothing and unusual handmade items from Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Morocco, Spain and all around the world. Rusted embraces world culture and appreciates all things vintage, handmade and recycled.

Drop in to pick up a one of a kind gift today

Shop 2 / 367 Forest Rd, The Basin Suzy 0414 88 77 42 www.rusted.net.au www.facebook.com/rustedshop Open Wed – Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm

Motivate Project Words by Amy Middleton page design by Zoë Amber Preston As part of Burrinja’s Artist Studio program, a new studio space has been developed as a creative incubator for unhatched projects and collaborative curiosity. This short-term subsidised space has the bespoke mandate of engaging with artists or collectives who have interesting ideas that need a supportive space to be developed. The Burrinja Project Studio is a space to explore creative possibilities, pose more questions than answers and fuel small or largescale change!

The first project to take place in this space is called The Motivate Project (TMP). The nature of the project is in contrast to the Artist Studio model that currently exists at Burrinja. TMP will be launched in September and for the first few months it will be utilised as a ‘think tank’. The local community is invited to share thoughts and ideas for the creative outcomes of the project through conversations and a process of collaborative performance making. The Motivate Project is all about empowering people and developing their connection with art.

Gülsen Özer is the interdisciplinary artist who developed the concept of TMP. Özer’s arts practice is driven by a passion for art as an effective social development tool.

Over the last ten years she has worked as an independent choreographer, curator, educator and community cultural development worker.

Her passion is embedded in her commitment to social justice and ecological well-being. “I am motivated by a deep confidence that what I am doing and creating is of great value; that creativity, which stretches our minds and hearts, lives at the centre of what makes us human, happy and healthy,” Özer said. The Motivate Project will empower participants to connect with creativity Özer described The Motivate Project as being a way of “connecting and supporting communities to develop and share insights into the human condition and to make conscious decisions about how they want to live in the world.” As well as working with a large number of professional artists and arts workers, she also works with communities of people who don’t identify themselves as artists. “It is my vision to work to grow the level of participation and develop new audiences in the arts and cultural sector. I have experience working with a number of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with different abilities and disabilities, young people, older people and sometimes with all

culture these different people together in the one space. It is wonderful!”

If you would like to take part in TMP, either as a collaborating artist or as a community member please contact Amy at amym@burrinja.org.au or keep an eye on The Motivate Project website, www.themotivateproject.com.

If you are a creative person or collective who needs a space to dream, discuss and make, then we would love you to apply for a short lease at the Burrinja Project Studio. Applications for the 2015 program close on the 12 December 2014. For more information go to www.burrinja.org.au Gülsen Özer

Locally grown and made food, produce, art & craft, fashion & accessories, plants and live entertainment.

Upcoming Markets Sat 20 Sept Kings Park UFTG 9am - 2pm

Finders Keepers Monbulk 49 Main St, Monbulk.

Sat 22 Nov Upwey (twilight) 9am -7pm www.grassrootsmarket.com.au or find us on Facebook Stallholder enquiries welcome

design

Font Animal Being an artist and designer, I love seeing what other creatives are up to.

I don’t think of design as art’s poor cousin just another form of expression.

Mark Westaway, an artist and designer talks about his special love of fonts and the quirky range of characters he has created to make his fonts come to life.

FontAnimal is a catalogue of original digital fonts for use on your computer. To be more precise – Quirky, wizzo fonts made to bop, jive, laugh and excite!

When I was little, I was fascinated with letters and type. I used to scribble drop shadows on newspaper headlines, I loved making special headings for my school projects and I tried to memorise the Letraset catalogue. As a graphic designer, I have always preferred to create a ‘custom’ solution to logos and branding for clients rather than use an existing font. In fact, that’s how many of my fonts came about–a few letters used in a logo are later expanded out to a complete font.

Some of the alphabets for FontAnimal fonts I have had drawn for 20 years or so. It was only about five years ago that I discovered font authoring software available for Macs. I plunged into the technical mire that is digital font creation. Drawing the characters is fun and creative, digitising them into a working font is tedious and complex.

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I like exploring new shapes within the conventions of an alphabet. Legibility has more to do with brain and memory function than with clarity of letterforms. We have amazing ‘character recognition’ and can still read scripts, blocks, scribbles and partials.

Sometimes these new shapes make striking graphic images or icons. FontAnimal has a range of fun homewares and textiles that use these forms as decorative elements. Patterned mugs, cushions, teatowels and cheeky teeshirts are great vehicles to carry FontAnimal’s fonts.

Most of us take type on a page or poster for granted. Just words to read. Maybe FontAnimal fonts will attract a bit of interest and add a little dose of zap to the message.

So if you are looking for a ‘different’ font for a special headline or text, or would like to commission a unique corporate font, checkout www.fontanimal.com I am a fine artist trapped in a graphic artist’s body. That’s why I have always smudged the line between fine art and graphic design. It’s all just art. That is why I have been a part of the fantastic Open Studios program for many years and there is no doubt I am a product of the program. With Burrinja’s terrific support it has evolved into a well-oiled machine and is a wonderful community creative forum.

2014.openstudios.org.au/artists/mark-westaway www.gumbootgraphics.com.au

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Factory 6 & 7, 1154 BURWOOD HWY UPPER FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3158 9753 6505 artwork@ferntree print.com.au Your friendly local printer over 10 years!

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Quirky, wizzo fonts made to bop, jive, laugh & excite!

School Tours

FairGo

Thursday 16 October 7.00 – 8.00pm

Fairtrade and Ethical Produce Market

Sunday 9 November 10.00 –11.00am

Thursday 18 September from 2:00 – 8:00pm

Mater Christi College Amazing opportunities for girls. materchristi.edu.au 10693 HS