LOST Autumn 2023

YO U R S T O K E E P

VO L 2 3 I S S U E 1 3 2

EAT, DRINK AND

be local!

For 165 years, the Farmers Arms Hotel has been a gathering place for Daylesford locals and gourmet travellers alike. Nowadays, it has evolved into one of the biggest supporters of local producers, showcasing wild and farmed ingredients from around Daylesford and the best of the region. And it doesn't stop at the food. The extensive drinks menu has all your favourites and some you can only find in Daylesford. Try local gin made from Mt Macedon pepper berries, vodka from Trentham potatoes, house wine from a 400-year-old Rofosco vine transplanted by Daylesford founders and beer brewed in the neighbourhood too. Book the 'Farmers Kitchen', a private dining experience, dine in one of the luxe vintage dining rooms, or rub elbows with those at the bar. When it comes time to leave, rest assured your heart will be as full as your belly.

FARMERS ARMS HOTEL 1 East St, Daylesford (03) 5348 2091 farmersarmsdaylesford.com.au @farmersarmshoteldaylesford

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH, DINNER AND DRINKS

CO N TE N TS C R E AT E

PROPERTY

Life of it's own

A magical Hum

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E AT

Forest meets Dancefloor

The social Heart

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40

DRINK

PRODUCE

Spur of the Moment

Where my Passion lies

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R E A S O N S T O G E T L O S T

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L O C A L M A R K E T G U I D E

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L O C A L Q & A

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VO L 2 3 I S S U E 1 32 | AU TU M N 2 0 2 3 ABOUT LOST MAGA ZINE

Lost Magazine is an independent monthly magazine circulating throughout Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Kyneton, Trentham, Glenlyon, Castlemaine, Woodend, Creswick, Clunes and surrounds. We also distribute to select Melbourne venues and to an ever-growing subscriber base.

LOST TE AM

PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Tony De Marco

Theresa Albioli

Jess Walsh

Taylor Albioli

F E AT U R E W R I T E R

F E AT U R E W R I T E R

F E AT U R E W R I T E R

PHOTOGR APHER

Larissa Dubecki

Mahmood Fazal

Michael Harden

Chris Turner

LOST MAGA ZINE

COVER IMAGE

3 Howe Street, Daylesford VIC 3460 editor@lostmagazine.com.au 03 5348 2008

Bridget Bodenham by photographer Chris Turner. Read the full story on page 08.

DISTRIBUTION

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

found@lostmagazine.com.au ADVERTISING

found@lostmagazine.com.au 03 5348 2008 | 0436 344 935 SOCIAL MEDIA

@lostmagazine

4 | LO S T M AG A Z I N E

All content in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without express permission of the publisher. All care is taken to ensure accuracy in editorial and advertising however the publishers and any contributors accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. All material herein constitutes information and not advice.

Film Photography Walk with Jacqueline Matisse

REVEL IN

your creative side

Discover what Ballarat is made of.

From nurturing your inner poet to capturing brick-lined backstreets on film, explore a new series of experiences led by Ballarat’s award-winning makers and creators.

After all, the best weekends aren’t made of moments spent at home; they’re made of Ballarat.

Start planning your creative escape at madeofballarat.com

Celebrating the spirit, diversity and proud history of Daylesford

Daylesford Spirit is offering a Limited Edition Pride Gin to commemorate the 2023 Chillout festival Our Pride Gin is a wonderful souvenir of Daylesford, The Pride Capital of Regional Victoria, available: Cellarbrations at Foxxy’s, 55 Vincent St, Daylesford Mention the code ChillOut2023, or show your festival ticket at the counter, to receive $5 off the purchase price

Daylesford Spirit Premium Distillery we are bottling the very spirit that make the area unique and special

LO S T N EW S

Lost News

WRAP UP OF NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN OUR REGION

I

t's festival season here in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, and boy do we know how to celebrate! Our region turns on its colour, both naturally and intentionally Chillout Festival kicks off the string of much anticipated events across the region. CresFest is back for its second year with an impressive lineup, along with old favourites such as the well loved Clunes Booktown Festival.

So now that the rain has finally settled, the ground has dried out, and it's enjoyable to venture outside - what have we been up to?

Mahmood first visited Em Westerbeek, who needs no introduction to anyone local. Borealis and Chillout Festival extraordinaire, Em shaes her passion for fun and love for community.

Next, Mahmood visited James Robertson in Mt Franklin, a favourite

BY E D I TO R , J E S S I C A WA L S H

local artist of ours who masters colour and landscape, who graces the cover of this edition.

Around the corner in Kyneton Mahmood shares the colourful story of how Foraged Flavour was born Last stop for Mahmood is Georgie and Michael at Crofters fold in Pipers Creek to talk all things farm life Larissa shared a cheers with new publicans Tom and Megan, at the re imagined Guildford Hotel Michael visited local institution Daylesford Brewing Co, and shares Dave and Jess' story with us.

We hope this edition brings you new and familiar faces, and fills you with inspiration and new reasons to get lost in our lovely region.

Jessica Walsh Editor

c h a r m o f f i n c h e s. p

300+ artists Dance & music workshops free kiDs’ activities LocaL proDuce & crafts at festivaL market community Bank Lights up creswick at night Latin themeD street paraDe cresfest.com.au anD so much more!

h ot

o By

L au ra

ma

cresfest is a project of the creswick neighBourhooD centre inc

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ro

ga

n

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A life

of it's

own

JAMES ROBERTSON S TO RY BY M A H M O O D FA Z A L PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

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LO S T C R EATE

LO S T M AG A Z I N E | 9

ENKI APOTHECARY & DISTILLERY

☼

Biodynamic Gin & Herbal Liqueurs ☼

☼ Artisan Herbs & Medicinal Mushrooms ☼ ☼ ☼

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WWW.ENKIORGANICS.COM 77 Vincent Street, Daylesford info@enkiorganics.com

P

ale aqua ripples blend with waves of sky blue clouds. The painting is titled Fortitude by artist James Robertson.

In the distance, an obscure mashing of sky and waves, a man in a paddle boat wrestles with his fate as a curl of colour slowly sinks him.

“I worked in industrial design so I could always draw. I was an engineer at the time.”

One afternoon, a friend asked James to paint something as a housewarming present.

“She asked me to paint something abstract,because I was good with colours,” remembers James. “I picked up a brush and started painting. I ended up painting a sort of a desert landscape with clouds and sort of freaked myself out. And I couldn't stop.

That was the beginning of it. I loved it.”

LO S T C R EATE He reflects on that desert landscape he first painted. “It was a feeling, really…like I’ve been doing it my whole life but I’d never painted before.”

James would paint after work every night.

He began selling more and more paintings until he decided to quit his day job. The desert is a motif that runs through his body of work.

“I just attack a blank canvas, pick a colour and start to see what happens,” laughs James. “It just really flows and I never know what I'm gonna get it. It has a life of its own.”

In James’ arresting, vast, landscapes - the sky dominates the scene, the clouds erupt, everything is subordinate to nature reaching for the sublime. When James is asked about

LOST CREATE

the sky, he quips, “There’s something about the serenity of it. It’s like a theatre. An empty scene. I love looking at cloud formations.

And they’re always changing. That’s the beauty…the freedom.”

He reflects on his favourite painting, The Carbon Trader, “I gave it to my mum to hang on to because I knew I would sell it so it hangs on her wall.” In the painting, a man stands tall with a gas mask on. In the distance a coal fired power station protrudes from the earth. James adds, “we’re all concerned about the environment.”

Pollution and the environment was a subject that one of James’ favourite painters, J.M.W. Turner, thought about on the canvas. “Steam, rain and wind it’s called,” reflects James. “It’s very atmospheric and dramatic.” He cites two other artists work as inspirations; Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock and a photograph by Ansel Adams titled Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico.

James describes his inspirations as “sensational.” They’re expressive works that exploit dramatic environments in order to carve an emotional landscape into the hearts of the audience.

While peering into the sky, after being absorbed by its immensity in James’ work, the lines from Hegel come to mind, “Art has the task to reveal the truth in its sensuos form.

James Robertson jamesrobertson.com.au @james_robertson_artist

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LO LOSSTT C CRREATE EATE

OPEN 7 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS Relaxed cosmopolitan style dining by day and fresh modern restaurant by night, The Virgin Kitchen marries cultures and unites taste buds.

A pristine, simple, unadulterated showcase of local produce.

KITCHEN 77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs

03 5348 2271 bellinzona.com.au

LOST LOST FEATU FE ATU RE RE

Where the

Forest

meets the

Dancefloor 16 | L O S T M A G A Z I N E

LO SLO T SF T EATU RE RE F EATU

EM WESTERBEEK S TO RY BY M A H M O O D FA Z A L PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 17

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T

he visionary civil and human rights leader, Harvey Milk, once said, “hope will never be silent."

In Daylesford, every year the community comes together for ChillOut Festival; to celebrate queer country pride through a series of events and parties that light up venues across town.

Emma Westerbeek, the festival’s director, says that at the heart of the festival there’s a sense of integrity that draws her in, “Things used to be; kids in regional areas going into the city to find themselves.”

With over 25 years of Music and Events industry experience, Emma has worked at institutions such as Revolver Upstairs, Bar Open, The Big Day Out, The Byron Blues Festival, Meredith music festival, and Ballarat frolic festival Dark Rainbow. “In 2020, I was asked to program the festival.

It was fantastic fun working in my own backyard, says Emma. “It was the first Golden Plans Festival I didn’t work because it was on the same weekend.”

For Emma, the story of ChillOut is weaved into the fabric of Daylesford, “the fact that it started in the park as a way to connect rainbow families…26 years ago.” She says, “Growing the festival is part of growing with the community. Everyone from the primary schools, to high school, police, to the elderly, to people with disabilities.”

When she moved to Daylesford, the potential of the ChillOut parade made Emma realise how vital community support was for LGBTQI residents. She says, “every year we would watch the parade to be part of the community that makes ChillOut what it is.”

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LO SLO T SF T EATU F EATU RE RE

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“This year we wanted to focus on more accessibility and inclusivity. We put a call out for people with disabilities to attend the festival. that's one of the changes, the other change is going for is a no waste festival. We're just kind of easing into it.”

The festival strives to empower LGBTQI community and educate the locals, Emma says, “I feel like we're a bit of an educator for people, to show them how a community can be a safe space.”

ChillOut is now the largest LGBTQI festival in regional Australia. “I like to use the phrase, ‘Chillout is where the forest meets the dancefloor.’ It’s about connection.”

This year the festival will be hosting panel discussions, the famous Bush Dance in Victoria Park, Granny Bingo, cabaret, a pool party and comedy shows among a wild array of colourful offerings.

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“I'm excited to see Kate Miller Heidke headlining carnival. I’m really excited about the All Ages Soundshell, it's a great place for families from all over regional victoria to just connect with LGBTQI youth,” says Emma. “Also, there’s a fantastic youth panel of Daylesford College students are talking about gender fluidity and all things queer.

For the first time, ChillOut will be offering shuttles buses and glamping to accomodate the influx of over 30,000 guests.

“I just want to invite all community to come to the opening event to meet us and enjoy our beautiful local primary school choirs.”

Em Westerbeek Director - Chillout festival chilloutfestival.com.au

LO S T SFTEATU RE RE LO F EATU

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 21

The art of blending, The magic of herbs, Perfect flavour with every sip.

Visit us today and discover your spirit of adventure.

Gins, Vodka, Herbal Liqueurs & Tawny

Lunch

TWO COURSE

$69 per person

THREE COURSE

$89 per person

D ner

THREE COURSE

$89 per person

2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford 3460

03 5348 2199

boathousedaylesford.com.au

There is a place Where men feel safe To open up & let it out Listening, sharing, healing Releasing what no longer serves Inviting in all that they love Welcome To a fresh approach to Australian men’s health & wellbeing Autumn • On-Country 24-27 March 2023 Limited tickets available now Join us on the journey As we re-imagine healthy masculinity together

LO ST PRODU CE LOST

Spur of

the moment

Proposition

24 | L O S T M A G A Z I N E

LO S T D R I N K

D AY L E S F O R D B R E W I N G C O STORY BY MICHAEL HARDEN PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 25

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S

ome businesses begin life with an iron-clad business plan, all dotted i’s and crossed t’s, with very little left to chance. But, if recent history has taught us anything, it’s that we must be ready to adjust quickly to circumstances.

The Daylesford Brewing Company is an excellent case study in how to do just that.

Owned by husband-and-wife team of Dave Gill and Jess Holmes, Daylesford Brewing Company started life as a kind of spur-ofthe-moment proposition. Jess, an interior designer who grew up in Daylesford and Dave, an environmental scientist with a side interest in brewing beer, were visiting the town at a time they were contemplating a life change. Jess had always wanted to do a B&B in the region and Dave was looking to take his interest in classic brewing further.

“As we were leaving town after that visit we saw a house for sale,” says Dave. “We looked at it online on the Monday, bought it on the Wednesday and soon after we moved up and started renovating the house to turn it into a guest house while I started chipping away at the beer side of things.”

They launched their beer label in 2015 in between renovating the house and working other jobs in order to help fund their plan, which had expanded to include turning a former hotel site in the centre of town into a brewery, accommodation and a restaurant venue. They were getting ready to launch a serious push into wholesaling their beer – a core range of classic styles that included a pale ale, golden ale, porter and a lager – when the pandemic hit.

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 27

LOST DR INK The larger renovation plan immediately went on hold and they decided to concentrate on a smaller venue as an interim project which gave them some new ideas.

“Jess is brilliant at making these light, welcoming spaces and didn’t want ours to be all corrugated iron and stainless steel,” says Dave. “Rather than a brewery with a taproom we wanted to be a venue with good food and great atmosphere that happened to have a brewery attached.”

The Daylesford Brewing Co Restaurant and Bar is now well-established on Vincent Street.

It has a reputation for exceptional chicken burgers and cheeseburgers, but that’s recently been augmented by a wider range of dishes like kangaroo served with a reduction made with their porter, wagyu steaks, cauliflower steaks and house pickled vegetables flavoured with hops they grow themselves. It’s beerfriendly food but for the non-beer drinkers wanting to dine out, there’s an excellent wine list highlighting local labels, an impressive range of gin and whisky and cocktails that attract a loyal following.

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Wholesaling their beer hasn’t been forgotten either. All their classic beers, plus some more experimental brews – a Raspberry Sour and a Black IPA, for example – are not only available on tap in their restaurant but in cans selling locally and in Melbourne.

The plan for the larger project is in play too though, in true DBC style, has been adjusted and changed. The accommodation will become a bigger component with the brewery a part of the project rather than its focus.

“We’re still tapping into Daylesford’s goldrush history with the brewing but we also love the dining scene in town and want to be an integral part of that,” says Dave.

But, as has proved successful for the couple in recent, challenging, years, nothing in the business plan is written in stone. Excellent beer, food and design will always be a part of the mix but, as ever, they’ll offer it in a way that suits the times Daylesford Brewing Co Restaurant & Bar 97 Vincent St, Daylesford daylesfordbrewingco.com.au

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L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 29

A compilation of luxury accomodation thehousesdaylesford.com (03) 5348 2008 stay@thehousesdaylesford.com

The Houses Daylesford have a portfolio of beautiful accommodation rental properties interspersed throughout Daylesford & surrounds. Our 65+ properties provide the perfect setting for couples, families, groups, corporates, photo shoots and location hire.

FEATURE PROPERTY

Hidden Monument Architecturally designed with a focus on creating key connections between the inside and out, Hidden Monument presents an idyllic and quiet reprieve from the outside world. The home’s contemporary features and clean lines bring together a brilliant light-filled space complimented by its high ceilings, black accents and rustic notes.

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5

3

(03) 5348 2008 thehousesdaylesford.com stay@thehousesdaylesford.com

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A

Magigal Hum

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S T P RO LO S TLO F EATU R EP ERTY

CROFTERS FOLD S TO RY BY M A H M O O D FA Z A L PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

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estled in Pipers Creek, in the lush Macedon Ranges, is a minimalintervention micro farm, that doubles as boutique accomodation, called Crofters Fold.

Although the founders, Georgie and Michael, speak to me from Saudi Arabia, they are both purebred country Aussie stock. Georgie quips, “I’m the daughter of a fifth generation grazier & farmer.”

After the tumultous period of droughts in the 80s, the family decided to turn over a new leaf. “The story goes that my father came home one day and announced, ‘there’s got to be more to life than this,” explains Georgie. “Both are truly adventurous at heart. We moved around NSW and over to WA over several years as Dad settled into corporate life and finally ended up in Melbourne. Our country roots still running thick through all our veins.”

Georgie eventually met Michael, “We always knew we wanted a connection for our own family in a rural community like we both enjoyed when we were small.” She says, “Seven years, three kids (currently 6yo, 4yo & 2yo) and a retail business (www. georgesofdubai.com) later we suddenly came up for air and decided it was time

34 | L O S T M A G A Z I N E

to find a spot to put down some country Australian roots for our little family.”

Georgie’s brother and sister-in-law were living in a property near Malmsbury and her parents were on land near Lauriston so when Crofters Fold hit the market, the dream came to life.

But not without a hitch. “We moved back to Australia at the worst possible time, Victoria’s COVID quarantine and subsequent lockdowns made an international homecoming completely soul crushing.” She says, “We eventually settled into Crofters and got to work tweaking the wonderful work the previous owners had achieved in establishing the bee friendly, chemical free peony and garden rose farm, vineyard and the accommodation offering.”

The ornate property is every bit bucolic.

“Surrounded by the gorgeous granite boulders, rolling rural landscape, fresh eggs from our lovely chookies, the cheeky Black Faced Suffolk's parading past the sunroom window and handsome Highland cows in the distance, we thought we were done forever.”

When the lockdowns were over, and both Georgie and Michael were back at work, the labour of the farm weighed heavily on their careers, “Our idyllic country life, not

LO S T P RO P ERTY

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 35

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LO S T P RO P ERTY

quite the reality when you are still building a career and putting foundations down to bring up three kiddies. We started building a really great team to pick up the slack and all of a sudden the property was sailing along.”

Now, the property is among Macedon Ranges most celebrated farm stays. “We intended to create a 'home away from home' feeling that evokes curiosity and tells the story of our wanderlust,” explains Georgie.

“Staying at Crofters Fold is an immersion.

Besides the stunning ancient granite landscape Crofters Fold is set upon, the property seems to have a magical hum about it. The magic seems most tangible at each sunset. The frogs begin to chat, the bees set

about their last tasks of the day and as the shadows start to paint violet hues across the ridge, the sheep make their way through the paddocks to their sleeping spot under the old pines. The beauty and simple delight of this nightly cacophony fills your cup full to the brim.”

Crofters Fold 33 Balls Lane, Pipers Creek stay@croftersfold.com.au croftersfold.com.au Book Crofters fold accommodation at The Houses Daylesford thehousesdaylesford.com

Regional dining at its best.

Four or five course seasonal set menu, changing monthly.

Open for lunch Friday - Monday.

Bookings essential.

attwoodswines.com.au/dining 0493 081 712 260 Green Gully Road, Glenlyon

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 37

Boutique Vineyard & Cellar Door A boutique family run vineyard set amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Glenlyon in the Macedon Ranges wine region.

Ballarat (35min)

Hepburn (13min)

Castlemaine

Daylesford (10min)

(25min)

Melbourne (75min) Western Highway

Glenlyon (3min) 3k m

Trentham

Malmsbury

(17min)

Woodend

(15min)

Kyneton (17min)

(21min)

Melbourne (60min) Calder Highway

www.redhareestate.com.au | book now : 0499 607 603 1225 Daylesford-Malmsbury Rd Denver

LO ST DRINK

LO S T D R I N K

FEATURE PROPERTY

Amore Peacefully secluded between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Amore is an impressive contemporary property on 1 acre, that has the the perfect combination of architecture, luxury, style and art.

Enjoy complete privacy whilst taking a dip in your heated swim-spa overlooking the natural bushland. Stylish and beautifully furnished, Amore is truly an exceptional property.

6

3

2

(03) 5348 2008 thehousesdaylesford.com stay@thehousesdaylesford.com

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 39

PROPE RTY LOST EAT

The

Social

Heart

40 | L O S T M A G A Z I N E

LO S T EAT

G U I L D F O R D F A M I LY H O T E L STORY BY L ARISSA DUBEKI PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

A

lot of love and a lick of paint has brought new life to a community icon.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of the Guildford Family Hotel to its namesake Central Victorian town. Sitting proudly on the main street, the local landmark is rich with goldfields history and the social heart of the community - which meant its unexpected closure sent shockwaves through the community and the residents of the broader region in late 2021.

But thanks to new custodians Tom Allen and Megan Evans, the Guilly, as it’s better known, has a new lease on life – plus the thrill of tap beer for the first time in years.

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 41

“We were told by the landlord that the lease was coming up and we took over after the old tenant had left,” says Allen. “It was pretty tired by that stage. We basically tipped the place upside down and everything that fell out stayed out. We rebuilt the bar, put in new equipment, rebuilt the kitchen and remade it as a really beautiful country pub.”

The very picture of the classic corner hotel with its shady veranda, character-filled front bar and grassy beer garden where dogs sit with their owners, the Guildford Family Hotel has reasserted itself as the centre of the community. Friday nights see the meat raffle raise money for different charities while a calendar of events includes the annual yabby races on Melbourne Cup Day. “It was a tradition that had been going on for years and we were really happy to keep it going… it’s a real hoot,” says Allen.

Like the name attests, the business is a family affair. Allen can be mainly found behind the bar after leaving his former profession in audio production and sales. Evans, whose life has been spent in hospitality, including 10 years at Daylesford’s Farmers Arms Hotel, manages front of house.

And in the revamped kitchen, head chef Lee Littlepage is responsible for a smart menu of pub classics that show how far the genre has come from its meat and three veg days, whether that’s the starters of pea, mint and haloumi fritters or battered scallops on cauliflower puree with crisp bacon. Mains

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tick all the boxes, from chicken parma and Angus porterhouse to beer battered fish and chips, while also heading into the more modern territory of barramundi niçoise salad, chilli and garlic prawn spaghetti (“That’s my pick,” says Allen) and Thai-style beef salad. Sunday afternoons in the dining room with its exposed red brick walls also honour the tradition of the roast with all the trimmings.

Reprising the long-disused beer taps now means Carlton Draught as well as local heroes Shedshaker, from near Castlemaine, whose kegs are rotated seasonally. Harcourt cider, another local, also gets a look-in. The wine list similarly delves into the region with the acclaimed whites and reds from Passing Clouds featuring prominently.

“We’re aiming for a quality product in food and drink that matches a good pub setting,” says Allen. “It’s all about comfort and community.”

Guildford Hotel guildfordfamilyhotel.com.au 35 Fryers Street, Guildford 03 5473 4021 Open Wednesday to Friday, 3pm - 11pm Saturday noon - 11pm, Sunday noon - 7pm

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 45

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GUILDFORD FAMILY HOTEL

THE REGIONS BEST KEPT SECRET 35 FRYERS STREET GUILDFORD VICTORIA

03 5473 4021 Bookings Essential Opening Hours

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W 3PM till late T 3PM till late F 3PM till late S 12:00 noon till late S 12:00 noon – 7 PM

LO S T EAT

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LOST PRODU CE

Where my

Passion

Lies

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LOLO S TS T P RO UCE C RDEATE

F O R AG E D F L AVO U R S TO RY BY M A H M O O D FA Z A L PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

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LO S T P RO D U C E

E

ating flowers sounds like the title of a surrealist painting, however flower cookery has a rich history with roots as far back as Roman times, and to the ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures.

Today, the art of livening up plates with edible flowers is enjoying a revival and it’s not just for the aesthetics - the nutrientdense flavours of flowers span an incredibly vast palate from anise to honey.

In Glenlyon, Lauren Richardson started her edible flower farm over a decade ago under the banner Foraged Flavour Edible Flower Farm.

“Every day is different. Every season is different,” quips ​​Lauren, in between her

busy schedule. “Cutting back our lavender, preparing garden beds, mulching and fixing irrigation. Yesterday we spent the whole day picking.”

She was raised on the property, which doubles as her parents farm. She says, “I went to school in Daylesford. I loved growing up in the country. I always liked gardening and gardens.”

Lauren didn’t have any formal background in gardening. But it was always a passion.

“I always loved flowers and even as far back as I can remember I used to get lavender mustard and lavender honey from those types of foods. I really loved Turkish delight which is made with rose petals and rose flavours.”

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She eventually moved to Melbourne and acquired an Arts Science degree before embarking on her Masters of Architecture.

“I was talking to friends who had a fresh produce business in the Melbourne wholesale market. They were saying that there was a demand for edible flowers and that that trend was was starting to grow and develop. And so I saw that opening and decided that was something I could do while I was studying.”

The business was rapidly blossoming.

Lauren eventually moved back to Kyneton with her family.

“I was towards the end of my Master's of architecture when the business took over.

And I realised that’s where my passion lies.”

Lauren asked her parents for an acre of their land and got to work. To begin with she planted roses, viola and nasturtium flowers.

“And plants that I had access too like elderflower,” adds Lauren.

“The biggest challenge was seeing what works specifically in my location, because every kind of garden is different. Every climate is different. Everyone's soil is different. And just working out what works for me.”

Lauren’s research was deep, she was talking with suppliers, growers, reading and watching “lots of Gardening Australia.” It still wasn’t enough. For Lauren, the key to her success was her community and plenty of trial and error.

“We have a really large community of micro flower farms in the area, from edible flowers to cut flowers and market gardeners.

This community of micro flower farms rely on each other and we have a great collaboration,” explains Lauren. “We share a similar environment, it’s such a good way to share knowledge, talk about problems and any success we are having.”

Lately, Lauren has become increasingly interested in the way nature can help her farm thrive. “One of my biggest interests that I've learned through doing this is about the importance of beneficial insects to balance other pests. And they're a really important part of my flower farm and what it means to have a balanced, healthy ecology.”

Some of Lauren’s produce is available on her website, and her dried edible flower jars are available at Winespeake in Daylesford and the Glenlyon General Store.

Foraged Flavour info@foragedflavour.com For a full list of stockists, visit; foragedflavour.com.au

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LO S T P RO D U C E

LO ST R E A SONS

Reasons to Get Lost in Autumn...

CO M PI LED BY J E SS I C A WA L S H

CRESFEST Folk & Roots Festival CresFest is a folk and roots festival in the forested gold rush town of Creswick, nestled among the Seven Hills between Daylesford and Ballarat. Returning for its second year in 2023, this joyous festival invites you to savour two of life’s transformative pleasures, music and dance.

300 plus line-up includes First Nations artists Kutcha Edwards and Pirritu; national headliners Ami Williamson, Fred Smith and Charm of Finches; US stars Natalie and Brittany Haas and Martha Spencer; Scottish legends Christ Stout and Catriona MacKay; local treasures Tenzin Choegyal, Ruth Hazleton and Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers.

Plus 'Courthouse Conversations' including Cate Kennedy and Casey Bennetto, 'The World Comes to Creswick' with The Boîte, kids' activities, dance and music workshops, festival market, light displays at night (thanks to Community Bank) and Latin-themed street parade.

31 Mar - 2 April 2023 cresfest.com.au

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Clunes Booktown Running from dawn to dusk in the historic township of Clunes in Regional Victoria. A two day festival full of author and artist talks, workshops and live entertainment for the whole family. Discover the outdoor book bazaar with over a hundred stall holders and immerse yourself in Clunes from cover to cover. It’s well worth the visit.

25 - 26 March 2023 clunesbooktown.com.au

Trentham Spud Festival More fun than you might expect from the humble potato. Celebrate the local potato growers, cookers and enthusiasts SPUDTASTIC fun, food, music, games, entertainment and activities galore! You'd never guess potatoes Saturday 6th May 2023 trenthamspudfest.org.au

Lino Printing Workshop @ Black Gallery Re-kindle the fun of creating lino prints in our Black Gallery art studio under the guidance of art teacher, artist and gallery owner; Cristina Doyle Friday March 17 2023 blackgallerydaylesford.com

LO S T R EA S O N S

AUTUMN LOCAL MARKET GUIDE FIRST SATURDAY

SECOND SATURDAY

THIRD SATURDAY

LAST SATURDAY

WOODEND FARMERS MARKET

BALLAN FARMERS MARKET

CRESWICK MARKET

LANCEFIELD & DISTRICT

9am-1pm Napier & Victoria

FARMERS MARKET

Street, Creswick

9am-1pm High Street,

9am-1pm High Street, Woodend

FIRST SUNDAY CASTLEMAINE FARMERS MARKET 9am-1pm Forest Street, Castlemaine

FOURTH SUNDAY CASTLEMAINE ARTISTS MARKET 9am-2pm Western Reserve, Castlemaine (Opp Farmers Market) GISBORNE ALL SEASONS MARKET 9am-3pm Gisborne Village Shopping Centre, Gisborne

9am-1pm Mill Cottage, 96 Inglis Street, Ballan KYNETON FARMERS MARKET 8am-1pm St Pauls Park Piper Street, Kyneton

SECOND SUNDAY CLUNES FARMERS MARKET 9am-2pm Collins Place, Clunes

MALDON MARKET 9am-2pm Cnr Church & Edwards Street, Maldon

Lancefield GLENLYON VILLAGE MARKET 9am-1pm Glenlyon Hall, Glenlyon

LEONARDS HILL HALL & COUNTRY MARKET 9am-2pm Ballan-Daylesford Road, Leonards Hill

TRENTHAM FARMERS MARKET

EVERY SATURDAY WESLEY HILL COMMUNITY MARKET 9am-1pm Pyrenees Hwy, Castlemaine

EVERY SUNDAY DAYLESFORD SUNDAY MARKET 8am-4pm Daylesford Railway Station, Midland Hwy

9am-1pm Trentham Town Square, Trentham

THIRD SUNDAY WOODEND LIONS CLUB MARKET 9am-2pm High Street, Woodend

www.newlinedesign.com.au Call: Jon Mikulic M: 0418 350 644

D.C GROUP + NEWLINE DESIGN ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING, INTERIOR DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT. RESIDENTIAL & HOSPITALITY

FIND YOUR AUDIENCE ADVERTISE WITH US 5348 2008 0436 344 935 found@lostmagazine.com.au Loved dearly by visitors to the region and local alike, Lost has always been the go-to guide for what’s on, what to do and where to find what a visitor most wants.

L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 59

LOST PROPE RTY

RESTAURANTS, CAFE'S & FOOD STORES

WINERIES, DISTILLERIES & CIDERIES

BAD HABITS CAFE 5348 3211 7 Daly St, Daylesford.

Open daily, 10am-4pm.

Enjoy a light morning or afternoon tea, or a substantial breakfast or lunch. theconventgallery.com.au

ANIMUS DISTILLERY 5403 2431 1/89A Piper St, Kyneton.

Artisan gin distillery.

Open 12-Late Wed to Sun. Mon and Tues open by appointment. animusdistillery.com

HEPBURN GENERAL STORE

BIG TREE DISTILLERY 1300 040 573 Producing Award Winning Farm Crafted Gin Distillery Tasting Room open most weekends and Mondays. bigtreedistillery.com.au

102 Main Rd Hepburn Springs.

Open 7 day from 7am.

(Sundays 8am). hepburngeneralstore.com.au

PALAIS-HEPBURN 5348 1000 New chef serving up Modern Australian cuisine in a luxurious setting.

Open Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12am, Dinner from 5pm-9.30pm palais-hepburn.com SAULT 5348 6555 2439 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Sailors Falls. Seasonal Modern Australian dishes in a scenic homestead. Dinner Wed-Sun. Lunch Fri-Sun. sault.com.au

DAYLESFORD CIDER 5348 2275 155 Dairyflat Rd, Musk.

Craft Cider, Tastings, Lunch & cellar-door sales. Online reservations, visit website for info on opening hours daylesfordcider.com.au PASSING CLOUDS 5348 5550 30 Roddas Lane, Musk.

Winery open daily 10am5pm. Lunch 12pm Fri-Mon (bookings are essential). passingclouds.com.au

SWISS MOUNTAIN HOTEL

5345 7006 3454 Midland Hwy, Blampied. Pub meals & Functions. Dinner TuesSan. Lunch Wed-Sun. Closed Monday.

swissmountainhotel.com.au

THE VIRGIN CAFE 5348 2271 77 Main Road Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days from 8am. Part café, part gallery.

Enjoy some of the finest culinary delights in Victoria. bellinzona.com.au

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE REGION'S LARGEST CIRCULATING

MAGAZINE FOR A CURRENT MEDIA KIT CALL 5348 2008 FOUND@LOSTMAGA ZINE .COM. AU

WINE BARS, HOTELS & BOTTLE SHOPS

GALLERIES & STUDIOS

FARMERS ARMS DAYLESFORD 5348 2091 1 East Street, Daylesford. Open 7 days lunch & dinner. Hotel and accommodation. thefarmersarms.com.au FOXXY'S AT CELLARBRATIONS 5348 3577 55 Vincent St Daylesford.

Open 7 Days until late.

Local and international wines, beers and spirits. cellarbrations.com.au

BULLARTO GALLERY 0408 529 725 962 Daylesford Trentham Rd Bullarto Beautiful space and works Open 10-4pm Sat & Sun or via appointment @phillip.edwards.artist

VENUES PALAIS-HEPBURN 5348 1000 Serving up the best cocktails in the shire. Selected French and local wines. Boutique bottle shop. Thu 5pm11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12am Dinner from 5pm-9:30pm palais-hepburn.com

RED HARE WINERY 0499 607 609 Boutique vineyard & cellar door. 1225 Daylesford Malmsbury Rd, Denver Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 11.00 - 4.30 redhareestate.com.au

THE FARM DAYLESFORD

0406 690 775 Daylesford's newest event space. Built from recycled tin, wood, striking power poles and 160 year old trusses. thefarmdaylesford.com.au

THE LOBBY BAR 5348 2271 77 Main Road Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days from 5pm until late. Swing by and settle in for the evening. bellinzona.com.au

SERVICES OZ-TRANS 0407 697 877

SHOP TILL YOU DROP PORTAL 108 5348 4353 108 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs Clothing, shoes, handbags, designer pet gear, homewares and jewellery portal108.com.au

FREIG H T · TRA N S PORT · REMOVALS DAY L E S FO R D A N D CENTRAL HI G HLANDS

Professional removals, general, furniture & produce freight. Art, piano's, pallets & parcels. Regular runs to Melbourne, Geelong & west/central Vic oztrans.com.au

SIGNSATION 0427 425 577 We specialise in hand painted signs and murals.

We also offer the most up to date methods in digital printing to our customers. signsation.net.au

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ACCOMMODATION THE AMALFI 5348 2008 A beautiful self-contained property featuring 20 en-suited guest rooms, commercial kitchen and conference spaces. thehousesdaylesford.com

PEPPERS HOTEL 5348 2202

HOTEL BELLINZONA 5348 2271 77 Main Rd Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days.

Bespoke accommodation in the heart of Hepburn Springs. bellinzona.com.au

THE HOUSES DAYLESFORD

FARMERS ARMS ART SUITES 5348 2091 2 East St, Daylesford Free Wi-Fi, Parking & Inroom mini bar. Across from the iconic Farmers Arms thefarmersarms.com.au

THE TRAIN 5348 2008 Thoughtfully converted train carriage for two guests on a private block, only 5-min walk from Lake Daylesford. Pet friendly. thehousesdaylesford.com

HOLYROOD HOUSE 5348 1063 51 Stanbridge St Daylesford. Unparalleled service in magnificent Victorian Guest House.

WOMBAT EDGE 5348 2008 A beautiful and modern country home for up to 11 guests. Set on 10 acres with a lake, and only 15 minutes from Daylesford. thehousesdaylesford.com

PARKSTONE REAL ESTATE 9115 7328 Shop 6/22-24 Howe Street, Daylesford. Real Estate Sales & Property Management.

Servicing Daylesford, Castlemaine & the Macedon Ranges. parkstonerealestate.com.au

THE GARDEN HOUSE 5348 2008 You could easily forget that you are so close to Daylesford’s thriving town centre, when inside these remarkable grounds. thehousesdaylesford.com

THE OXFORD 5348 2008 Historical property catering to large groups of up to 24, in the scenic Hepburn Springs area. thehousesdaylesford.com

LEWELLYN HOUSE 5348 2008 Accommodateing 18 guests with 9 bedrooms & 9 ensuites. Positioned opposite The Convent Gallery. thehousesdaylesford.com

holyrooddaylesford.com.au

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124 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days.

1930's Daylesford hotel, transformed into a deluxe retreat. mineralspringshotel.com.au

5348 2008 Office located at 3 Howe St Daylesford. Full service agency specialising in corporate retreats and both large & small groups. thehousesdaylesford.com

L O

S T

Q&A

DARREN OLIVER

3. What do you love about Daylesford and surrounds?

Long tome local

2. Did you grow up here or move to the region ?

My wife and I shifted up to Daylesford 22 years ago with your to young sons.

We wanted a better upbringing for them, and Daylesford seemed the perfect fit for us as well as them, country living with a bit of pizzazz, that’s Daylesford.

1.Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

My background was transport and hydraulics then changed tack about ten years ago to property maintenance.

I love the feel of the town and surrounds, the bars, cafes, and music venues All an hour or so from Melbourne.

4. How is it, building in this very cold climate that is also very hilly? Any challenges?

It has been a challenge working in this region with the weather doing property maintenance and working outside in winter.

5. If you were to be a tourist in our town, what would your weekend itinerary look like?

If I was a tourist in town, I would start with a good breakfast nice coffee a nice walk around the lake or some of the great bush tracks, visit some out of the way mineral Springs, a stroll up and down our main street and a visit to the botanical Gardens. Love where I live.

HAVE A STORY TO TELL?

We’d love to hear it ! Contact the team at LOST for opportunities found@lostmagazine.com.au

03 5348 2008

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