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Spring 2025 style & design · home · lifestyle · backyard

welcome

LET’S PEEK IN OUR HOME

The care and attention to detail Dixon Builders have put into their own home; imagine the care they will put into building yours.

The combination of red brick, hardwoods, and concrete has given the home a softness and grandeur which has created a family home for the generations.

There are not many homes like our second feature home Stepney, circa 1878, available in Echuca.

Stepney, first built by brick layer John Quarrell, the façade remains largely unchanged, but the interior and landscaping has been blended with modern-day comfort.

This edition’s Style Edit presents all the options to complete your home’s look with Clarks Blinds and Screens, offering tailored solutions that not only look good, but also add security and value to your home.

When it comes time for me to build a home and add a pool, the Naughtons Pools list of things to keep in mind before diving in will come in very handy.

The passion Tamara and Ryan have for garage doors is contagious and made me want to get them in straight away to enclose the old carport at my house.

As we come into summer, my raspberries are tak ing off, producing so much delicious fruit that we have (frozen) berries all year round.

If you haven’t yet, now is the time, before your blossoms bloom, to take care of your berry patch, and you too will enjoy a bumper raspberry harvest.

With your bumper berry crop, you can then bake a raspberry chocolate cake, or cook easy raspberry jam, both of which will have you enjoying the bounty of your harvest over the coming months.

Stepping out of my comfort kitchen and into Vincent Lim’s new cookbook, The Wolf of Wok Street, opened my eyes to the secrets of my favourite Chinese dishes.

Read the review, and you may find out that I need to leave the rice noodles to those who know what they are doing.

Jaci Hicken Journalist

WRITERS Jaci Hicken

EDITOR Kylie Garrett

PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Townrow

ADVERTISING Phone 5482 1111

Laura Ham

Kerry Vevers

Peter Wicks

Robina Graetz

Laura Buckley –Regional Advertising Manager

COVER: Rachel Lewis

Industrial chic with heart

WHILE EACH PROJECT THAT DIXON BUILDERS DELIVERS IS SPECIAL, FOR CARY DIXON AND LISA STEPHENSON, THEIR FAMILY HOME HAS AN EXTRA SPECIAL TOUCH.

LOCATED ON MENZIES RD, ECHUCA, the 2020 build hits the convenient-but-quiet sweet spot.

“It’s not in town, but it’s close to town,” Cary said.

“Far enough to be a hidden little location, which surprised a lot of people.”

Neighboured by fellow beautiful homes, the skillion roof and angled walls are particularly striking.

Not to be missed is Lisa’s palm tree, sitting proudly in the centre of the front garden.

“We had a bit of an idea when we bought the block, the first thing to go in the whole thing was going to be the palm tree in the front,” Lisa said.

“I wanted an in-and-out driveway with a palm tree.”

From the first steps through the front door, handcrafted by family friend and former St Joseph’s College teacher Caroline Smith, there is an abundance of natural light.

Features like the high ceilings and highlight windows help to bring the brightness.

The Dixon family’s home makes a distinct first impression, embracing angles, textures and heights to bring the wow factor. Photo: Rachel Lewis Photography Our

STORY EMILY DONOHOE

In Cary’s business, he has increasingly seen homes use these design elements.

“A lot of the houses we’re building at the moment are trying to get natural light,” he said.

“There is a lot of vaulted ceilings or high ceilings.”

Other design decisions like under-floor insulation and double-glazed windows are increasingly popular to improve energy efficiency, in-line with the Victorian Government’s seven star building standards.

At the Dixon’s home, a fireplace, ceiling fans and reverse-cycle air conditioning make it comfortable year-round.

Their energy use is also supported by solar panels.

“In the middle of summer, the ceiling fans are amazing, and the windows open up so you can get air through it,” Lisa said.

“It’s not a hot house by any means.”

Embracing indoor-outdoor living, the home centres around a patio and swimming pool, complete with separate poolroom.

The term ‘entertainer’s delight’ is often thrown around, but the Dixon’s house is truly the perfect party pad, tested with family functions and birthday milestones.

Lisa Stephenson and Cary Dixon of Dixon Builders designed and built their family home in Echuca, a vision realised for the couple. Photo: Jordan Townrow.

“Cary had the idea of having the pool enclosed,” Lisa said.

“Labour-wise it was pretty intensive, but that was the way we wanted to do it with the outdoor area onto the pool, and then the pool house.

“We’ve had a couple of kids turn 21 since we’ve moved in here … it’s been a great entertainment area.”

Along with the parties, the house is not short of family memories.

Dixon Builders was founded by Cary’s parents Noel and Lois Dixon in 1976, with Cary joining as an apprentice in 1985 and taking over the business in 2012.

Continuing the Dixon name, two of Cary and Lisa’s sons, Kade and Grady, also undertook their carpentry apprentices at the family business.

They helped build the house with Cary, the third family home he and Lisa worked on from the ground-up.

“You get a few ideas and inspiration from the last one to move on to the next one,” Cary said.

“The house before this in Grayson Tce, I thought that was the best home we’d built, then to step up again to the next level.”

Materials like recycled timber flooring and barestone panels contribute to the industrial chic feel.

Basser blocks feature in the kitchen, contrasted by the warm timber. Photo: Jordan Townrow.

The home seamlessly blends indoor with out.

Lisa’s beloved palm tree is one of the first elements visitors are greeted with at the Menzies Rd property.

Menzies Rd takes bits and pieces from the couple’s previous homes, combined with Lisa’s creative vision and EDG Project building designer Alistair McDonald’s guidance.

The result can be coined ‘industrial chic’, mixing materials and textures in an impressive marriage.

“The floor is reclaimed timber … the barn doors are recycled,” Lisa said.

“Those besser blocks (in the kitchen), that was a photo I saw somewhere, and I’d had that picture for years before we built this house.”

Despite an industrial aesthetic, the feeling in the main bedroom is as if you have stepped into a resort, complete with pool views.

Behind the bed is a walk-in wardrobe, designed to be tucked away, and ensuite with elevated details like inset lighting, square set door frames and a wash plane basin.

“When I first moved in, and you walk in there during the day,

Insulation, double-glazing, ceiling fans and a fireplace keep the temperature just-right from season-to-season.

Cary and Lisa’s bedroom would happily suit any holidaymaker.

I felt like I was at a bit of a resort,” Lisa said.

“You look out the bedroom window, and you can see the pool, so, you get that little bit of a feeling that you could be on holidays.”

Cary has his own getaway spaces in the poolroom and his shed, hidden away at the back of the beautifully landscaped property.

“(The trees) work in the perfect spot,” he said.

“The garden there hides off the back and that part of the yard.

“There’s another little fire pit area out the back, another hideaway area.”

Not only is the Menzies Rd property the Dixon’s home, but it’s a labour of love for the family business.

Their visitors’ reactions say it all.

“They get a bit of a wow factor out of it,” Cary said.

“People come to visit and walk in and go, ‘gee’, which is pretty good.”

The Menzies Rd property is the third build for the couple, who always look to do one better when constructing their next home. Photo: Jordan Townrow.

Three generations of Dixon Builders: Kade, Cary, Noel and Grady Dixon. Photo: Rachel Lewis Photography

Splash out with a cool pool

NAUGHTONS POOLS IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS POOLS, SPA, LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE, WITH A TEAM OF EXPERTS THAT WILL GET YOU SPLASHING ABOUT IN NO TIME.

NAUGHTONS POOLS has been selling and installing Compass Fibreglass pools in the Goulburn Valley and surrounds for over 30 years.

Naughtons Pools director Damian Oliver discusses the key factors to consider when planning a pool.

“We combine decades of expertise with commitment to the highest quality, ensuring every pool is built to last and tailored to individual lifestyle needs,” Damian said.

The organisation stresses the value of thorough planning when making a pool investment.

They have a dedicated service division and a pool shop to ensure that your pool ownership remains a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for many years to come.

Adding a swimming pool to your home is one of the best investments you can make for lifestyle, family fun and property value.

Before you dive in, Damian gave some advice around a few things you need to keep in mind, including:

• Size and shape: Choose a design that suits your space and how you plan to use your pool. It could be for family fun, fitness or entertaining and relaxation.

• Quality and construction: A well-built pool should last for decades, so selecting the right builder is key.

• Features and options: From heating and cleaning to water features and automation, you should consider options that best fit your lifestyle and budget

• Maintenance and filtration: Quality filtration and cleaning systems ensure that you spend more time enjoying your pool rather than cleaning and maintaining it. Instead, transform your pool into a true backyard retreat.

• Budget and value: Given the significant investment in your property and the numerous options to consider, ranging from budget-friendly to top-of-the-range, it’s essential to do your research and look for a well-established, quality builder that offers after-sales service.

“At Naughtons Pools, we pride ourselves on delivering more than just a pool, we deliver a complete lifestyle upgrade,” Damian said.

“With years of expertise, a reputation for quality craftsmanship and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we guide you every step of the way.”

Naughtons comprehensive service covers everything from initial design through to installation and handover.

“When it comes to creating your dream backyard, Naughtons Pools are simply the best choice. And as the jingle says “Get a Naughtons in your Life,” Damian said.

Visit Naughtons Pools and Spas at 1 Murray Valley Hwy, Echuca.

For more information, phone 5482 5186 or go to naughtons.com.au

Curb appeal instantly elevated

A WELL-CHOSEN GARAGE DOOR CAN DRAMATICALLY BOOST A HOME’S STREET APPEAL, COMPRISING ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE FRONT FAÇADE.

A WELL-CHOSEN GARAGE DOOR can instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal.

Whether your style is modern or traditional, the right door can tie the whole look together, making your home feel polished and inviting.

“To work out which garage door will suit your home, start by looking at your home’s architecture and colour palette,” Garage Door Warehouse owner Ryan Morris said.

“Classic brick looks stunning with Panelift® doors, while sleek roller doors are perfect for contemporary designs.”

Garage Door Warehouse showcases a comprehensive selection of finishes, including more than 20 Colorbond® steel colours ranging from Surfmist® to Monument®, alongside the new Colorbond Matt range.

They also offer Knotwood laminates that mirror natural timber grain without requiring ongoing maintenance.

Security stands as a cornerstone feature for Garage Door Warehouse, with B&D’s Auto-Lock technology at the forefront.

“Each time you lower the door, a heavy-duty bolt automatically secures into the frame, no extra action is needed,” Ryan said.

The doors also incorporate safety-beam reversal, pinch-free panel edges, and anti-lift mechanisms.

Every standard opener package comes with two handheld remotes featuring rolling-code security and a wall-mounted console with vacation-lock mode.

You can opt for B&D’s SmartPhone Control Kit to enable remote operation and instant notifications.

For homeowners contemplating a garage door installation or upgrade, Garage Door Warehouse provides complimentary measurements and quotes.

Garage Door Warehouse also specialises in carport-to-garage conversions, offering design consultation, door selection guidance, and structural recommendations.

“Carports are great for quick cover, but enclosed garages offer secure storage and can even be trans-

new build.

formed into workshops or gyms, adding value to your property,” Ryan said.

“We provide design guidance, door selection, structural advice, and full installation for a seamless transition.”

Garage Door Warehouse display centre, situated at 3, 1–5 Murray Valley Hwy, Echuca, exhibits its most sought-after products.

Garage Door Warehouse services are central not only to Echuca Moama residents, but to many regional areas and surrounding towns including Shepparton, Deniliquin, Nagambie, Rushworth, Swan Hill, Cohuna, Kerang and more.

“As a proud family-owned business, we value the relationships we’ve built in our community,” Ryan said.

“From your first phone call to the final handshake, we’re committed to exceptional customer service. We show up when we say we will and deliver on our promises.”

For details, visit garagedoorwarehouse.com.au

Garage Door Warehouse owners Tamara and Ryan Morris in front of a newly installed door that is the perfect finish for this

Home loans made easy

A MOAMA RESIDENT HAS PRAISED THE PERSONALISED SERVICE RECEIVED FROM SARAH PATTERSON OF PATTERSON FINANCE COMPANY DURING HER HOME LOAN JOURNEY.

HAYLEY WILLIAMS AND HER HUSBAND

REGAN secured their land loan in 2020 before the pandemic and began their house construction in 2024.

“Sarah helped us get the best interest rate for our loan,” Hayley said.

“She also broke things down a lot easier for myself and my husband.

“I am not very good with numbers, so it was excellent for her to explain things to us in normal language.”

The couple chose Patterson Finance after receiving glowing recommendations.

Hayley emphasised the advantages of having Patterson Finance locally based in Echuca.

“We had heard a lot of great things about Sarah,” she said.

“It was invaluable to have someone locally based, as we could go in and see her whenever we needed and she was there to answer our questions specifically.

“And even if she wasn’t in the office, she’d reply to an email straight away.”

Operating since 2003, Patterson Finance Company delivers comprehensive financial services Australia-wide, catering to first home buyers, property investors and farmers.

“It was my first time I’ve ever had a loan, and a house loan is the biggest loan anyone would ever get, so it is the biggest financial thing in your life,” Hayley said.

“And Sarah just made it super, super easy and was super helpful.

“I would 100 per cent recommend Patterson Finance or just a broker in general, because it made things so simple.”

For further information, phone Patterson Finance on 0413 917 800 or visit 2 Percy St, Echuca, email info@pattersonfinance.com.au or go to pattersonfinance.com.au

Hayley and Regan Williams highlighted the ease of the process, recommending Patterson Finance or a broker for simplifying the complexities of obtaining a house loan.

Delivering premium building solutions with professionalism and precision, supported by highly qualified and respected staff who provide expert guidance and tailored advice throughout every stage of your building or renovation journey.

From bespoke new homes and seamless extensions to refined renovations, we offer tailored solutions to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking to expand your existing home or create your dream residence, our team delivers with precision and care. From garages and fencing to thoughtfully designed additional rooms, our services are comprehensiveno detail too small, no project too ambitious.

Style Edit

CLARKS BLINDS AND SCREENS ECHUCA IS OUR TRUSTED SUPPLIER OF CUSTOM-MADE WINDOW FINISHINGS.

THEY ARE PROUD of their personal and professional service alongside exceptional value.

In this edition of OUR HOME, journalist Jaci Hicken picked out her favourite custom blinds and screens to finish off her home renovations.

PLANTATION SHUTTERS

Plantation shutters offer light control, privacy and a premium finish for any space. The ideal way to update your living room, bedroom, bathroom or the entire home. Plantation shutters start from $390.

SECURITY DOORS

Security doors combine strength, style and visibility, customised to suit your home’s aesthetics and security needs.

Built and tested to meet Australian Standards, with secure locking mechanisms and available in a range of colours, hinged and sliding configurations. Security doors start from $790.

SECURITY ROLLER SHUTTERS

Premium security shutters are designed for security, thermal insulation, light control, and noise reduction, making them perfect for the Echuca Moama area.

Custom-made to suit your home, available in a wide range of colours, including custom powder-coated finishes, manual or motorised operation and BAL-rated options available for bushfire-prone areas. Security roller shutters start from $690.

ZIPTAK® BLINDS

Do you want to use your outdoor space all-yearround?

Custom-made Ziptak® are the original track-guided outdoor blind system, upgrading your outdoor space and allowing you to spend more time in a space you love.

Operating with no cords, zips or pulleys, with no gaps or flapping, Ziptak® are perfect for patios, decks, verandahs and cafes.

Ziptak® blinds start from $865.

Turning clutter into cash

LOOKING FOR A WEEKEND PROJECT? HOSTING A GARAGE SALE IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK.

GARAGE SALES are more than just a way to clear out clutter they’re mini community events, treasure hunts, and feel-good weekends all rolled into one.

Start by sorting your stuff into sell, donate and toss piles.

Focus on items people love to buy: homewares, clothes, tools, kids’ toys, furniture, books and quirky bits and bobs.

Clean things up and price to sell not to regret. Stick to simple prices like $1, $5, $10 and be ready to haggle with a smile.

Make your space inviting: use tables, hang clothes neatly and group similar items together.

Put eye-catching pieces out the front to draw people in.

Add a “free box” and you’ll be surprised how many browsers turn into buyers.

Get the word out early. Post in local Facebook groups, put signs up around your neighbourhood, and take a few photos of standout items to share online.

Want to take it up a notch? Join forces with neighbours for a street-wide sale.

Let the kids run a lemonade stand. Add music for an extra bit of charm.

Most importantly, enjoy it. Greet people, share stories and soak up the good vibes.

And whatever doesn’t sell? Donate it straight after don’t let the clutter creep back inside.

Who knew your junk could bring so much joy?

MOAMA TILE

Heritage charm meets modern living

OUR HOME JOURNALIST, JACI HICKEN, PEEKED INSIDE STEPNEY TO SEE IF IT COULD BE HER DREAM HOME, A CLASSIC PERIOD HOME WITH ALL THE MODERN CONVENIENCES.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING to move to Echuca, this historic mid-Victorian brick villa, a unique testament to the region’s rich architectural heritage, stands out with its marriage of 19th-century elegance and contemporary living.

Built in 1878 by bricklayer John Quarrell, the property at 54 Francis St has lovingly preserved its original character.

The villa showcases distinctive recessed window spandrels, sill moulds, and symmetrical niches on either side of the front entrance.

STORY JACI HICKEN PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

“The façade of 54 Francis St Echuca remains largely unchanged since it was constructed in 1878,” according to property records.

The residence features three original front rooms with fireplaces, a hallway adorned with an arch, and original floorboards, while one room boasts a timber ceiling.

Records reveal that John Quarrell purchased lot 12 of section 31A on Francis St’s east side on August 8, 1877.

By July 1878, he had built a three-room cottage valued at 10 pounds.

The property’s ownership changed through the years.

Contractor Charles Penglasi acquired both this property and the neighbouring lot 13 in 1898.

Catherine Henderson took ownership by 1910, with Robert Henderson occupying the home.

In 1919, Anne Jane Muller, whose occupation was listed as ‘home duties’, became the owner.

Now, the 1018-square-metre property seamlessly combines heritage charm with modern conveniences, featuring a timber kitchen with butler’s pantry, solar-heated pool, and ducted heating and cooling.

The paperwork on file doesn’t seem to indicate when the home expanded from its original three rooms to the house it is today.

Our Home Spring

The home now comprises four bedrooms complemented by a stylish master ensuite and a central family bathroom.

For my family, this home translates to a room for him, a room for me and I get the kitchen and family room for my ‘cooking’ as well, a room to sleep in and even enough space for visitors to stay over.

The outdoor undercover area is a great space for entertaining, or possibly making the passata at the end of summer, then ending the day with a dip in the pool.

Stepney has been lovingly restored and updated with all the modern conveniences you want in a home.

The location means that, for once, I would be able to walk to the office, with the home conveniently located near everything in town.

For an inspection, interested parties can contact Troy O’Brien at 0418 570 576 or troy@clk.com.au

Property law experts guide the way

BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTY IS EXCITING, BUT CAN ALSO BE STRESSFUL.

THAT’S WHERE THE experienced property team at Morrison & Sawers Lawyers steps in.

With offices in Benalla, Echuca, Kyabram and Shepparton, the firm delivers property and conveyancing services across regional Victoria and NSW.

Led by director and lawyer Brooke Dedini, the team includes lawyers Sheree Jorgensen and Jaime Rodrick, along with conveyancing clerks Penny Newman, with over 40 years of legal experience, Maddy Threlfall and Susan Masters.

Together, they bring decades of combined experience in property law.

“All of our team members live locally and understand the property issues that arise in our communities,” Brooke said.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or dealing with a complex farming property with water shares or entitlements, Morrison & Sawers is equipped to ensure the matter runs smoothly.

“Property transactions are becoming increasingly complicated,” Brooke said.

“It’s important to have someone experienced who can identify potential risks and provide solutions when difficulties arise.”

When you engage Morrison & Sawers for your property transaction, the team works behind the scenes to keep everything on track and to protect your interests.

This involves:

• Making sure the contract and property certificates reflect what you believe you’re buying or selling, and raising any issues that need to be negotiated or investigated.

• Explaining your rights and obligations in plain language, so you know exactly what you are signing and what to expect.

• Working with your bank (if needed) to ensure your finance is in order and ready for settlement.

• Preparing and lodging transfer documents and ensuring rates and outgoings are adjusted fairly at settlement.

• Applying for any stamp duty concessions or exemptions you’re entitled to.

• Arranging settlement and notifying authorities of the change in ownership.

Morrison & Sawers offers a smoother, less stressful experience and peace of mind knowing your property transaction is being handled with care.

To help clients avoid common pitfalls, the team also recommends:

• Not signing documents or contracts without a professional reviewing them.

• Always get a pest and building inspection before signing. Minor issues can quickly turn into costly repairs.

• Check for DIY renovations and make sure any work was done properly with the correct permits.

• Inspect thoroughly before you commit test appliances, electrics, and fittings.

• Have any agreements written into the contract. Whether you’re buying or selling, the team at Morrison & Sawers looks forward to guiding you through your property journey.

Morrison & Sawers maintains four regional offices:

Echuca, 126 Hare St, 5482 2222

Kyabram, 157 Fenaughty St, 5852 2555

Shepparton, 28 Welsford St, 5831 8885

Benalla, 18 Bridge St East, 5762 2250.

Morrison & Sawers Lawyers offer property and conveyancing services in regional Victoria and NSW, led by director Brooke Dedini.

Electrical service spot on

AN ECHUCA RESIDENT HAS PRAISED THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE FROM SOLAR ON ELECTRICAL, DETAILING HOW THE COMPANY HELPED HER NAVIGATE COMPLEX SOLAR ENERGY DECISIONS FOLLOWING HER HUSBAND’S PASSING.

KAREN HOSSACK first contacted Solar On Electrical in 2014 when she spotted a red light on her solar panel inverter.

“I got out the yellow pages and rang a couple of solar companies and they said they didn’t have time to help me,” she said.

“I was frantic, I was in tears and I rang Brooke at Solar On Electrical and he said to me, firstly, calm down.

“Anything red to me is danger, and he said, ‘The house is not going to burn down. Now you must switch off the inverter’.

“And I thought, that’s a dumb statement, as I had no idea how to do that and I said, ‘How, I’ll have no electricity?

“And he said, ‘I will talk you through it.

“So, he did.”

Solar On Electrical owner Brooke Coghlan, a veteran electrician with more than 30 years’ experience, walked Karen through the immediate issue and assisted her in lodging an insurance claim for the faulty inverter.

When Karen’s original panels started deteriorating two and a half years ago, Solar On Electrical helped her upgrade to a new system with batteries.

The Solar On Electrical team walked Karen through all her options, including replacing the solar panels only, upgrading the system to install a battery and the best power plan tariffs for her.

“Since the batteries went in, my total expenditure for electricity last year, out of pocket, was $289.29,” she said.

“I am a one-person household, there is just me and the cat now, but I am doing a lot better than other friends in a similar situation who have just got panels and no battery.”

Since its establishment in 2013, Solar On Electrical has expanded from two tradespeople to six staff members, delivering solar installations and general electrical services across the Echuca region.

“I would highly recommend them and I don’t allow anybody else to touch my solar panels, but Solar On Electrical,” Karen said.

“The battery stores the power, so that pretty much in the afternoon, when my electricity goes to that higher tariff, peak tariff, my house is using my power stored in the battery.

Since installing the battery, Karen has electrified her home, with reverse-cycle ducted heating, new electric oven and hot water heat pump, cancelling her gas account and saving $200 every two months on the gas bill.

“I highly recommend Solar On Electrical and I just tell everyone, if they are looking for solar panels to talk to Brooke,” she said.

“Talk to them about the pros and cons and they clean my solar panels every year as well, so I don’t have to worry.”

To talk to Solar On Electrical for all your solar and electrical needs, phone 0408 258 298, email brooke@solaronelectrical.com.au or visit solaronelectrical.com.au

Solar On Electrical, established in 2013, has grown to offering solar installations and electrical services in the Echuca region.

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• B&D Roll-A-Doors

• B&D Panelift & Panelift ICON doors

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• Carport conversions

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We’re the local leaders in B&D Door supply and installation, known for

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Time to get fair dinkum about a shed

A ROCHESTER-BASED SHED BUILDER IS HELPING LOCALS CREATE CUSTOM OUTDOOR SPACES, BACKED BY AUSTRALIAN-MADE MATERIALS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE.

FAIR DINKUM SHEDS REM Sheds, established in 2016, serves as the Fair Dinkum Sheds distributor across Rochester, Echuca, Moama and neighbouring areas from its Lowry St premises.

Owner-manager Leisa Evans emphasises their commitment to quality Australian products and personalised service.

“You don’t have to know exactly what you want, just what you want to get out of your shed; we can assist with the rest,” Leisa said.

Leisa’s advice on determining the best shed for you is to think about a few things including:

• What do you want to put in your shed?

• What height and width clearances are necessary for what you want to use the shed for? Does it need to fit multiple cars, maybe a boat?

• You don’t have to know precisely what you want, just what you want to get out of your shed, Fair Dinkum Sheds REM Sheds can assist with the rest.

• Do you have any restrictions on your property, including caveats, easements and space requirements?

Fair Dinkum Sheds REM Sheds will check and work through this as part of the permit process.

The company, a Registered Building Practitioner, handles all construction aspects comprehensively.

“We organise the building permits, site plans, concreting and the erection of your shed,” Leisa said.

“Once we take on a project pretty much all you need to worry about is paying for the project and signing a few documents.”

Fair Dinkum Sheds REM Sheds provides both supply-only kits and complete installation services.

Every structure meets Australian standards with Shed Safe Accreditation, and clients can select from the complete Colorbond colour range to coordinate with existing buildings.

Fair Dinkum Sheds REM Sheds services Rochester, Echuca, Moama, Kyabram, Lockington, Gunbower, and surrounding regions, and welcomes customers from any area it is practical to go to.

Prospective clients can design their sheds through the Fair Dinkum Builds app or website before arranging measurements and quotes.

For inquiries, contact Fair Dinkum Sheds REM Sheds on 5484 3347 or email info@remsheds.com. au or visit Fair Dinkum Builds website at fairdinkumbuilds.com.au/rem-sheds

To bee or not to bee a backyard beekeeper?

IN THIS HOW-TO GUIDE, WE WON’T BE TALKING ABOUT THE BIRDS, JUST THE BEES.

MORE SPECIFICALLY, the bees in Gillian Hall’s backyard.

Backyard beekeeping is a hobby many are buzzing about lately, and one that Gillian has become quite skilled in.

As you enter her Tatura home, the chorus of 40,000 wings rapidly flapping to and from a flow hive harmonises into a collective hum.

It’s soothing, almost mesmerising.

“I like to come out here on a summer’s night when it’s warm, watch the honey pour out, and listen,” she said.

Since Gillian was once a nervous “newbee” herself, we asked her for tips on how others can get started.

TAKING THE STING OUT OF STARTING

Flow hive

For beginners, a flow hive is the bee’s knees. This innovative system features boxes with wooden frames laced with honeycombs.

“For novice beekeepers, a flow hive is so easy to use … and for your backyard, it’s perfect; it doesn’t take up too much space,” Gillian said.

Protective equipment

Beekeeping suits are white for good reason: bees don’t like dark colours. If you wear black, you are more likely to get stung. The suits should fit comfortably, allowing a range of motion, and include a mesh face mask and gloves.

Apiary tools

Key tools for maintaining a beehive include the hive tool (or J-tool), used for cleaning and lifting hive components, and a smoker, which keeps bees calm during inspections.

HONEY, I’M HOME

The most common ways to start a new colony are through catching a swarm or splitting a hive if you already have one. Gillian’s bees were found through Facebook.

A local had posted about a swarm taking up residence in a couch in their front yard and called for someone to remove it. Gillian answered that call.

“We call them couch bees, and that’s why they’re so relaxed,” she chuckled.

NOW LET’S GET IN FLOW-MATION

With a flow hive, you can harvest honey right into your jar. It’s one-frame-at-a-time harvesting method offers greater convenience, enabling beekeepers to extract honey straight from the hive without opening it.

“At the end of October, we did our first pool of honey, and we got about 10 kg that day,” Gillian said.

“Then, we emptied all the frames in the first week of December, and got 30 kg of honey.”

What does one do with this mind-boggling churn of honey?

For Gillian, it’s a golden opportunity to share with friends and family.

A swarm of resources can be found at www.honeyflow.com.au

‘Berry nice’ raspberry jam

OUR HOME JOURNALIST JACI HICKEN SHARES HER GO TO, RASPBERRY JAM RECIPE SO IT CAN BE MADE ALL-YEAR-ROUND.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE delightful than starting your day with a spread of raspberry jam on toast. If a bit more decadence is more your style, raspberry jam can be spread between pancakes or swirled into raspberry and white chocolate muffins.

A couple of heated spoonfuls can be poured over a chocolate raspberry cake to finish it off, adding a slight fruity sweetness to the chocolate’s bitterness. With so many uses, raspberry jam is always found in my pantry.

At my place, raspberries are fresh for about three weeks of the year, from mid-November to the first week of December.

Most of the raspberries harvested from my patch end up in the freezer, to be used throughout the year in cakes and desserts or turned into jam during a a cooking class.

This means we can make raspberry jam all through the year using either fresh or frozen berries. When you start on your jam-making journey, raspberry jam is a good preserve to start with and can be easily modified to the quantity of berries you have.

This raspberry jam recipe can be adapted to other berries, blackberries and boysenberries.

It would be a different recipe to make strawberry or blueberry jam, as the fruit has a different struc-

ture and it would be cooked slightly differently.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 kg berries

• 1 kg sugar

• Rind and juice of 2 lemons

METHOD:

1. Place berries in a pan. Grate the lemon rind over the raspberries. Add the lemon juice. Over medium heat, mash with a wooden

spoon, stirring until the pulp starts to boil. Boil for 5 minutes.

2. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Return the jam to a boil quickly and cook rapidly for 5 minutes.

3. Test the setting point. If not set, return to a quick boil for 2 minutes. You can over-boil the jam to a point where it may not set.

4. Cool slightly before bottling and sealing.

Makes about 6 x 250 ml jars.

A one-stop energy shop

LONG’S ENERGY SHOP HAS BEEN PART OF DAILY LIFE IN ECHUCA FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, HELPING FAMILIES KEEP WARM IN WINTER, COOL IN SUMMER, STOCKED UP WITH HOT WATER AND POWERING HOMES OR BUSINESSES WITH SOLAR.

WHAT STARTED as a small, family-run store in the early 1980s has grown into one of the town’s most trusted businesses, all while keeping its strong community spirit.

Residents will tell you that Long’s isn’t just a shop, it’s a place where you will always get friendly advice and reliable service.

Many households in Echuca and Moama have bought more than one heater or air conditioner from Long’s over the years, often going back to the same team for installation and maintenance.

Long’s is not just for heating, cooling and hot water, but all your electrical needs, including as a Clean Energy Council approved solar retailer for solar panels and batteries.

Word-of-mouth matters, and Long’s has built its reputation on doing the right thing by its local customers.

One of the reasons the store has stood the test of time is it’s more than just a retailer.

For many people, stopping in at Long’s has become a bit of a tradition.

Some remember buying their first wood heater there decades ago, and now their kids are coming in for their own homes.

That kind of generational loyalty doesn’t happen by accident, it comes from consistent service, honest advice, and a willingness to look after people.

Long’s Energy Shop is the one-stop shop in Echuca for all your energy needs.

Visit 108 Annesley St, Echuca, open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5pm or phone the friendly and knowledgeable staff on 5480 6088 email info@longsechuca.com.au or serach longsechuca.com.au

Visit the friendly staff at Long’s Energy Shop, including sales rep Trent Castles

Naughtons Pools & Spas

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Your local Community Bank knows banking

Exploring Asian cuisine

FOR OUR HOME JOURNALIST JACI HICKEN,

COOKBOOKS ARE ONE OF TWO THINGS: THOSE WITH NO PICTURES, WRITTEN BACK IN THE DAY, OR FULL OF PRETTY PICTURES THAT ARE NEVER GOING TO BE COOKED.

COOKBOOK’S LET YOU peer into someone else’s kitchen, into their world of food.

That is what Vincent Lim’s The Wolf of Wok Street Restaurant quality Asian food in 80 recipes, is to me, a step inside Lim’s world of food, and the story of his family.

Peering into his kitchen, which is unlike my own, thinking, ‘if I cook that for dinner, will it taste like Chinese?’

Asian cooking is way out of my comfort zone.

I’d much rather go to a good Chinese (or any type of Asian) restaurant and let someone else do the cooking.

There are recipes in The Wolf of Wok Street that I find myself ordering every time I’m at a dumpling place.

So, under the guidance of Lim, I’m embarking on a culinary adventure tonight, trying a couple of recipes for dinner.

First up was Prawn Cheung Fun (page 49).

It could have been my lack of knowledge on how to make rice noodles, it could have been the regional supermarket only had one type of rice flour, it could have been the consistency of the batter was way runnier than expected.

But most likely, it was a learning experience, stepping out of my comfort zone, and the Prawn Cheung Fun didn’t turn out as I imagined or remembered.

Char Siu Pork.

Once I had a boyfriend whose favourite thing to eat was chicken sweet corn soup, and even though at the time of our rendezvous, cooking was not something I had become passionate about, somehow, I’d already known how to make this soup at home by adding creamed corn and a little starch to thicken it.

The boyfriend is now a different person and using Lim’s recipe for Chicken Sweet Corn Soup (page 66), this favourite soup is perfect every time.

The next part of dinner to tackle is (Easy) Char Siu Pork (page 179), easy because you don’t need an oven to cook it.

Not needing an oven meant standing in front of the frypan, turning the meat occasionally to prevent sticking (or, heaven forbid, burning) for 20 minutes.

But it was worth it, as cooking char siu has become a go-to dish with a little white rice and the recommended slices of fresh cucumber.

The leftovers are going into tomorrow night’s Special Fried Rice (page 94), which will work if I follow the instructions.

I’m still going to tackle Hong Kong Egg Tarts (page 221), but first, I will need to find some egg tart moulds.

Or could I use a small muffin tin lined with small patty cases?

You will find Vincent Lim’s ‘The Wolf of Wok Street Restaurant quality Asian food in 80 recipes,’ in all good bookstores from September 30.

Harvest a raspberry bounty

AS THE MONTHS WARM UP, THE SUMMER BERRIES BLOSSOM AND BECOME BOUNTIFUL, ESPECIALLY RASPBERRIES. TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS BOUNTY, OUR HOME HAS TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RASPBERRY PATCH.

A LITTLE WHILE AGO, my other half celebrated half a century, and as a gift, a friend gave him eight raspberry canes.

This was early in our gardening journey, resulting in us building our first raised garden bed specifically for berries.

I had visions of a flourishing berry patch, with feature roses in the corners, a neat row of raspberries, a patch of yellow raspberries down one end and blackberries the other and a row of each colour of currants, red, white and black.

Oh, how wrong that was.

Raspberries can take over.

A four-metre-wide, 12-metre-long garden bed was built, with a path down the middle, which was filled with clean topsoil topped with mushroom compost and mulch.

We planted the raspberry canes by simply sticking them into the soil, which would have been in May.

They all took to their assigned spots.

Once established, raspberries tend to travel by themselves out of their garden beds.

To prevent them from escaping their garden bed, it is lined with hard plastic, which also helps the garden bed retain moisture in the warmer months.

If one pops up in the lawn nearby, we just mow over it or pull them out of the next-door raised garden bed, where the asparagus lives.

Raspberries come in two seasonal varieties: raspberries that fruit on first-year canes late summer into autumn, and raspberries that fruit on second-year canes late in the spring, through to early summer.

All the raspberry canes we were given were second-year fruiting canes.

With second-year fruiting canes, you prune them to the ground once they have fruited, died back, and their leaves have become dry, allowing the new growth from this summer to fruit next summer.

With raspberries that fruit on first-year canes, once they have fruited, you cut them off at ground level to re-grow for next year’s fruit.

Because we only have second-year raspberry canes, around Easter each year, the old canes, which have borne fruit, are cut out.

The raspberry patch is weeded and mulched, then left to blossom and fruit in the spring.

After the canes have blossomed, before the fruit is fully formed and red, a bird net is placed over the patch, which results in up to 40 kg of fruit around the second week of November to the first week of December.

The raspberries are frozen, made into jam, vinegars, cordials and turned into my or a chocolate raspberry cake.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY JACI HICKEN

To contain the raspberries, the garden bed was lined with hard plastic to prevent them from escaping and to retain moisture.

The raspberry patch yields up to 40 kg of fruit annually.

Fresh picnic ideas

FROM DELICIOUS bites to practical must-haves, here’s a list of items to make your next picnic a breeze plus a few easy recipes to get your basket started.

10 PICNIC ESSENTIALS

Picnic blanket: Large, soft, and waterproof underneath if possible.

Cooler or insulated bag: Keeps drinks and perishables perfectly chilled.

Reusable plates, cups and cutlery: Lightweight and eco-friendly.

Napkins or paper towels: Because spills happen.

Rubbish bag: Leave nothing behind but footprints.

Sunscreen and insect repellent: Especially important in the Aussie outdoors.

Portable speaker or book: Set the mood or enjoy some quiet.

Games or activities: Think frisbee, footy or a pack of cards.

Drinks: Sparkling water, juice, iced tea or a chilled bottle of wine.

Food and snacks: Easy-to-pack recipes.

RECIPE INSPIRATION

Roast chicken and pesto wraps: Sliced roast chicken, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a swipe of pesto in a soft tortilla. Roll and wrap for easy eating.