North by North-East April/May 2017

VOL 7 EDITION 2

APR/MAY 2017

North

by NORTH-EAST COUNTRY LIFE IN NORTH-EAST VICTORIA

Breeding cattle A bee story Honey, a sweet success

$5.95 incl GST

It’s science and hard work

We are

family

Beolite Village STAGE 5A Secure retirement

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VED R E S RE

For information on other available homes within the Village please call Sharon or Natalie on 5775 1925

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The Mackinnon Community Centre has: Billiards and Table Tennis Indoor Bowls and Croquet Library, Lounge with a Pianola Communal Vegetable Garden.

For further information

Contact Sharon or Natalie Kidston Parade, Mansfield 5775 1925 or 0419 092 010 email: beolitevillage@gmail.com www.beolitevillage.org

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G PIN LE P O B SH ILA E IN AVA L ON OW N

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F G

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North

by NORTH-EAST

Contents Editor: Glen Rohan in memoriam Publisher/Art Director/Editor: Lynnda Heard Designer: Nicola Tilbury

18

Contributors: Lynnda Heard, Pat O’Bryan, Louise Munro, Cathy Olive, Joe Blake, Ross Harlock, Ian Dunn, Colette Geier, Natasha Lobban, Peter Horan, Cass Jasper, Dr Doug Norman, Penny Showers, Jolia Foletta, Kelly Timms

Water it There are times when only an expert will do. Cathy Olive tells us about the pitfalls in building dams.

Sub Editor: Natasha Lobban

22

ADVERTISING Kelly Timms - Advertising Manager 0417 869 608 | kelly@northbynortheast.com.au PUBLISHING Lynnda Heard - Publisher, Art Director & Photographer 0407 103 035 | lynnda@northbynortheast.com.au DISTRIBUTION, SUBSCRIPTIONS, EVENTS (03) 5779 1290 | admin@northbynortheast.com.au

Love those bees Our writer Colette Geier talks to the bees about the many uses of honey.

CONTACT NNE ON 03 5779 1290 | 0407 103 035 Office - 3 Eisners Lane, Mansfield | Mail - PO Merton 3715 admin@northbynortheast.com.au www.northbynortheast.com.au

Published by Glen Rohan and Lynnda Heard for RL Media Pty Ltd, ACN 081 735 891, of Mansfield Euroa Road, Merton 3715 Ph: 03 5779 1290 All material appearing in North by North-East is protected by Australian copyright laws.

Any reproduction or adaption of any material in whole or part is not permitted without prior authorisation from the publisher. The publisher does not take responsibility for any statements or errors and omissions made by any editorial or advertising material published in this magazine.

North by North-East invites contributions on subjects of interest to residents, businesses and visitors of the Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Benalla, Indigo and Alpine districts.

Please forward to admin@northbynortheast.com.au. Please be aware that North by North-East is unable to accept responsibility for the safe custody or return of any material whether typescripts, photographs, transparencies, artwork or computer discs.

ON THE COVER After 30 years of veterinary service in Alexandra, Dr Doug Norman and his team/family have a lot to celebrate.

Picture: LYNNDA HEARD

26

Are you ok?

28

Hitched

36

Autumn/Easter Feature

Lou Munro laments nursing the Old Boy back to health after a recent surgery.

The region’s newest brides and grooms share the stories and photographs from their special day.

Pages of information on events happening over April and May.

April&May2017 50

The Science of Farming Farming couple Andrew Gordon and Caitlin Williams are making their mark on agriculture and the community of Thornton.

60

64

Classic car riding

68

Reinventing the light

Julia Foletta spends time with the classic car lovers of Murrindindi.

Siblings Malcolm Oldis and Jill Jarvis are proof that necessity is the mother of all invention.

All in together Doug and Anne Norman’s family is about more than flesh and blood, they share a special bond with staff, clients and their furry friends.

72

Garden’s of learning It’s all about learning, sharing and growing at Park Lane Nursery in Wangaratta.

76

It’s all here Ian Dunn and the Deft Palette try Badaginnie Run.

88

A history in property Cornhill in Merrijig is steeped in history and up for sale.

14

Brushed with success Catherine Stewart tells Penny Showers how it took commitment to her art to take it from a hobby to a career.

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

11

NNECOUNTRY

Autumn break

T

o see the mist rising from the stilled dams and off the waterways that snake through the hills is reason enough to sigh with relief; the heat is over. Now we cross our fingers, do a dance in the paddocks, naked if you must, and kneel down and ask for autumn rain.

The heat impacted ground waits longingly for those first showers that will over the next few months, give life back to the grasses and seep into the roots of the trees strengthening them. Creeks, streams and rivers will start to fill again, and the cycle continues.

That at least is the hope, especially for the naked people cause it does get a bit cold at night now. At least if you are dancing at one of the many festive events over April and May you can keep warm.

As the leaves change so do our wardrobes, cotton is replaced with flannelette, shorts with trousers, thongs with boots and sun hats are relegated to the back of the cupboard.

What doesn’t change is the ceaseless working of the many volunteers that are the life blood of the towns who are there tirelessly putting up marquees, stirring pots of fine foods, popping corks, or unscrewing tops these days and setting up tables.

Like rain from the sky gives life to the earth, people are out there readying for the masses as they fall seemingly from now where to be part of the action.

In this issue Penny Showers introduces us to artist Catherine Stewart in at Artshed41 in Wooragee, Cathy Olive talks to dam experts and Lou Munro

It was very warm at the Tolmie Sports Day in February and these three were hoping that no one would be asking them to take part in any races or jumping.

talks of patience for the patient. There are three weddings to check out and a great feature on the best of Easter and Autumn fun for everyone.

Caitlin and Andrew are a young couple loving the farm life, Ross Harlock spends a day with Stuart Fox and the CFA. A good yarn is always worth listening to and in this issue a farmer shares a not too happy occasion with us. Julia Floetta rides the ranges in style in classic cars, and vet Doug Norman and his wife Anne celebrate 30 years in Alexandra.

NNE applauds the inventors and talks with Malcolm Oldis from Mt Beauty.

Colette Geier cooks up another of her

marvelous dishes and Ian Dunn tells us what he has tasted in wines lately.

In the property section there are three house write ups and the Happenings pages are bulging with happenings for April and May. Fling your arms in the air and laugh and take the positive road and see the colour and magic that is us.

Editor Lynnda Heard

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APRIL / MAY 2017

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Wasps, flying pests

E

radicating European wasps is everyone’s responsibility. It is important to report or destroy nests to try and holt the increase in European wasp numbers.

Councils such as Murrindindi Shire are actively supporting residents to control these bright yellow and black stripped flying pests. Food attracts the wasps and they are known to travel great distances from their nests to find food.

European wasp nests are usually found in the ground and also in wall cavities, tree hollows, river banks and other confined spaces. Ground nests have no soil mound around the entry hole to show where the nest is.

The easiest way to find the nests is during the day when wasp activity is at its peak and large numbers of wasps are leaving and re-entering the nest. The best time to destroy the wasp nest is in evening, when there is the least activity.

When you find a wasp nest, take the necessary safety steps to remove it. European wasps react to noise vibrations and can be very aggressive and they can deliver multiple and painful stings, so take great care.

The Murrindindi Shire offer information on European Wasps on their website www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au on identifying European Wasps, their nests and how to safely eradicate them.

Also check Museum Victoria at www.museumvictoria.com.au/wasps Murrindindi Council help wasp line is 03 5772 0333. NNE

Joan at her home in Benalla

Sitting pretty

A

very excited Joan Mathews, from Benalla, is our latest subscription prize winner.

Joan has won a photography session, valued at $395, with Shotsido Photography from Mansfield. She plans to use her session with Shotsido to create a series of portraits of herself for her family to keep.

Joan is a avid reader of North by North-East magazine and is considering hiding her copies from her son as he has started reading them and taking them back to Melbourne with him.

NNE would like to thank Shawnti Coolahan from Shotsido Photography for making this prize possible.

In this issue the subscription prize is a $300 voucher to use at Greenstone Trees. The lucky winner will be able to take their pick of potted mature trees to really make a impact in their garden. See page 97 for details and make sure you are subscribed to NNE before May 5 for a chance to win this fantastic prize! NNE

A european wasp nest after the wasps have been killed. It was found in a wombat hole in Howqua.

Private Functions Lucy O448 526 662 Public Events Steve O421 389 861 roamingpoppy@gmail.com /roamingpoppy @roamingpoppy

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

13

NNEPEOPLE

14

APRIL / MAY 2017

A brush with dedication Committing to her art has opened doors for Catherine Stewart. PENNY SHOWERS reveals how a creative hobby can become a career when an artist takes it seriously Pictures by LYNNDA HEARD

I

t was the tide of interest and support received from a few paintings Catherine Stewart put in her local café that first made her believe she could make a go of it as an artist. “People were dropping cash in at the café waiting for my next paintings to come in,” she says.

“I was working as an art teacher at the time and had two small children, so I was just dabbling really. I had the sandpit out the back of the studio where I could watch the kids and still paint, so was really doing many things at once but not focusing on one. It wasn’t until five years later, after understanding success meant daily discipline in the studio, that I could structure our

family life in a way that I could work painting full-time and continue to live in the country. Now I am dedicated to art instead of it being an occasional thing, which is the reason it has really flourished.”

Catherine’s audience base is broad and she paints a lot of different subjects.

Linen canvases feature the themes of shearing shed interiors, thoroughbreds racing down the straight, landscapes, a series of birds in motion and still life. A lot of her artworks are big and 2017 is shaping up to be massive.

The popularity of her work has risen rapidly via word of mouth and referrals and has been boosted by winning the 2016 Art Prize at Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA). Before moving to North East Victoria, Stewart didn’t use much green paint as she came from

the Riverina where she used a much warmer palate. The move injected vitality, strength, colour and ideas into her works.

Catherine always painted, an endeavour which was supported by her artist mother and her father who was a wool classer and shearer. She was a frustrated student. Art was not appreciated in the local school and with only seven students in the class, she was thought of as a rebel when she released some of her creativity by painting a mural on the school wall. It is still there to this day.

A true artist works from intuition and the subconscious and Catherine is no different. She finds the morning routine she has perfected over the years helps place her in the creative bubble. She starts with a coffee in her studio at 9am u NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

15

NNEPEOPLE

once the kids are off to school, while she looks around, contemplating the work and planning her day. This disciplined process keeps her fresh and minimises distractions. She finishes her working day with a one-hour walk to clear her head.

“I think that it is important to recognise I didn’t care what others thought of me and although I lacked confidence initially, like other women and was feeling bound by the stereotypes and the universal mothers’ guilt, I took a chance on myself and just did it. I know so many other talented women have not been able to,” Catherine says. “Don’t be afraid to chase personal fulfilment. If you can harness yourself and really know yourself it’s possible.

“I had to just leave the dishes and household chores and walk out of the house into my studio, or nothing would get done. Giving myself that structure and routine when you feel you don’t have time is so important. It can make you work more effectively when you are very short of time.”

Catherine and her husband Glen work as a team - while she paints Glen 16

APRIL / MAY 2017

takes charge of the home and children and business side of being a sustainable artist. “We’re a great team. We call it Team Stewart. I would not be able to throw myself totally into what I love without his support. We all spend Sunday together, it’s our family time,” she says.

Growing up in a small country town left the Stewarts feeling isolated. “The stereotypes are well and truly alive out there,” she says. It was common for Chris’ mates to ask hime where his apron was as he walk down the street.

“We knew we could have a different life away from that type of thinking and thought beautiful North East Victoria would be a great place to relocate to,” she says. “Since moving to Wooragee Valley three years ago we are 100 per cent confident it was the right move, it’s just so positive here. The people are wonderful, there is so much on offer and there is a ‘cultural backup’. For the first time I am meeting other artists and collaborating.

“The kids love it here too. They are connecting with other country kids who share common interests and connections to the land.”

“

Now I am dedicated to art instead of it being an occasional thing, which is the reason it has really flourished”

Artshed 41 is Catherine’s studio. It’s a large purpose-built space situated on her property in the Wooragee Valley where Catherine works away the hours.

The consummate productive artist, she works in batches of 20. Working spontaneously, she will get to a certain point on each piece, allow them to dry, which takes a long time as she uses oil psaints, while completing the rest of the batch and arriving back where she started with a dry painting, then repeating the process.

To see some of her finished artworks head to Albury from June. Catherine’s solo exhibition at MAMA opens on June 1 and runs for seven weeks. NNE

Winter.

Bring it on.

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NNETHE LAND

Cathy and Steve’s daughter Jirri sells their native flowers at the market

18

APRIL / MAY 2017

Dam it … should have listened to the experts When Steve and Cathy were developing their property, they didn’t always listen to reason and are still dealing with a ‘hole’ lot of the aftermath Story and pictures by CATHY OLIVE

M

y partner, Steve and I moved to the Murrindindi Shire 25 years ago. We loved what the area had to offer with the mountains, rivers, the chance to ski, raft or bike ride with the various seasons, and we both worked locally in outdoor education.

The rural community appealed and this led to us wanting to raise our kids here, and we were keen to make sure they had space in which to play and grow in. This ideally meant a rural property.

We sat down and drew up a list of what we wanted.

Our criteria was fairly stringent for the place we were looking for – we wanted somewhere with some native vegetation and for the property to connect to forest, privacy from neighbours and the road, access to a creek and we didn’t want to be too far from our workplaces. It took us two years of looking. We became so

fussy that when we found our perfect property, it nearly passed us by.

I had just completed study in natural resource management when we found our place and I had developed a couple of simple rules. Number one – wait for 12 months before doing anything significant. This was a killer when we were itching to make a start, but well worth the time invested in the long run.

We watched where the sun rose and set across the seasons, where the winds blew, where the water sat, we dug in the dirt in various places to get a feel for the soil.

We started our weed control, which was 12 months of dedicated blackberry control and thought we’d have that nailed in a couple of years. The weeds are well controlled now, but it doesn’t ever pay to relax your guard and it’s an annual program for us.

I digress though. What were we going u NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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NNETHE LAND

to do with our 76 acres? Growing our own vegies was high on my list, a few chooks, a good orchard for home use, and building our own energy-efficient, sustainable home. We also wanted to dedicate a percentage of our property for wildlife, and being botanically oriented, I thought a small business of native flowers for the cut flower industry. For all of this, we would need a water source, and with two run-down sheds and a water tank capacity of 1000 litres, we needed to organise some better water access.

The question was, how to get water around our property and how much did we need? We needed to consider water for fire-fighting, irrigation for our cut flowers, orchard and vegie garden use, maybe some animals and our own household use. There were a few options. We had a water allocation for stock and domestic use from the creek, we could organise some water tanks, and we could build a dam. Possibly, (but not explored) we could sink a bore. I wasn’t too keen on relying on the creek water as it’s about 500 metres away for starters.

The creek is beautiful and a haven for

wallabies and good supplies of native fish and invertebrates, and the neighbours also rely on the flow. If we were to use the creek water, it would be as a back up and I didn’t want to deplete shared water resources.

Before we could start to build, our planning permit required that we have 20,000 litres on site for fire-fighting purposes. We thought we would start with a tank to collect rain water and a dam. We were keen to look over a body of water from our planned house and thought this would be a great asset for our place. We started on the next rule, number two – talk to neighbours and experts to get it right.

Unfortunately, the neighbours and experts had various opinions about whether the dam would hold water. Our soil is a beautiful red clay. It looks like it’s very sticky, but actually it’s quite porous. Great for growing plants – not so great for holding water. My good friend and local, Kerri Goschnick from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources was correct as usual. There was a soil change and only two kilometres down the road

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20

APRIL / MAY 2017

Cathy and Steve’s son Toby working in the orchard

the downstream neighbours had well sealed dams. The red clay at our place was not so good.

We broke rule number three on this one occasion – let the land be the guide for what you can do on your place – not your own dreams and wishes imposed on the landscape. Our dream was to look out over our own dam. The upstream neighbours had a dam that held water.

Surely if we built it with care, it would work.

Now 20 years and thousands of dollars later, we can still see our big red hole from Google Earth. We have given up on our dam – for now!

We have moved to the tried and true water storage method of tanks with a gravity feed system across the property to troughs and garden. Our garden has minimal water usage although the vegies take heaps in summer. And our vision of cut flowers? They were pretty hardy once established and didn’t really need regular water. It also turns out I am very good at growing flowers, but less interested in marketing and selling them.

The kids have great entrepreneurial skills and do very well selling flowers at

“

we can still see our big red hole from Google Earth”

markets. Unfortunately, as time goes by things change and deer have become a major headache on our place. The cut flowers are fun, but would take a major investment of time and fencing to make them a viable small business. I’ll stick with my day job.

Folk on small acreage or thinking about purchasing a block of land in the country need some sound land management advice from time to time, so Euroa Arboretum have developed some resources to help with managing land. There is so much to learn, and it’s hard to find the right advice.

You can visit www.healthyhectares. org.au, contact Euroa Arboretum for a Healthy Hectares booklet, or join the short course in land management by following the prompts on the Euroa Arboretum website. There’s lots of tips for a range of topics – including some good ideas about water on your property. NNE

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NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

21

NNEPRODUCERS

DJ (Don) works with the bees 22

APRIL / MAY 2017

The buzz is all about honey Like the bees that they are passionate about the family run Walkabout Apiaries work as a close team and are rewarded for their hard work. COLETTE GEIER meet the Whitehead and learnt a whole new respect for the bees and honey Pictures by COLETTE GEIER

E

ach year the Walkabout Apiaries of Milawa produce around 50 tonne of some of the country’s finest honey, but it’s by no means a one-man show.

Rodney and Jenny Whitehead started the business over 40 years ago but these days they have the help of two sons, Greg and Don (DJ), two daughters in-law and roughly 50 million bees.

In the mid 1970’s a young farmer’s son from Mudgegonga, North east of Myrtleford, was faced with a common problem; he wanted to farm but the family farm just wasn’t big enough.

Getting by doing contract harvesting and the like, kept his fingers in the soil but Rodney Whitehead longed to go farming for himself.

Rodney always had a passion for bees and within two years of procuring his first hive, he had a truck and enough hives to fill it; suddenly he was a farmer in his own right. “He was working with livestock,” laughs his wife Jenny as she recalls the early days, “we just took the ‘f’ off beef.”

At first everything Rodney earned went into establishing his apiary and like many farmers starting out, work was held up on their farm while he earned an income off- farm.

Rodney had snagged a pretty young Melbourne lass named Jenny, at a Young Farmer’s Ball and her teaching income kept them afloat whilst the business got up and running.

For the first 25 years of the bee business, the majority of the Whitehead’s

honey went to the co-operative Honey Corporation of Australia, later to become Capilano, and was not sold under the Walkabout Apiaries name.

In 1983 the couple and their young sons moved to Milawa, unhappily it coincided with the areas worst drought in a century and there was suddenly no honey to harvest.

Rodney found work at Brown Brothers winery near by and it was whilst working with their winemakers he started experimenting with making mead, which created a new way to add value to their honey.

The 1980’s and 90’s were rich in experience for Rodney and Jenny especially learning to manage a growing apiary business while raising three boys, Jeff, Greg and DJ. Low honey prices and the high cost of production often left them wondering if they were on the right path, but the variability of seasons and locations always offered intrigue and the promise of a new crop, so their passion continued.

The drought finally ended and the honey started to flow again and then in 2005, Walkabout Apiaries underwent a monumental shift in how they sold their honey. The evolution of farmers markets made direct sales under their own label not only sustainable, it also gave the pair a social life.

“Working with bees takes you out in the bush and that can be pretty lonely,” explains Jenny “being at the markets you get to talk to people about

a product you’re proud of and you make connections and friendships”.

Those connections have also seen Walkabout honey used by other local producers in their dressings, marinades, cakes and other products.

So why the name Walkabout apiaries? It’s quite simple, Jenny was forever answering phone calls from people looking for Rodney, “he’s gone walkabout with his bees” she would reply, until it eventually became part of the family vernacular.

What Jenny didn’t explain however is just how far he had gone wallkabout.

Over the course of a year, the Whitehead bees clock up more kilometres than most people, with the bees travelling more on wheels than they do on the wing.

Presently the bees are making the most of the last of the autumn flowering gums in the high country and then they will be heading somewhere warmer for the winter.

The Whitehead boys will load up their bees and head for warmer climates in Western Victoria or in the south coast of NSW. Rodney explains, “over the colder months the honey from the bees won’t be harvested as it only provides enough energy to sustain the hive over these colder months.”

In mid-August the hives will go back on the truck and head towards Swan Hill to pollinate almond trees in the Mallee which can stress the hive as the bees have to work extra hard. There is no honey collected when they are working u as pollinators.

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NNEPRODUCERS

After 3-4 weeks of work, the bees are moved a bit closer to home, depending on the season and are often given a stint on canola to build their strength back up. Although canola honey is sold widely in Europe, it’s not a patch on the more flavourful honeys produced by eucalypts and other native trees, so this honey is sold to wholesalers.

Once the bees are back to full strength and the weather has warmed up in the North east of Victoria, it’s back home to make the most of the more, sort after blossoms, from the stringy bark, the yellow box and the red gum.

You could say that apiarists are drovers, they move their stock from place to place as the season dictates, and they utilise the same resource out in the bush.

Along with some crown land, beekeepers also have access to the traveling stock routes that crisscross the nation; apiary sites being as old as the stock routes.

The sons Jeff, Greg and DJ have been a part of the family business since before they could walk and have served their beekeeping apprentices in childhood.

All three boys went away to study but despite other plans, the call of the bees eventually drew Greg and DJ back to the family business.

Greg was studying music in Melbourne when his dad started selling the honey at farmer’s markets which was at first not that profitable. Greg 24

APRIL / MAY 2017

decided to cover a second market on weekends and much to his surprise, liked it. The money was better than the other odd jobs he had been doing to make ends meet and there was still time for his music and a Saturday night gig.

As the business grew and the life of a city based struggling musician became less attractive, Greg decided to move back to the north east, a decision he has never regretted.

DJ’s hiatus from the bees was even shorter; after studying agriculture at Dookie College he had plans to share farm but he missed the work he had known all his life in he bush with the bees.

Both Greg and DJ have their own families and their children who are now learning about the fascinating world of bees.

The brother’s partners have both been coaxed into the business with Greg’s partner Julie, producing a range of bespoke candles made from the excess beeswax, and DJ’s wife Tracey, taking care of the mead production.

Although everyone helps out where needed the Whitehead men each have their own role; DJ is the main beekeeper, Greg looks after marketing and Rodney has been relegated to queen bee production, a task that requires a great deal of diligence and patience.

Much like their bees, the family works together, each with their own unique skill set but with a common cause.

“

like their bees, the family works together, each with their own unique skill set”

Simon Leboulh has just finished his second season with the family and brings a brand new skill set to the business. Simon is an Evolutional Biologist and what started as a working holiday has now grown into a seasonal position and the potential to undertake a PhD in bees.

Each year Walkabout Apiaries produce around 50 tonne of honey with each bee contributing just a quarter of a teaspoon in their lifetime. To produce half a kilogram of honey requires 80,000kms of wing time, equal to flying twice around the world and it requires the bees to make two million flower visits.

After forager bees collect their nectar and pollen it is taken back to the hive and transported to worker bees to process.

The nectar is regurgitated into the wax cells, along with an enzyme produced by the bees that converts the nectar from sucrose into the simple sugars of fructose and glucose. This enzyme also helps concentrate the nectar, converting it into honey.

Once full each cell is then capped with a coating of wax secreted in tiny scales from the bee’s abdomen.

When the top box of the hive is full, the box is carefully removed and replaced with an empty one. The frames are removed, the wax capping scraped off and the honey is extracted by simply spinning the frames in a closed extractor.

All Walkabout honey is technically raw, as it is cold extracted but most of their single origin honey is more finely filtered for a clearer product.

The honey they market as raw has more pollen and wax particles amongst it, which makes it more opaque but gives it a fantastic ‘fresh from the hive’ flavour.

As well as local favourites such as Red Gum and White Box, Walkabout honey produces other speciality varieties including Chestnut and Orange Blossom, but their most aptly named honey is simply labelled Bloody Good Honey. “It was the boys idea,” says Jenny, “and I was outvoted.”

“But how are we going to tell people” the boys argued, “if we don’t put it on the label?

The Whitehead family look after roughly 1,200 hives and from this they supply farmer’s markets and retailers the length of the state, but don’t expect to ever see them in major supermarkets.

For this family, farming bees isn’t about going big and getting rich, it’s about loving what they do and protecting their lifestyle, which right now, is just humming. NNE

75-77 Grant St, Alexandra | 5772 1503

wallaby ritz exclusive fashion labels & accessories 55 High St, Mansfield 5775 2276

NNEFAMILY MATTERS

There’s a pill for that Life is anything but boring when the Old Boy’s stuck at home convalescing after surgery, writes LOU MUNRO

I

am often asked how I come up with new material for this column. Most of the time something happens that I can write about.

Over the past couple of months though not much has happened, our life had become somewhat mundane and boring. It’s made for a simple life with no issues to deal with, but as the deadline loomed, I could always rely on the Old Boy for material.

He has been convalescing at home from surgery, after having a hernia

26

APRIL / MAY 2017

repaired. He did this at work, lifting and dragging huge wethers (castrated male sheep for the uninitiated). No surprises there, due to the fact the Old Boy still treats his body like it’s 25 years old.

Even when he has had the occasional reminder he is getting older, just like the rest of us, he usually ignores it.

But “Henry Hernia”, as we dubbed this protruding ailment, he couldn’t ignore.

The patient was fine the first week after surgery; he was sore and when he moved it hurt. I fussed and bothered

over him, which he of course lapped up.

Week two he was wandering around like a caged lion as he had been instructed not to do much. Three weeks after surgery he could do some things, but not the jobs that he wanted to do, such as putting in some new fencing.

I suggested he would be able to hang out or bring in the washing, but that never happened. He would also be up to cooking a delicious dinner for two. You guessed it, a girl would almost starve waiting for that to happen. One evening

“

Don’t worry I’m there, even if I have to rob a drug store …”

he did make me a gin and tonic, while he grabbed himself a stubby, opened a packet of chips and called it “drinks and nibbles”. So a girl really can’t complain.

One of our retired neighbours, God bless him, suggested that he would take the Old Boy for a day out. This was music to my ears. While the Old Boy and I love each other dearly, we aren’t used to spending a lot of time together, so it was fair to say we needed some time apart.

After a drive and a counter lunch the two of them were back at 3pm.

This reprieve for me felt a bit like when my Busy Boy had his first day at school. At 3pm all the other mums were dying to see their precious preps and eagerly waiting at the school gate, way before the home time bell. I to, was experiencing all those warm gushy feelings, but also couldn’t help thinking that 3pm had come around oh so quickly.

So to put it mildly the Old Boy may have thought he was feeling a little unloved. But, I predicted correctly that he would be bouncing out of bed when the time came to go back to work. The Old Boy’s surgeon had stated, due to the nature of his work, that he would not be returning to farming duties for about six weeks.

The Old Boy says I’m the ultimate pessimist but I prefer to think of myself as just being a realist. I had foreseen we would be getting under each other’s feet before then. So as luck would have it, smack bang in the middle of the six weeks, I had a girl’s weekend away booked. This was just what we both needed, some time apart to again appreciate each other.

But a week before this girl’s only getaway, one of my gal pals had injured her back. She had bent down at work to pick up gauzes and wham, displaced a disc. She too was at home on painkillers and convalescing.

My friend’s physio had told her to avoid walking up elevated areas and stairs and she also had extreme pain when she sat for long periods of time.

Considering she lives a four-hour drive from our weekend getaway destination, this was not looking good.

As fate would also have it the beach house we had booked had a flight of stairs to the entrance.

“What is it about getting older,” my dear friend in pain stated over the phone. “We used to talk about how much sex we were getting 30 years ago, now it’s all about our ailing bodies.” This all coming from a woman who had survived

two cancer scares and who was usually so upbeat and positive?

However, during the phone call she found her positive side and asserted, “Don’t worry I’m there, even if I have to rob a drug store on the way”. To her credit she did get to our scheduled weekend away. We assisted her with tackling the stairs and made sure she rested and took her medication, which was perhaps aided with some bubbles and the occasional good glass of red. We decided to not venture out and ate in all weekend, but it was worth it due to her being such a wonderful friend.

The Old Boy and I too have survived his six weeks of convalescing, in fact I will go as far to say it has made us stronger. My hubby has been feeling quite chipper the past couple of weeks … if you know what I mean. As it turned out the Old Boy feels that he and I will be quite OK when it comes time for us to retire. Thankfully that is a while away yet. NNE No ailing or convalescing hubbys or friends were harmed in the writing of this article, just an Old Girl appreciating drug relief in a whole new way.

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NNEHITCHED

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Kylie + Ashley

Love and family ylie Garland and Ashley McIlroy wanted their wedding day to be relaxed and to feel like everyone was at a special family barbecue.

They celebrated with 115 family members and close friends on January 21.

With help from family and friends Kylie and Ashley’s day was just that, a day when the focus was on love and all that is family.

It was a vintage-style wedding – simple and yet elegant – with a strong touch of local input.

The ceremony and reception took place at Mansfield and was catered for by Dave and Carol Darby from Alpine Butchers, Mansfield. The cake was supplied by The Cake Tin, Mansfield.

Reckless Entertainment were on hand

to help the festivities along and the bride’s hair was styled by Michindis, Mansfield, and her make-up applied by Michelle and other final touches by Beautif-eye, Mansfield.

Alpine Blooms, Mansfield, supplied the gorgeous flowers and Delatite Ford supplied four 2017 Mustangs that made up the wedding car cavalcade.

Celebrant, Robyn Baddeley from Merijig, performed the service, with Peter Bastin, Jody Bretgerton and Elyse Coffey making up the bridal party.

The couple chose Mansfield for their special day as it was close to family and it made the perfect pictureque setting for the perfect day. NNE Photographs courtesy: Prue Peters Photography

Specialising in Weddings | Special Occasions | Boudoir Sittings | Pregnancy & Birth Family & Profile Portraits | Landscapes | Pet Photography

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shotsido@gmail.com

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NNEHITCHED

Everlasting memories

David RobertsJeweller Artisan jeweller specialising in design 47 Murphy St, Wangaratta (03) 5722 1369 30

APRIL / MAY 2017

I

t was far from a traditional wedding for Lauren Caling and Jason Dickinson on December 3.

The something old, something borrowed and something blue was replaced with a small wooden ring box, which was etched by Lauren with their initials and wedding date and was passed around to each of the 81 guests who could make a wish for the newlyweds. They called this “the warming of the rings”.

The bridal party each played their own special role in the wedding: David Dickinson, Adam Dickinson, Daniel Dickinson, Scott Wyatt and Josh Harvey along with Belinda Duncan, Emily Storey, Emily Kamoen, Tania Dickinson and Nicole Williams all had a special job allocated to them on the day. Lauren and Jason also included all of their nieces and nephews in the wedding; six pageboys, two flower girls and a junior bridesmaid.

The ceremony and reception was at Play Shack located at the foot of Mt Buller, catering by The Kitchen Door, Mansfield, flowers by Edith and May, Mansfield, entertainment by Tuena, hair by Marisa Smirneos, make-up by Belinda Duncan (bridesmaid) and the celebrant was Mary Anne Egan.

The most memorable part of the day was when Lauren and Jason had finished their first dance as husband and wife and the band asked everyone to join them on the dance floor. All of the guests came running and the small dance floor was packed with friends and family having the time of their lives. NNE Photographs courtesy: Corey Sleap Photography

Lauren & Jason

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NNEHITCHED

A poetic day

Maggie and Jack

HEARTWOOD HIRE FURNITURE & PROP HIRE + VENUE HIRE

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We love natural and minimal styling which works perfectly with our timber furniture.

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APRIL / MAY 2017

0435 076 287 • info@heartwoodhire.com.au www.heartwoodhire.com.au

F

riends and family worked together to make the wedding of Maggie Wilks and Jack Scott a very special day.

“The Tolmie Stuff Doers”, a group of family and friends in Tolmie, prepared a simple, yet delicious range of spit roasted meats and home-made salads for the reception.

The cake was provided by friend Chantelle Casey from The Cake Tin, Mansfield. Kate Raidal and Katie Hastings decorated the marquee, involving hundreds of hand-made candles from Carol Guy’s Tree Life u Candles, Mansfield.

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NNEHITCHED

Maggie and Jack, from Mansfield, become husband and wife on November 5 at Jack’s family property in Bridge Creek, Mansfield, in the company of 150 guests.

Kate and Katie with bridesmaids Melissa Riley, Hannah Smythe and Mandy Socha, were the stylists and the planners of this fabulous day.

Jack’s sister, Liz Baxter of Bundle Designs, photographed the event and friend Blake Raidal videoed the day.

The bride’s hair was by Maddie Neal from SK Hairworks and make-up by Joy Koren from Coco Beauty Retreat.

The flowers were by Lisa Dennis at Edith & May and celebrant Robyn Baddeley made the day official.

Friends The Strap Ons were the entertainment.

Groomsmen Luke Alcaniz, Brodie Galbraith and Bob Burrowes stood beside Jack at this relaxed country wedding which was filled with loads of love, laughter and true emotion.

One very special person missing from the day was Jack’s father, Derek Scott, who passed away suddenly four years ago.

Jack’s sister Claire read out a poem she had written for the day and there was not a dry eye in the house. NNE

we want you to look amazing!

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APRIL / MAY 2017

Photographs courtesy: Liz Baxter, Bundle Designs

46 High Street, Mansfield (03) 5775 1646 or 0418 429 008

Something old‌., Something new‌.

Whether it is the romance and mystery of a beautiful piece from bygone eras, or our modern take on the style and stature from these eras .. make it yours.

please phone for our latest catalogue

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NNEAUTUMN & EASTER EVENTS

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APRIL / MAY 2017

Celebrate

Autumn & Easter events in North-East Victoria

C

olour and Easter are synonymous with each other, the weather has the warmth of summer without the heat. Calmness starts to descend upon us after the bustle of the start of the new year.

It’s Autumn and that means Easter and throughout our North-east region of Victoria there will be events, activities as diverse as the people who live .

A monster auction and bazaar in Molesworth, tasting wines and dishes to match in the hills of Murrindindi at Sedona Estate, feasting at a long lunch in the rich King Valley at a beautiful lunch at Red Feet Winery, enjoying all that is Italian at the festivities at La Fiera in Myrtelford, awing at the wall-art throughout the streets of Benalla, rollicking with laughter at the theater at the North East Artisians establishment, judging the short film festival in Benalla, joining the artisans at the King Valley Art Show, investing in a tree or three at Greenstones in Howqua, part taking in the workshops at Y Water Centre in Yea or purchasing a piece of original art at the Alexandra Art Show or Mansfield Easter Art Show.

There is colour at every turn; colour that lures you in, that will turn your head and have you dancing. Colour that will tempt your taste buds and wallop with pleasure, your pallet. u As autumn fills the trees with colour, so do the people throughout the region fill our lives with wonderful hues. NNE

Molesworth’s EASTER SATURDAY 15TH APRIL

CLEARING SALE

9.30am at Recreation Reserve

Items for sale by auction: Motor vehicles, household goods, leisure, machinery and workshop, antiques, equestrian, poultry Auction & stall sites available

For further information & bookings: Les Ridd 5797 6252 or 0427 310 213 lesridd@mcmedia.com.au

40TH CHARITY EASTER BAZAAR & CLEARING SALE

LOCAL PRODUCE & BAZAAR At the Molesworth Public Hall, a wide range of local handcraft and produce for sale Food & refreshments available at the site Proceeds to local and district charities and amenities

Visit our website at www.molesworth.info NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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NNEAUTUMN & EASTER EVENTS

A feast for the eyes

A Craig Penny

Mansfield Easter Art Show Masonic Hall - Highett St Mansfield Gala Preview 13 April, 6 – 8pm Show runs 14 – 17 April, 9am – 6pm www.ibroxfineartgallery.com.au

highlight over Easter in Mansfield is the Easter Art Show being organised by Ibrox Fine Art Gallery in Mansfield.

Ibrox has cleverly brought together a stunning array of artists’ works to delight the eye and feed the soul.

Richard from Ibrox Fine Art Gallery is thrilled with the 2017 show and knows that this exhibition will be fantastic.

One of the artists of particular interest is professional Melbourne based artist, Craig Penny. In his work Craig uses a range of mediums and now specialises in watercolour, acrylic painting and illustration. His work can be found in galleries around Australia, in Asia and the Americas.

This exhibition also incudes works from David Frazer, Antje Collis, Nadine Dudek, Ben Winspear, Sara Paxton, Ross Paterson, Vida Pearson, Steve Harris and Robert Knight, and is a great opportunity to view works from a range of artists all in one exhibition. The pieces on display include paintings, glass pieces and sculptures.

The display will run from 14 to 17 April and will be held at Mansfield’s Masonic Hall in Highett Street, Mansfield which is open from 9am to 6pm daily.

On Thursday 13 April there will be a gala preview of the exhibition from 6 to 8pm. This is an opportunity to be the first to view and the first to buy. NNE

Fun the Italian way

M

yrtleford’s La Fiera festival is in its ninth year. If you love finding the freshest locally sourced produce that is authentically cooked by passionate Italians, don’t miss this weekend.

Businesses and residents of their Cicolo (clubs) from northern Italy and the Calabrese from the south, make a truly cultural mix. Michelini Wines who support all things Italian, is hosting the official opening party on Tuesday, May 16 at its cellar door.

The evening will

feature excellent food, wine and music and it’s bookings only.

The program for La Fiera 2017 includes music, dance and theatre will entertain and enthrall. The hub is at the Myrtleford Piazza on Clyde Street, in the middle of town.

On Saturday is the procession through town featuring the statue of St Anthony. Then there is the giant chessboard, dancing area and stage with 20 bustling food and wine stalls. The gardens will be dotted with tables and chairs to rest, eat and be entertained.

There will be a pizza dough throwing exhibition and workshop, a grape stomping competition, barista race, wild mushroom foraging and workshop, roasting chestnuts on a giant hot plate, laughter the Italian way workshop, Nonni

in Cucina cooking demonstration and Stephano Manfredi demonstration. On stage there will be Italian entertainers.

Sunday starts at 11.30am and includes the comedian Dell Arte and Tastes of Trentino and the living chess match, based on the Marostica (Northern Italy) tradition. There is the La Fiera Cup Soccer Challenge Myrtleford versus Wangaratta.

Over the six days, Michelini Wines, Club Savoy, Gapsted Winery, Bastoni Pizzeria, Delizie Deli will present meals of Italian cuisine. NNE

La Fiera

Myrtleford 16-21 May www.lafiera.com.au

Decades of donations

T

Molesworth Easter Bazaar and Auction Easter Saturday, April 15 9.30am onwards Molesworth Recreation Reserve Contact: Les Ridd 0427 310 213 www.molesworth.info

he Molesworth Auction and Bazaar has been supporting community projects for the past 40 years. The first Bazaar was held to raise funds for the community of Molesworth, to repay those who had donated money to repair and upgrade the Molesworth Public Hall in 1978. Les Ridd was the first President of the Bazaar committee and he was one of the instigators of the successful idea. He thought that by bringing together everyone’s treasures to sell in the one place would allow owners to earn some cash and also support the charity event.

It’s now 40 years on and the Molesworth Auction and Bazaar is still going strong thanks to a small handful of dedicated volunteers some, like Les have been there since the Bazaar was conceived. The Bazaar and Auction are held on Easter Saturday, across two venues in Molesworth, both within walking distance of each other.

At the Bazaar held in the Molesworth Hall there will be a vast array of preserves, cakes, crafts, plants and bric-a-brac for sale at the Molesworth Hall.

The Auction come clearing sale is at the Molesworth Recreation Reserve where there are 60 sellers sited, each with up to 60 auction items up for auction plus more than 20 stalls to browse through.

About $500,000 has been raised and donated to various charitable organisations in Yea, Alexandra, Cathkin, Eildon and Yarck over the past 40 years. None of this would not be possible without the volunteer helpers with their friendly faces working tirelessly behind the scene and on the day to ensure that the Bazaar and Auction happens and that everyone enjoys themselves.

Head to Molesworth on Easter Saturday and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Bazaar and Auction where you will be sure to pick up a bargain and support a wonderful event. NNE

Harvest Picnic at

Sunday 7th May 2017

12 - 5pm

Celebrate Aussie Wine Month in Murrindindi’s picturesque valley FOOD choose your gourmet dish featuring seasonal local produce created by Harvesting the Feast. Picnic menu available closer to the event.

WINE

pair your lunch with your favourite Sedona Estate wine.

MUSIC

relax to the Jazz and Blues tunes by Musician Beetet

BOOK your table now! Call Sonja on 9730 2883 or 0432 435 180 No BYO food or drinks please

182 Shannons Rd, Murrindindi T 03 9730 2883 M 0432 435 180 E wine@sedonaestate.com.au W www.sedonaestate.com.au

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

39

‌ a beautiful feast for all the senses

A beautiful feast with chef Arnaud Polydor, who will be creating dishes with award-winning King Valley produce and a welcome to our newest cellar door, Red Feet Wines.

Soak up the vineyard views and enjoy a long lunch with a menu featuring Myrrhee Premium Boer Goats, King Valley Walnuts, Tolpuddle Farm cheeses, King Valley Dairy and a host of other locally produced ingredients.

49 Cemetery Lane, King Valley www.redfeet.com.au

Saturday 13 May 2017 12-3pm

Book at www.highcountryharvest.com.au Enjoy all that the King Valley has to offer

Tickets $85 per person

A part of High Country Harvest www.highcountryharvest.com.au

www.kingvalley.org.au

NNEAUTUMN & EASTER EVENTS

Cheers to Aussie wines

A

pril is Aussie Wine Month and Sedona Estate winery invites you to come along to their Harvest Picnic at Sedona Estate.

Aussie Wine Month is in its sixth year and celebrates the world-class wine produced in Australia with a number of events and promotions held in cities and regional towns showcasing the diversity and premium quality of Australian wine.

Sedona Estate celebrates Aussie Wine Month in the picturesque valley of Murrindindi. There will be a choice of gourmet dishes featuring seasonal local produce created by Harvest the Feast.

You can pair your lunch with your favorite Sedona Estate wine while relaxing to the musical sounds of jazz and blues musician Beetet. Relax and unwind in this spectacular part of the country and enjoying the perfect picnic. Book your table early to avoid disappointment. NNE

Harvest Picnic at Sedona Estate Sunday, May 7 12 – 5pm Contact: Sonja Herges 0432 435 180 www.sedonaestate.com.au

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APRIL / MAY 2017

Photo orders

You can order copies of images taken by our photographers at North by North-East magazine by contacting our office.

Email at admin@northbynortheast.com.au Online at www.northbynortheast.com.au Photos are available for purchase as hard copy or digital.

Selected artwork may also be purchased.

Visit the Y Water Discovery Centre this Autumn School Holiday Activity Program 5 & 12 April Photographic Exhibition 1 – 17 April Explore the beautiful Yea Wetlands Come visit and discover one of Victoria’s best kept secrets

Open 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday)

2 Hood St, Yea | 03 5797 2663 info@ywatercentre.com.au www.ywatercentre.com.au 3 Eisners Lane, Mansfield 3722 03 5779 1290 | PO Merton 3715

NNEAUTUMN & EASTER EVENTS

Feast on the King Valley

C

ome and feast, come and stay at the King Valley. The King Valley Tourism group are again putting on an event for everyone to enjoy, a long afternoon of feasting at Una Bella Festa, “A Beautiful Feast”, on Saturday, May 13.

Chef Arnaud Polydor is creating a lunch menu showcasing the award winning local produce of the King Valley. Some of the local producers to be featured at the feast include Tolpuddle Cheese, Myrrhee Premium Boer Goats, King Valley Walnuts, King Valley Dairy, King Valley Organic Pork and Boonderoo Organic Farm. And that’s just the start of it.

This glorious lunch will also be matched with local wines featuring the valley’s newest cellar door, Red Feet Wines, who is hosting the event and boasts panoramic views of the King Valley that guests can enjoy while lunching.

Una Bella Festa Saturday, May 13 12 – 3pm Book online at www.highcountryharvest.com.au

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APRIL / MAY 2017

The true beauty of visiting the King Valley is discovering its diversity, by exploring its great outdoors and activities, its festivals, its wining and dining, its art. Throughout the valley there is so much to entice you to and for you to be part of and the best way to take full advantage of the King Valley is to stay for more than just an afternoon. Days can be filled by visiting the spectacular Alpine Park, lakes, rivers, vast waterways and water falls.

You can take to the roads and mountains on a bike or hike; visit the numerous farmgates for tastings and enjoy the farmers and community markets, all of which will more than fill your day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all taken care of and to relax a visit to the King Valley Art Show or a lazy day spent by the river to fish.

The choices of accommodation are

numerous from B&Bs, to caravan and camping parks by the river, to farm stays, cottages and hotels, everyone’s preferences are catered for.

The richness of the King Valley is not only in its soil, it is also in its people. Artisans of food, wine and the arts are scattered throughout the glorious valley and up into the hills. To stay on the main road is to miss the hidden delights.

Travel up, down and across the King Valley and remember to book your table for the Beautiful Feast especially as numbers are limited and book your accommodation so as not to miss another day in the King Valley.

To find out more about the King Valley visit King Valley Tourism www.kingvalley.org.au To book your ticket for Una Bella Festa visit www.highcountryharvest.com.au NNE

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NNEAUTUMN & EASTER EVENTS

Exhibiting the best

T

he iconic event, Alexandra Easter Art Show, is celebrating its 48th year this year with an exhibition and sale of traditional art, photographic prints, woodwork and crafts at the Alexandra Leisure Centre in Alexandra.

World renowned watercolour artist, Ron Muller, is the judge for this year.

Ron is widely recognized as an outstanding professional artist and teacher and has been a tutor at the Doncaster Templestowe Art Society for many years and also is involved in conducting workshops in Australia and overseas.

Ron has won numerous awards and was featured in the ‘Australian Artist’ magazine and in the international French magazine ‘The Art of Watercolour’ which is a huge feat as Ron is largely self taught as an artist. His unique style captures the light, atmosphere and natural beauty of the Australian landscape.

Ron has also kindly offered his time to demonstrate his technique on Saturday April 15 and on Sunday April 16 from Exhibition opening – Friday 14 April at 7pm 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16, 10am – 5pm The major raffle prize this year is a piece by Ron at Monday April 17, 9am – 12pm Wandillagong.

All funds raised at this event are spread throughout Alexandra Leisure Centre. the community on youth programs and other community Maroondah Highway Alexandra projects throughout the year. NNE

2017 Easter Art Show

www.rotaryalexandra.org.au

Sign up for theatre of the absurd

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APRIL / MAY 2017

B

enalla is a town full of talent and, luckily, those who recognise it.

Over the weekend of April 7, 8 and 9 there are two brilliant productions being held in conjunction with the Benalla Street Art Festival, the Wall to Wall Festival and the Benalla Short Film Festival.

‘Exit the King’ by Eugene Ionesco will be performed by LUEY (Let Us Entertain You) at the Benalla Town Hall in Nunn Street.

There will be three performances, April 7, 8 and 9. This production is a translation of Ionesco’s 1928 play by Neil Armfield and Geoffrey Rush and not to be missed.

Director Kendall King from Wangaratta said it was an opportunity not to be missed.

“It’s a little bit different to our usual plays, this is the theatre of the absurd, don’t miss it,” Kendall says. This production is $25 a ticket.

To keep you in Benalla all weekend there

are two screening of the Benalla Shorts Film Festival on Saturday April 8, one at 2pm and the other at 8pm. Four hundred films have been submitted from around the globe and that number includes 185 films from Australia.

Two well-known Australian actors, Tom Long and John Orcsik will be judging the short films and Orcsik will be attending both of the screenings. Be aware that the films are rated MA15+, in case you were thinking of taking the little ones.

The screenings of the Benalla Shorts will take place at the home of sponsors NEC (North East Artisians) at 122 Bridge Street, Benalla. Tickets are $20 each.

Tickets for ‘Exit the King’ can be bought from www.trybooking.com or the Benalla Visitor Information Centre at 14 Mair Street or phone 03 5762 1749.

For tickets and information visit ‘Benalla Shorts’ at www.benallashorts.com NNE

LUEY ‘Exit the King’

Benalla Shorts Film Festival

April 7-9 www.trybookings.com

April 8, 2017, 2pm & 8pm www.benallashorts.com

T

he King Valley Art Show is celebrating its 20th year and invites you to view more than 400 artworks crafted in a diverse range of mediums and styles.

Local artists’ work will be judged alongside work from across Victoria and in some cases further afield.

Jim van Geet, the judge for this year, not only runs the Myrtleford Gallery but is also a founder of the show and has entered every year.

The exhibition is open over the

Queen’s Birthday long weekend (June 10-12) from 10am to 5pm and costs a small entry fee of $3 for adults.

All proceeds from the door entry and sales commission is invested into “enriching King Valley arts and culture” through a community grants program.

The gala opening night is Friday, June 9 from 7.30pm and tickets are $30.

Judge Jim van Geet will announce the winner on the opening night. NNE

King Valley Art Show

June 10-12 King River Brewing 4515 Wangaratta-Whitfield Road www.kingvalleyartshow.com.au

Greenstone Trees (formerly Howqua River Trees)

Annual Anzac Long Weekend Tree Sale Saturday 22nd - Monday 24th April | 9am to 5pm • Nearly 2000 potted semi-mature and mature (1 – 4m) trees and shrubs • Ornamental Pears, Crepe Myrtles, Fruit Trees including Citrus, Crab Apples, Maples and many more • Acclimatised to the area's harsh frosts and scorching heat • Support local business – prices start from $20 We are open to the public throughout the year by appointmenT

FIND US AT ‘SAMBAR PARK’ 325 HOWQUA RIVER RD, HOWQUA Turn left off Mansfield-Woods Point Rd and follow signs to Sambar Park ENQUIRIES p: 5777 3340 | e: info@greenstonetrees.com.au | www.greenstonetrees.com.au

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47

NNEAUTUMN & EASTER EVENTS

Y not join in the fun?

S

Y Water Discovery Centre 2 Hood Street Yea 03 5797 2663 www.ywatercentre.com.au

o much more than an information centre is The Y Water Discovery Centre. Yes, it is a multi-purpose facility incorporating an accredited Visitor Information Centre and an Interpretive & Educational Centre.

Yes, the centre offers a range of services including information on everything a visitor to Murrindindi and the surrounding regions needs. Yes, it is a gift shop brimming with a range of locally made products; yes, it has free wi-fi, public toilets and meeting room hire.

But it is so much more with a purpose built picnic area with barbecue facilities and ample on-site parking and a recreational vehicle dump point. What The Y Water Discovery Centre excels in is offering a fantastic range of school holiday programs for the kids. This Autumn the activities run from April 5 to 12 from 10am to 11.30am.

A gold coin donation on entry is the fee and bookings are essential as the popularity of the program has grown and grown.

Depending on the weather the activities are held inside at the interactive center and outside at the Yea Wetlands. It is definitely a dress for fun program.

In addition to the holiday program the Y Water Centre will be holding a Photographic Exhibition from April 1 to 17. The stunning exhibition will highlight photos of Australian flora and fauna and the beautiful Yea Wetlands and is sponsored by the Upper Goulburn Landcare Group. Entry is free and you can view the exhibition from 9am to 5pm daily.

This is only a taste of what the Y Water Centre has to offer and is a must to visit anytime throughout the year. NNE

Six days of fun - the Italian way!

Glorious autumn days mixed with spectacular food, wine, films, heritage displays & music

Food & Wine Festa on Saturday

Proudly sponsored by

www.lafiera.com.au 48

APRIL / MAY 2017

Trees for every garden

T

he annual Anzac long weekend tree sale is on again at Greenstone Trees, formerly Howqua River Trees, on Saturday, April 22 to Monday, April 24, from 9am to 5pm.

The sale will feature nearly 2000 potted semi-mature trees and shrubs, ornamental pears, crepe myrtles, fruit trees including citrus, crab apples, maples and many more. Such a huge selection will ensure that there will be something special available for everyone’s garden.

With prices starting at $20 there is something for everyone’s budget. If you can’t make the annual sale, Greenstone Trees is open all year round to the public by appointment is are located at Sambar Park, Howqua. NNE

presents in conjunction with the Wall to Wall Festival

7.30pm - 7 & 8 April 2pm - 9 April 2017

EXIT THE KING

by Eugene Ionesco

Translation by Neil Armfield & Geoffrey Rush

TICKETS $25

Greenstone Trees Annual Anzac Long Weekend Tree Sale Saturday, April 22 to Monday, April 24, 9am to 5pm Sambar Park – 325 Howqua River Rd, Howqua Contact: Jan – 03 5777 3340 www.greenstonetrees.com.au

FILM FESTIVAL | 8 APRIL 2017 SCREENINGS 2PM & 8PM MA15+ TICKETS $20.00 www.benallashorts.com

www.trybooking.com

Benalla Visitor Info Centre 5762 1749 LUEY President - Yvonne 0458 468 584

BENALLA TOWN HALL, NUNN ST

122 Bridge St, Benalla www.northeastartisans.org

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

49

NNECOUNTRY

Loving life on the land They come from two different worlds but Andrew Gordon and Caitlin Williams are living their very own happily ever after Story and pictures by LYNNDA HEARD

T

hornton farmers Caitlin Williams, 27 and Andrew Gordon, 32, are a new breed on the land – they’re utilising not only technology and science but also the skills honed in their past careers to help them succeed.

Caitlin has a science background; she has studied human genetics at both a bachelor and post-graduate level and grew up in Melbourne, a far cry from the rural life she has led since 2011. Andrew is a third generation farmer who hails from Benalla where he farmed with his parents Colin and Chris on their property at Lima South. He’s also a metal fabricator by trade and for many years spent eight months of the year working away as a fireman with DELWP across Australia and Canada. Andrew’s training in farming and Caitlin’s in genetics has been the key to the success of their many business ventures, including establishing two cattle studs.

The modern couple met online two and a half years ago and haven’t looked back after their love also netted a shared vision for their farming future. They have a big and exciting year ahead – they are expecting their first baby in June and are set to be married in October.

City girl Caitlin’s tree change began when her parents Anne and Michael Williams bought “Shrublands” at Thornton in 2009. It was a 100-acre investment, but also the start of a whole new life for their daughter.

After completing university, Caitlin was looking for a new challenge. u 50

APRIL / MAY 2017

Caitlin and Andrew

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51

NNECOUNTRY

“

Farming doesn’t stop, we work seven days a week, 24 hours a day”

One of the young British White’s at Shrublands

52

APRIL / MAY 2017

“When Dad bought the farm I had the knowledge base to move into animal genetics, it was an amazing coincidence,” Caitlin says. “All the testing for human genetics is done on animals, so I had learned a lot about animals and always saw it as a side line. I needed a change from Melbourne and thought why not take on the farm, so now I am here, full-time.”

She quickly found herself in charge of cattle and using knowledge acquired through her studies to artificially inseminate and preg-test them. Caitlin has also utilised her genetics knowledge to establish a comprehensive backgrounding of the genetics of the individual cattle they breed.

Caitlin managed “Shrublands” by herself for about three years. She now shares the workload of running the Shrublands Estate Angus and British Whites studs with Andrew.

“It’s the hardest job,” Caitlin says.

“Farming doesn’t stop, we work seven days a week, 24 hours a day.” But there are still big smiles on their faces.

“We had a day off the other day and went to a cattle sale,” Caitlin laughs. “We looked across the road at the paddocks as we were pulling out and sure enough some cattle were out.” The cattle were rounded up and put back where they belonged and the couple still made it to the sale, albeit a little late and hot under the collar.

The Williams family expanded their holding in 2012, buying the property next door “Burnbend” along with its cattle.

Caitlin and Andrew live in the house at “Burnbend” and love it.

The Goulburn River flows through the valley of Thornton, surrounded by tall hills the rich valley floor is ideal rich farming land that enables Caitlin and Andrew to graze their cattle on a more intensive basis. Here their Angus herd and a small herd of British White cattle – which Caitlin calls her hobby breed – are flourishing. u

BIO SUPER is BIO SUPERIOR

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Phosphorus is one of the major plant nutrition elements in the soil and plays an important role in the synthesis of sugar, starches and oil, also essential for new root growth, so must be constantly available in the soil for these processes to perform their metabolic functions in the plant, without phosphorus growth is retarded. Deficiency symptoms may be difficult to diagnose so by the time it is recognised it may be too late to do anything. Chemically phosphorus is a very stable element and reacts rapidly in the soil solution however quickly binds with iron and aluminium becoming unavailable to plants when soil pH is below 5.0 (CaCI2).measured as calcium chloride.

Typically broad acre agriculture in Australia applies more phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium compared with farming practices in the United States and Europe to achieve productive yields.

In brief single superphosphate is manufactured by reacting naturally occurring phosphate rock, sulphuric acid and water ,which when mixed, allowed to dry and react gives superphosphate its chemical properties creating a water soluble form of phosphorus that dissolves into the soil solution making the phosphate more readily available for the plant to uptake by the root zone when it takes up water .However it is also in this process heavy metals widely known to be present in all commercially produced water soluble fertilisers such as (Cd) cadmium, (Pb) lead,(As) arsenic and (Hg) mercury etc. may also be drawn via the root system into the cellular structure of the plant where they remain present in the harvested produce we consume. Other detrimental issues relating to the use of superphosphates is the presence of fluorine, which can cause sickness (fluorosis) in animals that injest it directly from recently fertilised pasture. Superphosphate releases phosphates rapidly when in contact with water, environmental mismanagement through leaching may raise the levels of phosphates in farm water ways or dams with heavy metal toxicity notably (cd) cadmium of particular concern.

Alternatively phosphates in citrate soluble forms cling strongly to the clay colloid, so little if any is carried by runoff water into streams.

BIO SUPER is a granulated mineral humate fertiliser incorporating the sustained slow release properties of citrate soluble reactive phosphate rock, carbohydrates which bacteria convert into energy for microbial sustainability, high levels of calcium in readily available carbonate forms, carbon as nitrified brown coal, key micro elements commonly supressed in the “acid matt� copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum making it ideal for acidic soils with low calcium levels and reduced biological activity.

BIO SUPER has been developed around Vicmill Natural Fertilisers unique hydroscopic absorption process using the effects of natural forming carbolic acid. A manufacturing feature of bio super is the primary coating granulation process that enables the fertiliser granule to be coated with nutrients and trace elements as it is being made.

This process ensures that each granule receives proportionally the same amount of additives.

Vicmill natural fertilisers challenge is to redress the effects of chemical agriculture by employing the resources of both science and nature in an integrated up to date bio-organic system, one that achieves robust and healthy crop yields and does not pollute land, water or the food we consume.

BIO SUPER Typical Analysis: TOTAL NITROGEN (N) AS NATURAL ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

TOTAL PHOSPHORUS (P) AS CITRATE SOLUBLE

1.32%

9%

TOTAL POTASSIUM (K) AS SULPHATE

0%

TOTAL CALCIUM (Ca) AS CARBONATE

27%

TOTAL MAGNESIUM (Mg)

1.5%

TOTAL SULPHUR AS NATURAL ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

2.99%

TOTAL COPPER (Cu) AS SULPHATE

0.05%

TOTAL ZINC (Zn) AS SULPHATE

0.25%

TOTAL MANGANESE (Mn) AS SULPHATE

0.31%

TOTAL BORON(B)

0.13%

TOTAL MOLYBDENUM (Mo)

0.01%

TOTAL HUMATE CONTENT

9.52%

TOTAL CARBON

14%

210-216 Centre Rd, Invergordon Vic 3636 www.vicmill.com

Phone: 03 5865 5125 Fax: 03 5865 5126 Email: info@vicmill.com

NNECOUNTRY

Caitlin and Andrew outside the Thornton General Store

The British White is a naturally polled cattle breed, white with black or red points, used mainly for beef. The breed has a confirmed history dating back to the 17th century. The couple are experimenting with cross-breeding the whites with their Angus on a small scale, just as another string to their bow.

Andrew drives around the property and it is obvious that they are deadly serious about their farming and making it a success. The infrastructure is

excellent, including lanes running between paddocks and robust fencing.

“The herd is 90 per cent Angus,” Caitlin says. “We do a bit of everything, from selling calves to easy birthing bulls with a high growth rate.”

Temperament is very important, with Caitlin refusing to handle “crazy” cows.

“A wrong look from a cow and they are out,” she says. “When we open a gate we expect that they will walk through without a problem.”

And they do, Andrew further displays the calmness of their herd when he walks confidently through the paddocks holding the bulls. As confident as he is with their temperament he still is not about to trust them totally. “It’s one to one intensive farming, where we are moving them every day and handling them daily.”

Diversity in their approach to farming is giving them the chance to make the most of opportunities when they arise

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APRIL / MAY 2017

Sophie Fox | 0437 900 192 710 Maroondah Hwy Woodfield 3715 foxleighaustralia@gmail.com | www.foxleigh.net Foxleigh- Sophie Fox Performance Horses

in the market place. Caitlin says less diverse cattle herds are generally under more pressure financially from the fickle markets that can occur.

Calving at Shrublands occurs in both spring and autumn. “It allows us to adapt to fluctuations in what we can sell and provide for specific needs and allows for less restrictions,” Caitlin says. They also sell commercial stud bulls, cows and calves. “We’re not trying to hit only one market every year,” Caitlin says.

And the couple is investing off farm as well, having recently bought the Thornton General Store. “As I am pregnant I’m not out with the cows as much but in the store,” Caitlin says.

Caitlin and Andrew pooled their personal resources to buy the store for their future and as they say, their future is in Thornton.

Andrew loves working with the cattle: as he drives around the farm he is justifiably proud of what they have

achieved. “It’s great, 20-30 per cent of the herd you can reach out and scratch their head and all of them move easily for you,” he says as the mob of relaxed young bulls moves up to the vehicle to check out what’s going on with visitors to their paddock.

The future is looking good and they are excited about what is ahead of them. “We love Thornton, it is a great place to live,” Caitlin says. “It’s close to Melbourne, and the region has lots of facilities and Lake Eildon is a big drawcard for us.”

Caitlin says it offers both fishing and wake boarding which they both enjoy – “it’s the best of both worlds”. Andrew enjoys hunting in the hills and tracking bush Samba deer is a favorite pastime when he finds the time from farming.

“We sell bait at the store, live bait and lures,” Caitlin says. “Andrew likes to check out the lures first and to make

sure that they work. Most nights in summer we throw a line into the lake.

I walk the dogs rather than fish and I enjoy driving the boat.”

Andrew likes that he can catch cod all year round on Lake Eildon and he prefers to release them after catching rather than eating them. They have four kilometers of Goulburn River frontage on their properties, which not only gives them access to a water supply but also provides a beautiful back drop.

The Williams family also owns the trout farm next door to “Shrublands”.

The Eildon Trout Farm is on the Goulburn River, offering recreational fishing for beginners to the expert fly fisher and sell fish at the retail outlet and is managed by Caitlin’s brother Lee. Life for Caitlin and Andrew is all about diversity: there’s plenty of “fish” in the sea and they want to make sure they’re in the best position to catch as many as possible. NNE

28 high st mansfield mel 0418 132 015 kammy 0409 799 795 open monday - friday 10am - 5pm weekends & public holidays 10am - 3pm

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NNECOUNTRY

Ross Harlock stands out in his CFA uniform amongst the workers from Fox Fertilizer and Fox Pastoral

We all win B rothers Stuart and Glenn Fox have turned a skills shortage into an asset for the Merton Country Fire Authority (CFA).

Community service runs deep in the Fox family genes and their father, Alan Fox, a long serving member of Merton CFA, would have been proud. His sons rose to the challenge when Merton CFA identified that weekday responses were proving increasingly difficult to resource.

The fact that the membership was growing older as well as often working out of the area was discussed at a recent brigade meeting. It was concerning enough for members to look for alternatives to bolster reserves for adequate response resources during the working week.

Stuart, of Fox Pastoral, and Glenn, of Fox Ag/Rodwells, realised they had employees who were in the area during weekday work hours and that could be available to assist with CFA turnouts. A quick conference ensued with Merton CFA Lieutenant Ross Harlock and 56

APRIL / MAY 2017

Stuart and Glenn and their local CFA decided that they had everything to win by working closely together.

Story and picture by ROSS HARLOCK

the relevant employees were soon participating in a dedicated minimum skills course where they were trained by the local brigade and CFA group during their paid time.

Volunteers undertaking the course included two of Alan’s grandsons, further continuing the family’s long association with the Merton brigade.

“Merton CFA was understandably pleased with the outcome of the recent minimum skills course and are full of praise for the commitment of both the Fox brothers and their employees,” Ross says. “It is a great credit to everyone involved that these workers have so readily volunteered in assisting the Merton community in an ongoing commitment to the CFA, as well as Stuart and Glenn who have financially supported this growth in our response capability.”

Ross says the benefits will spread even further than Merton as the newly trained lived in areas. “This is a terrific example of community involvement and

I would encourage all employers in the North East to consider how they might contribute to their local brigades in a similar fashion,” he says. “It is a great way to contribute to your community and aid people in their time of need.”

CFA operations manager Stewart Kreltszheim was pleased to support the initiative and congratulated all concerned on their innovative and proactive approach to an all too common problem within smaller CFA communities. Stewart was glad that CFA could meet the training and administrative requirements of processing the candidates and congratulated all of them on passing.

Even though the cooler weather is here, there is always a year-round need for the services of the CFA. Members of the Merton community who would like to volunteer are encouraged to call Ross on 0412 115 787. People from other areas that are interested in joining their local brigade can phone the CFA on 1800 232 636 for more information. NNE

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NNEA YARN

When farming goes off the rails

A farmer shares a yarn from his younger days, that will either make you laugh or cry.

I

t was 1973 and I had just bought a paddock of 320 acres next to the farm. Bought it, had to stock it and decided on a combination of sheep and cattle. The word was out that there was “no end to demand for beef from the USA” and there was money to borrow.

Got the money and had the go ahead to buy some stock, that was after Christmas 1973. Autumn had been a great season, February and March rain and the green grass was at the top of fences. There was a big High Country cattle sale coming up – brilliant, can buy there I decided.

Headed to Omeo and bought 50 heifers 58

APRIL / MAY 2017

and about 40 steers for about $130 a head; big money back then. The sale went over two days.

The local trucky was a mate, a wild man; I remember that his nose was the same shape as the hood of his truck.

I realised I needed two trucks, no one double-decked cattle back then. I rang my trucky mate and he said he would double-deck them. It worked and I got them back to and into the paddock.

Not long married and with a new baby on the way, things were tight. My family had been farming here since 1860, they came from Scotland. They had chopped

their way up to here with an axe so there was a lot of farming history behind me.

Back to the new stock purchase. We’d brought cattle in April, by June needed to fatten the steers and the price had completely collapsed I’d be lucky if you could sell them for $20 or $30.

There were bills and interest to pay on the borrowed money that I used to buy cattle; we had no money.

I decided to sell cattle at the local sales; I’d take the 50 heifers. Thought I’d save some money and I had a couple of handy dogs and a good horse.

Hindsight is … as they say.

These cattle were from the High Country and had not seen many cars or people for that matter. We headed off down the road, it was about 20 kilometers to town and the yards.

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

They started off a little bit flighty at first, but we made good time. Had just gotten near to town and they spooked and jumped over the nearest fence. Went for a gallop around the paddock and got them out.

Got them closer to town and a bunch of motorbikes came up; this time they smashed the nearest fence down. Spent an hour or two drafting cattle as this paddock already had cattle in it.

My wife followed me and came into town in the car to help me get the heifers past the school and over the railway line.

I also called the agent to lend a hand. We got them past the high school and headed to the railway crossing.

In middle of the rail line the cattle looked south and decided to head to Melbourne. Big puddles of water had collected by the side of the line and I’m trying to avoid them at full gallop to head them off. I yelled to the wife to drive down and head them off.

Next thing I hear “woo woo”, it’s the passenger train from Albury, I’m sure that I could see the wheels on the train going backwards.

Barbwire fence next to line, cattle spread all along the line, I couldn’t go anywhere.

Jumped off the horse, head in hands and all I could hear was “boof, boof” as heifers were spat off the track. Train had a guard on front that just picked them up and threw them to the side.

The wife managed to turn what was left back. The train, it just kept heading to Melbourne.

An old bloke saw what had happened, he had a good horse and helped round up the leftovers. He took the heifers that didn’t make it and fed them to his dogs.

I kept heading to the yards with what was left of the herd.

Getting closer to the yards and they decide to run down someone’s drive and into their backyard and into the chook shed; feathers were going everywhere. Got them out eventually and got them to the yards; shy six and one left in a paddock.

They looked disgraceful, muddy, nervous and I never got one bid. It was the end of the world for me.

Nose-truck mate was called and I paid $40 to have them pick them up and taken home.

The next 12 to 18 months were tough we didn’t have enough money to buy a light bulb. You think all is rosy and then reality sets in.

I reckon that you need the lows to be grateful for the highs.

NNE

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NNEANIMALS

A country practice Veterinary work has given Doug and Anne Norman enormous pleasure over the years and they couldn’t imagine life any other way Story by LYNNDA HEARD Pictures by ANNE NORMAN

Above: The Norman family, celebrate 30 years in Alexandra at the Alexandra Races From left to right: Doug, Sarah, Kate, Anne and James Right: First from left: Sue, Doug, Andrew, Lauren Steyger and Rayleen celebrating Rayleen’s birthday at the clinic

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APRIL / MAY 2017

“

We worked as a team, sometimes to midnight, doing surgery with me on the anesthetic and the kids were asleep …”

Above: Sue and Rayleen at the clinic

D

oug and Anne Norman have been providing veterinary services to the community of Murrindindi and surrounds for 30 years. They have raised three children Sarah, Kate and James and have loved every minute of it. Doug has just one regret, that he didn’t keep a diary, unlike vet and author James Herriott who influenced Doug and helped him get through his exams.

Doug graduated from Melbourne University in 1983 and married Anne in 1980. Anne lived on the family dairy farm at Colac and as luck would have it Doug’s first job was at Colac. Both Sarah and Kate were born at Colac and have fond memories of their grandparents’ farm. “I clearly remember being in the dairy,” Kate says.

Doug started working with small animals at Colac, like dogs and cats, and then moved into large animals, which he loved. “There was an early offer to work in small animals in Melbourne but it was forgotten by the time I graduated,” Doug says. “Fortunately we didn’t as our lives would have been totally different.”

Doug, Anne and their daughters are sitting in the Veterinary Clinic Alexandra all laughing as they recall the happy past they have shared. The family is more than just the three children, it is also the nurses, Sue Powell who has been at the clinic longer than Doug; it’s a team made up of dedicated professionals.

In 1987 Doug and Anne bought the Alexandra practice from Bob Tate and lived on the premises for the next three years, James was born in 1989. “Bob was very obliging with the transition and very supportive,” Anne says.

Doug had always wanted to live on the land and fulfilled this desire in 1990 when the Normans bought 25 acres just

out of town. “It was one big playground for the kids and also for Doug,” Anne says. “It sometimes seemed like we had every animal known to man.”

Anne’s background was in nursing at the old PANCH hospital in Preston, which no longer exists, where she specialised in plastic surgery as a theatre nurse. “My background and skills made the transition to vet nurse very smooth,” Anne says. Her help in sewing up lacerations was a positive and a negative for Doug, as Anne was quick to say that the stitch work needed to be a bit more refined.

“We worked as a team, sometimes to midnight, doing surgery with me on the anesthetic and the kids were asleep and Doug was not out on calls,” Anne says.

“For the first 10 years in the practice, Bob would help out one day a week which was great,” Doug says.

Sue Powell started with Bob as a vet nurse back in 1993 and is still with Doug and Anne today. “We are a family, a team,” Doug says. “Rayleen Yuill started about 15 years ago.” The bond between them all is obvious and wonderfully strong.

Sue was 16 and she was Sue Hall when she started vet nursing with Bob. “I took off 10 years in middle to raise children and came back when Doug called and asked me,” Sue says. “Lets face it, it’s my passion working with animals and I embraced the opportunity, it was an easy decision to make. I enjoy getting out of bed every morning and u New graduate Andrew with Hooch and Doug ready for a days work

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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NNEANIMALS

“

I used to lock Kate in a cage, she would pretend to be a dog”

Top: Sarah holds daughter Elsie as they watch while Kate sutures up a patient Middle: Kate with one of the natives Bottom: Rayleen nursing a needy patient

coming to work. It’s a vet family especially in a small clinic. Doug and Anne have been amazing to me and my family.”

Like Sue, Rayleen (then Wohleis) has been part of the vet family for a long time. “I started with Doug and Anne doing school work experience in 1990 and started full-time in 1993 when I finished my VCE.” Rayleen always wanted to be a vet nurse and it has been an excellent job for her. “There is a mix of work here with animals, admin and assisting in surgery,” she says.

As the children got older they would go out on calls with Doug, especially the girls.

“James asked if there would be blood and mud and I said yeah and he said nope it was not for him,” Anne says. “James came home from a calving with Doug when he was four and I asked ‘What did daddy pull out of the cow – ‘a dog’ he replied.”

James is now an electrician based in Alexandra.

According to Anne, James had decided that he wanted to be an electrician and once quipped that you needed the light on, before you injected a dog.

Sarah is married to Ross Cavill, a mechanical engineer at Thales in Benalla.

Kate and Sarah are both vets working in North East Victoria.

“I used to lock Kate in a cage, she would pretend to be a dog,” Sarah says. Kate jumps in: “I loved pretending to be a

dog and used to wear a collar.”

Anne tells the story of when a client came out the back of the hospital into the kennel area and how she hoped they would not see four-year-old Kate locked in a cage. “I nearly got away with it until she woofed at the client. They did look quiet confused,” laughs Anne.

Kate and Sarah used to stand on a stool and watch Doug in surgery. “The kids were always peering in during surgery,” Doug says.

“When the drug order came in I would get excited and unpack it,” Kate says. “It proved to be good learning, especially at uni as I knew the names of the drugs, and impressed my fellow students.”

Sarah and Kate both went to Melbourne University. Sarah works in Wangaratta at the Warby Street Veterinary Hospital and at the Wangaratta Equine Hospital, while Kate is doing locum work at Myrtleford.

Over the years Doug has employed new veterinary graduates who generally stay for about three to four years and again who become part of the family.

Andrew Dallimore is the latest recruit to the family.

Doug and Anne are now proud grandparents of Elsie, Sarah and Ross’ daughter, who is 18 months old and a grand-dog Labrador called Hooch who belongs to James and spends many a day being dog sat at the clinic.

For Anne it has been enjoyable working with Doug and living in Alexandra for the past 30 years and she never tires of it. Doug and Anne have never thought of moving since they came to Alexandra. “This is where I want to be,” says Doug. “When I come back from a visit to Melbourne I know I never want to move.” NNE

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NNECOUNTRY

Classic road trip An opportunity to ride in a classic car tempted JULIA FOLETTA to take to the country roads with some of the members of the Murrindindi Historic Vehicle group Pictures by JULIA FOLETTA

A

collection of well-presented vehicles is sure to attract attention and interest.

There are literally hundreds of clubs in Australia full of touring cars, sports cars, sedans, vintage cars, military vehicles, trucks, vans, tractors and motor bikes enthusiasts.

The Murrindindi Historic Vehicle Register (MHVR) members hail from all walks of life and own an eclectic collection of vehicles. And they do like a regular get together where they can of course talk cars.

One such club social road-trip was in February was a midweek outing to Tatong.

Phil Challen is one member of the club and his classis is his ‘Black Beauty’, a 1966 Mercedes Benz W105 250SE beautifully re-upholstered in red leather.

The car was a restoration project of son Ben, started in 2009.

The day they chose to drive into the hills was predicted to reach 35 degrees, not the best for classic cars, or for the drivers as air conditioning is not always part of classic car’s construction.

“There are not many coming today,” said Phil. “It’s only really the retirees who can come when we do weekday runs; and some of the cars wouldn’t really cope with today’s heat.”

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As the outside temperature warmed up so to did the air coming through the air vent. The opening of the tiny quarter window was Phil’s way of finding some relief from the heat.

To help take thoughts of the heat Phil took the picturesque detour to Tatong via Acheron and the Breakaway Bridge and over the Goulburn River. The river was brimming with water and looked cool and inviting.

Phil met up with his fellow club members and their cars at the Alexandra Rotary Park.

There was George and Anne’s 1985 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign, David and Cathy’s beautifully restored Citrus Red 1973 VW Beetle named ‘Herbie’, David and Lesley’s 1978 HZ Holden Premier, Wes and Maggie’s 1989 white 300ZX Datsun and John and Beth’s Nissan 350Z. A couple of the more sensible members had chosen to come in their air-conditioned cars.

Unlike a weekend run when the club’s Austin Healeys, MGs and other makes might come along, this was a small social gathering.

The Club’s Activities Officer George Evans, outlined the day’s route.

First stop was Yarck, to meet up with more members and have a coffee.

Then back into cars and on to Bonnie Doon, left at the Midland Highway, past Lake Nillahcootie, then right at Swanpool towards Tatong.

This pretty drive took the group over the Broken River and the river flats which once sustained a thriving dairying industry.

Phil checked his rear view mirror now and again to ensure the others were keeping up.

Ahead lay the quaint Tatong Tavern where shade was at a premium for parking. On this particular Wednesday it was quiet inside the restaurant and bar.

Bruce and Carol from Tolmie joined the group in their mid 80s XF Ford Falcon.

The atmosphere and staff of the Tatong Hotel was welcoming and the food was good.

The original weatherboard Tatong Hotel ‘Pub’ was built in the 1880s, and rebuilt following its destruction by fire in 1923 and retains its genuine country character.

Once outside again the temperature and humidity was peaking and on the return trip feet and ankles were burnt from the hot air blasting through the air vents.

“

As the outside temperature warmed up so to did the air coming through the air vent”

At home a chilled glass of wine was a fitting end to a fun day.

The next social event was a trip to Violet Town on a Sunday and a much cooler day.

Again we met at Alexandra’s Rotary Park. There were some cars from the Tatong day and some new classic additions including Club President Rod and Margaret Hanscomb’s 1964 Holden EH Ute, David and Gail’s 1970 Holden HG Monaro, Andrew and Alison sporting it in their 1960 Triumph TR3A with the top down, Wes and Maggie this time in their blue 1975 Datsun 260Z, Terry in his 1960 FB Holden, Ken and Tricia in Tricia’s open 2007 Mazda MX5 and Gavin in his gleaming 2016 Ruby Red Ford Mustang with cooled seats that would have been greatly appreciated on the Tatong run.

George and Anne led the way again, this time in their 1974 Mercedes 280SE. Everyone pulled up at the Violet Town Hotel for another excellent lunch.

This really was a very happy social group. There was much laughter and convivial round table discussions covering so many topics – lost industries, tourism opportunities, places visited, inevitably car and truck restoration projects, the best treatment for spilt red wine but not a mention of Trump.

Dark clouds were looming and the rain set in. A brief stop was needed at Boho South for soft tops to be closed

and a windscreen wiper reattached.

Another great day out.

Membership of the MHVR is subject to strict guidelines and requires you to be a resident of the Murrindindi Shire and of course, have an interest in car and evolved out of the knowledge that many residents in the district owned vintage, veteran and classic vehicles.

Some had restoration projects underway, others had vehicles ageing gracefully in sheds or were on a perpetual hunt for their ‘dream’ vehicle.

By forming the club it provided a focus and encouraged some to complete their projects, or just have their vehicles on the road and show them off.

The club had its beginnings in 2013 and was incorporated in 2015. There are now about 70 members owning 80 to 90 vehicles.

Social interaction is high on the agenda and everyone is ready to give tips on restoration, places to source parts, the best tradesman for a job and that ‘specialist diagnostician’ for those mystery problems.

The MHVR is registered with VicRoads as an approved member of the Club Permit Scheme enabling members to insure and register, with ‘H’ plates, vehicles that are 25 years plus old at substantially reduced costs.

To become a member you just need to participate in three events, after which you can apply to join and to maintain

your membership you will need to attend at least three events over a year.

The activie social side of the club ensures regular pub dinners, picnics and barbecues in parks and two or three day runs a month to interesting locations in and beyond the Murrindindi Shire.

The club also takes part in community events and parades. The club vehicles include 1940s machines, original Australian and imported classics, trucks, Euro tourers, sports cars and vintage and modern exotics.

Some MHVR members have more than one car and in creating their collection have travelled far and wide chasing parts and vehicles. Restoration and maintenance of vehicles can very often be a family affair.

Behind each vehicle comes a story which the owners are always willing to share - whether it’s where it came from, past owners, its transformation from a rusty heap, or how it only needed a new battery to get it on the road again.

The MHVR’s website lists all the committee contacts and details about membership and vehicle eligibility. The monthly newsletters describe various restoration projects, club activities, and there’s even a jokes section which requires a special sense of humour.

The MHVR’s motto is – ‘All you need is a love of cars and a sense of humour’.

NNE NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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NNECOUNTRY

Jamieson’s day Jamieson is a town for all seasons – and in Autumn it is all about a festival celebrating the area’s goldmining past, its beautiful trees and talented artisans, writes PETER HORAN Pictures by FREDDIE LEONG

T

he gold nugget throw will headline the fourth Jamieson Autumn Festival in April. It’s a fitting event for a town founded on gold mining, with seams of gold woven through its history, particularly from the 1850s to the 1870s.

Jamieson was the gateway to the Upper Goulburn goldfields and the countryside is still revealing old mine shafts. This has become even more relevant in recent times with the caravan of big trucks carting gold diggings from A1 mine down through Jamieson to the smelters far away in Bendigo.

Today Jamieson is better known as a tourist destination with the luxury of two rivers, the Jamieson and the Goulburn, that flow no matter how dry the summer is. The beauty of Jamieson, in autumn, is further enhanced by the array of European trees that in autumn rival Bright with their colour.

This year the main street of Jamieson will be lined with stalls and bizarre vehicles. Eash stall will be showcasing the amazing range and depth of skills and talents that fill the area.

For those with energy to spare there will be interactive demonstrations and workshops on topics ranging from blacksmithing, gold panning, bush cooking, fly fishing, through to fine art painting, sculpture, pottery and mosaics and all in a small high-country township of Jamieson.

There will be static and working displays of classic, custom and sports cars, vintage engines, tractors, vintage bikes, and a four-wheel-drive that will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for crossing the Simpson Desert using solar power.

And of course, no festival would be complete without music.

There will be three stages erected in the town that will host an orchestra, guitarists, dancers, string bands and bush poets.

Cole Clarke will display guitars crafted from Jamieson’s giant California Redwoods; and Lloyd Spiegel will be playing a guitar made from the 160-yearold giant Redwood.

A highlight at 4pm the hilarious Hay Bale Race will take place.

On the day performers generously donate their time and the Bendigo Bank help financially, there are no entry fees, just a relaxing, fantastic day run by volunteers.

The Jamieson Autumn Festival will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, April 22. For more information visit www.jamieson.org.au and Facebook. NNE 66

APRIL / MAY 2017

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NNEPEOPLE

Let there be light CASS JASPER talks with siblings Malcolm and Jill who are delivering the benefits of solar power lighting.

Pictures by ROSEMARY OLDIS

Malcom Oldis

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APRIL / MAY 2017

“

I grabbed lots of bits and pieces and made up solar systems on the road as we went”

Don’t Rent Drop & Swap

I

t can be remarked that a person “lights up the room” – and these North East siblings are doing just that right across Australia.

A trip to Coober Pedy in January 2015 led Malcolm Oldis and his sister Jill Jarvis to develop their lighting business Sunlit Light and Power.

“I was travelling to Perth with my wife and daughters, and it is a long trip by car so we decided to explore Coober Pedy on the way back,” Malcolm says. “There we realised that the residents hardly used any solar power.”

A trivial amount of solar power was being utilised, with most power being made by generators. Residents also required a lot more power than average because most of the population lives underground and need powered light even during the day.

Jill and her brother Malcolm sit drinking coffee in Jill’s kitchen in Beechworth. There is the wonderful energy between these siblings - when their talk turns to the business they are so in tune they end each other’s sentences.

Malcolm is an electrician by trade and has worked extensively in solar power all over the world. He had his own electrical business and when he got home from the fated Western Australia holiday, he decided to return to Coober Pedy with solar power and lights.

Jill went on the next trip, a willing partner, who also loves a road trip.

“I grabbed lots of bits and pieces and made up solar systems on the road as we went,” Malcolm says. “Our attitude was that the residents could not resist the concept of a different light sources.

“My idea was to construct a type of sky light that they could use without having to stick a hole in the roof or ceiling; to give them a different light source. But a great idea is only great when it is put into practice.”

Malcolm’s plan was to create the ambiance of a sky light in a room without having to do any structural changes.

“It is easy and safe to install and to use and there are no compliance issues,” Malcolm says.

“We have DIY SunLit light kits that you can install or that we can install for you,” Jill says. “Once we put one in they always want more. There is always a dark spot in a home or building that needs lighting.”

Jill lives at Beechworth, with her husband Gary Jarvis, where she works in the business, operates a bed and breakfast and is an on-call dental nurse at the public dental school in u Wodonga.

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NNEPEOPLE

Malcom, Jill and Gary load the car with a Sunlit kit ready to hit the road

Aliena and Brianna on the slopes

“

A great idea is only great when it is put into practice”

The Oldis family in Mt Beauty. Aliena, Rosemary, Malcolm and Brianna

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“Gary and I were prison officers at the Beechworth jail and both retired 10 years ago,” Jill says. “Gary is born and bred in Beechworth, but even though I wasn’t, I feel alive in this community, involved in so many ways. The people are diverse and I have grown a lot especially artistically while living here.

Beechworth is full of artistic people and they are inspiring.”

Originally from Melbourne, Malcolm with wife Rosemary and children Aliena and Brianna have formed a strong connection in and to Mt Beauty. They live at Tawonga.

“At first I thought that Mt Beauty was just a destination during the ski season, but that all changed very quickly, we love living in the region of Mt Beauty all year round,” he says. Rosemary is a special education teacher at the Mt Beauty High School and photographer. Their daughters are mad skiers.

“Aliena coaches skiers and both girls were part of the Victorian ski team as teenagers and have done cross-country ski trialing for the Australian team,” Malcolm says proudly.

Both Jill and Malcolm travel extensively with their product and enthusiastically believe in it.

“We are always refining the lighting system,” Jill says. “And there are endless possibilities,” according to Malcolm.

“The idea for an invention seems to take a minute and then it takes a long time to create it and there are always improvements to be made along the way.” NNE

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NNEGARDEN

Everything grows There’s more than plants growing at Park Lane Nursery, Wangaratta. LYNNDA HEARD discovered there is a whole other side to the nursery where a dedicated team of staff work on growing confidence and skills in others Story and pictures by LYNNDA HEARD

M

aria Wadley loves working with plants at Wangaratta’s Park Lane Nursery, but it’s the staff that keep the smile firmly on

her face.

Park Lane Nursery was established in 1991 when the then Jeff Kennett State Government closed residential care in Victoria and instigated a community integration program for people with disabilities.

“Initially the nursery was set up as a day work program for the past residents in residential care,” Maria says. “When I started in 2006 the nursery was a purely native tube stock supplier providing plants for native revegetation programs and employing people with disabilities.”

The nursery grew and to aid in this growth Park Lane management realised it needed more expertise in the management area to help with the expansion of the business. Merriwa Industries came on board and merged with the nursery in 2013. “The nursery has grown and is growing and that additional knowledge and input from Merriwa has and is integral to the continued growth of the business,” Maria says.

She works closely with Merriwa business services manager Scott Grant. “It is a great team, we challenge each other and there is loads of healthy discussion that takes place

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between the two of us and our team,” Maria says.

Maria holds an Advanced Certificate in Horticulture from the Burnley Agricultural College in Richmond and an Advanced Diploma in Horticulture from TAFE in Wangaratta. At the nursery the workforce is made up of supported and non-supported employees.

“An awareness of people’s disabilities by our support team members is important but at the end of the day they are all part of the overall team,” Maria says. “There is never a question of acceptance, it is such a rewarding place for all the staff to work.

We all look out for each other, we are a family and very protective of each other, especially with all our individual foibles.”

Maria laughs and recalls a former employee Ray Purches. “Ray had a special saying ‘we have employees with disabilities and the rest of us are yet to be diagnosed’.”

Ray started at the nursery in 1991 and worked until December 22, 2015. His dedication was strong and best explained by the fact he died of cancer just a few days later on December 26.

Park Lane nursery runs a diverse range of programs for the disabled as well as operating as a business and the staff’s roles are just as diverse explains Maria. “Alongside the nursery we run day programs that are user pays, where people u

“

There is a definite link with gardens and good mental health”

Staff member Grant Allen

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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NNEGARDEN

“

Everyone is valuable when you take the time to see”

with disabilities learn life skills and we instruct them in the skills of gardening, cooking and health and wellness,” she says. “It all adds to the positive atmosphere of the nursery. We also run a 13-week training program for our supported workers.”

The nursery side of this complex business changed from what at first was a purely native tube stock plant nursery supplying plants for revegetation.

“The drought created less of a demand for reveg native stock and it was decided to expand the nursery and add a garden centre, which needed all the staff to develop a new range of skills,” Maria says. “Our native potting and propagation tube stock system was and is all done by hand and when we

Staff members Maria Wadley and Kathleen Kelly

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APRIL / MAY 2017

moved into selling pots as well as tube stock it was a huge learning curve.

“For example we mixed our own fertiliser to ensure it is correct for the different plants and pot sizes. It required a lot of tweaking, note taking and discussion over a couple of years and was worth it, as the knowledge acquired enabled the staff to handle the challenge of advancing the nursery into the different areas.

Native tubestock production is still pivotal to the nursery. However the nursery now covers all plant needs.

“We are lucky to have a great team of staff all of who are valuable throughout the nursery,” Maria says. “In the retail area there is Darren Edwards and Grant Allan and Sheree Willoughby who floats

between retail and production areas.

They are all strong in their horticultural knowledge, which is critical to great customer service.”

According to Maria it is not uncommon for some of the long-term employees who have retired or finished their courses at Park Lane to become volunteer workers at the nursery.

At the same time as the nursery started, an Arboretum was created by the team on what was once an empty paddock behind the nursery.

“There were bridges built and water catchment areas created to stop nutrient run off into the natural waterways and protect the native flora that was planted,” Maria says. “It is a beautiful part of the nursery. Plants and people are a great

Staff member Darren Edward

mix. It is lovely sitting by the billabong, watching the lizards and birds in their natural environment.

“At the end of the day the nursery is a not-for-profit organisation and yet we still need to be sustainable.

We need to be commercially viable and part of that is growing the business.”

Maria says everybody has something to offer.

“It is only by spending time with people that you realise just how much everyone has to offer,” she says.

“Everyone is valuable when you take the time to see.

Don’t see the disability, see the person.”

Park Lane Nursery in Wangaratta is a not-for-profit Australian Disability Enterprise auspiced by Merriwa Industries Limited that provides training, employment and social inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities.

(Merriwa offers integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Wangaratta. www.merriwa.org.au) NNE

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NNEFOOD AND WINE

A season worth bottling Wine writer IAN DUNN explores the potential of vintage 2017 and samples some fine wines that have already been bottled

iandunn227@gmail.com

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“

and the combination was luscious

I

t has been a relatively mellow Summer and it will be interesting to see if the result is a later vintage this year than those of recent years which have been earlier virtually each successive year.

Professor Snow Barlow of Baddaginnie Run winery in North East Victoria, said a couple of years ago that they now pick their grapes a whole month earlier. On a recent ABC TV program mentioning Brown Brothers they confirmed this picture, again stating it was one of the reasons for their huge investment in Tasmania.

A long cooler ripening season is ideal and we just might get one this year. Good rain in the vineyards can be a mixed blessing, especially if it occurs as the vintage approaches.

The extraordinary growth in the vines is a result of the Spring and early Summer rains and several producers have mentioned the costs involved in additional pruning and thinning.

In any event, there have been great opportunities to taste several local whites recently.

A local sparkling wine has been confounding connoisseurs, who have been asking “obviously French … what is it?” In fact it was Ros Ritchie’s latest Cuvée, the classic sparkling blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (the latter coming from the former Kinross planting). This is drier than many with great fizz and bubble. At $34 for each bottle it’s s not cheap, but it compares very favorably with many Champagnes selling for $20 and more.

Next, it was onto a Rosé. The Deft Palate often suggests that I am prejudiced against the wine, but I am not really and after this experience I am

ready to try some more.

A bottle of the current Mt Cathedral Rosé ($19) had found its way into the car fridge.

This is a little unheralded offering made by serious winemakers who do a great job with their reds together with a pretty good Chardonnay.

The basic label on the Rosé was not very revealing but I suspect there is a good bit of Merlot in it and it is excellent.

We drank it with very good local fish on the Bellarine Peninsula and the combination was wonderful.

For a few weeks I had set aside the latest offerings from Antcliffs Chase, including their current Riesling to drink with a group of friends who consume a fair bit of the stuff. I am a fan of Antcliffs Chase Riesling and have tasted many vintages. In the past it has featured a dry, flinty flavor, which I usually equate with the Clare Valley.

The current vintage retains more sugar and it will appeal to many, though I miss the flintiness of earlier versions.

Several die-hard Riesling drinkers shared my opinion, but the following day another group liked it immensely.

Another good red was tasted on a recent trip to Tasmania where I took a group of wines I’ve mentioned in this column previously. They all tasted very well, but a wine I hadn’t mentioned was one of the success stories of the trip.

It was the 2012 Mt Cathedral Reserve Cabernet ($40).

This is a beautifully made example of excellent Cabernet with the right juxtaposition of acids and tannins. It was served with a dish of very slow cooked pork ribs and the combination was luscious. NNE

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NNEFOOD AND WINE

Sweet as can bee

Longwood based chef Colette Geier is ditching her sugar-free diet and diving straight into the honeypot headfirst.

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I

’m a little bit ‘bee’side myself right now. I’ve spent a day learning about bees and honey with the folk from Walkabout Apiaries, I came home with 8 liters of amazing honey, mead and even some beeswax which I have got several plans for.

Did I mention I’ve been on a sugarfree diet for the last few months? Well that ship’s sailed in the last week.

My family consume a lot of honey in a myriad of ways, but when thinking of recipes to best showcase it, I decided to veer away from any of my day to day recipes.

I use honey in marinades and cakes and desserts and pastries, when I haven’t banned it, but the honey always shares the lime light with other ingredients.

My all time favourite way to consume honey is to simply dip freshly cracked walnuts into it. You get the full complexity of the honey, with the added flavour enhancing oils of the walnuts.

It’s divine.

If that sound a little to indulgent, Gundowring’s honey and walnut icecream is far better than any icecream recipe I could give you, it is earthshatteringly good.

So I decided to gild the lily. Honey confectionary, like it wasn’t sweet enough in the first place. You may ask why I have used sugar in these recipes, and the answer is because I had to.

Using standard cooking methods, toffees made with just honey will burn before they reach the right temperature and also they are so sweet they make your jaw ache.

These three recipes are totally indulgent, the fudge is to die for and the brittle and honeycomb are the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of plain icecream or natural yogurt.

If I’m going to break my diet, I may as well go out with a bang.

All these recipes were made with Walkabout’s Bloody Good Honey and I agree; it’s bloody good. u

mesmerising views

stunning scenery

a feeling of being the only person on earth

THE PLACE TO MEET, THE PLACE TO EAT

Eagles Nest offers a unique, private and relaxed luxury experience.

A stunning hand crafted chalet set on 10 acres of untouched forest.

• Large outdoor entertainment deck with BBQ, dining area, stone wood fired pizza oven and a sunken cedar hot tub •Open fire place, gas log heater and reverse cycle air-conditioning • 3 bedrooms allowing for 1 king and 2 queen size beds • Large flat screen TVs, DVD players, Blu Ray, satellite TV, HiFi • Park like gardens that are home to wedge tail eagles, owls and parrots Located in Narbethong just a short distance from Yarra Valley wineries and Lake Mountain snow fields. You will truly not find anything better.

Find us on:

28 HIGH ST, MANSFIELD Ph 5775 2623 Phone 0418 694 332 | catherine@jasco.net.au www.loghomeholidays.com.au

SINCE 1972

OPEN 7.30AM 7 DAYS A WEEK

Made by Ros Ritchie with passion and skill Take home the essence of The High Country

Carefully crafted wines Handpicked from individual vineyards in the cool climate high country of Victoria

Lunch and dinner 7 days a week All day meals on long weekends • Beer garden Take away meals • Accommodation • Bottleshop Ice cold beer • Open fireplace in bar & bistro Maroondah Highway, Buxton Phone 03 5774 7381 buxtonhotel@virtual.net.au

Available at: Marks IGA & Foodworks Supermarket Restaurants throughout the region Phone Ros 0448 900 541 PO Box 210 Mansfield,Vic 3724

www.rosritchiewines.com

NNEFOOD AND WINE

Honey and Walnut Fudge 1 cup of honey

2 cups of sugar 1 large can of evaporated milk 150g butter.

2 cups of walnut pieces Place honey, sugar and evaporated milk in a large saucepan and place over a moderately high heat.

Once the sugar has dissolved you will need to stir the pot constantly to stop the mix from sticking to the pot and burning on the bottom.

When it reaches 120°c on a thermometer, is should be a soft consistency , remove the pot from the heat and add the butter.

Beat like crazy until the mixture is smooth. Mix in the nuts and then pour the mixture into a pan lined with baking paper.

When the fudge starts to cool, mark your squares lightly and then cut it up when it is completely cool.

Honey Nut Brittle 1 cup of honey 1 cup of sugar ¼ cup water ½ cup of butter 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1-2 cups of roasted almonds, walnuts pistachios or pecans

POP UP CATERING

0410 300 874 enquiry@popupcatering.com.au www.popupcatering.com.au

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APRIL / MAY 2017

Old fashioned honeycomb Many recipes call for 2 tablespoons of golden syrup but considering we’re using lots of honey with plenty of flavour, it’s not required. ½ cup of honey 1 ½ cups of sugar 1/3 cup of water 2 teaspoons of Bicarb soda Place the honey, sugar and water into a large pot and heat over a moderate heat until the mixture reaches hardball consistency, 150°c on a thermometer.

Place the honey, sugar, butter and water in a large pot and place over a moderately high heat.

Once it has reached the right temperature, remove the pot from the heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and nuts.

The mix will bubble up, so give it plenty of room to do so. (This is much easier than cleaning toffee out of your gas burners).

Immediately pour it onto a baking tray covered with baking paper.

Cook over the moderately high heat, until the caramel is golden brown and it reaches hardball consistency, 150°c on a thermometer.

THE GIDDY GOAT Licensed Café

Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday 6am - Breakfast & lunch

Ph: 5773 4223

When it has cooled completely, take to it with a meat mallet or the back of a knife and to break it into shards.

ts Lazy Breakfas

Relaxed Lun ches

Great Food Cheerful Service Funny Looking Staff Eat In or Takeaway

6606 Maroondah Hwy. Yarck

Remove from heat and quickly add in the bicarb soda and stir.

The mix will froth up like crazy but don’t over stir it.

Once the bicarb is mixed through, pour it onto a large greased tray covered with baking paper and let it do its thing. It will bubble and foam a bit more and then slowly go hard.

Break into chunks when completely cooled.

eals Homemade M

Yarck Cottage

B&B. Overnight & Holiday Accommodat ion • No minimum nights • Sleeps 14+ people • In middle of town • Right on Rail Trail • Within a stone’s thr ow of eateries • Supplied meals to cottage available 1 Wrights Road, Yar ck Victoria Phone: Sonja 0409 004 887 or Andrew 0408 599 677

www.yarckcottage.c

om

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NNEFOOD AND WINE

Gourmet country Great food can make or break a function, and we’re lucky to have so many professional caterers in our very own backyard, writes PAT O’BRYAN

A

large part of any function, be it large or small, in the local hall, under a magnificent marquee or at the dining table of friends, is the food. An event can be a success or a failure depending on the dishes that are offered.

As we remove the stress of providing the food for the masses ourselves, we pass the responsibility onto the caterers.

Our expectations of the types of food are generally high and it is wonderful when that expectation is not only met, it is exceeded.

Delicious platters of finger food, plates of restaurantquality meals are served in the middle of a paddock. We see tables set with white tablecloths resplendent with cutlery, plates piled high and stacks of colourful napkins, with serving spoons of all shapes and sizes. Then like a feast scene out of a Harry Potter movie, tables are magically laden with platters of fine food, that seemingly appear out of thin air.

The caterers arrive and there is a controlled chaos, a ballet performed in comfortable shoes by the chefs and the waiters as they work in places that are often not meant for food preparation on this scale. There are no raised voices, just professionals preforming culinary art in a shed, under a marquee and sometimes out in the open.

The grassed areas under the tent are covered in mats, the power cords sit underneath protective tape and lead to the portable cool-room and food warmers. Trestle tables stand covered in tablecloths and stacks of utensils; let the performance begin.

Two catered for functions

were attended, both weddings, to sample the wondrous fare. One took place at a property along the dusty roads out the back in the hills of Bonnie Doon and the other outside of Bright. Thank you to the wedding couples for allowing coverage of their special days.

To reach the Bonnie Doon wedding a bumpy dirt roads had to be traversed, which seemed no obstacle at all to the catering crew from The Produce Store at Mansfield. Gill Bell and her team were calm and totally in control of their makeshift kitchen in the garden.

Gill’s team was professional, welcoming and supportive of each other and the bridal party.

The choice of the bridal party was for finger food throughout the afternoon and evening. This was a garden wedding at a private home and a marquee was the kitchen for The Produce Store crew.

Rubber mats lay on the ground and covered the extension leads that powered the portable cool-room, the deep fryers and the portable warming oven that were required for this function, with three sides of the marquee trestle tables.

Staff left with platters laden with food and returned almost instantly with nothing more than a toothpick on the dish. They would then load up again and head out into the garden.

Included on Gill’s delicious menu were Thai fish cakes, coconut and lime chicken skewers and deep-fried crumbed pork belly with wasabi mayonnaise.

Oyster shooters with Russian vodka, fresh Coffin Bay oysters (remember this in the back blocks of Bonnie Doon), homemade chicken, pork and pistachio pastry rolls with homemade tomato chutney, rare roast beef tarragon rolled in crepes and sweet potation and macadamia fritters. And it just kept on going.

The staff expertly balance the food through the twists and turns of the

guests ensuring that every one can try the selection of different canapés. It is a whole other perspective when you are with the catering crew rather than being the guests who just gets to enjoy the food.

The Bright wedding took place on a hot day. It was lucky that it was in the gardens at The House at Smoko luxury accommodation, where the beautiful mature trees provided cooling shade in the extensive grounds.

For Emma Routledge and her crew from Pop Up Catering at Milawa, it was the garage that provided their instant kitchen. The small area was filled with crates of crockery, boxes of knives and forks and cooking utensils.

Emma conducted rather than controlled the final preparation of the food. Pots sat above burners finishing off the last of the cooking and a huge paella pan loomed over a flame.

The afternoon wedding was for 80 and the bride was traditionally late. Not

an easy situation when you are preparing dishes of hot food, but Emma is not easily fazed.

The menu was a selection of canapés including roasted mushrooms with goats cheese and cracked pepper mousse and a smoked beef with brie and balsamic tomato. Next the buffet style entrées were Milawa organic beef meatballs in a rich tomato sugo with quinoa and feta and potato gnocchi with a mushroom ragu and flaked parmesan. The simplicity of the dishes belies the complex tastes of these two delicious dishes.

For the mains there was a slow roasted Milawa organic beef and a seafood paella. Two very different dishes that would appeal to the diverse crowd. The side dishes were meals in themselves; green bean, fennel and goats cheese salad, a pear, rocket and blue cheese salad, roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes and mixed vegies with chili and peanuts.

Then the food is gone, all that

preparation and all that is left is dirty dishes that have to be packed up and taken home.

It is an art form watching the skill of these professionals who not only produce wonderful food but do so with care. After all, the guests are comfortably feed and now Emma and Gill must pack everything up and drive home. NNE

Pop Up Catering 0410 300 874 enquiry@popupcatering.com.au www.popupcatering.com.au

The Produce Store Mansfield 68 High Street. Mansfield www.theproducestore.com.au 03 5779 1404

Experienced Friendly Staff Serving Euroa for Over 80 Years Free Home Delivery • Butchers • Fully Stocked Deli • Fruit & Veg • Dairy Baby & Kids • Clothing & Accessories • Groceries • Health & Beauty Homewares • Manchester • Automotive • Hardware • Liquor

BURTONS Euroa 75 Binney St Euroa Phone 5795 2004 OPEN 7 DAYS Mon-Fri 8:30 - 6:00 Sat 8:30 - 12:30 Sun 9:00 - 1:00 NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

83

NNEFOOD AND WINE

A future for wines Baddaginnie Run clearly define their ambitions on their website.

IAN DUNN writes they are bottling these expectations beautifully Picture by MEG WEBSTER

W

ine grapes have ripened slower than usual in the North East this year, with the climatic conditions pushing vintage back.

In our region, the general comment has been “a month later than last year”.

The second half of February turned dry and warm, but by recent standards the season has been mellow. On the face of it, rather ideal.

However, there have been some surprises. Apparently the long cool and wet Spring is responsible for, in some cases, severe reductions in volume.

A noted producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the Mornington Peninsula has reported that her crop is down by about 60 per cent and other wine growers in our region have also reported reductions in their crops. Of course, a reduced crop can produce great quality in the grapes.

Overall, in Australia, there is still a glut of wine. If the ultimate outcome is a reduction in stocks across the board, it’s not necessarily a bad development.

When researching about the season, weather and vintage, my mind turned to the extraordinary website of Baddaginnie Run winery in North East Victoria, where Winsome McCaughey and Snow Barlow have excelled themselves. For a wonderful read about the importance of the land in grape production and the need for constant improvement, I don’t know anything better.

There is much about the effects of climate change. I have never before encountered a wine producer’s website with a quote from the Pope, on this occasion, about the climate rather than the Pontiff’s tastes in wine.

The following sets out the Baddaginnie philosophy. “We are

stewards of our much-loved valley which nestles in Australia’s timeless Great Dividing Range. We’re creating world-class wines FROM a trusted provenance. We are restoring our biodiverse ecosystems FOR the future. Our commitment to this cycle of continuous regeneration is reflected in our wines, our brand and our practices.”

All right, you might say, but what about the wines? I’ve recently tasted three, of differing years, and they live up to the rather elevated expectations.

The first wine tasted was at a dinner with friends at Under the Sun, the new Strathbogie restaurant. It was Friday Fish and Chips night and some of our party demanded a good red notwithstanding that it was extremely warm and we were all eating fish.

A quick glance at the wine list featuring a number of local wines revealed a Baddaginnie Run 2012

the produce store CELEBRATE IN STYLE mansfield food

wine

coffee

our team caters for many events, large and small, your place or ours woolshed dinners, country weddings and milestone birthdays

WE’LL MAKE IT SPECIAL FOR YOU open 7 days | fully licensed | 03 5779 1404 68 high st mansfield | theproducestore.com.au

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APRIL / MAY 2017

“

www.baddaginnierun.net.au Contact Karen Ronning 0407 995 843

I have never before encountered a wine producer’s website with a quote from the Pope”

Shiraz. Several years ago when I first tasted this basic commercial wine I predicted a bright future for this Shiraz.

All who tasted it on the night loved it and more bottles were required. It has alcohol at 12.5 per cent, low for our region, and might be expected not to last.

Well it’s pretty damned good at present and a bargain at about $20, if one can find it. I suspect that the basic Shiraz from Baddaginnie in any year, will be very good value.

Then, in an entirely different setting, we tasted the current 2015 Verdelho ($18-20) and the 2015 Reserve Shiraz ($45). I have said before that I don’t know why Verdelho hasn’t done better in Australia and I have offered this to several highly experienced drinkers most of whom loved it. “A bit sweeter than I usually like but it’s beautiful”, was the common remark.

The only discordant element was from the Deft Palate who, sticking to her usual theme, said “why don’t you offer me Riesling?”

The Reserve Shiraz is likely to be the flagship wine for years to come. Very different to the 2012 wine, it is bigger and giving one a real blast of flavour. Great fruit dominates the experience on the palate. It is to be released shortly and I suspect some and hopefully I, will be drinking it in 20 years. Even a year from now will be very interesting.

The wines live up to the prose of the website, quite beautifully. NNE

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NNEPICTURED

They are a couple

I

n early March the National Kelpie Field Trials were held in Alexandra, it’s an obstacle race for man, dog and sheep, actually not much moving around for the owner.

Apart from the occasional command it is quiet, a few whistles and some bleeting from the sheep is all you can hear; concentration and calmness are crucial.

Timothy ‘Tim’ Cavill from Alexandra with his dog Tessa had a great time working together on the day, both seemed to be oblivious to the heat and worked the field beautifully. NNE

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APRIL / MAY 2017

NNEARTS

Outback adventure that digs deep All Fall Down, by Cassandra Austin, Penguin Hamish Hamilton, $29.99.

Reviewed by JOE BLAKE

A

s Australia’s rural population declines, the interest in our hinterland increases in proportion. Anywhere outside the major cities is fascinating, but the “real” Australia – the outback – is the most fascinating of all.

Every small community has its own dynamic, but the extra layers in the outback – isolation and a hot, dry desert climate – often intensify the emotional stresses.

Rachel is 14 and living in Melbourne when her family life collapses and she’s sent off to Mululuk, an opal-mining town in the middle of South Australia. She has to stay with her uncle, the local Catholic priest, until things get back to normal.

Things are anything but normal in Mululuk, and Rachel finds herself in an incomprehensible nightmare. She spends her time puzzling over the actions of the locals, almost always coming to the wrong conclusions. She’s not the only one; a major strength of this book is the way the characters are

A teenage girl finds herself lost and alone in an small outback town

forever wondering about the motivations of their nearest and dearest.

Just before Rachel’s arrival, a major event has shaken up the town. For some reason, its two halves are separated by a large canyon, and the recently built bridge has collapsed. A new one has been built, but the authorities are refusing to open it until they discover why the first one fell.

Conspiracy theories abound (of course) but the multi-talented Charlie, a reformed alcoholic, has a different theory.

Looking back on his own experience, and studying ancient history, he’s worried that a human sacrifice will have to take place to allow the bridge to be safe. He spends a lot of time trying to make sure that the ones he loves don’t lose their lives.

There’s a lot of love in this book: a love triangle; a rekindled relationship between two 60-year-olds; the innocent love Rachel develops for Shane, who’s an adult but not quite; the strong feelings Father Nott has for the town he was sent to 30 years ago. There’s also the strange

love the town has for its own people; despite the animosity they might feel for each other, they close ranks whenever a stranger tries to come between them.

Recently I was lucky enough to attend a discussion of this book, between its author and Rosalie Ham, who wrote The Dressmaker. They describe themselves as being the only members of a club that writes Gothic (low-level horror) novels, and they feel qualified to do this by growing up in “small weird places” in rural Australia. Whatever their shared history, their ability to do this work is considerable.

The writing in this book is absolutely superb, but the characterisation is brilliant. As you go deeper, you feel yourself inside the skin of each of the protagonists; their foibles, their insecurities and their desires are all laid bare. By the end, all the jigsaw pieces fit into place. That’s not to say that everyone lives happily ever after; we wouldn’t want that in a Gothic novel, would we? NNE

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NNEPROPERTY

Home of history and abundance

C

ornhill’s stateliness shines through from every aspect of this grand home and property.

From the moment you drive through the stone entrance of this 162-hectare property and cross the stone bridge leading up to the house you know that this property has history.

Originally built in 1865, a year before the first Merrijig Post Office was opened, this historic home with its broad verandahs is still a working farm and has lost none of its past. It has embraced the changes made to it over the years by the owners, which have only enhanced this solid sandstone family home.

The sandstone was sourced from the property and hand cut.

Mature trees and an established garden ring the home. The paved pathway leading to the main entrance is lined with standard roses. And the views, it is hard to know which way to look, towards Mt Buller and the Merrijig Valley or the beautiful home with the in-ground pool.

From the broad verandah you step into the tessellated tile entrance foyer with stained glass doors and windows.

Off to the right of the foyer is the large light-filled lounge/dining area with 12inch ceilings and a majestic marble fireplace. From the lounge is a guest room large enough to also be a private retreat with walk-in robe and ensuite.

The modern kitchen spans the width of the home and can be entered from the foyer and from the lounge.

Windows span both sides of the kitchen

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APRIL / MAY 2017

with French doors opening up onto the verandah. The eating area is large enough for a table to seat three families.

Kitchen cupboards line the back wall and there are more than ample bench tops.

Along the hallway that leads to the bedrooms is more storage and a door to the rear of the property and a bathroom with a spa bath. The master bedroom again has room for a relaxing sofa and has an en-suite and walk-in robe and French doors lead out on to the verandah.

Further along are another three generous bedrooms each with massive built-in robes and open fire places and a bathroom lies between two of the bedrooms with a door also to the hallway. The laundry has an external door and loads of storage.

The French doors opening onto the verandah are throughout the house giving it the genuine feel of grandeur and light with the help of the deep-set windows. Cornhill has been brought skillfully yet elegantly into today with thoughtful modernisations, which includes zoned floor heating and reverse cycle ducted air-conditioning.

In the grounds surrounding the home is the in-ground pool with pool fence and pool house/pergola, perfect for long hot summer nights. A double garage with remote access is an added convenience.

The farm is as well appointed as the home and is carrying beef cattle. There is excellent fencing and infrastructure throughout the property with eight main paddocks with laneway access.

In addition to the numerous excellent shedding -including an impressive stud sales showroom – there are an office, covered steel cattle yarding with cement flooring and safety stands and a vet facility with a crush and race. There is power and plumbing throughout and there is internal and external stabling and day yards. Not a cent has been spared in ensuring the facility is up to scratch.

In excellent order is a large workshop with three-phase power and a machinery

“From the moment you drive through the stone entrance …and cross the stone bridge leading up to the house you know that this property has history.”

AT A GLANCE shed, massive utility and hay storage as well as grain silos, a shearing shed, and an eight-vehicle homestead store and workshops and various utility shedding.

Water is from a bore and there are water tanks on the home and shedding and plenty of it.

Cornhill is all this and more and only 15 minutes from the center of Mansfield and a couple of hours drive from Melbourne, just down the road from Mt Buller and the snowfields and around the corner from Lake Eildon. NNE

‘Cornhill’ 59 Buttercup Rd, Merrijig 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 427 acres Price: on application Agent: First National Real Estate John Canavan 0419 177 799 Gerard Canavan 0417 357 877

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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‘CORNHILL’

Circa 1865 | 427 acres

- A magnificent homestead built from hand cut sand stone, sourced from the property - Romantic old country gardens embracing picturesque Merrijig Valley views - Grand 12’ ceilings, five large bedrooms and four tastefully appointed bathrooms - Period marble fireplaces bring elegance to the homes spacious lounge areas - French doors provide a view of gardens, pool and mountains from the modern kitchen/dining - Eight paddocks, eight large dams and extensive shedding - Outstanding farming facilities with stable, day yards, vet facilities and more

5

4

74 High St, Mansfield

2+

JOHN CANAVAN 0419 177 799 GERARD CANAVAN 0417 357 877

johncanavan.com.au

5775 2792

TOLMIE

221 acres with views forever

This spectacularly beautiful and productive holding of 221 acres provides you with a remarkable lifestyle retreat. The homestead is double glazed and features wide verandahs, open plan living/dining, plus outdoor dining/entertaining, and bright contemporary kitchen providing for all of your family while four bedrooms and two bathrooms allow ample family accommodation. This well-loved property comes complete with outstanding horse facilities, including an all-weather sand arena, quality cattle yarding and crush, modern shedding with stables, tack and feed store, double garaging/workshop and 4.5kw solar to grid power system.

This high country farm is the perfect choice with all improvements in excellent condition for you to just move in.

4

2

GERARD CANAVAN 0417 357 877 DEREK BEAUTYMAN 0408 318 445

4+

74 High St, Mansfield

johncanavan.com.au

5775 2792

www.eldersrealestate.com.au

‘GARNERS’ - Longwood East 54 Longwood Mansfield Road

Garners 85.5 acres is the pinnacle of prestigious country living in the foothills of the Strathbogie ranges.

Comfortably located within 90 minutes of Melbourne CBD just off the Hume Highway, this property of classic quality affords magnificent peaceful country living with imposing district views. The iconic solid two storey home is built from locally quarried stone and extensive use of imported slate roof tiles and Italian stone flooring throughout.

A formal entrance, theatre room / study, formal lounge and dining each with stone open fireplaces. Large family room with views to landscaped gardens and surrounds. Expansive lawns with mature shady trees. Plantings of roses and hedges and beautifully handcrafted stone walls. Improvements include: Double stone garage, fully enclosed swimming pool, Astro turf tennis court, 5 acre lake. Property is fenced into 5 paddocks all with water. Licenced 9 megalitre underground bore produces perfect drinking quality water. Steel cattle yards, double bay concrete floored lockable machinery shed with an open double bay annex. Award winning vineyard and fully stocked fruit orchard.120 olive trees which produce gold medal extra virgin olive oil. Inspection of this unique and stunning property will not disappoint.

ELDERS EUROA

Price on Application

Peter O’Connor 0429 951 099

(03) 5736 4300

Elders Property ID: 11215725

27 Binney Street

NNEPROPERTY

S

Garner some attention

itting among an award winning vineyard and olive grove is the two-story stone house of your dreams. The 85.5-acre property is located in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges at Longwood East and epitomises magnificent peaceful country living with imposing district views.

The iconic solid two-storey home is built from locally quarried stone with extensive use of imported slate tiles on the roof and Italian stone flooring inside throughout.

Stone open fireplaces dominate the expansive formal lounge and dining rooms. The kitchen boasts a central cooking station with stunning overhead ventilation and quality appliances.

Its new 900mm F&P self-cleaning electric oven should please all gourmands as will the gas stove cook tops and built-in fridge/freezer. The kitchen ensemble is completed with a walk-in butler’s pantry, featuring solid terrazzo benches and kitchen units with deep self-closing drawers.

Guests will be enchanted by their downstairs bedroom with marble ensuite and double French doors leading to the garden.

There are a further three double bedrooms upstairs, all with ensuite bathrooms, built-in robes and balconies.

The spacious master comes with its own glamorous dressing room and a balcony, which extends across the front

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of the house. Each upstairs bedroom also has large attic storage space.

Views to the stunning landscaped gardens dominate the home, partially in the extra large family room. Settle in to the internal comfort while soaking up the feeling of being surrounded by beautifully handcrafted stone walls, vines, a lake and look up to the hills beyond.

French doors spill out onto the bluestone decks surrounding the house. A beautiful natural stone rose arbour complements the shady pergola protecting the back of the house while a small alfresco area off the kitchen offers solitude and tranquillity.

A fully enclosed swimming pool offers tranquillity and privacy and the added bonus of a gas connection for heating.

An Astro Turf tennis court and extensive lawns with magnificent shady trees round out the luxury recreation facilities.

All that outdoor exercise creates an appetite, which is sure to be met by the home’s wood-fired pizza oven built in the same stone as the house, alongside a large open fire rotisserie big enough to roast a suckling pig.

Gas hydronic heating throughout the house with split system air-conditioning and evaporative cooling will keep the new owner comfortable all year round, with the added bonus of a cosy slow combustion wood fired heater.

Oenophiles will fall over themselves to visit the underground cellar room,

which can house more than 3000 bottles.

Perhaps you can make your own from fruit grown in the award winning fourstar James Halliday Shiraz vineyard of 4.5 acres that is watered by a large five-acre lake. There are also 120 olive trees, which produce gold medal extra virgin olive oil, and a fully stocked fruit orchard.

The property is fenced into five paddocks, all with water. A nine-megalitre water licence from underground bore produces drinking quality water. Steel cattle yards also open opportunities for those that would like to have livestock.

A double bay concrete floored lockable machinery shed with an open double bay annex is also a drawcard to this magnificent property.

The sanctuary that is Garners is located within 90 minutes of Melbourne CBD just off the Hume Highway and is waiting for your visit. NNE

AT A GLANCE ‘Garners’ 54 Longwood Mansfield Rd, Longwood East 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 85.5 acres Price: on application Agent: Elders Real Estate Euroa Peter OConnor 0429 951 099 / 03 5795 2094

Selling your property?

Then let buyers know.

Have your property featured in North by North-East and reach residents, business people and visitors in the area from Marysville to Bright; from Mansfield to Wangaratta.

NNE is targeted directly at potential buyers of your property and advertising is easy to organise.

Just speak with your agent about how your place can be displayed among the best in the district.

BUSINESS FOR SALE - ‘Café Forty One’ Prime central High Street location Long established business with regular clientele Recently renovated throughout Seats 60+ patrons inside and 45+ outside Lovely rear paved courtyard

$295,000 + SAV

Call our office on 5779 1290 admin@northbynortheast.com.au www.northbynortheast.com.au

(03) 5775 1188 | 40A High Street, Mansfield 3722 sales@mansfieldrealestate.com.au www.mansfieldrealestate.com.au

FOR SALE – ‘LAURA LODGE’ Imagine having the lifestyle aspects of Lake Eildon and the High Country at your doorstep, and combine that with an excellent business opportunity, and you get ‘Laura Lodge’. Equally as suitable for large families; this beautifully established 25 acre property at Bonnie Doon has been built from the ground up, and the level of care and love that has gone into the property is evident.

Comprised of four spacious cottages, plus multiple sheds and outbuildings – the list of features and infrastructure that compose ‘Laura Lodge’ is endless. Beautiful established gardens full of native trees and shrubs, all watered by an extensive irrigation system. Sold fully furnished with quality furnishings and the ability to accommodate many guests in beautiful country comfort.

Water is never a concern, with the property serviced by multiple huge rainwater tanks, a bore, plus there is the 2 dams…..oh and don’t forget Lake Eildon just a hop, skip and a jump away! The list of features to 'Laura Lodge' truly is endless, so if you would like to know more, please contact sole agents, Mans ield Real Estate.

$1,300,000 (03) 5775 1188 40A High Street, Mansfield 3722 sales@mansfieldrealestate.com.au www.mansfieldrealestate.com.au

BENALLA DISTRICT (MOORNGAG)

60.54 HECTARES - 149.59 ACRES

• Productive and picturesque undulating land with outstanding views • Approximately an additional 4 hectares of unused roads, 2.1 hectares licensed • Improved and native pasture with extensive organic fertiliser history

YEA

• Mix of brown and red loam soils, 951mm average rainfall • 7 dams, 5 of which are spring fed • 200 roll capacity hay shed

RUBICON

Benalla Branch - 5762 7855 Brett Neilson 0418 626 503 Jeanette Laffan 0438 452 641 81-83 Nunn Street, Benalla

Property address: 242 Cheviot Road, Yea separate laundry and toilet, front and rear verandas, paved alfresco entertaining area and a triple carport. 6 paddocks, menage, round yard and a large powered shed with 4 stables, tack and feed rooms. An additional large shed is ideal for machinery/workshop with a side carport. A large dam provides water to troughs in each paddock and there is fresh water to the stables. The home and property are packed full of quality features and we are very happy to show you all of them.

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL AND STORAGE 1.26 HA / 3.11 ACRES

* The old SEC workshop site

AUCTION: SATURDAY 29TH APRIL AT 11:00AM - ON SITE

• 58,000 litre water tank

LIFESTYLE ON LIMESTONE VALLEY

Situated on 30 private acres in the beautiful Limestone Valley, close to the township of Yea. This well established, solid home has four spacious bedrooms with built in robes, master with walk through robes and ensuite. Light filled open plan kitchen – dining – living zone with a northerly aspect and lovely views of the quiet surrounding countryside. Coonara combustion heater and split systems generating the heating and cooling in this well insulated home . Separate spacious living area, family bathroom,

Property address: 2497 Samaria Road, Moorngag

* 3 phase power, vehicle pit, yard flood lights

* Suit owner occupier, investor

* Most of the allotment is bitumen surface

* Various shedding totally about 2,000m2

* 5 minutes to Thornton

* Workshops, warehousing, offices / bedrooms and staff amenities

* One hour 20 minutes to Lilydale

L O C A L S E R V I C E , N AT I O N A L S T R E N G T H

FOR SALE $690,000 - $720,000 Yea branch - 5797 2079 Brendan Woodley 0429 032 620 2/10 High Street, Yea bwoodley@ruralco.com.au

Property address: 210 Rubicon Road, Rubicon FOR SALE $550,000 Alexandra branch - 5772 1110 Nik Patek 0409 936 210 78 Grant St., Alexandra npatek@ruralco.com.au

www.ruralcoproperty.com.au

BARWITE

HIGH COUNTRY LIFESTYLE LESS THAN 10 MINUTES FROM MANSFIELD

With sealed road access and under 10 minutes to the thriving township of Mansfield this property is certain to find new owners in the blink of an eye.

Priced to sell quickly when compared to other equivalent properties in the district, this home would be perfect for a number of different lifestyle purchasers as either a full time residence or perhaps even a holiday home for someone wanting a family getaway.

Being only an easy 2 hour separation from the city hustle and bustle it won’t even take long to reach your High Country escape, kick off your shoes and inhale the Alpine air.

Adorning this 100+ acre parcel of land is a solid 4 bedroom brick residence built in 1997. With ducted evaporative cooling and adjoining inground swimming pool with cabana, this home is the perfect abode to enjoy the long hot Summer

days. The rest of the seasons are well and truly catered for also with this properties easy access to all that the High Country has to offer, being it the snow fields of Mr Buller and Mt Stirling in the cooler months or the State and National parks for camping, hiking, horse riding or bike riding during the more temperate months.

There is plenty of pasture land within this acreage to keep any stock of your pleasing and there is even a cleared area to create a ménage if horses are your four legged friends of choice. There is a range of shedding adjacent to the home which also includes an outbuilding that could be used as either a “Men’s or Woman’s Shed” or perhaps even a blacksmiths workshop.

There is over 100,000 litres of water storage, a fabulous water bore which is 119 metres deep and also a very desirable seasonal creek with the Broken

River only a short stroll away.

A 4.5kw solar power system with 21 panels has been added to the home which has resulted in the owners actually receiving a monetary credit every quarter rather than a bill with a 66 cent per kwh tariff input credit which goes with the property.

A Family Home? A Getaway? A Farming Enterprise?

All possibilities that won’t be overlooked by the astute purchaser so don’t dilly dally.

Call Danni to arrange an inspection today before it becomes a missed opportunity!

FOR SALE $750,000 Property address: 625 Old Tolmie Road, Barwite Danni Schneider 0414 690 479 dschneider@ruralco.com.au

165 Mt Buller Road., Mansfield (03) 5775 1444 L O C A L S E R V I C E , N AT I O N A L S T R E N G T H

For support call: 13 11 14

www.ruralcoproperty.com.au

Bright and Roomy

Presenting this well built brick veneer unit with 2 generous bedrooms both with built in wardrobes, a study or formal dining room and an ensuite effect bathroom. The spacious open plan kitchen and living room has full length north facing windows and a sliding door leading out to a compact and manageable enclosed garden with access to the front through the single lock up garage. The property also boasts electric floor heating, solar hot water, a reverse cycle air conditioner and 2 toilets. This unit is one of 4 and has easy access to all Yea shops and amenities.

$280,000

84 High St Yea 03 5797 2500 info@darobinson.com.au www.darobinson.com.au

NNEPROPERTY

A home for all seasons

A

High Country escape to live in permanently or a home away from home, this property has broad appeal.

Step through the solid four-bedroom brick residence built in 1997 and discover comfort at Barwite.

Ducted evaporative cooling and an adjoining in-ground swimming pool with cabana makes this home the perfect abode to enjoy hot summer days. In winter you will be heading for the hills. The snowfields of Mt Buller and Mt Sterling are an attractive drawcard and local State and National Parks nearby for camping, hiking, horse riding or bike riding.

The home is situated on 100plus acres of land that is suitable for stocking animals of your choice.

There is even a cleared area to create a ménage if you have or wish to have horses.

Shedding adjacent to the home includes an outbuilding that could be used as either a men’s or woman’s shed or perhaps even a blacksmith’s workshop – the possibilities are endless.

96

APRIL / MAY 2017

Water is not a problem, with more than 100,000 litres of storage. The 119-metre bore gives reliable water and the property also boasts its very own seasonal creek, with the Broken River only a short stroll away.

The clever home produces its own solar electricity, with the gadgetry actually earning the owners credits each quarter instead of having a bill.

A 66 cent per kwh tariff input credit which goes with the property when it is sold.

This home is less than 10 minutes from beautiful Mansfield, where most shopping needs can be met. The road access is sealed, and just a two-hour drive from Melbourne’s city centre.

NNE

AT A GLANCE 625 Old Tolmie Rd, Barwite 4 bedrooms, 100+ acres Price: $750,000 Agent: RuralCo Property, Mansfield Danni Schneider 0414 690 479

Subscribe and win For this edition we have a bloomin’ excellent prize, a gift voucher to use at Greenstone Trees (formerly Howqua River Trees). With over 2000 potted semi-mature and mature trees to choose from you really will be spoilt for choice.

Being located in North-East Victoria allows the trees to acclimatise to our areas varied conditions, from harsh frosts to scorching heat. The nursery stocks fruit, nut, citrus and ornamental trees such as crepe myrtles, maples, ornamental pears, magnolias and many more.

All of our subscribers go into the draw each edition to win these generous prizes. Be sure to subscribe now for your chance to win this fabulous prize.

Prize is valued at $300 Terms & Conditions: All subscribers paid up before 3pm, Friday, May 5 2017 automatically go into the draw. Prize is transferable, but not redeemable for cash. With gift subscriptions, the recipient of the gift is treated as the entrant. Winner will be notified via phone and/or email.

Voucher to be used within 12 months of winning the prize. Greenstone Trees are open by appointment only - Ring for viewing in nursery 03 5777 3340.

Tree delivery not available, pick up only for this prize.

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North by North-East Published by RLMedia Pty Ltd

Happenings

April&May

The following events are listed as a free service and were believed to be correct at the time of going to print.

Readers should check details in case of changes and for further information.

Markets Every Saturday Mansfield Produce Swap 10am – 12noon.

Free. Swap excess produce. 120 High St

Myrtleford Central Market 9am – 2pm.

Farmers’ produce and local artisans. 10 Clyde St (rear entrance from Myrtle St). 0427 272 777

Myrtleford Produce Market (DEC to MAY)

8am – 12noon. St Paul’s Anglican Church Between Clyde St & Great Alpine Rd. 0419 872 326

Every Sunday Avian Park Raceway Wangaratta Market 8am – 1pm. Newman St. 0427 215 258

First Saturday of month Beechworth Farmers’ Market 9am – 12pm.

Fresh local produce. Church grounds, cnr Ford & Church St. 0408 859 282

Bright Autumn Festival Rotary Market (MAY)

Mansfield CWA Craft & Produce Market (APR) 10am – 2pm. CWA Hall, High St. Myrtleford Flea Market 8am – 12pm.

Old School Museum, Elgin St. 03 5727 1417 or 03 5752 1963

Pfeiffer Wines Rutherglen Autumn Farmers Market (APR) 8am – 12pm.

167 Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah 02 6033 2805 www.pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au

Bright Rotary Club Easter Market (APR) Anderson St. Bright 03 5755 1335

Tolmie Farmers’ Market (SEP – MAY) 8am – 1pm. Locally grown produce & products.

Tolmie Recreation Reserve 5776 2231

Yackandandah Monthly Produce Swap 9.30am. Yackandandah Community Garden.

William St. 0477 417 445

Taggerty 4 Seasons Market (APR)

Yarck Country Market 9am – 1.30pm.

Three Faces Handmade Market (APR)

Third Sunday of month

Taggerty Community Hall, 3 Taggerty-Thornton Rd 0419 376 206 Three Faces, Bridge St. Benalla 0418 962 167

Wandiligong Public Hall Autumn Craft and Produce Market (APR)

Yarck Hall, Maroondah Hwy. 03 5773 4304

Flowerdale Community Market 9am – 1pm.

Flowerdale Community Hall, Yea–Whittlesea Rd. 03 5780 1223

Harrietville Historical Society Bush Market (APR) Tavare Park, Great Alpine Rd.

9am – 12pm. Ireland St. 0407 686 500

Wandiligong Public Hall, 462 Morses Creek Rd 03 5756 2620 / 0417 161 462

The Maker’s Market Next to the Beechworth

Wangaratta Farmers’ Market 8.30am – 12pm.

Mansfield Lions Craft Market 8am – 1pm.

Mansfield CWA Craft & Produce Market (MAY) 10am – 2pm. CWA Hall, High St. Mount Beauty Community Markets 9am – 2pm.

Local produce & food. Apex Park, Clements St. wangarattafarmersmarket@gmail.com

Violet Town Community Market 8.30am – 1pm.

Yackandandah Lions Club Market

Farmers’ Market 03 5728 2277

Hollands St & Kiewa Cres. 03 5754 4097

Nagambie Lakes Community Market

9am – 1pm. Blayney Reserve (beside the lake) www.nagambiemarket.com.au

No dogs. Recreation Reserve, Tulip St. market@violettown.org.au

Second Sunday of month Avenel Produce & Craft Market 9am – 1pm.

03 5759 2699 High St median strip. 03 5777 3760 9am – 1pm. Wellsford St. 0418 122 921

Third Monday of month Wooragee Easter Monday Market (APR).

Tatong Village Market 8am – 1pm.

Tatong Tavern, Benalla-Tatong Rd, Tatong. www.tatongvillagemarket.com

Benalla Lions Club Carboot Sale 8am – 12pm.

Wooragee Primary School, 1011 Beechworth-Wodonga Rd. Wooragee 03 5728 7255 www.woorageeps.vic.edu.au

Yackandandah Makers’ Market 9am – 1pm.

Bollygum Park Community Market 10am – 2pm.

Fourth Saturday of month

Yackandandah Station Artspace. 0411 029 566

40 Whittlesea – Kinglake Rd, Kinglake. bollygummarket@gmail.com 0409 849 722

Yea Country Market 9am – 1pm.

Bonnie Doon Country Market & Car Boot Sale

Yea Railway Park, Station St. yeamarket@gmail.com 0411 433 702

First Sunday of month Chiltern Market 10am – 2pm.

Lake View House, 18 – 22 Victoria St. 0431 821 347

Jubilee Park Queen St. 0468 586 069

Fawkner Drv carpark. pandmpoels@bigpond.com

4pm – 8.30pm. Bonnie Doon Community Centre grounds, Arnot St. 03 5778 7722 bdccentre@bigpond.com

Marysville Community Market 9am – 1pm.

Marysville Central Park, Darwin St 0405 146 961 www.marysvilletourism.com

Alexandra on Perkins Market 8am – 2pm.

Perkins St. Alexandra 03 5772 1100 Beechworth Country Craft Market 9am – 3pm.

Queen Victoria Park, Sydney Rd. 03 5728 2968

Benalla Lakeside Quality Craft & Produce Market 9am – 2pm. Fawkner Drive, Lake Benalla Foreshore. benallamarket@gmail.com

Mansfield Farmers’ Market 8.30am – 1pm.

Milawa Gourmet Region Producers’ Market (APR) 9am – 2pm. The Crossroads Milawa,

Rutherglen Farmers’ Market 9am – 12.30pm.

Lions Park, Douglas St, Rutherglen.

1800 622 871 info@rutherglenvic.com

Myrtleford Farmers’ Market 8am - 12.30pm.

Tallarook Farmers’ Market 9am – 1pm.

Wandiligong Public Hall Autumn Craft and Produce Market (APR)

Piazza and adjacent church grounds. kerry@tafco.com.au 03 5752 1800

Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa. 03 5727 3507

Mechanics’ Institute, Main Rd, Tallarook. clivehines@hotmail.com

Second Friday of month Wandiligong Public Hall Autumn Craft and Produce Market (APR)

Wandiligong Public Hall, 462 Morses Creek Rd. 03 5756 2620 / 0417 161 462

Second Saturday of month Alexandra Market 9am – 1pm.

Alexandra Timber Tramway. 7 Station St. market@alexandratramway.org.au 98

APRIL / MAY 2017

Median strip, High St. 0417 319 879

Wandiligong Public Hall, 462 Morses Creek Rd 03 5756 2620 / 0417 161 462

Fourth Sunday of month

Third Saturday of month

Kinglake Produce & Artisan Market 10am – 3pm.

Bright Market 9am – 1pm. Howitt Park.

0457 953 586 www.brightchamber.com.au

Euroa Village Farmers’ Market

19 Whittlesea – Kinglake Rd, Kinglake. info@kinglakemarket.com.au 03 5786 1976

Marysville Community Market 9am – 1pm.

9am – 1pm. Rotary Park, Kirkland Ave. www.euroavillagefarmersmarket.org

Marysville Central Park, Darwin St. 0405 146 961 www.marysvilletourism.com

Moyhu Farmers’ & Community Market

Nagambie Farmers Market 9am – 1pm.

8am – 12pm. Lions’ Park, King Valley Rd. www.moyhufarmersmarket.com.au

Centre nature strip of town, High St. 0403 831 520 www.nagambiefarmersmarket.com.au

Bonnie Doon is kick-back central!

Shire Libraries

Alexandra Grant St 03 5772 0349 Beechworth Cnr Albert Rd & Harper Ave 1300 365 003 Benalla Nunn St 03 5762 2069 Bright Ireland St 03 5755 1540 Euroa Binney St 1300 374 765 Flowerdale/Eildon/Marysville/Strath Creek 03 5772 0349 Kinglake Kinglake – Whittlesea Rd 03 5786 1522 Mansfield Collopy St 03 5775 2176 Myrtleford Cnr Standish St & O’Donnell Ave 03 5752 2038 Nagambie High St 1300 374 765 Violet Town Cowslip St 1300 374 765 Wangaratta Docker St 03 5772 4211 Yea The Semi Circle 03 5797 2209

Cinemas & Performing Arts

Benalla Performing Arts & Convention Centre 57 Samaria Rd www.bpacc.com.au Chiltern Star Theatre Main St 03 5726 1395

Euroa Community Cinema

Shire Building, Bury St www.euroa.org.au

Bonnie Doon has a proven ability to provide genuine stress relief for jaded city people. The small town is situated in North East Victoria on the edge of Lake Eildon. It is best known as a holiday/weekend destination for water-skiers, fishermen and boat enthusiasts.

Arnot Street, Bonnie Doon Phone: 03 5778 7254 info@bonniedooncaravanpark.com.au

www.bonniedooncaravanpark.com.au

Mansfield Armchair Cinema

1 Chenery St www.the–mac.com.au

Swanpool Cinema

2386 Midland Hwy www.swanpoolcinema.com.au Violet Town St Dunstan’s Hall High St

Wangaratta Cinema Centre

1st Floor, The Co Store Complex, Cnr Ovens & Reid Sts www.wangcinema.com.au

Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre

33 – 37 Ford St www.wangarattapac.com.au Wangaratta Players Inc 4D Evans St 0427 522 318

9.00am - 1.00pm

February to May, September to December

Yackandandah Memorial Hall Complex High St www.yackandandah.com

Gig Guide

Open Mic Every Tuesday from 7.30pm.

Commercial Hotel, Alexandra Open Mic 1st Sunday monthly 5pm – 9pm.

Hotel Nicholas, Beechworth Beechworth Ghost & Paranormal Tours Most nights. 1300 366 231

Live Music at Bright Brewery

Sundays. www.brightbrewery.com.au Buxton Hotel Motel Live Music Last Sun of month. buxtonhotel@virtual.net.au 03 5774 7381

Everton Hotel Open Mic Session

2nd Sun of month, 2pm. 03 5727 0232

The Flowerdale Hotel

2pm first Sunday monthly. 03 5780 1230 Bracket & Jam at Mansfield Regional Produce Store.

3rd Fri of month. 6.30pm. 03 5779 1404 60/40 & Dance Night 7.30 – 10.30pm every fourth Sat. Anglican Parish Hall, 2 Anzac Ave, Seymour

Wangaratta Ukulele Band

First Thursday, monthly, Vine Hotel, Wangaratta Nth

Yackandandah Old Time Dance Second Sat of month. Public hall www.uniqueyackandandah.com.au

For more information contact Barb 0411 433 702 NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

99

NNEHAPPENINGS

Galleries & Museums

Alexandra Timber Tramway & Museum

April Events Thursday 30 March – Sunday 2 April

Sunday 2 April

The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival

The 3 Gnocchis Cooking Class and Lunch

Corryong Recreation Reserve, Hanson St, Corryong 02 6076 1992 admin@bushfestival.com.au www.bushfestival.com.au

Yackandandah Organics’ Farm, 685 Back Creek Rd. Yackandandah 0497 345 269 / 02 6027 1063 yackorganics@gmail.com

Bridge St, Benalla www.benallaartgallery.com

Saturday 1 April

Benalla Costume & Pioneer Museum

Monday 3 April

Lake Eildon Challenge

Brett Whiteley: West of the Divide - Floor Talk by artist Ivan Durrant

Station St, Alexandra www.alexandratramway.org.au

Banksia Gallery King Parrot Valley Country Retreat 26-66 Wentworth Rd, Strath Creek 0457 590 022

Bainz Gallery

Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta

Benalla Art Gallery Botanic Gardens

14 Mair St, Benalla benhist@vicnet.net.au

Benalla Migrant Camp & Aviation Museum

Samaria Rd. benallamigrantcampexhibition.blogspot.com.au

Bright Art Gallery

Mountbatten Ave, Bright www.brightartgallery.org.au

Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden

51 Falls Rd, Marysville www.brunosart.com

Chambers Gallery

113 High St, Broadford www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

Eldorado Museum

136 Main St, Eldorado www.eldoradomuseum.com

Highlands Hillcrest Gallery & Studio

“Hillcrest”, 33 Old Highlands Rd, Highlands www.dennis-spiteri.com

Ibrox Fine Art Gallery

24 Highett St, Mansfield 0418 579 633 www.ibroxfineartgallery.com.au

Cycle from Mansfield to Eildon, paddle from Eildon to Bonnie Doon, run from Bonnie Doon to Mansfield. 0425 711 412 liam@vigor.net.au www.lakeeildonchallenge.com

Marian Rennie & Margaret River Slow-grazing, sumptuous lunch, matched with wines from Margaret River & Little River Wines.

Little River Wines, 20 Sharrock Crt, Taggerty 03 5772 1701 or 03 5774 7644 www.littleriverwines.com.au

Cycle Dindi Family bicycle ride on the Great Victorian Rail Trail to Yea and Alexandra. 0447 762 557 or 0418 378 806 www.yearotary.org.au

Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 April

John Dermer Gallery

2017 Ovens Valley Canine Club Championship Dog Shows

Kerrisdale Mountain Railway & Museum

Ovens Valley Canine Club Inc, McNamara Reserve, Lewis Ave. Myrtleford.

0439 788 556 www.ovensvalleycanineclub.com

MAG. Mansfield Art Gallery

Australian Junior Road Mountain Cycling Championships

Mansfield Historical Society

Two day - two stage Junior Road Cycling event, at Mount Buffalo. www.alpinecyclingclub.com.au

225 Kirkby Flat Rd, Yackandandah info@johndermer.com.au 7523 Goulburn Valley Hwy www.kerrisdalemtnrailway.com.au

4 Highett St, Mansfield 1300 783 446 www.mansfieldgallery.com.au Mansfield Railway Station 175 High St, Mansfield

Marian Rennie Gallery

132 Breakaway Rd, Acheron www.marianrennie.com.au

Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) 546 Dean St, Albury 02 6023 8154

North East Artisans

122 Bridge St, Benalla www.northeastartisans.org

Touratech Travel Event, Expo and Adventure Challenge.

Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve, 72 Coronation Ave. Bright 03 5729 5529 www.touratech.com.au

Old Courthouse Gallery

Saturday 1 – Monday 17 April

Old Post Office Seymour

Upper Goulburn Landcare Photographic Exhibition

Cnr Emily & High St, Seymour www.seymourartsociety.org.au 50 Emily St, Seymour www.artsseymour.com.au

Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St. 03 5760 2619 gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au www.benallaartgallery.com

Wednesday 5 April Join in the fun at the Y Water Discovery Centre this Easter Fun and educational school holiday activities. 2 Hood St. Yea 03 5797 2663 info@ywatercentre.com.au www.ywatercentre.com.au

Thursday 6 April UGLN Annual General Meeting Two-course meal will be served from 6.30pm.

Y Water Discovery Centre, 2 Hood St. Yea Book - Judy 03 5797 4405

Hello, Beautiful!

Funny, personal evening with one of Australia’s best-loved playwrights. Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre, 57 Samaria Rd. Benalla 03 5762 5515 www.bpacc.com.au

Torte E Mort Cabaret/burlesque and dinner Artz@Yarck. Yarck Hall, Maroondah Hwy. Yarck walsh145@me.com 03 5773 4304

Wangaratta Turf Club - Weekday Racing 1-15 Racecourse Rd. Wangaratta 03 5722 1242 www.country.racing.com/wangaratta

Thursday 6 – Sunday 30 April Flora Australis Local textile artist Lynne Stone has a unique method of presenting native Australian flora.

Little Fishes Gallery, 1 Sedgwick St, Marysville 0408 146 165 twobobtraveller@bigpond.com

Ruffy Produce Store

Australian flora and fauna and the beautiful Yea Wetlands. Y Water Centre, 2 Hood St. Yea 03 5797 2663 info@ywatercentre.com.au www.ywatercentre.com.au

Rustic Simplicity @ The Shear ‘N’ shedS

Saturday 1 – Sunday 23 April

Twilight Gala at the Track

Brett Whiteley: West of the Divide

6pm. Gala Twilight Reception with The Sassy Sisters and opening of Equine Art Exhibition Mansfield Race Course, 6165 Midland Hwy. Mansfield. Cost $95 per head – bookings at www.mansfieldcountryraces.com.au or 0418 595 878

Robert O’Hara Burke Museum

Loch St, Beechworth www.burkemuseum.com.au 26 Nolans Rd, Ruffy 03 5790 4387 www.ruffy.com.au 74 Grant St, Alexandra www.rusticsimplicityblog.wordpress.com

The Gallery

Benalla Art Gallery Botanical Gardens, Bridge Street West, Benalla 03 5760 2619 www.benallaartgallery.com.au

The Sheila Inc Design Centre

Saturday 1 – Sunday 30 April

The Farmers’ Arms Hotel Museum 25 Kirkland Ave, Euroa 03 5798 9548 225 Kirbys Flat Rd, Yackandandah 52 – 54 Binney St, Euroa 0400 753 715

Wangaratta Art Gallery

56 Ovens St, Wangaratta www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au

Wangaratta Historical Society

Ceramics exhibition - John Dermer 10am – 5pm, seven days. Michelini Wines, 213 Great Alpine Rd. Myrtleford 03 5751 1990 www.micheliniwines.com.au

Ford St wanghistsoc@hotmail.com www.wanghistsoc.org.au

Pfeiffer Wines Rutherglen Artist In Residence John Taylor

Wangaratta Visitors Centre Exhibition

Pfeiffer Wines, 167 Distillery Road, Wahgunyah 02 6033 2805 www.pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au

Room 100 Murphy St, Wangaratta 100

APRIL / MAY 2017

Friday 7 April

Brewer For A Day at Bright Brewery 121 Great Alpine Rd. Bright 03 5755 1346 www.brightbrewery.com.au

Myrtleford CFA & SES Volunteer Appreciation & Fundraising Evening 5pm – 7.30pm. Sausage sizzle, gold coin donation.

Michelini Wines, 213 Great Alpine Rd. Myrtleford 03 5751 1990 www.micheliniwines.com.au

Friday 7 – Sunday 9 April Wall to Wall Festival www.walltowallfestival.com

Benalla Street Art Tours through Benalla

Australian Movie Nights - Dirty Deeds Star Theatre, 51 Conness St, Chiltern 03 5726 1358 / 03 5726 1300 www.crceg.com.au

Book info@walltowallfestival.com

One Talk Festival

Satellite Site - Goorambat Uniting church with

Live music. Pioneer Park, Coronation Ave, Bright www.onetalk.com.au

artist Adnate Saturday and Sunday only.

97 Halls Rd, Goorambat. Bus bookings: 0447 343 439 info@walltowallfestival.com

Paint by Numbers – Help create a permanent mural. Saturday 11am.

Born on the Street – Exhibition of street art

by Rone and Adnate. Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St Benalla. www.benallaartgallery.com

DP Alpine Enduro + Funduro Dinner Plain Alpine Village, Great Alpine Rd, Dinner Plain 0412 227 240 / 03 5755 0555 www.dpriders.com.au

Wangaratta Speedway Gates open at 12 noon with racing from 4pm.

58 Shanley St, Wangaratta www.speedwaywangaratta.com.au

Skate demos and workshop – Benalla Skate

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 April

Park on Saturday.

Donkey Society of Victoria 2017 Championship Show

Workshops - Alternative printmaking, street art, stencil art, zine-making, Tradition Tattoo Flash Illustration. Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St, Benalla www.walltowallfestival.com/home/workshops/

Pony Club Grounds, Alexandra Showgrounds, William St, Alexandra 03 5772 1439 / 03 5772 1824 www.donkey.org.au

Exit the King - absurdist comedy on the decline

Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Courts (Merriwa Park), Ryley St. 03 5721 5613 / 03 5721 2438 www.wanglawntennis.com.au

and death of King Berenger.

03 5762 1749 lueyinc@hotmail.com

Saturday 8 April Benalla Shorts Film Festival 2pm & 8pm Judged by actors John Orcsik and Tom Long.

North East Artisans, 122 Bridge St, Benalla www.benallashorts.com

Mansfield Picnic Race Meeting & High Country Graze on the Green 11.30am.

Mansfield Race Course, 6165 Midland Hwy www.mansfieldcountryraces.com.au

Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Veterans Tournament

Saturday 8 April – Sunday 14 May Anderson Hunt: Understory Exhibition Wangaratta Art Gallery, 56 Ovens St, Wangaratta 03 5722 0865 www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au

Sunday 9 April Beechworth Lost Arts Series - Risotto & Gnocchi Cooking School with Patrizia Simone The Hive Kitchen at Beechworth Honey, 87 Ford St, Beechworth 03 5728 1433 www.beechworthhoney.com.au/lost-arts-series

Chiltern Cancer Cruise - Car and Bike Show Lake Anderson, Alliance St. Chiltern 03 5726 1611 contact@chilternvic.com

28th Rutherglen Autumn Flower Show Rutherglen Memorial Hall, 150 High St 02 6033 3350 info@rutherglenvic.com

Wednesday 12 April Join in the fun at the Y Water Discovery Centre this Easter Fun and educational school

holiday activities. 2 Hood St, Yea 03 5797 2663 info@ywatercentre.com.au www.ywatercentre.com.au

Thursday 13 April Mansfield Easter Art Show Gala Preview

6-8pm. Masonic Hall, Highett St, Mansfield 0418 579 633 info@ibroxfineartgallery.com.au www.ibroxfineartgallery.com.au

ART4CFA

Whiteheads Creek Fire Station, Kobyboyn Rd, Whiteheads Creek. 03 5735 3100 www.facebook.com/CFADistrict12/

GOOD FRIDAY Friday 14 – Sunday 16 April Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Easter Tournament Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Club, Lewis Ave. 0438 522 141 www.myrtlefordtennis.com.au

Friday 14 – Monday 17 April Mansfield Easter Art Show 9am - 6pm Featuring works by more than 30 artists.

All paintings, glass and sculptures for sale.

Masonic Hall, Highett St, Mansfield 0418 579 633 info@ibroxfineartgallery.com.au www.ibroxfineartgallery.com.au

Trackside for a good cause

C

hampagne on arrival seems fitting for a twilight gala at the Mansfield Race Club. Guests will sample gourmet food to go with champagne while dressed in their finest cocktail clothes on the eve of the Mansfield Cup. The fundraising evening will culminate in announcing the winners of the Inaugural Equine Art Prize. The art prize is to commemorate 160 years of country racing in Mansfield and to celebrate the high country horse.

An art auction will also be held, with proceeds going to the Mansfield District Hospital.

The event will be held at Mansfield Race Club on Friday, April 7 from 6.30pm.

The evening will also feature The Sassy Sisters, likened to the Andrew Sisters, who will bring life to the party with their energetic and dynamic take on your favourite hits from the 1940s through to the modern day. With melodic harmonies, stylised choreography and dazzling costumes, they will keep you entertained all night long.

Tickets cost $95 per person (excluding beverages at the bar).

The gala evening is a warm up for the main event, the Mansfield Cup, to be held at the same venue the next day from 11.30am. More information on the Lawn Party Package, the High Country Graze on the Green, on race day is on www.mansfieldcountryraces.com.au. NNE

NNEHAPPENINGS

April Events (cont...)

Friday 28 April

Friday 14 – Monday 17 April 89th Annual Yea Easter Tennis Tournament Yea Recreation Reserve, Snodgrass St, Yea yeatennisclub@hotmail.com www.tennis.com.au/yeatennisclub/

Easter Celebrations at Mt Buller

1 Summit Rd, Mount Buller 03 5777 7200 www.mtbuller.com.au

Easter Adventure Activities

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, 1071 Lake Mountain Rd, Marysville 03 5957 7201 www.lakemountainresort.com.au

48th Annual Alexandra Rotary Easter Art Show Exhibition and sale of artwork.

Friday night opening at 7pm, Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm, Monday 9am – 12pm.

Alexandra Leisure Centre, Maroondah Hwy. www.rotaryalexandra.org.au

EASTER SATURDAY Saturday 15 April Molesworth’s 40 Charity Easter Bazaar & Clearing Sale th

Clearing sale features two auctions selling a range of goods Molesworth Hall & Recreation Reserve, 4352 Goulburn Valley Hwy 03 5797 6252 / 0427 310 213 lesridd@mcmedia.com.au www.molesworth.info

King Valley Easter Escape

Pedal, Produce and Party in the King Valley 03 5727 3220 / 0407 466 678 www.kingvalleyescape.com.au

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 April Brown Brothers Easter Family Festival

Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard, MilawaBobinawarrah Rd, Milawa 03 5720 5434 www.brownbrothers.com.au

Saturday 15 – Monday 17 April Kerrisdale Mountain Railway Easter ‘Steamfest’

Kerrisdale Mountain Railway & Museum, 7523 Goulburn Valley Hwy Kerrisdale.

0407 823 739 douglas@eck.net.au www.kerrisdalemtnrailway.com.au

Beechworth Golden Horseshoes

Celebration of the traditions and history that formed the town.

Ford St, Beechworth 1300 366 321 www.beechworthgoldenhorseshoes.com.au

EASTER SUNDAY Sunday 16 April Alexandra Easter Fair

Pizzini Easter Sunday Family Day Pizzini Wines, 175 King Valley Rd, Whitfield 03 5729 8278 www.pizzini.com.au

Friday 21 April Perfect Picnic Fare Cooking Class The Pickled Sisters Cafe, Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah 02 6033 2377 www.pickledsisters.com.au

Kitty Flanagan: Smashing

Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, 33 Ford St 03 5722 8107 / 02 9560 0600 www.wangarattapac.com.au/box-office/

Friday 28 – Sunday 30 April Mad As Productions presents Children of the Rainbow

Saturday 22 April

Bright Court House, Park St, Bright 03 5750 1853 / 0417 133 293 glass.ernest@yahoo.com.au

4th Annual Jamieson Autumn Festival

Bright 2017 Instameet – Autumn

Family fun day. jamiesoncommunity@gmail.com www.jamieson.org.au

Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 April Gravity Enduro National Series Round One Falls Creek Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park 03 5758 1221 www.mtba.asn.au

Saturday 22 – Monday 24 April Annual Anzac Long Weekend Tree Sale

03 5755 0540 piak@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

Friday 28 – Sunday 7 May Bright Autumn Festival

0414 854 062 www.brightautumnfestival.org.au

Saturday 29 April Life Drawing with artist Cornelia Selover

Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St 03 5760 2619 gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au www.benallaartgallery.com

9am – 5pm. Sale of 2000 potted semi-mature and mature trees and shrubs.

Greenstone Trees, 325 Howqua River Rd, Howqua 03 5777 3340 www.greenstonetrees.com.au

Gangsters and Flappers Dance

Saturday 22 April – Sunday 28 May

Beechworth Honey, 87 Ford St 03 5728 1433 www.beechworthhoney.com.au/lost-arts-series

Wominjeka: A New Beginning 30 years of the Koorie Heritage Trust.

Wangaratta Art Gallery, 56 Ovens St, Wangaratta 03 5722 0865 www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au

Sunday 23 April The Merton Memorial Hall Official Opening Afternoon tea to follow.

Merton Memorial Hall, Shaws Rd, Merton Facebook – ‘Merton Fundraisers’

Bright Fun Run Walk or run. Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve, Cobden St, Bright 03 5755 1688 www.brightfunrun.com.au

Ride The Ranges Euroa Three distance bike rides Seven Creeks Park, Kirkland Ave. Euroa 03 5798 5387 / 0428 574 165 www.ridetherangeseuroa.org.au

Day on High Vintage Celebrations Enjoy boutique wines, gourmet food and live music.

Mansfield Median Reserve, High St, Mansfield 0418 595 878 / 03 5777 3141 www.mansfieldwinemakers.com.au

Beechworth Memorial Hall, 101 Ford St 0429 942 016 / 0407 261 927 djbegnone@gmail.com

Beechworth Lost Arts Series - Simple Home Made Egg Pasta with Beechworth Honey Wangaratta Speedway Closing Meet Wangaratta Speedway, 58 Shanley St www.speedwaywangaratta.com.au

Wandiligong Nut Festival

Alpine Park, White Star Rd, Wandiligong 03 5750 1440 www.brightvic.com/wandinutfestival/

Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 April Marysville Motoring Expo

0428 753 751 jorelsboy@gmail.com

Victorian Rollerski/Skike Championships

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, 1071 Lake Mountain Rd, Marysville 03 5957 7201 www.lakemountainresort.com.au

Sunday 30 April Unique Autumn Opening of Narbethong Farm Garden 10am – 4pm

Presented by Alexandra & District Open Gardens 551 Maroondah Hwy, Narbethong www.alexandraopengardens.com.au

May Events

Family day with live music and stalls Rotary Park, 36 Grant St, Alexandra 0409 965 329 info@alexandratourism.com www.alexandratourism.com/easter-fair/

ANZAC DAY

Friday 5 May

Check with your local council for ANZAC services.

Harrietville Historical Society Bush Market & Harrietville Primary School Duck Race

Tuesday 25 April

Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre, 57 Samaria Rd 03 5762 5515 www.bpacc.com.au

Tavare Park, Great Alpine Rd. 03 5759 2699

Beersheba Centenary Cricket Bash

Easter at Ringer Reef Winery

Maygars Men v The Wilderness Wanderers “Rafferty’s Rules”. Third & final decider cricket match.

Maygars Hill Winery, Faithfull Rd, Longwood East 0402 136 448 www.maygarshill.com.au

Live music and picnic in the vineyard.

6835 Great Alpine Rd, Porepunkah 03 5759 2699 www.ringerreef.com.au 102

APRIL / MAY 2017

Roy Orbison Reborn Taste the Globe

Valhalla Wines, 163 All Saints Rd, Wahgunyah 02 6033 1438 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

100 Step Feast

Progressive feast through Bright.

03 5755 2300 gingerbaker1@bigpond.com

Autumn Harvest Forage

Patrizia Simone Country Cooking School, 18 Riverside Ave, Bright 0439 952 022 / 0407 462 267 www.simonesbright.com.au

High Country Harvest Grand Opening Dinner Brown Brothers, 239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa 03 5720 5540 / 03 5720 5434 www.brownbrothers.com.au

Brewer For A Day

Bright Brewery, 121 Great Alpine Rd, Bright 03 5755 1346 / 03 5755 1301 www.brightbrewery.com.au/bfad

Friday 5 – Sunday 7 May Sunrises and Somberos

Bright Electric Bikes, 2 Delany Ave, Bright 03 5755 1309 leigh@brightelectricbikes.com.au

Friday 5 – Sunday 21 May Wine Blending Challenge

Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard, 239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa 03 5720 5434 / 03 5720 5547 www.brownbrothers.com.au/

Saturday 6 May Rutherglen Tweed Ride

1800 622 871 www.rutherglenvic.com www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Benalla Heavy Horse Driving Day

Benalla Pony Club, 5809 Midland Hwy, Benalla 03 5762 6212 tourism@benalla.vic.gov.au

The Lost Arts Series - Homemade English Muffins

Beechworth Honey, 87 Ford St, Beechworth 03 5728 1433 info@beechworthhoney.com.au

Food for Thought

Three-course ethical feast Saint Monday, 26 High St, Yackandandah 02 6027 1202 www.saintmondaycafe.com.au

Moyhu Harvest Bonfire

Live music, stalls, food, drinks & kids entertainment.

Moyhu Hotel, 16-18 Byrne St, Moyhu 03 5727 9333 / 0427 279 369 www.moyhuhotel.com.au

Cannoli Making with Nonna

Politini Wines, 65 Upper King River Rd, Cheshunt 0427 567 377 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Bright Brewery Village Campfire

Bright Brewery, 121 Great Alpine Rd, Bright 03 5755 1301 / 03 5755 1346 www.brightbrewery.com.au

The Amazing Race

Let’s Get Fizzical

Pfeiffer Wines, 167 Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah 02 6033 2805 www.pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au

Falls Creek High Country Harvest Bonfire Rocky Valley Lake, Falls Creek 03 5857 1200 www.fallscreek.com.au

Life Drawing with artist Cornelia Selover 1pm-4pm. Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St, Benalla. 03 5760 2619 gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au www.benallaartgallery.com

A Star-Studded Wonderland at Winton Wetlands Mokoan Hub and Cafe, 652 Lake Mokoan Rd, Chesney Vale 03 5762 1192 www.wintonwetlands.org.au

Feast at Falls

Diana Alpine Lodge, 6 Falls Creek Rd, Falls Creek 03 5758 3214 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Caffeinate in Style

Mansfield Coffee Merchant, 23 Highett St, Mansfield 03 5779 1703 www.mansfieldcoffeemerchant.com.au

The Three Italians

Ritchies Hut, 8 Mile Flat Track, Mt Buller 03 5775 2922 www.delatitewinery.com.au

Taste regional ciders matched with a grazing menu.

The Delatite Hotel, 95 High St, Mansfield 03 5775 2004 hoteldelatite@gmail.com

Friday 12 May Make Mine Muscat

Cofield Wines and The Pickled Sisters Cafe, Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah 02 6033 2377 www.pickledsisters.com.au

St Bernard’s Primary School Wangaratta Art and Photography Exhibition St Bernard’s Primary School Hall, Williams Rd, Wangaratta 03 5721 4431 / 0400 218 945 artshow@sbwangaratta.catholic.edu.au

Tour de Vines, 8 Priory Ln, Beechworth 1300 665 330 www.tourdevines.rezdy.com

Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St 03 5760 2619 gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au www.benallaartgallery.com

Jazz Supper Club – ULTRAFOX

Autumn Harvest Forage

Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 May

Wild Harvest Trail

Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, 37 Ryley St, Wangaratta 03 5722 8105 www.wangarattapac.com.au

Beechworth Drive Back In Time

250 rare, classic and vintage cars 03 5728 2853 www.beechwortholdcranksclub.com

Sunday 7 May Harvest Picnic at Sedona Estate 182 Shannons Rd, Murrindindi Sonja 03 9730 2883 / 0432 435 180 wine@sedonaestate.com.au www.sedonaestate.com.au

Oil Painting with Tim Bowtell

NEA 122 Bridge Street, East Benalla www.northeastartisans.org

Stimela – The Gumboot Musical

Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, 33-37 Ford St, Wangaratta 03 5722 8105 www.wangarattapac.com.au

Creative Campfire Cooking

Jones Winery & Vineyard, 61 Jones Rd, Rutherglen 02 6032 8496 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Meet the Winemaker - Bruce Holm

Walk Up An Appetite

The Cider Sessions

Pedal and Taste

Hop Versus Grape

Howes Creek Farm, 1231 Howes Creek Rd, Mansfield 03 5775 1246 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Thursday 11 May

Saturday 13 May

All Things Quince at Yackandandah Organics’ Farm

Makin’ Bacon

Patrizia Simone Country Cooking School, 18 Riverside Ave, Bright 0439 952 022 / 0407 462 267 www.simonesbright.com.au

Pizzini Wines, 175 King Valley Rd, Whitfield 03 5729 8278 / 03 5729 8030 www.pizzini.com.au

Meet the winemaker tour Ros Ritchie Wines, 1974 Long Ln, Barwite 03 5779 1404 info@theproducestore.com.au Taminick Cellars/Black Dog Brewery, 339 Booth Rd, Taminick 03 5766 2282 / 0427 662 443 www.taminickcellars.com.au

Autumn Harvest Forage

685 Back Creek Rd, Yackandandah 0497 345 269 / 02 6027 1063 yackorganics@gmail.com Ringer Reef Winery, 6835 Great Alpine Rd, Porepunkah 03 5756 2805 www.ringerreef.com.au

Ciao Biscotti

La Maison St Arnaud, 16 Hunter St, Rutherglen 0413 896 560 la_maison_st_arnaud@hotmail.com

Smokin’ Hot Feast @ Stanley

Black Barn Farm, 60 Lower Nine Mile Rd, Stanley 0418 520 554 / 0403 199 885 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Life Drawing with artist Cornelia Selover

Patrizia Simone Country Cooking School, 18 Riverside Ave, Bright 0439 952 022 / 0407 462 267 www.simonesbright.com.au Baileys of Glenrowan, 779 Taminick Gap Rd, Taminick 03 5766 1600 www.baileysofglenrowan.com.au

To Lunch on Horseback

Spring Spur, 52 Fredas Ln, Tawonga 03 5754 4849 www.bogonghorse.rezdy.com

Rowing Victoria Masters Championships Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre, Loddings Ln, Nagambie 03 9645 0624 www.rowingvictoria.asn.au/events/

Awaken Your Senses

Samaria Farm, 2520 Samaria Rd, Samaria 03 5768 2225 / 0417 990 764 www.samariafarm.com.au

Feast the Street

Rustik Cafe Wine Bar, 28 Bridge St, Benalla 03 5762 4686 / 0407 422 007 paul.rustikcafe@gmail.com

Una Bella Festa ... a beautiful feast

Celebration of King Valley’s award winning produce Red Feet Wines, 49 Cemetery Ln, King Valley 03 5729 8205 / 0432 677 181 www.redfeet.com.au

Makin’ Bacon

Howes Creek Farm, 1231 Howes Creek Rd, Mansfield 03 5775 1246 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Caffeinate in Style

Mansfield Coffee Merchant, 23 Highett St, Mansfield 03 5779 1703 www.mansfieldcoffeemerchant.com.au

Brewers Breakfast

Bridge Road Brewers, 50 Ford St, Old Coach House, Beechworth 03 5728 2703 / 0422 929 235 bookings@bridgeroadbrewers.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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NNEHAPPENINGS

May Events (cont...)

Sunday 14 May

Saturday 20 May

To Lunch on Horseback

Life Drawing with artist Cornelia Selover

Mother’s Day Luncheon at Holmesglen

Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St 03 5760 2619 gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au www.benallaartgallery.com

Winded with Tea Cup – High Tea

Lakeside Ave, Mount Beauty 03 5754 1045 info@hoppet.com.au

Spring Spur, 52 Fredas Ln, Tawonga 03 5754 4849 www.bogonghorse.rezdy.com Holmesglen At Eildon, 92 Moore Rd, Eildon 03 5774 2631 eildon@holmesglen.edu.au Beaufort Manor, 111 High St, Yea 0400 848 575 www.beaufortmanor.com.au

Tuesday 16 – Sunday 21 May La Fiera Festival - Myrtleford Celebrate all things Italian www.lafiera.com.au

Thursday 18 May Pick, Pickle, Wine and Dine

Mt Buffalo Olives, 307 Mount Buffalo Rd, Porepunkah 03 5756 2143 www.mtbuffaloolives.com.au

Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 May Australian Masters Rowing Championships Nagambie Lakes, 66 Loddings Ln, Nagambie 03 9645 0624 / 0423 368 394 www.rowingvictoria.asn.au

Friday 19 May A Harvest Feast with Stefano Manfredi

Gapsted Wines, 3897 Great Alpine Rd, Gapsted 03 5751 1383 www.gapstedwines.com.au

Mixology - The Art of Making Great Cocktails

Mount Beauty Half Marathon Kiewa Valley Community Bonfire Tawonga 03 5754 1270 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

Legend Cars Victorian Title Wahgunyah Speedway, Grimmond Ln, Wahgunyah 0419 977 205 www.wahgunyahspeedway.com

Sunday 21 May Autumn Harvest Forage Patrizia Simone Country Cooking School, 18 Riverside Ave, Bright 0439 952 022 / 0407 462 267 www.simonesbright.com.au

Guilty Pleasures Comfort Foods

Spring Spur, 52 Fredas Ln, Tawonga 03 5754 4849 www.bogonghorse.rezdy.com

Indigo Vineyard 1221 Beechworth-Wangaratta Rd, Everton Upper 03 5727 0233 www.indigovineyard.com.au

Feathertop’s Autumn Long Lunch

To Lunch on Horseback

To Lunch on Horseback

Feathertop Winery, 6619 Great Alpine Rd, Porepunkah 03 5756 2356 www.feathertopwinery.com.au

Spring Spur, 52 Fredas Ln, Tawonga 03 5754 4849 www.bogonghorse.rezdy.com

Makin’ Bacon

Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 May

Howes Creek Farm, 1231 Howes Creek Rd, Mansfield 03 5775 1246 www.highcountryharvest.com.au

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt - performance

Cool Autumn Nights Delatite Winery, Corner of Pollards & Stoneys Rd, Mansfield 03 5775 2922 www.delatitewinery.com.au/events

Caffeinate in Style Learn the art of roasting and brewing.

Mansfield Coffee Merchant, 23 Highett St, Mansfield 03 5779 1703 www.mansfieldcoffeemerchant.com.au

Taste Trekkers Gourmet Time Travel

Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre, 57 Samaria Rd, Benalla 03 5762 5515 www.bpacc.com.au

Friday 26 May All About Choux Cooking Class The Pickled Sisters Cafe, Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah 02 6033 2377 www.pickledsisters.com.au

Benalla & District Classic Car & Motorbike Tour Benalla Art Gallery, Bridge St, Benalla www.historicwinton.org

Saturday 27 May

The Press Room Wine Bar, 37 Camp St, Beechworth 03 5728 2360 / 0409 779 936 www.thepressroomwinebar.com.au

A magical night sampling the best food Beechworth has to offer.

0408 321 822 www.tastetrekkers.com.au

Wandering Winery Harvest Dinner

New Breed Feast – food and photography

Rutherglen Estates/Tuileries, 13-35 Drummond St, Rutherglen 02 6032 7999

Star Theatre (rear), 36 Main St, Chiltern 0437 566 765 hello@georgiejames.com.au

MoVida, Provenance & Maestros

Beechworth Village Bonfire

Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 May

Provenance, 86 Ford St, Beechworth 03 5728 1786 info@theprovenance.com.au

Lake Sambell, Peach Drv, Beechworth 1300 365 003 www.explorebeechworth.com.au

Friday 19 – Sunday 21 May

80th Anniversary - Rob Roy Hill Climb & 41st Historic Winton

Salami Sessions

Virgin Australia Supercar Championships

Dal Zotto Wines, 4861 Main Rd, Whitfield 03 5729 8321 www.dalzotto.com.au

Winton Motor Raceway, 41 Fox St, Winton North www.historicwinton.org

Winton Raceway, Fox St, Winton 03 5760 7100 www.supercars.com/winton/

The Art of Cheese

Tolpuddle Goat Cheese and Farm Foods, 70 Rusholme Rd, Tarrawingee 0418 893 959 / 03 5725 1759 info@tolpuddle.com.au

A Wee Dram, Och Aye! Leather Chesterfields, single malt whiskies, four-course Autumn feast.

The Delatite Hotel, 95 High St, Mansfield 03 5775 2004 hoteldelatite@gmail.com

YOUR HOSTS CARMEL and BRIAN DIXON

J

Invite you to a gourmet stay at

JAMIESON B and B 38 Nash Street, JAMIESON t (03) 5777 0601 m 0400 570 600 e brian@lifebeinit.org

www.jamiesonbandb.com.au 104

APRIL / MAY 2017

Life Drawing with artist Cornelia Selover Benalla Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Bridge St, Benalla 03 5760 2619 gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au www.benallaartgallery.com

Sunday 28 May RAMBO Mountain Bike Series - Mount Beauty Round Big Hill MTB Park, Bogong High Plains Rd, Mount Beauty 0403 013 446 www.tmb.org.au

Reserve your space for our June/July edition

Bookings close May 5th

3 Eisners Lane, Mansfield 3722 03 5779 1290 | admin@northbynortheast.com.au

NNESpecialists Builders

Health Food

Everything to do with a healthier you New Homes Commercial Building Extensions & Renovations

Andrew Stace 0419 002 072 Mark Newman 0419 422 894 A/H 5774 2545 F 5772 3030

stacenewmanbuilders@hotmail.com 365 Goulburn Valley Hwy Alexandra

Concreting

Open Mon - Fri 09.00 - 5.30 Sat 09.00 - 1.00 1/61 Ovens St, Wangaratta > Ph 03 5722 4945

Vitamins > Grocery > Bulk Foods > Personal Care > Sports Supplements > Household > Allergy Alternatives > info@olivehealth.com.au > www.olivehealth.com.au

Hospitality Supplies

Everything for the top chef & the home cook

Luke Hill - House & Shed Slabs - Driveways - Bob Cat - Tip Truck

- Concrete Cutting & Sealing - Decorative Concreting 0409 250 234 - Exposed Aggregate rocknconc@gmail.com - 3.6 Tonne Excavator

Earthworks

BAKEWARE + COOKWARE + GLASSWARE CROCKERY + COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT CHEF'S TOOLS + UNIFORMS + PACKAGING DISPOSABLES + CLEANING AIDS + PRODUCTS FREE LO CAL

D E L IV E

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Ph: 5779 1660 SHOWROOM -211 MT BULLER RD, MANSFIELD www.m-h-s.com.au | sales@m-h-s.com.au OPEN 9AM - 5PM, MON - FRI Graphic Design

Water Bores

“Drilling the area since 1976”

Competitive quotes & sound advice Graham Brennan 0409 362 289 Andy Brennan 0409 362 291

northwest.drilling@bigpond.com

www.waterbores.net.au

Electricians ELECTRICIAN

e v i t crea Be cultured decorative dramatic grand stylish exquisite imaginative fun innovative productive crafty inspiring original smart thoughtful heard

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Rec No 12906

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

• Everything electrical • Domestic • Commercial • Undergrounds • Electrical Design • Trenching • Solar Installations

Ph 0418 543 310 etecelectrical.com.au

P: 5779 1290

|

3 Eisners Lane, Mansfield 3722

creative@northbynortheast.com.au

|

www.nnecreative.com.au

Kennels

Fun farm stay for your dog ALL TYPES OF BILLY MAHONEY ELECTRICAL WORK ELECTRICAL Rec No. 15385 Mobile: 0417 331 979 Ph/Fax: 5779 1796

bmahoney@mansfield.net.au

Domestic • Commercial • Rural Undergrounds • Industrial Phone Points

Servicing Mansfield district

All breeds, sizes & personalities welcome

Day visits - Short & long term stays Grooming - Transfer service • Indoor kennels with cosy trampoline style beds • Heated/air-conditioned kennels available • Undercover & outdoor exercise runs • Games, farm walk adventures & swimming Plenty of interaction, exercise & love to spoil your pooch!

0472 669 995 6979 Maroondah Hwy, Yarck, Victoria info@countrylodgekennels.com.au www.countrylodgekennels.com.au

To advertise contact Kelly Timms on 0417 869 608 / 5779 1290 or email kelly@northbynortheast.com.au

NNESpecialists Upholstery

Kitchens

Quality is never an accident

Topstitch Upholstery & Antiques Traditional antique restoration General upholstery Custom handmade sofas

Custom Built Kitchens 3D Kitchen Design Creative Design & Quality Granite & Reconstituted Stone Laundries | Vanities | Wardrobes

Ian McCormick

0409 146 465 sales@murrindindikitchens.com 38 Johnston St, Alexandra

36 Oliver St YEA 5797 2992 stichers@iinet.net.au www.topstitchupholsteryandantiques.com.au

Trade Qualified, over 30 years experience

Plastering

Vermin Control

Murrindindi Vermin Control

AWCI Award Winner New homes • Repairs • Extensions • Houseboats Commercial Architectural Design • Ornamental Cornice

RPT

PLASTERING 0433 291 495 Plumbing

ADA Accredited Shooter R Licenced Public Liability Insurance

Deer Culling • Wild Dogs Wild Pigs • Foxes & Rabbits Kangaroos & Wombats on Permits Wombat Trapping & Relocation

Ritchie Timms 0433 291 495 | ritchie68@live.com.au Vet Services

Travis Capp

Lic. No 37388

*New Homes * Roof & Gutter * Sewer & Septics * High Pressure Sewer Jetter * Blocked Sewers * Wood Heaters * Pipe & Cable Locator * Drain Camera * Water Tanks * Solar HWS

Excavators, Post hole, Rock breaker, Trencher & Tip truck hire Ultrasound

Alexandra Veterinary Clinic

Dr Doug Norman B Sc (Hons), B.V.Sc (Hons)

Clinic Hours by appointment Phone. 5772 1600 Mobile. 0408 576 456 49 Bayley Street, Alexandra 3714

Weed Control SOUND IMAGING

Andrea Whitaker Accredited Sonographer CONSULTING AT ALEXANDRA DISTRICT HEALTH 12 Cooper Street, ALEXANDRA At Sound Imaging we aim to make the experience of having an ultrasound as stress free as possible.

We provide prompt availability of appointments with generous appointment time allocations to ensure maximum diagnostic quality.

Appointments: P: 03 5772 0947 F: 03 9012 4299 M: 0417 369 225 soundimaging @bigpond.com

Blackberry Spraying Cameron Paterson

0418 380 319

Promote your specialised service From building new kitchens, to hospitality supplies or upholstery and health services, the NNE Specialists section is ideal for you.

Your message will reach more than 12,000 readers across the Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie, Benalla, Indigo, Alpine and Wangaratta shires for as low as only $100 per edition. Customers advertising across the six issues per year can also receive personalised editorial coverage supporting their business.

This is fantastic exposure and a great way for our readers to learn more about your business and the services you offer.

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APRIL / MAY 2017

June/July edition deadline is May 5 Kelly – 0417 869 608 kelly@northbynortheast.com.au

Book Now

Sound Imaging Ultrasound

NNESkilled People

Rockin’ couple in concrete career L

uke Hill and Erin Morrison share a concrete belief in their business and their love of Alexandra.

“Alexandra is a great area,” says Erin, who runs Rock ‘n’ Conc with her partner Luke. “It is a really lovely, safe and quiet place to live and there is plenty of work. When we started the concrete business we were so concerned that the work was not there but how wrong were we. The work has not stopped since we started.”

Luke takes care of the physical side of the business while Erin handles the administration. “Erin’s ability to handle the book work, the work calendars, pay bills and translate my quotes is invaluable,” Luke says. “I should be married to Erin, we have been together for over 10 years,” he laughs.

Rock ‘n’ Conc opened on March 1, 2016, with lots of sleepless nights to

start with. Luke is a plumber by trade and after working with his father, Paul, a builder, he decided to branch out on his own.

Rock ‘n’ Conc specialises in concrete for slab bases for houses and sheds, concrete cutting and sealing, driveways and decorative concreting, paths and pool surrounds. The rock side of the business includes a Bob Cat and exposed aggregate spreading, a tip truck and a 3.6-tonne excavator.

Ricky O’Sullivan from Alexandra has been with the business from the start and Josh Stewart from Maysville and Rhyan Weatherald from Alexandra are now part of the team.

Erin also works full-time as a paralegal in a legal firm in Alexandra.

The couple is also rebuilding their home which burnt down recently. They

also lost their home in the 2009 fire.

“Luckily our dogs, Ty and Asha, weren’t in the house,” Luke says. “We lost all our other valuables in the fires.”

Luke and Erin firmly see their future in the region. “We have never found anywhere else we wanted to be,” Erin says. “We holidayed for three months up the east coast and it is not as good as here.” Luke adds: “here we fish and camp in Lake Eildon, Erin reads when I fish”.

It’s also important to them to be close to family and to continue to build their business. “Whatever happens we at least tried it,” says Luke. “We never expected to be as happy as we are.”

NNE

Rock ‘n’ Conc 0409 250 234 rocknconc@gmail.com

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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Mansfield Easter Art Show 14 - 17 April Featuring works by over 30 artists All paintings, glass and sculptures for sale “Morning at Cobram“ - Craig Penny

Acrylic on canvas

122cm x 122cm

Masonic Hall - Highett St Mansfield Brought to you by

Gala Preview 13 April 6 - 8pm

OPEN 9am - 6pm

For further details contact Richard Watson on 0418 579 633 or info@ibroxfineartgallery.com.au 24 Highett Street, Mansfield www.ibroxfineartgallery.com.au