North by North-East October/November 2014 by North by North-East

VOL 4 EDITION 7

OCT/NOV 2014

North by NORTH-EAST COUNTRY LIFE IN NORTH-EAST VICTORIA

Gardens on show The best of NE Victoria

Mertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jewel At home with Amanda Catanach

Country Celebrations

Historic Euroa

New lives for grand buildings

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Our Degustation Dinner is a leisurely dining experience not to be missed by lovers of fine food. This six (6) course tasting menu, specially designed by our Executive Chef Janet Freeman, will showcase local produce and take you on an amazing culinary journey! To complement each course, be served a perfectly matched carefully selected local wine. As you relax over dinner, taking in the spectacular views from our dining room, you’ll be entertained by vocal duo Whiskey Blue. Bookings are essentials as numbers are limited. To truly enjoy the tranquil surrounds of our 660 acre property, make a weekend of it and stay as a range of accommodation options are available.

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Here at Williams Hunt we enjoy proving that legal expertise does not stop at the gates of the city We have the skills, training and experience to obtain the best results for our clients Areas of practice include: * Business sales and purchases * Liquor licensing * Commercial and corporate law * Estate planning * Conveyancing and property law * Planning matters * Criminal law * Disputes and litigation * Divorce and family law Mansfield Office: 24a Highett Street P: 03 5775 2334 F: 03 5775 1106

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Mansfield Street Stage & Targafest Saturday November 8 See over 200 classic & modern vehicles in action! 3pm onwards It’s all about FUN for everyone! Street stage • Car display Carnival music – “Nedalife” Brazilian entertainment Street performers • Jumping castle Face painting • Food & merchandise stalls Official Event Program in local newspapers Wed 29 October

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Contents 12

Cutting Horses Thankfully, it’s not some macabre story about taking a knife to horses, but rather a warming story of a couple in the Strathbogies who are making a life working with horses, especially those of the Western Cutting Horse style.

Editor: Glen Rohan

Art Director: Lynnda Heard Designer: Nicola Tilbury

Contributors: John Larkin, Pat O’Bryan, Louise Munro, Joe Blake, Lynnda Heard, Dr Doug Norman, Ian Dunn, Colette Geier, Brian Dixon, Cass Jasper, Julia Foletta, Dr Cheryl Clark, Dr Denia Ford, Pauline Droguet, Elaine White, Amanda Swaney, Laurie MacMillan Photographers: Lynnda Heard, Nicola Tilbury ADVERTISING Kelly Timms - Advertising Manager 0417 869 608 | kelly@northbynortheast.com.au Julie Fishlock 0427 710 133 | julie@northbynortheast.com.au Stephanie Murray 0409 702 427 | stephanie@northbynortheast.com.au Property: Glen Rohan 0407 200 031 | glen@northbynortheast.com.au Distribution, Subscriptions, Events: Nadine (03) 5779 1290 | admin@northbynortheast.com.au Contact NNE: (03) 5779 1290 | Shop 5/20 Highett Street, Mansfield Lynnda Heard 0407 103 035 | lynnda@northbynortheast.com.au

Published by Glen Rohan for RL Media Pty Ltd, ACN 081 735 891, of Mansfield Euroa Road, Merton 3715 Tel: (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 and Mansfield districts. Please forward to edit@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 NNE’s Nicola Tilbury teamed up with Mansfield’s Howard Chaston and Jen O’Donnell for a trek through a country property with Rosie the lamb. They are just three of the thousands of people who will be enjoying the festivals, shows and open gardens across the north-east region during the coming months. Picture: LYNNDA HEARD

16 20

Fill up at Jamieson Brian Dixon catches up with the couple who run the garage at Jamieson. Scott and Jenny McKenzie are great contributors around that town.

A Merton pearl Amana Catanach is just as happy working in the garden of her home at Merton as she is greeting customers at the famous Catanach’s jewellery store in Melbourne.

Historic Euroa

Narbethong PO

The beautiful town by the Hume has a number of historically significant buildings – mainly from the 19th century – that are being brought back to life. John Larkin reports.

Gary Soloman and Di Ware have joined forces to bring about remarkable changes to the old post office. Julia Foletta tells the story.

October&November

2014

Open gardens Spring is when the north-east really can look its best, so it’s the logical time to open the gates to some of its best gardens.

All in a day’s work

Kids’ anxieties

72 74

Showcase Local businesses tell of why their products or services are so special. With Christmas approaching there are some great ideas on this two-page feature.

In this new farming feature, Ian Dunn discusses whether to calve in Spring or Autumn and veterinarian Denia Ford looks at innovations in assisting mares to foal.

Psychologist Cheryl Clark explains how some fears and anxieties are perfectly normal for children – and for parents.

Inner artist Columnist Louise Munro discovers the joy of painting and finding out she might not be too bad at it.

France to Yarck A French backpacker writes of her three month stay in Yarck. It’s a look at a small country town from young European eyes.

Hitched Four beautiful weddings from across the north-east are covered in this edition including one very funny occasion at Jamieson.

Food and Wine Pat O’Bryan finds a cosy restaurant in Beechworth and then has breakfast in Yarck. Ian Dunn finds joy in a Petit Verdot from Porepunkah as well as a Merlot from near Taggerty. Colette Geier reveals her recipe for Pistachio biscuits and we talk with the woman behind Pasta Adele, Silvana Micheli from Cheshunt.

112 Festivals

The Spring season and country air seems to result in fun country festivals. We preview some of the more interesting ones.

116 Happenings

Two great months for markets, galleries and events across the NNE region. See the full listings.

122 Country properties

We look at a beautiful home built on three levels in downtown Alexandra and attend the auction of a commercial property in Yea. Also a range of the best country homes and farms.

52 It’s show time

Agricultural shows are out in force in Spring and some go back more than 100 years. A special section on what to look out for. NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNECOUNTRY

A fabulous time of the year

here are festivals interesting opinions on the happening across the subject. north-east, agricultural We look at four north-east shows in most major weddings (page 76) while in towns and, because it’s Spring, the Food and Wine section it’s the time when the best of (from page 82) we talk with gardens are being opened for the woman behind Pasta inspection. Adele, Silvana Micheli. In that And aside from the fun same section Pat O’Bryan activities, these are also the writes of a fine restaurant months when farmers can in Beechworth and a great almost watch their grass or breakfast spot in Yarck, crops growing. and wine writer Ian Dunn The area always looks its appreciates some excellent best in Spring, so it’s the time reds from Porepunkah and to be out and about. Taggerty. NNE has been out, gathering Dressing up and parading is all part of the festive season One of the festivals in the information about all the and some take it very seriously. north-east also just happens gardens on display. That feature to be the longest-running jazz commences on page 42. festival in Australia – and it’s Being Spring, a number of starting on page 38. in Wangaratta. Celia Kennedy writes of us take time out to really spruce up the Agricultural shows are seeing a this major success story on page 104. house. In Euroa there are a few people resurgence in popularity and we have so It’s an exciting time to be in the northdoing much more. They are the ones many across the NNE area. The show at east and it’s our delight to be able to who have purchased some of Euroa’s Yea is 100 this year; at nearby Alexandra beautiful historic buildings and are well write of some of it. they boast of 130 years and at Mansfield on the way to giving them a new life. Thank you for reading us; we hope they will be celebrating their 125 years. Read John Larkin’s story starting on you enjoy this October and November They are all topped in age, of course, by page 26. edition. the show at Wangaratta, where they are Di Ware and Gary Soloman have up to 150 shows. There’s a heap of fun done their share of cleaning up. Gary to be had across the area with the shows, purchased the old Narbethong Post so check out the feature from page 52. Office about 14 years and had done From farming fun to farming work, wonders renovating the building. Then turn to page 58 for the ‘All in a Day’s he was joined by Di who has added her Work’ feature where former Angus touches inside and, more importantly, stud breeder Ian Dunn ponders the created a beautiful garden around the Glen Rohan question as to whether to calve in building. Julia Foletta tells their story Spring or Autumn. There are quite some Publisher and Editor

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They’re racing – and having fun So you don’t like to gamble, but whoever said that country races were about gambling? Au contraire. Country picnic races are exactly what they label themselves, ‘Country Picnic’. The horses all polished up and looking fit contrast with the colours of the jockeys, but there is so much more colour on the grounds surrounding the race track. People with colourful outfits to impress the judges at ‘Fashions on the Field’ and the marquees with their banners flapping in the breeze announcing to one and all that ‘here we are’ add to the colour of a country picnic race meeting. Most of all it is the groups having picnics that provide the most atmosphere. Groups of families and friends arrive early to ensure that they have the best spot under the shadiest tree. Rugs are strewn with cushions and in the centre of each rug is the food piled high. All ages stretch out to take advantage

of the chance to catch a snooze while the whirl of the day revolves around them. On that picnic rug you are on an island, your very own island that you share with those special to you. According to Wikipedia, ‘A picnic is a pleasure excursion at which a meal is eaten outdoors, ideally taking place in a beautiful landscape’. And there’s little doubt that our country race courses are in some of the most beautiful settings in the NNE area. The Spring Carnival of Country Picnic races commences with the ‘Run for the Roses’ race meeting on Saturday October 25 at Alexandra. Races are scheduled from 1 till 5pm and between the races there will be live music from the Alexandra Swing Band. A rug, a basket or two of goodies, a gathering of family and friends – and a Country Picnic race meeting – and the day is set. Enjoy. NNE

Catanach’s to sponsor Merton Cup

he small village of Merton, half-way between Yea and Mansfield, has welcomed the news that Melbourne businesswoman and Merton resident Amanda Catanach has decided to sponsor the landmark picnic racing event in this season’s calendar, the 150th annual Merton Cup. A well-known racing enthusiast, Ms Catanach’s firm is already sponsoring Mansfield’s Melbourne Cup Day meeting. Catanach’s is also the proud maker of the Caulfield Cup trophy plus many others for the Melbourne Racing Club, manager of all race meetings at Sandown, Caulfield and Mornington race courses.

Amanda has attended the Merton Cup meeting, held each New Year’s Day, in previous years and thoroughly enjoyed the outing. She hopes that many more will attend this significant meeting as 150th anniversary events don’t come along too often and “community events such as this should be well supported”. Joint presidents of the Merton Amateur Turf Club, Murray Hill and Gavin Karthaus, said we were delighted Catanach’s was on board and they “looked forward to working with Amanda to ensure the 150th anniversary would be a huge success”. See story on Amanda Catanach starting on page 20. NNE

Below is a list of most race meetings in the NNE area over the next two months.

Alexandra Country Picnic races opening. Alexandra Saturday October 25. Alexandra’s Run for the Roses 1 Gordon Street. Alexandra www.alexandraraceclub.com.au Mansfield

Tuesday November 4 Melbourne Cup Day meeting (03) 5775 2770

Yea

Yea Spring Racing Day Saturday November 15 Racecourse Road. Yea 5797 2955 And there are also race meetings in the area that are part of the official racing calendar.

Wangaratta

Wangaratta Race Club Racecourse Road. Wangaratta (03) 5722 1242 Wangaratta Turf Club Seniors’ race day Monday October 13 NAB Business Luncheon Race Day Friday October 24 Wangaratta Motor Group Melbourne Cup Races @ Wangaratta. Tuesday November 4

Benalla

Racecourse Road, Benalla (03) 5762 2543 Benalla Gold Cu Sunday October 5 Euroa Cup Race Day at Benalla Sunday 9 November For further information on all race meetings in the NNE area, check: www.countryracing.com.au

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NNEPEOPLE

A cut above High in the Strathbogies is a couple leading the way in the world of Cutting Horses. COLETTE GEIER met the Morgans Pictures: LYNNDA HEARD

or Guy and Nicole Morgan, horses are not a job or a hobby, they are their life. Their world of Cutting Horses is highly sophisticated and requires a huge amount of specialised training and equipment but between them, this couple have it covered. From breeding and training to saddlery and even equine skeletal manipulation, these two do the lot and they’re setting high standards along the way. First we should explain that the popularity of Western Style Cutting is galloping ahead. Cutting involves a horse and rider cutting a single animal out from a herd of cattle and keeping it isolated for several minutes. Many horse breeds are used for this, but by far the most popular is the Quarter Horse. This breed is touted to be the oldest of all American horse breeds and is ideal as an all purpose horse for work and sport alike. Quarter Horses are strong compact animals with quick reflexes and high agility and endurance. Guy’s prowess with horses is not all together surprising considering his father (Laurie Morgan) was a well known race horse trainer, but his tenacity, even as a young kid is very rare. “I guess I had a vision of what I wanted to do, so I finished all of Year Nine,” Guy says with a wry smile, “and then left home.” At the tender age of 14, Guy packed up his life and moved more

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

than 900kms north to the Hunter Valley to follow his dreams. Fortune favours the brave and Guy landed a job as an assistant trainer for Craig Emerton, one of the country’s most respected horsemen and Quarter Horse trainers. By the age of 16, Guy had won his first trophy buckle and was well on his way to becoming one of the best in the business. Nicole didn’t have to travel so far to learn the ropes; both her parents were Quarter Horse enthusiasts and when she did leave home, she left the family farm in Tasmania for Chance Lodge in Bendigo owned by family friends – singing legend John Farnham and his wife Jill. Nicole too had early success with Quarter Horses representing Australia in 2000 at the Quarter Horse Youth World Cup in Italy where she won medals in all five of her events. It was inevitable Nicole and Guy would meet as they both travelled the country competing, but it was fitting the two finally met and fell in love in Tamworth, the Australian Mecca of the Cutting Horse world. Whether Guy was lucky to get a job working with Craig Emerton or whether Craig was the lucky one to find a horseman such as Guy is arguable, but either way, it’s an alliance that continues to benefit both. Since working for Craig in the Hunter Valley, the pair have worked together on several projects most notably Baz Luhrmann’s epic movie

‘Australia’ for which Craig held the role of Horsemaster. Guy and Craig had worked on films together previously, but working on ‘Australia’ was an entirely different experience. This time Nicole was also involved and they spent a large amount of time training the cast to ride. They developed a huge respect for the film’s leading man Hugh Jackman. “He was just a genuine champion,” recalls Guy. “You’d show him something and within 24 hours it was as though he’d been doing it for years.” Working with director Baz Luhrmann, however, was not quite as easy. The creative genius and inspiration for which Luhrmann is famous make his movies exhilarating and exciting, but can be a huge headache for support staff. “You can’t just make horses do what you want,” explains Guy. “You have to work with them.” At one point the Morgans and their fellow trainers were asked to clean up a mob of 100 brumbies, as they were looking a bit scruffy. The couple agonised over how they were expected to wash and brush 100 wild horses when the director suddenly changed his mind again and the idea was scrapped. The completion of filming marked the end of several years on the road for the Morgans and it was time to put down some roots. Nicole’s aunt already lived in Strathbogie and when a beautiful little A-frame house came up for sale u

Guy, Nicola and their son Wade

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NNEPEOPLE

“You can’t just make horses do what you want. You have to work with them”

with enough land for their horses, the couple had found their dream home. Though he has never stopped training since moving to Strathbogie, many local horse owners will know Guy not for his training skills, but as an equine therapist in skeletal manipulation. For the first few years of moving to the area, Guy worked full-time treating horses from Mansfield to Echuca and still manages to fit some into his busy schedule. Skeletal manipulation is used on high-end performance horses to treat specific problems such as lameness or animals simply not performing well. “Most horses aren’t designed to do many of the things we ask of them so something has to give and this is where this treatment comes in,” says Guy. “They are high performance athletes and we need to give them all the help we can.” For Guy to train a horse it can take upward of two years and many just don’t make the cut. Even with the best genetics from around the world, less than half will make it as a Cutting Horse and of these only 10 per cent will go on to become top professional horses. It will generally take a minimum of 18 months to break and then train a Cutting Horse, but most of the horses Guy now trains will spend much longer with him. The world of cutting horse competition is complex and highly professional and the financial rewards are significant. Riders are divided into either professional or non-professional classes depending on their industry experience. Professional riders are those who train full-time, training other people’s horses and this is the area Guy competes in. Guy has clients from Tasmania to Queensland and

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

The Morgan’s at work

competition riding is a major part of his job. He is paid a retainer for training and housing his client’s horses, and big bucks come from winning prizes. The non-professional class of the competition is by no means the poor cousin with much of the prize money won by the couple coming from Nicole’s contribution in the non-professional class. While Guy spends his competition time astride his client’s horses, Nicole’s time in the spotlight is atop their own stud horses. The couple have one human son, a gorgeous 4-year-old named Wade who is as at home with horses as he is with people, but there is also another young male of the equine variety that takes up a large place in their lives and hearts. ‘This Cat’s Destiny’ (or Curly as he is affectionately known) is a precocious young stallion with a big future. In the last three years he has won more than $40,000 in prize money though his career was never a sure thing. While still a foal, Curly suffered a facial injury during a storm and was left with only 20 to 30 per cent sight in his right eye. “A horse is nothing without its eyes,” explains Nicole and after the accident Curly’s ‘destiny’ was in serious doubt. Investing years of training into a horse with a disability was a huge risk, but

lucky for Curly, the Morgan’s were willing to take it. Curly is now one of the premier cutting horse colts in the country and his stud services are in high demand. What is most notable about this couple is their boundless energy and the countless different roles they both hold within the Cutting Horse industry. When they are not training, breeding or competing, they are making bespoke tack and accessories, items otherwise unavailable domestically. Guy has been making specialty training tack since he was a kid to fill his own needs and with a lack of similar products available in Australia to suit Cutting Horses, pretty soon he was accepting orders. Nicole has always had a strong artistic streak and, like her husband, she’s found an untapped niche in the tack market; her products made all the better by her own experience in the saddle. Nicole makes custom-made competition chaps, beautifully hand tooled and as practical as they are decorative. When the weather outside is too wet or cold to train horses, this leatherwork give the couple yet another way to immerse themselves in the horse world with their own label ‘Morgy’s Custom Tack’ sold through their website or through Cabillo Country in Narrabri.

It is questionable as to when the Morgans find time to sleep, as the strings to their bow are endless. Nicole now works part-time with Stacy McGregor at Seven Creeks Equine Veterinary Hospital in Euroa, one of the top Equine reproduction centres in the country and Guy has now turned his hand to breeding other animals as well. He has been breeding pedigree Border Collies for years, but his latest endeavour is cattle. When training Cutting Horses, trainers need a constant supply of fresh cattle for their horses to work and also as companion animals. The logistics of this can be laborious so Guy is hitting two birds with one stone. He has started breeding bulls for the rodeo circuit. His stud is still in its infancy, but with the best bucking genetics from around the world, the current Herefords and Angus cattle for which Strathbogie is renowned, may soon be joined by a very different looking herd. Whatever the future holds for this couple, it will no doubt be impressive. Nicole and Guy Morgan, together with their son and growing menagerie are a testament to what can be achieved with passion, dedication and a whole lot of love. NNE

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NNEPEOPLE

A couple of Jamieson stalwarts Everyone in Jamieson knows the McKenzies who run the local garage. However, BRIAN DIXON reports that there’s a lot more to this couple than just repairs and petrol

cott and Jenny McKenzie are cheerful and colourful entrepreneurial contributors to the heritage, character and future of Jamieson. Both are firm believers that there is no greater and more beautiful place in the world to live than Jamieson. Scott’s mum and dad – Cynthia a very accomplished pianist and Ken an accountant (no doubt, also accomplished) – came to Jamieson from Tallangatta and Warrnambool respectively and established a 200 hectare dairy farm beside the Jamieson River, in Laidlaws Road, which was to become The Sideling. Scott was one of four children; he was christened Brendon, but quickly became known as Scott. There’s also sister Rochelle and brothers Bradley and Malcolm. As the family grew, his parents became an integral part of the Jamieson community with Cynthia playing the piano at every venue and social occasion in Jamieson, from hotels to country balls.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

All the children attended Jamieson Primary School and Mansfield High School (now Mansfield Secondary College). At the time, Jamieson Primary School had an enrolment of 32 children (more than double today’s school population) with one teacher and an aide. The McKenzie children all helped their parents on the farm before walking to school. Scott left Mansfield High after completing year 10 and started his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic. He was a busy boy, studying, working on the farm which was producing butter fat from 90 cows and feeding skimmed milk to the pigs. After a time the farm turned to producing beef cattle. Jenny came to Jamieson in 1983, when her parents were camped at the Jamieson Caravan Park. Scott and Jenny met at the Courthouse Hotel and within three days Jenny confided to her sister that she was going to marry Scott. And so it was – after three years. Scott made many trips to Melbourne during their

courting days. They were married in 1986. Prior to marriage, Scott worked for the Ford dealership in Mansfield for seven years, and then went to work for Graeme Willey in the Jamieson Auto business. In 1982 Scott purchased the business, on April Fools Day and to use his words, he “has been an April Fool ever since”. Nothing could be further from the truth. Scott and Jenny are successful in every way. Scott not only runs his automotive business fulltime, with casual employees to help, he also subcontracts to Mansfield RACV and owns a salvage tow truck business in the Jamieson area and an equipment hire business in Broken Hill. Scott visits Broken Hill every six to eight weeks. The couple also run a holiday rental business. Jenny, in addition to helping Scott, works full time at Mansfield Secondary College in administration and reception. Scott and Jenny have two children. Stephanie 23 works in the Department

“Sometimes on a Sunday, they allow themselves a sleep-in”

Jenny and Scott McKenzie Picture: Freddie Leong

of Justice in Queensland as a Parole and Probation Case Manager, having completed her Degree in Criminology with Honours at Deakin University. Brendan 20 is completing his Degree in Security and Counter Terrorism at Swinburne University in Hawthorn. Jenny and Scott are justifiably proud of their children. Both Stephanie and Brendan followed their dad’s footsteps in first going to Jamieson Primary School and then Mansfield Secondary College. Jenny and Scott are both quite fit. They rise every morning at 5:30am and take a five kilometre walk before commencing their day’s work. Sometimes on a Sunday, they allow themselves a sleep-in. Being community minded, both put their hand up for everything and help in all the events which Jamieson township hosts. Scott has spent 36 years in the Jamieson rural fire brigade and was CFA Captain for 20 years. At the same time he has a growing business. Scott believes that 98 per cent of

his customers are really good people with whom he has a great relationship. The remaining 2 per cent are still good people, but manage to provide him with a more than proportionate amount of his working problems. One of the hazards of Scott’s business is his off-road salvage work. He talks of two and three day efforts to rescue 4WD’s which have broken down, or become bogged or come to grief, in steep mountain terrain. He was called out at 2:30 one morning and returned 48 hours later to a much relieved wife and family. But he does say he enjoys a challenge. Jenny recently travelled with her brother Steve to Europe and the UK on a seven-week trip of a lifetime. The trip Jenny had dreamed of was achieved by her starting a house cleaning job. She says, “As I stood on the top platform of the Eiffel Tower and gazed at Paris below, and let forth a WOW, I knew every one of those bathrooms I cleaned was worth it.” Of course, while she was

away, Scott worked every day from 7:00am until stumps. Fair to say, he was delighted when she returned. Both Scott and Jenny have been active in sport. Scott has played cricket, basketball, volley ball, pub darts, water skiing and clay target shooting. Jenny has played tennis and netball and loves horse riding. In the longer term future, Scott and Jenny will sell the business and travel. They look forward to trips around Australia and maybe Canada and the USA. They see a very bright future for Jamieson, because Jamieson is “so beautiful” and “the people complete the natural beauty”. They see a very big growth in tourism and events with hospitality and accommodation. The McKenzies can certainly say they have played a good part in Jamieson’s development and are still contributing to its future prosperity. NNE

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Subscriber’s chance to enjoy O

ver the last few years, ‘The House at Smoko’ has achieved rave reviews in travel magazines and newspapers supplements from people who are meant to know more than a wee bit about holiday accommodation. Originally a family home, ‘The House at Smoko’ was transformed to allow guests the world over to experience its beauty and magic. And now there’s a chance for an NNE reader to experience the same. We are pleased to offer a reader the opportunity to sample the magic of ‘The House at Smoko’. There is a catch; to go in the draw you have to be a subscriber. Whoever is then drawn as the winner is then entitled to two night’s

accommodation for up to four people; the accommodation must be used on consecutive weeknights during February 2015. NNE will contact the winner early in January 2015. ‘The House at Smoko’ has been described is the ultimate North-East Victoria accommodation destination for couples, groups of friends, families, cyclists, skiers, fly fishing enthusiasts, bush walkers, food and wine lovers, or anyone looking to relax in spectacular style. It is just 10 minutes out of Bright and 45 minutes up to Mt Hotham. Crafted from local stone, recycled timbers and corrugated iron, the house is nestled among a grove of towering elm and oak trees with the dramatic Mt Feathertop as its backdrop. Cattle

graze on 16 acres of lush paddocks before 12 acres of bush with the Ovens River flowing gently along the property boundary. Among its impeccable features are three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a beautiful lounge room, huge open fireplace and home theatre system, open plan dining with views of Mt Feathertop from a huge picture book window with daybed, large, fully equipped modern kitchen, multiple reading nooks and daybeds to curl up and relax, outdoor deck with huge open fireplace and views of the Snowy Mountains. So, be in it. Go to the NNE subscription advertisement on page 128 for full details. NNE

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Amanda Catanach at home in Merton

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Mandy Catanach: the jeweller of Merton Some fascinating people manage to find their way into north-east Victoria to live or at least have their holiday home. Amanda Catanach, of the fine jewellery establishment in Melbourne, is one such person who absolutely loves her second home near Merton. PAT O’BRYAN met with Amanda on her farm, ‘Janiemont’ Pictures: LYNNDA HEARD

manda Catanach is enjoying life. She and her husband Nigel Fish moved into their farm ‘Janiemont’ at Merton in January this year and have thrown themselves into making the sprawling garden work better for them. Amanda, better known as Mandy, with Nigel first moved into the area in 2005 with a lovely, but smaller property, only a few kilometres away at Woodfield. Then ‘Janiemont’ came on the market and Mandy knew they had to have it. Nudging towards 300 acres, the property has a great garden around a very large main house and a number of outbuildings including stables and a guest house that will soon be home

to their older daughter Lexie and her partner Alistair on their arrival to work in Mansfield. And importantly, it is still about two hours to Melbourne and the family business, the 140-year-old jewellery house, Catanach’s, that Mandy loves and runs with her brother David. Mandy has a number of ‘loves’ in her life. For a start there’s the immediate family: Nigel, their two daughters Lexie and Olivia, her mother Jackie and dad Blair. Then there’s the two Golden Retrievers, Spot and Tatt, who loudly greet all visitors and the cats, Connie and Minn, who travel with Mandy each weekend when she drives up from Melbourne. Nigel tends to prefer

getting on with the many things they are working on at the farm, so most of the time he stays at Merton when Mandy heads back each Monday morning. Among the tasks at ‘Janiemont’ are the additions to the garden. The original garden was designed by Catherine Drew who also designed the Mansfield Botanic Gardens. Because the house has been extended over the years, what used to be the end of the garden is now close to the house, so in Mandy’s “incorrigible way”, she is busily adding to it. “We already have 300 rose bushes for pruning, but I am planting more,” she u says. NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNEPEOPLE

Amanda and husband Nigel enjoying the garden at Merton

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Probably more accurately, it will be Nigel planting more. As Mandy says, “I love working in it, but Nigel does the heavy lifting.” In the kitchen, however, it’s Mandy who takes control. Among the first changes internally has been the installation of not one, but two Aga stoves – one electric and the other using farm timber for fuel. On the day NNE visited, the smell of baking bread floated through the kitchen, while outside, Nigel was busily planting rows of Manchurian pear trees. For Mandy, ‘Janiemont’ gives her a sense of peace. Within a few minutes of

arrival, the stresses of business and life in Melbourne are forgotten as she soaks up the clean air and takes in the vistas in all directions. But why did the pair choose this part of the world? It turns out that Mandy had some good friends around Mansfield. She went to Geelong Grammar where she became friends with David Ritchie, Peter Yencken and Mark Calvert-Jones, all well-known around Mansfield. Then there was the skiing at Mt Buller and the fact Mandy had to be within two hours of Melbourne. So ‘Janiemont’, some 20 minutes closer to Melbourne than

“I was lucky enough to have worked with dad the time I did”

Mansfield was a logical as well as emotional choice. Mandy and Nigel married in 1985 and ten years later, she was running Catanach’s. Fortunately she had the benefit of working closely with her father Blair as soon as she was old enough. “I was lucky enough to have worked with dad the time I did,” she says. Catanach’s was started by Mandy’s great, great grandfather George William Pictured below: A display of some of the beautiful pieces of jewellery at Catanachs Even the much loved cats are bejewelled.

Catanach who had trained as a ‘diamond setter’ in England. In 1870, when he boarded the ship to take him to his new home in the ‘colony’, he would have had little idea that there was no one with his skills in his chosen new land. He quickly found work and within a few years was trading under his own name. Since then, there’s always been a Catanach in charge, but five generations later, Mandy is the first female. And Mandy may have started a new trend there as with two daughters, a female running the firm might become the norm. However, it probably won’t be Lexie. The 25-year-old loves her career as a vet and is moving from country New South Wales to Mansfield to work there. Her partner Alistair has all the skills required to make a farm hum and ‘Janiemont’ will soon be stocked with animals that more than earn their keep. Younger daughter Olivia, 21 might just be the one. She is currently travelling in Europe studying German, but she has also shown a distinct interest in gemmology. Whatever the outcome, it’s not taking up too much of Mandy’s head space while she is enjoying everything so much and is at the top of her game. The Armadale store is abuzz with eight staff including two full-time jewellers making some unique pieces attracting buyers from across Australia and some overseas through the web site. Those same jewellers also produce some very sought-after trophies such as the Caulfield Cup – u

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Mandy says she has “100 race hats” and is “constantly running between race meetings”

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

joined forces with the Merton Amateur Turf Club to sponsor its 150th annual meeting for the running of the Merton Cup on New Year’s Day. Mandy also helps the Mansfield Hospital Auxiliary Hospital, donating prizes and being one of the sponsors of the annual golf day to raise funds for the hospital. At ‘Janiemont’, there are a few horses waiting for daughter Lexie to throw a saddle over and there are eight alpacas. Mandy is determined to make good use of their fleece. “I have the wheel and the wool; I just have to put the two together,” she says. In between everything else, Mandy

also travels quite a lot. Checking out overseas trends and buying unique items has long been the role of whichever Catanach has been running the business. For Mandy, it’s no different. However, while home in Merton, Mandy’s mind is not on overseas trips. Instead it’s the dinner she and Nigel are going to that evening. As NNE leaves, Mandy is on the phone: “And I’m doing the dessert, right?” Amanda Catanach is one of those people who just loves being active – busy at work, busy at home and busy having a good time. As already noted, she is enjoying life. NNE

mmitted to

made by Catanach’s since 2008 – and now all the trophies for Group One races conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club, which manages all meetings at Caulfield, Sandown and Mornington. The fun of horse racing is another of Mandy’s loves. During the peak season, starting late September, Mandy says she has “100 race hats” and is “constantly running between race meetings”. As well as city meetings, she is also heavily into country picnic racing that she says provide great days for all, especially families. To back up what she says, through her business, Mandy sponsors the Mansfield Cup Day meeting and has just

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“It was a town where things could be done. It still is”

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Euroaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Renaissance Brand new leases of life are being given to beautiful landmark old buildings around Euroa, which symbolised a spirit of prosperity, community and self regard, writes JOHN LARKIN Pictures: LYNNDA HEARD u

Linsey Siede well on his way to finishing the beloved National Bank in Euroa

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NNEBUCOLIC CHRONICLES

“There was a spirit of cooperation of men with vision that as a result really gave an emphasis to the town” Jim and Sally Perry at the Court House

insey Siede can still remember how as an infant he used to walk into the chamber at the National Bank in Euroa and while his mother, Betty, did the family business at the counter, he would stand in front of the welcoming open fire. Even then he felt a stirring within himself, as though the old place was speaking to him. But scarcely did he dare imagine that one day this would become his very own palace. The transition is part of an ongoing revival in the old town of some of the most architecturally inspired and historically significant buildings in the North-East. While likening it to the ‘Arab Spring’ would be going a bit far, it is fair to say what is happening reflects new transformative times which Euroa is now approaching, a growing spirit of optimism and activity among some citizens, epitomised by a healthy movement for democracy, a reaffirmation of values, a taking of more control of destiny, and a celebration of the great assembly of heritage form and function which has given the place fabulous physical and aesthetic foundations. Typical of the grass roots advocacy is the new community lobby group, ‘Strathbogie Voices’, launched at a public meeting in Euroa in August, to produce something positive out of years of frustration with local government.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Spokesperson Kate Stothers says: “If we’re going to empower our councillors, we need to give them something to stand for and then once they’re on council, we need to support them.” Back in the bank building, Linsey Siede’s affection for the place, the kind of longing only a child’s heart can hold, has burned ever since as strongly as those flames warming him in the chamber. Built on the corner of Binney and Railway streets in 1885, seven years after the Kelly Gang held up an earlier National Bank opposite, it has lived all through the years of prosperous importance, and its more recent times as an empty, forlorn if elegant, fading monument to the golden years, as one of the finest examples of the Queen Anne style of bank building in the State. You can track some of its history by pictures of the dwindling number of hitching rails outside. There it stood, alone and uncertain, moss growing around its front steps, dust on its fine stained glass, a few torn upstairs canvas blinds flapping listlessly in the wind. Citizens speculated about its future. It was a mystery. One story goes that the last manager no longer wanted to live there for security reasons. In any case, it was sold in 1993. For a while it was run as a B and B. Finally, it went to auction in 2011. The successful bidder, in a moment of

mad, wonderful folly, was Linsey Siede. “I bought it as a retirement project – because I loved the building. I’ve had my eye on it since I was that little kid. It was a heart – not a head – buy. I’ve done a lot of head buying.” A self-made man who trained as a mechanical engineer, he presently helps Australian automotive suppliers with business opportunities in Malaysia. “If you had to make a business decision, you wouldn’t have bought it.” But he went ahead, because it was his dream? “It’s a bit of a nightmare at the moment.” He says this with a certain rueful edge in his voice. But his affection for the old place is plain. “It was something I wanted to do.” The building has since revealed a few unexpected shocks in extra costs, to repair the ravages of time. The worst has been the roof. “I knew there were problems, but didn’t know how bad it was.” He soon began to realise the moment he saw daylight through the ceiling of one of the upstairs rooms. The building had to be surrounded by scaffolding, and heritage protection required new slating to replace the old, which was Welsh. Linsey scouted around, and found Spanish tiles the same colour, saving $15,000. In the overall cost of around $125,000, it all counted. Linsey is not flashy, not even flamboyant – except for his one u

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magnificent obsession. In fact, he was so discreet at the auction that his mother, Betty, who was standing beside him, did not even know he was bidding, let alone buying it. The sale price was around $665,000. In Melbourne or Sydney, it would have fetched untold millions. The old place is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. It has bluestone foundations, triple brick walls, vast high ceilings, cedar woodwork, sweeping verandahs, corridors and doorways leading in all directions, one-inch thick knotted pine floorboards so solid they still never creak, ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’ style staff quarters, wraparound wrought iron, a staircase to heaven, and glasswork so fine it might have been forged by the breath of angels. It still has its vault, with such a lingering sense of exclusive off-limits that even the ghosts dare not venture within. Best of all is its ambitious, inspired design. It was created with love, and now it is being restored with even more devotion.

Linsey is doing most of the repair work himself, with help with plastering, plumbing and electricals. But otherwise he is up the ladders, or down on his hands and knees. He also does all the gardening. Some of the restoration will take much time, effort and patience, to remove the layers of paint from balustrades and fireplaces. Part of the adventure and fun is finding replacement materials, some of which had gone missing. The other day, he tracked down two original doors, stashed in a garage and about to be burned as scrap. He buys many items of furniture on the Internet. Not so fanciful has been dealing with authorities’ many heritage demands, the insistence on detail, for which he receives no financial help. But he is a determined, if modest, man, as well as, just this once, a dreamer. As for his possible future use of it: “I don’t honestly know. I am leaning towards some sort of antique shop, restaurant, tea house.” Whatever happens, the building will

bring a new elegance and energy to Euroa. You can bank on it.

he old National Bank is but one of an extraordinary range of high quality older buildings with which Euroa is blessed. Some of them have had a commercial history, others residential. Currently, the situation is attracting new attention and comment because several of the places have new owners, and new futures. The more recent acquisitions include, as well as the National Bank (1885), the former Colonial Bank (1889), the Court House (1890), and the Public Hall (1884). The activity has drawn local historian Jeff Starkey to describe what is happening as a ‘renaissance’.

he new wave of fanciful and functional renewal to sweep Euroa is in addition to the next generation of uses to which some other historic properties have already been put. They are the Butter Factory (1901), now a restaurant and accommodation,

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

The North Eastern Hotel

the Euroa Flour Mill (1873), now a wine bar, and function centre, and the Farmers’ Arms Hotel (1876), now a museum and historic society headquarters. Then there is a host of other historic buildings in which their original functions are still continuing. They include the Post Office (1890), Railway Station (1873), Seven Creeks Hotel (early 1860s), Euroa Hotel (1884), North Eastern Hotel (1889), Church of England (1884), Roman Catholic Church (1886-87), Methodist Church (1897), Presbyterian (now Uniting) Church (1889), Euroa Primary School No. 1706 (1876), Binney Street Newsagency (1900), Masonic Lodge (1901), A.P. Gardiner Building (1901), ‘Blairgowrie’ shop and residence (1890), and residences ‘Plym’ (1890), ‘Vega’ (early 1890s), ‘Wittabrenah’ (1880s), ‘Fermoy’ (1857), and ‘Birchill Cottage’ (1870).

n all, it is a remarkable collection of structures, notable for not only their classical quality, singularity, durability, and the sheer power of their presence, but also the stories behind their creation, the people, the society of the day, the state of the world, both at home and abroad. The Historical Society says in its detailed ‘Euroa Heritage Trail’ literature, which lists 35 sites: “The early buildings of Euroa are an inheritance from another world; when Victoria was a British colony at the height of Queen Victoria’s Empire. Its buildings stand as evidence of the confidence and foresight of early settlers and traders. Whilst still retaining their value as reliable premises, the buildings display an elegance and solidity lacking in modern construction. “According to the Department of Planning and Community Development, there are buildings that offer great potential for conservation and restoration in harmony with growth of the future.”

In fact, once we polish our perceptions, open our eyes, take our time, and really look around, and up, we see that Euroa has far more than its share of these structures. Prominent local citizen, the lawyer Michael Tehan, who loves Euroa with a passion, believes it has even more such places than Wangaratta. There are several views on how so many grand buildings came into existence around the same time. There was no apparent sudden surge of wealth as with a gold rush, as there was in the West. But in the late 1800s, Euroa was prosperous, confident, expansive and community minded. All this, and the town population then was only 350. The railway station was as busy then as these days it is such a sad, lonely little place, a symbol of what Euroa needs to change radically if its new life force is to be sustained. You do not have to hold an MBA to know that so many more new people would come to visit and live if there was a decent rail service worthy of the name, instead of the years u

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Guy Morphet owner of the Memorial Hall which is now his office.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

of frustrating, dithering, neglect and negativity which makes trying to use this potentially important public transport a journey into despair at the reckless waste: been-there-done-that-never-again. Back then, it was a freight centre for the wool and wheat, with its own goods shed platform, 91 metres long, the same as the original passenger platform when the line came through in 1873 – extended in 1900 to 121 metres – while passenger trains brought travellers from Melbourne who came up for lunch at the nearby North Eastern Hotel, which Michael Tehan says was the social centre of the town. The hotel was built in 1889. According to the Historical Society, it cost 9000 pounds, including furnishings. “The building contains 300,000 bricks and has 48 rooms... It is notable for its fine second storey verandah and High Victorian style and exemplifies confidence in the town towards the end of the century.” The hotel was on the main road to Shepparton, with the Cobb and Co coaches coming into the courtyard through the great brick archway, and the sounds of revelry by day and night. It even had a ballroom. While in need of repair and renovation, it still has a certain grandeur, and there are preliminary discussions underway about possibly giving it a glorious new future. In its time, it was one of the largest and best of its kind in Victoria. Given the right restoration and creative expansion, it could be a great centre of activity, and attraction for people to visit Euroa. The railway crossing used to be through a pair of very ornate gates, until one day, according to Jeff Starkey, a train came through and crashed into a passing circus. Out of this came the present overpass, which overshadows the old sense of scale, which would have been very elegant, with the line of fine old buildings along Railway Street, including the National Bank. Regrettably, the overpass also literally divided the town. At the overpass end is the Old Colonial Bank, which was recently sold at auction, having previously been occupied by solicitor and former Strathbogie councillor Peter Woodhouse and his partner, Libby, who is the shire’s chief librarian. NNE was unable to converse with the new owners, but the front room is an antique shop. Visitors say they have been told the building will be restored. This is good news, because its needs for repair are all the more because of its great beauty. Built in 1889, it later became the Bank of Australasia, then the ANZ until 1970. “This building is a fine example of Boom classicism, and is notable for its superimposed trabeated system over red brickwork, and for its upper storey arcaded loggia on the Railway Street side.”

Across the street, next to the Euroa Hotel – earlier this year the scene of a failed attempt to install poker machines – is a building which once upon a time meant a great deal to the town’s social life. People of various vintages can tell you in exact detail of how the Public Hall, built in 1884 – in 1920 it became the RSL Memorial Hall – was set out, with a stage, shops, and regular dances. Gradually the place fell into decay and the white ants were left to their own celebrations. There was consternation in the town that the place would become history indeed. Then, to its credit, the Strathbogie Shire placed an interim order against demolition. Recently, it was sold to Harper and Morphet, builders whose design specialities include sustainability and energy efficiency. They have not only saved the building, but also given it a smart, new interior and shop front, which is sensitive to the original character.

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eff Starkey’s explanation for the elegant boom of the buildings in Euroa in the late 1880s is that a number of influential individuals came together at the same time – names that resonate in the blood and bones of the business houses as well as the farms and industry. They included George Sutherland, Ken Stribling, Alex Gardiner and Colonel William Benjamin Pleasents, who was the first manager at the National Bank. “He believed in co-operatives. There was a spirit of co-operation of men with vision that as a result really gave an emphasis to the town. They not only built buildings, but they also built a community. These are men who were optimists, and with foresight, who grasped the opportunity. And the banks backed them.” He has researched and written of all manner of activity at the time, for example, selectors opening up large tracts of land, broad acre and mixed farming, small holdings with the influx of workers after the gold rushes, the enthusiasm with which a town band was formed – signifying community spirit – the formation of the citizen military forces, the support for the Light Horse Brigade to serve in the Second Boer War and World War One, with local farm boys’ expert riding and shooting skills, the camaraderie and new sense of purpose... the formation of the Royal Order of Foresters. “They were people who were interested in protecting the forests.” Michael Tehan, who says: “It’s always been a pretty town”, speaks of the significant influence of the old families around Euroa, and how the elaborate buildings came partly from the wealth, and partly from the various associations formed. The buildings both complemented and influenced the people making new opportunities. “I think there was good cause for people to come u

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and stay, for social, family and business opportunities. It was a town where things could be done. It still is. “There’s always been a respect in the town.” Like Linsey Siede, he also remembers as a child going into the big chamber at the National Bank. Clearly, such establishments are an important part of Euroa’s memory, its root system, its sense of place.

uroa reportedly favoured law and order, with a very diligent police force, and a community which believed in being well-behaved. There was a strong church influence, including the Methodists. For such a law abiding centre, Euroa was given a remarkable Court House. Located prominently in Binney Street, it was built by George Diggle in 1890, and recently passed into the possession of Gooram farmers and prominent citizens Jim and Sally Perry. The Historical Society records: “It was designed by J.T.Kelleher, of the Public Works Department, and is a rare example of Victorian Court Houses designed in Romanesque style. It is notable for its picturesque massing, the heavy portico with its arched entry and the large bulls-eye vent over the portico.” It is in good condition apart from some white ant damage, and will be restored to its original design, which means 34 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

demolishing a few appendages added when it was once used as a B and B. The Perrys, who were much drawn by the place’s remarkable stained glass decorations, are intent on restoring the building’s pristine integrity. They even enquired from the Historical Society what kind of gardens were there originally, so they could replicate them. It seems there was nothing special, so new roses have been planted. They soften the strong lines of the building behind. Meanwhile, the new owners, who want to build a complementary residence there, in keeping with the main building’s character, have been engaged in protracted negotiations with Heritage Victoria over conditions for a permit. The court was still functioning in the 1980s. Michael Tehan says his father, Jack, also a lawyer, came in the late 1920s. Initially it functioned as a court of petty sessions, and later as a visiting magistrate’s court. It also had JPs on the bench. For somewhere dating back to the rough justice days of hanging and flogging when revenge was the way rather than rehabilitation, the interior is remarkably welcoming, with its high ceilings, radiant glass, ample light and rows of cedar and hardwood decoration, some of it hand carved. Although capital punishment was not administered there – left more to the

harsher house of Beechworth – Michael Tehan says serious crimes such as murder and rape were featured from time to time to decide if there was a case to answer. Illegal SP bookmaking was popular. At one stage there were four law practices in Euroa. Jim Perry says a friend who came to visit, remembered being there once before. That time he was in the dock, and lost his driver’s licence. Finally, the Justice Department decided that all future cases could be heard in Benalla and Seymour, and the old building went silent and withdrawn, leaving behind just the ink stains on the clerk of court’s desk, the marks where the magistrates’ gavel had hit the bench as the law was handed down, and the sighs and cries of prisoners’, plaintiffs’ and appellants’ rights and wrongs. It had travelled a long way in its time, and earned its tears and cheers.

ot all the local old-timers are so grand, but small can indeed also be beautiful, as observed not far North along the freeway outside town. Standing alone in the middle of the paddocks, with one big tree in the garden, and the eternal sky ascending, is a dear little Presbyterian church, which still looks as loved as the day it was built. The faith imbued in its bright red bricks glows with the tests of time, the solace of the present, and the promise of the future. NNE

Some very cool operators Dean Grining at Mansfield Climate Control is delighted he and his wife Elisa made the change from living in Melbourne to coming up to Tolmie. In the city, Dean had racked up more than 15 years extensive experience across the industry as well as on the job training with large air conditioning organisations in town. However the call of the country got to the couple and a few years back, the couple made the move to Tolmie and Dean found himself a job in Mansfield. It wasn’t long before Dean felt another call – this time to run his own business. So he did and Mansfield Climate Control came about in 2012 with he and Elisa starting from scratch. The couple proved the adage that fortune follows the brave, but Dean and Elisa also know that it was more than luck. It was hard and quality work, and only working with the best products that has seen the business grow. Now Mansfield Climate Control also employs young Mansfield man Zack Burns, who as Dean’s apprentice technician is soon to receive his full qualifications.

With Dean passing onto Zack the experience he gained in Melbourne – not just on residential air-conditioning systems, but also on large commercial and industrial systems – the two are always kept moving. Dean and Elisa today are continually overwhelmed at the response they receive from happy clients. They now offer services such as fault diagnosis, installation, new system designs and service/maintenance schedules; in fact, anything to do with air-conditioning and refrigeration is their business. Mansfield Climate Control doesn’t forget its clients after any installation; they are really great at their follow-up service and ensuring clients are completely in control of their systems. They are proud to be able to offer the service they do while keeping their prices as low as they do. For any needs in air-conditioning or refrigeration, Mansfield Climate Control is the business to call. They’re located at 1471 Old Tolmie Road, Tolmie, telephone 5776 2103.

These days Dean and Zack have their own fully fitted vehicles so they can keep up with the heavy demand for their services.

MANSFIELD CLIMATE CONTROL

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NNELAND CARE

The hills are alive with the sound of …. Botanists and Landcare volunteers have been delighted with the findings from a two-year project conducted in the Valley of a Thousand Hills at Strath Creek. LAURIE MACMILLAN from the Strath Creek Landcare Group reports

“

Connecting habitats and carbon storage on steep hills” might seem a fairly dry description of what has been happening in the King Parrot Creek catchment over the past two years, but when you get a bit closer to the ground, it is really much more exciting. The Strath Creek Biodiversity Project started in mid-2012 with the aim to transform marginal agricultural land (primarily steep hills) into a biodiversity asset, using revegetation, protection of high quality remnants, modified grazing systems and pest management. As part of the Australian Government funded project, remote motion sensor cameras have been installed on several of the sites to find out just what animals are moving around when no-one is looking. Regular bird surveys have been conducted to see what birds are coming and going, nest-boxes have been installed and monitored, and professional botanists aided by keen amateurs have

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

been scouring the hills to discover what plants and shrubs are growing in some very harsh conditions. The searches so far have turned up some unexpected results such as the Striped Legless Lizard, an endangered species which had not been recorded in the district previously. The Long-Nosed Bandicoot has made an appearance along with birds rare in the district, such as the Spotted Quail-thrush and the Southern Whiteface. Brush-tailed Phascogales appear on camera on several sites and, although described as a threatened species, they seem to be coping quite well in the valley. As for the flora, several small uncommon plants which are easily overlooked have been found and, given the right conditions, should spread into new areas. These records will provide the basis for comparisons between the condition of the sites when the project started and what they will be like in the future. During the project a wide variety

of native plants and shrubs has been selected for each site, planted and guarded by volunteers and very soon the bare hills will be transformed into habitats suitable for a much greater variety of fauna. Many species require specific types of vegetation to feed and breed, and the smaller creatures in particular need the cover of shrubs to move across the landscape. Fencing out livestock will protect any native bush remnants inside the revegetation sites. Linking existing vegetation through newly planted sites will provide corridors for wildlife to use. The project started with the aim of revegetating an area of 110ha of the King Parrot Creek catchment, but this has now grown to well over 200ha. The larger the area that is rehabilitated and protected, the more the biodiversity of the valley will be improved, the better the health of the ecosystem will be and the greater the variety and abundance of wildlife. NNE

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NNEPEOPLE

Music, gardens and other natural therapies

Gary and Di relax in their beautiful eclectic garden

Gary Soloman and Di Ware have brought many changes to Narbethong’s old post office. Late in October, the garden will be open for inspection. JULIA FOLETTA reports

he historic old Post Office building at Narbethong has seen so much change this century under the ownership of Gary Soloman. More recently with Gary linking up with Di Ware, the garden has also been landscaped, taking on a fresh look with new plantings, sculptures, winding pathways, raised decks and places to take time out. Di’s garden will be one of the attractions of the open gardens weekend for Alexandra and District over the weekend of October 25 and 26. The Post Office first opened in 1883 and later moved to the present site where it was destroyed in the 1939 fires and then rebuilt. For much of its early years, Mrs Olive Oxlee was the resident postmistress. She operated the telephone exchange and post office from 1935 until it closed in 1993. Olive wrote in her memoirs: “At the moment all is quiet, but in

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Narbethong one learns that a certain period of quietness is to be expected; but don’t let it fool you, for any moment anything can happen and generally it does!” Something did happen and in 2013 an end of year concert in the Narbethong Hall left the audience astounded at the musical talent that had emerged from this small rural community. The performance was produced by Gary Soloman and the stars were students of his music school, located at the old post office. It all began one day in 1999 when Gary was heading back to Melbourne and noticed the ‘For Sale’ sign as he passed the old post office. What followed was a rebirth. “The property was abandoned and totally overgrown with ivy. I fell in love with it, made an offer and bought it. I was going through a difficult time in my life and was looking for a peaceful place

to live. This property has a beautiful energy that appealed to me instantly and it was begging to be re-opened,” Gary says. So Gary spent many hours and weekends improving the old post office, residence and bungalow. The result is a special place in a sheltered clearing, encircled by towering trees. His toil has paid off. But music is really Gary’s calling and he has spent much of his life involved in the music industry and these days he is passing his knowledge and passion on to a whole new generation. In Melbourne Gary had the fortune to be taught and mentored by a well known session bass player Ron Terry. Melbourne’s music scene was vibrant at this time and Ron introduced him to a lot of well-known promoters and musicians. “I would fill in for Ron at gigs and this enabled me to gain a strong foothold in the industry playing in pubs, clubs u

or more than 20 years, Garnet and Elsa Bailey have taken the journey of dignity with friends and family of those who have passed. The loss of a loved one can be a time of stress and confusion and you may have questions that need answers or quite simply a shoulder for support. We are here to guide you through this difficult time and will do so with the utmost care, compassion and discretion. We proudly serve the traditions of all cultures and religions within our communities with respect and attention to detail. We also specialise in repatriation and bereavement counselling to help you create healing moments after loss. We want you to be able to reflect, the day of the funeral service, the day after the funeral service, and the years that follow, that it was right, it was fitting, it was well done. So reach out to us so we may serve and honour your loved ones. Our promise to you is... nothing but our best will do.

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NNEPEOPLE

“This property has a beautiful energy that appealed to me instantly and it was begging to be reopened”

and entertainment centres. Ron was a great mentor for me, sharing his enormous wealth of musical knowledge and so now, I too can pass on the same experience to my students,” Gary says. Today from his studio in Narbethong this musician, composer and mentor teaches music, singing, guitar and bass to local children along with a sprinkling of adult students who, in some cases, are tapping into previously latent musical skills. “There is a lot of real talent out here, probably more per head than I have found anywhere. I can see that the local performers will be making a strong contribution to the music culture in this region for years to come,” Gary says. Gary understands the importance of appearing in public, so once a month he hosts an ‘Open Mike’ session for his students and for anyone who would like to come along, sing and perform at the Black Spur Inn in Narbethong. “For some, performing to an audience can be a big challenge and often a whole different aspect to one’s character can emerge and the audience gets to see them shine while sharing their own story through their music. “It can be a humbling experience to watch someone giving it all.” During Gary’s long music career he has played with and organised bands

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

for touring international artists such as Bo Diddley and The Drifters along with some top Australian artists including John Paul Young, Doug Parkinson, Colleen Hewitt and Marie Wilson. “As a session musician I was exposed to many different music styles from Country Rock to Reggae to Jazz and Blues. Blues are really my roots, but as a musician I enjoy remaining open to many styles,” Gary says. Gary still performs and several times a year he and daughter Tallulah Lacey, as the duo ‘GT’, head to the New South Wales coast to perform. He says, “Together we have built a regular touring circuit.” He has released four albums and he is presently putting the finishing touches to his fifth album entitled ‘Hollywood Boulevard’. But there’s more going on at the old post office than music and mail. Out the front of the place is a sign saying ‘White Lotus Day Spa’, which indicates that something else is happening. This is where Di Ware comes in. Formerly from Alexandra, Di has influenced more recent changes to the historic site since joining forces with Gary in 2010 – and the changes are not all in the garden. Her background experience in natural therapies, retail and hospitality have

all merged within her new business. The front of the building house is now a shop stocked with spa and natural therapy products, exotic teas, candles and giftware. Outside, one of the pre-existing buildings has been transformed into an elegant space for Di’s massage and spa therapies, while another outbuilding has been rebuilt, as the double storey Treehouse Cottage, used as accommodation for couples. “We really are a great team and each project has grown organically, step by step,” Gary says. And for Gary, there’ll soon be a new recording studio with stage for musical performances. On the Open Gardens weekend, one lucky person will win a night’s accommodation in the tree house and a spa package. This prize is a donation to the Open Gardens weekend as a whole so anyone visiting any of the open gardens under the Alexandra umbrella will qualify. Then on Sunday, November 30, visitors can sit back in Narbethong and enjoy the music of Gary’s students at a public performance – and the launch of the first CD featuring the students. For more information contact Gary on 0407 505 764. NNE

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We offer free and accurate advice on all our plants. And if you can’t find what you need in stock – ask us and we can get it for you. Alexandra Garden Centre also stocks a large variety of potting mixes, manures, composts and sugar cane mulch. We also have a great selection of Giftware ideas for all occasions, including wall art, candles, water features, garden furniture, ornaments and a large variety of pots outdoors or indoors – and if you can’t find that perfect gift we also have gift vouchers.

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NNEGARDENS

There are so many wonderful gardens open for viewing throughout the NNE region during October and November that there’s no excuse for not looking at some of them. Below are some of those gardens that we knew about at time of going to press. By no means would we claim it is the complete list, so check on the different web sites and with the information services offered by each shire council. Or you could just grab a red pin, close your eyes and use this list. Be assured that whatever property your pin lands on will be magnificent.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

See some of our most gardens

beautiful

Bright and surrounds www.brightspringfestival.com.au October 19 – November 3 Entry fees are nominal and vary Lavender Hue by Bill and Verona Sullivan 20 Great Alpine Road, Harrietville. Phone: 5759 2588 or 0408 698 456 10am – 5pm. October 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31 and November 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 A lavender farm in an idyllic setting. Shady Brook by Anne and John Atkins 20 Mountain View Walk, Harrietville. Phone: 5759 2741 or 0438 050 475 10am – 4pm, excluding October 19, 20. Five acres of landscaped garden with thousands of spring flowering shrubs. Malcolm and Mirella McKinnon 261 Wobonga Lane, Eurobin. Phone: 5752 1621 10am – 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, October 19, 20, 26, 27. A native garden overlooking the River. Plants on sale along with Devonshire Teas Chalets Lumineux by Julie and Tony 414 Back Porepunkah Road, Bright. Phone: 5750 1700 11am - 3pm, October 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 and November 1, 2, 3. Silver birch, claret ash, liquidambar, colourful azaleas, camellias and daffodils Chestnut Tree Holiday Units by Rod and Marielle Porter 154-158 Delany Avenue, Bright. Phone: 1800 682 100 Open daily 10am - 6pm, October 19 to November 5. Three acres of landscaped gardens. Kalimna by John and Noeline Gilmour 176 Delany Avenue, Bright. Phone: 5750 1793 Open 10am - 4.30pm, October 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and November 1, 2, 3, 4. One acre of maturing garden. Heaven – Lea by Nancy and Joe Cincotta 9 Iarias Lane, Bright. Phone: 5755 1298 Open 10am-4pm, October 19-November 4. One acre full of rhododendrons, mollis

azaleas, tree peony, roses, and vegetables. Heritage Shaddock Trees by Bright Accommodation Park 438 Great Alpine Road, Bright. Phone: Tracey 5750 1001 Open daily 1pm - 5pm, October 20 November 6. Two of only four shaddock trees in Victoria. These trees are over 100-years-old and are listed with the National Trust. Wandi Woods by Nola and Kevin Woods 40 Centenary Avenue, Wandiligong. Phone: 5755 1084 Open 9.30am – 4.30pm. October 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 30 and November 2 and 3. An established garden, set on 3/4 of an acre. All plants withstand the wide variances of temperatures. Wandi Valley Chestnuts, ‘Ando’s Angels’ by Lynne Sgambellonie 875 Morse Creek Road, Wandiligong. Phone: 5755 1807 10am - 4pm, November 3 Nightingale’s Apples by Marianne Nightingale 708 Morses Creek Rd, Wandiligong Phone: 5755 1127 Open daily 9am to 5pm. October 10 November 4. Varieties of roses, rhododendrons and azaleas. Geoff and Mary Hall 19-21 Martley Street, corner Back Porepunkah Road, Porepunkah. Phone: 5756 2370. Open 10am - 5pm, October 20 - November 6. Well established garden featuring over 400 azaleas and 100 mollis azaleas. John and Margaret Corcoran 196 Clemens Lane, Myrtleford. Phone: 5752 2194 10am - 4pm, October 25, 26 and November 2, 4. Large trees and rose gardens. Clementine Cottage by John and Trish Bock 258 Clemens Lane, Myrtleford. Phone: 5752 2243

10am - 4pm, October 26 and November 3. Rose arbour, shady garden and terraced vegetable beds. Norala Garden by Mette Schepers and Mike van de Graf 77 Gavin Street, Bright. Phone: 0423 781 668 10am - 4pm, October 19 - November 4. Heritage specimen gardens established 50 years ago. Blair Homestead by Sue & Tony Toleman 21 Old Harrietville Road, Germantown. Phone: 5750 1550 / 0438 495 101 Open 10am - 3pm, October 19, 20, 26, 27. 100-year-old homestead with stunning backdrop of similar aged oak trees. Mystic Mountain Art Studios and Garden by Barry Willcox and Annemarie Wiegerinck 46 School Road, Wandiligong. Phone: 5755 1851 Open 10am - 4pm, every day except Mondays. Himalayan dogwoods, camellias, grevillea, forest pansies, maples, golden ash and Ginko.

Mansfield (Open Gardens Australia) La Dolce Vita by John and Susanne Norton. 252 O’Briens Rd Ancona Phone: 5778 9543 November 29, 30 4 acre garden adjacent to the forest Mansfield

(Part of High Country Festival) Student Arts in the Garden Presented by Mansfield Garden Club October 26 and 27, 10am - 4pm. Artwork and/or musical performances 50 Mt Battery Road, Mansfield. Sunday, November 3 10am - 4pm: Open Gardens Presented by Mansfield Garden Club. Visit four beautiful local gardens. 1 Trish & Ken Thompson, 35 Hollams Road, Mansfield. 2 Val Davis, 96 Highett Street, Mansfield. 3 Rita and Tom Tomic, 79 Monkey Gully Road, Mansfield. 4 Judy Bell and Simon Jackson, 99 Monkey Gully Road, Mansfield. Tickets and directions from Mansfield Visitor Information Centre.

Monday, November 4 10am: Wetlands Discovery guided walking tour (approx. 45mins). Free of charge. Experience the Mullum Wetlands native flora and fauna Meet at Mansfield Visitor Information Centre.

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Alexandra and district See separate report in this section Open gardens October 25-25. ‘Open Garden’ signs will be placed on major roads in Alexandra and surrounds. Details www.alexandraopengardens.com.au or phone 5772 1999.

Wangaratta and district

Elegant blending of old and new

(Open Gardens Australia) www.visitwangaratta.com.au/events Sunday, November 9, 9.30am to 3.30pm Nola 5727 0295 or Isabel 5721 3449 $15 entry includes morning or afternoon tea Myrrhee – Wild Hen Farm 165 Redcamp Lane, Myrrhee November 15 and 16, 10am to 5.30pm Cheryl 5729 7698 or 0408 393 105 Talks on grass-fed free-range egg production 11am and 2pm daily.

Six private, individually themed suites

Murrindindi Area

(Open Gardens Australia) ‘Carey Cottage’ 56 Carey Road (off Killingworth Road) Killingworth (Yea). October 18 and 19, 10am to 4.30pm ‘Mareeba’ 1 Creed’s Road Murrindindi. October 18 and 19, 10am-4.30pm Narbethong Farm 551 Maroondah Highway Narbethong. November 15 and 16

Relax, unwind and enjoy

Tallarook (Open Gardens Australia) ‘Swan Lake’ 250 Ashes Bridge Road. Tallarook. October 11 and 12, 10am-4pm

Yackandandah Area Six stunning gardens. Maps available from the Yackandandah Information Centre, Phone: 02 6027 1723 High Street, Yackandandah. October 15 and 22, 10am-4pm u

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NNEGARDENS

An oasis at Ancona For the first time, the stunning garden at ‘La Dolce Vita’ in Ancona will be open. JOAN TEHAN reports

‘Century Fox’ Bob and Janis Hentschel. 100 Fox Haven Court, Junction Hill. ‘Junction Hill’ 4373 Whittlesea-Yea Road, Junction Hill. Bob and Barbara Glenister. ‘Carpenter Garden’ 4726 Whittlesea-Yea Road, Yea. Sue Carpenter

Marysville

Yea Area www.yearotary.org.au November 8 and 9, 9am-5pm ‘Yirraba’ 225 Webb Ware’s Road, Glenburn Eugene and Margaret McAleer and Ken and Ursula Webb Ware. ‘Serendipity Homestead’ 41 Joyce’s Road, Glenburn. John and Barbara Moir. ‘Glenburn Station’ Chris Malcolm. 225 Break O’Day Road, Glenburn.

www.opengardensmarysville.org.au November 22 and 23. Margaret & Frank Ipsa 3 Marysville Woods Point Road. Merran and Peter Guest 71 Kings Road Mary and Reg Kenealy 4 Gould Terrace Marysville Village 13 Barton Avenue Sue Pearce & Mike Dally 13 Barton Avenue ‘Waratah House’ Leanne and John Philip 7 Barton Avenue ‘Delderfield’ Jacqui and Ian Pearson 1 Darwin Street ‘Streamline Tress’ 34 Retreat Road Michelle and Donovan Wilson Marysville Heart Murchison Street Historical Society Rose Garden 39 Darwin Street Post Office Garden 22 Murchison Street

ohn and Susan Norton are both heavily involved in their garden at ‘La Dolce Vita’ in Ancona. They have drawn on natural resources on the property in creating their garden including for mulching. Most of the trees and plants have been propagated by the Nortons as they have established this beautiful, imaginative garden on a limited budget. It’s proof of what is possible with some hard work and resourcefulness. John and Susan have created some magical spaces within the garden for their family including a children’s fairy garden. The immaculately maintained fouracre garden is adjacent to the forest at the foothills of the Strathbogies. It is an ideal location for a picnic next to the children’s fairy garden and the ornamental lakes. Open for viewing for the first time, morning and afternoon tea will also be available when you visit. There is an $8 entrance fee. ‘La Dolce Vita’ is opening under the Open Gardens Australia scheme. 252 O’Briens Rd, Ancona (via North Creek Road) mail: johnsuenorton@hotmail Phone: 5778 9543 Opening: November 29 and 30.NNE

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ne weekend in Alexandra and three standout events. Fabulous floral displays, gorgeous gardens and there’s the fun of the picnic races at Alexandra’s beautiful race track. The weekend events launch on Friday evening October 24 with the opening of Alexandra’s Festival of Flowers at St John’s Anglican Church. Innovative, modern exhibits as well as traditional floral designs will be on display. Guest speaker Leanne Gillies from Flemings Nurseries will speak on how kindergarten playgrounds can be transformed using natural elements. Refreshments will be served and the festival remains open throughout the weekend. Contact 5772 2986 Then the Saturday and Sunday (October 25 and 26) is Open Garden Heaven. Visit up to ten superb town and farm gardens. Gardens range from manicured and cosy enclosures to the splendour of extensive properties. Be prepared for possible encounters with

Late in October, it looks like a weekend not to be missed in Alexandra with the floral festival, stunning open gardens and the opening race meeting of the Victorian Spring Racing season. LINDY SLOAN reports

contented chooks, native parrots, farm animals, compost heaps, fruit, nut and berry orchards, and vegie patches. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the magnificent property ‘Morning Mist’, owned by Karine and John Haslam. It is difficult to imagine the original blank canvas of cleared grazing land that is now an established park-like environment created in relatively few years. John and Karine’s dream of creating a simple, self-sufficient life has developed into reality as they reap the rewards of their efforts. An enclosed area houses about 40 fruit and nut trees as well as happy chooks that earn their keep demolishing grubs, snails and other pests. A substantial vegetable and berry garden produces abundant high quality seasonal produce and the Haslam’s self-sufficient lifestyle is supported by rain water tanks, a water treatment plant, a diesel generator and solar power. Theirs is truly a magnificent location, an enviable ambience and a productive place to live and thrive. Visitors to ‘Morning Mist’

will not be disappointed. The award-winning open gardens event in Alexandra and district, not only provides wonderful examples of the regions’ noteworthy private gardens, but also the opportunity to experience special features in some of the open garden venues. Wood craft, garden art sculptures, quilt display, plant sales, catering, day spa & musical performances will ensure visitors have plenty to engage with. Bring your camera and the whole family. All details www. alexandraopengardens.com.au or phone 5772 1999. And you swing into the Spring Carnival with the ‘Run for the Roses’ race meeting on Saturday October 25 at Royal Alexandra Race Club for the official opening of the Victorian Picnic Racing season on Cox Plate Day. Take your own picnic or buy from food stalls on course. Entry $12, concession $6, children under 16 free. Further information: www. alexandraraceclub.com.au or the secretary 5773 4304.NNE

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NNEGARDENS

Yea combines country and city gardens After the Melbourne Cup is done and dusted, it looks like a great time to visit Yea. ELAINE WHITE says November 8 and 9 is the right weekend to ‘Take the Time to Smell the Roses’

he Yea and District Open Gardens weekend, organised by the Rotary Club of Yea, will showcase ten beautiful and exceptional private gardens, all except two open to the public for the first time. Ranging from large country gardens to a small town courtyard garden, all are extraordinary, some simply stunning and the diverse variety of styles and features will delight all the senses. Whether the starting point for your visit is through Yea township or travelling from Melbourne, the six country gardens make a perfect round trip through some of Victoria’s most picturesque scenery. Many of the large gardens feature stunning views of the surrounding countryside to further enhance your visit. The ‘Glenburn Station’ and ‘Serendipity Homestead’ gardens today are stunning after a lot of hard work and loving care by the keen gardening owners to fully restore and embellish these outstanding gardens. ‘Yirraba’ is a magnificent collection of mature trees and tiny treasures. ‘Myrtle Creek’ is a large rambling country garden with magnificent views of the Yea River Valley. There are five town gardens ranging from a delightful small courtyard garden

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

which is a perfect example of what can be achieved in a small space, to a new estate garden which perfectly complements the modern home. The final three gardens at Junction Hill are all vastly different and all delightful. One has stunning views complementing their lovely garden. Another is nestled in a pretty valley with the garden taking full advantage of the gentle slopes as it meanders down to the beautiful water feature at the bottom of the garden. Another unexpected feature on the day will be the display of the owner’s vintage cars and workshop and don’t miss the happy hen house! The Carpenter garden greets you with a circular driveway surrounding a beautiful birch woodland under planted by bulbs and other treasures. Large flowering shrubs create rooms for you to find more delights around every corner. The Yea and District Open Gardens weekend is to be held on November 8 and 9 from 9am to 5pm each day. Tickets are $5 per garden or $30 for entry to all gardens and are available from the Yea Information Centre or at each garden gate. For details and maps go to www.yearotary.org.au or call 5780 u 1274 or 0431 572 365. NNE

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OPEN GARDENS Beautiful gardens open for your enjoyment 25-26 OCTOBER, 2014 10am—last entry 4pm Individual garden entry $4 All gardens entry $30

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Showcasing Marysville through its gardens 22nd and 23rd November 2014 www.opengardensmarysville.org.au ph. 5963 4345

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NNEGARDENS

Blooming Marysville

As fast as the village of Marysville is being rebuilt, it looks like the gardens are coming along faster. CASS JASPER reports

he two acre property owned by Jacqie and Ian Pearson in the centre of Marysville was, according to Jacquie “just a horse paddock”. Jacquie says they “cleared the blackberries and built the house and the guest cottages”. Then they created a beautiful garden. It is a retirement plan that is a labour of love. Jacquie’s garden is one of the eight gardens open to the public in November for the first time. With fellow organiser John Philp, the two have worked closely with residents and the village of Marysville to boast of its many beauties and activities. “We want to show Marysville to the world and what can be achieved with young gardens,” says Jacquie; and all the evidence is there when you see what Jacquie has accomplished. “We are lucky as the climate here enables us to be blessed as things grow like crazy,” she says.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

“Our intention in holding a weekend of open gardens is to beat Marysville’s drum and show it as the oasis in the mountains that it is. A destination whatever time of year it is. Marysville is the perfect sanctuary from the heat of summer, a delight for the eyes in Spring and Autumn and a must in Winter to enjoy the snow,” says Jackie proudly. “The gardens are seasonal here and the changes dramatic; at the moment it’s camellias and daffodils,” explains Jackie. And as you cast your eye around the extensive garden you are drawn to the Silver Birches that are about to leaf and turn the promenade from an avenue of striking silver barked trees to a leafy shady avenue. In Jacquie’s garden at 1 Darwin Street, there will be live music from local musicians Bev and Leigh Fraser and gardening author Jeremy Francis from Olinda’s ‘Cloudehill’ will be a guest speaker.

Another eight gardens will be open around the village as well as drop-in (free entry) gardens. John Philp’s garden is a marvellous collection of grasses and herbaceous plants scattered with sculptures. Plants will be offered for sale. Reg and Marg Kinerly have an eclectic garden that they have rebuilt. Peter and Merran Guest’s garden was planned by a garden designer and constructed by a gardener. As Jackie affectionately puts it, “Merran loves her garden passionately, but admits that she is not practical and is hoping there are no hard gardening questions on the weekend.” Frank and Mary Epsa started with a blank paddock and have transformed a slope into a tiered garden. Michelle and Donovan Wilson from Streamline Trees, propagate deciduous trees and will be answering questions and demonstrating on grafting.

Jacqui and a glimpse of her garden

All of the gardeners will be present and ready to answers questions. Entry to the private gardens is $3 per garden or an all garden pass will be available. The free drop-in gardens are at the History Centre with a display of roses, the central Gallipoli Park with the Steavensonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River flowing through, and

the Post Office courtyard garden. And there is the sheer beauty of the tree lined Village of Marysville itself. The village stores will be open as will the market on Sunday morning and you can drive up to the breath-taking Steavensons Falls or to the peak of Lake Mountain. Just out of Marysville is

the Buxton Nursery for those who are inspired to buy a plant or ten. Marysville is open and blooming. www.opengardensmarysville.org.au Jacqui@delderfield.com.au 5963 4345 NNE

Discover Winton Wetlands

Wangaratta

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Photo: Rene Martens

Take a walk, go for a drive or explore the Wetlands on your bike. Rich in history and teeming with wildlife, a visit to the Winton Wetlands will stay with you long after you leave.

Winton Wetlands Glenrowan Benalla

Only 15 minutes from the Hume Highway (Benalla exit).

Visit our website to find out more about what you can see and do in this unique part of North East Victoria.

www.wintonwetlands.org.au

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

Local Showcase JASON ROBINS PHOTOGRAPHY

YEA VETERINARY HOSPITAL

MADE IN MARYSVILLE AND SURROUNDS

Jason Robins Photography is proudly located in the Border North East and provides professional Wedding, Landscape and Commercial photography. We pride ourselves on offering quality imagery with a creative yet natural approach. Wedding packages are designed to meet the individual needs of our couples. Every effort is made to ensure exceptional results and experience. Having won awards for Landscape Panoramics, JRP was also awarded Highly Commended in the 2013 Albury/Wodonga and North East Wedding Awards.

Your local husband and wife veterinary team offering professional up to date information helping you make the best decisions for your pet.

Local artists, crafters and producers from Marysville and surrounds showcase their talents by being members of the collective. With hand-made and home-made jewellery, knitwear, paintings, pottery, cards and produce, 30 skilled members enjoy the community connectedness and inspiration that the shop affords them. Starting as a market stall blossoming to an incredibly beautiful shop, relax in the café serving home-made cakes, quiche (soup in the winter) and toasties made from local produce.

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CLASSY CLOTHES

MAYGARS HILL WINERY

RUSTIC HYDE

There is no substitute for the experience of sight, touch, feel, fit and advice when shopping in person at a quality boutique. At Classy Clothes we pride ourselves on offering the very best of service based on 20 plus years in women’s fashion. Conveniently located in the centre of the Benalla main street and stocking a wide range of labels including Olsen, The Clothing Company and Caroline Sills in sizes ranging from 8 to 20, we can make your shopping experience something extra special.

Jenny Houghton acquired this 20-acre property in 1994, for its viticulture potential and as a location for her B&B cottage. From hand planted three acres in 1997, the winery now has four acres of Shiraz grapes and two of Cabernet Sauvignon. Fastidious viticultural policy of careful pruning, spraying and handpicking has achieved the required low yield per vine and consistently produced small intensely coloured and flavoured berries. The results – elegant and complex award-winning wines. Open on request.

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Advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment including digital radiology, ultrasonography, endoscopy and in-house lab machine. Full small animal/equine hospital facilities. Equine lameness, frozen AI and dentistry. Full on-farm beef cattle service, Professional groomer, premium pet food and merchandise. All pets and livestock catered for with personalised care and expertise. 24hr emergency service.

Strathbogie wine region

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A concept of a collective

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Custom gift or travel packs available and in time for summer the new 100% Natural mozzie spray. Visit our website for the full range of products. Quality is not only in the product; it is also in the presentation.

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The wine tour without the bus! Aromatic whites, elegant reds, classic sparkling wines; 15 wineries and over 60 different bottles of wine, local craft beers and cider, all at one cellar door. High Country Wine Cellars, open Wednesday to Saturday and public holidays 11am to 5pm, can offer you all this and more. We feature a large range of mouth watering local cool climate wines from the Upper Goulburn and the Strathbogie wine regions for tasting and sales, and delivery can be arranged.

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PACK SADDLING WORKSHOP

GOULBURN VALLEY NURSERIES

Y WATER DISCOVERY CENTRE

Join our two day pack saddling workshop to share ideas and learn about the world of pack saddling. Demonstrations and presentations from a vet and pack saddlers, displays of pack saddles available and much more.

A new one-stop specialty shop has taken root in Yea. For ALL your garden needs.

This new, accredited Visitor Information Centre will help you discover the treasures of the Murrindindi Shire. Play with interpretive displays while learning about our precious asset: water, and its importance to all forms of life. Stroll the Franklin Track, or picnic in the Yea Wetlands. Spot a platypus from the suspension bridge or a kingfisher as you enjoy your walk. Browse local products and crafts in the retail area.

Presenters/ideas/products/stalls/displays

Three course camp fire dinner Saturday night, raffles, door prizes and lots of fun. All funds raised will go towards the new camping facility in the Black Range, on the Mt Monda Trail. Join the fun 22/23rd November – book now.

Jo & John Kasch P: 5963 7264 jkasch1@bigpond.com www.packsaddlingaustralia.com

Dig it Plant it Grow it

Quality plants and friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you get it right the first time. Looking for something special? A wide range of quirky, unique gifts bring back the fun of gift giving. Open Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Drop in and check out the regular shop specials.

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Now open

This is a must see NEW attraction!

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/pages/Y-Water-Discovery-Centre NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNECOUNTRY

125

Mansfield Show is

This year the town of Mansfield celebrates the 125th anniversary of its agricultural show. Organising committee member CASS JASPER writes of what to expect. Picture courtesy: AMANDA SWANEY

Winners from the Mansfield Show held in 2013

25 years ago the people of Mansfield held their first Agricultural and Pastoral Show. It was in the late 1880s when the Show was formed by farmers who wanted to share their techniques, to compete for best livestock, to best each other for baking, to share and to socialise. The Mansfield 2014 show will be no different, apart from the faces having changed. Families still gather to be part of this rural, idyllic day. According to Georgina Richardson, a member of the Mansfield Show committee, “The Show has great relevance to our rural lifestyle and with the great support from friends, volunteers and committee members it will be a great occasion.” In Victoria, the first ever show was likely a competition recorded to have occurred in 1848 in, of all places, Moonee Ponds – well before it was part of the inner city. Back then a group of farmers organised a ploughing competition; it was held to improve the quality of the tillage and crops in the colony. The idea obviously caught on.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Georgina compares yesterday’s and today’s shows, “Over the years, the livestock exhibitions have dropped away, but there is still an excellent opportunity to showcase the country in all its glory. There is a future for young presenters, be it livestock, baking and artwork.” Mansfield’s 125th birthday show is jammed packed. Apart from horse showjumping and a full range of equine events, there will be poultry competitions for junior and open sections. Sheep and fleeces will be judged, as will photographs. You can compete in baking, needlework, quilting, sewing, knitting, preserves, garden produce, floriculture, art and craft and amateur wine making. However, ploughing is not on the agenda. The alpaca handling workshop will be held at 9:30am before judging the handlers at 11:00am. This competition is open to anyone over the age of 12 and there will be prizes for the first three places. Throughout the day there will be gourmet cooking and whip cracking demonstrations, mini motor bike stunt

riders, the dog high-jump and the Shetland Pony derby. There’s also a crowd favourite, ‘Poo Lotto’. “In honour of the 125th Show there will be a Grand Parade at the conclusion of the horse events on the large arena. Horses, cattle, vintage engines and a stage coach will all participate,” explained Georgina. 2014 is also the year of lifestyle farming and the Show will be providing small landholders with the opportunity to gather and share information as well as meet like-minded people. “It is a family day for those on the land, those in town and those visiting. It is a lovely day out, a day to be enjoyed in a beautiful setting. We have kept the prices family friendly to ensure a great day without breaking the bank and entry for children under 12 is free,” said Georgina. “The local Mansfield schools are all involved in the Show and the hope is for a lovely day; the weather does helps”, said Georgina. “Friends and volunteers of the Show work hard maintaining and updating the showground facilities. This year the luncheon pavilion has been upgraded. We welcome volunteers, not just around show time, but throughout the year. There are projects always on and everyone has something to offer.” The 125th annual Mansfield Show will be held at the Mansfield Showgrounds on Saturday, November 15. For more details please contact the Secretary on 0427 420 488, email carolhoran@bigpond. com or refer to the web site: mansfieldaandpsociety.com.au NNE

It’s

1874 - 2014

131st Alexandra

Showtime in Annual Show

Alexandra

Saturday 8th November 2014

Celebrating Local Farming Families... Alexandra Showgrounds. William St. Alexandra More information: M: 0477 002 051 E: pna.alexandra@gmail.com

www.alexandrashow.com.au Alexandra Show Dance

Saturday 8th November 7pm-11.30pm

it’s a Hoedown at the Showdown

Live band “Couchgrass” Fiddle player & called dances Dress in your country finest Gold coin donation entry Prizes & gifts Drinks at bar prices

YEA AGRICULTURAL, PASTORAL & HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION INC

Recreational Reserve, Snodgrass Street, Yea

Saturday November 22

6-Ring Horse Show • Goats • Poultry Fleeces • Great Euro Beef Challenge Excellent prizes • Working Sheep Dog Demonstrations Dog High Jump • Bute Utes & Custom Cars Yea & High Country Pipe Band • Horticulture Cookery • Crafts • Photography Children’s Entertainment Includes Magic Show, Circus Show & Workshop Animal Nursery • Show Rides Show Bags • Pet Show • Decorated Bikes

Centenary Showtime

Friday November 21 • 6:30pm - 10.00pm Family Extravaganza - Food, Fun and Follies Exciting Children’s Games & Races, Bands, Fireworks Special Heifer Show & Sideshow Alley Open

Picnic Racing At Yea

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Contact: David Elford Ph: (03) 5821 3565 Mob: 0438 629 542 Email: david.elford@opteonproperty.com.au Website: www.opteonproperty.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNECOUNTRY

Yea Show turns 100 After a faltering early start many years ago, the Yea Show celebrates its 100th birthday with the 2014 event. The theme, apart from celebrating its centenary is ‘Country Excellence’. Organising committee member ELAINE WHITE reports

his year is the 100th year for the Yea Show and to celebrate, Yea is holding the ‘Centenary Showtime’ on Friday November 21 and the mega Show on Saturday November 22. On the Friday evening, the family ‘Showtime Carnival’ kicks off at 6.30pm with games, bands, a Heifer (young cow for those not in the know) Show for the North Central Beef Expo and will end with a grand finale fireworks display. Saturday is Show Time and the events will showcase the best of ‘Country Excellence’ with family entertainment that will ensure a great day out and a memorable Centenary. A historical display will showcase the many features of past show years. North Central Beef Expo and Stud Cattle Show, always one of the biggest features of the Yea Show highlighting the quality and quantity of commercial and stud beef produced in this region, will feature the ‘Euro Challenge’ with excellent prizes on offer. After a long absence, Dairy Goats return this year organised with Tintern College with a revamped Fleece section. The Pavilion will be packed and other

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

attractions will include sheep dog demonstrations, the ‘Flags On Convoy’ Bute Ute Show, chainsaw carving, the Yea and High Country Pipe Band, the Jumping J’s skipping team and lots of other entertainment for the children. In 1874 the Yea and Alexandra Pastoral and Agricultural Society was formed. The first proposed Show in 1874 was nearly postponed because of a general election and the prevalence of a Diptheria epidemic in the district at that time. The first Show was held on a Thursday and according to records from then: “Visitors flooded in from neighbouring towns with special trains running from Seymour, Alexandra and Mansfield. The gate receipts realised a very favourable eighty pounds.” For the second show in 1910 a record 600 people came down from Mansfield by special train with their livestock also on board and that town staged “a marvellous exhibition”. In 1911 a Dairy Herd competition was introduced which ran for many years reflecting the large dairy industry in the district at that time with the Yea & Mansfield Dairy Factory, still a prominent building in the town, exporting butter throughout Australia and to the ‘Mother Country’. In later years the Dalgety Beef Herd competition was highly contested locally with several of our local properties winning the state finals.

The 1915 Show was pronounced a great success despite the adverse conditions produced by the war and the prolonged drought and a profit of five pounds was made after donating 20 pounds to the patriotic fund. The Yea Show has continued down through the years despite battling the Depression, adverse weather conditions and the shortage of labour during the war years. Over the years the show has continued to reflect the trends and fads in agriculture and home industries. A huge range of animals and breeds have come and gone. The Yea district was predominantly a dairying and wool and fat lamb district for most of its early history, but now beef cattle, both stud and commercial, are predominant and this is reflected in the cattle show at Yea being one of the best in the state. Horses have always been a strong feature at Yea. Local show jumper Jim Slavin created a record 6’1” height at Yea and each year a special prize was offered to beat that record, but it was never equalled. The 2014 Centenary Yea Show will bring back memories and celebrate the best in agriculture, horticulture, crafts, cooking, photography and ‘Country Excellence’ in all things. Happy Birthday Yea Show and see you there! NNE

125

L A U N N A

S A T U R D AY T H E 1 5 TH N O V E M B E R

Mansfield

Agricultural & Pastoral Show MAN S FI E L D S H OW G R O U N D S , MT B AT T E RY R O A D • Whip Industries Freestyle Stunt Bike Show • Gourmet Mansfield Cooking & Produce Demonstration • Animal Nursery & Free Children’s Activities Area & Races • Whip Cracking Demonstrations • Grand Parade • Dog High Jumping • Working Dog & Indian Runner Ducks • Wood Chop • Shetland Derby • Historical & Small Engine Display • Horse Competitions & Tatong Estate Clydesdales & Harness Display • Chook Competition • Pavilion Produce, Cooking, Art & Craft & Photography Competition • Fleece & Sheep Competitions • Show Rides & Show Bags • Shearing Display • Poo Lotto

For more information visit www.mansfieldaandpsociety.com.au or contact Carol Horan: 0429 420 488 carolhoran@bigpond.com NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNECOUNTRY

Alexandra is rightly proud of its show Each November for the last 130 years, the town of Alexandra has held its agricultural show. Alexandra Show secretary DENIA FORD writes that the make-up of the shows has changed over the years, but the hope of the organisers remains the same – make it the best show ever

or the last 130 years, Alexandra has celebrated its agricultural heritage on the second Saturday in November by holding its annual Spring Show. With the threat of closure wearing down on many small agricultural shows, we are proud to have a committee, made up of junior and senior members, dedicated to the future success of this great local event. Over these 130 years the focus of the Alexandra show, as with many others, has changed from its competitive beginnings. The first Alexandra Show was held in 1874, headed by committee members who forged agricultural endeavours such as dairy and beef cattle, sheep for wool and meat, and cropping in the Murrindindi Shire. Receiving an award for ‘Best Bull’ or ‘Finest Fleece’ was a chance to promote their stock and produce – the winners of these competitions were sought-after by other producers to improve the quality of their stock. In recent years fears over spread of diseases (e.g. Johnes disease) and the cost of bringing livestock to the show has meant fewer entries. Additionally, newer technologies such as Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) have allowed farmers to pick suitable breeding stock without seeing how they perform in the show ring. These days at the Alexandra Show, we award prizes for the best commercial exhibits to recognise our best farmers. Disease spread is limited with some simple, but effective control measures. In spite of these changes, agricultural shows still offer farmers a chance to be rewarded for their good

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

practices and encourage young farmers to continue working in the agricultural industry. For those members of the community based in town rather than on the land, the Alexandra show still holds importance in our social calendar. An agricultural show brings many types of primary production to one easy location and provides the best examples to remind non-farming community members of the agricultural environment they live in. It is a great vantage point for kids to learn where our basic produce comes from; e.g. milk, meat and wool for clothing. A staple at any country show is the ladies’ pavilion. Since 1874 this section has broadened its horizons to include classes for children and even men. This is one aspect of the agricultural show that hasn’t been hindered by technological advancements, and gives all members of the community an opportunity to showcase their talent by participating. Last year we started what we hope will become a new show tradition – the Alexandra Show Dance. The dance is held at the end of the day on the showgrounds and is a chance to meet some locals, listen to some folk music and kick up your heels. Last year everyone had a great time learning how to ‘Dosie Do’ and ‘Strip the Willow’ and we look forward to seeing many more in fine form on Saturday, November 8, to celebrate our 131st show. For more information check out www.alexandrashow.com or contact the secretary on 0477 002 051. NNE

Shows highlight the best of the regions Are there animals I can pat? Are there activities for the kids to do? What food is there? Are there show bags? Are there sheep dog trials? When is it and what time? Are there children’s rides and side-shows? Are there cooking and photography contests? Are there horse competitions? Are there any rural demonstrations? Is there a shearing demonstration? Apart from dates and times, the answers generally are yes. The NNE region is bulging with Agricultural and Pastoral Shows – some that have been running for 150 years. The show is the opportunity for the region to show off the best of the best in country living and they are so much fun. It is the opportunity for young and old to display and compete, be proud and learn. It is always a great day to go to the show. Below are some of those from across the region. Check out the websites for more information.

Mansfield Show

Yea Show

Dookie Show

Dookie Showgrounds, cnr Baldock and Dookie streets Saturday November 1 email: schaplin@unimelb.edu.au

Myrtleford Show Myrtleford Showgrounds Myrtleford Saturday October 25 myrtlefordshow@bigpond.com

Mansﬁeld District Race Club invites you to

CHEER PUNT

FLUTTER

Benalla’s 132nd Show Benalla Showgrounds, beside Benalla Lake Friday October 17 & Saturday October 18 www.benallashow.com

Fashions on the Field proudly sponsored by

LAUGH WINE & DINE

Fully licensed No BYO

MELBOURNE CUP PICNIC RACES Tuesday 4th November

Admission: entry $20 adult $15 concession children under 16 free

Book your Umbrella & Marquee Packages now! Purchase a Ticket into the Crown Marquee All Inclusive Experience at $175 per head. Call Mansﬁeld Party Hire on 5775 3000

Euroa’s 124th Show

FUN

FASHION FRIENDS

www.mansﬁeldraces.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNEFARMING

Autumn or Spring calving Nearly 20 years ago when IAN DUNN and his wife purchased river flat country at Thornton, they had tenants on the land who ran a Spring calving herd of Charolaiscross cattle. When the Dunns gradually took over they adhered to spring calving without question and as the operation developed into a small Angus stud, they commenced calving each year in the first week of August. But over time, questions were raised as to whether the Dunns would be better off calving in Autumn. Ian has spoken to a number of people with expertise, from respected cattle producers and others with knowledge of the topic. But ultimately we may have to agree that there is no single correct conclusion; however, some of the comments may offer guidance. u 58

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

For Your Animals

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NNEFARMING

All in a days work “The risk of grass tetany may be simply too great for Autumn calving”

t Strathbogie, Alistair and Glenda Thompson are strong supporters of Spring calving. On 510 acres they run 260 breeders, initially pure Angus, but now Charolais/Angus cross. Alistair carries Spring calving as far forward as possible. Calving takes place in July and is completed in August. Alistair’s reasoning is that he maintains the old adage of having maximum feed for maximum mouths is correct. By calving so early, the cows get the benefit of the full flush of grass as their calves are growing. This enables the Thompsons to have two choices. They may sell a majority of calves as early as February/March at seven to eight months while keeping the others up to 12 to 15 months. During the worst months for feed many of the cows are dry, their calves having been sold. At the same time such early calving does have drawbacks. The Thompsons

Alexandra Veterinary Clinic

sometimes lose cows to grass tetany, even though they have very young calves on them. The result is there are often a few orphan calves requiring bottle feeding. I then turned to Andrew Allan of Rodwells at Alexandra. His advice is interesting. Subject to a couple of points below, he believes that generally it is difficult to get the same price for Spring weaners as for those born in Autumn. The current season is a good illustration. After dismal prices for a year or more, the market has bounced to the point that Autumn calved weaners are likely to sell very well. But Andrew qualifies his comments by pointing out that for certain properties, the risk of grass tetany may be simply too great for Autumn calving. Mick Curtis, of Euroa agents Newmarket, believes that on average, Autumn calves are 30kg heavier than those born in Spring. On drier, flat

Dr Doug Norman B Sc (Hons), B.V.Sc (Hons)

Dr Jacinta Kelly B.V.Bio, B.V.Sc (Hons)

Clinic Hours by appointment Phone. 5772 1600 Mobile. 0408 576 456 49 Bayley Street, Alexandra 3714 60

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

country a number of his clients prefer to calve in Autumn, but the majority of his bigger clients are Spring calving, and his clients with hill country generally calve in Spring. Again he mentions the problem of grass tetany with Autumn calves. For those not familiar with cattle production, a word about grass tetany is perhaps necessary. It is a condition caused by a deficiency in magnesium, due to a calf draining its mother of magnesium when the calf has grown to the stage that it requires increasing volumes of milk. It is a frightening condition. Even experienced cattle producers see no signs of danger, before a cow drops down, dead. The accepted treatment for cows regarded as at risk, is the addition of a magnesium supplement with hay. This is both costly and time consuming, a point which Andrew Allan thinks is sometimes u overlooked.

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NNEFARMING

All in a days work

This led to a call to Doug Norman, the well known leader of Alexandra Veterinary Clinic (who often writes for NNE). His advice is for a new operator to work out just how he or she wants their business to operate. If you want to get your calves off the property as soon as possible, to concentrate on the weaner sales pre or post Christmas, Autumn calving may be the way to go. But (and it is a big but) one’s property might be unsuitable because of the risks that are posed. As Doug points out, the accepted risk factors for grass tetany are calves three months or older, a flush of green grass, with a deficiency in dry feed and dirty weather. The risk is greater therefore if you’re farming exclusively river flat country. If one combines river flats with hill country where lactating cows may graze during winter, the risks are minimised. On balance, Doug thinks spring calving is an easier operation provided one can ensure decent shade and water plus feed in Autumn when spring calves are weaned. I next spoke to Chris Oswin who for

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

the past few years has managed Alpine Angus near Porepunkah. This is a major stud breeder which combines Autumn and Spring calving. About 25 per cent of the nearly 400 breeders are Autumn calving. Two calvings means that the outstanding bulls are better utilised – working twice a year rather than one. But Chris’ comments relate more to commercial cattle producers rather than studs. He sees evidence of a galloping trend towards Spring calving, but worries about it at least for small producers. He points out that if one has, say, 40 breeders on 100 acres, the property is fully stocked. Most Spring calves have to be retained into a second Spring, to be sold at say 14-15 months. He raises the question whether smaller producers have the capacity to retain calves for long after weaning. If they do have additional land capacity, the risk is minimised. Back to our arrangements at Thornton. Like Alpine we were attracted to two calvings and so, in what turned out to be the hottest summer on record (2009), we produced our first Autumn

calves on February 1. Initially the outcome was a disaster. Two of our best cows calved successfully in blazing sunshine, but did not get the calves into the abundant shade available. One dead calf ensued, with another narrowly avoiding that fate with a couple of days of hand-feeding on electrolytes! In subsequent years we backed off a little. Even three weeks later, temperatures drop a little. Incidentally and by contrast, cold, miserable weather is tolerated well by calving cows, and the calves are well covered and seem unaffected by cold, whereas they are definitely vulnerable in the heat. Ultimately our Autumn calving experience was satisfactory, though there is no doubt that cows which calve in Autumn are harder to successfully rejoin. So, there you have it. Spring calving is thought to be easier and perhaps less risky, but at least in a good year the returns may be greater for the Autumn calvers. Careful consideration of one’s individual circumstances and some good advice are obviously vital. NNE

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NNEALL IN A DAYS WORK

Extraordinary advances in equine motherhood With the recent news of Black Caviar safely delivering her first foal, veterinarian DENIA FORD, now working with Western Equine Veterinary Services in Hoppers Crossing, returns to NNE to discuss equine reproduction. u 64

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

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NNEALL IN A DAYS WORK

n past issues of NNE, we’ve covered problems that can arise around foaling time such as retained after-birth, failure of transfer of immunity from mare to foal and ‘dummy’ foals. For those mares being asked to step up to the plate of motherhood in 2015, we will cover a few of the neat developments in equine reproductive technologies that have taken some of the miracle out of conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy. Mares are seasonally polyoestrus, which means they cycle multiple times, but only for part of the year. A gestation length of 11 months and the aim to foal to match an increase in grass growth in Spring means that mares naturally start cycling as the day length increases. Some studs get their mares to start cycling earlier by keeping them under lights for at least 16 hours per day in the months leading up to the normal start of the breeding season (September in Australia). When my grandpa was breeding Clydesdales many years ago, he relied on the mare’s interest in the stallion to determine when to start covering her. She was served every second day until she lost interest in the stallion. This method worked well in most instances, but a stallion could serve a mare two or three times in one cycle to hopefully conceive one foal. For thoroughbred

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

stallions that potentially cover hundreds of mares in a breeding season (or two seasons in the case of shuttle stallions), there needed to be a more efficient use of his energy. This is where follicle scanning has become advantageous in equine reproduction. Follicles develop on the mare’s ovaries during the reproductive cycle and, when the right size, ovulate to release an ovum into the oviduct for fertilisation. With palpation (feel) and, more recently, ultrasound we can determine the size and rate of growth of a mare’s follicles, hence predict when she is likely to ovulate. If the follicle is thought to be close to ovulating, injectable ovulatory medications can be administered to ensure it ovulates within 36-40 hours. This allows for the most accurate timing of service and therefore the highest chance of the ovum being fertilised. Once a follicle has ovulated, the ovum only remains viable for fertilisation for eight to 12 hours. In contrast to this, sperm in fresh semen can live for up to two days in the mare’s reproductive tract. Sperm survival times are shortened when semen is chilled or frozen (approximately six hours) for use in artificial insemination, further demonstrating the advantages of follicle scanning to timing of insemination to coincide with ovulation. Use of

frozen semen requires follicle scanning every two hours to ensure semen is inseminated as close to ovulation as possible. Collection of semen from a given stallion allows multiple inseminations from one service and distribution across the country and the world. Chilled semen is suitable for travel from interstate or New Zealand while frozen semen allows movement of genetics from all over the world. This is a more practical and feasible way of expanding the gene pool of stock in Australia without having to import the stallion. Freezing semen also provides the option of breeding from stallions that are no longer able to reproduce due to illness, injury or death. Ideally the mare should be scanned after insemination to confirm the follicle has ovulated. This scan is also important to check for the presence of uterine fluid which is produced as an inflammatory response to semen in the uterus, usually more significant in naturally covered mares. This fluid can reduce the rate of embryo survival and implantation, hence pregnancy. Embryo transfer is becoming more frequently used in equine practice as it provides the opportunity for one mare to produce multiple foals in any given year. Mares that have particularly high genetic value, haven’t been retired to

All in a day’s work “The most exciting aspect of the scanning saga is finding a pregnancy” service fee. If a pregnancy is lost after broodmare status and those that may be day 40, the mare is highly unlikely to high risk in later stages of pregnancy are return to cycling in that season. often flushed for embryos rather than Unfortunately a positive scan at allowed to carry a foetus to term. The 45 days isn’t a guarantee the foal process requires insemination timed on will be carried to term. Placentitis follicle scans then flushing of the uterus (inflammation of the uterus) can occur with a special solution when the embryo as the result of systemic illness in the is eight days old, before implantation in mare and ascending infections. This is the host uterus occurs. The embryo is a major cause of abortion in the later collected via a special filter, examined term of pregnancy with most mares for size and age and either immediately showing few to no clinical signs of implanted into a hormonally prepared disease. Premature development of the recipient mare or cooled for transport. udder and lactation can be a feature of The most exciting aspect of the placentitis. Fortunately, mares that have scanning saga is finding a pregnancy. had abortion resulting from placentitis Pregnancy scans are usually performed can go on to conceive and carry foals to at 14, 30 and 45 days post-insemination. term in future. High risk mares are often The 14 day scan is important to assess medicated intermittently throughout for multiple pregnancies. In the event their pregnancy with a progesterone that twin embryos are detected, the supplement and in some cases oral smallest embryo is destroyed using antibiotics. a crushing technique. Twin foals are On green Other background methods of pregnancy rarely carried to term, and if they are, diagnosis include a blood test to are usually smaller than normal foals measure oestrone sulphate. This with a higher risk of complications hormone is persistently elevated after post-birth. Twins detected later than this day 80 of pregnancy and is a good scan can be difficult to reduce without option for pregnancy diagnosis in the terminating both foetuses. A positive absence of facilities such as stocks or a scan at 45 days is required by most crush. studs/stallion owners to charge the set

Although most mares carry their foal for 11 months of the year, those bred earlier in the season can have a tendency to carry them longer, still delivering a normal foal up to 1-2 months ‘overdue’. All mares are different and it can be very tricky to predict when they will foal. Udder development usually occurs a few weeks prior to foaling with ‘waxing’ of the teats occurring anywhere from days to hours before foaling. The muscles over the rump usually soften and the ability to hold the tail in a downward position reduces in the lead up to foaling. The majority of mares will foal at night between 10pm and 2am so many mare owners have sleepless nights awaiting the arrival of their new baby. On white Hopefully this technological discussion hasn’t tainted your view on the wonder of conception – regardless of our intervention it will forever be an amazing natural process. And remember, if you have any questions about reproductive technologies and your mare, please don’t hesitate to contact your vet. NNE

54 Grant St, Alexandra 5772 3110 andrew.embling@landmark.com.au On green background

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NNEFAMILY MATTERS

How children learn to overcome normal fears and anxieties

Often, when parents see their young child struggling with some irrational, overblown fear or anxiety, they become worried and concerned. Again, when a child’s behaviour is inexplicably naughty, defiant or aggressive, or perhaps miserable and withdrawn, parents can be concerned and confused, unsure of what to do. That anxiety in itself is not a bad thing. It is part of the process of normal development. Everyday fears and anxieties are inevitably experienced by children. Psychologist CHERYL CLARK looks at what these ‘normal’ fears are, why they occur and what we can do about them

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

“Clinging behaviour, not going outside, not going to sleep, are all understandable, but are poor solutions”

very normal thought in a very normal child’s day may be: “I am really angry with dad because he won’t give me my game back. Mum doesn’t care because I saw her laughing with dad, so I hate her too.” Even though we see the simple misinterpretation, young children don’t know what to do with these conflicting feelings and usually they lash out as a means to resolve the conflict they feel. As parents, we need to first attempt to understand what led to such behaviour. We need to acknowledge our child’s anger and in words easy for them to understand, we explain the problem and how best to resolve it. A response could be: “I know you want to play that game more than anything, but mummy does love you, and we must find a special place to leave it now til we get back after school.” Children who don’t lash out, but push the anger down, grow anxious because they start to believe that they caused mum and dad not to like them. It is this sort of anxiety that leads to ongoing or future behavioural or mental health problems. There is also the anxiety that is very much part of the process of development. For example, there is the anxiety that the infant experiences at the separation from mother, say at bedtime or naptime. We see this reach new heights at around six months and we see it again in later years when new experiences involve separation

from a loved parent. There is also the anticipatory anxiety that can be highly adaptive and useful. We know, as adults, if we anticipate danger or difficulties, we can prepare for them and this is very useful. So too, we see this in children. There is the anxiety that helps us perform to our potential when under pressure, like when sitting exams. It is the inability to cope with this anxiety that leads us to not perform as well as we can. Anxieties arising from the everyday necessities of being confronted with a very firm ‘NO’ from mum or dad, from being separated from them, from doing tests at school, visiting the doctor or participating in competitive sport are normal and inescapable parts of everyday life for children. And we don’t need to be concerned about our child’s fears and anxieties if he or she has the means to overcome them. Children need to know that they can rely on a very powerful person to protect them, to relieve tension and alleviate their fears. And this person is mum or dad. We know that children’s later ability to tolerate tension and to actively deal with anxious situations depends mostly on their early childhood experiences. The protective function of the parent is so powerful, and so vital in early childhood that even children exposed to abnormal dangers may not develop acute anxiety. Clinging behaviour, not going outside, not going to sleep, are all understandable, but are poor solutions

because they depend on ‘avoidance’. By avoiding, the child is not using his or her own resources, but rather they are increasing their dependency on their parents. And it is here that a child’s imaginative play has a very important role. It is through their imagination that children can find solutions and give themselves control over a fear that had earlier left them feeling quite helpless and anxious. Play always has meaning. It is a form of communication by the child, and it gives us a window into our child’s emotional life through what is being enacted. Likewise, a lack of imaginative play can tell as much. Whether it be at home or at school, withdrawn behaviour and a lack of imaginative play will mean there is also a lack of learning, a lack of constructive thinking. If anger, aggression, intimidation, or fear is actually a significant part of a child’s life at any point in time, it is most likely that we will see it reflected in their play. Parents have the challenging task of providing a safe place for their children’s emotional world to be played out. This means providing tolerance, understanding and protection. The level of violence and aggression in our society also means that violence and aggression in our children’s play is inevitable. Further, if a child’s reality actually reinforces their fantasised fears, for example, where there is an extremely angry, violent or threatening parent, the child will have enormous difficulty in overcoming them. u NORTH BY NORTH-EAST 69

NNEFAMILY MATTERS

Bonnie Doon is kick-back central!

• Reassure children that things will be alright, that solutions will be found. • Understand what your child’s behaviour is likely to be saying. Remember, a child’s behaviour is an expression of, and a means of communicating information about their needs, their wishes, their purposes, intentions, their fears and worries. • Make up stories that parallel your child’s experience and that tell of positive approaches to solutions and positive outcomes as a result. As children grow up, we can use language increasingly as a powerful tool to explain and elaborate our thoughts and feelings and how they are linked to our behaviour. • Finally, we need to ensure that what we are attempting to promote are the tendencies and preferences of our child, and not our own.

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In summary, many childhood fears and anxieties are inevitable, adaptive or useful, and children can learn to cope with them actively and productively. In the process, an engaged, sensitive, responsive and tolerant parent is what a child needs most. NNE

VOL

• Provide flexibility of materials, things rather than toys. • Children need to be able to play without fear of ridicule. • Some controlled risk is healthy. • As adults we need to be tolerant whilst ensuring safety. • We need not intervene in disputes too early; children can often transform conflicts quite quickly. • We need to provide different time and space for different age children.

North North AUG/SE4 EDITION 6 P 2014

Finally, let’s go over some valuable points in encouraging our children’s imaginative play.

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Rough and tumble play is common and normal, and its emergence is along a continuum commensurate with development. When we have ground rules like, ‘We don’t hurt anyone or anything’, we have simultaneously set the framework that excludes bullying, intimidation, teasing and physical aggression. Remember, by watching our child playing we are being let into their secrets, and by facilitating that play we are ensuring that our children are learning how to deal with their fears and anxieties in healthy, adaptive ways.

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NNEFAMILY MATTERS

The art workshop

It seems that LOUISE MUNRO has found her true inner self. Louise tells the story of her journey to become an artist

few months back I attended a three day art workshop with three friends. We had previously been dabbling in painting as a hobby, but now we were all coming out, so to speak and were somewhat nervous about it. We were willing to bare our artistic souls to be critiqued and scrutinised, so this was a big step, especially for me. The preparation also created some anxiety; I received a lengthy email from the organisers of a long list of art supplies that I needed to take. An easel was the first thing that jumped out from the page. I didn’t have one and had previously been making do with newspaper on the dining table. I realised

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

that if I wanted to take this hobby to another level I had to get serious. So I ordered an easel, on eBay of course (refer to April’s issue). The day I received it, a large delivery truck, arrived in a flurry down our driveway and let’s just say that the driving skills of this so called driver, left a little to be desired. The delivery guy almost took out a deck railing post and scraped the edge of the carport roof on his way out. It almost turned out to be the most expensive art easel. Ever! Anyway, I arrived at the workshop destination armed with my newly bought supplies, where my girlfriends and I would be masquerading as up-andcoming artists for the next three days.

The four of us were enrolled in the beginner to intermediate acrylic class – we might be dreamers, but we are also realistic. We had a real life artist as our tutor who we Googled in the car on the way there. We wanted to familiarise ourselves with her work and possibly impress her with asking half intelligent, arty questions. The first day was exciting. I set up my easel, hopefully without looking like an amateur, and set out my paints, brushes and other painting paraphernalia on an allocated table that would be mine for the next three days. I was as eager to learn and soak up new knowledge as a young child experiencing her first day at school.

“The previous late night and wine had drowned some of my enthusiasm”

Louise on show Our tutor/artist explained for the first day we would be all be painting chooks. We then had a theory lesson on how to go about doing this. It is all about layering, one needed to establish what the background formations and colours would be and then gradually paint them one layer at a time. Hearing this made perfect sense; why hadn’t I thought of this myself? Already money well spent! I enjoyed seeing my rooster and chooks come to life over the course of the day. It was very fulfilling and loads of fun. As middle aged, reasonably confident adults we tried not to compare our work to the other students, but of course couldn’t help ourselves. When chatting to other students, creating what looked like, to my naïve artistic eye, extremely good chooks, I felt extremely better when I discovered they had been painting consistently for 3 to 5 years. Utter relief actually! So, after this first day of learning so many new techniques what does one do to relax? Have dinner at the local pub, of course. My arty girlfriends and I chatted animatedly over our meals about our successful first day over several bottles of good, locally produced wine. Somewhat understandably, the second day was not so good. The previous late night and wine had drowned some of my enthusiasm. It took lots of water and several coffees, until I got into our second day project, which was producing a landscape. But when the hangover slowly dissipated I realised I was totally getting into my newfound passion. I discovered I no longer cared what the end result would look like; this was all about the journey. I found myself swooning. I was in love! That night as I drifted off to sleep I envisaged the plans of an art studio

at home and me cranking out painting after painting, forgetting my family and daily responsibilities, but being extremely happy and content creating masterpieces. Day three was painting a field of flowers. I had saved my largest canvas for this moment thinking this would be the best piece to take home and show off due to having learnt so much over the course of the workshop. Sadly, it wasn’t, but I no longer cared. On this last day, we also got to visit the many other classes being held and viewed the art created. It was inspiring to see all this creativity on one campus. The best work I saw was from a 17-yearold girl who attended the workshop with her mum. She had so much natural, raw talent, but was extremely modest. I should have taken a mental note of her name; I’m sure she will be a famous artist one day. Arriving home, the old boy and my kids seemed all caught up in their own stuff and not really caring too much about my last three days. But, maybe that was predictable when you find yourself coming down from a huge high. However, I have now sketched a plan of my future art studio and booked my son (the apprentice builder) to build it for me, in the not so distant future. In the meantime, I have permanently set up my easel and art supplies in the entrance at home. I have produced several more paintings and occasionally one of my family members will make an unexpected comment; such as my 22-year-old son admiring my work and quietly commenting, “That’s pretty good mum.” Now that makes this middleaged, newly artistic mum very happy indeed. NNE

Readers can check out how Louise Munro has advanced with her art during the Spring Arts Festival in Mansfield. Five acrylic paintings by Louise will be exhibited at the Witches Brew Cafe in High Street from October 24 to November 9. Louise promises that no coffee will be harmed as a result of her artwork on the wall.

No artists were harmed in the writing of this article, just a middle-aged mum dreaming of being the next Van Gogh – with ears intact!

NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNECOUNTRY

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Three months in Yarck Student PAULINE DROGUET is a French backpacker making her way around Australia. During her time here, she has spent three months in the Yarck community; before Pauline left, we asked her for her impressions Pictures: LYNNDA HEARD

o renew my visa I have to get rural work experience, so I am working on a horse farm in the High Country area of Victoria. Here I am in Yarck! When I first arrived I was first surprised. When we say country town in France, we imagine a small village, but this small was kind of unexpected. Yarck is basically one street along the highway with a hotel, a café, a post office/general store/café and a few properties spread around. Well let’s start then, three months to discover another lifestyle. After a few days, I am definitely happy to be in this place. Everyone is genuinely interested in your experience and offer to give you a hand if needed. For example, I was waiting at the bus stop; someone saw me and offers me to drop me off. Others offer to drive me to Melbourne when they were going there. They want to make you enjoy the most of your experience in the country; some dinners and sightseeing visits have been offered to me.

You definitely need a car to live in the country, not only to discover the surroundings but for the everyday life. You need groceries, but you are not going to get everything across the road; you have to go to the next town which is at least 15 km away, so if you are craving for chocolate at 8pm, well you better have some in stock or you’ll have to wait till the following day to get some! Funny thing, I think I met my next door neighbours for the first time at the café and never met them at the farm. Doing some shift at the café, as well as the horse farm, helped me to meet the locals and have a fair idea of the living. For example: I thought I was water-wise but being in here looks like I was not that much. You have to plan to save the water in winter for the up-coming summer. It also introduced me more to the traditional Aussie food and beverage culture. I learn how to make coffee (which I have to admit is much better than French ones), rediscover the sausage rolls and other pies.

But Yarck is truly a beautiful place, the landscape is incredible and the most amazing thing is the sky. I tell my parents that I woke up every morning at 7am just to enjoy the sunrise, with the early frost is just impressive. And they will not believe it. Feeding the horses by night is great to have all the Milky Way for myself. And another thing; Yarck is definitely an Aussie place, not only for the slang I am learning there, but also for the fauna. I’ve never seen so many kangaroos or possums than in here. Maybe a bit too much Australian for me when I first met a red-back spider, I am becoming arachnophobic living here. Just imagine yourself walking to feed the horses on an early morning, mist on the hill and light sunrise, kangaroos crossing the paddock when they hear you coming. That’s the kind of things that made a French girl’s day and this is what I want to remember about Yarck! NNE NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNEHITCHED

Hilarious wedding at Jamieson

elbourne couple Laura Matthews and Stuart van Eysden certainly like doing things with a difference. The two love hiking and skiing, so the wedding had to be in the High Country. They chose the beautiful Jamieson Valley Retreat to make the day a bit of an adventure for the 100 guests even including holding the actual ceremony on an island in the middle of the resort’s lake. The guests used a bridge to make their way to the island, but the bride and groom preferred a canoe. Held at the end of May, the wedding was hilarious with stand-up comedian

and friend Mick Wannenmacher acting as a ‘work experience’ celebrant. Thankfully, the occasion was kept legal by the services of official celebrant Heather Mull. The fun didn’t stop after the wedding. The reception was in a marquee from Goulburn Valley Party Hire, where guests were to enjoy a fabulous spread from Pure Taste’s Megan Knapp. However, first the guests had to decorate the wedding cake made in two halves by the mothers of the bride and the groom. The bride and groom ‘burst’ into the reception by tearing through exaggerated ‘before’ photos of themselves taken before they met each other.

Laura

& Stuart

Then there were the speeches with the groom’s being a stand-out where he used pre-recorded video to pretend to skype himself from 12 years ago and have a conversation with his old self about what his perfect wife would be like. The reception continued to provide much laughter, but while the emphasis was on fun, the bride and groom soul mates could not hide the feelings of love and joy. After the wedding, the pair spent a fun month driving from Perth to Darwin via Broome. NNE Pictures courtesy the multiple friends of the couple.

Bride’s home town wedding

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Kieran and Rebecca

reat Nannas pearls set the tone for the vintage inspired garden wedding of Kieran Peet to Rebecca Allan held earlier this year at Delatite Station, past Mansfield. An intimate reception of 70 guests sampled the delightful offerings of local chef and catering identity Megan Knapp from Pure Taste, protected from the elements under the marquee supplied by Mansfield Party Hire and beautifully decorated by Mansfield’s Alpine Blooms. Bridesmaid Sky Musgrave and Groomsman Max Guy took their duties very seriously as did local Mansfield celebrant Robyn Baddeley. DJ Sean Joggano soon had everyone dancing and Nicole Cannon of Libbynicks Cakes and Slices created a feast for the senses with her wedding cake. Importantly, local hairdresser Andy Dolling and makeup artist Ky Cronin ensured that all eyes on the day were on the bride. The couple are from Port Hedland in Western Australia, but the bride was born in Mansfield and always refers to it as her home town. The honeymoon is deferred til next year when the couple hope to head off on a long-planned trip to Japan. NNE

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NNEHITCHED

Rain held back just long enough

midst a soft overcast light and threatening storm clouds, Benalla couple Adele Henwood and Brendan James, assisted by the bride’s twin sister and Maid of Honour Kahlia Henwood along with bridesmaids Cara Schaeffer and Natalie Ryan and best man Kane Kerr with groomsmen Craig Schulz and Corey Schulz, were married in this simple vintage inspired wedding at Pinnacle Valley Resort, Merrijig. The timing of the March ceremony overseen by celebrant Diane Storey was exceptional as the rain held out just long enough to complete bridal photos before everyone walked into the reception, when the clouds burst open for a heavy storm. In the bride’s own words “the day was perfect”, helped by a number of locals including Ky Cronin Beauty right down to the very last hair on the bride’s head expertly prepared by Sarah Mathieson of Sarah’s Salon in Lima. Zamac Entertainment provided the music, flowers came from Blooms on Bridge of Benalla and the wedding cake from Deb McCabe. In September, the couple left on their long-planned trip overseas, starting in London and set to finish in Munich. NNE

Pictures courtesy: Jason Robins Photography

Adele& Brendan

NNEHITCHED

Special ring for special day

Pictures courtesy: Sue Davis Photography, Corowa

Andrea Dolling Hair Styling 0418 429 008 80

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

hen it came to planning a wedding there was no doubt the venue for this one had to be Lake Mulwala positioned right on the foreshore under a marquee as the bride’s family has had a property there for the past 20 years. With countless summer celebrations enjoyed by many, bride Rebecca Fenn and groom Darren Ridd could think of no better place to celebrate such a wonderful occasion with 130 of their family and closest friends. Rebecca grew up in Whittlesea and Darren in Molesworth and with family all over north-east Victoria wanting to lend a hand, their special day last April was sure to be one to remember. With beautiful weather, Darren’s uncle Ron Ridd ferried the wedding party around vintage style in his 1940’s Chevrolet truck while a Malibu Wake Boat added a big splash and extra fun by delivering the groom and his groomsmen Luke Fallon, Jarrod Sanfilippo and David Newcombe. The bride’s mother had her wedding

ring remodelled a few years ago. This helped mum make the occasion very special by gifting Rebecca diamonds that had been in her wedding ring to have set into the bride’s ring. Lou Mitchell, a family friend and qualified celebrant officiated at the wedding whilst Blooms of Yarrawonga, Prestige Catering of Cobram, Liam Dalby Entertainment of Albury and wedding cake maker extraordinaire Carol Pollard of Yea all pulled together to ensure a seamless event. The bride glowed on the day – not at all surprising given she was marrying the man of her dreams surrounded by her bridesmaids and best friends of 34 years: Rebecca Woods, Lisa Watson and sister-in-law Rachel Fenn with a little bit of professional assistance provided by Katrina of Pure Beauty Cobram and Stephanie Joy Bailey also of Cobram. Later the couple honeymooned on the Boracay and Palawan islands in the Philippines. NNE

Rebecca &Darren

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NNEFOOD AND WINE

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Two of wine’s moving moments

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We all know it’s not recommended to shake bottles of wines. They are much better stored in the one place. So, for different reasons, two wine entrepreneurs in Mansfield have had to do some careful moving recently.

ansfield’s two Davids of wine have been on the move in High Street where one has left and the other has arrived. David Ritchie from Delatite Wines has made the move from High Street back to the winery outside of Mansfield, while David Mims of High Country Wine Cellars has moved from Erril Street into the main drag. Both see their moves as better for clients and, no doubt, better for their businesses.

avid Ritchie feels that with the advances rapidly being made with iPads, tablets and Smartphone technology, many more visitors to the area prefer to plan for the type of fuller experience that a winery visit can bring. “Now that people have the ability to research their trip to Mansfield online before arriving, we feel we are better placed to be able to reach visitors and let them know we’re out here” said David. The cellar door at the winery is open seven days a week providing wine tastings and sales, plus cheese platters, produce, preserves and coffee as they did in High Street. But at the winery, they want visitors to take advantage of the view, so picnic blankets along with tables and chairs on the verandah are new additions, as well as more regular wine and food events among the vines. To celebrate its move, Delatite is holding ‘Strings in the Vines’, an opening party afternoon on Saturday October 18. The concert will feature the classical strings group, the Flinders Quartet, alongside a number of talented local music students. It’s a fair bet that food and wine will also be available. Delatite Wines cellar door is now at the corner of Stoneys and Pollards roads, Mansfield. Telephone 5775 2922. www.delatitewinery.com.au

avid Mims has a different philosophy in that he offers wines and other beverages from across the region rather than one brand. Being in a side street, his business, High Country Wine Cellars, had suffered from the lack of passing traffic. That is no longer the case. His impressive range from across the Upper Goulburn and Strathbogie regions has all been moved into the light, so to speak, around the corner into High Street and he is looking forward to attracting better custom. And David doesn’t just offer wine; he also has some terrific local beers and a popular local cider, so most customers are well catered for. High Country Wine Cellars new address is 60 High Street, Mansfield. Telephone 0437 117 693. highcountrywinecellars.com.au NNE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Picture yourself here... Standing on the 16th tee... what a great way to spend an evening

Wednesday Evening Social Golf - 9 Holes Social/Fun - all abilities $5 entry Starting October 8th from 5.30pm Members and non members welcome Bookings at the Pro Shop 5775 1218

24 Kidston Parade, Mansfield Club House: 5775 2628 Pro Shop: 5775 1218

www.mansfieldgolfclub.com.au

NNEPRODUCERS

Silvana’s pasta tribute to her mum

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The area around Cheshunt used to be known for its fields of tobacco. These days it’s cattle – and pasta. LYNNDA HEARD talks with Pasta Adele’s creator Silvana Micheli u

Silvana and Elio at their property in Cheshunt

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

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NNEPRODUCERS Pictures from Silvana’s family album. Top to bottom. Beppi and Adele Palezza Silvana and Adele, her mother 1951 Back row from left to right: Elio’s Uncle Livio, his father Tullio and mother Rosina. Front row: Elio and his brother Renzo Silvana and Elio’s wedding day 1969

“

It all started with a dare from Elio my husband; he dared me to take the pasta and sell it at the market and I couldn’t back down from a dare” says Silvana Micheli firmly. This attractive woman has a vibrancy about her that is almost tangible while she sits at the table in the spotlessly clean kitchen surrounded by racks of pasta at various stages of drying. Piled high on the table are Pasta Adele labelled boxes of tagliatelle ready to be mailed out or packed into the car and taken to the next market. “Before selling the pasta I had always thought of markets as trash and treasure – they weren’t around as they are now,” reveals Silvana. It is a very different situation these days as she and Elio attend three markets in the area per weekend – two on Saturday and one on Sunday. “Elio won’t miss a market now, he loves it. He has been bitten by the market bug and if I suggest a weekend off, he goes without me,” explains Silvana. Pasta making was not on Silvana’s radar until about ten years ago. Prior to that she was too busy on the tobacco farm in Cheshunt and her mother Adele had been the prolific pasta maker ensuring that all of the family members were constantly supplied. “I remember that mum would sing all of the time when she was making pasta and there was flour everywhere. Until the day she died, mum made pasta for all of us and her friends.” Silvana’s mum and dad bought their own farm at Myrtleford where Silvana

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

“I remember that mum would sing all of the time when she was making pasta and there was flour everywhere” grew up, but her first four and a half years was in Italy, “a true wog” as she puts it. Her father, Beppi Palezza came out from Italy in 1950 after the Second World War where he had had a bad time and had worked in the coal mines in Belgium and had decided that he could not live like that. After he had assessed the situation he organised for Silvana, who was four, and her mother Adele to be brought out 12 months later. While in Melbourne, Beppi and a mate were offered a job skinning rabbits in Mt Beauty. While there, they headed to Myrtleford, where they had heard there were a lot of Italians. Once there, they stayed. Silvana explains, “Myrtleford, according to dad, resembled the area they came from in Italy – a village called Valli Del Pasubio in the north of Italy. He felt as if he was back in Italy.” Beppi asked about work in the area and that same day he went to tobacco farmer Ron McGuffie who took him on for the next tobacco season. “Ron McGuffie was very happy with dad and kept him on, but he had nowhere to live. Ron said that if dad would bring out his wife and daughter, he would build them a home. We arrived in October 1952 and the house was not quite finished and we lived in an iron shed for about two months. The shed had hessian walls, a dirt floor, one bed which we all slept in, an open fire and boxes for chairs. “I clearly remember mum saying when we moved into the white weatherboard house, ‘Beppi, I feel like the Queen of England’ and she u

Jamieson Memorial Hall

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 8p.m. onwards

The renowned Jamieson ‘Wine,Cheese and Beer’ Evening and Auction will be held in the Jamieson Memorial Hall starting at 8pm.

MEET THE WINEMAKERS Local legendary wineries- Ros Ritchie, Delatite Winery, Mt. Terrible Estate and Barwite. Special Feature - Wines from the artisan vignerons of the mineral-rich soils of the BEECHWORTH region. Winemakers and their award winning wines will be available for tasting, discussion and sales.

Monster Auction

AUCTION

A selection of celebrated & unique Australian and International wines, special packages, cheese platters. Silent Auction items at every table.

EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL RANGE OF CHEESES

• Lunch and dinner 7 days a week • Live music last Sunday afternoon of the month • Beer garden • Accommodation • Bottleshop • Ice cold beer Buxton Hotel - Maroondah Highway Buxton Phone 03 5774 7381 buxtonhotel@virtual.net.au

To compliment the international award winning wines there will be an extensive range of Australian and European cheeses to taste. Ian Roberton, Vice-President and Chief Judge of the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers Association and a great contributor to the Event states second only to the Sydney Specialist Cheese Show”. Not bad for a little town like Jamieson! The event has been running successfully for over 30 years and has become a special highlight on the regional culinary calendar.

TASTING WINES Unlimited tastings of wines selected with an eye to high quality. Featuring wine regions, styles and grape varieties rarely found outside of specialist boutique cellars.

BEERS - from Jamieson’s own Jamieson Brewery. CIDER - Tin Shed Ciders including warmed spiced cider- too good to resist! Fabulous fortifieds from Rutherglen’s Chambers Rosewood Winery….and way more! Entry: $35.00. Includes tasting glass. This Event books out quickly, so don't delay.

Tickets available from Jamieson General Store 5777 0516 or at Jamieson Post Office 5777 0502

Sizzling Steak night - only $20 Every Thursday

Chinese Buffet - $19

Every 2nd Monday, kids under 16 eat half price

All you can eat Pizza and Pasta - $19

Every 2nd Monday, kids under 16 eat half price

Seniors lunch -$12 Available every day

Function rooms available for private or corporate events

Phone: 5772 1083

90 Grant Street, Alexandra www.mountpleasanthotel.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNEPRODUCERS

“At one stage I ended up throwing it against the wall”

A selection of Pasta Adele pasta at the Violet Town market

asked if she would be allowed to paint the trimmings and the front door bright red’.” Silvana uses red as the background for the Pasta Adele label in memory of her mum. The new house had two bedrooms, kitchen, lounge and a bedroom on the verandah. Her parents managed to furnish the house and Beppi bought Adele a washing machine. Silvana has a broad grin across her face as she recalls memories that she will never forget. “I always thought that dad missed Italy, but when I asked him he said Australia has been very good to me, this is my home.” As far as trips back to Italy for Beppi were concerned, his answer was, “Benedetta la nostra Australia (Blessed be our Australia).” He loved his adopted home. Dad and mum soon purchased their own farm in Myrtleford where growing up has fond memories for Silvana which she shares with her two sisters. Vilma Cornale now lives in Glen Waverley, while Mary Dussin is in Myrtleford. Her brother Peter also lives in Myrtleford. Silvana tells a funny story about her sister Mary who, as a kid, had always wanted a horse. Dad had said to her, “When you grow as tall as the fridge, I’ll buy you a horse.” Mary had kept measuring herself against the fridge for some months, but then forgot about it, until she realised she had shot up quite a bit. It turned out she was about an inch above the fridge so, of course, she told her dad. Beppo had always thought horses

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

could be dangerous so the last thing he really wanted was for Mary to get on one. Thinking quickly, he said, “Well Mary, now we’ll have to wait till the fridge grows as tall.” Beppo’s plan worked; he never had to buy a horse. Silvana says she had a great time as a teenager. “They were wonderful years. I played tennis, netball and soccer and was involved in the youth group at St Mary’s where I went to school. I loved being in committees, I just loved being involved. My parents encouraged us to get involved. Dad would say to us, ‘What are you doing at home on a Saturday night? Get out there and go dancing’.” It was at a dance that Silvana met Elio Micheli. “I first spotted him at church and asked dad who he was. At the dance he came over to me and asked for a dance and if he could take me home. I said no. I had my own car; I was 20 and not looking for marriage.” When Silvana left school she worked in the office of a local Myrtleford accountancy firm, MJ O’Brien and Associates. “I was a jack of all trades, but mainly interpreting for the Italians. I jumped at it and stayed for seven years. I learned so much there and they were delightful, energetic.” Sundowner, the young black Labrador, is outside and Silvana looks out the window and explains that he is searching for food; she gets up and goes outside to place some food in his bowl. On the television is the soccer, Silvana

has had it on in the background and Elio is outside feeding the cattle. After their marriage, Silvana moved to Elio’s tobacco farm in Cheshunt. Silvana recalls: “I had never worked with tobacco before and I thought I had come to the end of the earth; now it’s the nicest place on earth, but it did take about three to four years.” Today they have about 300 acres with Angus breeders. “It’s paradise here” exclaims Silvana. Like so many around Myrtleford, the government had brought an end to Elio’s tobacco growing business. That’s when Silvana started off making the pasta. “A friend dropped off a basket of eggs to me,” Silvana says. “And I thought what do I do with them. Elio piped up and said it’s about time you made some pasta.” Silvana made so much pasta that she was unsure what to do with it. Again Elio spoke up and made the market suggestion – or dare as Silvana saw it. Perfecting the product was a bit of challenge at first. Sizing and cutting was a bit of trial and error, but slowly they achieved their desired product. “I started with a plain pasta, but became bored with it and started the different flavours. Over the last 18 months I have been playing with a gluten-free pasta. At one stage I ended up throwing it against the wall. It’s still a work in progress.” Silvana laughs at the picture of the pasta dough against the wall. u

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NNEPRODUCERS

Silvana’s favourite Pasta and Sauce Ingredients homemade fettuccini extra virgin olive oil a handful of herbs 1 clove of garlic ½ cup Parmesan, freshly grated parsley, finely chopped freshly ground pepper sea salt

Method

Bring a large stockpot of water to boil. Add the salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions. In the meantime in a large frying pan heat the olive oil and chopped garlic, toss in the herbs until they change colour slightly. Add the parmesan cheese, the fresh parsley and season to taste. Serve and enjoy.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

The first market they attended was the Moyhu Market and they were unsure of what would happen. Although they only sold about ten packets on the day, they were not discouraged. “We were packing up and realised that we had only covered the cost of our stall site, but it had been fantastic being out with people again. We had been a bit down after losing the tobacco and were finding it hard to become interested in anything again. It made us remember that there was a life out there and we have made so many friends,” says Silvana – and it all started with a mere dare. After that Elio and Silvana went weekly to the local markets and soon realised that they had to split the markets between them. Pasta Adele has grown and Silvana is having trouble keeping up with not just the markets, but the number of retail stores and restaurants wanting their products. Not that Silvana sees it as a problem, more of a challenge. Posting off orders to the Hyatt in Albury or to Sydney and Cairns is one of Silvana’s loves. Cheshunt is home to Silvana and her family; her son Steve lives in the house next door on the farm with his wife Michelle and they make the sauce that now wears the Adele label. Steve and Michelle have four children Ezra, Brady and twins Charli and Kade. Silvana’s daughter Corina is married to Ben Falconer and they live in Wangaratta with their two children Erika and Ryan. Corina is the dab hand behind the design and packaging of Pasta Adele. With Cheshunt being her much loved home, when there was a threat to close down the local hall in 1975, she and her then great friend who ran the store, the late Noel Duckworth, formed a committee to save it. They organised Italian nights and about 250 of the local share farmers came. The Cheshunt group cooked the spaghetti and served it up with the band playing and, of course, wine flowing. Silvana recalls them as beautiful social nights and that they also held debutant nights. Sadly in 1987, the Italian nights ceased. Today all of the grandchildren are hands on in helping make the pasta for their own families. “The pasta making has pulled Silvana out of the dumps,” Elio softly explains. Both Elio and Silvana speak Italian at home today with the grandchildren who are also learning it at school. But Silvana remains firmly in control of the pasta: “I am very proud of our product and it has to be good,” she says. And apparently it is. In 2012 Silvana sent some samples up to the Sydney Fine Food Show seeking some tips on how to improve it. The show judges didn’t offer Silvana any advice; instead they awarded Pasta Adele four silver and three bronze medals. NNE

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SUSHI FIELD

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The most Open 7 days a week

exciting dining & coffee venue in the North East!

Opened in Benalla just days before Christmas, Rustik has already become a favourite with visitors and locals alike. This unique venue offers everything from the best coffee in town to comfortable and relaxed, high-quality dining. Visit us today for breakfast, lunch or dinner and don’t forget to like us on Facebook!

28 Bridge Street, Benalla

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NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

NNEFOOD AND WINE

Barwite Vineyards has been reinvented through a dedication to excellence, reflected in award winning wines in both the Barwite and Fridays Child range. To celebrate a new era, Barwite is excited to present a series of upcoming local events…

Spit Roast Vineyard Lunch Monday Nov 3rd 2014 Picnic style with local lamb & wine tastings

Guest Cellar Door

Saturday Nov 22nd 2014 Local wine labels showcase with LIVE MUSIC!

Pop-Up-Picnic

Thursday Dec 4th 2014 Great Victorian Bike Ride Long Lane Tour with picnic lunch

Twilight Tastings

Wine samples & canapes over the summer period

Bocce @ Barwite Coming soon!

Available for corporate events For enquiries contact Bryan Horskins M 0413 135 433 Find us at 1974 Long Lane, Barwite Email us at info@barwitevineyards.com.au Find out more by visiting our website at:

www.barwitevineyards.com.au 92

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Spiced pistachio biscuits Longwood chef COLETTE GEIER has had Spring thoughts of travelling and Moroccan tea. Thankfully she also remembered the recipe for Pistachio biscuits

ack in the day before kids (when I had a life and a valid passport) Rob and I spent a week in Fez, Morocco. We had arrived by boat from Spain and spent five hours getting from the port to Fez in a clapped out old Benz held together with tie wire and prayer. By the time we got to Fez we were feeling very dirty and disillusioned and then had to fight our way through the narrow streets weighed down with luggage. Suddenly amidst the labyrinth of imposing earthen walls a little door opened and we were transported from the hot, dusty streets to a world of Persian opulence complete with singing birds, cascading waterfalls and the air scented with attar of rose. It was heavenly; we collapsed atop piles of plump cushions and immediately our host arrived with sweet mint tea and a selection of delicate biscuits like morsels from heaven. I’d found ShangriLa. Now, back in Longwood we’re a little light on for ornate Moroccan palaces, but in the Spring sunshine, the shade of

an ancient red gum on the banks of the Nine Mile Creek is nothing to be sneezed at. The songs of butcherbirds and the scent of green grass and Eucalypts cannot be faulted, but unfortunately the table service is sorely lacking. It might not be due to Moorish influence, but more and more nuts are being grown in north-east Victoria. There’s pistachios being grown from Yarck to Myrtleford and they also make a great addition to the home garden. The biggest, healthiest Pistachio tree I know is growing in a chook yard. The chooks roost in the lower branches at night and their poo produces the biggest, tastiest nuts you’ve ever tasted, a perfect symbiotic relationship as ever I’ve seen one, it’s just best not to think too hard about it when you’re enjoying the harvest. I started making these biscuits with almonds (which are also good), but pistachios really take them up a notch. The zest and spices contribute an exotic perfumed quality and the currants add a gorgeous chewiness. I’ve made these with gluten-free flour and I think they’re even better. It creates

SWANPOOL

GENERAL STORE Proudly Presents…

Spiced Pistachio Biscuits 150g butter (room temp) ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 1 egg Zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1 teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Pinch of salt 1 cup ground pistachios 1 cup of plain flour (gluten-free if preferred) 1 cup currants

a thinner crisper biscuit with a lovely caramel flavour. A trick when buying cardamom – steer clear of the ground variety. Cardamom loses flavour quickly when ground, so it is far better stored as seeds or pods and ground just before you use it. I use a coffee grinder, but mortar and pestle do a fine job, or even a rolling pin. Place the seeds in a paper bag and crush them with the pin like a mini steamroller. The paper bag just stops them from flying about the kitchen as they avoid being squished. If you’ve never had Moroccan mint tea you’re in for a treat. It’s got to be the easiest hot drink to prepare and a great caffeine-free bev, which also aids digestion after a meal. It’s a simple case of popping a good sprig of fresh peppermint in a cup of boiling water and sweeting with sugar to taste. Now if someone would kindly whip me up a batch of these and deliver them with a cup of mint tea, I’ll be snoozing under a gum tree down by the creek and I’d be most appreciative. NNE

Beat butter and both sugars with an electric beater till light and pale and then add the egg. Beat again till incorporated and then add the vanilla and spices, nuts and flour and mix well. Remove the beaters and fold through the currants by hand. Drop teaspoon sized amounts onto a greased oven tray and bake at 160°c for 8 – 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The biscuits will harden when cool. Once again, I have no idea how long these keep, my family are like a pack of wild animals when it comes to biscuits and despite my attempts to hide them, a batch never lasts more than a matter of hours.

LISA BADE

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NNEFOOD AND WINE

The Ox and Hound Bistro

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

A better

Beechworth bistro

While in Beechworth, PAT O’BRYAN found a restaurant well worth checking out. It’s the Ox and Hound Bistro in Ford Street.

We have the best coffee in town, with light meals available in a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Not to mention our all day breakfast on weekends, homemade cakes and gluten free options.

he main street of Beechworth is lined with colourful stores stocked with loads of goodies of all sorts and intermixed with colourful eateries to cover most tastes. On this Friday lunchtime we had a specific destination in mind, the Ox and Hound Bistro. Now at this point, we should warn those who are unfamiliar with the place that it is not a pub. No, the Ox and Hound is a cosy restaurant with an understated appearance on the outside while inside is light, bright and very welcoming. Of course, if you want a hotel, there is a good one next door to the restaurant. From the time we entered the Ox and Hound, we felt welcome. The cheery, friendly service from our waitress that day, Josie Crawford, continued the generous feeling of the Ox and Hound. We were seated near the street window (they must have wanted no more customers) and instantly offered fresh water and a menu. We also quickly

ordered two glasses of the Christmont King Valley Prosecco ($9) and settled back to peruse the menu and watch the passing parade of visitors to Beechworth. Bistro owners Sean Heidke (who is also the chef) and his wife Lauren come from Myrtleford and reopened the Ox and Hound in April last year. They have thoughtfully put their personal stamp on this comfortable bistro and its menu, using local produce as much as possible. It appears to have been thought out carefully and most will find some very tempting dishes to order. The wine list offers a selection of local and Italian and French wines. A good number are available by the glass including some of the imported wines. We didn’t order it, but freshly baked bread with butter was soon brought to our table to help us decide what we were going to eat and not make us feel rushed. The bread’s aroma was almost as good as its taste. u

Outside catering and private functions are also available, so come in and see our friendly staff today!

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esseNCe COFFee LOUNGe 79 grant street, essence coffeealexandra lounge

(03) 5772 2122 79 Grant Street, Alexandra | (03) 5772 2122

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To BBQ or not to BBQ? Of course BBQ!! The best selection and wide variety of BBQ meats Sausages • Kebabs Juicy steaks • Chops And much more

5775 1163

Shop 9, 22 Highett St, Mansfield www.alpinebutchery.com.au 96

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

We were after a relaxed lunch and felt like a red so chose a bottle of the A. Rodda Cabernet Blend 2012 from Beechworth ($60). This was soft and rich on the palate, pretty well perfect for lunch. For entree my partner chose the twice baked three cheese soufflé on a vanilla, cinnamon and star anise braised ox tail sauce ($18). It was delicious. The textures of the ox tail with the rich sauce blended splendidly with the soft texture of the soufflé. From the pasta and rice dishes of the menu I chose an entree of Linguini with chilli and garlic prawns ($22). The same dishes featuered in the pasta and rice section are also available as main courses. Josie kindly checked with us as to whether chilli could be a problem, which was a nice touch. We were fine with it and the dish was delectable with delicate fresh prawns throughout the freshly made pasta. The succulent dish was tossed with butter, garlic and parmesan cheese with a touch of fresh parsley as well as some chilli. To follow I chose an entree size serve of the chicken, pork and pistachio terrine with pear relish and toasted brioche ($20). It was a dish to easily linger over a relaxed lunch. The warm brioche combined with the elements on the plate and was very enjoyable. My partner was a bit hungrier than I and had selected a generous dish of roasted chicken, pumpkin puree, Jerusalem artichoke and baby leeks ($34) from the main course list. I sneaked a portion of the chicken and could

L DAY MEALS L A AVAILABLE Tuesday - Sunday 9am till Late Light Meals & Snacks Coffee & Cake Lunch & Dinner Licensed Restaurant

Sean and Josie

well understand why the serving was quickly eaten. It was definitely a winner. To complement our meals we had also decided to share a salad of baby cos, mustard dressing with capers and tarragon ($8). It was a good choice. We would have left it at that, but were seriously tempted by a particular dessert so, yes, we gave in – but we shared. It was the Beechworth honey pannacotta with honeycomb, cinder toffee and lemon curd ice-cream ($15). This was really yum to the point where there was a bit of a fight over the last of the honeycomb. This had been a great lunch, but to be picky there’s one thing to mention. I’m a firm believer that desserts always need both a fork and a spoon to enjoy them properly. It is frustrating to chase a spoon full of some delicious morsel around the plate especially when the plate is flat and the ice cream is melting. We had automatically been supplied with two spoons for sharing; the extra forks

came speedily after we mentioned the issue to Josie. The Ox and Hound well deserves its rating in the current Age Good Food Guide of 14.5 out of 20. They will no doubt rate higher in the next issue. Apart from the a la carte menu the Ox and Hound also offers a Lunch Special for $22 with your choice of the day’s gnocchi, pasta or risotto with a glass of wine. Sounds like a reasonable deal. We’ll happily go back there. NNE

J Ox and Hound Bistro 52 Ford Street (main street) Beechworth Lunch Friday to Sunday Dinner Thursday to Monday 5728 2123 oxandhound.com.au

PI UM

NG JUMBU CK

RESTAURANT 24 Tarcombe Street, Euroa

Ph: 5795 1181 NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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High Country, High Quality With red wines from near Cathedral Mountain at Taggerty and two reds and a white from close to Mt Buffalo at Porepunkah, wine writer IAN DUNN has been hard at work. But we won’t feel sorry for him as they’ve all been good

Beautiful wines from Porepunkah Some years ago when my wife and I were operating an Angus Stud at Thornton, I was keen to buy some lovely females from Alpine Angus near Porepunkah. I had assessed their value and was delighted to buy them for a little less than expected. After the sale I went on to Boynton’s Feathertop Vineyard, which is nearby. I had mentioned to some friends that I was visiting Feathertop and accordingly I had some orders to fulfil, subject to a satisfactory tasting. Well, so satisfactory was the tasting, that all the money saved at the stud sale was expended, plus some. The ute laboured under the weight of the wines, in this case all whites. The Feathertop Riesling, in particular, was a standout and I note that the 2012 Riesling has again been very well received. Incidentally Feathertop is at an altitude of about 350 metres.

More recently I was able to taste three more of the Feathertop wines. For some reason I’d not tried the Feathertop reds previously, but on this occasion we had 2010 Petit Verdot and Tempranillo (both $30) for consideration. Petit Verdot is one of the five approved grape varieties in Bordeaux, but recently its use (usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon) has been reduced. It is a very hard grape to produce, easily affected by frost. Of interest is the fact that in the US and particularly California, a number of the better producers are offering a stand alone Petit Verdot. I’ve previously mentioned a good tasting in San Francisco when a number of ‘Winos’ brought along their best for comparison. On that occasion two of the participants brought excellent Petit Verdots. I liked them a great deal. A few other Australian producers have produced stand alone Petit Verdot including Pirramimma in McLaren Vale which produces an excellent offering. So it was with great interest that we tried the Feathertop 2012 Petit Verdot and

quite simply, it is first rate. Good nose, good colour and very rounded wine, immediately easy on the palate. We liked it a great deal. I had also looked forward to the Tempranillo of 2012, but at least initially we had some reservations. Perhaps we did it an injustice by drinking the Petit Verdot first, because we found the Tempranillo a little sharper on the palate. The influence of the acid is quite marked leading to some puckering of the lips and initial resistance to the wine. However, an hour later opinions changed as the wine seemed to have opened up. I would like to taste it again. Finally, we tasted a wine which is rarely seen being a 2013 Savagnin ($25). I have mentioned before (February 2013 Plunkett Wines) that the grape variety now identified as Savagnin, was brought to Australia under the mistaken belief that it was Alborino. I’m now tempted to think “who cares?” For this is a lovely wine. We tasted it first at a (bloody cold) room temperature, which I recommend if one is really trying to get a handle on a new white wine. One may note some resemblance to Gewürztraminer, but this wine stands on its own. A growing number of producers are growing Savagnin and I predict it will soon make its way onto the wine lists of serious restaurants. Since my initial visit, Feathertop, which also produces a vast variety of other wines, has gone from strength to strength. The winery also has a 5 stars rating from the renowned James Halliday. NNE Boynton’s Feathertop Winery (Excellent cellar door) 6619 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah boynton.com.au Tel: 5756 2356

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Trinity of reds from the Cathedral It is now nearly three years since I discovered the Mount Cathedral wines and marvelled at the quality of the reds, especially, from this small Taggerty vineyard. More recently I tasted and reported on an outstanding Reserve Cabernet from the 2010 vintage, and since I looked at it, a much better judge than I has given it a very high rating indeed. I’ve now sampled more of the reds including the 2012 Merlot and Cabernet Merlot. A large group of us relished these two. All agreed they were terrific, but at this point agreement ended. I thought that the Cabernet Merlot was the more welcoming, voluptuous wine. By contrast the Deft Palate and a couple of her supporters were adamant that the straight Merlot was superior. After half an hour with the bottle opened I conceded that the Merlot, with great colour and vibrancy, was indeed a fine wine. But all present liked both of them, a lot. At the same time, we tasted the 2012

Reserve Cabernet. Again the view was unanimous that it was first rate. I couldn’t compare it with the 2010 Cabernet which I had liked so much, and I doubt it is as good, but this is a matter of memory and I may well be wrong. The debate about the 2012 Cabernet Merlot and the straight Merlot continued in our house to the point that we decided to try them again. To this end we went to the incomparable Taggerty Store for I knew they stocked the Mt Cathedrals. Once there we started chatting, as one does, and drove home only to learn that we had inadvertently bought the 2010 Cab Merlot and Merlot. No matter, for the wines of both years are still readily available. And again the Deft Palate and I failed to agree! She still liked the Merlot better. And we both agreed that the 2010 and 2012 Merlot and Cabernet Merlot are comparable. We thought that neither year is demonstrably better.

Whatever your preference, and I urge you to try a couple just to settle the debate, one thing is certain. Mt Cathedral “do” Merlot better than most, indeed better than just about anyone I’m aware of. The winery has recently achieved 5 star rating from James Halliday, thus acknowledging their overall excellence. The Reserve Wines sell for approximately $40, the non Reserve for approximately $24. NNE

Mount Cathedral Wines Tel: Oscar Rosa 0438 090 188 or Nick Arena 0409 354 069 mtcathedralwine@optusnet.com.au

The Weekend Local Think Global, eat local.

More great news!

We have expanded our premises, trading hours and product range including delicatessen and frozen produce. Enjoy a coffee which is made from locally roasted beans or a light lunch, morning or afternoon tea, and browse our extensive range of produce from the Strathbogie Ranges and beyond.

Open Thursday to Sunday 9.30am to 4.00pm. 43-45 Binney Street, Euroa

Ph 0427 905 227 www.theweekendlocal.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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A long (wider) Weekend Local

he walls are lined with timber shelves stacked with pickles, jams, condiments, salts and peppers, olive oils, dukkahs and an assortment of must-haves for the best of kitchens. There is enough produce to fill a shop three times its size. A single table with two chairs and a small bench sit against a section of one wall, outside on the footpath are two more tables; it is a tight fit. At the rear of the store is a bench with a coffee

Winery & Cellar Door 182 Shannons Road, Murrindindi T 9730 2883 M 0432 435 180 E wine@sedonaestate.com.au W www.sedonaestate.com.au Follow us on Facebook

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machine and there’s always a smiling face welcoming you inside. This was Weekend Local yesterday. Today it is three times the shop, literally. Dayle has knocked a hole in the wall and into the shop next door and spread out. The addition now accommodates tables and chairs, menus, a delicatessen and more of the local produce from the Strathbogie region. It’s a compliment to the industrious types in Strathbogie region that there are so many great producers out there

W I N E RY

OPEN TASTE STAY

cooking and growing, and coming up with jars and packets of wondrous foods to fill kitchen cupboards. The Weekend Local in Binney Street, Euroa, has lost none of its genial feel. What the change has enabled Dayle to do is to make her mark on the store and to spread her shelves and to give the Weekend Local the ‘Dayle feel’. And not content with just knocking down walls, Dayle has also extended her ‘weekends’. She now opens Thursdays to Sundays. NNE

James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2015

Wed - Sun & public holidays 11am - 5pm the highly awarded Sangiovese, exemplary reds & crisp whites for Sedona’s delicious produce platters

The Yarck Hotel

Saturday 18th October 2014 starting at 7.30 pm

Band: The Strap-Ons Theme dress: The 1920’s Buffet dinner, complimentary drink on arrival & drinks at bar prices Auction: All proceeds go towards the refurbishment of the Merton Memorial Hall which was completed in 1923 Contact: fundraisers3715@gmail.com Facebook page “Merton fundraisers” or call 0409 789 615

Family friendly * Open res * Great country meals * Beer garden * Accommodation * Functions * Bar open 7 days * Lunch Fri-Sun, Dinner Wed-Sun * Bottle shop T: 5773 4226 www.yarckhotel.com.au

Wine Tasting & Sales

ain

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Exclusively Upper Goulburn Region wines plus local beers and Tin Shed Cider

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... a wine tour without the bus Trading Hours - Wednesday To saTurday from 11am & Public Holidays oTHer days by aPPoinTmenT 60 HigH sT, mansfield 0437 117 693 info@HigHcounTryWinecellars.com.au HigHcounTryWinecellars.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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A giddy breakfast at Yarck Many people firmly believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Generally, PAT O’BRYAN agrees, especially when the meal is just right – like it was at Yarck’s Giddy Goat Café

t was a first of the glorious spring mornings that north-east Victoria has – so lovely that we seated ourselves outside at the Giddy Goat under the verandah overlooking the garden. And the joy of this time of the year was that there were no flies. Both of us were looking forward to that first Sunday morning beverage and we were not disappointed. Soon we were served a strong latté and a pot of English Breakfast tea, black with two slices of lemon and honey on the side. It was a real pot of tea with loose leaves floating in the pot and a pot of hot water for that mandatory top up. The Giddy Goat has become a bit of an institution at Yarck and its menu has more than a dash of humour. In fact, the whole place has a sense of humour. But the menu is well worth reading through thoroughly; creations include the Fat Farmer’s Breakfast, Cowboy’s Brekky and the Goldilock’s Brekky. Our first item of choice was scrambled eggs and a pile of bacon on traditional sourdough ($12.90) for one and, for the other, a mushroom medley, which consisted of butter and thyme tossed mushrooms with crumbled fetta cheese on sourdough toast ($11.90). Both dishes were generous in size and looked great when they reached us. Slabs of toasted sourdough were covered with the scrambled eggs that were light and fluffy. And the serving of bacon was more than generous. Importantly, it was also not too crisp. Now I know that some people enjoy their bacon well done, but not this one. However, the Giddy Goat would, I am sure, cater to all bacon types. As for the mushrooms; well, there were four types and according to the waitress the mushrooms used vary according to which are fresh at the time. The mushies were buttery and were at the floppy point (my technical term, of course), meaning that they were still

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in shape, but cooked through. On this morning, the four types of mushrooms used gave the dish a wonderful and distinct flavour. The fetta was crumbled on top of the mushrooms, all set on the pile of spinach leaves that were slightly cooked by the heat of the mushrooms and sourdough toast. The outside eating area started to fill and we couldn’t help over-hearing a table of happy diners singing the praises of the region. They commented on being able on the one day, snow ski, to sit in a garden and have breakfast served to them and later look at some properties as they were looking to buy a weekender. If they had brought the right gear, they could have also done some water skiing on nearby Lake Eildon, but that would probably be pushing it. As we sat and soaked up the sun we took our time over our breakfast with the newspapers spread out and a second round of tea and coffee. We did not realise that we were being spied upon in our idyllic morning stupor. As my partner excused themselves to visit the loo, their plate was left empty apart from the bacon rinds. Within 30 seconds, a very cheeky magpie descended to the corner of the verandah, checked out the situation and realised that we were easy pickings. He boldly perched on the side of the plate, reached down and after carefully selecting two of the rinds, gave me a casual glance and flew off. Yarck’s Giddy Goat has established itself cleverly as not only a sit down and relax breakfast and lunch venue, but also a take-away. It’s a keeper. The Giddy Goat is licensed. NNE The Giddy Goat Cafe 6606 Maroondah Highway, Yarck Tel: 5773 4223 Open from 6am Thursday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch.

Murrindindi Food and Wine Inc is a business group dedicated to promoting and developing the food and wine industry within the Murrindindi Shire. Our members incorporate local producers from trout, beef, olives and preserves through to truffles and of course our famous cool climate wines. We hold regular networking and Meet the Maker events so our members and other industry professionals can

motivate, educate and promote the produce that the Murrindindi area is becoming famous for. If you are interested in joining our group or are considering sourcing quality local produce please go to www.uge.asn.au for more information. When you see the Murrindindi Made logo you can be confident that the produce is locally made, of the highest quality and made by someone passionate about their work.

Bilyara Springs Olives Merton. Mb: 0428 173 288 E: mandarob1@bigpond.com Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Pickled Olives produced in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges. Fully estate grown Frantoio Kalamata and Corregiola Olives.

Little River Wines Taggerty. Ph: 5774 7644 E: challen.tunstat@bigpond.com The Challens are growers and producers of award winning hand crafted wines including sparkling wines,red and white table wines designed to indulge your drinking pleasure. Tastings by appointment.

Philip Lobley Wines Glenburn. Mb: 0408 669 109 E: info@philiplobleywines.com The Lobley family produces elegant cool climate wines that reflect their sense of place in Glenburn. The wines are handcrafted in small batches each one offering a unique journey.

Great Divide Coffee Buxton. Mb: 0403 213 634.

Buxton Trout & Salmon Farm Buxton. Ph: 5774 7370

Sedona Estate Murrindindi. M: 0432 435 180 E: wine@sedonaestate.com.au From Sedona Estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble beginnings, Paul & Sonja are proud to create regionally distinctive wines of impeccable quality. Visit the cellar door (open Wed-Sun & Public holidays, 11 - 5pm) and taste the difference.

E: buxtontrout@bigpond.com

Great family fun, come trout and salmon fishing in a natural bush setting, or come and try our famous mountain ash smoked trout. 9 - 5pm every day except Christmas day.

Two Pickled Molesworth. Ph: 5797 6309. E: twopickled@bordernet.com.au Gourmet Farm Produce. Marinated Olives, infused award winning Olive Oils a variety of Dukkahs, jellies & relishes. Tastings by appointment.

E: sales@greatdividecoffee.com.au

Great Divide Coffee has been roasting and blending small batches of 100% Arabica Coffee since 2003, specialising in the best and freshest organic Fairtrade beans from all over the world.

Wild Crust Bakery Glenburn. Mb: 0438 063 824 E:wildcrust@yahoo.com.au Artisan sourdough breads baked in our wood fired oven located on our farm. We also run one day sourdough bread making workshops, contact Lyn for details.

Murrindindi Food and Wine Inc.

www.uge.asn.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curious to outsiders that a rural town in the heart of north-east Victoria could be home to one of the oldest and most successful jazz festivals in Australia. But to locals, organisers and acclaimed jazz artists it is perfection, CELIA KENNEDY takes a look inside the Wangaratta Jazz Festival

Artistic Director, Adrian Jackson

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Celebrating 25 years of and

jazz

blues

e has created scores for numerous US, UK and Australian films and has scored an Order of Australia for his “distinguished service to music as a performer, composer, educator and mentor”. Between 1988 and 2007, he hardly had a year without winning a national award and in 2008 he was appointed the artistic director of the Adelaide Festival of Arts. But mention the Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival to this distinguished musician and passionate player, and Paul Grabowsky really let’s rip. “Wangaratta Jazz Festival goes beyond Victoria; it is the most successful jazz festival in Australia,” Paul crows enthusiastically. “I’ve been involved in the festival since before it began in 1990.” It was in the late ‘80s when Paul was approached by some Wangaratta “notables” to discuss the festival. To him the location, 2.5 hours from Melbourne, was not an issue. He spoke of Montreux Jazz Fest in Switzerland as an example of a successful jazz festival town, where the festival had become a significant addition to the local cultural calendar, attracted visitors and helped the local economy. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival. A festival that has grown from a seed of an idea conceptualised by a bunch of local business owners, supported by

local council and embraced more and more by the local community each year. In the festival’s first years, Wangaratta councillor and festival supporter Beverley Wittig delivered a speech about the importance of the local community to the success of the festival and the festival to the success of the community. She is reported as saying: “We are at the beginning of a journey. It will take years to develop this as the best festival in Australia. Before we can finish the journey, we must take the first step.” In its first year 2500 people attended the festival and $25,000 came through the till. With much more money spent to put on the event, it could have been considered a flop except for the euphoric reviews from many including high-profile jazz critic John Clare who hailed it the “best festival of its kind ever held in Australia”. Wangaratta council’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Maddock and many of the elected councillors at the time kept the faith and continued to underwrite the festival for the years until 1995 when Victoria’s councils were amalgamated and administrators took over. Luckily, TAC came on as a major sponsor in 1996 and remained for more than a decade. Finances have not always been easy; as recent as 2010, the council was again called in to underwrite the festival’s loss and an interim board

was installed. Despite the financial hiccups, the enthusiasm for the festival has always continued. At the time the interim board wrote of the festival as an “enterprise of significant economic, social and cultural benefit” for the local community. As the festival is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Paul Grabowsky says there are two primary reasons for the success of the festival: “The support from the local community and its responsible office bearers, and (the festival’s Artistic Director) Adrian Jackson who has put together a program that every year displays a variety of Australian jazz styles and blues, and contextualises it and them. He then brings international artists into the mix and allows for collaboration between them all. Until this festival, there wasn’t a jazz festival that had a truly national and international feel.” Adrian has been at the helm of the festival since its inception. He passes the credit of the festival directly to the community and the volunteers. “The festival just couldn’t happen without them. Everyone really works together to make this festival great.” After the community, Adrian gives the town a lot of credit. He says the town has many strong venues in which to present both jazz and blues – the cathedral, performing arts centre, marquees, pubs and wineries in nearby Milawa, Oxley and Taminick, and blues u NORTH BY NORTH-EAST 105

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lovers have their own marquee on the banks of the Ovens River. What about the location, the one outsiders might question as curious? “Wangaratta is far enough away from Melbourne, Sydney and other major towns that if you make the effort to travel to Wangaratta you may as well stay and if you are staying you may as well hear as much music as possible. That ensures there is real interaction and involvement of the festival with the community. “Also, the musicians come and they play and then stay and hear what everyone else is up to, and they get to collaborate. The comradery is amazing; you will have really young musicians playing with some of the greats.” Sounds perfect. Thinking back to 1989, Adrian says: “I honestly didn’t see it as a certain winner. My expectation was I would give it my best shot. The fact that we have made it this far is due to the incredible support the festival has

David Ashfield

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received from the local community, and the way it has been embraced so enthusiastically by musicians and music lovers from around Australia and overseas. “Just the fact that it is turning 25 is a major measure of its success. The importance of the festival is obvious by the number of musicians and fans that dedicate their time to put on the festival, and for many it’s the highlight of the year.” It’s certainly a highlight for local David Ashfield who plays with the Wangaratta Blues Brothers Band and teaches music at Galen College in Wangaratta and previously at Wangaratta High School. David heard of the inaugural festival through the local media back in 1990. “It was really well supported. Being a local muso and someone who really likes jazz, I was interested in the festival and thought it was interesting that it was happening here in Wangaratta. “I went to the first festival as a punter and went to see every single act, which you could do back then. I jumped on board and I’ve been on the ride ever since.” After about the fourth festival, David really stepped up and helped to further develop the Reid Street free performance stage. “I had a few thoughts about how to make Reid Street more appealing to locals to get people involved and to stop people thinking it was too highbrow. “A lot of those performers I was able to get were young tertiary and secondary students – some from Melbourne and some from Sydney and from Canberra School of Music. I had a lot of student performing on Reid Street and then going on to see the established performers and groups on the main stages. The circle turned a few years later and many of these young people became the main performers at the festival.” David coordinated the Reid Street stage for 17 years and has only recently passed the baton. “It’s great just to enjoy it and see that it is still such a wonderful festival in our local town 25 years on.” NNE

More than 300 performing The 25th Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival is on from October 31 to November 3. It features more than 300 musicians in 80-plus concerts on the main program and more than 30 concerts on the free stages. Topping the line-up of international artists is the giant of European jazz, trumpet and flugelhorn Enrico Rava (Italy), sixtime Grammy Award winning drummer Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts (USA) performing with his band which includes New York-based Australian saxophonist Troy Roberts; composer/trumpeter Laura Watts (USA). www.wangarattajazz.com

National Awards A central feature of the festival has always been the National Jazz Awards, a competition designed to encourage and promote young musicians. In 2014, the awards, puts the spotlight on Australia’s leading young jazz guitarists. Musicians of any nationality up to the age of 35 will compete to be among the top 10 entrants, who will then be invited to perform at this year’s Wangaratta Jazz Festival The National Jazz Awards have been an integral part of Australia’s premier jazz festival since Wangaratta Jazz began in 1990. This year will be the first time that guitar has been featured since 2007, when the first prize was awarded to Aaron Flower.

EXHIBITION & SALE OF QUALITY ART WORKS 14, 15 & 16 November

MEET THE ARTISTS Preview: Friday 14 November Ruffy Hall 7:30pm Tickets: $15 (incl. supper and drinks) Bookings essential: Robyn Sheehan 5790 3275 sheehan@harboursat.com.au

ART EXHIBITION & SALE Curator: Shanley Cleeland Sat: 10am to 5pm Sun: 10am to 4pm

WORKSHOPS & SCARECROW COMPETITION Kite making & paper making sessions Bookings essential: Robyn 5790 3275

OPEN GARDENS & QUILT AIRING IN THE ORCHARD Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm

Rennies

AT ACHERON

RESTAURANT GARDEN

GALLERY

THE RESTAURANT, GALLERY & GARDEN ARE OPEN BY ARRANGEMENT WITH FUNCTIONS & GROUP BOOKINGS OVER 14 GUESTS AVAILABLE. DISCUSS WITH MARIAN YOUR INDIVIDUAL EVENT REQUIREMENTS.

03 5772 1701 / 0412 109 129 marian@marianrennie.com.au 132 Breakaway Road Acheron Vic 3714

For further details and to download an Artist entry form: Like us on Facebook

www.marianrennie.com.au

www.ruffycommunity.com.au/ruffy-artfest

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Logo Design & Corporate Branding Photography & Copywriting Corporate, Personal & Wedding Stationery Marketing & Promotional Products Signage & Displays Printing - Free Quotes Mobile Optimised Web Design From the team who produce this magazine P: 5779 1290 5 | 20 Highett St, Mansfield 3722 creative@northbynortheast.com.au

invites you to “MEMORIES OF COUNTRY” Fused and laminated glass landscapes by Peter Toyne and ALEXANDRA TOYNE Oils and acrylics

3 Oct - 4 Dec 34 High Street, Yea Weds to Sun and Public Holidays 9-4, Monday 10-4 Ph 03 5797 3222 info@gallery34.com.au | www.gallery34.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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Beautifully painted picture of writer’s

life

Dress, Memory by Lorelei Vashti, Allen & Unwin, $27.99. Reviewed by Joe Blake

f, like me, you sometimes hang around the fringes of the literary world, you’ll occasionally catch a glimpse of one of its fabulous figures. Or not. Was that Salman Rushdie in earnest discussion with Helen Garner, or just a couple of booklovers having a chat? The one you can’t mistake is Lorelei Vashti. Tall and slim with a shock of red hair, she’s inevitably dressed in a glamorous outfit. This delightful memoir is based on a large number of these dresses; she uses them as a coat hanger to pin up a tale of life in her twenties. In many ways, it’s an old-fashioned artist-starving-in-a-garret story, but the modern artist manages a few overseas trips amongst all the deprivation. Vashti had a similar childhood to many another Gen Xer growing up in rural Queensland, but one thing stood out: her Mum was a dressmaker, with a magic cupboard providing an inexhaustible supply of wonderful clothing. Her life changed (for the better, ironically) when her father was injured in a workplace accident: his compo payout was enough to pay for

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young Lorelei to have an exchange year in Istanbul. Like many 16-year-olds in the same situation, her experience was a mixed one, with the bad often outweighing the good. Nonetheless, she grew up fast in that most fascinating of cities. Arriving home, she set out on a traditional course: off to uni in the Big Smoke (well, Brisbane), where she quickly fell into the bohemian world creative people often live in. Performing her own poetry with a band, making films, hanging out with people like herself, she learnt the lesson early that creativity rarely makes you rich; you don’t get paid to think, or not much anyway. A typical response to the lack of cash is to give up on something, in her case food. You can guess the disastrous result of that little exercise. Maybe governments should take note of what happens when you try to do without essentials. The following years saw a lot of adventures in other places: Melbourne, where her first proper job, editing books in a low-pay, long-hours environment, gave her a reality check; then New

York, where even that sort of work failed to materialise, always with a huge wardrobe as company. Everywhere she went, she practised the craft she finally settled on: writing. Like many youngsters, she played hard and fell often. Whenever things got too much, off to the sanctuary of a mum who knows the world’s gone mad. Romance reared its head regularly, and sometimes a desire to hunker down and raise a family, but it never seemed the right combination of time and person. Her story is a reminder of the extended youth of today; while our parents were forced to become grownups in their early teens, our children have the luxury of delaying adulthood until they’re ready. There’s nothing unusual about this story, it’s just that it’s told so beautifully and with such insight. Every sentence is a pleasure, painting a picture that brings the reader right into the room. Whatever emotional state she’s trying to convey, and there’s a full range here, you feel it absolutely. NNE

Chance to show literary skills For all those budding writers and poetry buffs, and those with a few well-filled journals under their belts, the Goulburn Valley Regional Library is running the Joseph Furphy Commemorative Literary competition. There are two sections: one for a short story and another for poetry. For those wanting to enter the Short Story competition there are three sections – an Open category, another for Youth (13-18 years of age) and a Junior section (up to 12 years of age). For the Poetry competition you can write on any subject and in any style. Here, there are two sections, Open and Youth. Importantly, entries close on Friday October 17 and there are cash prizes for those who are selected as winners.

To obtain the conditions of entry and an entry form, contact your local Goulburn Valley library, or contact Jan Sutton on 1300 374 765. NNE

2015 YEA ARTS CARNIVALE OPENING GALA FRIDAY 16 JANUARY Ten Days of Carnivale Galore

Ride the Rail Trail to Cheviot’s Tunnel Vision Open Studios & Hay Bale Art Vintage Ball Gown Exhibition Wetlands Paint Out & Yea Cup Live Music & Foodies Events Australia Day Celebrations www.yeaartscarnivale.com.au Follow us on 0411 844 192

Events supported by … Proudly sponsored by Yea & District Community Bank © Branch

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Top left: John Price said “I’m just a splasher.” John is from Geln Waverley Bonnie, 11 years old from Highlands Middle: Sylvia Isaac from Heidelberg Bottom: Julieanne Beckham from Coburg

Paint Out attracts artists to Yea

asels were set up and paint boxes of every different description were strewn across the grass as artists from far and wide took the advantage to be part of the Yea Wetlands fourth Artist’s Paint Out held in September. The choice of mediums was as diverse as the choice of styles, but one thing was constant, the beauty of the countryside. Dappled warming sun light created a tranquil studio, so tranquil that some of the artists were finding it difficult to concentrate and were toying with the option of creating a master piece or stretching out on the grass and dozing. The Yea Wetlands hosts the Paint Outs and the fifth in the season of All Artists Workshops is organised for Sunday November 16. The workshop provides artists with the opportunity to chat and share. The location is again the Yea Wetlands at the Cummins Reserve Picnic Area, just off the Goulburn Valley Highway next to the Yea township. Artists are invited to paint or draw aspects of the Yea Wetlands and the official start is 2pm. Advice and refreshments will be provided during the afternoon as well as a barbecue and then everyone is invited to share the love at 6pm. For more information, contact Julian Bruere on 0419 529 390 or email studioartist@optusnet.com.au Yea Wetlands was (and will be) the proud host of this event. The Paint Out is also part of the Yea Arts Carnivale to be held in January next year. NNE

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Ruffy will show off its art

he doors of the small Ruffy village are being thrown open on the weekend of November 14, 15 and 16 in the name of Art.

Members of the Ruffy Artfest have

been marching works of art into the hall, front gates on local country properties

are being unlocked to admit the public to beautiful gardens that are usually hidden and, on one property, rather than showing off a garden, there will be a quilt exhibition ‘Airing in the Orchard’. In the Ruffy Community Centre there will be workshops on paper and kite making and there is to be a Scarecrow Competition. At the Ruffy Store there will be a range of delicious food on offer and market stalls across the road. The Ruffy Artfest is being run like a well oiled easel with a lot of flare. This year the Artfest group have snared Shanley Cleeland, Curator of the Benalla Art Gallery, as Curator.

Great Art by Great Artists

On opening night, at the Ruffy Hall on Friday, November 14, there will be a preview of the art work and a chat with the artists starting at 7.30pm. The entry price of $15 covers supper and drinks, and you must book. If the temptation to buy has overwhelmed you, then you can always pop in on Saturday or Sunday between 10am to 4pm when the exhibition continues in the hall. For bookings, enquiries or to enter art work, contact Robyn on (03) 5790 3275 or sheehan@harboursat.com.au or Verena (03) 5790 4309. www.ruffycommunity.com.au NNE

showcasing local and regional artists

Opening night special guest: Jim Brown - bush poet and raconteur, reciting poignant works themed around the ANZACs and Marysville after the fires. Judging this year’s event is renowned artist Max Wilkes. On display - VCE students exhibiting in the emerging artists section and works from artists on Acheron. Another feature of this years show is the Children’s section to be judged by Lenny the Leadbeater’s possum. This event will be judged on the Saturday morning at the Children’s exhibition space. Location: Marysville Community Centre, Falls Road Marysville. Opening Night: Friday the 31st of October 7:00pm Exhibition open 1 - 4 November 10:00am - 4:00pm. Entry by gold coin donation.

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NNEFESTIVALS

All the fun of the fair in Alex

, , ,

t’s Spring in Alexandra and that means it is time for the Spring Fair. Rotary Park in Alexandra will fill with stalls that flow with food and wine, while others under the trees will contain market goodies to brighten your day. On the purpose-built stage there will be a number of artists providing lively music designed to send your toes tapping and keep young and fit. It is a day to relax on the grass, kick back and be entertained on a family day. The easy stroll of the visitors sends a sure message that there is nothing else to do but enjoy yourself, with the highlight being the music. The Alexandra Spring Fair is on Sunday November 2. It starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm which allows an all-day visit or a morning or lazy afternoon. NNE

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Mansfield’s grand parade of events

ansfield knows how to have a Party / throw a Festival / put on an Arts Show. It is all of these plus some. From October 24 to November 4, Mansfield is open for a high time. Over the festival period Mansfield opens its doors and invites you in. To entertain you there will be the magic of the Spring Arts Romp through the main street finishing at the Carnival Sideshow, then head to the Festival Opening. Visit the studios of artisans in the Studio Drive and compete in the Mountain Bay Classic Fishing Competition. Marvel at the talent displayed in the Through the Eyes of Photography Youth exhibition and be awed by the Torch Light Parade and Fireworks Show. There will be walks exploring the local art and eateries, a food fiesta, fairs and a monster auction. For lovers of music there will be a live Rock Out youth concert and a production of the Sound of Music, which of course will resound throughout the mountains. On Cup Day the Catanach’s Melbourne Cup Picnic Races at the Mansfield Racecourse will fill the town with glamour. It is a celebration for families and friends. For a full program of events visit highcountryfestival.com.au and artsmansfield.com NNE

Benalla festival broadens its reach This year Benalla is widening its boundaries for its Regional Harvest Festival. This year, it will spread its wings to encompass more than just Benalla in the week long events. The townships of Baddaginnie, Devenish, Goorambat, Tatong and Thoona will all be participating in the festival. A regional tasting trail will wind visitors through the beautiful towns of the region. The major artistic feature will be the Hay Bale art installment that will create a touring trail throughout Benalla’s rural villages. Running from Saturday November 1 to Sunday the 9th, the Benalla Regional Festival will include a Cup Eve outdoor movie, weather permitting of course. Hot air balloons will lighten up the night sky, while art exhibitions, open gardens, cycle events and local food and wine will all be part of the festival. Over the weekend of the 8th and 9th there will be the Street Parade and entertainment on the river foreshore of Lake Benalla of live music and fireworks plus a Day in the Garden Market . www.benallafestival.com NNE

There’s more going on There is little doubt that the months of October and November are the most popular for fairs and festivals in the north-east. Below are just some of those that NNE hasn’t covered editorially in this section.

Beechworth Oktoberfest

Beechworth Celtic Festival

Saturday October 11 and Sunday October 12 at Beechworth craft-brewery Bridge Road Brewers. Owners Ben Kraus and partner Maria Frischmann are well qualified to hold an Oktoberfest. Ben learnt beer making in Austria and Maria is from Austria. For tickets, call (03) 5728 2703 or 0422 929 235. Email info@bridgeroadbrewers.com.au or www.bridgeroadbrewers.com.au

Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November For those who are lovers of all things Celtic Concerts and workshops will highlight the Celtic history. www.beechworthceltictestival.com.au

Eildon Fishing Festival 18-19 October www.eildonbigfishingchallenge.com.au

Euroa Wool Week Festival Wool has always paid an important part in the establishment of Euroa and to celebrate that connection Euroa holds its annual Wool Week festivities. Saturday October 25 to Monday November 3 The Wool Parade is on Saturday, November 1 starting 10am in Binney Street.

. . . gardens, markets, fireworks, restaurants, nature . . .

Dazzling, Delightful, Delicious!

Bright, Victoria Saturday 18th Oct - Tuesday 4th Nov 2014 Sat 18 Oct Sun 19 Oct - Mon 3 Nov Sat 25 Oct Sun 26 Oct Mon 27 Oct Sat 1 Nov Sat 1 - Sun 2 Nov Sun 2 - Tues 4 Nov Sun 2 Nov Mon 3 Nov

Featuring Michael McCoy who is a garden designer, author, broadcaster, speaker and obsessive home gardener, who writes for the Age

Bright riverside market ‘Make it Bake it Grow it’ Open gardens and workshops Myrtleford Agricultural and Pastoral Show Pasta class – Sol e Luna restaurant Spring Festival Feast Grand Fireworks Spectacular & Entertainment Stitch & Quilt Four Peaks Running and Walking Challenge Myrtleford Cup Fun Run Monster Rotary Street Market Photos by local Bright residents

Proudly sponsored by

www.brightspringfestival.com.au NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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special

Three weekends in Bright Spring sees so much happening around the beautiful town of Bright. There are open gardens, two markets, fireworks and even an agricultural show. CASS JASPER reports on the Bright Spring Festival

I 2014 Bright Spring Festival Main Events Saturday, October 18: Bright Riverside Market, “Make it, Bake it, Grow it.” Sunday, October 19 to Monday, November 3: Open gardens and workshops Saturday, October 25: Myrtleford Agricultural and Pastoral Show Sunday, October 26: Pasta Class – Sol e Luna restaurant (Bright) Monday, October 27: Bright Spring Festival Feast Saturday, November 1: Grand Fireworks Spectacular and Entertainment Saturday, November 1 to Sunday, November 2: Stitch and Quilt Program of workshops Sunday, November 2 to Tuesday, November 4: 4 Peaks running and walking challenge Monday, November 3: Rotary Monster Street Market

t is Spring and time for the 26th Bright Spring Festival. Jenny McNaught, owner of Alpine Furnishings in Bright, is also celebrating her 26th year on the Festival committee. As the only founding member left on the committee, Jenny smiles when she says, “I say that every year is my last year on the committee, but I am still here.” “The Festival came about when we (the Bright community) realised that the traditional Spring was quiet after the snow and it was decided that we needed to bring more people to the area to see the beauty of Bright in Spring. Since we started it, the number of people attending the Spring Festival grows from year to year,” Jenny says. “Over the years the program has grown,” she says. “There has been a lot of new items and the reinventing of some old events with a new slant.” Community participation, as always, is fantastic and one major event is the Open Gardens with 17 beautiful local gardens open to the public. Local gardeners have worn out numerous pairs of gardening gloves and are now ready to fling open their garden gates from Myrtleford to Germantown, to Bright to Harrietville and in between. “Then there are the two markets; the regular monthly Bright Riverside Market on Saturday, October 18 and the Monster Street Market on the Monday of the Cup Weekend” Jenny says. Another highlight of the Festival is the fireworks on Saturday, November 1, and The Peak Climb. “The peaks are there all year round to be enjoyed and not just for the snow. In the Spring they are so beautiful,” tells Jenny. The program is from Saturday, October 18 to Monday, November 3, incorporating three weekends including the Melbourne Cup Weekend. “Visitors stay for an average of three

to four nights and they are time poor, so we try to ensure that the program has more bang for the buck. The three weekends are full of action while during the week it is quieter, but there is still loads happening,” Jenny says. The Bright community is prepared to be involved in local groups and service groups and by keeping together they are stronger. There is a natural progression of members in the groups, which is healthy according to Jenny. Over the years enthusiasm has continued and there are always enough members gathered to maintain the committee and keep it going. “People in Bright seek that type of experience and get involved,” says Jenny. Explaining how she has managed to maintain her involvement on the festival committee over the years, Jenny says her husband and children have always been supportive. “They have been marvellous. And neighbours have all pitched in as we have no relatives in Australia. Living in the Bright Community means you are part of one large family.” NNE

Jenny McNaught

mansfieldhighcountry

FESTIVAL

mansfieldhighcountry

FESTIVAL

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PUPPETRY I MAGIC ACTS I RHYTHMIC DRUMS

FAMILY ENTERTAINMAINT SIDESHOW CARNIVAL CRAFTS

PUPPETRY I MAGIC ACTS I RHYTHMIC DRUMS

PAINTING I POTTERY I SCULPTURE I PHOTOGRAPHY FAMILY ENTERTAINMAINT TORCHLIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS

CRAFTS

GRAND PARADE

PAINTING I POTTERY I SCULPTURE I PHOTOGRAPHY TORCHLIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS FOOD FIESTA SOUND OF MUSIC POETRY > PROSE > WRITING FISHING CLASSICS

GRAND PARADE ARTS TRAIL

FARMERS MARKETS FOOD FIESTA SOUND OF MUSIC

FISHING CLASSICS POETRY > PROSE > WRITING MELBOURNE CUP PICNIC RACE MEET ARTS TRAIL MONSTER AUCTION FARMERS MARKETS SKATE COMP

MELBOURNE CUPGLASS PICNIC MEET TOWN FAIRS ARTRACE EXHIBITIONS

MONSTER AUCTIONSKATE COMP TOWN FAIRS GLASS ART EXHIBITIONS

LIVE ROCKOUT ROCKOUT T ELIVE A ROCKOUT TEA DEVONSHIRE

DEVONSHIRE

ROCKOUT

FREEZA I MUSICIANS I DANCERS I CONDUCTORS

OUR LOCAL YOUTH

WINERY FREEZA I MUSICIANS I DANCERS I CONDUCTORS WINERY LUNCH LUNCH

OUR LOCAL YOUTH

our community celebration for family and friends

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Happenings

October&November

Markets

Every Saturday Mansfield Produce Swap 10am –12pm.

Free, registration required at event. Bring excess produce grown or made at home or preserves etc to swap. Fruit, vegetables herbs, seeds, baked & preserved goods. 120 High St

Myrtleford Central Market 9am to 2pm.

Farmers produce and local artisans. Promoting local and regional produce and products. 4-10 Clyde Street (rear entrance from Myrtle Street also) 0427 272 777

Every Sunday Wangaratta Market 8am – 1pm. Pick up a

bargain at the local trash and treasure market. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables are also available. Avian Park Raceway, Newman St 0427 215 258

First Saturday Yea Country Market 9am – 2pm.

Local producers, growers & makers & eclectic trash & treasure. Live entertainers, delicious food. Yea Railway Park, Station St. yeamarket@gmail.com 0411 433 702.

Tatong Village Market 8am – 1pm.

Make it, bake it & grow it. Rain, hail, frost or shine. Strictly no dogs. In the picturesque grounds of the English–style Tatong Tavern. thetatongvillagemarket@yahoo.com.au 5767 2192 www.tatongvillagemarket.com

Nagambie Lakes Community Market

8.30am – 1pm. Regional produce, arts & crafts, food stalls & more. Blayney Reserve. nagambielakestourism.com.au

Mount Beauty Community Markets

9am – 2pm. Features variety of homegrown fresh produce, new and used goods, household items, craft stalls, sausage sizzle and more! Hollands St & Kiewa Cres. 5754 4097

Beechworth Farmers Market 9am – 12pm. Church Grounds Cnr Ford & Church Sts. 0408 859 282

Mansfield Bush Market 8am - 2:30pm.

Local produce, arts and craft, knick knacks, delicious food plus much more 0417 118 103 Highett St Mansfield (Curia St to Hunter St)

Taggerty 4 Seasons Market (NOV) 9am – 1pm.

Fabulous local produce including olive products, jams and chutneys, honey, wine, fruit and vegetables, soap, crafts, bricabrac and spitroast and bbq meats are temptingly displayed at the Taggerty Hall and adjacent leafy outdoor area. The aim of the market is to promote our wonderful area and support many of our local people promote their wares. We are a voluntary Organisation trying to support our local community. Stall Holders welcome. 0421 351 571

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

First Sunday

Second Sunday

Tallarook Farmers’ Market 9am – 1pm. Mechanics Institute, Main Rd, Tallarook clivehines@hotmail.com

Marysville Community Market 9am – 1pm.

Myrtleford Cotters Market 9am – 2pm.

Grow it, sew it, bake it & make it. Live music & kids’ art and pony rides. Jubilee Park Queen St. 0468 586 069

Presented by Myrtleford Festival Committee focusing on locally grown, made and produced items and goods. Jubilee Park. 0438 420 806 (after 6pm). www.themyrtlefordfestival.com.au

Freeburgh Hall Bush Market 9am – 1pm.

Enjoy the rustic ambience of the Freeburgh Bush Market situated in the Ovens Valley. Enjoy a variety of stalls including jewellery, cards, paintings, handmade garments, plants, pickles and jams, trash and treasure and more. Community Centre, Great Alpine Rd 5755 1625 derekandmerle@harboursat.com.au

Beechworth Market 9.00am to 3.30pm. Queen Victoria Park 5728 2968 / 0428 282 968 Milawa Producers Market 9am – 2pm. Live music, crafts, fresh food, meet the producers. Crossroads, Milawa 5727 3507 Chiltern Markets 10am – 2pm.

Woodfire pizza, local coffee, fine foods, produce, arts, craft and handmade items. Also kids will enjoy the jumping castle, face painting and balloons. Come along for a fun day. 62 Main Street (next to the Old Lodge cafe). 0431 821 347

Bonnie Doon Country Market (NOV) 8.30am – 1pm.

Old deciduous trees and the charming atmosphere of country living invite you to linger at the popular Bonnie Doon Market. Held five times a year on the grounds of the Community Centre in Arnot Street, the market guarantees you a unique experience, whether you are buying or selling! There is always time for a chat and a smile, some yummy food and that special bargain. 5778 7722 or email bdccentre@bigpond.com

Second Saturday Violet Town Community Market 8.30am – 1pm. Handmade & homemade goods, community group stalls, buskers, organic veggies, coffee, original clothing, plant. No dogs. Recreation Reserve, Tulip St. info@market.violettown.org.au

Alexandra Market 9am.

Stalls, refreshments & train rides Alexandra Timber Tramway. 7 Station St market@alexandratramway.org.au. 0427 509 988

CWA Craft & Produce Market 10am – 2pm. Purchase some great locally homemade goodies. CWA Hall, High St, Mansfield

Myrtleford Flea Market 8.30am – noon. Held at the Old School Museum, wide range of cakes, preserves, trash and treasure, plants, second hand books, clothing and jewellery, fruit and vegetables. Elgin St. 5727 1417 / 5752 1963

Murchison St. www.marysvilletourism.com

Avenel Produce & Craft Market 10am – 2pm.

Maindample Trash & Treasure 8am – 2pm. Featuring fresh produce, plants, new and preloved treasures and BBQ. Under the trees at the community park, Main St, Maindample (opposite the CFA shed). 0401 712 810 Rutherglen Farmers Market 9am – 12.30pm. Over 25 local and regional producers offering an extensive range of fresh local produce for sale that will include fresh seasonable fruit and vegetables, local extra virgin olive oils, hand crafted chocolates, free range eggs, Nashi juice, marmalades and spreads, and much more. 1800 622 871 info@rutherglenvic.com

Third Saturday Euroa Village Farmers Market 9am – 1pm. Fresh vegetables & fruits, olive oils, honey, eggs, meats & more. Farmer directly to you. Rotary Park, Kirkland Ave. 0456 723 331 www.euroavillagefarmersmarket.org

Yarck Country Market 9am – 1.30pm. Local produce, jams, craft, plants and wines. Yarck Hall, Maroondah Hwy. 5773 4304 Moyhu Farmers’ and Community Market

8am – noon. Charming and intimate market held in the Lions’ Park, Moyhu, in the heart of the King Valley. We are a community market showcasing local produce and plants, supporting local groups and artisans. www.moyhufarmersmarket.com.au www.facebook.com/moyhufarmersmarket

Bright Markets – Make It, Bake It, Grow It.

9am – 1pm. Something original, handmade, special, organic, recycled, ethical. Artworks, woodwork, homewares and skincare, as well as gorgeous fashion and jewellery by local designers. Howitt Park. 0457 953 586 markets@brightchamber.com.au www.brightchamber.com.au

Yackandandah Monthly Produce Swap

At 9.30 am the produce starts rolling in and the swap finishes around 11:00 am. A wide range including seasonal fruits, preserves, seeds and seedlings – even the occasional rooster, chicken and duck! Yackandandah Community Garden (William St, next to the pool). 0477 417 445

Tolmie Craft & Farmers Market. 8.30am – 1.00pm. The Tolmie Craft & Farmers Market has been in existence for eight years and provides the opportunity for stall holders to market their wares and for the community to get-together in a relaxed atmosphere. Stalls may include fresh produce, craft, plants, books plus many other varieties. The December market creates a special atmosphere in time for Christmas with a twilight market starting at 5pm. Tolmie Sports Ground, Old Tolmie Road. Free entry 5776 2231

Melbourne Cup Weekend

Bush Market

9.00am - 1.00pm

Saturday 1st November 2014, 8am to 2:30pm Highett St Mansfield (Curia St - Hunter St)

Local produce, Arts and craft, Knick knacks, Delicious food and much more ...

Upcoming Events

OCTOBER 4TH 2014 - Blessing of the Animals

Bring your animals big or small to be blessed by Father Thomas Alexandra Dog Obedience Club at work

NOVEMBER 1ST 2014 - Wine Tasting

Come and sample a range of wines from local notable winemakers

DECEMBER 6TH 2014 - Photos with Santa By Community House and Yea Camera Club

JANUARY 3RD 2015 - Arts Carnivale Hay bale art and scarecrow making

Enquiries - 0417 118 103

Fabulous array of stalls on offer by local producers, growers and makers, as well as eclectic trash and treasure stalls, all enhanced by local entertainers and delicious food and snacks.

For more information contact Barb 0411 433 702

Visit us at our charming and intimate market held in the heart of the King Valley every third Saturday of the month. We are a community market based in the Lions’ Park, Moyhu, showcasing local produce and plants and supporting local groups and artisans. Enjoy the social and friendly atmosphere while you enjoy a hearty farmer’s breakfast and freshly made coffee. Next markets – October 18, November 15. Inclement weather – find us in The Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Moyhu. Visit our website at www.moyhufarmersmarket.com.au and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/moyhufarmersmarket Telephone: Judy on 5727 9301 or Neil on 5727 9464.

Pasta Adele BOONDEROO BREAD

Hume Health and Lifestyle Website www.humehealth.com.au

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NNEHAPPENINGS

Galleries & Museums

Shire Libraries

Banksia Gallery King Parrot Valley Country Retreat 26 – 66 Wentworth Rd, Strath Creek

Mansfield Collopy Street 5775 2176

0457 590 222 except Wed

Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden

Yea The Semi Circle 5797 2209

The Sheila Inc Design Centre

Benalla Nunn Street 5762 2069

Rustic Simplicity @ The Shear ‘N’ shedS

Third Sunday Flowerdale Community Market 9am – 1pm. Country market stalls, arts, crafts, veggies, plants, trash & treasure. Flowerdale Community Hall, Yea–Whittlesea Rd. alron27@bigpond.com 5780 1223 Mansfield Lions Craft Market 8am – 1pm.

High St. Delightful market held in the median strip opposite the Mansfield Post Office 5777 3760

Lions Club Market Yackandah 9am – 1pm.

Craft and local produce market. Entry by gold coin donation. 0418 122 921.

Harrietville Historical Society Bush Market 8am – 1pm. Come and enjoy a day by the Ovens River. Tavare Park 5759 2699

Fourth Saturday Benalla Lakeside Quality Craft & Produce Market 9am – 2pm. Produce plus good

quality goods Fawkner Drive, Lake Benalla Foreshore. benallamarket@gmail.com

Mansfield Farmers Market 8.30am – 1pm.

Traditional farmers market – meat, eggs, honey olives, bread, cakes and more! (No dogs). 0417 319 879

Whorouly Village Fair 9.30am - 3pm at

Whorouly Community Centre. Offering diverse stalls, entertainment & displays to showcase Whorouly, our wonderful produce & talented craftspeople to the wider region. 5727 1424 or email jengarrett@bigpond.com

Fourth Sunday Marysville Community Market 9am – 1pm. Murchison St. marysvilletourism.com

Kinglake Produce & Artisan Market 9am – 2pm.

Marian Rennie Gallery

132 Breakaway Road, Acheron marian@marianrennie.com.au 5772 1701 / 0412 109 129

Bob Bateup Photography & Framing

8am till 8pm, 7 days In the Foodworks complex, Mansfield bobbateup.com.au 0457 752 434

Mansfield Historical Society 5779 1094

Flowerdale/Eildon/Marysville/Strath Creek 5772 0349

Violet Town Cowslip Street 1300 374 765 Nagambie High Street 1300 374 765 Wangaratta Docker Street 5772 4211 Bright Ireland Street 5755 1540 Beechworth Cnr Albert Rd & Harper Ave

1300 365 003

Myrtleford Cnr Standish St & O’Donnell Ave

5752 2038

Gallery 34 10am – 4pm Thurs – Mon

34 High St, Yea gallery34.com.au 5797 3222

Benalla Art Gallery Bridge St 5762 3027 Old Post Office Art Gallery & Restaurant 50 Emily St, Seymour 5792 3170

Highlands Hillcrest Gallery & Studio

Hillcrest, RMB 6020 Old Highlands Rd, Highlands dennisspiteri@active8.net.au 5796 9373

The Farmers’ Arms Hotel Museum 25 Kirkland Ave Euroa 5798 9548

Cinemas & Performing Arts Mansfield Armchair Cinema

1 Chenery St 5775 2049 the–mac.com.au

Swanpool Cinema

2386 Midland Hwy

5768 2415 swanpoolcinema.com.au

Euroa Community Cinema

Shire Building, Bury St 5795 0000

Alexandra Timber Tramway & Museum

Benalla Performing Arts & Convention Centre

alexandratramway.org.au 0427 509 988

57 Samaria Rd 5762 5515

Great Alpine Gallery

Violet Town

Great Alpine Rd, Swifts Creek. swiftscreek.net/scgallery/ 5159 4445

St Dunstan’s Hall High St

Bright Art Gallery Mountbatten Ave, Bright

Main St

snp.mccall@gmail.com 5750 1074

Benalla Art Gallery Botanic Gardens

Bridge St, Benalla gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au benallaartgallery.com 5760 2619

Benalla Costume & Pioneer Museum

14 Mair St, Benalla. benhist@vicnet.net.au home.vicnet.net.au/~benmus/ 5762 6039

Wangaratta Art Gallery

Fifth Sunday

Loch St, Beechworth 5728 8067 burkemuseum.com.au/burke_museum

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Kinglake Kinglake–Whittlesea Rd 5786 1522

Mansfield Railway Station 175 High St

56 Ovens St 5722 0865 0419 322 086 gallery@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

a market with a Show & Shine for cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles, and this year for the first time ever, tractors. Entry by gold coin donation with all profits going to local not-for-profit community groups and projects. Albert Heaney Reserve, Midland Highway. 5768 2400 bjoconnor@activ8.net.au. www. swanpoolanddistrict.com.au

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7 Days 10am – 4pm, 74 Grant St, Alexandra rusticsimplicityblog.wordpress.com 0419 517 045

The something for everybody market. info@kinglakemarket.com.au 5786 1976

Swanpool Swap Meet And Village Market (NOV) 8am – 2.30pm. The event combines

Alexandra Grant Street 5772 0349

Marysville 7 days brunosart.com 5963 3513 52 – 54 Binney St, Euroa 0400 753 715

Lots of fun at Yea Market’s 4th Birthday

Euroa Binney Street 1300 374 765

Strathbogie Memorial Hall Chiltern Star Theatre

Main St 5726 1395

Wangaratta Cinema Centre

1st Floor, The Co Store Complex

Corner of Ovens St and Reid St 5721 5555

Yackandandah Memorial Hall Complex High St 02 6027 1077 0427 271 017

Robert O’Hara Burke Museum

Wangaratta Historical Society

Ford St, Wangaratta wanghistsoc@hotmail.com wanghistsoc.org.au 5721 3222

Spiritus Art Gallery 2 High St, Yackandandah art@spiritusgallery.com 02 6027 1797

El Dorado Museum 136 Main St, Eldorado hello@eldoradomuseum.com eldoradomuseum.com 5725 1542 Swanpool Cinema is rich in history

Gig Guide

October Events

each month buxtonhotel@virtual.net.au 5774 7381

Victorian Seniors Festival “It’s your time” Month of October. Get involved with this wonderful festival for seniors, lots of events to share and enjoy with your friends! www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Buxton Hotel Motel Live Music Last Sunday of MannaFest Open Sundays 2.30pm Playing every Sunday is Corey Leslie, vocalist and acoustic musician 32 High St, Yea Bracket & Jam Mansfield’s most popular live

music night featuring best musicians from around the region. 3rd Friday of the month, a great night out! $10pp. Dinner from 6.30pm, music from 7.30pm. Bookings/Performers 5779 1404 Mansfield Regional Produce Store.

The Flowerdale Hotel 2pm(ish) in the bar.

First Sunday every month. Come and have a pluck or just enjoy the tunes 5780 1230

Live Music at Bright Brewery

Every Sunday 2pm start. Open Mic Afternoon First Sunday of the month. To join the line–up, call 0417 133 293 / 5755 1301 brightbrewery.com.au

Music on the Deck @ Gapsted Wines

Free entry to all. Lunch bookings essential cellardoor@gapstedwines.com 5751 1383

Everton Open Mic Session

2nd Sunday of each month 2pm. If you can sing, play an instrument, recite poetry or tell a good yarn come along to the Everton Hotel for fun family friendly activity 5727 0232

Saturday 4th Dookie Earthed A one-day explosion of art inspired by our rich red ancient soils. Dookie will be transformed as scores of local and visiting artists create works of film, projection, performance and sculpture in the streets, shops, parks, halls, silos and our majestic quarry. Free entry. 66 Mary St. www.dookiearts.com/read-me-1/ leiticia@harmerfarms.com The Great Tarmac Rally returns to the Murrindindi Shire once again with an action packed two days of Tarmac Rallying. Buxton-Marysville Road, Marysville. www.australiantarmacrally.com

Sunday 5th Australian National Show & Shine – Euroa.

Possibly the biggest Show & Shine event in Australia. Visit Euroa to attend the vintage, veteran, classic and special interest car and bike show. On the park along the Seven Creeks. www.australiannationalshowandshine.com.au

Holmesglen Open Day. 12pm to 5pm.

Free entry. Featuring music by Wizard & Oz. Outdoor recreation activities including low ropes, damper & billy tea, self-guided walks, archery, ochre paint a boomerang and more! Fresh local produce stalls including food & local wines to taste! Lots for the kids. 5774 2631. 92 Moore Rd. eildon@holmesglen.edu.au www.holmesglen.edu.au/eildon

Friday 10th Benalla Entertainment Muster 2014.

Friday, October 10 to Sunday, October 12. Ballads and Bulldust from Friday night to Sunday arvo. This will be the 3rd annual Muster at Benalla. 6077 4332. Benalla Bowls Club, Arundel Street. info@vbpma.com.au www.vbpma.com.au

The Strath-Boogie Music Week is a concert weekend followed by five days of music camp with tutoring in all sorts of things musical, artistic and entertaining, with some amazing tutors. www.wineandmusic.net Friday Oct 10 to Friday Oct 17. 5425 5400

Festival for all folk at Euroa

alifornian singer songwriter Kristina Olsen has become a big favourite for Australian audiences since she first performed in Australia 20 years ago, for the inaugural Woodford Folk Festival in 1994. Since then she has toured here every year, and played many more shows in Australia than in her homeland. However, she hasn’t deserted her home. Kristina is there every northern summer when she teaches at a batch of music camps, spending her days with music enthusiasts of variable degrees of talent and skill. Along the way, Kristina has developed her teaching skills, which led to her being a regular tutor at January’s ‘Summersong’ camp at Byron Bay and May’s ‘Music On Magnetic’ in Queensland. Now she has created her own music camp, to be held this October in Euroa in the foothills of the Strathbogies. Hence the name for the event – The Strath-Boogie Music Week.

The camp starts off with a concert weekend, a two day mini-festival featuring performances from many of the tutors as well as other notable musicians. And there will be plenty of classes and opportunities for nonmusicians to join in, learn, and have a great time. You can cook with Peter RussellClarke, hone your creative writing skills with novelist and university lecturer Michael Meehan, draw and paint with artist Heather McCormack, and enjoy a great social and musical scene every evening. “We thought broadening the classes this way was a great idea, particularly for any musician who wanted to bring their non-musical partner” said Kristina. The event is centred on Euroa’s Old Flour Mill, and is fully catered, so tickets include all lunches and dinners. It starts on Friday October 10 and continues through to Sunday October 12. Details of tickets, performers, classes and booking information can be found at www.wineandmusic.net NNE NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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NNEHAPPENINGS

November Events Saturday 11th Benalla Lions Club Antique & Collectable Fair 10am – 4pm. Benalla Lions Club’s 2nd

Antique & Collectable Fair at the Benalla Indoor Basketball Stadium, Ackerly Avenue. All items for sale from interstate and local dealers. Entry $7, accompanied children under 14 free. Light refreshments available both days. 5762 3043 pandmpoels@bigpond.com www.benalla-lions-club-antique-fair.com

Jamieson Memorial Hall 8pm onwards.

The renowned Jamieson ‘Wine, Cheese and Beer’ Evening and Auction will be held in the Jamieson Memorial Hall. Meet the winemakers. To complement the international award winning wines, there will be an extensive range of Australian and European cheeses to taste. Monster Auction. $35. Includes tasting glass. 5777 0516 or 5777 0502

Friends of Winton Wetlands Biodiversity Spring Campout. Join the Biodiversity

Campout Team’s 7th annual event, this time at Winton Wetlands. Participants camp out overnight and will enjoy and learn about what makes this emerging wetland tick. Find out about the wetland plants, water bugs, moths, birds, bats and look for evidence of the past use of the swamps by Aboriginal people. 0429 925 442 amdanwen1@bidpond.com

Sunday 12

Alexandra Automotive Swap Meet and Historic Truck Muster. Alexandra Showgrounds. 53 William Street. coo14ron@bigpond.com Traders: 6am. Buyers: 7:30am

Friday 17th October Foggy Mountain Bluegrass Festival Kinglake. 0457 991 831

Saturday 18

National Childrens Week 18th - 26th Merton Roaring 20’s Ball. A top dress-up

night with 1920s theme. Meal and drink upon entry included at $65 per head. Licensed bar. Limited numbers. 7.30pm. 0409 789 615. Funds go to restoration of hall.

Eildon Big Fish Challenge & Food & Wine Festival 9am Saturday 18th – 5pm Sunday 19th.

Fishing competitions, family fun & children amusements, trade displays and market stalls. Live music, food, wine tastings and raffle draws. www.eildonbigfishchallenge.com.au Eildon Pondage 2 Riverside Drive 0416 250 203

‘The Harvest Table’ at Seven Creeks Estate, lunch at 12:30pm. $100pp, champagne & canapés, three-course lunch. Garden tours 11:30am and 12noon with Caroline Davies. Transport available from Euroa. 5795 0200. Fundraising for Euroa Health.

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Saturday 1st Holmesglen Eildon 6 Course Degustation Dinner 6pm. $110pp A leisurely dining

experience not to be missed by lovers of fine food. 5774 2631. 92 Moore Rd. eildon@holmesglen.edu.au www.holmesglen.edu.au/eildon

Sunday 19th Akademos Rally State Championship Car Rally 9am Alexandra (Start only) Lot 1

Perkins St. Round 4 of the CAMS State Rally Championship. All competition in Rubicon State Forest. 0418 330 709 akademos@mucc.net.au www.mucc.net.au

Tuesday 21st Australian Sparkling Wine Show. 9am Tuesday 21st – 5pm Friday 24th. Marysville. The only dedicated sparkling wine show in the nation. Events include a Business Breakfast, Community Night, Master Class and Gala Awards Dinner. 0419 972 394. info@australiansparklingwineshow.com.au www.australiansparklingwineshow.com.au

Saturday 25th Join us for a weekend of plants, local produce, preloved items and so much more. Yackandandah Station. 9am

Yack Station No 6 Turntable Lane (off Railway Av), (02) 6056 2244

Fawcett Hall Plants Sale. Weekend of 25th and 26th from 9am – 3pm (Open Garden Weekend). Fawcett hall hosts popular plants and pre-loved items sale. 5772 2963 or 5772 3223. Café Fawcett - open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. 655 Spring Creek Rd. wjsjmac@harboursat.com.au

Sunday 26th Swanpool General Store Proudly Presents Lisa Bade & Mae Parker ~ Sisters of Rock

and Soul, 2pm onwards, free entry. All events held in beautiful beer garden. Full bar and food options. Join in the fun

Sacred Heart Primary School Spring Fair 11am. Fun, family day with lots of rides

and activities for the kids. Food and drinks available. Variety of rides for kids of all ages. Huge array of fun activities from face painting, lucky dips, popcorn & fairy floss stalls. Food & drinks also available. Sacred Heart Primary School Oval Lyons St. 5797 8414 harrys@activ8.net.au

Thursday 30th Rotary Club of Appin Park - 41st Wangaratta Art Show 30 Oct - 3 Nov.

The hall rear of Uniting Care Church, Rowan St. 0418 505 673 egdin@bigpond.net.au

Adam Pearson Memorial Fishing Classic.

Saturday 1 November - Sunday 2nd. Two days catch & release fishing competition on Lake Eildon. Maintongoon Rd, Bonnie Doon. eildoncruises@optusnet.com.au 0422 166 986 or 0422 166 986. http://adampearsonfishingcl.wix.com/apmfc

Sunday 2nd Rotary’s Walk the Eildon Wall 8am.

Grab a hat, some water, family & friends, the dog on a lead and come walk the Eildon Weir Wall. Lions Pavilion, Lower Pondage, 1 Riverside Drv. 0428 630 022 or 0428 630 022. Different distances available for different needs. A fun morning, all proceeds go to Rotary Projects. rotaryalexandra.org.au

Monday 3rd Spit Roast Vineyard Lunch.

Picnic style with local lamb & wine tastings. 0413 135 433. 1974 Long Lane, Barwite. info@barwitevineyards.com.au. www.barwitevineyards.com.au

Tuesday 4th

Melbourne Cup

Swanpool General Store. Local Performers Chicken & Champagne Lunch Bottles of Champagne giveaways. All events in beautiful beer garden. Full bar and food options available. Join in the fun.

Goughs Bay Boat Club. ‘Cup Day at the Bay.’ $25 per head includes chicken lunch with a glass of champagne – fashions on the field – many prizes. Sweep. 0419 950 724

Friday 7th Beechworth Celtic Festival Friday

7th, 8th and 9th November. Annual event. A stirring celebration of the North-East’s Celtic past with concerts, pipe bands, highland and Irish dancing. Beechworth Town. info@beechworthcelticfestival.com.au. www.beechworthcelticfestival.com.au

Targa High Country. Friday 7th to Sunday, 9th.

Victoria’s premier tarmac rally returns to the North-East with an extra day of competition and more stages to challenge the country’s best tarmac rally drivers. Mansfield CBD and other regions. enquiries@targa.com.au 6221 8800. http://targa.com.au/tc/

Ruffy Artfest. 7.30pm 7th – 14th November.

Exhibition and sale of art works. Open gardens, quilt exhibition & workshops. The inaugural Ruffy Artfest, combining the 6th biennial Art Show and Sale with greater festival activities, celebrates ‘Opening Night’ on Friday 14th, 7:30pm at Ruffy Hall. 5790 4309. Ruffy Hall & Community Centre, 1 Nolans Rd. 5790 3275. info@ruffycommunity.com.au

All welcome at Goughs Bay

he water laps at the small pier, laughter and song comes from the club house above the coloured flags and bunting that surround the verandah overlooking the beautiful blue stretch of water that is that part of Lake Eildon at Goughs Bay. Securely embedded into the side of the hill is the Goughs Bay Boat Club

Bright’s Iconic Rod Run. Bright turns into the Hot Rod capital during this weekend. There will be a multitude of events to keep the entire family entertained including the Show ‘n Shine, Bright Cruise Festival, markets, live music and much more.

Saturday 8th Buxton Boot Camp

DSE Mountain Bike Park, Mill Creek Road. www.bighillevents.com.au/buxton_bootcamp/ bootcamp_home.html info@bighillevents.com.au 9010 6040

Sunday 9th Marysville Marathon.

Gallipoli Park. Falls Road. marysvillemarathon.com.au/

Saturday 15th La Dolce Vita Festival. 15-16th November.

Various cellar doors in the King Valley Visit any cellar door in the King Valley and be instantly transported to the Mediterranean. Meet the winemakers and their families face-to-face. Experience firsthand the passion they share for life and their Australian made Italian varieties. 1800 801 065 tourism@wangaratta.vic.gov.au .

Australian Carriage Driving Classic Longwood

where those in the know go and those who are not are very, very welcome. As the weather warms, the calendars of the Goughs Bay residents start to fill. On Saturday, October 25, there is the Spit Roast at 6pm at $20 per person, but be warned; this is a special function and you must book. The start of the boating season

commences on Saturday, December 6, with the sail pass family day where pirates of all ages are welcome and encouraged. A barbecue and treasure hunt are part of the day that starts at 11am. NNE Goughs Bay Boat Club Lake Eildon Victoria 5777 3088

Sunday 16th

Friday 28th

Honouring our Heroes VC Memorial Unveiling VC Memorial Park, Kirkland Avenue,

Cafe Culture Series - Wild Women Show.

Euroa 11am - 1pm

Saturday 22nd Swanpool General Store. Boweya Blues Revival. 7pm onwards. Free entry. All events

held in beer garden. Full bar and food options available at all events. Join in the fun.

Barwite Winery Guest Cellar Door.

Local wine labels showcase with live music. 0413 135 433. 1974 Long Lane. info@barwitevineyards.com.au www.barwitevineyards.com.au

Pack Saddling Workshop. Join our two

day pack saddling workshop to share ideas and learn about the world of pack saddling. Demonstrations and presentations from a vet

The Kelly Auty Band pays homage to some of the great women singers in history. A spectacular cabaret show paying homage to some of the great women singers from 1920 to 1970, Kelly has sought out empowering anecdotes of the women who used their talents to create careers for themselves on stage and screen. Enjoy the Kelly Auty Band’s talents at El Kanah, 975 BuxtonMarysville Rd, Marysville. 5963 4178

Saturday 29th The Harvest ‘n’ Graze Family Festival is staging its premier event at the magnificent Howitt Park in Bright, headlined by iconic Australian performer Daryl Braithwaite. Bring the family, bring a picnic rug and bring your harvest cheer. Bon appétit! 9528 5045 or 0421 788 066. info@harvestngraze.com www.harvestngraze.com Centenary Park, Bright.

and pack saddlers, displays of pack saddles available and much more. Three course camp fire dinner Saturday night, raffles, door prizes and lots of fun. All funds raised will go towards the new camping facility in the Black Range, on the Mt Monda Trail. Join the fun 22/23rd November – book now. P: 5963 7264 jkasch1@bigpond.com www.packsaddlingaustralia.com NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

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“It looks the ideal spot to read and perhaps indulge in a fine malt or cognac”

AT A GLANCE

Clever use of site

country style home dominates the streetscape in Green Street, Alexandra. Built only a few years ago, the owner/builder has made clever use of the sloping block to produce a house on three levels with the living spaces on the entrance level. Well, it’s the entrance level from the front; from the rear it’s the middle level commanding a view over the rear garden from some very cute verandahs. There are two verandahs in separate corners of the living room and another with access only from the main bedroom. These verandahs help add space to both areas and, in one case, virtually provide an extra dining room. Entrance to the house is into a small lobby that opens into the living area while an interesting set of stairs promise surprises downstairs. To the side is an ideal study or office with stone open

fireplace. It looks the ideal spot to read and perhaps indulge in a fine malt or cognac. The living area has a beautifully fitted kitchen to one side and huge windows across the lounge to the other. Set to one side is a cosy dining alcove. In the living area, much use has been made of wood that adds to the warm feeling of this space. Oregon beams support the pine boards that are both this area’s ceiling and floorboards for upstairs. A large slow combustion heater also adds to the warmth, while a reverse cycle air-conditioning system is a fairer indicator of comfort in the hotter months. On this same level is the large main bedroom with an en suite bathroom and walk-in robe. The bedroom also has a private verandah overlooking the rear yard. Downstairs sees another two bedrooms sharing a large bathroom. The

3 Green Street Alexandra 3 to 5 bedrooms, land: 1200 sq metres Price: $480,000 Agent: Ruralco Alexandra 5772 1110 Nik Patek 0409 936 210

two bedrooms open to the rear yard. On an attic level is every kid’s dream of a set-up. It consists of a main space that could be used for almost anything – studio, office or bedroom. What makes the attic space quite magical is two great little rooms to the side whose ceilings follow the angles of the roof line. Of course, they could be ideal storage spaces; then again, if you were a child, they would make great hiding spaces. The back garden is spacious with a sloping lawn and plenty of storage space beneath the house. The front sees two magnificent elm trees guarding the entrance to the two-vehicle carport. Beside the carport is a brilliant work and garden shed that most outsiders wouldn’t realise is there. For something wanting a real country feel while being quite central to the shops and services of Alexandra, this place is well worth a look. NNE 123 NORTH BY NORTH-EAST

, , ,

eldersre.com.au

For Sale Alexandra

, , ,

A Property To Tempt The Most Fastidious Buyer… “Long Gully” – 237 acs (95.9ha) • Versatile grazing property, 3 titles, 3kms from town. • Modern 4 bedroom country home, permanent creek frontage, water licence. • Excellent water supply, 5 dams, reticulated stock troughs, garden sprinkler system. • 9 paddocks, stable, lock-up workshop & extensive shedding, 3 stand shearing shed. • Flourishing established English garden.

$950,000 ELDERS ALEXANDRA

5772 1052 6 Webster Street Alexandra

John Tossol 0419 558 032

Rural and Residential Specialists

3523(57<

DECEPTIVE, DISTINCTIVE AND TOTALLY CAPTIVATING!

ALEXANDRA

$480,000

ARCHITECTURAL FLAIR, QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP and great attention to detail have been successfully combined in creating this “Picture Perfect” country home. Offering 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and two living areas, this quintessential country home delivers a whole lot of “must have” features country kitchen with quality appliances and superb timber benches, reverse cycle air conditioning, open fireplace and wood heater. Outdoor living on the verandas overlooking the lush greenery, en suite bathroom to master bedroom, light filled spaces and uniqueness that only this architect-builder can capture. ENTRY LEVEL: Open plan living area opening to outdoor-dining veranda, separate formal lounge with open fireplace, master bedroom suite with dedicated private balcony. LOWER LEVEL: 2 bedrooms serviced by a family bathroom and with direct access into the garden (separate accommodation or B & B option) ATTIC: Roomy separate studio or home office and small potential bedrooms. LANDSCAPED: 1,200m2 country garden To view this superb property please contact Nik Patek on: 03 5772 1110 or 0409 936 210 Alexandra - 5772 1110 Nik Patek 0409 936 210 78 Grant St Alexandra npatek@ruralco.com.au

www.ruralcoproperty.com.au 124

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Rural and Residential Specialists

3523(57<

BARJARG

VIEWS TO BRING THE COWS HOME

$797,000

On a 70 acre allotment overlooking Lake Nillahcootie and only just over 10 minutes to Mansfield sits this beautiful 4 bedroom home accompanied by all the infrastructure one might need to support a healthy farming lifestyle. The home itself is floodlit with natural light and consists not only of a master bedroom with ensuite & reverse cycle split system but also has 3 additional bedrooms and a dedicated study. There are two living areas and a well-appointed central kitchen, each with spectacular views. The ambient temperature throughout the house is taken care of by a combination of a wood fire coonara & reverse cycle split system. Double doors lead you out to a huge no maintenance ModWood verandah encompassing the dwelling, bringing the outside in and the inside out. Accompanying the home is a fully enclosed colour bond shed with concrete floor, power and a double carport attached. There are 9 fully fenced paddocks with electric fencing, 3 dams, large hay shed, 20 x 10 metre machinery shed, shearing shed, cattle yards & even a seasonal creek running through the property. The land has been fertilised annually and is currently stocked with 75 head of cattle. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been thinking of making the move to a country lifestyle, and would like the infrastructure in place, then stop looking - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found it...

Mansfield - 5775 1444 Danni Schneider 0414 690 479 165 Mt Buller Rd Mansfield dschneider@rodwells.com.au

STUNNING 4 BEDROOM HOME

HILLVIEW ESTATE EUROA

$399,000

This prestige 4 bedroom brick veneer home is located in a quiet but convenient location, close to natural trails and creek reserves. Situated in a private court with magic views directly to Balmattum Hill is this quality home built by well known local and respected builder. Front verandah entrance with polished timber floors through living areas and the separate formal dining room overlooking the landscaped front yard. Open plan living with hostess kitchen, lounge and dining room, all with quality fittings and fixtures. 8ft 6 ceiling throughout and private outdoor alfresco area for both formal and informal entertaining. All bedrooms have built in robes and quality carpets with master bedroom having large full ensuite and walk in robe. Main bathroom has bath, shower, basin and separate toilet. Climate controlled through ducted natural gas central heating and ducted cooling. The rear yard has lock up garage/workshop, manicured gardens and fully automatic watering system, which is selfcancelling after rain. Double garage with direct access to kitchen. This quality family home in a sought after area comes highly recommended.

Euroa - 5795 2240 Steven Jeffery 0427 595 760 Bill Sargood 0429 447 103 47b Railway Street Euroa euroa@ruralco.com.au

THE PERFECT COUNTRY GETAWAY - 36 ACRES

TAYLOR BAY / EILDON

$395,000 NEGOTIABLE

Western Red Cedar, 2 bedrooms open plan living design. Inbuilt sound system, full kitchen, gas cooktop, large open fireplace with a lifetime supply of firewood. Unique outdoor full sized freestanding professionally built wood fired Pizza Oven. Ample rain water storage. Part bush, part cleared with 4WD track to the top of the property with spectacular views of Lake Eildon and surrounding scenery. Walking distance to the Lake for watersports and fishing and a 5 min drive to Eildon shopping village. This property is set up for motorbike riding, with tracks for the beginner and the enthusiast. Also suitable for the family with lovely bushwalks and abundant wildlife.

Alexandra - 5772 1110 Nik Patek 0409 936 210 78 Grant St Alexandra npatek@ruralco.com.au

www.ruralcoproperty.com.au

NNEREAL ESTATE

hey don’t have too many auctions in Yea so when auctioneer Stuart Oddy of the Yea office of Landmark Harcourts started to go through his routine, more than a few people gathered to watch. It was the first Saturday in September and Stuart performed in brilliant style singing the praises of Yea and its services and pointing out that the shops being offered were beautifully placed at 36 High Street and receiving steady income from three leases. It all sounded great except nobody wanted

Shops sold in Yea to bid. Reluctantly, Stuart then opened the bidding on a vendor bid at $390,000. Much pleading still resulted in no bidding so Stuart stepped away to confer with the vendor. After he came back to announce the property was on the market, he finally received a bid from a man in the crowd at $395,000. As Stuart went through his paces of going once, twice and so on, there was some drama when the man’s wife placed a higher bid. Laughing, Stuart declined it and shortly afterwards sold the property at the $395,000 bid. NNE

60 Spinney Lane, Samaria

The beauty & warmth of granite & timber is obvious to all in this charming two bedroom & study home situated on 5 acres with northerly views over the Samaria Valley. Some recycled timber like posts, baltic flooring & doors enhance the appeal. The all electric kitchen includes a dishwasher, as there is 139,000 litres of rain water storage. Open plan living, dining & kitchen, cathedral ceiling & plenty of storage including a pantry with a combustion heater & a split system. Both bedrooms have built in robes as does the study or third bedroom. The view over the valley can be enjoyed from the entertaining deck. There is a garage & workshop plus a studio. The property is close to all the North East has to explore & enjoy. Benalla & Mansfield, 20 mins. Plenty of peace & quiet & ideal as a weekender or permanent home.

Price $327,000

Inspection by appointment.

5762 3322

David MacKinnon 0410 556 531

Web ID 682

- 72 Bridge St, Benalla - www.benallarealestate.net.au

HOLIDAYING IN THE NORTH EAST? Why not stay in Myrtleford – central to Bright, Beechworth, Yackandandah and the Milawa Gourmet Area it’s the perfect place to base yourself. Ride the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, sample cool climate wines from our excellent wineries, visit our hidden treasure ‘Lake Buffalo’ for all sorts of water sports or take day trips to the snow fields, there’s a myriad of activities on offer in this spectacular area of the State. Paull & Scollard have a wide range of holiday accommodation on offer from large family homes that sleep 14 to neat tidy units, visit our website www.paullscollard.com.au or give us a call to discover what is available, check out the properties for sale while you’re there.

Paull & Scollard Pty Ltd 74 Standish Street, Myrtleford 3737 Ph: 03 5752 2232 Fax: 03 5752 2144 Email: myrtleford@paullscollard.com

ALEXANDRA – 37 Vickery Street Charming Family Home in Premier Location

Superbly situated in one of Alexandra’s finest tree lined streets, within walking distance to the park, pool, schools and shops is this charming large family home. Comprising 4-5 bedrooms (main with a delightful leafy view and ensuite with corner spa bath), formal entry, spacious lounge with wood fire heater, well-appointed country style kitchen, study nook, large family room with wood fire heater, family bathroom, laundry, double garage and fabulous private outdoor undercover entertaining area.

Alexandra Sue Swingler 0438 832 175

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

$495,000

landmarkharcourts.com.au

On green background

ALEXANDRA 28 BON STREET

ALEXANDRA 17 PETERKIN STREET

$550,000 Judy Richards 0419 527 923

$489,000 Belinda Hocking 0418 115 574

A rare offering of one of the grand old elegant homes of a bygone era. The potential is limitless - located on huge block around 4739sqm with dual street frontage, set amongst mature gardens and beautiful elm trees. The home comprises 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 spacious living areas with wood heater and central ducted gas heating, well appointed kitchen. Features include double carport, stables, wood shed and work shop, in-gound salt pool and sep. self-cont. cottage currently leased at $195 per week. Overlooking Leckie Park with possibility of subdivision (STCA) and all this within walking distance of shops and cafes.

ALEXANDRA 5772 3444 56 GRANT STREET

AVENEL 1528 TARCOMBE ROAD

Positioned on nearly 2 acres of land is this delightful family home. Room for the whole family with 2 living areas and well appointed kitchen and dining area. There are 4 double bedrooms all with builtin robes, master bedroom with ensuite and WIR. Separate home office/study or formal dining. There is a double lock-up remote garage with internal access. Outside you’ll find a large Colorbond shed with power, woodheater and concrete floor. Loads of room for the kids to play and even a paddock for a pony. This JG King home has a steel frame and is only 5-years-old with a 6 star energy rating.

ALEXANDRA 5772 3444 56 GRANT STREET

‘TARCOMBE RIDGE’ IS 382 ACRES – 154.7 HA OF PURE INDULGENCE!

From the moment that you drive past the quality 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom manager’s house and cross the lake to the established vineyard you will be impressed. Then be awestruck by the stunning, architect designed main home which captures inspiring views over the farm, is of incomparable quality and offers 4 double bedrooms plus study, 2 bathrooms, magnificent kitchen and north facing lounge and dining which open out to a deck and wet edge pool. Extra features include 5 split system air-conditioners, stone fire place, BBQ area with pizza oven, lock-up garage and extra shedding. The vineyard is approximately 200 acres plus there is also an igloo hothouse for growing seed stock for the 20 acres of garlic and shallots. The water supply is amazing with 544ML water irrigation licence and 2 x 90HP diesel motors providing irrigation to the vines. Machinery shed 50m x 13m with staff facilities and toilet plus separate chemical shed. The remainder of the property is premium grazing country with spring water and is divided into 3 paddocks. Unsurpassed quality! Auction – on site 11am Saturday 8th November Contact John Stringer 0418 575 156

EUROA 5795 2868 13 BINNEY STREET

Internet ID: LER4537

Subscribe or renew to North by North-East magazine and receive an entry in the draw to WIN a two night getaway for up to four people*. Hurry offer ends January 5th 2015. The House at Smoko has set a new benchmark for luxury accommodation in the Bright and High Country region with a remarkable fusion of architecture, craftsmanship, stunning vistas and chic, organic interior design. Mastered over 12 years — its workmanship is truly unique and the result is breathtaking. Originally a family home, The House at Smoko was transformed to allow guests the world over to experience its beauty and magic. Crafted from local stone, recycled timbers and corrugated iron, this masterpiece in architecture is nestled among a grove of towering Dutch elm and English oak trees with the dramatic Mt Feathertop as its backdrop. Black Angus cattle graze on 16 acres of lush paddocks which lead to 12 acres of native bush with the Ovens River flowing gently along the property boundary. Just 10 minutes out of Bright and 45 minutes up to Mt Hotham, The House at Smoko is the ultimate North-East Victoria and High Country accommodation destination for couples, groups of friends, families, cyclists, skiers, fly fishing enthusiasts, bush walkers, food & wine lovers — or anyone looking to relax in spectacular style. Among its impeccable features are three bedrooms, three bathrooms; a beautiful lounge room with sofas by Jardan, huge open fireplace and home theatre system; open plan dining with views of Mt Feathertop from a huge picture book window with daybed; large, fully equipped modern kitchen; multiple reading nooks and daybeds to curl up and relax; outdoor deck with huge open fireplace and views of the Snowy Mountains.

1691 Great Alpine Road, Smoko VIC 3741 | M: 0448 992 960 | www.thehouseatsmoko.com.au

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*Accommodation valid for a two weeknight stay in February 2015 for up to four people. Prize is transferrable but not redeemable for cash. Winner notified by phone and mail by Tuesday 13th January 2015.

NNEGUIDE AIRCONDITIONING / REFRIGERATION

EARTHWORKS

MANSFIELD CLIMATE CONTROL

Water Bores

“Drilling the area since 1976”

‘Professionalism First’ Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Services Installation, Maintenance & Repair of all air conditioning & commercial refrigeration products. Split systems, ducted split systems, multi head systems, all thermostat controlled systems, fridge display cabinets, glass door display fridges, freezer rooms & coolrooms, mobile cool/freezer rooms including all brands & models.

Competitive quotes & sound advice Graham Brennan 0409 362 289 Andy Brennan 0409 362 291

Dean & Elisa Grining

northwest.drilling@bigpond.com

0457 638 153 / 5776 2103

www.northwestdrilling.com.au

ABN 73 692 375 242 Lic No: L096428

BUILDERS

ELECTRICIANS ELECTRICIAN

BUILDER PHONE: 5767 2348 MOBILE: 0418 569 050

Spinks

COMMITTED TO QUALITY

& sticrcial e Dom meg m o C ildin list Bu ecia Sp

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Rec No 12906

PAUL

DBU 6339 HIA 519126

• Everything electrical • Domestic • Commercial • Undergrounds • Electrical Design • Trenching • Solar Installations

Ph 0418 543 310 etecelectrical.com.au

FENCING • New Homes

• Commercial Building

QUALITY

• Extensions & Renovations • Pergolas & Decks

Andrew Stace 0419 002 072 Mark Newman 0419 422 894 A/H 5774 2545 F 57723030 stacenewmanbuilders@hotmail.com 365 Goulburn Valley Hwy Alexandra

• Quotes Provided

• Permits Obtained

Alexandra & District Fencing Rural | Industrial | Post & Rail

Earth Works D7 Dozer M: 0448 406 973

Servicing All Shires GARDEN SUPPLIES

Del

ive

rie

vA il

p 03 5775 1947 m 0419 158 145 kynnersleybuilders.com.au builder@mansfield.net.au 2 Village Court, Mansfield

Open 7 days a week • sands/soils •mulches/barks • gravels •stones 175 Mt Buller Rd, Mansfield 5779 1108

New Homes | Renovations | Extensions | Commercial Buildings

CAFE

HEATING / AIRCONDITIONING

EILDON BILLABONG CAFE AND CATERING SPECIALIST Eat in or take away

Try our famous Billabong Burger!

sales@mansfieldgardensupplies.com.au www.mansfieldgardensupplies.com.au

Irene East • 5774 2714 19 MAIN ST, EILDON

• Boilers - Gas & Wood Fired • Hydronic Service & Maintenance Sam Devere • Floor Coil Heating System 0409 199 109 • Designer Radiator Panels & Trench Heating nehydronic@bigpond.com • Radiators & Heated Towel Rails • Air Conditioning Ducted & Wall Hung

North East

Sam Devere 0409 199 109 nehydronic@bigpond.com

hydronic heating & air conditioning

To advertise - Kelly 0417 869 608 or kelly@northbynortheast.com.au | Julie 0427 710 133 or julie@northbynortheast.com.au | Stephanie 0409 702 427 or stephanie@northbynortheast.com.au

NNEGUIDE HOSPITALITY SUPPLIES

SERVICE STATION

EVERYTHING FOR THE TOP CHEF & THE HOME COOK

MANSFIELD HOSPITALITY SUPPLIES

• Packaging • Cleaning products • Disposables • Bulk chemicals • Crockery • Catering supplies • Glasses • Baking trays • Utensils • Commercial equipment • Knives • Chef uniforms • Griffiths Coffee, Chai Tea, TeaDrop Tea • Free local delivery

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday 5 Collopy St, Mansfield. Phone: 5779 1660 www.m-h-s.com.au | sales@m-h-s.com.au

KITCHENS

BP Merton General Store 45kg Gas Bottles Swap ‘n’ Go Gas Bottles LPG, Diesel Fuel Sales Motor Accessories Takeaway Food

Fishing Tackle Bait ABC Maps Australia Post Oils General Grocery

8283 Maroondah Hwy, Merton Ph 03 5778 9507

STONEMASONRY

Custom Built Kitchens 3D Kitchen Design Creative Design & Quality Granite & Reconstituted Stone Laundries Vanities Wardrobes

0409 146 465 sales@murrindindikitchens.com 38 Johnston St, Alexandra

LEGAL SERVICES

TREE SERVICES

Professional tree care services for Mansfield & North East Victoria

Fixed price residential conveyancing and competitive prices for other property types. T 5775 2744

• Tree pruning & removal • Stump removal • Branch chipping • Mulch supplies • Qualified climbers & arborists • Consultancy & tree reports • Complete insurance • Obligation free quotations

F 5775 1395

9 High Street, Mansfield | PO Box 136, Mansfield VIC 3724

PLUMBING

Call Al Seaton 0438

751 932

Office hours Mon - Fri 8am-1pm 5775 1935 Lot 3 Crosbys Lane, Mansfield

info@highcountrytrees.com.au www.highcountrytrees.com.au

UPHOLSTERY

Travis Capp

Lic. No 37388

Plumber & Gasfitter Your plumbing specialists

*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 0419 553 803 tcplumbing@bigpond.com

ROOFING

Quality is never an accident

Topstitch Upholstery & Antiques Traditional antique restoration General upholstery, motor trimming and canvas work Custom hand made sofas

Ian McCormick

36 Oliver St YEA, 5797 2992 stichers@iinet.net.au Trade Qualified, over 30 years experience

VETERINARY SERVICES

D VETERINARY C FIEL LIN S IC AN M

Caring For Your Pets

All Animals All Hours

265 Mt Buller Rd, Mansfield

www.mansfieldvet.com.au

24hr Emergency Service - 5775 2055 130

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

SKILLEDPEOPLE

Matt Ridd from Murrindindi Kitchens checking the final installation of one of his cabinets. Picture: NICOLA TILBURY

Matt’s work is a labour of love

n eye for detail, a love of design and a life-long joy in working with wood help sum up Matt Ridd, cabinet maker and owner of Murrindindi

Kitchens. Matt was born and raised in Molesworth on his parents’ farm and loves the north-east country. “I’m a country boy and have always loved it here,” Matt says. “As kids we loved it, we would go motorbike riding, hunting, camping, fishing, snowboarding, water skiing, and to the speedway (in Alexandra). There was always something to do.” Things have not changed that much today for Matt as he still enjoys all of these activities. Matt’s cabinet making business also takes him out of the region where he creates superb kitchens, fits out offices, laundries and anywhere cabinets are needed – be the job large or small. As well as being a craftsman with timber, Matt also does some great work with granite and reconstituted stone. Finding the right vocation can be tricky and luckily for Matt his journey was seamless. Ernie Hunt owner of what was then Yea Laminates was Matt’s neighbour. While still

at Alexandra Secondary College, the young eager Matt would spend free time with Ernie helping him out in his work shed. Ernie saw the potential in the school boy and offered him an apprenticeship which Matt jumped at. “It helped make up my mind as I was unsure whether to be a farmer or a builder. Being raised on a farm and loving it, it was tempting to be a farmer, but then I was always playing with timber, building cubby houses and things.” Matt’s apprenticeship was for four years, comprising three years of schooling and one year on the tools. “My schooling involved one week out of five at Holmesglen TAFE College in Chadstone for the first three years. I would head down to town and stay with my Nan Rankin. I enjoyed the apprenticeship.” After working with Ernie for seven years, Ernie was forced to sell his business due to illness so he turned to Matt to take over the growing concern. Matt took up the offer and ran with it. He changed the name to Murrindindi Kitchens and set up an office and workshop in Alexandra. “Ernie now lives in Alexandra and still drops around a couple of times a week; he has a

lot to do with the wood workers guild in Alexandra” Matt explains. Matt considers there are two major elements to cabinet building, the attention to detail in construction and the design. Design software is a component of designing and it enables Matt to work in 3D which, Matt believes helps the clients get a better feeling for how the finished product will look. Another help to Matt is James Fletcher, but another tradesperson is on Matt’s list of future needs. As a kid, Matt loved camping and has been inspired to design a portable camping kitchen that gives campers a kitchen away from home. Today Matt lives with his partner Kelly Timms on their farm in Yarck. Matt recalls, “I used to go to primary school in Yarck. We are looking forward to renovating the house – especially the kitchen.” NNE Murrindindi Kitchens 38 Johnston Street. Alexandra Tel: 0409 146 465 sales@murrindindikitchens.com

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... and there’s more to come tomorrow

North by NORTH-EAST COUNTRY LIFE IN NORTH-EAST VICTORIA