North East Living Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023

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The many and varied experiences of the

N O W I N

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Beechworth Bakery

Beechworth, Yackandandah, Bright & Albury

16

REVELLING IN THE SERENITY

Semi-retired Victorian Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry loves getting away to his rural escape in Merrijig.

22

COMMUNITY CARE

Hundreds of dedicated staff are working tirelessly behind the scenes at Northeast Health Wangaratta.

30

IMPRESSIONS OF HABITAT

Glenrowan artist Fleur Rendell enjoys the immediacy of printmaking, inspired by home and heart.

36

WOOLSHED CREATIVES

Wooragee’s Barking Owl Distilling Company is home to handmade distilled spirits and artisan ceramics.

42 WARRA

Guy and Robyn Robertson aim to return a heritage-listed home in Wangaratta to its former glory.

52

WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD

Elizabeth and Stephen Morris from Pennyweight Winery in Beechworth clock up four decades of winemaking.

60 COUNTRY CHARM

The Yea Peppercorn Hotel is still the place to go for a warm welcome after more than 150 years.

66

BILLSON’S BREWERY

New ideas continue to spring forward at the Beechworth brewery.

72 FAMILY LEGACY

Dr Will Twycross and his family share a significant collection of rare artefacts with the public.

78

NORTH EAST WEDDINGS

84

CYCLE HIGH

The Rademaker family are the driving force behind the Highline Mountain Bike Festival in Mansfield.

90

OXLEY TOWN REBOUND

Oxley residents are working to preserve the heritage of the thriving rural community.

94

WATERSHED MOMENT

Dartmouth Dam overflowed last year for the first time since 1996, attracting thousands of visitors.

98

ALWAYS A LOCAL

Former Beechworth resident Des Flanagan is starring in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

to our eighteenth edition of North East Living magazine.

FAMILY legacy and a sense of place are common threads running through the stories in the Autumn/Winter edition.

In the case of Dr Will Twycross who appears on the cover, it’s in a very tangible form; the Twycross family having generously donated priceless artefacts they have collected the Melbourne Museum, so the world may enjoy them.

Stephen Morris is a fourth-generation winemaker from the well-known Morris family of Rutherglen, but at Pennyweight Winery in Beechworth, it is Stephen and Elizabeth’s son Steve who will build on what the couple has established over more than four decades.

Shannon and Narelle Rademaker adopted the “if you build it, they will come” philosophy when developing the successful

being outdoors and cycling with their four children. Others in this edition have found peace in their rural homes, Justice Lex Lasry, who appears as comfortable on the bench quiet escape on a few acres in Merrijig. We also meet couple Dave and Jen Hodges from Barking

inspiration in nostalgia and her Glenrowan property; and we who care for others in the community where they chose to

There is also a tour through historic property Warra in and restore the historic gem to its former glory. We hope you enjoy meeting these interesting people as much as we did.

Jeff Zeuschner | EDITOR

Jeff Zeuschner (jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au)

Anita McPherson (amcpherson@nemedia.com.au)

Jeff Zeuschner, Anita McPherson, Simone Kerwin, Steve Kelly, Emma Oliver, Ryan Malcolm, Coral Cooksley, Belinda Harrison, Kurt Hickling, Sandra Lee Photography.

Rachael Emmily Photography, McQuilton Productions, Towong Shire, Wangaratta Art Gallery, Billson’s Brewery, Yea Peppercorn Hotel, Amanda Radovic, Neil McCarthy, Lex Lasry, Guy and Robyn Robertson, Shannon and Narelle Rademaker, the Twycross family.

Mansfield’s Dr Will Twycross holding a photo album given to Will’s parents by the family of Tone Horikawa. Tone was married to John Milne, Will’s great uncle. who invented the seismograph while working in Japan.

Ian Pople, Kelly Purcell, Karlie Ellero, Kevin Spendier, Jenny Zamperoni, Leah Scott, Leah Ive. sales@nemedia.com.au

Kelly Lovell and NEM Creative team – nemcreative.com.au.

(Abbey Truelsen, Chris Febvre, Noelene Allan, Trish Sait, Rosalee O’Neil, Hannah Birthisel and Chris Stevens.)

Belinda Harrison - bharrison@nemedia.com.au

No material, artwork or photos may be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. North East Living magazine takes care in compiling content but cannot accept responsibility dates however dates can change and errors may occur.

North East Living magazine is published bi-annually by North East Media Pty Ltd. Copyright © 2018

Hartley Higgins

37 Rowan St, Wangaratta Phone: (03) 5723 0100

98 High St, Mansfield Phone: (03) 5775 2115

ISSUE 18

The Spring/Summer edition of North East Living magazine is expected to hit shelves in October, 2023. For all enquiries including being involved in the next edition or where you can pick up a copy of our publication please contact the team at North East Living magazine on (03) 5723 0100 or at sales@nemedia.com.au.

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Wangaratta Office: 39 Reid St, Wangaratta

Semi-retired Victorian Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry (with wife Amy and their dog Nevvie) loves getting away to his rural escape in Merrijig.

WHEN Justice Lex Lasry began the search for a “getaway” from the pace of his Melbourne-based life as a Victorian Supreme Court judge, he was keen to pursue the rural feel of he knew country life was something he’d like to seek out againand something he eventually found in Merrijig.

“I’ve always liked the mountain area, and we came looking house we’re in now was the second house we looked at, set on environment,” he said. place to get away and have some space around you.”

to serve as a reserve judge, enjoys the time he’s able to spend in the region, indulging in his love of music and drumming, when he can on his road bike, and even recently enjoying a spin found in Merrijig with wife Amy and their beloved border collie Nevvie (short for Neville) is the ideal escape from the world of law, in which Lex became ensconced after graduating from

Following his university graduation, he practised law as

predominantly as a defence barrister, until his appointment to >>

words Simone Kerwin photos Sandra Lee Photography/Supplied

COUNTRY LIFE / Lex Lasry enjoys the peace at his country “getaway”.

Prior to that appointment, he had acted in a number of high

ALMOST A LOCAL / From performing with local band Fat Max to enjoying laps at raceways in his Porsche, Lex Lasry loves the North East lifestyle.

Lex’s interest in social justice issues goes well beyond the death penalty. He is also taking a keen interest in the debate about an Indigenous voice to Parliament: “I’m not involved in it, but I really believe in it and would like to see it happen. I’d also love the war in Ukraine to stop, and I’d like people across the world to have enough to eat. And I’d like governments to provide much more in the way of resources to divert young people from using methylamphetamine…all sorts of things.”

Perhaps on some level it was this desire for social justice that prompted a young Lex Lasry to pursue a career in law, but despite his father having operated a one-man practice in Healesville, and later in Brighton, he says it was never a certainty - particularly considering his early performance at university.

“I did law at Monash and thought, ‘That’ll get a job’, and I when I discovered courts and cases that I really enjoyed it. to be a criminal lawyer. I’m not sure I realised at the time that if you’re a criminal lawyer, you’re not going to make a lot of money, but that was where my interest lay,” he said.

Having carved out a distinguished career, Lex says he is which sees him perform locally and in Melbourne behind the drums, he does often wonder what it would have been like to follow a path like that of his friend and former schoolmate, rocker Ross Wilson.

“I do spend some time thinking who I’d swap with if I could, and what I could have done instead of this. We did a gig in Brunswick where Ross was playing, and I looked at him and his career and thought if I could swap with him, I would,” he said.

Mind you, with a drum kit set up at the Merrijig house and the chance for regular gigs with local band Fat Max, the North in addition to performing with his Melbourne-based band, The Lex Pistols.

wine festivals in the area,” he said.

“The band up here includes some friends of mine, Derek Council), and Rolf Koren, who is a percussion teacher (at Benalla P-12 College).”

“Music has always been a big part of my life, right from the blues; I like the rhythm of blues, and the songs I grew up with in

In fact, he has a couple picked out which could be played back-to-back at any future celebration of his life: he’d love the AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’.

For now, though, he’s enjoying the chance to retreat to Merrijig whenever possible: “I regard this as home, much more than Melbourne now.”

TIME TO RELAX / Lex Lasry, Amy and their border collie Nevvie at their Merrijig home which is set on five acres in a farm-like environment.

Lex Lasry

Northeast Health Wangaratta is more than a hospital; with hundreds of dedicated staff (like midwife Danielle Flanigan) working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every patient gets the best possible care.

words Steve Kelly photos Steve Kelly/Kurt Hickling

LOCAL / At Northeast Health Wangaratta, executive director of people and corporate operations, Kim Bennetts, juggles multiple responsibilities.

ONE of the people who make operations run smoothly at mainstay on his operations list is gastrointestinal surgery,

HANDS ON / General surgeon, Matt Shears, was drawn to surgery by the procedural aspect of the job and the rewards of being able to fix a problem.

emergencies, meaning anything must be rescheduled. As is the case with GPs there is a regional shortage of surgeons across Australia and with many of the current workforce near the end

surgeons who for a long time have been succession planning, with a couple more surgeons coming through.

“Because we’re a training hospital, a lot of the registrars who come here love the area and love the collegiate unit, so there is

“The hospital has always been a well sought-after rotation for surgery, and accredited trainees come from the Royal Melbourne and Western hospitals, and it’s always ranked highly a junior registrar because it gives you good experience and DR student, worked for 12 months, and fell in love with the place.

“I moved up here with my girlfriend who is now my wife and we just loved the sense of freedom, the outdoor lifestyle and

David and wife Lauren both love bushwalking and hiking in the Warby Range and in the valley, spending time cycling, and they’re also making the most of the inland waterways having physician - his area of expertise is infectious diseases - and he is the medical lead for the hospital in the ‘home’ program. This includes looking after people on intravenous antibiotics, with chronic wounds or other problems who are being cared for at home, along with medical and surgical patients who have infection control - a much bigger issue in the time of COVIDand he also has an outpatient clinic.

“When people hear infectious diseases they often think of David said.

Unfortunately there is more drug resistance around than expertise enables patients to be managed locally with more specialised and challenging-to-use antibiotics than might otherwise be provided.

“What I love about the speciality is that I get to treat people across the whole spectrum - I’ve had some quite young

“Anyone can break a bone and we get to treat some very

David helped the hospital with advice on infection control and the management of COVID-positive patients during the height of the pandemic during a busy and stressful time for everyone in the sector. But he said it gave him an opportunity to work more in the administrative space of the hospital than someone normally would in the early stages of their career. David views the organisation as an easy place to work, because when he’s on the wards he’s working with a

through the door.

“That’s not necessarily true of everywhere I’ve worked >>

FRONTLINE / Infectious diseases physician Dr David Turner came to Wangaratta as a third year medical student and settled there with his family.

ONE of the people behind the 800-plus meals being served the food is supersized, as to make one casserole on a daily a chicken stir fry, Kim would have to order up to 50kg of chicken meals is almost military-like, otherwise patients go hungry, or it on time delays a patient from the emergency department from the next line, you get an idea of why Kim would be entitled and corporate operations, overseeing the people and culture environmental, engineering, education, research and security services plus procurement and contracts, management and Hill where I did my apprenticeship and I loved it up there in the

increasingly I found kitchen work really challenging especially in Kim got into the administration of large kitchens in rural Victoria challenges include years of changing levels of safety restrictions, across with the feeling that everybody looks after each other

Post-COVID the hospital plans to further engage and retain opens its new beds from the redevelopment, which means a

CATERING / A former chef, Kim Bennetts (above right, with Vikram Raval) oversees delivery of the 800-plus meals served each day at the hospital.

Come & view our new gallery Featuring The Ainu People of Japan & Japanese Artisans . . .

We have just completed our new gallery area which features amazing wall wood carvings by the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Japan and beautiful ceramics by Japanese Artisans.

Red Ramia has been fortunate enough to purchase what we believe is the largest collection of wall wood carvings depicting the Ainu people and created by the Ainu people.

The Ainu people, from Hokkaido which they call “Ainu Moshiri” (“Land of the Ainu”) are traditionally huntergatherers. They have their own language, but fewer than 100 people still speak it, and it is classified as endangered. Known for having a lot of body hair, the men have beards which they leave unshaven, while womens mouths are tattooed.

The Ainu worship the bear as a sacred animal, incorporating them into their architecture and traditions. You will see that the bears are a prominent feature of these beautiful carvings.

Our much awaited Bonsai pots have just arrived from Japan

Bonsai is regarded as an important part of Japan's cultural and artistic tradition, nurtured over the years by the people's love of nature. Bonsai were previously enjoyed by aristocrats and priests in Japan but from the Edo period onward bonsai as a hobby has become very popular and fulfilling for anyone.

All sorts of trees and shrubs are used as bonsai, any plant that can be grown in a small container can be cultivated as a bonsai. The most popular varieties include a pine called shohaku. Maples, flowering trees, like the cherry and fruit-bearing trees, like the quince and persimmon are also popuar. Our selection of beautiful bonsai pots is sure to inspire you to become a bonsai Master.

Come and visit us at Red Ramia there is always something new to see.

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Glenrowan artist Fleur Rendell loves the immediacy of printmaking, creating thoughtful artworks which reflect her surrounds and what touches her heart.

FROM her home set within a natural garden in Glenrowan Gallery.It’s called Printed Habitat and brings together the recent

the places they live and work. The living space of the stonebuilt house Fleur and husband Mark built on the block they bought 20 years ago looks out to shrubs like Grevilleas and striking colours often featuring in her artwork. Fleur tells me which was made by her aunt - an art teacher and ceramicist“We always went to art galleries and our family valued the

“My sister (Zoe Randell) is a musician and I’ve illustrated her

University. Fleur taught for 10 years before leaving to start a properly develop her art practice - and it soon took on a life of

fantastic opportunity to work alongside other printmakers and

“I was originally studying ceramics and had more experience two dimensions. The carving of lino was similar to the carving printing is very immediate and you don’t need too many chemicals so it’s easy to do from home without needing a full >>

words Anita McPherson photos Kurt Hickling

FLORAL PRINTS / Recent artworks by Fleur Rendell include (above left) Kangaroo Paws 2022, hand coloured linocut; and A Gardener’s Bunch 2019, colour linocut (above right).

Over the last 15 years Fleur’s printmaking has explored

HOME LIFE / Fleur Rendell enjoys living right next to nature in Glenrowan with views to Mount Buffalo (top left) where plenty of inspiration can be found, for artworks including Duet 2016, colour woodcut (top right) and Pardalote with spots 2021, colour linocut (above).

displayed and subsequently auctioned to support the volunteer group’s activities, including its annual student art award. While a bright pallet has often been a feature in Fleur’s artwork, these softer, more subtle and perhaps even more connected to home.

“I’m very much drawn to the environment I’m in, and while it’s very nice to be held in a gallery in the city (Australian Galleries), I surrounds because they are my biggest support group,” she said.

the Warby Range because I know so many people during the pandemic loved bushwalking and shared their photos recognise what they’ve seen (in my work).”

Fleur says Depression-era printmakers like Margaret Preston collection, as were Tasmanian printmaker Kit Hiller’s linocuts of

the physicality of printmaking and particularly the carving element - can gradually take its toll on the body. In the future, Fleur is looking forward to trying new things and perhaps painting skills and “keep things fresh”.

“I’m at a good stage now - I feel like I’ve got enough skills to draw enough ways and means to get my new work out there.”

continue to enjoy their lifestyle in Glenrowan and Fleur says she feels comfortable there.

“I like living in the country and the way people are more courteous to each other here because we all know each other. Maybe it’s being near nature but it brings out the best in people.”

ARTISTIC PRACTICE / A vintage 1854 Albion printing press is central to Fleur Rendell’s work in the studio (top). Fleur recently supported Friends of Wangaratta Art Gallery with their Paint by Numbers fundraising event, which gave guests the opportunity to add to an original artwork (above).

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Dave and Jen Hodges’ Barking Owl Distilling Company in Wooragee is not only the home of handcrafted distilled spirits, but an artisan ceramic business too.

helping to set up the distillery which opened three years ago

“I guess I had just always had an interest in cocktails and the

- who still works in the computing software game - originally

words Coral Cooksley photos Kurt Hickling

STEPPING into a 1950s rustic shearing shed at Barking Owl Distilling Company nestled in the picturesque rural district of in

SIGNATURE / The distillery’s distinctive Barking Owl logo, created by a local artist, features across its range of small batch craft spirits.

Establishing the small distillery has been a step-by-step process which began by sourcing brewing equipment. A her business, ‘Woolshed Ceramics’. Having a hospitality where Dave chats to customers about the products and gives them a true grain-to-glass experience. He says he loves meeting people including all the locals.

“We have many customers who keep coming back, bringing Garden, Tuscan, Smoked Tea Tree and Sunday) is always popular Espresso Martini. Among the small batches produced Swing Gin - produced with local strawberries, raw honey and wheat-based gin.

“The small batches are based on available locally grown

“We make wheat-based, rye-based as well as a barleybased vodka where we buy Victorian grain. The process starts

Winter Gin, the spiced cinnamon and chilli winter sipping ginlocal raw ingredients.

“I’m producing cherry and apple brandies and as we use lots

“When we’re producing a brandy, we cook cherries or products like in our Tuscan Gin with olive leaves, rosemary,

FAMILY TEAM / Dave Hodges (above right) said son Sam (above left) had been instrumental in helping setting up the distillery which opened three years ago and now produces spirits like its popular Tuscan Gin.

brandies are aged in Shiraz and Tempranillo wine barrels. “The ageing process depends also on the size of the barrel

for everyday that can go into dishwashers and ovens.

species are endangered and decided on the owl becoming the visiting a distillery where people go to have tastings.

CREATIVE ATTRACTION / Jen Hodge’s Woolshed Ceramics business revolves around functional ceramics crafted from high-fired stoneware clay.

Down the peppercorn tree lined drive, you'll find our century old cellar door, home to Baileys of Glenrowan. Meander past the heritage buildings & one hectare block of Shiraz planted in 1904. Many of the wines are produced as they were over the last century with natural yeast, open fermentation, basket pressed and matured in the finest oak.

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779 TAMINICK GAP RD, GLENROWAN VIC, 3675

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF A CATHEDRAL EDUCATION

This year, Cathedral College Wangaratta celebrates 20 years of providing a 'Cathedral' education where every child is encouraged to Discover, Belong and Achieve.

Guy and Robyn Robertson aim to return Warra, a century-old, heritage-listed home in Wangaratta, to its former glory and preserve it for generations to come.

IN many works of literature, houses become characters just as central to the stories as their human inhabitants. Think about the “great continent of a house” from Tim Winton’s ‘Cloudstreet’, Anne Shirley’s beloved Green Gables, the Baker Street abode of Heights. Each seems to soak up the happenings and personalities residing within, to become much more than just a structure, and readers can almost feel them breathing, moving, living.

The North East’s wealth of historical buildings has the ability to lend a similar sense of place, and to allow for a subconscious time-slip. From walking through buildings visited by bushrangers including Ned Kelly, to strolling past those which have helped shape the development of the region, it feels as though you could hear the whispers of eras past within

their walls if you really tried hard enough. It’s the same feeling that surrounds you as you step through the doors of Warra, a Road - and it’s something keenly felt by its current owners, Guy and Robyn Robertson.

The couple purchased Warra in 2012, moving from Mount Eliza to take on the historic home (which is listed with both the National Trust and Heritage Victoria), aiming to restore it to its former glory. Built in 1908, the Queen Anne Federation/ solicitor Henry Alexander ‘Harry’ Murdoch and his wife Marion, a local artist. It features a billiards room, formal lounge and understood Marion worked on her paintings, and a cellar. >>

words Simone Kerwin photos Kurt Hickling/Supplied

AS IT WAS / Original owners Marion and Harry Murdoch are pictured in front of their home (above) which was built in 1908.

Among its striking features are leadlight windows, Wunderlich created by Prussian–born, Melbourne–based crasftsman Robert Prenzel, including one featuring an Aboriginal man believed to be based on a photograph taken by Sydney‘s Henry King around 1890. The house, which has had only a handful of owners over its almost 115-year history (interestingly, it’s never been home to children), is understood to have been originally set amid four hectares of garden with a crescent driveway. It still features the original wrought–iron gates which were moved from the corner of nearby Crisp Street as the property was sub–divided, and as they

taste of stepping back into history.

The Robertsons were captivated by the house when it was last placed on the market, and couldn’t resist the opportunity to deliver the tender loving care it needed. It had been in a poor state, with wallpaper peeling from walls and water leaks, and if left much longer, may have been lost as a link to the city’s past. Robyn and Guy each have four decades of renovation

experience, with Robyn following in the renovating footsteps of her parents, and they have restored up to a dozen homes in their years together. Guy has an enquiring, technical mind, while Robyn describes herself as the decorator and labourer. The couple has so far rejuvenated Warra’s kitchen, constructed a new garage, and reinstated the garden – including a rose circle which remains faithful to the Murdochs‘ original plantings. The next stage of the development will focus on the original bathroom, which features a giant claw–foot bathtub. Through the 10 years they’ve invested in the house, Robyn said she and

what was best for their home as they carried it into its next chapter, while also considering its original owners.

house, and I’ll often stop and wonder whether Marion would be happy with the changes we’ve made. It’s a home that should be owned by people who love it. We’ve always lived in places we

ORIGINAL FEATURES / Leadlight windows, Wunderlich and pine ceilings and two carved fireplace mantel surrounds created by Prussian–born, Melbourne–based crasftsman Robert Prenzel, are among the home’s strikiing features which captivated the Robertsons when it came on the market.

RESTORATION / Guy and Robyn Robertson are keen to hear from anyone with knowledge of the house to extend their historical collection.

Though they‘ve lived there for almost a decade, Robyn said their home continued to reward their passion, remaining a

of a former owner of the house – they discovered it was part of a mechanism which opened a hidden space beneath the

shelf in a cupboard, which revealed it to be part of the packing Robyn said the regular discoveries were fascinating, and added

of albums detailing the house’s progress, with photographic

when the positions of the two mantel surrounds were switched, and are fascinated by the artistic connection to the house; apart from Marion Murdoch, it has inspired former resident and

“I think it is so connected to artists because the house is a

The couple is always keen to hear from anyone with knowledge anyone with photos or stories of the house throughout its life to

FASCINATING / Robyn said the home continues to reward their passion, remaining a treasure–trove of intriguing finds which adds to its attraction.

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Elizabeth and Stephen Morris from Pennyweight Winery in Beechworth have clocked up more than four decades in the wine industry this year, creating a speciality wine range including fortifieds which are treasured by their loyal customers.

FOR Pennyweight winemaker Stephen Morris, advice from a friend to quit his job when in his late 20s to take up winemaking had been the best advice ever received. With his staunch supporter, wife Elizabeth by his side, the couple took a leap of faith when they made the huge decision and the successful winemaker and grape grower has never looked back, clocking up more than four decades in the industry this year.

The fourth-generation winemaker from the Morris family, which has more than 160 years of winemaking history, had been indecisive about his career in his younger years and with encouragement realised his love for wine and grape growing. Sound advice led Stephen to be one of the pioneering yields exceptional grapes for producing its top-quality wines. Stephen’s great grandfather George Francis Morris started a vineyard in Rutherglen in 1860, his grandfather Charles Hugh Morris created Morris Wines at Mia Mia vineyard in Rutherglen at the turn of the century while his father Frederick was a Morris Wines partner at Mia Mia until the winery’s sale in 1970.

climate conditions, it took Elizabeth and Stephen six years

William Street, where Stephen experimented by planting vines to see how they would go. Stephen started the winery from best table and elegant style white and red wines in the North organic and biodynamic.

“Beechworth is a good region for planting with its red soils where its climate is warm enough to get the fruit ripe and cool

“Planting is a lot of hard work with challenges in the vineyard, right amount of sunlight on them, but the rewards are reaped

Stephen and Elizabeth also run a 10-acre vineyard in Rutherglen owned by their son Fred and his wife Emily - the

are grown for its Ports, Muscat, Sherries, Durif and Shiraz. The vineyard known as Sun Low Kee is named after the market gardener who originally bought the land in 1918.

While working as a district nurse at weekends before joining Stephen full-time, Elizabeth recalls arriving home on a crowded with people. >>

words Coral Cooksley photos Kurt Hickling

HAND CRAFTED / Pennyweight Winery is particularly known for its range of blended and aged fortified wines.

“It was quite extraordinary what Stephen was doing, and I had placed a casserole in the woodstove before I went to work. Customers thought it was a restaurant like in Italy or Greece out in the country, but it was our dinner,” she said.

“People from then who keep coming back remember the

As a family business Stephen says all members have made three sons Charles, Frederick and Steve working in the business over the years and Elizabeth always “giving her all” to help make it the success it is today.

“Our success has been very much to Elizabeth’s credit because of her total commitment. She managed with three children while I was studying and working full-time in the wine business - I left everything to her, including parenting, when I undertook a six-week study trip to Europe,” said Stephen.

With Stephen’s middle son Steve playing a big role as both a winemaker and viticulturist, Stephen considers his greatest reward is seeing the business continue as Steve and his partner Danielle take on improvements, paving the way forward for the winery. Having seven grandchildren, Stephen relishes the idea of having another generation to take up the reins.

“One of the exciting things for me is that our grandchildren might be interested (in the business), as the eldest is 14 years

Stephen says.

With land enriched for future generations, Stephen says it’s not just the physical environment, but valuable knowledge gained to share and hand down to the next generation. Growing up in the wine industry, Stephen already had a strong

background in the industry, but he still embarked on viticulture studies, adding to his skills and knowledge. He followed this with an applied science degree at Charles Sturt University. Steve is now following in his father’s footsteps, having obtained a science degree too. Carrying on the wine business has been a fantastic opportunity for Steve - his parents having planted the vines, created the business and built the winemaking facilities.

“Now I get my turn too, and we have an amazing vineyard as well as producing incredible fruit to make some really good wines,” he said.

As part of Pennyweight Winery’s sustainability focus, being organic and biodynamic, a mid-row crop rotation is used with legumes such as peas, beans, wheat and oats between vines where crops are ploughed back in to compost the soil, capture carbon and manage water retention.

“There is no need to use fertilisers or irrigate,” Steve says. Wine matures in oak wine barrels for long periods of time

months for early consumption by customers. While most wines longer to develop further.

keep blending new wines to the old ones,” Stephen says.

you’re constantly tasting, comparing and analysing each blend –with the end product becoming a personal taste. Steve is doing tastes to cater for our customers. Blending is actually one of the fun and fascinating things to do in the winery because there are >>

FAMILY BUSINESS / Elizabeth and Stephen Morris (above left) have welcomed son Steve (above right) into the role of winemaker and viticulturist. Steve’s partner Danielle (right, with family members including baby Elliot and daughter Louisa), says the country lifestyle is great for their children.

Steve says he would never dream of making a wine he wasn’t interested in.

“In this type of business, you have the luxury of being able to choose what you do and I love the styles I’m very interested in,” he says.

New releases of wines are made every year such as the Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc as well as the Gamay – a ruby coloured wine with a savoury fragrance of enjoyed in the near future.

“We don’t cellar those wines because they don’t really need it, whereas we hold back the Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Shiraz stored in French oak barrels for close to two years,” said Steve.

He says his love for the industry fell into place growing up at the winery. Living in Western Australia for a while and working in the building industry, Steve’s experience comes in good stead for maintenance at the winery. Returning to Pennyweight is where he wanted to be. Steve enjoys being in the outdoors and says there is a very seasonal aspect to the work.

“You take note of the weather as it’s such a critical part of vineyard management and always keeping your eye on weather apps on the phone, especially this year,” he said.

Elizabeth says discipline and structure has also been a key to Pennyweight’s success.

“We set out on a mission with a vision and have succeeded, and we have gained an enormous amount of pleasure and sense of achievement,” she says.

Stephen says the family has been fortunate in having contributed to creating the Beechworth wine region which sets it apart from other regions with its climate and highly suitable soils. In business for 41 years, Stephen has seen extraordinary changes in the wine industry over that time. When he was young, around 14 wineries existed across Victoria where there are now 21 regions with more than 800 wineries and in excess of 600 cellar doors. Five of those regions are in the North East with over 30 family owned and operated vineyards in Beechworth and nearby surrounds stretching from Everton and Murmungee to Stanley. Danielle, previously an occupational therapist, is now dedicating her time to all aspects of the winery. She says the country lifestyle is a great way to bring up children.

“I couldn’t imagine it any other way, with freedom and and sustainability,” she said.

“They collect eggs from the chooks, help in the veggie garden and play in the vineyard which are very positive experiences for them. They’re gaining social skills too with people coming to the cellar door.”

Pennyweight Winery is well-known for its red and white table made from their estate grown grapes. And when it comes to their favourite wines, Elizabeth loves the Pinot Noir, Danielle chooses the Chardonnay and father and son both opt for the Cabernet Blend – a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Like father, like son.

SUSTAINABLE / Steve and Stephen Morris say Pennyweight Winery is organic and biodynamic, with no need to fertilise or irrigate the vineyards.

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Mount Beauty, Victoria 0407 050 490

Spread over two acres this renowned museum features multiple dwellings, exhibits and displays which showcase the early pioneering days and heritage of the region. All set within lovely gardens in the heart of Jindera.

The Yea Peppercorn Hotel has had its doors open to visitors for over 150 years and while its appearance and name may have changed in that time, today it’s still the place to go for quality food, a comfortable bed and a warm welcome.

BEFORE the railway station was built in the thriving town of Yea, a hotel was built in 1868 to cater to the workers on the railway line, providing accommodation and sustenance after

claim through the 1830s, before prospectors began to arrive following the discovery of gold in the 1850s. By the late 1800s, the Railway Hotel - as it was known then - was doing a roaring trade, serving passengers now travelling on the railway line who

stopped there for a 20 minute refreshment break - the building

Fast forward to today and while the building has undergone was renamed Yea Peppercorn Hotel (for the Peppercorn tree in the rear garden) and while it has been tastefully decorated inside and out, it retains many of its historic features including

out towards the old station. >>

words Anita McPherson photos Yea Peppercorn Hotel/Amanda Radovic/Neil McCarthy

FRIENDLY FACE / Kelly Petering has been behind the bar since she and partner Chris Byers purchased the business back in 2016.

The beautiful building caught the eye of Kelly Petering and her partner Chris Byers who were based in the Pilbara and working in the mining industry before they bought the business in 2016, relocating to the North East Victorian township with baby Harley in tow. As Chris is a trained chef and Kelly has a background in the tourism industry, they had been looking for a new home and business opportunity which would make the most of their combined talents and be somewhere in the country, albeit within a couple of hours of Kelly’s extended family in Melbourne.

rustic look and features like all the exposed brick inside,” Kelly said.

“We were after something rustic - Chris is very into antiques complement its heritage feel.”

Kelly said the fact they were already used to living in a small town environment in Western Australia certainly helped them to

“We found Yea to be such a lovely community and we connected with the locals very early on,” she said.

While Kelly said the business was already established and

they haven’t made any major structural changes, they have certainly added their own stamp to the building and its interior, upgrading the accommodation and refreshing the colour apartment nearby, which Kelly said is particularly popular with families, groups and wedding parties - all regularly occupied because of a post-COVID boom. But it’s the extensive menu which keeps people coming through their doors time and time again - with dishes so popular it tends to curtail Chris’s ambitions as a creative chef - because returning customers can’t bear to let go of their favourites.

“We’ve found people like what they like - so much so, they ask if those dishes are still there,” said Kelly.

“We do make some seasonal changes with our produce, and we occasionally add something new, but people love the regular menu and they want the same things.”

One of the most popular dishes is an up market Peppercorn a peppercorn sauce. There are also locally sourced steaks -

ORIGINAL FEATURES / Visitors sit down to their favourite dishes including crispy skinned pork belly (top left), a moreish Affogato (top right) or perhaps a juicy steak (above right), which are sourced locally. Renovations have taken place, but the exposed brick interiors remain a feature.

COMFORT FOOD / The menu may include a decadent reef and beef, seared Atlantic salmon or seafood linguine (top right) while the indulgent seafood platter for two (above right) is popular with locals. Guests can choose to stay the night in the hotel’s recently upgraded accommodation.

ack Creek Distillery is situated on acreage with the Yackandandah creek at the back door of the distillery, the natural bushland provides an inviting and relaxing environment beyond the Cellar doors.

Nathan Cowan and Felicity Cottrill are shaking things up at Billson’s Brewery in Beechworth, continually adding new products and experiences to their range.

words Belinda Harrison photos Billson’s Brewery

HISTORIC BUILDING / Billson’s Brewery was established on the Last Street site in the 1800s because of the natural spring which runs through it.

GROWTH PHASE / The team at Billson’s has grown to more than 170 and new products and customer experiences are a focus of the business.

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Many of us dream of leaving a legacy for our families, but being able to share a significant collection of rare artefacts in the way the family of Mansfield’s Dr Will Twycross has done, makes for a truly exceptional story.

PRICELESS / Among the items now on on display at the Royal Exhbition Building are Japanese artefacts from the John Twycross collection (above) while ceramics (held left) created by his godmother, renowned cermacist Klytie Pate, are treasured by Dr Will Twycross today.

are acknowledged by Museum Victoria, the custodians of the

words Lynn Elder photos Sandra Lee Photography/Supplied

The dome built in 1880 is based on the design of Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence. The Royal Exhibition Building was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2004 and is collection; but it was almost a “thanks, but no thanks” moment. He remembers making the phone call, and Museum Victoria held at the Royal Exhibition Building.

“It is highly unusual for a collection to remain extant with one split between multiple family members, being a smaller family, town to town with the collection. The precious items from the collection were regarded as a normal part of the household in the Melbourne suburb of Bright with his family when he

“My mother and father built the weatherboard house around the collection.”

He smiles at the memory of his mother Mary defending the reasoning that they were actual teeth. Will admits the realisation him when his parents were much older and the collection was

people of Victoria was a critical aspect of the decision to donate the John Twycross Collection to Museum Victoria in 2008. Will explained the donation was conditional on the museum agreeing to publish a book to capture the historical importance of his great grandfather’s contribution to the life, art, and culture of 19th century Victoria and the emergence of Melbourne as a grand colonial city.

In 2014 “Visions of Colonial Grandeur” was published to complement the existing display of the family’s collection of the 1880s artefacts which had returned to the Royal Exhibition Building where they had come from. The book includes a range

FASCINATING / An incredibly detailed model trainset, purchased at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition by wool merchant John “Top Hat” Twycross, has been appreciated by several generations including Dr Will Twycross (above) and his father John, who called it “The Shiny Engine”.

National Trust property, McCrae Homestead, built in 1844 by Andrew and Georgiana McCrae. It is one of Victoria’s oldest homesteads and was home to the Burrells from 1851 to 1925, years. Will’s grandfather, an avid photographer, captured the family’s daily lives and pioneering spirit in images created from glass negatives. Several copies of these historical images from

for patrons to enjoy. They also form part of a collection in the Twycross Burrell Gallery next door to the homestead documenting the family’s 75-year history on the Mornington Peninsula. Another artistic family connection on the peninsula is through the highly

and evaluation of earthquakes. He accepted a position at the night in Japan, an earthquake occurred. Following the Yokohama

a copy of his great uncle’s journal, which recorded essential earthquake activity and data.

With his interest piqued, Will made a permanent record of John Milne’s extraordinary work by directing the documentary centenary of his death. His great nephew took more than just a passing interest in the science behind earthquakes when the subsequent aftershocks.

in the use of unusual glazes and the extensive incising, piercing can be found proudly displayed in Will’s home. His appreciation and admiration of Klytie’s art form culminated in the “Klytie Pate

From art to science, Will’s family tree on his mother’s side produced the much acclaimed geologist and engineer John “Earthquake” Milne. Born in Liverpool in Lancashire, England in

ancestors and studied medicine at Melbourne University, where he met his wife-to-be Margie, who was studying social work.

Cummins farming family. Following graduation, Margie and Will

reasons which led to the establishment of the Central General two others. Beyond the broader Twycross family history, Will has >>

ON DISPLAY/ The Burrell Collection (above) draws visitors to McCrae Homestead on the Mornington Peninsula, while at right, Museum Victoria’s Dr Michelle Stevenson, Margie and Will Twycross, Hugh Twycross, Will Lopez and Sam Twycross, are pictured in front of part of the John Twycross Melbourne International Collection, during the private opening at Museum Victoria.

“I really enjoy the public processes that lead to community achievement,” he said.

“Probably in that regard being involved in the de-amalgamation most momentous, as we remain the only community in Victoria to have achieved that. It was really that which led on to chairing the construction of the Great Victorian Rail Trail, the Visitors Centre

According to Will, when visitors admire the main street, they remove the car parks from the median strip, and create footpaths transformed it into a vital civic space that also hosts numerous community events and activities throughout the year. His love of history has seen an active involvement recently in the great work

university reviews, has led to being heavily involved as an actor and, more recently, as a director with the local drama group people. He is looking forward to take two of “The Castle” which was well into rehearsals when COVID brought everything to an abrupt halt in March 2020. Will is resuming the mantle of director with some new cast members and script changes to bring this madcap production based on the much-loved 1997 a large cast ranging from primary school age to mid-70s, the show bridges the generation gap in a profound but fun way. The

extremely important Indigenous heritage, and its history from

“I also continue to have a small role in Friends of Venilale, which connects our community to Venilale, in East Timor. My interest in that stems from visiting Timor in the days when it

Rehearsals begin in June, with 10 performances scheduled to begin from October 14, 2023.

Once the curtain closes on that show, one can only wonder

Whatever happens, the Twycross family legacy is set to live on for many more generations to come.

CAPTIVATING / A barometer was one of the few items kept by Dr Will Twycross before donating the John Twycross Collection to Museum Victoria.

A labour of love has transformed this into an amazing space complete with an established maze, labyrinth, beautiful walled gardens, giant topiaries & sculptures, lawn games and of course, a gnome hunt!

Our fully licensed Cafe offers fresh roasted coffee, tea and produce straight from our garden to you

We are thrilled to have Australia’s foremost wildlife and bird artist working in our art gallery

Kiera MORTON Jared&

PHOTOGRAPHER | Rachael Emmily Photography

Date of wedding

March 20, 2022

Ceremony Location

Feathertop Winery

Reception Location

Feathertop Winery

Celebrant

Pr. Joshua Stothers

Makeup Rachel Mead

Hair

Emma McGlone (Abbeyhill Collective, Albury)

Florist Lindy Roberts

Wedding Dress

Karen Willis Holmes

Bridesmaid’s dresses

Talulah

Groom’s suit

Politix

Groom’s ladies suits

Shona Joy

Cake

Mosaic Patisserie

Engagement & Wedding rings

Tink Jewellery

Band/DJ/entertainment

Josh Quinn (Quinn Brothers)

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Courtney Conroy @ Feathertop Winery

“ Our day was filled with the richest of love and laughter. No better way to start the rest of our lives. ”

Prue WATERHOUSE John&

PHOTOGRAPHER | McQuilton Productions

Date March 19, 2022

Ceremony Location

Calliope Lawn, Buller Wines, Rutherglen

Reception Location

The Pavilion at Buller Wines

Celebrant

Haley Chartres

Makeup

Emma Keenan

Hair Salon Vie

Florist

Blooms Ranch

Wedding Dress Brides of Wagga

Bridesmaid’s dress

Love Affair Boutique

Groom’s suit

MJ Bale

Groomsman’s suit

MJ Bale

Cake

Valda Mancino

Engagement & Wedding rings

Nicole Viney Jewellery

Band/DJ/entertainment

The Party DJ Marcus - Albury

Wedding stylist

Prue Waterhouse

Transport North East Coachlines

“

It was a magical day that went off without a hitch. ”

Phone (03) 5721 5551 70 Reid Street, Wangaratta Email: wangjt@iinet.net.au

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Shannon Rademaker (pictured) and his wife Narelle, are the driving force behind the Highline Mountain Bike Festival, a mountain bike event hub they built on the edge of Mansfield.

A PRIVATE road switchbacks up the side of a steep hillside on considered Victoria’s most panoramic carpark, with views across Australia if you wanted to showcase your talents or consider most satisfaction, driven by the desire to further the sport both >>

words Emma Oliver photos Sandra Lee Photography/Supplied

SPECTACULAR / Purpose-built ramps are the launching pad for competitors taking part in an adrenalin-soaked festival over four days.

“It is still a relatively young niche industry in Australia and my dream is to be a part of its growth, and for it to one day become a recognised career path for those kids who are on their bikes now,” he said.

The creation and evolution of the Highline Mountain Bike Festival is part of that vision. Highline’s humble beginnings date back to 2018, with a contained jump jam on the toboggan course at Mt Buller.

“It was the prime location for riders to execute tricks and showcase their skills, and as it was the opening weekend we drew quite a crowd of spectators,” said Shannon.

“There were only about eight riders at that event, primarily friends and colleagues who trained and kicked around together on their own backyard set-ups. We had one jump and a couple of kickers, and it was a great weekend. Initially it was just a bit of fun and an opportunity for our local riders to get out there and put on a show.”

However the success of the event and the positive feedback inspired Shannon to put it on again in 2019, once again taking over the Village Toboggan Park, and this time utilising dirt from the recently excavated mountain-top reservoir. Shannon also

granted a license to run a bronze event. Events recognised by the FMBA as part of the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour have

Competitors collect points for placing at each event, which determines their world-ranking, with the top riders qualifying to contest the Slopestyle World Championship hosted by Crankworx, the highest echelon of the sport. The Crankworx

World Tour is a multi-stop series of mountain bike festivals, bringing together the best mountain bike athletes to compete at an elite level. To be invited to compete at an event – before you even set your sights on Crankworx - you need to be in the riders who had limited to no opportunity to get on the scoreboard mountain biking calendar on home soil, the Rademakers created riders and generated more traction through media coverage.

“This whole scene was suddenly created,” Shannon said.

“We drew together this crowd of like-minded people who were passionate about the industry, but didn’t have that opportunity domestically to see the sport live or compete or even just showcase their talents. The atmosphere was electric had to do it again.”

However once the course had been pulled down, the dirt pushed back into the toboggan slope and the kickers

the longevity and feasibility of holding the event on Mt Buller annually. In 2020, the toboggan area had ceased to be an option and dirt wasn’t readily available.

“We began to look at other options on the mountain,” Shannon said.

“The grand vision was to build a slopestyle course down

the chairlift to continue competing. However digging up the ski run every year was not feasible, nor was the expense of fresh dirt and cartage for each event. The course would have to be year in Canada, however they have a team of 50 who take three

FAMILY TIME / Shannon and Narelle Rademaker and their four children are all passionate mountain bike riders, often riding the trails in Mansfield.

event of this magnitude wasn’t possible.”

came down to the long term vision of the event.

“We had to work within our limits, operating on a modest budget without the manpower, while looking for a more permanent location with that space to grow and develop into a festival,” she said

“We wanted to keep it local and we didn’t want to rebuild every year, and so we began to hunt for a home for what would become Highline.”

The proposal to run a mountain bike festival on private land was met with considerable interest. The couple spoke to a lot of people and visited lots of properties across the shire. The general consensus was that it was a really great event,

Location and accessibility were important, lay of the land was also a major consideration to accommodate a variety of race disciplines, as well as the all-important availability of dirt.

“Some people didn’t want massive, permanent jumps onsite, and others were too close to neighbouring properties,” Shannon said.

big crowd and expand the program to cater not just for the slopestyle but things like the gravity race, which needs a hillside

as spectators cheer on riders who land their bikes smoothly after a series of tricks while whipping the back end of their bike out as

Mountain bike competitions are just as much about showcasing the destination as they are an extreme sport spectacular. It was the panoramic views that drew Shannon and

a location for their festival in 2020. It was the unerring belief in the vision by landholders Louis Van der Heyden and Tamara Watson that then made the festival a reality.

“I had been friends with Louis and his brother Cornell for many years,” said Shannon.

“We’d always ridden bikes on their property. The family had carved tracks into the landscape. It’s a beautiful piece of land and has become an integral part of the success of Highline. We are incredibly grateful to both Louis and Tamara for opening up their property to the community, and for their amazing support of Highline.”

up the slopestyle course alone represented a massive and expensive undertaking.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our

months to build with over 3000 tonnes of dirt brought on-site, and three weeks alone dedicated to the timber component of the course.

“I spent a lot of time on the digger,” said Shannon.

“And we had a team of volunteers on rakes, smoothing out the course. Local families who had machinery came up and who were riders themselves or others who just wanted to give it a crack. And then there were local tradespeople who understood the cost of construction and volunteered their services, throwing their support behind the vision.”

Working from schematic diagrams, professional mountain bike rider and fellow local Gaelen Slaney was on-hand throughout the process. >>

BACK TO BUSINESS / The couple also established All Terrain Cycles in Mansfield where Shannon Rademaker sells, services and repairs bicycles.

“Gaelen’s been working at All Terrain Cycles since he was 14, and during that time we’ve watched him grow as a rider, and this is what he competes in now. This is what he does,” said Shannon.

“Gaelen was instrumental in building the course, as he had works. Melbourne-based Ben Phillips was also indispensable. A professional builder and knowledgeable rider, Ben built the timber element of the track, which he considered a massive the perfect jump, from the size and shape to the spacing and made a couple of minor tweaks to the course more recently, point where there’s no more building - just maintenance.”

That said Shannon has recently completed construction of additional tracks to expand the gravity component of the forest and into the hillside, the course got a work out by riders

“It was an aspect of Highline that was hugely popular and the competition,” Shannon said.

“Half of them were either in the under 17s or the under 15s. In the high volume of demand crashed the Australian Cycling

system. Once it was restored it sold out within eight minutes.”

the festival calendar with an amateur slopestyle, dual slalom, spend’n’style and balance bike competition all generating interest.

level, and we had eight competitors,” Shannon said.

Shannon and Narelle can only envisage that this will grow, much like Highline from that original gathering of mates on Mt

support of not only the mountain bike community, but the local community, its businesses and operators.

many others who have supported the build and the dream that is Highline. Right down to the borrowed tents and tables that added atmosphere to the event village, it really has been this

“It’s taken a lot of work from a lot of people to make the process look seamless. However it’s been an organic process that initial seed a whole movement has grown.”

ALL TERRAIN / In 2021 over 300 entrants tackled the gravity component of the Highline competition and it continues to grow in popularity.

It has a history dating back to the mid-1800s, but it’s Oxley residents today (like Janet Heath, pictured at the historic Oxley Shire Hall) who are working to preserve its heritage while ensuring the town continues to service and support a thriving community.

banks of the King River, the unassuming historic township the North East. Entering the town from the west, visitors are greeted with majestic red gums rising either side of the scenic township brimming with history.

The expansive paddocks, many of which remain from the

words Ryan Malcolm photos Kurt Hickling

COMMITMENT / Oxley Residents’ Association member and local CFA stalwart, Neil Brock, has been involved in compiling the history of the area

Having experienced rapid expansion as a vital stopping point 1850s, the township became the centre of the now-defunct Oxley Shire in 1862, with its historic hall at 1157 Snow Road still standing despite celebrating its 148th anniversary this year. With the hall having fallen into disrepair in the 1970s, a group of concerned locals, including Janet Heath, convened to restore the building to its former glory, with the shire’s historic façade greeting locals as they gather for myriad social events, including the wildly popular Oxley Bush Market. In demand for residents and tourists alike, the hall has become a popular site for weddings and community funerals, while serving as a competition space for weekly table tennis tournaments and as a haven for Friday evening drinks with members of the Oxley community.

“The hall was in an absolutely decrepit state because it had so the hall had just been left to rack and ruin, it was just so bad,” Janet said.

to be very careful with that – we started with restoring the

and sometime later, we did the supper room, which meant demolishing an old building that was there. The bricks that we took from the demolition were all hand-made in Oxley in the 1870s, and the community got together and we hand-cleaned all those bricks so they could be reused in the new building. There are lots of weddings – people just drive past and think ‘oh my goodness, I’d love to get married in this hall’. In the 80s and 90s for about 15 years we used to have a black tie dinner as beautifully to something like special dinners, and the grounds are beautiful too, so people get married under the trees. The Elm trees that are on the west side were actually planted the

from them being bought and donated by a lady who I think was involved in the Oxley Shire.”

The heritage of the main town also extends to the Oxley Recreation Reserve, situated two kilometres to the south of the main township on the banks of the King River. A key cog within

3000 people from around the state for the annual Oxley Picnic

REJUVENATION / Janet Heath (above) was among the group who helped restore the historic Oxley Shire Hall to its former glory. The site is now home to the Oxley Bush Market, held on Saturday during Melbourne Cup Weekend (right).

Day, the relaxed space is now home to the Moyhu Pony Club, while its expansive room for cycling and water activities has seen it become a popular camping destination for locals and tourists. really just a base for the pony club, and then a few people started to camp there, so we took that on board and we started member, Dianne Feldtmann, said.

“We have a lot of people camp there – there’s usually camp anywhere. We have a lot of horse events – three out of four weekends during the season we’ll have horse events on. There’s

It’s a quiet space and it’s central to the wine region. It’s just a relaxing place for people to stay, it’s perfect for families because they can bring bikes and it’s pet friendly too.”

Despite Oxley’s population doubling in the last decade, with a host of young families embracing the country lifestyle the

Stephens believes the region has maintained its own unique character in the face of major growth. With the town now having

more than 600 residents, many of whom have built homes in lifestyle had remained.

“That comes out so many times when people are asked what they want to see happen in Oxley and what they want it to look like in the future - they want it to stay a village with its own unique character,” she said.

“There are a lot more people on the bike path, a lot more people at the shop and at the café. Oxley does have its own character and it is a caring community – one of the things I really like about it is when I go for a walk on the bike path, everyone stops and says hello. Even the kids slow down on their bikes and they say hello – it’s just a really nice feeling.”

lifestyle that made Oxley so appealing.

“We can go anywhere and see such beauty – the natural environment is just amazing,” she said.

“We’ve got the river, we’ve got the wineries, the bike path, the big skies, mountains, the sunsets and the sunrises, they’re awesome. It’s the gateway to so many other adventures.”

TRADITION / Oxley Residents’ Association president Alison Stephens (above) believes the region has maintained its own unique character in the face of growth. Last year, Lt Gen (Ret) Ash Power (top left) laid a wreath on Remembrance Day, 100 years after Oxley’s Soldiers Memorial was built.

When the Dartmouth Dam overflowed last year for the first time since 1996, thousands of people flocked to the trout fishing destination to catch a glimpse of this quite rare phenomenon.

WHEN there were early indications Dartmouth Dam was social media came alive with predictions on when it would strictly controlled to give precedence to downstream water

words Anita McPherson photos Courtesy Towong Shire

VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE / Dartmouth Dam is the largest capacity dam in Victoria and the highest structure of its kind in Australia.

TOURIST SITE / Locals say visitors came from further afield to see the dam spill, arriving from the first day until it stopped about three months later.

Beckers Newsagency

551 Dean Street

Albury NSW 2640

Ph: (02) 6021 3076

Birallee Newsagency

Birallee Shopping Centre

Melrose Drive, VIC 3690

Ph: (02) 6059 1597

Mahoneys Newsagency

168 High Street

Wodonga VIC 3690

Ph: (02) 6024 2051

ALPINE &

Bright Newsagency

28 Ireland Street

Bright VIC 3741

Ph: (03) 5755 1015

IGA Chiltern

36 Conness Street

Chiltern VIC 3683

Ph: (03) 5726 1471

NewsXpress Beechworth

26-28 Camp Street

Beechworth VIC 3747

Ph: (03) 5728 1114

Myrtleford Newsagency

21 Clyde Street

Myrtleford VIC 3737

Ph: (03) 5752 1250

Rutherglen News and Lotto

128-130 Main Street

Rutherglen VIC 3685

Ph: (02) 6032 9517

Tawonga South Newsagency

221 Kiewa Valley Highway

Tawonga South VIC 3698

Ph: (03) 5754 4002

Wahgunyah Newsagency

24 Foord Street

Wahgunyah VIC 3687

Ph: (02) 6033 1186

Yackandandah Newsagency

24 High Street

Yackandandah VIC 3749

Ph: (02) 6027 1226

MANSFIELD, EUROA

Alexandra Newsagency

82 Grant Street

Alexandra VIC 3714

(03) 5772 1025

Avenel Newsagency

2 Longwood Road

Avenel VIC 3664

(03) 5796 2246

Bonnie Doon Central

10 Bon Crescent

Bonnie Doon VIC 3720

Ph: (03) 5778 7236

Choice’s Milkbar

110 High Street

Mansfield VIC 3722

Ph: (03) 5775 2358

Euroa Newsagency

61 Binney Street

Euroa VIC 3666

Ph: (03) 5795 3031

Goughs Bay Store

4 Main Street

Goughs Bay VIC 3723

Ph: (03) 5777 3558

Mansfield Courier

98 High Street

Mansfield VIC 3722

Ph: (03) 5775 2115

Mansfield Foodworks

117-119 High Street

Mansfield VIC 3722

Ph: (03) 5775 2255

Mansfield Newsagency

57-59 High Street

Mansfield VIC 3722

Ph: (03) 5775 2649

Merton Store

8283 Maroondah highway

Merton VIC 3715

Ph: (03) 5778 9507

Swanpool Store

2373 Midland Highway

Swanpool VIC 3673

Ph: (03) 5768 2261

WANGARATTA & APCO

1-5 Roy Street

Wangaratta VIC 3677

Ph: (03) 5721 9991

Benalla Newsagency

45 Bridge Street East

Benalla VIC 3672

Ph: (03) 5762 2082

Cheshunt General Store

447 King Valley Road

Cheshunt VIC 3678

Ph: (03) 5729 8202

Edgars Books and News

55 Murphy Street

Wangaratta VIC 3677

Ph: (03) 5721 3758

Glenrowan Post Office & Newsagency

Shop 1, 33 Gladstone Street

Glenrowan VIC 3675

Ph: (03) 5766 2379

Milawa Post Newsagency

Shop 3, 1594 Snow Road

Milawa VIC 3678

Ph: (03) 5727 3200

Moyhu General Store

9 Byrne Street

Moyhu VIC 3732

Ph: (03) 5727 9260

Oxley Roadhouse

1152 Snow Road

Oxley VIC 3678

Ph: (03) 5727 3300

Springhurst Post Office

8 Silo Street

Springhurst VIC 3682

Ph: (03) 5726 5200

Violet Town Corner Store

32 Cowslip Street

Violet Town VIC 3669

Ph: (03) 5798 1304

Wangaratta Chronicle

37 Rowan Street

Wangaratta VIC 3677

Ph: (03) 5723 0100

Whitfield General Store

4877 Wangaratta-Whitfield Road

Whitfield VIC 3733

Ph: (03) 5729 8046

Yarrawonga Newsagency

81 Belmore Street

Yarrawonga VIC 3730

Ph: (03) 5744 3022

Can you tell us what you remember about growing up in Beechworth?

Beechworth was the ideal place to grow up. It’s a small town where the community is remarkably inter-webbed and involved - you couldn’t feel anything but supported and safe. I grew up on a my three siblings and my parents. I spent lots of time hiking and riding around the surrounding areas with friends and playing any sport that I could. What I remember most about that time are the events and the opportunities that lead me down this path in life (as a performer) - the performances I was a part of or saw as an audience member.

What did you love about where you grew up?

In a strange way, I loved the isolation. Growing up rural, kilometres away from

always a local:

DES FLANAGAN

period of my life I remember a lot of time the landscape.

Can you tell us where you are now?

Currently I’m playing the role of Christian in Moulin Rouge! The Musical – so I live in Sydney in January and then we move on to Perth and Brisbane before we get back to Melbourne in August. Melbourne has predominantly been my home for the last 10 years.

What are some of your career highpoints?

Being part of Moulin Rouge! The Musical opportunities. Singing the National Anthem at the 2021 Melbourne Cup or singing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as a guest, welcoming live music back to Melbourne after the

Rouge! The Musical will be hard to beat for the rest of my career I’m sure - it is an absolute privilege to be a part of this show. It’s such an iconic piece of musical theatre. Christian is a beautiful role to play and Global Creatures are an incredible company to be working with.

What’s the first thing you do when you return to the North East?

Anything that will make me feel nostalgic about the area. That usually means places I often visited or worked. Primarily I go straight to Beechworth appreciate how beautiful it is, or go out to our family property and notice how much things have changed in the period since I last visited.

After living away from the region, what about it has stayed with you?

The longer I’m away I realise (without bias) that North East Victoria has to be one of the greatest regions I’ve ever been to in Australia. It has everything to

some of the most stunning country and a rich history to connect to.