Secrets Magazine - Issue 51 - Autumn 2017

ISSUE 51 AUTUMN 2017 PRICELESS

Guirguis NEW ART PRIZE 25 MARCH — 14 MAY 2017

Come and see the work of Australia’s best contemporary artists in Ballarat ABDUL ABDULLAH JOEL ARTHUR ERIN COATES DAMP CARLY FISCHER NATASHA JOHNS-MESSENGER JUMAADI JULIA MCINERNEY BRIAN ROBINSON JULIA ROBINSON ALISTAIR ROWE YHONNIE SCARCE ESTHER STEWART PETER VANDERMARK Post Office Gallery, Federation University Australia Art Gallery of Ballarat OPEN 10AM - 5PM DAILY federation.edu.au/gnap

Cover Oak Valley, La Gerche Walk

By Suzanne Cooke

CONTENTS 5 7 9 10 11 12 13

14 15

16 17 18

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Guirguis New Art Prize 2017 Regional Artists Open Their Doors Taking On The Big Job Buda Shines Again In Autumn A Breath Of Fresh Air For Theatre Royal Castlemaine Makers Market Is Gold!

Fashion and Lifestyle Combine at Rike-Design Travel To Tribe Bespoke Shoemaker – Doing What We Used To Do! The Wallace Hotel Is A Real Winner Talbot Provedore & Eatery Konjo Mama Bringing Ethiopian Food To Oz Nation On A Plate - Konjo Mama More Than Just A Place To Lay Your Head

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Solar Batteries – The Future Of Energy Independence?

Terra Australis – Herbal Lore’s New Medicine Going Back to Nature Art, Sculpture and Paradise Sneak Preview of Autumn/Winter at Alpaca Passion Autumn Magic Who Makes It Happen?

The Humble Backyard?

REGULARS 30

Autumn Astrology

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FROM THE EDITOR A new year is the time to change, which is exactly what we have done with our magazine. I don’t think anyone needs to be told that there's a huge shift to digital media.

In going forward, we're building on our digital presence and social media platforms, while at the same time continuing to produce the “touchy/feely” print magazine that so many people love. Transition can take time, effort and more than a few profanities and the past three months has certainly seen and heard a lot of that, but the early results are telling us that this move is the right one. We post newsworthy articles to our website as soon as we have them and these are included in our social media strategies covering Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Some of these stories will find their way to the quarterly print magazine because we know that many of our followers prefer to take a more leisurely approach to information gathering. This transition will help our advertisers as they have the opportunity to have much greater exposure across both mediums. Visit our website secretsmagazine.com.au to see what we mean.

Autumn, which is the most stable season, is also the harbinger of the cooler months to come, arousing thoughts of a little retail therapy to buy some warmer additions to our wardrobes - as if we needed an excuse. We're delighted to share a glimpse of what we can expect to see for autumn from Alpaca Passion, Rike-Design and The Farmer’s Wife and if this is an indication of what will be available, it’s going to be a stunning season.

We're also looking forward to Rebecca Sprosen-Bailey from Allendale Nursery joining us next issue with a regular gardening feature.

Because of the time that the transition to a higher digital profile has taken and continues to take, we have reluctantly cancelled the Secrets Women’s Expo, scheduled for the end of March. There are only a certain number of hours in each day and days in each week and its been necessary to prioritise to concentrate on what I love to do and that’s producing this magazine. Until winter descends, take care.

Cheers, Norma Morton

ISSUE 51 AUTUMN 2017 Published by

Secrets Magazine ABN 35 535 679 949

Mailing Address Phone Email Web

PO Box 356 Creswick VIC 3363 03 5345 7260 info@secretsmagazine.com.au www.secretsmagazine.com.au

Editor Artwork & Layout Photography & Administration Research Contributors

Norma Morton Nick Morton Suzanne Cooke Kerry Cain Lyndall McQuinn, Matthew Turner, Amelia James

All content in this publication is copyright and may not be re-produced in whole or in part in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Secrets will be distributed quarterly throughout Victoria and various tourism outlets.

Secrets is also available from cafes, restaurants, B&B’s, hotels and shops. All care is taken to ensure accuracy of articles and advertising, however the publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions and references are a guide only and not intended as a recommendation.

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GUIRGUIS NEW ART PRIZE 2017 A strong, eclectic, field of fourteen finalists from across Australia have been shortlisted for GNAP17, with the soon to be announced winning artist to receive $20,000.

In 2017, GNAP will again bring exciting projects created by important Australian contemporary artists to Ballarat, providing a rich mix of media, approaches and individual styles of visual language.

“GNAP17 will surprise, inspire and challenge audiences and expand our views on contemporary art in very individual ways.”

Shelley Hinton, Curator of the Post Office Gallery and curator of GNAP said. “GNAP is always exciting and 2017 will be no different, showcasing work by artists that explore and interrogate fascinating ideas through a dynamic mix of video, painting, photography, sculpture and wall and floor installations.”

Shelley said.

Administered by Fed Uni’s Arts Academy in association with, and through the generous support of the Art Gallery of Ballarat, in 2017 GNAP will again be presented at the two gallery sites – FedUni’s Post Office Gallery and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. "GNAP forges new ways to consider and experience contemporary art,” Bryce Ives, Director of the Arts Academy said, adding; “We present this significant national event because it connects our students and community to bold and innovative new work."

Since the Prize’s inaugural launch in 2013, GNAP has supported forty artists working across new and emerging media and technologies from every state and territory in Australia, firmly positioning GNAP on the national visual arts calendar.

GNAP17 judge, Simon Maidment, Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Victoria will announce the winner at the official exhibition opening celebration at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Friday 24 March.

“A key aspect of the Prize is realising the ongoing benefit to artists who have either been selected as finalists or won the Prize thus far. Also and importantly, as GNAP artists are working nationally and internationally, it’s an important contemporary art exhibition for the local Ballarat community.” Shelley said.

“Further, as a result of Mark Guirguis’ initiative, in 2021, five important works will have been acquired for FedUni’s Permanent Art Collection and will represent nearly a decade of collecting of Australian contemporary art - a significant legacy for FedUni, for Ballarat and for the broader community, ” Information about GNAP17 artists’ work and the program of artist talks, workshops and seminars can be found at; federation.edu.au/ gnap and artgalleryofballarat.com.au.

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MEET THE ARTISTS IN THEIR STUDIOS 30 ARTISTS 3 WEEKENDS

www.dmropenstudios.com.au

ALPACA PASSION

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1 CHURCH AVENUE, HEPBURN SPRINGS P: 5348-1978 E: MANAGER@THEGRANDEHOTEL.COM.AU WWW.THEGRANDEHOTEL.COM.AU

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REGIONAL ARTISTS OPEN THEIR DOORS Drawing over 4,000 visitors each year, the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Open Studios program showcases the extraordinary cultural community of Central Victoria. Some of Australia’s finest artists who choose to work and live in the region are opening their studios over three weekends for the fifth presentation of this first rate event. Commencing on Saturday 29th April and continuing over three weekends, concluding on Sunday 14 May, the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Open Studios offers the public the opportunity to go ‘behind the scenes’ of the creative process, meet the artists in their own space and learn about their work and inspiration.

This year 30 artists have been selected to be included in the program. Established by Arts Writer/Producer Jill Rivers in 2012, this year the program is packed with ‘firsts’, beginning with a new date in the Autumn when the region is looking at its best.

The selected artists encompass an array of artistic practices from fresco painting, mosaic, sculpture and letterpress printing to handcrafted jewellery and art photography.

What they share is a powerful connection to the region. The Open Studios program is an invitation into their world, to embrace the benefits of arts and culture and to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Daylesford Macedon Ranges.

Participating artists include sculptor and print maker Tim Jones, whose work is presented in the British Museum; fine art photographer Deborah Mullins, who is also opening her garden near Hanging Rock; former fine arts lecturers/painters Anne Saunders and Doug Wright, Brae Studios; Greg Mallyon, whose paintings are inspired by aerial views of the landscape; handcraft photographer Ellie Young of Gold Street Studios and Victorian inspired jeweller and Asian-influenced painter, Liz Archer.

Among eleven artists new to the program are renowned sculptor/ceramicist Petrus Spronk and fellow members of Clay Space; scientist/wildlife artist William Ritchie; maker of functional contemporary ceramics, Emma Jimson and charcoal/pastel drawer and painter, Brian Reberger.

This year the DMROS Group will be held at the historic Convent Gallery Daylesford for the first time, plus twelve artists will participate in Artfull Conversations in their studios, hosted by Creative Producer Jill Rivers at the beginning and end of the open days.

For a full list of participating artists and booking details go to www.dmropenstudios.com.au

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A Touch of Class Step back in time to an era of elegance and decadence, into the Golden Age of rail travel, when the journey was just as important as the destination Our first class carriages offer a unique rail experience complete with cosy compartments, open lounges and fully equipped bar. Enjoy a drink or snack served by our Stewards, while you simply sit back and relax. Ride on the observation platform on our parlour car, let the world drift by as you leave behind the hum-drum of modern life and experience a taste of true decadence during your leisurely journey.

The Authentic Steam Railway Linking Castlemaine and Maldon Trains run on Sundays and Wednesdays as well as selected Saturdays and public holidays throughout the year.

www.VGR.com.au info@vgr.com.au

“Learning for life, from life and throughout life.�

Nurturing children from Playgroup to Class 8 Cnr Rilens Rd and Pyrenees Highway, Muckleford 03 5479 2000 enquiries@castlemainesteinerschool.com.au www.castlemainesteinerschool.com.au

HANDMADE, UP-CYCLED AND VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL FURNITURE, LIGHTING AND HOMEWARES. Located at The Mill Castlemaine.

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Martin Paten

Glyn Roberts

TAKING ON THE BIG JOB Directing an event as iconic and respected as the Castlemaine State Festival is a monumental task. The Director is responsible for creating a ten-day event of art, music, film and culture that embraces not only the local community, but welcomes visitors, who during peak festival time, swells the town’s population from 7,000 to over 15,000. The Castlemaine State Festival has been running for 42 years and is one of Victoria’s key regional arts festivals. To take on the task is not for the faint hearted. Outgoing director Mark Paten will hand over the mantle following the 2017 event in March, his fifth and final festival, to Glyn Roberts who takes up the role in June. Glyn comes with an impressive background in the Australian arts scene, including robust curatorial and programming experience and is eager to immerse himself in the multi-disciplinary aspect of this unique event. Glyn was appointed from twenty-two highly qualified applicants after an exhaustive recruitment process. With an impressive background in the Australian arts scene, Glyn says he embraces the multi-disciplinary aspect of an event as unique as the Castlemaine State Festival, particularly with its strong community engagement.

Currently the Creative Producer at Lat Boite Theatre Company and curator of Brisbane Festival’s highly successful Theatre Republic, Glyn has had extensive experience in several similar positions both in Australia and internationally.

Of his appointment, Glyn said: “The prospect of becoming the next director of the Castlemaine State Festival is truly thrilling. I am honoured and humbled by the Board’s decision and their faith in my vision for the future of this much-loved event”. He went on to say “Few festivals in Australia can boast a truly symbiotic relationship between its multi-faceted program and its audiences, to the point where the lines between creators, community and audiences are blurred.

Yet when I consider the Castlemaine State Festival, it is the dynamic relationship between the town, the artists and participants that immediately sets it apart”.

After visiting this year’s festival, Glyn will relocate with his family to the area ready to commence planning and preparing for the next festival in 2019.

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BUDA SHINES AGAIN IN AUTUMN Buda Historic Home & Garden is offering exciting events and exhibitions during Castlemaine State Festival 17 – 26th March.

Bring along your friends and family, as Buda truly comes alive during the festival period, and will open every day from 10am to 5pm.

An exclusive exhibition of Australian studio pottery brought together from private and public collections will coincide with the festival. Featuring a lovely selection of early Australian art ceramics including Buda’s own items collected by the Leviny daughters during the early twentieth century, such as works

by Merric Boyd and Klytie Pate along with some lesser-known names who also made a significant contribution to the artform during that period.

Australian Studio Pottery 1900 – 1950 will run from 17th March - 26th May 2017, so if you can’t catch it during the festival, make sure to see it before it closes in May. A pop-up Courtyard Café will be open at Buda from 18th to 26th March during the festival, serving light refreshments.

Buda also has a successful series of Sunday Arts & High Tea events running quarterly throughout the year. Check the website for details of upcoming events.

For full details of exhibitions and events go to www.budacastlemaine.org

Buda Historic Home and Garden Australian Studio Pottery: 1900-1950 Visit one of Central Victoria’s cultural heritage icons.

Buda, once home to colonial goldsmith and jeweller, Ernest Leviny, houses a unique collection of artworks, decorative arts and furniture dating from the mid-1800s.The house sits amid a distinctive 1.2 hectare garden with unique plantings, rambling pathways and delightful garden structures.

An exclusive exhibition of Australian Studio Pottery: 1900-1950 brought together from private and public collections will coincide with the Castlemaine State Festival this year.

VENUE Buda Historic Home and Garden ADDRESS 42 Hunter St Castlemaine (cnr Hunter & Urquhart Sts) DATES & TIMES Daily 10am-5pm (exhibition continues until 28th May) LANDLINE 03 5472 1032 EMAIL admin@budacastlemaine.org WEBSITE budacastlemaine.org

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR THEATRE ROYAL The iconic Theatre Royal in Castlemaine has a breath of fresh air blowing through it’s 160 year old doors. That breath is in the form of five new owners: Tim Heath and Campbell Hynam-Smith both born and raised Castlemaine lads, their partners Andrea Distefano and Felicity Cripps and friend Jono Hill. All have a a background in film, music and hospitality – performing, practising, administrating, cooking and serving. When the grand old theatre looked in need of rejuvenation, the opportunity to live and work there came as perfect timing for these five young people who all share a passion for diversity in film and music. They have given the theatre a quick spruce up – painting and refurbishing the cafe and bar space and now offer a menu from 8am, seven days a week.

The cinema is showing a variety of new release films and a broad range of musical performances have already been staged and will continue to run through the year. For more and to check events and screening times go to www.theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au

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CASTLEMAINE MAKERS MARKET IS GOLD! Castlemaine has been a mecca for artists, musicians, crafts people, foodies and the curious visitor for a long time now and the Castlemaine Makers Market has been a big part of that transition. On the first Sunday of every month the Castlemaine Western Oval transforms into a gold mine of art, craft, food, and music. At the heart of the market is a desire to showcase and grow the rich community of independent artists and makers from across the Goldfields region. With more than 70 makers each month, as well as a great selection of local musicians, workshops, food offerings, and activities for the kids, this free event is a must see for any visitor to the area and let’s not forget the locals. Add to that the feel-good country vibe of the market and visitors will find a unique, authentic country

experience. The makers range from painters, ceramicists, clothing designers, jewellerymakers, and much, much more. Come along and experience it for yourself!

Studio 29, Newbridge 5438 7315 sarahgrant.com.au For unique handcrafted jewellery, Sarah can be found at The Castlemaine Artist’s market and Maldon market.

Pair of Opal rings Stirling silver with 18ct gold detail.

Re-modelling of Opal jewellery available.

Art - Craft - Music - Food First Sunday of every month, excluding January 9am-2pm Western Reserve, Forest St. www.castlemaineartistsmarket.com.au 12

FASHION AND LIFESTYLE COMBINE AT RIKE-DESIGN The world of fashion is always one step ahead of the rest of us. While we still enjoy warm, sunny weather, Ulrike von Radichevich and her team at Rike-Design in Castlemaine’s Mostyn Street is already gearing up for autumn and winter. A new palette of winter colours, hand made unique wool coats, winter linen dresses and their own knit range and exclusive designer pieces demands exploration – and who needs an excuse to indulge in some retail therapy and adding to this year’s wardrobe.

However, not content to rest on her laurels, Ulrike has very recently opened a new studio in the Mill Complex in Water Street. This is an interactive workspace and showcase room where visitors can watch the process of painting on garments and fabric. A varied range of one off pieces from the linen and silk collection, leather jewellery, painting, lampshades and small furniture reflects Ulrike’s background in set designing and architecture with fashion and lifestyle.

Check out Rike Design Studio and don’t miss Rike-Design’s next fashion show in April. Keep in touch through www.rike-design.com

E X C L U S I V E FA S H I O N

54 Mostyn st | Castlemaine | 3450 | Vic | 03 5470 6014 | www.rike-design.com |

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TRAVEL TO TRIBE Visitors to Castlemaine who venture beyond the main shopping strip are rewarded with the discovery of the historic town’s creative ‘West End’ and its shopping pleasures. One such treasure, Tribe, is a nurturing experience of handmade loveliness. Showcasing 30 local makers, this delightful little vintage-inspired store promises a relaxed, ‘slow-shopping’ experience as you explore a diverse and everchanging array of handcrafted treasures. Oneoff pieces of jewellery and clothing, unique textural homewares, craft materials to inspire your own creativity and a selection of precious natural playthings to make you wish you were a child again.

As the weather turns cooler, locals will return to Tribe which has become known for its

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extensive collection of natural organic winter woollies and wool socks and slippers for all the family. Local business, Woollykins, keeps Tribe stocked as it sources beautifully made, hard to find European woollens for babies and children with a focus on ethically produced, sustainable natural fibres such as organic merino, silk, alpaca and linen.

Usually open 10am-5pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am-3pm Saturdays, Tribe will open Monday-Saturday during the Castlemaine State Festival at 227 Barker St (just up from the train station) and is a must-do on your next visit to creative Castlemaine.

BESPOKE SHOEMAKER – DOING WHAT WE USED TO DO! Entering Duncan McHarg’s cluttered workspace, occupying the front room of the family home in Clunes, is the start of an enthralling journey of discovery. It is an insight into how a bespoke boot and shoemaker goes about his craft. Being bespoke, means that everything, from hand carving the lasts to making the mock up sample for the client, to the finessed finished product is all hand done and labourious. A fully lined, complex designed shoe can take up to 250 hours to complete, with a simpler design taking around 100 hours. Duncan’s clients need to have a lot of patience and deep pockets as from the time of ordering the shoes, receiving the sample pair, to the finished product can take up to a year. Prices for a pair of hand made, bespoke shoes start at $2,700 (and rising). The more detailed the shoe, the higher the price.

Sitting on the shelves in his workroom, amongst a mass of paraphernalia of tools and drawings of feet with lines and measurements, sits completed boots and shoes, from a tiny one made for a Japanese tourist to a pair of intrically detailed cavalier boots that really belong in a performance of the Pirates of Penzance.

Duncan’s interest with shoes started as a child watching old black and white episodes of Robin Hood on TV. The images of the mediaeval footwear stayed with him and

when he read about a shoe that was dug out intact from an Irish bog estimated to have dated back to those medieval times, his fascination was piqued. At the time he was making and selling leather work through craft fairs and markets “I decided to replicate those shoes from the bog with one piece of leather, but modified the pattern to support a sole and insole” said Duncan and so began a lifelong passion. When attending one craft show he wore a pair of shoes he had made for himself and people started asking about them. Subsequently, he made a few pair to take to the Australian Craft Show in Sydney in 1997 along with others he had borrowed back from clients to display. He came away from that show having sold $250 of general leather work off the table, but with enough orders to keep him busy for a year. Twenty years later Duncan is still making bespoke boots and shoes and is easily recognised by his individual, one might say eccentric, appearance echoing another period in time.

Duncan says, “I’m fascinated by how things were done in days before mass production and technology made us believe that things couldn’t still be done the old way”. Continuing “We are still physically the same, so there is no reason why we can’t do what we used to do”. duncanbootmaker@gmail.com

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THE WALLACE HOTEL IS A REAL WINNER “Our aim is to always make people feel relaxed and comfortable” says Andrea Wilson who with husband Craig has run The Wallace Hotel for the past seven years. Andrea could also add “and well fed” because that is exactly what you receive at this country pub. The Wallace Hotel attracts people from all directions, many travelling long distances to enjoy good, old fashioned hospitality.

First time visitors are often surprised by the expanse of the very large dining room that opens up from the neat front bar and then extends into the outdoor area with it’s garden rooms, manicured lawns and bocce court.

The food is simple and affordable from the traditional pub classics of roasts, parmas, fish and steak with some modern twists mixed in, but all very generous in size without compromising quality. The décor in the dining room is always a talking point and has been described as quaint, eccentric or unusual. A mix of mirrors, deer heads and antlers adorn the walls and the enormous stone fireplace is reminiscent of a European ski lodge. Add to this the mix and match chairs, big comfy leather lounges and you’d easily be forgiven if you found it hard to leave. Even more so on a Sunday when live acoustic music is part of the afternoon entertainment between 1pm and 4pm. As a function venue, this country pub has some surprising options. The dining room alone can cater for up to 500 people cocktail style and is also ideal for a more formal

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wedding. The outdoor areas allow for some inspirational ideas for arranging an event with the garden rooms offering functionality and privacy at the same time. A covered seating area, a barbecue and the bocce court all add to informal family gatherings. Several years ago, The Wallace Hotel created the “Wallace wants a wife” event held in late summer and to date there have been fifteen weddings and 9 babies, proving that country couples love a romance. Andrea and Craig will soon be adding another attraction to this amazing hotel by introducing High Tea afternoons – keep an eye out for the start date. The Wallace Hotel is just off the Western Highway a few clicks on the Melbourne side of Ballarat – it is well worth a visit.

Jayne Newgreen - Coordinator & Christopher Howe - Chef

TALBOT PROVEDORE & EATERY Talbot Farmers Market was the forerunner for farmer’s markets in regional Victoria established by a proactive management group under the title of Talbot Action Inc. From the very first market over ten years ago, it is the place to go on the third Sunday of each month.

Since the beginning the management group could see that a provedore store operating beyond market days and showcasing regional produce would be a great adjunct to the farmers market. Like all innovation there was of course a lot of time planning and cost involved in setting up a retail outlet together with a café/restaurant and through the acquisition of grant monies and funding from Talbot Action Inc. and the market itself, Talbot Provedore and Eatery became a reality.

In-house butcher

With the region’s reputation as a ‘foodie’ destination, the management committee were acutely aware that they needed an experienced chef to develop the restaurant as a focal point of the town. Through a tender process, well known chef, Christopher Howe now runs Talbot Provedore and Eatery and with the help of local interior designer Anna Phillips who revamped the heritage London House building, there is now a new and exciting retail space and eatery gracing the town.

Talbot Provedore and Eatery is open Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm with dinner on Saturday evening. Visit the Facebook page Talbot Provedore and Eatery for more details.

DAYLESFORD

Localised produce Gastro pub

Paddock to plate

Dining at it’s finest Nose to tail, in-house butcher, local produce

Open 7 days lunch and dinner w: farmersarmscreswick.com p: 5345 2221

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KONJO MAMA BRINGING ETHIOPIAN FOOD TO OZ Our multicultural society has introduced new and often unusual flavours to our palates.

We’ve become very familiar with the cuisines of Italy, Greece and France and increasingly the flavours from the Middle East. One of the lesser known cuisines, but one that is starting to make some inroads into our flavour spectrum comes from Ethiopia. The McLaren family, based in Newstead are taking Ethiopian food to the people with their recently established and easily identifiable food van called Konjo Mama. Operated by Dean and Caroline and their sons Nate and Tensae they base their recipes on Nate and Tensae’s extended family who live in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. “We adopted the boys through the Australian Government’s Inter-Country Adoption Scheme” Caroline said.

“They were four and eight years old when we travelled to Ethiopia to collect them – they are now seventeen and twenty one. We have since returned to Ethiopia for a number of visits and have met many members of their extended family and friends. Our recipes are traditional, flavoured with Ethiopian berbere, and prepared with fresh ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible.”

Caroline says, “Ethiopian food is amazing, there is nothing quite like it! The predominant flavours come from berbere and nit’re kibe or spiced oil. Berbere is a fiery red powder that is based on chili peppers, but also includes many other traditional herbs and spices. The spiced oil also contains a complex array of flavours.”

Caroline went on to explain that Konjo Mama’s Ethiopian menu includes a range of vegetarian “wots” or stews; vegetable, bean and pulse dishes, ranging from hot to delicately flavoured. The wots are served with golden rice, enriched with turmeric, cinnamon and cloves, and/or traditional injera. Injera is made from teff, an ancient grain, used to produce a fermented yeast batter that is cooked to form an aerated sourdough pancake. Traditionally, Ethiopian food is eaten without cutlery, breaking the injera into small pieces and using

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them to pick-up the wot, thus combining the amazing flavours to produce a unique taste experience.

Keeping with the regionality of Ethiopia, Konjo Mama serves Fair Trade espresso coffee sourced directly from the country, where the first coffee bush was discovered more than a thousand years ago. The organic coffee beans are supplied through a farmers’ cooperative and the profit returned helps to build and run schools and healthcare centres in Ethiopia.

Caroline says, “We pride ourselves on running ‘a kind kitchen’ creating delicious, nutritious, vegetarian dishes with vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available and we only use plant based, recyclable packaging.” Konjo is an Amharic (Ethiopian) word inferring “delightful, delicious and delectable and Caroline says “It is a word we use with pride!”

Look out for the Konjo Mama van at festivals and markets and they also cater, certainly something different to consider for a function.

For more information call Caroline on 0438 075 963 or visit facebook.com/konjomama

NATION ON A PLATE KONJO MAMA ETHIOPIAN FUL The McLaren family, Dean, Caroline, Nate and Tensae from Newstead (near Castlemaine) are venturing afield bringing the tastes of Ethiopia to the region and beyond. They have provided the recipe (below) for our regular Town on a Plate feature, which we have renamed here - Nation on a Plate for obvious reasons. You will see their distinctive bright yellow van at upcoming markets and events.

RECIPE – ETHIOPIAN FUL Ful, made from fava beans, is traditionally served as a breakfast dish in Ethiopia, accompanied by injera (Ethiopian sourdough flatbread). This version of ful includes a spicy tomato sauce and can be served with rice or bread for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 red capsicum 2 tablespoons spiced kibe (or vegetable oil)

Peel and dice onion and garlic. Wash, remove seeds and dice capsicum.

Melt kibe and gently sweat onion and garlic. Add capsicum and gently sweat until soft.

Add berbere, stir 1-2 minutes.

1 tablespoon berbere (adjust amount according to required flavour – see note below)

Add tomato paste and stir for 2-3 minutes before adding chopped tomatoes. Simmer very gently for 10-15 minutes.

1 tablespoon tomato paste

Drain and rinse beans and add to the sauce. Heat through gently, taste, season and serve!

1 can chopped tomatoes 1 can ful beans (or kidney beans/mixed beans) salt and pepper NOTES

Kibe is Ethiopian spiced butter. Vegetable oil can be substituted.

Berbere is a red, hot Ethiopian spice mix, available in African stores and some Australian supermarkets. If unavailable, use a tablespoon of ground spices that include cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper and paprika, and add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh root ginger to the onion and garlic mix.

Canned fava beans are available in African stores and some Australian supermarkets. Other canned beans can be substituted.

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MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO LAY YOUR HEAD Alan and Mary Potter moved from New South Wales to Kyneton three years ago to take on running the Central Highlands Motor Inn. The fully refurbished 10 room motel offers clean, convenient, comfortable and affordable accommodation only a short walk to the restaurants, cafes, shops and other attractions of this Central Victorian town that is one of the States burgeoning tourist locations. The Central Highlands Motor Inn provides the usual conveniences expected of a motel, with a few surprising little secrets thrown in, not the least of which is the very attractive

Clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation

garden with its covered seating and barbecue area. Guests are invited to enjoy a quiet drink, coffee or make use of the barbecue.

Another surprise for guests is that the motel holds a liquor licence and can sell beer and wine exclusively to guests. Also in this day of 24 hour communication access, guests can take advantage of the free Wi-fi. Alan and Mary have in only three short years settled into their new town and have made many new friends and connections. Alan say, "We have found Kyneton to be a friendly, welcoming and interesting town that has become home".

Alan & Mary Potter Central Highlands Motor Inn 104 High Street Kyneton, Victoria 03 5422 2011

www.centralhighlandsmotorinn.com.au 20

By Matt Turner - Enduring Domain Building Design

SOLAR BATTERIES – THE FUTURE OF ENERGY INDEPENDENCE? Renewable energy in Australia has long been a contentious topic. Whether it’s being blamed for power outages in South Australia by the current Federal Government, or accused of causing inaudible noise pollution and firing invisible death rays from wind turbines in agricultural areas, it’s a miracle that entrepreneurial engineering companies have persisted with developing the technology for the believers.

Since the high profile release of Tesla’s solar storage batteries a couple of years ago, it seems there is becoming less reason not to embrace the benefits that small scale renewable energy systems can bring to our households. Sales of these compact batteries which store electricity from rooftop solar systems are expected to triple this year as the savvy homeowner looks to insulate themselves against ever-increasing power prices and the all too common power blackout.

Now, if we think for a second beyond just the benefits this technology can bring to our own homes, any excess stored power could potentially be sold back into local community grids where someone in your neighbourhood

can buy your power for a much fairer price than what the energy retailers currently offer.

The existing grid could be a conduit for the sharing and trading of renewably generated power across smaller distances, which is much more efficient than having your power travel from regional based power plants.

With a large component of energy bills made up of network fees and charges, it remains to be seen how much cheaper energy bills will be if consumers are able to trade between each other. Utility companies would no longer be able to justify exorbitant connection fees to cover the cost of infrastructure and supply if our homes become micro clean power plants, which take the responsibility of supplying our own needs and trading what we have left over.

Even though this might seem like idealistic anti-capitalist trite, there is also a real commercial opportunity here for a paradigm shift in the way energy is provided to our homes, and if the big utility companies don’t act on what the consumers are asking for, then the idealistic forward thinking entrepreneurs will jump right in.

Dedicated to creating inspired spaces by using appropriate materials, technology and strategies.

building design www.enduringdomain.com.au matt@enduringdomain.com.au

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TERRA AUSTRALIS – HERBAL LORE’S NEW MEDICINE soon be followed by a range of vodkas and lemincellos while waiting for the maturation of brandy and whisky. Asked why he chose to start the new spirit lines with gin, Roger said “the botanicals needed to make gin fits in with Herbal Lore’s range of liqueurs and pharmaceuticals for all round healing and health”. He added “the gin is really good for cocktails – a nice way to take your medicine”.

Founder of Herbal Lore Liqueurs, Roger McLean has branched into spirits with several new products, under the banner of Terra Australis. First out of the distillery is a premium gin bearing the names of Sweet Jennifer, Lady Susanne and Navy Strength and each with their own distinctive labels that reflects the product’s connection with Australia, making it identifiable around the world. The gin will

The Ultimate Liqueur Experience

Herbal Lore Liqueurs

Visit us on your next trip to Daylesford Complimentary tastings available The Old Butter Factory, Lot 2 Railway Crescent, Daylesford 0438 069 771 - www.herballoreliqueurs.com

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For many years Roger has wanted to distill his own spirits and is aiming to make the range a global product, hence the distinctive labelling. He says; “This is a beautiful blending combination of liqueurs, alcohol, spirits and medicine”. Currently, Roger is looking for distributors to help make Terra Australis a brand known throughout Australia and globally. www.herballoreliqueurs.com

GOING BACK TO NATURE There is a renaissance taking place in the fashion field with a return to natural fibres and The Farmer’s Wife in Creswick is introducing their new autumn range with stunning garments in wool, cashmere and alpaca. Well known labels like Mia Fratino, Toorallie and Zacket & Plover bring added glamour to this store that has in just over a year, stamped itself as the ‘go to’ place for something special.

Owner Bec Mason said “the response has been overwhelming and far beyond all our expectations”. We can’t wait for the winter range that will see the latest Spanish leather looks, rabbit vests and stunning knitwear. All this is enhanced by the wide range of great homewares and giftware.

THE FARMER’S WIFE CLOTHING HOME WARES

49 albert st I creswick I www.thefarmerswifestore.com.au I mon-sat 10-4 sun 11-2 23

Jill Orr: Song To The Sea Geoffrey Ricardo: The End – The Beginning

By Amelia James

ART, SCULPTURE AND PARADISE Living in Napoleans, a small township south of Ballarat, husband and wife team Julie Collins and Derek John have carved out a unique life for themselves and their family.

Together they operate djprojects, a multi faceted business that combines Julie’s sculpting and curatorial background with Derek’s skills in steel fabrication and design.

The business has evolved steadily, with the couple collaborating on tasks in ways that blur the lines between roles. With the workshop, home and office at the same location the boundaries between business and life are also fluid, but with a clear passion for what they do Julie and Derek are happy to have it that way.

Their secluded property is nestled amongst native forest, providing the perfect backdrop for a collection of large scale sculptures that are arranged casually in the landscape. The more you look the more sculptures you see, in gaps between trees, at the entrance to the workshop and alongside the driveway. Its an impressive display that make most peoples home gardens look positively tame.

While many of the sculptures are their own, some are works that Derek has fabricated

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Andrew Rogers: Nature Exemplar

for other artists, or sculptures en route to or from exhibitions. It all sounds and looks a bit glamorous, but the truth is that Julie and Derek work tirelessly to make ‘good things happen’ and their support for all things artistic and sculptural reach far beyong the boundaries of their rural home.

Earlier this year the couple opened ‘& Gallery’ in Melbourne’s Spencer Street and Julie has recently left her roles as the Artistic Director of the Lorne Sculpture Biennale and the Public Art Coordinator for the City of Ballarat to move onto their next exciting venture - The Biennale of Australian Art in 2018. Although curatorial roles, artist management and steel fabrication are all in a day’s work for this dynamic duo, they still make time to create their own sculptural work, which is held in public and private collections around the globe.

Julie and Derek are passionate about exploring the human impact on our planet, a theme they use making art that causes the viewer to pause and consider tings from a different perspective, urging humankind to take responsibility and whatever actions needed to redress the balance.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF AUTUMN/WINTER AT ALPACA PASSION

Alpacas are very cute animals who produce a superb fibre that converts into stunning garments produced by Daylesford’s Alpaca Passion. We feel very lucky to have been given a small preview into the new Autumn/Winter range available in store in April. These are just a few gorgeous pieces. www.alpacapassion.com.au

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AUTUMN MAGIC Autumn is arguably everyone’s favourite time of year. The high heat has gone and the chills of winter are yet to descend. Mother nature is changing her wardrobe as the trees turn to their stunning autumn hues of rich crimsons and orange. Soon the air will start to fill with the aroma of wood smoke heralding cooler days and nights, but before then, there is a plethora of festivals, events, exhibitions and all sorts of entertainment to get people out and about and enjoying all Central Victoria has to offer.

A good starting point is the Castlemaine State Festival – 10 days of art, performance and a whole town celebration of the arts and the community. The festival runs from 17th to 27th March, so still time to catch it. Daylesford Macedon Ranges Open Studios running over three weekends from 29th April (see story page 7). Previously held later in the year,

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this event has been brought forward to take advantage of this wonderful season. Books, books and more books come out at the, Clunes Booktown festival on 6th & 7th May. The entire town is a giant bookshop for two days. www.clunesbooktown.com.au. Wine lovers are well catered for with the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival, now at Rosalind Park in this gorgeous city on 29th April and of course the iconic Bendigo Easter Fair, the longest running celebration in Australia again struts its stuff over the four days of Easter, culminating with the well loved Chinese imperial dragon Sun Loong weaving his way along Bendigo’s thoroughfares. These are only just a few of the fabulous events held throughout the region in autumn.

To find out more, go to www.visitvictoria.com

WHO MAKES IT HAPPEN? Victorians can never complain about boredom.

It seems that every weekend there’s a festival, exhibition or any variety of event somewhere to entertain, inform, amuse and involve – of varying degrees of sophistication with most organised by volunteers who give their time and talent freely. The event can be huge and highly sophisticated or a much simpler affair, even the once humble school fete has become a little more stylish, but they all have one thing in common – unity (as in community). In each town there are annual events or markets that bring people out in droves. However, have you ever given thought to just what goes on behind the scenes to bring these shows together and who actually makes it happen?

These community events are invariably developed by volunteers - people from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic levels who join forces for a common cause and often for

different reasons. The end result is usually a celebration of their town, community or a moment in time that needs to be shared with the broader masses. To the casual observer, everything seems to tick over smoothly, but what they don’t see is the long hours, the problems, the tensions and sometimes unforseen disasters that miraculously find resolution. Yet amidst all the angst and anguish there is a lot of fun, a lot of sharing and a great deal of companionship.

So the next time you join the throngs at an event, take a minute to thank one or more of the volunteers who have helped to bring it together – a pat on the back can make a huge difference.

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Open 7 days a week | Butterfly Garden

THE HUMBLE BACKYARD? What is it about the humble backyard garden that can be so all encompassing? The most modest verdant plot can infiltrate the lives of normally rational people in mind, thought and deed. Someone once said to me; “if a gardener only had $1 in his pocket, he’d spend it on a plant”. With the popularity of gardening programs on radio and TV, open garden events and the ever present veggie patch, there must be quite a few dollars pushing up the daisies.

Growing up behind my parent’s business in Footscray, the backyard was so small that the rotary clothes line stretched the entire width of this concrete postage stamp. The only green to be seen was the tops of trees in the nearby park, visible above the rooftops. The only gardens we knew belonged to family and friends who created beautiful oases, with roses, hydrangeas and the ubiquitous veggie garden out the back. Overseas travel, flat dwelling and shared houses meant that a garden didn’t challenge me for quite some years, not until the big move to the country

and suddenly there was space enough to create a plot that could potentially feed the five thousand. This was it. I could join my green thumbed family and create a place of unbridled beauty, adorn my house with wondrous blooms picked from my own garden and fill the fridge with delicious, chemical free vegetables industriously grown with my very own green thumbs. The problem was that my thumbs turned out to be black, not green. My visions of creating a garden to rival Versailles ended in a shrivelled array of miniscule vegetables and fruit so hard they could be used in the Boxing Day tests. Still I have persevered gleaning knowledge and tips from all those gardening shows, magazines and anyone who wished to impart their infallible wisdom. In theory I have become a whiz at creating the garden that will be the envy of all and not to be defeated, a new raised garden bed is being built that will soon bear the fruits of my labour.

I live in hope.

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By Lyndall McQuinn

AUTUMN ASTROLOGY LIBRA Autumn is a big season for you especially those born Oct 7 to 16 as Jupiter moves back over your Sun. This can be a second round of a three-part abundance plan that Jupiter has in store for you. It is definitely time to expand the plans. A Full Moon in April throws full light on the proposals you are thinking about so take action after April 11. It may be hard to be grounded as so much seems to be possible.

SAGITTARIUS Life may be running more efficiently for those Sagittarians who have taken the time to set up new structures over the last twelve months.

Those in the process of building with a get real focus; which may coincide with those born Dec 17 to 19, are likely to prosper. Be prepared for clashes of wills and ideas throughout May, the conflict lies in defining who is actually putting the ideas in place.

ARIES You too can be in on the action across the wheel from Libra although it may involve partnerships or relationships with others that offer you the best options. Your dark moon on March 28 is a time to discard and review what you no longer need. Venus and Mercury are spending quite a lot of autumn in Aries as they retrograde so it’s asking Aries to be clear about what you want. Uranus is causing rapid changes and turbulence for April Aries born 13 to 18. This will begin your year of liberation. It can be a wild ride but no one will want to swap back at the end.

GEMINI The pressure rises, culminating in May around your birthdays. This is a busy time and you are likely to be over energized so if you can get the head to slow down and the body to run, lots can be achieved. Mars is in your sign from late April and all of May. So let’s get into action, using the potential angry outburst to push you along rather than create enemies.

SCORPIO Your full moon is in May and it too can bring about emotional change that can be quite healing even if you are uncomfortable with the altered circumstances. New visions flow freely if you allow them and don’t get stuck on patterns that run for the sake of running.

The persistent challenges from others that goad you into anger may be the prod you have been waiting for - or not.

TAURUS Take the time to rethink and review plans even though this may create more hold ups. Mercury goes retrograde in your sign in April which can produce mix-ups in communication that may not sort until late May. The dark moon falling in your sign, also during this period indicates inward musing. Take your time to plan; being pushed into action knocks you out of momentum.

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CAPRICORN Pluto is just over half way through its journey in your sign. That gives us three groups of Capricorns.

Those who have been transformed forever and have an awareness of a deeper side to life; birthdays 22nd December to 6 January. Those in the transition phase now, so deeper emotions and mass opportunities for them; birthdays Jan 7 to 10 and those yet to be affected by the Pluto transit as life continues along the same old lines; birthdays Jan 11 to 19.

CANCER The unsettled phase of the past twelve months is decreasing.

Although there is still turbulence and some issues are not resolved there is a glimmer of a plan. A light is shining in the distance and the path is becoming clearer although not long term. There is so much energy effecting flow into Cancer, it can be hard to distinguish what is yours and what is others.

AQUARIUS Feeling good and often having to play the role of the strong hold. Others around may be falling over

and you for once feel in charge. This gives you confidence and is a time when your wisdom is really needed. There is a sense of balance between your over large ideas and your ability to ground them.

LEO Times may be a little turbulent for our ever steady Leo’s. Maybe we have had to throw a glance back over the shoulder to realize the impact we have on our own lives, not to mention the lives of others. It can be hard to be motivated and lots of uncertainty within directions. No doubt you will spin your way through, as long as you can convince yourself.

PISCES Swim little fishes, swim and they swam and they swam. There are two schools of fish.; One with great effect from Neptune; birthdays February 28 to March 6. Neptune says create or dream or go round in circles and probably do all three. Its never very clear

but wonderful things can be created or dissolved. The second group involves the birthdays from March 14 to March 20 where we are dealing with Chiron who is a healer and teacher so profound changes can come from dancing with him. Study or learning is healing and great for self belief.

VIRGO You have the first full moon in the season in early March so that gives great perception to begin autumn. Your greatest influences will come from across the wheel from Neptune, which can offer very confusing relationships or Chiron who helps you heal from relationships. So the focus is on the other and what you want from interaction. Your choice is to create your world and not get lost in the chaos of others.

All the best for Autumn 2017 Lyndall McQuinn

ALLENDALE NURSERY Hooked on herbs Specializing in herbs & vegetable seedlings.

4141 Creswick-Newstead Road Allendale Phone 0411 551 550 allendalenursery@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

Spend $20, mention Secrets & receive a free herb

Catch me at the following markets: 1st Saturday of the month 1st Sunday of the month 2nd Saturday of the month 2nd Sunday of the month 3rd Saturday of the month 3rd Sunday of the month 4th Sunday of the month

Woodend Farmers Market Gisborne Olde Time Market Kyneton Farmers Market Flemington Farmers Market Creswick Market Talbot Farmers Market Flemington Farmers Market

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