Secrets Magazine - Issue 60 - Winter 2019

ISSUE 60 WINTER 2019 PRICELESS

FARMERS ARMS CRESWICK Voted one of Victoria’s Best Pubs BAR & DINING MENUS

INHOUSE BUTCHERY

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OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER 31 ALBERT ST CRESWICK / 53452221

ISSUE 60 – WINTER 2019 FEATURES: 5

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLIMATE ELECTION?

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ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSES

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TRAVELLING IS FUN - NOT!

9

MAKING EVIL

13 TOWN ON A PLATE 21 WINTER GARDENING 22 ASTROLOGY

Published by Secrets Magazine ABN 35 535 679 949 Mailing Address PO Box 356 Creswick VIC 3363 Phone 0427 103 217 Email info@secretsmagazine.com.au Web www.secretsmagazine.com.au Editor Norma Morton Design & Layout Nick Morton Cover Donna Crebbin Contributors Lyndall McQuinn, Matthew Turner,

Rebecca Sprosen-Bailey, Irene O’Duffy, Kate Serrurier 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.

ITS BEEN A LONG 10 MINUTES

ENDURING WinterA 2005Isaw DOM Nthe first issue of Secrets Magazine hit the stratosphere - fourteen years 60 editions later and we’re still here. The A R Cand H T“You E won’t C lastT10U RE voices thatI said minutes” still resound - it’s been a long 10 minutes.

It has been an interesting time, when we started we had next to no idea of how to run a magazine, and the learning curve could be described as perpendicular. Yes, there have been times when we could have given it away for the cost of two pins, but above all it has been rather wonderful. We have met amazing people, seen the changes experienced by many towns, - usually driven by food and the coffee culture - and watched our region grow without losing its sense of ‘country’. We have been fortunate in capturing amazing images, many of which have graced our covers - these images have been a mix of contributions and our own photographic efforts (some taken in our own backyard).

ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE

ENDURING

D Oover M Athe IN Magazines have changed fourteen years with the phenomenal A R Cgrowth H I T of E social CTURE media and we’re changing too. You will notice more online presence for Secrets, but the printed copy will still be available from the usual outlets. Thanks for joining us on this roller coaster ride, it’s been fun.

Issue 1 - August 2005

Issue 60 - Winter 2019

ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE

Creating your Future Heritage using appropriate materials, technology and strategies.

ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE

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ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE enduringdomain.com.au matt@enduringdomain.com.au

By Matthew Turner – Enduring Domain Architecture

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLIMATE ELECTION? It was supposed to be Australia’s climate election with polls suggesting stronger demand for action on climate change in 2019 than in any previous survey since 2006. Yet the re-election of the Coalition government suggests that a majority of voters feared climate policy more than climate change itself.

The prospect of a Labour Government ready to implement strategies to meet our carbon reduction targets somehow instilled fear that this would result in immediate detriment to our personal wealth and prosperity, as though this were more important than the collective long term prosperity of our natural environment and ultimate quality of life for all demographics.

Despite the constant warnings and scientific advice from the likes of the Climate Council that Australia is fast approaching an irrecoverable tipping point of catastrophic global warming, political parties continue to not only delay on action, but also deliver misleading information on renewable energy and favour the mining industry as a short-term solution to unemployment and economic growth.

What then will it take for the policy makers to treat this issue with the serious urgency that is obviously required? Well there are plenty of community advocacy groups and local councils who are not waiting and are determined to lead by implementation of best-practice solutions to the energy and environment issue.

One shining example is right here in our own Hepburn Shire with the council’s launch of the Z-Net Community Transition Plan, an ambitious blueprint for meeting the demands of energy through renewable sources by 2024, and to be producing zero-net emissions by 2029.

We can’t wait to be told what to do, we can’t blindly accept our Prime Ministers assurance that we will meet our Paris Agreement emission targets ‘in a canter’, and if you don’t

think that the actions of an individual will make a difference, it does. When you next shop for a car will it be a V8 or a hybrid? When you build a new home will it have double glazing and energy efficient appliances? Will you spend your tax return on solar panels or on an 85” flat screen TV? A shift in climate conscious consumer choice will soon drive the birth and growth of new sustainable industries to mitigate climate change and see us prosper into a low emission future.

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AUSTRALIA’S MOST COMFORTABLE, HEALTHY AND ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES Passive House (from the German Passivhaus) is a comprehensive design and construction process, combining excellence in material science, engineering, architecture and construction to deliver proven, year round comfortable, ultra low energy buildings.

Three local companies - Passive House, European Timber Windows & Doors and Niimori Jamison Architects bring together an expert team of engineer, material scientist, registered builder, joiners, carpenters and architects to design and construct Australia’s most comfortable, healthy and energy efficient homes.

Using natural materials, foam free timber construction, with the best performing triple glazed windows and doors, our team can deliver beautifully designed, high performing buildings - meaning your house can be healthy and extremely comfortable all year round, with minimal energy consumption.

(Image: Australian Passive House Association)

Insulated The highest peforming windows & doors, and a building shell fully insulated, with weather tight & moisture control layers - always keeping comfort in the house; with almost no active heating or cooling.

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Efficient Passive House buildings deliver energy savings of up to 90% compared with typical Australian buildings. By comparison, Passive House homes rate 9-10 stars on the local rating.

Comfortable Passive House buildings are praised for their high level of comfort. Draft free, quiet and stable in temperature and humidity all year round.

Ventilated A ventilation system consistently supplies filtered 100 % fresh air 24/7, recovering up to 90% energy, making for superior indoor air quality.

PASSIVE HOUSE

Passive House PTY LTD are the local industry leaders in Passivhaus building solutions: providing design, construction and engineering services and expertise. Passive House products and systems are designed and calculated to perform at the highest levels in Australian conditions.

With a 1500m2 specialist joinery, European Timber Windows & Doors custom make the finest and highest performing windows, doors, sliding doors & timber curtain walls. Using AccoyaÂŽ timber with a guaranteed life of 50 years, or KD Spotted Gum for Bush Fire areas, assures their longevity.

NIimori Jamison Architects assist in the delivery of a bespoke architecturally designed buildings. We have worked closely with Passive House for over 10 years and are experienced in residential, commercial and institutional architecture.

Registered Builder with more than 30 years experience

Bespoke triple-glazed timber windows, doors & facades; fully factory finished

Bespoke architecture & interiors

Specialst Passive House practitioners, providing Passive House product and building advice for more than 10 years

Expert installation The highest performance, durable materials & systems

Project procurement: Planning & building permit applications Local industry knowledge

Foam- free, timber- based construction system experts, using natural materials (Image: Passive House / European Timber Windows built projects)

Passive House 7–9 Raglan St North Melbourne VIC 3051 (03) 9329 3693 passivehouse.com.au

European Timber Windows Factory 4 Rear 93 Matthews Ave Airport West VIC 3042 (03) 9329 3693 eurotimberwindows.com.au

Niimori Jamison Architects 3 / 11 Lydiard St Ballarat VIC 3350 0405 523 597 office@niimorijamison.com 7

TRAVELLING IS FUN... NOT! When I was young, I yearned to travel. From the time my father sailed to England when I was six years old, the desire to follow in his footsteps was etched on my heart. In 1974 I took my chance and boarded the ship, the Northern Star. Not knowing a soul, but with the belief that I would make friends, that six-week voyage resulted in finding those friends who have remained in my life, albeit scattered, for 45 years. We’re spread around Australia and Canada and when our Canadian friend recently returned home for a visit it was suggested that we would meet in Sydney for a reunion, the first time we had all been together since those halcyon days in ’74.

Travelling when young is a little different to when you are older. Despite growing up and living in Melbourne until the late eighties, I have become a bit of a bumpkin. The prospect of travelling to Sydney for a couple of days was a little daunting, but the desire to meet up with erstwhile friends of such long standing was overwhelming and the clincher was when my son said he would join me to finally meet these people.

Step one – purchase a Myki card. Step two – cadge a lift to Ballarat station to catch a train to the city. Step three – try not to scream “where the hell am I” when stepping onto the platform at Southern Cross Station. The last time I was in Southern Cross, I‘m sure only two trains could fit into the platform, now I think it is more like twenty-two. When did platform 4 become 4a, 4b, 4c and so on. Son and heir said he would meet me at the Collins Street end – where the hell was Collins Street? I headed toward where I thought it might be and with relief, saw him walking toward me.

No endearing greeting of “hello son”, all I could do was stand on the platform and gasp “it is so f@#*ing big”. The fact that we’d hit the beginning of peak hour didn’t help, nor did my imitation of a gaping mouthed booby from the bush. Running the gauntlet through a wall of humanity we managed to find our way to the SkyBus Terminal and a reasonably uneventful drive to the airport. After checking my bag, we found our way to the food court for an uninspiring dinner in anticipation of boarding the flight at 7.40pm. Nuh. Flight delayed 35

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minutes. Being a people watcher, this gave me a chance to view humanity in transit.

Time to board and a long 1 kilometre walk to the Jetstar gates, down stairs to the tarmac, another trek across a very windy tundra to climb wet wobbly steps into the plane and finally on our way.

Landing in Sydney we ordered an ‘Uber’ to the city – “great” I thought, “we’re on the home stretch”, except the walk from the plane to the Uber pick up was almost as far as the hike at Melbourne airport. Checked into the hotel with an overwhelming desire to fall into bed – a reasonable expectation one would assume, except, the bed was so high off the floor and being height challenged, the only way I could climb into it was to take a bit of a run up and do a face plant.

After meeting our friends at Circular Quay the next day and agreeing that we had all aged and were carrying those extra kilos, but were fundamentally the same, we had a fabulous day of laughter, shared memories, catching up and suddenly forty-five years disappeared.

Once again we were six, twenty something friends who had shared one of the best years of our lives.

The return journey wasn’t quite so eventful, but equally long. Train to Sydney airport, plane to Melbourne, parked on the tarmac for ages until we could disembark, down the still wobbly steps in driving wind and rain, another trudge to the baggage pickup, onto the SkyBus to Southern Cross, taxi to son and heir’s home, pick up his car and drive the normally ninety minute run up the freeway.

But this was now peak hour (again) – nose to tail cars, so two and a half hours later, we arrived in Creswick, grabbed a pizza then another 10 minutes to home.

It was a great reunion, but travelling isn’t what I remember. It’s going to be a while before I venture into the wild blue yonder again, even if I do have a Myki card.

Home - no matter how humble is very sweet indeed.

By Norma Morton

MAKING EVIL How similar is your brain to a psychopath’s?

How many people have murder fantasies?

These may sound like dark questions, but under the gaze of criminal psychologist, Dr Julia Shaw, they become intriguing. Londonbased Dr Shaw is heading to Australia in August as a guest of Bendigo Writers Festival, to talk about her new book, Making Evil.

She’s been touring Europe prior to heading Downunder, and the book is already making waves and prompting discussion about whether it’s right to label people who have committed evil acts. Is someone who has committed murder henceforth to be known as “a murderer”?

Dr Shaw begins her book by admitting, “I regularly feel like I want to kill people – you know, just a little bit”. She’s linking that everyday impulse to anger, frustration and the desire for revenge, to the terrible act of evil, and she sets out to discover what behavioural science as well as neurology can tells us about the links.

One of the topics that comes up when she talks about “evil” is why men commit more crimes – and are incarcerated more – than women. “We have so little faith in men that we go to great lengths to keep them away from society”, she says. “We physically and socially remove them from any semblance of a normal life, in the name of our safety and the punishment. We feel that they cannot learn if we don’t socially beat their tendencies out of

them, often while failing to engage with them in a psychologically sensible way that might actually help their reintegration.”

At Bendigo Writers Festival, Dr Shaw will talk with ABC RN presenter Paul Barclay, about Making Evil. She will also join in a conversation with Chloe Hooper, author of The Arsonist, about whether we can predict – and therefore prevent – evil acts.

With David Astle and food psychologist Felice Jacka, Dr Shaw will discuss how brains can be kept healthy to try to slow down things going heywire. “What I relish most is destroying the lazy clichés of good and evil, and replacing them with nuance and scientific insight,” Dr Shaw says.

“We need a more informed way of discussing behaviour that at first we cannot, or should not, begin to understand.”

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2019 Bendigo Writers Festival All that glitters

9-11 August 150 speakers in 7-plus venues featuring Maeve O’Meara, Paul Davies and Munjed Al Muderis

All program information, and session scheduling, is available at

bendigowritersfestival.com.au #bendigowritersfestival PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

ALL THAT GLITTERS AT BENDIGO WRITERS FESTIVAL More than a star or two – it’s a glittering constellation heading to Bendigo in August for three days that will light up your thinking.

The theme for this year – the eighth Bendigo Writers Festival – is “All That Glitters”, because we all know there’s more than gold that shines.

The international line-up includes scientist Paul Davies, who is following up his challenging books on the idea of God with research into the deepest, most basic of questions, “What is Life?” Also heading to Bendigo are international best-selling novelist, Min Jin Lee, author of the cross-cultural saga Pachinko, as well as the foremost fire management writer in the US, Stephen J. Pyne.

“Every year we think we can’t get a more exciting line-up, and every year, it just seems to get better,” Festival director, Rosemary Sorensen says. “With the city bidding to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, food, health and sustainability this is very much part of the festival agenda. Australia’s top food writer, Jill Dupleix, will be telling audiences about the finest and most innovative restaurants in the country and she’ll be joined by farming futures superstar, Charles Massy, to dig deep into the topic of food security.”

Continuing the gastronomy theme, the Friday night event, always a festival standout, features popular SBS Food Safari presenter, Maeve O’Meara.

Another guest sure to be popular is ‘food and mood’ psychiatrist, Felice Jacka, whose new book is about how to feed a healthy brain.

The program begins with ticket-only “entrée” events on Friday morning, including, for the first time, an event at Bendigo’s Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, with “Bad Buddhist” author, Meshel Laurie. Festival passes provide access to a choice of events in up to six venues from 12.30pm on Friday 9 August through to 4pm on Sunday 11 August.

“This year, we want to finish on a star-bright note,” Ms Sorensen says. “We are delighted that the world-renowned limb-replacement expert, surgeon Munjed Al Muderis, will deliver the closing address, talking about his own incredible story as a boat refugee, and the journey back to Iraq he made at the request of the government there. “He’s an exceptional Australian, a brilliant doctor, and a generous, passionate person. We’ve called that event ‘Changing Lives’, and hearing Munjed Al Muderis will be a fitting finale.”

An innovation this year is the inclusion of Bendigo Bowls Club, both as a venue during the day, then, at night, as the Festival Club and bar. “The inclusion of the Bowls Club means people can get around the Festival precinct very easily, all in walking distance,” Ms Sorensen says. “There’ll even be some motorised carts running up and down Gaol Road throughout the day, so you can hop on and get a lift, when you need. “It’s all about giving the best access and choice, because that’s what people tell us they love about Bendigo’s homegrown festival every year.”

Full program and ticket information: bendigowritersfestival.com.au or box office on (03) 5434 6100 11

By Kate Serrurier

WHY I LOVE FARMING I didn’t expect to be a farmer. I always wanted to be one, I just didn’t think it was within my reach.

So when we were both nearly sixty, we bought a cheap farm at Mount Bolton. Not very good ground (granite sand, not red spud dirt) and since we have been here, just about EVERYTHING that could go wrong has gone wrong. My husband now has Stage 4 cancer, I’ve had 7 surgeries and permanently torn ligaments and biceps. We’ve had two huge fires - totally lost a newly built barn and a bushfire destroyed all our boundary fences.

Then the orchard flooded. I could go on about drought or cool rooms breaking down when we had just killed, or freezers blowing up or losing my seedbank in the fire: but that would sound gloomy.

But we are happier here than we have ever been. The landscape is forever beautiful.

Eating food you grow is so much more interesting than going to a supermarket.

Watching the miracle of birth regularly and pulling a lamb or goat or calf or saving a cold lamb against all odds are extremely heart lifting activities.

But the most important thing is that I get to hang out with farmers and can be part of a farming community. These are people who talk about REAL practical things, like how to fix the hydraulics on the tractor or what lick prevents sheep prolapse, or what biochar does to soil, what is the combination of species best for shelter belts, or how to train a working dog. We share and swap excess fruit and vegetables, their generosity is overwhelming (neighbours have given us hay, graded our drive, saved our farm from the bushfire, trimmed goat feet, milked for us, ploughed a market garden, loaned us tools).

These are people who know how to have a laugh and enjoy community events like sausage sizzles and film nights and church dinners or just sitting around a bonfire.

I love the way you can wear whatever you bloody well like as long as you’re warm when

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it’s lambing time and cool in the heat of summer. You can go to the local supermarket in those clothes and no one cares. I love the way farm kids are so adventurous and that my three-year-old grandson can differentiate between a potato and grain harvester, he has bottle fed lambs since he could walk, he knows why we have a farm pit and he takes off his boots at the door.

I am grateful every single day that I have had this chance in my life and we don’t care that we will never be rich.

When city folk come here they assume it might be boring or that not much happens.

Wrong! It’s all action here and farmers grow all the food you eat. Being a farmer is one of the noblest things you can do. And it gets into your blood.

TOWN ON A PLATE LEMON ALMOND POLENTA CAKE Recipe from Sara Kittelty - Kittlety’s Cafe Ballarat kittletys.com.au

Who doesn’t love Winter CITRUS time? Not just lemons but all the oranges, grapefruits and mandarins you can handle – and they’re in top condition! The small local food shop in Beaufort is full of backyard grown lemons this week and I couldn’t leave the large and juicy Meyer lemons they stock and sell for a bargain – hence this delicious loaf cake – both gluten and dairy free and a great keeper as it’s full of olive oil. If you don’t manage to eat it all at once – it’s a cake you can wrap well and freeze for a citrus hit later. No lemons?

Any citrus will work – pink grapefruit or blood oranges for a truly seasonal twist. And if you need another reason to make it – it’s dry ingredients into wet ingredients – too easy!

INGREDIENTS 180 ml light flavoured olive oil (not extra virgin here!)

240 g caster sugar 3 big eggs Grated zest and juice of a big lemon – or use 2 small for maximum lemony-ness 140 g almond meal 80 g polenta 1 teaspoon baking powder Flaked almonds optional

METHOD Mix the oil, sugar, eggs and lemon zest and juice together until well combined.

Add in the almond meal, polenta and baking powder and mix to a smooth consistency.

Pour into your lined tin.

Scatter flaked almonds over top if you like.

Bake for around 40 minutes - cake is done

Icing sugar and lemon juice for a

when a clean skewer has no wet crumbs when

drizzle if you like

pulled out from middle of cake.

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THE FARMER’S WIFE CLOTHING HOME WARES

thefarmerswifestore.com.au 49 Albert St, Creswick Mon-Sat 10-4pm Sun 11-3pm

www.vicplanning.com.au info@vicplanning.com.au 0456 173 281 Site Analysis & Feasibility Reports

Visit our Tiny Town Every Third Sunday of the Month

Planning Permit Applications & Amendments Bushfire Management Statements

9am-1pm

Landscape Design Land Management Plan Reports Planning scheme reports

EXPLORE OVER 80 STALLS OF ARTISAN FOOD & WINE PRODUCERS Find us on Scandinavian Street, Talbot VIC

info@talbotfarmersmarket.org.au

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0459 327 637

TALBOT FARMERS MARKET – 15 YEARS ON Talbot Farmers’ Market began quietly in 2004 as one of the earliest farmers’ markets in regional Victoria. The early markets were so well managed and promoted by the organising committee that it set a very high bar for those that followed and it still, fifteen years later, leads the way. Held on the third Sunday each month, over eighty stallholders sell seasonal fruit and organic vegetables, cheese, bread, wine, oils and all the things you would expect to find, reminiscent of celebrated European markets. Attracting around 1500 people each month, more in fine weather, the market has brought new life to this very quiet small town that has seen the development of a popular cafe/restaurant, revitalised buildings and new residents making Talbot home.

The market has always had a fun atmosphere that is almost carnival like and the stallholders love to engage and chat with visitors. Because the roads in and around the town are closed on market day, it is very easy to park the car, grab the bags and stroll around the streets that also boast some beautiful buildings harking back to Talbot’s gold history. Buying seasonal produce direct from the makers is good for everyone, the buyers, the farmers and makers and the town. This is a true community driven market from which many local groups have benefited by sharing in the profits made from the funds raised. Another good reason to visit.

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BALLARAT INTERNATIONAL FOTO BIENNALE The Ballarat International Foto Biennale is back in August 2019 with the organisers expecting an increase in visitor numbers on the 27,700 people who attended the many venues and events back in 2017. Director of the Biennale, Fiona Sweet says; “The aim is to have people come and stay at least overnight, rather than just a day trip.” The Biennale started in Daylesford in 2005 with Geoff Moorfoot in the pivotal role. “When I took over, the Biennale was already known and loved.” said Fiona. In her second festival, Fiona is delighted at the growth of the event, especially with the international focus. “Of course we would love to bring out more international artists, but that takes more money being invested.” said Fiona. Adding “the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is

not-for-profit and relies totally on funding and sponsorship and we are grateful for those individuals and businesses who support us, but it’s always a challenge”. This year the event will extend to running for two months, with many of the previous exhibitors and artists returning and a healthy gathering of new artists showing their works.

The Biennale has been fortunate in acquiring it’s own building – the previous Union Bank Building that sits next to Craigs Hotel. This gives the biennale a permanent base and provides more galleries, essential for an event that has such broad appeal and showcases the city to the wider community. The 8th Ballarat International Foto Biennale commences on 24th August and runs to 20th October, 2019.

Ballaratfoto.org

MEG’S PLACE Although only taking over the running of Meg’s Place (formerly Country Fresh) in Creswick, less than 10 months ago, single mother Meg Chandler has put her own stamp on the business and has slowly, but surely grown it into a welcome addition to the coffee culture in the town. Originally starting the business with her former partner, when the relationship ended, Meg sat and wondered; “What the hell do I do now?” The simple answer was to just get on with it. Meg believes that people want food that is affordable and satisfying where they can feel comfortable in a family friendly atmosphere. She has achieved this with the help of her enthusiastic and supportive staff, many have developed their skills on the job.

Although only thirty-one, Meg has worked in hospitality since she was eighteen in a variety of roles, all adding to her skill base, which she draws on to train her staff.

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She is also very conscious of quality control, all food is made on the premises and cooked to order. “No bain maries here” said Meg. While the café is large, Meg has utilised the space by adding a range of local crafts, artworks and provedore goodies. As the café evolves, so too will the menu range with more innovations in the retail area. Meg’s place is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm and weekends 9am to 3pm and is located opposite the temporary supermarket and next to the new supermarket, so you can’t miss it.

DON’T MISS OPPORTUNITIES Macedon Ranges local Emily Blades took on a new project last year when the Victoria Hotel in Woodend was up for sale. Never one to let a good opportunity slip by, Emily and her business partner Carl Middleton signed up and started the journey to make the Hotel their own. Emily is well known around the Macedon Ranges region, first as the welcoming face at Campaspe House, then at the Piper St Food Co. Wearing another hat, Emily previously worked with the Macedon Ranges Shire Tourism team and was involved in setting up the visitmacedonranges.com website.

As one of a few women publicans in Regional Victoria, she has quickly found herself fulfilling a long-held dream of developing a regional hospitality business, as well as embarking on a project to start brewing beer. “I’ve worked in many tourism and hospitality focused businesses over the past decade or so,” said Emily. “In this business I have the chance to bring all my experience and skills to shape a destination for locals and visitors alike.”

The Victoria Hotel building was renovated around 20 years ago, when the large dining room was opened. “It has a fantastic structure so we’re working to make the most of the physical space by using it in interesting ways.”

One of these is business networking, such as hosting regional tourism and business development events. “I love networking and connecting people. Partnerships are so important in business; the more we connect with each other the more this region will shine from a tourism perspective.” Approaching social media marketing with purpose and direction, it’s easy to see that the Victoria Hotel’s story takes shape through quality imagery of food and events.

The Macedon Ranges climate provides relatively easy growing conditions for many of the fresh herbs and vegetables that chefs in this region enjoy using. Providing comforting, simple food, prepared well means thinking seasonally and special menu items often include locally-grown and sourced ingredients, for a ‘taste of the ranges’.

Winter in Woodend is pretty cold a perfect reason to enjoy that glass of red before an open fire and perhaps sample a taste of the new beer from the Rock and Ranges Brewing Coop, which will be on tap at The Victoria Hotel when July rolls around.

Emily is passionate for her work, region and community. She is always open to ideas and driven to provide opportunities, especially for keeping local young people in jobs and encouraging community involvement.

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Antiques & Collectables o Region

Explore the Bendig

Bookshops & Eclectic Coffee Shops bendigoregion.com

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Explore the Bendigo Region

bendigoregion.com

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BENDIGO POCKET GUIDE BENDIGO ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES: LQ Market Bendigo’s newest & most unique market. LQ Market offers 100 inside market stalls and is open every day of the week.

7 Adam St. Quarry Hill. www.lqmarket.com.au BOOKSHOPS & ECLECTIC COFFEE SHOPS: Bendigo Bookmark An established retail store selling a wide range of new and used books, both in the shop or online.

24 High St. Bendigo. www.bendigobookmark.com.au

MOUNT ALEXANDER ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Enfilade Plus Quality Linen and Laces for Bed, Table and Window. They have a mixture of antique, old and new linens for bed, table and window from France, Italy, Portugal, UK and also at home.

77 High St. Maldon www.enfiladeplus.com.au BOOKSHOPS & ECLECTIC COFFEE SHOPS Mount of Alex Book Shop Presenting a general selection of high quality books covering a broad range of eclectic interests.

273 Barker Street, Castlemaine www.mountofalexbookstore.com

LODDON ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES: Fusspots Offering selected antiques, vintage homewares , collectables and curios.

39 Brooke St. Inglewood.

Facebook/Fusspots at Inglewood

Inglewood Emporium A wide range of vintage clothes and collectables.

76-80 Brooke Street, Inglewood.

Facebook/Inglewood Emporium Sharps Bazaar Antiques and collectables in the heart of Inglewood.

55 Brooke St. Inglewood Facebook.com/Sharps Bazaar

CENTRAL GOLDFIELDS ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES: Coach Factory Pickers Market Quality second hand items including furniture, art, previously loved items and much more.

84 Nolan St. Maryborough www.facebook.com/pg/coachfactory pickersmarket BOOKSHOPS & ECLECTIC COFFEE SHOPS: Maryborough Lions Club Bookshop Stocking a wide range of books of all genres 124 High St. Maryborough Maryborough. vic.lions.org.au

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ALPACA PASSION MORE THAN TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING Moving house is one of life’s major stressors and when you move from the family home, built by your grandfather, where you grew up, it can be a bit of a wrench. But it made sense for Liz and Keith, owners and creators of Alpaca Passion to move to a property they found in Lauriston, close to their Daylesford shop and within the Central Victorian hub for alpaca breeders. The move makes their innovative ideas about breeding and showing their prize animals easier to manage.

Also cutting out the four-hour trip between Daylesford and the Buckland Valley in the High Country doesn’t hurt either.

Breeding and showing prize winning alpaca’s, developing and marketing their range and running the shop and the farm became overwhelming for Liz and Keith, which is when daughter Cassie came on board to primarily work on the marketing side. It has become a very productive family collaboration. Since opening their doors of Alpaca Passion a lot has changed.

In 2017, Liz and Cassie launched their own garment label, A.P. Moda thus allowing them greater control over the stock for their customers. All the garments are still manufactured in Peru and Bolivia with this mother and daughter team doing all the design and product development. They now wholesale A.P. Moda through eight stockists in Victoria and New South Wales and the

list is growing. Neither Liz or Cassie rate themselves as designers, but they know what their customers like. Each year in April and October, they take their ideas to their strong team of people they work with in Peru who then make the patterns from where their finished garments are created. It was a logical step with A.P. Moda blending nicely with the current stock.

After more than ten years of providing beautiful garments made from the fleece of the cute and feisty alpaca, Alpaca Passion is a success story that had humble beginnings in a shed on their Buckland Valley farm. Now a recognised producer and retailer, this family business is looking at many more years in the industry. Asked about the name of the new label A.P. Moda, Cassie explained that it is an amalgamation of Alpaca Passion and Moda, the Spanish word for Fashion – simple really.

See more of the range and a list of stockists at www.alpacapassion.com.au

ALLENDALE NURSERY Specializing in herbs & vegetable seedlings.

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

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Catch me at the following markets from October: 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 Saturday of the month 4th Sunday of the month

Woodend Farmers Market Gisborne Olde Time Market Kyneton Farmers Market Daylesford Farmers Market Creswick Market Talbot Farmers Market Lancefield Little Treasures Daylesford Farmers Market

WINTER GARDENING In winter we all love to pamper ourselves.

Curling up in front of a fire and reading a good book with glass of wine or just relax and talk to friends and family.

Like us, some of our plants like a bit of pampering - others not so much.

Most plants will benefit during the year from Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus the three major nutrients, however given at the wrong time of the year, it just leaches into the soil and may pollute storm water.

In winter many plants are resting or are in dormancy state and fertilizing is either not required at all as in the case of dormant trees and shrubs or require less fertilizer through winter, this includes indoor plants. Winter vegetables, spring flowering bulbs and annuals are still actively growing and taking in nutrients, so it is important to keep up the fertilizer. However, err on the side of caution of your choice of fertilizer. In spring and summer fertilizers tend to be higher in Nitrogen whereas in winter less is required. Too much Nitrogen in the cooler months promotes softer leaf growth and much of it leaches away before a plant can take it in.

Citrus trees that have been planted recently will need to be protected from frost by way of a shade cloth. Should the outer foliage get burnt by frost, don’t cut off the dead material

immediately as these leaves and branches act as a protection barrier to the lower growth.

This applies to both young and older trees.

Wait until frosts have passed before pruning and if required, a heavy pruning in October.

Winter is the time for bare rooted trees. If buying from your local nursery ask the staff to help with your choices and if you are not confident with pruning, again ask for their advice, you will find they are more than happy to explain the do’s and don’ts for your future pruning.

Check the base of all your grafted plants such as grevilleas, flowering gums, ornamental trees, fruit trees & passionfruit. If shoots are emerging that look different in leaf type, pull or cut off as they are likely to be suckers from the rootstock. Trim native shrubs and groundcovers and don’t forget to water plants that are hiding under the eaves of the house.

Indoor plants need some TLC as well. Clean their leaves with a damp cloth, but don’t use oils to make plants shine as you are likely to block pores, inhibiting the plant’s ability to breathe. Remove or trim any yellowing or dead leaves regularly and the plants will reward you by beautifying your home.

Enjoy your garden until next time.

Rebecca Sprosen-Bailey

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By Lyndall McQuinn

WINTER ASTROLOGY WINTER MARKS A PERIOD WHERE we are influenced by many retrograde planetary stories. When a planet is viewed as retrograde it appears to be in a backward motion as viewed from Earth. By winter’s end all the outer planets will be in retrograde motion and Mercury will be retrograde from early July to early August. In fact, July is a pivotal month in the year as we also have two eclipses affecting this month. What does this mean?

Maybe we feel like we are going backwards.

Cancer: you will be part of the focus of the retrograde Mercury, so many of you may rehash your thoughts and plans as all the personal planets move through your sign over winter.

This could prove to be a total recasting of your life and how you see yourself within it. The eclipse on July 3rd also adds a wake up element especially to those born on July 2, 3 and 4.

Capricorn: you are pressing on with the slow march of Saturn, Pluto and South node conjunction in your sign digging up bombshells from the past and transforming the present in ways you didn’t believe possible. Are you managing to stay in control? I have my doubts, as your boundaries are continuously debunked. Your eclipse is on the full moon of July 17 and will illuminate what new boundaries are required.

Leo: you also have a Mercury retrograding in your sign during July so for you there can be a rethink of your plans. You have a mixed message through winter. New philosophies and projects of spirit can flow fast and enthusiastically, but just when you think you are ecstatic

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with the process, sudden changes can cause a cautionary change of pace. This unforeseen change can often be around the finances.

Aquarius: what is that shadow that is making you less optimistic than you usually are? Nothing a few interactions with friends can’t shift, but you could have some basic needs that are calling for attention.

Where do you want to reside and how much money do you need? It also could be a time of dealing with family situations that surface abruptly and call for your wise counsel.

Virgo: you have been humming along, but you have to be very careful you don’t begin to live someone else’s dream. It’s easy for you to run to the service of others, but really you have been doing well on your own projects. Your role in your community can be expansive now. It may be hard to find the time to discipline yourself to your own creative goals.

Pisces: may feel lost in the fog as many of the significant people in your life switch roles. They may not be who you thought them to be. Often this can cause you to lose yourself, but really it is showing you a glimpse of yourself through a different lens.

It’s time to heal your insecurities and maybe change the communities you mix in. New community and plenty of career options lead you out of the confusion.

Libra: it’s time to create new visions in your work and community. This can be a time when your philosophy and your career can actually come together. The exciting new people

whom you want to love are actually in your work arena, whilst the old issues with the family and lovers can move to a healing paradigm.

Opportunities may ask you to move locations.

Aries: you are ready for profound career changes. Old issues that have haunted you in career paths are over.

You are ready to take the reins and move mountains. Sudden financial offers that may include travel are very appealing. For the moment the “other� holds little interest and you sit on the brink of visualising your ultimate dreams.

Scorpio: although you are not quick to trust others, there can be sudden interests worming their way into your consciousness. You are in the mood for love affairs and the energies are set to bring them in. So a happy match. There are also business opportunities that could be extremely beneficial. All this sounds very prosperous, but don’t forget to take the time to give yourself the space you need.

Taurus: changes, changes, turn and face the change. Not your favourite theme, but it will be your story over the next eight years. So early born Taureans are feeling the change now. Other Taureans are wanting to get on with business and take up new plans, but the time required to study the fine print is tedious.

Review all agreements; past and present, although time is required the rewards can be sensational.

Sagittarius: Even though Sagittarius is feeling optimistic and expansive in themselves the reality of personal security keeps snapping at your heels. Winter asks for a balance between the freedom to be who you are and the reality of how to exist.

Work situations are full of surprises that keep you alert whilst for most of winter you would prefer to chill out at home.

Gemini: needs to take winter quietly.

Enjoy the prospect of new and more committed relationships whilst you ponder what is the ideal career, how you can finance the goals that you have and heal the old patterns in friendships that leave you hurt and bored. Independence is important but so is creating boundaries in how you relate.

All the best for winter Lyndall McQuinn www.lyndallmcquinn.com

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