Forrest Post April 2023

FORREST POST THE

Vale Nasser Kotb

It is with great sadness that I share the news that our friend and stalwart of the Forrest Post and the Forrest and District Men’s Shed and inaugural member of the Climate Action Team passed away on Friday 17/03/23 after a short illness.

Nasser came to Australia from Egypt as a young man on a scholarship to study a PHD in Geology. He loved the informality of life here. His thesis was on the geographical make-up of the Holbrook area. He loved digging in the dirt all day and then retiring to sleep in an old country pub.

Nasser has always been helpful. He had a keen sense of justice and ensuring no-one was left behind. He had travelled the world for years, going to some of the poorest areas and volunteering in places like Kenya, Pakistan, India and Myanmar. When he married Noor in 1994 they continued to volunteer. He always said the poorest people are the most generous.

They lived for 15 years in Saudi Arabia where he worked on hydrology to prevent flooding after downpours which is common there. They lived in Madina, the second holiest city in a little

tumble-down mudbrick house which was close to the mosque. Whilst in Saudi he completed Hajj seven times. In Madina he was part of a diverse expat community of over 50 nationalities. Nasser was in his element. He had a huge worldview.

When Nasser moved to Forrest he had never used a lawn mower, chainsaw, grown a garden or even tapped in a nail. He developed a love of woodwork when Al Winter and Adrian Mapsley took him on and taught him how to use the tools at the shed. In exchange, he became the most successful grant writer, the compositor for the Forrest Post and the keen secretary with all the big ideas for the Men’s Shed.

He had an enquiring mind and a confidence that he could just do things. He loved innovation, was optimistic and ahead of his time. On more than one occasion he was heard to assert confidently "we can do this". He had a keen interest in government and ensuring that democratic processes were followed. Nasser’s last acts in his last month of life was to write a question to the council asking them to intervene on behalf of the Annual Permit holders at the Forrest Caravan park and he also sorted out the Men’s Shed electricity bill that had been caught up in a bureaucratic mess. Thinking of other people right to the end. He was a good fella.

Goodbye Nasser

Kotb.

Susan Langridge

Southern Otway Sustainability, Climate Action Team and OCEAN working together

We cannot afford to miss the moment of Colac Otway Shire’s “Climate Change Action Plan” (CCAP). Once finalised that Plan will be in place in the shire for 10 years - a critical decade in dealing with the impacts of climate change.

Unlike councils taking serious and ongoing action with communities to address the risks, our Council have not sought to involve the community or local experts in developing this Plan.

We encourage everyone to be ready to take part in the consultation on the draft CCAP when (and even before) Council releases it. For starters, have a look at the Climate

Change Action Plans/Climate Emergency Response Plans in other shires like Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Geelong City, Surf Coast and Queenscliffe. See what good CCAPs look like, and think about what you and the groups you are in will want to include in our Council’s CCAP. Be ready to have your say.

The emerging local network of environmental, business and community groups is planning to hold public meetings to provide communities with the opportunity to prepare their input into/response to the Council’s CCAP. Please watch for more information, email: climateactioncos@gmail.com

Jenny Barrett

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and waters around us, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We respect their cultural heritage, knowledge here in Forrest where the waters flow over Gadubanud and Gulidjan Country

EEEooreee eeeooorrreee

Is it a bird, is it a cow, is it a foghorn….no it is a Donkey, in fact three Irish Miniature Donkeys.

For those along with the alpacas puzzled by the arrival of Daphne, Maeve and Saoirse (sersha) in the Forrest Brewery paddock on Station St….rest assured all is well. The Donkeys come as a package with the latest arrivals to Blundy St. Forrest. Thanks to the kindness of Sharon and Matt Bradshaw for allowing the donks to keep the alpacas company and for granting a friendly face for the Forrest locals to greet and pat.

Daphne is the oldest of the girls, she is the grey with the beautiful marked Jerusalem Cross and striped feet. Maeve is the rare tri-coloured and Saoirse is the baby, well 18 months old, born in Alvie.

The girls are very friendly and love carrots and apples. Please come and say hello but do not enter the paddock and please refrain from feeding them.

Irish or English donkeys are wonderful pets, most recently immortalised in the film ‘ The Banshees of Inisherin’, however, they have also been a great help in wartimes (Simpson and his Donkey) and for lugging peoples luggage up and down steep treks as in Greece (Santorini) and parts of England (see Clovelly).

Irish/English Donkeys are smaller than the average donkey and are bred for their sturdy, robust and endearing nature. These days Mediterranean donkeys have become a niche market and are breeding very small like Shetland ponies.

If anyone would like any more information re donkeys, please don’t hesitate to reach out, but meanwhile enjoy the donkey love and beware the bray that will follow you as you walk away.

Leonie

The Inaugural Icelandic Fringe Festival Forrest

On the long weekend 8 horses from the far North met for the first inaugural Icelandic Fringe Festival Forrest. Their owners were all members of the Icelandic Horse Association Australia who drove their furry friends to Forrest from North of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and South-West Victoria. The event was created to celebrate a member’s birthday with long rides on the beautiful Forrest trails and by enjoying the local cuisine at Dar Teta and the Brewery. Why Fringe festival you ask? Look at the pictures and enjoy the diverse

curly cute, long luscious and colourful manes of the Icelandic horses. The long and short of the Fringe Festival: everyone and everyhorse loved Forrest, the town and trails. Resounding feedback before departure was: This event will not become an annual occurence because we will definitely be back and can’t wait a whole year.

We would like to thank the Forrest Horse Riding and Trail Riding Club for hosting this event.

Anya Giese

The Forrest Post is auspiced by the Forrest Men’s Shed. Every effort is made to remain current, accurate and non-partisan. Feedback, submissions and advertising are encouraged. Submissions may be edited. You can request an electronic version by email, find us on Facebook or online at issuu.com/theforrestpost for back issues Contact: theforrestpost@gmail.com

Editors: Susan Langridge, Marita Kennedy, Noor Petersen Contributors Emma Ashton, Gillian Brew, Ian Davies, Stella Dwyer, Mary Dracup, Adam Fry, Marita Kennedy, Lois Kemp, Susan Langridge, Claire Miller, Leonie, Noor Petersen, Jock R, Pauline Rostos, Jo Simms, Renee Taylor Design: Gillian Brew Print: Forrest Primary School. All contributions to be received the 22nd of the month.

Dafhne and Maeve

Bowen therapy in Forrest

Bodysmith muscle therapy studio has opened in Forrest offering Bowen Therapy and Hot Stone Massage. I wandered up the farmland path to Jen Vasilj's studio on the hill to find out more.

Hidden away down Gills lane, you approach the studio by foot or by car, and arrive at a stylish studio painted in black with a beautiful Forrest view. Inside is super modern and calming with natural light filtering through the curtains.

Jen is trained in both Bowen Therapy which is a technique that works across the fascia of all the muscles, ligaments and tendons in our body, freeing them up and allowing the body to re-align itself. Developed by Tom Bowen in Geelong it is a therapy that works really well for back, neck, shoulder pain...well any muscle pain really including sciatica and headaches! it's great for anyone from sportspeople to the elderly and anyone in between.

Jen treated me to an amazing hot stone massage as I had never tried this type of massage before. After choosing my favourite wild-harvested Australian oil blend, which has been specifically hand crafted for Jen, I got to experience the amazing feeling of the hot basalt stones gliding over my muscles. Natural basalt stones are used as they hold heat very well due to their

iron content. I was actually quite surprised that Jen was able to find all the sore spots with the stones and slowly knead them out. After my treatment I was invited to relax in the egg chair on the deck overlooking the valley with a cup of herbal tea. The whole experience left me feeling both calm and invigorated.

Next time I'm booking in for a Bowen treatment to sort out my horse riders back! What a treat to have this

Harvesting Hops

Today we harvest hops. Hops are little green flowers that are put in beer. We harvest these hops at the Bradshaw's house/farm. When we got down there, there was a tractor we asked if we could drive it but Matt Bradshaw said no. The tractor had a 4-cylinder engine with I think was a five-speed transmission. He cut down some vines and we started to harvest. The harvesting was like picking black berries. We put the hops in the buckets then we emptied the buckets into a massive bag. We weren't allowed to put any leaves into the bucket or the bag.

We had a competition between each table to see who could pick the most hops. Lucas was on the other team so he tried to steal the hops from our bag. Then we would send spies to see how many hop's that the other team had. Overall, I had a fun time.

Jock.R

Forrest & District Neighbourhood House - March 2021

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT THE F&DNH

CRAFT CIRCLE: Mondays :10am- 12pm. BYO craft projects. Gold coin donation.

FOOD SHARE PANTRY: Pantry is topped up each Tues, Wed and Friday evenings from ALDI collection. Available to all.

WEEDING GROUP: Second Tuesday of the month 10-12pm

PLAYGROUP: NEW DAY- Tues Arvo 1.30-3.30pm. Gold coin or $10 term.

SINGING FOR FUN: Wednesdays 10am11am. Gold coin donation

STUDIO FORREST ART GROUP: Wednesdays 11am-4pm.

BOOK CLUB: 1st Wed of month 7.30pm.

YOGA: Thurs 9.10-10.30am. Cost $15 COMMUNITY LUNCH: Take away. Order the day before, pick up at 12.30 on Thursday. $6.

YOUTH SPACE- Friday afternoons. Grades 3-5, 3.30-4pm. Grade 6-12, 4.15-5.pm. Games, snacks and fun provided. $10 per term.

ROLLERSKATING @ the hall. 1st Sunday of the month 3-4.30pm. BYO skates or borrow some of ours. $5 per skater.

FORREST COMMUNITY GYM: Contact coordinator for membership information and to sign up.

WE HAVE: Free WiFi • Printing services • Room hire • Community spaces

•Reading room • Forrest & District Historical Society display and library

•Food share • Clothes swap • Treatment/massage room for hire • Office space

•Computers and more!

COMING UP

STUDIO FORREST ART GROUP

OPEN STUDIO - EASTER 7-10 APRIL

Come and visit us at Shed 8 at the Hub over Easter as part of the Colac Otway Arts Trail. Artwork and art cards for sale. All proceeds go directly to the artists.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY MOVIE

@ THE FORREST HALL. SHARKBOY AND LAVAGIRL 3D!

WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL 1pm get your discounted family tickets at Eventbrite www.eventbrite. com.au/e/shark-boy-lava-girl-3dtickets-588737448557

'Top up’ boxes (fruit, veg and bread) will be available for collection each Tuesday with arrangement through the coordinator. Please get in touch to receive a box.

$250 POWER SAVING BONUS APPLICATION SUPPORT call or text 0493 105 502 to book a time.

FORREST OSTEOPATHY is onsite and operating various hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. Please contact Jessie on 0438298669 or forrestosteo@gmail.com for more information or to book.

LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER, SHARE THE CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND STAY SAFE

Don’t forget to ‘like’ our Facebook page for up to date info and events! facebook.com/forrest.neighbourhoodhouse

OPERATING: Tues, Wed, Thurs 8.30am-3.30pm, Thurs AT THE HALL for lunch, FRI 8.30am-12pm. Please contact the coordinator Renee for any queries, program requests or to run a program T: 5236 6597 M: 0493 105 502 E: forrest.nh@gmail.com A: Community Hub - 47 Grant Street, Forrest 3236

Tribute to Nasser Kotb

We at the Forrest Neighbourhood House share our deepest sympathies with Noor, their family and community, on the passing of Nasser Kotb. Nasser has been a dear friend to the Neighbourhood House, serving on the committee of management, contributing to strategic planning and budget management, and initiating important new ideas and programs. We are a better community service because of him, and this legacy lives on.

I’ve been reflecting on Nasser’s curiosity, his intellect, compassion, and his passion for so many important issues - the environment, climate change, justice, reconciliation, and community connectedness (to name a few). Nasser researched, read widely, talked to people, thought deeply, pulled threads together, and wrote beautifully.

Some of his most powerful contributions for me have been on raising awareness of the Aboriginal history of our region. In large part because of Nasser, Forrest Neighbourhood House has supporting reconciliation as a strategic priority. Nasser led an important and quite novel partnership with Deakin University to strengthen inclusion and connectedness for the elders in our village – through a digital literacy initiative. As a by-product of his work, the Neighbourhood House was given the suite of computers that are in our computer room. Nasser’s greatest contributions will always be on championing sustainability, the environment and climate change. To hear him speak of the potential for households in a community to form an energy grid to power themselves… well, one day Nasser, we can hope. Rest in peace. Emma Pakula

The Forrest Flicks Film Society has chosen the Peter Weir classic Gallipoli as a way to commemorate ANZAC Day this April, but there are other reasons to come along and see this film. The 1981 film won numerous awards including best film, best direction, best screenplay, best actor, best cinematography and best sound. It helped build the young Australian film industry’s reputation and launched lead actor Mel Gibson’s career. There is also the brilliant Oxygene electronic music by Jean Michel Jarre to heighten the drama.

Gallipoli tells the story of two young Australian men who enlist for World War I and are sent to the Gallipoli campaign. They show all the bravado, larrikinism and mateship that became known as the ANZAC spirit, but during the course of the film their innocence is lost. The

unforgettable climax depicts the futile attack of the Battle of the Nek, though we should remember that the historical accuracy of this section has been criticised.

Gallipoli will screen at the Forrest Public Hall on Thursday 13 April at 7:30 pm. The Forrest Flicks Film Society shows films on the second Thursday of each month from February to November. Come at 7pm to relax with a complementary glass of wine with cheese, and chat about the film afterwards over a cup of tea or coffee with biscuits. Don’t forget to BYO cushion!

Full-year and five-film subscriptions are available at the hall on the night for cash or online at: https:// www.eventbrite.com.au/e/forrestflicks-film-society-subscriptiontickets-504202612587. You can

also come and ‘try it and see’ for a cash donation of $15. For more information email forrestflicks@ gmail.com.

Film review: Gallipoli INVITATION

Mary Dracup

Come along to a 30-minute meeting at the Forrest Men's Shed to talk about Forrest Soupfest. This meeting is being held prior to the Forrest and District Lions Club's regular Monday meeting, so please be prompt.

The Forrest Soupfest committee are seeking new members so the event can run again into the future. The idea for Soupfest started 20 years ago over a drink at the pub while comparing who made the best pumpkin soup… year by year it grew and the last year before COVID nearly 7,000 people attended the event at the footy reserve. Proudly run as a project of the Lions Club of Forrest & District, the festival has always been designed to attract visitors in the winter time. It has been the main annual fundraiser for many local community groups and the school and is vital for community cohesion and the liveability of Forrest as a town.

Eight people are needed for committee, plus volunteers on the day and in the lead-up. The roles are outlined, it just needs some good hearted, organised, Forrest-loving people to work together to take the event into the future. It takes many months of planning, so it's unlikely it will be held this year on its traditional day of the Sunday on the long weekend in June. If there is not enough support to run this event, then we hope to have a discussion about other options, such as outsourcing.

Please consider this for you or others you may know in town. For questions about Soupfest, please contact Emma Ashton at the Soupfest email: forrestsoupfest@gmail.com

Emma Ashton

to a community meeting about the Soupfest, Monday 3 April, 5.30 PM

The Little Flower Stall of Forrest

On the main road into Forrest, opposite the old Catholic church, you may have noticed a little yellow flower stall. When I moved to Forrest a couple of years ago, I was pretty excited about finally having the space for a big garden with great sun AND mains water. After years of renting and having the ‘renters garden’ of potted herbs and veggies that I moved from place to place; I got a place of my own. I could finally put those herbs in the ground and grow all the plants I had been wanting for years.

Cue my ‘cut flower garden’! I know how expensive flowers are to buy from the shops. They are definitely a special occasion thing. But they shouldn’t have to be. I thought if I could sell some flowers from my front gate at a minimal price, then more people could have flowers in their home; for no other reason than making them smile.

It is definitely not a thriving business model! The $5 a bunch just helps cover some costs of seeds and fertiliser, water and mulch. My main aim is to spread some joy. I hope that more people can afford to indulge in some flowers now. I try to keep the stall stocked, but if there are no flowers there, I’ll be sure there is the following day. I grow all my flowers from seed. I am still working out which flowers last the best in a vase, and which seem to wilt the moment you look away. Its all a work in progress. So as long as people still buy the flowers, I will grow them. Tips to getting the most out of your cut flowers:

 Make sure your vase of flowers are out of direct sunlight. They love the sun while on the plant, but not once cut!

Barwon Water Update

Wastewater project updatecommitted to finding a way

Barwon Water remains committed to delivering the Forrest Wastewater project in the 20232028 Price Submission period, in line with the community’s vision for an innovative and costeffective solution that continues to support the ‘Forrest way of life’.

The full cost of the project will not be factored into customer prices at this time, until further certainty on the final option and cost is known. This means we will continue progressing the refinement of options and costs, and better understand the regulatory and environmental approvals required. Subject to the successful resolution of these issues and securing an affordable outcome for all, we would move to construction of the project late in the pricing period.

For more information and to stay up to date visit the Forrest Hub website linked below.

 Keep that water clean! Refreshing the water in your vase every few days will keep your flowers happy. Once the water starts to get murky, it seems to clog the flowers stems, making it harder for them to drink

 Snip the ends of your flower stems when you change the water. For exactly the reason above, cutting the ends off the flower stems (1-2cm) will open up that vascular system again, allowing that fresh water in again

 As the flowers start to die, take out the worst ones. The saying ‘one bad apple can spoil the bunch’ is true. The decaying one or two stems will dirty the water quicker, thus the clogging issue I keep mentioning.

Lastly, if you have brought flowers home and they have gone all limp; they CAN be saved! Trim the ends of the stems and hold the tips in boiling water for a few seconds. Then put the flowers straight into the cool fresh water of your vase. They should perk up in a few hours.

Claire Miller

Maintaining your onsite wastewater systems

Looking after your Onsite Wastewater Management System (OWMS) while Barwon Water continues planning for the wastewater project is an important aspect of property management in Forrest. Colac Otway Shire has shared some guidance about the Environmental Protection Act 2017 and Environmental Protection Regulations 2021 new responsibilities when it comes to maintaining and preventing failure of OWMS.

Did you know?

To help you ensure your system is up to date, the EPA has created a resource on their website: www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/ publications/1976

This guide outlines some great tips on how to keep your system working well, including managing, maintaining and dealing with incidents. Thank you for doing your part in keeping our community and environment healthy and safe.

All water is recycled through the water cycle

When we capture and reuse water through the West Barwon Reservoir, we are not making more water, rather reusing the same water the dinosaurs drank. Looking after the environment is one of the best ways to protect our valuable water sources for the future.

Chocolate Zucchini Loaf Weeds are herbs too!

90g butter

1 tspn grated orange rind

Having none of the conveniences we have now, weeds/ herbs were invaluable as medicine, cleaning products, light givers and food.

Plantain, for example, is known as "white man's foot" as it would be seen wherever colonial people travelled. When crushed, the leaves are cooling and pain relieving for bruises and insect bites. Very young leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach. An infusion of leaves (tea) makes a good eyewash.

Yellow dock is good for the liver. It increases iron uptake and aids the release of bile from the liver.

Wild garlic or onion weed can be used in salads, soups or as a vegetable. It's juice can also double as a household disinfectant.

Mullein is good for respiratory complaints as are many of the herb/weeds around Forrest. Harvest the leaves before or after flowering. The large flower stalks were dipped in lard to make torches. it's worth noting that the seeds are toxic.

Marita Kennedy

Sources: The Complete book of Herbs in Australia by Jekka McVicar and The Modern Herbal Suspensory by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne.

1 cup castor sugar

2 eggs

1¼ cups self-raising flour

¼ cup cocoa

½ tspn ground cinnamon

¼ cup milk

1 cup grated zucchini

½ cup chopped pecan nuts

Spray a 15cm x 25cm loaf pan with oil. Line base with baking paper.

Heat oven to 190-200 C.

Cream butter, rind and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in sifted dry ingredients then milk, zucchini and pecans. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes. Stand 3 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.

Optional Orange Frosting

30g soft butter

1 tspn grated orange rind

2 cups icing sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

Beat butter and rind with a wooden spoon until smooth. Gradually beat in sifted icing sugar and juice until spreadable.

Forrest and district is home to so many beautiful birds. Last month we welcomed two new contributors Ian Davies and Adam Fry, who are enthusiastic bird watchers in our region. They will write about a different bird they have seen, each month. Hope you enjoy learning about the beautiful birds we share our backyard with. Thanks Ian and Adam.

SPONSORED BY

BIRDS OF FORREST

Grey Goshawk

Another of our Iconic birds that can be found around the Forrest area is the Grey Goshawk. In other areas of Australia this raptor is white and grey, but around the Otways, Tasmania and in the Kimberley they are always all white. Its` correct name is the white phase Grey Goshawk. It is found in a band from about Adelaide, right up the east coast and across to the Kimberley region.

This bird is unmistakable with its majestic stance, pure white plumage, yellow legs and cere, and a red eye. The female is a much larger bird than the male, her size being about 54cm long while the male is around 35 cm.

They nest high in the tree canopy, constructing a rather large bulky nest where they lay 2-3 white eggs.

Grey Goshawks like to sit on a sturdy limb fairly high up, where they pounce on their prey, especially young rabbits, and other mammals. They will also take birds on the wing. Indeed, at the Colac Golf course I was lucky enough to see a Grey Goshawk take a Rainbow Lorikeet, while flying along with a flock of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, using them as a cover.

Grey Goshawks are not common, and while birdwatching you cannot really go out confident that you will see one every time you look. However, they seem to have some favourite haunts with which you may be lucky to see one. A section of the Colac-Forrest Rd between Aroona Crt and the beginning of the town has been a semi regular spot for a few years. The West Barwon Dam, and Lake Elizabeth is also great habitat for them. It is always a source of great pleasure to see these beautiful birds.

Ian Davies and Adam Fry.