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February 2022

Contents LOCAL 04 Special Investigation: Can Babies Really be Trusted? 09 Craft Beer Stronghold 24 Button Bunny's Gap Year

PROFILES 06 'North of the River Crime Dramas' 13 Out of the box

COLUMNS 32 Dear Reservoir Dogs 35 The Kids are Alright

COMMUNITY 26 Councillor Update 28 Community News

FUN 20 The Rezzadent Journal of Data Science 34 Crossword

COVER IMAGE: Kate Brouwer, Artist. Rebecca Crawford, Photography. Bridget Wa ld, Stylist

THE REZZADENT

Contact us: rezzadentnews@gmail.com Receive the paper in your inbox https://bit.ly/3tv3Pkd With a huge thanks to our volunteer contributors:

By Nicole Robertson

Acknowledgement is not enough but still important The Rezzadent was made on stolen land in Reservoir, Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation who are the traditional custodians of this beautiful land. For many of us, our local creeks, trees, and our lake have been such a comforting balm to the soul during these chaotic times. We would also like to pay respect to the Wurundjeri Elders, past and present, and extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait people from other communities who may be reading this. It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Aspiring Rupert Murdoch/ Editor-in-Chief Shannon McKeogh Deputy editor Viktoria Komornik Making things beautiful/ Designer: Delyse Baldwin Before Wordle there were crosswords! Crossword Creators: Megan and Michael Von Hemlock Our clever illustrator: Nicole Robertson We love our Marketing guru: Vinisha Pulikkaparambil Our big brained writers: Andrea Wegner Viktoria Komornik Camille Short Mitch Kuhn Panda Sanders Dolly With massive thanks to our proofer and her eagle eyes this month: Jenny Brown

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Special Investigation: Can Babies Really Be Trusted? Words and photography by Panda Sanders

As the developers of Reservoir cram three townhouses where a single home once stood, so too do the suburb’s demographics evolve. Residents are reporting increased sightings of tired millennials pushing designer prams aimlessly around the suburban streets. Long-time local Marco Bonelli (74) asks, "Where are they all going with their SUV sized prams? And why do they all look so shell shocked? It's just a baby." Nine months in the making, no stone left unturned and a sample size of n=1, this special investigation looks to answer the question at the heart of Mr. Bonelli's query - can babies really be trusted? Such is the commitment from the team at The Rezzadent to finding out the truth. The subject of this investigation was acquired through the appropriate channels, with all involved parties agreeing on a late January arrival.

Assumptions can only be drawn that it was triggered by conversations about presents around that time. This unilateral decision making and defiant refusal to provide any reasoning to other members of the household continued as a theme throughout the investigation. Within days of the subject’s arrival, this reporter had lost grip on much of reality. The ability to tell the time of day, or day of the week disappeared and access to information on current events beyond the end of the driveway dried up. Not one to let a story get away from him, this reporter strapped the subject into the Baby Bunting Pro-Performance 4WD All Terrain Baby Bentley 2027 ™ and ventured with vacant yet determined eyes, symptomatic of sleep deprivation, to interview a professional.

With blatant disregard for evolutionary gestational tradition, the subject decided to arrive a month early, on Christmas Day.

Sergeant Nathanial Goodman, an officer from the Reservoir Police Station who heads up the clandestine division known simply as the Department of Poo Explosions was happy to share his thoughts.

When questioned as to why he decided to go against all medical advice, the subject refused to answer with anything but flatulence.

"We're not saying all babies are evil, we just believe the number of parents falling victim to a poo explosion is too high to be a coincidence,” says Sergeant

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Goodman. “On the surface their crimes appear opportunistic, but we know they are highly skilled operators with a clear MO.

lapse of concentration and we have another victim of a poo explosion on our hands."

Babies are confidence tricksters who do not discriminate when it comes to their targets - age, sex, ethnicity, religion, sexuality - none of these seem to prevent people falling victim to a baby's charm."

While the interview was only scheduled for 15 minutes, the Sergeant generously sat with The Rezzadent for over two hours, although most of that time was spent scrolling through the camera roll on his phone proudly showing off photos of his three children.

Sergeant Goodman described most babies as habitual rent-dodgers and sleep-thieves.

As to the question of whether babies can be trusted, this investigation has turned out a resounding...not really.

"They work their way into homes with lofty promises, but things usually end in tears."

If you have one in your possession, or are soon to, keep a close eye on them because you can't be sure as to what they'll do next or why.

He called for extreme caution when it comes to nappy changes.

More to come....

"We see it all too often, a momentary

February 2022

‘North of the River’ Crime Dramas We Rezzadents are a talented bunch. Andrea Wegner has previously shared local authors of picture books and zines for tweens. Now she dives into something that is for the adults.

As we edged into spring and out of lockdown, I sat in the beer garden at the Edinburgh Castle witnessing a Rezzadent launch his third book for our reading pleasure. I didn’t know it then, but I was sitting where the characters had sat and drank, flirted and dived headfirst into trouble. After the book launch, I eagerly read all three of Hugh McGinlay’s novels. Not only is the author a local but so is the story. You won’t find writing more quintessentially Melbourne than McGinlay’s series of Catherine Kint mysteries. All three of McGinlay’s books are funny, and have an extra layer if you have lived north of the river. The locations make you feel at home. There are car chases along Sydney Road, Brunswick, inebriated strolls down Albion St, danger at The Melbourne Zoo and summer holidays on the Victorian coast. Then there is the fictional pub the characters frequent called the Glasgow Palace. My money is on this being the real-life

You won’t find writing more quintessentially Melbourne than McGinlay’s series

Edinburgh Castle. The books are an odd mix of confronting crime scenes and the tension of the chase, while being interspersed with humor. I found myself gasping in shock at a twist whilst chuckling at the wit on the same page. It’s not an unpleasant mix of emotions, like watching your child attempt Parkour. You are tense, trying not to be scared, while willing them to

succeed and laughing at the attempt. This mix makes Catherine Kint and her sidekick Boris, feel like home. We Australians like to interject humour into situations where you’d be hard pressed to find it. Catherine and Boris turn this into an art form. The book launch was for Hugh McGinlay’s latest installment, Bodysurfing. But if you are going to do

These novels are whip-smart, fastpaced, north of the river crime dramas. A mix of crime scene gore with endearing, genuinely funny characters.

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it right, you need to start with Jinx and move to Pachyderm. Saving what I think is the best until last. There is nothing better than connecting with a novel. Whether it speaks directly to you, or you relate to its characters. Being able to walk where the characters have walked, or picture the crime scene vividly because you have stood there yourself adds an extra layer of relatability. Each chapter begins with a cryptic quote from the character. I love this touch. It gives insight into the character, making you curious as to what is to come. It then compels you to go back to the quote at the completion of each chapter, with an increased understanding and a nod of appreciation. These novels are whip-smart, fast-paced,

north of the river crime dramas. A mix of crime scene gore with endearing, genuinely funny characters. The banter between the two main characters makes me laugh out loud and yearn for the days when I sat with friends in a pub in the north, musing over why women were targeted as witches and how we really felt about modern art. Hugh is one talented Rezzadent. In between publishing three novels he is also a musician with four albums under his belt. You can often hear him play at the Glasgow Palace…I mean the Edinburgh Castle. Buy Hugh’s books Jinx, Pachyderm, and the newly released Bodysurfing here Find Hugh’s music here.

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Craft Beer Stronghold Refreshing and local, Mitch Kuhn investigates what’s fermenting in Reservoir Two breweries, two completely different approaches, two high powered operations, and both are in the same suburb. Hawker's and Future Mountain have, each in their own way, established themselves as world-class. For a few years now Melbourne has been home to dozens of excellent breweries, but tucked away up north are two that can lay claim to being among the best. Mazen Hajjar, Hawker's OG and mastermind has led a life, the story of which he was happy to share with me. From Lebanon, a war photographer, investment banker, airline creator... craft brewer. After starting and running the Middle East's first craft brewery, the desire to move to Australia came on strong. After a conversation with an associate here, he realised he was

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paying homage to his ancestors who’d first come to this country, as he was “hawking” his wares. Hence, Hawker's came to be. In 2014 when looking for a site, and finally settling on Industrial Reservoir, people were more than surprised. Mazen said to me, “People were shocked, they said what the f*** are you doing?” The first impression of Reservoir seemed a little different in people's minds back then. In full fairness, there was a stabbing and an amateur outdoor adult film performed on top of THE Edwardes Park train. Within two weeks of moving in. So Mazen tells me. But the change is profound, not unlike other neighbourhoods in other former dark corners of Earth. “It reminds me of Brooklyn, it started pretty grungy but now it's edgy and cool.” Since then, it's been a series of wins for Hawker's. They excel at delivering a range of beers from IPA's to stouts and many more in between. There's an ever growing barrel program, as well as a whiskey (made from beer?!?) which has yielded fascinating results. Keep an eye out for their experimental hazy

IPA's, called the Fresh Coast series, as well as their yearly barrel aged dark beer releases, due a little closer to the winter months. Unfortunately, due to the current situation, I was unable to physically attend the brewery due to staff shortages and precaution. I can say that under normal circumstances Hawker's has an outdoor/cellar door spot setup right at the brewery, 167 Henty Street. Just check ahead if you're planning on going down. I know for a fact they're keen as mustard to bring the energy back, Mazen spoke energetically about live music, art projects...watch their spaces for updates!

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Across the hills, located just north of the bustling hub of Plenty Road and Tyler Street, right on the 86 tram line, things at Future Mountain are getting pretty...wild. The lovechild of Ian Jones and Shane Ferguson, the beers at Future Mountain are of a very different breed to those produced by their suburban comrades. Literally. The yeast cultures here are spontaneous, wild occurring cultures. Styles such as saison's, farmhouse ale's and fruit-laden golden sours are on the menu here, and the guys make no apologies for that. I was able to sit down with Ian for a chat about it all. Ian and Shane spent nearly a full year building the brewery and taproom. Somewhere between this they managed to brew and barrel age a multitude of different beers before their grand opening in 2018. Fortuitously, I was at that opening as a patron. Whilst they were admittedly nervous as to how the community might take to their alternative style, they found an immediate relationship and warm embrace from the

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locals. “We were pretty surprised...you know, Reservoir's never had a brewery like this so we thought we might get, you know, “where's your pale ale?” and “where's your lager? Our top selling beers were mixed fermentations, stuff right in the middle of our range.” If an oak aged, brettanomyces saison on wine lees and friulano grapes appeals to your palette (The Howling Forever holy SHIT what a beer!), then you'd be welcomed amongst the many locals at Future Mountain. Oh and they've only just gone and won best Brewpub in the country at the Indies for 2021. The Indies are the biggest awards night in the craft beer industry here in Australia. Hobnobbing for hop heads and true brewers. And, in case that wasn't confirmation enough of their meteoric ascension, they picked up four gold, three silver and two bronze awards for beers submitted for consideration. Throw in Victoria's best brewery for

full measure. Safe to say they were disappointed, just missing out on five gold. To hear Ian talk with such effusive passion for their brewery, the care, planning and work that goes into not just the brewing, but the relationships with local producers as well. Not once using a commercial yeast strain, having carefully cultivated and nurtured their own yeast cultures for years. He spoke of being only four years into a long–term outlook, “In ten years we might be where we want to be, beer wise and fermentation wise.”, I think they are here to stay. There's so much more I want to say about these two titans of the north, but at the end of the day you've just gotta try them for yourself. Get in touch, head on down, go to your local purveyor of fine libations, catch them at the Reservoir Stomp, do whatever is necessary to check Hawker's and Future Mountain out! Rezza is lucky to have them.

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Out of the Box with Kate Brouwer Kate Brouwer is a Reservoir-based ceramic artist and pottery studio owner. Working from her local studio in Reservoir, Asobimasu Clay, Kate makes hand-crafted ceramics that are earthy and beautiful. By Camille Short

Kate Brouwer is a Reservoir-based ceramic artist and pottery studio owner. Working from her local studio in Reservoir, Asobimasu Clay, Kate makes hand-crafted ceramics that are earthy and beautiful. Kate also manages Bisque Studios, which offers pottery classes, workshops and studio space in Northcote. I have been curious about Kate’s work for a while and was delighted when she agreed to answer some questions for this issue. Your website mentioned you like to bend traditional boundaries with your pottery. Can you expand on that for us? Pottery has been around for hundreds of thousands of years, streaming through time and cultures. For every pot that ever existed, there's a thousand others just like it, as well as a thousand variations on a form or function. There's something particularly striking about forms which have expanded

Photographer: Rebecca Crawford Stylist: Bridget Wald

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Photographer: Rebecca Crawford Stylist: Bridget Wald

Kate Brouwer in her studio with young daughter Acacia.

Photographer: Rebecca Crawford Stylist: Bridget Wald

time and cultures and are found repeated throughout history. I like to capture this tradition in my work, sharing honour to forms that have gone before me, whilst bending them with my own flair and exploration. This involves learning and understanding the tradition of pottery then slicing, cutting, molding and forming creatively into my own expression.

wild flowers, admiring the natural world and allowing it to shape my explorations. With a focus on Ikebana, vases and striking vessels as the base formation of my work, I'm heavily influenced by the way florals are arranged within the walls of each piece. This is certainly my biggest creative influence across my work.

Do you have any creative influences?

I am interested in how you design your pieces. What process do you go through?

Creatively, I'm influenced by flora and the natural world around me. I seek out beauty in rock formations and

My practice is founded in creative exploration. I often say "try everything once", creating freely and openly without

preconceived ideas is really important to me. I seek to bring a form to life, exploring its function and marvel the finished work before deciding if it should be put into production or not. I feel creativity can be stunted when a project is discarded or shut down before it is completed. Each creative idea needs to be expressed in order to know its value. I love the studio name and meaning of the word. Is there a story behind it/how did you find the word? I have an admiration for Japanese pottery as well as their culture.

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The quiet thought out nature of pottery and its function is so beautifully respected in Japanese culture. I appreciate their philosophy that resonates behind simple objects like tableware. When thinking of a name for my work, English words felt so clumsy and I wanted to choose a word that for me, didn’t already have any ideas tied to it. I chose the Japanese word “Asobimasu”, as it means to create without boundaries. This is the way I approach my work, so I feel this described my creative practice more meaningfully than any other words or languages I could find. What can people expect when they visit the studio? They can expect to see Australian hand-crafted ceramics in many stages of its production. Thrown forms awaiting trimming, kilns being loaded and unloaded and raw clay being bent into shapes which become loving works for a modern family home. You can expect a welcoming smile and to meet craftswomen who enjoy sharing their joy of ceramics with the local community. We're currently open on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am4pm, and welcome dropins, with work available for sale and new pieces coming out of the kiln each week.

Do you have any goals or a mission you are happy to share? Having recently opened our studio-store in Reservoir this has been a big goal of growth. It's important to me that we keep and grow ceramic production in Australia. A beautiful ancient art that is so physical and captivating need not be lost to the hands of time. By buying and supporting local makers like myself & our staff, we keep these traditions alive in our culture. I hope my studio

"creating freely and openly without preconceived ideas is really important to me"

continues to grow with time, employing creatives, growing in production and making space to work with our hands in an increasingly digital age. I think that's a goal we all need a little more of in our day to day.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. E.g., How long have you lived in Reservoir? What's life like for you on a day to day basis? How does it feel when you are making a piece? I've lived in Reservoir for three years now. Recently moving my studio here to be closer to my home and family. There's so many little management tasks with ceramics and having a studio closer to home is most ideal. After having breakfast with my one year old daughter and husband, I pop by my studio to check the kiln fired correctly overnight, cover up pots that were thrown the day before and manage my day to day life between production, kiln firings and the administrative side of managing two studios. Pottery is an everyday practice, it's not a task that can be left alone when deep in production. Creating lots of large orders for modern design stores around Australia, it's important to keep the wheel moving each day. I provide work for stores like Koskela, Jardan and Ivy Muse among others, and now can be visited in the studio for a tour and look at our pots, here in the heart of Reservoir. When on the wheel, my mind is cleared and my creative flow comes. It's nice to be at a stage in

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my career where I can form and create with hands that have learnt so much. Where skill meets creative expression, new forms flow freely and I'm often amazed where creative energy takes me. With my love for pottery I also teach and manage a pottery school and studio in Northcote, working with other ceramic artists to share our love of pottery. Classes & workshops welcome beginners, are held regularly and can be booked online at Bisque Studios.

Reservoir has such a strong community focus and is the first suburb I've really felt at home. It doesn't get more Australian than sharing garden produce and waving from our front yards, which Reservoir gives with enthusiasm.

What is your take on Reservoir? Reservoir has such a strong community focus and is the first suburb I've really felt at home. It doesn't get more Australian than sharing garden produce and waving from our front yards, which Reservoir gives with enthusiasm. We've made lifelong friends here, at the dog park or local coffee shop and chatting on the street corners whilst our children grow up together. We've been invited to street parties with other neighbours and strike up street chats about workshops, veggie gardens and shed projects. It's a friendly, creative and life-breathing community here in Reservoir. I hope we're lucky enough to call it home for our family and studio, for many years to come.

Photographer: Rebecca Crawford Stylist: Bridget Wald

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Photographer: Rebecca Crawford Stylist: Bridget Wald

We have an upcoming studio launch party on Thursday March 10th, 4.00-8.00pm and welcome the neighbourhood to join us. There'll be a family friendly space to sit and relax and enjoy an afternoon G&T for those who want to celebrate. Along with a gift of a mini vessel with every pottery purchase and door prizes to make your heart sing. All are welcome.

Studio Address: 22a Plateau Rd, Reservoir Open Hrs: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am-4pm (closed public holidays) Website: www.asobimasuclay.com Insta: @asobimasu_clay Images: Kate Brouwer in her studio with young daughter Acacia. Photographer: Rebecca Crawford Stylist: Bridget Wald

February 2022

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February 2022

Button Bunny’s Gap Year By Viktoria Komornik

A couple of months ago there was a post on the Reservoir Good Karma Network (RGKN) about a bunny named Button who was lost then reappeared nine months later. Who doesn’t love a happy ending to lost pets? I was intrigued about what Button might

have been up to during his adventure. I do not possess Dr Dolittle’s talents so for obvious reasons Button could not be interviewed for this piece. The story from here on may or may not be based on true events. Button lives on Sturdee Street in the

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We can all agree that Button is one tough bunny leafy suburb of Reservoir with his loving family and a grassy backyard for freeroaming (fact). As a two month old young bunny, Button enjoyed the cuddles from his young owners and was curious about everything around him. There was nothing he wouldn’t smell or try to chew. His young owners spoiled him with celery, lettuce and sweet tasting carrots which became his favourite snacks. As Button got bigger and stronger, so did his desire to dig holes in the garden. On one particular day in February 2021, which started out like any other day, Button finally managed to dig a hole under the side fence, bent his ears and propelled himself through to the other side. Can you imagine his surprise when he discovered that there is another world outside his garden! I believe Button felt big, strong and powerful at this point. It was only him and the endless opportunities of freedom. His owners believe that he spent the next nine months under the neighbour’s swimming pool and visited other backyards for fresh grass. I also think that after many months of discovering, adventuring, escaping all sorts of threats Bunny felt lonely. He heard the kids laughing, having fun in the parks and he realised that he missed the ear scratches and the treats. He missed being taken care of.

We can all agree that Button is one tough bunny to have survived nine months without being eaten by a fox. Hopefully Button had an exciting time discovering Reservoir, he made friends, and stayed safe. For now, Button’s gap year is over and he is safely back home.

Fun facts about bunnies: • Those amazing ears can also be rotated almost a full circle to 270 degrees. • Most rabbits have a “sweet tooth” and are crazy about fruit! • Bunnies can see an almost perfect 360 degrees. Their one blind spot is right in front of their little twitchy noses!

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Councillor update Reservoir is in the Darebin local government area. Councils are responsible for delivering services in health, planning, and building control, business and economic development, waste and environmental management, and human and community services. Councillors write their own profiles, which are independent from the business of council. This edition we host a Councillor Update by Susan Rennie

One of the many things I love about being a councillor is that the role provides me with an extraordinary opportunity to meet people from all over Darebin, and from all backgrounds and walks of life. I have worked in public health for about two decades now and I’m particularly interested in

how we build healthier and more connected communities. Council is a great place to action this. Healthy people and communities thrive when people enjoy safe and affordable housing, and access to healthy food, beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, libraries and learning opportunities, walking and cycling paths and opportunities for leisure and recreation. Importantly freedom from discrimination and violence are also critical to achieving good health. One of my most significant decisions on Council was in my first year as a councillor. In 2015 I voted, along with a majority of my colleagues, not to hold any Council celebrations on 26 January. Every year as 26 January rolls around, I have an opportunity to

reflect on this decision and observe the way in which community understanding of why we need to find a different date to celebrate Australia Day is growing. I have heard from many First Nations people how they feel alienated and unsafe on this day and how Darebin Council’s decision made local First Nations people feel a bit more included and valued in our community. Achieving truth and justice for First Nations people in this country is a key area of focus for me. I have been a member of Darebin’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee since my election in 2016 and, as Mayor in 2019, was a proud signatory to Darebin’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. I have been

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pleased in recent years to see Council significantly improve its performance in employing more Aboriginal people and we have made strides in acknowledging that we live and work on Wurundjeri land. In particular, we are reflecting the deep connection of First Nations people to this area by working with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to name new projects and infrastructure in Woiwurrung language. I love walking over the new Warrk-Warrk bridge between Northcote and East Brunswick and I am really looking for to the imminent completion of the Narrandjeri Stadium in Thornbury. Over the next 12 months, I am looking forward to exploring ways to improve our management of waste and recycling. In particular, I am pleased that our food and organics (green bin) service will be rolled out to all households that get council waste collection from July. I am excited to hear from community members what they think about the future of the Northcote Golf Course and I will be considering with interest the results of the Your Street Your Say project in Thornbury West, Preston West and Reservoir West. I am very open to repurposing road space for other uses, especially urban greening.

When I’m not tied up with Council work, I enjoy spending time with my three teenage children. Lock-down was a challenge but we came through it okay and I used some of the long days to complete foster care training and accreditation. In the past year, we have opened our home to nine children ranging in age from 3 to 15. That has been an enormously rewarding journey which I can’t recommend highly enough. I encourage all residents to reach out to their local councillors. Good decision making doesn’t happen in a vacuum and working together we can achieve great things for our community.

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Community News If you have a tip-off or know of an event coming up that you’d like featured please contact us at rezzadentnews@gmail.com

New monthly produce swap Regent Community Garden will be hosting regular produce swaps on the first Sunday of each month in 2022 from 1pm - 2pm! Come along and meet your local gardening community. Share produce and perhaps some plants, advice and a chat with your local community. You bring something and you get to take something home. Things to share could include: • • • • •

Excess Fruit, vegetables, herbs and eggs from your garden Seeds, seedlings, cuttings and plants Homemade jams, cordials and olives, Homemade soap and skincare Homemade baked goods

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Netball program for kids to begin in April The Keon Park Stars JFC are proud to be launching a much-anticipated Woolworths NetSetGo program in April 2022. The NetSetGo program will run on Saturday mornings alongside our Auskick program. NetSetGo is Australia’s official Netball starter program for girls and boys aged 5-12. It is a chance to learn the basics of netball, get active and make some friends. For many kids this is the first time they will hold a netball. This program is all about learning through skill-based activities, minor games, and modified match play that will help them develop fundamental movement skills, as well as important social skills. If you have any further questions, please contact either the club at keonparkstars@ gmail.com or Lauren at ltheodosis@nfnl.org.au

$1,000 for heating and cooling rebates for residents The Victorian Government's Home Heating and Cooling Upgrade program is designed to increase the comfort, wellbeing and health of low-income and vulnerable Victorians by providing assistance toward installing energy efficient, reverse-cycle air conditioners in eligible homes. Reverse-cycle air conditioners help keep homes both cool in summer and warm in winter. The program is available to qualified owner occupiers, renters and community housing and provides a rebate of $1,000 towards the cost of purchasing a reversecycle air conditioner. Further funding may be available to decommission an outdated gas heater and to upgrade your switchboard (if required).

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Volunteers wanted: The Darebin Fruit Squad The Fruit Squad is a group of trained volunteers who collect leftover fruit from Darebin back yards. These otherwise wasted resources go to locals who struggle to get fresh, nutritious food. Ways you can get involved and assist: •

Sign up your tree if you have excess fruit (we are looking for 20 new householders in Darebin to help us fulfill our fruit needs!)

•

Give away postcards to neighbours with trees who might like to join in

Concession cards, seniors cards and student cards are all accepted and must be shown each visit.

Have your say on Oakhill Food Justice Farm Newly established urban farm and community hub Oakhill Food Justice Farm at 233 Tyler Street, Preston wants to hear from you. They are currently seeking applications for and opinions on the space, and would love any interested parties to fill out their survey.

Volunteers wanted: Bundoora Park Farm

The vision is for small community groups (like parents groups), individuals, small businesses or social enterprises to meet for discussions, catch-ups, hold consultations and appointments. The space could also be used for hotdesking, rehearsal of plays, teaching classes, holding small celebrations, or larger events like art exhibitions, craft markets, outdoor play, etc.

Applications have just opened for Bundoora Farm, so read the information and fill in an online application on the website.

Weekly gardening group at Newton Street Community Garden

Please contact The Fruit Squad here and let them know how you would like to be involved.

The volunteer program creates opportunities for community members to develop their skills and participate in the day-to-day running of our urban farm through a variety of volunteer positions.

Concession card holders can visit Reservoir Leisure Centre for less Did you know that concession casual entry pricing has been reduced by 50% through to the end of June 2022 to give more people affordable access to Reservoir Leisure Centre? This means a family pass is now just $7!

Local community members can get involved in weekly gardening, harvesting and general working bees at EPCC's Community Garden again! The garden includes shared raised vegetable garden beds and ground areas, fruit trees and composting/worm farming facilities. This is a space where local residents can connect, share, learn and grow food locally. From planting, weeding and harvesting crops, to discussing what will be planted – there’s always plenty to do! The gardening group, facilitated by the DIVRS Urban Food Program and

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volunteers, are in the garden on Wednesday mornings, 9.30am - 12pm and it is open to the public throughout the week for picking fresh herbs, salad ingredients and even collecting seeds from the Seed Library. Where: 9 Newton Street, Reservoir When: Wednesdays, 9.30am-12pm For more information contact the East Preston Community Centre by phone on 8470 8107 or at epcc@darebin.vic.gov.au

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Dear Reservoir Dogs Ernie the miniature sausage dog has retired from being your regular agony aunt, feigning ‘empathy fatigue.’ Instead each month will be a different Reservoir dog, here to solve all your life’s problems; one tail wag and wet kiss at a time. Treats welcome. Send your qualms to with the subject line “Dear Reservoir Dogs” to rezzadentnews@gmail.com. If your best-legged mate wants to get involved, also get in touch. We love our Reservoir doggos!

Dear Dolly, I’m having issues with a nosey neighbour. It seems every time I want to play my music loud and have a dance, a head pops up over the fence. How can I politely tell them to “mind their own business” and avoid being featured on an episode of ‘Neighbours from Hell’?

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February’s question is answered by Dolly, the, scrumptious wombat-like Frenchie.

Dear Human, I may have a short snout but I know a thing or two about nosey neighbours. In fact, the ‘cat’ (as dad calls it) across the road has been far too nosey for my liking. He sits across the street, stares and torments me every day. My advice to you is to stare (No blinking! This is key!) at your neighbour whenever they appear. Keeping a watchful eye is always recommended. Only break eye contact when it’s dinner time and dad shouts “yum yums”. Failing that - BARK! Bark as loud as you can until everyone in the house is telling you to be quiet. The nosey neighbour might not move or even go away, but at least they’ll know not to mess with you. Love Dolly xo

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Voir words By Megan and Michael Von Hemlock

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The Kids Are Alright Art Collaboration at Reservoir Primary School

Inspired by Reservoir’s local environment, the students at Reservoir Primary School have been involved in designing and painting a new mural for the school. In 2021, the school was selected by Regional Arts Victoria and given a resident artist to guide them on this new project. Students applied to become an RAR (Reservoir Arts Representative). These students, along with resident artist Safak Gurboga and art teacher Zeynep Kavas, worked collaboratively on a number of amazing projects. There were meetings, class discussions and excursions to Edwards Lake to plan the design. Together they produced a beautiful mural, learning some valuable skills along the way. They have also developed an Art Space where student artwork will be displayed.

"Being a RAR was fun last year, especially since we had Safak helping us and designing our wonderful mural."

February 2022

"Safak came up with an original design of some of Australia’s native birds that are in Reservoir perched on a river red gum."

"Our arts teacher Ms. Kavas and Safak came up with an idea that brought together a group of arts students in the school to collaborate on the mural, we all made stencils of river red gum leaves and every student got to paint them on the mural."

THE REZZADENT

"Once we had finished the mural the school had an art gallery put in our school: Safak did a beautiful sunset background around the exteriors and all the RAR kids got to paint native birds on it."

"Working as a RAR with Safak last year was so much fun and I’m sure we all hope he will come back to visit us at RPS!"

If you know a local school or student who has something to celebrate or share with our community get in touch with Andrea Wegner at rezzadentnews@gmail.com

February 2022

Illustration By Nicole Roberston

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