June 2022
Contents LOCAL 05
Rezzadents Upcycling
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Homage to Hard Rubbish
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The Guerilla Gardens of Reservoir
COLUMNS 10 Reservoir Dogs 16 Recipe of the Month
COMMUNITY 18 Community News 19 What's On
FUN 17
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Rating Magpies I Have Seen Lately
THE REZZADENT
Contact us: rezzadentnews@gmail.com Follow us on insta @therezzadent Receive the paper in your inbox: https://bit.ly/3tv3Pkd With a huge thanks to our volunteer contributors: Editor-in-Chief Shannon McKeogh Deputy editor Viktoria Komornik 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.
Making things beautiful/Designer: Delyse Baldwin Our clever illustrators: Rhiannon Poley We love our Marketing guru: Vinisha Pulikkaparambil Our big brained writers: Viktoria Komornik Rhiannon Poley Nicole Robertson Jenny Brown Pickle
With massive thanks to our proofers and their eagle eyes this month: Jenny Brown and Hayley Culley
It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
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June 2022
E D I T O R ' S N OT E News from our side of the fence
Happy winter Rezzadent readers! We hope that this month’s issue gives you a chance to sit down, slow down and enjoy the news and stories happening in 3073. Every issue fills me such pride about our community, and also the wonderful team who help bring it together. As I’m sure you’re aware, we are all volunteers who somehow manage to squeeze in extra time in our busy lives (post-COVID madness!) to write, illustrate, photograph, edit and share news with you. Born out of lockdown, we have successfully delivered a monthly issue since September to a thousand odd readers each and every month online.We have ploughed through COVID, moving houses, changing jobs, sick kids, tech issues and existential crisises. More recently you may have even spied a few print editions making the rounds in our cafes and favourite eateries.
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But now it’s time for us to shift gears slightly, and move to bi-monthly. We’ll still be bringing you the same great stuff, but just a little less regularly! We will however be amping up our instagram page, which will be your goto for all the events and how to support local businesses. If you don’t already, you can follow us at @therezzadent Thank you for your ongoing support, and if you have any questions, comments or want to send the team a box of cupcakes (hint, hint!) we’d love to hear from you!
Shannon Editor-in-chief
THE REZZADENT
REZZADENTS UPCYCLING By Viki Komornik Darebin residents have been talking about recycling for a long time and acting on it for some time. We have separate bins for general rubbish and recycling, trying to do our bit in the hope that the contents of those bins get processed and turned into a new product. The process involved is what defines recycling.
rubbish. I lost count how many toilet paper roll figures we made or cardboard robots with bottle caps for buttons. For my birthday recently I received binoculars made out of toilet paper rolls from my daughter. To us it definitely has both an artistic and emotional value. A
However, upcycling hasn’t received the same amount of exposure. What is upcycling and how does it fit in with our lives? Upcycling is a creative process, transforming unwanted waste or leftover materials into new materials or products with artistic or environmental value. It is a crucial step of a circular economy. By definition, a circular economy is production and consumption that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible”. Basically it is the key to reducing landfill. Now that the definition is out of the way, let's look at what it means in everyday speech. I have always been curious about upcycling and more so since having a child. We spend many hours thinking about the ‘amazing’ creations we could make out of the things we are about to throw into the recycling bin or as hard
commonality amongst most of those who upcycle, is the love for treasure hunting. You’ve all heard the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. There are groups like Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes, who take treasure hunting amongst the hard rubbish one
REZZADENTS UPCYCLING
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step higher. There is currently a pop-up shop, DHRH reLOVE Pop-up where you can look through some of these upcycled or saved items in a more structured way, on shelves rather than the nature strip. The shop can be found at 684 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071 and will be open 10am-4pm Wednesday to Saturday until 30 July.
Brascha has always loved treasure hunting, art and mother nature. Upcycling proved to be the perfect opportunity to combine all three. Her first piece of painting nature on repurposed treasure was a wooden platter (see image). The result reminded her of a weekend away with friends filled with love and kindness.
I thought it’d be interesting to look into what’s happening on our doorstep, what upcycling projects our Rezzadents work on. I visited the Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes pop up shop to find out if there are local Reservoir artists being represented with their up-cycled items. This is where I found work from Brascha Nicholas and Emma Pascoe. Brascha is a graphic designer, artist, who lately turned her artistic skills to porcelain plates. In her own words “saving the world one plate or bowl at a time”. By hand painting plants and butterflies on the plates she has repurposed those destined for landfill.
Emma was both charmed by the smell of sawdust in her dad’s shed as a kid and fascinated by watching how tools can transform anything. She then completed a “Women in the Shed” course and created her first upcycled item, a bath board made out of pieces of wooden pallets. What makes her particularly excited about upcycling is the creative flow that comes from upcycling hard rubbish. Emma looks for items that are a bit broken, like a table with a warped top or a stool without a seat. She often doesn’t start the search with an idea in mind but what she finds gets her creative juices flowing. Emma turned the bottom half of a stool and a serving tray decorated by herself into a multi purpose product, one that can be used either as a seat or a side table. The top is painted gold,
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THE REZZADENT
being part of her “Fleck of Gold” series, representing the golden warmth to warm one up from the inside during winter.
verandah roof. Make sculptures, grow beans or use them as trellis. •
The outside can be used as stuffing for pet beds.
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Thick foam/insulation can be used to make bedheads or cover it with waterproof fabric to use as outdoor seats.
I’m constantly amazed by people’s creativity in upcycling. Those passionate about recycling and upcycling feel that way because they are passionate about protecting nature, reducing landfill and potentially our footprint on the planet. If you love treasure hunting amongst hard rubbish, there are plenty of groups to join, you will find your tribe in Darebin. We would love to see the result of what you upcycled from hard rubbish, send us a photo and we will share on our instagram page @therezzadent
As you can see, upcycling provides unlimited opportunity for creativity. There is no item you can think of that is not in someone’s hard rubbish somewhere. If you look at the item from a different perspective rather than its traditional purpose then you are already on the path of upcycling possibilities. There is one item that stands out, of which we see a lot of during hard rubbish collection and it pains me to think how many of these end up in landfill. Mattresses. There are existing options for recycling them but the majority of the mattress collection and recycling attracts a fee not everyone can afford. I learned that there are ways to upcycle your mattress though. •
Brascha Nicholas Website: www.brascha.com/about FB: Brascha Made It Emma Pascoe FB: ReFunk the Junk Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes Website: www.darebinhardrubbishheroes. org/ FB: Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes
Use the springs to hang fairy lights on the side of the house or under the
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June 2022
HOMAGE TO HARD RUBBISH By Rhiannon Poley
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The Darebin Winter hard waste collection runs from 13 June to 15 July, however only a very small portion of what is collected is recycled and the rest goes to landfill. If you have any items in good or salvageable condition please consider selling, repairing, donating to charity or rehoming. Joining groups such as Darebin Hard Rubbish Hero's (DHRH) can help find new homes for preloved items, more information at: www. darebinhardrubbishheroes.org This year they are also running a new pop-up shop until 30 July as a pilot to test the feasibility of an ongoing repair, reuse, recycle and repurposing space in Darebin. The DHRH reLOVE pop-up shop is volunteer led and run, and community support would be greatly appreciated.
homage
Darebin Council’s Sustainable Consumption team issued a statement, with permission to share. “While there is a fine of $300 if companies/people are found scavenging for resalable metals, or if residents leave the pile in an unsafe and untidy manner, residents who safely collect reusable items for reuse or repair, and leave the piles in a tidy manner, will not be fined by Council. Saleable items only refers to items that have immediate value (e.g. metal) and not items that are in need of repair and rehomed at a later date once repaired. This is allowed.” Unless you are collecting for the purpose of resale you are welcome to scavenge through the hard rubbish, no longer having to wait until the dark ascends. Make sure you leave the pile tidy.
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June 2022
Dear Reservoir Dogs Every month a different Reservoir dog helps a troubled Rezzadent through this column; one tail wag and wet kiss at a time. Treats welcome. Send your qualms 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!
June’s question is answered by Pickle Barker-Tompson
Dear Pickle, I'm finding it really hard to get out there and socialise and I'm drifting away from my friends. It's partly because I feel like I've forgotten how to socialise during the pandemic and also because it's getting too cold to be bothered going out at night. Please help me get out of this social slump! Love, an introverted and weary human.
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THE REZZADENT
Dear Human, Don't worry - I understand. The puggle is real. Lockdown came along and pulled the pug on all of our social lives and it's been hard to get it back. When all you want to do is stay inside as snug as a pug in a rug, socialising can seem re-pug-nant. My advice to you is to start slow. Maybe head over to Crispe Park and just have a half hour run around, sniff some butts then
head home. Don't force it and it will slowly come back. Or maybe it won't, in which case get a pug to keep you company. We love staying in and cuddling but be warned, we're a gateway pug. I hope it helps. Pugs and kisses, Pickle.
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June 2022
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Over three years Greg Giannis discovered 40 ‘secret gardens’ in Reservoir.
The guerrilla gardens of Reservoir By Greg Giannis as told to Shannon McKeogh. All photos by Greg Giannis
Guerrilla gardening. Gardens on the verge. Or ‘little unofficial gardens.’ I have a few names for these green plots I’ve discovered, and you have also likely come across them in your area but may have not given a second thought to these gardens which sit on public land. But like many things, when you look a bit closer, there’s a fascinating story here about connection with the land and with one’s heritage. I first moved to Reservoir in 2015 with my partner, and while out exploring my new suburb for an arts project about engaging with public spaces through walking I found myself on an unexpected journey. Using old maps I found many submerged waterways close to my house and like an adventurer I took the road less travelled – opting for uncommon routes, laneways and almost hidden side streets. It was here that I found the guerrilla gardens that grew along the embankments of the
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creeks that run through Reservoir and beyond, along Edgars Creek north of Edwards Lake and Merri Creek further to the West. These gardens are located outside of backyards and properties, often against a back fence and fenced off from surrounding land. It’s not exactly legal, but it’s not illegal either. In summer some of the gardens have tomato vines bursting with colour and sweetness, and I would also spy the fleshy swell of an overflowing fig tree. In winter my walks took me past citrus and apple trees. I would also keep an eye out for the prickly pear cacti which the Italian community makes good use of, turning into delicious sweets. The produce in these gardens I found is very familiar as I grew up in a Greek household where the vegetable garden was a source of nourishment and pride.
explore and so I started documenting my discoveries. Over three years, I have documented around 40 gardens. But it was not just vegetables and fruit that were grown, I also saw chicken coops and even goats grazing in the most unexpected places. Occasionally I had opportunity to talk to some of the gardeners and they have told me that they have been there for over 30 years. They discussed their gardens with enthusiasm and great pride. While conducting this research has been a fun mapping exercise, it has also been about capturing the history and culture of the area. As the generations of Reservoir Guerrilla Gardeners slowly disappear, it does seem that the younger residents may not be as interested in maintaining the gardening. Some are already very clearly unattended or have been so for some years.
I felt a connection that I wanted to
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Guerilla Gardens
THE REZZADENT
Ask anyone who gardens, and they will tell you that hard work and a lot of love goes into making something grow from the ground. And the more I learn and explore the area, the more I feel that these gardens are important for the family that owns it given the obvious care and attention given and the importance and benefits of homegrown produce. There is plenty we can learn from our history and the older generations of our unique and diverse suburb. Next time you go for a walk, keep an eye out for these special gardens. You never know, perhaps it will inspire you to also create a garden on the verge. If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact giannis.greg@ mailbox.org
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June 2022
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: CHILLI CHICKEN Warm the tastebuds and your tum this winter with Jenny Brown's delicious dinner (or lunch) suggestion. This recipe was passed onto me from a friend’s aunt after sampling at a party. There were no measurements given, so I have included the measurements of what I used. This recipe reignited my love of silverbeet.
Ingredients • • • • • • • •
I made this with 2kgs of chicken drumsticks. I used a bottle of home made passata instead of water, (was pretty watery sauce) A tablespoon of dried mixed herbs 2 teaspoons chilli powder 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 2 large onions A can of chopped tomatoes. 2 bunches of silver beet.
Chef note: I wondered if I had quantities right, but it turned out perfect for my taste. Some may like it saltier.
Method It can be cooked with any meat. Oxtail, osso bucco etc. Cut off any excess fat and fry the chicken a bit to remove even more fat, then put chicken in big boiling pot. Add salt chicken cubes , mixed herbs, paprika. Add chopped onions and finely ground chilli. Add a glass of water or so and gently simmer. In a frypan fry freshly blended tomatoes, or tomato paste and fry until very dry. Should smell a little like it's burning. When most of the moisture is gone add a fair bit of olive oil and fry more. Tip into the chicken pot and continue to simmer. Cut up two. bunches of silverbeet very fine. Not too much stalk. Add to pot and simmer till done. When silverbeet is cooked, taste test to see if more tomato or salt or stock is needed, but if not it's done. Enjoy!
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Chilli Chicken
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June 2022
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
Friends of Regent Community Garden are seeking volunteers! The fabulous folks behind the Regent Community Garden are seeking volunteers to help with gardening, workshops, arts and crafts, seasonal cooking and facilitating their monthly food swap. Follow their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook. com/FriendsofRegentGarden/
The Darebin Fruit squad needs you! Are you a Darebin resident who owns a fruit tree and has extra harvest to share? The Darebin Fruit Squad has experienced pickers who can harvest your fruit and distribute it to food relief. The Fruit Squad is also seeking volunteers to assist with fruit picking. For more information, email urbanfood@divrs.org. au
Public bike repairs Do you know where you can get your trusty wheels repaired? Find out at the Darebin Council website plus other tips on how to look after your bike. Rare skink found in Darebin! Darebin council recently took part in the City Nature Challenge, a four day challenge to observe, upload and record
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the nature surrounding us. Darebin Council recorded nearly two thousand flora and fauna, meaning we are the best council in the Greater Melbourne area. Or at least, the best at recording our nature for this particular challenge! Darebin staff Francesca Leonard found and recorded a species of skink, Liopholis whitii, or White's skink, that was thought to be extinct from Darebin. As a result, council and scientists will work together to develop a plan to enhance its habitat and ensure its protection. You can check out all the marvelous things discovered here. Feeling the heat - reducing energy bills Everyone from A Current Affairs, to your granny (who religiously watches A Current Affairs) to that stranger at the pool who overshares too loudly, is talking about it. Bills. The cost of heating in particular is getting everyone hot and bothered, and for good reason. There are some things you can do to help create a more energy efficient home at Sustainability Victoria, and possibly reduce your bill by up to 40%. Remember that if you have a concession card that all energy providers will give you a discount. My top tip? Get an electric throw rug/ blanket. The cheapest form of heating and like giving your lap a cuddle.
Community News
What's On
THE REZZADENT
Richie 1250’s Unlimited Love Lounge
DJs every Friday and Saturday
Free entry
Free entry
K’nochen Joint
Hard Rubbish
www.facebook.com/KnochenJoint/
670 Plenty Rd, Preston
206 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073
https://www.facebook.com/ HardRubbishBar/
Ph 0414 704 077 First Friday of the month, 5 – 11 p.m. Music and DJ event held monthly
Special pie and margarita deals Hard Rubbish Bar www.facebook.com/HardRubbishBar/ 670 Plenty Rd, Preston VIC 3072 Ph 0414 704 077 Pie Thief pies on Wednesdays and $12 Margaritas on Thursdays
Trivia nights Hard Rubbish www.facebook.com/HardRubbishBar/ 670 Plenty Rd, Preston VIC 3072 Ph 0414 704 077 Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.
Trading card game tournaments The Game Experts 944 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073
Transition Darebin Food Swap
Ph (03) 9191 5155
Reservoir Library, free
www.thegameexperts.com.au
Third Saturday of the month, 10 – 11 a.m.
Flesh & Blood tournament on Mondays from 7 p.m. and Dragon Ball tournament on Wednesdays from 7 p.m.
Monthly meet-up to swap excess food, meet local folks, talk about gardening and sustainability.
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June 2022
Live piano shows free entry Ragtime Tavern 206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072 Ph 0418 557 650 ragtimetavern.com.au Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6 – 11 p.m. Follow their Instagram account www. instagram.com/ragtimetavern/ to see which artists are performing each week.
taproom. Free entry with $8 pint specials and food from Jolly Good Sandwiches
Lautrec Life Drawing High and Wild, $25 817 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073 Saturday 9 July, 3-5 p.m. Toulouse Lautrec and French cabaret themed life drawing class. Supplies included with ticket.
Music and DJ event held monthly
Book online https://www.highandwildbar. com.au/products/wild-life-drawinglautrec-the-drunken-bourgeoisie
Sunday Jazz Sessions
Open mic night
free entry
free entry
Ragtime Tavern
High and Wild
206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072 free entry
817 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073
Ph 0418 557 650
Open mic nights curated by Darren Constable. Register your interest online https://www.highandwildbar.com.au/ pages/open-mic-nights
ragtimetavern.com.au Every Sunday, 5 – 10 p.m.
Films at Future free entry Future Mountain Taproom www.futuremountain.com.au 703-707 Plenty Rd, Reservoir VIC 3073 (03) 9078 6745 Thursday 14 July, 7 p.m. Ian Curtis biopic ‘Control’ playing in the
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Live music Free entry High and Wild Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights 817 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073 https://www.highandwildbar.com.au/ pages/whats-on
THE REZZADENT
Monthly produce swap
Communicare Lunches
Regent Community Garden
Reservoir Neighbourhood House
4 Robinson Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
2C Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
1st Sunday of the month, 2 - 3 p.m.
Every Monday, 12 - 1 p.m.
Produce swap facilitated by Friends of Regent Community Garden
Weekly chef-prepared lunch for visitors and health professionals on site available to chat
Further information can be found online https://localfoodconnect.org.au/localdirectory/71517/regent-food-swap/ https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofRegentGarden/
Device Advice free Reservoir Library,
Social Gardening and Activities
Monday 18 July, 2 – 4 p.m.
Regent Community Garden 4 Robinson Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Free 20 minute one-on-one sessions with a Darebin Libraries staff member to help resolve your minor technical issues.
Friends of Regent Community Garden meet every other week to maintain the garden and run other activities such as cooking, crafts and propagation.
To book visit https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/device-advice-reservoir-libraryregistration-356092621617 or call 1300 655 355
Follow their Facebook page for more details https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofRegentGarden/
Come As You Are Film Screening free
Free bike checks
Reservoir Library
Reservoir Leisure Centre
23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073
2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Tuesday 5 July, 7 – 8:30 pm.
Occur monthly, check dates below
Travel with three young adults with disabilities as on a roadtrip through Colorado to Montreal. This film is inspired by true events, engaging with the unmet sexual needs of the disabled community (rated MA15+).
Book online
Register online: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/come-as-you-are-filmscreening-registration-350164821407
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June 2022
Friends of Edwardes Lake Planting Days
After School STEAM Club
Sunday 17 July, 24 July and 31 July from 9 a.m.
free
Meet at the footbridge in Edwardes Lake Park or walk south down the foot path to the blue tent. Further details online: https://www.friendsofedwardeslake.org/ events
Tortelloni & Ravioli Class That’s Amore Cheesery, $125 Saturday 9 July, 10 am 66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown VIC 3074
Reservoir Library Thursday 14 July, 4 – 4:45 pm 23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073 After school STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) crafts and activities for ages 5 - 12 Register online https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/after-school-steam-clubreservoir-july-registration-350183938587
Zine Workshop for Youth
Hosted by the head pasta maker at Donnini’s Restaurant, Gianna Donnini, this hands-on class will teach you how to make tagliatelle, spinach & ricotta tortelloni and pumpkin ravioli.
free
Book online: https://thatsamorecheese. weteachme.com/classes/1024796tortelloni-and-ravioli-class
23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073
National Tree Day with Friends of Darebin Creek Norris Bank Reserve, Bundoora VIC 3083 Sunday 31 July from 12 pm. Tree planting and habitat restoration community event. There will be a Wurundjeri Welcome to Country, heaps of activities and stalls to experience and a community planting. Further details online: http://friendsofdarebincreek.org. au/events-darebin/national-tree-day-atnorris-bank-reserve/
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Reservoir Library Tuesday 19 July, 4 – 5:30 pm
Local zine maker, illustrator and graphic designer Tonia Composto will show you how to make a zine that experiences and passions. Suitable for ages 12 – 15. Register online: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/zine-workshop-for-youthregistration-350306475097
THE REZZADENT
Illustration By Nicole Roberston
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