The Rezzadent - May 2023

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With a huge thanks to our volunteer contributors

Editor-in-Chief

Shannon McKeogh

Deputy editor

Viktoria Komornik

Our grouse designer

Delyse Baldwin

Our whizz-bang marketing guru

Vinisha Pulikkaparambil

Our amazing illustrators

Rhiannon Poley

Nicole Robertson

Our Awesome writers & photographers

Viktoria Komornik

Susanne Newton

Jenny Brown

Eddy Urias-Castro

Kate Jost

Shannon McKeogh

Anna Scovelle

Julie Atkinson

Hayley Harris

Suraya Saleh

Anna Kiligrew

Cosette Paneque

Rachel Unicomb

Our social media hot-shot

Eddy Urias-Castro

With massive thanks to our proofers and their smarts

Jenny Brown

By Nicole Robertson

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.

Acknowledgement is not enough but still important

About Us

The Rezzadent is a community publication that was created during one of Melbourne’s many lockdowns in 2021 and has continued since. Run completely by volunteers, we focus on light-hearted and positive stories that celebrate and embrace our neighbourhood and its delights and oddities.

WE WON AN AWARD!

DAREBIN COMMUNITY AWARDS NIGHT

Words by Shannon McKeogh Photos by Nicole Cleary Photography

The 2022 Community Awards Presentation Event was held at Narrandjeri Stadium on 23 March 2023.

It was a real treat to get dressed up and join some of my fellow Rezzadent pals to go along to the event as nominees.

We were absolutely stoked to win an award - special commendation for Community Group of the Year Award. We were recognised for our dedication to the community through our storytelling for 3073 and our strong volunteer-base.

It was also wonderful hearing the stories and speeches of other individuals and groups who have contributed to our community in many different ways.

There’s some real good sorts out there - and we hope to feature some of them over the coming issues.

Remember if you’re interested in contributing, drop up a linerezzadentnews@gmail.com The 2023 winners

2023 WINNERS

CATEGORY AWARDED TO

Sustainability Award - Group of the Year Span Community House Inc.

Sustainability Award - Individual Lynette Mackenzie

Sustainability Award - Individual Special Commendation

(Joint) Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year

Community Group of the Year

(Joint) Community Group of the Year Special Commendation

Lifetime Achievement Award

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Elder Community Leader of the Year

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Leader of the Year

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Emerging Young Community Leader of the Year

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Leader of the Year Special Commendation

Charles Sandford

Nola Radiotis and Lynette Mackenzie

Rosie Thyer

Victorian Paradance Dance & Roll

3KND (Kool and Deadly) and The Rezzadent

Carolyn Lunt

Nola Radiotis

Nikita Rotumah

Zion Akarana

Aunty Rieo Ellis and Aunty Cecily Atkinson

DIY BLANKET JUMPER

Words & Photos

Sewing your own clothes can be really fun and rewarding, but it can also be expensive. Good fabric can be pricey and unless you use no-waste patterns (huge fan!) there can be a lot of waste. To combat this, there’s a growing trend to use pre-loved bedding and blankets for sewing projects.

Now that it’s starting to get cold, I wanted to make myself a new jumper, so I headed out to the Rezza op-shops for inspiration. It took a few visits before I hit the jackpot at the Vintage Op-Shop on Boldrewood Parade. Would you LOOK at these blankets! Stunning colours, made in Australia, super warm for the upcoming winter, and just $8 each. Obsessed.

By Anna Scovelle

Rather than purchasing patterns, I like to use things I already have in my wardrobe as a template. I started doing this when I had worn-out several of my favourite pieces of clothing and I wanted to replicate them. I cut open the seams and used the individual pieces as pattern pieces, with the addition of a 1cm seam allowance. In this instance the jumper I wanted to replicate was still on high rotation in my wardrobe, so rather than cutting it up I positioned it on the fabric so that I could cut around each piece. A little less precise, but it works.

I wanted to use a combination of both blankets to make a fun pattern on the bottom of the jumper. To do this, I cut the desired shape into the bottom of the main body piece. I then placed the body piece on top of the other blanket and cut the same shape into the other blanket (like a jigsaw), then I cut the sides and bottom to complete the piece. Now, it was time to sew!

I started by sewing the different colour body pieces together. For this design, I placed both pieces right-side facing up and sewed one piece over another. I then trimmed the overhanging fabric.

The next step was to sew the shoulders and right-sides of the fabric together. Then I sewed in the arm pieces. My preferred approach for sewing in arm pieces is to sew the shoulder piece to the body piece first, then sew the arm piece together continuing down the side of the jumper. Repeat on the other side.

This jumper has a mock turtleneck, so the next step was to fold over the neckpiece (wrong-sides together) and attach to the body piece. If your jumper doesn’t have a turtleneck or mock turtleneck, you’ll need to find a different way to finish the neckline (facing, binding, etc.). Regardless of what you are using, you will sew the neck piece (or alternative) to the body piece, right-sides together. If using facing or binding, you will need to sew another row to secure it in place, wrong-sides together.

To complete the jumper, I hemmed the sleeves and the bottom of the jumper to the desired length. Voila!!

REZZA GONE WILD

Words & Photos By Rachel Unicomb

I volunteer with a wildlife rescue, and we rely on locals to inform us about displaced or injured wildlife. In Reservoir we mostly receive calls about magpies, brushtail and ringtail possums. Many may consider these animals pests, but they are natives, who have adapted to survive in our increasingly urbanised world – and who can blame them for that? So here are some tips for helping our Rezza wildlife.

No tree, no me

It’s important to always consider wildlife before cutting or removing trees. They’re home to lots of creatures, including possums, birds and bats. Recently a Reservoir couple called about a ringtail possum in their backyard. The tree in which its nest was located needed to be cut back, completely exposing it to the sun. I took out an artificial nest made by volunteers from the Friends of Edwardes Lake. Its circular shape is designed to replicate the nest shape built by ringtails (known as a drey). We installed the drey securely in another tree and waited. Several weeks later we discovered not one, but two ringtails were calling it home. We were absolutely thrilled! Consider installing a drey or possum box in your garden if you’d like to discourage possums from nesting in your roof.

Pouch Check

Many native animals rear their young in pouches, including possums. If you happen to hit a possum on the road, or find one deceased, it’s important to

check its pouch to make sure there isn’t a baby still alive inside, or nearby. If you’re not comfortable checking yourself, this is the time to contact a rescue. It’s also important to move deceased animals from the road so no others are injured trying to reach them.

Food, suitable food

Avoid feeding wildlife at all times. It is particularly popular to feed mince meat, cat food, or bread to magpies, but this is transferred to growing babies. Because such food does not contain many natural vitamins (particularly calcium) the chick’s development is affected. If you want to feed birds, please buy insects from your local pet shop, dig some worms out of your compost or water your lawn to encourage insects to surface.

Companion Conundrums

Companion animals are a threat to our native wildlife. Always ensure your dog is on lead (unless in a contained off lead area) and under your supervision and control at all times. If you own cats, remember that Darebin Council now has a 7pm – 7am curfew. Cats should never be outside after dark, as this is when they are more likely to hunt wildlife and be injured themselves. It is best to keep your cats indoors at night (and ideally at all times).

Who to call

The below rescues service the Reservoir area. Even if someone cannot attend immediately, they can offer some great advice over the phone. If you’d like to learn more about how to help wildlife, both organisations offer training days for the public – you can book on their websites.

The Wildlife Rescuers

100% volunteer operated 0417 506 941 wildliferescuers.org.au

Wildlife Victoria

24/7 support - (03) 8400 7300 wildlifevictoria.org.au

A1 DAREBIN ART SALON

Words by Viki Komornik Photos by Keelan O’Hehir @keelanohehir and Viki for the individual art pieces.

First up - what is the A1 Darebin Art Salon? This community art prize and exhibition features 150 artists, who, as you might have guessed alreadylive, work, study or base their creative practice in Darebin. For some or many, this is their first opportunity to exhibit in a public gallery.

The four major categories are photography, painting, drawing/ printmaking and textile/mixed media. Bundoora Homestead Art Centre hosted

the exhibition and I have to admit this was my first time at this magnificent building. It was built in 1900 and is registered by Heritage Victoria and certified by the National Trust.

The atmosphere was buzzing on the opening day, with artists finally seeing their piece for the first time at the show and bringing with them their friends and loved ones, as well as curious visitors, such as myself.

There were speeches to listen to, wine to be savoured and conversation to be had. Artists, when asked were happily and proudly sharing the inspiration for their works. The opening day had a wonderful community feel, with artists from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.

Two of our own Rezzadent contributors had their pieces displayed - Rhiannon Poley and Julie Atkinson. Rhiannon’s illustrations regularly feature in The Rezzadent, but this time, alongside her piece made of 100% upcycled materials, we also get to see her face! Julie’s photos are also a regular, colourful addition to the publication and it was one of her nature photographs that made it into the exhibition.

Here is a list of other Reservoir artists whose work is represented in the A1 Darebin Art Salon (this may not be a complete list, as this only includes the names of those who gave permission). If you know someone from here please congratulate on our behalf as well.

Antonietta O’Keefe (Anna)

Clive Dickson

David Nerlich (Stoch)

Emma Fayelecaun

Sonia Kretschmar

Bruce Baycroft

Carly Housiaux

Cecile Plaa (Cecile McNamara-Plaa)

Con Emmanuelle

Emily Colaidis

Gurvinder Kaur

Heidi Schoenheimer

Iaki Vallejo

Liam Murphy

Maria Colaidis

Merinda Ries

Sana Baig

Vanessa Vun

Thanh Lyons

The Exhibiting Prize 2023 went to Miguel Villanueva for his linocut of ‘ A Hot Summer With Few Resources’. As part of his prize he will receive a Solo Exhibition at Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre in 2024.

This is what the judges Uncle Alan Brown (Gunditjmara), Ambassador of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Chair of the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee; Bala Starr, Director of La Trobe Art Institute; and Sarah Werkmeister, Curator at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre have stated about the winning piece:

“Miguel’s work is a stand out in the exhibition. The linocut ‘Of A Hot Summer With Few Resources’ portrays a scene that we can all relate to – no matter where in the world we are – of gathering together to cool off during hot summers. It creates a joyful zone that we can all feel like we’re in for a moment. The attention to detail shows the artist’s deft material skill, while the storytelling and sense of communality in the work are handled with care and a sense of cheekiness. We walked through the exhibition multiple times and always came back to Miguel’s work. We congratulate Miguel, and thank the wonderful array of artists in this exhibition on works that are all skilful and intriguing.”

The People’s Choice Awards give everyone a chance to vote for their favourite in four categories:

• Photography

• Painting

• Drawing/printmaking

• Textile/mixed media

You have until Friday 16 June to cast your vote and 24 June to visit in person.

Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre: 7 Prospect Hill Drive, Bundoora

Open: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Wednesdays to Saturday)

arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/ bundoorahomestead

Darebin Cr Trent McCarthy, Gallery Director Leah Crossman, Winner of the Darebin Art Salon Exhibiting Prize Miguel Villanueva & Wurundjeri Elder Daniel Ross.

MAKERS MARKET AT AUDACIOUS MONK

Words and images by Jenny Brown

On March 11, I couldn’t resist popping by The Audacious Monk at 128-130 Regent Street, Preston, to check out the wares of the artisans at the Makers Market.

Here are some of the artists I discovered: Lyd The Illustrator https://www.facebook. com/lydtheillustrator

Sadly my poor photography skills do not do Lydia’s work justice. I did wish I had a ready favorite photo of my dog on my phone though, to get a speedy portrait done.

The Posy Yard https://www.facebook. com/theposyyard

Featured boutique locally grown beautiful floral creations.

Cracking Design https://www.facebook. com/crackingdesign

Jess creates funky and fun laser cut décor, name signs, cake toppers and jewellery. I could not resist buying myself a pair of colourful earrings (one of my addictions)

Groove is in the art

https://www.facebook.com/ Grooveisintheart1971

Oh how I loved these creations. Beck’s artwork is definitely groovy.

alexuniquecreafts

https://www.instagram.com/ alexfrang042/

Alex is a mechanic and artist. He creates tiles and timber objects with designs using a laser, as well as some other creations that reflect his work as a mechanic. I was quite taken by the clock

set into a piston.

Hanzamonstas

I had a great chat with Priscilla Ong , the creator of https://www.facebook.com/ hanzamonstas

I love her quirky artwork and could not resist buying a pin, the design which is based on her cat. Some may remember that Priscilla featured in our April 2022 issue, as she was kickstarting her uniquely designed playing cards. Priscilla also took the time to amaze me with one her card tricks. I wonder if she would fool Penn and Teller, as she sure fooled me.

A RESERVOIR RESIDENT AND THE NEW MAYOR OF DAREBIN

MEET JULIE WILLIAMS

Written by

In November 2022, Councillor Julie Williams was elected Mayor of Darebin. Suraya Saleh spoke to her about her journey to Darebin’s top job and her plans for the area.

“I need to do more in Reservoir. We all need to do more,” says Mayor Julie Williams.

We’re sitting in her office at Preston City Hall and I’ve just asked whether Reservoir has been overlooked by Darebin City Council in the past.

Mayor Williams is emphatic. “Absolutely.”

She says she’d love to beautify it: “More trees, more seating, more bins, more colour, more connection. Places to be proud of, places that connect people more.”

As Mayor and a councillor for Reservoir’s North Central Ward, she’s better placed than most to instigate change, so I’m keen to learn more about her plans for the community.

A lifelong Darebin resident, she was born and raised in Thornbury, studied at La Trobe University, and moved to Reservoir when she got married.

She came to local government not because she sought a political career, but because she saw an opportunity to make a difference in her community.

It started when a developer put in an application to build a seven-storey apartment building on Plenty Road near her house. Realising that it would go ahead if nobody did something, she was spurred to action – door knocking to get neighbours onside and organising submissions to Darebin Council and VCAT. The campaign was successful and the development never went ahead.

When the next council election came around, friends, neighbours and even standing councillors encouraged her to run.

While initially reluctant as she had two young children – including a daughter with severe autism – she did end up running and was elected in 2012.

Balancing family life with council commitments was a challenge, but it was

Suraya Saleh Photos provided by Darebin Council

Image taken from a video promoting an event at Edwardes Lake Park

also very rewarding.

One of her proudest achievements is having hanging basket swings included in new playgrounds throughout Darebin – a policy which was then introduced around Australia.

“If there's one place where children should not be discriminated, it’s at a playground. So if you have a broken leg, or are in a wheelchair, or if you had autism like my child, or OT (occupational therapy) issues, at least they could use one piece of equipment at every playground,” she says.

She also names the elderly and people with disabilities among her priorities. She says the council plans to continue with home care support, despite the program running at a loss.

“We believe we need to support our most vulnerable in whatever capacity that we can, whether it's going shopping, showering them, or doing basic cleaning at home,” she says.

Mayor Williams is also passionate about the Preston Market and has been active in campaigning for its protection.

“The Preston Market is a place of gathering where no matter where you come from, you feel welcomed,” she says.

“It's a huge employment hub, particularly for our north. We've got people that have been employed at the Preston Market that would never have had the chance or opportunity otherwise.”

While the fight isn’t over, the Save Preston Market campaign had a significant win on 3 April when the State Government announced it would be introducing Heritage and Development Plan Overlays, which will restrict development.

But this is of course The Rezzadent, so I want to hear more about her plans for Reservoir.

Top of her wish list for investment is the

At a media event lodging a petition to protect the Preston Market on steps of Parliament (photo credit: Stephen McKenzie)

Reservoir Leisure Centre precinct. Mayor Williams is in favour of a 50-metre pool, pointing out that local schools currently need to leave the area for events like swimming carnivals.

“The Reservoir Leisure Centre needs to be rebuilt, it might be down the track, but it needs to start being designed for the future population,” she says.

“We're going to have an increase of around 30,000 people in the next 10 years and most of them are going to come towards the north of Darebin. It'd be lovely to have a beautiful centre for people to engage in and to socialise at, and swimming is a life skill - an important life skill.”

Mayor Williams also names the Cheddar Road strip as an area she’d love to see redeveloped, although she concedes it might be difficult due to the site being owned by Melbourne Water. Despite these barriers, community consultation was sought for ideas on how to ‘activate’ this strip a few months back, whether that be through community gardens, dog parks, playgrounds, fitness equipment or barbecue areas.

However, with Council still feeling the financial effects of the COVID pandemic and already committed to infrastructure projects such as the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre redevelopment, she can’t say for sure what Reservoirfocused initiatives will make it into the upcoming budget.

One place that Edwardes Lake visitors will be happy to know is, on the agenda is the boathouse. There have been several attempts in the past to convert it into a café or restaurant, but none have gone ahead. Hopefully this time will be more successful.

“We've seen what other boat houses have been able to accomplish,” Mayor Williams says, gesturing to a framed

artwork of Studley Park Boathouse hanging by her desk. “The boathouse is definitely one of the things that we would love to activate, or reactivate, I should say.”

Talk turns to other local spots – what are her favourite places to eat and drink in the area?

“Oh, there’s so many. When you said that, my mind was like tick, tick, tick,” Mayor Williams says.

She mentions Hard Rubbish – now called Hardout – a bar on Plenty Road which recently was gifted to new owners for free, after a pitching process.

“I love those types of stories. They wanted to hand it over to somebody else who could reinvent it and continue it. And that's what they did.”

She loves getting out in the community – whether that be dropping into The Hub youth centre, handing out accolades at the Darebin Community Awards or dancing for hours at the FUSE Festival event - The Last Dance.

“People need to see a representative out there. They need to see that Council cares,” she says.

“And they also want to tell me their stories and their complaints. And I need to hear it, whether I like it or not.”

She encourages anyone else who is passionate about their community and wants to give back, to consider local government.

“I encourage anybody who would like to run for council as I think it's really important, especially if you have a vision and want to see change. I personally believe anyone can run for council.”

BEYOND BAKING –BEYOND BÁNH MI

Words By & Images Eddy Urias-Castro

Writing about food for me is so rarely about the food. What draws me to write about food are the stories of care behind the dish and culinary concepts that represent the individuality of the cooks. In short, I think I over romanticise food. Alas, with great expectations, one is often disappointed, especially if you’re hunting for magnificence to translate to prose.

Please, don’t misunderstand - the food and new venues I have recently visited were excellent and serviced by hard working people, deserving of the praise and gratitude of any who experienced their hospitality. However, over the last two editions of The Rezzadent I have been uninspired - there had been nothing new that I had heard of or tasted, that compelled me to express my joy in words.

If you have guessed by now that I have recently been inspired and enamoured by something truly wondrous, then you’d have guessed right. It was in mid-march of 2023 that I learned of a new way to eat the most delicious Vietnamese sandwich. A sandwich born from French colonial defeat in Vietnam, where the baguette was freed from the tradition of cold cuts, butter and cheese and filled with local ingredients, at the behest of

Saigon residents in the 1950s. Those residents travelled far and wide and we’ve reaped the benefits - the pleasure and privilege of enjoying the truly inspiring sandwich, the bánh mi.

I thought I had tried every reasonable variation of bánh mi, but at Beyond Baking on Plenty road in Reservoir, it’s the fundamentals that have been developed. Simple but genius, the bánh mi is served on a fresh, warm baguette and the flavour enhancement is in a word, definitive. The ingredients simple. So far I have devoured the pork with crackle and lemongrass chicken and both are phenomenal. What makes the warm roll so special is the crunchy exterior, with a soft chewy bread that is made to soak up the meat juices and lift your spirits with every bite. Here it’s not just fresh bread baked daily, but fresh bread baked throughout the day and kept warm. A labour that most bakers can understand requires laborious timing and effort.

This bánh mi deserves lines out the front and a fan fare usually reserved for Banh Mi on Smith St, Victoria St, or in Footscray. Every time I’ve been to Beyond Baking, a roll has either just come out of the oven or it has been stored in a warming oven ready to be served to my lucky self. The first time I thought this was just luck, but now I know the baker is doing it carefully and deliberately. This is the inspiration I look for when searching for a place to write about. It’s the extra attention given to flavour that satisfies my hunt for magnificence.

Beyond Baking - Bakery

Address: Unit 2/683 Plenty Rd, Reservoir VIC 3073

Hours are Monday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm

FRIENDS OF EDWARDES LAKE STEPS UP TO CLEAN UP

Words and photos by Kate Jost

On Sunday the 5th March the Friends of Edwardes Lake hosted the annual Clean Up Australia litter collection at Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek Wetlands.

During the course of the event over 40 community members rolled up their sleeves to remove litter from the waterway while the Reservoir Lions cooked a BBQ for the volunteers, as a thank you for their efforts.

The volunteers collected an epic

11,851 pieces of the litter from the creek, surrounding roads and the park itself. Some of the litter included 204 plastic bottles, 20 glass bottles, 180 pieces of broken glass, 122 cans, 10 balls, 91 takeaway cups, 6000 pieces of soft plastics, 2000 pieces of paper and cardboard, 85 takeaway cup lids, 140 straws, 25 cutlery items, 50 food items, 1 100L oil drum, 1 car oil filter, 1 roll of carpet, 3 tyres, 1 headless teddy bear and it’s roughly 1600 pieces of its stuffing, 2 chairs, 1 light

fitting, 1 polystyrene box, 12 pieces of polystyrene, 1 milk crate, 2 coat hangers, 3 shoes, 15 pieces of clothing, 15 juice boxes, 1 pillow, 6 pieces of wood, 215 bottle tops, 1 wine glass, 1 teapot, 2 soiled nappies, 1 cable reel, 3 corks, 8 vapes, 8 cigarette packets, 3 hubcaps, 8 nangs, 5 bags of dog poo, 50 lollipop sticks, 1 eye curler, 1 piece of foam, 80 cable ties, 650 cigarette butts, 20 markers, 1 pencil case and 200 pieces of broken tile dumped in the wetlands.

Over 11,000 individual pieces of litter is shocking considering that volunteers from Friends of Edwardes Lake collect litter in the area on their daily walks. This is why collecting litter and reducing

waste cannot be saved for an annual environmental day like Clean Up Australia Day, instead it must be part of everyone’s daily practice.

Every piece of litter that has dropped either intentionally or by accident, if not collected, will make its way into our stormwater system or into a creek and make its way into the ocean. Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek are part of the Merri Creek catchment which connects to the Yarra River and then out to the Port Phillip bay.

Not only is litter unsightly, a form of pollution, a health hazard, smelly and forever breaking down into smaller

pieces creating micro plastics, it is also dangerous to our native wildlife. Often wildlife mistakes litter for food which then enters their digestive system and in most cases causes blockages in their bodies, leading the wildlife to starve. Litter is also a cause of entanglement for wildlife, potentially leaving the animal trapped, unable to eat and vulnerable. The creek and surrounding areas are home to wildlife and they are currently living in our litter.

While this may seem like a problem that is too big for any one person to solve, if we come together as a united and empowered community that is committed to fixing, conserving and

protecting our local creeks, we can create a bright and sustainable future for not only ourselves, but nature too.

That commitment can start todaysimply pledge to pick litter up and dispose of it correctly in a bin. When you go out for a walk, take a bag and a pair of gloves so you can collect litter as you see it. When you’re doing the weekly shop take a moment to think where the packaging is going to end up after you have consumed its contents.

Reservoir, we can do this, let's step up to clean up.

PLAY TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM

As a part of the Fuse Festival, African Star ran a drumming and rhythm jam session at Edwardes Lake.

Photos by Julie Atkinson

THINGS TO DO IN REZZA WHEN YOU HAVE A GRADE A CLINGER (BABY)

I GOT YOU BABE

Written by Shannon McKeogh Illustration by Rhiannon Poley

As the mum of a bub, it came as a nice surprise that our area likes babies. Reservoir (and surrounding ‘burbs) like babies so much that there’s loads of things that you do to ensure you can get out of the house. It’s a win for you (and your sanity to do something different) and a win for baby who can look at new things and put new things in their mouth and have staring contests with other babies. Here’s some of my favourite things.

Rhyme time or storytime

Cost: Free

Where: Reservoir Library, Preston Library, Thomastown Library

When: Check their websites for various times throughout the week

Libraries are the best, but when I first went to a rhyme time I thought it was the worst thing in the world. But it turned out that that first time I was just severely sleep deprived and now I really enjoy the opportunity to sing ‘The wheels of the bus’, sing numerous froggy and croc songs and get a book read to me. My baby also likes it too and it’s a joy to see her happy chubby face. Libraries also have story-time for toddlers which we sometimes gatecrash.

Toy library

Cost: Free

Where: Thomastown and Lalor Library, Northcote Library

When: Check their websites for the times

the toy library is open

One of the annoying things about having a kid is you get a lot of stuff. And it’s not always by choice, because often wellmeaning and loving people in your life gift your kid with stuff. The best thing about the toy library is that this stuff has a due date for return. Say hello and then goodbye to that annoying singing cube three weeks later! The libraries have a range of toys for babies three months up to bigger kids.

Dance with mini

Cost: $25

Where: Eve Studio, Preston

When: Friday’s 10.30am - 11.30am

This is a fun class for babies, toddlers and parents alike who want to have a bit of a bop with their babe. Super relaxed, the best thing about the class is that you can pop in and out of the class based on the needs of your child, so no stress if you’re running late. The class ends with a magic carpet ride.

Rezfit workout for mums and bubs

Cost: $5.10

Where: Reservoir Leisure Centre

When: Thursday 10.40am - 11.30am

This low-cost, low impact aerobics, stretch and weight class is a welcoming place for newer mums and their babies. I’ve enjoyed working up a sweat in the early days with Julie, and

meeting other mums and enjoying a catch-up afterwards at the Reservoir Neighbourhood House’s little social enterprise cafe - Birds and Beans.

Other notable places and things to do according to other local mums:

Prue: We go to gymbaroo on plenty rd every week. Signed up for the term. It’s around $220 for 8 weeks. They do per term. The kids do exercises and activities that help their physical development. And it’s fun for parent and baby.

Nicole: It would be about 5km 'as the crow flies': we do Baby Sensory Classes at Coburg Court house. If that's not close enough to Res, the same company has a Thomastown location for Baby Sensory too.

Natalia: Hoyts Northland do baby friendly screenings

Lea: Walk around Edwardes Lake

Jacqui: Nature play learning Bush Playgroup at Bundoora Park (Rezza), We rock the spectrum, Preston, Preston market! Tyler’s milkbar.

FRIENDS OF DAREBIN CREEK

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE

Written & Photos by Hayley Harris

For many locals Darebin Creek plays a vital role in the community, whether it be cycling along the bike paths or taking a four-legged friend for a walk in the parkland. Maintaining and taking care of this natural habitat can be a large and daunting task. With its length of approximately 50 kilometres and a catchment which drains an area of 129 square kilometres, it is a region that has been compromised over the years

through rural development.

To aid in managing the maintenance and revegetation of the creek, the area was divided into six reaches in the Darebin Creek Management Plan. Reach 4 links Nangak Tamboree to the Blau Street Wetlands, passing through parts of Reservoir, Kingsbury and Bundoora, mostly in the Darebin Council area with the northern stretch through Whittlesea.

In 2020 a working group examined the idea of a biodiversity corridor along the creek, focusing on habitat for particular species – starting with small woodland birds which are almost completely absent in Reach 4. This led to a Revegetating Darebin Creek Project, starting in 2021 with plantings near the Kingsbury Bowls Club and through Reservoir. The project gave special attention to the less well-vegetated sections of the creek, complementing extensive Darebin Council work.

Over 5,000 grasses and other groundcovers, shrubs, and trees were planted by the end of the 2022 season. The plant species selected to create dense thickets for the small woodland birds will thrive on the lower two thirds of the creek bank and are resilient to flood impacts. The upper third of the creek bank will be home to larger tree varieties that will produce seeds, a

critical food source for birds. These plantings have been completed through a series of events, including National Tree Day, where over 90 community members assisted the Friends of Darebin Creek (FoDC) and the Darebin Creek Management Committee (DCMC).

Progress made would not have been possible without the assistance of the local community volunteering their time and effort to help revegetate the area. A core working group of residents have coordinated the revegetation project and volunteers. Group members share a passion for this part of the creek as regular visitors, and are personally invested in preserving their backyard and encouraging native birdlife such as the Grey Fantail, Willy Wagtail, and Brown Thornbill back to the area.

Regular maintenance working-bees are held on the second Sunday of each

month from the Kingsbury Bowls Club; participants agree that seeing the thriving growth of the last two years’ plantings and sharing this experience with other local community members is incredibly rewarding. In the short time that the new vegetation has been planted, there has already been a dramatic increase in indigenous plant cover and a reduction in weeds.

“We are partnering with La Trobe University to expand our monitoring from birds to analyse changes in the soil microbes and invertebrates. We want to use this restoration project to gain valuable data on the impacts of urban restoration and use this to inform the restoration of the Darebin Creek Valley as a whole,” Danny DCMC Environmental Coordinator told The Rezzadent.

What has been accomplished so far has been excellent, however there is still much work to be done. The sown plants need to be maintained through weeding, mulching, and removal of guards when they are established. There will be numerous events held throughout the year which will require volunteers to assist in these tasks, plus additional plantings along the reach. Please contact the Friends of Darebin Creek or follow their social media to see how you can help ensure Darebin Creek can be an integral part of the community for generations to come.

https://friendsofdarebincreek.org.au/

https://www.facebook.com/ friendsofdarebincreek

https://www.instagram.com/ friendsofdarebincreek/

ONE MAN, ONE TROLLEY, TWO FEET, AND A TROLLEY FULL OF DETERMINATION.

Written & Photos by Anna Kiligrew

Dedicated men’s health and climate regeneration advocate, Michael Pauly, walks out of Reservoir on March 30th to begin his 3,000 km walk to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, hoping to arrive in August.

Michael has arrived in Reservoir to make some minor adjustments to his fifth-

generation hand-cart and to his 83-yearold body, before he sets out on what may be his last long walk fundraising for Fremantle’s Community Men’s Shed’s Health Projects. He is certainly pumped with determination for this walk.

Michael’s first trek in 2009 was pushing a box on an old pram frame from

Michael Pauly rests on one of his previous journeys to raise support for men’s health.

Michael Pauly in his April 1st outfit

Fremantle to Melbourne, 4,500km. We first met him 450 km into that trip, when the box-on-pram cart needed some urgent repairs. We were in awe of his simple arrangement and his strong determination.

So far, Michael has walked 25,600km fundraising for arthritis research and youth and men’s health initiatives.

I asked Michael what he eats along the road for nourishment and his response was - “I eat cold food, but I think about nice warm crispy food like you cook for me, and then I make up a dry red and green vegetable protein powder drink which tastes disgusting but fills me up.”

In response to my following question about hydration, Michael says, “I have a water bladder and a couple of plastic bottles. When I’ve run out of water, like along the Nullarbor Plain, I raise an empty water bottle above my head and people usually stop and offer me water. Whenever people stop to talk, I ask if they have any spare water.”

I also asked him what spiritual practices he has to keep himself going, he replies - “I repeat various mantras over and over until they become implanted in my head and pushes anything else out. When the going gets really tough might even delve back into my childhood and say the ‘Our Father’. I also look at the scene around me and focus on the present moment.”

When asked why he is doing this walk, especially given he’s already walked 25,000km and knows what he’s letting himself in for, he said- “Well this will probably be my last walk as I turn 83 next month. I support myself all across the country and raise funds for some very good programs run by the Fremantle’s Men’s Shed. I will also get fit, lose weight and have strong mental health.”

I also asked his thoughts on Melbourne’s roads and he replied, “I’ve become wise to the dangers so I am taking the train to Ballarat and I set out from there on April 1st , wearing my April 1st clown outfit, as it’s appropriate for the day.. I have also been shown by the police how to take alternative roads around Adelaide. I really like being on the open road with the eucalypt fringes and the friendly motorists.”

Michael left Reservoir on 30th March with much gratitude for the fixing of his cart and his body, and the opportunity to hang out with good Reservoir friends. He says he’ll be back in six months.

You can donate to the registered charity on BSB 633 000 Acc # 140 545 419.

You can keep in touch to encourage Michael on his blog, https://ozsoulwalk. wordpress.com/

Michael adjusts his cart and sets off from Reservoir heading for Ballarat

FRESH PIZZA, READING FEATS, AND BEAUTY TREATS

Business is starting to boom again at the Spring Street shops, with a trio of new businesses opening their doors in the last few months. The newsagency, pizza shop, and beauty mart are drawing in customers from across Preston and Reservoir, and locals are excited about the new opportunities that these businesses offer.

117 Spring Street has been the home of pizza for over 20 years. The last pizza shop closed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the site was empty for years. Last November, Two Mates Place opened. It took months of renovations and a lot of work to get the shop back in good shape, owner Pankaji Gurung said.

Two Mates Place offers pizza, pasta, and more from the kitchen, such as chicken schnitzel and parma. Vegetarian options are available. It's open from 5 pm each night except Tuesdays, and diners can eat in, take their food to go or order online. Delivery is available through Uber Eats and Menulog.

A week after Two Mates Place debuted, Lakeside News opened its doors.

Lakeside News & Lotto is new to Spring Street but not Reservoir. Previously on Gilbert Rd, Lou Marinelli moved his shop when the property owner sold the building. Despite being in business for over ten years, opening at a new location is like starting all over again.

Words & Photos by Cosette Paneque

"Compared to Gilbert Rd, it's going to take a little bit of time," Lou said. "People are getting used to us. We've had a lot of people from the old shop coming here, and we're getting new faces everyday."

Lakeside News & Lotto offers a range of newspapers and magazines, lotto products, greeting cards, home and office stationery, and more. The newsagency also has a print/copy machine and is a Sendle location. Lakeside News & Lotto opens at 7 am every day except Sunday.

Like Lakeside News & Lotto, Hair Beauty Mart (HBM) is new to Spring Street but not to business. Established in 2015, HBM is a family-owned business with a store on Plenty Road in Kingsbury. When they started moving into Reservoir in December, they intended the second shop to be used for storage.

"We wanted storage more than anything and to have the stock more accessible. Then it became more," Giovanni Accetta said. "We saw we could put a retail space

at the front, a little salon back here, and we started moving things around and putting in shelves. We thought we could make this quite a nice little boutique shop."

HBM is primarily a wholesaler serving the local hairdressers and beauticians in the northern suburbs. The Spring Street shop now offers a retail range of hair and beauty products, as well as salon services and is open from 9 am every day except Sunday.

Spring Street has seen many businesses close over the last couple of years, including the local milk bar. Two Mates Place, Lakeside News & Lotto, and HBM are welcome additions that help revive the area. By offering a wide range of products and services, they are helping to drive foot traffic to the Spring Street area, boosting the local economy and helping to strengthen the community.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THOMASTOWN PIPEWORKS MARKETS?

A PIPE DREAM?

Last year, Reservoir’s often forgotten neighbour Thomastown, was getting some serious traction on social media and word of mouth. The bold promises of a new and improved PipeworksCampbellfield’s legacy and largest outdoor market would be popping up near Thomastown Bunnings.

The new Pipeworks was set to be huge, opening in May 2022. The best new markets in Melbourne with a variety of entertainment and events. Live wrestling, Australia’s favourite tribute band BABBA and you could bet your life on a deep fried twirly potato stick thing.

We at The Rezzadent even further spruiked those promises.

And just when the grand opening was less than 24 hours away (you could almost taste the grease on your tongue from the potato stick) a post on social media from Pipeworks sent everything to a sudden halt - with the market opening being delayed indefinitely.

This was the first time some stall holders had been notified, and some people drove long distances to be part of the grand opening only to find disappointingly that there was no market. Many expressed their frustration on

Words by Shannon McKeogh Photos supplied by Bernie Dunn

Pipeworks Campbellfield

social media. My partner, who seemed to be talking about the markets non-stop for the last month, was also very sad.

The original post has since been deleted, but Bernie Dunn of Pipeworks Thomastown, who ran the Campbellfield market confirmed that the market did not open due to ‘technical issues associated with our operating permits.’

The owners of the Thomastown site have been in discussion with Bernie for over three year (prior to COVID), adamant that they want Pipeworks at their site.

“It was decided to wait until the complex issue in reviewing all permits, and at the same time applying for the required permits to install extra car parks,

drainage, building ventilation and other improvements.

“Thankfully the site owners are very patient people,” Bernie told me.

So the question on everyone’s lips is when is the market actually opening? Well the good news is, Bernie says, is that there is only one more permit needed.

The new opening date will likely be in winter.

With winter just around the corner, I guess time will tell. In the meantime remember to check out our what’s on for lots of events happening in our area.

Pipeworks Campbellfield

WHAT TO PLANT IN YOUR GARDEN THIS AUTUMN

FOR THE LOVE OF GARLIC

Words by a local permaculturalist who wishes to remain anonymous Illustration by Rhiannon Poley

Garlic planting season is upon us. Garlic suitable for growing is available from many suppliers (the big green shed usually sells out quickly), but make sure it is organic which is available from many grocers, this will grow successfully. Garlic that is not organic has usually been sprayed so it will not grow.

It is best to get nice fat bulbs. It is a good idea to presoak the cloves in a seaweed solution or worm juice, for 24 hours before planting. That is not always feasible, an hour is good if that is all you can do. Plant the individual cloves at least 10cm apart, and twice the depth of the clove, pointy end upwards. Garlic likes organic rich soil, so add lots of rotted compost.

Garlic planted around your fruit trees and other growing spaces like roses act as a natural pest repellant. Well worth planting if you have never planted before. From one clove you will end up with a whole bulb of many cloves.

Avoid planting garlic with asparagus, beans, cabbage or any brassicas (kale, rocket etc.) Peas, strawberries.

Garlic is a great companion to fruit trees and roses and is a dynamic accumulator, which means in it’s lifecycle if feeds the plants growing around it nutrients, with

the help of the soil food web.

It takes around 6 months from planting to harvest, but well worth a go if you have the space. If 6 months seems a long time to you, the stems can be cut and used in stir fries, flavouring salads etc. whilst waiting for prized bulbs to form.

Make sure you save a few cloves from your harvest, so that you always have garlic!

Feel free to share you progress by tagging @therezzadent on Instagram or sharing with us via email at rezzadentnews@gmail.com

What else you can plant in your Autumn veggie garden in Rezza

You can make the most of Autumn planting, whilst the soil is still warm, but it is getting wetter. This is the time of the year to plant what you can to make the most of winter in your veggie patch. As winter approaches, and the days are colder there is much less that can be planted, but that which was established in autumn will stand you in good stead.

This list is by no means comprehensive, however will hopefully give you some inspiration.

Broad beans – sow direct

Broccoli – transplant seedlings

Cabbage - transplant seedlings

Cauliflower - transplant seedlings

Coriander – sow direct

Chives – sow direct or transplant seedlings

Fennel – sow direct

Garlic – plant cloves direct

Kale – plant out seedlings

Lettuce – sow direct or in seed trays

Onion - sow direct

Pak Choy – sow direct

Parsley - sow direct

Parsnip - sow direct

Peas - sow direct

Radish - sow direct

Rocket – sow direct

Shallots – sow direct or plant out seedlings

Silverbeet - sow direct Spring onions – sow direct or plant out seedlings

Spinach – sow direct or in seed trays

More information can be found at https:// seedfreaks.com.au/sow/

Just a word of caution, planting directly into an urban soil environment, we have to assume our soil is contaminated, best to plant in raised beds or if in doubt, VegeSafe which run out of Macquarie University offer soil testing for a $20 donation.

Happy gardening!

NEW PRESTON AND BELL STATIONS ARE OPEN!

Words & Photo by Susanne Newton, Darebin Deputy Mayor

On Sunday 26 February 2023, hundreds of people attended the official opening of the Preston and Bell stations. The long lines for the free food and activities are testament to the interest and success of this long-awaited project. My favourite feature of the day was the mini ‘trains’ that shepherded kids around.

When I was first elected to Darebin Council in 2016, and the new Reservoir station and level crossing removal had been announced, so many people told me they didn’t think it would ever happen; that nothing much changes in Reservoir. But by 2019 we had our shiny new station, and getting from one side of the tracks to the other became so much easier than it was before.

Back then, the state government had already announced they would remove the level crossing at Bell Street. One of the first things I remember being really nervous about as a new Councillor was the idea that we had to ask the state government to remove three more level crossings at Cramer Street, Oakover Road and Murray Road. We were so nervous about it because for our case to work - the idea of ‘4 level crossings for the price of 1’ - that would mean us advocating for an elevated level crossing removal… A ‘skyrail’! Would we get backlash? Would people hate us? It was pretty scary to go out there with this!

But it worked! We got our extra three

level crossings in Darebin and I absolutely love how it turned out. The ‘liquorice allsorts’ façade at Preston is so colourful, and there’s new walking and bike lanes that connect through to St Georges Road. I love riding my e-bike along there, and I already see lots of kids from Preston High cycling along it and many people exercising.

There’s wonderful playgrounds too, a nature-based one for the littlies and a more adventurous one for older kids.

Once the new trees grow more, it will be even better, as the paths feel a bit out in the open still.

Overall though, the whole thing really lifts and opens up the area, making it a pleasure to visit.

With more people moving into Preston and Reservoir, too, the importance of having open spaces like this can’t be underestimated. It’s so much better than what was there before, so make sure you check it all out next time you visit Preston Market!

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

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

Film Screening: The Villa

May 9, 7 - 8.45pm

Reservoir Library

Free

An unlikely story of friendship between Milan, a young man on parole, who is forced to work in a retirement home rather than going to jail, and a larger than life group of retired people who are reluctant to accept this new recruit.

Job Advocate Workshop- Accessing the Australian Job Market

May 11, 10.30 - 12pm

Reservoir Library

Free

Learn about the Australian employment market, which jobs are in demand and how to access them. This workshop will include setting employment goals and job-hunting strategies.

Author talk – Jillian Graham

May 11, 7pm - 8pm

Preston Library

Free

Jillian Graham is a freelance writer, editor and researcher, focusing on

the experiences of Australian women composers. Join us to hear about her book, Inner Song: A Biography of Margaret Sutherland, which explores the life of one of Australia’s most innovative and influential composers.

Maker’s Corner – Creative Journaling for Wellbeing

May 18, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Preston Library

Free, but bookings essential

Develop a deeper connection with your creative self and build self-confidence. At this workshop you’ll learn how to create your own journal for wellbeing, from binding the journal itself right through to how to use your take-home journal.

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com. au/e/makers-corner-creative-journalingfor-wellbeing-tickets-596290359517?aff= ebdsoporgprofile

Rainbow Storytime at Reservoir Library

May 19, 11.15am - 12pm

Free

We’re celebrating rainbow families at storytime for IDAHOBIT! Come along for rainbow themed stories and craft and we invite you to show your support by wearing your brightest rainbow colours.

Barefoot Bowls

$10

Kingsbury Bowls Club

181 Dunne St, Kingsbury VIC 3083

Every Friday, 5 - 6pm

Casual lawn bowling with drinks available in the Club.

https://kingsbury.bowls.com.au/playbowls/

Trading card game tournaments

The Game Experts

944 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073

Ph (03) 9191 5155

Every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm www.thegameexperts.com.au

Transition Darebin Food Swap

Free Reservoir Library

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Third Saturday of the month, 10–11 a.m.

Monthly meet-up to swap excess food, meet local folks, talk about gardening and sustainability.

https://transitiondarebin.org/existingprojects/food-swaps/

Live piano shows

Free Entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072

Ph 0418 557 650

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6–11 p.m.

Follow their Instagram account www. instagram.com/ragtimetavern/ to see which artists are performing each week.

ragtimetavern.com.au

Sunday Jazz Sessions

Free entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072 free entry

Ph 0418 557 650

Every Sunday, 5 – 10 p.m.

ragtimetavern.com.au

Monthly produce swap

Regent Community Garden

4 Robinson Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

1st Sunday of the month, 2 - 3 p.m.

Produce swap facilitated by Friends of Regent Community Garden

Further information can be found online https://localfoodconnect.org.au/localdirectory/71517/regent-food-swap/

https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofRegentGarden/

Communicare Lunches

Free

Reservoir Neighbourhood House

2C Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Every Monday, 12 - 1 p.m.

Weekly chef-prepared lunch for visitors and health professionals on site available to chat

Men’s Circle

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every third Thursday of the month, 56:30pm

Open Exchange is a place-based initiative committed to supporting men of all ages from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/mens-circle

English Pronunciation Tutorials

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Friday excluding school holidays, 10 - 11:30am

Drop in tutorials to improve language skills in a safe, constructive and supportive environment.

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/english-pronunciationtutorials

Job Club

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Wednesday excluding school holidays, 12:30 - 2:30pm

Chat with a careers counsellor and jobs advocate to get support for job searching, resume writing and interviewing skills.

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/job-club

Tapestry Classes

Free

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Monday

Free weaving classes open to women and girls from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, women who experience family violence and those who live in isolation. All tools and materials provided.

Book by calling Rosa Vasseghi on 0423 060 989

Further information can be found online: https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/ events-and-facilities/events/eventscalendar/2022/03/tapestry-classes

Bike checks

Free

Reservoir Leisure Centre

2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Occur monthly, check dates at link below

Book online https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/free-monthly-bike-checksreservoir-darebin-loves-bikestickets-273933571687

Illustration By Nicole Roberston