Bendigo Magazine - Issue 65 - Summer 2021/2022

ISSUE 65 | SUMMER 21/22 bendigomagazine.com.au

A TIME TO

CELEBRATE OUR REGION’S CALENDAR FILLING UP AGAIN

READY TO ROCK

IT’S OARSOME BENDIGO ROWING CLUB MARKS MILESTONE

ISSN 1833-1289 AUD $5.95 (Inc. GST)

AT THE 2022 BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL

save the date DIRECT FROM GRACELAND, ELVIS EXHIBITION ARRIVES IN MARCH

Evolution Pools is an owner-operated business so you will deal with our team from concept right through to completion. We are a small team dedicated to your entire pool project. We will keep your pool clean, healthy and safe all year round for your family’s enjoyment.

Evolution Pools offers a range of swimming pool options, including fibreglass, concrete and aboveground pools. We have been in the swimming pool industry for many years and are extremely experienced in the sales, installation, construction and service areas.

ready to build your dream pool?

so are we.

Ph: 5439 3957 127 Strickland Road, East Bendigo

www.evolutionpools.com.au

VSTONE • VCLAD • VSPLASH

The Victorian leaders in Cladding, Splashback and Stone home solutions.

Discover quality end to end, design, craftsmanship and installation.

VGROUPBENDIGO

VGROUPBENDIGO

WWW

VGROUPBENDIGO.COM.AU

VSTONE • VCLAD • VSPLASH

VGROUP - STONE | CLAD | SPLASH 104 B E I S C H E R S T R E E T, B E N D I G O E A S T | 03 4436 1020

Supported by

Help local kids

bendigohealth.org.au/Christmas

Platinum sponsors

Major appeal sponsor

ng pti Acce

Donate or gift an e-Card today

ua ry 2022

This Christmas, we need your donation to fund specialised rehabilitation equipment to get our region’s kids back doing what they love.

do r nat eb ions until F

1300 243 000

Appeal sponsors

MANAGING EDITOR Dustin Schilling

dear reader, It’s been a long and hard road since the beginning of the pandemic and, not wanting to speak too soon, it looks like we’re turning a corner. It’s wonderful to be able to plan a Christmas with family and to see our favourite events marked on the calendar again, as well as some new ones.

The Bendigo Art Gallery has an international reputation for hosting quality exhibitions, a reputation further enhanced by its latest achievement. Costumes and artefacts belonging to the king of rock n’ roll will be on display from March to July as part of the exhibition Elvis: Direct from Graceland. You can read all about it in this issue.

Musician Aimee Chapman is making waves with her compositions fusing electronic music, jazz and pop. And speaking of music, the Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival is looking forward to returning in 2022.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Leon Schoots, AJ Taylor and Daniel Soncin WRITERS Dianne Dempsey, Geoff Hocking, Raelee Tuckerman, Sue Turpie and Marina Williams CONTRIBUTORS Patrick Byrne, Brittany Carlson, Beau Cook, Lisa Chesters, Lauren Ellis and Ashley Raeburn PRINT MANAGER Nigel Quirk ADVERTISING advertising@bendigomagazine.com.au PO Box 5003 Bendigo, VIC 3550 Phone: 0438 393 198

Making a difference is La Trobe University student and teacher Lizzie Nicholson who is helping the next generation of young environmental activists, while Lauren Cox is taking to the volleyball court in the elite US college system.

There are plenty of other events for readers to enjoy during these summer months, and some great local businesses keen to continue providing quality friendly service all featured in this latest issue.

Take care and happy reading.

FROM THE TEAM

4

Bendigo Magazine takes all care but accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Bendigo Magazine holds copyright to all content unless otherwise stated.

ISSN 1833-1289.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in this publication.

The views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the editor or the publisher.

Visit the Living Arts Space

Showcasing works created by local artists from Bendigo and the central Victorian region, the Living Arts Space presents exhibitions, workshops and artist talks throughout the year for a unique visitor experience celebrating the region’s contemporary arts, culture and heritage.

Find us on

Image credit: Daikota Nelson

Edible gifts Unearth locally grown and produced delights from the City and region of Gastronomy. Indulge with delicious treats to take home and savour your Bendigo experience.

Can’t decide on a gift for that special person in your life? Come in and let us help you create a one-of-a-kind, City of Gastronomy hamper.

Shop in-store or online.

Gift wrapping and click and collect available. www.uniquelybendigo.com.au

Make your own hamper • Local produce • Hand crafted items • Something for every budget • Complimentary gift wrapping

BENDIGO VISITOR CENTRE Open 9am to 5pm daily (except Christmas Day) 51-67 Pall Mall, Bendigo • 03 5434 6060 • tourism@bendigo.vic.gov.au www.bendigoregion.com.au • #Explore Bendigo • Find us on

5

87

29

contents ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PEOPLE & LIFE

20

Rock n’ roll royalty - Elvis Presley Exhibition

39

Sounds like Aimee Chapman - Artist profile

46

Geoffrey Williams - Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival

52

29

36

76

83

87

57

FOOD, WINE & HOME 68

Just chillin’ - Wine reviews

60

Summer salad - Recipe

65

All about lifestyle - Home feature

78

Delivering new opportunities - Huntly Post Office renovation

93

Oarsome history - Bendigo Rowing Club Nurturing passion - Lizzie Nicholson Go local first - Lisa Chesters Discovering Sandhurst - Bendigo memories Catherine & Matthew - Wedding feature Make a difference - Bendigo Health Christmas Appeal Breanna & Todd - Wedding feature Bendigo to Baltimore - Lauren Cox

60

36

76

Emporium Creative Hub Mural

by Louise Fisher (Design Pond) and Reece Hendy (Nacho Station).

“The mural represents the journey of a creative business. The abstract shape is dynamic, ebbing and flowing, while the leaves represent growth and what the space is here for.”

David Hughes, Manager

Emporium Creative Hub is your space to create, connect, learn and grow.

Bendigo’s Creative Industries Community

Coworking Business

Residencies Creative

Incubation

Workshops

Networking

Mentoring

Social Events

Opportunities

Emporium Creative Hub is an initiative of Learn more at emporiumcreativehub.com.au

Charlie Bedford, Mariah McCarthy and Luke Harrington Local talents featuring in the Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival

summer fun is coming Exciting times are ahead across the region. Musicians are tuning up for the return of the Blues & Roots Festival; horses will soon be off and racing for the Marong Cup; and Bendigo Venues & Events has a jam-packed calendar.

POPULAR MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS The highly anticipated 10th anniversary Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival is having a change of seasons.

The much-loved event was to take place in November 2020, but COVID-19 forced its postponement. After two false starts, it’s set to roll from February 10-13.

Fans can once again expect four days of blues and roots performances, including jam sessions, open mic opportunities and workshops across the region. Organisers say 120 acts have so far been scheduled at 40 venues, with some long-time favourites readying to return. Acts include Alawishus Jones & the Outright Lies, Chris DeAraugo, Union Street Blues Club, Leslie D. King & the Trembling Shakes, Charlie Bedford and 40 Thieves. A full program will be released in coming weeks.

Host venues in Bendigo will include a mix of hotels, cafes, the

Bendigo Art Gallery and numerous pop-up venues. However, the music won’t be confined to the CBD, with gigs slated for White Hills, Golden Square, Quarry Hill, Long Gully, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat, as well as Ravenswood, Chewton, Cornella and Maldon.

Since its first concert in 2011, the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival has been showcasing local music and providing a musical outing for families and friends.

It has continued to remain a predominantly free, grass-roots, community event that gives fans the chance to enjoy world-class music, with a focus on local and independent talent from the blues and roots genres.

Once again, the centrepiece of the program is a day-long, familyfriendly concert featuring more than a dozen acts over two stages in picturesque Rosalind Park on Saturday, February 12.

Find out more at www.bendigoblues.com

9

2022 THEATRE SEASON RAISES THE BAR Bendigo Venues & Events welcomes 2022 with its biggest and most exciting theatre season for years. Expect a jam-packed calendar of performances and events at Bendigo’s major entertainment venues – The Capital, The Engine Room and, of course, our city’s iconic performance space, Ulumbarra Theatre.

BV&E and its venues will spring to life in January with several performances, including the return of Bluey’s Big Play and a production from the Victorian State Ballet. The official 2022 launch in late January precedes the third instalment of the annual Bendigo Chamber Music Festival, which brings an expanded and exciting program of Australia’s greatest classical musicians to a dozen Bendigo venues over five days.

Spectacular theatre, dance and music will be on display as Australia’s finest touring companies return to Bendigo, as well as local, national and international music, comedy, physical theatre and more. BV&E’s venues are primed, prepared and ready to showcase an incredible program.

Other highlights include Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Opera, with more exciting announcements to come.

And early in the year, watch out for details of the 2022 Bendigo Writers Festival – an event that continues to flourish.

More details and tickets to performances – as well as gift vouchers for any show in 2022 – are available at bendigovenuesandevents.com.au

RACE IS ON TO SUPPORT LOCAL SCHOOLS Gather your friends, pack a picnic and get ready for a day at the races.

On February 19, the ever-popular Marong Cup returns to the Bendigo Jockey Club.

For many people, the race meeting is a must-attend event on their social calendar, as they look to enjoy a day of chatting and mingling while cheering on some of the nation’s best racehorses.

Organisers say there’ll be plenty of children’s rides and activities positioned on the lush lawns of the Bendigo racecourse, with local musos providing live entertainment throughout the day.

For more than 150 years, the race day has brought together families and friends to celebrate and support the community.

The cup started in the 1860s on a dusty racetrack in the thenrural town. History has it that in 1863, the Marong Handicap (the equivalent of today’s Marong Cup) was run over three miles and won by a horse called Fred.

During World War II, the Marong Racing Club went into recess, and when it reformed, races were run at Kyneton and Heathcote before Marong became a tenant club at Bendigo.

Over the years, the Marong Cup became a St Patrick’s Day fundraiser for the Catholic community.

Today, it is an annual fundraising event for eight Catholic primary schools in Bendigo; and it is a joint venture between the Marong Racing Club Inc. and the Bendigo Jockey Club.

Marong Cup Day is on Saturday, February 19. Book your ticket at www.country.racing.com

10

EXHIBITION OFFERS A WALK THROUGH HISTORY If you’re curious about history, then take a wander through the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Its walls are filled with artworks that report on technological, social, environmental, political and historical events. Even a walk through its many rooms is a step through time, with a mix of historic courts and contemporary spaces highlighting changes in architecture over the years.

Some of history’s major moments feature in the Bendigo Art Gallery Collection: old and new exhibition, which is open until February 13. The curated collection of Australian art also showcases an inspiring array of artistic techniques.

Discover First Nations art from the 20th Century to today; British art and the rise of new fashions emerging from imperial expansion; Eurocentric expressions in colonial Australia; and the Modernist search for a quintessentially Australian visual language.

The Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia. Its collection is extensive, with an emphasis on European and Australian art from the 1800s, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian works.

Atong Atem, Ego 1 2019, Ilford smooth pearl print, Bendigo Art Gallery Collection 2021. Image courtesy the artist and MARS Gallery

Despite closures and interruptions over the past 18 months, the gallery’s nationally significant art collection has continued to grow through the acquisition of innovative pieces of contemporary Australian art.

This summer, a number of these new acquisitions will be on display, offering an exciting snapshot of genrechallenging new voices in the next chapter of the gallery’s ever-expanding collection.

Bendigo Art Gallery Collection: old and new is open until February 13. Entry is free.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL VISITS GOLDEN DRAGON MUSEUM The Golden Dragon Museum was honoured to welcome His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Hurley, when they visited Bendigo recently.

The pair were hosted by museum board chair Doug Lougoon, Kerry Lougoon and museum chief executive officer Hugo Leschen and were shown the Yi Yuan Gardens, Guan Yin Temple and the museum itself.

As they were guided around Dai Gum San Precinct, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley were fascinated by the wonderful cultural and heritage items that are central to Bendigo’s Chinese background.

They noticed in particular the recently finished refurbishment of the temple that, after 25 years, had been repainted and restored to its original, beautiful condition.

The visitors noted similar works in the gardens and were captivated once inside the museum, where they met staff and volunteers and were introduced to two of Bendigo’s magnificent processional dragons, Sun Loong and Dai Gum Loong.

Over a cup of Chinese tea, Mr Lougoon and Mr Leschen took the opportunity to brief His Excellency and Mrs Hurley on plans for the Museum’s redevelopment project.

12

Bendigo Venues & Events welcomes 2022 with its biggest and most incredible theatre season for years!

Expect a jam-packed calendar of performances and events at Bendigo’s major entertainment venues – The Capital, The Engine Room and of course our City’s flagship performance space, Ulumbarra Theatre. < Jeff Duff performs Spinning Wheel in March 2022 at The Capital

2022 Let’s Go! For more details and tickets to performances in 2022 visit:

bendigovenuesandevents.com.au

Program sneak peek on 29 November 2021, full program launch in January 2022.

HOLIDAY FUN IN THE MAKING The Bendigo Art Gallery has plenty of activities designed to keep the young ones entertained during the January school holidays.

Each offers children and families the opportunity to engage with art and creativity and, best of all, some programs are free.

Open Range Art: January 11-13 Open Range Art is about making artworks and imaginative play for children aged from four to 14.

From a table stocked with a variety of papers, tapes, pencils and art tools, children can design, draw and make their own artwork. For those needing a little inspiration, the ready-made studio has an art prompt card or there’s an explorer’s box to investigate.

Summer Holiday Workshop: January 18 and 19 The Summer Holiday Workshop series also offers art projects for children aged four to 14.

The workshops are inspired by current exhibitions and the collection. Children will be encouraged to tap into their own creativity and express their individuality through their art projects. Bookings are recommended and parents must accompany children aged seven and under.

Decorating your own flag (suitable for children aged 4-7) costs $8 per child, with one-hour workshops on January 18 at 11am and 1pm. Children can have fun making a colourful pattern-filled banner using geometric stamps and fabric crayon drawings and rubbings. They’ll look at the wonderful ways patterns have been used by artists in the SOUL fury exhibition as inspiration.

Colour-filled paper prints (suitable for children aged 8-14) costs $12 per child, with 90-minute workshops on January 19 at 11am and 1.30pm. Children will explore the craft of paper folding and cutting, in combination with the technique of mono printing. They’ll create exciting designs and patterns that can be used for gifts, cards or simply pinning to a wall in their room.

NGV Kids on Tour: January 20 NGV Kids on Tour is sure to spark the imagination through stories of geckos, turtles, lizards and mermaids. In Bendigo on January 20, the program is free and has a suite of artmaking activities focused on the Melbourne gallery’s children’s exhibition The Gecko and the Mermaid: Nyapanyapa and Djerrkngu Yunupingu.

The exhibition celebrates the vibrant culture and community of the Yolngu people through the work of artists Nyapanyapa and Djerrkngu Yunupingu.

Colourful animations of artworks teach children how to count in Yolngu Matha, the language of Yolngu people, and a multimedia game offers insights into the abundance of bush foods and cultural connections to Country.

A mermaid story, depicted in bark paintings, is retold in an activity where children can draw themselves as a mermaid to complete a three-dimensional seashell.

Activities have been developed in collaboration with Victorian First Nations artists and current NGV exhibitions created to connect families with the gallery, the NGV and with each other.

For more details, visit bendigoregion.com.au/bendigo-art-gallery

14

Great business starts with the right partner At Optus Business Centre Bendigo we tailor the right solutions to help your business grow

Call 1300 452 616 | Visit 70 Breen St, Bendigo optus.com.au/obcbendigo

MAKING A MOVE INTO EARTHWORKS When COVID-19 hit, international motocross rider Brodie Markham saw an opportunity and opened Landform Earthworks in Bendigo.

Family owned and operated, Landform Earthworks employs four people, with the team recently celebrating their first year in business.

“We are proud to say that we started from scratch,” Brodie says. “I was riding freestyle motocross internationally, but when COVID hit, there were no events so I thought it was the best time to start the business I always wanted.”

Services include earth moving, concreting and concrete removal, site cleaning and dirt removal, site cuts, final trims and turf preparation. Servicing properties with tight access is a specialty.

Brodie says he is excited to see what this next chapter has to offer.

“I have used the last two years as an opportunity to reflect and plan things for my business. I have a child now, and I want to do what I can to support my family while delivering a service to Bendigo and surrounds that really is about excellent service and great-quality work.”

To get in touch with Brodie at Landform Earthworks, phone 0459 843 126.

service with a smile

After recent uncertain times with lockdowns and ever-changing restrictions, these local businesses are powering ahead.

FLAVOURS POP AT MQ GELATO BAR A visit to a pop-up authentic gelato cart in the heart of Bendigo is an ideal way to keep cool in summer.

MQ Gelato Bar is a new business in the city, with owner Rhianwen Seiter calling it a “spin-off” from her popular restaurant and function venue MacKenzie Quarters, at 10 MacKenzie Street.

“We’re bringing some small delicious joy for all the family,” says Rhianwen.

“We’re based at MacKenzie Street but we’re fully mobile, so we can pop up anywhere for any events and special occasions – and those really hot summer nights and days.”

With plenty of flavours to tempt the tastebuds, the gelato bar has a team of three experienced scoopers ready to serve.

It’s open on Fridays and Sundays from 2-5pm.

“Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the updates, flavours and pop-up times and locations.”

Follow MQ Gelato Bar on Facebook and Instagram @ mqgelatobar, contact the team on 5444 2497 or visit www.mackenziequarters.com

16

CHRIS AND TEAM READY TO SERVE AT CAFE CORTILLÉ It’s one of Bendigo’s popular eating places – the Lyttleton Terrace cafe with a decidedly retro feel and a colourful caravan parked inside.

For many years Cortillé has served countless delicious meals and poured myriad coffees and teas to visitors. Chris and his family liked the place so much they bought it in May. “Our chef Bradan has just launched a brand-new menu. It’s the first menu change for Cortillé in years,” says Chris.

MUNARI WINES CELEBRATES BEING A HEATHCOTE FAVOURITE A hidden gem in Heathcote, experience the cellar door at Munari Wines.

The boutique, family-owned and operated cellar door operates from renovated stables, making it a charming and welcome find only 35 minutes from Bendigo.

“It has that ‘step back in time’ feel,” says owner and winemaker Adrian Munari.

“It’s a gorgeous spot where you can enjoy a seated wine tasting, either inside or outside in the beautiful courtyard overlooking the vines.”

The Munari family has been making and serving delicious wines in Heathcote for 30 years. They are celebrating the milestone in 2022 and were recent finalists in two categories of the 2021 Bendigo Business Excellence Awards (retail experience, and small and succeeding).

“We source as much local produce as we can, Golden Yolk Free Range Eggs, Custom Coffee Roasters, Symons Dairy and Meat Matters are just a few of our suppliers.

The family-run business is open daily from 8am to 4pm, proudly employing 12 local people.

“Bringing you great coffee, freshly squeezed juices and freshblended smoothies is what we enjoy,” Chris says. “We have a great team of 12 locals, half out the front and half in the kitchen.”

The cafe offers takeaway and visitors still have a choice of spaces to eat in – from on street dining, a rear courtyard to the reading nook and tables downstairs. There’s also the upstairs space, which is ideal for functions.

Contact Cortillé on 5444 3082 or follow at www.instagram.com/cortille

Adrian and wife Deborah were school teachers when they moved to Heathcote from Melbourne to grow grapes in 1992.

They eventually quit teaching to focus on their business and evolve into wine-making.

Today, their daughter India manages the day-to-day running of the business, and makes wine alongside her father.

“India and I are here, but on any day you will meet a handful of other staff who will make you feel right at home in our cellar door,” Adrian says.

“Over summer, we’d love for you to come and experience our family hospitality in a stunning setting. You can enjoy a wine tasting or simply spend an afternoon in the courtyard or on the lawn with a glass of wine, enjoying a charcuterie platter. We also offer tea and coffee, and we encourage you to keep your eyes open for various events as we have a passion for live music.”

As part of the Heathcote ‘Summer of Cellar Doors’, former Australian Idol contestant Kate DeAraugo will perform with Chris and Josh DeAraugo at Munari Wines on January 15.

To find out more, phone 0401 650 817 or visit www.munariwines.com

17

THE POWER OF GREEN SPACE A substantial back yard has long been considered part of the ‘great Australian dream’. But the reality is, residential back yards are shrinking.

Denser cities and urban sprawl; our busy, more sedentary lifestyles; longer working hours; and an increasing obsession with video games and computer technology are all factors driving a global desire for larger homes with extensive outdoor rooms and entertaining areas that are trending and impacting yard sizes.

“A big part of our every day at Coolabah Turf is spent educating and inspiring urban planners, local government parks teams and landscape architects to design, construct and maintain sustainable public landscapes to provide an essential third space for families to enjoy outside of their own private residences,’’ Coolabah Turf marketing co-ordinator, Stacey Fraser says.

MAKING YOUR HOME ITS BEST With more people spending time at home, it is time to catch up on those household jobs.

If DIY is not your thing, then call on Bendigo Property Maintenance.

For the past seven years, the property specialists have been helping regional residents add the sparkle to their homes.

Director Jye Giri says the family-operated business has grown to employ 40 local qualified tradesmen, who are skilled in trades and can carry out general maintenance, renovations, plastering, painting, carpentry, landscaping, gardening, tiling, labouring and gutter cleaning.

“Our business has expanded immensely over the last few years. We now offer our Bendigo Gutter Cleaning service; we have hired over 15 new employees; our office staff have expanded and we are growing every single day,” Jye says.

“We are driven to, and focused on, providing a professional and dependable range of services to our clients without disrupting their daily routines. For peace of mind, our team is fully professional and police checked.”

Jye and brother Jamie, who is general manager, established the business in 2014 on recognising a need for a reliable and professional home maintenance service in Bendigo. The brothers have been involved in the construction industry for more than 15 years and are experienced in the completion of projects from design to construction.

“We have an extensive portfolio of clients. We are the preferred property contractor for many estate agencies locally, and we do private work directly for home owners and light commercial projects, as well as work for council and schools across Central Victoria.

“We are proudly family owned, and we are constantly improving and expanding our services to give you a home that is truly a class apart.”

To get your home in shape, phone 5441 1762 or visit www. bendigopropertymaintenance.com.au

18

“The City of Greater Bendigo is a wonderful example of a progressive council making a real difference toward improving the health and wellbeing of our local community. The city’s commitment to prioritise public open space in our community is a credit to all those on the parks and gardens team and great proof of the city’s desire to become the most liveable city in the world,” Stacey says.

“The power of nature and how simply just being in the great outdoors can improve your mood and your mindset is incredible.”

Lockdowns have a had a significant impact on youth in particular, with children not connecting in the classroom, through organised sport or local playgrounds. Coolabah Turf’s Building Healthy Communities program has been able to help local schools, sporting clubs and other not-for-profit organisations create instant lawn landscapes to promote active lifestyles.

“It’s no secret we are on a greenspace crusade to inspire everyone to ‘ditch screen time for Green Time’. We want to encourage kids to get active and run, jump and play and just have fun being kids – in their own back yards, at the local park or at their local school ground now they are back open for business.”

To learn more about an affordable instant lawn landscape solution or to enquire about Coolabah Turf’s Community Sponsorship Program, visit www.coolturf.com.au

TAMARA’S ADDICTED TO SOURCING THE RIGHT RUG FOR YOUR HOME For nearly 30 years, Tamara Thompson from Rug Addiction has been helping people complete their homes with the perfect choice of floor rug or hall runner.

She knows quality materials and weaving techniques, and understands how colour and texture in a floor covering can elevate any space in the home.

Her carefully curated Rug Addiction collection was again used by contestants in room reveals on the popular TV series The Block.

“They have an eye for style and always turn out beautiful rooms,” says Tamara.

“It’s always a thrill to see how all the contestants style their rooms with our rugs. I enjoy being able to support them, just as I do every person who comes in store or contacts me online.”

If you liked a rug or hall runner that appeared in a room, you can buy it online or in person from Rug Addiction. “We can even customise a hall runner or rug to suit

a room or space,” Tamara says. “We did that for some of the contestants – Mark and Mitch, Ronnie and Georgia. And if you are not sure how a rug or hall runner will look with your furniture, you can take it home and try it.”

Tamara opened Rug Addiction in 1993, and her store has become a premier supplier of quality floor rugs and hall runners.

She sources products from importers such as Bayliss Rugs, The Rug Collection and Cadry’s, with rugs made in Belgium,

Turkey, and elsewhere in Europe and Asia.

“As an established company, we have some of the best rugs to suit the needs of every space. All our items are hand-picked, and our goal is to always choose the most diverse range of designs and mix of colours to create a collection to suit many lifestyles.”

Rug Addiction is located at 129 High St, Kangaroo Flat. Contact Tamara on 5447 0433 or view the collection online at www.rugaddiction.com.au

Waller Realty BENDIGO | CASTLEMAINE | MALDON

With the warmer months ahead and the hot market, let us help you with your summer property dreams.

Rob Waller

Narelle Waller

rob@wallerrealty.com.au 0418 571 130

narelle@wallerrealty.com.au tim@wallerrealty.com.au 0408 571 131 0413 464 949

Director/Sales

Tim Noonan

Director/Sales

(03) 5406 9988

Licensed Estate Agent

|

Megan Walmsley

Amy Arthur

Josie Caruso

megan@wallerrealty.com.au 0457 110 198

amy@wallerrealty.com.au 0437 656 330

josie@wallerrealty.com.au 0447 751 516

Property Consultant

108 Pall Mall Bendigo VIC 3550

|

Property Consultant

wallerrealty.com.au

Property Consultant

Photo: Proudly sold by Waller Realty during lockdown 2020

It was Tamara’s sixth consecutive year on the show, and this season’s competition saw her reunited with contestants Ronnie and Georgia, who she first met in 2017.

rock n' roll

royalty

Honouring the king, Bendigo Art Gallery will host an incredible collection of Elvis artefacts direct from Graceland

By Lauren Ellis, Curatorial Manager, Bendigo Art Gallery The Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition Elvis: Direct from Graceland will feature two stage costumes and a selection of important artefacts from the legendary 1968 NBC television special known colloquially today as the ’68 Comeback Special. But why was it a ‘comeback’?

And why does Elvis Presley’s performance on the show continue to stand out as a key turning point in his action-packed 20-year career?

Just over a decade earlier, Presley seemed to shoot overnight to a level of fame virtually never seen before. His big break came swiftly and spectacularly in a couple of short years under the tutelage of legendary independent Memphis music producer Sam Phillips and appointed bandmates Scotty Moore and Bill Black.

The brand new star of the South was soon spotted by canny talent manager Tom Parker, known as ‘The Colonel’, who moved quickly 20

to take control of Presley’s career and brokered the sale of his Sun Records contract to major label RCA Victor. With the combined forces of RCA’s national resources and the Colonel’s notorious talent for marketing and promotion behind him, Presley’s stardom went into a dizzying ascent. In 1956, he released a string of hit singles such as Heartbreak Hotel, Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog, and Blue Suede Shoes. He appeared on national television 11 times, sparking moral panic in the media in response to the perceived sexuality in his dance moves being thrust into living rooms across the US. He was the living, breathing, hip-shaking embodiment of a new generation of American youth seeking to define themselves through rebellion and individuality. He thrilled young audiences and scandalised a conservative political and music establishment, which railed against Presley’s perverting influence.

Elvis Presley, publicity still for Jailhouse Rock, 1957. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2021 ABG EPE IP LLC.

21

1956 also marked the start of Presley’s career in Hollywood, thanks to the Colonel’s arrangement of a screentest with Paramount producer Hal Wallis. Presley’s early films reflect his edgy image as a symbol of generational social change – he smouldered on screen in a range of troubled and rebellious youthful characters in films such as Jailhouse Rock (1957) and King Creole (1958).

Kick-started by his United States Army Service at the close of the 1950s – and the strategic efforts of the Colonel to reposition him as a good American boy, patriotic and wholesome – a ‘safer’ and more sanitised Presley began to emerge in the 1960s. This image was in some ways not far from the truth: Presley was sincerely patriotic, polite, generous and hard-working, and deeply religious. But the big change of the 1960s was Presley’s freedom to record and release music of his choice, and the impact of his sense of obligation to his Hollywood contracts.

In films such as G.I. Blues (1960), Girls! Girls!

Girls! (1962), Fun in Acapulco (1963), and Viva Las Vegas (1964), Presley was a handsome, suave, and playful heart-throb with bronzertanned skin and high-shine hair. But with the rough edges smoothed away, the ultramanicured Presley was in danger of becoming a caricature. Though diligent in honouring the contractual commitments set up by the Colonel, Presley was increasingly dismayed by the quality of his films and – even more so – the soundtrack albums that dominated his recording time during this era.

ABOVE: Elvis and Priscilla Presley cutting their wedding cake, at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, 1 May 1967. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2021 ABG EPE IP LLC. LEFT: Elvis Presley during his U.S. Army Service, 1958-1960. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2021 ABG EPE IP LLC. RIGHT: Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley, 1970.

Photo by Frank Carroll/Sygma © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2021 ABG EPE IP LLC.

In the late 1960s, the rest of the world was experiencing a social and political revolution shaped by anti-establishment ideas, political protest and sexual liberation. Hollywood Presley seemed out of step with the new wave of avant-garde musicians who eschewed commercialism and made music for social change.

The television special Singer Presents … Elvis (these days better known as the ’68 Comeback Special) was envisaged by the Colonel as a wholesome evening of classic Christmas songs to air at the end of 1968. NBC producer Bob Finkel saw the potential for something more interesting and appointed a young new director, Steve Binder, to devise the show. Over many months of development and rehearsals, power tussles over creative direction ensued between the Colonel, Binder and Presley himself. The final product is a mix of highly choreographed scenes and a wonderfully candid section in which Presley ‘jams’ with old bandmates Scotty and Bill, seated in the round on blue NBC chairs, emulating the informal camaraderie of the rehearsal room. Presley’s performance is dynamic: a husky rugged edge back in his voice, and his look transformed by a radical makeover.

22

23

For the special, Binder brought in costume designer Bill Belew. He worked cleverly with kernels from Presley’s cultural roots – the working-class dreamer, the Southern preacher, the youthful rebel – and recast them in a riveting contemporary take. In the opening number, Presley is dressed in allblack with a red necktie and snarls into the camera: “If you’re lookin’ for trouble, you came to the right place.”

His impassioned performance in the closing number, If I Can Dream, paid tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The song was unusual in its declaration of Presley’s social values, but he had been profoundly affected by the assassination of King in Memphis earlier that year. In a longline, crisp white suit, Presley invokes the glowing onstage presence of a pastor inspiring his congregation. In other scenes, dressed head-to-toe in jet black leather, Presley recalls the motorcyclist-meets-rocker rebel chic of his youth. Belew described Presley as a “black panther stalking the stage”; the edgy masculine sex appeal of the look undoubtedly confirming the feeling that Presley was back on top of his game.

The creative high of the ’68 Special reignited Presley’s passion for live performance and reconnected him with audiences in a way that had been missing for some years. It was the catalyst for an extraordinary new chapter of creative output and theatrical reinvention on the stages of Las Vegas and in stadiums across the US. The partnership with costumier Bill Belew continued to blossom, resulting in the signature jumpsuits still synonymous with the name Elvis today.

However, just as Presley’s first burst of success led to a frenetic chapter of recording and filming (he made 31 Hollywood features in roughly a decade), the years ahead in Las Vegas became another exhausting chapter of relentless touring commitments. Presley’s star seemed destined to burn brightly, but dangerously so.

Visit Elvis: Direct from Graceland between March 19 and July 17. Created by the Bendigo Art Gallery in partnership with Graceland, this exclusive exhibition explores the extraordinary life and style of Elvis Presley.

Tickets on sale now.

ABOVE: Elvis Presley in the 1968 NBC television special, Singer Presents… Elvis, later known as the ‘Comeback Special’.

Photograph: Fathom Events/CinEvents © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2021 ABG EPE IP LLC. BELOW: Elvis Presley strolls the grounds of his Graceland estate, 1957.

Photo by Michael Ochs © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2021 ABG EPE IP LLC.

24

TULIP DISPLAY A BLOOMIN’ DELIGHT

Belinda Angus and Kirsten Graham

Jasmine Murphy, Keira Broadbent and Mietta Sharma

Javarni Micallef, Aaliyah Micallef and Lilah Rutherford

Marli Davis, Mackenzie Davis, Kyra Davis and Matilda Dimarco

Sam Makepeace, Cooper Doherty and Mia Makepeace

Susanne Jones, Robyn Elmi and Julie Ruff

A sure sign of spring is the stunning display of tulips in central Bendigo.

Each year, more than 50,000 of the gorgeous flowers open to brighten the city, creating a sea of colour along Pall Mall and in the Conservatory Gardens.

An added bonus for visitors is a curator talk with tips on how to grow your own tulip garden.

Empowering dreams for

The world is your stage

26 © COPYRIGHT 2021 ZFIT STUDIOS PTY LTD, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All other logos and trademarks used are properties of their respective owners. Z Fit Studios claims no direct endorsement from any external organisation/company.

Eden and Spencer McMahon

Lexie Kane

Josh and Zoe Peters

Madeline, Amelia and Jenna

FAMILIES ENJOY FUN IN THE SUN Summer in the Parks landed early this year, with the spring edition proving a welcome chance to gather together outside.

Max and Harry

Mia and Evie

Under a bright blue sky, families packed picnics and headed to the Fosterville Tennis Centre for some fun in the sun.

The Active Kids day was filled with games and activities for the little ones.

Find Your Future

ENROL FOR 2023 ENROLMENTS OPEN March 2022 for Year 7, 2023

ENROLMENT ENQUIRIES

Complete the Enrolment Enquiry Form to express interest in enrolment at CMC bit.ly/cmcEnquire

We welcome enrolments from all families in our region.

VISIT VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Find out about starting Year 7 at CMC through virtual tours, videos, handy tips, FAQs and more... bit.ly/cmcOpenHouse

WOMEN’S WARD AND BIRTHING SUITE OPPORTUNITIES If you are a Registered Midwife looking to grow your career in an evolving maternity service, Bendigo Health has multiple opportunities to join our Women’s Ward and Birthing Suite Team.

Our progressive and supportive maternity team work across six birthing suites and an 18-bed postnatal and antenatal ward, helping birth more than 1600 babies last year.

The team is at the forefront of maternity research and education and they look forward to having you on board.

To join the team, visit

www.bendigohealth.org.au/careers Find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Sounds like Aimee Chapman Aimee set the stage for her career at a young age, with her work from performances to composing to event management certainly making an impression.

By Dianne Dempsey - Photographs by Leon Schoots When musician Aimee Chapman was a little girl, she loved to put on concerts for her mum and dad. But young Aimee didn’t just put a tea cosy on her head and sing a couple of songs. She would plan the order of events, build the sets, do the costumes and makeup, the flyers and let’s not forget the music. In truth, as far as her multifaceted career is concerned, nothing much has changed.

While Aimee is currently working as a programmer three days a week at the Emporium Creative Hub, she spends the other days and nights of her week extending her impressive repertoire as an innovative musician: composing, singing and recording.

The sounds Aimee makes are a mixture of electronic music, jazz and pop. But don’t be afraid. Aimee says her particular blend of music is accessible because of her predilection for strong melody

lines. “I also like song form,” she says. “I like interesting sounds. I like people to go away humming or remembering some words from my work. It’s not so experimental that it’s going to scare people away, it’s stuff you can have in the background and hum along to.”

The last performance Aimee gave was at the Phee Broadway Theatre in Castlemaine earlier in 2021, between lockdowns. “I put together a project called Coming Home, which was a real-time musical interpretation of the train journey from Southern Cross to Castlemaine Station,” she says. “Myself and three other players improvised the music against the footage.” Along with the images, the soundtrack to Coming Home is mesmerising; available online, it will give readers a far better feel for her work than any number of written words can.

29

30

Aimee can also be found in the wee hours of the night creating instrumental music for film and TV. She works for licensing agents in the US who manage her catalogue of music. She says she has found a niche in the US producing soundtracks, mainly for American reality TV shows. “Every now and then, out of the blue, I’ll hear my work alongside an incredible storyline,” she says, laughing.

Another aspect of her music is performing DJ sets that are compatible with the fringe vibe of Theatre Royal Castlemaine audiences. Operating two turntables, Aimee has a lot of fun with gizmos, producing her own electronic sound and beats, as well as incorporating the music of other people. “It becomes a bit of a hybrid music set, and the prospect of performing live again is very exciting,” she says.

While music is her creative strength, Aimee’s work before leaving Melbourne was also as an events organiser and a coach to creatives. She helps artists (no matter their field) who are looking to develop their craft and their career: who may want to explore the parameters of their art; or shift status, from being an amateur to a professional artist.

Aimee’s main gig in Melbourne, however, was as a venue manager. “I managed the Palais Theatre, Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and Margaret Court Arena, so I was doing the big international concerts, which I loved. But it did mean you were there from the crack of dawn when things were bumping in, and then you were the last person there switching off the lights after the show at 1am.”

31

Aimee cites herself as a typical creative who, over the past few years, has moved from Melbourne to the country – in her case, Newstead. “I moved after living this really fast-paced life. My partner Anthony Lyons is a composer and we have two young daughters.

We wanted to just slow it all down a bit. Like many others, I’ve found I can work from home. I’ve adapted. Rather than running the physical events in the venue, I’ve moved to promoting the events, which means getting the artists in and booking them into venues all around Australia and in New Zealand. So I can do 90 percent of that from home, and occasionally I’ll go on the road and tour-manage a concert, but mostly I can be out here in Central Victoria.”

This geographical repositioning of artists from the city to the country has been accelerated by COVID. “Even in the last 18 months, there’s been a mass exodus from the cities of people who have moved because they’ve seen that they can actually do their jobs online and live out in the country, where there’s a lot more space,” Aimee says.

“In August, I came to the Emporium Creative Hub, where I program the events and initiatives to support the creative community. It’s really about supporting the ways that creatives can collaborate.”

According to Aimee, the hub has come into its own as the need to connect the various regional artists, and provide them with working spaces and contacts, has become more imperative.

Aimee believes the days of the cultural cringe, of all things of value belonging to the cities, are long since over. Her work in Bendigo as a musician and Creative Hub programmer, are a testament to that reality.

For gigs and coaching, contact Aimee at aimeechapman.net Aimee Chapman will be performing at the Theatre Royal for the Castlemaine Sound event on December 17.

32

33

VIRTUAL MYSTERY A DARING WHODUNIT

Let em RIP

InVis-Able Sleuths

Tequilas

Bendigo Blood Splatter Analysts

Flowers

Sleuths

Murder and mystery unfolded in Bendigo courtesy of the Ripper Crime-Solving Experience.

With a virtual killer on the loose, teams of super sleuths – some in their best detective attire – scrambled through the city’s streets to analyse the evidence and unravel the next virtual clue to crack the case.

Showcasing a love for specialty coffee, all day breakfast and lunch, complemented by our friendly staff.

cortille est.2013

7 days 8am-4pm | 322 Lyttleton terrace, Bendigo | Ph: 5444 3082 |

Alison Burgess, Peter Lennox, Anne and Don McRae

Michelle Olson, Fiona Fitzpatrick, Theresa Nikora and Wendy Martschinke

John and Lyn O’Brien

WELCOME RETURN TO THE TRACK

Rebecca Henson, Luke and Josh Van Heugten and Grace Lenehan

Spirits were high as the Bendigo Jockey Club welcomed back spectators and owners to the racecourse.

Ross and Mary Miller

In the club’s first public race meeting since March, a few hundred people were keen to take a punt on the unsettled Wednesday weather to once again enjoy a day at the races.

Suellen and Gary McKechnie

WHAT SETS A GIRTON JUNIOR SCHOOL EDUCATION APART?

EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES! Commencing in Prep, by the time your child finishes Year 6 they will have: • • • • • • •

•

enjoyed specialist PE classes from Prep been immersed in a first-class academic and emotional intelligence education learned at least one musical instrument discovered the world around them and beyond undertaken specialist science classes played in a music ensemble enjoyed their choice of a broad range of co-curricular activities, developing interests and connectedness with their peers, including our renowned Sports Excellence Program from Year 5 and performed in three major theatrical productions

Contact our Registrar on 5441 3114 or see our website to discover the amazing opportunities that come with a Girton Junior School education. www.girton.vic.edu.au

Geoffrey Williams He is a soulful, sonic craftsman who has shaped a career built on quality, authenticity and substance.

By Patrick Byrne - Photograph by Michelle Tyrrell Born in London to Caribbean parents, singer-songwriter Geoffrey Williams is an incredibly versatile performer who brings joy to his listeners with creative melodies and sublime harmonies at every performance.

usually comes first and the “rest and the lyrics come later and harder”.

A long-term best friend of the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival since first appearing in 2016, he has written songs for both Michael Jackson and Dusty Springfield and been signed to major record companies Atlantic and EMI during an illustrious career.

He says playing at the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival over the years has been a highlight for him and he particularly likes the good vibe and the “groundedness” of the performers, volunteers and organisers alike.

Geoffrey, now living in Central Victoria, says his family had musical abilities – some of which he only discovered later in life.

Asked what he has learned from performing and writing, he says it is crucial to “be who you are in music and try not to be too influenced by what’s popular – oh, and don’t try to be too cool”.

“I found out Dad was in a steel band and played guitar in his younger days and my mum and sister were very good singers,” he says.

“Music has always been around me, and I remember my sister and I wearing out my dad’s Bob Marley record, Natty Dread.”

When asked how he found music, he replied: “I think it was more like music finding me. I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything else but write, produce and teach music.”

Geoffrey certainly has been called to be a musician and his intricate looping and wonderfully melodic songs attest to this.

He says his songs are inspired by all kinds of things, but the melody

36

Geoffrey has spent recent times contemplating how these strange times will mark him as an artist, and how he will come out as a slightly different performer.

When this wisdom is coming from one of the few English songwriters to have been credited on Michael Jackson albums, with the song’s guitar track played by Carlos Santana, you would do well to heed that advice.

Geoffrey Williams will be performing in the Boite Millennium Chorus’ Freedom Road at Ulumbarra Theatre on May 8, 2022 and at the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival which will run from February 10-13. For more information and tickets visit bendigoblues.com Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. To find out more, contact partnerships@bendigobluesandroots.com.au

37

Ranked in the

Ranked in the

top 1%

Find out top more:1% of universities worldwide, you’ll Latrobe.edu.au/regional-connect Ranked in the combine academic knowledge with Find out more: real-world experience at La Trobe.* top 1% Latrobe.edu.au/regional-connect of universities worldwide, you’ll Find out more: combine academic knowledge with * Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University real-world Latrobe.edu.au/regional-connect experience at La Trobe.* Rankings 2021; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Ranked in the of universities worldwide, you’ll

* Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University combine academic knowledge with Rankings 2021; Consejo Superiorreal-world de Investigaciones experience at La Trobe.* Científicas (CSIC), 2020, Ranking Web of Universities. * Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University Rankings 2021; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 2020, Ranking Web of Universities.

Científicas (CSIC), 2020, Ranking Web of Universities.

top 1%

* Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University you’ll of universities worldwide, Ranked in the Rankings 2021; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones knowledge with Científicas (CSIC), combine 2020, Rankingacademic Web of Universities.

top 1%

*

real-world experience at La Trobe.* Ranked in the of universities worldwide, you’ll combine academic knowledge with real-world experience La Trobe.* worldwide, you’ll universities Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University ofat Rankings 2021; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones combine academic knowledge with Científicas (CSIC), 2020, Ranking Web of Universities. real-world experience at La Trobe.*

top 1%

* Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University Rankings 2021; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 2020, Ranking Web of Universities. * Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University Rankings 2021; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 2020, Ranking Web of Universities.

CRICOS Provider 00115M DC38470 10/

industry network events and Access local work placements, world-class facilities. industry network events and world-class facilities.Find out more: Access local work placements, Latrobe.edu.au/regional-connect industry network events and Access local work placements, world-class facilities. industry network events and Access local work placements, Find out more: world-class facilities. industry network events and Ranked in the Latrobe.edu.au/regional-connect Access local work placements, Find out more: top 1% Find out more: facilities. world-class Latrobe.edu.au/regional-connect of universities worldwide, you’ll industry network events and Latrobe.edu.au/regional-connect combine academic knowledge with real-world experience at La Trobe.* world-class facilities.

CRICOS Provider 00115M DC38470 10/21

Access local work placements, industry network events and world-class facilities.

Access local work placements,

CRICOS Provider 00115M DC

while you study online Get tailored support Get tailored support Get online tailored support while you study Get study tailored support while you study online while you online while you study online

CRICOS Provider 00115M DC38470 10/21

while you study online

oarsome history

Rowing first made a splash in Bendigo back in 1872, the same year the landmark Beehive Building opened. Now, celebrations are being planned to mark 150 years of the sport in our city.

By Raelee Tuckerman - Photography by Leon Schoots Mounted high on the gymnasium wall in the Lake Weeroona boatshed is an old wooden single scull named Australasia. While Bendigo Rowing Club athletes work out, she watches over them as a constant reminder of the origins of rowing on local waters.

soon followed by the Bendigo Rowing Club, based in separate sheds at Grassy Flat until a defect in the reservoir wall forced a move to Lake Weeroona in 1877. They merged in 1928 into the Bendigo Rowing Club that still exists today.

The impressive boat was hand-crafted by pioneering oarsman John Godfrey, after he moved to Central Victoria from Tasmania during the gold rush and was disappointed to discover there was no outlet for his sporting endeavours. Determined to create one, he displayed the vessel in Pall Mall, outside the Bank of Australasia where he worked, and demonstrated his skills on the Grassy Flat Reservoir (now Strathdale Park). This garnered enough interest that, by late 1872, talk of establishing an official rowing club had begun.

BRC president Lynda Davis says the club will mark the anniversary with several special events, including a commemorative dinner and family day in May and a two-day regatta in October. They have also launched a comprehensive Members’ Handbook to coincide with the milestone.

His efforts resulted in the formation of the Sandhurst Rowing Club,

“It’s quite a big deal,” she says. “When you think about Bendigo 150 years ago, there’s quite a lot of things that weren’t here then, but rowing was… and still is.”

39

Club captain Lachlan McGrath says the contribution of the sport’s local founder will also be acknowledged.

“We have several new boats to christen, including a racing double scull we intend to name after John Godfrey, which is fitting for the fastest boat in our fleet. We’ll have some celebrations around that.”

Lynda, a mother of two who rows socially and competitively, describes the pastime as a sport for life.

“Our club has about 90 members, from juniors who begin around the age of 13 when they are big enough to safely handle the boats, up to our oldest who is in his 90s. We have a regular male masters crew who row three days a week at 6.30am and are aged in their 70s and 80s.

“It’s fantastic for the kids to see this is a life-long sport – from them starting out, to my crew of middle-aged women, right through to the older masters.”

Lynda rowed briefly in Melbourne after finishing school and went back to it after having children and moving to Bendigo 11 years ago.

“It was a good way of meeting people and I enjoyed it,” she says, adding that ironically her two sons are kayakers, not rowers. “I loved going into the canteen at regattas and people asking me ‘whose mum are you?’. I’d say, ‘no one’s, this is my thing’.

“Regattas are good fun, sitting by a river cheering your team on.

But it’s not all about the competition for me. I’ve done some great events, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service row-a-thon at Wentworth, which was 90km in a day. We took a couple of boats and there were four legs you could swap in and out of, but myself and crewmate Pene Wood did the full 90km, finishing in the dark!”

Bendigo offers a range of club programs, including Learn to Row for beginners, junior development, school co-curricular, masters, social rowing and a dedicated Women on Water session.

“Lake Weeroona is a great place to learn to row,” says Lynda.

“There’s no current, no deep water and someone can always see you. On some rivers, if you’re out on your own, you’re not always visible.

40

“Our Women on Water session is held on Thursday evenings and it’s been very successful. Through the support of the City of Greater Bendigo Community Grants program, we bought some lighterweight oars that suit women and we typically get 8-10 ladies from all walks of life who come and join in. They are coached by women and they’re all really keen.”

Women were active rowers in Bendigo in the very early days, with a dedicated ladies’ club formed in 1905, its crews winning many championship races particularly during the 1920s.

The BRC has produced several superstars throughout the years, despite the course on Lake Weeroona being only 500m long. Its famous names include Olympians Neville Howell, Jason Day and Hannah Every-Hall, world champion De Fraser and her Australian representative sister Cait, and world masters gold medallists John Gorey, Denis Nihill and Peter Wearne (with Howell).

“We’ve had some great success from what is really a 500m pond” laughs Lynda. “It’s quite amazing.”

Sixteen-year-old Eliza Oxley is among the current crop of talent, winning the BRC’s Hannah Every-Hall Award for most promising female sculler award in 2021.

“Early-morning training can definitely be hard sometimes,” says Eliza, who followed her sister into the sport through Girton Grammar School four years ago. “But I really like being around the other girls and getting out in the boat. I row on Mondays and Thursdays, six laps up and back, around 6km total.”

There are two basic forms of rowing: sculling, where crew members hold two oars, one in each hand, and sweeping, where a large single oar is held steady with both hands. Boats can hold one, two, four or eight rowers, and are sometimes ‘coxed’ by an extra member who steers and controls the crew.

“It’s quite a physical sport that uses most of the muscles in your body, so it’s good for your health and if you want a good workout it definitely gives you one,” says captain Lachlan, whose role includes coaching and co-ordinating crews, serving on committees and other operational matters.

41

He says he is incredibly well supported by an enthusiastic committee and a host of energetic veteran members who have helped keep the club ticking over for decades. They have seen the challenges posed by drought, which brought rowing to a standstill when the lake almost dried up, and more recently the COVID pandemic that again forced crews off the water.

Lachlan himself learnt to row in Bendigo as a teenager, before earning a scholarship to boarding school in Melbourne, helped by his prowess in the boat. When he returned to Bendigo, he rejoined the BRC. “We’re an all-inclusive club,” he says. “It doesn’t matter what background or ability or fitness you have – there’s always a lot of camaraderie and friendship when you jump in a boat together.

“We’ve also had some inquiries about para-rowing, including from a lady who is an above-knee amputee and we’ve helped adapt things for her.”

For Lachlan, the best thing about rowing are the regattas.

“As much as we enjoy training, you can only do so many laps of Lake Weeroona. In my division, a lot of races are about 2km so you have to do a lot of laps to get near that distance.

42

“But in most other areas, we row on rivers so there’s always something different to look at – we get to go away to different regional communities to row on weekends and hopefully those will start back again (post-COVID) soon. We’re also hoping to hold some training camps at Nagambie on the Goulburn River, which is nice and close and is a national level course.”

The club hosts a Bendigo Spring Regatta each October – its major annual fundraiser – but has had to cancel this year and last due to the pandemic. Plans are afoot to return bigger and better in 2022, extending the event across an entire weekend and encouraging entrants to stay longer in the region.

Lachlan and Lynda hope the anniversary activities will help raise public awareness about their sport and the Bendigo Rowing Club’s place in the city’s rich history.

“A lot of people don’t even realise we exist, unless they’re down at the lake and see crews on the water” says Lynda. “We want to get the word out that there is a rowing club in Bendigo and we’ve been here for 150 years.”

For more details about Bendigo Rowing Club programs and anniversary events, visit www.revolutionise.com.au/bendigorowing or email bendigorc@live.com.au 43

HOLIDAY A TIME TO MEET ‘N MINGLE

Anna, Kelly, Austin and Olivia Jinks

Brooke Sheppard and Loreena Vincent

Dani Finch, Alana Hinck, Joy Parker and Anita Gilmartin

Jarrah and Katherine O’Shea

Kylie Harwood and Lynne Burchell

Logan McCarthy, Kirby Driscoll and James Brown

Streets and eateries were filled with cheer as people enjoyed the Bendigo Cup public holiday.

It was the second year that crowds could not attend trackside for the annual race meeting, so the city centre was the ideal spot to meet and mingle.

Kerry Richardson and Peter Grey

Lochie and Josh and Melissa

FARM FRESH PROVES BEST Penny Wall and Heather Baker

Rhiannon, Audrey and Lily

Sarah, Dominic, Cadbury and Lucky

Stuart and Helen McPherson

Bringing consumers good produce straight from the paddock and garden is keeping Bendigo Community Farmers Market a firm favourite of locals.

The mid-week market proved popular with shoppers, who not only topped up on seasonal vegetables and fresh produce, but spent some time catching up with friends.

INTRODUCING AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTY & EVENT HIRE

MQ GELATO BAR An authentic mobile gelato cart in the heart of Bendigo!

Regularly situated on Mackenzie Street near Ms Batterhams Open Friday & Sunday afternoons from 2 - 5pm Catch us around town at surpirse ‘pop up’ locations on glorious sunny days for special occasions.

mqgelatobar@mackenziequarters.com

nurturing passion

With a strong background in campaigning, La Trobe University student and teacher Lizzie Nicholson is now nurturing the next generation of young environmental activists at Weeroona College.

By Brittany Carlson - Photograph by Leon Schoots Lizzie Nicholson’s staunch desire to make the world a better place developed while she was studying a bachelor’s degree in geography, learning about land and the environment.

It wasn’t long before she figured out a way to combine her strong sense of social justice with a career that really makes a difference in the lives of others – teaching.

“A large part of what we were studying was disasters and things going on in the world that were an issue. I really felt like I needed an outlet to do something about it.”

Needing to complete further study to realise her dream, Lizzie applied for the Nexus program at La Trobe University.

While pursuing further study in this field, Lizzie began campaigning for her education provider to withdraw its investment in fossil fuel companies.

As a result of her important work, Lizzie was elected as the environmental officer at the Student Union, where she ran workshops and upskill programs to help others become better activists.

“My job was to support all of the campaigns and the collectives that we had as part of that department. I really enjoyed the upskilling, creating a community and empowering people.”

Lizzie found a strong sense of community in her environmental officer role and enjoyed helping people reach their full potential.

46

Nexus is a pathway into secondary teaching that allows students to study and work in a school at the same time. It aims to place selected teaching candidates into economically and culturally diverse, and hard-to-staff schools in Melbourne and in regional and rural Victoria.

Lizzie says she applied for the Nexus program because it had a strong element of social justice as part of the criteria and course.

“I had been looking into teaching and I stumbled across Nexus. It was a new program and it sounded really unique,” she says.

In their first year, students work part-time in schools and receive direct mentoring opportunities and professional development.

Second-year Nexus participants become full-time paraprofessionals in their school, with a 0.8 teaching load and their own class while they study.

47

“Being in the Nexus program has been a massive help in terms of support getting through the course itself,” she says. “Having a relationship with people who are there to help problem solve, and check in with, is really beneficial.

“Also, having a cohort of people who are doing the same thing as you, with a similar perspective on teaching, is nice too.”

Lizzie says making the move from Melbourne to Bendigo was tough, especially during lockdowns when she was unable to get to Queensland to see her parents, but the community helped her settle in.

“Feeling like a part of the community is what I love about being here and teaching here. Going out for a walk and running into people you know – that obviously doesn’t happen in the city.”

Lizzie is currently teaching English and humanities to years seven, eight and nine students at Weeroona College in Bendigo, and is bringing her history of activism into the classroom.

She is helping kids who are passionate about the environment roll out sustainable practices in the school.

“I have had the chance to support a student who is kind of like me when I was at university – always thinking about issues but not knowing where to start. You could tell she really cared deeply about what was going on in the world, but didn’t have an obvious avenue.

“So, I encouraged her to join the Student Representative Council – and then we put together a proposal to develop a student action group.

“Now we’ve got a few members and we’re going to start doing something about waste at school. We’re trying to encourage people to be more mindful about what they use – plastics and things like that.”

Lizzie enjoys this link to her old activism days and says this is one of the reasons she loves education.

“I have been able to use some of my experience to help my students who are passionate about the environment to really make a difference.

“I’m not interested in being the leader of an activism group again; I’m more interested in just supporting young people to become citizens of the world. I think that’s an important part of a good education.”

48

- AdvertIseMent -- AdvertIseMent AdvertIseMent --

Lisa Chesters MP - a strong VoiCe for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP -- a strong VoiCe for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP a strong VoiCe for Bendigo federal Member for Bendigo Ifederal am honoured to have been elected as the Federal Member for Bendigo.

Member for Bendigo federal Member for Bendigo As your Federal to Member of Parliament, my office and I can provide a II am honoured have elected Federal Member for am honoured to have been been elected as as the the Member for Bendigo.

Bendigo.

As your Federal Member of Parliament, myFederal office and I can provide a wide range of services.

As your Federal Member of Parliament, my office and II can provide a wide range of services and support.

As your Federal Member of Parliament, my office and can provide a Please don’tof hesitate to get in touch with me anytime, either at my office wide range services. wide range services. on (03) 5443of9055 or by lisa.chesters.mp@aph.gov.au Please don’t hesitate to email get inat touch with me anytime, either at my Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me Please don’t hesitate to getorinby touch with me anytime, anytime, either either at at my my office office office on (03) 5443 9055 email at lisa.chesters.mp@aph.gov.au on (03) 5443 9055 or by email at lisa.chesters.mp@aph.gov.au on (03) 5443 9055 or by email at lisa.chesters.mp@aph.gov.au

Helping students

discover

Helping students allto God all God made them be.made them to be.

Year 11 and 12 International Baccalaureate Programme now available.

Information Packs and 91 Creek Street, Bendigo | www.creekstreet.vic.edu.au College tours available upon request.

www.lisachesters.org Authorised by L Chesters, 16 Myers Street, Bendigo www.lisachesters.org www.lisachesters.org

HEATHCOTE DRAWS THE CROWDS

Amelia, Karmen and Matilda Psaila

Julie Scollary and Leanne Vandermeer

Rebecca Niclasen and Maeve Bowman

The Bendigo Evening View Club

Tristan, Lyn and Gabby Hough

Bilby, Chelsea and Foxie

Each month, the Heathcote Bush Market is the place for locals and visitors to meet up for a chat and a chance to bag a bargain.

November’s market again offered many choices, with stalls filled with homebaked goods, local produce, crafts, plants and bric-a-brac.

wish it, dream it, do it COMPLETE YOUR HOME WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL TOUCH

rug_addiction

rug_addictionbgo

RUGADDICTION.COM.AU 5447 0433 | 129 High St, Kangaroo Flat

Chris Jacobs and Pete Fidler - The Quarry Hillbillies

Sashi, Lewis and Sylvan

Claire Moore and Vic Say

Tameka and Annie Morabito

FARMERS MARKET ALWAYS POPULAR For 16 years, the Castlemaine Farmers Market has been supporting farmers and providing fresh, local food to the region.

Uncle Rick Nelson and Uncle Ron Murray

Walter King, Jo Corrigan and Matthew Donnelly

It’s a popular drawcard for the town each month, with family and friends always keen to discover the latest in food, wine and locally made products.

Vocational learning at BSSC

Pathways to employment & training Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses at BSSC give students the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised, industry qualification, build their prospects for future employment and training, or enhance their pathway to university.

VET Hospitality

VET Engineering

The college offers a range of Certificate II and III level courses, with opportunities to undertake on the job training through Structured Workplacement and School Based Apprenticeships. VET subjects can count towards the VCE or VCAL in the same way as other subjects.

The range of VET courses available at BSSC include everything from Automotive to Allied Health — Engineering to Hospitality — Hair & Beauty to Agriculture — Hospitality to Digital Media — Business to Outdoor Recreation... and so much more.

BSSC VET programs are taught in cutting edge training facilities, with a mix of on-site and off-site locations.

CONTAC T US

VET Outdoor Recreation

Phone 61 3 5443 1222 Bendigo Senior Fax 61 3 5441 4548 Secondary College VET Allied Health Rosalind Park, Bendigo Email admin@bssc.edu.au Web www.bssc.edu.au PO Box 545, Bendigo VIC 3552

Like to find out more?

Drop us a line... admin@bssc.edu.au facebook.com/bendigoseniorsc or call 5443 1222 twitter.com/bendigoseniorsc gplus.to/bendigoseniorsc youtube.com/user/bendigoseniorsc

Bendigo Senior Secondary College Empowering learners for individual, community and global leadership

www.bssc.edu.au

go local first

It has been a difficult 18 months. An 18 months like no other. But, as the temperature warms and summer starts, we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

By Lisa Chesters, Federal Member for Bendigo - Photograph by AJ Taylor

You can feel the sense of anticipation in the air and the restrained excitement of a city that has been at rest.

moments of joy to remind us that, despite our relative isolation, we were still part of something bigger, part of a community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit our hospitality, events and retail small businesses hard. They have borne the brunt of the necessary health restrictions that have been in place. Almost one in 10 jobs in small business disappeared following the 2020 lockdowns.

Last year, Awaken Coffee gave away free coffees to Centrelink workers, who over the past 18 months have worked tirelessly to ensure that people in our community get the help they need.

Australia is home to over 3.5 million small businesses, 98.4 percent of all businesses in Australia, which contribute more than $410 billion to the economy every year. They truly are the backbone of our economy.

We are incredibly lucky in Bendigo to have such a thriving small business community.

Whether it’s the Star Cinema, Good Loaf bakery, Libertine florist, or our countless tradespeople, our small businesses kept our city running.

Florists gave us colour in our homes, our cafes gave us familiar faces and regular conversation, and our tradespeople and mechanics helped us improve our homes and make sure we were ready to hit the road when we were able.

But they didn’t just operate as usual. Many went above and beyond to help and provide

Skip, through his store in Eaglehawk (Skip’s Skateboard Shop), has a pay-it-forward model, allowing customers to buy a coffee for the next person through his door.

Simple, thoughtful, but powerful actions like these gave us a smile when we needed it, and a reminder that we weren’t alone. There are countless examples of small businesses going out of their way to bring joy and happiness.

So many local businesses supported us. As we begin to open, we need to support them if we can.

Go Local First began in July 2020 to support and promote small local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdowns and economic consequences.

Its aim is very simple: to urge Australian consumers to buy locally from small businesses in their region to help get the

sector back on its feet and keep Australians in jobs and money in local communities.

So many of us have done the single most important thing to help our small businesses – and that’s getting vaccinated.

Our vaccination rates are incredible and have been nation-leading for much of the rollout. I want to give a huge shout out to every single one of you who have gotten vaccinated, it is vitally important.

And excitingly, we can see the benefits of our combined efforts begin to pay off.

It fills me with cautious optimism for 2022.

Our Bendigo community has proven time and time again we will get behind our small businesses.

This summer, make it a summer that you Go Local First as much as you can. From your Christmas shopping, to planning your next big birthday or entertaining the kids over the holidays, think of ways that you can Go Local First.

As we move into the new year, let’s keep our support as local as we can, as a thank you for the sacrifices that many local businesses made for us.

For more information about the Go Local First campaign, visit golocalfirst.com.au

53

HANDLE BAR SERVES UP THE TUNES

Casie and Olivia

Kerrie and Amanda

Mason, Taylah, Ellen and Darcy

Mitch, Jess, Georgia and Spencer

Scott, Nicole, Mark, Peter, Lyn and Brian

Shasta and Jason

Live music is back on in Bendigo, with musos and fans equally loving it.

Handle Bar set the stage for piano wizard Andrew Farrell, with the crowd enjoying a relaxing November Friday night of tunes, brews and good vibes.

“At Weeroona College Bendigo we care about our students and help them to thrive.”

Health and Fitness Excellence At WCB one of our priorities is Happy, Active, Healthy Kids. With this in mind we have recently completed some amazing projects: Indoor Weights Room to support the Athlete Development Program.

Outdoor Full Body workout gym.

Indoor Cardio Room complete with specialty equipment and spin bikes to support Energy Breakthrough Training.

A range of new electives including VCE PE. Facebook.com/weeroonacollege Instagram.com/weeroonacollegebendigo

SCAN TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY!

03 5443 2133 weeroona.vic.edu.au

Damian, Nicole and Rick

Leone, Wendy, Jen and Sharee

SCHOOL’S IN FOR LOVERS OF GIN Lisa Brown, Talisa Williams, Dan Smith and Paul Brown

Melissa, Shane, Jillian and Lyle

Maria and Sandi

Paul Vickery and Ellen Butters

Attendees at the Regional Gin Gala were in fine spirits, raising a glass to sample and explore the history, production and styles of the classic beverage.

Nine distillers from across Central Victoria were on hand to pour a drink so the group could explore their products and processes.

LIMITED ACCESS

Specialist FINISHED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS PATHS, SLABS & MORE...

Brodie: 0459 843 126 info@landformearthworks.com.au www.landformearthworks.com.au

DIGNITY AND RESPECT WHEN IT MATTERS MOST Conducting funerals locally, across Victoria and interstate

Ph: 03 5441 4800 420 Napier Street, Bendigo

www.napierpark.com.au

Discovering Sandhurst

The Devonshire Group of mines on the New Chum Claim

The blank years of 2020-21 have, in fact, been very useful for forcing most of us to slow down and find other ways to amuse ourselves, rather than racing around from one thing to another filling our once-busy lives.

Words and painting By Geoff Hocking As I am now retired, I have had a few years of experience in keeping myself busy, and this year I decided that it was time to finish something I began more than a decade ago – a pictorial history of the Bendigo Gold Fields.

I started this project thinking that as a Bendigo lad, born and raised, I knew all I needed to know about Bendigo. But once I started, it astonished me to discover that I knew very little at all. I guess that is why I put it away in 2012.

It soon occurred to me that I had never bothered to learn the names of the streets of Bendigo. Growing up in West Bendigo (Golden Square), the schools I attended were less than 10 minutes’ walk away. The Specy Hill Methodist Church, which was the centre of our social lives, was on the next block. Little corner shops were two blocks away in more than one direction; I didn’t really need to know any more than that.

was located, but I never bothered with White Hills because I didn’t know anyone who lived there.

Even today, I have to think about Wattle Street, or Panton or Emmett, but having resurrected the Bendigo history project, I soon discovered that I had to get a handle on ‘location, location, location’.

I can inform you that Thistle Street is where the St John of God Hospital is, but I had always known it as where Mt Alvernia was. Emmett, named after an early pioneer and first mayor of Sandhurst, is up the end of Chum, turn right then left and it heads into the scrub. Panton, named after Goldfields Commissioner Joseph A. Panton, is where the Golden Square Metho is and the grounds of the second primary school I attended, GS Primary.

Naturally, I knew Chum Street, Barnard, Booth, Maple, Curnow and Pallet. They were the perimeters of my existence, but beyond that I navigated Bendigo by knowing where people lived. Two aunties lived in Somerville, but I never learnt that, I just knew where they lived, and I knew where the Kennington Methodist Church was, because we sometimes went there on family occasions.

I always knew Long Gully, California Gully and Ironbark, which all hugged the tramline to Eaglehawk, but Sailors Gully, a little further out past the Borough Town Hall, was further than my boyhood rambles would allow me. All four were among the richest fields on all the Bendigo diggings. They were once home to thousands of men, camped by the creeks digging for gold. Some, in fact a lot, made their fortunes there. Once the alluvial gold ran out and deep-lead mining took over, millions of pounds worth of gold was won on this rich field.

I knew Keck Street because that is where the former Keck’s nursery

In putting this book together, I was astonished as I calculated the 57

The City Family Hotel (State Library of Victoria)

value of the ounces of gold taken in today’s terms. The numbers were so large that I checked and rechecked, not trusting the results of my calculations. No wonder Sir George drove around town in a Rolls-Royce when at home; no wonder he could take himself off to travel the globe and buy whatever he wanted and bring it back to be installed in Fortuna.

I gathered several hundred photographs of old Bendigo and spent hours looking over the growing city, trying to identify the streets and the buildings on them. What a pity I never bothered to learn the names when I was a kid, but with a town map in hand, I was able to recognise what I was looking at.

There was one funny-looking building that cropped up in several images, of which I had no knowledge, but in the end I identified it as the bell-tower of an early fire brigade station that once stood between Pall Mall and the creek.

Who remembers the headframe of the mine that also stood in the Mall, where the Soldiers Memorial hall now stands? I certainly don’t. It was gone long before my time, but it is quite astonishing that an industrial Section of a panoramic photograph of Pall Mall, 1905, showing the mine that once stood where the Soldiers Memorial is today: The Hustler’s Royal Reserve No. 2 City Shaft Mine.

(State Library of Victoria).

mining structure such as that remained in the heart of our main thoroughfare up until after the turn of the century.

In the photographs I found, there are so many beautifully constructed old buildings that have since disappeared: the Bendigo Market Hall, the Synagogue, the Chinese quarter in Bridge Street, totally destroyed in the late Sixties to make way for a service station, just as the grand old Princess Theatre was ripped down and replaced by an Ampol servo. The old photographs show elegant hotels now stripped of their iron-laced verandas, the arcades and the fire station bell-towers, all closed down, boarded up or built over.

The photographs tell a story of Sandhurst, a rich community proud of its success and proud of what it was building for posterity. We are lucky Bendigo has kept many significant buildings and so many are still there, gracing the streetscape. Even though they have suffered some inappropriate modernisation, the underlying fabric of the city remains.

My investigation has taught me a lot. It has taught me to remember which is Williamson and which is Mitchell. Hargreaves is spelt with an ‘e’. Abbott Arcade and Galvin, Hopetoun and MacKenzie streets, all named after notables and pioneers. Or, as in the naming of many roads that head out west of Forest Street, honouring horticulture: Forest, Wattle, Vine, Violet, Honeysuckle, Thistle, Shamrock, Rose, Maple, Beech, Fir, Bay, Poplar, Oak, Elm, Ash, Mimosa – also Alder, Rowan and Nettle, which run east-west.

I have no idea who named Drought, Flood, Water, Mercy and Hope streets, and in any case, what on earth were they thinking?

I will let you know when the book is available. It is titled SANDHURST. From Genesis to Federation. 1835–1910. A Richly Illustrated Story of the Bendigo Gold Fields. *Sandhurst was the name first given to the settlement. It remained as such until 1891, when the citizens voted to change the name to the more popular Bendigo. The diggings had always been known as the Bendigo Gold Fields.

58

WE DDI NGS PRIVATE FUNCTIONS CONFE RE NCE S C ONCE RTS & FE STI VAL S SPE CI AL EVE NTS

www.silksfunctions.com.au

To arrange an appointment to view our venue and discuss your wedding or function requirements please call Jenny on 5448 4209 or email j.rawiller@bendigo.countryracing.com.au |

60

Catherine & Matthew It was love at first sight for this couple, who celebrated their wedding in a truly modern way.

Photography by Whites & Woods

61

How Catherine met Matthew is a modern love story – all it took was one classic swipe online.

“We were both searching for ‘the one’, swiping away when we came across each other,” says Catherine, reflecting on that first encounter.

“Matt liked a particular photo I had on my profile in a blue sun dress and I was instantly attracted to him.”

On their three-year anniversary, Matthew dropped to his knee and proposed under an arbour he had built for their garden.

“Trying to plan the perfect proposal in the middle of a pandemic when you are unable to leave the house can be hard, so I really had to put my thinking cap on. I thought, why not do it at our house? We had just built it,” Matthew says.

With Catherine at work, he spent the day preparing for the proposal. He cooked dinner while Catherine relaxed in a bubble bath complete with candles, music and chocolate-dipped strawberries. With two dozen red roses in hand in a garden sparkling with fairy lights, Catherine quickly became a bride-to-be after saying “yes”.

The pair married on October 15 – “our first and, thankfully, only wedding date” – at Waratah in Huntly. The reception was at Nimbus.

The bride wore a preloved gown bought from her sister’s friend. “I absolutely loved it in all her photos and was so happy when she was willing to sell it to me.”

The groom and attendants wore suits from Connor, and the bridesmaid dresses were from Chancery.

Under COVID-19 restrictions, the couple knew the wedding would be small; postponing it was non-negotiable.

“We took the planning as it came,” Catherine says. “One thing we were sure of was that no matter the restrictions at the time, we would be getting married on our planned wedding date. We had no interest in postponing for a year or more like we’d seen so many couples doing. All that mattered to us was that we shared our day together and became husband and wife.”

Adhering to guidelines, 10 people attended the ceremony, with a total of 30 at the reception. Groot, the couple’s Chihuahua, was not forgotten with their friend Dannielle (from Holy Cupcakes) adding a miniature lookalike to the top of the wedding cake she had baked and decorated.

62

“Keeping the wedding small was something we’d talked about doing from the start but, as always, somehow the numbers kept adding up. It was unfortunate that not all our friends and family could join us on our day, but we still made it the best day possible. I think you’ve just got to roll with the punches.”

Even the temperamental spring weather failed to dampen spirits, with the rain clearing in time for photos (Christian from Whites & Woods).

“Thankfully we got through the ceremony and a few family photos before the rain started pelting down. Apart from the ceremony being set up inside, which was changed, and the rain and wind causing some seriously flat hair, the day ran incredibly smoothly, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Making the day unique to them meant the couple didn’t keep to tradition, opting to share as many of the special moments together as possible.

“We kind of threw tradition out the window. We felt like we were on ‘wedding day plan 1000’, so we were just so excited our day was actually going to happen that we didn’t care about ‘what was expected’.

“We ended up spending the night before together in our own house and waking up next to each other the morning of the wedding. We all got ready together at our home, and even did a mini ‘first look’ of my dress in our loungeroom. Honestly, it was amazing. I loved every second of it – being together on the day of our wedding was perfect. We both cried in our vows and Matthew still looked at me with such love and amazement as I walked down the aisle towards him.”

The planned honeymoon to Greece was swapped for a “honeymoon day”, with a drive to Halls Gap Zoo. Early in 2022, they are heading to the Whitsundays.

“Life as a married couple is amazing,” says Catherine. “We still love calling each other ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ and pinch ourselves a little that this is all real. The name changing process is crazy, but worth it.

I think once that’s done and we share our last name, it will hold more significance than our marriage certificate.”

63

TURNER S CROS S I N G From the banks of the Loddon River, Turners Crossing has been producing wines of outstanding quality that speak of a sense of place and provenance.

turnerscrossing.com.au

6 Lewis Drive, Castlemaine | Ph: 0435 500 112 | Open: Fri 8 - 5 & Sat 9 - 2 |

make a difference

The Bendigo Health Christmas Appeal is hoping to fund a mini-gym to help young patients in their rehabilitation.

Photography by Kate Monotti While decorations are being hung and family gatherings planned, a dedicated team of Bendigo Health staff are working tirelessly this festive season to raise funds that will put smiles on the faces of the youngest patients and their families. The Bendigo Health Foundation recently launched its annual Christmas Appeal, with this year’s aim to fit out a new paediatric hydrotherapy pool and buy child-sized gym equipment.

Paediatric rehabilitation is designed to improve the abilities of children and young people following major injury, illness or medical procedures and treatment. Like some medical interventions, the necessary equipment is not always available nearby. As Bendigo Health Foundation manager Rachel Mason says, purchasing equipment specifically tailored for young people’s rehabilitation will help keep children closer to home and their loved ones.

When we talk about rehabilitation, we often picture sports stars recovering from injury or adults overcoming trauma sustained through unfortunate accidents. This year’s fundraising goal is to help pint-sized patients who are quietly fighting enormous physical battles. More than 100 children are treated by Bendigo Health’s rehabilitation services at any one time and two-thirds of the children receiving rehabilitation have cerebral palsy, a permanent condition with no known cure.

“Bendigo Health’s annual Christmas Appeal this year aims to expand support for the redevelopment of the paediatric rehabilitation outpatient clinics, including a specific paediatric fitout of the new hydrotherapy pool and the purchase of purpose-built, child-sized gym equipment, to create a mini-gym,” Rachel says.

Teale Hammond is one of the young patients who will directly benefit from the purchase. The 12-year-old’s rehabilitation started following seven months of cancer treatment.

65

Teale was diagnosed with bone cancer following a fall and graze to his right leg in late 2019. Initially, mum Rebecca didn’t think anything of the slight injury until she noticed a hard lump in the same area days later. Rebecca followed her instincts to see their local GP immediately, while reassuring Teale that it was surely nothing of concern.

The next seven months saw the family separated as Teale underwent treatment at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, while his parents juggled his appointments and provided care and a sense of normality for his three siblings who remained at home in Bendigo.

For Rebecca and the family, it was a difficult time. “We had to spend a lot of time apart – it affected us all a lot,” she says. Having rehabilitation locally was imperative to the family, allowing them to be together and for Teale to remain connected with his siblings while he focused on his recovery and learned to undertake regular activities again.

The time apart was particularly tough for Teale’s 10-yearold brother, who perhaps understood the seriousness of the situation and desperately needed his brother to be back home so they could do “normal” things together. Teale worked with rehabilitation therapists and did hydrotherapy sessions with the goal of getting back on his bike, however his key motivator was to be able to wrestle with his siblings again.

Rebecca describes the Bendigo Health therapists who supported Teale in his recovery as wonderful, calm and helpful. “It is amazing what he has achieved,” Rebecca says.

“Within even a couple of months, we saw his progression and he made leaps and bounds. We are so grateful to them and especially that we didn’t need to pay for rehabilitation as money was already tight.”

In July last year, Teale received confirmation that his treatment had been successful. “We got the all-clear. It will continually be with us, but for now we are in a good place,” Rebecca says.

66

Mackenzie Fox is another young patient whose life will be improved by the generosity of others. It has been a difficult time for the Fox family since receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis for their youngest child.

Now a gorgeous 21-month-old, Mackenzie has been undergoing rehabilitation therapies since she was just three months of age. Her regular rehabilitation sessions will continue her entire life.

Mackenzie represents the two-thirds of patients treated

by Bendigo Health’s rehabilitation services who have cerebral palsy. Mother Melita says Mackenzie has come “leaps and bounds” thanks to her rehabilitation.

“Our physiotherapist, Suzie, is all about the good and the bad; she really celebrates the milestones with us,” Melita says. “Recently, Mackenzie learned to point out things and Suzie really made a big deal about this seemingly small, but really important achievement.

“Nothing can prepare you for your newborn baby being airlifted to Melbourne – she experienced seizures for three days. We felt blindsided more than anything.”

You can support kids like Teale and Mackenzie in their rehabilitation and recovery by donating to the Bendigo Health Christmas Appeal. Any contribution helps enormously, and can be made via a donation or by buying an e-Card for a loved one at www.bendigohealth.org.au/christmas

67

just chillin' MUNARI, ‘IL FRESCO’ VERMENTINO 2020 - HEATHCOTE

The warm summer days and evenings are perfect for enjoying a drop or two of these local creations.

By Ashley Raeburn - Restaurant Manager - Alium Dining TURNERS CROSSING, VIOGNIER 2019 - BENDIGO A very understated varietal, originating from the Rhone Valley in France, Viognier has found its home in certain regions of Australia and is growing in popularity. The team at Turners Crossing have produced a fantastic example, proving to be very moreish. Shows an enticing mid golden colour in the glass with delectable aromas of freshly picked apricots and summer peaches with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Rich and textural with those summer stone fruits blossoming throughout the palate with touches of orange blossom and honey leading to a rounded, long finish. Try with prawn laksa or pork belly banh mi with fresh chilli.

68

Located just north of the Heathcote township, Munari Wines has certainly built an extremely impressive reputation when it comes to classical Heathcote red wines. The cellar door which is open seven days a week (bookings preferred) is situated in the former stables of a 1870’s homestead offer a unique area in which to taste the fantastic array of wines which include a Prosecco imported from Veneto and produced by another Munari family known to be distant relatives, Vermentino (read more below) and of course, excellent examples of Heathcote Shiraz and Cabernet.

Vermentino – a varietal native to Sardinia and Liguria has shown it thrives in the Heathcote region. This is a fantastic representation of the classic Mediterranean wines with fresh aromas of lemon pith, lime juice showing leading into a palate that combines citrus flavours, crisp pear and hints of salinity combining beautifully with the crisp acidity and minerality. One could simply close their eyes and imagine the sun shining and the waves lapping at their feet. The refreshing and long lasting finish makes it easy to reach for another glass. Look no further than freshly peeled prawns as an excellent pairing or fried zucchini flowers stuffed with goat’s cheese.

69

MANDURANG VALLEY, SHIRAZ 2018 - BENDIGO Shiraz in summer may seem like a bit of an odd choice but there a plenty of occasions where a delicious glass of red is required, and this certainly fits the bill. 2018 was an excellent year for Shiraz in the Bendigo wine region and here shows vibrancy in colour, with aromas of rich blood plum, raspberries and blackberries all coming to the fore. Palate is rich with dark fruit flavours being compliments with faint hints of liquorice and spice. Tannin structure is slowly softening leading to a lengthy, mouth filling finish. Pair with a rack of lamb cooked medium rare or a sneaky glass with some quality dark chocolate after dark. Also a fantastic gift for the red wine enthusiast.

70

SANDHURST RIDGE, SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 BENDIGO Wanting a change from the from the archetypical New Zealand Sav Blanc? Then look no further than this excellent example from Sandhurst Ridge. With a pale straw green colour, the enticing nose of fresh citrus and pineapple draw you to the glass. Quite textural due to barrel fermentation in French oak, flavours such as guava, passionfruit and pineapple are dominant along with underlying citrus elements. Crisp acidity helps build to a lengthy dry finish. A beautiful wine for the summer months and it’s style certainly lends itself to Asian inspired dishes or a classic goat’s cheese and asparagus frittata.

AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD

DINE IN OR TAKE AWAY

FULLY LICENSED

F U N C T I O N S

Lunch: Mon-Fri lunch 11am - 2:30pm Dinner: Mon-Sat from 5pm

ALEXANDRA FOUNTAIN

VIEW ST

BENDIGO CBD

PALL MALL 100 M

32 Pall Mall, Bendigo | 5441 8566

www.bunja.com.au |

SUMMER AT MUNARI WINES Enjoy an afternoon tasting elegant wines from inside the rustic Cellar Door or on the terrace overlooking the vines W I NE TA STIN GS | C H ARC UTE R IE | C O FFE E

Boasting a full range of wines, there is something for everyone P: 0429 804 360

Open 7 days

1129 Northern Highway, Ladys Pass (11km from Heathcote)

Mon. – Sun. 11am - 5pm Bookings preferred

www.munariwines.com

LOCAL MUSIC, THE RIGHT NOTE Twenty local bands took to the stage to perform at the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival’s Live ‘n Local concert at the Garden for the Future.

The full day of entertainment was a triumphant return for live music after a COVID-enforced hiatus. And not even a splash of rain could dampen the celebration.

72

WINE TASTING & SALES Visit our Cellar Door and Gallery. You can relax and enjoy wine tasting in air conditioned comfort or relax outdoors in the gardens.

“AN EXCELLENT WINERY, PRODUCING WINES OF HIGH TO VERY HIGH QUALITY” JAMES HALLIDAY Open at weekends, at other times by appointment - (03) 5439 5367 - 77 Faderson’s Lane, Mandurang - (9km South - East of Bendigo, Off Tannery Lane)

BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACES W

service .N

OCO2.CO

.

A

W

W

U

CATION #CN TIFI 43 ER 8 C

M

EPLUS ARCHITECTURE 111 MOLLISON STREET BENDIGO, VICTORIA. 3550

PH (03) 5443 0055 INFO@EPLUSARCHITECTURE.COM.AU

EPLUSARCHITECTURE.COM.AU

Courtney, Charlie, Parker, Matt and Hunter Layfield

Vadim Vintonenko and Gregory Brown

Dusty, Samara, Chris and Sylvie Scarlett

Fiona, May and Mark McPherson

Phil Green and Colleen Garsed

Ron and Finlay Harris, Fiona Stewart and Keeley Harris

MARKET FUN AT MALDON The Maldon Market is a popular destination for regional market-goers, offering a range of homemade or home-grown goods and produce. In November, the market turned eight!

And the crowds came out to celebrate, heading to the charming historic town to mark the occasion.

Cellar Door Open Daily 11am-5pm (except Good Friday & Christmas Day) Taste and Purchase Current and OlderVintages | Boutique Accommodation Now Available 156 Forest Drive Marong,Victoria Australia | Phone: (03) 5435 2534 | Fax: (03) 5435 2548 | wine@sandhurstridge.com.au

Beau, Emma, Nate and Clint Shepherd

Eva Burtonclay and Sebastian Andrea-Ross

Casey, Olivia and Tim Reid

Janice and Cristi Deocampo and Sylvie

ENJOYMENT AFTER SUNDOWN A great range of handicrafts, produce and delicious food was on offer at the Outdoor Twilight Market at Bendigo Showgrounds.

Renae Irwin and Kianna Mitchell

VISIT THE GUAN YIN TEMPLE RECENTLY REFURBISHED AND ONE OF BENDIGO’S HIDDEN TREASURES

Ph: 03 5441 5044 www.goldendragonmuseum.org

Terina Pickering and Mili Thurgood

Local musos brought the tunes and the crowd was happy to rug up on a cool night to browse the stalls and sample some tasty treats.

76

summer salad

By Beau Cook - Photography by Leon Schoots

A delicious and healthy Tuna treat to be enjoyed solo or with family and friends.

SEARED TUNA NICOISE SALAD Serves 4 Salad ingredients: • 400g sashimi quality yellowfin tuna • 4 free-range eggs at room temp (70g size) • 300g kipfler potatoes, peeled • ½ red onion, finely sliced • 250g punnet of cherry tomatoes, halved • 50g mixed micro herbs, alternatively use baby spinach or fresh basil • 50g tin of anchovies in oil, drained • 2 tbl. capers • 16 kalamata olives Dressing ingredients: • 2 tbl. olive oil • 2 tbl. red wine vinegar • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard • 1 tsp. honey • Pinch of sea salt flakes • Cracked black pepper to serve

Method: 1. Prepare all ingredients.

2. Place potatoes into a pot of cold water, bring to a simmer over a medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes or until par-boiled. Strain and set aside. When cool enough to touch, slice into 1cm thick wheels.

3. Gently place eggs into another pot of simmering water and, using a timer, cook for 6 minutes.

When done, immediately place into cold water to stop the cooking process. When cool enough to touch, crack the shell at both ends, peel, then set aside.

4. Meanwhile, sear tuna in a pan over a very high heat for around 30 seconds on each side. Set aside.

5. To make the dressing, place all ingredients into a jar and shake until well combined.

6. Assemble the salad: Gently toss together the potato, onion, tomato, herbs, capers and olives.

Place salad onto a large serving plate, lay anchovies over the top and pour the dressing.

7. Now halve the eggs and finely slice the seared tuna. Place eggs and tuna in and around the salad and serve, topped with some cracked black pepper.

77

Breanna & Todd Despite a ‘few hiccups’ befalling their plans, this couple say their wedding was what it was meant to be… their day!

Photography by Justin & Jim Breanna and Todd happily describe their wedding as the one they didn’t know they wanted.

The couple was forced to reschedule wedding plans as their hoped-for day coincided with a lockdown in Mitchell Shire.

Not to be disheartened, they took a practical

78

approach and, in less than two weeks, had rebooked “just about all the original suppliers” for their revised date of October 30. However, a caterer initially eluded them.

On discovering Mitchelton winery was available, the couple quickly snapped up the option. However, the change in location meant they wouldn’t be marrying at a farm in

Glenaroua, where they now live.

“When Mitchelton confirmed they were free, I thought it was a small miracle,” Breanna says. “I can’t imagine having it any other way, and after having Mitchelton do just about everything – the cleaning, organisation, set up and pack down – that our original wedding would have entailed, we feel so fortunate.”

79

The couple exchanged vows before 30 of their “nearest and dearest” at the winery.

Not wanting to dwell on “hiccups” caused by COVID-19, Breanna says the pandemic did put into perspective what a wedding should be about.

“There is something so special about a wedding, emotions run high but one thing I will never forget is seeing Todd as I walked down the aisle. I couldn’t stop smiling as I was fighting back tears,” she says. “I hate to keep referring to COVID-19, as it seems to consume us these days, but it was so special to finally be walking down the aisle to marry my mosttreasured person.”

Todd laughs that the hiccups continued on the day.

“Our best man left the rings in the car, so it was a scramble to retrieve those before Breanna arrived at the ceremony.”

The couple married just over a year after Todd proposed during a long weekend escape to Warrnambool post a 2020 lockdown. They met in 2014 “after crossing paths on Tinder”.

“I wasn’t one to use Tinder for anything other than some entertaining conversations, but there was just something about Todd that I couldn’t let go of,” Breanna says. “My intuition definitely got the better of me after about six months of conversations, and it was hands

80

down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

For their wedding day, the bride wore a dress from Georgia Young Couture, and Carl Nave tailored the groom’s suit. Bridget Sens Hair and Ash Morales did hair and makeup for the bridal party. A close friend prepared the flowers and celebrant Married by Georgia conducted the nuptials. The couple’s rings, including Breanna’s “extra diamonds”, came from Catanach’s Jewellers. Jim from Justin and Jim captured the day, and the newlyweds and guests danced the night away to Cal Young.

“They were all suppliers we loved and we were intent during our reschedule to retain them.

Having such an amazing group of suppliers made our day a breeze,” Breanna says.

The couple honeymooned at Jervis Bay in New South Wales, and are looking forward to their future together. “We originally planned on going to Hamilton Island, but again COVID changed our plans,” Breanna says. “So much emotion goes into planning your day and it can be hard to step back and enjoy it, but you really do blink and it’s all over.

“Our day was not what we originally had planned, but I think it turned out to be the wedding we didn’t know we wanted.”

81

82

all about lifestyle This stunning rural retreat boasts energy-efficient initiatives and sleek contemporary design.

By Sue Turpie - Photography by Loft Image

83

When dreaming of that great tree escape, the mind wanders to undulating landscapes, picturesque bushland, and a home that perfectly balances quality, individuality, and comfort. This immaculate property nestled in the heart of Axe Creek and a convenient drive from amenities, has been built to be aesthetically pleasing while at its heart is the want to play its role in minimising our effect on the environment.

For homeowners Geoff and Judy Hulme, the design of the property was born from the couple’s desire to have an energy-efficient property that was also off-grid. This goal was achieved with the assistance of their son-in-law who specialises in this style of design. The couple undertook extensive research and also found the government-produced book, Your Home: Australia’s guide to environmentally sustainable homes, was an invaluable resource.

Planned and constructed with passive design principles, the energy efficient home focuses on renewable energy sources to provide household heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. The contrasting materials sit harmoniously together creating a build that is strikingly modern but with individual additions giving the home its own personality.

The exterior boasts corrugated iron and powder-coated finish in grey and white, with a black roof and window fittings, standing out against the muted tones of the surrounding native flora. Step through the double front doors to the atrium which provides the first glimpse of the home’s impressive raked-ceiling, exposed brick walls and polished concrete flooring.

“The brick wall is passively energy-efficient,” Judy says. “When the sun hits the brick wall it absorbs the heat and then releases it at night. If it’s a sunny day, then we don’t need a fire to keep the house warm and the home stays around 20-22 degrees.”

The spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas are encompassed by large windows, with every room in the home offering a spectacular view over the property. The north-facing home is orientated to make the most of the solar gains, with windows allowing winter sun

84

in and the roofline defending the harshness of the summer sun. “The windows face true north, so we get the lower winter sun but not the hot summer sun, to heat up the concrete floors,” Judy explains.

The kitchen includes a 900mm oven, with gas cook-top, dishwasher, double sink, and large island bench, complete with breakfast bar seating. Connecting through the kitchen is the butler’s pantry, with a sink, fridge space and storage, which also doubles as the mud room and leads outside to a two-car carport.

The large main bedroom is situated on the eastern side of the home together with the second living space – the formal sitting room. Behind the bedhead wall is a smart ensuite, separate toilet and walk-in robe.

The remaining three bedrooms are situated at the west of the home with the main bathroom. The bathrooms feature beautiful vanities with wooden bench-tops, white floor-to-ceiling tiles and contrasting black tapware.

The home also has a split system, overhead fans and a wood fire heater for all year comfort, as well as a solar power system and battery, with a back-up generator providing standalone power.

Positioned on a corner block, the 6.8 hectares of land is fenced with a drought-tolerant landscaped garden surrounding the home, and a large 17 x 7 metre workshop with cement floor nearby and an adjoining 90,000L rainwater tank. “It was a bare paddock with hardly a tree and we’ve done all of the planting and brought it back to what it is now,” Judy says.

“We wanted to take in the views. Our last home on the Gold Coast was on a couple of acres and we had bush and a creek. We knew we didn’t want to live too close to other properties.

“The home is also completely off-grid. The waste feeds the orchard, and we have a solar system and water tank. The only thing we have to pay for is gas as we have a gas booster hot water service and cooking appliances. We haven’t had an electricity bill for five years which is fantastic.”

Situated in the lovely community of Axe Creek, there is a thriving primary school with 60 children and a community playgroup just down the road.

“It backs onto the forest and there are bushwalks through there, as well as lots of native animals and birdlife.”

As agent Tim Noonan says, the home provides an idyllic lifestyle.

The property is for sale through Waller Realty. Phone Tim Noonan on 0413 464 949 for further details or to arrange an inspection.

85

CROOKED KITCHEN

STAR CINEMA

GLUTEN-FREE | ORGANIC | HEALTHY CHOICE CAFÉ

BENDIGO’S ONLY BOUTIQUE CINEMA

We are Bendigo’s only completely gluten-free take-away café with a wide range of options no matter your dietary needs. We have a passion for rustic, café style food with organic, local produce delivered with friendly service.

Plush couches, a licensed bar and an amazing programme of current and classic films for the discerning film enthusiast.

Operating in the grand old Eaglehawk Town Hall, we screen 7 nights a week plus matinees Friday to Sunday.

crookedkitchenbendigo.com

starcinema.org.au

MS BATTERHAMS

MICK’S FRESH FISH & TAKEAWAY

WINE | COCKTAILS | EUROPEAN INSPIRED MENU

FISH & CHIPS | HAMBURGERS | SALADS | DINE-IN

Ms Batterhams is the new girl with a past. Set in the basement of the old school hall at Mackenzie Quarters and converted into a sophisticated yet unpretentious lounge bar. Open Thursday Sunday for lunch and dinner and all day dining on the weekend.

The seafood used in our takeaway, dine-in dishes and sold to public, is purchased fresh and direct from the Melbourne fish markets. Come and try our delicious food, just across from Lake Weeroona. Gluten-free options available.

mackenziequarters.com

micksoceanfresh.com.au

CAFE ISTANBUL

SMOOTH ‘N’ SILKY

TURKISH KEBABS | SALAD | GF & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

BROW & WAX BAR | BEAUTY SERVICES | BARBER

Offering delicious freshly homemade breads, dips, salads, baklava and turkish delights. Our local favourite kebabs are made from real lamb shoulder in 3 sizes including; jumbo, regular and mini. HSPs, burgers and falafel also available.

The team at Smooth ‘N’ Silky are specialised in eyebrow threading and shaping, lash lift and tinting, brow lamination, Brazilian waxing, Dermalogica facials and permanent hair straightening. Full barber services available.

facebook.com/CafeIstanbulBendigo

smoothnsilky.com.au.com

delivering new opportunities For decades, this historic building served as Huntly’s post office. Today, it’s been revitalised to welcome the community once again... now as a cafe.

By Marina Williams - Photography by Leon Schoots

87

It’s been two years in the making for a stylish renovation that’s put a thoroughly modern stamp on the former Huntly post office.

The historic building has been transformed into a café and is again serving to bring the community together … this time with a taste of Spanish and French influence.

The renovation is a collaboration between Eplus Architecture and the owners of El Gordo Bendigo, Haley and Chad with Total Fitouts completing the building works. The couple had been wanting to expand their business and, on inspecting the former post office, knew it would be the ideal space for their café.

“It’s a great location, and Huntly has a wonderful vibrancy so we thought it would be a good fit for us,” Haley says. “We’re so pleased to be part of the Huntly community, it suits us.”

Rimmon Martin from Eplus Architecture helped the couple design the space, balancing what Haley refers to as “wants and needs” in establishing a café within the building’s small footprint.

“It’s a very modest building,” Rimmon says. “The interior needed to be stripped back to its shell to achieve Haley and Chad’s goals of maximising the space needed to run a commercial kitchen.

“We left the front, it’s very original and that was the intent. The old brown tiles on the facade is a historic feature. So it was really important to keep those.

“It was almost like a European approach to heritage at the front of taking out the old post boxes, and putting in one nice big window.

This gives an opportunity for passers-by to see that there’s something happening. At six o’clock in the morning there’s a beautiful glow of light coming from inside, so it’s quite clear that there’s something happening.”

To ensure the cafe retained an “openness” the front door was glazed, and a serving bench the only internal division.

“With a tiny space, you need to be mindful of making it appear generous,” Rimmon says.

For Haley, top of mind on completing the interior fit out was ensuring it “carried a little bit” of their Bendigo store. “It’s not ultramodern but a little bit quirky. Above all, it had to be inviting and comfortable so people would feel relaxed and welcomed.”

88

89

Walls are finished with white tiles in a subway pattern, with black featuring on the doors and skirts. For some warmth, a pale timber finish was chosen for the cabinetry and floating shelves.

However, El Gordo Huntly has its own distinct style, with the kitchen pass incorporating unique tiles sourced from a tile importer in Myrtleford. “They were loving installed by a local tradesman, Scott Rayson, capturing the unique patterns and vibrant colours. I love them,” Haley says. “We discovered the shop when driving home from a holiday ages ago. We were curious, so popped in to see what he had, and put it in the memory bank. They suit the space and we had enough leftover tile to add to benches running along one wall.”

A large courtyard at the rear of the property provides more seating.

“There is an inviting flow from the front door to the courtyard,” Rimmon says. “On entering the café you are drawn to see what is outside, and it is like being in someone’s backyard.”

As with any renovation, there were challenges.

“Having done this before we knew there wouldn’t be anything straight forward in designing a commercial kitchen. We signed on in late 2019, but COVID didn’t hold us up too much. It was more the challenges of the space itself and designing the kitchen area. We went through five different plans of how it would work, and what the council would accept.

“While it probably wasn’t exactly how we wanted it, it’s how the space works and would allow us to function and serve food and drink.”

Rimmon applauds Haley and Chad for taking on the challenge of repurposing an existing building.

“It’s nice to see someone take a punt on a building that maybe looks like it’s in the too-hard basket. From a sustainability point of view, the greenest building is the one that’s already standing. Haley and Chad’s vision to repurpose needs to be encouraged. They have made something that, hopefully, a lot of people get enjoyment from.”

It’s been three months since the café opened, and Haley says the community has been equally welcoming to them.

“We’re glad we made the move here. The world has changed since we first committed to this project, with some people a little more hesitant to dine out and feel comfortable; but we have been welcomed into the community. We’re happy to be here.”

90

We provide maintenance, repairs and building services to domestic, property management and commercial clients. Offering a multi-trade service with qualified tradesman so your job is cost effective with a quick turnaround time.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE...

Building Maintenance Plastering Rendering Painting Carpentry Tiling

Plumbing Electrical Fencing Concreting Rubbish Removal Renovations

Cleaning Garden Maintenance Landscaping Furniture Removals Goods Pickup & Deliveries & much more...

Ph: 03 5441 1762 | www.bendigopropertymaintenance.com.au |

Photo courtesy UMBC Athletic Communications

92

Bendigo to

Baltimore

This talented teen has always stood head and shoulders above her classmates. Now she’s reaching new heights on the volleyball court, playing in the elite US college system.

By Raelee Tuckerman As a child, being tall was a bit of a burden for Lauren Cox. But at 19, it’s become one of her biggest assets. Stretching the tape measure to 193cm, or 6ft 4in on the old scale, Lauren’s stature and skills combined have seen her flourish as a volleyballer and grow in confidence, too.

The former Bendigo girl recently accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County – a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division One school and the reigning America East Conference volleyball champions. She began her UMBC freshman year in August.

“It was very overwhelming when I was younger, being a foot taller than everyone else,” Lauren says from her dormitory after an evening training session. “I remember being at a theme park when I was five and the ride operator said I was a threat to the other kids because I was so much bigger than them, and that I’d have to come back later with the 10-year-olds. Mum said, ‘no way’.

“All through primary school, I was taller than all the boys so it was a bit strange. But now it’s such an advantage – I’m the tallest on my team and everyone wishes they had my height so it’s been a blessing in disguise. I’m grateful for it now and wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Lauren’s life is a whirlwind of lifting weights, individual and team practice, travel, games, recovery sessions and study. When she spoke to Bendigo Magazine, the rookie middle blocker and right side hitter was about to embark on an away-game road trip to New York.

“It’s very full-on. We leave early Thursday morning for Albany, train that day and play on Friday; travel to Binghamton on Saturday and play there Sunday; get home around midnight Sunday and I have a class at 10am on Monday. There’s no time to sit around!”

She’s one of seven internationals on the UMBC Retrievers’ volleyball roster, alongside athletes from Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Poland, Turkey and Bulgaria. “It’s comforting knowing there are six other girls on the team who understand what it’s like to be so far away from home and not be able to have your parents just take a flight and watch you play on the weekend,” she says.

Lauren was a squad swimmer and played netball and basketball before taking up volleyball for fun as a co-curricular activity at Girton Grammar in year seven in 2015. Before long, she was invited to join the Bendigo Academy of Sport and her career quickly took off, much to her surprise.

“I’d only been playing properly for a few months and my coaches suggested I try out for the School Sport Victoria under-16 state 93

Photo courtesy Volleyball Australia

team, just for the experience, no expectations,” she recalls. “But I ended up being selected as an emergency, which was a huge shock.

Later that year I trialled for Volleyball Victoria’s under-15 team and, very surprisingly, made the main team, went to nationals and won a bronze medal. I definitely wasn’t expecting any of that.”

Lauren went on to represent SSV at school nationals and Volleyball Victoria at the Australian under-17 championships, winning silver at both and being named in the All Star Seven in her bottom-age and top-age years. From there, she earned a berth in the Australian under-17 squad and travelled to Thailand in 2018 for the Asian Youth Championships.

Two other events were pivotal to Lauren’s journey from Bendigo to Baltimore.

In 2016, she was one of several local volleyball kids asked to play in the background during a media promotion for a match at Bendigo Stadium involving the national senior women’s Volleyroos team, then coached by Shannon Winzer.

“Shannon saw me hitting around and contacted the Bendigo Academy of Sport to see if I wanted to play State League for her club, Heidelberg. So I started travelling to Melbourne, twice a week for training and for a game on Saturdays.

Photo courtesy Ian Feldmann

“One of the Volleyroos who was also there that day (Jaimee-Lee Morrow) ended up being my team-mate three years down the road, which was crazy. I’d been so excited to get a photo with her that day in Bendigo and there I was playing alongside her.

94

Photo courtesy Ian Feldmann Photo courtesy Volleyball Australia

“Shannon later offered me a place at the Volleyball Australia Centre of Excellence in Canberra (now the Australian Volleyball Academy) and I moved there in 2019, studying year 11 and 12 at Radford College and living with a homestay family. I was only 16 and the youngest in the program.”

The other defining moment was moving to Ballarat Grammar after year nine and being mentored by former national assistant coach Ross Sullivan, a PE teacher. He helped Lauren navigate the college system and start preparing for scholarship applications, staying in touch after she went to Canberra.

“He made sure I was doing the right subjects, getting the right grades, reaching out to different colleges, making highlight videos.

There’s over 300 teams in the NCAA division one alone, and Ross helped me narrow it down to where do I want to live, do they have what I want to study, what’s the team like, the culture, do I get a good feel from the coaches?”

There were countless emails back and forth with potential suitors, sending game footage and playing CVs, maintaining communication especially when COVID prevented Lauren from travelling to the US to visit colleges and meet various coaching staff, as would normally occur.

“My UMBC coach said for my year they were looking at 5000 athletes and they recruited five of us. Once you’re on their radar, it’s your responsibility to keep up the communication because they have so many athletes contacting them that if you stop, they could forget about you.

95

“COVID made it really hard, particularly being an international athlete. We weren’t playing so it was hard to get film and when we started back last year, I got injured and was out for just over two months, so I couldn’t send them anything new. Things dried up for a bit and I considered I might have to wait until 2022 because I wasn’t getting as many offers.”

But UMBC came calling and, after emails, phone and Zoom contact with coaches and team members, Lauren was offered a full scholarship.

She loves Baltimore, situated between Philadelphia and Washington DC on America’s east coast. With a population six times larger than Bendigo, it’s different from her early life in Ravenswood with mum Nicole and sister Georgia (a state basketballer) but she says there’s a real community feel around her suburban campus College athletes are almost minor celebrities in US university towns, with music, fanfare and the occasional fireworks accompanying games, which are televised live and covered at length in print.

“Volleyball here is just another level. We have great facilities; we get all the media coverage; we have a hype video they play before our home games; they’ve even made keyboard GIFs of all the team members.

“We can be walking down the street and someone will come up and ask, ‘do you play volleyball for UMBC, good luck with the game’. Crowds come and watch us and I think it’s really cool we reach much further than just the UMBC campus – we reach into the community around us.”

Lauren aims to make the senior Volleyroos team during her four years at college and hopes to secure a European professional contract after graduating. Her end goal is the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

But she won’t forget her early days in the sport she came to quite late compared to her college peers. She’s had to grow into her long limbs, develop her co-ordination, learn new skills and, most recently, add strength to her frame and power to her game.

Photo courtesy Volleyball Australia

“My height got me noticed at the start, but you can’t just be the tall kid. You have to perform out on the court, and I’ve had to work very hard to get here.”

96

Ensure customers know you’re open for business Servicing Central Victoria for over 40 years.

1977

Years

2020

Printing in Central Victoria

CUSTOMASIBLE Window Decals

Wall Decals

Pull Up Banners

Outdoor Banners

A-Frames

Posters

and so much more...

20-22 Deborah Street, Bendigo 5441 6600