Bendigo Magazine - Issue 75 - Winter 2024

CLOSE TO HUNTLY RAILWAY STATION

WALK TO VIEWPOINT CENTRAL PARK

SHORT DRIVE TO EPSOM TOWN CENTRE

NO MATTER THE WEATHER

– IT’S ALWAYS WARM INSIDE

Admission to the Yi Yuan Gardens and Guan Yin Temple is FREE

Ph: (03) 5441 5044 | www.goldendragonmuseum.org

dear reader,

The hibernation months are well and truly upon us, and with them an invitation to slow down and take stock. To make stock! Gentle soups on the stovetop. What else does winter invoke? Boots and coats. Bendigo shiraz. Hot chocolate. Staycations. Good books read while snuggling under blankets. (We highlight three local titles within.)

There’s much to remain in Bendigo for this season. The Bendigo Writers Festival returns in August, bringing a host of creative thinkers to the city, both on and off the stage.

The Paris exhibition continues at the Bendigo Art Gallery. And speaking of the fair city, this issue writer Raelee Tuckerman catches up with a group of locals enamoured with the French sport of pétanque.

Columnist Geoff Hocking mends some bridges of the past, reporter Dianne Dempsey gets crafty, and photographer Leon Schoots once again lends his lens to the faces and places of Bendigo.

Make that cuppa, grab that blanket, and enjoy the read. From the team

MANAGING EDITOR

Dustin Schilling

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Leon Schoots, Kate Monotti, AJ Taylor, Daniel Soncin, Tayla Arceri and Tyler O’Keefe

WRITERS

Dianne Dempsey, Geoff Hocking, Lauren Mitchell, Raelee Tuckerman and Marina Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Beau Cook, Stephanie Dunne, Katie Nicole and Anthony Radford.

PRINT MANAGER

Nigel Quirk

ADVERTISING

advertising@bendigomagazine.com.au

PO Box 5003

Bendigo, VIC 3550 Phone: 0438 393 198

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.

BENDIGO VISITOR CENTRE

Open daily (except Christmas Day) 9am-5pm or freecall on 1800 813 153.

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF BENDIGO

Start your Bendigo experience by talking to a local at the Bendigo Visitor Centre.

Located in the historic post o ce building on Pall Mall:

• Book your accommodation and find places to stay

• Buy tickets to events and our main attractions

• Explore with maps, guide books and local knowledge

• Collect unique gifts and souvenirs at Uniquely Bendigo

• Taste the region and purchase specialty produce

• Connect with local artists and creatives in the Living Art Space

• Discover culture in Djaa Djuwima, our First Nations Gallery

• Join a heritage building tour and uncover our unique history

Bendigo

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

16 Blooming beauties - Nadee Jayasekera - Artist Profile

24 Self-publish and be damned - Castlemaine authors

PEOPLE & LIFE

32 A deeper determination - Kelsey Tilburn

46 Leading by example - Morgan Carter

49 For creatures great and small - Native fish return

55 Underneath the arches - Bendigo Memories

60 French connection - Bendigo Pétanque Club

91 Smashing boundaries - Marong Cricket Club

38 Honeysuckle Cottage Studio - Roz Effenberg - Artist Profile

FOOD & WINE & HOME

68 The art of gardening - Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens

72 Winter wonders - Wine tasting

78 Fiery flavours

- Recipe with Beau Cook

82 A sense of calm - Home feature

You’d be surprised what we find in Bendigo’s sewer network.

Unflushables can cause nasty blockages and lead to costly repairs. Wet wipes alone contribute to more than 75% of all sewer blockages and spills.

To help, we inspect, clean, and repair sewer mains and sewer access points across the region every year.

These initiatives are part of our $1 million a year Stop the Block program that’s helping us avoid thousands of ‘flushing’ disasters.

But we need your help too!

Think before you flush In the Battle of the Cans, it’s only safe to flush the three Ps - pee, poo and toilet paper… Everything else should go straight in the bin! Learn more at coliban.com.au

so cultured

Don’t be sheepish, get your woollies on this winter and step out to experience both local and visiting theatre, exhibitions and Bendigo’s 25th Sheep and Wool Show.

RIVETING DEPICTION OF HISTORY COMES TO BENDIGO

Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s contemporary classic The Visitors will provide a powerful and contemplative theatre experience for audiences across the country, thanks to a new production by Moogahlin Performing Arts Inc and Sydney Theatre Company.

Directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated First Nations creatives, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch, The Visitors is set on a sweltering day in 1788 and sees seven clan leaders face a momentous decision – to send away the strangers arriving by boat or to welcome them.

Featuring entertaining and authentic First Nations storytelling by an incredible ensemble cast, The Visitors is a deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in the history of Australia.

In 2020, The Visitors made its debut at the Sydney Festival and has since been highly acclaimed, winning Best Mainstage Production and Best Ensemble at the 2023 Sydney Theatre Awards.

First Nations performing arts company Moogahlin has teamed up with Sydney Theatre Company to co-produce this new production, reworked by Enoch, which will be touring the country throughout winter and early spring.

The Visitors will be performed at Ulumbarra Theatre at 8pm on August 8. Head to bendigoregion.com.au for tickets.

FAMOUS OPERA TO BE STAGED AT ULUMBARRA

Widely considered to be the original bohemian love story, Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème is one of the world’s most beloved and frequently performed operas. In August, Bendigo theatre enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience it first-hand as Opera Australia makes a stop at Ulumbarra Theatre during its national tour.

Based on Henry Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de Bohème and composed by Puccini between 1893 and 1895, La Bohème is an opera in four acts that tells the story of struggling bohemians whose lives change forever one freezing Christmas Eve. Audiences may recognise some similarities with modern musicals Rent and Moulin Rouge!, which were heavily inspired by La Bohème.

Opera Australia’s production is a fresh take on Puccini’s score, with wit and vivacity brought by award-winning director Dean Bryant. A talented cast and team of creatives will ensure audiences are dazzled by this new staging, exposing their souls to feelings only music can express.

From July to September, Opera Australia will tour La Bohème across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, performing at Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo at 7.30pm on August 3. To purchase tickets, visit bendigoregion.com.au

Photographer: Daniel Boud

Photographer: Rob Hookey

PARISIAN HISTORY EXPERIENCED AT BENDIGO ART GALLERY

Since its opening in mid-March, Bendigo Art Gallery’s latest big exhibition has kept the city captivated by all things French. Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 features more than 170 works of art and artisan objects exploring the history of Paris, particularly the Belle Époque period.

The exhibition, curated by Clare Needham, takes visitors on a journey through seven themed pathways reflecting the era of artistic innovation, social change, and urban development that shaped modern-day Paris. Works on display are from renowned artists including Jean Béraud, Maurice Utrillo, Paul Signac, and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Exclusive to Bendigo Art Gallery, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 has proudly been presented as part of Bendigo International Collections and organised by the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris, Paris Musées.

After visiting the exhibition, don’t forget to check out the exciting program of events and activities offered by the Bonjour Bendigo campaign. Organised by the City of Greater Bendigo, the celebration of French cuisine, art and culture is the perfect way to extend your Parisian experience in Bendigo.

Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 is on display at Bendigo Art Gallery until July 14. To purchase tickets, visit bendigoregion.com.au

SHEEP AND WOOL SHOW REACHES MILESTONE

Although its origins are in Melbourne, the Australian Sheep and Wool Show has been proudly held in Bendigo over the past 25 years and has become a key event on the country’s agricultural calendar. The largest event of its type in the world, the show is expected to attract thousands of people to the region to celebrate the industry.

Returning attendees are well aware of the abundance of activities at the show, including sheep breeding competitions, wool fashion parades, and the Future of Farming showcase. First-time visitors should not miss the Bendigo Festival of Lamb or the largest fibre market in Australia, where they can pick up beautiful handcrafted woollen goods.

The Women of Wool Luncheon continues to be a drawcard event, with tickets selling out two months in advance this year. Those lucky enough to snag a ticket will enjoy a two-course meal hosted by Catriona Rowntree and featuring special guests Sharnie Curnow from Bendigo Bank, Ann Peacock, and Geoff ‘Coxy’ Cox.

With the wide range of activities and events on offer, the 2024 Australian Sheep and Wool Show promises a rich experience for all, whether they are a farmer, breeder, or simply someone with a love for the industry.

The Prince of Wales Showgrounds will host the Australian Sheep and Wool Show between July 19 and 21. Tickets can be purchased at sheepshow.com, with entry for children 15 and under free

PRODUCTION BRINGS BROADWAY

MAGIC TO THE BENDIGO STAGE

Get ready to witness classic Broadway at its show-stopping best this September, as the Bendigo Theatre Company mounts its spectacular production of Guys and Dolls. The ever-popular Broadway musical, Guys and Dolls follows a rowdy bunch of gamblers, gangsters and sassy showgirls in a wild game of chance – then love comes calling.

Taking audiences on a journey from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana and even into the sewers of New York City, Guys and Dolls features a hilarious and crowd-pleasing score by Frank Loesser, and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It premiered on Broadway in 1950 and won a Tony Award for Best Musical ahead of a film adaptation in 1955.

Known for creating lively and memorable theatre experiences for the local community, the Bendigo Theatre Company has been operating for more than 70 years and has produced over 200 shows. It also runs Tribe Youth Theatre for Central Victorian teenagers.

Forty talented performers and more than 30 crew members can’t wait to bring Guys and Dolls to life for Bendigo audiences, as part of the company’s remarkable 2024 season.

Bendigo Theatre Company’s production of Guys and Dolls will run at Ulumbarra Theatre from September 19 to 22. Tickets are available to purchase through gotix.com.au

EXHIBITION UNVEILS CURIOSITIES OF VICTORIA’S PAST

Curated in collaboration with Heritage Victoria, the Golden Dragon Museum’s current exhibition Victoria’s Goldfields: Chinese Curiosities from Heritage Victoria is one that should not be missed. The first display in the new temporary exhibition space that opened in November 2023, it presents vignettes of the Chinese presence across Victoria from the mid-1800s into the 20th century.

On display from Heritage Victoria’s collection are over 70 small but incredibly significant Chinese artefacts that were excavated from eight archeological sites across the state. Through their belongings, the exhibition tells the lost stories of a young Chinese herbalist, pioneering fishermen, musical market gardeners, and intrepid goldminers.

Victoria’s Goldfields: Chinese Curiosities from Heritage Victoria provides a fascinating look into the methods of investigation, analysis and identification used by heritage archaeologists. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn more about the exhibition throughout its run, with curator talks and hands-on activities planned for schools and the community.

The Golden Dragon Museum will display Victoria’s Goldfields: Chinese Curiosities from Heritage Victoria until November 10. To learn more, visit goldendragonmuseum.org

WINERY SECRETS UNLOCKED DURING HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WEEKEND

The weekend wine lovers have been waiting all year for is here again. During the Barrel Wine Tasting Weekend, hosted by the Bendigo Winegrowers Association, guests can explore behind the scenes at some of their favourite wineries from around the region.

Winery barrel halls are usually kept sealed off from the public, and the tricks of the trade are highly guarded. But for two days in July, guests will have the opportunity to be immersed in the romance of winemaking and even sample wine straight from the barrel.

Winemakers will be on hand to guide guests through the intimate experience and proudly showcase their wines’ unique flavours and characters at various stages of maturation. With five different wineries open to tour, there will be something for every wine drinker to enjoy.

The Barrel Wine Tasting Weekend will run across various wineries in Bendigo on July 6 and 7, with sessions at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Visit bendigowine.org.au for more information and to book tickets.

PARADISE PROMISED FOR BOOK LOVERS

As the Bendigo Writers Festival returns to its traditional winter timeslot, View Street will once again be taken over by bibliophiles from Bendigo and beyond. The annual weekend festival unites readers, writers and creative thinkers for three days of events, panel discussions, workshops and entertainment around the written word.

More than 50 sessions will feature 100 writers, including popular Australian cook Julie Goodwin and veteran ABC presenter Annabel Crabb. During the opening gala event ‘Up Close and Possibly Way Too Personal’, Crabb will have the spotlight turned on her for a change as she is interviewed by historian Professor Clare Wright.

Committed to promoting literacy and lifelong learning, the festival kicks off on Friday, August 16, with the free school program Word Spot, celebrating children’s authors and illustrators. Six sessions and a Bendigo Art Gallery experience will be offered for students of all ages and their teachers. Also for young audiences are the Children’s Book Week Creative Kids workshops on Saturday and Sunday.

New to this year’s festival is the free Big Top Community Stage in the garden of Dudley House, where local emerging authors, storytellers, poets and songwriters have the opportunity to showcase their work.

The Bendigo Writers Festival takes place from August 16 to 18.

To view the complete program and purchase tickets, head to bendigowritersfestival.com.au

AI STARTUP SUCCESS BORN FROM LOCAL MENTORING PROGRAM

Since Startup Central Victoria debuted its Pre-Accelerator Program funded by LaunchVic in 2021, many aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs have tested and launched their business ideas in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.

After successfully completing the 12-week program, cofounders Mark, Stef and Carmel launched Ligantic in October 2023. Through an online platform that simplifies creating custom and powerful software solutions leveraging artificial intelligence, Ligantic helps innovators harness emerging technology to bring their ideas to the world.

Located in both Bendigo and Melbourne, the now team of seven at Ligantic loves working with enterprise organisations to introduce AI into their digital strategy. Their new professional and self-starter subscriptions also assist professionals and small businesses with developing custom and safe AI-powered tools.

Although Ligantic is still in the startup phase, it has gone from strength to strength since launching. A particular highlight is being recognised by the CSIRO as part of the Australian AI ecosystem, proving that technology startups from the heart of regional Victoria can have an impact on the world.

To sign up to Ligantic, go to ligantic.com. For more information on Startup Central Victoria’s free Pre-Accelerator Program, visit startupcv.com.au/events/accelerator-program

business matters

Local businesses deliver food, fashion and innovation for the winter season and beyond.

SUCCESS FOR RISING RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE DUO

With 18 years of knowledge and professional growth behind him, Greg Heard has built a strong reputation in the local community for his skilful management of the peaks and troughs of the residential sales market. With this, success has continued to flow for Greg and his internal team, especially as they recently celebrated the first anniversary of their merger with McKean McGregor Real Estate.

“Joining McKean McGregor has allowed us to continue to produce exceptional results and enhance the client experience,” says Greg.

“Being backed by a large team experienced in industry marketing and sales strategies has allowed us to reach a new level of service.”

The recent addition of Darcie Fry as Greg’s sales assistant has also been welcomed.

“Darcie’s attention to detail, wonderful nature and enthusiasm for delivering outstanding client outcomes makes her the perfect fit for our team,” says Greg.

Greg, Darcie, and the rest of the team are excited to provide new and existing clients with professional and trustworthy residential sales experiences.

For any enquiries, contact Greg and Darcie on 0436 200 250.

MP A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR BENDIGO

As an Upper House Member of Parliament representing the Northern Victoria region, Gaelle Broad is proud to have her electorate office in central Bendigo.

“I’ve lived in Bendigo for over 20 years and continue to be impressed by the vibrant tapestry of businesses in our region,” Gaelle says. “We are home to everything from locally owned shops and boutique outlets to creative engineering firms that compete on the world stage.”

Actively engaging herself in the local community through volunteering, Gaelle is passionate about building local communities and seeing Bendigo and its businesses prosper, especially after the challenges faced in recent years.

“We have a range of wonderful cafes and restaurants, and Bendigo is certainly living up to its reputation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy,” Gaelle says. “Our rich history and cultural heritage make it a magnet for families and tourists seeking authentic experiences.”

Gaelle is committed to advocating for the people of Bendigo and Northern Victoria, and is particularly focused on planning for regional growth, business, education and healthcare. To contact Gaelle Broad MP for assistance with any state government matters, visit gaellebroad.com.au or phone 1300 423 553.

GO DRY THIS JULY

Joining Dry July to give up alcohol for a month can help update palliative care facilities for terminally ill patients from our region.

Deanna Keogh has nursed aged care and palliative patients at Bendigo Health for 45 years and is incredibly passionate about the quality of care for which she and her colleagues are renowned.

“We are privileged to be in our patients’ lives and deaths and are proud of our Palliative Care unit and the care we deliver,” says Dea.

“We see patients from across our region – Boort, Charlton, Echuca, you name it – and try to make the unit a comfortable and non-clinical space. But after 24 years in the same building, it needs a refresh. We want to provide an environment where people can feel most comfortable and it’s the smallest things that can make such a difference to patients, and also make it easier for families to grieve.”

Bendigo Health is asking our community to get behind its Dry July challenge by signing up, giving up alcohol for a month and selecting Bendigo Health as the beneficiary.

There is no cost to join and no minimum fundraising amount. If you have a special occasion coming up in July, you can always purchase a Golden Ticket for a night off the challenge.

Sign up and ensure you keeps funds local by selecting Bendigo Health at www.dryjuly.com/bendigo

A TASTE OF WINTER COMES TO PERCY AND PERCY

For almost 12 years, locals and visitors to Bendigo have lauded Percy and Percy for its quality food and coffee, trendy-yet-cosy atmosphere, and dedication to keeping its history alive. Named after the site’s previous business owners Percy Watts and Percy Forbes, the thriving cafe provides a breakfast and lunch experience so wonderful you are sure to return for more.

The team of 22, led by Elisha Bahen, along with head chef, Matt Parish and cafe manager, Sharon Stephens, is excited to invite customers to try the recently launched winter menu, featuring a mix of old favourites and delicious new options to comfort you through the colder months.

New to the breakfast menu includes red quinoa porridge and delectable bread-and-butter pudding, while Percy’s scotch egg and house-made pumpkin gnocchi are welcome returns to the lunch menu. In a display of how much they love their regulars, the pork and noodle salad has also returned due to high demand.

Whether you are tempted by the sweet offerings or prefer a savoury meal, you’ll never be left disappointed in your choice at Percy and Percy, especially when paired with a carefully crafted coffee.

Percy and Percy is located at 110 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. To get in touch with the team, call 03 5442 2997 or visit percyandpercy.com.au

NEW ERA AHEAD FOR ETHICAL AND INCLUSIVE FASHION BRAND

Paige Davies is no stranger to the fashion industry. For the past decade, she has run the popular boutique Frankie and Co., empowering women to feel confident in their fashion choices. After noticing a gap in the market between fast fashion and high-end designer pieces, Paige was inspired to also launch Lunar Fox in August 2021.

Lunar Fox is a women’s clothing boutique selling consciously designed pieces that embody feminine attributes and are interchangeable for every season. Each collection is created with high-quality and ethically sourced fabrics, hand-selected by Paige. Inclusion is important to the brand, with each garment available in sizes 6 to 26 and designed to be flattering on all body shapes.

New and exclusive collections are released every month, and while Lunar Fox currently only has an online presence, Paige is keen to take the brand to the next level. Offering the brand’s collections to brick-and-mortar stores through wholesale and expanding the team from four is on the horizon for the business.

Through Paige’s commitment to ensuring every piece is stylish, timeless and empowering, Lunar Fox has become a label to be treasured in every woman’s wardrobe.

To contact the team at Lunar Fox or make a purchase, head to lunarfox.com.au

Photograph:

Alli Campbell Photography

blooming beauties

With paintbrush and canvas, botanical artist Nadee Jayasekera creates her own flower arrangements, using photographs she’s taken on hikes and country drives as inspiration.

By Marina Williams - Photography by Leon Schoots

Throughout history, flowers have been represented widely in the arts; a universal symbol of beauty, love and comfort.

Artist Nadee Jayasekera has a deep appreciation of florals, describing the botanical treasures as one of the simplest gifts of nature.

“I love flowers. They are not only beautiful but give so much joy – to the person growing them, to the person giving or receiving them. When I put paint to canvas, I am capturing and preserving a flower or botanic that I have seen, which then can be shared with others,” says the artist, a former nutritionist.

“Creating abstract work inspired by nature that surrounds me, makes me so happy.”

Rather than painting in a studio, the artist prefers to apply paint to canvas while under a vine-covered pergola at the edge of her home’s deep verandah.

“I call it my mobile studio,” she laughs. “I wheel out what I need – my paint and brushes in a cabinet on wheels – and I begin. The light is fantastic, and I enjoy looking out across the garden. It is very peaceful. In summer, the vines give some shade and a dappled light; and when it is cold and rainy, I move into that corner of the dining area,” she says, gesturing to a cosy spot beside a large window that overlooks another garden area.

Nadee’s works have been exhibited in regional Victoria and Brisbane since 2022, and she hosts workshops in Bendigo. She is artistically influenced by the work of acclaimed Australian painter David Hart, becoming captivated by the dynamism of his creations more than 10 years ago.

“I walked into his gallery and went ‘wow’ – the colours and the textures bouncing off each other took me to another world. I see my style as bolder and more vivid, more dramatic.”

As a nutritionist, Nadee was at the heart of a patient’s health, using her knowledge of the science of food to help them make the right choices about what they ate. As a botanical artist, she is feeding their heart and soul through art.

“My goal is to connect with people through my art to bring joy and curiosity. I feel honoured when a person shares a feeling or experience on seeing my artwork. I believe art is therapy that can transport us all to a beautiful world of possibilities and open communication.”

Using acrylic as the main media, Nadee describes each unique piece as an experiment with bold colours and textures – leaning towards an autumnal palette for one piece to a richer, more bold layering of colours for the next, depending on the subject matter.

“It could be a floral arrangement inspired by a bouquet that was given as a gift, a flower I have seen on a walk through the bush or on the side of the road. Each artwork could be an amalgam of flowers that I have seen over time. I work them together to create a colourful bouquet on canvas.”

The heavy texture and layering of colours give a dramatic flair, ensuring each flower pops from the canvas. The artist favours flat brushes (“better for layering”), and Atelier or Golden paint for their rich pigmentation.

“I love experimenting with texture and depth in my artwork. Yet, I am my own worst critic, especially during the creative process. I sometimes struggle to let go of a work in progress, but I have learned to take breaks and step away from the canvas. Once I add my signature, that is it, I don’t touch it.”

Creativity is in her blood, she adds, crediting her grandmother for nurturing her creative passion.

“My grandmother on my father’s side, who has long passed, was very creative. She did very beautiful craft work, and was very artistic.”

The native of Sri Lanka says she always had a pencil or pastel in hand growing up, spending hours sketching or painting. She studied art until Year 10, opting to choose additional STEM subjects to enhance her university prospects of studying nutrition.

“When it came to tertiary education, it was expected that it would be a university overseas. I wanted to study nutrition, which I love to this day. One of my friends was living in the US; she suggested that we could be roommates and go to college there.

“It was very tempting, and I was like, ‘yeah, why not?’. I loved nutrition. I knew I was going to study it, but always in the background was art.”

At 19, Nadee enrolled in the State University of New York, majoring in nutrition. In an interesting twist of fate, her passion and curiosity about art would soon come to the fore.

“In your first year, the university encourages the studying of subjects that were not part of your major – basically, do anything

but that. I felt it was meant to be and, of course, I did art. I don’t think anyone knew that I loved art that much at such a young age. In opening up to these opportunities to study, and work in studios and the visual arts, I learned so much.

“It was where I gained the basic knowledge of colour theories and textures, and using materials, including a canvas for the first time. I still stayed with nutrition because that’s what I promised myself. I loved it and still do.”

That same year, Nadee sold her first painting.

“I was so touched – a friend loved one of my pieces and still has it.”

After two long winters living close to the US-Canada border, she “was done”, transferring to The University of Queensland to complete her degree as a nutritionist, then later working in a public hospital.

“My husband was studying medicine, his family was in Brisbane, so I moved there. We married in Sri Lanka, returned and started a family.

“I was working but it was tricky with raising two kids and, after his parents moved, not having the family network for support. So I left my job to be there for the children, and I eventually picked up the brushes again. I initially just painted for myself, but my friends wanted to buy pieces, and really embraced what I did, encouraging me to consider myself an artist.

“Some friends still have those early works, and I can see how my technique has evolved.”

After 20 years in Brisbane and a few years in Melbourne, Nadee and her family moved to Bendigo in 2020, settling into a semi-rural property complete with expansive gardens.

It was a time when she began to paint consistently, creating her own flower arrangements using photographs and sketches taken on hikes and country drives as inspiration.

“It is so peaceful here; I can paint or sketch for hours,” she says.

“I feel very grounded here. Even though my career path took a different turn, my passion for creating art never left.”

To discover more about Nadee’s artwork visit www.instagram.com/ nadee.j.art/ or www.nadeejart.com

TOP RACING RETURNS

The March long weekend saw some of the world’s best cyclists converge on Bendigo

Despite the heat, the competition at the long-awaited 50th Bendigo International Madison was fierce, with the 200-lap pairs race warmly welcomed back to the Tom Flood Sports Centre after a four-year hiatus.

Sandy, Tiahna and Robyn

David and Rick

Oliver and Kurt

Charlotte, Victoria, Lula, Craig and Daisy

John and Lydia

Matt and Michael

BUTTERFLY WALK UNITES BENDIGO

Paper butterflies and the colour blue flooded the streets of Bendigo in March in honour of loved ones lost.

More than 220 people united to walk for suicide awareness, supporting each other through their grief in the hope of reducing the stigma of suicide. The annual walk was the 11th held by the Suicide Prevention Awareness Network (SPAN) Central Victoria.

Dushy, Steph, Jess, Lindsay and Haley

Jo, Maddy, Brock and Oakley

Mick, Alannah and Bette

Emma, Jahliya, Jaymee, Dannalee and Julie

Michelle, Joylene and Andrew

Noah, Marshall, Helena and Alex

self-publish & be damned

Three Castlemaine authors go solo to place their work in the hands and minds of readers.

By Dianne Dempsey - Photography by Leon Schoots

The aphorism ‘publish and be damned’ is generally attributed to the Duke of Wellington, who was being threatened by a newspaper editor. In the case of three Castlemaine writers, the decision to self-publish is a response to a risk-averse publishing industry. Nowadays, it seems to prefer writers who come to them with established social media profiles or who fit within a fashionable, literary paradigm.

After being rejected by publishers, or being offered a questionable contract, Jane Cafarella, Mary Garden and Tom Robb decided to go it alone and self-publish.

Kristin Gill promotes writers and book events in Central Victoria and is able to identify a decent manuscript when she sees one. She observed that the memoirs of these writers were clearly written from the perspective of mature people who had come through life’s vicissitudes with grace, compassion and valuable insights.

From my own point of view, their memoirs are a refreshing change from the current fashion for celebrities writing about an identity crisis or the time they fell off a ski lift in St Mauritz – often with the help of a ghost writer.

The first page of Jane Cafarella’s memoir Cleaved – A Story of Loss, Legs and Finding Family immediately assures the reader they are in the hands of an accomplished writer. A playwright and former Age journalist, Jane’s memoir is deeply personal and highly engaging – the sort of writing with that ‘can’t put down’ quality. But Jane didn’t blithely dash off a list of childhood memories. She knew that writing a book required different skills to writing plays or feature stories; and as such, sought out the services of a skilled structural editor.

The first theme she weaves through her memoir is that of a childhood spent dealing with a rare medical condition, congenital lymphoedema, which resulted in progressive swelling in her right leg. The second theme is that of family estrangement: when her father made the disastrous decision to leave his family for his wife’s sister, Jane subsequently assigned herself to her mother, and her sister to her father. Jane writes with care and sensitivity of the years that followed when her family tried to resolve the painful schism.

Mary Garden’s previous book, Sundowner of the Sky, is a biography of her father, a fearless aviation pioneer from New Zealand. Shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s History Award in 2020, it examines her father’s deeply troubled personal life as well as his public life. Mary’s first book, The Serpent Rising, which won the High Country Indie Award in 2021, is a gripping account of how as a young woman she left New Zealand seeking spiritual enlightenment and instead found exploitation and pain at the hands of an Indian guru.

Her latest book, My Father’s Suitcase, is a deep exploration of her troubled relationship with her sister – a sister who was maliciously abusive, both physically and emotionally. “People often dismiss sibling abuse as sibling rivalry, but it is a much more destructive force than that,” Mary says, adding that it is a topic rarely explored in literature.

Jane Cafarella

Mary Garden

Tom Robb

Tom Robb, the third writer in this trilogy of self-publishers, has written his memoir, From the Top, from the perspective not so much of a survivor but of a glorious victor. After a grim childhood growing up with a mentally ill mother in Ballarat – after surviving abuse and orphanages and neglect – Tom describes how he went on to have a wonderful life. For more than 30 years, he was the producer of gorgeous Moulin Rouge-style extravaganzas that involved Tom and his Spanish partner Luis Moreno travelling the world to produce theatre in places as varied as Paris, Africa and America.

Written in a light conversational voice, Tom allows the reader to live a delicious, vicarious life, filled with glamorous showgirls, film stars, musicians, sundry gorillas, and camels. A set designer, sculptor and artist, Tom knows how to set up a story and how to keep his audience engaged. He has a clever turn of phrase and wicked sense of humour. While he now lives in humble retirement in Campbells Creek, Tom says: “I don’t feel the need or desire to taste anything new, having gorged on the lotus for the longest time.”

There is a caveat to successful self-publishing. All three writers went through a rigorous process of refining and editing their work; taking advice from professionals and, importantly, acting on that advice. They also paid for the services of reputable editors, marketing professionals and in some cases, cover designers and distributors.

Kristin Gill says self-publishing is a great option for people who are prepared to be project managers and who are ready to fund that process. “While the financial outlay can be considerable, they will sit comfortably alongside the books released by the big publishing houses and will be a much more attractive proposition to booksellers, book buyers and libraries. ‘Discoverability’ is everything.”

From the Top and My Father’s Suitcase can be bought via www.northernbooksshop.com.au and good bookshops.

Cleaved is available for download at janecafarella.com.au/books

Kristin Gill

A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE

A vibrant taste of Latin America was offered to locals during a special event at the Garden for the Future.

Through dancing, music and delicious food, organisers of the Bendigo Latin Festival shared their countries and cultures with pride to thousands. The fourth annual event was one of many organised in Bendigo to celebrate Harmony Month.

Open 7 Days 8 am to 4 pm

Public Holidays 9am - 4pm

We look forward to welcoming you seven days a week with our traditional opening hours. The Das Kaffeehaus & Coffee Basics Team

Alison and Meagan

Andrew, Kelly, Charlotte and Paul

Kelly and Vickie

Salwa and Sandra

FRESHLY ROASTED IN CASTLEMAINE

From day one at Girton Grammar School, your child will embark on a unique experience that fosters the acquisition of lifelong skills and interests. We want every child to start each day with a sense of anticipation, happiness, and curiosity about what lies ahead. Every day we see our youngest students taking delight in their learning, and parents experiencing joy in their children’s accomplishments. Small children will discover they can do big things in a nurturing environment designed for growth and success.

HARMONY IN FULL COLOUR

During Harmony Month, everyone was welcomed to the Golden Square Pool to experience a treasured Indian tradition.

The Bendigo Holi Festival saw crowds decked out in white clothes cover each other in colourful powder to represent different cultures coming together. The largest Holi festival in regional Victoria also featured dhol drummers and Bollywood dancers to entertain attendees.

Discover how our exceptional education in Prep at Girton shapes your child’s development right from the start.

Contact our Registrar or visit our website: girton.vic.edu.au.

Amelia, Jennifer and Memphis

Leasa, Damian, Rome, Chase and Lincoln

Ren, Freya and Liam

Girija, Mamata and Jassi

Mehareet and Anahita

Sam, Lyndal, Becc, Luca, Hope and Shanae

a deeper

determination

This BSSC alumna is inspiring females to go further in their chosen industries.

By Danielle Snowdon - Photography by Leon Schoots

Back in 2009, as a Year 12 student at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Kelsey Tilburn never would have dreamed she would end up in the position she finds herself in today.

As Deepcore Drilling’s people and culture superintendent, Kelsey is a key member of the leadership team, overseeing major projects and HR operations.

“From an 18-year-old who had no idea where she wanted to go career-wise, I have now found myself building a successful career in human resources; helping and guiding people within the industry.”

After graduating from BSSC – although not 100% sure of her career path – Kelsey was eager to gain experience and skills that would help her in the future, so accepted a business administration traineeship at a local law firm. From there, she embraced every opportunity to learn and take on challenges, building her confidence along the way.

Fast forward to 2015 and Kelsey decided to get outside her comfort zone and gain work experience in a different field.

“Deepcore Drilling was a new venture for me: I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” she says. “I knew I was ready for a change, but this was going to be a totally different world from what I was used to.”

Much like Kelsey with her traineeship, her new employer Deepcore Drilling started from humble beginnings. The company began as a small operation in Stawell in 2005 and has become a leader in drilling in Australia, with over 350 staff and 40-plus diamond drill rigs in operation throughout the country.

For Kelsey, one of her greatest achievements has been persisting –and thriving – in a male-dominated industry.

“Before I started at Deepcore in 2015, there were around 250 staff, with just four females in the entire business. The Bendigo office only had one casual female employee,” she reflects.

“I found myself surrounded by very colourful personalities in a maledominated, blue-collared industry. To say it was an adjustment was an understatement, but it didn’t take long for the place to feel like home.”

Starting out as an office administrator, Kelsey quickly developed the skills and confidence needed to succeed in her new environment.

Through the years, she progressed to HR coordinator before stepping up to her current position as people and culture superintendent.

“My duties changed from general administration to high-level HR matters. I now find myself with a seat at the table; my voice being heard amongst fellow leaders within the business.”

The role has seen Kelsey travel around the country to visit drill sites, often in remote locations.

Seeing first-hand the work that Deepcore Drilling’s employees do allows her to gain a deeper insight into the company to help make critical business decisions and support staff spanning across a range of roles.

“I have been incredibly lucky with the opportunities that have been presented to me, but with that luck there has also been a huge amount of hard work and personal growth.”

Although the thought of ever studying beyond Year 12 used to be met with trepidation, Kelsey has gone on to complete a Diploma of Human Resources and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Business, majoring in human resource management.

For young people facing decisions about which path to take once school finishes, Kelsey has some sound advice.

“There are so many avenues to get to different places in life,” she says confidently. “Go out and experience life a little; you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that will present themselves to you. Work hard and always back yourself.”

With a quiet assurance, Kelsey says she would encourage other females to put themselves out there and refuse to be fearful about breaking into industries with roles traditionally held by men.

“There is a lot of support for women. Don’t let the idea of a maledominated industry deter you from what you want to do or what you’re interested in.”

While some aspects of working in HR have their stressful moments, Kelsey’s favourite way to unwind is a walk around the lake – a good coffee in hand – with her two loyal bulldogs, Willow and Griffin.

“The role has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. To see female operational workers succeeding in the drilling industry is such a win for me,” she says with a smile.

“I’m proud to say I have played a part in encouraging females within the workforce.”

EASTER ART SHOW COMES EARLY

A special sneak peek of this year’s Easter Art Show was offered to those keen to purchase their dream piece.

The night before the show officially opened, the Town Hall was filled with art lovers enjoying more than 800 works on display. The event serves as an annual fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Bendigo.

ZACH MARTIN

“This college really was the only choice for me.”

OLIVIA JOHNSTONEMCCLOUD

“BSSC sets you up brilliantly for university and the wider world.”

ALICE MCKELLAR

“BSSC has an incredible array of subjects and everyone here is very supportive.”

JOSH RUSSELL

“The college is a place where you are encouraged to be an individual.”

BSSC offers the greatest choice of subjects for senior secondary students in Victoria.

With a wide range of flexible learning options, BSSC is designed to create an environment that supports learners at every level.

BSSC OPEN DAY - SUN 28 JULY, 11AM-2PM

Take a tour of the college, chat to staff and let us design a study program that’s right for you.

Linda, Marion and Lachlan

Jess and Sophia

Sue and Kezia

Richard and Ryan

Steve and Karen

Terri and Michelle

EASTER ENLIGHTENS AT THE STUPA

The latest Enlighten event at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion featured a delightful and cuddly guest.

The Easter Bunny spread joy and cheer as he hopped around the Peace Park, which was transformed into an immersive light experience. Alongside the magical lighting, the event featured beloved staples such as roaming performers and delicious food.

Andrew and Kerstin

Charlotte and Andrew

Narelle, Jess and Remi

Blake, Elouise and April

Kevin, Maddie and Louie

Paul, Henry, Bill and Renee

honeysuckle cottage studio

A distinct turning point in Roz Effenberg’s arts practice occurred when she was attending a workshop in a little Japanese village, studying the art of Saori weaving.

By Dianne Dempsey - Photography by Leon Schoots

At one point during the five blissful days of the workshop, Roz looked up and realised that after many years of working and raising her family, she was finally doing something for herself. Previously, she had always juggled her arts practice with housework and children.

“But for these few days in Japan, all I had to do was sit and absorb, learn and create,” Roz says. “I gave myself permission to do that; it was an epiphany for me. Now I make a point of going somewhere as often as possible.

“I like to attend a Saori weaving workshop in Hepburn Springs run by Saori artist and teacher Prue Simmons.”

Roz says the workshops act as a retreat, providing participants with opportunities for relaxation and the nurturing of creativity.

Developed in the mid-20th century, Saori weaving embraces flaws or mistakes when weaving. Rather than trying to correct them, artists are encouraged to explore the benefits of their mistakes.

The other appeal of Saori weaving for Roz is that the relatively small loom allows the use of one pre-wound warp. By using the one warp, Roz can make several individual weavings without having to re-thread her loom every time she wants to start a new piece.

Sharing her skills and love of crafts is a significant part of Roz’s modus operandi and she likes to share her Japanese workshop epiphany story with the many people who attend her Honeysuckle Cottage Studio. The cottage is where Roz develops her own practice, but it is also a haven for many women who want to learn more crafting skills.

In a sense, she recreates the peaceful atmosphere she experienced in Japan.

As Roz runs a workshop or teaches crochet and makes tea for her students, the participants quietly chat or simply enjoy the calming and meditative benefits of doing craftwork.

The walls of Honeysuckle Cottage are covered in Roz’s art and give the visitor an insight into the range of her work. A recurring motif is the colour blue, a colour she loves to develop and explore using different techniques.

“I started tie-dyeing in the 1970s, which was very popular then,” Roz says. “But I also love the Japanese dyeing technique of shibori.

“As with tie-dyeing, shibori also uses indigo but we explore shapes and patterns using different techniques to tie-dyeing,” Roz says. “These involve folding and clamping. The shapes are more geometric than the circular shapes associated with tie-dyeing. Shibori also uses simple stitching to create patterns.”

As Roz hovers over her mysterious vat of indigo, adding water and some chemicals, she becomes an alchemist exploring the deep, enigmatic hues of the indigo dye. The fabrics Roz dips into her vat are natural, often cotton or silk and frequently brought from op shops.

Apart from retreats, Roz has been inspired to create unique pieces when invited to participate in collective exhibitions; an experience she particularly enjoys, as it allows her to meet and work with other artists.

Along with fellow artists Yvonne George, Sharon Greenaway, Andre Sardone and Troy Firebrace, Roz was invited to participate in the Kenetic Art that Moves exhibition in 2022. When the artists were asked to install their work around the Kennington Reservoir, Roz made a series of silk, shibori-dyed panels that held sway above the water. While the banners were made of silk panels, the seams were made of old jeans, acknowledging the principle of recycling fabrics that she so strongly believes in.

In the 2023 exhibition, sponsored by the Bendigo Visitors Centre, six textile artists presented individual interpretations of the word ‘cloak’. They also wove a collective piece in front of the general public, happily demonstrating the art of weaving.

As a textile artist, Roz says she is inspired by the bush, the beach and her garden. Her pieces in the Follow Your Heart exhibition held in Dudley House integrated textile work with objects from nature. The unique marks of a shell, for example, were complemented with a weaving, or crochet pattern.

“My head is always bursting with ideas,” Roz says. “I keep a journal where I sketch and write ideas.” She also keeps a photography file for inspiration and will often take photos of the patterns of the sand or shells or leaves.

That Roz is passionate about her work is an understatement. And the older she becomes, the more she believes in the imperative of following your heart.

“I’m currently structuring my life so I have more time to work on my projects – before time runs out,” she laughs.

You can contact Roz on Facebook or email roz.effenberg@outlook.com

Discover unparalleled real estate success with Greg Heard & Darcie Fry. With exceptional negotiation skills and a precise, measured sales strategy that ensures the optimal outcome when selling your home. Trust Greg & Darcie for outstanding results.

M: 0436 200 250

E: greg.heard@mckeanmcgregor.com.au

DARCIE FRY

M: 0436 200 250

E: darcie.fry@mckeanmcgregor.com.au

COMPETITION ON AT EGG HUNT

The squeals of excited children could be heard from afar as the Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt returned.

Youngsters combed through Rosalind Park on Good Friday, hoping to discover as many of the staggering 130,000 chocolate eggs as possible. The fun day of searching was capped off with an adults-only hunt featuring a special accessory – blindfolds.

Blair and Scarlett

Jess, Jordyn, Harlee and Dane

Sally and Elsie

Jack and Lina

Marlie and Wolfe

Elana and Shane

EASTER IN BENDIGO

A jam-packed schedule of events awaited the thousands of people excited to celebrate the Bendigo Easter Festival.

From parades and carnival rides to markets and music, there was tons of fun to be had by everyone. A special focus on the 150th anniversary of women’s cricket in Australia was a particular highlight for festival-goers.

Belinda and Lionel

Ike, Vikki, Damian, Kalista and Luke

Val and Bill

Eleanor, Olivia and Jamie

Tessa and Jackson

Zara, Tate, Sinead and Amelia

leading by example

A new role at Bendigo Health, born from reconciliation, aims to help strengthen career opportunities for First Nations people.

By Katie Nicole - Photography by Kate Monotti

Morgan Carter wants to lead by example to create positive change for First Nations people in the healthcare industry.

As Aboriginal cultural workforce mentor at Bendigo Health – a new position created in September – her primary aim is to improve the recruitment and retention of the organisation’s First Nations workforce.

“A big focus is on making sure people feel culturally safe and supported, they feel like they’re getting a good career experience, and they’re able to achieve the things they want to,” she says.

Morgan’s career pathway has seen her gain experience in a number of areas at Bendigo Health.

She started at the organisation in 2016 as a health services assistant while studying health promotion, and she has also spent time as a ward clerk and in the COVID clinics.

When reflecting on her career, she credits the variety of work available as a reason for her commitment to Bendigo Health.

“I think it was the variation; knowing that even with my foot in the door, I could continue to progress my career here,” she says.

“I could continue to work in different spaces and work in nonclinical, but also the clinical areas if I want to.”

As an Indigenous woman, Morgan understands the challenges faced by First Nations people when seeking employment.

“Recruitment can be quite overwhelming so I think giving people an option to reach out when they’re applying is going to help hopefully increase those numbers.”

Her role was created as a direct action from Bendigo Health’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The benefits of bolstering the First Nations workforce is twofold; it allows First Nations patients to feel more comfortable accessing the service and gives meaningful representation of what is

achievable with a career in healthcare.

“I think the best people to care for First Nations patients are always going to be First Nations staff,” she says. “It’s a leadby-example approach; if you see people do this (working in healthcare), more people are often going to follow.”

Through the creation of this role, Morgan has the opportunity to create powerful change from within.

“My days at the moment have been around creating the new Aboriginal Employment Plan for Bendigo Health, which was approved by the Bendigo Health executive recently,” she says.

One of Morgan’s priorities is ensuring that First Nations people are aware of the options available to them, in both clinical and nonclinical spaces. There are plenty of options for those without formal qualifications at Bendigo Health.

“We’re going to do a big focus on looking at positions that, while they say you need certain skills, we can take into consideration things like liaising with community and helping their families, seeing how those skills translate as a benefit to professional development,” she says.

Morgan also creates and maintains relationships with the likes of the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative and Djaara, along with universities, TAFEs and high schools.

“It’s about building those connections to make sure that we can capture students when they are young, and help them on their path,” she says.

“I think that it comes down to generating more staff; so, making sure that we get more people who are wanting to work in healthcare, who are wanting to study and complete degrees, who want to follow their passions.”

To read Bendigo Health’s Reconciliation Action Plan, visit: www.bendigohealth.org.au/ReconciliationActionPlan/

WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER

for creatures great and small

A

local dog park is also a haven for native fish on the comeback trail.

By Anthony Radford

Harcourt Dog Park in Strathdale is a place of connection. A blend of young families, the elderly, Boomers, and Gen Zs, all from different walks of life, coming together in the sunshine with one thing in common.

Their dogs are just as diverse. Big, small, short, long, Australian, Afghan, European. Less of a potpourri, more a poo-pourri (all collected in those green organic bags, of course).

The park can get very busy very quickly, especially around the three wetlands, which are clearly the fur babies’ favourite spots. It’s here another important connection is coming together, also with a love for an animal species, albeit one that’s a little smaller and a lot quieter.

A team is preserving and protecting several species of small-bodied native fish, and the dog park wetlands are playing a role.

And it’s a big team – the North Central Catchment Management Authority, City of Greater Bendigo, Djaara, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Native Fish Australia, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Australia New Guinea Fishes Association, Victorian Department of Energy,

Environment, and Climate Action, and the Tri-State Alliance of seven natural resource bodies along the Murray from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

They’re all working together at the Harcourt Dog Park, as well as other public and private dams around the region, to bring seven species of fish back almost from the dead.

The project is a great example of governments and volunteers acting quickly to do something special, according to North Central CMA project manager Dr Peter Rose.

“The southern pygmy perch has been extinct from the Bendigo Creek since the 1860s gold rush, and the olive perchlet was last recorded in Victoria in 1929,” he says.

“We’re breeding these two species together in the dog park wetlands, alongside the most famous of our species – the southern purplespotted gudgeon.”

The southern purple-spotted gudgeon is better known as the zombie fish. It was discovered in the Reedy Lakes system near Kerang a few years ago, after being declared extinct in Victoria in 1997.

Its rediscovery made news around the world. Then-premier Dan Andrews tweeted about it, and the UK press went mad. After some breeding success, one well-known London red top ran with the headline: “Rampant sex-mad zombie fish released into the wild.”

But sometimes, being famous, vulnerable and decidedly colourful isn’t enough to ensure your survival. That’s where the dedicated team of local and metropolitan saviours has stepped up.

“The City of Greater Bendigo has taken the opportunity to create and revegetate some local urban wetlands across the city in a way that is perfect for these fish,” Dr Rose says.

“The dog park in Strathdale is one spot and is a perfect one. Inflows are mostly from rainfall, and the city has planted reeds, and added logs and rocks to ensure their success.

“On top of that, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Middle Creek Farm in Gippsland, and the Victorian Fisheries Authority are breeding fish to stock here and in other places, to ensure long-term genetic diversity.”

For City of Greater Bendigo parks and open space manager Chris Mitchell, the program is the perfect way to value-add to community facilities.

Photograph by Doug Gimesy

“Our natural reserves staff have been supporting the efforts to bring these species back and it’s great to see the project is having such success in waterways across the city,” he says.

“It’s been a fantastic joint project that could have significant benefits for many parts of Victoria in the future.”

The involvement of SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium in the breeding program is more than just practical. Visitors can see the scientists and fish in action when they visit the Southbank aquarium, in the Wetlands Recovery Nursery on level one.

“The exposure our rehabilitation projects are getting at such a worldclass aquarium in a major metropolitan centre is priceless,” Dr Rose says.

“But it’s more than that. SEA LIFE’s education programs allow even more people to develop a great understanding of how important this work is.”

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium exhibit manager Tereza Todd agrees.

“We have had great success in breeding southern purple-spotted gudgeon and olive perchlet at SEA LIFE Melbourne,” she says.

“We are so proud to be part of this conservation project that is helping improve habitats while also educating the public, who can see them up close at the aquarium.”

All this work and all this collaboration is paying off.

“Our last survey recorded 123 olive perchlet, 124 southern pygmy perch and 60 zombie fish, all different ages,” Dr Rose says.

“Not only does that mean they’re breeding, but they’re breeding alongside each other, which is great news.

“The next step is to introduce them back into the wild and the connection will be complete.”

GOLFING FOR GOOD

Teams of golfers gathered on the green in Epsom for a life-changing game in March.

Fierce competition between local businesses and organisations saw over $12,000 raised at the Otis Charity Golf Game, with only a few points separating the winners. The annual game, hosted by the Otis Foundation, supports those who have been affected by breast cancer.

hello@soulcarebendigo.com.au www.soulcarebendigo.com.au

Team Bendigo Telco

Team McCormick Harris

Team Strategem

Team Cavalier Homes

Team St John of God

Team Bendigo Golf Club

BLOCK PARTY FOR ALL AGES

If you’ve ever thought you’re too old for LEGO, think again – Bendigo Bricks 2024 proved otherwise with its enthusiastic crowd, young and old.

They marvelled at the more than 150 builds on display, which included iconic Bendigo locations, scenes from Star Wars, and best of all, a large community-built mosaic from this year’s Easter Festival.

Arnold Street, North Bendigo

Country Hearing Care’s latest clinic is located just 500m from Bendigo Health and will provide much needed Audiology services for the local community. Offering hearing tests for adults and children, the latest hearing device technology, Cochlear implant services, wax removal, tinnitus support and more!

James and Cam

Jack and Jules

Marcel ,Toby and Phillippa

Blair and Drake

Jayden, Angus and Neve

Rafael and Marchel

SCAN ME

underneath the arches

Our Bendigo Magazine columnist takes a moment or more to admire the function and form of the bridges of old that punctuate the Central Victorian landscape.

Words and illustration by Geoff

Hocking

Coming into Bendigo the other day, I drove under the railway bridge in Chapel Street, Kangaroo Flat, and remarked on the skill of the early colonial railway engineers, stonemasons and bricklayers who created charming, arched tunnels, faced with cut-stone corner quoins and capped with granite blocks.

They created functional architectural forms for industrial purposes that were designed to stand the test of time – and they have.

There are several arched bridges of similar beauty on the Bendigoto-Echuca line that we either drive under or over as we make our way back and forth around our city, and do we pay them much heed at all? These beautiful constructions start at Chapel Street, the next is over Ham Street, then Hunter, you go under at Laurel Street, then over again at Thistle and Myrtle.

I do lament the loss of the lovely three-arch bridge, that long bridge

that spanned the railway line and shunting yards in Myrtle Street. Today, this is just another concrete-and-steel construction that has little beauty. Whatever it is called today, to me it will always be the three-arch bridge.

The early Victorian colonists didn’t muck about when it came to providing infrastructure that would both last and add a sustainable elegance to the community at large.

The first rail line out from the centre of Melbourne was to Geelong, which opened on June 25, 1857. Several years later, in 1864, the rail line from Melbourne to the inland Port of Echuca was opened. This line was constructed to enable goods, mainly primary produce – wool and wheat – to be conveyed from the rich farms on the Riverina to southern ports, without having to travel all the way to the mouth of the Murray at Goolwa. This line was, of course, also able to provide passenger services to all the towns along the line.

The line could have gone straight into Bendigo through the Porcupine (Harcourt) to Ravenswood and beyond, following the old diggers’ trail, but took a turn towards Castlemaine mainly because of solid political lobbying and the foundries in Castlemaine, which were in the business of making steel rails and steam engines.

On the way into Castlemaine, the line was forced to go underground, through a long tunnel at Elphinstone, then several bridges had to be built over the new line before it took the wide arch into town. A huge embankment was constructed that split the town in two, and more bridges were built – several as the line passed through the town, one at the Bendigo end, and two more over miners’ trails, and another at Harcourt before it made its way back to the easy run towards Ravenswood, then entering the Big Hill tunnel.

Going through the tunnel was one of the exciting experiences of train travel in the old days of steam locomotion. As the train slowed, chugging its way up towards Big Hill from Kangaroo Flat, it entered the deepening chasm cut into the hillside then suddenly the carriage would go dark and soot and smoke would be blown back along the carriages, seeping in through cracks around the windows or loose doorways. After just a minute had passed, the train would burst into bright light out the other side.

We rarely travelled to Melbourne by train, but did ride the rails every Melbourne Cup Day to the Ravenswood Siding for the annual combined Sunday School Picnic.

Children from most of the Christian congregations across Bendigo gathered in their tribal groups: Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Congregationalists, Baptists and Uncle Tom Cobbly and all. The great train adventure beckoned us all. We were primed and ready to pass through ‘The Tunnel’ out into the light to descend again and on towards the picnic ground at the Ravenswood siding. Once upon a time, the state of Victoria was criss-crossed by rail lines linking regional country towns with one another and with centres of freight. Wheat silos were built beside country stations but these are mostly disused today; lines have been closed, many ripped up, stations turned into community hubs, art galleries and souvenir shops.

I remember travelling by train from Bendigo to Maryborough for an interschool sports competition when I was at secondary school. This line has been largely ripped out, the sleepers piled up, sold to landscape suppliers or burnt. The line between Castlemaine and Maryborough is likely to become a recreational bicycle trail.

The Maldon line has been saved by teams of volunteers working for more than 30 years and operates regularly, providing a steam-travel tourist experience. A ride on the Maldon train is truly a journey back in time.

Chapel Street Bridge, Kangaroo Flat

Ham Street Bridge, Golden Square

Hunter Street Bridge, Golden Square

Once upon a time, one could travel to Wedderburn, or St Arnaud or Newstead or Rushworth, Colbinabbin and much more. A traveller could even get to Geelong from Bendigo by rail, but needed a detour to Carisbrook before turning towards Ballarat and on to the city by the sea. One could even travel as far as Portland via Maryborough and Ballarat. I dare say it took quite some time to arrive, but in the days before the automobile people did take their time. Today, all these places are only accessible by road, by car, or as Mr Google Maps also advises, by bus, by bicycle or on foot.

I got out of the car on the Chewton-to-Fryerstown Road the other day, at the lovely brick-and-granite rail bridge that spans the roadway first used by gold-diggers a century or more ago. I stood by the side of the road to take in the fine lines and craftsmanship that had gone into this functional construction. The arch is graceful as it spans the road at an angle, its granite quoins are carefully designed, cut and faced beyond pure function. The lines of red brick have not wavered in all that time, and it was capped off with a fine tracery of a simple wrought iron guardrail of geometric design. I thought, “How lovely was this!” From a time before mechanical diggers, when labourers built with pick and shovel, and bricks were made in a kiln nearby and carted by horse and dray, that stone was quarried and cut by mallet and chisel in the hands of a true craftsperson. That a draftsman had drawn such a thing of beauty and elegant form to stand, just somewhere, or anywhere, out in the bush where few would ever pay it any mind at all.

But just like all the other lovely granite, bluestone, brick and wrought iron examples of the engineers’ art, most have been added to by a current generation determined to leave their own mark on history – taggers.

Next time you drive under any of the arches beneath the railway line, just take a moment. Someone once cared enough to make it pleasing for you… and it wasn’t a youth with a spray can.

Laurel Street Bridge, Golden Square

Thistle Street Bridge, Golden Square

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Proud members of the Strathfieldsaye Probus Club gathered to mark a huge milestone.

The social club for retirees marked 25 years in April, with the celebration at the Bendigo Club full of smiles, laughter, and reminiscing, especially for the members who have been active since the very beginning.

WINE. FOOD. FUNCTIONS, WEDDINGS & CONFERENCES

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

Barbara, Kaye, Kay, Von and Colin

Gary, Greg, John and Sally

Murray and Bronwyn

David and Marlene

Joan, Heather, Glenys and Joyce

Peter, Pam and Michael

SIPPING ON SUCCESS

Perfect weather and exceptional wines awaited attendees of the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival.

While sampling more than 100 of the region’s best reds, whites, sparklings, and rosés, the biggest crowd in the festival’s history lounged around Rosalind Park with picnics and got messy during the second Grape Stomp Challenge.

Emma, Alysha and Amanda

Sharee, Kylie, Gabby and Collette

Alex and Karen

Nicola, Lara, Angela, Emily and April

Adam, Kelsey, Adrian and Amber

Caitlyn, Kate and Tara

French connection

Far from the sunny village squares of Provence, Bendigonians meet weekly in the overflow car park of a local dining and pokies venue for a traditional game that invokes a true sense of joie de vivre.

By

Raelee Tuckerman - Photography by Leon Schoots

I witnessed a ‘shooting’ behind the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club recently. There was plenty of ‘pointing’ going on at the time, but no crime was committed and it was all in the name of sporting fun. Invited along to the Thursday morning gathering of the Bendigo Pétanque Club, I arrived expecting to watch the session, take notes and interview players for this story, but somehow found myself with borrowed metal boules (balls) in hand, taking aim at the little wooden cochonnet (jack) that had been tossed out onto the piste (playing area).

By the time I left some two hours later, not only had I learnt the fundamentals of an entertaining game, I’d added some new words to my unschooled French vocabulary and discovered how a club outgrowing its home and a business with space to spare had forged a special community partnership.

In a nutshell, pétanque has similarities to lawn bowls or bocce. Players lob their boules underarm from a stationary position in a starting circle, trying to position them closest to the coche on a surface that is usually gravel. The ‘pointers’ aim to land their boules strategically, while skilled ‘shooters’ can knock an opponent’s boule out of the way with a direct hit.

“Anyone of any age can play pétanque,” says club co-ordinator Jill McArthur. “It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played before. I always tell people, the only thing you need is the ability to laugh.”

Jill was keen to try pétanque 15 years ago, joining the University of the Third Age seniors’ activity group that had a piste operating in Flora Hill, but became so involved in U3A administration that she never actually got to play. After taking some time out four years ago to focus on her health, she decided it was time to start working on her bucket list.

“I approached the U3A committee to see if we could play pétanque again. I knew about a little piste in Olinda Street so I thought we could have a go, and they approved it,” she says, explaining how

Maldon Petanque Club member Bev Forsyth volunteered to come and teach them the ropes.

“We started with eight people but I could see we were quickly going to outgrow the venue. Driving past the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club one day, I realised I never saw cars in the back car park during the day. So, I put together a submission on the history and the health benefits of pétanque and approached sports club manager Adam Larkins – and he agreed we could play here.

“We put down some gravel but the local hoons saw it as an invitation to do donuts, so Adam had it fenced off. We now have 10 pistes, instead of two in Quarry Hill. And we’ve got 42 members, both from U3A and the general community, some who just want to play socially and some who want to be more competitive.”

Plans are afoot for landscaping and a storage shed at the site, and sponsors are being sought to help fund a laptop, scoring boards and other equipment that will allow the club to host tournaments.

Jill says pétanque provides physical and mental health benefits through incidental exercise and social interaction, with lunch at the sports club afterwards an option. During school holidays, members often bring grandchildren along and people with disabilities and their carers are always welcome.

“You can even play pétanque in a wheelchair,” she says. “I’ve always been interested in giving back to the community, particularly activities for the mature-age and all-abilities.”

Pétanque originated in Provence in 1907 as a variation of boules to accommodate a player who had rheumatism so severe he couldn’t run to throw the ball. The piste was shortened and a stationary throwing circle introduced. Its name comes from pieds tanqués, or “feet planted” (on the ground).

Victoria has about 25 registered clubs – mostly in regional areas, including Maldon, Mount Macedon, Woodend and Avoca – and many conduct tournaments with cash prizes.

Newcomer Glynis Malone got involved “accidentally” this year when she went to support a friend.

“A lovely lady said to us, ‘sorry, no watching girls, put some balls in your hand’. And I’m so glad I did because had I just watched, I mightn’t have thought it was for me. Once you start, you get hooked. “The club was so welcoming and they work with praise, not criticism, thank goodness. Sometimes as a newbie you have no idea what you’re doing, but it’s good fun trying.”

Glynis enjoys the camaraderie and the strategy and recently attended her first tournament.

“I think it may have brought out a bit of a competitive side in me that I didn’t know I had!”

Andrew Leckie, meanwhile, has been playing for around 14 years. “I’ve been lucky enough to get to France a couple of times and I’d seen the old guys playing pétanque in the village squares. I was always intrigued by it,” he says.

He began while living in Maldon and still plays there fortnightly, as well as weekly in Bendigo.

Andrew describes his skills as “fair to middling, not as good as the French, but when they start at three years old….”

He is a tournament regular and says the main attraction of pétanque is a combination of its simplicity, its tactical nuances and the teamwork required.

Playing in Avoca is a highlight. “They have a car park in the middle of the main street with traffic on either side. The pistes are set up there and they get about 150 players from all over. It’s a lot of fun.”

So, what does it take to be a skilled pétanque player? “Oh, about 50 years,” Andrew laughs. “I was in a tournament once and had thrown a particularly bad ball when a Frenchman said to me, ‘don’t worry about it, the first 50 years are the hardest’. It’s practise, practise, the same as anything.”

Jill McArthur gains enormous satisfaction from seeing so many people enjoying the game she has resurrected in Bendigo and is grateful to the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club for their support.

“We can’t thank them enough. I am in absolute awe of them and I’d like to think we have a good working relationship that has mutual benefits.”

As for my own introduction to pétanque, I landed a couple of boules in surprisingly good positions (pure beginner’s luck), let more than a few go that missed my intended mark entirely, and some that looked like winners were knocked out by a shooter bang-on-target.

But there were plenty of laughs and a great time was had by all. And that’s exactly the point.

For more information about playing pétanque or sponsoring the Bendigo club, contact Jill McArthur on 0427 493 294 or email jilldm@bigpond.com

GOLDEN DAY OF RACING

At this year’s Golden Mile Raceday, the action off the track was often as exciting as on the course.

More than 3500 racegoers crowded around the track to experience the thrills of city-class racing right here in Bendigo, then tried their luck panning for gold nuggets thanks to the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Your home.

expertise.

Whether you’re looking to buy, invest or refinance, your local CommBank Home Lending Specialists can help provide:

Free customised property reports

Budget guidance and personalised repayment plan

Flexibility to suit your changing needs

Book an appointment today.

CommBank Bendigo 307 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo, 3550

CommBank Strath Village Strath Village Shopping Centre, Cnr Edwards Rd & Condon Street, Kennington, 3550

Leyla Baradi Home Lending Specialist 0436 651 535 Leyla.Baradi@cba.com.au

Bendigo Branch

Marissa Magnusson Home Lending Specialist 0478 401 919 Magnusma@cba.com.au

Strath Village Branch

Maddi Kelly Home Lending Specialist 0499 853 509 Maddison.Kelly@cba.com.au

Bendigo Branch

Mikayla, Georgia-Rose, Hayley and Garry

Tanya, Lyndell, Leigh and Shane

Anthony, Cam and Wes

Ollie, Tom, Jess and Amelia

Jill and Di

Darren and Brent

RUNNERS TAKE ON CHARITY CHALLENGE

Participants in the 2024 O’Keefe Challenge pushed themselves to meet personal bests, all in the name of charity.

Along the stunning O’Keefe Rail Trail stretching between Bendigo and Heathcote, runners of all ages raised funds for the Heathcote Dementia Alliance through a variety of events, including a marathon and relay.

Courtney, Tully and Tori

David, Fraser and Tom

Tom, Andrew and Blake

Darren, Bruce, and Charlie

Emma, Sophie and Lily

Bendigo Harriers Club

the art of gardening

A garden is like a blank canvas. It is the gardener’s art that creates a thing of beauty and is a joy to behold.

By Geoff Hocking

Now in its 35th year, the biennial Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens returns for its 17th presentation, once again during Melbourne Cup Week. From November 2–10, a variety of beautiful and inspiring gardens across Mount Alexander Shire will throw open their gates and invite visitors to come in and enjoy their creations.

Beginning in 1991 to plug the gap in the years between the biennial State Arts Festival, the Festival of Gardens opened with about 50 properties presented. Over time, this number has settled at 24 – enough to make it achievable for visitors to attend as many as possible across the nine-day event.

The theme for the 2024 festival is The Art of Gardening, celebrating the creative expression of the clever gardeners who have turned their patches of soil into environmental masterpieces.

Just like artists do, gardeners employ all the essential elements of art in their creations (colour, line, shape, form, tone and texture), while adding in a good number of the principles as well (contrast, balance, emphasis, proportion, repetition, rhythm, pattern and unity).

Every garden considers these basic tenets of good design quite naturally: repeating patterns of lavender hedges, colourful nandina

forming garden borders, the graceful lines of a cordyline, swathes of gently waving Japanese windflowers or indestructible dietes. Clumps of white daisies contrasting against brilliant blue lobelia or soaring hollyhocks with bursts of colourful flowers.

These are the forms of traditional European gardens, of which many open for the festival will exemplify, while there are also native gardens opening their gates that use Australian plants in exactly the same way: bursts of bottlebrushes, correas, wattles, smooth-barked eucalypts contrasting against ironbarks, paths laid with gravel and natural stone-walled construction, all set against the native remnant bushland that is the feature of the post-mining goldfields landscape. By November, the first tulips should be blooming, poppies will be waving in the breeze, vegetable gardens will be warming in the spring sun and some will even have ignored tradition and put their tomatoes in before the Melbourne Cup has been run.

The 17th Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens has all this, and more, on offer for the garden lover to enjoy.

‘The Stolen Garden’, Chewton

‘A Tranquil Garden’, Cochrane Street, Castlemaine

Among the gardens of note are Clontarf, on Burnett Road, adjacent to Castlemaine’s glorious Botanical Gardens. Established in 1862, Clontarf is a grand Victorian goldfields villa enjoying 1.2 hectares planted with exotic trees, soaring old gums, fruit trees and a walled vegetable and herb garden. It typifies a well-to-do colonial family home with a garden to sustain all that the household once required. There are smaller urban gardens: 152 Hargreaves Street is a typical miner’s cottage set in a garden that tackles a dry climate, surface reefs and a lack of topsoil. However, it is leafy, green, cool and charming.

Birdsong is another (15 Gaffney Street) where even the nature strip has been commandeered and displays a profusion of succulents, natives and perennials. The garden beyond the fenceline is chock-ablock with plants, quirky little potting sheds, wicking pots and chooks. Another garden that has made extensive use of the nature strip is named A Tranquil Garden in Cochrane Street. This is a new home sitting across a sloping landscaped corner block enjoying a tapestry of European and native plants.

Forest Edge, out of town at Muckleford, is a rambling farm garden with shady garden rooms – fruit and nut trees, veggies, and a ‘Hobbit Home’ hidden for kids to enjoy.

There are also some magical transformations: The Stolen Garden in Chewton had just three trees when the current owner started planting in 2019. Today, it is quite beautiful with locally sourced stone walls (all stone was uncovered on site), meandering paths, and plants, plants and more plants. The owner has created a mixture of Mediterranean and Australian garden ideas that suits the dry climate and changing weather patterns.

Porcupine Villa, at 1234 Fogarty’s Gap Road just outside of Maldon, is another miner’s cottage in a country garden that has been attenuated with a rustic clock tower and pirate’s tavern.

And not to forget Antares Art Garden at Newstead, which continues year after year to be one of the most popular examples of the gardener’s art on offer. Roger’s garden is not about plants, but he has created a masterpiece of recycled iron and steel.

There are a further 16 gardens to explore over two weekends during Cup Week.

A souvenir program will be available from July 2024 at selected outlets in Bendigo, or it can be ordered online at www. festivalofgardens.org – cost is $5 plus $5 postage. The festival also has a dedicated social media presence and can be accessed at Castlemaine Festival of Gardens on Facebook and Instagram.

The 17th Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens is on both weekends of Melbourne Cup Week, November 2-10, and individual gardens will be open at various times during the week. This is where the program comes in very handy.

‘Clontarf’, Burnett Road, Castlemaine

‘Porcupine Villa’, Fogarty’s Gap Road, Maldon

MARKING HEALTHY MILESTONES

Bendigo Health gave thanks for the loyal service of longterm staff.

The service awards ceremony recognised those who have worked for the local hospital for between 30 and 45 years.

Geoff and Jenny

Catherine and Kim-Maree

Melissa, Ewa, David and Eileen

Lee and Lyn

Kym and Carol-Anne

Sandra and Annette

FLAVOURFUL AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

A vibrant celebration at the Engine Room saw excited guests fully immerse themselves in African culture.

For an afternoon, organisers of the African Music and Food Party shared their traditions and made new memories in Bendigo. Talented African drummers were a hit with the crowd, with a high-energy dance circle forming.

Jason, Maddy, Kymba and Chayse

Marlene, Montoya, Jenene and Sarah

Richard, Caleb and Eli

Jeanette and Stacey

Ras Ato and Appiah Annan

Tilly, Brad, Indi and Megan

winter wonders

There’s no need to fear the chill of a Bendigo winter if you’re partial to a local red, writes casual appreciator Lauren Mitchell.

Photography by Leon Schoots

Warm the cockles this season with a trio of top drops from three of our best-loved Bendigo region vineyards, from the southern soils of the Mandurang Valley, to the northern reaches of Marong and riverside Serpentine. Take a tour from your very own table. Or, rug up and head to the source during the once-a-year, behind-the-scenes Barrel Tasting Weekend on July 6 and 7.

Both Sandhurst Ridge Vineyard and Mandurang Valley Wines are offering rare winemaker-guided tours of their inner sanctums, including the chance to taste the spoils straight from the oak. Meet the makers and discover what makes Bendigo region wines so very special.

TURNERS CROSSING

2019 SHIRAZ VIOGNIER

Winemaker Rob Ellis has produced a full-bodied red of impeccable balance; think sharp aniseed meets deep purple berries in this Shiraz Viognier from the vineyard beside the Loddon River. This is the ideal accompaniment to your night in and a sure-fire conversation starter among friends. “Where’s Serpentine?” someone asked. “Head out of town via the Borough, and up the Loddon Valley Highway, until you reach the Serp Hotel.” It’s where we hope you’ll also find this famed local label. Share just a dash, and then pair with a beef and red wine casserole.

SANDHURST RIDGE

2017 RESERVE SHIRAZ

The grapes for this top-class Reserve Shiraz were selected from very low-yielding vines, some of which are the oldest at the Sandhurst Ridge estate. The dark berry and plum hues are realised as rich, ripe, dark plum fruit on the palette. The Greblo brothers tell us the wine was matured in French oak barriques for 19 months. Those who can wait another 7-8 years will be further rewarded, although it’s thoroughly enjoyable right now. This bottle was enjoyed over the King’s Birthday long weekend. Cheers to you, Charles!

MANDURANG VALLEY

2019 SHIRAZ

This Shiraz is a surprising bright purple in colour, with a deep and complex aroma embracing cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco and cedar. A viscous and vibrant palate with bold tannins, well-integrated acid, mulberry and dried herbs. It’s less dry than you might imagine, with a full and luscious flavour. In Strathdale, it was paired with a Sunday bolognaise that had simmered for an hour on the stovetop while a Scrabble game resulted in a personal best. A lovely way to toast to a great weekend.

MUMS RAISE FUNDS

The Mother’s Day Classic united mums across Bendigo and surrounds for a good cause on their special day.

Dressed in pink, mums and their families circled Kennington Reservoir for the 4km and 8km fun runs, which were part of the event’s 26th year raising crucial funds for breast and ovarian cancer research.

Your local voice in State Parliament

Beck, Vinny and Mon

Jane, Imogen , Kristy and Chloe

Phil, Mila, Daniella, Fletcher , Patrick and Maci

Harry, Donna and Riley

Kate, Alix, Aaron and Leo

Sarah, Sarron and Joanna

MAKING WAVES

AN ILLUMINATING EVENING

The ILLUMIN8: Festival of Light and Peace was held on a cool evening, but that didn’t bother patrons.

They happily wandered around the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion’s Peace Park, enjoying the light installations, cultural performances and tasty vegetarian and vegan food. The sold-out festival was held to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

Brad, Isla and Sara

Helen and Chantelle

Logan, Ned and Abby

Caitlyn and Hope

Jenny, Hazel, Graham and Sam

Rose and Maya

fiery flavours

Take a deep dive into local foodie, Beau Cook’s winter pick and put a warm kick in a classic dish.

Photography

by Leon Schoots

DEEP DISH PIZZA

Serves 6 – Make dough one day in advance

Ingredients:

• Dough:

• 600g strong bread flour (high protein)

• 10g sea salt flakes

• 7g dried yeast

• 450ml lukewarm water

• 2 tbl. olive oil

• Topping:

• 300g grated mozzarella

• 500g pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• 150g sliced salami

• To serve:

• Fresh basil leaves

• Pickled peppers

• Chilli flakes

Method:

1. In a large bowl, add flour, salt, yeast and water then vigorously mix for two minutes using a wooden spoon until well combined.

2. Drizzle dough with 1 tbl. of olive oil then massage around the sides and fold dough in over itself a few times to form a ball. Cover bowl with cling film and place in the fridge overnight.

3. Four hours before cooking, remove dough from the fridge then deflate by pressing down.

4. Oil a deep-dish, non-stick baking pan (lasagne tray) with 1 tbl. of olive oil, place dough into the pan and roll it around so it is coated in oil, then shape into a small rectangle in the centre of the pan.

5. Cover the pan with an upside-down baking tray to keep the dough from drying and allow expansion, then leave in a warm area for four hours to rise and fill the pan.

6. Once risen, dimple the dough using your fingertips just like you would with a focaccia. Let it rise for another 15 minutes before topping.

7. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 250C on a pizza function (alternatively, use a pizza oven or an oven with a pizza stone).

8. To top the pizza, first spread out the mozzarella so no piece of dough is exposed, then spoon over the sauce and gently spread it out, before finally adding the salami or any topping of your choice.

9. Bake pizza for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top and crispy on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let rest for five minutes before serving serving with basil, peppers and chilli flakes as desired.

CAFE GIVES BACK

By purchasing their morning coffee, customers at Percy and Percy made a big difference.

Community spirit filled the beloved Bendigo cafe as it hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, raising muchneeded funds for the Cancer Council. As a bonus, Bendigo Brittle was also involved, generously gifting peanut brittle with every hot drink bought.

Licenced plumber with over 15 years experience servicing Bendigo and surrounding region.

GENERAL PLUMBING INCLUDING RENOVATIONS & NEW BUILDS

HVAC | EVAPORATIVE COOLING

DUCTED & STANDARD SPLIT SYSTEMS DUCTED GAS HEATING

Gretchen, Elisha and Samara

Linzi and Sam

Sherree, Loni and Cal

Julia and Lisa

Philippa and Liz

Tanya and Nicole

SKATING FUN IN THE SUN

New and experienced skaters rolled into Hargreaves Mall for an afternoon of good times in the sunshine.

After the success of its first outdoor Roller Disco in summer, Dragon City Roller Derby provided tunes for dancing and coaching for people of all ages. The event was supported by the City of Greater Bendigo.

Andrew and Sophie

Isaac, Grace and Bridget

Molly and Mae

Bella and Leira

Katie and Georgie

Valerie, Tiffany and Braxton

a sense of calm

From little things, big things can happen – how architect and homeowner used passive design principles to build a forever-after home on a compact patch of land.

By Marina Williams - Photography by Leon Schoots

Ready for the next chapter in her life, this homeowner was keen to create a home that would feature strong passive design principles and allow her to ‘age in place’.

It also had to feel like a refuge in the inner city, while allowing her to embrace everything that contemporary design would offer – open-plan living, generous spaces to entertain, easy access to private courtyards, two bedrooms and a home office.

The ideal location on which to build was a compact block in Quarry Hill. A steep sloping site in a heritage-overlay area that promised much – a northern orientation that would bring morning sun into a home and, if building up, maximise views across to the east – yet would bring challenges to the design and construction process.

The retired professional turned to Rachel Hannan, architect and director at Eplus Architecture, to put her plans into action.

Together they designed an open-plan, two-storey home that packs a punch on its 229sqm base.

“The project is what typically would be described as ‘infill’ development, with an existing house on the main site set well back from the street,” says Rachel of the design and build process. The site was at the bottom of a rock cutting excavated from a hill in 2008, leaving a narrow section of vacant land fronting the street.

The design plays to the site. Split across four levels, it features two double-storey elements at the front and rear of the property. A single-level kitchen, mid-level, connects these spaces and wraps around a centrally located, north-facing timber deck. The front section “effectively forms a public zone”, says Rachel, housing the living and dining areas, “with the rear double-storey area a private zone for bedrooms and bathing”.

The main bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in robe, and a small powder room is adjacent to the study.

The interior palette is earthy and deliberately muted, with the owner and Rachel collaborating to curate the fixtures, finishes and furniture. Coloured tiles, cabinetry and timber add visual warmth and pop to the interior.

“The flexibility of the house through the creation of a series of interconnected spaces and associated courtyards means this house is well suited to a single occupant, whilst having the ability for spaces to be closed and allowing a number of people to inhabit the house without feeling as though they’re on top of each other,” says Rachel.

With architect and client keen to move away from using gas services and to reduce energy use more broadly, the passive design principles include using thermally broken, double-glazed aluminium windows, combined hydronic heating and cooling (using electric condenser units), concrete floors and a 7.41kw solar power system.

“Another important discussion when designing any house, and something people of all ages are coming to understand, is allowing for all life stages, such as injury and illness, children and prams. Ageing in place is an important consideration for any design and construction,” she says, adding that the size and slope of this block, combined with the client’s brief, were all considered priorities, and how elements such as a lift could be accommodated later, if required.

“Having a client with a clear vision of what she wanted to achieve, with a site benefitting from many of those key elements necessary for

its success, this project allowed the exploration of what it means to successfully develop housing on small, infill sites.”

Other future-proofing initiatives during design and construction laid the foundations for the owner to recently install a battery backup for the solar power system.

In acknowledging the heritage overlay and paying homage to established neighbouring houses, a light, creamy-coloured brick, commonly used in the residential area, was chosen for the front of the house, which also features fixed and sliding decorative screens and glazed ceramic tiles. Lightweight cement sheet clads the rear exterior. Decorative screens also feature internally, adding privacy to the living room and stairs.

All the elements combine to tick off the owner’s wishlist.

“I wanted to blur between inside and outside, so all spaces were usable,” she says. “Building on such a small space, you do have to compromise, balancing those things about position, economic liability and what suits you and how you can live comfortably. It’s an earthy space, it is perfect; and I am pleased that I achieved that with the help of the architect and builder.”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT SHINES THROUGH

Highlighting the best of the community, the third annual Maiden Gully Autumn Festival was a lively gathering.

Hosted by the Maiden Gully Progress Association at Balgownie Estate, visitors browsed through market and food stalls while enjoying live performances, especially from the talented kids at Maiden Gully Primary School.

Amelia, Steph, Adam and Imogen

Amy, Baya and Remi

Liam and Cash

Siara and Mandy

Asher, Jackson and Cassian

Masele, Muaina and Sailimalo

HIGHLIGHTS OF HEATHCOTE

Over the King’s Birthday long weekend, Heathcote came alive with activities celebrating the region’s best-known crafts.

Now in its 15th year, Heathcote on Show saw winemakers, chefs, brewers and musicians displaying their talents across more than 25 locations. Eight wine producers also held pop-ups in the heart of Heathcote, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Ben, Jeff, Milly, Jethro, Bridget, Charlie and Kelly

Francisco, Tasman, Sas, Amellia and Dylan

Lucas, Tom and Joanne

Ellie, Mel, Tony, Terri and Lee

Jasmine, Laura, Sarah, Rachel, Susi, Bruna and Hazuki

Yasmin, Indie and Travis

BUNJA THAI

Bringing fresh and delicious Thai food to Bendigo’s CBD with Thai chefs and table service in an amazing Gold Rush Architectural masterpiece. Fully licensed and open for lunch Mon-Fri and dinner from 5pm Mon-Sat. bunja.com.au AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD | DINE IN | TAKEAWAY

THE CHAMBERS WINE BAR

smashing

boundaries

A local sporting club enjoyed an ‘Indian summer’ when members travelled to the subcontinent for a T20 tournament. The tour soon turned into a collision of cricket, culture and community.

By Raelee Tuckerman - Photography by AJ Taylor and supplied

Never in his wildest dreams did Bendigo cricketer David Blume imagine he would one day tell the tale of scoring a century wearing the green and gold in an international game in India.

Nor did he think he’d be mobbed by enthusiastic fans everywhere he went, obligingly posing for selfies and signing autographs like a true celebrity sportsman.

But that’s exactly what happened when the Marong Cricket Club batsman and coach accepted an invitation to enter a team in a regional tournament in the home-town of his Indian-born clubmate Ankit ‘Andy’ Singh, who has played at the Panthers for the past two seasons.

“I had no idea what to expect, but we were treated like absolute royalty,” says David, who was the leading run scorer at the Skyhawks Cricket Club International T20 Cup, held in April in the

city of Hisar, 165km north-west of Delhi. It involved three local teams and the Aussie visitors.

A squad of 19 players, plus David’s physiotherapist wife Ash, spent two weeks representing Marong on and off the cricket pitch. Ranging in age from 20 to late-50s, they won just one of their seven matches, but everyone came home a winner.

“The actual playing of cricket became almost secondary,” says David. “The experience of being there with people who love cricket and are great people is what I will remember forever. They all wanted to meet us – they had no idea who we were, but they wanted autographs and photos.”

David says the incredible adventure began with a simple text message from Andy, who was in India visiting family last Christmas.

“He asked whether Marong would like to go across to his hometown and play in a tournament. I put some feelers out at training in January and the response was very positive straight away.”

Their Skyhawks hosts were so keen to have them, they basically scheduled the entire tournament around the visiting team’s flight schedule, rolling out the red carpet from day one.

“There were so many moments we will never experience again,” recalls Ash. “We got off the bus for the opening ceremony and there was a band playing at us and surrounding us. We were just there to play cricket, but the vibe was really built up and everyone was so excited about us.

“It was very overwhelming at times being the constant centre of attention, but in a good way. After the formalities, everyone wanted our picture and in the space of half an hour, I moved only about two metres. They were about to start the game on the other side of the oval and I said to one of the wives, ‘can you please help me get over there’ so she guarded me through the crowd.”

Ash also recalls the pool party that was thrown for the Aussies during the tournament rest day.

“I thought we were just going to the public pool. But one of the cricket family members owned what we would call an AirBnB and they’d booked it out for us, and flushed and refilled the pool. They had chefs there serving constant food and drinks… unbelievable.”

Marong veteran Andrew Cameron says he jumped at the “once-ina-lifetime gig” the moment he heard about it and it was everything he hoped for – and more.

“I can tell everyone I’m an international cricketer now,” he laughs. “Honestly, to play cricket for so many years and then be able to say I took a wicket in India is amazing.

“I loved how our team went over there and really embraced Indian culture. We were the only Westerners there and we didn’t want to be seen as typical Australian yobbos but that didn’t happen because all the boys were fantastic. The teams that put the tournament on got as much out of it as we did because of that two-way co-operation we fostered.

“It all happened so naturally and there are relationships built over there that will last forever.”

Andrew details how a primary school that loaned his team their bus asked them to call in and visit one day on their way past.

“We thought we were just going to have a little hit of cricket with the kids but the apprehension rose when the bus stopped at the gate and so many kids were lined up. We shook hands with them and were ushered into a stadium with hundreds of very excited kids.

“They sang to us and welcomed us and David said a few words. We had to introduce ourselves and we were asked to sing something back. We’re not real good singers so we danced The Nutbush instead. I think it was the only thing we all knew how to do but the kids were in heaven.”

Another surreal moment came when the Hayana State Premier visited the region during election campaigning, causing a cricket game to be postponed because the oval was the only suitable place for his helicopter to land.

Afterwards, he delayed his departure so he could meet the Australian cricketers.

“We were playing that night,” says David “and all of a sudden, there were security guards with massive guns hovering around and I was in the middle giving him a handshake and greeting.”

Other highlights included:

Being invited into players’ homes to meet their families and see how they live;

Witnessing elaborate pre-wedding feasts at the hotel where they were staying;

Receiving mementoes, including a tournament medal and leather sports bags embossed with the logos of the Seahawks and Marong cricket clubs; and

Donating their sporting gear to grateful members of a local junior cricket academy.

“Every day we woke up thinking, we can’t believe we are here doing this,” says Ash, who provided two memorable moments of her own when she arrived at the ground wearing a traditional Indian suit and custom-made sari – much to the delight of the local ‘WAGs’.

David says the team members learnt a lot and their T20 game improved throughout the trip, with some elite under-20 Indian state players happy to share some coaching tips with the group. Matches were streamed live on the internet and commentators went from referring to them as the Marong Cricket Team, to the Team from Australia, and finally the Australian Cricket Team. David was fondly referred to as the ‘Australian captain’.

“They went above and beyond anything we expected,” says Ash.

“They told us our relationship with them would last forever because they’d built a Marong Stand. It turned out to be a Western-style toilet block, just for us. So now there’s this toilet block near the oval and it’s always going to have ‘Marong’ written on it.”

Marong is grateful to everyone who helped fund their trip and cover player entry fees and a polo shirt, including major sponsor Balco Australia and several Marong and Bendigo businesses.

David hopes to continue this new sporting friendship with future club tours to the region. And he pays glowing tribute to the man who started the ball rolling.

“Andy Singh did a power of work to help this all happen. And the smile on his face at the end of the trip is something I will never forget. He was there in his home-town with us cricket guys from Marong, looking like he wouldn’t want to be any other place than where he was at that moment.”

“ PRD Bendigo have been extremely welcoming and helpful. Their customer service sets the standard.”

WHY PRD REAL ESTATE, BENDIGO

Experience tells us that it’s not the promise of a high price that will get you sold - but the process and that’s exactly what we focus on - a strategy that is designed to reveal the best buyer with the highest price and the best conditions, while all being done in a timely manner.

It’s very easy to pick an office based on the 2 prices that an agent will give you, selling price and the selling fee, but this methodology is flawed and has seen owners lose $10,000’s.

For over 3 years now PRD Bendigo has sold more homes in the Bendigo region than any other officethis doesn’t happen by accident. With a focus on outcome, I’d love to show you exactly how we achieve these fantastic results for our owners.