The Local October 11, 2021

October 11, 2021 Issue 238 Art X Music

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: Nick Carpenter's Music Is My Muse exhibition will open at the Wildwood Instruments Art Gallery at Mount Franklin on the Cup Day long weekend, October 30. Nick is a luthier and artist, and creates stunning 3D artworks that draw on the grit and glitz (and everything in between) of our musical culture. Read his story opposite.

The Local is an essential service and all our staff are double VV vaxxed! October 11, 2021 Issue 238 Art X Music

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria. The next edition is out on Monday, October 25, 2021. Or online on Sunday, October 24 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, October 20 Copy deadline: Thursday, October 21 Editorial deadline: Thursday, October 21 Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283

Image: Kyle Barnes

news@tlnews.com.au | sales@tlnews.com.au The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Managing editor | Donna Kelly VV General manager | Kyle Barnes VV Sub-editors | Nick Bunning VV and Lindsay Smith VV

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.

Writers | Kevin Childs VV, Tony Sawrey VV, Jeff Glorfeld VV, Narelle Groenhout VV, Sandy Scheltema VV, Carol Saffer VV & Donna Kelly VV

The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

Photographers | Kyle Barnes VV, David White VV & Louise Gay VV Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness VV

The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local Publishing Group's editorial guidelines and complaints-handling process can be found at www.tlnews.com.au We welcome all feedback.

Contributors: Glen Heyne VV (gardening), Darren Lowe VV (gigs), Matthew Richardson VV (money) & Jen Clarke VV (recipes) Accounts | Julie Hanson VV

Delivery | Tony Sawrey VV

Coaches replace trains on the Echuca Line As part of Victoria’s Big Build, works continue to upgrade the Bendigo and Echuca lines. Works are progressing with strict COVIDSafe Plans in place. The health and safety of our workforce and community remains our top priority. For more information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Train disruptions: Coaches replace trains in both directions Echuca Line

1 Sep to 31 Oct

Bendigo to Echuca

Road disruption: Closed road Wakeman Road, Bagshot

12 Sep to 25 Oct

Closed between Sherwood and Inglis roads

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

1185

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

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Out & About 3

CresFest: A new style festival in an old style town

She looked around at all the wonderful old buildings, each one treasured in its own way by a club or society or community group, and each one underused. "We had never seen the town thronging with people and as Having played at most folk festivals across Australia musicians we thought, what better and New Zealand, Judy felt that bringing the music way to bring in a crowd than home would be something she could do for the town, for the wide community of musicians she is part of and, to program a whole weekend of frankly, for herself. Turner said her husband and musical music." Having run concerts out of partner, songwriter Neil Adam, quickly came on board. their house for four years, Judy "Retirement per se didn’t appeal to us and we had and Neil were aware of the great been in the district for 10 years and had often observed interest locally in live music. that Creswick seemed to be waiting for something," Judy Having identified local groups said. interested in collaborating (Creswick Theatre Company Judy described the wait for the new supermarket and Creswick Folk Club) and secured the support (now the fabulous IGA), the wait for something to of Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, Judy and the happen at Pascoe’s (HG & Sons), and the wait for the committee agreed upon the name CresFest, the dates, British Hotel to take on a new identity (still to come). April 1-3 2022 and they were away. "People are amazingly patient but we realised that The committee hopes a hybrid ticketing model will in a decade of living here we had only been to the lovely bring the crowds from out of town and encourage locals old town hall once, to see an Anzac Day concert. We were impatient to see it open and filled with music and to take volunteer roles. And the aim is to fill every venue including the town dancing again." hall, the courthouse, Leavers Hotel, The American, the And it struck her that Creswick could also be a town Masonic Lodge and the Neighbourhood Centre. waiting for a festival.

EWLYN resident, fundraiser and musician Judy Turner was coming to the end of a contract with Sovereign Hill, when an epiphany occurred – what better thing to do in retirement than to start a new festival, right here in beautiful Creswick?

Headline acts include Emma Donovan, Eric Bogle and Fools and there are plenty of ways for locals to get involved too with a busking competition, talent quest and showcase. There's also a children's choir and a roving Creswick Brass Band.

Link: www.cresfest.com.au/get-involved

Above, Creswick Kids Choir leader Stella Savy of Ballarat Words & image: Contributed

Art X Music exhibition opens at Mt Franklin

ICK Carpenter's Music Is My Muse exhibition will open at the Wildwood Instruments Art Gallery at Mount Franklin on the Cup Day long weekend, October 30.

Nick is a luthier and artist, and has created a very inviting gallery space, dedicated to the theme of music. He creates stunning 3D artworks that draw on the grit and glitz (and everything in between) of our musical culture. The exhibition will be open Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm and when it finishes at the end of November, the gallery will continue to open on weekends, with a changing array of Nick’s works on display. Everyone is welcome to drop in and have a chat with the artist and see some notable art. There is a viewing window into the workshop where people may be able to catch one of Nick's guitar-making courses in progress. Nick has been involved in the music industry for over 30 years. He is an instrument maker and has been in bands playing various instruments, as well as writing, performing and recording music. He has been running Wildwood Instruments since 1999, where he has made over 1000 instruments and taught hundreds of people the art of instrument making. His work as an artist is a love affair of what he calls "Art X Music". His visual art is based around musical instruments and themes surrounding music, a natural extension to his life’s passion. Bringing together the skills of luthier, musician and artist, he creates a very original and intriguing style of art. While the handcrafted instruments he makes are beautiful works of art, it is his visual art that speaks volumes.

Nick says there is so much to be said about music and the enormous impact it has had on our culture, all throughout human civilisation. It is these songs he sings with his art. For those unable to make it to the exhibition, just head to Music Is My Muse online at www.wildwoodinstruments.com.au from the opening date. Wildwood Instruments Art Gallery is at 11 Phillips Road, Mount Franklin.

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News 5

Can you help B beautiful Sadie live her best life? Woof...

Sadie has already had preliminary veterinary procedures completed and has now been referred to SouthPaws where the specialised surgical veterinary Sadly, her breeder took Sadie to be euthanised at just team will perform a CT scan to understand her exact three weeks old when she started to leak urine, a sign of anatomical structure and to have the complicated surgery performed. the condition. The cost is $5500 but Canuck Rescue is asking for a But the veterinarian had her relinquished and Canuck Rescue was contacted to help give this little girl further $1000 as a safety net in case any complications arise or long-term medications are needed. All money the best chance at getting the help she deserves. donated goes to Sadie and once she has recovered from Ectopic ureter(s) are where one or both ureters her surgery she will be available for adoption. bypass the bladder and attach to an inappropriate For more information see the Canuck Rescue structure, often the urethra. Facebook page. This causes Sadie to leak urine throughout her everyday life and leaves her with urine-soaked fur, urine scalding due to continued urine in contact with delicate Bank account details for Sadie: Canuck Rescue skin, a very smelly puppy and increased risks of lifelong SADIE BSB: 193-879 Account: 496 131 038 urinary tract infections. Sadie is bathed every other day and a barrier cream is applied to help reduce many of these side effects.

EAUTIFUL Sadie is a purpose-bred golden retriever born with a hereditary genetic condition issue known as ectopic ureter(s).

Wombat fundraiser

MUSICAL tribute to the wombat is the feature of a Daylesford benefit concert for the planned Central Victoria Wildlife Hospital.

$880 support for energy-efficient heating / cooling hot water insulation draught-proofing blinds & curtains* For more info contact Tim: assessor@hepburnznet.org.au phone: 0490 436 264 hepburnznet.org.au/home https://bit.ly/2NfhOcG

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*Eligibility conditions apply - for Hepburn Shire homeowners and renters in energy stress, low income earners, concession cardholders, and people with chronic or ongoing medical conditions or mobility issues and carers. An $880 co-contribution is also required to receive subsidy amount.

March 9, 2020 Issue 171 Wildlife Warriors

Many animals have had musical tributes, from Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending to Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals. Now the wombat, the iconic Australian marsupial that is often overshadowed by its closest cousin, the koala, is celebrated in a new piece by young South Australian composer, Rachel Bruerville. The Song of the Wombat for solo bassoon was commissioned as part of the fund appeal for the Central Victoria Wildlife Hospital The Local - The Heart of the Highlands and will be premiered at a benefit concert to be held at Daylesford’s Convent Gallery on Friday, November 12 from 6pm to 7.30pm. Dedicated to Tiamo (aka Momo), a recent resident at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter, The Song of the Wombat depicts the charming, playful personality of a young wombat and will be performed by Jack Schiller, the principal bassoonist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Tiamo was rescued as an orphaned joey and raised at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter and appeared on the front page of The Local with Hepburn Wildlife Shelter's Jon Rowdon in March last year. The program of the benefit concert will also feature the Zephyr String Ensemble, a group of young professional musicians from Melbourne. Emma Jade Hunt (violin), Katie Yap (viola) and Anna Pokorny (cello), along with Jack Schiller (bassoon), will perform works from a range of composers including Mozart, Hildegard of Bingen, a lovely quartet for bassoon and strings by Francois Devienne, some Martinu madrigals for violin and viola and a folk set or two. Tickets are $25 and bookings can be made online at: https://www.trybooking. com/BTGNA. Details: 0478 622428.

RUNNY NOSE OR COVID? The only way to be sure is with a test at the first sign of any symptom.

For testing locations, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

Stories of the Storm

“For the past number of years, I’ve had a men’s night amongst the gum trees about three to eight blokes. We all appreciate the beauty of these wonderful old trees. We often say: ‘If this isn’t heaven, what is?’ And now it’s all gone. “After the storm my focus was to rescue as many orchids as I could. I had to dismantle the smashed glasshouse but I failed completely because I was beaten by the first frost which killed thousands of my orchids. “From the first day after the storm it’s been a challenge, to say the least, to The third of the series features Paul Ulrik, well known in the community prioritise which work has to be done and which can be left. And as time goes on, for the plants and delicious berries he sells to restaurants, cafes and at the we’re now almost three months, that situation has become even more difficult because farmers' markets. He is also a volunteer at the CFA. Fern Road in Little I’m 69 with a heart condition and I’m unable to do as much physically as I want to. Hampton where he lives was described as “the epicentre of the localised “I’ve got a Trust for Nature covenant on this property, which makes me destruction in the Hepburn Shire”. responsible for the conservation of it for perpetuity. I feel obliged to look after it.” Paul talked about what could help people deal with emergencies like the storm. “I was listening to the news that night. There was a severe wind warning and “A community fireguard-type set-up for your neighbours is equally valid for around 11pm you could hear the wind and the twigs and leaves hitting the bedroom events like this storm. It’s a group that is set up with 10 to 12 close household groups window. At 12.30am I heard the glasshouse about 30 metres away explode. That connected by either phone or physical contact to safeguard the wellbeing of those glasshouse was 15m by 8m. It was heated and it took me five years to build. That was people. Out here you can’t rely on emergency services. That’s why the fireguard is the reality check that things were really bad. important. The CFA were cutting their way the five kilometres or so from Trentham “At that point I rang my neighbour John, who was still asleep, and his wife to our street. It took two weeks to clear the road to Daylesford. conveyed the message that I sounded a little distressed. I came to the conclusion that “At 9am on the morning of the storm, while it was still raging, before our my days of orchid growing had come to an end. driveways were clear, the neighbours over the road were concerned about the welfare “I slept fitfully till about 4.30am when I got up and did an inspection. On the of another neighbour who was later found to be trapped in her bedroom and needed north side of the bungalow was a sulphur-crested cockatoo sheltering out of the wind. to be dragged out a broken window. My neighbour John managed to find his way to Even though I was close to him, he didn’t move. I looked at him and said: ‘You’re safe my place over 60 trees. He helped me get my generator going and saved my berries. here mate, you’ll be right.’ He looked at me and said: ‘Thank you very much, but I’m “Neighbours in this position, of which there are many, cannot rely on emergency not moving.’ services to assist. The whole community lost both landline and mobile coverage. The “I scurried back inside because it was quite dangerous and tried to go back to exchange had battery back-up in place for power outages, but the batteries went flat, sleep. At 6.30am a tree landed on my bedroom window - it shook the whole house and we lost coverage for three days. Clearly this matter needs to be addressed, it was after crashing through my blueberry igloo and my berry patch. I thought: ‘Oh well, I a major problem. When I finally got into the emergency relief centre in Trentham, I didn’t want to pick any berries this year anyway.’ was told of all these services to help but the staff couldn’t contact anyone. “The trees continued to fall until 1pm, some 50 metres high and up to 1.5 metres “The storm lasted 18 hours of wind blowing from the south. It was not a cyclone, in diameter. The vast majority of the 150 trees that came down on the property were tornado or hurricane, so what was it? I’d like to think this was a one-off, but I think eucalyptus obliqua (messmates); the rest were long-leaf peppermints, blackwoods and we’ll get more extreme weather events based on the scientific projections.” eucalyptus viminalis (manna gums). When Sandy was photographing Paul, the regional director of Bushfire Recovery “There’s a mob of gang-gangs here - there’s usually 15, now it’s down to three or Victoria, Paul Rogers, arrived. “I’m here today to coordinate the scope for the four - and they looked genuinely concerned about where all the trees have gone. Only residential clean-up program for one of the most heavily impacted sites in the Central recently they were feeding in the amphitheatre of messmates. Highlands. Fern Road in particular is the epicentre of the localised destruction in “The overriding emotion looking at this is sadness over the loss of habitat. It’s the Hepburn Shire. Paul just needs some help. I can help him by coordinating the not the loss of income from my berries and plants (which were my principal source resources he needs to get him back on his feet. He needed a bit of hope. We can’t do of income), it's not the destruction of all the hard work I put into building the everything; we can’t get them back to how they were before, but we can help support structures, but the time taken for generations, perhaps, to replace what was destroyed. them in their recovery journey.”

ANDY Scheltema's Stories of the Storm series is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham & Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club. The series aims to showcase stories of courage, tenacity, bravery and resilience within the community from people who experienced the terrifying storm of June 10, 2021.

Before we can do the thing we want to do, there’s something we all need to do first. Book your COVID-19 vaccination. Visit Australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080.

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Hospital appeal done

HE $100,000 needed for a masterplan for the Daylesford Hospital has been raised 10 weeks ahead of schedule.

The committee had hoped to reach its target by Christmas but was overwhelmed with the support, passion and generosity of the Daylesford community. The donations will fund the development of a master plan for the proposed upgrade to the facilities at Daylesford Health. This planning phase is expected to be completed in approximately four months and will outline a roadmap for future developments. Committee chair, and Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt offered "a huge thanks to all the generous people who donated to reach this target of $100,000 in just over eight weeks". "The demonstration of such strong support shows how important the hospital is to Daylesford residents." Members of the committee will meet with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas in the near future to discuss the need for funding and support for the upgrade. Meanwhile, Central Highlands Rural Health has secured $7.1 million from the state government for Creswick Aged Care and Daylesford Hospital in the latest rounds of funding allocations. Funding of $2.6 million has been allocated to complete stage 3 of the redevelopments at Creswick Aged Care. The new funding will upgrade six remaining bedrooms, extend residents’ common areas, install overhead tracking and upgrade heating and cooling systems. In Daylesford, $4.5 million has been allocated to upgrade and enhance theatre facilities. Central Highlands Rural Health’s CEO Maree Cuddihy said the much needed funds would strengthen services and facilities in Creswick and Daylesford. "In Daylesford, the $4.5 million grant will help upgrade theatres and sterilising areas. There is a lot to be done in Daylesford and this funding is a positive first step in our long-term goal to ensure Daylesford Hospital delivers contemporary, safe, high quality and sustainable health care for its local community."

Words: Donna Kelly

News 9

Affordable housing snub

EPBURN Shire has been left off the preference list for the state government's four-year $5.3 billion Big Housing Build which calls on developers and landowners in regional Victoria to put forward any developments or vacant land that could be turned into social or affordable housing.

A media release said all Victorian regional areas would be considered but the preference was for Geelong, Latrobe, Moorabool, Golden Plains, Greater Shepparton, Baw Baw, Mildura, Wellington, East and South Gippsland, Macedon Ranges, Bass Coast, Surf Coast, Mount Alexander, Horsham, Swan Hill, Alpine and Mansfield local government areas. A Homes Victoria spokesperson said the government was building new social and affordable homes right across the state for those who needed it most – including through the Big Housing Build, which will deliver more than 12,000 new homes across the state and boost the social housing supply by 10 per cent. "Regional areas, including Hepburn, are sharing in the economic and social benefits of this program. At least $1.25 billion – almost 25 per cent – of the program’s funding is being spent in regional local government areas across the state, providing safe and affordable housing for those who need it and creating thousands of jobs. Homes Victoria is continuing to work right across regional Victoria to identify projects for the Big Housing Build. "Four new homes are already planned for Daylesford that are being built as part of the Government’s Building New Homes to Fight Homelessness program." The spokesperson said the preferred local government areas were chosen based on having the highest level of demand for social and affordable housing. "This round of funding will focus on purchasing new homes, house and land packages and developable land that is zoned for residential use. Strict guidelines for proposals will need to be addressed including proximity to retail, schools and transport."

Words: Donna Kelly

Activities are subject to Covid restrictions and fine weather.

STORM AND FLOOD

BULLETIN

This bulletin provides regular updates and stories about recovery and clean-up from the June 2021 storms and floods both in our local community and across Victoria’s affected areas. Bushfire Recovery Victoria proudly works in partnership with council and the local community to support recovery.

PARTNERS IN WELLBEING These are challenging times for small business owners. It’s normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed. There is support available to help you through

CLEAN-UP PROGRAM Registrations for the Residential Storm and Flood Clean-up program are closing at 11:59pm on Sunday 31 October 2021. Anyone impacted by the June storm and flood event with eligible properties should register soon to avoid missing out on clean-up assistance. The cut-off date is for new registrations only – it does not affect those who are already registered and are waiting for a call-back, site assessment or works to begin. To find out more about the clean-up program and to register your property, call 1800 560 760 or visit brv.vic.gov.au/cleanup.

Your wellbeing is vital to the health of your business. The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline is here to help. Talk to one of the trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors, or business advisors today. It’s free and they’re here for you seven days a week. Call 1300 370 330 or chat online. Visit partnersinwellbeing.org.au

JUNE 2021 EXTREME WEATHER EVENT LEARNING REVIEW Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), in collaboration with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), is leading a Learning Review into the June extreme weather event to ensure lessons of state-wide multi-agency significance and aspects of particular interest to impacted communities are identified, implemented, and shared across the emergency management sector and with impacted communities.

BUSINESS RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE MENTORING The Victorian Government is partnering with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to deliver a business mentoring program to help small businesses navigate the economic challenges posed by restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Through this program, eligible business owners can receive up to four 2-hour mentoring sessions with an experienced professional who will help them make informed decisions about the future of their business. The program offers tailored guidance on: • Business recovery—to strengthen business recovery (cost reduction, debt and cashflow management) • Market transformation—to understand how COVID-19 has triggered or accelerated market changes • Digital literacy and engagement—to help businesses reach new customers and markets • Market and supply chain diversification—to reduce exposure to supply chain risks • Reskilling and retraining—to help businesses upskill their existing workforce. To see if your business is eligible, visit business.vic.gov.au.

Over the last few weeks, EMV have conducted phone interviews with people impacted by the June extreme weather event. Thank you to those people who have shared their experiences so far. The phone interviews will finish in a couple of weeks with the information captured informing the Learning Review. A community report will be drafted and made publicly available. Visit your Council website to discover other ways you can provide feedback or to find out more about the Learning Review, visit www.emv.vic.gov.au

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News 11

New sporting facilities Just briefly... Eight of the state government's promised mental health pop-up clinics have opened with one for the Central Highland still to appear.

Sites which opened on September 30 are in Melton, Kensington, Sunshine, Ringwood, Ballarat, Frankston, Mildura and St Kilda. Appointments can be booked at the Partners in Wellbeing website partnersinwellbeing.org.au or on 1300 375 330. The services will deliver a mix of in-person appointments, telehealth and limited walk-in sessions for those who need support in their communities.

Queers on the Catwalk is back, celebrating rural and regional pride with a focus on queer identity expression through clothing and style.

HE Hepburn Burras Football and Netball Club and Hepburn Cricket Club now have more room to grow, with the completion of a new, female-friendly pavilion at the Laurie Sullivan Reserve.

Macedon MP Mary Anne-Thomas joined members of the Burras to officially open the new pavilion, made possible by a $100,000 boost from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program. Membership at both the Hepburn Football and Netball Club and Hepburn Cricket Club has grown to almost 300 in recent years, however, the previous facilities failed to meet modern standards and expectations. The new pavilion modernises the club’s facilities and includes female-friendly change rooms, umpire facilities, accessible toilets, storage and a community space. The extra space will allow more players and community members to play, train, compete, develop and celebrate.

In the lead-up to the November 19 event, LGBTIQA+ community members are invited to a Kyneton workshop hosted by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s WayOut and CLIP teams alongside TGD Clothing Swap and The Story Costumer. Contact healthpromotion@scchc.org.au or 5421 1666 to register your interest. The catwalk event will be held at the Mount Players Theatre in Macedon.

Hepburn Shire Council is working with project partners, Mount Alexander Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation on the proposed renaming of Jim Crow Creek to Larni Barramal Yaluk.

Larni Barramal Yaluk means home or habitat of the Emu Creek. The renaming of Jim Crow Creek is being proposed in recognition of Aboriginal heritage and the reinstatement of Dja Dja Wurrung language into the landscape, and the removal of a name that is offensive and derogatory. The engagement phase of the project will be until November 12. Link: www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is offering residents free mulch at all council Pictured above, from left, Cr Jen Bray, Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley transfer stations until December 31. Thomas, Mayor Lesley Hewitt, Hepburn Football and Netball Club president Residents are encouraged to head to their local transfer station and claim up Jason Dooley, Mary-Anne Thomas and Hepburn Cricket Club president to one cubic metre of self-loaded mulch. Residents should bring their own shovel, Lindsay Olver Image: Contributed containers or trailer, and protective clothing.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SPORT

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Our legends 13

A gratitude page to our Local Legends! The Local asked people to tell us who is helping them through this tough time, and our readers responded. Some were quite specific and others just sent us the names of their legends. Send us more and we will print them in the next edition. Email: donna@tlnews.com.au

To the fabulous Carmel, who organises Ageing (Dis)gracefully. It is getting better and better in spite of the harsh conditions imposed by governments. So important everyone to socialise, share with the heart and go out of the home. You are doing a very important job, bringing us all together. Thank you for your efforts, vision and trust in all of us as individuals. - Mari I would like to nominate Chantel Leaver as she provides everyone with Covid updates and has done through the whole pandemic. She offers clear, honest and factual information and is always there for support too. She is not working for the Covid contact team. One amazing woman, all while home schooling a tribe of children.

- Shelley

Mark is the owner of the Mill Markets here and in Geelong and Ballarat. Whenever there’s been a lockdown he doesn’t charge any rent for the stallholders at the Mill. He has gone out of his way to be kind to people in the community too. I believe he has been handing out coffee vouchers and food vouchers to visitors and locals. I think Mark is an amazing community person. - Elaine

Betty Johns

Michelle Clifford

It happened last year but I don't think you can go past the generosity of Roger and Sue at Herbal Lore. They provided free sanitiser when you couldn't find it for love nor money. True legend and their kind idea will not be forgotten. - Dianne I want to thank The Local's Glen Heyne for his gardening and home page. I read it religiously and it has kept me sane on many dark days. Don't know the bloke personally but what a legend. - John I’d like to thank Nicola Stephens for helping out every student in my class (Daylesford Primary) while homeschooling, and having two kids at home at the same time doing all the housework. - Bella

Good Grub Club

Hepburn General Store

Lisa in the chicken shop in Daylesford is a legend. Always has a kind word and time for a quick chat, even when she is busy. And great comfort food!

- Kurt

The guys at the Clunes Newsagency have been wonderful to everyone and just a breath of fresh air. Always time for a chat. And great service. - Mia

The churches!

Sports clubs

I want to do a shout-out to everyone who is doing the right thing with masks and sanitiser and checking in with the QR codes. I reckon 95 per cent of people are doing it well. Which is about the same amount of people who will get the vaccine. I reckon most of us are legends. - Jason I have been for four Covid tests so far, at Daylesford and Kyneton, and every time I have been treated with great respect and care by the nurses. I always thank them for the work they do. The health professionals, wrapped in their PPE gear, are the real legends around here. - Kerri

Ian Lewis

Rob & Annie

Adele and Todd at Dele Catering are amazing. They really care about their customers and provide nourishing real food when you just can't be bothered like so many of us at the moment. And they also give back! - Andrew I am still loving the erlicheer plants which the Wombat Nursery people started last year hoping we would be done and dusted by last spring. They are popping up again and make me smile when I see them. Legendary effort. - Louise

14 Happy & Healthy

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Ageing (Dis)gracefully at Hepburn House

HE Convent Gallery is proving a popular meeting place for Hepburn House's LGBTIQ initiative Ageing (Dis)gracefully.

It all started when Hepburn House’s general manager Dianne Jones applied for a state government grant after the aged care facility's LGBTIQ committee realised there was a need for more social interaction in the community. Convenor is Carmel Dennehy-Yardy, a former teacher who has worked in the mainstream system along with in a youth centre in Maribyrnong, who moved to the region with her husband three years ago. “Ageing (Dis)gracefully is designed for the elders (and not so elderly!) of the community, who are perhaps feeling isolated, especially with Covid," she said. "We are meeting regularly on Thursday mornings at the Convent Gallery, thanks to the wonderful Tina, and have also already held a few outings to places like Castlemaine. It's all about being social and having fun." Glenlyon resident Max Primmer, who has become a bit of a poster boy for the program, said other outings were being planned as soon as lockdown ended with trips to Kyneton, Castlemaine and Tylden all on the agenda. “It is really important for people to be able to mark their calendars with things to do. And it is just an outlet for people to talk to like-minded people, maybe make friends and seeing people outside of this group as well. “We are really thrilled we got the funding and we hope we can show how popular it is and get some future funding as well.” For anyone keen to take part, call Carmel on 0456 889 431. And while Covid limits are currently 10 people indoors, no-one will be turned away, with another sitting or venue arranged if necessary.

Hepburn House acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government. Advertorial

Lauren's continuing passion for media

“I don’t know what it is that has attracted a number of former telly people. But being part of live television or part of the Melbourne media and entertainment scene is such thrill so it’s great to catch up with others to talk about those days.” For women who were part of the broadcast industry long before international movements were the norm, most would recall horror stories. In Lauren’s case, she remembers having to navigate her roles in an often all-male team. “There weren’t many women in production, they were all in front of the camera From working ridiculous hours on live TV to recently launching a new interactive but there was certainly pressure on them like body image expectations and social QR code medium, Lauren, pictured with Mike Pritchard, says she has always been expectations. It was a difficult time for many in the industry particularly for the onfascinated by all realms of the media. “My bestie school friend Lisa and I were lucky to get weekend work at the station screen female talent.” Lauren moved back to the area 10 years ago, settling in Clunes after freelancing as kids and I was fascinated by the process and I especially had a passion for camera as a production editor and working for DubSat - Australia’s first commercial digital work,” she said. “After my HSC I worked full-time at BTV-6 and in those days, delivery service - “it was phenomenal ground-breaking technology” - then moving everything was done manually and we loaded carts the size of a house brick onto a into print media where she was a sales rep for now defunct Advocate newspaper in huge machine that held at least 40 commercials. Daylesford. She then accepted a position with Hardy Audio in Ballarat and when the “The experience of telly in those days was fantastic but I wanted to be a camera person so after some convincing, the director of news agreed to let me join the ENG opportunity arose, she bought the company. “Hardy Audio was created by Paul Hardy in 1998. Paul was the one of the (electronic news-gathering) team and go on the road where I eventually shot and original voices of the Harvey Norman ads and he had the most amazing reach. He edited for the nightly news.” would voice literally thousands of ads a month and was truly an extraordinary man Lauren made the move to the city where she worked at Channel 10 editing news with an amazing voice. When I bought the company, I wanted to keep the name stories for the one-hour nightly news bulletin and then ended up on the Bert Newton going in honour of his legacy to the entertainment industry and for his family.” program as the production editor. In 1998, the Hardy Audio studio had two booths and three mixing suites. Today “It was fantastic…the best time I had working in telly. The team was phenomenal the studio produces high-end digital content and in-stream marketing via podcasts - to produce 12 and a half hours of TV per week, and with some of that live to air and music streaming services, as well as script writing, foreign language translations was huge.” and audio design. The ultimate professional, when asked to share any behind the scenes info about And not one for keeping the status quo, Lauren has recently launched a new Bert, Lauren said he was the ultimate gentleman and a pleasure to work for. While arm of her studio – QRush Media. “I’m a bit of a thinker and I’m always planning Bert’s show attracted local and international entertainers, it was meeting an Aussie so when I saw the audio tours at the Ballarat Bergonia Festival where people were icon that Lauren recalls as her one of greatest memories working on the show. “John Farnham…yes it's true. I was introduced to him and I just squealed. That’s engaged with technology out in the gardens listening to the story of a begonia or a tree in front of them, I could see the potential in the QR technology,” she said. true too. Then another time I opened the production booth door and Eddie Van “I then engaged some seriously clever people and we launched QRush Media Halen was standing there. That time I screamed. I’m not usually one to scream but I earlier this month. We have been part of art exhibitions at the Ballarat Post Office did it again when I shared the lift with Sammy Hagar (front man for Van Halen) after Gallery and will be part of the Daylesford Art Show where local artworks displayed in his appearance on Bert’s show.” shops will be featured in audio and Auslan (Australian Sign Language) tours simply But the backroom stories continue to be shared in the small township of Clunes by using a QR code in the shop window. It’s really exciting to be a part of it.” given a number of former camera people (cameraman 3 on Bert’s show now owns the fruit shop), producers, writers, TV set designers (Blue Heelers and Prisoner) and Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Kyle Barnes directors all call Clunes home.

LUNES local Lauren Goodrham has always had a passion for the media. Working part time as a 15-year-old camera assistant at the then Ballarat television station BTV-6 to now owning one of Australia’s leading audio agencies based in Ballarat, Lauren was instrumental in paving the way for female camera operators at a time when women were generally in front of the camera.

Hepburn Shire

Macedon Ranges

88.7%

94.8%

63.7%

67.3%

First dose vaccination rate (15+)

Second dose vaccination rate (15+)

Thank you for getting the jab done

#keepingmycommunitysafe Talk to your doctor or regular health professional if you have concerns about your health and getting a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit: www.chrh.org.au/covid-19-vaccines

Make a booking: Scan the QR code Go online: portal.cvms.vic.gov.au Call the hotline: 1800 675 398

Source: https://covidlive.com.au/report/vaccinations-by-lga/vic on 4/10/2021

Try for 5 - National Nutrition Week It’s sobering to think only 7% of adults and 5% of children eat the recommended serves of vegetables each day. Australia’s leading vegetable growers have joined forces with Nutrition Australia and other healthfocused organisations to call on all Australians to ‘get more veg in their life’ by Trying for 5. Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) is supporting Nutrition Australia’s annual campaign Try for 5 during National Nutrition Week (Oct 10-17). The campaign celebrates vegetables and the important role they can play in our health and wellbeing. Nutrition Australia and supporting partners have curated a delicious vegetable recipe hub – a collection of over 100 new forward-thinking veg-recipes from well-known culinary identities, recipe developers and vegetable growers. The Try for 5 campaign is all about providing everyday Australians with the inspiration to think of vegetables in different ways. Try for 5 is a call for action. Getting more vegetables in your life can be as simple as: 1. Adding an extra handful of vegetables in your meals 2. Trying a new recipe – have a vegetables-only meal once a week 3. Snacking smarter with vegetables. We are lucky to live amongst some fantastic agricultural land within our community, who grow an array of vegetables that we can be including in our meals. There’s no better time to make a change. The Try for 5 campaign runs from October 10-17, 2021. Nutrition Australia’s social media platforms will feature live cooking sessions with veg ambassadors and growers, delicious daily recipes, dietician Q&As and a cook-it, shoot-it, share-it competition. Check out try for 5 at www.tryfor5.org.au During National Nutrition Week, we will be sharing tips on our Facebook page and website, as well as videos from our dietitian. To stay up to date, follow us on Facebook or visit our website www.chrh.org.au Clunes I Creswick I Daylesford I Kyneton I Trentham 5321 6500 www.chrh.org.au www.facebook.com/CHRHorgAU

Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Council is committed to reconciliation and working positively with our traditional owners the Dja Dja Wurrung and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. In continuing this commitment to reconciliation, it is proposed that the Jim Crow Creek (which winds through both Hepburn and Mt Alexander Shires) is renamed to Larni Barramal Yaluk which means ‘Home or habitat of the Emu Creek’. The renaming of Jim Crow Creek is being proposed in recognition of Aboriginal heritage and the reinstatement of Dja Dja Wurrung language into the landscape, and the removal of a name that is offensive and derogatory. The history of the term ‘Jim Crow’ is rooted in racial segregation and racism. By reinstating a name that reconnects our community with the Dja Dja Wurrung culture and language that spans many thousands of years, we are setting the standard for how we can support the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples. There are strict protocols governing the renaming, outlined in the Naming rules for places in Victoria – statutory requirement for naming roads, features and localities 2016. Residents and businesses within 200 metres of the Creek have been sent a letter and a copy of a survey, which I would encourage all to complete and return. Other community members who have a view on the renaming proposal should also make a submission indicating why they support, or are against the proposal. Further details can be found on the Participate Hepburn website. Submissions close on 12 November 2021, and following that, Council will decide whether to progress the renaming proposal to the Office of Geographic Place Names who have the ultimate decision-making authority in this matter. You can also find the proposed Tree Management Plan on the Participate Hepburn website. We know that residents love and highly value the natural landscape in the Shire. The Tree Management Plan is to ensure a consistent approach to managing public trees whilst providing a safe environment for the community. Submissions on the proposed plan can be made up until 28 October 2021. Finally, we are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of COVID restrictions on all our emotional well-being, including our children and young people. I had the opportunity this week to attend a webinar provided by Respect Victoria on elder abuse. It was sobering to be made aware of research that indicated that the prevalence of elder abuse (which includes physical, sexual, emotional and financial forms of abuse) had increased in rural and regional areas during the pandemic. It is not something that we are necessarily aware of or prepared to acknowledge, but awareness is the first step in taking action to prevent the problem. Councils are working on partnerships with other groups in the region on this important issue. In the meantime - stay safe, and, if you haven’t (our vaccination numbers are good)…get the jab done. Cr Lesley Hewitt, MAYOR

CONTACTS 

General enquiries

5348 2306



Mail Email Website



Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au

FREE GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL

Throughout November Council offers residents free green waste disposal at our three transfer stations in Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham. This is to help you get your property ready for the fire danger period. Please ensure that green waste is free of noxious weeds and is separated from other items. Visitors to the transfer stations must comply with COVID safety requirements. Free green waste disposal is for households only and excludes commercial quantities of waste. Transfer stations are open during COVID lockdowns for essential waste disposal, which includes for bushfire preparation. For details on transfer station opening hours visit www.hepburn. vic.gov.au/transfer-stations.

STREETSCAPE PLANS

Council has commenced the planning work to deliver stage 2 of the Shire’s Streetscape Plans. The planning for Clunes and Creswick is funded in this financial year, with other locations planned for future years. The Streetscape Plans were developed for Clunes, Creswick, Glenlyon, Trentham and Hepburn, with significant input from the community, and adopted by Council in 2015. During this financial year work will focus on developing Stage 2 of the Clunes and Creswick streetscape concepts to detailed design with a view to construct in 2022/2023. To view the concept streetscape designs visit https://participate. hepburn.vic.gov.au/streetscape-updates-clunes-and-creswick.

UPDATE ON WVTN PROJECT

Council continues its advocacy regarding the Western Victoria Transmission Network (WVTN) Project. Council is strongly opposed to transmission lines being above ground, and the potential location of the transmission station. Keep up to date with our activities at https://www.hepburn.vic. gov.au/western-transmission-lines-project.

WORK WITH US

We have a number of vacancies, so if you (or someone you know) have the skills, we’d love you to apply. Find out more about what employment opportunities we have and how to apply at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/employmentopportunities/.

TENDERS

Council has seven tenders/ quotes open for submissions (including some big projects!). Submissions can be made through Council’s e-tender portal at www.tenders.net/buyer/hepburn/index1.html For after hours emergencies please call:  Animal Control - 0419 587 955  Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil

E adve very ha lf-pa rtise m a so ent re ge shou cial me ceives d t 700 -out to ia 0 Now follow our ers. th influ at’s loca l ence !

Shop Local for Christmas

Get your message in front of our 15,000 readers Contact Kyle on 0416 104 283 | kyle@tlnews.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

Your Say

Out & About 19

Email: news@tlnews.com.au

Cornish Hill East Daylesford residents received letters on August 30 from the State Government (DELWP) advising that one acre of public parkland adjoining Cornish Hill Reserve was "surplus to government requirements" so would be rezoned to residential land and sold exclusively and privately to the few adjoining property owner/s. This sale includes a section of public walking track.

The state claims this sale "delivers a positive contribution to the township of Daylesford". The opposite is true. The shire loses one acre of public parkland. Sale monies go to the state government, not Hepburn Shire. Daylesford loses a heritage walking trail. Daylesford loses access to an historic rail embankment. The Daylesford CFA and Cornish Hill Reserve both oppose the sale because the track is essential to protect public bushland and residents. Hepburn Shire supports the concerns of the CFA and residents. The state government failed to obtain the prior agreement of the Dja Dja Wurrung people as required. Selling public parkland in regional towns to private owners as a cash cow is a very dangerous precedent. Please respond to the DELWP feedback line engage.vic.gov.au/ glsac/tranche-30 by 5pm, Monday, October 11, 2021.

- Meyer Eidelson, Amanda Palmer, Daylesford

Let’s support our community and shop local! “Locals supporting Locals”

Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.

Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply. Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver. Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577. Keep safe, everyone.

Transmission lines I am fed up with the politicisation of the WVTNP by known opponents of renewable energy pretending to be concerned about our community.

Ripon's MP Louise Staley has been exposed for her part in this debate by Jeremy Harper, Your Say, The Local, 13/09/2021. Louise knows this project was commissioned by the AEMO, a federally constituted and funded body. But Ms Staley has a long record of standing against renewable energy. She voted against the Victorian Renewable Energy Target legislation in 2017. She has been reported as saying “targets for (renewable) energy will hurt Ripon” and she has announced “the Victorian Liberals will protect thousands…from Daniel Andrews' ill-conceived WVTNP”. Meanwhile we have scores of misleading signs on people's properties, blaming Dan Andrews, or asking where various Labor politicians are. All based on lies perpetrated by Liberal Party politicians. And these signs are not cheap, with many being enamelled metal, corflute or printed canvas signs all up worth many thousands of dollars. From whence does the money come? Or a crass sign adorning a hill over which a transmission line passes, and under which the same farmer who claims that the sky will fall if the WVTNP goes ahead is farming his fields. If it wasn’t so sad I would laugh. Opposite this hill is a farm gate adorned with signage that tells the passer-by that the local economy will be devastated if the WVTNP is built. Farmers won’t be able to farm, tourists won’t come because of the transmissions lines, and we will have to “get up in morning ‘fore sun goes down and lick t’ road clean”. So I have some questions for the people who proudly display these signs. Why haven’t people already stopped coming to our region since there are already plenty of transmission lines here? And why are you able to farm under these transmission lines, but not the WVTNP? And why do I have to smell bulls--t every time I go out?

- Ross Redwin, Creswick

A PUB FOR THE LOCALS Come in, grab a drink and be local. Join us for STEAK NIGHT every Thursday $25 and our locals’ favourite SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST $25.

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20 Homes & Gardens

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Do you keep gardens tidy? Advertise here.

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To market, to market

OU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday (pictured) Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday

It may be no fairy story, but it could mean a few garden dreams can come true. There are so many times, especially at this time of bountiful blooms, that you may wish you could find space for yet another flowering tree such as the spectacular snow white flowering cherry, pictured here. Or, perhaps one of the many acacias, rhododendrons, camellias or even a freeflowering magnolia. But you can’t really find the space for yet another large tree. But thanks to the skills and dedication of dedicated botanists and plant breeders it's now possible to obtain miniature (or dwarf ) versions of almost every popular garden plant known - either discovered or created. There are also other miniature, mainly fruiting trees available through the technique of grafting the scion (growing wood) of normal fruiting trees onto miniature, size-restricting root stocks.

Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday

The Seven Dwarfs

Rotary Daylesford Farmers Market - fourth Saturday

Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday Kyneton Farmers Market - second Saturday Ballan Farmers Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday

Among the countless varieties of Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday scaled-down trees and shrubs available Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday for your garden, are these seven of my favourites to get you started. Check for any restrictions...image below, pre-Covid Rhododendrons: These spectacular trees in full bloom right now may be too large for your garden. However, there are quite a few dwarf hybrid rhododendrons available with all the attributes of their larger relatives, only in miniature - usually 1 to 2 metres in height. Like the R. lemon mist pictured here courtesy of Shan Lin. Magnolias: Who can resist the double charm of those two outstanding magnolias, the evergreen M.grandiflora with its dinner plate-sized fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage, and the gorgeous vase-like flowers of magnolia soulangeana? Pity they would probably take up most of the garden. The good news is that there is a mirror image “mini me” for the grandiflora called “little gem” growing to about 3 metres high. The other forms are replicated by various hybrids including M. yunnanensis and M.stellata. Camellias: There are two major forms of these magnificent plants, japonica, the tree-proportioned, large-leafed group with huge rose-like blooms and the dainty much smaller proportioned and infinitely more versatile sasanquas. Within the sasanqua tribe the ultimate growth size can vary from 1- 5 metres. Lagerstroemia indica: Crepe myrtle is a group of deciduous shrubs originally from China, with attractively distorted branches and stems with smooth white bark and light green oval foliage that colours in autumn. They are covered throughout summer with masses of crepe paper-like flowers in various colours from white through mauve STUFF to soft red. A miniature form, no less appealing is the lagerstroemia nana, growing to Petrol, oil, swap & go gas, around 1 metre high and available in all colours. Motorpass, farm produce, Our native flora hasn’t missed out either. farm produce store, ice, milk, Acacia cognata: Naturally a small narrow-leafed weeping tree with tiny yellow soft drinks, take away pies, coffee, floral balls. These days a.cognata comes in a variety of hybrids in all sizes from metreconfectionery, local honey, etc sized balls of green and in colours from lime green to gold and bronze. Rusty junk, secondhand books, Agonis Flexuosa: Willow myrtle/ peppermint tree is a handsome tree with old wares graceful willow-like foliage on long slender stems, bronze-coloured new leaves and covered in late spring with small white flowers. A. flexuosa nana, is a delightful metre high miniature replica. 1 Market Street ~ ph: 5424 1611 Eucalyptus leucoxylon: A delightful slender medium-sized tree with pendulous Monday–Sunday 8aM~6pM trails of white, pink, or red flowers. A hybrid form euky dwarf is now available, still a small tree, growing to just 5 metres.

TRENTHAM PETROL & .....................................

..................................................

Walk more. Shop locally. Explore. Connect.

COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS

Farewell & Thank you

Check your eligibilty

Dr Greg Stewart Springs Medical’s Dr Greg Stewart has decided to hang up his stethoscope at the end of November this year. With over 30 years in general practice in Daylesford and Trentham, and more than 10 years as co-director with Dr Beth Quin. Greg has shown great commitment to providing exceptional patient focused care for the people of Hepburn Shire and surrounds.

Covid-19 VACCINE

On behalf of the Springs Medical team, we would like to congratulate Greg as he celebrates his well-deserved retirement with his wonderful family.

clinics in

KYNETON + DAYLESFORD

Thank you Dr Stewart.

www.springsmedical.com.au Daylesford Kyneton Trentham 10 Hospital St 89 Piper Street 22 Victoria St tel: (03) 5348 2227 tel: (03) 5422 1298 tel: (03) 5424 1602

SUE’S PLACE

Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you

When everything you love, when everything you believe in and hold true, close to your heart and soul,

is threatened what do you do?

For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352

Daylesford Kyneton Trentham 10 Hospital St 89 Piper Street 22 Victoria St tel: (03) 5348 2227 tel: (03) 5422 1298 tel: (03) 5424 1602 Follow us

https://www.facebook.com/springsmedical

Be an active bystander

HE Macedon Ranges community is being called to action to speak up against sexist and abusive behaviours. Research demonstrates that being an active bystander can discourage perpetrators of sexist and abusive behaviour and at the same time supports the victim. Two online active bystander training opportunities are being offered in the leadup to the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The 16 Days of Activism is a global movement raising awareness of and challenging gender-based violence. It runs from November 25, the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women to December 10, the International Human Rights Day. The first workshop on Tuesday, October 19, delivered by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, is an Introduction to Bystander Action. The workshop will introduce participants to the bystander effect, that is how social norms, exclusions and disadvantage is maintained through our collective silence. Participants will also explore bystander actions, including current examples and why people often don’t intervene. The second workshop delivered by the Centre for Non-Violence is on Tuesday, October 26 and will provide participants with knowledge of the drivers of genderbased violence as well as the skills to recognise the signs of family violence, how to respond appropriately and refer survivors to appropriate local services. For information on how to register for either workshop contact Rhani Dean-Talbett at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health on 5421 1666 or healthpromotion@scchc.org.au.

Support for women: Centre for Non-Violence - 5430 3000; Safe Steps - 1800 015 188 Support for children: Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800 Support for LGBTIQA+ community: Rainbow Door - 1800 729 367 Support for men who use violence: Men’s Referral Service - 1300 766 491

30% OFF SPRING SALE

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presents the latest, speediest to install, very economical and most energy efficient building system – SIPs

We are locally based in Daylesford, manufacturing structural insulated panels (SIPs) for use in residential and commercial construction. Our range of insulated roof, wall, floor and ceiling panels help you achieve your dream build with industry leading efficiency and we provide expert advice along the way.

Call us on 1300 301 885 enquiries@structuralpanels.com.au www.structuralpanels.com.au

COURTOT AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS Phone: (03)

5348 3167

Building revolution

HERE’S a building revolution happening – in Daylesford – and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

Structural Panels Australia owners Per Bernard, Tibor Hegedis and Martin Bird have worked together for years specialising in energy efficient building systems. But the more efficient the buildings became, the more they cost, putting them out of the reach of most people, as Per explains. “The more efficient buildings become, the dearer they get and whilst we can design and build a house that needs no heating or cooling, it costs a lot of money, and most people can’t afford that.” A couple of years ago the trio started looking at a new product, structurally insulated panels (SIPs), and when Victoria’s main manufacturer decided to retire, they took over the business and moved it to their premises in East Street, Daylesford. “SIPs creates a really high insulation level that is also affordable. It does that by taking away most of the timber in a building, including the studs and trusses, so you are down to using about 10 per cent of the timber you would normally need. “And because you don’t have a normal timber frame stud wall, which is how most buildings are done here, even those with brick veneer, there are no thermal breaches in the walls or floors or even roof, if you use it for all of those areas. “If you take an infrared photo of a new house that is supposed to be working efficiently you will see every single stud is a heat leak. You can see them as a red patch through the side of the building. But because a SIP panel hardly has any timber you see a completely different picture of insulation.” And alongside the great insulation properties of the panels it also resolves a current worldwide shortage of building materials including timber. A win, win. Per said the company was looking to upscale their factory, which already employs two people, and within the next year start producing a complete pre-fab system, building entire walls onsite with doors, windows and cladding, ready to be put together in a couple of days. The trio also works with professional engineers, building designers and architects and can offer a one stop shop for a complete building package. There are also discounts being passed on of up to 30 per cent, thanks to some savvy shopping, and a genuine wish to create sustainable, affordable projects for their community. “We are achieving comparably efficient buildings like we have done for a number of years, however using SIPs, we can now offer a much less complicated, less expensive system. This really is a game changer. And pretty cool.” Advertorial

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KING MP

Federal Member for Ballarat 03 5338 8123 Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au

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THERE’S A MILLION REASONS TO GET VACCINATED.

Mine’s getting back out in our community, what’s yours? Mary-Anne Thomas MP LABOR MEMBER FOR MACEDON

Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne, VIC 3437 E: mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au P: 5428 2138 Authorised by MA Thomas, Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne.

Lamb Rack with Chimichurri. BY RICHARD CORNISH

It’s Spring and time for some Spring lamb. Sweet, juicy and tender Australian lamb is at its succulent best in the Spring months. For a special occasion, a quick alternative to a leg roast or when you want a roast for two, treat yourself to a rack of lamb. With the classic flavour of rosemary and garlic and a little side of zingy chimichurri made from fresh Spring herbs, this is a sensational and quick dish that can be on the table within the hour. Just add more racks for when you have more friends and family at the table. Serves 2-4 6-8 point rack of lamb per 2 people 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves 3 cloves garlic, finely minced salt and pepper 1/2 bunch coriander 1/2 up flat leaf parsley small handful oregano leaves 1 shallot, chopped 2 green stems spring onion 1 small chilli 2 cloves garlic 60 ml red wine vinegar 90 ml extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon quality salt Richard Cornish, award winning journo, food writer and author, is writing a series of recipes for his favourite local butcher, The Daylesford Meat Co. For more recipes, visit daylesfordmeatco.com.au

SPONSORED BY THE DAYLESFORD MEAT COMPANY

Preheat the oven to 240ºC. Rub the lamb with olive oil and rub in the rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Place on a roasting tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 150ºC and cook for a further 10-20 minutes depending on how pink you prefer your lamb. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri by adding the remaining ingredients to a food processor and blend until it forms a rough sauce. Remove the lamb from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Serve with roast potatoes and the chimichurri to one side. Enjoy with a glass of Passing Clouds Shiraz.

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26 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

Local Lines

By Donna Kelly

untrue grit

E GOT a tip! Nah, not one of those: "I know what you should do when you’re outside in The Local..." to which the reply is easy. "Well, great, when you and feel a bit of grit have worked on other papers for about 30 years, take the plunge, between your toes open your own and then just do whatever you think we should be doing." you sit Nah, it was a real tip, saying thanks for what do you. It came as a surprise. Kyle headed to the letterbox, on one of his three-monthly trips, armed with a plastic bag, a long-handled pincer sort of thing, and fly spray. You can take the Kiwi out of New Zealand but you can't take the fear of spiders that can kill you out of a Kiwi. Now, I bet you are thinking we are super lazy, not going to the letterbox every day, but in our defence it is across a road, one that is becoming very busy, and we just don't get that much mail now. And any mail we do get is usually something we don't want, like bank statements which we have asked for years to just be online, or election promotion materials when we already know who is standing and when, or random bits of paper asking to stop development in Glenlyon (sorry, but the horse has bolted on that one) and other bits saying we need more development (really?). Anyway, Kyle came back with his bag half full, and offered me an enveloped card. Now, being an old-school journo, that threw me a little. The last time I opened a card at a former workplace, we had anthrax protocols in place. Luckily, being a pandemic, I had plenty of masks, gloves and sanitiser at the ready - and being a bit tired of the ennui I am currently experiencing decided it was time to just go for it. I choose life so I opened the envelope. Whoa. Inside was a really nice Thank You card, with real handwriting about what we do at The Local and how we are appreciated. And also inside, a $100 Visa gift card! Yep, a tip. Talk about make my day, week and year. Now, this is not the first time I have been tipped. Once when I was working in Cairns as a Japanese tour guide I was given a $20 tip by the father of a family I took out on a reef trip. And that's back in the 80s so, you know, $20. It was a lovely gesture and the only downside was that he took so long to thank me that I missed my free ride home and the bus and had to pay for a taxi which was $22. Still, it's the thought that counts, right? But it is my first tip as a journo. Because of course journos can't accept tips. It's like taking a bribe. When I worked at a suburban newspaper group we were sent a memo from the general manager that any money changing hands was a sackable offence and any gifts we received had to be sent straight his way. Oddly, the only thing I received was some free incontinence underwear (I think I might have been the health reporter for a bit) so I quickly packaged them up and sent them on. Anonymously of course. Didn't want it to look like I was buttering him up... Now, I am the boss, well the managing editor, and I have made a rule that all tips are most welcome. Not that I want to start a trend, but you know, if you feel like it... Anyway, thank you so much, tip giver. It was unnecessary but much appreciated. And I have decided I am going to use it towards something fun at our Christmas crew party. After all, this thing we do called The Local is a team effort. And our team has worked tirelessly over Covid, for pay and for nothing at times, to keep our readers reading and our advertisers getting their messages out. And tip or not, I do know we are appreciated by many. It was funny timing actually. We had lunch with some good friends a few weeks back at a restaurant far, far away from the Central Highlands, with OK service and food. Nothing bad, nothing outstanding. At the end of the meal our friends wanted to leave a tip, we didn't see the point. They asked why. We couldn't really explain. But now I get it. Australian wages are not like America. A tip is not needed to make up a real wage. Yes, it is nice to tip, but I don't think it should be expected. Now, if you get amazing service and food, above and beyond, sure thing, tip away. But also think about all those other industries, not food, that also go above and beyond to serve you, make sure your experience is so fantastic that you walk away feeling like your money was well spent. This is my first tip in the journalism game. But I think I have gone above and beyond many, many times, listened to people's stories, told them honestly and truthfully and I hope that over the past eight years people have read The Local and thought: "I feel better for reading that." And so many others do it as well in all sorts of businesses and organisations. And so many never expect a tip. Sometimes just a thank you will have people almost crying. Although, I must admit, a great meal with great friends is pretty priceless just now. Oh, another shout-out to our crew. Being an essential service, we had to make sure everyone was vaccinated. So I sent out a quick email asking if everyone was and could we put a VV next to their name on page 2. Yes, they all replied, vaccinated ages ago. All done and dusted. No worries. I friggin' love our people. Just sayin'...

untie your bootlace peel off your sock turn it inside out take stock find nothing much it doesn’t seem fair it certainly felt like something was there In lockdown for something else to do try inserting some grit in your shoe - Bill Wootton Bill lives in gritty Hepburn Springs. Local Lines comes mainly from a group of local poets but other submissions are always welcome. To have a poem considered for publication contact Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

CHOOK RUN

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Opinion 27

Kyle’s Rant

“

ALL welcome, no judgement” is the sign above the doors and in the social media of a few local businesses in the Central Highlands.

At first thought my deliberations went to, well, there has been a lot of anxiety and division in the community, so it is nice to see some good vibes and lightness around the place. However my next cognition drew a different conclusion that perhaps “All welcome, no judgement” was in reference to the vaccination and the wearing of masks at premises. If it is referring to the latter, there is no way I would or will be frequenting an establishment that doesn’t cover me in terms of my safety. The last thing I would put up with is an open-masked earth mother or father, for that matter earth-person, walking around an eatery because of their rights. This battle has been too long, too wearing and with too much heartache to let the minority have no judgement in terms of vaccine choices and mask wearing. On the other hand, I might have the whole statement upside down. Does it mean when I enter your establishment under the “All welcome, no judgement” banner I am able to flash-up a cigarette 70’s style or better yet clip and cut my Cuban before sharing that rich fruity aroma with the other patrons? Or would I still have no judgement thrust upon me as I didn’t quite make it to the ablutions, squeezing one out on the floor, kicking it aside and asking the help to “take care of that for me love” in an East End accent? We have rules and laws that have been developed over the ages and embraced by most in society that separate us from the jungle animals and these commandments have to be followed if you want to move around in a world with the other seven billion individuals. For instance, the rule for mandatory seatbelts had a bit of backlash, nowadays it is the first thing you do before setting sail and if you don’t, most vehicles will make loud abusive noises until you have rectified the offending behaviour. Here at TL HQ, all our contributors, contractors and staff are fully vaccinated and if they weren’t there would be no more dealings with The Local, as we are in and out of places reporting on the goings on of the whole community including the vulnerable. We want to have a clear conscience that, as a result of reporting the news, we haven’t made the news by starting a super-spreader event, destroying livelihoods by shutting down venues or killing people because of our selfishness. Anyway I do hope that the “All welcome, no judgement” statement simply refers to loving all the people in the world what ever colour, sexuality or religious leanings you have. Great judgement rant over…

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28 Crossword

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The Local Classified Advertising

PUBLIC NOTICE - GEOGRAPHIC NAMING PROPOSAL

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a Special Council Meeting of Hepburn Shire Council will be held on Tuesday 26 October 2021 commencing at 6:00pm.

Hepburn Shire Council is proposing to rename Jim Crow Creek in recognition of Aboriginal heritage and that the current name is offensive and derogatory. The new name proposed by the Traditional Owners is Larni Barramal Yaluk (Home of the Emu Creek) in Dja Dja Wurrung language. The creek runs 26km from Breakneck Gorge in Hepburn Regional Park to the Loddon River below the Guildford Plateau at Strangways. Refer to map

The meeting will be conducted virtually, and members of the community are invited to view the meeting via a live stream to Council’s Facebook page. The proposed business to be transacted at this meeting will be for Council to consider the adoptions of the: 1.

Community Vision 2021-2031;

Council Plan 2021-2025, including the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, and;

Financial Plan 2021-2031.

Only the business as detailed above will be transacted at the Special Council Meeting. There will be no Public Participation Time conducted at this meeting. This Special Council Meeting is called in line with Council’s Governance Rules 2020. Enquiries: Manager Governance and Risk, phone 5321 6413.

Further information about the renaming proposal is available at Participate Hepburn https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/ proposed-renaming-jim-crow-creek. Members of the public can provide feedback on the name by one of the following methods. Email: creekrenaming@hepburn.vic.gov.au Mail: PO Box 21 Daylesford, VIC 3460 All submissions must comply with the Naming Rules for places in Victoria - 2016 Submissions must be received by 12 November 2021. Residents living directly along the Creek (within 200 metres) will receive a letter and survey in the mail to return by post. Enquires: Donna Spiller Reconciliation Officer Tel: 0417 004 983

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The Last Word: Kate Taylor is no Paralympian

“

YOU should be a paralympian.” What?!

There are two problems with that text, sent to me by one of my closest friends. One problem is that there’s no capital P for Paralympian. Nouns get Capitals. And you would automatically write Olympian. See? That looks right, without even thinking about it. P-P-P-Paralympian. The second problem is that just because I’m blind, that does not mean I automatically qualify as a Paralympian. It’s not just people with disabilities. It’s the world’s elite athletes with disabilities. People who have trained hour after hour, day after day, month after month, year after year. There’s a reason that Malcolm Gladwell defines ‘outliers’ as having practised something for 10,000 hours to become the best at it. I’m way too distractable for that. But thanks for thinking the best of me. I mean, I get it. For two weeks, every four years, we are all Olympic experts. Suddenly, we know everything about all sports. We can remember all 10 of the decathlon events, even though if you ask us at any other time of the Olympic cycle we’d vaguely wonder if equestrian is part of the triathlon. Then, when we all do our morning walks, our weekend runs, we’re suddenly giving the Olympic records the side-eye, thinking we might just be able to do it. If we had more time, less work. That’s all it would take, right? Nope. Wrong. Which comes to the very thing that defines the difference between the Olympics and the Paralympics. Nothing. They’re not really different at all. Both events feature athletes who run, swim, ride, lift weights, practise, train, practise some more, train some more, run, swim and ride. And then do it all again tomorrow. And every day. For four years. Just for one moment in time. One shot at glory. Sure, Paralympians can’t see or hear or may have one leg or one arm. But they all have exactly the same Olympic spirit. It’s not about the bodies at all. It’s about the mental strength. The determination to succeed, the dedication to the training, the skill, the talent, the need to win at all costs, overcoming the pain of injuries. It’s what separates ‘athletes’ from ‘Olympians’. And it’s equal for those competing at both the Paralympics and the Olympics. So do I have a social responsibility to be a Paralympian, then? Because that’s the vibe I’m getting from that text. I’m blind, therefore is it my civic duty to be inspiring? Ha. Ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha. Ahem. No. I did not sign a social contract exchanging your goodwill towards me having a disability in return for me inspiring you.

I’ve said it before. People before me have said it before. And we’ll echo it again as our chorus grows louder across the globe. We are not your inspiration porn. Some of us are amazing, yes. Most of us are just living our regular lives. Let us be who we are. Lift your burden of inspiration expectation from around our shoulders and put it back on your own. See how that feels. And while you’re wearing that burden, watch this video. It’s less than two minutes out of your day. And learn from us, we the 15 per cent of the population with disability. www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHCDvdCaJhI No, look, I really must insist that you please go back and really do click on that link. I mean it. It’s an ad by WeThe15, sport's biggest ever human rights movement to end discrimination. And I promise you, you’ve never seen anything like it. So, Australian Olympians who competed at the Olympics received a $20,000 bonus for a gold medal. But it was only this month that the Federal Government announced that Olympians competing at the Paralympics will also now get that same bonus when they return from Tokyo. It took a bit of a fight to get it, too. A big push by Olympians and Paralympians, then Prime Minister Sco-Mo bowed to the pressure and made the announcement. It was such a proud, proud day. Just shameful that it took until 2021. The Paralympics were held in their first incarnation back in 1960. Still. A win is a win. Me? I don’t have that strength, dedication or spirit. Even for $10K. I swim 7km a week and that’s it for me. Sometimes I manage about half an hour on the bike before I get distracted and jump off and just dance to the workout music instead. Did you know that even with all of the anabolic steroids, illegal transfusions and therapies, Lance Armstrong still was on his bike six hours a day? Turns out I can’t even be bothered cheating my way to becoming an elite athlete then. Let alone a bloody Paralympian. “You should be a paralympian.” Nah. I’ll stick to watching the Paralympics at home like everyone else, throwing popcorn at the screen when it goes to a penalty shootout and sobbing when Dylan Alcott wins again. But hey…you should be an Olympian…

Kate Taylor is an award-winning journalist…and she’s also blind. In this four-part series, she explores world issues through the lens of living in regional Victoria with a disability. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, her stories will always make the reader think. Email: kate.elizabeth.taylor.1@gmail.com