Front page: The Melbourne Cup made its way to Trentham last Wednesday, October 16 and into the hands of many people including Trentham Hotel owner Chris Anstey - but not champion jockey Jamie Kah. There's a reason for that. Read the story and see the images by Eve Lamb on pages 14 & 15.
Image: Eve Lamb
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REFERENCE: EOI 1: ATM_2024_2749 EOI 2: ATM_2024_2750 HOW TO
Opened: 30 September 2024
Closing date: 12 midday AEDT, 27 Nov 2024
• Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for Restoring our Rivers
• Download and read the Request for Expression of Interest documents
• Login or Register as a new user
• Complete the Expression of Interest response form and submit your response.
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The next edition is out on Monday, November 4, 2024. or online on Sunday, November 3 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, October 30
Copy deadline: Thursday, October 31
Editorial deadline: Thursday, October 31
General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au
Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or news@tlnews.com.au
Editorial: Eve Lamb on 0493 632 843 or editorial@tlnews.com.au
Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat
Writers: Eve Lamb, Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly
Photographers: Kyle Barnes & Eve Lamb
Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness
Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (music), Sarah Lang (recipes), Clive Hartley (wine) & Bill Wootton (poetry)
Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interests (EOIs) from water right owners across the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who may want to sell their water in 2025.
EOI 1 invites responses from single water rights owners who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas.
EOI 2 invites responses from entities interested in selling a large portfolio of water of around 20 GL (or greater) across the southern connected Basin.
LIST OF CATCHMENTS:
NEW SOUTH WALES
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Lower Darling
VICTORIA
Broken Kiewa
Goulburn
Mitta Mitta
Campaspe Loddon
Ovens & King
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australian Murray
Victorian Murray
Responses to the EOIs are not considered binding offers. However, only respondents who submit an EOI will be able to proceed to subsequent purchase program. Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed in the table, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department.
The decision to participate is completely voluntary.
To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE:
For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au
If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au
Kingston garden open for CFA fundraiser
The upcoming opening of the old school house garden at Kingston to raise funds for the local CFA fire brigade represents an opportunity not to be missed.
Without a doubt one of the best private gardens in the region, it is owned by Graham Fisher and Anthony Straker and rarely opens to the public.
When it does it’s certainly a treat for garden lovers, but the opening that’s set for Saturday, November 2 promises to be a great day out with live music, onsite refreshments and tours by owner-gardener Graham Fisher.
It’s a great chance to make a day of exploring the many fantastic creative ideas this remarkable oasis has to offer including impressive visual lines-of-sight, over a kilometre of formal hedging, glorious vistas and clever plant combinations.
Featuring established native and exotic trees and a wide array of floriferous plants including traditional cottage favourites and de rigueur dry-climate perennials, the garden graces two hectares of the overall three-hectare site and embraces the 1871-founded former Kingston Primary School building which Anthony and Graham have lovingly restored.
“We’ve spent a lot of blood, sweat and tears on restoring it,” says Graham, an architect by profession. "The garden is designed around a lot of the original trees that were already here including the aleppo pine (pinus halepensis) that is related to the Lone Pine."
Eagerly anticipating the event, secretary of Kingston CFA Fire Brigade Wendy Dunton says the goal is to raise funds toward replacing one of the brigade’s two tankers.
Wendy, brigade captain Robert Haughey, and their team of volunteer members say they’re delighted that Graham and Anthony have generously offered to make their garden available.
“It’s our community-based tanker which is very old and needs to be replaced,” Wendy says.
“We have applied for a grant and we have to match it. Our other tanker - Tanker One - can go off on strike teams. But this community-based tanker that we need to replace is based here at all times to protect the local community. We’re also trying to get a new station as well.”
As part of the upcoming Open Garden Day, Graham will lead tours of the garden at both 11am and 1pm on the day, with the $15 (adults) gate entry fee going entirely to the CFA cause.
Above, owners Anthony Straker (left) and Graham Fisher (right) in their beautiful garden at the old Kingston School building which they have painstakingly renovated over recent years.
Inset, Graham Fisher (third from left in gardener’s hat) with Kingston CFA brigade members, from left, Alan Hives, Anne Hives, brigade captain Robert Haughey, Wendy Dunton and Pia Sims.
Words & images: Eve Lamb
Xmas Day at Cliffy's to support local CFAs
Cliffy's Emporium is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated Christmas Day fundraiser, now in its sixth year, with a goal of raising over $100,000 to support the local CFA brigades.
Set to take place on December 25 from 8am to 11am, the event promises festive fun, delicious food, and the opportunity to give back to the community.
Since its inception, this Christmas tradition has become a cornerstone of holiday celebrations in Daylesford, raising nearly $80,000 over the past five years.
All proceeds from food, drink sales, and donations go directly to the CFA brigades that serve Daylesford and the surrounding regions, ensuring our local firefighters receive the support they need to continue their life-saving work.
This year, Cliffy's is seeking donations of products or vouchers to be raffled off during the event, with all proceeds going to the fire brigades.
Every donation, big or small, plays a crucial role in helping to reach this year’s ambitious goal. In return, all donors will receive recognition across event promotional materials.
"We know times are tough, but the generosity of this community has always amazed us. Every contribution makes a tangible difference, and together, we can make this year's fundraiser the most successful one yet," said Liam Thornycroft, event organiser.
Anyone interested in contributing to the event or learning more, should email info@cliffysemporium.com.au. Donations must be submitted by November 29, 2024.
Head to Cliffy’s on Christmas morning for a coffee, a mimosa, and the joy of knowing you’re supporting a cause that truly matters.
Image: Chris Turner at Inkd Fotogrfa
Better roads coming
The state government is rolling out a major road maintenance blitz to rebuild, repair and resurface roads across Victoria.
An army of road workers will begin delivering the equivalent of $2.6 million worth of works for every day of the year – with around 70 per cent of funding going to regional Victoria.
Over the next nine months, crews will complete thousands of projects on the network, ranging from road rehabilitation and resurfacing, to patching potholes and maintaining bridges, traffic lights, signage and road infrastructure.
To deliver major works such as road rebuilding and rehabilitation, there must be extended periods of warmer and drier conditions, which is why most work is done between now and May each year - ensuring repairs last.
In the Macedon state electorate the following roads are included:
Gisborne-Kilmore Road, Tylden-Woodend Road, Kilmore-Lancefield Road and Heathcote-Kyneton Road. Nearby roads include: Vineyard Road, Sunbury, Midland Highway between Blampied and Newlyn, and the Bendigo-Redesdale Road.
Repeated flooding and above-average rainfall caused unprecedented damage to roads which meant the maintenance program needed to focus on rebuilding damaged roads last year – simply resurfacing these roads would not have prevented further degradation.
Now this work to rebuild our most flood-damaged roads is complete, resurfacing and rehabilitation levels will significantly increase during the upcoming maintenance season.
The blitz will target the state’s busiest travel and trade routes, with works set to be delivered on the Hume Freeway, the Princes Highway, Surf Coast Highway, the Western Highway, and the Goulburn Valley Highway.
This package also includes flood recovery works, with priority given to repairing regional Victoria’s flood-damaged roads. The final list of flood recovery projects will be confirmed in the coming months.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the state government was "getting on with fixing the roads that country people drive on every day".
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said almost one billion dollars was being invested to rebuild and repair the roads that Victorians depend on every single day.
"Crews will be out delivering $2.6 million of works every day for a year – with around 70 per cent of all funding going towards our regional roads."
Kyneton art exhibition
and
The exhibition opened recently at The Old Auction House in Kyneton and presents two starkly contrasting perspectives of the diverse landscapes of Victoria’s Central Highlands.
From the rugged majesty of the Macedon Ranges to sprawling, tranquil farmlands, through cloud-shrouded winters and dry, sun scorched summers, the artists take people on a visual journey that transcends the canvas they work with.
Nadia’s surreal interpretations and Pam’s moody realism embrace qualities of time and place which resonate with all those who know and love this unique region.
Both Nadia and Pam feel a deep responsibility to raise awareness of the fragility of this beautiful place and its need for preservation.
The Central Highlands faces numerous challenges including habitat loss and the wider effects of climate change. Through their art, the artists hope to inspire a sense of stewardship and appreciation for this region.
The Sprit of the Highlands exhibition runs until November 11 and is open daily from 10am to 4pm at The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton.
There will be a Meet the Artists afternoon on November 2 from 2pm to 4pm. Entry is free with refreshments provided.
Spirit of the Highlands is an exhibition by local artists Nadia Kliendanze, right,
Pam Gleeson, left.
Clunes show ahead: time to get cracking
There’s still time to get your entries in for the competition categories for the upcoming Clunes Spring Show.
“Entries for all our competitions close early in November,” says Clunes and District Agricultural Society secretary Gayle Wrigley, ahead of the show happening Saturday November 16.
“People can go into the schedule to get all the details and enter through our website,” says Gayle.
She says all the favourite fixtures that people love about classic country shows will be back. But there’s going to be some new crowd-pleasing attractions that will be well worth catching this time as well.
“We’ve got whip cracker Stewart Bryant and his whip cracking show which will be a highlight,” Gayle says.
“We’ve never had whip cracking before and that will be a headline act, featuring on the main arena at noon and 3pm. Stewart is recently back from performing for the winter season at the Longreach Hall of Fame.
“We’ve also got Dean Smith ‘the Dancing Bear’ who is a world-renowned chainsaw sculptor and performer and he will be doing demonstrations. And then we will also be auctioning the pieces he creates to raise funds to help the agricultural society maintain facilities.
“We’ve got our local food and wine pavilion and live music including Troy Elliot who will be entertaining on the stage around 3.45pm for a couple of hours and during his performance our chainsaw sculptures will be auctioned.
“We’re having free entertainment on stage all day and all the favourites like the dog high-jump, the Bute Ute and the novelty things like the ferret racing, ladies’ wood-splitting, gumboot throw, keg throw and the tug-o-war.
“We’ve also got the Western Wolves-Ballarat Medieval Combat displays returning. We had them last year and it was a great spectacle.
“The other thing that was a ripping success last year, and that we will have back again, is the kids' under-10s sandpit with buried ping pong balls containing prizes.
“And people just love all the traditional things like wandering through the home crafts pavilion, and all the animals. The equestrian events are always a key part of our show ring and are beautiful to watch.”
Gayle says competition entries close for most sections on Tuesday, November 5 so it’s time to be part of the fun and get some entries in. The schedule can be found on the website clunesshow.com.au
Words: Eve Lamb
Above, whip cracker Stewart Bryant and his show will be a new attraction at the upcoming Clunes Show, below, the dog high jump will be back for the crowds to enjoy
Images: Supplied
Women's Health Clinic $250k health donation
The new Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub at Kyneton Health has been given a boost with extra funding allocated from the state government to significantly increase the free services offered to the local community.
In September, Central Highlands Rural Health in Kyneton was announced as one of the 20 locations to open a specialised women’s health clinic in Victoria.
The Women’s Health Clinic in Kyneton will provide more specialist services than is currently offered at the Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub including access to gynaecologists, endocrinologists and other specialist services including nursing and allied health support.
It will make it easier for women to access care for conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), incontinence, perimenopause and menopause. Work has begun to get the clinic operational before the end of the year.
Central Highlands Rural Health CEO Maree Cuddihy said the organisation was thrilled to be announced as a location for a Women’s Health Clinic.
"Historically, there hasn’t been enough emphasis on listening to women and dedicating time to their diverse health needs across various conditions.
"Recently, we were selected to establish a Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, which is now fully operational, and when the opportunity arose to express interest in creating a dedicated women’s health clinic, we were eager to pursue it.
"The clinic at Kyneton Health will address the substantial delays that individuals in regional and rural areas, as well as those facing financial or cultural barriers, often experience when trying to access specialist sexual and reproductive health services. We’re proud to offer these services in a locally established, supportive and confidential environment.”
Above, from left, chief nursing officer Susan Jennings, clinical nurse consultants Cynthia Pollard and Catherine Prestney, Macedon MP MaryAnne Thomas and CEO Maree Cuddihy
A surprise phone call to Daylesford Health will change lives in rural Victoria thanks to Harry and Peggy Maddicks.
The estate of the late Maddicks siblings has been supporting the Daylesford Hospital for over 25 years thanks to family friend and executor Tim Byrne, who recently donated $250,000, bringing the total given to an incredible $528,000.
Mr Byrne said it was vitally important for rural people to have access to quality healthcare.
"Harry wanted to support the health of the Daylesford community after his passing and I’m honoured to make the donation on behalf of Harry and Peggy.”
Tim was taken on a tour of Daylesford Hospital's new operating theatre and shown the updated plaque honouring the generosity of Harry and Peggy since the first donation in 1999.
Director of Nursing for Daylesford Health Meagan Harding said a quarter of a million dollars would change lives.
"It will have a lasting impact on the patients here at Daylesford Hospital. On behalf of Central Highlands Rural Health’s Board, executives, staff and patients I would like to thank Tim for giving so generously to the health and wellbeing of the Daylesford and district community.”
The Maddicks family arrived in Daylesford during the early gold rush days of the 1850s, where three generations lived and worked. Henry Jnr (Harry), Margaret (Peggy) and Kevin were the children of Henry and Anastasia Maddicks.
Henry Snr ran the Delta Photographic Studios from 1906 for over 60 years, and many of his treasured photos are archived at the Daylesford Museum.
Harry was a keen radio enthusiast and established a shop selling radios and household electrical appliances, and he continued to run the photographic business after his father’s death.
Kevin, who joined the war effort, was sadly killed while on service in New Guinea in 1945.
Their sister Peggy was an active tennis club member and quietly involved with many community groups.
None of the siblings married, and although private and reserved, they actively volunteered in many of the community's organisations and causes.
Harry was particularly interested in assisting the WWII refugees from the Baltic states at the Bullarto camp.
Words: Contributed
Hepburn Shire Council postal election
An election is being held for Hepburn Shire Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material were mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to:
79A Raglan Street Daylesford
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Your say...
Cinema
Thank you to members of this wonderful community for your enthusiastic response to the news that cinema is returning to Daylesford, upstairs in the iconic Rex building.
The response on both Facebook and the Daylesford Community Grapevine was huge with so many heartwarming messages and lots of offers of help to make it happen. Thank you one and all. We are in the process of following up the many offers and channelling them in various directions according to interests and skills. More offers are always welcome as there are many tasks to complete.
It is now time to call on all cinema lovers to dig deep and contribute financially. We have just launched our GoFundMe campaign and are very much hoping that you will be keen to support us financially. All contributions big or small are most welcome. Simply go to: https://gofund.me/73e585b0 and follow the prompts.
Your financial assistance will enable us to get underway with creating an art deco interior to be proud of, a welcoming entrance with attractive lighting, carpeting, comfortable seats, state-of-the-art cinema equipment, well-equipped café/bar and ticketing area as well as assisting us through the establishment phase.
We envisage our community-run cinema being a wonderful space for locals to congregate and socialise as well as providing much-needed nighttime, weekend and holiday activity for tourists to enjoy. Involvement in all aspects of both creating and operating the cinema, bar and café will provide great opportunities for people of all ages to socialise, learn new skills and engage in meaningful activity whilst making an important contribution to this community.
As well as providing a variety of film genres, the cinema will host locally made movies/documentaries, musical events, stand-up comedy and small theatrical productions. As the town hall will be closed for approximately two years, we see possibilities for the cinema to meet a variety of community needs in addition to its core business.
For those who have queries about fundraising and the GoFundMe campaign contact Jenny Beacham, Daylesford Cinema Group Treasurer, on 0427 512 159.
For more information contact me, Jules McDonald, on 0400 455 993 or email julesmcd11k@gmail.com
- Jules McDonald, Daylesford Cinema Group president
Fire concerns
This is an open letter to DEECA. A government body responsible for "Planned Burns".
We live on the Midland Highway at Eganstown. Ours is an open bush 20-acre property, which will be in a direct fire line when the sparking from the soon-to-be built very high powerlines will occur.
The closest powerline will be running north to south along the bushline from the highway to wherever it will turn right towards more bush along the Lerderderg Gorge Reservoir. This will be a typical afternoon fire, when the wind changes from a northsouth direction to a west-easterly direction and the fire front will be at its longest and hottest.
Our situation here is that we have a fair strip of unmaintained private bush between us on the east side of Iverson Reef leading to the powerlines - and all this extra risk could have been avoided by sticking these lines underground.
This government finds the "extra" cost to be 16 times higher. But it does not include the very real cost of another Black Saturday disaster which would bring the cost of above-ground lines to at least 160 times higher than underground.
And we haven't even looked at the maintenance of lines and towers and more than 65-metre wide easements, breakdowns, blackouts and storms etc.
Remember Black Saturday? 179 people died and 5000 properties were destroyed. Innumerable animals lost their lives as well.
Up until now we have been able to maintain our 20 acres and beyond but old age is catching up and I am expecting the owners of the properties around us to put in their bit. Be they private, VicRoads or the state government.
So here I am, once again requesting if you could find the time and money to clean up the Iverson Reef track as has become inaccessible for the fire brigade and me. Possibly also do a clean burn of the state forest. The last time that happened was 25 years ago. That makes it at least 25 years' of fuel buildup.
I would also like to see Iverson Reef track closed in the summertime to prevent fire bugs from starting fires, as has happened in the past four years.
- Peter Hoedjes, Eganstown
Just briefly...
Barefoot Bowls for Daylesford Health will be held at the Daylesford Bowling Club on Sunday, November 10 from 1pm to 4.30pm.
The event will raise money for the new operating theatre and acute wards. The cost is $120 per team of four. Prizes are on offer for a host of competitions. To join the fun head to www.chrh.org.au/barefoot-bowls-for-daylesford-health/
The Victorian Electoral Commission is reminding voters in Hepburn Shire Council that they have until 6pm on Friday, October 25 to vote in the council election.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said ballot packs can be posted or dropped off at the electoral office at 79A Raglan Street, Daylesford.
Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited executive director Tom Sexton has been recognised as a thought-leader in education in Australia in a publication marking the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth, launched at Westminster Abbey, London on October 9.
The British Parliament Trust’s publication - The Commonwealth at 75 - celebrates examples of leadership, innovation and development across the 56 nations of the Commonwealth and will be distributed to more than 400,000 individuals and organisations. With 40 years’ experience as a teacher, principal and system leader in regional Victoria, Mr Sexton said it was pleasing that a regional education leader should be included in the publication.
Djaara, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and national conservation not-for-profit Bush Heritage Australia has launched a shared plan to guide landscape management across nearly 3000 hectares of Bush Heritage-managed reserves in north-west Victoria.
The two organisations, who have worked together for 17 years, celebrated their Wurreka Galkangu partnership and the Wurreka Galkangu shared strategic landscape plan in a ceremony on Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) at Bush Heritagemanaged Bellair Reserve, east of Bendigo.
VIC STATE ROOFING
Metal Roof Specialist
Working alone is a contributing factor in the majority of farm workplace deaths.
No matter if it is a perfect day, or a storm is coming and you only have a short window to get the job done. Whatever it is, take a minute to think through what you’re doing. For strategies to stay safe while working alone, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/working-alone-farms
It’s never you, until it is.
HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL ELECTION OCTOBER 2024
•
• Be available to represent your interests as your local voice.
ELECTIONS
The next Local Government General Elections will be held on Saturday 26 October 2024.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is responsible for the conduct of all Victorian Local Government elections, by-elections, and countbacks.
Voting in this election is by post only. The VEC will post ballot packs to all enrolled voters from Monday 7 October. Your ballot pack will contain:
• a ballot paper
• candidate statements
• a ballot paper envelope (for your vote to go in)
• a reply-paid envelope (for your ballot paper envelope to go in)
• a leaflet with instructions in other languages.
Follow the instructions in your ballot pack to complete your vote. Make sure you post it or drop it off at the election office before 6pm on Friday 25 October
The electoral structure (Wards) of Hepburn Shire Council has changed. These changes will apply in the Local Government General Election on Saturday 26 October 2024.
Hepburn Shire Council will be unsubdivided, or in other words seven councillors elected with no ward structure.
Local mail collection times differ. Check the collection time on your post box to make sure your vote is in the mail on time.
If you don’t receive your Ballot Pack, please contact the VECwww.vec.vic.gov.au
COMMUNITY AWARDS
Council is calling for nominations from across our community to acknowledge the people and groups working tirelessly to make Hepburn Shire a great place to live, work and play.
Nominations can be made in the following categories:
• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Event of the Year
• Hepburn Together.
Council’s Community Awards are the perfect chance to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements by individuals and groups that work hard to better the community we live in. A new award category, the Hepburn Together Award, is commencing from 2025 and is designed to celebrate the contribution of groups to Hepburn Shire.
If you know of someone giving their all to our Hepburn Shire community, you can recognise their contribution by submitting a nomination online at Community Awards before Friday 1 November 2024.
Visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Community-awards
COUNCIL PLAN FOCUS AREAS
FREE GREEN WASTE NOVEMBER
Hepburn Shire residents and property owners can dispose of green waste for free at transfer stations in Daylesford, Creswick and Trentham during November. As the upcoming fire season approaches it’s important to take steps to prepare your property and stay safe, for more information visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
Things to remember:
• Bring along some proof of residency.
• Separate your load - green material should be separated from other items being brought in.
• Noxious weeds should not be transported or brought to the transfer stations.
• Excludes commercial quantities of waste.
Why no noxious weeds?
It is illegal to transport noxious weeds in Victoria and for our transfer stations to accept them. These regulations aim to reduce the spread of noxious weeds in Victoria. What options do I have for my noxious weeds?
Dispose of noxious weed material onsite via composting or burning (check with the CFA for regulations).
Check out Council’s Noxious Weed Guide at our transfer stations, libraries, customer service centres, or visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/trees-vegetation
SWISS ITALIAN FESTA ROAD CLOSURE
The Swiss Italian Festa is a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture and lifestyle. Join in for a feast of music, food, wine, art and sport which brings the local community and visitors together. Main Road in Hepburn Springs will be closed on Saturday 26 October in the morning to accommodate the Street Parade taking place from 10am - 11am. The road closure will be in place from 9am to 12 midday.
Check out the full event program at https://swissitalianfesta.com/
JOIN OUR TEAM
Are you looking for a career move or a job closer to home? We are recruiting new staff across a number of roles. Along with great teammates, we offer attractive and flexible working arrangements. Stay up-to-date with the latest job opportunities and apply at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/jobs
The Council Plan 2021-2025 describes how Council will strive towards our vision, where to focus efforts, and how to measure progress. Each Focus Area has a series of priority statements, with actions against each item.
EAT | DRINK | ENJOY
Out & About in the Central Highlands
From left, Edyta Wyatt, Melissa Ryan and Karen Ryrie
Fiona Kelly
Elizabeth Toomey
Deb Anderson and Jo Thitchener
Tommy Campion
Melbourne Cup in Trentham
There was no shortage of spring racing fever in the air as the Melbourne Cup paid a visit to Trentham last Wednesday, October 16, as part of its international and Aussie tour that began in May.
Visiting Trentham and then Lancefield the next day, the Cup is now in the home straight on its way to Flemington and the running of the race that stops the nation on Tuesday, November 5.
The Cup’s Trentham tour inclusion came about after owner of Hotel Trentham, former Boomer and NBA star Chris Anstey applied to host the $750,000 18-caratgold trophy.
During its Trentham visit the Cup was accompanied by Victorian Racing Club staff and champion jockey Jamie Kah. Jamie was carefully avoiding any contact with the Cup, a superstition held by many jockeys who have their sights set on winning it on the big day itself.
Jamie has a ride confirmed in the Cup aboard the Anthony Freedman trained Point King.
Words & images (except Natalie): Eve Lamb
Natalie Poole
Sue and Mike Worthington
John Sydenham and John Gardner
Hotel Trentham owner Chris Anstey with jockey Jamie Kah & Trentham CFA crew
Central Vic Clay Trail
For lovers of all things ceramic, the Central Victorian Clay Trail is a chance to visit regional ceramics studios and peek behind the scenes into the working lives of ceramic artists.
It is a wonderful way to connect with individual makers and gain an insight into their processes.
2024 is the sixth year of the Central Victorian Clay Trail. This year we have 11 studios open, allowing you to view and purchase works from 12 ceramicists working on Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung country. The work covers a range of ceramic techniques and styles, from tableware to sculptural pieces.
The trail is on from Saturday, November 2 to Tuesday, November 5, 10am to 4pm.
Download the map from the website centralvictorianclaytrail.org and follow us on Instagram @centralvictorianclaytrail
Above, participating ceramicist Emma Jimsom
Words: Sarah Koschak
Are you a show winner?
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be in the running for 1st or 2nd at the 150th Daylesford Show on November 23, 2024?
Agricultural shows have many competitions – cookery, arts and crafts, photography, farm and garden produce, cut flowers and floral art, horses, sheep, poultry, dogs and there are specific junior competitions. Exhibitors from all over are invited to compete, only a few are district competitions limited to those living no more than 25km from the Daylesford Post Office.
Some hints and tips for success at the show: when entering farm produce, make sure it is good quality produce, free from disease and damage; vgetables and fruit must be fresh, crisp and clean and of uniform shape and size; flowers must be at the peak of their development, with strong, straight stems and clean, healthy foliage; floral art exhibits must be well-balanced and in a complementary container, and jams, jellies and preserves must be flavourful and true to the colour of the fruit or vegetable from which they are made. They must be presented in the specified container, with jam seals, not lids. They must be properly labelled.
Also keep in mind: cakes, biscuits and slices must be of a fine, even texture, with even colour; knitting, crochet, sewing and needlework must be clean and unworn; exhibits must comply with the description in the schedule, entries must have their section tickets attached. If you enter online, you must print out your section tickets; and exhibits must have been made in the past 12 months, by an amateur exhibitor.
Do you want to pit your skills against winners from other Agricultural Shows?
Entries in Victorian agricultural shows must be of the highest standard as winners at our show will be judged against winners from other shows in the state and exhibited at the Melbourne Royal next year. Entries in Midlands competitions, similarly, will be judged against winners from other shows in our area.
You can enter at www.daylesfordshow.com or use the entry form, also online. Entries close midnight November 17 and exhibits must be delivered to the relevant pavilion at Victoria Park between 10am and 12.30pm on Friday, November 22 for judging. Looking forward to your entries.
For more information email info@daylesfordshow.com
- Mary Harvey, Schedule Secretary, Daylesford and District Agricultural Society
Creswick gardens
The Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, November 10 from 9am to 4pm.
This year Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend is organised by the Creswick Garden Club and brings together a dedicated group of amateur gardeners. It celebrates the skills of passionate gardeners in and around Creswick and showcases the region's outstanding garden businesses and other unique outlets. Plenty to keep a gardening fan occupied for the whole weekend.
There is a choice of nine diverse and beautiful private gardens: town gardens, sustainable gardens and large country gardens. Entry fees are $6 per garden, children under 16 are admitted free.
Don’t miss the Creswick Garden Club’s Flower Show at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre and a Monster Plant Sale at Coopers Reserve near the Creswick Visitor Information Centre on Saturday. There will also be plants for sale Saturday and Sunday in the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre car park.
Visit the iconic commercial gardens and nurseries: Bells Water Gardens, Brenlissa Nursery, Lambley Gardens & Nursery, Miss Northcott’s Garden, Overwrought Sculpture Garden & Gallery, Spring Park Nursery, Lucky Monkey Blacksmith and Captains Creek Winery, all with free entry. However Maze House, a great spot for children, does have an entry fee.
The John Curtin Café both will be open both Saturday and Sunday for a barbeque lunch and to enjoy a self-guided tour around the gardens of John Curtin Aged Care. As well, see the amazing “green wall” at the Creswick Woollen Mills and pat the farm animals. Shannon’s Bridge End of Life Hub will open their sensory gardens as well. There is no charge for these attractions. Visit the RACV Goldfields Resort to experience its beautiful bush setting and facilities.
Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, 19-21 Victoria Street. This is also the collection point for maps. EFTPOS facilities are available and there are two ATMs in town.
Online bookings at: Humanitix: Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend. Details: Facebook and Instagram @creswickgardenloversweekend or head to www.creswickgardenclub.com
A Bunch of Amateurs
Tania Knight, Craig Lenaine-Smith & Karen Hunt
In the Mount Players' production of A Bunch of Amateurs at Mountview Theatre, Macedon next month, keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood action hero, Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find out it is not the birthplace of the Bard but a sleepy village in Suffolk.
Instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench the cast is comprised of a bunch of amateurs desperately trying to save their beloved theatre from developers. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity is tested to the limit by the enthusiastic thespians.
This laugh-out-loud comedy is full of hilarious characters and snappy dialogue as theatrical worlds collide head on. Jefferson’s world implodes and he discovers some truths about himself – along with his inner Lear.
The play runs from November 1 to 17 with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and matinees held on Sundays at 2pm.
Tickets via www.themountplayers.com
- Karen Hunt, Mount Players president
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.
Artists of the Central Highlands with Eve Lamb
Creativity has always been central in the life of Musk Vale ceramicist Minna Graham. This skilled artist creates hand-made, functional tableware with a sculptural twist. Minna is preparing to participate in a national open studio event and to exhibit her work at one of Australia’s foremost contemporary ceramics galleries, the Skepsi Gallery in Malvern.
Eve: What do you draw on for inspiration in creating your work?
Minna: Out there! The bush. Landscape. I think I’ve come to terms recently with the fact that I’m a landscape artist. I’m really interested in mountains and volcanoes. Big inspiring landscapes. And we do travel a lot. I do chase different landscapes. Patagonia is a big one that’s stuck in my memory. Since 2016, when we travelled there, I’ve been having a love affair with the mountains and glaciers of Patagonia in The Andes, the volcanoes of Indonesia, the Australian desert…and also the small things.
We live very close to the earth here. After a while you notice things in detail, The seasonal changes. There’s so many amazing micro-details that fascinate me like the gum leaves changing colour, tiny little micro orchids. These influence my glazing and colour and texture as well. I like to have a sculptural element to my work…the landscape kind of finds its way into every aspect of my work, both physically and metaphorically.
Eve: What are some of your ceramics career highlights?
Minna: Probably one of the best was that there was an Amazon Prime series that was filmed at Byron Bay called Nine Perfect Strangers, shot in 2020 and starring Nicole Kidman. Anyway when that was happening people who follow me on Instagram started sending me all these photos of Nicole going ‘cheers’ with a drink in hand, in the series. I was wondering why are all these people sending me photos of Nicole Kidman going ‘cheers’ and it took me a while to work out that she was going ‘cheers’ with a piece that I had made. And there is also a breakfast scene in the series which has a lot of my work in it as well. It was especially satisfying because I’ve heard that Nicole Kidman is a bit of a stickler for being in control of the aesthetic. There was also some artwork in that series by another Daylesford artist as well, Gav Barbey.
Some other highlights for me over the past 10 years…I’ve enjoyed being selected for some major ceramics awards in Australia including the North Queensland Ceramic Awards. I’ve been shortlisted as a finalist this year. It’s opening in late November. And at the moment I’ve got three teapots in the Sydney Teapot Show.
Eve: Do you have any special events or exhibitions coming up?
Minna: Yes I will be participating in The Australian Ceramics Association’s national open studios event over November 23-24. My studio here in Musk Vale will be open and I will be doing demos though the day. I will also invite another local artist to be part of the open studio here as well. I will have the upstairs gallery open and work for sale there. I also set up sales items downstairs here in the studio and we have coffee and cake as well… I will also be part of a group exhibition in November at the Skepsi Gallery in Malvern which I’m very excited about. It’s a very well established gallery and attracts a lot of collectors. That opens on November 16 and runs for about a month.
Eve: Have you ever worked in any other sectors?
Minna: I’ve done a lot of other things but I have always been in the creative arts. I have a background in music. I trained as a classical musician and I also used to make costumes for festivals and that sort of thing. Costume making and performing. But then in my late 20s I came back to ceramics and never looked back. Both my parents were artists so I was never going to escape really.
Eve: Are there any changes that you’ve noticed in professional ceramics practice?
Minna: My God, yes. The ceramics scene has enjoyed a real renaissance, probably since Covid. I think The Great Pottery Throw Down may have had something to do with it. Now people are becoming more educated. They have a bit more of an appreciation for handmade things. Ceramics is one of the toughest art forms to learn. There are so many elements to it.
Eve: What are some of the main professional challenges?
Minna: It can take a good four plus months for me to get a piece from start to finish. It’s very time consuming. There’s zero instant gratification in ceramics (laughs). A friend once said to me when I was unloading the kiln: ‘it’s like some kind of horrible-wonderful anxiety Christmas’. And that’s true! CW: Championing Women
A Meta and The Local initiative
Sri Lankan Beef Curry
BY RICHARD CORNISH
Rump steak is perfect for this curry. Because the coconut is quite rich, you want beef that is flavoursome but not too fatty. The result is an amazing, fragrant, and delicious curry that is perfect with flatbread, rice, and salad. This recipe has a lot of ingredients, as all good curries do—most of the spices can be found at Tonna’s. A quick shortcut would be to simply buy a pack of Zest Curry Concentrate from our Daylesford store or online. The latest flavour in the Zest range is Caribbean Colombo and is a fantastic alternative for when you are short on time and due to arrive instore in the coming weeks.
To view the full recipe plus many others, click on the QR code or visit daylesfordmeatco.com.au
ALL THINGS RUMP!
Discover the incredible versatility of rump from our premium, Greenhills Natural beef from our very own farm. Bursting with rich flavor, our rump cuts are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a quick stirfry, slow-cooking a hearty goulash, or diving into international favorites like Vietnamese pho or Brazilian picanha, there’s a recipe here to delight every palate. Check out our specials and find mouthwatering recipes to make your next meal unforgettable!
GREENHILLS NATURAL BEEF RUMP
Scan the code to go to our “All Things Rump” page.
Picanha and Chimichurri
Hepburn Players' Splendours of the Baroque
After their participation in the oneday music festival in 2023, Christ Church Concerts is preparing to welcome back the Hepburn Players for another concert.
With 11 string players plus harpsichord, their Splendours of the Baroque concert promises to be a grand experience for concert-goers.
The beautiful Christ Church space with its excellent acoustic values will be the ideal setting for this concert of very special concertos and arias.
The concert will include Antonio Vivaldi’s fiery Concerto for Strings in G Minor along with his Ciaccona in C Major. The composer Georg Muffat, a student of Lully in Paris, will be featured with his most well-known work, the Passacaglia from Sonata No. 5 for strings and continuo.
The tenor aria Erwäge from Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion will be one of two vocal works presented by Creswick’s ‘Singing Mayor’ Tim Drylie, who with more than 35 years of diverse performance experience always charms his audiences. Tim will also sing an exceptionally moving cantata by Franz Tunder, a German composer and organist of the early Baroque era.
Franz Joseph Haydn’s Harpsichord Concerto in F Major and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in D Minor will be the two major works showcased in this diverse and fine concert. Both are beautiful examples of Baroque music and truly splendours of the period.
Hepburn Players, pictured, were originally formed by a small group of musicians in Newlyn.
From early appearances playing background music at local art shows, they have grown to sell-out concerts of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and have performed two years in a row at the CresFest festival in Creswick.
In 2023 at CresFest, the orchestra collaborated with the Grammy-nominated Tibetan singer Tenzin Choegyal, and this year they appeared with local singer/ songwriter Archer when they were directed by violinist Shane Lestideau.
The orchestra is delighted that Shane will join them again as guest director for this concert in Daylesford. Shane has a passion for historical music and instruments and is renowned for her talents as a baroque and classical violinist. She is currently a tutor in Baroque Ensemble, Music History and Research Process for Musicians at the University of Melbourne.
Andrew Welsh grew up in South Africa playing the piano, though his greatest interest was always in music of the Baroque period so it was inevitable that he would switch to the harpsichord sooner or later.
Once he moved to England, he was able to perform regularly with a wide range of Baroque ensembles and orchestras. Andrew took up the Baroque cello and cofounded London’s largest amateur period-instrument orchestra, Belsize Baroque, with whom he played in the cello section for the next 14 years. Belsize Baroque would routinely engage guest directors who are leading figures in the early music world, and it was a great privilege to learn from them in his time in the orchestra.
In Australia since 2016, Andrew has concentrated mostly on harpsichord again, though he is currently enjoying learning the viola da gamba while directing Hepburn Players and playing harpsichord and organ with VOX choral ensemble in Ballarat.
Jason Yong, a soloist in the Muffat Passacaglia and Vivaldi Concerto, is a graduate of the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music and the director of Progetto Corelli, an early music ensemble that regularly presents inventive programs in Melbourne.
Susan Pierotti will join Shane as a soloist in the Bach Double Violin Concerto. Susan’s career experience as a violinist spans symphony orchestras, opera, ballet, chamber music, teaching, reviewing and adjudicating.
Splendours of the Baroque will be performed on Saturday, October 26 from 2.30pm. Link: www.trybooking.com/eventlist/christchurchconcerts
Former Glenlyon Primary School.
- Approx. 4857m2 of land the pretty hamlet of Glenlyon
- Open plan kitchen, dining and living space
- The beautifully renovated school has five-metre-high ceilings
- All three buildings have operated as successful B'n'B rental properties
- Butler's pantry with endless storage possibilities
- Two separate garden studios, both with verandahs, bathrooms and kitchenettes
- Generous covered deck facing north perfect for entertaining - Frontage onto the beautiful, alternating oak and elm Avenue of Federation
- A short stroll to the Glenlyon General Store, the Glenlyon Dam and the Glenlyon Reserve
Help your trees to health
Healthy trees growing in their native habitat rarely suffer seriously from insect attack. The trees’ in-built defences and the insects’ natural enemies provide a balance.
When the trees are taken out of their natural environment the balance is lost. Some insects, such as the gumtree scale, can multiply to the point where they can cause serious defoliation and sometimes kill the tree.
It becomes necessary in an artificial environment to help nature control those insects that reach plague proportions.
When insect activity is noticed on a tree or shrub, the insect should be properly identified before any control is attempted. Natural controls, such as for disease or predators, may prevent serious damage.
Insecticidal sprays applied wrongly or at the wrong time may do more harm to the natural control than the pest. If the insect is no longer present, sprays will be useless and other harmful and beneficial species could be needlessly killed.
The presence of some insects such as borers often indicates a reduction in the health and vigour of the tree. The insects enter trees dying from old age or trees damaged by humans or natural factors such as drought, frost, wind and intense summer heat. When the insects are finally discovered, it may be already too late to save the tree.
For control, insects fall into three major groups: leaf-eating insects, sap-sucking insects and bark- and wood-feeding insects.
Leaf-eating insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles and the larvae of some moths and sawflies attack most trees at times with little effect. Control of leaf-eating insects may require spraying or injection at the right time with a suitable insecticide, or simply the removal and destruction of the offenders where they are accessible.
Sap-sucking insects such as gumtree scale, psyllids, mealybugs and gall-forming insects often affect young trees.
Natural predators usually control these in mature trees. Removal by hand from small trees is usually sufficient.
Ant control is important here too. The ants interfere with the insects' natural enemies and help in the distribution of the pests to healthy new growth.
The presence of bark and wood-feeding insects such as alongicorn, wood moth larvae and the common auger beetle can suggest the tree is in a weakened state.
Attacks on healthy trees usually fail because of natural substances in the sap.
Insecticides are not effective here because the pests are inaccessible.
Tree surgery is often required to repair the damaged part of the tree - that is, if the tree is worth saving.
Kyle’s Rant
Just had the great-nephew over from New Zealand. I say great, not because he is great, although he is, but because he is my sister's daughter's child. So I guess that makes him great rather than grand. Not sure. Happy to be corrected.
He's 14 now and first started visiting us on his own at just 12. He loves Glenlyon and thinks Radio Springs Hotel is the most friendly place in the world. Alcohol will do that to you. Not him, the friendly adults.
Then we took him to Japan this year in April which was great fun. We don't have kids so we finally get to do all the kid stuff that looks odd when you are an older adult. And he didn't even mind that we popped him on a rickshaw for a ride around an old historic town and its onsen. Matsuyama if anyone is wondering.
And he told us this time around that he doesn't think of us as old. Maybe in our 30s and much younger than my sister and her husband, which is very nice. I passed on that news very quickly.
And so, thinking we are young, he spent some time teaching us the latest words the young people are speaking. That was interesting. Laugh Out Loud is long gone although he does use it for fun.
But think of words like Sigma, or my favourite, Skipidi. They both have pretty much no meaning and can be used at any time, for anything. Work that one out. So for example, you could say "see you on Monday, sigma". Might be good, might be bad, no-one really knows. Still getting my head around the point of it all, as least when we were young our slang had meaning.
Then there's the phrase "put the fries in the bag, lil bro" - a sort of putdown for people working in menial jobs. I asked if I could use that in the McDonald's Erive Thru and he said I would probably end up wearing a McShake.
"Cap that" means that it's wrong or bad. Where I always thought it was a reference to a bullet, as in "put a cap in you". There's another one I won't mention here because it is quite rude but the woman who coined the phrase has since made millions off TikTok and other social media platforms.
Oh, "rizz" is short for charisma so that was an easy one to work out and then there's "brainrot" which is a term for all the useless words and web scrolling being carried out by Generation Alpha. As in my great nephew.
His generation also finds it hilarious when other generations try to use their language, as did independent Australian senator Fatima Payman talking in parliament last month. Just some of her speech went like this.
“To the sigmas of Australia, I say that this goofy ahh government have been capping”. (Lying.) “Just put the fries in the bag lil’ bro.” (Labor, do your job.)
“You can forgor (forget) all about watching Duke Dennis or catching a dub (win) with the bros (friends) on fort (the game Fortnite)."
And then - “I would be taking an L (losing) if I did not mention the opps, who want to cut WA’s “gyatts” and services tax. The decision voters will be making in a few months’ time is between a mid government, a dogwater (unskilled) opposition or minor parties and independents that will mog (be better) both of them.”
Anyway, it was a lot of fun having him around for the week and we think next year we might do a roadtrip from Darwin to Alice or vice versa. Donna and I lived in Alice for a bit and there's something about the red of the Outback. We feel like we have to keep it happening because in a few more years he will work out that we are old and will choose his friends over us, as it should be.
But for now, he's our friend and we are his fun, and young, uncle and aunt. Feels good. Family rant, more rave, over...
Local Lines
Boxed in
Never left home never walked out the door without patting pockets Had to hear the reassuring rattle of little wood against little wood
Red nubs forward blacks back
A wallet’s handy coins, keys but without matches you’re not dressed not ready to take on the world
Forty years ago I lived like this conscripted constrained following the Drum Tally Ho ...
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
Bill Wootton smoked mainly rollies for eight years before giving it away. He coughs less but still misses smokers’ conversational antics.
Want to contribute to quality journalism or more cute dogs? Just scan the QR code here.
G’day I’m Rocky and I’m more than just a dog. I’m a companion who will always be there for you. Having a tough start to life, I dream I will find that special person of my own who will be my best friend for life. I love cuddles as much as I love food.
I have basic training and I need a large yard with high fences where I can run around to my heart's content. If a cuddly giant with a heart of gold is what you're after, then look no further. I’m the one for you. I am a male, black and tan, German ShepherdRottweiler crossbreed. I am almost two. Microchip no: 953010005024292. Come and meet me at the Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter in Castlemaine. Phone: 5472 5277.
(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie & Curly - we picked them. And proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock - where pets are family.)
Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
"Every day I would wake up with this knot in my stomach thinking am I going to be screamed at, white-anted or publicly humiliated today, or is it someone else’s turn? Watching the humiliation happening to others was almost as bad as being the target, but at the same time you were grateful it wasn’t you that day."
No, not another day at TL HQ, but many days at the Nine Entertainment Corporation according to an independent review of the company's workplace culture.
The report is really damning. As we were all being entertained, although we mostly avoid free-to-air television, except for the ABC and SBS, the staff were being terrorised.
It's hard to believe that it is still happening in 2024. Even after the Me Too movement, RUOK? and much research into mental health and the importance of being made to feel a productive part of life.
Surely someone would be standing up for these people being bullied and harassed but as the intro says, it was hard to watch but you felt grateful it was not you being targeted.
I worked at a newspaper a few years back, maybe 15 or so years ago, not in Victoria I would like to add.
I applied for the role of deputy editor at a daily, and was successful. Or so I thought. Every day we would have an editorial meeting and the editor would go around the room and sweetly ask: "Who wrote this piece?" It all seemed quite nice that first morning of my employment, for about a minute.
Someone slowly put their hand up and was then subject to the line: "Well, it's really f..king stupid and I don't know why we pay you." I kid you not. Next up was a sub-editor who got the same for their headline. "You are f...king useless and I don't know why you turn up for work."
This went on around the room and I just watched, in horror. For some reason I was exempt but I also know I did not jump to anyone's defence, for which I remain truly sorry.
The meeting concluded every day with the editor saying: "Well, let's move on and make tomorrow's paper sing." I think people were more likely to be looking for a razor blade.
However, the editor was heading off within a week for a four-week trip to Europe so I made an appointment with the bosses of the newspaper company and drove an hour to meet with them and tell them my concerns - basically that their employees were in harm's way.
It was a very short meeting which ended when one of them asked me: "Why did you apply for the job if you don't want to work with us?" Hmmm. Top-down management and culture at its worst. So I quit. I think I was there two months all up and then headed back to Victoria where things seemed a little saner. Started The Local not long after and had some T-shirts made up with our logo and the slogan: "Arsehole free zone" or something like that.
It's a strange world, when some people make themselves feel better by bullying or intimidating. Must be something pretty wrong at home or in their heads.
I don't know what will happen at Nine but I hope some heads roll. Probably not, but at least it is out in the open. I wish them all the best. And, more importantly, RUOK? Just askin'...
(If you need help call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au, and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800)
W RD CROSS
Here is the crossword solution for Edition 316. How did you go?
All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local.
A Pop-Up Cafe is held every Thursday morning during school term until December 17, from 10.30am-12.30pm, at the Daylesford Community Church at 16a Camp Street, Daylesford. It's all about making connections and building community. The morning is family friendly with all welcome, and all complimentary. Contact Elaine Anderson at elaine.anderson.1920@ gmail.com
