Front cover: Winterfest is coming to Trentham and Mayor Cr Brian Hood is already testing out his wings for the new, hopefully annual event, in his hometown.
Read all about it on page 3.
Image: Eve Lamb
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Daylesford Rotary Art Show
Melbourne Cup Long Weekend
October 31 – November 5
Daylesford’s
Stanbridge Hall and Church
Call for entries!
We would be delighted to receive a painting or three for the Daylesford Art Show this year from artists from our local community and beyond.
Members of the Daylesford Rotary Club and the Daylesford Art Show’s Organising Committee look forward to support from artists with up to three of their recent paintings, to help us ensure that we are celebrating the best show of local artistic talent ever including: a record number of artists; a record number of paintings; and hundreds of people from Daylesford and afar having the opportunity to enjoy, appreciate and buy what artists have created.
Our aim is to support our region’s artistic community while also raising funds for Rotary community projects. More artists, more art, more sales = more success – and you will make that difference.
Sponsors include: Blooms The Chemist - $2000 Best in Show
That Bargain Place - $1500 2nd Prize
The Daylesford Meat Co. - $1000 3rd Prize
There will also be $250 for the Best Painting in each of the six colour-coded categories: Still Life; Animalia; Abstract; Seascape, Urbanscape, Landscape; Central Victoria Landscape; Portrait and Nude.
Entries are open until October 2. Visit: www.daylesfordartshow.com.au/howtoenter
Details: info@daylesfordartshow.com.au
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The next edition is out on Monday, August 12, 2024. or online on Sunday, August 11 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, August 7
Copy deadline: August 8
Editorial deadline: August 8
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 & 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
Central Springs Reserve open
Ballarat MP Catherine King, Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Group CEO Rodney Carter officially opened the redeveloped Central Springs Reserve at Lake Daylesford last Friday, July 26.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the project had delivered a wonderful new public open space for locals and visitors to enjoy.
“This beautiful area close to Lake Daylesford will no doubt attract more visitors to an already popular area, thereby benefitting our local economy.”
This is the first stage of implementation of the masterplan which was adopted following community consultation in 2021 and sees three new mineral spring pumps (one accessible), complemented by Dja Dja Wurrung artwork.
Ms King said the Hepburn Shire Council had done "a terrific job of completing this project ahead of schedule, and the collaboration with Djaara ensures that this is a very special place for visitors and locals to enjoy”.
“Whether it’s for a barbeque, a nature walk or to sample Daylesford’s famous spring water, this redevelopment and the improved accessibility mean that even more people can enjoy iconic Lake Daylesford.”
Mr Carter said embedding Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge and culture in the built and natural landscape benefitted Djandak (Country) and communities.
“We look forward to people being on Country enjoying this revitalised parkland.” Image & words: Contributed
Wuthering Heights
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is an event held at locations around the world where participants recreate the music video for musician Kate Bush's 1978 song Wuthering Heights.
The event's inspiration is Shambush's The Ultimate Kate Bush Experience, which took place in 2013 in Brighton, United Kingdom, as part of Brighton Fringe, created by performance collective Shambush! who attempted to set an unofficial world record for the most people dressed as Kate Bush in one place, with hundreds attending.
And thanks to Spade to Blade's Gary Thomas, centre, and the Hepburn Dancers, this wonderful event was also held at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford - led by dancer Tuesday Telford Perkins - on July 21.
CW: Championing Women
A Meta and The Local initiative
Out on the wiley, windy moors
We'd roll and fall in green
You had a temper like my jealousy
Too hot, too greedy
How could you leave me
When I needed to possess you?
I hated you, I loved you, too
Bad dreams in the night
They told me I was going to lose the fight
Leave behind my Wuthering, Wuthering
Wuthering Heights
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Ooh, it gets dark, it gets lonely
On the other side from you
I pine a lot, I find the lot
Falls through without you
I'm coming back, love
Cruel Heathcliff, my one dream
My only master
Too long I roam in the night
I'm coming back to his side, to put it right
I'm coming home to Wuthering, Wuthering
Wuthering Heights
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Ooh, let me have it
Let me grab your soul away
Ooh, let me have it
Let me grab your soul away
You know it's me, Cathy
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Photos on the day were taken by Janine Bennetti, Trudi Blick & Isabella Thomas
Mist, Magic and Mystery in the Gardens
A celebration of Daylesford’s Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and the Convent Garden will be held this weekend.
Community groups in Daylesford have joined together to celebrate the wintry pleasures of the cold climate township, what is currently exciting for local gardeners and, specifically, to highlight the extraordinary world of Wombat Hill and Victoria’s historic Botanic Gardens.
Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens have joined with the Daylesford and District Horticultural Society, Historical Society, Agricultural Society and U3A , to put together a unique program of events over the first weekend of August.
The Friends and the Horticultural Society are hosting talks on Saturday and Sunday in the Senior Citizens' room at the rear of the Town Hall in Vincent Street.
On Saturday night the Friends are hosting a Celebration Dinner at the Town Hall. Also on Saturday, the Horticultural Society is organising a walking tour of the Botanic Gardens by tree expert John Beetham.
Over the whole weekend, the Agricultural Society, with assistance from U3A, will hold their inaugural Winter Flower Show.
An exhibition focusing on the Botanic Gardens will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Historical Society’s Museum.
Gardens walk
A walk around the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens will be held on Saturday, August 3 at 1.30pm.
It will be led by expert botanist John Beetham whose particular interest has been the heritage tree collection. The walk will be followed by afternoon tea at the Town Hall.
Stand-alone talks
On Saturday, August 3 at 3.30pm at the Senior Citizens’ Room at the Daylesford Town Hall, Camperdown Botanic Gardens honorary curator Janet O’Hehir will speak about Victoria’s Botanic Garden Legacy
On Sunday, August 4 at 10am at the Senior Citizens’ Room at the Daylesford Town Hall, garden historian and National Trust researcher Helen Botham OAM will speak about La Trobe, the Plantsman. This will be followed by morning tea.
On Sunday, August 4 at 11.30am at the Senior Citizens’ Room at the Daylesford Town Hall, horticulturalist and foundation member of the Garden History Society Helen Page OAM will speak about Unearthing our public garden history - The Ken Duxbury postcard collection
Celebration Dinner
A celebration dinner will be held on Saturday, August 3 at 6.30pm at the Daylesford Town Hall. Enjoy fine food, fine music and a presentation by Peter Leigh, hellebore breeder of considerable reputation. Truly, the magical event of the weekend. Cost is $75pp with bookings required at www.trybooking.com/CRHOL
Flower Show
The inaugural Winter Flower Show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4 from 10am to 4pm at the Alf Headland Conservatory, Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.
The show will feature beautiful specimens and floral art. Entries from all gardens and gardeners are welcome. Free entry. Visit: www.daylesfordshow.com
Historical Exhibition
The Daylesford Museum will host the Wombat Hill Exhibition on Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4 from 11am to 3pm. Museum entry is $5.
Image: Frank Page
Celebrate midwinter
Winterfest transforms Trentham this Friday, August 2 from 4pm to 8pm with businesses trading late and lighting up the town with colourful light displays.
In the spirit of a European midwinter festival the town’s traders are embracing the cold winter night and celebrating the chill with light projections, neon displays and special events happening within each business.
Hepburn Shire mayor and Trentham local, Cr Brian Hood is among those looking forward to the debut free family occasion that’s hoped to become an annual fixture on the region’s calendar.
“It’s just such a good cause. It’s going to help all of the local traders and will help the whole mood of the town in the middle of winter,” said Cr Hood.
Cr Hood makes no secret of his enjoyment of community events and will be among quite a number of locals glamming up for the wintry occasion which is offering plenty of enticement to get out and be part of the sparkling atmosphere.
Little Gallery celebrates opening night of their renowned annual fundraising Winter Exhibition with proceeds benefiting local community groups and showcasing local and regional artists.
Featuring works by 16 talented artists from the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges shires, the exhibition launch gets started from 5.30pm with nibbles and drinks provided and all welcome.
“Our famed art raffle is offering $10,000 worth of original artworks donated by local artists with all proceeds donated to the East Trentham Fellowship,” Little Gallery’s Rose Wilson says.
“People will be able to buy a ticket on the night and they’ll be available for the duration of the show. Expect glow sticks, human butterflies and amazing art,” Rose says.
Over the years the gallery has raised funds for groups including Trentham Wildlife Rescue, The Path of the Horse and The Quarry Street Reserve. Tickets online at www.raffletix.com.au/2024wintershowraffle
Just some of the participating traders include:
The Green Store - The theme at The Green Store for WinterFest is Aurora Borealis. The store will transform into a winter wonderland. There is also a book launch/ signing by author Caroline Parker for her first book The Medicinal Garden
Belle Property - Enjoy the Belle Property Trentham neon experience, with bright colourful neon installations by international visual artist Carla O’Brien from Volter International.
Little Gallery - Little Gallery is set to light up with a night of shimmering glow for the grand opening of the highly anticipated annual Winter Show fundraising exhibition.
Bendigo Bank - Community Bank Trentham - Community Bank Trentham is lighting up Town Square for a magical and fun experience for all. Drop by and pick up some glow sticks.
Cosmo - Cosmopolitan Hotel is inviting festival goers to warm up beside the fireplace while sipping on a winter cocktail or mulled wine. They’ll also be lighting up their exterior, with plenty of warming candles inside.
Words & image: Eve Lamb
(Wings courtesy of Rose Wilson at Little Gallery)
Daylesford Top Town
Daylesford has been named the best Small Tourism Town for 2024 in the TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town awards.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that only five places made it to the finals and the council was thrilled to have won the award against some formidable competition.
“Daylesford is beautiful in all seasons, with visitors travelling great distances to spend time rejuvenating and seeking wellness experiences. The town’s natural beauty, including Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and the top-quality amenities around Lake Daylesford, has always drawn people for weddings and celebrations, and to escape from the city.
“We have a vibrant arts community and events throughout the year. Set amidst heritage buildings and hills and forests, Daylesford will continue to draw people from many walks of life for rest and recreation, be it short term or for more lengthy stays.”
Daylesford’s nomination was put forward by Daylesford Macedon Tourism in partnership with the council. The award is judged on a demonstration of commitment to tourism and increasing visitation, excellent visitor experience, and exhibiting collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community.
Daylesford won in the category ‘Top Small Tourism Town’ (population between 1500 and 5000) against Heathcote, Koroit, Maldon and Sorrento.
The awards were announced at an event in Lancefield last Thursday, July 26.
Hepburn Shire Council acting CEO Dr Karina Lamb, Mayor Cr Brian Hood & Economic Development & Visitor Economy coordinator Bridgette O’Brien
Just briefly...
Eligible residents and ratepayers are urged to check they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming council elections by 4pm on Wednesday, August 7.
Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, has issued a call ahead of the enrolment deadline: "If you’re 18 or over and you live in or pay rates to a Victorian council, enrol and have your say on the future of your local council." Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 or changed address can enrol or update their details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment
Trentham has a new EV charger powered by 100 per cent local renewable energy.
The Trentham Mechanics is hosting Hepburn Shire’s fourth electric vehicle charging station thanks to a collaboration between Hepburn Energy, Chargefox and the Hepburn Shire Council.
Hepburn Shire Council has adopted its inaugural Rainbow Action Plan for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the plan committed the council to a clear and achievable set of actions to create a safe and welcoming community for all LGBTIQA+ people. “Our shire recognises and celebrates the important contributions that our LGBTIQA+ people, businesses and visitors bring to the life of our shire. Together, we share an inclusive, resilient, vibrant, sustainable, innovative and diverse community,” he said. Hepburn Shire Council is one of only 18 local government authorities in Victoria to adopt an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.
The Daylesford creative development of the adaptation of illustrated memoir Big Beautiful Female Theory by Eloise Grills into a play, with a public presentation in regional Victoria in 2025 by Anvil Productions, is one of the projects.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks has announced more than $2.2 million in grants as part of the Creative Projects Fund to support 123 projects across the state including in Macedon. The creative projects getting a boost span design, dance, literature, film, fashion, visual arts, music and more. Kyneton's Auslan Story Time with Story Box Library, which supports the creation of 18 Auslan translations of children's books, including filming, editing and releasing these on an online platform, freely accessible through public libraries and schools is another receiving funding.
The Lake House in Daylesford is a finalist in Australia’s 2024 Gourmet Traveller Readers’ Choice Icon Award.
It is nominated alongside Attica in Melbourne, Quay and Sean’s in Sydney, Rick Shores in Queensland, and Vasse Felix in Western Australia. The winners will be announced on Monday, August 19.
A number of early morning walkers will have seen the sign advertising an application to Heritage Victoria on behalf of Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.
Until this application is finalised, the full detail of plans and siting cannot be determined. The current proposal is a wooden seat and shelter in the style of a botanic garden's traditional pavilion. A similar one existed on the other side of the gardens until the 1980s. The main purpose of the structure is to provide a small, sheltered seat to enjoy the view to the south and east. The rustic timber cladding has been preserved from the dead giant redwood felled in 2021, whose stump remains a little further up the bank above the seat.
The state government has a new program to help attract, recruit and retain frontline workers in the family violence and sexual assault sectors.
In the Central Highlands, WRISC Family Violence Support will receive a share of the $1million Workforce Vacancies Demonstration Program to build a culturally safe workplace to recruit and retain Aboriginal staff, to deliver culturally sensitive and appropriate responses to family violence in Aboriginal communities. The project will include a cultural safety and student pathways program and new supervision model.
Applications are open for the latest round of the Women’s Public Art Program – to install six new public artworks honouring remarkable women. Of the almost 600 statues across Melbourne’s public spaces, only around two per cent represent women, with most statues representing men or animals.
Got some news to share? Email news@tlnews.com.au
Councillor calls time
Hepburn Shire Councillor
Juliet Simpson has resigned citing personal reasons.
Ms Simpson is the last councillor for Holcombe Ward with the shire having no wards in the next election.
Council acting CEO Dr Karina Lamb said while Cr Simpson’s resignation created an extraordinary vacancy in the Holcombe Ward, a by-election would not be conducted so close to the end of the council term.
The seat will remain vacant until the election on October 26.
Cr Simpson was elected to the Holcombe Ward in 2020, and was elected as deputy mayor in November 2023. She served on the Audit and Risk Committee from November 2022, and also on the Mineral Springs Reserve Advisory Committee and the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Roll Advisory Committee from 2020-2022.
Community members in the Holcombe Ward can now contact Mayor Brian Hood or another councillor for support and advocacy regarding local issues.
In February this year the Minister for Local Government announced a new electoral structure for Hepburn Shire. The shire will move from five wards with seven councillors, to no wards with seven councillors. Voters can vote for any candidate.
The new structure will take effect from the election in October. Current councillors are: Birch Ward - Jen Bray and Lesley Hewitt; Cameron Ward - Tessa Halliday; Coliban Ward - Brian Hood; and Creswick Ward - Don Henderson and Tim Drylie. Holcombe Ward is now vacant.
Pets@Work - Dianne, Pepper & Rishi
Ducking into the Clunes IGA supermarket for a few essentials, the sound of a puppy yap from somewhere within says it all. Dianne Hill, owner-operator of the supermarket has another puppy in her care.
“Yes” says Dianne. “This is Rishi. He’s a 14-week-old Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia puppy and he’s just been with us since last Tuesday.”
Rishi is the eighth puppy that Dianne has taken on in her role as a puppy carer for Vision Australia, the succession of carefully bred young pups in her care frequently cause for delight among shoppers and staff at the local supermarket as Dianne daily takes her growing charges to work with her.
But while young Rishi is onsite learning, growing, socialising and generally being adored by the humans, he’s not lacking canine company either as Dianne’s permanent pet pooch, Pepper the Jack Russell is office dog – or some might say “Door B....” for the store’s administration department.
Presiding over the admin office, Pepper rules the roost, generally ensconced in her fluffy bed, and keeping a watchful eye on all who enter her office door.
“She is definitely a princess,” Dianne says.
Nine-year-old Pepper does not let anyone unrecognised pass into admin without notice. From within her office she maintains a commanding view over the supermarket security screens and is quick to let the boss know should someone unrecognised walk through the office door into her domain.
“She’s the office dog and she’s better than any alarm system,” Dianne says.
“She’s never bitten anyone but my goodness can she bark. She’s the same at home. She’s just part of the team.”
As he is being socialised and cared for until he is old enough to potentially be trained as a Seeing Eye Dog, young Rishi has an official badged harness and is able to move through the supermarket store space itself, much to the delight of many shoppers especially children.
“He’s a beautifully calm puppy and very food motivated,” says Dianne, noting the way each of the Vision Australia puppies she’s cared for over the years all have unique personalities.
“He’s number eight. I love it but it does have its moments. At the moment he’s waking me up at 2am to go to the toilet,” she laughs.
“Basically it’s just looking after the puppies, socialising them and hopefully we end up with a well-socialised dog that can then go on to Melbourne for training with Seeing Eye Dogs in Kensington.
“With one we had before, (golden labrador) Maggie, we were invited to go and see her train at Seeing Eye Dogs. It was awesome.
“Having a pup in your care is a good excuse to get out and about and, having the dog, people stop and talk to you and you also go places you might not otherwise go. You can basically take them anywhere other than commercial kitchens and operating theatres.
“We go to a lot of the markets in the region. Markets are awesome places to socialise a dog as long as you don’t overwhelm them.”
After 10 months with their puppy carers, pups like Rishi are assessed to see if they’re suited to progressing on to being trained to become Seeing Eye dogs and later matched with a vision-impaired person for whom they can make a tremendous improvement to quality of life.
Dianne says that if Rishi is assessed as being suited to go on to train to become a seeing eye dog at the 10-month mark, then she must bid him a fond farewell.
If he’s not deemed suited to train as a seeing eye dog, she may go on caring for him for a further couple of months while Vision Australia finds him a suitable permanent adoptive home or role in society.
“A lot of people think they wouldn’t want to do it, puppy caring, because you’ve got to give them up,” Dianne says.
“But it doesn’t bother me as I know they’re going on to bigger and better things. Don’t get me wrong. I’m sad to see them go, but it’s a bit like seeing a child go on to university.
“The last one we had was Petal and she was a bit unsure, but she has now gone on to start proper training.
“Another one, Alfred, was also a black lab and he got through and ended up on the Gold Coast and the lady that got him rang me up and had me in tears as to how grateful she was that someone had put the effort into training him.”
If pups are assessed and found not quite suited to go on to train as Seeing Eye Dogs there are many other important and valuable avenues for them to take to “live their best lives," Dianne says.
“It’s all about the dog and whether they’re interested. I had one that went through and almost made it but would get a little nervous when the pressure was on and she got sent to Canberra to do post-traumatic stress work instead.
“There are lots of avenues for them to take and some may just end up living their best lives as pets.”
Dianne says she started taking puppies on as a puppy carer for Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia about six years ago. While the role, which can last from six to 12 months, can be challenging she loves it and finds it immensely rewarding, especially thinking of the enormous improvements it can make in the life of a visually impaired person.
But already young Rishi is generally making life a good bit brighter for everyone he encounters - while closely monitored by princess Pepper of course.
Words & Images: Eve Lamb
If you know of a critter, large or small, who is an important part of a local business or workplace, let us know as we’d love to feature him or her as part of our Pets@Work series. Email editorial@tlnews.com.au
Don is good, but out, and the show goes on
Don Harvey sharply remembers the jargon of a local council officer when he was getting involved with the Daylesford Show.
“What,” he was asked, “is your Mission Statement?” Don, pictured centre, did not miss a beat: “More dollars than last year.”
Last year, for the first time in six years, the show made a profit. Now, as the 150th show approaches in November, he looks back on his 12 years on the show committee and, as president at 79, he reckons it’s time for someone new.
His start was not great. “I thought I’d do something to help them and volunteered to paint the chook pavilion but had a heart attack which set me back three and a half years.”
Don’s background is that he went to Bendigo Junior Tech, first as a student and then to teach history until having a blow-up over the method used and moved to English. Later he became a newsagent in Boort.
His cosy Bullarto home, which he doubled in size from a holiday place built in 1978, is chokkers with books and family photos. There he is keen to discuss the show, not himself, but when pressed tells of his time as a players’ advocate at country footy tribunals.
“Now, listen to me, I would say. I’ll do the talking. If they ask you something, don’t say there was a fight. But every time, the bloke would say, 'He snotted me as I ran onto the ground'.”
Don moved into the gentler world of iris growing, exhibiting at the Melbourne Iris Show, so he’s naturally passionate about the Hall of Flowers in Daylesford, held in the Table Tennis Centre, with vegetables, farm and home produce joining the blooms.
Add to this 250 horses, about 100 sheep and birds and more than 400 dogs on show, plus homecrafts, music, wine, needlework, photography, food, showbags and sideshows and the picture for November 23 grows.
About 3500 people attend. There is only one event after Daylesford at which people can qualify for the Royal Melbourne Show. Winners of an event can go to the next level at the Midlands Group, which is the doorway to Melbourne.
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It’s by no means a one-man show. Don’s wife Mary compiles the detailed 20page program, down to the cookery section, including Blokes’ Chocolate Cake and Sponge, “not iced, no filling”.
This is all part of a tradition stretching back to the first show in Hobart in 1822 and the first ploughing trials at Glenlyon in 1864.
Farmer-to-farmer innovation and education rolled out, as well as tremendous technological advances on display, from the first automated shearing machines to the start of GPS-controlled tractors.
In all of this, however, there is a heartbeat to the show, such as the one revealed by Don, who tells of being aged six or seven when he went with his father from near the rear of Cliffy’s, his sister on his father’s shoulders, up to Victoria Park. “I walked,” he says, “and there were others walking, too, in 1952”.
Don is also keen to share his view on people’s unhappiness. “I’ve met people who make others miserable, and my approach is not to be bloody miserable in return. It is possible to talk to people and make them feel a bit better. I’ve had a few years’ practise at that.”
Besides the Show, Don is involved with the local historical society and the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, where he is known for his wry humour. Which is just as well, says Patrice O’Shea, secretary of the Friends, because Don and Mary have faced health problems.
“Living and gardening in Bullarto is not for the faint-hearted. Putting aside the characteristically bleak weather, the terrible damage wrought by storms made a pretty grim prospect of trying to restore your place in what was beautiful bush,” Patrice says.
She says that as a keen seed collector Don is an inveterate optimist by nature.
“He shares his joy in plants, many of them rare, in the community and even in politics.” And we all benefit from this.”
Journalist: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes
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From left, show volunteers and office bearers, Donna O'Mara, Jason Webster , Don Harvey, Shanthi Shanthikumar and Rosemary McLean
Puberty not so blue
Central Highlands Rural Health has partnered with the Hepburn Shire Council to provide grade five and six students across Hepburn Shire primary schools with free access to important puberty education resources.
To coincide with the continuation of CHRH’s successful puberty education program in primary schools, two important initiatives with the council will further educate and prepare the youth of the shire.
From July, Hepburn Shire libraries in Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham have a display stand of 13 books recommended by CHRH as part of its puberty education program. Students and parents from Hepburn Shire primary schools will have access to the books to learn about the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty.
In addition to the library resources, the council and CHRH have partnered to deliver the Reusable Period Products Program in all Hepburn Shire primary schools.
Following the recent success of the council’s Reusable Voucher Program, the Reusable Period Products Primary School Program recognises the significant waste to landfill that period products generate.
The program aims at an early intervention education, to offer students who menstruate an opportunity to utilise reusable period products from the beginning of their menstruation journey.
As part of CHRH’s yearly primary school puberty education program, grade five and six students in need of period education will attend a 60-minute session to learn about all things related to getting their periods and how to manage them.
Students who attend will receive two pairs of reusable period underwear and a wet bag to keep, supplied by a business based in Kyneton called Darlings Downunder.
Research shows that most tweens and teens will continue to use the first sanitary products they were introduced to for most of their menstruating life. Unfortunately, this tends to be pads containing plastic and tampons that ultimately end up in landfill. Clean Up Australia data suggests that over the course of a lifetime, a single menstruator will use somewhere between 5000 and 15,000 pads and tampons.
Memory Lane Unit providing personal care
Chloe Dridan is loving working at Hepburn House's new Memory Lane Unit.
The personal care assistant has been at Hepburn House since she left school at 18 and "likes caring for all people but I love the elderly".
"I love working in the dementia unit because we are very people-oriented, rather than task-oriented. Every day is different and the clients all make their own choices.
"If they want a sleep in, they sleep in, if they want breakfast at lunchtime, they have breakfast at lunchtime, it is exactly as it should be, they are in control of their choices. They can have lunch outside in the sunroom."
"And they are all wonderful. I don't have favourites but we do have one man who thinks I am like his granddaughter and he gets really excited when I am on and enjoys my company."
Chloe said it was also great to be working in a purpose-built unit. "For example, we have a woman here who loves the outdoors and we have a secure garden so our clients can go outside anytime they like. Or they might like to do a little cooking in the kitchenette.
"And they are also free to walk around the unit which means they are not getting lost - which sometimes happened in the Homestead area. Hepburn House is all a great place, but this unit is just seeing our clients thrive."
Chloe said with the staff offering breakfast and lunch, with plenty of choices from the bain marie, some clients were "putting on a little weight, which is a good thing". "I think they are all eating a lot better, and we offer food all the time, and they are just enjoying their lives here. It's also a bit quieter which is nice."
Chloe said there were also puzzles and lots of different activities available during the day which clients could join in, or not. "We are all enjoying the personal care we can offer here. And the unit is also fabulous with great views over the back paddocks. We count the kangaroos in the morning." Chloe said her own path to Hepburn House came after "hating school" and watching her mother, who also works at Hepburn House, involved in elderly care "forever".
"Mum said I could leave school if I had a job so I did the training and started work. I had a break for two years but I came back because I missed it!" Advertorial Hepburn House is at 1 Hepburn Rd, Daylesford. For everything Hepburn House has on offer head to www.hepburnhouse.com.au or call 5348 8100.
Last issue l tempted you (photographically) to venture into the world of vertical gardens - a place of many advantages and few, if any, disadvantages.
For a start, all growth is up and outwards in two directions - and it’s usually along a wall or fence. lf they are kept neat and tidy, even an adult fruiting plum or peach tree, if managed correctly and regularly, shouldn’t take up any more than a metre in width if all growth is encouraged up and laterally along supporting walls or a trellis.
So, if you have a bare wall or ugly fence alongside a driveway, or one covered by a rampant climber threatening to overbalance and topple the fence, the obvious answer is go espalier. Or even if you just want to grow a couple of fruit trees that without going espalier could mean losing most, if not all, of the kids’ play space, or the car wash space.
It is simply a method of gaining bigger, healthier crops, in far smaller places and providing heaps more space for entertainment.
It also has the branches equally open to sun, wind and water giving the whole crop an equal chance of ripening together, to say nothing of depriving lurking pests of shelter from predators.
Your choice of a suitable espalier plant should be simple. Everyone else is looking to find a well-rounded, multi-branched compact tree, leaving the lanky flat-sided specimens to the suckers. But they are blissfully unaware that these make for the best start for the bottom branches of the espalier outline.
After removing any foliage or branches on the side chosen to face the wall or fence (obviously the least attractive side) and, leaving the best ones likely to be grown into a large fan shape, cut the rest back to about 10cm.
With ornamental trees and shrubs, espaliering is quite simple, all you need to do is select a plant that is already flat and one-sided to start with and you are halfway there.
lf not, the branches can be tied back in a fan shape against the wall or supported on horizontal wires but most plants will respond to merely having the front branches removed and the side growth encouraged to spread along the wall.
Although it may be necessary to keep pinching and snipping off wayward branches in the early stages of growth, that will probably be all that is necessary.
The espalier method of pruning allows you to grow a wide range of deciduous fruit trees, especially apples, plums and pears. They respond quite well to this treatment, as do most shrubs.
Roses, especially the ramblers with their flexible canes, like the one pictured right, Wedding Day, in my garden, are fantastic. It is probably a marginal espalier as it was one of the struggling remnants of our century-old garden and popped up under my new post and rail garden fence along with that beautiful as-yet unnamed heritage rose, at its feet.
Vertical gardens
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Breaking news – we won!
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Daylesford has been named the 2024 TAC Victoria Top Tourism Town in the Small Town Category. This award is great news for Daylesford and the Shire. When accepting the award on behalf of Council I commented that in some ways we were not surprised by this award. Daylesford was recently named by Booking.com as one of the most welcoming places on the planet. We know that our community, traders and accommodation providers create a welcoming environment. That human factor is complemented by the fact that Daylesford is fortunate to be located within a wonderful natural environment that includes natural springs, forests and walking trails.
Thanks to our community and the visitors who voted for Daylesford.
And thank you to Steve Wroe and the Daylesford Macedon Tourism team for all of the work they did in producing an outstanding submission and for working so collaboratively with Council’s Economic Development team.
Key outcomes from the 16 July Council meeting were the adoption of Council’s first Rainbow Action Plan and revised policies covering privacy, expenses and resources and public interest disclosures. An updated charter for the Audit & Risk Committee was also adopted.
The Rainbow Action Plan re-commits Council to achieving equality for LGBTIQA+ people by working to end LGBTIQA+ discrimination and by affirming and defending the fundamental human rights of LGBTIQA+ people. Hepburn Shire Council is one of only 18 local government authorities in Victoria to adopt an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan and it is further evidence of our role as a leader in gender equality and equity and promoting respect and safety in our community. The Plan is available on Council’s website.
Council is aware of the decision by the producers of The Block to choose Daylesford for filming of the 2025 season, at the corner of Raglan Street and the Midland Highway in Daylesford. As is the case in all planning permits, Council will monitor compliance with conditions addressing landscaping, construction, stormwater and environmentally sustainable design. In this case, matters such as traffic management will also be an important consideration. It is anticipated that the production will generate a welcome boost for the local economy.
Councillors and officers are working through the vast number of submissions received on the draft Town Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn Strategy. An unprecedented number of submissions were received – in excess of 400 – with 34 public and stakeholder meetings held, 32,000 views of site pages and 16,000 letters sent to residents. It is very pleasing that community engagement and involvement has been so comprehensive on what is undoubtedly critically important work. Councillors will consider the revised documents separately in early September at a Special Council Meeting, deciding whether to adopt or amend the revised plans. I wish to emphasise that, should the plans be endorsed, this will not result in an automatic change in planning provisions in the Shire. For any changes to planning provisions to occur the successful completion of a planning scheme amendment process must take place. This is a separate and lengthy statutory process involving further formal community consultation.
COUNCIL PLAN FOCUS AREAS
Community and stakeholders will have their say once again, and the ability to express their views before an independent panel appointed by the Minister for Planning. Council will also be required to make a number of future decisions at certain key milestones during the planning scheme amendment process.
Similarly, the consultation and engagement process on the development of a long-term financial plan (LTFP) has attracted 315 submissions. We are very appreciative of the community’s efforts to have their say on this critically important matter. Councillors will consider the adoption of a LTFP at another Special Meeting in early September.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood
EV CHARGER FOR TRENTHAM
The Mechanics Trentham is now hosting Hepburn Shire’s fourth electric vehicle (EV) charging station thanks to a collaboration between Hepburn Energy, Chargefox and the Hepburn Shire Council. This project received co-funding from the State Government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria (DCAV) Program and was installed by JET Charge.
The new EV charger is the final one to be installed as part of the DCAV program. These stations are helping the region's tourism industry become more sustainable, while strengthening shire-wide efforts to reach zero-net emissions by 2030 as part of the Hepburn Z-NET partnership.
Hepburn Energy’s General Manager, Taryn Lane, has been excited to see this collaboration contribute to local zero-net emissions efforts, delivering another EV charging station.
For more information, visit the Hepburn Z-NET website https://hepburnznet.org.au
RAINBOW ACTION PLAN
Council adopted its inaugural Rainbow Action Plan for LGBTIQA+ inclusion. The plan commits Council to a clear and achievable set of actions to create a safe and welcoming community for all LGBTIQA+ people.
We recognise and celebrate the important contributions that our LGBTIQA+ people, businesses and visitors bring to the life of our Shire. The plan will help to ensure that all LGBTIQA+ people feel supported, connected, visible and safe. It will also guide Council in providing an inclusive workplace for its LGBTIQA+ staff and volunteers.
You can view it at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au
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
Celebrating NAIDOC
It was impressive to hear multiple school children reeling off the names of famous Indigenous Australians through history as they gathered for a special event in the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre hall.
Hundreds of children from Creswick Primary School, Creswick North Primary and St Augustine's attended the special NAIDOC event that took place last week following the earlier national event that had coincided with the school holidays.
“NAIDOC week should be a month. It’s worth celebrating,” said musician and music educator Cocosounds' Stella Savy, who taught the children some Indigenous songs and accompanying moves.
The children also learnt about time-honoured Indigenous traditions like respect for Elders, Welcome to Country, and Acknowledgement of Country – and the difference between them, as well as what the acronym NAIDOC actually stands for – National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
Outside the hall it was a chance for the children to launch the finished results of a special arts project to which they’d all contributed, along with preschool and playgroup children.
“There are at least 400 shapes in the mural that were made by the local men’s and women’s sheds and the children have then decorated them using Indigenous style art and colour and they’ve all been curated on the panels by local artist Dale Oliver,” CNC manager Chrissy Austin said
Words & images: Eve Lamb
Creswick Primary School children admire the new Indigenous themed mural that they helped create - the mural is in the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre grounds where it can be admired by visitors and locals alike
Below image: Creswick Primary School students (L-R) Max Oswin, Sam Austin, Nellie Coulson and Callan Austin with part of the big mural
Easy Carve Middle Eastern Lamb Shoulder
BY RICHARD CORNISH
Lamb shoulder is so delicious. It is full-flavoured and cooks beautifully juicy and tender. It cooks more evenly and faster when it is boned, rolled, and tied, something we do in-house here for you gladly. We will even give it a rub with our special Middle Eastern Spice mix. Order online or come in-store and ask for one. We love the recipe so much we are going to share it with you.
To view the full recipe plus many others, click on the QR code or visit daylesfordmeatco.com.au
We have also put together some greatvalue Winter Hibernation packs to create casseroles, roasts, and soups to keep you going until Spring! Place your orders over the phone or order online so we can pack and vacuum seal - ready to cook or put straight into the freezer.
• OSSOBUCCO 1KG
• BEEF CHEEKS X 4
• CORNED BEEF 1.5KG
• DICED BEEF 2KG
• LAMB SHANKS X 4
• SMOKED PORK HOCK
• CHICKEN MARYLAND 1.5KG
• CHICKEN FRAMES 1KG
• BEEF SOUP BONES 2KG
• BEEF STOCK 500ML
• CHICKEN STOCK 500ML
ALL PACKED & VACUUM SEALED
Everything in the Big Winter Hibernation Pack PLUS
• WHOLE BEEF RUMP 4KG
• ROASTING PORK 1.5KG
Win at Australian Sheep & Wool Show
Glenlyon mum Claire Clifton could not be prouder of her son Jonathan Smith who took out first place in the Northern Shears Senior Competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo last weekend.
Jonathon, who plaits his substantial beard so he can see the sheep and stop them chewing on it while being shorn, also placed third in the Sports Shear Victorian State Final Senior Competition.
Claire said shearers were judged on speed and technique as well as gaining penalties for second cuts - short pieces of wool left on sheep to be shorn off - and any cuts on the sheep. The lowest point score wins.
"As an industry, farmers want as much wool staple as they can in the best possible quality to get best prices. Therefore, shearers need to be clean and accurate and with often many thousand sheep to get through, time is of the essence."
Claire said Jonathon, who lives in Inverleigh with his wife and two children after growing up in Freshwater Creek, has had a lifelong passion for shearing, working mainly in the southern and central districts of Victoria with occasional sheds further north.
"Like many shearers, he continues to battle back injuries and after several nerve block procedures, is preparing for surgery in the coming months. Of course, he is adamant to fit in the surgery around his shearing competitions and shed work."
Jonathon's next major competition will be Royal Geelong Show in October. Main image: Claire Clifton
"Shearers need to be clean and accurate and with often many thousand sheep to get through, time is of the essence."
Sheep, ceramics & bespoke items abound
The Australian Sheep and Wool Show took place in Bendigo over the weekend of July 20. It is the largest event of its type in the world showcasing the mighty Australian sheep.
Over three days, thousands of people braved chilly weather to experience what the industry has to offer from food, fashion and fibre to everything in between. Spread across the Bendigo Showgrounds, visitors could watch sheep dog trials, weaving and yarn spinning displays, fleece judging and sample a diverse range of arts and lifestyle inspired by the wool industry.
The event attracts craftspeople from everywhere including Ian McColl of OxArt Pottery, Taradale. Ian or ‘Ox’ to his friends has made objects out of clay for as long as he can remember and once shown how to use the pottery wheel he was hooked on a lifelong journey.
OxArt produces a wide variety of pottery products designed to be used on a daily basis including mugs, plates, platters, teapots and yarn bowls.
Popular with weavers everywhere, yarn bowls are, for the benefit of the ignorant, soup bowl sized vessels with a curl cut into the side. The weaver's yarn, placed inside, is drawn through the slot smoothly and evenly.
I guess you could put a lid on it too which would prevent cats from upsetting things. But do weaving folk even let cats get near their work? Perhaps that’s a story for another time.
“The yarn bowls we have at this stand,” says Ian “were derived from a specific request we got a good few years ago at a market. Someone asked if we made yarn bowls.
“I said ‘I didn’t know’ because I didn’t know what they were, but from then on I’ve been making a lot of them. That’s how I came to be taking part in this event. A friend and fellow stall holder suggested that it would be really good for us to come along because of our wool bowls.”
Together with his partner Leanne, Ian has been based in Taradale for the past four years where they have a large studio, workshop and gallery. Originally a roadhouse on the old Calder Highway, the couple have transformed the site into a nexus of creativity.
“We were looking for a place somewhere around Central Victoria where we could run a studio. We went past it and thought we should probably have a look at that one. Three days later we bought it.
“We’ve got three big electric kilns and a big gas kiln plus all of the equipment that you need to run a proper gallery space and workshop. Besides our own work we have a base for a variety of pottery classes and small school group workshops which we run on a regular basis.”
In recent years it would seem that there has been an enormous growth in the popularity of handmade and unique craft objects including functional ceramics. In response, small businesses have emerged all over Victoria that specialise in creating handmade bespoke items from clothing to homewares.
Events such as The Lost Trades Fair and the Australian Sheep and Wool Show have shown great support for this growth and proven to be enormously popular as people look to alternatives to cheap mass-produced product. And Ian, who has worked in the industry long enough to have seen its highs and lows, agrees.
“We’re really finding that people are wanting a connection to handmade, to hear the story of how and where something is from. With my work people love to learn about clay, what the glazes are and people are simply wanting to use hand-thrown pottery again. It’s really lovely.”
Words & images: Tony Sawrey
Above, Ian McColl of OxArt Pottery, Taradale, says people are wanting to make a connection to handmade and bespoke craft objects
Centre, Clunes resident Prue Simmons demonstrated saori, a unique, freestyle form of Japanese artistic weaving which focuses on colour and texture rather than repeatable patterns
Bottom, farmers check out the sheep
CLUNES FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET
2nd SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 9AM- 1PM, FRASER STREET CLUNES
Next Market: August 11th Farewelling Winter
*VFMA Accredited *Artisanal Produce
*Wood Raffle *Food & Coffee *Live Music
*RSL BBQ *Dog Friendly Stallholder & General Inquiries
Email: marketsocials@clunesvic org au
The Italian Girl in Algiers
Lyster Opera is excited to return to Daylesford in this new production of Rossini’s hilarious comedy The Italian Girl in Algiers. The opera tells the story of the Sultan Mustafa who is obsessed with all things Italian, and yearns for an Italian wife. He gets more than he bargained for when Isabella, the Italian girl of the title, is shipwrecked and proceeds to take over his court – with an eye on her tenor lover Lindoro, whom the Sultan has enslaved.
Director Jamie Moffat says this early work by Rossini is rarely performed because it is technically very difficult. “The music was written for very, very accomplished singers,” he says. “We are very lucky to have assembled a cast who can really do the score justice.”
Heading the cast as Isabella is mezzo-soprano Alexandra Mathew, pictured, who won acclaim for her performance in another Rossini opera, La Cenerentola, which Lyster Opera presented in Daylesford in 2022.
Alexandra’s colleague in that opera, Hew Wagner, returns as Lindoro. Daylesford audiences will remember Hew as Nero in The Coronation of Poppea in 2023. These are two of the most demanding roles in opera and they rise brilliantly to the occasion.
Laura Slavin and Maria Woolford take on the roles of Elvira and Zulma, with Troy Castle as Taddeo, Christopher-Jack Andrew as Haly, and Jamie Moffat pulling double duty as Mustafa as well as directing.
This new production has musical direction and accompaniment from audience favourite Pamela Christie, with new sets designed by Blair Parkinsons and superb costumes created especially for this tour by Maddy Connellan.
The Italian Girl in Algiers will be performed at the Daylesford Town Hall on September 8 at 2pm. Tickets $40, $35 (concession) and $30 children.
Visit www.lysteropera.com.au or call 0410 0890 388.
Artists of the Central Highlands with Eve Lamb
Woodend photographic artist Deborah Mullins draws plenty of inspiration from the landscape, including frequent trips to the Outback and also from her own 1.6-hectare garden on the stunning 16-hectare Hesket Farm property where she and her husband Tom reside. Deborah’s work has been displayed in many galleries in Melbourne and the Central Victorian region. Some of her latest work will be part of Little Gallery’s winter fundraising show launching in Trentham this Friday evening, August 2.
Eve: I can see why your surrounds inspire a lot of your work.
Deborah: Yes. We’ve been here for 14 years now and just absolutely love it. We have never regretted our move from Melbourne for a minute.
Eve: Your garden here inspires quite a lot of your work doesn’t it?
Deborah: It does, and the animals and birds within the garden itself. I also do quite a bit of still life photography as well. It’s a hard genre and not everybody likes still life but I enjoy doing it, and it is suited to winter.
Eve: Can you tell me a bit more about your process of creating images and the way you use the term photographic art or digital art, as distinct from ‘photography’?
Deborah: I like to push the boundaries. I have a huge library of photographic images that I have taken over the years and I do a lot of composite work. I do a lot of Photoshop work. I use the images I have taken using a digital camera to create new landscapes and scenes. I suppose it’s a bit like a digital collage. I use photographic images in a similar way so you could call it digital art. At the moment everything I create is of photographic origin. There’s no AI in it. I take the photos and mix them up and overlay and combine to create some sort of new image.
Eve: How did you get into photographic art?
Deborah: I did an advanced diploma of photography, finished in 2011 and pretty much started with straight landscape photography.
Eve: What work are you planning to exhibit as part of the Winter Show?
Deborah: I’m leaving it until the last minute to decide. I’ve got a couple of different series I have been working on recently. One is a series I’m doing called Entice which involves urban landscapes and the figure of a child...and another landscape series focusing on the colours of the landscape. We do a lot of outback travel. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Outback. The textures, colours, the birdlife. I also do aerial photography.
Eve: Do you use a drone for that?
Deborah: Yes. Tom drives the drone and I tell him where to go so I can focus on getting the image.
Eve: Have you ever worked in any other area besides photography?
Deborah: Yes, I was a physiotherapist and then a health educator. I managed health education programs.
Eve: What do you shoot with? And what sort of lenses do you use?
Deborah: A Canon R5 mirrorless and a standard DSLR, a Canon 5DS R. If I’m doing a lot of bird photos I use a 100-400mm telephoto lens with an extender that gets it out to 600mm. I also use a fixed 50mm lens which is an absolutely brilliant lens, a 100mm macro lens, and a very wide 11-24mm rectilinear wide angle lens.
Eve: Besides Little Gallery’s winter fundraising exhibition, do you have any other upcoming exhibitions on your radar?
Deborah: I have got work on display at Verdure in Romsey and I will be a feature artist at Art For All which is a major fundraiser for Fairfield Primary School in Melbourne over September 6-8. Then I will also have some work in the Kerrie Hall Art Show over October 18-20.
Eve: What do you enjoy most about your work as a photographic artist?
Deborah: I like the challenge of creating something new. I like trying to turn something that might be seen as quite bland into something that might be considered more interesting. As much as I can I try to create a bit of a story in my images. I think that lends itself to interpretation a little. I don’t like to spoon-feed people. I like to leave it a little more open to interpretation and it can be very interesting to see how differently various people interpret the same image.
Are you an artist or do you know an artist who might like to feature in The Local? Eve would love to hear from you. Email editorial@tlnews.com.au
Gigs with Darren Lowe
Leavers Hotel, Creswick
Joyce Prescher and Stephanie Cherote - August 3
Slava Grigoryan - August 30
Delsinki and the Quiet Coachmen, supported by Steve Gates - August 31
The recent closing of venues Mallow, Pistol Petes and Palais-Hepburn only underlines the importance of supporting live music in the area.
Right, a lovely, sad send-off to the Palais-Hepburn with Lloyd Spiegel and a large, emotional appreciative crowd in attendance.
Merci beaucoup to the region's businesses
The French National Day event was successful in raising over $5000 for the Daylesford Community Brass Band to purchase new instruments.
This was made possible by the fantastic support of our local business community and their many different ways of contributing.
This is to acknowledge and thank all of those who have generously contributed to the event including: Albert Street Butchery, Bar Merenda, Belle Property Daylesford, Bendigo Bank, Beppe Restaurant, Blake Family Grocers, Blooms Pharmacy, Brian Nash - artist, Cellarbrations, Clayfire Gallery, Cliffy's Emporium, Coles Daylesford, CWA Daylesford, Daylesford Bakery, Daylesford Brewing Co, Daylesford Cidery, Daylesford Community Op Shop, Daylesford Home, Timber & Hardware, Daylesford Meat Company, Daylesford Seafood Bar, Daylesford Shoe Co, Daylesford Trading Co, Double C Jeanery, e Casa, Enki Apothecary, Frances Pilley, George & Matilda Eyecare, Gewürzhaus, Harry & Me, Harvest Café, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, Hepburn Brewing Company, Hepburn Distillery, Herbal Lore Liqueurs, Himalaya Bakery, Istra Smallgoods, Jodele, Lake House, Larder, Lavandula, Magic Pudding, Manteau Noir, Marcella Q, Mineral Springs Hotel, Officeworks Ballarat, The Palais-Hepburn, Paradise Bookshop, Portal 108, Rijk Zwaan Seeds, Rubens Restaurant, Sailors Falls Estate, Sault Restaurant, Spice of India, Springs Medical Centre, Sweet Decadence at Locantro, That Bargain Place, The Local, Tonna's, Walters Café, Winespeake Cellar and Deli and Wombat Hill Florists.
A special thank you goes to the Daylesford District Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) for their considerable and continuing support.
We also acknowledge and thank those wonderful people who came along on the night, bought tickets, raffle tickets and auction items and took part wholeheartedly in the spirit of the evening.
(Advertorial)
Annual fundraising art exhibition
3–19 August
Participating artists:
Tia Alysse, Jennifer Barnett, Greg Mallyon, Gerard O’Connor, Deborah Mullins, Anton Hasell, Paul Ainsworth, Jim Jimson, Ernie Terry, Isobel Lawrence, Ruth Laird, Ray Hearn, Michael Lelliott, Anne Anderson, Pipit Pujiastuti & Richard Morrell, Rose Wilson, Helen Cottle, Ri Van Veen, Kim Haughie and Maria Coyle
Opening night:
Friday 2nd August 5.30pm Gallery open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm during exhibition
Proceeds donated to East Trentham Fellowship
trenthamlittlegallery.com
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.
Little Gallery Winter Art Show Shimmers
Little Gallery Trentham is set to deliver a shimmering Winter Show this year, which will highlight once again a stellar line-up of regional fine artists.
Each year the gallery invites regional artists in various stages of their careers, living in and around the Hepburn Shire and Macedon Ranges, to participate in its annual winter group fundraising exhibition.
This year they will be featuring the works of 16 outstanding contemporary local artists.
Central to the Winter Show is that it has a fundraising element, where part of the proceeds from all art sales will be donated to a local charitable organisation.
A big highlight to the show is the art raffle, with this year's pool offering a whopping $11,000 worth of original artworks donated by local artists. All proceeds made during the three-week show will be donated to a designated local charity.
This year's recipient is the East Trentham Fellowship, founded in 2003. This group was set up to give financial support to Tylden and Trentham primary schools, CFA, the local football and netball club and has also quietly helped many people living in and around the Trentham and Tylden community in times of financial need.
Acclaimed Kyneton-based artist Daniel Butterworth has been invited to open the annual show.
Daniel is a multi-award winning artist, selected for all major Australian portrait prizes, including the prestigious Archibald & Doug Moran prizes.
To coincide with Little Gallery's Winter Show opening on Friday, August 2 at 5.30pm the township of Trentham will light up for the Winterfest light extravaganza which promises to be an evening of spectacular art, shimmer and fun, all are welcome.
The 2024 Winter Show will run for three consecutive weekends from August 3 to 19, opening 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday for viewing.
Kyle’s Rant
We are heading off to New Zealand in a few weeks, for my dad's birthday.
The old bugger is turning 80 so we can't really say no. We had thought it would be nicer for the entire family to head to the Gold Coast or somewhere warm but Cliff was keen to stay home - he doesn't like to travel much anymore.
Nothing really wrong with him, no medication at all so far, not even blood pressure or cholesterol like most middle-aged people, just can't be bothered going overseas.
Mind you, he doesn't mind travelling in his own backyard. Just bought a huge campervan earlier this year. Upgraded from a van with a sort of homemade bed in the back and a shower system hooked up off the back somewhere to swivel-front chairs, and a small kitchen and bathroom. Sheer luxury.
I worry about Cliff, now and again. He is your kind of "rip, shit and bust" bloke who would rather climb on a roof and nearly fall off than call someone younger with two working knees.
He also has a small fishing boat which he takes out a few times a week. By himself. No life jacket. I once bought him a life jacket and was amused, not, to see it draped over a kitchen chair every time we Facetimed him. It never even made it on the boat.
At 80 Cliff is no longer working but often talks about all the taxes he has paid over the years, which I find funny because I don't recall him paying tax after he was about 45, he's a bit of a wheeler dealer. I don't know if he has ever paid taxes.
He is also a bit of a strange dad because rather than being pleased with my achievements, he likes to talk them down. Actually, he doesn't even do that, just talks over them with things he has done over the years. Even if that is 50 years ago. I hear a few people get stuck with narcissistic parents - I guess it's just the luck of the draw.
Donna used to live in The Range when she was growing up in Frankston and she always thought the words to that song, Home on the Range, were "seldom was heard, an encouraging word". True story. Bet was horrified when she sang it to her one day. "We always encouraged you," Betty apparently told her. "Why did dad call my BA degree, Bugger All?" she asked. "He was just having fun," she replied. Funny bugger.
Anyway, we head off to Auckland and then up to the Bay of Islands for a night at the local bowlo, and then the following night at Cliff's. A few friends and family are coming along and some are staying in their vans in the yard, others in the house.
Donna and I are in a nearby motel. She learned long ago to never stay with family. Just doesn't work out well. I think I told me she I likes her own bathroom. And very early on I told dad that. So the one time we did stay, in a little attached bungalow, Cliff was very proud to show her the room had its own toilet. Yep, a fullsized toilet, not plumbed in or anything, just with a cartridge inside the base - and a curtain.
I think that is when the "no staying with family" rule kicked in. Or it might have been at my mum's house where we got to sleep on cushions from the lounge suite, on the floor but behind the actual lounge for privacy.
I am sure it will be a fun-filled weekend with lots of strolls down memory lane. I have made up a very nice video which we will finish with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. Should we try for 80 candles on the cake? Could be fun. Or we could start an friendly argument with a pavlova cake. Kiwis think they invented them. Lots of ideas...
And then the next big one is Donna's next year. Sixty. How the hell did that happen? Just wondering? Getting older, rant over.
Local Lines
haiku on the road
pops into view looms grows peaks passes a b-double truck
driving an auto all body parts alert but the left leg
a haystack ahead
no - it moves - a hunched man on a ride-on
- Bill Wootton
Bill keeps his eyes open and mind jotting when travelling.
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
I’m
956000010824467
(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie & Curly - we picked
Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
I received a media release last week from Central Highlands Rural Health saying that they are partnering with the council to provide free access to puberty education resources.
As part of that they are also giving primary school students, in grades five and six, two pairs of reusable period underwear and a wet bag.
Wow. As a middle-aged woman I was a bit gobsmacked, one that we are talking about this, and two, how does this underwear work?
I feel like I grew up in the last century, well I did actually, and when I was a kid we never talked about periods. To the extent that when I got my first one, at age 11, I had no idea what was going on.
The adverts for pads and tampons were really subtle. It was all about riding horses and surfing. I thought that if I got my period it just meant I would suddenly have some sporting prowess.
I told Mum what had happened and she asked if I hadn't already worked it all out. No, I said. No idea. She got some pads from the top of her wardrobe shelf and handed them to me. "There you are," she said. Dad wandered by about this time and asked what was going on. "Our little girl has become a woman," Mum said. So Anne of Green Gables. Dad kept walking.
And that was pretty much my introduction to something that would happen every month for another 40 years or so. The pads were awful things, huge and lumpy, with a tendency to spill over at any time. So bathroom checks were constant. It's almost post-traumatic thinking about it.
Change came a few years later, aged about 16, when a friend of mine said I should switch to tampons. She had made the move when she was just 14, she said. It happened after she had sex in a football ground in Frankston with a random stranger. She decided "if that can fit in, a tampon can". Practical girl.
Not much else changed, so the research that most tweens and teens will continue to use the first sanitary products they were introduced to for most of their menstruating life, seems to be pretty true.
Luckily, for me, I had very heavy periods and got popped onto a Mirena IUD device, for both birth control and to help out. It worked so well my periods stopped altogether - which I was pretty pleased about.
I had a hormone test a few years back and it came back as nothing left in the tank. All gone. I told Kyle whose only comment was "that's a bit sad". I asked what the sad bit was and he said "you can't have children". Hmmm. I think at 55 that horse had long bolted - especially after the conversation that we did not want kids about 25 years earlier. Maybe he forgot that bit.
True story. We used to have people tell us we would have made great parents but I think you really want to have the children first. And I have had many nightmares where I am pregnant, only waking up to a huge relief that it was just a bad dream. All power to those of you wanting, trying or having children. Just not us.
Anyway, it is great that periods, something that happens to 50 per cent of people throughout the world, and should be understood by the other 50 per cent, are out of the closet and into the discussion.
Mind you, the research bit where pads containing plastic and tampons ultimately end up in landfill means it's time to swap to reusable period underwear might be a harder sell. Cloth nappies again, anyone? Just sayin'...
W RD CROSS
Here is the crossword solution for Edition 310. How did you go?
All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local.
To market...
Every Sunday - Daylesford Sunday Market
First Saturday - Daylesford Farmers Market, Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market, Golden Plains Farmers Market, Woodend Farmers Market
First Sunday - Castlemaine Artists’ Market
Second Saturday - Trentham Community Group Market, Kyneton Farmers Market, Ballan Farmers Market, Kyneton Rotary Community Market
Second Sunday - Maldon Market, Clunes Farmers Market
Third Saturday - Trentham Farmers and Makers Market, Glenlyon Farmers Market, Leonards Hill Market, Creswick Market
Third Sunday - Talbot Farmers Market, Malmsbury Farmers Market
Fourth Sunday - Trentham Station Sunday Market, Buninyong Village Market
