The Local July 18, 2022

July 18, 2022 Issue 258 War on willows

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: Kingston resident Virginia Imhoff, pictured with Buddy, is concerned about the poisoning and subsequent burning of willows along Bullarook Creek Streamside Reserve.

Read her story by Kevin Childs on p11.

Image: David White

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.

July 18, 2022 Issue 258 War on willows

The next edition is out on Monday, August 1, 2022.

Or online on Sunday, July 31 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, July 27 Copy deadline: Thursday, July 28 Editorial deadline: Thursday, July 28 Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout & Donna Kelly

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

Photographers | Kyle Barnes & David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness

Want to support local, quality journalism? Donate by scanning the QR code.

Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (gigs), Matthew Richardson (money), Jennifer Hart (horoscopes) and Jen Clarke (recipes).

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

Accounts | Julie Hanson

Delivery | Tony Sawrey

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Farewll 3

Peter's life: cricket, art, writing, style

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RENTHAM artist and PR legend Peter Young passed away last Thursday, July 14, after a short illness.

His own Twitter handle describes him as: "Former Cricket Aust head of public affairs-turned-slow-left-arm painter. Of canvases, not houses."

In 2015, Little Gallery ran a short piece on Facebook to promote a "Talk with Artist" the following weekend. It said: "Peter Young sold cartoons to his local newspaper as a schoolboy, has drawn all his life, and has haunted galleries for decades. But he came late to painting, picking up a brush after 42 years of media and corporate life, the last 25 as head of corporate affairs at Ansett, Medibank Private and, most recently, at Cricket Australia."

In Trentham, Peter and his wife Sally were involved in many organisations including Spudfest, the Trentham Urban Sketch Club and the Little Gallery. Peter was also always ready to knock out a media release for any group needing a bit of publicity. Sally and Peter also loved to travel and many people loved reading their grey nomad trials and tribulations with Neurotica the dog on Facebook.

Ed's note: The Local was lucky enough to entice Peter to write now and again and feature some of his fantastic art. His latest piece ran in the June 20 edition with his painting on the front cover. The Local crew are all, like so many others, devastated by his passing. Pete, you have left us too soon and we'll miss you. You touched the lives of so many people and your legacy will live on through them. Hope they have a brush and easel up there - and they get your fantastic sense of humour. (The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, donations to curebraincancer.org.au or your favourite charity.)

Vale David Endacott

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AYLESFORD's David Endacott has sadly passed away after an accident on July 1, just short of his 76th birthday.

David, born on July 25, 1946, was the son of Norman and Joan (nee Poynter) and brother of John, Judy and Barbara.

A private cremation has been held.

A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be held at the Verey Chapel, 43A Millar Street, Daylesford on Monday, July 25 at 1.30pm.

David was born in Sandringham, when his father Norm was finishing his Forestry degree at Melbourne University. In an 2021 article in the Victorian Forestry Heritage publication, David said his first memories were of the Upper Murray Forest district and, after the 1953 move to Daylesford, the Wombat State Forest. His working life was in manufacturing and toolmaking.

David served on several forest and land management advisory committees, notably a 30-plus-year stint on a ministerial advisory committee, the Victorian Mineral Water Committee.

He was a local historian, publisher of local history and had previously been a long serving curator of the Daylesford Museum and on the committee of the Central Highlands Historical Association. He worked closely with John Wright on the publication of A Fraternity of Foresters.

In The Local's May 4, 2022 edition, journalist Kevin Childs and photographer Kyle Barnes headed out with historian Norman Houghton and David, pictured, for an article titled, Making tracks: the timeless history of our trees. Kyle said he worked hard to keep up with David as he strode through the forest. *Editor's note: The Local will run a feature article about David in an upcoming issue. Vale David - you are, and will be, missed.

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Just briefly...

Three hundred forest firefighters are being recruited to help keep Victorians safe over the upcoming fire season.

Recruitment opened last week for firefighters to work with Forest Fire Management Victoria over summer, encouraging Victorians who are passionate about protecting their communities and the environment.

The firefighters will be based at more than 80 locations throughout the state and new positions are for a range of seasonal roles including general firefighters, fire support officers and rappel crews.

Applications close July 31.

Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s may be coming to Daylesford.

Endeavour Group Limited applied to the Liquor Control Victoria on July 13 to grant it a packaged liquor licence for 63 Central Springs Road.

Daniel Murphy opened his first liquor store in 1952 in Prahran. After growing his business to five stores across Victoria, he sold to Woolworths in 1998. In 2019, Woolworths restructured its alcoholic drinks business to form the Endeavour Group which also owns BWS along with Young & Jackson in Melbourne.

Objections can be made within 30 days of the application if granting the application would detract from, or be detrimental to the amenity of the area and/or would be conducive to, or encourage, the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

The Trentham Historical Society has been awarded a $9000 grant to install equipment that will enhance the storage and protection of the existing collection and improve the society's capability for further historical research for the community.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced the funding and said the society was "a wonderful asset for the region ensuring the stories of the past continue to be told". “This funding will enable the Trentham Historical Society to undertake vital upgrades to its infrastructure and facilities, to enhance its collection and attract more visitors."

Christmas in July, HRCC’s major fundraiser is coming up in Daylesford on Wednesday, July 27.

The charity is hoping to hit their fundraising target of $50,000 - and it will mean they can help those in the Daylesford and Hepburn community who need it most.

The event includes a two-course dinner, auction and entertainment. Almost 50 businesses in the region have donated goods, services and gift vouchers to be auctioned off at the event.

Tickets at www.trybooking.com/CAAUN and/or donate goods or services by contacting Wendy Berry via info@hepburnregionalcommunitycheer.org.au

Small Space Music and Radio Springs Hotel present the Magic Lantern Sessions #4 - live improvised music scores with classic silent movies - on July 31.

The fourth session features the 1924 Soviet film Aelita; Queen Of Mars, arguably the first ever science fiction film.

Tickets: www.trybooking.com

Central Highlands Water and Hepburn Shire Council have launched two new Choose Tap drinking fountains at Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Creswick.

The fountains will provide easy access to quality drinking water, in a sustainable way, to the Creswick community as well as many user groups across the precinct, including the Creswick Football Netball Club, Creswick Bowling Club, Creswick Soccer Club, Creswick Cricket Club and Doug Lindsay Reserve Committee of Management.

The former Kyneton Primary School is being repurposed to deliver a thriving creative precinct for the local community.

Development of the masterplan – led by future site operator Working Heritage and local architect Winwood Mckenzie – is now under way. Link: www. engage.vic.gov.

au/old-kyneton-primary-school-redevelopment

To your health...

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N THE last edition of The Local, journalist Kevin Childs wrote of the sick state of the health system.

He talked, anonymously, to a number of healthcare workers who outlined myriad examples of people being badly let down by the system.

At the time, Kevin and editor Donna Kelly both wrote to ministerial staffers of Health and Ambulance Minister, and Macedon MP, Mary-Anne Thomas offering right of reply - sending the entire article one and two weeks prior to publication. No reply came before deadline.

After publication, Ms Kelly was contacted by a ministerial staffer who said the emails could not be found. The staffer then said there had been some changes in the public relations area of the new minister and asked for the email to be sent again to four separate email addresses.

The staffer then wrote back and asked for specific questions. Ms Kelly sent this: "As Kevin has outlined we have been given many examples of the health system not working. So, how are you going to fix the system?

"Will the average person be able to get the treatment they need, Covid or otherwise? What is the next step in the pandemic – will you mandate masks as epidemiologists have asked for?

"What credibility does the average person put into the health system? When will ambulance ramping stop? When will a fourth vaccine be available for all those who want them knowing that the vaccine wanes after four months?

"Finally, a story from this week, a bloke living in Daylesford calls 000 and gets an ambulance crew turning up because he is close to dying with Covid. He asks to go to hospital for monitoring because he lives alone but is told he will be on a chair if he goes in for the night. When will that stop?"

The staffer replied last Wednesday with the following, attributable to a Victorian Government spokesperson.

"Every health system around the country has been under unprecedented pressure and we're investing billions to get it back on track as quickly as possible and help manage the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 global pandemic, deferred care and a spike in influenza cases.

"The $12 billion Pandemic Repair Plan is delivering record levels of funding and resourcing to expand and upgrade our hospitals, improve patient care, reduce the surgery waitlist and ensure staff are well supported. This includes a $1.5 billion investment to increase surgical activity beyond pre-pandemic levels by providing 40,000 extra surgeries in the next year – reducing the waitlist and building up to a record 240,000 surgeries annually by 2024.

"Our Pandemic Repair Plan includes getting more paramedics on the road, more Triple Zero call takers, expanding emergency departments and the training and recruitment of up to 7000 healthcare workers to reinforce our health system.

"We’ve invested heavily in system changes and new and expanded programs like Better at Home, Covid Positive Pathways and the Virtual Emergency Department run out of Northern Hospital. They all work to increase bed availability in our hospitals, decrease pressure on emergency departments and ease ramping issues.

"The Pandemic Repair Plan will include: Training and hiring up to 7000 healthcare workers, of which 5000 are nurses; More paramedics, more support for paramedics and increased capacity for Triple Zero call-takers and dispatchers; An unprecedented package to recruit, train, upskill and support healthcare workers across the sector, helping relieve pressure on the system and improving care for all Victorians; $2.3 billion to upgrade and build new hospitals, including $236 million to double emergency department capacity in Casey and Werribee; A record investment in surgical capacity across the state to give Victorians the specialist care they need before they end up in the emergency department; and Funding to manage the pandemic across our health system and in the community into the future.

"The Department strongly encourages Victorians to remain up to date with their vaccines, in particular people eligible for third and fourth doses, and to stay home if unwell and test for Covid-19.The wearing of masks and measures to make indoor air safer will have a significant impact in reducing transmission of the BA.4/5 subvariants and help to reduce the demand on our health system.

"Masks are strongly recommended in shared indoor settings, if you can’t physically distance or you are with those more vulnerable to Covid-19. Improve ventilation by opening doors and windows, using fans or purifiers, and gathering outside where possible.

"Face masks are still required for everyone aged eight and above in some locations, including on public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities. They are also required by household contacts in quarantine who meet the criteria for leaving home."

Got a comment: news@tlnews.com.au

Farmers locking the gate

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Canadian-based miner Nubian Resources recently announced success of its drilling at Yandoit. More than 2700 soil samples were taken, finding "dozens of new prospect areas".

Debra Waters, whose family has lived in the area for 30 years, is Gold was located in more than half of the holes, said company president and organising objections to the planned mine, which she sees as a danger to the CEO Martin Walter. This "helped us to formulate a strategy for future discovery at environment.

Yandoit".

Lock the Gate signs produced by the Alliance For Responsible Mining To him it is one of the world’s premier gold districts, especially because of the Regulations and calling for the shutting out of mining companies are being richness of the state’s biggest gold producer at Fosterville near Bendigo. With gold distributed. About 20 people were at a recent community meeting, she said.

Already, however, she has been unable to extend the deadline for objections to the hitting record prices of $US2000 an ounce, Yandoit was found to have veins about 50 metres apart and the company believes less than 5 per cent of the prospective length mine. She also wanted wider advertising of the plans, which she says is required by of the vein has been drill-tested. law. "This affects Daylesford and the Wombat State Forest," she said.

The company says soil tests show "dozens of potentially gold bearing locations".

The deadline decision was made by the State Government’s Morwell-based Earth Gold was first unearthed at Yandoit in 1854.

Resources Regulator, which sits under the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

Its acting manager for licensing, Jess Stephenson, told Debra that the company had met all legal requirements, while adding: "Any comments and objections that are Above, from left, Jessica Bleachmore, Alison King, Luke Bryant, Sandra received will be taken into consideration when the assessment and decision to grant Polousi, Di Waters, Kath Mcmicken, Kevin Waters or refuse the licence is being considered." The Local has sighted the email.

Debra, whose work is e-commerce and building websites, said because the application was not advertised locally, it was difficult for residents to track it. It was Words: Kevin Childs | Images: David White advertised in the Ballarat and Bendigo daily papers and the state-wide Weekly Times.

"It is supposed to be advertised in local papers in the affected area," she said.

Objectors had three weeks in which to lodge their opposition.

She said that new mining released big amounts of arsenic and other heavy metals into the environment. "Some mining projects disturb legacy mining areas and carry the risk that mercury from historic processing operations will be released into the environment. These heavy metals are carcinogenic."

Debra said a 2020 Victorian Auditor General's Office found some mining companies do not rehabilitate their projects and that the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions had become a passive observer to these failures.

The report said: "Systemic regulatory failures encompass: using outdated cost estimates; not periodically reviewing bonds for their sufficiency - including a fouryear bond review ‘moratorium’ for which there is no documentary evidence that it was duly authorised; failure to assure that site rehabilitation had actually occurred before returning bonds; approving inadequately specified rehabilitation plans; and lack of enforcement activities.

"DJPR is not effectively regulating operators’ compliance with their rehabilitation The Local will always be a free read but if you want to responsibilities. This exposes the state to significant financial risk because some sites support local, quality journalism you can donate by have been poorly rehabilitated or not treated at all. If not addressed, these sites also scanning the QR code. present risks to Victorians and the environment."

CAMPAIGN is under way to stop gold mining in Yandoit, within what is said to be among the hottest exploration areas in the world.

"Some mining projects disturb legacy mining areas and carry the risk that mercury from historic processing operations will be released into the environment."

6 News

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Ukraine appeal update End of an era for Peter The Daylesford Parish launched its Ukraine Appeal in late April 2022 and is curently remitting close to $800 to the Anglican Diocese of Europe who are managing this appeal and the distribution of aid.

Spokesperson Frank Page said the parish was very grateful for the wider Daylesford community who have also supported the appeal.

The Anglican Diocese in Europe has already raised more than $A600,000 for Ukraine. This fundraising has come from England, the US, Japan, Bangladesh and Australia. Some of the refugee support provided through these funds have included: help with accommodation and transport in Warsaw, Poland; establishment of a day centre in Budapest, Hungary; provision of a hostel in Budapest, Hungary; provision of a community centre in Helsinki, Finland; provision of food and shelter in Riga, Latvia; funds to the Anglican Parish of Christ Church in Kyiv, Ukraine; and new projects being developed.

Partners in this support include The Lutheran World Federation and Caritas.

"Our name-sake Anglican Parish of Christ Church in Kyiv, Ukraine has been a obvious concern for our parish.

"Christina Laschenko, church warden, wrote on Friday, June 3, a day that marked the 100th day of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. 'People in Kyiv do their best to live normal lives: they gather friends to celebrate birthday parties, go to the Opera House, attend museums with new exhibitions, and volunteer day and night for the needs of the army and internally displaced people.

'And, of course, people call to God. Religious life in war-torn Kyiv is quite intense. People are resolute to overcome any obstacles to get to places of worship to pray together for the lives of Ukrainian people, for the success of the Ukrainian Army, for the victory of Ukraine. We encourage you to join us in prayer for restoration of peaceful life in Ukraine. We want to rebuild the houses, to plant gardens, to raise children and to overcome the wounds of war through the joy of new life.'

Mr Page said Christina’s words and the daily reporting of the ongoing war had encouraged the Parish to continue its Ukraine appeal "and to continue to hold the people of Ukraine in our prayers and thoughts".

Donations can be made at: Account Name: Anglican Parish of Daylesford, BSB: 633 000, Acount number: 165242702, Reference: Ukraine Appeal.

An advert in the local paper - and his wife’s avid reading - led Peter Matthews to the Board of Kyneton District Health. After almost a decade as a board director, including a long stint as board chair, the Woodend local is stepping down from the now Central Highlands Rural Health.

Emeritus Professor Peter Matthews landed an interview for a KDH board position in 2013. At the time, KDH faced significant community engagement challenges. Peter recalled that the health service seemed to have lost its way.

“The level of care was not the problem, it was understanding who we are and what we do. A health service can’t offer everything – it can’t be everything to all people – but if someone turns up unwell, we either need to know how to look after them, or know where they need to go."

Peter has lived and worked in rural communities most of his life. He’s also forged a leadership career in the arts and academia. But for Peter, the local community context remained front and centre.

"It gave KDH staff such a sense of achievement to have made it through a rough patch and out the other side. There were a couple of community-based events - an open day and tree planting day which had an impact, and the local Treehouse program has had an impact too.

"The amalgamation with Hepburn Health to become CHRH was a big challenge and achievement. We made sure to incorporate the local history of each health service and named each campus after the area – Clunes Health, Creswick Health, Daylesford Health, Kyneton Health and Trentham Health."

The pandemic hit three months after the amalgamation. And yet the merger was a smooth experience for staff and local people. "The first 100 days after an amalgamation are critical, and the way staff adjusted, and then responded to COVID, was inspirational. The challenge resulted in us working more closely together with other health services. It was a common problem that needed a common solution.

"I have learnt to keep an open mind and to distil ideas, not dilute them. I tried to pull out the core idea from what everyone’s saying, to capture the story – what are we doing, why are we doing it, and who will do what?”

Link: www.chrh.org.au/articles/farewell-and-thank-you-to-peter-matthewsboard-chair/

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Our artists 7

Reclaiming the freedom of art and shows

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LISON Parkinson was raised in a farming family and had all the space in the world to explore in the Warracknabeal district where "the lands are flat with the biggest skies". Her creative mother always had a project on the kitchen table, teaching her three children how to sew, cook and garden and the watching of satellites in the night sky, naming the constellations, inspiring them in the ways of beauty and how to question.

Alison's father worked the land, instilling in her, her sister and brother, an amazing work ethic. She told her story to Donna Kelly.

Donna: When did you realise you were an artist?

Alison: I remember being in grade three and we were doing art. Next thing my work was being shown to the class and to the other teachers. I had faithfully reproduced a scene of poplars and a stream which hung on the wall. I made pots with the clay on the dam banks, jewellery at an early age buying copper from the local plumber using Dad's anvil and my grandfather's plenishing hammer to make rings and bracelets. I was accepted in Gould’s League of Birdlovers' competitions. Loving art, I had learnt from watching my mother's Paint by Numbers. My grandparents' art collection was incredible. There were paintings by family members, very old paintings and a reverence of my drawings as they were pegged up in their lounge room. This all lead to me attending art school in Ballarat. In 1969 the farming space was reshaped by buildings and lots of people, excitement. The creative possibilities were endless in four years of discovering.

Donna: You have a number of mediums...

Alison: I adore line, paint and clay and silver slips in there as well.

Donna: How do you switch from one form of art to another? Is it seamless?

Alison: Drawing has been the foundational discipline. Teaching me how to see, to design, to do my compositions and to transpose the human figure from two dimensions to the three dimensions of sculpture. When I am contemplating a sculpture I hire a model. I draw from at least four views, giving me profiles to check with on my clay work. The joy of discovering the likeness of someone in a lump of cold wet clay is fabulous. My recent experience of having a bust cast in bronze and then overseeing the patination process has me contemplating: “How can I do more of this?” A highly addictive and hugely expensive process.

My paintings are generally portraits or landscapes. The lines of the hills or trees or paddocks or face or body have the same requirement, to see, to work like a cartographer. Everything in relationship to the last feature. The oil paint colours laid on, juxtaposed in light and shade or subtle shifting hues to round the cheekiness of the hill. And then when I need a change I go to the silver that continues the childhood story with the plumber’s copper. Yes, a seamless story of weaving modalities. Responding to a commission, a whim or an urge.

I also have work displayed at the Convent Gallery, Daylesford and at Leaver's Wine Bar in Creswick. I have recently had work in the Toorak Village Sculpture Prize and have packed up my poster exhibition last week from Blake’s window in Creswick.

And there is always work to see, if attending my studio, by making an appointment.

My Instagram Account alison.parki10 has a comprehensive overview of my creating.

Donna: What is your artistic inspiration?

Alison: I am inspired by beauty, when my heart leaps and I look at someone or something that has a classical air or something that says to me: “Pay attention”. I wish to help bring a smile or relief or enquiry from the viewer. To find the emotional reflection in my work that resonates or the landscape that unfolds into the distance.

Donna: How did you fare over Covid? (Not that Covid is quite over…)

Alison: Oh Covid, oh Covid. Well I painted for 18 months, I painted the hills in this area as they evolved through 12 months of summer, autumn, winter and spring.

I painted 100 paintings. All the same size and hung them up in my studio. They are like wallpaper. The dilemma: “I don’t want to separate them” - so there they stay. I loved the excuse to stay at home. Now I love the excuse to go out.

Celebrating renowned artists

Donna: Do you feel like the artistic scene is returning to the public at large?

Alison: I do feel that like the drawing back of the stage curtain, the arts are slowly showing themselves again. Music is back and people are becoming more courageous about going out. A freedom reclaimed.

Donna: Where can we see your work?

Alison: Little Gallery Trentham - The Winter Show between July 15 and August 8. I am delighted to be invited to exhibit in this beautiful, light gallery with nine other invited artists. I met the Little Gallery group through having participated in the DMROS open Studio Trail pre-Covid. Such a professional creatively diverse group of artists. I was delighted when the invitation to participate arrived and now the time is here. Worth a drive to Trentham.

Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR At this month’s ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors will consider the proposed sale of The Rex building in Vincent Street, Daylesford. As many people are aware the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project has had a complicated and vexed history. Decisions around it have caused a considerable amount of division and uncertainty in the community over several years. Also, the release date for the forthcoming Inspectorate Report into the previous Council’s handling of the project is still unknown. However, this Council has attempted to draw a line in the sand and provide certainty by resolving to engage in a sale process to sell the building and stop the project. Reasons for this include uncertainty of the final cost, our financial position and construction issues.

If the sale proceeds, we acknowledge that there are facilities that were part of the Hub project that are important to the community, and these will not be forgotten. These include the cinema, the building’s heritage, provision of additional public toilets, improved library, and community spaces. Part of the motion passed at the November 2021 Council meeting included working with the Daylesford Cinema group for a community cinema space; and that we review possible solutions for staff accommodation and community facilities that were to be included in the Hepburn Hub. These commitments remain important to Council and the community, and will still be investigated and progressed by Council at locations other than The Rex. As part of a report prepared ahead of our Council meeting, which is available as part of the public agenda accessible via the Hepburn Shire website, a community survey was conducted to gauge levels of support for the sale in the community and to investigate other uses for the building should the sale not proceed. Overall, the survey found that 66% of respondents were unsupportive of the Council’s decision to sell The Rex. This can be compared to the 30% of respondents who were supportive of the decision and 4% of respondents who remained neutral or were unsure about the decision. Of those unsupportive of the sale, many people said that The Rex is an important building/asset that should be kept for the community, that Council should complete the project and follow through with what was promised, and questioned why we would sell at a loss.

However, after investigating a range of alternative uses for the building, along with Council’s ability to deliver on other current and aspirational projects, the report concludes it is not anticipated that The Rex can be viably retained as a community asset despite the importance some members of the community attach to the building.

There are many ways the property could be sold, however, the simplest approach for Council would be a straight sale process. However, a range of alternative options have been considered where conditions for future use may be applied to the sale process or the application of additional protections for the building onto the property title. I would like to acknowledge the significant community interest in this project and thank our community for the time invested in providing the feedback that will help Councillors decide on 19 July whether to sell The Rex building..

Cr Tim Drylie MAYOR

COUNCIL PLAN FOCUS AREAS

MEET THE MAYOR & LISTENING POSTS Council invites the community along to its new Meet the Mayor and Listening Post sessions, which will provide an opportunity for residents to speak with Councillors and staff. Listening Posts are open to everyone to drop-in, without the need to register. For the Meet the Mayor sessions, community members can book a 30-minute private meeting to be held either online or in person. The schedule for 2022 is: • Creswick Listening Post – 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday 27 July • Meet the Mayor – Wednesday 24 August • Daylesford Listening Post – 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday 28 September • Meet the Mayor – Wednesday 26 October • Glenlyon Listening Post – 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday 23 November Find venue details and how to book at https://participate.hepburn.vic. gov.au

GOVERNANCE RULES Council is reviewing its governance rules and is seeking community feedback on some proposed changes. Governance rules provide the community with certainty around how Council meetings are conducted and ensure that matters are dealt with in a consistent and efficient way.

Community members are encouraged to visit https://participate.vic. gov.au and complete a short survey. The survey closes at 5pm on 27 July 2022.

Enquiries can be directed to the Governance team at governance@ hepburn.vic.gov.au.

Council will consider the feedback received in response to the proposed changes at the 16 August 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting.

BOREALIS Have you booked your tickets for Borealis? This captivating display brings the Northern Lights to Lake Daylesford.

From Romania, to London, Paris, and now Daylesford, BOREALIS ON THE LAKE brings Dan Acher’s light and sound scape, BOREALIS, to regional Victoria in a Daylesford winter exclusive.

Organise a catch up with friends, rug up and take in the spectacular show which started last Friday.

Find out more and book at https://borealisau.com/

COUNCIL MEETING The next Council meeting will be held in person at the Daylesford Town Hall on 19 July at 5.30pm.

In addition to a couple of planning matters, the agenda this month includes: • the proposed sale of The Rex • Biodiversity Grants.

We welcome members of the community to attend in person, or tune in to the livestream on Facebook.

You can view Council minutes and agendas 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.  5348 2306  shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au  www.hepburn.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/hepburncouncil

HEPBURN SHIRE LIBRARIES More than just books

OPENING HOURS Daylesford Library Corner of Albert and Bridport Streets Ph: 5348 2800

The Warehouse - Clunes 36 Fraser Street Ph: 5345 3359

Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm

Hours: Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri 10am to 5pm.

Saturday 10am to 1pm

Baby Rhyme Time: 11am Tuesday Storytime: 11am Friday

Baby Rhyme Time: 11am Wednesday

Creswick Hub 68 Albert Street Ph: 5345 2145 Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm Baby Rhyme Time: 11am Tuesday

Trentham Library 13 Albert Street Ph: 5424 1326 Hours: Tues, Weds, Fri 10am to 5pm.

Saturday 10am to 1pm Baby Rhyme Time: 11am Wednesday Storytime: 11am Friday

BABY RHYME TIME & STORYTIME Baby Rhyme Time is a great place for our youngest book

fans to discover the magic of books via songs and puppets.

Storytime is for preschool aged kids who love interactive story telling.

Bookings not required for Baby Rhyme Time or Storytime.

Join in person at a library or online at www.centralhighlandslibraries.org.au

Follow us on Facebook for latest news www.facebook.com/HepburnLibraries More information is available at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/libraries

Membership is free, we have PCs for use, free Wi-Fi, printing and scanning services, warm spaces in cold months and friendly helpful staff.

10 Opinion

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Your say...

I think regardless of who wins the Big Rainbow, Daylesford should build one anyway.

It would attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Hepburn Shire and spread equality throughout the community. Imagine if you could drive under it as you descended to Leonards Hill Hall where there’s heaps of parking. The monthly Sunday market would go off.

I think the long-term locals need to realise that the Hepburn Shire is a tourist town and a Big Rainbow would be a money spinner. This would be a much better investment than The Rex which I think, like the swimming pool, has become a dinosaur.

- Chris Hartigan, Barkstead

Ed's note: A couple of people contacted me over the past week saying I should not have published Yvonne Fix's letter in the last issue. They said Yvonne's opinions were offensive and should not have been aired. However, a good newspaper, which I think The Local is, should always allow different opinions. They are not necessarily always my opinion but that does not mean I should hit delete when anything I don't agree with comes into my inbox. And I am always open to running letters in reply. As I have done in this edition. Letter writer Adam Fawcett told me he was glad I ran the letter because it gave him the chance to put his opinion out there for Yvonne and others to read.

The Big Rainbow I’m writing in response to Yvonne Fix’s article titled Big Rainbow that appeared in the Your Say section of Issue 257.

When I first moved to this area five years ago, I applied for a job at a local law firm. During the interview my potential employer thought it appropriate to remark that “gay people sure do seem to move around a lot”.

I never got to explain to this person why – as offensive as it was – they were correct, but I’d like to try and explain it now by responding to Yvonne.

Yvonne, when I read your letter, I see you using terms like “us” and “them”, and it makes me so incredibly sad. Why do we have to be like this with each other?

What makes this area unique is the fact that we do have a varied group of people – they come from all walks of life, lived experiences, political persuasions and economic positions. This is what I love about the area. There is always someone new to meet, and you’re probably gonna love 'em, or hate 'em! It keeps life interesting, and it certainly keeps me on my toes.

You use terms like “complete takeover” and “we are in a minority these days” and “they are fighting back and succeeding”. We don’t want to erase your story or deny you your identity, and if you genuinely believe that same courtesy should be applied to everyone – regardless of their sexual orientation – you might have a different opinion on the Big Rainbow.

Despite all your sins against the gays (I can say that because I am one), the greatest sin you committed in your letter was comparing the loss of your “identity” to what our ancestors did to our First Nations peoples. Yvonne, no one is dispossessing you of your land and locking you up. Please get some perspective and show some respect.

Your coded language around concern for visiting “families” completely misses the point of who and why people visit this area. It is a safe haven for everyone, which is what makes it so attractive. From what I can tell, the tourists that visit our area are a diverse bunch of people, many of them with very “different” views as you say – including families.

The qualities that represent queerness – inclusivity, acceptance, pride in yourself – are qualities that should be and are celebrated by most members of our community.

The Big Rainbow also makes sense economically – Daylesford and its surrounds takes in a lot of business from queer folk – a large tourist attraction in their honour that drives more income into the community isn’t exactly a terrible idea…

I agree it is always important to look back Yvonne, especially in the name of learning our lessons and trying to improve upon them, but we need to look forward, too.

There is a reason why gay people move around a lot – it’s because we have trouble finding spaces where we don’t have to feel inferior, othered, or attacked. Words cannot express how bloody proud I am to live in a town, in a community, in a shire that embraces me and treats me as an equal. That has not been my experience in other areas of Victoria, and I think that’s worth celebrating in these bleakish-but-hopefullygetting-better times.

That’s what the Big Rainbow would represent to me, if we were lucky enough to win it.

- Adam Fawcett, Hepburn Springs

Dogs on leads please One of the biggest delights of living in Trentham is the wildlife.

The kangaroos right in town, the diverse birdlife in our Quarry Street and Stoney Creek reserves, and visits from echidnas, wallabies and wombats throughout the year.

I also love dogs. Trentham is home to oodles of cavoodles, spoodles, labradoodles, and many other breeds of dogs, owned by residents and visitors. I meet wonderful people walking my dog, a daily pleasure.

Yet I frequently see dogs off lead, not under the owner’s control, wandering, chasing, and at times frightening other dogs, their owners, and wildlife in our parks and on the Domino Trail that starts in town. I also see lots of dog poo on nature strips and along paths and tracks, which is pretty unpleasant.

Apparently dogs are required by local law to remain on lead in town, and council has provided handy doggy bags to take care of doggy business. Excellent – that’s if these measures are respected.

In the recent past my dog and I have had to fend off aggressive dogs on the loose on several separate occasions. The owners are not in control, always seem surprised, and are often unapologetic.

There is very little if any signage in town to remind people to keep their dogs on leads, and no appropriate fenced-in dog park where they can safely run free.

Trentham’s population of dogs and owners has grown dramatically, so I implore council and dog owners to take responsibility for their dog and their dog’s business.

I would like us all to be able to enjoy the smell of nature, not what we have just stepped in, and to feel safe walking in our neighbourhood.

- Mez Lanigan, Trentham

Letters to the editor are always welcome. Please head to www.tlnews.com.au, register and upload your letter.

War on the willows takes its toll

Words: Kevin Childs Image: David White

Watch the machinery at work.

Just scan the QR code here.

O

N A recent morning, while approaching the once tranquil creek near her Kingston home, Virginia Imhoff, pictured with Buddy, was stopped in her tracks by this destruction.

After being poisoned, willows along Bullarook Creek Streamside Reserve had been cut down, bulldozed into big piles and set on fire, with logs tossed in the water and used as a makeshift bridge for heavy equipment. This machinery made some of the banks collapse and the water was thick with rich red volcanic soil.

Among her worries was that the creek is a platypus habitat and a vital corridor for all kinds of birds and other wildlife, such as wallabies and kangaroos. “Wallabies might be plentiful in the forests around the shire, but in this narrow corridor they are in small numbers and as such are 'endangered' by traffic and other disturbances,” she says. “And it appears there has been no great care to ensure this important platypus habitat is protected.”

Until about four years ago, she often saw koalas crossing open land to find the few manna gums still on farms in the district. Now koalas are rare.

At this reserve a copse of tall manna gums remains, planted in the 1990s by children from the former Kingston Primary School in parkland now overgrown.

The creek flows under heritage-listed Kerrins Bridge, a handsome keystone arch of bluestone, dating from about 1860. Virginia sees the creek as creating a link for wildlife to forests around the edges of the fertile, open and highly cultivated farmland of the Kingston district. “For some wildlife it’s the only cover they have and for the lack of native bush, they have adapted well to living among what is mainly introduced tree species.”

She watched smoke rising from the valley for a couple of days before realising what was going on. “One huge pile of logs even straddled the creek from bank to bank, and was burning in the water, sending up palls of smoke, there was an oil slick on the water, and ash and soot, logs and debris clogging the waterway like a beaver dam.” The mess extended for about 500 metres, with some stumps of hawthorn painted red with glyphosate, a non-selective “aquatic-safe” herbicide.

“Proper catchment management would not do this,” she says, adding that Creswick ward councillor Don Henderson had undertaken to ask the responsible state minister about the work.

“Any water pollution including the diesel, or whatever the oil slick is, and the debris, logs and mud is going to affect platypus and other aquatic species downstream,” she says.

“And wallabies and other wildlife will be left with no cover and be pushed out of here. ut there is nowhere for them to go. A wallaby was hit and killed on the road here in the daytime this week, and that is unusual because they tend to rest under cover during the day.”

Bullarook Creek flows northwest towards Clunes, where it links with Tullaroop Creek, which flows into the Tullaroop reservoir near Carisbrook, forming part of the Loddon River Catchment.

Virginia and her husband bought their farm and moved to the district in 1980 with their four children. On their 60 hectares of land, she runs a few Suffolk sheep, and grows hay for her 21 horses, many of them rescued or old horses needing a home.

Over the years she has also set aside part of the property and planted around 3000 native trees for woodland and shelterbelts, and fenced some areas around dams and springs for native vegetation and bird and wildlife habitat. (“For snakes, too,” she says with a laugh). “It’s also important to have some stepping stones of bush and habitat on private land for animals and birds that move through the district.”

The coincidental timing of the work at Bullarook Creek Streamside Reserve raised alarm bells in the wider community because the route through the reserve has also been earmarked by AusNet for its 80-metre high transmission towers, as part of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project, which is planned to deliver renewable energy from windfarms in the state’s west to Melbourne. The transmission line will heavily affect farms, landscape and communities.

Back down at the creek, as we stood in the mud, a voice asked what we were doing there. It belonged to Lang Dowdell, who’s supervising the work for the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

The authority’s job is to manage “water for the environment flows to a range of regulated rivers, wetlands, swamps and lakes across our region”.

At the heart of all this destruction is the labelling of willows as invasive species.

While describing the scene as “stark”, Lang said the willows were a noxious weed of national significance detrimental to the water. He assured us that the area would be revegetated with native plant species, trying to take it back to how it was before European settlement. Lang disagreed with Virginia that oil slicks in the water had been caused by the heavy equipment - or fire accelerants.

He hopes that eventually there will be more protection for native species, with the return of grass cover within a year. And that the blackwoods and other native plant species planned to be planted once the creek is cleared will grow quickly to stabilise the banks and provide habitat. The land we were on, he said, would repair itself quickly. The improved water quality would attract bugs that would help the ecosystem and the clearing of willows would allow more light on the creek.

“We hope to finish the clear-up by the end of the week.”

Most adjoining landholders bordering the creek had been cooperative, he added.

One adjoining farmer, whose land runs down to the creek, allowed fencing higher up on his land to protect remnant native kangaroo grasses from grazing and for newly planted trees to establish. But further along the bank a bunch of white tree guards are empty of plantings two years ago, evidence of severe frosts in the valley.

Indigenous people have been involved in the work, says Lang, adding that the Dja Dja Wurrung had done an assessment that would determine what plant species go in and how the land at Bullarook Creek Streamside Reserve is used.

And, to top it off, he foresees a time when this area will return to its beautiful state, and might even have seats and picnic tables. A vision far from today’s sight.

12 Horoscopes

Horoscopes

www.tlnews.com.au

with Jennifer Hart July 18-August 1

Aries: Your desire to feather the nest is strongest of all the twelve signs. Fair Venus has entered the part of your chart associated with home and family and oh how she loves her trinkets. Make your home feel as inviting and welcome as possible. A bunch of flowers or shifting around the furniture can bring a freshness to your space.

Taurus: You’re more charming than usual right now, negotiating skills are improved and even your pick-up lines are better received. If you’ve been a wallflower lately, this can be a good time to ask out that secret crush. Mars is still giving you energy, passion, and confidence, so what are you waiting for?

Gemini: You might have a little extra cash to splash (think income tax return), and you want to buy yourself something lovely and luxurious. Mind-set, communication, and ideas are highlighted, giving you the opportunity to address any of these topics that you’d like to change.

Cancer: When harmonious Venus enters your sign, pampering yourself is the order of the day. Get to the day spa if you can, or even to the hairdresser/barber to freshen up your look, purchase a new piece of clothing for your wardrobe if your budget allows.

Leo: Venus is moving into a place that is asking Leos to show themselves a little love and kindness, sometimes you can get so caught up in lifting others that you forget to take a little time to give yourself some of that goodness too.

Virgo: With birthday time around the corner, try to take the opportunity to reflect and take stock in your life. Turns out the band Chicago had it right everybody needs a little time away. If you can’t get away, an insightful book or podcast might do the trick.

Libra: The sun is shining on your friendships this month, bringing you closer together or helping cultivate new friendships. Chats with mates will be smooth and plentiful, a good opportunity to reinforce the ties that bind your closest friendships and tighten up any bonds that might have loosened up over time.

Scorpio: If you’re overwhelmed at work, try to find ways to delegate, simplify or streamline your tasks where possible. The sun is at the top of your chart, casting a flattering light upon you, giving you new opportunities to shine under the spotlight.

Sagittarius: The next month might see you contemplating the bigger picture topics in life. You might literally be contemplating the heavens with the new NASA photos. Perhaps you’re thinking about places to jet off to, new adventures to be had, that’s what absolutely what floats your Sagittarius boat.

Capricorn: Practical matters pertaining to investments, insurance policies and loans could also be in the spotlight, a great time for scrutinising and researching new opportunities. This is also a time when you might find yourself collaborating in what could turn out to be a lucrative joint venture.

Aquarius: Relationships are featuring prominently for you this month, perhaps a new relationship might be on the horizon for you or the igniting of an old one. If you are already in a committed relationship this can be a time when new life is breathed into it, with new energy around clear communication.

Pisces: Your health and well-being might come into focus, you might have more energy or determination to start a new health routine, it could be that you come across a new modality or practitioner. Maybe you’ve learned something new that you can share with people, helping them on their health and wellness journeys.

Until next time, Jennifer Hart

For your full horoscope reading head to www.jhartastro.com or www.tlnews.com.au

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Our buildings 13

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.

Sell The Rex: Council

Hepburn Matters is calling on the Hepburn Shire Council to hold off on any decision to sell The Rex until the end of November and “commit in principle to a co-design process between the council and community, to explore and reach mutually satisfactory outcomes”.

The move comes as the council meets this Tuesday, July 19, to vote on Infrastructure and Delivery manager Bruce Lucas’ recommendation for the sale of the historic Daylesford building.

In his report, Mr Lucas said the council had received feedback that demonstrated how parts “of our community are invested in this asset and officers have endeavoured to balance the passionate feedback with the longer-term sustainability of council”.

Mr Lucas said the council received 373 survey responses, “a strong response to community engagement”, with 66 per cent against selling The Rex, 30 per cent in favour and 4 per cent not sure or neutral.

He said retaining The Rex as a community asset was not viable with the costs now likely be in excess of $18 million - in addition to the costs already expended. This is estimated on a commercial building rate of $9000 / m2 for a facility of 2052m2.

Hepburn Matters president Jules McDonald said The Rex building offered exciting and broad opportunities for the community and visitors, creating social connection, nurturing and promoting arts and culture and potentially training future generations of young people in a variety of areas to prepare for local employment.

“It is time to explore strategic options for community fundraising, including community investment models, that can be rigorously assessed and applied in realising the potential of The Rex as a huge asset for the community as well as cost containment through stepwise development of a proportion of the building, such as the historic front section and sale of the adjoining house.

“While the purchase of The Rex building and other matters relating to the project remain under investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate, now is not the time to sell The Rex when a report of this investigation is pending. The community deserves transparency on this subject before further decisions are made.

“The Rex is too important to lose – once it is gone, it is gone.”

Words: Donna Kelly

Winter Warmer Buy one 700ml bottle of Sweet Jennifer Gin & receive another 700ml Sweet Jennifer Gin HALF PRICE!

Offer ends 31st July or until sold out. (RRP $85 each)

Join us for tastings and sales. Cellar door open every day 10am-5pm.

www.herballoreliqueurs.com 2 Railway Crescent, Daylesford (03) 5348 1920

Golden Roast Chook Bacon Stuffing

BY RICHARD CORNISH

This is a sneaky and slightly spicy way of pimping your chook so it is always golden brown. The trick is to coat the skin with a layer for golden turmeric, a healthy spice used in curry. Add to that some ground cumin for aroma and roast as per the recipe below. We’ve added a sure-fire stuffing too. Serves 6.

Chicken • 1 large chicken • 40ml extra virgin olive oil • 1 teaspoon cumin • 1teaspoon turmeric • Salt

• • • • • • • •

Stuffing • 20ml extra virgin olive oil Preheat the oven to 220ºC. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon, stir, cook for several minutes.

Add the onions and cook for several minutes until translucent. In a bowl, add the cooked bacon and onion to the breadcrumbs and mix with the lemon zest, thyme, cumin, egg and season with a little salt and pepper.

Stuff into the cavity of the chicken.

Richard Cornish, award winning journo, food writer and author, is writing a series of recipes for his favourite local butcher, The Daylesford Meat Co.

WE

2 rashers streaky bacon ½ onion, finely diced 250g sourdough breadcrumbs Zest small lemon 1 tsp thyme leaves ½ teaspoon cumin 1 egg Salt and Pepper

hands massage in the seasoning. Use butchers string to truss up the legs.

Place the chicken on a greased baking dish and place in the middle shelf of the oven. Roast for 20 minutes then reduce heat to 160øC and cook for a further 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover with foil and then wrap in a thick towel and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes. Make a gravy with the juices and serve with winter greens and hot potato wedges.

Pour the oil over the chicken and then sprinkle evenly with the cumin, turmeric and a little salt. Using clean

For more recipes visit daylesfordmeatco.com.au

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Sport 15

Bike push for Games Road safety match Hepburn Shire Council is working with the City of Ballarat for a mountain biking program to be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and for competition to be held at the Creswick Trails.

With the announcement that the games will be held from March 17 to 29, 2026, both councils are calling for mountain biking to be included in the Victoria 2026 program and for the program to be conducted at the Creswick Trails. Mountain biking has been held at a number of Commonwealth and Olympic games recently, and will be held at the upcoming Birmingham 2022 games.

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Tim Drylie said it was an exciting opportunity to include mountain biking in the 2026 games and to showcase what will be the world-class Creswick Trails.

"The Creswick Trails is a strongly supported project that is expected to be completed in 2024 and will include the construction of a 60-kilometre mountain bike trail," Cr Drylie said.

"The Creswick Trails will also be supported by the Hammon Park trailhead, which is currently under construction and suitable for a race start and finish area.

Earthworks are under way on the path network, learn to ride track, playspace and barbeque area.

"The opportunities and benefits the 2026 Commonwealth Games will hold for regional Victoria are significant."

Cr Drylie said Creswick’s proximity to the Ballarat Commonwealth Games regional hub, and especially the athletics villages, made it an attractive option for any potential mountain biking events.

Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the inclusion of a mountain biking program would be a great addition to the program and ensure the games appeal to a broader audience.

"Having the event staged in Creswick would provide a significant economic boost to the region, reduce cost of staging the event and provide an incredible athlete experience in the Ballarat Athletes Village," he said.

Last weekend, clubs in the Central Highland Football Leagues plus over 1000 clubs across Victoria banded together donning blue armbands for TAC Road Safety Round in honour of every life lost on the roads.

The round - a joint effort by the Victorian Transport Accident Commission and AFL Victoria - was first played in 2019 to promote leadership and advocacy for road safety among some of the most atrisk road users and serve as a reminder that everyone has a reason to drive safely.

Regional roads continue to be overrepresented on the road accident and death toll with 126 people dying last year compared to 85 in metro areas. People driving on regional roads travel longer distances and at higher speeds, meaning when mistakes happen the consequences are often worse.

Hepburn Football Club president Pete Pedretti said the club's footballers, netballers and supporters travelled thousands of kilometres every season "so it is really important to us that they arrive to every game safely and return home safe every week".

"Zero is the only acceptable number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and this round helps raise awareness to achieve that. The round highlights this issue and it provides an opportunity for the club to remind everyone to drive safely. As a club, we are very conscious of the important role we play in mentoring our young players."

Meanwhile, in terms of football, Pete said after two years of Covid lockdowns it had been a challenge to get everyone enthused again. "But we have found the club to be in a good position this far into the season, with more and more interest every week. It's a very open year, where I think anyone in the top eight are very capable on their day and as the old saying goes, we're just taking it one week at a time, but if all the cards fall right, hopefully yes, another grand final."

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SPORT

For all your community sports results, scan the QR code or head to

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Community Bank Daylesford & District 5348 4186

National Diabetes Week - 10 to 16 July 2022 Q&A with our Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Ben

What is a Credentialed Diabetes Educator?

A Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE) has completed over 1000 hours of practice within Diabetes Education and maintains ongoing levels of education, research and training in the field.

What does your role involve?

Working with people and their carers to understand what diabetes is, how it impacts on the individual and what people can do to manage it. A high priority is giving people the opportunity to understand the condition of diabetes and how it impacts upon them as individuals. I support and empower each client to work towards specific health and wellbeing goals. This is to motivate clients to maintain the best level of overall physical and emotional health possible. This involves goal setting to reduce risks of short and long term health impact while maintaining a higher quality of life, understanding medications and their effects and how the condition changes over time. My role is also to explain misconceptions in areas of Diabetes Education that are now better understood. With new research comes new evidence and understanding. Part of my role is to discuss this evidence, so clients have a better understanding of the condition they live with. As a CDE, I assist clients to understand and learn the importance of monitoring Blood Glucose levels and interpreting the results so that medications are delivered correctly and appropriately. I work alongside other specialists who educate and empower people such as Dietitians, Podiatrists and mental health practitioners to support people in all aspects of their health.

What does CHRH offer to clients with diabetes?

Our outpatient service is provided two days a week via our Community Health and Wellbeing team. We also service the acute (hospital) ward and residential aged care in Creswick, and other CHRH campuses upon request. The service is offered in Clunes on a Tuesday, Creswick on a Wednesday, and Daylesford and Trentham as required. Clients can attend appointments in person, or via telehealth or phone, if preferred. The service is available to clients regardless of where they live. Referrals can be self-directed or from external or internal health care providers.

Diabetes Myth Buster – What is a common misconception about diabetes?

That ‘all diabetes is the same’. Diabetes changes over time for every person. Aside from there being multiple types of diabetes, the condition is different in how it effects each person. Additionally, these impacts change over time as people age. Diabetes is a chronic condition (meaning no cure) – this is why people should see their Diabetes Educator at least once a year to maintain the best levels of physical and emotional health possible to live a full life. www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/national-diabetes-week I www.chrh.org.au/services/diabetes-education/

COVID-19 Vaccination Update Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic - Daylesford Provider: Ballarat Health Services/ Grampians PHU Venue: Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre Address: 11 Camp St, Daylesford 3460 When: Wednesday 20 July 11:00am–2:00pm Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/vaccination-popup-daylesford-neighbourhood-centre-tickets375551032247 Bookings preferred but walk-ins also accepted Vaccine type: COVID (Pfizer) all doses aged 5+; flu vaccinations to people aged 5+ who are eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.

Clunes I Creswick I Daylesford I Kyneton I Trentham 5321 6500 www.chrh.org.au www.facebook.com/CHRHorgAU

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Palestian film night Central Victorian Friends Of Palestine will screen two multi-award winning short films from leading female Palestinian directors in Kyneton - The Present by Farah Nabulsi and Like Twenty Impossibles by Annemarie Jacir.

Senator Janet Rice, pictured, from the Australian Greens will be attending and holding a Q&A between the films.

Senator Rice is the Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson and a leading voice on human rights, the climate, and equality.

Friends spokesperson Peter Wicks said in the Foreign Affairs portfolio, the occupation of Palestine by Israel was controversial and the debate often heated.

"In recent months we have seen Amnesty International join the many other human rights organisations declaring Israel’s occupation as apartheid. We have witnessed the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, and the horrific attack on pallbearers at her funeral. We have seen the continued brutal expansion of illegal Israeli settlements.

"All this while the memory of last year’s Israeli missile attacks on Gaza drew world condemnation as hundred of civilians were left dead, injured and homeless and the media organisations trying to cover the carnage saw their offices attacked and destroyed with missile attacks.

"With so much happening in the region it is important to hear the stories from those who live there. We are excited to have been given permission to screen these short films from two of the best storytellers in the region."

The event is also a fundraiser with proceeds donated to Australian charity Olive Kids, supporting Palestinian children suffering under brutal occupation through healthcare, education and financial aid. All the work of Olive Kids is delivered by local volunteers and done through local businesses and provides children whose rights have been stolen with hope and opportunity.

“We are extremely fortunate to have two acclaimed short films to screen and a senator so focused on Human Rights here to address the communities' queries,” Mr Wicks said.

The screenings will take place at the Mary Maloney Theatre, Sacred Heart College, 94 High Street, Kyneton on Saturday, August 6.

Tickets: www. trybooking.com

New director for Mount Players The Mount Players are currently in rehearsal for its third show for 2022, Reservoir Dogs, due to open August 19.

Meanwhile auditions are scheduled for its fourth show in November and the Players have welcomed new director, Vicki Smith, to bring her own creative touch to the acclaimed Australian drama, When The Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell.

Bovell is a well-known playwright having written the play Speaking in Tongues which was the basis for the successful film Lantana and he also co-wrote the screenplay for Strictly Ballroom.

Vicki, now based in Trentham, has been involved in theatre for 40 years both in Perth and Melbourne and in many capacities. She originally started out as an actor but when she moved to Melbourne around 20 years ago, she was given the opportunity to direct.

She has staged many successful productions, from classic to modern, across a number of theatre groups in Melbourne.

While Vicki has loved some of the period plays she has directed with realistic and detailed sets and beautiful costumes, she enjoys the challenge of staging modern pieces with a minimal set and limited furniture and props. Such will be the case with this production.

When the Rain Stops Falling is told through the interconnected stories of two families spanning four generations of dysfunction in a lineage of secrets, abandonment, and searching for answers.

It travels backwards and forwards through time as each generation struggles to come to terms with family, legacy, abandonment and betrayal, inherited secrets, and the search for connection and forgiveness. It starts with a prediction in London in 1959 and ends in Australia eighty years later.

Vicki will be conducting auditions on July 23 and 24 for eight roles of various ages. Rehearsals will commence in August with performance dates of November 4-20.

Details and tickets: www.themountplayers.com

Spring flower show

Gig Guide

After an absence of nearly three years, the Kyneton Horticultural Society will host its Spring Flower Show at the Watts Pavilion, Kyneton Showgrounds on Saturday, September 4 from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday, September 5 from 10am to 4pm.

The Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn

President Nicholas Scott said it seemed apparent that with past lockdowns over recent years many people had shown a growing, if not newly discovered, interest in horticulture.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone and everyone to share and show what you grow as something bright and positive for all," he said.

"The flower show is a major highlight of the Kyneton Daffodil Arts Festival celebrating its golden jubilee this year."

The show highlights an extensive range of daffodils, hellebores, cut flowers, shrubs, pot plants, cacti and succulents, and floral art.

There will also be a special section to mark the platinum jubilee celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth II – time for creative minds to grow.

An excellent range of plants will be available for sale grown by the KHS members as well as potted bulbs, quality used garden books and a raffle.

Everyone of all ages is encouraged to participate to make this the best flower show yet. Website www.khs1894.com to download the entry schedule.

Entry $5. For general enquiries contact Mr Scott on 0438 664 849.

Out & About 17

with Darren Lowe

SupperClub Friday presents: Miriam Lieberman – July 22 James Harvey – July 23 SupperClub Friday presents: D'eux – July 29 Shaun Kirk 'Holding Onto Hope' Tour – July 30 SupperClub Friday presents: Gareth Hugget – August 5 The Weeping Willows – August 6 SupperClub Friday presents: Grim Fawkner – August 12 Skyscraper Stan – August 13

18 News

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Snap rally

More than 50 people attended a snap rally in Gisborne last Friday, called by the Wombat Action Group to voice their concerns about the VicForests’ salvage logging in the Wombat State Forest.

Members of Landcare and Friends groups, Wombat Forestcare members and the Sybil Disobedients rallied to demand that the Victorian Government cease the environmentally destructive salvage logging in the Wombat State Forest and legislate the promised Wombat-Lerderderg National Park.

The rally moved to the office of Macedon MP MaryAnne Thomas to deliver a letter of demand.

Wombat Forestcare president Gayle Osborne said in 2021 the Victorian Government undertook to create a new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park but instead they authorised a "log grab" by VicForests.

"This salvage logging operation has seen hectares of forest cleared for machinery and log storage, wide tracks carved through the forest and heaps of inflammable branches and bark created," she said.

"The Wombat State Forest has conservation values that make it worthy of national park status, yet the government has failed to legislate the park and failed to protect its threatened species including the greater glider, recently listed as endangered.

"The industrial scale 'salvage' logging by VicForests is being promoted as reducing bushfire risk, but instead is destroying critical habitat for wildlife. It has become overwhelmingly clear that this operation is a log grab to prop up a failing industry."

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Happy & Healthy 19

Santiago: From hospitality to aged care

S

"I love working with people, being helpful and trying to make them have a good experience or just make them feel good.

Born in Buenos Aires in Argentina, the 39-year-old, also loves languages "I have always felt that way, and thought it and is fluent in four - English, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, with his Nepalese on was all about hospitality but working with the the way. elderly has really woken a passion in me and "My English might not be perfect (it is) but I feel like I really connect with let's just see where it takes me. languages, and I love English even more than Spanish. Spanish is very romantic but "Nursing comes with so many the sentences are very long and it takes ages to convey anything." opportunities so I could be working with the Fuelling that love of English, Santiago graduated from high school in America elderly, or kids or in the ICU - there is so and then spent some years working on the ski slopes around the US, also working much potential." as a chef for vegan restaurants, before taking up a position in his father's real estate Santiago said while Hepburn House was business. his first job in aged care he loved it and was But about four years ago Santiago decided it was time to move from Argentina, also really pleased to see how well the residents a country he says where it is difficult to build a career or get ahead. His parents were were looked after. also onboard with the decision.

"We dedicate a lot of time to our residents "My parents just want what is best for me and at the momemt that is to stay here. and I get to provide a quality service, a really personal care approach, and connect My country is heading towards communism and is just not a good place. I just want to be able to live in a stable country where there is not a 300 per cent annual inflation with the residents to make sure they never feel like they are being rushed. That is very important to me and everyone who works there. rate. I want to live in a country where people can work and progress."

"And all the staff are great, very lovely and very loyal."

At first Santiago thought about Canada but the agency he applied to was more Santiago said he really hoped to remain in Australia - "I love everything about this involved with Australia and also "inspired confidence in me" so he filled in the country" and Daylesford - "I think it is very healing and very mystical". paperwork and found himself in Melbourne.

But he realises that with studying nursing next year, he is opening a new chapter He eventually moved to Ballan and all the time Santiago was learning about in his life.

Australia, its culture, its First Nations people and the way of life. He discovered "I have opened a new door, working in aged care, and now I just need to see Daylesford and knew that his hospitality skills would be sought after and made the where that takes me." move.

Hepburn House in Daylesford offers a unique mix of a fabulous environment, Harvest Cafe was where he found a job and the people there became his friends. progressive personalised care, and excellent lifestyle amenities.

But then he discovered the joys of working with older people and became a personal Call 5348 8100 or visit www.hepburnhouse.com.au care worker at Hepburn House.

He is loving the position so much next year he will start his Bachelor of Nursing Advertorial "the next step".

antiago Delasa made the move from hospitality to working in aged care at Hepburn House a year ago and couldn't be happier.

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Gardens 21

'Babble on' Hanging Gardens

Old King Nebuchadnezzar II and his Babylonians certainly started something when they draped their multi-tiered citadels with lush greenery. They would, no doubt, have found success with quite a few plant species that would have barely survived out in the harsh desert below. For a start, they would certainly have faced less trouble with water supplies and maintenance of soil quality.

If you can be tempted to share in the pleasures of a hanging garden you won’t be desperate for garden space either nor do you necessarily need the expense of a greenhouse, unless you feel the urge to try your hand with a few exotics.

Hanging plants will take up precious little space in fact the bargain will be an added layer to your garden. Even then, your hanging plantings need not be restricted to suspended baskets or pots.

Got a gardening question: Email glenzgarden@gmail.com Although spectacular with their long pendulous trails of foliage and flowers, an even more spectacular effect can be obtained by draping container-borne pendulous plants over ledges, steps and shelves. Many plant species will thrive in small airborne containers, there are many more that require greater quantities of root space, so your range of suitable plants is wider than first thought.

For seasonal colour spectacles nothing can look better than hanging baskets or pots of cascading flowering annuals such as petunias, trailing lobelia or other similar plants, but only if you are prepared to spend the time, replanting at the end of each season.

I’m getting a little lazy in my old age so, after too many years of establishing too many gardens, I’m quite content to enjoy the pleasure of watching and tending the more permanent ferns, succulents etc.

Hanging baskets & pots

Always choose the largest basket you can find (up to 40cm), to allow for maximum amount of soil mix to allow for plenty of root growth and water. It will mean it will also be heavy, so you will need fairly strong supports. You should also set up some sort of watering system to avoid having to constantly move them. A simple black polypipe with tiny drippers would suit fine.

Hanging plant baskets come in many varieties and include wrought iron types, generally with open wire mesh sides. Whichever you choose, the basket will need to be lined before filling with soil. The traditional method was to first line the walls with hessian, or these days, shadecloth, and then, pack a layer of moistened sphagnum moss, coconut fibre or recycled wool. Alternatively you can purchase a pre-made fibre liner.

Your plants will grow best in specifically potting grade mix, or a home-made mix of well-rotted compost, sand and crumbly loam. A thin layer of composted autumn leaves or peatmoss will assist in keeping the soil moist. Remember, the basket sides are still very porous and subject to evaporation via the wind and, if open to sunlight and heat. If you aren’t too sure about using baskets, there are plenty of suitable plastic pots readily available at hardware and garden outlets.

If, like me, you would prefer to take the permanent option, there are copious evergreen and deciduous trailing plants to select from as well as the beautifully appropriate ferns, ivies and orchids.

Much the same applies to the sundry planter box and pot-grown trailing and weeping shrubs and weeping trees that can be situated on outdoor stairways and decks to complement your “hanging garden”.

I’ll cover that when I suggest some choice plants when we next meet in issue 259.

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Open to the public every Sunday in July, August and September

22 Opinion

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Kyle’s Rant

I

DON'T seem to have much luck with online ordering.

There was the plane that mesmerised me on Instagram with a wingspan of 1.8 metres and promises of going from amphibious to airborne in seconds with some new tech jet engine. However, when it arrived it was simply a 10cm tin toy with flashing lights and traction wheels. A quick check on the company who sold it and its ratings were abysmal. And, like my $US50, it had pretty much disappeared.

My postal-ordering dysfunctionality started as a child of eight. I guess I was at a loose end, my parents had split and I shared a small room with my two sisters in a tiny two-bedroom flat in Whangarei, New Zealand. I had found an advert in a cartoon magazine which promised to deliver plans on how to build a submarine in the backyard so I upped the ante to $2, popped it into the mail and waited with bated breath for my plans to materialise. Nothing arrived.

But I did not give up. In another magazine I tore out an advert for sea monkeys which showed mum and dad sea monkeys and lots of children sea monkey creatures, all floating around with big smiles having great lives. I hadn’t quite come to terms with how big these creatures would be or how they would be delivered or even in which part of our tiny little flat they would reside. There were other questions like did they live in water permanently or just require a bath a day, as we had one of those. We also had a creek that ran out the back of the flats where all the divorcees' kids would play but this raised a whole other set of questions. I could settle the sea monkeys in the creek but amongst the wildlife down there was a huge legendary eel we called Jaws. The rumour was it could gobble down whole ducklings from the surface although none of us kids had actually seen this happen. Once again I sent my hard-earned, actually hard-found or probably hard-stolen, pocket money away with no result.

Fast forward slightly south of half a century (that’s scary) and I tried to order some online booze for our stay in the northern beaches of Cairns a few weeks ago. I was simply trying to stay out of the busy Dan Murphy’s store and tried to organise a click and collect from Smithfield - about nine kilometres from our BnB. After half an hour of setting up an account I was in. We were going to be there for a few weeks so my goal was to order two boxes of quaffable wine and one box of nice sippable wine.

The order went through and multiple texts and emails came through saying my order was on its way. On the way? It turned out I had put an order in for delivery which was dispatched from Burleigh on the Gold Coast, some 1800 kilometres away and was to be delivered in 10 working days. I then had a riveting conversation with a "bot" on the computer, was issued a complaint number and told, by the bot texting, they were going to stop the process and refund my money.

About a week later I got a card in the letterbox to say the booze was at the local post office waiting for collection. There, after queuing in a state where people don't know about social distancing or covering their mouths if they cough, I found just two, extremely well-packed, bottles of the quaffable and the ordered box of the sippable.

With no idea about my refund or where my extra booze has gone, I sit here dry and frustrated chatting to my bot friend.

It is nice to be able to shop local again, rant over…

Catherine

KING MP

Federal Member for Ballarat

Local Lines

Five

Take five

by four The Dave Brubeck Quartet Take a moment to ease down and recharge Take five cents the Australian echidna clad coin the American Jefferson nickel the full digital complement of foot hand and starfish appendage Take the back number for gliding Nathan Buckley titanic Gary Ablett and nifty Neville Crowe the old Tiger warrior Take the Roman V the poker hand win or lose the end of the working day the o’clock shadow Take a high five a star quality hotel room you can’t afford the only Fibonacci number equal to its position Take the only prime that is the sum of two consecutive primes the most destructive hurricane category

Take the trad number of senses the faces of Shiva the Pillars of Islam the books of Moses the Olympic rings Take the Jackson the Dave Clark the Furious sidekicks of Grandmaster Flash the Famous Take the time in seconds as a rule of thumb for edible dropped food the Thunderbirds Space Station the feet in iambic pentameter The Slaughterhouse the cadre of US Supreme Court judges -Bill Wootton Bill just remembered Five Years by David Bowie but it missed the cut here.

Local Lines comes mainly from a group of local poets but other submissions are always welcome. To have a poem considered for publication contact Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

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Opinion 23

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

F

IRST we had the vaccine stroll out, now we have a new federal government and we apparently have the antivirals stroll out.

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Both are game changers but it's like "they" just don't want to quite hand them out. But they are really happy to spruik about how good they are.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has been busy telling Australians to have a conversation with their doctor about getting the antivirals. And just last week "they" decided all Australians aged over 70 who test positive to Covid will be able to access antivirals on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Fantastic. Until you read the fine print. I thought people would just be able to contact their doctor, talk about their risks, and be given a script for the antivirals - all ready to combat Covid when needed. Simples, right?

Nah, "they" wouldn't do anything like that. So you have the chat with your doctor, they tell you that, yes, you should take them if you get Covid - and within a few days of symptoms.

But what "they" are not saying is that if you get Covid, and you actually have a RAT that works and does indeed come up with the dreaded double lines, you then need to book an appointment to get a "medically supervised" RAT test and then get the antivirals. And then, while isolating, you go to a chemist to get them doled out.

So, here is what I don't quite get. Who do you book a supervised RAT test with now that most testing sites have wound up, and if you head for a doctors you have Buckley's chance of getting in when you explain you actually do have Covid. Hard enough to see someone when you have a negative test but have a cough or wheeze.

Not only that, but if you find a doctor who is happy to PPE up, they are pretty much booked out for a few weeks in advance these days - and the window for antivirals to work is tiny. Five days at the most.

I do realise it is a whole new world happening with Covid - well, almost 30 months on - it just seems that Australia is always lagging behind the rest of that new world. But always happy to grab the headlines with never-ending media releases.

Talking of media releases, you may have read journalist Kevin Childs' horror health stories in the last edition. We all have them.

Anyway, it was published after emails, more than one, to the Health Department and new Health and Ambulance Minister, and our very own Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, received no replies. But on the Monday of publication, the department found its voice and called and texted to say they could not find those emails but would like a right of reply. Hmmm. Both Kevin and I keep our emails and they were there, but you know, in the spirit of fairness, OK. So I just sent Kevin's entire story - about five or six examples of people being really let down by the health system in our state. And got an email back asking for specific questions. So I sent questions. And on Wednesday last week I got the "right of reply" back. Again, hmmm. Just a long, rubbishy media spin about all "they" are doing to fix the system including $236 million to double emergency department capacity in Casey and Werribee.

I am sorry but I couldn't give a stuff about Casey and Werribee and that was not what I asked about. I want to know if Daylesford and Ballarat Base hospitals are coping, if regional ambulances can attend people in need, if we have enough doctors for the influx of new residents, or if elective surgery will continue for those with bad backs and hips and knees. And it's not a personal query, it's on behalf of readers who don't have access to important information. But I guess I don't either, just sayin'...

Ageing DisGracefully members, including Max Primmer, get together at the Daylesford Mill Markets cafe on Thursdays at 11am.

All welcome.

For information email ageingdis3461@gmail. com or head to the Ageing DisGracefully facebook page.

Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.

24 Crossword

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W RD

CROSS

Here is the solution to crossword for edition 257.

Each edition, all the words appear in that edition somewhere.

How did you go?

www.tlnews.com.au

News 25

Gorse an uphill battle but do research first

F

OR many landholders controlling gorse is an uphill or lost battle, says Ron Cosgrave, chair of the Victorian Gorse Taskforce.

But it doesn't have to be, he says.

"When you think about it, it’s not a hard weed to kill. Today you can find a wide range of gorse-appropriate herbicides on the market that will do the job well and if you have more money to spend you can even have it mechanically removed, which will leave you feeling like you never had a gorse problem to begin with, at least for a while.

"There are also huge benefits in bringing gorse under control, such as reducing the risk of fire, preventing devaluation of your property, and stopping feral animals from making your gorse their home."

So why do landholders throw gorse into the too hard basket?

"We understand there are several barriers for landholders when it comes to controlling gorse, but we also know there is some misinformation out there too. We want to offer landholders fundamental information to increase their understanding and capacity on where and how to start controlling gorse. These key areas include planning, seed longevity and germination, control methods and follow-up.

"A good management plan can save you time and money. We encourage anyone battling gorse big or small to pull out their property map and start planning short and long-term goals. How do you know where to start though? It’s important to look at your infestation and consider where the risks are. Do you have gorse next to a fence line, an asset, bordering public land or roadsides? It’s also important to point out gorse has a high oil content and will burn under mild conditions, so if your gorse caught fire what is at risk?

"Let’s say you have a big gorse patch and some individual outliers on your property, you’re going to want to target the outliers first, they are likely to be smaller, easier to remove and you’ll be preventing it from becoming a bigger infestation.

Then consider working on the perimeter of the large infestation, this will prevent further spreading and will keep it from producing more isolated patches. Planning will help outline the necessary steps needed to prevent the growth and spread of your infestation and stop it from jumping the fence to your clean neighbour's property."

Mr Cosgrave said it was also critical that follow-up was possible.

"There is no point spending big on primary control when you are unlikely to have time and money for the follow-up in the subsequent years, you’ll just make the problem worse. The aim of the game is to stop the gorse from seeding, so plan your gorse follow-up annually and treat the plants before they go to seed."

Mr Cosgrave said the longevity of the gorse seed was 30 years plus. Which means when gorse ejects seeds it may stay dormant in the soil for decades.

"Understanding different types of control methods will also put you in a good position to appropriately consider which one is right for you. We’ve spoken to many landholders that engaged contractors to mulch their gorse down. It cost them thousands, but they forgot to ask the contractor what follow-up will be required in the future. When you mulch gorse, you just remove the above-ground plant, no herbicide is applied so the plant hasn’t been killed, the mulched plants will grow back, and you’ve exposed the area, so more seeds germinate. The takeaway here is do your research on methods of control you are interested in or being offered and ask questions about what to expect in the following years."

Mr Cosgrave said the taskforce encouraged landholders to learn about gorse before trying to control it, to map out and plan control based on risks, high value and clean areas for protection.

"We can assure you that many gorse success stories started with a property map rolled out across the car bonnet or the kitchen table. Ensure you understand the control method you want to employ; and remember all methods will require followup to prevent seeding again.

"By making an effort to consider these key areas landholders can avoid wasting time, money and their patience. The taskforce website is a fantastic place to start building your knowledge base, it offers everything landholders need to know before they start."

Link: www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

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The Last Word - Elections in a democracy

I

N LATE May, Australians exercised their democratic right in the 2022 federal election. Whether deciding based on policies or personalities, voters chose to remove from power the conservative Liberal-National Coalition led by Scott Morrison, in favour of the more progressive Labor Party and its partners, led by Anthony Albanese.

As the votes were tallied and the outcome became clear, Morrison conceded defeat, saying that he’d “always believed in Australians and their judgment”, and that he’d “always been prepared to accept their verdict”, according to a New York Times report.

Now, this shouldn’t be news to anyone, but to an observer in the United States of America it is noteworthy. An election was called, Australians turned out and cast their ballots - and maybe chomped on a sizzled sausage or two - the votes were counted, the winners basked in the thrill of victory and losers put their hands in their pockets and trudged off home. Simple, right?

Well, maybe for some democratic countries governed by the rule of law, but not so easy for others. Remember back in November 2020, the US held an election in which one of the jobs up for grabs was president? The far-right Republican incumbent, Donald Trump, was soundly beaten by centrist Democrat Joe Biden, by about 7 million votes.

Even before vote counting began, Trump revealed his “Big Lie” campaign, claiming that the election had been rigged and that he was still rightfully president. In the past two years, all of Trump’s claims have been thoroughly debunked and exposed as lies and fantasies.

It’s become the stuff of legend, right? A democratic country such as the US, a world leader and all that, will tighten up its bootlaces and move on, right?

OK, well, maybe not. A few weeks ago, on the weekend of June 20, at a convention in Houston, Texas, the state’s Republican Party passed a resolution saying that President Biden’s victory in the 2020 election was “illegitimate”, says a report in the National Review.

“We reject the certified results of the 2020 Presidential election, and we hold that acting President Joseph Robinette Biden jnr was not legitimately elected by the people of the United States,” Texas Republicans declared.

Not being content with trying to subvert US democracy, the Texas Republicans also heaped scorn and condemnation upon one of their own, Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn, because he’d participated in recent bipartisan negotiations on gun control legislation.

Remember that it was only about a month ago that an 18-year-old armed with high-powered assault rifles murdered 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Because he was 18, the killer was able to legally buy the weapons and ammunition.

Meanwhile, back at the Texas Republican convention, members added a third plank to their party’s platform, declaring homosexuality to be “abnormal”, says the National Review.

“Homosexuality is an abnormal lifestyle choice,” the Texas Republicans ruled. “No one should be granted special legal status based on their LGBTQ+ identification.” They also stated their opposition to “all efforts to validate transgender identity”.

Now, this is all happening in Texas, which is just one of 50 states comprising the Unites States of America. But it’s worth noting that it is the second biggest state, behind Alaska.

It is also second in population, at about 30 million people, trailing only California’s 39 million, which gives Texas 38 votes in the deeply flawed Electoral College system, and which gives it significant power in choosing the US president, second only to California’s 55.

Australians, regardless of their political persuasions, are to be congratulated for their steadfast adherence to democratic ideals. But will the US look abroad as it struggles to continue as a democratic country under the rule of law? Doubtful.

Of more concern is the possibility that far-right Republican Texas-style political sickness will continue to infect other nations.

According to a report in the Crikey online news service, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer narrowly managed to secure a senate seat in Victoria for his candidate Ralph “Deej” Babet.

Crikey says Palmer’s United Australia Party had been following the Trump template and complained that the 2022 election had been rigged. Other news services report that Babet has shown an unbecoming fondness for conspiracy theories and far-fetched political positions.

Babet reportedly has been employed in “the real estate sector”, according to the ABC. Do we need to be reminded that the don, the Donald, the godfather of far-right crackpot populist politics, had his start in the real estate game? No, we do not.

After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, former Wheatsheaf resident Jeff Glorfeld, and his wife Carol, went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past four years he has survived bushfires, snowstorms and drought. And Trump. And Covid. The cicadas and locusts didn’t arrive. Well, not yet.