2 About Us The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Hepburn Shire. The next edition is due out on Monday, February 3. Advertising deadline: Space bookings: Wednesday, January 29 Copy provided by: Thursday, January 30 Editorial deadline: Thursday, January 30 Editor: Donna Kelly Photography: Kyle Barnes Sales: Donna Kelly and Kyle Barnes Graphic designer: Glen Heyne Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Editorial and sales - 5348 7883 / 0416 104 283 / 0418 576 513 dhslocal@gmail.com / dhslocal.com.au Photo sales - High resolution - $20 e-edition at dhslocal.com.au - and click through on the link!
Front cover: Cousins Catrina and Dion, both five, are ready to celebrate Australia Day in style. The Local photographer Kyle Barnes caught up with the pair, sporting Australian flag tattoos, outside the Daylesford RSL. Australia Day events - Page 14
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he Local is going from strength to strength and now covers the entire Hepburn Shire. You can find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ DHSLocal, online - issuu.com/dhslocal (handy if you’ve missed an issue) and in newsagencies, post offices, information centres, cafes, hotels, general stores and there’s even been one copy spotted in a bar in Thailand.
We’re partnering up with some great organisations including Daylesford Community Bank, ChillOut, Lavandula and Glenlyon Sports Day. And, in the near future, we’re going weekly! Yes, we listened to what you were saying and have decided to make the jump to a weekly publication. We’ll still have all the great profiles, news, entertainment, information, oh, and fantastic photo spreads, but you’ll just get it more often. So thanks for all your support so far. Whether you are an advertiser, a reader, a reviewer or just someone who is happy to push our publication through word of mouth. Someone said recently to us, and it’s quite true, that community publications were originally started by locals for locals. Then big news groups bought them out and “the local” side of things slipped a little. And in this day and age of going off-shore to increase profit margins, “the local” bit can really go wayward. We can guarantee you that, apart from printing because there was no-one in the region with an offset printer, we don’t even go off-shire. The writing, photography and business is based in Glenlyon, adverts are made up in Hepburn Springs, sub-editing is done in Daylesford and our gardening, music and concert reviewers live in Lyonville, Hepburn and Newlyn. Oh, and our bank is which bank? Daylesford Community Bank, of course! So if you have a local issue you want aired, a local event you want promoted and covered or a local business that needs an advertising campaign, come to The Local. It’s for the locals, by the locals. And always will be.
Cheers,
Donna
News 3
Volunteers quitting after tourism resignations but Hepburn Shire CEO insists support remains
V
OLUNTEERS at Daylesford’s Regional Visitor Information Centre are quitting in droves after the position of Economic and Tourism Development manager was made redundant – and the resignation of two senior tourism officers.
The manager, John Collins, finished up last week after his role was combined with that of the community development manager to create a new role, “Manager Economic and Community Development”. Visitor Services coordinator Deb Shaddock also finished up last week after resigning and centre coordinator Fae Wilson has also resigned. It is believed that six volunteers resigned last week. Volunteers have told The Local that without any support it would be impossible to continue in their roles of providing tourism information to visitors. Volunteer Pamela Werner said it was going to be “hard to carry on”. “We have had such wonderful support from all the people from the office and worked up such a lovely camaraderie,” she said. “It’s a shame they’ve suddenly all decided to go. What’s going on?” Volunteer Claire Stephens said the council seems to “have ignored the value of long term staff and their valuable commitment to Daylesford.” An email to volunteers from Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond, seen by The Local, stated “a great number” had “expressed disappointment in John Collins leaving the organisation and in addition raised concerns with the title of the position not specifically stating tourism in it”. “I would like to confirm that this in no ways seeks to diminish the organisation’s efforts in regards to tourism,” he says. Mr van Egmond said the resignations of Deb Shaddock and Fae Wilson would impact in the short term. “We are putting in place arrangements to ensure ongoing support for VIC volunteers. “While this has presented a number of challenges, I would like to confirm that Hepburn Shire Council will ensure that support is provided to you as a volunteer. “This may be more difficult in the short term however I would like to work with you to ensure that visitors to the Hepburn Shire are provided with the best service that is possible.” Mr van Egmond says he intends to work from the centre over the next couple of months for several half days and encourages volunteers to raise any specific ideas or concerns with him. A meeting for volunteers is planned for Wednesday, January 22.
Still standing: Volunteers Claire Stephens, left, and Pamela Werner are concerned at the loss of long term support staff
4 The Arts
Clayton shows plenty of bottle at Clunes
C
LAYTON Edwards describes himself as a display artist. And one of his most public displays must be the Clunes Bottle Museum, home to the George Lee Medlyn Bottle Collection, where visitors wander through old fashioned streetscapes, designed by Mr Edwards, admiring more than 6000 rare and unique bottles of all shapes and sizes.
“It was probably about a year’s worth of weekends of collecting materials and second hand products people didn’t want,” he said. “We found a lot of the stuff on people’s street corners. Somebody might have pulled down an old fence - perfect for the weatherboard buildings. “And as we got through the project and created an area we were lucky enough to get funding through the Hugh Williamson Foundation.” The museum itself came about with Mr Medlyn’s Mr Edwards said one of the biggest challenges, passion for old bottles. Born in 1921 at St Arnaud, Victoria, Mr Medlyn spent as an artist with the vision for the end product, was most of his life as a sheep farmer and wool classer. But “keeping more of the non-artistic people in check with creating something artistic”. while doing a little fossicking for gold he discovered “(But) at the end, with the result that we got from bottles alongside the diggings. using the materials and people who worked with us, In 1985, with storage becoming a problem at home, we were reasonably happy with the product,” he said. he and his second wife, Joyce Harrison bought the “(And) when I return to the museum and see former Clunes State School and The Bottle Museum, the numbers of people coming through it is quite bequeathed to the local shire after his death nine years pleasing to see where it came from and what it is later, was born. now – and have people appreciate it.” Mr Edwards, who has since started his own display The Clunes Bottle Museum, which is adjacent company, Design and Props, said the inspiration for a to the Clunes Visitor Centre in the former primary new way of displaying the bottles came from a museum school at 70 Bailey Street, Clunes, is open from in New Zealand – where streetscapes were on offer. Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. It took him, and about 15 pretty much full-time volunteers, to finish the project including many weekends spent sourcing products and materials.
This article first appeared in Arts Atlas and is reprinted with permission. Link: www.artsatlas.com.au
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News 5
New business hit by thieves
R
ECENT arrivals to Daylesford, Emma and Nigel Taylor, have had a week’s takings stolen from their new business.
The couple opened Moss & Burrows, in Daylesford’s Raglan Street, late last year. They moved to Daylesford from Fremantle, with their two-year-old son Casper, keen for a country lifestyle. But on the evening of January 10, their car, which was parked outside their Vincent Street home, was broken into. Mr Taylor said the couple had left their till float, with a week’s takings, in the car. “We were in such a rush to get young Casper out of the car and cool down, because it was so hot,” he said. “But the hot weather also meant the week had been fairly quiet for the business. “The thief only got away with just over a thousand dollars.” Ms Taylor said despite the theft, the move to the Central Highlands was going well. “We have received a lot of support for the store and from the town. It is so social – we just love it,” she said. “Casper is at Daylesford Day Care and he loves it. He is already reaping the benefits of our new, slower lifestyle.”
The couple will be holding workshops at the rear of the stop this year. They hope to “enlist clever people” to teach a range of arts and crafts.
“We were in such a rush to get young Casper out of the car and cool down.”
Welcome home for actor Samuel Johnson
S
AMUEL Johnson was greeted like a hero as he rode into Hepburn earlier this month as part of his fundraising unicycle ride around Australia.
More than 400 people headed to The Savoia Hotel to welcome Mr Johnson back to his hometown. Donations towards breast cancer research poured into the hotel all day including a family of four who insisted on paying $200 at the door. A total of $6123 was raised on the night, from the door charge, donations, auction and a percentage of profits from the bar. All money will go to Love Your Sister’s chosen benefactor The Garvan Institute for Breast Cancer Research. Mr Johnson started his epic journey just on a year ago after his sister Connie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
The greeting at The Savoia Hotel was “the biggest welcome” he had around Australia, he said. “We can’t believe it. I am just so overwhelmed, I had no idea I was so loved. “My dad won the local tennis championship here seven times, I have won it once and I’m keen to win again! I can’t wait to come back to live in this community.” Event organisers were Andrea Lindsay, Kim Gilliott, Nel Staite and Lisa Gervasoni. Ms Staite said they wanted to thank everyone involved. “It was the biggest event this town has seen in a long time, because the whole community was involved in some way. “Right from the beginning we were overwhelmed with offers of donations and help from every sector of the community, the generosity was incredible.
“Every business, every musician, every single person who contributed to the event , everybody donated their time, products and skills for free. “This meant we were able to donate 100 per cent of all the money raised to Love Your Sister; any costs incurred from the event were generously covered by the Daylesford District Community Bank.” Ms Staite said the organisers felt “extremely proud to play a small role in enabling this community to express their gratitude and appreciation of what has been a mammoth effort, of one brother expressing the love for his sister and the frustrating experience cancer has brought to many families”. “We had three main objectives for this event, to raise money, to make it personal and to make Sam cry. Tick, tick, tick.” Photos: Pages 16 and 17.
6 Opinion
Tourism restructure simply clear as mud My Say by Donna Kelly
T
OURISM, I think most people would agree, is the main economic driver in Daylesford and Hepburn.
And that’s not a bad thing. I asked a long term farmer what they thought about the influx of tourists to their formerly sleepy little towns, and she said it was great. It meant her children could find jobs in town and not move away, there was a choice of doctor and there were even two supermarkets. I imagine most people also like the choice of dining options, the myriad festivals and just the plain old money the tourists bring. Mostly. So it seems odd that the Hepburn Shire Council has combined the role of economic and tourism manager, with community development manager, and created the single role of “manager Economic and Community Development”. Just as a side note, don’t these titles just bring you to tears? I don’t know who invented them but whoever you are they just don’t make bloody sense. Can’t we just go back to the simple Economic and Community Development manager? Please. But, I digress. Back to tourism. Well, not back to tourism because it’s now disappeared from the title altogether. And even if the new Economic and Community Development manager (see how easy that is) spends half their time
on economic devopment and tourism, it’s still a 50 per cent drop from the fulltime role. Maybe. Council officer chief executive, sorry chief executive officer, Aaron van Egmond, told me that was a “simplistic way” of looking at it. (Sadly I am a pretty simple person). Mr van Egmond said the restructure would give the council the opportunity to implement a range of new tourism initiatives. But, he added, the clarity around that would take some time. (I’m glad he added that because it’s as clear as mud to me at the moment.) The other problem facing the council is the mass exodus of tourism staff. The manager leaving was a “planned restructure” but since then two more officers, in fact, every tourism-related officer, has quit. And now volunteers at the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre are also quitting. In droves. Because while they are amazing people who put their hand up to to work for the council, for free, they do want and need support. And if no-one is there to back them up they will either pick up their bat and ball and go home, or find another “job”. Mr van Egmond says he will work a few half days from the centre over coming months. I just hope his tourism knowledge is up to speed. He might need it.
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News 7
Lyonville ready for axemen
A
XEMEN, like Harold Suckling, are sharpening their axes in readiness for the Lyonville Wood Chop.
Mr Suckling, who has been a part of the event for the past 48 years, but retired two years ago from competition, said the day attracted a large crowd to the Lyonville Hall. “We’ve got around 30 entries at this stage,” he said. “But they don’t close until the weekend so we’ll see how we go.” Mr Suckling said favourites for the Victorian Championship were local Brad Hains, who recently won at the New Year’s Day Glenlyon Sports Day and Broadford born and bred Brayden Meyer. The day, on Saturday, February 2, starts around 10.30am and finishes up at 3.30pm with plenty of country attractions including a barbeque, produce stalls, a raffle, bar and spinning wheel. Children’s races, gumboot throwing and the ladies nail driving are also fiercely contested. All proceeds go towards the Lyonville Hall.
New brand fits with council’s “lean thinking”
H
EPBURN Shire Council has a new brand.
A council report said the brand, which uses a font similar to Galeforce BTN but was “scripted by a graphic designer” is described as “artistic and flowing in nature and stands alone without the need for support elements such as an icon”. “It is simple and progressive, and also fits with our lean thinking and pursuit of cost effective ways to conduct business.” The brand will be adopted for “progressive implementation” starting with the council’s website redevelopment. The council report said the website redevelopment was necessary with the existing website developed 10 years ago and “no longer representative of council’s core values or future direction”. “The current content management system is outdated, difficult to use and incurs significant licence fees. “The site is therefore visually unappealing and difficult for the end user to find information.” Council has set aside $25,000 for the website and
new branding. Collingwood based Empire Creative Group, whose own website was being updated as this article was written, has been appointed to undertake the website redevelopment and branding review project. “The redevelopment of the website provides council with an opportunity to review the Hepburn Shire Council brand and develop a logo that represents council as a progressive, contemporary and efficient organisation,” the report says. “The redeveloped website will improve communication with our community and stakeholders, provide a user-friendly CMS (content management system) that promotes increased levels of ownership by staff to ensure relevant content is published to the site, improved website navigation and relevant content will increase efficiency through a reduction in enquiries to customer service staff (and) reduce cost through a free CMS. “A brand review will strengthen our internal identity, cohesion, and capacity. A brand review will also feed into the website redevelopment and potential shift into social media. “Our brand should reflect our personality, vision,
strengths and values.” The report says council should mitigate any risk of a negative perception regarding expenditure on rebranding by communicating the benefits and cost savings associated with the redevelopment of council’s website and rebranding with the community. In response to the new logo, Cr Bill McClenaghan is now signing his emails with “This e-mail sponsored privately at no cost to Hepbwn (sic) Shire ratepayers”.
8 News
Freak weather
Heather Peace headline act S
YDNEY Mardi Gras Fair Day headliner Heather Peace will be performing at this year’s ChillOut Festival.
IN A freak act of nature a Glenlyon home has had its roof relocated to the front yard. Late in the evening of January 15, the unoccupied home experienced a localised northerly tornado, which ripped the roof in one piece from the house. Meanwhile the trampolines and patio furniture on the north facing remained untouched just a couple of metres below the roof line.
Ms Peace said she was “really excited about coming back to Daylesford”. “It’s a lovely town and we had some brilliant massages last year and lunch at a beautiful little café plus the audience at the gig were just brilliant – all in all, awesome memories,” she said.. “This time, I’m so delighted to be playing at the ChillOut Festival because I get to play some of the new songs from my forthcoming album and I’m also looking forward to checking out some of the other great artists performing.” Ms Peace, ChillOut’s headline performer, will be at the Daylesford Town Hall on Friday, March 7. Doors open at 7pm. Cost is $35 or $30 concession. Tickets and all program details: www.chilloutfestival.com.au
Walking group marching towards 25th anniversary N EXT year marks the 25th anniversary of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Walking Group. Members Margaret and Robert McDonald have created a short history of the group and they are working with a small project team of walkers to map and document selected walks. They aim to lodge these pamphlets at Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre for the use of other walkers. They took time for a chat with The Local’s Kyle Barnes.
M&R: Up to July 1990 numbers on the weekly walks averaged nine to 10 people. Walkers averaged two to four kilometres per hour so most walks covered six to 10 kilometres. By May 1991 a little more structure evolved with Maureen Corbert in a leadership role, walks were documented, and the walk time changed to Friday 12.30pm to 3-30pm. A weekly walking schedule was drawn up on a three-monthly basis and these walks were advertised widely in the community. Toward the end of 1992 the average numbers walking was 10 to14 each week.
KB: When did the group get under way? M&R: About May 10, 1990 signalled the inaugural walk initiated by the Neighbourhood House. It started with five walkers on a Thursday afternoon leaving the house at 1pm, returning by 4pm. The first walk was from Lake Daylesford to Tipperary Springs - a round trip. Most were to be in the Wombat Forest or Hepburn Regional Park area.
KB: Obviously safety was paramount? M&R: Yes, for safety reasons it was felt there needed to be some more structure to the group. A small first aid kit started to be carried, someone became responsible at the back of the walk to make sure no walkers were left behind and one person was to be responsible to plan the route and lead the walk of the day.
will be. Walk rosters are also available from the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre.
KB: And who is your latest coordinator? M&R: In 2013 Ian McKenzie assumed the KB: And how many members do you have role of group coordinator. Ian has introduced KB: Why was the group established? now? an “Emergency Information” process and has M&R: Walks aimed to be friendly, social M&R: There are now 40-odd members in the established a library of books donated by the events. Getting fit, whilst enjoying the many bush group and walks average 20 plus people. late Ron James. A full roster of walks has been tracks, forest roads, mining relics and bushlands Walkers still meet outside the old Court House established for 2014 and some new walk leaders of our area. The group membership was fluid with at 9am and return about 12-12-30pm. Later times have been identified. Walks are now conducted no set leadership structure. if it is a full day walk. Trevor Thomson, a long in places such as Ballarat, Creswick and Mount time group member, has also created a web site Macedon. KB: How many walkers do you get on http://tinyurl.com/2qqapa that has information Fortnightly round-up p13. average? about the group walks and where the next walk
My Story 9
Marlene leaving Glenlyon but looking forward to a new chapter in Creswick
M
ARLENE Sewell is looking forward to using public transport and walking to the shops. For the past 53 years, the Glenlyon resident has driven nearly every day, even to the general store.
But there’s a new chapter looming as Ms Sewell moves to Creswick with her partner Ron Barron. Ms Sewell moved to Glenlyon when she married her husband, also named Ron, in 1961. Mr Sewell, who passed away eight years ago, was Glenlyon born and bred and while the family moved to Ballarat for a short period and leased their farm, they moved back when he was just 16. The couple raised their family at the farm and Ms Sewell said she had “enjoyed everything about Glenlyon”. “But I’m not getting any younger,” she said. “I was here for Black Saturday, I’m allergic to jumping ants and I had sciatica for a while and couldn’t drive. “We looked at Daylesford but couldn’t find anything and at Creswick I can walk to the shops, there’s a bus stop around the corner and the train to Ballarat or Melbourne.” But while it’s a practical move, Ms Sewell said she would “be back here plenty”. One reason will be to visit her daughter, who has taken up nursing in Ballan and will move into the family home, and her son Rodney is also “just up the road”. Long forged friendships will also remain in place including with her “great neighbours” Margaret and Gerald Coffey. “Ron got Gerald into the fire brigade – and look at him now.” (Mr Coffey recently received a national medal for service to the community through the CFA.) Ms Sewell said her memories of Glenlyon included helping out at the general store when it was also a telephone exchange. “I’d been a telephonist so I helped Lois Kennedy out sometimes. There were just 21 subscribers when I moved here. “It was a very friendly community. Everybody knew everybody. We had mid-week ladies badminton in the shire hall. And we were in the fire brigade and the Red Cross.” The most recent group she’s joined is the Glenlyon Walking Club, whose members recently held a surprise morning tea along with the gift of a forget-me-not rose bush.
Marlene Sewell, pictured at Glenlyon’s Avenue of Federation, is looking forward to a new chapter but knows she will miss her garden.
“It was a very friendly community. Everybody knew everybody.”
And while Glenlyon may have been home, Ms Sewell will also keep up her association with Daylesford as a keen bowler and member of the Probus Club. “Creswick’s not very far away so people will still be seeing a lot of me. And they can stop worrying about me being out here on my own. “But when I look out at my garden I know I will miss it.”
10 News
U3A Hepburn Shire
PLANTS ON SALE
Enrolment Morning 2014 Thursday, 23 January Coffee and registration at 10am Meeting at 10.30am Senior Citizens’ Centre, rear of Town Hall, Daylesford Class enrolment, membership renewal and new members join up. Select from a wide range of activities in Semester 1. Everyone is welcome.
10 - 12 am every Thursday morning and first Sunday morning each month at the
Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens potting area, adjacent to Wombat Hill House
Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens POBox 267 Daylesford friends @wombathill.org
Learning Together For Pleasure
Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre 13 Camp Street Daylesford Phone: 5348 3569 Email: daylesford@ourneighbourhood.org.au
Nationally Accredited Courses Certificate II in Production Horticulture Commencing March
Certificate III in Aged Care/Certificate III in Home and Community Care A pre enrolment interview Commencing 7/3/2014
is a requirement for all nationally accredited courses
Certificate IV in Disability Commencing March 2014
Certificates in General Education for Adults. Courses ongoing throughout the year.
Call for further details
Government subsidised training places are available for eligible students. Call us to find out more information or to discuss your study options.
VCAL
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is a hands-on option for students who wish to complete Years 10, 11 and 12 in an adult learning environment VCAL offers pathways into further study, employment and apprenticeships. Commencing 10/03/2014.
To discuss your study options or find out more about a course please call the Centre.
Pre Accredited and Pathway Programs These are short, pre accredited courses designed for learners to gain
Introduction to Aged Care Commencing Feb 14
5 sessions
Orientation to Horticulture
$50
Learn how to create a veggie patch, prune and propagate Commencing 7/02/14 5 sessions $50
Introduction to Computers and Mobile Devices Including IPads, IPhones, Computer Business Skills, Skype, Blogs and all your Web and Internet needs. Offering one on one sessions and small classes. Commencing 13/02/ 14 $10.00 per class or $5.00 concession
Hospitality
Groups at the Daylesford Neighbourhood
Food Handlers (Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures)
Tai Chi
Sweet Justice Choir Knitters/Crochet
Responsible Serving Of Alcohol (RSA)
Yoga & Chi Kung with Larch @ Holy Cross
Classes scheduled for February and March.
$135/$130 Concession
Mondays
Wed 19/2 /& Wed 19/3/14
$90/$85 Concession
(Yoga-Mon.) 27/1 5.15—6.45pm $180 for 10 wks/$18 ps. (Yoga) - Tue.) 28/1 10.15—11.45am (Chi Kung –Tue)28/1 9.00-10.00am $160 for 10 wks
5.00pm—9.00pm
First Aid First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2 & CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
Friday 28/03/2014 $60/CPR
9.00am to 3.00pm $80/Level 1
$130/includes Level s 1, 2 & CPR
Home, Living and Learning
French Conversation - For Beginners
Learn the basics of French Conversation whist playing Petanque @ Lavandula (Shepards Flat) begins 19/01/14@3pm
French Conversation - Intermediate Ongoing Classes Starting 28/1/14
Tuesdays 5-6pm
French Cuisine with Graham Lockyer
Sat. 01/03/14 (6 classes in total—come to all classes or select the classes that suit you ) from preparing Entrees through to Desserts. Costs include lunch. $28 per class/$25 concession $168 for 6 classes/$150.00 Concession
Wild Foods Walk—With Alexis Pitsopoulos
Stroll through Daylesford in search of edible wild plants. Learn about their culinary and medicinal uses. Followed by a cooking (and eating) class Sundays 10.00 am – 11.30am Banquet 11.30am – 1pm Walk only $30 (Conc. $25/Children $15) Banquet only $30 (Conc. $25) Walk & Banquet $55 (Conc. $45/Children $30)
Alexander Technique
Monday evenings Alexander Technique is a set of skills that helps people suffering pain, poor posture or stress, it offers a gentle path to long-term relief.
Current Affairs Discussion Group
Wednesdays @10.30am
Team Dynamics & Business Success
Workshops giving you an understanding of personality types using Myer Briggs 1st Workshop Feb/2014 $280 per session
How to Successfully Keep Chickens
How to keep health happy chickens in your own backyard. Feb 2014 Saturday Workshops
$85
Mondays
All Abilities Garden Group
Thursday & Monday
Tuesdays (Starts Feb)
9.30—3.00
Wednesdays (Starts Feb)
9.30—3.00
DNC in the Old Police Cottage
Saturdays & Wednesdays
All Abilities Life Skills Group
Wholefood Collective now has a new home @ the
Coming soon Go Fishing with Nature Pete Basic Massage Creative writing Painting/Watercolours Baking/Bread Classes 1 Pot Wonders Cooking Back to Work “Boot Camp”
Barista Training Poetry Seasons Bee Keeping Funky Sewing Curry Cooking Digital Photography
Services available Photocopying Hire of Space Internet Hub Hire of Equipment Broadband for Seniors Laminating Faxing Legal Aid Job Agencies Meeting Rooms For details check out our website www.ourneighourhood.org.au and Facebook page
News 11
World peace diet author
A
UTHOR of The World Peace Diet, Will Tuttle, will be in Daylesford next month.
Dr Tuttle’s book, The World Peace Diet, presents a set of principles showing how people can move their consciousness forward to become “more free, more intelligent, more loving, and more content”. The principles in The World Peace Diet incorporate systems theory, teachings from the human sciences, world mythologies and religions and apply to people of conscience from any, or no, faith tradition. “If you could sum my message up in a simple phrase, it would be: Respect for all life,” Dr Tuttle said. Dr Tuttle will speak at the Daylesford Town Hall on February 16 at 2pm. Tickets are $12.50 pre-show before January 10, $15 pre-show after January 10, $10 concession and $18 at the door. Details: www.willtuttletour.org.au
Garden beds full of vegies
T
WO garden beds, at the front of the Daylesford Campus of Hepburn Health Service, are now full of vegies thanks to volunteers and donations from the community.
Spokeswoman Fiona Porter said Hepburn Health Service would be using the space, at the corner of Hospital and Jamieson streets, to grow different varieties of food that will be available for community members to take home. “Social workers are able to use the space to take clients to talk and garden at the same time, this is then a pathway to encourage people to get involved in the community garden next to the library in Daylesford, encouraging isolated people towards healthy food options, social warming and physical exercise - a positive way to access free food,” she said. “There is one accessible bed for people with limited mobility and one ground level bed designed to encourage children into the garden.” The Thursday gardening group, run by Hepburn Shire Council, will maintain the garden every Thursday along with staff, community members and clients of the Hepburn Health Service. Harvested produce will be available daily from reception next to the donated bread from Bakers Delight. Excess produce will be given to Daylesford and District Food Aid. Details: 5321 6567.
Dr. Jun KIM Acupuncture Chinese Herbal Medicine Cupping Therapy 0474 707 925 Call or SMS for booking Monday and Tuesday 5 Tenth St Hepburn Springs
Retail therapy @ Avds 5 tenth st. wed - Sun or by appointment in highly fashionable hepburn springs 5348 2111
unique handmade pieces. Buffalo horn jewellery. McLaren pottery. Sterling silver.
SIP AND MAKE WORKSHOP Make a funky macrame or crocheted cord necklace while enjoying a glass of champagne and a social afternoon
Moss & Burrows 22 Raglan Street Daylesford T:5348 4433
Dates: Friday 21st February 2014 Or Saturday 22nd February 2014 12 noon - 3pm Cost: $45 (cost includes a kit of materials and refreshments) Bookings can be made in person at Moss & Burrows or via email
Health Rebates Available
Emma Taylor mossandburrows@hotmail.com Janette Wotherspoon mystudioreddoor@gmail.com
Workshop is a collaboration between Moss & Burrows and
12 News
New GM for tourism What’s in a name? New Macedon Ranges Regional Tourism Board general manager Judith Isherwood
N
EW Daylesford resident Judith Isherwood has been appointed general manager of the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Regional Tourism Board.
Ms Isherwood’s career includes the position of chief executive of the Melbourne Arts Centre where she oversaw the $135 million redevelopment of Hamer Hall and its surrounds. Prior to that Ms Isherwood, who moved to Daylesford late last year, was the inaugural chief executive of Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre and was the director of Performing Arts at the Sydney Opera House. “I’m delighted that my tree change to this vibrant and progressive region has coincided with an opportunity to help further develop its reputation as a mustvisit destination,” she said. “I’ve been a regular visitor to this area many times in the past. As a resident, I now look forward to working with the tourism industry in this region with fresh eyes and perspective to take it from great to even greater.”
T
HE Warehouse – Clunes is the new name of the Clunes Community and Interpretive Centre.
The name comes after a “What’s in a Name competition” where community members were invited to submit suggested names for the centre, the community meeting room and the community activity space. A total of 11 entries were received for the entire centre. A council report said The Warehouse – Clunes reflected the original purpose of the building as “the former warehouse of contractors Nichol and Wallace who supplied goods to the miners, farmers and residents, of what was then a very busy mining town”. “The new facility will continue to supply goods and services to the community and is considered a contemporary name with strong historical connections, linking new and old.” Despite entries for the meeting room and activity space, it was decided that the Clunes Community and Interpretive Centre Special Committee be authorised to determine their names. Other names included the Cameron Centre - after Donald Cameron, who was the first settler in Clunes, in 1839, the Roz O’Brien Centre - after the person who started the museum, the Djadja Wurrung Community Space - in recognition of the first community in the Clunes area and the Plastic Building of Clunes whose author said “the building is in Clunes and should be made of bricks like the museum it was built on, but it is made of glass and wood and doesn’t fit in with the rest of the town”. Meanwhile, the information centre at the Clunes Bottle Museum will remain in operation. Works are also due to start at the museum in February to remove asbestos from the roof. A council spokeswoman said new volunteers had been recruited to The Warehouse and recruitment would be remain ongoing.
News 13
Daylesford Bushwalking O Group open to new members each Friday
By Paul Laurence UR walk, January 11, was through the very picturesque Doctors Gully area and was well attended by the group - although the weather was quite on the warm side.
The walk covered quite a large area taking the walk time to three full hours. The weather of late has been a real test of ability to consume sufficient amounts of fluids and some additional nourishment in the course of the walking morning. Please remember to ensure you do have a generous amount of fluids as dehydration is a real concern. Also food for energy is paramount. To join the walks, meet on Fridays at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre on Camp Street at 9am where the walk will commence. All walkers are welcome to join this exciting group of bushwalkers, be it for only one walk or on a more permanent basis. The group does not walk on days of total fire ban. Club history p8.
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FREE INTRO Class Thurs 30 January at 5:30pm – to book contact Jayanti/Jane on 0417 037 320, 5345 7023 or jtsouthwell@hotmail.com
New public art policy
A
NEW public art policy has been adopted by Hepburn Shire Council.
A council report said council’s current Cultural and Art Policy and Action Plan was last reviewed in 2009 and no longer relevant. “In its place, the draft Public Art Policy provides a framework for council to make decisions about public art in Hepburn Shire,” the report says. Key areas covered in the policy include council’s financial contribution to public art, the establishment of a public art panel to provide expert advice to council about public art, the selection and management of public art, dealing with donations and bequests of public art, potential sites for public art, ongoing maintenance of works of art, “accessioning/recording of public art works and deaccessioning” (sic) works of art. “The draft policy does not provide any direct financial implications for Hepburn Shire Council. “It recommends, in future, that council consider funding specific public artwork through the annual budget bid process. Additionally, it supports identifying funding for public art opportunities via promoting artful design and integrated art through existing council budgets. “Public art and community art projects that are tailored to diverse sectors such as young people, older people, children, diverse cultures, lead to an enhanced sense of wellbeing of the participants, as well as greater community awareness of these sectors of our community.”
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14 Community Events
Community Events Australia Day Celebrations Australia Day Eve - Saturday, January 25 Civic Reception at the Daylesford Town Hall, 7.00pm citizenship ceremony, Hepburn Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards and Daylesford Rotary Awards.
Australia Day – Sunday, January 26 Clunes - 5.45am - Sunrise walk with pancake breakfast at Mount Beckworth Reserve. Meet at the dam. Includes flag raising ceremony followed by breakfast. Clunes - 5.30pm - Collins Place. Community barbecue with entertainment by Highway 8. Includes flag lowering ceremony. Creswick - 8.30am - Park Lake Reserve. Flag raising ceremony, entertainment and free barbecue breakfast. Tickets for breakfast are available at Hepburn Shire Council, Creswick office and the Creswick Visitor Information Centre. Glenlyon - 5.30pm - Glenlyon Recreation Reserve. Flag lowering ceremony, entertainment and free barbecue.
Trentham - 11.30am - Town Square. Flag raising ceremony, entertainment and free barbecue.
Petanque in French French speaking evenings around a game of petanque will be held at Lavandula every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm. Gate entry is $4 per day or $12 for a year’s membership. Details: Rosie on 0481 326 009 or rosie.laszlo@gmail.com
Creswick Market The market is held on the third Saturday of every month at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, Victoria Street from 9am until 1pm Free live band and more than 50 stalls. Details: creswickmarket.com.au
Hepburn Wildlife Shelter To raise money for the shelter, ZombieHire. com will host a giant exhibition match of Zombie Chess at the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, February 15. Details: facebook.com/ events/241171006048642/
Got an event happening? Email dhslocal@ gmail.com
CRESWICK’S Miss Muddy, a five kilometre obstacle race for women, has been postponed.
The event, at the Novotel Forest Resort, had been planned for March 16 but will now be held on November 30. Miss Muddy is a 5km obstacle race, exclusively for women and is designed to suit all levels of fitness. It also raises money for female charities. The change of date comes after the slide needed for the event could not be rented in March. Registrations: www.missmuddy.com.au Meanwhile, the Forest Resort Golf Club at Creswick will be among three clubs to host the Ballarat District Golf Association annual 54-hole tournament. The event runs from January 24 to 26 starting with Friday at Ballarat Golf Club, Saturday at Creswick and Sunday at Midlands Golf Club. The tournament was played at Creswick for the first time last year.
Creswick Woollen Mills wishes its customers a wonderful Australia Day! Support an Australian family-owned company The Creswick Mill is the last coloured woollen spinning mill in Australia Great specials on blankets, throws, picnic rugs and scarves too! Open all weekend (including Australia Day and Monday)
Artedeco Artedeco at shop 3/27 Vincent Street, Daylesford specialises in Art Deco, 20th Century and Vintage and the shop is piled high with an everchanging selection of pieces bought on European and American buying trips. With a diverse collection of the best pieces from these eras, there is furniture, lighting, porcelain, original posters and everything else to furnish your home. If you are interested in vintage and couture fashion there is original pieces from 1920 to 1960 including beautiful dresses, costume jewellery from the Art Deco period to the 1960s, hats, and purses all purchased from the best collections in Europe and the U.S This month we have just added our new collection of original vintage from New York, some fabulous jewellery, martini glasses and lemonade sets for Summer and some fabulous new furniture. At Artedeco everything is chosen for its quality, originality and condition. . They are members of the Australian Art and Antique Dealers Association and CINOA guaranteeing you are buying genuine pieces and have been Antique dealers specialising in Art Deco for 12 years.
The shop is open 7 days 10.00 to 5.00pm. Artedeco, 3/27 Vincent Street, Daylesford 3460 T 0407321865 www.onlineantiques.com.au
16 News
Crowds line the street at the Savoia Hotel
I
t was a who’s who of the region at the Savoia Hotel in Hepburn as Sam Johnson made his way home as part of his unicycle ride around Australia.
Mr Johnson has raised more then $1 million towards breast cancer research. He started his epic ride after his sister Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer. The well-known actor was born in Daylesford Hospital and worked at the Savoia Hotel in younger years. Mr Johnson will finish his ride at Federation Square on February 13 at 11.45am.
News 17
Sam Johnson rides home to hero welcome
And the crowd goes wild: Sam Johnson gets a rock star reception at Hepburn, above. On yer bike: Sam Johnson rides down Main Road with a very pink biker entourage.
18 News
Goldfields Organs Motion for ALP resignation By Bronislaw Sozanski
T
he 2014 Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields Festival came to Daylesford, with two outstanding concerts on Thursday, January 16.
At the Uniting Church, Christopher Wrench gave a superlative display in an organ recital entitled Beyond Bach using the music of CPE Bach as starting and finishing points. With one piece by JS Bach at its centre the program focused on lesser known material from Telemann and Mendelssohn. Wrench’s playing has a natural fluidity and sense of direction, with the narrative clearly outlined in music perfectly suited to this particular instrument. The Khalil Gudaz Sitar Ensemble, at the Daylesford Town Hall, moved the festival away from western traditions into the fascinating colours of sound from India and Afghanistan. The style is largely improvisatory, built on complex, repeated rhythmic patterns, similar to jazz but with a unique scale and harmony structure. The sitar playing generally started in a relaxed manner, building gradually to a frenetic state driven by the percussionist. The technical skill required was comfortably handled by Gudaz, a virtuoso of his instrument. The critical relationship between sitar and tabla was expertly handled with the cadential signposts clearly understood.
D
AYLESFORD ALP Branch members are calling for the removal of Mary-Anne Thomas as the candidate for the Legislative Assembly seat of Macedon in this year’s Victorian state election.
At a recent meeting members unanimously moved a motion asking Ms Thomas, a Northcote resident who was moving to Kyneton this month, to resign from the seat and that “the will of local ALP members, as expressed in their pre-selection plebiscite, be respected”. “Ms Thomas was the preferred candidate of less than one fifth of local branch members according to the results of the local plebiscite,” the motion says. The motion says the decision of the Public Office Selection Committee to overrule the “overwhelming will” of local branches in the Macedon pre-selection was “anti-democratic, disempowering and disrespectful to local members and embarrassing to the party as a whole”. “This branch believes that the continued endorsement of Ms Thomas is not only a violation of the principles of the ALP but seriously damaging to the broader interests and objectives of the party. “As a mass-membership social democratic party the ALP depends on a broad, active and enthusiastic membership.” The motion says that Christian Zahra secured 81 per cent of the local vote. “Christian lives within the electorate, is a proven marginal seat campaigner and has the confidence and support of local party members. It is unprecedented for the POSC to overturn such a high local vote,” the motion says. Ms Thomas was preselected late last month to take the place of outgoing member Joanne Duncan.
Presents ........... Beginners Level 1 Golf Clinic For Give Golf a Go level 1 participants and people with limited or no previous experience. Structure The course consists of five sessions. Three 90-minute group sessions, one session of reduced hole golf with club mentors and a final 9-hole Ambrose event followed by a BBQ meal. Participants will learn the basic skills of grip, swing, chipping, putting and pitching. Basic rules and etiquette will also be covered. Cost $50 includes all sessions, a Golf Victoria “showbag” and free unlimited golf on non-competition days for the month following the clinic. Equipment can be supplied or you can BYO. Clinic 2 Thursdays - February 6, 13, 20, 27 and a final 9-hole Ambrose/BBQ on March 6. Time: 6-7.30pm (hopefully it will be cooler) Limited places for each clinic so register early. Contact Jan Thompson on 5348 4840, 0412 499 872 or strongjan@bigpond.com
Trash trouble
O
VERFLOWING bins at Lake Daylesford have been brought to the attention of Hepburn Shire Council. Chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond said the waste contractor had started daily checks over the holiday periods. Larger and more bins were other options also being investigated with the help of regular lake walkers identifying hotspots. Technology which allowed bins to send an SMS before they were overflowing was also being looked at, he said.
Wednesday 6pm – 8pm
20 News
Arty Trentham
T
HE Annual Trentham Easter Art & Craft Show will be held from April 18 to 21.
Judges this year are Mark Payne for art and Helen McRae for craft. Entry forms will be sent out to all artists on the show’s mailing list at the end of the month with entries closing April 2. The show’s opening night is Thursday, April 17 and the awards will be announced and presented. Works will be available for sale from 7.30pm along with supper and drinks. Cost is $15. Entry enquiries to Dorothy on 5424 1813 or tawnyfrogmouth@ hotmail.com with general enquiries to Jill on 5424 1483 or jillmccallum@live.com
Tibbits on display at museum
I
N THE 1860s AND 1870s well-known watercolour artist William Tibbits painted many building and mining scenes in towns around Ballarat. Many paintings were of houses and gardens – some in Daylesford.
C
HRISTMAS Cheer: It was all smiles with the handing over of a plaque to commemorate Daylesford’s Royal Hotel raising the largest amount of money through its tin rattle for Christmas Cheer.
Manager Bethany Corris, above right, thanked both locals and out-of-towners for their fantastic effort. “We have a great group of locals here,” she said. Christmas Cheer organiser Carmel Thannhauser, above left, said Daylesford’s Farmers Arms Hotel had also raised a huge amount through its Friday night raffle. Ms Thannhauser earlier presented a plaque to hotel owner Susanne Devine. “Through Christmas Cheer we were able to give food hampers to more than 400 families and individuals along with gifts for more than 500 children.”
One house was a typical miner’s cottage in Stanhope Street, the then home of Henry and Janet Green and their 12 children. Recently Eric, the great-grandson of the couple, and Margaret Smith from Gippsland visited tracing their family history. They visited the Daylesford & District Historical Society and brought with them the Tibbits’ painting of the Stanhope Street cottage. The society will display this painting, and with three other Tibbits’ paintings, as part of its museum collection, over two weekends, January 25 and 26, and February 1 and 2. The museum, at 100 Vincent Street, Daylesford, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Coming Soon In Feb, check The Rex website for screening info
22 Just for Fun
If you go down to the woods today... Words and images by Alison Pouliot
F
OLLOWING a recent mass migration from their native habitat of the bedroom, mattresses appear to have comfortably adapted to pretty much all of the wombat’s habitat types.
While commonly seen in swampy riparian woodland areas and roadside verges, they’re also partial to shrubby foothill forest. Unlike most species they are seemingly indiscriminate to differences in geology, soil type, altitude, water availability, aspect or other environmental factors. Scientists are currently trying to understand their means of reproduction, which so far, has remained a mystery. Asexual reproduction in the form of budding has been suggested based on numerous observations that one mattress very quickly becomes two, although identical genetics with the parent mattress have not yet been established. Researchers have so far not been able to directly observe the budding process most likely because it occurs after darkness. While moonlight may be a trigger in the process, the absence of daylight is thought to play a greater role. Although the Wombat mattress population is steadily growing, many threats exist for mattresses such as rain, fire, piss, mould, 4WDs and Clean Up Australia Day. It is also not known, for example, how climate change or UV radiation may affect their future survival. It is likely that they are highly susceptible to sudden changes in weather as well as longer term climate shifts. Of longer term concern is the probability of inbreeding and loss of genetic variation in small fragmented populations. Poaching could also become a serious issue. To date researchers have been perplexed as to their means of dispersal. It was originally thought that they may have multiple life phases, somewhat like slime moulds, which have a creeping phase during which feeding and growth occur and an immotile reproductive phase. Others have suggested that mattresses may be highly social organisms similar to ants. Once a queen mattress has mated it may be fertile for the rest of its
life, flying to new locations to start a new colony, biting off its wings on landing. However, rather than using wings for flight, the prevalence of rubber tyres in the vicinity of the mattresses could provide further clues to their mobility. The discovery of springs inside mattresses has also prompted further suggestions that they can bounce over large distances, similar to macropods. Most promising is the theory of the assistance of a mammalian vector in their distribution. This cutting edge idea arose following the detection of homing hormones in mattresses. The discovery of highly specialised cells – known colloquially among researchers as boomerangocytes – represent a significant breakthrough in possibilities for reuniting mattresses with their vectors. As the orchids push through the earth and birds tends their nests, readers can rest assured that this story has a happy ending in knowing that the mattresses will soon be back in the bedrooms they came from.
(First published in Wombat Forestcare’s November 2013 Newsletter reprinted with permission.)
Gig Guide 23
The Gig Guide! Perfect Drop, Daylesford
Friday, January 24 - Shing a Ling with Dusty Stylus - 8pm - late Saturday, January 25 - Family Farm - 6pm - 9pm
Glenlyon General Store, Glenlyon Sunday, January 26 - Australia Day Extravaganza - Jali Buba - 1pm-3pm
The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham Sunday, January 26 - Australia Day Extravaganza - Family Farm - 1pm
Radio Springs Hotel, Lyonville Friday, January 25 - Zeptepi - 6pm-9pm Saturday, January 25 - Mr Scott Cameron on piano - 12pm–4pm
red nonna Simple food. Simply Italian. 3 Howe Street, Daylesford // (03) 5348 3367 Open every day (except Wednesday) 8am – 5pm
Old Hepburn Hotel Saturday, January 25 Michelle Parsons - 9pm - late Sunday, January 26 Australia Day Official Triple J Hottest 100 Party - noon
24 News
THE GARDEN By Jackie Airey
W
E HAVE recently returned from a trip to Tassie, taking in Hobart, Bruny Island, the Huon Valley and Channel Towns. Lots of gardening going on down there.
It’s a very productive region, with apples, pears, peaches, plums and, best of all, the fattest cherries and plumpest raspberries I’ve eaten. Farm gate stalls are common and very popular with locals and tourists alike. The character they bring with them got me to thinking. Our climate is similar here in this pocket of the Central Highlands and yet from our wonderful soils springs nowhere near a similar amount of produce. This is not to criticise. We have a couple of fabulous berry farms – but why only a couple? Organic vegie producers abound in our region, but the ones who have tried the farm gate idea have not survived – does anyone have a theory, considering the number of tourists we have streaming up this way every weekend? On a less political note, we experienced two lovely old fashioned things down
Dinner: Thursday - Tuesday from 6pm Lunch: Friday - Tuesday from 11am Breakfast: on weekends from 9am Coffee & Cake: always available Locals Night: all welcome Curry & Hot-Pot Night Tuesdays $18 Fish Night Fridays: $26.50 with glass of house wine (a la carte dining also available)
DAYLESFORD HOUSE n The Germa staurant Country Re
105 Vincent St Daylesford Vic 3460 Tel 03 5348 4224 daylesfordhouse.com
on the island that gave us real pleasure. One was a big, fat bumble bee, slowly making his way all around a voluminous pink hydrangea in a garden in Battery Point, Hobart. He and the bush were hanging over a front fence, right at eye level, and he was so loaded up with pollen, that he resembled a rotund old gentleman in a yellow cummerbund. In no hurry at all, he was not the least bothered by the two heads leering at him and greeting him in some foreign tongue. We don’t have bumble bees on the mainland, so we felt particularly privileged to be able to enjoy this fellow at such close quarters. Popping up in gardens everywhere we went, was a plant that seems to have fallen out of favour/fashion here: large flowered fuchsias. They weren’t in twee little hanging baskets, these were shrubs with sizeable trunks, festooned with dangling ballerinas in billowing skirts. I know they are a bit “granny’s garden”, but that’s probably what I like about them – they made me nostalgic for some of the older gardens I have known from times not so fraught with climate problems and lack of water. These fuchsias don’t like frost, so that’s a problem for us here, but if I can just find the right spot, out of the wind, with only early morning sun and afternoon shade, frost protection, soil that is friable, rich and moist with good drainage, then maybe, if I can find anywhere that sells them, perhaps ….
Robbie Burns Dinner Saturday 25th January
Bagpipers, Kilts, Single Malts and a whole lot of Scottish fun! All proceeds go to the CFA $75 Bookings: Sandra 5423-4225
7:30pm, Barfold Estate, 57 School Rd, Barfold
Music Review 25
Music Review
S
INGER Paris Payne took time out between gigs for a chat with The Local’s Kyle Barnes.
KB: How did you get involved in the music scene? PP: From the time I was eight I wanted to be a singer. I studied for a while in my early 20s with classical vocal training. My life took other paths. Twelve years ago, I decided, “this is it”. No more delaying, I am going to do what it takes to get out there and sing. I got back into vocal training, but more importantly started practicing with friends who were jazz musicians. Went to open mic nights, recorded a CD and started getting gigs. Have done over 200. The time with the musicians was invaluable. It’s like tightrope walking, you can study all you like, but the only way to become a tightrope walker, is to get on and fall off until you have the muscle memory and the inner awareness to feel comfortable with it. KB: What do you sing? PP: Jazz. Emphasis on the golden era of music 1920s-40s songbook KB: And what music do you like most? PP: To listen to - jazz, R&B, soul. To sing - jazz. KB: What are some of your best gigs - or places you enjoyed the most? PP: The best have been listening gigs - as opposed to background music. I have done several shows as part of Words in Winter and other events, where there is the
story behind the music, as well as the songs. The audience has really engaged and appreciated the music so much more, knowing some of the anecdotes. Love that kind of gig. My biggest thrill is working with wonderful musicians, it’s inspiring and uplifting. I am privileged to have that. KB: How important is the music scene to this region? PP: Very important. For the population size of this region, there is an amazing amount of excellent live music on offer and great venues who host music performance. I am proud to have been part of that history by renovating and opening The Palais in 1996, which was a showcase for many musicians. KB: And is the scene healthy at the moment? PP: Yes, in quantity, but perhaps not so much in terms of people realising what a treasure they have on offer with great music in a variety of genres in a regional area. There are a lot of “background music” gigs. KB: Where can people find you? PP: Thanks for asking! I perform in several band lineups. Birdland at Radio Springs on January 25 and February 8, both lunch time. Late Night Radio, a fun bigger band, with vocalist Louie Payne, who doubles as my gorgeous husband, at The Grande on January 25 for a dinner show. And with Truly, Madly, Deeply on Saturday, February 15 as part of the Art of Elegance Fair at the Progress Hall in Maldon.
02/02/14
26 News
Photos, food and fun at Lavandula
IT WAS all about photos, food and fun, with a bit of history thrown in the mix, at Lavandula’s recent Lavender Festival. Images: Donna Kelly
Welcome to The Farmers Arms Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
No bookings are required, simply come in, grab yourself a seat and order food and drinks at the bar For more information about the pub and also our current menu, please visit our website:www.thefarmersarms.com.au 1 East Street Daylesford ph. 03 5348 2091
Dining Review 27 !"#$%&'($%)'*+%,-%.*
THE
GRANDE
HOTEL
T HAS been more than four years since the beautiful 1920s Grande Hotel closed its doors on fond memories of years of quiet drinks, family celebrations and special events. So it was with great delight that Peta and I accepted an invitation to a “pre-launch” dinner by new owners, Ian and Jodie Hawkins.
DINNER FROM 6PM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS ! " # $ % & # $ " '( ) * % ) + " $ ) , - % & * " . , & / * 0 . + " ( / # 1 2 & / '"
34"56"7689"!:;9""<4"=>?>@<AB3C<@A>?D<CE3<F4GE=4>H III43C<@A>?D<CE3<F4GE=4>H """"$<JKHA?.JAL?@M$E3<F""""""""1C<0A>?D<$E3<F
THE GRANDE HOTEL PRESENTS THE GOLDEN SOUNDS OF THE 1930'S...
SATURDAY JANUARY 25TH 7:30PM 3 COURSE DINNER SHOW $65
By Glen Heyne
I
! " # $ % & ' ( ) # & * ' + )
DL Promotional Flyer Final_cmyk.indd 1
Grande doors open
13/01/14
Since purchasing this delightful testament to gracious 1920s art deco architecture, the Hawkins have been busily transforming the hotel beyond its original glory into a tasteful, thoroughly modern retreat. It is an adventurous work-in-progress, with dining facilities and 11 guest rooms, newly refurbished in simple, modern style and, ranging from standard to deluxe spa rooms now open for business. Works underway include a massive expansion of the multilevel balconies and terraces, a Mediterraneaninspired boulevard cafe and a massive landscaping project, including sweeping terraced gardens down to the banks of Spring Creek at the foot of the adjoining bushland. Dining After a tour we decided to forego the lounge/dining room with its cosy atmosphere and fireplace, and chose a table in the formal dining room where we could enjoy the forest views. The Grande features a menu crafted by regionally renowned, hatted-chef, Andrew Dennis, and an extensive, similarly sourced wine and ale list. We always have a problem when we eat out. lf there are more than two dishes listed we can never decide which way to go. This night was no different. The menu, although not vast, offered too many tempting delights. Fortunately Renee, our ever-helpful and caring waiter, saved the day. Entrees For entrée, Peta chose saganaki and herb salad - lemon-crumbed and panfried Kafalograviera cheese served with thinly sliced radish and greens. It was beautifully presented and a great start to the meal. ($12) I chose the crumbed Tuki lamb cutlet, served with coriander and green chilli relish - a succulent plump cutlet from Tuki Estate complemented by a suitably tangy relish. ($7) Entrees are priced from $7 to $16. Mains Now to the main course and an easy decision for Peta whose eyes lit up at the sight of slow roasted suckling pig, baby turnips, snow peas and almond tarator. At the promise of crackling, it was a no brainer. Her eyes grew wider when it arrived - a generous mound, roasted to perfection and again, beautifully presented. She refused to share the crackling! ($36) After much indecision I settled on the cinnamon and sugar cured grilled duck breast, harissa roasted nectarines, Lebanese cabbage salad, pomegranate molasses. lt was simply the best duck dish we had ever had. Again a generous serve. Finely sliced, beautifully cooked breast enhanced by the supporting salad which featured walnuts and pomegranate. ($36) Mains priced from $26.00 - $36.00 Sides 10:28 PM priced at $7 were on offer but we found the mains needed little support. Desserts After two generous courses we were quite content to call it a day but Renee insisted that we couldn’t possibly leave without at least trying the desserts. Peta went for the lemon verbena creme brûlée, poppy seed glass biscuit. Judging by the way it disappeared it certainly did not disappoint. ($12) I, always a sucker for pistachios, rapidly devoured a serve of boysenberry, white peach and pistachio frangipani tart, buttermilk and vanilla ice cream and brandied peach. ($15) Desserts are from $12 to $15. At present dinner is served at The Grande on Friday and Saturday evenings with plans to expand to other nights.
28 Business Guide
Promote your business here from just $25!
ian petty legal 53 North Vincent Street Daylesford 3460 5348 1080 Fax by arrangement ianpettylegal@gmail.com
Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto 45 Vincent St, Daylesford 5348 2061 Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, drycleaning, stationery, photocopying and more. We stock The Local!
Promote your business here from just $25!
Business Guide 29
For your new business website Scalable, flexible, to do business On time, to spec, no surprises Handover to you or a hands off plan
Find out more at localbizwww.com.au
Country Environmental Waste Mario and Jeanette
Weekly/fortnightly/monthly rubbish collections 0434 170 482 | 5348 4605 cewpl@iprimus.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS COMING SOON!
Moss Shading Solutions For Hepburn Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total shading solutions talk to Brian & Deborah Moss
Exterior Awnings Folding Arm Tension systems Drop screen Traditional canvas
RING FOR QUOTATION / ADVICE
Internal Blinds Roller & sunscreen Roman blinds Shutters
5348 4045 8B, 38 EAST ST, DAYLESFORD
SOMFY MOTORISATION SPECIALISTS
(NO SHOWROOM)
DAYLESFORD FLOOR COVERINGS Your LOCAL flooring experts cnr East and Mink Streets, Daylesford Phone for a chat about your flooring needs on (03) 5348 4097
Community Information 31
Important Numbers Emergency: 000 Springs Medical Centre: 5348 2227 Daylesford Hospital: 5321 6500 after hours GP Helpline: 1800 022 222 Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 Poisons Information Centre: 131 126 Life Line: 131 114
SES: 132 500 Hepburn Wildlife Shelter: 5348 3932 Hepburn Vet: 5348 4851 Daylesford Vet: 5348 1088 Hepburn Shire: 5348 2306 CFA Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667
For all your power equipment needs we service all makes and models Sales, Service and Spare Parts
1 Howe Street Daylesford 5348 2649
Qualified Arborist - Jason Scholten Tree & Stump Removal Tree Pruning Storm Damage Removal Mulch Sales
32 Sport
Barefoot bowls kicks off at Daylesford
BAREFOOT Bowls has started at the Daylesford Bowling Club. Everyone is welcome Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. See bowling club staff for bookings. Or call 5348 2310. Left, Wendy Goodwin goes for a roll while Nigel Dempster knocks the froth off a beer. Image: Kyle Barnes
Howe Automotive Your Safety is our priority
Automotive Electrician on site Front end wheel alignments
Servicing all automotive air conditioning 4X4 Servicing and repairs
19 East Street Daylesford
Ph: 53482389
Repairs@howeauto.com.au