The Local April 22, 2024

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Sharing love, kindness & generosity

Front cover: Ros Pyers, pictured with husband of 67 years Keith, has a love for children’s education, music and local history. And the long time volunteer is giving even more back to her community. Read her story opposite by Narelle Groenhout. Image: Contributed

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

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Photographers: Kyle Barnes & Eve Lamb

Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness

Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (music), Sarah Lang (recipes), Clive Hartley (wine) & Bill Wootton (poetry)

Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey

Sharing love, kindness and generosity

On a beautiful autumn day, surrounded by loved ones, friends and community, Ros and Keith Pyers, holding hands in the family home sitting room, did what they have done so well for so long – shared their love, kindness and generosity.

This article could easily have been written as a love story. Ros and Keith met as young teachers, fell in love and raised a family. They navigated their way through Victorian schools and around the world, finally carving out a life on the outskirts of Daylesford. Ros and Keith have also dedicated thousands of hours to helping community groups, causes and committees prosper for generations.

But the real story is about Ros and her love and devotion to children’s education, music and local history and her desire to give back to her community. Thanks to advice from her astute father, Ros invested in a parcel of shares which later she set aside as a gift to the community. During her long years of retirement, these shares grew to fund the four bequests, helping Ros to realise her dream of giving back to her community.

“It certainly wasn’t millions,” said Keith.

“But Ros always talked about giving back to community groups using that money and as a family we knew it was important for Ros to see it happen. It was just a matter of when.”

Of course, there were no objections from Keith and the family but there was a great deal of organising and planning that Keith has undertaken on Ros’s behalf, including bank meetings, the setting up of trust funds and liaising with the recipients.

Given how widely she has volunteered and the number of community groups she has devoted her time to over the years, it must have been quite a challenge for Ros to choose the recipients. The grateful beneficiaries of her generosity include Hepburn Primary School, Daylesford Primary School, Daylesford Community Brass Band and Daylesford and District Historical Society.

For more than 30 years Ros was a member of the Daylesford & District Agricultural Society and the Daylesford Highland Gathering collective. She was also a valued member of the Daylesford & District Historical Society and helped establish Australia Day celebrations in the town. A founding member of the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Ros also supported Keith in his role as local Mayor over a four-year period.

Her devotion to charity, community work and volunteering roles was carried out while raising a young family, continuing her studies, and working as a school principal over a 40-year period.

Recipients spoke with gratitude and outlined the contribution the funds would make to their respective organisations.

A Rosalind Pyers stamp will be included in all new library books bought with the funds for Daylesford Primary School among other essential items.

Hepburn Primary School will plant a tree in Ros’s honour and will use funds to extend the school’s annual camping program. An academic excellence award will be set up in honour of Ros to help children transition from primary to secondary school.

The Historical Society will use its donation to help preserve its newspaper collection. Funds will also support Daylesford Brass Band members to attend music camps. In a touching tribute to Ros, the band has also commissioned a piece of music to be written in her honour.

The gathering at the Pyers home celebrated important local institutions, each with their own unique stories. They are all an important part of Daylesford’s past and, thanks to Ros’s generosity, will continue to pave the way for the future. Ros never wanted any accolades, just the knowledge that her community was being cared for.

Ros’s legacy is so important for a small community like ours. Making sure our history is preserved, our school children are cared for, and local institutions like the brass band can continue to proudly pop up at every community event.

At 90 years of age, her memory is fading at times. But on this beautiful autumn day, her husband of 67 years sits by her side along with her three boys and three grandchildren. There is a strong sense of Ros’s contentment and happiness, emotions that are shared by most of the people gathered to honour her and her extraordinary legacy.

The gathering honoured family bonds, long-term friendships and a woman who embodies the very essence of community and generosity. It was one of those occasions when the true meaning of the words love, legacy and loyalty to a community shone through.

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Councillor Brian Hood perfectly summed up the feeling in the room.

“This is an extraordinary event. The impact of your generosity and compassion will be felt for many years to come. This is such a wonderful gesture and one that will make an incredible difference to our children and the wider community. What an extraordinary event to be a part of.”

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed

Intrusive questions, intimidation, suggestive jokes...

Gendered violence comes in many forms. All are OHS issues. All are unacceptable.

WorkSafe Gendered Violence

2024 Season FOOTBALL AND NETBALL

Round 1 Saturday 13th April

Bungaree vs Hepburn

Round 2 Saturday 20th April*

Hepburn vs Daylesford

Round 3 Saturday 27th April

Buninyong vs Hepburn

Round 4 Saturday 4th May*

Hepburn vs Waubra

Round 5 Saturday 11th May

Skipton vs Hepburn

Round 6 Saturday 18th May*

Hepburn vs Clunes

Round 7 Saturday 25th May

Newlyn vs Hepburn

Round 8 Saturday 1st June*

Hepburn vs Beaufort

Round 9 Saturday 15th June

Bye

Round 10 Saturday 22nd June

Ballan vs Hepburn

Round 11 Saturday 29th June*

Hepburn vs Learmonth

Round 12 Saturday 13th July

Rokewood Corindhap vs Hepburn

Round 13 Saturday 20th July*

Hepburn vs Dunnstown

Round 14 Saturday 27th July

Gordon vs Hepburn

Round 15 Saturday 3rd August *

Hepburn vs Springbank

Round 16 Saturday 10th August

Carngham Linton vs Hepburn

Round 17 Saturday 17th August *

Hepburn vs Creswick

Week 1

Finals 24/25 August

Week 2

Finals 31 Aug/1 Sept

Semi Finals 7/8 September

Grand Final 14 September

* Home Games

Please show your support for our major sponsors

Heritage listing for old school of mines building

The recent inclusion of the old Daylesford School of Mines building on the Victorian Heritage Register has significant positive implications for the future of the building.

It means that the building that now houses the town’s museum will be able to attract crucial funding through Heritage Victoria for maintenance works into the future.

It also recognises the significant place that the 1890s brick building at 100 Vincent Street occupies as part of the state’s mining and education history.

Nomination

The nomination was lodged by the former Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management back in 2019.

Its successful listing on the register was confirmed in February this year providing much cause for celebration particularly among those who played a key role in lodging the nomination.

Former Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management chair Ken Warren is among them and is delighted with the result. He notes how rare and difficult it is to have such a nomination succeed.

“We’re very, very fortunate to get this up on the register,” Ken said. “Everybody worked so hard to get there.”

Funding possibilities

Ken says the listing has major implications for the ability of the current and future committees of management to attract ongoing funding required for upkeep of the building.

“It also preserves well into the future the building as significant for the shire and the state so it doesn’t disappear,” he said.

“Lots of places disappear because people don’t appreciate their sense of significance.

“This listing mean there is a sense of permanence and a line of funding into the future and it makes it even better as a site for the museum.”

Upgrades

Current repair and upgrade works are continuing on the building that today houses two much-loved cultural institutions, the Daylesford and District Historical Society and the Daylesford Community Brass Band.

The museum building dates back to the early 1890s when it was used by the School of Mines to teach classes on science and art.

The building retains many of its original features including one of the earliest and most intact School of Mines laboratories and metallurgical laboratory interiors in Victoria.

Significant

The Victorian Heritage Database Report associated with the new listing notes that the School of Mines is historically significant as a forerunner of the technical schools that were a key part of the state’s education system for many decades.

The database records that: “The Daylesford School of Mines is architecturally significant as it retains a combination of fine features that are characteristic of an early technical school - roof lanterns for daylighting, distinctive brick assay chimney, furnaces, fume cupboards, and 1890s joinery”.

The old Daylesford School of Mines comprises the laboratory building with chimney and the art department building dating from 1890, and the technical school addition of 1914.

Former student

Local resident Graeme Orr was a student at the technical school in the late 1940s and the 1950s and said he was delighted to see the building gain heritage listing.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Graeme who attended school there from 1949 to 1951, starting at the tender age of 12.

“This is really exciting as there are not many Daylesford buildings on the State Register,” says Heather Mutimer who was secretary with the committee of management that lodged the successful application for listing.

“A lot of work went into the nomination and was underpinned by the completion of a detailed Conservation Management Plan,” Heather said.

“Lots of places disappear because people don’t appreciate their sense of significance. This listing mean there is a sense of permanence and a line of funding into the future and it makes it even better as a site for the museum.”

Words & image: Eve Lamb

Above, Ken Warren, left, and Graeme Orr at the old Daylesford School of Mines (now Daylesford Museum building) that has achieved listing on the state’s heritage register

Leonards Hill 48th Baby Show fundraiser

Results:

Section 1: Birth-9 Months

1st Prize – Caleb Woodward, Creswick 2nd Prize – Layla Richter, Mount Clear

Section 2: 9 Months – 18 Months

1st Prize – Ariella Scarlet Ellis, Miners Rest 2nd Prize – Jacob Smits, Daylesford

Section 3: 18 Months – 3 Years

1st Prize – Charlie Meeuwsen, Ballarat 2nd Prize – Madelyn Hollis, Blackwood

Section 4: 3-5 Years

1st Prize – Natalie Anderson, Campbells Creek 2nd Prize – Joseph Giouzelis, Creswick

Champion Baby

Charlie Meeuwsen, Ballarat

Youngest Baby

Kaylee Blackmore, Mount Clear – 7 days old

Curliest Hair

Madelyn Hollis, Blackwood

Rosiest Cheeks

Phoenix Richter, Mount Clear

Happiest Baby

Johnathan Thurstun, Kyneton

Miss Tiny Tot

Natalie Anderson, Campbells Creek

Master Tiny Tot

Joseph Giouzelis, Creswick

Princess

Adele-Jade Hill, Winter Valley

Prince

Johnathan Thurstun, Kyneton

Most Popular Baby Fundraising Competition

1st Prize – Atticus Sinclair, Black Hill

2nd Prize – Adele-Jade Hill, Winter Valley

See you next year!

Prince and Happiest Baby winner Johnathan Thurstun with parents Rendle and Mel of Kyneton

Curliest Hair winner

Madelyn Hollis with mum

Stephanie of Blackwood 9-18 Months 2nd Prize winner

Jacob Smits with mum Hayley of Daylesford

Rosiest Cheeks winner Phoenix Richter of Mount Clear

Most Popular Baby Fundraising Competition winner Atticus Sinclair with dad Mark of Black Hill

Champion Baby Charlie Meeuwsen with mum

Sally of Ballarat

In brief

Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances following the death of a woman in Clunes on Sunday, April 14.

"It is believed a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after ingesting a drink just after 12am," police said in a statement. The 53-year-old Ringwood North woman died at the scene. An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said two other people were taken to the Ballarat Base Hospital. They have since been discharged.

A Mount Macedon resident will face a six-day contested committal hearing in September for the November crash in Daylesford that led to the death of five people.

The man is charged with five counts of culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury, and seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and Macedon Ranges Shire Council are calling on businesses to display the rainbow flag in the lead-up to this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17.

Also on offer is an online workshop for businesses on how to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTIQA+ staff and customers. The workshop is on Tuesday, May 7 at 6.30pm. An official flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute in Mollison Street on Friday, May 17 at noon featuring the Rainbow Voices choir, a free sausage sizzle and guest speakers. Details: 5421 1666, healthpromotion@scchc.org.au or www.sunburycobaw.org.au/idahobit-2024

Two Kyneton residents who stole firewood from the Metcalfe State Forest for profit have been ordered to pay a combined amount of $3000 and forfeit the tools and machinery used in their offending, after being found guilty of six charges each at Kyneton Magistrates’ Court.

On Tuesday, April 9, a 37-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were each convicted and fined $1500 after they admitted to illegally cutting, removing, and selling red stringybark timber, dumping rubbish, and damaging wildlife habitat on public land in September 2022. A 39-year-old male co-offender was convicted and fined $3000 after pleading guilty to two offences related to illegal firewood theft at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court in February. The offenders were caught on concealed cameras installed as part of the Parks Victoria-led Operation Centaur, targeting the illegal removal of critical habitat and hollow-bearing trees on public land.

Over the past fortnight Hepburn Shire Council has issued infringement notices for two dog attacks and several dogs at large for matters after a number of reported dog attacks.

Council CEO Bradley Thomas said pet owners had a responsibility for ensuring their dogs are contained to their properties. "If you are in public places not designated as an off-leash area, dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times."

People can now step back in time and enjoy a vintage railway experience at Bullarto Station.

Backed by $500,000 through the state government's Regional Development portfolio, the works have created a replica of Bullarto Station as it appeared in the 1930s complete with historical exhibits. Families, train lovers and history buffs can get a taste of rural life in the 1930s, learn about the history of Victorian Railways over the past 140 years and enjoy the restored platform and surrounding gardens. From there, passengers can board one of the vintage trains operated by Daylesford Spa Country Railway - helping to also expand its volunteer base and services.

Hepburn Shire Council, following the establishment of an Advisory Committee in 2021, is taking the next step in its commitment to accommodate and welcome the many LGBTIQA+ people in the region.

The Victorian Population Health Survey shows that 7.5 per cent of the shire's population identify as LGBTIQA+, about one third higher than the average across rural and regional Victoria. The new draft of the Rainbow Action Plan commits the council to take clear and achievable actions to help create a more inclusive, safe and welcoming community for LGBTIQA+ people. An online survey is at participate. hepburn.vic.gov.au/rainbow-action-plan with feedback closing on May 8. Got some news? Email news@tlnews.com.au - and we can share it.

Your say...

Daylesford Hospital

Over the long weekend in January, I had the need to attend Daylesford Hospital's acute care facility.

It brought home to me the importance of an emergency acute care centre in Daylesford and Hepburn and that the proposed upgrade of the Daylesford Hospital needs to happen now to ensure this service is available in the future.

At the last state election, it was recognised that the hospital needed $70 million spent to bring it up to standard and to ensure it can continue to provide essential care to our community. All candidates recognised the need except for our local member and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.

My journey to the hospital was caused by a severe case of diarrhoea. I rang Springs Medical; the triage nurse advised me to go to the hospital, and after I spoke with a doctor, was told go to the Daylesford Hospital and, if unable, to get myself there by calling an ambulance.

I chucked a roll of toilet paper on the back seat of the car and with my wife driving, we headed off for a 15-minute trip to Daylesford, seriously hoping I would make it before needing to go to the toilet. I arrived at the hospital, acute care was expecting me, and I just made it to the toilet.

The nursing staff were amazing, as was the on-call doctor. I was triaged and told to come back Sunday morning at 10am for the results of the tests carried out on the spot. On my return on Sunday morning, I was prescribed antibiotics and am now fully recovered.

The realisation was, without acute care in Daylesford, it would have meant a 45-minute ambulance trip to Ballarat Base, plus waiting time for the ambulance to arrive and then to the very busy ER, with the possibility of being ramped on arrival and probably the need to go to the toilet two to three times on the journey.

Then there would be the journey for my wife with a 45-minute drive both ways, plus finding somewhere to park, parking fees, and then the return trip on the Sunday.

In our small community it is essential that our emergency care is maintained.

It is two years to the next state election, and we need to make sure that the existing Labor Government fund the upgrade before then or that, as a community, we make it an election issue and the funding becomes an election promise.

Please write to our local member and Minister for Health and request that the proposed upgrade of the Daylesford Hospital happens.

- David Reilly, Bullarto South

Letters, thoughts and musings are always welcome. Just keep them short and to the point, or long and interesting. Email news@tlnews.com.au

Transition Clunes to hold clothing swap event

Newly formed local group, Transition Clunes, is preparing to hold its very first public event this month – a women’s clothing swap.

Taking place from 1pm-3pm at the Clunes Neighbourhood House on Sunday, April 28, the upcoming clothing swap is in keeping with the ethos underpinning this new group that’s aligned with the wider international Transition Towns movement.

The group’s co-founder, Clunes local Sandra Nichols, pictured, says the Transition Towns movement aims to foster more resilient communities with minimising waste, decreasing carbon emissions, achieving a circular economy and enhancing environmental health outcomes all main aims.

“We had our first get-together in January and I’d canvassed the idea last year with a few people,” says Sandra, now one of five core group members.

“Two of us are on the Sustainable Hepburn Advisory Committee and we’d noticed that Clunes is one of the few towns in the Hepburn Shire that didn’t have a sustainability group as such, so I thought it was time we jumped on board,” she says.

“Transition Clunes is based on the transition town movement that started quite a few years ago by a noted permaculturalist in Ireland.

“Totnes in Devon is the world headquarters of Transition Towns. There’s a 10-minute YouTube video of what the movement has achieved over 20 or so years and it’s worth watching.”

With the dumping of huge volumes of serviceable clothing, and wastage rife in the fashion industry a far-reaching societal problem, this first clothing swap event is an apt one for this new group.

“It looks towards a better future where everyone works towards less waste,” says Sandra, who is originally from Sydney where she personally trained with one of the founders of the Transition Towns movement in Australia, Janet Millington.

Sandra has solid experience on which to draw as she also co-founded a successful Transition Towns group in her former home suburb of North Epping, Sydney.

“We did things like build a community garden in a shopping centre car park,” she says. “We established a herb garden that is still going.”

Ahead of Transition Clunes’ inaugural community event, Sandra says women or girls who have items of clothing or fashion accessories that they’d like to swap are invited to bring along up to eight different items which they can then swap for tokens.

They can then use the tokens to exchange for any of the items that catch their eye that others have chosen to bring along and swap.

“So if you bring along four items, for example, you can then use the tokens to choose four items yourself,” Sandra says.

“And if you haven’t brought along anything to swap you can pay $1 per item instead. We will also be having a free raffle of beauty products from the Body Shop.”

Those who wish to participate can bring along clean clothing or accessories - such as costume jewellery, hats or bags - to swap. The items can be any size or style. They just need to be clean and in good repair.

Those with items to swap are encouraged to bring them to the Clunes Neighbourhood Centre for drop-off on Tuesday, April 23 between 9.30am-2pm, ahead of the event.

“People can bring items on the day of the swap (April 28) but for preference we’re encouraging them to bring them to the drop-off day on Tuesday, April 23 if possible, just to assist with organising,” Sandra says.

The new Transition Clunes group is already planning a second event for later this year as well.

Sandra says members are currently meeting on a monthly basis, with anyone interested in finding out more about the group free to call her on 0438 415 715.

Words and Image: Eve Lamb

Autism parent group

The Daylesford Autism Parent Connection Group is a friendly, relaxed group of parents and carers who come together for information sharing, social connection, and peer support.

The group is for parent/guardian carers of children (0-18 years) with an autism diagnosis or who exhibit significant autism-like traits.

It is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and experience and to gain new information about local services and events. Guest speakers may be invited to attend. New members are warmly welcomed.

The first meeting for this group will be at 10am on Thursday, May 16 at The Mill Cafe & Larder in the Amazing Mill Markets, Daylesford.

To register contact Parent Support Program coordinator Rebecca Paton on 0493 765 542 or email rpaton@pinarc.org.au, or contact group leader, Kim Moloney on 0421 206 875 or email thinkwareglobal@gmail.com

Healthy Daylesford

Daylesford Health has recently received a $186,000 gift from a past patient who left the funds to the hospital in their will.

The impact of their legacy will be long-lasting on the local community as it will assist Central Highlands Rural Health to continue improving services and planning upgrades for the facilities on Hospital Street, Daylesford.

Gifts in wills are incredibly valuable to health services as they are an investment into the future of healthcare for generations to come.

Support for Daylesford Health has also been received recently from local artist Adele Perry who is donating her artwork for auction, Daylesford Bowling Club who gave its monthly meat raffle proceeds to its local health service and Daylesford Highland Gathering committee which gave a generous $10,000 to aged care residents at Lumeah Lodge.

Links: www.chrh.org.au/donate and/or www.chrh.org.au/volunteer

Hepburn House's Memory

Hepburn House's Memory Lane, a 15-bed unit built specifically to assist residents with dementia, is now open!

Hepburn House is at 1 Hepburn Road, Hepburn. Book a tour of the new unit or the existing accommodation and living areas.

Bookings: dianne@hepburnhouse.com.au

For everything Hepburn House has on offer head to www.hepburnhouse.com.au or call 5348 8100. (RAT tests may be required.)

Out of the bunker, back on the green

To many people, the Hepburn Golf Club is one of the district’s hidden gems. Tucked away off the main road, it’s an oasis for kangaroos as well as those out for a bit of a hit in the open air.

But it has struggled and now, after operating for almost a century, the club has become privately owned.

“We realised a year ago that we were losing money and members,” says its final president, Daylesford’s Vic Delosa. “We were facing insolvency.”

The club has been acquired by Golf Services Management (GSM), which is committed to spending a substantial amount on the course over five years. GSM runs courses across the state with a 6000-strong data base and is owned by the son of a 1980s Daylesford Primary School principal.

Vic says many people were doing a lot of work at the club, but they were getting older, tired and drifting away. “There is an enormous amount of work in what is a $400,000 a year business and we didn’t have enough financial or human resources to turn it around.”

Over summer, Friday nights at the club showed its potential as it drew golfers and non-golfers to a First Tee evening of some glorious singing, the fun of a raffle and even indoor putting. But the club needed about 15 active people to run marketing, the clubhouse and more.

After a year in talks with GSM, the club members voted nearly 100 per cent for the change. “Clearly GSM needed to own it,” Vic adds,” because if they can’t turn it around, they can sell it to hopefully re-coup their investment.”

GSM’s owner, former professional golfer Ian Denny, was Hepburn’s junior champion in 1968. Says Vic, “I don’t think this would have happened if he didn’t have the passion and enthusiasm that comes with being a local boy.”

Among the six Victorian courses GSM runs is St Andrew’s Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, which is now ranked as Australia’s best public course.

Vic says the clubhouse and its surroundings will be improved, as well as the course, which needs work on its paths and drainage to make it more playable in winter.

Members will be offered a 25 per cent discount in fees for five years. Full membership is currently $695 a year. “The emphasis will move from competition to social golf, but not one at the cost of the other.”

We talk in the clubhouse beneath big honour boards listing decades of club champions and officials, those who scored a hole-in-one, and much more. TV screens may replace these and the club is in discussion with the Daylesford & District Historical Society to be custodians of any historical material for which the club does not have a home.

Outside, holidaying young boys are having a round, sharing one bag of clubs as the third to hit off misses his tee shot.

GSM, says Vic, is a marketing expert and will make the most of the course as one of the region’s hidden secrets. “Many people don’t even know of it.” Golfers love visiting other courses, according to Vic, opening a largely untapped market.

One idea is to offer a shortened “round” of five holes from the 14th to the 18th, taking about an hour. Other long-term suggestions are accommodation pods where golfers can stay, and perhaps a food and drink business in the clubhouse.

“This is a win for the community: members play a better course that is better managed at no extra cost, and the council is happy and has offered to promote it.”

That is not to overlook what Vic says is the greatest asset of the club, course superintendent Darren McColl, who has been there for 37 years. He works with Paul Thomas, who has put in 18 years. They regularly work a 50-hour week. Now, more help may be on the way.

Words: Kevin Childs | Images: Contributed

Above, president Vic Delosa, left, with GSM owner Ian Denny, below, the ubiquitous kangaroos enjoy the sun

Agricultural show winners shine at Daylesford

A total of 84 regional show winners displayed their winning pavilion entries from the regional shows of 2023 at the Daylesford Bulldogs Pavilion at Victoria Park Showgrounds on Friday, March 22.

Over 80 guests representing Ballarat, Beaufort, Castlemaine, Clunes, Daylesford, Kingston and Maldon shows gathered with their winning entries from last year, or copies in most of the cooking sections, to compete at inter-show level.

There were only four entrants in the Rural Ambassadors and Junior Show Ambassadors this year, and no Daylesford entrant, but Caitlin Grieve, Matilda Smith, Haileigh Buttigieg and Sienna Grant representing Ballarat and Beaufort show societies impressed the audience with their ability to present themselves in public and speak favourably about the benefits of agricultural shows in country communities.

Special thanks to judges Tim Bach and Margaret Hodge for their help and expertise on the afternoon and evening.

We were very pleased to have three Daylesford winners at this level - Ruth Little in Knitting, Trish Barron in Embroidery and Pam Sheean in Photography - and these exhibits have qualified to be shown and compete at the Melbourne Royal Show in September.

At Midlands Group level, but not going on, we had one winner, Susie Wyatt for her best five Plain Scones, with second places to Janet MacDonald in Photography, Jeff Stewart in the Men’s Chocolate Cake and Zac Olifant in the Decorated Cup Cakes 10-16 age group.

Although Daylesford was not represented in the Fleece sections this year there were a total of 10 Merino fleeces shown and special thanks go to Zoetis, who provided the generous prizes in these sections and the Ram and Ewe of the Year winners.

As well as the Junior Ambassadors those present were able to hear an excellent presentation from our own Daylesford Committee member Janet MacDonald of Fairburn Stud in Porcupine Ridge on the 150-year history of the Daylesford and District Agricultural Society as it prepares to present the 150th Annual Daylesford and District Agricultural Show on Saturday, November 23 this year.

Daylesford president Don Harvey spoke very briefly on the joys of competing at agricultural shows while Group president, Peter Clarke of Clunes, thanked everybody for their attendance and for bringing their winning entries to the Group Level to compete again. Master of Ceremonies on the evening was another Daylesford committee member, Donna O’Mara of Glenlyon.

Mr Harvey said he would like to thank everybody who worked so long and hard to make the evening a success.

"Every member of the committee put many hours of work into making the evening a great success. There were a number of sponsors on the evening who gave generous assistance, but we must acknowledge the generous contribution of Gary Thomas of Spade To Blade whose food gained universal acclaim."

Words & image: Contributed

Council news

Council

DIVERTING FOOD AND ORGANICS FROM LANDFILL

The weekly township collection of food and garden organics started on 8 April. In the first week of collections we have seen around 30 tonnes of organic material being diverted from landfill. This is the equivalent of around 6 elephants of waste diverted in one week. This organic material will be processed at the Creswick Transfer Station and made into compost to improve local soils. Thank you to our community for sorting your waste and let’s keep this going. More information on the food and garden organics service at www. hepburn.vic.gov.au/organics

HAVE YOUR SAY

Fair Access Policy - The draft Fair Access Policy seeks to address the barriers experienced by women, girls, trans and gender diverse people in accessing and using sports infrastructure.

Rainbow Action Plan - The draft Rainbow Action Plan commits us to taking clear actions over the next 2 years, to create a more inclusive, safe and welcoming community for LGBTIQA+ people.

Daylesford Town Hall PAG - Community members are invited to apply to join a Project Advisory Group to help guide a project to determine whether Daylesford Town Hall could be refurbished to include a community hub with a library and multi-purpose spaces. Pool season survey - In the 2023/24 pool season we had over 23,000 people use our facilities. We want your feedback on our facilities.

Cambridge Street streetscape - Be part of the next stage of the Creswick Streetscapes project by providing feedback on proposed changes to Cambridge Street in Creswick. Clunes crossing - Council will be installing pedestrian outstands as a trial safety measure at the intersection of Fraser and Service streets in Clunes.

To learn more about any of these community engagement opportunities visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au

STRUCTURE PLANS AND RURAL HEPBURN

The major components of our strategic planning project, Future Hepburn, are the development of township structure plans for Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford/Hepburn, Glenlyon and Trentham, and Rural Hepburn – an agricultural land use and rural settlement strategy for farming areas, small settlements and rural residential areas.

A Special Council Meeting will be held on 30 April (4.30pm and livestreamed on Facebook) to consider endorsing the structure plans and Rural Hepburn for community and stakeholder consultation. If endorsed, Council will be hosting a number of community information sessions across the Shire in May to get community feedback on the draft structure plans and Rural Hepburn.

To see when we’ll be in a township near you, visit https://participate. hepburn.vic.gov.au/future-hepburn

EAT | DRINK | ENJOY

The Old Glenlyon School

Come & stay, Maybe bring a dog to play. $270 per night

hello@2cool4school.com.au

Reg Cole Quartet’s triumphant return to the Palais

Original jazz pop outfit, the Reg Cole Quartet, are pumped to be returning to the historic Palais on May 4 after their first triumphant performance at the venue last March.

Band founders and friends for over 40 years, Sergio Ercole and Zac Teichmann, had wanted to play their original music in the iconic Hepburn Springs live music venue for decades and the reality did not disappoint.

Sergio, a renowned classical guitarist, said: “I’ve played at the Palais with various musical ensembles but our last Reg Cole gig there was, frankly, one of the most enjoyable I’ve ever played. The room really suits our style and to see the audience get up and dance, and cheer for encores, just felt brilliant.”

The first night at the Hepburn-Palais has also stayed with Reg Cole frontman, Zac Teichmann.

“I love playing the songs that we have written with Serge and our amazing rhythm section, Justin Lee (bass) and George Andrews (drums). We have all known each other for decades and the affection and fun we feel when we play together is really palpable. And to have people let us know how much they enjoyed our performance and ask us to come back...that is so fulfilling.

“Some of them had never even heard our music before - they just love the vibe.”

Sergio has recently returned from a tour of Italy where he had the joy of playing in the town square of the village his family hails from.

“So often it is the place and the people that inspire something special, something that lifts you to find something you didn’t know you had and creates a night to remember. I felt that in Italy in my hometown but I also felt that last time we played at the Palais and I’m really looking forward to feeling it again.”

The Reg Cole Quartet plays every few months at the acclaimed Melbourne jazz venue, Paris Cat, but will be playing for only the second time at the Palais on May 4.

“We recently had the pleasure of playing at the Flinders Festival, and some of what the audience commented on afterwards is how we traverse different genres in a way that is rare but also maintains a cohesive and distinctive sound,” Sergio said.

“We enjoy playing lots of different kinds of music, so we do, yet we also cultivate a style that draws on jazz influences and the accessibility and fun of pop,” Zac added. Advertorial

Maldon Events is holding a collectibles fair at the Bendigo Showgrounds on May 4 and 5.

Held inside the enormous 6000 square metre Regional Events Centre there will be room for more than 120 stalls with everything on offer from traditional collectables such as trios, textiles, tobacco tins, chinaware, militaria, motoring memorabilia and the much-loved bric-a-brac.

There will also be vintage vinyl, rock & roll memorabilia, trading cards including Pokémon and football cards, and pop culture collectibles such as Pop Vinyl figurines, Marvel, and DC action figures.

And don't forget cosplay paraphernalia alongside collectable and antique books - including rare editions, and magazines, stunning prints of old maps, movie posters, old advertising prints, some framed, some ready to be framed.

There will even be suits of armour and chain mail, medieval tunics and costumes.

Maldon Events is always on the lookout for more stall holders for its many event.

Call or text Mark on 0414 244 842.

The site has free parking.

Collectibles fair Chamber Poets at Woodend

“She said a rude word!” The dark and dangerous side of poetry.

Hosted by local poet Myron Lysenko, Chamber Poets is one of Victoria's best-loved open mic poetry events, regularly attended by guests from Melbourne, Bendigo and further afield, as well as from around the Macedon Ranges.

They come to read their poems, whether they are acclaimed and awarded “real poets” or just local people who have something creative to say. Chamber Poets is approaching its 100th session in June, so it's time to remind everyone of what's on offer at this regular Woodend event.

Chamber Poets is held on the second Saturday of every month, sometimes with a particular theme. In February (around Valentine's Day) “love poetry” gave us good, bad or just plain crazy.

In April, to celebrate International Haiku Day, a group of passionate haiku poets came up from the city to share their stunningly clever and often witty miniature poems with us.

A couple came along to an event last year with their three small children and appeared to be ignoring what was happening behind the microphone until a feisty young poet from Melbourne gave us one of her poems peppered with mild but interesting swear words.

Wine notes

with Clive Hartley

Yangarra’s Rhône Crusade

Winemaker Peter Fraser from Yangarra Estate in the McLaren Vale is passionate about some grape varieties you might not be too familiar with. His white wine is simply called ‘Blanc’ and is a blend of grenache blanc (80%) with splattering of roussanne, bourboulenc, clairette, grenache gris and piquepoul blanc. All these varieties originated in the southern Rhône Valley and Yangarra planted them in 2014.

“These white grapes have a huge potential in the McLaren Vale as they like a warm coastal climate and are late ripening, in fact, last year we picked piquepoul later than our red wines,” Peter said. Piquepoul blanc has been picked up by other producers such as Coriole and Lloyd Brothers. Both wines are highly recommended.

The Yangarra Blanc 2022 ($30) is not a fruity wine, but a fleshy, juicy, nutty wine with a lot of minerality. Grenache blanc and roussanne is also used to make their Ovitelli Blanc 2022 which is fermented and matured in a large ceramic egg. These eggs are a feature at Yangarra. “Using ceramics gives the wine a sense of purity and brightness of fruit that is not achieved in stainless steel or oak. They allow air to penetrate, but not as much as a barrel does.” A portion of the wine undergoes over 100 days on skins. The result is a fleshy, rich and complex wine that is firm and textured. It’s a more serious drink at $68 a bottle.

Yangarra Noir 2022 ($30) is another blend from the Rhône. This time they use grenache noir, carignan, cinsaut, counoise, shiraz and mourvèdre. Blends are more fun than single grape varieties and this one is fruit driven with plums and floral notes. It’s a pleasant surprise to find a nice tannin spine in the wine that gives a bit more structure than one would expect. Grenache is in the spotlight at the moment and when handled well, like at Yangarra, it makes wines similar to pinot noir or even nebbiolo. Sadly, Peter tells me it only represents 6% of plantings in the region.

“Grenache is drought tolerant and grows well in the sands of Blewitt Springs. There is currently a resurgence here and it will increase in plantings. Currently it has the highest grape price in the McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley.” Yangarra Ovitelli Grenache 2021 ($80) is sourced from dry grown 1946 bush vine fruit that is fermented and aged in ceramic eggs. It has lifted aromas of red fruits and floral touches. On the palate it is supremely elegant, textured with fine tannins and a long finish. These wines exemplify Yangarra Estate's approach to winemaking. Their wines have flavour and texture with a lighter touch than most McLaren Vale wines. Clive Hartley is an award-winning wine writer, educator and consultant. His 305 page full colour book Australian Wine Guide (7th ed) is available for purchase from Paradise Books in Daylesford or via his website – www.australianwineguide.com.au

“She said a rude word!” exclaimed the eight-year-old boy. He continued to repeat this phrase every time the rude words appeared, to the delight of both the audience and the poet. Be warned: some dark and dangerous things can happen in poetry.

Entertainment is also provided by local band Black Forest Smoke, pictuerd below, who have been playing their home-made songs – often poems set to music –since Chamber Poets first started on February 16, 2013. Eccentric, playful and often very moving, their songs are very popular with the poetry crowd.

The next Chamber Poets session will be held at 1pm on Saturday, May 11 at the Woodend RSL in Anslow Street. Entry is $10 (or $5 concession) – we're a bit old fashioned and only take cash. The bar will be open, and hot drinks and delicious soups, cakes and snacks are available.

After the always-popular Open Mic section, our featured reader will be Kyneton poet Anne Gleeson, pictured above, whose gentle and often humorous poems have been widely awarded and admired. Come along and see what all the fuss is about.

Words: Jenny Zimmerman | Images: Contributed

Walks of the Central Highlands with Eve Lamb

Andersons Tramway Walk…plus Mollongghip

Today we’re tackling the Andersons Tramway Walk at Mollongghip just east of Newlyn. This 8km (16km return) bushwalk is a bit of a surprise packet. Who could have guessed there would be a “tramway” running through the bush here?

When I say “tramway” what we’re talking about is the remnants of a cleared pathway through the bush where work horses, and later steam engines, once used to cart out heavy felled timber that was destined for the crazy ol’ goldfields of the day.

This walk basically follows that cleared haulage route that remains, over-grown yes, but still clearly visible as it makes its way to where the township of Wombat once existed.

Now there’s nothing left to indicate the fact that a township ever existed here other than a cleared flat section that used to be the town’s railway siding. Adjoining this is the clear remains of where the old Ballarat to Daylesford railway line once ran.

The railway tracks have long since been taken up but the rail-line today forms part of what, for bushwalkers, has become the Wombat Station Walk - a 19km long hike from the old Wombat town site to Daylesford via Sailors Falls.

My walking accomplice Paddy H and I decide we will also do just a little bit of this walk as well as our main focus, the Andersons Tramline Walk, so as to check out the significant rail cutting that remains with walls that reach up to 20 metres high according to the literature.

This section, with the impressively high walls, immediately joins the end of our Andersons Tramway walk. It will add about two kilometres (4km for the round trip) but is well worth it. Fortunately, when we set out we are fuelled with the recent spoils of Easter and could use a good trek.

So to the start: The 8km Andersons Tramway Walk starts from the Slater Road, Mollongghip, and follows the route of the old tramway through the Wombat State Forest along the top of the divide at 700 metres.

According to my pre-walk research*, the Anderson brothers arrived from Scotland to try their luck on the goldfields in 1851. Instead of digging, they cut and supplied timber to the ever-hungry mining industry.

Having cut their way through most of the timber at Dean they then built a horse-drawn (and later steam) tramway into the Wombat Forest. This tramway was the real thing as cuttings were dug, bridges and embankments built and iron rails laid for over 23km of track. However, before long they cut themselves out of a job.

Starting again in another venture the unstoppable Andersons concentrated their attention on flour milling by constructing the massive bluestone mill in Smeaton in 1862.

Reflecting on the spirit of those driven yesteryear sorts, Paddy H and I navigate our way successfully to the start of the tramway walk, parking near the intersection of McPhans, Gleesons and Slaters roads. We set out carrying maps and lunch. And it quickly turns out to be a beautiful bushland walk, the remnants of the old tramway readily identifiable along the way.

We stop track-side for lunch, accompanied by the mysterious musical calls of choughs, before making our way on to Mullens Dam which was built to supply water for the old gold-sluicing works.

From here we gain a little more elevation as we head on toward where the township of Wombat apparently once existed. Today there’s no trace, but the spot where this little gold town once stood may still be identified by a picnic rotunda that’s also accessible by vehicle off Rocklyn Road at this point.

Reaching it now means we have now covered eight kilometres and completed the Andersons Tramway Walk. We stop for a coffee refuel, and then take a short 2.5km ramble along Rocklyn roadway toward where a yoga ashram now operates. We do this in order to photograph the skeletal remains of a timber railway bridge that formed part of the old Ballarat to Daylesford railway line which opened in 1887 and closed in 1953.

Achieving this goal successfully we then return to the Wombat station site again and rally our energies to tackle a further couple of ks on the adjoining WombatDaylesford walk section, just to check out the railway cutting section with the high walls.

Almost immediately the anticipated cutting walls appear, rising up on either side of the trail, creating a small microclimate in which Paddy H and I notice three different types of thriving ferns including tree ferns.

The walls are cut through clays and bedrock, and peering up at them we reckon the literature is not exaggerating when it says they reach 20 metres.

After about two kilometres we reach the point where the Great Dividing Trail was officially launched in October 1992. Signage marks the spot.

The GDT here also follows the remnants of the dismantled Ballarat-Daylesford Railway. At this point Paddy H and I have now covered a bit over 12km all up when you count our small addendum ramblings, and it’s well time to head on back.

Promises of a hearty dinner and a glass of wine provide useful motivation to help combat our increasing bone-weariness as we retrace our steps through the bushland’s lengthening shadows.

Images: Eve Lamb

Macedon Ranges gardens open to public

Garden lovers are in for an Anzac Day weekend treat with the chance to visit two extraordinary private historic properties opening in the Macedon Ranges, with Open Gardens Victoria on April 27 and 28.

Resting at the base of the picturesque Macedon Ranges, Bolobek, above, is a unique working farm with glorious gardens and a rich social and agricultural history. Since 2006, current owners Brigid and Hugh Robertson have invested extraordinary passion and energy into the continuing renovation and rejuvenation of this magnificent property.

Bolobek was established over a century ago by Oswald Syme, the youngest son of David Syme, founder of The Age newspaper. Mildred, Oswald's wife, directed the creation of the original garden, and many of the trees and shrubs remain from that time, including rows of lindens, mature poplars, and oaks that provide the garden's backdrop.

In 1969, Robert and Joan Law-Smith purchased Bolobek. Lady Law-Smith was a talented gardener, botanical artist, and writer, and the garden rose to prominence under her direction, welcoming royalty and other dignitaries. It was one of the first gardens to be opened under the auspices of the Open Gardens Australia scheme in 1983.

Today, the property is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as having “aesthetic, architectural, historic, and horticultural importance to the State of Victoria.”

“We arrived at Bolobek in 2006 in the middle of a severe drought,” says Brigid. “So the first couple of years were spent maintaining and observing the garden. It was obvious that one of the most important requirements was a new watering system. There was also a significant amount of tree remediation and replanting that was needed.”

Bolobek is at 370 Macedon Road, Macedon. Rafaels Coffee will be providing hot drinks with Hesket Estate wine sales and plant sales from Autumn Joy Nursery and White House Nursery.

Located in one of the oldest settled areas in the Macedon Ranges, Cadella Park is a private family home and working farm with a rich pioneering past. Open Gardens Victoria will open the historical property to the public for the first time on April 27 and 28, to celebrate the inaugural Cadella Park Open Garden & Fair.

Cadella Park’s extensive park-like gardens, original circa 1845 stone homestead, and historic collection of farm buildings are set across eight acres with a backdrop of rolling pastures and views to Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock. The property is regarded as a significant nineteenth-century farm complex, with roots dating back to pastoral lease maps in 1839.

Known previously as ‘Oatlands’, the original 650-acre property cropped oats and was the scene of a damaging fire in 1911 when 50 tons of harvested oat and wheat straw were destroyed.

In the 1930s, Cadella Park housed prestigious horse racing stables (home to 1933 Melbourne Cup winner Hall Mark) and later an internationally acclaimed Murray Grey cattle stud in the 1960s. The main home, the original stone homestead, above, and a restored barn are among the historic outbuildings that Cadella Park owner JoAnn Beck says will be utilised for the opening.

- with stalls, food and drink by Prunella - a pop-up store, plant stalls, garden equipment and more.

Both gardens are open on the weekend from 10am to 4.30pm. Tickets for each garden are adults $15, tertiary students $10 (with ID), under 18s free. TryBooking

Words & images: Contributed by Open Gardens Victoria

Room for over 120 stalls. The largest Antique and Collectable Fair, ever held INDOORS in Victoria. 6,000sq. Mtrs. (1.5 Acres) of treasures offered, for your purchase and appreciation. SHOP, AND SELL. IN WARMTH AND COMFORT. Something for every taste and budget.

All Stalls, are 6X4 metres Public Entry $5 kids Free STALL PRICE $250 TEXT.

Cadella Park is at 109 James Road, Cadello and is open from 10am to 4.30pm. Garden architect Simon Rickard will lead a garden tour and talk at 11am on both days

Spudfest:

Celebrating all things potato

For one weekend every autumn, Trentham is all about the humble potato.

The Great Trentham Spudfest is a community festival that brings together potato growers, artisans, music, food vendors and history to showcase the region’s finest offerings and products. The festival is on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5.

“Spudfest 2024 promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before, celebrating our region’s potato culture and history, but most of all, our community,” says festival coordinator Kye Theobald.

“Spudfest is still a free event (but) we are also introducing some specially curated events that will require a ticket. Celebrating our great potato region across two days is a great opportunity for visitors to stay and plan a full weekend of discovery with friends and family.”

On Saturday, May 4, Trentham comes alive with Spudfest’s traditional carnival day, with four main precincts in town packed full of spud food, fresh regional produce, artisan makers, live music, horse and cart rides, and loads of activities for kids and adults alike. Visitors can also join a Trentham & District Historical Societyled bus tour of the old heritage-protected Spud Huts.

Local farmer and fourth generation spud grower Luke Wicker, right, will be at the Railway Precinct on Saturday selling his Kennebec, Nicola, Dutch Cream, Pontiac, Sebago and Kipfler potatoes. “There has been a Wicker growing potatoes in the red volcanic soils around Trentham for over 100 years," says Luke.

Saturday evening will see the inaugural Spudfest Cèilidh, a celebration of Celtic music, food, and dancing, at The Factory on Market Street, with catering by Emma James Catering. Tickets for this event can be purchased via the Spudfest website.

Sunday is dedicated to the discovery of food, produce, and region. Kicking off at 10am is Spudfeast, with spudtastic dishes on offer in a progressive dinner style at venues throughout the region including The Cosmo, Trentham General, Trentham Food & Wine Co., Daylesford Cider, Aterics, Blackwood Hotel and many more.

Four local farms will be conducting tours all day Sunday, inviting visitors behind the farm gate. Meet and hear from growers at Fleurs de Lyonville (organic flower farm), Walden Park (humanscale, regenerative, and agroecological beef), Mountain View Garlic (a small family-run garlic and fresh produce farm), and Little Hampton Farm, where you will discover organic cherries, berries, veggies, and heritage apples.

Make your own way along the self-guided Farm Gate Trail to unearth growers’ fresh produce and hidden foodie secrets or take part in The Great Spud Scavenger Hunt, join a Historical Society tour of the Trentham Cemetery or head to the RedBeard Bakery and its 133-year-old Scotch oven.

Link: www.trenthamspudfest.org.au

Ceilidh Dance

THE FACTORY, 31 MARKET ST TRENTHAM

Tickets $100. Includes drink upon arrival, canapes. 2 courses, live music. Adult only event.

Book via trenthamspudfest.org.au

Final service held at Daylesford Uniting Church

Sunday, April 21 was the final service held by the Daylesford Uniting Church - as it is now prepared for sale by Uniting Vic. Tas.

Former ministers who have served the church community and former church members attended the service which was also open to members of the community. Current and former members then celebrated with an invitation-only lunch at the Daylesford Bowling Club.

Spokesperson Lorelle ThompsonPope said the church buildings had a long history from their beginnings as a Wesleyan Methodist Church.

"In 1861, the first Wesleyan Methodist church was built on the site – this is the older building on the site – now known as the Sunday School. Architects Crouch and Wilson built this structure in early English Gothic style.

"On June 12, 1865 members laid the foundation stone for the newer church; the first service in this building was held on December 10, 1865.

"The organ in the church was installed in 1888, it was built by Mr William Anderson and boasts an impressive 724 pipes, many of which are decorated with Christian symbols. This organ is a rare example of Anderson’s work and is his only instrument in Western Victoria. It has been classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) as being of state significance."

Lorelle said by the late 1880s the decline in mining led to an examination by the congregation of ways to reduce debt. Rent was received from pew hire as well as organ concerts and annual fairs – these all helped to raise funds to reduce the debt.

"By the end of the 19th century the church had settled into a pattern of steady parish life. The 1950s and 1960s were really the glory days when there was an active Sunday School, tennis clubs and vibrant social activity as well as many worshippers at Sunday services.

"In 1960 the church purchased a caravan to provide temporary crisis accommodation (an early indication of the current changes). There was great demand for this service but by 1990 the caravan was sold and not replaced. However, a Crisis House was loaned to the church from the Ministry of Housing and continued to be used for about four years."

During the later 20th century there was an active children’s ministry with a “Kids Alive Club” as well as after-school program for primary school students. In this time there was also an ecumenical drop-in centre that the church members supported.

Lorelle said over the years it had housed congregations, the church buildings had been a popular event venue.

Events have included choirs such as the Victoria Chorale, performances that were part of the Organs of the Goldfields programs, art shows including the Photo Biennale, floral festivals with local artists, ecumenical carols by candlelight and World Day of Prayer and Winter Sounds which included a dramatic lighting display of the buildings both internal and external.

In 1998 the Daylesford congregation became part of the Highlands cluster. The cluster shared ministry between the churches in Ballan, Blackwood, Bullarto, Daylesford, Little Hampton, Mount Egerton, Pentland Hills and Trentham congregations. Since that time a number of the churches involved have been sold and the Highlands cluster has been dissolved.

In 2002 the Daylesford Congregation entered into an agreement with Ballarat Uniting Care where Uniting Care provided for ongoing ministry in return for beneficial ownership of the buildings.

In 2011 the church celebrated the 150th anniversary with a thanksgiving service.

More recently the church buildings were sold by Ballarat Uniting Care to Uniting which has a broad mission of providing housing and other services.

Lorelle said Uniting had recently been rationalising its real estate holdings to allow the missional purpose of helping those in need to be achieved.

"A number of churches throughout Victoria have been or are being sold to provide the funds required for these missional purposes. Sadly, it is not possible to meet the ongoing costs of repairing these beautiful old buildings as well as housing and feeding so many in need."

Lorelle said the congregation of the Daylesford Uniting Church was sad to be moving away from the site but would continue to meet regularly in another venue.

"As we move from the buildings that have housed the church for so many years we are grateful for all that this space has offered – friendships, belonging, community support. We are also grateful for the service of so many ministers over this time – too many to list here and many have passed on, but they each offered so much to the church and the community.

"We also remember the lives that have been changed because of this place –baptisms, marriages, funerals and the many, many church services. All live in the memories of those who shared them."

Words & image: Contributed

Pizzeria na

La L

Home deliveries Thursday to Sunday

Get your p izza fix during Autumn!

Thursday, Sunday, Monday | 5pm - 9pm

Friday and Saturday | 5pm - 10pm

Tuesday & Wednesday | CLOSED

125 years roll by for Daylesford Bowling Club

Daylesford Bowling Club has celebrated its 125th anniversary in style with an afternoon tea party held at the Camp Street club rooms last Wednesday afternoon.

“The club was formed on April 17, 1899 and has been at this site ever since,” said club general manager Neil Jordan.

Today the longstanding club has some 500 general members and about 60 bowling members, while many others in the community also enjoy using its greens for social, school, barefoot and all-abilities bowling as well.

“The club was originally a tennis club as well as a bowls club but the tennis club moved later on down the track and we then had both greens,” Neil said.

Many of the club’s members gathered to celebrate the 125th milestone last Wednesday and Neil foreshadowed some further anniversary festivities are likely later this year as well.

Clockwise, from top left:

Club members Linda and Ken Gillies, and Carol Collins checked out the 1950s bowling attire on display as the club celebrated its 125th anniversary last week.

Keen custodian of the club’s history and club life member, Dot Bull, had assembled a display of club memorabilia including photos dating back to 1900, uniforms from the 1940s to the present, and retro bowls kits, for the club’s 125th birthday celebration.

Chair of the board of the Daylesford Bowling Club, Rod Poxon checked out the tempting array of refreshments on offer as part of last Wednesday’s 125th birthday celebration at the club.

Maureen Tate (left), Jan Hendy and Halcyon Bell, all members of the Daylesford Bowling Club, were enjoying catching up at the 125th birthday afternoon tea event.

Winston Silbereisen and Gary Lawrence kicked back and enjoyed the anniversary celebration, reflecting on the bowling club’s 125 year history.

Daylesford Bowling Club life member Mike Tate enjoys a brew at the club’s 125th birthday afternoon tea celebration held at the club last Wednesday, while club member, Ron Barron (in background) did likewise.

Words & images: Eve Lamb

TRATA plans for former railway station

In the second half of the 19th century Trentham was a major hub for timber production, much of which went underground supporting the tunnels excavated at mines in nearby Daylesford.

And so when a railway was constructed between Carlsruhe and Daylesford branching off the main line to Bendigo, Trentham was one of the stops.

The first section to Trentham opened on February 16, 1880. To service freight and passengers a handsome weatherboard station house and 80m platform was installed complete with extra rail sidings and goods sheds. Sadly by the 1970s the old line was being used less and less as its bridges, tracks and rolling stock fell into poor repair, and in June 1978 the line was closed for good.

For many years the old station and railway yards were neglected until around 25 years ago when a group came together to try and save it. The preservation group has been known by several names over the years but in July 2023 it became the Trentham Rail and Tramway Association and the new committee has some new plans in place to utilise the precinct.

"Our association maintains and preserves the entire precinct allowing the community to use the facilities for events in the town including the Tractor Pull, Spudfest, classic car shows, and any other events deemed suitable," says TRATA president Leigh Sutcliffe

"We realised we could actually utilise this space a lot better," says committee member Rob Urquhart. “It could be a centre for the whole town and hopefully draw more people from outside the district to discover what we have here. We have always been told it is one of the best preserved stations around and we are pretty proud of that."

Work on the area has certainly taken on some newfound momentum with financial and material assistance coming from a range of sources. And in February they were fortunate to receive small project funding from VicTrack which they put towards landscaping.

The group has also received grants from a number of local businesses and Hepburn Shire Council. This has allowed them to put in picnic tables built by the men's shed and rebuild the front gates as per original. Committee member Lea Davis has also been doing a lot of work on rejuvenating the whole garden precinct.

A century of big bands

Michael Gilchrist and his extended family have lived in Broomfield since relocating from Melbourne in 1978.

Michael has taught in secondary schools and lectured in teacher education at Aquinas College, Ballarat. His previous writings have included books on politics, religion and history.

With his latest book, A Century of Big Bands, Michael turns his literary attention to one of his major enthusiasms, besides AFL footy and the Richmond Tigers, namely the big jazz bands.

His book provides an overview of the bands and short biographies of 50 of the most notable bandleaders of the past century. Older readers may be familiar with names like Glenn Miller, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman.

Since he was a teenager in the 1950s, Michael has been collecting big band albums and now has a huge collection in his man cave. Recently, he was persuaded to distil his lifetime’s musical experiences into print.

Once upon a time, says Michael, big bands were the world’s popular music, during the 1930s-1940s swing era. Since then, singers, small groups and rock bands have taken over, although big bands have by no means gone away, even if they no longer figure in top of the pops and face economic challenges to survive.

In his opinion, most of today’s younger generations would be unaware of the big bands’ existence or significance. Yet, with their instrumental variety, creative arrangements, and inventive solos, they provide a far richer listening experience than many of today’s endless guitar-based offerings.

Big bands, Michael says, combine the best qualities of classical music and small group jazz improvisations. They are well worth discovering or rediscovering.

Michael hopes his new book will open more eyes and ears to the glories of big band music, past and present.

A Century of Big Bands can be ordered from www.connorcourtpublishing.com.au

Words: Contributed

"We are trying really hard to give it a feel of an English garden,” says Lea. “It is early days yet but we have planted rhododendrons, dogwoods, foxglove and magnolias all the way down along the station."

In previous years the precinct was the site of the Trentham market and the tourist information centre. However Covid lockdowns put an end to the market and the information centre is to be relocated to the new Trentham Hub currently under construction. But there are plans to bring the market back after winter.

Leigh says the the old station needs to be re-stumped so they will be looking for additional support to start that project in the near future.

Lest We Forget!

Above, from left, TRATA committee members Leigh Sutcliffe, Phil Davis, Victoria Hanson, Ross Urquhart and Lea Davis

Adult drama classes

Daylesford is getting its own adult drama classes, run by local theatre company Lab Kelpie.

Led by the company’s artistic director Lyall Brooks, a professional actor, director and teaching artist for nearly 25 years, the evening classes at Stanbridge Hall started on Monday, April 22.

First up is an eight-week term of fun group work ideal for beginners and those wanting to refresh past skills, before offering more advanced options as classes grow.

“I’ve worked with community theatre-lovers all across regional Victoria over the last decade, from Gippsland to Shepparton to Glenelg, so it’s wild I haven’t yet done the same in my home town,” Lyall says.

While Lyall will lead the teaching to begin with, he has a small stable of other professional artists all skilled in acting techniques and ready to share their expertise as the classes develop and grow.

The direction the classes take will be responsive to the skills and knowledge the participants want to explore.

Over time it's hoped participants will go on to tackle a variety of different classes and forms, scene study and text work, monologues, improvisation, Meisner and Russian masters, devising, and even playwriting.

“Daylesford has such a passionate artistic community,” Lyall said.

“We’re crying out for more creative opportunities, so my hope is that we can help fill some small part of that greater need."

Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Contributed

Movement in the garden

I’m sure I’m not the only one who makes a daily tour of our newly planted trees or shrubs, looking anxiously for any sign of new growth.

We all know, of course, that any new outward or upward growth, except in a few 'Jack-and the beanstalk' plants, and a few vines, can be too slow to be considered as movement at all - unless you live in Far North Australia or in the tropics. But, as always, there are a few exceptions.

Some plants have a regular cycle for opening their blossoms each day to attract with their fragrance, bees and other winged pollinators, but closing again at dusk to evade the scavengers.

Many other more miserly plants such as some iris only open for business for just one day before closing for ever - apparently preferring the ‘fast trade’.

Others open at certain times of the day in order to attract particular patrons. These include the four o'clocks (mirabilis jalapa) which true to its name, opens at the same hour and stays open all night. 'Morning Glories', like a few others, open at first light and close again at noon.

Many other more bloodthirsty plants are the insect trappers where you will see definite and fairly rapid movement, such plants as the venus fly trap (dionaea muscipula), a perennial herb from the swamps of North and South Carolina.

At the base of each 30cm long stem that produces white flowers, we will find a rosette of leaves consisting of two parts with a hinge between them.

Whenever an insect alights on a hairy leaf, the two parts of the leaf snap close to enfold the insect until it dies and its body juices are absorbed. The leaf closes within half a second after the insect touches it.

Twining

Twining vines present an amazing, although rather slow movement, with some twisting from left to right, while others prefer to twist from right to left. No matter what you do in an attempt to reverse the natural direction of the twisting/twining the plant will persist in twisting around its support, but only in its own predetermined direction. This spiral twisting of a plant stem is called nutation.

Our good old garden friend, the sunflower, turns so that its large, flat blossom is at right angles to the sun. When each flower reaches maturity and its stem has become hard and stiff, no more movement is possible, but when it's in bud it follows the sun across the heavens.

We can also see extremely fast movements in the method some plants use in dispersing their seeds. When a ripened balsam’s seed pod is touched, it seems to explode as the outer casing breaks into sections and curls back, sending the seeds flying in every direction over a wide area.

In late summer, violets develop pods that break open in three sections and send a great many seeds as far as one to two metres - and it seems that every one germinates, as we have found to our delight in the few years since we moved to our current garden.

But the king of rapid plant movement is the sensitive plant - mimosa pudicawhich has entertained children and amazed adults for ages.The stems are spiny and the leaves are cut into many leaflets. Just the lightest of taps causes them to fold together - a heavier tap and the stem will droop down. A few minutes later they will resume their normal positions.

And finally, there are many other plants that close down for the night to reawaken in the morning sun’s light in what is called a sleep movement. Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

New signage for track

Volunteer hiking and biking group, the Great Dividing Trail Association, has launched an innovative, environmentally friendly interpretive signage project along the length of the 87km Lerderderg Track from Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh.

Signage has been reduced to small placards on top of existing directional posts marking the way. Each of the placards includes a QR code that links to more extensive information and images on the Great Dividing Trail Association (GDTA) website (gdt.org.au).

“This approach has minimised the environmental ‘footprint’ of our interpretive signage,” said Gib Wettenhall, who manages publications for the GDTA.

Over 40 people gathered at the Garden of St Erth in Blackwood to celebrate the launch of the GDTA’s Lerderderg Track Interpretive Signage project.

The signage tells the stories of the people who lived along the track and gives insights into the geology, the flora and fauna and the place names that track users encounter along the way.

Guests including GDTA Patron Steve Moneghetti and Mountain Bike Ambassador Lisa Jacobs praised the project for bringing the history of the track to life and making it easily accessible to track users.

Sponsors were represented by Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Ally Munari and representatives of three Bendigo Community Banks – Trentham, Bacchus Marsh and Daylesford.

Cr Munari talked about the importance of the project. “Projects like this make it more attractive for people to get out into our beautiful natural surrounds and keep active and healthy.”

The GDTA team who planned, researched and wrote the signage text and web stories for the 17 signage sites were Tim Bach, Arie Baelde, Ed Butler, pictured above, and Gib Wettenhall.

The interpretive signage project is the second stage of the GDTA's work to refurbish the Lerderderg Track. The Track was built by the GDTA as the final stage in the 310km Great Dividing Trail Network, which includes the Goldfields Track from Ballarat to Bendigo.

In recent years, the Lerderderg Track had fallen into disrepair. The GDTA obtained a substantial grant from the former Victorian Department of the Environment (currently DEECA) in 2018 to renew posts, signage and other infrastructure along the track. This first stage of the refurbishment was completed in 2020. Link: gdt.org.au/tracks/lerderderg-track/lerderderg-track-interpretive-signage

steak~seafood~ liquor

Open fireplace, Private dining, Balcony seating

over 100 cocktails

Gift certificates available online daylesfordsteakhouse.com.au

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.

HALF LAMB BOX

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Great value with a whole half lamb boxed. You can choose to have the shoulder left whole or as bbq chops, and you can also choose to have the shank taken off the roast so you get two shanks. Either way, this is incredibly good value for money with some of the best lamb you can buy.

DICED BEEF CHUCK 2KG - $40

Bangs of flavour from our own beyond free-range Greenhills Natural beef, our diced beef chuck is perfect for slow-braising, casseroles and stews.

How Lily unravels public transport

Public transport is a mystery for many people in Central Victoria. Yet nine buses leave Daylesford on most weekdays to link with trains to Melbourne and Ballarat.

Four go to Woodend, three to Ballarat and one to Ballan and Castlemaine, with an extra one to these last two towns on Fridays.

What’s more, concession fares for people such as seniors are $5.30 for unlimited weekday travel on train, tram or bus across Melbourne or the state. This drops to $3.60 at the weekend. And you can throw in four free travel days a year.

These insights come from Daylesford’s Lily Walden who has passionately taken up the cause of public transport by running free seminars for 70 people over five months and talking to local councillors and transport officials.

Her background in marketing services quickly becomes clear as her presentation starts. Up come reasons for using public transport: the main street of Daylesford is choked with cars, wildlife, the cost of fuel, potholes and perhaps an attraction to beer or wine.

Then there is the ferocious freeway traffic. And the ease to reach places such as South Melbourne beach, the Victoria Market, Melbourne Zoo and films at the old Pentridge Prison.

Where it gets tricky, however,

is that there are three transport ticket systems. V/ Line runs trains and buses to the State border, regional services operate between V/ Line and the Metropolitan system, which covers the city’s trains, trams and buses.

Where it gets tricky, however, is that there are three transport ticket systems. V/Line runs trains and buses to the State border, regional services operate between V/Line and the Metropolitan system, which covers the city’s trains, trams and buses.

Daylesford passengers just need to ask for a regional extension ticket for their return journey at a station where they leave their bus.

And for people going to Ballarat for medical appointments there is even a medical zone bus.

Daylesford’s buses leave from opposite the CFA in Bridport St, with the first leaving for Ballan at 6.15am. Three minutes later the Woodend bus leaves, with the Ballarat bus going at 7.15 There is also a 7.25 to Ballarat, 10.23 to Woodend, 2pm to Castlemaine, 3.18 to Woodend, 4.45 to Ballarat and 5.23 to Woodend.

Lily explains that someone wanting to shop in Melbourne or Ballarat can easily be back in Daylesford by mid-afternoon.

And for people wanting help travelling, the century-old, free Travellers Aid offers volunteers and other support to get to appointments, events, work or education. Showers, luggage stores, and change tables are among the facilities at Southern Cross. "They are available for everybody," says Lily.

If public transport is not your thing, you may prefer a simpler, more energetic form of travel and do what Lily once did: walk. From Ballarat to Bendigo, as well as Hepburn to Castlemaine.

Words: Kevin Childs

It's the full pull at Trentham

The Trentham Vintage Tractor Pull is on again this Sunday, April 28.

Hosted by the Trentham Rail and Tramways Association (TRATA) and kicking off at 10am, the event will take place at the historic railway precinct in Trentham.

“We originally did the tractor pull at Tylden for 19 years,” says organiser Victoria Hanson, “but this is the fifth time the vintage tractor pull has been held at the historic Trentham Railway Station.

“Competitors will be coming from all areas of Victoria to compete on machines ranging from under 20 horsepower right through to 150 horsepower.”

Along with the roar of vintage muscle tractors, there will be a classic car display, monster raffle, snacks, Devonshire tea and plenty of fun for the whole family.

All proceeds raised on the day go towards the restoration of the Trentham Historic Railway precinct.

For enquiries phone Leigh Sutcliffe on 0484 558 333 or Ross Hanson on 0428 176 996.

File image: Kyle Barnes

Native timber support available now

Native timber harvesting has ended in Victoria but support is still available.

Native timber businesses, workers and communities can continue to access a range of support including:

• The Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program

– including payments and training, 1:1 case management, employment services, health and wellbeing support.

• Business support

– including exit packages and funding to help diversify.

• Community support – health and wellbeing services.

For more information:

• Forestry Transition hotline - 1800 318 182

• Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program - 1800 122 001 vic.gov.au/forestry

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Kyle’s Rant

What a weird world we live in. A couple of issues ago I wrote my column about mushrooms and how I would avoid scavenging them and stick to the greengrocer. And I don't know what happened over at Clunes, but it is such an unfortunate situation that will impact on the lives of so many for so long.

Speaking of food or fresh food and in particular “The Fresh Food People”, Woolworths boss Brad Banducci was threatened with a contempt charge in a fiery Senate inquiry hearing last week. I did watch the news program which was a bit theatrical from chair Nick McKim who took issue with the CEO’s refusal to disclose his company’s return on equity. I guess with the cameras around it was his time to show who had a big stick.

As it turns out the contempt charge, if he had have been charged, was six months' jail time or a $5000 fine. I am sure 'old mate' who takes home $10.6 million in salary was quaking in his boots at the thought of the fine. I am pretty confident just like the many inquiries that have gone before this current one, little to no action will happen at our (the customers), end of things. A bit of an apology and some head-down, bumup behaviour will be called for, before they get back to business as usual.

It's like the whole petrol price rise débâcle that usually happens before a long weekend. That toothless tiger of an organisation, the ACCC, gets involved and really gets the petrol companies on the ropes, right? The thing is that the ACCC's parent is the Department of Treasury, which enjoys the spoils of our petrol consumption at an excise rate increase from 48.8 cents per litre which has just gone up to 49.6 cents per litre. So why would they bite the hand that throws the sausages?

And have you ever heard of surge pricing? This is a legal practice that enables companies such as airlines to put up prices when they are busy. Imagine when we at TL HQ brought out that 104-page whopper of a paper in early February if we could have invoked surge pricing. Our advertisers would have laughed us out the door. We are local and real human beings whereas surge pricing is fabulous for the faceless AI bots that serve the mainframes of the airline computers.

And we go full circle to another grocery store, Blake Family Grocers. Daylesford’s small specialty grocery store going about its own business. The management team have long since decided to go cash free and what an uproar from the great unwashed.

Online diatribe like “they have to take cash it’s legal tender” were floating about. Well, no they don’t, they don’t have to take your cash or serve you if you're being a dickhead, it is their business how they conduct their business and if you don’t like it, go somewhere else.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to see cash remain and I don’t want the bastards knowing everything, and I still do operate personally with cash albeit a bit less since the pandemic.

But you can’t tell a business how to run its business. You can leave feedback and advice, but a business is just that, a business not a community service.

For example, here at TL HQ we have had many suggestions on how to run the show over the years. And we have developed our business from the ground up taking on some suggestions and ignoring others, but the one rule we always invoke and is the only suggestion I have for other businesses, is the “no arsehole rule”. These folks are painful, take up too much energy and will hassle you when it's time to pay the ferryman - even when they are at the other side.

No arsehole rant over…

Local Lines

haiku

rectangular frame of morning light marmalade on toast

wisteria stem claims a wisp of spider web

butter flies on the driveway ginkgo leaves on the driveway butterflies

possum thwomp on the roof in the night heavy heart

closed down cafe in a flower box outside pink petals open

- Bill Wootton

This haiku series is dedicated by Bill to Harry’s cafe in Hepburn Springs and all its affable latte-serving staff. Also Frank and Connie’s. Gone but not forgotten.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Hey! I’m Stevie. I’m a handsome white male ferret and I am about five years old.

I am a super sweet and very friendly boy and I enjoy exploring and being cuddled.

I am blind so it’s important to go slow and let me sniff you – to make sure it’s you – when handling me. I'll be your best little buddy. I would love to find a great new home where I will be given a lot of love and attention. MAAW Source No.

BRI00938

Come and meet me at the MAAW shelter in Castlemaine. Ph: 5472 5277.

(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie & Curly - we picked them. And proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock.

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

What an extraordinary thing Ros Pyers has done. Generously donated to not just one but four organisations.

And that is after a lifetime of already donating her time as a volunteer to even more groups - and working as an educator, surely one of the most important roles in our community.

So it is no wonder the beneficiaries of her generosity are Hepburn Primary School and Daylesford Primary School along with the Daylesford Community Brass Band - her love of music shining through, and Daylesford and District Historical Societyanother love, history.

As Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood, who attended a small celebration of the donations last week said, the impact of Ros's generosity and compassion will be felt for many years to come. "This is such a wonderful gesture and one that will make an incredible difference to our children and the wider community."

Now I don't know the Pyers couple very well - although in recent times I have spent a bit of time, in his role with the Daylesford Highland Gathering, with Ros's husband of 67 years Keith.

I also know Keith as the go-to Justice of the Peace, who during those dark days of Covid, continued to offer his services with a desk and a couple of chairs on the verandah of the couple's home. That is commitment and kindness, which is what Keith and Ros seem to be all about.

Keith was also a teacher and involved as a volunteer in many organisationsand has spent a lot of time and effort ensuring Ros's donations came to fruition. Congratulations to you both, and thank you from myself and your community. It would be wonderful if your actions encourage others to do something similar. It certainly has me thinking. Oh, and a very happy 90th to you both!

I would also like to thank our journo Narelle Groenhout for writing the story, on page 3 if you skipped past, with such love and kindness. I would have loved to have gone along myself but was away - and just knew this had Narelle's name all over it.

You might remember Narelle writing about the terrible accident in Daylesford last year - she was there when it happened and felt compelled to share her feelings, again, all about love and compassion. And just between us, she and her husband Pat, did amazing, although they would never tell you that.

Finally, I really have enjoyed putting this edition together. Sometimes, to be honest, it's work but this time it was just fantastic to see so many stories, and advertising, coming through. Like we are really back.

We started off with 28 pages and then more stories arrived, so I bumped it up to 32 pages and then more stories arrived so I made the decision on Friday to go up to 36 pages. Hopefully it will stay there, because I am running out of steam now.

But it's a great edition and nice to get back into after our break in Japan. We had a great time, and our grand-nephew loved it too. He really "got" Japan which not every one does. And here is a final Japan pic I just had to share. We found ourselves in a bar, strange that, and as I chatted to the manager in Japanese, he said he had a surprise for us. He disappeared and returned with a geisha. True story. But Kyle was just a little too enamoured. 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, call 0427 131 249 or head to the Ageing DisGracefully Facebook page.

Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.

W RD CROSS

To market...

Every Sunday - Daylesford Sunday Market

First Saturday - Daylesford Farmers Market, Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market, Golden Plains Farmers Market, Woodend Farmers Market

First Sunday - Castlemaine Artists’ Market

Second Saturday - Trentham Community Group Market, Kyneton Farmers Market, Ballan Farmers Market, Kyneton Rotary Community Market

Second Sunday - Maldon Market, Clunes Farmers Market

Third Saturday - Trentham Farmers and Makers Market, Glenlyon Farmers Market, Leonards Hill Market, Creswick Market

Third Sunday - Talbot Farmers Market, Woodend Lions Market, Malmsbury Farmers Market

Fourth Sunday - Trentham Station Sunday Market, Buninyong Village Market

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