The Local April 24, 2024

April 24, 2023 Issue 278 Community spirit

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Front cover: Sandy Breen is the new president of the 5000 Club but it's from from a one-man or woman, show. The club relies on volunteers and support from generous businesses, organisations and individuals. A real community effort. Read all about the club on page 4.

Image: Contributed

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

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

The next edition is out on Monday, May 8, 2023. or online on Sunday, May 7 at www.tlnews.com.au

Space bookings: Wednesday, May 3

Copy deadline: Thursday, May 4

Editorial deadline: Thursday, May 4

General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au

Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or news@tlnews.com.au

Editorial assistant: Eve Lamb on 0493 632 843 or editorial@tlnews.com.au

Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat

Writers: Eve Lamb, Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout & Donna Kelly

Photographers: Kyle Barnes, Eve Lamb & Nadine Jade

Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness

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

Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Beck's simple message: #Checkyourboobs

BECK Lewis has breast cancer, but she doesn’t want your sympathy. She wants you to check your boobs. And that’s you blokes as well.

In October last year, the 41-year-old was happily looking forward to a few weeks of long service leave, after working as a casual for seven years, mostly at That Bargain Place, and also Brick Lane Bazaar, both in Daylesford.

But finding “a weird lump” in her underarm eventually put paid to some muchearned time off. Beck knew something was not quite right but friends and family told her she was too young to worry about breast cancer. “Many people told me it was just a cyst and I was overreacting,” she said.

Beck put the doctor’s visit off for six weeks but after feeling it again, and knowing in the back of her mind she had to take action, made the call. It was just as well she did.

“I had an ultrasound and the woman doing it was all chatty and there seemed to be no worry about that lump but then she went a bit quiet after finding another one in the upper part of my breast. A week later I got a call to go to Ballarat Base Hospital for more scans and they booked me in for an ultrasound which led to multiple mammograms and more ultrasounds. And in the afternoon, a half hour core biopsy followed by another mammogram after inserting a tiny marker, called a magseed. You know then something is really wrong.”

One week later, on January 19, Beck returned to see a doctor. She and her very supportive partner Aaron Reading waited 40 minutes, and just as he left for a quick toilet break, the doctor walked in with a McGrath Foundation breast nurse to share the bad news. She asked them to wait for Aaron’s return.

“That is when the shock set it and I didn’t really know what shock was before that. I remember looking at the wall, trying to process everything, this was happening to me, looking at the wall again, trying to process again. I was shaking and then the tears came. I didn’t want them to, they just came. They told me 10 women received the same news as me, in that building, that day.”

Beck was fast-tracked for surgery just four days later with no time to think about the future. “I just knew I had cancer and it was coming out. During the ultrasound it was measured at 16mm but when it was removed it was 20mm. I was told it had been growing for 10 years, since the age of 31, and had just started to spread over the past two or three years.

“There are three grades - one, two and three, and I had grade two, not good or bad but because I got it relatively early they said it was 99.9 per cent curable. If it had been grade 3 things would be very different. Because I got in early, I avoided chemo. And the radiation is really, just to quote the medical people, to 'mop up' anything left after surgery.”

Beck had a week off work, thanks to that hard-earned long service leave, and then went back to work on light duties for six weeks, waiting and getting ready for radiation treatment. “I had to have 19 treatments in total. Fifteen plus four, they call it. The last four are a different technology, stronger. And the radiation takes place every day except weekends and public holidays. Having Easter and Anzac Day public holidays have extended my treatment.”

Beck is now down to her last few treatments this week and while her breast is red and raw, and likely to start blistering, she does not have pain which she thinks might be because she takes daily antihistamine tablets for a skin issue.

Having daily radiation treatment has “thrown a spanner in the works” to say the least for the woman used to getting up, getting things sorted and getting to work.

Daily trips to Ballarat from Hepburn Springs and back, and waiting for treatment while talking to other patients or reading a book, are not much fun. Less so when one of the two radiation machines breaks down, as happened recently. Despite any malfunctions, Beck is quick to add she has huge admiration for those working at the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Care unit.

It is probably not as much admiration as those around have for her and the way she has taken on her diagnosis and treatment – also taking time for daily updates on social media under #checkyourboobs – with the eye-catching eight-ball emojis. They have already led to many people leaving messages of not just support but “just got my boobs checked – thanks Beck!”.

“I really just want people to check their boobs. Men as well. And if anything feels wrong then go to the doctor, check it out. Follow your intuition, you know your body. And if people say you are too young, or too old, or too healthy, just ignore that and get checked. Don’t put it off. It could save your life.”

Oddly, given all she is still doing to give back with her message while going through treatment, Beck said she had been surprised by the support from her community, friends and family. It’s coming in spades.

“I really want to thank the community, no need to name anyone, they know who they are. And my workplaces, That Bargain Place – I love that place, and Brick Lane Bazaar, have been wonderful. My thinking through all of this is, I am going to get better, it is just a little hurdle, and then I get back to my new normal. And to everyone, please check your boobs!”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Luka Spoljaric

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE TWO TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS WITH 4G/5G IN TRENTHAM AND GLENLYON

1. The proposed works consist of:

10 Station St Trentham VIC 3458

https://www.rfnsa.com.au/3458001

• Removal of (6) panel antennas

• Installation of (6) panel antennas 2.533m long and (3) AIR antennas 0.827m long

• Ancillary works including cabling and the replacement of (6) tower mast amplifiers, installation of (3) remote radio units and (3) junction boxes

• Internal works in the existing equipment shelter

28 Molesworth Street Glenlyon VIC 3461

https://www.rfnsa.com.au/3461007

• Installation of (3) AIR antennas 0.827m long

• Ancillary works including the replacement of (6) tower mast amplifiers, installation of (3) remote radio units and (3) junction boxes

• Internal works in the existing equipment shelter

2. Telstra regards each of the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564: 2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposals. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au by Wednesday 10th May. Further information can also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au

Telstra Limited A.C.N 086 174 781 Acquirecomm Pty Ltd A.C.N: 603 876 240

Community spirit

THE 5000 Club's newly elected president, Sandy Breen, says she has big shoes to fill.

Founder and patron Loretta Little has stepped down 14 years after establishing the weekly community lunch in Daylesford.

Her philosophy was to provide a weekly lunch for the local community with an emphasis on those who otherwise may not be in a position to enjoy a nutritious three-course meal, and also to provide a social connection to help alleviate loneliness and encourage new friendships.

Sandy says 14 years down the track and The 5000 Club is still going strong, largely due to a group of dedicated volunteers, some pictured left, who preside over the weekly lunches each Friday from noon to 1pm in the pavilion at the Daylesford footy ground.

"Our cook Pauline and several of the volunteers provide food for the lunches out of our own coffers each week.

"During the Covid years when we were forced to close our doors, our bank balance remained static, but now in our second year back in operation, we are certainly feeling the pinch of inflation on all fronts. It is not mandatory but we do welcome a small donation from our guests each week."

Sandy said the club was recently approached by the manager of the Daylesford Bowling Club, Neil Jordan. He invited them to be the recipient of the bowling club's Thursday night Community Meat Tray Raffles for April and May.

"It was music to our ears and we jumped at the opportunity to raise muchneeded funds. The bowling club sells tickets at $2 each throughout the week which culminates in the Thursday night raffle. Vollies from The 5000 Club will be in attendance. We have already discovered how good the meals are - and inexpensive too."

Sandy said someone must have been looking after them because "out of the blue" they were asked by Daylesford's Farmers Arms if they would like to fill a gap during April at the hotel's Friday night Meat Tray Raffle. Once again, they replied in the affirmative.

"It never rains, but it pours," says treasurer Tim Cansfield-Smith. "That's cool, we love rain." Tim said The 5000 Club volunteers would sell tickets on the night and gratefully receive the proceeds of the raffles that take place each Friday around 7.30pm until April 28 for the club.

Sandy said support for the club also came from several local businesses including occasional grants from the Daylesford District Community Bank, Hepburn Shire Council and Daylesford Rotary. They are also indebted to Bakers Delight, Wombat Hill Florist, The Daylesford Meat Co, Hepburn Spa Company "and our dear friends at The Local - we thank you all for your continued support".

"We are also putting out feelers to encourage several other local food suppliers to help with donations of surplus items. If any local businesses or individuals would be interested in sponsoring us, please contact Tim on 0412 446 437," Sandy said.

"Not long ago a local Blampied farmer gave us a box of zucchinis and another farmer gives us potatoes, all of which are turned into delicious lunch items.

"(And) when a well-known (but anonymous) local donated $100 because 'she just wanted to be able to help' we were very humbled. Her observation was that the 5000 Club is an extremely worthwhile addition to our community and should be supported. We have also just had Daylesford Country Retreats come on board with a very helpful donation. Thank you Brendan and Troy for your thoughtful generosity.

"Times are tough and money is tight, but the volunteers of The 5000 Club are dedicated to providing wholesome lunches for our guests - between 35 and 40 each week - and are determined that these lunches remain an important part of each week. And we know only too well that we couldn't achieve this without great dollops of community spirit."

For more details, email The5000Club@hotmail.com or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram

Front page pic: Sandy Breen arranges flowers donated every week by Wombat Hill Florist - always appreciated by the guests - to grace the tables at The 5000 Club Friday lunches

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

Disclaimer: We love The 5000 Club.

Good Friday Appeal, the wash-up, literally

THE rain pelted down but the staunch team of volunteers were not to be beaten as they sloshed about, collecting for this month’s Good Friday Appeal on the main street of Daylesford.

They may have been weather-blasted but their volunteering spirit shone through like a ray of sunshine – as did the generosity of innumerable locals and visitors who opened their purses, wallets and hearts.

Ultimately, when the adding up was done, they’d raised a total of $20,520 toward the critically important work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Local coordinator of the annual Good Friday Appeal for Daylesford and Surrounds, Natalie Kirby, was impressed by the community spirit.

“It’s pretty amazing given that it poured rain all day which made it a very cold and very wet experience for our volunteers who were out in it and really had to face the elements. One volunteer said she’d probably be less drenched if she’d gone for a swim.”

Natalie also said they were particularly grateful for the marquee that had been provided by Biggin Scott Daylesford real estate agents, who were the main sponsors of the appeal locally. “The Biggin Scott marquee was very, very useful,” Natalie said. “We had volunteers who were locals and volunteers from Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo who had connections to our community.

“It was really an incredible effort by the volunteers and they included school children as young as six and seven year olds helping out, and locals like the two Tanias – Tania Henderson and Tania Grant - who have both been volunteering for the Good Friday Appeal for more than 20 years.

“The fire brigade brought in their truck and went to the two holiday parks and that probably added $1200 to the total. And the Spa Country Railway held train rides which raised over $800, and Blooms the Chemist also raised over $500 through a sausage sizzle.”

The Daylesford and district effort was added to those of other communities from around Victoria and beyond, producing an exceptional record breaking fundraising tally for the annual appeal of $23,061,320. Images: Contributed

Images, clockwise from top right, left to right, Tania Henderson & Tania Grant, Kayla Manning & Natalie Kirby, Xavier Hughes, Paige Ware & Joel Ware, Daylesford Fire Brigade volunteers, and Sophie Monaghan, Leah Monaghan & Marg Cattanach

Work is expected to start soon on the upgrade of Daylesford Hospital’s operating theatre.

Central Highlands Rural Health received an additional $1.6 million in contingency funds from the Victorian Health Building Authority this month to cover significant increases in build and materials costs due to global supply shortages.

The contingency funds will add to the $4.5 million grant from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund for the upgrade, including an expanded operating theatre, six patient recovery beds, toilets, staffroom, reception, waiting room, interview room and offices.

A new group which aims to support people dealing with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress or any feelings of sadness or despair is being held each week in Kyneton.

Tools 4 Living Well is facilitated by one of Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s counsellors and the sessions draw on the experience of members of the group as they share their stories and their strategies on managing their mental health.

The group gives people the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar life experiences. The free sessions also include practical skills such as mindfulness and breathing exercises which can improve a person’s wellbeing. Contact Gina Alvarez on 5421 1617 or gina.alvarez@scchc.org.au

There are now 21 Priority Primary Care Centres in Victoria, including Ballarat which opened in December.

The centres accept walk-ins and bookings, with doctors and nurses on site to treat common conditions like mild infections, lacerations, fractures and burns, as well as diagnostic services including pathology and medical imaging.

The Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre, operated by UFS Medical and at 4 Windermere Street, is open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year for urgent care when it’s not an emergency. This includes weekends and all public holidays.

Treatment is free, even if people are not eligible for a Medicare card. Patients can either walk in, or phone the centre on 4320 0820. www.ballaratppcc.com.au

Every Tuesday 9.30am

Statewide Drive, Nicole 'temporarily replaced'

ABC Radio has “temporarily” replaced weekday regional program Statewide Drive with Melbourne Drive.

A spokesperson said the move came after “operational reasons outside our control”.

“We are working hard to have the show back on air as soon as possible and apologise to our regional Drive listeners for any inconvenience.”

The spokesperson said he did not have a timeframe for the return of the popular show, hosted for many years by Malmsbury’s Nicole Chvastek.

“I don’t have a timeframe, sorry. As soon as possible is what I’m told. And you can definitely say the show is returning. It hasn’t been axed!!” The spokesman said he believed Ms Chvastek would return with the show.

In March, The Local approached the ABC with some questions after hearing from a number of sources that the regional division was being axed after a decision in December. A spokesperson said then that the ABC’s commitment to servicing audiences outside the major capital cities and in regional Australia was not changing.

“The ABC has just completed a significant expansion of its regional network, putting 60 more journalists into locations in regional Australia. These are in addition to the 80 content roles added as part of our Connecting Communities Project between 2017-18.

“We now have around 600 content makers working and living in regional towns and cities, including the largest team of specialist rural reporters in the world.

“The ABC’s 58 regional bureaus provide vital services to the nation. Coverage of local, state and national issues, significant conversations for communities everywhere and the broadcast of crucial information during emergency events remain at the heart of what the ABC does.

“In December, managing director David Anderson flagged plans for a restructure of the content teams which will see the regional newsrooms become part of the ABC News division. At that time, he expressly stated that the ABC’s deep commitment to serving audiences in regional Australia remains strong. Details of the new structure are currently being developed with our teams.”

A number of people have vented their anger and spoken in support of Statewide Drive and Ms Chvastek on social media.

“So so wrong….rural people deserve rural news…bring back Nicole… Melbourne is not our domain.”

“This is terrible news. We need Nicole Chvastek on our airwaves. I wouldn't have thought ABC Ballarat made the decision, think it's higher up the food chain. I'll contact ABC Melbourne in the first instance.”

“It is very much disregard of rural Vic. All the issues that were relevant to this part of Victoria/Ballarat and suburbs around including our farmers who have ABC on 100% of time will not be able to access information. It stinks. In our little village of Clunes, Nicole’s program and Nicole are loved, listened to and trusted. Poor form ABC.”

“What the hell has happened to the ABC? And this under a federal Labor government.”

“Another example of rural theft. Government happy to take regional produce, resources and taxes but fail to invest in these communities because their voices are not valued. Shameful decision by ABC News.”

“No way! Regional Victoria needs regional radio! Nicole was/is a great supporter of all volunteers in our states emergency services. We need her voice!”

“We have many reasons to require regional forums to hear and to be heard. Don’t make us the second-rate unheard country cousins ABC.”

“What hypocrites, big on supporting females in the workplace then axe one of the best and most talented female interviewers. Maybe the big energy companies shaking in their shiny shoes because she would not take their BS.”

“I think that we are seeing that even the ABC (thinks) regional Australia doesn’t exist or need any regional affairs programs. I fear that anything outside of the 50 kilometres from Melbourne CBD is considered remote and unworthy.”

“Everything has to be Melbourne centric now days.”

“We aren't interested in hearing Melbourne’s woes, that's why we don't live there.”

“Nicole is a (local) legend!! No way.”

Ms Chvastek could not be contacted for comment before print time.

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

Creswick EV: No movement at the station

Two months after it was scheduled for activation the new public EV charge station at Creswick remains yet to be activated.

The 50 kW Chargefox station was installed beside the town’s visitor information centre in Albert Street in December and had been expected to be up and running by late February.

But it still remains to be switched on, leaving local EV users asking “when?” and “why the delay?” as they fork out the EV Road Users Charge and check the public PlugShare website, that lists locations of charge stations nationwide, for updates.

Both the Hepburn Shire Council and Hepburn Energy, collaborators in the new station’s installation, declined to speak publicly, citing a “state government embargo”.

However The Local’s various enquiries, including of Chargefox itself, suggest the new station will likely be activated in the next couple of weeks pending arrangements involving Chargefox and Powercor.

The PlugShare website was listing the new station as “Coming soon” while stating also that “parks have been painted and wiring begun as of 23/12/2022”. Comments posted on the site illustrate EV drivers’ frustration at finding the station still unusable.

Meanwhile the number of charge stations that are operable in Hepburn Shire does include the Creswick RACV Forest Resort’s 7kw type 2 Chargefox free charge station, while others listed across the shire include:

Daylesford - 25kw Chargefox public charge station, front of town hall, Vincent Street & 22kw Tesla Destination station, the Lake House, King Street.

Hepburn Springs Recreation Reserve - two slow charging power outlets on side of building open 24/7; Peppers spa retreat free 10 amp slow charge wall plug for hotel guests to use, Tenth Street

Musk - Prani Glow Day Spa 7kw Tesla Destination charger

Lyonville - Radio Springs Hotel Bed & Breakfast 14kw Tesla Destination charger

Newlyn Recreation Reserve, slow charge power point inside toilet block, (power outlet three metre power lead required)

Others in the area include: Kyneton 50.065kw Evie Network fast charger in Hutton Street; Newstead Enviro Shop J-1772, type 2 charge station; Castlemaine 50.065 Evie Network fast charger, Market Building carpark; two 10 amp slow charge outlets at Castlemaine Park and Garden parking, Downes Road; 5kw Tesla Destination charge station, Campbell Street Lodge; and Woodend 50kw Evie Network charger at 124 High Street.

In addition to the still-to-be activated Creswick site, new charge stations are slated for Hepburn Springs and Trentham in coming months after Chargefox secured $159,500 through the state’s Destination Charging Across Victoria Program to install the new 50 kW DC fast-chargers at the three local locations and Apollo Bay.

Words: Eve Lamb

Visitor numbers up

The Daylesford Macedon Ranges region is a clear winner when it comes to overnight visitation and spend – according to the latest National Visitor Survey results.

Released by Tourism Research Australia earlier this month, the latest visitation figures capture the quarter ending December 2022. They report on overnight visitation, overnight spend and daytrip visitation and spend.

According to the results, the Daylesford Macedon Ranges region had the strongest growth in overnight visitation compared to any other region in Victoria –with an 80 per cent growth compared to the same time in 2021. On an annual basis, the region is also in equal first spot - with Geelong and the Bellarine, with 52 per cent growth.

Daylesford Macedon Tourism CEO Steve Wroe said it was a fantastic result. “Overnight visitors to our region are worth over $500 per person, so to see such a strong growth in overnight visitors is extremely positive.”

Another key metric is overnight spend. In the quarter ending December 2022, the Daylesford Macedon Ranges region had Victoria’s second highest year-on-year spend growth, at 113 per cent with Geelong and the Bellarine leading at 115 per cent growth.

As for daytrip visitation and spend, for the December 2022 quarter, the region had the highest growth of any in Victoria year-on-year spend, 197 per cent, and the highest growth in daytrip visitation for the quarter at 91 per cent.

“What all of this equates to is an extremely healthy visitor economy when it comes to visitation and spend. Our annual performance has been near or at the top of the table in terms of overnight and daytrip visitation and spend compared to other Victorian regions. More excitingly, our quarterly growth, the most current numbers from December 2022, have us at number one or two in all categories.”

Mr Wroe said the numbers could be attributed to a couple of different factors including marketing by DMT and "the amazing group of operators and experiences that we have within the region, continually delivering a world-class product and experiences that both attracts new visitors and keeps return travellers visiting time and time again".

Just briefly...

Poet Ross Gillett will launch fellow poet Bill Wootton's new poetry collection, Watch, at Radius Arts, 76 Main Road, Hepburn Springs on Saturday, May 6, from 3pm-5pm. All welcome.

Bill runs Local Lines in The Local, spreading the joy, complexity and fun of poetry to its readers every edition. The title poem of his collection, Watch, features in this edition on page 22.

Hepburn Shire Council is running a number of Sustainability and Resilience workshops at the Trentham Neighbourhood House.

They include: Saturday, April 29 - Keeping Backyard Chickens, Wednesday, May 10 - Working with Clay (art as therapy), Saturday, June 3 - Working with Clay (art as therapy), Saturday, June 10 - Eat well, feel well, look well and Saturday, June 24Bringing Solar into your Home. Registrations: www.trenthamnc.org.au/classes

Victoria’s jobs growth is leading the nation.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that 39,200 new jobs were created in Victoria last month with the participation rate now at a record high of 67.7 per cent. Victoria’s regional unemployment rate has also been slashed in half to 3.2 per cent.

A new Environment Protection Authority Victoria registration for farmers using waste tyres in silage production will help reduce the risk of fire and harm to human health and the environment.

Farmers, or anyone, using and/or storing 5m3 (about the size of a small skip bin) of waste tyres as weights for silage production, have until July 1 to apply for a registration. Link: www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/permissions/registrations/b04guidance-on-waste-tyres-for-silage-production

The 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants and the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are now open to volunteers and kids care for the state’s precious environment and biodiversity.

Grants of up to $5000 will be available for projects that provide childcare centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, scouts, girl guides and youth groups with a chance to participate in hands-on projects including planting indigenous gardens, building habitat to attract native insects and birds, collecting data about nature and excursions to wildlife sanctuaries. Link: environment.vic.gov.au/grants

Traditional owners in south-west and central Victoria are being supported to conduct cultural burning on country as part of ongoing work towards Aboriginal self-determination.

Ten projects will be funded with a total grant of $6.3 million. The grant program supports traditional owners to care for country, investing in projects that promote self-determination through land management and enhance cultural and environmental values on country. Cultural fire is used by traditional owners to heal country and fulfil their rights and obligations to care for country.

Hepburn Shire Council is developing an Agricultural Land and Rural Settlement Strategy, the first of its strategic planning projects that make up Future Hepburn.

The strategy aims to increase understanding of existing and future farming practices, changing trends, emerging technology and farming systems across the shire and establish a long-term plan to manage land use in our farming areas. It will also build understanding about the significant climate change risks in the shire and how land use planning can respond to these risks. The strategy includes a public survey which closes on May 12. Copies of the survey are available at libraries and customer service hubs or head to www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/future-hepburn

Hepburn Shire Council has endorsed joining a Visitor Economy Partnership with neighbouring councils in Ballarat, Moorabool, Pyrenees and Golden Plains, along with representatives from the tourism industry and the Victorian Government to continue to boost tourism to the region.

Joining the Visitor Economy Partnership will result in cross-regional cooperation and partnerships, maximising visitation to the broader region, especially in the leadup to the Commonwealth Games in 2026. It will also provide additional industrystrengthening support available to businesses in the west of the shire. The new partnership begins on July 1 and will complement the continued work of Daylesford Macedon Tourism to market and attract visitors to Hepburn Shire. Got a brief to share? Email news@tlnews.com.au

Artists of the Central Highlands

TRENTHAM'S Morag Turner hails originally from Lanarkshire, Scotland and it was her love of art that led to her completing a degree in textile design which then led to her moving to Australia. Today she’s inspired by the landscape and natural beauty she sees around her. But this well-established local artist is equally at home turning her talent to life drawing and portraiture, and to realism or abstractionism.

Eve: How do you describe your artistic style?

Morag: I work mainly in artistic realism, without trying to be photographic. I also do abstract, life drawing and have been practising pencil portraits.

Eve: How did you come to art?

Morag: As a child I loved creating and drawing. I won art prizes at school. I got my degree in textile design and built a career. That’s what got me to Australia. It was a desired profession. I didn’t practice art for over 25 years. Life got in the way, immigrating three times, being a working mum and a marriage break-up. The kids flew the nest and I got remarried. My husband is extremely supportive and encouraging. He is building me a studio and comes to all the exhibitions I enjoy when travelling.

Eve: Which artists have influenced your work?

Morag: Dali’s imagination and drawing skill and Van Gogh’s use of colour and movement. Like Monet, I use my garden as an endless source of subjects. I was lucky enough to visit his gardens in Giverny and stood under the wisteria on the bridge over the lily pond. A very special moment.

Melbourne artist Paul Borg taught me a lot when I attended his art school. One of the reasons we moved to Trentham was because of the art in the area. I am now privileged to be part of a local life drawing group. I draw alongside very inspirational artists Rose Wilson, Helen Cottle and Louise Otten. Great artists and lovely people.

Eve: What is your medium of choice?

Morag: Traditionally I’ve used watercolour, but more recently I love painting with oils and drawing with graphite. My dad always wanted me to use oils like he did, but I preferred watercolour.

On holiday here 10 years ago he left his oil paints behind and gave me a quick rundown before leaving for Scotland. My husband gifted me lessons with Paul Borg and I have never looked back. I like to experiment with different mediums in travel sketchbooks.

Eve: What is your subject matter of choice?

Morag: Nature, flowers, trees, landscape and the human form. Nature is so varied. No two trees are the same. I love drawing the human form as it’s so unique.

Eve: Have you ever worked in any other area besides your arts practice?

Morag: Yes, I’m a public servant. I work full-time. Roll on retirement.

Eve: What are you working on at the moment in your current arts practice?

Morag: I am putting together a collection of flowers. I am playing with the composition and using close-ups to give a different aspect, making the subject not obvious at first glance.

Eve: Do you like to play music when you create your art?

Morag: I like to listen to gentle, but not elevator, music. My own playlist or Spotify café list.

Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?

Morag: Selling paintings. It’s a thrill when somebody wants my artwork in their home.

Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up?

Morag: We are in the process of renovating my studio. I am planning an open studio for the Melbourne Cup weekend. I am considering an exhibition in a local gallery.

Eve: What do you think are the main challenges for practicing artists today?

Morag: The digital world. Photography, photoshop, CAD. Look what has happened to animation. Computers have taken over people skills.

with Eve Lamb

Eve: And the rewards?

Morag: I find art relaxing and de-stressing. I appreciate that many of the traditions in the art world no longer exist. I enjoy working from photographs. I experiment with mixing mediums - unlike the impressionists who were shunned for being different.

Image: Eve Lamb

"My husband gifted me lessons with Paul Borg and I have never looked back. I like to experiment with different mediums in travel sketchbooks."

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Autumn trees for dazzling colour

To many, the most beautiful time of the garden year is spring, the season of re-birth, when trees and shrubs burst forth with fresh new growth, flowers are blooming everywhere and air is fresh with their scent and the promise of bright new things to come.

But to me, the most colourful and dramatic time of year is now, when deciduous trees and shrubs everywhere turn on a dazzling display of coloured foliage before shedding their growth and shutting up shop for the winter.

A drive in almost any direction at this time of year will provide you with a neverending spectacle of varying shades of gold, brown, orange and red, and, if you are thinking about adding autumn colour to your garden, you will see them at their best.

The hybrid, ornamental grapevine (pictured above) vitis vinifera, has been let grow this year, to form a garland of colour in the adjacent silver pittosporum tenuifolium.

Deciduous trees, although bare in winter, have several benefits other than providing a once-in-the-year crop of leafy mulch. They also provide colour twice a year, autumn leaves, then spring flowers and in some cases, fruit.

One of the most striking of the autumn foliage trees is liquidambar - an upright conical tree with beautifully coloured, maple-like leaves that turn from a liquid gold to a deep purplish red. They vary in colour because they are generally grown from seed.

A hybrid form, L. Festeri, is a more compact, fast-growing tree of up to 10 metres that will always turn a deep reddish-bronze shade and will always holds its leaves right up until June.

One of my all time favourites, especially for smaller gardens, is the Washington Thorn (crataegus phaenopyrum).

A beautiful, compact small tree that will grow to approximately five metres high, this is a show off for most of the year for as well as its beautifully coloured red and orange autumn foliage, it also has masses of small white flowers in the spring followed in summer by clusters of small scarlet berries that will hang right through until the following spring.

One of my favourites, a most useful and rewarding autumn-foliaged tree that will grow under any conditions and provide interest and colour for almost every month of the year is the golden rain tree, koelreuteria paniculata.

Apart from any other attribute, koelreuteria is the tree that inspired the Willow pattern chinaware design so known and loved throughout the world and is a beautifully shaped tree, growing up to five metres high.

During spring the tree is covered with long, gracefully sweeping panicles of fine, golden-yellow blooms. In summer these form large seed pods that are themselves a deep old-gold colour, these remain to colour the tree until winter. In autumn the foliage attains a deep golden-yellow colouring before falling.

Koelreuteria is one of the most resistant trees to strongly alkaline soils and will withstand hot, dry winds and long periods of drought. In fact, it will thrive practically anywhere.

For larger gardens in almost any climate, where height or size are no problem, the ash twins - the golden fraxinus excelsior aurea and fraxinus raywoodii or claret ash, which, as its name implies, turns to a deep reddish colour in the autumn.

Either or both are so perfect for creating a shady retreat that they are used extensively as street or park trees almost everywhere, indicating their ability to thrive in almost any situation. Got

DAYLESFORD WATER MAINS CLEANING

Water mains cleaning in the Daylesford water supply system is scheduled to commence on Thursday 18 May 2023 and will continue for approximately 3 weeks.

The program is carried out periodically and is an important routine maintenance program to ensure the drinking water we supply to customers continues to be of highest quality and safe to drink.

Our 2023 water mains cleaning program requires a temporary interruption to the water supply in your area.

To find out more, visit our website: chw.net.au/daylesford-water-mains-cleaning

How to prepare:

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

VNI West project - Council made a strong and clear submission to the energy regulator AEMO in response to the VNI West consultation report. The key aspects of our submission highlighted the need for greater transparency; a call for serious consideration of undergrounding through specific areas; noted the threat to the UNESCO World Heritage bid for the Central Goldfields; called for reconsideration of the route; and noted the social and environmental factors are not being given sufficient weighting.

In a timely intervention, two leading transmission industry experts recently described the project’s current plans as a “monumental mistake” and “biggest mistake in transmission planning in living memory”. Their submission attacked the technical aspects and argued that the existing infrastructure and easements in Gippsland should be used instead of the proposed solution. The experts also noted with concern the prospect of electricity bills tripling; a tenfold increase in bushfire risk; the increased likelihood of blackouts; and they too referenced the “needless harm” to communities…

Council remains of the view that this project does not have the necessary social license with which to proceed. We will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our community for a better outcome.

Council will provide ongoing updates via Council’s engagement website at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/VNI-West

Lobbying State Government

• Council is seeking a review to expand Creswick’s ambulance operations to 24/7, noting that in this critically important part of the healthcare system ambulance response times in Hepburn Shire are significantly behind the state average – 19 minutes compared to 13. Such an upgrade in the west of the Shire would complement the new ambulance station to be created in Trentham, in the east of the Shire, later this year.

• Council is calling for the formation of a Social and Affordable Housing Compact. Such a partnership between the state and local governments was originally called for by the state government way back in November 2020. The Compact would assist in addressing the crisis in housing and to ameliorate the significant issues faced by local governments.

• Council has continued our advocacy for additional funding required to complete the Creswick Trails project, which will be the site of the mountain bike events in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Community grants open - Round 4 of Community Grants is open until Friday 28 April. If you are part of a community group or not-for-profit organisation and are looking to fund a new project we want to hear from you. Take a look at the guidelines and apply via our website.

Community events - The past month has featured a number of prominent community events – including Clunes Booktown and CresFest. Both of these events were very well attended and a credit to the hardworking organisers and their army of volunteers. The events also demonstrate Council’s ongoing support of the community and in their own way are a celebration of our diversity and acknowledgment of significant and valuable contributions by community members.

Cr Brian Hood, MAYOR

COUNCIL PLAN FOCUS AREAS

AGRICULTURAL LAND & RURAL SETTLEMENT STRATEGY

Help us develop the Agricultural Land & Rural Settlement Strategy by completing a survey, it will help shape our Future Hepburn. This strategy will consider future agricultural needs and requirements and seek to ensure agricultural land is adequately protected. It will include a review of relevant provisions relating to farming in the Hepburn Planning Scheme, such as permissible uses, developments, and subdivisions.

The strategy will also seek to provide a better understanding of the risks and challenges posed in the Shire’s small rural settlements and businesses to guide development consistent with the municipality’s inherent rural character and other attributes.

Visit http://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/future-hepburn to find out how to have your say. The survey closes Friday 12 May 2023.

VISITOR ECONOMY PARTNERSHIP

Council has endorsed joining a Visitor Economy Partnership with neighbouring councils Ballarat Council, Moorabool Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, representatives from the tourism industry and the Victorian Government. The partnership will help to continue to boost tourism to our beautiful region, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and provide additional industry-strengthening support to businesses in the west of the Shire.

The partnership will complement the hard work of Daylesford Macedon Tourism (DMT) to bring visitors to our Shire. Tourism accounts for one in seven jobs in Hepburn Shire and creates more than $120 million per annum in value, which flows into multiple parts of the economy.

TRENTHAM PAVILION OPEN

The Trentham Sportsground Pavilion was officially handed over to the Committee of Management on Friday 14 April, in time for the first home match of the 2023 footy and netball seasons. It was also formally opened by Mary-Anne Thomas MP last week in an event that included representatives from the Sportsground Reserve Committee of Management, Trentham Football Netball Club, Trentham and District Cricket Club and community members.

Thank you to the Committee of Management and sporting groups for their support throughout the life of this project. The redevelopment project, with over $2.5 million of investment, has been delivered in partnership between the Victorian Government and Council.

The Council Plan 2021-2025 describes how Council will strive towards our vision, where to focus efforts, and how to measure progress. Each Focus Area has a series of priority statements, with actions against each item.

EAT | DRINK | ENJOY

Out & About in the Central Highlands

Let’s support our community and shop local!

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.

Wine notes with Clive Hartley

Macedon Fizz

Macedon Ranges is the coldest wine-growing region on mainland Australia. It has an average altitude of 500m and a degree of continentality, which means the summer days are warm to hot, but the evenings are cool, this helps retain the natural acidity in the grapes. These are some of the factors that make it the perfect spot to grow grapes to make into sparkling wine. However, it does not receive the recognition it deserves, and top billing often goes to Tasmanian wines.

Exactly 40 years ago, winemaker John Ellis thought the Macedon Ranges would be ideal for making sparkling wines. He bought a property called Jim Jim and planted a vineyard on a chilly south-facing slope at 650m that became the site of Hanging Rock Winery. He planted D5V12 and MV6 clones of pinot noir, and a Swiss clone called Mariafeldt as well as four clones of chardonnay sourced from Mumm Champagne House in France.

During the years we have seen the rise of sparkling wines in the region with Hanging Rock leading the charge to use ‘Macedon’ to indicate a traditional method sparkling wine from the area. Using the term Macedon is similar to the way the French use Champagne. Our region is also home to Australia’s leading contract sparkling wine maker – Kilchurn Wines. Some good sparkling wines from the region include Mount Towrong Vivace NV, using nebbiolo instead of pinot noir, and Wombat Forest Blanc de Noir NV. Other styles include a nice prosecco from Red Hare and tasty Pet Nats from Attwoods, Hunter-Gatherer and Zig Zag Road.

Coming back to Hanging Rock. Fast forward to 2023 and we await the release of Macedon NV Cuvée XIX, the 19th release of John’s vision. John’s son Robert is now in charge of production and oversees the Macedon sparkling wine which consists of a blend of vintages going back 10 years, some using a unique Solera system for ageing. The wine also benefits from around three years on yeast lees. The current Cuvée XVIII has rich brioche, biscuity and honey aromas with a firm, creamy, nutty and zesty palate producing a long finish. A fine complex sparkling wine that is in the style of Bollinger, but uniquely Australian.

* Clive Hartley has just published the 7th edition of his book The Australian Wine Guide and is running a two-hour master class on the Macedon Ranges featuring 8 local wines on April 29 and June 3. To purchase a book or tickets go to www.australianwineguide.com.au

Wednesday Steak Nite

Thursday Meat Raffles for Charity

Friday Members Draw & Mega Raffles

Sat/Sun Breakfast from 9am, Bowls/Bevvies & Bites

Open from 10am Mon-Fri, 9am Sat-Sun Bistro: Wed-Sat Dinner, Thur-Sun Lunch

“Locals supporting Locals”

Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.

Music news with Darren Lowe

Gig Guide

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford

Thursday, April 27, 6pm – Bud Wilkins

Friday, April 28, 6pm – Madi Leeds

Saturday, April 29, 6pm – Parmy Dhillon

Sunday, April 30, 5pm – Two Tears in a Bucket

Friday, May 5, 6pm – Crosswind

Saturday, May 6, 6pm – Jeremy Begs

Sunday, May 7, 6pm – Adrian Deakin

Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn

Friday, April 28 - Supper Club Friday presents Damien Leith

It’s been 16 years since Damien took out the 2006 series of Australian Idol. Since then he has released 10 s studio albums and has toured extensively. This year he’s embarking on a limited run of intimate shows entitled, Damien Leith - Through the Years. “I love performing intimate shows, they allow me to truly engage with the audience and sing songs that I know everyone in the room will love."

Saturday, April 29 - The Distant South - Album Launch

Thursday, May 4, 6.30pm - Palais Disco Bingo hosted by Miss Dolly Dolly has been well known for Dollys Disco Bingo in the region for over six years and has now found her new home at Palais-Hepburn. Lots of sing-alongs and giggles guaranteed.

Friday, May 5 - Running Up That Hill: The Songs of Kate Bush

Church tunes

To market, to market

YOU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.

Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday

Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday

Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday

Golden Plains Farmers Market - first Saturday

Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday

Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday

Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday

Kyneton Farmers Market - second Saturday

Ballan Farmers Market - second Saturday

Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday

Maldon Market – second Sunday

Clunes Farmers Market - second Sunday

Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday

Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday

Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday

Creswick Market - third Saturday

Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday

Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday

Daylesford Farmers Market – fourth Sunday

Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday

Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday

one of a kind

Ceridwen McCooey and Darcy King, above, will return to Yandoit Cultural, the old church in the bush - for a concert on Saturday, May 6 from 6pm.

After a packed house and standing ovation at their concert last year Ceridwen, on cello, and Darcy, on classical guitar, are returning for another fabulous concert.

Ceridiwen McCooey is both cellist and composer and together with Darcy King’s classical guitar they are a formidable duo. Both Ceridwen and Darcy are graduates of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music and will soon leave Australia to pursue postgraduate studies

They will present a new varied repertoire of contemporary classical music from around the globe as well as a series of Ceridwen’s own compositions for solo cello and electronics from her upcoming album. Entry by donation and bookings essential. Contact Alison King on 0415 555 081 or email ycfcpg@gmail.com

The Daylesford Hotel is one of a kind. It’s majesty, it’s music and it offers many spaces, with over 100 year’s of history in the heart of town. A traditional style pub with all the modern delights, offering pub meals as well as a broader range for all dietary wants and needs. Wine & dine on the Sunset Balcony overlooking greater Daylesford or find a Cosy Corner and curl up next to the fire inside. Finally, after many years we are back. Open from midday everyday with lunch specials and entertainment in the evenings; including Open Mic on Mondays, Trivia on the Wednesdays & live music through to Sundays.

Be sure to book ahead for dinner, music, events & accommodation. Check for more details here: daylesfordhotel.com.au

Out & About...

Votes for the Edgy Veg Awards close on April 30.

To cast a vote visit one of the 26 participating eateries around the Macedon Ranges - to check them out head to www.veg.mrsg.org.au/edgy-veg-awards to see all the cafes, restaurants and pubs involved this year. There are 49 delicious dishes to try across the eateries and not much time left to vote on them.

Leonard’s Hill Hall's 47th annual baby show is back on Saturday, May 6 with entry from 1.30pm and judging from 2pm.

The show took a few years off over Covid but is back bigger and better with age sections up to five years and novelty sections including happiest baby, rosiest cheeks, curliest hair and youngest baby. There will also be a champion baby, prince and princess and Master and Miss Tiny Tot. Head to Facebook for more information and entry fees.

Living legend Tim Winton’s love letter to a reef

BESTSELLING author Tim

Winton is coming to the region with a message of hope: good information and organisation can stop destruction of our world.

He’s spent decades striving to save one of the last intact wild places left on Earth, Ningaloo Reef on Western Australia’s remote coast, beside the Indian Ocean. Once given over to the fishing of turtles and whales and set to become a quarry and an oilfield, it now has World Heritage listing.

Winton will be in Castlemaine and Kyneton next month talking ahead of what is said to be his visually stunning three-part TV documentary on the reef.

Author of 29 books which have sold in the millions, and winner of countless awards, the 62-year-old father of three and grandfather of two is seen stopping a whale shark, getting hit by a critically endangered ray, holding a dugong against his heart, saving baby turtles and encountering sea snakes and tiger sharks.

All this began about 23 years ago when he gave the campaign $28,000 from the Miles Franklin Award for his book Dirt Music. Now a National Trust Living Treasure, Winton largely set aside his writing to throw himself into the fight for Ningaloo, an indigenous word for promontory.

Here, as he says, where the desert has its feet in the sea, survival depends on a clash of ideas. What has happened is a beacon of hope on the edge of an abyss. It’s a place, Winton says, that could teach us how to get things right if we just pause a moment and listen.

Not that it was a complete triumph, however. “We tried to get all three ecosystems (heritage) listed as an entity. Exmouth Gulf was to be included but developers white-anted it.”

One irony is that just recently thousands of people from all over the world came to Exmouth to see another natural phenomenon, an eclipse of the sun.

So is he ever dispirited? “Every day. I’m enraged daily, and nightly, by the poverty of public discussion, but slipping into despair is giving victory to the dark side. We have to cling to life, we have to cling to hope.

“People are tired of being told something is impossible when it is possible. Every lake, every forest that is saved is because people acted.”

The documentary was made, he tells The Local, "in my other spare time" and done out of a sense of duty. He didn’t want to be on television but without him there was no money for the project, while cracking the old joke, “I’ve got a good face for radio”.

Cultural and ecological values are examined in the series which, Winton says, is not as outstanding as, say, the BBC might make, but nevertheless is blue chip natural history.

Making it meant working in “a bubble”, a massive, six-days-a-week undertaking involving animals and children, where the day’s script changed all the time.

Having always worked alone, he found it strange at the age of 60 to be with a team working for the long haul. “The writing is different. It’s a recipe, a wish-list for the animals to show up at a certain time...”

Filmed over 57 weeks during Covid lock-downs, and in collaboration with traditional owners and cultural advisers, the series involves almost 100 experts in fields such as archaeology, geoscience, biology, marine science and eco-tourism.

Now the documentary, called Ningaloo Nyinggulu, is to be shown on the ABC and in more than 100 countries.

This is not a campaign documentary, Winton adds. “I just hope that when people see one of the last places of global significance they will be inspired.”

At the end of our 20-minute phone talk, Winton discloses that, in spite of the demands of the documentary, he has that day finished another novel. “But I don’t know if anyone will want to publish it. Shit, what else would I do?”

Words: Kevin Childs | Main image: Vee@BlueMediaExmouth

Tim Winton will speak on Saturday, May 13, at the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, from 1pm-2.30pm and at the Kyneton Town Hall from 7-8.30pm. Details: www.northernbooks.com.au/tim-winton Ningaloo Nyinggulu will be shown on ABC and ABC iview on Tuesday, May 16 at 8.30pm.

The Local has six books by Tim Winton to give away to readers. For the chance to win email donna@tlnews.com.au with your name, town, contact number and which title you would like to win from Eyrie, Shallows, The Shepherds Hut, The Riders, Three Plays and An Open Swimmer. Entries close on Friday, May 5.

Do

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Gift certificates available online daylesfordsteakhouse.com.au

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Bloomin' beautiful

The Local is running a producers' series over the next few editions. Here Eve Lamb talks with Janae and Chris Paquin-Bowden from Fleurs de Lyonville, at Lyonville, of course.

FLOWERS are good for the soul. So says Lyonville’s Janae Paquin-Bowden. And she should know.

Together with her husband Chris, Janae owns and runs organic family flower farm, Fleurs de Lyonville, where the couple live with their two young children and their yin and yang, black and white, little terrier dogs. It’s the sort of job description that makes the word “idyllic” spring to mind.

“It’s physically hard, and a bit taxing on the body, and the weather is challenging,” Janae says to the suggestion that this work environment is more than a little enviable.

“But there’s so many rewarding stages,” she concedes.

Chris and Janae both have professional backgrounds as teachers. In fact they met as teachers, and that background comes in handy when they deliver their on-farm events ranging from flower arranging workshops to farm tours.

In business these days, it’s accepted wisdom that you need a good story to tell. And theirs is a beauty.

The couple’s organic flower farm journey started back in 2014 after they experienced some issues in finding flowers for their own wedding.

“We found it quite difficult to source local organically grown flowers for our own wedding,” Janae says. “Thankfully we came across Matt and Lentil from Grown and Gathered who were growing flowers for trade at the time.

“When Lentil pulled up in her van and opened the back door, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“The van was full of flowers and foliage from foxgloves to Queen Anne's lace...we knew this was what we wanted to do on our farm. Grow flowers.”

Clearly a woman of determination with a keen eye for business, Janae became the main driver in getting Fleurs de Lyonville up and going, such that at the end of 2021 Chris too was able to leave his job as an assistant principal, to devote his working days to the flower farm full time.

“I haven’t looked back,” Chris says.

Late summer, on a sunny day, the farm occupying about just under half a hectare of their 3.2 hectare block is a dream to visit.

There are gleaming new sunflowers, the mauve gauze of globe artichoke heads, the cobalt blue structure of echinops spheres held aloft on silvery spikes, a riot of fragrant old-fashioned sweet peas, blousy cosmos on slender stalks, a field of bobbing poppies, and glorious musk pink dahlias...to name just a few of the floral abundance.

Chris and Janae say there’ll be plenty of chrysanthemums ready for Mother’s Day too, thanks to the recent addition of two big new polytunnels.

Not long ago they clinched a handy Agriculture Victoria grant that covered half the cost of installing the two new polytunnels, completed October 2021. It’s a move poised to deliver a major benefit in extending the flowering season beyond the warm, bountiful days of spring and summer.

“They have been a game changer,” Chris says.

The couple supplement the sale of their organic blooms and arrangements by also offering an array of on-farm workshops that, judging by the “sold out” posts, seem to be going down a treat with aesthetes and flower lovers.

Janae’s working background features ceramics and she says she’ll be offering some ceramic hand-building workshops as part of the series.

“Because we have a background as teachers, we love to talk,” she says. Janae knew starting Fleurs de Lyonville was a winning idea – although following through with such a vision is not for the faint hearted.

“It wasn’t an easy decision. But I’ve always followed my gut and I knew it was the right decision,” she says.

Post those difficult days of Covid lockdowns, the wedding trade picked up, Chris says, creating a strong demand for their blooms which are all grown with a careful eye to variety in form and colour.

“I do a lot of the picking and design work but after a while I just have to put my hands in the soil,” Janae says.

Being organic, working with nature, using birds and friendly bugs as natural little pest control agents is an important aspect of their operation, she says.

And getting their heads around succession planting, always planning ahead, being ever-ready for the implications of frost and heat is a necessity.

“We didn’t have a clue how to do anything at the beginning. We’ve learnt a lot through failure,” Janae says. “We’ve lived and learned. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved. The aim was to be together working off the land.”

Words & images: Eve Lamb (Next edition, G’s Bees Honey - Down to Earth.)

Kyle’s Rant

JUST back from visiting my dad in NZ. Left on Saturday, back on Wednesday. Long enough.

I decided during Covid, when we couldn't see anyone, that I would catch up with the old man twice a year. He's 78 and fit as a fiddle but you know...you never know what is around the corner. In 2020 it was a pandemic. I mean, who saw that coming?

But unlike pre-Covid days (how easily does that slip off the tongue now, I wonder if they used to talk about the world wars like that) I don't feel like I have to stay for weeks on end and "make the most of it".

I know, NZ is not that far away and some would almost call it another state of Australia, but you do have to get through customs and Dad lives in a tiny town called Coopers Beach which means also adding a domestic flight and then about a 40-minute car ride. So, you know, it is travel.

Anyway, I found that a few solid days of bonding was enough. I love my Dad but sometimes I just wanted him to shut up for a minute. Maybe even 10 minutes. He is a whirlwind of a bloke, loves a chat and just hanging with him is exhausting.

Luckily my 15-year-old great-nephew was visiting at the same time so provided a bit of a buffer. Sort of. The trouble with teenagers is that they don't realise it's a bit rude to visit and then after a while just zone out on their various devices. Being an older polite person I had to listen to every single anecdote, even the ones I had heard a thousand times before.

And I feel guilty too. Dad's wife, my step-mother of 30 years, died last April and I watch as he loosens his grip on tidiness and attention to detail. The crockery and cutlery need a good clean and there's always a pot or pan left on the stove top or bench. Jackie will be looking down and not happy.

The towels are getting threadbare and he's got caught up with some mates who are all about hand-me-down clothing, which is commendably sustainable but doesn't quite hit the mark. Shirts are too big and jeans are too small, shoes are scuffed, that sort of thing.

Yeah, I know I could clean the house and take him shopping but it would just be a stopgap thing and perhaps he would start feeling bad about himself. So you, that's me, just go along with the visit as planned and head out on his boat for a fish, cook that up after you have double checked for bones after Dad's filleting efforts, and then have a few beers as you/he reminisce about the old days, while the young bloke looks at YouTube and wishes his holiday away.

And in a few days the visit is over and you fly home to Australia and book a flight for another six months and just hope that you don't get a call to say you are needed earlier than that. And you tell everyone you had a great trip, and that your dad is great and all is well on the other side of the "Ditch".

Now before you get sad about my dad, all is well. As I said he is a whirlwind of a bloke and already keen on finding a new life partner. So he has joined a few dating sites, not quite Tinder, but the over 60s set, and gets a bit of interest. He's been on a few dates and someone might have stayed over once after a nice dinner - separate bedrooms of course. He is nothing if not a gentleman.

So if all goes to plan, his plan, someone will one day join him in his home, head out for a fish on his boat and for a chat at night. And while I don't expect them to clean up for my visits it would be nice if they got Dad back on track - and out of an increasingly messy bachelor pad.

I love my Dad but don't want to live with him rant, over.

Local Lines

Poetry collection launch

Pushing my own barrow here, I am chuffed to announce that Ross Gillett will launch Watch, my new poetry collection, at Radius Arts, 76 Main Road, Hepburn Springs on Saturday, May 6, from 3pm-5pm. All welcome. Here is the title poem. - Bill Wootton

Watch

Face the size of the newly released ten cent bit the watch Grandma Beat gave me for my tenth birthday was just right for my narrow wrist

A thin red second hand jerked over solid black numbers Luminous lime on skeletal gold outlined the prime movers

The brown leather band was stiff and the buckle flimsy but whizzo was its presentation in a crimson Bevilles box which closed with a soft huff

Long ago the watch was left in a squash change room but the box is still in fine order home to badges also once worn

No Nukes The Clash Legalise it and already obsolete –a pea-green iPod nano

Time back then was on everybody’s hands Pre-digital creatures we were Wrist ready

Does it mean anything now to tap on your forearm interrogatively? Grandma Beat ran out of time a year after gifting me

The old box having seen off its ticker within may yet outlive its worn wearer

- Bill Wootton

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

Pick me, pick me!

Hi there, I am Yoshi. I am a 13-yearold boy, black and tan, German Shepherd cross Kelpie.

I love attention and really want to be around people as much as possible.

Being a bit older I have mild arthritis - don't we all - and have a little bit of deafness.

So I would love to find a home where I can spend the rest of my senior years living a more quiet life with lots of love and attention.

If you would like to meet me just call the folk at MAAW on 5472 5277and then come see me at Castlemaine.

Microchip no. 956000008026014

Link: www.maaw.org.au

(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie & Curly - we picked them.)

And proudly supported by Daylesford's

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

AFEW things.

First up, well done to Beck Lewis who, despite having breast cancer, is spending her downtime from treatments encouraging others to get checked. Amazingly she is nearly through her radiation treatments, they finish at the end of this week, and all going well, that will be that. Sounds simple but of course the truth is the worry of maybe, then the shock of it happening to you and then the neverending trips to Ballarat and back for radiation therapy.

Beck got in early and has a 99.9 per cent chance of being able to look back at "the little hurdle" over 2022/2023. So, please follow her call to keep health checks happening - and many of us have been a little lax/reluctant over the past few yearsand stay on your game.

Cancer is something we all are going to have to face one day, or know someone close to us who will face it, but science has come so far, so many can be removed or treated. Of course, it's still scary, but burying your head in the sand never worked well for anyone. Well, it does for ostriches, they push their beaks into the sand to turn their eggs over. True story.

Secondly, Nicole Chvastek and Statewide Drive being "temporarily replaced" by the ABC due to "operational reasons" beyond their control. That's nuts. It's all under their control. They are the ABC.

Why would an organisation like that remove the regional part of their weekday Victorian radio service? Who else has a voice like that? And that is not just Statewide Drive - that's Nicole's voice as well. I was lucky enough to do a few shows with Nicole and it's like watching a magician at work. She is on top of everything and everyone. She can be as tough as nails when needed, hello pollies avoiding questions, and as nice as pie at other times, hello regular callers.

I would sit there thinking about what I was going to say while Nicole was already 10 steps ahead of me, already working out the next segment while hitting buttons to queue in interview grabs or let in a feisty listener. Pure gold. The ABC bloke I talked to said he "believed" she would be back - and they would be mad if they let her walk away. What a loss that would be for all of us in the regions.

Thirdly, and maybe finally, well done to all those people who donated to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal - and to those who spent hours in the rain shaking tins. It was a crappy, rainy day but there they were in high vis gear hoping for a few bucks.

I knew they would be there so raided my piggy bank for a note and dropped it in their tin. I hope you did the same. The Royal Children's is an amazing place - full of hope and love and science.

I did a short stint there when I was about seven years old. Very bad asthma attack. I was at school, Grade 3 maybe, and the teachers noticed my breathing was getting a little ragged and asked if I would like to go home. No, I said. I loved school. After a while they just called Mum who called Dad and off I went to Melbourne.

It was a little different in the early 70s. One parent visit for one hour per day and some pretty strict nurses. I remember a group of us kids getting told off for holding wheelchair races down the corridor. But I got better and was home within a week. I donate something every year.

I enjoyed this edition. Kyle was off in NZ - see opposite - and while it was quiet I felt like it was a nice little bit of alone time. Don't tell him that. I had to do all the "I missed you stuff" on his return but I was quite OK. 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.

Here is the crossword solution for Edition 277. How did you go?

All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local.

Golfing win

THE Harry & Peggy Maddicks Golf Day, held on April 14, raised just under $14,000 for medical equipment and facility upgrades at Daylesford Health.

Central Highlands Rural Health board deputy-chair Kate Redwood spoke to the players, sponsors and guests to thank them for their generosity and to highlight the need for significant upgrades across the ageing Daylesford Health facilities.

“What a wonderful day at the Hepburn Springs Golf Club for a good cause. Thank you to all who gave generously to ensure the success of Daylesford Health’s first charity golf day. The funds raised will contribute to the future of the health service. We will continue to rally support so that locals can be assured that they will continue to receive quality healthcare close to home,” Kate said.

Event sponsor Tim Byrne, Harry and Peggy Maddicks’ estate executor, said he knew his friend Harry “would be so happy that his and his sister Peggy’s legacy live on. We need to keep supporting the rural hospital; it’s essential.”

The Maddicks family estate has been supporting the Daylesford Hospital since 1999, thanks to Mr Byrne, who sponsored the event in their honour, bringing the total giving to $278,000.

Hepburn Shire councillor Lesley Hewitt and the late William Stanbridge (MLC), Hans Gunter Brachmann and Ernest Zelman were also honoured at the event for their individual contributions to the health service since it opened in 1862.

The family of Ernest Zelman, who led a capital campaign to upgrade the hospital in the 1930s, are still contributing to the health service he was passionate about, almost 100 years later. His grandson Max Zelman and great-granddaughter, Kate Sellars-Jones, donated items to the auction in his memory.

Cr Hewitt reflected on the day after enjoying afternoon tea with players, sponsors, Central Highlands Rural Health’s Board and staff.

“I am so pleased that the idea raised with Hepburn Springs Golf Club’s past president, Barry Files, has evolved into this successful event enjoyed by all involved.

“Honouring the legacy of those who contributed so much to create and maintain our local health service is important. This is a great opportunity for us all to consider the legacy we are creating for ourselves and the impact we could have on future generations of Daylesford residents.”

Words & image: Contributed

Shade sail for Cairn Curran Sailing Club

Community Bank Maldon & District Ross Eggleton visited the Cairn Curran Sailing Club on Saturday to meet members and see the club’s newly installed shade sail.

Club members had been hoping to provide muchneeded shade on their deck for many years and were delighted when Bendigo Bank provided a grant of $12,000 towards the $20,000 cost of installation and purchase.

Members were preparing to take part in the annual Serg Vescovi trophy on the misty day when Ross visited. Serg was an Italian immigrant and early member of the club, and the Serg Vescovi trophy race was named in his honour in 1975. The race was designed to “let your worries fade away, feel at peace within yourself, and find yourself smiling at special memories of days gone by”.

Cairn Curran Sailing Club was established in 1959 and was originally run from the boot of a car, before a basic clubhouse was built on the shores of the lake. It was gradually improved over the years, providing a welcoming base for sailors to return home to after a sail on the lake.

Images: Sandy Scheltema

Ross Eggleton, left, with Commodore Michael McCartney and junior sailors Tate and Fred Cantwell, with club members watching on