The Local August 1, 2022

August 1, 2022 Issue 259 Our youth on point

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: It's International Youth Day on August 12 and journalist Narelle Groenhout caught up with a couple of young people doing amazing things in the region, including Jasmine Gruar, pictured here. Read about our youth on pages 4-7.

August 1, 2022 Issue 259 Our youth on point

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

The next edition is out on Monday, August 15, 2022.

Or online on Sunday, August 14 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, August 10 Copy deadline: Thursday, August 11 Editorial deadline: Thursday, August 11

Image: @enpointeproductions

Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

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

Stage drama

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout & Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes & David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (gigs), Matthew Richardson (money), Jennifer Hart (horoscopes) and Jen Clarke (recipes).

Accounts | Julie Hanson

GIBBO Kate Stones, Rebecca Barnett & Stephen Mitchell in

Suckerpunch Theatre presents

A powerful stage drama based on a true event and set in a farmhouse in rural Victoria, is now in rehearsal at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre.

Castlemaine actors Kate Stones, Rebecca Barnett and Stephen Mitchell are performing in the drama, written and directed by award-winning local playwright Sandy Fairthorne.

Gibbo tackles the challenging subject of drug rape, and revolves around a likeable and popular farming couple, Gibbo and Claire, whose world is tipped upside down when a woman walks into their home 24 years after a party where she believes she was drug raped.

“She has only one request to make of this man,” says Sandy, “but it requires that he admits he committed the offence. Therein lies the challenge.”

The playwright wants to get more people talking about the subject, following her own personal experience over three decades ago.

“It’s always bothered me – how to write about this subject. Then one day I thought, 'What if..?' and the spark for the play was started.”

Kate Stones plays the outsider who visits the farmhouse, and says she is relishing the role. “The challenge of representing a woman who has experienced trauma, when that trauma has occurred while she was unconscious, has been fascinating. Sandy has been very supportive and her brave candour has helped me enormously.”

Lee Edmonds, of the Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria, says this is an important issue that needs to be talked about. “The play Gibbo explores themes that people seek support from CASACV about – how the use of alcohol and drugs can be utilised to facilitate non-consensual sexual activity.”

Sandy says Gibbo is a dark but fascinating journey, “exploring our innate longing for truths to be exposed, no matter how long it takes - but there are also moments of genuine tenderness and humour, and the ending is both cathartic and positive”.

CASACV will make available resources and support contacts.

Tour details: Prahran - August 5 and 6, Bendigo - August 12 and 13, Kyneton August 19 and 20.

Tickets and details: www.suckerpunchtheatre.com Link: Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria - www.casacv.org.au

Delivery | Tony Sawrey

It’s harvest time

Castlemaine 7pm Fri 29 + Sat 30 July

Phee Broadway Theatre Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine

Prahran 7pm Fri 5 + Sat 6 August Level 1/48 Clifton St MC Showroom, Prahran

Bendigo 7pm Fri 12 + Sat 13 August

The Engine Room Theatre 58 View St, Bendigo

Kyneton 7pm Fri 19 + Sat 20 August

Bluestone Theatre, 28 Hutton St, Kyneton

Bookings: suckerpunchtheatre.com facebook.com/gibboplay

“A gem” “Outstanding” Theatrepeople “Sandy Fairthorne continues to impress”  Artshub MA15+ Trigger warning: the theme of this play may trigger some viewers.

The subject of drug rape is verbally discussed in this 90 minute drama. 1800RESPECT

www.tlnews.com.au

The Rex 3

The Rex now for sale to the highest bidder

H

EPBURN Shire Council will sell The Rex building to the highest bidder despite 66 per cent of survey respondents being against the move.

The decision was made at its July 19 meeting with a council report saying the cost of continuing with the project would "now likely be in excess of $18 million (in addition to the costs already expended)".

The council bought the Vincent Street, Daylesford former theatre and shopping arcade in 2016 for $6M. It has since spent $3M on the building. The Hub was to include a library, auditorium, council office spaces, community spaces, including a co-working space, and public toilets.

In June 2018, work on The Rex building stopped after it was realised the construction and refurbishment costs would exceed the initial budget of just under $1M, triggering the need for a planning permit.

A number of people spoke to councillors at the July meeting, including Daylesford Community Theatre president Gina Lyons, asking them to reconsider the sale.

Cr Tessa Halliday put forward a motion to hold off any decisions until November to give the community and the council time to work together to find a way to provide community facilities at The Rex including public toilets, the cinema and community spaces. The motion was supported by Mayor Cr Tim Drylie and Cr Jen Bray but was ultimately lost.

The council first decided in November last year not to proceed with the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project and sell the building. Under the Local Government Act this process required community engagement.

Council officers will now start the sale of The Rex and a house at 8 Duke Street, with external agents appointed to assist and prepare a final report for council when a buyer is identified. The council will also now review its land and building holdings and undertake a planning project that will review possible solutions of staffing accommodation and community facilities that were to be included in the Hepburn Hub. It will set a reserve price for sale based on an independent market valuation and will publicly release the reserve price value after the sale.

At the council meeting, Ms Lyons told councillors The Rex was the cinema's only hope of survival. "Whenever it has needed to step up and affirm its support for the cinema, the community has done so. In 2017, the overwhelming response from the community led to the council resolving to include the cinema in the Hub at The Rex. "After the November council meeting 1200 people signed a petition protesting the decision to abandon the project and sell the building, and recently, 369 submissions were received in the community consultation with concern about the cinema expressed by the majority of those people.

"Overall, 66 per cent of respondents were against the sale. Birch Ward accounted for 57 per cent of responses and 75 per cent of people were against the sale. This council was elected on a platform of listening to the community. Making a quick decision tonight to sell the building flies in the face of the community’s wishes."

Ms Lyons said the Daylesford Community Theatre had explored other potential sites, however, these locations posed their own sets of problems and restrictions and would not work as a cinema.

"The cinema was a vital, vibrant and successful enterprise and it can be so again for the benefit of the community and visitors alike. Clawing back a few million dollars by selling The Rex is not compensation enough for the loss of the site to the community. The Rex has a value to us far in excess of what a developer would be willing to pay."

Also at the meeting, Cr Jen Bray said she was saddened and disappointed that the council had largely ignored the results of the community engagement survey.

"(It shows) that 66 per cent of the community want to keep this beautiful, historic building as a community asset as an arts and cultural, social and economic hub in the prime location on our main street."

Cr Bray said she supported holding off on the sale until November but if that did not happen she would have hoped The Rex was sold by expression of interest.

"This would have allowed council to have the final say on who buys this building.

We would have had the chance to weigh up different proposals and offers and make a judgment on not just the final price, but on whether it meets the needs of this community. This would mean the best possible outcome both for council’s financial health and for the health and wellbeing of the community."

Cr Bray said the sale of The Rex now meant CEO Bradley Thomas had the authority to sell to the highest offer once the reserve price was met. "The CEO will not be able to factor in community facilities or other benefits into the decision making. They must only consider price.

"I know that the community have a deep connection to this building and they want to see it restored and revived to provide a dynamic social, cultural and economic hub in the centre of our town. Many want it to be the home for the community cinema and there have been lots of other creative ideas about ways this space could benefit the community. This could have been a win-win story."

The Local asked real estate agents from around the region what price they thought the council could get for The Rex. Their answers ranged from $3.5M to $5M with one adding "if they can find anyone at all". They cited the unfinished building works, bad publicity and potential damage in the building as reasons it would be hard to land a sale.

A council report said possible uses for The Rex were broad and could include, some dependant on permits, accommodation, a child care centre, a cinema, a place of worship, an adult sex product shop, a leisure and recreation facility or a warehouse.

Prohibited uses for the site are animal production, a corrective institution, a major sports and recreation facility or a motor racing track.

The purchase of The Rex building and other matters relating to the project remain under investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate. It is not known when the Inspectorate will release its report.

Words & image: Donna Kelly

Celebrating our youth The Local is celebrating our region's youth as we head to International Youth Day on August 12. This year’s United Nations International Youth Day theme is Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.

Inspiring Jasmine

From a young age, Daylesford’s Jasmine Gruar knew she wanted to be a ballet dancer. Her memories of dancing with her sister at home cemented her love of dance.

“I remember dancing with my nan and mum at home, my sister and I would put on performances that we would copy from ballet dances and I enjoyed it so much I started classes and knew it was what I wanted to do when I was older,” she said.

Jasmine began her training at Starz Dance Centre in Kyneton, taking on ballet, contemporary and jazz. It wasn’t long before she started competing in solo competitions under the watchful and encouraging eye of her dance teacher.

“My biggest inspiration was my first teacher Miss Laura; she was fantastic and provided me with so many opportunities. I looked up to her so much and I’m still in contact with her to this day.”

At 16, Jasmine has accomplished a great deal in her young life. At 14 she began training with Ballet Theatre Australia under the guidance of former Australian Ballet soloist, Ben Davis. It was here Jasmine trained under a rigorous and fulfilling regime of classical ballet based on the Vaganova syllabus, contemporary, repertoire, character, pas de deux and acting.

She has completed her Australian Teachers of Dancing exams and has danced in many ballets such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia and Sleeping Beauty.

“I auditioned for Ballet Theatre Australia in 2019 when I was 14. I got accepted for the following year and I remember how nerve-racking the audition was. I was in a class with 19-year old dancers doing steps I had never learnt. I didn’t think I would get in but I was so thrilled when I did,” she said.

“I began dancing full time at BTA in 2020 and since the travel from Daylesford to Melbourne everyday was so tiring, my family and I decided I’d move in with some close friends in the city and travel home on the weekends.

“It was very hard as I am very close with my family and not being with them every day was extremely difficult. I am so lucky with how accepting they were for letting me go ahead with my dream as not many 14-year old kids move away from home.”

In 2021 Jasmine suffered a number of injuries. While she said the pain was hard to deal with, she thought resting over the holiday break would make a difference. But her injuries worsened.

“After some MRIs it turned out I had a stress fracture in my left foot and snapping hip syndrome. I tried a lot of physiotherapy but it was very exhausting and I was in a lot of pain. I decided it was best to move back home halfway through 2022 and return to normal school. It wasn’t easy to leave but I am so grateful I got such an amazing experience with the best teachers,” she said.

Despite such a devastating setback, Jasmine has continued to pursue her love of dance and became a teacher at Inside Out Dance Theatre in Daylesford where she has become her own version of ‘Miss Laura’ inspiring and teaching budding dancers across the region.

“For me, personally balancing school and work isn’t too hard. I am in year 11 and also doing VCE dance which is really great for my teaching. I find that if I just stay on top of things, it doesn’t become stressful. I love my job so much and I hope to continue it after finishing school. I plan to one day open my own studio so I can continue to teach and bring up fantastic dancers,” she said.

As we celebrate Youth Day, Jasmine, who said her two greatest achievements are dancing Clara in The Nutcracker and being awarded the Avril Binzer Most Promising Ballerina Award for Victoria, has one simple piece of advice for kids of all ages.

“You just need to go for it. I tell all my students in class to be confident as it is something you need for everything in life. If I was too scared, I would not be where I am now in life, and if you don’t do the things you want, you will end up regretting it!”

And having the opportunity to live in Melbourne and return, Jasmine says there are a number of things she would like to see across the region for our youth.

“I would love to see more community-run programs for youth. I think more things out in nature, creative workshops, mental health programs and more activities to help younger people be inspired to achieve bigger goals and plan their future would really benefit our town.”

For now, Jasmine is juggling school and teaching and already preparing her students for the end of year performance, while somewhere in her schedule finding the time to be a teenager living in Daylesford.

Words: Narelle Groenhout

Above, Jasmine strikes a stunning en pointe pose, below, her Inside Out Dance School class Top image: @enpointeproductions The Local will always be a free read but if you want to support local, quality journalism you can donate by scanning the QR code.

Celebrating our youth On song with big dreams

“Even though I had been using GarageBand for the past year, the whole world of music production was still very new and mysterious to me, so I wanted to immerse myself in a community that was knowledgeable and passionate about it, and on that, wenty-year-old Atticus PuntCollarts certainly delivered.”

Trethewey is close to releasing his Under the stage name ÆTICUS, Atticus is set to release his debut EP this year. first EP while also organising a live His professional bio describes his music as: “Punt-Trethewey blends moody, music event in Daylesford, AltWave, with downtempo electronic beats with emotional, singer/songwriter lyricism to create a group of fellow college students. An atmospheric, introspective tracks that evoke a sense of deep pain and longing.”

Atticus is working collectively with fellow students for the AltWave event and said event by young people for young people. if not for a local community group, it wouldn’t have been possible.

Amazing achievements for someone who “I’m actually really lucky here, as I’ve had the support of both Fiona Robson’s initially thought he would have a career in group and that of Collarts.” (Former Hepburn Shire councillor and mother of science. two Fiona Robson started a Community Support Network to initially focus on “I had been interested in pursuing the arts supporting young people.) for a long time, since I was maybe 10 or 11, "We’re organising this event as part of a unit called Group Project, where before I actually decided I wanted a career in students from across multiple degrees get together with the help and expertise of the the industry. Growing up, I had always aspired teachers to basically do anything they want. In the past, people have made films, held to work in the field of science, and at school, I always saw the arts as a fun sideexhibitions, and have indeed put on live events as we intend to. activity that I did when I wasn’t in maths or science class,” he said.

“When I met with the local group in the week before this trimester started, I put “It wasn’t really until the start of last year that I reconsidered my path in life and to them that we could potentially organise a local live event with the help of some began studying to be a music producer.”

Atticus was born in Sydney and moved to the Central Highlands six years ago. He Collarts students through the group project class, and they thought it was a great idea. So far, it’s been a great collaborative experience.” went to school in Macedon and recalls the lack of options for teenagers like himself.

AltWave is being supported by a range of local groups and individuals. Hepburn “The truth is that I didn’t really spend that much time in Daylesford in my Region Blue Light and Daylesford Community Op Shop are major supporters teenage years, since I went to school in Macedon, and I didn’t have any friends that lived in the local area. On top of that, there wasn’t really much incentive for me to go with sponsorship from Daylesford Foundation and the Rotary Club of Daylesford. into town, since it lacks a dedicated youth space, which is something we’re hoping to Daylesford College Band will perform alongside The Trentham Trio.

The town hall has been made available by Hepburn Shire Council and will help remedy with AltWave,” he said. include the use of sound and lighting equipment.

Atticus is currently studying music production at the Australian College of The Besides planning a local event to hopefully inspire teenagers locally, Atticus is Arts (Collarts). “I had planned to do a course in space science but I didn’t get the hoping to work and co-write with other artists in the future, pursuing a career in required ATAR. I needed to do a bridging course at Federation University. However, music and the arts all the while being a role model for regional kids who dream big. over the course of 2020 I lost interest in science, and started experimenting with AltWave will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, August 13 from GarageBand on my laptop, making original works and co-writing with my sister.”

3pm to 7pm. Entry is by donation with proceeds going to local youth mental health “At the start of 2021, I decided it might be worth looking around at some arts courses, and started with Collarts, as one of my friends had gone there. initiatives.

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed

T

“I highly recommend this program, its lots of fun. My mentor not only taught me how to drive but taught me life skills.”

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Steph, Learner

“In exchange for mentoring a young adult, I get to be inspired by a young adult who challenges the way I view the world”.

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Catherine, Mentor

“Learning to drive has made me feel a lot more independent this would

BALLARAT AND HEPBURN TAC L2P LEARNER DRIVER MENTOR PROGRAM MENTORS REQUIRED!

not have been possible without TAC L2P”.

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“The highlight of this experience has been seeing my mentees driving confidence and sensibility soar”.

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Volunteer Mentors To become a volunteer mentor in the TAC L2P program, you need to: * Be interested in helping young people * Over the age of 21 years * Hold a current full Victorian Licence * Screened by your local TAC L2P program Volunteers to undertake training to become a supervisor driver mentor.

Emma, Learner

Jude, Mentor

Upcoming training at Ballarat Sat 30 July 2022 Fri 2 Sep 2022

BALLARAT FOUNDATION 7 Lydiard St South Ballarat 3350 www.ballaratfoundation.org.au l2p@ballaratfoundation.org.au (03) 5331 5555 0422 809 587 L2P@ballaratfoundation.org.au

The TAC L2P program is a partnership between the Transport Accident Commission and the Department of Transport supported by Victorian Government.

We want students to love the game, not the odds Never before has gambling been so heavily promoted and accessible, especially through sport.

This makes it feel like a normal part of the game and harder for students to recognise the potential harm.

Gambling awareness for young people schools program.

Drawing on the latest research, this free program supports secondary school community to help students develop informed attitudes to gambling.

Our School Education program offers: • Free face-to-face and online information sessions for teachers, parents and students • Units of work to incorporate in your curriculum plans across a variety of subject areas • Useful resources for parents and teachers • Customisable school gambling policy template To find out more call 03 5337 3333 or visit

cafs.org.au

Celebrating our youth Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Across our schools we are committed to ensuring that our students have an opportunity to participate in a stimulating and nurturing learning environment.

Our students experience variety and success through the diversity of our high quality every day teaching and learning, special programs, the enthusiasm of our staff and the support of our wider school community.

We aim to create a social environment where our students feel part of a strong, respectful, caring and supportive team of staff, families and community.

Collaboration and positive relationships are the threads that are woven through all we do. Our accreditation as a Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships lead school is testimony to our culture.

We invite families to see our facilities, take a tour with the school’s leadership team and witness some of our amazing learning and programs in action.

School tours are held every Thursday at 10am or by special appointment time. Please book via the office on 5348 2480.

Enrol now!

Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Recently we saw the release of the latest ‘State of the Environment’ report which identified the ongoing and substantial deterioration of Australian environmental and ecological systems, largely due to climate change.

In Hepburn Shire, just in the past twelve months, we have directly experienced this deterioration of our local environment and ecology with the June and January storm events devastating over 30% of our Shire in the Trentham and Creswick areas. While we are now seeing promising signs of new growth and rejuvenation in parts of our forests, and many of the affected roads and other public infrastructure largely repaired and restored, the psychological, physical, and financial toll on people in our local communities will take a longer time to heal.

With the rise of superbugs, escalating costs of living, geopolitical tensions, and the detrimental effects of climate change, there are many reasons why we need strong and compassionate leadership at all levels of government and empowered communities to support more managed change, to prepare for and create greater future certainty.

In recent weeks there have been a series of positive steps taken at different levels that are leading us in the right direction and are worthy of note. Hepburn Shire Council has joined 31 other Victorian councils to push for planning policy that elevates sustainability requirements for new buildings and encourages a move towards net zero carbon development. The Victorian Government has outlined the start of a shift from the use of fossil gas, removing the need for new homes to connect to the gas network and promoting the benefits of all electric homes. The newly installed Federal Government has introduced a bill that would legislate a requirement for Australia to reduce emissions by 43 per cent by 2030, but without ruling out approving any new coal or gas projects.

At a grassroots level, Hepburn Shire Council staff, Councillors and associated agencies have been working on many fronts to respond to these challenges. I also know a range of community groups and individuals have dedicated many hours and significant resources to help others in distress, who find themselves isolated, or have been displaced because of extreme weather events, COVID, homelessness, or financial difficulty. Together we are stronger and with compassion for others, our environment and ecosystems, we can make and support the meaningful and positive changes that must happen as we transition to cleaner, greener, fairer, more circular, and renewable economies and systems.

Cr Tim Drylie MAYOR

COUNCIL PLAN FOCUS AREAS

SALE OF THE REX At its last meeting, Council made the difficult decision to sell The Rex building in Vincent Street, Daylesford. In November 2021, Councillors decided to not proceed with the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project and voted to sell the building through a public process, which required community engagement in accordance with the Local Government Act. After investigating a range of alternative uses for the building, along with Council’s ability to deliver on other current and aspirational projects, Councillors determined the site could not be retained as a community asset despite understanding the importance some members of the community attach to the building and the community’s desire for access to improved community facilities.

To read the full media release www.hepburn.vic.gov.au

BIODIVERSITY GRANTS Congratulations to Daylesford Primary School, Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife, Hepburn Wildlife Shelter, Blampied Kooroocheang Landcare Group and Wattle Flat Pootilla Landcare Group, who will share in $24,000 as recipients of the latest round of Council’s Biodiversity Grants. The grants will support a range of biodiversity projects around the Shire. To find out about the opportunity for Council grants, visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants

MEET THE MAYOR & LISTENING POSTS Council invites the community along to its new Meet the Mayor and Listening Post sessions, which will provide an opportunity for residents to speak with Councillors and staff. Listening Posts are open to everyone to drop-in, without the need to register. For the Meet the Mayor sessions, community members can book a 30-minute private meeting to be held either online or in person. The schedule for 2022 is: •

Meet the Mayor – Wednesday 24 August

•

Daylesford Listening Post – 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday 28 September

•

Meet the Mayor – Wednesday 26 October

•

Glenlyon Listening Post – 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday 23 November

More information at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au

STORM PHOTO COMP EXTENDED The deadline for the storm recovery photography competition has been extended to Sunday 7 August. The project aims to use photography as a medium to allow impacted residents to tell their story. There are many great prizes and submissions can be from the June 2021 storm or January 2022 flood event.

An Awards Ceremony and exhibition will be held and everyone is invited to attend. It will be held at the Uniting Church (cnr Camp and Market Streets, Trentham) on Saturday 20 August at 1.00pm for 1.30pm start. Afternoon tea will be provided.

For more information contact (03) 4373 7373 or submit entries via https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/.

The Council Plan 2021-2025 describes how Council will strive towards our vision, where to focus efforts, and how to measure progress. Each Focus Area has a series of priority statements, with actions against each item.  5348 2306  shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au  www.hepburn.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/hepburncouncil

STORM RECOVERY FENCE POSTS

B

ernie White slept through most of the June 2021 storm, but his wife Rosalie lay awake listening to the wind and the inevitable banging and crashing going on outside.

At around 1 or 2am, Rosalie woke Bernie as she could hear the shed roof coming off. The next morning the dawn light presented them with two sheds and a fence all flattened, with the corrugated iron separated and strewn before them. When it was safe, Bernie, who is a fourth generation sheep, potato and grain grower, went to inspect the property, which is north of Trentham. Having owned it for 50 years, he says he’s never had any trouble with the fences. ‘The Gillis’s who we bought the place from were notorious for installing excellent fencing. It had good box and steel posts with ringlock wire and we expected they would serve well for at least another 20 or 30 years. The storm blew large trees, some of which came from the roadside, across half a kilometre of the front boundary. It was too damaged to be rescued. Overall we have four different spots to be re-fenced and our nephew Des will do it when he gets some time. He’s very busy at the moment, as you can imagine. We’re grateful for the free fence posts to replace our current temporary arrangement.’

Sara Pheasant lives on the edge of town at the edge of the forest and

Sara Pheasant with a pile of fenceposts and logs on her Trentham property. Sara replaced half of the boundary fence herself and used supplied posts for the rest

her task of cleaning up is still large. Included in her property damage was fencing. ‘I contracted a local fencer to replace the whole of the eastern boundary. I felt so grateful then when BRV offered free fence posts because it motivated me to continue with the job.’ Even though the front fence is only about a quarter of the length of the one she’d already replaced, Sarah says the free fence posts represented a gesture of real significance about trying to create useful timber from the fallen trees, and to give back to the people affected. ‘It was important to receive that help in the midst of all the other things that were not possible. It motivated me to continue with the job (of replacing the fences) and is one of the few jobs that I can actually say is finished.’ Though skilled with a chainsaw, which she used to cut her way out of her property after the storm, she says that what she’s left with is a whole other league of chainsawing. ‘If I had someone here with a mill, they could continue processing all the logs that are too big and piled too high for me’.

Out the south side of Trentham, Dean Mighell lost a row of trees along the northern boundary at his charity, Path of the Horse. Parts of that boundary fence (and others) had to be repaired and replaced. Path of the Horse will now benefit from the free fence posts, which will repair part of the driveway fence. The rest of the posts are being used to build a new arena, in part as a post and rail configuration. The arena is ideal for horse therapy sessions, providing a much appreciated space for Dean to work with his clients. With the rest of the storm-thrown timber on his place, Dean hopes to construct a cabin to offer respite accommodation.

Hepburn Shire Council partnered with BRV to provide the free fence post program. The fence posts were processed from timber fallen within the Hepburn Shire as a result of the June 2021 storm event

The Path of the Horse built a Therapy Arena, a designated space for instructional sessions.

10 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Winter Sounds review After two cancellations, Winter Sounds 22 finally delivered on nourishing the souls of music lovers of the Hepburn Shire and beyond.

The concept of utilising the towns' venue was brilliant and it was great to see this come to fruition. The Friday headliner from the recent Cresfest, itself a new concept, was Emma Donovan and the Putbacks who kicked off the weekend at the Daylesford Uniting Church.

As always, those who have not seen the late Chris Wilson’s young boy Fenn perform as a youngster at the Old Hepburn or QMF, were blown away as he opened the gig. An amazing young talent.

There were two gigs on Saturday, beginning with the surreal experience of a country hall car park at Bullarto full of cars with RRR stickers and the somewhat incongruous sight of a room full of inner-city music type punters being blasted by the Gothic country sounds of Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, surrounded by gum trees.

The band was tight, mesmerising and enthralling. CW Stoneking was a great get for the festival, as fascinating as ever, with his blend of old-timey blues, jazz and tall jungle tales and fables. A packed house at the Daylesford Town Hall saw a great gig, although somewhat lost in the venue where I couldn’t help thinking a rock band may have fitted the evening bill.

He was supported by young singer-songwriter Harmony Byrne who managed to warm up the crowd with her very personal songs, and electric accompaniment.

Sunday morning, on a typical, gloomy winter's day was made much more pleasant with the breakfast van and intimate surrounds of the Glenlyon Hall. Luke Sinclair with band was a late cancellation with replacement duo Bone and Jones, one third of the full band, playing a selection of country/soul material reminiscent of The Byrds et al. Freya Josephine Hollick played a lovely, albeit brief, well chosen set list, perfect for the venue and Sunday morning vibe.

The festival culminated with an afternoon performance by high energy sevenpiece soul-jazz ensemble Jazz Party at Palais-Hepburn. Those who lasted the distance finished the weekend in style. Congratulations to all involved, the festival has really filled a void, with the sheer joy palpable in playing and appreciating the music evident at all venues by both punters and musicians. Words: Darren Lowe

HANGING ROCK CRAFT AND FOOD MARKET

Just briefly...

The Community Bank Creswick & District has donated $250,000 towards construction of the nature play area at the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick.

The Community Bank Nature Play area will feature imaginative play elements including music play, log steppers, rope climber and whimsical shelter. Construction of the Hammon Park Trailhead is under way, with the bike jumps course almost complete.

The state government has put a call out for ideas for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Ideas can be: cultural programs; sporting programs and training; education programs; partnerships and collaboration; business innovation; live sites and local activations; and legacy. Idea submissions should highlight which regional community the idea will support, how the local community will benefit, and the legacy or longterm benefits it will provide. Link: www.vic.gov.au/victoria-2026-commonwealthgames-call-for-ideas. Submissions close Friday, August 12.

Two staff members from Daylesford College have been recognised for their long-serving dedication to students and families through the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated Bronwyn Barlow for her 45 years of service and Peter Geddes for his 50 years. Around Victoria, a total of 219 teachers and staff are being recognised for 40 years of service, 104 staff for 45 years of service, 50 staff for 50 years of service, six staff for 55 years of service and five staff for 60 years of service.

A Tylden man who dropped a parking receipt after using it to open a boom gate, wound up dropping $1100 in a fine and costs, after being reported for littering.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria fined the man for littering after he was spotted dropping the receipt out of his car window in Malcolm Street, South Yarra, and making no attempt to pick it up. Another driver reported the littering offence and offered to provide evidence in court if necessary. The accused man challenged the EPA fine in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, but the court found the charge proven and fined him $300 with $800 in costs.

Garden expert, radio personality and nurseryman Stephen Ryan will open his private garden, Tugurium, Macedon as part of Open Gardens Victoria on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28.

Set on a peaceful country lane at Macedon, the garden showcases Stephen’s decades-long dedication to collecting and curating rare and unusual plants. The woodlandstyle garden shines in late winter with textured foliage.

Details: www.opengardensvictoria.org.au

9am to 2pm More than a picnic at Hanging Rock

Saturday October 29th Melbourne Cup Weekend

Saturday December 10th visit www.craftmarkets.com.au for more info

Northern Books is partnering up with Buda Historic Home and the Castlemaine Art Museum to bring high-profile speakers to the region.

Books at the Brewery series this month includes the winner of the Allen & Unwin Crime Fiction Prize Vikki Petraitis talking about her book, The Unbelieved, US-based, Australian artist Judy Cotton in conversation with CAM director Naomi Cass and Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs in conversation about their book Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles. Link: www.northernbooks.com.au/events

Real Estate Institute of Victoria data shows outer Melbourne has joined regional Victoria in the latest round of record-breaking house prices.

The REIV’s June Quarterly Median Report reveals outer Melbourne houses (20km+ from the CBD) have reached their highest ever quarterly median price, with a 0.9 per cent increase to $856,000 (up from $848,500). Annual growth for outer Melbourne houses has grown by 12.6 per cent. The median house price in regional Victoria saw a 21.6 per cent annual increase from $500,000 to $608,000. Units peaked to $418,000 in the June quarter.

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Our health 11

Community needs to lobby for healthcare

C

OMMUNITY stalwart Danny Moynihan, pictured, has been involved in three major community drives to get upgrades for the Daylesford Hospital but says the current campaign as the most important.

That's because it's been 20 years since a serious site upgrade.

The 2022 Hepburn Shire Citizen of the Year said he knew firsthand the value in having access to local medical care, having seen up close the kindness and great medical support the Daylesford Hospital provided to his family during a very vulnerable time.

But he is concerned that in the absence of a major upgrade, at a cost of $75M, services will be fractured or unavailable and locals will be forced to travel to Ballarat, or be disadvantaged and miss out on timely care.

“The current state government has been in power for 16 of the past 20 years, and while our local population ages and increases, the hospital facilities have been languishing. I’m concerned that locals are being left behind, with only a recent tiny 6 per cent investment in upgrades to date, compared to what we need overall.”

The community raised $100K late last year to fund a master plan under the auspices of Central Highlands Rural Health. The endorsed master plan provides a blueprint for the hospital precinct and future health and wellbeing of Daylesford and surrounding communities. A large capital commitment from the state government is now needed to bring the plan to life.

Hospital users include locals from both the state electorates of Macedon and Ripon, which Danny says will become important closer to the November state election. The Daylesford Hospital Upgrade Committee has lobbied the Liberal Ripon MP Louise Staley, the Labor candidate for Ripon Martha Haylett and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas MLA to commit to funding a significant capital upgrade. Ms Thomas was recently sworn in as Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services.

Danny says access to great health care should not be a function of postcode.

"We’re frustrated that our neighbouring areas of Ballarat, Maryborough and recently St Arnaud are getting significant hospital funding commitments from both major parties, but we keep missing out despite our clear needs.

"Our committee is asking locals to write to Minister Thomas and other key politicians to let them know this is an issue they will vote on at the November state election."

Danny said a funding allocation to upgrade the operating theatre was obtained last year, separate to the master plan process, but was just 6 per cent of the anticipated total $75M funds required to deliver the master plan.

"Investing in good health starts at home,” Danny says. "We're calling on Minister Thomas to deliver modern health facilities to her constituents, rather than focusing on large metropolitan or regional centres."

CHRH will hold a community update on the Master Plan on August 28 from 2.30pm to 4pm at the Daylesford Town Hall.

Details: daylesfordhospitalupgradeappeal@org.au.

A Victorian Government spokesperson, on behalf of a question sent to Minister Thomas asking if she was "onboard with the Daylesford Hospital upgrade" said the government had a "strong record of investing in our regional health services".

"We welcome ongoing discussions with all health services, including Central Highlands Rural Health, on the needs and requirements of the Daylesford community into the future."

Ripon MP Louise Staley said she supported the community’s efforts in securing the project and had arranged for the Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier, to meet with the committee and herself later this month.

Ripon Labor candidate Martha Haylett said she was pleased to see the Central Highlands Rural Health CEO and Board had applied for funding under the RHIF to get the Daylesford Hospital upgrade under way and was "fully supportive of their application".

Words: Donna Kelly

Artist impressions from the master plan, above, Daylesford Hospital as it is now, below, after the $75M upgrade

12 Horoscopes

Horoscopes

www.tlnews.com.au

with Jennifer Hart August 1st-14th

Aries: Health and wellness are emphasised in the coming weeks, you’re better able to be organised with daily routines. Now’s the time to reprioritise your health, including mental health, and making sure that you are really taking care of yourself to thrive in your daily life.

Taurus: Connective and loving times at home and with your family are highlighted for you. Times might be fun and feisty, get out the board games and host a fun evening if you can. This is a great time to expand your hobbies, engage your brain and stretch yourself over the next few weeks.

Gemini: You’re better able to make a real estate deal if you’ve been thinking about buying or selling. You’ll have a keener eye than usual to see a good opportunity. If you aren’t looking to climb the property ladder, get your label-maker out and hit the kitchen cupboards, it’s a great time for a pre-spring cleaning.

Cancer: If you’ve had some bright ideas rattling around, get out your pen and paper and get them down. Great plans often start with an idea that you put into motion, this is a good time to get some of those ideas down and see what is worth pursuing.

Leo: The start of the month shows a time when your financial picture gets some clarity. If you have been struggling with the increasing cost of being a human, it’s a great time to set a budget, balance the books or create that spreadsheet to keep track of where all your pennies are going.

Virgo: You’re quick-witted now, feeling the need to analyse more than usual, your appetite for knowledge and learning is increased. Read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch some documentaries on a subject that piques your interest, this is a great time to indulge a little.

Libra: Times with friends and community can be good fun, make sure you’re getting your caffeine intake and you’ll be up for it all. Gather your friends around for a night of games, competition and good times, you will quickly quiet that monkey mind. Espresso martinis all around!

Scorpio: A possible new partnership might be on the books, a business partner or romantic one if you’re on the lookout for either. This month also has an emphasis on you career and life direction, time to set some goals and think about how you can move things in a positive direction.

Sagittarius: You might be craving freedom from daily life and seeking adventure.

If you can’t get out of Dodge, try shaking up your daily routine. Arts and music can offer some escape and immersion into a new culture, not quite the European holiday that you’re lusting after, but better than nothing.

Capricorn: Partnerships can feel supportive and encouraging, any favours you seek are met with a resounding yes. Good news might come your way regarding taxes, debts, or insurance policies. It’s a good time to re-assess these areas, you might be able to get a better deal and save some money.

Aquarius: Relationships have been in the spotlight and will be until the end of the month. Venus offers a serious boost to your love life from the second week of August, offering opportunities to deepen your closest relationships and bring loving, connective times.

Pisces: Communications with loved ones are strengthened, you might be able to get on the same page with your partner if it’s felt like you’re reading from different books. If you’re looking for love, conversation is the order of the day, deepening your connection with any prospects.

Until next time, Jennifer Hart For your full horoscope reading head to www.jhartastro.com or www.tlnews.com.au

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News 13

Homelessness Week Let’s support our community and shop local!

“Locals supporting Locals”

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

Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply.

Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver.

Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577.

Keep safe, everyone.

Free hot soup and musical entertainment will be on offer at the Mechanics Institute in Kyneton this Tuesday, August 2, as the community gathers together to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness across both Australia and more locally in regional Victoria.

In Australia there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night and Homelessness Week which runs from August 1 to 7 aims to educate people on what homelessness looks like and how they can make a difference.

Sleeping rough accounts for only seven per cent of homelessness with other forms including couch surfing, staying with friends and sleeping in cars or tents.

With the increase in interest rates, rental prices and the rising cost of utilities, fuel and groceries, housing insecurity is expected to increase.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s small team of housing workers based in Kyneton provide support for people who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. This can include assisting with finding short-term emergency accommodation in a hotel or motel, as well as case management and advocacy to put in place supports to improve someone’s situation and find long-term housing but options are increasingly limited.

“There are only a small number of public housing properties in the Macedon Ranges, all with long-term tenants,” says Kate Weston, who leads the housing team at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health. “There has been very little movement over the past few years with limited vacancies becoming available.”

“In the past 12 months we have assisted over 200 families and individuals, 28 of those have been young people under the age of 25. We have also responded to 48 emergency accommodation requests.”

The organisation sees housing affordability impacting people across the whole community including older men and women who are finding themselves unable to afford the rising costs of housing after 50 years of living and working in the community, young people, families, and women and children fleeing family violence.

The soup kitchen is at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute, 81 Mollison Street on Tuesday, August 2 from noon to 1pm.

Winter Warmer Our premium range of Gin & Vodka blends pure elegance & style.

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What we offer is a genuine, world class experience in every way. wa

We are open for sales & tastings. Every day 10-5pm.

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14 Out & About

Our bistro is back!

Church concerts Daylesford’s Christ Church Anglican has launched a series of five very special concerts on Saturday afternoons from winter to spring.

LUNCH

Music is from the renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and modern periods with string ensemble, viol consort, recorders and harpsichord.

There is also a Rossini comic opera and a celebration of the power of music with the Daylesford Community Brass Band.

The concert series comprises: Klemantyne Ensemble - August 27 - A dynamic string ensemble from the Ballarat region, playing a diverse program from baroque to tango including works by Handel, Cimarosa, Sibelius, Holst, Kats-Chernin, Villa-Lobos and Piazzolla.

Consortium - September 24 - Laura Moore, Reidun Turner, Ruth Wilkinson, Victoria Watts with violas da gamba. The Gamut of Viols program includes works by Frescobaldi, Purcell, Hume, Isaac, and Mico alongside exciting new music.

Saltbush - October 15 - Ryan Williams, recorders, Reidun Turner, viola da gamba, recorder and Joy Lee, harpsichord. The Italian Affections explore the very beginnings of the Sonata to the greats of Corelli and Vivaldi.

La Cenerentola Cinderella - November 5 - a 2-act comic opera by Rossini with Lyster Opera Company. Rossini’s brilliant and witty take on the classic tale is brought to life by some of Victoria’s finest professional singers.

Beyond - November 19 - Daylesford Community Brass Band - a celebration of the power of music. Come on a journey through space, time and the most intimate of destinations: ourselves.

Christ Church Concerts are supported by Community Bank Daylesford District, Biggin & Scott and The Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee.

All concerts commence at 2.30pm. Tickets $30. Full season tickets $120.

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CAUME

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Bookings essential

Sat and Sun 12.00-2.30

03 5348 2130

DINNER Wed to Sat 5.30-8.30

d ay l e s f o r d b o w l i n g c l u b 8 Camp St - Daylesford | 03 5348 2130 www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au

OUR LOCALS

We are proud to offer you Green Hills Natural Beef and Lamb from our very own farm. It’s as local as you are.

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Recipes

Recipes 15

with Jen Clarke

Orange syrup yoghurt cake

This is a seasonal variation on the classic lemon syrup cake. Winter is peak orange season and this year they have been abundant and especially juicy and sweet. Full of vitamin C and immune boosting goodness, oranges deliver a healthy dose of winter sunshine…surely there is still vitamin C in cake?

Ingredients: 185g butter, room temperature 1 cup caster sugar 2 eggs, room temperature 1 ½ cups plain flour ¼ cup almond meal ½ teaspoon bicarb soda Pinch of salt ½ cup natural yoghurt 2 large or 3 small oranges ¼ cup pistachio nuts, roughly chopped Method Preheat oven to 180c. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.

Cream butter and ¾ cup of caster sugar until pale. Beat in eggs one at a time and mix until light. Fold in flour, bicarb soda and a pinch of salt. Mix in the yoghurt and the grated rind and juice of one large orange (or one and a half small). You can do all this in a food processor if you wish.

Pour mixture into the tin and scatter the pistachios around the rim.

Bake for 35-45 minutes until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

While the cake is cooking, make the syrup.

Combine the julienned (very thin strips, or just zest the oranges…do this before you juice them), remaining orange juice, remaining ¼ cup sugar and ½ cup of water in a small saucepan and heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. Taste, as it depends on the sweetness of the oranges, and you may need to add a bit more sugar.

When the cake comes out of the oven, use a skewer to poke some holes in the top before pouring over the syrup. Allow to cool in the tin.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SPORT

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

www.tlnews.com.au Bendigo Bank

Community Bank Daylesford & District 5348 4186

Powering through the storm Over the past couple of years, many people have done it tough, especially when it comes to a reliable power supply.

And none have been more in the thick of it than Fells Powerline & Electrical owner Jamie Grant and his team.

Jamie is at the helm of a company that has been servicing the community for 76 years and have literally weathered the storm, helping people with backup power supplies, solar systems and all forms of domestic and commercial electrical issues.

“We have all had a couple of tough years and we have been lucky to come through as strong as ever, keeping everyone employed and helping people through those tough times. And while our commercial and domestic business keeps us mostly in Hepburn Shire, with our powerline business, connecting new homes, we could be anywhere in the state.

“We are lucky to have eight electricians on the road and two in the office, that’s our strength, the weight of our numbers.”

Jamie said over the past few years, his business had seen a real uptake in solar systems and backup generators and solar systems with people wanting to rely as little as possible on the grid.

The great thing now, he says, is that the state government is offering solar system grants, picking up a portion of the cost of installation. And there is no need for cash up-front with many payment plan options. Hepburn Shire Council is working with local businesses to repay the shortfall through their quarterly rates notices. A win-win for the environment, lower electricity bills and the ability to have a backup system if the grid is needed and fails.

“And we are able to help people with all the paperwork involved with the government grants and solar systems. If someone comes to our depot or sends us an email we can handle the whole process from start to finish. Just keeps it very easy, a one-stop shop. We have already helped a number of people slash their energy bills."

Jamie said there were three types of systems available, and his team were happy to chat with clients about which one would work for their lifestyle or workplace.

The only restriction on installing a solar system is when a roof is very old and not strong enough to hold solar panels, but then they can be placed on nearby sheds or even be ground-mounted. From first chat to installation is about six weeks with two of those taken up with the grant process and another four for scoping the work, ordering material and completing the job.

Jamie said solar systems had really taken off with people looking for alternatives because of soaring energy costs, the environment and being able to disconnect from the grid. “If people are keen, they should call us and we can come and do a site visit and talk about what they want to install. At that point there is no charge. And then we start looking at what size system you need and which system you want. It really is a fuss-free operation.”

Fells Powerline & Electrical is at 2 Knox Street, Daylesford.

Phone: 5348 2492 | Mobile: 0418 585 722 | admin@fellselectrical.com

COVID-19 Vaccination Update Get vaccinated at your GP or local pharmacy The easiest and fastest way to get vaccinated against COVID-19 this winter is through your GP or local pharmacy.

Being up to date with vaccination is your best protection against severe illness. If you haven’t already, book your next dose at your GP or local pharmacy.

COVID-19 vaccines are available free for everyone aged 5 and over at vaccination sites, pharmacies and GPs. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has approved a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine for priority groups.

On 7 July, ATAGI expanded the eligibility criteria for winter dose to help reduce severe illness from COVID-19.

Winter dose is now available to: adults aged 50 years and above adults aged 30 and above now have the option to receive a winter dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information please visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-vaccinated

Staying ahead of COVID-19 As we continue to live with COVID-19, there are important steps you should take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and those who are most at risk.

The risk of catching or passing the infection to others is higher if you are not up to date with your vaccinations, when you are in close contact with the person infected with COVID-19, lack basic hygiene, or if you spend time in poorly ventilated or crowded indoor settings.

There are things we can all do to make ourselves and others safer.

As you live and work, remember these COVIDSafe principles: Carry a face mask when leaving home. Face masks are required for everyone aged 8 and above in some locations, including on public transport and in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities.

When organising or attending gatherings, consider ways to reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Take extra precautions if someone has a higher chance of developing severe illness or complications from COVID-19 (including those not up to date with their vaccinations).

Good hygiene is critical for slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Wash hands regularly. Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw it away and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve. Do not share drink bottles, glasses, crockery, or cutlery other than with people you live with remember to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly.

Ventilation - Bringing outdoor air into your home or business helps keep COVID-19 virus particles from accumulating inside.

Maintain your physical distance where possible.

Dental Health Week Dental Health Week (DHW) is a major annual health promotion event run by the Australian Dental Health Association, which takes place during August each year. This year DHW will run from 1-7 August.

The campaign will focus on the importance of taking steps to care for our teeth and gums to help us keep our teeth and smile for life.

Key messages: 1. Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste 2. Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes 3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake 4. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care It should not be a normal circumstance to expect that you will need to have your teeth removed because of tooth decay or gum disease. After all, you do not expect to lose an arm or leg, so why would you expect to lose any of your teeth?

Australians should expect to keep their teeth for their lifetime and by following steps listed above, they can reach this goal.

If you have not had a recent visit to the dentist, it is a great time to make an appointment. Call Central Highlands Rural Health to arrange a dental appointment with our friendly dental team ph: 5321 6580 For more information about oral health please visit: www.teeth.org.au

Source: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au - 26 July 2022

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

18 News

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Planning permit issued for Dan Murphy's Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s may be coming to Daylesford. And Hepburn Shire Council has already issued a planning permit.

Owner Endeavour Group Limited has applied to Liquor Control Victoria to grant it a packaged liquor licence for 63 Central Springs Road.

A planning permit for the store was granted by the council last month.

Council CEO Bradley Thomas said a planning permit was first issued for the development of a supermarket and associated works at the site in December 2018.

"Recently an application for an amendment to this permit and plans was applied for at the end of April 2022 seeking to alter the preamble of the permit from 'supermarket' to 'shop'," he said. "The change from a 'supermarket' to a 'shop' did not require planning permissions and there are no appeal rights."

However many people are not happy with the store coming to the town, with community stalwart Sarah Lang saying “I can understand people want cheap booze but that is a really short-sighted reason".

"Once you allow someone like Dan Murphy's in - they are not run by small business owners, by people who live and work and breathe in the town, they are run by shareholders.

"Yes, they are going to employ local people but they will be from other local businesses who are already struggling to find staff. This is part of a much larger picture that needs to be looked at by the community and by the council in a holistic way. Development is inevitable but if it goes unchecked and we don't ask ourselves 'is this part of the overall vision we want for our town' then we will end up killing the golden goose with a town full of chain stores that nobody wants to visit."

Ms Lang, who is starting up a website for the community to pull together on this and other development matters, said she was also worried, aside from risking a reputation as a wonderful tourism destination, that the position of the store, near the Daylesford Preschool and Daylesford Pool, was already too busy for even more traffic.

"That intersection is really hard to get in and out of already, with low visibility.

There are just a whole lot of reasons we don't need Dan Murphy's in our town."

Cellarbrations Daylesford owner Matt France said he had been shocked to hear a planning permit had been issued for the store without any community consultation.

He said he was disappointed Hepburn Shire Council had made an amendment on the application from a supermarket to liquor store, without any opportunity for anyone to object or discuss.

Mr France said if the liquor licence was granted he would not be able to continue with his move into the new store and may well end up being forced to close his current store.

“That will be my last resort, as I love this community and am thankful for the support they have given me for many years. I am not going to just walk away, but at some stage I might have to call last drinks after 16 years which is a real shame, but you have to be a realist.”

Lyonville artist, teacher, national martial arts trainer, poet, author and vodka distillery owner Basil Eliades said the store would not affect his business.

"But I am very protective of the shire and town and don't want Daylesford to turn into the high street of every small town in the UK. As soon as the chain stores got in they took over every store and if we let Dan Murphy's in, this is simply the beginning of all of the other chain stores. I want to protect our uniqueness."

Mr Eliades will host a town meeting at the Daylesford Town Hall on Wednesday, August 3 from 6pm to 7pm.

A Dan Murphy’s spokesperson said its stores were committed to being valued members of their local communities. "We employ locals, work with local suppliers and curate store ranges to suit the tastes of locals, and that is our intention with Dan Murphy's Daylesford.

"Dan Murphy’s Daylesford will be a small format store, which means it’s significantly smaller than a standard Dan Murphy’s. The store will create valuable job opportunities for locals, and we are committed to supporting local wineries, distilleries and breweries with in-store ranging.

"As is the case with each of our developments, we follow all relevant regulations, including compliance with planning requirements, hours of operation and parking.

We are committed to continuing to work constructively through the remaining steps in the approval process in order to bring our unique Dan Murphy’s concept to life."

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

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

Words: Donna Kelly

Homelessness Eight new homes in Daylesford and Clunes will be built as part of the State Government's Big Housing Build. More than 12,000 will be built across Victoria for those on the Victorian Housing Register.

Wombats The Daylesford Men’s Shed is finalising a project to bring Wombat Trees to Daylesford this festive season.

The Wombat Tree project will have hand-painted wombats displayed on “wombat trees” which will Local community groups across the Hepburn Shire decorate the shopping precinct of Daylesford.

The wombats made in the shed using computerestimate there are currently at least 40 people homeless, at risk of homelessness or sleeping rough - people of all aided routers are the key feature, and build on Daylesford heritage (formerly call Wombat) and its links ages including children and the elderly. to the Wombat State Forest.

Hepburn Shire missed out on temporary modular Men’s Shed president Bob Thannhauser said that homes that the State Government started delivering last shed members responded to community concerns over month (also part of the Big Housing Build) to at-risk a number of years about the lack of engaging street community members across the state. decorations during the Christmas period.

When asked why, Hepburn Shire Council CEO "The Shed is now on track to deliver an unique Bradley Thomas said the council wasn’t "approached to participate in the program". However a state government experience which involves the region’s young people and spokesperson confirmed the program was not by invite community groups.”

The Daylesford Men’s Shed has teamed with and all councils had the opportunity to apply for the Daylesford Rotary and Hepburn Shire Council to modular homes. plan and deliver the project. Major sponsors are the The Local will commence a series in the coming Daylesford District Community Bank and Daylesford weeks and months looking at the groups desperate to Rotary. make a difference to vulnerable community members, Although most the wombats and trees have been share stories from locals caught in the crossfire of the allocated, community groups that wish to participate housing shortage nightmare and how the community in the project should contact DMS via email can come together to make a difference.

If you have a story you’d like to share please contact daylesfordmensshed@gmail.com or call Terri (Rotary) on 0414 657 461. news@tlnews.com.au

Subdivision Smith Development Partnerships has put in a planning application to the Hepburn Shire Council for a housing subdivision at 9 Raglan Street, Daylesford.

A report by Niche Planning Studio says the "Middleton Field Estate" stretches across 17 Smith Street, 29 Smith Street and 9 Raglan Street, Daylesford.

"The broader proposal incorporates house and land packages supporting 7* NatHERS ratings, no fossil fuel energy connections, retention of large existing trees within the public realm, incredible views towards the east of Daylesford and an ecovillage which delivers small footprint community living with communal gardens, food production, community housing dwellings, designed by Breathe Architecture.

"The proposal at 9 Raglan Street compliments (sic) the existing design providing 22 front-loaded residential lots ranging in size from 637m² to 896m², accessing from a central 16m north-south local access street with a split lane entry to the south reflecting the existing Avenue of Honour on Raglan Street.

"The proposal will facilitate a high quality development at the site which will contribute to an attractive township entrance which respects the surrounding heritage character of the area."

The application includes removal of vegetation, demolition of a building and roadworks.

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Our health 19

Why nobody cares about your long Covid

I

T’S been a while since I’ve written a story. It’s also been a while since I’ve breathed freely. Or gotten through a day without a nap. Or been for a walk. Anywhere. Just for the joy of it.

How long? Since Covid.

Nearly six months, now. Long enough to be referred to, but not yet seen by, the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Long Covid Clinic.

Pre-Covid, I swam about 20km a week, walked about 25km a week, lived, worked and played as per normal. I was up at 5am, went for a big walk wearing a 10kg weight vest, I got my beautiful high-needs daughter ready and off to school, worked a full day, picked her up from school, fitted in some loads of washing, cooked tea and fell into bed happily exhausted. Yesterday? Yesterday I couldn’t get out of bed.

We’re gradually seeing more clinical studies, and income protection claims, showing how bad the problem really is. But the really annoying part? We’ve been on about it for a while . It’s just that people don’t hear us. Not after the first time, anyway. It goes like this – I say ‘I have long Covid!’ and the person says ‘Oh no!...’ then after a few days comes the absolute clanger of the most annoying things people can say… ‘what’s wrong?’

Yep. Still the long Covid. Maybe that’s why they call it ‘long’. Because it hasn’t been fixed in the two days since you last saw me. And so forgive me, world, when I cut out the middle man and just start going around randomly pausing to throw back my head and yell ‘long Covid!’. You’ve created a monster.

So now there’s a new study ‘shedding light’ on who gets long Covid and why.

Again, full of judgment. ‘More women report long Covid symptoms.’ Excuse me?

We’re not reporting ‘long Covid symptoms’ we are reporting a medically diagnosed disease called long Covid, do not try to trivialise it by referring only to ‘reporting symptoms’. Also, why is it women? Well, at a guess, it’s because men are generally far less likely to present to a medical practitioner than women are.

Also, people with poor physical or mental health, overweight or asthma.

Overweight?! For goodness’ sake. You could be 400kgs and ordering 15 pizzas delivered through your bedroom window to hide it from the family for all I care,

We’re here for you Welcome to our new GPs

What is long Covid? (From www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au) Long Covid is a condition where people continue to experience Covid symptoms usually for at least three months from the onset of Covid. Long Covid symptoms will vary from person to person. People with underlying health conditions, unvaccinated, or hospitalised due to Covid are more likely to have long Covid symptoms. Most people will recover from long Covid with time, and the recovery rate varies between individuals.

The best way to protect yourself against Covid is to get vaccinated, wear a face mask where needed, stay in well-ventilated spaces, and maintain a physical distance of 1.5m. Long Covid symptoms include: shortness of breath; cough; fatigue/exhaustion; concentration/memory issues; changes in mood; loss of smell or taste; headache; sleep issues; heart pounding/palpitations/racing heart/chest pain; skin rashes; muscle aches and joint pains; and worsened symptoms after physical or mental activities. You should see your general practitioner if you have long Covid symptoms.

Long Covid hits who it hits without limiting itself to our strict rules of what we want diseases to do to be more predictable and make us feel smug if we don’t fit the go-to lifestyle factors.

With my thumb at the end of my nose and fingers waggling mid-air, I blow a raspberry in your general direction, long-Covid-haters. Stop judging us. Stop ignoring us. Stop trying to fix us. And stop giving us homework – I’m not going to try ice baths, or your batty ideas about where I might want to try sticking a lemon to help. Sit down, shut up, listen to us, then just nod your head. Maybe help round the house a bit. It’s all we ask of you.

And in the meantime? Just to be clear? I care about your long Covid. Each and every one of you suffering every day with it.

Words: Kate Taylor

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your beauty, inside and out; your generosity of spirit and love of life; your strong connection to nature, and your ability to create the most perfect expressions of her gifts; your honesty, your integrity, your strength.

Then you will know, and experience, with greater confidence, the purity of the love within you and all around you.

For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352

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Gardens 21 Hi Glen, many years back, we planted a medlar and now it is an established tree about eight feet high and in late autumn each year it has an abundance of fruit. But by the time it is ripe the birds have got them all. This year I picked three buckets when they were still on the tree, hoping to find a recipe to make medlar jelly, but all of a sudden the fruit went off.

Can you help with advice here, how to pick at the right time and maybe a recipe, please.

Kind regards, Stefan

If you share in the pleasures of a hanging garden, you won’t be desperate for garden space or need the expense of a greenhouse, unless you try your hand with a few exotics. Hanging plants take up little precious space, in fact you will enjoy the bargain of an extra layer in the garden.

Hi Stefan, You’re lucky. Medlar (mespilus germanica) is a beautiful tree and being somewhat like a similarly misunderstood fruit, the persimmon,unfortunately hasn’t gained many fans amongst the unknowing. With both trees, the fruit is picked when it appears ripe, but still firm.

The trick is to then lay them out in a wooden box, untouching, in a single layer on a bed of fine straw or sawdust in front of a well-lit window for 10 to 20 days. They are ripe when they become what you thought was “off”. Obviously they are not usually eaten raw - but made into jam, or similar.

I’ll do some more research into the technique for the next issue. Glen

You needn’t even be restricted to suspended baskets or pots either. An even more spectacular effect can be obtained by draping containerborne pendulous plants over ledges or steps.

Many plant species will thrive in containers, and many other larger varieties requiring more root space, for the open garden.

For seasonal colour spectacle, nothing can look better than hanging baskets or pots of cascading flowering annuals such as petunias, trailing lobelia or other similar plants. But only if you are prepared to spend the time replanting at the end of each season. There are plenty of equally spectacuar trailing perennial and evergreens to choose from.

So here are a few starters.

Hanging baskets - containers - begonias (tuberous), ferns (obviously), fuchsia procumbens, gazanias, hedera (ivy), impatiens, ipomoea, philodenron scandens, sollya fusiformis and tradescantia floribunda.

Cascading/ground covers - acacia baileyana, prostrata acacia pravissima, acacia cultriformis prostrate, alyssum saxatile, campanula, cerastium tomentosum, correa decumbens, erigeron, geranium ivy, grevillea biternata, hakea (prostrate) kennedia, lantana montevidensis and myoporum parvifolium. And I’m sure you can think of more than a few of your own favourites.

Backdrop - I’m sure you want to provide a weeping or pendulous backdrop to complete the scene so here are a few suggestions starting from a tall background weeping myall (acacia pendula), willow-leaf wattle (acacia iteaphylla), willow myrtle (agonis flexuosa) and weeping bottlebrush (callistemon viminalis).

Intermediate - among the many Australian weeping native trees and shrubs one species of wattle stands head and shoulders above the rest, acacia cognata. From this rather insignificant looking tree has sprung a multitude of magnificent willow-like trees and shrubs ranging in size from a mere metre to rather handsome trees.

With foliage colours of lime green right through to deep plum and such imaginative descriptive varietal names as Lime Magik, Mini Cog, Limelight and Fettucini, how could you not find a place in your garden for at least two or three.

Of course there many other splendid weeping forms of popular shrubs that deserve a place in any “hanging” garden, but I’ll leave those to your imagination.

Got a gardening question: Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

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22 Opinion

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Kyle’s Rant

"So, there’s that one and that one", the waitress declares. She is, of course, talking about the two menus as she handed me a non-Covid-friendly, sticky laminated glimpse into the hygiene of the kitchen.

In the old days the wait staff fronting the punters were a fantastic way to up-sell the menu and drinks, and create a relationship with the diners so the last question of the day is “Would you like dessert?”. That then becomes a solid "yes", based on the punter's experience. The result is an up-tick in the bottom line of the eatery and a possible hefty tip to the staff and return business and recommendations from the diners.

I guess it is the language that has changed. The same staffer presented our meals saying the exact same thing, “so, there’s that one and that one” as the plates were spun onto the table. When I said “thanks”, she proclaimed “that’s OK”, not the warming “you’re welcome” from the old language.

But things are indeed rapidly changing. The earth has literally shifted off its axis.

It turns out that if you melt the two big icecaps on either end, and that water shifts towards the equator, the tilt of the earth shifts. WTH? As if we haven’t got enough to worry about - thanks space.com We are all overrun with so many things to worry about - solar storms, monkeypox, Covid, the cost of living, and foot and mouth - so I have started to turn my attention to rainbows. There have been a number of these things over the Central Highlands lately and I recently drove into one on my way back to TL HQ. Apparently, it is impossible to get to the end of a rainbow because viewing a rainbow is different for everybody. According to Dr Karl each person sees it from a slightly different angle and the beauty is literally in the eye of the beholder, however I swear it happened.

It might have been a glass diffusion of light or a momentary lapse of reason, but that was my reality, there was no pot of gold at the end of the thing or leprechauns leaping out of the way as I roared down the road at 80km - it was just a peaceful experience.

It was Isaac Newton who first understood rainbows and decided there were seven colours - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. There is also a theory around (well, actually mine) that blue is so close to indigo that he simply chucked it in there to make up the magic number seven.

Seven is such an enchanted number as in seven Spanish angels, seven deadly sins, seventh heaven, seven spirits of God and don’t forget "at sixes and sevens", which is to be at a state of confusion and disorder.

Anyway, that’s how I am navigating the world right now, with small peaceful reasonings.

And I did drive through the end of that rainbow, rant over…

Catherine

KING MP

Federal Member for Ballarat

Local Lines

Automatic

We move forward slowly.

Out of nowhere, a roar, vibrations between our feet felt from the force below.

We stop. All is quiet.

A silver-grey liquid falls, snake-like. It meanders down.

Twice it appears over us, before a cleansing rinse creates waves on the glass.

A multitude of colours rain down, psychedelic blobs linger obscuring all view.

Water descends, visibility reappears, mosaic shapes clear the glass.

Droplets appear. We are almost done.

Like a child I am mesmerised by the different shapes and forms conjured up in this ritual.

I love the automatic carwash.

- Gary Wilkinson Now fully retired, Gary is devoting more time to a bit of gardening, relaxation and travel. The inspiration for his poems generally comes from casual observations or whilst sitting contemplating nature’s wonders.

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

Mary-Anne Thomas MP

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Opinion 23

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

S

O, The Rex is for sale to the highest bidder. Not really a big surprise although it did look like a last-minute reprieve might have happened thanks to Councillors Halliday, Bray and Drylie. But it was not to be.

No stalling, said the other councillors, it was time to bite the bullet and put up the For Sale sign.

The whole debacle still beggars belief. The building was bought by council in 2016, mostly to provide public toilets, including disabled, in lower Vincent Street.

Yes, it cost $6 million, a fair bit, but was going to be less than $1M to renovate into an area offering a cinema, council offices, community spaces, the aforementioned toilets, and even a youth cafe to help with hospitality training.

What a bargain. Under $1M for all that. And so no need for a planning permit.

I live in an 1860s school and I reckon just doing that up would be over $1M. But you know, with an eye for a bargain, crash and dent sales, the odd piece off the hard rubbish cleanup, who knows what you can create for a million bucks.

Turns out, not much. At the latest council meeting, where the decision to sell was made, the report said the cost would now be around another $18M on top of the $6M purchase price and the $3M spent already on renovations, and undoing renovations. So, if we kept going forward the cost would be around $27M all up.

That's a lot of rates. But now we sell.

But who will buy The Rex if it is going to cost $18M to sort it out on top of its sale price? I guess there could be someone altruistic out there, who could buy it and hand it back to the community. Could be a few issues there. But most likely it will be a developer for a bargain basement price along with ill will from the community.

But there are lots of uses for The Rex going forward. A council report said possible uses could include, some dependant on permits, accommodation, a child care centre, a cinema, a place of worship, an adult sex product shop, a leisure and recreation facility or a warehouse. Prohibited uses for the site are animal production, a corrective institution, a major sports and recreation facility or a motor racing track.

So no grand prix happening, no gaol and no reproducing Dolly the Sheep. And maybe a bit central for an adult sex shop. Not being judgy, and each to their own, but it's hard enough going into the chemist and being asked "how's the cream working" without walking out of a store in the main street with a blow-up doll.

The cinema sounds good. After all, it's almost ready to roll, well, maybe needs a few seats etc. And there are plenty of volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and get involved again. The absolute real shame of the stuff-up of The Rex, along with the loss of potentially a great community space in a beautiful historic building, is the probable demise of the Daylesford Community Theatre. A really successful, well-run organisation that offered great movies at affordable prices and brought the community together. Its loss is a real blow to the region and the effects, and sadness, will be long felt. And it is more the stuff-up that we are all left bewildered by. What went wrong, will we ever find out, and does it really matter whose fault it was? Will that change anything. I am not sure anymore. Just sayin'.

(Oh, stop the press. Dan Murphy's wants to come and set up in Daylesford.

Naturally, lots of people aren't happy. Loss of amenity, near a kinder, too much traffic, don't want chain stores. If that's you, first up, object to the liquor licence.

And if that gets through, the council planning permit. Oh, what's that? The council has already granted a permit with no advertising or community discussion. WTH? What's next? Maccas? Might be time to get out of Dodge.)

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

All welcome.

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

Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.

24 Crossword

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W RD

CROSS

Here is the solution to crossword for edition 258.

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

How did you go?

Music 25

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Concert delivers plenty of satisfaction Rolling Stones, Hyde Park , London June 25, 2022

A self-indulgent, bucket list trip to the other side of the world to see a (The) rock band. I guess you could absolutely argue that point.

I did with myself for a couple of minutes before I bought the tickets in March and then I came to my senses. Of course, I’m going! So, to London, via New York City no less in the Northern Hemisphere summer, to see a band which may not be playing to the absolute height of their powers, but are still playing pretty darn close.

To set the scene, Hyde Park hosts a mind-blowing array of acts (Adele, Elton John etc) over a two-week period at the height of London summer - very warm and daylight abounds until after 10pm.

The whole gig has a festival vibe with over 80,000 people in attendance. There are at least four stages to choose from until the main warm-up acts Phoebe Bridgers, an understandably angry US citizen at the very current Roe vs Wade reversal, beginning proceedings on the main stage followed by a killer, very welcome set from another favourite The War on Drugs.

The Stones hit the stage at just after 8pm, a prologue photography/video montage tribute to Charlie Watts opening proceedings. Following the setlist online over preceding gigs has revealed a core structure of hits, usually about 19 songs, with five to six variations on any given night.

This is where we hit the jackpot (yes, teenage son, we really did, he was to be fair blown away) with a blistering version of Midnight Rambler complete with mid-song segue to Robert Johnson's Come On, in My Kitchen.

And wait for it - I know only Stones heads are still reading - for the first time since 2016, the unmistakable open tuned killer Keith riff to Can't You Hear Me Knocking.

I did hoot and it was all I needed. Of course, I still had the sheer thrill of Gimme Shelter et al, guaranteed and the privilege of seeing Michael Philip Jagger strut his stuff as if time stood still.

There was the Covid scare which caused the cancellation of two European gigs prior, I thanked my lucky stars it wasn’t our gig and they cancelled Hanging Rock in 2014, but now I’ve had my turn.

I joined the chant of "woo hoo, pleased to meet you" down Pall Mall with the exiting throng. Bliss!

Words & images: Darren Lowe

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The Future of The Rex To Potential Investors and Interested Community Members Hepburn Matters is seeking a constructive way forward for The Rex as a vibrant community hub. The following is the essence of what we put to Hepburn Shire Council for consideration at the Council meeting on Tuesday 19 July 2022: The iconic Rex building offers exciting and broad opportunities for both the community and tourism, creating social connection, nurturing and promoting local arts and culture and potentially training future generations of our young people in a variety of areas to prepare them for local employment. This is of vital importance to the physical and mental health of our community.

We have heard, understood and appreciated Council’s concerns about the financial cost of renovation of The Rex. However, it is possible to preserve the historical nature of the building, secure the cinema and provide opportunities for community use and social connection without a grave impost placed on a stressed Council budget.

We urge Council to embrace the idea of a co-design process to find a viable way of developing The Rex as a valuable community asset for current and future generations.

Council's Decision?

Councillors Tessa Halliday and Jen Bray proposed that Council delay its decision regarding the sale of the Rex until 30 November 2022 to allow time for community representatives and Council, with the assistance of an independent facilitator, to review possible options for the use and ownership of the Rex site to provide community facilities and present the design options and funding commitments or agreements to Council for evaluation.

Crs Bray, Halliday and Drylie supported this motion.

Crs Simpson, Henderson, Hood & Hewitt voted against it.

Cr Henderson then moved to sell the property.

This was supported by Crs Henderson, Hood, Hewitt & Simpson.

Crs Bray, Halliday and Drylie voted against the sale.

Some Facts...

Property assets held by the Council belong to the community, built on the back of ratepayer contributions over generations.

Ideally, Council’s role is to wisely steward such assets.

In order to offset costs associated with Council’s purchase of The Rex in 2016, two other property assets in Daylesford and Hepburn were sold: 59 Main Road, Hepburn (Old Hepburn Depot); and 1 Bleakley Street, Daylesford.

With Council's rejection of our co-design offer and their unilateral determination to put both The Rex and the associated house at 8 Duke Street on the private market, our residents have effectively lost four major community assets for no return.

It's not too late!

We invite people now considering bidding for The Rex to work with Hepburn Matters on a co-design process which can optimise community benefit and help guarantee greater commercial viability though enterprise activities set up at The Rex. Co-design of an iconic, historic community asset holds great potential – now and into the future.

We encourage you to contact Hepburn Matters directly at hello@hepburnmatters.com to discuss potential opportunities for The Rex.