The Local December 21, 2020 Issue 211

December 21, 2020 Issue 211 Merry Christmas

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: Where else would Santa cool off before his trip around the world but Lake Daylesford?

See plenty more Christmas Cheer on pages 8, 9, 11 and 13.

December 21, 2020 Issue 211 Merry Christmas

The Local is a weekly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, December 28, 2020.

Or online on Sunday, December 27 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, December 23 Copy deadline: Thursday, December 24 Editorial deadline: Thursday, December 24

Image: Kyle Barnes with thanks to Santa's helper Glen Heyne.

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout, Sandy Scheltema and Donna Kelly The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

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.

Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Glenn Robinson (cartoons) and Matthew Richardson (money) Accounts | Julie Hanson

Delivery | Tony Sawrey

Editorial & advertising: 5348 7883 or 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au or sales@tlnews.com.au See a photo you like? They are available for sale.

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.

Local Lines Back tracking Afternoon, a Doctors Gully stroll, Hepburn Springs. Behind an abandoned guest house a stony path curls before broadening into a surprise slashed grass track.

Pass under tall manna gums, the odd sycamore.

Among them appears a redgum, a lumpy-trunked, unfinished-looking river redgum.

What's that sound?

Not psithurism.

Bees massing.

A sidetrack dips to an unslashed, earthen creek crossing.

Keep eyes peeled for Joe Blakes.

Sheds, woodstacks, porch entrances, the backs of properties only ever seen from the front.

Sniff out Main Road.

The crunch of slipping stones as you climb in full sun, past netted fruit trees until bitumen.

- Bill Wootton Bill likes walking round Hepburn and Daylesford, especially on slashed paths. Thanks DELWP.

Local Lines are mostly written by a group of local poets but if you would like a poem considered for publication, contact Bill Wootton - cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Contact Kyle on 0416 104 283

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Inspiring 3

Kerryn Wildenburg: Out of the darkness, into the light

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HERE are people in this world who are so truly inspirational, that it’s hard to know where to begin to tell their story.

Kyneton’s Kerryn Wildenburg is one such person.

Kerryn is known for her work at Kyneton Caring Community, an independent, community-based incorporated association, which supports those in the local community who find themselves in need.

Her idea to set up a forest food garden was recently reported across the region and her dedication to the community and its people is well known.

But few know the journey Kerryn has taken to where she is today and how her own life story could have been a very different one.

Kerryn grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and despite her parents divorcing when she was 10, she said she came from a good family. Despite being a troubled teenager, she held down a part-time job at a local fruit and vegetable shop, and had her own dreams and aspirations.

A horrific life-changing event saw the start of what Kerryn describes as the dark side of life.

“I was sexually assaulted at 14 and that sent me on a spin during my teenage years and that’s when my battle with addiction began. I wasn’t living on the streets but I was essentially homeless when I was 19 and had to battle my own demons,” she said.

But this wasn’t the lowest point in Kerryn’s life.

When Kerryn and her husband Simon Furness’ first child was 10-months-old, they embraced the opportunity to move to Kyneton, living at Simon's parents' farm, saving for their own place and experiencing the country dream.

“It was 2011. We were down to one wage as I was a full-time mum. Simon had a terrible accident at work causing a spinal injury which he lives with still. He was off work. I was looking after Simon and a baby, pregnant with my second baby, with no family and no friends at that stage. I felt completely isolated,” she said.

“It was the worst time of my life. I suffered post-natal depression, anxiety and depression and at times contemplated taking my own life.”

Then three life-changing things happened. Kerryn got sober, became involved with a local church and started seeing a psychologist.

“I began to live again. I faced up to my stuff and started working through all of my crap. I got to conquer it all and, through the journey to healing, all these amazing people started to appear. My life had purpose and meaning and I knew at that point that I needed to give back to the people and the community that helped me live again.”

Through the Baptist Church Kerryn started volunteering with Kyneton Caring Community. It was through that that Kerryn became employed at KCC. “Simon and I began working full-time, sharing a part-time wage. We knew that was all that the charity could afford but my motivation was to give back,” she said.

“People helped me so much and I needed to pass that on. When my parents split up, I remember people dropping off Christmas hampers and I will never forget how that made me feel. Now I get to do that.”

Kerryn believes everyone has a story and at times everyone has faced hardships.

“We have to walk alongside each other and do life together. I’ve been there, humbled and embarrassed to receive help and I know what it feels like. It’s not easy asking. If I know there are people who need a hand but are reluctant to come in, I’ll personally deliver packages to them. I often share my story with people so I am on equal grounding.”

When COVID hit, Kerryn and her team knew their services would be needed more than ever. Within a month of the first lockdown, KCC was feeding around 1800 people a month. People received pre-prepared food baskets and care packages.

However, while it worked, Kerryn realised the connection was missing.

“Over the second wave we had people come in to choose their food. It’s important for people to have the dignity of choice but also that people were still connected. The Macedon Ranges is seen as a very affluent area but there are people in need of some help to get back on their feet.”

For now, Kerryn is working around the clock to ensure Christmas hampers are ready and to provide beautiful handbags for mums in the community who often go without at this time of year. In the New Year, Kerryn and her family will focus on increasing the large food garden and orchard they’ve set up on their own property.

Kerryn is incredibly proud of her two daughters who she believes sacrifice so much so their parents can give back.

“They are amazing young ladies and so caring and kind. Because we do the work for love over money we don’t go on holidays and the girls don’t get the big fancy presents. We do sacrifice as a family but we all know it is worth it,” she said.

“When we show up for the little things, the big things take care of themselves. It’s important we all give back. The world really is a better place when that happens.

“I have done a 180-degree turn from darkness to light and now I live such a blessed life - it’s my turn to pass it on to others.”

Kyneton Caring Community provides a safety-net for members of the community by delivering a range of services including a free food bank, emergency relief service for clothing and household items, a drop-in centre and soup kitchen and a need assessment and referral service. KCC is self-funding and depends on the generosity of the local community who support its work through the donation of food and other goods, as well as important financial contributions.

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Supplied

4 Your say

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Your say

Just briefly

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the good and bad in all bureaucracy. The Andrews state government has been outstanding in their leadership to protect all Victorians, I applaud that. An extremely difficult and prolonged task, and only now do we see and enjoy the benefits of long and arduous periods of lockdown.

This great result should not be wasted and treated contemptuously.

This brings me to the issue of leadership from the local Hepburn Shire Council. The COVID-19 detected in the wastewater was not made known to the general public till Thursday, December 3. The fact is very clear, the COVID-19 contamination of the wastewater was known several days earlier. The DHHS issued a statement - nothing forthcoming from the Hepburn Shire Council. The communication delay is totally unacceptable, it is so typical of bureaucracy, only letting the populace know what they deem they need to know.

Your efforts to investigate and establish the real facts are commendable. The media needs to know to keep the community connected and informed.

Further to the lack of leadership from the council, the newly elected mayor could not explain why the delay in reporting the discovery of COVID-19 in the Daylesford/Hepburn Springs area. We are told to do the usual health precautionary guidelines - sanitise, social distance, wear a mask indoors or where you cannot social distance, get tested if unwell. That is all, no more detail.

"Aware but not alarmed", how true of a bureaucracy to present such pathetically thin and transparent information. If you don't bring the people with you and be up front with them at all times, the end result will be another lockdown.

and other music. Bring a chair and sing along. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the annual Carols By Candlelight has been cancelled along with the New Year's Eve Parade and Glenlyon Sports Day.

In your editorial of December 7, Edition 209, I share your frustration with all levels of bureaucracy. They are a law unto themselves - a necessary evil it seems - but they do lead to enormous personal and community anxiety.

- Dave McLachlan, Hepburn Springs

Letters and musings are always welcome. Keep them shortish, to the point and don't defame anyone. Any addressed Dear Sir will be deleted.

Email: donna@tlnews.com.au

The Daylesford Brass Band will be presenting a Community Christmas Card in the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (near the rotunda) today, Monday, December 21 from 6.30pm onwards. The band will perform a mix of carols

Hepburn Shire Council is inviting artisan agriculture producers and growers from the Hepburn Shire and broader region to complete the annual Artisan Agriculture Survey. The survey will be open midnight Friday, January 15. The survey can be completed at https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/artisan-agriculturesurvey-2020/ For information contact Sharon on mobile 0456 610 261 or email shebbard@hepburn.vic.gov.au

Hepburn Shire Council is rolling out 15 hours' free three-year-old kinder funded by the Victorian Government in 2021. Early years providers within the shire have many staff vacancies in kinder relief, childcare, in-home family day care and in-venue out of school hours care. Interested participants should RSVP Kate Procter on 0407 737 395 or email kprocter@hepburn.vic.gov.au

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has announced Central Highlands Rural Health will receive $544,500 for improvements at the Daylesford Hospital.

They include the replacement and relocation of a new generator, suitably sized for the whole facility and the upgrade of theatre power supply.

Beyond Blue is inviting people to use their social media channels, holiday voicemails and out-of-office messages to support colleagues, friends and loved ones this festive season. The Always Available campaign encourages people

to update their message spaces so they direct people towards Beyond Blue if they are themselves unavailable. Link: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/message-space

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Hepburn's councillors 5

Pandemic has brought people back to reality - Don

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R DON Henderson asks to meet me at Caleembeen Park. He proudly tells me he was recently successful in achieving funding after lobbying for 12 years for upgrades at the popular swimming spot, including making it more accessible for those with disabilities. “Generations of kids have come here, jumped off the tower, swam in the dredge hole built in the gold mining days. We used to have Miss Creswick here.” He points out where the catwalk was.

Voted in for his fourth term with Hepburn Shire Council, Cr Henderson tells me he got the highest percentage of votes for a councillor in a multi-ward in Victoria. “At a time when people were dissatisfied and kicking councillors out of office, I increased my vote by 10 percent. My way of consulting is a bit different. I like to get out in the community and meet people in their own territory. I’ll go up to the young people at the top of the tower and ask them how they feel about things in the town. There’re still people here who knew my parents and grandparents. I have that legacy of trust. I know the satisfaction survey said people were dissatisfied, but for years Creswick has led the way in the shire with people being satisfied.”

Born in Creswick, he has strong connections to the area, with his ancestors coming here in the early 1850s as goldminers and woodcutters. He tells me about his background. “As a child growing up, we had no electricity, just kero lamps and fridges, I was 18 when we got power. I started work in ’64 as a carpenter and joiner apprentice. I worked in almost every phase of the building and construction industry, and I was the secretary of the Builders Workers Industrial Union. I spent 20 years working in Melbourne looking after industrial relations on projects such as the City Link Tunnel, then went back to the building industry. I moved back to Creswick in 2008, I wanted to come back, this has always been home, the other places are just houses lived in.

“I ran for council because I didn’t like the way the council was running, I had a problem with the planning permits taking too long, I thought that needed to change.

I was elected straight away 12 years ago. This time I ran because there’d been a lot of instability in the council. I wanted to see that the good work done by previous councillors didn’t get wasted, and I wanted to support the shire. I’ve got a big commitment to the staff of the shire.

“The top three priorities for me are to get the projects done that we’ve already committed to, such as the 100km Creswick trail bike track. I want to see the Rex project finished. I voted against the Rex project because I thought it wasn’t in the right place, and it would be too expensive. But once it was through, I supported it.

I also want to see the Trentham Community Hub finished. I want stability, what I promised is nothing new, I promised more of the same to get projects done.

“The council must support its community. In some ways I see the pandemic as positive, it’s brought people back to reality and looking after each other in the community. On the other hand, its destroyed businesses and family lives. The shire needs to do everything it can to support the community, we need to make it easier for business to operate, we need to be careful about how we deal with money. We’re going to be stretched financially, we need to do things that our community benefit from. Every dollar we spend needs to be accounted for. We must be caring for our community, for the most vulnerable in our community.”

“The top three priorities for me are to get the projects done that we’ve already committed to... the Creswick trail bike track, the Rex and the Trentham Community Hub.” With six of the seven councillors recently elected to the Hepburn Shire being new to the game, a sense of optimism and hope exists for more positive interactions between community and council. This weekly series by Sandy Scheltema explores the councillors' hopes and wishes for the shire.

Thousands of jobs today, improved infrastructure tomorrow.

Victoria’s Big Build is the largest infrastructure investment in our state’s history. A coordinated effort that is delivering more than 100 major road and rail projects across Victoria, and creating thousands of jobs for the community.

Check disruptions over summer

Victoria’s Big Build Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Group taking action on the vegetable front

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They are also encouraging the region’s fresh produce lovers to nominate their favourite grower and go in the draw to win a locally sourced mixed veggie box.

“The main aim will be to produce an information booklet and web resource on The National Health and Medical Research Council is Australia's peak what our local farmers produce and how it can be accessed to promote the idea of body for supporting health and medical research. Its recommended guidelines for healthy vegetable consumption in adults comes in at roughly five serves of veggies per eating fresh veggies and fruit.

“That information can then be put on the MRSG website, our own FB page, the day. pages of foodie groups and elsewhere.”

But, according to the Active Living Census commissioned by Healthy Heart of There is a good reason for this. While such knowledge may seem self-evident if Victoria to assess the health and wellbeing of community members in the Macedon Ranges, only 14 per cent of adults around here meet the guidelines. That is a woefully you are an activist veggie lover and regular shopper at farmers markets, a directory is aimed at those busy folks whose idea of regionally sourced produce is the local mall. low figure especially when you consider the number of growers in the area and the Such consumers may very well appreciate the idea of eating more local veggies farmers market network that supports them. and supporting regional producers, but unless they can access a directory of growers And before everyone starts blaming the pandemic for those poor percentages (market closures etc), it is best to note that this data was collected May to June 2019, and where they sell, they’ll keep buying at those nice, shiny (read convenient), supermarket chain stores. well before the emergence of these so-called unprecedented times.

“Yes, it has really stemmed from that idea there are growers out there,” says When the members of Veg Action read the results five months ago they were determined to do something to improve the figure and draw attention to our regional Greg. "It would be nice to find out who they are, highlight them and publish that as widely as we can so people can access it. It is a good idea for the environment, the producers at the same time. local economy and is an effective way of reducing food miles and strengthening local Veg Action began 10 years ago as MR VEG (Macedon Ranges Veg Group) to supply chains.” encourage sustainable plant-based eating. Today they operate under the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and when the Macedon Ranges Shire Council invited submissions to Cool Changes, a community plan being developed for local action on Details: www.mrsg.org.au/vegaction or lauren.tyrrell@cobaw.org.au climate change, they were in with an idea.

“Our group Veg Action ended up forming a joint project with Cobaw Veg Action committee members left to right: Greg Potter, Lucy Campbell, Community Health," says treasurer Greg Potter.

Heather Steele, Chitra Stern, Claire Rowland (group leader). Image supplied “Called Get to know your local grower, it intends to show that one way to invigorate local food supply and promote healthier and more sustainable eating is to Words: Tony Sawrey make locally produced food more accessible.”

To initiate the project Veg Action and CCH have begun with a call-out to local growers inviting them to take part in a survey to get a better understanding of who and where people buy from in the local area.

ANY readers find statistics and reports awfully tedious, so let’s get them out of the way right now.

Cold beers on tap and great local wines.

Sunday spit roast dinners and a summer menu with loads of shareable options.

Exceptional service with food to match SPEND SUMMER AT THE DAYLESFORD HOTEL LUNCH FRI - SUN 12-3PM DINNER 7 NIGHTS FROM 6PM DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

8 Merry Christmas

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A very Christm Images: Ann Jeffree

Lighting up Trentham

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RENTHAM Houses have been vying for the title of best Christmas decorations.

The Trentham Neighbourhood Centre got the idea up and running with the promise of prizes for the best three. There is a map available for anyone keen to criss-cross the town after dark to check out the lights.

The winner was announced on Sunday, December 20, after The Local went to press.

Top, 24 Cosmo Road, Trentham, above, 5 Falls Road, Trentham Images: Belle Real Estate

massy Clunes

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Merry Christmas 9

Daylesford lights

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ARRY Scascighinis's lights in West Street have been a Daylesford institution for more than 20 years. He started off small. They all start off small but then the obsession grows.

Not content with the string of globes he had for his kids Harry was inspired to go bigger and “have a go at it”. He feels that traditions are dying out so he’s doing his bit to keep Christmas alive.

Harry now has grandchildren and when asked why he keeps putting the lights up, he says it’s the reaction from the kids that come to see them. Kids and adults alike, look awestruck, smile, laugh and giggle.

Harry is also Santa. He puts on his Santa suit with his well-worn CFA fire boots to greet the community as they come to experience a special slice of Christmas.

Every other year he’s handed out lollies and had a chat. Everybody ends up happy as they head to their beds. Christmas lights, a sighting of Santa plus lollies (not this COVID-19 year). What isn’t there to be happy about, in that moment?

The fact that Harry is asked whether he’s putting his lights up again, as soon as he brings them down, may or may not contribute to his keeping of the tradition. You see, Harry doesn’t like to disappoint. He is community-minded and has community spirit, evidenced by his tireless CFA turnouts. Firefighting turnouts that he’s been doing for 47 years. The Santa suit gets another showing at the CFA family barbeque, the preschool Santa run and the yearly street parade. When you’re onto a good thing, don’t let him go.

Harry is part of the community and the community thanks Harry. Thanks for adding some Christmas cheer Harry and for having contributed for so long. Merry Christmas to all.

Words & image: Indre Kisonas (indre@iokdesign.com.au / www.iokdesign.com.au)

Community News Message from the Mayor 2020 is nearing the end and thanks to all the effort made by the Victorian community we are able to come together at Christmas in ways that did not seem possible a few months ago.

But as COVID restrictions lift I find myself thinking about the challenges and losses that we have all faced during the last year. At a community level everyone has had to adapt to changes to how we work and go about our daily lives.

Now we have the opportunity to reflect on what worked and what did not and learn from that. At an individual level, it’s an opportunity to consider what is important to each of us as we think about some of the things that have been missed – celebrating births and mourning the loss of loved family members. But as a community we have shown resilience, we have managed, we have quickly altered what we do and how we work to ensure that we all stay safe. Of course, some things might have gone more smoothly and of course there may have been things that could have been done differently in hindsight.

We have all been impacted on in various ways and I am proud of the way this community has responded. Our staff have changed the way they work in order to keep delivering services whilst keeping the community safe. Businesses have had to adapt rapidly to changing conditions. Residents and community groups have come up with innovative solutions to help each other out and stay connected during COVID restrictions. All are great examples of the resilience, creativity and care for each other that we have in this Shire. It’s our capacity to continuously come up with innovative and creative solutions to challenges that will ensure that in 2021 we will work together to deal with the challenges ahead.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors I would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody in the Hepburn Shire Season’s Greetings and all the very best in 2021.

Cr Lesley Hewitt MAYOR

Free Pool Season for 2020/2021

Don’t forget that there is free entry to the Daylesford, Clunes and Trentham pools and that the season extends to Monday, 8 March 2021.

Pools will only open if the temperature is forecast to be 21 degrees or above. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for notification of pool closures. ** Lane hire, swimming lessons, exclusive use bookings and other bookings outside operational hours will still be charged.

Heat Health This Summer Heatstroke is fatal in up to 80% of cases. Heatstroke occurs when the core body temperature rises above 40.5 °C and the body’s internal systems start to shut down.

A person suffering heatstroke may stagger, appear confused, have a fit or collapse and become unconscious. Find out how to treat symptoms of heatstroke and learn more tips to #SurviveTheHeat at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat.

Are You Fire Ready?

Office Closure All offices, depots and libraries will close from 3pm on Thursday 24 December 2020 and reopen on Monday 4 January 2021.

Remember, we do have after-hours emergency numbers: Animal Control – 0419 587 955 (eg. dog attacks and stock on Council roads) Other Council Emergency – 0419 583 573.

We wish all of you and your families a very safe and happy festive season.

CONTACTS 

General enquiries

5348 2306



@

Mail Email Website

PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au



Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

Are you fire ready?

What are your plans this fire season?

Not everyone thinks clearly during an emergency. Written, and preferably well-practiced plans, will help you and your family remember what needs to be done during an emergency. Use the CFA’s Bushfire Survival planning template - Leaving Early to help you write down your plan.

Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/your-bushfire-plan/.

For after hours emergencies please call:  Animal Control - 0419 587 955  Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil

Houses of the Central Highlands are not the only ones getting in on the Christmas act. Plenty of farm folk are showing their playful side with Santas, trucks, fishing rods and hay bales taking centre stage.

Top, Santa needs a few more riding lessons, below left, Santa takes a break to go fishing in a nearby dam, and below right, Santa and Rudolph switch from Ho Ho Ho to Hay Hay Hay. Images: Kyle Barnes

12 Our people

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Joan looks back on sowing her wild Oates

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HE many friends of Joan Oates remark on her capacity to respond to life with grit and determination. She is seen as a shining example of independence and strength, with a wonderful, sometimes wicked, sense of humour and a sharp, observant mind.

Take just one example. Over 80 years may have passed, but there is a day that she remembers with startling clarity.

She is 11 and just back from boarding school, at home at the family cattle and sheep farm. A bad heart has prematurely killed her father.

Eight bulls of all ages are fighting and must be separated, says her mother. Get your horses and do it. Joan and her 10-year-old sister Betty ride out, but a bull charges Betty and gores her horse Black from rear leg to stomach. “She just yelled out 'Joan!’ and I raced down and grabbed her,” says Joan.

“We rode on my horse at great speed, the best we could, about half a kilometre, yelling out to my mother, 'Get the gun! Get the gun!' My mother didn't hear or understand what we wanted. Anyway, I ran in and got the double-barrelled shotgun and went down and shot the horse.” That wasn’t the end. Picture two young girls then having to strip the dead horse and burn it from late afternoon into the evening and next day.

The starkness of Joan’s account as she sits in her neat-as-a-pin Hepburn home captures another time. “After that, whenever we came home for holidays, everything was organised for us to help with whatever was going on, whether it was shearing, making porridge and other meals for the shearers, dipping the sheep, branding or desexing the calves.” Skill with a knife and a red-hot poker perhaps equips one for life? She agrees.

The family farm was near what was then a mining town, Captain’s Flat, not far from Canberra. Enough gold was produced, she says, to pay all the miners’ wages.

And then there was zinc, lead, copper and silver. Because the town lacked facilities, Joan was born in Sydney. “My mother and father weren’t young to have children in those days; I don’t think I gave her any complications when I was born, but I probably gave her problems later on in life.” She chuckles.

“My sister and I had a great life. Children today would probably think it was terribly, terribly boring, but we didn’t. We had no distractions, and then we went to boarding school when I was 11 and my sister 10. Until then, my mother taught us.

She was a hard taskmaster; my father was the gentle one.”

Her father’s mother, “Granny”, lived with the family. “She was a lovely old lady.

In those days, when people were widowed, they always wore black. It was just the thing that people did. She was a great person; she was always on my side. She used to wander, (she had Alzheimer’s, you would call it today) it was very hard and we’d all be out looking for Granny. She’d come back, because she was always going home.”

Joan chose to go nursing, training in Canberra before working in the obstetrics department at Sydney’s Crown Street Hospital. She abandoned her career when confronted with a very ill pregnant woman whose husband was given a choice: his wife’s life or that of their unborn baby. When he chose the baby, Joan left nursing forever. To her mother’s horror, she became a barmaid, working in a pub for a year.

The resulting barrage of phone calls drew Joan’s response: “No, this is going to be it and I’m going to enjoy myself.”

During World War II, Joan’s father was convinced that Japan would invade Australia. He belonged to a group that believed invaders should be met with a scorched earth policy, with the burning of all the towns and land around Canberra, except the capital. She shows a book on this policy.

Once the threat of invasion was over, she was away from home and in her twenties when she married a young trucking business owner called Barry. He was to be run over and killed when Joan was pregnant with her second child. “I think I got through it because of my sister. She was always there for me.”

Later, Joan met Don Oates. They were together for 51 years until his death in March last year. “We had a wonderful life, a life of great joy, happiness and adventure,” although there were inevitably sad times.

One remarkable, almost unbelievable, event happened when her son Barry was just 11. He was very late home from school. When questioned, he said he had been to the office of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the city, where he managed to change his name to that of his stepfather. "I never knew my father,” Barry explained, never speaking of this again.

In taking this name he linked to Captain Lawrence “Titus” Oates, his stepfather’s great-uncle, the renowned Antarctic explorer who in 1912 sacrificed his life to give his three companions chances of survival.

Another Oates great-uncle was Richard, one of two prospectors who found Australia’s biggest alluvial gold nugget, the 97kg Welcome Stranger at Moliagul, about 15km kilometres north-west of Dunolly.

Life with her husband, says Joan, was marked by joy, especially because of Don’s wonderful friends. She and Don ran a liquor store. Once, they took all the family for Christmas at the renowned Boulevard Hotel in Sydney. They decided drinks for 30 would cost a bit, so young Barry was told to carry a suitcase of champagne and spirits.

No offers of help from porters could persuade him.

After a glorious Christmas dinner, and while the others were sleeping it off, Joan looked out her window to the harbour only to see hundreds of soldiers and sailors rushing about. Turning on the TV she found Cyclone Tracy had struck Darwin.

“That was a Christmas Day I remember vividly.”

Her road to Hepburn includes a time as a sales rep selling French perfume, such as Chanel. She also managed a French perfumery and worked front-of-house in an Italian restaurant. “I’ve always believed in being independent. I’ve had a rich and colourful life and enjoyed every bit of it.” She retired at 67 and has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The lure of Hepburn for husband Don was its resemblance to Tumut in the Snowy Mountains, where he worked for the old PMG’s department. For her, it brings to mind her childhood home. She is full of praise for the community here and the friends made in the 15 years she has lived here. “I probably wouldn’t have survived without them.”

Words & image: Kevin Childs

Dr Julia Hailes (PhD) Mental Health Kinesiology

Upstairs in the old Victoria Hotel 57 Vincent Street | 0488 229 940 Registered Member of the Australian Institute of Kinesiologists

Hepburn House celebrates Christmas!

Hepburn House residents and staff had a great Christmas celebration last Friday with a visit from Santa, and performers Terry and Gillian.

The champagne flowed as the feet tapped along to Christmas tunes. It was the first time Terry and Gillian had played at Hepburn House for some time and they were welcomed back with plenty enthusiasm and clapping.

Residents and staff wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

The Companion Group Going far?Go further!

SUE’S PLACE

Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you

We support you!

The Companion Group are now based in Hepburn Shire.

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Christmas for me is an opportunity to honour the past, dream of the future, celebrate living now.

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2020 - Groundhog Day revisited I don’t know about anyone else but apart from the fear of the virus itself and the mind-numbing isolation from family and friends, the lockdown itself at least gave us time to "find ourselves". With me, it was mostly getting back into writing and an opportunity to spend more time in the garden.

Incidentally, it was my regular column in The Local that relit that horticultural spark, especially since we graduated to weekly issues.

Researching and keeping on top of garden trends does tend to keep the grey matter active. Admittedly I have more than 50 years of writing and broadcasting material to fall back on for subject matter.

I do have a confession to make though - I am totally over gardening. That is, the actual repetitive tasks of weeding, digging and watering, all the mind-numbing tasks. After 15 years in the family nursery, from the age of eight, hand watering, weeding, carrying pots etc, daily after school, on weekends and holidays. I constantly searched for a means of escape and it came via an offer to write a weekly column for an Adelaide daily, The News. Then followed the first gardening talkback programs for Adelaide, both on radio and then television, and I was free to build my own life.

But my love of plants and all things botanical has never wavered. It’s all in my genes, handed down in a straight line from my celebrated botanist great-grandfather, and like him, I'm fascinated by the entomology, history and discovery of plant life.

He was also a prolific writer.

One of my latest thrills was to successfully cultivate the prehistoric Wollemi pines.

First in sand-filled pots, and now, indoors in water, along with African violets and other plants. Pictured below.

Peta and I make a great team. I do the planning and planting and she delights in tending and fussing over them and keeping the weeds at bay.

Our garden, the first of many I have started but lived with long enough to see the results is no show garden, rambling as it does through separate rooms and over several sloping banks and levels. Friends have described it as an ever-changing woodland garden and they’re probably right.

Now, back to work I couldn’t possibly let the rest of the year go by without setting you at least one more gardening task for this decade - save the citrus.

If, like mine, your citrus trees look a little worse for wear, yellowing leaves and a little droopy, it’s time to give them a boost.

Firstly, although we have just experienced a wetter than usual Spring, with the promise of more rain to come, it isn’t wise to trust just the rain.

Mature citrus trees require at least 200 litres every two or three weeks through the Summer months but feed mainly through surface roots, so will need regular watering from now on to ensure they do not suffer from the heat or drying out.

The remedy is simple. Keep the soil within the foliage dripline (approximate spread of root growth), well mulched to retain the moisture and water directly to the roots - trickle or drip feed is easiest and best - to avoid extreme wet/dry variations which are the main cause of splitting fruit.

Citrus are voracious feeders responding well to nitrogenous fertilisers. Again, regular small doses are more beneficial than heavyhanded infrequent feasts.

While you are at it, they will appreciate a pruning and thinning out of close or overcrowding branches and this is the best time of year to encourage fresh new growth.

Got a gardening question? Ask Glen.

Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

18 Our history

www.tlnews.com.au

Bland life in Clunes

T

HE site of the old Port Phillip Mine in Clunes is nothing but an intriguing pile of dirt and gorse these days. But while every scrap of plant and infrastructure has been long obliterated, the remains still dominate the heart of the town.

The leaseholders of the site were the Port Phillip and Colonial Gold Mining Company established in 1851. Towards the end of 1856, its representatives visited Clunes to inspect the quartz outcropping in Creswick Creek. They liked what they saw and formed the Clunes Mining Company under their management that became the first and largest company to exploit the local reefs. Eventually the Port Phillip Company took over work at the site and remained in operation until 1894. They produced over 500,000 ounces of gold in that time.

But this is not a tale about gold hard won but the activities of one man whose reticent shadow still hovers over Clunes in the form of numerous beloved public buildings. His name was Rivett Henry Bland. Little is known about him today. He left no children and there is little historical material out there that speaks in his voice.

No relation to the more well-known New South Wales convict and politician William Bland, Rivett Bland was born in February 1811 in Nottinghamshire, England and first arrived in the colony of Western Australia in 1829. He was allocated 8000 acres along the Swan River, the sale of which secured his fortunes.

From there he served in a diverse range of roles in colonial administration before being appointed resident director of the Port Phillip and Colonial Gold Mining Company and its Clunes mining site in 1852. He arrived in Melbourne in 1856 to take up his position before moving to Clunes in 1868. And, as noted in John Woodland’s 2001 book 16 Tons of Clunes Gold: A History of the Port Phillip and Colonial Gold Mining Company “...followed the nineteenth century philosophy of self improvement through education and religious enlightenment”. To this end he involved himself with “establishing and supporting a number of institutions in Clunes including the local Mechanics Institute in 1864 which over time evolved into the Clunes Free Library where Bland was president from 1874 until his death”.

But the free library was not the only initiative he supported as a now prominent businessman, mining director and philanthropist as Clunes Museum director James Curzon Siggers explains.

“It seems strange they didn't set up a School of Mines until 1890 when mining was on its knees, but one of its founding patrons was Rivett Bland. It closed down barely two years later but continued to be used as a meeting place for groups such as the Australian Natives Association (a mutual society founded in Melbourne, 1871) and The County Women's Association. The hall next to Creswick Creek also served as a mattress factory and an infant welfare centre before being restored in 2011.

Today it is generally known as the Anglers Hall. Bland also donated, on behalf of the Port Phillip Mine, eight acres (three hectares) of the company’s pre-emptive right to establish the North Clunes State School (now Clunes Primary) on Canterbury Street in 1875. He also established the St Paul’s Anglican Church on Templeton Street, laying the foundation stone there in 1871.”

As with many of the public figures involved in the region's mining operations, he was also a lightning rod for the grievances of the miners that worked for them. In the 1870s he was, along with Peter Lalor of Eureka Stockade fame, one of the directors of the Lothair Mine when its workers initiated strike action over pay and hours. In that role Bland was privy to the decision to employ Chinese miners as strikebreakers, leading to the Clunes Riot on December 9, 1873.

Rivett Bland died in Clunes on Sunday February 18, 1894 at 83 years of age and was buried alongside his last wife Martha in Melbourne General Cemetery. John Woodland writes: “The town hall flag flew at half mast and most shops remained closed the following day as a sign of respect for one of Clunes’ best known and most respected citizens.”

*Thanks to James Curzon Siggers, director of the Clunes Museum for his assistance with this article Images from top: Rivett Henry Bland - image courtesy of the Clunes Museum and the Port Phillip Mine (Richard Daintree 1832-1878) - image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria Middle left, the Clunes School of Mines building restored in 2011, middle right, a present day view of St Paul’s Anglican Church, and below, the Clunes Free Library Images: Tony Sawrey Words: Tony Sawrey

One step foward...the Hepburn Hub

T

HERE is no doubt, the Hepburn Hub at The Rex in Vincent Street, Daylesford has been an absolute disaster from the outset.

The building, a former theatre which had most recently been a bargain shop and then shopping mall before it was bought by Hepburn Shire Council in 2016 for $6.345 million, now has a price tag north of $12 million.

The project stalled in June 2018 after it was realised the renovation cost would be more than $1 million, creating a need for a planning permit.

More recently it was found that some of the building works had not been done to building codes and had to be dumped. The inset photo, taken last year, shows the work that was started on the council staffing areas, while the larger photo shows that work has been removed. Insulation and glass, not to code, has been thrown out with a council spokesperson saying no-one wants second-hand goods. The building is also not water-tight, with water clearly visible in the larger photo.

I took a tour of the building last Friday and it was quite upsetting, also as a ratepayer, to see the costs mounting as the council tries to salvage what it can of the formerly beautiful building.

An investigation into what happened is pending and there are concerns about libel, so no-one is laying blame and it is clear the council is now set on a path to do what it can to recover and open a fully functional and attractive Hepburn Hub with a library, community theatre, information centre, youth dropin space, meeting rooms for rent and council offices. But there are plenty of questions not yet answered.

The building, which was originally bought so the council could re-open public toilets in the main street of Daylesford, has just three public unisex toilets. This is within the building code but it will be interesting to see how that works with a full cinema and a few library patrons, and people popping in off the street.

The operating hours have not yet been determined.

The only access to the community cinema's projector is via a crawl space. Yes, it will mostly be run remotely, but if something goes wrong, one of the volunteers, many older residents, will be expected to crawl through a man-hole to gain access.

Council staff will have to hot desk. Hot desking is where you do not have a particular desk, you just take whichever is vacant on the day. It is quite controversial with the pros including greater flexibility and desks not left vacant while people take leave. Among the cons are workers who like to personalise their desk with a photo of family or a pot plant, perhaps pop a couple of muesli bars in a top drawer, and IT issues like phone extensions and printer connections. The council says the only way hot desking can be avoided is if all meeting rooms are removed or the size of the building is increased. There is an office allocated for the CEO and a dedicated space for the mayor and councillors.

There are two large David Bromley murals, on the wall leading up to the cinema and on the wall outside the council staff toilets. These were both commissioned by the former council and not run past the council's Public Art Panel. The murals will remain and the Public Art Panel will now look at some way of displaying other local artists on other walls on a rotating basis.

Finally, a social enterprise cafe, which would have provided hospitality work experience to young people, has been dropped because government funding for the library relied on a metreage space, and the cafe impinged on that.

It really is a case of "watch this space".

Above, the Hepburn Hub interior, inset, the interior last year, top right, the Bromley mural by the toilets, centre, the interior looking back to the first storey cinema, below, something works - the temporary sink for the staffroom.

Words & images: Donna Kelly

www.tlnews.com.au

20 Crossword

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An Aussie in America 21

Magic hour in the Wombat State Forest

M

OVING can become a habit with some people. Carol and I drifted through our share of flats and houses in St Kilda and Elwood before we finally settled on a five-acre block in Wheatsheaf. It wasn’t that we were stuck, or had lost the urge to pack up and go, it’s just that the thought of living anywhere else just didn’t quite feel right.

One of the things we loved to do was sit out on our back verandah and listen to the Wombat Forest put itself to bed - we called it the magic hour, and it became a ritual that was observed at least two or three nights a week.

The CFA might call it a death trap - narrow, tree-lined roads and limited access in and out - but Wheatsheaf is a lovely part of the world. Everyone has their five-acre block, there are few fences, some properties have been cleared while others remain heavily forested.

As the daylight faded into dusk, we’d pour ourselves a cheerful beverage, settle into our chairs, and enjoy the chorus of the forest. On weekends we had to wait for the chainsaw symphony to conclude - even the woodcutters had to stop when the light failed - but after that, the evening belonged to the birds.

The kookaburras would laugh uproariously at their silly jokes, magpies would croon and the sulfur-crested cockatoos would shriek and proclaim their superiority from the tops of the tallest trees, while the crimson rosellas whistled down below. It was all incredibly peaceful, and a lovely way to end the day.

We had an ancient candlebark gum tree standing tall near our house. Each year we witnessed a war between the cockies and little corellas, over which clan would claim the best nesting holes made by decades of lost limbs. Every year, we were relieved when the cockies emerged victorious.

It’s funny to think that when we lived in St Kilda we’d make the trek each year out west to Halls Gap, to spend a few days hiking around the rocks and peaks. But after we moved so close that the Grampians were almost in our backyard, we only drove up there once in a dozen-plus years, and that was to explore the epicurean wonders of the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld.

Anyway, when we did holiday in Halls Gap, one of the least pleasant features was the infestation of corellas in the park across the street from the motel where we stayed. It would have been more enjoyable listening to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra tuning up for 90 minutes with the Grateful Dead jamming along beside them. So there was no way we wanted corellas taking up residence in our backyard.

Our new home is also in a forest, mostly a variety of pines, oaks and low-growing scrub, but we have brought our magic-hour ritual with us to California.

The bird life is nothing like what we had in Victoria - nothing as grand, colourful or just flat-out funny as cockies, rosellas or kookaburras - but over the months we have come to appreciate the comedy of woodpeckers, the dusty blues and greys of the scrub jays, and the quicksilver iridescence of the hummingbirds.

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After all our years in Wheatsheaf, we never ceased to marvel, like gawping tourists, at the mobs of kangaroos that would roam and graze all around our property. Here in California we have deer, which are much less social than the roos, tending to appear alone or in twos or threes rather than in big groups, and far more likely to bound away at the slightest provocation.

When our dog Scout was a youngster, if she got away from us, she would chase the roos from our property and across neighbouring paddocks, all the way to the next tree line. As she got older, she would only scatter the mob, just out of spite. In California the deer have fled before old Scout even sees them.

Some folks might disagree, but we found another delicious fact of life in the Wombat Forest was living with tank water. Especially in Winter there was nothing as refreshing as a tall, icy cold glass of rainwater, straight from the tank. Often when we went into Daylesford for a meal we’d decline offers of water - that chemical soup that pours from the town taps. I’d have a beer anyway.

The tap water here in California is even worse. We have filters on our drinkingwater taps. Today, as I was topping up the dogs’ water bowl, I realised I was filling it with filtered water - this for animals who would prefer to drink out of a handy mud puddle.

Of course, unlike with our tank water, here we have unlimited supplies flowing from our townie taps. Even so, we have not succumbed to the temptation of becoming wallies with water.

Years ago in Daylesford we knew a young fella who wasn’t a local but who had a good amount of bush smarts. He lived in a basic rented house out in the forest. As these things happen, he met a tourist girl who’d come up to visit friends, love ensued, and our friend moved down to Melbourne with his true love.

He came back to visit his mates in Daylesford every so often, and one time I asked him what he liked best about living in the big city. He told me - and this is true - that he liked being able to leave the tap running while he brushed his teeth.

Words: Jeff Glorfeld

22 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Pick me, pick me

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

S

O, THIS is Christmas, And what have you done? Another year over, A new one just begun. And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun, The near and the dear ones, The old and the young. A very merry Christmas, And a happy New Year, Let's hope it's a good one, Without any fear. And so this is Christmas, For weak and for strong, The rich and the poor ones, The road is so long.

I just read Kyle's Rant and thought of this song. Not as funny as Fred Dagg but then, this year has not been funny. It really does seem like we have been down a long road, especially in Victoria, but most of us have just made it out, fingers crossed, in time for Christmas. (As I write this, the Northern Beaches outbreak is happening, so I guess some of us will still be be relying on Zoom or Skype.)

We are doing it quietly this year. Over the past many years Christmas has involved my mum, who we lost in May. Well, we didn't lose her, she died. Yes, at 87, but no, she is not in a better place, she would rather be here, spending time with her family and friends. I miss her so much.

Luckily, last year I managed to coerce my brother and sister-in-law and sister and two sons, to Glenlyon where we had our first full family Christmas in many years.

Maybe 25? We ate lunch under the oak tree, dessert in the school house and snoozed on the deck. It was pretty much a perfect day.

Mum had come up for a few other Christmas Days here. Spent with friends. They were fantastic as well. I remember one with one friend bringing a turkey and gravy, another friend bringing the pav and another the potatoes. I just made a salad. Mum spent the morning fretting that we weren't doing anything and was a bit amazed when it all just came together.

Another time we visited good friends in Wheatsheaf. Their lovely neighbour took mum off for a walk and offered to share a joint with her. Very neighbourly. Mum, 83 at the time, said she declined but I am not sure. She was pretty happy that afternoon.

Anyway, this year we will again spend the day with good friends who will do a full Christmas dinner and expect nothing in return. We have decided on no presents but will get them something anyway. We will eat too much, drink too much and probably have a dance or two at the end of the night. Those sort of friends.

And then roll on 2021. I will be very happy to put 2020 behind us. What a shit year. I think the only thing that kept me sane was The Local. Producing a good read, week in and week out. So thanks for the sanity and the support. And Merry Christmas - I hope you have fun with your near and dear, and old and young. And finally without any fear. Just sayin'...

Hello, I'm Lou. I have been here before but I'm back with a new photo hoping to win someone's heart. I'm an introvert who is affectionate and charming when you spend some time with me. Once you activate my purr button, through a good chin scratch, I like to knead my blankets and head butt your hand. I'm FIV positive so I need to be an indoor only, solo cat. I will blossom in a calm, safe environment. MC# 956000012144733 BR100938 Mount Alexander Animal Welfare is in Castlemaine. Call 5472 5277 to make an appointment.

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

The Local - Connecting the Community

T

he Local is all about Connecting the Community. We run good news stories about amazing people and places, and festivals and events. And our fantastic advertisers run great deals for locals and visitors alike.

To give back to the community, The Local has been running its Connecting the Community adverts for eight years. The adverts are for not-for-profit groups and organisations to lend a hand when finances can be a bit tight - or just don't exist. We all know how hard it can be to make volunteer-run organisations work on the smell of an oily rag!

To apply just email donna@tlnews.com.au with your event or organisation. We also put call-outs on our Facebook page and those of the various communities in our wonderful region. We work on a first-in basis, with a nod to time-lines too.

There are a few conditions, well mostly that not-forprofit bit, and also that you aren't grabbing a free advert and then we see a whacking big paid advert in other media. That wouldn't be fair.

Cheers, Donna (Ed)

Save the date!

Recent rain has seen the most amazing regrowth of grass along the walking tracks and Friends of Cornish Hill are calling on our local community to lend a hand. We have the equipment and fuel but we are a tad short on people power to give us a hand to brush cut. A fallen tree along the water race also needs some attention too. If you can spare an hour or two of your time then contact the Friends on 0409 216 251. We would love our community to step up and give us a hand.

Spudfest 2021 Sat May 1st

www.tlnews.com.au

Kyle’s Rant

I

DON'T have a lot to add to these Christmas festivities except “we don’t know how lucky we are mate” - that is, us living in the land down under compared to the Northern Hemisphere.

I googled some sentiments around this statement and came up with a cracker song by Fred Dagg. He was a fictional black singlet, shorts and gumboot-wearing farmer character from New Zealand. Created and acted on stage, film and television by satirist John Clarke. (Do yourself a favour and Google this.)

While going down the virtual Google rabbit hole I found another song by the same character, Mr Dagg, and it goes to the tune of We Three Kings. It is more grumbled along to by a set of blokes than sung, but it is my offering to your Christmas collection of merriment.

We three Kings of Orient are One on a tractor, two in a car One on a scooter Tooting his hooter Following yonder star Oh, oh Star of wonder Star of light Star of bewdy, she'll be right Star of glory, that's the story Following yonder star...

Happy grumbling and a happier Christmas rant over…

Opinion 23

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Our people 25

Woodend’s dose of domestic happiness

W

up.

HEN Woodend’s Samantha Rixon describes the feeling she gets taking a warm loaf of bread out of the oven or the first time she uses her beautiful handmade natural soaps, her entire face lights

Her passion for all things homemade is almost palpable. So, her friends and family weren’t surprised when she announced she was quitting her 9 to 5 corporate city job to run workshops in her mudbrick cottage with Woodend’s forested backdrop as her view.

With a nod to the 1940s, where taking time to make homemade goods was the norm, The School of Domestic Goddessery was launched in December last year.

“I was inspired by my wonderful parents who had always embraced homemade goods and focused on production not consumption. We had homemade clothes, food, jams and bread and grew our own veggies. When my sister and I wanted biscuits, we made them,” she said.

“I had spent a lot of time in my career facilitating groups and was once told my superpower was hosting workshops. So, I gave up my job late last year to focus on my passion and dream. Workshops to inspire, to create, to make our lives happier and to be kinder to the environment.”

Then a story that is all too familiar – COVID hit.

“I had already been hosting workshops on our beautiful property where people would come and learn a new skill. I love getting into the character of a 1940s goddess but that’s not in any way saying I’m oppressed - the joy of creating something homemade, of sharing it with friends, creating goods with love is joyful and empowering,” she said.

“I gave up my corporate job and started living my dream. I had a fantastic response from people (gods and goddesses) of all ages. I hosted a workshop at a Christmas function where the employers wanted their staff to spend time together learning a new skill and also hosted a group of older women who gave one of my workshops as a gift to a friend who was returning home to England.

“I was building momentum and was inspired by the reaction to my little business and had finalised my website just weeks before COVID hit. I know so many people changed their business model to a digital platform but while I created a few YouTube videos, my entire business model was all about being hands on.”

Devastated but realistic, Samantha shelved her workshops next to her home-made preserves and returned to her corporate job.

“I would keep engaged with people through sharing photos of what I had been creating over COVID. I knew I had to be patient. While I’m in the process of planning future workshops, for now I just need to let the dust settle while we all return to life post-COVID.” Samantha isn’t surprised when more and more studies reveal the positive psychological benefits handmade goods create.

“Making something from scratch whether it is a sourdough loaf, a bubbling pot of jam or a knitted scarf, the act itself grounds us and slows us down. It’s nice to come home and knead bread for ten minutes. Buying a new pair of shoes gives us a quick dose of happiness but I still get so much pleasure taking a fresh loaf of bread out of the oven…years after I made my first loaf,” she said.

Samantha believes when we make, create and grow things, we are celebrating our contemporary lives and our living culture – not a mass-imposed, consumer culture where everything looks the same. Where there is simply no love involved.

“At university I would spend hours knitting for relaxation. Now we are being told that the act of knitting is wonderful for our wellbeing. I recently gave a scarf to a friend that had taken me six months to make. I thought of her the entire time and it was made with love,” she said.

“At the heart of baking for others is also the act of giving. While baking is so calming, baking for others can increase a feeling of wellbeing and make you feel like you’ve done something good for the world. There is pure joy in sharing and receiving homemade goods. There is a real sense of pride and it fosters a community connectedness that our parents and grandparents had.”

Connectedness and kindness are two of Samantha’s greatest motivators.

“My partner and I are both very active in the community. Woodend is such an amazing place but communities don’t just happen. It takes dedication and connection for people to build a community and keep it going. When I meet new people who move to the area, I always encourage them to actually give back to the community by being involved in it.

“It’s all about bringing kindness back for our communities to thrive and prosper going forward,” she said.

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Images: Contributed

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.

Support your local tradies!

Consulting in Administration & Management Book-keeping Administration Payroll Temp service Supplier monthly reconciliation Qualified to manage a small team of office workers

Hepburn Earthworks

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Advertise here.

Drives, drains, moving dirt, excavation, $400 half day $750 full day man and machine.

Caterpillar Bobcat, excavator and Dual Roller.

Phone: 0438 662 203

Christ Jules Services Julie Hanson 0459 619 701 julphil.hanson@gmail.com www.christjulesservices.com.au

ALL ROUND CARPENTRY

Ph:0434 357 882

Pierre: 0425 783 871 SOLUTIONS | SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS | SOLUTIONS

Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, dry-cleaning, stationery, photocopying and lots more...

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061

PLASTERER DAYLESFORD FIBROUS PLASTER WORKS (MACKLEY’S) • NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS • CEILING ROSES • ORNAMENTAL CORNICE Daylesford

Peter Mackley 5348 3085 or 0418 571 331 Gary Mackley 5348 1108

Are you a tradie? Advertise here. 5348 7883 Clement F Mooney

Email: c.mooney@bigpond.net.au Available to assist with all general accounting services and preparation/electronic lodgment of Tax Returns and BAS for Individuals, Sole Traders, Partnerships, Trusts and Companies.

A.B.N. 37 961 487 978

Certified Practising Accountant Registered Tax Agent B.Com, C.P.A., M.B.A.

Tel: 03 5424 1441 Mobile: 0412 584 555

trenthamselfstorage@outlook.com

Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458

Servicing commercial refrigeration domestic and commercial air conditioning

Servicing the local community for over 45 years

Phone: 5348 1291 Sales-Service-Maintenance-Installation -Mobile coolroom hire Garry Rodoni: 0417 734 206 Chris Milham: 0436 402 730

E L E C T R I C I A N

John Roberts Electrical Services REG 15644

Domestic Commercial Industrial Mobile 0439 682 619

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

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electrical appliance repair service washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, oven, cook top etc.

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Wishing all our clients, readers and supporters a very Merry Christmas from the crew at The Local! xxx