December 28, 2020 Issue 212 Roll on 2021!
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
2 About Us
www.tlnews.com.au
Front cover: It's time to say goodbye to 2020 and roll on 2021! And to keep you occupied over Summer we have given you a few ideas of places to visit in your own backyard.
December 28, 2020 Issue 212 Roll on 2021!
The Local is a weekly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, January 4, 2021. Or online on Sunday, January 3 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, December 30 Copy deadline: Thursday, December 31 Editorial deadline: Thursday, December 31
Image: Contributed
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 Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White
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.
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
What virus?
(After John Fuller) The things that lately I do hate And over which I cannot skate Is people now have crazy theories (Instead of simply having queries) And what they say is just a series Of views the foolish duplicate. To listen to these silly dearies Sometimes I think it is my fate They simply cause my nerves to grate And from this dross that simply wearies Fly naively to their eyries While we for sense just have to wait They set a course that never veeries With fantasies no one can slate. While we’re left watching from the gate With sadness and eyes full of tearies. They want us to ignore the law And think of neighbours as a chore Which they don’t want to care about. Then marching they all cop a clout And go home with their heads quite sore. And in their rooms just scream and shout. Well all of this just makes us glum That people really are so dumb To simply run around the grass And end up sitting on their arse In cuffs with bruises on their bum Thinking that they’re bold as brass
Contact Kyle on 0416 104 283
They blame the network called 5G We roll our eyes and sip green tea They blame world banks and paedophiles Their logic showing all the wiles Of Hector and his dancing flea They want us all to give them freedom They think that laws you just don’t need ’em They suit themselves and ignore others Go where they like and have their druthers But still want all of us to feed ’em When blaming they all say cabal It’s vague, embracing and banal The commies, Muslims and the Jews, Like blaming sadness on the blues, Or Lenin, Moses, or Kemal When they say virus from China All we see is virus denier While others say it’s all a hoax And facts and stats just will not coax Them into looking any higher I suppose that when it’s all wrapped up Conspiracists are babies, pups. They’re really saying look at us We are not coping, stop the bus, Don’t treat us like we’re all grownups
- Tom Perfect Tom Perfect thanks everyone living here and in Melbourne who did the community thing during this pandemic. 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
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News 3
Wildlife warrior
H
E'S been likened to the late Steve Irwin, rubbed shoulders with international film and music stars and famous politicians, is a regular on Australian TV and his shows and documentaries air across the world, inspiring kids and adults alike.
But despite all this, Chris Humfrey, founder of a private zoo nestled in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, is a humble family man devoted to wildlife conservation with a passion for instilling the wonderment and respect to our natural world. And it all started at a very young age in the local loos at Coffs Harbour. “I was three and remember seeing a frog on the toilet wall and kept it. I’ve had Freddo the Frog ever since and he’s still alive today,” he said. “My father was a school principal and district inspector and he always instilled a passion in us to follow our own adventures. When we were growing up in Kilsyth I kept hundreds of creatures inside and outside our home.” Nothing has really changed. Chris and partner Erin purpose-built their home to ensure the animals that need 24-hour care can do so in the house they share with their two teenage daughters. At any given time there could be penguins, lizards and even sheep roaming around the house needing a little extra care. Chris started Wild Action Zoo, an 4.4-hectare wildlife facility, in 1994 and while it is a licensed exhibiting zoo, it's unlike regular zoos. This place is totally hands-on. The highly qualified team also venture out to kinders, schools, aged care centres, workplaces and private parties, where everyone gets an up close and personal experience with some incredibly amazing wildlife. “For us, it’s about giving everyone exclusive interactions with the wildlife. It’s not like a regular zoo where you view the animals through enclosures. This is completely personal where kids can walk alongside a pack of dingoes, chat to the penguins and hold some amazing endangered species in a highly regulated environment,” he said. And we’re not just talking about cute and cuddly creatures. Salt-water crocodiles, behemoth python snakes, blue-ringed octopuses and giant monitor lizards join the cuddly crew of koalas, critically endangered mountain pygmy possums, tiger quolls and even penguins. Chris’s story could have been entirely different given his other passion in life is kayaking. At 18 he had to toss up between zoology or following his childhood dream of representing Australia at the Olympics in his chosen sport. He chose the former but over the years has represented Australia internationally in extreme numerous wild water kayaking events, including at world championships. “This is the best of both worlds, as you can see some amazing wildlife out on the water,” he said.
Chris and his team, including his family, host interactive workshops at the zoo for people of all ages: some children even travelling from overseas to attend. When he talks about the kids’ reaction to the workshops, his joy is almost palpable. “Our interactive workshops not only strengthen kids’ understanding of the importance of wildlife and protecting biodiversity, but so much more is gained through the workshops. We have children that may have special needs and often their parents might be concerned with how they will cope during an entire day in the workshop, or if they will fit it. In 15 years, I have never met a child that wasn’t mesmerised by the experience or didn’t want to be there. Some of the kids walk away with a newfound resilience and such a sense of achievement that they did fit in and were fine without mum and dad there with them. “There is so much power in animal education and my amazing team makes everyone feel safe and engaged. I’m incredibly proud of my team and we really are like an extended family.” Like every story told these days, COVID naturally gets a mention because the pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. Chris and the crew at Wild Action were no exception. “We suffered badly. A year’s worth of bookings was lost overnight but thankfully we could access some government grants to keep the zoo going and 2021 is looking good with bookings coming in,” he said. So, for now, it’s business as usual for Chris. Caring for more than 2000 animals, TV and media appearances, hosting animal workshops and his number one passion to educate the world about the importance of wildlife and the natural environment …one child at a time. “Our ethos is simple - how can we save the natural world, if we have no empathy or understanding of it?”
Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed
Trentham Enjoy your own backyard - 10 things to do! 1. Head to the Trentham Falls - the longest single drop waterfall in Victoria 2. Walk the Domino Rail Trail between Trentham and Lyonville 3. Enjoy a picnic at the Quarry Street Reserve 4. Find a great meal deal at a local hotel, restaurant or cafe 5. Enjoy Trentham's markets - in the centre of town and at the railway station 6. Mark your calendar for the Great Trentham Spudfest in May 7. Take a walk on the Wombat Trail 8. Have a look around the historic Trentham Police Precinct 9. Take in 9 or 18 holes at the beautiful Trentham Golf Club 10. Check out the Little Gallery on High - loads of local artists
Woodend & Kyneton Enjoy your own backyard - 10 things to do! 1. Head to Hanging Rock - maybe take a picnic... 2. Check out Macedon Regional Park with its trails & wildlife 3. Drive up Mt Macedon for a pub lunch 4. Play a round at the Woodend Golf Club and enjoy the views 5. Mark your diary for the Woodend Winter Arts Festival in June 6. Take a stroll down historic Piper Street in Kyneton 7. Check out the bluestone churches around Ebden and Yaldwyn streets, Kyneton 8. Have a tranquil picnic by the Campaspe River 9. Mark your diary for the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival in September 10. Enjoy the magnificent Kyneton Botanic Gardens & Kyneton's Children's Park
Clunes & Creswick Enjoy your own backyard - 10 things to do! 1. Visit the historic Anderson's Mill - there's a festival too 2. Check out the Kingston Avenue of Honour 3. Head to the fabulous Creswick Market 4. Wander around Creswick Regional Park 5. Be adventurous and go mountain biking - it's all happening in Creswick 6. Check out the wide streets of Clunes and see where Mad Max was filmed 7. Head to the Bottle Museum at the Clunes Information Centre 8. Get in touch with history and head to the Clunes Museum 9. Head to the Clunes Lookout - and see how mining has shaped the land 10. Mark Booktown in your diary for May next year
Don’t travel to high risk areas on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days. If you plan to travel through Victoria during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or above, avoid travelling to high risk bush or grassfire areas. It’s safer to travel to cities or towns for the day.
Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
Daylesford & Hepburn Enjoy your own backyard - 10 things to do! 1. Enjoy a picnic at Lake Daylesford 2. Take a stroll in the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens 3. Buy some fresh produce at the Daylesford Sunday Market 4. Visit the Amazing Mill Markets 5. Check out local meal deals or enjoy a meal at an historic pub 6. Visit the Hepburn Blowhole 7. Wander around Jubilee Lake 8. Take in heaps of retail therapy 9. Get a different perspective and climb Jacksons Lookout 10. Taste the mineral water at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
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
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Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
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SUE’S PLACE
Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you
A new year before me. This is my year... - to wake up, really wake up. -to play more, laugh more, experience joy every moment. - to live my dreams, not merely dream. - to awaken the greater potential within AND express it every day. -to share in trust every day - to love more myself and others. What does the New Year hold for you?
Happy New Year!
Management and staff at Springs Medical would like to thank the community for their support through 2020. We wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year. DATE
TRENTHAM
KYNETON
MON
28 DEC 9am–3pm
DAYLESFORD
CLOSED
9am–1pm
TUE
29 DEC 8.30am–6pm
8.45am–5pm
8.30am–5.30pm
WED
30 DEC 8.30am–6pm
8.45am–5pm
8.30am–5.30pm
THU
31 DEC 8.30am–5pm
8.45am–5pm
8.30am–5pm
FRI
1 JAN
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
SAT
2 JAN
9am–3.30pm
CLOSED
9am–1pm
SUN
3 JAN
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
MON
4 JAN
Resume normal hours
SIS Clinic will be closed until 4/1/2021. If you have an urgent, non life threatening health concern after hours or on a public holiday, call the After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222
In an emergency always call 000
For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352
Show us what you’re made of! Our new medical Body Composition Analyzer helps your doctor better assess your health, by breaking down your body weight into its components with medical precision. Book online: www.campaspefp.com.au CampaspeFamilyPractice Phone: 5422 2877 Located at Kyneton Hospital: 7-25 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton
Daylesford
10 Hospital St tel: (03) 5348 2227
Kyneton
89B Piper Street tel: (03) 5422 1298
Trentham
22 Victoria St tel: (03) 5424 1602
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EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP DOING THE THINGS WE LOVE Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.
For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn
Bells Water Gardens has been in the water garden business for over 25 years, building and maintaining ponds and growing a diverse range of aquatic plants for the nursery trade and public. We are passionate about building natural eco-system ponds, adding beauty and encouraging wildlife, allowing interaction with nature. Water gardens built by us are quiet, contemplative places to rest and energise the senses. Contact us for all your water garden requirements or come and see our nursery at 1 Campion Rd, Newlyn.
0418 567 195
LOOKING FOR CARPET?
We have an extensive range of quality carpets from manufacturers Godfrey Hirst and Victoria Carpets Call in and see Harry, Graeme or Jill for your flooring requirements. OPEN: Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm Saturday: 9am-1pm 1a Mink Street DAYLESFORD | P: 5348 4097 | E: daylesford@qualityfloorz.com.au
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12 News
Podcast mad?
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Catch all the content from The Local and even some stuff that didn’t make it to print.
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PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460 koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au (03) 5348 4852 or 0437 747 619
Here is the solution for Crossword Issue 211. How did you go? Our cruciverbalist is taking a well-earned break over the next couple of editions but will be back with a crossword for the January 18 edition.
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Gardening 13
Garden cover up Hi Glen, I have a situation where I need to block out a rather tall building that is being constructed next door to me. This building is approximately 7m high and the area I wish to screen is around 10m long. Can you suggest any fast-growing, evergreen, native, bird-attracting plants that would work? I am in the process of building a garden bed to accommodate these plants as the soil is extremely poor. Regards, Moira. Moira, the choice of suitable trees for your cover-up is quite broad so it can be a matter of personal taste. What I would suggest is that you plant three suitably spaced, tall-growing trees closest to the building, and two densely-foliaged tall shrubs between to fill in for the eventual bare tree trunks. Most of the free-flowering eucalypts and acacias are bird- and bee-attracting, so your choice is broad. For the two fill-in shrubs they could be banksia, melaleuca, grevillea or one of the smaller growing hakeas. There is a big choice of both eucalyptus and acacias but you would do best to choose a narrow-growing, upright form such as acacia baileyana, cultriformis, floribunda or longifolia. All are tall, erect and fast-growing. For the filler shrubs, I would say that it’s a matter of personal choice but both the grevillea and banksia have the brighter flowers. A stroll through Google images could help your final choice. Happy hunting, or should it be hiding? Glen
An annual Spring pruning in the normal manner, as if they were planted individually in the garden, is all that is necessary to keep them tidy and looking at their best. The choice of suitable shrubs or climbers is endless, although I would suggest that close-foliaged plants with light and flexible foliage and stems would be easier and neater to contain. This would apply to both native and exotic species, but take care that any you choose will respond favourably to being trimmed. Some of my favourite, suitable natives include acmena, callistemon, crowea, darwinia, grevillea, leptospermum, melaleuca or westringia. Among the exotics there are the obvious lavender and rosemary for around the vegetable and herb beds. For other uses in the garden think of abelia, buxus (the Living walls and fences traditional box hedge), escallonia, hebe (the ever popular veronica), coleonema These are the way to cover up for those who, like me, prefer not to spend time (diosma), rosemary, lonicera nitida and, of course, the ever popular photinia in its manicuring their gardens. dwarf form - ph.glabra rubens. Admittedly, neatly-trimmed hedges like those of stately homes are as pleasing to When planting a living fence or wall, thought will have to be given to make sure the eye as they are functional but there is a way to overcome the regular and continual the plants are going to grow and the fact that they are probably going to be planted clipping, yet still have an attractive green or colourful flowering screen or wall. quite closely and receive more trimming than most other shrubs in your garden, That is, to plant a living fence. Either a row of shrubs closely planted to afford starting from the time they are planted. dense growth yet left to grow to their natural size and shape (see the white escallonias Depending on their eventual full-grown size this can be from 30cm to 1.5 metres above right) - or a rose or creeper-covered fence or trellis. apart.
Got a gardening question? Ask Glen. Email glenzgarden@gmail.com
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14 Opinion
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Pick me, pick me
Just sayin’... By Donna Kelly
W
ELL, you can see opposite Kyle is done and dusted for the year. And what a year it has been. I never thought I would live through a pandemic. Or wear a mask. Or socially distance. Or even know what that means. So, as 2021 rolls around, I am hoping for a few things.
Firstly a vaccine, of course. They are rolling that out in the UK and US and Australia is in the lucky position of being able to sit back a little and see how things go. But the sooner, the better. And of course, front line staff and the elderly first. (And I know the scientists and researchers are probably worn out but I hope that worldwide collaboration continues and maybe we can knock some other diseases on the head.) Next, some travel plans. Like most people I enjoy travelling and 2020 pretty much put the kibosh on that. I would love to go further afield but I reckon Australia think Queensland for a couple of weeks to warm up in Winter, and New Zealand - so Kyle can see his family, would be enough for 2021. Mind you, we have optimistically booked a Mediterranean trip for 2022. Greece, Italy...and I know, cruising you say, are you mad? Probably, but I do like cruising. There is something about getting up, seeing something amazing for the day and never having to cook your own dinner. Next up, hugging. Now, I am not a big hugger. I don't like the hug and kiss thing for people you barely know, but for good friends and family, you've got to go the hug. And when I want to, I can give really good hugs. There is something about touching other people and really, I can only hug Kyle so many times before he becomes weary. Or wary that he may have missed an anniversary or birthday. So hugs for some will be back on the agenda. Sanitiser and masks? Hmmm. I used to carry sanitiser before the pandemic so I can see its value into the future. There is nothing like sitting down in the cinema and just before you open the popcorn, you clean your hands with a little squirt of Dettol. (Don't you wish you had shares in Dettol?) Masks too, I won't mind in some situations. Supermarkets, busy shopping centres etc. How many people have not had a cold or the flu this year? My hand is up. Anyway, I think it is the time of year to make more wishes and, after 2020, maybe less resolutions. I think we have had a tough enough year without deciding to give up things. Take it easy and let's glide through to 2021 with a bit of kindness and gentleness. So, wishing you all a wonderful New Year, hopefully with family and friends in person, and if not, over Zoom and Skype. Catch you in 2021. And the next edition, out January 4. Just sayin'...
You can't have these two but they are fine examples of rescue pooches. Rosie, left, was adopted as a six-week-old puppy from the Peninsula RSCPA in 2000 and Curly was two when he was adopted from the same shelter. They became life-long friends, loved the move to the country at Glenlyon, and almost celebrated their 16th birthdays together. Meanwhile, Mount Alexander Animal Welfare in Castlemaine is a little closer than Pearcedale. Call 5472 5277 to make an appointment to find your forever friend. (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
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Opinion 15
Kyle’s Rant
2
020. What a shit year. I'm out.
Write your own rant on 2020 here...
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16 Briefly
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Water supply Youth awards
T
HE Central Highlands region’s water supply is in good position for the year ahead, but as the weather warms up being water-wise continues to be important for the community.
Central Highlands Water’s Annual Water Outlook report has been released. The report looks into current water storage, ground water levels and expected inflows, weather conditions and summer consumption to forecast the water supply for the year ahead. Managing director Paul O’Donohue said there had been had good rainfall over the past few months which meant the reservoirs were near capacity and ground water levels were normal, putting water resources in a good position. The region’s largest water supply, Lal Lal Reservoir, even reached capacity in October and spilled for the first time since 2016, and CHW’s summer projections show that water restrictions are highly unlikely. “We understand from engaging with our customers, that a secure and reliable water supply is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of our community. “We again expect to meet community water supply demand from our local storages this year,” Mr O’Donohue said.
Vale
Y
OUNG people have been recognised for their achievements in an online event at the 2020 Macedon Ranges Youth Awards.
The annual event recognises and celebrates the extraordinary and diverse achievements of young people aged 12–25 who go to school, work or live in the Macedon Ranges Shire. Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson said the event acknowledged the many ways young people participated in and contributed to the local community and the new categories developed, the adaptation to the online setting due to COVID restrictions and the willingness of all nominees to share their stories of adversity and triumph demonstrated what a supportive program the council's our youth service provided. The 2020 Macedon Ranges Youth Award winners are: Will Power – Michael Smith; Nicely Played – Daniel Smyth and Isaac Fletcher; Good Deeds – Shyla McPhail; Skilling It – Kirk Close; Well Aware – Kyle Hayes; and Pure Imagination – Monet Lewis and Emily Medbury.
CONROY – Nancie Florence 24.12.1933 – 22.12.2020 Loved wife of Keith Kingsley(dec). Dearly loved mother of Wendy, Michael, Carol, Jennifer and Mark and respected partners. Adored Nanna and Great Nanna. Funeral details to be announce at a later date via www.vereyfuneraldirectors.com
Video: https://youtu.be/Fhiw8uA1fbM
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.
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Mayor Lesley Hewitt up to task of leading council
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"Whilst raising my children I lectured in social work at Monash University, where I got tenure as a part-timer which was very unusual in those days. When my youngest child finished school our family moved to Daylesford. "I wanted to become a councillor because I knew there was a lot of community dissatisfaction and concern over some of the decisions and ways of operating during COVID-19. I was worried about the level of distress and anxiety caused to residents about the proposed changes to planning around the tip. Coming on top of that were "I was an extreme minority, not only was I from a state school but I was from a concerns about the geese, the Rex and local planning laws. I thought, I can help do rural area. I was offered a studentship; it was pre-Whitlam days when uni students paid full fees. When I finished my science degree, I was uncertain what path I wanted something about it. My idea is if things are not what you like, don’t whinge about it, to take, I got a job at Allambie, a state reception centre for kids needing to come into see what you can do to change it. And work with others. "As a 15-year-old girl guide in a small town, I had an opportunity to go to India, care. I worked in the nursery for babies, where I got in trouble for making mud pies the community supported me to finance it. That had a profound impact on me. for the kids. So, at 19, I thought 'this is wrong, I can fix it, I can change it'. That Community support for youth is crucial. I think it is really important to provide a shaped my desire to do social work. But before that I hitchhiked and used public range of opportunities for young people in our shire. You need to have employment. transport to travel across Asia and Europe. I was in Afghanistan before the Russians We’ve got a big agenda at council this year with the community engagement policy, and in Iran before the Shah. the four-year plan and 10-year vision. My top priority is to get that done within the "After returning I studied sociology and psychology, paying my way by working legislative time frame, but to the satisfaction of all ratepayers and residents. Another as a waitress and kitchen hand at Owen Dixon Chambers. I learnt a lot from my priority is to listen to residents and ratepayers so I can advocate for their priorities. mentors during my placements at Caulfield Hospital Rehab, and at State Relief "My third priority would be to make sure we can make the most of opportunities which helped disadvantaged and vulnerable people such as refugees. I was going that become available from state and federal governments. The council needs to have to some of the poorest and most disadvantaged homes in Melbourne while at the done preparatory work on projects so that we are ready when opportunities arise. We same time catering for wealthy Melburnians. It taught me most people don’t have an can and should do something about affordable housing. Council passed a motion last understanding of the enormous inequity in society because it’s hidden, we don’t see it. night to develop a high level affordable and social housing policy by April 2021." My final placement was at Queen Vic Medical Centre in family psychiatry. Finally, Cr Hewitt quotes an old proverb. "Society grows great when old men "At this time there was nowhere rape victims could go to get examined. A plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit under" as she tells me she rape study committee was formed at the Office of the Premier, and as a result, a is hoping for change at council. “Given there was a mood for change, councillors counselling service was established at the Queen Vic Centre. I become the first needed to reflect who was best able to lead the council into 2021 and decided my coordinator at the sexual assault centre there, establishing it as a 24-hour service. skills, experience and background could do the task. I hope I can live up to that." It taught me that change never happens because of one person. I was seconded to the Department of Premier and Cabinet to write a child sexual assault discussion With six of the seven councillors recently elected to the Hepburn Shire being new to paper, and then worked for Community Services Victoria, managing a unit in child the game, a sense of optimism and hope exists for more positive interactions between protection, before becoming pregnant with my first child. "I was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2010 because of my community and council. This weekly series by Sandy Scheltema explores the councillors' hopes and wishes for the shire. This is the final feature. work in interpersonal violence, inclusion, and diversity.
HE new mayor of Hepburn Shire Council, Cr Lesley Hewitt, asks to meet me at Boomerang Ranch, where she has spent many hours working as a volunteer accredited coach for Riding for The Disabled. She tells me she grew up in a small town near Echuca called Leitchville, where her parents had a dairy farm. She moved to Melbourne to study a science degree at Monash University.
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