February 14, 2022 Issue 247 Citizen of the Year
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
2 About Us
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Front cover: Danny Moynihan, pictured with his daughter Natalie's dog Waru, is the Hepburn Shire's 2022 Citizen of the Year. Read his story, by Donna Kelly, opposite on page 3.
February 14, 2022 Issue 247 Citizen of the Year
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria. The next edition is out on Monday, February 28, 2022. Or online on Sunday, February 27 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, February 23 Copy deadline: Thursday, February 24 Editorial deadline: Thursday, February 24
Image: Kyle Barnes
Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | sales@tlnews.com.au The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith
The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout & Donna Kelly
The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.
Photographers | Kyle Barnes, David White & Louise Gay
Want to support local, quality journalism? Donate by scanning the QR code. 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.
Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (gigs), Matthew Richardson (money) and Jen Clarke (recipes). Accounts | Julie Hanson
Delivery | Tony Sawrey
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Our volunteers 3
Civic recognition for Danny's tireless work
“
YOU don’t look for appreciation, but I suppose it’s nice when it comes your way.”
Those are the humble words of Hepburn Shire’s 2022 Citizen of the Year Danny Moynihan, who has spent the past 37 years helping improve the lives of others through countless volunteer roles with more than 24 organisations. At the January 25 Community Awards and Civic Ceremony, Mayor Tim Drylie described Danny, as a “quiet achiever”. “Once he makes a commitment to be involved in a community cause or project he is there for the long haul.” Danny moved to Daylesford with his wife, the late Roz Moynihan and their two young children, Justin, then six, and Natalie, then three, in 1984. Born in Ballarat, he joined the Post Office in 1968 as a postal clerk in training. Danny, pictured with Natalie's dog Waru, was sent to Melbourne for what was meant to be a six-month stint which lasted 16 years. “I was at Huntingdale and the office was downgraded so I didn’t have an ‘attachment’ to a post office and was transferred to Daylesford. “The fellow here, Lloyd Williams, had died, just in his 40s, so I thought I might as well come up to the bush. I was also sick of the travelling in Melbourne. We had a house in Mulgrave but I could be working at Seaford, or Port Melbourne or City Road. It was a long way to go to all these offices. “So I moved in December 1984 and Roz and the kids came up in January 1985 so Justin could go to school. We bought a house in Hospital Street, opposite the hospital, which we eventually sold to the hospital and then moved to Tipperary Springs in 1987. And we have been here ever since.” That’s except for a short transfer to Maryborough for Danny just eight months after he started at Daylesford. Again, it was supposed to be a short stint of just three months but lasted 18 months. With just one car between them he stayed during the week and returned on weekends so Roz could have the car to ferry the kids around. He and Roz eventually bought the post office in 1998 and ran it until 2006. “When I came up here it was a corporate office owned by Australia Post. The exchange was there as well, all under the one building. But they subdivided the building in the 1990s and after 30 years as a postal manager I became a licenced postal manager. “The building was quite dear at the time, well I thought it was because they were selling other post offices for less, but they said quite rightly it would be worth a lot more in the future. It’s been good superannuation.” Danny said Roz was always keen to get involved with the community and causes and when he arrived back from Maryborough she was already well known. But it didn’t take him long to make his mark as well, joining many of the same organisations but also doing his own thing. Among those he has been with, or the 11 he still is with, are Daylesford Rotary, Hepburn Regional Community Cheer Committee, ChillOut, Daylesford Good Grub Club, Hepburn Shire’s White Ribbon, Daylesford Hepburn United Soccer Club Junior Group, Hepburn Shire Neighbourhood Watch, Daylesford Agricultural Show, Daylesford Community Op Shop, Daylesford Indoor Recreation Facility Organising Committee, Community Based Bushfire Mitigation Group, Daylesford Hospital Redevelopment fundraising committee, Daylesford Hospital Redevelopment Committee, Daylesford Scouts Management Committee, Daylesford Girl Guides Management Committee, New Year’s Eve Parade, Daylesford Speedway, Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, Daylesford RSL, Very Special Kids Annual Appeal, Daylesford Probus, Daylesford Gift Run on New Year’s Day to raise funds for Camp Quality and the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal street collection. One of his most remarkable, or perhaps different, achievements was being elected the first, and probably only, male president of the Daylesford Girl Guides.
He lasted three years and in that time painted the hall, upgraded the kitchen and “did a lot of fundraising”. Danny said hearing his name called as Citizen of the Year was “more pleasing for the family than the individual. “Roz was placed on the Hepburn Shire’s (Heather Mutimer) Women’s Honour Roll in 2019 so I said to Nat now I can put my certificate alongside hers. “And I said on the day that volunteers really do quite often get a lot more out of it than what they put in. Although it seems very hard to get people to join things now days, they don’t like to commit. “If you are looking to volunteer, just place your name and what you want to do on Facebook, someone will be in touch pretty soon. Although it would be nice if the council had a volunteer and organisation register to put the two together.” And Danny’s last piece of advice for would-be volunteers, although it seems a little at odds with his own experience. “Don’t spread yourself too thin, if you do, you won’t be able to do the job properly.”
Inset: Danny with his family, from left, daughter Natalie Moynihan, granddaughter Wynter Grey, Joel Grey and son Justin Moynihan Words: Donna Kelly | Main image: Kyle Barnes
STORM AND FLOOD
BULLETIN
This regular bulletin provides recovery updates following the June 2021 storms and floods. Bushfire Recovery Victoria proudly works in partnership with council and the local community to support recovery.
RECOVERY SUPPORT HOTLINE IS HERE TO HELP
1800 560 760 Call 1800 560 760 today to access a financial counsellor through the Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline The Recovery Hotline is a single state-wide number Victorians impacted by the June 2021 Storms and Floods can call for assistance, including financial counselling. The hotline can connect you to a financial counsellor to help you:
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) is offering funding for initiatives aimed at connecting and supporting those most at risk in the community after an emergency. The Storm and Flood Community Recovery Funding aims to establish locally led programs to assist groups, individuals and communities impacted by the June 2021 Storm and Floods. The following costs can be funded under this initiative:
• access relief for utility bills and other payments
• Staff wages to deliver the program
• understand your government income and other entitlements
• Program costs including equipment and venue hire
• negotiate with your bank on debt issues
• Other associated costs
• identify if your insurance outcome is fair and appropriate
All projects must commence prior to 1 April 2022 and conclude in the 2022 calendar year. Submissions close 21 February 2022.
• explore your options and advocate on your behalf. Speaking to a financial counsellor early can help stabilise your finances, reduce stress and allow you to focus on other areas.
Find out more and download the application form at: go.vic.gov.au/DCtAxV
Call the Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
AGRICULTURE VICTORIA ARE HERE TO HELP FENCE POSTS FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS Primary producers located in six storm-affected communities may be eligible to receive a kilometreworth of fence posts for their property. Eligible local government areas include Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Moorabool, Murrindindi, Cardinia or Yarra Ranges. We’ve teamed up with Rural Aid and Macedon Ranges Shire Council to give away these fence posts. These fence posts are repurposed from stormdamaged trees obtained over the course of BRV’s Residential Storm and Flood Clean-up program. For more information and to register, visit faa.ruralaid.org.au/fence-post-program
Agriculture Victoria has appointed an Agriculture Recovery Team to provide ongoing support to producers and landholders affected by the recent storm and flood to help with their recovery journey. The Agriculture Recovery Team can provide primary producers with information and technical advice on: • • • •
soil management sediment and run-off issues water quality management pasture recovery
• fencing repair and replacement • livestock health and feed budgeting • business decision making support
The team can also provide referrals to organisations including the Rural Financial Counselling Service, other business support services, plus mental health and wellbeing support services. One-on-one support is available to assist farmers to manage the recovery process. Please contact the Agriculture Recovery Team on 0427 694 185 or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information. Agriculture Victoria continues to work with primary producers, landholders, industry and local government to assess the loss and damage as a result of the storm. This will inform the types of support required immediately and over the medium to long term. Information on managing storm or flood recovery can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/floodrecovery
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Our ghosts 5
Creaks and groans led to paranormal career
A
ROUND 18 months ago Dolly Adamson and her family moved into a century-old house in Kyneton. Not long after that the weirdness commenced, the shadows flickering in the corners, the creaks, the groans. All those little things that suggest that your new home harbours something more than you may expect or even wish for.
“When we moved in I had doors slamming on me and some strange things happen,” says Dolly. “I didn’t feel like we were welcome in the house and I never felt like that before. But I do think the house started me on my spooky little path.” That spooky little path was the development of Kyneton Paranormal and her new career as a paranormal investigator. She connected up with Psychic Bec, a medium from the area and began with three gatherings at the Kyneton Museum last May. Psychic Bec led a group seance and Dolly occupied another room with equipment designed to detect the presence of any disembodied entities that may arise. As any person intrigued by Fortean phenomena (the strange and mysterious) would know, ghost and spirit experiences are shaped and formed by their cultural context. For example, in many parts of Asia, spirits are often dismembered soulsucking beings dragging their entrails about. In European cultures they can manifest as pale shapes, descending stairs, occupying hallways and walking through the walls where they once lived and died. Modern Australia tends to follow that tradition, but when our weak anglo-descended phantom entities try to engage with the living, often they can only manage a tap on the shoulder, a chilly breeze or some scratching in the walls (think Patrick Swayze in the movie Ghost). They need all the help they can get to remind us mortals they are still there. To assist their efforts in talking with us and documenting them if they appear, Dolly uses some indispensable equipment. These include cameras, several EMF (electro-magnetic field) meters, a Flux 2 response device (for detecting clear answers from visiting spirits) and a radiating EM antenna (for detecting temperature variations and other features). Other items are: one BooBuddy (a trigger object, such as a cuddly toy, which may be familiar and attractive to an entity thus enticing them to interact), and a EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recorder for documenting various unexplained speech and/or noises. Equipped with this array of electronics, the results and interactions have been intriguing. “We captured the spirit of a little boy peek-a-booing on camera at one site (inset image) but didn’t realise until we looked at the photos later. At Odessa’s in Creswick we obtained voice recordings including the words ‘pushed’ and ‘justice’. And at Blackwood a spatula was thrown in the kitchen when we were talking about spirits.” Since creating her ghost-hunting business, Kyneton Paranormal has been drawing in interest from around the state including the Rochester Hotel, the Victoria Hotel in Woodend, the Blackwood Hotel and Odessa at Leavers Hotel in Creswick. “Our tours always bring out the sceptics and the firm believers, but they are a lot of fun and are all about seeing what we can discover. In England or America paranormal tours or investigations are hugely popular and help draw attention to sites and ultimately preserve them. And while there is a lot of history in our region it can often get neglected. By doing these events we can help generate more interest in the buildings - in other words, it keeps the lights on.” Regardless of what people think about spectres, phantoms, apparitions, shades and other such vapours that may or may not inhabit your local bar, there is no doubt it helps maintain a community's interest in their past. The National Trust certainly thinks so. They have approached Dolly to do a paranormal investigation at Barwon Park Mansion at Barwon Heads. “We also have an event coming up at Clunes RSL in a couple of weeks' time,” says Dolly. “I have been in contact with fellow paranormal investigator Leslie Scott and it seems that just about every place in Clunes is haunted and full of ghosts.”
“Our tours always bring out the sceptics and the firm believers, but they are a lot of fun and are all about seeing what we can discover.”
Words: Tony Sawrey | Image: Contributed
A PUB FOR THE LOCALS Come in, grab a drink and be local. Join us for STEAK NIGHT every Thursday $25 and our locals’ favourite SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST $25.
03 5348 2335 LUNCH SAT & SUN DINNER THU - MON
DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU
GOOD NEWS. AUSTRALIA’S ALREADY REDUCED EMISSIONS BY 20% Since 2005.
FIND OUT MORE AT POSITIVEENERGY.GOV.AU Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
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Our festivals 7
Stories of Us - coming to CresFest 2022
Q
"Unbelievably, we have over 350 musicians coming UESTION: What do poet Banjo Paterson, singer Simon McDonald of Springmount, to the festival, each with their own unique talent and photographer Daisy Harriett Llewelyn and passion for performance," festival convenor Judy Turner said. the people of Creswick have in common? Answer: They are all the subject of shows being presented at the inaugural CresFest, running across the first weekend of April, and bringing a new theatrical element to the music and dance festival that has been in the planning for over a year. These shows are presented by actor Marg Dobson, poet Megan J Riedl, Creswick local Neil Adam and Celtic music legend Felix Meagher. Poet Riedl will present her show I Know What Creswick Did Last Lockdown - a participatory pandemic poetry project created especially for CresFest 2022. Riedl said that the project "invites people who have experienced lockdowns due to Covid-19 in Creswick, Victoria to share their experiences – positive, negative and neutral – by way of an anonymous confession – a kind of creative therapy, if you will". Showing their confidence in the town of Creswick to pull off a great event, the Commonwealth Government (through Festivals Australia) has not only funded Stories of Us but two other projects as well. Creswick Sings will bring choir director Stella Savy to town to run both the Creswick Kids Choir and the Creswick Chorus. And to close out the festival, Sapphire Bollywood Ensemble will join with Creswick Brass Band in a mashup of historic proportions, to present the Brass and Bollywood Extravaganza.
As well as music, dance styles - ranging from flamenco to Bulgarian, from honky tonk to classical ballet – will be showcased and taught. "We wanted to make as many opportunities for local artists to be involved as we could, so we put out a call. Over 100 expressions of interest came back, and we have proudly programmed them across the festival." The Shire Showcase will feature bands and soloists from Newlyn, Newbury, Creswick, Hepburn, Daylesford, Trentham, Lyonville, Kingston, Wheatsheaf and Smeaton. The YouThrive stage will feature young players from across the region strutting their stuff at the Old Post Office Stage. The organisers hope for a massive turnout over the weekend of April 1 to 3 and are still keen to hear from people who would like to volunteer either as helpers over the weekend or as hosts for their out-of-town artists. All volunteers receive a weekend pass to the festival.
Link: www.cresfest.com.au/get-involved
Jade Moran and Lulu Gersbeck outside the Havilah Masonic Lodge in Creswick. As Primo Primates they will perform on the YouThrive Stage and in the IGA Busking competition Image: Terry Hope | Words: Contributed
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New veg foodie award
B
EST vanilla slice award? How many hundreds of bakeries lay claim to that prize. But there is a new prize in town for the cafés and pubs of the Macedon Ranges, The Edgy Veg award.
Veg Action, an initiative of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group is running the award and Edgy Veg coordinator Lucy Campbell said one venue would be wearing the crown for the best plant-based dish, as voted by the customers. "This is an Australian first, happening in your local neighbourhood," Lucy said. "Around 20 of the most innovative and creative cafes and pubs in the Macedon Ranges will take part, and customers will get to comment and vote on the featured dishes over the Autumn Festival from March 25 to April 26. "Kyneton’s Homegrown on Piper was the first café to submit a dish, Greens Galore. Two golden potato rostis with pea smash, sautéed broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale and chard, accompanied with sautéed garlic and thyme mushrooms, avocado, all drizzled with salsa verde and topped with sprinkled soy pepitas." Lucy said all the dishes would feature on The Edgy Veg Trail, a map showing where to sample great plant-based food in the Macedon Ranges during the Autumn Festival. "It is aimed to attract locals and tourists alike. Armed with this map of all the venues in the ranges with plant-based dishes, why not impress your friends from the city by taking them to some of our fantastic eateries. It’s a perfect way to get out and show your support for local businesses too." The map is available at any Macedon Ranges tourist information centre or online at www.veg.mrsg.org.au/edgy-veg-awards Voting can also be done online. Lucy said plant-based dishes were not only great for health but also for the planet. "According to a MedAlertHelp statistic if everyone went vegan, the world’s emissions Edgy Veg coordinator Lucy Campbell, left, and project leader Claire Rowland related to food would drop 70 per cent by 2050. So why not utilise the expertise of dig into Greens Galore at Kyneton café Homegrown on Piper our local chefs and try a plant-based dish today."
Image: Contributed
We’re upgrading the Bendigo and Echuca lines As part of Victoria’s Big Build, Regional Rail Revival are building three new stations and upgrading track and signalling to enable more frequent services to Echuca, Epsom and Eaglehawk.
Swan Hill Line
8 to 16 Feb
Bendigo to Swan Hill
17 to 27 Feb
Southern Cross to Swan Hill
Bendigo Line
17 to 27 Feb
Southern Cross to Bendigo
Echuca Line
17 to 27 Feb
Southern Cross to Echuca
Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
1456
MURRAY BASIN
Train disruptions: Coaches replace trains in both directions
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News 9
Plantation pines get the chop at Miners Rest Life On The Land – Series Two
I
T CAN be hard taking down a Christmas tree at the end of December… but imagine taking down over 100 pine trees at the end of an era.
The year is 1957, in Australia, Menzies is Prime Minister, A Pub With No Beer is playing on the radio, In Melbourne Tonight has just started on the telly - albeit in black and white - and Melbourne won the footy grand final. It’s also the year, once proudly announced on a now dilapidated sign, that the Miners Rest Primary School Endowment Plantation was established. It is iconic of its era but now it looks more like a haunted forest than an initiative that raised muchneeded funds for small schools across regional Victoria. I spoke to Bill Loader, he’s kind of the unofficial Mayor of Miners Rest. He’s lived here so long and so many people know him, he knows the history of every corner of the area. I’m pretty sure one day, a committee’s going to vote to put a blue plaque directly on him. Not on his house. On Bill himself. He says that the plantation has just sort of always been there, that everybody knew about it but that knowledge has faded over time. Endowment plantations were once scattered across the state and Bill wanted to know what is happening with the Miners Rest one now, too. “Not every school had them, but it was a means of raising funds for the school. They must have been looking right into the future,” he said. Back in the day, the government bought land, donated it to a school that would organise to have pine trees planted on it, harvested them, and the money made went to the school. Usually smaller, regional schools. The principal at Miners Rest, Dale Power? His dad was the principal at Stawell Primary School, and he managed their endowment plantation. It was a bit of a boom-time for forward planning back then, it turns out. But after its first harvest, in 1989, the Miners Rest replanting wasn’t a great success. It needed to be tended within those first two growing years, with the lower limbs lopped off to grow lovely straight trees for lumber. They weren’t tended as closely as they should have been, according to an assessor decades later, and so the whole plantation was only good for pulp. Which wasn’t getting very good prices on the market. The plantation was also proving problematic. Regulations and requirements have become far more strict during the intervening years, and maintenance to comply with fire hazard reductions, emergency management plans…it’s a lot to keep up with for a return on investment that was about $40,000 for the first harvest. It’s good money, for a great school. But compared to the $20m value of the epic new school that’s just opened? It’s hard to see how it could really be worth keeping. The school council voted to off-load the asset. Or…the liability. But that didn’t go to plan, either. It turned out that the school had to pay for the trees to be removed, all the stumps pulled out and the land restored to its pre-plantation state before it could be sold. And that wasn’t going to be cheap. A more recent assessment came back as cost-neutral – the company would harvest the trees for pulp, remove all of the old tree stumps, rehabilitating the land. The school wouldn’t get any money; but it also wouldn’t cost it any, either. The felling of the Miners Rest Endowment Plantation may be the end of an era that has been slowly fading since 1957. But with this year, 2022, set to be remembered as a global pandemic year and locally, for the opening of a brand new $20 million primary school…could it instead, perhaps, be the beginning of a new era? The principal, Dale Power, seems to know the answer. “This is an amazing site that will stand our community and future learners in good stead for many, many generations of students to come.”
Australia, 1957
It was a long time ago - and in the year that the Miners Rest Primary School Endowment Plantation, a symbol of its time, was established, there was a lot happening across the country: • Australia’s first Woolworths food store opened, in Sydney • Australia’s first shopping centre opened, in Brisbane • The ‘Nibble Nobby’s Nuts’ campaign was first launched • Gary Sweet was born, as were Penny Cook, Kevin Rudd, Nick Cave, Tony Abbott and Peter Costello (pictured above, clockwise from top left)
Words: Kate Taylor
The class of '57
10 Letters
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Your Say Donna, your "Just Sayin'..." in The Local p18, Issue 246 was so on point.
As the new wife of a CFA volunteer of more than two decades, it has taken quite an adjustment to living life with a pager that might, at any moment, take my husband off to potentially step into the face of a raging bushfire or to face being on scene at a traffic or other accident. To watch the Fire Rescue Victoria ad, suggesting that the only "professional" firefighters are paid ones, is an insult to my husband and all his volunteer colleagues in our local brigades. Before I moved to the country, I had no real idea about how country towns managed fires and other incidents. Now I know that it takes the efforts of a bunch of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, without a pay packet in sight. Thank you to every one of you.
- Helen van der Werff, Trentham
Great article! (Just Sayin'... Issue 246). When John and I first saw this ad we were both incensed, to use a polite term.
We are both members of the Trentham Fire Brigade, John as a fire-fighter and secretary, I am non-operational. The initial argy-bargy, as you politely described it, caused a lot of angst within the brigade and some of the community, with a real concern that some volunteer fighters would walk away. The nuances then seemed that volunteers were lesser than the career firefighters, even suggestions of different doors to enter the fire station and the fire trucks, incident controllers, uniforms and other petty things. And now this insulting ad. I guess some/all local brigade members are annoyed. This ad does not address rural areas - “ready for anything, guaranteed rapid response” - in Trentham and surrounds? Not likely? I think the ad is misleading. And yes we all need to be ready for any emergency, it’s part of living in a rural and fire-prone area. Anyone see them during the storm rescue and clean-up? Sorry if it’s a bit of a rant and I did yell at the TV ad too.
Ready for a house fire or emergency? Ready to free a passenger from a car? Ready for a medical emergency? Ready to tackle a toxic warehouse fire? You don't have to be because your new Fire Rescue Victoria is. Find out if your community is now protected by professional firefighters from FRB with four years of specialised training, state-ofthe-art equipment and guaranteed rapid response. Professional fire fighters are ready for anything.
(The advert is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4F4ToblVOM)
Letters are always welcome. Keep them shortish and to the point. Email news@tlnews.com.au Any addressed Dear Sir will be deleted.
- Bette McLaren, Trentham
A single ember can spread bushfires as far as 30km. Burning embers from bushfires can travel up to 30km, starting new fires in seconds, destroying homes and making escape impossible. If the Fire Danger Rating is ever extreme or above, don’t hesitate. Leave early. Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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News 11
Home energy Engagement SHIFT plan HOMEOWNERS and renters in Hepburn Shire can register soon for the last 15 places in Hepburn ZNet's home energy assessment and energy efficiency upgrades program.
People may be eligible to receive $880 towards energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation, draughtproofing, heat pump hot water systems, curtains, blinds, and reverse cycle heating/cooling systems. Register at https://bit.ly/2NfhOcG In order to receive expert advice on the best options to improve their home's energy efficiency, comfort and to reduce their energy bills, participants must agree to commit to a minimum co-contribution of $880 towards agreed energy-efficient upgrades and be finding it stressful to pay their bills on time. The program also offers community members advice on other current government rebates, subsidies, and how to read energy bills. People may also be eligible for the Solar Vic $1000 Heating/Cooling rebate and $250 Energy Saving Bonus. To be eligible people must be on a low income, unemployed, have a long-term medical condition or disability, or be caring for someone in similar circumstances and agree to co-contribute $880 to upgrades. For more information contact Tim on 0490 436 264 or email assessor@hepburnznet.org.au Or apply directly at https://bit.ly/2NfhOcG
Link: www.hepburnznet.org.au/home
HEPBURN Shire Council's community engagement platform, Participate Hepburn, launched a year ago, has been "hugely successful", says Mayor Tim Drylie.
Cr Drylie said platform had been used to gather community feedback on both big and small projects. “The platform is a very successful community engagement tool. It complements our other engagement techniques like face-to-face pop-up sessions, SMS text and more traditional email and mail-outs. "Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback to council to inform our decision making, and we understand there is still room for improvement in the way we go about engaging with our community. "There are many projects currently open for input, such as Sustainable Hepburn, Positive Ageing, and Western Victoria Transmission Network Project. I encourage you to regularly visit the site and have your say." Participate Hepburn contains more than 50 different engagements/projects and has attracted 31,385 views, 15,334 unique visitors and over 3300 pieces of feedback during the past year. Cr Drylie said Participate Hepburn was complemented by the council's monthly e-newsletter, Hepburn Life, launched in April 2021 and sent to more than 3400 subscribers. Links: https://mailchi.mp/hepburn/sign-up
https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/
HEALTH Futures Australia, a Hepburn Shirebased not-for-profit is developing a business case to expand its Sustainable Healthy Integrated Food Towns into the shire.
Partnering with international vegetable and seed producers Rijk Zwaan and the Daylesford Foundation, Health Futures Australia aims to create a healthy food system that includes farm-gate sales, aquaponics for fish and herbs, and biogas for energy. The project will be funded through the state government's Investment Fast-Track Fund. With support from Rijk Zwaan, SHIFT has already established a Young Growers initiative to teach young people about growing and harvesting fresh produce. The social enterprise has also developed a Healthy Lunch Kitchen to provide nutritious school lunches made with locally grown produce while also teaching kids where their food comes from. The business case is the next step towards establishing a SHIFT hub, bringing agriculture, hospitality, educators, and the community together under one roof. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the government was ensuring Hepburn Shire became a go-to foodie destination through other projects including the Institute of Gastronomy and Good Food. Business case planning for the institute has been supported by the Enabling Tourism Fund and the project has the potential to house a culinary school, agribusiness entrepreneurship institute and an exhibition and function space – anticipated to inject up to $22 million into the local economy each year.
THE TUBEROUS BEGONIA & FUCHSIA SHOW Open EVERY WEEKEND from the First weekend (5 & 6) of February until Mother’s Day, May 8 10am-4pm We have hundreds of Begonias and Fuchsias for sale in pots, hanging baskets and on display. The ideal UNIQUE GIFT. (Special Occasions, Birthdays, Mother’s Day...) A simple maintenance sheet with growing instructions supplied with each purchase and a YouTube video named Tuberous Begonia Maintenance Tips is available online. For more information please go to www.whitehousenursery.com.au/tuberous-begonias/ or call Jesse 0419 002 651 or Peter on 0400 313 703. 691 Ashbourne Rd, Ashbourne via Woodend (Parking at rear of property)
12 Our festivals
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Nathan getting ready to really chill out
W
ITH just a month to go, ChillOut director Emma Ireland chatted with ChillOut ambassador ABC weather reporter Nate Byrne.
Em: What excites you most about ChillOut 2022? Nate: We have had one heck of a ride recently, and ChillOut 2022 is going to be the perfect way to breathe and celebrate after the summer we’re having. Getting out to some stunning country and enjoying a communal (and Covid-safe) sigh of relief is what we all need. Personally, I can’t wait to dance all night under the stars among family…hopefully every night of the festival. Em: Can you give us any updates on changes that have had to take place this year due to Covid? Nate: ChillOut 2022 is living up to its name – we’re going to Chill, Out-doors. Why wouldn’t you, with Daylesford as the backdrop? Victoria Park is going to be the focus of the action, with all of the well-loved favourite events back this year. There will be new faces too, and something for all ages, and we’ll all be following the Covidsafe guidelines to make sure that everyone can have a blast and can really chill out. Em: Any personal takes you can share from past ChillOut Festivals that make it particularly special to you? Nate: I love Carnivale – it’s like the biggest country fair mixed with glitter. You can’t go five minutes without bumping into someone you know, and there’s absolutely nothing pretentious about it. Oh, and don’t get me started on the dog shows… Em: What’s an iconic event at ChillOut that shouldn’t be missed? Nate: We’ve got parties galore - and they are all going to be heaving – but the Bush Dance has a special place. If you’re in the country, you should embrace it. It’s our unique take on a country tradition. It’s all about flannel and cowboy hats (the brighter the better) and if you don’t know how to line dance, you’ll learn quickly. Oh, also, chaps and spurs and…well, you’ll have to come and see for yourself.
WHEN YOU NEED US , BUT NOT THE SIRENS There’s a new way to contact the police when you don’t need the sirens - the 24/7 Police Assistance Line. Save 131 444 to your phone for non-emergency situations. Or for online reporting go to police.vic.gov.au
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News 13
Jane Caro at Convent Sadie's forever home
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ALKLEY Award winning Australian columnist, author, novelist, broadcaster, documentary maker, feminist and social commentator Jane Caro will be at The Convent in Daylesford on Saturday, March 5.
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EAUTIFUL Sadie is now looking for her forever home after a life saving, crowd-funded operation.
Sadie is a purpose-bred golden retriever born with a hereditary genetic condition issue known as ectopic ureter(s). Sadly, her breeder took Sadie to be euthanised at just three weeks old when she The Northern Books event is part of International Women's Day celebrations. started to leak urine, a sign of the condition. Ms Caro spent 35 years as an award winning copywriter and seven years teaching But the veterinarian had her relinquished and Canuck Rescue was contacted to advertising creative in the School of Communication Arts at Western Sydney University. She is now a full-time writer, social commentator, speaker and broadcaster. help give this little girl the best chance at getting the help she deserves. She is now nine months old, on the mend, desexed and looking for a forever Ms Caro has published 12 books, including Just a Girl, Just a Queen and Just Flesh & Blood – a trilogy on Elizabeth Tudor, and a memoir Plain Speaking Jane. The event home where she can live and thrive after a dodgy start to life. If you can help get in touch with Beth at houghtonbe@gmail.com is from 11am to 1pm and includes High Tea, a glass of bubbles on arrival, a copy of Jane's new book (or alternative to the same value), an In Conversation with Jane plus Q&A and book signing. Cost is $105. Bookings: www.northernbooks.com.au
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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.
Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday Daylesford Farmers Market – first Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday Clunes Farmers Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday
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OUR LOCALS
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BURGER VALUE PACK $36 4 beef burgers, 4 lamb burgers, 4 chicken burgers. Our burgers are made with our own premium beef, lamb and free-range chicken and seasoning. No fillers, no preservatives, no nasties. And gluten-free too.
BBQ VALUE PACK $60 12 BBQ beef sausages, 6 beef burgers, 4 kebabs, 4 lamb BBQ chops, 2 BBQ beef steaks. Our famous value meat packs are a great way to not only save money but a great way to plan your meals for the week. See in-store for more great value meat packs. FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER $100 TO DAYLESFORD, HEPBURN, TRENTHAM & SURROUNDS. USE CODE: LOCALFREE ON CHECKOUT OR PLACE ORDER VIA THE PHONE
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Newstead Open Studios
art trail 2022 12, 13, 14 & 19, 20 March, 10am-5pm
Out & About 15
Open Studios
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RT lovers take note. Over two weekends in March, 26 artists across 14 locations in and around Newstead invite you into their studios and other venues to show what they have been creating.
The Newstead Open Studios Art Trail began in 2015 and since then thousands of people have made their way around the ever-expanding map. It is a chance to see firsthand the inner workings of an artist’s studio and pick their brains about the how, what and why of their creative process. This year the line-up includes printmakers, jewellers, painters, potters, fibre artists, photographers and sculptors. Visit six studios and you can enter the draw for a door prize comprised of work donated by participating artists. So keep an eye out for the red flags around town. The trail is on over the Labour Day long weekend, March 12, 13, 14 and the following weekend, March 19 and 20, 10am to 5pm. For information call Sarah Koschak on 0419 322 681 or head to newsteadopenstudios.org
Gig Guide
with Darren Lowe
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs Baby et Lulu - Friday, February 18 French-singing, harmony-slinging, hip-swinging, ARIA-nominated band from Sydney.
get your guide from:
newsteadopenstudios.org
Summer Markets R O C K
N G I N Gy 9 a m - 2 p m A H B E F 19 Saturda RESERVE H A N G IN G
ROCK
D E S F O Rm L Y A D B a -2pm 9 y a d 26 FE r u t Sa RK V IC T O R IA
PA
OCK R G N I G AN -2pm 1 9 M A R H S a t u r d a y 9 aKm RESERVE H A N G IN G
Craft Markets Australia office@craftmarkets.com.au 03 5976 3266
ROC
@craftmarketsaus
Kimberley Wheeler's Roadside Holiday - Saturday, February 19 With a voice described as Celtic Chocolate, she is often compared to singers such as Linda Thompson, Linda Ronstadt and Gillian Welch. Her luscious vocals and gritty songs underpin the band’s acoustic folk. For Americana and bluegrass fans. Got a gig? Email news@tlnews.com.au
WELCOME TO SPRINGS MEDICAL NEW REGISTRARS Springs Medical is proud to introduce the new Doctors for 2022. Each year Springs Medical welcomes a new contingent of GP Registrars - who are all fully qualified doctors completing their training in General Practice.
Kerry Mc Glynn Kerry studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland graduating in 2016. She completed her internal medicine basic physician training prior to moving to Australia in 2019. Kerry worked at Eastern Health rotating through emergency medicine, psychiatry (including child and adolescent psychiatry) and hospital in the home. In 2021 Kerry worked in women’s mental health research at the Alfred prior to returning to the community COVID management via hospital in the home. Kerry holds qualifications in paediatrics (SCHP) and a certificate in essential palliative care (ECEPC).
Sorcha Stapleton
Ellie O’Connor
Sorcha completed her medical studies at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle. Following a brief stint in Kununurra, she moved to Ballarat to be with her husband. Sorcha has enjoyed a number of years at the Ballarat Base Hospital and has completed Advanced Specialised Training in the area of Adult Internal Medicine with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. During this time she has completed rotations in neurology, general medicine, geriatrics, cardiology, oncology and has worked as a Medical Registrar.
Ellie completed her Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery in 2017 after a Biomedical Science (Nutrition + Exercise Science) at Deakin University. She has worked at Ballarat Base Hospital for 4 years, with experience in adult internal medicine and obstetrics/gynaecology. Ellie holds qualifications in women’s health (DRANZCOG) and paediatrics (SCHP). She has a passion for antenatal care/ gynaecology, chronic disease management, rheumatology and lifestyle medicine including nutrition and exercise.
Fred Jayawardene
Sadia Asad
Fred completed his medical degree at University College Cork in 2016 before moving to Melbourne in 2017. He worked at Eastern Health completing rotations including; emergency medicine, ICU, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology, general medicine and surgery. In 2020 he worked as a registrar in clinical forensic medicine at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine before commencing his GP training at Mostyn Street Clinic Castlemaine. Fred enjoys all aspects of General Practice and is passionate about providing holistic and individual care for the community.
Sadia joined us in 2021 as a registrar completing her rural placement. We are thrilled that she will be continuing her placement with us in 2022. Sadia obtained her Bachelor of Medicine in Pakistan and completed Australian medical exams in 2016. She worked at Ballarat Health Services in the last few years before joining GP training at Springs Medical. Sadia’s special interests include dermatology (both clinical and cosmetic) which will be her core area of focus in the future.
NEW STUDENTS As part of the Government initiative to train more doctors in rural environments, the Rural Community Clinical School at Deakin University implemented a program that offers students in their 3rd year of a postgraduate Medicine course a placement for 12 months at a rural practice. Springs Medical have provided this unique training opportunity to two medical students each year since 2010.
Robin Jessup Robin grew up in the Philippines, moved to Australia in 2015 and studied a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University, developing an interest in rural and remote medicine. He wants to pursue a career in General Practice but is also interested in emergency medicine, chronic disease, pain management and paediatrics since he has kids of his own and loves children. Further down the road, he would also like to subspecialise in anaesthetics. Robin is excited to explore Daylesford and the Wombat State Forest as he is an outdoor enthusiast.
Daylesford 10 Hospital St tel: (03) 5348 2227
Kyneton 89 Piper Street tel: (03) 5422 1298
Nik Alexopoulos Nik is completing his second last year of medical studies. He will be on placement in Daylesford, Bacchus Marsh and Melton. As the year progresses he hopes to learn from the doctors, nurses and allied health staff at Springs and where possible, leave a positive impression on the community members that trust the Springs team with their health. He aspires to be back in Daylesford as a Springs doctor himself! special interests: anaesthetics, musculoskeletal medicine, exercise medicine, mental health, longevity and wellbeing
Trentham 22 Victoria St tel: (03) 5424 1602
SUE’S PLACE
Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you
Where do we find love? •
Is it in a smile? a handshake? a hug? •
Is it in the card? the flowers? the dinner? the celebration?
•
Is it in the support? the help? the caring? the giving?
Yes, in these things and so much more, we find love. Yet it must start inside - you, me, each of us. We feel it inside, and then it flows everywhere Inside and out.
For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352
Out & About 17
Repair Cafe heads to Glenlyon
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HE Daylesford Repair Cafe is heading to Glenlyon and joining up with Hepburn Seed Savers.
The two groups will be at the old CFA building, behind the Glenlyon Hall on Sunday, February 20 from 1pm to 4pm. Cafe spokesperson Nikki Marshall said repair cafes were an incredible community resource with strong environmental credentials. "Every item for repair is weighed as you come in so we can record how much is being saved from land-fill. Our repairers give loved and useful items a new lease of life. "Do you have a toaster that no longer pops up, or a hem that’s too long, a bicycle chain that needs work, or a knife or tool that needs sharpening? Then bring them along to the wonderful repair cafe, and one of our 'geniuses' will fix it for you, for a small donation. "Hepburn Seed Savers also meets every third Sunday of the month so we’re joining forces for February. While your items are being repaired you can chat to others over a cuppa and cake, or you can pack seeds; you can watch and learn from our skilled fixers, or you can find out how our local seed savers are creating a seed bank for all of us." The February Repair Café will also include a how-to workshop with Julian Alaba taking things apart and putting them back together. Julian will also advise about what to look out for to ensure new items can be repaired rather than end up in landfill. Nikki said the cafe was always looking for more fixers. "All our fixers are volunteers. They have skills to repair mechanical, electrical and digital items, as well as clothing, furniture, and household and gardening equipment. Knives and tools can be sharpened as well as bicycles repaired. We also have a ‘mending broken hearts’ table. We’re always looking for more geniuses with skills in sewing, jewellery, musical instruments, shoes, digital equipment and more." To join the group call Danny on 0488 604 231 or call into the cafe on Sunday. Nikki said the cafe expects to be back at the Victoria Park Pavilion on Sunday, March 20. The February move is to accommodate Motorfest.
The art of blending, The magic of herbs, Perfect flavour with every sip. Visit us today and discover your spirit of adventure.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update COVID-19 third doses are recommended for anyone aged 16 and over who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago. You can get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as your third dose, depending on which you are eligible for, regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine you received for your initial doses. People aged 16 to 17 will receive the Pfizer vaccine as their third dose. A COVID-19 third dose prevents waning immunity (loss of protection) against COVID-19. You can get a COVID-19 third dose from a GP or pharmacy, or a Victorian vaccination centre. For a list of local services offering COVID-19 vaccinations or for more information please visit our website: www.chrh.org.au/covid-19-vaccines/ Source: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine on 10th February 2022
Community Health Update - Physiotherapy Services Central Highlands Rural Health offer fantastic physiotherapy services across Creswick, Clunes, Daylesford and Trentham campuses. Physiotherapists aid in the optimisation of physical function and quality of life and for a range of disorders through the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of patient-centred care. Our experienced physiotherapists can help with a wide range of conditions including: Musculoskeletal conditions Chronic health conditions Dizziness and vertigo Pre and Post-natal care
Pelvic floor dysfunction Falls and balance Fatigue Oedema management
If you, or a family member, would like to discuss seeing a Physiotherapist please call us on 5321 6550. For more information visit our website www.chrh.org.au Clunes I Creswick I Daylesford I Kyneton I Trentham 5321 6500 www.chrh.org.au www.facebook.com/CHRHorgAU
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News 19
50th anniversary
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HE Mount Players are proud to announce that 2022 will mark their 50th anniversary.
Throughout those years the theatre has never missed a season of performance (albeit a short one after their original theatre was burnt down in 1983). With a diverse season of four productions, play readings, the return of their One Act Play Festival and a dinner dance in October which will include the launch of their book...it’s going to be a busy time all round. Love Song by John Kolvenbach is the first production for 2022. Beane is an exile from life – an oddball. His well-meaning sister Joan and brother-in-law Harry try to make time for him in their busy lives, but no one can get through. Following a burglary on his apartment, Joan is baffled to find her brother blissfully happy, and tries to unravel the story behind Beane’s mysterious new love Molly. Funny, enchanting and wonderfully touching. The season runs from February 18 to March 6. Bookings at www.themountplayers.com or call 0412 131 260.
From left, Harry, played by Peter Bevin, and Joan, played by Chenoah Eljan
UNITE FOR THE FIGHT
ORGANISED BY
KINGSTON & DISTRICT POWER ALLIANCE STOP AUSNET’S TOWERS
IF WE STAND TOGETHER, WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MEETING SUNDAY 6 MARCH KINGSTON SHOWGROUNDS
Learn more about: • Our community’s experiences • The legal challenge • Hepburn Council’s position • Goldfields World Heritage Bid • Tourism impact Speak with local MPs, and Hepburn Councillors
12pm
Free Sausage Sizzle and entertainment Covid safe restrictions apply
Anger over aged care moves
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EPBURN Shire Council’s in-principle decision to outsource the delivery of aged and disability services to more than 300 local residents has sent shockwaves through the community, causing anger and concern for many receiving the services, their families and carers.
Council made its decision in November last year behind closed doors at a council meeting, with no public consultation ahead of its decision. In a press release at the time council said the transition to outsource aged and disability care services would not affect service quality or availability. It stated that the decision was "necessary given the continuing reforms being placed on providers by the Commonwealth Government". But community outrage forced council to backflip and community input was sought. Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas said if a change to a new provider occurred, council had committed to ensuring the interests of clients, families and carers, staff and the community were met. "A final decision has not been made, but the in-principle decision triggers consultation and communication with staff, clients and their families, stakeholders and the community. This is not a decision that council has taken lightly, and it is committed to identifying community impact and ensuring that any future pathway is well managed, and risk mitigated." Resident and community advocate, Michelle Clifford labelled the in-principle decision as appalling. "These residents have paid their rates for many years and these services allow them to remain independent in their own homes," she said. "There was no community consultation, it was done quietly without accountability. This is appalling. Privatisation does not work." Council stated its consultation and communication with staff and clients has included formal written communication, meetings and individual conversations and follow-up calls. If the council decides to outsource the services, it will vet potential suppliers, with the Commonwealth having the final say. Residents can still have their say, until the March 15 council meeting, online through council’s website www.hepburn.vic.gov.au, email shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au or 5348 2306. Words: Narelle Groenhout
James Wicker, Storm Recovery Project Lead Hepburn Shire Council during clearing of the stack site.
Ts t o r m - t h r o w n
he severe thunderstorm on 5 January caused widespread damage in Hepburn Shire. Council worked with emergency agencies to provide support to the community and clean-up the area following heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Ti m b e r P r o c e s s i n g C o m p l e t e
After seven months of operation Council’s storm timber processing site has closed. COUNCIL’S STORM-THROWN TIMBER PROCESSING SITE AT LITTLE HAMPTON IS CLOSING AND THE ROAD HAS REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC.
On 9-10 June 2021, Hepburn Shire suffered major damage due to the violent storms that struck over a couple of days. There was an enormous amount of work to clear roads and driveways and restore services to the communities, particularly around Trentham, Bullarto and Little Hampton. The cleanup would take months, but Council’s immediate priority was to clear the roads of fallen trees and debris and find a place to store them while devising a plan to manage them. It required a space large enough to hold and process the timber. It needed good access for trucks to deliver the logs and for the work crews to be able to get in and split, saw, stack and distribute them. The site was secured on a Friday afternoon and by Tuesday lunchtime it was operational with logs and branches arriving. Many crews began working on the seemingly unending arrival of wood. ‘The size of the wood stack made the trucks look like Tonka toys,’ said Council’s James Wicker who is a Trentham local and was the site manager. The storm’s huge impact, coupled with the changing and challenging requirements of
working during the COVID-19 pandemic were compounded by three of the wettest months in memory. ‘In July we had more than 100mm of rain at the stack site and August was much the same. We had a 30-day period where you couldn’t see for half the day because of the fog or rain. Our intermittent sunny days didn’t last for long and we were continually moving contractors and having to manage their safety,’ said James. Ninety percent of the work was awarded to local contractors who reside in the Hepburn Shire. At times the constant flow of wood from the 36 trucks carting it in threatened to surpass the ability of the tub grinder to process it. The resilience of the farmers and community members was impressive, with many maintaining a positive outlook while working alongside the Council teams. And it was the goodwill of the farmer whose property fronted the stack site that enabled a smooth transition from a calm and peaceful roadside to the fullscale winter operation that it needed to be. All the stack site logs have now been processed and the wood distributed through Council’s community firewood distribution program, both to residents and community groups. As works now come to an end, the stack site is being rehabilitated to its previous manicured condition. Firewood distribution through our transfer stations is also drawing to a close.
Thousands of logs were delivered
Site rehabilitation has taken place
Free community firewood distribution at the Transfer Stations will soon be completed. Please check availability at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/firewood/
Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
It is the time of year where for many people life gets back into a normal routine after the summer break. The kids go back to school, the daily work schedule ramps up again and the bills all seem to come at once. At a Shire level, our regular events calendar kicks into action with our largest and longest running event, ChillOut Festival, happening again from 12 -14 March. ChillOut is recognised as a culturally important and nationally celebrated LGBTIQA+ pride event, supporting and representing Queer pride for all regional people. As we develop our Arts and Culture Strategy this year, it is important that we reflect on the role events like ChillOut play in building community. ChillOut provides safe and inclusive spaces that actively help to dismantle barriers to equality; it celebrates and promotes diversity and creative expression, and brings with it a welcome boost to our local economy at a time when many businesses have been struggling for survival because of COVID related disruptions. For many people, after experiencing the shock of recent extreme weather events and COVID, this year will be about restarting everyday routines that help maintain our quality of life as we get through this next recovery period. This may include simple things like getting back to exercise, spending time together with friends and family, and doing enjoyable activities like going to community markets and other arts and culture events. Although it is important that as a Shire we are there to support our people and help provide stability through the tough times, we also need to continue to focus on strategies and processes that require review and change to bring them in line with current community standards and expectations. On that front, regardless of what some of our counterparts have been regressively doing at a Federal level, our Shire has been on the front foot by establishing LGBTIQA+ and Gender Equity Committees. Our advocacy here helps give these issues and people involved the respect and consideration deserved. We are also currently moving into the next phase of our Sustainable Hepburn project, engaging the community on Positive Ageing, and supporting the community to prepare submissions to the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) on the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project by hosting several drop-in sessions where community members can get advice on making a submission, or complete an online survey. For more information go to Participate Hepburn - https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/. Cr Tim Drylie MAYOR
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT ROLE?
We have many job opportunities.... vwww.hepburn.vic.gov.au/employment-opportunities/
COUNCIL PLAN FOCUS AREAS
HELPING WITH WVTNP SUBMISSIONS
Need help with your submission on the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project? Council will be supporting the community to prepare submissions to the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) on the project by hosting a number of drop-in sessions where community members can get advice on making a submission. The sessions are: 14-18 February 2022- 9am – 5pm - Drop in, Creswick Hub 17 February 2022 - 3pm - 8pm – 5 x 1-hour sessions by appointment, up to 10 people per session – Newlyn Recreation Reserve 20 February 2022 - 11am – 3pm - 4 x 1-hour sessions by appointment, up to 10 people per session - Smeaton Bowls Club 25 February 2022 – 10am – 4pm - Drop in, The Warehouse - Clunes For more information visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/WVTNP
POSITIVE AGEING IDEAS
Council is in the process of developing our very first Positive Ageing Strategy. Positive ageing is the process of maintaining a positive attitude, feeling good about yourself, keeping fit and healthy and fully engaging in life as you age. We invite you to help us to develop the strategy and ensure that it addresses the real issues that people face as they age. Your input will help to inform Council’s work towards an age-friendly community for all. We will also hold pop-up sessions throughout the Shire. Printed surveys are available at Council hubs and libraries. Visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/positive-ageing for more information.
NEW PLANNING SCHEME
The Minister for Planning has approved the C80hepb Hepburn Planning Scheme amendment, which builds on the significant work of Council and the community in recent years. The amendment protects our towns from inappropriate planning and development. The changes bring the scheme up to current planning standards and sets out strategic work that will be undertaken over the next few years. There will be opportunities for the community to get involved in structure planning for each township. We will share more information on this in coming months. For more information including a list of changes in the amended planning scheme visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/planning-scheme.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Daylesford Motorfest is taking place at Victoria Park, Daylesford on 19 and 20 February 2022. • There will be no access to Victoria Park for user groups and the general public unless they are attending the event. Access to the caravan park will of course be permitted. • There will be an increase in traffic around Victoria Park on 20 February with traffic management in place. Further information can be found at https://daylesfordmotorfest.com/
The Council Plan 2021-2025 describes how Council will strive towards our vision, where to focus efforts, and how to measure progress. Each Focus Area has a series of priority statements, with actions against each item. 5348 2306 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au www.hepburn.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/hepburncouncil
Simply messing about in boats at Paynesville She said:
He said:
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T
so he was pretty rapt to get back to the water. So much so we hired a 34-foot flybridge cruiser for a few days. Of course then we had to rent a waterfront apartment with a dock - which we did at Captain's Cove. It's a great place. Only about 10 minutes' walk into town which was good because we picked up the boat at Metung, about a 40-minute drive, and left the ute parked there. (Sadly in the ute was the key to the chain locking up Kyle's bicycle at the apartment - but the less said about that the better...) There's plenty of great boating down at the lakes and lots of places to tie up a boat and go exploring. Ninety Mile Beach, Metung (with its hotel), Lakes Entrance... and plenty of secluded camping and picnic areas. There are also canals to explore. I love looking at houses and there is no better way than from a boat. You get a real glimpse into the lifestyles of those lucky enough to have waterfront homes. We have been going to Paynesville for quite a few years but very intermittently. I think the last time was probably four or five years back. And you can really see the changes. Upmarket homes, lots of fantastic and expensive vessels moored everywhere and lots of water toys on hand. Unfortunately we had a bit of roughish weather while we were in Gippsland so didn't take the boat out as much as Kyle had hoped for. For me, about three hours a day was plenty, leaving time to catch up on reading, just enjoying the view from our apartment and sampling a couple of the restaurants and cafes. We went a couple of times to Pier 70 where they offer fantastic waterfront views and great food and wines. The staff were lovely, the chef/owner thanked us for coming, and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and surrounds. We also discovered Paynesville PNC which was set in the drive-through of the Paynesville Hotel. Sounds strange but we had a pizza delivered and it is one of the best we have tasted. Their menu is really extensive, the driver was really friendly and they also deliver alcohol. The whole package. Just round the corner, near the Raymond Island ferry terminal, is Cafe Toonalook. We had great hot chocolates there, again with great service, and they also have loads on offer. Another place we found ourselves in was the Paynesville Foodworks. A supermarket and gift store rolled into one with some really good looking take home meals available. Again, service with a smile. Like all tourist destinations in Victoria, Paynesville has suffered over the past two years, also being that bit further from Melbourne when lockdowns lifted. But they seem to have kept their spirits up despite some pretty empty restaurants. Nothing was too much trouble and there was always that welcome happening. Oh, back to Raymond Island. Once we dropped the boat back, and more about that in the next par, we headed to the jetty and had a drive around the island. It's known for its koala population but it's also really interesting looking at some of what must be the original island homes - and the new ones. Not sure that I would like to live on an island but clearly from the friendly waves from verandahs as cocktail hour arrived, people enjoy their lifestyle here. Yes, the boat. Now I am not a skipper but I know I am in good hands with Kyle, no matter the weather or conditions. Yes, it is true, we once ran out of fuel in the middle of the shipping channel in Port Phillip Bay but that was a one-off. And we only ran out because the boat used more than it should, Kyle told me. Hmmm. But I had to take the helm as we returned our boat to Metung. It was pretty windy and choppy and we had rounded the land into Metung where I hoped it would calm down a bit. Almost there and an alarm sounded and then the engine stopped. We were drifting but Kyle's instinct kicked in and he dropped the anchor and we were fine. I called the company to come and tow us in but then Kyle managed to start up the engine. Only problem was that the boat had a helm up the top, where I was, and one down the bottom where Kyle was. And when the engine stopped it was still in drive upstairs. So we were off again and pulled the anchor from the mud. Kyle yelled at me to put it in reverse so we could back up over the anchor and he could have a chance at pulling it up. Once up, another yell, this time to hit forward and steer away from the shoreline. Although I felt I had saved the day, I was pretty happy when he came up and took over again. I think I'll stick to telling the story, not being in it. All up, a great trip and good fun. We returned well rested. And ready to tackle The Local, The Little Local, House.Land.Home.Premium and the ChillOut edition. I think I need another holiday. :)
That's it, I thought, as the rickety old jetty on the windward shore came into focus fast as we headed for it, powerless to stop the collision, but then I had the sudden idea to throw out the anchor. I had no clue as to the depth, but judging by the swift-moving current I anticipated it to be a long way down. The chain quickly turned to warp and rattled out, finally locking into the mud as the boat yoyoed and then settled between the opposite forces of the wind and tide. This was in the last hours of our three-day journey that for the most part, aside from some fairly savage wind, had gone without incident. Our adventure started with a 20-minute car drive from our Paynesville apartment to Metung where we had decided to leave the car. After all, Paynesville offers great waterfront eateries and a couple of grocery stores. So no vehicle necessary. Simply pull up to the wharf on the main street and pick up your supplies and then offload again on the jetty off the front lawn of our waterfront apartment. Mind you, considering the size and intricacies of the 34-foot vessel, the handover was brief and wrapped up within five minutes. There are a couple of training videos to watch prior to your arrival however with three levels, two bedrooms and a toilet located on the lower-level fore and aft, and the galley's lower helm station and lounge/diner on the middle as well as a flybridge station, it could be a lot for a novice. The final question, which for me should have been the first, was “how much boating experience do you have?” I conceded I had a Master IV commercial captain's qualification and avoided the boat handling talk. So with the informative handover completed (he also talked a lot about going aground and I didn’t want to be one of “those” guys) it was time for me and the editor to sail off into the morning. She (and I am not sure if it is still okay to call a vessel she but all boats are female) was a little underpowered for my liking. In fact I could hear my old grandfather saying in my head “she couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding”. This did make it a little difficult to manoeuvre in tight spots up the canals where one hesitant move meant you could be sitting alongside a $4 million Riviera 68 Sports motor yacht and not for sunset drinks, just to sign the insurance paperwork. We did happen upon some blowy conditions, and I found it best to drive it like you'd stolen it - flat-out aiming at where you intended to be, followed by a good touch of the brakes. My method mostly worked apart from the fact the throttle was stiffer than a 'largest pothole' competition in the Hepburn Shire and took some arm-wrestling. The boat though mostly clean had a few spiders which made for some formidable moments as Donna hucked out the fenders and ropes to go alongside. All in all, it was a fabulous experience taking in plenty of wildlife and scenery albeit with a side serve of adrenalin. The aforementioned breakdown, just outside our home port, ended up with an engine restart which tripped the anchor and sent us back into the direction of the mudbank. The first mate Donna came to the rescue wrestling the controls and boat back towards our dock while I heaved up the 20 metres of anchor warp and we made it back into our berth at Metung, shadowed by the company's rescue boat who had answered our earlier call of distress.
HE alarm sounded as we rounded the point into Metung. I quickly bolted down the boat's stairs in the blustery wind trying to figure out what was making the racket, and then the sound gave way to silence Kyle was a skipper long before he took on photography and business management as the motor took its final breath. ITH overseas holidays still a long way off, for us at least, we headed to Paynesville in Gippsland for a little break and a water view recently. It was fabulous.
Words & bottom images: Donna Kelly | Top image: Contributed
The lakes The Gippsland Lakes are a boater’s playground of coastal lakes, rivers and lagoons in East Gippsland, covering an overall area of about 354 km². Now that’s a lot of “messing around in boats” according to The Wind in the Willows famous wisdom as uttered by the Water Rat. Stretching between the towns of Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Sale and across to the Ninety Mile Beach the lakes offer something for almost every weather condition. Words: Kyle Barnes
Scan the QR code to see a video of Kyle and Donna messing around in their boat Sunshine.
24 House.Land.Home.
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Water features in your garden Whether it be a waterlily- and reedfilled patio tub on the terrace, a washed stone pebble fountain in a quiet corner or a formal fully-grown pond in the lawn, a water feature of any shape or size will add a new dimension to your garden. Besides, a permanent source of water means your garden will never be devoid of birdsong but will bring about a noticable decline in the garden pest population. Even if the only water is a permanently topped-up birdbath. As avid bird watchers we delight in the ever-increasing variety of native birds, like our friend Jacko, pictured visiting our birdbath under the trees outside our lounge window. It wasn’t so long ago that it took skill and labour to construct a leak-proof, waterholding garden ornament of any shape and size. Fortunately, in these days of pre-formed, moulded liners it’s merely a case of digging a suitably sized and shaped hole and dropping the mould in. All that’s then needed are aquatic plants and, if you wish, fish to deal with any mosquitoes. A solar powered submersible pump can operate any fountains or waterfalls. Hi Glen, just wondering, I am growing mint which looks a bit ill. It gets plenty of sun, but someone said it’s better in a bit of shade and with plenty of water. I can move it and water it more. Also my parsley started sprouting, then went to seed and is now brown/ dead. What are the best herbs for a beginner to start with and do they need a lot of care? Louise, Musk Hi Louise, your friend was right about the mint preferring a bit of shelter from the sun. Plant it in well-drained soil, in a coolish spot, with plenty of water and it’s virtually bullet-proof. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one to have trouble with parsley. It can be quite finicky and prefers to be in a damp but well-drained spot, otherwise they decide to go to seed and die off. I usually plant them somewhere near a tap, so they get the stray drops. You can deter them from going to seed by cutting off any flower stems as soon as they appear. Thanks for asking about the best herbs to start a herb garden. I’ll make that the main topic of my next column. Glen Hi Glen, the year my husband and I moved into our house (2019), a gorgeous established plum, and the lawn surrounding it were simply covered in juicy plums. Sadly since that first crop it has not had any fruit, apart from a stray handful. It flowers beautifully in spring, but I don’t know what I do wrong. I have applied fertiliser and some lime this year, but so far, no success. Can you suggest anything else that might help? Andrea, Woodend Hi Andrea, unlike a great many other trees that are self-pollinating, plums and quite a number of other fruit bearers need the pollen from other similar variety of trees. To add to the problem the process requires three things - the proximity of other like trees, lots of bees and calm, sunny weather for the time the blossoms are at their peak. There must be a suitable host tree nearby and calm weather at the right time, for the tree to have had that first bounteous crop. If it’s any cold comfort quite a few local fruit crops, including our own, have suffered from the lousy spring weather these past couple of years. You can improve the chances of successful pollination of all your fruiting plants by encouraging bees into your garden and planting insect-attracting shrubs and perennials in your garden. Glen
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26 Opinion
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Kyle’s Rant
W
HAT is going on with the potholes? Driving around the Central Highlands is like a stint in the Dakar Rally. Instead of the obligatory scattering of gravel and stomp down that may last a day, the good people on the roadworks seem to have given up.
Our roads haven’t ever been all that flash up here but at least there were once trucks, road gangs and steamrollers attempting to keep some sort of levelness and my teeth from puncturing my tongue every other kilometre. Now there are signs saying slow down to 60, and you enter some sort of slalom run. Case in point is the road to Woodend from Trentham, pictured below. (Not really.) Just at the entrance to the town exists a one-kilometre stretch of the most treacherous bob and weave piece of road you will encounter in your life.
Local Lines St George’s Lake
You turn left just before the bush deepens, slow jolt over orange ruts, a gravelled side street where sun faded fibros crowd its edges, blank windows like sunglasses, secretive, watchful. Silent rooms leak out to ochre, threadbare weeds and then, suddenly, a giant eye, shimmering behind the trees meets muddy waters in its sleepy, skyward gaze. Small brown ducks glide, impassive, then dash and plunge bums up to plunder and gulp. Sun kisses twinkle on tiny wave spills like whispering lights on a waving bed of gold brown silk. My grandson reclines on a plastic tube, young brown flesh and the liquid skin of the lake exploding as his legs lift and thrash, water sequinned air shaping sculpted columns that dissolve and fall.
I think about those movies where they run out of fuel in the plane and have to put it down on a road and they are all thinking "thank God we are not far from the airport and several hundred metres above it". If it happened here the captain would have to be one hell of a skilled pilot to firstly find a straight piece of road, secondly not blow the aircraft's wheels on a pothole and thirdly avoid the wildlife and other idiot road users that are so prevalent around the district. Speaking of pilots, well people in charge anyway, we have an election coming up and it frightens me to death at the prospects they have wheeled out in front of us to run the country. I have never been politically minded, motivated or really even given a stuff but I am shifting into the age bracket now that likes to stick their bib in. On one hand I think keep the same bloke in as we need continuity coming out of the pandemic, but then I think of all the blunders that ScoMo has made. Here a just a few that spring to mind - Hawaii, “I'll be having a beer with my mates at the footy”, “Don’t touch your face, it’s as simple as that”. And that’s just to name a few. On the other hand we have Albo, who granted, hasn’t had a crack at steering the good ship Australia but for whatever reason simply annoys me. His presence is like running my teeth down a blackboard. (Worse than nails...) As aforementioned I have no political alliance, but can’t we get away from these white polished males from the boys' club and get some diversity around the place, people who actually represent what it is to be Australian. Spoken like a true Kiwi, rant over…
Four ducks surge in formation behind him, small feathered tugboats breasting water with an air of solemn industry, a sedate power that surges, little webbed machines, the engines that lie beneath the surface of things. Lake St George, cradled in the embrace of clay and stone, rests, its stillness murmuring beneath the surface. Its hidden icy waters. Its rocky quarry heart. - Rhonda Cottsell Retired librarian Rhonda lives in Creswick and though most of her working life was spent in cities she was born to a farm and small towns have finally been able to build her writing life. Her other loves are her adult offspring and grandson, garden, cooking and eating, and reading way too much. Local Lines comes mainly from a group of local poets but other submissions are always welcome. To have a poem considered for publication contact Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
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Just sayin’... By Donna Kelly
S
CROLLING through Facebook can sometimes be a waste of time but sometimes it is great fun.
Lately I have connected with former high school friends at Mt Eliza High School. That's not so much fun because I then go and look at their photos now and think "how old are they?" And then realise I am that old too. But there is gold out there. I was on the Hepburn Shire Council page yesterday and found this gem although I am not sure why planner has a cap P. It's not a proper noun. Nor is council. "Do you need to speak with a Planner? Going through the planning process can be complicated. If you would like to discuss a planning matter you are welcome to make an appointment to meet with one of our Planners. You can make an appointment to meet with a Planner or drop in (on certain days and times). To make an appointment call Council on 5348 2306. "Catch ups can be over the phone or in person. If a Planner is not available when you call we will give you a customer service request number for reference. We’ve found that most people like to catch up early in the day, but the team can accommodate appointments outside of these times, as required." That's already quite funny if you have ever tried to get hold of their planning department but then there are the comments. More gold. "Oh boy you guys are opening a can of worms if our experience is anything to go by. 1/ If your times are accurate and a person is available, then that's a great improvement. 2/ If your planning person works with other sectors of council, for example the heritage person, then that's wonderful. 3/ Does your planning person who promised to find out actually get back to the customer? If so, that's a great improvement. 4/ Can the planning person actually read both site plans and building plans? If so, then that's great. 5/ Will your planning person understand the difference between a multi-dwelling allotment and a subdivision? If so, that's a step forward. 6/ Will your planning person be able to pass on to other agencies, eg. VicRoads, information accurately? I hope so.
Opinion 27
7/ Will your planners return calls and emails when they promise? Will they communicate? If so, tremendous because that doesn't happen so much now. All these issues and probably a dozen more will help improve the process of 'planning'." And there's more. "Interesting. I called two weeks ago to speak to someone and was told they'd get back to me in about a week. Still waiting..." "At least 12 month wait??" "Been trying to get hold of someone for well over a month. Never receive call backs. Left three messages so far." Anyway, if you are at a loose end, and aren't we all, it's worth a wander around FB. Also keep an eye out for the You Know You're In Daylesford When...posts. Hilarious. And Grapevine just keeps on giving. Especially vaccine posts. Away from social media, but still with Hepburn Shire Council, I received an email from them saying their community engagement platform, Participate Hepburn, launched a year ago, has been "hugely successful". Mayor Tim Drylie said the Participate Hepburn platform had been successful in gathering community feedback on both big and small projects. “The platform is a very successful community engagement tool. It complements our other engagement techniques like face-to-face pop-up sessions, SMS text and more traditional email and mail-outs. "Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback to council to inform our decision making, and we understand there is still room for improvement in the way we go about engaging with our community." It may just be me but there seems to be an elephant in the room. Let's call it The Rex. A loss of $6 million and bugger-all consultation. Another elephant - the zoos must be empty - is the decision by Hepburn Shire Council to withdraw from delivering aged and disability services. It's inprinciple with a final decision on March 15. When it was announced in November it seemed like a done deal but once the public found out, there has been a lot of consultation happening. So all out in the open. Just see the screen shot of the first page of the Community Services Update - Public Version. So not hugely successful. Just sayin'...
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The February 28 edition of The Local is the ChillOut edition! Photo
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It also has our real estate supplement, House.Land. Home.Premium. So, a bumper edition you do not want to miss if you want your business in front of thousands of locals and visitors!
FEBRUARY 28 BUMPER CHILLOUT EDITION (The Local is THE local ChillOut Media Partner!)
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Leonards Hill property owner Adele Chivers is hoping it’s knocked back. Not because she is against renewable energy, she is very much for, but because the panels will be 30 metres from the property she and her late husband bought in 2007. Not long after the purchase they found two wind turbines erected on the paddock behind their house and learned to live with them. But this next step is too much, she says. Adele said the solar arrays would come within 30 metres of her boundary fence, whilst the fencing for the development would come within 20 metres. Meanwhile, the western boundary is 325 metres away and the southern and eastern boundaries are 424 and 904 metres away, respectively. But, Adele says, she feels as the only objector she is being seen as just a complaining NIMBY. “I just feel like I am being treated like a whingy old lady but I think my concerns are very valid, anyone in my position would feel the same way. “But I have listed all my objections and just hope they listen to some of my issues and make some concessions. They told me I won’t hear anything in the house, but I didn’t buy in the country to stay in the house all day and night. “It has been really difficult because I am a private person who doesn’t stick their neck out about anything but I had to give it a shot. My husband’s ashes are up there – it was meant to be our forever home. “I don’t want the green fields around my property replaced with shiny, noisy, industrial-scale solar panels. Just thinking about it makes me ill. I’m in favour of renewable energy but I’m having my sanctuary threatened.” In January last year, Hepburn Wind manager Taryn Lane told The Local the organisation, which operates the two wind turbines at Leonards Hill, was “proposing an Australian first for how to integrate solar appropriately into valuable agricultural areas”. “The solar array will be placed on the least arable area on the farm using a technology which reduces the footprint of the solar system by over 50 per cent.” The project has been supported by Hepburn Shire and in 2019 received a $500,000 grant as part of the Victorian Government’s Renewable Communities Program. Words: Donna Kelly
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The Last Word - they're playin' Jeff's song on the radio
A
FEW evenings ago Carol and I were sitting in the lounge room in front of the television, looking at Netflix, and it must have been a Thursday because she had control of the remote. So anyway, we’d been there a few hours before we realised that we hadn’t actually watched any programs, we’d just been flipping through previews and listings. “You wanna watch this?” “No.” “What about this?” “We watched it last winter.” “Oh, yeah. OK then, this.” “We started it before Christmas, you hated it.” “Are you sure?” And on and on. Here’s a bit of what we in the journalism game call “background”. Also a clumsy segue. On January 24, in Shasta County, California, where we live, population almost 181,000, the local Health & Human Services Agency announced that the county had a Covid-19 transmission rate of more than 1000 per 100,000 residents. This is 10 times higher than what the national Centre for Disease Control and Prevention considers to be a “high transmission” rate. There was also an item on the news that said these numbers are likely on the low side because they don’t include DIY testing. According to CNN, transmission levels are based on the number of new Covid cases per 100,000 people, and the positivity rate, measured over the past seven days, which basically show how much virus is spreading around us. “The level of coronavirus transmission is an important determinant of how much risk you're in, if you're vaccinated or unvaccinated,” CNN medical analyst Dr Leana Wen said. Shasta County officials have thus far responded to the demands of their constituents by doing nothing. All of which leaves us returned to self-imposed lockdown, aimlessly browsing through TV channels and streaming services. But on this particular evening I remembered something from my many years commuting to and from Melbourne on the Bendigo V/Line train, from Kyneton to Southern Cross, five days a week, an hour each way. Much of the time I’d try to do something useful related to work, but often all I wanted was entertainment. That’s when I discovered old radio programs. Most of these shows ran for 30 minutes, although there were some onehour programs. You can sit quietly or get up and do things while you listen. It is liberating to be freed from the TV screen. In the 1940s and ’50s radio was the leading form of home entertainment. There were hundreds of different programs, most produced in the US but many made in Australia and Britain. Dozens of private detectives prowled the airways, some with familiar names such as Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe and Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade, but others like Jeff Regan, Barrie Craig, Richard Diamond, and female sleuth Candy Matson lived only on radio. British crime fighters such as Sherlock Holmes and Bulldog Drummond had their own shows. Cowboys were also popular, and many of their programs galloped straight from radio to television, including Gunsmoke, Lone Ranger and The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok. If you listen to enough of these shows you find the same actors turning up in hundreds of roles across every genre. Gerald Mohr starred as the voice of Philip Marlowe in a long-running series, but he also appeared in supporting roles in hundreds of other shows. John Dehner played Paladin in the radio version of Have Gun - Will Travel, which began on television and was adapted for radio, and also he starred in the western series Frontier Gentleman. Both actors successfully moved between jobs in radio, TV and film. Many big-name film stars also enjoyed work in radio. Frank Sinatra had his own show, Rocky Fortune, a “foot-loose and fancy-free young gentleman” who had a knack for finding trouble. Alan Ladd’s show Box 13 ran along similar lines. James Stewart played a laconic cowboy on his show The Six Shooter. Raymond Burr had dozens of roles along with his own western, playing a virtuous US cavalry officer in Fort Laramie.
There was plenty of comedy on radio, from sitcoms to variety programs. Groucho Marx’s You Bet Your Life worked a treat on radio, and radio was the ideal medium for the humour of Jack Benny and George Burns. Eve Arden in Our Miss Brooks and Ann Sothern in The Adventures of Maisie were both long-running programs. Many of these radio shows were originally broadcast live, and occasionally you can hear actors miss their lines. Often they have been preserved on acetate records, so sometimes it’s like listening to an old scratchy record. On a few of these recordings the advertisements have also been preserved, and it is so entertaining to hear the benefits to be had from various brands of cigarettes. Jack Benny’s program was sponsored by Lucky Strike, and Milton Berle’s sponsor was Philip Morris. Wild Bill Hickok’s sponsor was breakfast cereal maker Kellogg's, which boasted that its sugar corn pops were so sweet, you could eat it like candy. The internet is rich with sites from which you can easily stream these radio shows. The programs produced in Australia aren’t always easy to find but the National Film and Sound Archive is an excellent resource for discovering this great form of entertainment. There is also a treasure trove of programs from a source called Internet Archive. One of the best collections of these old radio shows is the Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.
After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, former Wheatsheaf resident Jeff Glorfeld went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past three years he has survived bushfires, snowstorms and drought. And Trump. And Covid. The cicadas and locusts didn’t arrive. Well, not yet. Image: Alex Blăjan on Unsplash | Inset: Kyle Barnes