December 18, 2017 Issue 113 Merry Christmas from The Local
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
2 About Us
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Front cover: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, although Santa is probably surprised to find a smoking chimney in December in Australia. Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and a happy and safe 2018.
The Local and its crew wishes all its clients and readers a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!
December 18, 2017 Issue 113 Merry Christmas from The Local
Image: Kyle Barnes (With thanks for their help in making it happen to David "Daffy" Thomas and the Glenlyon Progress Association.)
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, January 1, 2018. Or online on Sunday, December 31 at www.tlnews.com.au (Oh, unlike some publications, we keep publishing throughout the silly season. Contrary to popular belief, the world does not end!)
The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
Money, money, money... Advertisements in The Local are very affordable - unlike traditional print media we don’t charge like wounded bulls! So here goes with our loyalty prices...for six consecutive editions, or more...
Space bookings: Tuesday, December 26 Copy provided by: Wednesday, December 27 Editorial deadline: Wednesday, December 27 Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Writers: Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Jeff Glorfeld, Anthony Sawrey, Donna Kelly
An eighth of a page - $60.50 plus GST A quarter page - $121 plus GST A banner - $121 plus GST A half page - $242 plus GST A full page - $484 plus GST (Prices are per edition)
Photographers: Kyle Barnes, David White Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness Columnists: Glen Heyne (gardening), Matthew Richardson (money) and Tonia Todman (recipes)
But wait, there’s more! All adverts in The Local are full colour (it is 2017...nearly 2018) and we have fantastic graphic designers who can help you with adverts and branding - also at very affordable prices. So, if you want to get your business or organisation out there in the community, in the best-read publication in the Central Highlands, give us a call or send an email. (See our details right.) Oh, we also have an average reach of 14,000 readers - in print and online! Even more reasons to get in touch today.
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Delivery: Damon and Noni O'Donoghue Great editorial and affordable sales - 5348 7883 | 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | ads@tlnews.com.au donna@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au See all our e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au See a photo you like? Photos are just $22 each, or $55 for commercial use, and will be emailed at high resolution. You can print as many as you like...
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How Daylesford got its own House of Stoush
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ITH a lot of hard yakka, goodwill and money-raising, Daylesford now has an Olympic-sized boxing ring. Denis Beddoe’s boxing gym has doubled in size to house a swish new ring.
Yellow paint was still wet when The Local stepped into the ring to size it up, as one of Denis’s mates, retired concreter Gary Slater admired his cement handiwork. Gary’s one of a mob of volunteers who help fulfil an ambition nurtured by Denis since he set up the gym in Wombat Dam Road, just beyond East Street, 18 years ago. In February it will be the scene of a tournament, the Wombat Fight Trials, with nine bouts being contested, the contestants coming from the youngsters aged from nine up who train on Sunday morning, the eight or so girls who come on Tuesdays and “the blokes”, as Denis calls them, who hit the heavy bag on Wednesdays and Fridays. “They’re not in the ring to bash each other,” Denis quickly explains. For the Beddoes boxing is as much a part of life as the spuds over the road, where his uncle, Jack Gray, was digging them up “at the bottom of the four-acre paddock” in the 1940s when he got a phone call saying he had a fight in Adelaide at 10 o’clock that night. Off he went that day on the trip with his trainer, Fred Dyer, in a Ford Mercury. “He had the back belted out of him,” laughs Denis, “but he got good money for those days: six quid”. Not far away at his home in Lyman Street, Denis traces some of the story of boxing in Daylesford, a sport he inherited from two other uncles, Malcolm and Cecil Gray. He shows a picture of Jack Gray, who also fought at Melbourne’s famous “House of Stoush”, Festival Hall.
The first gym was next door to the Beddoes’ home, with a ring that was a bit doit-yourself that included unusual work by a blacksmith. This ring became a cow shed. Now it’s a hay shed. The highs and lows of boxing are shown by the failure of the sport at this year’s national Masters Games. Two years ago, Denis won the silver medal in his event. This year, in Tasmania, it was cancelled because of a lack of boxers. We return to the new gym: it’s a prefabricated metal job, 10.5 metres by 11 metres, costing $6200 and hauled from Sydney by 70-year-old Denis on a truck. The handsome concrete base surrounds the ring, with its regulation-style padded ropes, gong and soft surface. To qualify, the ring had to meet detailed specifications, including the size and colour of the judges’ table (not there yet), a spit bucket (ditto), the type of floor and availability of mouthguards (which must not be red). Denis is grateful for the donations and help, which included getting the gym incorporated and setting up a committee. Now the work is done. “No more!” he says. “This is it!”
Above, Denis Beddoe, left, coaches his boxers ready for the Wombat Fight Trials Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes
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4 Our musos
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Finding unexpected enjoyment with busking
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EAN Dixon grew up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne with travel always a big part of his life. He recalls seeing an old Nepalese man with leprosy begging on the streets of Kathmandu, something that has stuck with him, and living in Thailand for about five months when he was just 10 or 11. Sean, who now lives at Porcupine Ridge, said his mother always had a penchant for travel and it had given both him and his sister a good perspective of the world and how lucky they are. He told his story to Donna Kelly.
"I finished high school in Box Hill and spent the majority of my young adult life living in Brunswick and St Kilda working in the bar and playing music as much as I could. I spent time in a cover band that didn't go anywhere and decided to understand the business of music, so I did a Bachelor of Entertainment Business Management at JMC Academy. After three years of study I was able to figure out that the world of business was certainly not for me. There was too much ego and too much greed for me. Instead I hopped on a plane and travelled through India, Thailand and Malaysia for six months with my future wife. We were then out of money but had to continue travelling so we got the cheapest flight to Europe, which happened to be to Stockholm, and experimented with travelling without the conformity of money. Up to that point all our troubles had been related to a reliance on money so we hitch-hiked, couch-surfed and volunteered around Sweden for four months, helping farmers, and at one community, working to care for Afghani refugees. It was at this time that I started playing guitar and singing again more professionally. I began busking in Stockholm and continued to do so in every city we passed through. We would only allow ourselves to use the money that was given to us through the generosity of the public. We hitch-hiked from Sweden to England in 12 days and spent time in France and Spain with my wife Sally's family and arrived back in Australia in May of 2016. Since returning home Sally and I got married in June 2016 and saved up to again travel, this time up the east coast of Australia in a campervan. We left Melbourne in March 2017 and lived on the road until a disastrous trip to Fraser Island in May 2017, which virtually destroyed the inside of the camper, made us realise that we needed to find a place to stop and be still for a while. We decided then and there that Daylesford was where we wanted to be, as we had driven through the town on our way up north at the beginning of our trip. We found our house in Porcupine Ridge and moved in in June 2017. Since living in the area my music has been flourishing. Each week I have been busking at various markets around the area including Daylesford, Ballan, Creswick and Lancefield. And of course, at Coles in Daylesford. I have played at various venues around the area including Blue Bean Love Cafe and the Daylesford Cidery. I have just recently completed the recording of my first EP called Time for Myself. All the songs on the EP were written in Porcupine Ridge and each in their own way reflects the journey of my life leading up to my time now in this area. I play acoustic guitar and I play a mix of folk/pop/reggae covers and my originals are songs of the same kind of genre. My favourite busking story is a time when I was busking very early in the morning in Uppsala in Sweden. My wife Sally and I were very hungry and needed some breakfast so even though the temperature was probably no more than three degrees, busking was a necessity.
I was busking out the front of a local supermarket, and in Sweden it is extremely common to find Romanians who have come over to beg on the streets, as they make more money begging in Sweden than they would working in Romania. This time there was an elderly Romanian woman begging. I spoke to her and she was more than happy for me to busk next to her. She was so friendly that she was giving me tips to attract attention from people and telling me good times to start playing and so forth. Bear in mind she couldn't speak a word of English. At one point she even began trying to put her own money in my case but I insisted it wasn't necessary. After a while the cold was so bitter that one of my strings had broken and my hands were getting so painfully cold. At the end of each song she could see I was breathing my warm breath into my hands and frantically rubbing them together to bring back some life in to my hands. Eventually she came over and she had chopped the fingers off her gloves and gave them to me to warm my hands whilst playing. I'll never forget her care and kindness when she really didn't need to be. It was a gesture I will never forget. I still have the gloves. To find enjoyment unexpectedly is what busking is all about. It's just nice to bring some music and enjoyment to people when they least suspect it to happen. It's a special feeling to make people happy and laugh with music."
Sean's next gig will be at the Lancefield Market on December 23 and then Woodend's Holgate Brewhouse on January 14. Image: Kyle Barnes
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50 years of volunteering at Leonards Hill Hall
Our people 5 Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes
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HEN Elsie Howard pulls out her photo albums covering her 50 years as a committee member with the Leonards Hill Hall, she can't believe the memories. And they go back even further than that.
"Mum and dad (Roy and Florie Liversidge) were both on the hall committee and I remember all of us kids, some in the pram, some hanging on the sides, walking there. "And then mum conned us into being on the committee, I remember her saying 'look after it'. And we've done our best. "I remember when it had props on each side, three props on each side, and a toilet out the back. And you remember the old coppers, we used to have to boil that outside, whether it was raining or not, to make hot water for the coffees after the suppers. We've got the urn now, it's all changed, and I am glad it's changed. "And we got rid of those props. I remember Brian Scott, a teacher at the school, who used to train the kids for the junior deb balls, he helped raise a lot of money." Elsie also remembers the many dances, MC'd by Tom Conroy who would travel to the hall with his wife via horse and jinker from Korweinguboora, and then there were the odd balls. "People would come from Ballarat, there were 12 trains a day back then, with people also from Barkstead and Rocky. They said there used to be 200 people living at Leonards Hill, now you could count us easily. It's unreal how things have changed." At 86 years young, Elsie is still helping at the hall. And it's kept her going after she lost her husband nine years ago. Every market day she is picked up at 8am and ready to make sandwiches before manning the honey stall. The last market for the year, held on Saturday, December 16, included a visit from Santa along with a surprise presentation for Elsie for her 50 years of volunteering. "I look forward to the market every month and then we have the Country, Western & Old Time Dance on February 9 which I am already organising. And then there's the baby show in April, that's a great day. And we spent last night decorating the hall, it looks lovely, but I didn't get home until after 9pm." Elsie, who has three children and many grandchildren, said she was a real "Leonards Hill person" going to school there before joining her father on the farm when she was 14 years old. "I like to keep busy, on the move. As my mother said if you don't keep moving you seize up. But I have five baby calves to look after right now, so that keeps me busy looking over the fence to see if they are alright. "And my daughter's coming down from the Gold Coast for the New Year so I am going to Daylesford to see the parade. That will be fun." Elsie said she thought looking through her photo albums would jog a few memories but she said she couldn't believe how many there were to enjoy. "They tell me I have been volunteering for 50 years but I can't believe it, I don't want to believe it! But there is a good group of us and we are all managing well. And we all help each other."
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6 Just briefly
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Elder abuse help Gender equality
New wording
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The Elder Abuse Prevention Network project will work with participating service providers, older people and the community to develop a best practice framework that contributes to the prevention of elder abuse. Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the aim of the project was to strengthen and support older people in the community. “Elder abuse is any form of violence or mistreatment that causes harm to an older person, and occurs within a relationship of trust. It is estimated that about six percent of older people experience such abuse. “It’s not acceptable in any community and through this project we hope to find out more about ways we can support older people so this doesn’t happen. “We also plan to raise awareness about elder abuse so it is more likely to be reported and those experiencing it know where they can access support,” she said. The EAPN project is funded through a Victorian Government grant, which will see the establishment of 10 elder abuse networks throughout the state. Details: 1300 368 821 or visit www.seniorsrights.org.au
prevention partnership comprised of Macedon Ranges Shire Council, City of Greater Bendigo, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, CFA District 2, Sports Focus, Centre for Non Violence, AFL Central Victoria and AFL Goldfields. Ten brigades and sporting clubs from the Macedon Ranges and City of Greater Bendigo participated in the pilot program earlier this year and have started making changes to their organisations. Following the success of the pilot program, the partnership received $140,000 from the Victorian Government and has developed a three-year action plan to support their ongoing work. The action plan focuses on strengthening gender equality, inclusion and fairness in organisations through their participation on the Rural Challenge Gender Equality Leadership Program. It also focuses on strengthening the partnership’s capacity to support and promote gender equality work. The Rural Challenge Gender Equality Leadership Program will run in the Macedon Ranges region in the first half of 2018.
weddings she presented last Saturday, December 9, caused her paperwork to be quickly changed. The word bridegroom has now been replaced by groom and the last two lines of the spoken Authority changed from “Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man to a woman, to the exclusion of all others, etc.” to “union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, etc.”. “I have to say I was emotionally moved when I announced the changes to the bridal party and their guests, and again when I presented the ceremony. “Although I have conducted a number of commitment ceremonies that expressed the love and promises of the couple, always there was ‘something missing…no longer’.” Sylvia doubts there will be any rush for same-sex couples to marry. “What is important to them is that now they are legally and socially recognised and accepted, equals within the laws of this country…that will be enriching and fulfilling enough, until they are ready to marry...if they choose.”
NEW network that will look at the needs FA brigades and sporting clubs will be more RENTHAM celebrant Sylvia Johnson has and experiences of older people in the shire gender-equal and family-friendly with a conducted two of Australia’s new marriage who are at risk of being subjected to elder three-year action plan developed by The ceremonies after same-sex marriage laws abuse will be established in the Macedon Ranges Rural Challenge Partnership. were introduced on December 9. The Rural Challenge Partnership is a primary Although not same-sex marriages, Sylvia said the next year.
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Our people 7
Clint Stretton raising awareness of PTSD
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LINT Stretton lives a quiet life surrounded by the rugged beauty of Blackwood. Most of the time he is occupied with doing work around the region and helping his neighbours.
But at the end of the day, when many of us are happy to put our feet up and relax, Clint has been giving his time over to gathering support for people from the military and emergency services being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a cause very close to Clint’s heart. He served in the armed forces for 11 years, retiring in 2004, and has experienced his own battles with the condition. He has an intimate understanding of the circumstances that can bring it about and empathy for those who continue to require treatment. Today he has arrived at a very simple and eloquent means of raising awareness of PTSD, he goes out and gives talks to young and old in order to bring a form of community understanding and compassion to a condition that is little understood outside of those who are experiencing it. “I have been visiting local schools to speak with kids about its effects. Some of these schools have now included the study of PTSD in the military and emergency services as part of their course syllabuses. "I have also been talking at small meetings at mechanics halls, police stations, RSLs and hotels from Gisborne to Ballan and everywhere in between. People have responded well and my talks have prompted lots of questions.” Often people are unaware of the extent of the problem and the talks shine a spotlight on something that affects many in the emergency services. They want to know the suicide rates or what treatments are available or what can be done to work with sufferers of such a disorder. But because he has experience of it, Clint is able to give people a greater insight into the complexities of the condition and articulate the difficulties which military and first responders can have coping in civilian life. “I’m a retired soldier and went through my own battles and I can appreciative the lack of followup and understanding people can experience after their military service whether they have PTSD or not. It's a whole different world and very mechanical and can be a very hard transition." His presentations around the region have been a great opportunity to allow people to learn more about PTSD but there is more than that. Clint gets the students he visits to write messages of appreciation and support on Christmas cards they have made and also gets the participants at his other meetings to add their best wishes to them. It is an especially heartfelt gesture for those who will be spending Christmas at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne; the main centre for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in Victoria. “The point of the whole thing is when the patients wake in the morning they will see all those Christmas cards in the common room from the members of the community. Cards filled with real messages from people who support them to remind them that they have not been forgotten, especially in hospital.”
Above, Clint collects Christmas cards from students Emily, Audrey and Sam at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Primary School in Kyneton Words: Anthony Sawrey | Image: David White
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8 Opinion
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Just sayin’...
Pick me, pick me...
By Donna Kelly
B
Y 52 you have had quite a few Christmases. Some memorable, some not.
Mine start, as most do, as a child, sitting at a card table, at the end of an already extended dining table, at my house, my nan's house or my aunt and uncle's house. My house was cool, because for a while, at different times, we had a pool, a billiard table and a table tennis table. Nan's was cool too, because she made really good sweets like White Christmas, but it was also slightly terrifying because she had a big oleander tree at the end of the drive. It was drummed into us that oleander leaves are poisonous, so we had to stay clear. Fine, but nan's husband, my grandfather, had died before any of my siblings or cousins were born, and the only reason we could fathom, in our tiny children minds, was that he had somehow accidentally eaten a leaf from the oleander tree. Keep this in mind parents, when you think "they can't be that stupid". They are. And then Christmas at my cousins' was a whole new thing because they left Frankston for the "country" at Kangaroo Ground when I was about five. Which meant Christmas included running from mad geese, avoiding the back end of cows and horses, and eating very dense home-made bread. It was a challenge for a kid from the 'burbs. And then you grow up. Family Christmases are still high on the agenda but I have had some fantastic "orphan" days with no family apart from Kyle on the scene. One time in Cairns we packed chicken and champagne which we took to Crystal Cascades waterfall, then after scaring ourselves stupid about potential crocs, took in the latest James Bond movie and had dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Another time, being in hospitality as a Japanese-speaking driver guide, I spent the early morning at a rodeo-themed breakfast with whips cracking, mid-morning at Movie World and the afternoon at Dreamworld. I got home exhausted only to find Kyle had created a "blanket picnic" in our apartment with all our favourite foods. Earlier, living in Japan, I took part in a very Canadian Christmas which included my first eggnog and an entire turkey cooked in a benchtop oven. My Canadian friend's boyfriend, now hubby, worked for a meat import company which was very handy back in the day when a steak could set you back a week's wage. Mum had also popped over for a visit, as she was wont to do, about every three months, and was naturally included in the invite. As we sipped our eggnog and sang carols, it started to snow. My only white Christmas so far. Anyway, it is here upon us again, and this year it is just Kyle, me and mum. And that's fine. ("Boring," I hear Kyle saying....) Anyway, I intend to eat, drink and be merry. Whatever Christmas means to you, and whether you are working or relaxing, I wish you all the best for the silly season. And a safe and happy New Year.
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The Local - Connecting the Community Daylesford Christmas Carols Service Saturday, December 23 Presented by the Uniting and Anglican Churches of Daylesford
The Local believes in giving back to the community. Each edition The Local has two free advert spaces for not-for-profit organisations. Because it's right. So if your group needs a helping hand just email donna@tlnews.com.au The Local, your True Advocate for the Central Highlands. Ts & Cs apply.
Featuring: Opera singer Hilary Bil accompanied by her husband Tim; Organist Ross Bullock playing the Uniting Church’s Heritage Organ; and Daylesford Brass Band, delighting with their Christmas repertoire. Please join us at 5pm for a community BBQ at the Anglican Church, then take a short stroll to the Uniting Church for Carols at 7pm. To show your appreciation for this year’s event, please donate to the Christmas Bowl Appeal
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Our societies 9
Show what you grow and tell what you know
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OR anyone wondering, horticultural societies are organisations devoted to the study and culture of cultivated plants.
They emerged in the 18th century and the oldest of these venerable institutions is the Ancient Society of York Florists founded in 1768 in England. Today they exist worldwide and Australia is no exception. As settlers established their towns and communities in the bush, horticultural societies quickly followed; modelled on their forebears in the British Isles. Today in regional Victoria many of them have merged with local agricultural societies but not in every case. The Kyneton Horticultural Society is still going strong after 123 years with its spring flower shows known as some of the most respected in regional Victoria. Today it has more than 60 members and continues growing. “Over the past six months we have more than doubled in size,” says president Nicholas Scott. “A lot of this has come via word of mouth, but we have also been attracting additional people to our monthly meetings by bringing in guests to do presentations. Just recently we invited rose grower Daniel Hannemann from Wandong to come and talk about his garden, which attracted a full house.” The long time motto of Kyneton Horticultural Society is ‘Show what you grow and tell what you know’. And their monthly meetings feature not only enthusiastic growers of all ages, but also a collection of their favourite plants brought in for everyone to coo over. Judging tables along the walls are crowded with roses, gladioli and other cut flowers but also rhubarb, broad beans and asparagus. “People come up and ask ‘how did you grow that?’ or ‘I’ve never seen that flower before, what do you call that?’. On top of the usual show and tell we have regular information sessions otherwise known as: ‘what to do in your garden now’. For example, if people are planting bulbs or cutting back fruit trees and such, other members can share their information and advice on every part of the gardening process from sowing to reaping.” To raise money and awareness of the society they conduct raffles and hold a regular fundraising barbeque outside Kyneton Woolworths that goes towards the costs of holding their ever-popular spring and autumn flower shows. And starting next month they will be conducting visits to members’ gardens four times a year. Members have also been contributing to the hand-knitted poppies campaign that will see 500,000 of them installed at the Canberra War Memorial to mark the centenary of the end of WWI.
“In the Mt Macedon region 182 enlisted soldiers didn’t return and we will be making the same number in knitted poppies to remember them and go toward this project. We are halfway there. We just thought it would be a good thing to do. Kyneton is very community-minded and being a horticultural society we thought it would be quite good to do something that was floral like that.” For anyone interested in finding out more about the Kyneton Horticultural Society, they meet on the third Monday of every month at 7.30pm in the Watts Pavilion at the Kyneton Showgrounds.
Words: Anthony Sawrey Image: David White
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10 Just briefly
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Goldrush run
HE Running Company Goldrush Trail Run was held on the weekend, Saturday, December 16, hosted by Rob and Marg McDonald at the Sailors Falls Estate.
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Parking permits
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NLY those with a valid permit should park in disability parking spaces, Macedon Ranges Shire Council is warning.
Disability parking spaces - also known as accessible parking spaces - are located close to building entrances, are wider than an average parking space and usually have the international symbol of access displayed on the ground and on signs near the parking space. Permits may be issued for a driver, passenger or organisations. Different types of permits are issued depending on the disability. For example, residents requiring aids such as a wheelchair or walking frame may be eligible for a permit to park in designated disability parking bays, while residents who may require additional time for rest breaks may be eligible for a permit to park in a normal parking bay for extra time. Motorists who park in a disability parking space without a current, valid permit may be issued with a $159 fine. Permits must be renewed every three years. Council’s Community Safety manager Anne-Louise Lindner encouraged residents to be aware of the parking signs and make sure they aren’t parking in designated spaces designed to assist those who need them the most. “Finding a parking space close to your destination can be a real challenge so please think twice before you take one of these spots. Also, it’s an offence to give your permit to anyone else. If you don’t require it any more, please return it to one of our customer service centres.”
The inaugural event was held last year with 100 entrants, compared to this year’s expected 400. The event shines a spotlight on the Goldfields Track and attractions of the Hepburn and Daylesford region, encouraging tourism visitation with a significant percentage of participants, friends and families staying overnight in the region. It is expected to bring $100,000 into the local economy. A spokesperson said the Goldfields Track provided a perfect single track setting for runners from beginner to elite experience levels. “This year's event has attracted some of the state's best trail runners, including last year's winner, Sam Crowther, and one of Australia's best female trail runners in Kellie Emmerson.” The event was inaugurated when regional running retailer, The Running Company Ballarat, led by elite runner Julian Spence and his partner Brianne Hook, wanted to encourage more people to run on trails, given the plethora of great bush trails on offer in the western region. They partnered with trail events company Tour de Trails, and winery Sailors Falls Estate, to establish the Goldrush Run. “The Goldfields Track in particular suits all runners, being technical enough for the elites yet gentle enough for those just getting in to trail running. And it's all Link: mrsc.vic.gov.au/disability-parking stunning,” said Tour de Trails race director Chris Ord.
Link: wwwgoldrushrun.net
Rex and cinema
T
HE Rex Building in Daylesford should be completed by the end of April, Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond says.
The former theatre building is set to become the Hepburn Hub, housing council offices, a library, tourist information centre, some retail outlets and the Daylesford Community Cinema. Meanwhile the cinema is now running as a pop-up theatre at Victoria Park, Daylesford. President of the volunteer-run community facility, Gina Lyons, said while the new hub would provide a "wonderful new facility for the whole community" the major concern had been that children would be without the traditional school holidays movies. “The shire, through the CEO, has been a wonderful help in setting us up at Vic Park, providing adequate blackout, erecting a projector tower and screen etc. Our casual mention of, perhaps we could have an outdoor screening as a finale to the New Year’s celebrations, resulted in the supply of an outdoor projector and screen system." "We have opted for bringing back a collection of the all-time successful children's movies from the late 1990s - The Lion King, A Bug's Story, Aladdin and Toy Story I and for the adults, three firm favourites - the original Harry Potter, Muriel's Wedding, and our greatest sell-out success The Dressmaker. "To end the New Year celebrations we are presenting a 10pm outdoors on the oval screening of The Dressmaker followed closely by the countdown to New Year’s Day. Probably the best news is the special holiday ticket price of $10 adults and $5 children."
Challenge yourself with our crossword! Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. Last issue's solution is on page 38.
www.tlnews.com.au
Merry Christmas 11
Christmas carols, services and events Anglican Church Services, Daylesford
Saturday, December 23: Combined Anglican/ Uniting Church Carol Service, 5pm with Bangers on the BBQ at Christ Church followed at 7pm by a Carol Service at Daylesford Uniting. Sunday, December 24: Christingle Children's Service, 7pm at Christ Church. PJs and teddy bears most welcome! Sunday, December 24: Midnight Christmas Eve Service, 11pm at Christ Church. Monday, December 25: Christmas Day Service, 9am Christ Church. Sunday, December 31: New Year’s Eve Holy Communion, 10am at Christ Church.
St Peter’s Parish Daylesford & St Augustine’s Parish Creswick Christmas Masses: Christmas Eve: St Augustine’s Creswick - 7.30pm, St Peter’s Daylesford - 5.30pm Christmas Morning: St Augustine’s Creswick - 8am St Peter’s Daylesford - 9.30am
Carols in the Sound Shell at Hepburn Springs
Carols by Candlelight will be held at the Hepburn Springs Sound Shell on Friday, December 22 from 7pm.
Daylesford Brass Band
The Daylesford Brass Band will be kept busy during the silly season. They will be holding carols around Hepburn and Daylesford on Monday, December Anglican Church Services Trentham & Woodend 18 starting at 6.30pm, Carols by Candlelight at the St George's Trentham - Services on Christmas Eve at Hepburn Springs Sound Shell on Friday, December 9am and Christmas Day at 9am. 22, from 7pm, and carols in Vincent St/Carols at St Mary's Woodend - December 22: Christmas The Daylesford & Trentham hospitals on Saturday, Free Christmas Day lunch Carols from 6.30pm, Christmas Eve family service December 23. The band also plays in the New Year's Eve A free Christmas Day lunch will be held at the at 6pm, Christmas Eve traditional service at 10pm, Parade on Sunday, December 31 and at the Glenlyon Kyneton Town Hall. Macedon Ranges Shire Council Christmas morning at 11am. Sports Day on Monday, January 1. has joined with Cobaw Community Health to host the 10th annual lunch from 11.30am to 2pm. Council has Christmas Mass Times Clunes Christmas Spirit volunteers helping to run the event, but is looking for Trentham St Mary Magdalen - December 24, Friday, December 22 - Clunes comes alive with Christmas Day Lunch ambassadors to make guests feel Midnight Mass, December 25 - 8.30am Christmas spirit with a Santa’s Workshop from 5pm, a welcome. Transport is available for those unable to travel Blackwood St Malachy - December 26 - 10am Twilight Market from 5.30pm, live entertainment from to the hall on their own. Bookings are preferred. The Kyneton, Our Lady of the Rosary December 24, 6.30pm, a light show from 9pm and an outdoor cinema event is alcohol-free. Everyone who attends under the Vigil 6.30 Carols & Mass 7pm, December 25, 10.30am at 9pm. There will also be carols in Collins Place. age of 16 will receive a present. Call 1300 888 802 or email kthtickets@mrsc.vic.gov.au
TOWARDS ZERO COMMUNITY GRANTS ARE OPEN Council is now calling for Expressions of Interest for the Towards Zero – Community Energy Saving Program. Community groups are encouraged to apply for funding for projects which will save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in community facilities. This funding program links to the Hepburn Shire Council Plan. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate how their project links to the objectives of the Towards Zero – Community Energy Saving Program. Funding is available for projects which can demonstrate energy and cost savings and a tangible reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 7 February 2018. Prospective applicants must contact the Sustainability Officer prior to submitting an application. Visit our website for a copy of the guidelines - www.hepburn.vic.gov.au.
12 Opinion
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Kyle’s Rant
F
OR those of you who like Christmas and don’t wish to have your views on the holiday challenged, best leave now.
But for the rest of you curious folk, strap in for a rant about the most wonderful, I mean the most commercially viable, time of the year. For starters there is Australia Post. And I am not talking about the good hard-working folk that run our local post offices, I am talking about the fat cats like ex-CEO Ahmed Fahour who was on a $5.6 million package before he walked away with his $10.8 million severance deal earlier this year. Now I have had a lot of parcels go missing over the years, so until you get your delivery service right you can’t afford to be on that sort of scratch. Then there is the Santa mail box, located beneath the counter of your local post office. “Hey kids, don’t forget to post your letter to Santa, North Pole, 9999, oh, and don’t forget to put a stamp on it.” C’mon, those letters aren’t really going to the North Pole, more likely out the back into a dumpster, I wonder whose bright idea that was? Make kids around Australia buy stamps for a letter that doesn’t have to be mailed anywhere. Genius. (See below.) Now, I went to see a sappy movie the other day, The Man Who Invented Christmas. It was a movie about Charles Dickens who penned the book, A Christmas Carol. As it turns out it wasn’t such a bad movie that I had been dragged to. The thrust of the tale was how Charles was going broke but managed to write the book on an impossibly tight deadline, publish it and get it into book stores before Christmas. And, as we know, he does it, thereby cornering the market and making a killing in the process. The interesting part for me was the trailer at the end where it talked about how donations to the poor then streamed in. And how at the time, before the book, the idea of Christmas had all but been forgotten. And then there is the whole shot in the arm that Coca Cola gave to Santa Claus in their 1920s and 1930s print advertising campaigns. Bringing old St Nick from a gaunt gent in animal skins creeping around townships near what is now known as Turkey, to an overweight jolly man in statically-charged pants with a taste for cookies and beer. Speaking of Santa where did the Ho Ho Ho come from? Does he have a stutter and only wanted to puff out the first Ho? No, it turns out that’s just the old bloke's posh attempt at laughter, while the rest of us plebs belt out a Ha Ha Ha. Turns out Santa just went upmarket on it all. Anyway, that’s my Christmas rant. Bah humbug…
Creswick Heritage Walk
T
HE new Creswick Heritage Walk, an 8.5km circuit displaying some of the best of the town’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, was launched today, Monday, December 18.
The Creswick Heritage Walk provides a greatly improved exit route northbound from Creswick for the 210km Goldfields Track between Mt Buninyong and Bendigo. The new Walk is showcased in the new guide and is the leading route change in recent years for the Goldfields Track. The Creswick Heritage Walk’s five partners have erected a new display panel at the University of Melbourne’s Creswick campus gates. The partners are Parks Victoria, Hancock Victorian Plantations, the University of Melbourne, Hepburn Shire and the Goldfields Track. The Creswick Heritage Walk starts at the campus gates, taking in the campus historic buildings, then on to Parks Victoria’s heritage-listed La Gerche trail, over Brackenbury Hill through the Hancock pine plantation down to St Georges Lake. The event also included the launch of the new Goldfields Track Walk or Ride Guide. The 2nd edition of the Goldfields Track guidebook not only brings the extraordinary heritage of the region together, but also, for the first time, brings together mountain bike riders and walkers. “This new edition stands on its shoulders and raises the bar to new heights,” says Peter Skilbeck, chair of Goldfields Track. “It has totally revised maps and track notes, and new essays from local experts. “In particular, the track encompasses the impressive Creswick Heritage Walk at Creswick, featuring the heritage-listed La Gerche trail managed by Parks Victoria, with its 135-year-old stands of conifers and oaks, as well as historic buildings and an arboretum within the University of Melbourne Creswick campus, topped off with magnificent views from a hilltop within HVP’s Creswick pine plantation.” As well as Parks Victoria and the Hepburn Shire, lead partner coordinating the Walk’s creation is the Great Dividing Trail Association. The GDTA has brought on board two new prestigious partners, not previously involved with the Goldfields Track – the University of Melbourne and forestry giant HVP Plantations. “The partnership has made possible a long-held dream of the GDTA to bring the much-loved La Gerche walking trail into the embrace of the Goldfields Track,” said GDTA president Gib Wettenhall. A free brochure available at the Creswick Visitor Centre will provide a map and information on the Creswick Heritage Walk. Goldfields Track: Walk or Ride Guide can be ordered online at www.gdt.org.au or www.goldfieldstrack.com.au It is also on sale at Regional Visitor Information Centres at Creswick and Daylesford, and the Book Barn in Daylesford.
Below, partner representatives, front row, from left, Brian Lanigan, Samantha
(An Australia Post spokesperson said with Santa Mail children were able to track Hall, Don Henderson, Gib Wettenhall, Alison Lanigan, Gerry Fahey and their letter’s progress and get a special postcard reply from the jolly man himself. "To ensure Glenda Dimond, back row, from left, Ed Butler, Bill Casey, Nate Perry and Santa receives your letter, don’t forget to pop on a 65c Christmas stamp.") Dean Turner
YES YES
YES...
……I CAN MARRY YOU. On behalf of every Australian I am proud to present all Civil Ceremonies Saying I do…. saying farewell…… saying hello. SYLVIA JOHNSON, AFCC 0419 229 488 ozenjoy@ozemail.com.au Serving Trentham, Daylesford, Castlemaine, Macedon and beyond.
Geelong Businessman, Mark Ward has ownership of the Mill Markets group and brings years of expertise to this amazing concept. The Mill Markets operate three massive venues located in Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong. With a total of over 12,000 square metres of undercover floor space, (3 acres), treasure hunters have the opportunity to spend many hours browsing and meandering through the eclectic mix of products. There is a fantastic variety of home decor, furniture, records, vintage and new clothing, books, fine china, glassware, industrial items, jewellery, antiques as well as Australian pottery, homewares, memorabilia, retro fashions and collectables. We also have many stalls selling new products and have gift vouchers for those people who have everything!
All goods are from the 1850’s right through to present day. Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of dealers, which allows small business operators and collectors who otherwise could not afford the overheads of their own shops, to showcase their goods. This equates to a wide and diverse range of products, available and open to the public, seven days a week. Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane through hundreds and thousands of items available for purchase at all three locations. With over 500 stall holders over three venues, there is always something for everyone. Travel The Amazing Mill Markets ‘Golden Triangle’ and enjoy quality food and coffee at each. All venues open 7 days 10.00am-6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).
14 News
www.tlnews.com.au
Gifts for CAFS
K
IDS giving back to kids.
Each year, Daylesford, Yandoit and Drummond primary schools raise money to buy Christmas gifts for Daylesford’s Child and Family Services Teacher Trudi Blick said after the money was collected, the schools’ family groups, made up of multi-age pastoral care groups, got together to decide what gifts to buy. “They are then purchased by either a student, a parent or a teacher. The gifts are then presented to CAFS who distribute them locally to families in need in the Hepburn Shire. “We do this to show care for the community that cares for us.”
Pictured, Rae Hough and Sally Carmody from CAFS, with students, from left, Billie Kinnear, Graycie Thompson-Wells, Claudia Thompson and Ronika Millar. Image: Karen Brothers
TRENTHAM PETROL & STUFF
1 Market St PH 5424 1611 Mon - Sat 8am - 6pm Sun 9am - 6pm
Petrol, oils, swap & go gas, firewood permits, farm produce / produce store, ice, milk, soft drinks, take-away pies, coffee, confectionery, local honey etc. rusty junk, secondhand books, old wares
The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with Trentham Makers Market
Third Saturday, 9am - 1pm
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Happy & Healthy 15
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
OPENING HOURS
We wish everyone a happy and healthy festive season. DATE
Wishing all our advertisers and readers a happy and healthy New Year!
DAYLESFORD
TRENTHAM
SAT
23 DEC 9am–12 noon
CLOSED
SUN
24 DEC CLOSED
CLOSED
MON
25 DEC CLOSED
CLOSED
TUE
26 DEC CLOSED
CLOSED
WED
27 DEC 8.30am–7.30pm
8.45am–5pm
THU
28 DEC 8.30am–6pm
8.45am–5pm
FRI
29 DEC 8.30am–6pm
8.45am–5pm
SAT
30 DEC
9am–12 noon
CLOSED
SUN
31 DEC
CLOSED
CLOSED
MON
1 JAN
CLOSED
CLOSED
TUE
2 JAN
Resume normal hours
If you have an urgent, non life threatening health concern after hours or on a public holiday, call the After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222
In an emergency always call 000 Daylesford
10 Hospital Street tel: (03) 5348 2227
Trentham
22 Victoria Street tel: (03) 5424 1602
www.springsmedical.com.au
Do you help keep people healthy and happy? Advertise here and let everyone know. Advert prices start from less than $34 per week. Email: sales@tlnews.com.au
Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you
The healing gift of Christmas lies not in the
past or future. It is the present!
Merry Christmas from Dr Sue
For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352
16 Out & About
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Honouring history
A
STRIKING new Trentham public art sculpture honours its site’s ancient history and also caps a decade of local volunteer work to clean up the previously weed-choked locality.
The work, Inter-stelae, by Kyneton sculptor Michael Needham, stands in a eucalyptus clump in the rejuvenated 17-acre Stoney Creek Reserve west of the main town site. The work’s three concrete pillars are imprinted with eucalyptus leaves. It stands alongside an artist’s statement plaque that says the work allows, among other things, appreciation of a land that is always bigger and older than its occupants. Michael Needham was one of 13 artists who responded to a Hepburn Shire request for submissions of interest to create a Trentham public art work. A number of sites were assessed before the Stoney Creek Reserve site was selected. Friends of Trentham Creeks and Reserves Committee member Andy Robertson said the reserve was choked with weeds about 10 years ago. A significant effort by local volunteers, including extensive indigenous planting, has seen the area cleaned up and restored as attractive, accessible bush land criss-crossed with walking tracks. The sculpture stands in the centre of the reserve, nestling among trees, and casting an ever-changing pattern of shadows.
Words: Peter Young | Image: Richard Ryan
Maze House
Old hedge maze Country carnival garden Milk Bar/Cafe
CELEBRATE WITH ART! 50 ACCLAIMED AND EMERGING LOCAL ARTISTS SHOWCASING SMALL AND AFFORDABLE WORKS
1 DECEMBER – 31 DECEMBER 10.30 AM TO 4 PM EVERY DAY (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS) 32 HIGH STREET, TRENTHAM VIC 3458 Enquiries 0439 984 314 or 0407 679 339
3155 Midland Hwy, Newlyn North. 10 mins from Daylesford. Open weekends, school holidays 10 to 5. Other times by appointment. www.mazehouse.com.au or phone 0437 842 018
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Letters to the editor
M
I couldn't believe my eyes! I cannot begin to describe Y NAME is Jordi. I live near the Wombat the feeling of extreme joy I felt, finding this particular Hill Botanic Gardens.
I just want to commend the woman who is creating such beautiful, thoughtful gifts of love. Just this evening, I found a stone. It was waiting for me on an old park bench near the gardens. I don't normally walk that way but tonight I was almost compelled by the sunset and the birds, to follow the path up the hill, to the bench. Turning around, I took a photo of the sunset; the wind was rustling the leaves of the trees around the gardens and the blackbirds were singing their exquisite melodies. At that moment, I felt a sense of extreme gratitude at the beauty and majesty of nature and this wonderful life. My heart was full of joy as I sat quietly on the old bench and just took in the colours of the sky, the setting sun, and the harmonies of the bird choir. After a few minutes of bliss, I stood up and turned to fetch my phone from the bench and that's when I saw the stone.
stone, so lovingly made, so generously donated. I sat back down and cradled the stone in my hands... this was a message...serendipitously received at just the right moment during a tumultuous period in my life. What joy, what amazing relief, what perfect timing...you have no idea how important this stone is to me. So, tell the woman I love her for her gift. I know she wants to remain anonymous, and I get that, but tell her nonetheless. She has made a huge difference to one man who was losing sight of himself. For that I will be forever grateful. I am inspired to create more of these gifts - not to copy her wonderful work - but to augment and to share the love she so obviously has for humanity and the greater good. I'd be happy to assist her…even if it's just collecting the rocks for her to paint and to share with our community. What a wonderful human being she is. Jordi
Letters 17
O
NE of the better achievements of our council has been the transfer station.
Over the past 20 years our waste site has gone through a number of changes, going from "out of sight, out of mind" concept to what could be said by many people to be a mine of creative opportunity and valuable possibility. We appreciate the fact that we have access to and can purchase any items unlike most waste stations. We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the professional attitude of the staff at the station. We would like to commend them on their orderly, clean, creative facility. From materials to make a chook pen, to the odd interesting piece of furniture, or an old record or book, "one man's trash is another's treasure". Many thanks to the council and transfer station staff for making many of our lives that much more creative and interesting. Miriam Porter and Madeleine McCristall Daylesford
Letters to the editor are always welcome. Please keep them shortish, to the point and don't defame anyone. It's The Local not Facebook! Any letters addressed "Dear Sir" will be popped in the bin for obvious reasons...
Holistic Funeral Directors
Sustainable & authentic funerals Call 5427 3112 visit NaturalGrace.com.au
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Over 150 years of service to the shires of Daylesford, Hepburn, Creswick, Clunes ,Trentham, Kyneton and surrounds. ————————
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Pre-paid and Pre-planned funeral plans available
18 Money
Money
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with Matt
New Year’s resolutions
I
'M TAKING it upon myself to sound like one big cliché in this edition.
At this time of year, it’s easy for us to get into the habit of getting through the festive season and simply roll into the new year in the same fashion that we did 12 months ago. The reason I refer to myself as a cliché in this column is because I want to focus on the well-known saying - “New Year’s resolution”. When I ask people “did you achieve your financial goals this year?”, the answer is generally something along the line of “I didn’t set any”. This concerns me immensely. Although December marks the half-way point of the financial year, it is the perfect time to set some financial goals for the calendar year of 2018. If you are lucky enough to have some holiday time or annual leave over the Christmas break, I’d strongly suggest reviewing your finances and setting some financial New Year’s resolutions. These goals don’t have to be ground-breaking or unrealistic, because even the smallest change can have a positive impact in the long run.
My top five tips for financial New Year’s resolutions are:
2. Investigate the possibility of obtaining income protection insurance. Often, income protection is underrated, and as Murphy’s Law would have it, those that need it most haven’t bothered to organise it. 3. Review your home loan. Home loan products can change so often, and as such, it is very prudent to seek advice from your mortgage broker annually to ensure you have a good product and most importantly, a good interest rate. 4. Invest in something. This can be as simple as putting money into a savings account with a decent interest rate. Alternatively, you can seek the assistance of a financial planner for something more glamorous like shares etc. This helps to get into the mentality of future planning. 5. Review your superannuation. I repeat – review your superannuation. This is definitely not something that people should only think about at age 55 or 60. You should do this regularly to ensure your investment is going well and that you actually know what your balance is. In addition, there are often insurances that can be included within your superannuation which can be really useful if you have set them up correctly.
Stay safe over the festive season, eat lots and be merry! Matt (Matt Richardson is an accountant with MOR Accountants in Ballarat. His views are not necessarily those of The Local. But we do like Matt!)
1. Set a personal budget. By outlining your personal income and expenses, you can often highlight areas of errant spending. Something as small as saving an extra $20 per week can net you $1040 at year end.
The Local keeps publishing through the holiday season. Our next editions are out Monday, January 1 (Sunday, December 31 online) and Monday, January 15 (Sunday, January 14 online). (Contrary to popular belief, the world does not end and people still want to read quality articles and advertising!) If you have advertising or a story for us, call 5348 7883 or email donna@tlnews.com.au We're here for you!
PALMER STEVENS & RENNICK Barristers & Solicitors Property and Conveyancing Criminal Law Family Law Wills and Estates Commercial Law Employment Law Appearing in Castlemaine Court PLEASE CONTACT US
(03) 5422 6500 SINCE 1852
8 Jennings Street, Kyneton Email - psr@psr.net.au | Website - psr.net.au
HOUSE.LAND.HOME.
Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands
House.Land.Home.
DAYLESFORD 5 ALBERT LANE
FULLY RENOVATED MASTERPIECE Move in with nothing to do! This recently updated home features light and bright spaces with neutral colour scheme that would be ideal for the holiday accommodation market, permanent resident or a sound investment on the rental market. With 3 generous sized bedrooms, a wet room style bathroom with egg shell bath, quality fixtures and fittings, wellappointed kitchen with gas cooking, dishwasher, timber benchtops and modern subway tiles complete the whole package.
௭ 3 º1 Ê 2 FOR SALE PRICE $490,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
DAYLESFORD LOT 2/82 CENTRAL SPRINGS ROAD CENTRAL BLOCK Build you dream home (STCA) on this vacant lot which is perfectly located in the heart of Daylesford village, just a short stroll to cafes, restaurants and stores. With all services available including an existing 10m x 10m shed which is currently leased until Feb 2018. • Central location • 489 m2 vacant block with large shed • Separate private driveway • Residential Zone 1 • All services available at front of block
DAYLESFORD 30 PERRINS STREET
LAKE DAYLESFORD AT THE END OF THE STREET Located in a quiet no-through road with Lake Daylesford at the end of the street and an outlook over nearby garden properties, this vacant building allotment of 303 square metres with current planning permit offers the opportunity to create a low maintenance property suited to weekend or permanent living. • Planning permit current to 13th October 2019 • General Residential Zone – Hepburn Shire • All services available at the front of the block
FOR SALE PRICE $225,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
BLAMPIED 16 EASTERN HILL ROAD FOR SALE PRICE $220,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
GREENER PASTURES OF BLAMPIED Located just 10 minutes to Daylesford and 25 minutes to Ballarat this outstanding allotment is situated in an exclusive position with a high quality of neighbouring properties. With long views to Mt Kooroocheang and surrounding hills this approx. 40.5-acre block features rich red soils and good quality pasture and a handful of established native trees. Currently agisted to nearby farmer for grazing, this property would be ideal for livestock, suitable for a horse property or make an ultimate country retreat.
FOR SALE PRICE $485,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
House.Land.Home.
UN DE R R FE OF
GLENLYON 845 GREEN GULLY ROAD
MUSK VALE 2549 BALLAN-DAYLESFORD ROAD
ECO- SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE AWAITS With panoramic views of Mt Alexander and Mt Franklin, this rare and desirable offering is located 10 minutes from Glenlyon and 90 minutes to Melbourne. With a multitude of different elevated house sites and 2 dams this is the perfect opportunity to live your own self-sustainable dream. Currently being used for primary production, with fantastic soil quality this lifestyle property would be suitable for a hobby farm, vineyard or build the country retreat of your dreams.
FOR SALE PRICE $450,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
SOLD
KORWEINGUBOORA 1448 BALLAN-DAYLESFORD ROAD COUNTRY RETREAT ON 22 ACRES WITH PRIVATE LAKE This 22 Acre property offers fantastic country living. The highlight of the property is the stunning private lake upon entry, with resident swans, 2 islands and jetty. The well-appointed home has recently undergone an update, offering light and bright spaces, new floor coverings and LED lighting. The residence boasts four good sized bedrooms, large central bathroom with claw foot bath and separate toilet, ample storage, wood heating, ensuite in master bedroom and generous living spaces.
௭ 4 º2 Ê 2 SOLD PRICE $700,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
LA LAITERIE COTTAGE ON 5 ACRES Located in Muskvale, a 3-minute drive to Daylesford and 20-minute walk to Sailors Falls. This transformed 1930’s dairy now offers cosy one-bedroom accommodation bursting with charm and character. This beautiful 5-acre property has many features including well designed and established gardens with your own silver birch forest, bocce court, hedging on both sides and is backing onto the Hepburn Regional Park with an abundance of walking tracks.
௭ 1 º1 Ê 4 FOR SALE CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
SOLD
HEPBURN SPRINGS 28 MAIN ROAD
GENOA - HISTORIC COUNTRY HOUSE Genoa is an original landmark Hepburn Springs guest house, filled with historic character and updated to provide versatile living and entertaining areas. Conveniently located between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, the residence features two living rooms – one adjoining the master bedroom to provide a private sitting room/library - a large spa room with open fireplace, and a charming country kitchen with spacious dining area that opens to a wide deck with views to the distant forests.
௭ 3 º3 Ê 2 SOLD CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328
House.Land.Home.
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Drone photography
See your world from a different angle!
The perfect Christmas gift for someone with everything! (And still time to get a photo before Christmas.) Prices starting at $220 Fully CASA licenced and insured Not just another drone pilot - a photographer who can fly drones! Call Kyle on 0416 104 283.
House.Land.Home.
Benchtops tested How it fared - We found it to be stain and heat resistant, performing excellently in our tests. It also performed excellently for cutting resistance when we drew a HETHER it's an industrial, rustic, modern, or contemporary look weighted blade across the surface. In our abrasion test there were only faint scratch that you're going for, there'll be a benchtop to suit. While we often marks left that were only visible under light. It was let down in our drop test – the edge and corner chipped away. consider what's going to look good, there are other important Porcelain requires full support when it's installed, and our sample was supplied factors such as budget and ease-of-cleaning that shouldn't be overlooked. on granite. Other supporting materials might give different results when it comes to Last edition we looked at Bamboo and butcher block, Polished concrete, Sealed impact. granite and Laminate. Here’s a couple more tested for their ability to resist heat damage, staining, impact, cutting and abrasion.
By Rebecca Ciaramidaro | www.choice.com.au
W
Marble - Marble is a natural stone like granite, and suitable for a top-of-the-range kitchen if price is no concern. Keep in mind it's delicate and needs to be cared for correctly. Marble is more porous than granite, so sealing and ongoing maintenance is a must. How it fared - Marble performed poorly in our drop test – it appeared that only the edge chipped off, however, on further investigation we discovered that there was a crack at the point of impact on the underside of the benchtop. The abrasion test stripped away the reflective coating on the surface, giving it a matt look and feel and faint knife marks were visible on the surface from our cutting test. Placing a hot pot on the surface initially left an obvious white mark, however, this faded away over time leaving only a very faint mark. The sample we received for testing wasn't sealed, which became evident in our stain test where light stains remained for most of the tested items. Porcelain - Porcelain is a relatively new option to consider. It's priced per sheet and can cost anywhere from $750 to over $1000. It's lightweight, you won't need to seal it and it's available in large slab sizes. It's versatile too, you can use porcelain sheets for furniture, flooring and in outdoor areas.
Wanting to sell in the Macedon Ranges?
Contact Ken Grech, with over 32 years’ experience in the Macedon Ranges, for all your Real Estate needs!
Ken Grech Director 0419 509 710
Shop 3A, 81 High Street, Woodend, VIC 3442 Office Phone 03 5427 3200
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BruceBav,n
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25 Doveton Street North, Ballarat
Three Bedroom Family Home, 1st Home, Renovation Project or Investment
Nicely positioned close to picturesque Daylesford Lake precinct, this interesting property is an easy relaxing stroll down to the main street. Set on a large leafy allotment with excellent aspects, it's eminently liveable or ready to rent out as it is, yet offers the opportunity to "do your own thing" with the deceptively large floorplan. Other features include high ceilings, gas heating to living, large kitchen/meals with gas stove plus large rear and front yards. • Three bedrooms serviced by main bathroom DAYLESFORD 3032 Ballan-Daylesford Road • Big 2 car lock up garage with workshop Price: Contact Agent • Minutes from Daylesford Lake Precinct Open: By Appointment
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Dine Review 25
Mercato's tapas menu a lovely way to dine
M
ERCATO really is a Daylesford instition and for a long time has offered a first-class fine dining experience with a peaceful ambience and perfect service.
And that's all still on the menu but new owners Carroll Byrne and Daniel Cook, are also giving diners a more informal tapas menu from lunch to late afternoon from Thursday through to Sunday. And it's absolutely delicious. We headed to Mercato last Thursday and joined volunteers from the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre at an outside table cooled by a gentle breeze, for some share plates from the regionally-inspired menu. With a glass each of the Yering Station Village chardonnay ($14) we started with the Marinated heirloom carrots, cumin, verjuice and garlic ($7.50) and the Cerviche of Tuki trout, sea salt and olive oil ($15.50). Both were fantastic. The carrots were firm to the bite and seasoned perfectly and the cerviche was just melt in the mouth. And while they may be called "small bites" all of the serves are quite generous and perfect for sharing. Next was the Jamon Serrano & Manchego croquettes ($16.50 for four). This is a real nod to Spain, where tapas has been on the menu for hundreds of years. Jamon Serrano is dry-cured Spanish-style ham while Manchego is an aged cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep of the manchega breed. Whatever, what they have created at Mercato, under the watchful eye of executive chef Richard Mee who is staying on for a while, is beautiful, rich and creamy. Everyone is starting to slow but there are three more dishes to come from the menu, which has a total of 24 choices. What we are enjoying has been left to Carroll and the kitchen to decide, and they clearly know what works. I often think it would be nice to ignore the menu and just say "please feed me". Next up is the Salted Cod croquettes ($12.50) which, along with the Cerviche, are my favourites. Crunchy on the outside and oozing on the inside. Then we have the Beef & pork meatballs topped with a rich tomato sauce ($16.50). This is Kyle's favourite. The meatballs are tender, succulent and there is plenty of sauce to mop up. On the menu we take away he writes "yum". Our final dish arrives, Patatas Bravas, spicy tomato sauce and aioli ($10). This is the equivalent of chips and sauce but taken to that next level. We both loved the spiced up sauce and again, plenty of it. We were all done but if you want something sweet or savoury to finish your meal the tapas menu does not disappoint. Next time I will save room for the Meringue, summer berries, praline and cream ($15) or the Saffron roasted peaches, basil ice-cream and rose ($14). There are also cheese plates available with a variety of really interesting cheeses including that Manchego. Of course, fine dining is still a big part of Mercato. The restaurant has won numerous awards over the years and for good reason. And there is still the popular Monday night locals' night. For $30 there are four or five special menu items on offer with a glass of house chardonnay or shiraz cabernet thrown in for good measure. And if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy New Year's Eve, Mercato has two seating times. The early seating from either 5pm, 5.30pm or 6pm has two or three courses from the a la carte Summer Menu. It's $65 for two courses or $85 for three. If you prefer something a bit later, with reservations from 7.30pm, there is a fivecourse menu including an amuse-bouche, entree, main, cleanser and dessert with a selection of three dishes for each course. And complimentary coffee and petit fours, all for just $150 - with live music for added ambience. But bookings are already being taken, so you need to be quick!
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes
Tapas
Thursday to Sunday noon till late afternoon (5pm)
We invite you to experience the culinary delights which have made Mercato a popular destination in itself within the Daylesford/Macedon Ranges region. Exquisite food & wine in an ambient setting now including regionally inspired Tapas. The quality you know and love in small bites to share!
New Year’s Eve This year we are offering two dining options for NYE: An Early Seating, 2 or 3 courses $65 2 courses $85 3 courses Bookings available at 5pm 5.30 or 6pm Late Seating 5 course menu and live music $150 Reservations 7:30, 7.45, 8.45, 9.15 and 9.30pm Bookings essential and can only be made through the restaurant.
MERCATO@ daylesford
32 Raglan Street, Daylesford dine@mercatorestaurant.com.au (03) 5348 4488
www.tlnews.com.au
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delivering
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www.pizzerialaluna.com.au
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Pizzeria
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26 Dining
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Thursday, Sunday, Monday 5pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday 5pm - 10pm Tuesday & Wednesday CLOSED
HOME DELIVERIES FRIDAY TO SUNDAY 5348 4123 t "MCFSU 4U %BZMFTGPSE 7JDUPSJB The Grande Hotel 1 Church Avenue, Hepburn Springs
Festive season event & Open hours Sat 23 Dec 7pm (open 6pm)
Christmas Banquet 4 crs & spritz, prosecco $85pp 24-26 Dec - closed 27 Dec - open 6pm for dinner 28-30 Dec - open 8am for breakfast, lunch & dinner NYE Sun 31 Dec 7pm Italian Feast & Rock show & spritz, prosecco $120pp
More details on
www.thegrandehotel.com.au Ph: 03 5348 1978
e: manager@thegrandehotel.com.au
Grilling All Summer Long www.galleydiner.com.au
New summer men u
Gelati & Soda Fountain
BURGERS - BBQ RIBS - FRIED CHICKEN - TEX MEX
Closed 24th, 25th 26th Re-opening 27th Dec
P 5348 3884
105 Vincent Street Daylesford www.galleydiner.com.au warning: contains traces of awesomeness
The Historic
FIVE FLAGS HOTEL
STRESS FREE DINING This Christmas Season Book Your Function Now Catering for Gluten Free & Other Dietary Requirements Large Groups Welcome - Off Street Parking
...where the locals eat (since 1854)
Lunch Wed to Sun. Dinner 7 Days. Main Road, Campbells Creek 5472 1010
Out & About 27
Get your floats on!
D
UE to the generous support of the local community Daylesford's New Year's Eve Gala and Parade continue to grow in size and stature.
Co-organiser Anne E Stewart said people were heading down to Vincent Street early to take part in the very family-friendly gala. "With the support of Hepburn Shire Council, Kids Corner continues to grow. Children are loving the old fashioned games like hula hoops and coconut shy and bouncing the night away on the enormous slide." Food is plentiful with food vans in the central area of the street with something for everyone’s taste. Old favourites are there as well like the wood chop and Eric the street performer entertaining all the community with their skills "As always the highlight of the night is the parade and we are hoping to see loads of community participants out representing their clubs and organisations. Floats assemble around 7pm to commence the parade at 8pm. "We’re encouraging people to dress for celebrating the New Year and there will be spot prizes in the street throughout the night for best costumes." Parade categories include: Best Decorated Float, Best Decorated Float (Runner Up), Most Unique Entry, The People’s Choice Award, Best Decorated Bike, (Boys and Girls), Best Costumed Group, Best Costumed Individual and Hepburn Sustainability Float. If you are interested in being in the parade, pick up a form at the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre and return it before close of business New Year's Eve. For information call Anne on 0408 550 945 or Cath on 0434 353 149 or email anne@anneestewart.com.au or catherinedavies@fastmail.fm
the
SPA § BAR
DAYLESFORD BAR , DINING & DAYLESFORD’S ONLY LIVE MUSIC VENUE
LIVE MUSIC
Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday nights & DJ beats every Friday night
Locals’ $10 pizza
Every Wednesday & Thursday nights
OPEN Tuesday-Saturday 5pm till late Functions welcome
Shakin’ it All Summer Long TACOS, MARGARITAS & BEER Nachos, Burritos, Enchiladas Charcoal Rotisseria, Salads & Spuds Vegetarian, Vegan, Coeliac
Closed 24th, 25th 26th Re-opening 27th Dec
03 5348 3888
Shop 4, 27 Albert St Daylesford 12pm - 9pm 22 Howe Street, DAYLESFORD Phone: 0429
585 129 for bookings & enquiries
www.casaelrey.com.au warning: contains traces of awesomeness
28 Gig guide
www.tlnews.com.au
Gig Guide The Spa Bar, Daylesford Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, December 20, 7pm-10pm The Hollands! – Thursday, December 21, 7pm-10pm. DJ Beats with DJ Clay Ravin – Friday, December 22, 9pm-11pm Gillian & Terry – Saturday, December 23, 7.30pm-10.30pm Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, December 27, 7pm-10pm DJ Beats – Friday, December 29, 9pm-11pm The Zero Point – Saturday, December 30, 7.30pm-10.30pm The Family Farm Band – Sunday, December 31, 8pm-11pm, 11pm - DJ Beats
Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Croaky Karaoke – Friday, December 22 Matty Chaps – Saturday, December 23, 8.30pm Cam Kettle – Sunday, December 24, 5pm Croaky Karaoke – Friday, December 29 Gilly & Terry – Saturday, December 30, 8.30pm
RACV Goldfields Resort, Creswick Don Fisher - Friday, December 22 Mark Kuntsi - Friday, December 29
The Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine DJ Dion Brownfield – Sunday, December 24 Jackknife – Sunday, December 31
Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn Springs Scott Fraser – Friday, December 29 Catherine Traicos – Saturday, December 30 Ellerby – Sunday, December 31
Got a gig coming up? Email news@tlnews.com.au It's free!
The Local wishes all its clients and readers a very merry Christmas
www.tlnews.com.au
Meal Deals 29
Meal deals for locals...and visitors too!
E
VERYONE loves a good meal deal. So here are the dining establishments offering great food and great prices!
Monday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness - $20 (Vegetarian too) Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Frugal Foodies - $20 Grande Hotel, Hepburn Springs - Locals' Night - 2-courses $35, 3-courses - $45 Mercato, Daylesford - Four or five special menu items with a glass of house chardonnay or shiraz cabernet - $30
Tuesday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips - $20 Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek - parma night - $16
Wednesday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Frugal Foodies - $20 The Spa Bar, Daylesford - $10 pizza
Thursday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Schnitzel Night - 5pm-7pm- $15 The Spa Bar, Daylesford - $10 pizza The Plough, Trentham - Locals' All Day Dining - 2 courses $27/3 courses $32
Friday:
The Surly Goat, Hepburn - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and a glass of wine - $45 Tastings at Bellinzona, Hepburn - free wine tasting of up to six choices of regional wines when you order a pizza, platter or purchase a bottle of wine. Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine - Express Jalapeno Poppers $12, Fried Chicken Wings $12, Refried Bean Rolls $12, Fried Baby Calamari Tostada $16, 12-2.30pm
Saturday:
The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Tastings at Bellinzona, Hepburn - free wine tasting of up to six choices of regional wines when you order a pizza, platter or purchase a bottle of wine.
Sunday:
The Surly Goat - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40 Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and a glass of wine - $45 Old Hepburn Hotel - Sunday roast - two choices of meat with all the trimmings $15 from noon until sold out.
Every day
Casa El Ray, Daylesford - burrito with fries $17, spud with soft drink $17 and three tacos with soft drink $20
Happy Hours:
Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine has Nibbles 'n' Bubbles Happy Hour with wine, sparkling and beer specials with free dips and nibbles, 5pm-6.30pm
Raffles:
Fundraising raffles for local organisations are held on Friday evenings at The Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn and The Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford.
18 wines by the glass. 14 beers & cider on tap. That’s a real pub. We are getting into the Christmas spirit. Mention “The Local Christmas Ad” and we will shout you your first drink!*
Eat. Drink. Be Local.
* Glass of house wine or pot of tap beer. One drink per person during course of promotion. Valid until 31 December 2017.
1 EAST ST DAYLESFORD
•
03 5348 2091 • OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER
•
THEFARMERSARMS.COM.AU
30 Dining
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Book giveaways
I
T'S the time for giving so The Local has not one but two cook books to give away.
The first is Tuck In - Good Hearty Food Any Time, a cookbook for every occasion. With recipes for simple weekday fare, special meals for friends and family, dishes to roll out at weekend barbecues and mouth-watering desserts - Ross Dobson has all the bases covered. Easy recipes for delicious, hearty, comfort food to be shared with family and friends. The second is Real Food Projects - your handbook to 30 essential cooking skills that will connect you with your food again. Even if you're a kitchen rookie, you'll soon be churning your own butter and slathering it on your own no-knead bread, barbecuing your own homemade sausages or using the season's freshest fruits to make your own cordials. For your chance to win email donna@tlnews.com.au with your name, town, contact number and your book of preference by December 25. There could be an extra present coming your way. Merry Christmas!
BEER GARDEN
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY Express Lunch
$20 Mains
2 Courses $32 / 3 Courses $40
THURSDAY
Locals Menu – all day
2 Courses $27 / 3 Courses $32
Tuesday & Wednesday 11.30am – 3pm Thursday to Saturday 12 noon – 10pm Sunday 12 noon – 4pm 31 High Street, Trentham (03) 5424 1144
theplough.com.au
Christmas 2017
Open every day from Tuesday 26 December 2017 to Sunday 7 January 2018 Please call 5424 1144 for opening hours
A special thank you to all our wonderful customers for their support throughout the year, we wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Make yours a Special Local Festive Season with our local free range hams, pork, turkeys and our ‘Green Hills’ premium lamb & Aged beef. We also have a gourmet range of cheeses and house crafted small goods. Call 5348 2094 or call in and place your order now and have a really happy Festive Season
Seniors Card Holders 10% Off OPEN SUN 24TH DEC 7AM-3PM 37 Vincent Street. Daylesford.Phone 5348 2094 Find us on Facebook Mon - Thurs: 7am - 5.30 pm Friday: 7am - 6pm Saturday: 7am - 1pm
www.tlnews.com.au
Our poets 31
Bush poetry that is the best of Bruce
T
RENTHAM resident Bruce McKenzie has published a new book of bush poetry – The Best of Bruce.
Bruce was born in Trentham in 1926 at the family home in Cosmo Road, and grew up there with his two sisters. He married Faye in 1952 and moved across the street. Since losing Faye in August 2009, he has lived there alone, watched over and cared for by his two children, four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Bruce grew up loving the Australian bush, in which he roamed at will, often with friends like Phil Dunn and penning We Were Bushmen Too. He came to appreciate the changing seasons, the native birds and animals, even the unreliable weather – mud features in much of his work. He has lived through storms and floods and bush-fires which led to Devil Dance. When he left Trentham Primary School he worked at the Trewhella Foundry, until he was old enough to enlist in the RAAF during WWII. This took him to the RAAF Base at Sale for the rest of the war, travelling home to Trentham whenever he could get leave and producing War-Time Journey. His wartime experiences inspired many poems, some published in two previous collections - My Uniform of Blue, 1991, and Fifty Years On, 1996. After the war, he worked in the family’s grocery store, delivering orders all over the district. His interest in poetry was inspired first by a wonderful teacher who introduced him to the bush poetry tradition: a favourite was Where the Pelican Builds by Mary Hannay Foott, first published in 1881. He has not kept his own early efforts, but a turning point was when Barry Watts founded the Kyneton Writers Group many decades ago - and Bruce became a founding member. He has tried other styles including Boy on a Bicycle, but he always returns to the strong rhyming patterns and regular rhythms of bush poetry. Trentham Historical Society’s Bush Poetry Prize, awarded annually during the Words in Winter festival, was named after him in recognition both of his own poetry and of his iconic place in the Trentham community.
Words & images: Contributed
Awaken your spirit of discovery.
Lot 2 Railway Cres, Daylesford, Victoria . 03 5348 1920
Daylesford Community Op Shop would love to thank our community, partners and volunteers. And wish you all a safe and fun festive season. Please note: We are closed from Friday, December 23 at 1pm and we reopen Monday, January 8 at 9am.
Th to ere sh is sp op still ec fo ti ial r t m gi ha e ft! t
Would you like to gain retail skills?
Support and participate in your community in a fun environment? Complete your Centrelink obligations?
Daylesford Community Op Shop is looking for volunteers.
We are the only op shop in our area that provides the community with 100% of our profits with no paid staff. Drop in and pick up a volunteer form.
Contact Michelle or Fiona on 5348 4087 PO Box 627, Daylesford dcopshop@gmail.com FB @DaylesfordCommunityOpShop
www.tlnews.com.au
News 33
Life Governorship for service to Hepburn Health
C
LUNES farmer Malcolm Hull has been given Life Governorship of Hepburn Health for his service on the Hepburn Health Board over the past 14 years.
Mr Hull has now stepped down from the board, thanks only to State Government regulations on the length of time any person can be on a board, but says it is time for others to stand up and be counted. "When I joined I thought if you don't contribute to these things then you can't just sit on the sidelines and snipe. It has been an interesting journey and sometimes I scratched my head and wondered if I was achieving anything but if you contribute nothing then you achieve nothing. "And now I feel I have done my share and it's up to others to put their hand up and join the board, if they want to." Mr Hull said the area of health was always a changing environment with a number of challenges from amalgamations to services like birthing units disappearing. And aged care was becoming "a big exercise". "By the time people in their 50s now are in their 80s there will be a swag of us and that will be the big deal as time goes on. My advice is to not get crook, or at least pick your parents well!" Mr Hull said his mother had been involved with the Clunes Hospital and carried out many volunteering roles. "It rubbed off a bit, and if the opportunity popped up I would jump on another board. I started life in banks so something like the Bendigo Bank might be good. We'll wait and see." Mr Hull said receiving the Life Governorship was a proud moment. "It was quite nice to receive it. I am not sure what it means but it does acknowledge my contribution, what I have done." Hepburn Health's Fundraising, Grants and Communications manager Lara McPherson said few people could claim to have made such an extraordinary contribution to the life of Hepburn Health as Mr Hull. "In an era of great change for the health sector and Hepburn Health in particular, his perspective and insight as a member of the Hepburn Shire community has been invaluable. "Over his 14 years of service as a Hepburn Health Board member he has served on the Community Engagement and Clinical Governance committees, and been a passionate champion of the needs of the community, and of Clunes in particular."
Since 1857
GLENLYON
New Year’s Family Sports Day MONDAY January 1, 2018 @ 12 noon FUN FOR ALL •Wood Chopping •Pony Races •Bullboar eating & Mineral water drinking competitions •Kids' Races •Novelty Events •Publican’s Booth & canteen available or BYO Glenlyon Reserve - Adults $10 - Kids under 18 free All proceeds donated back to the Community & Local Charities
www.tlnews.com.au
34 Gardening
Garden sports - an infrequent, but oft-times rewarding event!
N
O, I’M not referring to wheelbarrow races, or even snail stomping. A sport in your garden, or to give its botanical title, lusus, is what (I hope) has created the mottled cream-leafed branch on my usually cream variegated hydrangea, pictured. Also, the multi-coloured flowers on the camellia in the Wombat Hill Gardens, adjacent to the Begonia Conservatory. Lusus is named from the son of Bacchus - god of wine and divine madness - and co-incidentally the derivation of that Portuguese region Lusitania, although I can't quite make that connection. Lusus is the mutation of growth in plants and can be a variation in the shape, size or colour of the leaves, as in the case of my hydrangea. In this case it's a little unique because it features two different phenomena. Variegation - the cream outlined leaves is a genetic cell mutation which permanently affects areas of the stomatal, chlorophyll-producing leaf cells, preventing part of the leaf from turning green. It isn't overly detrimental to the plants, but certainly makes them a little less vigorous than the naturally green version.
Occasionally a variegated plant will produce a “reverse sport" - a plain green leaved shoot which if left to thrive will dominate and eventually take over the whole bush. Obviously, you chose the plant for the attractive colouration, so it should be cut out right down to the main stem. Sport-derived foliage, flower or fruited plants can usually be propagated by taking cuttings from that section of the plant and, if the mutation continues to exist in succeeding generations from the initial plant, can be officially recognised as a new variety. Naturally the fast-growing perennial flowers are more common because they can be proven over several seasons and are certainly worth a try if you discover a different form or colour among your flowering perennial beds. Lusus has provided us with many of our popular fruits. Among them are the “pink lemonade" lemon. Yes, it is a natural phenomenon, not a fiendish concoction from a fizzy drink laboratory. Also the red anjou pear, and my favourite fruit, the nectarine, came to us in the same way from a wayward peach tree. And there are countless others. Getting back to my enigmatic hydrangea, I will have to determine whether the different foliage is, in fact, a mutation in which case I could have a whole new form of hydrangea on my hands. Or it could just be a random aberation that will eventually disappear with future growth. The third, but less likely reason could be the result of leaf-sucking insects attacking the emerging foliage on that specific branch. Whatever the cause I intend to try to strike some cuttings and see what ensues. Fingers crossed it is a genuine mutation, then I can proudly announce the arrival of the new species - hydrangea macrophylla variegata "heyneii". Which will be the first to bear my family name in over 160 years. The great botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller honoured his associate, my great-grandfather Ernst Bernhardt by adding the suffix "heyneii' to several specimens of plants he discovered in the wilds of outback Australia. I was, naturally, delighted and proud to be shown the original specimens, labelled in von Mueller's handwriting during a guided tour of the State Herbarium in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.
Do you have a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com
Rijk Zwaan Australia is an independent, international organisation specialised in the breeding, production and marketing of vegetable seeds. We employ around 80 people in Australia, with the majority at our Daylesford site. Our parent company is located in The Netherlands, and is amongst the top five vegetable seed companies worldwide.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER/ADVISER (Full time)
Are you ready for a “tree change” to beautiful Daylesford? Would you thrive in a challenging role within an international company where your talents can shape its success? If so, apply for this full-time vacancy for Human Resource Manager at our office in Daylesford, Victoria.
Within this role, you are responsible for Human Resources for the whole company. Mutual respect, a great sense of responsibility and strong involvement of the employees are the main themes of the Rijk Zwaan company culture. Therefore recruitment, the development of employees and support of managers are the key aspects of this role.
We are seeking a Human Resource Manager with:
• Masters/Honours degree, preferably in the of Human Resources or Psychology • Masters/Honours degree, preferably inarea the area of Human Resources or Psychology • At 5 years’ relevant experience • least at least 5 years’ relevant experience • Experience in recruitment, coaching and and career counselling • experience in recruitment, coaching career counselling Furthermore, you are enterprising; you have empathy, focus on quality and enjoy working with people from a range of backgrounds. You have excellent social skills and find working within an international company exciting. Interested? Please email your application to Helen Spencer: h.spencer@rijkzwaan.com.au or for enquires call 5348 9002 Alternatively, you can apply at rijzwaancareers.com We will consider your application carefully, which may take some time Applications close Friday December 29
36 Trades
www.tlnews.com.au
A unique heater manufactured in Daylesford from Australian products Servicing Daylesford and Districts.
Supply Design & Installation Services Domestic & Agricultural Bore, Dam & Tank Pumps Sprinkler & Drip Systems 0427 508 840
Roel Hofland 0408 805 447 roelhofland1@gmail.com
Torrance
POOL AND SPA MAINTENANCE SERVICES DAYLESFORD AND SPA COUNTRY Over 25 years’ experience in the Pool and Spa industry. Cleaning and servicing of pools, hot tubs and jacuzzis. Water chemistry and water balance Commercial properties Domestic applications Reasonable rates All enquiries welcome Noel 0419 554 319 Declan 0438 212 107
Consulting in Administration & Management Book-keeping Administration Payroll Temp service Supplier monthly reconciliation Qualified to manage a small team of office workers Christ Jules Services Julie Hanson 0459 619 701 julphil.hanson@gmail.com www.christjulesservices.com.au
EarthmovingPty Ltd
• • • • • •
All types of excavation work Driveways & access roads Pipe laying & drainage Site clearing and leveling Dam construction Tree & vegetation removal Call Rob 0427 483 238 Or Kerry 0409 707 146 ABN 83622329500 torranceearthmoving@bigpond.com
Railway Crescent, Daylesford P: 03
5348 2586
F: 03 5348 1200 E: nedkelly@woodheaters.com.au
www.woodheaters.com.au
PLASTERER DAYLESFORD FIBROUS PLASTER WORKS (MACKLEY’S) • NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS • CEILING ROSES • ORNAMENTAL CORNICE Daylesford
Peter Mackley 5348 3085 or 0418 571 331 Gary Mackley 5348 1108
Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, dry-cleaning, stationery, photocopying and lots more... We stock The Local! 55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061
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DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE
Trades 37
das3460@bigpond.com
Clement F Mooney
Email: c.mooney@bigpond.net.au
electrical appliance repair service washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, oven, cook top etc.
Available to assist with all general accounting services and preparation/electronic lodgment of Tax Returns and BAS for Individuals, Sole Traders, Partnerships, Trusts and Companies.
A.B.N. 37 961 487 978
Certified Practising Accountant Registered Tax Agent B.Com, C.P.A., M.B.A.
Call Kiyo on
0419 267 685
das3460@bigpond.com
Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458
www.hepburnfencing.com.au
PH: 0400 059 613 - 5348 6634 ADMIN@JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU WWW.JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU
Servicing all Daylesford and Districts wastewateraus.com.au MOB: 0427 508 840
Are you a tradie? Want people to be able to find you? Why not advertise in The Local's Trade Pages? They are really well read and it costs just over $20 per week. And unlike other newspapers, we don't cram your advert into the smallest possible space! And let's face it, you are reading this!
Malone Tree Services Liam Malone . Limited Access . Fully Insured .Specialists Qualified . Mulching Available
0423 945 436
38 Sport
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Hepburn Springs Women's Golf
T
HE Women's Monthly Medal winners for 2017 competed for Medallist of the Year on November 15.
From left Shirley Rodda (November Medal and Norma Pilmore Trophy), Shirlene Nevill, Jan Smith (Medallist of the Year),Rose Mobbs (Two Medals) and Jackie Krunic (Four Medals, Silver Spoon and Elaine Kirby trophy.) Thank you to the following sponsors of the Medals: Pastry King, Country Cuisine, Nicko's Stump Grinding, Muffins'n'More, Wombat Nursery, Daylesford Clothing, Rubens@Hepburn, Andrea Holmes, Wendy Wetzel and Mary Davis.
Here’s the solution for last edition’s crossword for Issue 112. Solve it?
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Trades 39
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The Local loves promoting local services sports - whether that's SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT results, a club profile SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION services or just someone doing & MAINTENANCE something amazing at PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING your club. OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
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It's a real knock-out DENIS Beddoe’s boxing gym has recently doubled in size and now contains an Olympic-sized boxing ring. In February it will be the scene of a tournament, the Wombat Fight Trials, with nine bouts being contested, the contestants coming from the youngsters aged from nine up who train at the Daylesford gym on Sunday morning, the eight or so girls who come on Tuesdays and “the blokes”, as Denis calls them, who hit the heavy bag on Wednesdays and Fridays. Read the full story on page 3. Image: Kyle Barnes