The Local Issue 121 April 9, 2018

April 9, 2018 Issue 121 Solar Star

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: Springmount resident, and entertainer, Maureen Andrew is one of many shifting to solar power to save the environment - and money. Read about the new Hepburn Shire community solar and battery bulk-buy for households and businesses on page 14.

April 9, 2018 Issue 121 Solar Star

The Local loves Autumn!

Image: Kyle Barnes - with thanks to Maureen for jumping on her roof!

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, April 23, 2018.

Or online on Sunday, April 22 at www.tlnews.com.au Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local:

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...

Space bookings: Wednesday, April 18 Copy provided by: Thursday, April 19 Editorial deadline: Thursday, April 19 Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes

Advertisements in The Local are very affordable - unlike traditional print media we don’t charge like wounded bulls!

Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

So here goes with our loyalty prices...for six consecutive editions, or more...

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 & HLH coordinator : Dianne Caithness Columnists: Glen Heyne (gardening), Matthew Richardson (money), Samantha Redlich (wellness) and Tonia Todman (recipes)

But wait, there’s more!

Accounts & delivery (Trentham/Woodend/Kyneton): Julie Hanson

All adverts in The Local are full colour (it is 2018...) and we have fantastic graphic designers who can help you with adverts and branding - also at very affordable prices.

Delivery (Daylesford/Hepburn/Creswick): Damon & Noni O'Donoghue

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.)

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

Oh, we also have an average reach of 14,000 readers - in print and online!

Even more reasons to get in touch today.

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...

The Pool Room!

The Local - winner of: *Daylesford Rotary's 2017 Employee of the Year *Rural Press Club of Victoria 2015 Best Feature Series *Daylesford Rotary’s 2015 Business of the Year *Kyneton Daffodil Festival Parade 2015 Best Commercial Entry

“The Local is the future of regional publishing!”

- former senator John Madigan in the Australian Parliament Just sayin’... :)

www.tlnews.com.au

Us Two 3

Us Two

C

RESWICK councillor Don Henderson and his wife Judy met at the Ballarat Trades Hall in mid-1983 on the evening of a federal election - when Bob Hawke knocked out Malcolm Fraser after a eight-year run as prime minister.

The Ballarat event was a victory celebration for John Mildren who became the Federal Member for Ballarat. For the pair, it was admiration and attraction at first sight.

Judy: I grew up in Melbourne and had an enjoyable childhood. My father was self-employed in the building industry and my mother was a stay-at-home mum. We lived in a terrace house in Northcote. We also had a small house in the country built by my father and would visit during school holidays. In 1966, my family relocated to the country house and I travelled to Ballarat East High School by bus. (I was always running late then too.) BEHS was a big shock after going to University High School in Parkville, where students were treated more as young adults and the school was well resourced. I enjoyed science at school and my first career was as a medical scientist. I completed my studies in Tasmania in 1978 and relocated back to Ballarat in 1981. I enjoyed working in pathology labs despite certain OH&S issues in that environment in those days. My other careers were in occupational rehabilitation, occupational hygiene and in a leadership role in OH&S with a Commonwealth Government agency. I enjoyed all of these occupations.

I met Don at the Ballarat Trades Hall in March 1983 which was the evening of a Federal election. The attraction was the admiration of a person who was passionate about social and industrial justice and thereby serving others. We shared the same political views. I think Don’s best features are his capacity to relate to people, his ability to engage with people from all walks of life and his skills in analysis and strategy. In terms of Don’s worst features, of course he has none, but if pressed, I would say that he tends to fail to be economical with his conversation and is timechallenged.

I came to live in Creswick full-time in 2008 after I finished working in Melbourne, however I have had a relationship with Creswick since 1984 as Don was resident here at that time. What I like about the town is the friendliness of the people.

I also appreciate the surrounding environment and wildlife. I admire its great history and heritage. I am involved in too many things to be honest, but then again, many locals are involved in two to three groups. My main focus is the Creswick Railway Workshops Association which was set up in September 2010.

The volunteer group has been restoring the heritage but derelict railway station and foods shed into a fabulous meeting and activity space. The registered fundraiser, Recycle Central Op Shop is the mainstay of the project and requires a fair amount of work at times. I am also involved in the Town Hall Market and the Residents Association, plus the Creswick Photography Prize that will run to its second year in 2018.

What's a good marriage about? If I was to answer the second part of your question, I would be writing a thesis (and) I have said enough.

Don: I started my working life as a carpenter and joiner and through the trade became an organiser with the Building Workers Industrial Union.

I met Judy in 1983 at a victory celebration for John Mildren who became the Federal Member for Ballarat. I was attracted by Judy's intelligence and caring nature along with her working class politics.

We are both workaholics and that is probably a downside but the best feature is that I could never have a better best friend.

I was born in Creswick and I think it is the world's greatest place and the people by and large are very caring. I am involved with the Residents Association and the Creswick Railway Workshops Association I stood for council because I did not like the way I was treated as a ratepayer and was determined to do something about it. I did not think that the Hepburn Shire was achieving what it was capable of and that Creswick was being left behind.

There have been many highs and lows. Being involved in a fabulous invention to fix footpaths that won a gold medal as the best civil and mechanical engineering product in the world was fantastic.

The lowest moments were as secretary of the BWIU and seeing the destruction of a great union and being part of that was very hard with threats and violence never far away. Many positive things were achieved during this time including a portable redundancy scheme for workers and recognition of women in a male-dominated space.

Meeting and being a couple with Judy and spending all of these years living and working together is the absolute experience. A bucket would not fit what we want to do, more like a large dam.

As told to Donna Kelly. Do you know an Us Two? Partners, siblings, mother and daughter, father and son, workmates? Email donna@tlnews.com.au Image: Kyle Barnes

Boathouse Daylesford

Ope every dn Located on beautiful Lake Daylesford, providing year round comfort. ay!

Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch

Perfect for a meal, wine with friends.

For more information about Boathouse Daylesford, please visit our website: www.boathousedaylesford.com.au

2 Leggatt St, Daylesford 03 5348 2199

4 Our artists

www.tlnews.com.au

Liz Archer pursuing her passion for art

A

RT and craft were Liz Archer’s favourite subjects at school and by the end of secondary school, the lure of art took her to Prahran Technical College and then to Mercer House Teachers' College. It was at Prahran, doing a Certificate of Art, that she met her husband Robin Archer. They were 15 and 16 years old. On completion of the course Robin went on to finish his studies at Swinburne in art, design and advertising, after which he became a graphic designer and art director. Liz went on to teach primary and secondary art. They met up again a few years later and eventually married. They have one daughter, Georgiana. Liz chatted with Donna Kelly.

Donna: You weren't just teaching...

Liz: During my early teaching years, I was involved with an amateur dramatic society, painting their sets, exploring my own painting and experimenting with different mediums and techniques albeit rather part time because of the demands of teaching. I was introduced to the medium of tie-dye by a friend, Sydney artist Fay Bottrell. I used it as a technique for abstract expressionism in my art work. I found the certain accidental quality of tie-dye inspirational.

In the late 1960s I held a solo exhibition at the Argus Gallery in Melbourne. I also made tie-dyed scarves, blinds and fabric for clothing which I sold through outlets in Melbourne and Adelaide.

From there I ventured into crochet which I was taught by a greataunt in my adolescence. However, I used it as an art form rather than functional as in clothing. In the early 1980s, having had a 14-year break from teaching, I went back to university to upgrade my teaching qualifications. It was during my studies that I learnt trapunto quilting and to use disperse dye (which is a form of mono print on polyester fabric). It also triggered my interest in Asian art and its symbolism.

Donna: When did you become involved in the art world?

My first encounter with artists and the art world was when I was still a child. We lived next door to what my parents referred to as the ‘Bohemian couple’. They were involved with people from the arts, especially Arthur Boyd, Charles Blackman and John Yule. I use to sit and listen to them talk about art and what they were working on at that time. I found this very exciting. As an adolescent my fascination for Asian art and culture was inspired when I saw a Chinese opera which my "Bohemian neighbours" took me to. The exotic and colourful costumes, esoteric music, the dramatic and stylised movements of the performers captivated me. Over the years my interest and enthusiasm has grown to explore art, history and culture of the Chinese and Japanese.

Donna: You do myriad artworks - can you describe some of them?

Liz: Since retiring from teaching and moving to Hepburn 13 years ago I have been able to pursue my passion for making art full-time. Bliss. I have two main streams of art work. Painting which incorporates Asian symbolism and jewellery or wearable art which is fashioned from crochet, beading and bead embroidery, embellished with beautiful cabochons and beads. Each piece of jewellery is one-of-akind. The key artworks I am known for over the past 35 years are the interpretation of Japanese tattoos from the Edo period which incorporate historical stories and symbolism of their culture.

Donna: What do you hope people will find in your works?

Liz: This is a hard question as I believe people look at artworks on many different levels. I hope my work appeals on an aesthetic level and that the imagery provokes thought about the visual stories they portray. As I can’t presume that the viewer has the knowledge and understanding of the symbolism of an Asian culture, my paintings always have an explanation beside and on the back of the art work. My jewellery is unique, elaborate and intricate. It is designed for more formal occasions.

Donna: Where and when can people see your work?

Liz: Mainly at the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Open Studios which is held once a year on three consecutive weekends from April 21 to May 6. There is also a group exhibition at the Convent Gallery in Daylesford. Each of the 25 diverse artists will exhibit one art work in the show for the three weeks. I also exhibit select pieces in The Little Gallery at Trentham. At other times of the year people are welcome to come to my studio by appointment.

Links: 5348 4008 or lizgonebush@icloud.com

www.tlnews.com.au

Our performers 5

Classic thriller Deathtrap at Kyneton

D

Three evening shows commence at 8pm sharp – with a first night special of interval refreshments of local wine and cheese on Saturday, April 21, then two further evening shows on Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28.

There are two Sunday matinees at 2pm sharp, serving Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright, is drowning in treacle. His creative juices have all but dried High Tea with Bubbles at interval, on April 22, and April up, and bankruptcy seems imminent, despite his wealthy 29.

Tickets: $25/20 are all-inclusive, with wife Myra's assurances to the contrary. complimentary pre-show sherries, program and interval Sidney's been sent a cracker of a script, Deathtrap, refreshments.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. from aspiring author, Clifford Anderson, seeking his Enquiries and door sales – cash or card – Katie opinion. The envious Sidney is elated. or Brian on 0490 485 850 and book online: www.

Deathtrap has all the hallmarks of a successful and long-running New York blockbuster, and knowing that trybooking.com/UJGC only a collaboration will save him and his reputation, he Link: www.cathouseplayers.com.au invites Clifford over for a chat. He jokes to a shocked Main image, from left, Alan Barrett as Clifford Myra that if Clifford won't play ball, he will kill him, Anderson and Frank Sartore as Sidney Bruhl dispose of the body in the vegetable patch, and claim Image: Naidine Jade Deathtrap as his.

Added to the mix in this 'play within a play' is the unexpected visit by renowned Dutch psychic, Helga Ten Inset, from left, Brian Fitches as Porter Milgrim, Dorp, with dire warnings of visions of death; and then Margaret Healy as Myra Bruhl, Alan Barrett as there's the appearance of not-so-squeaky-clean family Clifford Anderson, Gail 'Murfi' McGregor as Helga solicitor, Porter Milgrim.

Ten Dorp and Frank Sartore as Sidney Bruhl

IRECTED by Bette Sartore, Cathouse Players will present Ira Levin's classic thriller, Deathtrap, for five performances only, at their usual venue, the Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7 Yaldwyn Street West.

K

Anzac Day

YNETON'S RSL Sub-Branch will organise the Anzac Day march and ceremony in Kyneton on Wednesday, April 25.

A Dawn Service will be held at the cenotaph at 6am followed by the Gunfire Breakfast at the Kyneton RSL. A gold coin donation is requested for the breakfast and all monies will go to providing welfare support for veterans.

The Anzac Day march will form up at the corner of Yaldwyn and Mollison streets at 9.30am and step off at 9.45am to the Cenotaph for the ceremony. The march will then continue along Mollison Street to the RSL. Refreshments will be provided at the RSL following the march.

An Anzac Day march and ceremony will be held in Trentham with the parade forming up at the Town Square about 11.30am and marching to the Cenotaph at the intersection of High and Market streets. The ceremony will be followed by refreshments at the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre. A Dawn Service will also be held at 6am at the Cenotaph followed by breakfast at the CFA Station.

Marches and ceremonies will be conducted at Malmsbury at 8am at the Memorial Gardens and at Taradale at 1pm. Enquiries: 5422 6735.

EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH AND CHARM OF A MUCH LOVED AND HISTORIC PUB 65 Gingell St Castlemaine VIC 3450

P 5472 1250 LOCALS BAR • BEER GARDEN BISTRO AND BAR • FUNCTION ROOM •COSY AND WARM SURROUNDS

www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au f railwayhotelcastlemaine OPEN FOR DINNER DAILY AND WEEKENDS FOR LUNCH

6 Our history

www.tlnews.com.au

How the Wild West (and outback Oz) live on in Yandoit L IKE the psychotic killer in Wolf Creek, Chris Olver appears in a check shirt, .303 rifle with telescopic sight slung over his shoulder and a scary Bowie knife at his hip. For Wolf Creek, however, read Cross Creek, an astonishing village in Yandoit where the American Wild West meets the Aussie frontier, with myth and history melding.

More than that, the village represents generosity and heritage across the highlands and beyond. Fans of Westerns may recognise its name from The Fastest Gun Alive, the 1956 film starring Glenn Ford, Jeanne Crain and Broderick Crawford.

Here, over 10 years, Chris built a living museum on 8ha in happily-named Mystic Drive, the place as delightful as it is eccentric and representing his passion for the past.

It began in 2000 with a bullock wagon once used to cart wool from Swan Hill to the Murray. “I had no intention of doing this,” says 72-year-old Chris, surveying the dusty main street where a gunslinger lurks near a flagpole bearing the remnants of a Eureka flag.

He takes us to church. Visitors gasp as the door swings open on the life-size figures, five parishioners and a child intent on the minister in the pulpit. Light pours in through a cracked stained-glass window, mostly sourced from the Mill Market.

On the pews are prayer books bearing well-known local names such as Sartori, Eric and J. , as well as Yandoit’s Darren and Brett Priest. Like much of the village, these are contributions, as are a collection plate found at a tip and pennies brought from Maldon.

Nine gravestones are in the cemetery next door, just one identified: Here lies Lester Moore Shot six times With A44 No Les No more We visit the shotgun-toting guard in the general store where gold was traded. A handcranked Edison phonograph provides the entertainment.

Time to pop into Cynthia’s, a house of ill repute, where three ladies of the night await customers, watched over by a barman/bouncer. The “girls” are dressed by Chris’s wife Shirley, who made the clothes for all the exhibits, painstakingly recreating the period. On a hook hangs a red garter, the other décor includes drawings of Buffalo Bill and Wild Bill Hickok.

Besides materialising as the maniac from Wolf Creek, Chris is known to put on a special show for Vietnam vets and people who grew up in orphanages in Ballarat and nearby, appearing with his sheriff’s badge, black Stetson and long dark coat to become that legend of the 30-second gunfight at OK Corral, Wyatt Earp.

We pass the gold mine, general store, the Mule Drool Saloon, visit the blacksmith’s shop, grain store, the outdoor butcher, the saddlers’ and are shown an original Laurel kerosene tin, once the property of Daylesford mechanic Bill Dougall.

The butcher’s gear and the mine bucket came from Geoff Green at Strangways, while the smithy’s coals are from a locally famous blacksmith, Tom Colmo of Shepherds Flat.

Castlemaine folk donated the bellows.

A couple of Friesians await milking, their cow bales 140-years old and gifts from Dunc McKinnon, who lives in a miner’s hut not far away. Dunc, 80, also gave cactus for the garden. The buildings began life as garden huts.

At Cobb & Co, the 1843 timetable notes departure at 10am and 3pm sharp from Forest Creek to Melbourne and Ballarat, one of many original trails, says Chris, who knows of the Ballarat-Bendigo route not too far away.

Chris, who drove trucks for the Hepburn Shire for 30 years and also raced cars, shows his mechanical skill by cranking up a generator and running a film in Christie’s Cinema, named after Max, who was the manager of the Rex in Daylesford. We plonk ourselves among the 13 red-plush seats, ready for viewings of thrillers, westerns and silent comedy.

Across the way, Judge Roy Bean holds court in his saloon. Known as the “Law West of the Pecos”, he was so obsessed with the actress Lily Langtry that he named his tough Texan town of Vinegaroon after her. The name adorns his “courthouse” here, and for added interest, it holds a towering grizzly bear, representing the real-life beast he kept on hand.

Capture, trial, execution was the judge’s style. Outside, a hangman’s noose awaits.

For Chris Olver’s Cross Creek, a saying from his beloved Wild West sums up, “You don’t always have to be first. But being best is a whole lot better.”

Words: Kevin Childs | Images: Kyle Barnes

"Here lies Lester Moore Shot six times With A44 No Les No more"

The Little Local - Winter Edition

Make sure you get your booking in the Winter edition of The Little Local - the pocket-sized guide for visitors to the region.

Bookings close on May 12.

Email kyle@tlnews.com.au

www.tlnews.com.au

Our history 7

We really heart our locals.

So we now have $20 meal nights Monday-Thursday from 5pm.

MONDAY MEATBALL* MADNESS

WEDNESDAY POT & PARMA

TUESDAY BURGER* NIGHT * Vegetarian options available

THURSDAY STEAK NIGHT

TO VIEW OUR MENU OR TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US ON 03 5348 2335

DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

8 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

Pick me, pick me...

W

E HAVE noticed a lot of kangaroo droppings in our yard lately. Now, this is not unheard of, we do live in the country, but we also live in a township zone bounded by quite a lot of roads with fast-moving cars.

We were joking about it the other night. Kyle wanted something out of the car and, as far as I can remember, was not wearing shoes so couldn't get it himself. Now there's an excuse.

So, being a nice wife, that night anyway, I said I would go and laughed "if I don't come back it's because I have been chased down by a kangaroo".

Yes, you guessed it. I stepped outside the door and in front of me, about two metres away was a giant kangaroo. Well, maybe not giant, but at least two metres high as well. And maybe not that close because I was on a balcony and he wasn't.

Anyway, I backed towards the door, whispering "Kyle, Kyle, kangaroo" and after about 10 minutes Kyle looked up from the television, or perhaps he was deep in thought wondering where his shoes had gone, and ambled over.

The amazing thing was the roo never moved. It watched us for a bit and then put its head down and kept nibbling on the grass. Well, sort of grass, it's been pretty dry and we don't water, so it's more like a lining of one centimetre hay sticks stuck into the ground. It also can't be that pleasant, because as I said, there's also a lot of poo on top. Kyle decided he didn't need out of the car whatever had been so urgent minutes earlier and we left the kangaroo to its evening.

Now when I was growing up in good ol' Frankston, or Franghanistan for those who have lived there and can call it that because it will always be our spiritual home, I would have given a right eye, or at least a right moccasin, to see a kangaroo in the flesh. In fact, when I was a child Sundays were often "drive days" when the family would be packed into the '67 Holden and driven aimlessly around places like the Dandenongs. Sometimes we would find another family gathered under a gum tree "oohing and ahhing" because some poor koala, probably suffering chlamydia, was dangling from a branch above. We never saw a kangaroo.

Those drive days also make me wonder how I became a words person. I remember sitting in the back seat, dying for a pee, and asking my dad to pull over every time I saw a "To Let" sign. For many years I thought he was quite mean to make me hold on. Dumb kids, there is hope for you yet.

Anyway, I don't know how to stop kangaroos coming into the yard. We have fences but that's not a hindrance. Maybe dogs. We lost Rosie and Curly three years ago to old age and have never felt able to take on more. But there is a Chinese proverb that says it takes 1000 days to grieve so maybe we are getting there. Yes, I know there are 365 days in each year but I was never that good at maths either.

We both believe in serendipity and that things will take their course, one way or another. That's what happened with Rosie and Curly. A six-week old rescue pup came into our lives and then a twoyear-old rescue dog needed saving. And they both saved us back. Just sayin'...

Hi there, I'm Jake. A seven-monthold mastiff with a lovely nature who will make a great family pet or companion. I'd be better with older children simply because of my size and strength. As I am young, intelligent and responsive I will just need a little training to help me grow into a beautiful, settled adult. I might enjoy the company of another dog in my new home.

MC 956000010287709 Mount Alexander Animal Welfare is at 24 Langslow Street, Castlemaine. Phone 5472 5277.

(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie and Curly. We picked them.)

The Local - Connecting the Community

T

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

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

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

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

This edition it's all about raising funds for the homeless and less fortunate, and helping out the environment.

Cheers, Donna (Ed)

Supported by the Hepburn Shire Council, The Field Trip is getting kids on RADIO in Term 2 this year, producing a podcast, In Their Shoes, seeing life through the eyes of people with a particularly unique perspective: those with multicultural backgrounds or who speak a language other than English, people from the LGBTIQ community, refugees, immigrants, senior citizens and those with mixed abilities.

In Their Shoes is about learning from others, valuing diversity and social connection. A weekly program for kids aged 9-17, sign up via the website: www.thefieldtrip.co

www.tlnews.com.au

Our people 9

Live4Life launch New uniforms for Hepburn Netball

H

UNDREDS of Year 8 secondary school students from the Macedon Ranges Shire gathered in Kyneton late last month to launch this year’s Live4Life program.

Live4Life is a unique rural youth mental health promotion strategy and in its eighth year of operating in the Macedon Ranges.

Live4Life educates around 600 Year 8 students on mental health and provides leadership opportunities for Year 9 students, many pictured above and known as The Crew, from five high schools in the shire including Gisborne Secondary College, Braemar College, Kyneton Secondary College, Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Specialist School and Sacred Heart College.

The council has entered into a unique partnership with Macedon Ranges Health, Cobaw Community Health Service, Victoria Police and the five schools to actively promote rural youth mental health.

Year 8 students participate in Live4Life through their school and will get to attend events including the launch and end of year celebration; learn about mental health in their classrooms and beyond; enter the Live4Life competition (held from July–September every year); and have the opportunity to join the Live4Life Crew in Year 9 to represent their school, learn leadership opportunities and mentor younger students.

T

HE Hepburn Netball Club's 2018 season is ramping up to be an exciting new era.

Daylesford business Biggin & Scott Real Estate has jumped on board as the major sponsor allowing the netball club to raise enough funds to provide new uniforms.

Biggin & Scott director Michael DeVincentis said it was a real honour for his business to give back to the community. “Biggin & Scott has been involved with the netball club as a sponsor for a number of years and when the opportunity to become the major sponsor came along, we jumped on board without hesitation."

Hepburn Netball Club has seen a major restructure this year with former head coach Gary Cooke being appointed this season as the coaching director. Cooke returns to the club after four years away coaching in the Victorian Netball League with Ballarat Sovereigns.

Since his return, the club has been vigorously recruiting to boost numbers and attempt to set the club up for future success and longevity.

“We are definitely in a rebuilding process and we've made changes to our club structures and player development pathways," Cooke said.

"Having some of our premiership players return and giving opportunities to our up and coming juniors will hopefully see the club one day return to being the powerhouse of previous years. It's been exciting returning to the club."

The club’s other major sponsors are Oz Trans and Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.

Back row, from left, Kath Carman (captain), Georgia Stone (vice captain), Gary Cooke (coach), Michael DeVincentis, Rae Corris (Biggin & Scott), Dani Sutherland (Biggin & Scott) and Tara Ford, front row, from left, Caitlyn Brown and Krissy Liversidge

7 acres of well organised, easy to navigate, recycled goodness in the heart of castlemaine.

Salvage Yard

Structural timbers, hundreds of doors and windows, landscaping timbers, ex-commercial double glazed glass, steel, masonry and found objects... right down to hard to find hardware and homewares!

Now also supplying a range of small production, sustainably sourced new timbers for flooring, decking, overlay and cladding.

Also, manufacturers of custom designed engineered trusses from recycled timbers.

6 Lewis Drive Castlemaine • 0435 500 112 • www.thesalvageyard.com.au

10 Happy & Healthy

www.tlnews.com.au

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

A moment of pleasure is fleeting.

An attitde of joy is forever.

Which will you cultivate today?

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

Tree planting Thank you

F

IVE Rotarians joined the Friends of Cornish Hill at its tree planting working bee last month.

Musicians in Daylesford have reached out to musicians stranded on Manus Island. In quick The five were Colin Metcalfe, Lesley Hewitt, Mark response to a post on the Daylesford Facebook page, they have given two guitars and a violin.

Rak, Danny Moynihan and Alan Harrison.

This completes the list of requested instruments Rotary International president Ian Riseley has asked which is now ready to be sent off to the men who asked every Rotary club member to plant one tree by Earth for them by the organisation Gifts For Manus and Day on April 22. If all clubs participated then 1.2 Nauru. million trees would be planted worldwide.

We send only instruments which are asked for, Friends president Margie Thomas said by joining in and need no more just now. But if you might in future the working bee not only did the members fulfil their be willing to donate an instrument in good playing obligation, they also helped to revegetate the Smiths condition I would be glad to hear from you.

Creek corridor. Twenty-five trees were planted along the creek corridor on the day.

Janet Gaden Above, from left, Colin Metcalfe, Mark Rak, Lesley gadenjanet@gmail.com Hewitt and Danny Moynihan Letters to the editor are always welcome as long as they are relevant, to the point and not addressed Dear Sir! Image: Courtesy of Helen Greenwood Email donna@tlnews.com.au

Pilates (myo strength) with Emilia - small groups of 3 Wednesday 9.30am 10.30 am 11.30am

Friday

Saturday

10.30 am 11.30 am

10.00 am 11.00 am

Contact details and timetable: App- search Myo Studio for more info or to book.

Or Phone Emilia - 0433 188 825 Shop 8/11 Howe St, DAYLESFORD (next to Daylesford Osteopathy and Myotherapy) Also find us on Facebook.

Small groups using reformers, mat and other equipment.

Free assessments. One on one classes also available.

Myotherapy led exercise studio.

Find us on the

T

HANK you to Daylesford from Manus.

Dr Falak Naz Returns to Springs Medical We are delighted to welcome Dr Falak Naz back to Springs Medical. Dr Naz loves Daylesford and says “this is a wonderful community, very family friendly and one of the best training environments I experienced in Australia.

Therefore, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to Springs Medical to work as a senior GP and be part of a great team of health professionals”.

Born in Pakistan she grew up in a stunningly beautiful picturesque village in the Swat Valley. At the age of 15, she went to boarding school, completing years 11 and 12 in Islamabad. While growing up, Dr Naz always wanted to be a pilot, but recalls her grandfather who was a school principal and teacher, suggesting that she study medicine as the need for qualified doctors in Pakistan was great.

“He had a vision to educate all his grandchildren” she says.

Dr Naz sees her father as her greatest mentor and where she gets her inspiration to remain focused and disciplined.

“He was always a hard-working person, providing for the family in a harsh environment.”

Dr Naz first studied medicine at Ayub Medical College Abbottabad graduating in 2005, however she completed most of her formal medical training, including her GP training and Advanced Diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia.

Dr Naz is especially committed to rural, women’s and geriatric health and her goals are to contribute to the community, raise awareness about health and wellbeing and to promote disease prevention through her medical practice. This passion, coupled with a discipline to acquire the best medical education brought Dr Naz to rural Australia over eleven years ago, to complete her formal GP and postgraduate medical training across Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.

Next Time BOOK ONLINE

Dr Naz holds a passion for women’s health born from her early medical training in Northern Pakistan where she witnessed women suffering from preventable diseases and conditions. She has a long-term vision of assisting to establish a charity hospital in her native homeland, believing this early medical intervention could be life-saving and significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life.

“There are lots of defining moments in my life” explains Dr Naz “however the one that stands out the most is graduating from medical school”. Her advice to medical students is to be dedicated and work hard, “it’s a fulfilling and rewarding career”.

Dr Naz has recently returned to Victoria from Adelaide with her physician husband and their three young daughters.

“There’s something about Daylesford that makes you feel so welcome, there’s a sense of embracing diversity and the flexible hours makes it ideal for our family lifestyle.”

Advertorial - Photo: Kyle Barnes

To book online, visit our website

www.springsmedical.com.au In an emergency always call 000 Daylesford 10 Hospital St | tel: (03) 5348 2227

Trentham 22 Victoria St | tel: (03) 5424 1602

12 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Kyle’s Rant

S

ERENDIPITY, a noun, the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

I have been fortunate to witness a few moments of serendipity myself, like watching a phenomenon called the green flash sunset while listening to the opening lick from the Dream Weaver song. (You may have to Google both the song and the phenomenon, as I only get 500 words but you get the picture.) Of course, there is also the set of events that lead to my wonderful life with my wife in the Central Highlands of Victoria.

Another amazing coincidence happened to me worth mentioning, and why I mention it is the date. It was April 15, back in 1996. Now a few significant moments have happened throughout history on this day. Abraham Lincoln died, the notorious Boston Marathon bombing took place and then there was the Titanic sinking. To the last event I make my point.

Now, forgive me if this sounds like part of the Forrest Gump script but it actually happened. I was working on a vessel out of Cairns, trundling the hundreds of tourists per day out to our amazing Great Barrier Reef. One of the crew on the 40-plus metre vessel was a crazy American with his claim to fame that he was one of the first pairs of eyes to see the Titanic - post sinking of course.

Yes, he was one of the crew of the first manned submarine to actually see the ghost ship hulk laying on the bottom of the ocean. But if that's not amazing enough just to meet him, this particular day I met another person who had seen the Titanic, this time as it went down.

She was very cautious as she clambered up the gangway, proclaiming she was a bit nervous and that she really didn’t want to come aboard but for the requests of her family. It turns out this woman was Millvina Dean, the babe in arms who survived the Titanic sinking at the ripe old age of two months.

I soon introduced her to my American friend and they spent all day chatting about what the ship looked like and her memories of growing up in a family in the shadow of such a tragedy. I suppose bearing witness to the last person and the first person to lay eyes on the Titanic was pretty amazing, but for me it was the date that had me scratching my head at the coincidence of it all, April 15.

Serendipitous rant over…

Holistic Funeral Directors

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

Over 150 years of service to the shires of Daylesford, Hepburn, Creswick, Clunes ,Trentham, Kyneton and surrounds.

————————

Andrew Nuske and Alicia Kay 24 Bridport Street Daylesford 3460 53482762

Sustainable & authentic funerals Call 5427 3112 visit NaturalGrace.com.au

info@vereyfuneraldirectors.com www.vereyfuneraldirectors.com.au ————————

Pre-paid and Pre-planned funeral plans available

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 Advertorial

www.tlnews.com.au

Solar system leading the way to zero net energy

A

NEW community solar and battery bulk-buy for households and businesses in Hepburn Shire will kick off with five public information meetings across the shire starting on Monday, April 16.

Supported by Hepburn Shire Council and Hepburn Wind, the bulk-buy is part of the shire’s Z-NET initiative to become 100 per cent carbon-neutral by 2025.

Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buy was launched by Mayor John Cottrell, Hepburn Wind chair Ross Ulman, The Hub Foundation chair Neil Barrett and supporters and friends of the bulk-buy - organised by the same team as the MASH (More Australian Solar Homes) Community Solar Bulk-Buy. MASH is the not-for-profit community solar bulk-buy that originated in Castlemaine and has since spread across central Victoria with almost 900 solar rooftops on homes, businesses and schools. Jo Kaptein, executive officer of the notfor-profit The Hub Foundation, the group behind the MASH bulk-buy, said making the decision to invest in solar or home batteries could be confusing as there were so many options.

“The Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buy aims to cuts through that complexity to make it easier for households and businesses to go solar – with an option they can trust.

We’ve gone out to public tender to find the best possible solar supplier, with high quality solar and home battery systems at competitive prices backed by industryleading warranties.

“We’ll be providing an overview of the bulk-buy and the systems on offer – and answering residents’ questions at info meetings and events throughout the shire.

People will also be able to call us for general information about the bulk-buy on our community phone number, if they have any questions before registering for a quote with our supplier.

“Currently, 19 per cent of homes in Hepburn Shire have solar PV. “Our aim is to increase this to 22 percent with another 200 solar rooftops installed by the end of December 2018. If we achieve this goal, we’ll also be able to donate $20,000 in free solar to community groups. The solar supplier for the Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buy selected through public tender is Energy Matters, a Clean Energy Council Accredited Solar Retailer.

Shire resident Maureen Andrew is one of those households who has already switched to solar with 12 solar panels on her home at Springmount. Maureen chose solar for the environment as a better way of looking after the planet. She chose The Hub Foundation thanks to the MASH initiative and the solar donations going to community groups. And it was a simple exercise.

“Both times I have had solar installed, with different companies, it was very easy to manage. The company checks out your property and already has a clear idea of viability on your land space, exposure to seasonal sunlight and what your building can accommodate. The last installation was half a day. Quick, polite, easy, in and out."

For more information and to register for the bulk-buy launch email, visit www. mash.org.au/hepburn or call the MASH team on 1300 466 274.

Meetings will be held at the Trentham Neighbourhood House on Monday, April 16 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, the Glenlyon Shire Hall on Wednesday, April 18 from 6.30pm to 8pm, the Daylesford Senior Citizens’ Centre on Thursday, April 19 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, The Warehouse, Clunes on Saturday, April 21 from 10am to 1pm and The Hub, Creswick on Monday, April 23 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

HOUSE.LAND.HOME. Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands

House.Land.Home.

DAYLESFORD

DAYLESFORD 3 MILLAR STREET ELIRA 1 AND 2 – DELUXE ACCOMMODATION This architecturally impressive property is sited on a large corner allotment in the heart of Daylesford, and comprises two spacious, purpose designed accommodation villas. Both are fully self-contained and feature a split level open plan layout.

Meticulously designed with tall windows and bi-fold doors, the sleek sunlit interiors of each villa feature glossy timber floors offset by crisp décor. Currently managed by Dayget as deluxe accommodation with impressive occupancy rates.

DAYLESFORD 11 NORTH STREET EXCEPTIONAL IN EVERY WAY Delivering a statement of contemporary elegance, this magnificent double storey 4 bedroom residence with private home cinema in central Daylesford showcases quality-built designer style, impressive proportions and deluxe finishes, providing an enviable lifestyle opportunity.

• Master bedroom with stunning ensuite bathroom • Spacious open plan living areas upstairs & down, wide entertaining terrace & balcony • Elevated private allotment approx 1000 sq.m.

a2 b2 c2 FOR SALE PRICE $770,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

a4 b2 c2 FOR SALE PRICE $1,130,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

HEPBURN SPRINGS 15 FOREST AVENUE CONTEMPORARY DESIGNED TREETOP RESIDENCE This well designed home delivers the sensation of floating among the treetops. Soaring ceilings with clerestory windows seamlessly introduce natural light and immediately draw you into the long bucolic views across the forest landscape. The elegant design features four generous bedrooms with robes, 3 modern bathrooms, conservatory style kitchen and dual living spaces over two levels.

a4 b3 c2 FOR SALE PRICE $1,170,000 - $1,195,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

NEWLYN CA3 ARCHIBALD ROAD SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD This sensational lifestyle property is located on the top of Forest Hill. Just a short 15-minute drive to Daylesford or 25 minutes to Ballarat. This unique property boasts spectacular, uninterrupted views across the Seven Hills of Smeaton, the Wombat Hill at Daylesford, the Macedon Ranges and the Pyrenees Ranges. This property is being offered for sale for the first time in 150 years, in a very tightly held farming area. The 360-degree view is simply indescribable, you can see forever.

FOR SALE PRICE $550,000 to $599,000 + GST if applicable CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

DAYLESFORD MUSK 238 DAIRY FLAT ROAD

SOLD

LIFESTYLE COUNTRY RETREAT IN THE HEART OF SPA COUNTRY This magnificent lifestyle property is set on 38 acres and is only 7 mins from the Daylesford Township.

Barcaldine House consists of 3 luxurious suites with private bathrooms and a further manager’s bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom and walk-in robe. Feel the Victorian Period charm whilst overlooking the established gardens and vineyard. Previously used as holiday accommodation with the vineyard supplying the cellar door.

Full commercial kitchen providing café meals. The property has also been used for weddings and other corporate functions. Capitalise on the existing set-up or convert to a wonderful private country retreat.

a4 b4 c4 SOLD CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

HEPBURN SPRINGS 8 FIFTH STREET CALLING RENOVATORS, BUILDERS & VISIONARIES Located in the heart of Hepburn Springs, this private and secluded home is set on an amazing 1743 m2 approx. block in natural bushland surrounds, just 3 minutes to Daylesford. The property has been set out and used as 3 apartments for many years, but has outlived that purpose. The bright and light spaces are currently configured as 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms lounge, dining, sunroom and 2 kitchen areas.

SOLD

a5 b3 SOLD CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

WHEATSHEAF 80 WHITEGUM DRIVE EARTHLY DELIGHTS Here’s your chance to own a mud-brick threebedroom home in the heart of the Wombat State Forest, just minutes from Daylesford, one of the getaway jewels of Central Victoria.

Five acres of land offer opportunities for growth enjoy the existing apple orchard and fenced-in vegie garden – or simply sit back on the wide paved terrace and take in the property’s natural beauty.

a3 b1 c4 SOLD CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Timber's beauty means aspirational flooring

W

ITH its beauty, warmth and durability, timber remains aspirational flooring.

Production methods have improved over the past 20 years and laminate flooring now rivals real timber as a flooring option for those who want the charm of timber but not the price tag.

It really boils down to three options. The first being real wood in myriad tree species in a variety of thicknesses, widths and lengths. The second is engineered timber which also has timber choices because it uses a face of timber hardwood on a cross layered substrate. Laminate uses moisture-resistant glue for four layers. The top overlay provides wear resistance, a photo of real wood, a HDF (High Density Fibreboard) core and finally a balancing layer.

But which to choose? By giving you some pros and cons hopefully I can make your choice a little more informed.

Real timber has a choice of colours, grains, lengths and widths. It is recyclable, reusable and durable with a long-life span. You can wax, oil, stain or paint it to change your décor. It does however scratch and dent (hardwood less so than soft pine). It can be sanded and repolished. It is a more expensive purchase and expert installation is advised. A reputable installer will let the boards season on site. Finishing on site provides a tighter seal between the boards. Real timber has a good resale value Engineered flooring uses 75 per cent less face timber than in solid floors. It is usually an easy click and lock method of laying which appeals to the DIY handyperson. I am still not convinced that this face timber can be sanded and repaired after scratching but you can rub over with a similar stain to hide scratching. It is more dimensionally stable than real timber boards which can warp and shrink with weather and age. Boards are prefinished so can be installed straight away as well as lowering the cost of buying a real wood finish.

Laminate flooring is moisture-resistant, not moisture-proof so wipe up spills and wet spots as soon as possible. The colours and images of these boards are realistic and convincing at a glance but can lack the visual grace on close inspection. Using a click and lock assembly system makes laying fast and convenient.

It won’t warp or shrink but can sound hollow when walked on, even with an acoustic underlay. Great for the home handyperson and the cost is much less than timber boards. Resale value is better than carpet but not as good as real timber.

Whatever your choice and limitations, I hope my guide has shed some enlightenment.

Indre Kisonas - owner and principal designer of Iok design www.iokdesign.com.au

www.escapesdaylesford.com.au

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION SPECIALISTS Sleep 1-18 guests with hand picked properties from within our area. A truly independent provider of holiday accommodation in Daylesford / Hepburn area. Providing holiday accommodation to guests for 21 years, with a fine selection of homes ranging from studios to five bedroom homes.

We work with local partners to provide you with the right “break away” or retreat. On our site you will find a selection of our properties, prices and availability, along with our partners in regards to dining, lunch, coffee and relaxation.

book@escapesgroup.com.au 94 Vincent Street Daylesford Vic 3460

(03) 5348 1448

Nature’s “wonder colour capsules” – simply add soil and water.

I have never ceased to wonder at nature's ingenuity in evolving ways and means of plant survival and reproduction through the ravages of seasonal change. Whether it be the shedding of deciduous leaves, or the hardening of all but latest stem growth to minimise frost damage, plants have learned to cope within their native habitat. It's only when planted in a different climatic zone they need extra care to hopefully acclimatise them.

The more ingenious plant species developed an almost foolproof life cycle: grow, flourish and blossom - all the while storing up energy and provisions for the next season.

They then shed any surplus growth and retreat into a scaly shell until the ravages of weather are over to burst forth full of joy and colour for what that delightful song from The Lion King proclaimed "the circle of life".

The seasons of growth are year-round, dependent upon the species and their native habitat. The most popular and probably easiest for us to grow are the many forms of spring flowerers. These include daffodil, crocus, jonquil, narcissus, hyacinth, Dutch iris, lachenalia and tulip. Early autumn, now, is the time to plant out these heralds of warmth and comfort - it's best to get them started before the cold weather arrives.

These wonderfully colourful plants can be grown and flowered out in your garden and some even in well-lit spots indoors. Being self-sufficient they will thrive in almost any position provided the soil is well drained - especially important for hyacinth and tulips. In heavier soils it would be best to raise the level of the bed by digging in a layer of sand and well-rotted compost.

Most bulbs prefer to be planted at a depth roughly three times their own diameter. Shallow planting usually results in shorter flower stems and, on occasions, sunburnt bulbs. On the other hand, if they are planted too deep they may not even emerge at all. Although bulbs come with their own "onboard" food supply for the season's growth, they begin to stock up for the next season's growth, usually about the time the spent flowers wither and the leaves start to yellow. A good move is to place a small amount of complete garden fertiliser, covered with a thin layer of soil, beneath each bulb for it to reach when needed. It goes without saying that the bulbs need to be planted "roots down" for complete success.

You need to give them a good soaking drink at the time of planting which will be all that's necessary until the young shoots show through. Mulch the bed to keep it moist. Because most bulbs dislike being disturbed from year to year it's a good idea to plant some form of perennial ground cover over the bed so it isn't bare when they are dormant.

There are several ways to have your bulbs indoors. Some bulbs, notably crocus, hyacinth and tulips can be grown without soil in a glass container. More about that next issue.

Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn

Bells Water Gardens has been in the water garden business for over 25 years, building and maintaining ponds and growing a diverse range of aquatic plants for the nursery trade and public.

We are passionate about building natural eco-system ponds, adding beauty and encouraging wildlife, allowing interaction with nature. Water gardens built by us are quiet, contemplative places to rest and energise the senses.

Contact us for all your water garden requirements or come and see our nursery at 1 Campion Rd, Newlyn.

Above, ornamental grape, vitis vinifera, makes its autumn-hued presence truly felt over my carport/deck, below, tulips are the aristocrats of the spring garden show Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

0418 567 195

FLYSCREENS MEASURED,

MADE, AND FITTED ON THE SPOT! FROM $ 00

03 5464 7380

• Roller Shutters • Security Doors • Fly Screens

39

SECURITY DOORS MADE TO MEASURE AT FACTORY DIRECT PRICES *Conditions apply.

Hepburn Shire & Ballarat

Phone: 03 5464 7380 or Michael 0422 643 901 Email: sales@onsiteflyscreensballarat.com.au www.onsiteflyscreens.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Drone photography

See your world from a different angle!

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.

HEPBURN EARTHWORKS All aspects of earth works

BRAND NEW CATERPILLAR EQUIPMENT 3.5 TONNE EXCAVATOR 5 TONNE POSI-TRACK BOBCAT COMMERCIAL WOOD SPLITTER

Call for a quote

0438 600 242

• • • •

Domestic Commercial site preparation & cleanup Concrete & lawn/grounds preparations Green waste, stump, tree & dirt removals Driveways, firebreaks

•

Services to 100km radius of Daylesford

•

No charge for quotes or travel time to & from jobs

•

Fully insured

PO Box 59, Daylesford, VIC 3460 Email: dig@hepburnearthworks.com.au Website: www.hepburnearthworks.com.au

Garage Sale of the Century We’ve sold the house and we’re moving - all the way to California!

Now we need to have a garage sale. That garage has been collecting things for 16 years and it’s time it had a good clean-out.

We’re selling tools, furniture, some books and DVDs, lots of household electrical appliances, and heaps of miscellaneous stuff.

WHEN: April 14 and 15 8am to 4pm WHERE: 80 Whitegum Drive, Wheatsheaf

LOCK IN YOUR ADVERT SPACE House.Land.Home. PREMIUM is published five times a year as a glossy insert in The Local.

Below are the publication dates. Don’t miss out!

Queen’s Birthday Weekend (June 11) | Publication Date - JUNE 4 Bookings by May 22 | Copy by May 30 Grand Final (September 29) | Publication Date - SEPTEMBER 24 Bookings by September 17 | Copy by September 19

Your real estate guide to the Central Highlands

Summer Series (December 3) Publication Date - DECEMBER 3 Bookings by November 26 | Copy by November 28 Labour Day 2019 (March 11, 2019) Publication Date - FEBRUARY 25 Bookings by February 18 | Copy by February 20 Easter 2019 (April 21, 2019) | Publication Date - APRIL 8 Bookings by April 2 | Copy by April 4

Contact: Kyle Barnes | Email: sales@houselandhome.com.au | Phone: 5348 7883

The Daylesford Sessions

Schubert Octet BENJAMIN MARTIN Passepied BEETHOVEN String Quartet No 11 Serioso SCHUBERT Octet D803 Australian Octet Saturday 21 April 2018 2:30pm Anglican Church Central Springs Road Daylesford

Tickets $30

Concert two hours including interval

Learn more & book online at

mco.org.au/daylesford Tickets also at eCasa 89 Vincent Street Daylesford | 03 5348 1802

DAYLESFORD CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL Friday 14 September–Sunday 16 September 2018

Five incredible chamber music events including an orchestral performance with Swiss guitar virtuoso Christoph Denoth and a musical dinner at Lake House.

Full festival $379 Individual events from $39

www.tlnews.com.au

Our performers 23

The Daylesford Sessions - Schubert Octet

A

FEAST of Music: Daylesford Chamber Music Festival will be held at the Anglican Church, Daylesford on Saturday, April 21.

MCO principal bass Emma Sullivan talks for the MCO’s regular series, Musician’s View about the event.

MCO: How do you feel about joining the Australian Octet?

Emma: I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Australian Octet for this season and to be playing one of the great masterpieces of chamber music for the double bass, Schubert’s Octet. The double bass is sadly often left on the sidelines when it comes to chamber music and people are surprised to discover that there is a wealth of repertoire for the instrument. Schubert composed arguably the most famous work of chamber music for the double bass – his “Trout” Quintet – five years prior to the Octet, inspiring over fifty quintets for the same instrumentation to follow. My personal favourite of these is Vaughan Williams’ Quintet in C minor, which was only published in 2002, despite being written early in the composer’s career. Schubert’s Octet is clearly influenced by another great work – Beethoven’s Septet from 1800, which uses the same forces without a second violin and is on a similarly grand scale. Whilst it is always rewarding to revisit great works for the double bass such as Schubert’s Octet, it is also exciting to take part in building the repertoire for your instrument and I am really looking forward to performing Benjamin Martin’s new work for Octet, Passepied.

MCO: Is it going to be much different for you playing in this octet compared to playing in a chamber orchestra with five or six more people?

Emma: Working with the Australian Octet is going to be a little different to playing with the larger ensemble of Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. In our chamber orchestra programs, I work very closely with the cello section and often we share the same part. It is important for me to match and blend with the cellos to create a unanimous and well-balanced lower string sound. In the Octet, I have my own independent part to project. Although it is still imperative that we all listen to each other and work toward a united sound and artistic vision, there will be more opportunity for our unique musical voices to be heard. This combination of solo and ensemble playing is what makes chamber music so rewarding for musicians and why I am so looking forward to this program.

Another aspect of the Octet that makes it so loved is its singing melodic content. Some of these melodies directly borrow from Schubert’s vocal works. For example, the theme from the fourth movement is taken from his singspiel Die Freunde von Salamanka. Finally, I think the grand scale of the Octet allows it to stand alone MCO: The Schubert Octet is one of the most famous as one of the great chamber music works of the 19th pieces of chamber music – what do you think is special century. The six movements encapsulate a full gamut of about it?

Emma: Firstly, I think the instrumentation makes the emotions and characters, ranging from the understated Octet quite unique, allowing for a more diverse array of elegance and simplicity of the second movement, to colour, texture and dynamic than would be possible with the playful third movement and ending with the rustic energy of the finale. a more homogenised ensemble. Schubert’s democratic writing takes full advantage of the possibilities of the Sponsors for the event include Biggin & Scott, Lake instruments of the Octet and allows them all to shine.

House, Hepburn Shire Council, E Casa and Passing Clouds.

GRAND OPENING Sunday 22 April 10.30am to 4pm - 439 Pearsons Road, Trentham East ST CLAIRE PROVIDES A STYLISH VENUE, LUXURY ACCOMMODATION AND WILL BE RUNNING PUBLIC EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS. Enjoy “French up your life” workshop, French circus performer, French music, French vintage cars and lawn games.

View the French Colonial style architecture which harks from the French Carribean.

See the beautiful interiors incorporating elements from upscale Design Houses, e.g. Designers Guild.

Experience the latest luxury tent marquee set ups and styling for weddings, parties and launches.

Wonder at the latest in floral decorations, including a floral chandelier in the Grand tent marquee.

Champagne, coffee and biscuits will be on sale

WIN!

Go to stclairecountryhouse.com, register to attend and come on the day to go into a draw for a prize of a free weekend of accommodation in the Guest House, worth $1,600.

Visit www.stclairecountryhouse.com

Enquiries Anne-Marie 0417 081 611

F R E ET! EVEN

24 Dining

www.tlnews.com.au

Monday Thursday & Friday 5pm until late Saturday & Sunday 12pm until late Classic Pub Fare - Eat in or Take-away available Monday $20 Parma night ( 8 varieties ) Thursday $20 Curry Night Live Music, Beer garden Events, Functions, Venue Hire

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

Awaken your spirit of discovery.

Lot 2 Railway Cres, Daylesford, Victoria . 03 5348 1920

www.tlnews.com.au

Meal deals 25

Meal deals for locals...and visitors too!

E

VERYONE loves a good meal deal. So here are some of the dining establishments offering great food and great prices!

Monday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness - $20 (Vegetarian too) Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Parma Night - eight varieties - $20

Tuesday:

Monday - Friday (Not available public holidays or school holidays)

Farmers Arms Hotel, Creswick - lunch - chicken parmagiana - $15 Galley Diner, Daylesford - lunch deal - burger, soft drink, fries - $17 Casa El Rey, Daylesford - lunch deal - burrito, soft drink - $15

Community Lunch:

The 5000 Club, Daylesford is open for lunch from noon at Stanbridge Hall, Central Springs Road, Daylesford. All welcome.

Raffles:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips - $20 Perfect Drop, Daylesford - Degustation menu $55

Fundraising raffles for local organisations are held on Friday evenings at the Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn and the Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford.

Wednesday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20

Thursday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn - Curry Night - $20 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 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, Hepburn - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40

Sunday:

The Surly Goat, Hepburn - lunch special - two courses and a glass of wine - $40

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH SUNDAY 13TH MAY. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Real mates.

Real community spirit.

That’s a real pub.

Eat. Drink. Be Local.

(We don’t normally take bookings but we would hate your mum to miss out.)

11:30am and 1:30pm sitting Numbers strictly limited.

Be a good kid and book today.

FRIDAY MEAT RAFFLE

APRIL RAISING MONEY FOR

SPRUNG CIRCUS DAYLESFORD

1 EAST ST DAYLESFORD

•

03 5348 2091 • OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER

THEFARMERSARMS.COM.AU

26 Gig guide

Gig Guide

Daylesford

Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn

Friday Frivolities – Friday, April 13 Charlie Law – Saturday, April 14, 8pm Friday Frivolities – Friday, April 20 Marty Luke – Saturday, April 21, 8pm

Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine

Top Jimmy - Saturday, April 14 Howling Owls – Saturday, April 21

Daylesford Town Hall

Gypsy Fire – Saturday, April 21, 7pm

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn

Greg Steps – Friday, April 13 Next Episode – Sunday, April 15 Jazz Deuce – Friday, April 20 Scott Fraser – Saturday, April 21 Polar Bare – Sunday, April 22

Spa Bar, Daylesford

Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, April 11, 7pm-10pm Jack Pantazis Jazz Trio – Thursday, April 12, 7pm-10pm Slim Fit Low Wasters – Saturday, April 14, 7.30pm-10.30pm Live Piano Improv – Wednesday, April 18, 7pm-10pm The Larks – Thursday, April 19, 7pm-10pm.

DJ Beats with Clay Ravin – Friday, April 20, 9pm -2am Double Feature - Fortress of Narzod & Animal Hands – Saturday, April 21, 7.30pm-9pm, 9pm-10.30pm

Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s - our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists.

Open every day until late.

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

5348 3577

SENIORS DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

Exclusively stocking

Open 7.30am-5.30pm Monday-Thursday 7am-6pm Friday & 7am-1pm Saturday

37 Vincent St Daylesford Victoria | 03 5348 2094

www.tlnews.com.au

Spudfest 27

Spuds front and centre at Trentham Spudfest

N

ORTH Blackwood potato farmer John Dunn and his family are Spudfest pioneers as well as being pioneering representatives of the local Trentham potato growing industry.

He is about to start harvesting 19 varieties of potatoes specially grown for Trentham’s May 5 Spudfest.

The Dunn family have supported Spudfest from the start 11 years ago.

Freshly harvested potatoes by local farmers are always a major Spudfest attraction, particularly for the thousands of visitors from the city tired of imported spuds that taste, according to one of John’s fellow farmers, like boiled cardboard.

The Dunn family, who have farmed 800 acres of fertile local volcanic soil since 1865, expect to sell 1.5 tonnes or more of their gourmet produce at Spudfest.

John’s wife Millicent has kept records over the years and notes that Dutch Creams - a great roaster - were the top seller from their Quarry Street Reserve stall last year.

But other varieties also walked off the stall into the hands of eager Melbourne visitors.

King Edwards, kipflers, sapphires, kennebecs, the list goes on.

She notes that tastes change over the years but one thing is consistent - the Trentham area grows great spuds and has done so for more than 150 years.

And Dunn potatoes are literally top of the range.

Their property straddles the local range’s divide, with some paddocks north and some south of the top of the range.

In the Dunns' case, the family is now into its seventh generation in the neighbourhood.

Their ancestry includes Bergs and Meiers from Germany and Prussia, and Dunns from Cornwall.

The Cornwall Dunns were tin miners who arrived locally at Blackwood to look for gold before taking out the selection at North Blackwood.

The now fertile, scenic paddocks were so tightly forested that family records include a comment that there was not enough room to fly a kite.

Continuing the long family tradition, John recalls selling his first bag of spuds as a 10-year-old in 1956.

His 150-pound harvest netted him the grand sum of 10 pounds.

He remembers then the Italian families that used to arrive by truck to circulate among the local farms looking for spuds to sell down in the city.

Times change and the Dunns now run cattle and sheep to supplement the 12-14 tonnes of potatoes per acre they harvest from the six acres they now sow for potatoes.

Spudfest has similarly diversified.

While the not-so-humble spud is still celebrated front and centre, Spudfest has grown in its 11-year history to become a whole-of-village celebration of charming country life.

Live music, colourful stalls, a horse and wagon ride, a tractor pull, and festival activity up and down the main streets all help draw 6000 visitors to town each year.

Spudfest was created to help put Trentham on the map and to engender local pride in the town back at a time when the town was doing it tough.

Like the town since then, it has taken off and is now an event that is hotter than a baked potato.

Words: Peter Young | Image: Kyle Barnes

28 Out & About

www.tlnews.com.au

Sam Johnson at the Daylesford Sunday Market

S

AM Johnson took Love Your Sister to the Daylesford Sunday Market on Sunday, April 8 and met plenty of old friends and new.

The actor, and brother of cancer victim Connie who died last year, continues to fight tirelessly to end the world of cancer. Sam was born and raised in Daylesford and considers it, as a self-proclaimed gypsy, his home.

Meanwhile, Daylesford Sunday Market is run in conjunction with the Daylesford Spa Country Railway and together they are a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.

Running for over 36 years, they have become an institution in the Daylesford region and have supported the local community throughout this time by providing a family-friendly tourist attraction, heritage train rides, a local produce hub, a place where locals can sell anything from their hand-made crafts to their kitchen sink and a valuable resource for local charities to raise money or just advertise an event.

Averaging 100 stalls a week, the market is one of the largest in regional Victoria.

Led by the volunteers at the railway the market is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to support the town of Daylesford and its surrounds. It is also a dog friendly market. Located at the Daylesford Railway Station, the market operates every Sunday of the year excluding Christmas Day and Code Red fire danger days in the central district, opening at 8am and closing at 3pm.

www.tlnews.com.au

Out & About 29

To market, to market, to buy some artisan bread

Y

OU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.

Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday Daylesford Farmers’ Market – first Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers’ Market - first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers' Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Kyneton Farmers’ Market - second Saturday Ballan Farmers' Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers’ Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers’ Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers’ Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday

Want to advertise your market? It's free. Just email news@tlnews.com.au

The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with Trentham Makers Market

Third Saturday, 9am - 1pm

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

30 Our history

www.tlnews.com.au

Italian Hill's Scascighini Puddler

A

PUDDLER, found in beautiful condition by contractors clearing mountains of blackberries at Italian Hill above Daylesford in 2011, will hopefully soon be on show for the public.

Puddling machines were pioneered on the Victorian goldfields in 1854 as an affordable means of processing gold-bearing clay on a large scale.

A horse dragged a harrow repeatedly through a circular, barklined trough full of clay and water, “puddling� the mixture into a thin sludge.

Any gold freed from the lumpy clay would sink, remaining behind on the bottom of the trough after the watery sludge was drained off. A clean-up of the residue, using tin-dish or cradle, would bring the gold finally to light.

Cornish Hill committee of management now wants to clear and kill weeds around the puddler, carry out drainage work and design and install an interpretive sign. It has already received funding from Hepburn Wind for the restoration of what is known as the Scascighini Puddler.

Minusio is a municipality in the district of Locarno in the canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, an ancient centre of Roman life there.

By the 1850s agriculture (typically crops and vines), forests and alpine pasture on the high slopes, was changing.

Giuseppi Scascighini was oldest of four brothers who emigrated to Australia in the mid-1850s. A 28-year-old, he sailed from Antwerp on the H.Ludwina with six others from Minusio. His brother Pietro was already in Bendigo so he may have gone straight there. By 1877, at age 50 he married Margaret Wylie, widow of a fellow immigrant, Pietro Pfferini, and their seven children were born in Daylesford.

Near his cottage and his mine, Giuseppi built the Scascighini Puddler, a wellpreserved, round flat-bottomed depression on Italian Hill, within the Cornish Hill Reserve. Nearby is the mine entry and two springs, bountiful at times. Potentially gold-bearing material was dug out, carried to the site of the puddler and washed to separate the gold from quartz or clay. Large volumes of pay dirt were puddled to loosen the gold.

Below this hill, the original 1851 alluvial Wombat Flat diggings had crept up the creek, which was now becoming reef mining. Those miners who came to Wombat Flat from Bendigo knew the value of tunnelling east to west to intersect the north to south sandstone reefs that might have had quartz seams which may have contained gold.

Cornish Hill is the collective name for the greater Daylesford mining site: Cornish Hill, the Argus and Italian Hill. It also includes the district's only freshwater spring and its creek, Smiths Creek. There are steep hills wooded in parts, and the creek side is being restored by the work of the Friends of Cornish Hill, in conjunction with many community groups and schools.

Above, Cornish Hill committee of management member Ed Butler at the site

Art-full Living Easter Challenge

T

HIS edition's challenge is to encourage you to dwell on your favourite 2018 Easter experience and give it lasting power.

Write or draw your best Easter experience and send it to Artfull Living or The Local for others to find, read and enjoy. At this beautifully calm time of year it could be a moment experienced in nature, going for a walk, working in your garden or shared with family or friends.

Capture those precious fleeting moments. Maybe it was something your children or grandchildren said, did or imagined - or you yourself?

If you have more time ...

Get together with friends or family or work colleagues and write or draw your favourite experience together.

Think How did it feel to look back at Easter 2018?

Share We can't wait to see what your stand-out moments were. Share as many as you want on social media using #artfullifer on Twitter and Instagram. Tag Art-full LivingHull on Facebook.

Share your challenge with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and The Local.

Email donna@tlnews.com.au By the way...hope you had a Happy Easter!

www.tlnews.com.au

Our service clubs 31

Postie bike winner

T

HE Daylesford Rotary Club raised more than $2700 with the raffle of a postie bike.

Winner Graham Boyd, pictured with club president Lesley Hewitt, picked up his prize last Friday.

The bike had been immaculately prepared by club member Alan Smith, the driver behind the postie bike venture. The money raised will go towards community projects.

Interesting fact: Rotary started with the vision of one man - Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on February 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members.

Probus election

T

HE Probus Club of Daylesford recently held its annual meeting which saw the election of office bearers and committee members.

President is Keith Pyers, senior vice president is Anne Bremner, junior vice president is Steve Walker, secretary is Susan Priest, treasurer is Bev Ryan and immediate past president is Lois Voterakis.

Committee members are Halcyon Bell, Dot Bull, Ted Goodwin and Garth Marks.

The Probus Club of Daylesford meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the Daylesford Bowling Club, Camp Street, at 10am.

New members are welcome and any enquiries should be directed to Ted Goodwin on 5348 2955 or email daylesfordprobus@gmail.com Interesting fact: Probus started when members of the UK's Rotary Club Vocational Service Committee decided to organise a monthly lunch. In February 1966, a meeting was advertised for all retired professional and businessmen aged 60 and over - and 42 men turned up. A monthly lunch was arranged, at which the Rotary Club president took the chair until the Club had formed its own rules and committee. The inaugural luncheon of the first Probus Club in the United Kingdom (by that name) was on March 2, 1966.

The word Probus comes from professional and business.

Amanda Millar

Leonard’s Hill Hall 45TH ANNUAL BABY SHOW

ADVERTISEMENT

Birth to 5 years Novelty, Champion Baby, Miss & Master Additional Section - Prince & Princess

Most Popular Baby (Voting forms available Albert Street Butchery Daylesford)

PO Box 76 Gisborne 3437

Ph. 5348 3351 or 5348 6568 Admission $5 Adults includes afternoon tea

0455 209 459

/AmandaMillarforMacedon www.AmandaMillar.com.au Here's the solution for Issue 120. Solve it?

Authorised by N Demiris, 104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

Liberal for Macedon

Saturday, April 28 Judging starts 2pm

32 Trades

www.tlnews.com.au

A unique heater manufactured in Daylesford from Australian products Servicing Daylesford and Districts.

Railway Crescent, Daylesford P: 03

5348 2586

F: 03 5348 1200 E: nedkelly@woodheaters.com.au

0427 508 840

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

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

www.tlnews.com.au

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

Trades 33

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

PH: 0400 059 613 - 5348 6634 ADMIN@JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU WWW.JESSEDAWKINSGARDENS.COM.AU

Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458

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!

Servicing all Daylesford and Districts wastewateraus.com.au MOB: 0427 508 840

Malone Tree Services Liam Malone . Limited Access . Fully Insured .Specialists Qualified . Mulching Available

0423 945 436

34 Our history

www.tlnews.com.au

Tarring and feathering case at Daylesford

I

T WAS February 1859; the borough of Daylesford would not be incorporated for another eight months. Nonetheless, there were thousands of people in and around the region known at the time as the Jim Crow diggings.

Most of the permanent buildings, shops, offices and pubs were clustered along dusty Vincent Street and it was here where a notorious incident of tar and feathering took place that shocked the settlement.

While the practice has a long history as a form of mob vengeance reaching back to feudal Europe and popular in the colonial United States, the incident at the Jim Crow diggings was considered to be the first instance of tarring and feathering in the Victorian colony.

When the story got out it spread like a plague and wound up in papers as far afield as The South Australian Advertiser, Sydney Morning Herald, Wagga Wagga Express and even The Moreton Bay Courier up in Queensland.

The victim was William Montgomery, a mining agent and reporter, who was set upon by several men at the offices of W.G Hart (site of the Daylesford Town Hall today).

His hands were tied and pants pulled down, before receiving a liberal coating of tar on his backside.

The afflicted gentleman was then coated in feathers and cast out into the busy street.

The next day, flesh still raw no doubt, after getting the noxious goo removed from his derrière, Montgomery promptly had the perpetrators charged.

Included among the defendants were Thomas Harvey, Arthur Crookshank, John Addis, Robert Reid, William Patchel and Robert Fullerton. The first hearing took place at the Magistrate’s Court on the following Monday and over three sitting sessions the case was eventually completed on April 22.

But what marked the affair as much as the actual incident itself was the sustained assaults on the character of William Montgomery by the accused and one of their lawyers J.C Aspinall. The reason the incident took place was supposedly due to Montgomery accusing one William Trimble of cheating during a card game a year before.

But during the trial, Aspinall implied among other things, that a certain Mr Collier, who shared a tent with the assaultee, was in a relationship with him. To add fuel to the inferences, defendant Arthur Crookshank took it upon himself to write to the press during the hearing. His letter tried to suggest that sexual leanings were the chief reason for Montgomery’s punishment and thus the perpetrators' actions were justified.

“If you were aware of this young man, so 'amiable' and 'inoffensive,' so 'honourable and truth-telling a reporter,' and such a favourite with the miners — if, Sir, I repeat, you were aware that this person…stood suspected in the minds of many of committing actions revolting to man's every better feeling, what view, think you, would the press then take?! Would it still endeavour to ignore the justness of the punishment?”

In other words: He was gay and had it coming.

As it turned out, the attempted smear of William Montgomery came to nothing and the jury sided with the prosecution. Crookshank got three months, Addis two, Reid and Patchel one month. As for the rest, well, Harvey absconded never to be seen again and the rest were presumably acquitted.

But while justice appeared to be done, the incident did nothing for the reputation of the remote Jim Crow diggings. Many saw the affair as indicative of some serious corruption in the area akin to the biblical Sodom and Gomorrah. Such sentiments were obvious in this tract written March 25 for the Mt Alexander Mail.

“Whose fault is all this? Is it that the character of the population is different from that of people in other parts of the colony, and that they have a less keen appreciation of the sanctity of human life, liberty, and property? Or is it that the administration of the law is less intelligent, its supervision more circumscribed in its operation, than in other parts of the colony, where peace and order prevail?”

Thanks to the Daylesford Historical Society for their assistance with research and Les Pitt, author of Mud, Blood and Gold: Daylesford, The Early Years.

Quotes: 1859 'The Tarring and Feathering Case at Daylesford', The Age, 12 March, p6, viewed Feb 22, 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154836672 1859 'Life on Jim Crow', Mount Alexander Mail, 25 March, p3, viewed Feb 22, 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199046729 Image: 1859 'Disgraceful Outrage at Daylesford', Mount Alexander Mail, February 16, p2, viewed Feb 20, 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.newsarticle199050894 Words: Anthony Sawrey

www.tlnews.com.au

Crossword 35

Challenge yourself with our crossword. Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. See last issue's solution on page 31.

OZ - TRANS

DAYLESFORD The ‘Local’ Blokes

FURNITURE REMOVALS

GENERAL FREIGHT

Melbourne & Country Victoria daily 0407 697 877

services

Hepburn Springs Golf Club

THE 13-hole competition was played on March SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

services

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

23. Bill O’Connor won with 29 points on a countback from Graeme Lucas. Nearest the pin on the 2nd hole was Andrew Guiney.

The 13-hole competition played on March 29 was won by Andrew Guiney with 30 points. Next best was Paul Togni with 28 points.

PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING Nearest the pin on the 2nd hole was Graham Fell.

OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS The men played par on March 31. John Barrell won the day with +2. Nearest the pin on the 2nd hole was TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE Graeme Lucas.

SUPERVISION OF SLUDGE PUMP-OUT LATEST SLUDGE-JUDGE TECHNOLOGY

www.sanae-svcs.com.au

PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460 koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au (03) 5348 4852 or 0437 747 619

Got sporting news? Let us share it around.

Email donna@tlnews.com.au

C

hris Olver appears in a check shirt, .303 rifle with telescopic sight slung over his shoulder and a scary Bowie knife at his hip. For Wolf Creek, however, read Cross Creek, an astonishing village in Yandoit where the American Wild West meets the Aussie frontier, with myth and history melding. Read his story by Kevin Childs on page 6.

Image: Kyle Barnes