The Local Issue 160 October 7, 2019

October 7, 2019 Issue 160 Happy hens

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: Boyd Carmody, and son Reuben, pictured on the front cover, run Creswick Open Range Farm - with loads of happy hens watched over by an attentive alpaca called Frank. Read all about their latest accolade on page 22.

of a very peculiar sort "Being a writer is t of ee sh k an versus a bl job: it’s always you n te of ite qu screen) and paper (or a blank paper wins." the blank piece of - Neil Gaiman

October 7, 2019 Issue 160 Happy hens

Image: Tony Sawrey

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, October 21, 2019.

Or online on Sunday, October 20 at www.tlnews.com.au

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.

Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local:

The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association.

The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.

Space bookings: Wednesday, October 16 Copy deadline: Thursday, October 17 Editorial deadline: Thursday, October 17

HE Local is a free publication distributed throughout the Central Highlands of Victoria. The first "monthly" edition was published in September 2013 and immediately became fortnightly thanks to the demand of our readers and advertisers.

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes

T

The Local is brought to you by a team of local journalists, photographers, columnists, sub-editors, graphic designers, book-keepers and, of course, great delivery people. So when we talk about being local, we really do put our money where our mouth is.

The Local's motto is to "connect the community" by bringing people closer with great features on amazing local people and ensuring you know what is happening around your community whether that's a festival, a fete or maybe just a great special from one of our fantastic advertisers. Content is key.

We love writing about local people doing inspiring things and even local people doing ordinary things. And as some people, mostly politicians, have found out, if you are not local you will not appear in the pages of The Local.

You will find The Local, and all the back copies, online at www.tlnews.com.au and we deliver bulk drops throughout the region along with smaller "cafe" packs to every cafe, hotel, bar and restaurant we can find. We've even heard of The Local turning up in places like a cafe in St Kilda and a bar in Bali! All up we have a print and online readership of about 14,000.

The Local's advertising rates have always been kept affordable so even small advertisers can advertise big. Colour is free, the sizes are an eighth, quarter, banner, half and full page and we can help with making up branding and graphics. The world is confusing enough, so we like to keep things simple.

Finally, from the start, we have offered two free adverts in every edition for notfor-profit organisations along with a rescue pet looking for a new home. It's just our way of giving back. We really hope you enjoy this edition of The Local.

Cheers, Donna (Ed)

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Sales | Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au Writers | Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Anthony Sawrey, Peter Young and Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Columnists | Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Sam Redlich (wellbeing) and Tanya Loos (nature).

Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Anthony Sawrey Call us for news and advertising on 5348 7883 or 0416 104 283 Email: news@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...

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’... :)

Into the fire...season

T

HE Glenlyon CFA Group held an integrated training exercise on Sunday, October 6 throughout Daylesford.

Group training officer and Daylesford CFA 3rd Lieutenant Glenn Webster said he had designed a series of scenarios that the brigades rotated through.

They were held in Lake Road, Cornish Hill, East Street and the Daylesford Railway easement area starting at 8.30am.

"One of the reasons why we reacted so quickly and so effectively at the Mannings Road (Hepburn) fire this year was because our group always takes part in this integrated training in the lead-up to summer," he said.

"This year it comprised some driving in difficult terrain, running grass and scrub fire, defending properties in rural/urban interface and also an MVA response."

Images: Kyle Barnes

4 Words

www.tlnews.com.au

Local Lines Daylesford: I played Towel Suicide - Suicide Flannel in the bathroom before I left sorted their cutlery drawer it takes three days for a spoon to dry in my house the hairdresser said will that do I said how bout another inch she nibbled my fringe will that do I said little bit more please she said you're making a statement the cashmere sweater begged me in the window it's olive to match your green eyes said the girl when I couldn't see inside their apothecary where I was expecting Sean Connery to surprise me with his medieval monk impression from behind the dressing room's hessian sack she said you're an Autumn let's ask Jennae yes oh yes - it's you goes well with your lilac eyes I thought they were bloodshot that I was a stinky sweaty Summer they stared at the floor their fingers tiptoed around each layer of wrapping tissue the snow whispered outside don't wake us up the man up the road at Hepburn's Blue Bean cafe sang My Backwards Walk by Frightened Rabbit Saw Red by Gwen Stefani & Sublime before I had a chance to say do a cover I had the bowl of chips with aiaiaiaiaioli choc sauced strawbs dreamed on house made waffle two neat Frangelicos I am never a nun

the taxi driver turned off the meter showed me round the hills and the snow ppl glare their steely blues when the sun dared to show it's 2-D face the keep out signs at Yandoit where I once saw a petrified possum in an old Italian barn are set to deep freeze my fringe hid under my pink Argyle beanie how much is it to Castlemaine the driver said it's free cos I forgot to bring my money tin the only statement I made was k and got on the bus

Mary Stone Mary Stone is a poet, singer and spoken word performer who has featured in many poetry venues throughout Melbourne and Central Victoria. She has won several awards for her work and is published widely including her most recent book Hail Mary full of disgrace. Mary loves singing Mills & Boon a cappella, making NQR risotto and tripping over her own feet.

Poems for Local Lines come predominantly from a group of poets. However, other locals who would like a poem considered for publication can contact Bill Wootton - cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Workshops, walks & wings Build with natural materials

Come along and learn methods for incorporating natural materials such as rammed earth, straw and hemp and stone, into house design. The workshop will be held at Woodend Neighbourhood House on Thursday, October 10, 7.30pm-8.30pm.

Wildflower walk at Hobbs Road

The Macedon Ranges has numerous types of different wildflowers and Macedon Ranges Shire Council is offering the opportunity to take a guided tour of Hobbs Road Reserve at Bullengarook with botanist Ben Courtice. The guided walk will be held on Sunday, October 13, 10am-noon.

Macedon Ranges Bird Blitz

Help survey birds in the Macedon Ranges on Saturday, October 19. Bird enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome and each group will be led by expert field guides. Participants are asked to arrive at Bald Hill Reserve, Kyneton by 9.30am for breakfast before forming into groups and heading out to various sites. Lunch will be supplied and the day will finish at 2.30pm.

Bookings for all above events at mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events

Community flock mooted

A

GROUP of Hepburn Shire residents is advocating for a small, “community” flock of geese to be returned to Lake Daylesford.

The call comes after Hepburn Shire Council removed a flock of 29 geese and six ducks in July citing biodiversity and animal cruelty issues.

One of the group, Ballarat Poultry Society member, Di Le Long, said since the removal of the geese, Lake Daylesford had been lifeless.

Ms Le Long said the geese were a vital part of the ecosystem of the lake, the protectors of other waterbirds, particularly from foxes, and since their removal many other birds had also left the area.

“Other councils, such as Macedon Ranges and Port Phillip, value what geese bring to their lakes in Riddells Creek and Albert Park and I believe our council now understands the depth of feeling people have for the Daylesford geese.

“We are advocating for a small community flock to bring back the diversity of waterbirds to the lake, and to restore the creatures who gave such delight to locals and visitors alike. We have a community garden, a community cinema – why not a community flock?”

Ms Le Long said the group proposed a small flock of 10 or 11 geese.

“Veterinary advice is that there is a certain amount of natural selection from predation and that applies in any environment in which geese live. A flock of 10 or more doesn’t suffer fatigue or high risk as they each naturally take turns on ‘watch’ and they do this for the whole flock. They do not require an enclosure as they have a large body of water,” she said.

“The geese require worm treatment once every three months. That is a matter of a person wrapping a treat and ensuring each bird gets a treat. It is not hard or costly.

We could involve kids from the primary school in helping with this, they would have fun interacting with the geese and it could be used as an opportunity to educate them about geese and other waterfowl.

“We could also put up information boards around the lake to provide information about the breeds of geese on our lake, breeding seasons etc. and instructions not to feed them bread. Incorrect feeding could be mitigated with a small wheelie bin of 'bagged-up food' which won’t hurt the geese and which people could purchase for a gold coin donation.”

Ms Le Long said to stop the geese making their way up to King Street, the road down to the car park could be modified with a cattle grid and a low fence on each side of the road.

“It would require crowdfunding, but it could be achieved without too much expense, and there are many people who would be more than happy to help make something like that happen,” she said.

“I have spoken to a lot of people about the idea of a community flock and have received lots of offers to help. With passionate people and with such a great body of water, we can make this happen! We are all committed to raising the funds for the worming treatment, installation of the cattle grid and signs. We just need the community to get on board to persuade the council to support this idea.”

Ms Le Long said petitions had been placed in businesses in Vincent Street, Daylesford with a letterbox drop planned, along with a Facebook page, Bring Home Our Geese, for further explanation.

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

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 News

www.tlnews.com.au

Wooden spoons ready?

T

HE annual Lyonville Bake Off will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 11.30am to 3.30pm.

The annual fundraiser sees all monies raised going going towards the upkeep of the Lyonville Hall.

This year there are seven categories with a total prize pool of more than $400. Entries must be dropped off by 11am.

The day includes a coffee cart, Bake Off competition, cake stall, local craft and goods stalls, as well as a raffle and live music. Gold coin donation for entry.

Details: Secretary Dot Fuller, pictured with Odessa, on dottifuller@gmail.com

First-aiders needed

D

AYLESFORD paramedics are calling on residents to download the GoodSAM app on their smartphone as part of a campaign to encourage the community to step in after a cardiac arrest.

Paramedics will be holding CPR displays at the Daylesford Market on Sunday, October 20 from 8am to 1pm to encourage the community to step in after a cardiac arrest.

“A cardiac arrest happens when someone’s heart stops beating,” said Ambulance Victoria Daylesford acting team manager Peter Risstrom.

“We know that if a bystander steps in and begins CPR before we arrive, it doubles the person’s chance of survival.”

Peter said the event was part of Restart a Heart Day (Wednesday, October 16), a worldwide campaign to encourage people to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

He said 16 Victorians suffered cardiac arrest each day, and only one in 10 survived.

“Minutes matter in cardiac arrest and the sooner a person receives CPR and the application of a defibrillator, the better their chances of survival. Bystanders are the critical first link in the chain of survival and can help keep patients alive before our highly-trained paramedics arrive.”

Peter said people with first-aid training could help to save lives by downloading the GoodSAM Responder app, which alerts responders to a nearby suspected cardiac arrest and the location of the nearest AED. “We recently expanded GoodSAM, so that any adult with first-aid training can be alerted to a nearby cardiac arrest. Often these volunteer responders reach a patient before paramedics, and their intervention in those early minutes can help save a life.

GoodSAM Responders are never alone. An alert is only sent by the Triple Zero (000) call taker once a health emergency is assessed as safe and appropriate for a GoodSAM Responder to assist.

Peter said AEDs should be registered through Ambulance Victoria so that the location can be made public on an online registry and locations can be sent to GoodSAM Responders when an alert is issued.

Link: www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/goodSAM

Categories: Kids•Decorated Cakes•General Cakes•Cupcakes•Slices•Savoury•Pure Wholegrain DEVO NSHI R E TEA & LI GHT LUNCH

Lyonville Bake Off

& cake stall fundraiser SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER • 11:30AM TO 3:30PM DROP OFF ENTRIES BY 11AM LYONVILLE HALL, BREMNER AVENUE Gold Coin Donation per entry All entries are donated to the Cake Stall after judging Contact Dot: dottifuller@gmail.com

Portraits, still lifes, bubbles and brushes

Images: Kyle Barnes

J

ENNIFER England was born in Coffs Harbour in 1974. After finishing school she moved to Sydney and enrolled in a fine arts diploma course.

Graduating in 1994, she began working full-time in the arts and painting at night for almost 20 years. The now-Glenlyon resident chatted with Donna Kelly.

Donna: Tell us a little about yourself.

Jennifer: I returned to Coffs Harbour in 2011, when my daughter Martha was nearly two years old, I opened 1st Avenue Gallery in Sawtell with a friend from school days, realising a dream which we had both cherished for many years. The gallery was very successful. Again in Coffs Harbour I was approached to run an art group for Headspace Mid North Coast, and this has led me to an abiding belief in the value of art for young people attending similar groups and in similar situations. I would love to see funding for all Headspace centres to have similar projects available for vulnerable youth. I ran the art group for five years until funding ran out. I still assist with sourcing grants and private funding for these art groups.

Donna: When did you get involved in art?

Jennifer: From an early age I knew that I was going to be an artist and this was recognised in both primary and high school in Coffs Harbour where I was given real encouragement. I had already had a fairly arty upbringing as my mum is a music educator, passionate about free music education for children and for many years Musica Viva concerts were conducted in the family home with musicians from around the world staying and performing in our home. My mother being a classical musician and my father, a The Goons, Spike Milligan and Monty Python loving "comedian" made life interesting. I was always encouraged and supported by both parents in my chosen profession as an artist.

Donna: What are your media?

Jennifer: My media are oils as well as pen and watercolour pencil, which I use for my cartoon work. The cartoons often reflect the difficulties common to women and violence and young people struggling with depression and anxiety, the two most common forms of illness in the Headspace classes. My cartoons have been used by Orygen Mental Health research to help young people recognise feelings they can't articulate in words.

Donna: Who does your work appeal to and why?

Jennifer: My style is easily recognisable in the portraiture and still life paintings. I love to paint the landscapes of my imagination and works depicting groups of people.

People are my favourite subjects to paint but I do enjoy the placement of still life. My paintings of people are generally the most popular because, I think, they recognise themselves or people they know in the paintings. I also design t-shirts using my cartoons, these mostly appeal to younger people due to the subject matter although I'm always thrilled to see older people in my designs.

Donna: Tell us about your Central Highlands story?

Jennifer: My daughter Martha and I have been visiting dear friends in Glenlyon and Daylesford for the past six or seven years. My daughter's godfathers run the Glenlyon General Store. I fell in love with the landscape and feel of the place and thought for a long time that I would love to live in the Daylesford area. We finally moved here in July this year and so far, Martha and I are really loving it. I'm fortunate enough to have a beautiful sunny art studio in Glenlyon, above the store. In time this will become a small gallery and space for smaller events. I've also run my first monthly Bubbles & Brushes event at the store last month. I ran several of these groups in Coffs Harbour and they are great fun. People come along, sip some bubbles and start painting on a canvas with some guidance from me.

Sip cocktails on our verandah as the sunset shows off.

Eat Spring dishes bursting with deliciousness.

Finish the evening with a star-filled sky and a quiet ale.

Exceptional service with food to match

SPRING IS BEST ENJOYED AT THE DAYLESFORD HOTEL LUNCH FRI - SUN 12-3PM DINNER 7 NIGHTS FROM 5PM DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

8 Our nature

www.tlnews.com.au

Nature Diary with Tanya Loos

A

SACRED kingfisher started calling at our bush block today – with a loud and far-carrying ‘kek kek kek kek’! These brilliantly coloured birds are summer visitors to Victoria, and their calls may now be heard in woodlands and open forests throughout Victoria.

Although they are kingfishers, sacred kingfishers don’t necessarily need lakes and creeks; they are known as tree kingfishers. The most familiar tree kingfisher is the laughing kookaburra.

In fact, out of 13 species of kingfisher in Australia, only four are specialised to catch aquatic prey. One of these is the azure kingfisher, a tiny, bright blue-coloured bird that dives into rivers and in Geelong and the Otways, hunts very small fish.

The sacred kingfisher is the species we see around the Central Highlands the most, but often people think their bird is an azure kingfisher. Compared to a kookaburra, a sacred kingfisher does appear very small. And they also assume it must be an azure kingfisher because the field guide illustrations of sacred kingfisher seem rather dull. I am yet to see an illustration that manages to accurately capture the brilliant colours of the sacred kingfisher.

The 'kek kek kek kek call is a territorial call uttered by the male – he is ready to breed, and after pairing up, he and his mate will be busy defending a nesting territory. Both male and female aggressively defend the territory – from other kingfishers, but also from any species which may be a threat to their eggs and young, including magpies, kookaburras, currawongs and even cats and dogs.

The pair bond is cemented by a couple of displays, both of which I would love to see.

One is the nest display, where the male perches near the chosen nest site and then flies back and forth between perch and nest uttering a special call. The second is courtship feeding, where the male finds a particularly choice morsel like a yabby to feed to the female, who makes a begging call like a kingfisher chick, and then accepts it from the male.

In a good nesting season, with plenty of food, the pair may raise two broods. The kingfishers also nest in riverbanks but are more likely to nest in tree hollows.

The sacred kingfisher eats mainly insects, as well as earthworms, yabbies, skinks, small rodents, and frogs and tadpoles. I was surprised to read they also may eat birds and their young.

Like their tree kingfisher cousins, the kookaburras, their hunting method is to perch, motionless for sometimes long periods of time, and then snatch their prey off the forest floor.

Tree kingfishers prefer open woodlands and forests and are disadvantaged when habitat is covered by big swathes of gorse or broom, which prevents the kingfishers from watching and then grabbing prey on the ground.

Holistic Funeral Directors

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

Image: Dominic Sherony www.flickr.com/people/9765210@N03 Tanya Loos is a keen field naturalist who spends a lot of time wandering around the bush in our beautiful region. She loves writing about nature and science - she blogs at https://tanyaloos.wordpress.com/

www.tlnews.com.au

News 9

A journey to the Gates of Hell and back

C

LEARING the spouting of leaves for his grandmother in Hepburn, Micah LandonLane reflected on what is called the greatest car rally on earth, halfway around the planet in a car fit for scrap.

Quietly-spoken Micah fills the amazed ears of his family about an astonishing 18,000km journey across 17 borders. With 26-year-old Micah was his 25-year-old Swedish girlfriend, Salome Tobin, her cousin and Salome's best friend.

The Mongol Rally, as it’s called is open to anyone, says Micah. "The only rule is that a car must be small and inappropriate, with an engine maximum of 1.2 litres.”

There is no set route.

Off they went from Sweden in a $600 Nissan Micra, made in 2003, the year the journey was first attempted. The founder of the rally then made it halfway to Mongolia in a Fiat 126, with no change of clothes but with a packet of cheap cigars and a hunting knife.

Micah’s team lavished another $200 on a metal cage welded to the roof for their possessions and a false tap at the front which amused border guards who pretended to drink from it and wash.

While much of the trip was fun, there was a serious side. Ralliers have been injured and one was killed in an accident. Micah’s team narrowly avoided arrest twice.

And at one stage they only had third and fourth gear and no muffler.

The starting point was Sweden. When they reached Iran they encountered wonderful hospitality, being given directions and fresh bread, yoghurt and pistachios.

Then they were invited to stay the night as their hosts’ hijabs were flung off, tank tops and high heels were donned, there was drinking and dancing to DJs, with nearby tables full of delicious food. “They were disappointed that we didn’t party all night,” says Micah. “But we did look daggy.”

Next, they crossed into the bizarre dictatorship that is Turkmenistan, second only to North Korea in its seclusion. Perfect highways, complete with overpasses, carried no traffic, but were constantly swept with twig brooms and then washed by women in 40 degree heat and watched by police. The dirty brown Nissan drove past gleaming white multi-storey apartment blocks, empty because no one can afford them.

On they went to the Gates of Hell, a natural gas field that collapsed into an underground cavern. Set alight to stop the spread of methane gas and 70 metres wide, it’s been burning steadily since 1971.

By the time they reached landlocked Tajikistan in Central Asia, they were climbing to 4000 metres above sea level on the world’s second-highest highway when the Nissan stopped, with smoke coming from the bonnet.

Luckily, Russian ralliers arrived in a van and they were able to push start the Nissan uphill. But the road had been built by the Soviets in the 70s. Its crushed rocks were the size of lemons and the Nissan only had the width of a hand clearance. A metal sheet welded under the engine saved it, but the rocks pushed up the floor and left them without an exhaust pipe for five days.

The team slept in a tent in freezing weather. Next day it snowed. “Being summer, we were not expecting that,” says Micah.

They passed a razor-wire fence marking the Chinese border. “We were scraping along across 20 kilometres of no man's land when there was a twang of the suspension breaking. We coasted downhill in neutral, push starting it in third gear, which meant we had to jump in while it was rolling while negotiating herds of cows and goats.”

A spare starter motor got them going again.

Now they were passing startling mountains that resembled bacon, being pink in colour and white with snow.

Their journey ended in Siberia because Mongolia became too expensive. The rally raises money for rainforest protection. Vehicles can’t be dumped, so Micah and Salome left the other pair who drove back to Sweden, where Micah and Salome go next.

Now the rally is over they can have a good laugh, as they look back on 39 petrol stops, one flat tyre through wear, five breakdowns and not a single night’s paid accommodation. All for a little over $3000 each.

Above, from left, whooping it up near the Gobi Desert, Molly Fondelius, Micah Landon-Lane, Salome Tobin and, centre front, Andreas Tobin Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Contributed

ACCOMMODATION daylesfordcountryretreats.com.au

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONTACT BRENDAN OR TROY Daylesford’s trusted name in property management

0407 810 576 dayburnpropertymanagement.com.au

holistic fitness and Gym

Family Run Gym, Locally Owned.

A Gym For Everyone.

Xistance is a place where everyone can feel safe to work out and do their exercise. We are a non competitive gym and open the door to all people.

Supporting individuals, groups, genders, all ages from teenagers to 90 year olds. We partner with Springs Medical Centre through their Spring in your Step program.

We are a community gym, focused on holistic health and wellbeing.

Through connection, engagement and fitness we help build a resilient and healthy community.

We offer a professional serviced gym. Extended opening hours means members can train from 5am to 10pm 7 days.

If you love group fitness you can join our LesMills Bodypump, Bodybalance and Bodycombat classes.

We will work with you to tailor your approach to fitness through programming, advice, motivation and personal training.

Working together through exercise in an open non-judgmental space creates a community where people can flourish in their goals of health, happiness and wellbeing.

Contact Sam on 0434 489 037 for an introduction.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

9AM

9AM

9AM

Thursday

9AM

5.15PM

10 Mink Street, Daylesford | www.xistance.com.au

Xistance The Local _FP Ad.indd 1

Friday

5.15PM

|

Like and Follow us on

1/10/19 12:31 pm

Essential Health Information For Residents And Visitors

Do you keep people happy & healthy?

Advertise here.

CODE RED (CATASTROPHIC) BUSHFIRE RISK POLICY Springs Medical is committed to providing essential health services to residents and visitors to our region.

THE PERSONAL SAFETY OF OUR PATIENTS, OUR STAFF AND THEIR FAMILIES IS PARAMOUNT.

On all CODE RED days we will:

CLOSE

Springs Medical at Daylesford and Trentham.

Seek to provide an ‘Urgent Care’ service from Daylesford Hospital.

Attempt to contact all patients with booked appointments to reschedule as appropriate.

Please heed the advice of the CFA and other authorities.

For urgent medical attention on a CODE RED day contact the

After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222.

We recommend that you download the Vic Emergency App.

In an emergency always call 000.

Daylesford

10 Hospital Street tel: (03) 5348 2227

Trentham

BOOK ONLINE WITH

22 Victoria Street tel: (03) 5424 1602

www.springsmedical.com.au

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

A moment in time can be precious;

Springs Family Dental YOUR LOCAL DENTIST

Keeping the Families of Daylesford Smiling.

OPEN Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

it can be painful.

Yet, it is only a moment.

You can choose the next one.

It can be anything at all.

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

Children’s Dentistry | Smile Makeovers Dental Implants Crowns & Veneers Teeth Whitening | Emergency Dental Appointments Happy Gas Available 16 Albert Street, Daylesford | P 03 5348 2939 | F 03 5348 3203 E info@springsfamilydental.com.au

www.springsfamilydental.com.au

12 Us Two

www.tlnews.com.au

Us Two: Volunteers Carol and Chris Holt

C

AROL and Chris Holt, both passionate volunteers at Daylesford’s St Vinnies, met at a shopping mall in West Heidelberg. She says he was “cute and fun to be with”, and he says she was “a very attractive young lady”. That was 54 years ago. The couple, photographed "getting ready" for the Spring Racing Carnival, told their story to Donna Kelly.

Carol:

"I grew up in Richmond/West Heidelberg. I attended St John’s RC School in East Melbourne and Stanley Fashion College in Melbourne. I worked in the clothing trade in Flinders Lane as a fashion design assistant and sample cutter.

I met Chris when I was 16 at the mall shopping centre.

He was cute and fun to be with. It was love at first sight and we married three years later. They said it wouldn’t last but that was 54 years ago. We have a son and daughter and four grandchildren.

We both have a connection to the Central Highlands area.

Chris’s grandparents, Annie and Roland Holt, had a store in Daylesford. His father attended Daylesford Primary and Chris’s parents spent their honeymoon here. My great-greatgrandparents came from Ireland in 1852. They were Timothy and Anastasia Hayes, who were very involved at Eureka.

We first got involved in volunteering in scouting and guiding in the Ivanhoe area for about 10 years when our children were young. We were cub/scout leaders.

When moving to Daylesford 20-plus years ago, I had time on my hands. I enjoyed shopping at Vinnies. The ladies were passionate and their generosity was beyond reproach. I asked if I could volunteer and I was made welcome. When I retired from full-time work, I volunteered at Vinnies Sunbury on Saturdays for about five years.

The dedication and integrity of Vinnies' managers is outstanding. The volunteers are treated with respect. Anyone who has special needs is cared for. It is a privilege to be part of the team.

Chris and I have worked together for many years. It is fun most of the time, but like all people, we don’t always see eye-to-eye. I would recommend volunteering at Vinnies to anyone who wants to be part of the Daylesford shop and community. It is a great place to be."

Chris:

"Mum, dad and my brother were expecting a little girl and I was going to be called Daphne. But when I was born on Christmas Day, what else could I be called but Christopher? I went to Chatham State, Heidelberg State and North Heidelberg State and then Heidelberg Technical School via Errol Street State School in North Melbourne.

Carol and I met at the big shopping mall in West Heidelberg. We lost contact for some years but got together after reconnecting through the factory where Carol’s father worked because I was driving trucks to and from there in my job.

Carol was a very attractive young lady, working in the fashion trade. She was always well-dressed and fashionable.

I started work as a store-person when I was 15 years old, moving into trucking at 18. Generally, I worked in freight, wharf cartage, interstate and concrete cartage.

After hearing so many stories from dad, who went to Daylesford State School, I felt comfortable here. His parents had a general store in Vincent Street. It felt like a homecoming when we built our own home here.

We got into volunteering many years ago in scouting at 1st Olympic and 3rd Ivanhoe Scout Groups as cub leaders and scout group leader.

St Vinnies was basically a case of following Carol when time permitted as we can do it together at the same time. Volunteering is very satisfying in the sense that you can add something to a good cause. The volunteers at Vinnies Daylesford are a good group of people to work with. They leave me alone to do my own thing. I mostly do the test and tagging, and get things sorted on the shelves for sale.

I would very much recommend volunteering at Vinnies to other people because I really enjoy it."

Image: Kyle Barnes

"Mum, dad and my brother were expecting a little girl and I was going to be called Daphne. But when I was born on Christmas Day, what else could I be called but Christopher?"

- Chris Holt

Celebrating Our Seniors

TL Advertising feature

Celebrating Our Seniors

In the game

A

RE you aged 65 or over and want to get active and improve your health?

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is offering a free series of modified physical activity sessions for seniors from November in Woodend as part of the Back in the Game program.

Back in the Game is a modified indoor sports program endorsed by the Council Of The Ageing and aimed at local residents 65 years and over who are currently physically inactive.

Modified activities include walking soccer, walking netball, balloon volleyball, table tennis and more.

Free transport to and from the sessions is available, and a healthy morning tea will be provided free of charge.

The Woodend session will be held at Buffalo Sports Stadium on Tuesday, November 19 from 10am11.30am.

Registrations are essential. For further information or to register your interest, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/ backinthegame or call 5429 5637

Boogie time Garden party

C

LEAR the diary, pull out your dancing shoes and get set to boogie at the annual Greylight Dance, held during the 2019 Victorian Seniors Festival.

H

ERE'S a real senior and everyone is invited to a garden party to remember.

This year is the 160th birthday of the Kyneton Botanic Gardens and the 125th anniversary of the Kyneton Horticultural Society and they will be doing Macedon Ranges residents will be able to hit the it in style. dance floor on Wednesday, October 16 for the annual Join them for a BYO picnic on Sunday, October 20 dance, which is held in partnership with Kyneton Police. from 2pm to 5pm in the Kyneton Botanic Gardens for The dance will be held from 1.30pm at Kyneton an afternoon of horticultural fun for the whole family.

Town Hall, with local band Growing Up Is Optional Esteemed gardener and plantsman, Simon providing entertainment. Transport will be available but Rickard will host the afternoon, as well as special must be requested when booking.

The event is free, however bookings are essential. Call guests, horticulturist for the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, John Arnott and Dr Peter May, retired head Stephanie on 5422 0246 or email svassilios@mrsc.vic. of Burnley Campus, Melbourne University and resident gov.au to RSVP. of Kyneton for 35 years.

The Victorian Seniors Festival is a Victorian Enjoy Kyneton’s Municipal Band, wondrous Government initiative that supports and celebrates the storytelling for young and old by Jackie Kerin and magic contribution of Victoria’s one million-plus seniors.

by Adam Laurance. There will also be commemorative The festival will include social, cultural and tree planting and special awards presented to mark this educational activities held throughout October and magnificent milestone. hosted by the Victorian Government, local councils, Pack a picnic, chairs and rug to prepare for an community groups and commercial partners. afternoon of fun.

Free public transport is also available for Seniors Card holders across Victoria from Sunday, October 6 to Details: friendskynetonbotanicgarden@gmail.com Sunday, October 13. or www.khs1894.com

SENIORS WEEK 2019 - JADE HURLEY CONCERT “The undisputed ‘KING’ of Country and Rock’N’Roll in Australasia is coming to Ballarat.”

Thursday, 10 October 2019 Travel to Ballarat Lunch at the George Hotel followed by the Jade Hurley concert at the Regent Theatre Cost - $10 per head (Includes Travel/Lunch/Concert) RSVP Monday, 7 October 2019 Phone – 5348 2306 Payment will need to be made no later than the 7 October 2019 either over the phone or in person at a Council Customer Service Centre in Daylesford, Creswick or Clunes.

TRANSPORT Pick Up / Return Trentham – 10.30am / 5.15pm (transfer by mini bus to Daylesford) Daylesford – 11.00am / 4.45pm Clunes – 11.00am / 4.45pm (transfer by mini bus to Creswick) Creswick – 11.30am / 4.15pm

Celebrating Our Seniors

Hello Marlene!

C

RESWICK triple-threat Maureen Andrew will take audiences on a heady ride to reminisce and revel in the romance and decadence of the legendary Marlene Dietrich - as part of the Victorian Seniors Week.

Marlene, aka Maureen, will be performing at the Melbourne Festival Hub at Melbourne Town Hall on Monday, October 7 at 2pm.

The City of Melbourne will run free performances at the hub all week, from October 7 to October 11 from 10am to 4.30pm. Drop by for a free tea or coffee and catch a daily Hub concert, check out the partner and sponsor displays, enjoy the Yarra Room fun, cultural and information sessions, and catch up with friends. Details: 1300 797 210.

Meanwhile, Maureen has been keeping busy catching up in Sydney with performers at the Return to the Age of Aquarius and reminiscing on the 1969 Sydney opening night of Hair.

The long-running show was all about hippies, long hair, peace protests, drugs, sex and rock ‘n’ roll - and Maureen was there with best of them.

Maureen is also performing as Shirley Bassey for the Frolic Festival in Ballarat on November 7.

Now I’ve downsized, I’m living my best country life.

Escape the everyday rush and surrender yourself to the slower pace of Trentham.

McAuley Retirement Village is complete and ready for you to move in!

•

Sunlit two and three bedroom units

•

Spacious, open plan living

•

Superb location with stunning tree-lined streets.

Take a tour today. You won’t look back!

Call our sales partner Harkin Property 03 5424 1866 vmch.com.au

Memory woes?

D

AYLESFORD Neighbourhood Centre is holding a free session to provide information on memory and common changes that may occur with ageing.

It will provide strategies for improving memory, when to seek help about your concerns and services provided by Dementia Australia.

Dementia Australia's facilitators have specialist knowledge, skills and experience.

The session will be held at Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday, November 21 from 10.30am to noon. The tutor is Jenny Horner.

Come along to this free workshop and get the information and facts on memory loss and where to get help.

The event is free with RSVPs to Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre on 5348 3569.

Celebrating Our Seniors

A few ideas for keeping active and healthy To Turn A Page offers free Shared Reading Circles At Trentham Neighbourhood House from Monday, October 7 from 1.30pm. Good for all but particularly good for seniors.

Trentham Neighbourhood Centre is offering a threecourse lunch with entertainment for the princely sum of $5 next Friday, October 11. Bookings essential on 5424 1354 or admin@trenthamnc.org.au U3A Hepburn Shire - A U3A is a university in the original sense of the word: a community of people devoted to learning. We are a volunteer co-operative of older people who share many educational, creative and leisure activities. Email membership@ U3Ahepburnshire.com Friends of Cornish Hill, enjoying a well-earned morning tea right, is a Landcare group focusing on revegetating the Smiths Creek corridor, also hosting an assortment of environmental educational workshops with local schools. October is all about birds with a “bird” walk lead by Birdlife Australia’s Lindall Kidd on October 12 at 2pm.

RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE NOW IS THE TIME •

Accommodation available at Daylesford, Creswick and Trentham

•

An opportunity not to be missed

•

Residential aged care is more affordable than ever before

•

Permanent/Respite care

•

24 Hour nursing and personal care

•

Full accreditation with Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission

DON’T MISS OUT Shared rooms

For enquiries contact: Gabrielle Kirby Waitlist Manaager 03 5321 6595 or email: agedcare@hhs.vic.gov.au

1/2 price just $100k

Celebrating Our Seniors

Hepburn House

W

Hepburn House has facilities to provide for couples – ITH its impressive range of services and beautiful surrounds, Hepburn House is bedrooms with an adjoining private lounge and ensuite.

All the remaining rooms are single, private rooms with home sweet home.

A government-funded aged care facility, Hepburn House offers all levels of care, from permanent to respite, in a comfortable home-style environment.

“We focus on giving residents choices and being flexible, nothing is strict,” explains manager Dianne Jones.

Hepburn House is also Rainbow Tick accredited, meaning that it provides safe care to people from the LGBTI community.

“Here we are progressive, we’re inclusive and we’re welcoming. All of our staff work to make Hepburn House a friendly, home-like environment for our residents.”

Along with the beautiful gardens and natural bushland that Hepburn House is set in, there is a full lifestyle program on offer.

“We’re just starting our inter-generational program with local childcare, with the children coming to Hepburn House and engaging with our residents each fortnight.

“We also have entertainers a couple of times a month, as well as regular favourites like Morning Melodies and outings for coffee and cake, to local attractions and events or shopping.”

The big new extension is also set to begin the building phase any day now.

“The LGBTI and friends section is 31 beds and the purpose-built area for residents living with dementia is 15 beds – and there will also be a gym and a theatre, it’s going to be magnificent.”

ensuites and many also have private balconies with views of the surrounding countryside.

“And staff members often have a cup of tea and a chat with our residents, it’s a very friendly and inclusive environment.”

Visits from friends and family are more than welcome, with residents able to have a friend or family member join them for lunch or dinner for a nominal fee.

“There’s also a fabulous outdoor barbeque area for gatherings, and we can also make arrangements to host birthday parties.”

Home-style meals are cooked in the on-site kitchen, which can accommodate not only dietary and religious requirements but also residents’ likes and dislikes.

Residents are cared for by a full team of dedicated personal care workers and nurses, as well as regular visits from allied health professionals.

Transport options are also available for residents, to and from things like shopping or medical appointments.

Hepburn House regularly has respite available and currently has a permanent bed available.

Hepburn House is located at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford.

For more information, please call 5348 8100 or visit www.hepburnhouse.com.au Advertorial

“Here we are progressive, we’re inclusive and we’re welcoming. All of our staff work to make Hepburn House a friendly, home-like environment for our residents.”

- Dianne Jones

House.Land.Home.

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

PORCUPINE RIDGE 51 WOOLNOUGHS ROAD

UNIQUE RURAL HAVEN Perfect for those seeking a peaceful nature-inspired lifestyle. Craftsman-built multiple dwellings are rich in character and surrounded by stunning gardens • Double storey main residence: open plan living-dining-kitchen, 3 BRs, large study, 2 bathrooms – one with spa bath • Cottage: Open plan living-mealskitchen, 2BRs, bathroom with spa bath • Studio loft apartment: open plan BRliving with kitchenette, separate bathroom plus spa bath • Large workshop & studio.

Established gardens. Orchard, paddocks, 3 dams.

• 2.2 hectares (approx.) 5.5 acres, 10 mins from Daylesford

JUST LISTED

a6 b4 c3 FOR SALE PRICE $1,150,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328 JUST LISTED

BLAMPIED 9 DAYLESFORD-CLUNES ROAD OPEN RURAL ASPECT • 3 bedrooms, 2 with built in robes • Modern open plan kitchen/meals • Family bathroom with separate large laundry storage • Large separate living area • Gas log fire and split system air conditioners • 2 carports, lock-up garage and storage area • School bus stop at the front door

a3 b1 c4

FOR SALE PRICE $419,000 CONTACT Nik Bradley 0448 407 387 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

HEPBURN SPRINGS 115 MAIN ROAD ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY! ICONIC BLUE BEAN CAFE - FOR SALE IN HEPBURN SPRINGS ONLY $110,000 WIWO • Perfectly positioned in Hepburn Springs • Café with liquor licence • Indoor seating, front veranda seating and fantastic courtyard seating • Currently running live music gigs • Massive growth potential for a motivated new owner-operator • Taking over $11,000 per week

FOR SALE PRICE $110,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

HEPBURN SPRINGS 88 MAIN ROAD

COUNTRY SCHOOL CONVERSION – A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY This beautiful property features the original Yandoit Creek state school which was moved to the site in 1946 and is now a charismatic residence • Open plan gallery-style living-dining room • Well appointed kitchen • Main bedroom/study, second bedroom • Bathroom, laundry & wide deck • Land area approx. 600 sq.m.

JUST LISTED

a2 b1 FOR SALE PRICE $595,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328 JUST LISTED

CRESWICK 66 CLUNES ROAD INVITING AND SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME Impressively sized and oozing with creature comforts is this 4 bedroom family home just a walk to the centre of Creswick. Freshly painted and refurbished, with hydronic heating through out the home along with a private salt water pool in the expansive rear gardens.

All 4 bedrooms are spacious and have BIRs (master with WIRs), along with split system heating and cooling, workshop and plenty of secure parking including space for your caravan.

JUST LISTED

a4 b2 c6

FOR SALE PRICE $429,000 to $449,000 CONTACT Nik Bradley 0448 407 387 OFFICE 32 Albert Street, Creswick 5345 1073

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

MUSK VALE 23 TREWINS LANE Located in a quiet no through road on the doorstep of popular Daylesford, this large 3 bedroom sturdy brick residence is sited on a sheltered and securely fenced allotment of nearly 1 acre.

Surrounded by lawns and attractive established low maintenance gardens the home is presented with pride and care, featuring expansive indoor-outdoor living areas where every effort has been made so that all you need to do is move in and enjoy relaxed year-round living.

FOR SALE PRICE $625,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Regional round up

T

HERE are strong signs of a property market recovery in regional Victoria, the latest REIV data suggests.

A comparison of REIV auction sales figures from the June quarter to the September quarter this year, excluding the long weekend, reveals there were fewer auctions in regional Victoria in the September quarter, but auction clearance rates improved greatly. In the June quarter, 469 properties were auctioned in regional Victoria, with 245 sold – a clearance rate of 52.2 per cent, compared with a 62.9 per cent clearance rate for the state. In the September quarter, only 314 properties went under the hammer in regional Victoria, with 206 sold – a clearance rate of 65.6 per cent, against a statewide clearance rate of 75.6 per cent.

The volume of properties going to auction dropped 33 per cent between the quarters, but the improvement of 13.4 percentage points in the clearance rate – a greater increase than for the state as a whole – demonstrates an important trend in the market that agents are seeing across the state. Lower volumes, combined with market demand should increase prices.

Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn

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

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

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

0418 567 195

Pride Furniture “WE CREATE FURNITURE SUSTAINABLY AND RESPONSIBLY” Factory 7-37 East Street, Daylesford Phone: 0402 474 019 Email: pridefurniture@y7mail.com PrideFurnitureMelbourne Tuesday-Friday 9am - 3pm Sunday-Monday by appointment

Design with Indre Kisonas

Yellow is Spring “How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun.” - Vincent van Gogh Spring is trying its hardest to push its way through the cold, laden clouds to provide us with the warm, golden rays that elude us for months on end in winter. Yellow rays with yellow daffodils, yellow wattle and the terrible gorse bush are signs of spring and warmth.

Yellow evokes the radiant sunshine that makes us happy and content. Yellow is warm and bright. It represents abundance, courage, self-confidence, wisdom and creativity as its positive attributes.

Its negative attributes represent cowardice, deceit and sickness. In an interior space, too much yellow can lead to visual fatigue and depression. It is the only colour pigment that doesn’t combine well with black. When mixing yellow with any other colour pigment (except white) a sickly colour will be had.

Our human eye processes yellow first, over all other colours. Our peripheral vision is 2.5 times higher for yellow with red being its second. Cautionary signs are painted yellow along with taxis, safety clothing and signage for a big fast food franchise. There is no surprise that this franchise uses yellow and red for high impact and a quick turnover.

Colours alter our physiology through their different wavelengths stimulating different parts of the brain affecting anxiety, pulse, blood flow and arousal.

Only in the last few decades have we begun to understand there is a separate pathway for the non-visual effects of colour. Like the ear, which also provides us with a sense of balance, the eye performs two functions: electrochemical signals from light wave stimulation affects the visual cortex in the brain where our visual images are formed.

Our hypothalamus is also stimulated by light through retinal ganglion cells. The hypothalamus is responsible for the secretion of a number of hormones which control many parts of our bodies through self-regulatory systems, that is, temperature, hunger, sleep and circadian rhythms. These retinal cells are particularly sensitive to short wavelengths (blue and green).

There is a clear physiological mechanism through which light and colour affect us.

This non-image forming visual pathway to the hypothalamus is believed to be involved in seasonal affective disorder that affects some people in the darker winter months. It can be successfully treated by exposure to light, particularly in the morning.

Similarly, there is data to show that exposure to bright, short wavelengths prior to bedtime can increase alertness and affect sleep quality. Poor sleep quality is linked with increased risk factors for obesity, diabetes and heart disease. The concern is for the excessive use of smartphones and tablets in the late evening because they emit blue/green light waves which inhibit melatonin release and so prevents us from feeling drowsy and getting a good night's sleep.

Welcome to Spring and welcome to the colour yellow. With open arms we welcome more sunshine and longer daylight hours with less time cooped up inside on our devices. Bring those daffodils inside to add happiness to your day and walk barefoot on the grass in the sunshine. It is bound to make you feel better.

Indre Kisonas - principal designer and owner iok design www.iokdesign.com.au | indre@iokdesign.com.au

Bringing the tropics home I’ve never contemplated planting tropical fruiting trees in Central Victoria’s climate, considering how much they can often struggle in sunny South Australia.

Although, I admit the frosts can be ferociously destructive in Adelaide.

So I was delighted to discover a mini-orchard of Queensland nut trees (macadamia integrifolia) absolutely flourishing and loaded with ripening nuts at Field House, the Springmount property of Frank and Nola Wallis. (You can see them for yourself, weekend of November 9 and 10 as part of the Creswick Garden Lovers’ Weekend).

Macadamias, like many other tropical and rain forest trees in our climate, have often been kept as house plants or confined to glass houses. Especially through the winter months.

But apparently, if given plenty of protection from chilly winds and covered on frosty nights for at least the first three or four seasons in well-drained, organically-rich soil and well watered during the summer’s worst heat, they are fine. But be prepared to wait as long as 10 years for a full crop.

I’m not sure about them producing anything like a worthwhile crop of nuts, but they will grow well as delightful tub specimens if grown in a large tub.

I don’t know of any local nurseries stocking macadamias, but they are available on line from www.nurseriesonline.com.au and www.daleysfruit.com.au Grow your own If given the same treatment and conditions there are two other tropical favourites that can be grown either as houseplants or, hopefully, as fruiting trees in a protected part of the garden, namely mango and avocado. Best of all you can propagate them yourself from seed. Admittedly, being seedlings, the chances of them producing worthwhile crops are fairly slim and can take almost a decade of waiting...but they do both make attractive indoor or tubbed plants.

Mangoes These produce their seeds in a large purse-like pod which, when cut open, can reveal anything up to five or six embryos. After cleaning and drying these with a damp paper towel, simply insert them into a small pot, or pots of good, friable potting mix and keep the soil moist, but not wet. Place the pot in a warm, well-lit spot and you should have healthy little shoots appearing within three to six weeks.

Give them time to establish strong growth before potting them into a 10-12cm pot.

Avocados These can be grown as a fun children’s project where they can watch the progress as it happens. All you need, apart from a fresh, healthy avocado seed, is a glass, warm water, four toothpicks and a well-lit windowsill.

Simply wash and peel the soft outer skin from the seed and insert the toothpicks equidistant around it so that it can be supported over the water to approximately one third of its length, with the wide end pointing down. Fill the glass to that level.

I have been told that germination time can be markedly reduced if you slice about one centimetre from the top first.

Once the root growth almost fills the glass, you can simply transfer your new avocado tree into a pot of friable potting mix. Unless you plan to keep it as a house plant, don’t be in any hurry to take the plant outside until you feel that the weather is temperate enough for it to thrive in a sheltered porch or shaded part of the garden.

Got a gardening query?

Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

22 Our producers

www.tlnews.com.au

Award winning open range farm eggs

Y

OU can get some of the best food in the most unexpected places. Just ask Boyd Carmody of Creswick Open Range Farm.

“Long before I was an egg producer, I drove road trains in some of the most remote places in Australia. But Little Topar Roadhouse about 100 kilometres east of Broken Hill had the best eggs you ever tasted. That was because they came from the chooks living out back.

That’s classic open range.”

Boyd ventured out in lots of different careers before settling on being an open range egg farmer. He initially joined the navy as an apprentice aircraft engineer before wandering off to start an earth moving business and driving big rigs around Australia. He then lived in Western Australia for a decade before coming back to Victoria, carting sweet potatoes out of the Newlyn/Creswick corridor.

Then, seven years ago, with little more than a few chooks in the front yard, someone gave the family a rooster. It was a very well performing addition, the flock rapidly multiplied, and Boyd began selling the excess. That soon led to breeding heritage birds such as brown leghorns, barnevelders and orpingtons for sale and distributing the extra eggs to friends and family, then markets and stores. With that, Creswick Open Range Farm was born.

The family property at Gordon was too small and Boyd bought 48 hectares at Creswick North two years ago. Around half is currently stocked with around 2000 hylines that have the run of some incredibly lush pasture. This works out to be a stocking rate of around 200 birds per hectare, a fraction of the amount found at most poultry farms. They wander around, picking and scratching, chasing bugs, taking long dust baths, eating the best food and laying sublime eggs, all of which are collected by Boyd and son Reuben in the back of their buggy. With sunset, the chooks settle in 10 wooden sheds for the night, watched over by an attentive alpaca called Frank.

Today, Creswick Open Range Farm supplies to a selection of cafes and eateries in the area including The Farmer’s Arms Creswick, Creswick IGA, The Clunes Greengrocer, and other independent supermarkets, continental delis and privately-owned greengrocers from St Arnaud, Talbot and Clunes to Bacchus Marsh and Altona North. They also have a stall at the Creswick Farmers Market on the third Saturday of every month.

The quality of the eggs does not come without a great deal of effort on Boyd’s behalf. The paddocks are regularly rotated and seeded with a mix of oats, barley, wheat and millet and the accommodation sheds are moved around every four days or so. And the birds have their quality natural mixed grain and tank water regularly replenished.

It’s open range egg production at its best, says Boyd.

His efforts to make his produce the highest quality have certainly been paying off and they recently won a silver medal at the 2019 Australian Food Awards for their eggs. Boyd shows the certificate and says proudly: “These sorts of things don’t turn up in the mail when you just have one big shed. It makes all the effort worth it.”

Words & images: Tony Sawrey

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

www.tlnews.com.au

Dining 23

Honest, delicious fare on offer at Lavandula

W

E HELD Aperitifs at our place recently and I was chatting with a guest, a bloke, who said: "You know, three women put this region on the map Carol White at Lavandula, Tina Banitska at The Convent and Alla Wolf-Tasker at Lake House. Not a man in sight."

Big call but if the cap fits, and I think it does, wear it. And so it was lovely to be sitting with Carol last Saturday as we dined at the always beautiful Lavandula. It was a glorious Spring day with loads of people enjoying al fresco dining amid myriad blooms and chattering birds, on sturdy tables or deliciously green grass.

Carol showed us to a table inside, well sort of inside, but still open to the sounds and fragrances and with a ceiling full of trailing foliage.

Everywhere there were pretty pots of flowers, loads of comfortable cushions and a feeling of "relax and we'll look after you".

Carol has always been a great believer in reusing found objects and you see them everywhere. Pallets made into display huts, recycled church pews, jam jars as water glasses. And it all just works.

We check out the blackboard menus and place our order with Colleen. A must-try is one of the wood-fired pizzas - they have been a big hit over the school holidays and no wonder. There are six to choose from and at just $20 they are really good value. We ask for the Regina - ham, napoli, mushrooms and mozzarella.

It's delicious. Big enough for two to share, or have on your own if you're hungry, with a lovely thin base and full of classic Italian flavours.

As a side, Carol suggests the roast cauliflower with cavalo nero, capers, pangrattato, parmesan and a poached egg ($18). When it comes out, the aroma hits first. And it's fantastic. Then you dig in and enjoy the most fabulous dish you have tasted in ages. It is absolutely delicious and just chockful of flavour and textures. A dish to remember and return for.

There's also pastas, soups and salads to choose from along with a very hearty-sounding pan roasted lamb shoulder with warm spring beans and an Italian herb salad ($26).

Lavender, of course, is also big on the menu. We had both the lavender scones with jam and stacks of cream and a beautifully refreshing lavender lemonade. For those who like a stronger tipple there's also a decent drinks menu with wines (I had a glass of Hanging Rock chardonnay, $10), beers, ciders, bubbles and cocktails including a lavender champagne and lavender gin and tonic. Oh, with summer fast approaching keep in mind the lavender ice-cream!

It's a cliche but Lavandula really does have something for everyone, whether it's from the cafe, or just a wander around the property. At the moment there are day-old chicks to admire, the bocce court to test your skills on, alpacas, sheep, an emu, geese (don't go there...), a fabulous gift shop, and loads of history and nature. As Carol says they don't do glitz but they certainly do plenty of honest down-to-earth attractions.

Oh, mark your diary. The La Primavera Swiss Italian Festival will be held on Sunday, October 27 from 10am. Enjoy art, craft and gourmet food from the many local producers involved. Admission is just $6 for adults and $2 for school children - with dogs on leads always welcome. See you there!

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes

D AY L E S F O R D B O W L I N G C L U B BISTRO Book now

Great Food Great Atmosphere Morning Melodies

for your Christmas Function

1st Thursday of the month - 11am to 12pm

Thursday Meat Raffle Friday Raffle

DISCO BINGO 2nd

Thur of the m sday onth 6.30pm t o 8.30pm

Come make it your club!

To avo i d d i s a p p o i n t m e n t b o o k i n g s a r e a p p r e c i at e d

8 Camp St - Daylesford | 03 5348 2130 | www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au

www.pizzerialaluna.com.au

SU

La L na

N

delivering

DA

TS

Daylesford

w

on

Pizzeria

No

Stay updated on the latest events by visiting our website or Facebook page

Y NIG

H

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

Do you feed and water people?

Advertise here.

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

Open every day until late.

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

5348 3577

ON THE BANKS OF LAKE DAYLESFORD

Mercato is now offering two dining spaces.

Enter the door on the left where will be offering breakfast from 8am until 11am and lunch with a different price point from 12 until 3pm.

Enter the door on the right for the Mercato you all know and love for lunch from 12 until 3pm and dinner from 6pm until late with our new a la carte “comfort food”

Exquisite water views from any vantage point, The Boathouse Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining venue for lunch and dinner. You can take in the beautiful views from our warm and cosy indoor dining area for winter catch ups and our outdoor deck and seating area during the warmer months.

The Boathouse Restaurant provides year-round comfort with stylish food and a relaxed yet professional style of service, making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine over a meal with family and friends.

LUNCH

32 Raglan St, Daylesford Phone: (03) 5348 4488 Download WOWAPPS from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store, and search for MERCATO@DAYLESFORD”

Wed - Sun 11.30am - 2.30pm

(last main course orders)

DINNER

Fri & Sat

5.30pm - 8.30pm (last main course orders)

The Boathouse Restaurant does not take bookings for lunch but welcomes guests on a walk in basis. Reservations are available for dinner.

2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford | 03 5348 2199

26 Dining

www.tlnews.com.au

Meal deals!

Gig Guide

E

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

Bellinzona Grange, Hepburn

Sammy Grayson - Saturday, October 12, 8pm-10pm Andy Vogel - Saturday, October 19, 8pm-10pm

Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn

Monday:

Peppers Mineral Springs, Hepburn - Feed me - includes a glass of beer or wine $45pp (New Spring menu!) (That's their food pictured below - yum.)

Wednesday:

Bellinzona, Hepburn - two/three courses & a glass of wine - $40/$50

Thursday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $25 The Plough, Trentham - Locals' All Day Dining - 2 courses $27/3 courses $32

Scott Fraser - Friday, October 11 Buck Jr. - Saturday, October 12 Open Mic - Sunday, October 13 Cal ’n’ Pickles - Friday, October 18 Never Easy - Saturday, October 19 Andy Lacy - Friday, October 20

Daylesford RSL, Daylesford

Open mic - 1st Sunday of the month, 3pm-5pm

The Tuck Shop Ladies

Scrub Hill, Newlyn

Friday:

Criterion Hotel, Castlemaine - Express Jalapeno Poppers $12, Fried Chicken Wings $12, Refried Bean Rolls $12, Fried Baby Calamari Tostada $16, 12-2.30pm

Dave Graney and Clare Moore - Sunday, October 13, 3pm-5pm

Blackwood Hall, Blackwood

The Black Orchid Stringband and Honeyfields - Sunday, November 10, 3pm

Sunday:

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Roast, a pot or glass of wine or soft drink - $25

Raffles:

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

Every day:

Steakhouse, Daylesford - Kids under 12 eat free with any main meal. New $25 express lunch menu, with loads to choose from, 7 days a week.

Community Lunch

The 5000 Club, Daylesford offers a three-course lunch most Fridays at Victoria Park, Daylesford. Due to other pre-booked events, there is no lunch on October 25, dates and venues for November lunches are to be advised, there is no lunch on December 6 and the last lunch for the year is for Christmas, on December 20.

Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs

Marni Sheehan and Mark Smith – Friday, October 11, 7.30pm Hepburn Sustainability's film screening of 2040 – Thursday, October 17, 6.15pm Morton Choppers – Friday, October 18, 7.30pm-9.30pm Above the Bit & Charm of Finches – Saturday, October 19, 7.30pm The Old Married Couple – Friday, October 25, 7.30pm-9.30pm Simon Taylor Is a Super Funny Boy – Saturday, October 26, 7.30pm

Glenlyon Hall, Glenlyon

Bushdance - Saturday, October 12, 7.30pm-10.30pm This Way North & The Tuck Shop Ladies (pictured above) - Sunday, October 27, 3pm-6pm

Got a gig coming up? Email news@tlnews.com.au It's free!

THURSDAY

BEER GARDEN

Locals Menu – all day

Mains from $22

2 Courses $32 3 Courses $37 3 Courses + Wine of Week $42

FUNCTIONS

when everyone is a local

Kids menu & regular menu also available

Thursday to Saturday 11am – close Sunday 11am – 4pm 31 High Street, Trentham (03) 5424 1144

theplough.com.au

www.mineralspringshotel.com.au Bookings Essential: 03 5348 2202 124 Main Rd Hepburn Springs

Private dining room Catering for 8-30 guests Set menus available

u! Locals Night at The Argus en g M Every Monday $45 per person “feed me”. in Local seasonal food prepared by our chefs in r Sp a shared banquet style for two or more. w e N Includes a glass of local house wine or beer.

Dining 27

Open 7 days Lunch & Dinner

NEW $25 EXPRESS LUNCH MENU

www.daylesfordsteakhouse.com.au

Upstairs 74 Vincent Street Come on up, relax on the terrace Local Grass Fed Black Angus

03 5301 8157

& FRESH NEW SPRING /SUMMER MENU Delicious Mexican, spuds, salads, vegan options loaded fries & more, dine in, takeaway & delivery www.casaelrey.com.au 03 5348 3888

Battle of the Booze

T

HE Farmers Arms Daylesford is hosting a Battle of the Booze on Thursday October 24. The battle is between Holgate Brewhouse (beer) and Passing Clouds (wine).

On offer is a specially prepared four-course meal with each course paired with both a Holgate Brewhouse beer and a Passing Clouds wine. It's then up to the diners to decide who is the winner for each course, and ultimately, the night.

Tickets are $79 per person via www.farmersarmsdaylesford.com.au

Giveaway

The Local has two tickets to give away for people who love their beer, wine and food. For the chance to win, email news@tlnews.com.au with 25 words or less on why you would like to attend. Entries must be received by close of business on Thursday, October 17. Good luck!

V

28 Markets

www.tlnews.com.au

To market, to market, to buy Spring stuff

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 Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday 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 Malmsbury Village Farmers Market - third Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday

food and drinks, organic veggies, local produce, craft, art, music, plants

kids' craft, handmade goods, eco-wares, 90+ stalls, friendly atmosphere

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

www.tlnews.com.au

Out & About 29

Woodend Art Group's annual exhibition

T

HE Woodend Art Group's annual exhibition will be held at the historic Woodend Railway Station building over the Melbourne Cup Weekend from Saturday, November 2 to Tuesday, November 5 from 10am to 4pm. The official opening will be held on Saturday at 2pm.

A gold coin donation includes a ticket in the lucky draw, new prize daily, tea and coffee as well as a selection of homemade goodies The Woodend Art Group has many award-winning artists among its members, and the annual judged exhibition is one not to be missed.

A great variety of works will be on display including encaustic works, printmaking, acrylic, pastel, oil and watercolours, some members have been experimenting with acrylic pouring, and woodworks and clay modelling are also favourites.

Among those exhibiting is Anthony Bowles who started in hairdressing, leaving school at a young age to do an apprenticeship, before heading overseas to work at Vidal Sassoon and Molton Brown in London. Anthony has owned salons in Melbourne and Cairns, but now work for himself part-time, so he can concentrate on painting.

“I moved to Woodend in 2008 with my partner, and commenced a diploma of visual art, then continued on to complete the advanced diploma. I have had several solo exhibitions, including exhibitions at Yering Station in the Yarra Valley, and Bress Winery at Harcourt.

“I’ve always loved art. I drew a lot as a child and started painting in oils at 13. A local French artist neighbour used to take myself and his son out painting en plein air. The three of us would set up easels and spend hours painting on weekends around Lilydale and Healesville.

“I love drawing. I draw every day. I carry a journal with me, so I can do quick sketches at a moment’s notice, often on the train to and from Melbourne, with mixed reactions from my sleeping subjects.

“I work in both oils and watercolours. The buttery texture of oil is lovely to work with. And watercolour is very spontaneous and in the moment. But in both disciplines, for me, it is all about the light, and capturing that particular moment in time.”

To see Anthony’s work, head to the exhibition or Instagram under anthonykbowles.

Come and stay at ours while you look for yours! Pet-friendly, self-contained accommodation in Glenlyon.

Just $140 per night, two-night minimum.

Call Kyle on 0416 104 283 or email kyle@tlnews.com.au

If this doesn’t turn you on... you haven’t got a switch!

1119 Creswick Newstead Road. Sandon (20 minutes outside of Daylesford) Phone 0401 129 337 Extreme 4x4 Farm Drive

30 Crossword

www.tlnews.com.au

W RD

CROSS

services

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

services

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

WISH MOVING HOUSE WAS THIS EASY? No matter if you are moving into the area for the first time, moving to the big smoke or just moving across town - we will take care of you and your prized possessions like its our own home we are moving. Locally owned and operated, Oz Trans are the leading local removalist and general transport specialists in the entire Daylesford and Central Highlands region for over 25 years.

PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISION OF SLUDGE PUMP-OUT

• Home, piano and commercial removals • House packing services • Sensitive freight • All kinds of art cared for

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

Here's the solution for Crossword 159.

How did you go?

FREIGHT · TRANSPORT · RE MOVA LS DAY L ESFO R D AND CENT R AL HIGH LAN DS

• Furniture deliveries (new & second-hand) • General freight and produce cartage • Bulk freight, dry and chilled • Packing supplies available CALL JASON 0407 697 877 WWW.OZ-TRANS.COM.AU

REGULAR RUNS TO MELBOURNE, GEELONG, BALLARAT, BENDIGO AND EVERYWHERE IN-BETWEEN.

Rosie's wild about fennel

R

OSIE Cooper has a wild idea that is delivering healthcare right back into the hands of locals.

Daylesford is obviously a good growing climate, with its cool temperatures and good rainfall – and lots of those plants growing wild, even the invasive weeds, can easily be used in herbal medicine.

“In some ways herbal medicine is simple and it’s a matter of picking a few leaves and rubbing them on your skin or making them into a tea, but it can be super complex too and we’re going into both ends of that with Wild Fennel,” Rosie explains.

Wild Fennel is a free community group that meets on the third Saturday of every month in Daylesford – it’s hosted by Rosie, who has been studying herbal medicine for about 10 years and is very passionate about it, as well as knowledgeable.

“It’s about taking health care back into our own hands. There’s definitely a place for doctors and the western medical system - but there’s also a lot that herbal medicine can do, and that we can do to heal ourselves.

“We had about 50 people at our first meeting and it was amazing, people really want to be working with plants in a much closer relationship, and it’s just that they don’t know how to.”

Each month, Wild Fennel focuses on a different herb growing wild and local – wild fennel, by the way, is good for supporting the digestive system and Rosie recommends having the seeds after a meal to relieve that feeling of having eaten too much, or to help with bloating.

It’s just one of the many medicinal plants around Daylesford that are easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for – and that’s one of the things that people can learn at Wild Fennel. It’s also one of the things that first drew Rosie to move to the area, about two-and-a-half years ago.

“The wild medicinal plants were among the things that attracted me here – I live in Guildford, and the difference in the plants even between there and Daylesford is huge.”

WALKING TOURS

Now, Wild Fennel is giving people an opportunity to learn about what is growing in the local area and how to use it in medicine.

“It’s what we’ve been doing for thousands of years and people are just remembering and coming back to it.”

Even the invasive weeds from Europe growing wild locally can be used – hawthorn, for instance, is good for the cardiovascular system and wild rose is good for calming nerves.

“A lot of them were brought here for a reason, because they are very useful. While it’s not great having them invade the natural bushland, if we can harvest them then that’s great. I really believe that the earth grows what we need.”

People can link in with Wild Fennel on the group’s Facebook page or in the Hepburn Relocalisation Network’s newsletter.

Good As Gold Very much in flower at the moment and very recognisable, calendula, known as the “marigold” family of plants, makes a helpful herbal medicine with a simple recipe.

Rosie explains that it’s really good for cuts and scratches, eczema and bruises because of its anti-inflammatory properties and can also be helpful for hayfever.

To make a tea, pick the flowers and use them either fresh or dried. Put them in a pot, cover with hot water, pop a lid on and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Once it’s cool enough to go on your skin, use it as a rinse or a wash or soak a cloth in it and hold it on for longer on the affected area.

For itchy hayfever eyes, soak a cloth in the strained tea and hold it over your eyes.

If you want to make something that will last longer, then you can diffuse the dry flowers into oil - fill a jar with flowers, then cover them with oil and let it sit for four weeks and then when that’s done, strain it out and you have your oil that you can then use on your skin for inflammations and cuts.

Words: Kate Taylor | Image: Kyle Barnes

OF DAYLESFORD

, Bookings are essential: Daylesford Visitor Information Centre t: 1800 454 891 or trybooking.com

Come on our engaging guided walk and all will be revealed…

AlicesJourneys alicesjourneys8459

0455 519 111

info@alicesjourneys.com

32 Trades

www.tlnews.com.au

Are you a tradie?

Advertise here.

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

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

ALL ROUND CARPENTRY

Pierre: 0425 783 871 SOLUTIONS | SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS | SOLUTIONS

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

www.tlnews.com.au

Clement F Mooney

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

Tel: 03 5424 1441 Mobile: 0412 584 555

A.B.N. 37 961 487 978

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

Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458

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

Trades 33

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

das3460@bigpond.com

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

Call Kiyo on

0419 267 685

das3460@bigpond.com

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

0423 945 436

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

We stock The Local!

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061

34 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

Pick me, pick me...

By Donna Kelly

"

GOOD news, Kyle," I said, as an email pinged into my inbox.

He looked over, warily, as if good news did not come often. "What?" he asked.

"Hepburn Shire Council has signed the Small Business Friendly Charter," I announced.

"Hmmm," he said, and went back to writing his rant about The Great Aussie Coin Hunt.

So, on my own, I continued to read the media release, and thought, no, do not bag out any more organisations. You did enough of that last edition and people will tire of you being sceptical. Stop it.

But you know what...let's play.

It is great the council and the Victorian Small Business Commission are getting along like a house on fire. And the commissioner even made her way here to sign off on the charter. Not that we were told. I mean you wouldn't want to help a small business like The Local with a story and photo opportunity.

But honestly, what does the charter actually mean? And who is the Victorian Small Business Commission? We have been up and running for six years and this is the first I have heard of them. I did do a quick Google search and they seem to be mainly about low cost mediation.

There are even glowing testimonials signed off by many "Small Business Owners". No names though. I always think testimonials without names are a bit dodgy. I am not saying it happens here, but anyone can write something for their own business.

Of course, then there are the real testimonials, like the following we just received: "The Local is the most amazing publication I have ever read and Donna's flair for witty writing has me in stitches with every edition. Sadly, I am not so keen on Kyle's Rant!" - A happy reader.

Anyway, back to the Victorian Small Business Commission and the Small Business Friendly Charter. One of the charter items that got my attention was that there will be "prompt payments to small businesses - within 30 days of issuing an invoice". Wow, thanks so much. I just always pretty much thought it was immoral or illegal not to pay an invoice when it was due. Why would anyone keep another business, especially a small business, hanging? (Note: Hepburn Shire Council has always paid any invoice very promptly.)

Look, if it all means a better run for small business then I am all for it, but I have my doubts.

Then again it was launched on June 21 this year and already 17 councils have taken up the charter so someone must think it is worthwhile. Maybe.

But the most interesting thing I got from checking out the commission was what they pay someone to mediate an issue. Ready? For a half-day mediation in a regional or rural area involving 80kms or more or travel, the fee is listed at $1227.27. For a half day! Now, no-one is going to dispute that. Just sayin'...

(Oh, to be fair I did send the commission an email on Thursday at noon asking for more information about its activities. So far, crickets.)

Hi there, I am Willow. I am a heeler cross and just one year old. I am an active, fit, young girl looking my new forever home. I will need space, exercise and training to ensure I am the best me. MC#956000010814520 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 The Local is all about Connecting the Community.

And to help out we offer two, sometimes three, community adverts in each edition at no cost.

Organisations need to be not-for-profit and must not be running paid advertising in other media at the same time - that wouldn't be fair.

Thanks to Lindall Kidd from Birdlife Australia, the Friends are hosting a bird walk on Cornish Hill Reserve Date/time: Saturday 12th October, 1:50pm for 2pm start

This time it's a Bushdance at the Glenlyon Hall and a bird walk with the Friends of Cornish Hill.

If you are keen to take up one of these spots just email donna@tlnews.com.au and keep an eye out for call-outs on The Local's Facebook page.

Let's all keep connected!

To register your interest, SMS/text to Margie Thomas on 0409 216 251

Meet at Thomas’ Lookout (enter from Stanbridge Street) [With respect to our birds, no dogs please]

Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and BYO water bottle and binoculars Gold coin/s donation gratefully received “… a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

www.tlnews.com.au

Daylesford subdivision

Kyle’s Rant

I

READ with interest that The Great Aussie Coin Hunt has begun - Australian icons immortalised in limited edition $1 coins.

Opinion 35

If you have glazed over I don’t blame you. I mean, as we seek to become a more cashless society, some nitwit from the mint or Oz Post, or a combination of both, after what I imagine was a great big, long lunch meeting soaked in taxpayer-funded red wine and punctuated with a rather drunken slurred “Hey I’ve got a great idea” has come up with an idea.

The concept is that they put dollar coins into the monetary system for collection and the coins have a letter on them that represents Australian icons. For example, the letter "I" represents the great Aussie pastime of eating Iced VoVos. What the?

I've never stumbled across one of these VoVos in my 25 years of roaming this great Southern Land.

The next is an M for meat pie, an F for footy and on it goes. I even heard one of the worthless pieces of currency has an A on it for the biggest, most-worshipped icon in the land, yes, Australia Post”. Surely AFL would be more Aussie?

Whatever the case may be, I think that these coins are a ridiculous misrepresentation of Australian culture.

My point I suppose is that there is no point. Are the unknown people in the black suits who take the back door into Parliament House just trying to distract us? Maybe conspire to take our minds off our daily struggles by reinstating the value of a onedollar coin?

Or is it just another collectable, because “they” have figured out our trust in the church as an institution has eroded and the new opiate for the masses will become the thrill of the collectable. So we are becoming awash with coins, plants and little shop toys from supermarkets. (And yes, you start collecting the coins by going to the post office, buying something and hoping your change includes a $1 coin. WTF? Who has cash these days anyway?)

Speaking of coins, it just occurred to me, the poor kids will never know the answer to the chant that those of us from the lower socioeconomic suburbs used to yell. 'What’s the colour of a two cent coin?" "Copper, copper."

And the song would often be followed closely by another little ditty: "You’re going home in the back of a divvy van” Ahh, the good old days. Useless hunk of metal rant over…

A

PLAN to turn a 4.88-hectare hobby farm with an existing dwelling into a 53-lot subdivision at 17 Smith Street, Daylesford is before Hepburn Shire Council.

The land is next to St Michael's Primary School.

Melbourne-based Niche Planning Studio has drawn up the plans which are at the advertising stage on the council's website. The plans say of the 53 proposed lots there will be 17 sized 599m2 or less, 21 at 600m2-699m2, six at 700m2-799m2 and nine at 800m2 or larger.

A number of people have contacted The Local to say they are not happy with the development because it is out of character for the town.

However, the plans state: “There is a strong need and desire within Daylesford to protect the distinct character of the town. The proposed subdivision has undergone a design review process which involved an analysis on the surrounding character of the area and has produced an outcome which responds to and enhances the important characteristics of Daylesford.” It says the subdivision will create “a high quality neighbourhood”.

Objections close on October 15.

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

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

STIHL SHOP DAYLESFORD 10% OFF all accessories storewide

18 & 19 October 9am to 4pm

DISCOUNTS, PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS

20% OFF all Stihl Oils and Lubricants

STIHL® DEMOS

Try our most popular Stihl® major equipment and battery range.

Stihl® team members will be on site to assist with any questions and provide support so you can get the most out of your equipment.

Stihl® Masterclass & Info

Hustler ride-on DEMOS

Attend a free 1 hour Chainsaw Masterclass including caring for your machine, chain sharpening, proper chain tension and safe operation.

Attend a free 30 min Brushcutter Masterclass including caring for your machine, loading cord and safe operation.

Spaces are limited so please call (03) 5348 3352 to register.

COX ride-on DEMOS

FREE SATURDAY EVENTS 10am - 2pm •

Kids colouring competition Chance to win a toy Stihl® Chainsaw

•

Sausage Sizzle

•

Jumping Castle & Fairy Floss

•

Arborist Demonstration by Liam Malone Tree Services

•

$10 car wash - all proceeds to SES

UNIT 1 / 4400 MIDLAND HWY, DAYLESFORD

(03) 5348 3352

Make sure you check out our Facebook page and event for a full schedule of events.