The Local Issue 182, June 1, 2020

June 1, 2020 Issue 182 Vale Betty

Inside this edition ium em r Pr inte W 020 2

HOUSE.LAND.HOME.

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: Betty Kelly was The Local's No. 1 fan. Sadly she passed away on Friday, May 22. Read her story on page 9 by Donna Kelly.

The Local is a weekly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, June 8, 2020.

Or online on Sunday, May June 7 at www.tlnews.com.au

June 1, 2020 Issue 182 Vale Betty

Space bookings: Wednesday, June 3 Copy deadline: Thursday, June 4 Editorial deadline: Thursday, June 4

Image: Contributed

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Inside this edition ium em Pr inter W 20 20

HOUSE.LAND.HOME.

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Writers | Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Tony Sawrey, Peter Young and Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Tanya Loos (nature), Glenn Robinson (cartoons), Darren Lowe (music) and Matthew Richardson (money) Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey

The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local Publishing Group's editorial guidelines and complaints-handling process can be found at www.tlnews.com.au We welcome all feedback.

Social media can be like getting a cup of water from a waterfall.

Make sure your message stands out.

Contact The Local!

5348 7883 or 0416 104 283 | news@tlnews.com.au or sales@tlnews.com.au See all our e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au

The Local's Winter networking meeting has been cancelled, due to, yes, drumroll please, COVID-19.

But we are very hopeful that we will be able to hold the meeting in Spring.

Keep an eye on the pages of The Local for our socially distanced Spring networking meeting.

Or email donna@tlnews.com.au to be added to our email list about all things, The Local.

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News 3

The Great Divide: residents v. council on planning Last week, The Local reported on the failure of 131 shire residents to get Hepburn Council to delay a crucial review of planning. In the second of a two-part series, Kevin Childs looks at complaints of lack of cooperation by the council and its response.

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OMMUNITY satisfaction with the Hepburn Shire Council has seldom been high. A survey last year revealed that it had scored 51 per cent on its consultation and engagement satisfaction rating compared with 55 per cent for councils similar to Hepburn and 56 per cent for all Victorian councils.

According to Ross Ulman, it’s not the number of opportunities for community consultation that’s important, but the willingness of consultants and the council to genuinely listen to the community’s concerns and aspirations.

Mr Ulman, spokesman for the 131 ratepayers who sought the review postponement, said a “them and us” feeling had developed, rather than the spirit of cooperation the community wanted and expected.

Among the reasons for this were lack of consultation over removal of geese from Lake Daylesford, the highly controversial Local Law No. 2 and the planning permit for 17 Smith Street, Daylesford.

He said that there was no deadline to prevent the review being postponed until the pandemic abated and a regimen of genuine community consultation had been jointly developed by the council and the community.

The Mayor, Cr Licia Kokocinski, wrote to the upset residents, but Mr Ulman said she did not focus on their specific concerns.

A month after the group’s initial request, council CEO Evan King weighed in by quoting the newly proclaimed Local Government Act’s community engagement principles, while ignoring the request of the residents for a postponement of the review pending implementation of the much improved consultation and engagement provisions of the new Act. “The community wants to work cooperatively with the council to achieve the best outcomes for the shire,” Mr Ulman said. “But, as they say, it takes two to tango.”

When communication, including face-to-face focus groups, became impossible, the residents sought a delay in the review until normal life had resumed.

Mr Ulman said the review would lead to a planning scheme for the next 20 years.

“It is or should be, self-evident that [the scheme] requires genuine and thorough community consultation and not just activity that will allow a consultation box to be ticked”.

But the council denies this, saying, contrary to some common beliefs, a planning scheme is not a static document that would “be in force for 20 years”.

“Planning schemes should undergo regular updates in matters such as land use zones, local policy heritage and neighbourhood character and other matters,” the council said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, the Hepburn planning scheme has not had recent updates and there still remains a large amount of policy work to progress with in the immediate future.”

The 2019 Planning Scheme Review, for instance, found a need for township structure plans.

“In the case of Daylesford, matters such as a review of residential land supply, heritage and open space should be addressed. For the Shire’s five main townships this work is a priority that is intended to be progressed in 2021 and 2022. Each of these projects will include comprehensive community engagement that is specific to each township.”

Mr Ulman said, however, that the earlier authentic consultation occurred the more likely the scheme would represent the community’s interests and aspirations.

Once a draft scheme was sent to the minister and exhibited for community comment it was probably too late for significant changes to be made, he said.

The council’s view is that it is committed to producing an updated planning scheme and is working with the community and state government to ensure it met the standards ordered by the minister. Councils could spend two or more years on such a scheme.

“Hepburn Shire Council has not compromised community engagement for this project, however, we acknowledge that some parts of the engagement have had to be done a little differently due to the COVID-19 implications.”

The council says it has enough resources to make progress with the revised scheme and make sure it was a “more robust first step” in better planning.

Mayor Kokocinski said the State Government had changed planning laws, which covered some of the criticism.

“I understand that requests for Zoom meetings to further discuss concerns were turned down, so I am not sure what else we could have done. At the time, due to increasing the level of restrictions and isolation measures, all meetings were cancelled and replaced with Zoom where and when possible.”

Above, a packed Daylesford Town Hall with Local Law No. 2 on the agenda earlier this year.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

4 Local Lines

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Local Lines Who is it for?

I'm writing a memoir, but who is it for?

Does anyone care that I lived through a war?

Will my granddaughters smile at my teenage romances, Or laugh at the dresses I wore to the dances.

I've lived, laughed and loved in my eighty odd years The good times, the bad times, the smiles and the tears All come flooding back as I lift up my pen, The friends of my childhood, I see them again.

I nurtured three children, a dog and a cat I sang on the stage, but who cares about that?

I've met interesting people in faraway places Vienna, Shanghai, I remember their faces.

The ship to Australia to start a new life A nurse, a companion, a mother, a wife My parents, my brother, lost loved ones I see As I relive the memories - I'm writing for me.

Irene Mooney Irene Mooney was born in Scotland, and now lives in Daylesford. In her eighty-second year she is writing her memoir, which she is thinking of calling 'Just getting the hang of it when it's nearly time to go!'.

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

Trans & Gender group

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NEW peer support group is starting up in the Macedon Ranges for trans and gender-diverse community members and Cobaw Community Health wants to spread the word. If you or someone you know is TGD, Cobaw is looking for people to help shape the group.

Cobaw is pleased to have received funding through Trans Gender Victoria’s SPARK (Support for Peer-Support Activities that Revitalise Kinship) grant. The funding is aimed at increasing health and wellbeing outcomes for TGD Victorians by supporting the bright ideas of existing groups or the start-up of new groups.

Cobaw has a long history of working with LGBTIQA+ community members through its WayOut and CLIP programs which support both young people and older adults. Through this work and engagement with the broader community, a gap in the provision of TGD peer support has been identified.

"We are all very committed to supporting the TGD community across the life span,"’ said CLIP project worker, Belinda Brain. "By putting the call out for people to help get this group up and running we hope to better connect with our local TGD community."

While Cobaw will be involved in the planning and start up stages of TGD Macedon Ranges, the direction, purpose and shape of the group will be driven by community members.

To keep within current COVID-19 guidelines, TGD Macedon Ranges will commence online with the aim to move to face-to-face catch-ups when possible.

TGD Macedon Ranges will provide a safe and inclusive environment for members of the TGD community to come together, make connections and create a group that meets the needs of local people.

"Together we can raise awareness and increase the visibility of the TGD rural and regional experience within our local community," says Rhani Dean-Talbett, WayOut project worker.

Cobaw continues to run a number of programs and support groups for LGBTIQA+ people of all ages and their families including WayOut, House of Awesome, Parents Empowering Rainbow Kids and CLIP. Details: 5421 1666 or admin@cobaw.org.au

Newstead Arts Hub

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EWSTEAD Arts Hub is presenting its first online Artist Market, running from May 1 to July 30.

Due to COVID-19, the gallery and other spaces at the Arts Hub in the historic Newstead railway station are closed, but local artisans are still well and truly working. The initiative supports them while everyone is in ‘stay at home’ mode.

Ten artists are now showing their work on the hub's online market.

Each week, there will be different artists and styles, selecting two or more of the artists who have or were to exhibit at the Hub in 2019-2020.

The past weeks have showcased Libby Noblet, Richard Sullivan, Sarah Koschak, Selina Wilson, Cherryl Fyffe, Kate Borradaile, Marcela Olea, Prue McAdam and Angie Izard, pictured.

The featured artists for next week are Diane Thompson, sculpture, and Carol de Graauw, jewellery and ceramics.

All of the artworks are available for sale directly through each artist and they will arrange delivery.

Link: www.newsteadartshub.org/welcome-to-our-artist-market/

Our producers 5

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Powlett Hill - leading proponent of biodynamic farming With the COVID-19 pandemic still well and truly with us we thought we would catch up with the producers who are helping us weather the storm. Read their stories here and on pages 14, 32, 33 and 37.

UT on the wind-blown volcanic plains of central Victoria, the sun shines on a rugged terrain. About 250 hectares of blackened hillside is testament to a grass fire that tore across the slopes in midsummer, witness to the region’s volatility.

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Deep gullies cut through the ground, and the land is studded with rocks and boulders, making access all the more difficult. When seasonal green covers the land, it softens the harsh contours, but you still marvel at the tenacity of the early farmers who settled - and stayed - here.

It seems a little unreal, then, to be out here, about 35 kilometres north-west of Daylesford, at Campbelltown, on our way to a flour mill. And not just any flour mill; we’re on our way to visit a leading proponent of Australian biodynamic farming, Powlett Hill.

When we arrive at the mill we’re greeted by Andrew Fawcett, whose family has been farming land around these parts for more than 150 years. Inside the dusky, surprisingly cool shed, the flour mill is in operation.

Andrew takes us to where grain is being slowly fed into the millstone grinder.

The pulverised material is fed by a conveyor belt into a sifter box, where the chaff is separated out along with the various consistencies of flour.

Andrew sticks his hand under one of the spouts protruding from the sifter and collects a sample of flour. He gently taps the powder into his palm, showing us how fluffy it is, free from unwanted materials or clumps.

“You know where the saying ‘nose to the grindstone’ comes from?” he asks.

“Because the only way you can tell if the flour is right is by putting your nose in it, smelling it, feeling it,” he says, gently rubbing flour between work-hardened thumb and forefinger.

And yes, from the aroma of this freshly ground flour, you can easily imagine the loaf of bread it will eventually become.

Wheat, rye and spelt grains are stone-ground in the mill, and Andrew is equally taken by the artistry that goes into the making of milling stones, as by the quality of the product they help create.

Andrew, his wife Jenny and their son Ben farm about 1200 hectares here in Central Victoria, where they raise livestock, and grow spelt, a grain prized for its low gluten content, and wheat, although the Central Victorian climate is challenging in this regard, so the Fawcetts buy much of their wheat and rye from other biodynamic farmers around the region.

They also sell eggs from their more than 2000 free-range chooks, which are raised according to strict biodynamic principles, and part of their diet includes whole wheat and bran from the flour mill.

Fresh is as important when buying flour as it is when choosing a cabbage or a bunch of asparagus. As Jenny explains, flour, like pretty much all fresh foods, begins to lose nutritional value as soon as it is processed. Powlett Hill sells flour to several bakers and pasta makers in Victoria and New South Wales, including the Zeally Bay bakery in Torquay and the sacks of flour don’t hang around the mill for long.

While the pandemic disruptions of the last couple of months have affected many producers, the Powletts' operation has seen only minor changes. “It has been a bit tricky,” says Andrew. “We had to actually stop people randomly coming up from Melbourne to pick up from the farmgate but we have been supplying the normal amount of product to our business regulars. And our main outlet, the Melbournebased Biodynamic Marketing Company, are actually having trouble keeping up supply. There has been an increase in demand for flour due to people being at home doing more cooking and baking.”

Our producers!

When it comes to biodynamics, Andrew is a potent proselytiser. Around 2000 the family decided there had to be a better way to farm. Andrew’s great-grandfather Joseph Powlett came to the region from Britain and found success as a butcher. When gold fever swept through the country, Joseph stayed put and made his way by feeding the miners, as a grazier and farmer, putting his money into land and livestock.

The Powlett holdings changed over the years, as these things happen with time; parcels of land were added and sold, although Andrew says son Ben has recently bought back some of Joseph’s original property.

Andrew explains how they’d been using conventional farming methods, including chemical sprays and fertilisers, for decades - Ben, who runs much of the business today, is the fifth generation of Powletts to work this land - and they saw a noticeable degradation in the quality of the soil and the crops it produced.

Following the teaching of Alex Podolinsky, one of the key developers of biodynamic agriculture in Australia, the Powletts transformed their practices. Briefly, biodynamics is an advanced form of organic farming that involves soil preparation and treatment techniques that have been shown to produce more friable, fertile soils, with excellent water retention, and healthier plants and animals.

It’s a big commitment to doing things differently, but it appears to have paid off for the Powletts. They don’t see biodynamics as a marketing point of difference. Rather, they regard it as a better way to farm, and live.

Words: Jeff Glorfeld & Tony Sawrey | Image: Kyle Barnes

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AUTHORISED BY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT, 1 TREASURY PLACE, MELBOURNE

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Inspiring 7

Community-minded, passionate and dedicated

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IVING back to her community has been very rewarding for Janine Booth – and it’s been pretty rewarding for her home town of Creswick, too.

This Saturday morning, Janine will probably be at home and that is very unlike her. Usually, she’s down at the Visitor Information Centre, volunteering on Saturday morning. The centre was built while she was serving on Hepburn Shire Council and it’s just one of many projects that Janine has helped along in her community.

“Please don’t make me out to be a hero,” she said. “I have a lot of support, friends and family, and there’s so many volunteers too.”

Still, non-hero Janine has achieved a lot for her community.

She was born and bred in Kingston, briefly moved to Melbourne to work for Australia Post and then returned, marrying a local boy, Bill, over 40 years ago and eventually taking over the Creswick Post Office business.

“I’m very fortunate to own a business in my hometown. We’ve had it 21 years now, it’s a bit of a coming of age.”

Her community involvement started way back at the beginning, though.

“I think that, having lived here for 40 years now, and having raised our kids here, so you get involved initially with the kindergarten, the primary school, the netball club... I was the secretary and treasurer of the footy club, you get involved in what your kids are doing.

“You get into those things and then also I was with the pre-school and president of the primary school council at Creswick for five years. And I was involved in the Mt Prospect Tennis Association as well, so naturally I think you’re going to be involved in council as well, because it’s the closest government to you.”

Janine was the Creswick Ward councillor for seven years and also served a term as mayor.

“It was really interesting and I learned a lot, particularly around the diversity within our shire. I was very comfortable as the representative for my local area around here on council. But I try not to get too much involved with local politics now - I’ve got seven grandchildren who all live within a few minutes’ drive from me, and that leads to what I’m doing now.”

With the global pandemic, Janine has been at home looking after her two youngest grandchildren. There’s a bonus to that, too – they’re helping her in the garden.

“I had an open garden for the Garden Lovers' Weekend, I have a bit of a passion for gardening as well.

“COVID-19 has been an opportunity for me to step back. I’m working part-time at the post office, my daughter pretty much runs it now, and I go in to sort the mail and do the books. It’s a good family business. And I’ve been able to put more time into the garden.”

Leading up to her semi-voluntary semi-retirement, Janine has also been involved long-term with Creswick Business and Tourism, the local business advisory group, she is a committee of management member for the Doug Lindsay Reserve, which she also has a great passion for, and not only was she an original member of the steering committee to establish the Creswick Community Bank but she has also served as a director for 13 years.

Hero? Maybe not. But a community-minded, passionate, dedicated and committed hard worker? Definitely. “I really believe that everybody puts in what they can, when they can. You get out of a community what you put into it. It’s good to be able to give back. It’s been very rewarding.”

Words: Kate Taylor | Image: Contributed (This article is supported by the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas.)

“COVID-19 has been an opportunity for me to step back. I’m working parttime at the post office, my daughter pretty much runs it now. It’s a good family business. And I’ve been able to put more time into the garden.”

As we get out there again, it’s up to all of us to

And if you’re experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, stay home and speak to your doctor about getting tested.

For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit health.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

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Betty 9

Vale Betty 1932 - 2020 Betty Elaine Kelly, my mum, passed away on Friday, May 22. The funeral service was last Thursday. Mum was The Local's biggest fan and a frequent flyer to the Daylesford region. Here is what I said last Thursday.

OK, Mum is a true Frankston girl, born and bred.

She was born in Frankston Hospital on June 21, 1932 to Phyllis and James Oldfield. That year she won a Best Baby Award – and still has a silver cup to prove it.

Although it became a little worse for wear during a house fire when her dad had to throw both her and her brother out of the window to save them.

After a few years of being an only child, along came Graeme. I think they fought a bit as kids but she said in her teenage years he was quite protective of her and in later life they were best friends and talked every day. Graeme died a few years ago and that really hit Mum. She loved her little brother.

Mum was very much a beloved child and her dad called her Sam or Sammie. Lots of Samuels in the family, I think. He used to take her out fishing off Oliver’s Hill, tying her to the boat so she didn’t end up overboard. And that is where her ashes will be scattered, next year, on her birthday, on June 21, 2021. A much better year.

The family moved a lot, only around Frankston, as her dad James, among other things like starting up Bayside Holden and being postmaster at Frankston Post Office, was a builder. He would build a home, Nan would decorate and they would sell and move on to the next project. I think it might be why Mum stayed at her very own "Home on The Range" from when she married in 1956 right up until she moved to Baxter Retirement Village eight years ago.

Mum went to Davey Street Primary School and then Frankston High but was smart and was given a scholarship to Corowa Girls School. She loved school and had lots of friends and talked about catching trams in Melbourne. She also attended a radio school and was a proficient piano player. But she also loved being in Frankston and with her family so when she finished school, despite offers of employment in Melbourne, she just wanted to be close to home.

But she did have stints as a teacher, back at Davey Street, a nurse and even went travelling with a dentist as his assistant. She even kindly made a free set of false teeth for Nan, but they were so crooked nan threw them on the floor and they shattered.

Mum finally found her wings, and worked for Ansett for a while. And then she met my dad, John William Kelly, who was with the PMG or Post Master General, I guess what we call Telstra now.

She had a few beaux, or blokes interested, at the time, but Dad won her heart and they married on September 28, 1956 and bought two blocks of land in The Range.

They sold one to the Browns, so they could build on the other and started with just a couple of rooms and added on as they could afford them. No McMansions happening there.

Mum always wanted four kids and it took a while but four children did come along. Peter, Jandra, myself and Richard, so mum had her hands full juggling four kids all aged two years apart. They were typical parents, loads of photos of the first two, a couple of me and then practically none of Richard, unless we were all in a group shot. We had a good family life. Not rich, not poor, just very middle class.

Dad studied for an engineering degree at night so I think that helped. Although I do remember quite a few mince dishes. And apricot chicken and ki see ming – a cabbage-based dish - and disgusting.

Mum, who played tennis every Wednesday morning, also started her craft and art life, studying pottery – which she kept up with her own kiln and wheel until she was 80, along with painting, and even having a group of women over now and again to create silk scarves.

Mum’s father died just after she married but as the kids grew up Mum started travelling. A couple of times with Dad including to a recently opened China where the tour guide failed to show at the airport and I think he went into meltdown – remember, he was an engineer.

So she chose Nan as her travelling companion and between them they saw the world. The kids got to stay home with Dad as cook and his go-to meal of ham steaks and pineapple. Think every day. I think Jan and Rick to this day can’t eat that.

Sadly Dad died when Mum was just 55. She was grief-stricken but instead of closing down, she upped her travelling ante and headed to France for six months with Graeme and my aunt Jennie. She loved it. Popped across to London now and again and had lots of adventures we will never know about with Graeme while Jennie worked.

She came home, out of her grief fog, and encouraged me to apply for an English teaching job in Japan. I got the job and spent the next three years in Japan, with Mum turning up every few months for “eight weeks” or “six weeks” while my friends’ parents just came for a week.

Where I lived they had a group of Goodwill Guides, volunteers who took foreigners out to see Japan. They practically adopted Mum and while I worked she saw the real Japan. I remember one night going home and getting a call to say “your mother come home time now 7pm”, then “your mother come home time now 9pm”.

After I received the final call “your mother come home time now midnight” I gave up, left they key in the door and went to bed. I think they were at an historic sake factory.

Meanwhile, Rick had met Dawn and moved to Queensland where mum travelled at least once a year and did fun things like fishing, driving boats, trying lots of restaurants and generally just was spoilt. Rick and Dawn travelled down from Queensland to be here today.

Jan stayed close by and had two children, Brett and Ryan, giving Mum grandchildren who she loved. Jan and Brett actually lived with Mum for the first five or so years or his life, so there was a real bond there. And then Ryan came along with his fun and dry humour. Certainly they got myself and Rick off the hook.

Finally Kyle got off his backside, left New Zealand, and came and found me.

We met when we were living on Hamilton Island, me a Japanese tour guide, Kyle, a skipper. When Mum first met Kyle she said “he’s handsome, but it won’t last”. I can say they had a rocky start but ended up best of friends with Mum telling Kyle, usually after a couple of chardies, “I love you”.

Mind you, she often read his opinion pieces featuring her in The Local, a publication we run, and would call and say “I am going to kill him”. But she loved being known, in a funny way, by our Daylesford people and loved coming up when we moved there, and heading to restaurants and pubs to be greeted with lots of hugs. I know, the old days. Claire and Susanne from The Boathouse Restaurant are watching this today – and Claire gives the best hugs!

Kyle and I were also lucky to travel with Mum. We went to Japan when she was 80, after an illness many people thought was the end. Over the past two years we have cruised together as well. Mum had a bucket list which included Iceland and Norway.

So we did that, and then she had another bucket list, Eastern Europe and Russia. So we did that too. And then, this year, if not for stupid COVID we would have been cruising around Japan, China and Hong Kong. We cancelled that one in January.

Mum was also very involved in the local Probus club, as a founding member, doing dinners out, the wine appreciation circle and travelling to heaps of places like Turkey and just around Australia. I often thought it was the best thing she had done after Dad died, just got her out and about with some like-minded fun people.

Mum said to me last week that this stint in hospital was just a little blip in her life. We all thought she would be home by now. Not to be and I am so sad. But really she was a little lady, just 5’4”, who lived a really big life. And that is what we must remember. Never the last bit. A big wonderful life with family and friends, and travel and lots of interests. Love you, Mum.

Words: Donna Kelly

JobKeeper.

Getting us back to business sooner.

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Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

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Education 11

St Michael's: Learning for life

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T'S the approach to learning, combined with the strong sense of community, that makes St Michael’s Primary School a great place to learn in Daylesford, and which sets it apart.

Principal Ethan Corfee explained that St Michael’s is “grounded in Excellence, Nurture and Community as its vision, which permeates our educational philosophy and environment”.

“Here at St Michael’s we use the science of learning and the knowledge of our brain functions to inform contemporary teaching strategies. We also very much believe that having a strong partnership between school and home improves the learning outcomes for each child, growing them in a positive and challenging environment,” he said.

The school has beautiful surroundings, as well as modern facilities including up-to-date classroom technology, a full-size oval, artificially turfed basketball and netball courts.

“We have wonderful and large outdoor spaces, nestled in bush surrounds but minutes from town, with buildings that are modern, and a contemporary pedagogy, it’s such a great environment for the children.

“We also have a strong commitment to literacy and numeracy, with support programs, specialist classes and small class sizes.

“We have a low fee structure, and it makes St Michael’s a truly affordable option for parents seeking the best educational outcomes for their child.”

St Michael’s Primary School is located at 29 Smith St Daylesford. To arrange a tour of the school please call Leah on (03) 5348 1261.

Advertorial

Letters

A number of us wrote again (or for the first time) this year to the various authorities asking that action be taken to improve the surface, clear the verges, and set speed reductions of 80 kph in particular areas along the Speed reduction Daylesford-Malmsbury Road, including at intersections such as Mains Road, Springhill Road, Tori's Road, Locals applaud Minister Pulford, Minister for Sutton Lane, Holcombe Road and Griffiths Lane.

Roads and Road Safety taking such decisive Between us we contacted close to 100 locals through action to reduce the speed limit on Daylesforddoor knocking and letterboxing flyers through Denver, Malmsbury Road.

Glenlyon and Wheatsheaf. Over many cups of tea, lots Over many years, issues of safety in parts of this of stories were gathered about the dangers along the road (Denver, Glenlyon and Wheatsheaf, Back Glenlyon main road from increasing traffic and heavy vehicles, Road etc), have been raised by community members. deteriorating road surface, difficulty seeing far enough This has included talking amongst ourselves, ringing ahead and speed. Old-timers talked about how busy or writing to VicRoads and writing to the Minister for this road has become and observed that while the road Roads and Road Safety. surface and width remain as it is the heavy vehicles Glenlyon Progress Association wrote as far back as will break down the surface particularly at the edges 2012 about the surface, speed and accidents on Kidds – constant repair and patching is not a solution. The Hill and into the Glenlyon village. Others have raised school bus driver told many terrifying close shave stories. the danger because of speed through Wheatsheaf and Our local work resulted in more letters.

Denver. Deaths occurring following road accidents on At last action to reduce the speed has been taken, the road at Kidds Hill in 2011 and Denver in 2016 thank you Minister Pulford. The Minster knows our also resulted in locals writing. Since then many more road well, having grown up in Castlemaine, now living driveways now enter onto this road. in Ballarat and having been to functions in the Glenlyon It is becoming increasingly frequent to have a fully Hall. Great to have her in a position to help us to loaded gravel quarry semi-trailer or fully loaded stock improve our local road safety. semi-trailer bearing down at over 100km per hour when you are entering or exiting your private driveway. - Marilyn Beaumont, Denver Frequently they cross double lines to pass. The speed is also often so fast they sway into the middle of the road as Changes they come towards you, making you move onto the verge in order for them to speed through.

For this district to survive there has to be change.

Neighbours report having a semi-trailer nudge their How to entice visitors here in Winter to brave the rear bumper multiple times, speeding behind them at elements when a lot of locals migrate.

100 kms per hour.

If it wasn’t for restrictions, closing of borders and stopping overseas flights where would you be at this time of the year?

Bigger destinations and warmer climates Tourism Australia is promoting will entice visitors elsewhere.

Unless those wonderful small tourist destinations, heavily dependent on visitors, come up with distinctly different ideas to attract the visitor, that is.

Change has to be constructive, committed, ready to go the long haul; something you get in first with.

As soon as other small communities see what you have committed to works, they will try the same.

The hardest part is reconciliation needed between locals before 1980 when we were ‘country’ and locals after 1980 when we became ‘new age’ and eventually ‘fringe’ resulting in the biggest impact since immigrants started arriving in the 1840s.

The easiest part? We work together. Respect each other’s history and utilise the stories of both.

All you need is a 360-degree camera, a gimbal, a knowledge of IT intricacies and a pair of sturdy boots for a start.

- Yvonne Fix, Musk Letters to the editor are always welcome. Please keep them shortish, to the point and interesting.

Email donna@tlnews.com.au Any addressed Dear Sir will be deleted.

Community News A WORD FROM THE MAYOR By the time you read this message, you will have seen that restrictions are slowly, continually being relaxed (caution is the over-riding principle here). Check this local newspaper, Council website and our Facebook page for regular updates. If you don’t use social media, then the website is the best place to refer to. We continue to work with a number of organisations to provide support and advice to individuals.

As we slowly creep out of our isolation, our shops and cafes will also cautiously open, observing whatever restrictions are in place at the time. Residents will no doubt see many people wandering our streets as day-trippers and visitors start returning to our towns. Remember, ultimately these visitors are the lifeblood of our communities. Daylesford, Trentham, Glenlyon, Creswick, Clunes, and all the smaller towns in-between, are renowned for their hospitality and friendliness. We should keep up this friendliness. News of bad experiences travel faster than news of good experiences.

We are looking at what is or could be Council’s role as we move into the recovery phase. There are several elements to this. Many businesses are keen for Council to explore initiatives and connections. While businesses no doubt are participants in their own associations and networks who will advise accordingly, Council can have a role within our own limited resources. Just what is that role is to be determined, but several businesses have already put on the table things that will make the Shire attractive to businesses to re-open, establish here and to attract visitors who for the foreseeable future are unable to travel interstate or overseas.

The second element relates to the availability of Government grants for the recovery phase. We are applying for as many grants to fund infrastructure improvements or construction of new facilities as we can. We need these funds to generate employment in the towns, as well as improve our amenities.

A third element is community – community strengthening and resilience is essential to any town’s survival. There are many senior folk amongst us – we should be talking to them about their challenges and how they survived, especially people who have known hunger, war, oppression and discrimination. Our townsfolk have a history of resilience – we should be learning from them.

Cr Licia Kokocinski Mayor

National Reconciliation Week - 27 May - 3 June 2020 National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs until 3 June. The 2020 NRW theme is ‘In this Together’.

Reconciliation Week is a time to focus on creating a Shire that is strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and come together to achieve reconciliation.

This year Uncle Rick Nelson and Professor Barry Golding have presented their Reconciliation Week Tour – ‘Peaks, Wetlands and Rivers’ via film, released on Council’s YouTube channel. For more information visit www. hepburn.vic.gov.au/national-reconciliation-week-2020-2/.

On National Sorry Day, Mayor Licia Kokocinski conducted an Aboriginal Flag Raising and address in Daylesford. Sorry Day is a day that remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities - ‘The Stolen Generations’.

Event Webinars

CONTACTS 

General enquiries

5348 2306



@

Mail Email Website

PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au



Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

For after hours emergencies please call:  Animal Control - 0419 587 955  Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil

Reopening of Council facilities following the easing COVID-19 restrictions Hepburn Shire Council is working through the contingencies of re-opening facilities and amenities that have been closed for the past nine weeks due to Coronavirus restrictions. The State Government recently announced that libraries, galleries, museums, fitness centres, playgrounds and skate parks could re-open in stages, contingent on following health regulations and social distancing guidelines.

We understand the community is keen to start using our facilities again but we need to ensure processes and procedures are in place to keep the community and our staff safe as we re-open. Please keep an eye on our Facebook (@ hepburncouncil) and website (www.hepburn.vic.gov.au) for updates on the re-opening of our facilities. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.

LIBRARIES • Hepburn Libraries are pleased to announce a new Library Click-andCollect service at our branches starting Wednesday 3 June.

• Creswick - Wednesday 3 June • Daylesford - Wednesday 3 June • Clunes - Thursday 4 June • Trentham - Friday 5 June • Library Click-and-Collect is a temporary service adjustment so that we can serve the public safely until restrictions are lifted further.

• Different opening hours will be in place, along with social distancing and safety measures.

OPEN NOW PLAYGROUNDS, SKATE FACILITIES AND OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT are now open.

From 11:59pm on 25 May people should not gather in groups of more than 10, and stay 1.5 metres apart. From 11:59pm on 31 May up to 20 people can use public playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks, and continue to stay 1.5 metres apart.

REMEMBER...

Put your $ where your is.

Buy Hepburn.

• We will not be hosting programs or activities and community members are encouraged to come in and out, as quickly as possible.

VIRTUAL RELIEF CENTRE

5348 2306

Our virtual relief centre remains open to ensure those who need support can call and access the information they need.

The Relief Centre would like to thank all the local organisations who are working with them to help the community during this time.

Thank you, Hepburn!

• For more information visit our Library Facebook page or website.

How can the Hepburn Shire Community Relief Centre help you?

REOPENING SOON

The Virtual Relief Centre can help put you in touch with the right agencies if:

The following Council facilities are currently working through health and safety considerations before making a decision on when they will reopen their doors. Council will keep you informed through our social media channels, website and local media.

• You need help accessing food, medical supplies and other essentials.

• You are isolated and need someone to talk to.

•

Council Offices, including Customer Service at Daylesford, Creswick and Clunes

•

Visitor Information Centres

• You are a vulnerable person or at high risk and need help.

•

Council facilities such as Town Halls and Community Centres.

• You have no family or friends to call on for help.

14 Our producers

www.tlnews.com.au

Sustainable flower growing practices

T

HERE has been a tremendous growth in sustainable and ethical practices in all areas of the agriculture industry, from eggs to veggies. But what about the floristry industry?

While flowers are ubiquitous in our supermarkets and florist retailers, there is often little consideration regarding where those pretty things come from or what sort of intensive farming was required to get them to your table or mantle.

But it should be no surprise to learn that flower production is a global industry and huge in scale with vast greenhouses, using a huge array of chemicals to satiate the demands of consumers, no matter what the season. In response to such practices we are seeing the emergence of the Slow Flower Movement.

First appearing in the United States, the Slow Flower Movement has now arrived in Australia, encouraging small-scale, sustainable flower-growing practices. And Acre of Roses, based in Trentham, is one of several properties taking up the cause in our very own district.

“We are against big scale factory farming with its intensive use of resources and large amounts of wastage, spoilage and loss,” says owner Sandy McKinley. “In such operations perfume is bred out of flowers to increase their logistical journey and vase life. There is no pollination and the goods produced are essentially plastic flowers. That’s what’s in big supermarkets, a non-mindful style of floristry often laced with chemical residue harmful to both harvesters and consumers alike.”

Sandy has always had a passion for flowers, especially roses, and left her city career as an intensive marketing consultant to set up her farm with partner Rob nearly a decade ago. They wanted to create something that was contra to the typical forms of intensive flower production that dominate the market.

“We tested the soil and installed a water system, but we have not had to use it so far because there is enough rainfall and the Trentham soil is so rich. We also worked with Tim Pilgrim of TP Gardens who created an eco-system consisting of a cut flower and woodland garden that attracts insects, which assists with pollination and pest control. He also makes the fertiliser we use and if we have to do any spraying it is an organic mixture and we are able to grow our roses sustainably.”

In normal times, and little about the last couple of months has been normal, Acre of Roses would be doing a brisk trade in farmgate sales and supplying to numerous florists and event organisers. Their beautiful property would have also been receiving a healthy influx of accommodation guests. But of course, a lot has changed.

“We have had to make some adjustments,” says Sandy. “We had a real sales dive with COVID-19 because weddings and similar group activities were put off and we were also closed to accommodation. We will be open again by July 5 but there are a lot of new operation protocols that have to be put in place and we can’t take as many guests as before.”

However, collaborations with businesses such as the Daylesford Fermentary who collect petals for their rose petal water kefir remain. And the Daylesford Macedon Flower Farm Trail which launched in late 2019 with a dozen participating properties including Sandy's is set to continue via appointment come Spring.

“Despite everything, you could say I’m optimistic for the future. My way of thinking is: Melbournians have been cooped up for the last months, national and international travel is still restricted and they are going to be holidaying regionally.

So, it's not the lack of patronage but the management thereof. We will need to put in lots of new social distancing arrangements to protect guests, our staff and of course the community. But businesses like ours are well poised as things start up again.”

Words: Tony Sawrey | Image: Kyle Barnes

In normal times, and little about the last couple of months has been normal, Acre of Roses would be doing a brisk trade in farmgate sales and supplying to numerous florists and event organisers.

Our producers!

um i em ter r P in W 020 2

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

House.Land.Home.

House.Land.Home.

House.Land.Home.

House.Land.Home. Premium will be published again in early Spring.

ium m r e Pr inte W 020 2

For advertising enquiries contact Kyle Barnes on 5348 7883, 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au Editor: Donna Kelly Advertising: Kyle Barnes Coordinator: Dianne Caithness Sub-editors: Nick Bunning & Lindsay Smith

Pictured on the front over is 186 Limestone Road, Yandoit ($875,000) For sale by Belle Property Daylesford.

Contact Nathan Skewes: 0439 322 630

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

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

Brand new boutique retirement village in Trentham.

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Superb location, amenities closeby.

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McAuley | Retirement Village 1 Bridge Street, Trentham

0408 956 114 vmch.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Money with Matt

T

Housing affordability is another huge factor determining the ability of the average HE Australian housing market is a hot topic of consumer to fund house purchases. As of today, the Reserve Bank of Australia has the conversation at the best of times, let alone in the official cash rate at 0.25 per cent. Allow me to remind you that this is an historic low, midst of a pandemic. How will COVID-19 affect the Australian property market? It’s the question on everyone’s lips at the minute. meaning that affordability with relation to lending has never been more achievable.

Over recent weeks I have listened to television broadcasters propose that the Australian property market ‘could’ decline by up to 30 per cent as a result of the coronavirus. I personally become concerned with these types of reports because the reality is that the property market ‘could’ also remain stagnant, or even perhaps increase.

The previous five years in the Hepburn region have seen an increase in prices to the tune of approximately 62 per cent. I also don’t think it’s outrageous to think there may be a natural correction in terms of a slight stagnation in prices simply due to the heavy increases we have recently experienced.

I’ll be honest though, this is speculation, and nobody can predict actual future results. The fact of the matter is, the housing market is susceptible to basic economics, and the theory of supply and demand.

In 2005, the Australian population was just above 20,000,000. In 2020, we are well over 25,000,000. To me, this tells us that according to supply and demand, the demand will continue to increase with population growth. As the demand increases (and with the help of natural inflation), so do the prices of dwellings that people want and need.

All of these factors create the perfect storm whereby people want and need houses, and can afford to buy them. This theory would suggest that at worst, prices would at least remain stagnant. I can honestly say that in my time as a public tax accountant, I struggle to think of a time where I’ve seen as many positively geared rental properties as I have recently, and further to this, rental vacancy rates in regional Victoria have also been reported at less than 2 per cent. This reinforces the notion that the investor market is as strong as it’s ever been. Additionally, I can’t see anyone selling their house for less than what they bought it for unless there are dire circumstances.

To quote Darryl Kerrigan, “A man's house is his castle” and I think it’s reasonable to assume that nobody will give up their castle unless they absolutely need to. If you try to convince me otherwise, I’d tell you "you’re dreaming"!

Matt Richardson is a senior chartered accountant with Cooke & Foley in Ballarat.

.

LUMA WHITEHEAD - DIRECTOR

SPECIALIZING IN PERMANENT RENTALS I KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE CHANGES IN THE RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT OF VICTORIA 1997 ONLY EMPLOY AN AGENT WHO IS FULLY EXPERIENCED WHEN LETTING & MANAGING YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY CARE FACTOR IS CRUCIAL & AN AGENT MUST EXERCISE THIS

I HAVE OVER 17 YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & SALES LOOKING TO SELL???

CALL ME ON

0418 779 159

41 VINCENT STREET www.daylesfordmineralspringsrealestate.com.au OR daylesfordrentals.com.au

House.Land.Home.

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

DAYLESFORD 20 HOWE STREET

THE MAYFAIR Here is a rare opportunity to purchase a gem of a building on around a 1021m2 block with planning approval to subdivide and 120m2 commercial establishment.

Recently painted, new furnishings, new hot water units and new central heating downstairs, this property presents the astute investor or someone wanting a grand residence with an opportunity to secure an iconic piece of Daylesford’s history.

• 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms • Additional full self-contained studio unit • Formal dining room, fully equipped kitchen, lounge area & sitting area • 2 street-level shops • 1021 m2 block with a planning permit for a bar/function center, selling of liquor and 2 lot subdivision

a6 b4 FOR SALE PRICE $2,250,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

DAYLESFORD 6 NASH LANE FABULOUS VIEWS ON ELEVATED BLOCK WITH A SHORT WALK TO LAKE DAYLESFORD A rare find block of land approx 525m2 is perfectly suited to build your dream home in a quiet residential area of Daylesford, offering the purchaser an opportunity to build a permanent residence or weekender.

•Planning permit issued - works to commence before Dec 2021, completed within 4 years •Power available •Approx 525 sq.m – General Residential Zone (Hepburn Shire)

DAYLESFORD 1/4 TREWHELLA AVENUE FOR SALE PRICE $370,000 CONTACT Curtis O'Neil 0423 904 050 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

FULLY RENOVATED UNIT CENTRAL DAYLESFORD Situated in the heart of Daylesford, this recently renovated and impressively appointed, two-bedroom free standing unit is only a few minutes’ walk to the Daylesford Town Centre, Daylesford Bowls Club, the famous Cliffy’s Café, Beppe’s and the Convent Gallery. The property presents a light filled central living area with soaring cathedral ceiling giving an open and airy space leading to the private outdoor entertaining decking. Featuring BIR in both bedrooms, new kitchen with dishwasher and a fully renovated bathroom.

a2 b1 c1

FOR SALE PRICE $560,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

SOLD

DAYLESFORD 18 QUEENSBERRY STREET ELEGANT COUNTRY RETREAT WITH WHITE PICKET FENCE Located in arguably one of Daylesford's best tree lined streets, with Wombat Botanical Gardens and Wombat Hill House at the end of the street. This near new 3-year-old residence offers the best of country living with all the modern luxuries of a new build.

The home is beautifully positioned to capture the sunrise in the morning and the stunning sunsets over the Wombat Forest in the evenings.

SOLD

a3 b2 c2

SOLD PRICE $901,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

HIGH ON THE HILL & READY TO RENOVATE Proudly appointed on the high side of West street with long views towards Wombat Hill and the Daylesford main street.

This charming 3-bedroom home features a number of period and original features such as polished timber floors, high ceilings, sash leadlight windows, picture hanging rails frosted glass double doors and more. An ideal renovation project with an abundance of potential to be on the holiday rental market, investment property, weekender or permanent home.

a3 b1 c2

SOLD PRICE $501,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

HEPBURN 4A SIXTEENTH STREET PRIVATE VACANT ALLOTMENT WITH NEW PLANNING PERMIT This secure and private allotment of approx 370 sq.m with new Planning Permit is located in the quiet residential area of Hepburn, just 5 minutes drive to popular Daylesford. The level site has all services available and being within easy walking distance of the shops & cafes of Hepburn Springs village, Mineral Springs Reserve, Golf Course, Primary school and kindergarten will appeal to those seeking a site to build their own home, weekender or rental investment dwelling.

DAYLESFORD 54 WEST STREET

DAYLESFORD 31A JAMIESON STREET SOLD $139,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

CHARACTER COTTAGE IN CENTRAL LOCATION Located on a 442 sq mtr block is this refurbished cottage.

Only a short stroll to the Daylesford town centre with its vibrant café culture, award-winning restaurants and shopping precinct. The home is set in mature established gardens with views over the town to the west. Featuring 2 bedrooms with an open plan kitchen/meals and separate living room which opens onto the expansive front deck where you can watch sun setting. Outside there is another north-facing covered patio area and at the rear terraced gardens.

a2 b1 c1

SOLD $420,000 CONTACT Curtis O'Neil 0423 904 050 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn

Do you do anything for houses, land or homes?

Advertise here.

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

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

Bugged about the house I should have known I would start something when I made mention of building a “bug hotel” for predatory insects to control the pest population in the garden a few issues ago.

It not only drew quite a few comments and questions but it also means I now have been given a new project of my own - turning the old decorative birdcage in our flowering cherry tree into a high class bug palace to join our other bug accommodation, pictured above right.

But this is in answer to a request from Anka of Woodend to learn how to build one of her own.

There are no set rules, other than to create a haven for the bugs and other assorted predatorial good guys from where they can patrol and protect your garden. As you can see from the recycled letterbox and plastic bottle, pictured below right, with one side removed, any type of container in which to place an assortment of twigs, gumnuts, pine cones etc. will do fine.

I’ve seen “hotels” fashioned from a bundle of twigs and leaves, placed into horizontal cans and plastic drink bottles (with the top cut off), and hung from the branches of trees.

Other options include making a pyramid of empty flower pots (on their sides) and stuffing them with dried leaves, straw and twigs etc. Or something as simple as wrapping a pile of pine cones in chicken wire to either sit under, or hang from a shady tree. I’ve even seen a string bag of pine cones hanging in the shade as makeshift accommodation.

More substantial and palatial examples can be constructed using timber and bricks, particularly those with perforated sides, strategically spaced to provide cavities for holding twigs.

The Halls Gap Community Botanic Gardens have several magnificent, fullyoccupied examples fashioned out of square four-gallon kerosene cans, strategically located on large gum trees around the park.

Bee hotels But the bug hotels, often seen side-by-side with other, usually wooden, structures featuring rows of neat little round holes are bee hotels, ideally formed to accommodate bees.

These can need a little bit of carpentery skills to build with timber, but bamboo stems, or even short lengths of black poly pipe stacked closely together in the frame, will make a perfect substitute. Pre-made and kit versions of these are often to be found in gift shops and garden outlets.

Those of us lucky enough to live in a country area are most likely to help the solitary-living native bees, who will benefit most from a bee hotel, and the security it will provide.

As well as providing accommodation, it’s most important to ensure there are plenty of bee-attracting flowering plants, and a steady water supply for them.

But remember, bees and other insects can’t cope with more than a trickle of water, for fear of drowning. A shallow bowl filled with small pebbles, or marbles, is the perfect solution, but place the bowl in a shady spot and be sure to keep the water level topped up.

If you are seriously interested in the bug hotel culture, and/or attracting native bees, check with Google, there are simply pages of information and illustrations of every possible type of construction. Also there are pages of bee and bug keepingprojects to intrigue children of all ages.

Got a gardening question? Ask Glen. Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

FLYSCREENS MEASURED,

MADE, AND FITTED ON THE SPOT! FROM $ 00

03 5464 7380

• Roller Shutters • Security Doors • Fly Screens

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

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

LD SO

SO

LD

House.Land.Home.

Bespoke finishes, timeless style and meticulous detailing have combined to create one Daylesford’s finest homes in the revered Wombat Hill precinct. The spatial qualities of this refined Victorian home are readily apparent: traditional rooms with high ceilings flowing seamlessly into a dramatic and modern casual living zone with stunning lush garden views. With 4 bedrooms, formal entertaining areas, spacious casual living and dining, this home is a rare find.

Across from the Wombat Botanical Gardens is the cascading entry to this beautifully crafted home in a lush garden setting. The 2 generous living spaces open to sunny terraces with long views and the kitchen features a Falcon oven and designer cabinetry.

There are 3 bedrooms, with an adjacent home office.

Includes ducted heating, air con, wood heater, and double glazing.

SO

SO

LD

40 Central Springs Road, Daylesford $1.035 million

LD

32 Hill Street, Daylesford $1.75 million

25 Gooch Court, Wheatsheaf $1.3 million

25 Stanbridge Street, Daylesford $1.135 million

A superb home, 2 private cottages and 4 acres/1.4 hectares (approx.) of landscaped serenity excel for lifestyle living. Indulgence offers a main house with 2 gourmet kitchens, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and excellent fit-out. Superb productive garden with orchard, vegetable beds, woodland, large chicken coop, spring-fed dam and bore. A private and convenient location only 5 minutes from Daylesford.

A magnificent garden with a rich history enhances the historic character of “Kilmaley”.

Set on 2,000 sqm (approx.) of corner land, the historic four-bedroom home features a spacious living room, lounge and dining room, cellar, and a stunning garden with century old Walnut trees, vegetable and berry beds. Metres to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and an easy walk to Daylesford’s cafes and shops.

Kim McQueen 0417 116 657

Robert Broadhurst 0488 300 900

Macedon Ranges | Central Highlands | Spa Country

LE FO

R

SA

LE SA R FO

7 Camp Street, Daylesford

30 Lauriston Drummond Rd, Drummond

Beautifully renovated and restored, Gloriette (circa 1880’s) reveals impeccable refinement in a premium Daylesford location. With a stunning lounge and dining zone, Hamptons-inspired Ilve kitchen and sitting area with OFP, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a cellar and an external studio and garage. A wonderful setting only moment’s walk from Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and Daylesford’s restaurants, cafes and shops.

Nestled into a gently undulating slope is this expansive family home on a manageable 18 acres located only 15 min to Kyneton and Daylesford. Thoughtfully designed, the home is north facing and includes 2 pavilions linked by a vine covered pergola and entertaining area. A heated, inground, magnesium mineral pool overlooks the Kangaroo Creek Valley, a 2 car garage, Cheminees Philippe fireplace and vegetable garden complete this wonderful lifestyle acreage.

NEW OFFICE IN DAYLESFORD McQueen Broadhurst is excited to announce our new Daylesford office opening July 2020.

Daylesford and Hepburn Shire have embraced us and we are delighted to be expanding our business.

McQueen Broadhurst has achieved the highest number of property sales over $1 million in the region and we have sold more than $22 million worth of property in 2020.

Whether you’re selling your home, considering a lifestyle change, or simply researching the Macedon Ranges and Spa Region property market, McQueen Broadhurst has a plan for your success.

Offices - Kyneton and Daylesford Kim McQueen 0417 116 657

Robert Broadhurst 0488 300 900

Macedon Ranges | Central Highlands | Spa Country

Geelong Businessman, Mark Ward has ownership of the Mill Markets group and brings years of expertise to this amazing concept. The Mill Markets operate three massive venues located in Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong. With a total of over 12,000 square metres of undercover floor space, (3 acres), treasure hunters have the opportunity to spend many hours browsing and meandering through the eclectic mix of products. There is a fantastic variety of home decor, furniture, records, vintage and new clothing, books, fine china, glassware, industrial items, jewellery, antiques as well as Australian pottery, homewares, memorabilia, retro fashions and collectables. We also have many stalls selling new products and have gift vouchers for those people who have everything!

All goods are from the 1850’s right through to present day. Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of dealers, which allows small business operators and collectors who otherwise could not afford the overheads of their own shops, to showcase their goods. This equates to a wide and diverse range of products, available and open to the public, seven days a week. Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane through hundreds and thousands of items available for purchase at all three locations. With over 500 stall holders over three venues, there is always something for everyone. Travel The Amazing Mill Markets ‘Golden Triangle’ and enjoy quality food and coffee at each. All venues open 7 days 10.00am-6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).

We’re here for you

Our Springs Medical Team continue to work hard to make sure our community feel supported during this time.

Phone and video appointments remain on offer for all.

Safe in person appointments available for new and existing patients.

Springs Medical at Daylesford, Kyneton & Trentham will be CLOSED on the Queen’s Birthday - Monday June 8.

If you have an urgent, non-life-threatening health concern after hours, call the After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222.

BOOK ONLINE WITH

www.springsmedical.com.au In an emergency always call 000

Daylesford

Kyneton

Trentham

10 Hospital St

89B Piper Street

22 Victoria St

tel: (03) 5348 2227

tel: (03) 5422 1298

tel: (03) 5424 1602

Follow us

Holistic Funeral Directors

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

https://www.facebook.com/springsmedical

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A family affair at the Good Life Farm Co Our producers!

K

But of course, in this year of wonders that has seen lockdowns, social distancing and panic buying, primary producers such as The Good Life Farm have witnessed and experienced some extraordinary things.

“We are mainly focusing on the chickens at the moment and there has been a massive shortage of eggs Australia-wide which is crazy. We have had people calling us for eggs at one in the morning on a Sunday and queues of people at the front gate “I was this weird mix of stockbroking and beekeeping – and I used to get in looking for chickens. We were carrying boxes of eggs into shops and getting mobbed. trouble for having my queen bees sent to the snail mail room at work.”

So much so we had to start delivering at different times to avoid panic shoppers.”

Claire says there are three types of beekeepers: those doing it for honey, those for Back at their regular farmers markets, the family had nothing left except their pollination and those for breeding queens. The last is the most technical, she says, and reject eggs. So they forwarded them to local chefs to make pasta which could then also her passion. be made available to people who missed out at the supermarkets. It was just one “So, for a queen breeder, 14 days before you want to breed a queen, you start of the ways as producers they were able to help during the crisis, especially for the breeding male bees and specifically get a queen to start laying drone cells so they can vulnerable. Because not everyone can just bolt into a store and fight for what they start laying the boys. Then you get a piece of honeycomb that has an egg in it that is need. Another was the creation late last year of Small Farmers United. less than 24 hours old, and use a special tool to grasp the royal jelly and the egg out “It is a collective of farmers based around Kyneton,” says Claire. “We got together and place that into a queen cell and a hanger, and then you put that queen cell into a to be able to put all of our produce at farmers market prices in a box scheme and hive that doesn’t have a queen bee in it and the bees will naturally make the cell into deliver locally. Over the last months we couldn’t keep up with demand, most of it is a queen and start creating more queens for you. After a period of time, you take that queen out, and you know exactly what day she will be born, and you put her in a hive certified organic and getting a certified organic box of produce is often very difficult, especially in regional places. I believe it is one of those things that is going to stay without a queen and she will mate with the boys you planted 14 days earlier.”

Such specialist work is of vital importance for the apiary industry. Claire says the around even after lockdown now that people know about it.

Meanwhile, what about the bees? “Well, I’m looking at increasing hive numbers majority of our foods need pollination to exist. And many industries like almonds and grafting more queens come Spring. I’ve been teaching beekeeping at the farm and are already under stress and are aware that for the 2025 harvest they will be 110,000 I’m making progress working with the state government and training organisations hives short. So every hive that Claire and others like her produce is another that can be distributed on to the honey and pollination industries to help reduce that shortage. to reintroduce a Certificate III Beekeeping course in Victoria. In December I’m off to Tocal Agricultural College in NSW to do a course on how to artificially inseminate But the Good Life Farm Company consisting of Claire, her partner Paul and honey bees. So yes, the bee side of things is still very active.” three children is more than just bees. They also grow pastured hens and do regular farmers markets. Certainly a good life, but it was not the best of circumstances that Words: Donna Kelly & Tony Sawrey | Image: David White led them into farming full time.

They had the property already but the career change came suddenly, after Paul suffered a massive seizure on the way home from his landscaping work. It happened in Kyneton’s Piper Street and he nearly died. Paul recovered but had his driver's licence taken away for two years. At the same time the global financial crisis hit and Claire also lost her job. The family was about to go under, but not on Claire’s watch.

“I was ‘Right, neither of us have anything going on but we have a farm’. So we started farming. We had a few tough years but we are back now and I enjoy it. I love working with Paul and the kids and going to the farmers markets.”

YNETON beekeeper Claire Moore always wanted to be a queen bee breeder, either that or a stockbroker. Stockbroking came first and after studying politics at university Claire found herself in the banking industry for the next 12 years – but also dabbled in beekeeping, getting her first bee hive in 2007.

Sustainably produced food for the masses

D

ANNY Kinnear was a popular fixture at the local markets. He was the one selling the popular Portuguese custard tarts and chocolate and almond brownies.

But much of that has changed since travel restrictions were put in place. Tourists disappeared and the public places where he sold his produce shuttered in the blink of an eye. It has led to some reflection on where to next for Danny’s Farm at Blampied.

Danny came to Daylesford as a kid with his parents and went to school in Daylesford and Ballarat before heading to Melbourne University to study psychology and English. He moved back to Blampied six years ago and promptly changed career direction towards farming, initially leasing two hectares from his father. His desire was and remains to practice sustainable agriculture and reconnect consumers with the places their food comes from.

One way to do that was to establish a presence at places like the Daylesford Sunday Market, farmers markets at Melbourne University, Creswick and Ballan.

Initially he did this by providing egg and bacon wraps, using his free-range eggs, his neighbour’s free-range bacon, creating the wraps from scratch and adding a homemade mayo, again using his eggs and thyme grown on his farm. But every market he approached already had someone selling the breakfast staple.

His sister, a keen baker, suggested friands, which are made from egg whites and are gluten-free, and soon every market was keen to have him on the books.

But it meant a lot of leftover egg yolks. Again, his sister came to the rescue with the idea of the Portuguese custard tarts. The story goes that they were first made by monks who were using all their egg whites to starch nun’s habits.

Whatever, the idea was a hit and Danny’s Farm was doing a roaring trade with them, along with brownies and pulled pork rolls using local free-range pork, apple sauce from locally grown apples, and even coleslaw from locally grown cabbages. The next was a food van, which was being built in a shed on his property, to sell the tarts “straight out of the oven” and specials depending on what was in season.

Then came the pandemic crisis.

“It had a pretty big impact on our outlets. All the farmers markets where I was trading were cancelled. I’m still doing the Daylesford Sunday Market but that is restricted and there are no tourists. And the items we do, Portugese tarts, brownies and ice cream are kind of luxury eats, not a necessity. At one point I was thinking of wholesaling to cafes but then they have been impacted as well. So it has been a time of uncertainty here and has made me rethink the direction I want to go in.”

The 30-year-old, who has a steer, cow, calf, ducks, hens and large veggie patches, says that his current property (two hectares) is “probably the smallest scale you can do” and clearly was not flexible enough when the business model went belly-up.

However, not all is gloom. The enforced hibernation may be frustrating but it has also allowed Danny some time to consolidate what he has, to work on new projects and set about planning his next steps. That includes buying a further 10 hectares to extend his holdings. The additional land will help him rebound from his current difficulties and let him pursue his interest in the regenerative agriculture movement at a larger scale.

“The movement is based around constantly moving the animals so the grass gets the chance to rest and recover and you can make use of that manure and your animals are always moving onto fresh grass as well. You regenerate the ground and the grass comes back with more diversity as well. The roots go deeper and you get more carbon into the ground, it’s a really nice little system. I’m looking forward to doing it on a larger scale and being able to produce more for the community.”

Agriculture in Australia has always been vulnerable to the vagaries of weather and climate. Farming success always comes moderated by times of difficulty and setbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic is just another hurdle to address. There is no doubt that Danny Kinnear and his farm will come back from this current setback and he has already started his journey.

Words: Tony Sawrey & Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

Our producers!

A virtual hug to the commmunity from Sault!

T

HANK you!

Sault would like to extend a big virtual hug and thank you to all those that have supported us over the past few months, visiting our produce store, enjoying our take-away nights, buying our pies, garden produce, bread, home meals and more.

Whilst it has been a difficult time, we have also loved the community support that has been shown for us and many of the other local businesses.

We are now gearing up to resume our restaurant trade as of Wednesday, June 3 and look forward to seeing you sometime in the future.

Our trading hours will be as follows and space is limited due to the restrictions required.

Wednesday from 6pm: 2-course menu available with a complimentary glass of house wine - $65pp.

Thursday from 6pm.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: lunch from 11.15am – 2pm, and dinner from 6pm.

For bookings head to www.sault.com.au or call 5348 6555.

Images: Lisa Holmen, Jarrod Andrews & contributed Advertorial

ON THE BANKS OF LAKE DAYLESFORD

Drinks 35

Quarantini O'Clock

with Leon

Welcome to Barry & Co.’s Cocktail Hour - The Print Edition

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.

The Boathouse is very excited to be reopening

Wednesday June 3rd

Does anyone else feel like time is flying by? It seems like only yesterday I was testing out and writing last week’s cocktail.

It’s been a week of good news in regards to lockdown restrictions easing. Kids are slowly heading back to school, which should take some of the stress off our mums and dads out there. And great news for our local accommodation services, pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops, they’ve all had the go-ahead to open in some form and hopefully it results in bookings and increased business. Good luck, guys!

Today’s cocktail is for those day dreaming of languid Summer days, good times gathering with friends and sharing food and drink. It also makes use of some great local produce from Daylesford and Hepburn Mineral Springs as well as produce from Daylesford Sunday Market. How lucky are we to have so much good produce around?

Barry & Co.

Long Summer Daze

Lunch - Wed-Sun - opening at 11.30am Dinner - Fri & Sat - opening at 5.30pm

We will of course, be adhering to all government safety protocols to ensure a safe environment. Due to Covid19 restrictions on the number of patrons permitted in the restaurant at any one time all diners are required to order a minimum of a main course each and for the next few weeks the menu will be slightly smaller than the menu currently online.

Ingredients: 5 strawberries Half a lime 45mls gin (so many good local ones to choose from) Ginger & kaffir lime mineral water Mint to garnish

Please refer to the website - boathousedaylesford.com.au for the latest updated information.

Method:

Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner

We appreciate your understanding to seeing you back at The Boathouse.

at

this

time

and

look

2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford | 03 5348 2199

G’Day All,

We have free delivery for all orders over $50 within a 10km radius.

We can make some exceptions if you are outside that zone for a small fee.

Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an onboard EFT machine.

You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver.

Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577.

Keep safe, everyone.

Now delivering

forward

Place three strawberries in your cocktail shaker and squeeze in the juice of half a lime, then muddle. Add 45mls of gin and shake vigorously. In a tall glass add some ice, pieces of strawberry and mint, double strain the shaker into the glass and then top with the ginger & kaffir lime mineral water. Shut your eyes and soak up that daydream of sunshine and friends.

36 Dining

www.tlnews.com.au

Recipes for lockdown Chicken & sweetcorn soup (Chinese-style) Ingredients:

400-500gm minced chicken 2 egg whites, beaten to a light froth 1.5 litres chicken stock 1 dessert spoon of soy sauce (or to taste) 440gm creamed corn 3 tablespoons cornflour ¼ cup cold water 1 tablespoon cold water 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional) Some spring onion finely sliced (garnish) ¼ cup shredded ham (garnish)

Method:

Combine chicken mince, 2 teaspoons cornflour, a tablespoon of cold water and a pinch of salt. Mix well and fold in egg whites. Mix. Bring chicken stock to the boil. Add the chicken mix, stir and add remaining cornflour blended with ¼ cup cold water. Simmer/boil for a minute or two until it thickens a bit. Add corn, soy sauce (and sherry if using).

Serve garnished with spring onion and ham.

Courtesy - Bette McLaren, Trentham

Do you have a recipe to share?

Email donna@tlnews.com.au #keepingthecommunityconnected

www.tlnews.com.au

Producers 37

Open range farming producing a honest egg Our producers!

O

VER the years there has been a lot of ink spilled over the notion of what constitutes an ethical egg. As far as a growing number of consumers are concerned, they just want to be pretty confident that the eggs for their breakfast omelette have come from a farm where the chooks are content. Paul Righetti is an expert on such matters. So much so he changed the name of his operation from Real Eggs to Honest Eggs and continues to reap the benefits. Even during lockdown.

“In 2018 we changed our name to Honest Eggs because we are very open about our practices and we like people to see how we farm. We are not hiding anything, and we like to be transparent. You don’t get that with industrialised operations including some so-called free range.”

Honest Eggs continues to be a family operation run by the Righetti family, one of the original Swiss families to settle here in the 1850s. Paul is the fourth generation to farm there along with his wife, Jacqui, and their two girls, Olivia and Eve. They live in the original stone homestead built by his great-grandfather.

Their main line of business is merino sheep, of which they have about 5000, but in 2015 they began their open range egg farming operation. “Part of the reason we started to do the eggs was a regenerative thing. The manure of the chooks fertilises the ground, they scratch it up, invigorate the soil and we were actually able to grow more grass with chooks than just with sheep. We still run the sheep but the chooks have made an excellent contribution to the health of the pastures and do not need any extra land to do it.”

What started as a side-line operation has doubled in size in 2020. They now have over 6000 ISA Brown hens producing eggs for wholesale and retail buyers and despite pandemic disruptions, the business continues to grow.

“It’s been an interesting period. Obviously, restaurants and cafes, which are about 30 percent of our business, evaporated overnight when they had to shut down.

But our retail demand has been very strong and that has absorbed the losses in the wholesale sector. It was a clear trend before the pandemic as consumers became increasingly aware of the need for proper treatment of farm animals. But then lockdown meant even more people were cooking at home and wanting good produce to do that with.”

The egg farming setup consists of chooks distributed in several locations around their large property. The ISA Brown breed is chosen for its quiet temperament and ability to produce high-quality eggs. On the windy day we visited, in one spot, there were 900 or so gurgling birds huddled around their sheds or eggmobiles. A dutiful maremma dog and an alpaca keep watch over the flock to protect them from foxes and eagles, meaning they are not even locked up at night. With their practice of daily relocation, this amounts to a density of just 30 birds per hectare or less and distinguishes their enterprise from free range, which varies immensely in its stocking rates and practices.

“Free range can just mean you’ve got a shed and a dirt yard. They often don’t even go outside. The ones you buy at the supermarket can be up around 15,000 birds per hectare. It’s simply not regulated so a free-range label means little. In contrast open range is ethically sound, we are moving them onto fresh pasture every day so you don’t end up with any pathogens or build-ups of bacteria. Sunlight is also a great sanitiser and provides important amounts of vitamin D which makes up a large part of our eggs. 15,000 birds in a shed don’t get that sort of sunlight.”

As the lockdown restrictions are wound back, Paul is looking forward to the upcoming months. While he is dismayed at what has happened in the hospitality industry, he is hopeful the restaurants will bounce back quickly. But in the retail sector, now that buyers have been given a chance to get good produce you can cook at home for yourself, Paul is sure they will maintain the purchasing habits they’ve learned over the last months. And Honest Eggs is even optimistic enough to now move into the manufacture of pasta.

“We are doing the trials at the moment,” says Paul. “The idea came about when we were thinking of uses for our secondary products. Normally, if there’s a shell quality issue or something else with a batch of eggs we would have to pulp them. But now we have the equipment and are about to start distributing a real egg pasta, high quality, semolina flour, and our own honest eggs.”

Above, one of Honest Eggs' farm tours Words: Tony Sawrey | Image: Contributed

38 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

Pick me, pick me

By Donna Kelly

I

T LOOKS like we are starting to get out of lockdown with restaurants and pubs gradually opening up.

Australia has really dodged a bullet, when you look at the other countries around the world, but we are a long way from normal.

And I just hope as people get out and about they keep their social distancing - which is pretty much what saved us - that and hand hygiene, and probably staying home while the worst of it went by. It's going to be hard.

As any regular reader would know, I lost my mum last week. She passed away on Friday, May 22 and the service was last Thursday.

We were limited to 20 people in the church but I noticed a husband of someone who had been invited also sitting in the pew. The woman, a very lovely friend of Mum's, was the same who tried to give me a hug at the church door. I refused, very politely, but she seemed amazed.

I guess I am still living with the premise that I have coronavirus and everyone else does as well. So I am not going to hug anyone until this thing is either non-existent or there is a vaccine. But how hard is it at a funeral to see long-time friends of your Mum and not hug when they are weeping with grief? I can tell you from personal experience, really, really hard.

My mum wanted a big, sad funeral. We were good with the sad part. k.d. lang's Hallelujah can't be listened to without crying, but what about big? Well, we livestreamed the service across the world with people watching in America, Japan and all around Australia. So, in a strange way, Mum got even bigger than she imagined.

Now, the family have all returned to their homes, and life is meant to get back to normal. But even with Mum, it is a new normal. I don't know how many times I am going to pick up the phone with something to tell her.

Even during this time there are lots of things to tell. That my sister bounded in one day to say she had dropped off a huge box of donuts to the cardiac ward to say thanks for looking after Mum. That's appropriate, I told her. Treats laden with fat and sugar to a heart ward. She didn't get it but Mum would have got the irony.

Or telling her older friends to keep their walking sticks handy in case they needed them to enforce social distancing from hug-seeking mourners. My sister again.

Or when I called her bank just now to let them know and they asked me if it was the first time I had called "about this matter". I wanted to say "she's good, but she's not that good".

Anyway, I will just have to muddle along, without my mum and my 5pm calls, like we all do at some time. Just sayin'...

I

The Little Local Winter edition

Hey there, I am Arctic. A four-year-old boy looking for my forever home.

I am very friendly and would suit a variety of homes including a family with children. So give the shelter a call and pick me!

MC#956000005909820 BR100938 Mount Alexander Animal Welfare is in Castlemaine. Call first on 5472 5277.

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

The Little Local EAT | ADVENTURE | STAY | RELAX WELLBEING | WHAT’S ON | SHOP

Winter 2020

T'S been a tough few months, and that's putting it lightly, but businesses are starting to come out of hibernation and back to a new version of themselves.

And, thanks in part to Community Grants Program funding from the Hepburn Shire Council, The Local Publishing Group is happy to announce it will produce a Winter edition of The Little Local.

The pocket-sized, tourist magazine will be out in time for the Queen's Birthday long weekend starting this Saturday. And then will be delivered every two weeks with The Local.

It's a great read, with truncated stories from The Local and also highlights all that is on offer in our wonderful Central Highlands region. Make sure you grab your copy when you are out and about.

Finally, The Local's Winter networking event has been held over but we reckon by Spring we will all be able to come together again. In a socially distanced way, of course.

Keep an eye on The Local for the Spring networking date.

And remember, when you can, support local.

E FRE e! em Tak A visitors guide to the Central Highlands

www.tlnews.com.au

Opinion 39

Kyle’s Rant

M

Y LIFE lately has been turned on its head with The Local going weekly (what bright-spark came up with that idea?) and then there is the paperwork.

You see, to support businesses all three tiers of government have set up grant funding, which is not always easy to obtain and takes a lot to get and acquit. The latest round of funding was brought to my attention by a guy calling me up to raise my awareness of a funding package for small business to get ahead digitally.

I explained to the guy we were already building a new, whizzbang website which we committed to before the pandemic, so we were OK. He said that he could apply for the money on my behalf and it would sit as a credit note with his company. On digging a little deeper I found out that it was simply a play to screw me out of the second stream of stimulus which is designed to help us, that is The Local, navigate the economic tide.

My thought is that after this Shylock got hold of my and other small businesses’ money, they would simply melt away with the funds never to be seen again, springing back into business under another alias when another funding round opened up.

As if it isn’t hard enough staying afloat in this current climate staying without these sort of jokers around. I mean, last week over 100 Australian mastheads stopped printing and I don’t plan to become a statistic.

Now as a result of the insolvencies around newspapers, I had one pencil pusher from the Public Interest News Gathering fund email me on what has been a particularly difficult week. The fund was already closed, I had submitted the required paperwork, but this goose wanted our profit and loss statement provided up to the day and a statutory declaration from my accountant stating that we were solvent. This as a result of the other mastheads falling over. And he wanted this information in 24 hours. Sure, I have nothing else to do, so I sprang into action, well not so much me, but Julie from accounts, tidying up the last two months of trade.

The mastheads that have either fallen over or are no longer printing and have gone just digital have largely, in my opinion, lost touch with the communities they served. It is a sad day for journalism, particularly in regional areas, however the demise has come as a result of short-sightedness and failure to change by management. I just want to put it out there that The Local doesn’t operate that way.

We are here and will always be here (unless I win Tatts or some shmuck from the city buys the business as a 'lifestyle job' – and then we are out of here…).

The Local will always produce excellent content, only employ locals, only report on locals and always keep the bastards honest. Forever TL rant finished…

TRENTHAM PETROL & .....................................

STUFF Petrol, oil, swap & go gas, Motorpass, farm produce, farm produce store, ice, milk, soft drinks, take away pies, coffee, confectionery, local honey, etc Rusty junk, secondhand books, old wares

..................................................

1 Market Street ~ ph: 5424 1611

Monday–Sunday 8aM~6pM

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

40 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 is the solution for last edition's crossword, Edition 181. 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.

www.tlnews.com.au

The Local Classifieds Classified advertising in The Local Cost: $6.60 per cm line Column width is 55mm Add an image...

Events Birthdays AGMs Public Notices Birth Notices Death Notices Employment adverts Call 5348 7883 Email donna@tlnews.com.au

Classifieds 41

5348 7883 or donna@tlnews.com.au

Innovative Farm Implements

Specialised implements for most types of farming Small and large acreages All soils and conditions Check us out

www.fixengineering.com.au

Links to YouTube working models If it isn’t quite what you’re looking for, If it doesn’t quite do what you want, If you have some ideas of your own to explore:

Ask Mike: 0418 508 573 info@fixengineering.com.au

Looking for hospitality staff?

As part of our COVID-19 response we are offering free employment advertising to help hospitality businesses on the road to recovery.

Contact donna@tlnews.com.au

Trades & Services

5348 7883 or donna@tlnews.com.au

Servicing Daylesford and Districts.

0427 508 840

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

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

We stock The Local!

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061

42 Trades

www.tlnews.com.au

Earthworks

Drives, drains, moving dirt, excavation, $400 half day $750 full day man and machine.

Caterpillar Bobcat, excavator and Dual Roller.

Phone: 0438 662203

Ph:0434 357 882

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

Trades 43

E L E C T R C I A N

John Roberts Electrical Services REG 15644

Domestic Commercial Industrial Mobile 0439 682 619

Servicing the local community for over 45 years

Phone: 5348 1291

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

das3460@bigpond.com

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

Call Kiyo on

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

0419 267 685

das3460@bigpond.com

0423 945 436

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

trenthamselfstorage@outlook.com

Looking forward to seeing everyone again and enjoying a tap beer.

Keep COVID safe and obey the rules.

Cheers from The Local