May 11, 2015 Issue 45 Celebrating Volunteer Week Celebrating Volunteers’ Week
The Local The Heart of the Highlands’ own community publication
The Local - tlnews.com.au
2 About Us
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Heart of the Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, May 25, 2015. Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local:
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/DHSLocal to receive your e-edition early - on Sunday evening!
Space bookings: Wednesday, May 20 Copy provided by: Thursday, May 21 Editorial deadline: Thursday, May 21 General manager | Photographer: Kyle Barnes Managing editor: Donna Kelly Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Sales: Nick Bunning (Ballarat), Kate Coleman (Kyneton) Accounts: Helen Greenwood Contributors: Glen Heyne, Robin Archer, Brian Nash, Kevin Childs, Dianne Caithness, Kate Taylor, Anthony Sawrey, Jacquie Airey Editorial and affordable sales - 5348 7883 | 0416 104 283 donna@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au See a photo you like? Photos are just $20 each and will be emailed at high resolution. You can print as many copies as you like... “The Local” is a registered trademark of Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly
Front cover: Celebrating National Volunteer Week. See our feature from page 23 to 29. Image: Kyle Barnes
The Local winner of the Daylesford Rotary Club’s Business of the Year 2015 Just sayin’
Money, money, money... Advertisements in The Local are very affordable - unlike traditional print media we don’t charge like wounded bulls! So here goes with our loyalty prices...for six consecutive adverts An eighth of a page - $50 plus GST A quarter page - $100 plus GST A banner - $100 plus GST A half page - $200 plus GST A full page - $400 plus GST (Prices are per edition) But wait, there’s more! All adverts in The Local are full colour and we can help with basic graphic designs and layouts too! At no extra cost, of course. So, if you want to get your business or organisation out there in the community, in the best-read publication in the Heart of the Highlands, give us a call or send an email. (See our details left.) Oh, we also have an average of 76,000 impressions online each edition at www.tlnews.com.au - even more reasons to get in touch.
“I can’t find The Local...” Really? Mmm. That’s odd. There are a lot around - and you are reading this one...Anyway, where to find your copy of The Local? Here goes: In no particular order The Local is bulk drop delivered to Daylesford, Hepburn, Trentham, Trentham East, Lyonville, Glenlyon, Newlyn, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Tylden, Creswick and Clunes. It is also dropped at most cafes and hotels in the region. And of course is online at www.tlnews.com.au that’s real home delivery for you. If you can’t find your closest delivery point just give us a call on 5348 7883 and we will steer you in the right direction!
The Local is the future of regional publishing! - stated by Victorian Senator John Madigan in the Australian Parliament - November 2014 Just sayin’.... :)
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News 3
Annie “Scissors” still flying at Trentham Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes
M
OMENTS occur in life when everything changes. Such a time happened to Anne Moulding when she fell in her Melbourne apartment, breaking her hip.
Already a paraplegic after an accident years earlier, she managed to get to the phone and call for help. While she was in hospital six Trentham friends moved her possessions to her Trentham cottage. And there she stays. “They helped me so I could live here. I sold my warehouse apartment in Richmond and didn’t look back.” The move meant fulfilling two passions in her life: hairdressing and clothes, propelling her to open The Spotted Pony hair salon and ditto store next door. This meant an enormous job of restoring a rundown High Street building, including woodwork and leadlight, dispensing with a fish ‘n’ chip cooker (it went to the footy club) and even repairing a hole in the ceiling caused by a fire lit below. Along the way there were the inevitable battles with the council and its red tape, which continue. And this follows setbacks in recent years that include broken hips, legs and ribs. “I’m lucky to be here,” she says. Growing up in Bendigo meant hard work rather than luck moved her on. Simultaneously working in a jewellery shop, a bakery and a strawberry farm she saved her money to reach her goal. Working from a young age, disliking school, she focussed on her drive to be a hairdresser. Already she had found success in pony clubs, collecting ribbons in dressage competitions. The major competition, however, was to win an apprenticeship post with Rodney Wayne’s hair salon. One position in a field of 200. “I thought ‘oh no’. But l loved clothes and I had saved $80 so I spent it all on clothes. That was important: I looked the part and presented well.” Three interviews later the job was hers. She plunged into hard work. Six days a week she was on the job, cutting, dying, trimming and styling, even though dermatitis opened wounds on her hands. “I didn’t want to be an average hairdresser. I wanted to be outstanding.” This drive took her to top spot as state apprentice of the year. Then it was off to Melbourne where she worked for nothing in Toorak Road salons while supporting herself by serving in a classy Carlton wine bar. After a year of such dedication she could effectively name her salary with the scissors. But then a barrier arose. She had an extreme reaction to sprays and chemicals and had to switch to something different. She followed the rodeo circuit around the country, then became a jillaroo, rounding up brumbies in the Snowy Mountains, cooking for shearers and revelling in the outdoor life. Then came her accident. All she will say is: “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” In Melbourne she used to run 25 kilometres every morning. This fitness, and meditation, got her through. “Otherwise I could not have survived. I had an hour and half in an ambulance going over rocky roads to Canberra. I heard them say `she’ll be dead on arrival’. I thought, I’m gonna die when I want to die. I’m not going. I’m gonna die peacefully.”
She went into a coma. During this time she heard a surgeon tell her family that if she survived she would be a vegetable. “I’ll never forget that. When they stabilised me I heard his voice again. I asked if he could he brought over and I said `don’t you ever speak like that about someone again. I’ll never be a f…..g vegetable’. He went white.” Her fury subsides as she tells of taking up a suggestion by her sister and moving to Trentham almost four years ago. Then came the chance to go into business. “Someone’s misfortune became my good fortune,” she says, while describing herself as lucky because she had the use of her hands. “I found this warm, embracing community. It made me feel like family,” she says,
singling out the delicious food to be found, as well as the “eccentric, quirky people”. “You are accepted.” Her love of beautiful clothes and fabrics, an appreciation of style inherited from her mother, and a range of contacts in countries such as France and Italy, helped her set up the shop. As for the food, recently she marked her 50th birthday with a high tea for 50 at the nearby du Fermier, run by Annie Smithers, who calls her Annie Scissors. She shows pictures of the stunning food, including swan-shaped profiteroles. “They had wings,” she says, “so I could fly”. Even while wheelchair-bound, she clearly is flying.
4 News
The Local - tlnews.com.au
And the winners are...
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EONARDS Hill Baby Show was held on May 2 with plenty of cute entrants vying for a win.
Among those taking home blue ribbons were: birth - 9 months - Lottie Wadey from Black Hill, above, 9 months - 18 months - Eden Ritchie from Daylesford, 18 months – 3 years - Haylie Blanch from Sailors Falls, right, 3 years to 5 years Diesel Blanch from Sailors Falls. Champion Baby - Harper O’Toole from Daylesford, left, Miss Tiny Tot - Phoebe Arkcoll from Korweinguboora, top right, and Master Tiny Tot - Diesel Blanch from Sailors Falls.
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Our artists 5
Joy and satisfaction from a creative life in Kyneton
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ARGARET Chandra developed half of her Piper Street, Kyneton cottage into Gallery 40 nine years ago and has held 17 exhibitions of her own photography – along with showcasing other artists. She talked to editor Donna Kelly. DK: When did you realise you were an artist? MC: I was interested in doing something different and creative when I became a mother and did a screen printing course for a year at night. It was wonderful. Later I experimented with making cards, using my own lino block cards and photos with decorative embellishments. Then I discovered silk painting and have also done some creative embroidery. I realise I have always enjoyed making things with my hands. DK: What exactly do you do? MC: At present I am an art photographer which I have developed into gradually through an interest in photography and experimenting for many years. I was determined to do more with my photography when I semi-retired. So I developed half my Kyneton cottage into a gallery nine years ago. Since then I have had 17 exhibitions of my own photographs and arranged occasional exhibitions for other artists. DK: What does your artwork mean to you? MC: I feel very comfortable now as an artist photographer. I also feel very privileged that I can enjoy being creative at this stage of my life – it gives me a special feeling of joy and satisfaction. I am basically self-taught and am surprised at how satisfying it has been to develop my curatorial skills from scratch as well as my photography printing. My recent adventures into making slumped glass items and mosaics have provided me with occasions of “pure” creativity I have never experienced before. DK: What challenges do you face? MC: If I decide to set up a new exhibition I often have to decide whether this is for me the artist – or for others to come and enjoy. The selection of the images sometimes means the choice of some favourite images would not ensure the totality of the final whole display. Sometimes there can be a good compromise and I really appreciate it if someone visits and remarks on one of my own favourite prints. For example several years ago I set up a varied exhibition called Romancing the Boat. I recall a visitor being surprised and appreciative of several of my more “arty” photographs. DK: What do you hope your art says to others? MC: My exhibitions often give a personal insight into a country I have visited – or some customs I have photographed, for example Indian Weddings which was a popular exhibition. I try to fill in some background information if appropriate. But I hope my photos and glasswork tell people to “have a go yourself – you can do this at any age.”
DK: Where can we see your work? MC: My current exhibition “Flowers for Everyone” will be open at Gallery 40 on May 30 and 31, and June 7 and 8, from 11am to 4pm. At present I also have some photos on display at Ruby Café in Mollison St, Kyneton. DK: Finally what would you say to a young person who is thinking about embarking on a career in the art world? MC: It takes hard work to develop the skills, confidence and strength to hang onto your self-image and your dreams. “Get a day job” to help while you are growing into your role as an artist. Treasure the friends and people who will support you and your ideas on your journey. And remember them when you are successful!
Link: gallery40.com.au
Central Highlands Pain & Well-being Centre Dr Shelley L Beer Chinese Medicine New options: Friday session, Booking available Community Open Group Acupuncture $30 ea Tuesday 2pm - 5pm / Thursday 9.30 - 11.30 am - Drop in or by appointment Friday 9.30 - 11.30am BY APPOINTMENT only Private consultations still by appointment Tues – Sat. Phone 0417 036 153 - www.tcmconsultancy.com - 12 Albert Street, Daylesford
The Local - tlnews.com.au
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Daylesford 3460
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News 7
Uncle Phil sees feasting as cultural education Words/Image: Anthony Sawrey
S
ITTING down to eat food, preferably with a table full of friends, has always been the quickest and simplest way to learn about the world around us and garner a deeper appreciation of other cultures.
It is for this reason that Uncle Phil Ahwang, also known as The First Cook, is so passionate about his craft. But unlike most eating experiences, he brings to his table so much more than good food. Phil is a respected elder from the Torres Strait Islands and an inspiring communicator and cultural teacher. He grew up in north Queensland but now lives in the Yandoit hills with his wife Sonja. While the chilly regions of Victoria may be far removed from the lifestyle of the tropics, he carries his rich knowledge in his heart, taking every opportunity to teach spirituality, language, dance and storytelling to people of all ages. To achieve this, he uses cooking and the traditional Torres Strait feasting ceremony of Kup-Murri. Kup-Murri is the regional word for an underground oven where an array of food is wrapped, buried and cooked over several hours. But Kup-Murri is much more than just an oven; traditionally it is an important part of communal life and part of all social gatherings from weddings and births to funerals. Unlike our usual public eating experiences where the diners are separate from the chef in the kitchen, Kup-Murri is a lengthy ritual involving all participants from beginning to end. Uncle Phil has hosted Kup-Murri feasts at lifestyle festivals such as Rainbow, NAIDOC Day, Aboriginal men’s camps and other community groups. In recognition of his work he recently won a national Deadly award for his contribution to indigenous cultural development. Phil firmly believes in Kup-Murri’s ability to not only provide great tucker, but its importance in teaching self worth, team work and vital knowledge regarding health and well being. “It’s a way of encouraging community and healthy living,” says Phil, “so we can be stronger, have focussed decisions and make them to look after our children of the future.” The traditional foods of the Kup-Murri consist of fish, dugong and turtle, vegetable and fruits such as yam, sweet potato cassava, mangoes and paw paw. However, just about anything can be added to the pit, it is only limited by the chef’s imagination. What is most important is bringing people together to celebrate and thank the creation spirits for looking after them. The work is divided into four teams reflecting the traditional four elements that maintain life. The fire team tends the oven, the earth team prepares the food, the water team focuses on hygiene and wind team takes care of setting the table for the feast. Through these collective actions - work, song, dance, eating and conversation, food becomes a conduit for education and cultural learning.
“It allows traditional teaching to move beyond the negative elements in the foundations of Australia’s past and become something that celebrates the great multiculturalism in the history of our nation,” says Phil. “I have always believed we should celebrate indigenous people every day, not just during NAIDOC Week or Sorry Day and that happens every time we do Kup-Murri.”
It is a special thing when something as universal as eating together can be embodied in such a way; to become a true mediator between people and an empowering act. You won’t see that happen on MasterChef anytime soon.
KYNETON DRYCLEANERS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
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8 Opinion
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Just sayin’ with Donna Kelly
B
EFORE you continue, a warning, this is my gripe. So if you don’t like gripes don’t read on. I mean, do read on in other parts of The Local - there’s lots of good news. Like our amazing volunteers, people back from Gallipoli or even sports broadcaster Dan Lonergan joining our crew. That’s good news. And that’s what we are mainly about. We decided early on that there was enough bad news in the world - just turn on the television in the morning - and that a pretty much guaranteed good read was much nicer. They say good news doesn’t sell, but then we were also told print was dead. Mmm. Seems alive and well in the Central Highlands. On that bad news point, have you noticed how national breaking news is getting so trivial these days? Not having a go at fellow journos, although the metro reporters are very pushy when it comes to news conferences, but how low can they go? I swear I saw a “breaking news” on a car accident in Far North Queensland where two people were slightly injured and taken to hospital for observation. Now I am as sorry as the next person that they got slightly injured but I don’t know them, I don’t drive that stretch of road and I will never hear of them again. But they were breaking news? Seriously, what about that breaking news of 15 million people who went about their daily lives and were all fine. Now that’s a nicer story - and it doesn’t even involve a cat being rescued by firies. Anyway, I have totally digressed. And all this griping has led me to couch my gripe in a good news way. So do read on. How’s this? The State Government can save taxpayers’ money and at the same time more local people can be employed by local companies. Yes, it’s true. All it would take is for the State Government to direct its media buyer (that’s the people who place those “Take The Toll Down” or “Buckle Up Or Die” adverts - and who also love capital letters even when it is grammatically wrong) to connect with local independent publications - yes, like The Local - and use them for advertising. And then publications yes, like The Local - can employ more local people who live and shop locally. But you see, apparently, if you are not weekly, you are not eligible for State Government advertising. Oh, unless you are a not-for-profit. So fortnightly, monthly, online publications just don’t cut it. Even though the adverts are mostly about a quarter of the price. If you are a successful business owner, you are continually on the lookout for innovative ways to operate. You don’t think “well this has worked for 50 years so let’s not bother with looking for better value for money”. Unless, maybe, just maybe, it’s not your money. It’s the taxpayers’. Just sayin’.
Pick me, pick me! “How cute am I...my name is Coco and I am a mini lop ear rabbit and just three months old. We rabbits are very popular pets and there’s me and three other lovely rabbits (pick me first though) waiting for new homes at Castlemaine RSPCA. But call first to make sure we are still here - that’s how popular we are! Best of all the adoption fee for a rabbit is only $60 and includes desexing, vet check and microchipping. So fun and affordable.” MC# 956000004467159 Castlemaine RSPCA is at 24 Langslow St, Castlemaine. Phone: 5472 5277. Open: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm. Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
(Pick me, pick me - is run courtesy of The Local.)
The Local - Connecting the Community
The Local believes in giving back. So welcome to The Local’s “Connecting the Community” project. Each edition The Local has two free advert spaces to give away to not-for-profit organisations. Just because we can. So, if your group needs a helping hand, email donna@tlnews.com.au If we receive more than two we will use the tried and true “put them in a hat” system but also work a little bit on timing.
ADVOCACY SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY “OUR VOICE OUR CHOICE” Grampians disAbility Advocacy (GdA) provides a FREE, confidential and independent advocacy service throughout the Hepburn/Mooroobool shires on behalf of people with a disability. Any person with any kind of disability, their friends, family or carers can receive assistance. We provide individual, systemic advocacy and community education. Kaylene is available by appointment within the shire. Call 5348 3350 to discuss how GdA can assist you or go to www.grampiansadvocacy.org.au or email gdaad@mmnet.com.au
2 Golf Links Road, Hepburn 5348 3750
Now taking enrolments for 2016 Call in and book your visit today!
The Local - tlnews.com.au
News 9
Hepburn Post Office set to shut up shop
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EPBURN Post Office is in danger of closing at the end of the month.
An Australia Post spokesperson said the operators of the Hepburn post office, Pierre and Simone Niclas, had “notified Australia Post of their intention to cease trading on May 31, 2015”. However the spokesperson said Australia Post was committed to retaining postal services in Hepburn and was seeking expressions of interest for a new operator. “We know local business operators are vitally important to Hepburn and by offering them a licence to operate the post office, a local small business will have the opportunity to secure an additional source of revenue. “We will continue to keep residents updated and will communicate any changes to existing arrangements as soon as the details are confirmed. The post office boxes will be maintained – we are just working on arrangements on what this will look like if no-one takes over the license.” Cr Niclas, who is the Hepburn Shire Council councillor for Hepburn, said he would be “bitterly disappointed” if the post office closed. “It would be a terrible loss for the community.” Cr Niclas said he could not comment as the lessee. Meanwhile, the owner of the building Sandii Conlan said she “desperately wanted the property to remain as a post office for the community”. “The priority is to try to keep the post office open for the community as we see it as a necessity for Hepburn residents.” It is believed that, at the time of going to press, post office box holders had not been officially notified of the potential closure. The closest post office to Hepburn is Daylesford.
Tree of Knowledge wood saved
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OOD from Daylesford’s Tree of Knowledge canopy has been stored until Hepburn Shire Council and the community decide its future. Council has also removed the “Tree of Knowledge” heritage plaque for safe keeping. On its Facebook page, in the lead up to the removal, council said it had become aware of significant damage to the trunk “likely to be as a result of the tornado on February 28”. “Sadly there is no option available other than the removal of the tree.” Comments on the Facebook page had many people asking if the useable parts of the tree, which was in Burke Square outside the Royal Hotel, could be saved. “Love the idea of a big carving using the remnants of the tree would be a wonderful idea. If not one maybe several smaller ones which could be placed around town.” “How significant would an Anzac or a local historical memorial carving be worked there? This could be a fantastic opportunity to enhance this important space.” “I’d love something to remember the original indigenous people, the European settlers & the Anzacs as it’s the centenary.” “Where is that tree, never knew about it, would love to see it before it has to go.” “R.I.P. Great Tree.”
You’re invited. Are you aged 45 plus? Reviewing your super and investment options? Planning for retirement or aged care? Come along to brought to you by Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch. Invite your friends and family and be enlightened about your future planning options. When
Thursday 4 June
Where
Masonic Hall Daylesford (beside the RSL)
Times
6pm-7pm Saving for your super and retirement options. 7pm-7.30pm Light refreshments and questions. 7.30pm-8.30pm Retirees and aged care.
To RSVP or for further information
For catering purposes please R.S.V.P to the Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch by calling 5348 4186 You are welcome to come to the whole evening or to the session that is applicable to you.
We look forward to seeing you there.
bendigobank.com.au Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. S50515-1 (246524_v11) (20/03/2015)
You’re invited. Are you between the ages of 18-45? Or reviewing your super and investment options? brought to you by Come along to Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch. Invite your friends and family and be enlightened about your future planning options. When
Thursday 28 May
Where
Masonic Hall Daylesford (beside the RSL)
Times
6 7pm-7.30pm Light refreshments and questions. 7.30pm-8.30pm Review your super and investment options.
To RSVP or for further information
For catering purposes please R.S.V.P to the Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch by calling 5348 4186 You are welcome to come to the whole evening or to the session that is applicable to you.
We look forward to seeing you there.
bendigobank.com.au Daylesford District Community Bank® Branch Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. S50515-1 (246524_v11) (20/03/2015)
The Local - tlnews.com.au
News 11
150th anniversary for St Peter’s Church
S
T PETER’S Catholic Church will acknowledge its 150th anniversary on June 14 with a mass celebrated by Bishop Paul Bird.
St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church has stood on the slopes of Wombat Hill for 150 years, serving the multi-national Catholic community of the region. Its windows are some of the finest glass in an Australian church. The church was designed by the architect William Wardell (1823 – 1899) in a manner strongly influenced by the English architect Charles Hansom on a Crown Land grant. It replaced a small wooden chapel erected in 1856. The church’s foundation stone was laid in 1863 and it was consecrated and opened in 1865. St Peter’s architectural significance as a substantial stone building designed by a prominent architect was only possible due to the wealth of the goldfields. The Catholic church had a strong presence throughout Victoria and the goldfields during the 19th century with a vigorous program of church construction. The church is a simple form with a five-bay gabled nave containing geometric decorated gothic windows and stepped buttressing. The gable roof is covered in slate and the sidewalls constructed of rough-hewn local stone. The roof consists of timber beams supported by twelve stone bosses, carved to represent the heads of the twelve apostles. The east-end windows are made of Munich stained glass depicting the Ascension. One of the most magnificent is the Holy Spirit window incorporating inch thick purple glass, normally a French design signifying royalty. The sanctuary walls have adoring angels stencilled in gold leaf and its timbered ceiling is painted sky blue. Originally, the church had a tower in the southwest corner but this was demolished due to earth movement resulting from tunnelling in the town. The west end of the church was rebuilt in brick faced with freestone and it was at this time that the stained glass windows depicting various saints were installed. The interior contains extensive stencilled decoration, particularly in the chancel, but this work is believed to have been done during the 20th century and is not believed to be part of Wardell’s design. John Hennessy is reported to be the artist of the altarpiece. The church has recently undergone extensive restoration works - with parishioner Lawrence Righetti, pictured right, clearly happy with the result! Mass will be celebrated at 10.30am at St Peter’s followed by lunch at St Michael’s School, Smith St, Daylesford.
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We accept and BULK BILL vouchers from public hospital dental clinic (VEDS & VGDS) and the Medicare childhood dental benefits schedule (CDBS).
We will start seeing patients from 4th of May & phone bookings accepted from 27th April.
We accept and BULK BILL vouchers from publicFOR hospital dental clinic BOOKINGS PHONE: 03 5348 2939 16 Albert & St -VGDS) Daylesford | www.springsfamilydental.com.au | info@springsfamilydental.com.au (VEDS and the Medicare childhood dental benefits schedule (CDBS).
12 News
The Local - tlnews.com.au
A Sparkling Life (AN ONGOING column by Marian Sidwell and her recollection of living in Daylesford - and early childhood memories. The first excerpt ran in The Local, Issue 28, September 15, 2014. Back issues at tlnews.com.au) Drawing by Daylesford artist Brian Nash art@briannash.com.au
T
wo other rooms ran off the kitchen. The kitchenette was one.
It was tiny, just wide enough to take the tall kitchen cabinet up one end and sink and pot cupboards down the long sides. Unfortunately, for some reason, the hot water service only extended itself to the bathroom. The kitchenette had a cold tap only. The sink itself was quite a novelty for a while but mum soon tired of carrying the big black kettle with the hot water from the wood stove, down the step into the kitchenette. She deemed it too dangerous and I think with three girls whirling tea towels all squashed in the tiny space allotted to washing dishes was as much the reason why it was not long before the good old tin wash up dish and tray once again graced themselves on the kitchen table. The other room running off the kitchen was supposed to be a bedroom but it was tiny and nowhere near big enough for three girls to inhabit. It became our tiny lounge room; hardly ever used except for quick weather checks from the window. The room faced west, had no fireplace, freezing in winter and hot in summer. Mum’s treadle sewing machine in its neat fold down polished cabinet stood dead centre under the window and got more use I am sure than did the old sofa. When visitors were due the sewing machine would be folded down, a doily and vase of flowers placed on top so the room was ready for them. It never got used. The big old kitchen was the hub of the place. Eight to ten chairs around the big table, the wireless, the tin canisters and an accumulation of junk on the mantleshelf and an ever boiling kettle on the stove. The hills of Daylesford naturally encroached our patch as well. Everything outside was on a steep west downward slope. Therefore it was a sloping concrete path that took us to the outbuildings. They were rather similar to those we had at Richmond in that they were all under the one roof. The first one a laundry, or wash house as it was known in those days, featured a double concrete wash trough and a good sized wood burning copper. Certainly a step up from the Richmond tin bath and copper days. The next outhouse was a disused lined sleepout, followed by an open wood shed, at the back of which was a disgusting smelly pan toilet. We held the night-man in awe; a potato bag over his shoulder and a balancing act any circus would welcome. We were all scared we would be caught out by the night-man as more often than not he was a day-man so dad had his head down drawing plans for his septic tank at super top speed. The last outhouse of the line was another unlined sleepout of sorts. None of them ever held the same magic as the ones in Richmond. They probably did for my little sister for a while as she hadn’t hit double figures. The week or so prior to commencement of school was spent in idle content. It seemed a never ending holiday. We made friends with our neighbors in West Street. I think there were about five children in the family and between their house and ours was what we called ‘the paddock’ and we were allowed to play out there after tea until nightfall. We city kids learnt how to skirt around wet cow dung in no time.
Here is the solution to last week’s crossword. This week’s crossword is on page 22. All the answers are somewhere in The Local. Good luck!
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 clothing, books, fine china, glassware, industrial items, jewellery, antiques as well as Australian pottery, homewares, memorabilia, retro fashions and collectables. We also have many stalls selling new products and have gift vouchers for those people who have everything!
All goods are from the 1850’s right through to present day. Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of dealers, which allows small business operators and collectors who otherwise could not afford the overheads of their own shops, to showcase their goods. This equates to a wide and diverse range of products, available and open to the public, seven days a week. Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane through hundreds and thousands of items available for purchase at all three locations. With over 500 stall holders over three venues, there is always something for everyone. Travel The Amazing Mill Markets ‘Golden Triangle’ and enjoy quality food and coffee at each. All venues open 7 days 10.00am-6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).
14 Happy & Healthy
The Local - tlnews.com.au
www.healthwithjaqi.com
Carol Watters
Reflexologist
Shamanic Healing Healing is within Us Intuitive Counselling Illuminations Soul Retrieval Extractions Readings
0425 789 128 Room 8/57 Vincent Street Daylesford Vic 3460
Jaqi Mudge 0423 499 901
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(The Old Victoria Hotel)
8/2/13 1:12:03 AM
elax, dream and feel great
Do you help people stay “Happy & Healthy”? Advertise here from as little as $25 plus GST a week. Email donna@tlnews.com.au or call 5348 7883.
xperience . . . Day Spa
SALON-SPA
39 High Street, Kyneton Phone (03) 5422 3795 ellenis.com.au
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Happy & Healthy 15
NUTRITION CONSULTING Specialising in, but not limited to Gut Health . Stress and Anxiety . Dietary Analysis . Food Analysis Detoxification . Fasting . Weight Management . Prevention and Wellbeing Contact Peter Muller M:0419 371 089 For consult times and bookings Email: muskgroup9@gmail.com Skype consultations available Visit at Daylesford Health Food and Organics 27-29 Albert Street, Daylesford
THE COTTAGE HERBALIST Caroline Parker BHSc Western Herbal Medicine
• Herbal Medicine • Bush Flower Essences • Diet & Lifestyle Advice • Wellness Programs • Hand Blended Organic Teas and Tisanes 0402 366 242 thecottageherbalist.com.au thecottageherbalist@gmail.com ANTA member 12687
The Australian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends all children start seeing the dentist beginning at the eruption of their first tooth. Bring your infant to see Dr Yasser Khan and Dr Pallavi Mishra to help create a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Children aged 2 - 17 years could be eligible for FREE dental treatment under the CDBS scheme. H OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 2015
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Weekend & after school appointments available
KYNETON DENTAL 5422 6159 65 High Street, Kyneton, Vic 3444 www.kynetondental.com.au
Image credit Sergei Chumakov/shutterstock.com
SAY CHEESE!
The Local - tlnews.com.au
16 News
David McCoy Computer Repairs & Sales.
5422 7000 30 Welsh st Kyneton Sales, repairs, advice David & Wendy McCoy
D
Bushwalking group celebrates 25 years AYLESFORD Neighbourhood Centre Bushwalking Group celebrated 25 years with, naturally, a walk last Friday.
The group’s inaugural walk was held on Thursday, May 10, 1990 and initiated by the then Daylesford Neighbourhood House. It started with five walkers and went from Lake Daylesford to Tipperary Springs. Spokesman Rob McDonald said the walks were friendly social events with a fitness element and just a few months later, the number of walkers was up to 10. “By May 1991 a little more structure evolved and a weekly schedule was drawn up and the walks became afternoon activities of about three hours duration. By 1992 the average number of walkers increased slightly from between 10-14 persons and a 3 monthly walk schedule established.” Rob said in 1994 the afternoon walks became morning walks and a six-month roster was established with some full day walks also scheduled. “By 1998 the group was fully established with Pat Conroy and Norma Dickinson in charge. Walks started to be conducted on a Friday. “In early 2000s Bill Longley became the leader bringing a more structured approach again, with a full yearly program with various people in the group offering local walks.” “In 2008 coordination was passed to George Killingback and Jayne Rayner with more than 20 walkers taking part – even up to 40 walkers “especially for the wonderful cooperative and social lunches and the Christmas party”. “In 2013 Ian McKenzie assumed the role of coordinator.” Rob said the walking group, some of whom are pictured right, was “probably one of the most successful and enduring social and sporting activities in the shire” and run by volunteers who tried not to “complicate things with red tap”. “Our prime objective however is to provide a safe and social experience for all, exploring the many bush tracks, forest roads, mining relics and beautiful bushlands of our area.” Last Friday’s walk retraced the original walk from Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre to Tipperary Springs. A more formal event will be held in the near future to celebrate the history of the group. Keep an eye on The Local for details.
Your chance to own a much loved daYlesford gem Vendor is retiring, all offers considered
An amazing product range including gifts, jewellery, cards, clothing, toys, books and more, in one of the prime positions in Daylesford. Voted Best Town in Australia 2013 by Australia Traveller magazine. It is your chance to own a much desired retail business in the heart of a thriving holiday and retreat destination and 18mths leasehold with a further option of 3 years remaining. l l l l l l l l
Established business for 30 years Well supported by locals and visitors Sale includes all fixture and fittings Stock to be sold separately Plenty of space for growth or expansion Increase sales with internet listing WI-WO with training provided Ideal going concern with lifestyle options
BENJAMIN BANDICOOT 31 Vincent Street, Daylesford Vic. 3460 Inspection by appointment only Biggins & Scott Daylesford (03) 5348 2328
The Local - tlnews.com.au
News 17
RICHARD YATES SCULPTURE
WOOD AND METAL
From private commissions to Parliament House, Canberra, Richard has created unique works in wood, metal and bronze.
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Mobile: 0407 517 272 Website: richardyatessculptor.com Email: rjyates65@hotmail.com
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Richard can design and create special custom pieces from entrance gates and lighting to carved doors and sculpture.
The Local - tlnews.com.au
18 Letters
Letters
Send letters to news@tlnews.com.au They must be to the point and include a name and suburb or organisation for publication.
Poppy Project WHAT a proud moment in the history of our village, our main street shops prominently displaying the handiwork from dozens of shire residents who generously responded to the call to knit poppies.
These last weeks for Maggie Nightingale, Sandy Breen and myself - an absolute privilege encouraging knitters from across the community - our senior citizens, Daylesford RSL supported by Trish Tinetti, Hepburn Health Activities Group, the CFA, Daylesford Bowling Club, The CWA, Daylesford Library, volunteers from the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre, The Daylesford Men’s Shed, children at the local schools, suppliers, Deborah at That Bargain Place, Merrilyn at Threadneedle - and so the list goes on. Poppies arrived anonymously in small bags – thank you - in all shapes and sizes, some painted, all absolutely beautiful, works of art crafted with respect and gratitude for our servicemen and women. Such a joyous coming together for the amazing “ANZAC 100” celebrations at the Daylesford Town Hall so capably mentored by Frank Page just a few short weeks ago. The RSL proudly displays storyboards awash with poppies and the wreath placed at the Daylesford Cenotaph on Anzac Day will be enlarged finding
ALL KIDS SOCKS
a permanent home at the RSL for all the poppies donated. This project has been a rewarding and community strengthening event, it’s been a labour of love for our crafters, a real honour to have our work displayed in the main street – thank you to everyone involved, we’ve created our own story of remembrances.
Denise Robinson Daylesford Poppy Project Committee Member Daylesford Anzac 100
School funding approved IT IS with great excitement that I announce to the school community that the funding for Kyneton Primary School to rebuild at the Edgecombe Street site has been approved.
This is wonderful news for the school community and Kyneton. In all, the Victorian Government has allocated $11.5 million to fund the building of our new school. A project development team including; architects, DET personnel, staff and parents have been working behind the scenes developing the Masterplan. The Masterplan design stage outlines how the buildings will be set on the site as per the guidelines from the pedagogical vision. Now that the funding has been announced, it’ll be full steam ahead. The new school is expected to be completed
$1
per pair
by term three, 2017. To help celebrate this great news, Kyneton Primary School is opening its doors to the community during Education Week. Throughout the week we will be celebrating with various events and activities. In particular, we have an open morning planned for Wednesday, May 20 from 9am to 11am for families to come and see all the wonderful work their children have been doing. On Friday, we invite families in again to help the children make fruit skewers as part of Food Revolution Day. We finish off the week with a paper plane competition, all the while learning about symmetry. Finally, we will be asking the school community for donations of second hand books to support schools in Vanuatu. Earlier in the year, Cyclone Pam destroyed many areas of the country including schools. Many schools lost books leaving their students without reading materials. This gives us the opportunity to help out over 60,000 school children who were affected by the disaster. UNICEF is supporting these children and is in need of emergency supplies such as teaching and learning materials. Kyneton Primary School is proud to be supporting these children. It’s a wonderful cause. Please contact the school on 5422 1855 if you’d like more information about any of these events or to organise a school tour.
Acting principal Anthony Potesta Kyneton Primary School
Quality Brand Names Men's and Ladies
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High Quality Bed Linen
All stock must go @ up to 75% off Retail
Knitwear
Men's and Ladies New Stock Just Arrived @ up to 50% off Retail
C
H AS
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NLY
GAB GLOBAL
10 Mollison Place, Kyneton (Just past Skipdon Motors) Open every Thursday during May 10 am - 4 pm From June - Open every Friday 10 am - 4 pm
The Local - tlnews.com.au
News 19
Understanding the Anzac spirit at Gallipoli By Kate Taylor
A
S WITH the boys and men before her, standing at the cliffs of Gallipoli changed something within Laura Edwards forever.
But unlike those who went before her 100 years ago, the Year 11 student from Kyneton’s Sacred Heart College was not there to fight for her country – she was there to commemorate those who had. “Looking at those cliffs at the Gallipoli Peninsula, I tried to imagine what it was like to be a young boy running up those hills as if your life depended on it. But I couldn’t imagine it, it seemed impossible,” Ms Edwards said. Having just returned from a week-long trip to Turkey, Ms Edwards, pictured right with her father Stephen, reflected on what many would consider the trip of a lifetime. Along with a veteran of other sorts – the college’s history teacher of 32 years Brett Lefebvre – Ms Edwards was selected as one of 80 students from Victoria to travel with 14 teachers to the centenary commemorations of the Gallipoli landing on Anzac day. “I decided to apply for the trip because I always loved the story of the Anzacs because my favourite stories to hear about are ones about human decency. That’s what these men were - decent human beings who fought for our country, for their families and their mates’ families,” Ms Edwards said.
After “jumping through all the hoops” Mr Lefebvre was also selected – but he already had experience, having previously gone on a five-week study tour to Turkey with the Rotary Club of Kyneton. “A little bit of Turkish goes a long way, I could say hello and order a coffee,” Mr Lefebvre said. He explained that the dawn service was “very crowded,” and that it was followed by a service at Lone Pine – the great battle of Gallipoli that saw the Anzacs fighting for control of the heights of the cliffs. “We were supposed to have a reserved spot but when we got there other people had squeezed into our spot. It’s a very beautiful place, it’s like the Great Ocean Road area, very pretty.” Ms Edwards said that during the service the only thing that was going through her mind was a buzz of adrenaline. “You never really understand Anzac spirit until you are standing on the ground that these men fought and died on.” The trip also included sightseeing in Istanbul and visiting a school at Gallipoli – doing it all, along with the travel to and from Turkey, in seven days was a big ask. “The worst thing would be the lack of sleep and the constant presence of cigarette smoke,” Ms Edwards said. “Overall this trip has changed something in me forever that will always be an evident presence in me.”
Learning new skills at DNC
I
T MIGHT have been a wet, drizzly day but that didn’t stop the eager students of Isabelle Canty’s Introduction to Horticulture class from making their way to the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre. Isabelle said the six-week class was covering every aspect of horticulture and was structured for every level. “We have people who want to know a bit more about horticulture or gardening, people who want to broaden their knowledge and also people who don’t know anything about horticulture but want to get some basic skills. “It has been structured so it applies to heaps of different levels of knowledge. “And people should know they can come here with no knowledge at all. I really encourage people to come along and ask questions about things which are relevant to them.” Isabelle herself has spent years in the industry from land management to indigenous land management, organic certified gardening, orchards, vineyards and just plain gardening. “I have worked and studied for many years in this industry.” And if horticulture is not your thing, Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre has a host of other classes and activities from life drawing to pilates, and yoga to computer lessons. Check out the website for all the courses available at ourneighbourhood.org.au
Left: Raylene Knowles wields a spade and Ben Anantabara checks on plant growth - all under the watchful eye of Isabelle Canty
Both Ms Edwards and Mr Lefebvre reflected on how lucky they were to be selected for the trip. “I’m not buying any Tattslotto tickets, because I’ve used up all my luck,” Mr Lefebvre said.
Advertorial
The Local - tlnews.com.au
20 Out & About
NEWRAP
Costume Hire 2 Bourke Street, Kyneton
5422 3013
Open 12 noon to 5.30pm Wed-Thur-Fri 10am to 5pm Saturdays or by appointment MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE
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TRENTHAM PETROL & STUFF
1 Market St PH 5424 1611 Mon - Sat 8am - 6pm Sun 9am - 6pm
Petrol, oils, swap & go gas, firewood permits, farm produce / produce store, ice, milk, soft drinks, take-away pies, coffee, confectionery, local honey etc. rusty junk, secondhand books, old wares
Offer valid until December 2015
Hire Sales and Repairs Don’t miss our end of months sales
Anglican Parish of Daylesford Parish Dinner No.2... Queens Birthday Weekend. Friday, June 12, 7pm ‘Who then can sit upon the Throne’ Dust off your tiaras and polish those court shoes!
Cert III qualified Dog Training & Behaviour Cert Applied Behaviour Analysis Training using positive reinforcement, science based methods.
$75 per person... ($50 for really really old people) Only 80 seats available.
No force or harsh methods utilised
Tickets through the Vicar. Fr. Jeff 0407 192316
Problem Behaviours
Services times... Christ Church Daylesford. 10am every Sunday. Eucharist 10am Holy Communion every Wednesday. Doors open everyday. St. John’s Glenlyon 11.45 am 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
Puppy Training
Pet manners Classes or Private Consults. Professional Member of PPG and APDT (Pet Professional Guild and Assoc of Pet Dog Trainers)
Contact: woof@dogspeak.com.au 5348 7891
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Out & About 21
To market, to market, to buy...something cool
Y
OU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg, to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.
TRENTHAM
Daylesford Railway Market – every Sunday Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday Daylesford Farmers’ Market – first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers’ Market – first Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists Market – first Sunday Kyneton Farmers’ Market - second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday
&
MAKERS MARKET
Two Markets – One location Spring has sprung – The grass is ris – I wonder where the birdies is???
The Town Square in Trendy Trentham The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with Trentham Makers Market
Third Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Clunes Farmers’ Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market – third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Creswick Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers’ Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market – fourth Sunday
Holding a market? Advertise here from just $50 plus GST a fortnight.
Buninyong Village Market – fourth Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday
Want to publicise your market? It’s free! Just email news@tlnews.com.au
Country Market Leonard’s Hill Hall Saturday, May 16 9-2pm
TRENTHAM STATION SUNDAY MARKET Victoria Street, Trentham On the fourth Sunday of each month 8.30am - 2.30pm Enquiries/Bookings – Kaye / Leigh 5424 1466 or Ross 5424 1509
Locally grown produce, Plants,Sausage Sizzle, Jewellery, Devonshire Teas, Wines, Preserves, Crafts, Collectables & much more...
A great variety of stalls in and around the beautiful Trentham Station **Permanent carriage stalls open every weekend**
STALLS AVAILABLE
Including - Craft in the Carriage, Kaye’s Soaps and Candles, Leigh’s Homemade Preserves, Snax on the Trax & Trentham Olde Worlde Lolly Shoppe Trentham - Always relaxed and refreshing!
(No Take Away Food Stalls) Enq/bookings phone 5348 3351 or 5348 6569
22 Crossword
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Retreat | Relax | Return
Phone: 03 5348 1255 www.cottagedirectory.com.au Mobile 0438 662 201 stay@cottagedirectory.com.au 41 Albert Street, Daylesford
Urgent - cleaners required!
The Local - tlnews.com.au
News 23
Celebrating National Volunteer Week Tickling the ivories at Lumeah Lodge
W
HEN John Farnham landed in a helicopter for his wedding reception at the Dorset Gardens Hotel in Croydon in 1973, Bruce Orford was there playing the piano.
These days, at almost 92, Bruce is still busy entertaining but it’s the residents of Lumeah Lodge who have the benefit of his talent. Every Thursday morning, Bruce takes his place at “his” piano while fellow volunteer and long-time Daylesford Hospital supporter Adrian Holmes seats himself at “his” neighbouring piano. And the duo, with a fair bit of bantering about what key they are playing, keep the toes of the residents tapping for a couple of hours. Bruce and his wife Brenda moved to Daylesford 12 years ago to be closer to family, but before that he was a regular pianist at nursing homes in Ringwood. His Daylesford gig started after he was asked to play at a volunteers’ lunch at Newlyn, Adrian joined in, and soon enough Bruce was quickly snapped up with the added bonus of “a very good friendship”. Bruce said he had been encouraged by his mother to play the piano “since I was a little tacker”. “I used to have my music lessons before I went to school so I would have to hide my music book in case they thought I was a sissy. “But I do love playing the piano and it gives me a lot of satisfaction.” Able to play tunes just by listening to them, and without sheet music, Bruce said “you’ve either got it or you haven’t”. “Adrian Holmes is the same. He loves his music and is a terrific pianist.” Along with his volunteering, there’s also a love story in the air. Bruce and Brenda celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year after meeting at a campground in Frankston when they were both just 16. And, Brenda says, they are still just as in love. “There’s a song which says ‘they told us we’re too young, too young to be in love’ and it goes on ‘we’ve proved them wrong’. “And that’s it. We have enjoyed our life together.” Hepburn Health Service, which runs Lumeah Lodge, has just under 300 volunteers with Bruce the oldest, and the youngest in their early 20s. Roles include visiting aged care facilities, gardening, driving people to medical appointments and delivering meals.
Give Happy Live Happy
Give Happy Live Happy Fun Facts - from Volunteering Australia • Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer – doctors should recommend it. • 96 per cent of volunteers say that it “makes people happier”. • 95 per cent of volunteers say that volunteering is related to feelings of wellbeing. • Volunteering results in a “helper’s high”, a powerful physical and emotional feeling experienced when directly helping others. • Just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in happiness and mood. • Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health. • Altruistic emotions and behaviours are associated with greater wellbeing, health, and longevity. Find more Fun Facts at volunteeringaustralia.org
At Hepburn Health Service, volunteers are an integral part of our workforce.
We’d like to thank our volunteers National Volunteer Week is from May 11 to 17 and we’d like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers at Hepburn Health Service for bringing their skills, commitment and passion to supporting our team as we provide care to our community. Our volunteer workforce provide invaluable functions including, but not limited to: • distributing meals in our Delivered Meals program • transporting community members to medical appointments • visiting residents and providing activities in in our aged care facilities • fundraising to purchase medical equipment • assisting our Community Social Program • supporting young drivers through our L2P Program • tending to gardens at our Community Health Centres If you are interested in volunteering at Hepburn Health Service, contact our Volunteer Program Coordinator on 5321 6556.
26 News
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Celebrating National Volunteer Week Passionate about public education
K
ATE Coleman, who just happens to be The Local’s Kyneton business manager, has been busy volunteering for years.
Whether its Lady Brooks Kindergarten, Kyneton Primary School, Kyneton Secondary College, Friends of Kyneton Education, Kyneton Toy Library or just helping run a cake stall to raise funds for someone down on their luck, Kate is there. She is a firm believer in being involved in the local community and helping out where possible. “It’s a nice feeling to be able to help people. I like talking to people, meeting people and that not everything is about money. You can make a difference to other people. “And if everyone helped out a little bit, the community would be a better place. You can help make your community safer and more friendly.” The 36-year-old mother of three said she was passionate about public education and her involvement in the successful lobbying of the Friends of Kyneton Education is something she is clearly proud of. “We have been very successful with getting a new primary school and improvement to the secondary college. We already had brilliant schools here – and now they are going to be even better.”
KYNETON SECONDARY COLLEGE
A huge Thankyou to our dedicated volunteers especially our Gardening Team.
Kyneton Football Netball Club wish to thank all of their dedicated volunteers! College Open for Inspection May 18th to May 22nd @ 9.30am
The Kyneton Country Women’s Association meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10am in the CFA rooms, Ebden St, Kyneton. Kyneton branch belongs to Central Highlands Group and has craft days, public speaking, cooking, outings & other activities. A volunteer group supporting local, state and international communities. New members wanted & all welcome. Phone Helen on 5422 2869 or Jean on 5422 2104.
Kyneton Primary School A Family Friendly School
Kyneton Primary School would like to thank all our family and community volunteers for helping us out over the years. Without the help of volunteers, many programs just wouldn’t happen. Thank you. Come visit us at our Open Day and Art Show on Saturday 20th June 2015 155th Kyneton Ag Show 20/21 NOV 2015 Come and be aMAZEd at what’s on this year. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, without you there would be no show!
10am — 2pm Call 5422 1855 to find out more Kyneton Primary School community nurtures a caring, safe and happy environment which promotes self-discipline and responsibility, mutual respect and tolerance, self-esteem and genuine pride.
Tennis Victoria’s Most Outstanding Club 2014 Kyneton & District Tennis Club thank their amazing volunteers, & community for their support.
All ages, levels, & times to suit Social family fun - New faces welcome Kyneton District Soccer Club would like to thank all their volunteers for their tireless work toward the club. To become a member, player or supporter please visit our website, www.kynetonsoccer.org.au
Kids, juniors, ladies, mens & mixed Award winning Coaching No joining fee – Membership from $20 Ph.0418 142 430 Web:kynetontennis.com.au
28 News
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Celebrating National Volunteer Week Saving our wildlife
W
HEN Robert English and his partner Jane Ross found an injured cuckoo shrike, they had no idea it would lead to, so far, a seven-year careers as volunteer wildlife rescuers. “We tried to find someone to take her and when we finally got hold of a shelter they told us they were just desperate for rescuers,” Mr English said. “There was a course two weeks later at Glenlyon, which we attended, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since.” Mr English, who lives at Castlemaine but can find himself anywhere from Hepburn to Mt Alexander shires, or over at Campbelltown or Heathcote, said calls came for rescues from individuals, the police and vets. Kangaroos kept him and Ms Ross the busiest with many either hit by cars or caught up in fences which they have tried to jump but failed, he said. “It might be they are panicking, or the fence might be higher than they expected, or a female is carrying a joey and doesn’t realise she has the extra weight.” In spring there are also many bird rescues but “you name it, we’ve had just about everything you can imagine”. Mr English said he gained a great deal of satisfaction when he saw injured animals nursed back to health by people like Hepburn Wildlife Shelter owners Jon Rowdon, pictured right, and Gayle Chappell. “And the roos all have their own personality,” he said. Mr English said he and Ms Ross carried a basic rescue kit in their car and could also call on Mr Rowdon and Ms Chappell for advice on injured wildlife.
Helping visitors
Thank you Volunteers
J
ANINE Hill has only just started volunteering at Kyneton and Woodend visitor information centre but she is loving her role. Both centres provide a great service to visitors, and locals, with comprehensive information about a range of services available, she says. “As a local I love being able to tell people about what we have to offer – whatever their needs are. They might be interested in food and wine, or events, galleries, antique stores of just activities for families and children. “It is fantastic to be able to impart that information.” Janine, along with other volunteers, also goes on local tours to learn more about the region and as the writer of the centres’ newsletter, she also lets those who can’t make the trips know what’s available. “We might meet with the owners of a local B’n’B or a retail outlet – so you really get an idea of what they have to offer so you can pass that on to the visitors. “It’s a really enjoyable volunteer role.”
Our gratitude goes out to all the wonderful people who find time in their lives to volunteer for the Shelter and to help the local wildlife. Every year you help save hundreds of lives and ease the suffering of hundreds more.
The Local - tlnews.com.au
News 29
Give Happy Live Happy Keeping Daylesford Warm
P
ROVING volunteer work is as varied as it is fun, Daylesford Warm is holding an event to distribute donated wools and for knitters and crocheters to connect.
The community project was the idea of Daylesford resident Mell Sappho, who moved to the region with her partner Jules Sappho and their two young children in 2013. Mell, pictured right, said the long-term project was all about gifting “a handcrafted winter woolly to a local in need”. “We knew how cold it is going to get here. I had been crocheting for 30 plus years and I thought ‘I can crochet a hat’ and then thought surely someone else can craft something else. Mell said people were already busy crafting anything from hats and mittens to scarves and cardigans. “Some people are knitting 25cm squares while others are sewing them together. Most of us are so lucky to have a roof over our heads and warm clothing – but some people are living week to week.” The meeting will be held at Stanbridge Hall, Central Springs Road, Daylesford on Saturday, May 16 from 10am to noon. Details: Mell or Jules on 0404 165 275
HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL ACKNOWLEDGES ITS DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS Hepburn Shire Council would like to thank all its wonderful, talented and committed volunteers. Your contribution is appreciated by Councillors, staff, the community and visitors to the Shire. Volunteers play an important role in supporting the delivery of services to the community by Council. Volunteers work in a variety of areas, some of which include: • Visitor Information Centres
• Planned Activity Groups
• Advisory Committees
• Community Visitor Scheme
• Special Committees
• Friends of Groups
We would like to thank all volunteers that contribute to making the Hepburn Shire a great place to live, work and visit.
Cr Kate Redwood AM Mayor
Volunteer Alex with resident Nick
The Local - tlnews.com.au
30 Dining
HAVE A TASTE OF HISTORY
The hisToric
Blackwood hoTel
le nda Gre tham Tren
Martin
N
Street
Est.1868
Blackwood Hotel ad
ad
o st R Fore
Golden Po int Ro
Enjoy the relaxed local atmosphere, Music & Entertainment or just a quiet cool one anytime. New owners, new chef and new menu. l Open 7 days/nights - Lunch and Dinner. l Quality Wines/ Fresh Seafood. l Accommodation l Functions (and friendly Kookaburras)
Blackwood Hotel 1 Golden Point Road Blackwood 3458. Phone 03 5368 6501
Dinner: Thursday - Tuesday from 6pm Lunch: Friday - Tuesday from 11am Breakfast: On weekends from 9am Coffee & Cake: Always available Locals’ Night: All welcome Fish Night Fridays: $26.50 with a glass of house wine (a la carte dining also available)
CFA
Visit ‘JINDARUP’
Blackwood’s newest destination for gifts, art, craft antiques, books & more (opposite the pub).
THE GIG GUIDE
MAY SAT 16th MAY 6-10pm HARRY J NANOS SAT 23rd MAY 6-10pm HARDDRIVE ( Bluegrass) SAT 30th MAY 6-10pm HARRY J NANOS
Speciatsl Gues
26 - 28 Albert Street Daylesford 5348 3711
The Pie is back! We are now well and truly into the prettiest season of the year, Autumn. And to warm up our bellies, our most popular dish is back on the menu. House made pies, served on a bed of mash with peas and jus. In the colder months, our opening hours have changed. We are still open for dinner seven nights a week. Lunch is now served Friday - Monday only except for school holidays when we will remain open seven days a week. Open for Dinner 7 Days from 5pm. Lunch Friday-Monday from noon
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US ON 03 5348 2335
DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Dining 31
My shout! By Roy Lever
T
HE days are getting shorter and colder.
I’ve had a soup simmering on the stove for the past week which started as vegetable, but has now morphed into something completely different. Just like my choice in foods changes during these colder months, so does my taste in beer. To continue on the theme from my last column, it’s time we look at the even darker side of brewing. In England, porters were the first beers that could be brewed in bulk and transported without spoiling. Carted around the countryside in wooden barrels, they became known for their “port-ability”. They were also a popular beer style with the “porters” who worked along the river Thames. Full of iron, these beers, often consumed with beef as their midday meal, gave these hard workers the energy to finish off their working day. Now, I don’t know about you, but a steak and a beer at lunch, and I’m not doing much more for the afternoon, but these workers swore by it. Stouts were derived from porters. Even Guinness was once named Guinness Porter–Stout. It became a preferred beer style of brewers in England after the government started to tax not alcohol but the weight of malt, to help fund war efforts against France. Hence brewers started using dark and roasted malts, which were lighter in weight due to less moisture in the grain, therefore paying less tax. Arthur Guinness went one step further and imported his dark drop into England not paying tax at all. After all it was the English who were at war, not the Irish. Today we enjoy these dark delights mostly without any thought of how far it’s travelled, but we always remember that the taxman gets his cut. Guinness and Coopers Stout are very much the stalwarts of this category, but here are a couple of great local examples of this historical beer style.
Red Duck (Purrumbete Brewing, Ballarat) Midnight Wheat Stout (Limited Edition) 5.2% abv $9.90 per 500ml bottle. The Midnight Wheat Stout pours a light impenetrable black with an espresso crème head. It has a rich aroma of raisins, dark bitter chocolate and glazed cherries. This beer boasts seven different malted grains, including two different wheat malts to create this limited beauty. Initially it starts with a distinct smoky burnt flavour, but quickly mellows, releasing a smooth dark chocolate. It’s quite a robust, big bodied stout without being too over the top, finishing quite dry. Get one before it’s all gone - and it will go. Food match: chargrilled steak, Black Forest cake. Holgate Temptress (Holgate Brewing, Woodend) Chocolate Porter 6.0% abv $29.99 per 6 x 330ml bottles. The Temptress pours dark with some beautiful ruby hues. Instantly a mixed aroma of chocolate, vanilla, coffee and toffee rise from the glass. The first mouthful is a definite chocolate hit due to an infusion of Dutch cocoa. Surprisingly it doesn’t have the level of sweetness or bitterness you may expect, which then lengthens into a slight caramel and vanilla flavour that lingers until the next sip. It has a lovely level of complexity using seven types of malt, a higher abv at 6% and the addition of vanilla beans. This is a real treat of a beer, which is a perfect winter warmer. Food match: poffertjes with maple syrup and vanilla ice-cream.
Wine-notes
Ararat Gold Shiraz 2010 bin 3 The Grampians region produces some of Australia’s finest shiraz and Ararat Gold’s 2010 bin 3 is no exception. It’s a big bold shiraz displaying characters of dark berries, spices and velvety lush tannins. Try a glass at your place this chilly weekend with rich gamey meats and roasted vegetables. Open every day until late $14.99 bottle 55 Vincent single Street Daylesford or Tel: 03 5348 3577
2 bottles for $25.00
Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s Our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists 55 Vincent Street, Daylesford Phone: 5348 3577
32 Dining
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Gig Guide Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn
The John Grossman Project – Saturday, May 16, 9pm Top Jimmy – Saturday, May 23, 9pm The Prayerbabies – Sunday, May 24, 5pm Michelle Parsons – Saturday, May 30, 9pm
Major Tom’s, Kyneton
Pork Chop Party – May 17, 3pm Ruby Boots - May 23, 8.30pm Dave Graney - June 6, 8.30pm
The Grande Hotel, Hepburn
Women of Rock with Gillian Eastoe & Terry Murray - Friday, May 15, 8pm Kelly Auty – Friday, May 29, 8pm
Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood
Tasty Burgers Tender Juicy Ribs Vegetarian Options Buttermilk Fried Chicken Malted Shakes and Sundaes High Country Crab and Shrimp Pots Ice Cold Frosty Beer Cold Press Juice
Harry J Nanos - Saturday, May 16, 6pm-10pm Hardrive - Saturday, May 23, 6pm-10pm
Perfect Drop, Daylesford
SIN Dance night with J Arlecchino – Monday, May 11 Tania Petrini and Vida Jazz – Friday, May 15 Jenny Brown and Bruce Millar – Saturday, May 16 Cat & Clint – Friday, May 22 Arkie T Williams – Saturday, May 23
Daylesford’s very own Burger, Rib and Crab Shack
Got a gig happening? Email donna@tlnews.com.au
Open 11.30am till 9pm
**All gigs subject to change - check with the venue!
Enjoy Our New Function Room ❖ Birthdays
❖ Work Parties
❖ Anniversaries
❖ Christmas Parties
❖ Sporting Club Parties
❖ Any Special Occasion
Seats 40 at tables or 65 standing with no charge and we can tailor the menu to suit. Bookings Essential
oPen FoR DInneR DAILY AnD WeeKenDS FoR LUnCh The Railway Hotel Castlemaine 65 Gingell Street, Castlemaine, VIC 3450 Phone 5472 1250 www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au enquires@railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au www.facebook.com.au/railwayhotelcastlemaine
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That Sugar Film By Dr Jeff Brownscombe
I
T WAS a full house last Tuesday at the showing of Damon Gameau’s ‘That Sugar Film’ – sponsored by Hepburn Health Service in collaboration with the Daylesford Cinema.
The crowds were drawn to this stimulating and thought-provoking film - with complimentary afternoon tea from local food maestro Gary Thomas of Spade to Blade only a secondary consideration! I won’t ruin it for you, mainly because you should see it for yourself! It’s a modern-era film with the factual content of a documentary, an engaging storyline, yet the casual style of a chat with the next door neighbour.
It examines the level of our sugar consumption and the many effects it has on us as people and as a society. Don’t be concerned that it will make you feel guilty. But I’ll warn you, its message is hard to digest. As a parent, it helped me see behavioural issues from a new angle. As a doctor it helped me reflect on my practice. The medical profession acknowledges that lifestyle changes are the most important area to focus on to achieve health gains. The information contained within the film was familiar, yet reminded me that the effects of sugar have been understated. Whether the details of our messages have been influenced by (insidious) vested interests and historical distortions of scientific facts warrants some consideration. I had some engaging discussions with folk from as far-flung places as Woodend and Castlemaine, and I
Out & About 33 hope there are more to come. Thanks to Ally Parnaby and Brian Dunn and several others from Hepburn Health Service, together with the Daylesford Cinema, for putting on this event. The scandals of modern life aside (and there are plenty more besides this one), it was great to see such wonderful community support for such a worthy event. It was better than a sugar high – it lasted longer, without the come down! If you haven’t yet seen the film, I highly recommend that you do. You can also find out more about it by visiting www.thatsugarfilm.com. Dr Jeff Brownscombe is a GP at Springs Medical Centre in Daylesford and Director of Medical Services at Hepburn Health Service. He is working on addressing his chocoholic tendencies.
Welcome to The Farmers Arms Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner The Farmers Arms Daylesford offers the perfect blend of country charm combined with a sophisticated menu, wine list and professional service. For more information about the pub and also our current menu, please visit our website: www.thefarmersarms .com.au 1 East Street Daylesford ph. 03 5348 2091
S PA C E N T R E M E A T S S uppli e rs of Ge nui ne loc al prod uce
We make an excellent range of gourmet sausages, including the famous Swiss Italian ‘Bull Boar’, Malaysian chicken, Greek lamb and more.
All our aged beef & prime lamb is produced on the family farm ‘Green Hills Natural’ near Malmsbury and dry aged on our premises in Daylesford.
Our special local pork is sourced from the Beaumont family in Ballarat and we can prepare it just the way you want.
d egg Caramel pork an
hotpot
Ingredients ely chopped 7 cloves garlic, fin e 200ml fish sauc 15 red shallots, ns, peeled soy io rk on da ish n an lsp sp tb 5 3 or 2.5 cm dice 2 kg pork neck, 2 lt coconut milk ice peanut oil 1 tsp chinese 5 sp r te pepper hi w nd ou gr tsp 150g palm suga 1 negar vi e ric 2 .5 tblsp 5 star anise gs eg d ile bo 8 hard wl and stir to uce in a large bo sa y so d an e uc rlic, 50 ml fish sa Place 2 cloves ga . ith white pepper combine. season to taste w d an h ug ro th Mix pork urs. arinate for 2 ho es until brown. Cover and let m cook pork in batch d an t, po d se ba y d Heat oil in heav ng fish sauce an e in a bowl. and the remaini r ga ne vi e Put the pork asid ric r, ga rupy. add the palm su ce till its a bit sy In the same pot simmer and redu powder and il, bo ice e sp th 5 , to g ilk in m t allots, coconu sh a cup of water. Br c, rli ga ng ni , the remai Return the pork the boil. pot and bring to e th eat is tender. to ise star an rough hour, or until m 1 r fo at he re they are hot th low er the stew, make su Cook covered ov to d ad d an lf eggs in ha Peel and cut the g. in rv before se by Gavin Anders, kindly supplied This recipe was otel, Daylesford H s m e Farmers Ar 48 2091. Head Chef at Th aylesford 03 53 1 East Street D Thanks Gavin. E M E AT S S PA C E N T R
ylesford. 37 Vincent Street. Dad us on Facebook Fin . 94 20 48 Phone 53
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34 Music
Our musos... with Cyndi Boste
C
YNDI Boste has loved music as long as she can remember and started performing when she was just 15. She took time out for a chat with Kyle Barnes.
KB: So, tell us a little about your background. CB: I started performing in cafes when I was 15 years old. And I performed every week on The Early Bird Show on television. I then worked on the covers scene in Melbourne and all over Victoria for the next 15 years with great success. At 38 (1999) I released my first solo album of original material entitled Home Truths to much critical acclaim. I have released five albums to date with another due in 2016. I have had songs covered by artists such as Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Vika and Linda Bull, and Kerri Simpson. KB: Wow, what genre are you? CB: I generally say “singer/song writer” but often include the tags alt country/ roots/Americana. I am a self-taught guitarist and singer and can hammer out a tune on most instruments. KB: When did you get into music? CB: I have loved music from as early as I can remember. All kinds of music... still do. My first instrument was the piano accordion, but sadly they kept getting bigger, and I didn’t. By 13 I was into guitar. KB: Who do you listen to? CB: When I’m in writing mode I don’t listen to anything. Not wanting to be directly influenced by what I hear. When I do listen I find myself falling back into the comfort of my Neil Young collection, Gram Parsons, Wilco... Some days I love to pull out all the old Bowie stuff too. As far as current artists go, apart from my many talented friends and peers, I really love Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Patti Griffin...so much great stuff around. KB: Who is listening to you? CB: It seems my target audiences are 35 plus. People who are fans of the artists I mentioned above. People who listen to the ABC or RRR.
PEPPERMILL CAFE is hosting a fundraiser to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer and to donate to help with this terrible disease which receives very little funding, especially in comparison to many other cancers. We will be providing morning tea and a fashion parade by LIZ DAVENPORT also featuring knitwear from Creswick Natural Fibres. When: Monday, June 1. Arrive at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. 105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford (inside the Mill Market) Cost $15. RSVP by May 29. Gordana Tyrer on 0409 771 885 or Dorothy Douglas on 0414 830 435.
KB: What do you hope your music brings to others? CB: I hope my songs touch people’s hearts, and spark their thoughts. I hope my songs resonate with their experiences. I think it’s all about connection at the end of the day. The shared experience. KB: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? CB: Retired? Writing and producing other artists would be the dream job. KB: Finally, where can people catch you next? CB: My next show is in Melbourne at The Drunken Poet in West Melbourne (opposite the Vic Market) on Sunday, May 24 from 4pm to 6pm, with my fabulous right hand man Pete Fidler.
THE OLD HEPBURN HOTEL
An authentic country pub with a focus on food, family and entertainment. MENU
Modern Australian with pub classics - Midweek specials. We can design a menu for all occasions.
MUSIC
Host to local musicians and some of Australiaʼs premier artists.
THE PUB
Amber Dooley
236 Main Rd, Hepburn
7 nights dinner - Lunch Fri/Sat/Sun. Courtesy bus. Group bookings (up to 100 guests). Beer garden. drink@oldhepburnhotel.com.au
www.oldhepburnhotel.com.au
ph:03 53482207
The Local - tlnews.com.au
A One Night Stand
H
ELPMANN award winning performers Jacqui Dark and Kanen Breen hit the ground running last year having been “cut loose” from their full-time positions with Opera Australia.
Kanen says this is the first time in 15 years he has had a gap in his schedule, allowing him to create his own work. Speaking on behalf of himself and Jacqui, he says it’s a lovely feeling to be able to write their own ticket and take a bit of control of their prospects. As co-parents of three-year-old son, Xander, Jacqui says “we bring out the best and the worst in each other”… fertile ground indeed for writing interesting material. Thus “Strange Bedfellows” was born as a cabaret act. In conjunction with musical director Daryl Wallis, the likes of Kurt Weill, Amanda Palmer and The Divinyls all crop up in the edgy, 30s Berlin-style crossfire that is their raunchy cabaret show “Under the Covers”. They launched at the Vanguard in Sydney late last year followed by a season at The Butterfly Club in Melbourne in February – each receiving rave reviews. As a prelude to their performance at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in June, The Grande Hotel Cabaret Club at Hepburn Springs is hosting Strange Bedfellows – Under the Covers on Friday, May 22 from 8pm. Tickets are $20 with bookings essential. And on a local note, Jacqui was born and raised in Ballarat and Kanen is the son of Daylesford locals Don and Sandy Breen.
The Taste of Daylesford
Enjoy a drink from our huge range of local and imported beers, ciders and local wines. Or a fabulous coffee or sumptuous meal from an eclectic menu, all with the comfort of a toasty open fireplace. We also serve gluten free and vegan options. Friday nights - Pie Night. Sunday night - Pizza Night. Breakfast from 8am. Lunch from 12pm - 3pm. Tuesday to Sunday. Dinner from 6pm - Late, Friday and Saturday. Open Monday holidays.
Breakfast
& Beer
The Taste of Daylesford Br e
r
e ak f ast - Lun h - Dinn c
117 Vincent Street Daylesford (opposite Daylesford Primary School) Phone 03 5348 1778 www.breakfastandbeer.com
Entertainment 35
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36 Dining
Book giveaway!
S
ALLY Wise, author, home chef, cooking school teacher and mother to six children, is an expert at rustling up delicious, nutritious and fussfree food.
Her books have become national bestsellers and she has taught a legion of fans how to get the best out of seasonal produce. In Family Favourites Sally focusses on the recipes she uses every day, the dishes she’s adapted and perfected over the years of fussy small children (one of who wouldn’t eat ice-cream unless it was heated). From classics like creamy pumpkin soup, the perfect roast chicken and a killer pavlova to slightly more adventurous fare like beef and guinness, this is Sally’s most accessible cookbook to date. Sally’s other books include Slow Cooker 1 and 2 and A Year in a Bottle. She is a regular guest on ABC Local Radio Tasmania and a frequent presenter and speaker at community events. Sally also runs her own cooking school in the Derwent Valley. The Local has a copy of Family Favourites to giveaway. Just email your name and number to news@tlnews.com.au Entries close on May 24. Good luck!
Café & Food Store Come & enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Kyneton’s newest cafe & foodstore. A spacious, friendly environment, serving great coffee, delicious homemade food with our pies a specialty, Plenty of parking, room for prams and a kids corner. Catering available for all occasions. See us on Facebook 42 Mollison St. Kyneton Ph: 5422 6620
BEER GARDEN
THURSDAY Locals Menu
$15 Mains
PUB OF THE
YEAR 2014
2 courses $25 / 3 courses $30 Open Thursday to Saturday 12 noon - late, Sunday 12 noon - 4pm 31 High Street, Trentham (03) 5424 1144
theplough.com.au
FRIDAY FREE Glass of Wine with each a-la-carte main course
com.au
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Nom nom nom 37
A Grand Dame revives the art of conversation By Kevin Childs
G
RANGE Bellinzona may be compared to the mythical Phoenix, said to have arisen from ashes, except the Hepburn establishment has the distinction of doing it twice.
Sumptuous Indulgence The Heritage Restaurant at Grange Bellinzona sits beautifully within a charming Edwardian style guesthouse. Overlooking the magnificent Wombat forest, it’s the perfect place for any occasion. SATURDAY HIGH TEA Treat yourself to a fabulous day with the girls, or enjoy a romantic afternoon tea with your partner.Indulge in home made scones, dainty finger sandwiches, and petit fours all deliciously presented on tiered cake stands. Freshly brewed tea and coffee included. $39pp. Tea is served between 12 - 4pm FRIDAY & SATURDAY 3 COURSE DINNER join us for an indulgent dinner featuring international cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local pro-duce. Enjoy a delicious 3 courses for just $65pp Group bookings and special functions are welcome. Ask Call: 5348 2271 today! us
B&B about ,W & F eddin at ou unctions gs rG Venu range es
77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs l p: 5348 2271 l e: bellinzona@grange.com.au
Seen from outside Bellinzona has such a solid air of permanence that it is difficult to imagine it being rebuilt. Yet fire destroyed it first in the early 1900s and again in 2003, the second time apparently because of an errant cigarette smoker at a wedding on a day of about 40 degrees. The smoky ceremony was completed across the road. The Biorsa family set up Bellinzona, naming it after a little Swiss town that is described as both a gateway to Italy for those travelling from the north and the keyhole to the alps for those coming from the south. Sounds like the best of both worlds. Sitting on just over two hectares of grounds, with lawns and surrounding hedges, Bellinzona exudes calm, which is reflected in the Edwardian furnishings, and restaurant walls of two shades of light green. These days weddings continue at Bellinzona, as do conferences and the Saturday afternoon tradition of high tea. Dinner in the 80-seat restaurant is served every Friday and Saturday. We enjoyed a hearty meal that sent us away more than satisfied. Warm little white bread rolls took the edge off the appetite before we launched into prawn gyoza, which came with a chilli and lime dipping sauce ($16) and Peking duck rolls with hoi sin and plum sauce and julienne apple garnish ($22). Other choices were garlic and cheese bread ($8), tomato soup ($14) and a glutenfree calamari salad ($16). My gyoza hit the spot, the succulent prawns working well, while the generous serving of duck rolls were deep fried and tasty. A glass of crisp 2012 sauvignon blanc from the Fishbone vineyard in WA went well with this. Next, for my partner, was was an enjoyable barramundi fillet, served with a lemon butter sauce, scallop potato and green beans and baby broccoli ($32). Again this was a more than generous serve, the vegetables crisp and the potato perfectly cooked. The fish was simply dressed with the sauce, allowing the full barramundi flavour to be enjoyed. I had a bone with a hole, otherwise known as ossobuco ($32). Originally a specialty of Milan comprising cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine and broth and served with risotto alla Milanese, it is traditionally flavoured with cinnamon, bay leaf and gremolata. The modern version of ossobuco (osso: bone, buco: hole), however, includes tomatoes and even carrots, celery and onions, with gremolata as an option. Gremolata came with my delicious, generous ossobuco, as well as creamy mashed potatoes and excellent beans. The crispness of the evening made the ossobuco a natural choice. We finished a most enjoyable 2010 Cleveland Springs shiraz from Cliveden Winery at Heathcote ($38), run by the Grange group, which owns Bellinzona. Time to disappoint the waiter. Replete, we passed on the desserts. So the raspberry and coconut panna cotta with berry coulis ($12) chocolate molten pudding with double thick cream (also $12) and similar delights await a return visit. Where Bellinzona makes its mark is in upholding a neglected tradition and one that deserves praise. This is the tradition of conversation, one that is largely lost in the cacophony of blaring muzak and what sounds like on-hold music in so many eating establishments, even the most expensive and otherwise attractive. With its high ceilings and good carpet, Bellinzona’s restaurant reaffirms the art of a dinner chat, so noticeable during our visit. Music played gently in the background, just enough to enjoy melodies such as the great Dave Brubeck’s classic Take Five. Diners were engaged in talking without having to raise their voices or strain to hear. Not only that, but unlike some other well-known and valued restaurants in the region and elsewhere, the waiting staff know how to serve without reaching right across a diner to remove a plate or glass. This basic aspect of service, let alone manners, seems lost in many places. As does the ability to serve without inept interruption. Somewhere there must be a Monty Python style of restaurant training class where waiters are told to hang back until just the moment a raconteur approaches the point of an anecdote or joke. The iron-clad rule, so it seems, is: you must interrupt without hesitation. Those gripes off my chest I can say the service at this Grand Old Dame was excellent, informed and attentive without being intrusive. Chef Lee Littlepage moved here from her restaurant Zest in Ballarat. As winter approaches her food has great appeal and the ambience of the dining room seems sure to draw both locals and visitors.
38 Out & About
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Nothing to do? Head to the mineral springs By Jeff Glorfeld
H
ERE we are, living in one of the most popular tourism destinations in Victoria, and when was the last time you took a tour of Daylesford and surrounds?
A mate was recently describing how he’d had friends from Melbourne come up for a visit. What shall we do to entertain them, he wondered. There must be more to our region than doing the shopper’s stroll up and down Vincent Street before heading to the pub – not that there’s anything wrong with that. But what? And this from a guy who has been living here since before the dreadful “tree-changer” phrase sprouted. In the end, he came up with a smart idea: a tour of local springs – and we decided to follow suit. There are so many mineral springs in the area – we’ve been renowned for them for more than a century – but we picked three easy ones to get started. Because it’s close to home, we begin our tour in Glenlyon. The spring is on Suttons Lane, a good unmade road off the Daylesford-Malmsbury Road. It is in a pretty part of the Glenlyon Reserve, with easy parking, and includes picnic tables and a barbeque. The spring has a hand-operated pump and the water is cold and crystal clear with a strong mineral tang. At all three springs on our tour the shire has done a good job providing signboards detailing a bit of the history and also information about the mineral characteristics of the water. From Glenlyon our next stop is the spring at Leitches Creek. We continue along Suttons Lane to Dysart Street and back to the Daylesford-Malmsbury Road, heading towards Daylesford. We turn left onto Matts Lane, follow it to the t-junction, turn left at Leitches Creek Road, veer right at Dairy Flat Road and take the left-hand fork to the spring. Leitches Creek is the least impressive of the three but still worth a visit. The spring pump is part of the remains of an old bottling operation from when locals tried to exploit the mineral properties of the water. As with the Glenlyon spring, the water here has a sharp mineral tang – not unpleasant but you wouldn’t want to consume a steady diet of it. A possible detour on the way to Leitches Creek is a stop at the Daylesford Cider Company, where on weekends you can recover from the rigours of touring with some good food and even better cider. To reach our third spring we backtrack a bit back to Dairy Here’s cheers: above, the writer and his wife Carol raise their glasses at Glenlyon Reserve, Flat Road, following it to where it meets the Daylesfordand right, Jeff ponders on which spring water to sample next. Images: Kyle Barnes Trentham Road. Turning left, our destination is the village of Lyonville. Resisting the urge to turn in at High Street (more on that later), we follow the road until we see the Lyonville Springs Road. We go down about two kilometres along a pretty little track to find by far one of the most beautiful springs in the region, nestled among mature trees in the Wombat Forest. There is hand-pumped spring water and a second spring that trickles from a pipe in the original “pit”. It is a wonderful spot for a picnic, with tables and barbeques. But if outdoor dining isn’t your thing, head back towards Daylesford but this time make that turn into High Street. Follow it to the junction with Main Street, to the Radio Springs Hotel. Here you’ll find everything you could possibly want in a pub. One more suggestion: don’t wait for your out-of-town friends to show up – a good tour guide should be familiar with their territory, so take a practise run this weekend.
“As with the Glenlyon spring, the water here has a sharp mineral tang – not unpleasant but you wouldn’t want to consume a steady diet of it.”
40 Sport
The Local - tlnews.com.au
Sports broadcaster Dan Lonergan joins The Local
S
PORTS broadcaster Dan Lonergan has joined The Local’s crew. Dan will write regular in-depth sports articles from around the Central Highlands – along with anything that draws his interest. On Twitter the Kyneton resident describes himself as a “freelance sports broadcaster, sports nut, proud dad of two beautiful children and am also passionate about 70s, 80s music”. A real mix. Dan, showing his true colours right, has more than 26 years’ experience in the media industry as a journalist, writer, broadcaster, producer, presenter and researcher including the past 18 years with ABC radio sport in Melbourne and Perth. “I broadcast a wide variety of sports at a very high level such as AFL footy where I often won the ratings as the head of the Saturday night coverage. “Then there’s international and state cricket, the Australian Open, including many women’s and men’s finals over the past 14 years, Champion Trophy men’s hockey and WNBL basketball. “I also covered three Olympic games in 2000, 2004 and 2012 commentating sports including hockey, slalom canoeing, sailing, weightlifting, indoor and beach volleyball, basketball and water polo. “So you can see why I describe myself as a sports nut! “And this region has such a rich sporting history and culture, and with the football season now under way there are many clubs and leagues which would all have a story or more to tell. “I am looking forward to writing for The Local and its readers and bringing those stories - about all kinds of sport and everything in between - to life.” The Local’s editor Donna Kelly said she was rapt to have Dan on the crew with not only his incredible sporting knowledge but also his extensive media background. “The Local is just getting better and better, and having Dan on the team will just make us an even better read each edition.” See Dan on The Local’s back page.
www.daylesfordcinema.org.au
Tuesday 12 May 10am Big Eyes (M) Mums & Bubs 6pm Big Eyes (M) Friday 15 May 5pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) 8pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) Saturday 16 May 2:30pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) 5:30pm The Age of Adeline (M) 8pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) Sunday 17 May 12pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) 3pm The Age of Adeline (M) 6pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M)
Tuesday 19 May 10am The Age of Adeline Mums & Bubs 3pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) 6pm The Age of Adeline (M)
Friday 22 May 5:30pm A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (Sub) (MA15+) 8pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) Saturday 23 May 3pm A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (Sub) (MA15+) 5pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) 8pm Boychoir (PG) Sunday 24 May 12:30pm Avengers - Age of Ultron (M) 3:30pm Boychoir (PG) 6pm A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (Sub) (MA15+)
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Homes 41
services
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
(03) 5348 6749 or 0437 747 619 PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
Making it easy for you. Mirrors & Sliding Wardrobe Doors
03 5331 8001
SUPERVISION OF SLUDGE PUMP-OUT LATEST SLUDGE-JUDGE TECHNOLOGY
www.sanae-svcs.com.au PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460
koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au
OZ TRANS DAYLESFORD --------------------------------# REMOVALS # PRODUCE # FURNITURE #GENERAL FREIGHT ---------------------------------MELB. & COUNTRY VICTORIA DAILY --------------------------------FREE QUOTES
0407 697 877
42 Advertorial
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The Bed Shop all about customer service
A
SIDE from your workplace, they are where you spend most of your time – your bed and your sofa. So it makes sense that two years ago The Sofa Store joined forces with The Bed Shop, and together opened the large modern showroom at 65 Mair Street East, Ballarat. The Bed Shop has recently celebrated its 17th year of successful trading in Mair Street East. Owners Jenny and Philip Browning have certainly made their mark on their showroom with stunning bedroom suites complete with bedroom furniture, gorgeous throws and coveted lamps – and then there are the sofas – complete with rugs, quirky decorations and comfy cushions. Even if you are not in the market for a new bed or sofa, it’s well worth a wander for all the other treats on offer. Today, however, Jenny is keen to chat about your mattress and recommends a new mattress every seven years. “We stock Comfort Sleep mattresses . It’s an Australian company which trades under several names and is based in Melbourne. Which means if any of our customers have a problem it is quickly sorted out – they are only an hour away. But they are a wonderful, award winning company, which makes a great product and we have been with them many years.” The Bed Shop is also an award winning boutique company, think CGU and Powercor business awards to name just a few, for its customer service. “Everything we do is based on our customers,” Jenny said. “It’s all about what the customer wants and their perceptions. We do surveys and ask ‘are we doing what you want, what is your expectation?’ because we want to meet and exceed that. And you can’t imagine how upset we get if an order doesn’t come in on time – we don’t like to let our customers down.” Part of that customer service includes having their own delivery truck and not charging for delivery – to Daylesford and Hepburn. They have even sent beds as far afield as Queensland, deliver weekly to their Melbourne customers and often head up to Horsham, Ararat and Stawell. So it’s no wonder that much of their trade is return customers. “We have many, many return customers. Our business has really been built on that for the past 17 years. We even have customers who have come in as children with their parents, then come back to buy their own bed, and are now buying beds for their children. And then they send their neighbours along…” And that family connection obviously means a lot to Ballarat born and bred Jenny and Philip – who can date their bloodline “probably back to the First Fleet”. They have three children and five grandchildren – with another due in April. In the corner, by the desk, is a cot which is clearly where “nanny” does her extra duties along with sales, looking after full-time staff, the casual staff, and bookwork. “And I love it all,” Jenny says. “And bedding tends to be a fairly even business. It’s a good solid industry to be in and we have found that while different products sell at different times, the traffic is mostly the same.” So if you are in the market for a new mattress, new base, beautiful bedroom suites, trundle or sofa beds, a new set of drawers, lovely linen or just a lamp to light up your life, head to The Bed Shop. Jenny and Philip will certainly make you feel welcome.
The Bed Shop and The Sofa Shop are open from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm. Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Oh, they are sometimes open on Sundays from 12.30pm to 4pm – but it is always worth a call first on 5333 2226. Even people who love their customers as much as Jenny and Philip need a day off now and again.
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44 Trade Guide
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Miles Electrical.Rec15116.
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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
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PLASTERER DAYLESFORD FIBROUS PLASTER WORKS (MACKLEY’S) • NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS • CEILING ROSES • ORNAMENTAL CORNICE 30 Hospital St, Daylesford
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Photographer wanted The Local is expanding and needs a photojournalist to join the team. Great Kyneton and surrounds knowledge would be advantageous. Must have own equipment, and a particular quirk to be able to tell a story within a photo. Someone who not only thinks out of the box but can make the box look like a fashion statement! Email kyle@tlnews.com.au
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The Garden
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By Jacquie Airey
S AUTUMN moves to winter, I’m enjoying the last of the brilliant colours that have blessed us in the garden this year.
All of the maples have given their very best, with fiery reds and some deep, bloody purples I’ve not seen on them before. Of a similar hue has been the Claret Ash, and together they have been competing with the Cercis canadensis (Forest Pansy) to see who can outdo the other. I’m to scared to nominate a winner in case the losers decide to sulk next year. The Ginkoes are butter yellow and the Golden Elm and Linden both beautifully chartreuse. The Scarlet Oaks are…well…scarlet and even the huge leaves on the Tree Paeonies have put on a kaleidoscopic display – their best ever. My favourite autumn show-off however, is the Fothergilla, an American shrub that lights up any corner with its brilliance - it’s as if it’s channelling a box of Derwents. Of the smaller plants, the Sedum Autumn Joy has been through a whole wardrobe, starting off pale green, then letting its flower heads turn light pink, bright pink, crimson, russet and nut brown in succession. It’s good value and never boring. We still have some roses blooming, little stalwarts that they are, and the dahlias, though affected badly by the recent storms, seem to be determined to stick around until a frost decides otherwise. The Japanese Anemones and White Scabiosa provide lovely white highlights against the increasingly darkening foliage around them, as do the dainty white Nerines, much more delicate than their cheery, sugary pink sisters. Evening Primroses offer their sweet, honeyed fragrance at dusk, and the ripening Quinces glow golden and lure me further into the garden with their seductive scent. It’s not surprising that Atlanta found these ‘Golden Apples’ rolled towards her by a suitor during a race so irresistible that she had to stop to pick them up. I’m enjoying the little autumn Cyclamen popping their tiny pink or white heads up through the carpets of leaves, and some clumps of purple spotted Tricyrtis or
Gardening 47
Toad Lilies are blooming their heads off, complementing the deepening tones of the Oak Leaf Hydrangeas and Dogwoods. Speaking of Dogwoods, the evergreen Cornus Capitata offers colour from a different source, with its strawberry-like fruits spotting the whole tree bright red. This is taken up by the last of the pelargoniums and nasturtiums, surprisingly tolerant of the colder nights. I’ve probably jinxed them by writing this and in the morning, I’ll find them all grey and forlorn. In the middle of all of these tones and shades we so readily identify as ‘autumnal’ the brilliant blue of the Monkshood blares at us in defiance. In English gardens, this plant has a reputation for being dark and mysterious, but here, its blueness seems to pick up whatever light is going, giving it a decidedly Aussie accent, so that we just hear its demand that we “Look at moi, look at moi!”. Definitely no romance or mystery there.
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Welcome to The Local SPORTS broadcaster Dan Lonergan has joined The Local’s crew. Read his story on page 40.