The local issue 7 november 25

Daylesford Highland Gathering

November 25, 2013 Issue 7

2 About Us The Local is a fortnightly publication covering Daylesford, Hepburn and surrounding villages and towns. The next edition is due out on Monday, December 9.

Advertising deadline: Space bookings: December 2 Copy provided by: December 5 Editorial deadline: December 5 Editor: Donna Kelly Photograpy: Kyle Barnes Sales: Donna Kelly and Kyle Barnes Graphic designer: Glen Heyne Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Editorial and sales - 5348 7883 / 0416 104 283 / 0418 576 513 dhslocal@gmail.com / dhslocal.com.au Photo sales - 8” x 10” - $10. Electronic version - $50 Front cover: Daylesford and District Pipes and Drums Band’s Chris Sinclair warms up his bagpipe in readiness for the 62nd Daylesford Highland Gathering on Saturday, December 7.

The event is held at Daylesford’s Victoria Park from 9am to 5pm with a street parade along Vincent Street, Daylesford at 9.30am.

The official opening is at 1pm at Victoria Park.

Photo: Kyle Barnes

News 3

Sweet garden gift from Chocolate Mill THE Chocolate Mill has donated $1000 to the Daylesford Primary School to sponsor its Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden project.

Jen Gregory said she was looking for a way to contribute to the community for The Chocolate Mill’s 10th anniversary when an employee, Kristen Britten, also a mother of a primary school student, brought in a box of the Grow Cook Eat books to sell.

“That was how I found out about the project,” she said.

“I realised their funding was just the books and thought it would be fantastic to be able to sponsor the garden.”

Principal Peter Burke said the school was very appreciative of the donation because the kitchen garden had been achieved without any Education Department funding.

“This will mean a lot to the school,” he said.

“It will go towards maintaining the garden and paying the salaries of our garden specialist and our kitchen How does your garden grow? Luckily for students Lewein and Harmony, both 9, pictured with the Chocolate Mill’s specialist.”

Jen Gregory, very sweetly

Mayoral money WIN FOR SHIZUKA Uniform grants HEPBURN Shire councillors have voted to up the mayoral allowance from $45,000 plus superannuation to $53, 684 plus superannuation.

The councillors’ allowances, which are already at the highest rate possible of $17,969 plus superannuation, remain the same.

Cr Pierre Niclas moved the motion at the last council meeting saying that after watching the work of former mayor Cr Bill McClenaghan for a year, he believed the mayoral allowance should be “close to the upper limit”.

Cr Sebastian Klein, who seconded the motion, said councillors were the “best value employers of the shire” and were technically volunteers.

“I have seen all seven of us working bloody hard and the mayoral role is an extremely difficult one.”

SHIZUKA Ryokan, in Hepburn Springs, has won the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards for Health and Wellbeing Tourism.

The awards website said the Japanese guesthouse, which features traditional accommodation and spas, along with meals and holistic health and wellness treatments, “offers meticulous customer care with an authentic and tranquil environment to create a highly memorable tourism experience”.

“Shizuka Ryokan instils in its workforce a strong culture of providing professional, friendly and unobtrusive service and hospitality to each and every guest.

“This service culture is supported by a low number of rooms, a relatively high staff/guest ratio and a very deliberately designed friendly ‘family’ atmosphere.”

RIDING for Disabled Daylesford and Newlyn Football Netball Club have both received grants for new uniforms from the State Government.

Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay said the two organisations would each receive up to $1000.

Mr Ramsay said team uniforms were “more than just colours”.

“They represent local sporting traditions and community pride. This funding boost will not only benefit existing club players, but hopefully attract new members who are also keen to show their support for their club and look and feel part of the team,” he said.

Teams looking for new uniforms can apply at www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

4 The Arts

Venie Holmgren launches latest collection NONAGENERIAN poet and Hepburn resident, Venie Holmgren, has launched her latest collection, The Tea House Poems.

The “poetic diary” is loosely based in form on the Japanese Tanka tradition and traces Ms Holmgren’s time through “a winter of discontent” waiting for her new home to be completed while living in a fairly “spartan accommodation”.

Ms Holmgren, 91, said she was “a very late starter” with her poetry career.

“I first started when I was in my late 60s – but who knows where the poetry comes from. I can’t force it,” she said.

“And friends tell me The Tea House Poems is quite different from my other works. That’s probably because I am talking about a very different experience.”

Part of that experience was moving, at the age of 90, from Pambula in New South Wales to her new home close to her son David Holmgren, and daughter-in-law Su Dennett.

She lived in a small “tea house” on the family property while her new home was built.

“It was extremely dislocating,” Ms Holmgren said.

“My son said it was my winter of discontent – and I was very ambivalent about being my poetry being published. But I was encouraged by others.”

Ms Holmgren was born in York in Western Australia and lived there until 1977 when she “sold the house and bought a campervan” and then travelled around Australia for three years before stopping at a rural property in New South Wales.

She has produced five collections of poetry, a poetry CD with music and a travel memoir and is a performance poet, reading at pubs, cafes and prisons, and at environmental and peace rallies.

The Tea House Poems is self-published and available at Daylesford’s Book Barn and Paradise Bookshop, and other good bookshops.

It is also available from Lulu.com.

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News 5

Helping hand for the Philippines DAYLESFORD Rotary members have been busy raising money for people affected by the Philippines typhoon.

President Jan Pengilley said the club had raised $2000 and spent Saturday morning, November 16, rattling tins on Vincent Street raising another $1142.80.

“The cheerful generosity of Daylesford locals and visitors was heartwarming,” she said.

Ms Pengilley said the money would go directly to Rotary clubs in the areas affected by the natural disaster, Tacloban and Northern Cebu.

“We feel this way the money raised can be used directly by those who need it the most,” she said.

Rotary president Jan Pengilley hits the streets of Daylesford for a good cause

Streetscape project underway before Xmas DAYLESFORD’S revised streetscape project has received a $200,000 grant from the State Government.

Cr Kate Redwood is hoping for more traders to beautify their business fronts

The Hepburn Shire Council will add another $100,000 to the kitty – with some works due to start before Christmas.

Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay made the announcement earlier this month.

Mr Ramsay said the project would “create better pedestrian access through overhauled laneways, new pram crossings, better signage and traffic calming work, to improve street amenity and safety”.

“Council worked with the community to ensure that their concerns and aspirations were accurately reflected in the development of the project,” he said.

“As a direct result of this consultation, aspects of the project plan were revised and communicated back to the community.

“Daylesford relies on tourism and needs to attract visitors to an attractive town centre. This is critical to the success and growth of local businesses.”

But while there was applause all round as Mr Ramsay gave his speech on the steps on the Town Hall, it’s been a long journey with the Daylesford Traders Association last year saying it would do everything possible to overturn the initial streetscape plan.

Under that plan, initiatives, which have since been scrapped, included more street trees and switching to angle parking in Vincent Street, meaning less parking spaces.

At the time, association president John Goullet said 99 per cent of residents were opposed to the plan.

Initial works are expected to start soon with parking improvements for Duke Street then improvements to footpath pram crossings and pedestrian access improvements between Vincent Street and Bridport Street beside the Town Hall early in 2014.

ADVERTISEMENT

For the Daylesford, Hepburn Region. “As your local State Member of Parliament,

the most important part of my job is to keep listening to your concerns.

I can assist with anything relating to the Victorian Government and provide you with information and advice.

I would also love to know what you think are the most important issues facing our community.�

geoff howard mp StAte MeMBeR FoR BAllARAt eASt

15 Main Road, Ballarat VIC 3350 P: 5331 7722 E: geoff.howard@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by G Howard, 15 Main Rd Ballarat.

Opinion 7

My Say

by Donna Kelly

SO FINALLY, the Daylesford Streetscape project is underway.

The funding is in and will provide for, and I quote, “better pedestrian access through overhauled laneways, new pram crossings, better signage and traffic calming work, to improve street amenity and safety”.

Now that’s all well and good. I am all for safety although I am not sure what new pram crossings means. Do we have old pram crossings somewhere tucked away?

Anyway, I am not a trader, but I am a shopper and a wanderer. So I have my own little wish list…

Firstly, could we close Vincent Street, for just a day or two, and resurface the street. You know, get rid of potholes, tidy up parking spots, just make it all one level.

(But don’t use the same material as the roads leading into Daylesford – they’re not that good and the pothole filling doesn’t seem to last long.)

Then, for tourists’ safety, I would like to see warning signs next to the real estate offices. For the people you see looking at the listings and dreaming of the move to a more simple country life. They

could say: “Yes, it is amazing for the weekend but think first – do you have a house to sell back home, do you have a job that you can bring along ‘cos there aren’t many here, do you love winter, a really long winter, and finally, are you prepared to listen to the ABC all summer for bushfire warnings? If not, don’t buy that perfect cottage on five acres.”

For locals’ sanity I would like to see the footpath sectioned off, not into up and down, but “I am in a mood for a chat” and “I am actually in a hurry and don’t want to talk to you – no offence”. And if you’re in that second lane – you can get to the post office, the bank and newsagency all in your 30-minute lunch break.

Finally for pedestrian calming, not traffic, I would like a ban on any fundraisers who are either not local or not raising for a local cause.

I am sorry Peter Mac – you do a fantastic job, and the same with the Paralympics, but the people you pay to raise money for you are just annoying. You drop them in and pick them up and they target the same people over and over. Even when they have already said politely that they have either given or don’t want to.

New role for Letecia at The ARC LETECIA Frost may be taking a break from teaching but she’s still surrounded by children.

The former secondary school teacher is now activities coordinator at the Daylesford ARC. Ms Frost said she made the move after six years of teaching, at Melton and then Mt Clear, “to do something different” and as “a challenge”.

“I didn’t know a lot about the ARC, but I heard about it and did some research, and thought it was something that would be interesting and challenging,” she said.

“I am particularly interested in the arts, drama and visual arts, so I am hoping to build that side of the ARC up over the coming months.

“And we are getting there. We have the circus, which is quite physical but still within the arts, and I have been making some inquiries about starting up a drama group.”

Ms Frost said the ARC, since being taken over by the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, had become quite vibrant with a number of sports on offer including soccer, basketball, circus, netball and volleyball.

“Sebastian (Klein) has also been doing

And that’s about it. Yes, I would personally love more trees, more seating for people who just want a rest, more shady verandahs for summer sun and winter rain, and less gaudy signage. But that’s just me.

And I work from home – so I have all that in spades.

(For the record, when Simon Ramsay MP announced the State Government funding he queried out loud about what “traffic calming” meant. As we left the media briefing on foot, he climbed into his car. And just stopped in time as we stepped onto the pedestrian crossing. That’s what it’s about, Mr Ramsay.)

“Yes, it is amazing for the weekend but think first...”

Advertorial

a lot of work with the young people and the ARC is now open every afternoon from 3.30pm to 5.30pm offering games, juggling, that sort of thing, so teenagers can come and have a go.

“It really is a great facility.”

Ms Frost said roller derby had also taken over the ARC for a weekend recently and she was keen to see more events like that taking place.

She and Mr Klein are also keen to hear from people about what they want the ARC to be, and what sort of events and activities would interest them.

“I keep hearing a health club is needed but that’s more of a long term plan because it’s quite expensive to set up,” she said.

“But I am looking into activities like Zumba.”

Ms Frost, who lives in Ballarat but has family in Daylesford, said she was enjoying her new role, which she started in May, but was still doing a bit of relief teaching at Mt Clear.

“It’s the best of both worlds for me – I keep up my teaching skills base but have the opportunity to branch out into a new career.”

“It really is a great facility.”

New move: Letecia Frost is enjoying the best of both worlds

8 Adventure

No fear but healthy respect for animals

By Donna Kelly IT WAS a different school break for Hepburn teenager Isabella Monty when she and mum, Liz, travelled to South Africa recently.

Isabella, a Year 9 student at the Castlemaine Steiner School, chose the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter last year as her “major project”.

There, the now 15-year-old, volunteered 250 hours of her time helping rescued native animals recover from injuries and return to the wild.

And when the project ended Isabella just kept going.

So Liz decided as a reward she would look around for a place her daughter could work with “different animals”.

“I had been to Africa 27 years ago and just loved it,” Liz said.

“So I started looking for places but because Isabella was not 18 some wouldn’t take her, then I found Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation in the middle of the Kruger (national park).

“We spent 18 days there volunteering and it was just the best experience.

“To watch Isabella there was amazing. She was always the first one up and took on other animals, and you could see she was just in her element.

“The last day there she was asking who would adopt her so she could stay.”

Experiences included cheetah rescues with dart guns, holding down vultures and even helping cut up an elephant which had been legally shot by hunters, to feed other animals.

“Isabella also had certain animals assigned to her and she had to feed them, clean their cages – one had 12 eagles in it – and check on them every day,” Liz said.

“She has no fear but she is totally respectful of the animals and has a mature approach. She’s been riding since she was five, so she also knows you have to stand your ground sometimes.

“It was life changing for her. She has come back with a new direction.”

Liz said Isabella had already enrolled herself in a week-long Future Junior Vet School in Sydney.

And for Liz, the reward was watching Isabella shine.

“Often your kids finish school and go off on a gap year and have all these adventures. For me to see her, just to be there with her, was amazing.”

Link: moholoholo.co.za

Above, Isabella and Liz Monty check out a cheetah, while right, Isabella gives a giraffe a drink

“She was always the first one up and took on other animals, and you could see she was just in her element.”

News 9

New mayor keen on lamingtons and eclairs CRESWICK Ward councillor Don Henderson is the latest mayor of Hepburn Shire Council.

He took time out for a bit of a yarn with Kyle Barnes from The Local.

Kyle Barnes: Congratulations on the new role.

Why on earth would you put your hand up for mayor? And can a Creswick-based mayor cover Daylesford, Hepburn…

Cr Don Henderson: I was asked by colleagues and believed that I could take a broader role in the shire. (And) can someone who likes lamingtons eat éclairs? People are much the same basically no matter where they come from. Some have different ideas but that is diversity and I embrace what this brings.

KB: What do you hope to achieve in your year?

DH: I hope to continue with the strong team approach that has now started and to build trust and integrity into this council. Days of dreading opening the paper should be over and if we develop a team mentality we will be able to tackle anything.

KB: You’ve done a lot. How would you describe your career?

DH: Really varied and diverse - never really had a bad job. Had many opportunities to bring about change and took most of them.

KB: So why did you become a councillor - and when?

DH: I looked and heard how things were being done and decided that change should happen. I could not wait and grizzle so decided in 2008 to run for Creswick ward.

KB: What would you say have been the top three highlights - so far?

DH: Being part of driving down costs and charges, working with the young people and seeing them become part of the community as a whole and meeting a diverse range of people from across the shire and being able to help most of them.

KB: Any lowlights/challenges?

DH: Some behaviour displayed by a few in and

around council. The constant battle just to get things done in a timely way early on in my term was a real challenge. I had never experienced such negative behaviour anywhere.

KB: You said in your first mayoral speech that Judy was your best friend. When and where did you meet?

DH: Judy and I first met at a Federal election celebration in mid-1983 and at the end of that year met up again and became a couple.

KB: Anything else you would like to add?

DH: There have been many special moments in my life and to be able to live in the environment in which I was born and raised is such an unbelievable piece of luck.

“Can someone who likes lamingtons eat éclairs.

People are much the same basically no matter where they come from. Some have different ideas but that is diversity and I embrace what this brings.”

Advertorial 10

Professional but affordable hair and beauty

Anne Moulding, left, and Sarah Harvey are giving their clients the “little luxuries”.

HAIRDRESSER Sarah Harvey, the owner of Lily George’s Hair & Beauty in Trentham, knows what it’s like to “struggle with the little luxuries of life”.

Sarah said having a family of six gave her a realistic take on life and she has responded by offering “professional but affordable” hair and beauty services.

“Hairdressing is a very expensive industry now and I offer my clientele the same good haircut and colour they would expect in Melbourne.”

Sarah always wanted to be a hairdresser and left school when she was almost 15 to take up a pre-apprenticeship for six months before finding an apprenticeship.

She started her own business at just 19, stayed there for five years, and then left the industry to have her second daughter.

“I had a couple of years off and then opened here in Trentham,” she said.

“Trentham was a growing town and only had a small hairdresser’s here so I thought the locals really need something to come to – it’s mainly for the locals.”

Saying that however, Sarah does have clients travelling from Woodend, Daylesford and even Ballarat for her services which includes specialising in creating colour.

Also working with her is Anne Moulding.

Anne specialises in style cutting and has worked “in the best” in Toorak and also taught at a hairdressing college.

She works at Lily George’s on Wednesdays, Friday nights and every second Saturday.

Anne said she had worked in a number of salons along Toorak Road because she wanted the experience of working with the best.

“I thought it would be good for my career – and it has been,” she said.

“I just love it.”

“I offer my clientele the same good haircut and colour they would expect in Melbourne.”

Lily George’s Hair & Beauty Ladies: Cut only $28 Blow wave $35 Cut and blow wave $35 – $38 Men’s: Cut $18 Clipper cut $13 Cut, beard, eyebrow and ear trim $20 Colours/ foils: Colour only $55 - $65

Colour and cut $83 - $93 Colour, cut and blow wave $90 $103 Colour and half foils $70 - $75 Colour, cut and half foils $98 $103 Colour, cut, foils and blow wave $105 - $113 Half foils $60 - $70 Half foils and cut $88 - $98 Half foils, cut and blow wave $98 - $108 Full foils $70 - $80 Full foils and cut $98 - $108 Full foils, cut and blow wave $105 - $118

Better golfing great Christmas present HEPBURN Springs Golf Club is keen for more golfers and is offering Give Golf A Go clinics for beginners along with tempting Christmas gift ideas – like a club membership.

A beginner’s clinic for adults is being held now but another one is happening next year starting on February 6 and finishing on March 3.

Spokeswoman Jan Thompson said the five-week clinic, held on Thursdays, from 5pm to 6.30pm, included basic skills and being out on the course.

Five club members, who had been through Golf Victoria training, were acting as voluntary coaches, she said.

Details: Jan Thompson on 5348 4840, 0412 499 872 or strongjan@bigpond.com

Left: Lined up: Di Lyttleton, Christine Williams, Judy Smith, Liz Togni and Georgina Meadows, centre: Nick Pethica tries out a bunker, right: Jan Strong offers some advice to Christine Williams.

Merry Christmas: Betty Weston, Don Killeen, Bob Thannhauser and Len Chidwick with one of the trees to be raffled

Christmas tree raffles DAYLESFORD’S Men’s Shed has been busy creating wooden Christmas trees to be raffled for various causes.

Spokesman Don Killeen said the shed gave one tree to Lumeah Lodge to raffle off while another was being raffled by the shed’s participants to raise money for Daylesford Rotary’s Philippines fundraising.

They had also given one to the Daylesford Senior Citizens, he said.

Mr Killeen said the trees took a few weeks to create but would last a lifetime.

And while no more will be made this year people are welcome get an early start on 2014 and place orders for next year. The trees cost $60.

Lumeah Lodge’s Betty Weston said tickets for the lodge’s raffle could be bought in the Daylesford Hospital foyer while Mr Killeen said shed members would be outside the ANZ bank in Vincent Street, Daylesford, next week.

*A Christmas dinner set, like the one featured below, could be yours for just $50!

Buy Local from The Daylesford Community Op Shop 3 Mink St, Daylesford Merry Christmas!

Get down to the Community Op Shop and check out Christmas gifts, stocking fillers, decorations and table settings!

New shipment just arrived!

Christmas cheer UNIQUE GIFTS LAST year the Daylesford & District Christmas Cheer gave out 450 hampers and gifts for 1022 children.

The group is made up of the Daylesford and District Food Aid, Daylesford Rotary Club, CAFS, Hepburn Health Service, St Vincent de Paul Society, Daylesford Community Bank and the children’s charity Variety.

It comes together to ensure that people who need a little extra can access food, drinks, gifts or vouchers in one venue.

This year the committee will help more than 500 families from within the shire with groceries, Christmas treats, toys and vouchers.

About $12,000 is needed to keep the event happening. Cash donations can be made into the Daylesford & District Christmas Cheer Trust or help by leaving an unwrapped present under the Christmas tree at the Daylesford Community Bank.

Donations of cash and goods can also be made by calling Danny Moynihan, pictured getting hampers started, on 5348 3458 or Annabelle Geddes at Daylesford Community Health Centre on 5321 6550.

LOOKING for something unique for Christmas?

Moongate Oriental Antiques & Gallery, in Hepburn Springs, has just opened a new shipment from China.

Owners Robert and Peter have been importing arts and antiques for almost 20 years, to, firstly, High St, Armadale and then Hepburn Springs.

Peter said over the years the quantity and range of quality stock in China had decreased with sourcing becoming increasingly difficult.

“This is largely due to huge economic changes which also affect prices,” he said.

“Rising prosperity, labour and material costs in China also play a part. Nevertheless an exciting range has arrived at Moongate.

“The variety, colour and richness of furniture, porcelain, textiles, jewellery and arts of all kinds is amazing.”

Be a wise owl and shop locally for Christmas

Finishing Touch Decor Shop 1/9 Howe St, Daylesford 5348 3667

Now open 7 days each week until Christmas eve Call in soon before the final week’s Christmas rush and have all your gift purchases beautifully gift wrapped (FREE) by Theo and Geof Oscar The Owl says Come to Howe Street For great shops and gifts Great coffee & food Great parking Great customer service

EXCLUSIVE HOME-WARES AND GIFTS AT GREAT PRICES KRIS KRINGLE GIFT SELECTION FROM UNDER $10

• Big selection of wall art • Clocks, lanterns, placemats & coasters, lamps (to set the mood), photo frames, cushions and one-off furniture pieces

14 Healthy Living

Advertorial

Community Bus needs you!

THE community bus now travels along three routes each week and is looking to extend to two more routes. The next two routes planned are for Smeaton/ Kingston/ Newlyn and Korweinguboora/ Barkstead.

If you are interested in bringing the community bus to your area please contact Janine Fleming at Hepburn Health Service.

The community bus currently travels to Musk/ Bullarto/ Trentham on Wednesdays, Franklinford/ Yandoit/ Clydesdale on Thursdays and Wheatsheaf/ Glenlyon/ Denver on Fridays. Call SmartRun on 1300 44 35 34 before noon the day before to book.

The community bus arrives in Daylesford at 10.30am and leaves at 1pm.

You can be picked up anywhere along the route (where possible). There are four stops in Daylesford - Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, corner of Central Springs Rd and Camp St, Bridport St bus stop or Springs Medical Centre. People are also invited to travel from Daylesford. The bus leaves Daylesford at 9am and returns about 2.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to travel on the community bus. Child seats are available for travellers aged 0 to 7 years. A hoist is available for people that need extra assistance. A gold coin donation is requested. Bookings are ESSENTIAL and must be made before noon the day before travelling.

“The community bus allows people to get to shops, medical appointments, the library or to catch up with friends or family” said Janine Fleming, Community Services Coordinator with Hepburn Health Service. “We are encouraging people to leave their car at home and support the community bus”.

“We are excited about the opportunities the community bus offers and would like as many people as possible to benefit from this community transport”.

The community bus is driven by volunteers. It is run by the Hepburn Health Service in partnership with Hepburn Shire Council, with funding from the Victorian Government.

To provide feedback, register your interest as a volunteer driver or find out more call Janine Fleming on 5321 6556 or email janinef@hhs.vic.gov.au.

Call 1300 44 35 34 to book a seat on the bus.

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Happy Anniversary 15

Wheatsheaf couple celebrates milestone

DON and Dawn Killeen say that the key to a long marriage is a mix of being best friends, putting family first, lots of give and take – and really loving each other.

And they should know. The Wheatsheaf couple just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

They met when Dawn was 15 years old and living at Nhill.

Don, who was doing an apprenticeship with Sunshine Cabinets, had gone up with some mates for a Christmas holiday.

They “got friendly”, he said, and a long distance relationship was started, with Don heading north when he could.

Then Dawn found a position nursing at Mildura Base Hospital and Don just happened to be fitting a shop out there.

They were sitting on the lawn at Dawn’s sister’s home, watching Sputnik fly overhead in 1957 when Don casually asked “what about we get married?”.

But Dawn remembers a lot more romance in that moment. “It wasn’t like that at all,” she said. “He was very romantic.”

They married a year later, on November 15, at St Monica’s Church in Footscray and lived in Maidstone with an aunt until the first of six children came along.

Work, including a revived agency nursing career for Dawn, and life took them to homes in North Sunshine, Seddon, Burwood and finally Wheatsheaf.

They bought the land they have lived on now for 20 years in 1974 when there was just one other mudbrick home in the street.

“We had bought a block at Healesville but they changed the zoning and we ended up letting it go,” said Don.

“We both saw it on the same day. I came home and Dawn said ‘I’ve found our place’ and I said ‘wait until I show you what I have found’.

“So it was meant to be.”

Dawn said she “loved” living at Wheatsheaf in the mud brick house which took 12 years of weekends and holidays to build – including making their own bricks.

“I just love it. I love the bush, the quiet, the wildlife and that it’s ours,” she said.

Bushfires are a reality that they live with in return for their perfect home.

“In all the years we have been here we have only had to leave once and that was in 2009,” Don said.

“But we have our ear to the radio and we’re on the phone tree.”

Don is also well networked with the Daylesford Men’s Shed which he started with Colin Dunlop and Andrew Azzopardi.

There are now almost 50 members with the group having built its own shed at Victoria Park – a much better option than the former bases at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre and the park’s “chook pavilion”.

Dawn would have liked to become more involved in community and work life but a chronic illness keeps her mostly at home although in touch with her children, eight grand-children and four greatgrandchildren.

Both say life has been a bit of a battle with six children, mostly one wage and not a lot of luxuries.

“But the kids always got what they needed and Dawn is a good cook and could turn anything into a great meal,” Don said.

“I think our kids did pretty well,” Dawn added.

“We’ve had a pretty good time.”

Still in love: Dawn and Don Killeen have celebrated 55 years of marriage.

“I just love it. I love the bush, the quiet, the wildlife and that it’s ours.”

16 Community Events

Community Events Kingston Agricultural Show

Trentham Whole Town Garage Sale

The Kingston Show will be held on Saturday, December 1 at the Kingston Showgrounds. Details; www. kingstonshow.com

The sale is on Saturday, December 7 from 8am to 2pm. Collect a map from the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre and visit some of the 30 plus garage sales.

Trentham Carols in the Park

Glenlyon Community Barbecue

The 25th anniversary of the carols will be held at the Quarry Street Reserve on Friday, December 6 with food from 6.30pm and concert from 7.30pm.

Details: 5424 1127.

The barbecue, which includes a visit from a lolly-giving Santa Claus about 7pm, will be held at the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve on Saturday, December 14 from 6pm.

Wombat Forestcare

Family Fun Day

Update on night vision project by Miriam Rotstein at the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre on Friday, December 6 from 7pm to 8.30pm. Gold coin donation.

The event, at Bodhidharma at Shepherds Flat on Saturday, December 14, from 11am to 3pm, will raise money for Tang Soo “Karate Kids” to take part in the National Championships in Darwin. Cost of entry is $10 per family.

Daylesford Highland Gathering The Highland Gathering will be held at Victoria Park, Daylesford on Saturday, December 7 from 9am. Details: daylesfordhighland.com

Heritage Rail Experience Every Sunday, historic trains travel through the scenic countryside and forests of the Central Highlands, leaving from the Daylesford Sunday Market.

Nativity raffle for wildlife THE Glenlyon Craft Group has created a nativity scene which is being raffled off for the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter.

Tickets are $1 and available at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter stall on Vincent St, Daylesford on Saturday, November 30 from 10am to 2pm and the Daylesford Farmers’ Market on Saturday, December 7 from 9am to 1pm.

The nativity scene, above with shelter volunteer Tiina Alliksaar, will be on display at the Bendigo Bank, Daylesford from November 25 to 29 and December 2 to 6. The raffle will be drawn on December 8 at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter.

HEPBURN WILDLIFE SHELTER PO BOX 133 DAYLESFORD 3460

info@hepburnwildlifeshelter.com

Hepburn Wildlife Shelter Calendar for 2014 $20 each All proceeds go toward caring for orphaned and injured wildlife Now available for sale from the Community Bank and a wide selection of stockists throughout Hepburn Shire

Out & About 17

Open gardens delight locals and tourists SPRING weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of garden lovers who arrived in droves to the open gardens of Paul Bangay and Stuart Rattle over the weekend.

Clockwise from right: Stuart Rattle takes a break, Paul Bangay’s home, garden lovers Greg Mallyon, Susan Chou, Steven McKinley, Shayne Liao and Joseph Settoneri, Creswick couple Bernadette Sincotta and David Owen, and, finally, Paul Bangay signs his latest book.

18 Advertorial

Great response to local business Ezi Bin SHAUN Crowley, from Ezi Bin, is grateful to the community for the positive response to Ezi Bin’s rubbish removal services to the area which his father Daryl Crowley, D&P Lyonville operated for over 25 years.

“This has been something our whole family from Lyonville has been involved in since we were kids,” he said.

“And for those customers who have stuck by us, we thank you and look forward to continuing to provide our services and supporting the local “We are flexible community. and happy to “My father, Daryl discuss with who customers their Crowley, is now doing individual needs.” the run with Ezi Bin’s new truck and trailer is breathing a sigh of relief as he can operate with new equipment that does not require any more manual lifting.”

Shaun said Ezi Bin was also expanding its collection areas and offering additional services for recycling and garden waste, “We are flexible and happy to discuss with customers their individual needs offering tailored rates and different collection frequencies,” Shaun said.

“And we encourage people to call us to discuss their needs as we work with our customers to provide the best service we can.

“Our family are committed to supporting the region we grew up in, and if we can get enough community support we aim to continue to hire and increase our staff and sponsorship arrangements in the region next year.”

Contact Gemma or Shaun Crowley at Ezi Bin on 0455 216 139.

Rates: For standard collections Ezi Bin’s rates are: 120 litre bin - $7.50 per collection 240 litre standard size bin - $15 per collection (Ezi Bin is also offering discounts to those who need a weekly collection)

Ezi Bin

Above right, Gemma and Shaun Crowley, from Ezi Bin, are keeping the business local

Please call

0455 216 139 FOR ALL YOUR GARBAGE REMOVAL NEEDS!

Advertorial 19

Busy Bruce Bavin waiting for a buzz REAL estate is real, says Bruce Bavin.

The well-known real estate agent said that’s why he loves the industry he’s been in for almost 38 years.

“Real estate – you can look at it, you can touch it, you can live in it, you can rent it out, you can build on it, subdivide it, buy and sell it. Bricks and mortar, timber and iron!”

Mr Bavin, who spent many years travelling and working both interstate and overseas, is enjoying being back in the community and helping people both buy and sell their properties.

“Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and Hepburn are wonderful and fascinating places,” he says.

His boutique agency, simply titled BRUCE BAVIN, Licensed Estate Agent, means Bruce can offer personalised service – the same service he became famous for at his previous highly successful three-office company that was responsible for over 550 real estate sales.

Bruce said he felt there was a real place and need for his small boutique agency where there is an emphasis on good

“And when you deal with me, you deal with me, not a junior or personal assistant – it’s all about personalised service and maximum effort all the way.” old fashioned service with a smile and honesty.

“Nothing is too much trouble and my clients immediately feel the benefits of my local knowledge and expertise in sales, marketing and promotion gained over 35 years in the Victorian real estate industry.

“And when you deal with me, you deal with me, not a junior or personal assistant – it’s all about personalised service and maximum effort all the way.

“I write the copy, yet I invite the vendor’s participation, I place the ads, I take the photos, I do the brochures, I attend the open houses, I write the reports – the full kit and caboodle. I even put up the signs in the most visible position!”

Bruce also said now was a great time to be selling properties with them always looking their best in spring – along with their gardens.

“This is the very best time to sell traditionally.

“I can give sound advice as to what to do to maximize the end price and sometimtes those little presentation details and finishing touches make a real difference, either a quicker sale, a better price, or both.

“And I don’t specialise in any particular part of the market place – big, small, upper or lower price range – just give me a call.”

Bruce says he can be contacted at any time, which is probably why his nickname is Busy Bruce, on 0419 027 722 or brucebavin@gmail.com “For WOW factor service and results you should ‘Give Busy Bruce Bavin a Buzz’!”

News 21

The pet competition drew a big crowd last year Contributed photo

Be a part of history at the Kingston Agricultural Show this Sunday

THE 146th Kingston Agricultural Show will be held on Sunday, December 1 at the Kingston showgrounds at Church Parade, Kingston, Victoria.

The show has a host of events including seven rings of horse events with classes for different breeds of horse and harness, dairy goats, flowers, photography, art and a pet show. There will be lots of fun for kids with a Punch and Judy puppet show, jumping castle, a merry-go-round, (free) face painting, a “zoo” of Australian wildlife with educational talks and a display of Pigeons at War. After the horse events conclude about 3.30pm, you can watch a grand parade of show competitors and classic cars from the Victorian Heritage Listed grandstand.

The parade will be followed by live music

by The Decades with a gourmet barbecue tea on offer – finishing up around 8pm – a great way to end the day and with funds raised going to the CFA. The show has a proud tradition and is one of the oldest agricultural shows in Australia.

The Agricultural Society started at Smeaton in April 1859. At the first meeting Captain Hepburn was thanked for donating prizes for wheat growing.

Later the farmers of Spring Hill and Bullarook joined and in 1871, the show became the premier agricultural event in Australia.

A delegation of ladies suggested a grandstand be built, in 1902, but some time later, in 1921 the show members experimented with a new home at Allendale.

It was short lived and the event moved to Kingston the following year. With the grandstand towed by a Handley-Page steam engine!

The minutes of the 1939 show say that there were classes of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, dogs and cats and dairy produce.

Other classes included needlework, flowers and plants, vegetables and farm produce including wheat, oats, peas and hay.

Over 1240 entires were attracted to the classes.

If you want to be a part of history, come along to the 146th Kingston Agricultural Show this Sunday.

The cost of entry to the show is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 15 and $10 for the gourmet barbecue tea.

22 Out & About

Wine release at Passing Clouds

PASSING Clouds held its annual wine release day on Saturday, November 23 and winemaker Graeme Leith kept to tradition donning, this year, a dashing safari hat.

Community Update

BULLARTO Building works have now started

at Bullarto. This is the first stage of

returning the station to as it was in 1930. The current program will

see the van goods shed and lamp room on the platform rebuilt and the weighbridge cabin on the

Bullarto Hall side of the yard. This will also include correct period lighting for the path between the

hall and station. The track gang shed is also being rebuilt after

Take advantage of our local concession tickets!

Available FREE to residents within the Hepburn Shire and entitles you to half price tickets on regular Sunday services! Just call into the station any Sunday for more information.

Your Local Railway

being damaged with a falling tree

branch. It is hoped to attract funding next year to rebuild the full

size

station

building

with

ornate wood work and fire places.

WWW.DSCR.COM.AU

Dining 23

Showtime for Daylesford

A FEW drops of rain didn’t stop the crowds from attending the Daylesford Show on Saturday.

From above: Jordan, 8, and Emily, 11, check out sideshow alley, Carmel Bolton wins for her needlework skills and Carol Collins finally wins best rose.

Photos: Kyle Barnes

24 Gig Guide

The Gig Guide!

Radio Springs Hotel Sunday, December 1, lunch - Grumpy Neighbour Thursday, December 5, dinner - Pennyweight

CHRIS Wilson has been an essential part of blues and rock music in Australia since taking the stage with the Sole Twisters 20 years ago. Stints with Harum Scarum and Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls followed, and the end of the 80s saw Wilson as one of our finest vocalists, harmonica players and songwriters, fronting the Crown of Thorns.

His instrumental gifts have been used on recordings

by James Reyne, Hunters and Collectors, Vika and Linda, Renee Geyer, Archie Roach and Deb Conway.

Chris has enjoyed the company of Australia’s best musicians on stage and in the studio when realising his own visions in song. Chris has performed in the US at SXSW and two Folk Alliance Conferences.

Catch him at The Old Hepburn on December 1.

Perfect Drop, Daylesford Saturday, December 30, evening - DJ Timmaculate Friday, December 6, evening - Family Farm.

The Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Sunday, December 1, 4pm - Chris Wilson $10 door.

Saturday, December 7, 4pm - Michelle Parsons $5 door after 9pm) The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham Sunday, December 1, from 1pm - Gussy & The Barn Cats Sunday, December 8, from 1pm - The Flames

DAYLESFORD RSL

24 VINCENT STREET DAYLESFORD ~ TEL: 5348 3724 or 0438 715 936

DIGGERS BISTRO

OPEN SUNDAYS for traditional Roast Lunch

3 CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP Service Membership Affiliate Membership (for relatives of Veterans) Social Membership OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

BAR

OPEN EVERY DAY from 12 noon Live Music every Tuesday From 7pm ‘til late

News 25

Movember in full swing IT’S like being back in the 70s, or caught up in a bad porn movie.

Movember is leaving its mark around the region with men finally having a legal reason to grow a mo.

At the Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford, they’re preparing for a huge “shave-off” this Friday, November 29.

More than 100 years of moustaches and facial hair will go as the dream team of Rodney Peacock, Don Breen, Ian “Hog” McCarthy and John Beetham go under the razor from 6.30pm.

Also offering support is Paul Walsh who is growing his own mo, offering discounts off massages at Nature’s Wheel and making sure his sons, right, Jasper and Max, get into the swing of things.

Meanwhile, Hepburn Shire Council’s Dale Callahan, below right, is also doing his best to help raise money for men’s health including prostate and testicular cancer and mental health.

It’s not too late to take part. Donate, sponsor a mo man or go to au.movember.com

Bocconcini - not just a cafe!

We offer a large selection of local and imported deli goods ranging from cheeses, antipasto, small good meats, including locally produced Istra products, and accompaniments.

We have a large selection of providore stocks, including our wonderful tea range.

Christmas hampers are coming ~ our choice, or Pick and Pack.

Time poor? Let our experienced staff put together a mouth watering range of savories for your hamper, or, fill your hamper with a sweet selection, maybe combine both.

Bocconcini

59 - 61 Vincent Street Daylesford Trading hours: 8.30 - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday

26 Wining and Dining

Now open for breakfast!

Dining 27

Thai Night at The Centre of the Universe YOU don’t expect “real” Thai from a pub in the bush.

But the Radio Springs Hotel, in Lyonville, is providing just that every Thursday night.

Chef Bancha, pictured left, has collected up his mother’s recipes giving locals and tourists a taste of Thai which he promises will never be “Australianised”.

Entrees We started the night sharing satay gai, grilled marinated satay chicken skewers in a fabulous peanut sauce along with pia muck tod, a lightly battered squid seasoned with cracked white pepper and onion flakes. Both are $12. Both are great.

My partner in dining also couldn’t go past his own serve of tom yum soup. A spicy sour soup loaded with the flavours of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and fresh herbs. Chicken and tofu are $10, or add prawns for $12.

Oh, each dish on the menu has a chilli rating.

Which is handy for me, because I can’t do too hot, and handy for my partner, who thinks chilli flakes should adorn every restaurant table. Salt, pepper, chilli. Go figure.

Mains For his main, my partner went for Sua Rong Hai - charred sliced fillet of beef with green mango and cucumber salad and spicy coriander dressing. Just $25.

I went for the chicken and cashew stir-fry with

onion, tomato and pineapple. Both were amazing.

A mix of flavours and textures which kept the taste buds busy.

I also thought about the fish Panang – a fillet of fish in hot and spicy Panang curry sauce with stir fried bok choy, red capsicum and coconut cream.

Yum. Next time.

Drinks Owner Ken Parfrey keeps a very well stocked bar. There are a load of beers on tap, local great wines and an impressive top shelf array of spirits.

If you’re not sure what you’re after, give Ken a bit of an idea of what you like, and you are guaranteed to find a glass of your new best friend in your hand.

The Centre of the Universe Radio Springs is a little different. And that’s a good thing. There’s live music from Thursday night onwards, interesting dining areas including the green and red rooms, a mass of memorabilia and books on the shelves and a genuine welcoming atmosphere.

Ken, and partner Jackie Airey, bought the Radio Springs Hotel, which also has great accommodation, a lovely garden and boutique cinema on the way, some years back as a “holiday home”. Then they decided it was time to join the hospitality trade and they spent years creating an amazing place which they have named, with a street sign to boot, The Centre of the Universe. It all works.

28 Business Guide

ian petty legal 53 North Vincent Street Daylesford 3460 5348 1080 Fax by arrangement ianpettylegal@gmail.com

Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto 45 Vincent St, Daylesford 5348 2061 Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, drycleaning, stationery, photocopying and more.

We stock The Local!

Business Guide 29

CLASSIFIEDS COMING SOON!

30 News

Buying real estate 101 New directors for Buying a house community bank Buying a house in the Hepburn Shire, as in all of Victoria, involves research and careful consideration of all options – you need to ensure that the property is the right price, is value for money, is in the right position, is the right size and offers the lifestyle you wish for.

Once you have decided to purchase in this wonderful Central Highlands area, it is wise to do your homework and don’t rush in or be pressured into a decision. Prices vary around the districts and parts of towns, so it is important to research what fellow buyers in recent times have paid for similar types of properties.

It is easy to access median house prices - and the various real estate marketing websites such as Domain and Real Estate.com can provide a wealth of valuable information.

You need to remember that many a vendor’s home “is their castle” and they frequently place an emotional value on it even though the agent has, as is required by law, advised them of a realistic market range.

More so than ever, it is a good idea to seek an impartial opinion of value by commissioning a sworn valuation, from a reputable valuer at a relatively low cost, prior to making your offer or attending an auction.

Never forget that an estate agent is employed by the seller, and is obliged to maximise the end price in every possible legal way on their behalf.

In the next issue, we will explore the minefield that is navigating your way through the buying process.

- Bruce Bavin Licensed Real Estate Agent Hepburn Springs

Company secretary Jan Southwell with chairman Tim Blood

THREE new directors have been elected to the board of the Daylesford District Community Development Limited at the second annual meeting last Tuesday.

Joan Janssen, Fiona Robson and Trevor Miller joined fellow directors Tim Blood, Joy Nunn, Sue Ewart, Mark Rak, Phil Gay, Jeffrey Vincent and Glen Heyne in operating the Daylesford District Community Bank.

Chairman Tim Blood and bank manager Steven McKinley presented their annual reports on the bank’s progress to date and emphasised the importance of its role in the community. Although still in its infancy, the bank has returned $30,000 to support various community organisations.

Both emphasised the need for the community to get behind the bank to ensure the success of a truly connected community.

News 31

THE GARDEN

by Jackie Airey SOMETIMES, when I look about my garden, I receive little flashes, images of “gardens I have known”, all part of my journey to this arcadia.

I grew up in North Carlton before it was fashionable and all mum could manage in front was a tiny plot of pansies.

Out the back, the dirt provided me with plenty of mud baths and mud pies, next to a struggling daisy bush and a red geranium obscuring the outside dunny.

When my best friend’s mum over the road put in a 15 x 15 foot patch of lawn, we lay on it telling stories, staring at the clouds. Luxury.

My grandfather was a gardener at the Melbourne General Cemetery and either he or my dad and I would go for walks there some Sundays – really, they went

to booze on with some mates in the gardeners’ sheds, so I was able to roam, fascinated by the plots, gravestones and statues, drawn by the peacefulness and winding pathways, the sense of decaying verdure and the patina of age; by how time and sleepiness had allowed for the untamed opportunism of seedlings, layerings, suckers, mosses, lichen and huge trees.

Life abounded, with so many different birds, rabbits, lizards, skinks, field mice and insects – to me, it was Eden.

During my twenties, mum lived next door to the dry cleaner’s in Rathdowne St. This provided her with humidity to create a verdant little tropicana jungle in the tiny terrace yard, up the sideway and into the kitchen.

Later, her move to the suburbs allowed her indulgence in roses, roses and more roses (and pansies).

So when it came to ”design” for this garden, there wasn’t any.

I just knew I had to have lawn to lay on and plenty of big sky, play space, roses, pansies, geraniums and daisies, a degree of wildness and zillions of plants.

I needed to feel engulfed by the cool freshness of leaves and the perfume of blooms, to be able to meander and wonder what was around that next corner ….

For all your power equipment needs we service all makes and models Sales, Service and Spare Parts

1 Howe Street Daylesford 5348 2649

Qualified Arborist - Jason Scholten Tree & Stump Removal Tree pruning Storm Damage Removal Mulch Sales

32 Sport

Joel Adams new coach for Daylesford JOEL Adams is the new coach for the Daylesford Football Club.

Adams, who has played at senior level with the club for 17 years, started getting involved in the coaching side of things over the past four years.

He said he was keen to take on the position despite it being a “six to seven day a week job”.

“You never really switch off but I don’t mind that,” he said.

Adams, who has his own tree lopping business, JJ Trees, based in Melbourne, said the pre-season started on December 2 with two group sessions and one individual session each week.

But he said while team members generally had a bit of a break during the off season most of the players had been involved in weight training and were pretty fit.

“A lot of the younger guys are really into their fitness,” he said.

Adams said he had a few new ideas and wanted to get the club back to “how football used to be – raw”.

“And I will be introducing a few new game plans.”

Adams, who started himself at Daylesford as a junior, said the club was also keen to keep developing its juniors.

He also said it was getting “harder and harder” to attract players to country clubs with many forced to pay big money to keep their teams happening.

“Every club has trouble getting players but we have a good side,” he said.

The club also has a new president, Bernie Jurcan.

“A lot of the younger guys are really into their fitness.”

Fed Square calendar signing CRICKET Willow’s Ian Tinetti will join other Vietnam veterans and head to Federation Square to sign fundraising calendars.

Mr Tinetti, right with wife Trish, was among those who appeared in the nearly nude calendar which raises money for a Vietnam veteran retreat in Bairnsdale.

He appeared with fellow veteran and cricketer Laurie Wilks with cricket seeming the obvious choice as a backdrop.

At Fed Square the veterans will march into the signing area on Friday, November 29 at 11am and then strip down to just caps, shorts or boxers, boots and socks for the signing. Dog tags are optional. Calendars are $15 and available from Cricket Willow.

The first edition of Men at War & Peace, produced in 2006, raised more than $65,000 for veterans’ welfare services. Details: cockatooriseretreat.com.au

Howe Automotive Your Safety is our priority

Automotive Electrician on site Front end wheel alignments

Servicing all automotive air conditioning 4X4 Servicing and repairs

19 East Street Daylesford

Ph: 53482389

Repairs@howeauto.com.au