December 5, 2016 Issue 86 Crowing about the nest
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
2 About Us
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Front cover: There's plenty happening at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and who better to lead the tour than Friends vice president Ray Robinson. Read the story on page 35.
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, December 19, 2016. (Or online on Sunday, December 18 at www.tlnews.com.au)
December 5, 2016 Issue 86 Crowing about the nest
Advertising deadlines for the next edition of The Local: Space bookings: Wednesday, December 14 Copy provided by: Thursday, December 15 Editorial deadline: Thursday, December 15
Image: Kyle Barnes
Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Writers: Kevin Childs, Kate Taylor, Donna Kelly, Jeff Glorfeld, Anthony Sawrey
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
Photographers: Kyle Barnes, David White Graphic designers: Dianne Caithness, Robin Archer The Local is a registered trademark of Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly
Layout: Donna Kelly
The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local.
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News 3
Exhibitions highlight LGBTIQ struggles
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ULTURE Victoria, in collaboration with the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives, has launched two digital exhibitions which highlight the pioneering struggles that have led to diverse and robust LGBTIQ communities in Victoria.
The launch was held at the Daylesford Hotel on November 28 with guest speaker Victorian Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Rowena Allen.
Daylesford Stories
Daylesford Stories explores ideas of community, identity and belonging. Through the personal stories of individual community members, the exhibition looks at how and why this region has become a place of meaning and significance for lesbians and gays, and for those who identify as part of the LGBTIQ community.
"Gay Liberation had both local and imported roots. Internationally the New York City Stonewall riots in 1969 sparked off a new phase of radical gay politics, drawing on the momentum of activist organisations and protests across America, but locally few people took immediate notice, though fledgling advancements in homosexual law reform had developed within the civil liberties movement. "In Melbourne, the short-lived Daughters of Bilitis (later Australasian Lesbian Movement) arrived quietly on the scene in January 1970, gaining media coverage but limited influence. The real start to the Australian gay movement occurred in September 1970 with the formation of the Campaign Against Moral Persecution, or CAMP, in Sydney. "Within two years there were CAMP branches in most Australian capital cities, with the Melbourne branch established in January 1971, soon renamed Society Five. However, despite the success of these organisations in counselling and socialising and later law reform, the relatively closeted nature of Society Five was never radical enough for some activists. "Gay Liberation arrived in Australia first in Sydney in 1971 and soon after in Melbourne and other states. By 1972 small Gay Liberation groups were springing up around the country. The differences between Gay Liberation and Society Five were in practice small, but those in Gay Liberation prided themselves on their commitment to bringing about radical social change. "Influenced by the counter-cultural movements and radical political movements of the 1970s, the politics of gay liberation became an all-encompassing liberation, an ‘embodied politics’ that saw liberation in all aspects of one’s life, from households to classrooms, sexual relations to workplaces, clothing to protests. Young gay people had found their voice, and group members organised the demonstrations, marches and public events illustrated in this story. "This digital story draws on material produced for the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives exhibition Out of the Closets, Into the Streets: Histories of Melbourne Gay Liberation, curated and written by Nick Henderson, drawing on the original research of Graham Willett. A complementary documentary film, additional interviews, and written curatorial and audio content was produced by documentary film makers Wind & Sky Productions."
"Daylesford is a picturesque town, quietly nestled at the foot of Victoria's Great Dividing Range. It is green, lush and magical and its soils are rich with minerals and mineral springs. Indeed it was an early centre of mining activity in post-European settlement Victoria after gold was first found in 1851. "Daylesford has long been both a popular tourist destination and often seen as a place of calm and healing. Guest houses flourished alongside mining activity, farming and industry. "Slowly, but surely, in the late 1970s and 1980s, Daylesford and the surrounding areas began to become home to individuals who identified as gay or lesbian. Today it is seen as a gay and lesbian friendly town, indeed a LGBTIQ hub, no doubt helped by the reality that it is home to ChillOut, the largest rural gay and lesbian festival in Australia. "Daylesford Stories explores ideas of community, identity and belonging as it focuses on individual experiences of Daylesford and surrounds and why it is that they call Daylesford home. In doing this, we begin to see a story of how and why this region has become a place of meaning and significance for lesbians and gays and for those who identify as part of the LGBTIQ community. "Through two short films, individual profiles and image galleries, we start to explore how identity shapes us and how support and understanding can build community. But, it is important to note that represented here are just some stories of Creative Industries and Equality minister Martin Foley said the exhibitions Daylesford. We need to talk to more people, gather additional stories and in so doing, celebrate the creative strength and diversity of Victoria’s LGBTI communities “and look at more perspectives on why and how it is that Daylesford has become such an demonstrate how our cultural collections help tell the story of where we’ve come from important rainbow community. Daylesford Stories is just the beginning." and where we’re going as a community”.
Out of the Closets, Into the Streets
In 1970s Melbourne a group of students made a stand for gay pride at a time when homosexuality was criminalised and discrimination and abuse was widespread. Out of the Closets, Into the Streets, documents the moment gay and lesbian people took to the streets, coming out and proud and challenging the status quo. "Through the manifestos, photographs, flyers and recollections of those who were part of the movement, this digital story explores the ways in which gay people found their voice in Melbourne, and refused to pass for straight anymore.
Image above left: Springs Connections 'Daylesford and District' float in Pride March, 1997, photo by Virginia Selleck, Midsumma Collection, Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives (ALGA). Image above right: Gay Pride Week march, 1973, Melbourne, photograph by Frank Prain, Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives (ALGA). Link: www.cv.vic.gov.au
4 Our artists
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David's work at The Little Gallery in Trentham
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AVID Bryant left Templestowe High School after "a less than glorious matriculation year" before his brother wrangled him a job in the County Court as a trainee clerk of courts.
But after a couple of years and realising that if he didn't do something about it this was going to be his life, David put together a folio of his drawings and paintings and successfully applied to the Phillip Institute of Technology (now part of La Trobe University) to do a Fine Art Diploma. He talked to editor Donna Kelly. Donna: What happened next? David: Conceptual art - a circle of stones from the car park spread on the floor - was all the rage and not much teaching, mentoring or even technique instruction was on offer. On meeting an inspirational and charismatic graphic design tutor I switched courses, and for 30 or so years had a rewarding and creative career running our graphic design studio, Art Attack, still painting and drawing for my own peace of mind. For the past few years I have been painting in a studio in Trentham, a town that has become a bit of an artists’ hub, very supportive and welcoming. Especially the Little Gallery, which is hosting a Christmas Art Show for 40 local artists this month. Donna: When did you know you were an artist? David: I have always sketched and painted but can't really draw the line between who is an artist and who is not. Is it up to the individual? Who decides? Personally I have sometimes felt foolish declaring "I'm an artist" because the label does not seem relevant or necessary. It is the creative urge, followed by the action. Talk is cheap; you have to produce the work. Donna: What is your medium? David: I have been working in watercolour in two distinct styles. One is figurative, using traditional watercolour techniques and materials to depict local people, landscapes and nature. The other is abstract and organic, painting on non-receptive surfaces, resulting in a combination of the deliberate and the accidental and creating additional levels of excitement and difficulty. I have a couple of each style on the go at once, so it’s definitely not boring. Donna: I understand you have entered a few awards – can you mention a few? David: I was a finalist in the 2014 Blake Prize and exhibited in the Hidden Faces of the Archibald (Victorian Salon des Refuses) 2010 to 2014. I was also included in the Directors Cut Blake Prize 2013 and short-listed for the Black Swan Portrait Prize 2013. Donna: Everyone seems to have a Central Highlands story – what’s yours? David: My partner and I bought a farm paddock in East Trentham about 23 years ago as an antidote and escape from the high-pressure graphic and advertising work that could consume us. Close enough to, but far enough away from, the city. And no phones! We built a house and over the years developed the garden into a beautiful landscape. We moved here permanently about 10 years ago. But really, it is the people we have met and the friends we have made that makes this a special place. Donna: And finally, where can we see your work? The Little Gallery would be one option! David: I am pleased to be joining with 39 other artists in the Little Gallery Christmas Show. The Little Gallery has been hugely supportive of art and artists in this region and I want to thank Rose, Helen and Max for organising the event. Our brief was to hang something small and affordable, so that people can buy and share the art for Christmas. The artists are on duty (hopefully not all at once), so get on down to Little Gallery, have a coffee, a chat, and check it out.
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Our people 5
Maze House set to open its doors and amazing maze
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T’S been 25 years in the making but the maze at the aptly-named Maze House at Newlyn North is about to open!
Owners Trish Kevin and Chris Dennis started on the project while working in other careers, Trish in the environment as a forester and Chris with Big Issue in community development along with work in hospitality. But after being mocked by friends and family about the maze that would never be open to the public, they have decided to take the plunge. The couple has for some years now been providing a function space for a host of events along with accommodation on its five acres, but now there’s also a garden café, shady seating areas, an area for a proposed bowls rink and the hedge maze which Chris reckons he has spent a total of one year pruning. “Two or three weeks a year over 25 years – I reckon that’s a year of my life – but it is very therapeutic.” It's a real work of art - three-metre high cypress hedges, which can take some time to find your way out from. "It seems to depend on people's ages. Children are faster while adults seem to get lost. I was with some people the other day and I couldn't believe how many wrong turns they were taking," Trish said. Trish has also been busy planting out trees and creating beautiful gardens for a “festival-like” area for visitors to wander and enjoy. “It’s a place that lends itself to different events, we have had a lot of spoken word events here already, and people enjoy that they can also stay here. We call it a country carnival garden – we don’t take anything too seriously.” Opening to the public means it is also time to drag out the bits and pieces the couple have gathered over the years. In the café, where local produce is king, is an old witness stand from the Ballarat Law Courts and just landed on the ground is a vintage wind-up horse-racing game, "like you used to find on '50s cruise liners". Then there are the giant Brett and Wendy Whiteley heads that they just happened to pick up while attending a Moomba clearing sale. "They are about 700mm wide and they took us quite a while to work out who they were," laughed Trish. Artist mates are also working on other installations. “We have always squirrelled away and collected things and now it’s time to bring them all out. I think they will be very popular,” Trish said. “And the whole thing is a real work in progress. We are always adding to it. But it’s also our passion – we enjoy gardening and conjuring up ridiculous things. And the mocking by family and friends has to stop – the time has come to open the doors.” Maze House opens on December 17 and 18 and there is a $300 prize for the funniest selfie from the weekend uploaded to its Facebook page.
“The whole thing is a real work in progress. We are always adding to it. But it’s also our passion – we enjoy gardening and conjuring up ridiculous things."
Boathouse Daylesford Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch
Open every d ay except Located on beautiful Lake Daylesford, providing year round comfort. Christ Perfect for a meal, wine with friends. mas For more information about Boathouse Daylesford, please visit our website: www.boathousedaylesford.com.au
2 Leggatt St, Daylesford 03 5348 2199
6 Opinion
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Pick me, pick me...
Just sayin’... By Donna Kelly
O
K, I promise this is the last column about my ankle. I know, it's boring now. But I have a cautionary tale to tell. And I have never had one of those before. So here goes.
Yes, I fell on Cup Day - sober. Next day the x-ray shows I have a fractured ankle and the moon boot goes on. A week later I visit the surgeon - the delay is not my doing - and I need surgery. On a Saturday. Which costs more, a lot more - and I do have private health insurance. So surgery is over and the cast is on. A couple of weeks later the cast comes off and the moon boot goes back on. A few days later I feel a bit of a light pain in my calf. Hmm, says the hypochondriac in me, I wonder if that could be DVT (as in deep vein thrombosis). Come on, says the pragmatic person, it's just that you are walking about in the moon boot now and it's probably rubbing on the calf a bit. So I venture a query to a couple of people who care about my health - or so I thought - surely they can help with the prognosis. "Kyle do you think I could have DVT?" "Hahahahaha, you are such a hypochondriac..." Hmm, OK. "Mum, do you think I could have DVT?" "Hahahahaha, you are such a worrier." Anyway, being a hypochondriac and a worrier, the next day, Monday, I head to the doctors and just casually mention the idea. No laughter there. Next thing I was having injections into my stomach to thin my blood and was off to have an ultrasound where it was confirmed I did, in fact, have DVT. Just the one. The nice radiologist pointed it out, almost gleefully I thought, but I guess they tire of finding nothing. Anyway, it turned out that mine was in the lower part of leg, which is a good thing, and I was given the choice of "waiting a week or so to see if it disappears or goes up higher" or starting on blood-thinning medication. I chose the latter. It should all be over, in a good way, in a month or so. And the other good news is that the moon boot comes off in just over two weeks - that's good because Kyle's carer juice is running extremely low. If he was a car the fuel light would be on... So that is my cautionary tale. If you think something is up then get it checked. And don't rely on loved ones for advice - especially if they are super pragmatic. I must admit I did also have a bit of a look at Dr Google but in this instance the advice was pretty much "head to the doctor". Finally, because I can, I would like to thank Matt at Springs Medical Centre for his care, treatment and patience. And thanks also to the myriad nurses who have been charged with carrying out quite painful stomach injections for a week now. I very much appreciate your skill and kindness. Just sayin'...
HI THERE, I am Wilfred, a domestic short hair male. I am two years old and am a very relaxed, chilled cat looking to become part of the family. I’m very personable and social. I’d love to be in a home with other cats. MC#956000006110786
Castlemaine RSPCA is at 24 Langslow Street, Castlemaine. Phone: 5472 5277. Open: Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm. Friday to Sunday 10am to 2pm.
(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie and Curly. We picked them.)
The Local - Connecting the Community
THE Local believes in giving back. So we created a “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 just email donna@tlnews.com.au If we receive more than we can use we use the tried and true “put them in a hat” system but also work a little bit on timing.
Hepburn Springs Sound Shell
8.30pm Thurs. December 22 BYO chair and nibbles
candles available for purchase on night
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News 7
Summer in the Central Highlands Image: Kyle Barnes
Riots at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre
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With about 20 per cent of the centre population on "We are concerned that someone will be seriously HE root causes of violence in Victoria’s juvenile detention centres will be the subject remand the place becomes increasingly unsettled because hurt. Our members live in fear of being assaulted. Staff unlike those who have been sentenced, those on remand have been bashed, some of it is pretty ugly." of much examination.
To one expert such violence is “relatively new” but comes from lot of causes, including the use of ice, gangs and prisoners on remand being refused bail. Andy Capp is a widely-experienced team leader with the prison guards’ union, the Community and Public Sector Union and a member of a team to present a report this month to the state government on what needs to be done. Central to the problem at Malmsbury, where thousands of dollars worth of damage has been caused, was the building of a “secure” site, a prison-like place added to the traditional “open” prison. (The concept of an open prison was proven not so long ago when a 20-year-old armed robber hobbled out of Malmsbury on crutches into a waiting black ute and vanished.) To Capp the previous Coalition Government made a basic mistake by not consulting widely before building this prison. “It should not be like an adult prison.” Add to this the change in the types of prisoners being sent to Malmsbury and the inevitable rise in the numbers on remand since the outcry about Adrian Bayley being on bail when he murdered Jill Meagher in Brunswick four years ago. All this makes a recipe for disaster.
have no idea how long they may be in and have no programs to undertake to give them a sense of purpose. And some, of course, are innocent. “A bigger problem is that there are not enough experienced staff. We’ve lost a lot of experienced people through rapid churn and burn. The Department of Justice is targeting young graduates who are idealistic and when brutal reality hits them…we need older, more experienced people, such as tradies, who can be role models.” Over at Parkville, about $2 million in damage was caused recently, the scene of a number of riots last year, and a place which the State Ombudsman said should be shut back in 2010. The government tried to stick 40 young offenders in an adult prison, a move which was opposed in court, which ordered Aboriginal children be pulled out of adult gaol. Reports say at least three of 13 teenagers moved to a segregated wing of Barwon Prison were not involved in the riots. To Capp, his union’s biggest worry is occupational violence.
He is also critical of what he sees as heavyhandedness by the department in handling misconduct by staff. “At times restraint is needed. The department’s approach makes guards worry that if they lay a hand on kids they will be pinged. Some have been sacked. We need a more consistent and fairer approach to situations that are more contentious." As Capp sums up, there is no “silver bullet” to solve this complex set of inter-related problems. Policy and practices at the centres will be reported on by a working party, with recommendations going to the government. With the government’s youth justice policy in tatters, change cannot, it seems, come soon enough. Comment was sought but not received from the Minister for Families, Children and Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos, and the Shadow Minister Georgie Crozier.
Words: Kevin Childs
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8 Christmas
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Christmas Services Christmas Services @ Christ Church Daylesford.
The Local wishes all its readers and clients a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year. Or just a fun Christmas carols silly season!
2016 During Advent - 10am Eucharist Sundays and Wednesdays Sunday, December 18 - Christmas Carols and the lighting of the Christmas Tree from 5pm Christmas Eve – December 24, 5pm - Christmas Children's Service and Communion. Christmas Eve - 11pm - Midnight Mass. Sunday, December 25 - Carols Christmas Day – 9am - Christmas Morning Family Eucharist with Carols
St Peter’s, Daylesford and St Augustine’s, Creswick Christmas Masses 2016 Christmas Eve – St Peter’s, Daylesford – 7pm Christmas Eve – St Augustine’s, Creswick – 9pm Christmas Day – St Peter’s, Daylesford, 10.30am Christmas Day – St Augustine’s, Creswick – 8.45am
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HE Daylesford Community Brass Band will be holding its annual Carols by Candlelight for 2016 at the Hepburn Springs Sound Shell on Thursday, December 22 from 8.30pm.
BYO chair and nibbles. Candles will be available for purchase on the night. We expect Santa to make a guest appearance. The Daylesford Community Brass “Band on the Bus” will also appear playing carols around Hepburn on Monday, December 12 and around Daylesford on Monday, December 19.
Leanne Pearman
Flight Centre Personal Travel Agent ✔ 12 Years experience with Flight Centre and 2 years working on cruise ships ✔ Local servicing Trentham, Daylesford and surrounds ✔ Specialising in ocean and river cruising, escorted tours and group holidays ✔ Price drop protection* ✔ Interest free holidays available †
Talk to Leanne today about planning your adventure. Office hours: Mon / Thu 9am – 3pm or other times by appointment. Leanne Pearman Trentham Collective 37A High Street, Trentham
0467 594 444 leanne.pearman@flightcentre.com www.facebook.com/Leannepearmanflightcentre
▼ Restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details or visit our website at flightcentre.com.au/lowest-airfare-guarantee. †Interest Free: Credit approved applicants only; fees, terms and conditions apply. *Price Drop Protection: Applies to Fares purchased in conjunction with Captain’s Value or Captain’s Premium International Airfare Packages only and may only be claimed once. Price Drop Protection applies to genuine fares from airlines and other Australian registered businesses and websites for travel that originates/departs from Australia. Fare must be in writing and presented to us on the same day as it was advertised. Fare must also be presented to us within 30 days from the date of payment in full of your original Captain’s Value or Captain’s Premium International Airfare Package Fare booking and prior to departure and must be for the same form of payment. Fare must be available, able to be booked by the general public when you bring it to us and be for the same dates, airlines, number of passengers, booking classes and flight numbers. The written fare must show the date it was advertised and the final price including all applicable fees and charges (including booking / service fees and all charges for the form of payment chosen). Fares available due to membership of a group or corporate entity or subscription to a closed group are excluded. Should the fare be less than your original Captain’s Value or Captain’s Premium International Airfare Package Fare we will issue a Gift Card to you for the value of the difference. Price Drop Protection only applies to your international flight departing Australia. Our standard Gift Card terms and conditions apply. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Flight Centre. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. FCWAT73327
Central Highlands Pain & Well-being Centre Dr Shelley L Beer Chinese Medicine
Exciting new range of Imported European Furniture 38 High Street, Trentham Ph: 5424 1164 Email: kuki@live.com.au
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Phone 0417 036 153 www.tcmconsultancy.com
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Our carers 9
Centre to provide respite for cancer patients and carers
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N THEIR own, though very different, ways, Anne and Sean have uniquely helping hands.
And the helping hands of others are now joining the cause to make an activity centre for cancer sufferers and their carers a reality. Stone and Straw is the apt name of the project – and while a crowdfunding campaign is now underway to help fund the building of the activity studio, a lot of other helping hands have also been involved to bring the site to this point. It’s a journey that started with Anne Milton, a registered nurse, and Sean Curlis, a glass artist, and their desire to help those affected by cancer. Anne had previously operated a business at a Melbourne oncology centre providing massage and beauty treatments to patients and Sean has his talents with teaching glass art. “I noticed that there we were looking after the person with the cancer, having their chemotherapy, we were able to do a number of treatments on them - but the person that sat next to them - the carer, the husband, the wife, the sister, the boyfriend, were largely forgotten," Anne said. “And we just thought it would be really great to have something where the cancer sufferer and the carer could come away without spending too much money, and have an escape where either they can do activities together, or one can break away and read a book or something. “We want to have a place where they can unwind and have a bit of enjoyment and fun, rather than just being confronted with this cancer diagnosis all the time.” So, after a post-retirement seniors gap year, which included a course in Austria on building with straw bales, the idea for the activity centre was born and the couple bought a stone house on a five-acre property near Mt Franklin, just up from the Chocolate Mill. Building has started on the studio, made of straw bales, with the guest house being the existing stone component, with helpers in the form of backpackers using the Workaway website – offering their helping hands in exchange for accommodation. Taking shape already, the studio will offer art therapies including glass mosaic workshops and lampshades and windows workshops, as well as yoga and music therapy workshops.
“As time goes on, we can offer more activities depending on what the demand is, and local talent as well.” The scope of people offered the experience is also hoped to increase, with midweek trips to be offered in conjunction with Canteen, for teenage cancer sufferers and their siblings to attend. And through his experience with teaching glass art at community venues, Sean is hoping to reach one demographic in particular at the studio. “Especially men… they’re very reluctant to open up and talk about their feelings unless they’re doing something with their hands. If you get them occupied on a project, while they’re working on that project, you just ask them some questions and before you know it, their feelings are coming out and they’re feeling a lot better.”
Links: www.chuffed.org/project/cancer-studio | www.stoneandstraw.com.au Words: Kate Taylor | Image: Kyle Barnes
“We want to have a place where they can unwind and have a bit of enjoyment and fun, rather than just being confronted with this cancer diagnosis all the time.”
10 News
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Hepburn Shire's White Ribbon ambassadors announced
Time to travel to Clunes...
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EPBURN Shire announced its White Ribbon ambassadors at its inaugural White Ribbon breakfast held late last month.
The White Ribbon ambassadors are Lindsay Pritchard, Mitchell Watson, Danny Moynihan, Doug Garth, Bill May, Barry Hills, Nigel Howard, Tim Nolan, Jeff Stewart, Peter Risstrom, Peter Hill, David Dorizzi, Simon Dwyer, Jamie Grant and Aaron van Egmond. Committee chair Cr Greg May said he was pleased with the interest from men around the shire to stand up against violence in our communities. “It's great to see that the ambassador nominees come from all walks of life, community, business and government. The committee looks forward to working with these men to campaign for change." Ambassadors will undergo training and play an important role in the community to lead campaigns which prevent violence against women. A White Ribbon Committee to initiate a campaign to prevent violence against women was established last year in Hepburn Shire. White Ribbon is Australia’s only national, male-led campaign to end men’s violence against women. The White Ribbon vision is that all women live in safety, free from all forms of men's violence. If you need assistance or support contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (after hours crisis) or 1800 Respect (after hours support, counselling and advice).
time travellers Remarkable Vintage & Antiques Timeless Gifts for Guys and Gals Time Travellers Clunes Saturday ~ Sunday 11 - 5 pm Friday nights ‘til Christmas 33 Fraser Street Clunes Ph: 0428 316 224
Challenge yourself with our crossword! Look for the answers in the pages of The Local. Last week’s solution is on page 32.
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Our winners 11
Belvedere Social winners, from left, top row: Paola Cariello (waitress), Josh Ooi (head waiter), Kylie Himmerman (chef), Liam Oliver (bartender), bottom row, Luke Watson (sous chef), Bernard Glaude (owner), Matthew Carnell (head chef), Leo Di Cato (commis chef) Image: Bess Mucke
State dining award Creswick Woollen Mills No.1 for Belvedere Social C
RESWICK Woollen Mills has taken out first place as top Tourist Attraction in Victoria at the 2016 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
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AYLESFORD restaurant and bar Belvedere Social has been awarded the State Harwood Andrews Golden Plate Award for Best Casual Dining, in recognition for its excellence in food and beverage, customer service, value and ambiance.
The award was announced at the Golden Plate State Awards last month. Belvedere Social’s head chef Matthew Carnell was also one of three finalists in the state award for Best Chef. Belvedere Social won five awards overall in the 2016 Golden Plate awards, having previously won four awards in the Ballarat, Daylesford and Pyrenees region for Best Customer Service, Best Chef, Best Casual Dining, and Best Value for Money. The judges said the Belvedere Social provided an excellent all-round dining experience. “The food showcases producers and gives them space on the plate to shine. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable with both food and wine and always ready to offer a suggestion. The 'feed me' menu option is well portioned and allows the customer to try lots of dishes without the stress of ever making a decision.” Larder Daylesford was also a state winner taking out the Harwood Andrews Golden Plate State Award Winner Licensed Cafe.
The awards encourage businesses to meet and exceed industry standards as well as playing an integral role in rewarding business excellence, innovation, industry professionalism, collaboration and initiative. Daylesford Macedon Ranges Tourism board president Judith Isherwood said the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges tourism region had an extraordinary range of businesses that attracted visitors from near and far. “The annual RACV Victorian Tourism Awards give tourism operators from across the state an opportunity to test themselves against their peers. I’m delighted that once again this region has seen great success.” Creswick Woollen Mills executive director Boaz Herszfeld said the Mills was proud to have established itself as a must-see Victorian attraction “and the Mills' resident alpacas, cashmere goats and sheep were so excited to win this year's award”. “We look forward to welcoming new visitors to the mill, to take in a slice of Australian history, while browsing the largest collection of natural fibre products in regional Australia.”
“The annual RACV Victorian Tourism Awards give tourism operators from across the state an opportunity to test themselves against their peers."
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12 Our people
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Grandeur and glamour at a garden in Lauriston
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Among the evidence in court was Patrizia’s diary. In it she wrote, “There is no HE renowned thinker, author and much more, Edward de Bono, once crime that money cannot buy.” On the day Maurizio was shot, there was a single said, “Humour is by far the most significant activity of the human word entry: “Paradeisos,” the Greek word for “paradise.” brain”.
You wouldn’t get much of an argument against that over at Lauriston, where de Bono’s cousin Kim is setting up a garden for wedding receptions. For instance, as Kim waves a hand at a beautiful big rose bed and says, “They’re all David Austin,” his partner, David Wintrip, a gumbooted gardener, murmurs, “there are some blow-ins”. We admire a big black imported Daimler, especially its handsome dashboard, which seems walnut. “Plastic walnut,” corrects David. The two of them seem to fit the picture of The Odd Couple, with Maltese-born Kim gesturing flamboyantly, talking quickly, racing from topic to topic while David, a serene Englishman, rakes the grass. Kim’s background is as colourful as his demeanour, for he was a buyer for the luxury Gucci brand. The fall of the house of Gucci is an epic and Kim has his chapter, tipping off police in New York to guard one of the family whose life was under threat from a relative – and this during a visit by the Shah of Iran. Such threats were real. Two years ago Patrizia Reggiani was freed from prison after serving 16 years for arranging the murder of her ex-husband Maurizio Gucci, the last of the family dynasty to run the brand. Although the former socialite had always maintained her innocence a TV crew caught her off-guard. “Patrizia, why did you hire a hitman to kill Maurizio Gucci? Why didn’t you shoot him yourself?” asked the reporter. “My eyesight is not so good,” she said. “I didn’t want to miss.” And there was so much more: a son dobbing in his 81-year-old father after a falling out for evading $8 million in US income taxes. Maurizio owned a 62-metre, three-masted yacht, built for Greek shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos, which carried a crew of 23. He also owned two Ferrari Testarossa and residences in both Milan and St Moritz, Switzerland. By most accounts, his spending led to estimated debts of $60 million and he had to sell the family business. What followed was even more bizarre. Maurizio hired a “white witch” to cleanse his mansion of his ex-wife, Patrizia’s, spirit. In turn Patrizia enlisted the help of a selftitled witch, Auriemma.
A year after the hit a doorman at a hotel near Gucci’s office building, told police he had been approached by Auriemma, Patrizia’s “witch,” to arrange the hit. The gunman got life, his driver 29 years, Auriemma 25 years and Patrizia 26 years. When Patrizia was convicted in 1998, Gucci’s flagship store in Florence displayed silver handcuffs with the Gucci emblem in its windows. As for Kim de Bono his words for the Gucci empire, now worth a reported $15 billion, are not repeatable, but his sense of humour is intact. At the bottom of a big pile of gardening books in his little Lauriston house is a lavish illustrated history of the family. Nearby is a paperback entitled The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed. This could not be further from the serenity of Lauriston, Kim’s property for 40 years, although he and David live on Phillip Island. Ten cherry trees form a circle in one area, enclosing a strawberry patch and vegetable patches. A curving sweep of Manchurian pear trees, interspersed with cypress and a magnificent blue cedar, leads to grand steps down into the garden with a backdrop of rolling paddocks and bush. Another walkway is to a headless statue of a toga-clad woman which seems to float from its plinth. Everywhere are urns spilling with flowers or awaiting them. A great metal archway by Neil Tait greets the visitor. Plenty of umbrellas provide shade, with the comfort of seats beneath trees as well. Walkways and avenues take the visitor in all directions. Lauriston Gardens seems destined to be all about grandeur and theatre when it begins hosting weddings, possibly in May, with not a Gucci product in sight. As Edward de Bono writes, “The winner is the chef who takes the same ingredients as everyone else and produces the best results”.
Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes
Geelong Businessman, Mark Ward has ownership of the Mill Markets group and brings years of expertise to this amazing concept. The Mill Markets operate three massive venues located in Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong. With a total of over 12,000 square metres of undercover floor space, (3 acres), treasure hunters have the opportunity to spend many hours browsing and meandering through the eclectic mix of products. There is a fantastic variety of home decor, furniture, records, vintage and new clothing, books, fine china, glassware, industrial items, jewellery, antiques as well as Australian pottery, homewares, memorabilia, retro fashions and collectables. We also have many stalls selling new products and have gift vouchers for those people who have everything!
All goods are from the 1850’s right through to present day. Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of dealers, which allows small business operators and collectors who otherwise could not afford the overheads of their own shops, to showcase their goods. This equates to a wide and diverse range of products, available and open to the public, seven days a week. Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane through hundreds and thousands of items available for purchase at all three locations. With over 500 stall holders over three venues, there is always something for everyone. Travel The Amazing Mill Markets ‘Golden Triangle’ and enjoy quality food and coffee at each. All venues open 7 days 10.00am-6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).
Recently, the Mark Ward Group acquired Decor Impact – a dynamic business featuring great visual items for sale and hire. Life size animals, figures, dinosaurs and outdoor props. A great range of exciting new stock will be hitting the country on a monthly basis. Showrooms open at all Mill Markets venues!
14 Happy & Healthy
www.tlnews.com.au
Spa Quilter gifts
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HE Spa Quilters of Daylesford have donated more than 50 homemade quilts to foster children with Child and Family Services Ballarat.
The quilters have been donating their handmade gifts of love for CAFS children for more than 20 years. More than just a bedcover, these quilts have provided comfort when home life is unsteady, and years later, many children still have their quilts and look to them when things may not be going right. CAFS chief executive officer Allan Joy said in the past year, CAFS had 145 children in foster care homes, with 80 carers. “These beautiful quilts mean more to a child than people may know. We hear so many stories. "There was a ten-year-old girl who came into care with absolutely nothing. She was given a beautiful quilt and still has it now over 15 years later, at age 25. She said that she treasures it, and wants to pass it down to her children, as a reminder of when she received it and how it made her feel."
GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Spoil a loved one with a gift voucher for a massage or treatment package this Christmas we stock a huge range of crystals - jewellery - books - incense essential oils - Tribe of the Tree flower essences - dindi soaps & soaps by Jules - tarot & oracle cards - singing bowls and more...
our retail sh op will be open till late every Friday un Christmas with differen til t amazing specials ju st for the late night shopping even ts
11 howe street daylesford phone 03 5348 1099 www.massagehealing.com.au
SisterNails Manicure $25 Pedicure $35 Manicure & Pedicure $50 Gift vouchers available Shop 2/52a Vincent St. Daylesford (In the Coles Breezeway)
SKIN CANCER CLINIC • Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. • 2 in 3 Australians will develop skin cancer. • 1 in 17 will develop a melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer. Have you ever been sunburned? Do you work or play sports outdoors? Do you have fair skin or red hair? Have you or someone in your family had skin cancer? Are you worried about any spots on your skin? If the answer is YES to any of the above, NOW is the time to get your skin checked.
Please call and book a skin check with Dr Brad Wyer.
Shop 3/27 Albert Street Arcade, Daylesford Phone : 5348 2331
(Diploma of Dermoscopy and Skin Cancer Surgery from the Australian College of Cutaneous Oncology)
MORE FOR TEETH PROGRAM
DECLARATION
Fire Danger Period The Chief Officer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for all land within the municipalities listed below. The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on 1st May 2017. Municipality
Date of Commencement
Hepburn Shire
12/12/2016
City of Ballarat
12/12/2016
Brand Corporate Logo Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.
Baskerville Semi Bold
Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.
Steven Warrington CFA
D031PA
Chief Officer Frutiger Light
What are the common pitfalls of employment law? We ask Jessica Duff of Robertson Hyetts Solicitors. Dealing with the countless demands of running a business, business owners often have little opportunity to consider whether they have the correct documents and procedures in place to protect their business from claims and actions by employees. However, employing staff can be a veritable minefield and addressing the most common employment mistakes, especially if buying a business, can avoid greater losses of time, productivity and costs down the track. Award identification and compliance - The introduction of the Modern Awards in 2010 was intended to simplify the award identification process, however identifying the correct award remains a source of frustration and confusion for some businesses. Despite the common misconception amongst businesses that there is no award that applies to them, the vast majority of businesses are covered by at least one Modern Award. It is critical for businesses to identify the award or awards that apply to all staff within their business to ensure that base rates of pay, overtime, penalties and allowances are being paid correctly. Failure to pay correct rates can lead to large underpayment claims and potential prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman (“FWO”) seeking the imposition of pecuniary penalties, which can be many times greater than the initial underpayment. Failure to have an employment contract - An employment contract is an essential part of the employment relationship. A well-drafted contract ensures that both employer and employee understand their rights and obligations and can limit an employer’s liability for unforeseen employee entitlements and costs arising from disputes. A properly drafted contract can also protect a business from liabilities arising from misidentifying the applicable award. Correct classification – FT, PT, casual, independent contractors - The incorrect classification of persons as casual rather than permanent employees, or as contractors rather than employees, often becomes a source of significant liability for businesses. A casual employee engaged on a regular and systematic basis, may actually be a permanent employee with a right to leave entitlements. Similarly, incorrectly classifying an employee as a contractor may result in FWO prosecution for sham contracting with associated penalties, wrongly believing the business is entitled to the unfair dismissal protections for small businesses and unbudgeted PAYG and superannuation liabilities. Robertson Hyetts can provide assistance in identifying the correct awards, drafting contracts of employment, policies, responding to the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to complaints, audits and litigation. Speak to our employment law expert Jessica Duff on 5472 1588 or email jessica.duff@robertsonhyetts.com.au Advertorial
Proudly supporting the (Castlemaine use only)
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The Rant
Employment offer
by Kyle Barnes
W
OW, it’s already December and we are heading head-first into the world’s holiday season.
Well actually not the world, it’s more of a white Christian-style holiday season that was pulled up by the bootstraps in the 1930s by the Coca-Cola Company. The Santa Claus we all know and love — that big, jolly man in the red suit with a white beard — didn’t always look that way. In fact, Santa used to be drawn as everything from a tall, gaunt man to a spooky-looking elf. Until the soft drink giant got involved. Now that’s the commercial side of Christmas and then there is the Christian side. Growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness or JW, I missed a lot of Christmases - in fact I missed a lot of celebrations like birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, most of the Days really, until my early teens. I always thought the Christians had it right, with big lavish Christmas dinners and presents, and then there is the lead-up, that sleepless night before the big day and the smell of the pine tree. But these days, as an agnostic, I tend to think about all the other religious denominations. I try to think how they do, if indeed they do, enjoy or celebrate Christmas. After all it is not everyone’s belief about away in a manger and all that baby Jesus talk. This leads me to a point away from Christmas, I heard recently of a tirade in a local business premises which became a racial outpour against the new owners. I am not sure where these guys are from, because I’ve never been bothered to ask them. You see, it doesn’t bother me where you are from or what religion you espouse - except for Scientology, I think that’s a bit suss. I myself, am an import from New Zealand, but have the good fortune to be a white male, which in terms of race supposedly puts me at the top of the food chain. But when someone with a different ethnic background is serving at a local business and doesn’t smile at the right time because his culture or upbringing does not tell him about our white customer service, does this give us the right to abuse the poor bloke? I suggest not. If you are unhappy with the service, simply point it out. There is no need to drag a bloke’s culture or skin colour into it. While we are on the subject of “isms” as in sexism, racism and for that matter ageism, I think it is appropriate that we have days to celebrate these differences, but sometimes I find it is a bit like lip-service. We have a big day to raise awareness that a bloke shouldn’t hit or abuse women called White Ribbon Day. And a day such as Christmas where there is peace for all mankind. And the rest of the year we set about blowing the shit out of one another. People need to get back to old fashioned morals like do unto others - in fact, that just about sums it up. Don’t belt your wife/partner or child, don’t kill or abuse fellow humans - even if they’re not up to speed with your presumed white culture, and don’t hurt animals. Rant over…
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Opinion 17
The Local Publishing Group needs to find a
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to join our growing team. We need this person for half a day a fortnight - to make sure our beautiful publications are well displayed and delivered on time. You will have to have a car and be available every second Monday night and Tuesday morning.
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Email your interest to donna@tlnews.com.au
Over 150 years of service to the shires of Daylesford, Hepburn, Creswick, Clunes ,Trentham, Kyneton and surrounds. ————————
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18 Our students
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Dharma school in Giving Tuesday celebrations
D
AYLESFORD Dharma School took part in Giving Tuesday last month, a global movement which celebrates and encourages individuals, businesses and communities to give and practise generosity in the lead-up to the giving season.
Community members and Hepburn Shire councillors were among those who joined celebrations and helped local children to create a “Field of Generosity”. Messages of generosity were written on beautiful handmade paper Bodhi leaves and planted in Burke Square, encouraging people to reflect on generosity and to practice the art of giving. “It was a joyful morning, full of community spirit and generosity, and a great reminder of how giving makes everyone feel good, whether it’s a gift, an offer of help or simply a kind smile,” principal Joel Hines said. The Bodhi leaves will now be planted at the Daylesford Dharma School’s new property on Daylesford-Trentham Road. Giving Tuesday also coincides with Daylesford Dharma School’s crowdfunding campaign, Help Daylesford Dharma School Put Down Roots, to help raise funds to move the school to their new property. The school also has plans to build a secondary school in the next few years. Mr Hines said this move would mean more space for the existing school to grow, as well as plans to build a secondary school “which will be of huge benefit to the shire from a community growth, education and economic perspective”. “We hope the community will see the benefits and support our fundraising efforts. Together we can make this happen.”
Right, student Hugo at the Field of Generosity during Giving Tuesday celebrations Image: Contributed
eCasa Daylesford is now a Chalk Paint ™ by Annie Sloan Stockist Our stock includes: • Full range of Chalk Paint colours in both sizes • Waxes (clear and dark) • Brushes • Books Annie Sloan workshop dates: Saturday 25th February, 2017 9.30am – 1pm Saturday 18th March, 2017 9.30am – 1pm Boo $185 per workshop place includes: k tw op Basic Annie Sloan Chalk Paint techniques lace f 1 o 5 r Use of Annie Sloan wax s %D a ISC Bring your own piece to paint OU NT Annie Sloan Workbook & Project Pot of chalk paint Breakfast, morning tea & great fun! Call eCasa on 0353481802 to reserve your spot now!
89 Vincent Street, Daylesford VIC 3460 Ph/Fax: 0353481802 info@ecasadaylesford.com.au Facebook & Instagram: ecasadaylesford
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News 19
Fergus, Steve and the Brumby Challenge
S
EVERAL months ago, Korweinguboora-based horse trainer Steve Brinkworth was selected to take part in the Australian Brumby Challenge.
The final took place at Equitana 2016 last month at the Melbourne Showgrounds. For anyone not familiar with the Australian Brumby Challenge event, it is organised by the Victorian Brumby Association. They take wild horses, passively trapped as part of an ongoing management program, from the high country of Victoria and southern New South Wales. They are then partnered with 25 horse trainers for 150 days to get them ready to be shown at Equitana. In the Ridden Challenge, brumbies aged four and older are saddle-trained. In the Youngster Challenge, yearling aged brumbies are trained and presented in hand only, not to be started under saddle or sat on. Steve Brinkworth took part in the Ridden Challenge with a small horse from the Mt Kosciuszko region christened VBA Fergus (the VBA stands for Victorian Brumby Association). When Fergus originally came to Steve’s training stables, he was a hairy, muddy little thing, skittish around people and apparently not very happy about being asked to do things he had never had to do before like wear a halter, have his feet checked, or be ridden. It is amazing how far the horse has come since June. “He went really great,” says Steve, standing next to Fergus’s stable on the final day of Equitana. “He performed really well in his events and he’s also been over to one of the pavilions as a demo horse for a wound care seminar. "He had bandages put on him and was escorted through the crowd, through the public, into the pavilion. He’s happy in his stall and being patted, he’s not flinching and being scared of people. So this experience was perfect from the point of view of his overall handling.” While Steve was very happy with how Fergus went in his initial event trials, he decided to scratch the horse from the final presentation on Sunday. “I withdrew Fergus from the ridden side of the challenge because, from a structural point of view, his physical strength wasn’t really there. His back was still hollow a little bit when he tried to carry me, particularly in a straight line. "I think he needs another six weeks to get his trot to strengthen up, then I will be able to get him to reach forward and lift his back. Once I get that trot going nicely we will be able to move to a canter.” There will be ample opportunity for Fergus to get the training he needs because, unlike many of the other horses taking part in the challenge, he will be returning to Korweinguboora. Normally the horses are put up for auction at the end but Steve bought the horse quite some time ago. “The VBA allows trainers to purchase their horse for a set price up to a month prior to Equitana and Fergus will be staying with us. As well as supporting the work done by the VBA, I would actually like to use him to promote my training stables as well. There are now many horse shows that have classes for trained brumbies and I would like to do that next year with him.” Perhaps Fergus misses the mountains where he grew up. Maybe he misses running in a big mob around the hills and gullies of Kosciuszko National Park doing nothing much more than eating grass and sleeping. Then again, the horse certainly didn’t seem to be bothered by his new life and all his visitors at Equitana. In fact, he almost appeared to be enjoying himself. He was all spruced up, had the best hay to eat and seemed to be revelling in the attention that comes with being a show horse. Fergus has now returned to the paddock at Steve Brinkworth’s property and is enjoying a spell after his big outing in the city. And soon he will be taking part in more training and getting ready for his next show appearance in a few months.
"He’s happy in his stall and being patted, he’s not flinching and being scared of people. So this experience was perfect from the point of view of his overall handling.”
Image and words: Anthony Sawrey
Wombat Reservoir
Share your thoughts and ideas S about the future of water and quality of life in the Hepburn Region Speak to our people about water usage, sustainability, the environment, future water sources or other topics you think are important. You can also ďŹ nd out about our new rebate program and details about our investment in the region.
Daylesford Fire Brigade 26 Bridport Street, Daylesford Wednesday 14 December 4.00PM to 6.00PM For more information visit: chw.net.au/talkwater or phone 1800 061 514
News 21
Firewood collection over
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HE Spring 2016 Firewood Collection Season has closed.
CELEBRATE ART ! PLEASE JOIN US OPENING NIGHT
6.00 PM • FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER 40 ACCLAIMED, ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING LOCAL ARTISTS SHOWCASING SMALL AND AFFORDABLE WORKS CATHERINE ABEL • HANNAH-ROSE AYERST • JENNIFER BARNETT DAVID BRYANT • DANIEL BUTTERWORTH • MATTHEW BUTTERWORTH HELEN COTTLE • MARK COWIE • JULIE COYLE • LARISSA GRAY FRANCES GREENWOOD • ROBYN GURRY • EMILIE E HANSON FRANCES HARKIN • MARNI HICKMAN • ANNEKE HOEKSTRA MAX IRVINE • CAROLIZA JOB • HENRY JOHNSON CHRISTINA KOLASA • TINA LEE • ALEXANDRA LEWISOHN DIANNE LONGLEY • CAMERON McDONALD • LLAEL McDONALD MICKAT • LOUISE OTTEN • ELIZABETH PARSONS • PETER PATTERSON JAN PRICE • CHRIS ROWE • MICHAEL RYAN • KRISTEENA SAVILLE ANTHONY VANDERZWEEP • DEE WATERHOUSE • CHRISSY WELSH LINDA WHEELER • ROSE WILSON • RUBY WILSON PEIRCE PETER YOUNG
Forest Fire Management Victoria's Forest and Fire Operations regional manager Peter Kambouris said from December 1 all designated firewood collection areas would be closed over the summer period, and it would be illegal for people to collect firewood on public land until the start of the autumn firewood collection season. “Firewood collection may already have ceased in some parts of the state where supplies are exhausted or where rainfall or flooding has affected track conditions making collection unsafe,” Mr Kambouris said. “The public will be able to start collecting firewood again from designated firewood collection areas from March 1 pending suitable conditions.” Forest Fire Management Victoria staff will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to ensure people are doing the right thing. Firewood collection is only permitted during designated times of the year and from designated firewood collection areas. Firewood collected at these sites is for personal use only and cannot be sold. Typical on-the-spot fines are $622 and for offences that go to court, a person may be liable for fines up to $7773, one-year imprisonment or both. Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to DELWP on 136 186 and quote Operation Axe.
Link: www.delwp.vic.gov.au/firewood
9 DECEMBER to 8 JANUARY Friday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm (or by appointment) Extended opening hours over Christmas holiday period (check Facebook page) www.facebook.com/Little-Gallery
32 High Street, Trentham Vic 3458 • Enquiries: 0407 679 339
December 2016
www.daylesfordcinema.org.au
Tuesday 6 December 10am The Light Between The Oceans (M) 6pm Inferno (M)
Tuesday 13 December 10am Hell or High Water (M) 6pm The Accountant (M15+)
Friday 9 December 5:30pm Hell or High Water (M) 8pm The Accountant (M15+)
Friday 16 December 5:45pm Hell or High Water (M) 8pm Arrival (M)
Saturday 10 December 2:45pm The Light Between The Oceans (M) 5:30pm Hell or High Water (M) 8pm The Accountant (M15+)
Saturday 17 December 2:45pm Fantastic Beasts (M) 5:30pm Arrival (M) 8pm Hell or High Water (M)
Sunday 11 December 1pm Hell or High Water (M) 3:15pm The Light Between The Oceans (M) 6pm The Accountant (M15+)
Sunday 18 December 12:45pm Arrival (M) 3:15pm Fantastic Beasts (M) 6pm Hell or High Water (M)
All movies & screening times subject to change
www.theyprint.com.au 03 5348 2950 Open Caption Selected Sessions
22 Gigs
Gig Guide Farmers Arms Hotel, Creswick
Cam Burnside – Saturday, December 10, 8.30pm Chris Wilson and Sarah Carroll – Sunday, December 11, 4pm Christmas Karaoke – Friday, December 16, 8.30pm Cam Kettle – Saturday, December 17, 8.30 Local DJs – Sunday, December 18
Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn Springs Caroline Gale – Friday, December 30 Nick Noire – Sunday, January 1 Lunar Dust (duo) – Friday, January 6 Josh Dance (duo) – Saturday, January 7 Jazz Deuce – Sunday, January 8 Phisha – Friday, January 13
La L na www.pizzerialaluna.com.au
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The Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs
Pizzeria
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Adrian Deakin Piano – Fridays, 7pm The Coopers – Sunday, December 11, 3pm-6pm Pugsley Buzzard – Saturday, December 17, 7pm-10pm
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Horvats Supper Club, Daylesford
No
Swampfox - Saturday, December 10 McKFunk & Tyler - Friday, December 16
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Thursday, Sunday, Monday 5pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday 5pm - 10pm Tuesday & Wednesday CLOSED
HOME DELIVERIES FRIDAY TO SUNDAY 5348 4123 t "MCFSU 4U %BZMFTGPSE 7JDUPSJB
Daylesford Cidery, Daylesford
Mallory Darragh – Saturday, December 17, 2pm-5pm
- Food & Product Photography
DAYLESFORD BOWLING CLUB
Daylesford Bowling Club & Bistro Come and enjoy a meal and a quiet drink while taking in the beautiful view of Daylesford. Club opening hours Sunday to Thursday 10am – 11pm Friday & Saturday 10am – 12 Midnight Bistro opening hours Wednesday to Sunday Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm Happy Hour Friday 6pm – 7pm Friday Night Raffles & Members Draw Every Friday from 7pm
All welcome!
Offering ONE YEAR FREE MEMBERSHIP for first time Bowlers for the 2016 - 2017 season Young or old, why not give bowling a go? Great social fun for all!! Robin 0416 079 158 magic@platingupfoodphotography.com.au Image from a ‘Grange Bellinzona’ promotional series
8 Camp Street, Daylesford Phone: 5348 2130 www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au
Show this ad in store and receive
20% off
4 or more bottles of wine One per customer per day.
*Conditions apply - see staff for details Offer ends 18/12/16 Cellarbrations @ foxxy’s our region’s largest local and boutique wine specialists Open every day until late 55 Vincent Street Daylesford Tel: 03 5348 3577 * Not available on already discounted wines and special items
S PA C E N T R E M E A T S Suppli e rs of Ge nuin e l ocal produce
Get a Spring Barbeque Going
T R ANGE OF TRY OUR GOURME ALLGOODS HOUSE-MADE SM lect rs now make a se Our expert butche Bacon, Hams, range of Smoked ises. sburg on the prem Ham Hocks & Stra you more products so And we’re adding usive can enjoy an excl lly ca selection of lo made gourmet smallgoods .
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News 25
DNC Wombat Award for Frank's dedication "They performed a play at the Daylesford Town Hall and were billetted out with families. It was a very memorable time - and many people still remember that."
F
RANK Page is the latest recipient of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre's Wombat Award.
The award is given to people who have gone "above and beyond" for the centre. Recipients receive a beautiful wooden sculpture by Miriam Porter - which must be handed back at the end of their term. Fittingly the award was instigated by Frank who said his inspiration came from the 70-year-old Williamstown Little Theatre where he and his partner Ellis Ebell have been involved for many years. "The Cordell Award is presented to the best performer for the year and I said we could do the same thing. It is a tangible recognition of people who have gone above and beyond. Not that I ever thought I would be receiving it. I am tickled pink - just thrilled." Frank started with the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre after retiring from a corporate background and then becoming involved in the then Tourism Advisory Committee. As that committee disbanded to become the Hepburn Tourism Board, the chair of the Neighbourhood Centre asked Frank to become involved. "I was looking around for something else to become involved in and they were very convincing and it sounded interesting and I agreed. "They were quite amused with my corporate language, things like 'skin in the game', and with my background in strategic marketing, I brought that kind of thinking." One of Frank's first initiatives was bringing a group of refugees to Daylesford - through his involvement as part of the committee of management of the Fitzroy Neighbourhood Centre.
FARMER’S ARMS HOTEL CRESWICK Pub, dining, music. Nose to tail/in-house butchery. Live music weekends. Open 7 days. Albert St. Creswick – 5345 2221 www.farmersarmscreswick.com
"It was when we were living in Melbourne and up here and the Fitzroy Learning Centre was heavily involved with refugees - it was the post Tampa period. "I used to do things to partner the two centres and it was an obvious decision to bring them up here for the weekend. They performed a play at the Daylesford Town Hall and were billeted out with families. It was a very memorable time - and many people still remember that." Frank's has also led Current Affair - a lively weekly discussion of all things trending. It started as a U3A project but morphed into a joint initiative with the centre where it was held in the former courtroom. After starting it in 2000 Frank held his last Current Affair just last week, promising that unlike other times he has stopped, he would not be persuaded to return. He also stood down from the centre's committee earlier this year after 14 years. It's time for a break, he says. "I just feel like I have been doing these things for a long time and I get concerned about doing things just because they are there. I am a strong believer in renewal and that it's time for younger people to come through. It's also time for me to be a bit indulgent." Committee chair Jenny Beacham said Frank was a "worthy recipient" of the Wombat Award and had "held just about every position on the committee". Past award winners over the years have included Jenny Beacham, Elaine Kirby, Ken Matheson, Barbara Webb and Anne Finch.
PERFECT DROP Daylesford’s boutique Restaurant and Wine Bar. Fine dining, local, organic & seasonal produce. Howe St. Daylesford 03 5348 1100 www.theperfectdrop.com
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Dining 27
Meal deals for locals...and visitors too! EVERYONE loves a good meal deal. So here are the dining establishments offering great food and great prices! Monday:
Passing Clouds, Musk - (lunch from noon) main and side from the grill with a glass of wine - $30 Mercato, Daylesford – main dish & a glass of local wine - $30 The Grande Hotel, Hepburn Springs - two courses for $35 and three courses for $45 Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Monday Meatball Madness - $20 (Vegetarian option available)
Tuesday:
Perfect Drop - five courses with a glass of bubbles or beer - $55 Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood - Parma Night - $15 + glass of house wine or pot Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford - Burger Night with chips - $20 (Vegetarian option available)
Wednesday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Pot (or glass of house wine) and Parma - $20 Belvedere Social, Daylesford - Special of the day, pot of beer or glass of wine, $35 Horvats Supper Club, Daylesford - $10 pizza, $15 pasta
Friday:
Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and glass of wine - $45 Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood - Fab 5 meals specials from $18 Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn - Burger Night with vegan options - $16 Blackwood Merchant, Blackwood - house-made pizza - $16-21 Small Holdings, Malmsbury - (lunch), soup of the day - $8, or house-made gnocchi with a glass of house wine - $25 5000 Club, Anglican Church, Daylesford - Free community lunch, 12pm - 1pm
Sunday:
Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn - two courses and glass of wine - $45 Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn - Curry Night with vegan options available - $18 Belvedere Social, Daylesford - Sunday Farmers Roast (lunch and dinner) featuring local ethical meat and sides, $30
Happy Hours:
Daylesford Bowling Club has Happy Hour ‘n’ a half, from Monday to Thursday, from 4.30pm to 6pm. And Happy Hour on Friday, 6pm to 7pm. Perfect Drop, Daylesford, also has a Happy Hour, Thursday to Monday, from 4pm to 6pm with $12 cocktails and $2 oysters. Blue Bean Love Cafe, Hepburn has Happy Hours from Friday to Monday from 4pm to 6pm with $5 beer, wine or bubbles
Raffles:
Thursday:
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford – Steak Night - $20 Belvedere Social, Daylesford - Special of the day, pot of beer or glass of wine, $35 Small Holdings, Malmsbury - (lunch), Soup of the Day - $8, or house-made gnocchi with a glass of house wine - $25 Horvats Supper Club, Daylesford - $10 pizza, $15 pasta
Fundraising raffles for local organisations are held on Friday evenings at The Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford, Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham and the Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn.
Open 7 days lunch & dinner Join us to experience the real country charm and all the fun at Daylesford's oldest pub. Enjoy our tasty menu and drinks from our extensive beer and wine list.
We don't take bookings, so just pop on down.
thefarmersarms.com.au I 1 East Street Daylesford I ph: 03 5348 2091
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28 News
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ACL injuries rising Town hall goes orange
A
NEW study has confirmed the number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries among young people, particularly high school students, has risen significantly during the past 20 years: a trend identified by Cobaw Community Health’s Children’s Services team.
K
YNETON Town Hall is turning orange each night for 16 days as part of a campaign to end violence against women and children.
Orange lights will transform the historic town hall façade until December 10 as part of the Victoria Against Violence campaign Go Orange! The campaign aims to engage and educate the wider community about the link “The ACL is one of the four major ligaments that stabilise the knee joint and it between family violence and gender inequality. The campaign encourages Victorians helps protect the knee when landing from a jump, pivoting, or slowing down from a to wear or display orange in their homes, neighbourhood or workplace. run. Orange is the colour designated by the UN Secretary–General’s UNiTE to “As pre-teens enter into puberty and grow taller and heavier, their risk of ACL End Violence against Women campaign. As a bright and optimistic colour, orange injury increases. Girls are at higher risk of ACL injury because after puberty, as their represents a future free from violence against women and girls. body size increases, girls usually do not develop more muscle power,” said Wendy The campaign is timed to coincide with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Taverna, Cobaw Children’s Services physiotherapist. against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which started on International Day for the The effects of an ACL tear can be long-lasting. Injured children who become distanced from their sport and its social network can experience depression, and time Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and ends on International away from school for treatments can impact academic performance. Children with an Human Rights Day (December 10). Macedon Ranges Shire Council mayor Jennifer Anderson said the state-wide ACL injury are up to 10 times more likely to develop early-onset degenerative knee campaign complemented local work to prevent violence against women and children. osteoarthritis, which limits their ability to participate in sports and often leads to “Lighting up the Kyneton Town Hall orange symbolises that Macedon Ranges chronic pain and disability. While some of these injuries are accidental and not occurring while playing sport, stands together with the rest of Victoria to prevent family violence and promote gender equality,” she said. there are more children and teens participating in organised sports now than ever In the last five years, council has led several projects and activities to tackle the before. “We want children to continue to participate in sport as part of a healthy lifestyle, underlying causes of violence against women in the Macedon Ranges such as gender inequality, rigid gender stereotypes and behaviours that contribute, condone or excuse however we are seeing children starting sports activities younger and experiencing more intense training,” said Beck Neylon, Cobaw Children’s Services physiotherapist. violence If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available. “The good news is that we’ve shown that with targeted exercises we can increase Call 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732. In an emergency call 000. children’s neuromuscular control and reduce their risk of ACL injuries. We are seeing For confidential support and information call Safe Steps 1800 015 188 (family children as young as 10 with ACL injuries. Children need to be taught how to warm up and stretch correctly, strengthen key muscles and have their technique corrected if violence response line, available 24/7). The Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) provides anonymous and confidential necessary to prevent these sorts of injuries”. telephone counselling, information and referrals to men to help them to take action Link: www.cobaw.org.au to stop using violent and controlling behaviour.
Mt Franklin Estate Christmas & New Year Special Mixed Dozen 4 Pinot Grigio 4 Dolcetto 4 Cab/Sav or 4 Cab/Merlot We offer you a unique Christmas gift idea. Why not go for our Rosé, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Sparkling Rosé? Special prices for locals.
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Sports mentoring
A
RE you are a young person aged between 15 and 18 years of age who loves sport? Why not apply for Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s sports
mentoring program? The program kicks off in February and helps teenagers develop skills in umpiring, coaching and sports administration, and offers on-the-job training in the sports sector, accredited qualifications and potential employment outcomes. The program runs parallel with school terms (February to December) and includes referee course and training, coaching course and training, sports administration training, paid coaching/or refereeing opportunities and ongoing support and guidance from experienced staff. Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the program was a great way to provide real-world outcomes for young people. “Council is dedicated to providing young people with a range of options to be active and healthy, and this new program is testament to that,” she said. “Not only will it give young people the chance to develop their passion for sport, but they’ll walk away with a combination of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the sports industry, which is a great combination.” The program is free and includes all training courses, in-house workshops, guest speakers and visits to external sports organisations. Basketball Victoria, Netball Victoria and Victoria Futsal will administer the accredited courses. Throughout the program, participants are required to volunteer one hour per week at a council aquatics and leisure facility to referee, coach or score. Applications close on January 31.
Link: mrsc.vic.gov.au/mentor
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News 29
Governor on tour
EY attractions in Macedon Ranges were on show this week during a visit to Macedon Ranges Shire by the Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau.
Following a welcome at the Gisborne Administration Centre by Mayor Jennifer Anderson and chief executive officer Peter Johnston, the Governor attended a briefing with councillors and members of council’s executive team. Next stop was the newly refurbished Riddells Creek Community Centre and morning tea with members of the Riddells Creek Senior Citizens Club. While Edna Barclay entertained by tickling the ivories on the centre piano, almost 102-year-old Rowland Olarenshaw demonstrated a popular sport at the club, indoor carpet bowls. Then it was off to Woodend Children’s Park, where Governor Dessau chatted with locals enjoying the large array of diverse and challenging play equipment in this popular park on the banks of Five Mile Creek. The focus then turned to business, with a tour of the family-owned Woodend firm Holgate Brewhouse, which specialises in craft beer micro-brewed from natural ingredients. After lunch at Holgate’s, the shire’s large equine industry was highlighted through a tour of Woodside Park Stud at Tylden, a 440-acre purpose-built thoroughbred breeding and training establishment. While at the stud the Governor became acquainted with a foal only born at 3am that day. She also witnessed a vet conduct a pregnancy test on a mare, which fortuitously turned out to be positive. The Governor wound up her visit to the shire with a taste of the arts, meeting with local artists at Works of Art visual arts gallery in Kyneton.
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30 Markets
To market, to market, to catch up with Santa...
Y
OU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.
Daylesford Railway Market – every Sunday Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday Daylesford Farmers’ Market – first Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers’ Market - first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers' Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Kyneton Farmers’ Market - second Saturday Ballan Farmers' Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers’ Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers’ Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday (Santa pictured right) Creswick Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers’ Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday
Want to advertise your market? It's free. Just email news@tlnews.com.au
The Trentham Farmers Market has joined with Trentham Makers Market
Third Saturday, 9am - 1pm
Country Market Leonard’s Hill Hall Saturday, December 17 9am - 1pm SANTA will be present 10am - 1pm!
Locally grown produce, Plants, Sausage Sizzle, Jewellery, Devonshire Teas, Wines, Preserves, Crafts, Collectables and more... STALLS AVAILABLE (No Take Away Food Stalls) Enq/bookings phone 5348 3351 or 5348 6569
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
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Hospitality 31
Bronze for new Daylesford accommodation
B
IRCHGROVE in Daylesford has placed third in the 2016 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards for New Tourism Business.
Owners Pam Verwey and Peter Gleeson moved to Daylesford from Hobart, five years ago. “Soon after arriving, we bought the property and lived there for four years while developing its full potential,” Peter said. “In the early part of 2015, we decided to let the entire property as tourist accommodation, for a trial period of two years. We set about making the alterations and additions necessary for re-purposing and received our first guests on October 1 of that same year. “Twelve months in, the business has performed beyond expectations and we are looking forward to bigger and better things in our second year.” Birchgrove in Daylesford is set in an acre of landscaped gardens and the four-bedroom house can sleep up to nine people. Guests of Birchgrove in Daylesford are welcome to wander through the private gardens and enjoy the eclectic mix of native and exotic plants on show, and the many and varied species of birds which come and go with the seasons. The central feature of the gardens is a cascading stream and lily-covered fish pond. The gazebo by the pond is the perfect place to unwind to the sound of running water and birdsong.
“Twelve months in, the business has performed beyond expectations and we are looking forward to bigger and better things in our second year.”
$35 per hour Recording Mixing Mastering Two engineers
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32 Our gardens
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The return of the succulent
O
NCE relegated to populating the wrought iron pot plant stand on nanna's back porch, or struggling for survival in a barren, windswept rural landscape, the ubiquitous succulent is finally finding pride of place in the best of garden locations.
Technically speaking, succulents are plants with the ability to withstand long periods of heat (or cold) and drought by storing water in their swollen leaves and often stems and root systems. We are all too familiar with the seemingly miraculous pigface with its deep green leaves and multi-coloured daisy flowers, even perhaps, the small grey fleshy-leafed form with tiny white daisies growing along our foreshores. Or maybe the multicoloured clusters of cabbage-like plants used to great effect among the polished stones at the local shopping complex. They are but a few of the thousands of plants which conform to the classification of succulents. Trends toward water-wise gardening have created a need for plants that can not only survive, but thrive, in any conditions and look great in any position. This could be a ground cover, low hedge, potted specimen or a living mulch. They are certainly better as a fire retardant than most other plants at our disposal. Succulents can grow in almost any soil, shallow or deep, from sand upwards, as long as there is good drainage. Their one downfall is poor drainage. It's hard to believe but there are even trees that classify as succulent - one of which is the Queensland bottle tree, brachychiton rupestris, a close cousin to the flame tree. Even plumeria frangipani would almost qualify. The agave and aloe species including the medicinal aloe vera as well as yucca are succulents as well. Most of the flowering varieties are bird and/or insect attracting, making them ideal companion plants for vegetable plots or fruit tree orchards in attracting bees. Another endearing feature of most succulents, particularly the ones that reproduce by layering - spreading growth that puts down rootlets at intervals - is that they can be easily separated from the parent for replanting. Even those that don’t are easily reproduced from stems, in the case of the cabbage-like echeverias, from the small side sprouts they regularly produce. All that is required is a pot of a mixture of sand and fine bark or peat moss to get the little roots to start moving. As succulents usually come from arid soil they don't need much in the way of fertiliser but respond well to a lightly spread organic mulch, and a seaweed-based soil conditioner at the time of planting out. What started me out on this discourse was discovering my potted kalanchoe manginii, had taken advantage of the cool, rainy Spring and produced more than a few flowers this year. As pictured, above right, it makes a most attractive trailing potted plant but is equally at home trailing over a rockery or as ground cover. There is also a small specimen poking its head through the crowd of a small roadside rockery, pictured below right.
Glen Heyne, a true green thumb, is happy to answer any gardening queries. Just email news@tlnews.com.au Keep in mind we take no responsibility for any gardening disasters. But we are happy to forward you Glen's address!
Here’s the solution for last edition’s crossword for Issue 85. Solve it?
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Highland Gathering 33
Daylesford's 2016 Highland Gathering More images on Facebook Images: Kyle Barnes
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34 Sport
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2016 Golf Champions at Hepburn Springs
T
HE Championships were delayed by wet conditions until November. The Women’s Champion is Jenny Cronin who defeated Rose Mobbs on the 19th hole. B Grade champion is Mari Gruer who won a very tight contest with Mary Davis with 1 up on the 18th. Shirlene Nevill also won on the 18th 1 up over Gaye Rodgers in another gripping contest. Men’s Champion and Ken Penny trophy winner is Shane Nevill who had a convincing win over John Dwyer. B grade was won by Ian Rodgers 1 up on the 18th over Mick Yanner. C grade went to the 20th hole when Les Healey sank a birdie putt to defeat John Krunic. The Mixed Champions Handicap winners were Andrea Holmes and John Ferguson. Scratch winners were Bev Smith and Mick Yanner.
Winners are grinners...above, from left, Mari Gruer, Jenny Cronin and Shirlene Nevill; and below, from left, Ian Rodgers, Shane Nevill and Les Healey
OZ - TRANS
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The Local loves promoting local sports - whether that's results, a club profile or just someone doing something amazing at your club. Email us with all your sporting news at news@tlnews.com.au and we'll make sure you get your 15 minutes of fame - at least!
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Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
W
OMBAT Hill Botanic Garden is growing – or at least its number of sculptures is on the rise.
While many people would be familiar with sculptor Miriam Porter’s peaceful wombat welcoming visitors as they drive through the main gates, there are now another two marsupials on the loose. Then there is her snake, sculpted from a single elm branch that fell in Daylesford’s Wombat Park during a storm. It’s the one time it’s OK to tell the kids they can play with a snake. And then there is the amazing over-sized bird’s nest (on our front cover holding Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens vice president Ray Robinson) which is getting plenty of second and third glances. Ray, who says his start in the gardening world was prompted by picking flowers for his mother as a young boy, says there’s always plenty happening at the gardens but not always apparent to the untrained eye. For example, there’s the bluebell walk through the elms on the northern side of the hill. The bluebells, he says, were planted over 100 years ago, but until recently the garden staff just mowed right over them. Last year the area was left unmown, the bluebells starting making a reappearance and to top it off the Friends added another 12,000 bulbs. “We wanted to encourage people to come through to the northern, wilder side of the gardens and the bluebells, the two new wombats and the snake will do just that. It also has great views of the town and it’s perfect for picnics. We want people to come to the gardens and just spread out. There are also three wonderful walks over three levels – the top elm walk, the circular drive and another walk below that again – it’s just beautiful.” The Friends group, which has about 40 regular members, work at the gardens in conjunction with Hepburn Shire Council, and carry out the weeding, pruning, spraying and propagating – big plant sales are held four times a year along with selling plants from the Friends' shed each Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Ray said a masterplan was currently being drawn up for the gardens while the Friends continued to maintain and develop what already existed, adding to it appropriately. “There is a head gardener who works three and a half days and we are in constant communication with the council. Some of the things we have done include restoring the fern gully and the cascade along with restocking ferns, planting thousands of daffodil bulbs, thousands of spring flowers, a whole planting of arthropodium lilies, stands of irises and 27 tree peonies. We are constantly adding and developing.” Ray said the development of the garden did not come cheaply and ongoing fundraisers, such as the recent open garden at Bank House in Newlyn – which raised $25,000, were necessary. But he said the current group of Friends, who have been working together about six years, were committed to improvements. “I live nearby and walked my dog around the gardens years back and thought ‘what a shame these are so neglected’. There was a small group at the time but then (late interior designer) Stuart Rattle got on board and we really moved ahead. We are now carrying on with that legacy.”
News 35
36 Trades
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Trades 37
Business & shopfront Business & Shopfront
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38 Trades
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Our volunteers 39
W
RDA Victoria Volunteer Excellence Service Award for Wendy
ENDY Hogben, a foundation member of Daylesford Riding for Disabled Centre, has been presented with the RDA Victoria Volunteer Excellence Service Award for 2016.
Daylesford RDA Secretary Lesley Hewitt said that the competitive award - there were eight nominees - was a fitting recognition of all the work that Wendy had done for RDA Daylesford over the past 21 years. “In those 21 years Wendy Hogben has led by example, being positive, enthusiastic and utilising the skills she has to the benefit of the centre,” she said. “In 1995 Wendy was working as an integration aide at Daylesford Secondary School and along with Stephanie Ashley, the secondary school integration coordinator at the time, was instrumental in starting Daylesford RDA. “Wendy has remained a volunteer serving as coach and on the committee of management for all of the 21 years since. Wendy is the only foundation member to have remained involved for the entire time and has served as president since 2008.” In her acceptance speech Wendy said that she was privileged to have worked at RDA Daylesford, witnessing “miracles” in many riders’ emotional, social and physical development. Wendy thanked all those who worked at Daylesford RDA and the riders and their families whom she was honoured to have assisted.
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