July 15, 2024 Issue 310 Road to
Paris
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
Front cover: Fern Hill's Lauretta Hanson is heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. The road cyclist will compete in the women’s road cycling event on August 4, alongside teammates Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon. Read her story opposite - and that's Lauretta on the red bike.
Image: SWPix.com
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Hepburn Shire Council postal election
My council, my vote
You must be enrolled to vote
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The next edition is out on Monday, July 29, 2024. or online on Sunday, July 28 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, July 24
Copy deadline: Thursday, July 25
Editorial deadline: Thursday, July 25
General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au
Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or news@tlnews.com.au
Editorial: Eve Lamb on 0493 632 843 or editorial@tlnews.com.au
Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat
Writers: Eve Lamb, Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey & Donna Kelly
Photographers: Kyle Barnes & Eve Lamb
Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness
Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (music), Sarah Lang (recipes), Clive Hartley (wine) & Bill Wootton (poetry)
Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey
A general election for Hepburn Shire Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024. Two categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Hepburn Shire Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if: you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in Hepburn Shire and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in Hepburn Shire and you are not on the State electoral roll or you have lived at your current residential address within Hepburn Shire for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be: 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• not a State-enrolled voter within Hepburn Shire.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within Hepburn Shire, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Hepburn Shire Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if:
you have purchased a rateable property within Hepburn Shire since the last election but you are a not a resident of Hepburn Shire, or
• you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within Hepburn Shire, or
• you pay rates on a property you occupy within Hepburn Shire and have no other voting entitlement within Hepburn Shire, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within Hepburn Shire, or
• you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within Hepburn Shire that pays rates to Hepburn Shire Council and you have no other voting entitlement within Hepburn Shire.
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Hepburn Shire Council on 5321 6452 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 5321 6452.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Hepburn Shire Council, you must:
• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Hepburn Shire Council and be eligible to become a councillor and
• have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Lauretta Hanson on the road to Paris
Fern Hill's Lauretta Hanson is heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
The road cyclist will compete in the women’s road cycling event on August 4, alongside teammates Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon.
The Local first caught up with the now 29-year-old when a 110km ride taking in Carlsruhe, Mount Macedon, Hanging Rock, Newham, Pipers Creek and Kyneton, was just another day of training as she prepared for the 2019 European cycling season.
The long-time member of the Macedon Ranges Cycling Club was flying to Spain for her first race with TrekSegafredo.
Europe was a big move after six years cycling with UnitedHealthcare in the US.
“Trek-Segafredo is a new women’s world tour team,” Lauretta said at the time. “They already have a men’s team so adding a women’s team is an exciting move. They’re putting a lot of support behind it with the aim to be one of the best teams in the world.”
Lauretta joined the Macedon Club as an eight-year-old with her mother, Heather, who had been an elite cyclist in the 1970s and 80s.
She never seriously considered professional racing until a trip to the United States saw her spotted by scouts and offered a scholarship at Milligan College in Tennessee.
It was in college that Lauretta realised her cycling talents.
“I won the national road omnium in 2015 for the collegiate level cycling and got quite a few national medals and was then offered a spot on a domestic team in the US.”
After getting good results and finding her feet she progressed to bigger and bigger teams before joining UnitedHealthcare – one of the country’s top cycling teams. She flourished in the role of domestique - a rider who works for the benefit of his or her team and leader, rather than trying to win the race.
Now an established member of the UCI Women's World Team Lidl-Trek team, Lauretta has continued to work on building that reputation as a strong, unwavering support rider.
High-profile Lidl-Trek rider Ellen van Dijk has made it clear her success depends on the support of Lauretta.
“Lauretta is very valuable,” Dutchwoman Ellen said. “She is always where she needs to be. She does what she needs to do and is super strong. It’s not [that] she is a domestique [because] she is not as strong. On the contrary. In smaller teams she could get her own results, but it’s a choice she made and that is great for us as a team.
“She always gives her all and without riders like her you just don’t win races. She is loyal on and off the bike. She is always happy and will never complain. These personalities are important on a team.”
Lauretta said as a domestique she loves helping her teammates to achieve the best results possible.
“Other women told me there isn’t a place in women’s pro cycling for a professional domestique and historically in women’s cycling you never got a contract if you weren’t a winner. But now teams see more and more they need dedicated riders to help others win. I enjoy helping fellow team members as much as myself.
“A lot of the time people at home will ask me how my race went. Having coverage makes such a big difference for riders like me.
“You can now see the players other than those in the winners group.
“You can see the story of the race now. I hope this makes younger riders realise there is a place for domestiques and that it’s not all about the winners.”
The former Sacred Heart College, Kyneton, student said she had a great time growing up on the family farm at Fern Hill. “We had a great time as kids on the farm,” she said. “We had so much space roaming around and riding bikes on the property. Cycling is the feeling of being free. It’s exploring.
“Cycling gives you the opportunity to see the world. I have seen more of the world than I expected to ever see and that’s largely due to my cycling career.”
For young cyclists wanting to make the professional circuit, Lauretta has this advice.
“Don’t be afraid to follow opportunities and take your own pathways. For me, this wasn’t always clear. I’ve never had directions in front of me and I was never part of an institute or an academy.
“I kind if did it my own way. It may have been a little daunting and overwhelming at times but I think it’s made me a stronger and more resilient athlete. It’s not always been easy but I’ve made a lot of good friends and networks along the way. I’ve loved the experience and where it’s taken me.”
Lauretta has a bachelor of business, sport and fitness administration/management at Deakin University.
Sacred Heart College principal Darren Egberts said the school community was very proud of Lauretta's achievements.
“As a past student (Class of 2012), we have always enjoyed following her progress. Her recent selection in the Australian Olympic Cycling Team is fantastic news.
“Long-serving staff members recall her passion for cycling during her years at the college and particularly her selection, while in Year 12, to ride with Cadel Evans, following his Tour de France win.
“Having a past student at these Olympics will make them even more exciting for all at the college – we will be loudly cheering for Lauretta and her team.”
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: AusCycling - Josh Chadwick
The Block finally coming to Daylesford
The Block is heading to Daylesford next year.
Executive producer Julian Cress confirmed the Raglan Street site in a statement reported on by 9Entertainment last week.
"It's a very exciting place for us to bring The Block to Daylesford," he said. "It's been a destination for Australian and international tourists for a century now, and it has really cemented itself as one of the top weekend destinations in the country."
Mr Cress said the destination was originally intended for the 2024 season.
"We put nine months of hard work into [Daylesford] before we had to pivot to Phillip Island," he said.
"But Phillip Island has taught us that taking the show to a place which is a holiday destination is great for The Block, and we hope it will be great for Daylesford as well. The fact that it was still an option seemed a no-brainer."
Mr Cress said he had been spending time with the Daylesford community.
"I think they are really excited for us to bring the show there next year. We think it will be a wonderful opportunity for Daylesford and for the community as a whole.
"We also try to film much of our show focusing on the local community and whether that be renovating a community project, or just being able to showcase great local artisans and businesses, is something that is a real hallmark for The Block
"We want to make The Block not just about the properties in Raglan Street, but about the whole town. We work incredibly hard to make sure our houses are built with the best possible environmentally sound modern practices available.
"We are always looking at sustainability and environmental concerns, we are not just throwing up project houses, we are trying to build houses of the future."
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the council originally approved the five-dwelling development by developer Hygge at the October 2023 meeting, with a significant number of conditions, including the retention and protection of all Avenue of Honour trees.
"This decision was appealed at VCAT by residents, after which the Minister for Planning issued a permit allowing the development," Cr Hood said.
"The Minister’s permit includes a number of requirements around landscaping, construction, stormwater and environmentally sustainable design.
"Daylesford will provide a picturesque backdrop for the filming of The Block, and it is anticipated that the production will generate a boost for the local economy.
"We would strongly encourage (the) producers, contestants and the support crew to shop and eat local to ensure economic benefits flow back into our community."
A media release from Hygge Property said the 2025 Block homes were in its Middleton Field neighbourhood.
"(The) five new highly sustainable pavilion-style homes are to be built along Raglan Street at the eastern entry to the town, as part of its popular TV series.
"The land forms part a new carbon-neutral neighbourhood in Daylesford known as ‘Middleton Field’."
The release says following a meeting with Mr Cress, organised by Belle Property Daylesford in 2022, detailed plans evolved alongside The Block team for the new homes embracing modern architecture considerate to Daylesford’s landscape and aligned with the design guidelines for the wider neighbourhood.
"Hygge eventually sold the five 2400sqm lots to Channel 9 earlier this year through agents Ashlee McKee and Natalie Fagan from Belle Property, Daylesford," the release says.
"Importantly, the larger architecturally designed homes to be delivered by The Block next year will round out the Middleton Field neighbourhood framing the eastern entry to town.
"Since Hygge first started planning a new community in Daylesford, locals and the municipality were clear around a desire to see a range of sustainable housing options within its popular lifestyle town - recently nominated as one of Victoria’s ‘most walkable towns’ by global platform World Atlas.
"The neighbourhood already includes a series of 31 small footprint, stylish ecotownhouses designed by highly regarded, sustainable architect Breathe – now selling off-the-plan as ‘The Village’."
Words: Donna Kelly
Learn
for Year 7, 2026 close on 26 July, 2024 (students currently in Grade 5).
Learn more about the College by visiting our website or by joining one of our regular tours. Contact the Registrar, Denise Lawrence, for enrolment information.
Bullarto stud win at Victorian Sheep Show
Bullarto-based Oberon Suffolk Sheep Stud collected numerous category wins at last month’s Victorian Sheep Show.
Wins included Supreme Champion Suffolk, Champion and Reserve Champion Suffolk Ewes, 1st and 2nd in the Shorn Ewe Under One and a Half Years, while also winning the Interbreed ASSBA Ewe Champion.
The black-faced, floppy-eared Suffolk sheep breed are instantly recognisable from episodes of the kids' claymation series Shaun the Sheep
But for stud principals Bruce Rolfe and Douglas Scott, Suffolks are their livelihood in which they have invested many years of hard work. And to have their efforts pay off so well in the judging ring was a significant achievement.
Bruce and Doug fronted nine entries for the event and the star of the show was Oberon 3039, a delightfully shapely and feminine maiden ewe known in the barnyard as Gloria
"I'm very proud of her and she's my little star," says Bruce.
Bruce and Doug have been operating Oberon Suffolk Stud for over 20 years and their animals are an important asset. The stud’s bloodlines have been carefully cultivated and they are cared for and monitored to bring out their best qualities.
Today these prize livestock are sold to buyers across Australia and overseas, and appearances at judging competitions are a vital part of the promotion of their stud, as it is for many other breeding operations around the country.
For anyone visiting the area, a glimpse of their sheep may look like little more than barnyard props to complement a Sunday drive. But the work that goes into growing and presenting a champion ewe at industry competitions is extraordinary.
“I began showing Suffolks in 2014 and started off with a small team of two rams and two ewes because it is expensive and you have to start preparing them early. Also while a full team is 12 you need to feed up at least 24 to give you replacements if necessary,” Bruce said.
“They change as they grow and a lamb that looked fantastic four months previously may be dropped from the team by show time.”
Bruce begins his show preparations in February, introducing a special diet full of protein and carbohydrates to his animals. Suffolks are classed as a meat sheep and a good show animal has lots of muscle and he has to feed them every day to give them a chance to grow and to be up with the size of the other livestock in the show. Then two weeks before the event they are shorn closely and evenly.
“The day before judging they are scanned with ultrasound and weighed. This information is then available to the judge during their appraisal. We then clean them up and make sure they look good. You also have to train them to lead in the halter and to present well. You have to give them little treats all the time and every time they do the right thing.”
As it turned out on the big day, judge Ellie McDonald was very impressed with the ewe’s neatness and excellent structure. She remarked that Gloria was born for the show ring and stood well.
“I loved how she showed her deference to the judge,” says Bruce. “Look at me! Look at me!”
Despite all the work that goes into producing and showing champion Suffolks, Bruce and Doug are keen to continue showing their animals.
The next big outing is the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, July 19-21. It's a huge event where the country's growers and food, fashion and fibre lovers gather to celebrate the mighty Australian sheep, including of course, the dainty maiden ewe Gloria from Oberon Stud, Bullarto.
Pictured, above, Oberon's Suffolk sheep at Bullarto, inset, from left, Douglas Scott and Bruce Rolfe with star Gloria
Words: Tony Sawrey | Image: Supplied | Inset: Tony Sawrey
End of era as doors close at Palais-Hepburn
Live music venue, Palais-Hepburn, has closed its doors.
Owner Richard Fanale made the announcement on the venue's Facebook page after sending out a message to patrons and performers.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Palais-Hepburn.
"We deeply regret to inform you that, due to the current state of the economy, increase in expenses and other unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations.
"We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the talented artists and dedicated agents who entrusted us with showcasing their work.
"Your creativity and passion have been Palais-Hepburn’s soul, and we are honoured to be part of your journey.
"To our patrons, your unwavering support for local businesses has been the backbone of our success. Your enthusiasm for our events and commitment to our vision made each day at Palais-Hepburn special.
"Lastly, to our exceptional staff, your hard work, passion, dedication, and resilience have been the driving force behind everything we achieved."
Mr Fanale said on a personal note, he thanked his friends and family for their support, encouragement and understanding.
The Local's music writer and Hepburn resident Darren Lowe said it was sad another venue had fallen victim to "these economic times".
"Richard Fanale has run the beautiful, eclectic and stunning venue for the last five and a half years, since November 2018, where part of the experience has always been entering the venue itself, soaking in the atmosphere and feeling that you were somewhere else far more exotic than Hepburn Springs.
"In fact, for many tourists it was the experience of inextricably linking the venue with our town, perhaps making us feel a little more exotic.
"Elegance was always assured, where an acoustic act, rock band, cabaret-style revue, fancy lunch, pulsating dance music or school concert were all catered for with aplomb, professionalism and respect for both artist and audience. Fine dining always accompanied gigs.
"Headline acts, up-and-comers and recent open mic nights were regular features on the calendar.
"Unfortunately, when we add this to the list of pubs, cafes and other venues lost in the area over the last few years, it is really devastating to dwell upon, perhaps reflected across the rest of the country and a reminder to get out and support live music wherever possible."
Darren said there could be a number of low-key farewell events.
"Palais-Hepburn was an important and vibrant part of an official Christmas celebration of our little village, only late last year, where unfortunately six months later only one of those five to six venues still remain."
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Eve Lamb | Insets: Contributed
All welcome at plantings at Clunes
The Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group is preparing to plant and inviting everyone to get along to an upcoming series of working bees beside the Creswick Creek at Clunes.
The group is planning plantings of carefully selected native species that are well suited to the creek-side environment, the group’s June Johnstone, pictured, says.
Some upcoming working bees this spring will include plantings of native species like poa grass and river callistemon (bottlebrush) and follow recently completed work clearing woody invasive sapling and sucker growth in the creek where it runs through the township.
Hepburn Shire Council Infrastructure and Delivery director Bruce Lucas says that project was funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority and managed by the council on their behalf with $140,000 funding.
The clearing of woody saplings and suckers of invasive species in the Creswick Creek began in May and continued into last month progressing from just before Government Bridge to beyond Scenic Drive in Clunes.
A main objective was to remove invasive suckers from within the creek bed and lower banks with works timed in an effort to cause the least possible disturbance to the platypus population.
Over the next couple of years they intend to embark on a revegetation program in consultation with Hepburn Shire’s biodiversity officer.
June says some new seating and signage is also part of what is planned, along with planting carefully selected native species that are well suited to the environment and capable of withstanding flooding events.
“A number of cleared areas will be planted with native species with a long-term view to ensure the creek remains a suitable habitat for platypus. There will be some planting in the creek bed to provide shade for the platypus using native plant species chosen so as not to impede water flow.”
Working bees along the creek will start in September. Check out the Clunes Landcare Facebook page and the Clunes Online Noticeboard Facebook page.
Taking delivery of the first of the new native plants that are set to go in, June says the group has also recently received a volunteer grant to purchase new tools and will also put their new barbeque to good use during the working bees.
Words & Image: Eve Lamb
Ageing conference inspires new short film
The experience of community members being talked over at an ageing conference was the spark that inspired the theme of a new short film shot in Clunes.
That film, Giving Voice to Ageing Well in a Small Community, has now gone on to become one of three made to help tell the story of a groundbreaking collaboration between Central Highlands Rural Health, Clunes Neighbourhood House and members of Attitude.
The contemporary Clunes-based alternative to the senior citizens of yesteryear, Attitude is a community-led initiative providing ongoing social, cultural, creative and physical activities for retirees and folk aged 55 plus, with all ages welcome.
The 12-month collaboration between Attitude, CHRH and Clunes Neighbourhood House has trialled a new approach to improving older folk’s physical and psychological well-being.
Findings were the focus of a special event held before a packed house in Clunes last Thursday, July 11, at Attitude in the town’s Fraser Street.
“When Attitude members got up to speak at an ageing expo at the very start of this project they were ignored and talked over by people working in the ageing industry,” said award-winning documentary filmmaker Dr Catherine Gough-Brady.
“So, I said let’s channel your anger about your experience of ageism into a short film where you get to express your thoughts,” Dr Gough-Brady said, describing how the new short film came into being.
Dr Gough-Brady, who has produced several ABC radio and TV documentaries, including The Communicator (2022), was approached by the Attitude members to film the story of the hub’s evolution in Clunes as a resource that shares real knowledge and practical insights for other communities.
“The script for the film is made up of lines from interviews with people from Attitude,” she said.
“Elders from Clunes chose a line they would like to deliver to the camera. Even though everyone is performing their lines, they are authentic experiences that are deeply felt. And it shows.”
Composer of the original music for the film, Elizabeth Drake, said the small film of just two minutes has some big things to say.
Ms Drake’s other film credits include musical scores for Road to Nhill and Japanese Story. “I was collaborating on this project that was challenging the stereotypes of ageing, but I was doing it from my studio in Melbourne, and I just wanted to get in and meet everyone,” she said.
“It led to me thinking about the tropes in society that accumulate around a certain identity or position. I also explored the word Attitude, which is the name the community has given to the loose collective in which they work to run their activities and the building in which they meet.
“The word is linked to ‘truculent’ and ‘uncooperative,’ so I wove those feelings into the music. Seeing how the film has come together, it is representative of real experience, giving a voice to real people. The accumulation of voices adds up to a powerful message.”
The Giving Voice short film screened during last Thursday’s gathering of industry and community members, during which the three key partners in the collaboration discussed the findings of the year-long project.
“Forty-five percent of people in our region are over 55,” says CHRH deputy CEO Phil Catterson. “And only 17 per cent of people will go online to My Aged Care to help access services.”
The project has highlighted the huge importance of maintaining ongoing relationships between different community groups, agencies and service providers, Clunes Neighbourhood House manager Lana de Kort said.
Tess Brady of the Attitude, Ageing Well in Clunes working party highlighted the importance that the project revealed also of “doing things with people rather than for people”.
“People want to feel welcome and supported, safe, valued and accepted,” Mr Catterson said. “A sense of purpose and belonging is so important.”
The event also featured a guest presentation from Dr Mike Rungie from the EveryAGE Counts coalition steering group whose discussion touched on the way leaving a working life behind can present major life challenges.
Adelaide-based Dr Rungie highlighted the importance for every individual of maintaining a valuable role, or several, in the community throughout life’s journey.
He suggested sampling multiple different community-based activities, and particularly volunteering as a valuable means to achieve this for those who have moved on from the conventional paid workforce.
Above, a still from the Giving Voice film with, from left, Attitude participants Tess Brady, Pauline Clemens, Rod Tregear and Patsy Skinner
Words: Eve Lamb
Return to Hamilton Island - after 30 years
After 30 years Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly returned to Hamilton Island, the place where they met while working on this tropical paradise. Kyle, a Kiwi, was a skipper, while Donna, a born and bred Frankston girl, was a Japanese speaking interpretor. It was a fun time to be in hospitality and then to find new and lasting love. They shared their thoughts on the past and the latest Return to Hamilton Island...
Kyle said: Donna said:
Travelling back to Hamilton Island with just north of 30 years of wrinkles on my face and a couple of inches of well-earned lunches under my belt felt like slipping on an old pair of shoes.
Or more to the point, slipping off an old pair of shoes. You see it was a place where I wandered barefoot back in the day. There was even a bar called the Barefoot Bar.
In fact I never bothered with shoes and they weren’t a requirement of my job which was more or less simply messing around on boats. Life was simpler and warmer then.
Mind you, I do remember my new love at the time, who just happens to be my older love now, instructing me to wear shoes on a night out. I had to lay down the law in my fledgling romance and stated that I wouldn’t be told what to do.
As it turns out our night out was over on the mainland which happened to have a strict "no shoes, no entry policy" in most of the bars. And the dingbat of the week award was once again won with the wry “told you so” look from my future bride.
The island has changed a lot since the nouveau riche have discovered it and for me it seems to have lost a lot of its Australiana with a lot of rules and regulations, but it is the world we live in.
As I lurched my golf buggy to the side of the road looking for a park, a staff member in the following buggy instructed me not to park there and pretty much told me to move on.
Back in the day, there is no way we would say something to an island guest, in fact we had as little to do with them as possible.
Except for this one night where I and eight of my new besties, including Donna, thumbed down a lift from a lovely guest couple on a buggy. They were equally as intoxicated as us and even with our total numbering 11, we got that thing blasting around the island until security caught up with our drunken mob of reprobates. We quickly abandoned the vehicle, and the fun-loving couple, secreting ourselves in the bush in order not to get the dreaded NBO (next boat out) treatment.
And I guess that sort of nonsense behaviour is where the rules have come from. I can see this very clearly with an older head on my shoulders, but shit it was fun.
I worked for a watersports and adventure company that is still there operating with the brothers that I used to work with.
My job would vary from changing a tyre out on the parachute plane, jumping out of said plane and towing folks behind the parasailing boat.
One day I was on the parasailing pontoon, clipped Donna into a harness and decided to hang on as she took off into the air. The idea was to let go once we had some height which would create a rocket effect for her, but my grip started to weaken as we rose above 20 metres.
I went through the mental argument of "did I have enough strength to hang on for another five minutes to finish the journey?" And the answer was no.
By then I was about 70 metres up and consequently I let go, hitting the water like a rock on cement. Once again I guess that’s why they now have rules for mad bastards like me in my 20s who liked to play rough.
My recent stay in Hamilton Island was a relaxing affair and obviously a lot safer than in years gone by.
It still has that sense of going barefoot in the sand and is an extremely safe, family-friendly place that caters for most budgets.
The island is very accessible with various airlines servicing the little slice of paradise and has all you need for a relaxing stay.
From the time you land (where I almost expected Tattoo from Fantasy Island to yell out “the plane, the plane” and right the way through the stay this place puts out those tropical vibes, and it’s right here in Australia.
Words: Kyle Barnes
Kyle and Donna travelled at their own cost with Qantas but stayed at the Reef Suites courtesy of Hamilton Island. They are fabulous!
Pictured, clockwise from top, the view of the Reef Hotel and Catseye Bay, the infamous swing seat from 1994, the Reef Suite view, sunset at the yacht club Images: Donna Kelly & unknown
I don't know why it took 30 years to return to Hamilton Island. And I am sorry it did. It is such a piece of paradise in our own country. Sandy beaches, swaying palms, beautiful breezes and wonderful vibes.
Of course, this time around we were tourists, just soaking up the sun and kicking back at the many cool bars and restaurants, and cruising around in our golf buggy.
Back then, we were workers. Kyle was a skipper who I inadvertently found a job for when I got another bloke sacked for inappropriate behaviour. I was a Japanesespeaking tour guide - home after three years of living in Japan but not quite ready to settle back into life in Frankston.
Kyle always said he fell in love with me but I always wonder if it was the accommodation. There was nothing for staff when I arrived so I was popped into a room on the 18th floor of Hamilton Towers, now the Reef Hotel. We met for a drink one night, I invited him for one more at home and he never returned to his shared donga. That is a real word.
So we worked hard but we also played hard and it was a lot of fun. Rules were few and far between and the worst thing that could happen was an NBO or Next Boat Out. I don't know anyone, apart from that one bloke I mentioned, who got NBO'd.
I remember Kyle coming to collect me, while I was working, to take me out for a parasail. No worries. Came back dripping wet and just continued on, helping the Japanese guests decide on which tour they would like in my sodden clothes.
Went out on the Adventure Cruise, which was really about fishing, and after Kyle dropped anchor we left the punters and climbed onto the roof for a bit of a chat. Maybe stole a kiss? No worries.
We held a competition to see how many we could fit on a buggy, 11, and wandered the island from tip to tip checking out private beaches and generally having fun. We found a lovely swing seat - see opposite - and managed to break it despite both being quite a few kilos lighter back in the day.
There were karaoke nights, arm wresting competitions (which Kyle mostly won), a wonderful staff restaurant where meals were just $2 and drinks about the same, but no-one was game to go in the staff pool, nicknamed the sperm pool for good reason.
We also got the barge to Airlie Beach a bit, to either hit a bar or shop for food at mainland prices we could afford. Kyle's story next to this talks about the barefoot incident but I can tell it better.
"Where are your shoes?" I asked as we met at the barge. "Don't tell me what to do, this is who I am," retorted Kyle. Standing outside the bar looking at the sign which said clearly "no shoes, no entry" I look at him and asked "How do you feel now, dickhead." Got to make sure they know who is boss early on. :)
Anyway, this time around we were much more sedate - and we stayed one floor higher, on the 19th floor, a two-storey Reef Suite. It was fantastic - views forever, right over Catseye Bay. Huge room, full kitchen (not that we cooked), two king beds upstairs. And lovely staff. Thanks for the towel animal!
We didn't worry about $2 meals. Romanos, an Italian restaurant on the marina, was fantastic and also loved the Reef Hotel bar for its cocktails, and the Marina Tavern for a more casual menu but a great view over the boats.
One Tree Bar was clearly the spot to watch the sunset but it was pretty busy so we headed back down the hill to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club. That's the sun setting over on the right. Beautiful.
We chatted with quite a few staff members and they are all clearly loving being a part of the experience. Lots of Aussies but also plenty of people from overseas enjoying hospitality with a place that does it so well.
It's very much now a destination for couples, friends and families. When we lived there it was probably 90 per cent for the Japanese but I guess the way their yen has gone it's no longer an option.
Some of it is a little expensive, like our suite, but really if you have the money well worth investing for a bit of extra luxury. Food and drinks were really just normal prices - especially if you are used to going out around our region.
And there are plenty of walks and activities that are free for all to just enjoy. Having the airport on the island itself was also great, you are in holiday mode the moment you land - whisked off to your lodgings, ready for the adventure to begin.
Will we go again? You bet and we won't be waiting another 30 years. I reckon a yearly trip is the go - and maybe one day we will find that swing seat waiting. If it's been repaired. Hmmm.
Words: Donna Kelly
Pruning, the better way
Theere's a perennial gardening question that usually arises at about this time of year, that is after the “should we really get stuck into the tree with a saw and lop it right back?”. And that is the “which format should we aim for - upright central trunk with branches radiating upwards, a neat, compact choice for smaller gardens, or the open centred, urn shape, pruned to allow plenty of light in for the fruit?".
This works fine in the case of citrus, peaches, nectarines and other semi-tropical fruits, or where the fruit is sheltered by larger trees or buildings.
Pruning for the centre leader system really starts in the nursery, where the leader is not cut to encourage side shoots, but let go, and given proper nourishment it should grow up to 3-4 metres high, then produce four to six side shoots about a metre above the ground, in the same year. Four or five buds will develop to supply the side branches, and they will form the first crown.
This procedure, repeated every year, will make a multi-storey centre leader tree, leaving about a metre between crowns, and each crown having one less branch than the crown below. This is a very economical and natural way to produce fruit. It also cuts out sun-scorch damage and splitting by excess crop or wind. The centre leader always keeps the balance and acts as a safety valve.
This shape suits all deciduous fruit trees which bear the crop on fruit on old wood, such as apples, pears, apricots, quinces, European plums, cherries etc. Although cherries are best left alone unless it’s desperate, cherries loathe even the sight of secateurs or saws.
Nearly all the young trees produced and sold here were developed to grow as open, multi-branched trees especially for those deciduous trees that bear the fruit on young wood such as peaches, nectarines and Japanese plums, because of the more severe pruning needed to produce annual wood, which bears the fruit.
They do well on this system, providing some secondary branches are allowed to grow toward the centre of the tree to shield against sun scorch of the main limbs.
One more small but very important point that can have a great impact on the future success of the tree’s development is the necessity of its growing small spurs on the trunk below the first crown. These are intended to strengthen the main trunk by preventing the sap from bypassing the main trunk. Usually these spurs bear the first fruit. After a few years, when they are no longer necessary, they can be cut off.
The main rule for pruning young trees is to see the main shape by cutting the main and side leaders to about two thirds so all the buds will grow without watershoots developing.
Fruitful fences
The espaliered orchard is God’s gift to space limited, would-be home orchardists. If you can’t spread out, then grow upwards and plant them up the fence, see right.
There is many an ugly garden fence that has been beautified by a trellis full of flowering or colourful-leafed vines. So what’s to stop you from training a few fruiting apple, plum or other fruiting trees up along yours?
If you have the good fortune of having the timber framework and posts on your side you’re halfway there - use the rails to support the roll of sturdy galvanised timber or wooden lattice to support your choice of trees and plant them about three metres apart. The rest is a cinch and I’ll give you the details in the next issue of The Local
Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com
Just briefly...
Central Highlands Water says with winter upon us, frosts can damage water meters, freezing water to homes, or worse – bursting meters.
There are a number of simple ways to protect a water meter. You can cover the meter with a wooden or foam box, or simply wrap it in thick cloth like old carpet, a towel, a jumper or a hessian sack. Those with green thumbs can grow small, soft shrubs around their meter - another way to protect it from frost. If a meter freezes it can take up to three hours to thaw out. To speed up the process pour room temperature water over the meter.
Hepburn Shire has a new advisory group to share insights on challenges for young people, like themselves, living, working and studying in Hepburn Shire.
The Youth Advisory Group will play an important role in working towards a democratically elected Youth Council as part of the Young Mayors program. The council is one of six councils taking part in a two-year pilot study which tests new ways of backing young people to be centred in the decisions that affect their lives. This will be done by a democratic election of 11- to 17-year olds onto Youth Councils within local governments.
Women and girls in Macedon are being urged to share their experiences with the state government’s landmark Inquiry Into Women’s Pain.
From debilitating period pain, to endometriosis, to managing the symptoms of menopause – it can be difficult for women and girls to get the diagnosis and support they need. Launched in January, the Inquiry into Women’s Pain has heard from more than 9000 women and girls. The survey closes on July 31.
Trentham Golf Club is holding a Christmas In July celebration on Saturday, July 27 from 6.30pm. Catering is by Emma James with wine from Red Hare Estate.
Proceeds go to a new irrigation system. Link: www.trenthamgolf.com.au
The state government has given $1.8 million to 240 organisations to help multicultural communities celebrate their culture, heritage, and traditions.
Among the recipients is the Swiss Italian Festa in the Hepburn Shire.
Central Highlands Water and Hepburn Shire Council have joined forces to continue installing water fountains in the region, as part of the Choose Tap program.
Located in Chatfield Reserve at Lake Daylesford, the new water fountain will help reduce single-use plastic waste while providing easy access to quality drinking water. As part of the installation, a dog bowl has been included. A dog bowl at a fountain in Burke Square in Daylesford has also been upgraded.
The state government has stocked 80 lakes across the state with more than 35,000 catchable-size rainbow trout.
They include 200 in the Glenlyon Dam, 350 in Hanging Rock Lake, 200 in Quarry Street Reserve Lake in Trentham and 200 in Walter J Smith Reserve in Riddells Creek.
Hepburn Shire organisations have received grants from Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund.
Successful projects that the council will lead are: Queens Park (Clunes) shade structure - $45,000; Newlyn Recreation Reserve playspace upgrade planning$18,750; Victoria Park, Daylesford Masterplan Development - $50,000; Accessible Equestrian Mounting Ramp Glenlyon Recreation Reserve - $37,500; and Trentham Outdoor Fitness Equipment Installation - $44,970. Council will auspice the Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee, who were successful in obtaining a $50,000 grant towards a landscaping project at the hall.
Got some news to share? Email news@tlnews.com.au
Council news
Council
TINY TOWNS FUNDING
Council is thrilled to announce it has been successful in a number of applications for funding in grants from Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund, to improve facilities and infrastructure in small towns across the Shire.
We are planning upgrades for outdoor fitness equipment in Trentham, shade sails in Clunes, development of a masterplan for Victoria Park, Daylesford, an accessible equestrian ramp at Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and playground relocation at Newlyn. Council is also pleased to auspice the Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee, who were successful in obtaining a $50,000 grant towards a landscaping project at the popular Lyonville Hall. We also supported community groups in various ways to successfully apply for funding.
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Council is working on its Financial Vision, and we want to hear from you.
We want to build our financial roadmap together, so why not have your say between 1 and 17 July on Participate Hepburn.
We have hosted community drop-in sessions in our townships of Creswick, Clunes, Glenlyon, Daylesford and Trentham. Thank you to everyone who came along for a discussion and to provide feedback.
There is still time to complete our survey, either online or at one of our engagement stations.
Visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/financial-vision, one of our libraries or customer service centres and use one of the new engagement stations. If technology is not your thing, please ask one of the Library and Customer Experience staff to help you out. Printable resources will also be available if you would prefer to provide your feedback on paper. Feedback is open until 17 July 2024.
FINANCIAL VISION
EAT | DRINK | ENJOY
Out & About in the Central Highlands
Kate Redwood celebrated for community passion
Tireless volunteer Kate Redwood will step away when her current term ends with the Central Highlands Rural Health Board of Management to focus on new projects closer to home.
"It has been a privilege and a joy to lead the fundraising efforts for Central Highlands Rural Health, over the past eight years," she said.
"Central Highlands Rural Health provides wonderful health services to folk from Daylesford, Kyneton, Creswick, Clunes and Trentham regions – respecting local traditions and community wishes.
"Our fundraising efforts have seen funds raised locally used in the townships where the funds were raised. Community support has been wonderful and continues to bring happiness to many people.
"There are so many people both within the staff of Central Highlands Rural Health and in the community who I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart.”
Since 2016, Kate has served as a board member for Hepburn Health Service which became part of Central Highlands Rural Health in 2019. Her contribution to the health service is remarkable, serving as deputy chair of the board, fundraising chair and a member of the Audit and Risk committee.
CHRH CEO Maree Cuddihy said the health service was "incredibly grateful to Kate for her energy, passion and determination to maintain and improve healthcare for rural Victorians".
"She has an incredible network due to expansive involvement in community projects. Her focus on local solutions and her contributions across all of our campuses has been exceptional.
"She has been an inspirational mentor to our fundraising manager and has a lasting impact on all who have had the pleasure of working with her. We wish Kate all the best.”
Board chair Phillip Thomason said Kate had been an exceptional contributor to the board.
"Kate's engagement with the Hepburn Shire community has been long and deep and across many facets of community life. This unique background and experience has seen Kate's contributions delivered through the unwavering lens of the local community. "
90 years of healthcare
Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital, pictured, was officially opened by Governor Lord Huntingfield and Lady Huntingfield on September 7, 1934.
Ninety years later, Central Highlands Rural Health will celebrate the rich history of Trentham Health with a community dinner on Saturday, September 7 at The Cosmopolitan Hotel.
The dinner will be hosted by Mary Delahunty and feature special guest speakers to reflect on the history and future of Trentham Health.
The event will also showcase a silent auction of new and pre-loved art that will raise funds for the residential aged care, community health and community nursing services located in Trentham.
The people of Trentham were instrumental in the establishment of the hospital as they banded together to finance the project along with funds from the Argus Trust. In 1936, Dr Gweneth Wisewould arrived and served the community until her death on January 19, 1972.
One of the hospital’s first babies continues to be one of its longestserving supporters, Kit Manning. The Trentham Hospital Auxiliary member is still actively raising funds for healthcare with Cath O’Connell, Valerie Smith, Ruth White, Janet Sims, Wilma Groves, Karen Gibb, Margot McKinnon and Maree Evans.
The auxiliary will co-host an afternoon tea for residents in Trentham Aged Care to celebrate the occasion and the Trentham Historical Society will be co-hosting an exhibition of hospital memorabilia with Central Highlands Rural Health at the The Mechanics Trentham.
For all details, and for locals interested in sharing stories and information about Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital, contact fundraising manager Kathryn Kosloff on 0439 705 039 or via giving@chrh.org.au
Link: www.chrh.org.au/donate
PUBLIC NOTICE
APPLICATION TO ALTER AN ON-STREAM DAM ECLIPSE CREEK
Southern Rural Water (SRW) wishes to advise of an application to undertake works on an on-stream existing dam on land described as Lot 1 PS807515, 129 Gluepot Road, Morrisons VIC 3334. This application seeks approval to undertake works to amend this dam which include installing a co-joining stormpro pipe, creating a bank to be used as an access track, removing topsoil on bank slope and replaced once work has been completed.
Southern Rural Water is committed to an appropriate consultation process to ensure the proper consideration of relevant matters as prescribed by the Water Act 1989
We therefore seek comment from any interested person or parties that considers they may be affected by these applications. Submissions on this proposal will be accepted until 4pm on 29th July 2024 and will be taken into account in determining these applications. Please direct enquiries and submissions to:
Alisha Clark
Manager Water Licencing
P.O. Box 153
Maffra Vic 3860
Telephone 1300 139 510
Please quote reference: AR1801625
Contemporary arts group looks for funding
Radical Fields, an emerging contemporary arts group based in the Central Highlands has launched its winter fundraiser and is accepting tax deductible donations until July 24.
Headed by director Ryan F Kennedy along with artists Anthony Sawrey and Gav Barbey, arts manager Madeleine McClelland and marketing/business strategist Dana Ronan, the group's arts and cultural program looks to connect people and place through the practice of ‘serious play’ in artistic processes.
“We work collaboratively with artists and the community,” says Ryan, “to create works of art that explore rural living in fields of agriculture, science, sport, mind/ body, home, and storytelling.”
The group, recently incorporated as a non-profit community association, emerged in 2023 to energise the local arts ecology and engage with artists and audiences in new and unexpected ways.
It set about initiating a six-month arts program centred around monthly meetups at the Glenlyon market and held their inaugural ‘Harvest’ at Lyonbank Farm last March.
Since that time the group has been busy planning their 2024/25 Seasonal Program culminating in its next Harvest event.
In the meantime Radical Fields has announced its partnership with the Australian Cultural Fund to conduct its winter fundraiser. ACF is a Creative Australia funding body that passes 100 per cent of donations to artists and arts organisation projects.
“With more than 50 per cent of our budget going directly to our artists, facilitators, and writers, Radical Fields is proudly committed to regional arts and culture,” says Ryan.
“We are grateful for all contributions, big or small and the help they offer to the sustainability and quality of our regional arts. As a team we look forward to delivering a stellar season and encourage any interested people and businesses to get in touch to find out how we can create together.”
All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Link: www.artists.australianculturalfund. org.au/s/project/a2EMn000009fPN3MAM/radical-fields-seasonal-program
• OSSOBUCCO 1KG
• BEEF CHEEKS X 4
• CORNED BEEF 1.5KG
• DICED BEEF 2KG
• LAMB SHANKS X 4
• SMOKED PORK HOCK
We have also put together some greatvalue Winter Hibernation packs to create casseroles, roasts, and soups to keep you going until Spring! Place your orders over the phone or order online so we can pack and vacuum seal - ready to cook or put straight into the freezer.
• CHICKEN MARYLAND 1.5KG
• CHICKEN FRAMES 1KG
• BEEF SOUP BONES 2KG
• BEEF STOCK 500ML
• CHICKEN STOCK 500ML
ALL PACKED & VACUUM SEALED
Everything in the Big Winter Hibernation Pack PLUS
• WHOLE BEEF RUMP 4KG
• ROASTING PORK 1.5KG
Sophia McGuire and Radical Fields artistic director Ryan Kennedy Image: Katie McGuire
Go fly a kite!
Life is looking up as Dean gets set to stage its annual kite festival.
The little locality between Daylesford and Ballarat loves its colourful annual kite festival that transforms the recreation reserve while raising dollars for good community deeds.
The Dean Kite Festival happens Sunday, September 1, Fathers Day, and it’s a great family day out, says Dean Recreation Reserve Committee president Brian Maher.
“It’s been going for 11 years now and we have Jo Baker of Kites 4 Kids who brings her entourage. Jo and her husband are from Melbourne and they travel around the world doing this,” Brian says.
Jo has the enviable job description of kite educator, kite flier, kite builder and 2005 world kite flying champion.
She started Kites 4 Kids in November 1995 and has since been running kite-making workshops in schools, school holiday programs, after-school activities, community events and internationally in places like Guam (USA), Kuwait, Thailand, Bali, China and India.
“We don’t have a gate fee for the festival, but for $10 kids do their own kite design and then Jo supplies all the materials and they turn the design into a kite that the kids can then get to fly,” Brian says.
“People also bring their own kites with them and we get some very large kites in all types of designs. We had 300 to 400 people last year.”
Brian reckons it’s pretty much the perfect affordable family day out, with an all-day barbecqe, tea, coffee and home-made cakes available for purchase, and raffle prizes to win.
The kite festival is one of two major fundraising community events held on the Dean Recreation Reserve annually with the other being the Dean and District Sheepdog Trials, also known as the Old Sniff Classic.
Set for Sunday, October 13 this year, the Old Sniff Classic has become a firm favourites on the calendar of competitors and spectators alike, attracting many top dogs to the pretty little reserve oval.
As with the kite festival, there’s no gate admission fee for the Old Sniff, but Brian says donations are gratefully accepted and all go to great community causes.
Words: Eve Lamb | Images: Contributed
Expressions of Interest
Membership of Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated
Nominations are invited from interested and skilled members of the community wishing to be considered for membership of the Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated. This volunteer committee is responsible for the day-to-day management, care and development of the reserves under their control. The term of appointment is three years to 30 June 2027.
Specific interest or skills in one of the following areas would be highly regarded:
• Community connection and interest in seeking a position on the Committee of Management
• Community and stakeholder engagement
• Governance
• Strategic planning
• Working in team environments
All registrations of interest for the voluntary role will be considered.
Further information and nomination forms are available from Corey Greenham on 0436 859 056 or publicland.grampians@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Expressions of Interest are to be on the formal nomination form and addressed to:
Land and Built Environment Team
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
402 – 406 Mair Street, Ballarat Central, 3350
Or emailed to: publicland.grampians@deeca.vic.gov.au
Women, First Nations people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply to ensure that the committee’s membership reflects the composition of the community it serves.
Expressions of Interest close TBA (4 Weeks from Advertising Commencement) www.deeca.vic.gov.au
Energy, Environment and Climate Action
GoFundMe for world champion title tilt
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help a young Clunes girl achieve her dream of becoming a jiu jitsu world champion.
And if her accomplishments to date are any indication, young Leiarnna Ferguson has a very real chance of doing just that.
The 11-year-old has been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since she was six, last year becoming a national and state level champion after discovering a personal passion for the martial art early on.
Last year as a grey belt she ranked number one nationally in the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In her division she claimed the national championship and five individual state titles.
This May Leiarnna claimed the first of the 2024 state titles, becoming Victorian State Champion in her newly promoted division of yellow belt.
Leiarnna’s goal now is to win a world championship at the biggest junior tournament in the world, the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation Pan Kids Championships to be held in Florida, USA over July 26-27.
“The world championship is the most prestigious competition in the world,” says Leiarnna who is also a grade six school house captain at Creswick Primary School.
“I’d really like to win it. I’ve trained really hard. It’s a really big deal. Not many kids get the chance.
“It’s one of those sports where, when you step on the mat you know straight away whether you want to do it. It gives me a challenge and I enjoy it. I also like the friendships that you make along the way.”
Up until the end of last year Leiarnna had trained in Ballarat. But in December she was assessed by the most accomplished junior coach in Australia, with the recommendation then made to move her training base to G-Force Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Fawkner, Melbourne where she is now part of the Australian Elite Team.
With a shot at a world championship now firmly in her sights this move was necessary, however it has not been without its challenges.
Since January, Leiarnna has trained up to three hours a day, six days a week, meaning a lot of extra ‘Dad’s taxi’ driving for Leiarnna’s father, Jay Ferguson.
“The logistics and financial burden have been a nightmare to say the least, but her gains have been absolutely amazing,” says Jay, a single parent who also has two other primary school-aged children to care for.
“Leiarnna is the eldest of my children. I am a single father trying to do the best I can for my kids,” Jay says, as he discusses the decision to set up a GoFundMe fundraiser in an effort to help meet the travel, training and accommodation costs associated with making the championships in Florida.
“I own a lawn mowing and gardening business which I operate during school hours but business is pretty slow at the moment with the grass not growing.
“It’s been tough training at Fawkner, my work hours have been reduced as I need to pick up the kids early from school in order to be on time for training. The three additional hours of daily travel have had a significant financial impact.
“We’ve used all the money to chase her dreams and that’s why we’ve set up a GoFundMe to try and get that support because she really deserves a shot at the world title.”
Link: www.gofundme.com/f/leiarnnas-championship-fundraiser
Trio at Christ Church
Gryphon Baryton Trio - Laura Vaughan, baryton, Katie Yap, viola and Josephine Vains, cello - will perform Divertimento, music by Joseph Haydn at Daylesford's Christ Church on Saturday, July 27.
The baryton was a classical instrument with a large and rarely performed repertoire by Joseph Haydn, who composed over 130 works for it. The majority of this output takes the form of elegant and charming Divertimenti for baryton, viola and cello, the so-called 'Baryton Trios' in which the baryton plays a critical role.
These works are full of invention and colour, with the unique combination of low instruments creating unique and beautiful sonority.
Until now, the ‘Baryton Trios’ were not performable in the Antipodes in their original form. However, with the commission of a new baryton in 2023, the Gryphon Baryton Trio is passionate about sharing this extraordinary music with Australian audiences.
Josephine is a versatile and engaging performer, heard regularly in concerts around Australia and overseas as a cellist and chamber musician. She is a passionate educator, currently training the next generation of musicians at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne.
Melbourne-based viola da gamba specialist Laura is a dynamic and wellrecognised member of the early music movement in Australia.
Following studies with Miriam Morris at the University of Melbourne and Wieland Kuijken and Philippe Pierlot at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, she has established an active performing career as a versatile musician, encompassing a wide range of solo and chamber repertoire on viola da gamba, violone, lirone and baryton across Australasia.
Modern and baroque violist Katie plays regularly with Australia’s finest ensembles including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Van Diemen's Band, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, and has joined groups like the Academy of Ancient Music overseas.
All concerts in this series commence at 2.30pm.
Link: www.trybooking.com/eventlist/christchurchconcerts Words & image: Contributed
Bushwalks of the Central Highlands with Eve Lamb
Two Lakes Walk, Daylesford
“This would have to be the classic Daylesford walk,” enthuses Paddy H as we head off beneath an ominous sky to sample the Two Lakes 8km loop.
“You’re probably right,” I reply after we’ve exchanged pleasantries with a beaming couple and their well rugged-up Italian greyhound.
Ahead, our walk will take us from Lake Daylesford to Jubilee Lake, and return, through some lovely remnant native bushland and past some notable physical remnants of Daylesford’s colourful 1800s past.
We’re responsibly equipped with a printed walk description and map that I picked up from the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre much earlier in the year when the days were still warm.
Now, heading out clockwise around Lake Daylesford, from the main car park off Bleakley Street, we reach the spillway, its guidewires festooned with lovelocks, poignant little emblems of personal commitment.
The words “40 years married,” are etched onto the nearest lock on which my camera lens lands.
Sauntering along, discussing diverse things and feeling fairly glad we’ve worn serious coats, we complete the Lake Daylesford circuit and cross Bleakley Street, heading left along the path that takes us past the rear of the Lake House to Wombat Flat Springs.
We then follow the lake edge to reach the boardwalk and continue on to the end of the boardwalk. Here we need to wake up and pay attention as about 30 metres or so past the boardwalk we must take a grassy and indistinctly marked uphill track to our left, and follow it until we reach bitumen Burrall Street. There we turn left and continue on, the caravan and cabin park on our right, to the intersection with Ballan Road near the entrance to Victoria Park.
From here we cross the Ballan Road and walk just a short way to our right to pick up the Jubilee Lake walking track that’s marked with a weather-faded sign.
The walkers who were braving the elements at Lake Daylesford are now nowhere to be seen. It’s instantly just us and the kookaburras. The track meanders along, continuing straight ahead, through the bush and past private properties until it reaches the bitumen Lake Road.
Here we turn left and walk about 30 metres to spot an ever-useful Great Dividing Track/Goldfields Track sign marking the way ahead, on the other side of the road. From here the beautifully tree-lined track leads gently uphill until we reach the old railway footbridge at the far northern end of Jubilee Lake.
We cross the old bridge beneath which water rushes after a little recent rain, and we keep walking in an anti-clockwise direction around the glittering lake edge toward the kiosk with its damply upturned colourful canoes dreaming of summer.
Suddenly a brilliant, sparkling burst of gorgeous winter sunlight turns the lake surface to a sheen of dancing diamonds. Paddy H and I choose a sun-splashed park seat alongside the silvery spectacle on which to have a late lunch and coffee.
But no sooner have we unravelled the first sandwich than the delicious sunlight vanishes, to be swiftly replaced by a scud of dark cloud that dispenses first drizzle then decisive showers.
We grab up our camera gear, backpacks and lunches and go helter-skelter for the nearest shelter, counting our lucky stars there’s one to be had.
And here we sit for a good half hour, lunching, reading the walk notes for the section ahead and waiting for the cloudburst to end. After a while it does and we resume, following the lake's edge, keeping it to our left for a kilometre or so until we reach the mossy wooden footbridge at the lake’s southern end.
We cross and continue on, anti-clockwise, headed back around the lake toward the old railway bridge. At the entrance to the old bridge we now turn sharp right and climb up a steep short flight of steps to enter the old railway line.
Later, a spot of research enlightens us that: “opening in 1887 and closing in 1953, the Ballarat to Daylesford railway line ran from the North Creswick railway station northeast across Jubilee Lake to connect with the existing DaylesfordCarlsruhe (Bendigo) railway line, launched in 1880.
“The construction of these two railway lines was part of the railway-mania that accompanied and fed the property speculation boom of the 1880s. Every town and hamlet agitated for a railway line. They were regarded as both a symbol of progress and a passport to prosperity.”.
Admiring the tall eucalypts, noting evidence of wombat habitation, we walk on until we reach the intersection with a gravel road where an Italian Hill sign is visible. We turn left and walk downhill for about 50 metres to find a Great Dividing Trail sign.
We turn right here and follow the track downhill and across a little gully, following GDT signs and then climbing fairly steeply up to Cornish Hill and its pine tree forest ambience.
From here we basically just follow the path past the old Cornish Hill gold mining relics down and back into town, emerging at the skate park and walking down to Ruthven Street. We turn right and pick up the well-made path leading back to the lake edge to complete the last scenic little stretch of Lake Daylesford in a clockwise direction, reaching the car park just as the drizzle sets in again on dusk.
Art show at Maldon
As part of the Maldon in Winter program MANet Gallery invited 33 local artists to participate in a group show, together with the eight regular MANet artists.
The exhibition was opened by Jeff Makin, pictured, and runs till Sunday, July 28. A major supporter of the MANet Gallery, Jeff Makin, a grand old man of Australian painting, opened the exhibition.
Formerly a plein air painter, Jeff said “as old age creeps up” he now prefers to sketch from his car, then return to his studio to paint. He added that the reason there are so many artists around this area was that the landscape is so beautiful.
Regular places for him are the Dog Rocks and the Silk Worm Factory, which is a whole other story. He said there was “an artist behind every rock” there.
Jeff has held over 70 solo exhibitions nationally and internationally and has been recognised as one of Australia’s leading landscape painters with the monograph Australia Felix: Landscapes by Jeffrey Makin, published in 2002.
In 2007 a boutique hotel in Melbourne was named in his honour. Alongside his artistic career, Makin has held numerous senior academic appointments and was the senior art critic for the Herald Sun for over 10 years.
The artists represented include: William Beasley, Damian Callanan, Carol DeGraauw, Linda Dunstan, Mark Fuller, Graeme Galloway, Julie Goodwin, Geoff Hocking, Karen Holland, Marcus Hotblack, Irena Kaczmarek, Sean Kenan, Cheryl Kennedy, Helen Lehmann, Malini Lewis, Fionna Madigan, Jeff Makin, Gabrielle Martin, Jennifer Merkus, Eva Miller, Janet Neilson, Penny Peckham, Michael Rigg, Eleni Rivers, Ellen Hansa-Stanyer, Jennifer Stewart, Liz Sullivan, Catherine Tait, Liadaan, Carolyn Vickers, Mark Wardle, Smiley Williams and Selina Wilson.
Liz Sullivan will also be a familiar name (a former student of Jeff’s), having just recently exhibited at the Cascade Art Gallery and painted Germaine Greer for the Archibald Portrait Prize, where she was one of the finalists.
The Small ARTWorks exhibition is at the MANet Gallery, 27 Main Street, Maldon.
Details: maldonmanet@gmail.com
Words: Contributed | Image: Nancy Whittaker
Max face of festival
Daylesford identity Max Primmer is the man of the moment appearing on the front cover of this year's Victorian Seniors Festival booklet, EXPLORE. ENGAGE.
Max was last year recognised for his tireless work in the community at the recent Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Max was presented with the Ageing Well Award by Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner and Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt.
Max told The Local at the time he felt very humble to receive the award.
"But I give back, volunteer, make sure people know they are loved and connected because that is who I am. I don’t do it for any other reason than to try and make a difference to people in their lives.”
In presenting the award, Governor Gardner said: “Max is a humble person known for his sense of humour and a strong advocate for human rights for all members of the community.
“He serves as an elders rights advocate, leads the Ageing Disgracefully Thursday group fostering connections among seniors, is actively involved in the ChillOut Festival, volunteers at Hepburn House’s aged care community, visits dialysis patients to provide support, motivation and encouragement while they undergo dialysis and is a dedicated speaker for the National Kidney Foundation.”
Meanwhile, Hepburn Shire Council has secured extra funding of $10,000 through the state government’s 2024 Seniors Festival Active Living Fund to deliver Seniors Festival events this October.
The added dollars that it has secured brings the council's total funding for events this year to $13,000.
Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Contributed
Wine notes with Clive Hartley
Shiraz on the nose
‘Man the barricades!’ and prepare to defend Australian shiraz. In the recently published National Vintage Report for 2024 white grapes increased to 51% of the national crush and was higher than red grapes for the first time in a decade. A decline in shiraz production was the cause, it has decreased by a whopping 48,000 tonnes. Barossa and Clare valleys in South Australia were amongst the worst hit areas, but it is a widespread problem. I’ve been talking to vignerons in other states and some shiraz vineyards were not picked this year as buyers couldn’t be found for the grapes. Chardonnay was the largest produced grape variety, overtaking shiraz which declined by 14%, making the 2024 the smallest crush since 2007 (Winetitles Media).
So, we need to come out and support our most famous red grape. Let’s face it, with the temperatures currently hovering around zero it is a great time to drink red wines.
To enjoy the best locally grown shiraz you should try Granite Hills. It is the epitome of cool climate shiraz. Alternatively, look at the wines Glenhope Vineyard are producing, such as their Granitic or Ferrosol Shiraz (both $38). If you want to taste Crozes Hermitage, but not travel there, then go for the 2021 Sutton Grange Syrah ($65), it is savoury with struck match notes as well as green peppercorns and black cherries. I also recently positively reviewed the ‘growers range’ of wines from Place of Changing Winds, which source fruit from Heathcote and Harcourt.
Take a trip to nearby Grampians and Pyrenees and you have a plethora of wines to choose from. Best’s Bin No 0 is a classic and their 2021 is outstanding, displaying cassis, blackberries, cinnamon and nutmeg aromas. Refined and elegant on the palate makes it approachable to drink now. Staying in the Grampians, Mount Langi Ghiran Hollows Shiraz 2018 at $30 a bottle is good value and has savoury flavours and soft tannins. Their Cliff Edge Shiraz 2020 ($35) is also a decent drop and has cedar, dried herbs and plenty of rotundone, the compound behind the smell of white pepper. In the Pyrenees region, Summerfield have a reputation for producing some good full-bodied traditional reds, and Taltarni do a meaty, vanilla-driven Old Vine Shiraz.
In Sunbury, if you haven’t tried Craiglee Shiraz then you are missing out. Also, local winemaker Jean-Paul Trijsburg sources fruit from Sunbury to make his 2021 Syrah ($30). The wine has lifted green peppercorns and spice on the nose.
Clive Hartley's Australian Wine Guide (7th ed) is available for purchase from Paradise Books in Daylesford or via his website – www.australianwineguide.com.au
support our community and shop local!
“Locals supporting Locals” Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.
10am and 4pm.
We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver. Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577. Keep safe, everyone.
Trentham Winterfest
Trentham is preparing to ramp up the seasonal atmosphere and sparkle as the town hosts its inaugural Winterfest event.
Set for Friday, August 2, the debut trader-led evening event aims to light up the little town, converting it into a winter wonderland featuring artist-curated light installations and plenty of LED and neon razzle dazzle.
One of the innovative forces behind the new event, Will Walton of Belle Property, is especially looking forward to seeing the Trentham Belle office on the corner of Market and High streets transformed with a neon light installation for the occasion.
“It’s a trader-led winter trading experience for locals and visitors,” Will says.
A fair chunk of the town, including Market and High streets, will be activated with late trading offered by many of the town’s businesses, including plenty of special dining opportunities. The Bendigo Bank will be teaming up with the Trentham Lions Club to host an evening sausage sizzle in the town square.
Of special note, the town’s Little Gallery will be launching its much anticipated Winter Fundraising Group Exhibition on the evening as well.
The gallery’s long-standing winter show will feature works by 16 talented artists of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, with nibbles and drinks provided and over $10,000 worth of raffle prizes to be won.
The gallery launch gets going from 5.30pm on the evening and the show will then run for three weeks, raising dollars for good community causes.
“I love the whole theme of the Winterfest. It’s beautiful,” said artist Rose Wilson of the Little Gallery.
Rose says the gallery will be all lit up with a pink light theme and plenty of additional glimmer and glam - including human butterflies - planned for the occasion.
Further enhancing the vibe, the first 100 children to show up at the Belle office between 4pm and 7pm on the evening can expect to receive a free glow stick.
Will says the event is hoped to become an annual fixture with local traders encouraged to stage something a bit special to help warm winter, following the success of the town’s annual twilight trading Christmas event at the other end of the year.
Supported by Daylesford Macedon Tourism, the festival runs from 4pm to 8pm.
Kyle’s Rant
If you need cheering up don’t read this column - it contains the miseryinfused thoughts of a middle-aged bloke who has just realised he has no control over his world.
It also reflects that after four and a half years of remaining vigilant, staying away from people and being hyper-aware, I have contracted Covid.
Although apart from the things that you do differently if you have a cold or a flu', like the testing and locking yourself away like Typhoid Mary, I have escaped the awfulness of the bug. I have had a mild sore throat, a couple of overnight body aches and a bit of sweating.
I have also passed it on to the wife who has come out of things largely unscathed as well and for this we know we are lucky.
Speaking of lucky and a jarring segue, we do live in the lucky country and within the lucky country, one of the luckiest districts in the Central Highlands.
But I have been watching with interest the news around tobacco stores getting firebombed down in the city - it is almost as if there is a new fire every time I flash up the TV.
There is obviously a little skulduggery going on although some of the vision is almost on the entertaining side with bandits lighting themselves up as well. But by and large this must be heartbreaking for the business owners, with the illegal dealing in 'darts' being at the heart of the problem.
I don’t confess to knowing the ins and outs of the criminal ciggie commerce but it’s reported to be a third of the bunga trade that is illegal, which makes for a very profitable portfolio from cancer sticks.
If you Google a little deeper, you will find the police are running around busting the bandits and relieving them of their stash of smokes and the usual guns and cash that accompany such dealings.
There are also reports some of the cleverer criminals who have gone into cropping not too far from here. But why has this suddenly become a problem, a turf war and battle for control of that extremely lucrative black market?
It seems the government and previous governments are to blame. In an effort to tax the fag out of existence they have created a problem where there was none. Yes, smokes aren’t good for you, but tobacco isn’t illegal.
And I can brew my own beer, wine and spirits at home. And alcohol is proven to have large social consequences. People beat up on each other, drive cars that cause massive damage and ponder why it is they haven’t taken up professional dancing earlier. But we are still allowed to brew, buy and generally write ourselves off every other night in an effort to think life’s not such a hard slog. And yet it is illegal to grow tobacco in Australia without the appropriate excise licence.
It seems to be all about the tax. The government is so hell bent on keeping its tax, even though the market is declining, that they are causing harm to the community they are supposed to protect. I don’t for one minute believe they are trying to protect the youth from the perils of vaping, they are just trying to figure out a way to tax it.
Don’t get me wrong, I think that smoking and vaping are equally bad, and at some point a weight on our health system. But I like a wine and at what point will they tax the substance so heavily that it will drive it underground, gangland style.
Prohibition by taxation doesn’t work, it never has, humans will always find a way around the rules and those that rise to the top will make a tidy little profit on the way.
Rollies rant over…
(Ed's note: I blame Kyle for bringing home Covid. Had a massage with an unhappy ending.)
Local Lines
by Bill Wootton haiku
the uncoiling bound of a loping kangaroo not going to work
the retired teacher keeps on correcting his course
switch off fan and fridge do two silences form a greater silence
on a bathroom tile beading water droplets clear as memories
- Bill Wootton
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
Bill lives in Hepburn Springs, as do kangaroos.
G’day!
I am a very loving and happy boy.
I love being with people and I am always ready to play. I get along well with children. I have basic training and I walk well on a harness. I have a lot of love to give and I really want to find a family who will love me back and spend a lot of time with me. I require a home with secure fencing and no small pets.
Come and meet me at the MAAW Shelter in Castlemaine. Ph: 5472 5277. Microchip no. 956000008640349
(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie & Curly - we picked them. And proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock - where pets are family. Remember a pet is forever, not just Christmas!)
Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
I have two quite interesting stories this edition. Well, maybe more, but we'll see where these end up.
First one came to mind after reading Eve's latest Bushwalks of the Central Highlands. I hope you are enjoying the reads, I certainly am. I can imagine people tearing them out and making a little folder about where to head when the weather improves. Although that doesn't seem to slow down Eve and her faithful companion Paddy H.
Anyway, I read this one and enjoyed that she liked the lovelocks on the bridge at Lake Daylesford. You read a lot about fake news these days but that was something we dreamed up when we started The Local
I had been reading about bridges around Europe being weighed down by so many lovelocks they were going to have to start cutting them off. And I thought, what if Daylesford had a lovelock bridge?
So we asked a couple we know and they posed with the sun behind them as they sealed their love with a lock. And we added a few more, one for us, one each for Rosie and Curly, maybe one for my mum and dad.
And slowly, but surely, the locks grew in number and they became "a thing". I even thought about setting up a little lock stall on weekends but then I remembered I don't like the general public so that put paid to that.
A few years later some knob cut the wires and slid many of the locks into the lake, but the council repaired the wires and back the locks came. All nice and new. We put a few more back on as well. Seeing we started it and all.
So that was fun to read - like when someone quotes something back to a journo they have read "somewhere" and it was written by that journo. Little thrills and all that - just to get you through.
The other interesting story, well funny in a way, also came from Eve. She sent through a story about plantings at Creswick Creek in Clunes. And it got me thinking.
I was either working for The Courier at Ballarat or The Advocate at Daylesford and was called to the Clunes Bowling Club one morning to photograph an act of vandalism.
Over I went and arrived at the club to hear the sad tale. Someone, after the club had cleared quite a few saplings from the creek, had got their knickers in a twist and poured sump oil on the carefully tended green.
Club members had tried to help out by dumping white kitty litter on the oil in an attempt to soak it all up. Good idea, sort of.
Inside I talked to a very clearly upset president, an older gentleman who said he couldn't believe it when he arrived at the club and saw the metre long letters spelling out the word CLUNES.
"Donna, who would do such a thing?" he asked.
I looked around the room, wondering who would help me out. Everyone just looked down at the floor and I realised it was up to me, as a journalist and with my code of ethics, to tell the truth.
"Hmmm," I said. "It doesn't say Clunes."
The president looked at me blankly and asked "well then, what does it say?"
Again, no help. "Hmmm. It does start with a C and ends with an S but it's not Clunes." I don't think we ran the photo. Just sayin'...
Ageing DisGracefully members, including Max Primmer, get together at the Daylesford Mill Markets cafe on Thursdays at 11am. All welcome. For information email ageingdis3461@gmail. com, call 0427 131 249 or head to the Ageing DisGracefully Facebook page.
Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.
W RD CROSS
Here is the crossword solution for Edition 309. How did you go?
All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local.
To market...
Every Sunday - Daylesford Sunday Market
First Saturday - Daylesford Farmers Market, Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market, Golden Plains Farmers Market, Woodend Farmers Market
First Sunday - Castlemaine Artists’ Market
Second Saturday - Trentham Community Group Market, Kyneton Farmers Market, Ballan Farmers Market, Kyneton Rotary Community Market
Second Sunday - Maldon Market, Clunes Farmers Market
Third Saturday - Trentham Farmers and Makers Market, Glenlyon Farmers Market, Leonards Hill Market, Creswick Market
Third Sunday - Talbot Farmers Market, Malmsbury Farmers Market
Fourth Sunday - Trentham Station Sunday Market, Buninyong Village Market
