The Local July 19, 2021 Issue 232

July 19, 2021 Issue 232 The write stuff

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: Daylesford resident Rob Alexander grew up on council estates in London but moved to Australia when he was 20. He has written his first novel Starlight Cafe set, naturally, in London. Read Rob's story on page 28.

July 19, 2021 Issue 232 The write stuff

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.

The next edition is out on Monday, August 2, 2021.

Or online on Sunday, August 1 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, July 28 Copy deadline: Thursday, July 29 Editorial deadline: Thursday, July 29

Image: Louise Gay

Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | sales@tlnews.com.au Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout, Carol Saffer & Donna Kelly

The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

Photographers | Kyle Barnes, David White & Louise Gay

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

Local Lines Jury Duty – A Gamut of Emotions The letter came in the mail, ‘You are selected for Jury duty.’

Confused, do I want to go; can I get out of it? I don’t know!

Hesitantly, I fill out the form and wait; the reply soon comes.

‘You are required to attend’, a date is given.

Ambivalently, I show up along with 44 others.

They only need twelve.

We are told what to expect, what to do when called.

Patiently we wait our turn to be presented to the court.

The ballot follows. Will my number be drawn? It is!

Nervously, I make my way to the jury box, I wonder if I’ll be challenged. I’m not!

I’m now a member of the jury.

The trial commences, the judge reads out the charges.

The barristers explain their roles and give opening addresses.

Attentively, we listen to complainants, witnesses, and accused.

We hear their testimonies and cross examinations.

We are overwhelmed with information.

All the evidence is in.

Barristers give their closing speeches, instructions from the judge.

Now for the deliberation, it’s time to reach a verdict.

Reflectively we sit, quietly reviewing, in our locked-away solitude.

We seek the opinions of each other, debates are edifying, rigorous and robust.

We are divided, will we resolve?

At an impasse, we seek clarifications from the judge.

Enlightened, we return to our quest.

More debate follows, uncertainties are clarified.

Through the confusion of conflicting evidence,

Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Glenn Robinson (cartoons), Darren Lowe (gigs) Matthew Richardson (money) & Neil Counahan (cars) Accounts | Julie Hanson

Delivery | Tony Sawrey

we somehow manage to negate all doubts.

A unanimous decision is reached.

We return to the courtroom; the foreperson gives our verdict.

We are thanked for our resolve and excused from court.

Relief? No! That’s not it. Thankful, humbled, appreciative, that I had eleven others, diverse in age and experience, to assist me in making an informed decision.

I am comfortable that it’s right.

Throughout this journey, I’ve experienced a gamut of emotions.

‘Jury Duty’ is not physically arduous, but it can be tiring.

A civic duty, burdening but rewarding, I have learnt much.

I am told that I won’t be called again for at least three years.

Would I really want to go through that again?

The simple answer: Yes! - Gary Wilkinson Gary is enjoying life away from full-time work and is catching up on the many duties around the family farm.

An early riser, he often sits and reflects on life with poetry.

Local Lines comes mainly from a group of local poets but other submissions are always welcome.

To have a poem considered for publication contact Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

www.tlnews.com.au

Our people 3

Donna Todd: Dolly, Drummond and life behind the lens

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T'S not every day that you meet someone who has had the opportunity to take professional photos of Dolly Parton and then met up with her later the next day for a manicure and a chat. But the life story of Drummond's Donna Todd is no ordinary one.

Those who know Donna will be aware of her astonishing ability to capture stunning photos. Many are displayed in restaurants across the shire and indeed across the world. However, few would know the remarkable story of this photo-journalist which paved the way for female photographers in daily newspapers, who has lived in remote parts of the world capturing the photos and stories of extraordinary people and made a name for herself as a sought-after photographer on the set of big-budget Hollywood movies.

Few would know of her incredible history with fire. She has lost two properties to bushfires and a photographic business and upstairs apartment in a Melbourne house fire. Even more remarkably, on the day she was due to move in to a small cottage during the snow season…the cottage burnt down.

But first the Dolly tale. For the diehard Dolly fans (and there are plenty around the area) Donna’s encounter is just one of her remarkable stories and needs to be shared before delving into the rest of her life story.

“I was commissioned to take Dolly’s photographs and it was in a studio in Hollywood. Her husband was with her and they are just so humble. I was completely star-struck and just couldn’t get over how tiny she was,” she said.

“I had been photographing in Hollywood, and often on film sets there really isn’t much privacy for the celebrities. During the shoot Dolly commented about her broken nail and I mentioned a little place I knew in the hills away from the crowds.

She phoned ahead and the next day I found myself sitting beside her in a nail salon just chatting away. She truly is like a little angel.”

Rewind to Donna’s foray into photo-journalism. As a teenager she had an eye for visualising what would make a great photo. Her dream of becoming a professional photographer was put on hold when her daughter came along when Donna was 18.

“I had incredible support from my parents and they helped me raise my little girl and allowed me to be a mother but also pursue my dream,” she said.

For Donna, being the first female photographer to work at The Australian as a cadet saw her pave the way for female photographers in Melbourne daily newspapers.

"I suppose looking back there were many times that were really tough and being the only female definitely had its challenges but I always remained true to who I was.

I was lucky to be mentored by some incredible people who were well regarded in the industry. I was taught how to navigate the industry and importantly I was taught valuable life skills from my mentors as well."

While Donna was cutting her teeth in newspaper photography and raising a child, she discovered she had a knack for capturing images children and animals. She moved into that space and later would go on to own photographic studios specialising in photography of children.

Over her career, including 15 years as a senior staff photographer covering everything including sports, hard news, fashion and magazine photospreads, Donna has won more than 100 international photographic awards for her photo-journalism work which has been featured in magazines, books and exhibitions across the globe.

Donna has travelled to more than 20 countries capturing the lives and stories of unique individuals and groups. She spent months recording the lives of disadvantaged communities in India including a number of leper colonies; at the same time working alongside and documenting the free health care that inspirational doctors and nurses provide to the poorest of poor in Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta.)

At one point she was based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for 12 months where she documented the compelling culture of Shamanism. It was at this time she became the first westerner to meet a tribe of people that have been domesticating reindeer for around 4000 years in the mountains bordering Siberia and Mongolia.

Donna didn’t simply take photos and write an account. She travelled by horse to get to the reindeer people, living with the tribe first to gain their trust and become part of their daily lives. She spent months entrenched in their world. There are only 207 Tsaatan reindeer people left in Mongolia protecting their herd.

"It’s about creating empathy, connection - the greatest thing a photographer can do is extract the extraordinary from the ordinary. What an amazing privilege it is to be able to see inside the world of those lives where I don't necessarily belong and to show what I discovered, so that others can also learn, expand their horizons and understanding as well,” she said.

"I'm passionate about humanity and documenting the diversity that exists within our world. Finding seemingly simple moments that represent something larger than they are. What always remains most important, to each of the individual pictures, is that some ‘soul’ is peeking through.”

At the height of the Covid pandemic, Donna’s mother became ill so she returned to Australia to help her sisters care for her. After her mother’s death, she found it hard to leave Drummond, her property, and the stillness it afforded her.

At only 50-something, Donna still has a lifetime of people and places ready to be captured and with time to reassess her life, she believes staying in Drummond is the path she needs to take. So, combining her love of photography and horses, Donna’s new venture is Goddess and Horse, where she photographs women and their horses in glamourous and unique Hollywood-inspired scenes.

“I have always had a love affair with horses and I knew I wanted to combine my two greatest pleasures, horses and photography,” she said.

At the end of the day, with a life story so far which is worthy of a biography, or even a biopic, Donna is most at home on her Drummond property with her horse and puppy, surrounded by nature and with her camera at the ready.

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed PODCAST

ARM AGAINST COVID-19 A COVID-19 vaccine is your best defence and our only way forward. Now’s the time to arm yourself, your family, your friends, your work mates, your community – someone you love.

Book your vaccination online or call 1800 020 080.

Find out when you can get vaccinated australia.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Pets@Work

Max, (aka Poppit) the four-year-old border collie and Harley, (aka Puss) the three-year-old 'tuxedo' cat, both started work at Verey's Funerals with Alicia Kay and Andrew Nuske in 2019. Alicia said Max and Harley helped take away stress and both loved people. "Max will often just sit beside the person and place his head on their leg for comfort. Harley is a little more full-on and will demand the family's attention by jumping up on the arrangement table and demanding a pat. Both seem to understand that people are grieving and just want to help offering them comfort. Many people include Max and Harley in their thank-you notes." Do you know a Pet@Work?

Email donna@tlnews.com.au

Back to drawing board

Cold is Not Cool... T Hepburn Shire homeowners and renters can get an independent home energy assessment and $880 towards energy-efficient upgrades, including heaters, insulation, curtains, blinds, hot water systems, and draught-proofing to help keep warm this winter.* assessor@hepburnznet.org.au www.hepburnznet.org.au/home phone: 0490 436 264 *Eligibility conditions apply $100 upfront, for Hepburn Shire home owners and renters in energy stress, low income earners, concession card holders, and people with chronic or ongoing medical conditions or mobility issues and carers

Scan QR Code

Apply here

HE completion of the Hepburn Hub at The Rex is even further away after Hepburn Shire Council and Hutchinson’s Builders decided to "part ways".

A council media release said neither party had any claims against the other with respect to the project and the council had incurred no new costs arising from the decision to terminate the contract.

Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said that after best efforts to resolve issues around the scope of the building works, the council was unable to come to a mutually satisfactory position.

"We want to get on with delivering this project because we see the benefits for the community from consolidating staff into one building, relocating to a bigger and better library and providing some unique community spaces at The Rex," she said.

"We will start a new tender process for the building works immediately, and in the coming months will present to council a report to appoint a new builder and get on with the build. I understand that this isn’t the news anyone wanted to hear, but we have the opportunity now to move forward with the project."

The media release said the council acknowledged Hutchinson's "as a quality builder and we have been working in a collaborative manner".

The building, a former theatre which had most recently been a bargain shop and then a shopping mall before it was bought by Hepburn Shire Council in 2016 for $6.345 million, now has a price tag close to $13 million. The project stalled in June 2018 after it was realised the renovation cost would be more than $1 million, creating a need for a planning permit. In the July 5 edition of The Local, Cr Hewitt said the need for additional funding to complete the project had been identified At a meeting last month, councillors heard a confidential report on the project and gave the CEO 21 days to negotiate with the builder to resolve the issues or terminate the contract. A Project Advisory Group, which will include community members, is being established after a draft terms of reference is developed.

Words & image: Donna Kelly

Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

I’m writing this at the start of Victoria’s 5th COVID lockdown. Not the news that any of us wanted to hear. I hope that by the time you read my report that the five-day hard lockdown was enough to contain the current outbreak. I know that the disruption causes hardship for many business owners, employees and others in our community. There is emerging evidence of adverse impacts on the general wellbeing and mental health for some people and also negative impacts on the development of vulnerable children and young people. Council staff will be operating under the COVID safe rules and can provide information on where to get support if you require it. Please comply with the state government COVID safe restrictions, get tested if you have symptoms and get vaccinated.

There were two significant events in the Shire on 12 July. The Frontier Wars Memorial was opened. Frontier wars is a term used by some historians to describe the violent conflicts that occurred between aboriginal people and white settlers following British settlement. These conflicts also occurred in Hepburn Shire on Dja Dja Wurrung traditional lands, and the memorial located in the magnificent stand of manna gums in proximity to Daylesford’s Avenue of Honour, will be an ongoing reminder to those of us who live here now, and the generations to come, that the Dja Dja Wurrung were subject to violence, some killed, some moved on and all dispossessed. In recognising and honouring that suffering and loss, in the same spirit that we do in our other Avenues of Honour, we are acknowledging the hurt and loss and working together for reconciliation.

Also on that day, 16 residents, adults and children, became Australian citizens at the Shire’s Citizenship ceremony. Our modern Australian history is one of immigration – people from all around the world have shaped us into one of the world’s great multicultural success stories. Those people did not take their decision to become citizens lightly and their experiences, skills and knowledge from their countries of origin will help create the solutions that we need to manage some of the challenges that we face now and in the future.

It was an honour to welcome them all and know that we here in Hepburn Shire will benefit from the contributions that they will make.

Council started 12 July 2021 with the Frontier Wars Memorial recognizing what had happened to the Dja Dja Wurrung who have lived on this land for many generations and ended with the citizenship ceremony for 16 new citizens, an important day that aptly demonstrated our modern Australian story.

Cr Lesley Hewitt MAYOR

CONTACTS 

General enquiries

5348 2306

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@

Mail Email Website

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Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

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

COMMUNITY VISION & COUNCIL PLAN

As part of the Hepburn Together Project we have developed a draft Council Plan and Community Vision, including a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. These draft documents will be open for public review and feedback soon. They were developed following extensive community consultation earlier this year.

Thank you to everyone who provided input to inform these important strategic documents.

Keep an eye on https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/ hepburntogether and our Facebook page for news on when you can have your say on the draft.

STORM CLEAN-UP PROGRAM Registrations are open for Bushfire Recovery Victoria’s Storm and Flood Clean-Up program, and the assessment of hazardous trees on private property.

Learn more, check your eligibility and register your property today by visiting www.brv.vic.gov.au/cleanup or calling the Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 between 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on weekends.

TRUCK ART COMPETITION To celebrate the arrival of new kerbside collection trucks we are asking students to create a piece of artwork highlighting the theme ‘reducing landfill for a sustainable Hepburn Shire’ for their chance to have it displayed on the side of a local rubbish or recycling truck. The competition is open to students attending kindergarten or school in Hepburn Shire, or living in the shire. There are prizes for winners and the schools of the winning students. Find out more at www.hepburn. vic.gov.au/waste-news. Entries close Friday 13 August.

HAVE YOUR SAY We value what our community has to say. We have a few areas open for feedback on our engagement platform, Participate Hepburn (https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/). This platform is where you go to get involved in projects and provide feedback.

You can have your say on: • • •

Domestic Animal Management Plan (closes Thursday, 22 July 2021) Central Springs Reserve Masterplan (closes Sunday, 1 August 2021) Hepburn Aquatics Strategy (the closing date has been extended to Friday 30 July 2021).

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

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News 7

Smith St green light

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HE state government has approved Daylesford’s biggest housing project, in Smith Street, overruling local objections.

Critics say the original 53-lot development has jumped to about 69 dwellings and will change the character and attractiveness of the town. A governmentappointed panel did not agree.

One of those leading the objections was resident Jennie Wilmoth, who is upset and angry at the decision. “Nowhere along the line were we listened to,” she said.

About 80 residents paid a lawyer and town planner to appear before the Victorian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) only to have the case taken over by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

Among the objections were excessive traffic in a one-way street with two schools, fire danger and over-development.

A year after the first VCAT hearing an advisory committee on priority projects has now found: • The lot layout and size is consistent with neighbouring developments; • While stages two and three of the project “will be visible between trees along the entrance to Daylesford from the Midland Highway and between buildings in Raglan Street…over time, views to the site will become less obvious”; • A proposed intersection at the Smith Street entrance to the site “appears practical and the proposed pedestrian and traffic audit provides the basis to resolve other outstanding issues”; • The subdivision and subsequent development would generate a Net Community Benefit: • “No evidence was led to convince that there would be an unacceptably high impact on the Raglan Street heritage precinct.”; and • The development complies with Hepburn Shire’s Planning Scheme.

No protection is available for two old oak trees on the site and two manna gums will be axed in what the committee says is a controversial but appropriate decision.

Further development is likely in Raglan Street and even at nearby Wombat Park, which is being auctioned in September.

Words: Kevin Childs

Save the date!

The Local’s Networking Evening Daylesford Hotel Monday, September 6 5.30pm - 7.30pm Time to finally catch up again!

( A free event - snacks provided & drinks at bar prices)

Bookings: news@tlnews.com.au

Winter in the Central Highlands 'Shroud'- Louise Gay

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SPORT

For all your community sports results, scan the QR code or head to

www.tlnews.com.au Bendigo Bank

Community Bank Daylesford & District 5348 4186

Mattresses and more Huge range of Australian made mattresses in stock now!

Luxury linen, towels, bedroom furniture and lots lots more!

We stock all the major brands and what you can’t find on the floor chances are we can order in for you.

PHONE (03) 5422 1155 OPEN 7 DAYS

8am – 5pm Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 10am – 2pm Sunday

Visit us instore

152-154 Mollison St, Kyneton Vic

KN258087/K

Notification of proposal to upgrade nbn™ Radio Network Base Station Facility As part of the fixed radio (wireless) component of the Network, nbn is proposing to expand the existing radio network base stations at the following location:

213A Millers Road, Bald Hills 3364 (Lot 1 on TP858506) also known as Learmonth-Sulky road, Bald Hills 3364 (Lot 1 on TP963104) (RFNSA site No. 3364002) The proposed works on site will involve the upgrade of existing technology upon the facility including and not limited to the replacement and installation of new antennas, radiocommunication dishes and associated ancillary equipment to enhance transmitting technology. Furthermore, the works will involve the replacement and addition of equipment shelters/outdoor units adjacent to the facility. nbn regards the proposed installations as a Low Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 and ‘Permit Exempt’ under A Code of Practice for Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria 2004. In these circumstances, it does not require planning approval from Ballarat City Council.

Further information on this specific proposal can be obtained by calling Pranil Chitre on 0419 686 145.

Written submissions can be sent to address or via email to pranil.chitre@ventia.com The closing date for submissions is 30.07.2021 For general info on the nbn, email info@nbn.com.au, or visit our website at www.nbnco.com.au.

FREE DELIVE RY WITH IN HALF H 1 AND A OUR KYNETO S OF N

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Inspiring 11

A 'Rosie the Riveter' and the comfort of a roo

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CHANCE meeting on a train led to a touching link between a remarkable American woman and a kangaroo.

When holidaying in Canada in 2010, Lynda Poke, pictured left, and Rachel Tham, right, struck up a friendship with Fran Vinelli, pictured below, on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Calgary to Vancouver.

Fran’s life is some story. Back in 1941 she was a real-life Rosie the Riveter, helping build B-25 bombers. With her muscled bare arm, blue-collar shirt and red scarf, Rosie was a poster girl who, under the slogan We Can Do It!, urged women to help the war effort by working in factories and shipyards. Fran rivetted nacelles, the aerodynamic cylinders that stick to planes near the wings, housing their engines.

Making four a night, working 10-hour shifts, six days a week, she was paid 66 cents an hour.

One of the few remaining Rosies, Fran only saw a completed B-25 bomber on her 94th birthday in 2018. Stopping in her tracks, she said: “I built that!” Later, she flew in the B-25, something she never even dreamt of.

After the war she was a secretary at the US embassy in Honduras. She married, had two daughters, founded the Women’s Auxiliary of the Honduran Red Cross and managed the local Pepsi-Cola bottling plant. She visited more than 35 countries, including Australia, before returning to Honduras to set up a non-profit agency for families devastated by a hurricane.

She was 86 when she met Rachel and Lynda. And, although afraid of heights, Fran sky-dived on her birthday three years later. Over the years she stayed in contact with Rachel and Lynda through on-line Scrabble. “We were in touch every day…” says Rachel.

Rachel works from home as an environmental health epidemiologist and clinician, while Lynda runs Alice’s Journeys Walking Tours of Daylesford.

Then, at the start of lockdown last year. Fran was uncharacteristically out of touch for a few days. Rachel and Lynda were anxious about her. Then came a message from her two daughters to say she had fallen and broken a hip. What’s more, now aged 96, she was in so much pain she didn’t want to go on living. Rachel understood and sympathised.

Thinking further, she realised that Fran knew little of the cosy and sparkling bush cottage she and Lynda have shared for 20 years. So an idea was born to put Fran in the frame, as it were, by sending her a photo and a little story each day.

By contrast with Glenlyon, Fran’s Houston, with its 2.3 million people, is a city of steel and concrete. Rachel and Lynda live close to nature on almost 2.5 hectares, where they are committed to the land being safe for wildlife. Their “visitors” have included the brush-tailed phascogale, a powerful owl, microbats, ringtail possums, native bush rats and an old kangaroo. Over the decade of the friendship across 14,000kms, the old roo would come and go.

“He was an absolute charmer,” says Rachel “That’s how he won everybody. He exuded something that people warmed to and loved.”

Once he was introduced to Fran in June last year, she perked up. She had an instant connection with him. He too, was frail and old. He had lost an eye to a cataract so he was dubbed One Eye. From then on, Fran was keen to know as much as possible about what he was up to and shared his pictures with family.

He had a peaceful presence. “He was like a wise being,” Rachel says, “he made you slow down.” He would sun himself on the back step of the house and during the recent savage storm took refuge on the verandah. I think Fran liked his dignified stance, his obvious signs of being an older animal - ancient, vulnerable but calm, how he grazed and slept in our garden so close to us, and how he made her feel.”

When Fran was healing after breaking a leg last year she wrote that she related more and more to One Eye as he was. “Just looking for a safe, comfortable spot to hang out until the end.” She found him “inspirational” and at times felt he was helping her through her recovery.

“I guess what people loved about him is that he had a gentle but strong presence,” says Rachel, “He was/is a symbol of an elder in an ancient culture: precious, rare, dignified, unique and special. Above all, he tolerated and accepted us in his world.”

Recently, however, his behaviour changed as he became disoriented through both blindness and deafness. Then, on a recent Friday night news arrived by email of the death of Fran. Next day, One Eye was not in the yard. Rachel walked down her property to a big mob of male roos and a female with a joey.

“They didn’t move, so I backed away. I started going up the hill when something caught my eye. He was there, beside a fallen swamp gum. Given the condition of his body, I would think One Eye died the night before.” The two deaths appear to be simultaneous. This, she says, was a profound moment. Fran’s family was astonished.

As a scientist, Rachel could only say it was weird. And she was left with just two more words: something inexplicable.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Louise Gay & contributed

A PUB FOR THE LOCALS Come in, grab a drink and be local.

Join us for STEAK NIGHT every Thursday $25 and our locals’ favourite SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST $25.

03 5348 2335 LUNCH SAT & SUN DINNER THU - MON

DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

Let’s support our community and shop local!

“Locals supporting Locals”

Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.

Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply.

Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 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.

Autumn ideas needed

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ACEDON Ranges Shire's inaugural Autumn Festival delivered more than 30 community and business driven events during the 2021 festival program which ran between March 27 and April 25.

To help plan for 2022, the council is seeking feedback and ideas from the community. Thoughts and ideas can be shared until August 2 at www.mrsc.vic.gov. au/autumn-fest Planning and Environment director Angela Hughes encouraged businesses and residents to share their thoughts for the 2022 festival, which will focus on promoting a program of events and experiences that encourages visitors and locals to experience all the Macedon Ranges has to offer during autumn.

“Autumn is already a popular time for visitors in the shire, and the Autumn Festival aims to broaden the focus from the hot spots of Mount Macedon and Honour Avenue. We want to encourage visitors and locals to explore attractions and experiences throughout the entire shire, including autumn drives and walks, food and beverage promotions, workshops and events,” she said.

“After a tough year for tourism and hospitality in 2020, council moved quickly to champion this new event in early 2021 as a means of connecting community, stimulating tourism and assisting with business recovery.

“Council is now asking for creative input to help formulate ideas to guide local business, community organisations, event organisers and council as we develop a 2022 Autumn Festival program. We’re looking to improve on communication with local businesses and community and make them a part of the journey from planning to execution.”

Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association president Andrew Towner said sharing the natural beauty of the Macedon Ranges with visitors helped support small businesses throughout the shire.

“Following the success of the 2021 festival we look forward to working with council to develop future autumn festivals for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike,” he said.

Out & About 13

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Agriculture

Wattle week

ARTISAN agriculture producers and growers from WATTLE Week will be celebrated in Glenlyon the Hepburn Shire and Central Highlands region with poetry and photographic competitions from can submit an expression of interest for one of August 28 to September 4.

In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, Wattle Day three vacant roles on the Project Advisory Group.

(September 1) was celebrated in Glenlyon. This year organisers have expanded the project from a day to a week, and poetry to poetry and photography.

Poems in the Avenue 2021 and The Glenlyon Photographic Exhibition 2021 are now open for entries.

During Wattle Week 2021, poems entered will be hung along the Glenlyon avenue (Barkly Street) and photographs entered will be printed and exhibited at the Glenlyon Hall. The theme is Glenlyon/home/ community. You don’t have to live in Glenlyon - just appreciate the unique little settlement.

Poems can be in any form with a maximum of 30 lines and previously unpublished. Photographs must be submitted in digital form and be previously unpublished.

Poets and photographers may submit as many entries as they like between now and August 22.

Poems and photographs may be submitted anonymously, but will not be considered for prizes without the entrant’s name and contact details.

Competition prizes offered for both the poetry and photographic competitions are: first prize $200, second prize $100, third prize $50 and school-age prize $50.

Email poetry@glenlyon.vic.au and/or photography@ Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/artisan-agricultureglenlyon.vic.au project-advisory-group/ The three-year Artisan Agriculture Project, funded

by Agriculture Victoria and Council, started in February 2020 to better understand the needs of artisan agriculture businesses and how the project can help support the sector to: • Raise the profile of artisan agriculture producers so they can thrive and expand; • Increase access to sector relevant services, so producers can sustain their business; • Increase better access and use of a shared infrastructure within the region; • Increase financial resilience and stability by expanding access to government grants and reducing barriers to finance for producers; • Increase sector capability and confidence to navigate food and planning regulations; and • Increase awareness of competing land use pressures on the sector to local and state government regulators.

Areas of responsibility include attending bi-monthly meetings, helping promote a shared knowledge, understanding and increasing awareness of the sector and providing advice on the issues and concerns of industry.

Pride centre

VICTORIA is now home to Australia’s first purpose-built community hub for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities, with the opening of the landmark Victorian Pride Centre.

The state government invested more than $25 million to deliver the centre, which will celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities, honour their past, and support organisations and groups driving equality across the state.

The government is also investing $1.9 million to deliver Melbourne Pride 2021, which will be one of the most significant LGBTIQ+ events in Victoria’s history.

Marking the 40-year anniversary of the decriminalisation of sex between men in Victoria, Melbourne Pride will let Victorians show their support for LGBTIQ+ communities with activities across regional Victoria and a one-day street party in Melbourne’s inner north, to be held on December 5.

At the centre, LGBTIQ+ communities can access inclusive services, connect with each other, celebrate who they are, learn about LGBTIQ+ history and appreciate LGBTIQ+ art and performances at the centre’s theatrette and gallery.

A range of deeply-trusted LGBTIQ+ organisations will be based at the centre, including health services and LGBTIQ+ media outlets.

Link: www.pridecentre.org.au

A comprehensive range of home furnishings from outdoor furniture, to lounge, dining and occasional furniture, rugs, lighting and homewares from all major Australian brands.

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House.Land.Home.

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

BLAMPIED 55 BRADSHAW COURT

STUDIO ON 9 ACRES APPROX OF LIGHT BUSHLAND ON THE EDGE OF DAYLESFORD 3.62 ha (8.95 acres) lightly treed allotment with studio and house slab • The studio has a loft, wood fire, power connected, water via rainwater tank • Current planning permit for a new home • Slab and underground services completed • Rural Living Zone (RLZ) - Hepburn Shire • 7 minutes from Daylesford, 20 minutes to Ballarat, school bus stop nearby Inspection by private appointment or at advertised times

FOR SALE PRICE $695,000 CONTACT Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

DENVER 31 MAINS ROAD

A BEAUTIFUL HAVEN IN DENVER - CENTRAL TO DAYLESFORD, WOODEND, KYNETON • Sturdy brick home with open plan living area opening to huge full length north facing undercover entertaining deck • Brand new bright modern kitchen has a huge amount of storage • 3 bedrooms, central bathroom with separate toilet, laundry • 5 acres, Rural Living Zone • Mains power plus 3 kVa solar system. LP gas cooking & hot water service. Huge amount of rainwater tanks and a pretty bushland dam • Carports, storage & wood sheds, shipping container included • Gazebo with outdoor spa/hot tub.

a3 b1 c4 FOR SALE PRICE $875,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 Curtis O'Neil 0423904050 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328 ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

bigginscott.com.au

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

SOLD

DAYLESFORD 51 CENTRAL SPRINGS ROAD PRIZED WOMBAT HILL LOCATION Nestled amidst lovely established gardens in a prized location high on Wombat Hill in central Daylesford, this charming 1950’s era home is located just 2 blocks from the town centre shops, cafes and galleries, and close to the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. Beautifully elevated and in the highly sought-after picturesque historic church precinct, the home features large rooms and plenty of natural light, offering further opportunity for renovation to take advantage of the rear northerly aspect (subject to Council approval).

a3 b1 c2

FOR SALE CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

BLAKEVILLE 65 SULTANA ROAD UNIQUE LIFESTYLE PROPERTY ABUTTING WERRIBEE RIVER Situated in the quiet hamlet of Blakeville just off the BallanDaylesford Rd, this unique lifestyle property is ideally positioned approx. 15 minutes’ drive to both Daylesford & Ballan (closest railway) and a short 1-hour drive to Melbourne.

a3 b2 c8

FOR SALE PRICE $950,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

SOLD

DAYLESFORD 47 LEGGATT STREET “MRS KING’S COTTAGE”, RENOVATED COTTAGE WITH 2-ROOM STUDIO CLOSE TO LAKE DAYLESFORD Set within the premier Lake Daylesford precinct this appealing renovated cottage with adjoining studio is positioned on a huge corner allotment of 1068 sq.m., suited to further development/subdivision (subject to Council approval).

Adjoining the cottage is a 2-roomed studio with coved ceiling – perfect for a home office or additional bedroom accommodation.

a2 b1

FOR SALE CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

DAYLESFORD 6 STANBRIDGE STREET RENOVATED ART DECO DELIGHT Situated within walking distance of Wombat Botanic Gardens, this recently renovated charmer is impeccably presented and ready to move in. Behind this attractive façade the residence boasts 3 generous sized bedroom, walk in robes and ensuite bathroom with bath in master bedroom, main bathroom with bath & separate toilet, an open plan kitchen/dining area and separate formal double lounge. The modern kitchen features extra wide SMEG gas cooking, ample bench space and a walk-in pantry with recessed fridge cavity

a3 b2 c2

FOR SALE PRICE $800,000 - $830,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

House.Land.Home.

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

SOLD

DAYLESFORD 97 CENTRAL SPRINGS ROAD CENTRALLY LOCATED RESIDENCE WITH A LOT TO OFFER Situated in the high side of Central Springs road in the heart of Daylesford, this lovely 3-bedroom home is situated on approx. 905m² in walking distance to Daylesford main street, restaurants, galleries, boutiques and the Daylesford Lake. Currently offered on the permanent rental market this home would also be suited as a permanent residence, weekender or offer on the lucrative short stay holiday accommodation market.

a3 b2 c2

FOR SALE PRICE $815,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

CRESWICK 58 MELBOURNE ROAD PARKSIDE IN CRESWICK • Central Creswick Location • Great outlook with stunning views • Parkland and walking trails at your doorstep • All Services available at front of block & Planning Permit approved • Close to all public transport, less than 20 mins from Ballarat station and the V-Line Express service and 1 hour 30 mins to Melbourne.

SOLD

HEPBURN SPRINGS 2 THE POOL WAY PRIVATE GARDEN OASIS OVERLOOKING HEPBURN POOL Well-designed and ideal for entertaining the residence boasts an open plan living/dining/kitchen area with a wall of bi-folding doors that open to a garden oasis offering undercover outdoor entertaining overlooking the Hepburn Pool. The 3-bedroom residence offers generously sized bedrooms with BIR’s a central bathroom with bath and high vaulted ceilings throughout.

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

FOR SALE CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

DAYLESFORD 2/48 ALBERT STREET FOR SALE PRICE $135,000 CONTACT Curtis O'Neil 0423904050 Kate Minchinton 0447 207 322 OFFICE 32 Albert Street, Creswick 5345 1073

a3 b1 c2

3 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE IN CENTRAL DAYLESFORD POSITION • Downstairs: open plan living-meals-kitchen opening to a private courtyard.

• Upstairs: 3 bedrooms - all with built-in robes master has a wide private balcony.

• Ducted heating/cooling, split system. All services connected.

• All weather shared driveway. Land area approx.

214 sq.m.

a3 b1 c1

FOR SALE PRICE $680,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

SOLD

SAILORS FALLS 16 SPRING AVENUE BUSHLAND ALLOTMENT FOR RECREATIONAL USE CLOSE TO DAYLESFORD FOR RECREATIONAL USE ONLY - PLANNING OVERLAYS PREVENT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SITE. Located in a friendly community just 5 minutes from Daylesford on the outskirts of the Wombat State Forest and close to the spectacular Sailors Falls waterfall, mineral springs, walking trail and picnic area.

NEWLYN 156 RYRIES ROAD FOR SALE PRICE $140,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

WHEATSHEAF 15 HOBBLES ROAD 2 BEDROOM COTTAGE ON 5 ACRES OF BUSHLAND CLOSE TO DAYLESFORD Enjoy all the benefits of quiet country living at this tranquil bushland retreat in Wheatsheaf, just 10 minutes from the cafés, stores and galleries of Daylesford township. Set on a corner allotment of approx 5 acres of native bushland, the cottage provides comfortable living with an open plan living area that features high timber lined ceilings a bright kitchen and 2 bedrooms.

SOLD

a2 b1

FOR SALE PRICE $525,000 CONTACT Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

LIFESTYLE LIVING ON A GRAND SCALE Ideally positioned with long views over the countryside and fertile farmland of Newlyn and surround. This ideal lifestyle property on approx. 3-acres of rich red productive soil has a lot to offer! The 2-story bluestone residence boasts numerous entertaining areas and double glazed windows 360-degree views around the farmland. The landscaped and established gardens feature beautiful trees and numerous vegetable gardens .There is a double car garage with 10 solar panels, a backup generator and a large 9m x 18m concrete floored machinery shed with lights and power.

a4 b3 c6

FOR SALE PRICE $1,100,000 - $1,200,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

HEPBURN SPRINGS 9 SIXTH STREET A RARE OPPORTUNITY! DUAL OCCUPANCY IN A CENTRAL LOCATION 1100ms Zoned General Residential All town services connected – power, natural gas, water, sewerage, NBN internet Ceiling fans, gas heater, and wood fire, gas log fire, split system heating/cooling Established garden including several citrus trees, fig, nectarine, raised vegetable patches Large concreted single car garage, single carport & under house storage

a4 b2 c4

FOR SALE PRICE $820,000 to $840,000 CONTACT Curtis O'Neil 0423904050 Rae Corris 0408 358 772 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

House.Land.Home.

Days on market down Gardening giveaway

R

EGIONAL Victoria is experiencing the shortest days on market (DOM) since 2010, the REIV says. They include Creswick, down from 95 DOM in May last year to just 39 and Castlemaine, down from 73 to 31.

S

The REIV says regional suburbs have been on a red-hot-run for six consecutive months – following the protracted 2020 lockdown – recording an average of under 40 days on the market, with a median of 35 days in May 2021. Meanwhile, properties in outer Melbourne sold in an average of 22 days, or 10 days below the median for metropolitan Melbourne.

REIV May 2021 statistics show that buyer activity is strong with DOM for outer Melbourne and regional Victoria listings recorded as some the shortest in over a decade. Private property listings and sales are the preferred approach for real estate in regional Victoria, with 84 per cent of activity falling under this category.

It is a good indicator that more and more Victorians are making the move to outer Melbourne and the regional areas beyond.

March quarterly median price data revealed historic increases in regional Victoria, where houses surpassed $500,000 for the first time with a 4.1 per cent increase from the December quarter, and 12.3 per cent annual growth.

INCE Paul Bangay first wrote Paul Bangay’s Guide to Plants, 10 years have passed and the world considers climate change a real and rapidly approaching threat.

In the anniversary edition, with additional chapters on succulents and clouding, Australia’s foremost landscape gardening expert explains how plant choices must change so gardens can adapt to this drier and hotter world.

"Landscaping styles may evolve on a much slower cycle than interior styles, but evolve they do. Over the past 10 years, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more relaxed and casual approach to gardens. 'Wild' and 'natural' are words used to describe many contemporary gardens now."

With over 300 pages of photographs

by Kyneton's Simon Griffiths, Paul Bangay’s Guide to Plants is a very personal collection of Paul's favourite plants. Including 30 new varieties in this edition, it provides a catalogue of suggested plants for those who admire Paul’s gardens and would like to create something special in their own garden.

Designed to create gardens that stand the test of time, eliminating the need to replant every 10 to 15 years, Paul includes chapters on shrubs, clouding, hedges, groundcovers, climbers, perennials and grasses, trees, textured plants, plants for pots and succulents.

He also offers wisdom earned through years in some of Australia’s most high profile gardens. He discusses the importance of a planting scheme; colour schemes for the garden; selecting the right plants for your site; and considerations of microclimate in your garden.

Paul Bangay is one of Australia’s most high-profile landscape designers. His working life is divided between Australian and overseas commissions; his spare time is spent at Stonefields, his home in Denver.

Paul Bangay’s Guide to Plants is published by Lantern. RRP $59.99.

The Local has a copy of Paul's latest book to give away. For your chance to win email news@tlnews.com.au including your name, town, phone number and, in 25 words or less, why you would like to win. Entries close on Friday, July 30.

Image: Simon Griffiths

Flower show

A

FTER a two-year absence, the Kyneton Horticultural Society will host its annual spring flower show on Saturday, September 4 from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday, September 5 from 10am to 4pm in the Watts Pavilion at the Kyneton Showgrounds.

The show is one of Victoria’s longest standing and part of the Kyneton Daffodil Festival. Everyone is encouraged to enter the show and there will also be a plant stall and raffle. Entry is $5. Details: www.khs1894.com or president Nicholas Scott on 0438 664 849. Covid regulations will apply.

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Keeping them in shape

Fruit tree pruning, carried out each winter, should aim to encourage good crops of quality fruit. The natural vigour and habit of the tree, the size of the crop and the actual growing conditions should be considered when pruning because an easily cared-for tree that produces reliable crops is a great asset.

Traditionally, June-July has been considered the prime time for all deciduous fruiting trees, but lately with stone fruits, because they are late in producing spring growth, it has been found better to delay until August or even early September to minimise the chance of fungal or insect damage.

Pruning encourages growth from uncut wood, because all of the tree’s vigour is now able to be channelled into a smaller area of tree, and obviously into bigger, better fruit. The uppermost bud, usually the tip bud, is the most vigorous and should be retained wherever possible. Apricots are an exception. Their laterals tend to have a weak tip bud, so its removal will usually result in stronger growth. Prune lightly at all times and for a specific purpose.

If you are in doubt whether to make a cut or not, don’t make it. No harm has ever come from under-pruning and you can always cut out a little more wood next year.

Good pruning should start from the time of planting. Reduce the top of the tree by about half, to balance growth with the volume of roots, and to establish a basis for the future framework of the tree. If you would like to follow trends and produce a vase-shaped tree, leave three of the best well-shaped branches and cut them back evenly to outward-facing top buds.

During the first three years establish a basic framework for training the wood.

With the vase shape, allow the topmost leading shoots to increase in number to six or eight and only cut them back to even them out. Strong growth appearing in the first years from low down on the stems can be left as main branches if they are well placed.

Otherwise remove them completely. See above left.

Cropping begins during the third or fourth year. Either remove excessive fruit, or support the upper branches to prevent them being either pulled out of shape or completely stripped from the tree.

For espalier training of fruit trees, the perfect way to solve the problem of supporting fruit crops, and at the same time cover a wall or fence or screen a driveway to produce copious fruit, is easy without taking up all of the garden.

All that is needed is a two-metre, or more, high, sturdy trellis, horizontally strung with five or six runs of fencing wire with the lowest set about 30cm from the ground.

The length is up to you depending on how many trees you wish to grow and allowing at least three metres per tree. The best location is running east-west on the northern side of the house. See above right.

Almost all deciduous fruits can be espaliered, with the branches spread horizontally along the wire. Brittle, non-flexible stemmed varieties such as peaches, apricots and plums do best if allowed to grow in a “fan-shape” diagonally fixed up the wires.

A feature of espalier-bound trees is they need not be shapely or multi-branched when purchased. Select those with two strong stems to arch out and along the bottom wire of the trellis or, if you wish, one strong upright stem from which lateral branches can be trained along each successive strand as it grows.

Cropping begins during the third or fourth year. Six or seven-year-old trees are considered to be mature and should be pruned only lightly from then on to maintain vigour.

Bells Water Gardens @ Bald Hills

Bells Water Gardens has been in the water garden business for over 25 years, building and maintaining ponds and growing a diverse range of aquatic plants for the nursery trade and public.

We are passionate about building natural eco-system ponds, adding beauty and encouraging wildlife, allowing interaction with nature. Water gardens built by us are quiet, contemplative places to rest and energise the senses.

Contact us for all your water garden requirements or come and see our nursery at 846 Gillies Rd, Bald Hills.

0418 567 195

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

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p OS t office farm NURSERY

Open to the public every Sunday in July, August and September

House.Land.Home.

Design with Indre Inventions of genius?

Necessity is not the mother of invention when we look at the following inspirations. As we sit down with another Covid lockdown to contemplate our navels, we can appreciate those moments that we have all had when you say ‘wouldn’t it be good if….’ Now, I share with you some ideas from people who actually followed through with their nonsensical ideas.

The first invention that I got a good chuckle from was the pedal-powered wheelchair. Hmm, at what point did they stop and think, how will this work?

And then the face slimming device has got to be a once only use item, surely.

Weird. That’s all I can say. This next invention sounds lovely, like a walk in the park, but grass thongs wouldn’t stand up to more than one use, pictured below left.

For those that have a problem with oval egg slices on their square toast in the morning, have I found the solution for you. The egg cuber - by breaking an egg into the cubed shape and boiling it, eggs are now cube shaped and you’re welcome.

Whilst we are onto shaped foods, have you ever watched waffle ice cream cones being made? Well, bring on the pizza cones. Why? I couldn’t tell you. They can’t even stand up by themselves.

For those who are neat freaks, the potato chip grabber is the item for you.

Designed to minimise greasy fingers. The chork is a combo of chopstick and fork.

Now I can see how that thought came about. Fork prongs on the end of attached chopsticks. Using both ends would get those clean fingers dirty, however.

The next selection of inventions I feel are particularly clever. The wine rack is for me. Better than chicken fillets tucked into that bra, ladies.

Rubber branch holders for when the kids want an impromptu sword play. The bread board bird feeder I think is quite inventive. I just need that indoor bird now to be able to use it - as you can see below right.

For the office crew, we begin with the anti-pervert hairy stockings. Who doesn’t want that in their Christmas stocking, or as their Christmas stocking? The anti-theft lunch bags would have me throwing my own lunch away whilst the pen cap eating utensils are brilliant for when your pen becomes your spoon to stir your coffee, or you need a knife for lunch and your pen just won’t cut it. Pull out your handy pen cap utensil. Actually, if you think about it, if you havn’t remembered a utensil, how do you remember to pack your pen cap utensils?

The final invention I have for you is the ping pong door. Perfect for those who have too little space but too much time on their hands. The adjoining office door pivots in the centre to allow the two room occupants to grab their handy ping pong bat and a ball to have a quick game across the doorjamb. No office should be without.

So next time you have an inspired idea to make the world a better place, remember that it has probably been thought of already, if not already made into a dust-gathering box sitting in a dark bedroom under the inventor's bed.

Indre Kisonas - principal designer- iok design indre@iokdesign.com.au | www.iokdesign.com.au

House.Land.Home.Premium Spring edition Monday, September 13 Advertising now being taken.

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

Kitchen - Bathroom - Laundry Jo Lopes 0422 955 615

www.tlnews.com.au

Letters 21

Your say...

The Wombat State Forest is in need of some serious management plans but do you really think that creating another national park is going to fix everything? If I can refer to the article in your July 5 edition and the statement made by Dr Kevin Tolhurst, he has concerns that resources and required workforce to maintain national parks has been limited in the past and I assume he questions how are we going to support more of the same.

The Andrews government plan to implement the Victorian Environment Thank you so much to The Local for reporting on the unfathomable Assessment Council’s recommendations to create more national parks in what is proposed expenditure of close to $13 million on The Rex building in described as the Central West. If implemented it will radically change access and Daylesford. (The Local, Your Say, July 5, 2021) usage of the current state forests and will have an adverse effect on local businesses In what parallel universe could this possibly be considered a good investment and communities within these forests. I have followed this investigation since Lily with benefits for the whole community? I couldn't believe the preposterous choice D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, requested this of language chosen by the mayor when she admitted that this news was not what the investigation in March 2017, read fully all the drafts and the final recommendations community wanted to hear. and made submissions in the negative to both consultation periods. The second and Almost to the last person this new council nominated on the grounds that they final consultation period received around 2700 submissions with approximately 1800 would listen to the community. I would put it to the councillors that you would have against and 900 for. (In reality 66 per cent were against). Those against included, to search high and low in the community to find a single ratepayer that would think amateur prospectors, campers, 4WDers, horse riders, apiarists, mountain bike riders, this was necessary or appropriate. What a simply bizarre turn of events. dog walkers, hunters, car rallies, orienteering groups, the viable timber industry, - Pat Hockey, Clunes local businesses, domestic firewood collectors and CFA members. These groups of recreational bush users and businesses have no faith in the investigation and the included financial research suggesting a huge influx of tourists and money injection will result to the regions.

Dear Daniel Andrews Premier of Victoria, my name is Caitlyn Sandwith, There are many examples of mismanagement and lack of funding for existing and I am 12. I hear you are putting in AusNet towers above ground not only national parks, much of the disastrous bush fires of 2019/20 involved them. because it is the easiest option but because it would not cost you as much There is a groundswell of experts and local experienced rural land users who money. consider more national parks, managed by an under-funded government body, is not Now if I were in your position, I would maybe do the exact same but first I would the solution. Greater involvement of Landcare groups, residents, recreational users get everyone’s opinion and not just mine. I think that most or 99 per cent of my and the CFA will provide a more balanced approach to management and engender town and community are against your decision and we believe that you should put local pride in their forest, the attractiveness and protection of flora and fauna. them underground. Yes, it would cost you more money and take more time, but not - Stephen Smitham, Darley only would everyone be happy with you, but you would earn that money back, over time.

Narelle Groenhout’s recent article in The Local expressed a concern for the Here are some of my reasons as to why you should put them underground. “long-term ecological health” of the “Lerderderg and Wombat state forests” Weather: The weather can be very dangerous because there could be strong winds, following the State Government’s acceptance of VEAC’s recommendations. a tornado and so on, or there could be spikes on a stormy night or a dry storm.

The assertion in her story, by some specialist land managers, that “removing active Vehicles: A vehicle can crash into a power pole. management” will result in “unmanaged weeds and fire” when these forests become Animals: Animals cannot harm the power lines if they are underground. national/regional parks is incorrect.

Wildfires: It may only be 1-2 per cent of wildfires that have been caused by power By the way, Lerderderg is no longer a state forest, being proclaimed a state park lines but that 1-2 per cent has been dangerous to families across Australia. Did you over 30 years ago and is therefore part of the national reserve system. This provides know that on a windy day in 2009, which is known as Black Saturday, the fires killed everyone a chance to see how a forest in the reserve system is faring. A trip into 173 people and caused an estimated $4 billion in damage. Fires started by power lines the Lerderderg State Park would show a healthy ecosystem with a large variety of caused 159 deaths out of the 173. vegetation communities from grass trees, correas, grevilleas, banksias as well as Storms: Another example is the recent storms that left people without power for riparian blue gum and box-ironbark on the higher ridges. Tracks are well maintained many days. If the power lines were underground these people would not have been and excellent camping facilities and walking trails are provided, as well as challenging disadvantaged and would not have had to rely on other people’s kindness to get them 4-wheel drive tracks. though this tough time, e.g. lending of generators to keep their fridges and freezers The Lerderderg State Park has had and continues to have an active prescribed running so their food would not go off. burning program as required under the National Parks Act. The Emergency Vic My final reason is although the cost of putting the power lines underground looks website shows that over the past 10 years the park has been subjected to many huge, if you were to put them underground it would not cost you as much money, planned burns, especially on the eastern side which is closer to settled areas. because if we were to have another Black Saturday all the damage that could happen Furthermore, in VEAC’s final report, Recommendation 13 states “bushfire risks would cost a lot and you would have to put more power lines in again. Over time the in parks and reserves continue to be managed as at present, regardless of land tenure”. cost will build up and you may as well just have put them underground in the first The state government has accepted this recommendation and DELWP Forest Fire place. I hope you take my reasons into consideration.

Management has also acknowledged verbally that there is to be no change to its

The Rex

Dear Dan

- Caitlyn Sandwith, Newlyn

Wombat State Forest I have a long term relationship with the Wombat State Forest dating back to 1972. Over the 50 years I have witnessed many changes in the forest’s usage with early years much evidence of timber harvesting but limited use for recreational activities. There was and still is much evidence of the real history of this forest in the past couple of centuries with the multitude of mining shafts and diggings to be found.

Most of the townships and small communities that still exist in the forest were established as a result of these works. Much of the forest would have been cleared to allow the activities to occur and contribute to supports in shafts and tunnels, other infrastructures and general lifestyle needs.

Despite the mining and timber harvesting activities over the decades we still have a forest. But is it a healthy forest? Since the end of wholesale timber harvesting the density of trees has increased to a point where the healthy growth of these trees is a competition to survive.

prescriptive burning program whether it is state forest or national park.

The article also raised the issue of feral pests in national parks. Whereas the Lerderderg State Park engages professional shooters, no such activity exists in the adjoining state forest. The fox population in the Wombat State Forest is particularly high. Around towns like Blackwood camera surveillance has shown foxes are extremely numerous, placing enormous pressure on threatened species like the brush-tailed phascogale and the ground breeding spotted quail-thrush. No official fox control program seems to be in place in the state forest.

Regardless of the land tenure it is incumbent that the state government has the will to provide both DELWP and Parks Victoria with the funds needed for the proper management of our parks and forests.

- Trevor Speirs, Trentham

Letters to the editor are always welcome. Please keep them to the point and shortish. Email news@tlnews.com.au Any addressed Dear Sir will be deleted.

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For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352

Children’s Dentistry | Smile Makeovers Dental Implants Crowns & Veneers Teeth Whitening | Emergency Dental Appointments Happy Gas Available 16 Albert Street, Daylesford | P 03 5348 2939 | F 03 5348 3203 E springsfamilydental16@gmail.com

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Initial get-togethers and discussion for this program are planned at the Convent Gallery, 7 Daly St, Daylesford for morning tea (tea/scone) at 10am on Wednesdays - July 21, July 28, August 4 and August 11.

Subsidised charge for tea/scones is $5 per head.

Please contact Carmel if you plan to attend.

If funds or transport is an issue, we can assist.

You are welcome to bring a support person.

All welcome!

A new and fabulous initiative of Hepburn House Daylesford PRESENTING

With support from Country LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program Sunbury & Cobaw Community Health.

Funded by the Victoria Government.

12502020-SG28-21

We are seeking to connect the LGBTI Elders in Regional Communities for fun, social gatherings in a safe nurturing environment - with like-minded people.

Time for inclusion, scheduling of weekly events, outings, get togethers and a chance to connect.

For enquiries: call Carmel 0456 889 431 Email: ageingdis3461@gmail.com

24 Crossword

www.tlnews.com.au

W RD

CROSS

Holistic Funeral Directors

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

Here's the solution for Crossword 231.

How did you go?

Markets Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Creswick Market - first Saturday

COURTOT AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS Phone: (03)

5348 3167

NEW - after hours tow service

Castlemaine Artists Market – first Sunday

0438 375 731

Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday 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

Friendly and reliable service.

Come down and chat to our friendly staff.

Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday

VEHICLE SERVICES MECHANICAL REPAIRS COMPUTER SCANNING TYRE REPLACEMENTS PUNCTURE REPAIRS AUTOELEC 10am WEDNESDAYS

Malmsbury Farmers Market - third Sunday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday (Closed June-August) Daylesford Rotary Farmers Market - fourth Saturday

3 Mink Street, Daylesford email: courtotautomotive@outlook.com

Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday

Gigs

with Darren Lowe

Guildford Family Hotel, Guildford

Maine Course - Thursday, July 22, 6.30pm Crosswind - Friday, July 23, 7pm Frankly Speaking 2 - Saturday, July 24, 7pm Original Words (open mic) - Sunday, July 25, 1pm Quiz night with Eamon and Peta - Thursday, July 29, 6.30pm Terry & Gillian - Friday, July 30, 7pm The Hornets - Saturday, July 31, 7pm

Daylesford Cider, Musk (Christmas in July events) Terry & Gillian - Saturday, July 24, 5.30pm-10pm

Got a gig happening? Email news@tlnews.com.au

Catherine

KING MP

Federal Member for Ballarat 03 5338 8123 Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au CatherineKingMP @CatherineKingMP

Writing competition

C

ENTRAL Highlands writing competitions are known for drawing entries from across the nation.

This year's Words in Winter short story contest is now open and the judges are bracing for difficult decisions from the high standard of entries.

As well as the honour and glory, the winner receives $500. Entry is $30.

Link: https://wordsinwinter.com/ short-story-competition-2021/

ADVERTISEMENT

Mary-Anne Thomas MP LABOR MEMBER FOR MACEDON

As your local Member of Parliament I am keen to hear from the community and assist with any State Government matter.

Mary-Anne Thomas

Standing up for our Community!

www.catherineking.com.au Authorised by Catherine King, Australian Labor Party, 5/9 Sydney Avenue Barton ACT.

Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne, VIC 3437 P: 5428 2138 E: mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by MA Thomas, Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne. Funded from Parliamentary budget.

26 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just briefly...

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

I

HAVE a confession to make. We escaped to Queensland three weeks ago.

Yep, just in time for our lockdown 5 - in Queensland. NSW is now a red zone and we have no way to drive home unless we head up and over to the Northern Territory and then down through South Australia. Damn. We might miss even more of winter at home. Bummer.

But, while we were here, I thought after seeing Pfizer being made the vaccine of choice for those under 60, I would get my jabs. I mean, we are all in this together apparently, so I am sure no Queenslanders would mind missing out on their vaccine because I bumped my way in...right?

Whatever. I jumped on the Queensland Health website and registered. Easy. And then I waited for my email to come through so I could make a booking. Nada. So I called Queensland Health - and waited for about an hour before I talked to a person.

I told them my email had not arrived and they said that happened sometimes. So I asked if I could register again. No, they said. You only get one chance because it's computer generated. Hmmm. I asked how I could get my email so I could book my spot. You can't, they said. You need to call us each day and ask if we have any spots.

Hmmm. Do you have any spots for the next few days?, I enquired. No, they said.

Call back tomorrow. So I did and they had a cancellation for the following day. At the Rocklea Showgrounds. Yay. Not quite on the Gold Coast but you know, only 80km or so away up the motorway. And 9am, so nice and early. Oh, rush hour.

So we set off at 7am. Kyle came too in case I felt a bit woozy. And we plugged in the address via our map app on the phone - which meant we drove a bit on the motorway and lots on little streets here and there. And lots on streets that ended in T-intersections where there were no roundabouts or lights and we had to turn right.

But, as we say: "We can always go left, and do a U-turn." Our sanity mantra.

Anyway, we found the showgrounds, very agricultural, and parked up on the main showground bit and I went to where there was some farm fencing and got popped in a queue. I read a sign asking you to have your licence and Medicare card handy, so I did that, and when the queue started to move I found myself at the front, because I had my licence and Medicare card handy. And then I was sent in to a cubicle and a nice young man with no mask popped the needle into my arm, with no cleaning swab and sent me on my way, with no band-aid. Oh, he also popped a sticker with a time to leave on my boob, which I thought was a bit not really PC, but you know, he was about 10, so probably didn't know any better. And then I waited for 15 minutes and left. Kyle asked if I had gone through the sheep dip. Ha ha.

I went back last week for my second dose. Noon this time and a nice man told Kyle to park up in some mud because we had a 4WD. Kyle refused, citing my sore knee, so we got to park a bit closer. This time, I got a bandaid and put my own sticker on. Two Pfizers done and dusted. Feels good. Thanks science. Just sayin'...

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PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460 koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au (03) 5348 6620 or 0437 747 619

THE Macedon Ranges branch of Rural Australians for Refugees will host an afternoon with Christine Cummins, refugee advocate, on Saturday, July 31 at Norma Richardson Hall in Woodend.

Christine spent five years as a trauma counsellor on Christmas Island and has written a book Dignity in a Teacup, documenting her experience. This will be the first in a series of events hosted by MRRAR aimed at raising awareness, within the community, of the plight of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. Bookings are essential via TryBooking website and a donation to cover costs would be appreciated.

Link: https://www.trybooking.com/BSWDF

CRESWICK Town Hall will receive $500,000 towards roof plumbing, electrical upgrades, painting and fixing some structural issues. The money comes from the state government with Hepburn Shire Council throwing in $148,000.

Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said the 145-year-old town hall was a central and much-loved part of the township of Creswick. “The town hall is an active part of the community and is used widely by community groups and the public. The restoration of the Creswick Town Hall is important to the residents of the township and beyond.

It’s an iconic community asset that warrants this investment and restoration.”

Construction is due to start in May next year.

THE manna gums on the Daylesford-Malmsbury Road in Daylesford is now the site of an Aboriginal People's Memorial Avenue, opened at the conclusion of NAIDOC Week. Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said the memorial was an opportunity to honour the loss of lives, the sacrifice and suffering inflicted on Aboriginal people during the frontier wars.

“This year’s NAIDOC theme was Heal Country and we hope this memorial is a step forward in healing country and healing people, acknowledging that the two are deeply connected. Council is taking a leading role in honouring the lives and acknowledging the suffering of Aboriginal people in our region. Acts of reconciliation such as this change attitudes to settlement and show a willingness to work together for a better future,” said Cr Hewitt.

Link: https://youtu.be/NADNki7sy0Q

THE Boîte is bringing Stella Savy and Freedom Road to the Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo. Freedom Road was originally staged in 2011 with the Boîte Millennium Chorus and explored the songs of slavery, music that has been the source of hope and inspiration for generations of people.

Be part of this un-auditioned choir of over 150 singers working with Stella Savy and a fabulous cohort of supporting artists towards staging a concert at The Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo on Sunday, October 31. Supporting artists will include Carl Pannuzzo, Tim Neal, Geoffrey Williams, Barry Deenick, Barry Kay, Dani Fry and Kylie Auldist. Rehearsals are held in Bendigo. Singers from across Victoria are welcome and all rehearsal resources will be available online.

Details: susan@boite.com.au Bookings: www.boite.com.au

HEPBURN Wind will soon direct a Hepburn branch of the Grampians Community Power Hub program which is led by Ballarat-based not-forprofit BREAZE and funded by Sustainability Victoria.

The Community Power Hub will unlock community energy across the Grampians region, working with community organisations, groups, businesses and schools to develop renewable energy projects that meet local needs and aspirations.

While BREAZE will manage the delivery of the hub across the broader region, Hepburn Wind will work to deliver community energy projects for the Hepburn Shire specifically.

NEIGHBOURHOOD Houses Victoria, with the Victorian Council of Social Service, has concerns that the state government is preparing to offer social service organisations an indexation rate that’s less than the rising costs of delivering services.

In real terms, this represents a funding cut which will impact all social services which receive state government funding. It believes this would have devastating consequences for the 200,000 Victorians who visit neighbourhood houses every week.

Link: www.nhvic.org.au

www.tlnews.com.au

Opinion 27

Kyle’s Rant

T

ECHNOLOGY is not always easy to grapple with and there usually seems to be one person in the family unit that the technological torch falls to in order to keep our artificial intelligence on track. It is usually a reboot, software update or someone simply forgetting to charge their phone.

In my tribe that responsibility lands squarely at my feet. And when you combine that with running a media empire and the shit goes down, it’s always around deadline day. Things get pretty heated at TL HQ. Usually resulting in rather prickly conversation followed by the disappearance of the editor.

Recently we have joined the high-falutin' world of paid advertising on our website. This means that when you browse our website, stuff that you have been browsing on your computer appears as banner advertising – freaky stuff.

These Google adverts are generated by bots. The other day I got an email from the tech giant saying that I had to log into my account to get paid. Beauty, I thought, as it has been a tough pandemic and we have invested significant resources into this website.

Upon trying to log in, I had to reset my password. The instruction was to reset the password to a password that I don’t use on any other website. I tried to skip this step with a regular password but it was not accepted because I had used it on another site. The elephant in the room here is they actually know all my passwords which sends a big cyborg shiver down my spine.

Anyway, the payout figure for the constant battle of creating and uploading stories, images and podcasts since October last year nearly floored me. Those generous bastards at Google had found it in their hearts to bequeath me a tidy little nest egg of $116. I am so glad to be of service.

This whole technology thing has become out of control. You would not accept going to a car dealer to buy a car, then drive your sparkling new pride and joy out of the showroom, only to break down just down the road as it requires a software update, would you?

What happened to the old days of going down to Harvey Norman, buying a computer, lugging it home and plugging it in and you were off? Not having to pay a monthly Apple subscription that the mongrels charge you now-a-days just to keep things ticking along.

Speaking of ticking along, it seems to me that Australians seem to fall into three camps when it comes to the gradual ticking along of the vaccine rollout - sorry about the jarring segue.

The first is the anti-vaxxer and I respect they have an opinion and so long as they remain around the fringes of society, we at the pro-jab camp can afford to pick up their slack and carry them along and still achieve herd immunity.

The second is the pro-jab camp. That’s the people like me who actively seek out a vaccine through an educated and informed decision-making process and get it done.

Sure, I waited until it was my turn, once all the vulnerable and people who look after the vulnerable were sorted. At least that is what I thought I was waiting for but as it turns out a fair proportion of the carers (as in Sydney) didn’t give a flying hoot about the vaccine. Good on you, guys.

The third and final vaccine camp is the folks who are drifting along, sort of leaves on the stream of life, and they will get a jab when they get around to it. Not good enough people, the time is now.

Get the prick rant over...

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The write stuff

D

“I’d written a sort of draft a few years back and then when Covid hit I thought I would have a real go at it. But I had to rewrite a lot because when I first wrote it we were still using fax machines. So I had to change that and update it and then decided to self-publish.”

He stayed for a few years, returned home, but then decided “I really loved Rob went to a company called Read Publishing which offers a panel of editors Australia” and came back to start his own computer software business. He eventually and designers to choose from. He chose an editor from North London, due to the moved into consulting “because by then my computer skills had become pretty book’s setting, and then a cover designer from the Brazilian jungle. Another guy from incompetent”, managing projects around technology including a mobile banking the US took care of the interior book design. “It was an international collaboration application for ANZ, working as IT director for the Melbourne Recital Centre and really.” updating communications with the now Ambulance Victoria.

Starlight Café is now available via Amazon and it is also with book distributor “It’s been a very corporate career, I guess you could say, but I loved it. The IngramSpark. Locally, it will be in bookstores across the Central Highlands including Melbourne Recital Centre had a very arty sort of atmosphere which I really loved. I Paradise Bookshop in Daylesford. remember being there for the selling of the first tickets for a performance.”

Rob and his wife Ros moved to Daylesford from Melbourne about 34 years ago But along with his IT career, Rob was also dabbling in writing and wrote a with the “dreaded weekender on the lake”, finally buying in West Street after Ros children’s book Good night and Thanks for the Teeth, a Fairies' Tale published by Pan tired of Rob complaining every weekend that they had to return to Melbourne.

McMillan in 1999. It led to an odd meeting.

After 10 years they moved to Ballarat and then to Williamstown for five years but “I was doing some work for an insurance company negotiating a Microsoft it was while they were taking part in the Bullarto Tractor Pull, using a friend’s tractor, contract and had to go to Sydney and they were on the first floor and the publishers were on the fifth floor. Pan McMillan said: ‘When you are in Sydney, just drop in and that they saw their former West Street home was up for sale.

“We decided to have a look just out of curiosity to see what had been done to we’ll talk about the book’. it. And when we got there we just fell in love with it again, so we bought our own “So, I went to the Microsoft office and discussed a contract about buying Excel house back. That was about eight years ago. It was a pretty rundown farmhouse when and about 500 licences, and then five minutes later I was in a lift going up to Pan we bought it but we renovated it and extended it and we always hated selling it but McMillan talking about tooth fairies. I just wanted to laugh. I couldn’t believe the moving back to Melbourne was sensible at the time for many reasons. There are no contrast between negotiating with Microsoft and then talking about pearly whites more plans to move now.” and the tooth fairy. It was just the most bizarre experience I have had in my working Rob’s idea for his next book is already forming, with influencers in his sights life.” this time. He loves a good villain. “I've been reading about different categories of Rob said he started his first and just published novel, Starlight Cafe, a few years influencers and they can do anything from recommending a diet to surgery for brain back after following the “underhand tricks and trades” of the British American cancer. I find that amazing. They can be really dangerous. It’s like Trump, he’s a mega Tobacco Company including it being fined for marketing smoking to children in influencer. He could shoot people and they would still vote for him.”

Africa.

“It’s the sort of thing I get quite angry about and I also don’t like fast food outlets, Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Louise Gay because 70 per cent of the kids in America are overweight and it’s about the same here in Australia and the UK. And so I thought it was an interesting thing to try to combine the two together, tobacco and the fast food industry. And get them in cahoots. That's kind of the genesis of the story and it’s set in North London.

AYLESFORD resident Rob Alexander grew up on council estates in London but moved to Australia when he was 20, gaining contract work as a computer programmer with an English company.

PODCAST

The Local Classifieds Kitchen staff Hepburn House is looking for a permanent part-time kitchen assistant.

Call 5348 8100 or email dianne@hepburnhouse. com.au

For the latest results for the Central Highlands Netball League A Grade competition just scan the QR code above.

For all sports news head to www.tlnews.com.au

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For the latest results for the Central Highlands Football League Seniors competition just scan the QR code above.

For all sports news head to www.tlnews.com.au

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The Last Word with Jeff Glorfeld

J

EFF Glorfeld is hot and dry - but mostly dry. And hot.

We were fortunate when we first moved into the neighbourhood that many of the original Wheatsheaf settlers remained there, and were happy to share stories about the area.

They told us that at first Wheatsheaf was going to be entirely unserviced - no town gas or water, and no electricity. That last part explained why the wiring in our house had so obviously been retro-fitted, with cable tacked behind beams and tucked into all kinds of crannies. Here, too, the original builders used some recycled materials. I’ll never forget the look of horror on our electrician’s face as he pulled entirely inappropriate wires out of walls, exclaiming how lucky we were that the house hadn’t burnt down in an electrical fire.

One of our steepest learning curves involved water. For much of our first years in Wheatsheaf, we lived under drought conditions. We had a 10,000-gallon (about 38,000-litre) house tank and a small-ish dam, and that was it. We quickly learnt not to be Wallies with water, and we paid close attention to our rain gutters, cleanout hatches, filters, and tank levels. In all the years we lived there, we only bought water twice, and once was when a tree fell on the tank and we had to replace the metal lid so decided to have the tank cleaned at the same time.

We had got to know a young bloke in Daylesford - he wasn’t a local but he was a country boy through and through. He eventually met a city lass, they fell in love, and he moved to Melbourne to be with her. One day he came back to Daylesford for a visit and I asked him what he enjoyed about city life. “Leaving the tap on while I brush my teeth,” he said.

Most years, in July or August, I would travel to the US to visit my parents.

It was summer there, 40-plus temperatures every day, and dry from June to September. Nevertheless, I was always astounded to see plush green lawns being lavishly watered by great spraying sprinklers, water flowing freely down streets. I was amazed by how profligate people here were about water.

This is now where we live, and we’re in the midst of what is being called “an historic” drought. Even though we’ve been here for three years, all our good water habits are firmly in place. Every time I turn on a tap, I imagine the level in my tank going down, and I never leave the water running while I brush my teeth.

In the 1973 movie Magnum Force, Clint Eastwood, as Dirty Harry, utters the words: “A man’s got to know his limitations.” It’s a line that occurs to me often, especially when I’m confronted by any sort of handyman chore. I’m the type of DIY guy who measures twice, cuts once, and then heads down to Bunnings to buy a new piece of material to replace the one I’ve just screwed up.

My wife and I had a tiny home in St Kilda when we bought a holiday house in Wheatsheaf in 2001. On Sundays, on our way through the Wombat Forest to the Glenlyon Store to buy newspapers and treats, we would drive past another house that we particularly admired. So, one morning, on our way to Glenlyon, we saw that a for-sale real estate sign had gone up in front of the property.

Being calm, deliberative types, we immediately called the agent and arranged to see the house. We may have mulled it over for days - who am I kidding, it was more like five minutes - before deciding to buy it, sell the St Kilda home, move to Wheatsheaf, and begin what turned into 17 years of commuting to Melbourne via the Kyneton train (but that’s a story for another time).

One of the many charms of our new home was that it was handmade - the ground floor walls were of mud bricks that had been made on site using clay from the property. Much of the timber was obviously recycled and repurposed.

It was a house with so much character, it could have starred in its own TV series.

Unfortunately, as we eventually found, it would have been a sitcom.

When we bought the house, I knew nothing about mud-brick construction; turns out the folks who built the house knew only slightly more than I did. It took me a few years of research and three or four tries before I finally developed the techniques and recipes needed to successfully patch and re-render the downstairs walls, inside and out.

When we decided to replace all the windows with double-glazing, the excellent guy from Ballarat who came out to measure up for the job seemed bemused, if not surprised, to find that not a single door or window was even remotely square.

However, to his credit, he took it on. It may have been that he felt sorry for us, or that he liked the challenge. There were days when he’d have three or four workmen After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, Jeff on site - turns out he was using our house as a training exercise to show his men Glorfeld went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past how to deal with difficult situations. three years he’s survived bushfires, snowstorms, Covid-19, and drought.

And Trump. The cicadas and locusts didn’t arrive.