July 5, 2021 Issue 231 New national parks
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
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Front cover: It's been years in the making, with a bit of community action along the way, but the state government has announced three new national parks, including the merging of the Wombat State Forest and the Lerderderg State Park. But not everyone is happy. Read the story by Narelle Groenhout, opposite.
July 5, 2021 Issue 231 New national parks
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria. The next edition is out on Monday, July 19, 2021. Or online on Sunday, July 18 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, July 14 Copy deadline: Thursday, July 15 Editorial deadline: Thursday, July 15 Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283
Image: Sandy Scheltema
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.
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
Local Lines Fish Out of Water Through your glazing eye spy jacketed and coiffured guests pause at the gallery door
Margret Lockwood lives in Glenlyon with her two dogs. She is active in a number of community organisations.
and watch clotting packs’ backs turn against black frames on white walls. Do these dark works appal you? There the black chrome crow arranged for camera shutter dead on a white platter neck skewed, lies ignored. Broad smiles, moues and flowing prosecco fuel shallow crescendos till the waves that drift lift you past guests’ backs, past photographs and their quick epitaphs.
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
Twitch your drying tail. Scales rippling, flip with silent scream back to the dull mainstream.
- Margret Lockwood
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 locations: 130 Telegraph Road, Mount Prospect VIC 3364 (Lot 1 on Plan 163481F) (RFNSA Site No. 3364001) 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. In these circumstances, it does not require planning approval from 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 16.07.2021
date
for
submissions
For general info on the nbn, email info@nbn.com.au, or visit our website at www.nbnco.com.au.
is
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News 3
Three new national parks for Victoria
T
HREE new national parks will be created either side of Ballarat, and north-east of Bendigo, adding 65,106 hectares to Australia's national park register.
In a decisive move, the state government announced the new parks which includes the merging of the Wombat State Forest and the Lerderderg State Park. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the government had listened to the community. “The new national parks will be created by linking existing state forests, parks and reserves. The largest will bring together Lerderderg State Park and much of the existing Wombat State Forest to create a new national park covering more than 44,000 hectares between Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh,” she said. “We’re listening to the communities that use and care for these areas and balancing the needs of public land users, industry and the environment.” The Central West Investigation was undertaken by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council after a request from Minister D'Ambrosio in March 2017. The state government delayed the announcement for more than two years after more than 3000 members of the public, community groups and residents made submissions to VEAC. For some groups, like Wombat Forestcare, the news is welcomed. Spokesperson Gayle Osborne said it was a great result. “Areas with high conservation values will be included in the national park and areas around townships will be designated regional parks to enable recreation, dog walking, horse riding, fossicking and domestic firewood collection,” she said. “The Wombat Forest is home to many threatened species, including the endearing greater glider, powerful owls and brush-tailed phascogales. A leafless bossiaea, bossiaea vombata, is endemic to the Wombat Forest. All these species will finally have the protection they need to assist with their survival,” she said. Helen Scott, secretary of Newham and District Landcare Group said the biodiversity values of the Cobaw Range would now be better protected. However, Bush User Groups United (BUGU), a Facebook page created to advocate against the initial proposal for national parks, called the decision devastating for regional Victoria. Co-founder Bill Schulz said there was a massive number of people who vehemently disagree with the decision. “By December 2018 the VEAC had received over 2680 submissions. Of these almost 65 per cent rejected the idea, yet the VEAC again ignored the community and have pushed ahead with their own agenda. Locking up the land will decimate our communities,” he said. The new national parks and reserves announced will build on the 186,000 hectares already protected from timber harvesting announced in November 2019. When logging of publicly owned native forests ends in 2030, a further 1.8 million hectares of forest will be removed from active management. Creswick’s Dr Kevin Tolhurst, regarded across the world as one of Australia’s most respected fire ecology and management experts, said a major concern is the “reservation equals preservation” philosophy many people give to national parks. He said few if any national parks in Australia had the necessary workforce and resources to deal with critical issues including prescribed burning, introduced predators, feral animals and weed management. “My concern with a hands-off approach is what we saw in south eastern Australia with the 2019/20 fires. Large forested areas with low levels of human management are cause for concern and what we have seen in other areas is a reduced workforce actively managing the forested areas,” he said. “Fire management is often inadequate and while the popular focus for creating national parks is to provide better recreational opportunities, fire and land management is often poorly implemented.
“Many believe humans have negative influences on the environment, but we can learn a lot from indigenous culture where humans are seen as an integral part of the environment and must play an active role in forest management.” Some specialist land managers consider that by removing active management from highly modified natural environments such as the Lerderderg and Wombat state forests, the long-term ecological health of the forests' environment will suffer as a consequence of unmanaged weeds and fire which impact the ability of the forest to regenerate and reduce the diversity of understorey species.
Quick facts:
State forests are managed primarily for multiple use, including conservation, recreation, firewood gathering, harvesting of valuable timber products and mining. National parks are managed primarily for conservation and restricted recreational use. VEAC was requested by the State Government to make recommendations for the use and appropriate management arrangements to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural values. VEAC said it considered local and Aboriginal knowledge, scientific information and people’s views expressed in thousands of submissions and face-to-face conversations. Seasonal hunting (by stalking) will be permitted to continue in the Pyrenees and Wombat–Lerderderg national parks, in the areas where it is currently permitted, and with some restrictions. The season will be limited to the period between May and the start of the spring school holidays. The State Government confirmed that prospecting will be allowed as will activities that do not impact on environmental and cultural heritage values. Four-wheel driving, trail-bike riding, mountain biking, bushwalking, picnicking and nature observation opportunities are not impacted by the announcement.
Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Sandy Scheltema
*The Local journalist Narelle Groenhout was formerly the Media and Communications manager for the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) which made a submission to VEAC’s Central West investigation on behalf of association members involved in the timber industry. VAFI is no longer in operation.
4 News
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French party TRENTHAM CEMETERY TRUST The Trentham Cemetery Trust is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the community who would be interested in becoming honorary trust members. Women and those from a diverse background are actively encouraged to seek appointment to ensure that the trust’s membership accurately reflects the composition of the community it serves.
People are welcome to enjoy France's National Day party with Hepburn Shire U3A's French Circle and the Daylesford Brass Band's celebration on Wednesday, July 14.
Being appointed to a cemetery trust provides successful applicants with a unique opportunity to develop their competencies as a board member. In addition, the Department of Health provides free governance training to all trust members. Current and previous cemetery trust members may apply for reappointment as part of a competitive selection process. More information about the role of cemetery trust members is available at: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/cemeteries-and-crematoria/ cemetery-trust-appointments/class-b-cemetery-trust-appointments To register your interest please contact the Secretary of the Trentham Cemetery Trust as follows within two weeks of the date of this advertisement: m. 0400 101 633 e. trenthamcemetery@gmail.com The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. This includes appropriate representation of women, people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse and intersex people.
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The band, singers and guest artists including Val Simpson will perform French music and everyone's favourite French songs at the Daylesford Town Hall. Arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start with a 10.30pm finish. Cost is $20 per head with all proceeds to the brass band to purchase musical instruments. There will be prizes for the best table decoration and best dressed along with major raffle prizes. BYO food with a French flavour along with drinks and tableware. Bookings are essential with tables of eight preferred but individuals/couples welcome. For bookings contact Monica Cole 0425 851 679 or email onicaske@hotmail.com If Covid-19 restrictions force the cancellation of the 14 July event, it will be rescheduled to a later date as soon as possible.
Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years and are responsible to the Minister for Health for the proper and efficient management of the public cemeteries under the control of the trust, including the provision of future cemeteries services and the preservation of local history.
A FABULOUSLY FUN FUNDRAISER FOR
BYO NIBBLES AND DRINKS LOADS OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! RAFFLE, DOOR PRIZES AND A NOT-SO-SILENT AUCTION. $$$ OF PRIZES!
LIVE MUSIC BY THE CAPO BROTHERS AND LOCAL LEGEND SALLI HARVEY this event is made possible by the generous support of local business and our amazing major sponsors:
FOR MORE INFO AND TICKETS, HEAD TO WWW.DOLLY-LLAMAS.COM
Pets@Work
Paddy, a 10-year-old chocolate lab, has worked with Lesley Weir at Barber & Co, Daylesford for two years now. He is the concierge, greeting customers, and then the enforcer, making sure they pay! "Paddy gives lots of love and makes the kids happy," Lesley said. Do you know a Pet@Work? Email donna@tlnews.com.au
Rex needs more money
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 building of the Hepburn Hub at The Rex will proceed but it will need more money to make it happen, Mayor Lesley Hewitt told The Local.
"The need for additional funding has been identified and this is being worked through by the Project Control Group and council. We are aware that this is not what the community wants to hear, but we also understand the importance of delivering this transformational project," Cr Hewitt said. 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. At a meeting on June 15 this year, councillors heard a confidential report on the project and the options available "in relation to progressing the project". Cr Hewitt said it was clear the council's current staff accommodation, customer service areas and Daylesford Library were inadequate. "The Hepburn Hub at The Rex project will address these issues and deliver some important community spaces, including a community auditorium and co-working space." Cr Hewitt said the construction of the project had not commenced despite the awarding of a building contract, due to a dispute regarding the condition of the building and the agreed scope of works with the builder. "Council made some critical decisions at the (June 18) meeting. The CEO has been given 21 days to negotiate with the builder to resolve these issues, or termination of the contract will be enacted, and we will then proceed to appoint a new contractor. "We understand the frustration of the community regarding the delays associated with this complex project so we will be establishing a Project Advisory Group, including community members, to promote greater transparency. A draft terms of reference is to be developed and announcements will be made regarding the calling for membership." Words: Donna Kelly
Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
I have been writing these Mayor’s messages now since November and each time I sit down to do so, I note that there has been a lot happening in the Shire. This fortnight is no different. We have moved from the emergency phase to the recovery phase following the storm. In addition to our work crews who have been out clearing up, officers have been working with Regional Development Victoria and Bushfire Recovery Victoria to access the financial and other support we need. The Recovery Centre in Trentham is continuing to operate. Clean up has started. Please check the Hepburn Shire dedicated storm update webpage or our Facebook page for up-to-date information. The Special Council Meeting on 29 June approved the Revenue and Rating Plan, Mayoral and Councillors Allowances, the Road Management Plan and importantly the 2021-2022 Council Budget. You can read more details on the Shire webpage or by signing up for the Hepburn Life email newsletter. Ongoing funding for Council activities such as libraries, maternal and child health, sport and active recreation, tourism, care for the elderly, parks and gardens, programs for young people is ensured and we have allocated $11.65 million towards the capital works program, which will see the renewal of existing and construction of new assets for the community. Our capital works budget is 62% of general rates, which has been made possible with the significant government funding that has been announced over the last few months. The increase to rates has been capped at 1.5%. Waste management is an issue and we have a cost recovery approach. Costs have risen significantly during the last year due to changes in kerbside collection contract rates and a 20% increase in the volume of waste produced. For those with a kerbside collection service, the waste charge will increase by $83 to $479 (which is $1.60 per week) per year to ensure cost recovery of this service. We were blindsided last week with the announcement of the preferred corridor for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project. Council’s preferred position is for the transmission lines to be undergrounded. We are supportive of renewable energy, but are strongly opposed to the transmission lines being above ground and the potential location of the transmission station which will impact on valuable agricultural land and significant landscapes. Council has committed $50,000 in the 2021-22 Budget to fund a formal submission on the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) and are committed to advocating this. There are concerns being raised by councils and communities all along the proposed corridor and we want to see these concerns taken seriously in the EES process. The Hepburn Together website and the Hepburn Life email newsletter has more details on all the matters here and I would encourage you to sign up for updates if you are interested in knowing more. Cr Lesley Hewitt MAYOR
CONTACTS
General enquiries
5348 2306
@
Mail Email Website
Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399
PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au
BUDGET APPROVED
Council last week adopted its $40.879 million annual budget, which outlines the funds to deliver priority projects and more than 100 services. Thank you to the 21 people who made a submission on the proposed budget. Many people raised the importance of strategic planning and Council has allocated more than $600,000 towards this important work.
Budget highlights include completion of the Hepburn Together project, including adoption of a Community Vision and Council Plan; development of a new Council website; updates to the Waste, Biodiversity and Sustainability Strategies; development of a new shirewide Walking and Cycling Strategy and Arts and Culture Strategy. Council has also allocated $11.65 million towards the capital works program, including $1.62M+ on gravel and road reseals; $1.45M+ on road improvements; $600,000 for bridge renewal works; $534,000 on footpaths and cycleways; $763,000 on parks and open spaces works, and more. Council will also finalise design works, procurement activities and begin construction of priority projects including the Trentham Community Hub, Trentham Recreation Pavilion update, Hammon Park Trail Head, and works at Bullarto train station and Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Find out more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/council-adopts-budgetfor-year-ahead/.
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: •
Proposal to observe Melbourne Cup Public Holiday (closes Sunday, 11 July)
•
Domestic Animal Management Plan (closes Thursday, 22 July 2021)
•
Hepburn Aquatics Strategy (the closing date has been extended to Friday 30 July 2021).
Hepburn Aquatic Strategy – Additional Community Pop-Up Sessions Have your say in person by coming along to one of the following pop-up sessions: •
Saturday 17 July, 9am – 1pm - Trentham Farmers Market
•
Saturday 24 July, 10am – 1pm - Outside Creswick IGA. For after hours emergencies please call: Animal Control - 0419 587 955 Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil
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After the storm 7
After the storm: Restoring our region
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HE sheer devastation the recent storm caused across the region will take years to recover from. Councils across the region are working through literally hundreds of service requests from residents and businesses affected by the storm.
A spokesperson from Moorabool Shire Council said it was too early to estimate the cost of the storm cleanup. “It will likely run into the millions of dollars. We would expect much of the cost to be reimbursed through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Skips have been located at several impacted areas for green waste. Council is also allowing free disposal of green waste at all transfer stations until July 11.” For areas where council is responsible, such as roadsides, the timber within the Moorabool Shire will be removed from site and processed. Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas said the council was working to support the community. “We are working through hundreds of service requests from the community for assistance, and we continue to operate the Relief and Recovery Centre in Trentham. There has been significant damage, particularly in the eastern part of the shire, and debris and fallen trees continue to require cleanup or removal,” he said. Free green waste for Hepburn Shire residents has been extended until July 31. For financial support contact the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing on 1300 475 170 or email emergencyhardshippayments@dffh.vic.gov.au Insurance enquiries can go to Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 (24-hour hotline). Or check its website.
Check before you chop
To ensure valuable fallen trees do not go to waste, and in an effort to help fill the building industry’s timber shortage, VicForests is urging residents to check the status of the trees on their properties before the chainsaw comes into play. A spokesperson said more than 170 residents across Victoria have contacted the state-owned body. Landowners who have fallen trees that have a trunk at least three metres long and around 40 centimetres in diameter can contact VicForests to see if their tree/s are salvageable. Contact vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au for advice.
Emergency services
SES volunteers across the regions, along with Australian Defence Force personnel, local contractors and local and state government staff are working tirelessly to deal with the lengthy and dangerous clean-up process. Roadside clearing remains one of the priorities and SES crews urge residents to be vigilant given many trees and limbs on private and public properties and along roadsides could easily fall. SES branches have updated information on their websites and residents are encouraged to check regularly for information.
A lethal weapon
Residents are being urged to think twice about using chainsaws if they are not skilled or experienced. Third generation former local forest contractor, Nigel Howard, said chainsaws were potentially lethal weapons and must be used with care. “The biggest issue is with people buying chainsaws with limited or no experience. They can clearly be lethal and also cause cuts and kickback and broken bones if the chainsaw isn’t used correctly,” he said. “If you don’t feel confident, don’t do it. Cutting trees in the bush is not a controlled environment and while a tree might look safe to cut, many trees are under heavy loads with the storm damage and knowing how to correctly cut the tree is essential.”
WorkSafe's updated information
WorkSafe has recently updated its Working Safely with Trees guidance note to help employers identify and control the risks of falling objects while tree trimming, pruning or tree removal. It also includes guidance about working near overhead powerlines, working at height, working with chainsaws and wood chippers.
Link: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Words: Narelle Groenhout
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8 Our wildlife
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Wildlife shelter needs donations for hospital
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EPBURN Wildlife Shelter co-owner Jon Rowdon says the destruction of so much of Australia's beautiful forests and wildlife through bushfires, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, had highlighted the vulnerability of all life on earth and how much care and compassion was needed to put back into this human way of life.
"The Hepburn Wildlife Shelter is taking a bold step in building the Central Victoria Wildlife Hospital to actively extend the care and compassion for the wildlife in the region. The project has been launched by a single generous donation of $100,000 from members of the community. "A further $40,000 has so far been awarded in grants for this project (and) this year we will be seeking a further $260,000 in grants and $100,000 in public donations. Come what may, we will be ready to open the hospital in preparation for the next fire season. "But it's not all about fires. Every year the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter responds to over 500 animals that need to come into the shelter for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Every day animals are orphaned and injured because they have been hit on the roads, caught in fencing and netting, attacked by cats and dogs, electrocuted, burnt, poisoned, shot, trapped, displaced by habitat clearance and destruction, suffering heat stress, falling down mineshafts and sometimes, but not very often, by simple misadventure. "The Central Victoria Wildlife Hospital will be a resource for all shelters and wildlife rescuers in the region. It does not replace shelters in any way but will provide 24-hour emergency and critical care, so that an injured animal found on the road at 2am will always have a place to go for proper assessment and treatment. "It means that wildlife rescuers won't have to sit on the side of the road making a dozen phone calls to try to find a shelter that is not full and can take on the injured animal they have just rescued. It means that shelters will be able to access specialist veterinary care. "Importantly, the Central Victoria Wildlife Hospital will be a focal point and an educational hospital for vets, vet nurses and wildlife carers. We are located in a very diverse and rich area for wildlife.
"We want to help people find better ways to share this living space and to minimise the risks to the health and lives of the wildlife that must live amongst us." Among those heeding the call for donations are Biggin & Scott Daylesford who were successful is securing a grant for $1500 + GST through the Advantage Community Grants program. The program supports real estate agents and their involvement in community groups, sporting organisations and other charitable causes close to their hearts. Biggin & Scott Daylesford co-director Tom Shaw said that his company had chosen the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter because "now, more than ever, the money is needed after the damaging storms that came through the region". Tom, pictured left with co-director Michael DeVincentis, middle, and Mr Rowdon, said he encouraged anyone who was able to support the organisation.
Link: www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org/donate/
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Out & About 9
Macedon Ranges comes alive with Rainbow Voices
A
DAM Przewlocki, a leading Australian show choir director, has a very impressive biography but what is more inspiring is his passion for music.
He believes singing and music are as important as the air we breathe. Adam is looking for singers to join Rainbow Voices Community Choir, the first Macedon Ranges LGBTQIA choir, at its first rehearsal on Sunday 18 July from 4pm to 6pm at the Kyneton Community House. “I want to create a choir and space where members of the LGBTQIA community can come and be themselves and explore the magic of group singing,” Adam said. His experience has shown that singing can be good for mental health and physical wellbeing, particularly in the current world environment. When you sing, the body vibrates, which, together with breathing, wires up the body’s physiology to make you feel good. Adam said singing was excellent natural medicine. “It’s one of the few group activities, for example, PODCAST where a grandfather can participate alongside his grandson,” he said. “Unlike sports, where an older body prohibits physical participation, choir singing can have an age gap from 10 to 90, which makes it unique.” Adam, who took up residence in Kyneton 15 months ago, is Rainbow Voices’ musical director, a role which defines the musical path of the choir. Hits from the pop repertoire as well as music theatre are his particular path. No singing experience is required to join Rainbow Voices, and it is open to the LGBTQIA community and its allies and supporters. His idea is to bring the Macedon Ranges LGBTQIA community together through the power of group singing and the magic of music-making.
Take a Trentham walk
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HE Trentham and Districts Historical Society and Belle Property Trentham have partnered up to create historical displays in the town's shopping precinct.
The Society's treasurer Natalie Poole said the move came after the downturn in tourist numbers due to Covid prompted the society to find a way to make the township have a tourist presence again after the many upheavals the traders had experienced. The Society also wanted to see its Take a Walk around Trentham book come to life in the shopping precinct of High and Market streets. The book is a guide to points of historical interest in the township of Trentham. Ms Poole set up a working group with Belle Property's Ceri Spain, the society's curator Sue Worthington, trader representative Sylvia Johnson and herself and started liaising with business owners and landlords along with researching the history of the retail spaces. "After discussion within the group, I approached the Freemasons at 50-52 High Street with the bakery downstairs and Freemasons Lodge upstairs to get the project up and running. Both the landlord and the business owner were happy to proceed with the idea."
All singers are warmly welcome said Adam, who only conducts unauditioned choirs. “I don’t believe anybody can’t sing. Everyone can sing; it just takes a nurturing and safe place to explore their voice. Often blending with others helps you find your singing voice.” Rainbow Voices will be a performing choir with its maiden concert in Kyneton. Register your interest in Rainbow Voices Community Choir at Kyneton Community House on 5422 3433 or email admin@kynetoncommunityhouse.org.au
Listen to Carol and Adam chat by scanning the QR code. Words: Carol Saffer | Image: Contributed
Ms Poole said the project was long-term and she hoped at least 50 per cent of businesses would come on board. "Once the displays in the bakery go up we are hoping it will explode. The book, which costs $5, lists 24 places of interest in Trentham. The project will eventually encompass the shopping precinct (and) other places to visit and photograph (such as) waterfalls, the cemetery, Quarry Park Reserve and, for the bushwalkers, the Wombat Forest/Domino Trails Walk." Belle Property Trentham is sponsoring all the displays.
The display planned for the bakery window
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Life4Life
OUTH Live4Life's Woodend headquarters were officially opened on Friday, June 25.
Garden grants Truck comp
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The funding will be used to implement recommendations identified in the site master plans and to complement council’s existing program of improvements for Malmsbury and Gisborne botanic gardens. Council will contribute $30,000. Projects that will receive funding include: • Gisborne Botanic Gardens - irrigation design and installation; • Malmsbury Botanic Gardens - irrigation design and installation; and • Gisborne Botanic Gardens - continuing the current tree planting program. A spokesperson said gaving automatic irrigation would greatly improve the health of the trees, lawns and gardens at Gisborne and Malmsbury botanic gardens. "(And) increasing the tree canopy at Gisborne Botanic Gardens will improve the beauty and useability of the site into the future, ensuring shade and cover for park users. Planning for these projects is underway and works are scheduled for completion by March 2022." Assets and Operations director Shane Walden said the botanic gardens at Gisborne and Malmsbury were well loved by the community and attracted visitors from across the Macedon Ranges. The Malmsbury Botanic Gardens were established in the 1850s while the Gisborne Botanic Gardens are relatively new.
The competition is open for students who attend kindergarten to year 12 in the region. Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said that students from across Hepburn Shire were encouraged to get creative and submit designs for the 2021 truck art competition, run by the council in partnership with Suez. The theme for the competition is "reducing landfill", with the winning design in each category to be displayed on a local waste collection truck. The artist will receive a $150 gift card and their school will receive a $200 voucher for a sustainable project at their school. Runners-up in each category will receive a $50 voucher. “It’s exciting to be running this competition and we’re looking forward to seeing the artistic flair of our youngest residents in relation to this important topic reducing landfill,” Cr Hewitt said. “We’re asking students to demonstrate ideas for where items should go, other than in the red-lidded bin, which means going to landfill. This will help spread the message of where items can go, or how items could be reused or recycled rather than ending up in landfill." The competition is open until Friday, August 13. Entries must be submitted on flat A3 paper or a pdf file in a landscape format.
ACEDON Ranges Shire Council has been awarded $180,000 through With many young people in the Macedon DELWP’s Growing Victoria’s Botanic Ranges facing the challenges of COVID-19 and extreme Gardens grant program. weather events, the support for their mental health is crucial. "The mental health of young people in rural and regional Victoria has never been more important than now," CEO Bernard Galbally said. "Over the past year Youth Live4Life has experienced a period of considerable growth and we are thrilled to set up our office in the rural shire where Live4Life began." Youth Live4Life was established in 2015 to facilitate and govern the expansion of the Live4Life youth suicide prevention and mental health education model. Close to 25 per cent of the population has received mental health first aid training. “Life4Life provides mental health education and suicide prevention initiatives for rural and regional communities. The program supports young people to recognise, seek and offer help for mental health concerns, and builds the capacity of the whole community to look after its young people,” Mr Galbally said. Suicide is the leading cause of death of Australian young people, and suicide rates are 40 per cent higher in rural areas. Live4Life is the only mental health education and youth suicide prevention model designed specifically for rural and regional communities.
Pictured from left, Bernard Galbally, Kyle Hayes, Laura Crozier, Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas Image: Sandy Scheltema
EPBURN Shire Council has launched a new truck art competition to celebrate the arrival of a new kerbside collection service being provided by Suez Recycling and Recovery.
Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/waste-news/
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Out & About 11
Even with Covid they never lose their bottle
O
UT on the back blocks of rural Australia, before the practice was banned as part of heritage conservation laws, bottle collecting out of old waste sites was a serious pastime for many people interested in the country’s long-distant past.
And while Australia always had a very thorough recycling industry, bottle recyclers rarely made it out of the main towns and cities. So across the land, on farms, in remote logging camps, mining operations and countless villages and towns, discarded bottles were buried, thrown down privies or chucked into disused cellars. Years later, people like Steve Greenwood dug them up, initiating their own lifelong love affair with collecting the items in all their myriad shapes and sizes. “My grandfather had an old bottle yard and that rubbed off on me. And my Dad used to call me the strange one which came about because I was always picking up other people's rubbish, old bottles and all that sort of stuff.” Today Steve is president overseeing The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection in Clunes. With over 6500 individual items, the collection is arguably the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The oldest vessel dates from the 16th century and covers all types of glass and ceramic vessels for beer, wine, spirit, milk, cordials and soda water to preserves and condiments jars and medicine and ointment containers. Lee Medlyn, the founder of the museum, was born in St Arnaud in 1921. He lived on the land and ran sheep on a property near Rokewood, south of Ballarat. During his time there he found a large cache of buried bottles which got him started along the road of vialology (the study of vials or bottles). Another term we could utilise here is labeorphilist which describes a collector of beer bottles. However this term is limiting as the Clunes collection is far more diverse than mere beer bottles, ceramic or otherwise. Steve continues the story: “Upon retirement Lee sold the farm and bought a house in Clunes. By this time his collection had grown and was stored in three garages. His partner Joyce Harrison was getting sick of it taking up space and said: ‘Let's see if we can find a home for them’.” That home would turn out to be the old South Clunes State School at 70 Bailey Street. The school closed down in 1922 and the building had been repurposed as a knitting mill in 1939, remaining at the site for 45 years. Lee purchased it in 1985 and over the next two years they stripped out the old machinery and installed new cabinets to put all the bottles in. The new museum was opened in 1987. Eight years later Lee died suddenly in the front room and his ghost is said to haunt the place to this day. He bequeathed the building and its collection to the Shire of Clunes and Talbot and in 1996 with the amalgamation of regional councils under then premier Jeff Kennett it was transferred to the new Hepburn Shire Council. Since then the collection has increased. Every three years the museum committee buys other collections from around Australia and whatever bottles they don’t require are sold on again to build up funds to start the process all over again. And while Covid disruptions have seen the space close several times over the last year or so, it has opened its doors again and everyone from the volunteers to the members of the committee are crossing their fingers that it will remain so for the time being. "This is our second week open," says Steve. "It was originally stipulated in Lee Medlyn’s will that if the museum did not turn a profit in 12 months and became a burden to the ratepayers, the council could sell the building, land and collection. But our dedicated committee here has managed to keep it open and financed. We have even donated from our own pockets to keep it going and we have been very successful so far.” The Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Additional volunteers to come and look after the space are always welcome.
Words: Tony Sawrey | Images: Louise Gay Pictured above, Lee Medlyn Home of Bottles Collection president Steve Wood, committee member Jan Turner and a small sample of the collection
PODCAST
12 Out & About
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Conway & Zygier at Palais
Pizzeria
La L na
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Home deliveries Thursday to Sunday Get your pizza fix during COVID-19 Thursday, Sunday, Monday | 5pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday | 5pm - 10pm Tuesday & Wednesday | CLOSED
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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.
EBORAH Conway is enjoying being able to play gigs again, as are we punters just as happy to be extricated from our lounges to hear some live music. She spoke with Darren Lowe about being back on the road and playing with Willy Zygier, Songs From The Book of Life, at the Palais-Hepburn on July 16.
"It was good fun to be back out on the road, everything was tracking well with a tour that had already been rescheduled from 2020. We played eight beautiful shows to some incredibly appreciative audiences in WA, SA, Queensland and Bendigo before we were all told to stand down and again find ourselves at home in our slippers." The latest performance format is part gig and part theatrical experience. This venture largely resulted from time spent in lockdown with long-time partner Willy. "I have been writing prose, Willy has been recording music with Alma, one of our daughters for an EP out soon. We have also written a theatrical piece, based around what I’ve been writing, which we are looking forward to presenting at the PalaisHepburn. "I mentioned already the middle daughter Alma who is a jazz singer, has been writing original material and has recorded her first EP in lockdown; our youngest daughter Hettie has started up her band, My Back Pocket; the oldest daughter Syd sings with the other two in a band called YID! They all have a rich musical life which is very beautiful for us to watch and participate in." Deborah and Willy were part of an extensive line-up which unfortunately we didn’t get to see in Victoria. "The APIA Good Times Tour, mentioned earlier, was originally scheduled for 2020. This iteration of Good Times features Brian Cadd, Wendy Matthews, Vika and Linda Bull, Kate Ceberano, Leo Sayer, John Paul Young, Joe Camilleri and Willy and I. Due to lockdown restrictions we unfortunately have had to abandon the Tasmanian leg and postpone Victorian and NSW shows, all very disappointing." Deborah elaborated on what to expect at the gig. "Songs From The Book Of Life is a theatrical and musical exploration tracking through autobiographical chapters of my life. We play a diverse selection of songs from across our long career accompanied by stories which we hope will surprise and deepen the appreciation of those songs, even the very familiar ones, for our audiences." I asked her about her memories of the Palais-Hepburn. "I haven’t played the Palais-Hepburn since it’s been renovated (so) hoping the backstage area got a much-needed overhaul as well. It was always a gorgeous venue so I'm very excited to see it again." Does she still play that lovely small-bodied Maton I remember? "I have been playing a beautiful handmade guitar by local Victorian luthier Jack Spira, it’s gorgeous." Both Deborah and Willy sing and play guitar, with Willy on mandolin. Finally, some reflections on the legendary Michael Gudinski. “I like many others was completely shocked by Michael’s passing. He is/was a larger-than-life character who animated so many aspects of Australian music that it is impossible to quantify his contribution. He is missed. Michael was a man of infectious enthusiasm and a short attention span with a penchant for roguishness. Always loyal, though not always to you. He made me laugh, yell and then laugh again, now he makes me very sad at his absence."
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.
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Our festivals 13
Stars of the pen to brighten a hard winter
A
back.
FTER a pandemic-induced year off, Daylesford’s popular festival of books, ideas and issues, Words in Winter, is
Some authors who will be appearing had up to PODCAST 30 events cancelled on them because of Covid and are brimming with enthusiasm for the August 19-22 festival. Organisers expressed delight at the high standard of guests, stamping this as one of Australia's top regional writers' festivals. First out of the blocks on Thursday, August 19, is one of Australia’s most influential writers, Dennis Altman, to discuss his forensic study of royalty, God Save the Queen. Festival goers will learn how an avowed republican sees the survival of the royals in face of defections to the US and scandals. Another nationally treasured writer, Castlemaine’s Alex Miller, will talk about his move into non-fiction with his highly praised book Max. Now limiting his public appearances, 84-year-old Miller is twice winner of both Australia’s premier literary prizes, the Miles Franklin Literary Award, and the Christina Stead Prize for Fiction, an overall winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the NSW Premier's Awards, among many others. He will be joined at the festival by one of its greatest supporters, Arnold Zable, recently given a lifetime achievement award by the Australia Council. As well as discussing his latest book, The Watermill, Zable will also interview another much lauded writer, Behrouz Boochani. Now living in New Zealand, Boochani, a Kurdistan-Iranian refugee, was held for years by Australia in Papua New Guinea, where he used his mobile phone to painstakingly write his internationally acclaimed No Friends But the Mountains. Two years ago the ABC’s investigative gun Louise Milligan drew a packed Daylesford audience. Now, having survived a legal action by the former Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter, she is free to discuss that and Witness, her “important, disturbing” book about how the criminal justice system can make things worse for victims. Another powerful account of difficult times will be given by a legend of publishing, Hilary McPhee, with her memoir Other People’s Houses, centring on both her life and a bizarre time when she was contracted to write a book with a member of the Jordanian royal family. Closer to home, award-winning author of 12 books and distinguished historian Cassandra Pybus will talk about her study of the astonishing life of Truganini, an Aboriginal woman once known as the “last Tasmanian”. This “inspiring and haunting story” shows how Truganini’s life spanned psychological and cultural shifts almost beyond comprehension. What is sure to be a riveting panel discussion, chaired by The Age book columnist and author Jane Sullivan, brings together three highly praised authors. Frenchborn writer-translator Catherine de Saint Phalle, now a Daylesford resident, joins Sunbury thriller writer Erina Reddan, and young Emmy award-winning scriptwriterplaywright-novelist Gabriel Bergmoser. They will offer their views on novel-writing. Another angle on the novel will come from a writer whose first work drew huge praise from leading book critic Peter Craven. He called The Hands of the Pianists by the formidable food critic Stephen Downes “a dark, dazzling drama by a master of lunacy”. The master will show his stuff. A special guest this year is Jingjing Xue. Forced as a nine-year-old orphan to train as an acrobat, he will share his astonishing story of poverty, fame, imprisonment and freedom in Australia. A film will be shown at this presentation. Beyond these appearances there will be a book launch by acclaimed poet Ross Gillett, yet another Daylesford star. Unusually for such festivals, Words in Winter is broadening its appeal to reach footy fans. Daylesford Football Club will play host to the author of three books on the triumphs and tribulations of Richmond Football Club.
Author Konrad Marshall will take part in a panel with Alan Pearce, for many years a Richmond trainer and now a Daylesford resident, and another resident, Cameron Schwab, the youngest chief executive officer of a club in Victorian Football League history when he joined the Tigers aged 24, and later chief executive at both Melbourne and Fremantle before returning to the Demons. Other festival highlights include a poetry session, workshops, talks, and the nationally popular $1000 Venie Holmgren prize for environmental poetry, named for the late Hepburn environmental crusader. Competitions and awards stud the festival with popular short story competitions for adults and school students. Winners of the primary and secondary schools' writing contest will be announced on Saturday, August 28 at the town hall.
Links: www.wordsinwinter.com, Facebook and Twitter
Pictured, Words in Winter coordinators Maia Irell and Kevin Childs Image: Louise Gay
Another powerful account of difficult times will be given by Hilary McPhee, with her memoir Other People’s Houses, centring on both her life and a bizarre time when she was contracted to write a book with a member of the Jordanian royal family.
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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.
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Well, I'll be blowed It took little imagination to decide on this issue’s topic especially after this winter’s horrendous arrival. Even without the fearsome squalls and driving rain, winter can bring great problems to many trees and shrubs. Apart from broken branches caused by the sheer force of the wind, many plants can suffer splits and abrasions from being battered against buildings and fences. Fractured, split and weakened branches should be either completely removed or at least cut back to a healthier undamaged point of healthy growth. Deadwood should be removed completely. You will no doubt notice that any string or twine used to secure fragile branches to stakes or other supports will have caused considerable rubbing or chafing during strong winds. It may be necessary to remove the badly affected branches. Less damaged ones will benefit from a dressing of pruning mastic, sterilising paint, or petroleum jelly over their cuts and scrapes to seal the wound and aid in the healing process. Young trees, particularly when in heavy or water-laden soil, may have been so blown about that their roots will have been loosened and more than likely damaged so that the tree now ‘rocks’. Look carefully to see if they need re-staking. Also make sure the surrounding soil is compacted to strengthen the roots' grip. In the case of staked and tied-up plants, other than severe damage from stormy gusts, most harm is caused by the use of tightly bound wire, string or rope. One of the best alternatives is old pantyhose or stocking material. These don’t cause chafing or strangulation and their resilience allows controlled but natural movement for the plants, as well as the support provided by sturdy and rigid stakes. This is illustrated above in the photograph of the rosa chinensis mutabilis being trained as a bonsai tree. In most cases it is far better to use three or four evenly spaced, strong stakes around plants, with a loop that passes from each stake and around the main stem, allowing about 5cm of movement in each loop to allow the plant to move minimally and be almost self-supporting but restricted to grow naturally into the shape of tree or shrub of your choice. All too often young trees are strapped tightly to a stake, leading to them becoming totally reliant for support and unable to stand alone once the stake is removed. Take time out to check for any likely damage spots around the garden. Your trees and most exposed woody shrubs could be the first to need attention. Remove any damaged side shoots back to the main stem. You should then shorten any main branches back to just above a strong side branch, remembering that a short branch won’t grow any longer so you may consider removing it completely if it isn’t going to add to the character of the tree. Cut it right back to the thickened area on the trunk.
Support There comes a time in the life of many elderly trees, especially those with lowspreading branches, when the sheer burden of supporting the canopy has caused a weakness, sometimes even with a small tear at the bottom of the joint. This can be alleviated by the help of an iron or wire brace. The sketch right illustrates three methods of achieving this in order of quality. A: The least recommended, unless the tree has thick and sturdy bark to withstand the pressure of the ties. B: Best used on hardwood which will resist pulling the anchor into the branches, risking a loss of torsion. C: Great for heavier branches and close to the centre of ‘Y’ because heavier duty attachments and wire (or light chain) can be used.
Got a gardening question? Ask Glen. Email glenzgarden@gmail.com
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Our enthusiasts 17
Cars of the Central Highlands
with Neil Counahan
The Local's car writer Neil Counahan talks to Peter Ure, the owner of a classic 1973 HQ Belmont panel van. To me, the panel van is the most iconic Aussie car - you just don't see them like this in other countries. Also, it has always been one of the cars I have always wanted. This particular car is a symbol of brotherly love as it is a tribute to Peter's twin brother Robert who always loved Holdens and particularly panel vans. After Robert tragically passed, Peter decided to find and rebuild one in his honour. "I did a full bare metal restoration which took me about three years. It originally had a 202 motor and manual gearbox with bench seats so it was a stock standard Belmont. "Now it has a 308 V8 auto with bucket seats. I just wanted a nice tourer. It is not a concourse car but I don't care, I wanted to retain the Belmont badge as you just don't see them around now. "Even without power steering I just love driving it and the sound of the V8 just tops it off, it's a great highway tourer. "And I have two other early British cars, a MG Midget and a Morris Mini, that get taken out when the weather is fine!"
Pictured, Peter Ure with his panel van, inset, let the work begin Coming up in the August 2 edition - a Chevrolet Nova
COURTOT AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS
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18 Happy & Healthy
COVID-19 VACCINE
LGBTIQA+ meeting
A
GROUP for parents and carers of LGBTIQA+ young people is meeting next week.
Parents Empowering Rainbow Kids (PERK) is a group for parents of young people up to the age of 25 that provides information, support as well as the opportunity for parents to connect. Organised by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s WayOut program, meetings are held in different locations across the Macedon Ranges including Kyneton and Woodend. Research has shown that young people with diverse sexuality and gender identities experience higher rates of anxiety, eating disorders, depression, social phobia and suicidal thoughts than their peers. The meeting is in Woodend on Wednesday, July 14 from 5.30pm-7pm. Details: WayOut on 5421 1666 or healthpromotion@scchc.org.au
UPDATE
PFIZER VACCINE CLINICS
Available at our Daylesford location, for people aged between 40 and 59, or those that fit the eligibility criteria.
ASTRAZENECA VACCINE CLINICS Available at our Daylesford location, for people aged 60 and over.
If you have had your first AstraZeneca dose at Springs Medical, you will receive your second dose appointment details via SMS or phone.
Remedial Massage · Facials · Oncology Massage Lomi Lomi Hot Stone Massage · Aromatherapy Relaxation Massage Cupping · Take home aftercare products available
Book online or speak to our reception staff to book your appointment. Please remember that you must leave a 7 day gap between ANY vaccination.
Health fund rebates available. If you live in the Hepburn Shire discounts may apply.
www.springsmedical.com.au BOOK NOW: Text Fiona Harris 0417 371 587 or scan My home clinic is on the edge of the Wombat Forest in Glenlyon
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The majesty of the trees, the gentle sway in the breeze, the stillness of the moment
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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
20 Crossword
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Out & About 21
Markets
Gigs
There are plenty of markets around the Central Highlands to keep you busy every weekend. Here are a few to get you started.
Wombat Forest Winery, Denver
Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Creswick Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists Market – first Sunday 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 Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Malmsbury Farmers Market - third Sunday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday (Closed June-August)
with Darren Lowe
The Cartwheels - Saturday, July 10 and 17, 1pm-3pm (pictured)
Guildford Family Hotel, Guildford Mouldy Jazz - Friday, July 9, 7pm The Cartwheels - Saturday, July 10, 7pm Midnight Mantra - Sunday, July 11, 1pm Guildford Folk Festival - Thursday, July 15, 6.30pm Tyquin's Lane - Friday, July 16, 7pm Milkshakers - Saturday, July 17, 7pm 3 Chord Club - Sunday, July 18, 7pm
Daylesford Cider, Musk (Christmas in July events) The Vintage Blues Machine - Saturday, July 10, 5.30pm-10pm Midnight Jackson - Saturday, July 17, 5.30pm-10pm Gilly & Terry - Saturday, July 24, 5.30pm-10pm
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs Songs for Swinging Lovers - Saturday, July 10 Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier - Friday, July 16 The Rechords - Saturday, July 17
Daylesford Rotary Farmers Market - fourth Saturday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday
Catherine
KING MP
Federal Member for Ballarat 03 5338 8123 Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au CatherineKingMP @CatherineKingMP
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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!
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22 Opinion
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Just sayin’...
Just briefly
By Donna Kelly
Council 'furious' with Network plans
H
OUSTON, we have a problem. Not a big one, mind. Not like trying to convince people that AstraZeneca is safe, that Pfizer shots are better six weeks apart or that the vaccine does not include a microchip. In fact, you can't find microchips anywhere these days. Lack of silicon apparently. Like a lack of Pfizer.
But I am not going to "bang on", as Kyle calls my musings, about the vaccine. My problem is much stranger. If you can help, that would be great. Read the bit at the end. It came as we took a few days off and left the Central Highlands for a little break. It has been a while, about two years, and let's face it, been a pretty shitty time. So we trundled off, not far, you don't even need to know where. But then the something strange started to happen. I got a text to say there was a parcel for me at the Daylesford Post Office. Nothing strange yet but stay with me. I called the post office but no answer so I called Australia Post. If you ever feel like whiling away a couple of hours I suggest you do the same and go straight for the automated help voice. She drew me in, asking nicely what my call was about. "A delivery," I said, very politely. "I can help you with that, what is the tracking number?" she replied. I went from my phone screen to my text message screen and looked at the number. It was about 40 digits long with one letter. Hmmm. My memory is not what it used to be so I looked around for a pen and wrote the number down and went back to my phone screen. Oddly, the woman/voice had lost interest and wandered off so I called back and eventually got to tell her the number. I was still being very polite. I am nothing if not well brought up. And she had told me that some of the calls are screened for training purposes and I didn't want to get her in trouble. The woman/voice then said: "Let's try another way. What is your address?" So I told her that but she came a bit undone with Glenlyon so I typed it in as well for good measure. Then she told me to press 2 to speak to someone. Yay. But I pressed 2 and nothing happened. And she told me again to press 2. And I did, and... Anyway, I rang back and managed to get straight to a person by staying very quiet when the woman/voice answered. It seemed a bit rude but I was starting to worry she was a little incompetent. But she had nothing on the real person. I told him my conundrum and asked if someone else could pick up my parcel. (Don't tell Kyle but I was expecting a very nice lockdown handbag from the U.S.) Yes, he said, as long as they knew what address it had been sent to. Easy, I said, and told him my address. No, he said, it has been sent to another address in Glenlyon. If you don't know that address they can't pick it up. Even I can't pick it up. I explained that I had a text message to my phone number with a tracking number and that his explanation was a bit dumb. Politely, of course. He said the parcel had been sent from Benton's Square in Mornington so I could just call around any acquaintances who might have sent me something. Hmmm. I don't know anyone in Mornington. Curiouser and curiouser. I guess I could go through the White Pages but what if they were unlisted? I went for reason again, and again, but soon realised I was just repeating the same process over and over and that is a sure sign of insanity. Me or Australia Post? Both I think. Anyway, I finally said thanks, not sure why, and hung up and rang a Glenlyon friend and asked for them to try and pick up my parcel - they know who I am at the post office. I got a text last night. "What address was it sent to?" Anyone feel like starting with the As in the phone book? Just sayin'... (Post script: Sanity won out. Thanks to those you know who they are...)
THE proposed corridors for the Western Victoria Transmission Network project have been reduced to one but Hepburn Shire Council has slammed the project for its lack of "genuine consultation".
Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said the council was "furious" that the impacts on the community had not been adequately considered. "While council is supportive of renewable energy, it is strongly opposed to the transmission lines being above ground and the potential location of the transmission station, which will impact on valuable agricultural land and significant landscapes."
Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/western-transmission-lines-project/
New ChillOut director EMMA Ireland has been appointed festival director for the 2021-2022 ChillOut season.
Emma, who has more than 25 years' experience in music and events, managed a number of events during the 2019 festival. “I am 100 per cent committed to further development of ChillOut as a major queer community festival in our Hepburn Shire. The 25th year of ChillOut brings a fabulous opportunity to celebrate diversity in our queer community but also to reach out and build strong partnerships with other LGBTQIA organisations all around Victoria.”
Go plastic free for July MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has taken the Plastic Free July Challenge to help the community avoid single-use plastics.
Council staff will be taking on personal plastic-free challenges and sharing information about how the community can reduce their use of single-use plastics. Council has developed a towards zero single-use plastics action plan for phasing out single-use plastics within council operations and then assisting the community and businesses to do the same. To take part in the free program visit www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/ and choose to refuse a few single use plastics.
Link: www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/find-events-near-you/
services LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT SEPTIC servicesSYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPORTING OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISION OF SLUDGE PUMP-OUT LATEST SLUDGE-JUDGE TECHNOLOGY AUTHORISED TAYLEX SERVICE AGENT
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PO Box 1040, Daylesford, VIC 3460 koos.hulst@sanae-svcs.com.au (03) 5348 6620 or 0437 747 619
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Opinion 23
Kyle’s Rant
I
T'S that most wonderful time of the year and I am not talking about Christmas, although some pelicans around the place want to have this torturous and auspicious event in both July and December. I prefer to keep my gunpowder dry for just the one bloodthirsty knees-up of a day.
The time of the year I speak of is tax time, the start and end of financial years which has even the sturdiest of businesses quaking in their boots. It is when I reflect on all the tax money I have collected for the government and rationalise what the government has given me back or what bang I have gotten for my buck or at least the bucks that I have collected up for the pleasure of the politicians. Sure, I got three months of JobKeeper last year, but in return for paying tax since I was fifteen it was a pittance. But surely there is something else I can say “praise be” to the government for? The thing about the federal government is how they don’t seem to be about the common people. When Victoria had its fourth lockdown, there was no help given if you had bothered to put a couple of bucks aside. They said they would help out by $500 per week if you had under $10,000 in the bank. What happened to saving for a rainy day or just being independently fiscally responsible? It seems it is just a matter of political alignment. NSW goes into lockdown and the federal government showers them with extra vaccines, PPE gear and anything else they need. Once again the government needs to remember who works for who, they are in place simply to manage the joint for us. But back to JobKeeper. You don’t think that in March 2020 that the great minds of Frydenberg and ScoMo brewed up the whole JobKeeper and other benefits schemes in a couple of days, do you? They simply broke the glass on the emergency button which opened the safe that held the pandemic handbook that had been worked on by a plethora of governments before them. Easy, peasy Japanesy. The only job that they had to actually think about was at the back of the book in the fine print which read very clearly “vaccine rollout” but, oh no, they were too busy laughing, guffawing and backslapping themselves on the economic recovery. And as a result have turned the vaccine rollout into more like a vaccine strollout. Mongrel, bastard government rant over…
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24 Inspiring
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Dons doing sew good despite pandemic
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T’S been a hard time for many people but while some people were forced to close their businesses, Dons Cooper from the Sew Good Company opened a second store in Daylesford. The business raises money for a school in Cambodia and provides work for the students’ parents. Oh, there is also a Nepalese connection. Kyle Barnes caught up with Dons for a chat. Kyle: You now have stores in Howe Street and Vincent Street. How did that happen? Dons: Well, the past 16 months I've actually been here in Daylesford. I live in Cambodia but I flew over with some products and then with Covid I couldn’t get home. So, I have been staying in the back of the shop because I sold my family home to build the school in Cambodia. And with Covid, there are a lot of bad stories but there are also a lot of really amazing stories and the people of Daylesford have really supported us. So much so that we opened another store in Vincent Street so I would have somewhere to work! It is the best thing I have done in 22 years, we took a big chance but it worked.
PODCAST
Kyle: What makes your stores work so well? Dons: I think the big thing is how special our store is. I know that in the day every town had a hippie store or whatever. But our store is so much more than that. We have so many beautiful people employed from Nepal and Cambodia, who without us employing them, wouldn't have a job, they wouldn't be able to eat at night, they wouldn't be able to send their children to school. And we know every person who makes everything. Kyle: So along with employing people you also run a school? Dons: We actually built the school from scratch. We bought land in one of the poorest villages in Cambodia and we built it from scratch just exactly how they needed it. It’s an amazing school and it has changed our village. It has changed the life of every person in that village. It is the heart of the village. Kyle: And where do you live in Cambodia when you can get back? Dons: I actually live in the school. I'm not very interested in owning houses and things like that. In Cambodia most people live in one room, and that's where they cook, they eat, they do everything in that one room. And so, I have one room over at the school. One of my sons still lives with me at the school. Over in Cambodia, we adopted three children and I had three children in Australia. Kyle: Wow, that’s an amazing story and so heartwarming. What's the back story? Dons: It was really by chance. My daughter was making her debut and I thought it was a waste of money. I thought we'd give her a choice and said: ‘You can make your deb or you can go anywhere in the world, as long as it's a developing country, and you got to take your mum.’ She chose Cambodia. And we went backpacking and we worked in an orphanage - we didn't know how terrible the orphanages are. They are just exploiting the children. And Sam could see it at 15 years old and told me she was not leaving Cambodia until I promised to help the kids. And I knew my daughter, when she says something, she really means it. So, I promised to help.
Fluffy WINTER
WARMERS
Kyle: Sounds like your daughter is a chip off the old block. Dons: I was a good person before, but my children have made me an extraordinary person. I gave Sam many reasons why we couldn't help. ‘I've got a husband, I've got three children, I've got two shops to run. I just don't have the time to do that.’ And she looked me straight in the eye and said: ‘You know what Mum, you have a husband, you've got three children, and you've got two shops, and they are the very reasons why you should help.' Kyle: I hear there is also a Nepalese connection? Dons: Yes, in winter we still have our Nepalese nannies who we have been working with for 20 years now. We met one nanny when we were in Nepal and saw all of their beautiful knitting. So we started selling their products in our stores in Daylesford and Woodend. After Cambodia we decided that the ladies in Cambodia would make our summer range, and the ladies in Nepal our winter range. Kyle: What an amazing story. Do you want to add anything else? Dons: We are actually promoting our stretchy range right now for winter. We have been selling it for 20 years and it is amazing. They include items like long sleeve tops, leggings and tee-shirts, which you can wear under your lighter clothing to keep you nice and warm. In 20 years, we've never ever had a piece back.
Link: www.sewgoodcompany.org
THE SEW GOOD COMPANY
OPEN 7 DAYS 8:00AM TO 7:00PM
4/9 Howe Street, Daylesford | 42 Vincent Street, Daylesford | 03 5348 1247 Follow us on | order online: thesewgoodcompany.org
Classifieds CHOOK RUN
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The Last Word - A Dry July for Claire
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ANCER Council Victoria is encouraging Central Highlands residents to take part in this year’s Dry July to support other Victorians affected by cancer.
By giving up alcohol for a whole month during July and raising as much funds as possible, people can help Cancer Council to continue its life-saving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs. Claire Louise Spencer, a 43-year-old social media manager and mother-of-one, from Newlyn North, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019. Claire’s journey to her cancer diagnosis was a challenge. “I had two or three years of poor health. I had spoken to a number of GPs and I really wasn’t getting anywhere,” Claire said. “My doctor thought I had endometrial cancer, but they found out later that I had cervical cancer after I had exploratory keyhole surgery. My recovery really should have only been 12 weeks in total, but it ended up being closer to six months because I got infections due to the radical hysterectomy. “I was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression, osteoarthritis, and I already had an immune disorder.” Claire said Cancer Council helped her immensely during her early stages of diagnosis when she joined Cancer Council’s online community. “When I had the exploratory surgery, I talked to some people about cervical cancer but they weren’t particularly helpful conversations. I got onto Cancer Council Victoria’s website initially just to find out what endometrial and cervical cancer was,” she said. “I also joined their online forum and wrote about my experiences about being told that you were unwell, but not really understanding how unwell, and what the future looks like. Something about that post triggered a lot of conversation. It was one of the biggest threads Cancer Council had in 2020. It was so incredibly important in my ability to cope because I didn’t know anyone who was right in the thick of it. “I used those online tools for the first six or so months, which helped me immensely. There are still people connecting through that thread now.” Claire said it was a no-brainer to raise as much funds as possible for the cancer organisation. “There really isn’t anyone out there who hasn’t been touched by cancer. It’s nice to know that the funds raised will be going to an organisation that has made such a personal impact on me. Cancer Council is extremely beneficial for all Victorians affected by cancer. I’m going to keep raising funds for Cancer Council again, and again, and again.” To donate head to Claire's campaign at www.dryjuly.com/users/claire-spencer For information on Dry July or to sign-up, visit www.dryjuly.com. For information and support visit www. cancervic.org.au or call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
About Cancer Council:
Cancer Council is Australia’s leading cancer charity working across every aspect of every cancer. Every day, they support families affected by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer. With your help, they are getting closer to a cancer-free future every day.
About Dry July:
• The Dry July campaign is run by the Dry July Foundation to support cancer charities, including Cancer Council. • By going Dry this July, people can help fund Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line. • 13 11 20 is a confidential cancer information and support phone line run by Cancer Council’s experienced health professionals. • Those seeking cancer advice can speak to a health professional about anything to do with cancer including: emotional support, how to reduce the risk, questions about early detection, dealing with a cancer diagnosis, how to cope with treatment and its side effects, practical support that is available to anyone affected by cancer, and end-of-life issues.
Pictured right above, husband Tamkey, seven-year-old son Jet, and Claire Below, Jet and Claire during treatment
“There really isn’t anyone out there who hasn’t been touched by cancer. It’s nice to know that the funds raised will be going to an organisation that has made such a personal impact on me. I’m going to keep raising funds for Cancer Council again, and again, and again.”