The Local March 15, 2021, Issue 223

March 15, 2021 Issue 223 War and peace

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: Trentham novelist Alice Melike Ülgezer’s life is like a bestselling thriller, or even a riveting TV series. Its highlights would include a near-death experience in Turkey, meeting her husband-to-be in one of the most exotic places on the planet, standing near-paralysed as US warplanes flew to bomb Syria and finding serenity in a woodfireheated home. Read her story by Kevin Childs on page 7.

Image: Kyle Barnes

March 15, 2021 Issue 223 War and peace

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

The next edition is out on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Or online on Sunday, March 28 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, March 24 Copy deadline: Thursday, March 25 Editorial deadline: Thursday, March 25 Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Sales | Henry Maxwell

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Carol Saffer, Narelle Groenhout and Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Glenn Robinson (cartoons), Darren Lowe (gigs) and Matthew Richardson (money) Accounts | Julie Hanson

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

Editorial & advertising: 5348 7883 or 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au or sales@tlnews.com.au

Central Highland Limericks

Anybody from Melbourne who ails could Make their way to beautiful Daylesford With massages and spas Lovely food and bazaars And if thinking of catching the light rail, should

One day they drove through old Glenlyon Looking for a place to rely on With its gardens and trees General store and light breeze They thought this a hill you could die on

I just want to give a good shout For the high spot called Guildford Lookout You see distant sights And above, whistling kites You’ll love it, go see, have no doubt

Whilst driving through Porcupine Ridge He thought of the rhyme ‘ridgey-didge’ They don’t always come Like a kick up the bum But more like moving a fridge

I did not think at my age I’d meet Such a bookshop at old Campbells Creek Its stock is endless and deep or Its range simply something to weep for It’s Heaven, right there, on the street

He made a bet with his brother To rhyme with Korweinguboora It’s not like it’s Aberystwyth Or with a lady making a tryst with But because he was keen to be thorough

Those days when you see what dawn brings If fine we will go to Vaughan Springs Swimming holes, cemeteries and gold story Give a glimpse of its great former glory The history round there fairly sings

One day he was having a chat Whilst driving through old Shepherd's Flat About riding his bike up those hills When younger and looking for thrills His wife duly yawned ‘Well, that’s that’

His favourite actress he called “My Winona” And his favourite song “Ma ma ma my Sharona” He was from Dandenong So got it all wrong And named west Yandoit ‘Ma ma ma my Werona’

It’s really worth making the trip For the slam at old Mollongghip The poems are funny There’s a ramshackle dunny Just pee in the dark and don’t slip

If there’s one place I haven’t been but should It’s down the hill to old Franklinford It’s name suggests grandeur But there’s only a veranda Of a long ago shack made of wood

Whilst walking one day with his pooch he sang I’m naming this place Mt. Kooroocheang Nobody can yell it Let alone spell it For those who came after a knell he rang

The place where all time stands still For me is Cafe Wombat Hill You eat viennoiserie Amongst Melbourne bourgeoiserie Or get under Mt Atlas and chill

Tom Perfect and his wife Judy drive around a lot of the district looking for places for Judy to paint landscapes.

Tom is the roadie (like the old Dave Allen household help).

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News 3

Gina Lyons, co-organiser, addresses the protestors at Smith Street

Water protest LGBTIQ+ fund Autumn festival

PROTESTORS, above, gathered at 17 Smith Street, Daylesford last Tuesday, March 9 and are calling on Planning Minister Richard Wynne to halt intensive urban developments on what they say are important catchment and groundwater recharge areas in the Hepburn Mineral Springs catchment.

FUNDING is available for organisations and groups who serve Victoria’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities to help them develop and plan for the future.

BUSINESSES are needed to be a part of the inaugural Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Planning and Environment director Angela Hughes said the council had been looking for new and exciting ways to work with local businesses and support economic recovery as Minister for Equality Martin Foley said the $500,000 2021 LGBTIQ+ Organisational Development COVID restrictions continued to be lifted.

One of the organisers, Loris Duclos, said about 40 "March and April are a popular time for visitors keen Grants were open to help improve the services available people attended and also gave Hepburn Shire Council to explore open gardens and the spectacular colours of to LGBTIQ+ communities. "a clear message that the community wants better autumn.

The festival will showcase local producers and LGBTIQ+ organisations and groups are able to water and drainage management, especially in the most apply for grants of up to $50,000 to build their capacity, businesses, ranging from music events and markets to important water catchment and recharge areas".

Ms Duclos said there were currently three planning including staff development and training opportunities. autumn-inspired food and drink menu creations, (and) we're keen to promote and partner with local businesses In addition, the grants will help organisations applications for intensive urban development on and operators to deliver a unique and immersive and groups plan for the future, including how they recharge areas in the catchment area.

Macedon Ranges experience. develop their strategic vision, plan for their financial "The developments, two in Smith Street and one "We recognise that while timelines this year are tight, sustainability and build their governance structures. in Jamieson Street, represent 90 per cent of new house we’re keen to work together to get this off the ground, The grants will support organisations and groups to builds proposed for Daylesford in the near future.

“These larger blocks were set aside by our forefathers improve how they serve diverse LGBTIQ+ communities with a vision to grow it in future years and make it the signature event for our shire." in the 1800s for low density use because the importance across Victoria.

As part of the festival, the council will be supporting Grant applications are open until Wednesday, April of recharge areas was understood. I don’t know why our five township events, which will include street closures, 14 at www.vic.gov.au/revitalising-lgbtiq-sector-fund current planners are ignoring this wisdom.” entertainment, and outdoor dining.

Kyneton frontline workers get COVID jab

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RONTLINE workers at Central Highlands Rural Health's Kyneton campus received the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 last week.

During the initial rollout, 60 frontline staff received the Pfizer vaccine, one of two COVID-19 vaccines to receive Commonwealth regulatory approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia.

The vaccine was administered by the Loddon-Mallee’s mobile vaccination team and was given to staff working in Kyneton Health’s Respiratory Assessment Clinic, Urgent Care Centre and Acute Ward.

Kyneton resident Mandy McGee is an Associate Nurse Unit manager at Kyneton Health and was one of the first frontline workers to receive the vaccine.

"I feel really relieved to be getting the vaccine today. It makes me feel safer around my friends and family and helps me to protect the patients in my care. I’m really looking forward to the future when the vaccine is widely rolled out across everyone in our communities – and a time when I can safely go travelling again,” she said.

Mandy’s vaccine was administered by endorsed enrolled nurse Trish Allen, who also received the Pfizer vaccination, pictured above. Trish is one of a number of staff at Central Highlands Rural Health to complete the National COVID-19 Vaccination training program to support the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in our community.

Central Highlands Rural Health’s CEO Maree Cuddihy said with the delivery of the vaccine to the high-risk frontline healthcare workers, the organisation was one step closer to protecting its communities from COVID-19.

"We are working closely with the Loddon-Mallee and Grampians vaccinations hubs to ensure the vaccination is made available to those most in need of protection first.

"This started with our frontline healthcare workers and we look forward to the continued rollout of the vaccination to high priority groups across our region in the weeks ahead."

Ms Cuddihy was joined by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health CEO Phillip Ripper, Macedon Ranges Shire Council acting CEO John Nevins and Hepburn Shire Council interim CEO Bradley Thomas, in support of the Australian Government’s rollout of safe and effective vaccines to all Australians.

"As partners in local community and healthcare services across the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire, we are committed to keeping our communities up to date on the vaccination rollout across the region. The COVID-19 vaccines will keep our rural communities safe and protect our way of life," Ms Cuddihy said.

"Whilst we continue to work with the government on the rollout of the vaccine in our communities, it’s important we all stay alert and follow COVID-safe guidelines.

"Remember to practice good hygiene, keep 1.5 metres distance from others and wear masks when asked. As always, if you have any symptoms associated with COVID, stay at home and get tested."

Link: www.australia.gov.au

Above, Trish Allen, a nurse at Kyneton Health, was one of the first to receive the Pfizer vaccination. Trish is one of the 60 staff who work in Kyneton Health’s Respiratory Assessment Clinic, Urgent Care Centre and Acute Ward staff to receive the vaccine last Wednesday Below, Kyneton Health nurse Jack Barr receives a COVID vaccine jab Images: Sandy Scheltema

Pets@Work

Fiona Harris adopted Luna five years ago and now she is working from home in Glenlyon, has her employed in her business, Aromatic Healing. "During COVID, when clients were stressed and anxious, Luna would come in with her waggy tail all ready to give them lots of love and care." Fiona said she chose a groodle because they are pretty much non-allergenic and don't shed.

It turns out groodles don't mind massages as well. Lucky Luna! "She is a great dog but I also get that not everyone loves dogs like me. So, if you are not into dogs, you won't even know she is around."

How Basil brewed a golden beauty

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YONVILLE'S Basil Eliades was on a break down the coast when a thought struck him. Why not, he pondered, enter my vodka in an international competition. Hundreds of kilometres away at home, his wife Jane was thinking the same.

Recently 55-year-old Basil’s been whooping around their house, celebrating the awarding of a gold medal to his vodka in an international competition judged in London.

Artist, teacher, national martial arts trainer, poet and author of about a dozen books, Basil began his medal-winning run by considering climbing his apple tree and making cider. He was just 15 and living in Sweden in 1982 when he first learned about distilling.

“Wouldn’t you rather make whisky?” asked Jane. In fact, he expects the first batch of whisky to be released at Christmas, but meanwhile he’d been busy with the gin and vodka “on the side”. Behind his brew is a fascinating story. Alcohol was made there during the goldrush at a pub called Gleeson's or the Travellers' Rest. Woodcutters who cleared Lyonville bush to make props for the Bendigo mines would slake their thirst.

Basil started making vodka two years ago. Of course, COVID meant life had got a bit tough and production went along quietly. After some difficulty and delay his entry was accepted in London. He sent three bottles and forgot them.

Then came the emailed news. “Gold and silver medals are allocated to each country,” he says. “But some countries don’t get a gold.”

Already he’s been approached from the US and Japan. He told the Japanese it’s not for export, saying, "No, no, no. It's local, local, local.”

The potatoes for his vodka come from Wombat Forest Organics, “64 seconds from our fence”, where Adam Bremner is a sixth generation farmer.

The well water is pure and solar power drives the stills. And there’s muscle involved: Basil reckons his 15 tonnes of spuds had to be lifted 10 times. Now he’ll scale up production. At $78 a bottle his vodka is not expensive, he says. As for its taste: “Sweet, soft and smooth and a tiny bit peppery.”

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Contributed

We’re building big and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line and building the Metro Tunnel, to make it quicker and easier to get to universities, hospitals and jobs in Melbourne. Save up to 10 minutes off your journey to Parkville and around 5 minutes off your journey to St Kilda Road.

During April and May, coaches replace trains in both directions Bendigo and Echuca lines

2 to 5 Apr 15 to 19 May

Southern Cross to Gisbourne

Swan Hill Line

2 to 5 Apr 15 to 19 May

Southern Cross to Bendigo

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

795

Keep in mind, there are other transport disruptions over autumn. Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

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Our people 7

Alice, crossing the desert of love and Sufism

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RENTHAM novelist Alice Melike Ülgezer’s life is like a best-selling thriller, or even a riveting TV series.

Its highlights would include a near-death experience in Turkey, meeting her husband-to-be in one of the most exotic places on the planet, standing nearparalysed as US warplanes flew to bomb Syria and finding serenity in a woodfireheated home.

She is now sharing that peacefulness with locals by introducing them to Sufism, centring on the search to be a better person through sharing knowledge of Sufi traditions, including meditation, chanting and prayer.

“I grew up coming to Trentham, where my mum had a shack since 1974, so I’d spent my life visiting before moving here in 2017.

“Before that, because I’m half Turkish and I’d been going back and forward to there for 20 years, I wanted to live there and have the experience of being there on my own terms…not being the sort of black sheep of the family, not being the sort of wayward cousin, or something...”

What followed was “pretty wonderful”, plunging into life in Central Anatolia, Turkey.

There she was at work on her second novel, having published her first one at 32, eight years ago. Called The Memory of Salt, it’s her parents’ love story. Her mother was a doctor and her father a musician who mastered a great array of instruments, performing in the then gritty world of Brixton, London.

Love intervened when Alice saw Ahmet, a Kurdish artist, and they married.

“We met and lived in an incredible place, which is historically very rich. It’s full of underground cities, which are still being dug up.

“People still don’t know who built these underground cities and why they were there. They are for the most part not explored and not understood.

“The landscape is almost reminiscent of the termite mounds of Australia, except it’s volcanic, soft and easy to carve. So it’s a sort of gnarled landscape, with this volcanic rock, cliffs, mountains and caves that were inhabited by Christian ascetics, done over with murals of St George and the Dragon and all the saints.”

So, here in this Muslim country was this buried city of Christianity. She walked from town to town, easily getting lost.

In one town, she and friends picked apples from a laden tree, which revealed a cave, its walls dense with frescoes.

In March 2015 she became pregnant, leading to a stillbirth in September. From her hospital window she could see a volcanic mountain, written about by the Rumi, the greatest Persian poet, whom she is now reading.

“The stillbirth in a small country town was pretty traumatic.” She came to on the floor surrounded by six nurses. “They stole my nose rings, my wedding ring and bangles. My baby was taken by a woman who didn’t look at me.”

A week later she became critically ill. She reached her mother by Skype at 1.30 in the morning and was told to urgently go to emergency. She got to the best hospital for women and children in the capital, Ankara, but not before having to skirt antigovernment protests and roadblocks. With blood pouring from her, she prayed aloud in Arabic. She had been unable to make herself understood.

“It was almost as if I were giving myself the last rites. Within about 10 minutes, maximum, of getting to emergency I was clinically dead.

“I perceived a being, even though I had no body with which to perceive and she had no body to speak of either, a light being who emanated… light and love. It was like a lightscape, you could say.”

Alice and Ahmet now have a four year-old son, Nesim.

Earlier in her life, Alice studied Arabic at Melbourne University, which took her to Cairo and then Damascus and Islamic studies.

With chooks and the occasional cocky at her door, a mountain of new firewood from a recently fallen tree and the wood stove offering warmth and cooking, an elegant song in the background, her life seems impressively simple.

She is also running a 10-week course in Trentham on Sufism, ranging from the Bedouin poets of pre-Islamic Arabia, who set its tone and template.

“Sufism is not a religion,” she says. “Historically, it’s a response to empire and wealth…a spiritual response, unmediated but specifically Muslim.

“It’s about trying to stay close to consciousness. You can push and push, but everything happens anyway…it’s an annihilation of the self, of the ego.”

One way of explaining it is through the quotation tattooed on her left arm, a Sufi poem by Mahwiy, a Kurdish poet, that says, “Even though I knew the desert of love was dangerous, still I went to cross and still it took me.”

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

For details visit www.nccma.vic.gov.au/regional-catchment-strategy

The draft North Central Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) is open for comment from 10 March – 20 April. The RCS sets the direction for natural resource management for the next six years.

The draft is available at https://northcentral.rcs.vic.gov.au/ and we are encouraging comments via the online feedback form.

Building on previous conversations with the community, we are also holding drop-in sessions across the region, and one online, so the community can review and discuss the draft with the North Central Catchment Management Authority team.

Drop-in sessions are from 4pm-7pm. Registration is not required.

These sessions are in line with the North Central CMA’s COVID-19 Safety Plan. Please stay home if you are unwell.

15 March 2021 Kyneton Mechanics Institute 18 March 2021 The Warehouse, Clunes 22 March 2021 Bendigo Tennis Centre 23 March 2021 St Arnaud Town Hall 24 March 2021 Charlton Memorial Hall 30 March 2021 Serpentine Bowling Club 31 March 2021 Kerang Memorial Hall Online session: 29 March 2021 7pm-8.30pm.

8 Our fauna

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Exotic fauna or a pesky pest? Still no idea

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ACK in the 1880s various species of deer were introduced to Australia as game animals and their descendants remain in forests across Australia.

In Victoria there are now four wild species of deer including sambar, red, hog and fallow, living predominantly in the vast forests of the lower alpine regions. However the Wombat State Forest, despite its isolation from these areas, also has a significant population of fallow deer. While official numbers in the region are not clear, regular sightings are part of living next to the Wombat as expressed in these comments from social media.

“We see deer in our paddock two or three times a year, and see evidence of them browsing our introduced trees,” says a landowner in Bullarto South. “There’s a herd of about 10 down the Coliban Valley,” says another.

An East Trentham resident writes: “There's a mob of 15 plus around Mill Road. I've seen them as far east as Fern Hill.”

“Had fallow deer on my property and next door,” says a resident in the same area. “They came out from the Wombat Forest perhaps six or seven times a year to get to the grass.”

And from a farmer near Trentham: “I have seen one or two spikers come through my farm block. This time of the year deer come into the rut and the young bucks get belted out of the herd so you'll see them in places they haven't been seen before.”

“Cooked some local shot deer this week,” says a local hunter. “Good eating.”

Victoria has possibly the largest deer population in Australia, estimated at more than a million animals and while they are listed as a game species and can be shot by licenced hunters, deer are also classed as protected wildlife.

In national parks they are known as exotic fauna and subject to extermination across those areas. Lately there has been significant pressure exerted by lobby groups and communities (particularly in the east of the state) to change the legal status of deer from protected wildlife to pest animal but with the release of the Victorian Deer Control Strategy in 2020 the state government left their protected status in place.

A perplexing decision in the face of strong evidence that feral deer are emerging as one of the state’s most serious environmental and agricultural threats.

It is a concerning decision for Andrew Cox, CEO of the Invasive Species Council which campaigns for stronger laws, policies and programs to keep Australia's native environment safe from invasive species.

“Deer are prolific grazers therefore they consume large amounts of vegetation,” says Andrew. “As well as competing with native animals, they pretty much take out the understorey, open up the forest and remove all those shrubs growing in moist gullies.”

However, at this point in time, there is a fairly common perception that, despite a gradual increase in sightings of the animal in local bushland, deer are not a pressing issue. Indeed foxes, cats and pigs are also present and arguably causing more damage.

The difference is of course, all those creatures are classed as pests with all the eradication strategies and funding that goes with that classification. Deer as mentioned are not currently classed as pests, but they are now established here and growing in numbers, adding to the woes for the forests.

“This is what happens,” says Andrew. “When you first see them they are in reasonable numbers but in two or three years the numbers can grow rapidly. Their growth rate is 30 or 40 per cent a year and though they only have one fawn per year they are quite prolific breeders. (Does can reproduce at 16 months and can give birth to up to a dozen fawns in their lifetime). “Often you don’t notice them because they are good at hiding and then suddenly they just become very visible. By then it is often too late.”

Above, a fallow deer buck caught by a camera trap in the Wombat State Forest Image: Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (DELWP) Inset, Andrew Cox, CEO of the Invasive Species Council Image supplied.

Words: Tony Sawrey

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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 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.

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Our producers 9

Beautiful, blooming begonias and...bees

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EGONIAS have captured the imagination of flower lovers for hundreds of years with their almost quirky and often flamboyant offerings.

And while thousands flock to Ballarat every year to see the amazing begonia displays at the annual festival, a local online nursery run by a couple with a love of begonias is opening up their piece of paradise for the first time, to sell a selection of their tuberous begonia collection. Peter Harris and Jesse Exiner, pictured, run White House Nursery, a mail order nursery, and the Tuberous Begonia Garden in Ashbourne.

Year round the couple plant, cultivate, prepare and send beautiful heirloom plants to customers across the country. Some are quite rare and others simply difficult to find. Peter, left, has spent around 30 years perfecting his collection and from now until the last weekend in May, his begonias will not only be on display but many will be for sale as well.

The White House Nursery was born eight years ago when Jesse and Peter purchased an 32-hectare farm in Fern Hill. The name was inspired by the quintessential Australian white cottage on the property and nothing to do with American politics, Jesse insists. The couple decided to focus on their mail-order business rather than an open-sales nursery.

Four years ago, the couple down-sized to an eight-acre property on the outskirts of the hamlet of Ashbourne, near Woodend. “We love this property so much and it’s not as windy and cold as Fern Hill was. The plants love it more as well as they all thrive in the conditions here,” he said.

Jesse happily admits Peter is the hands-on gardener while he manages the hundreds of orders they receive each week. “People get warned when they come here in the morning that I might still be in my dressing gown. And why not?” he said.

“And yes, I’m more than happy to let Peter potter in the nursery all day. He can stand in one place in silence for hours on end potting and planting, with no music: just him and the plants. I like to be warm…so I’d last 10 minutes and be bored with a sore back!”

However, boredom certainly isn’t a word the couple would use when reflecting on the impacts of COVID. “We were so busy it was ridiculous. Everyone was getting out into their gardens. It was fantastic on one hand because we were receiving hundreds of orders a week but we actually had to close the business twice over lockdown as we were so behind in filling the orders. One thousand orders behind in fact. So, in the end it balanced itself out but we were certainly kept on our toes.”

While Jesse isn’t one for spending hours on end in the shade houses, he did spend five years restoring the gardens and the house at Mawarra in Sherbrooke. “My passion lies with the design side of things and it was a labour of love for five years restoring the house and the historic garden,” he said.

The nursery is home to more than 500 species with a cross section of varieties.

Jesse said peonies are incredibly popular as is another plant of yesteryear - the fuchsia.

“Fuchsias aren’t rare but they’re quite hard to get,” he said.

The couple were inspired by a pair of beehives they received as a gift and now they provide a growing number of bee-loving plants and are even part of the Woodend Bee Friendly Society. The couple recently agreed to bee-sit 150 hives trucked in from Bendigo that were in desperate need of food. “The apiarist had run out of food so we looked after them here. They loved our flowering gum trees and the plants across the gardens. I did mention that next time I wouldn’t mind some honey in return and the next thing I received a 40-kilo bucket of honey.”

And because they live in an area that attracts people growing and creating their own produce, the couple even has a selection of brewing hops from across the globe so beer lovers can have a go at creating their own blend.

Back to begonias and Jesse has a hard time picking his favourite.

“That’s like asking me to pick a favourite child. But I really love the different coloured pale pink one that has dark pink edging. That really fascinates me in all its wonderful glory. Begonias are so unique and its quite personal picking a favourite.

Peter likes different ones to myself but they are all glorious.”

There is also a special inclusion with the tuberous begonias on offer. You get to name the plant you choose. This, says Jesse, is a lovely way for people to share in their love of begonias. “What’s nicer than to have a plant named after you? Ordinarily, naming rights are quite expensive and time consuming to register but because every begonia is unique with its own DNA, we are happy to hand those rights over and let our customers name the plants after their friends, their mothers, anyone,” he said.

“We are both passionate about what we do and the beautiful collection we can share with people. We are not into running a huge business with thirty staff. We love being a small operation and we are both doing what we enjoy best.”

Words & image: Narelle Groenhout

691 Ashbourne Rd. Ashbourne VIC 3442 7km from Woodend. 15km from Trentham.

Open to the public EVERY WEEKEND from 6th March until 30th May, 10am-4pm

We have hundreds of nursery-grown Tuberous Begonias for sale in pots, hanging pots for baskets, and on display.

Each Begonia has its own DNA, so you have naming rights for each plant you buy.

The ideal UNIQUE GIFT. Special Occasions, Birthdays, Mother’s Day. A simple maintenance sheet with growing instructions supplied with each purchase and a YouTube video available online.

Also available by mail order at www.whitehousenursery.com.au between July and November.

Please do not park on Ashbourne Rd, it is a 100kmh zone.

PLENTY OF OFF-STREET CARPARKING AVAILABLE AT THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY. No toilet facilities are available due to strict COVID-19 rules being adhered to.

Questions? Ring Peter on 0400 313 703.

Corruption, intrigue and damn delays and danger

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ITH the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, came the realisation of just how vulnerable the growing settlements were to unsanitary water. The few creeks that ran through Castlemaine to Bendigo flowed well in winter but were reduced to fetid ponds in the summer.

Outbreaks of cholera and typhoid were common with a death rate for infants at around 220 for every 1000 births. The need for a reliable and clean water supply was undeniable.

In 1862 the Victorian Government offered a prize of 500 pounds for a suitable design of a drinking water reservoir on the Coliban River just south of Malmsbury. It set in motion an industrial saga replete with all the corruption, delays, intrigues and danger befitting a grand engineering project of the Victorian age. Enough to even fill a book, and that’s what Malmsbury resident Rod Andrew did, he put a book together on the subject - Malmsbury Reservoir: A History in News Articles and Pictures.

“I first heard about (the Malmsbury Reservoir) back in the 1970s,” says Rod. “I worked for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, the predecessors to Coliban Water. There were many stories going around about the Coliban water system and the Malmsbury Reservoir had a bit of a name. It was mainly bad from the engineers' point of view because they had a lot of trouble with it.”

Today there are two additional sites along the river that opens out from its headwaters at Trentham. These include the Upper Coliban Reservoir near Tylden completed in 1903 and Lauriston Reservoir completed in 1941. Together they make up the Coliban Water Works. The winning design (titled Progress) was presented by Joseph Brady, the chief engineer at the Bendigo Water Works Co (later absorbed into the Department of Victorian Water Supply).

Mr Brady was capable and respected, and the construction project may have run smoothly under his guidance but he departed to Queensland to manage other projects before construction commenced. Ultimately charge of the project fell to one Henry Christofferson, the newly minted chief engineer of water supply.

Contractor Thomas Greenwood was employed to commence building the wall in 1866. Construction was fairly straightforward, featuring an earthen embankment with a puddle clay core (packed clay to prevent leaks) and washes at either end to pass floods.

But as it was, the construction was beset by delays and recriminations which saw a 15-month build stretch to seven years not helped by the inexperience of Christofferson.

But bad engineering and catastrophic failures were very much a part of the spirit of the age. Engineers were often hired on experience, not necessarily actual qualifications. This led to spectacular disasters such as the 1864 collapse of the Dale Dyke Dam in Yorkshire, England which drowned 240 people. Such events weighed heavily on the Victorian Government during planning, and the Malmsbury Reservoir came very close to joining that ignominious list.

“Christofferson specified building materials that should not have been used, didn’t supervise the work and there was corruption at every level,” says Rod. “He was eventually sacked along with two other resident engineers who were charged with concealing faults in the construction. It was a sign of the times that Christofferson had the role at all but he was well connected and had friends in parliament.”

The year 1870 saw a lot of rain in Victoria and the newly completed reservoir was full to overflowing which quickly revealed its poor construction. By July leaks had appeared with some described by the Kyneton Guardian as: “Strong jets as if thrown by a powerful syringe.”

Christofferson remained sanguine stating: “The percolation of water was trifling.”

However by September The Argus wrote: “It must be evident that, with such a rush of water, the destruction of the embankment at this point is but a matter of time.”

History notes no flood of biblical proportions sweeping away the village of Malmsbury. The leaks (caused by a poorly constructed outlet pipe beneath the embankment) were addressed.

Embarrassingly it required the Victorian Government to bring in engineering expertise from the then British colony of India to effect solutions. That came in the form of Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hieram Sankey of the Royal Engineers. Another imported expert, one G. Gordon, then rectified the worst defects as Sankey found them. The result being a reservoir that remains in operation to this day, 155 years after the turning of the first sod.

Thanks to Rod Andrew, author of Malmsbury Reservoir: A History in News Articles and Pictures for his assistance with this article.

Above, an aerial view Malmsbury Reservoir with the village in the foreground from 1931 | Image: State Library of Victoria Inset, Rod Andrew | Image: Tony Sawrey Words: Tony Sawrey

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The life and times of our Swiss Italian settlers

T

And in good news for ancestors, but terrible news for those at the time, Mr Pagliaro said a ship, the Royal Charter was carrying a lot of successful miners back home in the late 1850s via England, when it sank off the coast in the Great Storm of 1859. Their gold also went to the bottom of the sea but started washing up on They appear, with stunning photos, in the recently published and translated version of Giorgio Cheda’s The Emigration of Swiss Italians to the Australian Goldfields. English shores some years back and the Receiver of Wreck says if anyone can prove The book will be launched at Hotel Bellinzona, Hepburn Springs on Tuesday, March a claim he is open to their story. Mr Pagliaro said he thought there could be a few people in the region who might be interested in checking their family histories.

23 from 5.30pm to 7pm as the lead-in to the Swiss Italian Festa in October.

Translator Tony Pagliaro, an Italian studies academic, said he was given a copy of Anyone with the surname Pedriata?

There are also stories of men undertaking second marriages, with first wives the original book by his sister and was intrigued. still at home and unaware of the change in their circumstances, and others, like “I had always thought that with people writing back to their home countries there Leonard Pozzi, trained in making orthopedic applications who turned his hand to must be a lot of material about Australia that Australians were unaware of,” he said.

“This book was a study of the reason this very numerous contingent, about 2000 photography and then in the 1890s patented an early form of the fountain pen. His older brother Stefano also became a well-known figure in Daylesford. peasants and tradesmen, left Switzerland from 1852 to 1854 to come to Australia.

Meanwhile, the bloke who complained about his one short leg, moved on to “And on top of the study were these letters from Ticino in Switzerland, a treasure buy a shop in Bendigo which later went broke, but then returned to his first trade of house of 326 documents, mostly letters, from Australia. I started to translate them, carpentry and wrote in 1885 about repairing a house he had built 30 years earlier. a long time ago, I think I was still using a typewriter, and then as I moved through The Righetti family, still a well-known name in the region and with the Righetti different computer programs, I got to a good point but always had in the back of my Oval in Malvern, wrote about their children dying in WWI at Anzac Cove. mind how they would be published. It is such a big book.”

Another letter mentions the Aborigines of the area who “used to be naked but Mr Pagliaro said the book was tremendously important for the region. “We get a good idea of the daily life of miners, first-hand experience, even three members of one now they go around with a blanket” thanks to a gift from the Queen.

Mr Pagliaro said there were very few other references to the Aborigines “they family writing 30 to 40 letters over a period of time. It gives us a tremendous idea of didn’t notice them but it was probably just a sign of the times” and only two or three community. We learn about all the hardships of the journey, which could take up to letters from women. One woman wrote to her family that her husband had died after 120 days, and the health and safety issues on the gold mines.

“And there are the usual anxieties, which are not exclusive to Swiss Italians, about being overcome by fumes after jumping in a wine vat to clean it. She had tried to pull him out but failed and then ran to a neighbour for help but it was too late. She wrote families back home, sending money to them and eventually moving on, although quite a few stayed in the region with about 33 per cent successful in returning home.” she had to work night and day because of the harvest and with four children there Mr Pagliaro said some miners, many farmers back home, eventually bought farms was always one at her feet asking where their father had gone.

Mr Pagliaro said the original book was written with great love and dedication in the region but they generally also had “a second string to their bows” including as and the translated version would be enjoyed by many people whose lives have been stonemasons, glaziers, chimney sweeps or port workers. touched and enhanced by the Swiss Italian migrants.

“You can see many left their heritage of stone houses around Daylesford, “They were undoubtedly intrepid people. Many of them would be thinking they Hepburn and Yandoit. would return home but the characteristic of migrants is of people who want to get up “They also had their own problems with health and one complained about a doctor who left one leg shorter than the other, and there was another chap who didn’t and do something about their situation while more conservative people stay at home curled up in a corner.” want his leg operated on, but the doctor convinced him and he died.

Attendance of the launch is free but bookings are limited and essential at “Another miner followed the gold rush to New Zealand and had a mining https://bit.ly/2NGaSpF accident and the only ones to help him were the Chinese. He said they always got a bad rap but they carried him on a stretcher 10 miles with one running ahead to stop a Above, the Gaggioni family, inset, Tony Pagliaro train for him. He spent six months in hospital and survived.”

HE very personal letters of the Swiss Italian miners back home to their loved ones tell a story of hard work, hardship and daily life in Daylesford and Hepburn from the 1850s onwards.

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Contributed

www.tlnews.com.au

Your say Well done!

Dear Donna and Kyle, On behalf of Hepburn Shire Council, I want to thank you both for your efforts over the past year.

Taking The Local from fortnightly to weekly to help provide timely information to the community needed during the pandemic was a tremendous achievement that was greatly appreciated by not only council but many people across the shire.

Your focus on the real heroes in our community, the frontline workers in all their different guises, was also inspiring to read.

Now as you return to a fortnightly publication, I hope you get the chance to rest and re-energise. All the best.

- Cr Lesley Hewitt, Mayor, Hepburn Shire Council

Ed's note: This letter is very much appreciated but I must add that The Local is a real team effort and everyone on that team went above and beyond to get us through these past 12 months.

Rubbish and recycling Last year was a very turbulent year for Hepburn Shire Council with the council ward approval rating hitting the lowest in the state for Birch Ward.

With the current transfer stations, and possible threat by council of restrictive buffer zones coming into play (C80) is it time to review the situation?

1. The state government is making funding available for projects to improve recycling facilities, including building new state of the art processing stations.

Applications for state government funding close on March 26 or 27. Have council officers applied for these grants? If ‘no’ then why not and should council officers do so? Free money for good works to be done.

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Opinion 13

2. Relocation of transfer/recycling stations away from residential land and so preventing a conflict of interest of council putting assets ahead of residents. Again, state government funding could be possible for this to occur.

3. Council can gain a lot of kudos if it moves in a positive manner in ensuring transfer stations and recycling stations are placed and/or updated to the benefit of all residents, not just the ones "on the other side of the town". This will also mean less stress for all, however, any changes that could cause financial loss to residents will be met by strong opposition and public outcry.

4. As per the Ombudsman’s report into the Casey Council Cranbourne landfill situation it is up to councils to fix any methane pollution issues without penalising residents. A precedent is set and it would not go well I fear, for council to put it to the test in a court of law.

The intention is for a good life together for all residents in Hepburn Shire, including Trentham, Creswick and Daylesford residents who live near transfer stations.

- Name and address withheld

So clean As a regular visitor to the region I want to say well done to Hepburn Shire Council for the cleanliness of their public toilets at Lake Daylesford.

I called in last weekend - and you always wonder what the facilities will be like but they were spotless. I could have eaten off the floor if there were not so many other wonderful dining options.

Well done and keep up the great work.

- Louise Oldfield, Beaumaris

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

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Shoo fly!

I was rather disturbed to recently read that Queensland fruit fly, the world’s worst fruit pest, still infests Victoria’s fruit growing districts despite all the efforts by the Department of Agriculture, thus leaving Tasmania and South Australia the only “clean” states.

Obviously Bass Strait is a natural hurdle for the Apple Isle and since the 1950s South Australia’s borders have become almost impenetrable barriers. The major suspects are New South Wales and Queensland themselves who were “doing nothing about the problem” according to our Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh in 2012 when he wound back our fruit fly programs. He asked: “Is it the best use of taxpayers’ money to be trying to control something we can’t control?”

Fortunately subsequent governments and industry groups have rewound the fruit fly eradication and exclusion programs but little out-breaks will always result from the actions of the few careless or uncaring, despite dire warnings of hefty punishment.

Our region seems, so far, to have escaped the worst of the attacks. But it is up to us to be ever watchful of any signs of the little blighters and do all we can to prevent any local outbreaks.

My home state, South Australia, through its geographic location and climate seems to evade most natural invasions. Certainly, from the west and north, it’s the vast distances and dry desert-like environments, which leaves only Victoria, NSW and SA's Riverland, not co-incidentally, the major source of where most action takes place.

The mid to late fifties saw the first of the fearful outbreaks where our fruit growers and market growers, statewide, were decimated until quarantine zones and mass sprayings started to gain ground.

Since then the border controls, which saw the introduction of plant life cargo fumigation and the prevention of the entry of all fruit and quite a variety of other plant life has seen the state relatively clean.

One Victorian pest of note that fortunately never made its way across the borderline is the pesky Argentine ant.

The first plague year was the worst for our family nursery as we were a major supplier of flower and vegetable seedlings and in particular the target plants were tomatoes, capsicum, cucurbits and eggplant along with cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce.

Once I started school, all my free time on weekends and after school hours were spent in the nursery. Among my least favourite tasks was to prick out the juvenile seedlings, transferring each one from a crowded seedling tray, 12 at a time, into strawberry punnets.

Considering that we were supplying much of the eastern Adelaide suburbs, the total number of tomato plant punnets alone would be several thousand.

So you will understand my grief and frustration when we received notice that we were to trash and burn all vegetable seedlings whether they were fruitbearers or not.

We were to calculate our costs and would receive "adequate" compensation for the perceived price of the goods.

Dad’s claim for over a million lost plants, was received with ridicule and resulted in an inspector coming out to check our claim.

After wading through a sea of plants in punnets he started berating dad for trying to “pull a shifty” but soon gave in and apologised when dad suggested he count the number of seedlings in a yet-to-be pricked out tray. He struggled through about one five-square centimetres of plants, lost count about three times and capitulated, asking if we were sure our claim was really sufficient.

Compensation was reasonably prompt but only to cover the estimated wholesale income from the crop - nothing for wages and overheads. We were a family business so - no wage bill to claim.

Next edition: How to identify and repel the dreaded fly!

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

16 Our places

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Hanging Rock - so much more than picnics

F

OR more than 6.25 million years, Hanging Rock, or Ngannelong as it’s referred to by its traditional owners, is steeped in history, is home to a myriad creatures, is the backdrop for concerts and horse racing and has even inspired some iconic literature and paintings. And of course, that movie.

But behind the former volcano between the small townships of Newham and Hesket near Woodend is a dedicated group of locals who, for the past 30 years, have worked hard to preserve, lobby, advocate and inform about the unique values Hanging Rock offers.

And Nathan Alexander, pictured in red with some of the early Friends, was instrumental in the group’s formation all those years ago. When Nathan was studying landscape architecture in the early 80s, his final project was to design a masterplan and he chose Hanging Rock as his subject.

Nathan was aware of a group formed to care for the Organ Pipes National Park and the idea to form a similar group at Hanging Rock was cemented when the then park ranger introduced him to regular visitors to the Rock.

And so, in awe of this distinctive geological formation and determined to ensure its unique qualities were preserved and valued, he formed the Friends of Hanging Rock in 1987.

Early activities included tree planting and a botanical walk around the Rock.

The Friends hold at least one activity each month, open to everyone and usually free.

Annually the group counts koalas, plants trees, views the wildlife and native plants, and visits public sites across Victoria that share similarities with the Rock.

“Our purpose was and still is to encourage visitors to explore the Rock and appreciate its ecology and history. The Rock is Crown land, vested in the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning. Management is by the Macedon Ranges Shire and we work with them to restore the remnant natural ecology of the Rock and its surrounds,” Nathan said.

“It is imperative that the Rock’s unique characteristics are preserved and on occasions we will lobby the management and the government about development proposals.”

One such instance was when the 2014 multi-million dollar resort proposal on land adjoining the rock caused division among the community. The Friends lobbied against the resort proposal given the harm it would have caused to the integrity of the Rock and its surrounds.

“This is a tourist destination and part of the experience is climbing the rock and looking over the countryside. The resort proposal would have marred the view with buildings and roadways. We also worked with other groups to achieve a $3m grant from the state government a few years back,” he said.

“We have also been instrumental in producing a book on the history of the Rock.

There were a number of earlier publications but nothing as comprehensive as the book we wrote and published.

“Our book Hanging Rock – A History hopefully fills an important gap in the stories of traditional owners, Hanging Rock’s geology, flora and fauna, European imagining of this strange place, and farming and leisure uses of Hanging Rock. The Rock has had a profound impact on Australian cultural identity so we felt this was a story which needed to be researched and told.”

The Hanging Rock Reserve, a venue for music concerts and horseracing, is still officially gazetted for recreation and stock watering and, according to Nathan, this purpose is outdated.

“It really should be changed given it is so archaic. It was first gazetted as a stock watering reserve in about 1862 and a lot has changed since then. The reserve’s purpose should now be acknowledged as recreation and conservation.”

Over its 30 years, the group has documented the diverse plant species, planted hundreds of trees and shrubs, holds regular walks that include koala counting and bird watching and was successful in its drive to have the site listed on the Victorian Heritage Register in 2015.

Home to a diverse range of animals including koalas, wallabies, possums, wedgetailed eagles and Australia’s largest owl, the powerful owl, rare, indigenous plant life can also be found at the site.

“Until now there has never been a thorough botanical survey of the reserve. A lot of Victoria’s grassy plains have been destroyed, but some of this rare vegetation type remains in the centre of the racecourse,” he said.

“Over the years a lot has been destroyed through stock grazing and ploughing.

We continue to work with Newham Landcare and the shire to restore and plant vegetation in the reserve.”

The group encourages more people to join the Friends of Hanging Rock to help continue a 30-year legacy in being a voice for an important part of Australian history.

Did you know?

Hanging Rock is a geological anomaly set in a reserve of approximately 88 hectares. The Rock formed 6.25 million years ago. Thick magma squeezed from a hole in the earth. It didn’t flow or explode, it simply set in place. As the magma cooled and shrank it solidified into columns of rock. These have weathered into hundreds of pinnacles, some with strange shapes and holes. The top of the Rock is over one hundred metres above the plain it sits on. The highest visible pinnacles make up the cliff under Lover’s Leap; they are over fifty metres high. From the Rock one can see its two siblings, Camel’s Hump and Brock’s Monument.

Michael Gudinski

While thousands have attended concerts at Hanging Rock that have included international headline acts including Bruce Springsteen and Rod Stewart, the driver behind the concerts was Australian music legend Michael Gudinski, who died earlier this month aged 68. It’s estimated more than $10 million dollars has been injected into the local community thanks to the popularity of the concerts and Gudinski’s foresight and vision. He purchased a property in the Mt Macedon region more than 30 years ago and said his inspiration for music at the Rock was inspired after the iconic Picnic at Hanging Rock movie was released in 1975.

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Images: Supplied

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18 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Children's Appeal

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

I

T'S been a strange week in an even stranger 12 months.

First up we finally decided to go back to a fortnightly paper. So that was pretty big. We had been holding off until the end of this autumn, then the end of the financial year, but then we just thought: "You know what, let's just do it." And we did. And the sun came up the next day and all was well.

I think it is the right move. We will get some semblance of a life back, like being able to head to Cairns for a wedding in May, and with advertising starting to come back, we can make The Local bigger and better again. Well, I would like to think it has always been better, but I do like those big editions of 48 pages or so. And you need a fortnight to read all that.

Then I have been watching the vaccine roll-out. A tad slow I think privately but then in public you have to say how lucky Australia has been and we can just wait quietly for the jab. They have started at Kyneton so that's good news and then there are apparently quite a few people in regional Australia who won't be rolling up their sleeves. Which is also good because there will be loads of spare vaccines but bad because we won't reach that all important herd immunity.

Oddly, as I watched all those photo opportunities for the vaccine I thought how lucky it was that it's one that goes in your arm and not in your arse. I know all publicity is good publicity but I am not sure how many world leaders would have been happy to take part in those shots. Pardon the pun. "Your Majesty, if you could just lean a little to the right and try not to clench..." Scotty from Marketing, proving he is as ocker as the next bloke, would probably be OK with flashing his bum, as long as Jenny said it was OK. Kyle would agree, always check with the wife.

Then there was the interview. I watched for about an hour and then switched over to Suits. Better acting. Joke! I don't really have an opinion on Meghan and Harry's life. It has probably been a rough ride and I am sure their mental health has suffered. I hope they get the help they need and can bunker down for a while in their 8000-square-foot, $US14.65M Californian home and don't get too caught up on cleaning the nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms.

Hmmm. But then that race card. That seems a bit too much to swallow. I mean, the Royals can't be racist, can they? Oh, hang on, Google Prince Philip + gaffes.

1986: "If you stay here much longer you'll all be slitty-eyed." To a group of British students during a royal visit to China. 1995: "How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?" To a Scottish driving instructor. 1999: "It looks as if it was put in by an Indian." Referring to an old-fashioned fuse box in a factory near Edinburgh.

2002: "Still throwing spears?" Question put to an Australian Aborigine during a visit.

A strange week but I am very happy to be a plain old Australian and not a royal in England or America. Time to go and clean the bathroom. Just sayin'...

E

ASTER is not far off, with Good Friday on April 2, and that means it's also time to donate, if you can, to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Teacher and mum of two Natalie Kirby heads the Daylesford and surrounds appeal and is keen for people to buy a raffle ticket or donate to the virtual tin shake.

Natalie, pictured left with Tania Henderson, said raffle tickets would be sold outside Coles for two weeks leading up to Good Friday. The raffle prize includes a pamper voucher from EKO Skin Care Spa, Tim’s Toasties and Josh Cooper Wines along with a hamper and coffee table books.

Virtual tin shake details can be found at www.facebook.com/gfadaylesford or www.virtualtinshake.com.au/fundraisers/Daylesford Natalie said the community raised just over $9000 last year despite the onset of COVID "which was amazing".

"People were incredibly generous and we are hoping we can be as successful again.

The philosophy is still the same. I attended the hospital a lot as a child and I know the value behind it. I am a teacher now and know children are our future and if we can have children who are healthy and happy we have a better future."

I

Ooops!

n the March 8 edition of The Local we ran a story about brumby rescuer Leslie Scott with a photo of Leslie, with colt Milo, right.

We incorrectly attributed the photo to Leslie. The photo was taken by photographer Donna Crebbin.

Donna, who grew up in Kyneton, was a 2018 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year finalist and was named one of Australian Photography magazine’s top 50 wildlife photographers in 2017.

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Opinion 19

Kyle’s Rant

S

O, ARE we on Team Markle or Team Queen or Team “don’t give a toss”?

I know that the red blobs of COVID doom have long ago stopped bouncing around over our TV screens and I would never wish it back, but come on mainstream media, what the “yawn” are you shoving down our throats?

It is enough of a rollercoaster ride to find out Dan (The Man) Andrews is down.

One minute needing brain surgery, the next spinal and now no surgery. And our Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has an infection due to his COVID jab...oh no, wait a minute, it’s something to do with his leg...you guys at the TV newsrooms are making this stuff up as you go along.

I think sometimes the weekly grind of producing public interest news content has a detrimental effect in terms of the “just get it out the door” attitudes of newsrooms.

As you can see by the above, some of the mainstream media latch on to half-truths and rumours and race to get the aforementioned non-fact online first, and then adjust the story as the facts start to stack up. It’s sort of like building a sandcastle. You start with a large lump of sand (the rumour) and firm it up as you beat it into shape and it starts to reveal itself. It is the same with a rushed story, it simply takes shape as the real facts reveal themselves.

But on to my point. The past 12 months have been tumultuous for all on our mortal coil and it is not much different here at TL HQ - with tears, tantrums and tirades as we have not missed a beat keeping our community informed.

While some publications shut down and then reopened and then shut down again, or just remained shut down, our crew stood fast, never missing a deadline.

That is also despite having two printers close down and being currently printed in NSW. Still we endeavoured to always have our paper in the readers' hands every Tuesday without fail - even if that meant working seven days, driving to NSW and back to pick up the paper - the team at TL HQ were always up for the challenge, and now it’s time to crank up the marching band.

The pandemic surely is in its last throes and we have ensured the community have been kept up to date and we have even sprinkled in a bit of humour and brightness with the characters and stories we have unearthed.

Moving forward your Local news will always be available seven days per week at www.tlnews.com.au and the magazine will be produced every fortnight starting from now, just like the good old pre-pandemic days.

It is now time for us and our crew to take a long breath of fresh air, not those shallow rapid ones of the past 12 months.

Deep breath rant over…

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Dining 21

Traditional

We’re back

BINGO EVERY TUESDAY (from 30 march) 11am - 1pm $5 books (no limit)

cash s e z i r p

bookings recommended

5348 2130

D AY L E S F O R D B O W L I N G C L U B BISTRO

8 Camp St - Daylesford | 03 5348 2130 | www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au Stay updated on the latest events by visiting our website or Facebook page - to avoid disappointment bookings are appreciated

Classifieds

Innovative Farm Implements Specialised implements for most types of farming Small and large acreages All soils and conditions Check us out

www.fixengineering.com.au Links to YouTube working models If it isn’t quite what you’re looking for, If it doesn’t quite do what you want, If you have some ideas of your own to explore:

Ask Mike: 0418 508 573 info@fixengineering.com.au

Support your local tradies!

Consulting in Administration & Management Book-keeping Administration Payroll Temp service Supplier monthly reconciliation Qualified to manage a small team of office workers

Hepburn Earthworks

Drives, drains, moving dirt, excavation, $400 half day $750 full day man and machine.

Caterpillar Bobcat, excavator and Dual Roller.

Phone: 0438 662 203

Christ Jules Services Julie Hanson 0459 619 701 julphil.hanson@gmail.com www.christjulesservices.com.au

Ph:0434 357 882

Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, dry-cleaning, stationery, photocopying and lots more...

55 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2061

PLASTERER DAYLESFORD FIBROUS PLASTER WORKS (MACKLEY’S) • NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS • CEILING ROSES • ORNAMENTAL CORNICE Daylesford

Peter Mackley 5348 3085 or 0418 571 331 Gary Mackley 5348 1108

Are you a tradie? Advertise here. 5348 7883 Clement F Mooney

Email: c.mooney@bigpond.net.au Available to assist with all general accounting services and preparation/electronic lodgment of Tax Returns and BAS for Individuals, Sole Traders, Partnerships, Trusts and Companies.

A.B.N. 37 961 487 978

Certified Practising Accountant Registered Tax Agent B.Com, C.P.A., M.B.A.

Tel: 03 5424 1441 Mobile: 0412 584 555

trenthamselfstorage@outlook.com

Office: 19 Albert Street, Trentham 3458

DAYLESFORD APPLIANCE SERVICE

das3460@bigpond.com

Servicing commercial refrigeration domestic and commercial air conditioning

electrical appliance repair service washer, dryer, fridge, dishwasher, oven, cook top etc.

Call Kiyo on

0419 267 685

das3460@bigpond.com

Sales-Service-Maintenance-Installation -Mobile coolroom hire Garry Rodoni: 0417 734 206 Chris Milham: 0436 402 730

Servicing the local community for over 45 years

Phone: 5348 1291

Malone Tree Services Liam Malone . Limited Access . Fully Insured .Specialists Qualified . Mulching Available

0423 945 436

E L E C T R I C I A N

John Roberts Electrical Services REG 15644

Domestic Commercial Industrial Mobile 0439 682 619

Listen up!

Love stories but no time to read?

Head to the Country Life Podcast for all the stories from The Local.

Head to www.tlnews.com.au and listen to stories about: Songwriter Sage Roadknight, Joan Oates, Dr Monica Nolan, photographer Angus O'Callaghan, Clunes' Lois Nichols, The Presentation Sisters, The Heart of the Horse, the Queen Victoria Fountain, musician Aimee Chapman, Arnold Saffer and Conti House, the Macedon Ranges Festival, The Wombat State Forest debate, artist Dorothy Enders, Bankhouse Brewery, the history of Lauriston, pandemic pivots, Clunes' Les Davis, the live music scene, busy bees, healthy ageing, Hanging Rock, Malmsbury Reservoir, blooming begonias, pesky deer...

And don't miss Kyle and Donna chatting about what's coming up in each edition.