The Local March 1, 2021, Issue 221

March 1, 2021 Issue 221 Housing crisis

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: A group of Hepburn Shire residents, including David Hall, is determined to spotlight the issues of the housing crisis in the shire. Read their story on page 7.

March 1, 2021 Issue 221 Housing crisis

The Local is a weekly community publication covering the Central Highlands. The next edition is out on Monday, March 8, 2021.

Or online on Sunday, March 7 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, March 3 Copy deadline: Thursday, March 4 Editorial deadline: Thursday, March 4

Image: Kyle Barnes

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

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout and Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White

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

Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness

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

Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Glenn Robinson (cartoons), Darren Lowe (gigs) and Matthew Richardson (money) Accounts | Julie Hanson Editorial & advertising: 5348 7883 or 0416 104 283

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

Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday

How do they know, things, to read momentum and start breaking down?

Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday

The front bushes on the Impreza are worn, I’m told, and not like a shirt

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

uneven tyre wear the giveaway But what’s that got to do with air conditioning on the blink or a rusted-out whatsit in the hydronic heating boiler, an iPod that no longer syncs,

to go at the knee, the knees themselves calling time on garden squatting.

See a photo you like? They are available for sale.

Contact Kyle on 0416 104 283

To market, to market

Breakdown

an aromatic daphne shedding its bark? a pair of old jeans just deciding

news@tlnews.com.au or sales@tlnews.com.au

Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers Market - second Sunday 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

Some inaudible hoy must have been given and the unravelling begins - Bill Wootton Bill lives in Hepburn Springs, as good a place as anywhere to break down from time to time.

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 Daylesford Rotary Farmers Market - fourth Saturday (New day!)

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

Festival: fun and fundraising

O

N SATURDAY, March 13, the Macedon Ranges Festival will take place in Gisborne providing some much needed live music for people in the area after a year of not much at all.

But it is more than just a day's entertainment. One hundred per cent of the profits go to the Cambodian Kids Foundation (CKF) founded by Sam Cooper after her first visit to the country with her mother Donna in 2006.

Fifteen years later the CKF operates in Kampong Thom Province, one of the poorest provinces of the country, with its administration base in Daylesford. It just goes to show how wide a regional net can be cast when it comes to fundraising and assisting those in need across the world.

The festival is the idea of Macedon Ranges musician and festival director Jimmy O’Hare and commenced in 2013 in his family’s backyard. Initially, it was simply a jam session with friends with a donations jar passed around to raise money for the CKF. But the story goes back a little further than that.

“Myself and my family went to Cambodia with the Cambodian Kids Foundation in 2012. They were just setting up this school in a remote area of the country for kids that would otherwise not have any access to schooling or healthcare in the region.

This is the first time they had taken volunteers over with them so myself and my family were lucky enough to be a part of that.”

For a 16-year-old kid leading a pretty comfortable life outside Melbourne, the poverty he saw with children in poor health and suffering malnutrition, was a wakeup call. And when he came back Jimmy wanted to make further contributions to the foundation’s work.

His family are big music fans and music has always been their lives so it was natural enough that a live music event would be their way of offering support. And although the festival is always a big effort, especially with current health restrictions, the rewards make it well worthwhile.

“We are a volunteer-run festival, none of the committee or the volunteers get paid. We all have other jobs so finding time to prioritise the event is sometimes a challenge. But I have returned several times to Cambodia to visit the school and the money we have raised and the changes it has helped bring about have been absolutely remarkable. Many of the children are thriving and going on to be teachers themselves.

It has been incredibly rewarding to see that and be helping that process develop.”

Donna Cooper is part of the Cooper family who created the CKF and its partner company The Sew Good Company which provides women in rural Cambodia with fair, safe, family-friendly employment. Normally she resides in the South East Asian nation but is currently in Daylesford due to the bans on international travel. She has high praise for the efforts of Jimmy, his family and the host of volunteers.

“People always ask: ‘How can we help you’, ” says Donna. “And Jimmy asked the same question. I said: ‘You know what I would love, Jimmy? If people could think of something that they’re passionate about, that they can do well, and do it on our behalf.’

“Just over a year later he came back to us with the festival as a fundraising initiative. It is my favourite day of the year and I will always fly home for it. The money raised makes sure that school remains open for those children, making sure breakfast is available, making it just that tiny bit easier to do the work we do. You truly do not meet people like Jimmy every day.”

Above: Festival director Jimmy O’Hare Inset: Students at Soksan International School, Cambodia Words: Tony Sawrey | Images: Supplied (To listen to Tony chatting with Jimmy on The Local's Country Life podcast, just scan the QR code here.)

EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP CATCHING UP WITH MATES Every test keeps us on top of this virus.

And keeps us doing the things we love.

So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Our people 5

A chance meeting, friendship and a time to shine

A

NGUS O’Callaghan always dreamed of becoming a famous photographer. Fascinated by people going about their daily lives, Angus captured shots of Melbourne. Shots that evoke memories for those who lived or visited Melbourne in the 60s.

Angus commenced his career as a photographer during World War II, documenting the devastation in Syria. After the war, Angus returned to civilian life, working as a school teacher. But he had a fascination for photography and began capturing Melbourne in a series of works between1969 and 1971 with two mediumformat Yashicaflex twin lens cameras, one for black and white and one for colour.

For years fame escaped the now 98-year-old as he tried to navigate the exclusive art clique. He tried to manage his own affairs to no avail. Throughout all this, he never gave up on his dream.

Nor did his wife Lynette. The couple met in Kyneton and lived in the township for a number of years in the late nineties. Escaping the cold, they eventually moved to Queensland before returning to live in Melbourne.

It was Lynette who, after finding a collection of negatives hidden away in the attic over 10 years ago, encouraged Angus to follow the dream that escaped him for all of those years. Lynette had one of the prints framed and donated it to a Brighton Primary School fundraiser.

It was sold for a great deal of money. There were art connections at the school fare who went on to represent Angus through a well-known auction house. But Angus likes autonomy and he soon discovered the partnership wasn’t quite panning out.

Fast track a few years and enter Kyneton’s Genevieve Wearne, owner of boutique accommodation provider, Flop House.

Genevieve and her husband moved from busy Northcote to the serenity of Kyneton in 2010. Genevieve was a CEO of a government-appointed advisory board but a building debacle on her property was the catalyst for testing the waters in the picturesque township.

“We decided to rent for six months to get a feel for the area and for the first three years I was commuting to Melbourne. The days were long and at that time my health was suffering so I decided to take a year off and work out what I really wanted to do, connect with the area and reflect.”

Genevieve has a background in arts, business management and events and wanted to reflect her skills and passions in a new venture. Flop House in Kyneton was born in 2013 which saw a number of boutique and luxurious local guest houses managed by Genevieve. And this is where Angus comes into the picture. Genevieve attended an art exhibition in Kyneton three years ago featuring the then 95-year old’s photographs.

“Angus and Lynette were running late and when they did arrive, as Lynette was about to sit down, someone took her chair. I quickly found another chair and stayed with the couple chatting. I ended up buying two of the photographs and displayed them in our retail space,” she said.

“I had so many enquiries and when I made contact with Angus, he remembered me for being kind to Lynette. Our relationship and our trust grew and since then it has evolved to me representing Angus and his works. His photographs resonate with people’s memories from that period of time in Melbourne. The baby boomers particularly have a connection to his works and what Melbourne was really like then.”

Angus’s work was showcased in 2018 and Genevieve said the response from the community and those visiting the Kyneton area was amazing.

“We sold a lot of work and have since gone on to sell his photographs to interstate and overseas buyers. It was wonderful that we could hold an exhibition in Kyneton given he still has many friends in the area and that is where he met Lynette. He has a very strong connection to the area.”

Angus’s works have been exhibited across the country including in Melbourne and Daylesford and his dream of having his works showcased in a book, Angus O’Callaghan’s Melbourne has also been realised. Angus will soon also meet one of the subjects from a photo he took all those years ago at the then baby’s christening. *The Local didn’t get a chance to speak to Angus but that’s where he trusts Genevieve to handle all the business that goes with being recognised and being in demand.

Words: Narelle Groenhout Images: Supplied

Have a listen to Narelle chatting with Genevieve on The Local's Country Life podcast.

Just scan the QR Code here.

new Variety STORE Gifts, treats, toys, games & more Everything under $29 Open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm 42 Vincent Street Daylesford

6 Travel

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Travel: Water views and Western Victoria

A

COUPLE of weeks ago we headed over to Nagambie and then up to Moama. The first real escape in about 15 months. It was great to get away for a few nights. So good we thought we would try it again. This time, over west and down to Port Fairy.

Being born and bred in Frankston, and walking distance from the bay, of course I love the water. Nah, not really. My memories of the beach are mostly being badly burnt as a kid and then having to climb into a stinking hot car with vinyl seats. A cold slab of butter was the remedy for any sunburn. It felt so cool as it melted and was the closest mum came to creating a lovely cooking smell in the kitchen. Joke.

Anyway, we headed off via Ballarat and then on through Skipton, Lismore, Mortlake, Koirot and Kirkstall. What a run. What a crap run. We think we have potholes. We don't know what potholes are. And then after about 50km of roads so rough I was starting to wonder if my ovaries had come loose, there was a sign saying, and I kid you not, "Rough road ahead". WTF? Anyway, we made it. Not quite in the two hours that Kyle promised, which seemed hopeful for a trip of 255km with a driver who has never gone over the speed limit, but we made it before dusk. (We left at midday - I swear I saw a number of Volvos being driven by hatted men overtake us. And yes, it was a Sunday.)

Kyle had booked into the Victoria Apartments right in the heart of the town.

There was a little confusion as we had to fill out the COVID paperwork on the phone with Kyle refusing to wear my budget reading glasses (thanks, That Bargain Place) and squinting while making huffing noises because he not only had to enter the registration plate but also his driver's licence. But then a key dropped into the keysafe and we were in. And almost straight out the courtyard door. The living room was the smallest I have been in - and I lived in Japan for three years.

It contained a kitchen bench, fridge, dining table and two chairs, couch for two, huge round marble coffee table and a $10 white pedestal fan. Oh, and the biggest television I have seen. In fact it was so big, and so close to the couch, that it felt like you were part of the show you were watching. Hello Superstore. Mind you, the bedroom was normal, same size as the living area, with a king bed that was nice and firm (Kyle called it a rock bed) and a tiny clothes cupboard that didn't quite have enough room to open.

It sounds like we are whingers, and yes, we are. And after we whinged we were given a complimentary upgrade for the following night to an upstairs two-bedroom apartment which was lovely. And massive. With a great view from the balcony. So a great spot to stay, if you pay a little more and head upstairs.

In Port Fairy we drove to the beach, walked around the parks, had a couple of beers in some lovely old pubs, did pizza one night and Thai the next, and generally relaxed. And we also went to Penshurst.

Now, I had never heard of Penshurst but a friend who lives in Lauriston and owns a gallery in Kyneton, has just bought a former butcher's shop on the corner of the main street - so we decided to visit. What a great place. Penshurst is set on an aquifer so the botanic gardens include wonderful wetlands which is pretty amazing for Western Victoria. There is also a 25-metre, heated outdoor pool - hear that Daylesford, and a multi-million dollar Volcanoes Discovery Centre. (The town sits under Mt Rouse, an extinct volcano.) You also can't visit without heading to the 13-hectare Yatmerone Wildlife Reserve, home to more than 30 types of bird species and more than 30 flower species. There's also lots of fauna - and a big sign at the entrance saying: "Snakes live here." I bet they do.

We had lunch at the hotel - which is for sale BTW - and enjoyed real pub grub parmas, fish and chips, and steak, out on the balcony. I also hear the bakery does an amazing bee-sting - but that's for next time. And we will be back. Our friend is keen on creating another gallery at her new shop - so watch this space.

We were going to drive home via Geelong and bit of smooth freeway but decided we needed to check out the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld. It's pretty famous so seemed worth the trip. Of course, it's shut Mondays, so we had hot chocolates and shared a reuben sandwich at Koopmans Dunkeld, a restored garage in the main street.

Now while the usual components of a reuben are corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye bread, ours was more ham and cheese and mustard. But it was good.

We pulled over at Streatham, just because one of the tyres seemed a bit flat, but all was well and we decided to check again at Skipton. All good. We'll get the wheel alignment done later.

So, another couple of nights away with the mood lightening around the state. If you had told me back in August/September that part of the pandemic was a road trip and a couple of beers at a bar, I would have said you were dreaming. And now we are dreaming, of a vaccine, and a life eventually without masks and social distancing.

Although I am happy enough for that to continue, just for now.

Words: Donna Kelly

COMMUNITY VISION & COUNCIL PLAN Stage 2 of the Hepburn Together project is the development of the 10 Year Community Vision and the 4 Year Council Plan. Like the process for developing the draft Community Engagement Policy, we want your feedback. Our Community Vision will capture our goals and aspirations for the next 10 years and set Council’s strategic direction.

Our Council Plan outlines how Council will play its role in meeting the Community Vision and outlining its strategic priorities.

We have a series of community pop-up sessions for you to come and have your say: • 1 March 2021 (8am -10am)

Front of Hepburn General Store

• 1 March 2021 (4pm-6pm)

The Warehouse - Clunes

• 2 March 2021 (6pm-8pm)

Drummond Hall

• 5 March 2021 (8am-10am)

Bullarto Hall

• 10 March 2021 (6pm-8pm)

Smeaton Bowls Club

• 11 March 2021 (4pm-6pm)

Clydesdale Hall

• 13 March 2021 (9am-11am)

Front of Le Peche Gourmand, Creswick

• 13 March 2021 (4pm-6pm)

Daylesford Coles Walkway

• 15 March 2021 (4pm-6pm)

Trentham Mechanics Institute

• 18 March 2021 (4pm-6pm )

Creswick Hub

For more information on the project visit https://participate.hepburn. vic.gov.au/. There will also be an online survey available for those who can’t make any of the community pop-up sessions.

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Our community 7

Hepburn Shire's housing crisis in focus

A

GROUP of Hepburn Shire residents is determined to spotlight the issues of the housing crisis in the shire.

The group, Safe Place Homes, is determined to make a difference. And the group's effort to make things happen within two years is extraordinary.

Community stalwart David Hall is part of that group. He insists this is a story about a crisis, about what is happening, what can be done and what needs to be done.

In his words it is a "we" story.

“I attended a forum last year organised by then councillor Kate Redwood on housing issues in the shire. I learned so much about the issues facing my fellow citizens so began talking about it with friends,” he said.

“We morphed into a small team determined to make a change and over time we welcomed representatives from Clunes, Creswick and Trentham. The issue is across the entire shire so we needed contributors from those communities.”

The group met with a representative from Child and Family Services and was staggered by the information regarding the housing shortage and the stress it puts on individuals and families. It was at this juncture the group realised the issues were only going to get worse, given the number of rental properties in the area were on the decline.

“With funding provided by the Trentham and Daylesford community banks we commissioned an in-depth study into the housing situation. As a result, we resolved to alleviate some of the issues here by increasing the stock of affordable housing,” David said.

The group investigated other local government housing policies and found the majority had policies in place. But nothing of the kind existed at Hepburn Shire Council. “This, we found staggering. We made a submission to council in April 2020 urging the adoption of an effective policy.”

While it was a win for the group after the council voted to develop a set of policies (which required drafting local laws), the process was delayed as council needed to set aside funding to draft the laws.

The group lobbied councillor candidates and, in David’s words, "secured promises of support". The newly elected council agreed the policies were to be prioritised and ready for adoption in April.

Mr Hall said there were so many options available to council that wouldn't cost ratepayers a fortune.

"There is something called inclusionary zoning, which is a term for when a developer comes along and says I want to build 40 houses on this site, the council negotiates with them and says you can have that, but you must allocate five to 10 per cent to affordable housing."

While the group waits for the council’s position to be finalised, it has moved ahead with its plans for affordable housing. The group has independently purchased a block of land in Creswick and hopes to build six safe and affordable houses on that site, once the council has approved the development.

The group has also joined forces with registered charitable housing provider Haven; Home, Safe, - Australia’s only integrated affordable rental housing and homelessness services provider. The group is another step closer to affordable purposebuilt homes in the area.

“Many are of the view that in this shire and in towns like Daylesford everyone is wealthy. In fact, most are not. The median weekly income in the shire is below the Victorian average. There are many struggling families and individuals in the shire.

This area is full of good people but we are not all lucky,” David said.

“There is a lot of work to be done and it could take many years but the moment we hand over the first set of keys…that will be thrilling.”

Words & image: Narelle Groenhout

Public Forum - Have Your Say

Safe Place Homes has organised a public forum on affordable housing to be held at the Daylesford Senior Citizens Centre on Thursday, March 4 from 4pm to 6pm.

The forum will update the community on its efforts to date, seek ideas and encourage those affected by the Hepburn Shire’s housing crisis to attend.

Registrations are essential. Email luigisoccio1201@gmail.com or call 0469 920 365.

Cold beers on tap and great local wines.

Sunday spit roast dinners and a summer menu with loads of shareable options.

Exceptional service with food to match SPEND SUMMER AT THE DAYLESFORD HOTEL LUNCH FRI - SUN 12-3PM DINNER 7 NIGHTS FROM 6PM DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU

Pets@Work Miss Mollie, a three-year-old schmoodle, works with Father Gary Jones, the priest for St Peter’s Daylesford and St Augustine’s Creswick parishes.

Parish administration officer Leonie Keynes said Miss Mollie worked in the Daylesford office, meeting and greeting the parishioners and any other visitors. "Sometimes she will assist in the setting up of mass and help with the Powerpoint.

Miss Mollie is a delight to have around and makes the work environment so enjoyable - even if she does insist on sitting on the desk and snoring when she falls asleep."

Newstead studios open

L

EONE Wallace is one of many artists opening their studios as part of the Newstead Open Studios later this month.

The event is part of the Castlemaine State Festival and studios will be open on Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21, and Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28, from 10am to 5pm.

Leone was brought up in Oakleigh, the youngest in a single parent family of four, with her mother an artist who also worked with children in holiday programs.

"She always had interesting craft materials around the house, which I used to amuse myself with whenever I had the chance. My mother showed me many different crafts during this time but I did not focus on one until much later.

"When discovering fibre crafts, people commonly move from one to another as their interests and capacities allow. I consider myself semi-experienced in many crafts, but an expert of none."

Leone said felting became an interest shortly before moving to the Central Highlands almost eight years ago and has probably been the fibre craft she enjoyed the most.

"I appreciate many aspects of working with fibres - the differences from the shorn fleece to the finished product and how the choice of process can change the look and feel of the fibre. A knitted jumper will have a very different finish to a woven top from the same wool. There are a huge number of dyeing, spinning and weaving techniques to explore, and I change between techniques regularly, partially to maintain interest but also to protect my physical capacity."

Leone said her regular work was time intensive, very active and social and allowed her to go with the flow. "When I start a piece I don’t usually have a subject or even a colour range in mind. I work up a simple felted panel and look for patterns, shapes and colour changes which stimulate ideas.

"My latest pieces have had some 3D features and I love incorporating beading and intricate stitching. Sometimes the topic or name of a piece shows itself along the way.

"When people view my 'feltie' I hope they appreciate the intensive nature of the piece, the colours and detailed stitching/beading. I enjoy it when they find different 'meanings'.

"I describe my studio as quirky, as it contains a collection of natural objects, others' art, books and quirky personal items. These things provide a lot of stimulation and I hope a visit will encourage others to try out their creative side."

Leone said during periods of isolation, many people found comfort in creative endeavours but while she was lucky that her work remained constant during lockdowns, she found it hard to remain creatively stimulated.

It is her second time taking part in the Newstead Open Studios. "Other than this, I’ve had one solo exhibition and sometimes place pieces at the odd local art show. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for the fibre arts with anyone who chooses to drop by."

Link: www.newsteadopenstudios.org

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Our environment 9

New category mooted for Wombat Forest

T

HE investigation into public land in the state’s Central West region was commissioned by the Victorian Government in 2017.

It was carried out by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) and recommended among other things, that almost the entire area of the Wombat State Forest be made into a national park. The final report was lodged with the Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio in June 2019.

Since then, silence. The COVID-19 crisis and its multi-billion dollar hit on the economy and the state’s coffers could be one reason. Another might be the complex horse trading that goes on behind the scenes when any commissioned report involving the input of a range of communities, industries and special interest groups are vying for the ear of the government as to how, when, why, if, what, and where its final recommendations are to be implemented.

For some people the inertia is cause for alarm, for others such as Tim Anderson it is encouraging. Because he believes the entire VEAC investigation is fundamentally flawed; both in its science and the makeup and balance of the committee who steered it.

Tim has been working on forest-related matters at regional, state and national levels for 30 years. His work along with his wife Loris Duclos was the basis for the Our Forests Our Future initiative under the Bracks' government and has just completed four years working on the Australian FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Forest Standard in conjunction with the industry, indigenous representatives and national environment groups.

With his experience he is able to speak for those many locals who oppose a national park and want to see the forest managed and protected by other means.

“Turning the whole area into a national park, at a time when 80 per cent of it has had some of the most intensive logging in Australia and needs to be thinned back, is a recipe for killing the Wombat Forest and all of the species in it. One fire, one disease or lower rainfall and we’ve lost the wombat. The greater glider and the powerful owl can’t live in a desert or a low elevation forest. It doesn’t work.”

Tim’s opinion reflects a fundamental distrust of the concept of big national parks, common in adjoining communities. Many local submissions to the final VEAC report expressed concerns that, despite reassurances from the Central West investigation authors, the gates to the Wombat would be locked, access restricted and the bulk of the forest left unmanaged.

“A vast national park will do absolutely nothing for the biodiversity that is already existing in it,” says Tim. “The region is already protected by a range of conservation overlays and is managed perfectly well by DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning). Simple legislation would restrict activities such as mining and intensive logging. Victoria could easily achieve its commitments to biodiversity not by simply imposing a national park on the community, but by restoring large areas that have been over-logged in the past.”

He suggests instead, as outlined in a letter he sent to the Environment Minister in 2019, that the government should investigate creating a whole new category for the Wombat Forest known as the Wombat Climate Forest. Tim stresses that now is the time for a new public land category that reflects positive climate change action and marking the forest as an important bio-refuge.

This should include thinning the regrowth and thus allowing the forest to store more carbon and potentially attract significant revenue in terms of carbon credits (big trees hold more carbon longer then thousands of saplings in overcrowded thickets and therefore are more valuable).

A restored forest under the proposed category would also serve as a refuge for biodiversity, especially endangered species, while allowing and regulating a range of suitable recreational and tourism based activities that national parks currently prohibit.

Above, Tim Anderson next to a thicket of unmanaged regrowth forest Words & image: Tony Sawrey Have a listen to Tony talking to Tim on The Local's Country Life podcast.

Just scan the QR Code here.

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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.

10 Gardens

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The weather two-step - still leading a merry dance

With persistently cantankerous weather since last spring, alternating between pouring rain and blistering heat, there’s little wonder crops from many fruiting trees and vegetables, and especially lately tomatoes, have been patchy at best. It has made decision-making on when to plant, prune or feed somewhat akin to blind-folded skittles.

But there is one seasonal activity you can put your money on, year-in and yearout, come rain or shine, March is the time to plant your spring-flowering bulbs.

Those wonderful, colourful plants that will grow and flower equally as well out in the garden or indoors.

You can prepare for your salute to spring by planting your flowering bulbs from now on. They can actually go in for several months yet but the sooner you plant them the sooner they will become established before the cold weather arrives.

Among the more popular choices are daffodil, jonquil, freesia, hyacinth, tulip and Dutch iris, all easily grown provided the soil is well drained, especially for the hyacinth and tulips.

Also among them, although not really bulbs but small corms, the colourful twins anenome and ranunculus can go in soon as well.

In heavier soils it would be a good idea to dig in a 5cm to 6cm mixed layer of sand and well-rotted compost to loosen the soil and slightly raise the level of the bed.

Most bulbs prefer to be planted at a depth that is three times greater than their own diameter. Shallow planting usually results either in short or wobbly flower stems and on occasion sunburnt bulbs. On the other hand, if planted too deep, they may not emerge at all.

All bulbs benefit from being fertilised at the time of planting. Dig the holes about 4cm deeper than what is needed for the bulb, place a small amount of complete fertiliser in the bottom and cover it with several centimetres of compost or sand so the plant’s roots can reach it when required.

Unless the rain is bucketing down, be sure to give them a good soaking drink at the time of planting and that is all that is necessary until the first young shoots show through. Mulch the bed to keep it moist and keep the weeds down by regular cultivation.

Because many bulbs dislike being disturbed and can be left from year to year, it could be a good idea to plant some form of perennial groundcover (such as violets) over the bed to cover the bare earth when the bulbs are dormant.

Indoor colour

Bring the garden indoors by growing your favourite flowering bulbs in pots to bring inside when they are in bloom.

Bulbs do better in pots than most other plants because their limited root systems adapt readily to a confined space. Almost foolproof, they come as an encapsulated package with their own food supply and need only sufficient light and moisture to reward you with flowers in spring.

Bulbs are excellent container plants and can be grown in a small, out-of-the-way spot until brought indoors once flower buds appear. They need a well-drained potting mix and a well-lit windowsill away from direct sunlight.

Once they have finished flowering and have died back, simply tip them from the pot. Then wash and dry them and hang them up in an old stocking or onion bag in a dry, airy place until the same time next year.

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

SUE’S PLACE

The Companion Group

Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder

Going far?Go further!

a little gift from me to you

Experience any coincidences lately?

The unexplained serendipitous moments just happening ‘out of nowhere’?

What if we treated these moments as gifts just for us?

What if we accepted them as guidance, support, celebration just for us?

Would we view our lives, ourselves, differently?

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

We support you!

The Companion Group are now based in Hepburn Shire.

Individual support, support coordination, assistance with health, wellbeing and exercise, help around the home and everything in-between. Customised care, specific to your needs.

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Personalised Disability, Aged Care & Mental Health Services Assistance with daily living In-home & out of home support Personal Care / Transport House Cleaning & Safety Service Contact Paul or Samantha to inquire M: 0448 802 226 P: 03 5377 3665 or email info@thecompaniongroup.org For more information visit thecompaniongroup.org

A registered service provider under the National Disability Insurance Agency and Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

Welcoming our new doctors – for the New Year we bring you one very smart woman and four wise men!

As a training practice, we always look forward to February as we get to welcome our new intake of doctors.

Dr Thakkar, Dr Richardson, Dr Murphy, Dr Brown and Dr Narendra have all joined the Campaspe Family Practice team and are now taking bookings.

Phone: 5422 2877 Book online: www.campaspefp.com.au CampaspeFamilyPractice Hours: 8am–8pm Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm Sat, 10am–1pm Sun Located at Kyneton Hospital: 7-25 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton

12 Homes

www.tlnews.com.au

LOOKING FOR CARPET?

We have an extensive range of quality carpets from manufacturers Godfrey Hirst and Victoria Carpets Call in and see Harry, Graeme or Jill for your flooring requirements.

OPEN: Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm Saturday: 9am-1pm 1a Mink Street DAYLESFORD | P: 5348 4097 | E: daylesford@qualityfloorz.com.au

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Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn

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 1 Campion Rd, Newlyn.

0418 567 195

www.tlnews.com.au

Crossword 13

W RD

CROSS

Holistic Funeral Directors

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

Here's the solution for Crossword 220.

How did you go?

14 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

Max thriving

By Donna Kelly

S

O FEBRUARY has just finished up. And that means FebFast is over.

Which is good because I failed miserably at giving up alcohol. But do I blame myself? Of course not.

It was all going really well. February 1, 9am, no problem. Not even feeling like a drink. Actually walking on air a little because a melanoma I had been diagnosed with had been completely chopped out and apart from six-monthly checks - no worries.

What? Oh, back of the arm, where you don't really see it, especially if you prefer a longer sleeve. It just looked wrong. So I went and got medical advice, had a bit cut off and then, when it came back as a melanoma and I didn't die of a heart attack, I had a bit more cut off. And all good. Well, you know, not good but what are you going to do. The surgeon asked if I had ever been sunburnt as a child to the point of peeling skin. You bet! I am a child of the early 70s - that's what we did and as a teenager I fried myself in coconut oil. No tan, but a stack of freckles.

Anyway, I was feeling good and ready to kick the booze for a month. I know, shortest month of the year, but still. So I stocked up on mineral water and was keen for the reset - until I felt a bit sore around the boob. Hmmm. February, just a month before my regular mammogram/ultrasound check, why not book in early? So I did.

And all seemed OK. The radiologist didn't make any noises to worry about - sucking in of air, or furtive glances in my direction and then quickly looking away, and not too many of those clicks on the screen as they push your boobs this way and that.

So I felt pretty positive all was good. But, you know, probably not the day to give up drinking. But the next day for sure. And then a few days later I get the call to say they have found something and would like to do a follow-up with a tiny biopsy.

Hmmm. Still OK. But, you know, probably not the day... So I called to make my appointment and they asked me to take a photo of the referral and email it through.

Which I did on the Friday. But no call back. So really, the weekend was looming large... And then when I called Monday they had no record of my email so I sent it all again and called back on Tuesday. (Monday night was a bit stressful...) On Tuesday they said they had the referral but most appointments were a few weeks away - busy with COVID catch-ups and all that. Fair enough. But you know, just one wine never hurt... And then when I rang on Friday, a tad annoyed, they said they would get back to me asap but mentioned that although the doctor had written "bulk bill please" that particular procedure could not be bulk billed. "It's $295 out of pocket - do you still want to go ahead?" When I joked I had no choice they offered to end the call but we sorted that bit out. And I really needed a drink that night. And then the appointment and the wait for the news...not a great time for an alcohol-free day, let alone month!

But then, long story long, the call. All good. Nothing wrong. Yay. So here we are, the end of February and all is well. And I am thinking Moderate March. Just sayin'...

L

ONG-time advocate for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, Max Primmer, is among those interviewed for Thrive: Queer Voices, out loud, produced

by Castlemaine-based company Black Apple Theatre.

Created by Cheyney Caddy, Ally Riches and Tiffanni Walton, Thrive is the story of the trailblazers and future-makers of LGBTQIA+ Victorians, young and old.

Mr Primmer, a Glenlyon resident, hosts the Queer and Now program on MAINfm and said it was important to get the message out that: “You are loved, you are important, your life is important."

The readings will be held, for the first time, for the ChillOut Festival at the former Glenlyon Shire Hall on Saturday, March 6 at 7.30pm.

Another reading will be held as part of the Bendigo Pride Festival at The Engine Room on Saturday, March 13 at 8pm. The show is then expected to open at the Frolic Festival in Ballarat and at various LGBTQIA+ festivals around Victoria.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com.au Above, Max Primmer gets ready for ChillOut

Image: Kyle Barnes

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Opinion 15

Kyle’s Rant

T

HE other day I went on a photoshoot - I know, no big deal but bear in mind during the pandemic the old camera bag sat in the corner and collected dust.

We largely relied upon our editorial subjects to shoot themselves (in a photographic way) or because we have now notched up almost nine years of servitude at TL HQ we have a huge supply of stock shots. Some of the shoots went back to the beginnings of TL so we also provided a service in making people young again.

Some other tricks we used were to shoot at 30 paces, usually a bit rough but it gets the job done and I made good use of the Glenlyon Reserve with its trees for shelter from the wind and rain, and open space when the sun is not directly overhead causing harsh shadowing.

It seems I have once again waffled off track. My point is that the camera equipment is fairly new to me again. And when I arrived at this particular photoshoot the (unnamed subject) commented that I looked a little tired. That was news to me, so I finished up the job, returned back to TL HQ and started reflecting on the year that was 2020.

So, last February we kind of knew that there was likely to be a pandemic sweeping the world, however, like everyone we ploughed on with a “business as usual” mindset.

Last March just after we had finished producing The Little Local, House.Land.Home. and a bumper TL, the biggest page count ever, we went down to Lorne for some R&R with no phones or emails for four whole days. Or so we hoped.

The second morning into the stay we got a call from Donna’s mother Betty: “Have you seen the news today?” And of course the news was the pandemic ripping its way through Spain and the Ruby Princess making landfall in Sydney, so that was the end of the break, we packed up, went over the bay to Frankston to check on Betty and drove back home.

So, since the middle of March 2020, it has been a busy and scary time for a lot of people and a restful and scary time for others. It almost seems like there has been two classes of experiences for people - those who had no choice but to remain under the doona and those who have had to “pivot” their lives and business. We certainly fall into the latter.

At TL HQ, on the back of not getting the R&R we desperately needed, we turned our paper from fortnightly to weekly, to keep the community properly informed (not Facebook informed).

We also started a podcast, reworked our online presence with a beautiful experience known as www.tlnews.com.au, committed to our social media presence to keep things light and continued to never miss a beat publishing The Little Local, House.Land.Home. and The Local. And this all happened in a year we lost our third musketeer, Betty, but then made friends with four magpies who we named as they joined us for 5.30pm drinks during the winter. A crazy year.

So yes, I think I am tired, rant over…

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Have a listen to Donna and Kyle talking about the latest edition of The Local.

Or one of our many journalists on the features in this edition!

All on The Local's Country Life podcast.

Just scan the QR Code here.

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.

Gig Guide The Guildford Family Hotel, Guildford Marvin Lorne - Thursday, March 4, 6pm Son Quba - Friday, March 5, 7pm Family Farm - Saturday, March 6, 7pm

Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn A Queer Soirée & Drag Bingo - Thursday, March 4 COVEN - Friday, March 5 Cabaris-gay presents: Ho-Cus! Poc-us! - Saturday, March 6 Thick 'n' Juicy - Sunday, March 7, Event 1: 2pm-8pm, Event 2: 9pm-3am

Got a gig coming up? Email donna@tlnews.com.au

Classifieds Casual canteen coordinator wanted The Daylesford Football Netball Club is seeking a casual canteen coordinator for the 2021 season.

The position is open for a canteen coordinator to work every second Friday and Saturday (beginning mid April though to the end of August 2020) plus the option to organise Wednesday night dinner each week at the club. The club has a new commercial kitchen.

Applicants must have: • Proven ability to work with a range of people and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team situation; • A working knowledge and appropriate accreditation in line with Safe Food Handling; • Supervise volunteers in a warm and professional manner; and • Current Working with Children Check is necessary.

Wage by negotiation.

Please contact Carson White (Club President) on 0499 811 817 or email dfncpresident@gmail.com to discuss this opportunity further.

News 17

Just briefly

SUNBURY and Cobaw Community Health has partnered with Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Woodend Neighbourhood House, Kyneton Community House, Macedon Ranges Health, Thorne Harbour Country, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and local schools to deliver The Sex Smart Youth Survey.

The survey is open from March 1 to 31 and will focus on discovering young people’s sexual and reproductive health knowledge and their access to safe and inclusive information and services. The survey aims to bring together young people and services working with young people to improve access to relevant, legitimate, inclusive and safe sexual and reproductive health education and resources for young people in the Macedon Ranges. Link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/sexsmartyouth

AC Hops in Dean has received funding from the Victorian Government’s latest round of the Small-Scale and Craft Program.

AC Hops will use the money to expand its hop yard, increasing production and enabling the business to offer a wider product range, thanks to specialised equipment including a hot pelletiser and cool room. Having farmed in the district of Dean for more than 150 years, AC Hops is passionate about supporting local craft brewers and educating the community about the hop-growing journey. Owner Alistair Tippett said the funding had helped fast track plans to give craft breweries access to local farmgate hops to “add a little story to their brew”.

WOMBAT Forestcare's You, me & biodiversity program will recommence in March with Alison Pouliot discussing her and Tom May’s new book, Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers.

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

In this talk Alison will share insights from over two decades of roaming the forests and working alongside scientists, foragers and mushroom inspectors across hemispheres. This unique opportunity to observe how mycological knowledge develops across cultures and ecologies has provided unique perspectives for the book.

The talk will be at the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre on Friday, March 5 at 6pm.

Bookings essential: www.trybooking.com/BOVGA

MACEDON Shire Ranges Council is celebrating a year since the introduction of the four-bin service.

Since February 2020, using the FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bins, residents have saved 8492 tonnes of organic waste from landfill which has been turned into nutrient-rich compost used on farms, parks and gardens across the state.

In one year, this has resulted in a reduction of 24,967 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions. This would save the equivalent emissions as produced by providing electricity to 4227 houses for one year using fossil fuels or the equivalent saving of removing 5394 cars off the road. The glass-only bins have saved 1973 tonnes of glass from landfill which has been used in Victorian roads and construction.

HEPBURN Shire Council has expanded its services to the Trentham community, adding customer services to the Trentham Library.

Hepburn Shire Council interim CEO Bradley Thomas said the community now had access to the same in-person customer services as Daylesford, Creswick and Clunes. "We have added an extra staff member to the Trentham Library for those people who would like to do their council business in person, close to their home."

The library is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

FRIENDS of Park Lake in Creswick are busy organising the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the lake's Botanic Gardens. The event will be held on

Sunday, April 18 from 11am to 3pm with a Welcome to Country at 11.30am. The 160th celebration is an environmental and cultural event to mark 160 years since the Colonial Government of Victoria granted this piece of land to the people of Creswick for the purpose of creating a Botanical Reserve.

Everyone attending the COVIDsafe event will be encouraged to plant an Australian plant and join together for a sausage sizzle and slice of birthday cake.

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The Last Word: Another shot in the arm

Vaccination Part II

O

n February 13 we received our second hits of vaccine and now we should be able to start living somewhat normal lives. After a year of COVID-19 restrictions, it’s difficult to come to reconcile that, at least on a personal level, our ordeal might be drawing to a conclusion.

Of course, as the US death toll from COVID-19 tops 500,000, our discomfort has been a small price to pay.

In our two-person household, Carol and I have been in a sort of isolation for almost a year. In that time, I’ve regularly spent time with my parents - dad, 92, and mum, 88 - we’ve allowed my brother and Carol’s sister to visit, and we have two mates who come over, but no one has been allowed to come into our house; we have a comfortable outdoor area where we entertain these few guests.

If that sounds extreme, consider that Shasta County, where we live, has a population of about 180,000 people and almost 11,000 reported cases of COVID-19, with a few dozen new cases being confirmed each and every day.

Now, with the second dose of Moderna vaccine in our arms, we decided to try living large again: we went to an actual restaurant, sat at a table, ordered off a menu - from a waitress - and when the food arrived, we removed our masks and ate our meals.

Full disclosure: it was a lovely, sunny afternoon and we sat outside at a socially distanced table. This was a restaurant we’d been patronising during our lockdown. They were one of the few in our area that had adopted - and enforced - mask-wearing rules for customers and staff, strictly limited indoor dining, and emphasised takeaway food.

Readers of The Local might remember our first shot of vaccine came about through an unlikely confluence of events involving a sister-in-law, a dog park, and an impromptu drive-through clinic based around a small local airport.

Shot No. 2 was much better organised. We were contacted via text message by the local county health department and told when and where we would receive our follow-up vaccination.

The “where” was another drive-through clinic, this time in the car park of our county’s version of the Melbourne Showgrounds - the Shasta District Fairgrounds, about 25 kilometres south of our home. All in all, it was entirely uneventful, especially if you consider the experience of a couple of friends of ours.

Our friends live in Santa Barbara, a beautiful city on the southern California coast. They are in their 60s, one is battling cancer, and they were eager to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

In order to make this happen, however, they had to drive more than 230 kilometres north, to the city of Bakersfield: world renowned as the home of “the Bakersfield sound” as created by country music legend Buck Owens - but not much else.

If this seems a bit extreme, you need to understand that the previous federal government did its best to pretend the COVID-19 pandemic was a hoax, and to ignore it in hopes it would all just quietly go away. Part of this strategy included refusing to come up with plans for distributing the vaccines.

Fortunately, American ingenuity came to the rescue. Anyone who has been to the US has probably noticed that there are few small, local chemist shops, just as there are almost no local butchers, greengrocers or milk bars. Instead, we have massive chain stores. The grocery store where we buy our food also has a complete pharmacy, and the pharmacy where we fill our prescriptions sells bread and milk.

If you want a flu shot, you can go to the grocery store, or the pharmacy, or even to your doctor.

It only made sense, therefore, that if local government isn’t up to the task, COVID-19 vaccinations could be distributed through pharmacy chains. Which is why our friends from Santa Barbara ended up driving two-and-a-half hours to be jabbed at the Bakersfield branch of a massive pharmacy chain that happened to have available doses. We have another friend who is receiving his shots at a Safeway store, which means he only has to drive across town, and can pick up a head of lettuce, a jar of peanut butter and a six-pack of beer while he’s there.

With that in mind, we decided to look into having my parents shot - OK, it was tempting, but not like that. We logged on to the website of their preferred pharmacy chain and found slots available in an upcoming clinic. While there, my mother bought a package of adhesive bandages and my father bought a bag of sweets, and they were vaccinated.

My father had only one complaint: the makeshift waiting area for the clinic was directly opposite the store’s liquor department and he didn’t like having to look at all the bottles of wine - he’s supposed to be cutting down on his drinking.

Jeff Glorfeld is a former editor with The Age and journalist with The Local. A couple of years back Jeff, his wife Carol and their dog Scout moved from Wheatsheaf to California, USA to be with family. They have since adopted pooch Joey. Along with being happy to be vaccinated, Jeff hopes for a St Kilda premiership one day.