The Local May 10, 2021, Issue 227

May 10, 2021 Issue 227 Volunteers & fundraisers

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front cover: This Monday, May 17, head to the Daylesford Bowling Club for a Biggest Morning Tea event at 10.30am. Organiser Carol Collins said everyone was welcome, with plenty of raffles and fabulous food.

Entry is $15 and no bookings are necessary. The annual event raises money for the Cancer Council.

May 10, 2021 Issue 227 Volunteers & fundraisers

Space bookings: Wednesday, May 19 Copy deadline: Thursday, May 20 Editorial deadline: Thursday, May 20 Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

From left, Lois Voterakis, Joan Field, Margaret Coffey, Evelyn Young, Carol Marshall and Carol Collins

Sales | Henry Maxwell 0493 067 714 The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Image: Kyle Barnes

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

The next edition is out on Monday, May 24, 2021.

Or online on Sunday, May 23 at www.tlnews.com.au

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 Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 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.

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

Local Lines Mirrors The mirrors I put up to save myself from harm are cracked.

Instead of getting through to me the curse hits someone else.

Sometimes though a curse gets through does damage to my thoughts when trying to help others who won’t try and help themselves.

The shards of doubt pierce through and a desperate need to save the child within - without is shattered deep within my soul and time is running out.

Yvonne Fix sees her role as a storyteller and investigator of true tales, a guardian and defender of those who once came to the Daylesford district and find it difficult to leave. She is a repository of stories of local identity.

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

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need.

Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

F R E E D E N TA L

Attitude, attendance and ability

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“We grade on three principles – attitude, attendance and ability. Coming regularly is where the discipline starts. We all have busy lives but making the effort to come and train for an hour twice a week is where we see people changing. You can’t Sa Bom, or teacher, is Damien Smith who moved the school from Shepherds Flat, get that from a video or YouTube.

“Attitude is all about how we hold ourselves here or in the outside world and with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for all levels and ages. abilities come down to mind and body training. We have had plenty of students in Participant, provisional black belt and volunteer instructor Kellie Rodan said their 40s starting out without the fittest bodies but they have the right attitude and she had always been interested in martial arts and had looked into jiu jitsu and attendance and then they overcome their challenges and gain ability. You really do get taekwondo but started tang soo tao after her children started training with Damien. what you put in.”

“It was just like ‘this is it’. I liked the meditation at the start, the stretching.

Contact Damien on 0428 994 859, Kellie on 0400 128 044 or send a message It’s not Cobra Kai, not a tough school, it’s a gentle school and Damien looks after via Facebook: Tang Soo Tao Daylesford. everyone as an individual. And it’s not about going out and looking for a fight, it’s Above, main image, instructors Kellie Rodan and Pierre Martin, inset Kellie an art form about movement and it’s really helped with my core and learning about my own body. It’s all about personal growth and keeping your body moving, which is and student Danielle integral as we age.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes Instructor Pierre Martin, who also volunteers his time, has been practising tang soo tao, which started in Australia in Darwin in 1974, for about 11 years and says it is for all abilities.

Listen to Kellie and Pierre chat with Kyle “It is never too late to start and it’s about doing the right movements and Barnes on the Country Life podcast. maintenance of the body so we can all grow old gracefully. It gives you confidence in Just scan the QR code here. your body.

T’S a long way from its origins in Korea, but tang soo tao has quickly become a popular martial art in Daylesford where it is being taught at the ARC at Daylesford College.

Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR The fortnight since my last report to you all has gone very quickly. I had the privilege of representing the Shire last week at the opening of the Six Dja Dja Wurrung Seasons Mural at Daylesford Primary School. Natasha Carter a Djaara, Yorta Yorta and Jauru woman, and the creator of the mural explained to the students the significance of the six seasons.

Not only is the mural beautiful, it helps children developing their understanding of Dja Dja Wurrung culture. The Mural was funded by the Shire in partnership with Daylesford Rotary. The Shire does have a Reconciliation Action Plan which you can read on the Shire website.

There continues to be community concerns about the construction of 190km of overhead transmission lines, proposed as part of the Western Victoria Transmission Network (WVTN) Project. Council shares concerns with the community that transmission lines and transmission stations will have a negative impact on the region’s landscape, heritage, and farmland. The WVTN project proposes to build 190km of overhead transmission lines between Bulgana, north of Ararat, and Sydenham, in north-west Melbourne and we are continuing to work alongside local groups and neighbouring municipalities to advocate to the Federal and State Government that the power lines be placed underground. Along with community group representatives, Council and staff have met with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the National Energy Infrastructure Commissioner. Representatives from AusNet Services, the company contracted to build the transmission lines, have also briefed all the Councillors on the project.

You will have seen the notice of the Special Council Meeting called for Tuesday 11 May 2021. This will be to appoint a permanent CEO to the Shire. This is the end point of a process where the position was advertised, applications received, short-listed, interviewed and re-interviewed. Short-listed applicants also underwent psychometric testing and at the final stage, reference checks occurred. It is an important decision and one that Councillors have considered carefully. You can find a link to the Special Council Meeting here in The Local.

Finally, I hope that you are enjoying the autumn beauty of the Shire as you go about your daily activities. It’s a lovely time of year as our deciduous trees develop a full range of autumn colours.

Cr Lesley Hewitt MAYOR

CONTACTS

UPDATE ON HEPBURN TOGETHER More than 2,000 residents and ratepayers have had their say on the Hepburn Together project, which will help us to set out a Council Plan, Community Vision and Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Work on Hepburn Together is continuing and the draft vision and plans will be developed taking into consideration survey results and Community Panel input. Once these documents have been drafted Councillors will consider them at a Special Council Meeting and they will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback.

Council aims to adopt the Council Plan and Community Vision in September. Thank you to everyone who has completed a survey, attended a pop-up session, or participated in the Community Panel.

Stay up to date with the project at https://participate.hepburn.vic. gov.au.

PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT SESSION The C80hepb Planning Scheme Amendment has been submitted to DELWP and the Minister for Planning. Come along to an information session and find out what the amendment means for you, understand the next steps and ask questions of Councillors and staff. The session will be held on Thursday 13 May from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at Daylesford Town Hall. RSVP isn’t necessary. For any queries contact ppleasance@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

ROD MAY MEMORIAL The Hepburn Shire community is invited to join the May family to honour and remember former Mayor and Councillor Rod May. A memorial tree planting ceremony will be held at 10am on Saturday 29 May at Lake Daylesford (near Bridport Street). The ceremony will provide an opportunity for Rod’s family, our community and Council to come together and acknowledge Rod’s contribution to Blampied and the Shire, and to reflect on his passion and achievements in politics, landscape restoration and organic farming. Please join us at this special event. To ensure it is COVIDSafe register your attendance via www.trybooking.com/BRCUF.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BUDGET AND PLANS Our Proposed Budget 2021/2022, draft Revenue and Rating Plan, and Municipal Road Management Plan are currently open for public feedback. Submissions close at 5pm on Thursday 20 May. For more information, including how to have your say, visit https:// participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au.

SIGN UP TO HEPBURN LIFE We have launched our new monthly e-newsletter, Hepburn Life.

Read the latest edition at https://mailchi.mp/hepburn/april-2021.

Sign up to receive it straight to your inbox at https://mailchi.mp/ hepburn/sign-up.

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General enquiries

5348 2306

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Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

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

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

Pets@Work

Dougie the labrador is only five months old but is already hard at work at laundry service Daylesford Green. "He can be more of a hindrance than a help but Dougie is a real morale booster and very entertaining. Customers love him and they are always keen for a cuddle with Dougie and two-year-old Bailey," Chelsea Skipper said. Bailey, also a labrador, was having an RDO when The Local arrived last Wednesday.

There's no room for ambiguity in this message from one farmer to AusNet on its planned transmission network across the Newlyn/Blampied landscape. Story and opinion, page 30. Image: Donna Kelly

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.

Train disruptions: Coaches replace trains in both directions Bendigo Line

9.20pm to last train, 14 May

Southern Cross to Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Epsom

Bendigo and Echuca lines

15 to 19 May

Southern Cross to Gisborne

Swan Hill Line

15 to 19 May

Southern Cross to Bendigo

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

795

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Push for national parks

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ORE than 40 state, national and international groups, representing hundreds of thousands of Victorians, have called on the Victorian Government to accept recommendations for new national parks in Victoria’s central west.

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A collaboration of groups, coordinated by Wombat Forestcare, is calling on the government to get on with creating and implementing new parks for Victoria.

Following a two‐year investigation by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, recommendations have been made for large areas of public forests of the Wombat, Wellsford, Mount Cole and Pyrenees Ranges in Victoria’s central west to become national (almost 60,000 hectares) or regional parks (almost 20,000 hectares).

Gayle Osborne from Wombat Forestcare said the Wombat Forest had many values that needed protecting including the headwaters of six major rivers, many rare and threatened species and the storage of carbon.

“How long do we have to wait for the Victorian government to take nature protection issues seriously?” Gayle asked.

“The Environment Minister stated in 2017: ‘the Victorian Government has an ambitious environmental agenda and is prioritising the care and protection of our natural environment’.

“This sentiment is merely nice words on glossy paper until we see real commitment to protection for these special places.”

Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said without a decision, people were losing “patience, wildlife and habitats and faith in our elected leaders to take these issues seriously”.

The group is calling on others to add their names to an open letter at www.createnewparks.org.au.

Signatory groups already include WWF, Doctors for the Environment Australia, the Wilderness Society, Humane Society International Australia, Friends of the Earth, Bush Heritage, Birdlife Australia, key state groups including National Trust (Victoria) Environment Victoria, and the Victorian National Parks Association, and regional groups such as Biolinks Alliance Inc, Friends groups, Field Naturalist Clubs and Landcare networks.

Among 200 members of Wombat Forestcare meeting on the Lederderg River near Blackwood to discuss their hopes for the Wombat Forest to be reclassified as a National Park were Marg Rowell, who hopes the forest is protected for the future, and her grandson and grandniece.

Image: Sandy Scheltema

8 Our people

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Treehouse program launches in Trentham

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ESIDENTS living with dementia are benefiting from Central Highlands Rural Health’s recent expansion of the Treehouse program to Trentham.

Originally opening in Kyneton in 2017, the Treehouse is a supportive and safe meeting place for people with dementia to socialise and take part in activities that promote independence and wellbeing, while providing carers the opportunity to take time out.

The Trentham launch means residents from both the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn shires can access a client-driven, evidence-based program delivered by experienced staff with expertise in dementia.

Lewis, 73, has been attending the Treehouse in Trentham since its launch.

He heard about the program through his carer Chris, who attends one of Central Highlands Rural Health’s support groups for carers of people living with dementia.

“The Treehouse is welcoming and fun. I like talking to different people and I look forward to it each week. I enjoy the banter about the footy and have made some good friends, even if they don’t barrack for Collingwood,” Lewis said.

Lewis’ carer Chris is happy to see him socialise with others.

“During the pandemic it was really hard; we couldn’t see friends and we both missed human contact. When Lewis first started coming to the Treehouse I was at a bit of a loss and not sure what to do with my free time. But now I’m making the most of it and go for walks and visit cafes.”

Supported by the federal Department of Health, the Treehouse program is a social support group that supports independence, reduces social isolation, maintains social and community connections and supports participants and their carers to live well.

YOU’RE MORE SUITED THAN YOU MIGHT THINK NOW RECRUITING FOR OVER 3000 POLICE POLICE CAREERS

CHRH board chair Peter Matthews said the Treehouse program made it easier for people to maintain their roots at home and in the community.

“Social connectivity plays a really important part in helping people with dementia to remain independent and living well. We’re really happy to see the Treehouse expand to Trentham, allowing more people in our community to benefit from the supportive program.”

Link: www.chrh.org.au/services/treehouse/ Treehouse at Trentham client Lewis (centre) with carer Chris (left) and Central Highlands Rural Health’s board chair Peter Matthews (right)

National Volunteer Week May 17-23 Celebrating our volunteers

Our Legends for Life

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THINK my first volunteering effort was when I was about 10. I was learning the piano and the teacher asked if I would like to take part in a little concert at an aged care residence. Of course I said yes! How lucky were those people to have the chance to listen to my playing.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to all our talented and committed volunteers who help make our community such a wonderful place to live, visit and work.

Volunteers play an important role in supporting our community – helping to provide colour and richness to our Shire and helping Council to deliver some important services.

So whether you volunteer for a local community group, activity group or sporting organisation, are a volunteer at our Visitor Information Centres, or a member of a Council committee or group, we say THANK YOU. Thank you for giving your time, energy and expertise for the benefit of our community.

I then wandered around the room with a little bag of sweets on offer but of course the one person I chose told me quite gruffly they were diabetic and not interested.

Thinking back, they could have lied and accepted my lollies, but then again, it might have been payback for my playing. I was never very good.

Since then I have done, perhaps not my fair share, but a few volunteer roles.

Probably mostly since tree-changing - it is such a great way to discover the real community. When I first arrived in Glenlyon, I got committee fever and at one stage I think I was on about seven committees, anything from the Glenlyon Art Show to the Fine Food & Wine Fayre.

Kyle also waited until we moved to the country. He was intent on renovations, or shall we just say making the school liveable, but to get out a little he put his hand up to help out at the Daylesford Information Centre. That was a real game changer. Not only did he meet a fantastic group of people, most of whom we still see today, he also joined familiarisation tours and got to really know the region. (I was lucky enough to grab a seat on the bus too now and again.) Of course, Kyle never does anything by halves and so within a few months he had a paid gig overseeing the info centres at Daylesford, Creswick, Trentham and Clunes.

Neither of us now volunteer but I like to think we do our bit by sharing the work of volunteers in the pages of The Local. And with National Volunteer Week coming up from May 17 to 23, we would like to add our voices to those thanking volunteers for their time, skill and energy in the myriad roles they take on. They are the local, mostly unsung, heroes of the community and we would not function without them.

Last year we celebrated the Legends of Lockdown during Covid, but volunteers are Legends for Life!

- Donna Kelly

10 Our student volunteers

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Caring for the environment at Cornish Hill

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TUDENTS from Bullarto and Yandoit primary schools, and Daylesford Dharma School took part in an "I Care For Landcare" event on Cornish Hill recently.

The Friends of Cornish Hill provided a workshop which was not only engaging but also provided real educational opportunities.

John Caldow from Bug Blitz provided a hands-on session for the students where they were able to learn more about some fascinating spiders and "bugs". John shared his love of these creatures by first introducing Teddy, the mountain huntsman, followed by other spiders, a scorpion and leaf insects. Students had an opportunity to hold many of the bugs and observe them closely.

John's son Louis Caldow, also from Bug Blitz, brought a selection of animal skulls, pointing out the individual characteristics. Students had to decide on whether they were marsupial, feral or domesticated; predator or prey; carnivore, herbivore or omnivore; common, stable, threatened or extinct.

A fun hands-on and informative learning session about fungi was led by Ema Coro of Fungimap and supported by Gayle Osborne from Wombat Forestcare. Each session was spent examining a variety of wild fungi, slime mould and lichen through digital microscopes provided by Fungimap with Ema and Gayle explaining the different parts of the fungus and the role these play in the environment.

Ceramic art has been a feature of the workshops with noted ceramists Ann Ferguson and Kaori Fujimoto leading the way. Using coloured photographs to demonstrate the parts, shapes and construction of a variety of fungi, the students then spent some time examining real specimens brought for the event, after which they constructed their own models to be fired and exhibited in the Daylesford & District Community Bank before being returned to each school.

Using the CSIRO book The Forest in The Tree – How Fungi Shape the Earth, Nicole Howie led the students on a journey of discovery with stops along the way to dramatise, illustrate, classify, experiment and reflect. Students took the roles of the various microbes and learned how they symbiotically cooperated with the trees.

The schools' workshop was supported by Landcare Victoria who have been involved with Cornish Hill events for the past five years.

“From my way of thinking – our society should consider providing environmental education events as a form of ‘direct’ action for our environment’s future sustainability.

We are helping to collectively build our students' and teachers' ecological literacy. Those kids received a fantastic, engaging and memorable range of learning experiences.”

- Bug Blitz's John Caldow

Students raise money for cancer research

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100 per cent of the monies raised were then donated to the T MICHAEL'S Primary School's Mission Student work of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

Leadership Group set out to raise as much money as Just last week, the leadership group confirmed it had raised a possible for "Jimmy’s Allsorts – Fighting cancer on two grand total of $4663 for the cancer research centre. wheels", the Murray to Moyne cycling event.

So, students organised a Ride-A-Thon for the school community on March 19 asking local businesses to sign-up to sponsor them for every kilometre they rode, ran or walked. Many school families also contributed sponsorship.

The leadership group thanked its many supporters including the Honest Egg Co which provided egg and bacon rolls to keep participants nourished.

Link: www.jimmysallsorts.com.au

Other businesses to help out included: Bendigo Bank Biggin & Scott Daylesford FNC Monaghan's Plumbing Evolution Plastering Sweet Decadence Red Rooster Boomerang Holiday Ranch Frangos Daylesford Chicken Coles Griffin Concreting Sweet Decadence Springs Medical The Royal Hotel EKO Day Spa That Bargain Place Bruty Farming Continental House Hepburn SK Purtell Electrical Daylesford Seafood Bar Passing Clouds Sault Nick Andrews Construction Fell's Electrical Bruty Cabinetry Istra Smallgoods

Volunteers needed

T Have you enjoyed volunteering in the past?

Now is a great time to reconnect with what matters to you.

Volunteers are needed now: all ages, all skills and all abilities welcome!

Contact Lisa Richards - 5421 1619 info@volunteercentralvic.com.au Volunteering builds happy, healthy & connected communities.

O MARK National Volunteer Week, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Volunteer Central Vic service is acknowledging volunteers across the region who are helping communities recover from the events of 2020.

And the service is also encouraging more people to get involved in their community.

“We know that up to 36 per cent of volunteers permanently stepped back from volunteering during the Covid pandemic last year,” says Lisa Richards, coordinator at Volunteer Central Vic, pictured right.

“As a result, many community organisations and services are now desperately trying to recruit new volunteers. It is critical in this recovery period that we continue to support community connection and social cohesion through volunteering.”

For people who have enjoyed volunteering in the past, now is a great time to reconsider how to connect with what matters to them, whether that is helping the environment, working with animals, brushing up workplace skills or supporting people in need.

Volunteer Central Vic will be hosting drop-in desks at libraries from May 17 to 22 where people can find out more about volunteering opportunities in their area.

Staff will be there to offer advice and support and to invite people to imagine what volunteering might look like in the future through an interactive display.

For information call Lisa on 5421 1619 or email info@volunteercentralvic.com.au

Link: www.volunteercentralvic.com.au

12 Our volunteers

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Lending many helping hands to refugees

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REGORY Clark joined the Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees three years ago.

He heard about three Malaysian refugees living in Melton sleeping on blankets on the floor with only three plastic chairs, three cups, bowls, spoons, and an esky for a fridge.

But by the time MRRAR had finished unloading two deliveries of donated furniture, the trio had a home, not just a house.

Mr Clark, treasurer of the organisation, said a home made a big difference to people’s lives.

“I hate to see the cruelty exhibited upon refugees, it is just wicked,” he said.

Mr Clark, who has lived in Woodend for 37 years, said the locals knew about MRRAR and would often call or email offering the likes of a fridge or furniture they didn't need any more.

The organisation is very short on storage space, having lost the use of the garage at the Uniting Church.

As a result, MRRAR collects all the donated goods on a particular day from the local area and delivers them to the West Welcome Wagon, a volunteer-run, not-forprofit, registered charity supporting asylum seekers in Melbourne’s west.

Mr Clark said while they gratefully accepted donations, the current need was for electrical goods including refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and televisions along with complete sets of crockery.

“Stock of donated household furniture and bed linen has now reached capacity at West Welcome Wagon, but they are in dire need of electrical goods,” he said.

Chris Scerri, West Welcome Wagon’s chairman, said they are always pleased to receive donations from MRRAR. “Greg and the team load up their trailer and bring it to us, which is fantastic,” Mr Scerri said.

“We test and tag all the electric goods they bring to make sure they are safe, and we turn around the donations to our clients very quickly.”

Refugee Week, an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia, is the country’s peak annual event to raise public awareness about refugees and celebrate their positive contributions to society.

This year Refugee Week runs from Sunday, June 20 to Saturday, June 26.

Mr Clark said the group was organising a number of events during Refugee Week.

“We are planning a film night to be held probably on Friday, June 25 hopefully in Richardson Hall and the Anglian Church here in Woodend,” he said.

“There is also a food collection program scheduled, so we will confirm dates and venues closer to the week.”

MRRAR has a contact list of 200 members with a core of 15 regular volunteers.

Geoff Hilderbrandt, left, and Gregory Clark, right, load a trailer for delivery to West Welcome Wagon

Words: Carol Saffer | Image: Contributed

Listen to Gregory chat with Carol Saffer on the Country Life podcast.

Just scan the QR code here.

“We test and tag all the electric goods they bring to make sure they are safe, and we turn around the donations to our clients very quickly.”

- West Welcome Wagon’s Chris Scerri

Our volunteers 13

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Central Highlands Rural Health thanks its volunteers this National Volunteer Week

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HIS National Volunteer Week (May 17-23), Central Highlands Rural Health is recognising the important contribution volunteers make under the theme RECOGNISE, RECONNECT & REIMAGINE.

Volunteers have always played an important role at Central Highlands Rural Health. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, traditional volunteering ceased, however volunteers continued to support residents across the Hepburn Shire through the ongoing delivery of contact-free and Covid-safe Meals on Wheels. Volunteers also connected with members of the community and residents of our Aged Care facilities through regular phone calls, Skype visits and recording videos to produce a virtual volunteer concert for our Aged Care residents.

Central Highlands Rural Health’s Volunteer Manager J. Cawton said: “We’re very happy to be able to invite volunteers back and it is wonderful to see their smiling faces again. Most of our volunteers have now returned or will be returning in the near future. Volunteers are reconnecting with residents and community members and pre-Covid friendships are being rekindled. We’re also seeing new relationships forming with new volunteers.”

The lockdowns provided Central Highlands Rural Health with the opportunity to think of different and innovative ways for volunteers to stay connected. Some of the virtual volunteer roles that were implemented over the past year have continued, allowing greater flexibility for volunteers to participate.

“At Central Highlands Rural Health, we are very proud of our volunteers. We celebrate and appreciate our volunteer team of around 170 who dedicate their time, passion and resources to provide support, care and assistance across our communities and aged care facilities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer.”

Central Highlands Rural Health is currently looking for new volunteers to join its Meals on Wheels team in Daylesford and to assist with activities at the Treehouse at Trentham, a socially supportive meeting place for people with dementia. Central Highlands Rural Health also welcome new volunteers to visit and provide activities for Aged Care residents in Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham.

If you would like information about volunteering at Central Highlands Rural Health, please contact Volunteer Engagement Manager J. Cawton on 0457 851 953 or email j.cawton@chrh.org.au A current Police Check is required at no cost to the volunteer.

Above, Mervyn Moriarty and volunteer Erin Kelly

Celebrating

Our Volunteers

Thank you for dedi c at i ng your tim e t o he l p ot hers

Central Highlands Rural Health T h i s N a t i o n a l Vo l u n t e e r We e k we’d l i ke t o t h a n k o u r won de r f ul vo l u n t e e rs fo r b r i n g i n g th e ir skills, co m m i t m e n t , s u p p o r t a n d passion to Ce n t ra l H i g h l a n d s R u ral He alth as we p rov i d e ca re t o o u r com m un it y.

www.chrh.org.au

Biggest Morning Tea The Daylesford Bowling Club will be busy this Monday, May 17, with a Biggest Morning Tea event at 10.30am. Organiser Carol Collins said there would be plenty of raffles and fabulous food. Entry is $15 and no bookings are necessary for the event which raises money for the Cancer Council.

From left, Evelyn Young, Margaret Coffey, Carol Collins, Joan Field, Carol Marshall and Lois Voterakis

Bank donation to Tylden CFA

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RENTHAM and Districts Community Bank board members Charl Parris, Helen Macdonald and Stan Falloon have presented members of Tylden Fire Brigade with a cheque for $890.

The money will cover a large part of the cost of replacing batteries for the brigade’s three defibrillator units, which are located on each of its vehicles.

Brigade secretary Nick Mayhew thanked the bank for its generosity and noted that this was not the first time that Tylden CFA had received funding from the Community Bank, which had previously assisted with the cost of upgrading the brigade-owned field command vehicle.

Mr Mayhew also said the grant meant funds raised from the community by the brigade, which would have been used to cover this expense, could now be put aside for the future upgrading of the brigade-owned tanker.

From left, Jacent Bowen, Nick Mayhew, Helen Macdonald, Charl Parris, Barry Merrett and Stan Falloon, with the cheque for the replacement defibrillator batteries Image: Contributed

Out & About

Lovelocks at Lake Daylesford Image: Kyle Barnes

NATIVE SEED SAVING WORKSHOP

ZELMAN SYMPHONY

Rick Prakhoff − Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

Glenlyon Recreation Reserve Building 22nd May 2021 9am-1:00pm Come and learn: when to collect seeds in our area, seed collection methods, plant identification, seed extraction and treatments, basic propagation.

Presented by Dan Frost of Seeding Victoria and Gardening Australia fame.

Provided by Glenlyon Landcare

Sausage sizzle to follow the presentation.

Please bring: questions and any unknown seeds/samples or half cleaned seed you would like to know how to refine.

RSVP IS ESSENTIAL: please reserve your place by emailing

Soloists: Roy Theaker − Violin Kalina Krusteva − Cello 2.00pm Sunday 6 June 2021 Daylesford Town Hall, Vincent Street Daylesford Beethoven − Egmont Overture Brahms - Double Concerto for Violin, Cello & Orchestra Beethoven − Symphony No. 8

Bookings: Online trybooking.com/BQVVV or email info@u3ahepburnshire.com Presented by U3A Hepburn with Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra Inc. Reg. A0031942K Proudly supported by

16 Out & About

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Mount Players present Too Many Crooks

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EXT year marks the 100-year anniversary of radio broadcasting. In November 1922 the BBC transmitted its first program, marking the beginnings of a new era of entertainment.

Australia followed a year later and from those earliest days radio has been broadcasting various forms of entertainment and, particularly, radio plays.

From the war years to the early 60s, Australia was rated one of the top three countries in the world for its high standard of radio drama production. Many radio production companies produced nothing else but radio drama for all of Australia and, indeed, the world.

Old movies depicted the radio play being performed by actors in tuxedos and Brylcreemed hair, the sound effects being created live with cutlery, telephones, buckets of water, things being hit or dropped. Those were the halcyon days of radio for many listeners, with daily serials, evening adventure stories and Sunday Night Armchair Theatre. And although radio plays have become scarce here over the years, there is still wide interest in this almost forgotten art form.

After over a year of being dark, The Mountview Theatre in Macedon is about to be back in business, reopening as The Mount Players present their first play of the season which is, you guessed it, a radio play – presented to a live audience with all the true authenticity of the day.

Too Many Crooks, a British farce set in 1940s London, is about a gang of inept villains who somehow manage to bungle every job they do. The gang is led, and the term is used loosely, by Fingers, a man who likes to think of himself as a hardened crook but also fancies himself as a master of disguises, and, alas, fails at both. After several botched burglaries the gang turns its hand to kidnapping - and with disastrous consequences.

This play will be done exactly as radio plays have been done over the past 90 years, with talented and versatile actors playing a number of roles, sound effects being created in front of our eyes and a tight script full of laughs.

To direct the play The Mount Players have a veteran radio (and sound) producer, John Rowland, who has spent a career directing actors for all kinds of audio production.

John has first-hand experience with radio plays, having worked many years in London, and has won awards for his work in London, New York and Australia. He has directed radio drama for London’s Capital Radio, LBC, Radio Luxembourg and Radio National in Australia. John has run recording studios both in London and Melbourne.

“Too Many Crooks is a great vehicle for radio”, says John, “with all the essential ingredients. Lots of sound effects, sharp comedy and a truly versatile cast who can deliver it.”

Too Many Crooks promises to be a tribute to radio history and a great night out, the perfect comeback for The Mount Players after a year of Covid lockdowns. The season opens on May 14 and runs for three weekends until May 30.

Link: www.themountplayers.com From left, actors Chris Davis, Tony Harvey, David Runnalls and Daniel Keohan Words: Karen Hunt | Image: Karlana Kasarik

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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.

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Raising the rainbow flag for IDAHOBIT

S

UNBURY and Cobaw Community Health is calling on local businesses to display the rainbow flag in the lead up to this month’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17.

It is hoped that Macedon Ranges residents and businesses will join thousands of organisations, schools and individuals across the country in a display of colour to celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community.

“We are encouraging businesses in the Macedon Ranges to decorate their shop windows in rainbow colours in the leadup to IDAHOBIT to show solidarity and to celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community,” says WayOut Project Worker, Rhani Dean-Talbett.

“Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health can provide rainbow flags to participating businesses so please get in touch with us if you would like one for your business.”

Out & About 17 An official flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Kyneton Town Hall on Monday, May 17 at 12pm with flags also being raised at council buildings in Woodend and Gisborne.

“After being forced to hold last year’s flag-raising ceremony online we are thrilled to be able to mark this important day together in person and we encourage all community members to join us.”

Hosted in conjunction with Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the event which has been held for the past five years, is an important event on the organisations' collective calendars.

Businesses who would like a rainbow flag to display should contact the Health Promotion Team at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health on 5421 1666 or www.healthpromotion@scchc.org.au.

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

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18 Out & About

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Markets

Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday (That's Maia pictured right.)

Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Creswick Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists Market – first Sunday Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday Kyneton Farmers Market - second Saturday Ballan Farmers Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Newstead CFA Community Market - Saturday, May 15 Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Malmsbury Farmers Market - third Sunday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Daylesford Rotary Farmers Market - fourth Saturday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday

Pizzeria

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UPDATE

Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you

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Replay old memories, and live the same life over and over and over......

Think about it.

You choose.

COVID-19 vaccine clinics for people aged 50 and over are now available.

Book online or speak to our reception staff to book your appointment.

Please remember that you must leave a two week gap between ANY vaccination.

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

www.springsmedical.com.au Daylesford Kyneton Trentham 10 Hospital St 89 Piper Street 22 Victoria St tel: (03) 5348 2227 tel: (03) 5422 1298 tel: (03) 5424 1602 Follow us

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

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

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Everything old is new again Lately I’ve been distracted from my normal pursuit of garden topics by a rising flood of facts and piles of mostly ancient family photographs, dating back some seven generations and cramming the accursed social media.

They’re mostly from an ever-expanding throng of unknown young relatives all eager for me to join the search to find their place on our family tree. But it’s amazing how isolating 40-plus years of living in another state can be. Mere toddlers when I left Adelaide are now themselves becoming grandparents.

Amongst it all was this photograph, right, from the early 1940s of my grandfather Carl with his truck and my father (that’s his legs) standing up top, that took my attention.

During that time of dire shortages and rationing much of the family nursery’s income came from supplying fruit and vegetable plants for local gardens and from regular trips to set up shop at country agricultural shows, and cattle and sheep sales throughout country South Australia.

As part of the war effort the nursery itself became a market garden providing vegetables for our local area and shelter and employment for several billeted “land girls”, young Dutch Batavian (now Indonesia) women who were refugees from the advancing war front.

What brought back memories most was the canvas “mattress” on the roof and the long pipe leading up the back. I’m sure anyone who grew up during the war years, would recall seeing almost every motor vehicle having them.

From late 1939, the start of the war, until right up to 1949, just about everything we needed was rationed - especially petrol for the sake of the war effort. This meant the dire need to find an alternative source of fuel to keep the country mobile, not too dissimilar to the current crisis.

Without the benefit of present technology and a desperate lack of funds the only realistic solution to the lack of petroleum came in the form of gas, produced on board by a charcoal-fired furnace mounted externally on the vehicle, an inflatable reservoir, and a minor conversion job on the carburettor inlet.

The method was quite fuel efficient but horribly cumbersome, smelly and time wasting. It took at least 30 minutes every morning to get the gas flowing and if you dared to stop for more than a few minutes, you had to repeat the whole start-up process again.

Pollution was hardly even considered back then and probably the only relevance in this time of replacing fossil fuels is that gas power, such as hydrogen, can be a worthy alternative to electricity and without lengthy recharge times. Even as I write, several manufacturers already have produced prototype gas/electric hybrid models.

Welcoming winter May, the last month of autumn, with it bouts of gusty winds and rain showers, has already heralded the weather ahead.

We’re already halfway into the month so if you have decided to prepare your garden for the squalls, frosts, and perhaps even snow, now’s the time to do it.

I promised myself, when I agreed to come on board The Local that after almost 60 years of writing and broadcasting about gardens it wasn’t going to be a 12-month litany of what and when to do. After all, how many ways can you possibly say “now’s the time to prune roses”?

So, here’s a few reminders to myself to ready our garden before it is too late: Get ready for the gales by restaking, tying up or removing any weakened or broken branches; Check drains to prevent flooding or overflows; Move cold-intolerant potted plants into warmer, sheltered spots; Get beds dug and ready for winter plantings; and Roll up the hoses and put them on the hangers.

Good luck!

Got a gardening question? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

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.

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

NEWLYN 156 RYRIES ROAD LIFESTYLE LIVING ON A GRAND SCALE Ideally positioned with long views over the countryside and fertile farmland of Newlyn and surround. This ideal lifestyle property on approx. 3-acres of rich red productive soil has a lot to offer! The 2-story bluestone residence boasts numerous entertaining areas and double glazed windows 360-degree views around the farmland. The landscaped and established gardens feature beautiful trees and numerous vegetable gardens .There is a double car garage with 10 solar panels, a backup generator and a large 9m x 18m concrete floored machinery shed with lights and power.

a4 b3 c6

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

SOLD

HEPBURN 33 VANINA STREET WONDERFUL LIFESTYLE PROPERTY IN QUIET LOCATION Surrounded by native Australian trees in a quiet residential location, this neatly presented western red cedar home has recently been updated and offers the astute buyer an opportunity as a permanent home, holiday accommodation or ideal weekender. The residence features 3 good sized bedrooms all with BIR’s, central heating, modern bathroom with bath, open plan living/dining area with high ceilings and an updated kitchen with electric cooking. Accessible under the covered veranda is a full laundry and shed/studio.

DAYLESFORD 52 LEGGATT STREET LAKE PRECINCT HOME SET ON APPROX. 1048M2 The house comprises of an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge with a slow combustion wood heater plus reverse cycle air-conditioning for convenience. A practical kitchen with plenty of cupboards, bench space and storage, three sizable bedrooms all with built-in robes, and a modern bathroom with separate bath and shower. The fully fenced yard and neat gardens with huge potential include a covered and paved outdoor living area, cubby house, and huge shed that can hold 4-cars comfortably plus storage compartment.

a3 b1 c4

FOR SALE PRICE $730,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 Katie Minchinton 0447 207 322 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

SOLD

a3 b1 c2

SOLD PRICE $625,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

ID and contact details are required at all open for inspections

WHEATSHEAF 230 WHITEGUM DRIVE TREECHANGE LIFESTYLE BLOCK WITH PLANNING PERMIT This approx. 5 acre [2.026 ha] block in a prestige, tightly held location only 8 mins from Daylesford which offers shopping, dining, and health & wellbeing amenities. The wider region is famous for some of Victoria’s best vineyards, artists and many outdoor and wildlife attractions. Wheatsheaf boasts a rural lifestyle with a beautiful natural environment and abundant wildlife.

The block features a season creek and a natural landscape with mature trees in a light bush cover.

SOLD PRICE $386,000 CONTACT Tom Shaw 0438 118 903 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

bigginscott.com.au

DAYLESFORD & CRESWICK

UNDER OFFER

SOLD

HEPBURN 9 EIGHTEENTH STREET A COUNTRY LIFESTYLE CHANGE CLOSE TO DAYLESFORD Situated in a quiet residential street close to the State Forest walking tracks, Primary School, Golf Course and just a short walk to Hepburn Springs village and Mineral Springs Reserve. Beautifully private and set on just under an acre of land (approx. 3290 sq.m), this 4 bedroom home will suit those seeking a renovation project to create their own lifestyle hideaway. The property is surrounded by a wonderful established garden that has old world shrubs and shade trees, prolific fruit trees.

a4 b2 c4

FOR SALE PRICE $735,000 CONTACT Curtis O'Neil 0423 904 050 OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

CLUNES 42 SERVICE STREET THE OLD VICARAGE RESIDENCE, IN A CENTRAL CLUNES POSITION Sitting proudly in Service Street, Clunes, this substantial late Victorian home offers beautiful period features including 3 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 toilets, and 6 original fireplaces. A loving restoration enhances its historic features including high ceilings, polished timber floors, and lined ceiling boards. The location is within easy walking distance of all Clunes amenities.The land area is approx. 3539m2 or just under 1 acre on 2 titles with planning permits to extend the residence to even further glory.

a3 b1 c4

SOLD PRICE Contact Agent CONTACT Curtis O'Neil 0423 904 050 OFFICE 32 Albert Street, Creswick 5345 1073

Katie is well travelled and worked in the UK and Italy before returning to central Victoria, where she has been a local for over 25 years. With a long career in publishing, sales and marketing spanning more than 30 years, Katie’s passion for property and her intimate knowledge of the local market is transferred to her clients by building trust and beneficial relationships with all stakeholders.

Katies is now a valuable member of the sales team at Biggin and Scott and utilises those interpersonal, negotiation, communication and design skills she has developed over years of dealing with people and their investments to deliver results with enthusiasm and a big smile. Her honesty, empathy, warmth, clear thinking and straight forward manner are respected by all who deal with her.

Katie Minchinton 0447 207 322

Outside of real estate, Katie is immersed in the local community with her passion for horticulture and wellbeing.

Katie lives in the home she built in an idyllic bush setting indulging her interests that our local community has to offer, great food, the visual arts, gardens and the natural world.

Biggin & Scott Daylesford & Creswick | 43 Vincent Street Daylesford | 5348 2328

bigginscott.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

www.qualityfloorz.com.au

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59

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2021 - 2022 Publication Dates House.Land.Home. Premium Queen’s Birthday Weekend 2021 (June 12) Bookings by June 1, copy by June 3. Published June 7 Grand Final 2021 (September 25) Bookings by September 7, copy by September 9. Published September 13 Summer Series 2021 (December 6) Bookings by November 30, copy by December 2. Published December 6 Labour Day 2022 (March 14) Bookings by February 22, copy by February 24. Published February 28 Easter 2022 (April 17) Bookings by April 5, copy by April 7. Published April 11

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Our history 27

Ford: Councillor, horticulturalist, artist

T

HE Clunes Town Hall and Courthouse is a striking municipal building designed by Percy Oakden. Built in 1872, the distinctive building reflected the prosperity of a gold mining town in its heyday.

But this is not a story about the Clunes Town Hall as such, though it is worth mentioning that the grand building has recently had a substantial makeover, returning it to its original glory.

Instead the subject here is Richard Ford, arguably one of the town's most well known and revered artists. He was born in 1875 and died in 1961 and over the course of a long life he was a council foreman, horticulturist and park curator and later taught woodwork at the Clunes Higher Elementary School. In addition to these many talents he was a prolific painter. Where Ford received his artistic training is unknown but his skills were considerable.

He executed numerous works of Clunes and its surroundings very much in the tradition of English landscape painting, casting the town in a soft bucolic light. An interpretation in great contrast to the many photographs of the period featuring rickety shacks, industrial-scale mining operations and denuded hills. Nonetheless, over the years many people wound up owning a Richard Ford work and there was even one found at the Senior Citizens Centre during its recent revamp which has since been donated to the Clunes Museum.

However, it is the aforementioned Clunes Town Hall which was the recipient of some of his most substantial creations. They came about in the form of a detailed stage proscenium and a war memorial painting, both of which can still be viewed today in the large public meeting room.

A century ago town halls were one of the main social spaces for regional dwellers.

There people would gather to dance, listen to music and watch plays. And the proscenium bracketing the stage was as essential as chairs and lights. Generally they featured a painted backdrop, movable wings and a physical proscenium arch.

The entire installation then served as the frame into which the audience observed a theatrical performance. By 1916 the time had come to replace the old proscenium and as council foreman, Ford was uniquely placed to offer his skills in the creation of a new one.

The result was spectacular. The backdrop depicted a paved patio bracketed by neo-classical balustrades looking out over a sumptuous lake and dramatic mountains.

Four rectangular wings around three metres high featured sturdy oak trees thick with foliage. On their reverse side were framed vignettes of subjects such as native flowers and swaggies by water holes. With the flick of a latch, the stage could go from a European to Australian theme in moments.

Needless to say the council and town loved the final result and many spoke in, “most eulogistic terms of the fine painting executed by Mr Ford,” as reported by the Clunes Guardian and Gazette. In response: “Ford said he could hardly express his feelings. He had done the work to the best of his ability and he was pleased to know that his efforts had been appreciated.”

Six years later a memorial was created in the same space featuring photos of soldiers and nurses who served in the Great War and Ford was able to contribute once again. “In the centre is the representation of a rising sun,” reports the Clunes Guardian and Gazette, “brilliantly and artistically painted by Mr Ford to whom much praise is due for the skill and care which he has bestowed upon the whole work”.

A century later, his works remain in good condition. And with the Town Hall refurbishment and restoration works now complete, a new generation of Clunes residents and visitors will have the chance to experience them again in all their glory.

Thanks to James Curzon-Siggers and the Clunes Museum for their assistance with this article.

From top, one of Ford’s paintings of Clunes, featuring the corner of Fraser and Templeton streets circa 1920. Image: Courtesy of Victorian Collections and the Clunes Museum, the proscenium in the main meeting room of the Clunes Town Hall and Courthouse. Image: Tony Sawrey, the rising sun war memorial designed by Richard Ford in the Clunes Town Hall. Image: Tony Sawrey, Richard Ford in his garden 1941. Image: Courtesy of Victorian Collections and the Clunes Museum Words: Tony Sawrey

With the flick of a latch, the stage could go from a European to Australian theme in moments.

28 From America

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You couldn’t make this stuff up

T

with Jeff Glorfeld in the USA

HINGS must be tough for publishers of satirical political humour such as Britain’s Private Eye magazine and The Onion website from the US. Because no matter how clever and daring their writers may be, real life continually tosses up sillier, more bizarre material.

Here in California, where I live, for example, a group of people have made it their purpose in life to sack the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom. The formal term is recall pronounced in American English as ree-call - which is not the same as not being able to remember the name of the guy who’s just stopped you on Vincent Street for a chat on Saturday morning while you’re trying to finish the shopping before midday.

But it's like when the company that makes your car sends you a notice saying you should bring it in for a service ASAP because they just found out it was a bad idea to put the fuel tank right up the back under the boot where it could burst into flames if you’re caught in a rear-end collision. (Note: this really happened in the 1970s with the Ford Pinto.)

Anyway, on May 2 California had 2254 new cases of Covid-19 and 123 new Covid-related deaths, giving the state 3,642,480 cases since the pandemic began, and 60,748 deaths. But that group of people in the state have decided that the top priority is to sack the governor.

Why? Well, the recall leaders have quite a laundry list of grievances against Newsom, a Democrat, but the main factor driving the movement, they say, is that he accepted the advice of the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and tried to enforce recommendations regarding social distancing, business closures and the wearing of face-masks. You know, like, to control the spread of Covid and, maybe, like, save lives.

Clearly the man is a monster.

Oh, and I should point out that the part about a laundry list in the previous paragraph is supposed to be a joke, sort of, because another thing Newsom’s enemies are mad about is that in November last year he attended a mate’s 50th birthday dinner at the French Laundry, one of the most expensive restaurants in the state (dinner reportedly starts at about $US300 per person, not including drinks or the 20 per cent tips for all the waitstaff - and you thought dining in Daylesford was expensive), at a time when he was urging Californians to stay home, a gaffe for which he has repeatedly apologised.

The way a recall works is the people behind it must come up with enough valid signatures on petitions - about 1.5 million - and then a special election is held within 80 days to decide whether the candidate stays or goes.

And then there’s the small matter of money. It has been estimated that this recall effort could cost the state $US400 million. But still, face-masks and all.

You kind of have to feel for Newsom. He was elected governor in 2018, winning more than 60 per cent of the vote, and then wham! Pandemic. He’d scarcely had time to have his chair set up just right. And now, recall.

But, you know, those horrid face-masks.

So, then, here in Shasta County, where I live, in northern California, where many people don’t vote but those who do sure as hell don’t vote for no damn Democrat, a group of folks decided that, seeing as how statewide folks are having so much fun trying to sack the governor, they’d launch their own recall drive and try to get rid of three members of the local board of supervisors - our equivalent to the shire council.

What did these three supervisors do that was so wrong that it would inspire the citizenry to rise up in open revolt against them?

Well, to quote the local newspaper: “Recall proponents believe the three supervisors have violated the Constitution by not protecting their rights in large part because they've followed state and local Covid-19 health guidelines.”

Yep, that’s correct. These three fiends have threatened the very fabric of American democracy - the actual Constitution of the United States - by trying to follow some simple rules designed to protect people from Covid-19.

At the moment, however, the Shasta County effort has had a setback. In filing all the necessary paperwork to initiate the action, the recall group’s leaders neglected to sign some crucial formal documents. This will only create a delay in the proceedings, but it also sends a clear message to the general public: these are not smart people running this little circus.

The Shasta County recall movement leaders can probably be forgiven for messing up; they probably became over-excited by the prospect of wielding so much civic power. But I can’t think of any excuse for a nationally syndicated columnist whose opinions are regularly given space in our local paper. I won’t say his name, because he’s a fool and doesn’t deserve the attention, but I do want to point out that what follows was published, not 12 months ago, when so much about the pandemic was still unknown, but last week.

He starts out by reminding us that the preamble to the US Constitution (the very same document being ravaged by mask-wearing, socially distant, decaf-latte-sipping socialists) begins with the words, “We the people”.

“The concept behind that phrase was that the people, not the government, are sovereign, and the government's power is granted to it by the governed,” he wisely says.

So here is where he arrives at the nub of his commentary, after more than 3 million deaths worldwide attributed to Covid-19. He writes: “That has been reversed in our day as government has become evermore powerful, some would argue dictatorial, as demonstrated by restrictions on our liberties with the Covid-19 virus used as the excuse.”

Yep - it’s those damned masks again. You couldn’t make this stuff up.

"You kind of have to feel for Newsom. He was elected governor in 2018, winning more than 60 per cent of the vote, and then wham!

Pandemic. He’d scarcely had time to have his chair set up just right. And now, recall."

Jeff Glorfeld was an editor with The Age for about 20 years and was also lucky enough to nab a spot reporting for The Local for a while before relocating from Wheatsheaf to California to be with family a few years back.

Just in time for the Redding fires and then the pandemic. He headed back with wife Carol, pooch Scout, and then added Joey, above, to the pack. One of his many dreams is a St Kilda grand final victory.

www.tlnews.com.au

Crossword 29

W RD

CROSS

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Here's the solution for Crossword 226.

How did you go?

30 Opinion

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Concern over lines

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

P

ISS Off AusNet. That is pretty much the message as you drive through Newlyn and Blampied. It's on billboards, hanging on fences, painted on sheds and even emblazoned on a grassy hill.

If you don't know the story, the proposed Western Victoria Transmission Network Project plans to run 190km of overhead transmission lines from Bulgana, north of Ararat to Sydenham, in north-west Melbourne.

The lines will carry renewable energy to the city but to do that they need to run along 380 towers, all 75m tall, over really beautiful and productive farmland.

It's a conundrum. Yes, we all want renewable energy. And you can see it works out well for those living in Melbourne. They get the fuzzy good feeling which comes from helping the environment - it's just that they have to throw our environment under the bus to get that.

The lines are going to impact on farming and tourism. And let's face it, they are just going to look bloody awful. How many times have you driven to Melbourne, gone under those massive lines just on the outskirts of the city, looked up and thought "yuk".

The easy answer would be to put them underground. But that's more money so the companies involved, as you can imagine, are not that keen. But what price do you put on a landscape, or feeding people, or enjoying a booming tourism economy (when we can)?

We have run a few stories on the issue and you can only imagine how the people who are going to be really impacted feel. I know that when we tried to fight one mobile phone tower in Glenlyon we were made to feel powerless, and even that we were against progress. We were told by the project manager at the time that yes, the mobile phone reception would be better for all if the tower went on Gooches Hill and they would be quite happy to relocate as long as we kicked in the extra $200,000. Smart arse. So, rather than spend the money, they kicked those living in Wheatsheaf and Porky Ridge under the "no reception" bus.

As part of my research, I Googled AusNet and their top 20 shareholders. The first two are Singapore Power International with 31.1 per cent followed by State Grid International Australia Development Company (Hong Kong-based) with 19.9 per cent.

Now I have nothing against overseas investment - although I must admit that China is acting pretty strange lately - but do they hold the same Australian love of a land of sweeping plains and ragged mountain ranges? I don't know. I just hope common sense prevails and the lines go underground. For now and future generations. Just sayin'...

H

EPBURN Shire Council says it continues to advocate on behalf of community groups concerned about the construction of 190km of overhead transmission lines, proposed as part of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.

Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said the council shared concerns with the community that the transmission lines would have a negative impact on the region’s landscape, heritage and farmland.

“We are of course very supportive of renewable energy, and the importance of transmitting it to the electricity grid. However, we are strongly advocating for the appropriate placement of powerlines (undergrounding being our preference) and of the terminal station location,” she said.

The WVTN project proposes to build 190km of overhead transmission lines between Bulgana, north of Ararat, and Sydenham, in north-west Melbourne.

Meanwhile, the Western Victoria Economic and Cultural Group will hold a Community Information and Support Day on Sunday, May 30 at Newlyn Recreation Reserve.

The group was formed to try to hold AusNet Services, the company contracted to build the transmission lines, to account to consider alternatives to the above-ground towers and to conduct an adequate community consultation process. “(The) 380 towers – each 75 metres tall – (will run) through one of the most pristine, historically significant and productive pieces of regional Australia, crippling the local farming and tourism industries.

“Australia prides itself on being leaders in innovation and technology however this project is using old and inefficient technology to connect renewable energy from wind farms in regional Victoria to Melbourne.”

The group also says the towers will impact on tourism in the region.

“Two of the top drivers of international and domestic visitation are natural, unspoilt landscapes and food and wine. The region is widely known for its local produce and is a destination for foodies, boasting a UNESCO world heritage gastronomy listing.

“We are fully supportive of renewable energy, we just cannot see the logic in putting in an inefficient, wasteful technology to generate renewable energy when there are modern alternatives that will not risk the local economy and community.”

A Western Victoria Transmission Network Project report says the network is critical infrastructure required to unlock the renewable energy potential and economic development of western Victoria.

The project entered the environmental assessment and project approvals phase in 2020 and that will continue through 2021 with construction planned to be completed in 2025.

Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/western-transmission-lines-project/

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Opinion 31

Kyle’s Rant

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INCE early last year I have been eagerly awaiting a vaccine to ward off the deadly Covid-19 bug and it is finally here.

However, the mainstream media in this country are unscrupulous sensationalists and definitely not to be trusted. They rank a lot of their stories in terms of headlines, not actual news, give them a shot in the arm with some dizzying graphics and shove it down the public's throat. Easy sell.

As you can see, I am not a fan of the sensationalist click-bait world and would encourage you to read the back page of this magazine, a story about a survey suggesting that local media print is the opposite of being dead. Which is exactly what the larger companies yelled from the rooftops a few years back in order to slim down their print bill. Where are these guys now?

The answer can be found in publication companies like ours. My dad always said “every dog has its day”, so perhaps now is the day of the dog. That is, if the dog were “mum and pop” organisations like The Local which are springing up all over Australian “news desert” areas, saving communities that have been left high and dry.

All as the big boys bought up the old news services and then tore them apart to sell off the real estate, mastheads and print sites.

But back to my point or at least the needle point. As previously stated I had been looking forward to doing my part to kick this pandemic to the kerb, but like a lot of folks had kept a weather eye on the news around the side effects such as body aches, bloodclots and general fatigue. I heard Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith, our fabulous sub-editors had had the jab, so asked them about any side effects. Nick was just “a sore arm” and Lindsay, “a bit of a headache, countered by paracetamol and a lie down in the afternoon".

My final stop on my anecdotal quest for answers was my local doctor. He is a fantastically grounded doctor, whose comforting words included “you have more chance getting cleaned up in a car accident on the way to the vaccination hub”.

So last Friday, May 7 at 2.50pm, after doing a bucketload of homework, I strode into the Ballarat vaccination hub. I have to say the atmosphere was electric. Even under the facemasks strangers were yakking and smiling to each other, a sort of collective abatement of fear that we have all had to endure, a kind of unified raising of the bird (rude finger) to the pandemic and the loneliness, heartache and terror it has brought.

So here I am, the morning after the jab, and I have to report that all is well. I experienced a sort of a swelling in my arm for about an hour after the jab but this morning woke up and took a couple of paracetamol for a very general body ache. I am still not sure if that was the vaccine or the half a gallon of wine I threw down my neck last night in my merrymaking to commemorate this momentous occasion. A sort of personal V-Day. There has however been one side effect that I have noticed when writing my rant.

That my tongue tends to stick out the side of my mouth as I conjure up the next enlightening sentence, but no, Donna says that little tick has always been around.

Get your jab rant over…

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32 Motoring

www.tlnews.com.au

Motoring

with Neil Counahan

O

VER the years I have noticed that the residents of the Central Highlands own and drive an interesting array of motor vehicles.

This is the first in a series of interviews of those lucky owners talking about their amazing cars.

First up is Jim Knobeloch, an American actor who has settled in Shepherds Flat, is married to a Aussie girl and drives an English car that I have always admired for its style, the Jaguar XJ6. I have seen it around town for a number of years and in fact it is the inspiration for this series. Over to Jim. "Over time I have owned seven Jaguars including an E-type plus a Series 11 XJ12 that I acquired through work in New York. But this Series 1 XJ6 is by far my favourite. It is the first of this breed of car - a short wheelbase, manual with a 3.2 sixcylinder straight six engine. It is relatively rare in that it features a manual gear box, Jaguar only built one of them out of every 60 cars.

"It has had a full bare metal respray, the gear box has been rebuilt and improved and next in line is a motor rebuild which will include blueprinting and balancing, then a full interior refurbish.

"You can't beat the ride and handling of this car, I intend keeping it forever.

The wheels are Superlites from England, originally developed for the Mini, 15" which allow a bigger choice of tyres. I enjoy driving it for the kinetic experience, the mechanical feel and inputs from the steering. The manual gearbox makes you part of the experience plus it doubles as a millennial anti-theft device."

And how did Jim end up Australia?

"I acted for six seasons in Dr Quinn as Jake the Barber, as well as in many other movies and TV series, and 20 years ago was offered a part in Ponderosa which was filmed in this area. I fell in love with the area and a Aussie girl so have been here ever since. I have been in a number of films shot here in Australia since including Saddle Club and the 2018 film The BBQ."

Up next, in the June 7 edition of The Local - Neil finds a 1952 RMB Riley.

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a Special Council Meeting of Hepburn Shire Council will be held on Tuesday 11 May 2021 commencing at 5:00pm.

This meeting will be conducted virtually via video conference and live streamed via Council’s Facebook page, in line with provisions of the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Amendment Act 2020.

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Survey: Local newspapers essential service

A

Project leader Associate Professor Kristy Hess, from Deakin’s School of Communication, said the voices and perspectives of everyday audiences were often missing in policy discussion about the future of local media and people had offered innovative ideas to support their future.

The survey, conducted as part of the Media Innovation and Civic Future of “It’s clear that the local newspaper really matters to Australian audiences; Australia’s Country Press project, also found that people were five times as likely personally, I don’t think that was ever in doubt. But we can see from this survey to go directly to a local news website for their local news rather than Google or Facebook, and almost 10 times as likely to go to the local newspaper website over a just how passionate readers are about the sustainability of news that provides good quality local content and keeps them informed about people and happenings in local council website for their local news and information.

Researchers found people were passionate about their local newspaper and want their community.”

The Local editor Donna Kelly said the findings of the survey backed up the a much bigger say about its future. importance of local papers to communities.

The survey asked almost 4200 Australian country press newspaper readers in “We started The Local almost eight years ago and have gone from strength to rural, regional and outer suburban areas about the role of local newspapers within strength, offering our readers great stories and advertising content. We employ local their communities and their ideas for innovation within the sector. Key findings people who know their community and are actively involved in their community. include: “During the height of the pandemic, we continued to be supported by our There is continued strong demand (and passion) for the printed product in readers and advertisers and have received many emails and letters saying The Local rural and regional Australia. In fact, the majority of audiences prefer a printed really helped people through those hard times. It is a real privilege to be part newspaper, with younger generations also part of this trend. Country Press of the Central Highlands community and we thank all those who support us, Association readers overall are 2.6 times as likely to read their local paper in print through good times and bad. Our motto has always been 'Keeping the community than in digital format; connected' and that is what all good local newspapers do.”

Audiences overwhelmingly view a printed copy of their newspaper as an The survey is part of a three-year project that aims to develop and road-test a essential service for their community. This accords with previous research that has advocated for recognition at the policy level of the vital importance of the printed new map to support local news media in the digital era.

Almost 30 per cent of Australia’s population, close to 8 million people, live paper; outside major cities in rural and regional areas, and are less well serviced by the 94 per cent of respondents say they should be invited to have a say about media than their urban counterparts. government policies and decisions affecting the future of local newspapers; and 61 per cent of respondents say policies that affect the future of local newspapers would influence the way they vote at the next federal election.

The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association with Along with those findings the survey also found that people believe local newspapers should be collaboratively funded by a range of relevant stakeholders, editor Donna Kelly a director. including media companies, advertisers, subscribers, government and philanthropy to ensure their future.

NATIONAL survey by Deakin and RMIT universities has found people overwhelmingly view a printed copy of their newspaper as an essential service for their community.

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