The local november 11 2013 issue 6

Caitlan’s off to Singapore Swiss Italian Festa photos Hepburn’s junior golfers November 11, 2013 Issue 6

2 About us

From the editor Another fortnight, another edition of The Local.

And what a fortnight it was. So many festivals and events.

First it was the opening of the Photographic Competition at Bokeh Gallery in Howe Street. What a fantastic night and so many talented photographers.

(Oh, did we mention that The Local’s very own Kyle Barnes won People’s Choice for his photo of Ian Petty and Don Breen cooling their feet in Lake Daylesford? Just sayin...)

The next night was the opening of the Daylesford Rotary Art Show and it seemed like everywhere you looked there was another painting you just wanted to take home. Fabulous talent all around us in this region.

The ceramics were also a nice inclusion. Something a little bit different but very much appreciated by the hundreds of art lovers.

Then there was the Swiss & Italian Festa happening over many days.

The Grande Parade is always one of the highlights and then the entertainment at the Hepburn Springs Reserve is just so fun and diverse.

Who knew yodelling could sound so good?

And in between all that, The Local kept finding more and more stories and profiles and amazing people doing amazing things.

Caitlan Ryan is off to Singapore to study nursing. Bruce Cooke is busy writing books, Anna Ghaie and her volunteers have been knitting up a storm, everyone has their “porn look” on for Movember and our younger residents are kicking goals in golf and martial arts.

Oh, don’t forget there are also some selfless people offering up great meals to those in need, and those just in need of some good company and conversation at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre and the Anglican Church Hall. Week in, week out.

If you have time, drop by, you’ll find the best breakfasts and lunches on offer.

Anyway, enough from the crew at The Local. Once again, we loved putting this magazine together, and hope you enjoy reading it just as much.

Cheers,

Donna Donna Kelly - Editor 5348 7883/0416 104 283 dhslocal@gmail.com www.dhslocal.com.au facebook.com/dhslocal

The Local Publishers - Donna Kelly & Kyle Barnes Photography - Kyle Barnes Sales - Kyle Barnes Graphic design - Glen Heyne Sub-editing - Nick Bunning & Lindsay Smith (Front cover image - Caitlan Ryan is off to study nursing in Singapore. Full story page 9. Photo by Kyle Barnes.)

See a photo you like?

Photo sales at 5348 7883.

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Great gifts.

Print or electronic version.

News 3

Sharing squares Can you sew or crochet a little? Have a couple of hours to spare? Want to help others in the community?

Then Anna Ghaie is hoping to hear from you.

Ms Ghaie is taking part in a Square Share which has seen more than 60 women and men knit more than 8000 squares which are then made into rugs of various sizes.

The rugs, along with shawls, toys, scarves, jumpers and beanies, are distributed to communities in need throughout Western Victoria including Daylesford Hospital and the Daylesford Community Opportunity Shop.

Ms Ghaie, a Daylesford resident, started the project by leaving wool and knitting needles in her husband’s doctor’s surgery in Ballarat.

“Women, and men, from all over are making these warm, eclectic squares – the generosity of people is just overwhelming,” she said.

“I thought we might get a few hundred but we are now up to 8000.”

Ms Ghaie said while knitters had turned up in droves, she would love a few more people with basic sewing or crocheting skills to turn the squares into rugs.

She is also keen to hear from more knitters and anyone who has spare 8-ply wool of any colour.

Daylesford resident Deb Scott, pictured with Lumeah Lodge resident Lyn, modelling one of the colourful creations, said she had crocheted together six knee rugs and a bed rug.

“Anna said she needed help to put the square together so I just spend a couple of hours in an evening helping out,” she said.

Anyone who can help can contact Ms Ghaie on 5348 2678.

MP unhappy with new boundaries BALLARAT East MP Geoff Howard is disappointed that from November 29 next year the largest part of the Ballarat East electorate will be known as the Buninyong electorate.

so many valuable projects with a new ambulance and SES station for Daylesford as well as providing funding for the new police station,” he said.

“The Daylesford Secondary College reconstruction stage one, along with the From the next state election, Daylesford, construction of ARC recreation centre Hepburn Springs, Trentham, Creswick, and Doug Lindsay Park pavilion are also Kyneton, Malmsbury and Tylden will be highlights. removed from the Ballarat East electorate.

“The major upgrades to the Trentham Mr Howard said he had enjoyed working with the people of Hepburn Shire since being Hospital and the rebuilding of the iconic Hepburn Springs Bathhouse have also been elected to State Parliament in 1999. significant achievements as has the roll-out “Hepburn Shire is a great place and I of natural gas and the return of passenger rail have enjoyed working with community to Creswick.” representatives and the shire to achieve

“The Daylesford Secondary College reconstruction stage one, along with the construction of ARC recreation centre and Doug Lindsay Park pavilion are also highlights.”

4 Art

Arty weekend for Daylesford THE 28th Daylesford Art Show closed on Monday, November 4, with more than 100 people attending the opening night, and more than 320 paintings on offer.

Winners were oil/acrylic - Keele Breen, pastel - Jon Crawley, watercolour - Jacqueline Le Souef, dry media - Geoff Paynter, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artist - The Pitcha Makin Fellaz.

Honourable mentions went to Michelle Pleasance and Col Brown.

Photography exhibition winners were open prize - David Apostol, runner up - Geoffrey O’Donnell and special mention - Kim Percy.

People’s choice went to Kyle Barnes for Floating Dreams.

Daylesford Rotary Club president Jan Pengilley said the support of the local community and businesses is vital to the future of a local event such as the Daylesford Art Show.

Above: Daylesford Rotary Art Show - president Jan Pengilley, guest judge Gordon Morrison, Ted Laxton and Peter-Shane Rotumah (Indigenous prize), Kristeena Saville (highly commended for acrylic) and Keele Breen (best oil/acrylic.

Right: Daylesford Photographic Competition - Floating Ideas by Kyle Barnes (people’s choice) and below: photographer David Apostal, judge Jeff Moorfoot and Bokeh Gallery owner Sonja Rolton

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News 5

The Farmers Arms Hotel crew, shaving for a cause, Don Breen, Rodney Peacock and Ian “Hog” McCarthy

Movember taking off around the towns

IT SEEMS that almost everyone is caught up in Movember.

The event, which sees mostly men, grow and shave, or just shave, off their facial hair, raises money and awareness of men’s health issues including prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health.

At The Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford, a mainstay crew of four, including Don Breen, Rodney Peacock, Ian “Hog” McCarthy and John Beetham, have pledged to shave off more than 100 years of combined facial hair.

Meanwhile, Town View’s David Thomas is also preparing to shave off years of growth while Paul Walsh from Nature’s Wheel is busy growing his mo - and offering Movember specials - only to remove it at the end of the month. *Know someone taking part in Movember? Send a photo and details to The Local and we’ll include them in our November 25 edition.

Above, from left, David Thomas, Paul Walsh and John Beetham

6 Community

Swiss Italian Festa celebrations THE crowds turned out enmasse to either take part in, or watch, the Swiss & Italian Festa celebrations across Hepburn Shire.

The weather could not have been more perfect for the Grande Parade with hundreds following the procession to make their way down to the Hepburn Springs Reserve.

There, yodelling, singing and even karate demonstrations kept the crowds happy with plenty of food and drink on offer, with a nod to the Swiss and Italian cultures.

More photos page 17.

Photos and words: Donna Kelly

ADVERTISEMENT

For the Daylesford, Hepburn Region. “As your local State Member of Parliament,

the most important part of my job is to keep listening to your concerns.

I can assist with anything relating to the Victorian Government and provide you with information and advice.

I would also love to know what you think are the most important issues facing our community.�

geoff howard mp StAte MeMBeR FoR BAllARAt eASt

15 Main Road, Ballarat VIC 3350 P: 5331 7722 E: geoff.howard@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by G Howard, 15 Main Rd Ballarat.

News 7

Happy Dayz for Burger Off winner WELL, there can only be one winner. Most of the time.

And we have a winner of The Local’s Great Burger Off. Congratulations to Happy Dayz Cafe for taking out first place with an amazing 57 likes on its burger’s photo on The Local’s Facebook page.

Comments were running hot and included “best best best !!!!!!”, “Best burger in Daylesford by FAR!”, “Its freaking huge, ya can’t beat that one” and “That just made me hungry”.

Luda Plotnikova, pictured right with the winning burger, opened Happy Dayz at 20 Howe Street, with her fiancé Jesse, earlier this year.

Coming close behind were Glenlyon General Store and the Old Hepburn Hotel.

Other entrants, who all draw a strong “like” on their burgers, were The Royal Hotel, Daylesford Seafood Bar and The Radio Springs Hotel.

Stay tuned for The Local’s next “best of”. Ideas have included bullboar sausages, baked goods and a “chip off”.

20 Howe Street Daylesford 0422 654 202

Need to clear some low hanging branches? Book in for the final Chainsaw Operations and Maintenance class for the year!

Maybe you you need a hand with festive floral creations? Let Denise show you how!

For details on these courses and many more see our website at www.ourneighbourhood.org.au, call us on 5348 3569 or drop into 13 Camp Street, Daylesford.

8 Community

Hearty offerings

DAYLESFORD’S Community Breakfast is taking off – feeding about 30 people a hearty breakfast every Thursday morning.

Chef Alan Thomas and his wife Annette Thomas, with Robyn Frost, pictured above left, cook up a storm including old fashioned favourites like bubble and squeak, along with homemade sausages with just the right amount of seasoning, and perfectly cooked eggs.

Fruit salad, breakfast bars and a variety of juices are also on offer from 8am to 10.30am at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre where the conversation flows freely.

Everyone is welcome and while a gold coin donation is appreciated it is not a requirement.

Meanwhile, every Friday, for the past two years, the 5000 Club has been providing a three-course cooked meal at Daylesford’s Anglican Church Hall.

Set up by Loretta Little and Father Andrew Eaton, the lunch attracts an average of 35 people keen for a great meal and good conversation – although there have been more than 70 on occasion.

Ms Little said the lunch was about “community and making friends”.

“Everyone comes and brings their friends and we have a core group of volunteers who have stayed throughout doing a wonderful job,” she said.

“We are supported by donations of money and food, like potato farmer Mr Balharrie who brings in a bag of potatoes each week, and the Bendigo Anglican Diocese which gives us grants.”

Coles supplies fruit and vegies while Bakers Delight offers up its bread.

Ms Little said more volunteers, like Dawn Hewitt, pictured above with her pavlova, and donations were always appreciated.

The lunch is from noon to 2pm.

News 9

Caitlan heading off to Singapore

By Donna Kelly Caitlan Ryan is off to Singapore.

Draft Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy - Have Your Say OurSay online forum at oursay.org/hepburn Hepburn Shire Council is seeking community input into how it can manage waste in the future, how it can do more with less and how the community can reduce waste disposed to landfill.

The Council’s draft Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy determines the key directions for Council’s waste and resource recovery services for the next 5 to 10 years.

The draft Strategy aims to achieve the following objectives: 1.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with Council’s waste management activities

2.

Minimise costs to Council and the community through reductions in waste to landfill and efficiencies in waste management practices

3.

Create new business opportunities by converting waste to resources or energy.

You can have your say by using the OurSay online forum.

The community will be able to add, vote and comment on ideas, along with volunteering and participating in delivering various actions within the strategy.

31 priority actions have been established and are ready for your input in the online forum.

The Council will take action on the ideas with the most votes, volunteers and participation.

For more information on using the online forum call Maria Abate on 5321 6451 or email mabate@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

The second year Bachelor of Nursing student with La Trobe University has been given a scholarship and grant to spend a week with a sister university.

Ms Ryan, who studies at the Bendigo campus, said 12 La Trobe students had been selected.

“During the week we’ll do hospital visits, have simulated learning and also get to have contact with students and see what they are studying,” she said.

“Singapore has a pretty amazing medical system – it’s really cutting edge.”

Ms Ryan said only students with an average score of a distinction had been made the offer to apply. She applied in June, was short listed and then interviewed for the position.

“It’s a pretty intimidating process but a really good one. I leave on November 24 and return on November 30. A whirlwind trip.”

The 21-year-old said her Bachelor’s course finished next year and then she would be applying for a graduate year in hospitals.

“I am pretty keen on paediatrics, I think that’s a really amazing area, even children’s oncology, I am attracted to that to.

“I am also keen to go somewhere pretty different, somewhere remote, maybe Darwin or Broome and work my way in from there.”

The Eganstown resident, who grew up in Glenlyon before moving to Daylesford and Bendigo, said she had “fallen” into nursing after starting a health sciences degree.

“I always wanted to work with people, I knew that, but I was quite unsure and decided to do a health sciences degree, maybe physio…but I just loved all the nursing subjects and all the nurses so I made the decision to transfer just four months into the course.”

Ms Ryan, who works at The Good Food Store, Sault and nannying, to help pay for her study, said the course was very time consuming.

“It’s not just two or three days, it’s five days a week, eight to five, and then the placements are another 50-hour unpaid week.

“But I love it.”

Tasmanian talk CIRCUMNAVIGATION of Tasmania, an illustrated talk, will be presented by Peter Lees in a free forum at the Daylesford Senior Citizens’ Room on Sunday, November 24 from 2.30pm to 4pm.

Mr Lees, an architect, and his wife, Irene, built an ocean going yacht at Porcupine Ridge nearly 20 years ago.

“Our vessel, named Leearcki, was built to ocean sail and thus needed to stand up to the rigours of rough weather cruising,” Mr Lees said.

“She has now circumnavigated Tasmania three times and even cruised beyond Ceduna in South Australia in the winter of 2008 – something most sailors do not entertain especially in winter on the Southern Ocean.

“Our boating experience has been quite varied over the years, including being stuck on reefs and even experiencing an air and sea rescue in the Gulf of Carpentaria.”

Details: David Hall on 5348 2872.

10 Letters

Heads up on plant sale

Letters policy

Letters to the Editor must include full names, addresses and a contact number.

Email dhslocal@gmail.com or write to The Local, 17 Barkly St, Glenlyon, 3461.

Letters are published at the discretion of the editor.

THANKS to the Bendigo Bank for their adverts in The Local.

Thanks for generosity I WOULD like to extend my gratitude for the overwhelming generosity shown by the community and business owners of Daylesford, in helping me raise $3669 for my volunteer trip to Cambodia on November 22.

The money raised will cover my program with Edventure where I will be working in schools and orphanages. The Cambodian teachers and children will benefit greatly from my experience as a primary school graduate.

The extra money raised will be used to send resources - story books, clothing, stationary, note pads and toys - donated by the community.

Raffle winners, drawn by Robert Kendall, were Eton, Steve Pedretti, M. Sim and Lisa Hadingham.

A very big thank you to all those who donated money, their time, resources, prizes for the raffle, support and sausage sizzle food.

There are far too many to name but you all know who you are.

A personal thank you to my mum, Sharon, dad, Kevin, sisters, Hollie and Karley, nanna Nancy Thomas and nanna June Powell and all my close family for the support you have shown me.

Tom Powell Daylesford

So far I have taken a trip on the Spa Country train and was able to make it to the plant sale at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.

It’s a great service to the community and proves that you are a community bank.

Keep giving us the heads up on what’s happening in our own backyard.

Jill Saunders Daylesford

Streetscape needs help WHEN is the Hepburn Shire Council going to do something about the main street of Daylesford? It’s a mess.

There were so many tourists around last week, and locals, for all the great events we had on but the state of Vincent Street is embarrassing.

Surely just filling in the potholes can’t be that hard.

Also, the traders and businesses could do a little better. The signage is all over the place. Can’t we get together and decide on a style that says Daylesford? Howe Street traders seem to have managed to get their act together.

Also, if there is rubbish outside your shop on the footpath take the time to step outside and clean it up. That’s just part of taking pride in your workplace.

I think the streetscape needs to be back on the agenda.

Lou Anderson Glenlyon

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My Say

By Donna Kelly

OK. I know it’s been a bit dragged out, and I have harped on a bit, but I have finally been given the low down on Hepburn Shire Council’s own ideas about “buying local”.

Well, sort of.

It actually reminds me of when a girlfriend had her first baby.

She was only in hospital for a day and sent home with a stunned husband and their newborn.

She tried breastfeeding but it didn’t work. So she called the hospital and asked if formula would be OK. No, they said. You have to try harder.

So she did. And it didn’t work. So she called again and asked if just one hit of formula, to get things started, would be OK. No, they said. You really need to try harder and care about your baby’s health.

So she tried again. And it didn’t work. And she was crying and the baby was crying. I think the dad had gone to pub by now.

And she called again. But this time her journalist instinct kicked in. And she asked through gritted teeth in a calm voice “if I give my baby formula will she die?”.

No, they said. And she hung up and fed her baby formula. And she stopped crying and the baby stopped crying. Not sure if the

Opinion 11 husband came home then. He was also a journo – so pubs were kind of his thing.

Anyway, I’ve digressed but I am trying to say that sometimes it’s hard to get a straight answer.

Just as a reminder, some weeks back I had talked to a shire staffer about the Buy Local scheme where locals are urged to shop locally. Good idea. But it was also mentioned that council itself worked on competitive tendering.

So I asked if I could chat to the procurement person about how Buy Local fitted in with that. And was sent a 30-plus page procurement policy.

So I asked the council/media go-between a few specific questions about the procurement policy. And was sent a nice short email.

“The Procurement Policy makes specific reference to Local Supply and refers to suppliers and potential supplier businesses located within or around the boundaries of Hepburn Shire and also includes potential suppliers within the Central Highlands Region.

“Council has a Value For Money approach to all expenditure with a preference for Local Supply where Value For Money is achieved.

“The current policy, which is under the regular annual review process, provides for a premium consideration provided that the required quality standards are met (quality standards would cover physical quality, capacity and timeliness).

“This support to local business will have regard to local employment, local youth initiatives by local suppliers and those aspects of environmental good governance and social procurement relative to the commodity supply or service provision.”

So there it is. Mmm.

Curly’s Say Dear Diary, I have grown tired of sharing with the kelpie. She’s not even a real kelpie, just a cross something. Pathetic.

I know the minders found her first and she sleeps on their bed, while I sleep on the floor, but surely favourites are not allowed.

And she’s annoying. She compulsively licks her paws until the minders yell. She picks up kibbles from her bowl and spits them over the floor. She gets angry when we are left home and ignores them on their return.

But they love her even more for all her foibles.

I think they have been ripped off. It’s only been 13 years so they should just take her back to the pound. And get a refund. No wonder the others dropped her off in a cardboard box.

Mmm. Maybe I could dig a little hole for her to climb under the fence, she’s quite supple, and she could run off and be shot by a farmer….

But first I’ll have a little sleep to build up my energy. This carpet will disguise me.

Curly – the cocker spaniel (cross)

12 Advertorial

Ezi Bin: Good news for local business WHEN Ezi Bin, a new rubbish removal service started up in Daylesford last week, it was good news for both local employment and business.

a hydraulic lifter on the side, which has been specially engineered in Ballarat, and can take up to 30 kilograms, so that is going to make a great difference for Daryl and his back!

“And we can take care of the paperwork until we find someone The company, which has its billing address in WA, is actually a local that is able to take that side of the business on.” continuation of the service provided by the Crowley family for the Gemma said while some clients had been surprised to see a WA past 20 years. address on the promotional flyer, once they realised the business Lyonville resident Daryl Crowley has been a familiar sight for was still in the Crowley family they were happy to give them their that time, ensuring rural areas and the smaller business. villages were offered an on-time weekly “So far the response has been really rubbish service. good,” Gemma said.

And in the early days some of his clients “And our goal is for a local business that would remember his son, Shaun, working at creates jobs – and we make sure everyone his side during school holidays from the then gets the right superannuation, insurances Daylesford High School. and workers compensation entitlements Like many, Shaun, and his wife, Gemma, and gets involved in the community. answered the call to the mining boom over “We’re also looking at potential west and now have a trucking mechanics Please call sponsorships. Ezi Bin is about family and business in the Pilbara, in the town of 0455 216 139 about providing a service in a country area.

Karratha, made famous in the movie Red FOR ALL YOUR GARBAGE REMOVAL NEEDS! “Shaun is from Daylesford and I am Dog. from a similar area near Bega in New South They employ 15 people and while they Wales, so we both know what it’s like to try and find time to go to have made a life for themselves in the region the plan is to return to the rubbish tip.

Daylesford in the not-so-distant future.

“And we both know people who either just don’t drive anymore Gemma said the decision to start Ezi Bin came with Daryl or just don’t like going to the tip. That’s what Ezi Bin is for.”

Crowley finding it difficult to carry on with D & P Lyonville Gemma said she had also been contacted by people who had Rubbish Removal. rubbish removal services provided by the council but wanted green “It was just becoming a little tough, financially, for Daryl, so waste picked up.

Shaun and I had this idea, did a bit of research and decided that we “As long as they have a bin, and it’s under 30 kilograms, we can really needed to keep Daryl in a job,” she said. do that for people too,” she said.

“And because we were here we were able to source a modern “We just want to keep it local and provide a great, affordable Hino truck, Shaun drove that down last week, which will be much service. And if people give us a go, we know Ezi Bin can work for more efficient and just give Daryl better equipment to work with. us and them.”

“The new truck is to pull a purpose built tipping trailer that has

Ezi Bin

Profile 13

Author Bruce busy cooking the books BRUCE Cooke recently made the move to Glenlyon from Shepparton. The accomplished author, who has offered to teach a U3A course next year, Writing for Pleasure, took time out for a chat with The Local’s Kyle Barnes.

Kyle Barnes: Hi Bruce, nice to meet a fellow Glenlyon resident. Just wondering when you started writing and why?

Bruce Cooke: I began writing around 1990 as I retired from TAFE with a hearing loss. I loved Australian history and wanted to write a book. I also needed to get out from under my wife’s feet as there might have been a divorce and this was a good way of doing that.

KB: What’s your genre?

BC: I cover quite a few genres but really love Australian colonial history. I also like historical fiction, adventure, mystery and thrillers. Some of my books can be read from the Daylesford Library where I donated around 10. I also wrote two romances. One called Love in the Afternoon about two 50-year-olds who fall in love but face many problems. The other, which came out in September, is The Campbell Odyssey.

KB: How does the writing process work for you?

BC: I seem to spend too much time in front of the computer as I get absorbed in my stories. Maybe four hours a day.

KB: And what’s the favourite of those you’ve written?

BC: My favourite book is titled The Pursuit of Mary McBride. An exciting colonial adventure romance. My favourite book by another author is Colin Falconer’s Fury. He’s a master writer.

KB: What’s your latest literary work? And where can we find it?

BC: My latest book is The Mentor and has a section in it about Daylesford. It’s a murder mystery and comes out later this month with Eternal Press, an American publisher. I will get some printed copies and make them available for sale here. It will also be available as an e-book with Amazon or Eternal Press. My books can be seen on my website of www.cookiesitewithus.com KB: So why the move to Glenlyon?

Warning: snakes on the move

BC: After my wife passed away six years ago, I was alone and getting old. My kids urged me to sell my home and move closer to family. This place is breathtaking as it is so different to what I am used to.

The people are so friendly, the scenery is terrific and the air fresh. No traffic, no parking meters and the openness is fantastic. Shepparton is flat and getting bigger every year. My only regret is that I didn’t move two years earlier.

KB: What can you tell us about yourself that no-one knows? Yet. BC: My big secret is that in 2005 I fell

off a ladder at home and broke my neck.

At least I survived, after stopping breathing twice, and it has left me with only a stiff neck. Spent five weeks in the Austin Hospital and wore a halo brace screwed to my head for three months. It wasn’t fun.

KB: Anything else we should know?

BC: I also wrote the initial stage script of the C.S.Lewis classic, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, that played in all the capital cities some nine years KB: Great to have you in our region.

Thanks for your time!

SNAKES are on the move.

They should never touch or attempt to capture or hurt snakes. They should call DEPI on 136 186 for further advice or call a licensed snake catcher.

People should also have a spring clean up around the house and cut lawns regularly, he said.

Mr Clemannn said snakes were protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to capture, kill or harm them.

Department of Environment and Primary Industries Arthur Rylah Institute senior scientist Nick Clemann said snakes were emerging from their hibernation over winter to bask in the sun and starting to move about to look for food and a mate.

Mr Clemann said if people saw a snake they should keep calm and try to move everyone, and pets, away.

14 Gardening

Bare block offers promised paradise

By Jackie Airey

I’M sitting in my garden on a sunny, still spring morning. The birdsong is better than an iPod, the fragrances are intoxicating and in every direction my eyes alight on beauty. If this is the promised paradise, I’m already there.

One of the many reasons we moved to this gorgeous region of ours, was what we could grow. The first thing I did here before we committed ourselves, was to check the soil – yep, chocolate cake, hallelujah! The place was just under two acres and boasted eight mature trees and weedy grass – nothing else. We dreamed of rhododendrons, magnolias, peonies, tulip trees, daphnes, hydrangeas, clematis, apples, pears, quinces. My penchant for rare bulbs and perennials would round off the desire to create a “grandma’s garden”.

The only plants we felt we might miss out on would be roses, the climate being so cold and damp. Well, time has proven us right and wrong: everything we wanted to grow, grows.

A strong, cold southerly in winter and the hot, gusty northerly in summer took their toll on our initial plantings, so

we realised we needed to plan better, be patient, and start with some windbreaks.

(Excuse me, that sweet rosella twittering at me from the tree not six feet away needs to be acknowledged …OK, I’m back). We found some $2 whips of yunnan poplars and interplanted them with some wattles for two layers of windbreak on the southern and western boundaries.

The northern fence bisected a swampy area, so some willow slips went in there, along with some giant flax someone had ripped out of their garden.

We prefer curves to straight lines, so arcing the south side of each bed, we planted the “protector shrubs”: buddleias, lumas, westringias.

A very useful discovery was that chicken wire held by star pickets offered just enough stop on the wind to make some difference – surprising though that may sound.

We waited a couple of seasons and then our covetousness got the better of us and we began to buy and plant…but that’s a story for another time.

Community 15

Solution needed MEMBERS of the Daylesford and District group of the Rural Australians for Refugees got together recently to sign and address letters to every federal member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The Daylesford group is affiliated with the Central Victorian Refugee Support Network which takes in the towns of Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Daylesford and Maryborough.

Daylesford spokeswoman Rosalind Berry said the letters would be passed on to Ballarat MP Catherine King to take to Canberra for the first sitting of Parliament this month.

Ms Berry said it was “just so disheartening to have worked for so long to bring about more humane and compassionate policies and treatment of asylum seekers and watch in horror as governments vie to be the ‘toughest’ policymakers”.

“It seems that nothing has been learnt from the trauma caused by detaining innocent people,” she said.

The letter said over the years members of the group had befriended a number of asylum seekers in detention and in the community.

“We are concerned that in recent years, the policies have instead become harsher as the issue developed into a political battleground.”

Meanwhile, the group has also hung a new sign at the Daylesford Anglican Church with a message to the Federal Government to stop sending people seeking asylum to Nauru and Manus Island.

Pictured, from left, back row, Rosalind Berry, Heather Mutimer, Julie Ingleby, Janet Gaden, Judy Harris, Margret Lockwood and Father Andrew Eaton with Njeri, front row, Monica Eaton and Shiku

16 Community events Glenlyon Village Market Saturday, November 16, 9am to 1pm.

Home grown vegies and produce for sale along with plenty of great ideas for Christmas gifts.

Malmsbury Village Fayre November 17, 10am to 4pm Wine, multicultural food, art, craft, entertainment. Details: www. malmsburyvillagefayre.com.au Lyonville Fireman’s Ball Saturday, November 23, 6.30pm to midnight. Dancing, music, raffles, auctions and lucky door prizes towards a CFA fire truck for the Lyonville community. Tickets are $35 and are available at the Radio Springs Hotel, Trentham Takeaway and Trentham Tip. Details: 0438 178 150.

Paul Bangay’s Stonefields Open Garden November 23 and 24, 10am - 4:30pm.

A rare opportunity to visit Paul Bangay’s Stonefields, bottom right. Details and tickets: www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au Musk Farm Open Garden November 23 and 24, 10am – 4.30pm.

Enjoy Stuart Rattle’s garden in support of the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Details: www.wombathill.org.au

Poetry performance November 23, 2pm-4pm. Venie Holmgren, Hepburn resident and nonagenarian poet, will perform her poetry at the Daylesford Anglican Church Hall. launch her latest book, Tea House Poems, which is available at the Book Barn, Paradise Bookshop and other good bookshops.

Christ Church Daylesford 150th anniversary Services will be held at important historic locations for the parish and the community at Musk, Eganstown, Dry Diggings, Hepburn, Glenlyon, Mt Franklin and Jubilee Lake.

Celebrations will then be held at Christ Church on November 29 and December 1.

Details: www.anglicandaylesford.com.au

Field naturalist, Daylesford Nature Diary author and Friend of Cornish Hill, Tanya Loos, will lead a mystery wild flower walk on Sunday, November 24 from 2pm.

Details: Margie on 5348 6541 or email thomato@aanet.com.au

Daylesford Highland Gathering Saturday, December 7, from 9am at Victoria Park. Details: www. daylesfordhighland.com Heritage Rail Experience Every Sunday Travel through the scenic countryside and forests of the Central Highlands. Meanwhile the next Daylesford Spa Country Railway Silver Streak Saturday night event is on December 7. Enjoy the new summer menu while travelling from Daylesford to Musk and return.

Paul Bangay and Stuart Rattle will both open their amazing gardens on November 23 and 24. A treat in store! Photo by Simon Griffiths.

Community events 17

Crowds celebrate Festa’s Grand Parade

Advertorial

Natural therapies Fair’s Fair, 1 Knox Street, Daylesford

JAYA Lisa Saunders (member of AAMT) has been a practising remedial massage/Bowen therapist for many years.

She specialises in stress related injuries to help reduce pain/discomfort, helping to re-establish balance and wellbeing.

Loyalty cards are available - buy five and get one free.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NOVEMBER supporting “Movember” - book a 90-minute massage for $90 and $5 from each treatment goes towards Men’s Health.

Contact Jaya on 0422 018 162, www.healthspringtherapies.com.au or healthspringtherapies@gmail.com

JAQI Mudge is a shamanic practitioner, medium, teacher, artist and contemporary jeweller.

In the role of Shaman, Jaqi holds sacred space where her clients are gently supported with shamanic interventions that work at the energetic level to clear the imprints of physical and psychological illness at their source. The healing takes place between Great Spirit and her client. Jaqi serves as the facilitator, the bridge.

Her focus is on tracking her clients’ unsettling feelings/issues to their energetic source where underlying negative energetic patterns are shifted, and prevented from returning. She helps restore her clients’ energetic body to full luminosity so that they may recover their health and soul’s purpose. This enables her clients to then dream more courageously. Phone 0423 499 901 or email: jaqimudge@hotmail.com

PAUL Walsh of Nature’s Wheel is offering a Movember special of a 90 minute therapeutic/holistic massages for $90 reduced from $120 through the entire month.

Shamanic Healing – Healing is within Us –

Jaqi Mudge 0423 499 901 jaqimudge@hotmail.com

Also adding to price discount, $5 from each treatment will be donated to the Movember appeal supporting and promoting awareness in men’s health and well-being.

All monies raised will be donated to the Movember appeal the “Great Shave off” being run at The Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford and then added to the Movember event.

Treatment sessions are of the highest quality in massage skills and provide a highly professional approach and attention to detail. For appointments contact Natures Wheel Massage and Body Mechanics on 0400 017 623 or paul@natureswheel.com.au

From left, Jaqi Mudge, Jaya Lisa Saunders and Paul Walsh

Music 19

Looking forward to familiar faces

By Darren Lowe

CYNDI Boste, now a very local country, blues /rock singer songwriter has a chat prior to her album launch at The Old Hepburn Hotel on Sunday December 8.

Darren Lowe: Congratulations on the new album, a great sound and a lovely variety of traditional style. Can you give a bit of a rundown on the fundraising process?

Cyndi Boste: The “pozible” crowdfunding campaign became an option when I realised the prospect of going another $20,000 in debt to record and promote a new album. Pre selling albums is nothing new, but having a host site with all the infrastructure in place made it seem a reasonable proposition. So I set a budget target of $18,000. People were then invited to make a ‘pledge’ for an amount of money relevant to the ‘reward’ on offer. That is, $10 buys you a credit on the album sleeve. $25 buys you a CD…all the way up to a song commission for $600 and house concerts at $700.

The catch was that you had to reach the target figure within 60 days. Failing to meet the target meant all bets were off. Fortunately we managed to go a little better than the target.

DL: I actually bought your first album at Port Fairy from you in the late 90s - Home Truths. How have you changed as a songwriter/ performer in that time? Is it still as hard work to make a living from playing music? How does it feel to be a Daylesford local?

CB: I think I’m surer about who I am and what I do these days.

Comfortable in my own skin. It’s relentless work trying to make a living from music, but like any work, you have good and bad times.

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love being a local. I’ve lived in the district on and off for about 25 years, so it’s always felt like home to me. I’ve been back for five years now and don’t plan to ever live anywhere else. I can be myself and that’s a nice feeling.

DL: I love the Warren Zevon reference in Outta Here. There also seems to be a bit of a nod to that west coast sound, I almost expect a big David Lindley slide solo. Are you a long term Warren Zevon fan?

CB: To be honest I don’t know a huge amount of Zevon’s stuff, but what I do know I really like. The guy I wrote the song for was a Zevon fan, and we had spoken about Zevon and his My Ride’s Here, so I thought it was cool to squeeze a reference in there.

Definitely a nod to the west coast sound. The song just screams it really...so we went with it.

DL: I love the guitar sound by Jeremy Edwards. Tell us a bit about him.

CB: Jeremy Edwards is a great singer songwriter based in Sydney. We’ve crossed paths at shows many times over the years and are a bit of a mutual fan club for two. We’re a bit like musical kin, so I asked him to co-produce the album and lend himself and his fabulous Dust Radio Band to the recording. I knew early into the writing process that he and his band were a perfect fit for the songs that were coming through. He is a great guitar player who knows when not to play, and that can be hard to find. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

DL: What can we expect at the launch of Nowadays at The Old Hepburn.

CB: Really looking forward to bringing a band to the Old Hep. I’ve pretty much always played solo at the pub, so I’m looking forward to blasting a few cobwebs off the locals! I will be playing with Jeremy Edwards and the Dust Radio Band’s rhythm section and Pete Fidler on lap steel. We’ll be doing all the songs from the new album and a few golden oldies. Having support from the local community means a lot to me, so I’m really hoping I can look out and see a room full of familiar faces.

20 Gig Guide

The gig guide!

The Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs Saturday, November 16, 9pm onward - Under the covers with Gabe Atkinson Sunday, November 17, 4pm onwards - Doug Owen and John Ross

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham Sunday, November 17, 1pm-4pm - Sarah Wilkinson Sunday, November 24, 1pm-4pm - Little Wise (pictured left)

Daylesford RSL, Daylesford Lucky Strike, Clunes Friday, November 15, 6.30pm - Jack Pantazis and Paris Payne no cover charge Saturday, November 23, 8pm - Family Farm - $50 dinner show

Radio Springs Hotel, Lyonville Thursday, November 14, 7pm-10pm - Lily P Sunday, November 17, 7pm-10pm - Sweet Nothings

Every Tuesday, 10pm-midnight - live music for hospitality workers

Chaplin’s, Trentham Sunday, November 17, 3pm-5pm - Community Vocal Night, $10 entry, children free

Glenlyon General Store, Glenlyon Every Friday, 7pm - 10pm, live music

Time Out 21

All the fun of the Fayre at Malmsbury THE Malmsbury Village Fayre is on this Sunday.

Fayre committee president Greg Miles said the word Fayre, from the old English word meaning food and wine celebrated in a small country village, had been carefully chosen.

“This year’s Fayre will be extra special because we have the local Zingaro Festival Musicians combining with us to make a weekend-wide Klesma/Gypsy/Balkan musical extravaganza in Malmsbury which will also host many musicians, choirs, a cabaret and dancing,” he said.

“Art galleries will be open all weekend featuring local artists and the historical society will be on hand to explain the fascinating history of this little town.”

This year there will be stalls featuring the local produce of Central Victoria and the focus is on multicultural food.

There will also be live entertainment from a score of musicians including Andy Rigby and his Marimbas, the Banana Brothers, Over the Moon Dance studio members, the Klezmer-Gypsy-Balkan musicians and the Orkester Glasso Bahalde, the Footscray Gypsies, the Pollyphonics and the Yiddish choir.

Meanwhile, Ghouls Gambit, a trio of students from nearby Castlemaine, will be performing classic gypsy swing music on guitar, piano accordion, clarinet and voice.

The Fayre will be held from 10am to 4pm at the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, Old Calder Highway, Malmsbury.

Details: www.malmsburyvillagefayre.org.au

Have you been to WINE AND THE COUNTRY yet?

/wineandthecountry

@wineandthecountry

0458 617 025

Wineries 23

Budburst WINERIES around the Macedon Ranges will open their doors this weekend to celebrate the start of the new wine vintage with The Budburst Wine and Food Festival.

Twenty boutique wineries from 14 different locations will offer classics including chardonnay, riesling, shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, to the newer varietals such as lagrein, malbec or prosecco, to the Italians nebbiolo, tempranillo or vivace.

There will also be an exceptional range of sparkling pinots, chardonnays and reds, and sweet wines such as gewurztraminer, ports and late-picked sauvignon blanc.

The $15 entry buys a tasting glass for wines tastings at all venues.

The festival will be held on November 16 and 17 from 10am to 5pm each day.

Details and the program are available at www.budburst.com Meanwhile Passing Clouds Winery will hold its annual wine release day on Saturday, November 23.

The Musk event includes live music from the Ugly Uncles and the chance to taste new release wines.

The winery has a fully stocked cellar and is promising some of the best they have ever made.

Bring a picnic rug and the most flamboyant hat you can find.

A prize will be awarded for best hat - if it beats the one worn by winemaker Graeme Leith.

Other events include the Granite Hills Budburst Degustation Dinner which will be held at the Royal George Hotel, Kyneton on Friday, November 15 from 7pm.

Granite Hills will again pair with Kyneton’s Royal George Hotel to host an indulgent ďŹ ve-course degustation dinner matched with some new vintage wines, and a few specially selected museum wines.

Tickets are $120 and bookings are essential on 5422 1390.

Lanes End, Cobaw Ridge and Silverwings dinner at Mr Carsisi, Piper Street, Kyneton will be held on Friday, November 15 from 6.30pm.

The evening will begin with a tasting of the sensational cool climate wines on the verandah, followed by a ďŹ ve-course Persian inspired dinner matched with wines from Budburst partners. Cost is $110 with bookings on 5422 3769.

Hanging Rock Budburst Dinner at Colenso will be held on Friday, November 15 from 7pm.

Bookings: www.hangingrock.com.au

Bocconcini - not just a cafe!

We offer a large selection of local and imported deli goods ranging from cheeses, antipasto, small good meats, including locally produced Istra products, and accompaniments.

We have a large selection of providore stocks, including our wonderful tea range.

Christmas hampers are coming ~ our choice, or Pick and Pack.

Time poor? Let our experienced staff put together a mouth watering range of savories for your hamper, or, fill your hamper with a sweet selection, maybe combine both.

Bocconcini

59 - 61 Vincent Street Daylesford Trading hours: 8.30 - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday

DAYLESFORD RSL

24 VINCENT STREET DAYLESFORD ~ TEL: 5348 3724 or 0438 715 936

DIGGERS BISTRO

OPEN SUNDAYS for traditional Roast Lunch

3 CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP Service Membership Affiliate Membership (for relatives of Veterans) Social Membership OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

BAR

OPEN EVERY DAY from 12 noon Live Music every Tuesday From 7pm ‘til late

Advertorial 25

“New” start for Muffins & More BEST mates Ann-Maree Mackley and Heather Ryan have joined forces to open Daylesford’s latest “new” café, Muffins & More.

Formerly known as Muffy’s, Muffins & More, at 28 Albert Street, has a whole new look that is funky, warm and inviting.

There is a host of olden day photos of the town on one wall, interesting pieces on shelves and some fabulous bling in the shape of a mirror, a gorgeous flower cut-out sculptural piece and a beautiful “rust” feature wall.

And then there’s the food.

While Ann-Maree and Heather are quick to point out they are “back to basics”, that means great coffee and all the extras you hope for – fabulous muffins, slices, cakes and a new range of biscuits, all day breakfasts and toasted sandwiches (that’s sourdough they’re talking).

And that’s just for starters.

For those busy townfolk, who need to get back to their shops, businesses and trades, there’s also a range of pre-made takeaway rolls and sandwiches ready to grab and go. Feel free to call through with an order anytime too.

Ann-Maree, who owned the café four years ago and then “took a holiday” said Muffins & More had been on the drawing board for about a year.

“Heather and I were always talking about it and we just knew the timing was right,” she said.

“It’s also about family. Heather has four girls, and I’ve got two, and they’re all at university or studying, so it’s somewhere they can come and help out and get some work too.”

Heather said the idea behind Muffins & More was providing an affordable, welcoming café for locals. (Mind you, tourists are going to be pleased to find a little local gem.)

“We want everyone to be able to come and have an affordable, great cup of coffee and a slice or cake,” she said.

“We offer a friendly service and have really put our heart and soul into creating a place that offers a genuine welcome.”

Ann-Maree said since opening on October 31, there had been an amazing response from the community.

“I have been blown away by the number of people congratulating us and wishing us well,” she said.

“There has been so much positive feedback.

It’s like everyone has gone ‘they’re back’.

“We are saying it’s the same – but different.”

Muffins & More, 28 Albert Street, Daylesford. Hours: Monday to Friday 7am – 4pm. Weekends 8am – 4pm.

Phone: 5348 3711.

Ann-Maree Mackley and Heather Ryan celebrate the opening of Muffins & More at 28 Albert Street, Daylesford

“We provide every person with a positive experience through our attitude, warmth and generosity of spirit.”

Dining review 27

Farmers Arms offers perfect choice THE Farmers Arms Hotel is a Daylesford institution.

Whether you are after a great meal, or just catching up with friends for a drink, it’s perfect.

The menu is upmarket, but affordable, with some interesting choices for something different, along with many of the staples you expect from a hotel.

The wine and beer lists are extensive and the staff know their stuff. They’re always ready for a chat but also on the look-out to ensure no-one is kept waiting.

Owners Owners Claire Levine and Susanne Devine bought the pub in 2009, after moving to the region in 2008.

Both had been in hospitality, Claire from the age of 17, Susanne from the age of 19.

And it shows. They have created a warm, welcoming atmosphere which draws both locals and tourists looking for a memorable lunch or dinner - or just a drink.

The menu In for Sunday lunch, and choosing to sit at the lively bar, we started by sharing a plate of housemade chicken liver parfait with cornichons, toasties, a delicate salad

and a side serve of seeded mustard. The parfait was incredibly light and creamy.

Sensational!

The mains My partner went straight for the pork belly. Perched atop a bed of mash, with a velvety rich jus and accompanied by a side of broccolini, the pork belly crackling is super crunchy and the pork is perfectly tender. All up, a real big bloke pleaser although we saw some girls enjoying it too.

I couldn’t go past the prawn linguine which was perfectly cooked pasta loaded with garlic prawns, mixed with rocket, and a perfect hit of chilli and lemon. Delicious.

Dessert We thought there was no room for dessert. But we were wrong. The nougat and pistachio bombe, with orange caramel sauce, really is the bomb!

Something extra The Farmers Arms Hotel is always pumping on a Friday night. The weekly meat raffle, drawn at 7.30pm, is a big crowd pleaser and raises money for various organisations.

This month everyone is working hard for Movember. Donations are also very

welcome. And don’t forget, the big shave off is on November 29!

Now open for breakfast!

Welcome to The Farmers Arms Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner

The Farmers is a fantastic corner pub offering the perfect blend of country charm combined with a sophisticated menu, wine list and professional service For more information about the pub and also our current menu, please visit our website: www.thefarmersarms .com.au 1 East Street Daylesford ph. 03 5348 2091

28 Business

U.S.A’s Favourite RIDE-ON Built for our conditions!

ian petty legal ZERO TURN

From Only $3,999

John Rodda’s Daylesford Mowers & Saws Factory 4, Railway Cres Daylesford 0419 133 046

53 North Vincent Street Daylesford 3460 5348 1080 Fax by arrangement ianpettylegal@gmail.com

Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto

55 Vincent St, Daylesford 5348 2061 Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, dry-cleaning, stationery, photocopying and more.

We stock The Local!

Business 29

Our students 31

BUDDING GOLFERS: Hepburn Primary School students have been up-skilling their golfing abilities throughout the year at the Hepburn Springs Golf Club. Coach Fiona Marshall said the Year 5 and 6 students had been coming every Friday to practice driving, putting and chipping. “We have a few potentials,” she said, with 12-year-old Tyler Olver heading to the state finals in Melbourne in December. “It’s all about planting a seed and hoping they might latch on to the game.” The sessions are sponsored

by Daylesford’s Bendigo Bank with support from Golf Victoria. Clockwise, from above left, Brett Clarke, 12, shows his putting style, Tyler Olver, 12, is on the ball, while Lacie Peucker, 12, resorts to the final tactic.

Support your local businesses!

For all your power equipment needs we service all makes and models Sales, Service and Spare Parts

1 Howe Street Daylesford 5348 2649

32 Sport

Martial arts students look to Darwin

BUDDING martial arts students are keen to travel to Darwin next year for the 4th National Tournament of the Tang Soo Tao Federation – but need a helping hand.

Instructor Tara Haneveld said 15 students, aged from five to eleven, were keen to take part in the September event.

Ms Haneveld said Tang Soo Tao, which means the way of the open hand, started in Darwin 39 years ago and was an official Australian martial arts form.

It had a Korean background but also borrowed from other martial arts, she said.

Ms Haneveld said the students hoped to raise at least $10,000 towards airfares.

An open family day will be held at Bodhidharma in Basalt on December 14.

From left, Otto Saunders, instructor or kyosa Damien Smith, and Renier Haneveld go through their paces Photos: Kyle Barnes

Howe Automotive Your Safety is our priority

Automotive Electrician on site Front end wheel alignments

Servicing all automotive air conditioning 4X4 Servicing and repairs

19 East Street Daylesford

Ph: 53482389

Repairs@howeauto.com.au