November 22, 2021 Issue 241 Movie magic
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
2 About Us
www.tlnews.com.au
Front cover: Local actor Tom McCathie is one of many people who recently spent nights filming the horror movie Stricken. That's Tom on the front working with special effects make-up specialist Tania De Ross, and inset, in full zombie mode. Stricken features Tom along
November 22, 2021 Issue 241 Movie magic
The next edition is out on Monday, December 6, 2021. Or online on Sunday, December 5 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, December 1 Copy deadline: Thursday, December 2 Editorial deadline: Thursday, December 2
with Stephanie Kelly, Simon Berman, Tyler Young, Michaela Pascoe and Tom McCathie. Director is Shannon Young. Read the story by journalist Tony Sawrey on page 9.
Images: Courtesy Shannon Young
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | sales@tlnews.com.au The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith
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. Want to support local, quality journalism? Donate by scanning the QR code. 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.
Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout, Sandy Scheltema, Carol Saffer, Kate Taylor & Donna Kelly Photographers | Kyle Barnes, David White & Louise Gay Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (gigs), Matthew Richardson (money), Jen Clarke (recipes) and Glenn Robinson (cartoons). Accounts | Julie Hanson
Delivery | Tony Sawrey
BBQ SAFELY THIS SUMMER.
KNOW THE DRILL B E F O R E YO U G R I L L 1 CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS WITH SOAPY WATER 2 IF YOU SEE BUBBLES, TURN THE GAS OFF
There were too many dangerous gas BBQ fires in Victoria last summer. So please BBQ safely. To find out more, and to order a free soapy water bottle, visit esv.vic.gov.au/knowthedrill
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Advertorial 3
Megan and Tom excited to take on The Guilly
T
HERE is a real vibe happening at Guildford. And driving around you get the feeling it’s about to boom.
That is despite the population at the 2016 census being recorded at just 333. And Wikipedia listing the town’s facilities as a post office, hotel, community hall, cricket ground and a general store. That may be physically true, but it is leaving out the iron will of the townspeople intent on keeping their little village alive and pumping. For example, if you head just a few hundred metres up one of the side roads you pass two old churches and a school. The primary school had closed but locals have lobbied long and hard for it to re-open. And, sure enough, parked on the street are a number of construction vehicles with plenty of tradespeople working towards it re-opening as a campus of Campbells Creek Primary School for the start of the first school term next year. Then there’s the pub. The Guilly. Outgoing publican Alan Joyce had called time after seven years and there were concerns that no-one was keen to take on the 165-year-old hotel, the heart of the small community. Step up hospitality stalwart Megan Evans and her partner, music industry longtimer Tom Allen. The perfect pair for a hospitality and music venue. And they live seven minutes up the road at Campbells Creek. Megan’s mum is even a Guildford local! The couple have spent the past month or so working on a small renovation of the hotel and are looking forward to seeing locals and visitors back at the bar, beer garden and dining room from Friday, December 3. Megan, who is well known to Daylesford locals after working at a number of hospitality venues in the town, is excited at the prospect of running her own pub and “getting the old girl back to life”. “I have loved hotels and pubs my whole life, in fact I have spent pretty much my 26 years in hospitality working in country pubs, and I just love the locals. I have a very genuine smile when anyone walks in and that is what country pubs are all about. “Tom and I are getting overwhelmingly positive responses to the few small changes we are making – bringing back beer on tap, a bit of a facelift, just returning the old girl to a country pub hotel. I feel like we are really doing what the locals want us to do.” Megan said there would be meals on offer five days a week with “good pub food” providing something for everyone – with lighter meals for the summer months. The Guilly also has quite a reputation for live music, something Tom will be working on, using his 22 years in the music industry to get some great bands and entertainment happening, eventually adding a few dinner and show events. Some of those are bound to be held at the town’s former music hall, next to the pub and part of its footprint, an amazing venue full of atmosphere and history. Then there’s the beer garden to enjoy, but maybe keep away from the authentic lockup from the goldrush days. Tom reckons many people feel a bit of something coming out when the door is open, and no-one wants to venture inside. Meanwhile, Megan and Tom are just excited to be running their own show and turning an under-utilised pub into a really enjoyable place for the community. “The old girl has so much to give. We want to bring back the music, bring back the tap beer, bring back the food, bring back the bar. A pub is such a community asset and we lost too many during Covid. It would be a real shame not to see the Guilly back on its feet.” Megan said while it was a local asset, visitors would always be welcome. “We want to see people from Daylesford and Castlemaine and Newstead, and further afield. A town like Guildford deserves to be a destination. It is a really beautiful place and we want people to come and have a look. And we will have a courtesy bus up and running soon on Friday and Saturday nights.”
Megan said the hardest part of having the pub closed while renovations took place was having to ask locals to wait just a little longer. “We have had such great support and everyone wants to see what we are doing but we have had to say ‘just hold on a little bit longer – we are nearly there’. “I am so excited about getting to know the community and for them to get to know me. Tom and I are owner/ operators so will be here every day. I enjoy working too much to have someone else come in and do it. I will be behind the bar every day and look forward to that. “Pubs are the real heart of the community. It is a place to meet friends, a place to make friends. A community hub. We are going to provide a good old-fashioned bar for people to make friends with other people. We are looking forward to that.”
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes
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Advertorial 5
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Daylesford Trading Co owner Gary Grach has always loved Christmas so what better time to go overboard with his own store. He has brought in visual merchandiser Jocelyn Robbins to decorate his Vincent Street windows, has the Carols on repeat and has even painted a Wombat Wall. After all, what is Christmas without a wombat or two. Gary opened the Daylesford Trading Co a week before last Christmas, so a quiet start, but says over the past few weeks the town has definitely become busier with both locals and visitors out and about. "People love my fun shop and there are plenty of positive vibes as people come to shop local with lots of great value and products for Christmas giving. "Or maybe just something for yourself!" Gary's background is business teaching so he said it was fantastic to have his own store and build up a loyal customer base. "I have some really lovely customers from Daylesford and Ballarat, and now we have Melbourne back it really is starting to look a lot like Christmas."
Gifts Treats Toys Games
Santa's little helpers Sinatra Vinyl Record $8.95
Bee Oven Glove $9.95
daylesfordtradingco.com.au
Star Wars Lightsaber $22.95
Robert Gordon Carafe $14.95
Old Fashioned Fudges $5.95
42 Vincent Street Daylesford
GET VACCINATED.
Every jab brings us closer to the things we love. Book your
Visit Australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080 Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
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News 7
Did somebody say that's D'Arcy Spiller
S
INGER/songwriter, and former Smeaton resident, D’Arcy Spiller is one of the stars of Menulog’s reworked Snoop Dogg’s Did Somebody Say track.
The track aired last month and features D’Arcy along with Baker Boy, Kirsten Salty and Big Twisty. Mushroom Group chief executive Matt Gudinski said the campaign was a platform for young talent. “We’re excited by the opportunity to give some of the country’s most exciting young talent a platform with the new Menulog campaign.” The Local ran a feature on D’Arcy in May last year. D’Arcy said she first realised she had talent when she started having success in national and international song writing comps. "That’s when I thought ‘hmm, maybe I could do this, maybe I could do song writing’. It’s a series of little things I guess. Being asked to perform at events, people acknowledging my voice or musicality. Of course, being signed to 100s + 1000s, a Mushroom group label, was the ‘exciting, I must have some talent’ moment." D'Arcy will play at Major Tom's in Kyneton on Saturday, November 27.
Image: Brian Purnell of Mushroom Creative House
$880 support for energy-efficient heating / cooling hot water insulation draught-proofing blinds & curtains*
AGM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 For more info contact Tim: assessor@hepburnznet.org.au phone: 0490 436 264 hepburnznet.org.au/home https://bit.ly/2NfhOcG
9.30am Morning Tea in the Senior Citizens’ Room, 10.30am Meeting and Guest Speaker in the Daylesford Town Hall.
Scan QR Code
RSVP: Thursday, November 25
ram Prog to nded exte 2022 April Apply here
*Eligibility conditions apply - for Hepburn Shire homeowners and renters in energy stress, low income earners, concession cardholders, and people with chronic or ongoing medical conditions or mobility issues and carers. An $880 co-contribution is also required to receive subsidy amount.
RSVP to info@u3ahepburnshire.com Enquiries: Gillian Freimanis 0412 680 600.
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SPORT
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Be the reason they get home safely.
Community Bank Daylesford & District 5348 4186
As we come out of lockdown, there will be more cars and people travelling throughout regional Victoria. We all have something to look forward to when we get home. So let’s be the reason everyone gets home safely this summer by sticking to the speed limits and staying alert.
Drive safely for everyone.
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News 9
Bush not so ideal when the sun goes down
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HE forests of the Central Highlands are lovely in the day. A bucolic place, abounding with precious orchids, meandering butterflies and grazing kangaroos. A benign arcadia, safe, beautiful, serene.
But as the sun goes down and shadows lengthen, the atmosphere turns menacing. Night soon must fall and within this penumbral darkness horrors await. Or so director Shannon Young would have you feel when sitting down to watch Stricken. Shannon has been obsessed with film making since a very young age and studied film making at RMIT where he studied with James Wan and Leigh Whannell who directed and produced the film Saw (2004) among other things. And like his friends, one of the things that really motivated Shannon was trying to be unique and original in a film landscape that is often cluttered with predictable and cliched output; especially in the horror/thriller genre where his current project is firmly based. Stricken, featuring Stephanie Kelly, Simon Berman, Tyler Young, Michaela Pascoe and Tom McCathie, has been in development for several years and, after lengthy delays brought about by Covid lockdown restrictions, is finally about to move into post-production. But for the past 10 months or so Shannon and his crew have been completing photography at an out of the way location in the bush near Glenlyon. The story follows the plight of Kirsten, a woman who lives alone on an isolated woodland property. Her struggle is with fear itself as she tries to survive a world rapidly being undone by a strange, unknown disorder consuming those around her. How this production came to be situated in the environs around the village was simple enough. “We were looking for a regional location, an isolated property,” says Shannon. “Fortunately, co-producer Paul Moder was friends with Tom McCathie, a local actor and voice-over talent. His property was so unique and had such character that we just couldn’t pass it up and we even ended up tailoring the script to fit his place.” As part of the project they put numerous requests for extras in the area to perform as the numerous stricken figures that lay siege to Kirsten's house once the sun goes down. "We had an unexpectedly enthusiastic response and had up to 30 people performing as extras. A lot of them did not have any prior experience acting, they just came in wanting to try something different. In some cases our extras were in heavy effects makeup and costumes right into the evening and there were some exceptionally cold nights during filming. But they stuck through it till the end.” The tentative release date for the completed feature will be somewhere in the second half of 2022. And while the goal is some limited theatrical release, the way things are these days the project is most likely distributed on a streaming platform. "However,” Shannon adds, “we would love to get back to the region and hold a special screening for everyone. Our production assistant Nadine Jade has looked into some options for venues we could make use of for a local presentation. There would be nothing better than to get all our local extras out to see the finished project."
Pictured, above, film production at Tom McCathie's property local, centre, Stricken director Shannon Young on set with actor Michaela Pascoe, below, local extras Words: Tony Sawrey | Images: Courtesy of Shannon Young
10 News
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Tourism grants Storm clean-up Hotline help The state government is backing compelling local tourism projects that will drive the recovery of regional tourism and grow jobs.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford, has welcomed the launch of the $100 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund, encouraging great projects to be put forward. The Regional Tourism Investment Fund will support the creation of new experiences and attractions and the reimagining and revitalisation of existing favourites – focusing on nature, epicure, arts and culture, and First Peoples’ experiences. The fund will deliver grants up to $10 million per project, with a minimum funding amount of $150,000 per project. Applications are encouraged from private sector businesses, local and state government entities, incorporated associations, not-for-profit organisations, traditional owner corporations and Aboriginal organisations and groups. For further details on the fund and to register interest visit business.vic.gov.au. Ms Pulford said this had been an incredibly challenging period for tourism businesses and that was why the government was "backing great projects that can elevate Victoria’s renowned and varied regional offerings". “The Regional Tourism Investment Fund stands to play a key role in bolstering local tourism appeal, attracting new visitors and supporting job growth.”
The Tylden Cemetery Trust is having a working bee Macedon Ranges Shire Council has welcomed on Thursday, November 28 from 11am to clean up Bushfire Recovery Victoria's Storm and Flood after the storm events of June. Financial Counselling Program.
The cemetery is in need of some help with only four The Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program dedicated trust members unable to get it back to looking is open to Victorians affected by the June 2021 storms its best. and floods. Everyone is welcome and people will need to bring The program can connect people to a financial rakes, lawn mowers and chainsaws, trailers to take away counsellor to help them: the wood, and muscle power. Access relief for utility bills and other payments; Any enquiries to Kath Morrison on 5424 1583. Understand government income and other entitlements; Negotiate with banks on debt issues; Identify if insurance outcomes are fair and appropriate; and Explore options and advocate. Speaking to a financial counsellor early can help stabilise finances, reduce stress and allow people to focus on other areas. Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said from community feedback it was clear that the cost of storm clean-up was an ongoing concern for many people. "If the costs of clean up and recovery are playing on your mind or causing you any anxiety, reach out and use the Storm and Flood Financial Counselling Program. Don’t wait until things are dire before accessing this service." The counselling program is available on the Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760. The hotline is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Bendigo and Echuca lines to deliver three new stations and more frequent trains to Echuca, Epsom and Eaglehawk. We’re also upgrading the Sunbury Line to make it quicker and easier to get to universities, hospitals and jobs in Melbourne.
Train disruptions: Coaches replace trains in both directions Echuca Line Bendigo Line Swan Hill Line
Until 30 Nov
Bendigo to Echuca
20 to 21 Nov
Southern Cross to Echuca
At night, 19 Nov
Southern Cross to Bendigo
20 to 21 Nov
Southern Cross to Gisborne
20 to 21 Nov
Southern Cross to Bendigo
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
1363
Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au
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Out & About 11
Advertorial
Clunes street dinner celebrates community
A
FTER a difficult year of uncertainty and lockdowns, the Clunes community plans to reconnect around one big dinner table. On Friday, December 3, Fraser Street will shut down to host Feast on Fraser, a community Christmas dinner complete with Santa, live music, and entertainment.
“Clunes has always come together around Christmas,” says Lana de Kort, manager at Clunes Neighbourhood House. “When the pandemic first began, the community had a conversation about what they’d most like to do when the world settled down - and it was a chance to eat and be merry together.” Past Christmas in Clunes events have been elaborate affairs, and last year, beyond volunteers decorating the historic streetscape, no festivities were held. As vaccination levels have increased and restrictions have eased, it’s now possible to host a true, country Christmas celebration - and everyone in the town is getting behind it. “We’ve got Santa joining us for the night,” said Lana. “The Ballarat High School Band, including some of our own Clunes-based musicians, and some fun salsa vibes with Los Locos finishing off the evening.” Clunes Neighbourhood House, in partnership with many local community groups including the Clunes Tourist Development Association and Creative Clunes, wanted to ensure that local businesses benefited. Local eateries will be providing a special take-away service of food and drinks, which will be enjoyed around common tables down the main street. “There is something exciting about planning for a Christmas where we can be together,” said Lana. “Community connections have played a huge role in helping us get through the last 18 months. Being able to celebrate that in a safe way provides us with a great opportunity to enjoy the moment, and be with family and friends.” Christmas in Clunes has been a series of celebrations for more than five years now. Featuring lights and christmas decorations, Christmas in Clunes wouldn’t be possible without the help of Clunes' many volunteers.
feast
CL UN ES N EI GH B OU R HOOD HO USE P RE SE NTS
ON
FRASER STREET
Let’s celebrate Christmas in Clunes together! Enjoy Clunes’ finest food and live music, bring the kids to meet Santa and support local restaurants and cafes. DEC. 3 • 6:00 PM BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Book at: tinyurl.com/clunesdinner
Supported by the Clunes Tourist Development Association, Creative Clunes, Netball
the Clunes Men’s Shed, the Clunes
and Football Club and local traders.
Feast on Fraser Street is from 6pm 'til late on Friday, December 3. Tickets to this free event at tinyurl.com/clunesdinner or call 5345 4078. Pre-booking required. Evidence of double vaccination status to be shown on ticket collection on the night.
Mount Players award
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HE Mount Players Youth theatre leaders have won the Macedon Ranges 2021 award for Pure Imagination - young people pursuing their passion for creativity through the arts.
The Mount Players president Karen Hunt said the young adult volunteers had given tirelessly of their time, some of them for several years, to run the theatre's weekly youth theatre classes and direct and produce full length productions at the end of each year. "It's been a difficult time, and 2021 has seen them running rehearsals via Zoom to ensure this December’s production is on schedule. Thank you from all of us at The Mount Players, and thank you also to all the other youth leaders who have gone before them. "The theatre will wind up the year in December with its annual Christmas picnic for members and then look forward to opening night for Love Song on February 18. "There is lots planned for 2022 so please keep in touch via our website for everything theatre at www.themountplayers.com or call 5426 1892. "From everyone at The Mount Players, we wish you all a peaceful, happy Christmas season with friends and family and look forward to bringing you a theatrepacked year in 2022."
Pictured, left to right, back row, Jack Smith, Max Pickin, Chris Santamaria, Dara Hunt and Sian Wilson, front row, Erica Vandenberg, Ben Obermoser and Adele Gehling
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2021 Central Highlands Rural Health will be supporting 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign that is all about creating momentum, raising awareness and taking action towards ending all forms of gender-based violence. The campaign begins on November 25, International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. This year the campaign theme is ‘Respect Women – Call It Out (Respect Is)’ and ‘Orange the World’. In Australia, on average, one woman is murdered by a current or former partner each week, and one in two women have experienced sexual harassment. Violence against women and their children costs Australia $22 billion each year, however the way women are treated is more important than the dollar cost to the economy. Gender equality and safety are fundamental human rights of women and girls. Throughout the campaign, staff at Central Highlands Rural Health will be sharing images of themselves with statements about the prevention of family violence and the underlying drivers including gender inequality, discrimination and sexism. These images will be shared on social media and displayed in our community health centres, hospital and residential aged care facilities.
You can get involved by:
Wear Orange
We encourage people to wear orange on the first day of the campaign - the 25th of November. Orange is the colour of the campaign as it represents a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.
Take part in the 2021 Walk Against Family Violence
This walk will take place of the first day of the campaign – 25th November. You can take part alone or with others at a time and place that suits you. Register at the Safe Steps website: walk.safesteps.org.au/cms/register
Share a photo
Take a photo of yourself taking part in any of the 16 Days of Activism activities and then share on social media, using the following hashtags : #16daysofactivism, #Respectwomen, #Respectis, #Callitout, #PrideRespectEquality #Orangetheworld, #CHRHorgAu
It is everyone’s responsibility to be an active part of addressing gender inequality in Australia because everyone deserves to be treated equally. If reading this triggers you in any way or you need support regarding family violence, please reach out to the following services: 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 • Safe Steps – 1800 015 188 If you or another person is in immediate danger, call Police (000)
Clunes I Creswick I Daylesford I Kyneton I Trentham 5321 6500 www.chrh.org.au www.facebook.com/CHRHorgAU
Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
You may have noticed recently that there has been a change of faces at Hepburn Shire Council in the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor as part of the election cycle for these roles. I am honoured and humbled to take on the role of Mayor to engage with and serve the community. I would like to acknowledge the good work of outgoing Mayor, Lesley Hewitt over the past twelve extremely challenging months. I look forward to working with newly elected Deputy Mayor, Jen Bray, as she takes on this role and to continue productive working relationships with all Councillors, including outgoing Deputy Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, and our incredibly hardworking Council staff and CEO. With COVID restrictions easing further, spring is a great time to get out and about again, to get physically active, reconnect with community groups and reunite with our friends and family. Our small businesses, creative studio artists and performers, accommodation and food providers all currently need extra support too. I really encourage people, as part of this next period of COVID recovery, to attend local community events, spend your extra dollars with local businesses, and explore the diverse parts of this beautiful shire that you may not have been to recently, or not even seen at all before. Where able, get active and enjoy the natural wonder of our forests, rich mineral springs and bush walking and cycling trails, in a ‘living with COVID’ safe way. Eat healthy and sustainable locally produced food, drink responsibly, seek out help and care for one another. Over the next few months we would like everyone to think about and give input on the Sustainable Hepburn strategy, Hepburn Shire Council’s new environmental sustainability strategy. Applications are currently open for the Sustainable Hepburn Community Reference Group until Sunday 28 November 2021. Other things to look out for as we deliver on our commitments in our Council Vision and Plan are the proposed renaming of Jim Crow Creek as part of our commitment to reconciliation with Djaara Traditional Owners; a decision on the awarding of the tender for the Hepburn Hub at the Rex Project; continuing storm recovery efforts; a review of our major projects and services in light of the stress placed on our finances from recent unforeseen events; a further commitment to engage with our community in positive and inclusive ways and continuing discussions and strong support for local advocacy groups, farmers and other community members opposing the poor design, management and route chosen for Western Victoria Transmission Network Project. Cr Tim Drylie MAYOR
COMMUNITY AWARDS OPEN
Council invites nominations for the 2022 Community Awards, which recognise and celebrate significant contributions from local citizens and groups. Nominate now for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Event of the Year. Nominations close on Monday 29 November. Learn more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/community-awards.
CONTACTS
General enquiries
5348 2306
@
Mail Email Website
Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399
PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au
NEW MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR
Congratulations to Cr Tim Drylie, who Councillors voted as the new Mayor for the next 12 months, with Cr Jen Bray as Deputy Mayor. CEO Bradley Thomas said the decision recognises the great work Crs Drylie and Bray do on behalf of their communities. Mr Thomas also acknowledged the considerable work of former Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt and former Deputy Mayor Cr Brian Hood and their contribution to the community, Councillors and staff over the year.
WALK AGAINST VIOLENCE
Council invites community members to join a short stroll in Trentham, Daylesford, Creswick and Clunes as part of the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. The walks will start from libraries in each town at 10.30am on Thursday 25 November. Library activities are planned from 10am. The gentle walks are suitable for people of all levels of fitness and abilities. Bring a hat and drink bottle and wear a piece of orange clothing in recognition of the campaign.
JOIN SUSTAINABLE HEPBURN
Sustainable Hepburn is a new strategy that will be Council’s updated commitment to environmental sustainability. We are looking for community members to join one of our four technical working groups to help develop the strategy. Groups are Beyond Zero Emissions, Biodiversity and the Natural Environment, Low Waste and Resource Recovery and Climate Resilience. Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Sunday 28 November. Find out more at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/ sustainable-hepburn.
FREE GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL
Don’t forget that residents can dispose of green waste for free at our transfer stations in Trentham, Creswick and Daylesford throughout November. For transfer station opening hours visit www.hepburn.vic.gov. au/transfer-stations.
HAVE YOUR SAY
We have a number of projects open for community input including the Early Years Strategy, Integrated Water Management Plan and Youth Strategy. Provide your input via https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au.
UPDATE ON FREE FIREWOOD
As part of our storm clean-up efforts we are providing cut and roughly split firewood for free to community members. We are opening new timeslots as we move more wood to transfer stations. These updated times will be available on www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/firewood. Don’t forget our Storm Recovery Team is hosting a free barbecue and community event facilitated by leading psychologist, Dr Rob Gordon, from 6pm on Thursday 25 November at the Mechanics Institute in Trentham. Register via www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/storm-update or phone Council on 5348 2306.
For after hours emergencies please call: Animal Control - 0419 587 955 Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil
14 Dining
Recipe
with Jen Clarke
Cauliflower, chickpea and halloumi tray bake (Serves 4) This is a delicious and easy vegetarian dish. You could add a bunch of asparagus spears (with woody stems snapped off) when you add the halloumi for a bit of spring flourish. Adapted from a recipe by Kate Gibbs. 1 small cauliflower or half a big one, cut into florets ¼ cup olive oil (plus 2 tblsp extra) 1/3 cup raisins (about 40g) ¼ cup verjuice or very hot water 1 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 teaspoons sumac (or sweet paprika) 150g halloumi, cut into slices (about 5mm thick) 3 tblsp vino cotto or balsamic vinegar Parsley leaves, to finish
Let’s support our community and shop local! “Locals supporting Locals”
Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.
Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply. Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver. Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577. Keep safe, everyone.
Preheat the oven to 200C. Place the cauliflower on a baking tray lined with baking paper and drizzle with about ¼ cup olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, toss and spread evenly on the tray. Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, put the raisins and verjuice or water in a small bowl and allow to soften. Toss the chickpeas in a bowl with the sumac/paprika and season with salt and pepper. Take the cauliflower out of the oven, toss well then add the chickpeas and halloumi (and asparagus if using) and spread on the tray in a single layer. Return to the oven for a further 20 minutes until the halloumi is nicely coloured. For the dressing, mix the vino cotto/balsamic and remaining olive oil until well combined. Add the raisins and verjuice and season to taste. To serve, place the cauliflower, chickpeas and halloumi on a serving platter and drizzle with the dressing. Scatter with chopped parsley and more sumac if desired.
B E CO M E A T R I P L E Z E R O C A L L-TA K E R A N D M A K E A
Experience a fulfilling career that will make a difference to you and to your community. Ballarat Emergency Communications Centre now hiring esta.vic.gov.au/current-jobs
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
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Out & About 15
Pizzeria
La L na Home deliveries Thursday to Sunday Get your pizza fix during COVID-19 Thursday, Sunday, Monday | 5pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday | 5pm - 10pm Tuesday & Wednesday | CLOSED
5348 4123 | 24 Albert St Daylesford | pizzerialaluna.com.au
Do you feed & water people? Advertise here.
A PUB FOR THE LOCALS Come in, grab a drink and be local. Join us for STEAK NIGHT every Thursday $25 and our locals’ favourite SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST $25.
03 5348 2335 LUNCH SAT & SUN DINNER THU - MON
DAYLESFORDHOTEL.COM.AU
DAYLESFORD HOSPITAL
Central Highlands Rural Health is seeking input from the Daylesford community on its local health service
WHY?
Daylesford Hospital has a long and distinguished record of serving the people of Daylesford and surrounding districts, however its facilities need to be upgraded to be able to continue to meet contemporary standards and community expectations. The hospital was opened in 1862 but since then a lot has changed, including the addition of a residential aged care facility and community health services, both of which have become increasingly important to our communities.
HOW?
We invite our community to ‘have your say’ via the following methods: COMMUNITY FORUM: Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm Date: Thursday 25th November 2021 Location: Daylesford Town Hall Please RSVP via email engagement@chrh.org.au or by calling (03) 5321 6512
Central Highlands Rural Health wishes to engage the community on the development of a roadmap (or Masterplan) for the Daylesford campus. Our aim is to canvas opinions and seek ideas about plans to upgrade the Daylesford Hospital.
FILL IN A SURVEY:
We are very grateful for the $100,000 that has been raised from the local community to undertake the preparation of a roadmap to the future. The Masterplan will include a physical assessment of the condition of the existing buildings and engineering infrastructure, a review of the services we have been providing, and those that might be important in the future.
EMAIL: engagement@chrh.org.au
Online: https://bit.ly/DayHosp Paper: copies are available from the hospital reception (13 Hospital Street, Daylesford)
TELEPHONE: (03) 5321 6555
Submissions are open from the 19th November until the 12th December 2021
Central Highlands Rural Health strongly values your input so that we can understand your views and needs
Mount Macedon Realty
Wooling Hill Run 2021 The Wooling Hill Run 2021 is raising funds to support palliative care services at Kyneton Health. Open daily from 8am until 6pm until 12th December, locals and tourists are invited to run 7.2kms (6 laps) or walk 3.6km (3 laps) on the course located in the beautiful grounds of the Wooling Hill Memorial Estate, New Gisborne.
www.woolinghillestate.com.au/charity-run
Best Care: Every Person, Every Time www.chrh.org.au
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To market, to market
Y
OU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.
Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday Kyneton Farmers Market - second Saturday Ballan Farmers Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Rotary Daylesford Farmers Market - fourth Saturday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday *Want to see what events are happening? Or list one? Scan here.
20 Opinion
www.tlnews.com.au
What happened to you?
Because there are a few other people I think of, too. Did you know that scholars widely believe that Homer was blind when he wrote the Iliad? And a tiny boy born blind in India, Srikanth Bolla, grew up to start his own eco-friendly tableware WENTY years ago I was sitting in my university dorm room watching business and made the Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 list? Alicia Alonso was blind when she danced the part of Giselle and is to this day remembered as one of the TV as two planes flew into the World Trade Centre. I didn’t know greatest ballerinas who ever lived. They were blind. Like me. Like the evil individual. that one year later I would be blind. I also didn’t know that the evil So…what happened to them? None of them are evil. A poet, an industrialist, a individual labelled as the ‘mastermind’ of that horrific attack was blind. I ballerina. There are so many more. Do they, the good, outweigh the evil? only learned that last week, watching a doco about the 9/11 anniversary. Maybe the evil will always happen. Remember Oscar Pistorius? Maybe we Could that have been me? I wonder. It’s a stupid question. But how can I do all assumed that because he had a disability, because he was admired by a global anything but wonder? The world is pausing to reflect right now. We’re remembering. audience, because he was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, because he was We will never forget. But I also am remembering the last global event I ever saw. That the Blade Runner, he wouldn’t be evil. Did we assume that just because he had a I ever will see. And that one, tiny fragment of a bond I share with the evil individual disability, he wouldn’t kill his girlfriend, that he couldn’t be evil? I hope not. that did it. Is it a link? Or is it just a shadow? Do we get lumped together just because I hope that I’m not assuming the evil 9/11 individual was who he became, simply we are both blind? Because we both have a disability? I don’t want to wonder about it. because he was blind. Or that being blind was even the tiniest part of the reason. But I can’t help it. Because I think I don’t care now, what happened to him. He was evil. That’s all I need There’s a book currently on the New York Times bestseller list, called What to know. But I know what happened to me. Happened To You? It’s by Oprah. And it asks that very question, and encourages us I never returned to study at that uni. I didn’t feel welcome without my sight. But to ask that very question, of the people around us. What Happened To You? It kind I did have another monumental event. And it happened 20 years after I witnessed of assumes that we are products of our environment more than we are products of that first one. This one wasn’t a world-altering event. It did change my world, though. genetics. The old nature-versus-nurture debate, wrapped in shiny new Oprah paper and sending book clubs around the world into a frenzy. And I can’t help but wonder. Twenty years after sitting in my dorm room, watching the twin towers fall, now, this year, I returned to that university to deliver a guest lecture. To journalism students, What made him so evil? just like I was, back on that day. Because we have something in common. We’re both blind. And I know, I know Because what happened to me was, I didn’t need a terrorist network like that that I could never be like that. I’m not evil. But what made him evil? What made evil individual. I had a beautiful network of my own. A network full of friends, and him thrive in one of the most barbaric, brutal environments on our planet? In certain family, and as it grew it began to include co-workers, and other mums, and support cultures, parents who have babies born with disability are encouraged to abandon workers. I lost my sight. But I didn’t lose my beautiful network. That’s what happened them. Why did this baby survive? And why did it grow up to kill so many others? to me. I can only imagine what happened to that individual. No, I cannot resist asking myself What Happened To You. I wonder if his life was so immeasurably awful Kate Taylor is an award-winning journalist…and she’s also blind. In the final because he was born with a disability, that he took it out on the world. of this series, she explores world issues through the lens of living in regional And then…and then. Do you think it’s like that old serial killer argument - that Victoria with a disability. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, her stories will yes, a lot of them grew up through horrific childhoods, but not everyone who had a always make you think. horrific childhood grew up to be a serial killer?
T
E adve very ha lf-pa rtise m a so ent re ge shou cial me ceives d t 700 -out to ia 0 Now follow our ers. th influ at’s loca l ence !
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Get your message in front of our 15,000 readers Contact Kyle on 0416 104 283 | kyle@tlnews.com.au
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Happy & Healthy 21
Charity run/walk for Kyneton palliative care
N
EW Gisborne’s Wooling Hill Memorial Estate is the venue for this year’s Mount Macedon Realty-Wooling Hill Run, with proceeds going to Kyneton Health’s palliative care program.
Locals and tourists can visit the beautiful grounds of the Wooling Hill Memorial Estate, open from 8am to 6pm daily, and run 7.2kms (six laps) or walk 3.6km (three laps) until Sunday, December 12 at 6pm. Members of Central Highlands Rural Health’s executive and board have met with Troy and Liddy Upfield, owners of Wooling Hill Memorial Estate, to walk the course and formally launch the event. Troy and Liddy’s first fundraising target is to raise enough money to cover the cost of a cuddle bed; a specially-designed bed that allows family and friends to provide physical comfort to a loved one during end-of-life care as physical closeness can deepen connections and improve quality of life. The cuddle bed offers an opportunity for loved ones to lay together and provide compassionate care as people near the end of their life. The Wooling Hill Memorial Estate owners would like to raise enough funds to not only purchase a cuddle bed, but to also update the palliative care suite with new furnishings, artwork, paint, carpet and a fold-out sofa bed, to create a comfortable and relaxing space for patients and their visitors. Troy said: "We are passionate about supporting local healthcare and believe that with the support of our local community, we can give a gift that will make a real difference to Kyneton Health’s patients and their families. We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of people to our all-ability Mount Macedon Realty-Wooling Hill Run and most importantly, raising lots of money for a great cause.” Central Highlands Rural Health CEO Maree Cuddihy said Troy and Liddy's generosity and commitment to others' wellbeing was extraordinary.
SUE’S PLACE
Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder
"Palliative care helps end-of-life patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Our nurses focus on the needs of the individual and their family and through a combination of medical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support, we enable people to live with dignity, peace and comfort for the duration of their illness."
Details: www.woolinghillestate.com.au/charity-run/
Pictured, from left, Maree Cuddihy, board chair Peter Matthews, board member Kate Redwood and Clinical Services executive director Susan Jennings, with pooches Goldie and Hugo Image: Contributed
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22 Homes & Gardens
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Homes & Gardens 23
Bees, a disappearing race?
If you think you’ve noticed the absence of bees, especially the little native types in your garden of late, you may be right. It could be that this unusually fearsome spring weather has kept them indoors but recent disturbing agricultural and horticultural news reports indicate a disturbing lack of activity on the bee front during the critical spring blossoming season. Admittedly many of our rural areas have been devastated by at least one of the terrible trio - fire, flood and drought - but those on the urban fringe have unknowingly played our part as well. Just about every fruiting or seeding plant on earth needs a hand in the "sexual" sequence of reproduction. After all, fruits and nuts weren’t put on earth to feed us, they are just part of nature’s scheme to aid in the reproduction of our plant life and bees, and all the other flying insects, are but one of the many tools. By attracting them with sweet nectar and perfumes the insects accidentally transfer the pollen from the anther (male part of the flower) to the female stigma - not always of the same plant - hence cross-pollination aka hybridising.
Honey
The honey bee plays a major role, living in colonies rather than randomly as most other insect species do. Better than that, they have been given tiny hairs on the body and a tiny, sticky 'basket' on each hind leg, which enables them to unknowingly carry the pollen considerable distance to other similar plants. And let us not forget their wonderful gift to us...honey. But we are their greatest enemy with our rampant use of chemical insectides and even some fungicides. There are solutions. Avoid spraying during the blossom season and check if the product you are using is least harmful for bees. They do exist. And if you think we live too far from any agricultural or horticultural activity keep in mind bees normally range up to 5km from home in their search for food, quite often up to 10km. Some have strayed as far as 20km at times of severe drought. So let’s play our part in saving our bees by encouraging them into our gardens with sweet-smelling nectar-laden flowers. There are plenty to choose from besides the obvious such as lavenders, roses, and honeysuckle. Acacias, grevilleas and freeflowering eucalyptus are among the most obvious as a start.
Bee hotel
More than that placing a bee hotel in one of your trees will do much to attract the solitary dwelling and docile native bees. Not too forthcoming with honey but great pollen spreaders. They will reward you with improved crops from your fruit trees and vegies. (I’ve featured these in previous issues of The Local so just email me if you would like a copy.) Maybe you would like to go the whole way with your own beehive among your fruit trees or even allow an apiarist to lease a space for one during the the peak season - just think of all that beautiful honey you receive as rent. In any case, the danger of getting stung is minimal if the bees are left alone or don’t feel threatened in any way. I’ve been around bees since childhood.
My father, an amateur apiarist, kept a couple of bee boxes in the nether region of our family nursery and I managed to be at the stinging end a few times during honey collection time. It always hurt like hell but I never suffered any lasting side effects.
Who you gunna call?
If I have sparked your enthusiam to become an amateur apiarist you could get in touch with the Castlemaine Bee Sanctuary. Through them you can either rent your own hive or sponsor one at the sanctuary. Castlemaine Bee Sanctuary is online at www.adoptabeehive.com.au or call 0490 399 319 or email danielshepherd@gmail.com
Got a gardening question? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com
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24 Opinion
www.tlnews.com.au
Just sayin’...
Local Lines
By Donna Kelly
Half acre-
S
O, WE are out the other side. Sort of. As in a massive lifting of restrictions. No more masks for most people unless you are working in hospitality or medicine. It's great news. For the vaccinated. Not so much if you have decided not to get the jab. Small life and all that.
I must admit I was hesitant. Not about being vaccinated but I did worry about AstraZeneca and the blood clotting. I even pleaded my case with a doctor but was told in no uncertain terms there were no exceptions and he was adamant the government was doing the right thing. I was pretty happy about a week later to hear Pfizer had been approved for the under 60s, even a bit vindicated, and booked that day for my first jab. With just the three-week wait I got my second shot in July, the same time Kyle had his second AZ. He had no hesitation, just got in there and rolled up his sleeve way back in April. Anyway, we have both now booked in for our booster shot in January. The local doctors' is only offering Pfizer so I might shop around and see if anyone has Moderna on hand. I keep reading that mixing and matching is the way to go. I know, I should check with a doctor, but that didn't really work out last time. I will still keep a variety of masks in the car. Some look better than others, we have black with a TL logo on some, and flowers on another, but then the 'blueys' are easier to talk with and breathe through. I remember when we first started wearing masks last March, as in 2020, and everyone thought we were quite mad. Walking around Coles at Woodend we got a lot of stares but also quiet nods from the other two or three people also masked up. I remember wearing one for a mammogram at St John of God Hospital in Ballarat and asking the clinician why they were not wearing one. Not allowed, they said. Don't want to panic anyone, they said. I also remember calling a chemist in Frankston asking if they stocked any. No need, they said. Masks will not stop the spread, they said. Now you can't get a medical procedure done without a mask on - and chemists have done a roaring trade in them. We have come a long way, through fear and loathing, and misunderstanding, to a point where most sane people are vaccinated and we can unmask for most of the time. Is unmask even a word? I know so many more words I wish I didn't. Selfisolation, double-jabbed, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca... I talked to a psychologist the other day and said I would very much like to turn back the clock to a time where Covid never existed. But, I said, so many people reckon humankind would learn from this. Be better people. Make better choices. She looked at me, a little askance. "All we will gain from this is about a decade of mental health issues. Especially for children." So good news on the mask front. As for learning lessons, maybe not so great. Just sayin'...
Have you seen Holly? Holly went missing from her home in Smith Street, Daylesford on Monday, November 8.
She was seen near Jamieson Street and Garibaldi Drive that afternoon about 4.30pm. Holly is very shy and is wearing a distinctive blue collar and is microchipped. Her owner is hoping Holly is being cared for by someone else and has contacted the local vets, council and doorknocked around the area to no avail. If anyone has seen Holly they can send a text message to the owner on 0410 690 164.
The gully behind the property is a long throat. Jewelled by eucalypts and other bush trees. A muzzy razorbackthe sky above fishcoloured. In a half-breath it may rain. Or go completely to dust, birds taking to the sky like ramrods. Beauty and danger at the backstep, the stormy air, thick with flies. - Stephanie Powell Stephanie Powell has recently moved to Hepburn Springs after several years living in the UK, her debut poetry collection, Bone, was published by Halas Press in July 2021. More writing can be found @atticpoet on Instagram. 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
The next edition of House.Land.Home. Premium is out December 6. For bookings contact Kyle on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au Everything house, land and home. Don't miss out!
www.tlnews.com.au
Opinion 25
Kyle’s Rant
T
HE world of digital news combined with the pandemic has not been too kind on traditional community newspapers, who have been slow to change their ways and have as a result perished or become solely digital in the new media landscape.
The great news is that your community newspaper was first dragged into the printing press over eight years ago our fledgling enterprise The Local was at the coalface of the “mum and pop” rise of community newspapers. Born from hard times where disgruntled journalists and photographers were left high and dry, flung out onto the streets by the big corporations who were simply chasing profits, not public interest news gathering. These people have created just south of 80 newspapers around the country, news organisations like ours that live and breathe community news and bring it to you for free. I have watched many a failed stratagem by news corporations over my relatively short 15-year career in the industry to save print money and encourage readership into the digital space. But here at TL HQ we ploughed on in print creating a pretty incredible website along the way, which moving forward as the world comes to, will host all the sports results not just seniors' football as well as all community events and all for free. And then this week we received the following from our printer: As you may have read in the media last week, the only Australian‐based newsprint supplier, Norske Skog, has advised customers that they will be breaking existing supply contracts and increasing the cost of newsprint almost immediately. We have been presented with non‐negotiable price increases effective from November 15, 2021. The increases are between 19-25 per cent dependent on the newsprint grade. To put that into perspective this is a 25 per cent rise in our print costs after what has been a 'kick in the arse' couple of years. So what are our choices? We could either load the costs to our advertisers who have endured pain like us, absorb the cost internally or wrap up the whole enterprise and take our bat and ball and walk away. I must admit the whole bat and ball thing worked for me, but the ever-tenacious editor/wife decided to absorb the cost and labour on, after all TL is her love child I simply named it. My part in this whole plough-on thing is to invent a volunteer payment platform, as in the QR code below this column, these will be sprinkled throughout our magazine going forward. So, if you are enjoying the read while having your cup of tea, wonder how we get the crazy, weird and sometimes wacky stories, see your nearest and dearest on the page or even have a moment of philanthropic emotion for your locally produced paper that employs only locals and ties together our Central Highlands villages, please scan the code. Tin-shaking rant over…
Want to help keep quality, local journalism happening? Donate here. Just scan the QR code below.
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26 News
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Disability talk Honour roll Storm webinar The Rotary Club of Daylesford is inviting interested community members to a Disability Information Session to be held at the Victoria Park Pavilion on Thursday, December 2 from 6pm.
Living with a disability can be challenging enough. Those living with a disability in a small regional community are presented with even bigger barriers, whether that’s access to affordable services, physical access to facilities and venues or even the availability of toilets. The Rotary Club of Daylesford has convened a panel of speakers, including: • Katrina Kavanagh, a disability support coordinator with Pathway Connect, who will discuss the challenges of living with a disability in small regional communities; • Peter Waters, a local resident who lives with cerebral palsy, who will talk about his inspirational wheelchair trip from Melbourne to Sydney, as well as the challenges of growing up as a child with a disability; • Dale Hoy, District Governor of Rotary District 9800, who will talk about the role of services clubs such as Rotary working to improve disability outcomes; and • Pat Groenhout, president of the Rotary Club of Daylesford, who will host a Q&A session. RSVPs to Mr Groenhout at patrick.groenhout@ greenwoodstrategy.com.au or 0402 159 314 by 5pm on Monday, November 29.
Women leading their communities through disaster, helping address cybercrime and lifting up vulnerable communities are some of the 23 inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women this year.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council invites residents to join Dr Rob Gordon for a lunchtime webinar reflecting on the six months since the June 9 storm, and the reactions that people may still be experiencing.
Dr Gordon will unpack some of the typical reactions to expect after such an event, and share advice on how to make sure residents and their families establish a successful recovery process. Dr Gordon is a clinical psychologist who has been working in the field of disaster recovery since Ash Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams announced the 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women inductees – Wednesday in 1983. He is a consultant to Red Cross women from all walks of life who have made outstanding and the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. contributions to the Victorian community. Dr Gordon has worked with people and Among them is Central Highlands resident Taryn communities after Black Saturday and Black Summer, Lane, pictured, who was inducted as a trailblazer for the Christchurch Earthquake, as well as numerous her pioneering work as a community development floods, fires, cyclones and other events throughout practitioner in community energy and community-led Australia and New Zealand. climate transitions, co-founding RE-Alliance and the The session will run from 1pm to 2.30 pm on Coalition for Community Energy. Thursday, December 2. Register your attendance at mrsc. Taryn is a community energy advocate/consultant vic.gov.au/storm-recovery and also manager at Hepburn Community Wind Farm. Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Mr Bernie Ms Williams said women made outstanding O’Sullivan encouraged residents to attend the webinar. contributions in every aspect of people's lives "and “The clean-up continues as we approach the sixthrough the Honour Roll we’re pleased to celebrate month anniversary of the June 9 storm. But it’s not just and recognise some of these significant and lasting the physical and environmental impacts that is going contributions". to take time for the community to recover from. The "Celebrating the achievements of women of all backgrounds and experiences helps open the door for the session will be recorded and shared after the webinar via our mrsc.vic.gov.au/storm-recovery." next generation of outstanding women to be leaders.
Sprouting joy
T
HE shopfronts of Daylesford and surrounds came alive over the weekend with 120 beautiful floral installations designed to celebrate spring. Sprout is a collaboration of many local groups and individuals, spearheaded by the Daylesford and District Horticultural Society in association with the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, designed to lift the spirits of traders and shoppers alike after long Covid restrictions. The Daylesford Town Hall was taken over on Friday, November 19 for the creation of the floral displays with them delivered to shopfronts by noon.
More photos at www.tlnews.com.au
Catherine
KING MP
Federal Member for Ballarat 03 5338 8123 Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au CatherineKingMP @CatherineKingMP
Standing up for our Community!
www.catherineking.com.au Authorised by Catherine King, Australian Labor Party, 5/9 Sydney Avenue Barton ACT.
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THERE’S A MILLION REASONS TO GET VACCINATED.
Mine’s getting back out in our community, what’s yours? Mary-Anne Thomas MP LABOR MEMBER FOR MACEDON
Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne, VIC 3437 E: mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au P: 5428 2138 Authorised by MA Thomas, Shop 14, Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne.
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News 27
New mayor
C
RESWICK Ward's Cr Tim Drylie is the latest mayor of Hepburn Shire. Cr Jen Bray, from Birch Ward, is deputy mayor.
Cr Drylie said the opportunity to serve the Hepburn Shire community as mayor was an honour and he was "thrilled and humbled". "I feel very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world. This shire is richly abundant in natural assets that we are fortunate to have to explore, appreciate, and protect. “I take comfort that our council can draw strength from and respond to the wisdom of a creative, hardworking and diverse community. "The year ahead may still present uncertainties as we once again emerge and deal with the physical, mental and financial stresses of the Covid pandemic, the damage from unprecedented climate change-related weather events and constant adaptation to new and different ways of relating, living and working together. “Over the next year, I wish to continue the good work that this council has begun in forging positive and more engaged relations with our community. We need to listen, foster local expertise and support our resilient, diverse systems including our businesses, industries, farming and community health and wellbeing."
From left, Cr Jen Bray, Hepburn Shire town crier Philip Greenbank and Cr Tim Drylie Image: Contributed
Classified advertising
Annual General Meeting 2020 – 2021 Central Highlands Rural Health Board of Management invites our community to its 2020 – 2021 Annual General Meeting. Date:
Thursday 9th December 2021
Time:
5.30pm
Location:
Rolleri Room, Peppers Hepburn Springs, 124 Main Road, Hepburn Springs VIC
We are currently developing a Gender Equality Action Plan which will outline our strategies and measures to improve the lives of women, men and gender-diverse people. As part of our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging, we are delighted to welcome Clare Headland as guest speaker. Clare will talk about her transition journey and the issues that are important to her, as a transgender person. Agenda items: 1. Release of the 2019/20 Annual Report 2. Any other business in accordance with the By Laws of Central Highlands Rural Health (of which 7 days prior notice has been given to the undersigned). 3. Guest Speaker: Clare Headland Please RSVP by Thursday 2nd December to tania.meyer@chrh.org.au or (03) 5422 9920. Kind regards, Maree Cuddihy Chief Executive Officer ceo@chrh.org.au
Clunes • Creswick • Daylesford • Kyneton • Trentham
Casual/permanent part-time personal care attendants and kitchen hand position available The Facility: Hepburn House is a 60-bed Aged Care Facility located in Daylesford. Hepburn House is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all people into its homes. Hepburn House is also LGBTQI friendly for residents, staff, and volunteers and is a equal opportunity employer. We are specifically seeking a dedicated personal care attendant familiar with person-centred care continuing to change from task orientated care. To organise work routines based on resident preferences. The successful applicant will demonstrate their ability to be pro-active and contribute to finding better ways of dealing with everyday situations related to resident care. Promote socialisation and support residents' lifestyle choices to improve their quality of life. Casual kitchen hand positions are also available. Please email your resume/all enquires to dianne@hepburnhouse.com.au
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Appointments to the Board of Directors Central Highlands Rural Health
Employment Opportunities
The Minister for Health, Martin Foley MP, is pleased to invite applications for part time board positions of Central Highlands Rural Health with terms of office commencing from 1 July 2022.
Other people holiday here, you could live and work in the beautiful mineral springs area. Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) is a rural health organisation with campuses at Creswick, Clunes, Daylesford, Kyneton and Trentham.
All applications will be considered however the Central Highlands Rural Health Board of Directors would particularly welcome applicants with expertise in Financial Management and Accounting, Registered Clinicians and Law to fill identified gaps in their current board skills profile. Please refer to the Position Description for more details about the competencies needed.
We currently have the following employment opportunities: * Supervising Psychologist * Population Health Team Manager * Casual Administration Officers * Hotel Services Supervisor - Daylesford * Nurse Unit Manager – Trentham * Enrolled Nurses Medication Qualified * Health Promotion Officer * Dentist * Casual Food Services & Cleaning roles
For further information on these and other roles we have to offer please visit our website at: www.chrh.org.au and click on Careers or contact 5321 6511.
These positions provide an exciting opportunity for members of the Victorian public with relevant experience and qualifications to contribute to the strategic leadership of public health care delivery to the community. Safe and high quality healthcare for all Victorians is a priority of the Victorian Government. The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring boards and committees broadly reflect the diversity of the Victorian community. Applications are welcomed from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all ages, people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse and intersex people.
Ballan
Applications close at Midnight on Monday 29 November 2021
Plumbing
Further information including how to apply, please visit www.health.vic.gov.au/governance
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The Last Word: Jeff & the Aussie (?) way
H
ERE's a fun fact I learned recently about Australia: “In Australia, in-a-hurry is hardly ever a thing.” It must be true because I read it printed on the carton of Wallaby Organic Aussie Greek Style Yogurt that is in my refrigerator. This yogurt, it must be said, is pretty tasty stuff. In our house we prefer the plain and vanilla bean styles. Plus, we like the Aussie connection.
On the company website I also learned about something called “The Aussie Way”. As the story goes, “One taste of the Aussie life will change you. And here’s the proof: our founders travelled to Australia and discovered yogurt so deliciously different they returned home, quit their jobs, and started crafting Wallaby Yogurt. That had to be some delicious yogurt.” Must be fair dinkum, I reckon, even though the company that makes the stuff is in the central US state of Colorado, with offices in New York, and in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Yep - Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi.
Australian jojoba oil American knowledge about Australia extends to other products as well. Here in Chateau Glorfeld we use Aussie “Miracle Moist” shampoo and conditioner, made by the Aussie company. Not Aussie as in a company in Australia, or with offices in Australia, or staffed by some people who went to Australia once, like the Wallaby yogurt folks. No, this stuff is the product of a multi-national American corporation that makes everything from probiotic supplements to razor blades. And shampoo. In fairness it should be pointed out that Aussie shampoo and conditioner do include jojoba oil, from Australia, according to the label. It’s a fair way down the list of ingredients, but it is there.
Muckraking Recently Americans were treated to another example of our national love of and concern for Australians when a selfpromoting muckraker named Candace Owens, on her chat show on a marginal conservative TV network, called on the US government to invade Australia and free its people, who are, she said “suffering under a totalitarian regime”. After her impassioned video attracted the attention of news commentators around the world - which most certainly was her intent - Owens launched part two of her marketing scheme: she demanded retractions from news services such as The Guardian, which reported on her monologue with the headline “Right-wing pundit Candace Owens suggests US invade Australia to ‘free an oppressed people’”, because at a point late in her rant, she added the tag: “I say that in jest”. Oh, OK, she was kidding. It’s all good then. Well, no, it isn’t. She began her polemic by reading a list of restrictions allegedly sent to her from a fan in Queensland. Her tone of righteous outrage and moral indignation rose and rose, until she was shouting at the cameras. “When do we deploy troops to Australia?” she said. “When do we invade Australia and free an oppressed people who are suffering under a totalitarian regime? When do we spend trillions of dollars to spread democracy in Australia?” Ha! That is so funny! That is a damned funny bit there, lady.
It's tyranny She went on to describe Australia as a “tyrannical police state” where “its citizens are quite literally being imprisoned against their will”.
She thoughtfully compared Australia’s anti-Covid-19 regulations to actions that “give(s) birth to evil dictatorships and human atrocity. We are watching a replay of the early ambitions of Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez”. She added: “Can anybody explain to me why the Australian government is any better or any nobler than the Taliban?” Owens went on to ridicule Australia for attempting to control Covid-19 through restrictions. What is odd about that is that she’s also anti-vax. In her helpful invadeAustralia comedy routine she also cited some statistical 'evidence' about how almost everyone who contracts the virus recovers from it. Which may be true but is possibly the most vile, insensitive use of statistics to make a point - like something Stalin or Hitler might say. In reporting on Owens’ chuckle-fest, Forbes magazine on October 22 noted that as of that date, “Australia has had a total of 151,943 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 1590 deaths compared to 44,940,696 and 726,846 for the US. Yes, the US. has had about 726 times the number of deaths despite having a population only about 12 times the population of Australia.” Those are some serious statistics.
After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, Jeff Glorfeld went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past three years he has survived bushfires, snowstorms, Covid-19, and drought. And Trump. The cicadas and locusts didn’t arrive. Along with a St Kilda premiership. Well, not yet.
She thoughtfully compared Australia’s anti-Covid-19 regulations to actions that “give(s) birth to evil dictatorships and human atrocity. We are watching a replay of the early ambitions of Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez”.