The Local October 24, 2022

Spring floods wrap

Spring floods wrap

From the Mayor Cr Tim Drylie

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Tim Drylie, who represents Creswick Ward, the most affected area, said the community, council and agencies had come together in an "amazing effort" in response to the October floods.

"Extreme weather events or natural disasters are integrally messy and stressful affairs and it takes a lot of effort to try to get it right. And it doesn't always happen the way we think it's going to happen.

"But there was improvisation on our part in terms of getting the sandbagging happening and we had local businesses chip in and buy a couple of loads of sand which was fantastic and there were heaps of people volunteering to fill bags - taking days off work.

"Then there were the community groups, like the football club, coming onboard en masse to put sandbags in place for vulnerable residents and then our local CFA coming to the party and pumping water when required for many hours to try to avoid flooding along the stretch of houses that border the creek."

Cr Drylie said in terms of council operations there were many staff working both in the background and on the front line, working to assess roads, putting out signage and opening up relief centres in Creswick, "and just monitoring things as they unfolded".

"Obviously it was quite a volatile situation and a changing environment, so we were working to make sure the community was safe. Communications were going out as required and it was just a phenomenal effort. I think we avoided the worst of it and some of that was due to chance and some of it was due to good planning and response."

Cr Drylie said with the recent flooding, the January storms in Creswick and the Trentham and wider district storms in June last year, people's resilience was being tested.

"These really compound the situation in terms of some of the psychological trauma and stress that is associated with these events and it is really unfortunate in many ways that this event has happened and that we are looking at probably the next six weeks being predicted for ongoing weather events.

"As a community we need to adapt and be better prepared for these events. They are becoming more extreme and more frequent so there is a response where both the community and council and agencies are aware of what is required to be more ready. I think that in our community we saw this time a preparedness to get on the ground."

Cr Drylie said there was no question the recent weather events were climate change related and that was widely accepted.

"It is probably catching up with us a lot sooner than we expected in many ways and we need to get on the front foot a bit more with it both in terms of adapting to current circumstances but also getting on with reducing emissions and moving to a renewables economy and a circular economy."

*Lifeline delivers crisis support and suicide prevention services, 24/7 on 13 11 14. *Beyond Blue provides 24/7 advice and support on 1300 22 4636.

Words: Donna Kelly

Scan the QR code to watch a video of flooding throughout the Hepburn Shire and beyond. Thanks to all those who contributed photos and video - Frank Page, Emma Visser, Eve Lamb, Michael Sayn, Sarah Dalby and Natasha Morgan.

Help for impacted residents

Flood-impacted residents in Hepburn Shire will be able to dispose of flood waste free of charge until the end of December.

To help flood-affected communities recover, the state government has removed charges to dispose of flood waste, with the waste levy for all flood waste waived and landfill operator gate fees covered in 46 flood-struck local government areas.

Working with councils and the waste industry, the government has announced it will ensure all impacted communities have access to a facility to dispose of their flood waste quickly and safely.

Up to December 31, the waste levy for flood waste and the gate fee usually charged by landfill site operators will be waived for the 46 worst-affected local government areas including Hepburn, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires.

The state has also announced that other LGAs impacted by floods will be added to the list of 46 LGAs as required.

The move aims to ensure all flood waste can be disposed of at landfill free of charge, with the waste levy usually between $62.95 per tonne and $125.90 per tonne, depending on waste type and landfill site location.

It’s projected that at least 300,000 tonnes of waste will be sent to landfill as a result of this month’s flooding.

Support for producers and business

The state government is supporting primary producers and small businesses across Victoria affected by the devastating floods to get back in business, with an initial package of support to help kickstart their relief effort.

A $73.5 million package will deliver grants to help farmers and business owners clean up their properties, while business mentoring, concessional loans and transport subsidies will help businesses get back on their feet.

The $19.5 million Primary Producer Flood Relief Program will deliver a one-off $10,000 payment – administered by Rural Finance – to primary producers directly affected by the floods to help them clean up, re-establish their properties, and get their businesses up and running again.

Primary producers whose properties have been directly hit are also eligible for concessional loans of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up is underway.

Flood-affected primary producers can also claim up to 50 per cent of transport costs – up to $15,000 – for the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and moving stock to agistment, sale or slaughter.

Small business owners whose livelihoods have been affected by the floods will also be supported through the $54 million Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program.

Directly impacted small businesses will be eligible for a one-off payment of $5,000 to support clean-up, safety inspections, repairs, the hiring of equipment and purchase of stock that businesses need to get back in business as quickly as possible.

The program will also support a dedicated Business Relief Service – with dedicated mentors to guide business owners through the available Commonwealth, state and local supports and manage insurance and landlord issues.

Applications for both grant programs opened on October 20 – with applicants for the agriculture grants encouraged to visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/ emergency-management/floods/flood-advice-and-support. For small business grants, call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.

This natural disaster is a distressing time for many Victorians, whether their homes have been inundated, they have been temporarily displaced or lost part of the business they have given so much to – and a $4.4 million initial package will support any extra mental healthcare flood-affected Victorians need.

The government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing hubs, which were set up during the pandemic to support extra mental health demand, will see $1.5 million in surge funding in the worst-affected areas across regional Victoria and Melbourne’s west, supporting Victorians doing it tough as a result of the floods.

Primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were lost in the floods will get the dedicated mental health support they need, with $500,000 for specialist agriculture organisations including the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Victorians are reminded they can contribute to flood recovery efforts at givit.org. au/storms-and-flooding

October

Issue

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Front cover: Daylesford Art Show is almost here. Read all about the Rotary event on page 3 and check out more details about the opening night on our back page.

Image: Kyle Barnes

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.

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

The next edition is out on Monday, November 7, 2022. or online on Sunday, November 6 at www.tlnews.com.au

Space bookings: Wednesday, November 2 Copy deadline: Thursday, November 3 Editorial deadline: Thursday, November 3

Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes

Sub-editors | Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester

Editorial assistant | Eve Lamb

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Narelle Groenhout, Eve Lamb & Donna Kelly

Photographers | Kyle Barnes & David White

Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness

Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (gigs), Matthew Richardson (money), Jennifer Hart (horoscopes) and Jen Clarke (recipes).

Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey

BECOME A TRIPLE ZERO CALL-TAKER AND MAKE 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.

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Meet locals from the Daylesford Art Show

THEDaylesford Art Show is ready to kick off this Thursday, October 27, with the Community Bank Daylesford District Awards Night at the Daylesford Town Hall.

The event runs from 6pm to 8pm with drinks, nibbles and live music with people able to view the work of the 73 participating artists.

The show then continues for the long weekend from Friday, October 28 through to Tuesday, November 1.

Of the 73 artists, many are locals, and The Local caught up with a few of them last week.

Jenny Pyke said she favoured pen and ink and watercolour paintings and had worked with many different mediums over the years.

Along with her partner, Jenny ran a Melbourne-based business specialising in the restoration of Victorian and Edwardian buildings with etched, painted and stained glass windows and door surrounds as well as modern bespoke art pieces featuring large kiln-fired glass panels. This also included designs for both printed and embossed wall and floor tiles, finished artwork for screen printing, mould making, wax modelling and a few trompe l’oeils.

"Now retired I am concentrating on furthering my skills as an artist experimenting with different mediums and materials."

Andrew Littlejohn said he was introduced to creating art in 2012 when he and his partner completed a CAE mosaic course.

"I loved it and that led to exploring water colour and oil painting. I have attended classes on a regular basis at the Victorian Artists Society since 2014 and shown my art in various exhibitions around the state. My key subject interests are landscapes and still life.

"I live and work in Daylesford and enjoy engaging with the Goldfields' art community. This includes regular catch ups with the local Friday night life drawing group and still life classes in Elphinstone."

Caitlin Hope Brown lives in Eganstown and specialises in watercolours with her work featuring portraits and landscapes, especially scenes of the local scenery.

She studied academic drawing from 2016 to 2019 and learnt watercolours from several Melbourne artists.

Originally from Melbourne, Caitlin has called Hepburn Shire home for nearly two years and says she couldn’t be happier here.

Paul Ainsworth is a self-taught artist now living in Daylesford, working primarily in oil paint.

Although painting has always been an interest, only relatively recently has Paul been able to devote his time to learning and developing his art.

Subjects range from portraiture, landscapes and still life painting in a traditional style. It was during the limitations of the lockdowns that Paul explored still life subjects with objects at hand as inspirational sources. "These works are a collection of reflective and nostalgic themes that will continue to develop and evolve with universal appeal.

"What's important is the relationship of the objects in the painting and how they become an integration of the whole narrative."

Sandy Breen spent many decades in the advertising, marketing, graphic design and illustration world in Melbourne (including 25 years running her own business) but then felt she needed a change.

"When I turned 50 I decided to 'do myself a favour' and I started painting again.

"I enrolled in a watercolour course in my local area. I loved it and after several years there I had my first solo exhibition at a gallery in Hawthorn.

"It was a great success which was an unexpected thrill. Subsequent to that I had several other exhibitions, the most exciting of which was taking over the atrium area of the Sofitel in Melbourne for two months.

Above, clockwise from top left, artists Jenny Pyke, Andrew Littlejohn, Caitlin Hope Brown, Paul Ainsworth, Sandy Breen and Kristen Leigh

"Since moving to Daylesford 14 years ago I have been a regular Daylesford Art Show exhibitor. I love the 'vibe' of this now time-honoured event and can proudly say I have sold several pieces over the years.

"These days I have embraced working mainly with acrylics. Watercolours are so 'immediate' but acrylics allow me more time latitude.

"In Melbourne I had my very own, gorgeous studio/work space but these days I happily work at my kitchen bench. The area is bright with natural light. I often have the fire going and I always have my music playing for company. The hours just float away."

For Kristen Leigh it's about telling a story and capturing a moment and "giving voice to that which has none".

"With painting, drawing, ceramic sculpture and music I highlight a wisp of a prayer or sometimes an ancient memory."

The Daylesford Art Show and 'Art on Vincent', is organised by Daylesford Rotary, and along with the show at the Daylesford Town Hall, many shops and businesses along Vincent and Albert streets, Daylesford also display artworks.

The show incorporates the Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa Central Victoria Landscape Art Prize.

A percentage of the sale price of each painting sold during the Daylesford Art Show supports Rotary projects in the community. Paintings will also be available to view and purchase online from November 2.

Link: www.daylesfordartshow.com.au

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes

Truckin' good Burras honour leader 'Dools'

ONLY54 life memberships have been awarded by the Hepburn Football and Netball Club in a century and a half. And the Burras, famously built on truck raffles, fittingly rewarded a recent president who runs a trucking firm.

Jason 'Dools' Dooley says he is humbled to join “this esteemed group”. What’s more, his medallion was presented to him by his father, 73-year-old Russell who, like Jason, is a former club president, as well as a life member. The Dooleys join the Rodonis as only the second such father-son combination.

Besides acknowledging the honour, Jason is keen to emphasise just how much is done by so many others at the club. “My life membership has definitely been carried on their backs. I look at guys like Billy Pedretti to draw inspiration. He recently celebrated 70 years of service with a testimonial day at the club and I have never seen so much emotion and love in one room in my life.”

At age 49, Jason can reflect on about 15 years as a committee member. As his award citation says, he was “born into the club” playing junior and reserves footy before joining the committee. “I was on the committee when I was young, then returned in the 2000s and was president for eight years from 2014 to 2021.” To him, being president is like having a second job.

From Thursday nights cooking dinner, to helping rescue the netball club, running the raffle and lots more, he has, says the club’s Facebook page, been behind the scenes doing all the hard work for many years.

As vice-president now, he considers his time at the helm as one that did not have many great changes but instead there were improvements such as a new netball changing rooms and courts, new footy changing rooms, as well as an electronic scoreboard.

Premierships have been won in footy and netball juniors and seniors, which was amazing, he says, while adding: “Premierships are very special and a time that you will always remember, but it is great to have the club in a financial position to build facilities for the future, with the help of grants from the council and state government. And a lot of hard work from volunteers within the club.”

To him, sporting clubs are the glue binding communities.

Which raises this question: how did such a relatively small club of between 300 and 500 members sell 1000 raffle tickets for a truck at $1000 each?

“This began with a Kenworth raffle in the 90s. Not only did tickets sell out, 1200 more people missed out.”

Initially, there were 2000 tickets at $250. This prize, a Kenworth T900 model, was legendary, Jason says, because it just kept going in the harshest conditions on earth.

Raffles with prizes over $5000 are closely watched by the gambling authority. “The club has always had a strong and tight-knit committee committed to professionalism and integrity in running our raffles.”

Luckily, Jason has an aunt, Colleen, with a professional clerical background. Since retiring about six years ago she has not only designed the flyers but also recorded orders, balanced the books, reported to the gaming authority and more. Tickets were sold online, at truck shows and similar events.

“You’ve got to work hard at selling tickets...be on the road every weekend, find somewhere to go to sell tickets, find volunteers.”

Like some others on the club committee, Jason had the advantage of being in the transport business. His father began the family firm Oz-Trans in the early 90s and Jason now runs six trucks carrying fresh produce, furniture, parcels, pallets and doing house removals. On the day we talked, floodwaters were stopping one truck from getting back to Daylesford from northern Victoria.

And along with the transport business, Jason and his sister Amber ran the Old Hepburn Hotel for 16 years. It's set to become a B'n'B, with housing on the land behind it. But back to the trucks.

“As for the raffled trucks from the 90s, one was won locally. Another went to Finley NSW, and one to Castlemaine, I think," Jason said.

“The 2017 Legend T900 prize was a limited edition nod to the same legendary model that we raffled in the 90s, so it was a great opportunity to do another truck raffle. It was sent to auction by the guy who won it. Everything clicked into place for the winner, an invalid pensioner from Queensland who saved hard for his ticket. He sent the truck for auction and was set up for life!”

That truck is now a road train in Port Lincoln, South Australia.

After just six weeks half the tickets in the latest raffle are sold. The prize is another special vehicle, an American Kenworth Legend SAR limited edition, based on an iconic model built here from 1975 to 1987 and the first to be designed, engineered and made in Australia for local requirements.

Clearly, for the Burras, Kenworth keeps kicking goals.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

Horses for courses: Meet Dr Emma Nicol

EQUINE

specialist Dr Emma Nicol knew from a very young age that she wanted to devote her life to caring for horses.

Now, as a vet specialising in all things equine, she’s busy doing just that as she runs her EquiVets Victoria practice from her lush 50-acre property at Musk.

It’s an ambulatory and clinic-based practice seeing patients from racehorses and competition horses to pleasure horses and pony club mounts, across Central Victoria including Daylesford, Ballarat and Bendigo.

The Musk property is not just where Emma’s clinic is based, it also accommodates brood mares, racehorses and horses recovering from injury or surgery.

“Spring gets very intense with breeding and foaling,” Emma tells The Local following a morning’s successful emergency foaling.

Her main interests encompass equine medicine and everything from foals to geriatrics, and she’s passionate about thoroughbred and standardbred racing.

“I started the business in 2013. I bought the Musk property at the end of 2019 but I’ve been here now for about a year,” she says.

Emma grew up on a sheep and beef farm at Lismore in Victoria’s Western District and was around horses, enjoying eventing and showing, from a very early age.

“I think I was about two when my parents realised they’d lost me to the horses,” she said.

After realising where her passions were leading her, Emma completed a Diploma of Horse Business Management at Marcus Oldham College before undertaking her veterinary degree at Massey University, New Zealand.

After completing her veterinary degree in 2005, she then went to further her veterinary education at Kansas State University, USA, completing an internship in equine internal medicine and surgery.

That included intensive training with world-renowned equine medicine and surgery specialists.

“There’s lots to my job that’s rewarding,” she reflects.

“With racing and sports horses you’re getting the best out of these athletes and we get to see them fulfil their potential and perform at their best.

“There’s also the pleasure of seeing healthy foals, seeing the good work pay off, and sending horses that have been unwell, home as healthy horses.”

As an ambulatory practice, many hours are spent on the road, travelling out to clients’ own properties to see patients, as well as seeing them at the Musk property that Emma has poured countless hours into developing especially for the purpose.

“It’s been a very big project, putting in a lot of horse-safe fencing, planting lots of trees,” she reflects.

A qualified international equestrian federation vet and FEI treating vet, Emma is also a member of the Australian Veterinary Association and Equine Veterinarians Australia, and a former EVA Victorian state representative.

She says the hours involved in veterinary practice can be demanding, and as a solo practitioner amid the current global shortage of vets, she’s keen to secure an associate to join her busy practice.

“There is a worldwide shortage of vets at the moment, not just equine vets, and I think the reason is multi-faceted,” she says, naming long and at times irregular hours among the challenges of her calling.

“You need a passion for it. It can be tough and we do work long hours. Horses don’t know when it’s 5pm.”

Dominic

Pictured, Dr Emma Nicol with Priscilla and pooch George

Words: Eve Lamb | Images: Kyle Barnes

The Local will always be a free read but if you want to support local, quality journalism you can donate by scanning the QR code.

“There’s also the pleasure of seeing healthy foals, seeing the good work pay off, and sending horses that have been unwell, home as healthy horses.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Authorised by C McQuestin, Level 12, 257 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Out & About in the Central Highlands

Just briefly...

Hepburn Shire Council has appointed Melbourne-based Fitzroys commercial real estate agency to sell The Rex.

The expression of interest process was due to open last week. A council media release said any future use and works at the building will be subject to all heritage and land use planning controls. The council decided to sell the historic Vincent Street, Daylesford building in July after a series of issues and escalating costs.

Hepburn Matters has launched a petition calling upon Hepburn Shire councillors to favourably consider bids to purchase The Rex that include provision for community use and heritage protections.

The survey, available at the group's Facebook page, asks councillors to weight bids for the sale of the building that take into account provision for community use, especially a cinema, along with any proposed development in Duke and Vincent streets does not exceed the height of current buildings in central Vincent Street.

Justice Party leader Derryn Hinch headed to Kyneton last week to announce more of his team in the lead-up to the November 26 state election.

The former senator will stand for the Legislative Council South-Eastern Metropolitan region with running partner Mohit Dwivedi. The party has re-endorsed MPs Tania Maxwell and Stuart Grimley to recontest the Legislative Council regions of Northern Victoria and Western Victoria, respectively. Running mate John Herron will support Ms Maxwell in Northern Victoria while Simone O’Brien will support Mr Grimley in Western Victoria.

Open Gardens Buninyong 2022 is presenting five house gardens offering interesting variety from the mid-19th century to others of a more contemporary inclination.

The gardens are open Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30 from 10am to 4pm. Details: www.opengardensbuninyong.org.au Buninyong Village Spring Market is being held on Sunday, October 30 from 10am to 3pm in De Soza Park.

Construction has started on a solar battery project to power Newstead with 100 per cent renewable energy.

The community-led Renewable Newstead Energy Project is a 3-megawatt solar farm and 5-megawatt-hour battery system. Newstead 2021 Inc has spearheaded the project, made possible through collaboration with Powercor and retailer Flow Power. Construction is due to be completed by July 2023 with a retail offer for residents offering power bill reductions of up to 30 per cent. Flow Power will reinvest a portion of profits back into the community for further renewable energy projects.

The state government is celebrating the state’s regional LGBTIQ+ communities through a series of events as part of Victoria’s Pride - with none of the events happening in Daylesford.

Minister for Equality Harriet Shing last week announced the regional program of Victoria’s Pride, which will feature a wide range of LGBTIQ+ events including an inaugural rainbow ball in Shepparton, Pop Up Pride in Bendigo, and a familyfriendly pride festival in Gippsland. The program includes three touring projects which will visit several regional and rural communities in Victoria to help ensure that anyone across the state who wishes to participate in Victoria’s Pride can get involved. Link: midsumma.org.au/regional-activations

Creswick Trails will host mountain biking competition in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Tenders for the construction of the trails have closed and Hepburn Shire Council is working through the formal tender evaluation process. A report regarding the appointment of a successful tenderer will go to the November 15 council meeting.

It is believed construction on the Creswick Trails will end in mid-2024.

As the state election closes in, Macedon state Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas continues to deflect questions on whether she will support the $75 million redevelopment of the Daylesford Hospital.

The Local emailed that query last week and in return received a quote "attributable to a Victorian Government spokesperson".

"We are upgrading hospitals right across regional Victoria, training and hiring thousands of nurses and paramedics and making it free to study nursing. Our $790 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund is investing in upgrades and new facilities right across regional Victoria including at Daylesford where we are delivering new operating theatres so more locals can get the care they need close to home."

The Scotch oven is the heartbeat of the bakery

from a long line of bakers, it’s no surprise that Rebecca Barnett grabbed at the chance to run her own bakehouse in Maldon, and become the proud new owner of the longest running bakery in Australia: the Maldon Bakery.

COMING

“There are five generations of bakers in my family,” says Rebecca. “My earliest memories are of my grandparents’ bakehouse. Poppa Kevin was the baker and Nanna Betty ran the shop. When my Mum was old enough to help, she was rolling the dough and serving in the shop.”

An added bonus for Rebecca is her love of the town.

“The idea of restoring such an important historic landmark in Maldon was an irresistible challenge.”

The bakery’s Scotch oven, in Rebecca’s words,“the heartbeat of the bakery”, is also the oldest brick structure in Maldon, dating back to 1854.

“It was built to feed the huge population of gold miners as they rushed to the area to try their luck. The town grew up around the bakery.”

With the help of family and friends, Rebecca has redesigned and expanded the current shop, as well as reopening the cosy original bakery shop for takeaway service.

She has also installed an old door with glass windows “so that customers can see into the actual bakehouse”, and added her own touches – including an original 12foot tin-lined dough bin, made from huge slabs of Kauri and said to be around 150 years old.

Rebecca is employing all locals to help, many of whom know the bakery well.

“There’s a great talented pool of local people with stacks of experience. Jodie has worked at the Maldon Bakery for an amazing 34 years. She is recognised as a constant in the shop. She knows the people and the people know her.”

Head baker is renowned expert and author on the subject of traditional bread making, John Downes, inset photo.

“John has a lifetime of experience in using Scotch ovens, and has revolutionised bread making in Australia. I’m just so lucky to have him baking for us.”

With the Scotch oven running once again, Rebecca is excited to be reigniting a vital part of Maldon’s history, while providing good quality food for the community and visitors alike.

The bakery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, selling freshly baked traditional breads, cakes, pastries and pies, using top quality ingredients mostly sourced from local suppliers and growers.

Words: Sandy Fairthorne | Images: Kyle Barnes

Leadlight

Ettore

the Macedon Ranges and surrounds since 1988 for new leadlight commissions and repairs

Scan the QR code to watch head baker John Downes light up the historic Scotch oven for the first time in 17!

Inside the garden gates: a weekend for garden lovers

SHARING

their own private garden with others is a source of joy for Creswick couple, Claire and Clive Chadder.

Their home, Vention Cottage, features one of eight private local gardens soon to open to the public as part of the Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend over Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13.

“Claire is the gardener and I’m the builder,” explains Clive who relocated to Australia in 1981 after living in Zimbabwe.

The property is named after Clive’s old family home in Zimbabwe and over the 11 years that Clive and Claire have lived at Vention Cottage they’ve transformed the site in a big way.

“There was nothing here originally,” says Claire who focuses her talents on the plants and garden beds which are well complemented by Clive’s creations that range from the rustic brick edgings and paving to the quaint little garden cottage and the new outdoor timber slab table.

“We’re a team,” Claire says.

Careful mulching allows shade-loving plants like viburnum, hosta, hellebore, and hydrangea to flourish here, while in sunny spots there are classics like roses, salvias and eremophila.

When The Local visited in recent days the tulips were in full bloom, demonstrating Claire’s capacity for creating with a palette of living colour, while the quince blossom was doing its spring thing.

“With the open gardens we love having people come through. We love sharing it. It’s a deciduous garden so it’s really coming into its own now,” Claire says.

The upcoming Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend will be the third time that the Chadders' Vention Cottage garden has participated in the event that’s organised by Business and Tourism Creswick and now in its seventh year.

“I love collecting plants and I try to plant in varying gradations of colour,” Claire says.

“It’s a shade garden and I plant things close together so things pop up through other things giving that blend of colours and textures. It’s my passion.”

Claire and Clive are not the only ones keenly anticipating next month’s Garden Lovers weekend which is making its return following a two-year hiatus due to Covid.

Other beautiful - and diverse - local gardens that will be participating over the weekend include Creswick’s private BeauVue, Nandina, Ophir and Pozieres gardens, along with Shirley’s Garden at Creswick North, Thyme Cottage at Eganstown and Field House at Springmount.

The cost to get through the garden gates is $5 per garden (kids free) with all profits raised used for Creswick projects.

The Creswick Neighbourhood Centre in Victoria Street will serve as the venue for purchase and collection of all tickets and maps on the weekend. Online bookings are also currently available through Eventbrite with more information available from www.creswick.net

Garden lovers also won’t want to miss the Creswick Garden Club’s plant sale and mini flower show that will coincide with the Garden Lovers Weekend.

Due to renovations in the town hall, the Creswick Garden Club is planning a scaled down mini flower show in the Senior Citizens Hall in Water Street, as well as a plant sale outside the IGA supermarket on both days.

Words & images: Eve Lamb

Lyster Opera presents La Cenerentola

FOLLOWING

their successful tour of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale in May/ June, Lyster Opera returns to the stage with Rossini’s hilarious take on the Cinderella story, La Cenerentola.

Considered by many to have some of opera’s finest writing for solo voice and ensembles, La Cenerentola takes the famous story in a number of different directions. Mistaken identities and reworked characters are woven into the narrative before the inevitable happy ending.

Lyster Opera presents this opera in the style of the great touring companies that roamed Australia in the Gold Rush era. Singers of note would travel from town to town to perform to audiences in local venues, often providing linking narration to break through any language barrier.

“It’s a remarkably resilient format,” says company founder Jamie Moffat. “It has great appeal for all audiences, from opera buffs to those new to the art form.”

Lyster Opera is named for William Saurin Lyster, the great 19th century entrepreneur, and shares his vision of celebrating the art of opera with new audiences, at an affordable price.

In this production, emerging mezzo-soprano Alexandra Mathew takes the title role of Cinderella, with tenor Hew Wagner as her handsome prince, Ramiro. Vying for his attention are Cinderella’s evil step-sisters, sung by Helen Koehne and Angelique Tot. A plot by Ramiro’s tutor, Alidoro (Angus Grant) involves the valet Dandini, sung by Michael Lampard, aided by courtiers sung by James Macaulay and Luke Belle.

This new, staged production is directed by Jamie Moffat, assisted by Luke Belle, with accompaniment and musical direction by Pamela Christie. New costumes have been designed and executed by Maddy Connellan. La Cenerentola is being performed at Christ Church, Daylesford on November 5 at 2.30pm. For tickets, and more venues and dates, head to www.lysteropera.com.au

Head out on the Central Victorian Clay Trail

Connectwith regional ceramicists in their studios on the Central Victorian Clay Trail, held on Sunday, November 13 and Monday, November 14 from 10am to 4pm.

This year 18 ceramics studios will open to the public, offering a glimpse into the working life of a potter.

The event is part of The Australian Ceramics Association’s annual open studio program and makers from around the country are participating.

Artists from Mount Alexander, Hepburn, Golden Plains and Macedon Ranges shires will welcome visitors and be on hand to explain the individual processes they use to take clay through to its final state.

There will be a huge range of styles, from sculptural work to tableware and everything in between, and techniques, including hand-building, wheel-throwing and mould-making, on show.

Central Victoria is celebrated for its wonderful food and accommodation but the arts community is the beating heart of the area.

All of the studios are those of professional artisans and the high quality of the work speaks for itself.

Download the map from the website centralvictorianpotters.org and follow us on Instagram @central_victorian_potters

Brochures are available from visitor information centres in the area and many other locations.

Right, ceramicist Angie Izard, pictured at her Porcupine Ridge studio, is one of 18 artists taking part in the Central Victorian Clay Trail

Open studios in Maldon thanks to MANet

“A desire to collaborate, along with the combination of creative and organisational skills in the network led to ideas about arts events that could be staged in Maldon,” she said. “The purpose of these was to offer artists of the Maldon district opportunities to exhibit their work and to attract visitors and tourists to Maldon.”

Over the years members and visitors have come and gone but the main stayers of MANet – Tricia, Jennifer Merkus and Catherine Tait, pictured, - each have brought their organisational, display and curatorial skills to assist MANet in staging excellent exhibitions.

Catherine said the first event, an Artwalk exhibiting works in most shop windows in Maldon was held in 2013. “Thanks to sponsorship from the Maldon and District Community Bank, a branch of the Bendigo Bank, the Artwalk was successful,” she said. The event saw exhibitions of works from 70 artists.

The second event was the Maldon Portrait Prize 2014, presented and curated by MANet. “The Portrait Prize showed the work of 50 finalists, who painted portraits of people living in Mount Alexander,” Catherine said. “Dubbed the ‘Marchies’, the artists’ works received much acclaim.”

Jennifer Kalionis, the director of the Castlemaine Gallery and Museum awarded the first Maldon Portrait Prize 2014 to Tricia for her portrait of her husband Jim.

FORmore than a decade the Maldon Artist Network has provided a supportive environment and network for creatives in the regional area.

It was formed in 2011 as an initiative of Tricia Migdoll, who had moved to the area from New South Wales.

Tricia was a member of the Byron Bay artists' network and had enquired at the art shop of her new hometown if there was a similar group in Maldon. The conversation was overhead by another local artist and from there, the Maldon Artist Network, or MANet as it is known, began.

The group started meeting on a monthly basis at Penny School, a cafe and art gallery in an historical building. However Tricia said that as not all artists could attend monthly gatherings an email list of more than 100 artists was compiled to share information.

Since 2014 a further three Artwalks and portrait prizes have been organised by MANet. As well as this the organisation also facilitated studio openings, pop-up exhibitions, workshops and curated several Maldon art shows, sponsored by Maldon Inc, an organisation for businesses in the area.

MANet is again busy after the lull caused by Covid with studio openings from October 28 to November 6, held concurrently with the Maldon Folk Festival cup weekend. And in partnership with Edge Galleries, a landscape prize will be offered in 2023 and another portrait prize is also in the offing. MANet will continue to meet with pleasure to generate other ideas and to share artistic practice.

Link: www.maldonartistnetwork.org.au

Image: Leon Schoots

Camera win leads to love of photography

ARTIST

Kaye Dixon grew up in Brisbane, moved to Melbourne in 1980 and then to Yandoit in 2000. Her love of photography started when she won a camera at a school fete. In her 40s, when she moved to Yandoit, Kaye founded a holistic healing school and studied Visual Arts of Photography at Bendigo University.

She then discovered her love of alternative printmaking techniques doing workshops at Gold Street Studios in Trentham East. Kaye specialises in 19th century photographic printing techniques, particularly gum bichromate, platinum, ziatype and cyanotype processes. She chatted with Donna Kelly.

Donna: What do you love about what you do?

Kaye: I love the magic of making hand prints and not knowing how the image will turn out till it's washed in the water after exposure to UV light. I make digital negatives and coat French paper with a photo sensitive emulsion of ferric ammonium citrate in combination with potassium ferricyanide to produce the blue print or cyanotype.

Donna: What drew you to your particular artforms?

Kaye: In my current work I combine sculpture, (built from found artifacts) painting, and digital photography to produce hand-made prints.

I first started building the boats and my theme was memory. It’s believed bones hold our memories. Living on a horse farm I was able to collect horse, sheep, bird, and kangaroo bones. Some of the bones sadly came from roadkill.

I also collected seedpods from along the Brisbane River on my visits to my parents, I grew up on that river so it holds memories of my wild young self.

As I was making the boats, I imagined them sailing over the ocean under starry skies. In this body of work, this desire has been achieved through painting, photography, and the alchemy of cyanotype. Bone women remind us to remember to journey home to the magic and medicine deep inside the soul of the feminine.

Donna: What does your art say about you?

Kaye: The journey of the bone women is based on the way of the feminine. Using intuitive wisdom and navigating by the stars over the seas to find new land; where the sacredness of Mother Earth, the mysteries of the universe and the wild feminine is revered. The bones hold lost and half-forgotten memories of Wild Woman. It is her connection to wildish nature that carries stories, dreams, words, and song. Wild Woman listens to what is seen and unseen; she whispers from our night dreams.

I acknowledge the ongoing repression of women and devastation of the environment and the strong link between the two. I like to re-imagine woman’s place in the world.

Donna: What do you hope your work says to others?

Kaye: The central themes in my work - a love of nature, mythology and concern for the environment - are underpinned by my belief in the sacredness of all things.

I researched the mythology of each star constellation the bone women are sailing under and all images are part of a narrative. For example, the scallop shell with bone women reminds me of Aphrodite born from sea foam.

All over the world there is myth and narrative knowledge to do with the seven sisters. Also they have always been navigational beacons.

Our First Nations people believe what happens on country is reflected in the sky. For example, the emu within the Milky Way is in two of the images, one pointing up and one pointing down, and for indigenous people this tells them when to collect emu eggs and when to let them hatch.

We need to remember the sacredness of all things, that every living thing has a spirit - animals, plants, stones...bone women remember when they lived in harmony with the land; when humans, animals and plants were temples of living spirits.

Australia has the fastest species extinction rate on the planet and we are facing a climate crisis. We need to remember.

Donna: Where can people view your art?

Kaye: I have an exhibition, Bone Women - an exhibition of mixed media prints, at Gold Street Studios in Trentham East until November 20. Viewing by appointment through Ellie on 5424 1835 or ellie@goldstreetstudios.com.au. Link: www.kayedixonart.com.au

Image: Margund Sallowsky

S U E ’ S P L A C E Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor

Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you

How many things do we do simply because that’s what we know?

H ow many things do we avoid beca use down deep we are afraid?

W hat if we built a bridge, a p ath of safety and trust?

Wha t if we used our wisdom gained from past experiences and explored new ways of thinking, feeli ng, doing, believing? What if?

For

book

please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor

Tunes to chill/dance

Electronic Spring is a free concert at Hepburn Springs soundshell on November 12 from 3pm by local music collective SMAM which showcases some of the area's amazing world-class electronic musical talent. This will be the third event of 2022 for SMAM and promises to be the best yet. Organiser Ben Andrew encourages all to "come along and get into the music in a beautiful setting".

Here are some of the artists to enjoy.

Music producer, drummer and percussionist, Maarten Stenakur is a lover of music and film from around the world. Drawing inspiration from traditional music and movie soundtracks, he creates music which seeks to evoke memories, feelings and imagery of one's imagination.

Contrast combine the two disciplines of jazz and electronics. Justin Butler, Bodhi Taylor and Arlo Deakin create unique original music.

Unruhe featuring Greg, under several different names, has been involved in producing and performing electronic music for decades. After a long love affair with drums and bass, he got involved in music production for independent films and live performances, working in Europe and China for around ten years.

The Identity Project (aka Michael Groth) create a range of electronic musical styles depending on setting and mood. For this show, IDP will likely serve up a dance friendly set "to keep the Shell groovin'".

Square Wave Bounce are a local duo exploring electropop and synthwave genres.

Justine Walsh combines live looping with vocals, electric cello and electric guitar to create a unique and atmospheric soundscape.

Words: Darren Lowe

School

SPRING

Parenting programs

In recognition of Children’s Week 2022, which runs from October 22 – 30, Cafs (Child & Family Services, Ballarat) is shining a spotlight on a suite of free parenting programs created to empower parents and carers with an opportunity to learn about their child’s brain development and understand the behaviour of babies, children and teenagers.

The Children’s Week national theme for 2022 is based on UNCRC Article 27 - All children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development.

“In caring for the wellbeing of children we recognise the need to support parents in understanding and responding to behaviours. That is what our Parenting Groups aim to do,” said Family and Disability Case Management team leader Rebecca Pilven.

“At Cafs we focus strongly on an early help approach. By giving families the skills necessary to build strong, meaningful relationships we can interrupt patterns of need and vulnerability in our community.”

Early help is one of three key service areas for Cafs and aligns to the Victorian Government’s Roadmap to Reform. As an organisation Cafs is committed to, at the earliest point, finding and supporting children, families and individuals with a range of services that meet their needs.

Currently Cafs offers five weekly parenting groups and a schools-based program for Grade 5 & 6 children. Anyone wanting to enquire about Cafs Parenting Groups should contact Cafs on 1800 692 237.

Pictured, from left, Family Group facilitator Karen Foulstone and Family Engagement and Community practitioner Olivia Clarke Image: Contributed

Come and celebrate Spring at the Daylesford Dharma School Spring Festival

The Dharma School is very excited to welcome the community back to their school grounds for our Spring Festival extravaganza on the 5th November, 11am to 3pm.

Enjoy a delicious homemade vegan BBQ, chai and cakes, @organicsunrise juices and icy poles. Pick up some handmade soap, @two foldbakehouse bread, handmade crafts and op-shop treasures. There’ll be live music by @freyaandtommcgowan, 3-piece band Little Tree, Electronic music makers, Maarten Stenakaur and Square Wave Bounce, and heaps of activities for the kids including the famous Haybale Maze, Art and Clay Fun and Weaving classes. And you can chat to some current parents and teachers at our school info booth.

Since lockdowns have ended, our school community has been busy creating a beautiful environment for the kids to learn and play. Wander through the established tea garden or sit by the babbling creek surround

ed by native grasses and bamboo, or check out the new outdoor classroom.

There’s plenty of parking onsite or walk/ride from town along the footpath overlooking meadows and cows! Look forward to seeing you there.

About the Daylesford Dharma School

Opening 14 years ago the school teaches the Australian curriculum guided by Buddhist philosophies and values. Focussing on the whole child, their teaching methods are driven by compassion and curiosity and nurtures independence, individuality and resilience in students. The school is passionate about living sustainably and lightly on our planet and deep ening the children’s relationship with themselves, others and the environ ment around them.

Craft Workshops

90 Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Daylesford www.dharmaschool.com.au

GROWERS & MAKERS MARKET

Vegan BBQ

cake stall

School info booth: Meet our teachers and parents! family fun activities

live music pop-up op shop

Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart - October 24-November 7

Aries: The eclipse might bring about some financial struggles for you or for your spouse or partner. If you’re reliant upon money from others, or tied up in a joint venture, this could be a turning point when you need to break free from the pack and trust your own earning capabilities.

Taurus: All things to do with partnerships and relationships are in the spotlight, with possible upheavals headed your way. If a partnership (romantic or business) is struggling, this might be when things come to an end. Any relationships that have felt cumbersome could be on the chopping block.

Gemini: The eclipse taking place could be offering you a fresh start with your health and daily routines, if your daily life has been causing some health problems, this is the time to take your power back and reinvent a routine that will provide better balance.

Cancer: The focus on leisure time, creative self-expression and children continues for you. If some of these topics have been weighing you down, rather than uplifting, major changes might be coming. You might find something or someone new that turns your world upside down.

Leo: Contemplating a big move, selling all your worldly possessions and living the life like a gypsy? You might soon have itchy feet, desperate for adventure, looking to escape the responsibilities that come with your house. If it’s too much of a burden, it’s time to downsize.

Virgo: If work’s been in overdrive, things might now come to a grinding halt. This isn’t the best time to initiate new projects or deals at work. You might feel your career has stalled, it will take off again in the new year and you’ll be back on track in no time.

Libra: Your financial picture might be headed for a shake-up, for better or worse. New opportunities might show up, but they might require you to end other streams of income that you have been reliant upon. You have the skills to shine a light in the corners before you sign on the dotted line.

Scorpio: Big changes are afoot for you, with the eclipse taking place in your sign! You might be going through a major reinvention of self as simple as a physical makeover or could be as complex as a major turning point in how you see yourself.

Sagittarius: You might be desperate for some alone time, to retreat into the comfort of your own company and you have the permission of the planets. If you can take some time away by yourself, I highly recommend it, you might have an epiphany or two.

Capricorn: This might be a time when you aren’t feeling so sure about your place within your social scene or the groups you are associated with. New friendships might form, or you might find a new group you want to join, the cost might be letting go of other commitments.

Aquarius: If you have children, the next few months might be challenging, testing your patience. Any of your artistic endeavours might be moved to the back burner, as the major headlines are going to be regarding your career right now, it’s a time to make hay while the sun shines.

Pisces: New opportunities might show up with an international flavour. You might be taking a trip, meeting someone from a different background to your own or exploring a new philosophy or religion. Your world can be cracked wide open if you’re willing to play the role of the seeker and be receptive to new ideas, people, and places.

Until next time, Jennifer Hart

For your full horoscope reading head to www.jhartastro.com or www.tlnews.com.au

Spring art and old masters exhibitions in Creswick

CRESWICK

taps its rich vein of arts heritage this Melbourne Cup long weekend with the town hosting two concurrent art exhibitions.

The Creswick Arts Pavilion is staging both its Creswick Spring Art Show at the town’s Neighbourhood Centre and also the Creswick Old Masters’ exhibition celebrating the wealth of artistic talent the town has fomented over the decades.

This includes Australia’s historically famed Lindsay family with five of its talented members getting a look-in at the Old Masters’ show staged in the town’s Havilah Masonic Lodge Hall.

Creswick Arts Pavilion president Andrew Bell says the hall itself is an artwork of sorts with the exhibition affording a rare chance for art lovers to check out its interior.

“We feature the hall itself because the interior is rather intricately painted and that’s a feature in itself,” he says.

The purchase of a $5 ticket will get you into both the Old Masters’ Show and the concurrent Creswick Spring Art Show which launches 7pm on Friday, October 28 with the announcement of the winning artist, who will take the $1000 prize.

Tickets to the 7pm opening event are $15 at the door, and the evening will feature a performance of live baroque music by Newlyn and Hepburn players. They will be accompanied by the vocal talents of Hepburn Shire’s own mayor, Cr Tim Drylie – a lyric tenor.

Andrew says artworks across a wide range of media including painting and sculpture will be on show with entries from across the state to be judged by Ballarat Art Gallery curator Kiri Smart.

“Last year we had 120 works entered from 70 different artists and we’re expecting we will end up with about the same this time as well,” Andrew says.

Among local talent preparing to enter work is sculptor and blacksmith, Ernie Terry who produces his imposing works at his Lucky Monkey Blacksmith forge in Creswick’s Albert Street.

“Ernie won first prize at our mid-year Park Lake Art Show and for this show he is donating one of our raffle prizes – a beautiful forged iron sculptural piece featuring a eucalyptus leaf design,” Andrew says.

Another of the raffle prizes up for grabs is a beautiful stone birdbath made by Creswick’s David Barclay.

The Spring Art Exhibition also offers a People’s Choice award – “that will be awarded at the end of the exhibition on the Tuesday night when the raffle will also be drawn,” Andrew says.

He says the Old Masters’ exhibition will this year feature 20 works highlighting some of Creswick’s most noteworthy yesteryear arts talent including Earl Milton de la Lande, Ali van Beveren and Allan Bernaldo.

A self-confessed arts lover and retired advertising creative, Andrew says the main aim of staging the events is to celebrate Creswick’s significant place on the nation’s arts heritage map.

“We’ve got it in our blood,” he says.

Both exhibitions will run over the Melbourne Cup long weekend from Saturday, October 29 to Tuesday, November 1.

Main image, from left, Creswick Arts Pavilion president Andrew Bell with Creswick blacksmith and sculptor Ernie Terry

Inset, some of Ernie's amazing sculptures

images:

Get a home energy assessment

Improve home energy efficiency

Reduce power bills

Improve comfort hot and cold

Lower carbon emissions

Advice on roof top solar, heaters, insulation, curtains, blinds, hot water systems, draught proofing, reducing power bills, Vic Gov rebates & discounts. Homeowners and renters.

Creswick Eco Local Vintage & More

Beetroot Lamb Burgers

BY RICHARD CORNISH

beautiful ruby red burgers are packed full of goodness and have

full sweet flavour of lamb and the nutrition of beetroot. Beetroots are surprisingly full of sugar so you need to cook these beautiful burgers on a medium heat otherwise they can become too dark. And remember all meat, including burgers, need resting. They freeze really well for up to three months. Serves 4-8

rosemary

Place the beetroot in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for one hour, checking water is covering the beetroot. Remove from heat and allow to cool enough to handle. Remove the skins, they should slide off under a running tap. Otherwise, peel with a sharp knife. Grate into a mixing bowl.

Add the other ingredients. Using clean hands mix for several minutes until all the ingredients are mixed and the mince has become quite sticky. Form into 8 equal balls.

Heat a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook 4 burgers at time. Use a spatula and flatten the burgers. Cook for 4 minutes, flip and cook for a further 4 minutes. Set aside and allow to rest covered in a warm place. Cook the remaining four burgers. Serve on toasted buns with onion, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and mustard.

For more recipes visit daylesfordmeatco.com.au

LOCALS PRICE!

Richard Cornish, award winning journo, food writer and author, is writing a series of recipes for his favourite local butcher, The Daylesford Meat Co.

Premium Mid-Spring 2022

Your local real estate guide to the Central Highlands

Established in 2000 Services include: rug repair, wash, valuation and in-home interior consultations.

Finest handmade rugs collection in Daylesford 1/52 A Vincent Street Daylesford (Next to Coles) Phone: 5301 8002

Open Monday-Friday: 10am to 3pm Weekends:11.30am to 4.30pm and 23 Progress Street, Mornington Monday-Friday: 10am to 3pm Weekends: 11.30am to 4.30pm www.sgrugs.com.au

REAL ESTATE

A Spring in our step!

What a wonderful start to the Spring selling period! We are bursting with new properties in Hepburn Shire and the Macedon Ranges regions. There is a real optimise in the air and much stronger buyer confidence. Our open for inspections are busy and we look forward to meeting many new people over the coming weeks.

The McQueen Real Estate team will be out and about at open for inspections Saturdays and Sundays and often midweek between now and Christmas showcasing the many beautiful properties we are marketing. We look forward to meeting many of you then.

It is less than 2 weeks to The Block auctions and things are certainly heating up! We have been taking a number of well qualified buyers through the property and it seems Rachel & Ryan’s House 2 is one of the favourites with Block buyers.

Luxury lodge country living is at the heart of this magnificent state-of-the-art, vineyard estate set on 5.24 ha. With breathtaking views of Mount Macedon, this home delivers the ultimate in upscale rural living. With a sustainable 7-star rating and the latest off-grid technology, we are excited for the upcoming auctions!

Vincent Street, Daylesford | mcqueenre.com.au

HOUSE TWO

Holyrood House

We are delighted that Holyrood House, an historic Daylesford icon, has found new custodians. After an extensive campaign, the home has sold to a wonderful Melbourne family who plan on further enhancing this beautiful property.

McQueen Real Estate is proud to represent many of the regions grandest country homes and this Spring is no exception. We have a number of beautiful historic homes across our region coming to market shortly including The Manse Daylesford (circa 1907) formerly owned by the Presbyterian Church.

McQueen Real Estate Team

As a boutique Daylesford agency in the heart of the region, McQueen Real Estate is passionate about high performance in the market arena, bringing forward thinking and a competitive spirit to all property sales. Our prestigious portfolio of successful marketing campaigns demonstrates our success in high-end and country property sales. We go above and beyond to achieve the highest possible sale price – raising the market value in the region.

Our dynamic and professional sales team brings a wealth of property knowledge and experience. Kim, Stephanie, Grace, Peter and Kate take great pride in the outstanding service they provide – often exceeding client expectations throughout each property campaign with sophistication and attention to detail.

Stephanie Lanza Sales Administrator

Peter McQueen Agent & BDM

Kim McQueen Director - Licensed Estate Agent

Grace Lee Agent

-

Mid-Century marvel retains its 1950s origins for 21st-Century living and a bright future, within easy reach of cafes and shops and near Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and Cornish Hill bushland. Every room is lovingly updated to show off the classic architecture, true-to-theera features and timber floors.

Take a trip down Ingrow Lane and find the perfect Daylesford oasis in Arabella Meadows, with two levels of light-filled style and a first-class interior. Metres from Doc tor’s Gully and an easy walk to Daylesfords many shops and cafes.

$940,000 - $990,000

A timeless interior with a stylish edge is at the heart of impeccably renovated Harlowe House. A short stroll to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and its popular café, fine design has gone into making this home easy-care and sophisticated.

Middleton Creek Road

- $2,200,000

Country seclusion meets contemporary architecture on 7.15 Ha (approx.) of land with big views and optimum privacy. Standing tall to make the most of views out to Porcupine Ridge, this Jane Millar-designed home is feature-rich and ready to be your permanent home or country retreat.

38 East Street

Daylesford

$940,000 - $980,000

A contemporary transformation brings new indulgence to this cared-for home on 1,018 sqm (approx.) of land. Hidden behind high hedges and surrounded by easy-care gardens, located around the corner from Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.

FOR

43 Vincent Street North Daylesford

$850,000 - $890,000

Feel at home the moment you step inside Ar abella Heights, as this renovated and pristine three-bedroom home is all about maximum enjoyment and minimum upkeep, only moments from the heat of Daylesford.

FOR

7 Cameron Street Clunes

$1,000,000 - $1,100,000

Land the perfect opportunity in historic Clunes, with a well-designed four-bedroom home and approval in place for a four-lot subdivision. Set high on a hill with idyllic views across the township, make the most of 0.35 Ha (approx.) of corner land.

9 Stanhope Street Daylesford

$990,000 - $1,080,000

Fortuna Cottage has the perfect blend of 1880s character and today’s excellence in a prized location. A private hideaway on 1,020 sqm (approx.) of landscaped gardens, with the option of self-contained guest accommodation, only 250 metres from Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.

2/123 Vincent Street,

With magnificent rural views over the rolling countryside to Mount Prospect and Kangaroo Hills, this enchanting c1890 Victorian cottage is established by its winning combination of immaculate presentation and a stunning location, set within the pretty town of Kingston.

Street North

$780,000 - $820,000

Admire the views and easy-care design of this private hideaway, set well back from the street on 1,285 sqm of land (approx.).

Perched high on a hill looking out to Daylesford and Wombat State Forest, Little Chalet matches cottage character and contemporary comfort.

Fairview Drive

$895,000 - $940,000

Cherish the serenity and updated quality of this five-bedroom home, guest cottage and rural setting on 2.34 Ha/5.78 acres (approx.) of land. Country character meets contemporary excellence with views across the surrounding farmland.

Set within a picturesque rural setting of approximately 10 acres, this family home pro vides comfort, space and practicality within a quiet rural environment and offering the most desired peace and serenity, just a 10-minute drive from Daylesford.

TRENTHAM 7 Gleeson Street

'THE FRENCH HOUSE' - LUXURY COUNTRY RETREAT IN TRENTHAM

WEST STREET HIGH ON THE HILL WITH VIEWS TO WOMBAT HILL

appointed on the high side of West street with long views towards Wombat Hill and the Daylesford main street. This charming 3-bedroom home features a number of period and original features such as polished timber floors, high ceilings, sash leadlight windows, picture hanging rails frosted glass double doors and more. Currently a permanent rental investment, this property would be an ideal renovation project with an abundance of potential to be on the holiday rental market, investment property, weekender or permanent home.

DAYLESFORD 29 RAGLAN STREET

ENTERTAINER ON A HUGE BLOCK

Located on a corner allotment, this modern and stylish home offers expansive views of the Botanical Gardens and Daylesford Township beyond. You can take breakfast at Famous Cliffy's Café, move to Beppe's Italian Restaurant for lunch and then just a short stroll to the Daylesford Town Centre for dinner. Close to schools, the Botanical Gardens and a short stroll to the Daylesford Caffe scene. Sitting on approx. 1320 m² block, this home was built for entertaining.

FOR SALE PRICE

$1,190,000

CONTACT

Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

MUSK VALE 2718 BALLAN

DAYLESFORD ROAD

PRISTINE 5 ACRES BUILDING ALLOTMENT, MINUTES TO DAYLESFORD

Privately situated just a short 5minute drive to Daylesford CBD & adjoining the Hepburn Regional Park, this stunning approx. 4.8acre allotment boasts a generous 8m wide street frontage to the Ballan -Daylesford rd. Upon entry to the block, the long driveway opens to a magnificent almost park-like vista with a lovely mixture of established native trees, grassland and 2 dams.This vacant 4.8-acre allotment also has a further 1.5-acres adjoining under a current lease and is privately positioned & sheltered from the main road traffic with an abundance of native wildlife.

FOR SALE PRICE

$865,000 - $895,000

CONTACT

Tom Shaw 0438 118 903

Michael DeVincentis 0417 142 152 OFFICE

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

HEPBURN 18 WESTERN AVENUE ARTISAN RETREAT, YOUR DREAM COUNTRY COTTAGE IS WAITING

Nothing says welcome like a white picket fence and from the moment you arrive at this superbly presented property you will be absolutely enchanted.

Artisan Retreat is a charismatic country cottage set amidst a low maintenance garden in a sought after and quiet residential area within easy walking distance to Hepburn Springs village.

SALE PRICE

CONTACT Rae Corris 0408

Curtis O'Neil

OFFICE 43 Vincent Street, Daylesford 5348 2328

DAYLESFORD SPECIALIST D

As a local resident for more than 30 years Rae has a friendly approachable nature and dedicated work ethic; well-regarded reputation amongst colleges and client for her professional and personalized service.

HEPBURN 239 MAIN ROAD

VERA'S – HEPBURN’S UNIQUE ARTIST’S COTTAGE

This original miner’s cottage features quirky and eclectic details. Cleverly configured to provide two x 1 BR self contained popular BnB properties, this cottage could simply be opened through again to provide larger accommodation for rental or permanent living. As the last house on the main road, it has a lovely open feel with Breakneck Gorge and the rolling hills of Elevated Plains behind.

FOR SALE PRICE

CONTACT

Corris

OFFICE

43 Vincent Street, Daylesford

SALES

PROFESSIONAL

Curtis has spent most of his career in customer service and has a genuine warmth for people. He uses his accumulated experience to pass his passion and love of real estate to help others realise that their dream can be reality.

CRESWICK 65 CLUNES ROAD

COMFORTABLE BRICK FAMILY HOME IN CENTRAL CRESWICK

Nestled in a convenient and central pocket of historic Creswick this solid and comfortable 1970’s family home has been lovingly cared for and is ready for you to move in and enjoy all the warmth and comfort and convenience this property has to offer.

• Potential subdivision STCA

• Large block with dual street access 988 m²

CONTACT

Minchinton

Albert Street, Creswick 5345 1073

CRESWICK & CLUNES SPECIALIST

Katie has lived locally for the last 25 years having travelled and worked in the UK and Italy. With a long career in publishing, sales and marketing her intimate knowledge of the local market builds beneficial relationships with all stakeholders.

CRESWICK 58 LUTTET STREET

READY TO MOVE IN AND CREATE YOUR NEW COUNTRY LIFESTYLE

This recently renovated home is located only minutes from town, close to the local primary schools and within walking distance to trains, buses and all that Creswick’s historic main street has to offer.

CONTACT

Minchinton

O'Neil

Albert Street, Creswick

CRESWICK 41 HAINES STREET

PICTURE PERFECT COUNTRY COTTAGE

Set high on the hill, this charming and picturesque country cottage Includes contemporary touches and beautiful period details, detailed cornices, ceiling roses, fireplaces and blue slate floors. This home is nestled amongst mature trees and country gardens on a large 972 m² block that includes cottage gardens, outside rooms, a bar or potting shed, chook yard and a bungalow. With plenty of scope to develop or subdivide (STCA) and create your own country lifestyle property.

3

FOR SALE

CONTACT

Katie Minchinton 0447 207

Curtis O'Neil 0423

32 Albert Street, Creswick

Katie Minchinton

CRESWICK 44 JOHNS ROAD MINERS COTTAGE SEEKS LOVE OR A BULLDOZER

Situated on a generous 5,418 m² block this property is in the historic Central Victorian Goldfields town of Creswick and has been held by the same family for many years, now presenting a great opportunity for the buyer prepared to take on a significant renovation or redevelopment to make way for your dream home.

$431,500

CONTACT Katie Minchinton 0447 207 322 OFFICE

32 Albert Street, Creswick 5345 1073

SANDON 90 GLENGOWER TRACK PRIVATE BUSH SANCTUARY AND SUSTAINABLE OFF GRID HOME

This could be your lifestyle and tree change to greater sustainability, peace and quiet. Nestled in between the Sandon State Forest and farming land this beautiful and sustainably designed offgrid three bedroom mudbrick home is set within a wildlife oasis of 155 acres of native grassland, forest with three dams and a spring-fed creek, all protected by a conservation covenant.

SALE

CONTACT Katie Minchinton 0447 207 322 OFFICE 32 Albert Street, Creswick 5345 1073

RESPECTED

LOCAL

Michael lives and breathes all thing real estate. Licensed Agent, Director and the Groups Officer in Effective Control has been in business for more than 40 years, which bring depth and stability. Michael extensive Planning & Building experience ensures the best outcome for both buyers and sellers.

LOCAL EXPERT

Born in Daylesford Tom is as local as they come. Licensed Agent and Director. Spend any time with Tom and you’ll find yourself drawn in by his infectious energy. It’s his work ethos, instilled at a young age that drives his commitment, integrity and honest hard work.

YANDOIT

&

HIGH STREET LIFESTYLE BLOCKS IN THE HISTORIC VILLAGE OF YANDOIT

rare opportunity to purchase two lifestyle blocks in the tightly held High Street of Yandoit. 4005 & 7658 msq of cleared pasture with a background of bushland. Fronting onto the High Street with access to power, these properties consist of multiple titles, which subject to council approval, could become your dream building

PARADE

ON

space, this home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac close to shops and public transport.

four generous sized bedrooms with built in robes. The master bedroom is king size incorporating a walk in robe and ensuite . For the family, living spaces are

Sturt

House.Land.Home.Premium Mid-Spring 2022

Front: 197 McGeorge Road, Gisborne

The Block - House 2

McQueen Real Estate Kim McQueen - 0417 116 657

$4,000,000 - $4,400,000 for sale by auction. Image: Contributed

Premium Mid-Spring 2022

House.Land.Home.Premium is the real estate guide for the Central Highlands.

The next edition is out on Monday, February 27, 2023 in time for the ChillOut Festival!

Booking deadline: Tuesday, February 21

Copy deadline: Thursday, February 23

HOUSE.LAND.HOME.

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

Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey 0416 104 283 | news@tlnews.com.au | kyle@tlnews.com.au

See all our e-editions at www.tlnews.com.au

Scan the QR code to see our business directory for the Central Highlands.

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.

Regional resilience

MELBOURNE

median house prices have dipped below $1 million in a year of growth.

The REIV’s September Quarterly Median Report reveals that Melbourne metropolitan house prices fell 7.4 per cent during the quarter to $993,000.

However, across regional Victoria, median prices for both houses and units demonstrated greater resilience, with houses falling just 2.8 per cent to $603,000 and units falling 2.3 per cent to $422,500, this quarter.

Despite Melbourne's drop, many million-dollar suburbs continued to climb quarter-on-quarter, including Williamstown ($1,650,000) with 8.6 per cent growth, Surrey Hills ($2,166,500) with 6.2 per cent growth, Mount Waverley ($1,592,500) with 4.0 per cent growth, Keysborough ($1,010,000) with 3.1 per cent growth and Burwood ($1,400,000) with 1.0 per cent growth.

In regional Victoria, the top towns delivering house price growth during the quarter were Heathcote ($570,000), Morwell ($354,000) and Wodonga ($530,000).

Annual median data reveals Victoria’s property sector has shown solid growth over the past 12 months. Regional Victorian houses and units delivered double-digit annual growth in the 12-month period, with house prices climbing 15.5 per cent. In metropolitan Melbourne, house prices rose 9 per cent since September 2021.

REIV president Andrew Meehan said the September quarter had created attractive buying opportunities for Victorians, while strong longer-term market fundamentals prevail.

“Lower median prices through the September quarter have created new opportunities for Victorians to buy more affordably in Melbourne, particularly in the outer suburbs.

“The upward trends we continue to see in the annual data suggest there is significant long-term confidence underpinning both transaction activity and real estate prices across the state,” said Mr Meehan.

“It is pleasing to see property transactions have not slowed materially, with a high volume of vendors listing their properties and plenty of undeterred buyers. Looking ahead, these factors, combined with the RBA’s lower-than-expected rate rise in October, are an encouraging sign of our real estate market’s long-term health.”

www.reiv.com.au/market-insights

Spring is a wonderful time in the Central Highlands. Maybe it's time to make the move? See you soon!

haven!

11 & 13 Walsh Street, Malmsbury

These two stunning blocks in the beautifully preserved historic town of Malmsbury are an easy 60 minute drive from Melbourne or an even easier, 40 minute commute on the fast train to Melbourne with the Malmsbury V-line station just minutes away.

These two residential building blocks (to be sold separately) are just over 1000sqm each with all services, sewer and water connected and electricity at the boundary ready to connect. A hop skip and a jump away to shops, train station and local primary school. The perfect place to build your dream home with an abundance of room to play! Create your own haven, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Geelong Businessman, Mark Ward has ownership of the Mill Markets group and brings years of expertise to this amazing concept. The Mill Markets operate three massive venues located in Ballarat, Daylesford and Geelong. With a total of over 12,000 square metres of undercover oor space, (3 acres), treasure hunters have the opportunity to spend many hours browsing and meandering through the eclectic mix of products. There is a fantastic variety of home decor, furniture, records, vintage and new clothing, books, ne china, glassware, industrial items, jewellery, antiques as well as Australian pottery, homewares, memorabilia, retro fashions and collectables. We also have many stalls selling new products and have gift vouchers for those people who have everything!

All goods are from the 1850’s right through to present day. Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of dealers, which allows small business operators and collectors who otherwise could not a ord the overheads of their own shops, to showcase their goods. This equates to a wide and diverse range of products, available and open to the public, seven days a week. Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane through hundreds and thousands of items available for purchase at all three locations. With over 500 stall holders over three venues, there is always something for everyone. Travel The Amazing Mill Markets ‘Golden Triangle’ and enjoy quality food and co ee at each. All venues open 7 days 10.00am-6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).

Music at Daylesford Show

Music to suit all tastes will be happening at this year's 148th Daylesford Agricultural Show, held on Saturday, November 26.

"Daylesford prides itself on being an artistic and talented community and the Hepburn Shire youth workers have a done a lot to encourage the development of young people's bands and dancing groups, so we will try offering them another venue," show society president Don Harvey said.

"We will still have the great Daylesford Community Brass Band doing a set outdoors at about lunchtime, just as they have since the 1800s, but this year there will also be music 'by locals for locals' in two pavilions as well."

Mr Harvey said in the Hall of Flowers (the Table Tennis Pavilion), the Daylesford Horticultural Society and the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens would have their displays alongside the flower and farm produce competitions but they will also have Vanessa Craven and her band Lunar Mist providing a melodic background.

However, in the Tom Ford Pavilion the music will be loud and passionate. Four bands will provide 45-minute sets by young musicians from Daylesford and Trentham. There will also be a set from a solo performer and hopefully the hip hop dancers.

Two bands are already locked in. Will Barclay's Seventh Circle from Trentham will kick off proceedings followed by Arlo Autumnus, Campbell Kay and Bodhi Taylor from Trentham, two duelling guitars and a great drummer, pictured, who make up Daylesford band, Contrast. The concert starts at 11.30am and will finish about 3pm.

The bands are performing for free and students are admitted free to the show thanks to the state government's Covid Recovery Program.

Monday

Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

to be at

asked by the

for

call on 5348 3577.

Are you ready for No. 4?

COVID 19 vaccines are safe and effective in protecting you against COVID 19

When you get vaccinated, your body starts producing antibodies against the virus These antibodies help your immune system fight the virus if exposed to it

Getting vaccinated is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID 19 than getting sick with COVID 19 If you've had COVID 19, you should still get vaccinated to receive maximum protection.

A fourth dose is available to adults aged 30 years and above. In addition to the above, a fourth dose is also available to:

people aged 16 years and above who are severely immunocompromised residents of aged care or disability care facilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and above people aged 16 years and above who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID 19 illness people aged 16 years and above who have disabilities with significant, complex, or multiple health issues, which increase the risk of poor outcomes from COVID 19 infection

Eligible people can receive their fourth dose three months after receiving their third dose or after having COVID 19 if infection has occurred since the person’s third dose Pfizer and Moderna are the preferred vaccines for the fourth dose for people aged 18 and above. People aged 16 to 17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine as their fourth dose AstraZeneca or Novavax can be used if an mRNA vaccine (such as Pfizer or Moderna) is contraindicated

For more information about the eligibility of a fourth dose, please visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/getvaccinated or contact your local GP or pharmacist.

#BeattheBite

Mozzie alert!

With the recent floods in many areas across Victoria, the risk of mosquito breeding is high. By following a few simple steps you can reduce your risk of being bitten and getting sick:

Cover up wear long, loose fitting clothing. Mozzies can bite through tight clothing

Use repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.

Use mosquito nets or insect screens.

Use ’knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat.

Limit activity outdoors

Learn more about how to protect yourself and your family at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/b eat the bite

#BeattheBite

Community News

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

It has been an incredibly difficult couple of weeks for communities in our Shire with yet more extreme wet weather. Our Shire was spared the worst of the inundation, but many other parts of Victoria saw extensive flood damage to homes, businesses, and local infrastructure. The biggest impacts we are facing locally this time will be the cost and resources required to resurface and repair the many roads, paths and green spaces that have been washed away, or severely degraded.

The psychological impact of recent events is being strongly felt in our communities as it comes on top of other recent storm events in Trentham and Creswick over the past year. While the state government is offering residents some immediate financial support, the need for psychological and social supports will continue. I hope that people will reach out and seek help from our storm recovery team, their social networks and health professionals, while also looking out for less able members in our community who might not be connected on social media or own a smartphone.

There are many people and agencies to thank for their efforts in helping to minimise the impacts of this event and the measures they put in place to help keep our community safe. I’d like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of Hepburn Shire staff who worked long hours in incredibly difficult and volatile circumstances. Thanks also to the amazing efforts of the CFA who pumped water away from properties in danger, sandbagged homes and helped residents where required regardless of the time of day, or the inhospitable working environment. The SES, Victoria Police, Red Cross, and the ABC all played a pivotal role too.

Speaking of community, we saw during the past week just how amazing we can be when we work together at a grassroots level. People turned up in droves, some taking time off work, to fill sandbags and deliver them. A local business in Creswick bought truckloads of sand and the Creswick Football Club came to the aid of vulnerable residents. There are many other examples and I thank everyone involved for choosing to actively participate. As a council, we know that emergency situations can be messy and stressful affairs and we are aware that learnings need to happen. Your feedback is valuable, so please let us know how things can be done better next time. We all need to be better prepared and willing to address the growing effects of climate change and its direct impacts on health and wellbeing, and our surrounding environment and ecosystems.

In some recent positive news, Creswick is to host the Mountain Biking event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Daylesford will be home to the Big Rainbow in support of LGBTIQA+ pride, and we also launched our ACE Youth Strategy with a fabulous local youth music event held at Daylesford Town Hall.

Cr Tim Drylie Mayor

HONOUR ROLL NOMINATIONS

Do you know any inspiring women from Hepburn Shire? Get nominating! Nominations close on Thursday 27 October at 2pm. Visit www.hepburn. vic.gov.au/Womens-Honour-Roll

COUNCIL PLAN FOCUS AREAS

SUSTAINABLE HEPBURN EXPO

Join us on Saturday 29 October 2022 at the inaugural Sustainable Hepburn Expo Day at Trentham Railway Station. From 10am-3pm we will showcase some of the businesses and community organisations that are improving the sustainability of our beautiful Hepburn Shire.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021/2022

On Tuesday, Council adopted its Annual Report – Report of Operations. This important document provides an overview of our performance and achievements during the 2021/2022 financial year.

The report of operations provides highlights for the year, and gives us the chance to reflect, celebrate and learn from all that we have achieved over the last 12 months.

To read the Annual Report visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au

HEPBURN Z-NET ROUNDTABLE

Join the award winning Hepburn Z-NET Roundtable with your community to take action on climate change. Hepburn Z-NET is a collaborative partnership bringing together community groups, organisations, community members, experts and Council to shift the Hepburn Shire to zero-net energy by 2025 and zero-net emissions by 2030. Get your expression of interest in by midday 17 November by filling out this short application form. Visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hepburn-znet-community-roundtable

PLAN FOR CATS AND DOGS

At this week’s meeting, Council adopted a plan for cats and dogs, the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).

The DAMP addresses key issues like registration and identification of domestic animals, nuisance animals, dog attacks, responsible pet ownership and compliance with legislation.

Some of the new actions contained in the DAMP include:

• Developing a Cat Curfew Program and draft Cat Curfew Policy (2022/2023)

• Implementing actions of the cat curfew policy once it has been adopted (July 2023)

• Working towards the development of a 24-hour hour cat containment policy (2025)

• Continuing to work with community and external organisations on actions relating to the reduction of feral cat population throughout the Shire (ongoing)

• Development of an Off-Lead Dog Park Master Plan (2023).

To read the DAMP visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au

BIG RAINBOW LOCATION

Daylesford has been named the home of the Big Rainbow, Australia’s first “big” landmark dedicated to the celebration of regional LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion.

We are tapping into local knowledge to finalise the location for the Big Rainbow. For more information and if you’d like to provide input into the potential site, go to - https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/big-rainbow

The Council Plan 2021-2025 describes how Council will strive towards our vision, where to focus efforts, and how to measure progress. Each Focus Area has a series of priority statements, with actions against each item.

Your Say...

Wallet returned

Sometimes it's good to know there are great people around.

This morning a guy turned up with my wallet. I didn't know it was missing. He was from out of town visiting his brother. I was caught offguard but thanked him profusely.

A real pain to replace all the cards etc.

So thanks Finn, if you drop by there is a bottle of wine with your name on it.

- Nigel White

Big Rainbow

Whilst we support the LBGTIQA+ community and tourism for our region, this decision for Hepburn Shire Council, and therefore its ratepayers, to be involved with an organisation such as Tinder is pork barrelling at its worst.

Obviously the pledge only, not a donation, of $100k is a big drawcard for this council.

Why do the majority of (straight) people have to put up with a 12-metre long x 6-metre wide structure solely for one section of society?

The joke that Daylesford ‘competed’ with Broome, Hay and Katherine is ludicrous. You may as well have included the Simpson Desert as an alternative.

We object very strongly with this whole farce and lack of inclusion with ratepayers.

The mayor and entire council should be ashamed of committing to this Tinderinspired stupidity.

- Name and address withheld

White cane awareness

This International White Cane Day, Guide Dogs Australia’s ‘Look up. Listen Up. Let me be.’ campaign is urging the community to be more aware of how they might be obstructing people with low vision or blindness, with the aim of making our streets safer and more accessible for all.

This means looking up from phones and turning the volume down or off, with three in four Guide Dogs' clients saying distractions from mobiles or headphones are the main cause of obstructions to their path.

Bikes and scooters being ridden on pavements are also a concern, as this can leave more vulnerable members of our community at risk of physical harm.

White cane use is skilled and concentrated work, and members of this community devote time to learning that skill to maintain their independence and quality of life. It’s important that work isn’t obstructed, especially since these incidents leave white cane users feeling anxious, frustrated and unsafe.

Most members of the public are trying to do the right thing, but that should stop short of touching a person or their cane without asking - something a third of clients have experienced.

In short, simply levelling-up your awareness is the one thing you can do to create a safer environment for everybody.

For more information visit www.guidedogs.com.au

- Jaryd Clifford, Paralympic medallist and Guide Dogs ambassador

Letters are always welcome. Email news@tlnews.com.au

Mining concerns

MOREthan 80 concerned residents packed St Martin's Chapel in Blackwood to discuss recent gold mining activity and salvage logging in the surrounding Wombat State Forest.

Speakers including Dave Stephens, a local forest campaigner for more than 20 years, Gayle Osborne, president of Wombat Forestcare, and members of No Wombat Gold discussed the potentially devastating effects of extractive industries operating in the area and how residents could act to prevent further destruction of the forest.

Spokesperson Sophie Guerin said since exploratory gold drilling was unexpectedly heard coming from near Shaws Lake in June 2020, the issue had become one of great concern to many residents. Since then, another exploratory mining license had been granted and was in operation, while a prospecting license and another exploratory license are currently being reviewed by Earth Resources, she said.

"In June 2022 residents learned of another threat to the forest when approximately two acres of trees and vegetation in nearby Babbington Hill were found cleared for machinery and a log landing by VicForests.

"This area is just one of 175 salvage coupes in the Wombat that are threatened by operations as part of VicForests’ controversial salvage Timber Utilisation Plan.

"In recent weeks Blackwood and Barrys Reef residents have received letters stating that similar operations would begin in coupes surrounding the towns from October.

"Expert ecologists like David Lindenmayer have expressed concern that the salvage logging operation will increase the likelihood and severity of bushfires, despite claims from VicForests that this is one of the main reasons for the operation."

Ms Guerin said both logging and mining had the potential to impact the town’s water supply, but as the area also sits in the headwaters of the Lerderderg River, these impacts could potentially affect residents all the way to Melton.

Other potential impacts included noise pollution, traffic and road destruction from large trucks and negative impacts on tourism and local business, she said.

"Clearing bushland also has potentially devastating effects on local flora, fauna and fungi including many threatened and endangered species such as the greater glider and the mountain skink."

Ms Guerin said in June this year the Victorian Government tabled its response to the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s Central West investigation report.

"A new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park and a number of regional parks were to be created, but since then the government has failed to legislate the promised park.

"In their response to the parliament, the Victorian Government stated that the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park would be used in accordance with the general recommendations for national parks including to 'permanently protect the natural environment and natural biodiversity along with underlying ecological structure and supporting environmental processes'.

"It seems inconceivable, that after recognising the conservation values of the forest, the government would allow environmentally damaging extractive operations."

"A unanimous motion was passed to write to the Macedon state Labor MP MaryAnne Thomas to request that the Premier and Cabinet impose a moratorium on all licenses, permits and works for all commercial log removal and mining activities in the Wombat Forest until the planned legislation is proclaimed."

Minister Thomas told The Local that all forestry and mineral exploration activities were done under strict regulations.”

"Storm recovery work in the Wombat State Forest and elsewhere involves cleaning up windthrown trees to reduce fuel loads and the fire risk to communities over the coming years. Importantly, the work in the Wombat State Forest and surrounding areas to restore Country is a partnership between traditional land owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and VicForests.”

"This is not salvage logging, it is removing fallen trees and getting access to improve forest health and resilience, based on cultural practices and backed up by scientific research that supports active management of our forests."

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

Life's best together

In a world where too many people are lonely and isolated, the motto of the Trentham and Districts Life Activities Club stands like a golden beacon of possibility.

“Our motto is life’s best together,” club president Di Clausen said.

For those not already familiar, the Life Activities Club is aimed at people aged over 50 and its main aim is encouraging socialising and exercising in a way that boosts quality of life for all concerned.

Right now the local club boats a robust membership, averaging about 100 people from across the wider area, on its books.

But Di says they’re keen to welcome more, particularly newcomers to their patch.

“We are auspiced by Life Activities Victoria and we started 12 years ago but there are so many new people of our age coming into the area now,” she says.

Becoming a member of the club is a great way to meet new people, make new friends and get into a whole range of beneficial and enjoyable doings. Di reels off a few examples of these.

“We have garden lovers, bushwalking, petanque, Wednesday walkers which is different to bushwalkers, craft, mahjong, Chinese exercise like tai chi, a jigsaw puzzle library, a foodies’ group...

“Our foodies group has a meeting once a month. In summer we go out for dinner and in winter we go out for lunch. We also do barbeques and picnics.”

Di says that while the Trentham Mechanics Hall is being overhauled to become a new community hub, the club meets at various locations in and around the town. But ultimately it’s hoped some space will be designated for the club in the new hub.

“We do have a representative on the project advisory committee for the Mechanics Hall,” Di said. “Positive ageing is very much at the forefront of what we do and we’ve had input into the shire’s positive ageing strategy.

“There are over 20 clubs in Victoria but only three in country Victoria including us, Ballarat and Wangaratta.

“Our aim is to enhance the mind and to energise the body.”

Di says those interested are more than welcome to contact her to find out more by phoning 0429 008 763.

Third time lucky!

Covid forced us to cancel our Festival of Gardens two years in a row, but, here we go again.

Festival 2022 offers twenty-one open gardens for you to enjoy. Some old favourites and quite a few who are showing for the first time: from classic goldfields’ gardens, country cottage gardens, gardens in new estates, to heritage and community gardens.

Following the recent rains the gardens are looking more lush, green and colourful than they have for many seasons.

The 16th Biennial Castlem ai ne & Distri ct FestivalofGardens

Join us in Cup Week 2022, from Saturday 29 October until Sunday 6 November, and enjoy time in our ever-changing gardens.

Honouring golfer Marg: tournament tees off

THEmost ambitious item on the modest bucket list of Clunes local Margaret Fox was to have one more hit of golf at her beloved local Clunes Golf Club.

Unfortunately the popular and respected member of the Clunes community never got to fulfil that final wish.

The keen local golfer died in October 2020 after an 18-month battle with cancer leaving her partner Brendon Butler, friends and family all mourning her loss.

But determined to honour her memoryand her bucket list wish - those she left behind got together and inaugurated a special new tournament as a tribute to Margaret’s memory, and to help promote women’s golf at Clunes.

“We have a very low membership of women in the club so we’re hoping to encourage more women,” said club member Jo Love, who used to enjoy teeing off alongside Margaret.

And so it was that almost exactly two years to the day since Marg passed, that the Margaret Fox Inaugural Memorial 4BBB (four ball best ball) event happened on the scenic sand greens 18-hole course last Wednesday.

With entries open to golfers in mixed or ladies' pairs, there was a strong turnout of competition from near and far under a faultless blue sky.

Club president Ray Skinner said that while the club’s membership was a healthy 65 or so, there were only a very small number of active female players and the new memorial event hoped to turn that around.

“We really would like to pick up some more women members,” said Ray who is a qualified community golf instructor with Golf Australia and happy to teach anyone, even raw beginners, the golfing basics at the clinics he runs.

Awarded to the female player with the best individual stableford score, the keenly contested inaugural Margaret Fox perpetual trophy was ultimately clinched by Clunes’ Chris O’Donnell with a score of 37, while runner-up went to Elaine Jones of Queen's Park Golf Club.

Having only taken up golf herself last year, after attending one of the Clunes club’s clinics, Chris was a great example of exactly what the newly inaugurated event is all about, encouraging more women to hit the greens.

Chris said she was delighted with her result on a day when "everything just went right.".

“I never got to have a hit of golf with Marg but I knew her. She lived just around the corner from me.”

Chris said she had decided to give golf a try after being a long-time tennis player.

“It’s a tricky little game. You’ve just got to persevere,” she said, clutching the perpetual trophy. She also got to take home a smaller, unique trophy.

“Just stick with it. If you end up in the rough a few times, just keep going.”

Margaret Fox’s partner Brendon Butler said it was now expected that the new event would take place annually – and he had no doubts that Marg would highly approve.

“This is pretty special. Marg was very emotionally intelligent. She would have absolutely loved it,” he said.

The day also featured sparkling bubbles on the eighth hole. The hole has a bench with a plaque for Marg and the bubbles were sponsored by club member Phil Johnston in her memory.

Proceeds raised on the day went to the Ballarat Hospice Care which provides home-based palliative care and had attended Margaret daily in her final weeks.

Along with Chris's win, the ladies pairs went to Judy Guest and Julie Hutchinson from Midlands Golf Club with runners-up Elizabeth Fenton and Jody Frost from Avoca Golf Club.

The mixed pairs winners were Chris O'Donnell and Rob Dean from Clunes Golf Club wih the runners-up Jo Love and Lawrie Lees, also from Clunes.

Main image, Clunes’ Chris O’Donnell took out the inaugural Margaret Fox perpetual trophy

Clunes

REQUEST FOR TENDER

Tender responses are invited for the design and construction for a redevelopment of the synthetic bowling green at the Creswick Bowling Club, Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Lindsay Park Drive, Creswick, Victoria (Contract No - HEPBU.RFT2022.175).

Tender documents can be obtained from www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/tenders, or by contacting Tom McCarthy, Sport and Active Recreation Projects Officer on (03) 5321 6483.

Tender responses must be received by 2pm Thursday 17 November 2022.

Berends Slasher

You wouldn't read about it.

This month I celebrate 60 years of talking gardens via print, radio and eventually TV. Over the years, I’ve made my mark in some 20 or so publications and in 1967 as editor of the Australian Home Gardener. I thought it appropriate to share some of the highs and lows of those years.

To start the ball rolling, a little dig from a mate...in search of the mythical laboursaving garden.

Hello Glen,

When I was a small boy, my father would make me hand hoe the lettuces. He wouldn’t let me touch anything more exotic, in those days lettuce were so cheap, the ones I ruined didn’t amount to much. I was too young, at that time, to resent his lack of confidence but I did acquire a nasty complex which has followed me ever since. I finally came to believe that gardening was hard work.

This belief still troubles me. No one can have been a more assiduous reader of your labour-saving hints, spent more pocket money on work-reducing gadgets to build a fool-proof, easily run garden. And no-one can ever have been more disillusioned with the results.

My first idea was to replace the high labour of flower beds by putting a large area down to lawn. Aided by your advice, I gained the notion that as it was easier to operate a motor mower than a spade maybe I could convince my wife to use it. The only catch was that little can go wrong with a spade but a motor mower requires a lot more attention than an occasional wipe-over with an oily rag. And, though I eventually coaxed my wife into steering one, I was never able to cajole her into actually starting it.

So I became a slave to my lawn, entrapped in weekly watering and cutting, frequent use of a daisy grubber, weed killers and the use of a very clever tool to "cut through the grass where it grew over the pathways".

My last "walk" ended when I fell flat on my face when a wheel of that gadget met unexpected resistance from a strand of volunteer kikuyu grass. I then reasoned that if I edged the lawn with a shrub border, I would only have to scratch through the borders every few weeks to keep the weeds down, and if the shrubs occasionally looked a bit ragged, no one could get near enough to see them. So little by little, parts of the lawn were replaced by more and more beds of shrubs.

But now, another fault in the system came to light. A few shrubberies look good in the garden - too many convey the impression that the house had been dropped haphazardly into the middle of a rainforest - so I replaced some of the shrubs with flowers. But lower plants, whether they be annual, perennial or bulb need constant attention and constant replacement. Soon I was spending my leisure time transplanting, replacing the ones that insisted on dying, dividing over-exuberant daisies and irises and keeping all of them from being smothered in weeds. I wore out two hoes and a scratcher. I was wearing myself out as well so in my search for something else labour-saving, I read your article on how groundcover plants kept the weeds down and did away with cultivation.

I’m still paying for that mistake. I must have read it wrong I thought you said “grow anywhere”. It must have been “grow everywhere”.

Yesterday I caught my wife, who despairs more easily than I, on the phone with a contracter, to get a quote for concreting the whole block. She says that if we get it sprayed a bright green it should look just like a lawn from our bedroom window.

Do you think that will work? - J.K.

a gardening question?

note:

Just briefly...

A four-year plan for domestic animals was adopted at a Hepburn Shire Council meeting last week.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 provides a strategic framework for the council to guide policy direction, service programs, initiatives and action plans related to animal management.

Almost 500 residents, both pet owners and non-pet owners, contributed to the plan by completing an online survey or by making a written submission.

Some of the most common concerns were about cat curfews and cat containment programs, greater action on feral cats and prohibiting dogs on sporting grounds and an increase in enforcement.

Some of the new actions contained in the plan include developing a cat curfew program (2022/2023), implementing that policy (July 2023), working towards the development of a 24-hour cat containment policy (2025) and continuing to work with community and external organisations on actions relating to reduction of feral cat population throughout the shire.

An off-lead dog park master plan will be developed next year.

The inaugural Sustainable Hepburn Expo Day will be held at the Trentham Railway Station this Saturday, October 29 from 10am to 3pm.

Local stallholders will share their knowledge, expertise and products on renewable energy, sustainable homes, permaculture and edible landscapes to local native plants, biodiversity and the circular economy.

The free workshop program will kick off following a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony and will feature Hepburn Shire resident David Holmgren, permaculture co-originator, presenting on permaculture as a grassroots community-led approach, relocalising resources and personal accountability for living in tune with the land.

Workshops will also be presented by Mara Ripani from Village Dreaming, The Daylesford Repair Café, the Enviroshop Newstead on electrifying homes and using renewable energy and Taryn Lane from Hepburn Energy on adapting to a changing climate.

The event will also celebrate the launch of Sustainable Hepburn 2022-26, Hepburn Shire Council’s new environmental sustainability strategy with the commitment to further reduce its corporate greenhouse gas emissions, protect and enhance local biodiversity, transition to a low waste shire and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Music is from Blackwood musicians Cat and Clint with food prepared by SHIFT - Sustainable Healthy Integrated Food Towns.

Finally anyone who makes a sustainability pledge on the day will receive a free Sustainable Hepburn reusable glass coffee cup.

The event is supported by Hepburn Shire’s Sustainability and Storm Recovery teams in partnership with the community.

A group of Daylesford College students recently celebrated the launch of a cutting-edge gardening program.

Mow2Grow is a Central Highlands Rural Health Population Health initiative in partnership with the college that aims to promote student self-esteem, confidence, and emotional intelligence and improve their overall mental well-being through hands-on learning outside the classroom.

The Year 9 and 10 students will also contribute to community recovery efforts following severe weather events across the region last year, assisting residents in cleaning up private property and public and community spaces.

Over the next eight weeks, the Mow2Grow students will be engaged in a range of immersive activities, including mowing, the safe use of power tools and general gardening skills.

glenzgardens@gmail.com

Glen! We are so lucky to have you on The Local.)

Kyle’s Rant

DOROTHEA Mackellar

wrote: "I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains. I love her far horizons, I love her jewel-sea, Her beauty and her terrorthe wide brown land for me!"

But for the love of God, enough already.

A bit of stability about the place wouldn’t go amiss. The long-forgotten bushfires from 2020 were the start of a long run of bad luck for the world. The strain of the pandemic is still on the faces of the people, with a new wave predicted in November and they won’t release any of the new sharpened vaccine to those of us who want it.

And the rain keeps on falling and the flood waters keep building. Meanwhile I spoke to one of our journalists in California, Jeff Glorfeld, and it is dry as a chip and hot as damnation over there with no ease-up or precipitation in sight.

But of course climate change isn’t a real thing, it’s just something the greenies made up, right? Well, for those of us who pay attention through to the hardest of climate change denialists, we all should be taking notice of what the world is trying to tell us.

Mother Nature will always win out and at the moment she seems to be clearing her throat after years of us ripping up the earth in search of minerals, gems and fossil fuels to burn into the atmosphere. But what’s next?

I do pessimistically wonder if it is all too late, has the scale tipped too far now and what will be the correction needed in order for things to rebalance? The point being that there are too many humans and we have wiped out a fair portion of the animals' habitat and are drilling countless holes in the ozone with pollution.

I have a lot of questions for Mother Nature or whoever is control of this shitshow. Like, is my shopping bag recycling effort really going to work? What will it take to rebalance the order of things? And what is the actual cost to the environment to millup and produce an electric car, and will it make enough of a difference?

I know it is not all my generation’s fault. In the many years since the invention of the steam engine we have been giving Mother Nature the bird. But all we have is right now and those poor buggers up the road in Rochester won’t have running water or sewerage for another eight weeks.

According to Jane Bunn, our wonderful weather woman (you know what I am talking about), we are to expect these huge dumps of rain at the rate of almost one a week until February. WTH?

Where will all the water go? And where will all the displaced people go in a nonexisting rental market? And if I have saved all my money for a rainy day, on which of the many rainy days can I spend it?

Rainy day rant over…

Local Lines

Raasay (New Hebrides)

In 1845 they came from Raasay, hard-faced, stony Scottish fishermen and crofters, thrown from a harsh island home to make space for sheep. My kin stood on the ship’s deck singing hymns in bottomless grief as hard granite mountains filed silently past, shipped to a land ringed by campfires and unfamiliar figures melting amongst the trees. Unable to return.

In 1958 on our Mallee farm, Dja Dja Wurrung country, I remember my angry, stern-faced father eyes of grey flint, and torn, sheep-oiled fingers sun-scoured, tapping tobacco shreds from a round, gold tin, shaping rollies in the air.

Three generations on, not yet knowing about the island, he just always had ‘this thing’ about Scotland. He marched the paddocks at night, his bagpipes wailing through the ancient trees, boots raising dust from the furrows, body’s rhythmic sway, eyes glazed, unseeing.

From the distance, we heard its mournful call, its rage.

A dirge with no roots.

- Rhonda Cotsell

Retired librarian Rhonda lives in Creswick and though most of her working life was spent in cities she was born to a farm and small towns and has finally been able to build her writing life. Her other loves are her adult offspring and grandson, garden, cooking and eating, and reading way too much.

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

Mary-Anne Thomas MP

MEMBER FOR MACEDON

Image: Sarah Dalby

Advertising in The Local

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly BLOODY

hell, that was a busy week.

It started off with a strange weekend. Last Monday was Kyle's birthday and we decided to have a few people around on the Sunday. But we didn't think about the weather.

Yes, the rain had come and sort of gone but it was coming back on Sunday, or so we believed. So we decided to change to the Saturday. And that meant trying to remember who we had invited. We had gone a bit all out - hit the phones after a few drinks - thinking an outdoor gathering would be a wonderful start to spring.

Anyway, we did what we could, and Friday rolled around and we realised our backyard was pretty much still under water and our little gravel "party" area was an island. And if anyone tried to walk out to it, they would pretty much be sucked into the sodden grass. Let's not even talk about parking cars.

Sooo, we decided to cancel Saturday. And once again, we tried very hard to remember who we had invited and sent out lots of texts saying "sorry, too wet" and most people wrote back "fair enough, good call" and we decided to take Kyle's dad to the pub for lunch instead.

Cliff was over from NZ for the big party. Well, to catch up with Kyle and myself and have a bit of a look around the wonderful Central Highlands. And I don't think I have ever heard him turn down the chance for a beer.

Anyway, off we go to the pub, have some food and a couple of beers/wines and arrive home all ready for a bit of a nanna nap. Not sure if you are allowed to say nanna nap now. I think things like that are banned, like landlord. It implies nannas get tired and need naps. Let's call it a Donna nap from now on. I get tired and need naps. And I am OK with that.

So we literally (sorry Jeff Glorfeld) were about to head to bed when we saw two people walk past the window. We were like deer in headlights. Do we go childish and hide, or go honest and say "go home"? In the end we went adult and said "welcome". Kyle hadn't told them it was off because he didn't think they would come. And then another two people arrived and we said "welcome". They had been texted but Kyle accidentally sent their text to a random mechanic in Moe. Telling him not to come. He had never been invited, so not so much of a letdown.

Anyway, we had a nice evening. I thought it was going to be a quiet drink - it was about 4pm - but Kyle had other ideas and put on a slow-cook Greek lamb. And refused to let people leave until it was served about four hours later. And had the audacity to ask me if I had a Greek salad to accompany it. I told him I did not and it was very un-PC to assume the woman will have salad components handy at all times. (I actually could have made one but I was tired after missing my Donna nap.)

The following day, Sunday, was quiet and then Monday arrived and it was like the old days. Stories, advertising, festivals, photos, more stories, more advertising...oh and our bumper real estate feature.

This edition of The Local is 68 pages all up. A whopper and a great read, if I do say so myself. And I do. Most of all it is just fantastic to see the world opening up again and our amazing region coming to life. I know Covid is not over and if you see me in the supermarket I will be the one with the mask but it is the best it has been for a few years. And that's great. But now I am a bit tired and I really am going to have a nap. Don't come to the door. Just sayin'... (Jeff, who left us for a new life in America with his lovely wife Carol, subbed for us once and pulled me up on using literally...as he should of, jokes, have.)

Ageing DisGracefully members, including Max Primmer, get together at the Daylesford Mill Markets cafe on Thursdays at 11am. All welcome. For information email ageingdis3461@gmail. com, call 0427 131 249 or head to the Ageing DisGracefully Facebook page.

Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.

Here is the solution to crossword for edition 264.

Each edition, all the words appear in that edition somewhere. How did you go?

RD CROSS

Human rights speaker

Hepburn Shire U3A's AGM guest speaker is Elaine Pearson, the director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division, overseeing the work of the division in more than 20 countries, based in Sydney.

Ms Pearson joined Human Rights Watch in 2007 and was formerly the deputy director of the Asia Division and then established Human Rights Watch’s Australia office, working as the organisation’s inaugural Australia director from 2013-2022.

She has conducted numerous human rights investigations in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, Ms Pearson worked for the United Nations and various non-governmental organisations in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kathmandu and London.

She is an adjunct lecturer in law at the University of New South Wales, on the advisory committee of UNSW’s Australian Human Rights Institute and on the board of the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women.

Ms Pearson holds degrees in law and arts from Murdoch University and obtained her Master's degree in public policy at Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs.

She is the author of Chasing Wrongs and Rights, a human rights travelogue, influenced in part by how her Chinese maternal grandmother had been sold to an opera troupe to save the family from starvation, published by Simon and Schuster in September this year.

In Chasing Wrongs and Rights Ms Pearson shares her experiences defending human rights – from human trafficking in Nepal to the 'drug war' in the Philippines to treatment of detainees in Papua New Guinea and in Australia – offering an extremely involving personal account of how far the world has come, and how far there is to go.

Growing up in Perth, Ms Pearson always dreamed of the wider world. As soon as she could, Ms Pearson followed her interest in women’s rights and people-trafficking, interviewing sex workers and victims of trafficking on the streets of Bangkok and Amsterdam’s red light district. Her experiences in Nepal and Nigeria profoundly shaped her understanding of how governments and NGOs need to protect the rights of victims, as well as how poverty, corruption and war drive trafficking in the first place.

Hepburn Shire U3A's AGM is on Tuesday, November 8 at the Daylesford Town Hall. The meeting starts at 10am with Ms Pearson speaking at 10.30am followed by morning tea. RSVPs to info@u3ahepburnshire

SMALL-SCALE ARTISAN AGRICULTURE GRANTS PROGRAM

Artisan agriculture producers in the Hepburn Shire and Central Highlands region are invited to apply for grants of up to $2,000 + GST for professional and business development, product growth or business efficiency. Grant Guidelines can be obtained from the Artisan Agriculture Project page at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Artisan-agriculture

For more info contact Sharon Hebbard on email at shebbard@hepburn.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5321 6129. To apply follow link to Small-Scale Artisan Agriculture Grant Application. Applications close Sunday 6 November 2022.

Words: Contributed

FEATURES

Spring floods wrap

Victoria State Emergency Service volunteers providing emergency assistance to flood affected communities

Victoria Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers provide support to communities 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. Our volunteers have been on the ground providing flood preparedness advice directly to households at risk prior to floods occurring. They have been working in their communities to provide sandbagging support and putting their lives on the line working with other emergency service personnel to rescue people and their pets when they have been isolated by floodwater.

VICSES volunteers ask that community members heed emergency advice to prepare, evacuate if advised to do so and to never drive on flooded roads.

For advice on how to prepare for floods and to find your local flood guide visit ses.vic.gov.au

For flood and storm emergency assistance call 132 500.

Thanks

THANK YOU TO COMMUNITY, VOLUNTEERS & EMERGENCY SERVICES

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Council staff, members of the public, emergency services personnel/volunteers (including the local SES and CFA crews) and Victoria Police who supported our community during the recent severe weather event.

Council still has lots of work ahead to assess and address damage to public roads/infrastructure and community spaces such as parks and reserves. There are still a number of road closures due to severe damage (visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/road-closures).

Council has opened a Recovery Centre for residents to seek support or report damage from the recent weather event. The Centre will be operating from both Creswick and Clunes until 28 October for the below timeframes.

The Warehouse – Clunes - Fraser Street (Monday and Wednesday)

- Morning 10:00am – 12:00pm

- Afternoon 1:30pm to 4:00pm Creswick – Senior Citizens – Water Street (Tuesday and Thursday)

- Morning 10:00am – 12:00pm

- Afternoon 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Thank you to all those who helped support our community during the recent floods. So many of the community and our staff went above and beyond. For information on what we offer head to www.chrh.org.au

FLOOD