The Local
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October 25, 2021 Issue 239 Easel does it!
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
2 About Us
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Front cover: Rosie, left, and Harper, right, are two of the Daylesford Dharma School students busy painting easels for the display of artworks in businesses around town for the Daylesford Art Show. Read all about the annual show on page 11.
October 25, 2021 Issue 239 Easel does it!
The Local is an essential service and all our staff are double VV vaxxed! The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria. The next edition is out on Monday, November 8, 2021. Or online on Sunday, November 7 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, November 3 Copy deadline: Thursday, November 4 Editorial deadline: Thursday, November 4
Image: Kyle Barnes
Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283 news@tlnews.com.au | sales@tlnews.com.au The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
Managing editor | Donna Kelly VV General manager | Kyle Barnes VV Sub-editors | Nick Bunning VV and Lindsay Smith VV
The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a director.
Writers | Kevin Childs VV, Tony Sawrey VV, Jeff Glorfeld VV, Narelle Groenhout VV, Sandy Scheltema VV, Carol Saffer VV & Donna Kelly VV Photographers | Kyle Barnes VV, David White VV & Louise Gay VV Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness VV
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.
Contributors: Glen Heyne VV (gardening), Darren Lowe VV (gigs), Matthew Richardson VV (money) & Jen Clarke VV (recipes) Accounts | Julie Hanson VV
Delivery | Tony Sawrey VV
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Out & About 3
Our Local Legends! The Local asked people to tell us who is helping them through this tough time, and our readers responded. Send us more and we will keep this page happening! Loving our Local Legends.
Lesley Hewitt
All healthcare workers
Mari @ Coles
Mel @ Chaplins
Jason Dooley
Gayle
Father Neil
My neighbour Pat!
Scan the QR code for events
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Everyone is also welcome to upload their own events - at no charge. Put up when, what, where and why and add a photo if you like. The more the merrier. It's been kept very simple so everyone can use it but again. if you come unstuck send us an email at news@tlnews. And the Central Highlands is no exception, in fact, com.au or give us a call on 0416 104 283 and we will one thing we do really well, is being out and about in send you an instruction sheet. spring and summer! There is also another section for sports results and So, if you are keen to find out what is happening photos - now we can finally get back to our much around our region, just scan the QR code to the right and it will take you straight to The Local's events listings missed bowling, cricket and tennis teams - and many more. on our website at www.tlnews.com.au We really hope you take advantage of the website as It might be something big like the Daylesford Art Show or the Swiss Italian Festa, or perhaps just a gig at the go-to spot for everything happening in the Central Highlands. the Palais-Hepburn or Scrub Hill Church.
ITH many people now double vaccinated, life is going in the right direction and events are starting up
STORM AND FLOOD
BULLETIN
This regular bulletin provides recovery updates following the June 2021 storms and floods. Bushfire Recovery Victoria proudly works in partnership with council and the local community to support recovery.
STORM AND FLOOD
RECOVERY SUPPORT
HOTLINE
RESIDENTIAL STORM AND FLOOD CLEAN-UP PROGRAM If your residential property was damaged or made unsafe by the storm and floods that happened on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 June, you may be eligible for the Residential Storm and Flood Clean-up program. The free program covers the demolition and removal of damaged structures or the dismantling of hazardous trees threatening residents, work crews and structures on eligible residential properties. Registrations are closing at 11.59pm on Sunday 31 October 2021. Register now by calling 1800 560 760 0r online at brv.vic.gov.au/cleanup The cut-off date is for new registrations only – it does not affect those who are already registered and are waiting for a call-back, site assessment or works to begin.
1800 560 760 The Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline is a single statewide number that Victorians impacted by the June 2021 storms and floods can call for help or assistance. Operators can assist you with registering for CleanUp of structures on private property or accessing your own Recovery Support Worker, mental health and wellbeing support, financial counselling and information on available payments. Call the Storm and Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
We’re here to help.
PARKS VICTORIA UPDATE As the days grow warmer and spring wildflowers start to bloom across our landscape, Parks Victoria is encouraging visitors to prioritise their safety, respect nature and rangers who are reopening key sites across Hepburn Regional Park, Macedon Regional Park and Lerderderg State Park. Local rangers have cleared trees from more than 100-kilometres of roads, walking trails and picnic grounds. In Hepburn Regional Park, all areas north of the Midlands Highway are now open, while some roads and tracks to the south – including the Goldfields Walking Track – remain closed due to wet weather conditions. Final hazard works at Coliban Scenic Reserve (Trentham Falls) are expected to be completed shortly.
DISASTER RESILIENCE FOR BUSINESS Did you know that most disaster preparation is the same regardless of what the situation is? It might seem hard but preparing your business for disaster is easier than you think. A disaster recovery plan will enable you to adapt more quickly to change so you can minimise the risk of disruption to your business. Make sure to share your plan with your staff so they know what to do. The more you know about what could disrupt your business, the more you can do to prevent it. Visit business.vic.gov.au and search Disaster Resilience for Business to get the guidance and support you need to prepare your business for disasters.
As staff continue state-wide clearing of vehicle and fire access tracks and fuel breaks before summer, visitors are asked to refer to the Parks Victoria website for updated information. Please stay on the tracks and refrain from removing any fallen wood, as rangers work to get the balance between clearing fallen timber and retention right. Much of the timber will become critical habitat and shelter for the diverse flora and fauna in the region. As it decays, it will also provide food resources and erosion control, and recycle nutrients in the ecosystem. parks.vic.gov.au
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News 5
Clay trail roadmap
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HE Central Victorian Clay Trail is one roadmap that will lead you on a journey of discovery to the inner sanctums of the region’s ceramicists and help blow out the lockdown cobwebs.
This year 14 ceramics studios will open to the public over the weekend of November 13 and 14, from 10am to 4pm, offering a glimpse into the working life of a potter. Artists from Mount Alexander and Hepburn shires will welcome visitors to explore the individual processes they use to take clay through to its final state. There will be a huge range of styles and techniques on show, from sculptural work to tableware and everything in between. All studios will follow Covid guidelines, including QR and manual check-in, and adhere to numbers of visitors allowed in the studio. Hepburn Shire participants include Minna Graham (Musk Vale), Kim Haughie (Springmount), Angie Izard (Porcupine Ridge) and Chandra Paul (Clunes). Mt Alexander Shire participants include Oxart Pottery (Taradale), Ann Ferguson (Castlemaine), Fluxed Earth (Castlemaine), Dee Hutchison (Castlemaine), Andrea Ebsworth (Maldon), Tracey Koolen (Maldon), Felicity Ceramics (Muckleford), Angie Robinson (Walmer), Chris Johnston (Green Gully) and Sarah Koschak (Newstead). Download the map from www. centralvictorianpotters.org *The brochure lists 15 studios, however, number five, Ellen Hansa-Stanyer, has withdrawn from the trail.
Pictured, right, Kim Haughie's studio is situated in the basalt-rich region of Springmount, with her mostly wheel-formed, functional pieces an immediate response to her environment Image: Amelia Stanwix
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Des O'Toole local honey $8.00
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Fresh wave of myxomatosis concern for domestic pets
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ABBITS came to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788 and were bred and maintained as food animals with more introduced in later years for recreational hunting.
Like much exotic flora and fauna, rabbits adapted to their new country extremely well, numbers began to grow and by the 1820s, they were becoming a problem. Mild winters let them breed all year round and the opening up of large areas of bush to farming and grazing on the land’s fertile fringes created ideal conditions for rabbits to flourish. By the early 20th century it was estimated that 10 billion rabbits were spread across the land. Along with this incredible growth came a multitude of methods employed to control them, ranging from laying poison to shooting and trapping. Such work, while effective in contained areas, really did nothing to control overall numbers. However, biological measures such as the introduction of the myxoma virus in the 1950s and calicivirus in the 1990s contributed to a large reduction in overall rabbit numbers. Nonetheless, Australia still remains home to around 150 million of them. It is commonly assumed that myxomatosis caused by the myxoma virus quickly became ineffective and only the calicivirus remains as a control for present-day populations. However myxomatosis is still about doing its job, as Daylesford vet Andrew Hitchman explains: “Wild rabbits that are resistant to these viruses won’t die and some of their offspring might have some of that resistance as well. But a couple of generations down the track as the population recovers, a lot more are susceptible as another wave of disease comes into the area.” Such a process can be seen around the region. As rabbit numbers have increased, a fresh wave of disease has emerged. The most obvious is myxomatosis with sick, blind creatures affected by it stumbling around in broad daylight for several days before death. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease or calicivirus kills far more rapidly. “You don’t tend to see the ones with calicivirus,” says Andrew, “because they die out of sight and quickly." The upswing of these diseases in the feral population is of great interest to owners of domestic rabbits along with what steps can be taken to protect them. Let's start with calicivirus. First of all, leporidae (rabbit) calicivirus is different from feline (cat) calicivirus so there is no chance of these animals catching each other’s disease. There is also a vaccine available in Australia called Cylap for your pet bunny and should be administered every 12 months. Myxomatosis is a different story. There is no vaccine for myxomatosis available in Australia. The official reason as stated on the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website is: “The myxomatosis vaccines available overseas are live attenuated vaccines (also known as ‘modified live’ vaccines). The virus in these types of vaccines may spread from vaccinated rabbits into the wild rabbit population which could allow wild rabbits to increase their immunity to myxomatosis.” In light of this restriction, other precautions are required. “Myxomatosis is spread by mosquitoes and rabbit fleas, so flywire on their hutches is effective,” says Andrew, “as is keeping the hutch inside.” “Basically, keep them away from biting insects and wild rabbits who would be carrying fleas. There are also many flea treatments that are perfectly suitable for rabbits.” Andrew also added that myxomatosis is a blood-borne disease and cannot be brought into your house or rabbit hutch on shoes. While we are on the subject of pet rabbits, Andrew would also like to mention several other tips: Never feed your bunny pellets because they can damage teeth and create abscesses. Give them grass or grass/clover hay instead. Consider neutering them to reduce aggression in males and uterine tumours in females. Never house rabbits with guinea pigs and finally: the best advice is always from your vet.
Words: Tony Sawrey
PODCAST
“Basically, keep them away from biting insects and wild rabbits who would be carrying fleas. There are also many flea treatments that are perfectly suitable for rabbits.” -Vet Andrew Hitchman
Stories of the Storm
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ANDY Scheltema's Stories of the Storm series is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham & Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club. The series showcases stories of courage, tenacity, bravery and resilience within the community from people who experienced the terrifying storm of June 10, 2021. This piece features Paul Hilder, director of Nursing at Trentham Aged Care (Central Highlands Rural Health). “I knew it was a windy night. One of my staff rang early in the morning and told me some staff couldn’t get in, some couldn’t get home. About 7am I started to drive in to work from Greendale. I got as far as Barrys Reef and the SES were on the road. I saw powerlines down. Some other blokes and I thought we’d give them a hand. I reckon there were about five or six blokes including me lifting branches and small logs. There were branches over the road; you’d get through, then there’d be more about 50 metres apart. We did that for about an hour, then a tree fell right behind us. “That’s when the SES guy said ‘I’m gonna call it. It’s too dangerous, we’re stopping.’ I said, ‘I’m the director of nursing, I’ve got 35 residents at Trentham that I need to get up to!’ The SES guy said, ‘Well you’re not getting there today.’ “I felt a sense of responsibility to get there. There was another guy helping, with a four-wheel drive and trailer, Patrick. I said to him ‘Do you want to give it a crack at getting through one of the back tracks?’ We tried one or two tracks off the main road, but they were all blocked with fallen trees. He took me to my car and I went home. “I couldn’t get through by either landline or mobile to work. I felt the gravity of what had happened. I said to my wife ‘I’m gonna try and ride to work’. She wasn’t happy about it. I put the bike in the back of the ute. I could only get just north of Blackwood with the car. The thing that really struck me was the quietness: it was like the end of the world. I got to a house which had smoke coming out of the chimney. I thought it would be quicker if they could throw my bike in the back of their ute. “The woman who answered said she’d get her husband to help. We got as far as Wheelers Track, before Newbury. There were more massive logs on the road - big manna gums. The road was blocked. I thanked the guy and got out my bike. “I told the SES guy that was on the road I was going to ride my bike through. He said, ‘Good luck - I wouldn’t recommend it!’ I went under some logs, over, around, holding my bike. You could ride every now and again. I saw Ana and Lance Whitehouse in Newbury. Like everyone else they had no power or phone. “I was thinking, ‘I can do this, I’m pretty fit!’ What struck me again was the silence - every now and again you’d see people just standing there. “I think they were all in shock. Every five metres there was another tree to get under or over or another branch to get through. I would look at what was in front of me and think ‘Does this ever end?’
“Occasionally I’d lift my bike to the top of the pile, then scramble under the pile, then from the other side get it from its perch on the top. Each pile of logs had to be assessed on its own merits. “I got hot. I didn’t have water. I got scratched quite a bit. I got near the tip, saw the next pile and I thought: ‘I can’t get through here, I can’t do this.’ But it was stupid to go back, so I persisted. It was just a mountain of massive logs, almost impenetrable, wet, and slippery. I just did it. Eventually I got past the cemetery and rode through town; people were just standing around on the street. I was relieved and quite happy I’d got through. I’ll never be able to explain how arduous it was. “I knew the staff at Trentham Aged Care would have things in hand. Local Trentham staff who could get in whether they were on duty or not were at work. The cook couldn’t get in because of the blocked roads. The cook’s assistant and other Trentham nursing staff organised for their daughters to come in and give meals to the residents and help. The power was out, the diesel generator had kicked in automatically, but it ran out of fuel and the maintenance man couldn’t get in from Woodend. Kath, the assistant cook, called her husband Dave who brought in diesel fuel. We’ve now got a bigger tank for the genny. The community spirit was amazing. We had offers of diesel fuel from other community members as well. “The staff from the evening shift of the night of the storm who couldn’t get home stayed and slept here. We had members of the public who got stuck in town staying here too. When I got here Jacqui Tisdale (nurse unit manager) and Raelene Gardiner (assistant nurse unit manager) had already enacted the emergency management plan Code Yellow - the staff had it all in hand. I wasn’t surprised. The real heroes here were the staff and the residents. It was Kath and the kids of the staff, and the community. There were so many offers of help. “The residents are a stoic generation; they took it all in their stride. There was a massive pine tree down outside the living room, they were a bit shocked. Subconsciously, Covid is impacting on everyone’s mental health. I don’t think there is a true awareness of this. I think the storm just compounded what has already been a horrible 12 or 18 months with Covid. “I believe in climate change, but I don’t think this storm was a result of climate change - I think it was nature at her worst. We can be proud and grateful that we live in such a caring, beautiful, supportive community. We need to take time to reflect on that. Look what’s happening in Afghanistan, it really does make you take stock of how fortunate we are in this community. Even before I started the ride through the fallen logs, I knew my staff and the community would do all they could within their powers to ensure the safety of the residents. The sacrifices people made to ensure the safety of our residents - the nurses in Trentham were impacted by the storm personally - but they put that aside to come to work."
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VIRTUAL OPEN DAY Live virtual events and online tours BALLARAT AND QUEEN’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL
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Vale Bob McKinnon
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ILENCE fell over the small town of Clunes last Tuesday in a beautiful farewell for town stalwart Bob McKinnon.
A small family service ended in a community event that some locals have described as a once in a lifetime moment. Townspeople gathered along the main street of the historic town, shops closed their doors momentarily, the Australian flag flew at half-mast at the RSL, while a lone piper lead the funeral procession through the streets. Bob McKinnon was 61 years old. He was known and loved by his community - evident in the hundreds of people that formed a guard of honour. Two weeks ago, this incredibly talented sculptor, writer, poet, motorbike enthusiast, a local member of a band, the Clunes Lodge, the RSL and all-round great bloke, died unexpectedly while out test driving a customer’s motorbike. For his daughter Kodie, the shock for her family is something she said they will never get over. But the outpouring of emotion from this close community is something she will never forget. “Words can’t describe what it meant to our family to have the community come out and show us how much he was loved and respected. Both sides of the street were lined with people. It was simply beautiful and overwhelming. He meant so much to so many people and for my family, it meant the world to us,” she said. “My mum Lyn has lost her soulmate. Lyndon and I have lost our father. We grew up having a dad tell us that he could never make decisions for us but would always be there when we needed him. He was an incredible role model, an inspiration and lived by the motto, just be kind. Just help others.” Bob’s sister Nola Brewer publicly thanked the community for its outpouring of emotion and good friend Dave Reynolds said Clunes has lost a friend to all.
“It didn’t matter what he was doing or where he was going, he always had time for a chat. He did so much for many different groups, was such an ally to the local Men’s Shed, was a brilliant artist and poet and involved in so many different community groups. He will be missed terribly. We were both motorbike enthusiasts and he spent a lot of time on my bike so I will have him with me,” Dave said. While Dave said he feels the spirit of the Clunes township and its tight knit community, he was "simply blown away" by Bob’s send off. “I’ve never seen anything like it. There were people from all walks of life, mothers, children, farmers, artists, poets and our local councillor was there. His legacy will live on in his sculptures and art work in our town.” There were people of all ages, from all walks of life. Something the family said showed Bob could "cross all ages and was friends with everyone". For Kodie and Lyndon, losing their dad at such a young age has meant their young kids have lost their Poppy. “He was an amazing Poppy. He had been making a billycart with my little boy and was excited to be bringing it over to us on the Saturday. He died on the Friday. It’s been so hard trying to explain to the kids that we can’t see Poppy anymore but he is in heaven. It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “He never judged anybody and spent his time just giving back to his family and those around him. No words can describe how his community came out to say one last goodbye.” Bob’s sidekick Monroe travelled on Bob’s truck as part of the procession, sitting among Bob’s sculptures. Three of Bob’s mates made sure Monroe was there at the end. Because Bob was so active in the region, his sculptures, artwork, paintings and poems will continue to be his legacy. He sculptured the Anzac Man which the family donated to the RSL and it takes pride and place at the front door. He recently voiced vignettes for a local initiative to capture stories from the past that have made Clunes what it is today. Bob always reminded his family he was there for them. And in a moving tribute, unrehearsed, unscripted, the community showed that they were there for him and for the family he leaves behind.
Words: Narelle Groenhout Images: Jason Judd (main image) & Clunes Neighbourhood House
$880 support for energy-efficient heating / cooling hot water insulation draught-proofing blinds & curtains* For more info contact Tim: assessor@hepburnznet.org.au phone: 0490 436 264 hepburnznet.org.au/home https://bit.ly/2NfhOcG
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*Eligibility conditions apply - for Hepburn Shire homeowners and renters in energy stress, low income earners, concession cardholders, and people with chronic or ongoing medical conditions or mobility issues and carers. An $880 co-contribution is also required to receive subsidy amount.
The next edition of House.Land.Home.Premium is out December 6. For bookings contact Kyle on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au Everything house, land and home. Don't miss out!
Daylesford to come alive with 'Art on Vincent'
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AYLESFORD'S town centre will come alive with colour when ‘Art on Vincent’ kicks off this Friday.
As part of the 2021 Daylesford Art Show, hosted by Rotary, the exciting new concept will bring artwork to the community and truly highlight our region's remarkable talent. For Creswick artist Di Lehne, who won the Best Portrait Category in last year’s show, being able to exhibit this year has given artists an incredible boost. “Many art shows across the region have been cancelled so it is wonderful as an artist to be able to showcase our work. Daylesford Rotary has organised it in such a unique way that the show can still happen,” she said. Di, pictured above and well known across the region for her inspirational and thought-provoking pieces and for engaging the Creswick and Clunes community through art, has her work on display year-round at the Rose & Oak Café in Clunes. This year Di has entered four pieces in the art show including still life, abstract and landscape - and make sure you view her work titled Fractured State 2. It’s timely, political and absorbing! Running for a month, the Daylesford Art Show will not only feature artwork in local businesses but will also include unique self-guided audio tours, including Australian Sign Language interpretation, along Vincent Street featuring artworks on display thanks to local business QRush Media. Daylesford Rotarian, Tim Cansfield-Smith, said this year’s show is one that the entire community has thrown its support behind. “From local businesses embracing artwork in their shops, to students from the Dharma School painting the easels for the displayed art, right through to many businesses sponsoring the event, our show highlights what really can be achieved when the community comes together,” he said. “The idea for people to listen to the audio by simply scanning a QR code in the window, hear about the featured artwork and then go and view the work is an incredibly engaging experience. If you love the work then you can even buy it on the spot. “The important aspect is 25 per cent of proceeds from each sale goes towards much-needed education, health, environment and community welfare projects in our local community. “We are looking forward to artists and art-lovers alike celebrating the best painting talent our region has to offer. Covid restrictions have made us really think about ways we can bring artwork to our community and by bringing art to the streets we hope ‘Art on Vincent’ will inspire many across our regions to embrace the 2021 Daylesford Art Show.”
Exhibiting artists, from top clockwise, Di Lehne, Brian Nash, Val Farrell and The Daylesford Art Show will run from Friday, October 29 - Tuesday, November 2 from 10am - 5pm in the Daylesford Town Hall with a 20-person Catherine Tait limit. Over 25 artworks will be on display in participating businesses as part Images: Contributed (top) & Kyle Barnes of ‘Art on Vincent’ from Wednesday, November 3.
Vaccination Update
Healthy, Happy Feet
Central Highlands Rural Health's Community Vaccination Clinic at Kyneton Health now has Pfizer and Moderna vaccines appointments available. The clinic is open every Tuesday and Friday and bookings can be made online or over the phone:
It’s undeniable our lives have been very different these last few years. The changes we've experienced have affected every aspect of our health and our feet are no exception. Whether it’s spending more time at home, walking around barefoot or in slippers, or sitting too much, these new habits have an impact on our foot health, with flow-on effects to the rest of the body. What does a podiatrist do? Simply put, a podiatrist looks after your feet. This can be anything from nail care, treatment for corns or plantar warts, to treatment for muscular skeletal issues affecting the foot such as bursitis, neuromas, muscle strains, joint exclusions and ligament sprains. A podiatrist can help improve knee, hip and back issues when working in conjunction with physiotherapists and other health professionals Where can I find a podiatrist? Central Highlands Rural Health's Community Health & Wellbeing team provides podiatry services to the community in Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham. The team also supports patients in Daylesford and Creswick hospitals, as well as residents in Trentham, Creswick and Daylesford Aged Care. How do I book an appointment? Appointments in the community can be made by phoning 5321 6550. Although GPs referral are not required, they may be helpful if your need is urgent. The cost of service will vary (depending upon your personal circumstances), however the maximum amount per visit is $30 ($15 for pension/healthcare card holders). Where can I find our more? For more information about podiatry, visit the Australian Podiatry Association: www.podiatry.org.au. For more information about podiatry at Central Highlands Rural Health, visit: www.chrh.org.au
Make a booking: Scan the QR code Go online: portal.cvms.vic.gov.au Call the hotline: 1800 675 398 Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available for people aged 12 years and over. Talk to your doctor or regular health professional if you have concerns about your health and the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, visit: www.chrh.org.au/covid-19-vaccines. We are really proud of the strong vaccination rates across our region and want to thank you for getting the jab done! The more people who get vaccinated, the more protection there is for you, your loved ones and our whole community.
Hepburn Shire 94.3%
First dose vaccination rate (15+)
74.7%
Second dose vaccination rate (15+)
Macedon Ranges >95%
First dose vaccination rate (15+)
81.1%
Second dose vaccination rate (15+) Source: https://covidlive.com.au/report/vaccinations-by-lga/vic on 18/10/2021
Find our more about the COVID-19 vaccine in our latest newsletter: Clunes I Creswick I Daylesford I Kyneton I Trentham 5321 6500 www.chrh.org.au www.facebook.com/CHRHorgAU
Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
This week sees the lifting of some COVID restrictions with the further opening of restaurants, gyms and so on, and the return of some visitors to homes. The Shire has also achieved over 94% of eligible residents vaccinated with their first dose. This is a welcome change for all of us and we can look forward to community sport and the return of community events like the Rotary Art Show (over Cup weekend in the Daylesford Town Hall), and Sprout, a spring festival organised by the Daylesford Horticultural Society on 19 and 20 November. We need to continue to follow the Chief Health Officer’s instructions in relation to mask wearing, social distancing and requirements for vaccination before returning to work locations, eating out, going to the pub and all the other things we enjoy. We’re living with COVID now and need to be mindful of reducing our risk. Council’s Annual Report for the financial year 2020-2021 is now available on the Council website. I would encourage you to have a look at it – the report details what has been achieved in the last financial year and what Council’s financial position is. It has been a tumultuous year that included the election of a new Council (with 6 of 7 new Councillors), a change in CEO, the implementation of the Local Government Act 2020 and the legislative requirements that entailed, COVID restrictions meaning most staff had to work from home, and the violent storm in June that impacted around 35% of the Shire. Whilst managing those events, amongst other things, Council launched the Hepburn Together project to shape the future direction of the Shire through the Community Vision and Council Plan, adopted the C80hepb Planning Scheme Amendment, conducted citizenship ceremonies virtually and face to face, opened a customer service desk at the Trentham Library, started an organics bin trial at Clunes to reduce organic waste going to landfill and obtained over $8 million for projects across the Shire. The October Council meeting also approved the guidelines for salvaging at our tips, firewood collection on Council roads and nature strip planting for Local Law No.2. That work started in the financial year. I want to take this opportunity to thank Council staff, Councillors (both the current Councillors and those former Councillors) and the members of the community who contributed to the achievements that are listed in the Annual Report. Take the chance to have a look at it – it’s easy to lose sight of what has been achieved over a year and only focus on where we are at now. I look forward to when Victoria reaches an 80% vaccination rate and the lifting of further restrictions, being able to go to our great community events again and the return of visitors from metropolitan areas as well as the rest of Victoria. Cr Lesley Hewitt MAYOR
CONTACTS
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PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au
FREE FIREWOOD COMING SOON
Council’s free firewood distribution trial held in October was successful. We are making final adjustments to the program and will soon open times for residents and ratepayers to book in and collect their two cubic metres (2m3) of cut and split firewood. Once times are available you will be able to book via www.hepburn.vic. gov.au/firewood. We will publicise this on our Facebook page, in community newspapers, and via our e-newsletter, Hepburn Life. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/hepburn/sign-up. Council recently contacted community groups with the offer of free firewood. If your community group did not receive an email and are interested in learning more, email Inga Hamilton at ihamilton@ hepburn.vic.gov.au.
FREE GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL
Throughout November Council offers residents free green waste disposal at our three transfer stations in Trentham, Creswick and Daylesford. This is to help you get your property ready for the fire danger period. Please ensure that green waste is free of noxious weeds and is separated from other items. Visitors to the transfer stations must comply with COVID safety requirements. For details on transfer station opening hours visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/ transfer-stations.
LOCAL LAW 2 GUIDELINES
Council has endorsed the Local Law No.2 Guidelines that govern planting on nature strips, firewood collection and salvaging at our transfer stations. Thank you to reference group participants who helped to draft the document. The guidelines will soon be available on our website
CENTRAL SPRINGS RESERVE PLAN
Council has adopted a masterplan to outline future improvements to Central Springs Reserve, a popular destination for locals and visitors, located at the southern end of Lake Daylesford. The masterplan provides a long-term vision to upgrade the site, which incorporates feedback from community members. The well-loved reserve will benefit from upgrades over future years and includes a plan to install better paths to help people enjoy the reserve and access the area, new furniture, additional plantings and more. Council will seek government assistance to fund improvement projects. Take a look at the masterplan at https://participate. hepburn.vic.gov.au/central-springs-reserve-masterplan.
COUNCIL PLAN AND VISION UPDATE
Council will hold a Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday 26 October from 6pm to consider the Community Vision, Council Plan 2021-2025 and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Watch the meeting live via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hepburncouncil. For after hours emergencies please call: Animal Control - 0419 587 955 Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil
14 Advertorial
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BOOM Clunes up for Mainstreet awards
B
OOM Clunes has been shortlisted in the Mainstreet Australia awards to be announced in November.
The awards have been running for 20 years and recognise and celebrate the achievements of businesses or volunteers who ensure the ongoing success and survival of main streets. BOOM Clunes chief entrepreneur Lana de Kort said BOOM Clunes, a social enterprise by Clunes Neighbourhood House, was launched earlier this year in response to the pandemic and the need to help strengthen the community as the world returned to a new normal. The award recognition was just icing on the cake. “Main streets play an incredibly important role in contributing to the vitality of communities – big or small. The intention was to provide a place that would have a role for visitors to our town, as well as the many people who live and work here. “Nearly a year into our start-up the book and gift shop are a regular destination for locals and tourists alike. Upstairs our co-working space has become home to local businesses, with one office still available, as well as an open workspace for many people living and working at home. “It is something we are all very proud of. To be honest, when you roll out a project in small town you don’t think people beyond will be aware of what you are doing, so just being a part of the Mainstreet awards is really encouraging.” Lana said a big part of the Clunes Neighbourhood House strategy over the years had been concentrating on contributing to the neighbourhood first, knowing that benefits for the House would follow. “So, during the pandemic it was natural for us to think of how we could contribute to the town as the world started opening up. The beauty of BOOM Clunes is that it’s a circular business model with diverse income streams – both the retail, and the co-working space. That means we can better weather the ups and downs that come with operating a business in a pandemic, as well as generating income we can reinvest into the community going forward. “Establishing a business like this in our main street has been a big commitment. We’ve raised our own funds to match the start-up grant we received from the Business Chambers and Trader Groups program, and volunteers have contributed hours of their time to get our doors open, and keep us running.”
Clunes Neighbourhood House committee members and volunteers
Lana said the store, offering a real Clunes experience, has included products from more than 20 different local suppliers. It means when people buy from BOOM Clunes that they are buying local on more than one level. Upstairs people are working, networking, thinking and talking in serviced offices, contributing to a culture of confidence that’s important now as the world opens up. “It has been a challenging time but also really exciting to see the overwhelming support we have received to bring it to fruition. To be shortlisted for this award, up there with some pretty huge initiatives, feels like an incredible acknowledgement of the vision and hard work that’s been behind BOOM Clunes from the beginning.”
Link: www.boomclunes.org | www.mainstreetaustralia.org.au
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Out & About 15
Romsey Stranger winner
Pizzeria
La L na Home deliveries Thursday to Sunday Get your pizza fix during COVID-19 Thursday, Sunday, Monday | 5pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday | 5pm - 10pm Tuesday & Wednesday | CLOSED
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Let’s support our community and shop local! “Locals supporting Locals”
Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.
Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply. Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver. Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577. Keep safe, everyone.
W
HILE the pandemic killed off the Words in Winter writers’ festival for the second year, it couldn’t stop a vigorous short story competition under the theme of The Stranger.
The winner is Belinda Oliver of Romsey who, at 37, has been writing since she was about 11. That was when she won her first writing competition at school. She went on to study professional writing at university, winning the Flash Fiction category in the 2019 Wyndham Writing Awards Anthology. Her stories have appeared in several publications. Ms Oliver lives with her husband, nine-year-old son and two cats and works as a gardener with her father and as a community lifestyle enhancement worker with Macedon Ranges Health. “I write fairly sporadically but spend most days at least exploring story ideas in my head. I write most of my ideas in the notes section of my phone and then flesh them out from there on my laptop, sometimes a few days later, sometimes a few months even. I find I write best at night.” Short stories, she says, have the power to make a great impact on readers and hopes that this includes her work. As well as locally, entries came from across the state, including Fish Creek in Gippsland, Bendigo, Geelong and Melbourne suburbs such as Box Hill and Yarraville. Ms Oliver won $500.
To read the winning entry head to www.tlnews.com.au
A PUB FOR THE LOCALS Come in, grab a drink and be local. Join us for STEAK NIGHT every Thursday $25 and our locals’ favourite SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST $25.
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16 Homes & Gardens
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Do you keep gardens tidy? Advertise here.
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Bells Water Gardens has been in the water garden business for over 25 years, building and maintaining ponds and growing a diverse range of aquatic plants for the nursery trade and public. We are passionate about building natural eco-system ponds, adding beauty and encouraging wildlife, allowing interaction with nature. Water gardens built by us are quiet, contemplative places to rest and energise the senses. Contact us for all your water garden requirements or come and see our nursery at 846 Gillies Rd, Bald Hills.
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To market, to market
Y
OU can find everything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds. Here are just a few.
Some like it cool I’m sure that, like me, you have a dark, shady corner of the garden where the hardy sunlovers just simply can’t do their best. Fortunately, there’s an equal number of beautiful shade-seeking plants of all kinds just itching to strut their stuff. These plants, although preferring cool, moist conditions in the warmer months, are just as dependent on good drainage and rich, friable soil. Many shadeloving plants also prefer an acidic soil, so this must also be taken into consideration when preparing the bed. Unfortunately many cool, shady spots are poorly drained and will need careful preparation before any planting can take place. Where the area is low-lying and water lies around during wet weather, it would be advisable to raise the soil level by at least 10-12cm by spreading a thick layer of compost or crumbly loam, well mixed with finely pulverised cow or horse manure to a depth of at least 10 cm. This layer should be dug well into the existing soil. When planting trees or shrubs, always form a small mound on which to plant to assist in drainage. A 5-6cm layer around the base of the plant will reduce the need for excessive watering during hot weather as well as keeping the roots cool. Shade-loving plants are best placed where they receive early morning or late afternoon sun, avoiding the leaf-scorching heat of the midday summer sun and any damage to delicate foliage, especially young growth. Ideally they should face either south or south-east or at least be planted where larger trees or overhanging eaves give protection during the middle of the day. Naturally, wherever you choose, protection from hot, drying winds is essential. As well as the more commonly grown shade lovers such as azaleas, camellias, and fuchsias there are many trees, shrubs and perennials that deserve greater recognition. Shady spots aren’t only the domain of those from cold climates that simply frizzle in our summers. There are quite a few that simply perform better with a bit of protection. Among these are the Japanese sacred bamboo, nandina and abelia which although evergreen turn to a delightful bronze on the cooler months and are even more colourful in the cool. The actual make-up of the foliage of plants can determine their ability to handle weather extremes such as searing sunlight and even frosts. For example azaleas and their cousins the rhododendrons. Azaleas, with their flimsy, soft-textured leaves just wilt at the first summer blast, whereas rhododendrons, with their hard, glossysurfaced foliage fare much better, as do similarly clad camellias. Obviously the tough mirror-like foliage can deflect much of the heat.
A simple guide in choosing locations for planting Ficus pumila, the small-leafed trailing fig, which will cover the ground or a wall in the shade, is in its young growth an attractive golden colour. As the plant grows, they become deeper green and larger. Gordonia axillaris, a small, evergreen tree growing to 3 metres in height is often mistaken for a camellia with its glossy leaves and large single white flowers with a cluster of bright yellow stamens. It requires a slightly warmer climate than camellias and protection from frost when young. Laburnum vulgare (golden chain tree) with its long trailing sprays of golden yellow will brighten up even the shadiest corner and will even grow under taller trees. Among the small shrubs, the all-time favourite, daphne odora, revels in shade and will spread its perfume throughout the whole area. Nandina domestica, the Japanese sacred bamboo, in its many forms, makes handsome, multi-coloured clumps and its white flower clusters are frequently followed by bright red berries.
Got a gardening question? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com
Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday (pictured) Wesley Hill Market - every Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Golden Plains Farmers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Castlemaine Artists’ Market – first Sunday Trentham Community Group Market - second Saturday Kyneton Farmers Market - second Saturday Ballan Farmers Market - second Saturday Kyneton Rotary Community Market – second Saturday Maldon Market – second Sunday Clunes Farmers Market - second Sunday Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market - third Saturday Glenlyon Farmers Market – third Saturday Leonards Hill Market - third Saturday Creswick Market - third Saturday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday Rotary Daylesford Farmers Market - fourth Saturday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday Check for any restrictions...image below, pre-Covid
TRENTHAM PETROL & ..................................... STUFF Petrol, oil, swap & go gas, Motorpass, farm produce, farm produce store, ice, milk, soft drinks, take away pies, coffee, confectionery, local honey, etc Rusty junk, secondhand books, old wares
.................................................. 1 Market Street ~ ph: 5424 1611
Monday–Sunday 8aM~6pM
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Movie extras needed
A
FEATURE film, In God’s Care, is being shot in Hepburn Shire in November and December - and they need extras!
Harvest Pictures Group co-CEO Tony Coombs said the film was inspired by tragic and true events which happened in the mid-90s but the story line was being kept under wraps for the time being. A number of well known, along with emerging Australian actors, have already signed up for the project. Mr Coombs said the film was being produced in towns around Hepburn Shire including Daylesford, Hepburn, Dean, Kyneton, Yandoit and Franklinford. "The rural charm and classic streetscapes were an important aspect in the decision-making process of the producers, understanding the film is set early 1990s," he said. "The authenticity and condition of original buildings' exterior and interior, rather than contrived production dressing, was paramount in this decision." Mr Coombs said one of the producers of the film, Lauren Simpson of Iris Arc Pictures, who is also the president of Women In Film & Television Victoria is keen to find a limited number of 8-12 extras across two separate days in late November and early December. "The producers, cast and crew felt it important to get the community involved further and invite them to be part of the film," Ms Simpson said. "Cultural diversity, gender and age is no barrier and people of all backgrounds are welcome to email their information including a photo to igc@irisarcpictures.com Attention Maddie - if they would like to be involved." The project is also after vehicles and household appliances predating 1990. If you can help Contact Bianca Milani on 0419 351 603 or milani.bianca@gmail.com Mr Coombs said the project would also support many Hepburn Shire businesses throughout the production including caterers, equipment suppliers, local amenities and accommodation.
Kate Taylor does not write inspiration porn
I
DO not write inspiration porn.
If you don’t know me, or this is the first time you’ve read anything by me, for over 12 months I have been writing stories for a disability support service provider. About giving voice to the people they provide support to. Sometimes it’s employees with great stories, but usually the stories of the people to whom we provide supports. They are short, to increase readability as audiences tend to have shorter attention spans for online stories. They’re weekly, because we have a lot of great people living life. My one rule is that I always, always communicate with the person that the story is about. They are the one telling their story. They are the one controlling the narrative. I’m the one with 15 years’ experience as a journalist, I’m the one that’s won an award, I’m the one that presents to Deakin journalism students…and I’m the one handing over every bit of that control and power to the person I am interviewing. They’re the one who can tell me to bugger off, they’re the one who can tell me what to leave in and what to leave out, they’re the one telling me their story the way they want it told. And it’s an honour to hear it. It’s a bloody huge privilege to help them tell it, too. Sometimes they use a communication partner. Sometimes they can only use the words ‘yes’ or ‘no’ so it happily becomes a game of 20 Questions. Or I only get one question before they yell ‘bye!’ and hang up. Stories about disability tend to fall into one of two categories - inspiration porn, or pity prose. We’ve all seen it in the media. And that’s what I fight against. In my lectures, in my stories. I’m presenting on this very topic at the Victorian Country Press Association annual conference in November. Disability literacy. So that we no longer write stories about disability that are purely designed to make the people reading them feel better about themselves/the world. So that we call out every bit of pity prose as bulls***. So I give control over the narrative to the people I’m writing stories about. I give them the power to tell their own stories, the way they want them to be told. I do it because I’ve had the inspiration-porn thing done to me. Twice. Once, a few years ago, in a Fairfax newspaper. I told my story to a cracking young journo. And in the article he said of me ‘she did not have time to wallow in her affliction’. And again…‘rather than wallowing over her new situation’. One more quote…the vomit-inducing *inspiring* intro to the article: “At only 19, Kate Taylor went blind within a matter of months. But with her whole life before her, the Ballarat woman was not going to let a debilitating obstacle stand in her way. “Now 14 years on, the young mother and journalist is taking each new challenge with the same spirit.” I won’t put a link to it here. I don’t have time to wallow in sh****y journalism.
Such good intentions, to show the world what a great job a blind woman is doing. And such lazy, uninformed writing. Wallowing? Affliction? I’m not ‘overcoming’ anything. I’m just me. The second time? I was invited on ABC Radio’s Statewide Drive program to talk about a journalism award I had won. And the presenter only asked about me losing my sight. She was trying really, really hard for tears. She got so frustrated with me she asked ‘why are you so happy?’ and I said ‘Why wouldn’t I be?’ So, if I write a story about a person we support and I’m on about their daily life, I’m writing what they want me to tell? And it sounds ‘basic?’ And it’s devoid of excessive adverbs? And it’s not a tear-jerker? Then I call bulls***. And I laugh in your face, because every single person I interview for a story is really, really hard to get hold of because they are always out and about doing things. Things that they choose to do. Things that they love doing. And I appreciate it every single time they put me in their calendar to chat to, fitting me into their busy life. And I repay their trust by telling their story the way that they want it to be told. I don’t try to turn them into inspiration porn. I know how that feels. There’s no mention of ‘wallowing’ or ‘affliction’ or ‘spirit’ in my stories. I write real stories about real people, just the way they are. ‘I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man with no feet.’ What!? Pfft. I’d prefer to talk to the man with no feet than the one whinging about having no shoes. At least the one with no feet’s got a bloody good story. It’s not up to me to pick you up, brighten your day by telling you stories about people with no feet, just to make you feel better about yourself. I’m not here for inspiration porn. Mostly, the stories I write don’t even specify what a person’s disability is. I forget to ask. I’m too busy asking about the medals they’ve won, their recent trip across Italy, their work in an art gallery. About how they live their life. Feet or no feet... I’m putting stories out there into a world that doesn’t always see disability the way people with disability do. Sadly? A lot of readers are amazed to see that the people we provide supports to lead really busy and full lives. Happily. I get to show them how it’s done.
Kate Taylor is an award-winning journalist…and she’s also blind. In this series, she explores world issues through the lens of living in regional Victoria with a disability. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, her stories will always make you think. Email: kate.elizabeth.taylor.1@gmail.com
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Happy & Healthy 19
Moderna booster but not for 'old and fat'
A
SEPTEMBER 17 CNN online story was headlined: “Moderna's vaccine is the most effective, but Pfizer and J&J also protect well, CDC-led study says”. That news suited me just fine - as previously reported in this fine publication, I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine in January and took the second shot in February.
Meanwhile, in Redding, the northern California town where I live, on September 15 the local newspaper reported that “public health officials announced this week that the Covid-19 outbreak in Shasta County is the worst of any county in the state”. In much of the United States, and aggressively so here in Shasta County, the solution to the Covid crisis is to pretend it’s over. Mask wearing here has always been optional. And, although during the northern winter months, while national and local Covid numbers soared, mask wearers were generally in the majority in indoor public places here, this summer our numbers have dwindled into a small minority, and the number of Covid cases increased day by day, amid anti-vax and anti-mask demonstrations. For these reasons, and because I am a care-giver for my elderly parents, I have been closely following reports about Covid vaccine booster shots. On September 29, the CNET website published a story with the headline, “FDA could authorise Moderna Covid booster vaccine at a half dose. What to know.” The story also came with this secondary line: “If you got the Moderna vaccine against Covid-19, you could be in line for a booster shot.” Notice in both lines the use of the auxiliary verb “could”, indicating doubt, uncertainty. The story made reference to a September 28 Bloomberg story headlined “Food and Drug Administration leans toward authorising Moderna booster at a half dose”.
Again, note the tentative wording, “leans toward”, and also the part about only needing a half dose. I mention these grammatical points because on September 24 my wife and I received Moderna booster shots - full shots. It came about because a friend wanted to have a booster, even though his first Moderna shots had been administered weeks after we’d had ours. He simply showed up at the pharmacy department of the local supermarket chain where he’d received his original shots, filled out a form, and got the jab. It sounded so easy, we decided to follow suit. We don’t usually shop in this store, because it isn’t near our house and isn’t known for low prices or excellent fruit and veg - it isn’t one of those mega-marts where you can have the tyres on your car rotated while you shop for shoes and bananas, but it does have a pharmacy, which we found at the back of the store, just past the cleaning-products aisle, near the packaged meat department. On the form we were given to fill out, the only question that mattered was the one about which medical condition we had that made us believe a booster was necessary. Because we didn’t meet any of the listed criteria, we wrote in the blank: “Old and fat”. We gave our completed forms to one of the pharmacists and went to sit in the waiting room. A few minutes later the pharmacist came in and explained that our reason for wanting a booster wasn’t acceptable, but that if it was OK with us, he’d ignore it and proceed with the injections - full shots of Moderna vaccine. Bring it on, we said. As a postscript, I feel obliged to say that the booster had some unpleasant aftereffects - nothing serious, but we did feel tired, achy and listless, as if we’d caught a dose of influenza, for about three days. Other than that, it’s been fine.
After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, former Wheatsheaf resident Jeff Glorfeld went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past three years he has survived bushfires, snowstorms and drought. And Trump. The cicadas and locusts didn't arrive. Well, not yet.
Health Assessments
SUE’S PLACE
Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder
Be proactive and make time for your health
a little gift from me to you
Where is the love? There is so much fear, anger, even hatred. Families are being torn apart, lifelong friendships crumbling, businesses struggling in every way. Perhaps we can sow some seeds of love in our own hearts and watch what grows. For all enquiries and to book appointments, please contact: Dr Susanne M Heringslake Chiropractor Mobile: 0407 301 352
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Full health assessments are available for 45-49 age group and 75+ age group. NO GP REFERRAL REQUIRED Book an appointment with our Wellness Nurse. Speak to your GP about eligibility for a Bulk Billed Health Assessment. Covid-19 vaccines are still available. Please book online or call our reception team.
www.springsmedical.com.au Daylesford Kyneton Trentham 10 Hospital St 89B Piper Street 22 Victoria St tel: (03) 5348 2227 tel: (03) 5422 1298 tel: (03) 5424 1602 Follow us
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Cooking
with Jen Clarke
This slow-cooked lamb dish is brightened up with Middle Eastern flavours. Ras el hanout is a Middle Eastern spice mix, available from gourmet food shops. Ingredients (serves 4) • 600–750g diced lamb (I use the shank meat that you can get at the supermarket. This would also work well with leg chops or whole lamb shanks) • 1 tablespoon plain flour • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 brown onion, diced • 2cm piece of fresh ginger, grated • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped • 1 tablespoon ras el hanout (or you could use a teaspoon each of cumin and paprika) • 5 tomatoes, chopped, or a 400g tin chopped tomatoes • About 450g parsnip, carrots or sweet potato, cut into large chunks • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 cinnamon quill • About 400ml chicken stock or water • 1/3 cup natural yoghurt • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or half a preserved lemon rind, chopped (optional) • Coriander to serve
Method Preheat the oven to 160c. Season the lamb generously with salt and pepper and toss with flour. Heat the oil in a sturdy casserole dish over a medium heat. Brown the lamb for two minutes on each side, you may have to do this in batches. Remove the lamb and set aside. Allow the pot to cool slightly, then add the onion and cook gently, stirring often, for about five minutes until soft. Add the ginger, garlic, chilli and ras el hanout. Stir for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly. Add the lamb, root vegetable of choice, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey and cinnamon. Add enough stock or water to just cover the meat. Cover and bake in the oven for two hours. While the lamb is cooking, mix the yoghurt with the lemon juice or preserved lemon and add salt to taste (you probably won’t need salt with the preserved lemons). Set aside in the fridge. When the lamb is very tender, season to taste. Serve with couscous or rice and top with yoghurt and coriander.
Just briefly... Honour Roll nominations
Nominations are open for the Hepburn Shire's Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Role.
From teenagers not afraid to stand up for change to some of the incredible seniors and every age in between, it's time to highlight the inspirational women in the shire. Nominations close on November 8. Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au
No more library fines Hepburn Shire Council has joined a growing number of public libraries around the world removing library fines for overdue returns.
Instead there will be a limited borrowing for members who have outstanding items. Lost or damaged books will still have to be paid for, as is the case now. Those with existing fines will be asked to donated non-perishable food to a Forgiving Tree. The food will be donated to the food banks across Hepburn Shire.
Daylesford Hospital theatre upgrade Central Highlands Rural Health is planning for the $4.5 million upgrade to its theatre facilities at Daylesford Health. Construction is expected to commence in mid next year and will require the temporary suspension of surgical procedures for a limited time. Some procedures may be scheduled at Kyneton Health during this time. All other Daylesford Health services including urgent care, acute care, aged care and community services will operate as normal.
Webinars on heat pump hot water Hepburn Wind is partnering with local provider t2zero (t2z) to deliver an affordable bulk-buy, providing heat pump water heaters for Hepburn Shire residents. Two webinars, on October 27 and November 8, will demystify the technology, explain the bulk-buy process and give community members an opportunity to ask questions. Registrations: https://heatpumphotwaterbulkbuy.eventbrite.com.au/
Local Law No.2 Local Law No.2 guidelines have been endorsed by Hepburn Shire Council.
Under planting on nature strips there are two main options including natives and edible gardens, relating to vegetation planted from now onwards. The salvaging guidelines focus on improving accessibility to council’s waste transfer station goods while the firewood collection guidelines will protect biodiversity, community safety and allow for the collection of firewood in council designated areas.
Trentham Pavilion Hepburn Shire Council has awarded a contract for the $2.5 million redevelopment of the Trentham Sportsground Reserve Pavilion to Ballaratbased 4Front Construction. Construction on the multi-million dollar project will begin in November.
Catherine
KING MP
Federal Member for Ballarat 03 5338 8123 Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au CatherineKingMP @CatherineKingMP
Standing up for our Community!
www.catherineking.com.au Authorised by Catherine King, Australian Labor Party, 5/9 Sydney Avenue Barton ACT.
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THERE’S A MILLION REASONS TO GET VACCINATED.
Mine’s getting back out in our community, what’s yours? Mary-Anne Thomas MP LABOR MEMBER FOR MACEDON
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Shop Local for Christmas
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22 Opinion
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Just sayin’...
Local Lines
By Donna Kelly
Laugh or Cry
S
O, HEPBURN Shire Library has done away with fines. Good news all round. Well, if you borrow and don't return, I guess. But they will still want the books back, you just kind of hit a "go slow" with borrowing if you fail to return.
And if you really fail to return you still have to pay for the missing items. As you should. Although, as bad as I feel saying it, my first thought was if you were leaving the shire, just grab a great handful of books and keep walking. But who would do that? Not me. Brought up too well and too honest. Can you be too honest? Sadly, I always think thieves who get caught are just the dumb ones. There must be so many who are smart and never get caught. So many ways around the system. I have taken to loading my own bag, in a trolley, with water bottles. I just say "there are eight all up" and the check-out person takes me at my word. How easy would it be to pop something under them all? And if you get caught go for denial. "What?" "OMG!" "I am so sorry, didn't realise under all that water was a leg of lamb." I guess you would get a few chances before they were on to you. (I covered a court case once where a bloke tried to shoplift a leg of lamb down the front of his pants. He got caught at the check-out with the boner. Should have gone for an easy carve...) In a past working life I always felt I had one chance a year to tell someone what I really thought of them. Like, just let rip, and then deny. I did it one time at The Advocate. This very heinous man, who seemed to have a fancy for me which clearly showed no sane thinking pattern, would regularly turn up at the office and try to spend time talking to me about his past sexual exploits. I kid you not. I would tell him to politely leave, I had no interest, that I had work to do and remember all before #MeToo. I didn't tell anyone because at the time I would have been told to "man up", "grow some" or just "get over it". Anyway, one day I saw him crossing the carpark and met him at the door. It had been a bad day. After the 2009 fires when I had a number of firies come to my office and spend time breaking down as they told me about looking for bodies in Kinglake. I ended up calling the local CFA headquarters telling them they would soon be dealing with suicides if they didn't lift their mental health game. I think they had a bit of a "man up" attitude at the time too. So, as the man neared, I stood at the door and roared "F... off!". He looked flabbergasted but continued moving forward. He was nothing if not persistent. I roared again, not even caring now if I was upsetting any shoppers or nearby businesses. "F... off and don't ever think about coming back!" Finally, his eyes showed he got the message and he muttered something in my direction about my supposed loose morals, and wandered off. I never saw him again. And his is the only death notice that has given me a smile. He never complained about my language to my superiors but if he had I would have just denied it completely. "Who, me, talk like that? I don't even know that word..." But back to the library. I wonder if no fines from now means a meagre Christmas party? They never took electronic payment, only cash. And I always thought those fines would mean a great party come the end of the year. When I worked in the old old days, when film was still around, we would process the film into photos and sell the photos, even those that were not exactly the ones that appeared in the paper. Just those ones almost like the ones that appeared in the paper. We called them "overs" and because they had no value, we could keep the money and we did, for our Christmas party. Worked out really well although I am sure people coming to buy photos wondered why they were not just dealing with front office staff but anyone out to make a quick buck. I do read that the library, instead of fining people, will ask for a donation of non-perishable goods. Hmmm. That could work for a Christmas party. Maybe they could make a list, like a wedding registry, of what they need. Christmas cake, bonbons, pudding, tinned turkey, tinned vegies, pavlova case and UHT cream, tins of chocolate, and of course, booze never goes off. Christmas punch, here we come. Of course, I know the non-perishable goods are being donated to food charities around the shire. So just playing with the above lists and ideas. Who would do that? We are all honest, hardworking people, who never swear. Just sayin'...
You’ve got to laugh or you will cry You’ve got to dance or you will die Lose your heart to learn to sigh Lose loved ones to know goodbye Lose your way to see the sky Make beds of nails where you will lie Find a dream that makes you try Leave home behind so you can fly And fall to earth from aiming high Think well before you make reply Think more of “us” and less of “I” Take action now not by and by Ignore the how embrace the why Learn the rules and then defy Face yourself do not deny Always think the end is nigh - Tom Perfect Tom Perfect lives in Glenlyon behind a big hedge where he talks to the birds about when the weather will get warmer. 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
DAYLESFORD CRAFT AND FOOD MARKET Saturday, November 13, 9am-2pm Victoria Park D is for Dreamy, tree-lined streets; Delicious foods covering cuisines from around the world; and Daring, creative people, coming together to share their wares. D is for Daylesford, one of the most beautiful parts of Victoria and where you’ll find us on Saturday, November 13. Daylesford is a journey into an ethical, spiritual and creative wonderland. In the leafy surrounds of Victoria Park, we’ll welcome dozens of artisans sharing their high-quality handmade and homegrown treasures. And we hope to welcome you too, to spend this day with us. Come early to make the most of the day in this tourist mecca. And bring a friend! Daylesford is a journey into an ethical, spiritual and creative wonderland. In the heart of Victoria’s spa country, you’ll feel all your cares dropping away. They’ll be replaced with sheer joy at the sights, sounds and smells of this true makers’ market. Let go and let your senses guide the way through the stalls until you find what you’re looking for. Come early to make the most of the day in this tourist mecca. And bring a friend! 9am-2pm - Gold coin entry.
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Opinion 23
Kyle’s Rant
“
IT is what it is.” What bottom feeding, low-life, full of bovine excrement idiot came up with that saying? What does it even mean?
Is it just another way of filling in the speech blanks like when you say "um", allowing your brain to catch up on the next nugget of wisdom that your mouth is about to unload into the universe of deadwood announcements? I have heard a lot of the aforementioned ubiquitous statements whirling around over the past 20 months and I am tired of them. In fact, I am tired period. The pandemic has been a tragic event and one I hope we don’t have repeated for a while, certainly in my lifetime anyway. Granted, “it is what it is” is an expression used to characterise a frustrating or challenging situation that a person believes cannot be changed and must just be accepted. But a lot of us did rise to the challenge. Admittedly we took different paths but I have found “it” has brought out the best in a lot of people - those I think of as water - finding different paths to carve out how they run their lives and develop their businesses. Last edition in The Local we threw it open to the community through social media to thank people who had made a difference to them and now I would like to thank my own pit crew, those who backed me up so I could do my bit to keep this juggernaut of a publication whirring along. Of course, the TL crew goes without saying. Those bunch of creatives, wordsmiths, and rock and roll stars that each have a hand to play in the production of TL. However, as I have gotten older and landed in the middle-age bracket I have needed a pit crew to keep my body and mind on track. (And kiddies listen up. Uncle Kyle is here to tell you growing older doesn’t happen overnight, time sort of slips away and it just happens.) Anyway, the first of my three pit crew members comes from my weekly Pilates class. During the many lock-downs instructor Erin Richardson, a Daylesford-based rockstar, “pivoted” into Zoom classes to keep me and my classmates flexible. (God, I hope pivot ends up in the abyss of time...) The next and certainly not in any order is massage therapist Fiona Harris, who once every month or so, deals with the knots that eight hours a day behind a computer screen produce in your neck. The next and most recent addition to the pit crew is Annie from Yogabout who has enlightened my chakra. Granted, a bit weird for a grumpy old bloke chanting "Hari Om" in his active wear, but an activity I will undoubtedly get used to and certainly good for the tangled bunch of nerve endings I call my brain. The last and again certainly not in any priority are the deliverers of fun-flavoured booze to my doorstep from Cellarbations in Daylesford – you lads rock. Pit crew thank you one and all, rant over…
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Ed's note: Hmm. I note I did not gain a mention. And that's fine. For me. For Kyle, well that's not going to end well...just sayin'... :)
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24 Crossword
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The Last Word: The history of Vaughan Springs
V
AUGHAN was once a bustling town known as The Junction and the name itself conjures up images from the wild west, gunslinging bushrangers and miners duking it out on the muddy streets.
A decade or so later it was renamed Vaughan and in the 20th century has missed the title of the Spa Centre of Australia, but what happened and how did the title go to Hepburn? The Junction started as most in this area with gold in the “roaring 50s” the driver. This small editorial appeared in The Ballarat Star on May 31, 1898: "The signatures of 106 miners in the Vaughan and Guildford district have been attached to a petition for presentation to the Mining Board in favour of the application by Mr Conrad Frank (on behalf of a syndicate) to dredge the River Loddon at Vaughan. The Spring Gully, near Castlemaine, has had a partial cleaning up, an average of 1oz per ton being obtained. A further lot of stone has also been cleaned up, and the total yield is 93 oz from 82 tons. The whole line of towards Fryerstown, a distance of nearly two miles has been taken up." The Alexandra Mail on March 13, 1912 talked about the director of Geological Surveys Mr Dunn’s report to induce tourists to the area - he was commissioned by the Castlemaine Progress Association. Mr Dunn found multiple gas and water beds along the course of the Loddon River with varying gas strengths. In the early 1920s tourism development had started with the idea of using the springs and forming a health resort. A local committee raised £600 to make a road in, plant trees, erect a rotunda and acquire a sportsground. And according to newspaper reports in the Collie Mail and W.A. Coalfields Miner on September 9, 1927: “What was formerly a valley of prickly scrub is now the nucleus of a thriving centre where fishing and shooting are to be indulged in by sportsmen.” The article went on to say: “Vaughan, from which the springs derive their name, is rich in historical associations. Though now practically in ruins, it was once a busy town of some 40,000 inhabitants. Strange to say, a large number were Chinese, and the cemetery of the Celestials is still to be seen there, like a road cut along the side of the hill by them. Stark and gaunt, the ruins stand out in bold relief on each side of the roadway, eloquent and silent tributes to the days of the 'roaring fifties'. Here are to be seen the remains of the church, post office, Bank of Victoria and gaol.” As late as January 29, 1952 the small hamlet hosted a beauty pageant with the search on for Miss Central Victoria.
The Argus reported: “A goldmine of beauty at Vaughan Springs” when "the crowd of more than 2000 shouted its approval when 17-year-old Ida Kruger, of Hargreaves (sic) Street, Castlemaine, was announced the winner”. Sadly, the health resort and tourism development never eventuated and nowadays Vaughan is described by Wikipedia as a small village in the Shire of Mount Alexander, south of Castlemaine and east of Guildford, situated at the confluence of Fryers Creek and the Loddon River which has the Lawson Spring, a drinkable mineral water spring. The population of Vaughan at the 2016 Census was 64.
Words: Kyle Barnes | Images: Trove (top) & Kyle Barnes (Many thanks to Trove for its help with this article. www.trove.nla.gov.au)