The Local September 11, 2023

The

Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Front cover: After 10 years it's time to celebrate and the crew from The Local gathered for a few celebratory drinks recently. See if you work out who's who. There's Donna, Kyle, Nick, Lindsay, Tony, Kevin, Jeff, Eve, Julie, Dianne and The Local's godfather Glen. Oh, if you check out the photos on the wall, there's Betty, our only shareholder, and Rosie and Curly. All still with us in spirit!

Image: Bacham

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 former director.

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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, September 25, 2023. or online on Sunday, September 24 at www.tlnews.com.au

Space bookings: Wednesday, September 20

Copy deadline: Thursday, September 21

Editorial deadline: Thursday, September 21

General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au

Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or news@tlnews.com.au

Editorial assistant: Eve Lamb on 0493 632 843 or editorial@tlnews.com.au

Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat

Writers: Eve Lamb, Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Simone Kaplan & Donna Kelly

Photographers: Kyle Barnes, Eve Lamb & Nadine Jade

Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness

Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Darren Lowe (music), Richard Cornish & Jen Clarke (recipes), Clive Hartley (wine) & Bill Wootton (poetry)

Accounts | Julie Hanson Delivery | Tony Sawrey

Early Detection Saves Lives

years Connecting the Community!

The Local is celebrating 10 years of following its mantra of Connecting the Community. The first edition hit the presses for a publication date of September 2, 2013 and The Local is now up to 288 editions.

Editor Donna Kelly said it had been a fantastic 10 years with plenty of support from advertisers and readers. “Kyle and I realised there was a need for a great, local, community publication. People just love a good read - and print is not dead!”

Congratulations have come from people including Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas, Mayor Cr Brian Hood and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.

“Congratulations to The Local on 10 years of publication. It’s great to see a local business thriving, particularly having navigated the difficult Covid period. Council advertise regularly in The Local, given its strong online presence and reach across the shire.” - Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas

“I congratulate The Local on its 10-year anniversary. For any small business to survive and flourish over a long period requires much hard work and dedication. The Local does a great job promoting and celebrating so many events, festivals, causes and especially outstanding people within our community. Through storms, bushfires, floods and pandemics, as well as the good times, local media binds the community together and helps keep us going. Well done!” - Mayor Cr Brian Hood

“I congratulate the team at The Local who have provided local news across the Hepburn Shire for the past decade. I am proud that The Local survived through Covid and continues to bring the people of Hepburn the most up to date news and information, for us all to enjoy.” - Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas

Read more on Kyle's Rant and Just Sayin'on pages 22 and 23, and for all the front pages head to www.tlnews.com.au Above are some favourites...

As the Central Highlands emerges from winter chill, the Hepburn Golf Club is opening its doors to locals on Friday nights.

Called Firsttee and starting on September 22, it will run from 5pm to 8pm, offering fun and games in a community get-together. There will be a raffle with prizes, a live performance and interactive games, promising laughter and friendly competition.

A Reverse Vending Machine for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, has been installed in East Street, Daylesford by Tomra.

CDS Vic will reward Victorians with a 10 cent refund for every eligible used drink can, bottle and carton. There will be more than 600 refund points across the state and four different ways to return eligible containers – reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites, and bag drops and collections. The scheme starts on November 1.

An alternative greenfield site to host community sport and active recreation is being considered for Clunes.

To investigate this option further the Hepburn Shire Council is inviting community members to apply to join a Project Advisory Group. The town’s current recreation reserve is the creekside Bull Milgate Reserve which was inundated with water during previous flooding events including the 2010-11 flood - to the extent that a jet ski was used on it. Expressions of interest are open until 5pm on Wednesday, September 13 via the council’s Participate Hepburn website.

Central Highlands Water has been awarded $60,000 in project funding through the Victorian Government’s Waste to Energy Bioenergy Fund.

As part of the funding, CHW will explore the circular economy benefits of the localised production of bioenergy such as utilising the unused resource of the forestry wood residue left onsite after the pine plantation is clear felled. This includes exploring the viability of processing this material into a biomass product such as a pine pellet, which can then be used as a fuel source.

Council news

Just briefly... Council

HAVE YOUR SAY

Early Years Survey - We have a survey open for families using Early Years services within the Shire. We want to understand the services that people use, the hours and style of care that families need, whether services are available and more. This work is funded by the Victorian Government in line with the Best Start, Best Life Early Years Reform. Complete the survey at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/early-years-survey

Clunes masterplanning - Draft masterplans for Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes are open for community feedback. The masterplans aim to identify and address gaps in infrastructure requirements; improve accessibility and safety; and increase participation, visitation and reserve connection opportunities. Review the masterplans, apply to join a Project Advisory Group and more at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au

FREE AND FUN EVENTS

Make the most of our School holiday program and book in free activities for children aged 6 to 18 years. There’s something for everyone! Book via www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/school-holidays

Council is again supporting the Victorian Seniors Festival program, with lots of fun and free events planned in October for people aged 55+ years. Book tickets at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/events

The Block chopped

Television show The Block will not go ahead in Daylesford because of delays in permit approvals, metropolitan media is reporting.

It was believed that The Block would build five houses at 1 Raglan Street, starting production in February. After objections, the planning application was taken to VCAT where it was then “called in” by the state Planning Minister.

But media is reporting that the producers have decided they will run out of time for permits and are now looking at potential Melbourne sites for the 20th edition of the show. They have said they may look at the Daylesford site again for a future show. Reaction on social media has been mixed with comments from those who wanted the show to go ahead, and those who are pleased it has been dumped.

“This would have been a great thing for the town during a tough time for a lot of local businesses. It would have spurred things along just at the right time. Something will end up on the site. There could be a lot worse happen depending on who ends up with the site and land parcel sizes etc.”

“The no sayers should be careful what they wish for. They are now going to be responsible for 50 or 60 small allotments. I’m sure they will take no responsibility for that. I would much prefer five larger homes."

“How disappointing, I was so looking forward to this and it would have brought a lot of money to our town I am sure all of our businesses would have been looking forward to this injection of money.”

“It would bring nothing to the town, they bring in building materials from a supplier in Melbourne the production company has accounts with, all the tradies would be brought in from elsewhere. What economic benefit would it bring, coffees in town?"

“Covid is over, the town is packed every weekend, maybe the businesses that aren't doing well are suffering because of exorbitant rents or not selling what tourists want. The cargo cult of The Block won't save them.”

“If businesses in town need the extra custom they anticipate from The Block juggernaut maybe they should have a long, hard talk with their accountant.”

“Perhaps they could do a social housing season. Homes for the many not the few.”

Words: Donna Kelly

COMMUNITY LISTENING POST

Come along to the Listening Post in Daylesford and discuss with Councillors and staff ideas or feedback on Council services. There’s no need to register or book a time, just drop in. Wednesday 13 September from 4pm to 6pm at Victoria Park (Burrall Street, Daylesford).

AGRICULTURE FORUM

Council is hosting a forum for Hepburn Shire farmers in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria to provide updates on:

• Biosecurity - emergency animal disease preparedness

• Planning advisory services

• Updates on Rural Hepburn Strategy

• Seasonal climate patterns.

Date: Friday 22 September

Time: 9.30am to 1pm

Venue: Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Creswick.

There will also be opportunities to engage with Council teams on emergency management, sustainability, climate and economic development and the available support for your businesswww.hepburn.vic.gov.au/agforum

Daylesford Rotary celebrates 70 years of giving

It’s been 70 great years of doing good deeds in the community – and beyond - for Daylesford Rotary and right now this longstanding local service club is getting set to celebrate in style.

Daylesford Rotary members and friends slip into their finest to celebrate the club’s 70th anniversary - with guests Alla Wolf-Tasker from Lakehouse, Tina Banitska from the Convent Gallery and Carol White from Lavandula - in the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, September 23.

In years past, Daylesford also had a Lions and an Apex club as well but these days only the Rotary Club remains as the town’s sole community service club still standing, and new members would be very, very welcome.

Long-time member and past president Danny Moynihan recounts the early days when he joined back in 1985, as a 33-year-old.

Today he is among the staunch members who have stuck with Daylesford Rotary for many years and he says it’s the sense of satisfaction in getting good things donethings that you would be unlikely to achieve alone - that he enjoys.

There’s so much to celebrate for this local service club whose projects are many and diverse, and whose positive contributions ripple throughout the community.

“When I joined there were a lot of tradespeople who were members which meant we could do a lot of things. Now tradespeople are one of the hardest groups to attract and we tend to do a lot more fundraising. The farmers market and the art show are our main fundraisers.

“We’ve done a lot of things over the years. The shelter at Wombat Hill was built by Rotarians, and refurbished since then. Jointly with Lions and Apex, we got the first jaws of life for the CFA. We raised I think $15,000 for that which was a lot of money in those days.”

The Daylesford Hospital, CFA, and schools have all benefited from the work of the club over the years while beyond the immediate area the club also contributes significantly to important international health projects including the global eradication of polio and Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children.

“We got the Hepburn Kindergarten built, which is something a lot of people don’t know about anymore,” Danny said.

But as with so many service clubs in the community, getting new members to join up is a bit of a problem these days as people, particularly younger locals, are so busy just getting by. The average age of the club’s members is now around about the mid-50s and the club would really love to see some fresh faces join up.

Members meet Thursday evenings, fortnightly, temporarily in the Bendigo Community Bank branch building, but is still looking to secure the ideal site.

Jenny Hopkins has been a member of the club for four years and is coordinator of the art show that will transform the town hall over the Melbourne Cup weekend.

“This year’s art show is special because it’s 40 years since its inception so it’s 'Cheers for 40 years',” Jenny says.

She says a few extra volunteers would be great to help ensure the smooth running of this year’s art show.

“I would be delighted if there’s anyone who could help out. We need people to fill in gaps for one or two hours, just to make sure people feel welcome and everything is running smoothly,” Jenny says.

Beyond the big birthday bash and the art show, Danny says those who would like to consider joining the club to help ensure it can keep doing its fine work for another 70 years can chat to any of the members or jump online and find out more.

Contact Danny on 0407 501 994 or Jenny on 0414 262 524.

Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Kyle Barnes

Clunes' parks masterplans

Hepburn Shire Council has released draft masterplans for Clunes’ historic Queens Park and Pioneer Park.

The council is inviting the community to have a say on the future direction for each of these important community sites, but those hoping to contribute their thoughts had best be quick.

The draft masterplans are available at www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov. au/clunes-open-space-masterplan, with feedback accepted until 5pm on Friday, September 22.

Suggestions that have been put forward for Queens Park include refurbishment of the crumbling Queens Park Fountain, accessibility upgrades to gravel tracks and carparks, improvements to lighting along the Creek Walk, better wayfinding signage to the town centre and public toilets, playground improvements, new seating and picnic settings, tree planting, and safer pedestrian access and connections.

Some of the ideas for Pioneer Park include new accessible paths, better seating, improved lighting, off-street car-parking, establishment of a formal lookout point at the historical sign and marker, along with new interpretive and wayfinding signage. The draft masterplan also suggests investigation of upgrades to, or the possible relocation of, the skate park.

Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Brian Hood says the masterplans aim to identify and address gaps in infrastructure requirements – “and so community input is essential”.

“These masterplans aim to improve accessibility and safety, but also to increase participation, visitation and connections for the community. Local voices are vital in making sure we get this right.” The draft masterplans include 18 potential actions at Pioneer Park and 17 at Queens Park.

“The draft masterplans are aspirational. Works are not yet included in the council’s long-term financial planning, but they seek to guide future investment in these community assets. The scope and cost of works would need to be considered in the context of other council priorities, expenditure and the availability of external funding sources.”

Words: Eve Lamb

Sharing your stories with Simone Kaplan

Patricia Kent was born in London in the mid 1940s and spent her childhood years playing in the bombed rubble of the East End. She read the book A Town Like Alice when she was a teenager and knew that she wanted to live in Australia. She emigrated to Adelaide in 1968.

At the age of five, her father started taking her to the training hall, dojo, where he practiced judo. She sat on a mat and watched him. This is where she found her “calling”. Her purpose and life journey has been to “shine a light on the body, mind and spirit connection through her love of martial arts”. This has been central to all she does.

Nearly 40 years ago, when her children were teenagers, Patricia’s tai chi training began, with the Australian Federation of Wu Style Tai Chi. She trained extensively with Kentokan Martial Arts School and with Master Liu Wan Chun in Melbourne, as well as doing numerous trips to also train in China.

“In 2019 Master Liu took an Australian team to China to compete in an international tai chi competition with 34 teams and nearly 400 participants.

“We were awarded gold, not for technique but for demonstrating the soft, internal strength of tai chi.”

In providing service, Patricia “just shows up” but the powerful stories of her students are really that of inspiration, community and miracles. A young dad, for example, broke his back and found Patricia’s classes to help with his rehab. He was committed and practised what she taught every day. When he didn’t turn up for Term 2, Patricia followed up and found he had recovered enough to get back to work. The doctor managing his recovery was dumbfounded. She also has “mature goddesses”, students in their 80s and a 90-year-old, reporting health benefits.

Even during Covid, Patricia and the community never stopped training. One-onone outdoor sessions by the lake, even in the snow. People knew the benefits.

Patricia has a grace and humility that is inspirational. Her philosophy trickles out to the Trentham community. She keeps an old tradition of tithe, where 10 per cent of student class fees go into a special box. Every month the class decides which charity or community business needs support. This warmth and giving is full of love and generosity. When the 2021 storm happened, Billie with the coffee cart, set up in town to offer free coffees for the SES and CFA. Patricia’s class donations were given to Billie that month. “The greatest exercise for the heart is to reach your hand into the darkness and lift someone up,” she says.

Patricia found Trentham by chance, when searching for a special gift for her daughter's 21st present. She had a recommendation to visit Helen at Jargon who designed a cape to “wrap her daughter in a mother’s love”. It was years later, after living in Tasmania for some time that Patricia and her husband Raoul decided to move to Trentham.

Patricia and Raoul, who sadly died in 2013, certainly lived a love story for 20 years. They trained, taught and were devoted to each other. When Patricia introduced Raoul to her parents, they discovered an incredible connection. Both her father and Raoul had trained with the same sensei (teacher) in London, her dad in the 50s and Raoul in the 70s. Raoul was skilled in the hard, external karate while Patricia in the soft, internal tai chi and chi gong. They set up a beautiful cottage together which exudes warmth, humour and humanity.

“When we reach outside of ourselves that’s when we find contentment within. It’s not about needing, wanting and looking for it,” Patricia says.

A woman living in a unit owned by the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society, says she has been knocked back after asking for a permanently open louvre bathroom window to be replaced with something she can close.

Cate Graceson, pictured left, moved into the West Street, Daylesford apartments in March and asked immediately for the window, left, to be replaced or repaired so it could be opened and closed.

Ms Graceson said the open window made the small flat freezing in winter and other residents in the complex were being forced to use towels or other materials to block the windows. She was told originally the society was prepared to negotiate with her but after three weeks received a solicitor’s letter telling her the window was legal under the definition of Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Residential Tenancy Act.

“I am a tenant and I have now had three solicitor’s letters telling me to back off. The housing here is for people over 65 so to me that means they have a higher duty of care than the Residential Tenancy Act.”

Ms Graceson said the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society was formed in 1860 and was an incorporated group of 10 women, two from each of the Christian churches in Daylesford. She said she had also raised the issue of no air-conditioning in the units, with the 1960-style units having floor to ceiling windows facing the north and east.

“I have been told the heat is stifling in summer. And for the past two years the Victorian Government has had numerous schemes for half-price reverse cycle units. The society had $578,243 in its bank account at June 30, 2022 – figures available from the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit commission website.”

Ms Graceson said her other concerns were the society not publicising their annual meetings, not having rules of incorporation and originally not supplying rental receipts. She also said she paid $6000 “key money” when she moved in “and I want my money back”. She was told the money was used for maintenance because the rents were so low.

But Ms Graceson also said she loved living at the units, was busy doing her garden, knew all the other tenants "and everyone gets on well".

Another resident, Fae Wilson, moved into the units five years ago and while she had no issues herself, she was supportive of Cate’s plea for the window to be fixed.

Fae’s bathroom window, right, was retrofitted with a small glass with timber surrounds opening door before she arrived, meaning she can open or close the window.

Fae, pictured right with dog Lollie, said her children had been pushing for her to ask for reverse cycle airconditioning. “It is like a sauna in summer and apparently this year is going to be really hot, so we really should have it.

Queries on charity housing

“Most people in the new units opposite have it so it is just the three of us still waiting. Some people have put it in themselves but it is really expensive. I offered to pay half but I was told the committee decided that if they did that for me, they would have to do it for everyone. I thought ‘yeah…’ but they just said no. We would really have to do it soon or it will become too busy for the installation.”

A third resident, Les Pitt, said he also had a fixed louvre window but had stuffed it with towels and covered it with corflute which was “unsightly” but worked in keeping the cold out. He had been told the window would be replaced two years ago but “they haven’t got around to it”. Mr Pitt said he would also appreciate reverse cycle airconditioning but had never asked for any improvements and was very happy with his unit.

Society secretary Lyn Kinghorn told The Local the units were like a retirement village and residents could stay for life. They paid just $110 a week and the $6000 upfront key money was to help with maintenance.

Ms Kinghorn said the units were not “five-star” but were “really lovely, comfy housing” and Ms Graceson had been moved in quickly with an “urgent situation”, jumping a long waiting list.

She said shortly after moving in Ms Graceson had taken the society to VCAT but her case had been dismissed when she was asked if she had inspected the unit before moving in.

“Then she immediately sent me another email saying you have to fix the window anyway, but that means doing all the windows, if we do one, we do all, and we just wouldn’t put in airconditioning, that is not our role.”

Ms Kinghorn said Ms Graceson had come in and demanded changes to what had been a very happy place for many years and it was very disappointing for the society’s volunteers to try to help people and “just get it shoved in your face”.

She said the society had checked on the housing code for windows and if they could be opened and shut, they must be able to be locked but a louvre window which could not be opened or shut, complied with the code.

“She (Ms Graceson) has come along and is trying to change the rules of the happy community in there and at times been really aggressive. We have had sometimes daily emails and complaints and she has been a handful to manage, when we are just volunteers. I am sure if you asked the other tenants they would say they are very happy to be living in such a great place.”

Ms Kinghorn said she was unsure if the society was incorporated and while they did hold AGMs they did not advertise them. The volunteer committee members were just appointed to their roles, she said. “We just follow on with what we have continually been doing.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Eve Lamb

Make the call and take the first step during Foster Care Week

Cafs (Child and Family Services, Ballarat) are asking people from across the Central Highlands to make the call and take the first step during Foster Care Week to learn more about these incredibly rewarding roles.

The need for new foster carers is ongoing, with more than 1500 children staying in foster care homes across Victoria each night. The roles of foster carers vary, from providing emergency overnight shelter to weekend respite care and short- and longterm arrangements.

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare CEO Deb Tsorbaris encourages people who have considered becoming a foster carer to make a call and find out more.

There are so many ways that foster carers support these vulnerable children and young people, from simple overnight stays, to respite care on weekends, and shortand longer-term placements, and our incredible foster care agencies are out there in the communities to help and support carers,” she says.

Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess says foster carers make such an important contribution to the lives of children and young people who, for any number of reasons, cannot live with their biological family.

“Our primary goal, when we care for children, lies in working towards returning them home to their families. Our foster carers provide stability and keep children safe in a caring home environment. We acknowledge their tireless commitment to supporting young people in our local community.

“Foster Care Week also provides an opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for more foster carers right across the Central Highlands.

“We always need foster carers to help us care for children in our community so we’re asking people to consider taking that first step to becoming a foster carer with Cafs,” says Ms Sturgess.

Recent findings from Fostering Connections market research underscored strong community support for foster caring, with 80 per cent of Victorians saying they believe the community should provide support for children who can live with their families.

Ms Tsobaris says that despite cost-of-living difficulties, Victorians have shown they are sympathetic to the plight of children and young people.

“We know its tough out there, and its even tougher for some families, which means new carers are needed more than ever. Victorians showed during Covid that we can come together as a community and support each other. Even though these are tough times, these vulnerable kids need the support and care of their communities,” says Ms Tsorbaris.

Foster Care Week, which began on Sunday, September 10, is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role that foster carers play in ensuring that every child in Victoria has a loving home during times when they’re unable to live with their family.

Fostering Connections, a joint initiative between The Centre, foster care agencies across Victoria, and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, is encouraging foster carers from all walks of life to support their community by opening their homes to become part of an incredible network of people supporting local children, young people, and families.

“Foster Carers have an enormous impact on the lives of the children and young people they support. Caring is changing and we see great success in fostering from all types of people, stepping up to meet the needs of all types of children. Anyone over the age of 21 who has a spare bedroom can apply to become a foster carer,” says Ms Tsorbaris.

For more information about fostering a child call Cafs 1800 692 237 or visit cafs.org.au

Foster Care is about creating a safe space for children in our community. And we don’t need superheroes, just everyday people who care.

FOSTER CARE

Jim Lycett: Residents' advocate at Hepburn House

It's a job you have to do well. Jim Lycett was an hydraulics engineer with Ansett Airlines - working on the important things like landing gear and brakes - and he loved it.

Now and again he would get the call that he had an hour to get on a plane to Brisbane to work on a jet up there, and would call his wife Linda to say he would be home the following day.

"We never got much notice but I loved it. We would often sit up with the pilots and I just thought it was a terrific job."

Jim retired in 1986 after Linda suffered from a few health issues but the couple continued with life in Ballarat, living pretty independently.

When Linda's health worsened, from having a few falls at home to being kept in hospital for a week about eight years ago, the doctors made the call and said she had to move into full-time care. Hepburn House was the choice.

Jim, then 88, lived alone and thought he was coping pretty well. "I learned to cook a bit, nothing like Linda, she was a real hot cook. I remember her serving up meals to 300 people in a church one time, no problem. But I did a bit of slow cooking and I would freeze some meals, and our daughter and daughter-in-law arranged for fortnightly supermarket delivery."

But eventually, after chats with his doctor, Jim also moved into Hepburn House and is loving life there, although Linda has sadly since passed away.

At 96 Jim has taken on another career as a sort of part-time counsellor and residents' advocate.

"If the residents have a grizzle and don't want to take it to the top they can refer it to me and I listen to them and ask if they want to take it further. Mostly they don't but they can pour out their troubles and I listen. If they do want me to take it higher up I talk to the staff or even the manager Dianne.

"Mind you, I very rarely get any grizzles. It's great here, we are very well treated, and it's just like being with a big family. The staff cook great meals, they do the cleaning and then we have the carers looking after us. And I still get out and aboutI visit my sister at Clarkfield for a week or so now and again. It's a good life."

Hepburn House is a progressive aged care centre offering a highly advanced, fully personalised range of aged care services for residents in a home-like setting.

Phone 5348 8100 or visit www.hepburnhouse.com.au

Advertorial

A retreat for people living with dementia and their carers

Treehouse4Two is a free three-day retreat for people recently diagnosed with dementia and their carers in the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn shires.

We focus on wellbeing and self-care, providing a supportive peer environment where participants receive tailored support from specialist trained staff.

Carers learn how to navigate the challenges of supporting someone living with dementia and how to access other community resources, including respite.

Register your interest today

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P 0439 568 972

How sweet it is - daphne odora and odora alba

Although often considered tricky to grow, the supposedly finicky daphnes will certainly earn a place in your garden even if it's only for the sweet perfume or as a finishing touch to a bouquet or vase display.

In fact, given the right conditions - a cool semi-shaded position with protection from any hot afternoon sun or frost in a well-drained, humus-rich soil - they will flourish and reward you with long-lasting flowers galore.

Slow growing and compact, they need little in the way of pruning other than removing any damaged stems, or an occasional light, shaping trim. A regular picking of flowers for indoors will take care of that.

A major consideration is they dislike being over- or under-watered or having their roots disturbed. A regular dressing of liquid seaweed solution and top dressing with well-rotted cow manure and compost seems to be all the fertiliser they need.

You will soon know when your daphne is uncomfortable, that's when the usually shiny, rich green leaves turn a little yellow or droop. Curling leaves indicate the presence of aphids or some other leaf-sucker.

They will normally grow to about one metre high but we inherited ours as a pair of ancient drought-ridden skeletons, sprawling up the eastern wall of the house.

A decade of TLC and serious pruning and we now have two flourishing two metre high, reasonably happy daphnes.

Daphne odora, or any other of the 70 other members of the daphne tribe, can be successfully grown in containers, enabling them to be grown in the best conditions.

The pots should be well drained and the potting mix kept moist but never dry or wet, and kept in a cool spot out of direct sunlight. So a shaded porch or under a spreading evergreen tree would be perfect.

Daphnes are reasonably slow growers so don’t need to be repotted very often and that’s just as well because, as mentioned, they’re rather finicky about having their roots disturbed.

Perennial division

Such early flowering species of perennials as iris, shasta daisy, etc, are best divided in autumn to give them time to become re-established before forming new flower buds, but those which flower from midsummer onwards will do well if divided now.

The easiest way to divide a large clump is to use two digging forks - one from each side, obviously best if done by two people. Lift the whole clump, then place the two forks (back to back) into the centre of it, then lever the forks apart and the clump should part with the minimum of damage to the crown or roots. A spade can be used, but there is a chance of collateral damage.

Pull apart all the individual plantlets, and obviously divisible segments with usable roots, and set aside for replanting. If the clumps are very large, discard all but the youngest and sturdiest outside shoots, as those from the centre are likely to be weak. You could, of course, plant the best of those up either as reserves, or to pass on to gardening friends.

When replanting perennials put them into soil that has been well fed. Plenty of compost plus a handful of organic fertiliser will keep them going for another year. As the tender young growth will be particularly attractive to slugs and snails, scatter a handful of bait among the crowns. This applies equally to any clumps which are not being divided, and in the case of delphiniums.

Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

EAT | DRINK | ENJOY

Wine notes with Clive

Fireside Wines

Hartley

We have finally turned the corner on winter, but as any resident of this region knows, we are far from over the cold weather. So, there is still an opportunity to sit in front of an open fire and sip a good red. These fireside wines need to be bold and beautiful with plenty of guts and layers of flavour.

The Italians called these wines vino da meditazione. Meditation wine to sip whilst you contemplate monumental questions, such as the outcome of the impending referendum perhaps. Italy has a few contenders for these wines including the intense and high alcohol Amarone della Valpolicella from Veneto. This wine is made from semi-dried corvina rondinella and molinara grapes, and makes a more concentrated and intense wine. Ripasso is another technique in Valpolicella where a fresh wine is passed over the dried amarone skins which causes a refermentation. I always considered this a lighter style but was aghast recently to see a ripasso at 15% abv. We cannot use the term amarone or ripasso in Australia, but it doesn’t stop us using these techniques of drying grapes. One of the best in Australia is Freeman Secco Rondinella Corvina from the Hilltops region in NSW. Winemaker Brian Freeman uses a prune dehydrator to dry a proportion of grapes for 10 days. He then ages the wine in oak for two years.

Rich, powerful black cherry fruit-driven wines laced with new vanilla oak is the hallmark of a Barossa Valley red. The valley has some of the world’s oldest shiraz and grenache vines. Couple that with some sub-regional nuances and it is a complex and rewarding region to drink by the fireside. The Barossa Valley is split into three ‘Grounds’, Northern, Central and Southern which was based on their soil profile. The north, around the Ebenezer, Moppa and Kalimna wards gives you the most powerful shiraz. The Central Grounds includes the parishes of Bethany, Krondorf, Vine Vale, Light Pass, Gomersol and Marananga, has fruitcake, black-fruits aromas and is medium to full bodied. The Southern Grounds, in Lyndoch and Rowland Flat, is at a lower altitude and is slightly wetter and warmer than the other two regions. It produces more red than black fruits with soft ripe tannins.

Clive Hartley is an award-winning wine writer, educator and consultant. Want to learn more about wine? Try his Australian Wine Guide (7th ed) now available for purchase from Paradise Books in Daylesford or via his website – www.australianwineguide.com.au

Music

The Saltbush Ensemble, Reidun Turner on viola da gamba, Joy Lee on harpsichord and Tim Willis on baroque violin, will perform at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, September 30 from 2.30pm.

Finding new perspectives in music of the past and utilising some of Australia's best period instrumentalitists. The Saltbush Ensemble presents a program for the modern, baroque-curious mind with works by Couperin, Marais, Kuhnau and others.

Formed in 2017 in Melbourne, long time musical collaborators and friends Reidun Turner and Ryan Williams reunited after many years abroad, forming the Saltbush Ensemble to showcase the range and depth of early music in Australia. Visit the Christ Church Concerts facebook.

Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1040691

Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn

Bluehouse - Friday, September 15

Folk pop with grunt. With nearly a 30-year international touring career behind them, these girls with 'harmonies from heaven' return with their original songs of love and loss ranging from tear jerking ballads to absolute foot stompers.

Sugar Show Girls Cabaret Cherie - Saturday, September 16

Just like a dessert banquet, the show has it all: a tasty mix of traditional showgirl tease, silly neo burlesque, modern dance and jazzy vocal cabaret.

Well Strung Trio - Friday, September 22

Introducing The Well Strung Trio, showcasing a blend of gypsy jazz, Latin and yes even some classical music. Comprising virtuosic guitarists, Lyndon Kyrss and Adam Seery and double bass player extraordinaire Andrew Vincent, this trio has enchanted audiences far and wide.

community

Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply. Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver. Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577. Keep safe, everyone.

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Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.

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Bookings Essential - 03 5473 4021

T-BONE STEAK

While We Live, the analogue digital divide, by Hugh Wayland and James Healer, opened at the Newstead Arts Hub on the weekend.

The exhibition explores the two worlds of analogue and digital photographs. Some are old black and white images which have been scanned and sometimes coloured, while others are current images shot on a mobile phone.

The exhibition is open on weekends, from 10am to 4pm, until October 2.

The Newstead Arts Hub is at 8a Tivey Street, Newstead.

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THIS WEEKS SPECIALS

$29.99 kg

The T-Bone is the hero of meat lovers. It contains the porterhouse steak on the bone as well as the eye fillet. These steaks are generous and full of flavour.

WHOLE PORTERHOUSE $99.ºº

Incredible value for around 3kg of prime “beyond freerange” beef. You can choose to take it as a whole piece or we can cut up into steaks to your liking.

WHOLE RUMP $99.ºº

One of the most versatile cuts, the rump is full of flavour. As the name suggests, it is from the backside of the cow so it is a hard-working muscle. Whilst not as tender as Scotch or Sirloin, it makes up for it with bangs of flavour.

Average weight 3.5-4kg.

Dogs' day out at Dean Recreation Reserve

For champion sheepdog trainer John Tuddenham, pictured, training winning woofers is a bit like educating smart children.

“You don’t give them too much too early. You’ve got to let ’em grow up a little,” says the renowned local sheepdog trainer.

John, from Ross Creek, is among the many sheepdog trainers who’ll be heading to compete at the upcoming annual Dean and District Sheepdog Trials set for Sunday, October 8.

“It’s a bit like teaching a young child,” says John, whose dogs have come away with the silverware at many top competitions in Victoria and interstate.

“You’ve got to form a bond with the dog.”

John trains border collies, and at next month’s famed Dean trials it tends to mainly be the collie breed that competes.

Conducted under the rules of the Victorian Working Sheepdog Association, the annual trials have become a real favourite in the diaries of many of the state’s top trainers and draw many of the very best dogs from across Victoria.

They take place at the Dean Recreation Reserve and date back to 2013, says Recreation Reserve president Brian Maher, who is keenly anticipating the day’s competition.

“The dogs work three sheep at a time and we’ll have up to 40 dogs competing for the day. Each dog gets 15 minutes,” he says.

“We get competitors from all over the state and in the past we’ve had entries from Tasmania and from South Australia.”

The trials missed a couple of years during the pandemic lockdowns but have since made a very successful comeback.

Funds raised through entry donations at the gate, many raffle prize draws that are held, and onsite refreshment sales all go to support important local causes and charities. This year funds raised will be benefiting Creswick Anglicare.

The day offers a great chance for people who have never watched sheepdog trials before to learn a lot.

Brian says he particularly likes to introduce newbies, first-time visitors, to a trainer so they can ask questions and learn about how point-scoring works during competition.

With some loyal sponsors backing them, the trials offer some great prizes and trophies for the winners and the event has become renowned for its country hospitality and good old-fashioned vibe.

Homemade baked goodies and refreshments on site are all part of the atmosphere, as is the vintage engine display. There's also a bit of live country bush verse.

By way of demonstration, while chatting to The Local about the upcoming trials, Brian recited the lyrics to a favourite Slim Dusty number – word for word.

“I call this event the Old Sniff Classic,” he says. “That’s a name I came up with 10 years ago. It’s the name of a Slim Dusty song,” continues Brian, reeling off a few verses, a process which serves as useful practice before hitting the crowd with a bit more of the same over the trials' PA system on the day.

“We are a small committee but we are very proactive,” says Brian, who likes to be present on the day, to personally circulate and make new visitors and competitors feel welcome. But he is quick to credit veteran trainer and competitor John Tuddenham with being “instrumental” in getting the event off the ground from the outset.

“It’s a great event,” says John. “And what Brian does is unbelievable in running it. The competitors just love it because of the atmosphere. It’s a very friendly event.”

John and his dogs have been competing at the Dean and District Trials ever since they first took place, and this year he’s bringing Tintagel Peta and Mia – both border collies – to take on the competition.

John and Tintagel Peta were overall winners at last year’s trials so many will be watching them particularly closely this time around. “It takes you probably 12 months to train a dog to be able to do competition,” says the master trainer.

John has also bred winning working dogs at his Ross Creek property in the past, and has competed with dogs he has trained all over Victoria and interstate, representing Victoria four times in the Australian Supreme Sheepdog Trials.

He is a life member of the Victorian Working Sheepdog Association and has also judged the Australian Supreme Sheepdog Trials on five occasions.

John and his wife Mary are also busy getting ready to host a sheepdog training school at their property, Belmonte, over October 21-22.

“I’ve got nothing against kelpies at all,” says John. “But border collies are a little bit more steady and tend to get on with working just three sheep a little bit better because they are so calm.”

In the past the Dean and District Sheepdog Trials have benefited a wide range of local charities ranging from the local fire brigade to Shannon’s Bridge which helps terminally ill people to pass over peacefully in their own homes. Words: Eve Lamb

Maverick, the Clydesdale, leaves a huge legacy

Maverick, the Clydesdale, has died at the age of 25 after a long battle with cancer.

He came to the district as a three-year-old from Echuca and immediately became a local favourite with his community and media involvements.

Maverick first appeared on television show Postcards at the Farmers Arms in Daylesford, ridden into the front bar. From there he appeared in numerous ChillOut parades with his buddy Tom Shaw, in guises including Batman, Dolly Parton, a cowboy and “the bride”.

Their ChillOut Batman and Robin entry, pulling the milk float/Batmobile, was prize winning.

With his owner Allison Sloan, Maverick took part in Christmas Celebrations at John Curtin Aged Care, protested on Spring Street with the Stop AusNet Towers group, paraded at the Kingston Avenue of Honour Centenary and escorted brides on their wedding days.

On Anderson’s Mill Open Days he was a favourite and would wander through the crowds for the children’s (and adults’) pats and hugs - and sometimes fairy floss.

Too quiet to work in a team, he was a gentle giant.

His final days were spent with his mate Andy on the green grass of Rocklyn. Maverick was much loved and will be missed by all. Vale.

Wombat State Park on its way, finally

Signs are emerging that the long-promised Wombat State Park may become a reality.

This comes at a time when the State Government prepares to break up its logging business VicForests. The business lost an unprecedented $52.4 million in the last financial year, blaming the cost on legal actions by community environment groups which stopped logging.

VicForests has been roundly criticised in the Supreme Court, which upheld logging bans.

The court found VicForests breached environmental protection laws by logging the habitat of endangered greater gliders and yellow-bellied gliders. A judge said “serious or irreversible harm” had been caused to the gliders.

The Wombat State Forest is also home to the vulnerable brush-tailed phascogale, carnivorous marsupials.

The government’s decision was greeted by Gayle Osborne, convenor of Wombat Forestcare, as a small step towards dismantling VicForests. “It is not soon enough for the Wombat Forests,” she said “We still have VicForests causing massive environmental damage.”

VicForests’ heavy industrial logging in Central Victoria is blamed by environmentalists for heightened bushfire danger. Research shows that fallen trees from the 2021 storm raise fire risk because of the regrowth of dangerous fire fuel, with Ms Osborne pointing to the ferocity and carnage in the fires of Hawaii, Canada and Greece.

Ms Osborne said that after the 2021 storm, 175 logging coupes were set up over the Wombat area and Cobaw, near Hanging Rock. Starting at Babbington Hill, every big tree was to be removed, beginning with 8000 square metres at Babbington.

“This was 'overseen and regulated', but the forest does not have a lot of protection,” she said. “Working under forest fire management, the Department of the Environment cleared 80 to 100 metres each side of every track, taking out every large tree. Piles of bark and small fuel were left, endangering the bush.”

VicForests, which harvests and sells timber, is to be split into different government departments, easing great concern over native logging. This worry grew when the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC), set up to provide independent advice, recently held three small “storm debris community meetings”, at Blackwood, Bullarto and Barkstead. The meetings were seen as an attempt to get community agreement to salvage logging and timber harvesting.

Environmental groups and scientists, including some from Daylesford and beyond, combined to set up a mobile field observation base to record any impact on endangered species. Dozens of people have been involved.

Locally, eagles’ nests at Babbington Hill, near Lyonville, have been threatened by log salvaging.

Things came to a head when Daylesford environmentalist David Stephens was charged in May with being in a timber harvesting zone. He pleaded guilty. Although a magistrate found the offence proven she dismissed the charge without recording a conviction after evidence was given that a heavy machinery track was found to be 95 metres from the eagles’ nest instead of the 250-metre limit.

Mr Stephens said that under the guise of bushfire prevention the salvation operation is a cover for a lot of industrial-scale tree-felling.

Another worrying aspect is that the exact rectangular boundary of a failed application for gold mining at the top of Lerderderg River has been marked out for logging.

“There seems no reason for trees to be cut down there, beyond degrading the ecological integrity,” he said, adding that there is a greater potential for getting a gold mining licence in an area where there had already been an application.

Twenty years have passed since the state government said a Wombat State Park would be created, saving the trees. Ms Osborne says $4 million has been spent on surveying boundaries and the park may be a reality next year.

VicForests was asked for its response but did not reply before publication.

Words: Kevin Childs

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Integrate Fitness team at Kettlebell Nationals

The Integrate Fitness Kettlebell Team, aka the Daylesford Swingers, headed to Brisbane for the 2023 GSAA Australian National Kettlebell Championships held over September 2 and 3.

Coach and competitor Beth Whiting said it was an incredible weekend filled with amazing lifting, catching up with wonderful people and making new friends.

"The Integrate ladies - Shirlene Nevill, Melissa Ryan, Sue King, and myself, lifted our hearts out and produced some amazing results, many of them personal bests. As a coach I have loved watching these ladies grow into incredible lifters. The strength and resilience they each show is nothing short of amazing."

Shirlene Nevill competed in the One Arm Jerk - 12kg - 174 repetitions and the Military Snatch - 12kg - 200 reps.

"Shirlene produced a mammoth result for her One Arm Jerk. Shirlene has been chasing the rank of Veteran Candidate Master of Sport for some time now. On Saturday this ever elusive goal was realised," Beth said.

"Shirlene exemplifies grit and determination. She has missed the rank by mere reps in the past two competitions. Others would just walk away, however Shirlene has faced the challenge head on and this weekend she reaped the rewards for all of her hard work and resilience. Congratulations on her incredible achievement of Veteran CMS."

Melissa Ryan competed in the Military Snatch - 18kg - 227 repetitions - Rank 1.

"Melissa is the personification of strength. The 18kg Military Snatch has become our baseline test from last year’s Nationals.

"Mel has overcome challenges in the past year that would have thwarted the training campaign of even the most seasoned athlete. She has taken everything in her stride and has come back stronger than ever to produce a personal best in this lift.

"Mel is an absolute powerhouse. I cannot wait to see what this incredible woman is lifting at the 2024 Nationals."

Sue King competed in the One Arm Long Cycle - 10kg - 131 reps - Rank 3 and the Military Snatch - 14kg - 202 reps.

"You would never have known that this was Sue’s first Nationals. She lifted like an absolute pro. Sue has been chasing a rank for her OALC and on Saturday she achieved it.

"Sue’s superpower is technique and skill acquisition. Her ability to transfer strength and skill from one mode of training to another is remarkable.

"This served her well on the weekend when she produced a personal best on the OALC by a staggering 11 reps to achieve Rank 3. Congratulations Sue."

Beth competed in the Biathlon - 16kg - 298 points (Jerk 82 reps/snatch 134 reps) - Rank 1 and the One Arm Long Cycle - 30 minute half marathon - 20kg - 291 reps - Candidate Master of Sport.

"I won the Biathlon, which wasn’t hard as I was the only contestant. However what I am proud of is my first place in the Jerk. I am not fond of this lift and produced some very decent numbers under some of the most challenging conditions I have lifted under.

"I also won the inaugural Lifter of the Year Award in the Open Women’s category. This award is akin to the best all rounder award with results taken from each of the competitions throughout the year. I am super jazzed to have won this award.

"In regards to future competitions, with results from the weekend, Shirlene and I both qualify to represent Australia. Melissa has also qualified to represent Australia in a previous competition."

Above left, from left, Melissa Ryan, Shirlene Nevill, Beth Whiting and Sue King, right, Beth Whiting

Images: Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly

Scan the QR code to see a video of Beth lifting with plenty of support from the crowd

Kyle’s Rant

For those of you that have heard the story of The Local’s birth, you may find this read interesting as it is amazing how fact changes to fantasy with 10 years' history and perhaps a little embellishment under the belt.

I was a lot younger 10 years ago and light lines on my face have since turned to deep lines. I was working as a mild-mannered photographer on The Advocate. It was a truly frustrating position, any photos I presented would run as postage stamp size except for the new roundabout between Dean and Ballarat that got a half page. No people, no traffic, just a stupid concrete roundabout. No kidding.

Donna and I both saw the writing on the wall for that paper although it took a pandemic to put the final nail in the coffin. So, we went for it. I cashed a $250 cheque which I had earned doing a private photography job and we were off. The first edition arrived as digital print, 500 copies servicing the strip between Hepburn and Daylesford and promising to be monthly. There was all of a sudden blood on the streets with locals running from basket to basket, some waving them in their hands, “I have my copy,” one local shouted to me. The same day we decided to go fortnightly, and it was on. Obviously we did everything in those days and I remember being shattered after a production week and opening the boot to the car at the Daylesford Post Office where people were just helping themselves to copies, like seagulls on a bag of chips.

The journey has been long and short at the same time. We have met many folks and had the privilege to be able to record locals’ achievements, accolades and grievances.

An outstanding memory I have is an effort to punk The Advocate. I borrowed a life-sized black panther from Mark at The Mill Markets and set up a Facebook page in the name of a fictitious woman called Thel Ocal (a photo of Donna with a wig), and had her travelling around the world on her page with pictures of family and scenes from around the globe. The last photo was at the Lyonville Mineral Springs. It was designed as a selfie with the panther discreetly tucked into the back of the photo looking into an opened esky. Thel had discovered the shot on her return from her travels and was going to contact The Advocate via Facebook to ask what sort of animal was in the background of the shot.

The punk was three months in the making and finally the scene was set. I knew that the staff would be light on because it was Easter so I sprung the trap and the photo came across the desk of the eagle-eyed chief of staff at the Ballarat Courier.

Unfortunately the only person left on that team who had worked in the newsroom with Donna some years back quickly worked out it was, in fact, Donna. The farce was instantly over, the game was up and the horse had bolted. I quickly shut down the FB page and Thel’s email account.

The bright side of this yarn was that I had taken a couple of extra prank panther photos and instead of cutting my losses we ran them in the paper. And they gained a huge response from locals. We were sent photos of sightings, did interviews on farms, were shown casts of panther footprints and even touched some alleged panther fur.

There have been countless other memories and the road is littered with uncertainties and growing pains, but by and large it has been pretty smooth travelling. We have been distributed shire-wide for a lot of years now and have covered some eye-rolling yarns including Geesegate, Rexgate and a bit of rubbish, rates and roadsgate. The team who have joined us through the years have largely stuck with us, and there are not many folks I have met during the last few years who I wouldn’t crack a beer with. Happy 10 years rant over…

Local Lines

wagging no history after lunch for the first time sitting on paspalum under the clothesline in Jimmy B’s backyard the rest have drifted back for maths leaving just Dolores and me she reaches over scoops up a soft pack flicks the bottom shakes up a pure white Kent lips it out

pauses

plucks out the unlit cigarette in a light fist do you think people talk when they’re you know doing it?

the pegs above tighten their grip on Jimmy’s singlets

Bill Wootton no longer smokes Kents or anything else but he still hangs clothes on the clothesline.

This poem appears in Watch, Bill’s latest collection of poems, available at Paradise Books, Daylesford.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

03 5338 8123

Pick me, pick me!

G’day. I’m Pheonix and I’m still a young bloke at just 10 months of age.

I am an extremely handsome red Australian cattle dog. I’m pretty sporty and I love good human company. I would love to find a home where there are good people and where I will get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. I already have some basic training but because I’m so smart it needs to be ongoing. I can be a little picky about who I choose to have as dog friends, but I will be an ideal best mate for the right human. Microchip no. 953010005017377. Call MAAWS on 5472 5277 to come and meet me.

Link: www.maaw.org.au

(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie & Curly - we picked them.) And proudly supported by Daylesford's

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

Wow, 10 years. It is a cliché but it really does feel like yesterday that we put together a little Word document and wandered the streets asking if people would like to advertise in it. For some reason many did. And thanks to them the first edition came out on September 2, 2013.

The front cover was Verna Baker's grandchild watering daffodils, inside we featured artist Keele Breen and a nude, almost, Ian Tinetti. There was even a story on the Bridport Street bus shelter getting a makeover from a group of travellers.

The Local was meant to be a monthly publication but from the get-go we realised there was a real need for local news and a bit of fun. So that was the only monthly edition and after that we went fortnightly.

(You may remember during that first year of Covid we went weekly because we thought everyone needed a good read and real information. We also started Legends of Lockdown to give recognition to those helping others during that scary time. But it nearly killed us, being weekly, and we went back to our regular programming after a year.)

Still mostly it has been a lot of fun and we get great feedback on what we do. Sometimes we hold the council and the pollies to account, but that's just part of the gig, mostly we focus on bringing you good news - to counter all that terrible stuff we see on TV each morning.

When we started Kyle asked what would happen if we ran out of stories. I told him not to worry - and we have never run out. People are always doing amazing things here and I really believe everyone has a story to tell. Well, almost everyone.

We have also had wonderful support with advertising from our clients, all of whom we know which is a really nice feeling. One of our policies is a "no arsehole rule" and we stick with that. We have told the team never to continue to deal with them and we have even lost a couple of advertising deals because they were not our sort of people. I know not many businesses can do that, but it is a great feeling. Also, we are too old to put up with crap. :)

But all the clients we have are lovely people and I hope you support their businesses because they are the reason you have a local community paper to read, for free. And while the world is slowly going digital I know many people still like their printed copy of The Local. So a promise that it will continue in print and online - unlike many other local papers run by much bigger companies than The Local Publishing Group.

With the anniversary I have also been thinking about my "best of" list over the years. Best front cover is easy - the council coming on a missile to get the geesealthough the actual day they were taken was awful. Most interesting stories of mine have to be on The Rex. It was just the issue that kept on giving. From choosing a site, buying the building, Bromley paintings done before building works, building works, stopping building works, to council deciding to sell and the sale.

But then it gets hard. We have such a talented team, there are too many stories, great graphics and photos to choose from. So, a big shout out to our team and all those who have worked with us over the years. Many have stayed the course, including Nick and Lindsay, our wonderful sub-editors, who have been with us from the first edition. Now also working with Chester the Cat.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading The Local over the past 10 years and will keep reading for another 10 perhaps. After that it might be time for a new generation to come along. In the meantime, you're stuck with us. Just sayin'...

Learning and Support Assistant Roles

Would you like to work in a creative and supportive environment and be part of a vibrant, positive and caring team?

Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten is located in a beautiful country setting, just a few minutes from Castlemaine. We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Learning & Support Assistant to support student participation and progress. This position offers family-friendly school hours. Please visit www.cssk.vic.edu.au/our-school/current-vacancies for more information.

Here is the crossword solution for Edition 287. How did you go?

All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local.

LET US HELP YOU MOVE TO YOUR HOME WITH OUR CARING FRIENDLY TEAM

No matter if you are moving to our region for the first time, moving to the big smoke or just moving down the road - we will take care of you and your prized possessions like it’s our own home we are moving.

Artists of the Central Highlands with

Glenlyon's Julie Coyle, one of the many artists taking part in the upcoming Rotary Daylesford Art Show, says her artistic style leans towards abstraction and certainly impressionism. She looks for an emotional response to the landscape. Julie chatted with Eve Lamb.

Eve: How did you come to art?

Julie: Creativity, in so many forms, is a comfort zone for me. I’ve always been a maker and a drawer. Soon after moving to the Central Highlands, during a painting workshop in Woodend, someone suggested the Art Pathways course in Castlemaine. The teachers’ minds, and knowledge of the art world, the way they ‘lived’ creativity was incredibly inspiring. The visual arts diploma in Bendigo followed, and currently, the bachelor at Fed Uni, Ballarat. For me, being immersed in art feeds the soul.

The first painting I sold was in a group show at the Little Gallery, Trentham, about six years ago - the memory will stay with me forever. The girls are so supportive of us locals. The atmosphere of opening night, and the red dots. The idea that a painting can resonate enough with someone to bring it into their home, fills me with happiness. I’ve been painting ever since.

Eve: Where do you do most of your art work?

Julie: I work at home. I recently finished (almost) an owner-build, with my son and his partner, designing in a studio area, and a big open living space - room enough for walking around easels. I like the idea of being with works in progress. Time with them allows a new way of seeing. Being able to pick up a brush at any time can be great too.

Eve: Which artists have influenced your work?

Julie: Oh, that’s difficult. I’m constantly in awe of so many artists. Certain elements can be fascinating. I feel as though we subconsciously, to a certain degree, absorb, and are influenced by everything we surround ourselves with.

Turner is an artist who struck me in my teenage years, and continues to do so. I remember during a school National Gallery visit, being surprised when I first felt a connection to an art work. My world was smaller then, and the artists I had an awareness of, were historic giants.

My next love, later on, was Marshall Williams, a Mornington Peninsula artist, and painter of atmospheric skies meeting water, and small, still boats. I felt so drawn to his work, and my younger self couldn’t quite work out why. During an opportunity to meet him, and gush my admiration, he said: ‘They’re not really about the boats, it’s all about the emotion.’ It was a new concept for me.

Jennifer Riddle, another Peninsula landscape artist, is one whose work I’ve admired since early in her painting career. Her paintings are also beautifully still, serene, atmospheric scenes.

Eve: Are there any other particular factors that have influenced your creative practice?

Julie: I think life itself influences and informs our work, to a huge degree. Looking back at older paintings, I see my work changing, and slowly evolving. I’m searching for ways to convey a depth of calm, and I couldn’t possibly separate that from the idea of respite.

Eve: What is your media of choice?

Julie: Although there’s a richness in oils that I love, I’ve been working in acrylics for their ability to produce layers without the need for time in between.

Eve Lamb

I can work on a few canvases at once, returning to each one without pause, which is what works for me if everything is flowing well. I use a fixative between coats, to avoid disturbing the previous wash, and a gloss varnish when finished.

Eve: What are your subject matters of choice?

Julie: Our local, natural landscapes, and skies. I’m fascinated by the way we’re drawn to nature, and its restorative powers, and calming effects. I feel compelled to find a way to harness some of that.

Eve: Have you ever worked in any other areas?

Julie: Mostly I’ve worked from home, raising a family. Market stalls with wooden homewares led to making bespoke furniture through a gallery in Sorrento. I loved the design aspect, and working with timber, especially reclaimed. After moving to the highlands, renovating an old farm, then building a few years later, I’m cured of those desires, as rewarding as they’ve been.

The idea of reclaiming and reusing appeared again for me, when moving up here, in the form of a space at the Amazing Mill Markets, Daylesford.

There I’ve curated a collection of ‘gently worn’ clothing, with a few handmade linen pieces. I’ll always enjoy design. I love that these ways are kind to our planet, and that I can work around my painting.

Eve: What have been your career highlights?

Julie: I always feel enormous gratitude to buyers of my work. It’s an act of the greatest encouragement. When a viewer at an exhibition a while ago turned from my painting, put her hand to her heart, and looked at me, I felt I had achieved something of value. I’ve had some awards at local art shows, which have been so validating, and so appreciated. It all amounts to feeling worthy of continuing along this creative path!

Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up?

Julie: Ideas are floating around a show with a friend next year in Ballarat, but for now, I have work hanging in the Falkner Gallery, Castlemaine, and the Clayfire Gallery, Daylesford. And there's the Daylesford Art Show...

Image: Supplied