The Local May 24, 2021, Issue 228,

TheLocal

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May 24, 2021 Issue 228 Back to the drawing board

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

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Front cover: Hepburn Shire councillors will hold a workshop to examine all the options for the Hepburn Hub at the Rex including "ceasing" the project. Cartoonist Glenn Robinson came up with one idea. Read the story opposite on page 3.

May 24, 2021 Issue 228 Back to the drawing board

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

The next edition is out on Monday, June 7, 2021.

Or online on Sunday, June 6 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, June 2 Copy deadline: Thursday, June 3 Editorial deadline: Thursday, June 3 Managing editor | Donna Kelly General manager | Kyle Barnes Sub-editors | Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

Image: Glenn Robinson

Writers | Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Jeff Glorfeld, Carol Saffer, Narelle Groenhout and Donna Kelly The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

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.

Photographers | Kyle Barnes and David White Graphic designer & HLH coordinator | Dianne Caithness Contributors: Glen Heyne (gardening), Indre Kisonas (design), Glenn Robinson (cartoons), Darren Lowe (gigs) and Matthew Richardson (money) Accounts | Julie Hanson Editorial: 0418 576 513 | Advertising: 0416 104 283

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.

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Local Lines On the planting of Quercus Robur, for Rod May 29 05 2021 Quercus Robur, the English Oak, most beloved and sacred of trees. In your wide spreading crown of rugged branches, age old ceremonies took place and your limbs inspired the towering rooves of cathedrals to be built. You are loved as a cosmic storehouse of wisdom and biodiversity, over 2000 species hum symbiotically around you.

I think of the young boy, holding grandfather’s hand wandering the farm nestled beneath Kangaroo Hills.

Ringed by volcanic cones, plains of deep red soils, Captain Hepburn’s creek rising in your paddocks.

Enquiring mind, you feel life pulsing with nature’s purpose.

I wonder if on star filled nights, with domed overhead skies is this where you developed your passion for science fiction?

You introduce me to Carl Sagan and that pale blue dot, planet earth suspended in a sunbeam, the sum of all things.

You wonder if androids dreamt of electric sheep, and see things we wouldn’t believe, – fire off the shoulder of Orion, moments lost in time, like tears in the rain, time to die.

This Oak will cycle through the seasons. You slip away, unaware grandson Otis was in utero – one day he will bring his children.

A poet, you delivered a speech to an Agribusiness forum creating a utopian world of ecological, agricultural revolution.

Stardate 2099 ‘How Organic Farming saved the world’.

You describe an Australia with an insect farmer as president.

Pope Barry beatifies Saint Rachel Carson for Silent Spring.

Monsanto, disgraced, is no longer, and agricultural development guidelines are principles of health, ecology, fairness and care.

Your bulk plans for aphid predators, ‘a loveliness of ladybirds’, King Charles title, now with grandson George, King of Worms.

Soil ecology TV shows create a frenzy with the public. Trains, now named in honour of biodiversity champions, not sportsmen.

You create a water equity council and hand out prizes in the ancient art of composting. You have visions of technology, now for human betterment, not a gun on hair trigger pointed at our heads.

As we plant this English Oak, I’m drawn to the word ‘Druid', from the Gaelic, meaning ‘men of the oak’, men known as wise teachers, philosophers, in communion with nature.

The overriding symbolism of the Oak is symbiosis. Rod’s dream moving on, organic farming just known as agriculture agro biodiversity, atmospheric sustainability and living cultures working together in harmony with all our fellow creatures.

Anne E Stewart Anne E Stewart is an acclaimed storyteller with an international reputation.

Her focus is on the shared stories of Australia honouring indigenous, Celtic, Asian and World stories.

Link: https://vimeo.com/80315234 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 (Members of the community are invited to join the May family to honour and remember former mayor and councillor Rod May during a tree planting ceremony at Lake Daylesford on Saturday, May 29 from 10am to 11am.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/ )

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News 3

Hepburn Hub at The Rex project in doubt

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HE current Hepburn Hub at The Rex project may be cancelled.

At its Tuesday, May 18 meeting, Hepburn Shire Council received a report on the proposed Hub as part of a commitment to provide a monthly update to the community and to be open and transparent about the project.

At the meeting Cr Jen Bray said the delays at The Rex had been a "very frustrating" process for the project team, councillors and the community.

Cr Bray asked Infrastructure director Bruce Lucas: "At what point does the council draw a line in the sand and say 'enough's enough'? Given the frustrations of the community, councillors and staff with the delays of the start of the build of The Rex project, have the project team considered the option to terminate the contract with the current builder and to look at other options?"

Mr Lucas replied that officers continued to look at all options and there was provision for the council to terminate the building contract.

Cr Bray later told The Local: "It is the responsible thing to do, at this stage, given the delays and associated costs with The Rex project, to bring all the information before us to make an informed evidence-based decision about how to proceed. No decision will be made until all these factors have been carefully considered."

A media release issued by council last Wednesday, May 19, said: "Works onsite have not commenced since the awarding of the building contract at the September 2020 council meeting, due to queries from the contractor on the condition of the building and additional works not included in the original scope."

Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said councillors fully understood the frustrations of the community with the project.

"We have asked council officers to facilitate a workshop where councillors can be advised of the implications, financial and non-financial, of exploring all options when it comes to the project, including ceasing it.

It's important we explore the legal implications of any future decisions," she said.

"This is a complex project and works have not progressed as expected.

We are currently negotiating with the builder and working with them daily to resolve some of these issues."

Cr Hewitt said a $3 million loan approved at the Tuesday council meeting would fund works that had already been approved – it was not additional money required for the project, which currently has a price tag of around $13 million.

Meanwhile, the completion date of June or July this year has been delayed until at least October if the project goes ahead.

History

The building, a former theatre, was bought by Hepburn Shire Council in 2016 for $6.345 million. The project stalled in June 2018 after it was realised the renovation cost would be more than $1 million, creating a need for a planning permit.

The empty building already has two large David Bromley murals, on the wall leading up to the cinema and on the wall outside staff toilets.

A social enterprise cafe, which would have provided hospitality work experience to young people, has been dropped because government funding for the library relied on a metreage space, and the cafe impinged Above, the hoped for result for the Hepburn Hub at The Rex, middle, the reality in on that.

Words & images: Donna Kelly December last year, below, one of the David Bromley artworks

AGED 50 AND OVER? COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out to those most at risk.

People aged 50 and over can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at one of the selected vaccination clinics or at participating general practices.

It’s voluntary, free and the best way to protect you and your community.

Our Therapeutic Goods Administration continues to closely monitor the safety of all vaccines in Australia.

To find out where you can get vaccinated visit australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Pets@Work

Rod Poxon is the greens director at the Daylesford Bowling Club - and is usually there with his dog Minty. The seven-yearold long-haired chihuahua keeps Rod company, hangs out with the bowlers and volunteers and also enjoys having a ride on the roller, pictured. Minty was chosen for her size, nice nature and because she "loves everyone". See Rod and Minty's roller action on YouTube at www.tlnews.com.au Images: Kyle Barnes

New CEOs for Hepburn and Macedon Ranges

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Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said she was pleased with the appointment of Bradley to the position following a national recruitment campaign that attracted a very high standard of candidates.

“Bradley has proven himself an effective leader during his time with Hepburn Shire. He joined the shire in January 2019 in the role of director, Community and Corporate Services, and has been interim CEO since January 2021,” she said.

“Bradley brings more than 12 years’ experience in local government and has the skills and knowledge to successfully lead the organisation.”

Mr Thomas has worked at both the City of Greater Bendigo and Mount Alexander Shire Council in leadership roles. He holds a Master of Business Administration and is a chartered accountant and is the president of FinPro, the peak body of Victorian Local Government Finance Professionals.

Cr Hewitt said Mr Thomas had steered the organisation through the development of the Hepburn Together project, including the Community Engagement Policy and Council Plan and Vision, the 2021/22 Proposed Budget and successfully secured substantial grant funding.

“Councillors look forward to working with Bradley, the organisation and our community on finalising the Council Plan and Vision over the coming months.”

Mr Thomas said he was thrilled by the appointment and looking forward to continuing a program of change that has been enacted over the past couple of years "where we are improving our governance, community engagement and ensuring our community and customers are always forefront to our decision making”.

“I’m excited about the opportunities for this shire, we have a number of key projects to deliver across the shire, and I look forward to working with councillors and leading a fantastic organisation that contributes to an optimistic future for the Hepburn Shire community.”

Councillors and council staff welcomed Mr O'Sullivan at a smoking ceremony performed

by Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land at the Gisborne Administration Centre.

Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson said in his first week Mr O'Sullivan had shown his commitment to reacquainting himself with the residents and businesses in the Macedon Ranges, where he grew up.

"As well as beginning to meet with council staff, Bernie took the opportunity to catch up with Mary-Anne Thomas MP, State Member for Macedon, and advocate on behalf of councillors and the community on a wide variety of topics."

Mr O'Sullivan said it was an honour to be welcomed by Uncle Bill Nicholson to mark his commencement as CEO of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, and learn more about the cultural practices of indigenous peoples of the area.

Cr Anderson said Mr O'Sullivan was joining Macedon Ranges Shire Council as changes in the Local Government Act, continuing responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and the introduction of the council's statement of planning policy into the planning scheme required a combined effort of everyone in the shire.

“Bernie’s senior leadership experience and local knowledge find him well prepared to continue to improve life for all in the Macedon Ranges.”

Prior to working at the City of Greater Bendigo, Mr O'Sullivan was acting chief executive officer at the Institute of Public Administration Australia and deputy secretary of Regional Services for the Victorian Departments of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Environment and Primary Industries. He also worked in senior leadership roles in Sydney and Canberra for 15 years in policy, management and advocacy.

A query from The Local on where Mr O'Sullivan lived was responded with "not currently residing in the Macedon Ranges Shire".

ENDIGO resident Bradley Thomas has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer at Hepburn Shire Council.

ORMER Strategy and Growth director at the City of Greater Bendigo Bernie O’Sullivan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

6 News

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State funding for Hepburn Shire projects

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HE Victorian Government has poured money into Hepburn Shire over the past week with three large grants for projects.

The funds will help to restore and celebrate the derelict day basin and improve the area surrounding the Pioneer Memorial Tower, the basin and other projects.

“The historic gardens are well-loved by the community and attract thousands of visitors each year,” said Cr Hewitt.

“The grant will make a vital contribution towards preserving and enhancing some of the key features of the beautiful gardens.”

Council will provide $188,000 to the project and the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens will contribute $200,000.

Frank Page, committee member of the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Garden, said the restoration of the day basin was one of the key projects for the gardens.

“The day basin is located right near the Pioneer Memorial Tower and is where they stored the day’s water for Daylesford. Our plan is to restore it and make it safe,” Mr Page said.

“This funding is a wonderful outcome that has been brought to fruition by a long-term collaboration between Hepburn Shire and the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.

“All of you who have volunteered, supported open gardens and other fundraisers or just paid memberships should be very proud of the achievement of this wonderful opportunity to enhance an important social, scientific and cultural asset,” he said.

Words: Donna Kelly

FSA/DET0020-01

Hepburn Shire has received a $500,000 grant to help redevelop the Bullarto Train Station. The project includes construction of a replica of the original 1930s station building, bringing to life the history of rail and providing an additional tourist destination for the region.

Historic rail motors were used at Bullarto Station between the late 1920s and early 1990s. The redevelopment plan envisions rail motors bringing visitors to town from Daylesford through the Wombat State Forest.

The restored platform and gardens at the station, along with new amenities, will welcome passengers as they disembark from the train. Detailed planning is underway between the Hepburn Shire and the Daylesford Spa Country Railway.

In more good news, Sport and Recreation Victoria will fund $2.062 million towards the redevelopment of Trentham Sportsground Reserve Pavilion.

The funding is part of the Community Sport Infrastructure Stimulus Program. Council will contribute $413,000.

“Council has been working with user groups and the community on the designs. The project will see the creation of a welcoming and inclusive community sports facility for Trentham, with universal access, gender equitable changerooms and family-friendly design,” Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said.

The final phase of design works are expected to be completed in the coming months, with construction to begin in November 2021. Once complete, the pavilion will accommodate sports club use and broader multipurpose community meeting space needs.

“This project will considerably improve the internal lay-out of the pavilion, so clubs will be able to more easily host fundraising social events and hire out the pavilion for community activities and events,” Cr Hewitt said.

Trentham Sportsground Committee of Management president Adrian Tusek said the committee, clubs and community were extremely excited and appreciative of the funding support from the Victorian State Government and Hepburn Shire Council "to acknowledge the need to improve our pavilion".

"The town was abuzz over the weekend with the news. The new pavilion will help to widen our sports participation and community use of the facility."

The sportsground supports the function of junior and senior, male and female football, cricket and netball, as well as providing a venue for large community and private events.

The pavilion design complies with AFL Victoria and Cricket Victoria facility guidelines for a local club level facility.

Meanwhile, a $500,000 grant from the Victorian State Government will see a series of improvements made to the iconic Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford.

Kinder teachers help our kids dream big.

The Victorian Government is rolling out Three-Year-Old Kinder.

And that means 6,000 new teaching jobs across our state.

To find out what it means for a career in early childhood - including financial support visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

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News 7

Ending the brawl over our rural sprawl

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IRST steps are being taken to protect Hepburn Shire from destructive over-development. The process began three months ago when Daylesford activist Jennie Wilmoth wrote to Minister Wynne and began talks with Mayor Lesley Hewitt.

The council says it is looking at an “array of strategic planning work” over the next few years, including the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program.

This scheme, says council CEO Bradley Thomas, is a shire-wide research project on landscape quality assessment and effects on the landscape. The council is keen to get the necessary approval of the Department of the Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Development has become a hot and controversial issue in the shire, with a hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal studying objections to a plan for a 53-lot subdivision in Smith Street, Daylesford (pictured right), near two schools, coupled with efforts to sell land for homes nearby which would drastically alter one of the main gateways to Daylesford. Planning Minister Richard Wynne intervened, however, to “call in” the dispute and is to decide on it.

One expert with clear views on the need for protection is Guildford Vineyard vintner, Mandy Jean. An architect and heritage consultant with 40 years’ experience, she voices her support for the distinctive area landscape scheme, saying, “I think everything is landscape and primary agriculture”.

Closer settlement in farming zones in areas of high agricultural production is making farming difficult, she says, coming on top of climate change, bushfire danger and a lack of water.

“This means there is more demand on water in the water catchment areas as every newly created subdivision in the farming zone will require a dam. Farmers have to pay for water rights to use on the land. Environmental flow to prevent salinity and degradation of the environment is very tricky to manage.”

Add to this, lack of knowledge: “If you are not in primary industry and exposed to all the research, workshops and forums delivered by the Department of Primary Industry and other organisations, it's difficult for people to learn how it all operates and how to care for country.”

Much education is needed, especially given the voracious spreading of terrible weeds. “Some people don’t realise that you actually have to look after the land constantly…it’s an organic, dynamic living structure and continually changes.”

Further, some farmers are limited in their ability to expand their businesses in this region because of rocketing land prices and are buying up farms further out, for example in the Avoca area. Agricultural land per hectare that once sold for $5000$10,000 is now triple or quadruple that price if the lot is small such as 20 hectares or fewer and a planning permit for a new house is possible. It's pushing agricultural land beyond the means of many farmers.

Hepburn Shire is unusual, Ms Jean says, because historically it allowed minimum lots of 20 hectares or fewer in farming zones to the east of the shire in areas of prime agricultural land. “For over a century these areas of rich volcanic soils in Hepburn Shire have been recognised as one of the most productive farm lands in Australia.

They need protection from urban expansion.”

The Central Highlands is known for its high value agricultural production both on a small scale, such as regenerative farming and broad acre farming. “We are one of the best agricultural food production areas in the country. We are lucky to have such a wealth of agricultural knowledge and specialist food producers here in such a small area. It allows us to build a close relationship between consumer and producer that allows customers to experience the authenticity and story of the product, benefitting both the producer and the consumer in a fun way.”

One success for the council is being able to get money to lead an Artisan Agriculture Project over three years in order to provide support by: • Raising the profile of the Hepburn Shire and greater Central Highlands Artisan Agriculture Producers to improve financial stability by expanding access to government grants and reducing barriers to finance; • Increasing access to business support services through centralised information and training, and business skills and knowledge mentoring opportunities; and • Improving access through food rules that are appropriate to this area’s scale.

Macedon Ranges is first out of the blocks with the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program and hopes to get going in the next year. It has the backing of Minister Wynne, who said new rules would “lock down the treasured natural landscapes that should never be encroached on and put in place a framework to guide future land use and prevent over-development”.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is to report to Minister Wynne next month.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

Scan the QR code to hear Kyle Barnes chatting with Jennie Wilmoth on Country Life podcast or head to www.tlnews.com.au

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Community News MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR There has been lots happening in the Shire in the last two weeks. On 11 May, Council appointed Bradley Thomas to the CEO position. In addition to being a passionate cricket fan, Bradley has over 10 years’ experience in local government in various roles in the City of Greater Bendigo, Mt Alexander Shire, and in the last 2.5 years at Hepburn Shire. As Interim CEO Bradley has overseen the implementation of the Community Engagement Strategy and the start of the 4-year Council Plan and 10-year Council Vision, all required under the new Local Government Act 2020.

Over the last fortnight, the Andrews Labor State Government has announced more than $6.5 million in funding for projects in our Shire.

They have announced $3.5M for Trentham Community Hub, $2.062M for Trentham Sportsground Pavilion, $0.5M for Bullarto Railway Station, and $0.5M for Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. This scale of funding is unprecedented for a small rural Shire and is a game changer for us. The funding of these projects demonstrates how effective we can be when Council and community groups work together and is a great outcome for the Shire.

At the May meeting, Council received a report on the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project. Works onsite have not commenced since the awarding of the building contract at the September 2020 Council meeting, due to queries from the contractor on the condition of the building and additional works not included in the original scope. Like the community, Council and officers are disappointed and frustrated by this. Council has asked officers to facilitate a workshop where Councillors can be advised of the implications, financial and non-financial, of exploring all options when it comes to the project, including ceasing it. I am sure that you will understand the importance of Council making evidenced based decisions that consider the legal, financial, and social implications of any future decisions. We all want a successful outcome for the community and staff and the need to deliver a modern library and other community facilities as well as decent working spaces for staff. At the May meeting, a $3 million loan was approved. There has been some misunderstanding in the community about this. It was to fund works that were already approved and NOT additional money for the project.

Council also took a strong stand on the Western Victoria Transmission Network project. This is an issue that has galvanized the community, concerned to protect our productive agricultural land and cultural heritage.

We all understand the need for renewable energy to address climate change, but we also need to acknowledge what the project, in its proposed form means for those who have much to lose if the transmission lines are built on their farmland. Council will be preparing a strong submission to the Environmental Effects Statement highlighting the bushfire risk, threat to agricultural land, and impact on historic and sensitive landscapes. You can read updates at https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/western-transmissionlines-project/. , Finally, we are developing a ten-year Aquatics Strategy and I encourage you to have your say to inform this strategy. I know many people will have some great ideas, so have your say.

Cr Lesley Hewitt MAYOR

CONTACTS 

General enquiries

5348 2306

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@

Mail Email Website

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Aged & disability services enquiries - 5345 8399

PO Box 21, Daylesford 3460 shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au hepburn.vic.gov.au

HAVE YOUR SAY ON AQUATIC FACILITIES IN OUR SHIRE This is your opportunity to give us feedback and have your say on the current aquatic facilities in our Shire. We’re developing a 10year Aquatics Strategy and we want community feedback on our facilities, in particular how people use and enjoy these facilities, along with ideas for improvements.

Have your say in person at one of the remaining community pop up sessions: • Saturday, 5 June, 10am to 1pm - Creswick IGA • Saturday, 19 June, 9am to 1pm - Trentham Farmers Market • Saturday, 26 June, 10am – 1pm - Clunes IGA For more information on other ways to have your say, including completing a short online survey, visit https://participate.hepburn. vic.gov.au/hepburn-aquatics-strategy-have-your-say.

JOIN OUR GENDER EQUITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE We’re establishing a Gender Equity Advisory Committee (GEAC) and are looking for community members to join. The aim of the committee is to provide Council with advice on improving gender equity within Council and the community.

Council is now calling on applications from suitably qualified and experienced Community Members for the GEAC. For the Terms of reference and more infomation on how to apply visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/join-our-gender-equity-advisorycommittee/.

REVENUE COLLECTION & HARDSHIP POLICY The Revenue Collection and Hardship Policy was approved by Council at the May meeting.

The policy gives flexibility to people who cannot afford to pay their rates monthly or quarterly, providing a Personalised Payment Plan which allows them to pay their rates by smaller, more regular payments.

You can read the policy on the Council website at www.hepburn.vic. gov.au/council-policies/. If you are experiencing hardship, please make contact with us.

SIGN UP TO HEPBURN LIFE We have launched our new monthly e-newsletter, Hepburn Life. Sign up to receive it straight to your inbox at https://mailchi. mp/hepburn/sign-up.

For after hours emergencies please call:  Animal Control - 0419 587 955  Other Council Emergency - 0419 583 573 hepburncouncil

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Our people 9

Kevin Tolhurst – a life devoted to forests and fires

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EVEIN Tolhurst is one of many leading Australian foresters whose career commenced with training at the Creswick School of Forestry.

And in Kevin’s case, it’s a career that’s shaped the Australian forestry landscape and one in which he has made a tremendous contribution to forests across Australia and the world.

Kevin’s legacy continues to be his internationally recognised forest fire expertise.

Now retired from full-time forestry, Kevin commenced training at the Creswick site in 1974 and when the Forestry School amalgamated with the University of Melbourne in 1980, Kevin was asked to provide training for the forestry course during the transition.

Becoming a world-renowned forest fire expert happened organically for Kevin.

Working on fire ecology studies, he saw a disconnect between rhetoric and what was actually happening in the forests.

“The way fire impacts were being assessed didn’t make sense at a scientific or ecological level. We established a long-term fire research program to look at the impacts of repeated cool burns in spring and autumn on the fauna, flora, soils and fuels. This study led me to a better understanding of fire,” he said.

“Tension still exists about fire management because so many scientists and researchers have differing opinions. But forests must be planned 100 plus years in advance, governments now in control of our forests mean forests are planned for over a three-year cycle – whoever is in power.”

Kevin has had to deal with bureaucracy in government at different times during his career. At one point when he was a forester employed by the Victorian Government he became frustrated at spending more time coming up with possible answers for potential parliamentary question time enquiries than actually planning for the forests.

“Around 1985 there was a shift in Victoria and instead of qualified foresters making planning decisions, it moved to generalist public servants and forestry became political. That was extremely disheartening for me.

“The current model is broken. There is simply no long-term planning anymore and to a large degree the political parties are short-sighted.”

Kevin has strong views given his career is devoted to forest fire management but he is the first to understand why populist views influence the push to lock up forests and have them all managed as national parks.

“There are many who are ill-informed and a lot of what we hear and read in the media is simply not science-based. Often the credibility of those that are most vocal is simply not questioned,” he said.

“While many believe we should go back to the indigenous cool burning method, they often forget that traditional landowners were very active land managers. The land will always need to be managed. Simply locking up the forests would be fraught with danger.”

The latter part of Kevin’s forestry career was devoted to research and over that time he became an expert in his field. His fire management systems, techniques and inventions are still in use across the country.

Kevin was an instrumental member working in the state control centre on Black Saturday and was later one of the Royal Commission’s appointed planned burning experts. Over decades he has provided expert advice on fire behaviour and fire suppression strategies at major bushfires.

Kevin has spent hundreds of hours appearing at court cases and inquests involving fires including the Linton Coronial Inquiry, Canberra Coronial Inquiry, House of Representatives 2003 Inquiry, 2008 Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2007 fires in Victoria and the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

But the Linton Coronial Inquiry still remains one of the most difficult times in his career.

“I went to the site daily to reconstruct the fire. I had to understand how the fire behaved, what drove an experienced firefighter to make the decisions made and then determine how such an event could be avoided,” he said.

“It was a very dark time for me. I spent hundreds of hours at the scene. Piecing together the event that led to the tragedy. I was reliving the event over and over again,” he said.

A coronial inquest later found that there were numerous issues, including inadequate training, that contributed to the tragedy.

“There is a misconception that because someone has been fighting fires for many years, they understand fire behaviour. That simply isn’t the case. In many situations, that lack of knowledge and the failure to listen to experts in their own field and not simply listening to the populist views, can have dire consequences.”

Kevin’s most recent research activities have centred around developing a bushfire risk management decision support system that is used nationally.

Throughout his career, Kevin has received a number of awards including Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 for his contributions to science and the community, particularly in the area of bushfires.

Kevin continues to offer his years of bushfire knowledge and while he has stepped aside from full-time research, he continues to be an honorary associate professor at the University of Melbourne.

He still spends many hours at the university site in Creswick and is passionate about the school’s history which has played such an important role in producing trained foresters with knowledge and understanding that has helped shape, protect and manage Australia’s forests.

Words & image: Narelle Groenhout ADVERTISEMENT

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10 Our health

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Video promotes health services on offer

C

ENTRAL Highlands Rural Health has released a short video to promote the wide range of services on offer from the regional health service in the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn shires.

The video focuses on services at all five campuses – Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford, Kyneton and Trentham – as well as community-based programs delivered by the Community Health and Community Nursing teams.

From services for newborns in maternal and child health, right through to aged care, the video showcases Central Highlands Rural Health’s integrated approach to localised healthcare, providing every person with the best possible care, close to home.

The video features a touching moment between aged care resident Gloria McCarthy and her daughter Vicki Gunnser, who is a hotel services supervisor at Daylesford Aged Care.

"It was a bit of fun being filmed for the video. Our family have lived locally all our lives and I’m really proud that Mum and I could be a part of the video that celebrates the great work we do here at Central Highlands Rural Health," Ms Gunnser said.

The video includes footage of the newly renovated Dementia Friendly Aged Care Unit in Creswick, acute and surgical services in Kyneton and Daylesford, aged care in Daylesford and Trentham, community health services across the Hepburn Shire, and community nursing and home care packages across the region.

Central Highlands Rural Health CEO Maree Cuddihy said: “Hopefully the video gives everyone a taste of the kind of services we offer. There is so much more we could have covered so we hope that once people have watched it, they’ll take the time to have a look around our website to learn more about our services.”

To view the video visit: https://www.chrh.org.au/articles/CHRH-promo-video/

Above, Gloria McCarthy and her daughter Vicki Gunnser, who is a Hotel Services supervisor at Daylesford Aged Care, below, Christine Bentley was filmed enjoying the internal garden at Trentham Aged Care Images: Contributed

DON’T FORGET YOUR FLU SHOT PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS THIS FLU SEASON

The best way to avoid the seasonal flu is by getting your flu shot.

And this year, remember to make sure it’s at least two weeks apart from your COVID-19 Vaccine

betterhealth.vic.gov.au/flu

Creative encounters

M

ACEDON Ranges Shire Council earlier this year invited arts practitioners, groups and organisations to submit their ideas to deliver artistic projects which increase engagement with local arts and culture.

Eleven exciting and diverse art projects were selected as part of the Covid Creative & Cultural Support Program, known collectively as Creative Encounters, and are currently under way across the Macedon Ranges.

Council is encouraging residents to get involved with one of the activities, such as the Connecting Communities game by artist Jenni Ivins, which will bring living in the Macedon Ranges to life through a board game.

To create the board game, Jenni is initiating conversations about what people love about living, working or playing in the Macedon Ranges. Maybe people would like to share their experiences of local fauna and flora, or highlight an activity or community event they enjoy?

As well as providing conversation starters for people to respond to such as “Where can you get a good cuppa in a cosy atmosphere? (Maybe with an open fire?)”, Jenni is inviting the community to submit artwork such as drawings, paintings, and photos for input into the game.

To participate, join the public Connecting Communities Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/connectingcommunitiesgame Once finished, the Connecting Communities board game will help people discover things they didn’t know about the shire, find new places to visit on a family outing or with friends, and appreciate our unique area with a new perspective.

“We’re keen for locals to contribute to the Connecting Communities board game – it’s a great opportunity to be part of a project that documents life in the Macedon Ranges in 2021,” Planning and Environment acting director Stephen Pykett said.

“After a tough 2020, Creative Encounters aims to inspire people to participate in our local arts scene once again, and have a lot of fun doing so.”

To find out more about the projects, the artists, and how to get involved go to mrsc.vic.gov.au/get-involved

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Our history 11

Malmsbury bluestone's place in our history

O

NE of the principal building materials that gives Melbourne and many regional towns throughout the state their character is bluestone. Technically known as olivine basalt, it is an igneous (molten then solidified) stone dispersed by countless eruptions over thousands of years.

Today the stone can be readily found from south-western Victoria to the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne as part of one of the largest volcanic basalt plains in the world.

But bluestone is not the same everywhere you go and skilled stoneworkers back in the day quickly realised the stone obtained from the Malmsbury area was a distinct and valuable resource.

It was first extracted in the 1850s to build the Church of England common school in the village and then the viaducts at Malmsbury and Elphinstone supporting the railway to Bendigo. Within 20 years there were dozens of quarries in the area employing hundreds of quarrymen, stoneworkers and stonemasons. Soon Malmsbury bluestone found its way into churches, halls, hotels, shops, factories, houses, roads, bridges, reservoirs, footpaths and cemeteries.

A summary of the local industry in 1869 stated that: “The excellent bluestone procurable from the Malmsbury quarries is rapidly gaining in public estimations, and a very steady trade is now being done in this material with the metropolis (Melbourne).”

It was also quickly established that the material, unlike that found in other locations, could be readily carved and it did not take very long before the stone became highly sought after.

“It was shipped to Perth and Fremantle, Adelaide and Sydney,” says Dr Sue Walter, president of the Malmsbury Historical Society, who completed a PHD on the subject. “There were also consignments sent to Launceston and other sites around northern Tasmania and across the Tasman to Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand.”

Some of the more significant examples of carved Malmsbury bluestone can still be viewed at the Parkville campus of Melbourne University. This includes the Gothic inspired pillars of gate number 10 on Grattan Street designed by the architects Reed and Barnes and completed in 1876. Just nearby is an ornate bluestone doorway dated to 1880, salvaged from the Colonial Bank of Australasia building which once stood at the corner of Elizabeth and Little Collins streets.

It features a pair of formidable looking male figures (atlantes) carved by sculptor James Gilbert supporting an entablature (or horizontal beam) above the entrance.

Today the neoclassical work serves as an entrance to the South Lawn underground car park. (Incidentally the site is also known as the Mad Max carpark due to a scene from the film being shot there in the late 70s.)

But being very sturdy stone and highly sought after, also led to some deceptive shenanigans in the construction industry. A notorious example was the construction of the Princes Bridge over the Yarra in 1888, as Dr Walter explains.

“I was contacted by a geologist who told me that stone and material in Princes Bridge was now exfoliating (bits and pieces falling off). It turns out that the contractors for the Princes Bridge had engaged in deceptive conduct, claiming they were using Malmsbury stone when it had actually come from Kyneton South.

This was all before scientific testing was done on stone and they probably thought it looked similar enough, it was coming from nearby so who was going to tell the difference? In this case it was not until 130 years later the differences began to show up.”

Today the Malmsbury bluestone industry is no longer active except for landscaping and a small amount being used by stonemasons such as WT Jones in Kyneton. Ultimately it was the development of better brick supplies and reinforced concrete, not to mention the labour costs of working raw stone that saw the virtual extinction of the trade by the 1930s. And so the various quarries dotted around Malmsbury were eventually backfilled and left to be covered by weeds.

“Today most of them are on private land,” says Dr Walter. “And those that are Photo of quarrymen taken around 1890. Possibly men of the Footscray and on public land tend to be held under private lease. The most obvious ones that can Malmsbury Stone Cutting and Quarrying Company be viewed from roadsides are at the intersection of Rollinsons Road and Old Quarry Road in the Malmsbury/Greenhill area.”

Thanks to Dr Sue Walter and the Malmsbury Historical Society for assistance with this feature.

Words: Tony Sawrey

Scan the QR code to hear Tony Sawrey talking with Dr Sue Walker on Country Life podcast

Malmsbury Stone Sawing Company site on the Coliban River 1874-1892, piles of sawn stone can be seen among the blocks awaiting processing Circle of waste stone at one of several historic quarry sites on the corner of Rollinsons and Old Quarry roads, north of Malmsbury

All images courtesy of Dr Sue Walter and the Malmsbury Historical Society.

Out & About

Lovelocks at Lake Daylesford Image: Kyle Barnes

Let’s support our community and shop local!

ZELMAN SYMPHONY

Rick Prakhoff − Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

“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.

Soloists: Roy Theaker − Violin Kalina Krusteva − Cello 2.00pm Sunday 6 June 2021 Daylesford Town Hall, Vincent Street Daylesford Beethoven − Egmont Overture Brahms - Double Concerto for Violin, Cello & Orchestra Beethoven − Symphony No. 8

Bookings: Online trybooking.com/BQVVV or email info@u3ahepburnshire.com Presented by U3A Hepburn with Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra Inc. Reg. A0031942K Proudly supported by

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Don Pasquale in Daylesford

O

PERA returns to Daylesford on June 5 when GBD Productions presents Donizetti’s comedy masterpiece, Don Pasquale.

This production pays tribute to the 19th century tradition of touring opera in the colonies, when singers made a living by moving from town to town to perform for regional audiences, making the most of the resources at their disposal.

Don Pasquale is the perfect opera for this format. It is a fast paced and witty comedy with all the operatic components – a mean spirited miser, a flirtatious heroine, a lovelorn tenor, a practical joker and a perplexed group of household servants. And it is all set to one of Donizetti’s most famous and celebrated scores.

The cast includes Adam Jon as Dr Malatesta, a role he prepared for performances in Italy. South Australian tenor Hew Wagner sings the role of Ernesto, which he studied with Opera of SA. Helen Koehne, who was audience favourite in this company’s productions of Don Giovanni and L’Elisir d’Amore, returns in the role of Norina – a young bride who is not all she seems. Tying it all together is Madame Carandini who provides a helpful narration for those not up on their Italian. Accompaniment is provided by Pamela Christie, one of Melbourne’s most in demand musicians.

Don Pasquale will be performed at Christ Church, Daylesford on June 5 at 2pm for one performance only.

Seating is limited and bookings can be made online at trybooking.com or visiting gbdproductions.com.au

Right, Helen Koehne with Hew Wagner Words & image: Contributed

Zelman concert

T

HE Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra is the only full symphony orchestra to regularly visit Hepburn Shire.

Alberto Zelman Junior dominated the musical life of Melbourne for more than 20 years until his early death at age 52 in 1927. He was a prodigious musical talent and arguably Australia’s foremost violinist in his day, as well as a highly talented orchestra and choral conductor, pianist and violin teacher.

Alberto, the son of an eminent Italian musician, was born in Carlton and made his first public performance as a violinist at the age of six.

During his relatively short but illustrious career he founded the Orchestral League, the Melbourne String Quartet and the British Music Quartet and was president of the Music Society of Victoria.

His greatest achievement was founding and conducting the original Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. There is a tablet in Melbourne’s St Paul’s Cathedral celebrating Alberto’s achievement.

After Alberto’s death in 1927, the original Melbourne Symphony Orchestra continued to perform until 1932 when it became professional. The amateur players formed their own orchestra in 1933 and named it in memory of Alberto Zelman Junior.

Today, the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra is still going strong, holding four concerts a year in Melbourne and at least one in regional Victoria.

It will again be performing in the Daylesford Town Hall on Sunday, June 6 from 2pm.

Last year the orchestra could not pay homage to the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, so will open with Beethoven’s famous Egmont Overture and finish with his exciting Symphony No. 8.

Guest soloists, Kalina Krusteva (cello) and Roy Theaker (violin), will join with the orchestra to perform the thrilling Brahms Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra.

Tickets, $25, are available online at trybooking. com/BQVVV or email info@u3ahepburnshire.com And the local connection? Two of Alberto’s three brothers married sisters from the prominent Borsa family of Hepburn Springs. Victor Zelman, a prominent artist and musician with a studio in Seventh Street, Hepburn Springs, married Clara Borsa, while Ernest Zelman married Blanche Borsa. The couple ran the Bellinzona Guest House in Hepburn Springs.

Out & About 13

14 Out & About

Markets

Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market - first Saturday Woodend Farmers Market - first Saturday Creswick 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 Malmsbury Farmers Market - third Sunday Talbot Farmers Market – third Sunday Woodend Lions Market - third Sunday (Closed June-August) Daylesford Rotary Farmers Market - fourth Saturday Trentham Station Sunday Market - fourth Sunday Buninyong Village Market - fourth Sunday

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$932K facelift K for Kyneton Town Hall under way

YNETON Town Hall's façade will be restored after Macedon Ranges Shire Council received $1,441,261 through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program fund, allocating $632,989 to the restoration.

The restoration will include feature lighting and the council is also funding an additional $300,000 to undertake targeted works on the chimneys, window eaves, gutters and stormwater.

Improvements to the Kyneton Town Hall exterior facade will complement and enhance the heritage aesthetic of the Kyneton township streetscape and ensure the longevity of the Kyneton Town Hall.

Assets and Operations director Shane Waldron said that works would be undertaken to a high standard and ensure the façade remains true to character.

“This is an important project to preserve the Kyneton Town Hall. The work includes repairs to various architectural elements and to restore heritage value.”

Out & About 15 “Council’s heritage advisor has approved aesthetic considerations, including paint colours, to ensure the history of this building is respected and enhanced.”

Improvements to the building’s facade will contribute to the continued use of the Kyneton Town Hall as a vibrant cultural hub. The new exterior lighting will highlight the town hall as a prominent heritage building in Kyneton.

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Happy & Healthy Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need.

Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

F R E E D E N TA L

SUE’S PLACE

VACCINE UPDATE

Dr. Susanne M. Heringslake Chiropractor Moments To Ponder a little gift from me to you

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Bells Water Gardens @ Newlyn

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 1 Campion Rd, Newlyn.

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BUILD WITH US • • • •

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We build from architectually designed plans Local builder with local trades Wealth of experience Modern contemporary custom-built homes

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LOOKING FOR CARPET?

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2021 - 2022 Publication Dates House.Land.Home. Premium Queen’s Birthday Weekend 2021 (June 12) Bookings by June 1, copy by June 3. Published June 7 Grand Final 2021 (September 25) Bookings by September 7, copy by September 9. Published September 13 Summer Series 2021 (December 6) Bookings by November 30, copy by December 2. Published December 6 Labour Day 2022 (March 14) Bookings by February 22, copy by February 24. Published February 28 Easter 2022 (April 17) Bookings by April 5, copy by April 7. Published April 11

Autumn daze - but has winter caught us napping?

Last issue, I penned a casual hint warning of what was to come for the garden once we were struck by icy chill and rain-laden windstorms of winter, little dreaming of last week’s fiercesome curtain-raiser.

A planned week-long leisurely return from a Robe rendezvous with my SA family hastily became a non-stop dash homeward from Halls Gap, when we were welcomed with the gusty, non-stop downpour.

Our welcome home was highlighted by a visit from our neighbours presenting us with our recently assembled mini greenhouse. It had obviously done a “trampoliner” and sailed over our fence to land, right side up, several hundred metres away on their back lawn without a scratch.

It just goes to show that the supplied pegs and stays weren’t designed for Hepburn Shire hurricanes. An industrial strength, steel anchorage is on the agenda for our next sunny break.

It also shows you can’t be too early in preparing for winter in the garden.

On the upside, our deciduous trees and shrubs, with the exception of the always tardy liquidambar, have dropped all their leaves enabling us to put them all to use in one hit, spreading over the beds as mulch, and topping up the compost bins.

I know I’ve said this on earlier occasions but it bears repeating: don’t wait until a gale lashes your garden. You can prevent considerable damage to your trees and shrubs with a little care and attention now.

If trees and shrubs have been weakened in any way, now is the time to make reparation. Broken branches should be cut back cleanly beyond the break, to save ripping and tearing later. Cut back either to the base of the branch or to a place where new side shoots may grow. Growth from this point will then fill the gap left by the removed branch. It may be that dead or diseased wood will be spotted when you are checking for other trouble.

Overcrowding of young growth often results in the weaker members becoming sickly and prone to damage by insects and disease. Limbs exposed to full light and air sometimes suffer similarly, even though they may be well nourished.

Dead and sickly wood should be removed as soon as it is seen especially because pests and diseases flourish in the cooler, moist winter months. If overcrowding of limbs is apparently the cause of the trouble, then thinning out of the branches is essential.

Hello Glen, After many years of growing in what I thought was a perfect spot we are getting lemons off the trees now...finally. I wondered if they would ever bear fruit and now they have.

But now we notice they have huge spikes for some reason, to keep the animals off I guess, but you need to be very careful when picking the fruit. Is there anything we can do, apart from wearing long leather gloves? We love the tree especially now it’s giving us fruit.

Dee. Congratulations on your “maiden” crop. I’m a bit perplexed about the appearance of long thorns, especially as you have only now noticed them.

There are a few simple answers. All fruiting citrus trees have been grafted onto sturdy seedling thorny wild lemons to overcome their problem of dealing with poorly drained soils.

Sometimes the wild stock can produce growths from below the graft. These can either completely overrun and take over, or merely provide the strongest, tallest fruiting growth complete with thorns. Check your tree for thornless growth and if you think there’s enough to sustain the tree, remove all of the spiky intruders and encourage the rest. Or put up with the thorns and celebrate having the fruit. I think a pair of heavy-duty leather gloves will save the day.

Got a gardening question? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

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Questions? Ring Peter on 0400 313 703.

22 Our youth

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Clunes youth just loving Asking for Trouble

A

S THE bus pulled out of the Clunes Football Club at 9.30am on April 10, aboard were 40 excited teenagers heading to Melbourne for their film debut at Federation Square as the stars of five films, the culmination of their participation in a unique project run by the performing arts company, Asking for Trouble.

Intelligence and verve lie at the heart of Christy Flaws' and Luke O’Connor's company, plus dedication to community and an extensive background in physical theatre and event production across Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Christy and Luke initiated Art Attack, supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria’s Future Makers for Change initiative in partnership with Regional Development Victoria, developing programs for a diverse group of twelveto 25 year olds. Aimed at introducing them to different art practices, the project ran for three years with co-design pivotal.

Christy explains: “We flipped the model, instead of telling them what they were going to do, we asked them about what they wanted to achieve and about their interests.” This resulted in the company running about 30 separate activities including one-on-one weaving, song writing, production skill-ups, SFX makeup training and a broad range of physical theatre classes.

The partnership with Clunes Neighbourhood House proved pivotal. “We're so grateful to have had the support of the team from Clunes Neighbourhood House to help make this possible.” There was also collaboration with Clunes Primary School plus the Clunes Football and Netball Club and creative professionals in town.

The five films debuted at Federation Square were devised by the young participants with support from Christy, Luke and Chris Bennet of Underground Media.

The film Movement flips the ubiquitous black hoodie image and challenges the "nothing to do around here" attitude some associate with young people in small towns. It pours out energy and imagination. Combining choreography and SFX makeup, Zombie, recreates the horror film genre without the B-grade shrillness but definite scariness. I am Me casts the town as a dreamlike landscape and celebrates the beauty of difference and potential. Circus showcases newly acquired juggling, highwire, stilt-walking skills in a dramatic Moulin Rouge-infused setting. Working with Clunes Primary School Grade 6, Looking Back Walking Forward, is a joyful, chaotic celebration of youngsters about to transition to secondary school.

Much of the action took place at various points of Covid-19. “The magic of films enabled us to bring so many people together to work on the same project at a time when we were still required to abide by physical distancing guidelines,” Luke said.

Talking with two Art Attack participants, Lulu and Lizzy, the benefits are clear.

Lulu is in Year 12 and along with her friend Jade, produced music for three of the films. “(Art Attack) gave me the opportunity to see a different take on production through working with musicians in Melbourne who are part of rock cabaret and live theatre – it was a real highlight.”

Art Attack has meant different things to different young people – Lulu and Lizzy sum up the beneficial impact of the project.

For Lulu it was: “Bringing us together, getting Clunes youth – whatever ages or backgrounds - being productive and creative has been the big plus out of the project.”

Lizzy, who joined the circus skills class after a taste in Year 6 at Clunes Primary, agrees. “I’ve tried unfamiliar things with Art Attack, it’s made me more confident about trying different ideas in the future, whatever they are.”

The films live on, showing at Signal Youth Arts Space, in CBD Melbourne, throughout July.

Link: www.facebook.com/artattackclunes/ Above, filming Zombie in the unrenovated Clunes Town Hall Words & image: Barbara Curzon-Siggers

Combining choreography and SFX makeup, Zombie, recreates the horror film genre without the B-grade shrillness but definite scariness.

Art's new reality

Scan the QR code to hear Kyle Barnes chatting with Richard Payne or go to www.tlnews.com.au for the YouTube clip.

R

ICHARD Payne is a classically trained fine artist with works in private collections in Europe, UK, USA and Australia. He also teaches regularly at the University of Melbourne and his Atelier studio.

An outspoken supporter of the importance of beauty in art, the Eganstown resident works in a range of media including digital, oils, pastel, pen and ink, water colour, print making, sculpture and now virtual and augmented reality, the latter accessed via his Payne’s 4D AR-T app.

“Art at its highest is a physical, cross-cultural gateway to the transcendental that can bringing us closer to the divine.”

This foundation guides Richard to create art that the viewer can become immersed in, leave reality behind and contemplate higher thoughts.

“Augmented reality enables a hidden narrative to my work. The artwork is no longer passive. Uninvited it reaches out through a non-tangible dimension, bridging into our world, breaking the barrier between the ‘fantasy’ space where art exists and the ‘real’ space the viewer inhabits. The viewer is enveloped, enticed into a fertile new world.

“It’s a direction for art, it enables you, with a painting to tell one part of a story and then augmented reality can reveal a hidden part of the story or the next part of the narrative. Internationally, artists are playing around with this technology and working out what they can do with it.

“Virtual reality has been in the games world for a long time now and it is getting to the stage where artists can do something serious with it, rather than kill Darth Vadar 10,000 times.”

Richard said one person who had bought a piece had it hanging in his dining room where guests can view it via their mobile phones as it spreads out over the dining table.

Another piece depicting the Well Maidens and the 5000-year-old Celtic myth where the maidens handed water in a golden goblet from a well to weary travellers.

Richard’s painting shows a traveller intent on harm and the augmented reality shows the result of the resulting rape and pillaging.

“It is a good decision versus a bad decision, and we know he is going to make the bad decision because that is the myth but the augmented reality then shows the results of the violence perpetrated.

“The Maidens were spirits, mankind’s connection with Mother Earth and because of that violence the rivers were polluted and there was disease and famine and pestilence for centuries and centuries.

“The main thing that hit me about this story is that 5000 years ago they knew if you don’t look after Mother Earth there will be disease and pestilence and here we are 5000 years later still debating the topic.”

Words & images: Kyle Barnes

24 Crossword

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How did you go?

The little school that could

Scan the QR code to hear Narelle chatting with Samantha Vella on the Country Life podcast or go to www.tlnews.com.au

F

“We have mums and dads that work with us to keep the grounds mowed and the gardens looking beautiful. Parents and their kids proudly look after the grounds and animals over the holidays and there is really no need to spend money on maintenance With the original brick building, commemorative trees and an original 1930s piano, the threat of closure has loomed over the years as numbers declined and as between us all it gets done. There is such a sense of pride here that it really does feel like a school family.” funding dried up.

Even when it was time for one of the littlies to check her insulin level, it was a But the little school just keeps on going and if the current school community is group effort borne out of care and support. anything to go by, Newlyn Primary will still be around in another 163 years.

Ms Vella said Mrs Baker was like a rock star to the kids and together they made a When Samantha Vella took on the role as principal three years ago, there were just six children enrolled. The same number of children Ms Vella and her partner raise formidable duo.

“She sings, dances, plays the piano (which is slightly out of tune but no-one’s between them. complaining) speaks Japanese and makes amazing Japanese food with the kids. We Despite coming from a Melbourne school with 2000 students, Ms Vella was up will always make any excuse to cook and eat because we all love it,” she said. for the challenge and armed with a determination to keep the little school going Ms Vella also has a knack of turning any conversation into learning. During and with big ideas on a not-so-big budget, Ms Vella, the dedicated parents and their food preparation which was the same time as a fruit and veggie break, the process of tenacious will to grow the school paid off. cutting up oranges for the kids turned into an impromptu maths lesson.

Home to 18 kids, a goat, sheep, a rabbit, guinea pigs and chooks, the school is a The kids were happy to show off their artwork to commemorate Anzac Day and community within a community, with a heartbeat that just won’t stop beating. their work celebrating our indigenous heritage. Prep Sophie was almost like a little “There is a wonderful sense of pride and community here. Along with (fellow teacher) Carla Baker the parents are all so active and supportive and play such a major mascot given she is the fourth generation to attend.

Ms Vella together with the rest of the school community have their own dreams part in making sure we thrive,” Ms Vella said.

“We have kids that are fourth generation and that is such motivation to build the and visions for the school.

“I’d love to plant an indigenous garden along the front area, and we have been school for future generations. We started by building our numeracy and literature lucky enough to have a flagpole and flag donated so it would really be a wonderful programs and we had the support of the tight-knit community. Kids come from all addition. We’d like to expand the vegetable patch along the entire fence line and of over the shire to be part of the unique environment we have here.”

That sense of community was evident when a dad rescued a second-hand kitchen course there are always things we would like to get done inside.”

Like the life-sized cow that greets visitors in the foyer. Named Miss Moolyn from in perfect condition and thanks to parents, and electricians and plumbers donating Newlyn, the plan is to have the current kids repaint the old girl. their time, it was installed with a new oven and cooktop.

“It all takes time but for now I feel like I’m the luckiest principal that actually Last Thursday vegetable soup two ways was on the menu. Half of the kids were gets to be part of the kids' everyday learning and not stuck behind a desk. We are a busy preparing the veggies they grew in patches on the grounds, while the others strong school community because of the incredible parents, their children and a wider collected parsley for the garnish. At the same time, they were happy to show off all community that simply cares to make it all possible.” the other veggies growing, including massive zucchinis and a selection of tomatoes, still going strong despite a tough year for the fruit.

Above, from left, Hamish, Mrs Baker, Aiden, Tristan, Toya, Rupert, Stan, While all state schools must manage maintenance with tight budgets, at Newlyn Grace, Dominic, Danielle, Archie, Aidan, Mackenzie, Emma, Bree, Ms Vella Primary School, the entire community gets involved.

OR 163 years, Newlyn Primary School has seen many changes in its time.

and Sophie

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Kyle Barnes

26 Opinion

www.tlnews.com.au

Just sayin’...

Your say

By Donna Kelly

Transmission lines

S

OMEONE forgot to tell one student at Newlyn Primary School about the slogan "There is no Planet B".

We were there last Wednesday to take a photo for Narelle Groenhout's story on The little school that could, which you may have already read on page 25.

Anyway, when we arrived at the school the students were listening to a Story Time From Space reading in which astronauts on the international space station read a book to kids around the world - in real-time. I kid you not.

So the students were pretty immersed in the experience and when it was over their teacher asked them what we, the human race, should do before we think about populating somewhere like Mars.

"Look after our own planet," said one smart little girl. "Yes," said the teacher.

"Look after our own planet." "But," chimed in one smart little boy, "it's always good to have a back-up planet." "Yes," added another smart little boy, "in case the earth is taken over by a maniac with a big bomb." Pure gold and very hard to argue against that thinking, especially with some of the past and present world leaders we have been/are stuck with.

The past week seems to have been quite a bit about the environment. Even artist Richard Payne, as he talks about augmented reality and art, raises the thought that one of the Celtic stories from 5000 years ago was all about looking after Mother Earth or risking starvation, drought and pestilence. Richard's story is on page 23. A great read. And check out the YouTube clip.

There is also a letter to the editor, right, about the planned Western Victoria

Transmission Network Project. The 190km of overhead transmission lines between Bulgana, north of Ararat, and Sydenham, in north-west Melbourne are going to ruin beautiful and productive farmland, and just destroy the landscape. And let's not even talk about the substation. As writer Jan Mester said, check out the Geelong terminal just head to Google images and see what lies ahead.

The Western Victoria Economic and Cultural Group will hold a Community Information and Support Day on Sunday, May 30 from 12.30pm at Newlyn Recreation Reserve for anyone to show their support and solidarity in stopping this project. Or at least having the lines put underground.

And then, not the environment, but the Hepburn Hub at the Rex project.

Hepburn Shire Council voted last week to have a workshop to hear all the options available on this stalled project. Everything is up for discussion, even "ceasing" the project. Not sure how that works or how you recoup ratepayer money. Or how

you sell off a half-arsed building reno. Watch this space, just sayin'...

For the people of the Newlyn area, ask yourselves why the transmission line has to go to Blampied and does not go from Learmonth via Miners Rest and Mount Egerton area to Ballan.

I think that there is a phase 2 of which we are not being told. It looks like that if you built a node at Blampied the way is opened to transport electricity to Bendigo.

Therefore, I think a distribution/switching terminal will be built at Blampied, why else such a detour which is quite costly?

This will be an ugly sight that takes up a large area (25+ hectares) and destroys a beautiful (tourist) area.

If you want to see how it will look go to the Anakie-Geelong Road and look at the terminal there.

- Jan Mester, Langdons Hill

Vaccines I want to know why, as someone in my early 50s, I cannot have the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine and not be forced to have the more problemsome AstraZeneca.

I very much want to be vaccinated but believe the Pfizer is the better vaccine of the two, quicker and with less side effects.

The federal government, as everyone is saying, only had one job - to get the vaccines to Australia. But instead of making sure they had options they put all their eggs in one AZ basket.

I feel like people over the age of 50 are almost being bullied into having the AstraZeneca vaccine and if we refuse then we are treated like anti-vaxxers.

The news today said the Pfizer vaccine can now be held in a normal clinical fridge for up to one month instead of five days. Surely that means it is time to roll it out to clinics and pharmacies - for anyone who wants to take it.

I have a sister in Far North Queensland who is under 50 but doesn't want any vaccines because "it never happened here". Can I please just take her vaccine? Happy to pay refrigeration and transport costs.

- Louise Oldfield, Daylesford

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Opinion 27

Kyle’s Rant

A

S BUDDHA once said: “Wherever you are, be all there.”

Actually, when I trot this line out, as I have done on many auspicious occasions, at any one of our many watering holes up here in the Central Highlands, to whoever is listening or not at the time, I always quote Buddha for this aphorism. (That's a pithy observation that contains a general truth - I Googled that.)

However when I headed to Google again I found the saying first appeared in 1955 within the Hazleton Collegian, a periodical published by students attending Pennsylvania State University. Americans, who knew?

I always thought that I was quite an entertaining raconteur, judging by the looks on my listeners' faces at different turn-outs around the place, as I paraphrase unresearched quotes and connect them to self-speculated authors.

But maybe the smiles on the faces of my assemblage are more of a curious “poor old thing” look, a kind of a “naww, look at the old uneducated bloke, he is losing his marbles” kind of look, as I trot out my wisdom to all who will “lend me their ears”.

I feel I have educated a lot of people over the years using my satire and wit. I had told all who will listen that Genghis Khan was the author of the saying “this too shall pass”. You know, the Mongolian warrior-ruler, who consolidated tribes into a unified Mongolia - quite a violent individual from all accounts.

I had fabricated in my mind that Mr Khan would holler this catchphrase as he sliced off the heads of his enemies. However, upon research, it turns out that the saying predates his 13th Century run and relates to an ancient Persian saying.

We all have a job to do, a toil to undertake, a pursuit to perform or even a function to facilitate. If you don’t have purpose, you might as well not be here. It doesn’t matter if you are in your later years and your purpose is simply to bring a smile to your family's faces or in the prime of your life in the cut and thrust of corporate existence.

And maybe mine is to ignorantly squawk out sayings and couple them up to authors in such a confident, cocksure manner that my spectators believe me.

Raconteur rant over…

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28 Sport

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C

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The Tee-Up for Kids Foundation was established to encourage all golfers – professional and amateur - to promote the education, safety and well-being of children who are living in out-of-home care in Victoria.

The event raised more than $20,000 for the foundation which aims to use monies raised to assist children in: Wellness – Providing pathways for children to deal with their trauma; Community Integration – Creating openings for participation in both social and recreational activities; and Education – Encouraging the pursuit of learning and work skills.

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Listen up!

Love stories but no time to read?

Head to the Country Life Podcast for all the stories from The Local.

Head to www.tlnews.com.au and listen to stories about: The Wombat State Forest debate, artist Dorothy Enders, Bankhouse Brewery, the history of Lauriston, pandemic pivots, Clunes' Les Davis, the live music scene, busy bees, healthy ageing, Hanging Rock, Malmsbury Reservoir, blooming begonias, pesky deer, Skyview Bubble tents, Swiss Italian Festa, ambulance wait times, Stephen Ryan and gardens, Daylesford Tang Soo Tao, Richard Payne and augmented reality, Western Victorian Transmission Network project, the late artist Richard Ford, Malmsbury bluestone and Words in Winter...

And don't miss Kyle and Donna chatting about what's coming up in each edition.