Sifting implements

The Maffra String Orchestra will perform at this year’s Maffra Show.

Photo: Contributed

Briag to get best films of the festival

THE Best of the St Kilda Film Festival is making a return to Briagolong! The event is being held next Friday, September 30, as a fundraiser for the Briagolong Mechanics’ Institute Hall. Doors open at 6pm, and festivities start with an hour-long live music performance from the Cool Cucumbers Duo. Screenings begin at 7.15pm with two shows: The Award Winners and Directors’ Choice. All tickets are $20. For more information, call Rod on 5145 5422.

Music program to open this year’s Maffra Show

THIS year’s Maffra Agriculture Show promises to be a spectacular non-stop musical event to celebrate the opening of the new dome. It will all start with the gentle sounds of the newly formed Maffra String Orchestra, led by Rosemary Iversen, in the morning. This orchestral group recently earned equal-first place in their section at the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod. Then at lunch, the Maffra Stage Band will take centre stage with their 14-piece group with lead vocalist Catherine Hicks. “We play a wide variety including jazz, swing, big band, pop, rock and everything in between,” musical director Kristian Hunter said. During the band breaks, patrons can enjoy music from singer-guitarist Emily Nock from Catholic College Sale and vocalist Indi Hicks from Gippsland Grammar. To coincide with the Mediterranean theme, a Greek dancing display is sure to create a festive spirit. There will be plenty of under cover seating available to enable patrons to sip a glass of local wine and enjoy local food. The Maffra Agricultural Show officially begins Friday, October 21.

Bill Cane curation open

Sale signal box.

Photo: Contributed

Tom Parry

A LOCAL legend and renowned horticulturalist has been honoured with a new curation at the Sale Botanic Gardens. Known as the Bill Cane Collection, the curation was officially unveiled to the public last Wednesday by family of the late Maffra resident. The collection features 70 different native plant species, all chosen with input from the Cane family. In his speech at the unveiling, Mr Cane’s eldest son - also named Bill - said the finalised collection was the result of 12 months’ worth of email communication between relatives. “We all made lists of dad’s plants, and if we hadn’t culled it back… we would have had enough to go from here out to the gate,” Bill Jr said. He also acknowledged Peta Hose, “whose idea it was from day one” to establish a garden in his father’s honour. More than 60 people attended the unveiling, including members of Mr Cane’s extended family, Friends of the Sale Botanic Gardens, and representatives of Wellington Shire Council. Mayor Ian Bye was among those who gave speeches, saying: “The Bill Cane Collection is such a great addition to the already impressive Sale Botanic Gardens.” Another of Mr Cane’s sons, David, who also spoke at the event, told of how his father would freely provide samples and cuttings of plants to anybody who was seeking them. David then got emotional as he announced that he was continuing that tradition, having donated 100 native plants for everybody in attendance to take home - with most readily accepting the offer. The late Bill Cane was a passionate nurseryman and apiarist who utilised his sharp eye and photographic memory to locate native flora. He was also a pioneer in his field, introducing hybrid and grafted species. His achievements have not gone unnoticed, with the Banksia canei - a species he himself discovered - and Bill Cane Court in Maffra both named in his honour. Bill Cane Court leads to the entrance of Maffra Secondary College, whose school logo incorporates the Banksia canei into its design. His influence was also felt internationally, with the likes of Russia and South Africa having grown bluegum plantations based on his practices, as Cr Bye noted on the day. “Bill’s legacy is other countries have taken-up what he actually did,” he said “That’s pretty powerful.” Speaking after the event, Bill Jr said the family was “gobsmacked” by the number of people who attended the unveiling. He also paid tribute to Wellington Shire’s parks and gardens team who “have done all the hard work” in planting and curating the new collection. “And the other great thing is, so many of these plants have got so much new growth on them they’re at home already,” he said. He also revealed to the Gippsland Times his pick for the best plant in the collection: the Philotheca verrucosa or ‘Heyfield Double Wax’. “When that grows, that’ll probably be one of the favourites of the garden,” Bill Jr said. “With the pink and the green and the white, it’s something special.” The Bill Cane Collection is located in the north-west corner of the Sale Botanic Gardens, and joins the eight existing Living Collections. The Gardens are free for the public to view seven days a week. ATTENTION all railway enthusiasts and local history buffs. Daryl Wilson, railway enthusiast and coordinator of the local railway museum in Sale, will be bringing railway history to you with an evening at Bond Street. Daryl will be diving into the rich rail history around Sale, the development of the railways system, its importance to local transport, how it has changed over time, and sharing interesting historical events such as royal visits associated with the rail system of the past. With his 18-year association with the Victorian railways working in the Heyfield, Morwell and Sale areas, his knowledge and insight is sure to interest young and old. Daryl’s “Rail Talk” will take place on Thursday, October 6 from 7pm. This is a free event; however, donations to assist the centre in providing more of these talks would be happily appreciated. Free tea and coffee will be provided on the night, bookings are not required. For more information, phone David at the Bond Street Event Centre on 5382 8770.

Anne Elliot, Bill Cane and David Cane with President of the Friends of the Sale Botanic Gardens, Heather Harrington. Bill is seen holding a book gifted to him by Ms Harrington. Photos: Tom Parry

Talk on the history of Sale Railways