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Autumn Issue 10 * 2013

Tai Chi

For fitness, flexibility, balance & coordination. Feel calm, relaxed, focused & energised for all ages and all stages of life www.facebook.com/chigeneration

Call Su at Chi Generation 0437 949 9 1 9

Mondays: Silvan Tuesdays: Upwey Wednesdays: Belgrave Heights

Get into the Arts @ Burrinja Lajamanu - Early Paintings • 28 February - 12 May 2013

Rarely seen private collection paintings by Warlpiri artists from the beginning of the acrylic movement in Central Australia. Exquisite canvasses that intrigue with a raw creativity. Free films and public program. See online.

Lettie Nungarrayi Watson “Kunayarryi Jukurrpa” (detail)

Arlpwe: Spinifex Country March 19 – March 31, 2013 Artists from Ali Curung, north of Tenant Creek NT, come to Burrinja to present paintings, demonstrate artefacts, and to talk about their country and life in a remote community. Artists program: March 19 to 22.

Burrinja Cnr Glenfern Rd & Matson Drive, Upwey ph: (03) 9754 8723 w: burrinja.org.au

Dandenong Ranges OPEN STUDIOS Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April.

Join us in our Ten Year celebrations with more studios and artists than ever before. Now in April, thousands of art lovers flock to the hills each year to explore the creative making spaces of the Hills: be a part of it. Annual artists’ exhibition from April 6. www.openstudios.org.au

building community through arts

Another season, another hillscene. They always come together at the last minute. The articles seem to just come at the moment I need them. I guess it’s because so many things are always going on you only need to look around and you’ll find them.

to keep updated on what’s happening. And if someone can’t get their hands on a copy all the issues are online at www.hillscene.com.au Enjoy the Autumn spirit.

We’ve got the usual great artists, exhibitions, music and cultural life. Plus this issue has more environmental matters covered. Community spirit is a big one too, with people itching to get involved.

Editor/Designer

Adriana Alvarez

Cover

Rosalie Felberg

Take for example the ‘No Maccas in Tecoma’ march which turned out to be a great day.

With a fantastic turnout and show of support from the community, some rousing speeches and great music. I was there taking photos of some funky folk for the ‘street style’ section.

Just because you’re fighting for a cause doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous as well.

Proof Reader

Louise Bloxham

Contributors Rosalie Felberg, Brent Dakis, Em and Ivan, Carolyn Oates, Sarah O’Connor, Karen Frazier Walsh, Susie Parry, Ross Farnell, Jordan Crooka, Samantha Dunn, Tania Bell, Tamarind Croft, Tiffany Morris North, and Adriana Alvarez

I always ask people what they like about living in the hills and a strong sense of community is invariably one of the answers. People live here and come here for that supportive community spirit. And it’s what makes the hills such a special place to live.

facebook: The Hillscene For submission and advertising enquiries e: hillscene@westnet.com.au www.hillscene.com.au Printed by Ferntree Print on Envirocare 100gsm recycled paper. © Copyright 2013

Autumn brings some beautiful weather and colour to the hills. So we can enjoy more festivals, our natural environment, culture and of course our lovely community.

Don’t forget to check out the facebook page

Pho to by Sen na And erso n

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WOW ! Great Cover.

Words by Adriana Alvarez This Issue’s cool cover art is by Rosalie Felberg. Another talented local working mainly in illustration, digital, colour-in and “going through a biro phase at the moment”. She grew up in Frankston and while doing a bit of travelling she picked up the pen, because it’s accessible.

Rosalie moved to the hills because of the arts community as she got to know more people that lived up here. “I take my sketchbook to parties and pick up work and commissions that way,” she says. “I draw every day, even if it’s late” It shows. Her drawing style is very distinct and fluid, somewhere between Japanese anime and graffiti art and reminiscent of Egon Schiele.

The sharp lines and angles show a mastery of body structure and form and her intense colours jump off the page.

Another talented artist from the tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE she’s having an exhibition at Limerence in Belgrave from March 29 - April 25 called “Locus of Control”. It’s based on a theory in personality philosophy about the way a person perceives their life as being influenced either by external forces (which you can’t control) or internal forces (which you can control).

“It’s very personal work, a journey of self discovery” says Rosalie, who was dealing with some anxiety last year and found that reading about this philosophy helped her. This work is different to her previous work. “I used to draw things aesthetically just for a pat on the back” she says. “Then I realised you should draw things for yourself. Really think about what you’re doing and go out of your comfort zone.” Hence the reason for moving out of Frankston, her art grew as her life grew and changed.

It’s her first exhibition and she’s “freaking out” but hoping it will do well and be an incentive to do more work to exhibit in the future.

I can’t wait to see it.

To see more of Rosalie’s work visit* www.facebook.com/RosalieFelbergArt *Adult concepts and language warning for this one.

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Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group Upwey | Belgrave | Olinda | Cockatoo | Emerald | Marysville

More than $2.4 million in community contributions

Think Tank 2013 Words by Brent Dakis For the third time Limerence in Belgrave is running it’s annual Th’INK Tank Project this month. Each year we at Limerence open up to the public to submit a design based on a selected theme, which goes into a mini competition, run in-store. The Th’INK Tank Project is a community based t-shirt design competition that centers itself around local artist exposure and promotion while also providing the retail space with some unique, limited edition pieces of clothing. Members of the community are invited to submit one black and white design in any style or 2D medium; the theme this year is Synergy.

When entries close two winners are chosen from the entries, the winning designs will then be printed on a series of limited edition, organic cotton 7 bamboo t-shirts to be sold exclusively at Limerence, each labelled with the artists name. They will also receive a solo exhibition at Limerence for a month in 2013.

The project will be officially launched in the coming months with an exhibition of all entries and a launch party. It is at that launch that the winners will be announced and the tee’s wheeled out.

In previous years the project was open to anyone who wanted to participate but for the last two competitions entries have been strictly limited to those who live or work in and around ‘The Hills’. It is a great opportunity for people to get excited about art, to pick up a pen, or camera and just have a bit of fun again whilst also centering around community spirit and support for our local established, enthusiastic and upcoming artists.

Stay tuned about the launch of the third annual Th’INK Tank Project via facebook or the posters that will be put up a few weeks beforehand! www.facebook.com/limerenceboutique

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Tread lightly Em and Ivan from Tread and Pedals talk about their passion for recycling and making beautiful objects to cherish.

Tread & Pedals was born through Ivan’s work as a mechanic in a bike store in the CBD of Melbourne.

There was just so much waste created by what we’d always thought of as a sustainable form of Tell me about what you create, your designs? transport. We decided to try and make something of this “trash” and started looking at bike parts in a We handcraft upcycled products which we make whole different way. It is true what they say about using recycled bicycle parts sourced from friendly one man’s trash being another man’s treasure. local bike stores - cogs, bike tubes, tyres, wheels, spokes, rotors, pedals, chain… We manipulate the Rather than seeing a pile of used bike bits ready for landfill we see materials calling for repurposing. metals through soldering, hammering, twisting, heat treating and sculpting them into various forms Reduce and reuse – then recycle.

What do you like about living in the hills? making the jewellery and home wares – spoke bangles, candlesticks, cufflinks, wheel and cog We love living in the hills for the fresh air, the tall clocks, light fittings, tables, belt buckles (we use trees and the friendly community. For us it’s also tyres for belts)... The bike tube we hand cut into about having the space to have a vegie garden jewellery with a scalpel into feathered forms, leafy so we can be somewhat self-sufficient providing shapes and other designs inspired by nature. vegetables for ourselves and friends. It’s a lovely Bicycle inner tube is a wonderfully tactile medium place to call home. to work with; it has the look of leather, is light as a Where can we find your work? feather, very soft to touch, waterproof and durable.

You can find us pedalling our wares (pun What inspires you? intended) at markets around Melbourne – but also in the hills at the Kallista Market. We have We are inspired by the environment around us an online store www.treadandpedals.com.au. and our passion for all things bicycle. We’re a tad crazy about bikes and biking… We find inspiration We are also on facebook – www.facebook.com/ in a wonky old wheel, a punctured bike inner tube treadandpedals where we keep our followers up to date with creations and the market locations or a worn bike tyre - knowing that not only are we saving it from joining the landfill but giving it a we’ll be visiting. The fabulous Brent and CJ carry some of our gear in Limerence in Belgrave and if fresh new lease on life. you are up in the Blue Mountains you can find our How or why did you come up with the bike tube jewellery in Bespoke & Found, in Leura.

concept of using recycled materials?

We’ve always been resourceful and been a tad thrifty - guess that has come through not having a money tree but it is also because of the environmental aspects. The words reduce, reuse, recycle have always been big in our house.

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CD Review Review by Carolyn Oates

Alice Garrick – “Play is Serious Business” “Alice’s music has been written to support the emotional development of children and support the connection and attachment between children and their caregivers.”

This is a most worthy cause to create music.

Alice has a great voice and she can rip out a big sound. This album is a collection of story telling songs. “Family” is about all the different possible combinations of the modern family. Then there is the Monty Pythonesque “Vegemite Sandwiches” which is a great little whacky interlude that I can see kids quoting to each other at a spontaneously funny moment. Then, there’s toilet humour, it works for all ages and making farting sounds in a song is fun, this is the joys of the song “Poo”.

Children can have an addiction to a singular album and this collection of songs will provide some great life lessons, but also a celebration of the silliness and fun that should be part of a child’s life.

The trained music teacher in me struggles with a few of the tunes where the melody moves into a completely different key to the supporting instrumentation. This creates a confusing message about the language of music at an important developmental stage. For future projects, it may pay for Alice to collaborate with some skilled music arrangers to provide further input on the melody and chord structures.

To find out more or to buy/ download “Play is Serious Business” go to: www.alicemakesmusic.com Carolyn Oates Carolyn is a local singer/ songwriter and also offers instrument tuition, for more information go to www. carolynoates.com Image courtesy of Alice Garrick

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cafe tarts Muddy Boots – Clematis Words and images by Sarah O’Connor My review this week is for a lovely café called Muddy Boots. It’s situated just before you get to Emerald on the Belgrave-Emerald Road, on the right just after the Wellington Road roundabout. I went there with my art class for our end of year breakup.

The whole place had such a lovely feel to it, there were inexpensive but gorgeous homewares on shelves to buy and locally made foods to eat.

My guest tarts for the day were my art teacher Tiff and my fellow students Amanda and Karen. The food looked so yummy that we couldn’t decide. We ended up having a variety of foods including a type of large beetroot risotto pattie, a thai flavoured noodle type pattie and a chilli flavoured chicken dish. There were so many things to choose from and with prices starting at $6.00 or $10 including salad it was very reasonable. None of us could decide which was our favourite, they were all so delicious. Each meal had it’s own distinctive flavour, it really was such a find as the food was amazing.

With prices like those we could buy sweets as well so we had chocolate cake, caramel slice and a chocolate croissant. The coffee was delicious and the desserts were lovely too.

The café was all that was open at the time that we went but the restaurant at the back is open now too for breakfast and lunch.

I went out there to use the amenities and it was as attractive as the café, also with alfresco dining if you so desire.

I couldn’t really fault Muddy Boots at all. The food, service and ambience were all excellent and at such reasonable prices I would recommend it to anybody.

288 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Clematis Look for Muddy Boots Foodstore and Cafe on facebook

Sarah O’Connor I keep thinking “what do I want to be when I grow up?” and I always come up with the answer “a writer.” I’ve started two blogs www.autisticchildren.com.au about life with my special girl and gymjunkieyeahright.com. I now have the opportunity to write a food review column which combines both my love of writing and my love of food!

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Composting magic

Images courtesy of Dandenong Ranges Steiner School

Words by Karen Frazier Walsh The students of the Dandenong Ranges Steiner School (DRSS) have been actively involved in a Biodynamic Garden and Green Waste Recylcing Project funded through the generosity of Junior Landcare, Coles and Staples. The project started last June and has been wholeheartedly embraced by the entire school community.

The DRSS is an independent primary school and kindergarden based on the educational model founded by Rudolf Steiner. The school aims to meet the needs of the whole child, by embracing thinking, feeling and doing as equally important aspects of the developing child.

Biodynamic gardening, which originated out of the work of Rudolf Steiner, is considered to be one of the most sustainable types of gardening. It is a holistic, organic type of gardening with emphasis on soil health and the relationship between soil, plants and animals as one self-sustaining system.

Because the DRSS endeavors to create a balanced education gardening and farming are regarded as important aspects of the school’s curriculum. So far, students along with small groups of parents, have constructed two massive biodynamic 10

compost heaps using green waste collected from the classrooms thus reducing the amount of school waste going to landfill. It has been a joy for parents and students to work side by side on this important school project with such energy and vitality.

The compost heaps are providing the nutrient-rich soil (an essential component of biodynamics) needed to grow happy, healthy plants on the beautiful school grounds. Last spring a number of organic plants, bushes and trees were planted around the school using the fertile organic material from one of the compost heaps.

Because biodynamics considers how the lunar phases affect plant growth and root and foliage development, the biodynamic calendar serves as a guide for planting times.

Rudolph Steiner believed that the health of soil and plants relies on bringing nature into connection with the cosmic, creative, shaping forces. Steiner developed a recipe for compost that encourages this connection. Using six biodynamic preparations, organic straw, green waste and organic dairy cow manure (lovingly known as perfect pooh or pp for short) the children have worked hard and cooperatively to

build their heaps. Stirring dung slurry, layering straw and green waste, slopping on the wet manure, watering, and applying the biodynamic preparations with warm intentions were all important aspects of the process.

It is exciting to give students the opportunity to learn about sustainability in a fun, hands-on way, whilst also making a meaningful difference to the local environment. The project has many community, educational and environmental benefits and most importantly involves the children and demonstrates to all students how their actions can make a positive difference to protecting and repairing the environment. Life learning that enriches us all.

The fruits of labor are evident on the school grounds.

Healthy, happy garden beds and a big, beautiful biodynamic compost heap made with strong hands, open hearts and conscious thinking. Over time, each class will have the opportunity to work together with the Biodynamic Garden Group to build their own compost heaps and continue to plant future vegetation around the school.

To find out more about DRSS visit www.drss.vic.edu.au

Permaculture Design Courses This is a full 72 hr Permaculture Design Course, which aims to empower and inspire students to continue their lives with a sustainable and conscious outlook.

Topics covered: -

Permaculture Principles & Ethics Ecology Patterns in Nature Methods of Design Water Soils and Compost Animal Systems Community & Social Permaculture Forests and Plants

Join The Perma Pixie and co-teacher Tamara Griffiths as we continue our journey to revolutionize the world through permaculture!

Cost: $700 waged/$500 concession Where: Belgrave, Dandenong Ranges WHEN: Sat 5th July (10am-5pm each Saturday for 3 months) Wed 2nd July (6pm- 9:30pm each Wednesday for 6 months) more info: thepermapixie@gmail.com or call 0450375528

Therapy benefits Words and image by Susie Parry Being the youngest of six children in a household experiencing illness and wellness in equal measure, my artwork was a form of self expression. My passion for art and the great sense of containment, peace and accomplishment that I experienced when drawing and painting, plus my interest in psychology and combined with my personal experience with cancer and subsequent treatment initiated my interest in art therapy.

My career as an art therapist began in palliative care and working with children, adolescents and adults recovering from cancer, carers and families.

In my role as an art therapist I assist individuals to express emotions in a creative way with a particular emphasis on life’s meaning.

• R elease and express thoughts, hopes and concerns for the future.

• E nhance communication skills in relationships and in so doing develop insight.

• Provide a point of interest for a conversation.

I employ a phenomenological approach to art therapy where the emphasis is placed on acceptance and development of the individuals’ experience of reality. Rather than making interpretations and judgements, I see my role as journeying with the individual as they explore and discover images pertaining to their particular issue.

• P rovide an opportunity for individuals to make decisions and have control through choice of materials.

As such, art therapy has relevance in palliative care in providing ways to give expression to feelings of loss, fear, powerlessness, humiliation, body image change, inadequacy and to meet spiritual needs.

• S timulate imagination and creativity.

For children, adolescents and adults diagnosed with cancer, art therapy is a symbolic expression of experiences of anxiety, depression, hopes and concerns. Art therapy therefore provides an opportunity to process these emotions to a positive outcome and is an effective method of recording and reflecting upon significant events in an individual’s life.

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Art therapy may encourage individuals to:

• P rovide a non verbal avenue to express feelings or experiences that may be too difficult to verbalise i.e. anger and fear.

• I ncrease self confidence.

•A ssist with development of motor skills and physical coordination.

• Have a lot of fun and enjoy the experience.

Susie Parry Is an artist, illustrator, art teacher and therapist.

She will be holding Botanical Drawing and Painting Art Classes in March, April and May at George Tindale Memorial Gardens. To find out more about these and how art therapy may benefit you call her on 97546157 or go to www.susieparry.com.au

art life Supporting artists Words by Adriana Alvarez Last week at the Belgrave Buskers Festival I went to visit the tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE with my kids as it’s a great space and I love to see what exhibitions are happening and see some artists at work. The space is also, I feel, an inspiration for my young kids who love to see what other young people (a bit older than them) are up to.

The thing about these amazing places is that making them accessible and providing services to young artists means that they need funding to keep them going. The problem is always in continuing to find sources of funding; sometimes they come from grants or government but with budgets being cut left, right and centre someone is going to miss out.

So the tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE has come up with a great initiative to keep its doors open. You can be

a part of it by sponsoring a young artist at tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE for: 1 month ($100) 6 months ($500) or 1 year ($1000) All sponsors become VIP ‘friends of the tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE’.

Hillscene Magazine has started the campaign off by sponsoring a young artist for $100. I want to live in a vibrant community with a rich cultural life and being part of these initiatives is one way to achieve that. tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE is an artist run initiative that offers young people (up to 20 something) a working studio environment to locate their arts practice in and to launch their careers from. Up to 30 young resident artists are involved in a funded studio program that provides free space, materials, mentoring and access to art projects. As part of its mixed business plan, which includes lodging applications for government and institutional funding, tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE is developing a range of social enterprise strategies and the ‘sponsor a young artist’ program offers anyone in the local community the chance to get involved in supporting young talent in the Hills.

For more information about the COLLECTIVE and how you can sponsor an artist go to www.tiffaneybishopcollective or call Tiffaney Bishop on 0414 620 637.

Imaginary Ornithology Sings

IMAGINARY

ORNITHOLOGY

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Sonic Art for Creative Listening

Sonic Art for Creative Listening Words by Ross Farnell Close your eyes and imagine that you are hearing the sound of a bird that has never existed.

Now imagine what that bird might look like and give it a name.

Now imagine that you could walk into a space and hear this bird in a forest full of imaginary birds.

This is the experience that has been developed by local composer Peter Mcilwain in the groundbreaking sonic installation exhibition Imaginary Ornithology. Peter is a sound artist and composer of international renown living in Upwey, yet he is hardly known in his own back yard, despite having just being co-awarded the 2012 Eureka Prize for Innovation in Computer Science in relation to his work in computer music.

Some 18 months ago Peter came to Burrinja Cultural Centre with a sound art and community project concept to use his unique understanding and experience of computer assisted composition to create a multi-channel sonic soundscape that would generate A Field Guide to Imaginary Birds of the Dandenong Ranges. After much project development Peter and Burrinja were successful in receiving funding from both Arts Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council to bring Peter’s artistic vision to fruition, and now the ambitious installation will be opened on March 2.

Imaginary Ornithology is a sound artwork where the people of the Dandenong Ranges can not only hear the sounds of imaginary birds, but be active participants in the project by finding and describing imaginary birds using the software developed by Peter Mcilwain called the Sonocular. You can download the Sonocular from: imaginaryornithology.com From here you can

‘discover’ and ‘create’ your own bird which will be uploaded to the website and then heard together with those found by others in the installation space at Burrinja.

As Peter explains: “The project comes from my love of birdsong and the music of Olivier Messiaen.

These sounds help me experience the world in a different way, from a perspective outside of myself.

I want the people of my area to have a chance to hear birds as a door into imagination.”

Selected birds in this new Field Guide to Imaginary Birds in the Dandenong Ranges will be illustrated by the project’s visual artist Alex Ries who created the wonderful Lattice Toucan illustration for the project.

Peter will be taking the project to a number of schools in the region for free workshops where students can learn about the project, about creative listening and the use of technology in computers; then add their own ‘found birds’ to the immersive and experiential gallery installation via the web.

Burrinja is also presenting a series of four free, public sonic and visual art workshops with Peter Mcilwain and Alex Ries. These are open to all ages 8+. Please book online at burrinja.org.au or phone 9754 8723. Dates: Wed 13 March 13 @ 7.30pm, Sat 16 March @ 10.30am, Wed 10 April @ 10.30am and Thurs 9 May @ 10.30am.

The exhibition runs from March 2 until May 12 at Burrinja in Upwey.

For more information email projects@burrinja.org.au, call 9754 8723 or visit the project web site at imaginaryornithology.com Imaginary Ornithology is supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and through the generous support of the Yarra Ranges Council.

Burrinja • Cnr Glenfern Rd and Matson Dr, Upwey • www.burrinja.org.au

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street style

Grace Silvester from Belgrave Seen at ‘No Maccas in Tecoma’ march.

Shops at Walk in Wardrobe in Belgrave and op shops.

Likes living in the hills because it’s fresh and it’s right next to the forest.

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Sarah Pratt from Belgrave Seen at ‘No Maccas in Tecoma’ march. Favourite shops are Sandra V and My Salon Fair in Tecoma.

Likes living in the hills because of the nice atmosphere, the trees and the communiyt spirit.

Words and images by Adriana Alvarez

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All these style masters were seen at the ‘No Maccas in Tecoma’ march. It was a perfect day with a beautiful atmosphere, some great speeches, music and passionate community and of course as always funky peeps. Because even when you’re supporting a great cause you can still look funky.

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3 Sandor from The Patch.

Volunteer at the march. Favourite shops are Limerence and Lyrebird in Belgrave. Likes living in the hills because of the people and trees.

Volunteered because his sister is involved and he’s trying to do something for the cause.

1Melody Moon from Ivanhoe.

4 Michael DiCecco from Tecoma.

2 Peta Freeman from Tecoma.

5 Janet Brown from Belgrave.

Likes Hippy Haven in Tecoma. Singing at the rally she says “It’s good to see so much support and strength in the community.” To hear her music go to www.melodymoon.com.au

Loves the hills because of the atmosphere, people, community and the natural landscape .

“It’s a special place to live. Hence why we’re trying to protect it.”

Finds his fashion at Silver Compaq in Belgrave and op shops. Likes the hills for the fresh air, no Maccas, the passion of the locals, the community feeling and the beautiful National Park.

What’s the best thing about living in the hills?

“I like the community and not feeling like you’re in the city. It’s green and earthy”.

Wilga’s new label Tamarind Croft talks about her passion for fabrics and her new clothing label.

Tell me a bit about your clothing label?

After buying and selling predominantly from other labels over the past 9 years (Wilga opened in March 2004!), and in the current retail downturn, now is the time for the Wilga house label to be awarded the rack space it deserves. To have the freedom to send a design from my imagination onto the racks in under a week is far preferable to trying to guess exactly what the shop will need and how many six months in advance. My skills base is definitely on the side of creative inspiration rather than budgeting and planning.

How long have you been doing it?

I started sketching designs in my “gap year” in Germany (1996), and my best patterns in use today first manifested in the form of German newspapers sticky-taped and trimmed on myself!

I am very self-taught, I have made mistakes but I believe if you have a strong vision of what a garment should look like, it is possible to tweak it until it’s perfect. I was excited to come home to start my label, which sold in Alice Euphemia, Fat 52 and Dollhouse.

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Who is it aimed at?

Mid 30s but my styles are classic and designed to flatter figures so most styles transcend age restrictions. Right now I love designs that look kind of flat on the hanger, but drape in exactly the right way to look stunning on. I used to design clothing that looked great in a photo, but now I only make things that I would find practical and versatile myself.

How did you get started in fashion?

My mother always worked in fashion retail, and was not afraid of a large wardrobe. I remember her coming home in a bright green oneshouldered tiger-striped tube dress in about 1986. She worked in a little boutique where they designed and sewed out the back, and I got all the glamourous offcuts which I dubiously hand-sewed into dolls clothing.

What inspires you to create?

I look at work by my amazing favourite designers like Tom Ford and Alice McCall, and feel like I should just give up because I could never be as clever, but still when I see a lovely fabric I do get a rush and am compelled to make the best possible garment for it.

Elizabeth

Any environmental features of your work?

Anything else you’d like to add?

While some labels made in Australia become too expensive to be competitive, I design my range specifically to be viable for local production. I could never have created the Wilga label without the talented and hardworking people around me. Juggling retail, children and the WIlga label means I rely on flexibility of local production. For example I might pick up fabric in Melbourne, drive through Belgrave to collect the graded pattern from my pattern-maker’s house, drop it all off to one of my dressmakers who lives in Monbulk, and text through the sizes needed and any specifications after I’ve left in a hurry for school pick-up. While I do entertain an idea of fabric-hunting holidays to exotic places, local production is intrinsic for the Wilga label.

I met Marita, long-time teacher in the RMIT fashion department and creator of breathtaking gowns, and knew that I wanted to work with her to bring a new level of expertise to the Wilga label. The way it worked best was for me to open a Sewing Studio, where I could have Marita on-hand for sampling and general “heeeeeelp!!”, and available to the public for alterations and dressmaking. Because Marita’s exceptional talent is Serious Gowns, we decided to make a wedding gown to demonstrate her abilities. When the Sewing Studio was flooded with work we took on another experienced dressmaker Ineke, who opens on Wednesdays.

Working from home is our lovely and diligent Melanie who does the bulk of our production.

Our newest serendipitous find is RMIT fashion graduate Elizabeth, who completes the team with her mathematical brain for pattern drafting and meticulous grading, and her penchant for vintage fashion.

WILGA (open Mon-Sat) 83 Monbulk Rd Kallista, 97553855 6 Hewish Rd Croydon, 97256313 SEWING STUDIO (open for dressmaking and alterations Wed-Sat) 1650 Burwood Hwy Belgrave, 97526099 facebook.com/wilga Wilgaboutique.com.au (Launching April).

Images courtesy of Tamarind Croft

What do you like about living in the hills?

I have built a life around Kallista Wilga, my son’s education has been Kallista-based since day-care, I am addicted to the chai at the Deli and the pizza at Mad Raven. I rely on my Tuesday staff to buy eggs and bread for me from Fred’s Biodynamics, and I have all my clever makers close-at-hand should we need to whip something up! Devoted and supportive patrons consistently encourage me to expand the Wilga range. And if it all gets too hectic there is always a healing forest path to escape down.

Marita

Image by Ernst Stewart

S h a rk t a l e s . . .

Words by Jordan Crooka

In April 2012 we founded our small community group with the aim of ridding the Shire of Yarra Ranges of the ecologically destructive delicacy Shark Fin Soup and to educate the local community on the importance of sharks in the oceanic ecosystem.

According to the United Nation World Food and Agricultural organisation the dish is driving the removal of 75-100 million sharks from our oceans every year. With a 90% reduction in shark populations globally the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) say that a massive 1/3 of all shark and ray species are now threatened with extinction.

Our small, yet growing group has helped pass the first motion by any level of government in Australia against shark finning and shark products. With the help of Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn, the Shire of Yarra Ranges unanimously voted to pass a motion condemning the practice of shark finning. The council also agreed to write letters to restaurants serving shark fin soup to ask them to go fin free while also banning the consumption of shark fin soup at council events.

With this motion being passed we received the attention of both local and regional media.

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Featuring in many local newspapers, radio shows and even in “The Age” with a readership of half a million people daily!

We have also given many educational talks to groups such as the Australian Wildlife Protection Council, Swinburne Student Union, Landcare groups and various school groups. These talks focus on the importance of sharks to the overall health of our planet but also the impact losing an apex predator can have on an ecosystem.

Sharks have existed for over 400 million years, have survived 6 major extinctions and are apex predators. As apex predators they regulate the ocean ecosystems which produce 70% of the oxygen we breathe. Despite their integral role in keeping US alive, sharks are at threat of being wiped out completely within our lifetime. All of this as a result of human greed and ignorance.

Even if we can’t get you to love sharks as much as we do, I hope we can get you to respect both them and their importance to the health of our planet.

To find out more about upcoming events and to get involved go to www.sharkdefenceaustralia.org/ www.facebook.com/FinFreeRanges

eco matters

e - waste comes clean Don’t add your e-waste to the scrap heap Last year we bought a new TV after our old analogue one finally died. We didn’t want to just put it out on the rubbish heap so we paid someone to come and take it away to be recycled. So I was really pleased when I heard the news that Yarra Ranges Council is now recycling e-waste. Here Samantha Dunn tells us more about this new program.

Next time you upgrade your home computer or invest in a new LCD TV, spare a thought for what happens to the old technology.

Instead of adding to landfill or stockpiling old technology in your backyard shed or spare room Yarra Ranges residents can now recycle them for free.

As well as the environmental benefits of a reduction in landfill and use of raw materials, the cost to council and ratepayers per tonne is significant and increasing.

We have long been recycling our papers and plastics but recycling e-waste is a relatively new concept.

With the hard waste collection winding up, residents still have the option take their items to Coldstream.

I’m keen to see this program continue and expand – the more opportunities to recycle the better for our environment and our community.

Cr Samantha Dunn, Lyster Ward Councillor, Yarra Ranges Council.

Council’s Coldstream Transfer Station has joined the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme.

Residents can now bring their old TVs and computer equipment to the transfer station free of charge. The equipment is then taken away and recycled.

And for the first time, this year, council is trialling an e-waste kerbside collection as part of its annual hard rubbish collection.

All e-waste material was collected by a separate truck and taken to Coldstream for sorting and recycling.

Electronic waste is a growing problem as technology is constantly changing and consumers are regularly upgrading. This program has been developed to try and reduce our contribution to landfill.

Image courtesy of Samantha Dunn

Liven up with Colour Colour - How to use it successfully in your home With the ever increasing design and renovation shows on television, bombarding viewers with wonderful combinations of colour and texture as well as the visually stimulating social media websites such as Pinterest, it is no wonder people are overwhelmed and have no idea where to start using colour in their own homes.

There are some simple steps you can take to get through the colour maze and breathe some fresh life into your home without it ending up resembling a jar of lollies from the candy bar!

1. What is your favourite colour? When we are working with our clients, the first thing we ask them what are their favourite colours? We have even been as cheeky to ask for a sneak peek 24

into their wardrobe. People tend to wear what they love, so the wardrobe is the best place to start.

2. Next is a careful examination of natural light in your home, there is no point introducing dark and murky hues when you have poor natural light. Conversely, if you have ample light, then bringing in fresh, pastel tones works well.

3. Then we look at the scale and size of the rooms. Small rooms allow for lighter, cooler colours and large scale rooms can carry off a deeper and more racy colour scheme.

4. Start with a neutral background, such as greys, taupes and muted tones for all your permanent items such as flooring, investment furniture and cabinetry. Then add in your accent colours, based on the above principles, choosing from

the pallete of your favourite colours. You will never tire of your favourite hues, so use it on all those lovely decorative pieces such as cushions, linen and homewares Keep in mind this is a guide only, but a good place to start. One can break the rules, but be careful not to overdo the colour, but don’t forget to also be a little adventurous!

Tania Bell

Join us for an Alkaline Group Cleanse from the comfort of your own home.

Improve your digestion!

Rid your body of toxins!

Regain alkaline balance!

March 12th-25th AND April 8th-21st Also offering one on one coaching and a 3 day mini cleanse.

Lee Gefen Ph: 0405 905 098 www.wellnessroad.com.au

A Maga’zine’ all about the interesting people and things happening in Melbourne’s beautiful Dandenong Ranges. It’s the funkiest community mag in the hills.

Issue 8 * 2012

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With creative design and interesting articles it’s a rockin’ read.

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To advertise or contribute to the hillscene contact Adriana at hillscene@westnet.com.au With reasonable rates, it’s a great place to promote your local business. www.hillscene.com.au or look for “The Hillscene” on

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Images courtesy of Green Room Interiors

Is the interior decoration & design expert behind Green Room Interiors. She will take your hand and lead you through the re-decoration maze. Together we will arrive at the interior space of your dreams.

Join us on facebook to gain more interior design hints and tips. e. info@greenroominteriors.com.au w. greenroominteriors.com.au f. facebook.com/green.room.interiors

Great hair day

community

Words and image by Sarah O’Connor I was blessed last year when I was asked to participate in the World’s Greatest Shave. Menzies Creek Primary School is a lovely little school in the Dandenong Ranges and my two youngest children go there. It’s got a fantastic community feel to it. The World’s Greatest Shave has a personal connection with our school too, one of our young students died from leukaemia late in 2010.

A couple of my girlfriends had done the big shave in early 2010 when the school first got involved.

I had loved how they looked and joked that if we ever did it again I might just shave my head.

Well… Little did I know that they would do it again last year! For such a small school (150 pupils), both times we participated we ended up in the top 15 fundraisers in Victoria. Not bad hey? When it was announced that we would be participating again last year I put on my facebook status that I had said that I might shave. I think I did this so I couldn’t go back, with lots of people backing me I had to go through with it.

I ended up raising over $2500 . It was such a fantastic sense of achievement. It was a very emotional day. It was straight after school assembly and I was standing in the doorway crying. It wasn’t that I was sad about losing my hair, it had a very personal significance to me as I lost my mother from cancer when I was 13. So many kids participated, I think there were about half of the school up there either shaving or colouring, both times that we’ve done it. I was so proud to be a part of such a wonderful school, one young girl Jess even shaved her head, she was such an inspiration. My friend Bree did the deed of shaving for me and I kid you not, I felt free for the first time in ages. It was like my hair was dragging me down. I had even bought new glasses so that when I walked in I had my old glasses on and afterwards I put my new ones on! I’ve kept it short, and steely grey, after colouring it for so many years it feels so much better.

We’re doing it again this year. Not me, I’ve done my bit, but the school is participating.

I hope some other mums do it, it’s a life changing experience. If anybody would be interested in either joining our team or sponsoring us, we’re on the Worlds Greatest Shave website, just look for the Menzies Creek Primary School team.

The website is my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=73939 26

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From Tiffany Morris-North’s desk Tiffany is a passionate artist/crafter/ foodie living with her family in the beautiful and inspiring Dandenong Ranges. Follow her adventures on her blog tiffanymorrisnorth.wordpress.com

work in progress