Our Home June 2019

ISSUE 30 WINTER 2019

DOING HER BLOCK: Tatura’s Jess Eva talks reality television

The art of FLIPPING: Ugly duckling to timeless beauty

DECODING NEW RENTAL LAWS STYLE & DESIGN

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HOME

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LIFESTYLE

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BACKYARD

winter gardens Refresh your garden this winter.

Come in and see our range of coloured mulches.

Mulch matters

Mulch is any soil covering that reduces evaporation. It also keeps plant roots and the soil cooler and discourages weed growth. Organic mulch must be replenished regularly as it breaks down.

By spreading a layer of mulch on your garden beds you can prevent more than 70 per cent of water evaporation from the soil. The depth of the mulch layer depends on the type of mulch being used, but as a rule it shouldn’t be any more than about 75mm thick. If it is more than this, water might have trouble penetrating the soil beneath when it rains or when you water the garden.

OPEN 7 DAYS 20 Wanganui Road Shepparton Phone 5821 2111 info@cleavesearthmoving.com www.cleavesgardensupplies.com.au

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FROM THE

EDITOR Cue the celebratory champagne.

S

Photography: Rachel Tharratt.

55

Photography: Rodney Braithwaite.

67

ince we last spoke, my partner Matt, our beagle Rodger (pictured) and I got the keys to our first home.

But it was only between unpacking the never-ending boxes, rearranging the bathroom storage for the third time and trying to remember where the light switches are in this unfamiliar house, that it started to sink in.

I had always thought home ownership was an unattainable pipedream.

It was something that was never really on my radar, but the real issue was — saving is simply not my strength. My brother, Andrew the accountant, got those brains.

I never thought I could scrape together a deposit.

More than a year ago I read Scott Pape’s The Barefoot Investor.

Matt and I joined the cult. I proudly use my orange membership cards — one marked with an ‘E’ for (daily) expenses and another with ‘S’ for splurge.

We certainly haven’t followed every step in The Barefoot Investor chapters, but enough to stop our buckets from leaking smashed avocado brunches and enough to give two people in their mid-20s a head start in the property market.

While we have proudly reached the first rung on the property ladder, Lisa and Stephen Booth are summiting.

After building and renovating three homes, the Kyvalley go-getters share their first attempt at flipping in our cover story. Read on from page 55.

From page 35 you can see Royce and Julie Collins’ innovative solution to the humble man-cave and we delve into the art of hanging from page 67; and if I could trust Rodger not to rip this magazine to shreds, I’m sure he would recommend flipping to page 85 to read all about choosing a canine companion.

Jessica Ball Editor Photography: Megan Fisher.

Got a scoop on a cool house for our next edition?

Get in touch: jessica.ball@sheppnews.com.au OUR HOME

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COVER Photo by Rodney Braithwaite.

Story page 55.

Contents

EDITOR Jessica Ball Phone: 5820 3194

STYLE & DESIGN The style edit: What’s trending in design.

8

The Block experience: Tatura’s Jess Eva talks reality television.

13

Painting 101: How to paint your home.

28

Decoding carpet: Navigating your carpet choices.

65

The art of hanging: A guide to hanging art.

67

Colour spotlight: The good type of rust.

76

HOME Landlord advice: Understanding new rental laws.

17

Minimalist impact: Lena and Steven Tricarico’s architectural home.

19

The man-cave: Drunken Blacksmith Saloon.

35

Wine: How to store it and how to drink it.

39

Renovating for profit: Lisa and Stephen Booth test the flipping theory.

55

LIFESTYLE Fermenting: Kombucha for gut health.

51

Artist-in-residence: Tammy-Lee Atkinson.

73

Pets: Choosing a canine companion.

85

Travel: Visiting Porepunkah and beyond.

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WRITERS Jessica Ball Sharon Wright Pat Patt Liam Nash SUB-EDITORS Sandy Lloyd Wendy Russell EDITORIAL DESIGN Bella Considine ADVERTISING DESIGN Bella Considine Jacqui Maskell PHOTOGRAPHY Rodney Braithwaite Megan Fisher Rachel Tharratt Nine Network Jessica Ball ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATORS Jordan Purtill Rhiannon Geddes ADVERTISING Leesa Haeusler Phone: 5820 3188

BACKYARD Winter warmer: An outdoor fireplace for year-round entertaining.

79

The colours of autumn: Deciduous trees and how to plant them.

82

Photography: Rodney Braithwaite.

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OUR HOME WINTER 2019

PUBLISHED BY Shepparton News, PO Box 204, Shepparton VIC 3632 (03) 5831 2312

At Choices Flooring Shepparton, we know that good interior decorating starts

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style

TEXTURE CRUSH

THE

EDIT

Our Home brings you a roundup of the season’s hottest trends with expert advice from Paula Dohrman from Walls & Windows and Scott Wise from Rochester Nursery.

Opulent velvet adds a layer of warmth to any space.

From a subtle touch with cushions and quilt covers to a more adventurous addition of an occasional chair or bedhead, this tactile textile raises the luxe.

Velvet, especially in jewel tones, may conjure thoughts of winter, but Paula said you don’t have to pack it away when the seasons change.

“Velvet never goes out of date,” Paula said.

“Even when we’re heading into summer if you put a light cushion on a velvet chair, it’s going to lift it.”

Bed available at Harvey Norman, Shepparton.

CONNECT WITH NATURE Featuring authentic timber grains and striking mineral details, the latest Laminex range is inspired by nature.

Paula said these products were a cost-effective way to achieve the warmth of timber and textural interest of stone.

“The printing is just so clever, it’s really hard until you touch it to know if it’s timber or Laminex,” she said.

“It’s a good choice if you wanted to jazz up a small powder room or a space that hardly gets used but still needs to look good.”

Available at Walls & Windows, Shepparton.

TRIBAL STYLE Igniting visions of Africa, this trend is an infusion of rich culture, texture and colour.

Bringing wanderlust into the home, Paula said detailed tribal necklaces and headwear were a more decorative alternative to a collection of vases.

Combining black, white, rust and brilliant green feathers, tie tribal vibes together with floppy woven baskets; printed, woven and tasselled cushions; beaded pendant lights; and travel-inspired artworks.

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Share THE WORK When you’re planning a project, scrolling Instagram is a great place for design inspiration (or procrastination). Our Home has assembled three locals who use the app to document their renovations and builds.

Available at Choices Flooring, Shepparton.

GO GEOMETRIC RENOVATOR’S DELIGHT

Make a statement in the bathroom with a mosaic of patterned tiles.

Whether it’s a splash of colour with intricate Moroccan-inspired tiles or a nod to provincial style in duck egg blue, this geometric trend injects creativity.

Paula said how to use them depended on the individual tile and the size of the room.

“You can have a stunning, decorative floor and soften it with a white tile or a tone of the decorative tile to go up the walls.”

It was a love for the character of period homes and a limited budget that led then 20-year-olds Bailey Argus and Megan Kay to purchase what they described as an ‘eyesore’.

Restoring Tatura farmhouse Devonleigh, the young couple has been hard at work since November @devonleigh_house_ 2017.

They’ve re-stumped, re-roofed, rewired, re-plumbed and replaced every interior and exterior wall, reworked the floorplan and added a large extension, all while respecting the facade’s heritage overlay.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Available at Rochester Nursery, Rochester.

FLOURISHING FLORA In the garden, Australian natives are blooming.

Flowering in autumn, through winter and into late spring, Scott said Eremophila, commonly known as emu bush, was an all-rounder.

“Winter gardens don’t have to be dull and boring,” Scott said.

“Eremophila have started to become more popular amongst not only Australian native plant lovers but the general public looking for hardy drought-tolerant plants and are great for attracting birds into the garden.”

With a range of varieties on offer, these fast-growing plants prefer sunny open spots, regular pruning and after an occasional deep soak through their first summer, get by on natural rainfall.

@dci_custom_constructions

A carpenter by trade, Numurkah’s David Ireland is documenting his home renovation alongside launching his business DCI Custom Constructions.

It’s a case of out with 1990s beige and in with style, storage and the functionality needed when raising a young family.

The cosmetic overhaul started with the ensuite and bedroom, with the family now turning attention to the main bathroom and kitchen.

REPEAT OFFENDERS Lisa and Stephen Booth are not new to the building and renovation game.

After designing and building an off-the-grid home in Kyvalley, they have recently finished their fourth project.

Read more about their 1930s renovation, Ethelbrook, from page 55.

OUR HOME

@bookenblend

WINTER 2019

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GET THE LOOK 1

2

3

style

TRIBAL 7

A dramatic look made comfortable with handmade pieces, rustic materials and bold tribal accents.

4

6

5

1 Plantation shutters, POA, Dollar Curtains + Blinds. 2 Aren leather cushion, $219, Walls & Windows. 3 Ceramic tiles Peppa - Icarus and Peppa - Forte, POA, Choices Flooring. 4 Ceramic vase, $34.95, Sabac on High. 5 Assorted cushions, Walls & Windows.

6 Tribal collars, Cove small $129, Zambezi $175, Walls & Windows. 7 Bayliss Wilderness rug, POA, Choices Flooring.

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OUR HOME

WINTER 2019

Three generations of passion, perfection and design excellence.

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Visit Michael for Purdeys’ complimentary design consultation, to transform your old pieces into something special you will just love to wear.

Est. 1969 Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 4679 . Benalla Ph: (03) 5762 6150 purdeys.com.au

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Tatura girl

DOES HER BLOCK

Despite having zero interior styling experience, former Goulburn Valley resident Jess Eva quickly established herself as a fan favourite on last year’s season of The Block. » PHOTOGRAPHY: NINE NETWORK STORY: SHARON WRIGHT

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T

ogether with partner Norm Hogan, Jess survived 12 exhausting, challenging and frantic weeks renovating and styling one of two penthouses in the former Gatwick Hotel in St Kilda in readiness for auction.

The Block is a Nine Network reality television series, in which pairs of contestants compete to renovate, and then sell, houses or apartments.

The lack of sleep, second-guessing her choices, co-ordinating tradies and sheer hard, physical work were testing. But by far the toughest part of the journey for Jess and Norm was being away from their young children Freddie, now five and Tilda, now two.

“It really was as frantic as it appeared,” Jess said.

“Some days we would have seven minutes to go and only have a bed and bare mattress in the room, we’d be tearing open boxes and bed linen to get the room styled.

“When ‘tools down’ was called, it was tools down, if you put a book on a bookshelf after that it was removed, the producers were very fair like that.”

After being unsuccessful in the audition process the year before, Jess and Norm were welcomed on board for the 2018 season by host Scott Cam via a Skype session.

“Scotty was great, he took a lot of time with the contestants, making sure we were dealing with the publicity okay, and made us all feel comfortable,” Jess said.

Raised in Tatura, and a former Mooroopna Secondary College and McGuire College student, Jess left the area about 14 years ago, but returns regularly to visit family.

“I made lifelong friends here, Shepparton sometimes gets a bad rap and that’s not always right,” Jess said.

“There’s really no excuse not to have a job in Shepparton, and if you’re willing to have a crack anything is possible.”

The couple took that philosophy onto The Block, relying on Norm’s building skills and Jess’ ideas to get the job done.

“I had done nothing in interior styling, not one thing. I had a look on Pinterest and thought I’d be fine,” she said.

But the reality was very different, and the myriad of choices for finishes and furnishings made styling a complicated task.

“About halfway through the show I decided to just go with my first choice; I found I was no happier with my 12th choice than my first choice, I was 14

OUR HOME

WINTER 2019

Jess Eva and Norm Hogan.

just saving myself 30 hours a week of indecisiveness,” Jess said.

“In the end I just went with the pieces I liked; I suppose I like the minimalist style because there’s always so much going on in my head.

“And I thought the less I had in the rooms, the less the judges could say something was wrong with it.”

Her favourite room was the living area with a suspended fireplace, 6 m high ceilings and beautiful parquetry flooring.

“Everything in that room was my dream,” Jess said.

“I also loved the ensuite with floor-toceiling marble. We made the most of that because we’ll likely never shower in a marble shower again in our lives. We felt like the kings of Saudi Arabia.”

While some design choices left the judges cold, Jess was praised for her use of furniture and decorator pieces from indigenous and emerging artists.

“I liked to use pieces that had purpose;

the pieces from Manapan Furniture are handcrafted by indigenous artists to fund their communities,” Jess said.

“In the living area I had a piece of polished black lava from Wisdom of Maurice, it’s meant to absorb negative emotions so I was hoping that would help with the judges’ comments sometimes.

“One thing I’ve learnt about interior design is that everyone is screaming out for something that’s new, unique, beautiful and interesting.

“These reality shows are a real platform for emerging artists to reach out and make themselves known; contestants are always looking for new and interesting pieces to set themselves apart.”

Jess and Norm, who were based on the Sunshine Coast before the show, walked away with $209 000 in prize money.

“We went on the show for the opportunity to make some money; it was hard work but so worth it,” Jess said.

“We made friends for life with the

crew and the contestants, they were such beautiful people.

“Some of the crew were so upset for us, because we actually came last, but we won 209 K, we were so grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m from the Goulburn Valley and Norm is from Birchip; people like us don’t usually get opportunities on shows like this.”

The dynamic duo has now relocated to Sydney, where Jess has a breakfast radio presenter’s gig and Norm is working on a luxury housing project. But The Block has whet their appetite for renovating.

They’re filming for some upcoming projects and a web series with the focus on renovating ideas that are realistic for homeowners to achieve.

“I’ve just done a $460 makeover on the kitchen in our house,” Jess said.

“The Block was all about luxury but I really enjoy renovating on a budget. It’s a creative outlet.”

OUR HOME

WINTER 2019

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UNDERSTANDING new rental rules The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2018 was passed last September, and landlords and tenants need to be aware of how the changes affect their rights and responsibilities. Cardamone Real Estate property manager Colleen Sutton spoke to Our Home about the major changes.

STORY: PAT PATT

T

he first change that people must get used to is the terminology.

‘Tenants’ are now ‘renters’ and landlords are now ‘residential rental providers’ or RRPs.

A renter given notice to vacate at the end of their first fixed term isn’t required to stay until the lease expires. If they find a new home, they can leave giving the RRP 14 days’ notice.

NOTICES TO VACATE Colleen said one of the biggest changes was regarding notices to vacate.

Previously RRPs were able to give renters 120 days’ notice to vacate without giving a reason. This is no longer the case.

A reason approved under the act (such as intention to sell or renovate) must be specified, but only 60 days’ notice needs to be given.

Colleen said if the RRP says they are going to sell or renovate, they are required to have proof, such as a sale authority or quotes and invoices for renovations.

Another change is to notice to vacate ‘at the end of fixed term’.

Previously RRPs could give notice to tenants to vacate at the end of any fixed term. Now this notice can only be given at the end of an initial fixed term.

If the lease is renewed such a notice cannot be given at the end of a subsequent fixed term.

PETS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES The change to a renter’s right to have a pet is one that caught the media’s attention.

“There will be no such thing as a no pet property,” Colleen said.

A RRP can no longer include a ‘no pet clause’ in a rental agreement (unless specific limitations of the property, such as a lack of fences, make it unsuitable).

Permission to have an assistance dog in a rental property cannot be refused.

Renters may be required to cover the cost of cleaning and fumigation if petrelated damage to the property is beyond fair wear and tear.

MODIFICATIONS TO RENTAL PROPERTIES Another change that has been widely reported is that renters will be allowed to make minor modifications to rental properties without the approval of the RRP.

As the regulations about what constitutes a minor modification had yet to be finalised, Colleen said it was hard to say how this change would affect people.

For more extensive modifications, such as repainting, the RRP’s permission must be obtained and the RRP is entitled to require a top-up bond payment to cover the cost of returning the property to its original condition.

RENT INCREASES Rents can now only be increased at 12-monthly intervals, rather than sixmonthly, and a fixed price must be specified in advertisements for rental properties to avoid rental bidding.

LOTS MORE CHANGES There have been more than 130 reforms introduced by the act and Colleen said anyone with a rental property should make themselves aware of the changes or discuss them with the manager who looks after their property to ensure that they are fulfilling all their obligations under the new act.

Renters wanting advice on how the changes affect them should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria.

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E H T G E N C I A T P A S E T R C C E F R PE

, etion l p m r to co foreve e g a a pt st owners ibe. » e c n o v s the c ivered it holiday m o fr ed del cade ild has nt relax e d a e u than ctural b perman e r Mo rchite ith a w a TE e s m WAI thi o H T h T I A GH ily WRI NEY BR fam D RON : RO SHA RY: RAPHY O T S TOG PHO

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L

ena and Steven Tricarico’s clear vision, and well-researched design brief, has resulted in a stunning new home that maximises the views of tranquil Seven Creeks and its mature trees and wetland reserve.

Brought to life by Solar City Eco Homes, the two-storey property is not only beautiful but functional, as each zone operates independently and then seamlessly integrates into a traditional family space when the couple’s adult children Michael and Samantha return for weekends.

“Steven and I are both from rural backgrounds and we wanted a sense of space, we didn’t want to feel we were confined,” Lena said.

“We both work indoors and lead very hectic lives; we wanted to be able to walk into our home and feel like we were on holidays, feel relaxed and peaceful.

“That was our aim and I think we achieved it.”

Sleek and minimalist in design, the home 20

OUR HOME

WINTER 2019

has the warmth of spotted gum timber flooring paired with a crisp white colour palette, contemporary glass balustrade and a soaring 5.7 m ceiling void that contributes to an enormous sense of scale, presence and grandeur.

Clean lines dominate the kitchen, an efficient and central workspace with grey marbled Quantum Quartz benchtops and smoked glass splashback, which not only reflects the bush backdrop of the home, but exudes a timeless sophistication.

“We love to entertain, and the mirrored splashback means I can still see people who are sitting at the island bench or the dining table, even when I have my back to them cooking,” Lena said.

The continuation of the stylish kitchen finishes, in the form of the Quantum Quartz hearth underpinning the gas log fire in the living area, and a plethora of modern storage solutions in the butler’s pantry, creates flow and consistency.

Every area of the home has been carefully thought out, from the ensuite

added to the fourth bedroom that offers privacy to guests, or the separate wing housing their children’s bedrooms, large family bathroom and sitting-cum-theatre room, that can be closed off when they’re not at home.

Maximising the view was at the forefront of all design decisions and has resulted in mirrored robe doors in the rooms facing the bush to reflect and bring the landscape inside, and a stunning counter-levered staircase with glass balustrade and timber treads.

Eliminating the traditional risers between steps allows for a see-through effect, while the glass and unobtrusive stainless steel, square-edged handrail establishes the staircase as a significant feature without diminishing from the bush view beyond.

Upstairs is a true retreat. A sitting area makes the best use of the open-style mezzanine level and glass doors lead to the bush-facing balcony.

The master bedroom shares the same

wanted to be able “toWewalk into our home

and feel like we were on holidays, feel and .

relaxed peaceful “

– LENA TRICARICO

views and the oversized ensuite is finished with dark grey tiles, a free-standing white bath and eye-catching dual basins.

A neutral interior colour palette ensures the home doesn’t detract from its natural bush surrounds, and has created the perfect blank canvas for the couple’s eclectic collection of artwork and styling pieces.

“Now that the building part has finished, I’m looking for pieces to add more character to the house. My next plan is to look for some indigenous art because of the bush aspect,” Lena said.

As stylish and functional as the home is, long-term sustainability was a key factor in the design phase, with high-performing double-glazed windows and insulated wall panels significantly reducing ongoing energy costs.

Making the best use of the orientation of the block, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area allow for passive heating in the winter and the southerly aspect of the home also has large opening windows and sliding doors, which creates cooling cross ventilation in the summer.

“We were only able to achieve this because of the awesome tradespeople we used. They were all local and had such great attention to detail; we have great trades here,” Lena said. » OUR HOME

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OUR HOME WINTER 2019

Cool marble, in the form of lighting in the bathrooms, and as the base of a stylish floor lamp in the living area, adds

a sense of luxury.

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TOP TIPS

1

Building a new home can be exciting, overwhelming and daunting because of the ever-growing array of materials and finishes to choose from. Lena Tricarico offers three key things she kept in mind when planning and styling her new family home.

Have a budget and stick to it.

“Everything looks good in showrooms, but don’t get carried away. Don’t impulsebuy,” Lena said.

3

2

Repurpose and reuse where you can.

Old timber dining chairs have been brought to life using vintage fabric to reupholster the seats, while the leather chesterfield sofa from their former home, which would look out of place in the modern living area, adds a touch of luxury to the guest room.

Be clear with your vision.

“I had a vision but just couldn’t explain it very well. We visited display homes and showrooms, and used magazines for inspiration, and to show the builders exactly what we wanted,” Lena said.

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OUR HOME

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What does the Drytron carpet cleaning process involve?

Our aim is to get in and out with as little disruption to your life as possible.

The cleaning process provides rapid treatment and leaves your carpet areas walk on dry — without leaving a damp smell or damp underlay.

Our six-step process begins with a high-powered vacuum, followed by pre-treatment and application of the patented compounds that draw soil and stains to the surface for removal.

If your home looks fresh and spotlessly clean you’ll be more likely to attract a buyer that can see themselves living there.

Get the furniture cleaned as well and don’t forget the drapes.

Get Drytron in for pennies, as doing nothing may well cost you thousands.

What are the benefits of a Drytron carpet clean?

Our technique uses minimal moisture which eliminates the smell, mildew and inconvenience associated with the old steam cleaning process.

There are many carpet dry cleaning benefits, even more reason to get your carpets cleaned by a Drytron professional: 1. Keeps your carpets looking like new, 2. Protects the air quality in your house, 3. Prolongs the life of your carpet, 4. Walk on dry carpet in under an hour, 5. A Drytron carpet clean means no carpet or underlay shrinkage, 6. Our technicians are all fully trained and accredited, and 7. Every Drytron clean is guaranteed

As it leaves no unpleasant damp smells or residue, you’ll just have bright clean carpet.

Does Drytron guarantee their service?

We’re certain you will be pleased with the results — we even have a Drytron satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind.

At Drytron we strive to delight you with our cleaning service and the end result.

And given that our entire fleet is based in Victoria, and we have technicians throughout regional Victoria, we can offer you a rapid response and reliable service when you need us most.

Every job is priced based on a guaranteed result.

The carpet pile is then restored to looking fresh through hand grooming with our carpet rake.

Can you help solve the problem of unpleasant odours?

Alternative cleaning methods such as carpet steam cleaning, differ from the Drytron technique.

Can Drytron help improve the value of a home?

Re-carpeting an entire home can be upwards of $7000, not to mention the time and effort involved.

Instead, get the carpets you already have professionally cleaned for a fraction of that price and you’ll save yourself a fortune.

Presentation is also everything when it comes to selling, your home needs to look better than all the rest to get the price you want.

We understand value is important to you so although we offer a super quick service, we don’t cut any corners.

That’s the power of a trusted Australian brand proudly operating like a local family business throughout Victoria.

Our Drytech cleaning solutions have been developed to draw out stains and stubborn dirt using minimal moisture, meaning your carpets will be dry to walk on a the end of a service. That makes cleaning your carpets and upholstery an easy decision whether it’s summer, autumn, winter or spring.

We want you to be 100 per cent proud of your clean carpets and upholstery and if you’re not completely satisfied, our technician will return to clean your carpet again free of charge.

HOW DO YOU MAKE A BOOKING? You can make a booking by calling 13 12 50, Tony direct on 0419 433 096 or Tony’s Assistant on 0455 424 694.

You can also simply book online at www.drytron.com.au this is super-fast and super easy to do yourself and you can also price your own clean online.

Choose what you want cleaned, choose your own time and date 24/7/365.

www.drytron.com.au // 13 12 50

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T BY N I A P

M B U ERS N S

Ever fancied yourself as an interior design aficianado, or have simply been fascinated by spending a day watching paint dry?

For those brave enough to grasp life by the brush, here are a list of tips to help you paint your own home.

STORY: LIAM NASH

teve McDonald from SMC Painting helped provide some know-how on the topic, alluding to the fact that the best job comes from a having all variables controlled before touching roller to wall. “Preparation is everything,” Steve said.

“You must make sure you are painting on a clean and even surface in order to do the best job possible.”

RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB Any tradesman will tell you that skimping on proper tools will result in an inferior job. Using a brush with weathered bristles can result in streaky layers of paint, while a cracked tray may leave unwanted splashes in undesired areas. Save yourself the worry and eliminate any risk by using the appropriate tools for the job.

DROP SHEET In order to carry out a clean, low-mess operation, a drop sheet is a must. Placing a large canvas sheet over an area will help to prevent any paint spills on floors, carpets and furniture.

SANDING To give a wall the best chance to look the part, sanding after each coat will take away any leftover sheen and allow the next coat the best chance to come up clean.

Using a sanding sponge is the most effective method for hard-to-reach areas, as it allows for controlled scouring of the wood. Afterwards, clean up with a cloth and apply the next layer. Steve recommends two coats minimum in most cases.

TAPING Mainly used around skirting boards, applying adhesive tape for masking purposes is important to getting the right measure. Painter’s tape is superior to regular masking tape, as it doesn’t leave sticky residue behind and is easier to leverage off the surface of the paint. It can be left in place for days and stops paint bleeding through into areas where it shouldn’t.

BOXING Sadly, this has nothing to do with combining combat sport with a tin of Taubmans. Boxing is the process of mixing several smaller cans of paint into a larger bucket when covering a bigger area. There is no guarantee that each can will contain the exact colour as the last, so stirring enough paint together will ensure there is no inconsistency in the coat. Always over-measure when boxing, as paint can always be poured back into the smaller cans.

KEEPING A WET EDGE Even if you have no prior experience with a brush in hand, you may have heard this term thrown around. The expression comes from overlapping the roller to avoid paint half-drying leaving lap marks (uneven build-ups of paint resulting in unsightly stripes). A wet edge is maintained by making sure full strokes are applied and ensuring any uneven applications of paint are smoothed out.

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OUR HOME WINTER 2019

“THE PROCESS OF BUYING LAND SHOULD BE EASY”

– Rocky Gagliardi, Director

How long does the process take to buy a block?

When are titles released?

Generally, it takes a few weeks from when you have chosen your preferred block. Once you make the formal commitment with a Real Estate Agent, then signing contracts will only take a couple of weeks. Keep in mind that the time frame for financial approval can vary from bank to bank. Depending on your settlement terms (when the bank transfers the full amount your borrowing), your settlement date can be 30, 60 or 90 days from when your finance is approved.

Titles are released after civil works have finished. Then it needs to go through local and State Government regulations, which generally take a month after civil works have been completed.

Your real estate agent will give you a guideline on when the land should be titled but be aware delays can happen!

What does “Taking an Option” mean?

“Taking an Option” means to put a block on hold, generally for 7 days. This gives you time to arrange and confirm your pre-approved finance, find a solicitor/ conveyancer, obtain quotes from a few builders, arrange a house sighting on your preferred block with your builder, or simply give yourself time to think if you would like to live in that estate.

At what stage do I need to engage a lawyer conveyancer in the buying process?

Preferably from the very start! As soon as you want to purchase your block, the Real Estate Agent will ask who your solicitor is.

Don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can take an option to find a solicitor to review your contracts and look after your best interest, or the Real Estate Agent can recommend some for you to consider.

Do I need to have my finance finalised prior to buying a block?

Ideally, but again don’t worry if it’s not finalised and you have found a block you want. As long as you have enough for a deposit, you can put an option on it while you see a bank / broker and get pre-approval. It is advised to have seen a bank or financial adviser prior, as you’ll know where you sit financially, what you can afford, and if you meet the banks rules and regulations. Bear in mind, the banks have many requirements that need to be satisfied.

182 High St, Shepparton | 0358 31 1800 www.gagliardiscott.com.au

Do I need any insurance once I buy a block?

It depends! If you are not wanting to build straight away it could be helpful to get public liability insurance, which would cover you if anyone were to hurt themselves on your longterm vacant block. If you are building straight away, it wouldn’t be essential to obtain any.

What is a Covenant?

A Covenant is an agreement between the purchaser and the developer that have strict guidelines or restraints on how you build your home. A Covenant dictates the following; the size of your building, shed size, colours and materials of your house, extensions and fencing colour and height, even how many pets you can have. It’s very important to read and discuss this with your builder and solicitor / conveyancer as they can vary across different Estates.

What is an Easement?

Easements are a section of land registered on your property title, which normally gives a government body like GV Water the right to access that section of the land for a specific purpose (even though they are not the land owner). Generally, this will only be drainage Easements that you will worry about on a block of land as that’s the only thing going into the ground, but another reason could be a shared driveway. You can build over Easements, but there are strict guidelines to what you can build, and you also need permission to do so. You’ll need to clarify these Easements with your solicitor prior to signing, as it may restrict you from building what you want. Although normally it isn’t a problem as Easements are very common and required in Estates that are connected to town sewerage.

SEVEN CREEKS ESTATE – STAGE 15 • Prestigious, peace, quiet and grace with landscaped parks • Set against Seven Creeks and Goulburn River bushland • Sizes are up to 938 m2 | Prices from $132,000

SOLD

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THE VINES – STAGE 2 • The latest Northern Land Subdivision – Generous block sizes

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• Energy efficiently orientated allotments • Complete lifestyle package with a touch of class

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CONNOLLY PARK ESTATE

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CONNOLLY PARK ESTATE

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• Final stage 8

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• Fast growing and affordability • Perfect family friendly living • Ideally positioned in the North end of Shepparton

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

182 High St, Shepparton | 0358 31 1800

PROVIDENCE FIELD – STAGE 2 • New and exciting family subdivision • Northern gateway to Shepparton • Fully serviced and fully fenced • Large residential lots 2000–4700 m2 | Priced from $187,000

LIMITED OFFER $5000 DISCOUNT OFF NEXT LOT SOLD

WOODLANDS ESTATE • Rural allotments with peaceful aspect – Tallygaroopna • Unique 15 lot development with a real sense of community • Large affordable blocks up to 2576 m2 • Priced from $129,000

SOLD SOLD

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WINDSOR PARK ESTATE – STAGE 4 • Great opportunity and affordability • Generous court allotments competitively priced • Established neighbourhood • Priced from $80,000

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

70 Melville St, Numurkah | 0358 31 1800

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PARK VIEWS ESTATE

PARK

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• Located West of Shepparton • Stage 6 surrounded by superb parkland • Affordable and well orientated with generous frontage

RIVERWOOD PARK • Final stage 9 – designed to tick all the boxes!

• Fantastic court location with tree reserve allotments and beautiful parkland • Overlooking remarkable beauty of the Goulburn River bushland

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

182 High St, Shepparton | 0358 31 1800

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NUMURKAH CENTRAL

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• Located in the heart of Numurkah

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• 13 premium lots over 2 stages • Lots range from 640–924 m2

RIVIERA PARK ESTATE – STAGE 4 • Set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Seven Creeks bushland • Large lots, fully serviced – 1662 m2–2039 m2 • Generous shedding covenant – up to 150 m2

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

70 Melville St, Numurkah | 0358 31 1800

LOT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SIZE 4613 m2 4046 m2 4023 m2 4083 m2 4048 m2 4011 m2 4409 m2 5894 m2

PRICE $158,000 $161,000 $161,000 $163,000 $163,000 $163,000 $161,000 $169,000

LOT SIZE 9 7084 m2 10 7204 m2 11 8383 m2 12 8383 m2 13 1.005 ha 14 5175 m2 15 6432 m2

PRICE $173,000 $173,000 $173,000 $173,000 $178,000 $170,000 $173,000

T O O L A M B A SOLD

Lots range from 4000m2-9000m2 Prices from $158,000

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

Rocky Gagliardi I 0407 826 542 I Rocky@gagliardiscott.com.au I www.gagliardiscott.com.au 34

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WELCOME

old west TO THE

For Royce and Julie Collins, stepping out of their lounge room opens up a time capsule to a whole other world. » STORY: LIAM NASH PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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35

“

“

It just goes to show what you can do

with a carport.

– ROYCE COLLINS

W

hile the couple’s modern Kialla residence epitomises elegance, the question was posed as to how to create an escape from the bluster of everyday life while remaining in the comforts of their own home.

And thus, the Drunken Blacksmith Saloon was born.

Royce and Julie have transformed their carport from a blank canvas into a liveable corner of their home that is completely detached from the rest of the world, brimming with character and homely in all aspects.

From hatchets and cattle skulls to a homage to Ned Kelly, stunning detail has been ingrained into every nook and cranny to create an authentic 1800s ambience that could easily be mistaken for a John Wayne film set — if not for the flat-screen television, state-of-the-art

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kitchen cabinetry and appliances.

“We just wanted a themed area that we can feel comfortable in and not feel like we are at home,” Royce said.

“We can do that here, and just break the chains from the normal nine-to-five routine.”

Starting as a simple blueprint mapped out in Royce’s head, the rustic saloon has progressed over time through the couple’s travels.

“Julie said we have got to get this and that, and I said Rome wasn’t built in a day.

“Let’s just do it step-by-step and see what sort of room we have got.”

One of Royce and Julie’s hobbies is to visit independent breweries, many of which have served as flickers of inspiration for the saloon.

“You find little rustic things as you go,”

Royce said.

“We basically go picking and find all this stuff here and there all over the state and NSW, while we are off on our brewery hunts.”

As owner of North Vic Garage Doors, the couple has installed a see-through roller door that lets light in and opens up to give the saloon an indoor-outdoor flow.

The couple has also ingeniously incorporated plastic corflute in the roofing to allow natural light to enter the room.

The pièce de résistance of the saloon is the limited edition 1977 Triumph Bonneville Silver Jubilee motorcycle, with its chrome and patina blending in effortlessly with the tone of the room.

“I happened to want an old bike, and I thought if I am going to get an old one I may as well get one that is going to go up

in value, seeing as it is a limited edition,” Royce said.

“It goes beautifully, I ride it pretty regularly.”

With a carpentry background, Royce has largely been the driving force behind the saloon’s developments and has taken on the bulk of the work.

Despite a hold-up with laying the concrete, Royce remained determined to finish the project in order to create a space where priceless memories would be made for his family.

“Other than the insulated roof and the cladded fireproof wall, I have done the rest myself,” Royce said.

“A lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone into it, and it still isn’t finished; it will never be finished, I imagine.

“It just goes to show what you can do with a carport.”

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A FINE WINE

storage solution We’ve all seen images of subterranean wine cellars, romantic and mysterious spaces where racks of vintage wines are stored and allowed to slowly age.

STORIES: SHARON WRIGHT

B

ut unless you’ve bought a property with an existing space or plan one during the building stage, installing an authentic underground cellar can be expensive and logistically challenging.

That doesn’t mean you have to leave your wine languishing in boxes in the garage.

In this edition of Our Home we hear from local experts about wine storage solutions and take a peek inside a contemporary home where a purpose-built wine cupboard is an enviable feature.

Photography: Megan Fisher.

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Thinking outside THE BOX Installed as an afterthought, this stylish wine cupboard is now a functional addition to a contemporary Kialla home.

PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

A

fter living in their home for 12 months, Mick and Belinda Lewis realised they hadn’t made provision for storage of their wine collection. So they had to think outside of the square, or the walls of their home, quite literally.

With in-slab floor heating throughout the home, and wine requiring a cool space, the couple sought advice from their builder Chris Barzen, who came up with a novel solution.

Removing a section of internal wall and using a small portion of the garage, the Lewises now have a purposebuilt area — with insulated walls and connection to the ducted airconditioning system for summer cooling — to store about 200 bottles of wine.

A thick glass door fronts the cupboard, giving a display cabinet feel to the space, and its proximity at the end of a hallway off the living area makes it a real feature.

Inside the cupboard, stained plywood walls provide the perfect backdrop for the black, powder-coated metal racks, which hold the wine bottles, and strip lighting highlights the styling pieces including a crystal decanter, glasses and bottle openers.

Display shelving, crafted from blackedged marine ply, houses wine that

has been passed down from previous generations and many local labels, including Mitchelton, Tahbilk and Pizzini in the King Valley, are represented.

Belinda said they liked to buy wine when they travelled, and learn the back stories of various wineries, as a way of preserving memories of their various trips.

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Drink a toast TO WINE STORAGE

Photography: Electrolux.

Sales of wine storage units are rising as consumers become increasingly aware of the importance of correctly storing their favourite drop.

H

arvey Norman Shepparton electrical manager Richard Smith said temperature, light and humidity levels could impact quality, and wine could deteriorate if storage conditions weren’t suitable.

And with some people making considerable investment in their wine collections, it was important to preserve them.

“Most purchasers of wine storage are educated, they’ve done their homework before they come in and they’re ready to take the next step in correct wine storage,” Richard said.

“The units are temperature-controlled, so they’re different to conventional refrigeration. With a fridge you’re in and out of it all the time, with these you’re not so temperature can be better maintained.”

Certain wines, such as reds, age best

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when stored at 12°C to 14°C while others, such as whites and sparklings, should be stored chilled so they’re ready to bring out when entertaining.

“The dual zone units allow you to store red and white, but at different temperatures,” Richard said.

Harvey Norman Shepparton stocks a range of units catering for 30 bottles of wine up to about 200.

Built-in or freestanding options can be

incorporated into kitchens, outdoor areas or entertaining spaces in the home and a range of finishes can suit almost any decorating style.

Stainless steel trim, sleek smoked glass doors and internal lighting add a sense of drama to home wine storage while other units can be fitted with fronts to match existing cabinetry.

“Most people prefer the glass fronts, so the wine can be displayed,” Richard said.

Wine comes home TO THE KITCHEN

Do you have special bottles of wine you don’t want to hide away? Or do you like having your favourite vintages close to hand when you’re cooking or entertaining?

I

f you’ve answered ‘yes’ to either of those questions consider wine storage as a feature inclusion in your kitchen cabinetry — not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing.

KitchenWise director Mark Boldiston said wine storage was traditionally incorporated in Federation or Hampton-style homes, but the recent trend of using polished aluminium or black reinforced mesh made a statement in modern or industrial spaces.

“Adding wine storage is also a useful way of filling a void and creating a balanced, symmetrical look to the kitchen design,” Mark said.

With only your imagination limiting the provision for wine storage, there were options to suit all tastes and styles from a single row of pigeonholes for wine bottles to a diamond-shaped wine rack, or even deep drawers to seamlessly house your collection.

You could also consider slide-out drawers, concealed behind the kick-rail, that have dual benefits of maximising underutilised storage space as well as enhancing temperature control due to its proximity to the coolness coming from the floor.

The correct lighting added another element to wine display, Mark said, with subtle lighting from behind or to the side showcasing the bottles to great effect.

Photography: KitchenWise.

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43

A fine

CHOICE A great food and wine pairing should ensure neither element is dominant, and if you get it right it will enhance the dining experience.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

I

t takes time, experience and trial and error to perfectly match the two; a skill Ingrid and Edward Thomas continue to hone, to take the guesswork out of the process for their patrons at The Collective in Shepparton.

Diners in Teller restaurant, Food Store café and The Vault can experience a selection of renowned local wines, alongside signature wines from iconic Australian wine regions.

“People’s wine knowledge is improving every day; diners are more likely to want advice and will ask for suggestions about which wine to have with their meal,” Ingrid said.

While there are several firm rules with pairing food and wine, Ingrid said it was important to keep in mind what you like, as a person’s taste in wine is very individual.

“You need to also take into account the season, is it summer or winter, and the flavours of the food you’re serving,” Ingrid said.

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“Winter meals tend to be richer and heavier, so if you’re planning a rich, fatty dish you might pair that with a bold red that will cut through and balance the richness of the fat.

“For a light seafood meal you don’t want to overwhelm the dish so you might go for a riesling where the minerality of the wine will mirror the general flavours of the dish.”

Developing that knowledge — of whether to pair a contrasting or

complementary wine with your meal — can be challenging, as often wines with the same name can taste very different.

“Wine trends move very quickly, there is a shift now towards low-intervention wines, where wines are allowed to naturally ferment,” Ingrid said.

“It’s an exciting new development that probably reflects how wines were made a long time ago; the different process allows different characteristics to develop.”

MATCHES made in heaven

CRISPY ROAST PORK Pork is one of those dishes that pairs equally well with a lighter style red as it does with a fuller bodied white, making it a fantastic dinner party main. Match with Pizzini Nonna Gisella Sangiovese, King Valley. Lightly spicy with plum and cherry flavours, the wine complements the sweet braised onions in this dish. This sangiovese is medium bodied, so won’t overpower the flavour of the pork, however the soft tannins will provide some balance to the richness of the dish.

If you prefer white the Wine X Sam Chardonnay from the Strathbogie Ranges has a creaminess which marries beautifully with the silky potato puree. This chardonnay is full bodied, and won’t get lost in the flavours of the dish, but still maintains some acidity which provides a clean finish against the richness of the pork.

INGREDIENTS • 1 kg pork belly • salt and pepper • olive oil • 1 kg potatoes • 80 g butter • 250 ml cream • 100 ml milk • ground white pepper

Ingrid Thomas offers suggestions for wines to pair with some of the most popular dishes at The Collective.

PIZZA Baa Baa Black Sheep (slowroasted lamb shoulder, onion jam, buffalo mozzarella, yoghurt and fresh rocket).

Murchison Cabernet Sauvignon: We’ve chosen to pair this wine with the pizza, as the tannin structure of the wine balances with the richness of the lamb and mozzarella. The wine also has some lovely spicy notes that complement the sweet onion jam on the base of the pizza.

• 12 golden shallots • 200 g caster sugar • 50 ml balsamic vinegar • 1 bay leaf • 1 bulb garlic, cut in half • 6 peppercorns • thyme sprig • rosemary sprig

METHOD 1. Pre-heat a fan-forced oven to 140°C. Place pork directly on a sheet of baking paper on top of a roasting rack in roasting pan. Oil surface of pork belly, season with salt and pepper. Roast for two hours 2. Increase heat to 220°C and roast for a further 10–15 minutes, or until a crisp layer of crackle has formed. Remove from oven and carve into serving-sized portions.

3. While the pork is cooking, peel and dice potatoes into even cubes, place in a pot of cold salted water, bring to boil and simmer until tender. Drain well, and push through a potato ricer or mouli/food mill. Heat together butter cream and milk. Fold through potatoes and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.

4. Peel shallots, leaving root end intact. Pace sugar in a medium-sized dry saucepan, heat on low until a dry caramel forms, making sure you shake the pan regularly to ensure sugar doesn’t stick or burn.

5. Add shallots, coating with caramel, then add balsamic vinegar and allow to bubble up before adding bay, garlic, pepper, thyme and rosemary.

Allow aromatics to simmer 1 minute. Add red wine and stock and bring to the boil.

6. Create a cartouche from baking paper to cover the tops of the shallots, reduce heat to

• 500 ml red wine • 500 ml beef stock • broad beans (frozen are fine) • baby peas (frozen are fine) • fresh spinach • chopped toasted pistachios or pistachio-based dukkah

low and simmer for 55 minutes. Remove onions from the liquid and reserve, strain the liquid to remove spices, place back on a medium heat and reduce by half.

7. Blanch and peel broad beans. Add broad beans, peas, spinach plus reserved shallots back into shallot cooking liquid. Warm over medium heat until heated through and spinach is wilted.

Place mashed potato on warmed serving plates. Arrange slices of pork with 2–3 shallots per plate and some of the peas, beans and spinach — spoon around the reduced sauce (try not to wet the crackle). Sprinkle over chopped pistachios or dukkah.

TIPS 1. The burst of high heat at the end is what will create a crisp crackle, this may take longer than 15 minutes.

2. Any pooling of fat or meat juices on top of the pork will prevent a crisp crackle from forming. You can place some balls of aluminium foil under the pork to create a ‘dome’ or ‘arch’ which will allow fat and juice to drain off while cooking.

3. A potato masher will suffice if you don’t have a potato ricer or mouli. Avoid over working or beating potatoes as this can make them gluey.

PASTA House-made potato gnocchi with slow-cooked beef ragout and parmesan.

This classic winter comfort dish incorporates a significant amount of good red wine in the beef ragout. Our current favourite pairing with this dish is the Henrietta Shiraz by Kennedy Wines in Heathcote.

With mouth-watering fruity notes and a hint of pepper this wine complements the deep flavours of the rich tomato-based ragout and the lively acidity refreshes the palate against the creamy gnocchi and nutty parmesan, leaving you with a lingering fruity finish.

DESSERT Traditional quince and apple crumble with vanilla ice-cream.

We love a sweet wine with dessert, and the Tallis Botrytis Riesling is an exemplary local example. With flavours of spice, honey and poached quince, it’s a natural pairing with this dish. Although sweet, the wine also has some nice citrus notes and acidity, which leaves you with a nice clean finish.

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1

GET THE LOOK

2

3

wine

RED, RED

8

7

Cellar, store and indulge in your favourite drop.

4

6

5

1 Smeg Red Wine Victoria induction freestanding cooker, $9990, Harvey Norman Shepparton. 2 Breville Sommelier wine decanter, $699, Harvey Norman Shepparton. 3 Custom cabinetry, POA, KitchenWise. 4 Assorted cheeses, Food Store – The Collective. 5 Decanter, $70, Food Store – The Collective. 6 Rikard pinot noir, $48, Food Store – The Collective. 7 Vintec 170 bottle multi-zone wine cabinet, V190SG2E, $3799, Harvey Norman Shepparton. 8 Wooden drink coasters, $12, Sabac on High.

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Glenn Young, Director AREI, CEA (REIV)

What is the First Home Buyers Grant (FHBG)?

Does it matter how old the property is?

The First Home Buyers Grant was introduced in 2000 as a state-funded scheme designed to balance the effect of the GST on first home ownership. Modified over the years, nowadays a grant of $20 000 is provided to eligible first home buyers to assist in their purchase.

However, this golden opportunity will not be available for much longer with the grant coming to a close on June 30, 2020.

Don’t stress if your ideal buy is older than five years. First home buyers who are purchasing an older residential property can receive a concession on their stamp duty fee, as long as the cost is under $750 000. And if property value is under $600 000 the buyer can be exempt from paying stamp duty costs altogether. We are really lucky in regional Victoria because there are a lot of homes available for less than $600 000, and the grant makes a big difference. The thing is with the existing residential premises that are deemed new residential properties less than five years old, you not only get $20 000 but you get a stamp duty exemption so it’s quite a whack that you’re saving in total.

What are some common misconceptions surrounding the FHBG? The biggest misconception is about the terminology of new residences.

A lot of people think you need to build to get the $20 000, but you don’t necessarily have to do that.

You need to buy a home that is within five years old from the date of occupancy that has never been sold before as a residence. But the kicker is it all finishes on June 30 next year.

People need to get organised and get planning today.

Is it difficult to apply for?

To apply for the grant, you must be a current Australian resident and you must intend to use the property as the principal place of residence. As far as actually applying for the grant, it’s not onerous and you can do this with the help of a solicitor or a

bank. The bank usually helps you go through the process; you’ve just got to be aware if you are eligible for it.

What makes one ineligible for the grant?

As for being ineligible for the grant, if you’re buying and your partner has owned and lived in a residential property before you will not be eligible. However, some people aren’t aware that if you’ve bought a residential investment property used for leasing and never lived in it, you still have rights to the First Home Buyers Grant. It’s not the fact that you’ve owned real estate before; it’s what you’ve used it for. People need to be aware that they’ll need to sign their contract by June 30th 2020 and that date is going to loom around fairly quickly.

STAGES 5 & 6 NOW FULLY CONSTRUCTED & READY TO BUILD ON SOON! Grammar Park Gardens has now become the premier Estate in the north of Shepparton.

With 2 major schools almost on their door step (St Lukes & GV Grammar School) and only a short commute to GV Health this rapidly developing Estate offers larger residential blocks with some of the finest homes built in the Goulburn Valley. Lot sizes range from 1,116m2 to 1,583m2, sensible protective covenants & quality soil to boot!

Contact Glenn Young 0438 579 993 for full details.

KIALLA LAKES ESTATE “Massive Building underway”

STAGES 38 NOW TITLED & STAGE 39 NEARING COMPLETION Kialla Lakes has so much to offer! With students now enrolled at St Anne’s Catholic College, large reserves including the family friendly Falcon Park and the fully established Waterbird Park & Wetlands. Shared pathways between the 3 connecting lakes, reserves and the bridge over Broken River creating spectacular views and a wonderful lifestyle.

Take a look for yourself of the building activity and quality homes under construction.

Call Glenn Young 0438 579 993 for full details.

kombucha: ANCIENT TONIC FOR MODERN TIMES

Kombucha is an ancient fermented tonic, which is enjoying a resurgence in modern society as people become more aware of the importance of good gut health. » STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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S

hepparton naturopath Kelly Dreyer has been brewing her own kombucha for about eight years, learning about its positive health benefits while studying, and finding it a cost-effective way to treat gut health instead of using expensive probiotics.

“We have 10 times more bacteria in our body than actual cells, which shows how big of a role a good balance of bacteria plays in our bodies,” Kelly said.

“An imbalance of bacteria in the gut can cause serious health issues.

“By rebalancing the flora in our gut we can reduce bloating and inflammation, boost our immune system to ward off colds and the flu and promote wound healing, improve our mental health and regulate our bowels.”

Kombucha is brewed by adding a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast — or ‘scoby’ — to a sugar and tea solution and allowing it to ferment naturally.

“The bacteria and the yeast feeds off the added sugar so at the end of the process there’s barely any sugar left, it’s been used to produce all the good bacteria,” Kelly said.

Kelly’s scoby is her original one, and has been divided numerous times in the past eight years to allow others to start their own kombucha journey.

“The only thing that will kill the scoby is too much heat, which will make it go mouldy; if that happens throw it out and start again.”

She takes about one teaspoon daily and estimates that small quantity has as much good bacteria as a commercial 300 ml bottle of kombucha.

“My home-brewed kombucha 52

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contains up to 200 strains of bacteria and yeast, offering a good all-round tonic for gut health.

“It is important to note though, that some people can’t tolerate kombucha.

“If people drink it and become excessively bloated it’s a good sign that their body can’t break it down, and is probably an indication of a deep-seated gut problem that needs further investigation.

“It’s best to start with a very small dose and work your way up.”

meet · eat · celebrate

Make your own

KOMBUCHA 1. On a stove-top bring five litres of water to the boil, add 1 cup of sugar and simmer until dissolved.

Add two tablespoons of black tea. Use raw organic sugar and organic tea as residual pesticides can kill the bacteria and yeast in the scoby.

2. Allow to cool to room temperature and strain into a sterilised glass jar or ceramic container. Don’t use metal or plastic containers. Add the scoby and 1 cup of kombucha, cover with cheesecloth and tie with string. This will allow the solution to breathe as well as keeping out bad bacteria. If the liquid is too hot you will kill the scoby.

3. Keep in a dry place, away from direct sunlight for one to three weeks; it’s best to use a container with a tap so you can check the solution for taste without disturbing the scoby. The tea mixture shouldn’t be too sweet, as the scoby consumes the sugar, instead it should have a sour, tart flavour.

4. When the sour flavour is well developed, strain the kombucha liquid into individual glass bottles or jars.

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5. Store the scoby in 1 cup of the liquid, in a sealed container, in the fridge, for a future batch.

6. To the bottled kombucha add fruit or spices for flavour, ensuring the additions have some sugar content to continue the fermentation process.

7. Seal bottles tightly with lids and sit for two to three days. During this stage inspect regularly as over-fermentation can cause bottles to explode.

Occasionally loosen lids to release pressure if necessary.

5822 4660 53-55 Fryers Street, Shepparton thetellercollective@gmail.com

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8. Store indefinitely in the fridge and use as required.

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Old home gains

A NEW LEASE on life A heritage home has been thoughtfully reimagined, marking the beginning of a new chapter for a gracious old lady as well as its renovators. » STORY: JESSICA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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55

HALLWAY The sole original bathroom was moved from the middle of what is now an inviting, oversized hallway.

Anchored by a bungalow door uncovered at Homerz Secondhand Building Materials & Furniture, the space seamlessly combines heritage details and modern finishes.

Within the bright and airy hallway, hardy hybrid vinyl plank flooring is juxtaposed against the replica Federation-style ceiling panel.

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Lisa and Steve Booth.

I

BEFORE

FLOOR PLAN

t is hard to believe that only a few months ago this timeless beauty was but a shell of its former 1930s glory.

Always with an eye on the market, Lisa Booth considers trawling online home listings a hobby.

That was where she discovered a diamond in the rough. In Kyabram’s sought-after wide and leafy Union St, on an enormous block, it was a clichéd case of the worst house in the best street.

It was nothing to deter Lisa and husband Steve Booth though; the Kyvalley couple is not afraid of a challenging build.

“The second that I saw it I instantly knew this was the right one,” Lisa said.

“It hadn’t been updated since the ’70s and in the ’70s I’m sure it was an amazing renovation, but it was just outdated.

“You could see those original heritage bones underneath, but there was not much left.”

Ethelbrook may have been their fourth project it but it was their first attempt in the house-flipping business.

“It is a passion; it’s something that we do love,” Lisa said.

“Steve is so very good at the doing part and I love the research and the organisation part.

“We thought, do we have a go using all that and maybe creating something for somebody else and see if we can make some money out of it?”

The first move, removing the faux brown brick, was a gamble.

“Originally when it was built in 1938 it was a weatherboard and you could actually see in some of the gaps there were weatherboards behind it,” Lisa said.

“What we didn’t know was the state that they were in.

“It was all asbestos, the whole lot, so we got in the professionals.

“We just sat there and crossed our » fingers and our toes.

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You could see those “ original heritage bones

“

underneath, but there was not much left.

– LISA BOOTH

“In the end it was quite a lovely surprise because we found beautiful, original hardwood weatherboards which were in pretty damn good condition. Not perfect, but pretty good.”

Embarking on the renovation committed to the idea of flipping the house, the Booths and builders Heath Barnett and Leigh Huggard Building quickly realised there was not going to be any corner cutting.

“We couldn’t just pull out a wall or two and slap some paint around and put it back on the market — it just doesn’t fit with our ethos,” Lisa said.

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“We decided we were going to go the whole hog and design it and build it like we are going to live here.

“It kind of flies in the face of everything that any of us would know about flipping a house.

“Whether or not that bites us on the backside, we’ll find out, but we didn’t want to have a half-go.”

Inside this meant completely gutting the house and making way for a modern ecoconscious home.

Little of the 1930s floor plan nor the 1970s extension remains.

Yet the Booths have dutifully paid

homage to the home’s graceful beginnings and respected its heritage overlay.

Hours were spent scrubbing the original door handles, sourcing sidelights and repurposing weatherboards into coat and towel racks, while a lone remaining original door sent them on the hunt for a full set of bungalow doors.

But the biggest challenge was matching the decorative ceiling — Art Deco in the lounge room and Federation in the hallway — that could not be salvaged.

The result is a canvas of bright white and raw timber with layers of natural texture creating warmth and calm. »

OPEN PLAN SPACE What was once a rabbit warren of seven tiny rooms, only accessible by an old back porch, has been reborn as a sun-soaked open-plan space that brings the outside in.

“This house was completely facing the wrong way, it was dark, it was cold, it was dingy,” Lisa said.

“When I was redesigning the layout, which kind of happened in the first two minutes that I walked in the front door, we tried to open the home up to the north.”

It is within the kitchen, dining and lounge room that you can see the Booths’ eco-conscious design at work.

Combatting the home’s poor orientation is a combination of double-glazed windows to the north and south and thermal treatments to the east and west, maxed-out insulation and sliding doors for cross-ventilation.

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MASTER SUITE The old dining and kitchen has been transformed into a master suite complete with a Booth signature barn door and reclaimed timber vanity.

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couldn’t just pull out a wall “orWetwo and slap some paint around

“

and put it back on the market.

– LISA BOOTH

STYLING Styling the home for sale was a collaboration between the Booths and local businesses and creatives.

Furniture from Knights Furniture & Decor, artworks

by North East Design and metal work by Echuca Engineering, ties together their vision.

“I had to source furniture from somewhere and I saw it as a great opportunity to showcase a local business,” Lisa said.

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1

GET THE LOOK 2

3

4

A BRIGHTER

winter

8

Rich jewelled colours and soft cosy textures add a layer of warmth to a dull winters day.

5

6

7

1 Velvet drapes, POA, Dollar Curtains + Blinds. 2 Pink Peonies canvas, 1600 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H), $455, Walls & Windows.

3 Velvet Melrose Paloma chair, POA, Walls & Windows. 4 Bayliss Kensington Bouquet rug, POA, Choices Flooring. 5 Cosmo bottle cobalt, $89, Walls & Windows. 6 Icelandic sheepskin, $499, Walls & Windows. 7 Delight Cosy rug, from $299, Harvey Norman Shepparton. 8 Assorted cushions, POA, Walls & Windows.

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GET THE LOW-DOWN

on carpet

Carpets not only help to create the look of a home but also add to its comfort. With so many styles and materials out there, Our Home spoke to Annette and Bob Ellis at Choices Flooring in Shepparton for some expert advice.

STORY: PAT PATT

T

he look, the feel and obviously the price influence a buyer’s decision but choosing an appropriate carpet will ensure that the carpet keeps its good looks for longer.

It’s the fibre type and style that affect a carpet’s wearability and comfort.

Before making a decision take into consideration children, pets, wheelchair or walker users, and allergies.

Like everything in home design there are trends in carpet, and Annette said darker colours are often chosen as they don’t show up stains as easily.

“Chunky loop carpet is on trend at the moment,” she said.

“And people are definitely trending more to soft carpets.”

Bob and Annette said they always encouraged people to take carpet samples to place in the room they intended to carpet, as the lighting in a room could make a difference to the look of the carpet.

FIBRE 101 Wool has traditionally been used for making carpets.

It is soft, strong and hardwearing, and naturally stain-resistant plus a good insulator, absorbs noise and is flame-retardant.

A wool carpet will keep its appearance longer than other carpets.

Nylon is a synthetic fibre used in many styles of carpet and in combination with other fibres.

It is durable and stain-resistant and available in a wide range of colours.

Nylon twist carpet is a practical solution for many situations and is the biggest-selling kind of carpet.

Polyester is another synthetic fibre used in carpets. It has a soft feel and is less expensive than nylon.

Although durable, it will not keep its looks as well as more expensive fibres and is best in low traffic areas.

SELECTING STYLE FOR FUNCTION Plush carpet has a short cut pile and soft velvety texture. It is good in living or bedroom areas and creates a formal look.

Because of the uniformity of the pile it will show footmarks and tracking from the vacuum cleaner.

Twist is the standard style of construction.

The cut fibres are highly twisted and lie in different directions, so the carpet is less prone to show track marks.

It is ideal for areas of high foot traffic such as family rooms as it is hardwearing and maintains its finish well.

Loop-pile carpet is smooth, firm and hardwearing but not as soft as cut-pile carpets.

It has traditionally been used in commercial applications because of its durability but is becoming more popular in homes. Great for high traffic areas such as hallways and rumpus rooms.

But if the household includes a cat that insists on sharpening its claws on the carpet, loop-pile may be less appropriate as the cat can pull up loops leaving unsightly snag marks.

Textured carpet can be a mixture of different styles, such as cut and loop pile, or just one style but different heights of pile.

The texture can create distinctive patterns and means that marks are less obvious.

Photography: Choices Flooring.

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65

Create something beautiful

The experts in custom home building We are your local builders who take the time to work with you from start to finish — making building easy and exciting — the way it should be.

Chris and his team will work with you to ensure your lifestyle requirements are catered for, and will custom design to your individual budget. We pride ourselves on creating quality homes, with a flexible approach, to ensure that you end up with your own unique home that you will love.

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Art ATTACK There is an art to picking the right piece, and deciding where and how to hang it. Our Home sat down with the experts — artist Nicky Kriss and Walls & Windows interior designer Paula Dohrman — for a lesson in art. » STORY: JESSICA BALL

Dulux Colour Forecast 2018 – Legacy Palette. Styled by Bree Leech. Photography: Lisa Cohen.

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SIZING TIP Before you commit to buying art, Nicky suggests measuring the space where you intend to hang it and Blu Tack A4 paper to the wall to help visualise how large it really needs to be.

Photography: Megan Fisher.

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F

rom nature photography and super realistic drawings to abstract paintings and mixed-mediums, art adds character to a space.

Beside her own work, Nicky’s home is splattered with bright pieces by artists who inspire her creatively and represent her love of the ocean.

For her, selecting art is a personal thing and should help your home reflect your personality, interests and passions.

It may be a cliché, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

“Sometimes it’s an instant visual connection — you just see something and you love it; and other times, if there is something particular you want, it can be quite hard to find,” Nicky said.

Art is the first place to start when styling a space.

Nicky said it was simple to tie a room together by drawing on elements of a piece.

“I think the art can be a really good centre point,” she said.

“But it can go the other way — sometimes you can have your home set up and then you do find the exact piece that you’re wanting, but I guess that’s where commissioning can come in useful.

“You can ask for specific colours; a lot of my clients will send samples of curtain fabric or paints or tiles, their doona, pillows.”

SIZE MATTERS One of the hardest things to get right is size.

Paula said size was a priority if you want to make an impact.

“My motto is when in doubt, go bigger,” Paula said.

Buying art that is too small is a common

Dulux Colour Forecast 2018 – Legacy Palette. Styled by Bree Leech. Photography: Lisa Cohen.

mistake but there are options if you fall in love with a piece that doesn’t dominate the space.

A pair or collection of pieces can have the same effect — as long as they are hung close enough together that they can be viewed both as a whole and individually.

In a hallway one long piece would be perfect but a trio of artworks can also do the trick, and even a gallery wall can

work in the right place.

Paula said it was not about matching but finding works that complement each other.

“I would really strongly consider mixing photography and a medium — they should sit really well together in a room,” she said.

“It’s not so much a link between the pieces but the fact that they don’t » fight together.”

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69

FRAMING 101 It’s the frame that finishes a piece.

The first rule of framing is to select one that complements the art, rather than its surrounds.

“Artwork will outlast your furniture so you don’t want to get a specific stain and in five years’ time you don’t have that coffee table,” Nicky said.

She said it was a choice between natural oak verses black.

“A black frame is always really contrasting and it really borders it beautifully and makes the artwork really pop.

“If you’re wanting something much more neutral, it’s really good to have a raw, unstained timber that frames and finishes it beautifully but blends in and matches with everything.”

Shadow box or float framing is popular, but glass elevates the luxe factor and can add a level of protection.

However, in the wrong spot traditional glass can be reflective so it can pay to visit a professional framer and invest in nonreflective museum acrylic.

THE ART OF HANGING Nicky and Paula share their top seven tips to consider before hanging an artwork.

1. Lightbulb moment. Think about the light or the lack of it — don’t hang a dark piece in a room that doesn’t have a lot of natural light.

2. Hang at eye level. Visually an artwork should be positioned at eye level for an average adult. The viewer shouldn’t need to tilt their head up or down to take in the view.

3. Consider its surrounds. Take note of the placement, use and size of furniture around the artwork. When hanging above the couch, for example, you don’t want to hit your head while sitting down.

4. Proceed with caution. Avoid placing a piece near a fireplace or heater, in direct light from a window or an area that attracts a lot of heat. This could cause an artwork, especially a painting, to melt, fade or warp.

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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CAN’T DECIDE When you’re not quite sure where you’re going to hang a piece, Nicky recommends leaning it against the wall for a while and seeing how it makes the room feel.

Photography: Megan Fisher.

5. Always use a new hook. While it might seem appealing, do not take advantage of just any hook you find in the wall. Work out the right spot and get out your hammer.

6. Upgrade your hardware. If you have a big, heavy work don’t use a standard hook — instead use a stud finder and screw into the stud and always use double fixings on both sides of the artwork to prevent it hanging forward or moving.

7. Positioning multiples. When hanging two or more pieces together position them close together for maximum impact.

MAKE A MOVE Once it’s on the wall, it doesn’t mean it needs to stay there forever.

As art makes a room, moving and swapping pieces is an easy way to make a space feel brand new.

“It really does change the feel of a room,” Nicky said.

“If you have that consistency right through your home you can make it work or you can just go buy some new cushions.”

If you think moving pieces appeals to you, installing picture rails is a discreet solution that avoids banging in new hooks, here, there and everywhere.

our dining room I bought a painting off “anInartist in Sydney and it’s very bright and

vibrant and I’ve used that as the centrepiece and a lot of the styling around the room is based around that with my cushions, vases and all that type of stuff.

“

– NICKY KRISS

Photography: Megan Fisher.

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A

KALEIDOSCOPE OF CULTURE

A proud Yorta Yorta woman is exploring the meaning of indigenous art through her colourful brushstrokes.

»

STORY: JESSICA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

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G

rowing up between Cummeragunja, Barmah and Mooroopna, TammyLee Atkinson’s family story can be told though art.

“Art has always been there,” TammyLee said.

“Ever since I can remember I saw my nan and my mum wood burn or emu egg carve or paint.

“It’s always been in front of me, around me and I always just drew or painted or did something.”

It began as a hobby; Tammy-Lee drew on anything she could get her hands on and eventually picked up the paintbrush too.

She honed her skills and explored different mediums at university, graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Design alongside her mum Suzanne Atkinson in 2016.

Motivated by her strong connection to family, her artworks are inspired by the environment around her.

“I like being surrounded by nature and people,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s a thought, I could be just sitting there and something will just jump at me; I could be walking in the bush, or walking anywhere and I can see something there, sometimes it’s a feeling or an emotion.”

During her university studies she discovered Kaiela Arts in Shepparton — a supportive environment for indigenous artists to explore their ideas.

She can often be found in the Kaiela studio and said it had helped carve her pathway as an artist.

For Tammy-Lee art and culture are entwined.

But she is not afraid to mix contemporary and traditional styles like realistic animal drawings and the lines often associated with south-east indigenous art.

“People think Aboriginal art has to be traditional dot but it’s not, it’s about the person,” she said.

“I am Aboriginal so the art is Aboriginal art.

“No matter what I do it is going to be Aboriginal art because of who I am.”

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DESIGN BRIEF: sleek, stylish and modern ample storage butler’s pantry

D R E A M | D E S I G N | C R E AT E To bring your dream kitchen to reality, book a free appointment with a design consultant today.

6 Telford Drive, Shepparton Ph: (03) 5831 2077 www.kitchenwise.com.au

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COLOUR

spotlight

This warm yet neutral hue will spice up your life.

STORY: JESSICA BALL

R

ust is inspired by Mother Nature.

A combination of red, orange, brown and yellow — rust comes in many shades and Paula Dohrman from Walls & Windows said it was the next instalment in our desire to connect with nature.

“It's just a really powerful colour, it keeps it earthy, it's a bit more of a mature colour and it can sit with anything as an accent,” Paula said.

“It complements those lighter coloured timbers that everyone is using now with the flooring and vanities.”

From linen to beaten-up tan leather, rust is best used as an accent — in prints, cushions, an occasional chair, an ottoman or even a rug if you want to go a

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OUR HOME WINTER 2019

little bit louder.

Paula said it was simple to incorporate rust into any colour scheme. It pairs well with anything from minimalist white and neutral tans to organic mustards and sages.

This cosy colour also complements richer on-trend tones — stormy indigos and peacock-inspired greens.

“The dark green, the dark blues and the rust go together,” Paula said.

“These colours work in art, bedding, always consider wallpaper and you can get really adventurous — can you imagine beautiful, even velvet dining chairs?

“I think you're just drawn to richer colours in winter.”

Dulux Colour Forecast 2019 – Repair Palette.

Styled by Bree Leech. Photography: Lisa Cohen.

GET THE LOOK 2

1

3

green

RUST &

7

Reconnect with nature with these warm earthy tones.

4

6

5

1 Magnolia plant, 20 mm, $24, Rochester Nursery. 2 Glass candle holder, $12.95, Sabac on High. 3 Ladonna chair, POA, Walls & Windows. 4 Assorted cushions and throws, Walls & Windows. 5 Rustic ornament, $144.90, Sabac on High. 6 Drapes and upholstery, POA, Dollar Curtains + Blinds. 7 Atto cushion, $88, Walls & Windows.

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Where would your kids rather be?

A place to call your own Now selling Stage 45

Home is

WHERE THE HEARTH IS A sleek and stylish wood heater is the perfect inclusion for a cool-season entertaining space. » STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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79

love the ambience of “ We fire, it’s such a nice place to

“

relax at the end of the day.

– LUCY HAUSER

A

nd that’s exactly what an Undera family has achieved in its newly completed country-style home, on an idyllic rural lifestyle property.

At the heart of Lucy and Chris Hauser’s alfresco area is a Kemlan C900 wood heater, set in a feature wall of sandstonetoned Hoobler Stone.

“Both Chris and I grew up in homes with wood heaters, so we always planned to have a fireplace,” Lucy said.

“We’re on 43 acres so we wanted a country feel, but something that was contemporary too. I saw this online and loved it; it really suits the modern style of our home.”

The couple and children Samuel, 5, Patrick, 2½, and Georgia, 1, moved into their long-awaited dream home in December 2018 and are now enjoying their first winter with the cosy fire.

“We decided on having an indoor/ outdoor room for entertaining, it’s just not practical to have an open outdoor area on a farm with the flies,” Lucy said.

“This room is one of our favourite places in the home, the children have their own retreat at the other end of the house but they love playing here, at this stage they want to be where we are.”

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Georgia and Patrick Hauser.

Bifold doors separate the living area from the alfresco space, which also houses an outdoor kitchen and has stylish polished concrete flooring for an easy-care lifestyle.

Lucy said the room and the wood heater was a must in the planning stage, and with its stone hearth and in-built wood boxes was embraced by the builder Monteleone Homes in Shepparton.

“The builder loved the idea, we didn’t want an open fire, we wanted it to be neat and tidy and thought it would be easier to maintain with the door,” Lucy said.

John Morrow Refrigeration installed the wood heater and included an inline fan that transfers heat to two outlets, also located in the alfresco area.

“We love the ambience of fire, it’s such a nice place to relax at the end of the day,” Lucy said.

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autumn splendour

PREPARE NOW FOR

Crisp overnight temperatures and shortened days herald the onset of autumn, and with it the magnificent display of brilliant red, orange, purple, lime-green and yellow leaves that adorn the deciduous trees in our public and private gardens.

STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER AND RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

D

eciduous trees reward gardeners year-round, the glossy green leaves providing shade in summer and colour in the autumn, while the bare branches allow sunlight to stream through in the winter, and if you’re lucky produce pretty blossom in the spring.

There’s also the added bonus of the fallen leaves providing natural mulch, as well as adding much-needed nutrients to 82

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the compost.

And winter is the perfect time to plan, prepare and plant out bare-rooted deciduous trees for future autumn splendour.

Billabong Garden Complex team member Sally Moseley said by following some basic instructions gardeners could establish trees that would bring them years of pleasure.

GENERAL RULES 1. Prepare a hole that is one-and-a-half times wider than the root ball. Place a shovel full of soil back into the base of the hole as a loose bed for the roots to sit on before filling the hole with the rest of the soil.

2. Ideally use your own soil to fill around the plant and do not add composts, fertiliser or potting mix as fertiliser can

TOP TREES

for autumn colour • Acer ‘Jeffersred’, also known as ‘Autumn Blaze’, is a heat-tolerant maple that has beautiful autumn colour, and when planted in rows they form great avenues.

• Fraxinus ‘Raywood’, or claret ash, is a fast-growing tree that offers good summer shade with beautiful autumn foliage. Adaptable to a wide range of soil and site conditions this tree is great for larger gardens.

• Pistacia chinensis, the Chinese pistachio, is regarded as one of the best mediumsized autumn trees and has a moderate growth rate.

• Parrotia persica is an underrated autumn tree which has beautiful light green, grey and yellow foliage that hangs from the branches. Its excellent and varied autumn colours mean it’s a tree that is worthy of better recognition.

• Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ is the best of the box elder maples with lovely bronze-burgundy growing tips that turn mid-green in summer. This tree handles most conditions extremely well.

burn the newly forming roots and potting mixes can form a water sump, especially in clay soils, thus drowning your tree.

3. Clay soils can be improved by adding gypsum.

4. Plant the tree to the level that it has been grown at by looking for the soil mark on the trunk. The graft should be above the soil.

Once planted, lightly pack the soil down with your foot — not too firm, just enough to remove any air pockets in the soil.

5. Water in with a 10 litre bucket of water with added seaweed

solution. Seaweed is a tonic, not a fertiliser, so it is like giving your plant a Berocca!

6. As a rule of thumb give your tree 10 litres of water once a week until summer and then water according to the conditions.

During hot weather it may need extra, or if it’s raining it may require no water, it’s best to physically check the soil for moisture.

7. Fertilise twice a year, in spring and autumn, and mulch annually or as the mulch disappears. Keep the mulch about 10 cm away from the trunk to avoid collar rot.

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83

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WINTER 2019

103 McLennan Street, Mooroopna

MOLLY FINDS HER

forever family

Molly, a timid but beautiful two-year-old German shepherd/Staffordshire bull terrier cross dog, has found her forever home with a Shepparton couple. » STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER OUR HOME

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S

omething about Molly’s face caught Rachelle and Nathan Vincent’s attention when they were looking online for dogs in need of rehoming and, just as they have given her a home, Molly in turn has enriched their lives.

“I have an auto-immune disease so I have days, and sometimes weeks where I’m not well but I fight through it because Molly needs to be fed, she needs to be walked and needs attention,” Rachelle said.

“She knows when I’m not well or in pain, she is a great companion.”

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After years of wanting a dog, but unable to keep one because they were renting, Rachelle said when they finally bought their own home, she started looking at rescue dogs straight away.

“We started looking online and saw Molly and saw that she’d already been returned to the rescue place twice; I don’t know why but that really upset me,” Rachelle said.

Their first meeting, at the home of a Shepparton Animal Rescue & Rehoming foster family, didn’t go as well as the Vincents planned, but they decided to

take Molly home on a two-week trial anyway.

“She was so timid at that first meeting; we spent a good hour just trying to pat her,” Rachelle said.

“The first three days here at home she wouldn’t come near me, every time I went near her, she ran away and I was so upset, because all I wanted to do was love her.

“I started crying and she came over to me and started licking my tears away, and ever since then she’s been my best friend,” she said.

Molly is still timid, but doesn’t tremble

and put herself to bed when the couple has visitors, as she did in the beginning.

“She was so frightened of everyone and didn’t even know how to play; we bought her toys and she would sit and look at them, she didn’t know what to do,” Rachelle said.

“After a few weeks she started licking at them, and now she loves fetching the ball and playing, it’s amazing to see how far she has come.

“I think that’s maybe why she was returned to the rescue place twice; I suppose when people get a puppy, they expect that puppy playfulness and craziness but Molly wasn’t like that at all.

“People don’t understand they need to be patient, especially with rescue animals because they have usually had a rough start to life.”

Molly and the couple’s cat Jangles get on “as well as any cat and dog do” Rachelle said, and welcoming Molly into their lives had made their family complete.

“I felt like I needed to nurture something and Molly has been that for me. We just feel so lucky to have her.”

I started crying and she came “over to me and started licking my

“

tears away, and ever since then she’s been .

my best friend

– RACHELLE VINCENT

DOG CARE W

hen you take on the care of a new puppy or dog, the first thing you should do is have your veterinarian conduct a general health check to make sure your new companion is healthy and there are no surprises.

Ensuring flea and worm treatments are maintained is not only important for the dog's health but for their owners too as there can be human health implications related to worms and fleas.

VACCINATIONS A new puppy should be vaccinated and microchipped prior to purchase. This is usually done at six weeks of age. Depending on the type of dog, and vaccination used, a second vaccination should be given at 12 weeks.

Boosters are then given after these initial puppy vaccinations.

WORMING All puppies should be wormed for intestinal worms every two weeks of age until 12 weeks, then monthly until six months of age and then every three months for the rest of the pet's life.

A good quality worming product should be used, preferably one that covers all worm types.

HEARTWORM Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes so veterinarians advise that all dogs should be on some type of heartworm prevention. There are a number of different products available including an injection that lasts a year, which in most cases is the easiest and most effective form of prevention.

FLEAS There are a number of flea prevention options now available, ranging from dab-on solutions to tablet forms. It's best to discuss flea prevention options with your veterinarian as some of the older products are less effective now due to flea resistance. These products are usually weightrelated and so it is important to get the correct size for your pet.

FOOD All puppies and dogs should be fed good quality dog food. Professional diets have less fillers in them and are specially formulated for our pets. While professional dog foods are generally more expensive than supermarket brands they require less product to be fed and have reduced faecal output. The best diet for your pet will depend on the size, breed and age of your dog.

Source: Dr Anna Richards, The Causeway Veterinary Clinic, Mooroopna.

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CHOOSE

A DOG for life

Welcoming a four-legged friend into your family and home might be exciting, but it’s also one that warrants serious thought.

D

ogs can live well into the teens, in human years, so owners must be prepared to provide adequate care, nutrition and shelter over a long period of time.

Dr Anna Richards from The Causeway Veterinary Clinic in Mooroopna offers Our Home readers advice about five of the most popular breeds now being chosen by Goulburn Valley families.

LABRADOR The Labrador is probably the breed we all grew up thinking about as the ultimate family pet. They are big dogs that do require a backyard and regular exercise as they can become destructive if bored. They generally have a wonderful nature and make a great family pet. As puppies (and possibly a few years after this) they can get into everything and eat things they shouldn’t, so puppy-proofing your house and yard is a necessity. As a breed they can be prone to certain joint diseases and so should always be purchased from a reputable breeder to minimise risk.

JACK RUSSELL The Jack Russell is a small dog with loads of energy and so requires regular exercise and would be more suited to a back yard rather than a unit situation.

They can be independent but also fit well into the family situation. They can get bored and look for adventure so entertainment is essential. Their short coat can be an advantage over other small breeds.

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MALTESE X SHIH TZU The Maltese X Shih Tzu was one of the first ‘designer breeds’ and has been bred to fit well into many domestic situations. They are a small dog suited to singles, families and older people and fit into most lifestyles. Being a smaller dog they require less exercise and can therefore live in a back yard or unit/town house environment.

They are also a great pet to have indoors because they don’t lose a lot of hair and are generally quieter dogs.

However having long hair they require regular grooming and therefore owners must be prepared for the regular maintenance associated with this type of dog.

FRENCH BULLDOG The French bulldog is extremely popular at the moment. They have great personalities and are suited to most lifestyle situations. As they are a brachycephalic breed (pushed-in nose) they do have some health considerations and can struggle in the heat. A French bulldog must have access to airconditioning in the summer and should never be considered an exclusively outdoor dog. Any potential new owner of a French bulldog should talk to their veterinarian before purchasing this breed of dog and should only do so from a reputable breeder.

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL The Cavalier King Charles is a small to medium-sized dog. They are extremely loyal but sensitive and are suited to all lifestyle situations from singles to couples, families and older people. They don’t require large amounts of exercise but can be exercised so are suited to unit/town house and backyard environments.

They are good indoor dogs and offer great company for people. As a breed they are prone to certain health issues including a breedassociated heart condition and so should only be purchased from a reputable breeder.

Grammar Park Gardens Rapidly Developing Stages 5 & 6 NOW COMPLETE Inquire Now

For plans and prices, contact Terry Shiels 0448 573 820 terry.shiels@kevinhicksrealestate.com.au or our office 5821 8388.

At Kevin Hicks Real Estate we pride ourselves on the quality service we provide to purchasers when selecting the perfect block for their new home.

All information including subdivision plans, protective covenants and current availability is provided promptly on request, and on site inspections with our agents are easily arranged.

We aim to continue providing a very high level of service.

www.kevinhicksrealestate.com.au

228-232 Wyndham Street Shepparton (03) 5821 8388 1-3 Melville Street Numurkah (03) 5862 2611

Real Estate Talk

with Kevin Hicks

Kevin Hicks Real Estate is our region’s No. 1 Agent for auctions, continually achieving excellent results for Vendors.

When it comes to selling property, there are 3 methods of sale; Expressions of Interest (or Tender) whereby potential purchasers submit a price that they are willing to pay for a property, Private Sale where an asking price is disclosed and offers to purchase are negotiated with certain terms attached, and the Auction. The Auction system actually implements all three systems in to one and when managed correctly, continues to be highly favoured by Vendors.

The key is effectively managing people and information correctly throughout the lead up and on the day of Auction.

Not every property sells under the hammer, in fact most Auction sales are completed either two weeks prior or two weeks after the Auction, as genuine buyers are identified quickly and the sale is then negotiated.

If you are looking to sell your property, then make one call to the ‘Team to Trust’ at Kevin Hicks Real Estate.

www.kevinhicksrealestate.com.au

228-232 Wyndham Street Shepparton (03) 5821 8388 | 1-3 Melville Street Numurkah (03) 5862 2611

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pics?

HEADIN’ ON DOWN TO THE

love shack

A tree change inspired a Porepunkah couple to share their little bit of paradise with the world. » STORY: JESSICA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL THARRATT

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They both called it the Love “ Shack and said they could imagine

“

sitting on the bed playing cards and looking at the view.

– FAY BUSHBY

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E

ight years ago Fay Bushby and her husband ‘Bushie’ swapped the fresh seaside air on the Mornington Peninsula for high country life.

It was the rural mountain views and secluded location just out of town that drew them to their new home.

Fay described the neglected property as “blackberry heaven”, swamped with wild overgrown bushes and in need of some tender love and care.

Out the back was a forestry hut that had seen better days.

It was a suggestion from a friend that led the couple to renovate the building, not only for a space for their grown children to stay when they visited, but to rent out on accommodation sharing site Airbnb.

Embarking on the four-month project, Fay said they were determined to retain the original rafters and take advantage of local suppliers.

“It was basically a rundown shack,” she said.

“We gutted the inside totally and added on the shower and bath.”

What was once a decrepit forestry hut has been transformed into Bushie’s Love Shack — the name penned by Fay’s 90-year-old dad and his girlfriend.

“They both called it the Love Shack and said they could imagine sitting on the bed playing cards and looking at the view,” she said.

“It’s got a feeling of home — it’s warm and relaxed.”

The result was a cosy cabin getaway with rustic log-style façade and a chic interior brimming with natural light.

A Moroccan bathtub found in Myrtleford sits on the deck — with timber and copper retaining its heat even on a rainy night under the stars.

Surrounded by nature with kangaroos, deer, wombats and birds calling the property home, Bushie’s Love Shack epitomises inviting country hospitality.

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1

Take the road

CHASING WATERFALLS A steep yet manageable trek through the forest of snow gums and wattle leads to the tumbling Ladies Bath Falls and Eurobin Falls.

At the furthest point a tranquil picnic spot surrounded by nature is well worth the hike.

LESS TRAVELLED Porepunkah, affectionately known as ‘Punka’, is a lesser known Victorian High Country delight. Just 6 km from the tourist mecca of Bright on the Great Alpine Road and nestled at the doorstep of Mount Buffalo National Park, its panoramic mountain vistas and winery trails make the petite town the perfect choice for a weekender.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSICA BALL

2

PUNKA TUCKER Just a few years ago the local meeting place was brought back to life with a modern industrial meets rustic vibe and a pub grub menu to match.

Alongside country hospitality the Punka Pub serves up local beers, wines and even has cocktails on tap.

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(TASTE) TEST RIDE Hire a bike and set out on two wheels to explore a snippet of the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail.

Soak up the views and enjoy the local drops by making pit stops at boutique cellar doors including Boynton’s Feathertop Winery and Ringer Reef.

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A HOME REFRESH IS MADE SIMPLE WITH THE

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Home Loans We’re here to help!

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