Our Home March 2019

ISSUE 29 AUTUMN 2019

BIG personality

SMALL BLOCK,

Blending beauty and accessibility.

PADDOCKTO-PLATE: Making simple changes.

STYLE & DESIGN

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HOME

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LIFESTYLE

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BACKYARD

Autumn Put some life back into your garden this Autumn

• Sand and soil • Mulches • Mushroom mulch • Rocks • Large range decorative pebbles • River stones • Premium top soil • Organic compost • Organic veggie mix • Soft fall (for kids playgrounds) • Large range of sleepers including new concrete sleepers • Retaining walls • Exclusive stockist of National Masonry Pavers • Gift vouchers available • We service all customers from small private and domestic jobs to large scale civil and construction works • Delivery Service provided

It’s time to refresh the garden Top up your lawn, freshen up the mulch, plant autumn bulbs and cool weather veggies.

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

RANGE ROVER VELAR

ATTRACTIVE FROM EVERY ASPECT 5 YEAR WARRANTY* 5 YEARS SCHEDULED SERVICING^ $5000 INCLUDED OPTIONS+

Shepparton Land Rover Shop 2A 8005 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla LMCT9883 Tel: 03 5833 5885 www.shepparton.jaguar.com.au

over Velar vehicles (excluding 19MY vehicles) sold and delivered between 1/10/18 and 31/12/18, while stocks last. +$5,000 of included options are subject to er for each vehicle. 5 year warranty includes factory 3 year warranty plus 2 additional years. Land Rover reserves the right to extend any offer. ^Consult your e Plans.

Range Rover Evoque Interested?

We invite you to register your interest to take an extended test drive in the all-new Range Rover Evoque.

The new Evoque is a bold evolution and sets a new standard using Range Rover’s modernist style.

Make a statement every time you drive.

Shepparton Land Rover 325 Midland Highway, Shepparton 03 5822 5885 www.shepparton.landrover.com.au LMCT9883

90 FROM THE EDITOR These pages mark a new chapter.

For me, it’s my first edition as Our Home editor but also the beginning of life as a home owner.

J

Photography: Lehi David Pena.

43

Photography: Rodney Braithwaite.

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Photography: Rodney Braithwaite.

ust a few hours ago, before sitting down to write my first editor’s column, I signed the contract for my very first home.

In 59 days I’ll be out of the rental game for good and the first project will be painting over the truly awful yellow walls. It may not be perfect but it will be home.

Gone will be the days of inspections, housemates and end-of-lease cleaning but the world of mortgage repayments is just beginning.

If you, too, are looking to make the plunge into a lifetime of debt, flick to page 30 for some advice on taking advantage of the First Home Buyers Grant.

There are a few pearls of wisdom I wish I’d known earlier.

In our cover story, Janelle Fitzgerald welcomes me into her Kyabram home and shares her journey building a home that is not only architecturally striking but also accessible. Read on from page 19.

We also take a look at the paddock-to-plate movement from page 41.

With a focus on quality and sustainability, it’s a chance to know exactly what is in the food we eat.

It can be as simple as growing herbs on your windowsill or a way of life like keeping the Italian tradition of sauce making alive for the Varapodio family.

So cheers — cheers to Our Home and cheers to home ownership.

Jessica Ball Editor Got a scoop on a cool house for our next edition?

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

AUTUMN 2019

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Contents STYLE & DESIGN The style edit: Trends may come and go but style is forever.

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Bedroom makeover: A space for nine-year-old Aylah Foster to grow. 63 The LED lowdown: Lighting the way in integrated design.

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Colour spotlight: Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year.

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HOME Form meets function: There’s more than meets the eye at Janelle Fitzgerald’s place.

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Real estate 101: A guide to First Home Buyers Grants.

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Life lakeside: Gayle and Robert Coxhell’s little piece of paradise.

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PADDOCK-TO-PLATE Passata: The Varapodios continue the Italian tradition.

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Preserving: A way of life.

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Permaculture: The Hall family’s sustainable garden.

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LIFESTYLE Eco swaps: Little changes, big difference.

14

Travel: Take a trip to Heathcote.

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Artist in residence: Tank Donaldson.

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COVER Photo by Rodney Braithwaite.

Story page 19.

EDITOR Jessica Ball Phone: 5820 3194 WRITERS Jessica Ball Sharon Wright Pat Patt Liam Nash Madeline Caccianiga Alana Christensen Jacqueline Shandley SUB-EDITORS Sandy Lloyd Wendy Russell EDITORIAL DESIGN Bella Considine

BACKYARD Container pool: An instant swimming pool solution.

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Open garden: A tour of Val Gibbs’ rose garden.

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ADVERTISING DESIGN Bella Considine Jacqui Maskell PHOTOGRAPHY Rodney Braithwaite Megan Fisher Lehi David Pena ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATORS Jordan Purtill Rhiannon Geddes ADVERTISING Leesa Haeusler Phone: 5820 3188

Photography: Lehi David Pena.

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

How to repurpose old jewellery and bring life to inherited pieces.

Do you have any unworn, old or broken pieces of jewellery lying around, unloved in your jewellery box?

Many people have inherited jewellery that while sentimental, was never or is no longer their style. Or maybe you have a piece that has become damaged or is no longer wearable.

Why not have these pieces transformed into something wonderful that you can and actually want to wear. Remodelling jewellery is a great way to give new life and new meaning to old precious pieces.

What are my options?

Whether it be a simple brooch to pendant conversion using our laser weld technology or combining a number of old pieces to create or influence new direction in fine jewellery fashion, the options are endless when it comes to redesign and remaking.

What is involved in remodelling?

Bring in your pieces together with any loose stones so we can assess them with you. We will be able to quickly tell you what’s real or not and whether there is any value to be utilised. We will listen to any ideas you may have in mind or can provide you with different design options based on your lifestyle, taste, fashion trends or any future plans to gift to family members or other special people in your life.

We will provide the creative design and manufacturing expertise to combine and align your precious stones, metals and ideas with best design options. We sketch designs while discussing your ideas and options to help you visualise finished designs and discover that special starting point for your individual piece.

This very organic approach is the

Michael Kearney H.R.D. Antwerp Qualified Diamond Grader & Jewellery Designer.

key step, before combining modern technology, that enables us to create your beautiful piece of jewellery.

How to get started?

Come in and see our in house designers, Michael (Shepparton) or Russell (Benalla) and see how we can create something amazing from your unworn pieces.

Our designers, with over 50 years combined design and manufacturing experience, will happily provide you with a no obligation free quote to transform your old pieces into something special you will just love to wear.

Helping our customers achieve a beautiful transformation from old to new is a joy for our dedicated team at Purdeys who specialise in the art and science of jewellery design.

Maybe you have an idea or maybe you don’t. We can help with that.

A ring doesn’t have to become another ring and a pendant doesn’t have to become another pendant.

You can take an element or two from an old piece or combine elements from different pieces, to re-ignite them into a new piece. You can take the sentimental stones out of the jewellery and repurpose the gold to put it into another piece.

After

Est. 1969

Designers and Manufacturers of Beautiful Jewellery.

Fully equipped onsite workshops utilising laser weld technology – H.R.D. Antwerp Qualified Diamond Graders Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 4679 | Benalla Ph: (03) 5762 6150 | purdeys.com.au |

THE

STYLE EDIT

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Texture crush Linen may be having a moment but as one of those fabrics that simply doesn’t date, this tactile trend is certainly no fad.

From sheer to thick upholstery weight this versatile and durable natural fibre is a chameleon of style, fitting for classic Hamptons, modern minimalism or even boho luxe.

Whether it’s a well-wearing couch or bedhead, stunning sheer drapes or beautiful bedding, linen adds an extra layer of texture.

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Make a statement While function comes first in bathroom design, it’s all in the details when it comes to feature lighting.

Adding a touch of hotel standard luxury to everyday living, drop pendants set the mood no matter the interior style.

In main bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms alike, pendants can tie together materials with a mixture of metal, glass and timber.

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Picture-perfect plants Whether it’s faux or real, our love of greenery isn’t going anywhere.

Display your favourite houseplants in baskets for an effortlessly cool vibe.

Seagrass baskets, painted or halfdipped, a wire basket around a garden pot, hung from the ceiling or sitting pretty on a stand can elevate any indoor plant.

Photography by Martina Gemmola. Styling by Ruth Welsby.

Trends may come and go but style is forever. Our Home sat down with Paula Dohrman from Walls & Windows to talk trends with staying power.

Photography by Martina Gemmola. Styling by Ruth Welsby.

Growing OBSESSION

Filling a home with plants has become Australia’s latest obsession, according to Christine Wilcox from Sabac on High.

A

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Go matte

Sophisticated or natural, matte is the finish of choice.

Black matte tapware is the new little black dress but this on-trend finish can be used not only in kitchens and bathrooms but in all spaces of a home.

From cabinetry and tiles to hardware and even Laminex, a matte finish can create an urban or organic feel.

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s well as being used for decorative purposes, potted plants can help purify the air in your home and have a calming influence.

But not all plants are suitable for growing indoors. The team from Billabong Garden Complex suggests the top three plants for inside and offer tips for their care.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a hardy plant with long, broad, dark green leaves and a white hooded flower in the spring.

Tolerant to low-to-bright filtered light, keep it out of direct sunlight and water regularly through the warmer months.

Remove any drip tray to let the plant drain freely, feed every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser and mist spray the foliage as it is a tropical plant and likes the humidity.

Fishbone fern (Nephrolepis) is a common fern that makes a delicate addition to the home.

An easy-care fern, the fishbone fern enjoys a cool position with good light. Fertilise regularly with a recommended liquid fertiliser, water thoroughly a couple of times a week and mist spray the foliage.

Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) is a stunning indoor plant with green and yellow variegated, heart-shaped leaves that looks best on a shelf where the trailing habit adds a delicate touch. Flourishing in bright filtered to low light areas, the plant should be fertilised monthly with a slowrelease food and watered regularly in the warmer months.

They require good drainage and don’t mind being a bit dry in between waterings.

For best results always use a good premium potting mix to re-pot or top-up your plants.

Leaning ladders The humble ladder has been reimagined as a simple yet stylish storage solution.

Upcycled or contemporary, a ladder can add a practical while decorative element to any room displaying blankets, scarves, magazines or jewellery, and come into their own in the bathroom as a trendy towel rack.

Sitting next to a wall in rustic or Scandi timber or industrial metal, this quick fix is also ideal for rental properties.

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GET THE LOOK 1 2

3

4

10

TIMELESS

trends

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Think texture to add layers of interest to your space 7

5 6

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1 Pendant light, comes in two sizes, from $99.95, Lights Plus. 2 Grand Designs rattan chair, $550, rattan ottoman, $290 and ‘Lawson’ timber side table, $410, Walls & Windows. 3 Woollen throw, $19.95, Sabac. 4 Timber ladder, large $245, Walls & Windows.

5 Franke Sinos swivel kitchen mixer, $799, Harvey Norman Shepparton. 6 Leather and timber sling chair, $1100, Walls & Windows.

7 ‘Foster’ matte black tile, POA, Choices Flooring. 8 Laminex, AbsoluteMatte® and AboluteGrain® laminate, POA, Kitchenwise.

9 Faux plant in woven basket, $145, Sabac. 10 Barbados planter pot on Stand, $320 pair, Walls & Windows.

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COLOUR SHAPE & FINISH BEAUTIFUL LIGHTS TO STYLE EVERY HOME

203-205 High St, Shepparton P. (03) 5821 1300 E. sales@lightsplus.com.au www.lightsplus.com.au

THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES. ALWAYS AHEAD.

Introducing the new BMW 3 Series, an icon for a new era. The 3 Series has been completely reinvented to deliver progressive performance, future-focused design and next-level innovation.

And the new 3 Series also has forward-thinking technology, including “Hey BMW.” Now you can control your vehicle, navigation and entertainment systems with your voice alone.

Book a test drive at Shepparton BMW today.

Shepparton BMW 8002 Melbourne Road, Shepparton. Ph (03) 5823 2940. sheppartonbmw.com.au. LMCT11214

OUR HOME

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Little changes,

BIG differences

Ethical eating

You don’t have to give up anything to do your bit for the environment — you just need to do the eco-swap.

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hese simple switches are kind to the environment, easy to do, look good, reduce waste and save money in the long run — so what are you waiting for?

Kath Roberts from Natural Solutions said making a change wasn’t as difficult as people thought.

“It’s not hard to break a habit or start a new one like using re-usable shopping bags, it only takes a few weeks,” Kath said.

“If we all just make some simple changes we can make a really big difference to the world.”

She said one of the central ideas behind ecoswapping was to replace single-use items that did not bio-degrade easily, with multi-use products that would easily recycle or bio-degrade.

“Some plastics never biodegrade so they’ll always be in our environment and others take so long that they will be around for generations clogging up landfills and waterways.”

A guilt-free lunch In kitchen drawers around Australia, food wrappers and sandwich bags are waiting to clog up our environment. Instead try a funky beeswax wrap or gorgeous cotton wrap in lieu of cling wrap.

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Clean living

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Straws are one of the most common of waterway polluters. If you cannot give them up, swap them for long-lasting metal or glass, or choose a paper one. And the same goes for plastic cutlery — if it cannot be metal, let it be bamboo.

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Most cleaning sponges and scourers are non-recyclable and full of chemicals. Clean up your cleaning game with bamboo paper towels, walnut fibre scourers and cellulose cloths that can all go into the compost when you’re done.

Beautiful on the outside

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Hydrate with a conscience It does not have to be a choice between tapwater and a one-use plastic bottle. If you don’t like tap-water, a good filter jug and a re-usable water bottle combination will see you through with chemical and impurityfree alkalised water for years to come.

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Skip the beauty products containing those nasty plastic micro-beads that are ending up in our oceans, fish, soil and people — there are plenty of great natural alternatives that were around long before plastic anyway.

Feeding your addictions enviro-style

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Everybody knows that disposable coffee cups are bad news. With beautiful re-usable options including tempered glass, silicone, bamboo and ceramic, you can let your coffee cup double as your style statement.

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Bag it up

Re-usable bags are a no-brainer. Choose from as many options as there are to fill them — produce, shopping and bread bags made of everything from hemp, silk-feel fabric and cotton to string and calico.

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Beautiful on the inside More than 30 million plastic toothbrushes end up in Australian landfills every year so make it a bamboo or corn starch one instead.

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DRYTRON CARPET DRY CLEANING

EXPERIENCE THE BEST CARPET DRY CLEANING MONEY CAN BUY

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

FRESH

CLEAN REMOVES ALLERGENS

DRY TO TOUCH

PROLONGS CARPET LIFE

VISUALLY PLEASING GUARANTEED RESULT

LONGER LASTING

OVER 30 YEARS

EXPERIENCE SERVICING THE SHEPPARTON AND ECHUCA REGIONS

KIALLA DISPLAY OPEN SOON 48 Sanctuary Drive

MOLONGLO 270

4

2

2

27.2 sq

QUALITY & INTEGRITY Custom built homes exclusively designed to suit the client and their block with award winning quality finishes

David Reid Homes are raising the standards for residential design Local builder Darrell Bowden, has joined forces with one of Australia’s largest custom home builders, David Reid Homes Australasia.

Ensuring the best of both worlds. A continued commitment from a local builder and the ability to tap into the systems, marketing support and buying power of a major national builder.

David Reid Homes delivers the highest standard of finish possible on time and within budget.

HIA Award Winning Builder, including “2013 NE VIC Home of the Year” and “2018 NE Vic Custom home winner”

From the smallest home to the biggest mansion David Reid Homes Goulburn Valley/Southern Riverina

DARRELL BOWDEN

0407 129 027

e: darrellbowden@davidreidhomes.com.au

www.davideidhomesgvsr.com.au

STYLE meets FUNCTION

An asymmetrical exterior on a whisper-quiet Kyabram street is proof that a compact block can make for a home big on style and liveability. » STORY: JESSICA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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I

t was a dead end on the house hunt that led Janelle Fitzgerald to build a striking architectural home.

“I never set out to build, I spent a long time looking to buy a house but I couldn’t find what I wanted and then I spent a lot of time looking for something to renovate,” Janelle said.

“By the time I got to the end of that process I very much knew what I wanted and I had to build.”

But there is more to this modern, minimalist home than meets the eye.

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For Janelle, the purpose-built home integrates features that make living with multiple sclerosis simpler.

“I could have compromised on design but functionality becomes the deal breaker,” she said.

“I have some physical limitations but a little bit of thought into functionality makes day-to-day life much easier.”

Enlisting the expertise of Realm Building Design and Howcon Homes, each element of the design was highly considered.

“The first rule of this house was no steps,” Janelle said.

“I do actually have a mobility scooter that I use if I just duck up the street; one of the briefs to the architect was not that I want to, but if I ever had to, I should be able to drive my scooter inside.”

At the core of the design is a rather unconventional burnished concrete floor with ultra-zero thresholds for easy transition between spaces.

But for the most part it was simple solutions like positioning power points higher and light switches lower than average, wider doors — sliding wherever possible — and weather seals on doors rather than the floor that make all the difference.

While form followed function, Janelle said the two weren’t mutually exclusive.

“I set out to prove that you can have an accessible home that it is still incredibly beautiful,” she said.

“You see so many houses that are just retro-fitted with a ramp at the front door with no consideration to appearance. It doesn’t have to be like that.”

The end product is a feat in sophisticated simplicity.

From the clean angular lines of the façade to layers of organic texture inside, it’s the details that create interest in the neutral space.

FLOOR PLAN

PERGOLA

WIR DINING BED 1 KITCHEN

LIVING

GARAGE

WC

OFFICE

LDY

ENTRY

BATH

COURTYARD

BED 2

Together minimal plaster work, no architraves, integrated appliances, automation and low-maintenance materials hit the balance between style and liveability.

But it’s the expansive oversize windows and glass sliding doors, which allow natural light to stream inside and beckon the outdoors in, that are the icing on the cake.

“I think the greenery, the light and the airflow — being able to open the doors and get a light breeze is luxury,” Janelle said.

“I’m a big believer that your whole wellbeing comes back to where to you live; your house can have a very big impact on how you live in your lifestyle.” » OUR HOME

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“ I think the greenery, the light and the airflow — being able to open the doors . and get a light breeze is – JANELLE FITZGERALD

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“

luxury

THE DECK Despite the block’s distinct lack of natural views, Janelle was determined to create a zen outdoor living area.

The result is a low maintenance Modwood deck, with built-in seating and a table that appears to extend from the kitchen bench and through the servery.

“That was purely because of my physical limitations just to be able to have a barbie outside and pass everything through the window and it just became a way to better integrate the outdoor and indoor living,” Janelle said.

After the first summer she realised the fence radiated heat and it became a simple decision to extend the artificial ivy cladding, which is now home to nesting birds and ladybugs.

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LAUNDRY A Euro laundry was the perfect storage solution for this compact home. With the addition of heating and cooling vents, rails and integrated ironing board the drying room not only saves space but is a real convenience. A second built-in wardrobe hides Janelle’s craft workspace.

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COURTYARD On a hot summer’s day the simple courtyard off the master bedroom becomes an afternoon retreat.

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I set out to prove “that you can have

accessible home that it is still incredibly beautiful. an

“

– JANELLE FITZGERALD

BATHROOM It is in this space that form and function blend perfectly.

“I was fortunate in that the builder did understand my physical limitations and he even came forward and made different suggestions,” Janelle said.

“The edges of the tiles all have metal strips down them, so if I ever did need to use a wheelchair in the bathroom there’s that bit of protection against knocks and bumps.

“It’s so simple but having someone suggest that at the time really makes a big difference. Little things like that really meant a lot to me.”

Properly anchored hand rails and bench seats that double as storage complete the practical bathroom.

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For Sale

17 Kingfisher Drive Shepparton

Fine Design for Golf Course Luxury Architecturally designed and extensively renovated to perfection, almost new this master built home has been crafted for family living by connecting the indoors with the beautiful outdoor environment.

With an expansive stone topped kitchen and full butlers pantry, dining area and spacious open living. Four generous bedrooms including the exquisite master suite with large walk-in robe, stunning ensuite and open views to the Shepparton golf course.

A second living area leading to the generous fourth bedroom complete with own private amenities is ideal for when guests come to stay and play.

Lifestyle and entertaining are paramount with inground pool, extensive undercover area including full outdoor kitchen and a leafy picturesque garden leading out to the 4th fairway and beyond.

This truly is a first class home in a first class location.

Expressions of Interest close 5 pm on Thursday 11th of April, 2019.

Contact Andrew Pogue 0421 743 555

www.kevinhicksrealestate.com.au

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

Kevin Hicks, Terry Shiels, Julie Ryan and Andrew Pogue.

At Kevin Hicks Real Estate, our team of agents thrive on selling every aspect of real estate, with a commitment to showcase your property to the largest audience, selling in the shortest possible time and for the highest price.

“

We cannot thank you enough for all of the amazing work you have done for us. We really appreciate your thorough, prompt, and professional approach. It’s refreshing to come across agents who genuinely care about both parties and act in an ethical manner.

We are glad that we didn’t approach any other agents, we knew from our first meeting that we’d make a great team, as well as making the right choice.

“

Alissa and Matt Mifsud

“

We recently sold our family home of 18 years and were super impressed with the service offered by Kevin Hicks Real Estate. Nothing was too much trouble for Kevin, Julie and the team. They took the time to explain and weigh up options with us, provided great advice on presenting the house and were hands on through the auction and sale. Moving on from our family home which held so many memories was a big deal for us, and they were really kind and supportive. We were more than happy with their advice and the final result.

The property we moved to was also offered by Kevin Hicks Real Estate. Kevin was highly professional in all of his dealings with us and went out of his way to smooth the transition into our new place. It was great dealing with local people who you could see wanted the best outcome for all and were prepared to work hard for the right results.

“

We could not recommend Kevin Hicks Real Estate highly enough.

Lisa and David McKenzie

www.kevinhicksrealestate.com.au

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

Properties Recently Sold

5 Bonbeach Street, Shepparton

3 Vermont Street, Shepparton

1 Jordan Place, Shepparton

209-211 Fryers Street, Shepparton

348 Poplar Avenue, Shepparton

2855 Katamatite-Shepparton Road, Shepparton

11 Swallow Street, Shepparton

104-106 Drummond Road, Shepparton

In choosing Kevin Hicks Real Estate to sell your property, you can be assured you are dealing with a professional team with high standards and integrity.

DON’T MISS A

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

If you are looking to purchase your first home locally, you could be missing out on real estate’s best kept secret.

STORY: LIAM NASH

T

he 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.

Experienced realtor Glenn Young from Youngs & Co Real Estate explained the benefits of the grant and why it is crucial for those eligible to act fast to secure its assistance.

“The biggest misconception is about the terminology of new residences,” Glenn said.

“A lot of people think you have got 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.

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“But the kicker is it all finishes on June 30 next year. People need to get organised and get something done.”

But 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,” Glenn said.

“The thing is with the existing residential premises that are deemed new residential premises 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.”

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.

Glenn urged anyone interested in the grant to apply immediately.

“As far as applying for the grant it’s not onerous and it’s one of the things that you can do with a solicitor or a bank,” he said.

“The bank usually helps you go through those processes; you just have just got to be aware if you are available for it.

“As for being ineligible for the grant, if you’re buying and your partner has owned and lived in 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 First Home Buyers Grant.

“It’s not the fact that you’ve owned real estate before; it’s what you used it for.

“People need to be aware that they’ll need to sign their contract by June 30 and that date is going to loom around fairly quickly.”

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OUR HOME

AUTUMN 2019

31

Offering you the ultimate experience in home electrics

As soon as you have plans. You may still be looking at builder options, that’s fine, we can get the process started. Provide us with a brief and we will put your ideas into a design and price as a first step.

What is the benefit of an Electrical Consult?

We are able to guide you through every aspect of the electrical process in a simple and undaunting way so your fully informed. You can see all the options first hand and interact with the Showroom allowing you to see what will be the best fit and look for your project. Electrical designing can start or be updated from the original brief.

What is the process once our build or renovation is underway?

Our consultant will manage your project right through from underground stage to handover. They are the communication between all teams allowing the process to run smoothly so you can concentrate on other aspects of the build.

Does your range of products change regularly?

Yes, we are always looking at ways we can update the Showroom to reflect current trends and colours. Technology is something that is constantly evolving. We have a team working behind the scenes regularly reviewing technology updates so that we can offer our clients the latest options in automation and security.

What is the idea behind being a single destination for everything electrical?

We tailor a package on our clients needs and budget. We work from the start with the builders and power companies. Then we consult with you on light fittings and switches, power points, heating, cooling and data. Security and solar power can also be included in your package.

“

“

When is the best time to contact Byers Electrical when building or renovating?

Don't think outside the box, think like there is no box

47 – 49 Benalla Road, Shepparton • P: 5831 1890 • www.byerselectrical.com.au

Wish List Iconic range

by Clipsal featuring one of the new colours, Silver Shadow.

Lighting and fans supplied

by Lights Plus Shepparton, we are proud to support local businesses.

Limited Offer The first twenty homes to consult and go to site with us will receive an upgrade at no charge to the Iconic light switch and power point range from the Clipsal 2000 series.

T&Cs apply.

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GET THE LOOK

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INTREPID

style

Take inspiration from around the globe to create your very own escape

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1 Vintage Moroccan assorted rugs, POA, Walls & Windows. 2 Old watering pot, large $185, Walls & Windows. 3 Pendant light, $239, Lights Plus. 4 Assorted bowls and plates, from $16.95, Sabac. 5 ‘Asher’ pot, $46, ceramic ‘Bell’ planter, large $104, ‘Indi’ pot, large $50, Walls & Windows. 6 Map artwork, $400, Sabac. 7 Vintage globe, $69.95, Sabac. 8 Terracotta cushion, $145, Walls & Windows. 9 Wooden sculpture, $109.95, Sabac. 10 Daybed with vintage rug cushion, $1300, Walls & Windows.

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GOOD PEOPLE

GREAT RESULTS

Leading managing agents for a total of 12 Residential Land Estates, Gagliardi Scott Real Estate’s professionalism and attention to detail are well accomplished to cater for all clientele.

Kialla is home to the prestigious Seven Creeks Estate, offering a unique lifestyle, amongst natural bushland and wonderful park land.

Riverwood Park Estate offers the perfect entry point for first and second home buyers or families on a building budget, that want class, lifestyle and large lots (up to 1100 m2). Enjoy a family friendly estate with bush views, walking tracks and a magnificent park.

We have been recently appointed exclusive agents for the popular Sanctuary Park Estate, with access to three lakes and in very close proximity to the new St Anne’s Catholic College.

Meadow Wood Estate is a brand new subdivision in Toolamba offering large allotments, bushland views and close proximity to the town at affordable prices, with block sizes starting from 4023 m2 and prices from $158,000. We have had a strong reception to this subdivision, with a very successful pre sale period selling 9 of the 15 blocks so far.

We currently have the last remaining average sized residential blocks in Connolly Park Estate and The Vines Estate, located in North Shepparton near GV Health, sporting precinct, major schools and IGA.

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

Additionally, in the North is Providence Field Estate where blocks are available with full town services, sizes between 2000–3000 m2 (approx.), and is right next to St Luke’s Primary School, Notre Dame College Emmaus Campus and GV Grammar School.

The perfect affordable entry point to anyone who wants to get in the market is Windsor Park Estate. Located in South Shepparton, residential blocks including court position start at just $69,000.

Mooroopna’s Parkviews Estate is the affordable family estate with the traditional vacant land available with magnificent parks and lifestyle lots.

1 Numurkah

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Finally, we can offer land blocks located centrally next to the major schools in Numurkah as well as Woodlands Estate, a unique Tallygaroopna development offering large 4000 m2 lots (approx.).

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Director Rocky Gagliardi Gagliardi Scott Real Estate

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NUMURKAH CENTRAL WOODLANDS ESTATE SEVENS CREEKS ESTATE THE VINES PROVIDENCE FIELD CONNOLLY PARK ESTATE

7. WINDSOR PARK ESTATE 8. PARK VIEWS ESTATE 9. RIVERWOOD PARK 10. RIVERA PARK ESTATE 11. SANCTUARY PARK ESTATE 12. MEADOW WOOD ESTATE

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182 High St, Shepparton 0358 31 1800 | 70 Melville St, Numurkah 0358 31 1800

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

THE VINES • The latest Northern Land Subdivision – Generous block sizes • Energy efficiently orientated allotments • Complete lifestyle package with a touch of class

SOLD

CONNOLLY PARK ESTATE

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

CONNOLLY PARK ESTATE • Final stage 8 • Fast growing and affordability

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

• Perfect family friendly living • Ideally positioned in the North end of Shepparton

182 High St, Shepparton | 0358 31 1800

PROVIDENCE FIELD – STAGE 2 • New and exciting family subdivision

• Large residential lots 2000–4700 m2

• Northern gateway to Shepparton

• Fully serviced and fully fenced

LIMITED OFFER $5000 DISCOUNT OFF NEXT LOT SOLD

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

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD

SOLD SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

WINDSOR PARK ESTATE • Great opportunity and affordability • Generous court allotments competitively priced

SOLD SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

• Established neighbourhood

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

70 Melville St, Numurkah | 0358 31 1800

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

PARK VIEWS ESTATE

PARK

SOLD SOLD

SOLD

• 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

SOLD

SOLD

NUMURKAH CENTRAL

SOLD

• Located in the heart of Numurkah

SOLD

• 13 premium lots over 2 stages

SOLD

• Lots range from 640–924 m2

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

RIVIERA PARK ESTATE • Set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Seven Creeks bushland • Large lots, fully serviced – 1675–2148 m2

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

• 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

SOLD 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 40

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AUTUMN 2019

FOOD FOR

thought The paddock-to-plate movement might be nothing new to those who grew up on the land, but it has now found a place in the homes of townies and city folk.

W

ith a focus on quality and sustainability, the paddock-to-plate philosophy represents a chance to know exactly what is in the food we eat: where it was grown, what it’s been sprayed with and how far it has travelled before it arrives on our plates.

It does not necessarily mean eating organic or biodynamic but is an opportunity to choose fresh whole foods that are not full of chemicals and meaningless numbers.

Whether it’s growing a veggie patch just a few muddy steps from the kitchen or supporting local growers and boutique farmers by buying straight from the gate, the paddock-to-plate approach is more achievable than you might think.

For some it is a way of life like making traditional Italian passata for the Varapodio family or growing a garden based on permaculture principals for the Halls, while for others it can be as simple as preserving fruits, growing herbs on your window sill or visiting the farmers’ market. »

Photography: Rodney Braithwaite.

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A TRADITION WORTH BOTTLING Frank Varapodio has been making his family’s home-made tomato passata since the age of eight. Now he continues the tradition annually with his own family to keep the pot stirring through the bloodlines. » STORY: MADELEINE CACCIANIGA PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

The sauce machine separates unwanted components of the tomato.

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43

“ Everyone gets together, has a family

day once a year,

we make the sauce and then we look

which comes mid-year.

– FRANK VARAPODIO

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“

forward to making salami

T

he family recipe contains garlic, onion, basil, sugar, salt and locally sourced tomatoes from Undera to complete the finished product.

“The sauce is different than what you buy from the shop and it is tradition that we make it from scratch,” Frank said.

“We used to grow our own tomatoes years ago, we used to grow for Campbell’s Soup when they used to do the sauce there, but now we source them locally to keep the tradition alive.”

Starting the process in February, Frank’s day kicks off at 5 am to put the tomatoes on the boil to soften the skin.

“When the skins start to split that’s when you know to take the tomatoes out and then you strain that in plastic crates to let all the water drain out before we put them through the machine,” he said.

Accumulating odds and ends for sauce-making over the years, Frank said sauce-making came at a cost.

“To buy a good machine it would be about $1500 and then the stainless steel pots are about $800 each but back in the day we used to do it all by hand — now the machine separates the skins and seeds,” he said.

“Nowadays the kids won’t spend the time making the sauce because it’s a lot cheaper to go and buy it from the supermarket, but we keep our sauce within the family.”

Reminiscing on days spent at the farm while growing up, Frank said the family recipe was once stored in beer bottles.

“On the family farm at Lemnos my parents never bought things, they just grew everything and that’s how they made a living — in those days we didn’t have the gas jets, we used to cook it on the fire and that’s why we used to start early to boil the tomatoes on the fire — everything is a lot easier now,” he said.

“It used to take all day to do about 500 bottles and by hand those days, now we use jars and it’s a lot easier to put the sauce in and the basil which goes in the bottom of the jar.”

Fond of his memories and time spent with his parents, Frank said spending time with his family was the best part about sauce making.

“I like doing it — it’s a fun day and it’s a good day, when we used to do it with my parents we used to do it all day and I want to spend that same time with my kids and then they will pass it down to their kids.”

Frank said he only had one rule while sauce making.

“No drinking on the job — we’re not allowed to open the wine until the sauce is bottled.”

Once the day continues into the evening and the sauce has been bottled, the family will have accomplished more than 100 bottles for the year ahead.

“The sauce will last two or three years — because you’ve got the sugar and the salt to preserve it and then each year we make a new lot,” Frank said.

He said fellow sauce makers had to continue with family traditions to pass onto the next generation.

“Everyone gets together, has a family day once a year, we make the sauce and then we look forward to making salami which comes mid-year.” » OUR HOME

AUTUMN 2019

45

“ We’re not allowed to open the wine until the sauce is bottled.

“

– FRANK VARAPODIO

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AUTUMN 2019

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PRESERVING a way of life

Preserving surplus fruit and vegetables has been an annual summer ritual for two local women for almost five decades.

STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

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T

he pantry shelves of Helen Wall’s Caniambo farmhouse and the kitchen cupboards of Margaret Feldtmann’s Dookie home are lined with bottled fruit, jams, relishes and sauces for use throughout the year.

Both members of CWA branches, Helen and Margaret learned their valuable skills from helping their mothers, in their respective kitchens, as children and still use some of those recipes today.

Helen estimates she has been preserving fruit and making jam for about 45 years, sourcing some produce from her own fruit trees and from orchardists at Shepparton East.

Bottles of individual fruit — peaches, pears, plums — are produced, along with Helen’s special fruit salad mix, which is a sweet blend of peaches, pears, pineapple, grapes and passionfruit.

Enlisting the help of her husband Jeff and twin sons Richard and Simon to peel the fruit, Helen produces upwards of 80 bottles of fruit each summer to keep the family supplied year-round.

“It might be a busy few weeks but it means I don’t have to cook sweets for the remainder of the year,” Helen said.

“I like making my own and it’s good to do to keep up your skills.

“We’re lucky we have access to such good quality fruit here, we talk to other CWA ladies from around the state and they can’t get it. They have to drive to the Goulburn Valley to get their fruit.”

Margaret has entered and won many prizes for her preserves at the Dookie Agricultural Show and CWA state shows and said “a lot of trial and error” had gone into perfecting recipes over a 50-year period.

Bottled apricots, peaches, pears, cherries, blood plums, tomatoes and beetroot are on the manufacturing schedule, along with many varieties of jam and tomato sauce, relish and chutney.

“I like the idea of using up the surplus fruit, and giving away some of what I make. They’re always the best-sellers at stalls; people love homemade,” Margaret said.

“It’s a shame that once we stop doing this sort of preserving, people won’t know what real fruit tastes like.” »

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Margaret’s Tomato Sauce INGREDIENTS • 7.2 kg tomatoes • 1.8 kg sugar • 900 ml vinegar • 4 cloves garlic • 30 g cloves (tied in muslin bag) • pinch cayenne pepper • 4 tbsp salt

METHOD 1. Chop tomatoes, place in large boiler with all other ingredients.

2. Boil for three hours.

3. Remove cloves, strain through moulie and bottle.

Helen’s Plum Jam INGREDIENTS • 2.7 kg blood plums • 2.7 kg sugar • 600 ml water

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METHOD 1. Cut plums into halves or quarters and place in boiler with water. Boil until soft.

2. Add sugar, stir until boiling.

3. Boil until set and bottle while still hot.

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Bring the outside

INSIDE

Too cold to garden? Not if you bring your garden indoors.

1. Herb gardens are the easy — and delicious — introduction to indoor gardening, and are a great way to settle into the habit of growing your greenery inside.

Some of the best herbs to begin your indoor collection with include parsley, chives, coriander, curry plant, thyme, oregano and mint — with basil having the added bonus of the being a great fly repellent.

Just make sure you have a container with drainage and that your herbs get plenty of light.

2. When it comes to growing your own vegetables there is nothing that makes as much sense as a pick-and-eat lettuce bowl right there in your kitchen area. Choose from varieties including cos, Tuscan blends, oak leaf, radicchio and more.

3. Most vegetables can be grown from an off-cut, but if you really want to take advantage of indoor gardening why not have a go at the incredibly easy ginger and turmeric?

Ginger and turmeric are both rhizomes so they also share the same methods for regrowing. Choose an organic ‘root’ with lots of eyes (think potato), cut it into 5 cm pieces and leave it on the windowsill to grow nice new green shoots. Plant it with the shoots facing upwards, remember they grow horizontally so they need a container more width than height, and experiment to find the perfect indoor spot for your new tropical delight.

4. Even young children can get involved in indoor gardening with alfalfa trays, wheatgrass kits and lots of other options for kids to start understanding the relationship between gardening and eating.

Photography by Martina Gemmola. Styling by Ruth Welsby.

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FRESH

and fun

Here is a list of the region’s community and farmers’ markets.

First weekend of the month

Third weekend of the month

ECHUCA FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm at Alton Reserve, Hare St, Echuca.

RUSHWORTH MARKET Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm at High St, Rushworth.

NAGAMBIE LAKES COMMUNITY MARKET Saturday from 8.30 am to 1 pm at Blayney Reserve, Nagambie.

ECHUCA FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm at Alton Reserve, Hare St, Echuca.

NATHALIA MARKET Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Showground Reserve, Nathalia.

SHEPPARTON FARMERS’ MARKET Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm (excluding Easter Sunday) at Emerald Bank Leisure Land, 7715 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla.

KYABRAM FARMERS’ MARKET Sunday from 8 am to noon (until May) at Campaspe Stadium, Allan St, Kyabram.

Second weekend of the month VIOLET TOWN MARKET Saturday from 8.30 am to 1 pm at Recreation Reserve, Tulip St, Violet Town.

GIRGARRE PRODUCE AND FARMERS’ MARKET Sunday from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm at Winter St, Girgarre.

AVENEL FARMERS’ MARKET Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm at Jubilee Park, Livingstone St, Avenel.

EUROA VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Rotary Park, Kirkland Ave, Euroa.

NUMURKAH LIONS’ BROKEN CREEK MARKET Saturday (even-dated months) from 9 am to 1 pm at Tunnock Rd on the south side of the Broken Creek, Numurkah.

Fourth weekend of the month BENALLA CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKET Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Fawkner Dve, Benalla.

ROCHESTER TOWN MARKET Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at the Shire Hall, Gillies St, Rochester.

YARRAWONGA FARMERS’ MARKET Sunday from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm at Yarrawonga foreshore, Yarrawonga.

NAGAMBIE FARMERS’ MARKET Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm at High St, Nagambie.

Fifth weekend of the month ECHUCA FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm at Alton Reserve, Hare St, Echuca.

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53

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Nature’s

GIFTS A lifetime love of nature has inspired this sustainable Toolamba garden. » STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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55

F

rom the time she was a little girl, Toolamba’s Mel Hall has been fascinated by nature.

An early memory is of being enchanted by fairy garden-worthy toadstools, growing along the roadside during a family trip to Tasmania, and in later years appreciating her parents’ abundant Benalla vegetable patch.

But it wasn’t until she enrolled in a twoday permaculture course about nine years ago that Mel’s passion for sustainable gardening was ignited.

Mel said her naturopathy studies in Melbourne had opened her eyes to different farming practices, and the course strengthened her resolve to work with nature when developing a productive garden at the home she shares with husband Taylor and children Matilda and Tom. Permaculture devotees incorporate 12 principles that mimic natural low-waste ecosystems to create thriving and diverse gardens.

Mel’s garden features manageable, rectangular, timber-edged beds, some planted with vegetables and herbs and others with flowers to attract bees for pollination.

The adjoining chook yard is divided in two — one section is completely enclosed to deter predators — and the other is planted with fruit trees.

“If it can’t serve me, it doesn’t grow or belong here, there’s a purpose for everything in this garden,” Mel said.

“Any weeds and garden waste is thrown over the fence to the chooks, and the chooks in turn give me eggs.”

“Adding any waste to the compost creates a booster for the soil so I don’t have to bring in any artificial fertilisers.

“The fruit trees are planted in the chook yard so the chooks clean up the fallen fruit and any fruit fly larvae, which eliminates the need to spray.

“And we’ve also got alpacas to protect the chooks from foxes and snakes, and guinea fowl to alert us to any danger. The alpaca and chook poo we collect and use as garden fertiliser.”

The savvy gardener allows her plants to seed, which she harvests, dries and stores 56

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AUTUMN 2019

for replanting the following season.

“By collecting seed you can have a lifetime supply. If you’re clever and patient you can grow food for free,” Mel said.

“The bulk of my plants have come from seed; I’m always on the lookout for hardto-grow vegetables.”

Placement of plants and structures are considered — strategically-planted jasmine and honeysuckle will eventually block the harsh western sun, creating shade and shelter for the chooks and vegetables — and spouting attached to the roof above the chook house will harvest rainwater for the alpacas.

“Being smart with things like that just makes so much sense; I don’t understand how people garden any other way, otherwise it seems like you’re fighting

against nature,” Mel said.

Although only established 12 months ago the garden has already contributed produce regularly for the family’s weekly meals, as well as encouraging Mel’s children to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

“I’ve always been interested in health and food, and the relationship between the two, and now I’m passing that on to my children,” she said.

“Asking them to pick food from the garden or collect the eggs is a way of getting them involved in food preparation.

“From planting, to growing, to harvesting and cooking, they can be involved and it really broadens their palate.

“I feel very lucky that something as simple as a garden can make me so happy.” »

“This is the first garden I’ve established from scratch; I started with a blank canvas, which was a bit scary.

I started planting in February 2018 but in my mind had been planning the garden for many years.”

– MEL HALL

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MORE THAN FOOD Mel’s naturopathy background and interest in herbal medicine has led her to produce calendula-infused oils to create salves to soothe cuts and bruises.

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From little things

BIG THINGS

grow

Violet Town farmer and permaculture teacher David Arnold offers Our Home readers advice on how to apply four of the 12 permaculture principles in the home garden.

Observe and interact • Look and ask around to find out what food plants grow well in your region.

• Have a look at some successful food gardens to see how other people do it.

• Make your own compost, start your own garden and start learning from what works.

• Make improvements to your methods as you go.

Catch and store energy • Use plants to catch sunshine, make shade and produce beautiful home-grown food.

• Don’t throw food waste and lawn clippings away; instead, make compost for your garden.

• Put tree mulch wood chips under your fruit trees.

• Catch roof water in a tank or barrels, or in dry weather just divert your downpipes to store water in your soil.

Obtain a yield • Make your garden productive and attractive so it feeds you and you all enjoy hanging out in it.

• Prepare delicious meals with your garden produce and preserve excess production.

• Keeping chickens can give you companion animals, compost-turning workers — and eggs!

• When you have surplus of something, share or barter with neighbours for community self-reliance.

Apply self-regulation and accept feedback • Don’t buy things that you don’t need so you have more money for important things, or so you don’t have to work so much.

• Make fewer car trips and work more things (and people) into each trip so your car lasts longer and uses less fuel.

• Sometimes we are better off being productive at home than having everyone at work all the time.

• Be the example that you would like your children (and friends and family) to learn from. Be the change that you want to see in the world.

Photography: Rodney Braithwaite.

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For more information go to: murrnong.com

The experts in custom home building

AWARD WINNING HOMES | HOME DESIGNS | HOME IMPROVEMENTS 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.

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We understand designing and building your dream home is a very personal and rewarding experience.

So whether a new home, or a home improvement, call us for a free consultation today.

MBA AWARD WINNING BUILDERS

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | UNIT DEVELOPMENT

SHEPPARTON | YARRAWONGA | COBRAM | NAGAMBIE Chris Barzen 0418 550 002 | e. chris@barzenbuilders.com.au

w w w. b a r z e n b u i l d e r s . c o m . a u

ROOM

to grow

Stylish décor, new furniture and a fresh coat of paint have transformed a child’s bedroom into a chic space any girl would love to call their own. » STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

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Aylah Foster loves reading books with stepmother Tamara Rutherford.

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ine-year-old Aylah Foster was delighted by the makeover of the bedroom she sleeps in when she spends time with her dad Dylan and step-mother Tamara Rutherford in Tatura.

Delicate grey walls paired with a classic pale pink and white colour palette and an infusion of greenery from indoor plants has created a peaceful haven for Aylah to call her own.

About 12 months ago Tamara decided to update the bedroom as a surprise for Aylah’s birthday and started “buying bits and pieces and hiding them away”.

“I thought she’d outgrown the room so with her birthday coming up, I thought rather than buy her another toy that will end up sitting in the cupboard, I’d create her a happy space for when she’s here,” Tamara said.

The couple spent two days repainting the walls with Taubmans ‘Mountain Top’

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and applying pale pink and cream rose decals that appear to spill across the top of the white metal bed.

There are plenty of options for relaxing, with a collection of soft pillows on the bed, grey bedroom chair, pink ottoman and plush floor rug, and timber-look floating shelving house Aylah’s special keepsakes and family photos.

“We replaced the old single bed and bedside tables and the room actually looks bigger now, with more furniture in it,” Tamara said.

“We wanted to create something that we wouldn’t have to change too much into the future. The space will kind of grow with her.”

Tamara adopted a minimalist style, installing a sleek wide-slat, white venetian blind as a window covering and adding a freestanding coat rack, wall-mounted hat rack and over-sized pink clock for interest.

Before

“I bought everything separately and then just threw it altogether at the last minute and it just worked. It was so much fun putting it all together for Aylah,” she said.

“We surprised her at about 5 on the Friday night, and we hardly saw her again until Sunday afternoon. Dylan covered her eyes and walked her into her bedroom, when she saw it she said she never wanted to leave the room.”

“We wanted to create something that we wouldn’t have to change too much into the future. The space will kind of grow with her.”

– TAMARA RUTHERFORD

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SHINING

a light on DESIGN

They may be small but the LED is lighting a new path in integrated lighting design.

STORY: PAT PATT

A

s lighting is a huge part of interior design and an important creator of ambience, many people enlist the help of a lighting consultant when building a new home.

Mark Librio from Lights Plus in Shepparton said people often bring in their house plans, and architects and builders also enlist help, to make sure lights will enhance the spaces in the home.

“On the technical side LED technology is huge,” Mark said.

“Most lights now come in LED and all sizes of globes now have LED replacements.”

Mark said these individual lights were very small and could be combined in almost limitless ways including flexible LED strip lighting.

For a streamlined finish, strip lighting can be installed directly into a ceiling or architrave with no need for eye-catching fittings, or even incorporated into kitchen cabinetry.

Dial it up or down LED lights are available in different colours or temperatures of light: warm, cool and neutral.

These different temperatures are suitable for different rooms and applications.

Bedrooms and living areas usually require warm lighting whereas kitchens and work areas need the crispness of cool light.

New LEDs even have the ability to change temperature according to what the room is being used for.

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LED strip lighting in action at Byers Electrical in Shepparton. Photography: Rodney Braithwaite.

Lighting the way LED stands for ‘light-emitting diode’. This is an energy-efficient semi-conductor, which converts electricity into light and reaches full brightness as soon as it is turned on.

Using much less electricity than old-style incandescent globes and less than fluorescent lights, the long-life of LEDs increases the cost savings that can be made.

“Some people have been confused about LEDs, and we try to demystify them for buyers,” Mark said.

“In the early days globes were sometimes replaced with LEDs that would flicker because they were not compatible with the fitting they were installed in.

“The flickering gave people a distrust of LEDs. If you have a replacement LED that flickers, the solution is to replace the fitting.”

The lowdown LEDs have improved the ever popular downlight.

Traditionally downlights used halogen globes which give good light but also generate a significant amount of heat.

This heat meant that ceiling insulation could not be installed close to downlights because of fire hazard and the gaps lead to losing room heat, increased the need for heating and seriously impacted the energy efficiency of a home.

But the LED revolution has fixed the problem.

Because they emit less heat, there is no need for large gaps in insulation and new style LED downlights with an IC4 rating can be covered by suitable insulation, thus keeping the thermal layer intact.

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COLOUR

spotlight

Haymes Artisan Mortar in Powdered Gum available at Walls & Windows, Shepparton.

It’s been crowned Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year but this daring hue is divisive.

STORY: JESSICA BALL ‘

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iving Coral’ is eclectic and energetic. For many it conjures up images of a tropical underwater wonderland, but Paula Dohrman from Walls & Windows said this vibrant shade is up for interpretation.

“The word ‘coral’, you automatically think summer, ocean,” Paula said.

“But it can also be a soft skin tone colour with undertones of pink.”

Bold colour blocking isn’t for everyone, instead Paula recommends using coral as an accent colour.

Whether it’s vivid and punchy, a soft feminine pastel or even a combination of shades, she suggests adding a splash of coral with artworks, soft furnishings or even a statement piece.

It pairs perfectly with neutrals, earthy woven fabrics and rattan, but also complements a moody colour palette with luxurious dark blues and greens.

“If it’s a subdued coral colour it will sit with anything — indigo blues, emerald greens,” Paula said.

While a coral feature wall may be too much of a creative leap for most, in any shade it works well as a burst of colour.

Photography by Martina Gemmola. Styling by Ruth Welsby.

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1

GET THE LOOK 3

2

4

9

Living Coral

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FOR

MODERN LIVING

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7 8

1 Native botanica cushions, $53ea, Walls & Windows. 2 Pendant light, comes in two sizes, from $129, Lights Plus.

3 Assorted cushions, Walls & Windows. 4 Bayliss rug, ‘Coral’ ivory hand woven wool, POA, Choices Flooring.

5 Bayliss rug, ‘Iceland’ coral orange wool & jute, POA, Choices Flooring. 6 Protea mix, classic round bowl, $250, Walls & Windows.

7 Grand Designs ‘Braxton’ timber coffee table, $1410, Walls & Window. 8 Animal hide floor rug, $620, Walls & Windows.

9 ‘Kokomo Rosewater’ quilt cover set, $124.95ea, Harvey Norman Shepparton.

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E S I D A R

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ownsizing from their Congupna lifestyle property, Gayle and Robert Coxhell have swapped their rural outlook for peaceful water views in Nagambie.

With firm ideas for the contemporary home they wished to create, the couple took almost three years to perfect the building plans and trusted Shepparton firm Barzen Builders to bring the vision to life.

The original concept for a two-storey design was scrapped and replaced with a blueprint for a modern split-level home that maximises the lake views and embraces relaxed family living.

Meticulous planning and careful attention to detail has resulted in just that — a peaceful retreat where the calm waters of the lake appear to lap at the home’s edge.

Designed for privacy the home has been situated on the land to completely block out its one neighbour, leaving only the reserve next door, stands of mature trees in the distance and the water to gaze upon.

“Getting the windows right was one of the biggest problems; we wanted a wide span of glass with limited joins so we wouldn’t block the view,” Gayle said.

Inspired Windows in Kialla solved the problem, installing large panes of glass — some fixed and some as sliding doors — set in industrial-style black aluminium frames that allow water vistas from most rooms of the home.

Crisp, white walls are the perfect backdrop for the use of natural materials including spotted gum timber flooring on the upper-level landing and marble-look stone benchtops in the kitchen.

The modern colour palette of white and shades of grey are punctuated by black accents in the form of light fittings and a wide-span ceiling fan in the living area, as well as splashes of teal blue in the wall art and decorator pieces.

Sleek lines in the kitchen — such as handle-less cupboards, concealed rangehood, induction cooktop, black granite-look under-mount sink, suspended slim-line lighting and mirrored splashbacks — epitomise the minimalist approach.

Space is in abundance in the living zone, with a customised bar, built by Robert, forming a stylish divider between the kitchen/dining area and the lounge where a dark grey feature wall houses a gas logfire and shelving.

“Robert wanted a bar, but because of all the glass and the landing, we didn’t have the wall space so he built his own.

It’s perfect really because the back of it is where we’ve put a couch,” Gayle said. »

FLOOR PLAN BED 1 WIR DECK

ENSUITE

COVERED DECK

DINING

WC

LIVING KITCHEN GARAGE

PANTRY

BED 2

OFFICE

BED 3 ENTRY

LDY BATH PORCH

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ENTRY A stunning print, which was a gift from the couple’s daughter Mandy, makes a statement in the entry.

EXTERIOR The impressive front façade includes a mix of exterior finishes such as render, timber-look vertical boards and a shell stone column.

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LIVING While the contemporary home is a celebration of modern living, Gayle designed the colour palette around her 20-year-old grey suede couch that has pride of place in the living area.

The over-sized main bedroom is a true sanctuary and incorporates features usually reserved for luxury, high-end accommodation, such as pendant lighting, a laser-cut screen that is suspended from the ceiling and full-height windows to capture the view.

A free-standing bedhead allows for additional storage and, combined with the laser-cut screen, creates a virtual wall to conceal the floor-to-ceiling robes beyond.

As stunning as their home is, Gayle and Robert opted for practical inclusions to fit in with their busy lifestyle.

A unique bath in the main bathroom has a freestanding effect at the front but is builtin at the back to eliminate cleaning issues, and a separate toilet and powder room was situated for easy accessibility from the entertaining area.

Merbau decking and a stainless steel outdoor kitchen combine to create a secluded space near the water’s edge for year-round entertaining, with a fire-pit a popular gathering place in the cooler months.

“I’m a water person, so I love the view. It’s a lovely place for the family to gather and a really easy house to live in,” Gayle said. » 76

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MASTER A divider screen, made by the couple’s son Craig, is suspended from the ceiling with steel cabling and features laser cut butterflies and flowers.

Getting the “ windows right

was one of the biggest problems; we wanted a

wide span of glass

with limited joins so we wouldn’t block the view.

“

– GAYLE COXHELL

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person, “ I’msoa Iwater love the view. “

– GAYLE COXHELL

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Advice for people considering listing their home for sale

Glenn Young, Director AREI, CEA (REIV)

Most people decide to sell their property due to changes in their lifestyle. This could mean moving to a different area, purchasing a smaller home or requiring a larger property due to a growing family.

Regardless of your reason for selling, there is a lot to consider, especially if it’s the first time that you are selling a property. Here are some thoughts around some of the most common questions that I get asked.

Do we need a Solicitor/Conveyancer, and what does this process involve?

Most definitely, this is not something you should attempt to do unless you are suitably qualified. After all we are dealing with (in most cases) perhaps someone’s most valuable asset. Once you have decided to sell your property you should immediately contact your legal representative and ask them to prepare a Vendors Statement (or sometimes referred to as a Section 32). This can take time to prepare as there are numerous certificates of advice that need to be ordered from various government departments. It later forms part of the Contract of Sale and it gives an intending purchaser up front information such as Council rate notices and a copy of title that can assist them with making an offer. Once an offer is accepted your solicitor will then prepare the Contract of Sale in accordance with the terms agreed between the vendor and purchaser.

What can we do to help prepare our property to achieve the best price?

Presentation is key in everything. The first impression is the one that lasts the longest.

If the lawns and gardens are untidy and the front door needs painting then immediately the potential purchaser has a negative attitude and is on guard and looking for other maintenance issues. Sometimes they can over exaggerate the actual cost for attending to some minor issues and this will affect their offer. A spring clean won’t hurt, make sure to declutter and remember less is more. Send your pets on a holiday, some people adore pets whilst others can feel frightened by a barking dog or put off by kitty litter. Your home may look larger with less furniture and remember to remove all those photos and bills from the fridge door!

How can we know what our property is worth? We’ve heard of under-quoting/ over-quoting in the media, what does this mean? Are there rules around this?

We are sometimes overloaded with information from the internet with regards to various sites stating anticipated price ranges without anyone actually inspecting the property. Your agent should be able to provide comparable sales analysis to back up their opinion and their advice.

Our authority to offer the property for sale must be in writing and our opinion of value must either be stated as a single amount or a range where the upper price must not exceed 10 per cent of the bottom price. Recent changes to legislation require agents to provide a Statement of Information (SOI) to the prospective purchasers. This SOI lists three comparable sales made in the last 18 months within five kilometres of the property for sale.

This helps to remove the practice of under quoting a property as the SOI will give three comparable sales and we cannot quote less than the amounts specified in our authority to sell.

What is the best method to sell — auction or private sale?

The debate continues …. Each property is different as is the owner’s motivation for selling. There are pros and cons for each method of sale and there should not be a “one fits all” approach. Selling by auction can have definite advantages for the right property under the right circumstances such as a home being considered a prime location with numerous potential buyers.

However, a private sale can also achieve an excellent result if offered and marketed for sale correctly.

What should we consider when choosing an agent?

Research your real estate agent. Are they local, are they experienced and how long they have been in the industry for. Ask family and friends for recommendations as you need someone you feel that you can work with and someone with whom you can trust their opinion and advice.

Just because someone has the “gift of the gab” doesn’t necessarily mean that they are listening to what their clients actually want and need. Are they a member of a professional body such as the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV)? Members of the REIV have an additional set of rules of professional conduct that must also be adhered to.

What should we consider when looking to market our property?

To attract potential buyers, you are going to have to market your property — the aim is to get as many people to see your property as possible. Your agent should be able to guide you through a combination of marketing material. Newsprint, the various website portals such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, view.com.au just to name a few. Exposure is everything and quality photos and presentation can make a huge difference so remember, first impressions count. Poorly taken photos will not attract the level of interest as quality photos and potential purchasers are quick to move on to the next listing if they are not engaged and lose interest. For Sale boards, pointer boards, letter box drops, open homes, window displays all help but one of the best sources of marketing is through your agents list of potential buyers that have already been qualified.

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SHIPPED IN:

just add water

Tucked away at the end of a country driveway, this quintessential Australian farm is home to a surprising water feature. » STORY: JESSICA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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ust outside of Mooroopna, overlooking the paddocks of sheep and cattle, stands a shipping container pool.

To take advantage of sun-kissed days and farmland views, the Cox family opted for a budget-friendly and convenient alternative to a traditional swimming pool.

While the order was placed well before a container pool appeared on The Block, Craig Cox said the reality television show created an exciting lead-up to unveiling the plan to sons Caleb, 12, and Denzel, 10.

“We said that’s pretty cool, imagine having one of those in your backyard — we already knew for six months but hadn’t told the kids,” Craig said.

“We travel around Australia on the school holidays and when we got to Queensland we surprised the kids and we went to this pool shop.”

Back home, Craig said all he had to do was dig out a shallow base and fill it up before the instant swimming pool solution was at a balmy 32 degrees and providing endless hours of fun.

“The kids are constantly racing each other from one end to the other,” he said.

“We’re swimming in this pool probably six weeks earlier and six weeks later than everyone else because it takes bugger all to heat up — it’s beautiful in, it’s just cold when you get out.”

With an enclosed, lockable gate leading up the stairs to a decked area, the above ground, mineral pool with sand filtration system is safe, simple and self-efficient, while its height means there is no need for a fence.

Craig said it was the pool’s transportable design that had made it an asset on their leased property.

“We can take it with us, just drain it out, pick it up and put it on a truck — we’d just need a forklift,” he said.

“The beauty is if the kids say they don’t want to swim in it for one reason or another in five years’ time we can still sell it.”

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“ We can take it with us, just drain it out,

pick it up

and put it on a truck

“

— we’d just need a forklift.

– CRAIG COX

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Hamptons Inspired

Southern Vale Homes have been building quality homes for over 25 years and are pleased to present our Shepparton display home the Hampton Vale.

This Hampton’s inspired home has been designed for pure relaxed style living for you and your family. It encompasses three generous living areas including a kids zone with room for all the toys and a generous alfresco for entertaining.

Drop in and visit our Display home at 47 Sanctuary Drive Kialla Lakes Estate, Shepparton.

www.southernvale.com.au | 1300 888 003 |

Starting from

scratch When garden enthusiast Val Gibbs moved into her Kialla Lakes home 19 years ago, there was a solitary lime tree in the backyard and little else. » STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

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ow the home she shares with husband Wes is surrounded by established trees, shrubs and roses, providing colour and interest regardless of the season.

The front garden, with its mix of native flowering plants, frames the home and the private rear yard offers space for peace and tranquillity.

“I love this part of the garden, I love to eat my lunch out here and when we have visitors we often sit out here,” Val said.

The garden offers contrast, colour and perfume with structured garden beds along the fence lines creating a formal outline for a free-flowing, horseshoeshaped planting of hybrid tea roses.

“I wanted to have a lot of roses, I’ve always loved them; some of them are perfumed, some are not,” Val said.

Now that the hard work has been done in establishing the garden, Val said her time was dedicated to maintenance such as mulching, dead-heading roses, pruning, fertilising and weeding.

“I cut the roses back regularly; I find it very therapeutic to get outside. And I love cutting flowers and taking them around to a friend,” she said.

She said visits to open gardens were valuable to gain inspiration and ideas that she could adapt for her own garden.

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BLOOMING

beautiful To ensure a beautiful flush of rose blooms in the garden this autumn, follow these easy-care tips from Billabong Garden Complex nursery assistant Louise Campbell.

• Deadheading your roses will encourage new buds, giving your plants an abundance of flowers for the autumn display.

• In March use organic pelletised fertiliser to provide the roses with the nutritional balance needed to produce that beautiful flush of flowers.

• Spray leaves every two weeks with seaweed concentrate.

This is a tonic for plants that will help strengthen the plant and give the leaves a healthy glossy appearance.

Mix as directed on the bottle.

• Top up with lucerne hay or pea straw mulch to condition the soil and retain the moisture around your rose plant.

• Continue watering deeply twice a week to ensure plants get sufficient water to keep them growing strong.

• As a preventative for black spot, mites and aphids, spray every now and then with a combined insect and fungicide rose spray.

• For roses growing in pots, fertilise with a liquid fertiliser.

Continue to deadhead spent flowers to encourage the autumn flush and water thoroughly to ensure adequate hydration for your rose.

• Autumn is the time to prepare the soil for new rose garden beds. Dig compost and manure in well, turning it over regularly.

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LABOUR

of love

Hidden behind the rough-sawn timber exterior of an American-style barn is a light and bright, welcoming space.

STORY: JESSICA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: LEHI DAVID PENA

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t’s an unassuming gravel driveway that leads to The Barn at Heathcote, a little slice of country heaven just seven minutes’ drive south of the heart of town.

Jacob Stammers and Brad McLennan led an extensive eightmonth renovation, completely gutting and refitting the original barn from top to bottom.

With the exception of the concrete slab and some of the electrical work, they did all the work themselves.

“It was a labour of love,” Jacob said.

“We spent a 40 degree Christmas Day on scaffolding insulating the roof, countless nights fitting the kitchen and used over 100 litres of paint.”

The result is a warehouse conversion with a country twist.

An idyllic red roof and the traditional barn doors honour its character, while the interior blends new pieces and old treasures within white-washed walls.

The centrepiece of the main floor is the 1970s copper Malm fireplace, salvaged from a house set to be demolished, while upstairs in the mezzanine the airy main bedroom is steeped in sunlight.

Attached to the outside of the barn and surrounded by nature, the bathroom is a modern take on an outhouse and completes the rustic experience.

For Jacob and Brad the reward for hard work is waking up and reading a book in the library nook, drinking red wine in front of the fire and watching the kangaroos bound through the property while sitting at the dam at dusk.

But they couldn’t keep this gem to themselves; the barn doors opened as accommodation in mid-2017.

“Originally we had the intention of creating an open space for our families who span the whole east coast to come enjoy, but it wasn’t long after this that we decided to alter our holiday plans allowing others to share the experience of the unique country treasure,” Brad said.

“Heathcote is an amazing place for locals and visitors alike, offering the best of country Victoria.

“You have the calm of true country living, to the best of Victorian wines right on your doorstep.” »

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spent a 40 degree “ WeChristmas Day on

scaffolding insulating the roof, countless nights fitting the “

kitchen and used over 100 litres of paint.

– JACOB STAMMERS

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GO FOR THE WINE,

stay for everything else

Just over an hour’s drive south-west of Shepparton is the no-longer-hidden gem of Heathcote. The charming town is quickly becoming a popular wine region known for its shiraz and is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend or day trip.

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Picnic at Viewing Rock

Winery tradition

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You don’t even have to leave the main street to taste-test Heathcote’s acclaimed drop.

Make a visit to one of the town’s oldest wineries; a restored miner’s produce store from a time the region was known for its gold rather than its grapes is home to Heathcote Winery’s cellar door.

Taking advantage of the climate, the winery specialises in powerful yet elegant shiraz, as well as viognier and rosé.

Enjoy a free wine tasting and grab a grazing platter lunch or afternoon snack packed full of local produce.

2

If you want to detour from the main street and check out the tranquil bush surrounds, head to Viewing Rock.

Whether you drive up or take a walk from Powder Magazine through the forest you’ll be rewarded with views of the town.

If you’re up for a little more adventure follow the signs to Devil’s Cave where gold miners once took shelter, for a oneand-a-half hour return, easy to moderate climbing walk.

A Heathcote institution

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The new kid on the block

The only brewery among the wineries, Palling Bros Brewery opened its doors last year.

Named after Heathcote’s biggest larrikin, Henry Rood Palling, the team serves up craft beers in a relaxed setting.

If you can’t decide on a brew, try a tasting paddle, sit back in the beer garden or enjoy the laid-back atmosphere into the evening with an impressive line-up of events including trivia, live music and open mic nights.

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You can’t go to a country town without making a pit stop at the local bakery and Gaffney’s Bakery is well worth the stop.

Known for its meat pies and traditional bakery fare — think vanilla slice, jelly slice and jam donuts — there are also gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Later this year Gaffney’s and the crowd of locals having a bite out front will move to a brand new building just down the street.

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The perfect match

It’s hard to go past the combination of chocolate and wine.

The town’s old bank building has been transformed into a cellar door for Mitchelton Wines.

Along with Mitchelton’s extensive wine list, including varieties grown at the Heathcote vineyards, the Ministry of Chocolate Café serves its renowned chocolate plus cakes, coffee and a light lunch menu.

Life is a

BLANK CANVAS For Tank Donaldson, art is in his blood. Four attempted apprenticeships were enough for him to realise that it was the blank canvas that provided the opportunity to be inventive in a manner that freed him from any constraints.

STORY: LIAM NASH PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

I

“ n my younger days I searched around a fair bit looking for jobs, looking for creative trades, and found that the most creative trade in some sense is art,” Tank said.

He draws inspiration from artists Brett Whiteley and Russell Drysdale, whose respective avantgarde styles helped shape the work he produces.

As well as the Australian art scene, Tank was encouraged by the surrealist works of Salvador Dali to explore the potential of the unconscious mind by the irrational juxtaposition of images.

“I am sort of influenced a lot by any thought-provoking works, just anything that makes you go ‘wow’.

If you can make me laugh, that is just unreal,” Tank said.

Admitting to getting artist’s block when starting each of his works, there is no process or method to how Tank creates his work.

“It is not even ideas based. I start with a blank canvas and start painting stuff, and let it evolve on 96

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the canvas, let the story come out.

I don’t take photos of anything before I paint it because my work exists in my brain.”

Over time, Tank has come to understand his own ethos, with certain paintings along the way defining his need for an ambiguous message displayed in his art.

“In some ways it can be saying nothing and everything, all at the same time,” he said.

Being the epicentre of art and culture in Victoria, Melbourne has been calling for Tank over recent years and with the new year came the decision to finally depart Shepparton.

“I am leaving in pursuit of bigger and better things in the art world,” he said.

Some of Tank’s work will be on display at the Best of Friends exhibition at Shepparton Art Museum from March 2 to April 7.

The exhibition is an excellent way to experience and buy the works of local artists.

Looking For Local Art For Your Home?

sam. local. best of friends.

Exhibition open until 7 April 2019.

free entry.

70 Welsford Street, Shepparton VIC 3630 p + 61 5832 9861 e art.museum@shepparton.vic.gov.au w sheppartonartmuseum.com.au @SAM_Shepparton #SAM_Shepparton #SAM_local #SAM_bestoffriends Image: Tarli Bird. Thinking of You. 2019. acrylic, spray paint and hand embroidery.

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EXPERIENCE THE BEST CARPET DRY CLEANING MONEY CAN BUY To make a booking call 13 12 50 Tony direct on 0419 433 096, or Tony’s assistant on 0455 424 694

Book ONLINE at www.drytron.com.au Super-fast and super easy to do it yourself.

Chose what you want cleaned, chose your own time and date 24/7/365

TAT U R A B L I N D S Servicing the Goulburn Valley and surrounds

Holland | Venetians | Roman | Vertical Panel Drape | Shutters | Awnings ANDREW SPEED 0466 886 425 | tatura.blinds@gmail.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Walls & Windows Walls & Windows

• Carpet • Timber

PAULA DOHRMAN DESIGNER PAULA DOHRMAN

• Luxury Vinyl • Bamboo • Laminate • Tiles • Rugs

DESIGNER

Choices Flooring Shepparton 186 High Street | 5822 2777 choicesflooring.com.au

Modern Australian B&B Accommodation in a naturally beautiful Australian bush setting

177 fryers street shepparton 3630 vic australia

tel: 03 58 211 8 99 58 311 556 177 fryers street shepparton 3630fax: vic03 australia mobile: 0427 191556 tel: 03 58 211 8 99 fax: 03221 58 311 paula@wallsandwindows.com.au mobile: 0427 221 191 paula@wallsandwindows.com.au

Rhys Cottrell | 0409 408 380 rhys@cottrellselectrical.com.au

 Commercial  Domestic  Underground Power  Maintenance  Phone & Data  Rewires

Em 0477701471 Jim 0407862716 hello@thefarmsteadtatura.com.au 285 Craven Road, Tatura East, Vic 3616

thefarmsteadtatura.com.au 98

OUR HOME collection

AUTUMN 2019

7210 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla West, 3631 Telephone: (03) 5823 2133 Facsimle: (03) 5823 2118 Email: admin@cottrellselectrical.com.au

Home Loans

Banking

GMCU is here to help.

Whether you are a first home buyer, looking to upgrade your home or considering buying an investment property, GMCU offers a full range of loan, investment and deposit products and our team of local lending experts are here to help every step of the way.

As well as providing competitive home loans and great products and services, GMCU is customer owned. This means we don't have external shareholders - our profits are reinvested back into providing better products and services for members and supporting our local region.

Saving Investments Insurance Loans

For a better banking alternative - ask at your local branch today.

Shepparton 91 Fryers St - Dallas Moore 5821 9033 Benalla 32 Bridge St - Jenni Cogger 5762 3380 Echuca 141 Hare St - Jane Holt 5482 5333

Goulburn Murray Credit Union customer owned banking

Euroa 36 Binney St - Heath Munari 5795 1771 Kilmore 76a Sydney Rd - Melissa Hall 5781 1221 Kyabram 145 Allan St - Jenni Dunne 5852 2211 Mooroopna 112c McLennan St - 5825 1999 Numurkah 102 Melville St - Lonnie Roberts 5862 2894 Seymour 72 Station St - Dave Drummond 5792 1075 Violet Town 33 Cowslip St - 5798 1761

connect at gmcu.com.au Goulburn Murray Credit Union Co-operative Limited ABN 87 087 651 509 AFSL/ Australian Credit Licence No. 241364. Terms & conditions, fees & charges and eligibility criteria may apply.