Curious how much your property can generate as a holiday rental?
Getaway Property Management is a leading holiday property management company that operates in some of Victoria’s most beautiful destinations.
200,000 + Nights Stayed
Eildon Parkview Motor Inn
Nestled in the heart of Lake Eildon, with gorgeous gardens, our motel offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience that promises an unforgettable stay
Comfortable & Relaxing Rooms
Family Suites & Guest House
Free WIFI
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Tea & Coffee
Embrace the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Book your stay at our Lake Eildon motel today and immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this hidden gem!
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Melissa has proudly held a real estate licence for over seventeen (17) years. She is a property industry veteran encompassing over twenty-five (25) years’ industry experience whilst working for some of Australia’s largest real estate & home building companies. Melissa’s outstanding industry knowledge, superior negotiation skills and professional open communication is what sets her apart from her competitors.
Melissa has a reputation for achieving exceptional results for her clients and a proven track record of
melissa solomon DIRECTOR
Licensed Real Estate Agent
success with her boutique agency in NSW. Melissa made the delightful move with her family from NSW to the serene landscapes of Taggerty, Victoria in 2022 and they couldn’t be happier! In no time at all, Melissa and her family have become valuable and proactive members of the local community and have been welcomed with open arms.
If you are ready to experience the difference of working with a true industry leader, contact Melissa at Murrindindi Prestige Property today.
0404 45 47 49
melissa@dindiprestige.com.au
MelIssa
soloMon SENIOR PROPERTY EXECUTIVE
3 Bakers Lane, Alexandra www.dindiprestige.com.au
m | 0404 45 47 49 dindiprestige.com.au
Grand Italian Feast
Sunday 24 November 2024
12noon - 4pm
A long lazy afternoon of feasting with traditional Italian fare including a welcome Aperol spritz, our own wood fired pizzas, house made pastas and dishes including osso bucco, scallopine, cacciatore, calabrese salad, tiramisu, cannoli and more.
Fabulous entertainment all afternoon with live music. Drinks at bar prices and featuring wines by the glass from King Valley wineries, Pizzini and Politini. Chef prepared dishes all feature fresh locally sourced produce.
• $100 per adult includes Aperol spritz on arrival and free flowing Prosecco
• $75 per teenager (13-17 years)
• $50 per child (3-12 years)
• Infants (2 years and under) no charge
• Soft drinks complimentary for children.
Enjoy the weekend at Eildon! Stunning accommodation options available on site. Enquire when booking.
Well
Heating
Wood
Barbecue
Undercover
Extensive
Lake
Pet
Farm relics sit side-by-side with fine china and silverware at Killingworth Hill Café & Whisky Bar ~ it is rustic, traditional Australiana with more than a smack of sophistication. Drink in this history as you sample some of the finest drams you’ll ever come across. Enjoy a glass of wine, a charcuterie board made with the finest cheeses, meats, patés, pickles, fruits and nuts, or a bowl of homemade soup, a delicious dessert, tea or coffee. Weekly specials
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Meandering around Murrindindi . . .
MURRINDINDI
ARTS & TOURISM, BUSINESS & TRADES GUIDE
Murrindindi’s INDEPENDENT guide to events and attractions across the shire and surrounds for locals and tourists alike. Pick up a copy at one of our advertisers or information centres in the shire or surrounding towns. Please support our advertisers as without them this magazine couldn’t be produced. If we support our local businesses and communities then we improve our local economy. Keep it local if you can.
Produced and published by Ann Friedel Publishing, 11 Albert Street Alexandra Victoria. Material published in the Murrindindi Arts & Tourism, Business & Trades Guide is protected by Australian and International copyright laws. Reproduction of any material in whole or part is not permitted without prior authorisation by the publisher. Ann Friedel Publishing has made every effort to ensure the information provided at time of printing is correct, but accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. Some components of some advertising in this magazine are made by Freepik.com or allfree-download.com. Events listed in this publication may be subject to change without notice.
Yea, Alexandra
Magical, misty mornings and fresh, spring days provide the perfect setting to discover Murrindindi Shire's spectacular landscapes, natural attractions and historic townships.
If you enjoy fern walks and majestic waterfalls, cycling and fishing, local history, fine food and wine, cosy getaways or a relaxing camping holiday, Murrindindi Shire has it all. Rediscover
Whether you're a first time visitor or a Murrindindi local, now is the perfect time to plan your spring Dindi getaway or 'staycation'from a romantic weekend away to a family camping trip in the bush.
Visit discoverdindi.com.au to discover the many great things to see and do in Murrindindi Shire.
Above: Paul and Sonja have been producing wine at Sedona Estate for over two decades.
Right: Sedona Estate’s 2022 Sangiovese Reserve won silver at this year’s London Wine Competition.
Spring at Sedona Estate
By Emily Friedel
Layered shades of green as far as the eye can see, a symphony of frogs punctuated by distant cow bellows, kangaroos in the early-morning mist, and industrious birds preparing for the breeding season. This is Sedona Estate in the spring. And as the vines wake from their dormancy this year, visitors to the estate will have the opportunity to stay for a holiday, taste award-winning cool-climate wines, and celebrate the long-awaited return of the Italian Feast.
Owners Sonja Herges and Paul Evans found their property in 1997 – a picturesque 52 acres in the locality of Murrindindi near Yea. At the time, Paul was working as a professional winemaker in the Yarra Valley, and Sonja was feeling homesick for the Mosel wine region in Germany where she grew up. With these motivations for planting a vineyard, it wasn’t long before the pair produced their first wines under the Sedona Estate label. In the two decades since, their winery has grown and flourished. This year, for the
first time, Sonja and Paul have guest accommodation available at their Vineyard House. The house dates back to the time of those original Sedona Estate wines but has been upgraded to provide a luxury retreat for one or two couples.
The Vineyard House showcases Sedona Estate’s splendid views, overlooking the vineyard set against Murrindindi’s distant rolling hills. And spring is an especially pretty time of year to enjoy the vistas.
“The vineyards are all starting to pop, and the
leaves are beautiful bright green,” Sonja says.
During spring, guests also get to witness the vineyard in full swing, making for a distinctive getaway experience.
“There are tractors and workers because it’s an operating farm; there’s the practical aspect on full display as well. It’s a very busy time for us,” Paul says.
Along with all the sights, guests are treated to a wonderful assortment of tastes during their stay.
A continental breakfast is included, and there are
three different types of coffeemakers available to ensure those requiring caffeination can consume it in their favourite form.
For wine-lovers, the Sedona Estate experience wouldn’t be complete without spending some time at the cellar door. This year, there will be several awardwinning wines to try, some of which are made from hard-to-find grape varieties.
Sedona Estate’s 2021 Cabernet Reserve, 2022 Sangiovese Reserve, and Carménère all won silver medals at the prestigious London Wine Competition
earlier this year. At the time of planting, the Sangiovese was considered an alternative variety in Australia, and the Carménère is a rare gem with an interesting backstory.
“[Carménère] is one of the original noble varieties of Bordeaux. During the 1800s, it virtually disappeared but then reemerged in South America and was discovered by a French ampelographer [someone who specialises in the identification and classification of grapevine varieties]. He was in Chile at a symposium, and one of his colleagues invited him to his vineyard just to have a look at his Merlot vineyard, and he said straight away, ‘that’s not Merlot’,” Paul explains.
That vineyard visit occurred on 24 November 1994. As the 30th anniversary of the variety’s rediscovery rolls around, Sedona Wine Club members will get the first taste and pre-purchase opportunity of this year’s limited Carménère at the Longest Tasting in November.
“[The Carménère] is something that reflects the unique terroir that we have at our place. It’s a bold wine that has an almost granite minerality to it, which is unusual in a red. It can often be quite a rich style line in terms of its flavour expression,” Paul says. “It’s just a lovely one to drink.”
Vintage 2022 also delivered
Sedona Estate is situated on a picturesque 52-acre property in the locality of Murrindindi near Yea.
The Italian Feast will return this year, with Sedona Estate’s Sangiovese wines being the perfect complement to the four-course meal.
This year, for the first time, there is guest accommodation available at Sedona Estate’s Vineyard House.
the first single-vineyard hillside Sangiovese, which is from the same unknown clone as Sedona Estate’s first Sangiovese plantings in 2001. Being cultivated on a hill lifted this variety to its award-winning level.
“When you have a vineyard that’s growing on a slope, you have greater exposure to the sun, and the vines will stress a little bit if they’re planted on a hill because there’s less access to water. So they will always perform better on a steep slope than on the flats. The hillside Sangiovese went reserve in 2022, which meant that the quality level was significantly higher than the Sangiovese grown on the lower part of the vineyard,” Paul says.
For those who like their food as much as their wine, this spring will also see the return of Sedona Estate’s cherished Italian Feast. The
The Vineyard House has been lovingly renovated to provide a luxury retreat for up to two couples. feast was put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic, but after persistent requests for a revival, it will take place for the first time in five years on Sunday 10 November. With catering by My Little Country Kitchen from Kinglake and a backdrop of the estate in all its spring glory, the fourcourse lunch will no doubt be a delightful occasion.
“The Italian Feast is run like a Sunday lunch with your family and friends, offering an array of Italian dishes on
shared platters and bowls. It’s ideal for small groups of four and more. The estate grown Sangiovese wines, including the silver-awarded reserve, are the perfect matches for the Italian Feast,” Sonja says.
Beyond the literal feast that will take place in early November, spring promises to be an ongoing feast for the senses at Sedona Estate. Tastes of wine that embody the property’s unique growing environment,
serene rural views in all directions, warm sunshine on the skin, and fresh air to breathe. Whether it’s for a day trip to the cellar door or a more immersive stay in the Vineyard House, Sonja and Paul are ready to welcome visitors and treat them to everything their stunning property has to give.
For more information on Sedona Estate, book a stay at the Vineyard House, or reserve seats at the Italian Feast, go to https://sedonaestate.com.au/
FLOWERS + HOMEWARES + COFFEE
7 Station Street, Yea Vic 3717 linda@mcauliffe.net.au | 0412322419 flori e casa
Wed-Fri 10am-4pm | Sat-Sun 10am-3pm
COFFEE BAR Toby’s Estate tea & coffee, biscuits, cakes all made inhouse
FRESH FLOWERS direct from local growers
GIFT LINES Commonfolk, Lillydale, Southern Wild Co & Queen Bee candles Huxter, Quail Ceramics, Anna’s Liberty, Lovely Linen, Bell Art, Bespoke Letterpress, 2Duck Market Baskets, Yummy You
ECLECTIC COLLECTION of vintage, basket ware, crockery, glassware, artwork
CARDS AND BABY PRODUCTS old, new and locally made with love
Restaurant · Live music venue · Bar 19 Main St, Eildon 0436 969 285
The Marina on Lake Eildon | 190 Sugarloaf Road, Eildon
The Marina on Lake Eildon | 190 Sugarloaf Road, Eildon
Stunning views Great Food Fun & Friendly Environment
Recently renovated with new menu items
Open from 6.30am Monday to Sunday The Eildon Bakery Cafe 10 Main Street Eildon
CHECK FACEBOOK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
Pixie and Janine have transformed Eildon’s iconic Billabong into a vibrant restaurant, bar, and live music venue.
Pixies at the Billabong
By Emily Friedel
The Billabong is an icon of Eildon’s Main Street. For locals of a certain vintage, the building evokes fond memories of take away after a trip out to the lake or dancing to 80s and 90s hits at a Blue Light Disco. In a strange twist of fate, a music industry figure who worked with some of the bands behind those hits now has his name alongside the Billabong. And instead of fish ‘n’ chips or hamburgers and Blue Light Discos, it’s now a vibrant live music venue, restaurant, and function centre.
Pixie and his partner Janine De Biasi are the proud owners of Pixies at the Billabong. The pair moved to Eildon almost a decade ago and had their eyes on the
Billabong for a long time –they could see its potential given the spacious hall at the back.
“We started coming up here, looking around in country areas where we could buy a house, and we wanted to buy [The Billabong]. It was cheap to buy, but it was going to cost 750 grand to get rid of the asbestos, which is painted on the ceiling in the theatre – that’s what they used for soundproofing. We couldn’t afford that,” Janine says.
So they watched as someone else took over their dream business. Janine wasn’t too worried, though. She had a feeling it would all work out in the end.
“Janine would always say to me, ‘it’ll be ours one
day, Pixie’. She kept a very positive light on it.”
And she was right. With fate finally smiling on them, Pixie and Janine have been able to combine their talents and knowledge to create something special. Pixie has had a long and esteemed career in music, managing band tours and specialising in audio engineering. He started out in the music scene in the late 70s, climbing the ranks and eventually working with bands like The Divinyls,
Texas, The Angels, Richard Clapton, and KC and the Sunshine Band, just to name a few. His early days in the industry got him nicknamed after a mouse from the 1950s cartoon Pixie, Dixie, and Mr Jinks.
“When I started in the scene in ‘76, it was really the very early stages of the Australian music industry and all the road crews had nicknames. I started with a friend of mine, and we started working with other bands. There was a band named Taste, and
The bar and restaurant at Pixies where visitors can enjoy a drink and Greek Cypriot cuisine made from Pixie’s family recipes.
their road crew was Mac and Meyer. There was another band called Texas, and their road crew was Heckle and Jeckle. And then it was like, ‘You’re Pixie and Dixie’,” Pixie recalls with a chuckle.
For her part, Janine brings a wealth of hospitality experience, making her very comfortable managing the bar and restaurant. She prides their menu on its “good clean food”, much of which is based on Pixie’s Greek Cypriot family recipes. They also serve a parma with a Cypriot twist, made with a traditional tomato sauce and the option of Haloumi cheese instead of Parmesan.
“It’s a real hit. When people taste it, the reaction’s just incredible,” Pixie says.
Of course, a major drawcard for Pixies at the Billabong is the live music. There are regular performances by tribute bands, and Pixie’s experience means the production is top level. There are no compromises when it comes to sound and lighting quality, and audiences are treated to a spectacular night out.
“They walk out of here and go, ‘Oh, my God. It’s such a high bar that you’ve set. This is what we’d expect if
we go to a major venue in Melbourne, a theatre or a concert hall,” Pixie says.
Even Janine’s 90-year-old mum is a regular attendee, sitting up the back in front of the mixing desk and getting lost in the nostalgia of familiar tunes.
“Mum throws a tantrum if she can’t come,” Janine says with a laugh. “She loves it. It’s really all ages.”
While live music is a hallmark of Pixie’s, the theatre is a multi-purpose space. It’s even equipped with a movie screen and projector for customers to enjoy sporting events in style. Being licensed for up to 500 people means there is great scope for functions. Christmas parties, awards nights for the local schools, CFA gatherings, and meet-ups for cycling races in the area have all taken place at Pixie’s. The venue also has untapped potential.
“Something we would like is for the schools to do their music classes and their performances here, where they can do it under a full production. That way these kids get an opportunity to work on a real stage with a
The signature parma with traditional tomato sauce and Haloumi cheese is a hit with customers.
opening hours or providing all the bells and whistles for a music-loving crowd to have the night of their lives.
their New Year’s Eve show, S.O.S. Abba.
Where Pixie works his sound and lighting magic to give audiences a top-notch experience. Inset: Janine’s 90-year-old mum rarely misses a live music show, proving no one’s too old to enjoy a night at Pixies. real sound system, and a real sound-light operator, in an environment that if they do choose to follow that career, that will be the level they run at,” Pixie says.
Pixie and Janine emphasise that they’re flexible and open to working with locals to make Pixies at the Billabong a community hub. Whether that’s accommodating a simple request for a group meal outside of their usual
And for that music-loving crowd, there’s a great line up this August and September, including The Beatles Show, INXSIVE, and Message and the Bottles – The Police, who are performing as part of a Narbeview Wildlife shelter fundraiser. Those who are keen can also book now for
So even though a show at Pixies is produced with a different level of professionalism than the Blue Light Discos before the turn of the century, and the cuisine is a bit more refined than take away fish ‘n’ chips, the Billabong’s essence remains the same. It’s a place for people to enjoy each other’s company, grab a bite
to eat, let their hair down on the dance floor, and let the good times flow.
Pixies at the Billabong is located at 19 Main St, Eildon and is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 3pm until late, and weekends 12pm until late. For more information, including their upcoming live shows, call 0436 969 285, email pixiesatthebillabong@gmail. com or go to their Facebook Page @pixiesatthebillabong.
Elli and Ivy: the right recipe for success
By Carol Hopkins
When James Adams and his partner, Denise Holschier, established their intimate café in Alexandra just over a year ago, it quickly became a success. But it wasn’t just the quality of the food and beverages at Elli and Ivy that won people’s hearts, it was also the couple’s commitment to giving people the best possible experience.
As James explains, “I’ve always had that love to look after people. I love building up a rapport with customers and having that one-on-one interaction. I just want people to be happy and so, if someone has a bad experience here, it does really hurt.”
Getting to know the preferences of his regular customers is a particular passion for James. “I don’t know everyone’s names, but I know everyone’s coffees,” he says. In fact, as soon as he sees a regular customer parking their car or walking in the door, he starts making their coffee.
James brings a wealth of experience to Elli and Ivy, having worked as a chef for 29 years in restaurants such as Barolo in South Yarra and Café Florentine in Brighton as well as
James Adams and Denise Holschier, pictured at right, are committed to giving people the best possible experience in their café, Elli and Ivy, in Alexandra.
running his own café for several years in Hampton. Most recently, he worked as head chef at the exclusive Cathedral Lodge and Golf Course in Thornton. Although he has a soft spot for Italian food, he stresses that he loves cooking all cuisines and describes the food at Elli and Ivy as “modern Australian”.
James’ experience ensures he has a menu that features “tried and trusted” recipes , which may include dishes such as chilli scrambled eggs, smashed avocado, salmon benedict, open steak sandwich and superfood salad along with old favourites such as toasted sandwiches and eggs “your way” on toast. Weekly and seasonal specials, such as homemade soup in winter, also feature. To keep the food interesting, particularly for regular customers, James makes changes to the menu every three to four months.
Almost all the food served in the café is made on-site, including the muffins and croissants. This is a definite advantage when James is talking to customers about their choices.
“Knowing the food and understanding
the ingredients helps me gauge what people would like and enables me to steer them in the right direction.”
Although James loves cooking and is involved in designing the menu and preparing much of the food, he also employs a chef. This enables him to be front-of-house, talking to customers –something he also loves doing.
James hopes Elli and Ivy will soon be fully licensed, and then he plans to start offering a la carte dinners on Friday nights. At the moment, the café is only open during the day.
The café is very much a family affair. His partner, Denise, is a co-owner and, when not running her own massage studio, Moksha, across the road, works in the café. All of their six children have, at some stage, worked in the café, even if it’s only been for a shift or two. Even James’s five-year-old daughter has been involved, helping to set the tables. The café’s name, too, has family connections – Elli being the middle name of James’ late mother and Ivy the middle name of Denise’s mother.
James believes the hospitality business is good training for young people. “Even if they don’t want to do hospitality for life, just having that base with the work ethic and the emphasis on looking after customers and talking to customers is good in any job that they want to do.”
James trains his staff to go the extra mile for his customers whether it’s opening the door, checking that their meal is OK, providing two plates so that they can share a meal or offering a steak knife to cut their sourdough toast.
“These are little things but they say to customers that we care about you, we care about your experience. In the end, if people aren’t happy, they’re not going to come back, and so I want to try and make everyone who walks in the door feel special and cared about and become a regular.”
James came to Alexandra when a former boss, who was running the Corner Hotel, asked him to help out in the hotel over summer. James admits that prior to that moment, he didn’t know Alexandra existed. But it wasn’t long before he came to love the place
The Elli and Ivy café’s name has family connections – Elli being the middle name of James’ late mother and Ivy the middle name of Denise’s mother.
and wanted to stay. This was no doubt helped by the fact that he met his partner, Denise, who he describes as “the love of my life”, when they were both working at the Cathedral Lodge and Golf Course.
Perhaps surprisingly, James says he finds running his own, small café more taxing than preparing a multicourse meal for 120 guests in a fine dining restaurant. This is because he feels personally responsible for all aspects of the café.
“The weight’s on my shoulders,” he explains, “but I do love it. I couldn’t think of doing anything else at all. So, I think I’ll be doing this until I can’t walk anymore.”
Celebrity chefs will showcase their culinary skills on the day using local produce
Murrindindi Food and Wine Inc. is thrilled to announce the inaugural Murrindindi Harvest Celebration, set to take place on Saturday 16 November 2024, from 11am to 4pm at Yea Railway Park, Yea. This exciting new event aims to raise awareness and encourage the consumption of locally produced food and beverages, while also fostering sustainable practices within the community.
The Murrindindi Harvest Celebration will be a vibrant one-day showcase of the region’s finest produce, featuring food stalls, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and numerous opportunities to “Meet the Maker.” Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with agribusiness owners, be inspired by panel discussions, and enjoy demonstrations by local celebrity chefs.
Attendees on the day can meet the maker from a wide range of local produce and agribusinesses, including trout, truffles, eggs, honey, olive oil, and microgreens.
Watch celebrity chefs Thyago Rocha (MasterChef Brazil – Profissionais, Alexandra), Megan Knapp (The Kitchen Door, Mansfield), and Ross O’Meara (Wild Meat and Gourmet Farmer, Mansfield) showcase their culinary skills using local produce, complete with takeaway recipes. There will be Mini Hot Seats and workshops,
and opportunities to listen to discussions on topics such as sustainability, food waste, and regenerative farming. Learn from leading agribusinesses and producers who are innovating in this space.
Visit our market stall area to meet the producers, their suppliers, and our local community groups. Don’t forget to bring your own basket or reusable shopping bag so you can stock up on all the local goodies.
The festival offers a unique platform for attendees to connect with a diverse range of producers, suppliers, and local initiatives. It is an ideal setting for networking, business skill development, and community participation. Key topics will include solar energy, agribusiness waste, eco-friendly packaging, and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Want to be part of the celebration? Businesses and community groups can book a space via the website www.murrindindiharvestcelebration.com.au
Thyago Rocha
Megan Knapp
Ross O’Meara
Buxton Trout Farm – Mitch Macrae
Murrindindi Olive Grove
Rob Mitchell, President of Murrindindi Food and Wine Inc., shares his excitement: “Our region has longed for a showcase that brings together all our producers in one space. We are grateful for our local community-run markets that support our producers throughout the year. This celebration will provide a unique opportunity for networking and learning from each other’s successes in all aspects of agribusiness. We are looking forward to a day of celebration and community in Yea.”
The Murrindindi Harvest Celebration aims to:
• Increase awareness and consumption of locally produced food and beverages.
• Promote sustainable practices such as waste reduction and ecofriendly packaging.
• Foster local business collaboration, skill development, and resource sharing.
• Encourage minimal or zero waste at the event.
The Murrindindi Winemakers suggested hosting an event in Yea, and the concept quickly
gained support and funding. The Murrindindi Harvest Celebration is a culmination of these efforts, aiming to bring together producers, the local community, and visitors for a day of celebration.
Join us on 16 November at Yea Railway Park for a day of local food, fun, and festivities as we celebrate all that is Murrindindi.
Want to be part of the celebration? Businesses and community groups can find out more and book a space via the website www. murrindindiharvestcelebration. com.au
The Murrindindi Harvest Celebration is proudly supported by the Vic Grown – Regional Activation Grants Program (RAGP), the Murrindindi Shire Council, and funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Toms Paddock Eggs
Buxton Black Truffles
Flowerdale Farm
BYO your shopping bag
Dindi Bee Supplies
Yea Show Highlights
By Elaine White
The Yea Show on Saturday 23 November is going against the trend for rural agricultural shows by growing bigger and better every year. The Show’s motto is “Country Excellence” and it proudly showcases all that is the best in the farming community, including the skills around the homestead in cooking, crafts and horticulture. The Central Victorian Axemen’s Association will once again run a Championship Woodchop at the Yea Show. All ages can enjoy the new Virtual Reality Gaming with 10 headsets available and hundreds of games to choose from.
The beautifully restored heritage grandstand is fully occupied during the afternoon as the arena becomes the entertainment focus of the day with the Royal Australian Navy Covers/ Rock Band belting out two toe-tapping performances, the ever-popular Dog High Jump, the Young Farmers Challenge, children’s dog races and much more.
Two of the farming highlights are the prestigious Yea Cattle Show featuring not only our local stud champions but cattle coming in from all over Victoria and Southern NSW. For many years
the Yea Cattle Show has been the biggest showing of cattle outside the Melbourne Royal. It includes the highly contested Heifer Challenge on the Friday evening followed on Show Day by the stud beef cattle including Stud Cattle Junior Judges and Stud Cattle Junior Parader challenges and a strong Vealer Competition.
The Northern Region Sheep Yard Dog Association showcases these highly trained and intelligent working dogs and finishes with the final of “The Yea Cup” Challenge which incorporates winners from four local shows, Seymour, Euroa, Alexandra and Yea. Competitors come from all over Victoria and Southern NSW for this prestigious award.
The fleece section will incorporate sheep shearing demonstrations and local spinners will be happy to showcase their age-old craft. An excellent and comprehensive six-ring horse program on the arena presents a spectacular display of expertly groomed and trained horses and horsemanship. Dairy goats and poultry are popular events also.
Static displays of farm machinery and related products plus market stalls provide extra interest. A variety of foods will be available in the pavilion
including Devonshire teas. Other entertainment throughout the day includes children’s show rides, baby animals on display throughout the showgrounds, children’s pet show, demonstrations by Yea Primary School’s award winning skipping team and our local line dancers.
New and enthusiastic stewards in the pavilion sections have seen massive changes in location, variety and added interest. In cookery, prominent business leaders in Yea enthusiastically vie in the ‘men’s chocolate cake baking challenge’, you can enjoy a cuppa while you admire the entries and take home a delicious preserve or two.
The horticulture section always has a beautiful display of flowers and vegetables and now encompasses displays by the local pottery and garden clubs. The newly renovated pavilion at the showgrounds will display the incredible and exquisite sewing, knitting, and many other handcrafts which are always a highlight of the Show.
The 107th Yea Show will be held on Saturday 23 November 2024. Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) $35, adults $17, seniors/concession $12, secondary students $5, under 12 free.
The winning jump in the Dog High Jump – 2.2 metres.
Fishing for fun and prizes at Yea Show 2023.
Powered & unpowered grass sites
Cabin & motel accomodation
Direct river access
Undercover electric barbecues
Children’s playground
Swimming pool
Well behaved pets allowed
Well behaved pets allowed bookings@thorntoncp.com.au T. 03 5773 2305 1288 Goulburn Valley Highway, Thornton Vic www.thorntonriverbendholidaypark.com.au
Yea Riverside Caravan Park offers great accommodation located on the banks of the picturesque Yea River.
With a choice of brand new two-bedroom villas or studio units that come equipped with air conditioning and kitchen facilities or powered and unpowered caravan sites, you’ll have a pleasant holiday at a price that will fit your budget.
Free Wi-Fi | Pet Friendly (sites only) | Guest Pool
A quiet and tranquil park situated on the banks of the Goulburn River and Acheron Valley. Your choice of riverside shady campsites. Riverfront 2BR & 3BR cabins with beautiful views and 1BR ensuites, together with long-term annual holiday sites.
A place of quiet enjoyment A place of quiet enjoyment
Escape to nature at Molesworth
Escape to nature at Molesworth
Caravan Park and Recreation Reserve!
Caravan Park and Recreation Reserve!
Experience the perfect getaway, nestled along the Goulburn river. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a family looking to relax, our park offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Why choose Molesworth caravan park?
• Prime location: direct access to the beautiful Goulburn river with our boat ramp, known for its serene waters and abundant fish.
• Fishing season: the fishing season is about to kick off (sat 7th of September), making it the perfect time to catch a variety of fish including trout, red fin and perch.
• Comfortable amenities: enjoy spacious camping sites, nice facilities and a friendly community atmosphere.
• Activities for all: besides fishing, explore nearby hiking trails, the rail trail or simply unwind in natures tranquillity.
Book your stay now and make the most of the upcoming fishing season.
Molesworth caravan park – where great catches and great memories await!
A juvenile broad-toothed rat. It’s easy to see in this photo why people liken them to guinea pigs.
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. Below: Although sometimes spotted in daylight hours, broad-toothed rats are mostly nocturnal and tend to shelter in grass nests under logs or thick vegetation during the day.
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Broad-toothed rats
Q&A with Dr Chris Wacker
Broad-toothed rats (Mastacomys fuscus) have been dubbed Australia’s guinea pigs – a moniker that sums up their round faces, stout bodies, and placid demeanour. Their chubby cheeks house wide molars (hence ‘broad-toothed’), which are used to grind tough grasses. They grow to around 15-20 centimetres in length – if you don’t count the short-ish tail they sport – and have a dense, soft coat that ranges from chocolate-coloured to greybrown.
The State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams (SWIFFT) list broadtoothed rats among the vulnerable mammals of the Murrindindi Shire. However, with a lack of effective monitoring across Victoria, it’s difficult to know the exact status of our local population.
Being lesser-known natives, an important step towards their recovery is raising public awareness of broad-
toothed rats. To help with this, Dr Chris Wacker kindly shares her expertise on these sweet little aussies in the following Q&A. Dr Wacker is an ecophysiologist (she studies how animals are able to live where they do) who completed a postdoctoral fellowship researching broad-toothed rats in Kosciuszko National Park and is now an adjunct lecturer at the University of New England. Read on to find out what she has to say about our lovable native guinea pigs.
What makes the broad-toothed rat interesting?
The broad-toothed rat was once widespread across southeastern Australia but now only exists in isolated populations. Some of these populations are in the Australian Alps, where, in winter, they live in tunnel-like runways through the vegetation under the snow. The snow settles on the vegetation, creating a space (subnivean space) between the ground and the layer of
Photo: Magnus Kjaergaard, CC BY 3.0 <https://
Photo: Magnus Kjaergaard, CC BY 3.0 <https://
Above: The broad-toothed rat has a dense, soft coat – perfect for keeping warm in the
temperature habitats
to Museums Victoria, the coat can sometimes have a green tinge due to the presence of algae.
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons snow. The snow keeps the temperature in the tunnels stable, and the animals spend their winters mostly active and out of sight. When the snow melts, the rats start breeding, so their life cycle is tied to the climate cycle.
How are broad-toothed rats faring in the Murrindindi Shire region?
They were in that area but have not been sighted for about 15 years. However, in other places where we thought the rat was locally extinct, they are being discovered again – which is truly exciting, so you never know! The problem is that not many people study native rodents, as research into native Australian rodents is, sadly, one of the least funded research areas.
What
is their role in the ecosystem?
Like many native rodents, the broadtoothed rat is an ecosystem engineer; other little mammals, such as the native bush rat and marsupial dusky antechinus, also use the runways the broad-toothed rat creates. Being a herbivore, the broad-toothed rat distributes seeds from the grasses it eats throughout its habitat.
Although they’re undeniably cute,
they seem to have a lower profile than other native vulnerable or endangered species, so why do you think this is the case?
They do, and it’s all because of the word ‘rat’ in their name. The broad-toothed rat is an Australian native rodent. Many Australians don’t realise we even have native rodents; they think the word rodent is synonymous with invasive and harmful. But Australia has about 60 native rodent species, and they are incredibly diverse in how they look and where they live.
There has been some lobbying to call the broad-toothed rat by an Indigenous name instead; however, because they are found in different regions where different languages were used, it would be difficult to do this. We need to remove the stigma from the word ‘rat’ and get people to care about our native rodents regardless of what we call them. Do you have any practical tips for people to support broad-toothed rats?
The biggest threats to the broadtoothed rat are cats, foxes, horses and pigs. The cats and foxes eat the rats, and the pigs and horses damage the ground,
so different plants grow, not just the ones the rats like. People need to support governments and organisations that support the care of these areas and habitats.
The ski industry is also problematic. Much of the snow people are skiing on in Australia is made using snow machines. When that ‘snow’ melts, it introduces a lot of extra water into the environment, again changing the type of vegetation that grows, meaning the rats don’t have as much vegetation to eat and live in, so their habitat continues to contract (reduce).
It’s also a great idea for people to get to know the mammal species they live amongst. So many of our small marsupials and rodents are threatened because people kill anything small, grey and furry assuming it is a feral rat or mouse.
To find out more about broad-toothed rats, you can read Dr Wacker’s piece on The Conversation (just type ‘broadtoothed rat’ into the site’s search function). Australian Geographic and Museums Victoria also have informative pieces on these chubby-cheeked critters.
lower
it prefers. According
Photo: Catching The Eye, CC BY 2.0 <https://
ABOUT US
Navy Blue Planning provides urban and regional planning services. With offices in Alexandra and Melbourne, we are currently assisting clients in Murrindindi Shire and more broadly across Victoria with residential, commercial, and industrial planning approvals.
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Above: Adult southern boobook owl in close-up. Photo: Will Brown, CC BY 2.0 <https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.
Right: Juvenile Australian boobook with dark eye patches and pale breast.Photo: Jean and Fred Hort, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Boobook Owls:
often heard but rarely seen
by Carol Hopkins
At some stage, almost all of us would have heard the characteristic, two-note hoot of the Australian boobook owl echoing through the night. The call, which sounds like “boobook”, has given the owl its name. Some people, however, think the call sounds more like “mo-poke” and this has given rise to its other name – the mopoke. The owls call from sunset to dawn, often for several hours at a time, and can be heard up to a kilometre away. They call to make contact with other
owls, mark their territory and, in the breeding season, to attract mates, and it’s not uncommon to hear owls echoing each other’s calls. Although the two-note hoot is their most identifiable call, they also use grunts, croaks, trills and even purring to communicate with their mates or their young, and growls, yelps or screeches to scare away intruders.
The Australian boobook (formerly known as the Southern boobook) is our country’s smallest owl with females being slightly larger and heavier than males. In appearance,
it is predominantly brown with a scattering of white spots on its back and heavy, brown-and-white, vertical streaking on its breast. It also has large, pale-rimmed “goggles” bordering darker patches around its eyes. The legs are fully feathered and the feet are grey or yellow. Juveniles have lighter coloured breasts and darker eye patches and do not attain their adult plumage until their third or fourth year.
These owls are found throughout Australia, although they tend to be less common in the drier, inland areas of the continent. They can be found in a range of environments – dense forest, open woodland, lightly timbered farming country, pine forests and even urban areas where there are scattered trees.
Like most owls, the Australian boobook hunts mainly at night although they are sometimes out and about at dusk and dawn. Although their diet mainly consists of insects such as moths, grasshoppers, spiders and beetles they are extremely fond of mice and have also been known to include bats, birds, ringtail possums and rabbits in their meals. They can capture their prey onthe-wing or by swooping and pouncing on them from a perch.
Breeding takes place from July to February, peaking in October and November in Victoria. The owls make their nests in tree hollows, which they may leave bare or line with wood shavings, leaves and small twigs. The hollows are generally located in eucalypts and may be used by the species for up to 20 years. To get the best hollow, the owls may sometimes evict other birds such as galahs. Once the ideal hollow has been procured, the female owl lays two to three white, oval eggs which she incubates, on her own, for 30 days or more, relying on the male to bring her food. After the chicks hatch, both parents get involved in feeding the young, which are ready to fledge after 5–6 weeks, although they usually remain with the adults for further 2–4 months before dispersing.
The Australian boobook has been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of “least concern” because of its large range and stable population. However, some decline in numbers has been noted in an area north of Perth where
owls have died after eating rodents killed with second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) – in other words, the newer types of rat poison. A similar, concerning finding was described in a 2023 study of dead owls and tawny frogmouths by researchers from Deakin University. Out of 60 birds tested, 92% showed they had been exposed to rat poisons and the concentrations of SGARs were at lethal levels in 33% of powerful owls, 42% of Australian boobook owls, 68% of tawny frogmouths and 80% of barn owls.
Brodifacoum is the most common form of SGAR in Australia, but any product that lists bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone or flucoumafen as an active ingredient is harmful. Unfortunately,
SGARs can be easily purchased at supermarkets and other outlets. SGARs are deemed to be more effective than first-generation rat poisons because they are very toxic and only require one dose to kill a rodent. However, the rodent may take several days to die. In this time, it is possible for owls, tawny frogmouths and raptors to consume a large number of poisoned mice and rats and thus accumulate lethal doses of this substance in their bodies. There is now pressure on governments to restrict or ban the sale of SGARs and so protect birds like the Australian boobook from harm. In the meantime, we can all do our bit by not using these poisons in and around our homes and, instead, opt for using traps, mesh and repellants to control vermin.
Adult Australian boobook. Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www. jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Saturday 9 November 2024
YEA SHOW
Saturday 23 November 2024 107th YEA
Recreational Reserve, Snodgrass Street, Yea
Royal Australian Navy Rock Band in Concert
8am4pm
Virtual Reality Gaming for all Ages YEA CATTLE SHOW including Heifer Challenge biggest cattle event outside Melbourne Show
• Crafts, Photography, Horticulture, Cooking, Classic Cars, Farm Machinery All the fun of show rides and showbags for
•
•
•
Pre-loved, affordably priced books and magazines which you can peruse at your leisure in a comfortable reading area
Opening hours Mon 11.30am-3pm, Tues & Wed by chance or appointment Thurs and Fri 11.30am-4pm Sat and Sun 10.30am-5pm
Catherine Wherry and Jeremy Morrison Ph 0400 418 139 or 0488 353 940 6591 Maroondah Highway Yarck books.at.yarck@gmail.com
Start and end your rail trail experience at the Timber Tramway. Train rides, kids’ activities and refreshments
BIKE HIRE
• 20 powered • 50 unpowered sites available for caravans, campers and motorhomes in a quiet location great for rest and relaxation
• Toilets • Showers • Laundry • Drinking water • Dump point • Power hookups
• Children’s
Station Street, Alexandra Heritage Train Rides: 2nd Saturday & 4th Sunday OPEN 10am to 4pm
Group bookings very welcome Ph 0427 509 988 www.alexandratramway.org.au
Shelters: beside the Goulburn River between Tallarook and Goulburn Valley Highway, Goulburn River near Kerrisdale, Cheviot Tunnel, Eglington Cutting, Merton Gap, Woodfield Station and Olivers Road Mansfield.
BBQs available at Tallarook, Yea, Alexandra, Bonnie Doon and Mansfield.
Public toilets as indicated on map and also located at Tallarook, Yea, Yarck, Alexandra, Bonnie Doon and Mansfield.
A walk down the garden path
Yea Garden Expo 21 & 22 Spetember
The Rotary Club is again hosting its popular Yea Garden Expo, on the weekend of 21 and 22 September, from 9am to 3pm each day.
The Yea Garden Expo timing is perfect for gardeners who are busy preparing their gardens for spring colour, providing an opportunity to view a host of gardenrelated products. (Along with human gardeners, their canine companions are also welcome so long as they’re kept on leads).
Close to 70 vendors will be on site with exhibits ranging from bulbs, seeds, seedlings, flowering plants, and trees, to garden tools and equipment, garden art and ornaments, compost,
Kerry Tull and Kelly Wilsmore enjoying last year’s garden expo. fertilisers and more. There is even a plant creche where purchases can be safely left until ready for pick up on departure.
Visitors get bang for their buck with the $10 entry fee, which includes free parking. There are also plenty of food options available throughout the day, including egg and bacon rolls for the early starters, a gourmet barbecue, homemade soups and Devonshire teas, Indian
food, and coffee vans.
The popular speaker program runs daily, offering a chance to rest tired feet while learning something new about gardening. Topics will vary but are sure to be of interest, and this year’s program features Craig Castree, who will be on hand to answer questions.
The Yea Garden Expo is held at the Yea Saleyards site (Flat Lead Road), just off the
Yea-Whittlesea Road, a few kilometres on the south side of Yea. The site is flat, sealed and easily accessible. To check out the vendors present or for more details visit either of the websites www.yeagardenexpo.com. au or www.yearotary.org.au and/or keep up to date via Facebook (Yea Garden Expo). Tickets may be purchased at the gate or prebooked via www.trybooking.com/ CQSGD
Garden lovers, come be inspired. Above: One of the
Alexandra & District Open Gardens
26 & 27 October
In its 34th year, the Alexandra & District Open Gardens is bringing you nine diverse gardens over the weekend of 26 and 27 October. All gardens will be open between 10am to 4pm.
A focus this year is country gardens with seven located across Buxton, Taggerty, Acheron, Yarck and Thornton. Two town gardens will be in Alexandra, conveniently located next door to each other.
At each garden, you will find additional interesting attractions. There will be coffee and food at some gardens, and sculptures, craft and plants on offer for sale. And for something different, one of the Buxton gardens will have Pans on Fire performing on the Sunday at 11am and 1pm.
This year there are four
gardens that will be open to the public for the first time. Two are located at Buxton, one at Taggerty and the other at Acheron.
Three of these gardens are quite young, showing what can be done in a relatively short time. Starting with little more than a paddock, impressive gardens have been created with love, blood, sweat and tears in less than a decade.
Also included this year is Attunga Gardens in Thornton, which is a beautifully designed garden by well-known Australian landscape architect and designer Paul Bangay. Over the last four years, extensive new gardens at this property have been designed and established.
At Marian Rennie’s garden in Acheron there will be Ways to the Future, featuring a series of guest speakers presenting on sustainability.
You will be inspired by the diverse creativity of the garden owners, the planning, planting and constantly making changes to their gardens. The owners have spent many hours creating a special place for themselves, friends and family.
These garden owners have been very generous in opening and sharing their gardens for you to visit and enjoy. You may spot the birds, bees and butterflies that are attracted to these gardens on a regular basis, enjoying the nectar-giving flowers.
Visit www. alexandraopengardens. com.au for a map of all the gardens and detailed descriptions of what you can see at each one. There will be a few surprises waiting for you.
Cost of entry to the open gardens is $5 per person for an individual garden or $40
per person for an all-garden pass. Tickets are available on the weekend at each garden gate (cash only as there are no card payment facilities). You can also purchase an all-gardens weekend pass through TryBooking.com on the website or using the QR code are in the advertisement on page 42.
Alexandra & District Open Gardens look forward to seeing you on the weekend at these gardens. Come … be inspired!
Yea Rotary Open Gardens 9 & 10 November 2024
Open Gardens in Yea bring you the opportunity for a marvellous tour of gardens located along Murrindindi Road, many with frontages to the Murrindindi River. There are also a couple of special town gardens to visit in Yea township.
Wander through orchards, some having been there for years, others having
inspirational gardens at 5 Perkins Street, Alexandra opening on 26 and 27 October.
A room within the garden at ‘Kingsmere Park’ which will be open for the Yea and District Open Gardens on 9 and 10 November.
been grown from seed saved over many years. See gardens planned and grown specifically to supply food.
Some gardens feature fabulous trees of elms or oaks that are over 100 years old. In others, you’ll see sequoias, Mexican pines and mahogany gums among many other carefully chosen trees. In a garden planted in the 1950s as part of 600 acres and woodlands, you’ll
find spruce, Chinese elms and Japanese maples used as highlights in the garden. There’s the option to walk along the river in some of the gardens, and you can even enjoy refreshments at a favourite family picnic spot.
One garden was established by a qualified botanist with seeds collected on her travels before World War II. It features plants from all over the world. Another garden
has over 350 roses, most of which have been gifted to the owner. This garden has been recreated over just four years and includes a croquet field.
In some gardens, owners are offering plants or seeds for sale and others are offering refreshments. Be sure to pick up your garden guide at the first garden you visit so you’ll have all the information to hand.
Throughout your tour, you’ll be amazed by the variety of sculptures, rockwork (including rock walls) and the individual touches created to meet a purpose, solve a challenge or simply create something beautiful for everyone to experience. Enjoy!
More information P: 0407 096 128 E: tickslife@bigpond. com W: https://www. yearotary.org.au/
SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2PM
Harnessing hemp Revolutionising Australia’s Building Industry
By Holly Rennie
In recent years, hemp has emerged as a versatile and sustainable solution across various industries, particularly in agriculture and construction across the world. Australia, with its diverse climate and agricultural landscapes, stands to capitalise on the multitude of benefits that hemp can offer, especially in regions prone to bushfires.
In Australia, growing hemp is legal under regulations. Hemp is cultivated for its biomass (fibre and hurd) and grain, which have found use internationally in textiles, food products, and importantly, construction/building materials. The fibre component of the hemp stalk is ideal for manufacturing biodegradable plastics, paper, and eco-friendly construction materials. One of the most promising applications of hemp is in the building industry as a timber replacement.
Hemp presents a lucrative alternative crop for Australian farmers especially with its short growth cycle of three months compared to its timber counterpart, which takes decades to mature and is becoming more and more scarce around the world. Australian farmers can contribute significantly to a greener, more sustainable future by embracing hemp. It is estimated that one hectare of hemp can absorb 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare, giving it the potential to offset carbon emissions from other sectors within Australia.
As a building material, hemp has many desirable properties, including excellent thermal insulation with its ability to regulate humidity and temperature, high breathability, and fire resistance. This last attribute is especially pertinent in Australia’s bushfireprone areas, where traditional building materials can exacerbate fire risks.
(In conjunction with the Alexandra and District Open Gardens) OPEN FORUM AT MARIAN RENNIE GALLERY
132 Breakaway Road, Acheron
Joost Bakker of Hexcore and Future Food Systems and Peter Burgess of Rainbow Bee Eater, experts in biomass and future sustainability, will hold an open forum to discuss future growth possibilities in agriculture and the building industry for coming generations.
Hemp being cultivated for its fibre, hurd (the inner woody fibers of the hemp plant), and grain. Hemp has a short growth cycle of three months which makes it a lucrative alternative crop for Australian farmers.
Above: hemp baled in preparation for processing.
Top right: mature hemp plants which can grow from three to six metres high. Right: processed hurd ready to be converted into building products.
A leader in the hemp space is Agrico Produce in Hillston NSW who have spent the last three years developing growing and harvesting techniques for hemp and can now fully decorticate the hurd and fibre. This makes Agrico a leader in the hemp space, with the ability to provide raw hemp materials for animal bedding, the building industry and bioplastic industry, helping Australia produce a more sustainable and green future.
In March 2024, the CSIRO, in collaboration with a Hexcore partner Joost Bakker, successfully simulated a firestorm with a building made from hemp – window frames, doors, structural beam replacements, and timber stud 4x2 alternatives. The 45-minute test started at 100 degrees Celsius and gradually reached 1100 degrees, peaking at 1200 degrees for the last two-and-a-half minutes. Despite
the extreme heat outside, the hemp building’s internal temperature did not exceed 32 degrees. For comparison, that is three times longer than the Black Saturday fire front where maximum temperatures of flames reached 1100 degrees.
Towns throughout the Murrindindi Shire would benefit highly from the fire-retardant properties of hemp due to its location and climate. The area’s susceptibility to bushfires necessitates stringent building standards aimed at enhancing fire resistance and safety.
Despite its many benefits, the hemp industry in Australia faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles and limited infrastructure for processing hemp. However, with growing awareness of sustainability issues and increasing demand for eco-friendly products, the future looks promising. Government support, investment in research, and
development of processing facilities are crucial to unlocking hemp’s full potential.
Hemp represents a shift in sustainable agriculture and construction in Australia. From providing farmers with a profitable alternative to enhancing building resilience in bushfire-prone areas, its versatility and eco-friendly credentials make it a cornerstone of the green economy. By fostering innovation in processing technologies and expanding market opportunities for hemp-derived products, Australia can position itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture while creating new economic opportunities for rural and regional communities. Hemp offers multifaceted benefits that align with the country’s long-term agricultural and environmental goals.
Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge
By Peter Burtchell
The Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge once again returned to Lake Eildon in May raising much needed funds for local charities and Variety the Children’s Charity. Anglers had the freedom to bait or lure fish nonstop for the two days and nights of the competition.
The committee thanked all competitors and congratulated all the winners of the 2024 competition. There were 11 Murray cod caught over one metre in length which was a great result. A big thank you went out to all sponsors and staff, without them the event would not be possible.
Total competitors were 228 (186 seniors, 42 juniors) with a total of 210 fish being caught (42 Murray cod, 14 golden perch, 146 trout, 24 redfin and 4 carp).
If you are up to the 2025 Challenge, to be conducted from 16 to 18 May, mark your diary and make your way to Lake Eildon for a weekend of fishing, competition and entertainment. Boatel accommodation is available on the lake and foreshore camping at the Jerusalem Creek Marina, or you can book a houseboat with lakeeildonhouseboathire.com or
check out other camping and hotel accommodation around Eildon.
Bring the family along and have a crack, there will be heaps of prizes for both kids and adults and even if you don’t catch a fish, you can still sit back and take in the serenity of beautiful Lake Eildon.
Details of the event can be obtained via the website lakeeildonfishingchallenge. com or Facebook page Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge.
The competition is open to bait and or lure angling with or without a boat. The prize categories for the longest fish captured and released include Murray cod, yellowbelly, brown trout and rainbow trout and there are also junior prize categories to be won for the up and coming junior anglers.
Over past events the off-lake entertainment has been well received by competitors. Friday evening a safety and fishing brief will be conducted at the 501 Café located at 501 Jerusalem Creek Road, Eildon. Saturday evening will see the annual auction in full swing and midday Sunday presentations will once again be hosted at Café 501.
Brett McLaughlin, the competition’s
founder, praised the efforts of all sponsors and those who have contributed their time, energy and funds into making the competition such a success in previous years. A complete list of past and current sponsors can be found on the Challenge’s website.
Bruce Vance the proprietor of the Jerusalem Creek Marina and Holiday Park thanked the efforts of all organisers, sponsors and participants in his address to the 2024 Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge on behalf of Variety as captain of Variety Bash Car 501.
“[On] behalf of Variety the children’s charity, a heartfelt thank you. These funds will go a long way to assist children who do not have the same opportunities as most. Last year [the] fund raising efforts provided equipment to help children with their mobility, like wheelchairs, and walking aids, rare and expensive medical equipment and services including insulin pumps, wigs, feeds, oxygen pumps [as well as going towards] technology, programs and scholarships that help children unlock all the joys of education and communication. Thank you so much and I look forward to even a bigger and better event next year,” Bruce Vance, Variety Bash - Car 501.
A massive Murray cod caught at the 2024 Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge.
Spring Picnic Racing in Murrindindi Spring Picnic Racing in Murrindindi
Get ready for a racing experience like no other! For the first time in picnic racing history, Yea Racing kicks off the 2024/2025 season with their Spring Spectacular on Caulfield Cup Day, Saturday 19 October. The excitement doesn’t stop there – just one week later on Saturday 26 October the Alexandra Racing Club hosts their annual Cox Plate Day meeting.
With over 120 years of racing tradition, both Yea and Alexandra are bringing the thrill of picnic racing to the forefront. Picture this: real racing action with part-time jockeys, many of whom are track riders for top trainers, and horses that have competed in town or on the provincial circuit. The six races offer heartpounding excitement, and you’ll get to see the horses up close, making it a day at the races you won’t forget. It’s not just about the racing – these events are crafted
for unforgettable family fun! Get ready for the Yea Spring Spectacular, where racing meets the excitement of a carnavale! Join us for a day when the track comes alive with vibrant roving entertainers adding a festive flair to the racing action. Enjoy free activities like inflatables, pony rides, and face painting for the kids, plus family-friendly prices on food and drinks provided by local not-for-profit organisations such as APEX and primary schools. Or bring your own picnic and drinks to enjoy under the open sky – that’s what picnic racing is all about!
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, pre-wedding event, or just gathering with friends and family, these race days have become a beloved tradition for many. Mark your calendars and join us in Yea and Alexandra for a great day of racing in the country. We can’t wait to welcome you to the magic of Spring Picnic Racing!
All Too Creedy (inside) won this race, from last years winner Willetts (outside). All Too Creedy is trained in Seymour by Don Dwyer and ridden by leading picnic rider Don Dwyer.
Residential & Respite Care
Caring for the community
Darlingford is a lovely residential aged care facility that accommodates residents with a variety of care needs including permanent, respite, and dementia care. Darlingford provides a secure home environment, surrounded by more than 3acres of beautiful gardens and land, which is also enjoyed by native birds and kangaroos. Our qualified and passionate staff understand, respect and support the needs of residents and their families.
All inclusive services:
• Registered nurse on site 24 hours a day
• State government nurse/patient ratio in place
• Meals are prepared and cooked fresh on-site
• Cappuccino machine available for residents and visitors
• Personal clothing is laundered on-site
• All rooms have ensuite bathrooms
• Group and individual activities – including vegetable garden
• On-site entertainment, external outings and cultural celebrations
• Allied health consultants available: Physiotherapist, Geriatrician, Dietician, speech therapist, hearing and dental services, podiatrist, occupational therapist, social worker.
• 7 double rooms ideal for couples, 37 single rooms
• Aged Care Assessment is required
Strengthspan: Lifelong strong
By Emily Friedel
Lately, the potential to extend human life has been a hot topic in the mainstream media, with stories of billionaire biohackers like Bryan Johnson going to extremes to cheat death. However, any discussion of longer lifespans should also consider how quality of life can be enhanced as we age. For this reason, the ‘strengthspan’ may be an important piece of the longevity puzzle.
The new concept of strengthspan was described in an editorial piece published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in May this year. The authors defined strengthspan as a continuous, objective measurement of physical strength (e.g., using functional strength tests) over a person’s entire life. They argued that participating in muscle strength activities at all stages of life is important to enhance the strengthspan, and this, in turn, will promote better health and wellbeing outcomes across the lifespan.
Having a certain level of strength is advantageous at any age. For example, being strong enough for rough-and-tumble play with other kids or to participate comfortably in sports not only allows children to perform these activities and reduces their risk of injury, but it also allows them to tap into the associated social and psychological benefits. Any adult who has had to move house under their own steam understands the benefits of being strong enough to lift furniture without putting their back out. But mundane, everyday activities such as opening a jar, lowering oneself into a chair, or putting a log on the fire also require some strength.
Importantly, the editorial’s authors argue that strength in any given life stage is affected by strength in the preceding stages. That is, childhood activities could ultimately impact the strength required for functionality and independent living in older age, both of which will affect quality of life. Strength in one stage can potentially influence the next through a variety of mechanisms, such as developing a level of physical competency and confidence – children who are not confident with strength-based movements may avoid them, leading to a cycle of them being less able and less inclined to perform these movements as they grow older.
Muscular strength activities encompass much more than just lifting dumbells at the gym, and there are so many options that almost everyone should be able to find something that is both developmentally appropriate and enjoyable. For kids, this might be climbing in a playground, digging a big hole in the sandpit, jumping off a log, a tug-of-war with the family dog, or a more structured strength-builder like a martial arts class. Adults of all ages also have these options (if they don’t feel too self-conscious making the most of play equipment at the local
park) as well as heavy weight training, depending on their physical capabilities and preferences.
Whatever your age, it’s worth finding activities that build strength and incorporating them into your lifestyle on a regular basis. Improving your strengthspan and living stronger at all stages of life may not only mean living longer, but it may also be one of the key contributors to living better.
Mon to Fri from 9am-5.30pm & Sat from 9am-12.30pm 101 Grant Street, Alexandra
The Photo Lab within the Alexandra Community Pharmacy has a state of the art digital kiosks.
For After Hour Emergencies Only: Aju Thomas – 0413 072 677 afterhours emergencies weekdays only Ian Davis – 5772 2185 or 0409 354 782 Visit www.alexandrapharmacy.com.au for a full list of products & services provided or call 5772 2153 to speak to our trained staff
Alexandra: 0491 641 474
0491 641 474
Alexandra Optical 106 Grant St Alexandra Wednesday: 9am-5pm or by appointment
Mansfield Optical 30c High St Mansfield Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9am-5pm or by appointment
A walk to remember A walk to remember
Save the date, readers! Coming up soon on the Sunday 8 September will be the annual Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk. The motto of this year’s walk is ‘Pause, Reflect and Remember’.
Our participants walk to honour the memory of those friends and family members who we have lost to suicide.
The Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk was founded in 2021 by Jacky Gilbee and a committee of dedicated and passionate volunteers who wanted to create a grassroots mental health initiative to help support their community with an opportunity to come together and support others left behind after a suicide. Over 100 people took part last year and we expect to triple that number this year.
Registration for the walk is at 8.30am at Yea Railway Station. This year’s walk is followed by World Suicide Prevention Day which falls on 10 September each year.
Jacky will kick the event off with a talk on how the walk began. Guest speakers will talk about their own personal experiences and what’s available to assist us moving forward.
Last year’s speakers were highly commended for both speaking with genuine understanding and empathy about their own experience of suicide of a loved one as well as providing information about various new organisations, mental health outreach programs and several support agencies.
The walk begins around 10am after the guest speakers and honour roll read by Cindy McLeish, MP. It continues to the
2 Twin Rail Trail Bridges closest to Melba Highway where a 50-metre banner is displayed for all to see, and concludes back at the Railway Park where Rotary will be hosting a free sausage sizzle for participants.
It’s a long leisurely walk and we encourage everyone to bring a buddy along even if that is a doggy buddy who we know bring us so much support and love.
Please contact us if you would like to donate, offer sponsorship or volunteer to help out on the day as well as register your participation through our website gvsag.org.au. Also be sure to follow us on Facebook: Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group “GVSAG”.
We hope to see lots of you on the second Sunday in September!
Star-quality pet portraits
by Carol Hopkins
Just about everyone who owns a pet has at least a few photos of them, usually snapped with a smartphone. And that’s where the photos tend to stay – in the photo library of their phones. But Laurie Tinson from Pixfinder Photography believes beloved pets deserve star-quality photographic portraits that can be placed with pride on the walls of your home. The good news is, you don’t have to go to a studio or pay hefty fees to get a pet portrait that rivals those of movie and music stars.
Since early 2022, Laurie has been bringing his photographic skills to community markets, initially in Ferntree Gully but now in Yea, Healesville and Whittlesea. All you need to do is come along to the market, find the Pixfinder Photograhy stall, and Laurie has all the backgrounds, props and lighting equipment to make your pet look like a star. As Laurie explains, “I carry around with me props that I can mix and match depending on the type and size of the dog.”
Photographic sessions usually take about half-an-hour during which time Laurie may take up to 40 shots. There is no need to book, but depending on how busy he is on the day, you may need to wait.
“I tell people when they are waiting to come in that it’s going take a little while, they need to have patience and not stress their dog out. When a dog is stressed, it’s ears go down, its shoulders go up and you cannot get a good photo, it will not happen. I encourage people to offer lots of treats, giggles, pats and smiles. It’s got to be fun.”
Amazingly, Laurie doesn’t charge for his photographic sessions at markets. Instead, after a week, he sends you a link to an online gallery with a selection of the best portraits of your pet. If you like what you see you can download the entire gallery for a fee of $45. You can then elect to print the portraits yourself or order an A3 poster print for an additional $35 or a large, stretch canvas print starting from $115 from Pixfinder’s online store. If, in the unlikely event that you don’t like the portraits, and don’t want to take things any further, there is no cost to you. Laurie isn’t too worried about this very generous
Laurie Tinson from Pixfinder Photography believes beloved pets deserve star-quality photographic portraits that can be placed with pride on the walls of your home.
Although taking pet portraits at markets is Laurie’s main business, he will also take photos on location at parks, farms or in your own home.
offer because, as he says, “I have a very high success rate in selling the portrait galleries.”
Although taking pet portraits at markets is Laurie’s main business, he will also take photos on location at parks, farms or in your own home. A home visit is particularly useful if you have a pet who is very timid, doesn’t like to travel in a car or is unwell. There is a charge for “on location” photography.
Regardless of where Laurie takes the photo, it is only a small part of the work he undertakes to get the best possible portrait of your pet. After uploading the images to his computer, he estimates he spends four to five hours on each portrait gallery, carefully selecting the best images and then editing them to ensure they are of star-quality.
“I can only do two portrait galleries a day,” Laurie says. “I do nothing else. I just sit at the computer from 6.30am to 6.30pm until I’m satisfied I have the best possible images.”
Laurie can also help if someone’s pet has already passed away and all they have as a visual reminder is a basic snapshot taken on their smartphone. If people email the photo to him, he is able to enhance the image to the extent that it can be successfully printed in a large format and hung on the wall.
Laurie hasn’t always focused on pet portraits. When he first started Pixfinder Photography in 2017 he was mostly taking photos of motor sports including bikes, cars and mud buggies. However, he found that “taking 300 to 500 photos of cars going up, down and around circuits” didn’t give him much scope to be creative. So, he began taking dynamic portraits of riders with their bikes in the pits. This, in turn, led him on to general portraits of individuals and families both in a studio and at markets.
In time, however, he discovered that more people wanted photos of their dogs than of their families. “Unfortunately,
Although pet portraits are now the backbone of Laurie Tinson’s business he is available to take on other projects such as landscapes.
people prefer to have their dog on the wall rather than their grandma or children,” Laurie explains.
Although pet portraits are now the backbone of his business, Laurie also takes on other projects. For example, a client in Healesville recently asked him to take photos of the local landscape so that they could hang stretched canvas prints of these scenes on the walls of their B&B. Laurie enjoys landscape photography because he says he finds it to be “so peaceful and serene” and is looking forward to taking more shots of the beautiful environments in the Murrindindi and Yarra Ranges shires.
Laurie notes that, like most creative people, his work is constantly evolving. “As a photographer you tend to change a lot and go where demand or interest takes you.” So, if you want a star-quality portrait of your pet at a very reasonable price, don’t wait too long, or you may find Laurie has moved on to another photographic challenge.
To find out more about Pixfinder Photography you can go to: pixfinderphotograpy.com.au/ or find him on Facebook and Instagram: pixfinder photography. Contact Laurie Tinson on 0402 983 262 / pixfinderphotography@gmail.com
You can also find Pixfinder Photography at the Yea Market on the 1st Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm and the Healesville Market on the 1st Sunday of the month from 9am to 2pm.
Laurie in action at the Yea market.
EILDON TWILIGHT MARKET
One door closes . . . Rustic Simplicity Update
by Cindy Ferguson
“What’s behind the barber shop?”
Well, as ‘The Shear ‘N’ shedS’ Barber Shop is no more (due to Gail’s retirement), it is with the heaviest of hearts that after twelve and a half years of operation together at 74 Grant Street in Alexandra, the difficult decision was made to close Rustic Simplicity’s doors.
Winter 2024 marked the end of an era for Rustic Simplicity, but, as one door closes, another opens. A heartfelt thank you to:
• all the 500 plus creatives, who featured in this chapter of Rustic Simplicity’s journey;
• all the Rustic Simplicity customers,
What’s behind the barber shop?
who helped make this achievement for so many creatives possible; and
• all the visiting, part-time and full-time resident community members, who supported me and Rustic Simplicity through the highs and the lows over the years – you are ALL such a part of Rustic Simplicity’s tribe, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Once I get over the challenge of shutting up shop (it’s been a difficult decision a long time in the making, but one that I only just made – if that makes sense), I will be looking forward to new opportunities, and to launching Rustic Simplicity’s next chapter. Follow us on our socials for real time updates and information regarding where we’ll pop up during spring. See you soon!
Visitor Information Centre Arts Space & Exhibition Space Made in Marysville & Region (locally made products & produce)
MiRa Marysville offers local knowledge, an intriguing gallery, artisan wares, creative workshops & fabulous performances.
Nestled in Marysville’s stunning natural environment and open 7 days a week, there’s always something for everyone.
Stay in the loop – become a member of MiRa and stay up-to-date with events, exhibitions and the latest offerings in store Open 10am-4pm daily
11 Murchison Street, Marysville T: 03 5963 4567
W: www.miramarysville.com.au
E: info@miramarysville.com.au
Cindy Ferguson and Gail Bransden ‘Last day together in store 2023’.
Gail Bransden and Cindy Ferguson ‘Fun on ELF Reading Day 2014.’
‘Winter Window dressing 2024’
What’s on . . .
SEPTEMBER 2024
GIGS AT PIXIES AT THE BILLABONG
Pixies at the Billabong,19 Main Street, Eildon
For what band is playing at Pixies at the Billabong visit their facebook page P: 0436 969 285 (see ad page 16)
SATURDAY 7 ~ GOULBURN FISHING FESTIVAL
Lions Park, Riverside Drive Eildon
Celebrating the start of the trout fishing season and promoting Eildon as a fishing destination. Fishing industry traders, exhibitors, stalls. 10am-4pm W: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/goulburnfishfest
SATURDAY 7 & SUNDAY 8 ~ DARREN GILBERT OPEN STUDIOS
5 Giffard Street, Yea
Art and sculpture in a beautiful historic building in Yea. 10am-4pm W: www.monkeytaildesign.com F:www.facebook.com/darren. gilbert.503 P: 0421 378 451 E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au (see ad page 38)
SUNDAY 8 ~ SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK
Yea Railway Station to Two Bridges
Walking to remember those lost and raise awareness. (see ad page 57) W: www.gvsag.org.au P: 0417 907 278 F: GV Suicide Awareness Group E: info@alexandratruckshow.com.au P: 0418 266 038
SUNDAY 15 ~ NUTBUSH BASH 2024
Alexandra Football Netball Ground, 53 William Street, Alexandra Fundraising for children’s cancer, and prostate cancer, nutbush dance on the Alexandra Football/Netball Club oval. Cost $20pp. Karen Stillman 0448 018 649 E: jkkg@virtual.net.au
SATURDAY 21 & SUNDAY 22 ~ YEA GARDEN EXPO
Yea Saleyards, Flat Leaf Road, Yea
The Expo provides an opportunity to view a host of garden-related products. Over 70 vendors will be on site with exhibits ranging from bulbs, seeds, seedlings, flowering plants and trees to garden tools and equipment, garden art and ornaments, compost, fertilisers and more. (see ad page 42) P: 0432 991 992 P: 0428 321 545 E: yeagardenexpo@optusnet.com.au
OCTOBER 2024
GIGS AT PIXIES AT THE BILLABONG
Pixies at the Billabong,19 Main Street, Eildon
For what band is playing at Pixies at the Billabong visit their facebook page P: 0436 969 285 (see ad page 16)
SATURDAY 5 & SUNDAY 6 ~ DARREN GILBERT OPEN STUDIOS
5 Giffard Street, Yea
Organic metal sculptures / pen and ink artworks of Australian animals. W: www.monkeytaildesign.com F:www.facebook.com/darren. gilbert.503 P: 0421 378 451 E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au (see ad page 38)
SATURDAY 5 & SUNDAY 6 ~ HERITAGE MACHINERY FESTIVAL Alexandra Museum, 7 Station Street, Alexandra
The display highlights a vast array of antique machinery of all classes at work, including steam train rides all weekend. (see ad page 50) P: 0479 066 221 E: alexandra.rally@yahoo.com
SUNDAY 13 ~ NORTH EAST SKATE PARK SERIES - YEA Yea Skate Park, 12 Oliver Street, Yea
Calling all skaters, scooter enthusiasts, and BMX riders—this is the event you’ve been waiting for! Bring your board, your scooter, or your BMX and let’s tear it up! Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there’s something for everyone. 10.30am-4.30pm.
SATURDAY 19 ~ YEA RACING ON CAULFIELD CUP DAY Yea Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Yea bet365 Yea Spring Spectacular. Roving entertainers, free activities like inflatables, pony rides, face painting. Family-friendly prices on food and drinks or bring your own picnic and drinks. (see ad page 53) P: 0412 828 686 E: yearacing@gmail.com W: country.racing.com/yea
SATURDAY 26 ~ ALEXANDRA RACES ON COX PLATE DAY
Alexandra Race Club, Ruoak Way, Alexandra Racing on Cox Plate Day in Alexandra. (see ad page 53) W: country.racing.com/alexandra E: walsh145@me.com P: 0467 413 767
OCTOBER 2024
SATURDAY 26 & SUNDAY 27 ~ ALEXANDRA & DISTRICT OPEN GARDENS
Alexandra and District
Come be inspired by garden owners who are opening their gardens to the public. A mixture of beautiful town and country gardens.(see ad page42) E: info@alexandraopengardens.com.au W: alexandraopengardens.com.a
SATURDAY 26 & SUNDAY 27 ~ FAWCETT HALL MARKET
655 Spring Creek Road, Fawcett
Cafe, market and stalls (see ad page 43)
Sandra P: 0400 240 409 W: fawcetthall.org.au
SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER ~ OPEN FORUM AT MARIAN RENNIE GALLERY
132 Breakaway Road, Acheron (see article page 47) (In conjunction with the Alexandra and District Open Gardens)
An open forum to discuss future growth possibilities in agriculture and the building industry for coming
NOVEMBER 2024
GIGS AT PIXIES AT THE BILLABONG
Pixies at the Billabong,19 Main Street, Eildon
For what band is playing at Pixies at the Billabong visit their facebook page P: 0436 969 285 (see ad page 16)
SATURDAY 2 & SUNDAY 3 ~ DARREN GILBERT OPEN STUDIOS
5 Giffard Street, Yea
Organic metal sculptures / pen and ink artworks of Australian animals. W: www.monkeytaildesign.com F:www.facebook.com/darren. gilbert.503 P: 0421 378 451 E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au (see ad page 38)
SUNDAY 3 ~ ALEXANDRA SPRING FAIR
Rotary Park, 36 Grant Street, Alexandra Children’s amusements, market stalls, live music. 10am-3pm (see ad page 61) P: 0409 577 212 E: alexandraeventsltd@gmail.com W: alexandratourism.com
SATURDAY 9 ~ MARYSVILLE MARATHON TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL
Gallipoli Park, 31 Falls Road, Marysville
The festival spans two days and caters for walkers and runners of all abilities. E: info@marysvillemarathon.com.au W: marysvillemarathon.com.au
SATURDAY 9 ~ LOVE ME AGAIN OUTDOOR EDUCATIONS MARKET
Alexandra Community Hub, 38A Downey Street, Alexandra Shop and swap pre-loved high quality outdoor education gear. 9am-2pm. Lucy Collins P: 0448 526 662 E: admin@alexhub.com.au
SATURDAY 9 ~ ALEXANDRA SPRING SHOW
Alexandra Showgrounds, 17 William Street, Alexandra W: www.alexandrashow.com (see ad page 37)
SATURDAY 9 & SUNDAY 10 ~ YEA & DISTRICT OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND
Yea and District
See 8 unique (6 country and 2 town) gardens. (see ad page 42) P: 0407 096 128 E: tickslife@bigpond.com W: www.yearotary.org.au
SATURDAY 16 ~ YEA RACING
Yea Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Yea
Foodworks Yea Guineas. Horse racing, pony rides, face painting. Family-friendly prices on food and drinks or bring your own picnic and drinks. (see ad page 53) P: 0412 828 686 E: yearacing@gmail.com W: country.racing.com/yea
SATURDAY 16 ~ MURRINDINDI HARVEST CELEBRATION
Yea Railway Park, Yea
Showcasing: • Murrindindi produce • agribusiness booths
• cooking demonstrations featuring local trout, truffles, eggs, honey & microgreens • mini hot ‘agribusiness’ seats • mini workshops. (see ad page 24) www.murrindindiharvestcelebration.com.au
SATURDAY 23 ~ YEA SHOW
Recreational Reserve, Snodgrass Street, Yea
Cattle show, animal displays, crafts (see ad page 37) W: www.yeashow.org.au
SUNDAY 24 ~ GRAND ITALIAN FEAST
Holmesglen at Eildon, 92 Moore Road, Eildon
Italian fare, a welcome Aperol Spritz, house made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, cacciatore, calabrese salad, tiramisu, cannoli. Live music. (see ad page 3) P: 03 5774 2631 E: eildon@holmesglen.edu.au W: www.holmesglenateildon.com.au
REGULAR MARKETS
ALEXANDRA GRANT STREET MARKET
1st Sunday of the month 9am-1pm ~ Grant Street, Alexandra Various stalls, music, jumping castle. Contact Andrew Embling 0418 266 038
Local food and beverage trucks, local producers, quality local artisans, artists and creators. Live music showcasing local youth and artists. Family activities, pet friendly (dogs must be on a lead). Gold coin entry. Karine 0400 715 319 | karine.haslam@gmail.com
FLOWERDALE COMMUNITY MARKET
3rd Sunday of month 9am-1pm Flowerdale Community Hall, Yea Whittlesea Road, Flowerdale Country market stalls with arts, crafts, veggies, plants, bric-a-brac. Hot food, Devonshire teas, cold drinks available. New stall holders welcome, $10 a stall. Alison 03 5780 1223 | Alron27@bigpond.com
KINGLAKE PRODUCE & ARTISAN MARKET
4th Sunday of month 10am-2pm (held on 3rd Sunday in December)
Kinglake Community Centre, 1 Exton Rd, Kinglake Central Fresh from us to you. High quality items, grown or made by our stall holders. Proving quality products and food every month, all year round. 0457 481 980 | kinglakemarket@gmail.com | www.kinglakemarket.com
M ARYSVILLE MARKET
2nd Sunday of month – Murchison Street, Marysville Crafts, gifts, clothing, plants, locally produced preserves, jams, chutneys, lavender products, shortbread biscuits, honey, fresh fruit and vegetables and wine. Additional stallholders invited.
MARYSVILLE TWILIGHT MARKET
• 8 June • 3 Nov
TAGGERTY 4 SEASONS MARKET
Saturday of Australia Day, Easter, King’s Birthday and Melbourne Cup Weekends 9am-1pm – 3 Taggerty-Thornton Road, Taggerty Local produce including olive oil, wine, honey, fudge, baked goods, preserves, soaps, crafts, bric-a-brac, fruit, vegetables, plants, free range eggs, BBQ sausages and espresso coffee. taggertycommunityprogress@gmail.com
TALLAROOK FARMERS MARKET
1st Sunday of month (except January) 8.30am-12pm (second market in December on 3rd Sunday) – 44 Main Road, Talarook Fresh local produce. Relax in the market cafe while listening to local musicians. Free kids activities. 0403 831 520 | Facebook Tallarook Farmers Market
YARCK COUNTRY MARKET
3rd Saturday of month 9am-1.30pm Yarck Hall, Maroondah Hwy, Yarck
The market helps to fund the hall maintenance and provides an outlet for local produce, jams, craft, plants and wines. 0407 879 612 | yarckhall@hotmail.com | www.visityarck.com.au
YEA RAILWAY MARKET
1st Saturday of month – Yea Railway Reserve, Station St Yea Fresh local produce, arts and crafts, children’s activities, playground and skate park. The market showcases local producers, growers and makers and is a community event with a gold coin donation entry - funds from entry are donated to local charities each month. 0427 722 624 | globalgemsandfinejewellery@gmail.com
ES Hadfield Contracting
eildonoutboard@virtual.net.au
ØSales of New Mercury/Mercruiser Engines
ØSales of Second Hand Engines and Boats
ØShowroom full of everything your boat needs for your day on the water. Spare Parts, Electrical Accessories, Mooring Ropes, Cleaning Products and much more ØWater sports accessories & PFD’s
Business & Trades listings
ACCOMMODATION
Alexandra Hotel 5700 2214
Alpino Apartments
Marysville 0408 103 481
Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park
Taggerty 5774 7263
Black Spur Inn, Narbethong 5963 7121
Bonfire Station Farmstay 0423 457 072
Breakaway Caravan Park 5772 1735
Buxton Hotel, Buxton 5774 7381
Eildon Parkview Motor Inn 1300 131 129
Eildon Pondage Holiday Park 1800 651 691
Elite Stays
Marysville / Taggerty 0413 795 283
Molesworth Recreation Reserve & Caravan Park 5797 6278
Glenfield Cottage B/B
Yarck 5773 4304
Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park
Lake Eildon 5774 2585
Parklife Alexandra
Alexandra 5772 1222
Riverbend Holiday Park
Thornton 5773 2305
Royal Mail Hotel, Yea 5797 2515
Rubicon Hotel Motel
Thornton 5773 2251
Saladin Lodge
Narbethong 0429 699 969
Snobs Creek Holiday Park 5774 2903
Summerlands, Alexandra 0425 773 492
Taylor Bay Country Club
Taylor Bay 0497 889 353
Tower Motel, Marysville 5963 3225
Yea Motel 5797 2660
AGED CARE
Darlingford, Eildon 5774 2711
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES
North East Air, Buxton 0438 572 376
ANTENNA / TV SERVICES
Chris’s TV 0405 554 915
APPLIANCE STORE
Chookies Alexandra 5772 2152
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Alexandra Automotive 5772 3232
Eildon Auto Spares 5774 2712
Thornton Auto Repairs 0428 703 881
BEE SUPPLIES
Dindi Bee Supplies, Yea 0409 908 857
BOAT HIRE
Lakeview Boat Hire
Eildon 0488 051 721
Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park
Eildon 5774 2585
BOOK SHOPS
Books at Yarck, Yarck 0400 418 139
Goulburn River Books
Alexandra 5772 2935
BREWERIES
Bonfire Station Brewing Co, Taggerty 0423 457 072
On Point Brewery
Alexandra 0413 562 693
BUILDERS
Custom Carpentry & Construction
0407 095 220
Lusk Tiny Homes 0439 551 226
Readybuilt 0418 338 556
BUTCHERS
Thornton Butchers & Deli 5773 2224
C ARAVAN PARKS
Alexandra Showgrounds Caravan Park 0417 179 313
Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park
Taggerty 5774 7263
Breakaway Caravan Park 5772 1735
Eildon Pondage Holiday Park
Eildon 1800 651 691
Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park
Lake Eildon 5774 2585
Mar ysville Holiday Park 5963 3247
Molesworth Recreation Reserve & Caravan Park 5797 6278
Riverbend Caravan Park
Thornton 5773 2305
Snobs Creek Holiday Park 5774 2903
Yea Riverside Caravan Park Yea 5797 2972
CLOTHING / SHOE SHOPS
Boutique Ninety Five, Alexandra www.boutiqueninetyfive.com.au
