ISSUE 41 SPRING 2014 PRICELESS
stonycreek gallery
THE
GRANDE
H E P B U R N
HOTEL
S P R I N G S
ALL ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY MICHAEL PARKER Also blown glass, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and furniture. FREE ENTRY.... FREE CHAMPAGNE ON ARRIVAL!
10 stony creek road daylesford open thursday - monday & public holidays 10am - 5pm
www.stonycreekgallery.com.au 03 5348 1884
Friday & Saturday dinner from 5pm Saturday & Sunday breakfast & lunch Sunday Jazz Club Monday “Local’s night” from 5pm ( N O N - P U B L I C H O L I D AY S )
1 C H U R C H AV E N U E , H E P B U R N S P R I N G S , V I C T O R I A
t. 03 5348 1978 e. manager@thegrandehotel.com.au www.thegrandehotel.com.au HepburnSpringsHotel TheGrandeHotel
Cover photo by Kyle Behrend
CONTENTS 5 6 9 11 13 15
PEOPLE & PLACES On A Mission From Gisborne Writing to Australian Story An Iconic Exhibition Ullumbarra Lighting Up The Sky Life is La Vita
17 LIFESTYLE 18 21 23 24 25 27 27 28 30
The Timber Benders Support Small Business Day Hunter and Gatherer Michael Parker - An Engaging Artist The Man Behind The Schaller Studio Kalaparee Olives An Artisan’s Loaf Hepburn Springs on a Plate The Ever-Changing Gardens at Lambley
31 33 35 36
From Harvest to Home A Popping Good Food Experience Appy Days For The Region’s Foodie Heroes Four Insights to Sell Your Business
37 EVENTS 39 40 41 42
Forty Years and Still Going Strong Festival of Gardens Castlemaine Three Great Events at Buda in Spring Steiner Education a Real Alternative
REGULARS 43 43 44 46 46
The Breakfast Bowl Quick Peek Astrology Markets Visitor Information
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FROM THE EDITOR For some time we have wanted to give Secrets a fresh new look and as spring is the time for renewal, it was also time for us to take the plunge. It’s not a big plunge, but enough to have us discussing, arguing (a bit), exploring and finally settling on what we think is a nice refreshing new look of more colour, a slightly different layout and a shift to a matte finish rather than the glossy pages we’ve had since our first issue nine years ago. One would think that after all that time, we would be running out of stories, but it amazes me how many amazing, interesting and exciting people and places there are in our region. Like everywhere else in the world, our towns ebb and flow, but fundamentally our communities have a resilience and solidity that supports us, especially reassuring amidst the turbulence in other parts of the world. Our team of contributors has grown again and we are delighted to welcome Hilary Finch and Lyndel Nash to Secrets, both have written great stories and provided stunning photography. We did want to include a profile
on all our contributors to go with our new look, but literally ran out of time and space, so we ask you to be patient until summer. In this issue we have some great reading enhanced by stunning photography – in fact we believe that the images in this edition are the best we’ve had. One of our lead stories is about one woman’s campaign to create a farm animal sanctuary called Edgar’s Mission, so named for the endearing pig that started it all and Kyle Behrend’s images help to tell the tale. Another good story with equally stunning photography is Hilary Finch’s interview with Don O’Connor, a timber bender who is reviving what was a dying art. Speaking of art, Bendigo is taking another step onto the world stage with the exciting conversion of the old Sandhurst Gaol into an amazing theatre and arts complex. These are only a few articles that you’ll find. Enjoy the sun as it warms us after a long cold winter. Editor Norma Morton
ISSUE 41 SPRING 2014 Published by
Secrets Magazine ABN 35 535 679 949
Mailing Address PO Box 356 Creswick VIC 3363 Phone 03 5348 1919 Email info@secretsmagazine.com.au Web www.secretsmagazine.com.au Editor Norma Morton Features & Online Editor Linley Wilkie Artwork & Layout Nick Morton Contributors
Lyndall McQuinn, Stephen Read, Michael Kerr, Lyndel Nash, Hilary Finch
All content in this publication is copyright and may not be re-produced in whole or in part in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Secrets will be distributed quarterly throughout Victoria and various tourism outlets. Secrets is also available from cafes, restaurants, B&B’s, hotels and shops. All care is taken to ensure accuracy of articles and advertising, however the publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions and references are a guide only and not intended as a recommendation.
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PEOPLE & PLACES
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Blossom & Snuffles
Edgar
Article by Linley Wilkie Photography by Kyle Behrend
ON A MISSION Driving home in the pouring rain one night, a lady noticed a tiny figure sitting in the middle of the road. She stopped to find a sodden white rabbit, uninjured, but frozen with fear. After unsuccessfully attempting to find its owner, she delivered the rabbit to Edgar’s Mission. When nine bunnies were born the following day, the rabbit was promptly christened White Rabbit, after the Alice in Wonderland character who also had a very important date. Tales such as this are commonplace at Edgar’s Mission and for director Pam Ahern, that’s what makes the farm sanctuary so special. “All the animal’s stories are different, but they’re all linked by an act of human kindness,” she says. “They saw a creature in trouble and did something about it. That gives me hope in the goodness of the human heart.” It’s been a big year for Edgar’s Mission, this summer’s Kilmore bushfires forcing them to evacuate dozens of animals to Melbourne, followed by the relocation to a new home in Lancefield during the past winter. The move 6
was vital for the not for profit organisation to continue the enormous growth it has experienced since Pam founded it in 2003. “There’s no roadmap for what we did, it all sort of happened serendipitously,” It all began with Edgar Alan Pig, a large and by all accounts, rather enchanting pig who was photographed with Babe star and animal activist, James Cromwell, to promote both the movie and animal protection legislation that protects some animals above others. A permanent home was then needed for the swine star and so Edgar’s Mission was opened and named in his honour. “I had no idea when I rescued that adorable pig that my life would be drawn into the incredible journey that it’s become,” she says. “I was so enchanted by that pig, he had the most wonderful outlook on life. There’s no doubt in my mind and anyone who met Edgar, there was an intelligent creature behind those wise eyes.”
As the years rolled on and rescued farm animals in need of care kept arriving, it became apparent to Pam that the Willowmavin property wasn’t suitable for the perpetuity of Edgar’s Mission. Sure, she could have remained at the Kilmore property and plodded along, but that’s simply not her style. “I’m always someone who thinks, ‘How can I do it better? How can I better serve and care for the animals, and champion their cause?’” she says. “It’s going to go on beyond me, so I needed to make it a place that can be built upon, with my stamp on it and my philosophy. A new property was needed for me to do that.” There were so many boxes that needed to be ticked. It had to be beautiful, close to Melbourne and a major highway, accessible to the public, but also very private. Pam says this Macedon Ranges property fits the bill on so many levels, save for the fact the former horse stud is not conducive with housing farm animals. “That’s my greatest challenge now, making this the best possible sanctuary that it can as a voice for the animals.” she says.
“It’s almost going backwards to go forwards, because we can’t open to the public for a while. Some of the animals are in temporary enclosures until we get the fences built. But once it’s there, it’s going to be amazing and will be forever. I close my eyes when I go outside and see it all happen before me.” Farm tours at the previous address were a popular attraction at Edgar’s Mission. “It’s wonderful that visitors can come to a property such as Edgar’s Mission and draw in the beauty, tranquility and harmony that exists between people and animals,” she says. “I hope people take that away and on some level it inspires them to be better human beings.” While she would love to open her new gates to the public in time for October’s World Animal Day, she thinks a more realistic timeframe is by the end of the year. “Every day is a challenge and in the mix we’re still doing animal rescues.”
Miss Marple, Pam & Blossom
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Locals have warmly welcomed Edgar’s Mission to the region, Lancefield Neighbourhood House expressing interest in them participating in the local show and an op shop donating extra towels for the animals. “I’m blown away by how much Edgars Mission is loved, respected and admired by people and community organisations,” Pam says. “It’s really quite touching.” Equally as touching is the widespread support the organisation receives via social media, where the animal’s stories resonate with its thousands of followers. There’s George Clooney, the pig who Pam rescued from a local pound. “He’s a very handsome pig and has certainly won the hearts of all the lady pigs around here, they think he’s pretty hot,” smiles Pam. Then there’s Tuppence the sheep, who was found beside her stillborn lamb with another still in her womb and a hernia risking her life. Life saving
Snap, Crackle & Pop
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surgery saved Tuppence and she now enjoys life with her fellow ewes at Edgar’s Mission. “By telling Tuppence’s story, we get to tell the story of millions of sheep that will never see the kindness that she has,” Pam says. Inspired by this spirit of generosity, Edgar’s Mission established The Collection of Kindness, a website showcasing the work of its resident photographer, Kyle Behrend and The Kindness Trail, a collection of quotes on its website which aims to inspire, challenge people and make people think. One of Pam’s favourite is by Pamela Brown: ‘You cannot change the past, you can only shape the future’. “That’s something every one of us can do, by the choices that we make,” she says. “How we treat animals is the greatest signature of how we are as human beings.” For more information, visit www.edgarsmission.com.au
Article by Linley Wilkie
FROM GISBORNE WRITING TO AUSTRALIAN STORY Belinda Hawkins’ first job was a far cry from her current gig as a producer on ABC Television’s Australian Story. It was the mid1980s and having completed her teaching degree, Belinda had begun her Masters and was also searching for a teaching appointment. Early one morning she received a phone call from a random education bureaucrat ordering her to Gisborne to teach at Gisborne High Technical School. Jumping into her Volkswagen Beetle, Belinda tore down the Calder Highway from Balaclava in a bid to reach the town in time. The year prior, Belinda had ridden her bike into a car and fractured her skull as she hit the windscreen. That horrific experience left her riddled with anxiety and she subsequently always wore a crash helmet when driving. Belinda drove into the teacher’s carpark in full view of a load of students and was promptly christened with the nickname Herbie Helmet Hawkins. “That made the whole excitement of teaching elevated to a new level,” she laughs. Belinda’s three years at Gisborne High proved to be life changing. Having written for a student newspaper during university and developed a newfound love for reporting, by the end of her time at Gisborne she was also undertaking work experience at country newspapers, writing about country kitchen
teas and race meets. “They gave me a taste of writing stories,” she says. “What I learnt very quickly was it doesn’t matter what the event is, it’s up to you, the reporter, to turn the material into a story.” At the end of her Gisborne High appointment, Belinda successfully applied for a cadetship at the ABC. Three decades later, Belinda’s reporting with the ABC and SBS TV has won her numerous awards, including Quill, Walkley Awards and United Nations Media Peace Awards. Her work as a producer and senior journalist on Australian Story is widely regarded, with her episodes on Jock Palfreeman resulting in her book, Every Parent’s Nightmare. The 26-yearold is serving time for murder in a Bulgarian prison after being convicted of stabbing a young Bulgarian man in 2007. Belinda’s work on the Palfreeman case and as a journalist has also resulted in numerous speaking events, one in particular flooding back memories of Herbie Helmet Hawkins and Gisborne. “When I spoke at Macedon Football Club, there were names of former students on the Honour Board and tears suddenly sprung to my eyes,” she says. “Although I think teachers would say the first few years are close to experiencing a war zone – it certainly was for me – when you’re back in the bunker and safe from rapid gunfire, you remember those days fondly.”
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Station House Daylesford
Historic Homestead and Manor House Group accommodation Room for two Conferences & Weddings 15 Raglan St Daylesford Tel 03 5348 1591 www.stationhouse.net.au
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RACV
Above The Angel of Great Counsel (Circa 1700 Russia) Right Christ the Ruler of All ‘Pantocrator’ (Circa 1550 Greece or Crete)
AN ICONIC EXHIBITION Gleaming golden images and the beauty and mystery of an Orthodox church feature in the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s next major project.
A selection of the spectacular images from the show will feature in merchandise including Christmas cards and a 2015 calendar.
Called EIKON, the show features works from 14th to 18th Century Greece and Russia, as well as other Orthodox countries. The exhibition considers how the role of icons within the religious practice of the Orthodox churches changed over time, how they have been displayed in churches and their importance to the cultures of countries that embrace the faith.
Icons are an integral part of worship in the Christian churches of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. While they are not actually worshipped, icons were and are believed to ‘stand in’ for the holy figures they depicted, and as such have always been treated with great reverence. They have been a source of solace and inspiration and a pathway to the spiritual world for those inside the Eastern Christian traditions.
Viewing the exhibition will be a special event, with dramatic lighting and a soundscape incorporating traditional chanting, bells and other sounds of an Orthodox church service, recreating the original setting of the works. Concerts of Greek and Russian-inspired music, a Greek feast, talks and a dance are a few of the special events at the exhibition.
While they are often extraordinarily beautiful, their true significance lies in the fact that they were intended to be a lens of the most intense public and private devotion. They are truly ‘windows on heaven’. Running from 18th October to 26th January www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au 11
TOGETHER WE’LL LIGHT UP THE SKY Imagine a space for people – a place where everyone is welcome, where anyone can be themselves. Our space is defined by our combined potential, by our future together. We are building an amazing space, it’s true, but with you it will be truly great. Introducing the Ulumbarra Theatre Dreaming Program – giving you the opportunity to play your part in this exciting theatre development. We hope you’ll be a part of our story.
For more information on the Ulumbarra Theatre Dreaming Program visit our website: www.ulumbarratheatre.com.au or call our Business Development Manager, David Stretch on 03 4408 6512.
www.ulumbarratheatre.com.au #gathertogether
Ballerina – Alice Topp
Chinese Theatre
ULLUMBARRA LIGHTING UP THE SKY It has been part of the Bendigo landscape for 150 years, with a history that many would prefer to forget, so what better use for the old Sandhurst Gaol in central Bendigo than to redevelop it as a state of the art, contemporary, international standard theatre and performing arts centre. Work on redeveloping the site began some months ago and is progressing well toward the theatre’s scheduled opening in mid-April, 2015. The transformation from a place of imprisonment to a stunning complex consisting of a 953 seat theatre with a fully equipped fly tower, music, dance and drama studios and learning areas is an imaginary use of space.
Business Development Manager David Stretch says, “The sterling architectural concept to convert a prison into an exemplary art precinct is visionary” adding “People will want to come to Ullambarra Theatre and not leave, a far cry from the previous tenants” Reflecting the original indigenous use of the site as a lookout and meeting place the name Ulumbarra (pronounced u-lum-ba-ra) promises to bring the culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung back into the landscape of the city. When launched the Ullumbarra Theatre will bring great benefits to Bendigo and the region, culturally, aesthetically and economically. Visit ullumbarratheatre.com.au or call 5434 6006
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Daylesford’s stunning new homewares store.
An eclectic mix of the quirky, elegant and unusual where vintage meets the new gathered from around the world.
39 Albert Street, Daylesford (a short walk from the main street) Open Thursday to Monday, 10am - 5pm Phone 0429 192 718
LIFE IS LA VITA Sitting in her corner office overlooking Sydney Harbour, Kym Quick would dream about her long held desire to run her own distinctive retail store in Daylesford. After living in Sydney for eight years, five of them in a highflying, high stress corporate position in recruitment, this Ballarat girl knew it was time to come home and build that dream. Kym was familiar with Daylesford where she had a holiday property and she had long had her eye on the ideal premises for her shop. After discovering by chance that her desired premises was available, she quickly signed the lease and set about divesting herself of one life to start another, It has taken eight months for the transition, but the wait has been worth it to see what Kym has created in her store she has called La Vita – literal Italian translation for Life. A passion for beautiful things and an eye that can quickly visualize how a particular item will work in the home, Kym has brought together an eclectic
mix of homewares sourced from far and wide. It’s difficult to categorise La Vita’s range – it’s quirky, elegant, unusual, multicultural and at the same time, practical and Kym’s aim is to show that vintage and new can work very well together, but above all, the overall effect is stunning. It’s clear that a lot of investment has gone into creating this new addition to the Daylesford destination – not just financial, but deeply emotional. Although it has been a long time in the making, Kym says “Not once have I regretted a moment of what I’m doing” adding “Each time I arrange a display, no matter how long it takes, I can turn around and do it all again, it’s great fun”. This passion for ‘her baby’ is reflected in the reaction of a customer as she stepped through the door for the first time –“Wow, this is my kind of shop”. La Vita is easy to find in Albert Street, Daylesford, just an easy walk from the bustle of the main street and if you’re so inclined, parking is a breeze. 15
CLIFFY’S
AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST WORKING POTTERY
E M P OR I U M
Features Ceramics, Antiques & Collectables, Artists’ studio galleries, Historic Museum & Cafe
9-5 DAILY 3 0 R AG L A N S T R E E T DAY L E S F O R D 3 4 6 0 V I C TO R I A TELEPHONE 5348 3279
w w w. c l i ff y s . c o m . a u
BEAN AND BARROW 86 Albert Street Creswick T 03 8376 9605
Come and have the time of your life horseback riding through picturesque bushland in Daylesford’s beautiful ‘Spa Country’ All rides are fully supervised by experienced leaders. Helmets supplied. Please call to make a booking. Tipperary Springs Road, Daylesford Phone 03 5348 2525 info@boomerangranch.com.au
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Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm 146 Midland, Hwy Epsom www.bendigopottery.com.au
A bustling country café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and an impressive display of homemade cakes and scones. Gluten free and coeliac friendly. Free Wi Fi. Offering quality coffee from barista trained staff. facebook.com/beanandbarrowcafe
Dinner Thursday–Tuesday from 6pm Lunch Friday–Tuesday from 11am Menu from $9.50–$22 Breakfast On weekends from 9am Tuesday Night Curry & Hotpot $18 Friday Night Fish Night with wine $26.50 A La Carte also available
LIFESTYLE
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Article & photography by Hilary Finch
THE TIMBER BENDERS Surrounded by farmland in Coomoora, a self-confessed salmon swims against the tide of industrial progress. Don O’Connor is a timber bender, a popular trade in the 19th century but little known nowadays. Before steel shaped the bodies of cars, bent timber was in steaming demand. Early automobile production used curved timber for hood bows and running boards. Horse drawn carriages preceding auto manufacture were largely made from wood; steam bent wheels, jinker shafts and numerous other components, kept the timber benders bending. The inevitable stampede of progress; the popularisation of steel, chrome, aluminum and plastics saw the demand for this profession largely putter to a puff. Today, this skill is largely lost in amongst the boxes and bubble of Ikea premade. The revival of this craft is testament to a request, barely audible over the din of mass manufacture, please Sir? I want something unique and hand crafted. More please? An unassuming white arrow points visitors in the direction of the Timber Benders headquarters. Upon arrival, Don is stoking the furnace to fire his antiquarian machinery. “I get a lot of shed envy from the neighbours,” he says with a proud 18
chuckle. Looking around it’s not hard to see why. This veritable treasure trove houses the oldest working examples of original timber bending equipment in Australia. The vast collection of wooden wheels and cranks were made in Sweden in the 1850s and later shipped to Tasmania to form the basis of Launceston bending works, founded in 1887. Over hot soup, bread, cheese and coffee Don and partner, Sue Ewart talk about their journey so far. What do the Timber Benders make? Don: Our niche in the market is that we do custom manufacture; we will do a one off. So, we get all these little odd jobs; weird jobs. They vary from obscure commissions such as a Viking ship hull to water- skis, wooden saddle clamps, bespoke window frames, furniture design, benches, trim and skirting boards.
So, there is still a demand for timber bending? Sue: There does seem to be a revival in artisan crafts and an appreciation for timber decoration. Don: Last year we had requests for bent tables at airports; interesting design commissions. You can only do so much with straight timber and chrome, after that where do you go? Sue: Unlike some old technologies, timber bending still has a practical application. We have builders requesting our services for arches, window heads, artists request sculptural pieces, the carriage industry still needs wheel rims and shafts and we do restoration work.
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Don, what is it about timber bending that you enjoy so much? It’s this great mix of working with the elementals all the time; using firewood for fire, water for steam and air to soften and bend the wood. When I go to work it’s a relationship between the elementals, the machines and me. When you bought the business in 2000, what experience did you have? Sue: (laughing) none! Don: Well I had a lot of experience in patience as I had been a shearer for 12 years… I was used to heart break and patience. Sue: We both fell in love with these machines when we found them in Echuca in 1999. When we took the lease on a year later, we were promised one month’s tuition. Don: In the end in turned out to be eight days training on all this machinery!
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You really did learn on the job then… Don: I was a wood butcher for a start, now I’m a lot more skilled. I’m sure the machines help me. We talk about knowledge lost, but it’s still there. These machines couldn’t live in a museum, just like a human in a glass case, you would miss what it could do, think and feel. The machines often give me guidance when I’m wondering how to go about a new project. What is your secret? Don: The secret is to just give it a go, push it, poke it and if it won’t move, kick it- there’s got to be a way. There have been smarter people before us and they have left clues and information. Whether it’s bending timber or anything else, there is always a way.
A Victorian Government Initiative
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS DAY Local small businesses are gearing up for Support Small Business Day on Saturday 4 October, a Victorian Government initiative that celebrates the big difference small businesses make to local communities. On Support Small Business Day, Victorians are encouraged to explore their local communities and purchase the goods and services provided by local small businesses. Thanks to principal partner, Bendigo Bank, shoppers will have the chance to win prepaid gift cards to spend in participating businesses on the day. Shoppers can search the website for participating businesses and register their details to be in the running to win prepaid gift cards and other prizes.
The vast majority of Pencilmarklane’s stock is Australian made and this year’s Support Small Business Day coincides with the release of Torquay based Oishi-m’s summer 2014 range of children’s wear. Pencilmarklane is offering a $100 shopping spree of the range along with a few other promos celebrating local business. Visit www.pencilmarklane.com.au for details. Another to be involved in this year’s event is ViewPoint Design, Bendigo’s hub for local artists, musicians, crafters, writers and all creative people. Combining art exhibitions, music performances and a host of other creative pursuits with a retail outlet of a wide range of hand crafted goodies, Viewpoint’s owner Jessica Cola is a huge supporter of local businesses and was an early adopter of the Support Small Business Day initiative in 2013. Visit www.viewpointgallery.com.au
Ballarat’s Pencilmarklane was involved in the day in 2013 and is again taking part in October. Pencilmarklane is a children’s store whose owner Madeleine Thompson is passionate about supporting local business saying ”buying local keeps the process close to home and reduces the carbon footprint”.
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Small Businesses and shoppers can get involved in this great initiative by simply visiting supportsmallbusinessday.vic.gov.au
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Macedon Ranges’ Boutique Day Spa
llenis SALON-SPA
39 High Street Kyneton 3444 service@ellenis.com.au 5422 3795 ellenis.com.au
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Be a part of the day that shows what a big difference small businesses make to local communities. Support Small Business Day Saturday 4th October 2014
Love local
By shopping at local small businesses, you support local community, local jobs, and reinvest back into your community. Visit supportsmallbusinessday.vic.gov.au Connect with us
Morgan Wills The Crafty Squirrel Ballarat
Principal Partner
red cart vintage shop 2/14 piper st, kyneton, vic 3444 03 54223075, 0417514595 kathy@redcartvintage.com.au Shop 2, 52A Vincent St, Daylesford VIC 3460 RED CART BC ART.indd (located in Coles walkway off Vincent Street)
t: 03 5348 4277 | e: info@threadneedle.com.au www.threadneedle.com.au
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find us on facebook
7/03/11 2:
hrs: wed to sun 10.30 to 4.30
HUNTER AND GATHERER Scare cats mightn’t mean much to most people, however for Dominic Romeo, they are a treasured reminder of years gone by. Farmers used to hang the black metal silhouette of a stalking cat from their fruit trees in an attempt to scare away birds. Dominic has only encountered two in 30 years, but they inspired his business name, Stalking Cat, and are symbolic of his lifelong passion for collectables from Australia’s Depression and Settlement eras. Dominic opened Stalking Cat in Woodend two years ago and this year moved the business to a sizable shed on the edge of Macedon. Unassuming on the outside, inside is a carefully displayed treasure trove of Australiana, predominantly furniture and household items from the 1890s and 1930s Depressions and the Settlement era of the 1850s and 60s. “I see this as part of our history that should be saved,” says Dominic, who has also restored historic country houses for decades and is on the board of the National Trust. “A lot of it gets thrown out because people don’t understand it, but it’s important.” Dominic has a network of farmers and property owners in remote areas throughout Victoria and interstate who contact him about relics they’ve unearthed in their sheds. “A lot of the time they don’t even know what it is until I get there,” he says. “The other day I found a
box that was used for chooks to lay eggs in and the farmer scratched his head when I got excited about it. What they think is rubbish and what I think is rubbish are two different things.” 1930s Depression couches excite Dominic the most, as the packing crates covered in fabric are a rare find. He’s also enthused by box chairs, which as the name suggests, is a box tipped upside down with bits of timber forming the backrest. The rarity of such items is matched by the uniqueness of places like Stalking Cat. “During the 1980s there were quite a few shops in Victoria that specialised in Australiana, but they all disappeared when French antiques took over,” Dominic explains. “There’s now hardly anyone in Australia who specialises in Australiana, especially Depression furniture. “ As a result, Dominic’s customers are vast, from film crews hiring props, to museums, cafes and people after a unique talking point for their room. No matter who the customer, each piece is accompanied with something money cannot buy. “I’m trying to educate people who don’t understand it, so I’m selling its story, as well as the piece.” Stalking Cat is at 42 Nursery Road, Macedon, behind Nursery Road Garden Supplies. It is open to the public every Sunday.
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MICHAEL PARKER AN ENGAGING ARTIST We first met Michael Parker at his Stony Creek Daylesford gallery about six years ago, not long after he and partner Linda opened the doors. It was time to find out what has happened in the intervening years but catching up with Michael wasn’t exactly easy. He was preparing to travel to Bali for a family function, but had lost his passport and the ensuing drama of obtaining a new one, together with a delayed, then a cancelled flight was taking it’s toll. We finally connected by phone with Michael managing to catch his breath in the departure lounge at Melbourne airport. Michael is the personification of a man doing what he loves and reaping the rewards with his paintings now having sold in fifteen countries and more commission work and exhibitions in the pipeline. Not content to sit back resting on his laurels, Michael is always experimenting with new media, the latest being Canuba wax, one of the oldest forms of painting known to man dating back to 80 AD in Greece. He has also perfected a technique for painting with resin, blending pigment and other elements to create pieces with a beautiful lustre that bounces light creating a unique effect. Asked if there is a danger of the resin
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melting, Michael laughed, saying, “it doesn’t melt, but if your painting happens to start melting, it means your house is on fire”. Sculpture has always been one love that this prolific artist has wanted to indulge in, even to the point of taking a basic welding course to make sure he got it right. The result is a growing volume of work that will eventually be part of the planned sculpture garden that will be an addition to Stony Creek Gallery in 2015. Michael’s passion for art in all its forms began when he was a very young child watching his mother, also an artist, paint and he has never really aspired to be anything but an artist. “Do what you love and are passionate about and everything else falls into place” he said. Adding “If your heart’s there, you won’t let obstacles stop you and you only get one chance at first impressions”. First impressions are foremost when entering Stony Creek Gallery, as it is just as stunning today as it was six years ago. Always looking forward Michael sees that the next five years will include exhibiting overseas with the possibility of shows in Singapore and New York as early as April, 2015. Even though we had to jump some hurdles to finally catch up, it was well worth it to hear how this engaging man brings beauty into the lives of many.
THE MAN BEHIND THE SCHALLER STUDIO The Schaller Studio opened with a buzz of excitement earlier this year, the newest addition to the Art Series Hotels being hailed a wonderful coup for Bendigo. Inspired by Australian artists, the handful of hotels are named after contemporary greats and feature their work throughout the building. The Art Series Hotels were preceded by an artist’s safari, commissioned by hotel owners, the Deague family and attended by the likes of Archibald Prize winner John Olsen and Melbourne painter and sculptor, Mark Schaller. Mark never imagined he would be keeping company with Olsen in the eponymous hotel stakes, however just before Christmas last year, he received a phone call that changed everything. “It was terrific, what a wonderful, fabulous compliment,” he says of the invitation to be part of the Art Series Hotels. However Mark’s career makes him an idea artist to be included in The Art Series Hotel ensemble. He is a founding member of Melbourne’s artist-run gallery Roar Studio, which during the early 1980s kick started the career of many young artists and reignited Melbourne’s art scene, with its use of bold colours and expressionism influences. Mark’s work is also exhibited in the National Gallery of Victoria and Australia.
The Schaller Studio was built bang on time, Mark joking that he hoped there would be delays so he could finish the paintings. It was a mammoth task, this Art Series Hotel the first to be filled entirely with the namesake artists’ work. Mark created more than 200 works for The Schaller Studio, the oil or acrylic on canvas paintings adorning every one of the 128 rooms, the foyers, the lobby, even the elevators. He also carved the wooden sculpture that sits outside the hotel and an eight-metre mosaic mural on the building’s façade. “It’s in a really nice part of Bendigo and has a beautiful aspect, with views of the hills all around the east side.” Mark took cues from as many as 20 themes, including a large number on Bendigo; the races meets, its streetscapes and how he imagines the Great Stupa will look when it’s complete. He also painted a W-class tram, the mobile artwork a clever, if not curious insight into what awaits at The Schaller Studio. Mark labels The Schaller Studio an ambitious project, which is wonderful for regional Victoria and a career highlight for him. “It inspires me to keep working and has inspired me to do other things.” For more information, visit www.artserieshotel.com.au/schaller/ 25
Basilio sourdough bread, produced in Ballarat using the finest quality locally grown organic ingredients resulting in superb quality, exceptional flavour and texture.
Artisan bread made by an artisan baker. www. basiliosourdough.com.au 0457 347 185
4353 Sunraysia Highway, Stuar t Mill
Every 4th Saturday of the month. Enquiries: 0407 860 320
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www.kalaparee.com.au
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0414 256 651
KUKi Natural - Beautiful - Organic - Uplifting Shop online at www.lakshmiscircle.com.au 26
38 High Street, Trentham Phone 5424 1164 kuki@live.com.au
Interior Decor Fashion Gifts Homewares Vintage/ Recycled Furniture Belgian Furniture
Open 7 Days 10am – 4pm
KALAPAREE OLIVES
AN ARTISAN‘S LOAF Someone once said “When you love what you do, the rest is easy”. This is true of artisan baker Georgio Basilio whose delicious sourdough bread is highly sought after throughout the region. Georgio is a classically trained chef inheriting his love of food from his French mother and Italian father. He honed his skills from working in restaurants in Italy, France, Switzerland, England and Australia. Six years ago he discovered a passion for sourdough bread and after training in the art of sourdough baking, established his specialist artisan sourdough bakery in Ballarat. Georgio strives to use organic and biodynamic produce, sourced locally wherever possible, being conscious of reducing the food miles and supporting local producers. The result is bread of superb quality, exceptional flavor and texture, delicious served with soups, pasta, dipped in quality olive oil and it’s a great bread to have with any dish.
About 20kms south of St Arnaud surrounded by Kara Kara National Park is Kalaparee boutique olive grove, the perfect location to grow the exceptional fruit used to make quality extra virgin olive Oil and table olives. Owners and operators, John and Glenys Jardine are passionate about working with nature using no artificial fertilizers or chemical sprays on the farm, thus avoiding spray drift problems. Using cool-extraction processing within 24 hours of picking ensures consistently fine and intense olive oil quality both for flavour and health. Frantoio olives are used solely to make the popular Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil ensuring great Italian elegance and the Estate Blend is full-flavoured and spicy, with a refreshing floral fragrance. Kalaparee Olives also infuse these oils with Australian produced essential oils to produce four delicious specialty infused oils: Basil, Herbs of Provence, Lemon and Garlic and the Kalamata and green table olives win consistent praise for their flavour, texture and freshness. Kalaparee Olives and olive oils are available from the Kalaparee Olive Shop at South Melbourne Market as well as Talbot and Maldon Farmers markets, selected quality greengrocers and providores or online at www.kalaparee.com.au
Georgio is a craftsman and can almost be described as a ‘one man band’, mostly working alone with the help of his wife Pauline. Together they bake the bread, distribute and attend their stalls at farmers markets around Ballarat and surrounding towns. It may not always be easy to find outside selected local retailers and farmers markets, but keep an eye out for Basilio Sourdough - it’s well worth the search. For details visit www.basiliosourdough.com.
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HEPBURN SPRINGS ON A PLATE If anyone can interpret Hepburn Springs on a plate, it’s two-hatted chef, Andrew Dennis. Currently overseeing the kitchen at The Grande, Andrew has lived in nearby Coomoora for 10 years and has created a seasonal dish with all the vitality and sustainable qualities Hepburn has to offer. “When I think about the dish and its components, there’s vibrancy in those vegetables, in their flavours and their colours. This relates well to Hepburn Springs and its people. It’s a fairly broad community and generally quite a forward thinking and sustainable community. People do tend to think locally and seasonally with the way they eat and carry themselves. Given it’s early spring, a lamb dish makes sense to me, as you see them wondering around the paddocks everywhere around here. This sustainable, pasture raised lamb comes from trout and lamb farm Tuki, in nearby Smeaton. The broad beans and artichokes come from my garden and are very much an early spring ingredient, the first thing you see during spring in this area. Sheep milk yoghurt ties the whole dish together and lambs lettuce is another ingredient I grow at home.”
INGREDIENTS
CHERMOULA MARINATED SPRING LAMB DOUBLE CUTLETS, BROAD BEAN BESARA, ARTICHOKES A LA GREQUE, SHEEP MILK YOGHURT, LAMBS LETTUCE
Lamb racks (Best end - 4 points per person) 1 punnet Lambs lettuce (also known as mache or corn salad) 1 tub good quality sheep milk yoghurt Chermoula 1 bunch coriander 1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon salt 250 ml extra virgin olive oil Finely chop the parsley and coriander, blend in a food processor with the garlic and just enough olive oil to form a smooth green paste. Transfer to a bowl and fold through the spices.
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Broad bean besara 1 kg fresh broad beans 250 ml extra virgin olive oil Juice of 2 lemons 1 handful finely chopped fresh mint leaves 2 cloves garlic crushed 2 teaspoons ground cumin Remove the broad beans from their large outer shell and blanch in boiling salted water for about 4 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water. When cool, peel off the outer skin and add to a blender (reserve a few for the plate) with the garlic, cumin, mint leaves, lemon juice and olive oil. Blend to a smooth puree and season with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Artichokes a la Grecque; 6 globe artichokes Juice of two lemons 250 ml white wine 250 ml water 200 ml extra virgin olive oil 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon peppercorns 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 pinch saffron threads Peel off the outer leaves of the artichoke and trim the stalk to reveal the interior. Cut off the top half of the artichoke and scoop out the hairy choke with a teaspoon. Cut into wedges and place them in a small bucket of cold water acidulated with the juice of one of the lemons as you go.
Bring all of the other ingredients to the boil and simmer for 15 mins. Drain the artichokes and place them in the marinade. The liquid should just cover the artichokes. Top up with boiling water if necessary. Bring back to the boil and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the artichokes are just tender. Remove from the heat and cool. Preparing the lamb Trim the lamb racks of sinew and scrape the bones back to the meat, then wipe clean with paper towel. Cut the racks between every second bone to make double cutlets. Wrap tin foil around the bones to stop them charring during cooking. To marinate the lamb, mix together a couple of tablespoons each of chermoula and yoghurt and rub a thick coating onto the meat, a few hours in advance. Cooking and Serving Pre heat your oven to 200 °C, season the cutlets with a little salt. Heat some oil in a pan and brown the cutlets all over. Transfer to the oven and roast for 8 minutes for medium, rest for 5 minutes in a warm place, remove the foil. Meanwhile, spread a generous amount of the besara on a plate, then arrange the cutlets on top along with a few wedges of artichoke and some warmed broadbeans. Scoop 3 or 4 generous teaspoons of sheep’s milk yoghurt onto the dish and garnish with the lambs lettuce.
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THE EVER-CHANGING GARDENS AT LAMBLEY One of the joys of living in regional Victoria is being immersed in a culture of creativity and innovation, so it was a pleasure to share a slice of my world with fellow landscape designers on a recent field trip I hosted to the Central Victorian Goldfields. One of the stops was Ascot’s Lambley Nursery and Gardens, where we were blessed to have David Glenn as our guide. David is one of Australia’s finest plantsmen. He collects, propagates and markets perennials for the dry and frost-prone garden. The day was cold, windy and generally bleak, however David’s warm spirit, humour and extensive knowledge made for an engaging and enjoyable tour. As designers, it is important to experience Lambley in winter - the structure of the garden is clear and unmistakable. Structural elements such as hedges and defined paths hold the garden together even after the perennials have been cut back. Two of the things that strike you about Lambley is that a beautiful vibrant garden can also be drought tolerant and that gardens have a clear cycle and are meant to change over time and from season to season. If you think about it, all plants are native to somewhere and many of Lambley’s beautiful perennials originated on the rocky outcrops and dry shallow soils of the Mediterranean
whilst many of the others have come from windswept planes of South Africa. So, it is no coincidence that the plants in the dry garden at Lambley grow so well. As a designer, I am always on the lookout for viable alternatives for plant varieties and at Lambley the choice is vast. The fact gardens are meant to change goes against the current trend of austere changeless gardens. However, even changeless gardens must change over time as plants outgrow their space or age and die. The difference is that a garden like Lambley celebrates change and the seasons. When a plant is cut back for winter it is an opportunity for winter bulbs to shine. If a plant dies, it is an opportunity to stick another in its place. For a seemingly changeless garden it is a struggle to maintain the pretence. If something dies or outgrows its position the entire composition fails. The plants that David grows at Lambley helps us become better designers. We learn to use colour again and balance structure with softer planting in a way that allows for change in a dynamic and exciting way. As consumers, the biggest hurdle is to overcome the belief that the aim of garden maintenance is to restrict change. It is actually to support it.
Stephen Read Principal Designer 0418 963 885
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W stephenread.com.au E stephen@stephenread.com.au FB facebook.com/stephenreadlandscape
FROM HARVEST TO HOME It started quietly in 2004 and now the Talbot Farmers Market is arguably one of the best and most popular farmers markets in regional Victoria. It actively supports local and regional farmers, growers and artisan food producers and consistently attracts over two thousand visitors each month, bringing the sleepy town of Talbot alive. Close to Ballarat and only an easy ninety-minute drive from Melbourne, the eighty plus stalls offer an evolving array of seasonal produce, bread, cheese, meats, wine, oils, pigs, chooks, stock feed and the list goes on. Recently adopting the new catch phrase Harvest to Home, this community run market does just that – provide goodies
that are literally harvested for people to take home. A visit to the market is also a great social occasion, with regulars meeting up with other regulars and stallholders, who over time have become almost friends. As an all weather event, it would be expected to see the numbers of visitors fluctuate in keeping with the weather, but they still come, hail, rain or shine, however a mild sunny day does see numbers swell bringing with it a carnival atmosphere. Held on the third Sunday of every month from 9am to 1pm in the Heritage Precinct of Talbot for further details visit www.talbotfarmersmarket.org.au
Talbot is just 40 minutes from Ballarat or 90 minutes from Melbourne’s Westgate Bridge
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Article by Lyndel Nash – operator of Eat Drink Share Tours Ballarat Photography by Jon Young at Kittelty’s
A POPPING GOOD FOOD EXPERIENCE Sara Kittelty’s hands are slippery with ghee as she chatters with students in the cooking class about how dry or damp the paratha dough should be. It’s soon clear that Sara, as Julia Child would suggest, is “the boss of that dough”! There are a dozen of us in that class in Ballarat, all eager to learn the art of making Indian flat bread. There was little doubt though that most of us were even keener on sampling the fruits – or should we say the breads – of our labour. But first we had to follow instructions, measure, and mix, kneed, roll out and then bake the dough on the smoking hot flat pan. Once we had patted the bread down with a tea towel as firmly instructed, we were free to indulge. The marvellous looking flat bread turned out by Sara was no surprise, having watched her across the table she obviously had the confident hands of an experienced cook. While chatting over the garlic and ghee, Sara told us that she was learning to make the paratha so she could include it on a Bollywood themed menu the following weekend at her own restaurant in Beaufort a rural town midway between Ararat and Ballarat and the base for Kittelty’s “pop up” restaurant. The restaurant is owned and operated by Sara Kittelty and partner Jon Young. Their six children are willing helpers, assisting in the kitchen and importantly, taste testing the different dishes as individual themed menus are planned. Sara and Jon share a passion for regional food, wine and artisan products and this is firmly reflected in the revolving menus.
Sara grew up with creative, entrepreneurial folk. As a teenager, she baked cakes and slices for her mother’s bookshop and art gallery. Jon works at a local winery and serves award-winning wines by the glass or bottle at each pop up. Sara also teaches three days a week at a local primary school and caters for the monthly “Michael Unwin Tapas In The Winery” events in Beaufort. It has become apparent that she has a reputation for her made to order cakes. Sara and Jon pop Kittelty’s restaurant up in a range of charismatic venues, such as country halls, old CFA buildings and rural homesteads. The restaurant has even popped up in private homes for fabulous private dinner parties and there are plans to pop up in a paddock. Every menu is themed; Japanese Feast”, “Raw Food”, “Thai Night”, “Chinese Feast”, “Bollywood”, “Moroccan Feast”. An essential element of the Kittelty’s experience is the mystery surrounding the location, however it is most commonly within the Ballarat and Pyrenees region. Dates and towns for the restaurant can be found on Facebook and by telephoning directly, with details divulged upon booking. Not all guests arrive together at Kittelty’s pop up restaurant, but they do all share a table, conversation, and the fabulous food and wine just as good friends would. Together Sara and Jon have created a unique, regional gastronomical experience. facebook.com/kitteltysbeaufort 0427 443 163 33
Go
Food & Wine Go Food & Wine
Fossicking...
Fossicking...
Download the new Bendigo Region Food & Wine Fossicking app to find the best wineries, cider makers, growers, producers, restaurants and cafes from Heathcote to Castlemaine, Maryborough to Boort, and everywhere in between. This interactive app features maps, opening hours, social media and events to whet the appetites of local and visiting foodies. What are you waiting for? Get fossicking! Find out more at: www.bendigoregionfoodandwine.com
APPY DAYS FOR THE REGION’S FOODIE HEROES Tony Ciancio has shared his family’s Italian heritage and love of food with Bendigo for almost 30 years. He was the first person to introduce espresso coffee to a city now besotted with a good brew. Today his familyowned Epicurean deli serves a colourful array of flavours to locals and visitors and offers regional and imported take-home ingredients. Tony says Bendigo boasts some of Australia’s best winemakers; cue Sandhurst Ridge’s Paul Greblo, who with his family carry on a winemaking heritage that began with their grandparents in Italy. Paul and Tony are two of more than 50 food and wine heroes to share their stories via the new Bendigo Region Food & Wine Fossicking app – a resource that closes the foodie gap between the likes of Heathcote and Boort, Harcourt and Talbot. The app brings together some of the best farm gates, cellar doors, eateries, retailers, farmers markets and events in the region and features stunning photographs, micro stories, maps and social media links to whet your appetite. Fiona Lindsay from Victoria’s longest continuous licenced grocer, Wright on Broadway says the app has been an important resource to link smaller communities with big Bendigo – she reckons Dunolly is like a suburb of the goldfields city and it’s important their stories are told concurrently.
Good food has put nearby Talbot on the map. One of the goldfield’s most charming historic villages, this sleepy pocket comes to life on Farmers’ Market day, when the streets are closed off for meeting, greeting and stocking up on the region’s best local produce – including wine from Romantic Vineyard. “I’d emptied a lot of bottles, I thought it was time to fill a few,” says Dave Mitchell on the decision to purchase the Romanic Vineyard at Amherst with his partner, chef Renee DeRobertis. The app enables locals and travellers to meet the makers, find what’s near them and what’s open while they’re on the road. From butchers to bakers to cider makers, it shows the Bendigo region is a rich food bowl of seasonal produce, lovingly prepared by artisan hands. The app will point ice-cream lovers to Ian French’s mouth-watering Maldon store, where he uses local berries and the like to create dozens of fresh flavours daily, to Harcourt sparkling apple juice - made locally and sold from a little farm store on the road to Castlemaine. The Bendigo Region Food & Wine Fossicking app is free on the App Store and Google Play.
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Article by Michael Kerr www.michael-kerr.com.au
FOUR INSIGHTS TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS Understand that potential buyers will all value your business differently. If you gave 10 potential buyers the same information about your business and forced them to put in an offer, all the offers would be different. It’s simply because they all have different personal and business circumstances. A simple example. Assume you have two genuinely interested buyers. Buyer one needs to sell their existing business first. Buyer two has just lost their job, has a payout and needs to generate an income rather than spend their capital. Buyer two will be far less likely to negotiate the price down as they would be happy to put in a low offer and wait. It is essential that you and your broker have a good understanding of what price you might reasonably expect. But if you work harder in the sale process by better understanding potential buyers i.e. you get to know their circumstances, as in the example above, you’ll be less likely to unnecessarily negotiate down the price. Project managing the sale process is essential.
The smallest of business sales is still a complex process. The buyer and seller will probably each have an accountant and a lawyer. If there is finance involved, you can add a banker or finance broker to the
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mix. That’s seven in total, with the various professionals having multiple other clients competing for their time. Perfectly good deals fall over often because of a lack of coordination between the seven. Make sure you have a clearly designated manager to drive the project – a good business broker is usually best placed to do this. Find another gear to drive the business. Or, in other words, pretend you’ll be staying another five years. I get that when you’ve finally decided to sell you just want/wish/hope that it will all just happen. But if you go into a sale process assuming that and consequently take your foot off the accelerator, the business sale is doomed. You need to continue to drive the business, yourself and the staff. For all the great past successes and future potential, buyers will draw a lot of their confidence from what is happening in the business today. Don’t overlook potential buyers from within your own personal or business network. Targeted advertising is an important part of any business sale campaign. But there are other ways to find buyers. Think about who you know might want to buy your business – friends, business colleagues, suppliers, customers and dare I say, competitors. Businesses change hands this way a lot. So don’t just rely on advertising.
EVENTS
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Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens
22 Outstanding Gardens
Out of the Box
Cup Week: 1 – 9 November In and around Castlemaine
www.festivalofgardens.org (03) 5472 3831 // 5470 5905
Vanilla Spice
For all things Christmas and more!
Open all year round Wednesday to Sunday and most public holidays. Online shopping and laybys welcome. www.vanillaspice.com.au
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Victorian Goldfields railway Authentic Steam Era Experience Linking Maldon & Castlemaine Weds & Sundays
www.vgr.com.au PH: 03 5470 6658
Wicked Temptations CafĂŠ / Wine Bar Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Gourmet Coffee & Cakes Open Wednesday to Sunday
Royal Hotel Complex - 18 High Street Maldon
www.wickedtemptations.net.au
FORTY YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG What is it about the Maldon Folk Festival that has audiences coming back year after year – more than forty years to be exact? The location in one of Victoria’s most historic towns is a good place to start and the variety of activities over the four days including outstanding Australian and International artists on stage, dance, musical theatre and interactive workshops all go into making this one of the most popular and outstanding folk festivals in the country. Acclaimed singer-songwriter. multiinstrumentalist and writer Kristina Olsen returns to the Maldon “Folkie” in November bringing her big bluesy voice and her powerful song range from sassy bottleneck blues, lilting ballads, swing jazz and raunch and roll. A skilled communicator Kristina’s entertaining rapport with audiences provides a diverse and satisfying musical experience. When not performing at Maldon, Kristina tours the International folk and blues circuit extensively and is in high demand as a teacher and instructor at festivals and specialised music camps. She has a strong following in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Festival Director Pam Lyons, along with a committee of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to pull this iconic event together each year, sourcing performers, securing venues and co-ordinating the hundreds of tasks that go into producing an event of the size and quality that is synonymous of the festival. Asked how she keeps up the momentum, Pam says “Yes, there’s heaps to think about and to organise, but when you enjoy what you do, it’s really not hard”. From it’s very humble beginnings in 1974 when a small group of local performers established an event to showcase their many talents and bring folk music to the people, The Maldon Folk Festival grew to be enormously popular with music lovers Australia wide. Forty years later, The Festival continues to be a low-cost, friendly event with entry to all venues covered by a weekend ticket. Profits are channelled back into community organisations and projects maintaining the basic principles from those very humble beginnings, which has now evolved into a unique, exciting, culturally divers, family oriented event. For the full programme and tickets, visit the website www.maldonfolkfestival.com 39
FESTIVAL OF GARDENS CASTLEMAINE Garden lovers worldwide herald the arrival of spring with great expectation. The emergence of new life and the sweet smell of blossoms in the air means its time to be out and about and enjoy nature at her most glorious. One of the best ways to enjoy spring is at the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens in November. There are 22 gardens on display, both new and old favourites with a choice to visit the exquisite town gardens around the town or the spectacular large country gardens of Sutton Grange, Barkers Creek, Harcourt and Newstead. This year, the Festival’s theme is “gardens Out of the Box” reflecting both the boxed flowers
on display in the Castlemaine township and the extra effort of the participating gardeners. Many of the gardens have plants for sale, with some offering morning and afternoon tea amid peaceful surroundings . There is even a garden sculpture exhibition featuring leading sculptors from the Goldfields region. Most gardens are open between 10am and 5pm most days. Brochures displaying each garden, their locations and opening times are available either online at www. festivalofgardens.org or from the Castlemaine or Maldon Information centres or by phone on 03 5474 8262. Group tours can be arranged through the website or phoning direct.
Spring Events at Buda Buda Garden Ramble Growing Vegetables in Interesting gardens. Sunday 5th October Annual Josine McEwan Memorial Lecture Saturday 11th October, 2014. Gardeners A Day of Lectures and Lunch at Buda. Wednesday 29th October. Bookings Essential for all Events
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 5pm, Sundays & most public holidays 10am to 5pm. Group tours available any time by prior appointment. Plant Nursery and Gift Shop (Open daily)
42 Hunter Street, Castlemaine 3450 03 5472 1032 | www.budacastlemaine.org
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THREE GREAT EVENTS AT BUDA IN SPRING Castlemaine’s Buda Historic Home and Garden is a beautiful survivor from Victoria’s gold era and a window to the nation’s history. Throughout the year a variety of exceptional events are held at Buda including informative lectures and workshops with spring offering up three beauties. The season kicks off with the ever popular - Buda’s Garden Ramble with the focus this year on vegie gardens, aptly called - Growing Vegetables in Interesting Gardens. Held on Sunday 5th October, this is a self drive tour of six gardens around Castlemaine and includes a boxed lunch. Another popular event is the annual Josine McEwan Memorial Lecture on 11th October with acclaimed curator and writer on Australian sculpture, Ken Scarlett OAM as guest speaker. Ken Scarlett has actively worked to promote Australian sculpture for the last 40 years and he speaks with passion about “A Recent Phenomena: Six Sculpture Parks on the Mornington Peninsula”. The lecture series is named after the late Josine McEwan who was a volunteer in the garden at Buda and
knowing how important Buda is to the region and wanting it to remain open for future generations to enjoy, Josine left a generous bequest to Buda when she passed in 2006. Celebrating Gardeners – A Day of Lectures and Lunch at Buda on Wednesday 29th October is one when you can be excused for taking a day off work to attend. The morning session is presented by Dr. Anne Vale author of Exceptional Australian Garden Makers with a talk on ‘Last of the Romantics’ a look at significant female gardeners. Dr. Gale is a garden historian, author and lecturer in Australian garden history a passionate gardener and photographer. Whilst the afternoon session presents acclaimed photographer Simon Griffiths. Kyneton based Simon has photographed most of the best selling cooking and gardening books of the past 10 years and his talk ‘Capturing the garden will focus on nature. Bookings are essential for all events and for details, including prices and catering visit the website www.budacastlemaine.org
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STEINER EDUCATION A REAL ALTERNATIVE Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten is eagerly gearing up for a busy season, opening its doors for the annual Spring Fair and Open Days. The Steiner School sits on 18 acres on the outskirts of picturesque Castlemaine, its uniquely designed rammed earth buildings set on grounds and gardens that continue to develop as an educationally stimulating and environmentally sustainable site. The non-denominational school is founded in the educational principles of Rudolf Steiner and has steadily grown to its current size of 200 students, ranging from Kindergarten to Year 8. In recent years, Year 8 students have written a children’s book, made a harp, built a full-sized boat, made short films, built furniture and created costumes for other
events such as the production of Shakespeare plays. The Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten has two Open Days per year, the first was in May and the second on 29th October. These open days give people an opportunity to see classes in action and view the exceptional quality of children’s work. One of the major highlights of the year is In November when the school celebrates the Spring Fair. Everyone is welcome to join in a day full of music, fun and good food. The Spring Fair will be on Saturday 8th November from 10am. Visit www.castlemainesteinerschool.com.au for more details.
Out of love and hope for the future of the earth and all life upon it, We strive to, Develop the unique capacities of all within our care, To ennoble the mind, Fire the imagination, Fortify the will and Quicken the initiative for life.
Open Day – Wednesday 29th October Spring Fair – Saturday 8th November Cnr Rilens Rd and Pyrenees Highway Muckleford
03 5479 2000 enquiries@castlemainesteinerschool.com.au www.castlemainesteinerschool.com.au
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THE BREAKFAST BOWL
QUICK PEEK
MAIAVEDA CAFÉ MALDON A new destination for breakfast and all things yummy in the heart of Maldon. Open 7 days – 8am to 4pm 52 Main Street, Maldon 03 5475 2022 | facebook.com/cafemaldon
Maiaveda is a boutique holistic health spa offering a tailored experience using Nature’s ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. A truly authentic and unique experience. Upstairs, in The Mill, 18 Piper Street, Kyneton 03 5422 2730 | www.maiaveda.com.au
RUN, RABBIT, RUN With a reputation for being the go-to coffee venue in Castlemaine, the delicious, all-day breakfast offerings “seal the deal.” 23 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine 03 5470 5712 | goo.gl/zmpUwP
ABANDON STRESS Daylesford Abandon Stress with mobile massage to your door! Affordable relaxation massage and facial packages for singles and girls night-in. Call, text or email to book 0401 369 743 | www.abandonstress.com.au
RED BEARD BAKERY Breakfast from 8am, 7 days: Taranaki eggs and many sides on RedBeard sourdough, toasted muesli, french toast, home-baked beans, Coffee Basics espresso, Tea Craft tea. 38A High St, Trentham 03 5424 1002 | redbeardbakery.com.au
GORDON HOTEL A country pub with old fashioned hospitality, hearty meals, great Sunday lunches. Open 7 days a week. Old Melbourne Road, Gordon 03 5368 9203 43
By Lyndall McQuinn
SPRING ASTROLOGY LIBRA: In the Southern Hemisphere Spring begins in Libra. It suits Libra, with the tendency towards romance and love and idealism just perfect after the cold ways of winter. The North Node is moving through Libra offering clear directions for Libra, along with a lunar cycle in your polarity, of dark to full moon offering an emotional clear out as well. A make-over Spring one could say. ARIES; The Full Moon in Aries on Oct 8, add an eclipse gives Aries a break in the tumult to get clear on certain points of contention. Then its back to the rolling and bouncing that Uranus is bringing to your sign especially Aries born in late March and early April. SAGITTARIUS finds Spring a gentle, yet productive period. Gentle isn’t usually your style but there are two influences from Pisces and yes they are both gentle and lay back. At the same time the Uranian hurley, burley from Aries is also a factor, so you could be forgiven for feeling all over the shop. GEMINI is waiting for something. Not really sure what, the swinging from twin to twin does get tiresome. At least you have identified your options; the Full Moon in Dec should help. Meanwhile healing the vision will be where you get tripped up.
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CAPRICORN: Life goes on, things remain a little unsteady and not so easy to control, although you may feel a little less overwhelmed. Pluto continues to affect those with early Jan birthdays, digging and delving into matters you would prefer to let rest. CANCER, feeling more grounded, Jupiter has left. That sense of rush, rush, rush has passed and maybe a more lethargic aura wafts in from Pisces planets. What is that relaxed you feel? Landing again after twelve long months. AQUARIUS has an element of optimism running its way with the Jupiter opposition coming across from Leo. Saturn is a stabilizing influence in its square from Scorpio. Nobody likes Saturn but in this case it will help Aquarius put things on the ground that ultimately fulfills them. LEO, Jupiter is beginning a twelve -month journey through your sign. Its early days yet but over half of the Leo birthdays have had a single burst of this abundant energy. Create, expand and enjoy this year ahead. Abundance is your catch cry.
For readings with Lyndall, call 0428 425 923.
PISCES your Full Moon shines upon you in September which could confuse things considerably, given there is much activity in your sign from outer planets. The Fish certainly want to swim in varying directions. It is time to heal and liberate structures that are too emotionally intense. Whether you throw the baby out with the bath water remains to be decided.
TAURUS: Spring improves over the months for Taurus. Her own Full Moon occurs in November and that is when things will begin to feel stabilized again. Feeling the love through Libra is ok and yes you do the dress me up and indulge me thing well but October is a bit much; Too restrictive and unyielding when you would prefer to push on. November may well be a welcome respite
VIRGO not one for chaos but at present others’ chaos may prevail especially around September. You will find you are strengthening inside yourself as Spring progresses and by November maybe you have a sense of solid footing under your life again.
SCORPIO: Spring always is a big Scorpio time. It has a dark moon eclipse, Oct 24 that allows for deep recesses of the soul to be examined and of course Samhein; a profound Scorpio ritual experience on Oct 31. Well all I can say is robes on, plan the rituals and empower the soul of your being. Deep, dark, mysterious you love it.
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MARKETS EVERY SATURDAY Wesley Hill Markets Pyrenees Hwy, Castlemaine 7.30am – 1pm P: 0418 117 953 EVERY SUNDAY Daylesford Sunday Market Daylesford Railway Station 8am – 4pm, P: 03 5348 3503 1ST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Ballan Community Market Lions Club, Main Street P: 03 5368 1203 Beaufort Market Memorial Park, Beaufort 9am – 1pm P: 5349 1184 M: 0448 192 087 Darley Market Bacchus Marsh Darley Football Oval, Fitzroy Street 7am – 1pm P: 0488 345 145 Daylesford Farmers Market Daylesford Primary School Oval, Vincent St. Daylesford P: 0421 458 891 Woodend Farmers Market High Street, Woodend 9am – 1pm P: 0407 860 320 2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Ballan Farmers Market Mill Cottage, Inglis Street P: 0498 361 291 Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market* (also last Saturday of the month) Lake Wendouree Ballarat 9am – 1pm P: 03 03 9528 4985 Bendigo Community Farmers Market Rosalind Park end of Williamson St. 9am – 1pm P: 0498 186 491 www.bcfm.org.au Kyneton Community Market Duck Duck Goose and Larder Piper Street, Kyneton P: 03 5422 4653 3
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SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
Bunninyong Farmers Market Buninyong Town Hall 9am –1pm P: 03 5341 3080 Creswick Market 19-21 Victoria Street, Creswick 9am – 1pm P: 03 5345 2356
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VICS Heathcote Region Farmers’ Market Barrack Reserve, High Street 9am–1pm www.hrfm.com.au
Avoca 03 5465 1000 pyrenees.org.au
Trentham Farmers Market Trentham Town Square, High Street P: 0427 542 811
Bacchus Marsh 03 5367 7488 discoverbacchusmarch.org
4TH SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
Ballarat 1800 446 633 visitballarat.com.au
Lancefield Farmers Market High Street 9am-1pm P: 0407 860 320 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Beaufort 03 5349 2604 pyrenees.org.au
Castlemaine Farmers Market Victory Park 9.00am-1pm P: 03 5470 6340
Bendigo 1800 813 153 bendigotourism.com
Gisborne All Seasons Market Gisborne Village Shopping Centre 9am-3pm P: 03 5426 2448
Castlemaine 1800 171 888 maldoncastlemaine.com.au
Gisborne Farmers and Produce Market 9am-1pm P: 03 5428 3043
Clunes 03 5345 3896 visitclunes.com.au
Maryborough Sunday Tourist Market Carisbrook Trotting Complex 8am-1:30pm P: 03 5461 2819
Creswick 03 5345 1114 visitcreswick.com.au
2ND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Daylesford 03 5321 6123 visitdaylesford.com.au
Dunolly Market Broadway, Dunolly Jeff Monk 03 5468 1623 Maldon Market Fountain St, Maldon www.maldonnc.org.au 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Talbot Farmers Market Scandinavian Crescent and Camp Street 9am–1pm P: 03 5463 2001 Woodend Market High Street P: 03 5427 2255 4TH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Avoca Riverside Market 0488 177 647 Trentham Market Victoria Street 9am-2pm P: 03 5424 8223
Heathcote 03 5433 3121 heathcote.org.au Kyneton 03 5422 6110 visitmacedonranges.com Loddon 03 5494 3489 www.loddon.vic.gov.au Maldon 03 5475 2569 maldoncastlemaine.com Maryborough 03 5460 4511 visitmaryborough.com.au Trentham 03 5424 1178 visittrentham.com.au Woodend 03 5427 2033 visitmacedonranges.com
There is something for everyone! The Daylesford Sunday Market operates every Sunday 8am-3pm at Daylesford station.
Enjoy a trip through the forest and local countryside onboard one of our historic railmotors. Trains depart every Sunday from the historic station. 10am -3pm
Enjoy an evening out with a difference! Departs the first Saturday of every month 5:30pm Bookings essential
Daylesford railway station | 18 Raglan street Daylesford p: 03 5348 3503 (sundays only) | www.dscr.com.au