ISSUE 46 SUMMER 2016 PRICELESS
Delicious all day grazing in the enchanted Botanic Gardens on Wombat Hill, Daylesford..
Cover - Wombat Hill House, by Suzanne Cooke
CONTENTS 5 6 9 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 23 24 27 28 29 29
Reinventing Success Another Bit of Magic The Innovators Ballarat’s Own Beer Fest The Railway Hotel Echuca’s Own Bandicoot The Hotel On The Mount More Than 7 cents Worth Cider Handcrafted in Daylesford Wombat Hill House Allan Wolf-Tasker Fontanella - It’s All In The Family Ballarat Art Gallery – William Kentridge Town On a Plate: Junction Moama Cecode Gallery Central Victoria, a Mecca for Retro Style Arte Deco in Daylesford Handing Over the Baton at Wild Trout
30 31 33 35 37 38 39 41 43
Treasure in Loddon A Bazaar With a Difference Food and Wine, Mapped Out Altered Elements @ Living Arts Space A New Year Celebration Like No Other The Old Castlemaine Gaol One Woman’s Quest ForJustice New Life for Old Gaols The Style of Sarah Grant
REGULARS 44 46
Summer Astrology Markets
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FROM THE EDITOR Out with the old and in with the new, isn’t that what we look for at this time of year? When you’re trying to get an issue to the printer, life does become a little bit crazy, but we’re hoping to be able to kick back and take a breather in a couple of weeks. Our summer issue has some interesting stories, we think. Lead story by Amy PurtonLong is a profile of Athol Guy – famous Seeker and local Macedon identity - and the new musical Georgy Girl, a lot of memories will be stirred for Seekers fans. The explosion of craft beers in Australia and especially our region had us thinking and doing some research where we came up with some very interesting facts. Often starting life as a hobby in a backyard shed for personal consumption, home brew is the new “in thing” however, it is the serious brewers moving into the commercial sector that are making the real impact. You can read about a few of them and the forthcoming Ballarat Beer Festival. Our Town on a Plate this issue is from Junction restaurant in Echuca – you will salivate at this one. Our story on Deborah Benson and her
book Judicial Murder had us thinking about the old gaols that have found a new purpose in Central Victoria and we invited students at Daylesford Secondary College to design a map showing where five of the most significant structures in the region are located. The most outstanding map was designed by year nine student Lilia Haughie. Her efforts are excellent and show real talent for a future in graphics. Our feature on Retro Style in the Region was initiated by another young person, Melbourne Uni student Lara Porczak who wrote to us about Daylesford as a paradise for indie, vintage obsessives. We will be posting Lara’s story to our website before Christmas. There is a lot more in this issue, in fact our biggest battle was fitting it all in – actually we didn’t, with a few good stories held over for our autumn issue. That’s it for us for 2015 – have a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year and we’ll see you in 2016. - Norma Morton and the Team
ISSUE 46 SUMMER 2016 Published by
Secrets Magazine ABN 35 535 679 949
Office Address Mailing Address Phone Email Web
39 Albert Street, Daylesford VIC 3460 PO Box 356 Creswick VIC 3363 03 5348 1919 info@secretsmagazine.com.au www.secretsmagazine.com.au
Editor Artwork & Layout Business Development Photography & Administration Contributors
Norma Morton Nick Morton Kerry Mitchell Suzanne Cooke Lyndall McQuinn, Amy Purton-Long
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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REINVENTING SUCCESS These words come up often when chatting to Karen Quinlan, director of Bendigo Art Gallery. She’s certainly not afraid of change. From teacher to dressmaker, curatorial assistant to gallery director, Karen has a history of reinventing herself. This is a woman who is rarely idle; a woman who goes running to relax. In her fifteen-year tenure she has also helped reinvent sleepy, agricultural Bendigo as a cultural destination, with exhibitions like Grace Kelly: Style Icon enticing tens of thousands of visitors from Melbourne, interstate and overseas. However, it’s not just about Bendigo; Karen wants to change public perception of what a regional art gallery is. “For a long time people thought of regional galleries as crusty, dusty, old fashioned, elitist. And they were. Some still are,” she explains. “The key to dispelling this perception is that gallery directors must constantly reinvent their business; keep up with what’s happening and what people want.” If you visit Bendigo Art Gallery, expect to see more than old paintings in gilded frames. “We are redefining what a regional gallery does. We have a Victorian art collection and a contemporary art collection, but we’re also exhibiting fashion and international works,” she says. Karen Quinlan has carved a niche by exhibiting haute couture, but has also shown photography, Greek antiquities and paintings by the British masters from London’s Royal Academy of Arts. Even Queen Victoria’s knickers have been on display alongside other historic undies from the Victoria and Albert Museum. In growing an international reputation, Karen and her team are now curating more exhibitions in-house - 2016 is no exception. In March the lights go up on a show about a woman named Norma Jean Baker, who morphed as the world’s most famous blonde bombshell: Marilyn Monroe. The exhibition is a collaboration with 20th Century Fox and will feature video, memorabilia, costumes, even an eight-meter-high statue of Marilyn! Curator Tansy Curtin has also been hunting down Marilyn’s personal items from private collections across the world. Karen says “Marilyn epitomises the glamour and tragedy
of Hollywood. She’s still a household name. In this exhibition we look at why she’s been so immortalised.” Celebrities sell tickets, but Karen says there’s no formula to creating a successful exhibition. “I think about it constantly: what is the science behind a great show? You can’t just say ‘we’re going to do blockbusters’,” she asserts. “You must begin with the intention of showing great work, telling an interesting story and you can’t buy that.” Bendigo Art Gallery’s success is a collective effort. Karen has chosen a strong team and is supported by the City of Greater Bendigo, owners of the gallery. “There’s a lot of trust, autonomy and support from the council. Without that we wouldn’t be where we are,” Karen explains. Thanks to this whole-city approach, a visit to the gallery is a memorable experience. Karen continues: “The gallery is set against the beautiful historical backdrop of a goldfield’s city, but surrounded by the broader milieu of enterprise - Innovation, progressiveness; that’s the stuff that makes a city a leader.” Tickets are now on sale for Marilyn Monroe: www.bendigoartgallery.com.au
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Athol Guy
ANOTHER BIT OF MAGIC At a little café in the Macedon Ranges sits a dignified gent in thick-rimmed glasses whom everyone seems to know. He’s greeted with smiles, hugs and handshakes. It’s no wonder, really. He’s a true local: a businessman, former Liberal member for Gisborne, past chair of Tourism Macedon Ranges and his Heathcote vineyard provides the grapes for Hanging Rock Winery’s award-winning shiraz. But none of these are his true claim to fame. This man is Athol Guy, bassist of the beloved Australian pop-folk group The Seekers, however here in Macedon, he’s just Athol. “I’ve been here for 47 years, so there’s no one who doesn’t know me, really. I’m a village elder, but they don’t overdo it,” Athol smiles. The Seekers are performing again, but not as you know them. On December 22nd Georgy Girl: The Seekers Musical will premiere at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre. The show tells the story of the four young musicians from Melbourne who knocked The Beatles and The Rolling Stones off the charts. It follows their journey from a little café in South Yarra to international superstardom and up to the present day. The show has been developed in consultation with The Seekers over a number of years and Athol is excited to see the finished product.
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“At many points in the life of The Seekers I’ve found myself saying ‘it doesn’t get better than this’,” he says. He said it when the group finally finished their monolithic 25-year reunion, which ran from 1992 to 2004 and again when the group toured with Andre Rieu and a full orchestra in 2011. He said it again when The Seekers’ 50th anniversary tour ended with two sold-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall. “Now this musical.” Athol enthuses. “When I watched the first workshop and they’d stitched our music together with a little bit of scripting, I thought ‘this is just another bit of magic’. It was something you can’t explain.” The star of the show is clearly the music, hit songs like I’ll Never Find Another You, Morningtown Ride, The Carnival is Over and of course Georgy Girl. This is the music that captured hearts in the 60’s and still sells out concerts today. “You do wonder what the secret is…” Athol ponders. “The melodic line, the harmonic line, the rhythmic line, the blends, the lyrics…it’s a bit like a rubix cube. There are so many combinations and if you hit the right one, as obviously we did, it’s not because you’re clever. It’s not because you’ve manufactured it. It’s that magic.” It’s this down-to-earth attitude, this modesty, which makes The Seekers such a source of
national pride. Judith Durham, Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley and Athol were unassuming kids from down under who worked hard and won over the world with their harmonies and their sincerity. They haven’t changed, and they still get along famously. “We love getting together, we share madness and a lot of laughs and we’ve never had an argument in our lives,” Athol explains. Although The Seekers did part ways in 1968 for 25 years, there was never any bad blood between them. Their amicable relationship has been a source of some frustration for the musical’s creative team. “The producers of the musical hate that we get along so well. They are always saying ‘guys, guys, what other dramatic things happened along the way? We’ve got to put some drama in!’” Athol laughs. But there is definitely some drama in The Seekers’ story. Athol recounts one of the band’s darkest moments when Judith Durham suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2013 at the start of the 50th anniversary tour. “We were all sitting in the hospital thinking ‘this is not the way we wanted to finish this at all’,” he says. “It made me think of that adage ‘I’ll play till I drop’, but that was a bit too close for comfort.” Thankfully, only a few months later Judith had begun to recover and the group met to rehearse at a hall in Mount Macedon. Halfway through the third song Judith stopped and looking over at Athol said: “This is just what we do, isn’t it?” Athol nodded: “Yes, it is.” The story of The Seekers is intensely personal, but Athol trusts the team behind the musical will tell the story honestly and with sensitivity. He’s especially supportive of Glaston Toft, the young actor playing Athol. “I think it will be like seeing my son on stage, I’ll be very proud,” Athol beams. “I think he’ll do a fantastic job, because he won’t be pretending to be me, he’ll be himself in the role of me.”
When asked if he’s intimidated about having Athol in the audience on opening night, Glaston says he’ll try not to think about it. “It’s daunting, but I think it’s important for me not to focus on that,” he says. Glaston, a consummate performer with a pedigree that includes the hit musical Jersey Boys, grew up listening to The Seekers. “I felt like the Seekers were always a big part of my childhood,” he says. “It had such a huge influence on my parents’ generation, I think due to the band’s sincerity, who they are and what they sing about.” Now, because of rehearsing the songs at home, Glaston is passing on this music to his three year-old son, who sometimes falls asleep singing: “Hey, there, Georgy girl…” The Seekers’ power to connect with audiences has not diminished in over 50 years. Athol recalls the 50th anniversary tour and that special moment in each performance when the band first walks on stage. That moment before the first chord is played, when the audience welcomes them back. “That’s when you have to handle your emotions. It’s a moment when you share something with the audience that’s indescribable, you savour it and tuck it away,” he says. “Forget about the gold records, there’s this incredible bond that the music has built for you with all these people.” Regardless of what the critics say, this is what Athol wants the musical to achieve. “I’d like the actors to experience that depth of emotion and feeling that’s there from our audiences. I hope they feel that.” Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketek.com.au/georgygirl or call 132 849
Georgy Girl Cast - Left to right: Mike McLeish, Pippa Grandison, Phillip Lowe, Glaston Toft
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Visit us on your next trip to Daylesford Complimentary tastings available The Old Butter Factory, Lot 2 Railway Crescent, Daylesford 0438 069 771 - www.herballoreliqueurs.com
AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST WORKING POTTERY
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THE INNOVATORS Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend is arguably one of the original pioneers of Craft Beer in Australia and are seen as a yardstick for the industry. The brainchild of Paul and Natasha Holgate, the brewery had very humble beginnings in the backyard of their Woodend home and through innovation, determination and good old fashioned hard work, Holgate’s has become known throughout the country. Not content with just producing their beer, delicious and all as it is, they see the real value of craft beer tourism to Victoria and promoting the diversity of locally produced beers, wines and food. The team at Holgates see and in some cases direct the changing tastes of an increasing discerning and enquiring public. They believe that people today are keen to explore new tastes and are demanding, cleaner, fresher produce, particularly that made by local and independent producers. Recently they have made their boldest move yet and set in motion an expansion program that will bring an exciting new range of products, styles and tastes kicked off by the Norton label – a German inspired Helles Keller Bier, which already has the experts sitting up and taking notice. Norton joins their flagship beer – Mt. Macedon Pale Ale, together with Road Trip, ESB, Temptress, Pilsner and Hopinator (great names) and there
will be more to come in the not too distant future. Holgates isn’t just beer. Its also a great restaurant, where matching food with beer is a lot of fun, accommodation and function rooms. Holgates see their future as taking up their rightful position as one of the innovators of the craft brewing industry, bridging the gap from mainstream drinking habits to drinking local and craft. To keep up with all that is happening at Holgates, keep an eye on their website www.holgatebrewhouse.com
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BALLARAT’S OWN BEER FEST Remember the ad for Remington where Victor Kiam says, “I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company”. Ric Dexter could have said the same words about the Ballarat Beer Festival – he loved it so much, he bought it. Ric, part owner of Ballarat’s The Mallow Hotel is a man passionate about many things, not the least of which is craft beer and all that goes with it. Ric’s knowledge of craft beer and the rising phenomenon of “crafty brewing” is impressive and he likes to celebrate it. Being involved with a number of businesses over the years, taking over as owner/director of the 2016 Ballarat Beer Festival, has provided many new challenges. Ric says his stress levels are at an all time high, but he’s loving it. A beer festival conjures up images of a big booze up, but nothing could be further from the truth for this number. This event is designed to attract families, non-drinkers and those serious about beer, good food, entertainment and having a good time. At least forty brewers from all over Australia will set Grace Kelly Exhibition up their stands offering tastings and sales as
well as sharing their knowledge of brewing. The festival offers the opportunity to sample some rare brews and to discover the fine art of matching ales with food. Speaking of food, there will be a cavalcade of food trucks from around the state providing a variety of dishes to help feed the inner beast. Workshops will also run throughout the day, so if you’ve been thinking about brewing or taking your current efforts up a notch, this is a great way to find out how. Over six thousand people attended the festival in 2015 and the organisers are confident that this will rise in 2016 to an estimated eight thousand. If you want to avoid the rush and get together with a group of friends, you can reserve a table in the “Beercage” and enjoy a few added benefits – check out the website for details. You really don’t want to miss out on this great day, so buy tickets early before they run out. For full details go to www.ballaratbeerfestival.com.au
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65 Gingell St Castlemaine VIC 3450 Phone 5472 1250 www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.com.au railwayhotelcastlemaine
Open for dinner daily and weekends for lunch
THE RAILWAY HOTEL The Railway Hotel Castlemaine dates back to the mid 1800’s and is one of a few surviving hotels from the bustling gold boom era. The hotel is located adjacent to the historic working railway station which services the Melbourne to Bendigo line as well as the Steam Trains from both Maldon and Melbourne. This popular tourist spot and local favourite venue hosts the largest selection of craft beers on tap in Central Victoria. Our bar and bistro patrons can enjoy a vast array of regional craft beers and ciders from local breweries including Brookes Beer in Bendigo, Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend, Tooborac Brewery, Mildura Brewery, Bandicoot Brewery in Echuca and Castlemaine’s own Gold and Red ales, some beers of which are exclusive to the hotel. We also have a unique European beer hand pump for the affectionados who can sample Holgate’s Extra Special Bitter, hand drawn from the cellar. If cider is your thing, then we have exclusively Henry of Harcourt’s “Farmhouse Cider” on tap, which is made from locally grown apples and is made and delivered to the hotel weekly.
The Railway Hotel Castlemaine has a real vintage feel of a bygone era incorporating a local’s bar, bistro and bar, outside verandah area and newly completed beer garden. The “Railway” is a welcoming and inviting place for locals and travellers with an awardwinning chef preparing food sourced locally. If you want to complement your craft beer taste, we offer a wide range of local wines from our region with some lovely drops of red and white wines along with bubbles. In addition, our spirit wall hosts an inviting range of imported whiskey and bourbon choices, always a good way to finish off a social visit with friends and family. The open fireplace, eclectic decore’, historic artifacts and much loved staff provide for a warm and enticing dining, drinking and entertainment experience. The hotel is open every weekday from 3pm to 11pm (later on weekends) with tea from 6pm and open for lunch on weekends from 12.00noon. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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ECHUCA’S OWN BANDICOOT Like so many other craft brewers Tracey Green had been home brewing for years, with a long held desire to one day develop her own craft beer brewery. The opportunity to realise the dream came when she won a prize of a day’s brewing tuition at Holgate Brewhouse in a Bendigo Home Brew competition. This led to three years of researching, gathering equipment and designing and building the Bandicoot Brewery from the ground up. After years of touring other breweries, Tracey and partner Bruce were now running their own – along with Tracey still working full time and raising a family. Right from the “off”, they wanted the first release of Bandicoot beer to showcase the quality of ingredients used along with their brewing experience and this is just the start of their plans to expand to include more unique beers that will excite individual pallets. Quality is paramount at Bandicoot, so the beer is packaged in premium bottles with
,
echuca s very own
brewery
Look for our logo in pubs and clubs. Call to book your brewery tour. Bruce 0481 333 306 Tracey 0481 333 309 Factory 2B, 100 Northern Highway, Echuca tracey@bandicootbrewing.com.au www.bandicootbrewing.com.au
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an eye for the aesthetic in order to standout in restaurant and bar fridges. Beers available are Barbed Wire Blonde Ale and Rusty Pale Ale and Bandicoot also sell draught beer kegs on request and with summer barbecues and celebrations coming up, it might be an idea to order early. For more information visit www.bandicootbrewing.com.au
THE HOTEL ON THE MOUNT The Mt. Macedon Hotel is one of those places that retains its country charm, while at the same time providing somewhat of an urban persona. Closed for some years following the devastating 1983 fires, the hotel was rebuilt, revamped and redefined and is now a “gastropub” championing craft beers with sixteen on tap – rotating between international, national and local brewers. New beers are introduced seasonally as a point of difference at the Mt. Macedon Hotel. Speaking with manager Darcy Dove, you can’t help but be caught up in his enthusiasm for the hotel. After working in other hospitality establishments around Central Victoria, Darcy returned to Macedon to take over the reins in March 2014 for owner Gordon Johnson, a former Olympic cyclist. The hotel is a great attraction for the many tourists who travel to Mt. Macedon all year round where they find exceptional seasonal
dishes, an extensive wine list of which 80% are regional and of course, the 16 craft beers on tap. Throughout its many incarnations, the Mt. Macedon Hotel remains a stalwart of the area and is high on the list of desired destinations.
Character abound, craft-beer-mecca, outstanding locally fed kitchen and one of the region’s famed beer gardens. Live music weekends, special events and function areas, what more would the intrepid traveler desire? 7 days a week, lunch and dinner. Make this your one-stop upon the mountain. Bookings online mtmacedonhotel.com.au or alternatively on 5426 1888
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MORE THAN 7 CENTS WORTH 7 cent Brewery is the passion of three mates Bousa, Doug and Bakes. Aka Matthew Boustead, Doug Bremner and Brendan Baker, who met at University, discovered they each loved beer, home brewing and talking about the stuff so much that with some ingenuity, personal sacrifices, guts, determination and great humour, gave birth to 7 cent Brewery. In the very early days when Brendan was first kicking around the idea with another friend, the realities of setting up a brewery, buying equipment, finding suppliers, costs and all the other risks, impeded progress for awhile. Then Brendan, who had grown up on a dairy farm decided to don his engineer’s hat and came up with ways they could convert disused dairy machinery into brewing equipment. Then there was the question of a name. Brendan explains: “After a long day of construction at the brewery, we ended the day with a sacrificial burning of old couches to please the beer gods and give them something to rest their drunken and weary behinds on. In the morning, along with a couple of sore heads, all that remained was a pile of ash, burnt springs and old 1 and 2 cent coins, long lost down the back of the couches. How many coins? 7 cents of course! In our bleary-eyed state this was a clear omen from the beer gods and the name was born.” Two and a half years later, there are three very happy campers who they say “are inspired by the craft brewers who
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have gone before, challenged the palates of beer drinkers and been brave enough to brew something unique.” Their core philosophy is to make beer that excites them and that they love to drink. Looking ahead, these three guys have a clear vision of 7 cent Brewery being much bigger and occupying a solid position of craft beer brewing along the entire east coast and the west coast of the country. 7 cent beer is sold mainly in kegs, with a few bottles scattered around, so to learn where and when you can pick up supply, keep a sharp eye on the website 7cent.com.au, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CIDER HANDCRAFTED IN DAYLESFORD Along with craft beer, cider has enjoyed a boom in recent times and is gaining a new appreciation among discerning drinkers. Daylesford Cider Company is a boutique cidery located at Musk, close to Daylesford, where new owners Clare Williams and Jonathan Mackie hand make delicious traditional cider from 17 varieties of Englishheritage cider apples grown organically on the property. There is more to this cidery than just cider. The Tavern, reminiscent of many to be found in the English countryside and the surrounding gardens are perfect for an easy weekend visit where the seasonal menu offers excellent meals. The pizzas cooked in the wood fired oven, are particularly noteworthy as is the live music, and all round good
service. The Daylesford Cidery is also great for weddings and functions. Although close to Daylesford, the Cidery in its rural setting is a positive respite from the hustle and bustle of the major tourist town and its easy to see that visitors do find it hard to leave at times.
The Grande Hotel
H A N D C R A F T E D I N DAY L E S F O R D , V I C T O R I A F R O M O R G A N I C A L LY G R O W N H E R I T A G E A P P L E S
Accommodation Restaurant Casual Dining Cabaret Club Speakeasy Functions & Events
1 CHURCH AVENUE, HEPBURN SPRINGS P:5348-1978 E:MANAGER@THEGRANDEHOTEL.COM.AU WWW.THEGRANDEHOTEL.COM.AU
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WOMBAT HILL HOUSE A stroll through the magical Wombat Hill Gardens followed by a light meal or coffee and cake in the Wombat Hill café is a great way to spend a few hours in Daylesford. The gardens, established in 1860 were created to fit the fashion of the day when every Victorian town desired a botanic garden, which was seen as THE status symbol of the new colony’s wealth, derived from gold. Choosing an extinct volcano to lay out the gardens was of course an inspired choice as the volcanic soil was guaranteed to grow anything. With government assistance, community involvement and the input of Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller, director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, the stunning Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens came into being and offers the same ambience and respite today as it did to Daylesford’s forefathers.
growing up in Daylesford and Allan whose artistic vision for the picturesque location is translated in painted form on the internal café walls. From the beginning, the feel of the café was to be simple, creative, country and a little magical. The café fit out, Allan’s mural and other artwork throughout the site – and the logo itself, reflect this magic and mystery. It’s an enchanted place where even a lowly and simple wombat might grow wings and fly… Hence the winged wombat. The beautiful gardens of Wombat Hill is a place of enchantment, magic and whimsy. Allan Wolf-Tasker, Lake House co-owner and resident artist designed and painted the mural in the café, featuring a mythical landscape based on the Wombat State Forest. It changes constantly as Allan sneaks in and often adds animals to the mural.
Sitting almost, but not quite on top of the hill, the garden caretaker’s cottage stood for some time abandoned and rundown until being lovingly restored by the Wolf-Tasker family when they took over the tender in 2011. The heritage overlay meant that care was needed in renovating the cottage to what it is now, with not much more than the original external walls remaining.
The north facing kitchen garden was planted in late 2011 and now grows many of the fruits and vegetables used in the Wombat Hill House café, depending on the season. The café offers simple seasonal food, sourced locally wherever possible and served in one of Daylesford’s most beautiful locations. Take home ‘heat & eat’ food, picnic & pantry provisions and gifts are available from the store. Wines, made specially for Wombat Hill House by local winemakers are available by the bottle and glass to enjoy on the premises.
The Gardens always held a special place in the heart of the Wolf-Taskers – Alla whose mother spent many afternoons there with her as a child, Larissa, who later explored the hidden tracks and secret gardens whilst 18
ALLAN WOLF-TASKER
RESIDENT ARTIST, LAKE HOUSE DAYLESFORD LANDSCAPES You can’t live in a region for 32 years and not have it become part of your inner being. Allan Wolf-Tasker, part owner with his wife Alla Wolf-Tasker of the iconic Lake House in Daylesford is so in sync with the landscapes around the town and the nearby region that he has used them as inspiration for his Landscapes of Daylesford series of paintings that are now a published book, not surprisingly titled – “Landscapes of Daylesford”. To find the right vista to transfer to canvas, Allan clambers between upturned rocks, over long felled trees, amongst bracken filled new forest, through diverted creeks and along overgrown trails. In the forward to his book Allan writes : “This region is a much interfered with earth zone. Formed firstly by violent volcanic processes coupled with awesome water bound sculpturing, then turned upside down by voracious gold miners, ravaged by visionless foresters and finally divided and conquered by pastoralists and crop farmers,
this land has enjoyed little peace over the past two centuries.” Allan’s paintings epitomise the diversity of the region, from the rolling hills and open pastures to the verdant bush that make the area so appealing to residents, visitors and artists. Guests at the Lake House will be familiar with seeing Allan’s artworks adorning the walls throughout the restaurant and hotel as well as ‘little cousin’, Wombat Hill House, whose walls also bear delightful and cheeky murals painted by Allan. “Landscapes of Daylesford” is a beautiful book and perfect for that special gift. It is available to buy online or at Reception at Lake House. Allan’s studio is located within the gardens at Lake House and is available to visit by appointment. For more information visit www.allanwolftasker.com.au or www.lakehouse.com.au
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Cool climate Italian Wines available from our cellar door. Open Weekends and public holidays from 12 - 5pm.
A collection of European & Australian design, beautiful, gentle alluring and ever evolving 83-85 Vincent Street, Daylesford 03 5348 1172 20
FONTANELLA – IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY Take a close knit family, three businesses and what do you have? An amazing mix of elegant retail style, great food and coffee and the wine to make it all sublime. The Fontanella family, John, Amanda, daughter Sarah and her partner Luke are nothing if not enterprising and we could throw in entrepreneurial too. Ten years ago John and Amanda bought a property in Glenlyon, with acreage, rolling hills surrounded by forest that was the perfect place to realise their country dream. Originally it was a weekender for the family while both continued working in Melbourne and visualising of one day having their own boutique winery. John’s Italian heritage kept telling him to plant vines and that is exactly what he did. Today, Fontanella Wines produce beautiful cool climate Italian Wines Prosecco, Piot Grigio, Rosato and Pinot Nero, available online or enjoying the ambience of the cellar door in Glenlyon - open weekends or weekdays by appointment. Visit www.fontanellawines.com.au Amanda also had her dream of designing and opening, a shop, not just any shop, but one that brought together European and Australian style, reflecting her own Dutch
background. Amanda says: “I didn’t have a design background, but I certainly have a shopping background”. Harry and Me, her store in Vincent Street, Daylesford is elegant and gorgeous and as described by Amanda ‘ a collection of European and Australian design, beautiful, gentle, alluring and ever evolving’. Combining homewares, clothing, accessories and stunning perfumes, Harry and Me is a must on any visit to the town – and the name? Harry is John and Amanda’s grandson. Visit www.facebook.com/harryandmedaylesford If you can tear yourself away from either the winery or the shop, a short hop down Vincent Street brings you to Larder and L1, Sarah and Luke’s amazing cafes that sit next door to each other. The casual, uncomplicated atmosphere is welcoming, the food is great at both venues and the coffee - well these two do it to perfection. You only have to read the reviews on that well known public review platform Trip Advisor to realise that here we have a great addition to the Daylesford dining scene. Open from 8am daily Larder and L1 has to be on the ‘really must go there’ list. Visit www.larderdaylesford.com.au 21
William Kentridge: Drawn from Africa Sat 23 Jan – Sun 10 Apr | ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT A National Gallery of Australia Exhibition. Supported by International Art Services – Museum Services and ABC Local Radio. The National Gallery of Australia is an Australian Government Agency.
image: William Kentridge Bakelite radio (detail) 1994 charcoal, pastel, collage. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. The Poynton Bequest 2013
Allendale Nursery Hooked on Herbs Specializing in Herbs & Vegetable seedlings. All ornamentals reduced to clear. 4141 Creswick-Newstead Road Allendale Phone 0411 551 550 allendalenursery@gmail.com Find us on Facebook Catch me at the following markets: 1st Saturday of the month 1st Sunday of the month 2nd Saturday of the month 2nd Sunday of the month 3rd Saturday of the month 3rd Sunday of the month
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Woodend Farmers Market Gisborne Olde Time Market Kyneton Farmers Market Maldon Market Creswick Market Talbot Farmers Market
Exclusive camping just minutes from Daylesford
For Groups or Families up to 18 people. Book the whole site for exclusive use. Six berth tents with en suites, bush kitchen, activities and pet friendly.
03 5345 7092 - www.canoeimages.com.au Pork Pies Black Pudding Haggis Nitrate-Free Streaky Bacon Free-Range British Style Pork Sausages Gammon steaks and boiling joints Open Mon-Sat 464 Perricoota Road Moama - 03 5480 9645 www.pacdon.com.au
BALLARAT ART GALLERY – WILLIAM KENTRIDGE William Kentridge was born in apartheid South Africa in 1955. During his childhood, Kentridge’s mother, Felicia, and father, Sydney, were both actively involved in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid activists in political trials and in events such as the inquest into the Sharpeville massacre of 1960. Kentridge’s father Sydney was one of the lawyers for the defence in the Treason Trials starting in 1956 that included Nelson Mandela as one of the 156 people charged with treason for their anti-Apartheid stance. His family’s involvement in the injustices of apartheid played an important role in his development and informed his work as a gifted figurative artist. Given this background, Kentridge considered abstract art and conceptual art ‘an impossible activity’.
Kentridge’s art belongs to a tradition of some of the great figurative artists of the past such as William Hogarth, Francisco Goya and Honoré Daumier, as well as the German Expressionists Max Beckmann and George Grosz. These artists created powerful imagery that explored the social conditions of their time. While Kentridge follows in their footsteps, he also develops imagery of subtlety and imagination in film, drawing, printmaking and tapestry design and explores three dimensions in innovative opera productions and sculptural forms. His art dismantles, transforms and fuses one art category into another. The William Kentridge Exhibition will be held at The Ballarat Art Gallery from 23rd January to 10th April, 2016.
Am azi ng Syn the tic Ice Ska tin g
18 H ol e M in i G ol f 2301 Midland Hwy Springmount 3364
H ug e Bo ta ni ca l M az e
Open 10am - 5pm Every Day (except Christmas Day)
In fl a ta b le L a se r T a g www.tangledmaze.com.au ph. 03 5345 2847 23
TOWN ON A PLATE: JUNCTION MOAMA MICHAEL GIARRUSSO IN ECHUCA-MOAMA At Junction, the approach to dining is a devotion to seasonal, local produce and meticulous care in bringing it to life on a plate. Head Chef, Michael Giarrusso brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the kitchen, having previously worked with major hotel chains and alongside Gary Mehigan at Fenix. Michael and the team at Junction place emphasis on a truly social experience and
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jumped at the chance to create a dish that emulated Echuca Moama. For inspiration, he drew on the products from his local suppliers - Bundarra Berkshires pork, Pacdon Park black pudding and the nearby yabby supplier. With the vibrant colours that entwine the Murray River (and are plastered throughout Junction’s bespoke custom murals) in the back of his mind, the result is a stunning culmination of Confit Pork belly with poached yabby, cider apples and beetroot.
CONFIT PORK BELLY WITH POACHED YABBY, CIDER APPLES AND BEETROOT PORK RUB 1kg salt ½ bunch Rosemary 50gm Black Peppercorns 2 whole Garlic bulbs Add all ingredients to food processor and blend till it becomes a fine salt mixture. CONFIT PORK BELLY 1 Pork Belly (cut into 3) 3 tsp Garlic Rosemary salt (Pork Rub) 2 tbsp. Duck Fat Season belly with salt Pork Rub. Place 3 pieces of pork in 3 separate vacuum bags with duck fat and seal tightly. Steam at 72 degrees Celsius for 12 hours. YELLOW BEETROOT PUREE 1kg yellow beetroot 50ml Chardonnay vinegar Salt and pepper Cover beetroots in a pot with water and bring to the boil, then simmer gently until soft. Remove from water and blend in a food processor until smooth. Add vinegar and season to taste. POACHED YABBIES 1 kg yabbies 4 sprigs thyme 4 cloves garlic Salt In a large pot add salt, thyme and garlic and cover with water and bring to the boil. Add yabbies and cook no longer than 5 minutes. Remove from boiling pot and refresh in ice water.
SLOW COOKED BEETROOTS 1 kg baby beetroots (washed and cleaned) 4 sprigs thyme 2 cloves garlic 50ml raspberry vinegar 50ml olive oil Marinate beetroot with thyme, garlic, vinegar and olive oil. Place in roasting tray and roast at 90 degrees Celsius overnight. Once cooled, peel and place aside (skin should peel off quite easily). APPLE CIDER AND OLIVE OIL APPLE 4 Granny Smith apples 80ml Apple Cider 50ml Olive Oil Peel and cut apple into 2cm dice. Place into a vacuum bag with cider and oil. Seal tight and leave overnight. TO SERVE Plate to share on a large platter, allowing a mixture of colours and textures to spread evenly throughout the dish or serve as individual portions for guests to enjoy. A perfect culmination of summer delights plated to please all of the senses. 25
Junction is an over 18 venue
Where the rustic charm of colonial days and the comfort of contemporary culture meet. 26
CECODE GALLERY Castlemaine’s ‘West End; is steadily becoming an enclave of cafes, restaurants and galleries. Tree lined Templeton Street, leading as it does from the Castlemaine railway station beckons travellers to enter the town via a gateway of sophistication that is incongruously coupled with old fashioned country hospitality. Sitting comfortably in the street is Cecode_Workroom - Art & Design Shop, owned and operated by Caz Cordingly with husband Philip who has recently renovated and will open in early 2016 The Gallery – Contemporary Art and Design where emerging and established artists will be exhibited. Cecode Workroom is an eclectic mix of homewares from near and far including their own brand of limited edition gift cards, Giclee prints and especially bespoke handmade garments by Caz ‘de+ cecode’. Caz is a designer, maker and retailer, and
co-collaborator of Ceco Design Pty Ltd best. Both Caz and Philip have extensive experience in design and graphics in the Film & TV Industry working in London, Milan, Sydney and Melbourne where Philip was head of graphics at the ABC (TV). For the past 10 years, Philip has been a full time artist. With all this international experience, one wonders if Castlemaine offers enough for this creative duo. Caz says “Castlemaine is now home and we couldn’t be happier”
“Learning for life, from life and throughout life.” Nurturing children from Playgroup to Class 8 Cnr Rilens Rd and Pyrenees Highway, Muckleford 03 5479 2000 enquiries@castlemainesteinerschool.com.au www.castlemainesteinerschool.com.au
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CENTRAL VICTORIA – A MECCA FOR RETRO STYLE It was an unsolicited article sent to us by an eighteen-year-old Melbourne University student that aroused our curiosity about the region’s position in the “retro” styling genre. Lara Porczak is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree and describes herself as opinionated and has Sherlock Holmes like social observations. We don’t know about Sherlock Holmes, but her observations of Daylesford as a mecca for retro peaked our interest. Lara wrote: “I was in a paradise for indie, vintage obsessives. Daylesford is known for its luxury spas, natural mineral springs and botanical gardens, however this little town is now on the must-visit lists of every retro loving, antique seeking hipster from Melbourne.” When we looked around we realised that the entire
region gives a nod to “retro styling”, be it memorabilia, furniture, fashion or a recreation of shops as they were, as can be found in Inglewood. Many towns boast a museum of varying size and content with locals taking pride in their heritage. One example would be Creswick’s Light Horse Brigade with their uniforms of World War 1 and who are in demand to participate in parades and events throughout the country. Lover’s of ‘indie’, as described by Lara, have a veritable treasure trove of shops and markets to satisfy the most adventurous collector. We have to thank Lara for urging us to look around. It’s amazing how often the familiar goes unnoticed.
WI LD T
ROUT DOWN UND
ER
and
Gordon Hat Shoppe
Art Deco 20th Century Vintage Furniture – Lighting - Objects Jewellery – Vintage Couture Vintage fashion Open Wednesday to Monday, Tuesdays purely by chance or appointment Store 3/27 Vincent Street, Daylesford 0407 321 865 - www.artedeco.com.au
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At the restored historic church, Gordon Opposite the hotel www.tweedwild.com.au - Tel 5368 9808
ARTE DECO IN DAYLESFORD Think Hercule Poroit, think Melbourne’s Myer Emporium Building and look at the skyline of the city to see many examples of the Art Deco style. Dianne Picket and her partner Trevor are specialists in Art Deco, 20th Century and Vintage with a delightful shop in the main street of Daylesford. There you will find a range of furniture, lighting, decorative arts, figurines, jewellery and vintage fashion and other gorgeous pieces that will make lovers of the era salivate. Of course, the whole range can’t fit into the shop, but visit the website, www.artdeco.com.au to see and purchase online. The Daylesford shop is open 6 days a week, although they do say that Tuesdays are open purely by chance or appointment. The Arte Deco shop in Daylesford is only small, but is a delight to visit and who knows what
treasures you’ll find. If you have anything in mind, call Dianne, she may be able to help 0407 321 865.
HANDING OVER THE BATON AT WILD TROUT Regular goers to local markets will be familiar with a tall white haired man, with a bushy beard and booming voice. Bob Petch of The Wild Trout Hat Shop in Gordon has been a recognisable feature at many locations selling hats, modern ones and others that are very retro, including the Sherlock Holmes deer stalker style. Now in his seventies, Bob has decided to take a step back and allow a younger generation to carry the flag. Shiobhan and Damien Muller, a young couple from Tylden have been running the Wild Trout market stalls for 3 years and absolutely love what they are doing. So enamoured are they of their new lifestyle that they have both quit their full time jobs, Shiobhan as a make up artist and Damien as an insurance underwriter to pursue their passion fully. From early in 2016 they plan to take Wild Trout Hat Shoppe on the road throughout Tasmania, New South Wales and South Australia as a starting point, thus combining business with pleasure and
taking Central Victorian Retro Style to the rest of Australia. If you want to find out where they’ll be next, email misstweedee@gmail.com. The Gordon shop is still operating as usual.
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TREASURE IN LODDON Treasure-hunters flocked to the Loddon region in their thousands during the goldrush years and the lure of discovery is no less compelling today for lovers of antiques. Many of the towns in the region have drawn from their past to provide visitors with a huge variety of retro memorabilia – these are just a few. There’s a definite European flavour at Septembre Vintage in Eddington, where owners Domenico and Virginie have reinvigorated the town’s former petrol station. Virginie is French and the couple source some of their varied stock there. In Tarnagulla, Matilda’s operates in a storefront run continuously as a butcher’s shop from 1862 to 1988. “I specialise in cute, kitsch and comfy,” owner Frances said. At Bridgewater, Helen has opened Tumbleweeds & Toadstools in the town’s former bakery. “I started collecting egg cups years ago, but when I got to 1,000 I thought I’d try something else,” she said. Inglewood is fast becoming a Mecca for antiques enthusiasts, with five busy shops. Fusspots is located in the old Nixon Bros store, with owner Catherine selling vintage homewares, furniture, collectables and curios. The Allan Nixon Grocery Museum is part of the premises. Inglewood Emporium owner Denise operates in a building that’s 153 years old.“We have restored and rustic furniture, vintage clothes
and collectables such as corkscrews, rope makers and cast-iron water fountains,” Denise said. Chris, from Sharp’s Bazaar, has been in Inglewood for eight years after 15 years in Eaglehawk. “I like to have dolls and prams here, alongside my range of furniture, collectables, kitchenware and linen,” Chris said. Liz, of Lizzie’s Vintage Wear and Wares, has been operating for 10 years, selling hippie clothes and vintage clothing, while Christine, of Gypsy Collectables, has notched up 35 years in the trade specialising in “heritage utensils”. Further north, the Coach House Gallery and Museum at Wedderburn houses a general store displaying goods from the early 1900s, while a cellar contains photos, wheelwrights’ tools and a printing press.
ADELPHI BOUTIQUE APARTMENTS IN THE HEART OF ECHUCA 25 Campaspe St Echuca www.adelphiapartments.com.au
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A BAZAAR WITH A DIFFERENCE Brick Lane Bazaar in Daylesford’s Vincent Street is a treasure trove of memorabilia. Specialising in Collectables, Vintage, Industrial, Records, Automobilia, Art Deco, Vintage Clothing, Books, Retro, and a whole lot more, this very large shop needs a lot of time to explore fully. Owners Kate Larsen and parents Laurie and Christine bought what was formerly Pantechnicon Gallery in 2012 and have provided the opportunity for thirty stallholders to sell their wares. The relationship between the traders and owners works well because each feels part of a larger family. The Larsen’s are very particular about who they invite to occupy space in Brick Lane, with an emphasis on quality products, resulting in a mutual
respect between all parties. Laurie and Christine, who is a potter by profession, have been in the retail industry all their lives and joined with Kate, a professional photographer to create this amazing retro mecca. Asked how the name Brick Lane Bazaar came about, Laurie explained “The day I bought the building, I was fascinated by the flooring in the entrance to the shop, which I thought was old bricks and reminded me of old laneways. So after some discussion, the name was born” adding “It was only later that we realized the bricks were actually slate tiles”. Nevertheless, it is a good name and it remains.
Photo courtesy of Bendigo Regional Tourism
Freshly made on premises using all natural ingredients.
22 High Street, Maldon Open Wednesday to Sunday 12 - 4.30pm
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Go Food & Wine Fossicking in the Bendigo Region Make sure you pick up your Food and Wine Fossicking map to discover the best wineries, cider makers, growers, producers, restaurants and cafes from Heathcote to Castlemaine, Maryborough to Boort and everywhere in between.
This map is your perfect tool for exploring the Bendigo Region and includes detailed business listings, touring routes, location markers and a distance legend. For further details on food, wine and tourism experiences throughout the region please visit www.bendigoregion.com Available at the Visitor Centres throughout the Bendigo Region.
FOOD AND WINE, MAPPED OUT Calling all foodies! Bendigo Regional Tourism has just launched the map of your dreams. Now you can follow your food-and-wine-loving nose from Heathcote to Boort, Bendigo to Castlemaine, Maldon to Talbot, and not miss a treat. The map features almost 60 of the region’s food and wine heroes, directing you to take a self-drive discovery tour of this rich food bowl. Many producers are now welcoming visitors straight to the farm gate. Get an education and an experience straight from the makers, such as Simply Tomatoes and Salute Oliva in lakeside Boort. A chance to see these beautiful rural properties alone is worth the drive, plus you’ll get to taste test from the best. Boutique shops also offer artisan specialties. Discover traditional baked goods and dryaged beef in the Loddon Valley, handmade chocolates and cheeses in central Bendigo, surprising ice cream flavours in Maldon and famous apple cider in Harcourt. On any given weekend the region puts on a country farmers market. The map will show you where to find them, in Wedderburn, Talbot, Castlemaine, Heathcote and Bendigo. There, the producers come to you. Visiting a farmers market is also a great way to get a feel for the character of these goldfields communities, as you’ll be shopping alongside like-minded locals. Just don’t forget your baskets or green bags! Right across the goldfields small, family-owned wineries feature alongside bigger producers. You can go from one to the next following the map’s suggestions. For example, Heathcote’s famous reds are made beyond the stretched-out township, among the gentle hills and dips of a picturesque landscape. Many wineries also boast cafes and restaurants, serving up regional produce alongside the wines. Many local labels have a presence at the Heathcote Wine Hub, which is a great place
to start your tour of this close-knit winemaking community. Looking for an expert to do the kitchen work for you? The region’s restaurants are setting the trend to use the produce that’s near and dear. Local meats, fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, herbs and condiments take pride of place on the restaurant tables. As do wines, ciders and now boutique beers, carefully crafted by locals. You’ll find cooks and chefs diligently plying their trades in some of the goldfield’s most charming and quirky historic buildings; Castlemaine’s old goal, Dunolly’s original grocery store, and a former dispensary, bank and glass factory in inner-city Bendigo. It’s no secret where to find them all, as it’s all on the Bendigo Region Food and Wine Fossicking map and guide. Available now at every Visitor Information Centre throughout the region, being the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander Shire, Central Goldfields Shire and Loddon Shire.
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Alex Sanson Sculpture Sarah Ormonde Ceramics Michael Wolfe Painting Lisa Kennedy Jewellery Each artist draws inspiration from nature and the landscape, merging and modifying shape, colour and form to create unique works of art.
Breathe in the fresh country air as the willows tickle the ducks on the lake before you. Perricoota Vines Retreat is paradise on earth. With each reclaimed timber villa boasting a private spa room and warm, luxurious interiors with cathedral ceilings, your couples’ retreat is wonderfully romantic with all the simple practicalities you could hope for. Each of our garden or lakeside villas boast lovingly tended gardens or lakeside willow views, and a private courtyard or outdoor decking across the lake means you can enjoy the best of the fresh Murray air before retreating to your secluded villa. In-room massage and gourmet goods delivered to your door can be arranged. Plasma TVs and wi-fi hot spots are available. Perricoota Vines is a short drive from Echuca Moama’s tourism Mecca and all its cafes, restaurants, old world paddlesteamer attractions and of course the majestic Murray River, A 400 Perricoota Rd, Moama NSW 2731 P 1800 826 655 E enquiries@perricootavines.com W perricootavines.com
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Open daily 9am-5pm, except Christmas Day 51-67 Pall Mall Bendigo 1800 813 153 ∙ bendigotourism.com
ALTERED ELEMENTS @ THE LIVING ARTS SPACE
An outstanding new exhibition, Altered Elements featuring the work of four local artists is open at Bendigo’s Living Art Space until February 14, 2016. The artists included in the exhibition have drawn their inspiration from elements of nature and the Australian landscape. Each artist has merged and modified their artistic vision with their chosen materials in individual ways to create exceptional works of art.
subtle finish to her unique works echoing the beauty of the local terrain.
Painter and photographer Michael Wolfe has captured the spirit of the Australian landscape. The colours, contours and shapes are suggestive of an ancient and weathered land. The large scale of the works allows the viewer to immerse in them and enjoy the punctuation of hills, trees, rocks and other features of the surrounding Central Victorian landscape.
Alex Sanson’s sculptural pieces add an element of wonder and surprise with the juxtaposition of materials he uses. The dichotomy raised in Alex’s work with the dense, cold nature of iron and steel sitting alongside the soft, weightlessness of feathers creates a true sense of marvel. They are mechanical yet whimsical, strong yet flighty, steadfast yet mobile and will definitely enchant and amuse visitors to the exhibition.
Similarly, Sarah Ormonde has evolved methods over many years of altering her wheel-thrown ceramic forms to create interesting shapes. She adds to this by applying porcelain slips, oxide washes and inlays on the surface of the object to create a
Remedial Massage Regression Therapy Essential Oils Crystals and Books
The captivating jewellery produced by Lisa Kennedy using precious metals and gems, are timeless in their design. The beautifully detailed metalwork pieces incorporate such special features as South Sea pearls, Australian opals and exotic gems giving these one-off designs a character of their own.
For information regarding upcoming workshops and demonstrations phone 5434 6060 or email las@bendigo.vic.gov.au
Cheryl Burridge Dip H. & S. Dip H.T.
Hollistic Therapist 59 Albert Street, Creswick 03 5345 1458 35
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. 36
39 Albert Street, Daylesford (a short walk from the main street) Open Thursday to Monday, 10am - 5pm Phone 0429 192 718
“AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST CONTINUOUS SPORTING EVENT”
A NEW YEAR CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER There aren’t too many events in Australia that can claim to have thrived and survived for over 150 years. Maryborough’s Highland Gathering was originally formed by Scottish squatters and businessmen in an attempt to recreate the New Year celebrations of their native home.
new year’s day • 11am Pipe Band Street Parade FREE CONEVENING • Athletics all day CE featuring FIREW+ RT DISP ORKS “Max Martin LAY! Memorial Gift” • Carnival Rides • Highland Dancing on 2 stands all day • Strongmen Events • Highland Games • Band Displays & Massed March on oval • Girl on Drum feature & much more! Proudly Sponsored by
For more info call Maryborough Highland Society on (03) 5461 1480 or visit www.highlandsociety.com.au
Today, the Highland Gathering attracts people from all across the country – athletes, dancers, musicians, and those who just want to soak up the incredible atmosphere of piped bands and traditional Scottish culture. The program has something for everyone. A piped band street parade, all-day athletics, highland dancing on two stages all day, Highland games and traditional strongmen event. Track events on the day range from 70-metre sprints to middle-distance races over 1500 metres. There are events for both men and women, including veterans. The athletics program culminates with the running of the $15,000 Max Martin Memorial Maryborough Gift, contested over 120 metres; now one of the country’s most prestigious footraces. Anyone who’s attended the event over the past 35 years will have a lasting memory of the Girl on the Drum spectacular that has become a highlight of the New Year celebrations. It features a highland dancer atop a base drum, lifted to the shoulders of three burly Scots. Flanked by a full piped band and other traditional dancers, it really is a sight and sound spectacular not to be missed. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too, with games, sideshows and rides happening throughout the day. The day concludes with a free evening concert and fireworks display – a great way to celebrate the new year. Entry to Princes Park is $14 for adults, $7 for seniors, with children under 16 free. For more information call 5461 1480 or visit www.highlandsociety.com.au
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THE OLD CASTLEMAINE GAOL The Old Castlemaine Gaol sits high on a hill overlooking the town, like a monument laying testament to the region’s past. From it’s lofty location, the view of the town is spectacular – one wonders if the previous tenants appreciated it from their cells. Closed as a gaol in 1990, the Old Castlemaine Gaol has since been a hotel, radio station, cooking school and a site for various businesses. When current owners, the McClure Family took hold of the reins over a year ago, they gave the old girl a new lease of life with The Governor’s Café, located in the old Governor’s house, open for meals, coffee and cake six days a week, with late nights Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking for a great place to round off the week, Friday night burgers,
beers and beats will certainly help set you up for the weekend, where you can continue on Saturday nights over summer with live music in the courtyard. Delve into the dark history of the gaol and its prisoners by taking the regular gaol tours, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am. The Old Castlemaine Gaol also hosts various music gigs and live theatre in the gaol’s cellblock, usually on a monthly basis. Past gigs have included the Mae Trio and The Castlemaine Jazz Festival. The gaol is also available for functions and weddings, certainly a unique way to start married life. For more information www.oldcastlemainegaol.com.au.
Exc ALL lud FAB ing LineRIC $ ns & 15p/ Quil m tba cks
The Village Patch Over 3000 fabrics in stock, kits, locally handmade quilts, gifts, threads and books. Machine quilting service also available.
49 High Street, Maldon – 03 5475 2391 email enquiries@villagepatch.com.au Open 6 days, Wed–Mon 10am–5pm Secure online store www.villagepatch.com.au 38
ONE WOMAN’S QUEST FOR JUSTICE Judicial Murder is an extraordinary story, written by a self confessed ordinary woman. The story is that of David Young, the first man hanged in Castlemaine Gaol for a murder that author Deborah Benson fervently believes he did not commit. So convinced is Deborah of David Young’s innocence that 150 years after his execution, she is seeking a full pardon and exoneration for him. What brings this former kindergarten teacher to take on the role of a campaigner seeking justice for a man long departed is a tale in itself. It was one of those synchronistic happenings that can unexpectedly alter a planned course. Deborah and husband Christopher Creek bought the Eaglehawk Motel in Maldon three years ago and Christopher set about to write about the early days of Maldon, which was published under the tile ‘A Rich Vein’ this year. When helping with the research for Christopher’s book, Deborah discovered the story of David Young. As she uncovered more of David’s life, the murder, the police investigations and the subsequent trial, the more convinced she became that there had been a miscarriage of justice and an innocent man had been sent to the gallows. The deeper she delved into the archives, it became apparent to her that the police were involved in manipulating, even fabricating evidence to build a case against him. With her curiosity aroused and an overwhelming desire to seek justice for this man, Deborah set off on a two-and-a-halfyear journey of painstaking research, delving into archives, town histories and personal accounts. As a result, Judicial Murder is a tome that is well worth reading. The book is written as a narrative in order to make it more entertaining for the reader, even employing the speech patterns of the time giving the story greater authenticity. It isn’t a pretty story – the brutal murder of a young, newly married woman Margaret Graham in Daylesford and the subsequent investigations by a police force and indeed government who,
concerned with a series of unsolved murders, were determined to convict someone – anyone - for this crime. With Judicial Murder, Deborah Benson gives the reader a vivid picture of the characters, the era and the region and has opened the window to the possibility that the first man hanged at Castlemaine Gaol was indeed, the wrong man. Whether she succeeds in obtaining a pardon for David Young remains to be seen, but Deborah’s passionate belief that complete exoneration is the only acceptable result is commendable. David Young died childless with no known family, so there are no descendants to rejoice if Deborah achieves her aim, however it may just be enough that one man from long ago has someone who is still fighting for him. Judicial Murder is available in Maldon from Peppercorn Books, Maldon’s Eaglehawk Motel and the Old Castlemaine Gaol. For more information visit www.eaglehawkpress.com
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A Touch of Class Step back in time to an era of elegance and decadence, into the Golden Age of rail travel, when the journey was just as important as the destination Our first class carriages offer a unique rail experience complete with cosy compartments, open lounges and fully equipped bar. Enjoy a drink or snack served by our Stewards, while you simply sit back and relax. Ride on the observation platform on our parlour car, let the world drift by as you leave behind the hum-drum of modern life and experience a taste of true decadence during your leisurely journey.
The Authentic Steam Railway Linking Castlemaine and Maldon Trains run on Sundays and Wednesdays as well as selected Saturdays and public holidays throughout the year.
www.VGR.com.au info@vgr.com.au
Maldon’s Eaglehawk Motel
The small motel with a big difference. It’s ambience and facilities provide a wonderful experience when staying in Maldon.
35 Reef Street, Maldon 03 5475 2750 www.maldoneaglehawk.com
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NEW LIFE FOR OLD GAOLS They stand as testament to a powerful dark history in the building of a nation. Impenetrable, monolithic structures that were the dread of anyone who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. These were the country’s gaols and it seems there were a lot of them, especially in Victoria’s regional towns. Over time most of the old gaols became too costly to maintain and subsequently divested themselves of their charges, leaving immense empty structures in their wake. So what becomes of disused gaols. Some fell into total ruin, whereas others through foresight and imagination have been re-invented as public places. The map above depicts five of the most significant structures in Central
Victoria that have found new and interesting alternative lives, much preferred to their original purpose. Ararat’s J Ward is a premier tourist attraction, the façade of the Old Ballarat Gaol is part of Federation University, Creswick Courthouse and Gaol is a community theatre, Old Castlemaine Gaol is a café and function centre and Sandhurst Gaol Bendigo has become the stunning Ullumbarra Theatre. Our map was produced by Lilia Haughie, a year nine student at Daylesford Secondary College who was the winner of our competition for students to develop an imaginative map. Lilia is a very talented young lady with skills way beyond her very young years.
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CODY JOY
KIM ANDERSON
LORIS BUTTON
WALL I PAPER Wed 3 Dec 2015 to Sat 30 Jan 2016
TARLI GLOVER
Curated by Kim Anderson DEBBIE HILL
TRUDI HARLEY
SCOPE16
Wed 3 Feb to Sat 5 Mar 2016
FedUni’s Arts Academy ongoing & sessional Visual Arts teaching staff and Adjunct and Associate Professors
Peter Pilven Psycho Santa, 2015 (detail) digital print on paper 600 x 700mm (detail) Courtesy the artist
cnr Sturt & Lydiard St Ballarat VIC 3350 federation.edu.au/pogallery +61 (0)3 5327 8615
THE STYLE OF SARAH GRANT Sarah Grant is a jewellery designer and maker who is totally passionate about her craft, having started at the young age of 16 when a family friend loaned her tools to make the wax models to form the casts for her designs. After selling a few pieces and at 17, Sarah and her mother opened a small shop in Ferntree Gully. Then Sarah met her husband Mike and later gave birth to their son and daughter, moving on with raising a family. But she never lost her passion for creating jewellery, and she completed a two-year diploma course in engineering, jewellery design and metal smithing followed by two years at the Meat Market Craft Centre in North Melbourne, which cemented her desire to create exceptional pieces to be worn and exhibited. Sarah said that creating jewellery doesn’t take up much space. So she found it was easy to work from home without it impacting on the family, striking a balance between work, home life and tutoring at the local community centre and selling her pieces through several galleries. Melbourne was home, but the family spent a lot of time at Sarah’s parent’s property in Newbridge, near Bendigo. After her mother passed away, the upkeep became too much for her father and as the children had grown and were building their own lives, Sarah and Mike decided to make the “big” tree change. The move was a huge shift in lifestyle and a steep (ish) learning curve, but now they couldn’t be happier living the country life, with Mike’s IT business growing and Sarah now a familiar face around local
markets. When asked where she saw herself in five years’ time, Sarah contemplated for a moment, but responded by saying “hopefully, I’ll still be making a living selling jewellery through galleries and commissions, as well as continuing to sell at markets” adding: “as none of my jewellery is manufactured, but is all uniquely hand crafted, I intend to hold more workshops; I find it very rewarding passing on these skills to students of all ages. “I love the markets, meeting people and discussing their style and taste”. Like most creative people, Sarah works with a number of art forms including lead lighting and painting and is clearly in a happy place with a very simple philosophy: “Life is short, go for what works for you and just make it work”. Sarah’s jewellery can be viewed at: Tin Shed Arts, Malmsbury, Rundle & Co, Canterbury, Castlemaine Artist Market and Maldon Market.
Coral Pendant, Sterling Silver, on Hematite beads For unique handcrafted jewellery, Sarah can be found at The Castlemaine Artist’s market and Maldon market.
Studio 29, Newbridge 5438 7315 sarahgrant.com.au
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By Lyndall McQuinn
SUMMER ASTROLOGY Fire, Earth and Water are dominant this summer. Not much of an air influence until the personal planets Mercury, Venus and the Sun move into Aquarius at summer’s end. The full moons are also in water, fire and earth, all exact on 3° strengthening our elemental imbalance and illuminating planets on 3°. Every dark moon is on 19° so for those with planets on 19° maybe a reflective, soulsearching summer for you.
SAGITTARIUS: is the sign that starts the summer but maybe this year you may not have your usual vibrancy. Although there is plenty of action in Sagittarius whilst all the personal planets move through your sign often keeping things light, optimistic and busy; they have to pass by steady Saturn who just questions the structures and seriousness of your actions. Is this a responsible step to take? Not your usual question. GEMINI: Apart from a sometimesunderlying sense of nervousness due to the fact that things are flowing your way easily and there is a lack of indecisiveness and a sense of feeling secure and less flighty; summer is a good ride. No need to be nervous, embrace the warmth, and enjoy the groundedness whilst it lasts. CAPRICORN: can get more than it bargains for over this period, as the deeply intense Pluto who is residing in Capricorn and powerfully affecting those born from Jan 5 to 8 will make a wide square to the rebellious Uranus in Aries. Was that change you wanted or pure revolution? Here’s hoping you can keep control of situations. Aim for change.
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CANCER: you too can be bowled over by the Uranus/Pluto story being played out in Aries/Capricorn. This story could involve liberating change by others that affect you or upon which you are powerless to change. A full moon in your sign on Christmas Day can be a gift of pure joy or pure illumination, maybe you could embrace the Christmas Angel, probably a role you play but don’t recognise. AQUARIUS: late summer is your time. You might be just warming up to it when autumn arrives. The dark moon of February is in your sign so that usually means reflection, a time to get real and re-plan. The Sun, Mercury and Venus will also transit through this sign over summer so new ideas and new plans are likely to emerge bringing a refreshed being for the start of 2016. LEO: all’s quiet, and in control. It may feel like there is less lime-light than you are used to, but you are likely to feel stable and innovative and in good cheer. January’s full moon may re illuminate some things that you had put aside, the focus is on which groups do I belong to and the creative juices are running smoothly. PISCES: is awash or beginning to feel drowned. Too much movement and stimulus and the weight of responsibility makes you want to move into denial and just hope it will all go away. Sorry this is the time to take options up and structure them before all your hard work dissolves into fairy dust. The later born Pisces can really clear issues that distort their visions, however early born Pisces may disappear.
VIRGO: is feeling breezy and full of energy, I can almost hear you whistling. Even if those around you can be down, you have an optimistic heart and things are rolling your way. Double the luck for those born 13th to 17th of September around January 8. If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, again. ARIES: is in a self -interest phase over summer and may feel like taking off on an adventure alone. There can be intensity to the changes that can’t come quickly enough and relationships can seem particularly annoying. Watch for the projections of your shadows onto the ones you love. Too much liberation or self-interest may leave you isolated.
SCORPIO: Summer is a great action period for you as Mars is in this sign over January and February. Make hay while the sun shines. You may take December to really focus on what it is you feel you would like and then action flows. On the down side we could find old angers just won’t go away, but what a waste of energy that would be. Rehash by all means, we know it can take a minute to let things pass, but pass they will. May your summer be safe and restful Christmas full of love and well being. New Year optimistic and energized. See you in 2016 © Lyndall McQuinn.
LIBRA: relationships are on your mind; when aren’t they? You are the masters of relating. Its just you may have one of those moments when you do a double take to reassess if anyone else is putting in at the present moment. You may also feel a calling to your wild side where a bit of ME spirit won’t go astray. TAURUS: an underlying intensity exists, so you are not clear of obstacles that have been around for a while but you feel like you have them in charge. In fact at times things flow down right easily and if you don’t over organize or expand too far you will feel a big ray of sunshine is in your world.
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MARKETS
Every 4th Saturday of the month. Enquiries: 0407 860 320
BENDIGO COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET Second Saturday of every month - 9am to 1pm Sidney Myer Place, off Pall Mall, Bendigo. Phone 0498 186 491 www.bcfm.org.au Farmers | Growing | Community | Market
STANHOPE MONSTER GARAGE SALE
Second Sunday of the month from 8.30am Birdwood Avenue, Stanhope Phone 5857 2866 or 5857 2415 A project of Stanhope & District Development Committee
GISBORNE OLDE TIME MARKET
First Sunday of every month 9am to 2pm Aitken & Hamilton Street Service Roads, Gisborne Over 280 stalls of quality goods. 0431 563 566 info@gisborneoldetimemarket.org.au www.gisborneoldetimemarket.org.au
BUNINYONG VILLAGE MARKET
February to December, check website for dates Ourside Buninyong Town Hall and Inside Masonic Hall, Midland Highway & Warrenheip St. Buninyong www.buninyongvillagemarket.com.au market@buninyongfestival.com.au
Call us on 5348 1919 to get your market listed here.
Gifts to Uplift & Beautify Natural - Beautiful Organic - Uplifting Shop online at www.lakshmiscircle.com.au or find us at Maryborough 0429 184 716 46
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
www.secretsmagazine.com.au