ISSUE 55 AUTUMN 2018 PRICELESS
ISSUE 55 – AUTUMN 2018 FEATURES: 5
A RETREAT SWEET AS HONEY
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WHEREVER YOU GO, GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART
16 TOWN ON A PLATE 21 BENDIGO POCKET GUIDE 29 AUTUMN GARDENING 30 ASTROLOGY
Published by Secrets Magazine ABN 35 535 679 949 Cover photo by: Mailing Address PO Box 356 Creswick VIC 3363 Jennie Boyd Phone 03 5345 7260 Photography Email info@secretsmagazine.com.au Web www.secretsmagazine.com.au Editor Norma Morton Design & Layout Leah Armstrong, Nick Morton Photography Jennie Boyd Photography, Leah Armstrong Contributors Lyndall McQuinn, Matthew Turner, Leah Armstrong, Rebecca Sprosen-Bailey 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.
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
24 March to 27 May 2018
Eugene von GuĂŠrard Aborigines met on the road to the diggings (detail) 1854 oil on canvas Geelong Gallery Gift of W Max Bell and Norman Belcher, 1923
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A RETREAT SWEET AS HONEY Linda Mira-Bateman’s passion for animals is evident as soon as you enter Eastern Hill Organic Farm and Moorakyle Retreat B&B. Visitors are met by a variety of animals, horses, donkeys, sheep and goats, with some cattle and a couple of lazy alpacas to round out the menagerie. Linda and her family have lived at their home near Kooroocheang, just a short drive from Daylesford, for almost twenty years. The property is a 60-acre organic farm, which is also home to Honey’s Pledge animal rescue project. The sprawling house is over 100 years old having been relocated from Learmonth. Placing it on the property was only the start. Linda and husband Brett slept in their 4 wheel drive, when they began the renovations, soon graduating to a shed. However, before finishing the house they built a stylish cottage, where they lived until the house was fully habitable. The cottage now serves as a B&B they named Moorakyle Retreat. Eastern Hill Organic Farm is run as an organic farm and animal rescue. Linda said “our primary focus is on animals who for one reason or another haven’t got a home, or their carer really finds themselves in circumstances where they can’t care for the animals.” Honey’s Pledge is part of a network of animal rescues, sanctuaries and vets, with a shared goal of helping people to provide lifetime care for their animals. Linda said, “As much as possible, we’ll work to try and keep an animal with their human. Sometimes people just don’t know how to keep an animal, or how to solve the problems that arise. This is when we can step in and suggest ways to overcome the issues. It may be about desexing, proper fencing, better shelters, or simply diet.” If animals do end up in her care, the best thing is for them to be rehomed in the local district. Linda only takes on new animals if they are without a home and remain unclaimed. They can only house what they can afford and with 150 animals already in their care, funding is an issue. Linda said, “I always say to people, God doesn’t shower me with gold coins from the sky.” Linda’s sheep
are a variety of breeds – she calls them her liquorice allsorts. All the animals have names and they all come running when she calls them. Taking on rescues is a huge commitment. Horses can live over 40 years, cattle around 30 years, sheep up to 15 years. Linda has a system where people can sponsor an animal in her care, whether with a one-off donation or a smaller amount each month. Every bit helps, and she’s very happy to discuss options with those who are interested. There is a submission form on the website honeyspledge.org for those who’d like to help out. Donors are sent a photo of their chosen animal and they can follow their progress. Linda said, “As far as the future goes, our focus really is mainly on the sheep, rehoming and just continuing to help people understand their animal needs.”
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By Kristy Chown
WHEREVER YOU GO, GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” This quote hit me like a ton of bricks when I read it. Here, in one sentence, was the ideal that had spurred my first big trip overseas to Australia after teacher’s college. This was the first big thing I had ever done by myself. I remember looking over Melbourne as our flight touched down and thought, ‘this is me, here I am, half a world away from everything I know.’ I would end up spending two years in Australia and a few months in Europe as my passion for travel continued to grow. I overcame my fear of the open ocean and snorkeled the Barrier Reef, I bungee jumped the tallest platform in New Zealand, I went hang gliding over cerulean lakes in Switzerland. I attempted not to step on brown snakes, or touch the Redback nest in our cottage when I did farm work. I had the pleasure of teaching all sorts
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of students and learning new methods of instruction in my new home. I made memories with travelers I knew for a weekend, or internationals that are now lasting friendships, crossing oceans. I fell in love quicker than I ever thought possible after years of meeting no one of note. Travel is not for everyone, but for me it has become a sort of everything. I love my country Canada and my home, but travel has become a way for me to learn about myself through the newness of places and others. Travel has tested my patience and my limits. I have slept in airports crying with frustration. I have been violently ill and been lost where no one spoke my language. But still, I keep going, to create all the wonderful memories I make when I go with all my heart. I have seen the stars light up above and below me as bioluminescence plays in the waves along the shore. I have been lost for words at the sheer magnitude of Milford Sound or Queenstown by helicopter. I still laugh when I think of the many times I was hit by my board when I tried surfing for the
first time in Torquay. Travel opened my eyes and my heart to a whole world both inside and out of me - I always feel my best, happiest self when I am traveling and I believe it’s because my heart is fully present. There are no age barriers for travel, but I always knew it was something I wanted to do while I was still young and hadn’t settled into any particular life. My father once told me he regretted many things he hadn’t done and seems to consider his mortality with every new birthday. I vowed to not let this be me and to take the chances where I could. The longer we sit and wait to follow a passion, the more reasons we find not to. The truth is, there will never be a ‘perfect time’ for anything in life. Some people will have to sacrifice or work
harder than others to see things through, still, we all share one gift - the gift of now. It doesn’t need to be travel. It could be trying a new sport, attending a new class, or calling up an old friend. So often we procrastinate and put things off until tomorrow when tomorrow is never a guarantee. In this year alone, I have said goodbye to many international friends, to a second home I loved and to a man I could have pictured a future with. But I was passionate about my travels, I knew what could happen, and still, I did it with my whole heart. I don’t believe anything can be truly regretted if you loved and lived like you meant it. In 2018 we can all find our passions, so set aside the excuses and go for them in the beautiful Now.
EUGENE VON GUERARD: ARTIST–TRAVELLER Saturday 24 March to Sunday 27 May 2018 Art Gallery of Ballarat A remarkable exhibition telling the story of the art and travels of Eugene von Guérard, the pre-eminent landscape painter of colonial Australia, opens in Ballarat in late March. The exhibition focuses on the artist’s life of travel and adventure, as revealed by his sketchbooks, which offer a glimpse into the heart and mind of one of our greatest and most enduringly relevant artists. Von Guérard travelled extensively throughout south-eastern Australia, methodically recording the landscape, trekking into some of ‘the wildest and least-known portions of Australian territory’ with his pencil and pocketsized sketchbooks always on hand. He then transformed his sketches into meticulously executed paintings, remarkable for their detail. The stories told through his sketchbooks provide the theme of the exhibition. According to Gordon Morrison, Director of the Art Gallery of Ballarat: “Eugene von Guérard was Australia’s most important colonial landscape painter. This exhibition offers
the visitor the rare opportunity to trace the evolution of a work from the sketchbook to the final studio painting”. “Von Guerard’s use of light and meticulous detail have stood the test of time making him a true giant of Australian art,” Mr Morrison added. The exhibition of Eugene von Guérard – Artist Traveller will run from Saturday 24th March to Sunday 27th May. For more details visit www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au
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ALPACA PASSION
72 Vincent Street, Daylesford | P 03 5348 1177 www.alpacapassion.com
Dedicated to creating inspired spaces by using appropriate materials, technology and strategies.
building design www.enduringdomain.com.au matt@enduringdomain.com.au
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CELEBRATING THE HUMBLE SPUD Who would have thought that the humble spud would be at the centre of a festival? Growing every year, the annual Great Trentham Spudfest is now in its 11th exciting year, and Trentham is all set for the fun and games to take over the town. The festival is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the community and recognise Trentham’s potato-growing heritage. Once again, the usually shy, humble and bashful potato bursts free from life underground and basks in the limelight – but out of the sun! – for festivities in its honour.
enjoyed the festivities so come along and join in this year – there will be something for everyone! With live entertainment and plenty of fun for the whole family it’s a great day out! You’ll even find cooking demonstrations, art and craft stalls, and some local history of the famous spud. There’s plenty of local food options, with some including the humble spuds and others striking out on their own, as well as drinks and treats. You can even buy a bag of spuds to take home!
The Great Trentham Spudfest is an opportunity for visitors and the local community to join in a number of exciting spud activities and have a spudtacular time. Last year over 6000 people
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DAYLESFORD MACEDON RANGES 2018
OPEN STUDIOS MEET THE ARTISTS 21-22 & 28-29 April &5-6 May Group Show - Convent Gallery Daylesford
88 Jim Rd, Newham www.hangingrock.com.au ph 03 5427 0542
Studio 29, Newbridge 0402 400 227 sarahgrant.com.au For unique handcrafted jewellery, Sarah can be found at The Castlemaine Artist’s market and Maldon market. Pair of Opal rings Stirling silver with 18ct gold detail. Re-modelling of Opal jewellery available.
www.dmropenstudios.com.au
Workshops with Sarah Grant Book now by emailing sarah@sarahgrant.com.au or calling 0400 400 227. You can make your own funky jewellery: learn how at Sarah Grant’s fun workshops.
PROUDLLY SPONSORED BY
Saturdays 10am to 3.30pm. Tools and material provided and a light lunch included.
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DAYLESFORD MACEDON RANGES OPEN STUDIOS The Daylesford Macedon Ranges region is home to a vibrant and diverse community of talented artists who are teaming up to open their studios to the public over three weekends in April and May. The Daylesford Macedon Ranges Open Studios is now in autumn to celebrate the region’s most beautiful season. Now in its sixth year and still relatively young, Open Studios has become an established event to the extent that it draws more than 4000 visitors to the region each year. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see the studios of professional artists - painters, sculptors, ceramicists and printmakers and see how their studios are set up and even ask the artists themselves about their work. They can discover what motivates them, how much time they put in, how they get that shine, or even why they chose a creative profession. In turn, the artists can ask visitors what they love about art. Open Studios is able to give a face to the artwork, sculptures and ceramics that can be seen in shops around the district, or online,
so next time a visitor sees the artist’s work, they’ll have a better understanding of where it’s come from and the process that went into its creation. Twenty five artists, working in 23 studios are vetted by an expert, independent curatorial panel involving the NGV, Heide Museum of Modern Art and Alcaston Gallery before they are confirmed in the program. They are also taking part in a group exhibition at Daylesford’s Convent Gallery at the same time. This beautiful setting is the perfect starting point, allowing visitors to view all the work from the participating studios and make a list of studios to visit. Open Studios, is volunteerrun and offers art lovers a chance to become Friends of Open Studios. For further details of artists, studio locations, profiles and Friends of Open Studios visit Facebook, Instagram and www.dmropenstudios.com.au. Studios are open April 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th and in May on 5th & 6th between 10am & 5pm. Images: Sam Varian-Ceramacist in her studio The Great Tower-Lino Cut by Lawrence Finn
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ART AND GARDEN – A GLORIOUS MIX Merging the wonders of art with the beauty of garden is the theme behind the Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition. The autumn exhibition shows more than 60 creations from 16 sculptors plus a wide range of garden art and plants. The exhibition focuses on providing garden lovers with new ideas on how they can add to the beauty and enjoyment of their own gardens.
tea are served on the decking with its superb views across the Sutton Grange valley. The autumn Open Garden and Sculpture Exhibition starts 24 March and is open each weekend to 22 April plus Easter Monday.
Small and large pieces are available with prices ranging from $10 to $7000 so there is something for everyone. Preserves from the orchard and vegetable garden are also available. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon
Mica Grange is located at 373 Faraday Sutton Grange Road, Sutton Grange. For more information including dates for the spring exhibition visit www.micagrange.com.au
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Entry is $6 - children free. Open times 10am to 4.00pm. Group bookings are available during week days.
THE MAGIC OF MUSIC IN AUTUMN Music can change ordinary days into something magical, it can inspire, recharge and relax and the Four Seasons Fine Music Festival is designed to do just that. Established in the rural parish of Springmount in 2017, the seasonal series of concerts in Creswick and Clunes was so well received in its inaugural year, that an additional concert has been added to take in the tiny community of Newlyn in 2018. If regional Victoria has one thing in abundance, it’s gorgeous historic churches. The Four Seasons Fine Music Festival makes good use of them in Creswick, Clunes and Newlyn. Each season throughout the year will see a variety of concerts performed in the beautiful Anglican churches of St. John’s in Creswick, St. Paul’s in Clunes and St. Matthew’s in Newlyn. Kicking off the autumn season, the beautiful St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Newlyn is hosting A Pleasant Sunday Afternoon on 15 April, featuring the Sweet Biscuit Ensemble (pictured) with Andrew Angus on oboe, Matthew Angus on bassoon and Peter Hagen on harpsichord. Director of the concerts, Ryan Bennett said, “the ensemble will delight the Sunday afternoon audience with a collection of mid to late baroque English masterpieces.”
On Saturday 5th May – to coincide with the Clunes Booktown Festival – is The Australian Chamber Choir performing Stabat Mater. In describing this performance, Festival Director Ryan Bennett said “the beauty of the music through the human voice is awe inspiring.” The choir, created and conducted by Douglas Lawrence, has gained an international reputation performing two hundred concerts in Australia and Europe. The music doesn’t stop there. On Sunday 6th May a Chamber Brass Concert will be performed by Kavanagh Brass, a group of senior students from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music formed in 2016. The group enjoys performing music from all periods, pushing the boundaries of individual instrumental technique. Both concerts will be held in the historic Anglican Church of St. Paul’s Clunes. Move forward to early winter – 17th June to be precise – to indulge and enjoy a concert by acclaimed Australian soprano, Greta Bradman performing her “Home” tour. A granddaughter of cricketing great, Sir Donald Bradman, Greta has, over the past few years become known as one of Australasia’s most celebrated operatic and concert artists. For further information and bookings visit www.ballaratanglican.org.au/fourseasons.
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Bottomless Brunch
2 hours of indulgence for $45* Includes brunch, beverages and desserts. Thursdays 10.30am - 3.00pm Bookings 0408 101 316 * Offer runs for a limited time
2017 Golden Plate Awards WINNER South West Victoria Best value for money WINNER State Winner Best value for money 52 Fraser Street, Clunes Donall Quigley & Jane Clarke
31 Fraser Street, Clunes OPE N - 10a m t o 4pm Th u r sd ay t o S u n d ay or by appointment
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FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS The Clunes Booktown Festival returns in May, immersing the historic town of Clunes in a festival of the book filled with ideas and arts. The weekend sees the entire main street of Clunes become Australia’s largest book shop. Festival-goers will be able to browse rare and collectible books, go inside heritage buildings, listen to live music while sampling local food and wine, watch street performers, visit exhibitions and immerse themselves in stories. The popular two-day event will also feature a series of panel discussions, Q and A style talks and literary lunches with leading Australian authors. Tim Nolan, Chair of Creative Clunes, said the special annual event is all about celebrating books and great conversations. “This year we are thrilled to be hosting the International Organisation of Booktowns Biannual Conference and to be celebrating eleven years of the Clunes Booktown Festival. Not only does this festival celebrate the love of books and everything about them, but it also shines a light on regional Victoria generally and specifically on Clunes a small country town renowned across the globe as a hub of ideas and the arts,” said Mr Nolan. The must-see, must-hear line up of guest authors and writers include Emma Viskic (Resurrection Bay); David Ritter (Greenpeace CEO and author of The Coal Truth: The Fight to Stop Adani), Josephine Wilson (winner of the Miles Franklin Award) and many more.
Located approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne by car, Clunes is a member of the International Organisation of Booktowns, the only one in Australia. A Booktown is a small, regional, community-focused town with a concentration of booksellers – mainly secondhand or antiquarian bookshops. For further information or to secure early bird tickets visit clunesbooktown.com.au.
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TOWN ON A PLATE Quigley & Clarke, the very stylish restaurant in Clunes, is more than an eatery. In the twelve months since they first opened their doors, it has become a destination attracting people from all around the district to this historic town, which has itself seen a metamorphosis over the past decade. Steve Hunter and Donall Quigley had been weekenders in Clunes for 10 years, just waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. That came when the café/ second hand shop that occupied the premises closed. Steve and Donall bought the building and set about turning the dark, tired looking interior into a bright, modern, welcoming eatery whilst at the same time retaining the historical sense of the building and the town. Enter Jane Clarke – the other half of the name. Formerly a costume designer and seamstress, Jane – a single Mum – had been in the food industry as a cook for many years and decided to take the plunge with a mature age apprenticeship to be a qualified chef. Whilst the menus are a good cross section of meat and vegetarian, Jane is known for her spectacular vegetarian dishes. Quigley & Clarke use local ingredients wherever possible and grow many of their own vegies. Their cakes and sweet treats are fantastic with the excellent coffee and are all 16
made in house. These guys make sure that the quality and presentation of each dish is the same regardless of price and their efforts were rewarded in 2017 by receiving the Golden Plate Award as winners of the State and Regional – Best Value for Money category. Quigley & Clarke is a focal point of Clunes and very much a part of the community. They have particular theme nights. Mondays are local’s night where everyone is welcome and considered a local – the first Monday of the month is Curry night with the third Monday being ‘Parmageddon’, the remaining Mondays are ad hoc international cuisine. Thursdays are a treat with the Bottomless Brunch. For a limited time, diners can enjoy two hours of indulgence for $45, which includes brunch, beverages and desserts. Just to add to the mix, the rooms above the restaurant are being developed into business incubators, with a couple of local businesses already in residence – perfect for a small town with limited available space. Quigley & Clarke are open for breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea Thursday & Sunday. Breakfast to dinner Friday and Saturday, and dinner Monday. www.quigleyclarke.com and on Facebook.
POACHED EGGS WITH TUKI SMOKED TROUT & DILL HOLLANDAISE This is a perfect dish for a leisurely brunch, or a decadent breakfast at home. INGREDIENTS Two slices sourdough bread – chargrilled Wilted spinach
METHOD Melt butter, whisk egg yolks with water, vinegar and salt. Add melted butter and whisk. Pour into a warm metal jug. Add dill at the end.
Tuki smoked trout Fresh Dill. Fresh tomatoes for salad or greens if preferred. 2 eggs poached
TO PLATE Assemble a side serve of fresh tomato salad or green salad if preferred. Place wilted spinach on sourdough bread.
HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 85g Egg yolks
Top with generous shards of Tuki smoked trout.
150g Butter
Place poached eggs on top of trout.
40g Tarragon vinegar or lemon juice
Pour hollandaise sauce over eggs.
4g Salt 20ml Water
Enjoy!
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BALLARAT THROUGH A LENS Ada Langton is a Ballarat writer who took up the craft when she was diagnosed with cancer. She began writing an autobiography, wishing for her youngest child “to know who I was” and why “I’d made the decisions that I had made in life.” Ada continued, “I thought, you know, she’s only three, she’ll never remember me if I die.” She managed to write around 12,000 words, but was still unwell and broke, so she wrote a piece for New Idea, which was published, becoming her first paid gig. This was followed by submitting a piece for a manuscript award. The award required the exact number of words she had already written. After some debate, she paid the $50 entry fee and sent off her manuscript. Her family celebrated each stage of the shortlisting process, until she was named as one of the five winners. As she says, “I kind of won the literary Australian Idol.” After recovering her health, Ada continued writing. The Art of Preserving Love is her first work of fiction, although it is set in a real place and time. Ada Langton hates research, so she didn’t set out to write a book set in history. Instead, “I wrote a book, and went and found the history when I needed it.” One aspect of this was finding stories that weren’t generally taught in history classes, such as the Prince of Wales visiting Australia in 1920 and elegantly surviving a train crash. This is even better because it really happened, as Ada explained: “the imagery was so wonderful of him stepping out of this catastrophe with his cocktail shaker and his papers.” The Art of Preserving Love is set in a fictional Ballarat from 1905 to 1924. Ada sees the romance in the book as the romance of the past, of handwritten letters on thick creamy paper, saying, “I wanted it to be a book about love, not a book about romance, except for romance of the past because it enables us to look at what we might have lost.” The book itself is a love letter to Ballarat. Lake Wendouree was a favourite landmark, as it says in the book, “The town is proud of the
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lake they created from a mosquito-ridden swamp.” The book crosses genres and styles. It has a number of love stories within its pages, but at its core, this is the story of a woman from the age of nineteen through thirty-seven, her much younger sister, their father, and their housemaid. The family influences the lives of those around them, and as the perspective shifts, we see how these interactions affect others in their town and beyond. The writing style is immediately playful and immersive. Each chapter has a small description after the title, with a teaser of what to expect, as with this wonderful line: “When the weather is the only thing that is fine.” “The Art of Preserving Love” is published by Harlequin Press.
MEMORIES OF FLOWERS Vanessa Carnevale is a Melbourne-based author and mentor whose second book has just been released. When we spoke, Vanessa was excited after the photoshoot for her new book, saying, “it’s starting to feel real again!” Vanessa made the change from a corporate job a few years ago and is happy in a creative world. She started out with freelance nonfiction writing and now works on two things she loves: writing novels and helping others with their own writing. Vanessa studied life coaching and later developed her writing retreats: “I love supporting other writers, I love it when they have their lightbulb moment, I love it when they leave feeling inspired and confident. It’s just a joy to be able to give back to the writing community” she said Vanessa is one of those talented people who can come up with a concept and some characters and then start writing, as she explained, “The magic of writing a novel is listening to your heart, listening to the characters and letting things unfold on the page. And that’s often where the best writing happens, when you’re letting the characters lead.” The Memories that Make Us follows Gracie, who is involved in a car accident resulting in amnesia. The scenario is a jumping off point for a question that Vanessa wished to explore in her writing, ‘If I had my time over would I live the same life twice?’ Vanessa explained, “it was very fascinating to me to think about life and crossroads in life.” Vanessa deliberately has Gracie defy convention by
choosing to learn nothing about her past, which leads the story in some unexpected directions. The Memories that Make Us has a lovely theme of growth and flower growing, with Gracie leaving the city for her late mother’s abandoned flower farm in the scenic town of Daylesford. Vanessa was very open about her (lack of) gardening experience, saying, “I always joke that before writing this book, I couldn’t even keep a cactus alive.” Vanessa said, “Research tells us that flowers are connected to positive emotion and can also help with memory.” Along the way she learned about the slow flower movement – people growing a small number of flowers in a sustainable environment and selling them locally – and began to successfully grow her own flower garden. Vanessa said that she’s always considered herself first and foremost a reader: “I was in love with story. I’ve carried that love of reading through into my adult life. For me it was always a love of books that led me to writing.” It took a full year between the first draft of The Memories that Make Us and delivering the finished book to the publisher, as Vanessa said, “It’s a lot of work, but enjoyable work.” She loves what she does and feels honoured if people take the time to read one of her books. “The Memories that Make Us” is published by Harlequin Press.
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Your Guide to Vintage Fashion and Retro venues of the Bendigo Region. Vintage fashion & retro
Explore the Bendigo Region
1 (bob boutique) om bendigoregion.c
Pick up your own pocket guide and create your own vintage fashion and retro itinerary throughout the beautiful Bendigo Region. From cute vintage stores, unassuming op shops, antique bazaars and curated markets, the Bendigo Region is your own treasure trove.
This guide will be your perfect tool to experience the regions wealth of vintage fashion and retro delights.
For additional regional day trips and more to do in the Bendigo Region, please visit www.bendigoregion.com
THE POCKET GUIDE Following on from the very successful Pocket Guide to the Artisans of the Bendigo Region, is the new Pocket Guide to Retro and Fashion of the Bendigo Region. Drawing from its rich heritage, Bendigo and surrounds has a wealth of eclectic retro, artifacts and fashion to please the most discerning collector. The Pocket Guide allows the traveller to build their own itinerary. The guide has been designed by key destinations within the Bendigo Region to make the journey a joy. Here is a snapshot of what can be found in the region. BENDIGO Bendigo Hat Shop Is a popular point of interest and service for locals as well as the many visitors who visit the historic and picturesque city of Bendigo. Hats have often been purchased in the shop to travel all over the world. On one occasion, a hat travelled to London to be worn by a lady visiting the Queen. Located in the heart of the city, just one block from the famous fountain, the Bendigo Hat Shop has hats for all seasons and all occasions. Ali Blood opened the shop 30 years ago and still runs it today, along with a small staff who are happy to help customers find the perfect hat. Specialising in Akubra, the range also includes felt, straw and casual hats along with beanies, berets, caps and cloches. The Bendigo Hat Shop is at 55 High Street. www.bendigohatshop.com.au CASTLEMAINE Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar If you’re looking for a fun day out browsing the multitudinous stallholders offering a diverse and eclectic selection of vintage and collectable goodies, visit the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar at The Mill. Stroll around the 1,850 square metres of stalls selling just about everything you can think of in the vintage and retro genre with a smattering of locally handmade newness. There’s lots to choose from and you just may find that exact thing you weren’t even looking for. The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar at The Mill, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine www.castlemainebazaar.com.au
INGLEWOOD Sharps Bazaar - Inglewood Step back in time when you visit Sharps Bazaar. A collection starts where fond memories come to life with an ever-changing range of furniture, collectable, kitchenalia, linen and dolls. Trading times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Wednesday 10am to 3pm, Sunday 11.30am to 4.30pm and most Public Holidays 11.30am to 4.30pm. 55 Brooke Street Inglewood www.loddon.vic.gov/Sharps-Bazaar MARYBOROUGH Maryborough Marketplace Established in late 2016, the Maryborough Marketplace offers a combined selection of goods mixing the old and the new. Browse and fossick collectibles, second-hand books, records and DVDs, as well as new items of incense, candles, aromatherapy, crystals, cards, gorgeous jewellery, gemstones and some clothing. Operator Sue Calwell also provides consultancy in Feng Shui the ancient art of harmonising individuals with their surrounding environment. The Maryborough Marketplace is at 47 Nolan Street – open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm. Saturday 9.30 to 12.30pm www.maryboroughmarketplace.com.au 21
Autumn/Winter 2018 at The Farmers Wife is again focused on natural fibres, lots of 100% Australian merino wools. Lots of knits, jeans, pants, jumpers, coats and jackets. Quality clothes suitable for our cold climate in winter. Merino wool denim jeans, which were a big hit last year and a wardrobe must when you live in the country!
THE FARMER’S WIFE CLOTHING I HOME I WARES
www.thefarmerswifestore.com.au 49 Albert St, Creswick
Mon-Sat 10-4pm Sun 11-3pm
By Matthew Turner - Enduring Domain Building Design
BUILDING SMALL NEEDN’T BE A PENANCE Building large or building small, there is no doubt that building your own home will be one of the biggest investments in your time, energy and money. The vast majority of new homes being built in Australia are from volume builders which can offer value for money when it comes to sheer amount of floor area. But what if you don’t need a four bedroom, three bathroom home with two living areas and you only want to pay for what you need. What are the alternatives? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the average number of persons per household is 2.6, while 78% of owner occupied homes have one or more bedrooms more than they require. The “Tiny house movement” may be at the other extreme end of the scale which is essentially a glamorous caravan, not permanently sited in order to avoid the cost of permits and connection to services. Living in such a home involves complete commitment to the minimalist lifestyle where the ongoing collection of material possessions is simply not possible. The therapeutic benefit of such purging and decluttering can be immense (or so I’m told!) but surely there is a middle ground that would be more suited to the rest of us.
In fact there is and you might simply call it ‘building small’. It’s not a movement, it’s not a cult, it’s just building what you need and with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Cleverly designed floor plans which reduce unnecessary passageways and seldom used main entrances and integrate practical storage solutions will automatically cut out the fat in floor area. Plenty of north facing light and some taller ceiling spaces in the living areas will not only give you an enhanced sense of spaciousness, but also soak up that wonderful free heating energy from the sun, which we all crave for most of the year in our southern climate. Spending money on above standard levels of insulation and better quality doubleglazed windows will cut down your heating and cooling bills and arguably give a better quality of life than that of a standard quality big house might. After all, you can only be in one room at a time, right? Of course we are all different kinds of people with different needs and one size does not fit all, but let’s start asking for what we really need instead of just accepting what marketing tells us we need. Matthew Turner - Enduring Domain Building Design www.enduringdomain.com.au 23
TIME FOR A CHANGE AT DIVINE VINTAGE Divine Vintage is a beautiful shop that immediately invites you in with its colourful wall art, decorative cushions and a wonderful array of homewares. Located in the town of Buninyong it’s just a short drive from Ballarat. Entering the shop, you’re greeted with the aroma of essential oils and an assortment of soft colours and animal print designs. Owner and operator, Cathy Hopper, is a lover of French Provincial and Shabby Chic, which shows through in the interior design and available products. There is a great range of decorative homewares, but also a focus on useful, beautiful and well-made, including the popular deodorant ‘No Pong Anti-Odourant’ and ‘Bellaberry Chocolates’ – a fun brand with often cheeky designs. The shop is a hit with
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locals, with its central location. Cathy loves her job, but feels that she’s ready for a change and a new focus, so Divine Vintage is up for private sale, but will still be open until July. Visit Divine Vintage online at www.divinevintage.com.au
Photography Shayne Mostyn
COHUNA UNLOCKED Cohuna is a hidden treasure nestled along the tree lined banks of the Gunbower Creek. Only minutes from the mighty Murray River, its the Gateway to the Gunbower National Forest, one of the largest red gum forests in the world, often described as the Kakadu of the South. Bushland, rivers, creeks, swamps and wetlands are home to a plethora of flora and fauna and are steeped in aboriginal and agricultural history. On the weekend of April 6th to 8th Cohuna is going to unlock its hidden treasures. Kicking off the weekend is a “Friday Night Chill” at Waffles restaurant, with music from Tyler Hudson, with great local food and wine ensuring a fantastic start to the weekend. Then there is the launch of the “Keys to Cohuna Challenge”. In 2017 Triple J’s Veronica and Lewis threw out a challenge to the nation to come up with a list of challenges that they would do in order to gain the Keys to a town Cohuna won. Over three days Veronica and Lewis endured and eventually achieved all tasks set by Mayor Brian Gibson to obtain the keys to Cohuna. The organisers don’t want Veronica and Lewis to be the only ones that have all the fun so the town has borrowed the keys back and are giving everybody the opportunity to gain their own keys. A list of challenges including visiting fantastic local businesses and exploring the natural wonders have been set and once 5 of the 10 have been completed participants will gain a “Key to Cohuna”. This will entitle them to incentives and discounts offered by all the
local participating businesses. On Sunday 8th April the first ever “Market on the Move” will take place. Seven unique venues will open their gates allowing the public to visit a number of working farms, meet the makers as well as being able to purchase a huge variety of local produce and artwork from a variety of stall holders at each venue. Venues include the Cohuna Art Gallery, “Haybrook “a commercial 400 cow dairy farm , Windella dairy goat farm and producer of hand made soap and body products, Shukura Park a boutique paddock to plate enterprise, Elm Tree Nursery - farm based plant nursery , Bowkett Park Horse and Pony Trail Riding and Viki and Mal Johnson’s creative garden featuring art pieces made from recycled materials . Full details can be found on www. cohuna.org.au, Facebook page “Get your Backside Creekside!” or from the Gateway to Gannawarra Information Centre. So for a fun weekend, as the locals say, ‘Get your backside, creekside’.
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BALLARAT’S CHAMPION KNIGHT The origins of jousting may be quintessentially medieval English and European, but today Australian knights lead the world in international competitive jousting. Phil Leitch a former special forces soldier and now Jousting Master at Kryal Castle, grew up riding horses and dreaming about knights and all things Robin Hood in Tasmania. Phil is recognised as one of the leading jousters in the world and Australia’s only full-time professional in the sport, winning several competitions internationally including the prestigious Tournoi de Sainte Suzanne in France. This is no job for the faint hearted. The armour is real, the horses are strong and the lances are solid wood, which hurt when they hit. The armour alone weighs 32kgs and is hard to pick up when in a suitcase, but as Phil says, “when you’re encased in it, the weight is more evenly distributed, so it doesn’t feel as heavy”. Asked if he finds it scary, Phil said, “No more so than formula racing or other extreme sports, you train for it and there are safety measures in place that make it safe.” Jousting has taken Phil around the world to compete and his success on the international stage is testament to his abilities and as the sport is growing, so too is the quality of the competitors. There are only a small number of professional jousters around the world and, Phil trains the knights of tomorrow at Kryal
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Castle and would love to recruit and train more people in Australia. His sixteen-year-old daughter Mieka is currently training to be a jouster and Phil’s wife Lisa is also involved as well as caring for the horses. Phil says his horse Valiant “loves jousting as much as I do, otherwise he wouldn’t do it.” To learn more visit www.kryalcastle.com.au
A SUBLIME CELEBRATION The award winning team at Cave Hill Creek near Beaufort love a good Autumn event. To celebrate their 30th birthday they have secured the Victorian Concert Orchestra to perform on Sunday 13th May at 2pm. Cave Hill Creek was established by Ian and Julie Chandler in 1988. Back then Cave Hill Creek
Cave Hill Creek is turning 30! Join us to celebrate with the:
Victorian Concert Orchestra
When: 2pm Sunday 13 May 2018 Where: Cave Hill Creek, 110 The Glut Rd, Raglan Enquiries: 03 5349 7381 Tickets: $20 Adult, $10 Concession/Child U16, $40 Family, Child U6 Free All proceeds to Type 1 Diabetes Research Coffee, pastries and bar service available No BYO alcohol BYO chair/picnic rug
www.cavehillcreek.com.au
was simply a sheep paddock with perhaps 25 mature trees, no lake, buildings or beautiful gardens. A farmer and a teacher, they saw incredible opportunity to create a spectacular lake, group accommodation and function venue on this picturesque parcel of land at the top of the Raglan Valley at the foothills to Mount Cole. With a passion for hospitality, hard work and a keen eye for the environment, like their young family, Cave Hill Creek steadily grew. Today Cave Hill Creek is run by second-generation owners Tim and Angela Chandler. It is a yearround operation hosting school and summer camps, stays for corporate, community and social groups, guided walks on the Beeripmo Track in Mount Cole and stunning destination weddings. A commitment to tourism and education excellence rewards guests with new and exciting experiences every time they visit. In 2016 and again in 2017 Cave Hill Creek won Gold at the prestigious RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. It is 6 years since the 40 piece Victorian Concert Orchestra last played in the Pyrenees. Conductor Gerald Keuneman OAM will again lead the touring orchestra who are renowned for bringing their substantial musical talents to regional Victoria. Take a folding chair or a picnic rug and enjoy the serenity of the gardens and spectacular bush and lakeside location. All ticket proceeds to be donated to the JDRF for type 1 diabetes research. For tickets please call Cave Hill Creek on 5349 7381.
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TAKE A MOMENT OUT OF TIME Maze House is a new destination on the Midland Highway between Ballarat and Daylesford. Open to the public for just over a year the maze itself is 26 years old. Owners Trish and Chris built their house and designed and planted the maze with the intention of opening to the public someday, however they were enjoying their respective jobs, so the Maze House remained a private residence for years. Trish and Chris are perfectly suited to owning and running the Maze House. As Trish explained, “I’m a forester by trade, so I can grow trees and Chris organised a lot of events with a background in hospitality.” The couple love gardening, as can be seen by the collection of fruit trees, deciduous plants, natives and veggie garden. They opened just before Christmas 2016 having put off deadlines over the years. The maze didn’t need much additional work to get ready, other than to cut through a few new areas and tunnels. The main focus was the old-time carnival games. “It was a bit of work designing and getting people to build and install them,” said Trish. They have a selection of games including target practice (with a tennis ball), a horse-racing competition designed by Chris and a ten-pin bowling alley. The maze is a clever arrangement of 10-foot cypress hedges, giving it a lovely aroma and making it very difficult to cheat! The dead ends have just enough curve to make an inviting
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direction come to an abrupt stop. The hedge was fully grown in about 7 years, requiring Chris and Trish to spend a lot of time over the years shaping and pruning. Trish said, “We’re typically open 7 days in autumn and spring, but reduced hours in winter. Summer varies and we don’t open on really hot days. This is very weatherdependent. When it’s extremely hot or extremely cold, it’s not much fun, so autumn and spring are excellent times for us.” During winter the garden keeps them busy. The aim is to be sustainable and minimise waste. They deliberately choose low-waste products when purchasing food for the café, recycle where they can and serve refreshments at the café. If customers prefer take-away they’ll use mugs from op shops, which can be kept by their new owners, taken back to an op shop, or even returned to the Maze House. Maze House is popular for kid’s parties and family reunions and is a great venue for weddings. The website has an invitation to hold a wake at the Maze House – it hasn’t yet been taken up, but it’s an event they would readily accept. Unfortunately, the hedges are very close together in places, making the maze inaccessible for wheelchairs, large strollers and prams. They do have several small strollers available for free use, and the café and the majority of the grounds are accessible. www.mazehouse.com.au
By Rebecca Sprosen-Bailey - Allendale Nursery
LOVE COMPOST The secret to a good garden is compost and you can make your own compost very simply. Composting is the act of recycling food and yard waste to create nutrient rich, crumbly humus robust soil from decomposed organic matter. Using your waste as a resource is both efficient and environmentally beneficial. Compost regenerates poor soils and enriches them by encouraging the production of good bacteria and fungi in existing soils. It helps the soil to hold water and can enhance a plant’s ability to fight off insects and disease. Soil that has been composted needs less watering, fertilizer and pesticides. To create your compost plot, build a three sided wire or timber frame, leaving the front open to enable regular mixing. Start with thick layers of damp newspaper cover with dry material such as straw, shredded paper, dry clippings and dead. Then add a nitrogen layer of fresh grass clippings and garden waste, vegetable and fruit scraps and animal manure, but not carnivore. Alternate the layers of waste repeatedly until your bed is between 45cm & 90cm in height. Finish with a dry layer to discourage fly populations. Leave the bed alone to decompose allowing6 months where it should decrease in height by about 50%.
To increase the rate of decomposition, add air by using a garden fork to lift and aerate the layers, or you can use a commercial tumbler/ rotating bin. To speed the decomposition process, an activator can be added. This is material high in nitrogen and micro-organisms such as yarrow, comfrey, borage, stinging nettle, lake weeds, aged manure, rinsed seaweed and algae. Your compost pile is alive and to keep it so means having the correct amount of food and moisture. Watch what it’s doing; if it smells bad, add brown material; if you can’t see materials breaking down, add more green material. Keep it moist, but not wet as odours occur. Weeds with seeds and diseased plants should be binned. The time, care and diligence you place in creating your own compost will reward you a hundred times over and your garden will love you for it. Hope this helps and happy gardening. Rebecca
ALLENDALE NURSERY Hooked on herbs Specializing in herbs & vegetable seedlings. 4141 Creswick-Newstead Road Allendale Phone 0411 551 550 allendalenursery@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
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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 4th Sunday of the month
Woodend Farmers Market Gisborne Olde Time Market Kyneton Farmers Market Flemington Farmers Market Creswick Market Talbot Farmers Market Flemington Farmers Market
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By Lyndall McQuinn
AUTUMN ASTROLOGY I am really excited this Autumn; cycles are changing. There are two major planetary shifts in this time frame that should alter the energy patterns we have been dealing with for the past eight years.
Firstly, Uranus moves into Taurus in May, just in time for your birthdays. This won’t affect everyone at once just the early Taurus births, April 21 to 24, but over the next eight years, the Taurus paradigm is in for a shake up. Now this would excite some, but this is Taurus who likes the change to be slow and steady. Jupiter is also in opposition to Taurus this year so others bring opportunities and enthusiasm to your world. Looking like - up the tempo Taurus. Scorpio in opposition to Taurus will also have this Uranian, influence which infers others cause upheaval to your lives and like Taurus you are a fixed sign so too much emotional change too fast doesn’t suit you. The greatest affect of this is to the Scorpios’ born early in the sign. Sunny Jupiter is brightening the load of Scorpio; your Full Moon in April also adds a light so this may be a time of bringing what can be a darker mindset to an enlightened space. The second big planetary event is, Chiron moves into Aries. This gentle healing energy may have a task quieting the Arian frenetic pace. Chiron represents dealing with wounds and finding healing; this may be a change of pace for Aries. Until May, Uranus is still creating vast changes for those born at the end of Aries, April 17 through 20; this may
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be intense but extremely liberating. Mercury also retrogrades in Aries throughout March and April so this creates many rethinks. Libra those annoying little undercurrent situations that can be unclear and disconcerting may seem to disappear in Autumn. You have a Full Moon at Easter that brings to light the things you need to deal with. Any family responsibilities that may be oppressive, will all be settled with a disciplined approach. The chaos is around you, not within you. Pisces: Chiron leaves your sign in May - It’s been there for the last ten years. All of you have had a time of clearing out major wounds that set you back or kept you from moving forward. That leaves Neptune, your ruler as your resident; she is half way through your sign and asks for new perspectives and goals. It’s not an easy energy to work with as Neptune likes to indulge to escape, however Neptune also offers great vision and insight. Virgo: you have watched on and worried about those around you for far too long. You may feel like the intensity has lifted and now your interactions concern where to from here. Your Full Moon early March is a time to reframe and begin to reshape your directions. In May there will be planets in all the earth signs, this will really help anchor your sense of well being.
Aquarius: the issues of your Autumn are very practical ones; work, money and the home front. You are never short of the big picture and for once there can be optimism that maybe the opportunities you dream of are in reach. Just be clear on the remuneration contracts. Leo: you are still influenced by the massive changes that have featured in your life over the last couple of years. However by mid year you will feel you are coming to a secure place within them. Autumn will have a more grounded approach even though we expect a few business surprises; they are positive adjustments for your directions. The home front is joyous. Capricorn: I bet you love the solid, sensible approach to life that Saturn has brought to its home sign. Time to restructure and things go at a pace you know and love. The control has returned to your existence. Pluto though is still plaguing the mid term Capricorns - those born January 9 to 12 as it presses the point on matters that may be deep and complex. Cancer: Lets reverse Capricorn - I bet you really detest the pressure Saturn is applying to the relationships in your life. The huge sense of responsibility that you feel obliged to nurture. Perhaps the lesson is to be discerning as to what
responsibility you take on. There are robust energies to meet new friends and study new fields to create the enjoyment you seek in your social life. You can choose this. Sagittarius: Feeling a little push/ pull. Plenty of energy makes you active and for some, restless and ready for action whilst another aspect says there are opportunities to really consolidate the assets and opportunities that you have. The Full Moon is in Sagittarius at the end of Autumn on May 30, maybe the time when plans settle. Exercise regimes may excite and take up restless energy. Gemini: Autumn may be a little unsettled as work directions can be unclear as new plans and goals are in early phases. There can be a tendency to be blocked by others rules and regulations that you really can’t be bothered with. So maybe you are looking for a team of people or the tribe you want to be apart of. New and different people are the recipe for Autumn.
For readings with Lyndall, call 0428 425 923 www.lyndallmcquinn.com
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