Secrets Magazine - Issue 58 - Summer 2019 by Norma Morton

ISSUE 58 SUMMER 2019 PRICELESS

Cover photo by: Leah Armstrong

ISSUE 58 – SUMMER 2019 FEATURES: 5

DARRY FRASER – A ROLLICKING GOOD ADVENTURE

THREE WOMEN MAKING A MARK

14 COMMUNITY KICKING GOALS 17

DRUNKEN APPLE CAKE

19 SLOW FASHION 29 GARDENING TIPS FOR SUMMER 30 ASTROLOGY

Published by Secrets Magazine ABN 35 535 679 949 Mailing Address PO Box 356 Creswick VIC 3363 Phone 0427 103 217 Email info@secretsmagazine.com.au Web www.secretsmagazine.com.au Editor Norma Morton Design & Layout Leah Armstrong, Nick Morton Photography Donna Crebbin, Leah Armstrong Contributors Della Vreeland - Visit Ballarat, Lyndall McQuinn, Matthew Turner, 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.

FROM THE EDITOR It’s funny how we become totally absorbed in one year closing and a new one beginning. I don’t think the universal datebook has a switch that says, “okay 2018 has gone, shape up for 2019”. We just seem to bumble along from day to day, no matter the date - good excuse for a party though. The past year has seen its usual shenanigans in the political arena, the dishing up of 24 hour news from around the world, the expectation that we, as simple human beings can absorb the constancy of social media in our lives. To use an old phrase from the seventies – “let me out, I need to smell the roses”. Women have stepped up and are making themselves heard in the corridors of governments – State and Federal as well as business. In this issue, we spoke with three women of differing talents, expertise and ages, who have set up their own businesses and who are each kicking goals. Throughout the

country, we saw commemorative services and events held for the Centenary of the Armistice and the small village of Kingston, which I proudly call home, was no different. A review is in this issue. There is some good holiday reading in this issue along with our regular features. I can’t close off on this year without acknowledging the amazing young people who left classes on 30th November, to protest against the Federal Government’s lack of action on climate change. Agree or disagree, there is no doubt that the kids of today are promising to be the ‘power walkers’ of tomorrow. We wish you and yours a very safe Christmas and a wonderful 2019 and please, find time to ‘smell the roses’. Cheers, Norma

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A ROLLICKING GOOD ADVENTURE Is it nature or nurture that makes a good writer? That was a question in my mind when I spoke with Australian author, Darry Fraser whose latest novel, The Widow of Ballarat was released in November. This is Darry’s fourth published tome although she has been story telling almost since she fell out of the cradle. Her journey to being a published author has been a longish one. Born in Melbourne, she left at nineteen to travel around Australia and found herself in Alice Springs, where she stayed for a long time. What followed was, as Darry tells it, “a round about journey to Kangaroo Island, then a return to Alice, then feeling the lure of the island, came back, where I am now happily domiciled, although I am quietly pondering a possible return to Victoria”. Asked if she felt writing was part of her DNA, she said: “I’m sure it is”. “I remember as a very small child I was always telling stories and one of my earliest memories – I think I was about four – was kneeling on a kitchen stool bashing an old typewriter and writing stories”. She added, “I couldn’t spell, or even frame sentences, but in my head, I was writing a book.” Darry went on to say: “My two sisters and I were very lucky in having a mother and grandmother who read to us every night, which engendered a lifelong passion for books.” As life moved on, Darry’s desire to write novels never abated, but a lack of confidence held her back from making that move to approach publishers, so her desire to write was tucked away in a little box somewhere. That is until she moved in to care for her ailing mother and realised that she needed something to occupy her mind, so she joined the Romance Writers Guild. It was through the Guild that she was given the opportunity to ‘pitch’ one of her stories that was picked up by Harlequin Press in 2015 which resulted in her first novel, ‘Daughter of the Murray’, followed by ‘Where the Murray River Runs’ and now ‘The Widow of Ballarat’. Darry has several others under her belt, mainly with a contemporary setting, however her love of and fascination with

Australia’s history, sees her later tomes set in the nineteenth century. She has chosen to write historically as she has always been drawn to it, saying “When I was a kid, I loved the old westerns, the simplicity of goodies and baddies always appealed and the women of the 1800s were strong and had to be clever in order to survive “. Darry researches the era in order to have the correct vernacular and how people were bound by the society of the day. Looking ahead to the future, Darry hopes to be financially independent through her writing to devote her days to doing what she loves. She said: “A publisher described one of my novels as a ‘rollicking good adventure’ – it doesn’t get better than that”.

THREE WOMEN MAKING A MARK Women today own more than a third of Australia’s small businesses, a 46 per cent increase in female business operators over the past two decades. Secrets interviewed three local women of different ages and experience who have set up their own businesses and have, in a short time, achieved success. Whilst their businesses and expertise differ, the one common denominator is that they could see a niche market for themselves and wouldn’t accept the idea that they couldn’t do it. Mari Pigott started her business – Maverick Upholstery only eleven months ago and already has work orders stretching into March, 2019. Mari, at twenty-five, is the youngest of our entrepreneurs and she is breaking her

own ‘glass ceiling’ by successfully operating in a predominately male based industry. Clunes based Tessa Ambrose is a little older at thirty-eight and has been operating Central Vic Planning Consultants for three years. Tessa takes on all the minutiae of the planning process for home builders – dealing with Councils and Statutory Authorities and all those things that her clients don’t want to do or know how to do. At the other end of the work-life spectrum is Sue Scott, who at ‘somewhere north’ of sixty wouldn’t accept retirement when she was made redundant from her seemingly secure position. She could see a niche for her business Final Proof to ensure that the I’s are dotted and the T’s crossed and where to place the apostrophe, in all forms of written material.

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THE YOUNG AND THE BRAVE It takes a brave woman to start a business alone in a male dominated industry. Mari Pigott met an upholsterer in the UK when she took that ubiquitous overseas sojourn, young Aussies take when school has ended and they contemplate their future. Fascinated by the industry, Mari tried to find an apprenticeship when she came home thinking it would be hard to be accepted. Luckily, her search resulted in finding a company, Navascues Upholstery in Preston who was positive about hiring a female apprentice. Naturally Mari jumped at the opportunity and began a career that she loves and also formed a lasting friendship with the owner of the company, Patrick Navascues. Melbourne proved to be a lonely place and Mari wanted to move closer to her parents. She approached Buttoning Upholstery in Ballarat who were looking for an apprentice and embraced hiring a woman. Mari completed her apprenticeship with Chris & Angelo then worked for them as a fully qualified upholsterer before they retired at the end of 2017. The brothers have been very supportive of her move into self employment and continue to mentor her. So what next? With no other businesses in Ballarat employing upholsterers, it came

down to finding another career or strike out on her own. The latter option was the one that stirred the fire in Mari’s belly, setting up a workshop and showroom filled with a large range of fabric samples, at the back of her parents’ property in Creswick. The next step was coming up with a name that reflected how she saw her place in the upholstery world. Maverick Upholstery was born and in only eleven months of operation, now has bookings stretching into March 2019. The physicality of the work doesn’t faze Mari and watching her work, it’s obvious she knows how to operate to minimise stress on her body. One innovation is to use a modified massage table that she can raise and lower as necessary. Over the next few years, Mari is working toward, purchasing a shop front, hiring an apprentice and doing more furniture and interior design work. Along the way, she and fiancé Ric will marry in March, build a new house and continue on building a business she loves. Ric is an architect who is also stepping out into his own business and they have worked together on a number of projects, so we look forward to seeing further development from these two very energetic and enterprising young people. www.maverickupholstery.com.au 7

A VERY HAPPY WIN When Tessa Ambrose bit the bullet and set up her business, Central Vic Planning Consultants, she knew she would have a steep learning curve to overcome. To help people building their new home traverse the intricacies of the planning process and the bureaucracy that often bogs down the process, is not the easiest job in the world. Initially unsure if she was making the right move, a growing and appreciative clientele tells her that she certainly has. Developing a small business is both exciting and scary, especially in a rural community and Tessa has had her share of those nights waking at 3am hoping the answer to a problem would appear on the ceiling. Those early days were challenging, especially operating as a ‘one-man band’ and when she transitioned from her home office to dedicated office space in the town, she was prepared to run at a loss for awhile. However, by being willing to take the risk, she has been rewarded by an increase in business enabling the addition of two, part time assistants, something that Tessa finds gratifying as work in small towns isn’t always easy to find. Being acutely aware that small businesses need to keep abreast of current trends and changes in legislation, Tessa ensures that she gains professional development through seminars and workshops with the view that as

her business grows, so too will her knowledge base. Recently Tessa saw an ad for an online competition supporting small business with the major prize being a mentoring session with Janine Allis founder of Boost Juice and panellist on the television program, Shark Tank. The competition was only offering 13 businesses the opportunity to take advantage of mentoring with Janine. As Tessa says “I thought, well someone has to win, so why not give it a go”, so she applied and won. It was a win well worth it said Tessa “Janine was very generous with her advice and to have confirmation that I was on the right track was very encouraging – her emphasis on customer service aligned with my core beliefs.” Tessa added “My time with Janine seemed to go so fast and of course I had a million questions come to mind after I left, but the time I did have with her was brilliant”. Tessa has passed that critical point for small business that sees many fail within their first two years and she feels that she is now “happily chugging along”. Not content with driving her own business, she was instrumental in developing the successful Clunes Makers Market, along with other community projects, proving the old saying – ‘If you want something done, give it to a busy person’. www.vicplanning.com.au

REDUNDANCY DOESN’T MEAN RETIREMENT When you are aged a little north of sixty, forced redundancy can be a blessing or a curse. Sue Scott, is a woman who is proving that in her case, it has been a blessing. A brief hiatus to ‘lick her wounds’ was all Sue needed, before she set about to create a new business utilising the skills she had gained over a long career in high end administration. Sydney born Sue cheerfully says that she hated school and left as soon as it was legal to do so, preferring to move on to secretarial college. There she says, “I learnt to type on a manual typewriter with a board covering the keys that made sure I hit the right ones. Computers have made typing so much easier.” Adding “I learned to operate a plug and cord switchboard, which I loved. You really needed to keep your wits about you otherwise it could be disastrous to connect the wrong plug to the wrong extension”. Sue’s first job was with a solicitor that lasted only six weeks, but it was the start of a series of interesting positions over the years, each one adding to her skill base. Sue says: “These were the days when you could leave a job on Friday and start a new one on Monday”. This flexibility, initiative and determination to improve her proficiencies gained her senior corporate positions in education and telecommunications in Sydney and the New South Wales central coast, then a move to Melbourne saw her add to her roles in senior management. Along the way there was the ubiquitous overseas travel, a marriage, a divorce and an epiphany. A holiday to Italy gave Sue the ‘head space’ to re-assess her life and to realise that as much as she loved Melbourne, what she really wanted was a little place in the country. Ballarat beckoned, along with the idea of setting up her own business, however fate had different ideas and she found herself again working in education, her last position being as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor at Federation University. A new Chancellor and a restructure in staffing resulted in a parting of the ways.

Sue could have chosen to settle into retirement, gardening and caring for her ninety-year-old father, but she preferred to follow her dream of running her own business and set up, “Final Proof”, a micro business specialising in proofreading corporate documents, training manuals, content for magazines, websites, marketing materials and anything that needs the correct written word. Current trends have seen a diminution in writing standards showing that there is a market for someone who knows the right words, how to spell them and where the apostrophe goes. To learn more about what Sue offers go to finalproof.net.au or call 0418 675 196.

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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

MERAKI – GREEK FOR GIVING Life as a chef in high end restaurants in Italy, London and Melbourne including Gordon Ramsay and Crown, is a far cry from a smallholding growing organic produce in country Victoria, but Daneile Tarasco wouldn’t have it any other way. With partner Olivia, who herself left behind a corporate career in music and publishing, established Meraki Organic Farm on six acres of rich organic soil in Newlyn, near Daylesford, which they share with fifty chooks, two dogs and Olivia’s teenage son. Meraki is a Greek word often used to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love - when you put something of yourself into what you’re doing, whatever it may be. The word not only connects these two passionate people with Olivia’s heritage, but also describes how they feel about their work. Daniele says; “By following nature and working with organic farming practices we produce higher nutritional food, promote natural growth cycles and eventually increase the land’s fertility. We want to leave something better than how we found it”.

Newlyn has a long heritage of potato farming, which still continues, amidst several new housing developments and smaller holdings like Meraki Organic Farm, but rather than creating conflict, this mix has created a co-operative community that Daniele and Olivia happily fit into. Looking ahead, they plan to develop big yield seed saving together with heirloom and old varieties of vegetables. As the farm grows, they would like to run workshops and training programs and enhance the knowledge of organic and biodiversity farming. It has taken a little while to grow sufficient produce to share with the broader community, however they plan to start selling at regional markets soon and already supply eggs to selected outlets locally. Farming organically is not easy. It is labour intensive and subject – like all farming – to the vagaries of weather and fluctuating markets, but the determination to succeed in their own lives and to put something back into the land and their community will no doubt see Meraki Organic Farm flourish. Learn more by visiting www.merakifarm.com.au.

By Tessa Ambrose – President Clunes Makers Market

HOW WE BEGAN In 2014 I was Vice President of the Clunes Farmers Market when I was approached by many locals who wanted a market for the arts, so I decided to leave the committee determined to create this event for our community. The Clunes Makers’ Market was founded in June 2015 and the first market was held on the 8th of November of that year. One of my first challenges when I decided to start the market was to find a willing and able team to help pull everything together. My first recruit was Christine Lethlean who took on the role of President and later also became our Marketing & Promotions guru while I was the behind the scenes Event Manager. I have now stepped up as president to give Christine the time to focus on her studio and gallery. Our dreams for this market were to support local artists, artisans and makers by providing a space for them to promote and sell their products, art and workshops. We wanted to set ourselves apart from other markets by providing a friendly and supportive space for our stall holders. It is testament to the whole committee that we now have such a large number of loyal stallholders, many of whom will attest that the Clunes Makers’ Market is their favourite market. The market started off with no funding at all and for the first 2 years we were running monthly located in the Club Hotel with 15 or

20 stall holders. Christine had suggested seasonal fairs early on in our conception, however we weren’t able to realise this dream until 2017 when we held our first seasonal fair at Keebles Country House. Following the resounding success of this event we now run four seasonal fairs per year. Attracting approximately 2500 visitors per event, we have over 75 stall holders and provide entertainment and workshops throughout the day. Looking ahead the Clunes Makers’ Markets will be held at the Clunes Showgrounds on Sunday 3rd March, 2nd June, 6th October and 1st December 2019. We hope to see you there! For more, go to facebook.com/clunesmakersmarket

THE CHARM OF COUNTRY HOTELS Recently I found that the charm of country hotels continues with the re-opening of The Commercial Hotel @ Kingston. The original weatherboard hotel built in the 1800’s was destroyed by fire in 1904, but was subsequently rebuilt in red brick in 1905. In it’s hay day Kingston had 12 hotels with only the Kingston Hotel, now a private residence and The Commercial @ Kingston still surviving. The Commercial @ Kingston closed over 12 years ago and was converted into a residence, however 3 years ago the current owner purchased the iconic hotel and has now sympathetically returned this grand old lady into an operating Hotel, Gallery & Cafe with a statement outdoor wood fired pizza area and beer garden. The venue exhibits local artisan’s works, local providores and trades in small antiques and curios. The bar area is an eclectic mix of old whiskey jugs and bar mirrors with a pool table, pin ball machines and jukebox loaded with hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The cafe dining area has a mix of relaxing lounges, coffee tables and more formal tables and dining chairs. As we moved through to the rear of the hotel we found outside terraced gardens with roses, shade trees and manicured hedges. Wow was the word when we saw the wood fired pizza oven and beer garden. The hotel is available for private functions and has boutique accommodation perfect for bridal parties

looking for pre wedding day stays and The Commercial @ Kingston can also transfer the bridal party to the wedding in their magnificent vintage and classic wedding cars. The hotel is becoming a destination for seniors, probus clubs, social interest and vintage car groups with vintage and classic cars regularly being seen parked outside the hotel, located on the Kingston Road with it’s magnificent avenue of trees – the 100 year old Avenue of Honour is regarded one of the best memorials of its kind in the country. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 6pm for all day coffee and cake dine in or take-away or for a cold beer or wine with lunches served from 12noon to 3pm. Dinners are served Friday to Sunday nights during summer and autumn from 6pm to 9 pm. Bookings are available by phoning 5345 6576 or to find out more visit www.thecommecialkingston.com.au or Facebook.

410 KINGSTON ROAD KINGSTON 3364 03 5345 6576 WWW.THECOMMERCIALKINGSTON.COM.AU OR FACEBOOK 13

A COMMUNITY KICKING GOALS Sometime in 2015 the committee of the Kingston, Friends of the Avenue had an idea. That idea was to hold an event on 11th November 2018 to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice and the beginning of planting the trees that make up what is arguably one of the most beautiful memorial avenues in the country. Initially a small service was mooted, but it didn’t take long before the planning was rivalling an East End production. Now anyone who has worked on a committee knows that they are very good at designing cars with square wheels - this committee was no different. A mix of contrary personalities, availability and commitment meant that meetings could be shambolic, communications problematic and role definitions hazy. But work continued, and the result was a truly exceptional day.

A day that blended reverent commemoration with an air of celebration – commemoration for those who fought and died in a war so brutally savage that it was believed, at the time, to be the war to end all wars. And celebration – celebrating the end of a horrible four years of conflict and that generations later, we live in a democracy that millliions in the world can only dream about.

The morning started with a cold, blustery wind making the placing of marquees and displays somewhat difficult, but as if on cue, the wind dropped and a magnificent spring day emerged. Visitors began arriving early to watch the opening parade led by the Creswick RSL Lighthorse Troop and a Lone Piper, setting the mood for a movingly reverential service. A number of elderly returned servicemen stood in the sun determined to pay their respects to comrades from later conflicts, each with their own memories. They were joined by local school children, cadets and people of all ages, respectfully sharing the poignancy of the occasion.

The estimated crowd of around five hundred came from as far as South Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and beyond, mixing with the many locals from this small community. Travellers and locals alike came to pay their respects to lost relatives from the district who fought in WW1 and whose names adorn one of the 286 trees of the Avenue of Honour. It was interesting to see people speaking with strangers about their relative from a different generation, but who hold a special place within their hearts. An elderly lady was proudly wearing her family’s medals, but the one she wanted to speak of the most was the little known “mother’s medal” as she referred to it. The medal had been given to her grandmother in honour of the two sons she had sent to war – one returned, one didn’t.

The bond between today’s troopers and their horses is as strong as it was one hundred years ago. The image of ‘Trooper’ Michael Whitehead with his horse, Winifred, is testament to that bond, as captured in the photograph of Winifred standing quietly with Michael, almost sleeping on his shoulder. Also pictured is Michael’s partner, Lisa, who took on a role representing the eight nurses whose names adorn trees in the Avenue. Michael and Winifred have been part of the Creswick Lighthorse for over ten years and have travelled widely to many commemorative services. Michael was the Flag-bearer for Australia at the anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba in 2017 in Israel. To watch Michael and Winifred and the bond they share, evoked heart-wrenching memories of those horses and troopers from the war, who, after surviving the most hideous ordeals had to face the fact that the troopers could return home, but their horses couldn’t. It was left, in the most part, to the troopers to shoot their own horse – the beast they had shared so much with, and had carried them through horrors that no-one can imagine today. There were many highlights of the event, not the least of which was the cascade of poppies trailing down the length of a very tall tree, that in itself was a stunning visual. For the better part of twelve months, a group of clever knitters, led by Margaret Armstrong of Kingston, made thousands of poppies in their spare time. The making of the poppies was the easy part; the bigger question was how to display them. Some were attached to stems that were ‘planted’ on an embankment, but there were still bags and bags waiting to find a purpose. A conversation between Margaret and Jo Maxwell from The Elephant Patch in Ballarat developed the idea to festoon a tree with poppies. All that was needed was to work out the logistics. A long ladder, Marg’s husband Bruce, lots of wire and lots of shouted directions from below, created a stunning vision.

The Kingston Avenue of Honour Centenary of Armistice was living proof, that a community of dissimilar people can come together with a shared purpose and create a triumph.

The Creswick Lighthorse Troop always perform a dignified homage to the mounted troopers who served in World War 1.

FARMERS ARMS HOTEL A MAGNET FOR A SMALL TOWN This historical pub located in Creswick has become one of Victoria’s premium gastropubs, attracting visitors from across the state. It was taken over and renovated two and a half years ago by new owners and wow, have they done a good job - it’s definitely worth a visit. Day trippers from Melbourne now seem to be catching on and taking a drive up to Creswick just to visit this quality gem. Not only do they do all their own butchery onsite, they also go further by curing meats for their charcuterie plates and age beef aegies for their steak menu. There is a serious focus on local produce and they have a relationship with the surrounding farmers. Try the Tuki Lamb done three ways. It makes eating here just a lovely experience, you can feel and taste the quality. A quality pub experience is certainly hard to find these days…

The steaks are some of the best you will encounter, cooked perfectly and the flavours are a foodie experience. Try the locally sourced lamb done three ways - stunning. There are of course delicious vegetarian options. The desserts are lovely classics such as the vanilla bean and honey panacotta or chocolate fondant or house made sorbets made of the highest quality ingredients; and it’s all so affordable, great quality, but at pub prices. The wine list has a local focus too, with incredible wines at half the price of what you would see in fine dining rooms; it’s all about quality at the Farmers and very affordable. The Farmers Arms Hotel in Creswick has now become one of the region’s best pubs, resulting in a beautiful success story. Definitely on the list of best pubs in Victoria!

DRUNKEN APPLE CAKE Christmas! That time when life as we know it is thrown into chaos, when the fridge is under great strain and a super tasty, super easy cake sitting in the pantry ready to serve to those unexpected guests is a God send. With this in mind we decided to republish Sara Kittelty’s super quick Drunken Apple Cake that appeared in our winter 2017 issue. This cake has been one of our most popular recipes. Not only is it more-ish, it is so simple that even a beginner baker will nail it every time. Its your choice whether you use tart or sweet fruit, but for this cake, you can use whatever you have on hand - the choice is yours. Sara’s recipe is very simple – as she says, just melt and mix. The brandy or rum you use really comes through for a depth of flavour. You could add more good vanilla extract if you are avoiding alcohol. The quantities in this recipe are designed for a large cake as Sara makes for her café, Kittelty’s at the Ballarat Art Gallery using 26cm tins, so you may find that there is extra mix if you use a smaller tin. Why not make some cupcakes with the leftover batter. INGREDIENTS

METHOD

4 eggs 220 g caster sugar

4 tbsp dark rum or brandy (go all out and use Calvados - brandy made from apples) 1/2 tsp good vanilla extract

Peel and core the 6 apples

Add the eggs, vanilla, rum and sugar

to the melted butter and mix until

incorporated. Add the flour.

160 g melted butter

Gently fold the apples into the batter.

165 g self raising flour 6 large apples - any variety or a mix

- chop into cubes.

Pour into a greased and lined 26 cm

cake tin – spring-form tins are best to

avoid cakes stuck in tins. Cook at 180 degrees for around 50

minutes - the cake is ready when it springs

back when gently pushed in the middle

with a few fingers - or use a cake tester

to check.

This cake is fantastic hot or cold with thick cream or ice cream, so it can double as both dessert or a cake great with a cuppa.

ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE

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Creating your Future Heritage using appropriate materials, technology and strategies.

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ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE enduringdomain.com.au matt@enduringdomain.com.au

By Matthew Turner – Enduring Domain Building Design

SLOW FASHION At the risk of making all you dear readers feel bad, have you ever wondered about the environmental impact the fashion industry has on the world? A single cotton T-shirt uses 2,700 litres of clean water in its production. In India alone 1.6 billion litres of water is used every day in the textile industry. That’s the equivalent to 640 olympic sized swimming pools! In addition, about 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used in processing and end up being discharged into our waterways causing widespread contamination of the food chain. OK so I’ve touched on the somewhat dire implications of the industry which brings us much joy and also a necessary means of covering oneself up. So what’s the alternative to such an overwhelmingly huge problem then I hear you say. ‘Do you expect us all to walk around in repurposed potato sacks?’ Although there might be a saying that good marketing can sell anything, I am a firm believer that a good product will sell itself, with a little bit of consumer knowledge. If you look, you will find all sorts of enterprising businesses out there producing sustainable and ethical clothing, ranging from formal wear to swim wear, underwear to athletic apparel. Two such established companies, Econyl and Repreve, harvest plastic bottles and fishing nets from the oceans and turn this into yarn which inherently has amazing breathability, durability and sun protection qualities. Clothing brands are lining up to take advantage of the new technology and possibilities to create smart fashion for a sustainable future from this base product. Rather than using ‘virgin’ nylon, this process of turning plastic waste into clothing can save 70,000 barrels of crude oil and 57,100 tonnes of C02 emissions for every 10,000 tonnes of raw Econyl material created. If recycled nylon isn’t your thing, have a look at sustainably harvested organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. Organic plantations are rain water irrigated and avoid chemical use in the soil. According to Textile Exchange and Thinkstep, Life Cycle Assessment of Organic Cotton 2014, there is 90% less water usage and 46% less

C02 emissions compared to its conventional counterpart. Many clothing brands using these organically produced textiles will use plant-based dyes which further reduce the environmental detriment. In addition to reducing the impact on our planet, there are many follow-on social and economic benefits when fair-trade practices are also combined to improve the lives of those at the coal-face of fashion, usually in socalled developing world countries. When you can’t escape the allure of a new set of threads, at least there is now a choice out there and hopefully all the big fast-food fashion players will take notice also.

Antiques & Collectables o Region

Explore the Bendig

Bookshops & Eclectic Coffee Shops bendigoregion.com

Explore the Bendigo Region

bendigoregion.com

DESIGN YOUR OWN TOUR To design your own itinerary to explore all the wonders of the Bendigo Region, you need your own Guide that you can pick up from Visitor Centres and leading venues throughout the Region. The Guide makes it easy to find your way around the Antique and Collectables venues and Bookshops and Eclectic coffee shops that are a fascinating element of the exciting canvas of one of the most intriguing regions in Victoria. For additional regional day trips and more to do in the Bendigo Region, visit www.bendigoregion.com

MT. ALEXANDER – CASTLEMAINE & MALDON Barrow Boy Traders - Castlemaine

BENDIGO Valentine’s Antique Gallery Browse around this Castlemaine shop to find an eclectic mix of hard to find furniture pieces, odd bits of taxidermy and obscure decorative objects, together with new pieces produced by local craftspeople. 28 Johnstone Street, Castlemaine – www.barrowboytraders.com.au

One of Australia’s longest running antique businesses, established in 1947 and specialising in fine quality 19th Century and early 20th Century antiques including furniture, porcelain, glassware, lamps, boxes, jewellery and decorative items. Also rare and collectible Australian Colonial Antiques. www.valentinesantiques.com

The Little Red Bookshop – Maldon

Book Now

Rare and out of print secondhand booksellers, established in Bendigo in 1984. Boasting a selection of 50,000 plus good quality used books. Relax in the nineteenth century wine and spirit merchants’ premises, with the mezzanine and cellar. www.booknow.net.au

The Little Red Bookshop has a great selection of pre-loved books for all the family including classic novels, poetry, biographies fiction, sports, militaria, automobilia, cooking, gardening, sewing and vintage children’s books. 69 High Street, Maldon 5475 2341

LODDON - INGLEWOOD

CENTRAL GOLDFIELDS

Fusspots

Amaroo Antiques

From small beginnings in 2006, this expansive venue offers selected antiques, vintage homewares and kitchenalia, collectables and curios, old wares, pottery, china, records, books and more tins than you can poke a stick at. 39 Brooke Street, Inglewood Facebook/ Fusspots At Inglewood

Offering bright and colourful range of porcelain jugs, Toby jugs, Royal commemorative porcelain, Australian and English pottery and ceramics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all delightfully collectable. 82 Nolan Street, Maryborough 0447 501 554

Inglewood Emporium

Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle Book Emporium

A wide range of vintage clothes and collectables. 76-80 Brooke Street, Inglewood. facebook.com/InglewoodEmporium Phone 5438 3287

Second hand books. Kids New and Used. Vintage and Old. New Local Authors. Books and Sets from $1.00 upwards. Open daily. 194 High St Maryborough. Facebook Katescastle Book Emporium

FRIDA KAHLO, HER PHOTOS BENDIGO ART GALLERY 8 December 2018 – 10 February 2019 Renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo had a special relationship with photography, and meticulously accumulated a vast collection of photographs over the course of her life. This exhibition, Frida Kahlo, her photos draws from the extensive archive of the Casa Azul (Blue House), Kahlo’s former home and now a museum dedicated to this much loved artist’s life and work. First revealed to the public in 2007, the Casa Azul photographic archive was inaccessible for five decades and consists of more than 6500 images, of which some 257 are shown in this exhibition curated by Mexican photographer and photography historian Pablo Ortiz Monasterio. Kahlo’s interest in photography began in childhood – both her father, Guillermo Kahlo and her maternal grandmother were professional photographers. Throughout her life she collected historic daguerreotypes and calling cards from the 19th century, often used as reference material for her work, as well as an extensive collection of personal photographs, often intervening on them with paint, written words or lipstick kisses.

The photos capture the interests and obsessions she grappled with throughout her life: her family, her fascination for Diego Rivera and other loves, her friends and enemies, political struggles and art, the pre-Columbian past and her great love for Mexico and its traditions. The exhibition also includes several photographs from Kahlo’s long hospital stay and recovery following the 1925 accident that left her crippled and in considerable pain. Frida Kahlo, her photos also reveals several photographs of contemporaries including Man Ray, Martin Munkacsi, Fritz Henle, Edward Weston, Tina Modotti, Pierre Verger, and Lola and Manuel Alvarez. Frida Kahlo, her photos; Exclusive to Bendigo Art Gallery in Australia, this exhibition from the Frida Kahlo Museum and Diego Rivera Museum, curated by Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, and toured by Terra Esplêndida and Banco de México, the fiduciary of the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums. See www.bendigoartgallery.com.au/fridakahlo

TUDORS TO WINDSORS BRITISH ROYAL PORTRAITS A major new international exhibition will open at the Bendigo Art Gallery in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery of London in early March. Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits features more than 150 treasures from London’s revered National Portrait Gallery, many of which have never before been seen outside England. Tudors to Windsors traces the history of the British monarchy through the outstanding collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London. This exhibition highlights major events in British (and world) history from the sixteenth century to the present, examining the ways in which royal portraits were impacted by both the personalities of individual monarchs and wider historical change. Australian audiences will have an extraordinary opportunity to come face-to-face with the fascinating figures of British royalty and explore the story of Britain’s monarchy through masterworks of painting, sculpture and photography. Presenting some of the most significant royal portraits, Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits will explore five royal dynasties: The Tudors, the Stuarts, the Georgians, the Victorians and the Windsors; shedding light on key figures and important historical moments. Among the many works on view will be portraits of King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, King George III, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo East, said: ‘We are thrilled that Bendigo is one of only two destinations invited by the National Portrait Gallery to present for this incredible exhibition – the other is Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. ‘Tudors to Windsors offers rich insight into British history as well as the portraiture genre and traces its development across five centuries. It is an honour to be able to show these works, here in Bendigo,” she said.

To bring these royal figures to life, Bendigo Art Gallery has secured key loans of historic fashion and personal effects which will be featured alongside these magnificent and imposing portraits. See www.bendigoartgallery.com.au

MARYBOROUGH 2018 Maryborough 2018 is a town in Central Victoria that is slowly, but surely changing. Known for it’s iconic railway station, reported to have the longest platform in country Victoria was once described by writer and humorist Mark Twain ‘as a railway station with a town attached’. That quote should now be ‘the town with a railway station attached’. The main street still boasts some of the most stunning architecture harking back to the region’s gold heritage, but there is a growing sophistication with the opening of new cafes and restaurants and the refurbishment of the well known Bull and Mouth Hotel/Restaurant. There is a wide choice of fashion boutiques, such as Debbie Lee Fashions, home wares shops like the Décor Room and a number of speciality shops that means locals no longer need to travel to the larger regional centres to find those special pieces. Visitors to Maryborough come for many reasons – to visit the excellent wineries of the region, the impressive markets (Talbot Farmers Market is high on the best markets list), the ironbark forests, research family

history and explore galleries and museums. The Central Goldfields Art Gallery rotates local and contemporary artists from the Goldfields region and covers a wide range of styles. The Gallery Collection includes work by renowned and local artists. Each year Maryborough hosts two significant events that draw participants and audiences from far and wide. November sees the RACV Energy Breakthrough attracting 30,000 visitors to witness 6000 school participants celebrating learning, innovation, creativity and human endeavour. And if the skirl of the bagpipes is in your blood, the Maryborough Highland Gathering, described as Australia’s oldest continuous running sporting event, will be on your agenda. These days travellers look for good food and especially good coffee and Maryborough 2018 won’t disappoint. So with the long summer holiday break, this old town with new energy really should be on your day trip or short stay list. For further information go to visitmaryborough.com.au

JEKYLL & HYDE PREMIERE IN BALLARAT February 28 – 10 March, 2019 The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in the musical phenomenon, Jekyll & Hyde. The musical is based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and features a thrilling score of pop rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tonynominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse. Jekyll & Hyde has mesmerised audiences the world over and has been described as “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA meets LES MISERABLES”. One of the amazing heartstopping, toe-tapping songs from this show is “This Is The Moment”. Get ready to fall in love with this show.

An evocative tale of two men – one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman – and two women – one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself– both women in love with the same man and both unaware of his dark secret. A devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind’s most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde.

ONCE THE CENTRE OF TOWN The Aussie pub has always been important to the social structure of country towns. It was where the latest news was exchanged, residents were mourned when they passed, marriages and births were celebrated (sometimes in the same week) and new residents were welcomed. It was the pubs where “newbies” really discovered the community. Many pubs have been written into folklore. One story from the 1880s captures the larrikin Aussie spirit like no other. The Speculation Hotel stood on a hill in Broomfield a village near Creswick. The owner, a Mr. Dibden decided he wanted to move it to one of his other properties at what was then known as Wallace Town, now Allendale - a distance of around two kilometres. Had he closed the pub to move it, Mr. Dibden would have had to renew his license necessitating a lot of unwanted paperwork and other anomalies he may not have wanted known to officials. He came up with an ingenious plan that would not only allow him to move the building, but to keep it open at the same time. The pub was dismantled, loaded onto horse drawn wagons and transported down the hill; with the bar remaining intact and six locals literally holding it up who continued drinking. We don’t know for sure, but it’s a fair bet not a drop was spilt.

So where have they gone – these local landmarks that have been part of Australian culture since settlement? Some have been converted into restaurants or other commercial enterprises; others have been demolished and live only as a memory or a legend in folk lore. Others have been turned into private homes or bed and breakfasts, When you come across a traditional country pub, it’s almost like coming home. Every country town has or has had its local “watering hole”, remembered fondly for its contribution to the fabric of town life where the publican was usually everyone’s best friend. Changing demographics, liquor laws and public demands has meant that many towns are now bereft of their “local” – not necessarily for the better. A book written by Lee Mylne titled “Great Australian Pubs”, offers a look at 100 pubs located around the country. It’s an excellent tome of the Aussie pub from the cities to the outback. It’s a pub-crawl you can go on without leaving your armchair.

TRAVELLING WITH PETS The holiday season is a fantastic time to get away with the whole family and that often means the four legged members as well. If you plan to travel with your pet over the holidays there are a few things you’ll need to consider, especially in country areas. You have to be fully responsible for your dog, no matter what size and not let them wander unattended when they can chase wildlife and livestock. Remember farmers do have the right to shoot dogs if found on their property. Don’t forget your pet’s needs for food, water and a safe and secure enclosure. Make sure your pet is micro-chipped, so if they do wander, you can be reunited as soon as possible. Be aware of snakes, kangaroos (they kick), water hazards – even a chop from the BBQ can be of serious concern. When you stop anywhere, don’t leave your dog in the car, they can overheat very quickly. There may be a time when your pet requires first aid, so include a few standard first aid items in your kit suitable for animal,

your vet can advise you. For more serious problems, prompt veterinary treatment is vital. You can Google local vets or ask your vet for a list of clinics if you know exactly where you’re heading. A well-planned and thoughtful holiday can be wonderful for all the family including the four-legged members of your household. Be prepared and have fun. More information visit www.australianexplorer.com/pets.

ALLENDALE NURSERY Specializing in herbs & vegetable seedlings. 4141 Creswick-Newstead Road Allendale Phone 0411 551 550 allendalenursery@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

Catch me at the following markets from October: 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 Saturday of the month 4th Sunday of the month

Woodend Farmers Market Gisborne Olde Time Market Kyneton Farmers Market Daylesford Farmers Market Creswick Market Talbot Farmers Market Lancefield Little Treasures Daylesford Farmers Market

By Rebecca Sprosen-Bailey - Allendale Nursery

ANOTHER SUMMER IN THE GARDEN Summer is here and every year we all have the same issues. Water, whether you have a few pots to a few acres our precious plants need and require water and nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the first rule for summer always is mulch. It keeps water given in the garden to remain and not evaporate due to sun and wind. Mulching stops the top soil drying out, keeping it moist and can reduce watering by about 60%. Hand watering, if you have the time, is the most effective as you can direct water exactly where it is needed and a deep soak once a week is more effective than a small burst every couple of days. Always try and water to the base of plants to avoid fungal disease. If you can imagine a fungal spore is like a small seed. They require moisture to germinate, if they dry, they die. Splashing water droplets moves pathogen “seeds” from the soil to lower plant leaves, then to the upper plant leaves, then one plant to another – get the picture. Base watering promotes deeper roots and will save water and possibly your plants. Why not investigate placing a drip irrigation within your established plantings and soaker hoses in your temporary ones, for example the vegetable plot. Again watering at the soil level will help reduce the amount of ‘free moisture’ on plant canopies. This does not apply to your lawn. Make best use of morning winds and sun to dry your landscape. For those that have plants in pots, one of the best tests for the moisture retention is the finger test. Poke your finger into the

soil, if it feels moist it’s probably ok, or use an unpainted wooden dowel like you use a toothpick to check if a cake has fully baked. Soil crumbs clinging to the dowel indicate moist soil. The biggest mistakes made with pot plant growing is either overwatering causing root rot or under watering with also dire consequence. If water supply is restricted, for example you rely on rain water, but you still want your own home grown vegetables, consider a wicking bed. This has got to be the best system available, whether it’s commercially made or a DIY. It doesn’t have to just be for vegetables however, but is its most common use. For your ornamental garden, look at options of diverting washing water, but ensure you use detergent without phosphate. The grey water run-off will not harm your plants or the soil. And don’t forget birds and wildlife. A birdbath or shallow container filled with water, will make them very happy. Hopefully something amongst these tips will help you in your garden this summer. Enjoy your garden, until next time.

By Lyndall McQuinn

SUMMER ASTROLOGY Deja vu; Uranus and Chiron are back in Aries and Pisces so many of us are tidying up the loose threads from past cycles which began in 2017. By Autumn of 2019 they will be back in Taurus, and Aries respectively and the new chapter is off and running. In the meantime we are mopping up and redefining with utterances “ Haven’t I done this.”

CARDINAL PICTURE So Aries you are really busy as Uranus returns to create waves for those born at the end of the sign; massive changes, which liberate your lifestyle. Chiron hovers for those born at the start of the sign so a new honest touch base with self. Those in the middle are squared by Saturn, which speaks of discipline and Pluto, which if you are avoiding the discipline will create an intense push towards delving into what is creating the disturbances in your life. Libra, summer isn’t so much your season, unlike spring, but you too have the squares from Saturn and Pluto affecting people born in the middle of the sign. Saturn urges you to be organized and realistic whilst the Pluto takes you deeply into your drives for better or not. Uranus will oppose the late born Librans bringing unexpected and exciting others and Chiron opposes the early born Librans, so maybe healing with others is a rewarding experience. Capricorn you too are bouncing around. Both Saturn and Pluto are in your sign, add a dark moon eclipse and we could say a summer to remember. You love Saturn as it rules your sign and it has spent most of

the year in the first half of the sign and will remain in Capricorn all 2019, so this is rewards and commitment time for you. Work hard and climb like mountain goats. Some of you will not like the intensity of the climb as Pluto challenges you to look deeply. Uranus will bring erratic opponents that suggest change and Chiron is beginning to modify your approaches. Cancer is also caught up in this cardinal sign whirlpool. Saturn and Pluto in your case bring others with authority and discipline that can offer great things if you will take it up. Or the power crazed, so dealing with others is an uncertain proposition. Uranus and Chiron square either end of the sign so rest, relaxation and healing present for some, whilst further changes press those born at the end of the sign. Your full moon just before Christmas is a highlightgaze deeply. MUTABLE PICTURE Sagittarius you are feeling smug and optimistic with Jupiter just entered your sign. A dark moon at the beginning of December gives you a moment to stop and delve what you are going to do with all this energy. By the end of summer Jupiter will square Neptune so idealism is the approach to 2019. Lets dream into being your ultimate aspirations. Don’t always believe what you hear while Mercury retrogrades at the start of December. Pisces you will be left with your ruler Neptune strolling through your sign. It has reached Pisceans born from 4th to 11th of March and

moves back and forth over your world evoking fantasy, confusion, insight and dissolution of projects that may have been left undecided. This is how Neptune works and the best way to deal with it is to create stillness. Jupiter will square at the end of summer so its time to be in the dreaming. There is substance to come from this as Saturn offers opportunity from Capricorn. Gemini you have access to the positivity of Jupiter from across your wheel bringing many social outcomes with Neptune square suggesting overloading on Christmas cheer. Lets hope this is a holiday season for you as I feel that is the mood that engulfs you. Virgo has great balance for a while now. The tone of the trine from Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn offering stability with deep drive and also Uranus when it returns to Taurus also brings an ability to create extensive changes. Over summer whilst Uranus revisits Aries, take the time to stabilize again. Those opposed by Neptune will see where the ideals aren’t realistic or others who aren’t suitable for your forward progress. Full moon in February shines a light on the autumn. FIXED PICTURE Leo the full moon is eclipsed in your sign on Jan 21, giving a deeper glimpse of plans for 2019. Jupiter’s optimism flows joyfully your way and you are easily buoyant. Uranus

tinkers with the late Leos suggesting a couple more changes to your style may be appropriate. Crazy plans, joy of Christmas and a light tweeking of financial concerns. Aquarius; There is not a lot of air energy around which is your favourite, so next best is the fire from Jupiter, which is likely to makes things frantic. There is the possibility of getting many things completed with a rush. No down time to procrastinate, this may be frustrating, but when the thinking time comes you will be very pleased with what you’ve managed. Taurus; Hard work pays off. The trines from Capricorn mean the opportunities abound, but the effort required may not be to your liking. It may feel like the same old plod, but the results can be startling. This is not about dreaming, it’s about doing the dream. Scorpio; may take a back step in early December as Mercury retrogrades through the later degrees of your sign. However it’s a minor rethink. You have had lots of time to sort out what you want over spring so now we await the beginnings of the new ideas. It is a time of sorting the logistics, what do you actually need to progress forward into new phases. Loving wishes for the summer season Lyndall McQuinn.