Secrets Magazine - Issue 61 - Spring 2019 by Norma Morton

ISSUE 61 SPRING 2019 PRICELESS

FARMERS ARMS CRESWICK

just a

PUB.

OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER 31 ALBERT ST CRESWICK / 53452221

ISSUE 61 – SPRING 2019 FEATURES: 5 CARDINAL 6

GRAPES OF MIRTH

WHY DO THEY KEEP WINNING?

PASSION FOR DESIGNING

14 RIDE LIKE A GIRL 15 A LABOUR OF LOVE 16 TOWN ON A PLATE 21 IN HER HAPPY PLACE 27 MARKETS 29 SPRING GARDENING 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 Nick Morton Contributors Lyndall McQuinn, Rebecca Sprosen, Kate Serrurier Photography Leah Armstrong 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.

SPRING IS SPRUNG “The spring is sprung, the grass is riz – I wonder where the boidie is. They say the boidie’s on the wing – But that’s absoid. The wing is on the bird.” This piece of nonsense doggerel was written by that faithful author Anonymous and is one of those silly things remembered from childhood that heralds the welcome beginning of spring. As the days lengthen and we uncurl from self imposed hibernation we start looking forward to getting out into the sunshine, enjoying all those fabulous things we do so well in Australia – dining el fresco, barbecues, gardening, festivals and just soaking up nature. Festivals are high on the list of things to do and we have a few in these pages – Maldon Folk Festival, Creswick Garden Lovers weekend, Mica Grange Open Garden

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Sculpture exhibition and a new one for our region, The Grapes of Mirth. This is the brainchild of comedian and broadcaster Merrick Watts who will be joined at the Avoca Turf Club in October by Dave Hughes, Nazeem Hussain, Geraldine Hickey and quite a few others bringing their brand of humour to the Pyrenees – this should be a hoot. On a more serious note, we spoke with Louise Milligan, award winning journalist about her book ‘Cardinal – The Rise and Fall of George Pell’ and her three-year investigation into allegations of child sex abuse. Our Town on a Plate feature for spring is from Panchos in Daylesford. Chef Tom Crow’s recipe for curried omelette is yum and worth giving it a go at home. Have fun through spring, until summer, Cheers, Norma

THE FARMER’S WIFE CLOTHING HOME WARES

thefarmerswifestore.com.au 49 Albert St, Creswick Mon-Sat 10-4pm Sun 11-3pm

CARDINAL – THE RISE AND FALL OF GEORGE PELL “Without a doubt, this is the toughest story I have ever done” said Louise Milligan when Secrets talked with her about her book: ‘Cardinal, The Rise and Fall of George Pell’. Louise wasn’t talking about the book, but rather her three-year investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse against George Pell, the county’s most senior and powerful Catholic. Louise Milligan is an investigative reporter for the ABC’s Four Corners program. She covered the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse. Her exclusive stories for the ABC’s 7.30 program on the allegations against George Pell won her several awards and for her book, ‘Cardinal’ she was awarded the Walkley Book Award and the Sir Owen Dixon Chambers Law Reporter of the Year Award among others. The case against Cardinal George Pell for child sex offences has been with us for a very long time. The investigation, the denials, the court case, the conviction and imprisonment and the denied appeal has consumed the media and the public for what seems like ages. Louise not only reported on the George Pell child sexual abuse case, but she was called as a key witness during the committal hearing and endured over six hours being crossexamined by Pell’s barrister, Robert Richter, an experience she says gave her an insight into how brutal the legal process can be. Louise said “It was like an out of body experience, I had to be switched on for every second and it felt like much longer than six hours”. Milligan’s original book was commissioned in 2016, but was removed from Victorian bookshelves while Pell’s trial was underway. It was awarded the Walkley Book of the Year in 2017. The updated version returned to the shelves in March and it includes new details about Pell’s two victims who Milligan refers to as The Kid and The Choirboy as well as a new foreword by award-winning Australian author Thomas Keneally. Richard Tegoni, then chief executive officer of publishers Melbourne University Publishing said: “The book pieces together decades of disturbing activities

and cover-ups by Australia’s most powerful Catholic leader”. “The genius of Milligan’s book is letting us hear the voices of the men and women George Pell failed in his climb to the highest reaches of the church. They speak with heartbreaking clarity of his impact on their lives. I can’t imagine this being better done.” Said David Marr in his review. Louise feels very deeply for the victims and their families. She says: “To all those people who support Pell, spend the time with the person who has made the allegations and the pain and fear they have endured. Live in their shoes”. ‘Cardinal – The Rise and Fall of George Pell’ is available in all good bookstores.

GRAPES OF MIRTH COMES TO AVOCA Much loved and well-known comedian, radio and television presenter and budding sommelier Merrick Watts started Grapes of Mirth in 2017, selling out shows in wine regions throughout South Australia, New South Wales, ACT, and Victoria. Watts says “It’s a pretty simple formula - I curate a line-up of nationally acclaimed comedians and haul them to wineries across this beautiful country of ours for an entire afternoon of comedy, music, food and exceptional wines.” Comedy and wine are simply two of Merrick’s favourite things in the world; “Bringing them together feels kinda magic - not only does the crowd have an amazing time, but the comedians also love performing at our events. Everyone is relaxed, there’s no rush, plenty of time to soak up the entertainment and share a wine with family and friends.” Grapes of Mirth are bringing the event to the Pyrenees for the first time, on Sunday October 20, the day after the Avoca Cup. The day kicks off at noon and runs for six hours, with six comedians and their travelling DJ performing throughout the day. Ten Pyrenees wineries are also participating, so there will be absolutely no shortage of wine choices. “Every Grapes of Mirth event to date has sold out - the support has been phenomenal, people just love it. Wine creates a very convivial style of drinking, putting everyone in a great mood and the comedy just happens” said Watts. Watts is also studying for his Wine & Spirit Education (Level 3) qualifications, which is more about showing the wine industry the respect it deserves, rather than any personal achievement. Grapes of Mirth is invested in both the comedy and wine industries and does an amazing job at promoting both. “Most people think I’m a bit of a bogan, they’re quite surprised when they find out that I’m into wine, and that many of my close friends work in the industry. I love the stories, I love the

people, and I love visiting the regions. It really is the perfect job.” said Merrick. The event is 18+, due to the quality of the comedy. And the talent performing on the day is up there with the best Melbourne Galas. Merrick will be joined on stage by Dave Hughes - HIT Network’s ‘Hughesy & Kate’, Geraldine Hickey - Winner of ‘Piece of Wood Award’ at Melbourne Comedy Festival 2019, Nazeem Hussain ‘Orange is The New Brown’, Danielle Walker - Winner of ‘Best Newcomer Award’ at Melbourne Comedy Festival 2018, Nath Valvo - Winner of ‘Best Comedy Award’ at Adelaide Fringe Weekly Awards 2018. So, if you love a bit of comedy, and a bit of wine, grab your tickets while they last. Grapes of Mirth – Pyrenees, Avoca Shire Turf Club, Avoca. Sunday 20 October 2019, 12pm - 6pm. Tickets $65 plus booking fee. Further details www.grapesofmirth.com.au

WHY DO THEY KEEP WINNING AWARDS? If being nominated for and winning awards is the measure of a great pub destination, then The Farmers Arms in Creswick is undoubtedly doing something right. Having recently been voted as a finalist in The Federation Business School of Commerce Ballarat - Business Excellence Awards 2019, The Farmers Arms has rapidly followed up as finalists in the Ricoh Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Award in the category of Customer Service. The final of this award occurs on 11th October. Along the way, The Farmers Arms has been voted one of Victoria’s best pubs. So what is it about this pub that makes it such a standout? Before Chris Molloy purchased the hotel over three years ago, it had fallen into a rather sad state. When Chris took over she, and partner Richard McKeon set about gutting the old pub, knocking out walls and completely refurbishing the place, with it’s central feature of the pressed metal and concrete topped bar. Knowing that the region was a recognised food bowl, Chris focused on sourcing the best and freshest regional produce, going so far as to develop their own butchery and charcuterie. They acquire whole beasts direct from the farm and process the animal, nose to tail, thus honouring the life that animal had lived. The Farmers Arms’ chefs are a dedicated bunch and keen to regularly develop new dishes, again using regional produce in season. Richard said, “we offer a variety of dining where customers can choose the more elaborate dishes that can be enjoyed in the dining room accompanied by one of the exceptional regional wines or those who prefer a simpler pub meal in the bar”. Chris and Richard are very proud of their wine list and local beers on tap. This couple are also proud of their team, who contribute significantly to the success of The Farmers Arms. Richard said, “we have a happy workplace who work together and have fun along the way, I like to call it an ‘energetic, collective culture”. The hotel offers live music on weekends, which was a natural progression considering Richard’s background

as a musician and DJ. Just another element to make The Farmers Arms the full package – great food, wine, beer and music. No wonder they keep winning awards. The Farmers Arms Hotel is at 31 Albert Street, Creswick. For bookings or to enquire about a function, call 5345 2221 or visit www.farmersarmscreswick.com

PASSION FOR DESIGNING ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS One of the first buildings that Architect Matthew Turner ever designed was a strawbale house for his mother. It was an unusual design and material, but they had a good builder and faith in their junior architect. While the new homes that went up next door took the conventional approach of cutting into the hillside, Matthew decided to step his house down the slope, resting the concrete slabs on three levels with minimal interference to the natural topography. In addition to looking like it was working with nature, it also had north facing windows to every single room and retained a cosy 18 degrees during winter without any heating. For a couple who were approaching retirement, the near removal of heating and power bills is one of the most liberating achievements that think most of us could look forward to. Fast forward fifteen years and Matthew now has the privilege of specializing in sustainable homes and non-residential buildings through his firm Enduring Domain Architecture. “In my formative years designing energy efficient buildings was a real niche and there wasn’t as much awareness in the public as there is now about the benefits of building this way. To my mentors and other people working in this space, it was a passion, and it seemed like common sense to create homes which would be suited to their climate and provide comfort without the cost. Commonly natural materials were used and these brought an inherent beauty to the designs as well.” Today the practice of environmentally sustainable design is more widely understood and appreciated and there are more materials products available. Although he appreciates that not everybody wants to live in a home that seems alternative, its fair to say that the desire for comfortable, healthy and economic shelter is shared by all. A home designed for energy efficiency and longevity will first and foremost be a comfortable and healthy place for anybody who resides there. The fact that there will also be benefits to the environment which extend beyond your property boundary is a cause which increasingly cannot be ignored. 8

“With my clients, my main concern is not the motive behind why they want to build sustainably.” says Matthew. “Its not my job to judge, but to help them get the best result they can with what they have.” With so many options out there now of how to go about getting a new house, for example pre-fab or off-the-plan options through a builder, the common question of why go to an architect deserves a good answer. In doing so, Matthew talks about how he works with clients. “My general role is to be a kind of mediator. You need to understand what your client wants and what they expect their home to be like, how it will feel and how it will perform. Then I try to exceed that expectation, because generally speaking the vast majority of people have spent most of their lives living in a leaky old Victorian weatherboard home and its difficult to imagine being warm in a place like Ballarat without a heater running all the time. To create something of basic improved thermal performance is easy. To address the clients particular brief and budget, the characteristics of their site, planning and building regulations, and to then combine all these technical constraints into something both physically comfortable and emotionally joyful, this is the real challenge. This is why you work with someone who understands the importance of considering all these things.” The question of cost surely ranks near the top of the list for those considering building and the challenge to provide high quality on a budget comes down to how you view the longterm value proposition. For a lot of Matthew’s clients, they are ordinary young families or impending retirees without big budgets, but they still have the same needs and desires as anyone else. “If we can design a home which uses space efficiently, doesn’t have any unusable nooks then we can keep the building footprint to a practical minimum. Then I’ll ask, with your budget would you like to have an amazing kitchen with pricey bench tops, or would you

ENDURING DOMAIN A R Clike H Tmoney E into Creally T high-quality URE to putIthat windows and improved insulation which will

ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE

introduce light and capture warmth. These are the kinds of decisions we make which can mean the difference between you working for a house or the house working for you. We can make a more considered home that will be comfortable to be in year-round, and cheaper to run from day one. This means paying off your mortgage quicker or having extra money to put into a family holiday.â&#x20AC;? Matthew and wife Rachael will apply these principles to building their own home for themselves and daughter Maeve in the near future.

ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE

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

ENDURING DOMAIN ARCHITECTURE

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

A WEEKEND TREAT FOR GARDEN LOVERS The Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend is now in its sixth year. It brings together a dedicated group of amateur gardeners and creative green thumbs who open their gardens to the public just once a year. The event showcases private and well known gardens, and celebrates the skills of passionate gardeners in and around Creswick. This year there is a choice of ten diverse and beautiful private gardens, including large and small town gardens, quirky and eclectic gardens, sustainable gardens, and real country gardens. Visitors can call into outstanding and iconic commercial gardens and nurseries: Bells Water Gardens, Brenlissa Nursery, Creswick Nursery in Miss Northcott’s Garden, Lambley Gardens & Nursery, Maze House, Overwrought Sculpture Garden & Gallery, and Spring Park Nursery. Each is different and may give visitors ideas on what they can do within their property. There’s also the Creswick Garden Club’s Flower Show at the Town Hall café, community BBQ and self-guided tours around the grounds of John Curtin Aged Care, community garden and displays at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, plant sales, and much, much more. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, which is also

the collection point for maps of the gardens. Online bookings can be made at www.trybooking.com/529211. For more information visit : www.creswick.net, Facebook and Instagram. Entry to each garden is $5 per garden. Children enter free.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF GARDEN TO EXPLORE A chance comment by a visitor to Ian and Ken Kronberger’s garden, named ‘Ophir’ enticed these two garden loving brothers to enter Creswick’s Open Gardens Weekend several years ago. Ken and Ian found their Federation house when both were living in Melbourne. Weekends would see them travelling to the property to slowly, but steadily work on both the house and garden. It was a labour of love that took ten years to complete, although according to Ian “it’s never complete”. One area of the garden that had been used as a depository for old pine tree rubbish they turned into a Chinese Tea retreat, which is an oasis on a hot day. In the beginning they knew nothing about creating garden rooms, but soon realised that they could be used as shelter from cold winds and frosts. Ken and Ian then worked out how they could develop garden rooms that were different and offered a varying scenario around the property. This includes a cactus patch that is one of their proudest achievements. Ian says, “timing is crucial here to catch the cacti blooming as the blossoms don’t last long”. They have tried to coincide the timing with the Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend, not always successfully. Walking around the garden it’s easy to see they have had fun creating this eclectic space with stone walls and seating hand built by Ken with lots of small shelves where a wide collection of teapots rest. The brothers even built a tiny stage and theatre area where they have held shows for local children who love the interaction – think old time pantomime. The garden is overlooked by a clock tower that Ian created on a whim, building it in the driveway, then relocating and assembling it in its final resting piece. Another feature is a circular lawn surrounded by a hedge of pittosporums, creating a quiet, meditative space along with several ‘mythical fountains of youth’. Each year Ken and Ian create something new in the garden especially for the Gardens Lovers Weekend.

The ideas for these additions come from general conversations between the brothers. Asked if the garden occupies most of their time, Ian said, “In the beginning it did, but now it is really a case of maintenance. About two weeks before the open garden, we go around tweaking this and that and generally tidying up, but on the whole, the garden looks after itself”. During the Garden Lovers Weekend, visitors are sent on self guided tours, with signs and maps handed out to help them on their way.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW SOMEONE It’s funny how we think we know the people in our lives until one day you discover that there is a whole dimension to them that you had no idea existed. Noelene Gration, who is well known in the Central Highlands region for her PR work, was once a volunteer picking coffee beans in Nicaragua in the early 1980’s. During the Sandinista revolution most young men were away fighting and brigades of volunteers from around the world came together to pick coffee beans, signing up for a month at a time. Noelene was one of those volunteers and she tells of working very long hours in the heat and dust, waking at 4.30am to a breakfast of beans and rice, toiling until lunch when they had rice and beans – just for variety. The volunteers had been told how dangerous it was and

foreigners were targeted to be kidnapped and ransomed, luckily Noelene escaped that fate. But there were other things that would deter most people, such as sitting on a wasp’s nest and being attacked - this volunteer work was no picnic. Participants were required to pay their own way at a time when air fares were prohibitively expensive and whilst they were fed and housed, they slept on the floor with pigs and chooks. Noelene says, “It was indescribably hard work, but we were young and idealistic. Noelene found it hard to settle back into life and work, but she did so with a heightened understanding of the world.

www.vicplanning.com.au info@vicplanning.com.au 0456 173 281 Site Analysis & Feasibility Reports Planning Permit Applications & Amendments Bushfire Management Statements Landscape Design Land Management Plan Reports Planning scheme reports

SWING INTO SPRING Swing into spring with the Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition.

decking between 10am and 4.00pm. Entry is $7, children enter free.

The gardens are full of creative ideas to enhance the beauty of your garden with sculptures from Victoria, NSW and South Australia plus a wide array of garden art, plants and preserves for sale. There is something for everyone with prices ranging from $5 to $7000.

Whether your interest be in traditional gardens, rose walks, proteas, Australian natives, rockeries, vegetable gardens or fairy gardens you will find something to spark your imagination at Mica Grange.

Set on the foothills of Mt. Alexander the expansive gardens have panoramic views across the Sutton Grange valley. It is a place to meander and absorb the wonders of art and the beauty of the garden, before relaxing over lunch, morning or afternoon tea served on the

Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition is open each weekend from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 24 November plus the Monday and Tuesday of Melbourne Cup weekend. 373 Faraday-Sutton Grange Rd. Sutton Grange. www.micagrange.com

RIDE LIKE A GIRL Much has been written about Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the coveted Melbourne Cup in 2015. Overnight, this extraordinary woman became a hero on many levels – for women, for her family and for her home town of Miner’s Rest, near Ballarat. Now she is the hero, of a new movie Ride Like a Girl. This is the directorial debut of award winning actor, Rachel Griffiths, who leads an outstanding cast of Teresa Palmer, Sam Neill, Magda Szubanski, Sullivan Stapleton and Stevie Payne, Michelle’s brother and strapper who plays himself. The movie is the life story of a remarkable woman who as a young child dreamt of one day winning the Melbourne Cup, horse racing’s toughest two mile race. Her road to achieve that dream was not an easy one. The youngest of ten children, Michelle’s mother Mary was tragically killed in a car crash when she was only six months old, leaving her father Paddy to raise Michelle and her nine siblings alone. Paddy was a horse trainer and Michelle and her siblings grew up around horses, with many of them going on to enter the racing industry.

At fifteen Michelle left school and set about to become a jockey. Along the way she faced fierce opposition and suffered several injuries from falls, including a fractured skull and bruising to the brain, requiring a long recovery period. Against all the medical advice and the protests of her family, she continues on her path and meets Prince of Penzance, a horse that she builds a strong bond with that will eventually carry her across the line. Together with the love of her Dad and brother Stevie, Michelle will not give up and goes on to win the race of her dreams. Much of the film was filmed in and around Ballarat and had a special screening in the city on 15th September and released across Australia on 26th September. Rachel Griffiths has drawn from her experience and brought to the screen an inspiring story of a young country girl, who against all the odds, rises to the pinnacle of her dreams. Early reviews of the movie tell of a family friendly, heart warming tale of a girl, a horse, a loving family and a will to win.

A LABOUR OF LOVE Boyd Carmody is on a mission – to provide fresh, high quality eggs to the general market, while ensuring his 2000 chickens enjoy a healthy, natural lifestyle. Boyd started Creswick Open Range Farm two years ago and has already won a Silver Medal from the prestigious Australian Food Awards. Chooks haven’t always been in Boyd’s life. This 47-year-old, single Dad has an interesting background. He said, “I’ve never had an ordinary, full time salaried job.” Adding, “by my mid 20s I had a large earth moving business that I ran successfully until it wasn’t fun anymore and I got bored, so I sold it”. His former wife suggested that they could move on to something and somewhere different, so they looked at a map, decided that Geraldton in Western Australia looked interesting and that was the start of another adventure. What followed was long haul travel between Western Australia and Queensland as an outback trucker and Boyd says, “Yes, I have been bogged for weeks with a triple road train alone in the middle of nowhere”. We decided that we should move back to Victoria as the kids were at school age and needed to be more settled”. This next move was to their 20-acre property in Gordon where they bred heritage poultry while Boyd carted seed potatoes from Wallace and Newlyn to North Queensland. Creswick Open Farm Eggs is very much a labour of love, albeit emphasis on the labour.

Most days Boyd works alone feeding and watering the hens, collecting, grading and packaging the eggs, delivering to sales outlets and generally looking after all the maintenance on the property. He also builds the hen houses, with each taking about a month to complete. Currently there are ten houses on the property with four more in construction. He has had a few disasters such as losing a large number of hens from heat exhaustion one summer in the early days. A friend suggested he install water demisters in the hen houses, which has solved the problem. Each house is solar powered giving the hens 16 hours of light per day and the houses are moved to fresh ground every four days. Throughout the 113 acres there are trampolines dotted around to provide shade for the chooks. Whilst mostly working alone, Boyd often has help from his best mate Clint, his 14 year old son Reuben who loves working on the farm and Reuben’s best friends, Ethan and Tyler. Boyd says this ‘boys club’ is always a hoot. The fun starts as soon as they all meet and the egg jokes, chook jokes and very bad ‘Dad’ jokes fly around with each trying to outdo the other for bad taste. All this care and attention is reflected in the quality of the eggs. Boyd and his eggs are at Creswick Market the third Saturday of the month and you can visit the website for other outlets. Creswickopenfarm.com.au 15

TOWN ON A PLATE – PANCHO, DAYLESFORD Town on a Plate for spring has been provided by Lauren Bieber and Tom Crowe (chef) from Pancho in Daylesford. Lauren and Tom bought the café in July 2018 after moving from Melbourne and enjoyed a small hiatus from hospitality until a new opportunity presented itself. The couple are no strangers to the industry having run a café in Clifton Hill for 10 years adding a florist after 6 years. It seemed a strange mix, but Lauren studied at night school to be a florist for the new business. They ran the florist in tandem with the café for 7 years, then opened another restaurant in Clifton Hill in partnership with a friend and Lauren’s brother. This dynamic duo ran all three businesses successfully until they decided it was time to have a family, which meant the businesses were sold and they added to their family with two sons, then deciding they wanted to raise their boys in the country, moved to Campbells Creek.

Settling into country life, Tom was working in Bendigo when the Daylesford café came on the market. Lauren says, “It was too good to pass up”. The transition into Pancho required closing the café for 5 weeks to “give it a good spruce up and update the kitchen” said Lauren. Drawing on their experience and hiring very professional, fit and energetic staff, their first year has been very successful. Their staff need to be fit as they are required to run up and down the spiral staircase carrying plates and dishes many times a day and they don’t miss a step. The food at Pancho is simple, very tasty and both Lauren and Tom make sure that customers with dietary concerns are well looked after. The service here is second to none and really adds to a very pleasant, warm and welcoming experience. Pancho is at 117 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

RECIPE CURRIED OMELETTE Serves 2 Recipe from Pancho, Daylesford www.panchocafe.com.au

INGREDIENTS For the potato: 3 dutch cream potatoes, peeled and diced 15-20 fresh curry leaves, torn 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds 2 tbsp coconut oil pinch garam masala spice mix For the egg mix: 6 free range eggs 1 tsp mild curry powder such as Keens 1 tbsp cream Fresh paneer (at Pancho we make our own, ricotta would be a fine substitute) Hot buttered toast, fresh herbs to garnish

NOTES We make our own garam masala from a mix of dry spices including cumin seed, coriander seed, fennel seed, black pepper, fenugreek, cardamom and cinnamon amongst others. To make your own gently dry roast seeds in a pan, moving frequently, then grind in a spice grinder or blender. Fresh curry leaves are worth seeking out and any remainder can be popped in the freezer in a ziplock bag ready for the next curry night.

METHOD Cook potatoes in salted water until just tender, drain in colander and allow to steam dry. In same pan, melt coconut oil over medium high heat until shimmering. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves, fry until toasted and fragrant. Once mustard seeds have popped, stir through potatoes and garam masala and season to taste. For the omelette: Melt a knob of butter in a non stick pan over a medium heat. Once pan is hot add half the egg mix. Allow to bubble slightly, then tilting the pan as you go, draw the edges of the egg into the middle, allowing runny egg mix to fill the gaps. You should end up with a scrambled texture on the bottom and just set on top. Turn off heat. Spoon potato mixture down the centre of the omelette, followed by the crumbled paneer. Roll omelette over filling with spatular. Slide omelette onto toast and garnish with fresh herbs, pickles and whatever condiments you like! At Pancho we serve this omelette with home made tamarind and date chutney and some local smoked trout. 17

THE MALDON FOLK FESTIVAL RETURNS The Maldon Folk Festival has become a bit like Christmas – it comes around every year and has done so since 1974 bringing together an extensive gathering of performers from around the world and Australia. It’s remarkable that this event has been running for more than four decades and still manages to entertain visitors from all over the country and beyond. This is an event that encompasses the entire town of Maldon with music, dance, interactive workshops and various activities. The list of performers is extensive – far too many to list here, however with over thirty acts, across three stages over four days the potential to have a rip roaring time is very real indeed.

This year sees Gina Jeffreys return to Maldon along with husband – award winning record producer and musician, Rod McCormack. In January Gina celebrated 28 years in the music industry, which has taken her to the top of the country music arena. Gina was a pioneer for women in Australian country music and forged a path for many others to follow. The Maldon Folk festival will run throughout the weekend of November 1st to 4th. For more details of the extensive programme, visit the website where you can pre-purchase tickets and as they are limited in number, it might be an idea to get online now. www.maldonfolkfestival.com

DEB MORROW IN HER HAPPY PLACE “One Woman. One Acoustic Guitar. One Compelling voice.” This is Deb Morrow a singer songwriter and a proud Weilwan/ Ngympaa woman. Deb has been performing since her teenage years. “A soulful and expressive storytelling through a variety of genres, offering the audience an insight into her life and culture through song and story.”

strong, you can learn from your background” she said. Deb went on to say, “I don’t mean to be a political person, but I tell my story through music – I’m very comfortable on stage.” Although she did admit to feeling very nervous at the beginning of a performance, “I’m usually two to three songs in before I truly relax” she said.

Deb has actually been singing all her life and wrote her first song when she was ten years old having been taught guitar by her auntie. She says, “singing takes me to my happy place. It has taught me about self worth”.

Deb started on stage around the age of fifteen, putting her own bands together from her early twenties doing lots of covers. After performing at all the major festivals, Deb took a twenty year break from the music industry to raise her family, stating, “family is everything”. Now her children have grown up and have their own children, she decided two years ago that it was time to move back into music and she is loving it.

Deb was adopted into a non-indigenous family and says, “it was a difficult childhood. I had no idea I was part of the stolen generation and grew up thinking my mother couldn’t have me, but as I grew older, I found my family and met my sisters.” Adding, “I was twenty-eight when I met my birth mother”. Music has helped Deb to come to terms with her background and now feels she can relate to anyone and everyone. “As long as you stay

The Maldon Folk Festival will see the launch of Deb Morrow’s new self titled EP, featuring three songs written and performed by Deb. Her new website debmorrow.com will be available soon, so keep an eye out for it.

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LODDON

Talbot Provedore and Eatery The Talbot Provedore and Eatery is a relaxed and inviting eatery located in the picturesque Central Goldfields town of Talbot. The Talbot Provedore is passionate about supporting and showcasing local producers. Offering breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake or Saturday evening dinners. Browse the provedore and pick up a selection of local produce. Relax in the comfortable and stylish dining room or enjoy the garden views from the long, north facing verandah. For bookings call 5463 2008, book www.talbotprovedore.com.au

Sharps Bazaar When you step through the door at Sharps Bazaar, take a moment to look around and you’ll see fine china tableware and kitchenalia like Nan had. There is a variety of sewing/ knitting items vintage quilts, hats and gloves, dolls, prams scooters and trikes. Then you hear the ticking of the old mantle clocks evoking memories from your past as will the ever changing variety of furniture. For the collector there are books, badges, swap cards, tins, musical instruments and more. 55 Brooks St. Inglewood www.facebook.com/SharpsBazaar

MOUNT ALEXANDER Peddling Pastry & Petite Patisserie Peddling Pastry is committed to pastries, cakes, nougat, biscuits and chocolates with passion and a commitment to using only the finest ingredients and local seasonal produce to consistently create quality products. The Petite Pâtisserie is a tiny space whose Pastry Chefs take inspiration from the regional produce available that change naturally with the seasons. Open weekdays only. 29/1 Halford St. Castlemaine 0413 686 505 www. peddlingpastry.com.au BENDIGO Bendigo Bookmark Bendigo Book Mark provides a quality range of secondhand and new books. Their subject specialties include sci-fi/fantasy fiction, children’s/teen and military just to name a few. You will find two floors of books to get lost and browse through in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly, helpful staff. Open from 10am-5pm, 7 days per week. 24 High Street, Bendigo.

Fusspots From small beginnings in 2006 Fusspots At Inglewood has expanded into a very large space housing everything from antique furniture to a vintage apron. There is a range of vintage home wares and kitchenalia, collectables and curios, old wares, pottery, china, records, books and old tins. There is definitely something appealing about time worn rather than something brand new. Fusspots also stocks XANNA 100% natural, quality handmade soap which is a locally made product. 39 Brooke St. Inglewood - Facebook/ Fusspots at Inglewood Inglewood Emporium Welcome to Inglewood Emporium, an amazing collection of antiques and collectables, together with a huge range of vintage clothing and all for sale, housed in an historic old grocery store. This wonderful old building, built in 1861 by Joseph Tivey with its original Bushells tea signs, beckons visitors to come in and recall an important part of our Australian heritage. Open 7 Days PH 5438 3287 - 76-80 Brooke Street, Inglewood. Find on Facebook. 21

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(Image: Australian Passive House Association)

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Niimori Jamison Architects 3 / 11 Lydiard St Ballarat VIC 3350 0405 523 597 office@niimorijamison.com 23

NEW CARE FARM Many people will remember the oddly shaped roofline of the building at the base of Springmount that was formerly Tangled Maze and Mystic Roses. The property was purchased by Child and Family Services (CAFS) Ballarat a few years ago and is being developed as a Care Farm. Care farms throughout the world provide health, social and educational care services for individuals from one or a range of vulnerable groups. These groups can include people with mental health problems, people suffering from mild to moderate depression, adults and children with learning disabilities, children with autism, those with a drug or alcohol addiction history, disaffected young people and adults and people on probation. Care farming harnesses elements known as ‘green care’ – where therapies can include increased engagement with the outdoors and the natural world. The Cafs Care Farm is a vital and necessary service to the community, as Cafs recognises that there are distinct benefits from a combination of access to the natural environment, meaningful activities, exercise and working with animals.

Cafs is well known for providing comprehensive services to support the wellbeing of those who are most at risk in the community. At the Care Farm, Cafs’ aim is to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for a range of vulnerable people, as well as their families and their wider community. This will include offering a wide selection of current and new services on location at the Care Farm in Springmount. Cafs is intensively planning the evolution of their services and programs to be offered with a view to closely link clients and their families to different elements of the Farm itself. Operating a farm environment is a costly endeavour – operating a farm that provides necessary relief and therapeutic benefits to at-risk people is even more expensive. To keep the gates open Cafs invites donations, sponsorship and in-kind support for their programs and to support the living costs of the farm animals. For more information visit carefarm.org.au

THE PATH TO HAPPINESS Years ago, on a total whim, I bought a sign (which looks as if it is old and part of a train). The sign says “Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life”. It’s a pretty mainstream saying now, but at that time it looked like a new philosophy to me. Because the sign is large, and it was/ is in my kitchen, I was/am forced to look at it every day. This is a good thing. A daily reminder that being happy is a state, not an achievement. I am happier now than I have ever been, and this has been a process. A journey. An unravelling. The sign has been part of it. When I was a teenager I had anorexia. I thought that being thin equated to being beautiful and being beautiful would make me socially popular and that having lots of friends would make me happy. I strove for perfection, I had in mind a trajectory for my life which included a successful career and a neat spacious house and some very clever children. I became more and more conservative in my thinking , joined the public service, rose up through the ranks, met a wonderful husband, bought and sold real estate , watched our children succeed in many ways, was invited on boards and led a hectic social life. Was I happy? I don’t think I even thought about it, I was on a mission to prove a point. Like most women, I eventually reached the glass ceiling in my career, reinventing myself in a few ways and changing directions. I felt awful- the map for myself as a CEO of some small charitable organisation became totally unreachable. Eventually, after persuading a few dubious managers, I went back to direct client service, dropped $50,000 in salary, and started to feel much better. The world then came crashing in on me in a lot of ways- healthwise. I required several major surgeries, I was made redundant, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, we had two big fires on the farm, and then a flood followed by severe drought. And yet I continued to be happier and happier. Content. Needing and wanting less, expecting less.

My position now is that I have been unemployed for six years, receive no formal income, still have a sizeable mortgage, and am blissfully happy. In this series of articles I will attempt to explain how this state of contentment has encroached into my psyche and soul. How it has been surprisingly rewarding in ways I would never have expected. And how I have truly experienced miracles - daily. The things I have discovered that give me the most joy are grandchildren, growing our own food, being close to animals and the simple things like sunshine, new lambs, watching lambs playing at sunset, eggs hatching and lots of laughter. When you think yourself lucky - you are. Kate Serrurier

A TOWN WELCOMES ITS NEW HUB People living in cities may find it strange how those in small towns can take ownership of a new facility in the community. The interest in a new supermarket goes far beyond one of idle curiosity, especially as talk of a new store in Creswick had been rife for several years. When the town outgrew its only supermarket and construction on the new one was going to take eight or nine months, it posed a huge dilemma for owner Steve Sellars. The answer came in the form of a “pop up” supermarket in the vacant British Hotel. Not the ideal solution, but one Steve says he had to make “I couldn’t leave the town without a supermarket and I couldn’t leave the staff without their jobs. We set up the hotel site as best we could and to be frank, it was a nightmare, but I’ve been overwhelmed and somewhat humbled by the acceptance and support of the town and staff.” A lot of thought and planning went into developing the new site, especially to reducing the environmental impact. Asked if the plans for being more energy efficient was a commercial consideration or if his heart was in sustainability, Steve laughed, saying “We’ve installed state-of-the-art CO2 refrigeration, which initially is more expensive, but is excellent for the environment giving us a 47% reduction in our carbon footprint. The heat reclaimed from the refrigeration will

service the hot water and heating and we plan to install solar panels before Christmas. The new shopping trollies are made from recycled milk bottles - twice the price of standard steel trollies.” Steve went on to say; “We’ve also removed single use plastic bags, but offer a 20c biodegradable bag customers can purchase and reuse. Creswick is a beautiful town with a strong sense of community and sustainability. I personally don’t believe the Australian Government is doing enough, so it’s up to the rest of us.” The new ‘state of the art’ store opened in early August and has been welcomed with open arms attracting customers from neighbouring towns and enthusiastically welcomed by the community. Steve said “It’s been tough getting here, but I couldn’t have asked for any more support from the locals and staff. The environment they had to work and shop in was extremely difficult, but they didn’t whinge they just got on with it.” To honour the heritage of the town, the windows in the new premises are already decorated with scenes of its past. Steve said; “Creswick is a great town and deserves modern, efficient services with a supermarket providing a great range of products focusing on quality fresh food”. And the town loves it.

MARKETS

EVERY SATURDAY Wesley Hill Market Castlemaine 1ST SATURDAY Golden Plains Farmers Market Bannockburn

EVERY SUNDAY Daylesford Sunday Market â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Railway Station 1ST SUNDAY Castlemaine Farmers Market

Ballarat Bridge Mall Farmers Market

Castlemaine Artists Market

Daylesford Farmers Market

Gisborne Old Time Market

Heathcote Bush Market 2ND SATURDAY Kyneton Farmers Market Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market Bendigo Community Farmers Market Ballan Farmers Market 3RD SATURDAY

2ND SUNDAY Maldon Market â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hand made, home grown Clunes Farmers Market 3RD SUNDAY Woodend Market Talbot Farmers Market

Trentham Farmers Market Buninyong Farmers Market Creswick Market 4TH SATURDAY Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market Lancefield & District Farmers Market

AS SHE SEES IT! As part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, The Open Program is where artists exhibit their works in a variety of venues located throughout the city. One worth visiting is called “Element” by Donna Crebbin. Donna was a 2018 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year finalist and named one of Australian Photography magazine’s top wildlife photographers in 2017. Donna has a passion for the ‘high country’, Australia’s wild horses and other wildlife calling the mountains home in our coldest element. The exhibition is fittingly called “Element” and is at Inexterior Café, Mair Street until 20th October. Facebook: pixspicsphotography

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

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

By Rebecca Sprosen – Allendale Nursery

YOUR SPRING GARDEN If you haven’t spent some of those nice sunny winter days preparing your patch for spring vegetables, then now is the time. Firstly, dig over the area removing all weeds, rocks and debris. Boost your soil with organic compost and/or old animal manure 1-2 weeks before you plant any vegetables.

Determinate - tomatoes stop their shoot production once flowers form on the end. For example; Tiny Tim, Patio. Indeterminate - tomato varieties will form flowers along the sides of the shoots, but they continue growing until past frost or cold. For example; Tommy Toe, Apollo, Black Russian.

As the weather warms you should be thinking about mulching your garden with pea straw or similar as these are the easiest to work with when planting new seedlings and mulch is vital for the ability to retain moisture in summer.

Early season fruiting: Tomatoes that produce 40-70 days after transplanting, can set fruit when temperatures are still relatively cold. Example Apollo, Black Russian

Once you’ve got the garden set up it’s time to plant. In the early part of the season September and October err to caution as we still have frosts to contend with. Some of the vegetables that can tolerate this are Asian vegetables, Artichoke, Broccoli, Broccolini, Cabbages, Cauliflower, Leeks, Lettuces, Silverbeet, Coloured Chards, Spring Onions. As the warmer weather starts heating up the soil the planting gets a little more exciting. It’s all the summer favourites, Capsicum, Chilli, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Lettuces, Sweet Corn, Zucchini and Tomatoes. Let’s elaborate a little on Tomatoes, which seems to be almost everyone’s favourite. You just can’t beat the feeling of juice dripping down your chin when you bite into a big juicy tomato, nor the burst of flavor you get when you pop a little cherry tomato into your mouth. Understanding just a few basics will help you choose the appropriate tomato for your household.

Mid-season fruiting: Tomatoes that produce 70-84 days after planting that come to harvest in mid-summer. Example Tommy Toe, Roma Late season fruiting: Tomatoes that produce 80-100 days after planting late summer early autumn. Example Gross Lisse. Just a few tips to growing fantastic tomatoes. Find a sunny spot, but in extreme heat protect with shade cloth. • Stake early so as not to disturb roots later. • Deep Planting – tomatoes are one of the few vegetables that can develop roots from nearly any part of their stems. • Water deeply and mulch, mulch, mulch. • Remove lower leaves to avoid soil borne diseases. • Remove lateral side shoots and tie plants with soft cloth ties as they grow. Enjoy your garden, until next time.

By Lyndall McQuinn

SPRING ASTROLOGY The story of spring belongs to the movement of Saturn and Jupiter. Jupiter has turned direct and is now speeding through Sagittarius until the end of spring. In summer, she enters Capricorn with Saturn and Pluto and the South node. Saturn is twisting and turning in Capricorn throughout spring, retrograding over a couple of degrees just to press the point before it too turns direct and moves on through the sign.

SAGITTARIUS; prepare to speed up and propel onwards. It’s time to put your efforts into all those dreams and yes some idealism that creates inspiration can help here too. Don’t be disillusioned by how hard things may be to finally get what you are dreaming; or by family members who may not support your efforts. Look for unexpected help via work peers. GEMINI; Jupiter’s influence may reflect on you by the optimistic and fun loving others you bring into your life at this time. Although the career directions can still be illusive, employers although hard task -masters, may make you determined to provide the security you need so you can prepare to move on. Learn from their expertise or from past lessons. CAPRICORN; your sign is loaded and in summer we add Jupiter so this is a complex time for you. Pluto is sitting on those born 10th to 13th of January. Deep changes are occurring from clearing out past situations or irritations that have kept you stagnant leaving the pathway open for new paradigms. Those born 3rd to the 10th have begun a steady rebuild of life and Capricorn is always up for a challenge and a rebuild so don’t rebuild what you have just torn down. The importance of past contacts can’t be overstated. These people or situations are important. 30

CANCER; it is really time to be moving forward on all fronts. Some of you may be busy shaking off old relationship patterns which have held you stuck for what seems like centuries, but your optimism returns and the pathways open up especially in career and work team options. Your inspiration may come from travel or study and unexpected new friendships. AQUARIUS; life is indifferent. The financial aspects of life can be challenging and illusive. There can be issues bubbling below the surface that you really need to look at. Situations from the past can be costly here. The family can bring unexpected changes. Look to the new people you encounter to help you on your way. LEO; finances can dominate for the beginning of spring and even when you try the usual pathways to create opportunities, you can find some doorways shutting while others are just not inspiring. There is a sense of a big need for changes to refresh both security and self -esteem. Changes are available and travel is healing. Your own creativity always makes you roar. PISCES; spring begins with clarity, a full moon shines in your sign in September. Then the north node is trining Neptune passing through your sign, which allows you to see the goals you have set are reachable. Don’t put so much emphasis on your relationships as there is a need to heal your own insecurities and perhaps re-evaluate your friendships that actually create feelings of powerlessness or inadequacy. Look for creative ways to expand your career options.

VIRGO; it really is time to focus on yourself, as the other in your life is very abundant. Your home and family are expansive, there are options to travel and new faces appear easily in your life. Relationship dreams are also joyful, but make sure you are viewing them clearly. The area of challenge for you is your creativity. Opportunities from old colleagues that could transform your life are around but it requires disciplined work. ARIES; is tossing up between career options and finances. Always busy and focused Aries though, is stock-taking on whether their efforts support them financially. There is great opportunity to realign what you want to do with your life here. You can see the mistakes of the past and there can be great gain through travel. Not usually a sign for company, but at present your work colleagues can be your best friends. LIBRA; loves spring, all the personal planets will pass by your sign refreshing and reaffirming who you are and where you are heading. There is even time for new images that make you feel alive. The change area for you can be the family as issues from the past and present collide. Great time to sort things and not bury them deeply so they rise again and again. It’s a healing time for your relationships and work colleagues can inspire you to new heights.

TAURUS; change is afoot and change is not your favourite past time so be prepared. This change is beginning with those born in April and has been around all year. Things that have begun will be re-evaluated as Uranus is now retrograde over those early degrees. Old wounds and disillusionment with friendship will become a thing of the past. It is a good time to take up new learning, which you may have looked at previously. It could transform your passion for living SCORPIO; is thinking about security and where do I want to be. Relationships are changing, and there are old patterns within community that will either transform or bore you. Look for financial opportunities, they are around and maybe they could come from travelling. The issue is it’s hard to get a clear vision of what you actually want to do and people aren’t really helping as they tend to bring up wounds or are erratic in their own positions. Blessings for the renewal that Spring brings.

Lyndall McQuinn www.lyndallmcquinn.com.au