Lifestyle Wimmera 2016 - Edition 2

LifeSTYLE wimmera

Edition 2, 2016

Dancing to the same beat

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elcome to The Weekly Advertiser’s second LifeStyle Wimmera magazine.

Revelations from producing our inaugural special publication last year revealed a vast cache of untold stories about people in the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.

In exploring people in our community who had either reached middle age, were contemplating or had entered retirement or were simply looking for a way to enjoy their twilight years, we discovered a wonderful regional vibrancy.

There are people who have spent a lifetime either working or volunteering to make their communities progressive and healthy, others who have provided inspiration by pursuing their passions and individuals who are seizing the moment to

explore all life in the region has to offer.

We have also used the publication as an opportunity to reflect on what helps make this part of the world tick.

An end of another long dry, heavy rain in the catchment has led to water flowing into the region’s lakes and reservoirs, providing a timely reminder of how the simple application of water can provide an amazing boost in regional confidence.

In LifeStyle Wimmera, we reflect on this phenomenon.

We are delighted to bring you another instalment of LifeStyle Wimmera and hope you enjoy this brief cultural snapshot of a critical part of our society.

We also welcome your thoughts and ideas for future publications.

Editor – Dean Lawson

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33 Editor, Dean Lawson; sub-editor, Georgia Bailey; writers, Sarah Scully, Dean Lawson, Peter Miller; features co-ordinator, Bonnie Severin; designers, Barry King, Kelly Laird; advertising, Mark Sulic, Lee Meadows, Chris Thomas, Liz Luy, Lauren Howard.

Produced for free distribution by The Weekly Advertiser – Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd. ACN 064882 042. Printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 7940 Melbourne Road, Shepparton.

Our cover

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LifeStyle 2016

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LifeStyle 2016

Dancing to the same beat W

By Sarah Scully

arracknabeal’s Enid Schultz started dancing at 12, and at 85, still enjoys a whirl around a dance floor. Enid and her husband Ed, 96, travel to Horsham several times a month for old-time dances in Hamilton Lamb Memorial Hall.

“Ed is still able to drive and he drives us here,” Enid said.

“But even if we couldn’t dance, we’d still come for the company – as long as we could still drive or get a lift.”

Enid and Ed have been married for 63 years and dancing together even longer.

“We had a gap when we had children, but we love it,” Enid said. “Ed knew how to dance when we met but he wasn’t a dancer. He started dancing when he wanted to go out with me.”

Cancer Council Victoria’s Horsham branch hosts an oldtime dance in Hamilton Lamb Memorial Hall on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Enid and Ed are among regular attendees.

“If anyone asks me to do anything on a dance night I tell them it doesn’t suit,” Enid said. “I don’t tell them why – but it’s because I don’t want to miss the dancing.”

Enid encouraged people with an interest in dancing to attend an event.

“A lot of people who come are 80 and older,” she said.

“Sometimes there are up to 15 of us who are older than 80. We’d love to see some younger ones come along.

“Dancing is a lot of fun and everyone has such a good time. They would enjoy it once they got here.”

‘Dance for Cancer’ events start at 8pm, but if you arrive an hour earlier, you can benefit from the tutelage of long-time dancers and hall committee members Bruce and Susanne Beattie.

Bruce and Susanne teach dances ‘on the run’ to anyone who wants to learn, to music supplied by the evergreen Don Papst. Don has performed at events across the Wimmera for longer than he can remember.

“I love it,” he said. “It keeps me alive.”

Hall committee member Susan Hogan said along with providing a good time, dancing had a wide range of health benefits.

“It’s a great way for people of all ages to stay fit,” she said. “It not only improves your co-ordination, balance and aerobic fitness but it is good for mental wellbeing and building self-confidence and social skills.”

Susan said the dance group welcomed new participants of all ages and abilities.

“If you don’t know how to dance, we can teach you,” she said. “If you’re not sure if you want to dance, you can come along anyway to meet people and have a chat. It’s a really

Susanne Beattie fun, friendly environment and we’d love to see more people attend our dances. You can come as a couple or by yourself, there is always someone to dance with.”

Susan said the hall committee hosted a monthly old-time dance on the second Friday of each month, at 8pm.

“Each Monday night there is a night of mixed dancing, which includes old time, line dancing and rock ‘n’ roll, with proceeds going to a local charity,” she said.

“Horsham Rockers have their dances on Friday nights in the hall, except for the second Friday of the month, when we have the old-time dance. The hall has a great dance floor, which provides a wonderful venue for this pastime whatever the type of dancing. We want the hall to be a ‘hub’ of dancing in Horsham, where people of all ages and abilities can come together to exercise both body and mind while enjoying a fun, social outing.”

People can call Susan on 0419 538 206, Dawn 5382 4371 or Bruce and Susanne on 5392 0220 for more information, or just show up to an event.

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Music reunites Peters

L

ive musical performances and music in general have long played a critical role of Wimmera lifestyle.

Be it classical, jazz, rock, pop, folk, country or ancient – the region has tapped its feet, danced and sung to music since humans first realised they could make a rhythmic sound by hitting two sticks together.

For some individuals, the region’s culture of music has been an integral part of life, and for Peter Miller and Peter Daffy, it’s something they simply can’t do without.

The pair has reformed as a performing duo after a 16-year hiatus, which means a familiar sound will return to clubs and halls for various events across the region.

Miller and Daffy have long histories in exploring the live music scene. They last played together to Wimmera cabaret crowds in the 1990s under the stage name of 2-Up. The pair wound up their partnership at the turn of the century due to work commitments, but have reformed with a new self-evident title – The Re-Petes.

Both ‘Petes’ have played with other bands since parting ways. Daffy played in a regular duo with guitarist Bernie Hill, while Miller fronted four-piece band The Leatherheads for several years before teaming with cousin Kris Nitschke as the popular duo Loungeroom Lizards.

Daffy and Miller have also played many solo gigs.

Daffy said the pair decided to reform after Hill and Nitschke both moved from the region.

“When Bernie moved away I rang Pete to see if he knew of any guitarists I could contact and he offered himself up,” he said.

“It made sense because we both knew each other’s tastes and expectations and we always sounded well together.

“We have both expanded our repertoires enormously so we will have tonnes of material to play.”

Set list and surprises

Miller said The Re-Petes’ music would centre on classic cabaret and pub-rock material with a mixture of newer songs.

‘

Peter Miller, left, and Peter Daffy are back together as a duo.

When Bernie moved away I rang Pete to see if he knew of any guitarists I could contact and he offered himself up. It made sense because we both knew each other’s tastes and expectations

’

– Peter Daffy First gig

“If it has been pounded on the radio, it will pretty much be in our set list,” he said.

“But there will be a few surprises as well.

Songs from The Beatles, Crowded House, Credence Clearwater Revival, Simple Minds and Hunters and Collectors are in the mix.”

Miller said he and Daffy would also continue with individual projects while the Re-Petes filled a regional niche.

“You have to be versatile and ready to play with anyone these days so you can give people what they want,” he said.

“It’s a different audience compared with when we started in the industry 35 years ago, and with the equipment around now it’s easy to adapt and provide whatever is required, within reason.”

The Re-Petes played their first gig at Horsham Sports and Community Club in October.

Miller had his first guitar at 12 and now at 58 remains as passionate for the art form as he has ever been.

“I love music. I love playing the songs I like to hear and I’ve always appreciated other musos. I love watching people play music,” he said.

“The musical fraternity is a great community.

“Everyone respects each other, gets on well and appreciates each other’s talents, regardless of musical genre.

“I have always thought that I have been pretty lucky to do what I’ve been able to do.”

Miller said everything from styles to expectations had continually changed in the regional music scene.

“I remember when I was in my 30s playing a gig at Wilsons Hotel in Horsham with a band called Cutting Edge,” he said.

“The show actually started at midnight and finished at 4am.

“When I got home I thought ‘how ridiculous’ but here I am all these years later.

There is still an opportunity to play.”

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By Sarah Scully

efore George Taylor moved to Australia, he was ‘more accustomed to drinking and eating in a pub than working in one’.

At 18, George relocated from the English industrial city of Newcastle to London to pursue a career as a chef.

He gained experience in fine dining, particularly classic French cuisine and at one stage worked for multi-Michelin star chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay.

So, what led a man with his experience to a hotel kitchen in the west Wimmera hamlet of Apsley?

Love, of course.

“I was working in London when I met my partner, Felicity,” George said.

“She’s originally from Edenhope. We were together for 12 months or so in England and then she came home, and dragged me behind her about six months later.”

The couple lived and worked in Melbourne for about four years before Felicity’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We decided to move home to help her family out,” George said.

“It was certainly a culture change, moving from the country to the city.

“It is a different pace of life here, but it’s nice.

“Just as we showed up in town, this place was looking for a chef. So I landed on my feet.”

Apsley’s Border Inn reopened in 2014 following a three-year closure, when a group of local farming families came together to bring the town’s watering hole back to life.

The pub has gone from strength to strength, as evidenced at the recent Wimmera Business Awards, where the Border Inn won the food and beverage category and was nominated for best new business.

Both George and Border Inn manager Vanessa Grigg played major roles in the hotel’s success.

George has manned the kitchen for a little more than 12 months, while Vanessa has run the pub for about two years.

Vanessa started her hospitality career at the Border Inn several years ago before moving to Bendigo to gain further experience.

“I did my traineeship here, which was really good,” Vanessa said.

“It gave me a taste of hospitality. I went to Bendigo and worked there for about 10 years.

“I came back and worked at Horsham Golf Club for 12 months.

“It was while I was up there the pub started to take shape again.

“I got a phone call one day to ask if I was interested in coming back. I jumped at the opportunity.”

Vanessa said she knew she was ready to come home.

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“All my family was here, my friends are here – just the chance to work locally again after being away was very appealing to me,” she said.

“I didn’t think I would be in charge of it – I never thought that would happen. But I’m loving the challenge.

“Having been away and learnt what happens in the industry, it was good to come back and show what I’ve learnt and to try to grow this business, make it successful and make it a place people want to come to.”

‘

We’re in a good spot.

We’ve now been given the opportunity to explore and put our twist on things, which is exciting

’

– Vanessa Grigg

Vanessa said she and George worked well as a team.

“We talk about everything – menus, financial figures and staff. There’s nothing we don’t touch really,” she said.

“We go to monthly board meetings. We have to do a report, so if we’re both on the same page it makes it easier to answer questions and to support one another.

“We’re in a good spot. We’ve now been given the opportunity to explore and put our twist on things, which is exciting.”

George said he enjoyed creating the menus, which were seasonal.

He said the hotel offered traditional pub fare along with a changing specials board, which allowed him to be more creative.

“We try to get a lot of stuff as local as possible,” he said.

“We get lamb off different farmers every couple of weeks, so they can have a bit of competition with each other.

“We put the name of their property on the board as well. It’s a talking point.

“You try to explore what options people have got, such as reared pigs.

“I’m looking into getting some ducks and rabbits at the moment.”

George said he loved the autonomy he had in the kitchen.

“With 23 owners you think there’d always be someone who says ‘I want this on the menu’, or ‘I want that’, but that’s not the case,” he said.

“I’ve got complete free rein as to what I want to do.

“I’ve never been in this sort of position before.

“I’ve always been relatively junior in the kitchen.

LifeStyle 2016

their feet at Apsley I’ve always just had a job. This is more of a management role.

“When you see you’ve been busier the month just gone compared with the month before that, there’s a certain amount of pride that you’re going in the right direction.”

George and Vanessa are both looking forward to summer and hope to make the most of opportunities created by winter and spring rain.

Vanessa said full lakes would attract people to the region.

“Hopefully they’ll come and see us while they’re here,” she said.

“We’ve got a free camping area out the back for visitors.

“Most stay in self-contained caravans.

They pull in and we find they generally come in and have a meal and spend quite well.

“They’re good people to have around because they’re travelling and are relaxed and happy.

“Once they have a meal, they say, ‘Oh my God. I didn’t expect to have a meal like that here, in a country pub in the middle of nowhere’.

“We get that sort of feedback a lot. Once people get here they have a great time.”

LifeStyle 2016

Border Inn manager Vanessa Grigg and chef George Taylor toast the business’s success at the Wimmera Business Awards.

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LifeStyle 2016

Dragons on the river T

By Dean Lawson

he idea of paddles plunging into foaming water to the beat of a booming drum conjures mental images of an epic moment from a random sword-and-sandal movie.

The concept of a team of about 20 determined souls, rigid in concentration and powering a mighty boat forward, is surely as far removed as you could get from the Wimmera – or so we thought.

A club evolving on the Wimmera River at Dimboola is embracing the idea of dragonboat racing, which is bringing together a diverse cultural mix of people. It is also appealing to people from a variety of age groups.

Dimboola has a long history of community river activity, dating back thousands of years through indigenous people and in more modern times through boating, skiing, angling and of course rowing in the town’s historic Dimboola Regatta.

Dimboola Warreguk Dragon Boat Club started at a public meeting in the town in November last year, and is providing a unique outlet for people keen to build their fitness and social connections.

The club was the brainchild of Ann Falkingham, who with her husband Alan, brought the concept back from a 10-year stint in Bendigo.

For those unfamiliar with dragon-boat clubs and racing, the activity usually involves 20 paddlers, a drummer at the front and a steering sweep at the back on long boats based on a traditional dragonboat design.

The Dimboola club has now taken off, driven by an enthusiastic committee led by president Ross Howlett, and is set to gain momentum with the Wimmera River weir pool now full after winter flows.

The club has already been involved in a regatta in Ballarat, where it won awards, including an over-50s section.

It is also a primary driver behind October’s Horsham Dragon Boat Regatta, which includes teams from across Victoria and interstate competing on the river in Horsham.

Ms Falkingham, who is also the team coach, said the club was providing something different for people who might have retired from competitive sport but were keen to still be part of a team.

“The age minimum is 12 and in Victorian rural areas crews are made up of people from their 40s to their 60s,” she said.

“A lot of recruits have been footballers and netballers who want to get back into a team environment, to perhaps regain fitness or to just be involved in group and social

LifeStyle 2016

activities. The age range at our club at the moment is from about 20 to 62.

“It’s also just great to get on the river, which is beautiful.

“We practice every Sunday morning and during daylight saving hours one night a week after work. We had a two-month break in winter but have been training since the beginning of August.”

Looking for members

Ms Falkingham said the club was keen to build its membership, which was open to anyone from across the Wimmera.

“For example, at the moment we have two girls from Warracknabeal, another from Goroke and one from Horsham. We welcome anyone keen to have a go can.

They can have three turns in a boat before they have to commit,” she said.

“We’re also encouraging groups from schools, clubs or any organisation to come along and see what it’s all about.

“You don’t need any equipment and there is coaching available.

“There are a lot of clubs that take competition seriously, but there is also a lot of us who try hard but are more interested in the team-work, fitness and social side of the sport.

“Here in the Wimmera we are also an ageing population and relatively isolated with not very encouraging health statistics.

“But this sport, mentally and physically, is a great opportunity to help address that.”

Ms Falkingham said the club had a strong cultural foundation which included a strong indigenous background as well as recognition of the Chinese influence on the region.

Ms Falkingham, who grew up at Dimboola, said the first Australians at Dimboola were also the first paddlers on the river.

“And the word Warreguk means paddle of canoe,” she said.

The Dimboola Warreguk club has support from the sport’s state governing body Dragon Boat Victoria, which is encouraging the growth and development of rural clubs.

The organisation has lent a boat and paddles to the club, which has managed to get a grant to buy its own paddles.

Club members also hope to buy their own boat, which might cost about $12,000, in the future.

“Our president Ross and his committee are driving a fantastic program,” Ms Falkingham said.

“And as the coach it’s fantastic that we have such drive and enthusiasm at the top.

“It allows someone like me to step back, focus on coaching and just be part of the club.”

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Advertorial

Photographer paradise The Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians have long provided a smorgasbord of opportunities for photographers and photographic enthusiasts.

With the arrival of much-needed rain, the region is booming with life, presenting some of the best locations for people keen to capture that perfect image.

The unpredictable nature and drama of spring in western Victoria produces a combination of fascinating vistas, from stormy skies, thunderstorms and bursts of sunlight to an abundance of emerging wildlife.

The period leading from spring into summer is particularly photographerfriendly as the environmental landscape bursts into colour and vibrancy.

What better location to equip yourself with all you need to capture what the region has to offer than right in its heart – at Horsham Camera House.

In 2011 Neil purchased his fist Digital SLR Camera.

Neil’s enthusiasm for night photography and particularly lightning photos has seen him upgrade to a Nikon D750 and a wide-angled lens. This is ideally suited for this style of photography.

Neil can often be seen out on any stormy night. This photo, taken with a Nikon D7000, looks over Stawell from Big Hill of a pending storm front.

John from Stawell is achieving outstanding results from his Canon 7DII and the impressive Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens.

John has been a passionate nature photographer for many years and has captured this Rainbow bee-eater to perfection.

Maree is a dedicated photographer of natural history. Her photography is featured in the book ‘Birds and Plants of the Little Desert’ along with Ian Morgan and husband Graham’s photos. This photo was taken with a 105mm macro lens on a Nikon D7000 of a Splendid Emerald wasp in her garden north of Horsham.

Teri is a Wimmera local, and relatively new to photography but has embraced this new passion with gusto. Teri loves the night sky and photographing our Milky Way. Her Canon 6D with full-frame CCD sensor is ideal for long low-light photography. She captured this image with a super-wide lens to frame the full landscape overlooking the railway line from Jung Hill.

A whole different world R

By Sarah Scully

upanyup’s Ian Morgan likens his love of bird watching to that of a more popular Wimmera past-time – fishing.

“Some people are keen on fishing, I’m just keen on birds,” he said.

“At least I can see what I’m after most times.

“And, unlike fisherman, I don’t tell stories about the ones I missed…”

Ian, 74, started photographing bird wildlife in the mid 1970s, but his fascination with the subject started at a young age.

“I’ve been interested in birds since I was a kid. Don’t ask me why, it’s just one of those things,” he said.

“As a kid I was always fascinated with getting as close to birds as I could, just to get a good look at them.

“I suppose photography was just an extension of that, when it’s all said and done.

“I occasionally take photos of other things if something catches my eye, but about 95 percent of my photos are of birds.”

Ian said he liked how photographs allowed him to see the delicateness of a subject.

“Binoculars don’t do them justice sometimes,” he said.

“Some of the feathering on some of the birds is spectacular.”

Ian has never had formal photography training, perfecting his craft through advice from friends and trial and error.

He said he preferred not to complicate things.

“I stick to the basics when I try to take photos and it usually works out better than if you muck around too much,” he said.

“Cameras are like computers now. There’s so many things on them and a lot of them don’t make a major difference anyway.

“You just can’t beat good days to take photos, no matter what. If it is cloudy, sometimes you’ll still have a go, because there might be a bird you haven’t seen before and you might not get another chance.

“But you can’t beat nice, fine, sunny weather.”

Ian said advances in technology had changed the game.

“You couldn’t go out and take 1000 photos in a day with a film camera, it’s just too expensive,” he said.

“Digital cameras have changed the scene completely.”

Ian said although digital cameras allowed him to take more photographs, he was still a stickler for quality over quantity.

“It depends on the standard you set for yourself,” he said.

“Some people are happy with things I wouldn’t be happy with. I’m probably a bit fussy.

“I might take 1000 photos on one day and then I don’t think any are any good.

“Then on other days you might get a few photos you’re pleased with.

“It is good to nail it.”

Ian pooled his knowledge and skills with his sister and brother-in-law, Maree and Graham Goods, to produce a book, Birds and Plants of the Little Desert.

He speaks about his experiences and showcases his work during speaking engagements several times a year.

Ian said the Wimmera had 266 recorded bird species.

“It represents 30-odd percent of all the birds in Australia. It’s a pretty good ad for the Wimmera, as far as birds are concerned,” he said.

“We’ve got a huge range of habitat in the Wimmera. We’re lucky.”

Ian said his advice to budding bird enthusiasts was simple: “You’ve got to get out there,” he said.

“There’s no point sitting inside or sitting in the office.

“You’ve got to be out there looking – the

more you’re out there the more you’ll see.

“That’s the advantage of me being a farmer – if I just go down the paddock, sometimes I will see something quite interesting.

“Other people, because they’re not interested, wouldn’t take any notice.

“If you’re interested in birds, then in a sense, you’re bird watching nearly all the time.”

Ian said he had four or five favourite birds he could not resist photographing over and over again, including the Major Mitchell cockatoo.

He said some of the birds he came across were quite engaging.

“They become inquisitive and if you sit down quietly, it’s amazing how they’ll come over and have a look at you,” he said.

“It’s magic. I’ve always been able to totally relax when I get out there. It’s a whole different world.

“Certainly, since I’ve lost my wife Janice, it’s been a big help, because you can just get out there and forget everything. You can just concentrate on what you’re doing.

“Some people get a bit disappointed if they go out and don’t see anything, but I never do. It’s part of the deal and part of the experience. If you miss it today, you might get it next time.”

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There’s fish A

By Dean Lawson

s water started to again run into the region’s mighty Rocklands Reservoir as a result of this year’s widespread rain, some of us couldn’t help but think about just how good this massive dam can be for angling.

For the uninitiated, Rocklands Reservoir is roughly on the border of the Wimmera and Western District, nestled between the Grampians and Black Range and part of a sprawling Glenelg River that runs south to the coast at Nelson.

What’s obvious about the reservoir is its sheer size. It’s a monster and with a capacity of 296,000 megalitres has the potential to hold a third of the overall Wimmera-Mallee water supply. It also has a shoreline of more than 400 kilometres. Even at a quarter full it is a massive body of water.

But what about the fishing? There are many tall tales about great catches right across the expanses of the dam – from popular Glendinning and Brodies, Mountain Dam to the dam wall and in wet years, right up at the northern section at Hynes. And with all the water flowing into Rocklands this year, we couldn’t help but contemplate the idea that we might one day be in a situation where we are again chasing redfin and trout in the northern reaches.

Green Lake. Picture: KELLY LAIRD

Far too many years ago in the early 1980s it was at the camp at Hynes, accessible from a Henty Highway turn-off at Glenisla, that a couple of enthusiastic young anglers were ‘spoilt’ forever from their experience fishing among the Rocklands timber.

Rocklands is renowned for producing big redfin, occasionally up to the three-kilogram mark, and is also a superb trout-fishing water. These days there are now also hardfighting bass and of course carp in the lake.

On a particular wintry day after a wet season had topped up the reservoir, our fishing party, which also included a couple of veteran-angling adults, made the trip to Hynes with jolly expectation.

As young blokes, a mate and I had less expectation, having toiled with limited success with bank fishing despite having all the ‘right’ spinners of the time and bait.

What was amazing on arrival at Hynes, where Horsham Angling Club has an accommodation lodge, was the amount of people busying themselves with camps and gear. Boats were departing and arriving at the foreshore regularly and the immediate thoughts from us two tag-alongs was a hope that these seasoned anglers ‘left some for us’.

But from all reports the fishing to that date hadn’t been too flash.

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LifeStyle 2016

to be caught Word was coming in that the fishing was ‘slow’ and despite calm reassurances from the elders of our party, my mate and I quietly shared a collective groan.

Cold and damp

It was drizzling and the water lapping on the edge of our boat as we motored off towards the stands of ghostly dead trees dotted across the lake, was a deep blue.

It was overcast and cold and we shivered, our hands plunged deeply into pockets, as we sat in the back seats near the outboard.

We stopped at one tree and fished briefly for no results except a tiny juvenile redfin we didn’t know was on the line. As was the rule of the day – no bite, no stay.

We putted along a bit further and tied onto another tree in what appeared to be deep water.

The two older companions up the front pondered over bait – one went for a lure, the other for a yabby. Us in the back, still shivering, went for the simple option of worms to bob over the side.

In what seemed only a matter of moments the tips of our rods in the back of the boat suddenly jagged savagely downward. Bang!

After collecting ourselves we reeled in enthusiastically, which took a while considering the depth, and were delighted with two pan-sized reddies.

Back in the water and again – bang, bang!

And again, and again. While the veterans up the front scrambled to switch to worms we hauled in fish after fish that only seemed to get bigger and harder to get into the boat.

At one stage most of my mate’s rod was bent so far it was half in the water as he struggled with a big fish.

Big school

We had obviously dropped onto a large and hungry school of redfin and were quickly filling an esky. It was amazing and remains my most profound freshwater fishing experience.

We might have stayed longer had the weather not continued to deteriorate but after about three quarters of an hour of frenetic fishing, decided to return to camp.

Of course the eyes of people back at Hynes widened when we lugged the esky to shore.

We didn’t bother weighing them, but they were good fish and there was a lot of them.

After lining them up on the grass to admire our handiwork and argue who had caught the largest specimen, we were reminded that the rule was that if you caught them, you had to clean them.

We didn’t know how to fillet properly but from memory, scaling and gutting the fish took longer than it took to catch them.

It’s an experience forever burnt in the memory and a reminder of the recreational fishing opportunities we have in our part of the world

when we have water.

Many others have similar tales of Rocklands fishing, either involving redfin or trout.

The timbered area at Glendinning is renowned for trout, perhaps because of an abundance of mudeye and bait fish, and deep water at the wall has a habit of producing big reddies.

Lakes across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians have all received a new flush of water after extensive winter and spring rain, opening the door for many recreational water actives.

From high in the upper catchment in the Pyrenees to the heart of the Wimmera and beyond to the Mallee and west Wimmera lakes country, lakes are glistening and primed for visitors.

Many of the destinations have camping and sightseeing facilities with information available from information centres or shire offices.

• Recreational water map, pages 30 and 31.

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Page 17

It’s all B

By Dean Lawson

arry ‘Butch’ Witmitz enjoys a good yarn. He also enjoys engaging with and helping people.

The 72-year-old adores the town where he was born, bred and still lives with most of his family – Kaniva.

“I tell you, the best thing about Kaniva is its friendliness. When anyone comes to town we always make them welcome,” he said. “If you can walk to one side of the street without waving or saying hello to someone I’d be very surprised. I think that’s why people come from all over the country to Kaniva to retire. I might be a bit prejudiced, but in my opinion you can’t find a better place in Australia.”

Butch made no bones about how much he supported the west Wimmera settlement.

“You know what? If I was one of those people who won $30-million in Tattslotto, there would be a lot of improvements in Kaniva,” he said.

Butch is this year’s West Wimmera Shire Council Senior Citizen of the Year, but in truth, considering his long-time dedication to provide help and support to individuals as well as groups and organisations, his award could be an annual presentation.

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Ebony Baker is a qualified naturopath, passionate about herbal medicine, nutrition and health.

I graduated from Murtoa College in 2009 and began studying a degree in Food Science and Nutrition at Deakin University in Melbourne.

I soon discovered this course was not right for me and sought a career path where I could personally help and interact with people using a more natural approach – so enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) at Endeavour College.

This four-year degree involved extensive training across a diverse range of subjects including biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, clinical medicine, dietary planning, pharmacology, clinical examination, herbal medicine and nutritional medicine.

While studying I jumped at any opportunity to gain experience in the natural health field.

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Ebony Baker

During university holidays I started working at Des Lardner’s Organic in Horsham. It allowed me to meet like-minded people in the industry, broaden my product knowledge, meet local customers and gave me first-hand experience in assisting people with their health conditions.

I worked in Endeavour College Clinic during my final two years of study, successfully treating patients with stress, sleep and digestive issues, poor immune function, autoimmune disease, thyroid conditions, pain and fibromyalgia.

The best part about being a naturopath is pulling together the pieces of someone’s health story

to find and treat the cause of their health concerns, rather than just focusing on symptoms.

I believe it is important to educate people about their health and body; therefore I seek to explain complex processes to my patients in a simple understandable way, in order to empower them to take control of their own health.

I have a passion for using ‘food as medicine’ and creating healthy recipes using fresh whole foods packed with beneficial phytonutrients to fuel the body.

During a naturopathic consultation I look at all areas of health including digestive health, immune function, nutritional status, medical history, diet, lifestyle and stress response in order to provide you with a suitable, individualised treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Take the first step toward a healthier you and book a naturopathic consultation with me on Thursdays.

LifeStyle 2016

heart with ‘Butch’ “I’ve always liked to help people. It’s what keeps me going. It’s a natural part of me and I take it for granted that it’s what everyone should do,” he said.

“And I’m not the only one who thinks like this. There are a lot of people who have done as much or more than me in Kaniva.”

Butch’s energy seems to have no boundaries, although he admits he might have to starting ‘slowing down’.

Originally from a farming background, he worked with Kaniva Shire Council for more than 41 years and tells the story of how when he started he had a shovel with a wooden handle, and when he finished he was using a hydraulic shovel.

As well as his job as a plant operator, he also helped put countless people to rest by digging their graves.

“I’ve been digging graves for nearly 50 years. I know where most people from Kaniva are buried. I like to think I have the last say with people in Kaniva,” he said.

“Someone said to me, ‘why are you stilling digging graves?’ I can tell you the cemetery is the most peaceful of places.

“You can talk to a lot of people without getting an argument and I always say that I’m tucking people into ‘bed’.

“I feel it’s a great privilege to help put

LifeStyle 2016

someone in their final resting place.” While he suggests that he’s ‘always digging holes’, Butch’s story extends well beyond the shovel and backhoe and Kaniva Cemetery.

He has been a member of Lions International for nearly 37 years where he has been club president, the recipient of a Melvin James Fellowship Award and is the organisation’s regional chairman overseeing 11 clubs.

During his time with Lions he has been involved in many projects, including a trip to East Timor on a project to ‘fix-up schools and hospitals’, describing the experience as an ‘eye-opener’. I really enjoyed going over there and helping. It was one of the better things in Lions I’ve done. I hope to go back one day,” he said.

Butch has also been Kaniva Fire Brigade treasurer for more than 30 years, Kaniva Museum Collection Committee treasurer, been heavily involved with Kaniva district footy club, Kaniva Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Kaniva Car and Bike Show, Kaniva Fauna Park and Wetlands, a Driver Reviver border stop project, Kaniva debutant ball, and since his retirement from the council has been a volunteer driver with a West Wimmera taxi service.

Men’s Shed

One of his primary passions is driving a Kaniva Men’s Shed project which he helped formally establish in 2013.

“We called a couple of meetings and got a bit of backing from organisations. It’s taken until now to get it flowing,” he said.

“We now get anything up to 20 to 25 blokes there every Tuesday, who basically get together to drink coffee and eat biscuits as much as anything else. My main aim was to promote men’s health. I told them I could carry on with the bulldust if they could carry on with the work.

“It gets gentlemen out of their houses to meet people, to talk to other blokes who might not have been together since they played footy years before. It gives everyone a chance to chat while perhaps making or repairing a few things.

“In my opinion there is nothing better than socialising. If you can talk to someone it’s always going to be good for your health.

“You must freely talk to people to be healthy. The beauty of our shed is that all you need to do is simply turn up.”

Butch said he hoped to continue to help people and be engaged in his community for as long as he could.

“I’ve been doing it for a long time and

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I hope to be able to do it for a lot longer.

The truth is that I could never be as a good a volunteer if I didn’t have other volunteers helping. It’s just a big circle,” he said.

“If you can get up in the morning and have a purpose in life, that’s good enough for me. No one in the world is luckier or better off in the world than I am.

“I do something because I just love to do it. I also know that if it wasn’t for the patience of my wife Libby, and my kids, that I wouldn’t be doing it and couldn’t have done it. But if someone rings up needing help for something, I find it hard to knock them back – in fact I can’t.”

Libby Witmitz

Page 19

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Changing face of travel T

By Anne Taylor

ravel has changed. From humble beginnings with small wayside inns offering shelter to travellers, to the now not-so-distant commercial flights to Mars – the future is limitless. And the pace of change has been swift during the past century.

Space travel for civilians is a reality in the next few decades, but is not something most of us will experience. There are, however, some innovations which will affect us all in the approaching future.

Technology has already changed the face of travel and is set to alter our travel experiences in ways we could only imagine a few short years ago.

Following are some of the developing trends I heard about at a recent travel industry seminar during a fascinating talk by Justin Wastnage from Message Shapers.

Smile, you’re on candid camera

Facial recognition sensors will enable your identity to be verified and allow seamless transit through immigration check points.

Facial recognition is already being trialled at passport e-gates, meaning the traveller can pass through without even having to use a touch screen. Goodbye to the long line-up at the immigration desk. Sensors

will also recognise your preferences and change advertising displays to show products tailored to your shopping habits.

You’re in the cloud

Your cloud-based profile will be shared with government border agencies and electronic authorisation will replace visas.

Get in the fast lane

Risk-profiling will replace security checks and only those considered a risk will be pulled aside for security checks.

The rest of us will clear customs using an app, giving us approval to leave through a ‘green’ channel. Security x-rays will be shared between countries to allow seamless travel. American Airlines already has an app allowing you to track your bags. The International Air Transport Association is trialling smart security tunnels which perform the current x-ray, explosive tests, metal-detection and pat-downs.

You and your bag will be sniffed, scanned and sprayed and rated on your potential to cause serious harm. The more you travel the more you will be trusted, allowing you to build up a higher security ‘score’ and get through security more quickly.

Auto check-in

In recent years we thought it a great innovation to check in using our mobile

phones. The next step is auto check-in using number-plate recognition scanners at the airport entrance, which will pass details to your carrier from your hire car or preregistered info in your frequent-flyer profile.

Drop the bag drop

Choose where and when you pick up your bags. Farewell to the luggage carousel where we have all waited endlessly for our luggage to appear while the same two unclaimed suitcases travel sadly around and around.

Luggage will be delivered via chutes at the kerbside, in the arrivals lounge or even the car park.

Look, no hands

You might already have experienced driverless trains in airport terminals such as London Heathrow, or seen the driverless shuttlebus being tested along the esplanade in Fremantle. Now remotely controlled shuttles will deliver passengers to their hotels 24 hours a day, without a driver in sight.

As driverless cars enter the mainstream, with self-drive cars being tested by Google across the USA, the next big thing will be driverless chauffeur and taxi vehicles.

This will make that scary drive out of the airport on the wrong side of the road a thing of the past. No more fighting over who gets to drive. You can all concentrate on the

scenery instead of the road. This gives the self-drive holiday a whole new meaning.

Knock knock, room service!

Need extra pillows? No problem.

Robot maids are already a reality in some Californian hotels, servicing linen requests and delivering room service. Soon they will replace bell boys and chambermaids and airport-style check-in machines will replace reception staff.

No excess

No need to worry about trying to squeeze in that last bit of shopping. Drones will deliver all your holiday purchases to your door. No need to take your wallet either as chips embedded into clothing will allow the wearer to swipe and go.

Personal touch

If all this has you suffering from cyber overload, you can always visit your travel consultant who has evolved from a booking agent to a travel-experience planner. They are there to advise you on the latest travel trends and provide you with your own personal journey plan, face to face.

– Anne Taylor is a consultant with italktravel, Horsham. For more information about what the future holds for travellers visit Message Shapers at messageshapers. com.au

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medicine and give you the ability to make an appointment with your choice of doctor, with some of our clinics offering female doctors.

are trained not just to meet, but exceed the requirements of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

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LifeStyle 2016

Dreaming of retirement W

e all have a vision of our perfect retirement. But whether it’s travelling around the country in a luxurious motor home, playing golf every day or spending more time with the grandkids, how do you accumulate enough money to pay for your golden years?

How much do I need?

Lifestyle is a personal choice. The big question is: How much do you need to save while you’re working to pay for your preferred retirement lifestyle?

A good place to start is to calculate how much you need to meet basic living costs.

You could use your current expenses as a guide, but keep in mind that these might be quite different during retirement.

What about the age pension?

The age pension is designed as a safety net for people who can’t self-fund their retirement.

The payment for a single person represents less than 30 percent of average male weekly earnings. A person receiving the base maximum single-rate age pension will receive $873.90 each fortnight, or $22,721 annually, while a couple entitled to the full rate will receive a combined amount of $1317.40 each fortnight, or $34,252.40 annually.

Upgrading to comfortable

This might be enough to cover basic essential expenses, but most retirees want a better standard of living and are more active in retirement than previous generations.

For these people, the age pension won’t be enough. Take this for example.

Living a modest lifestyle

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, ASFA, Retirement Standard provides an insight into the cost of different lifestyle options.

First prepared in 2004, it benchmarks on a quarterly basis the annual budget Australians need to fund either a ‘comfortable’ or a ‘modest’ standard of living in retirement.

The standard defines a modest retirement lifestyle as ‘better than the age pension, but still only able to afford fairly basic activities’.

The June 2016 ASFA figures for those aged about 65 suggest that a single person would need $23,767 a year to achieve this, while couples would need a combined income of $34,216.

The standard defines a comfortable retirement as one that enables ‘…an older, healthy retiree to be involved in a broad range of leisure and recreational activities and to have a good standard of living through the purchase of such things as: household goods, private health insurance, a reasonable car, good clothes, a range of electronic equipment, and domestic and occasionally international holiday travel’.

The June 2016 ASFA figures suggest that a single person would need $43,062 a year to have a comfortable lifestyle, while couples would need a combined amount of $59,160.

Obviously these figures are just a guide, and the actual amount needed to fund your preferred retirement lifestyle will depend on the choices you make.

How much is enough?

Looking at the figures above, it’s clearly apparent that if you want more than a basic lifestyle in retirement, you’ll need more than the age pension. Your superannuation and non-superannuation savings will need to supplement the difference, and in some cases, fully fund your retirement.

The ASIC MoneySmart Retirement Planner calculator, available at www. moneysmart.gov.au, is a useful tool.

The figures generated suggest that to

achieve a modest retirement, as defined by the ASFA Retirement Standard, a single person should save about $473,000, and a couple should save about $681,000. These figures don’t take into account any possible Centrelink Age Pension entitlements. To achieve a comfortable retirement, a single person should have about $857,000 and a couple should have about $1,178,000.

These are generic calculations based on a five percent return on investments.

What’s the best way to save?

Superannuation is the most tax-effective way to save for retirement. You can build your super through employer contributions, including salary sacrifice, your own contributions, spouse contributions and government co-contributions. There are certain restrictions on superannuation contributions and withdrawals, so you might need to supplement your superannuation with other investments.

In conclusion

Regardless of how much you need, it’s important to start planning early. A financial adviser can work with you to develop strategies that suit your individual circumstances and help you to look forward to enjoying your retirement dream.

Note: Age pension figures quoted include supplements.

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Smarten up your home MAKE YOUR HOME

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ore and more homeowners are embracing the future by taking advantage of new technologies to automate their properties.

Midwest Refrigeration and Electrical owner Phil Collins said he enjoyed helping customers embrace the conveniences of ‘smart homes’.

He said home automation had come a long way in a relatively short space of time.

“Home automation is there to make your life more comfortable and easy,” he said.

“Doors can be locked and unlocked remotely, accessed via pin codes, fingerprints, swipe cards – even your phone when you’re within range,” he said.

“You can control lighting, fans, blinds and curtains, heating and cooling, security and door access, garage doors, appliances and powerpoints.”

LifeStyle 2016

Mr Collins said home automation was ideal for a wide range of circumstances.

“It is very good for the elderly and people with disabilities as it improves their independence,” he said.

“Switches, lighting, appliances, doors – all can be controlled without the need for a carer.

“Because you can switch and change things remotely, you can monitor an elderly family member’s lights, heating et cetera and switch things on and off without having to go there.”

Mr Collins said home automation was also ideal for people with holiday homes or rentals.

“Door control can be done remotely, allowing access to guests between certain times, with changeable access codes,” he said.

Mr Collins said new homes and buildings were fitted with fixed cabling.

“It can be done when

they are getting built, either with Environexus or KNX systems, which link with products from more than 400 brands,” he said.

Mr Collins said home security was also increasing in popularity.

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“We install CCTV, alarms, dialing systems et cetera,” he said.

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Cruising the T

By Dean Lawson

here is something special, as well as being more than a tad ‘cool’ about the idea of climbing onto the saddle of a comfortable motorcycle and simply cruising.

It represents a romantic dream for many people who either never get to or fail to seize the opportunity to don the leathers and helmet to pursue highway adventures.

But Horsham business couple Stuart and Tracey Hobbs refused to leave it as a notion locked away in a mental wish-list and are busy exploring the idea.

Now the hard-working pair, desperate to make the most of any rare spare time away from their Breuers United Tools and Breuers Hire businesses, are motorcycle converts.

With both saddling up on glistening Harley Davidson motorcycles, the armchairs of the two-wheel motoring world with all the mod-cons in modern communication, Stuart and Tracey hit the road to take in all the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians have to offer.

Stuart was the first to take the plunge, buying his Harley in 2010 and rekindling experiences of riding his brother’s motorcycle from the farm into town before he had his car licence.

“I’d never owned a motorbike but I

suppose the passion was always there to have my own,” he said.

“Call it a midlife crisis or whatever, but we had worked hard to get the business to a certain point and it was about finding something to do beyond sport and work.”

Tracey tagged along as a pillion for a while but in typically independent fashion declared she would one day get her own licence. And she did.

“I had never ridden a motorbike at all and was quite apprehensive about it. Even now I’m very safety-conscious. I started with a Yamaha and then bought a Harley as Stuart updated his bike,” she said.

“We now have regular Sunday rides over the Grampians but also go on all sorts of rides. We’ve done some weekend trips to places such as Bendigo but you don’t have to do long trips to get the enjoyment out of it.

“A trip from Horsham to Noradjuha or Natimuk, or across to Minyip or Warracknabeal is enjoyable. You drive there, perhaps stop for a coffee somewhere or some fuel, and come home. There is a lot to see, especially on a motorcycle.”

Stuart said they had not done an interstate trip yet, but that’s coming.

“We want to get to perhaps the Gold Coast or somewhere similar in the future,” he said.

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LifeStyle 2016

Wimmera “We’re fully blue-tooth connected and constantly talk to each other which helps. When I’m out the front and there is anything ahead I can talk Tracey through it. It’s great because you really have another set of eyes. ” Stuart, with tongue firmly in cheek, said there was only the odd occasion when communications became awkward, such as when Tracey started singing while riding.

The pair agreed the motorcycling experiences provided them a way to do something together that was also ‘different’.

“Anything that gives time to think is enjoyable. It is a great pressure release. And on the beautiful days it is gorgeous,” Tracey said.

“You’re more alert and you tend to experience more than you usually do – the sights, sounds and smells,” Stuart added.

Both agreed the region was ideal for motorcycle cruising, but added that people needed to be vigilant with safety.

“If it is something you’re just starting go steady and get the hours up. You need to have a greater awareness on a motorbike and there is a lot more double-checking. Be safe and be responsible. It’s not a pushbike,” Stuart said.

“There are plenty of places to start riding and the Wimmera is a great place to learn.

There are also places to help people get started and the support and advice we’ve had from Horsham Harley Davidson has been excellent.”

Stuart and Tracey Hobbs of Horsham spend much of their spare time on motorcycle trips. Picture: KELLY LAIRD

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Page 25

Advertorial

Helping you to hear, right here

T

im Rayner Audiology is truly committed to providing a high level of local and professional service throughout Western Victoria.

Mr Rayner said the quality and standards set in his clinics not only led the way in Australia but also in the international field.

In order to maintain the already high levels of service and care, Tim and Tracy appointed audiologist Michael Barsoum in January this year.

“This has led us well into using these new-age hearing aids and especially the bonuses of integrated wireless systems,” he said.

This takes their complement to four university qualified audiologists in the practice. The clinic and the number of patients coming through continue to grow. Mr Rayner said Michael’s experience within family businesses made him a good fit for the practice in terms of care and concern for patients.

“We are able to connect people’s mobile phones directly into their hearing aids. Plus the added bonus of connecting their TVs directly into the hearing aids, which is making life so much easier for many patients.”

“His skills and talents picked up in his Masters of Audiology from La Trobe University are also quite apparent and hopefully we will have him here for many more years to come,” he said.

During last year, Tim Rayner Audiology took part in a worldwide study of new hearing-aid technology. The study involved 20 hearing-aid clinics worldwide in six countries, each with the ability to monitor five patients with newer, high-grade hearing aids.

“The study concentrated on prereleased hearing aids meaning that the clinic was able to get experience and training with newer hearing aids before they were released into the general audiology market,” Mr Rayner said.

“More importantly, I was able to work with patients, to gain an understanding of their perceptions and feelings about the new technology as well. Not only have the patients benefited from this

experience but more importantly the clinic has gained significant exposure to new technology that would not have been possible without being part of this study.

“This was an Australian-first release of products and at this stage all results and data from all participating countries were compiled and were released in the Hearing Review International Journal during April this year.”

Mr Rayner said while the clinic had a distinct rehabilitation arm, there was also a continued focus on infant and children’s hearing assessments.

“Right at the moment we are trialling a newer infant testing hearing system, once again, to bring the clinic up to world standards,” he said.

“In the past 12 months, five infants were diagnosed as needing hearing aids within the clinic, from as far afield as Jeparit, Edenhope and back to Warrnambool and this displays the support and service Tim Rayner Audiology gives to Western Victoria.”

Services provided by University qualified Audiologists: Hearing assessments for adults, children & infants Work related reasons Pre employment Regular monitoring assesments Hearing assessments for Divers and Aviation Medicals Hearing rehabilitation Tinnitus management Ear plugs for swimmers, surfers, musicians, noise, shooters Supply of Otovent kits and balloons Hearing Aid prescriptions, repairs & fittings for all makes and models We can also provide free hearing aids and services to eligible pensioners and veterans through the Australian Government Hearing Services program.

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Pretty and productive

By Jody Taberner

I

am wondering when the decision was made that gardens were either productive or pretty.

You can have wonderful fresh produce to nourish your family or you can have a visual feast through beautiful ornamentals placed in purposeful designs throughout your garden.

Quite often the productive garden is tucked away down the back, somewhere out of sight near the chook pen or behind the shed.

This happens while the prima donnas of the plant world such as roses take centre stage, soaking up the limelight and attention of the everyday gardener.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to combine both? Why shouldn’t we? Some edibles are incredibly beautiful and might well earn a spot on centre stage.

Stand back and take a really good look at some of our food-producing plants – many of them are stunning in their own right.

This time of year the humble quince tree comes into its own, with large delicate pink flowers with their heads raised above the newly emerging foliage.

I would stand here and argue that it rivals any of the flowering ornamental cherries.

It might even give the magnolias a run for their money, but alas being a fruiting tree it is quite often forgotten and banished to the back of the yard.

Or are you more drawn to a formal garden with manicured topiaries and neatly trimmed hedges and think there is no place in this type of garden for productive plants?

What about some of the upright rosemary such as ‘Tuscan Blue’ or ‘Beneden Blue?’ Not only do they suit our climate and soil better than many of the other hedging plants, but they clip up to a tight, lovely fragrant border in no time at all.

And the humble bay tree makes an excellent clipped topiary standard. From a distance it is hard to pick from a standard fig.

So often when people are looking for a screening plant, pittosporum or photinias are the first thing to come to mind.

Don’t get me wrong, they will both do the job.

But wouldn’t it be nice to have a screen with pretty star white flowers emanating an alluring almost jasmine-like scent?

You would almost put this plant in just for that, but wait, there is more. This plant also provides a wonderful, sweet fruit that is high in vitamin C.

Yes, I am talking about an orange tree.

Citrus trees make a brilliant screen, they are quite happy to be left as is or you can clip them to a formal hedge.

You might reduce fruiting by clipping them, but hey, that is still more fruit than a pittosporum is going to give you.

There are so many of our edibles that can be used as ornamentals in the garden.

At the moment my rocket is flowering up through the borage and looking as glorious as larkspur, and the sage is just about to burst flower.

Last year it looked as good as any of the ornamental salvias, except maybe the bog sage, but bog sage was my first love affair with salvias.

Dare to look outside the box and mix it up. Take a risk, be adventurous, buck the norm. After all, isn’t that what life is about?

And for me… adding edibles to my ornamental garden is a safer and cheaper way to rebel against every day convention than quitting my job, buying a ‘hog’ and riding off into the sunset.

Happy gardening – Jody Taberner, Dip Hort and Dip CLM, runs Botanical Nursery in Horsham.

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A new name!

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Rain brings adventure W

ith Wimmera lakes, rivers, creeks and dams full due to record-breaking spring rain, opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating and water activities have exploded in recent months.

The Wimmera River is looking its best, with many walkers taking full advantage of the views through the river red gums.

Picnickers are using the various barbecue sites and park areas for family entertainment.

Birdlife is on the increase along the Wimmera’s waterways with plenty of areas to view and photograph wildlife.

Wimmera water activities Boating – An abundance of water has

allowed families the opportunity to waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard, kayak, sail, jet-ski and swim in and on our many lakes and rivers. There are multiple lakes with boat ramps, toilet facilities, barbecues and camp sites.

Fishing – Our regional and touring

anglers are in full swing in our many fishfilled lakes, rivers and creeks.

The Wimmera offers a huge range of bank, boat and fly-fishing locations.

Fish species regularly caught in the

Wimmera include trout, both brown and rainbow, yellowbelly, redfin, Murray cod, catfish, blackfish, silver perch and a huge abundance of yabbies.

Bait fishing and the use of lures is the most popular tactic to find and catch fish in the region. Simple worms, small yabbies, mudeye and gudgeon are the most effective and available baits.

effective and productive method allowing you to catch a feed.

Camping – Whether you prefer the open stars and camp sites, cabins or caravan sites, the Wimmera offers plenty of various bush, lake, river and park sites.

Many of the sites provide you with

Fly fishing – The Wimmera features

Lake Toolondo which has been classed as one of Victoria’s top trout impoundments, holding good numbers of trout, with many of them trophy fish. Fishermen such as Rex Hunt have fished the lake and caught trout weighing between 1.81 and 3.6 kilograms.

Lake Wartook nestled in the Grampians also has a good number of natural and stocked trout. Lake Wartook also contains redfin and offers both landbased and bank fishing. There are many areas of the lake to wade and fly fish for all fish species.

Yabbying – Just about all of the

Wimmera lakes dams and rivers contain the much sought after yabby. Yabbies are a great table dish boiled and barbecued and provide a top live bait for redfin, yellowbelly and Murray cod. Drop netting is the most

campfire, toilet and camp-site facilities.

Many of our camping sites, including the

Grampians, lakes, Mt Arapiles and national parks provide the whole family with many activities such as bushwalking, waterfall sight-seeing, birdwatching, hiking and rock-climbing.

• Recreational water map, pages 30 and 31.

Picture: IAN MORGAN

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Page 29

hermans

kitchen essentials - gifts - homewares opposite the Post Office HORSHAM Ph: 5382 1876

A truly multifunction cooking food processor www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au LifeStyle 2016 LifeStyle 2016 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Yes Yes

Natimuk lake Lake Hindmarsh

Yes

Lake Buloke

Yes

Green Hill Lake

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Power boats allowed

Dad and Dave Weir

Yes

Yes – but no jet skis

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Water skiing & jet skis

river

Radial Gates

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No – caravan park only

EMPTY

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes – camping areas only

Yes

Yes

No – caravan park only

Yes

No – caravan park only

No

No

Yes – camping areas only

Yes – camping areas only

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes – camping areas only No

Caravan Park

Camping permitted

EMPTY

Boat ramp

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Sheepwash Weir

lake fyans

lake lonsdale

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Lake Bellfield

taylors lake

Lake wartook

Distribution Heads

pine lake

wimmera

Warracknabeal Weir Pool

Brim Weir Pool

Beulah Weir Pool

lake lascelles

mm

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Toilet

wi

Glenorchy Weir

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Dogs allowed

*Map not to scale

GREEN HILL lake

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EMPTY

BATYO CATYO

LAKE BULOKE

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MARMA LAKE

* Lakes are currelty empty at time of printing. Some information courtesy of GWMWater. Some conditions might be subject to change.

Yes

Marma Lake

Batyo Catyo*

Yes

Lake Lascelles

Lake Albacutya*

Yes

Yes

Lake Bellfield

Lake Toolondo

Yes

Taylors Lake

Yes

Yes

Pine Lake

Moora Moora

Yes

Dock Lake

Yes

Yes

Green Lake

Lake Fyans

No

Wartook

Yes

Yes

Rocklands

Lake Lonsdale

Swimming

moora moora

ek

tc re

rn

bu

rocklands

river

glenelg

lake toolondo

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dock lake green FILLING lake

lake hindmarsh

Storage

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Yellowbelly

Silver perch

LAKE WALLACE

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Page 30 Page 31

hermans

kitchen essentials - gifts - homewares opposite the Post Office HORSHAM Ph: 5382 1876

A truly multifunction cooking food processor www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au LifeStyle 2016 LifeStyle 2016 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Yes Yes

Natimuk lake Lake Hindmarsh

Yes

Lake Buloke

Yes

Green Hill Lake

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Power boats allowed

Dad and Dave Weir

Yes

Yes – but no jet skis

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Water skiing & jet skis

river

Radial Gates

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No – caravan park only

EMPTY

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

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No

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No

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Yes

Yes

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Yes

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Camping permitted

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lake fyans

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Trudgeons Weir

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Lake Bellfield

taylors lake

Lake wartook

Distribution Heads

pine lake

wimmera

Warracknabeal Weir Pool

Brim Weir Pool

Beulah Weir Pool

lake lascelles

mm

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Toilet

wi

Glenorchy Weir

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

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*Map not to scale

GREEN HILL lake

r

EMPTY

BATYO CATYO

LAKE BULOKE

e riv a er

MARMA LAKE

* Lakes are currelty empty at time of printing. Some information courtesy of GWMWater. Some conditions might be subject to change.

Yes

Marma Lake

Batyo Catyo*

Yes

Lake Lascelles

Lake Albacutya*

Yes

Yes

Lake Bellfield

Lake Toolondo

Yes

Taylors Lake

Yes

Yes

Pine Lake

Moora Moora

Yes

Dock Lake

Yes

Yes

Green Lake

Lake Fyans

No

Wartook

Yes

Yes

Rocklands

Lake Lonsdale

Swimming

moora moora

ek

tc re

rn

bu

rocklands

river

glenelg

lake toolondo

EMPTY

dock lake green FILLING lake

lake hindmarsh

Storage

Trout

Yabbies

Murray cod

Catfish

Redfin

Yellowbelly

Silver perch

LAKE WALLACE

natimuk lake

N

Regional recreational waters yarria

lake albAcutya

EEK

mbiack CR

Page 30 Page 31

WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MUSIC? Chisholm HiFi in Horsham has basic philosophy – we listen to music because it makes us feel good. But how good, depends on the quality of sound produced by our music systems. Owner Jeff Allan has outstanding products and Sonos

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With the Sonos PLAYBAR you get stunning TV or Home Theatre sound, as well as all your favourite music.

Add the amazing Sonos SUB for jawdropping bass.

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MUSIC STREAMING The system is ideal for music streaming. It was not long ago that you needed space to store your music. Before discs it was tapes and before that vinyl. Gone are the days

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is the latest gaining ticks of approval. The Sonos system is high quality but designed for use by the average person.

“You don’t have t o be a tech-

With the Sonos system you can play different music in different rooms. It might be hip hop for the kitchen, soul for the living room and rock for the bedroom. Mix it up with different songs in different rooms or choose a ‘group all’ command to hear the same beat throughout your home. You can listening to it from another speaker in another. Sonos can combine new and old technology, giving you the ability to change the volume of your record using a smart device.

head” Jeff said. “Using it is a breeze.” With the training and onsite support, that is often not needed, you will be rocking out with t h e Sonos system in no time.’

also crank up the volume for each room individually. The Sonos Trueplay feature makes Sonos speakers even smarter. It uses your iPhone or iPad to analyse the room, then adjusts how each speaker produces sound. Hear the music you love, customtuned to individual rooms.

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LifeStyle 2016

West Wimmera Health Service personal care worker Lynne Rethus on a shopping trip with Joan Rigg of Nhill.

to pursue her hobbies such as sewing, embroidery, word searches, lowmaintenance gardening and weekly shopping trips, visits and events in the community with her personal care worker Lynne Rethus.

It also provides her son and carer a chance to have a break to pursue other activities.

Similar to many people who have reached their 80s in the Wimmera, Mrs Rigg has

A T TRANS A D O FE ED

had a lifetime of fascinating experiences.

The eldest of seven children in a family in England, she worked in a cotton-mill weaving factory at 14 after completing her schooling.

She emigrated to Australia with her husband, who worked with Smith and Nephew in 1963, and settled at Nhill where she had two children, who still live there.

Start where you finished with

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help residents maintain their roles as busy members of the community.

Mrs Rigg continues to be able to live at home despite complex health issues, receiving personal care three times a week, weekly home care and using a variety of respite services which includes shopping, gardening services and allied-health services such as podiatry.

Having this help allows Mrs Rigg

W

M

aintaining a degree of independence is a fundamental part of life for most, regardless of age and circumstance.

Health services in the Wimmera offer many people the opportunity to live in their own homes and enjoy relatively normal lives.

Joan Rigg, 86, of Nhill is a prime example of someone accessing services that

Picture: Robert Ghe Photography Adelaide

Maintaining independence

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72 WILSON STREET, HORSHAM VIC 3400 PHONE (03) 5382 5511; FAX (03) 5382 5044 EMAIL: sales@woe.com.au www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 33

Denis Grosser at the controls of the four-seater aircraft he enjoys flying to remote parts of Australia. Picture: DEAN LAWSON

ENJOY OUR NEWLY RENOVATED CLUB BISTRO Bistro

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Great Steak Night - Every Friday 6-8:30pm Choose from steaks & desserts off the specials board, to enjoy with a beer, wine or soft drink, all for $24.

Help yourself to the fresh vegetable & salad bar for all meals!

Bar & Café Choose from our range of delicious fresh focaccias, wraps, sandwiches & slices. Light meals such as battered fish, prawns & chicken strips, served with chips & salad and much more!

Relax with a coffee, tea, hot chocolate or cold drink with family and friends in our social surroundings.

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www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

LifeStyle 2016

Following flying dream

By Dean Lawson

I

f man was never meant to fly then whoever was responsible for the saying forgot to tell Horsham’s Denis Grosser.

Flying has become a passion and part of life for the 80-year-old former businessman and farmer who enjoys nothing more than setting off on an adventure to farflung parts of the country.

Friends, relatives or acquaintances often join him on trips to destinations such as the Birdsville Races or Lake Eyre.

On occasions, since 2007 and as part of the charity Angel Flight Australia, his passengers have been remote country people needing non-emergency access to specialist medical treatment.

Many in the Wimmera-Mallee and beyond would know of Denis and his son Kym through successful business Irwin Motors, now Traction Ag, and connections in the north-west Wimmera.

But few might be aware of how much passion Denis has for venturing into the sky to what he describes as ‘a different world’.

“It’s the same world but it is completely different – you get an entirely different perspective from up in the air,” he said.

“It’s the freedom and the wonder of it all.”

Denis revealed he had developed an

interest in aircraft when he was a toddler on his family farm at Custon near Wolseley, South Australia.

He said he would marvel at the aircraft flying from Nhill training air base during the Second World War. “You could see them go through their paces from our place, which was about 40 nautical miles away. It intrigued me. I always wanted to fly,” he said.

Yet it was many years later when he was 52, an age when some might consider a lifetime dream little more than a fantasy, that he seized the opportunity.

“When National Service was the norm in the early 1950s I tried to enlist in the RAAF, but my mother would not sign the form. She said it was too dangerous,” he said.

“Over the years I talked about how I wanted to learn to fly many times but it kept getting put off by the everyday pressures of raising a family, paying off the home and so on.

“Talking to Kym one day while he was still in the RAAF, he told me about his intended father-in-law John Colbert, who at 50 had just graduated as a primary school teacher.

“I was admiring his efforts and during the course of discussion something came up about me learning to fly. Kym looked at me

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and said ‘dad, I’ve heard you say that too many times – your philosophy is do it now, do it now, do it now’. So I did.”

After selling the farm, Denis shifted to Gippsland to manage a Moe Co-op farm store. He ended up with agribusiness New Holland and moved back to Horsham.

After 14 years he was chief executive at Sunnyside Lutheran Rest Home and ultimately took on Irwin Motors.

“When I worked for New Holland we would have annual performance reviews,” he said.

“The boss would sit us down and ask us our goals, and they always wanted to hear about how we would sell more products.

“My goals were that I wanted to own a Mercedes diesel car, learn to fly and have constant access to an aeroplane.

“His response was ‘what on earth has that got to do with the business’ and I said I would have to work by butt off to achieve my goals. He took the response to the rest

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of the group and said ‘Denis has the bestand-fairest award’.

“Incidentally, I achieved all those goals and more. In fact Sir Bruce Small from Malvern Star bicycle fame said his main lifetime regret was never thinking big enough.

“While I’m happy with what I’ve achieved, I believe the same thing.”

Denis now climbs into a four-seater Piper Arrow aircraft and has flown to every state except Western Australia.

Despite Denis’s love of flying and flying now being such a big part of his life, he has never been able to convince his wife Cynthia to share his passion.

“I’ve managed to get her into the aircraft twice,” he said. “Once when I was going to Brisbane and I had to taxi the plane for about 100 yards to the bowser to fill up.

Her response was ‘that’s enough!’

“The only other time was to help check the brake pedals in the hangar and I didn’t even get the plant out of the shed.”

Denis, who has now clocked up more than 1700 hours of flying, keeps fit by playing competitive table tennis and since retirement has a side interest running a small farm at Drung.

“I was born 80 years ago but really only feel 67,” he said.

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Page 35

West Wimmera Health Service

Rural and Real Hospital and Community Care – where you are number one!

Stop the travel!

Come to West Wimmera Health Service for hospital treatment, surgery and healthcare.

You will be treated with compassion and respect by skilled, experienced staff.

Surgery at Nhill Hospital

Specialist & General Surgeons

• Eye Surgeon - all types of eye surgery and injections for macular degeneration. No extra travel! Treatment and follow up all at Nhill.

• Gynaecologist consultation and surgical procedures.

• Oral Surgeon - for all types of oral surgery.

• Orthopaedic Surgeon - total hip and knee replacements and arthroscopies.

• Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon - tonsillectomies and ear nose and throat conditions.

• General Surgeons - Gastroscopies, Colonoscopies, minor skin cancer treatment.

Waiting time for consultation and surgery is minimal! Ask your doctor for a referral and call 03 5391 4222 for an appointment.

Allied & Community Health

Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Diabetes Educator, Social Workers, Massage Therapist and Podiatrists. The experienced team travels across the Wimmera and Mallee and is also very much part of after care and rehabilitation for surgical patients.

Call 03 5391 4267 for an appointment or to discuss your needs.

A Referral is not necessary for Allied Health.

Aged Care

Residential Care -

West Wimmera Health Service has the very best Residential Aged Care Accommodation with more than 140 beds to choose from. Whether it is Nhill, Jeparit, Kaniva, Rainbow, Natimuk or Rupanyup our modern, well maintained facilities will provide an attractive, comfortable home.

Remaining in your own home is really an option - We provide many services and ‘packages’ to enable older people to remain in their own homes independently and safely with support for them and their carers.

Choose West Wimmera Health Service Aged Care for care with Respect, Compassion and Excellence

Dental Clinics

Dentists, Oral Health Therapists and an Oral Surgeon provide comprehensive dental care at Nhill, Rainbow, Kaniva and Goroke.

Invisible Braces and for those who are a bit nervous, ‘sleep’ dentistry is also available.

A Mobile Clinic also takes dental care to children up to 18 years across a wide area of the Wimmera.

Emergencies will be treated immediately and short wait times for other appointments. Simply call 03 5391 4266.

West Wimmera Health Service incorporates Nhill, Jeparit, Kaniva, Rainbow and Rupanyup

Hospitals and Residential Aged Care; Natimuk Residential Aged Care; Goroke, Minyip and Murtoa Community Health Centres; Cooinda Disability Services; Dental Clinics

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Green thumbs interact

T

‘

This is wonderful, a great asset for the village. I’ve always loved gardening and this opens the door for that opportunity. I really love it here.

’

– Hilda Ross

The village, designed for people aged 55 and older, has a central community centre with gymnasium, library, bar, kitchen and indoor and outdoor dining areas.

It already features 20 homes and the plan is for the village to have 43 homes on completion.

Plans are also underway for a village workshop, with work scheduled to start early next year.

The new development will feature a Men’s Shed workshop and games room for billiards and darts.

An extended caravan parking area will also be available early next year.

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he evolution of one of the Wimmera’s newest retirement villages has continued with Horsham KeyInvest Wimmera Lodge developing a new interactive garden for residents.

The new garden is part of the ongoing development of the independent-living village nestled in Horsham West.

The new garden, designed and developed

by Brett Perry and his team from Landscape It, features exercise equipment, raised garden beds for vegetable and fruit growing, an orchard including citrus, stone and pome fruit, seating, shade cloth and artificial turf.

The garden is designed for people keen to make the most of or develop a green thumb at Wimmera Lodge.

It provides an opportunity for Wimmera Lodge residents to plant whatever vegetables and flowers they wish.

KeyInvest developed The Village Garden at Wimmera Lodge as a value-add feature to give residents a place they could go within the village that provided ‘something special’ – where they could relax in the garden, walk their dogs or remain active on outdoor exercise equipment.

Wimmera Lodge, in Dumesny Street, has two or three-bedroom six-star energy-rating homes and is rapidly developing.

2 Stawell Road, Horsham | 5382 1351 LifeStyle 2016

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Page 39

At your leisure...

Super quiz

11. What is the astronomical word starting with ‘S’ given to the occasions when the sun is directly over one of the earth’s tropics?

2. Many Wimmera reception centres feature poker machines.

In what year did legislation pave the way for their introduction into Victoria? a. 1978; b. 1995; c. 1990; d. 1980.

12. Still on astronomy, what is the word starting with ‘E’ that describes occasions when day and night are of equal duration?

13. Myth or truth? In cloud-toground lightning, the light we see is actually travelling up to the cloud.

3. What infamous character gave the ‘Rats’ of Tobruk, the Allied garrison which held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps in 1941, their nickname?

14. Many of us keep budgerigars as pets and many come in various colours. Generally, budgies in the wild are what colour?

4. Name all the animals that feature on the Australian coat of arms, including state badges on the shield.

15. Some Wimmera grounddwelling spiders escaped the January floods through what survival habit that has led to their common name?

5. The golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha, is prominent across the Wimmera. What Governor-General proclaimed the golden wattle Australia’s national flower in 1988?

16. Wet weather and wetlands have brought the majestic black swan back to our region. Adult swans are vulnerable during an annual moult.

Why?

4

6. In human anatomy is the sartorius the longest, shortest, widest or narrowest muscle in the body?

1

3

17. True or false. We often see large gatherings of ravens, often mistaken for crows, because dominant males often have large harems.

2

7. Is the cultivar ‘Arapiles’, accredited in 1994, a type of highprotein wheat, malting barley, field pea or high-yielding canola?

5

9

4 7 8. True or false? To the naked 8 19. During the 1920s, 3 what style of eye, apart from when the female is carrying eggs, it is impossible domestic house with an American to distinguish between a male 1 and name 9dominated suburban 8 female yabby. development across Australia, 3 structure stands 4 Victoria and the Wimmera?

2 9. What prominent stationary in Dimboola’s Apex Park 20. The bark of melaleuca trees as a monument to an industry’s to Wimmera swamp 5 role 1 common 8 in the development and prosperity country has led them to be of the township?

8 commonly6called what?

18. Some Wimmera lizards are capable of an amazing feat called autotomy. What is this?

Answers: 1. De Havilland Mosquito, a wooden plane powered by twin Rolls Royce Merlin V12 engines and capable of a maximum speed of 610 kmh. 2. C. 1990. 3.

William Joyce, also known as Lord Haw Haw, a radio announcer for German propaganda program Germany Calling. Joyce derisively referred to the garrison as ‘poor desert rats of Tobruk’ during broadcasts. 4. Red kangaroo, emu, lion on the NSW cross of St George, a lion on the Tasmanian badge, an Australian piping shrike on the South Australian badge and a black swan representing Western Australia. 5.

Sir Ninian Stephen. 6. Longest. It is in the thigh and surrounded by a bundle of four muscles called the quadriceps. 7. Malting barley. 8. False. 9. A steam locomotive. The oil-burning J539 locomotive was built in Lancashire, England in 1954. 10. Betamax.

11. Solstice. 12. Equinox. 13. Truth. But lightning starts from the sky down when an unseen path of negative electricity spurts towards the ground. A positive ground charge is attracted to the negative charge and sends out a ‘streamer’ and when the two meet a return stroke returns to the sky. This is what we see. 14. Green and yellow, but variations occur which has led to selective breeding. Budgie flocks in the outback can number into the thousands. 15. They build hinged earthen trapdoors to plug their burrows, thus their name trapdoor spiders. 16. They can’t fly. 17. False. Ravens mate for life and couples return to the same nests year after year. In fact, male ravens dote on their mates, liberally feeding them as they incubate eggs. Flocks of new generations yet to breed occasionally occur but they soon scatter, pair up and become territorial.

18. They can voluntarily amputate their tails to escape a predator. They can then regenerate their tails. 19. The Californian bungalow. 20. Paperbark trees.

8

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Page 40

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10. What was the alternative and ultimate loser to the Video Home System, VHS, during the video format war of the 1970s and ’80s?

1. During the Second World War, some Wimmera pilots had the opportunity to fly what de Havilland fighter-bomber aircraft which had a name suggesting it could sting or bite?

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LifeStyle 2016

The true value of water A

By Des Lardner

s I write, our Wimmera River and the surrounding paddocks are full of water. Users of some sports fields and some farmers are disappointed, but we should never be complacent about water and our human need for this precious substance.

It might have made our winter and now much of spring miserable, but none of us should doubt the value of water.

The list of health benefits is impressive.

Water regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, dissolves minerals and makes them accessible, and prevents constipation.

The correct hydration level protects the body organs and tissues, and moistens membranes of the lungs, eyes, nose and mouth. The body is two thirds water and the brain slightly more.

A recent study showed as little as one percent dehydration impaired concentration, memory and alertness.

For diabetics, or the overweight, water is the drink of choice because it contains no calories.

Next time you feel hungry reach for a glass of water instead of food.

Yarriambiack Shire Council is among councils and other agencies that have wisely been encouraging locals to reduce soft-drink consumption.

All shires should follow suit.

I agree that soft-drink is the worst thing you can put in your body. Its acid, often around a pH 2.7, contains phosphates which can leach magnesium and calcium from the body. And it contains up to 17 teaspoons of empty sugar calories.

The news also isn’t that good for diet drinks which often contain aspartame, linked to depression and insomnia.

If you’re drinking a considerable amount of fizzy soda water or soft drinks consider plain water – or even better, herbal teas – as a substitute.

My favourite herbal drink is green tea.

The leaves are up to 15 percent dry weight of organic bound-minerals, one of the most mineral-rich and thus alkaline plants known.

If you are troubled with dirty or polluted water after floods be sure to filter then boil your water and place it in sealed glass containers in the sun.

The sun’s rays help sterilise the water, although it does not remove pollutants.

Good filters are available. For example, our clinic has a filter that removes

pollutants, sterilises and then alkalises the water in one process. Alkaline water has various health benefits. Details are on our website or the Zazen water filters website.

We are often asked in our clinic: ‘How much water should I drink?’

About one-and-a-half litres daily is the simple answer for an average person. But the correct answer is obtained by computer algorithms based on ratios of fat, muscle and bone, age and activity level.

Our staff calculate this for

individuals by ‘BIA’ analysis. You can include all liquid intake in your water allowance but you must add about one litre for every hour of exercise.

If your urine is slightly dark you are probably dehydrated.

Water lessens the burden on kidneys and

liver, and flushes out waste products. If you are concerned by toxins in the environment, remember the old adage ‘the solution to pollution is dilution’. Drink and enjoy some more water, but make sure it’s as pure and mineral rich as you can manage.

– Des Lardner operates Des Lardner Organic, a holistic natural health and wellbeing centre, and Dimboola Pharmacy.

Making new memories – RNH Residential Aged Care Our priority is to make you feel comfortable and happy while looking after you and your health. You are cared for as an individual and for this reason we offer a variety of group and individual activities to cater for your enjoyment.

We value each of our resident’s rights to individuality and we work with you to find activities and interests that you enjoy.

■ Your Everyday Care

–P hysiotherapy, Dietitian, Speech Pathology Services – Podiatrist/Foot Care Nurse

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■ Your Everyday Dining Experience – We have qualified cooks preparing fresh, nutritious meals daily, including morning and afternoon tea

Our residential homes are safe, secure and welcoming.

They provide access to both indoor and outdoor activities and a range of public and private spaces for residents’ families and friends to enjoy.

LifeStyle 2016

Warracknabeal Campus Yarriambiack Lodge Dimboola Rd Warracknabeal, VIC 3390 Ph: (03) 5396 1200 Fax: (03) 5396 1210 Email: reception@rnh.net.au www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Hopetoun Campus Hopetoun Aged Care 12 Mitchell Place Hopetoun, VIC 3396 Ph: (03) 5083 2000 Fax: (03) 5083 2050 Email: hadmin@rnh.net.au Page 41

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Page 42

Survivors A

By Dean Lawson

s a society we are probably guilty of over-using the term ‘survivor’ when describing a resilient individual.

While people who make it through an environment of war or major disaster are obvious survivors, we often give the same label to individuals who endure upheaval in a turbulent work environment or maintain their place at the top of some social or political heap.

In the past few years we’ve even gone as far as giving the title to the winners of contrived television game shows.

But if we want to find someone who truly fits the description of a ‘survivor’ we need look no further than long-time Horsham and Wimmera community advocate Bob Kirsopp.

Beyond the genial smiles of Bob and his wife Mavis is a remarkable story that involves a long-term personal health battle, a battle that has allowed the couple to enjoy life into their 80s.

Bob and Mavis are optimists, and they’ve needed to be considering Bob has fought various forms of life-threatening cancer for more than 30 years.

Bob is a cancer survivor, having beaten

the odds not only once but three times, and he only needs to consider the numbers if he ever needs reminding about his luck in life.

“Way back in 1986 at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne I was one of 232 initial patients. Now, I’m the only one left,” he said.

Bob and Mavis are familiar across the region, Bob as a Horsham councillor for nine years, including two in the 1970s as mayor, and Mavis as a civil celebrant for 35 years and responsible for marrying close to 2000 people, as well as being a Justice of the Peace.

The pair also established Horsham Lawnmower Centre before Bob took up a handyman role in retirement, zipping between jobs in his trademark Mini Moke.

The battle with cancer started in October, 1986, when Bob sought treatment for pain in his right shoulder.

An x-ray and tests revealed cancer in the right lung, which prompted a three-month, five-day weekly course of radiotherapy. He had a total of 36 doses of radiation.

Bob said after his initial treatment he was told to go home and put his affairs in order.

“I was given six months to live,” he said.

“And the question I asked myself as I got closer to the date was ‘am I going to be here tomorrow?’

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LifeStyle 2016

enjoying life “At the same time Mavis tried to keep home life as normal as possible.”

Three-monthly check-ups turned to sixmonthly check-ups and extended to annual tests which continued until 2014, 27 years after the initial diagnosis.

But there were others issues. In 2010 Bob was back getting radiotherapy to treat skin cancer on his face and in 2014, after a colonoscopy, was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

He underwent surgery followed by about five months of chemotherapy.

And to complicate matters further, Mavis, Bob’s backstop throughout his health dramas, also became ill.

“You know through it all Mavis has been the bullet-proof one, a great carer, and suddenly she has a heart attack,” Bob said.

Mavis is still recovering from her illness, adding that it has been Bob’s turn to ‘come to the party’.

“Now I have to do as I’m told,” she said.

Staying involved

The Kirsopps put down their success to rising above circumstances to maintaining strong connections with people and ‘staying involved’.

“One of the things Bob did for anyone going through a similar situation and needing support, information or someone simply to talk to, was make himself available,” Mavis said.

Bob said he travelled all over the place

and sometimes made return visits. “I’d say ‘be positive and look at me’ while perhaps explaining various aspects of treatment,” he said.

“You have to be involved in people and projects. For 21 years I was an area coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch. You can’t just sit around and feel sorry for yourself. I have a saying: live today and let tomorrow take care of itself’ and I stick by that. You just have to make the most of every day.”

The Kirsopps have joined a community chorus in celebrating news that Horsham will become home to a new Wimmera Cancer Centre.

They agreed one of the worst aspects of undergoing cancer treatment was spending hours on the road travelling.

“All that going backwards and forwards takes its toll. What’s happening is brilliant. The worst parts are before and after treatment,” Bob said.

“I believe it’s the greatest thing that’s happened in Horsham for many years,” Mavis added. “The hope is that it can eventually evolve, in the long-term, from a respite and care centre into a full-on treatment centre. That would be fantastic.”

With both reaching an age of 82, Bob and Mavis are more than survivors. They are also examples of why it’s always good to fight a good fight.

Bob and Mavis Kirsopp

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Page 43

Peace of mind in 10 minutes

B

reastScreen Victoria is reminding women in the Wimmera that a 10-minute appointment for a mammogram can provide peace of mind. It is common for women’s own wellbeing to take a back seat when they are so often the glue keeping a busy work and family life together in rural communities, while juggling multiple priorities.

In 2015, when warmer weather resulted in early harvests in the region, screening rates dropped, and with recent flooding the number of women booking in for a mammogram at BreastScreen Victoria’s Horsham clinic have again fallen.

Kristy Paine, a radiographer at the BreastScreen clinic on Baillie Street, said many women felt anxious about getting a breast screen, which is recommended every two years for women after they reach the age of 50.

Having moved to Horsham in 2002 and starting with BreastScreen Victoria in the same year, Kristy has experienced the full spectrum of the ups and downs rural life can bring.

“It’s great seeing the same faces come in every other year; the women remember you and they’re happy to have a chat,” she said.

“Admittedly, we recognise first-time screeners can be a bit anxious, there can be a fear of the unknown.

‘

Women definitely find it a bit easier having a mammogram as a shared experience – there’s a camaraderie

’

– Kristy Paine

Kristy Paine “It’s important to remember though that the vast majority of women don’t have anything to worry about.

“All women bring their stories, their life experiences and their fears with them when they attend a breast screen.

“We don’t ask women to leave their breasts at reception and come back when the appointment is over.”

Statistics show one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 75 percent of those will be over the age of 50.

With age being the biggest risk factor

of breast cancer, BreastScreen Victoria’s program is targeted at women aged 50 to 74.

Women aged 40 to 49 and over the age of 75 are eligible to attend, however, they are encouraged to discuss breast screening with their GP in the context of their health needs.

With many women who screen at the Horsham clinic travelling from outside of the city for their appointment, Kristy also suggests booking with a group of friends could alleviate some of the anxiety.

“We have plenty of women who come into Horsham as a group and make a day of it,” she said. “I encourage women in the Wimmera community to continue to be vigilant with their regular two-yearly breast screen, as evidence shows early detection is invaluable, giving women the best chance of successful treatment and recovery.”

Women can make an appointment at Horsham’s BreastScreen Victoria clinic or any other location that is convenient to them online at breastscreen.org.au or by calling 13 20 50.

People who undergo the anxiety of testing, waiting and treatment for breast cancer have access to support through Horsham Friends Abreast Support Group.

Co-ordinator Barbara Eltze said the group was dedicated to supporting women and families instead of raising money for the fight against the disease.

“We are a group of ladies who have experienced breast cancer and provide friendly, caring, support and understanding, share feelings or just have a good laugh in a relaxed atmosphere,” she said.

“Our meetings are informative as we chat over lunch. Guest speakers also provide support and information. We are a source of face-to-face contact.”

Mrs Eltze said Horsham Friends Abreast met at 11.30am for lunch on the first Friday of the month at Horsham RSL. “We not only provide support for people in Horsham, but also the broader region,” she said.

People seeking further information can call Mrs Eltze on 0408 557 603 or Marcia Carrick 0438 874 285.

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LifeStyle 2016

Walking for health

M

any health professionals consider the simple act of going for a walk as a way for the average person to increase their overall health and wellbeing.

The Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians have walking tracks and trails aplenty, be they for arduous treks through national and state parks and other wilderness areas or for casual strolls along municipal pathways.

Research suggests 30 minutes of walking every day, and in some cases even less, can increase cardiovascular pulmonary fitness, reduce fat, boost muscles and endurance, strengthen bones and help with mentalhealth illnesses.

Walking is a low-impact weight-bearing exercise that can reduce the risks of heart-disease and stroke, help with the management of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

It can also help with simple things such as balance and movement.

Victoria’s BetterHealth Channel encourages people to walk briskly for 30 minutes a day to get the best from the experience.

It describes ‘brisk’ as being able to talk

while walking but not being able to sing and perhaps puffing slightly.

If it is too hard to walk for 30 minutes at one time, the recommendation is to do regular 10-minute bouts three times a day and gradually build up to longer sessions.

Walking with friends or groups can turn a walk into as much a social occasion as a workout.

Following are suggestions to help get the most from a walk and build it into a routine: Take the stairs instead of a lift; walk to work or shops; walk the dog; make sure you have comfortable and appropriate footwear and clothing; encourage people to walk with you; find a pastime or casual employment that involves walking such as house-to-house newspaper and pamphlet deliveries.

Consult your doctor for advice before embarking on any program if you are aged 40 or older, are overweight or haven’t exercised for a long time.

Many council offices and information centres have detailed information about walking trails, tracks and opportunities across the region.

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Page 45

Salters have no regrets

By Sarah Scully

W

rers

‘

hen Rex Salter’s wife Val told him she would like to become a foster carer, his heart dropped into his boots.

“I thought, ‘you’ve got to be kidding’,” he said. “But, I said to Val, let’s do the training course and then decide.

“During the training I thought, boy, you have to do something to help these kids.

The training convinced me, and I’ve never regretted it.”

Rex, 82, and Val, 74, have been caring for foster children for the past eight years through Wimmera Uniting Care’s Out of Home Care program.

Val said she saw television advertisements calling for foster carers sporadically for several years before she discussed becoming one with her husband.

“I thought it wasn’t fair to Rex,” she said.

“He’s older than me. We’ve both been married before and he has five kids of his own and I have four, so I didn’t say anything.

“It wasn’t long after we’d moved into the house we’re in now and I saw an ad again.

“I just blurted out to Rex, ‘I’d love to do that’. And he said, ‘well why don’t you?’.

“The biggest regret of my whole life is I didn’t start doing it years ago.”

The Salters have looked after a diverse range of children, from newborns to young teenagers.

“Our first little boy was a real joy,” Val said.

“He had ADHD and was very active, but he was fun. We had him for six months.

“We also had a little girl for four years and since then we’ve just done short-term care.”

Val said most of the children she and her husband had looked after suffered from challenges of some sort.

“Some have been removed from home for various reasons,” she said.

“It’s not always for terrible reasons, sometimes the parents aren’t well or something like that.

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• You will be reim new experiences people and have w ne t ee m t ill w en • You e commitm ant to take on th • If you do not w ways you ot r there are her re ca er st fo a g of bein can help.

The biggest regret of my whole life is I didn’t start doing it years ago – Val Salter

’

“But some of the kids have a lot of problems they have got to try to work out.

“Some have come from a violent home and they’ve got to work out if they do or say something to us, they’re not going to get jumped on.

“They are not used to a ‘normal’ home.

It’s a different world for them.”

Val said patience was paramount.

“Having had children of your own you learn to cope with these things, and you understand there are reasons behind their behaviour,” she said.

“Sometimes you give them help and then they go home to a situation that’s not the best and that puts them back a bit.

“If they come back to you, you’ve got to rework that ground again. They go forward a few steps and sometimes they go back.

“What we do has its hassles, but in the main I think you do a lot of good.”

Val said it could be difficult to watch some of the children return to less-thanideal situations.

She said it was important for a foster carer to remember their role.

“As part of your training you learn they are not your children or grandchildren,” she said.

“You’re not really babysitting them, but you’re looking after them until, hopefully, their home situation is such that they can go back.

“The only one who was really hard to say goodbye to was a little baby we had for six weeks.

“I’d just got her out of a 2am feed and

she was just smiling, and it was hard to let her go.

“You learn to love them, especially the child we had for four years. We really loved her like she was our own daughter. I still think of her every day.”

Val said each child acclimatised to their new surroundings differently.

“Some have marched in the door as if they have known us all their lives, even though they’ve never seen us before, and settle in just like that,” she said.

“Others might take a couple of hours.

We’ve never had them take very long. I’m the mother hen type – most of the young ones like to come sit on my knee and cuddle up.

“We had one little girl who was frightened of men. It took Rex two weeks until she warmed to him. Once she did, she wouldn’t let him out of her sight.

“He’s great with the kids.”

Rex said any difficulty involved in foster caring was outweighed by the reward.

“You do it for the kids,” he said.

“They have come out of problem situations and you can give them a bit of stability, a warm bed to sleep in and three meals a day. And, as I always say, a hug when they need it. And they need it.

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“We’d like to encourage other people to do the same thing.”

Val said foster carers could say no to placement requests at any time.

“We find Wimmera Uniting Care really good,” she said.

“They’ll ring up and say, ‘are you able to take a child for a certain amount of days?’ and if we are we say yes and if we can’t, then the poor things have to ring around and find someone else.

“We try not to say no, if we can possibly take the child, we will.”

Val said the Wimmera needed more foster carers.

“There are too many children and not enough carers. It’s sad,” she said.

“We try to promote it among our friends and they say, ‘oh no, I couldn’t do that’.

And that’s a lot of rubbish. They jolly well could, they don’t know how much fun they are missing.”

Rex agreed.

“I like to say to them, how do you know you can’t do it if you’ve never tried?”

• People interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer can visit wuc. org.au/foster-care or call Wimmera Uniting Care’s Out of Home Care team on 5362 4000.

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Rex and Val Salter

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By Peter Miller

he’s just a small town girl but Kathy Poulton is the embodiment of what it means to be a community member.

Whether it’s driving an ambulance, helping to save lives, pumping petrol, publishing the local newspaper, coaching netball or nursing, Kathy’s life path has led her to a very special place.

Her various roles are simply the consequence of a girl who won’t say ‘no’ to her community.

Kathy finds it amusing that she could be the subject of a feature article.

To her mind, she is one of many with a similar level of devotion – and she is probably right.

But let’s go there anyway. Kathy was born and raised in South Melbourne.

Her mother was also a city girl but her father had grown up at Beulah, and when Kathy was a teenager, he moved the family back to his Mallee roots.

Kathy attended school at Beulah and then Warracknabeal before the family moved back to Melbourne.

When she finished school, Kathy got a job working for OPSM in Collins Street.

She enjoyed her work and was content BACK with her life but still travelled back to Beulah for holidays and to visit family.

It was during one of these visits she met Malcolm Poulton, who worked for the family business Poulton Motors in Hopetoun.

“We met on the foreshore of Lake Lascelles while I was water skiing with friends. I’m not sure but I think it was my WEIGHT MANAGEMENT red bikini that grabbed his attention,” Kathy Lorna Hommelhoff laughed.

821 602 E:slenders@gmail.com In 1982 as the romance blossomed, Kathy left her comfortable city job and moved to Beulah where she worked at the local hotel as its very first female bartender and played netball among other social activities.

Two years later she and Malcolm married.

Kathy was suddenly a resident of Beulah’s rival neighbour Hopetoun where she and Malcolm started a family.

Personal tragedy made life tough for the couple after a series of miscarriages and the tragic death of their first baby boy Kade on Easter Saturday, 1987.

But heartache was lessened by the joyous arrival of Brittany the following year and later brothers Cohan and Keaton.

In 1998, when Keaton was in grade three at primary school, Kathy was asked to become a volunteer ambulance officer with Rural Ambulance Victoria.

The town had several volunteer officers including Malcolm. She jumped at the opportunity.

The position required monthly training which Kathy still attends now, though it has become much more involved.

The role also nosed her closer to the career she had always felt was tugging at her timeline – nursing.

Kathy was considering career options when Malcolm decided to leave the family business, allowing the couple to set up their

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own small-engine repair service and manage the BP service station.

They raised their children ‘on petrol fumes’ in a home behind the auto-shop, while the business endured the region’s longest drought in living memory.

In 2006, Kathy’s passion for a nursing career had taken hold and she decided to go back to university.

During her second year of study, Mobil asked Kathy to manage its service station in Hopetoun while Malcolm was kept busy with engine repairs.

‘

I love my job. I have a supportive manager and a wonderful team I can talk to when the day has been difficult. If I can make a difference today I don’t care about tomorrow

’

She took on the role with the support of her family who helped where possible.

Her routine suddenly became working the service station from Saturday to Wednesday then attending classes in Horsham each Thursday and Friday.

As times got tougher and the drought took its toll, Mobil closed the business and Kathy was suddenly looking for work.

Then, out of the blue, she was approached by local farmer Barb Hallam to see if she was interested in being the new editor of the local newspaper.

Like many small newspapers, the Hopetoun Courier is owned by the community and Barb is a long-standing board member.

Although she was still studying for her nursing degree, Kathy accepted the role and after just one week of on-the-job training, she was left alone to produce a weekly newspaper.

What she hadn’t realised was that she also had to look after the accounts.

Her new role presented a whole new set of obstacles, but being the archetypical country girl, she showed resilience and ingenuity.

Kathy remembers moments in class at Horsham when she would be writing a story for the paper under the desk so the instructor couldn’t see.

Photographs

Kathy networked with other newspapers to pick up tips on writing, photography, graphics and layout.

And she almost always took the camera with her when she was called out in her ambulance role.

“I would throw the camera in the back just in case,” she said.

LifeStyle 2016

community “It might have been a little naughty but I never took pictures at accidents or where it was personal,” she said.

“But if it was a more public incident we were attending such as a bushfire, I would take a few photos when I had an opportunity.”

Kathy graduated as an enrolled nurse at the end of 2007 and started working casually for Rural Northwest Health at its Hopetoun campus.

She worked her hours later in the week after the paper was put to bed.

By 2012, the draw to nursing grew stronger as Kathy studied further and gained more qualifications, so it was time to remove her newspaper hat.

In 2014, Kathy was approached by Rural Northwest Health management to pioneer an important new role as the region’s cancer-resource nurse, and suddenly her career had taken on a whole new meaning.

Kathy supports community members living with cancer to make sure they are getting the right information and treatment and utilising the appropriate services available.

Speak to any of her clients and they will tell you how fantastic she is at her role.

Kathy believes she is now doing the job for which she was destined.

“As busy as I am now, I feel that my whole life has come to this point,” she said.

“I had to learn so much more and it has given me a great understanding and appreciation for how the health system works and how every minute impacts on residents, clients, the community and the service.”

Kathy also continues her role with Ambulance Victoria.

She shuffles that role around six days a fortnight as a cancer-resource nurse, one day as a palliative link nurse and one day as a nurse in aged care at the Hopetoun campus.

Kathy believes Hopetoun has such a strong community because there are many people who dedicate themselves to community as much as she does.

“People who influence my life are not famous. They are locals who say ‘I can do that’ or are just willing to give it a go,” she said.

Kathy said she wasn’t trying to make ‘a difference’ or make things better.

She just wanted to build on the foundations of others.

“I love my job. I have a supportive manager and a wonderful team I can talk to when the day has been difficult,” she said.

“If I make a difference today I don’t care about tomorrow.”

SUNNYSIDE LUTHERAN RETIREMENT VILLAGE 6 Trinity Drive, Horsham (off Culliver Street)

Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village provides Residential Aged Care Accommodation (Trinity Manor) as well as Independent Living Unit (Retirement Village) housing to residents of Horsham and surrounding areas.

Whilst it is a project of the Lutheran Church there is no requirement of religious affiliation to enter the village. People who are able to live independently, but want to be surrounded by the Village community will love our Retirement Village. Those that are needing more supportive care will be well looked after in Trinity Manor. The two types of accommodation are quite different and suited to residents who are at different stages in their life.

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Trinity Manor is a 75 bed Residential Aged Care Home. Rooms are single bedrooms with ensuites. Meals, laundry and cleaning are provided. Care Staff assist residents with daily living tasks such as dressing and hygiene as required and are on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Social activities are also provided. If you are considering an aged care home for yourself or a loved one let us help you to get the answers you need. We welcome enquiries and can provide information on the process to enter residential aged care. These generally include assessments for ‘care requirements’ and ‘Income and Assets’ which determine fees and charges applicable.

There are a total of 66 Independent Living Units in the Village. These units are targeted at people who are able to live independently, although individual residents may receive outside services such as home care or meals on wheels from local providers. A fortnightly fee covers council rates, water rates, insurance on buildings and provision of a maintenance service to the building and equipment supplied. All units are two bedroom with garage accessible from the unit. An ingoing contribution is made on a lease type agreement.

Full details and information fact sheets are available on request.

For further information on the residential options at Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village please contact our office:

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Page 49

Making your dream a reality

Est 1963 Est 1963 Est 1963

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MARG and ROSS love what Wombat comversions have created for them!

Watering the Wimmera With water returning to reservoirs after heavy rain across the region and an overflow spilling from Lake Wartook in the Grampians, regional historian and former Wimmera Mallee Water employee Bob McIlvena provides a snapshot of how pioneers tapped into the most precious of resources.

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Est 1963

Est 1963 Est 1963

I

n 1886 the Wimmera’s first water engineer John Dickson Derry designed and engineered the construction of Lake Wartook in the Grampians, the first irrigation water storage in the colony.

He was also in charge of developing Taylors Lake near Horsham and the first channels of what was to become the largest open channel system in the world.

Derry envisioned the future by the storage of water during wet periods, the construction of reservoirs and to know there 1963 water to maintain flows wouldEst be sufficient

Est 1963

Est 1963 Est 1963

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Est 1963 Est 1963

Est 1963

in natural water courses and channels during dry periods.

And so Derry’s dream continues as we receive above-average rain to sustain us and enhance our future prospects.

Derry’s dream was to provide enough water for domestic and stock purposes and the construction of weirs would allow the diversion of water to irrigate areas of crops, pasture, orchards and vegetable gardens.

The main intention for the stored water in Lake Wartook was for irrigation. This first occurred along the natural water courses of Mackenzie, Bungalally, Norton, Burnt and Darragon creeks.

Water was also released during the devastating water famines, or droughts, of the late 1800s to supply the Horsham urban township.

Water flowed via Mackenzie and Burnt creeks to the Wimmera where it was contained by a timber weir constructed in 1875.

Est 1963

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LifeStyle 2016

Bob McIlvena is pictured with a Horsham Rural City Council mural at Haven which is dedicated to the region’s irrigation history.

Picture: KELLY LAIRD The remnants of the old weir remain in the river bed close to the paddle-boat shed behind Horsham Caravan Park.

A pumping station at the eastern end of Baillie Street pumped water to a tower on land opposite what is now Horsham Regional Library, before it was released into the town’s reticulations system.

The first of the Wimmera irrigation colonies was established by Thomas Young on land east of Dooen Road.

A pipeline and channel from a steampowered pump at the end of Baillie Street supplied water from the Wimmera River.

In the late 1880s, Young also established an irrigation colony at Dooen.

Water supply was from the Wimmera

River via a pumping station, established in 1884 on the northern end of Dooen swamp.

Young also presided over one of the largest stock and station agencies in Australia and was later taken over by Dennys Lascelles.

Following the success of Young’s irrigation areas, other early colonies developed, initially supplied with water from Lake Wartook via natural water courses.

Quantong Colony was supplied via Mackenzie Creek, Burnlea Colony from Burnt Creek, Riverside Colony via Burnt Creek and Arapiles Colony via Mackenzie Creek and channel.

Later in the 1950s irrigation areas known

as Soldier Settlements were established at Drung and Murtoa for former soldiers from the Second World War. One of the first irrigation trusts in Australia was in the Wimmera, with its headquarters in Horsham.

The inaugural meeting of the Western Wimmera Irrigation and Water Supply Trust was in January, 1889 with commissioners Body, Carrol, Keyte, Grant, Carter, Young, Sleater, Koenig, Nattrass, Bushby, Curran and Bell.

Acting secretary was Stuart B. Bolton on a salary of 20 pounds per annum.

It was at this meeting that the construction of a wall across the Victoria Valley to form a huge reservoir to impound

the water of the Glenelg River was discussed. But the project never eventuated.

What Derry could not have envisaged was the ever-increasing population, originally drawn to the Wimmera by a glowing report from explorer Major Thomas Livingstone Mitchell following his expedition through the area in 1836, in which he described the country as ‘Australia Felix’. Australia Felix in Latin means fortunate land.

Most of the 17,500 kilometres of the Wimmera Mallee Channel system have gone and been replaced with the 8800 kilometres of pipes of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline.

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Page 51

New silo art T

By Dean Lawson

he magnetic tourist appeal of a massive mural on grain silos at Brim in the southern Mallee is on track to expand dramatically across Yarriambiack Shire.

Work is underway on a unique 200-kilometre north-south Silo Art Trail from Rupanyup to Patchewollock.

The project will include six silo artworks overall in what some are already calling the largest art gallery in the world.

Tourists have already been making the trip up and down the Henty Highway to see Guido Van Helten’s work at Brim and now fellow landscape-scale artist Fintan Magee has transformed silos at Patchewollock.

Magee is a prominent international artist responsible for amazing and poignant work in Australia and around the world.

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Federal and state governments have backed the Silo Art Trail project, each committing hundreds of thousands of dollars in recognition that it has the potential to inject millions of dollars into the region.

The Yarriambiack Shire Council project also represents an opening of a traditionally agricultural rural shire to fresh industry.

The effect of, and visitor response to, Van Helten’s mural at Brim, in the heart of Yarriambiack Shire, has provided the backbone inspiration for the broader project.

The concept involves murals on a further four silos at Rupanyup, Sheep Hills, Rosebery and Lascelles.

Artists, all with different styles, will work with communities to develop individual works.

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LifeStyle 2016

opens tourist door What is exciting for locals and visitors alike is that in the Wimmera and Mallee people are going to have something special and unique on our own doorstop.

‘Going for a drive’, so much a weekend ritual for many people in the region, takes on a new dimension, combining the ideals of a relaxed exploration of the wide-open spaces with high-quality and dramatic art.

Wimmera Development Association executive director Ralph Kenyon summed the project up earlier this year when he said it was something that would capture the imagination of a lot of people.

“The scale is unbelievable. It’s not just an economic and tourism development – it’s also about community development,” he said.

“For that long, narrow municipality, this ties it all together.

“It’s one of the best projects I’ve seen in years and its significance won’t really be felt until a few years.

“It has the potential to be every bit as significant as Mt Rushmore in the United States, and the likelihood of becoming a holiday must-do for everyone from grey nomads and the arts community to even people with an interest in silos and grain.”

Pictures: Gwen Young

Regional attractions

The project is also likely to open doors for many people yet to fully discover what else our region has to offer.

One example is the annual Patchewollock Music Festival.

Magee started work on his mural at Patchewollock at the same time as the annual festival, prompting organisers to suggest tourists should time their visit to correspond with the annual event.

Festival spokesman Greg ‘Wally’ Wallace said the crowd at this year’s festival, pictured right, was double the previous year.

He agreed the addition of the silo artwork offered even greater potential for the future.

“It is something people planning to do the silo trail might consider,” he said.

“The festival is always in spring, on the second week of October, and people might be able to time their run to include it in their visit.”

Estimations are this year’s Patchewollock festival attracted more than 500 people on the Friday, more than 1000 on the Saturday, between 600 and 700 on the Saturday night and close to 300 on the Sunday morning.

“It’s a fantastic event. All the money we make goes back into making it sustainable for the following year,” Mr Wallace said.

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Horsham’s T

By Peter Miller

he first thing you become aware of when you step inside Horsham Squash Club on game night is the sound of rigorous activity echoing through the building.

Rubber balls slapping around plastered walls, the shuffling and squeaking of rubber shoes on timber floors as racquets make firm contact and the call of the score, can all be heard over the droned murmur of social banter.

There is a buzz of excitement that you can’t ignore.

While many sports are struggling for numbers, squash is experiencing a resurgence in the Wimmera, and Horsham’s club is leading the charge.

Competition numbers have grown by more than 40 percent in the past two years, forcing the club to re-open two spare glass courts it had given up for storage.

So why is squash growing so quickly in Horsham?

Club president Russell Davies has been playing squash since 1974 – about the time he was starting his senior football career at Laharum.

Like so many of his club members, Russell never tires of the game and still drops in

two or three times a week to practice. “It’s an addictive game because the moment you start playing you can see where you can improve your game, and decades later you are still learning new tricks,” he said.

‘

It’s an addictive game because the moment you start playing you can see where you can improve your game, and decades later you are still learning new tricks

’

– Russell Davies

“You watch others play and you see something you can try to add to your game so you have another trick up your sleeve.”

Russell said there was a variety of reasons why squash was having a resurgence here.

“We just seem to be getting the message out there more, and I think our junior program has a lot to do with it,” he said.

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LifeStyle 2016

club leading the charge “There are many juniors picking up the game quickly and then taking on the adults in the night competition.

“Then their parents come down to watch and suddenly they want to take up the game as well.”

Russell said the major benefits of squash were that it was open to all ages and was played indoors.

“This means anyone can play and at any time of the year or any time of day,” he said.

“You can have a hit on your own or you can play with people above or below your own standard, and you still get a decent hit.

“It’s a very social game and the best game for your fitness.”

Russell said many people took up squash when they were too old to play football or basketball.

“Us older players love it because you aren’t chasing the ball as much. It keeps bouncing around the walls and coming back to you,” he said.

Horsham players have enjoyed success at tournaments across Victoria and throughout Australia.

Victorian Masters tournaments are played several times each year for players aged 30 and older and once a year Victorian teams play for their state in the Australian Masters.

“We had two players represented in Darwin recently and in Perth last year, and before that we had three play in Canberra who won their division title,” Russell said.

“We just finished hosting the biennial Western Districts tournament which attracts players from as far as Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, Millicent and Naracoorte, and a few from Melbourne.

“The level of squash at all these tournaments is exceptional and it’s exciting to watch.

“It’s the best free entertainment you could wish for.”

Russell said many players at Australian Masters tournaments were in their 60s and 70s and some were in their 80s.

“Some of our top players are in their early 60s and they give the young players a good run for their money,” he said.

“These older players are just so inspirational to watch – as they get slower, they become more cunning with their shot selection.

“It’s more proof of how addictive the sport is and how it can keep you healthy.”

• Horsham’s courts are in McPherson Street, opposite Horsham Showground.

Other Wimmera towns with competitions and courts include Ararat, Nhill, Donald, Warracknabeal, Stawell and St Arnaud.

ts

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e world’s ted squash as th ra e in az ag M es • Forb -climbing and nt of rowing, rock fro in t or sp st ie health swimming. t on the , 30 minutes spen es rb Fo to g in rd • Acco e cardioyou ‘an impressiv s ve gi t ur co sh squa g and rallies ’. Constant runnin ut ko or w ry to ira resp th in your lower d muscular streng an e nc ra du en xibility in your build n even improve fle ca sh ua sq d an , body lunges and turns ks to the twists, an th , ck ba d an core . the ball on the go necessary to keep sh can burn up to • An hour of squa 1000 calories.

Tom Kelson from Warrnambool competes at Horsham Squash Club.

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Page 55

Eat healthy, live healthy

The benefits a good clean diet and proper digestion can do wonders for the body.

1

Healthy weight loss

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Regular, consistent and optimal bowel movements

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Enhanced elimination of toxins

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Improved absorption of nutrients

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Heightened mental clarity

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Increased immune system and disease defenses

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Increase energy and stamina

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Relief from mood disorders

Come see the friendly staff for more tips on living a healthier happier lifestyle.

The beautiful church window, built from money given by Violet Cramer’s grateful former students and friends, pictured in St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham.

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Poet glorifies Arapiles A

rapiles: “What wonders migh’st thou tell of inland seas that washed around thy base and tossed to waves; and broke in rainbow spray against thy crest…”

These passionate words, written in the classic old-English style of an era long past, flowed from the pen of Violet Cramer, poet extraordinaire, musician and music teacher, in her romantic appraisal of Mount Arapiles, probably written between the two world wars.

Cramer, 1879-1968, is remembered in Horsham today by a diminishing number of music students and close friends as a tiny figure ‘less than five feet tall’, often dressed in black, living quietly in a modest house in Andrew Street, near her beloved St John’s Anglican Church.

She was well known across the Wimmera as a skilled pianoforte tutor, perhaps less as a Sunday school teacher at Saint John’s, also as an organist, and dedicated committee member of Horsham Music Club.

After her death in 1968, music students and friends raised money for a beautiful church window in appreciation of her long

contribution to church and community life.

War poems

Cramer’s skill as a poet emerges strongly for posterity through the surprise discovery of a small booklet in a bundle of old sheet music sold with her piano at auction in Horsham almost 50 years ago.

Its title ‘Stray Thoughts’ with accreditation ‘by Violet B. Cramer’ identifies the author. The price of the booklet, printed at the office of the old Horsham Times, is shown as ‘one shilling.’

Probably unknown to most during the piano teacher’s busy life as a music teacher was the national recognition she had already received as Poet of the First World War. Her huge poetry output unveils a fiercely patriotic spirit, love for nature’s beauty, the English monarchy, her church and desire for lasting peace.

In the Australian War Memorial at Canberra, and National Gallery, Cramer’s name appears alongside other recognised female poets of the First World War, among them Mary Grant Bruce, 1878-1955, Dame Mary Gilmore, 1865-1962, and Dorothea Mackellar, 1885-1968.

Sixteen poems in Cramer’s small booklet recovered in Horsham include Welcome to the Prince of Wales – On His Visit to Australia, May 1920, Joan of Arc, The Throne of Peace, The Conquest of Jerusalem, A Song of Wattle Blossom, Surrender of German Warships, Dawn on the Blue Mountains and Arapiles.

Following is her poem on Mount Arapiles:

Arapiles

By Violet B. Cramer Thou solitary mount! Whence cam’st thou?

In days gone by did some strong, giant hand Hurtle thee headlong from a stormy sky.

Swift as a thunderbolt, upon the earth?

Thy scarred and rugged face looks to the east, Facing the sunrise: Sphinx-like dost thou stand, Linking the future and the past in one, Reading life’s riddles, patient, silent, still.

Adown thy furrowed cheeks the tears have streamed Through many a wintry gale, when foot of man Broke not the solitude. If thou couldst speak

What wonders might’st thou tell of inland seas That washed around thy base, and tossed to waves, And broke in rainbow spray against thy crest.

Round thy fast-rooted feet to-day wild flowers Blossom and fade, and dimpled lakelets smile, Mirroring the sunshine; and the jackass laughs Scornful among the treetops as of yore; Through the clear liquid air The mellow note of magpie rings, Pouring his heart in song of bursting joy.

Thy sides are clothed with verdure, and in clefts That storms have seared grow mosses, ferns and flowers.

Only thy face is bare, and in its lines We trace the passing of unnumbered years.

A monument thou stand’st of the dim past, Watching through time till time shall be no more – A patient, silent sentinel, alone – alone.

– Maurice Lawson

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Page 57

Did you know?

T

he Wimmera-Mallee-Grampians collective represents about a third of Victoria and as such a large geographical region has plenty of told and untold stories.

The region has as much a colourful history as anywhere in Australia.

Lifestyle Wimmera, in tapping into the resources of The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM, provides a snapshot of the many curiosities about the region.

1. History is dotted with military stories of great cavalry charges and the last of these came during the First World War at the fortified wells of Beersheba, near Gaza in the Middle East.

Members of the Australian Light Horse mounted infantry, with bayonets drawn, made the famous and successful charge on Turkish positions.

Wimmera troops and horses were heavily involved in the attack, none more so than Rupanyup publican and later stock and station agent James Lawson.

Lawson as Commander of 23 Squadron spearheaded the charge and won a Distinguished Service Order for leadership and valour.

On returning to the Wimmera, Lawson was involved in civic affairs and sat on Wimmera Football League’s tribunal for many years.

2. The west Wimmera can claim to have produced its fair share of notable Australians who went on to influence the Australian cultural landscape.

Of particular note is Penola-born poet John Shaw Neilson.

Neilson grew up in South Australian-Victorian farming country, most of the time in poverty, moving in the late 1800s from South Australia with his family to Minimay to Dow Well, west of Nhill, to Nhill and eventually the Mallee.

Neilson struggled through an estimated 200 different jobs in 30 years in Victoria and NSW and on his death fellow poet James Devany summed him up with ‘the

poor working man who has left us a legacy of endless wealth’.

Despite having an obvious command of descriptive writing, failing eyesight curtailed his reading from a relatively early age and he had to dictate many of his poems.

3. Internationally acclaimed and provocative alternative Australian musician Nick Cave was born at Warracknabeal and spent a few brief years there before shifting to Wangaratta.

It is far from unusual for high-profile celebrities to be born in the region.

For example, film star Portia de Rossi was born in Horsham and former Prime Minister Robert Menzies hails from Jeparit.

But during the 2000s Cave, now based in England, announced in dialogue stretching several years, that he wanted to erect an enormous statue of himself on a rearing horse at Warracknabeal.

It never happened, but to this day, people are unsure whether or how far Cave’s tongue was in his cheek.

4. Lake Albacutya in the northern Wimmera is listed as a wetland of international significance but has not had any water in it since 2000. It was last full in 1996.

The lake overflowed and spilled into northern Mallee waterways during wet years of the early to mid 1970s, enough so that adventurers could canoe from the Grampians to the Big Desert.

The lake and nearby Lake Hindmarsh, which has to fill before water gets to Albacutya and is also empty, are the subject of fishing and yabbying legend and were both at one time home to busy commercial fishing fleets.

5. The Wimmera has produced some unique moments in the sport of cricket but none hold a candle to the visit by W. G. Grace, the father of cricket, and his touring English team to Stawell in 1874.

Grace’s team of 11 took on a Stawell lineup of 22 at Central Park. Stawell won the game by 10 wickets.

The scores show W. G. Grace’s XI fell foul of bowlers Samuel Cosstick and John Conway and was all out for 43.

W. G. Grace The Stawell 22 did marginally better, all out for 71.

In a second dig, the W. G. Grace team made 91 and Stawell 11-64.

In a twist, the Stawell line-up included Thomas Wills, who grew up at Lexington Station at Moyston, and is considered the founding father of Australian Rules football.

Years later he stabbed himself to death with a pair of scissors.

Another notable Wimmera cricket claim came in 1982 when a touring New Zealand team unveiled a potential new star called

Martin Crowe in a match against a Victorian Country team.

Crowe made 77 playing against familiar Wimmera cricket stars such as Peter Homden, Ian Morgan, Robert Scott, Barry Ballantine, Don Fritsch, Steve Harvey and Barry Hopper.

Crowe went on to a stellar international career, becoming Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1985, playing 77 tests where he made 5444 runs at an average of 45.36 and 247 One Day Internationals, hitting 19,608 at 56.02.

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