2 About Us

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Hepburn Shire. The next edition is due out on Monday, February 3.

Advertising deadline:

Space bookings: Wednesday, January 29Copy provided by: Thursday, January 30

Editorial deadline: Thursday, January 30

Editor: Donna KellyPhotography: Kyle BarnesSales: Donna Kelly and Kyle BarnesGraphic designer: Glen HeyneSub-editors: Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith

Editorial and sales - 5348 7883 / 0416 104 283 / 0418 576 513dhslocal@gmail.com / dhslocal.com.auPhoto sales - High resolution - $20 e-edition at dhslocal.com.au - and click through on the link!

Front cover: Cousins Catrina and Dion, both five, are ready to celebrate Australia Day in style. The Local photographer Kyle Barnes caught up with the pair, sporting Australian flag tattoos, outside the Daylesford RSL.

Australia Day events - Page 14

The Local is going from strength to strength and now covers the entire Hepburn Shire. You can find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/DHSLocal, online - issuu.com/dhslocal (handy if you’ve missed an issue) and

in newsagencies, post offices, information centres, cafes, hotels, general stores and there’s even been one copy spotted in a bar in Thailand.

We’re partnering up with some great organisations including Daylesford Community Bank, ChillOut, Lavandula and Glenlyon Sports Day.

And, in the near future, we’re going weekly! Yes, we listened to what you were saying and have decided to make the jump to a weekly publication.

We’ll still have all the great profiles, news, entertainment, information, oh, and fantastic photo spreads, but you’ll just get it more often.

So thanks for all your support so far. Whether you are an advertiser, a reader, a reviewer or just someone who is happy to push our publication through word of mouth.

Someone said recently to us, and it’s quite true, that community publications were originally started by locals for locals. Then big news groups bought them out and “the local” side of things slipped a little.

And in this day and age of going off-shore to increase profit margins, “the local” bit can really go wayward.

We can guarantee you that, apart from printing because there was no-one in the region with an offset printer, we don’t even go off-shire.

The writing, photography and business is based in Glenlyon, adverts are made up in Hepburn Springs, sub-editing is done in Daylesford and our gardening, music and concert reviewers live in Lyonville, Hepburn and Newlyn.

Oh, and our bank is which bank? Daylesford Community Bank, of course!So if you have a local issue you want aired, a local event you want promoted and covered

or a local business that needs an advertising campaign, come to The Local.It’s for the locals, by the locals.And always will be.

Cheers,

Donna

News 3

Volunteers quitting after tourism resignations but Hepburn Shire CEO insists support remains

VOLUNTEERS at Daylesford’s Regional Visitor Information Centre are quitting in droves after the position of Economic

and Tourism Development manager was made redundant – and the resignation of two senior tourism officers.

The manager, John Collins, finished up last week after his role was combined with that of the community development manager to create a new role, “Manager Economic and Community Development”.

Visitor Services coordinator Deb Shaddock also finished up last week after resigning and centre coordinator Fae Wilson has also resigned.

It is believed that six volunteers resigned last week.Volunteers have told The Local that without any support

it would be impossible to continue in their roles of providing tourism information to visitors.

Volunteer Pamela Werner said it was going to be “hard to carry on”.

“We have had such wonderful support from all the people from the office and worked up such a lovely camaraderie,” she said.

“It’s a shame they’ve suddenly all decided to go. What’s going on?”

Volunteer Claire Stephens said the council seems to “have ignored the value of long term staff and their valuable commitment to Daylesford.”

An email to volunteers from Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond, seen by The Local, stated “a great number” had “expressed disappointment in John Collins leaving the organisation and in addition raised concerns with the title of the position not specifically stating tourism in it”.

“I would like to confirm that this in no ways seeks to diminish the organisation’s efforts in regards to tourism,” he says.

Mr van Egmond said the resignations of Deb Shaddock and Fae Wilson would impact in the short term.

“We are putting in place arrangements to ensure on-going support for VIC volunteers.

“While this has presented a number of challenges, I would like to confirm that Hepburn Shire Council will ensure that support is provided to you as a volunteer.

“This may be more difficult in the short term however I would like to work with you to ensure that visitors to the Hepburn Shire are provided with the best service that is possible.”

Mr van Egmond says he intends to work from the centre over the next couple of months for several half days and encourages volunteers to raise any specific ideas or concerns with him.

A meeting for volunteers is planned for Wednesday, January 22.

Still standing: Volunteers Claire Stephens, left, and Pamela Werner are concerned at the loss of long term support staff

4 The Arts

Clayton shows plenty of bottle at Clunes

CLAYTON Edwards describes himself as a display artist. And one of his most public displays must be the Clunes Bottle Museum, home to the George Lee

Medlyn Bottle Collection, where visitors wander through old fashioned streetscapes, designed by Mr Edwards, admiring more than 6000 rare and unique bottles of all shapes and sizes.

The museum itself came about with Mr Medlyn’s passion for old bottles.

Born in 1921 at St Arnaud, Victoria, Mr Medlyn spent most of his life as a sheep farmer and wool classer. But while doing a little fossicking for gold he discovered bottles alongside the diggings.

In 1985, with storage becoming a problem at home, he and his second wife, Joyce Harrison bought the former Clunes State School and The Bottle Museum, bequeathed to the local shire after his death nine years later, was born.

Mr Edwards, who has since started his own display company, Design and Props, said the inspiration for a new way of displaying the bottles came from a museum in New Zealand – where streetscapes were on offer.

It took him, and about 15 pretty much full-time volunteers, to finish the project including many weekends spent sourcing products and materials.

“It was probably about a year’s worth of weekends of collecting materials and second hand products people didn’t want,” he said.

“We found a lot of the stuff on people’s street corners. Somebody might have pulled down an old fence - perfect for the weatherboard buildings.

“And as we got through the project and created an area we were lucky enough to get funding through the Hugh Williamson Foundation.”

Mr Edwards said one of the biggest challenges, as an artist with the vision for the end product, was “keeping more of the non-artistic people in check with creating something artistic”.

“(But) at the end, with the result that we got from using the materials and people who worked with us, we were reasonably happy with the product,” he said.

“(And) when I return to the museum and see the numbers of people coming through it is quite pleasing to see where it came from and what it is now – and have people appreciate it.”

The Clunes Bottle Museum, which is adjacent to the Clunes Visitor Centre in the former primary school at 70 Bailey Street, Clunes, is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

OPEN EVERY DAY10am - 6pm

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST MIX OF COLLECTABLES - VINTAGE FASHION - BOOKS - RECORDS -

- INDUSTRIAL - ANTIQUES - ART - DÉCOR - JEWELLERY - WITH THE LICENSED Peppermill Café

www.millmarkets.com.au105 Central Springs Rd Daylesford Vic 3460 Tel: 03 5348 4332

This article first appeared in Arts Atlas and is reprinted with permission.

Link: www.artsatlas.com.au

News 5

New business hit by thieves

RECENT arrivals to Daylesford, Emma and Nigel Taylor, have had a week’s takings stolen from their

new business.The couple opened Moss & Burrows, in

Daylesford’s Raglan Street, late last year.They moved to Daylesford from Fremantle,

with their two-year-old son Casper, keen for a country lifestyle.

But on the evening of January 10, their car, which was parked outside their Vincent Street home, was broken into.

Mr Taylor said the couple had left their till float, with a week’s takings, in the car.

“We were in such a rush to get young Casper out of the car and cool down, because it was so hot,” he said.

“But the hot weather also meant the week had been fairly quiet for the business.

“The thief only got away with just over a thousand dollars.”

Ms Taylor said despite the theft, the move to the Central Highlands was going well.

“We have received a lot of support for the store and from the town. It is so social – we just love it,” she said.

“Casper is at Daylesford Day Care and he loves it. He is already reaping the benefits of our new, slower lifestyle.”

SAMUEL Johnson was greeted like a hero as he rode into Hepburn earlier this month

as part of his fundraising unicycle ride around Australia.

More than 400 people headed to The Savoia Hotel to welcome Mr Johnson back to his hometown.

Donations towards breast cancer research poured into the hotel all day including a family of four who insisted on paying $200 at the door.

A total of $6123 was raised on the night, from the door charge, donations, auction and a percentage of profits from the bar. All money will go to Love Your Sister’s chosen benefactor The Garvan Institute for Breast Cancer Research.

Mr Johnson started his epic journey just on a year ago after his sister Connie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

The greeting at The Savoia Hotel was “the biggest welcome” he had around Australia, he said.

“We can’t believe it. I am just so overwhelmed, I had no idea I was so loved.

“My dad won the local tennis championship here seven times, I have won it once and I’m keen to win again! I can’t wait to come back to live in this community.”

Event organisers were Andrea Lindsay, Kim Gilliott, Nel Staite and Lisa Gervasoni. Ms Staite said they wanted to thank everyone involved.

“It was the biggest event this town has seen in a long time, because the whole community was involved in some way.

“Right from the beginning we were overwhelmed with offers of donations and help from every sector of the community, the generosity was incredible.

“Every business, every musician, every single person who contributed to the event , everybody donated their time, products and skills for free.

“This meant we were able to donate 100 per cent of all the money raised to Love Your Sister; any costs incurred from the event were generously covered by the Daylesford District Community Bank.”

Ms Staite said the organisers felt “extremely proud to play a small role in enabling this community to express their gratitude and appreciation of what has been a mammoth effort, of one brother expressing the love for his sister and the frustrating experience cancer has brought to many families”.

“We had three main objectives for this event, to raise money, to make it personal and to make Sam cry. Tick, tick, tick.”

Photos: Pages 16 and 17.

Welcome home for actor Samuel Johnson

The couple will be holding workshops at the rear of the stop this year.

They hope to “enlist clever people” to teach a range of arts and crafts.

“We were in such a rush to get young

Casper out of the car and cool down.”

For the Daylesford, Hepburn Region.ADVERTISEMENT

Authorised by G Howard, 15 Main Rd Ballarat.

geoff howard mp StAte MeMBeR FoR BAllARAt eASt15 Main Road, Ballarat VIC 3350 P: 5331 7722 E: geoff.howard@parliament.vic.gov.au

“ As your local State Member of Parliament, the most important part of my job is to keep listening to your concerns. I can assist with anything relating to the Victorian Government and provide you with information and advice. I would also love to know what you think are the most important issues facing our community.”

My Sayby Donna Kelly

6 Opinion

TOURISM, I think most people would agree, is the main economic driver in Daylesford and Hepburn.

And that’s not a bad thing.I asked a long term farmer what they thought about the influx of tourists to their

formerly sleepy little towns, and she said it was great.It meant her children could find jobs in town and not move away, there was a

choice of doctor and there were even two supermarkets.I imagine most people also like the choice of dining options, the myriad

festivals and just the plain old money the tourists bring. Mostly.So it seems odd that the Hepburn Shire Council has combined the role of

economic and tourism manager, with community development manager, and created the single role of “manager Economic and Community Development”.

Just as a side note, don’t these titles just bring you to tears? I don’t know who invented them but whoever you are they just don’t make bloody sense. Can’t we just go back to the simple Economic and Community Development manager? Please.

But, I digress. Back to tourism. Well, not back to tourism because it’s now disappeared from the title altogether. And even if the new Economic and Community Development manager (see how easy that is) spends half their time

on economic devopment and tourism, it’s still a 50 per cent drop from the full-time role.

Maybe. Council officer chief executive, sorry chief executive officer, Aaron van Egmond, told me that was a “simplistic way” of looking at it. (Sadly I am a pretty simple person).

Mr van Egmond said the restructure would give the council the opportunity to implement a range of new tourism initiatives. But, he added, the clarity around that would take some time. (I’m glad he added that because it’s as clear as mud to me at the moment.)

The other problem facing the council is the mass exodus of tourism staff. The manager leaving was a “planned restructure” but since then two more officers, in fact, every tourism-related officer, has quit.

And now volunteers at the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre are also quitting. In droves. Because while they are amazing people who put their hand up to to work for the council, for free, they do want and need support.

And if no-one is there to back them up they will either pick up their bat and ball and go home, or find another “job”.

Mr van Egmond says he will work a few half days from the centre over coming months. I just hope his tourism knowledge is up to speed. He might need it.

Tourism restructure simply clear as mud

News 7

New brand fits with council’s “lean thinking”

Lyonville ready for axemen

HEPBURN Shire Council has a new brand.

A council report said the brand, which uses a font similar to Galeforce BTN but was “scripted by a graphic designer” is described as “artistic and flowing in nature and stands alone without the need for support elements such as an icon”.

“It is simple and progressive, and also fits with our lean thinking and pursuit of cost effective ways to conduct business.”

The brand will be adopted for “progressive implementation” starting with the council’s website redevelopment.

The council report said the website redevelopment was necessary with the existing website developed 10 years ago and “no longer representative of council’s core values or future direction”.

“The current content management system is outdated, difficult to use and incurs significant licence fees.

“The site is therefore visually unappealing and difficult for the end user to find information.”

Council has set aside $25,000 for the website and

new branding. Collingwood based Empire Creative Group, whose own website was being updated as this article was written, has been appointed to undertake the website redevelopment and branding review project.

“The redevelopment of the website provides council with an opportunity to review the Hepburn Shire Council brand and develop a logo that represents council as a progressive, contemporary and efficient organisation,” the report says.

“The redeveloped website will improve communication with our community and stakeholders, provide a user-friendly CMS (content management system) that promotes increased levels of ownership by staff to ensure relevant content is published to the site, improved website navigation and relevant content will increase efficiency through a reduction in enquiries to customer service staff (and) reduce cost through a free CMS.

“A brand review will strengthen our internal identity, cohesion, and capacity. A brand review will also feed into the website redevelopment and potential shift into social media.

“Our brand should reflect our personality, vision,

strengths and values.”The report says council should mitigate any risk

of a negative perception regarding expenditure on rebranding by communicating the benefits and cost savings associated with the redevelopment of council’s website and rebranding with the community.

In response to the new logo, Cr Bill McClenaghan is now signing his emails with “This e-mail sponsored privately at no cost to Hepbwn (sic) Shire ratepayers”.

AXEMEN, like Harold Suckling, are sharpening their axes in readiness for the Lyonville Wood Chop.

Mr Suckling, who has been a part of the event for the past 48 years, but retired two years ago from competition, said the day attracted a large crowd to the Lyonville Hall.

“We’ve got around 30 entries at this stage,” he said.“But they don’t close until the weekend so we’ll

see how we go.”Mr Suckling said favourites for the Victorian

Championship were local Brad Hains, who recently won at the New Year’s Day Glenlyon Sports Day and Broadford born and bred Brayden Meyer.

The day, on Saturday, February 2, starts around 10.30am and finishes up at 3.30pm with plenty of country attractions including a barbeque, produce stalls, a raffle, bar and spinning wheel.

Children’s races, gumboot throwing and the ladies nail driving are also fiercely contested.

All proceeds go towards the Lyonville Hall.

8 News

Walking group marching towards 25th anniversaryNEXT year marks the 25th anniversary

of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Walking Group. Members Margaret and Robert McDonald have created a short history of the group and they are working with a small project team of walkers to map and document selected walks. They aim to lodge these pamphlets at Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre for the use of other walkers. They took time for a chat with The Local’s Kyle Barnes.

KB: When did the group get under way?M&R: About May 10, 1990 signalled the

inaugural walk initiated by the Neighbourhood House. It started with five walkers on a Thursday afternoon leaving the house at 1pm, returning by 4pm. The first walk was from Lake Daylesford to Tipperary Springs - a round trip. Most were to be in the Wombat Forest or Hepburn Regional Park area.

KB: Why was the group established?M&R: Walks aimed to be friendly, social

events. Getting fit, whilst enjoying the many bush tracks, forest roads, mining relics and bushlands of our area. The group membership was fluid with no set leadership structure.

KB: How many walkers do you get on average?

M&R: Up to July 1990 numbers on the weekly walks averaged nine to 10 people. Walkers averaged two to four kilometres per hour so most walks covered six to 10 kilometres. By May 1991 a little more structure evolved with Maureen Corbert in a leadership role, walks were documented, and the walk time changed to Friday 12.30pm to 3-30pm. A weekly walking schedule was drawn up on a three-monthly basis and these walks were advertised widely in the community. Toward the end of 1992 the average numbers walking was 10 to14 each week.

KB: Obviously safety was paramount?M&R: Yes, for safety reasons it was felt there

needed to be some more structure to the group. A small first aid kit started to be carried, someone became responsible at the back of the walk to make sure no walkers were left behind and one person was to be responsible to plan the route and lead the walk of the day.

KB: And how many members do you have now?

M&R: There are now 40-odd members in the group and walks average 20 plus people.

Walkers still meet outside the old Court House at 9am and return about 12-12-30pm. Later times if it is a full day walk. Trevor Thomson, a long time group member, has also created a web site http://tinyurl.com/2qqapa that has information about the group walks and where the next walk

will be. Walk rosters are also available from the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre.

KB: And who is your latest coordinator?M&R: In 2013 Ian McKenzie assumed the

role of group coordinator. Ian has introduced an “Emergency Information” process and has established a library of books donated by the late Ron James. A full roster of walks has been established for 2014 and some new walk leaders have been identified. Walks are now conducted in places such as Ballarat, Creswick and Mount Macedon. Fortnightly round-up p13.

Freak weather

IN A freak act of nature a Glenlyon home has had its roof relocated to the front yard. Late in the evening of January 15, the unoccupied home experienced a localised northerly tornado, which ripped the roof in one piece from the house. Meanwhile the trampolines and patio furniture on the north facing remained untouched just a couple of metres below the roof line.

Heather Peace headline act

SYDNEY Mardi Gras Fair Day headliner Heather Peace will be

performing at this year’s ChillOut Festival.

Ms Peace said she was “really excited about coming back to Daylesford”.

“It’s a lovely town and we had some brilliant massages last year and lunch at a beautiful little café plus the audience at the gig were just brilliant – all in all, awesome memories,” she said..

“This time, I’m so delighted to be playing at the ChillOut Festival because I get to play some of the new songs from my forthcoming album and I’m also looking forward to checking out some of the other great artists performing.”

Ms Peace, ChillOut’s headline performer, will be at the Daylesford Town Hall on Friday, March 7. Doors open at 7pm. Cost is $35 or $30 concession.

Tickets and all program details: www.chilloutfestival.com.au

My Story 9

Marlene leaving Glenlyon but looking forward to a new chapter in Creswick

MARLENE Sewell is looking forward to using public transport and walking to the shops. For the past 53 years, the Glenlyon resident has

driven nearly every day, even to the general store.But there’s a new chapter looming as Ms Sewell moves

to Creswick with her partner Ron Barron.Ms Sewell moved to Glenlyon when she married her

husband, also named Ron, in 1961.Mr Sewell, who passed away eight years ago, was

Glenlyon born and bred and while the family moved to Ballarat for a short period and leased their farm, they moved back when he was just 16.

The couple raised their family at the farm and Ms Sewell said she had “enjoyed everything about Glenlyon”.

“But I’m not getting any younger,” she said.“I was here for Black Saturday, I’m allergic to jumping

ants and I had sciatica for a while and couldn’t drive.“We looked at Daylesford but couldn’t find anything

and at Creswick I can walk to the shops, there’s a bus stop around the corner and the train to Ballarat or Melbourne.”

But while it’s a practical move, Ms Sewell said she would “be back here plenty”.

One reason will be to visit her daughter, who has taken up nursing in Ballan and will move into the family home, and her son Rodney is also “just up the road”.

Long forged friendships will also remain in place including with her “great neighbours” Margaret and Gerald Coffey.

“Ron got Gerald into the fire brigade – and look at him now.” (Mr Coffey recently received a national medal for service to the community through the CFA.)

Ms Sewell said her memories of Glenlyon included helping out at the general store when it was also a telephone exchange.

“I’d been a telephonist so I helped Lois Kennedy out sometimes. There were just 21 subscribers when I moved here.

“It was a very friendly community. Everybody knew everybody. We had mid-week ladies badminton in the shire hall. And we were in the fire brigade and the Red Cross.”

The most recent group she’s joined is the Glenlyon Walking Club, whose members recently held a surprise morning tea along with the gift of a forget-me-not rose bush.

Marlene Sewell, pictured at Glenlyon’s Avenue of Federation, is looking forward to a new chapter but knows she will miss her garden.

And while Glenlyon may have been home, Ms Sewell will also keep up her association with Daylesford as a keen bowler and member of the Probus Club.

“Creswick’s not very far away so people will still be seeing a lot of me. And they can stop worrying about me being out here on my own.

“But when I look out at my garden I know I will miss it.”

“It was a very friendly community. Everybody

knew everybody.”

PLANTSON SALE

10 - 12 am every Thursday morning and first Sunday morning each month

at theFriends of Wombat Hill

Botanic Gardens -potting area, adjacent to

Wombat Hill HouseWombat Hill House

Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens POBox 267 Daylesfordfriends @wombathill.org

10 News

U3A Hepburn Shire

Enrolment Morning 2014

Thursday, 23 JanuaryCoffee and registration at 10am

Meeting at 10.30amSenior Citizens’ Centre, rear of Town

Hall, DaylesfordClass enrolment, membership renewal

and new members join up. Select from a wide range of activities in

Semester 1.Everyone is welcome.

Learning Together For Pleasure

Certificate II in Production Horticulture Commencing March Certificate III in Aged Care/Certificate III in Home and Community Care Commencing 7/3/2014 Certificate IV in Disability Commencing March 2014 Certificates in General Education for Adults. Courses ongoing throughout the year. Call for further details Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is a hands-on option for students who wish to complete Years 10, 11 and 12 in an adult learning environment VCAL offers pathways into further study, employment and apprenticeships. Commencing 10/03/2014. Introduction to Aged Care Commencing Feb 14 5 sessions $50 Orientation to Horticulture Learn how to create a veggie patch, prune and propagate Commencing 7/02/14 5 sessions $50 Introduction to Computers and Mobile Devices - Including IPads, IPhones, Computer Business Skills, Skype, Blogs and all your Web and Internet needs. Offering one on one sessions and small classes. Commencing 13/02/ 14 $10.00 per class or $5.00 concession

Tai Chi Sweet Justice Choir Knitters/Crochet Mondays Mondays Thursday & Monday Yoga & Chi Kung with Larch @ Holy Cross (Yoga-Mon.) 27/1 5.15—6.45pm $180 for 10 wks/$18 ps. (Yoga) - Tue.) 28/1 10.15—11.45am (Chi Kung –Tue)28/1 9.00-10.00am $160 for 10 wks All Abilities Garden Group Tuesdays (Starts Feb) 9.30—3.00 All Abilities Life Skills Group Wednesdays (Starts Feb) 9.30—3.00 Wholefood Collective now has a new home @ the DNC in the Old Police Cottage Saturdays & Wednesdays

Go Fishing with Nature Pete Barista Training Basic Massage Poetry Seasons Creative writing Bee Keeping Painting/Watercolours Funky Sewing Baking/Bread Classes Curry Cooking 1 Pot Wonders Cooking Digital Photography Back to Work “Boot Camp” Photocopying Hire of Space Internet Hub Hire of Equipment Broadband for Seniors Laminating Faxing Legal Aid Job Agencies Meeting Rooms For details check out our website www.ourneighourhood.org.au and Facebook page

Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre Nationally Accredited Courses

Pre Accredited and Pathway Programs

Hospitality

Home, Living and Learning

Food Handlers (Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures)

Classes scheduled for February and March. $135/$130 Concession Responsible Serving Of Alcohol (RSA) Wed 19/2 /& Wed 19/3/14 5.00pm—9.00pm $90/$85 Concession

First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2 & CPR (Cardio Pulmo-nary Resuscitation Friday 28/03/2014 9.00am to 3.00pm $60/CPR $80/Level 1 $130/includes Level s 1, 2 & CPR

French Conversation - For Beginners Learn the basics of French Conversation whist playing Petanque @ Lavandula (Shepards Flat) begins 19/01/14@3pm French Conversation - Intermediate Ongoing Classes Starting 28/1/14 Tuesdays 5-6pm French Cuisine with Graham Lockyer Sat. 01/03/14 (6 classes in total—come to all classes or select the classes that suit you ) from preparing Entrees through to Desserts. Costs include lunch. $28 per class/$25 concession $168 for 6 classes/$150.00 Concession

Wild Foods Walk—With Alexis Pitsopoulos Stroll through Daylesford in search of edible wild plants. Learn about their culinary and medicinal uses. Followed by a cooking (and eating) class Sundays 10.00 am – 11.30am Banquet 11.30am – 1pm Walk only $30 (Conc. $25/Children $15) Banquet only $30 (Conc. $25) Walk & Banquet $55 (Conc. $45/Children $30) Alexander Technique Monday evenings Alexander Technique is a set of skills that helps people suffering pain, poor posture or stress, it offers a gentle path to long-term relief.

Current Affairs Discussion Group Wednesdays @10.30am

Team Dynamics & Business Success Workshops giving you an understanding of personality types using Myer Briggs 1st Workshop Feb/2014 $280 per session How to Successfully Keep Chickens How to keep health happy chickens in your own backyard. Feb 2014 Saturday Workshops $85

Coming soon

Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre 13 Camp Street Daylesford Phone: 5348 3569 Email: daylesford@ourneighbourhood.org.au

Services available

VCAL

A pre enrolment interview is a requirement for all nationally accredited courses

Government subsidised training places are available for eligible students. Call us to find out more information or to discuss your study options.

To discuss your study options or find out more about a course please call the Centre.

These are short, pre accredited courses designed for learners to gain

First Aid

Groups at the Daylesford Neighbourhood

Dr. Jun KIMAcupuncture

Chinese Herbal MedicineCupping Therapy

0474 707 925 Call or SMS for booking Monday and Tuesday

5 Tenth StHepburn Springs

Health Rebates Available

News 11

Retail therapy @ Avds 5 tenth st. wed - Sun

or by appointmentin highly fashionable

hepburn springs5348 2111

unique handmade pieces.Buffalo horn jewellery.McLaren pottery.Sterling silver.

12 noon - 3pmCost: $45 (cost includes a kit of materials and refreshments)

Bookings can be made in person at Moss & Burrows or via email

SIP AND MAKE WORKSHOP

Moss & Burrows22 Raglan Street

Daylesford T:5348 4433

Make a funky macrame or crocheted cord necklace while enjoying a glass of

champagne and a social afternoon

Workshop is a collaboration between Moss & Burrows and

Emma Taylormossandburrows@hotmail.comJanette Wotherspoonmystudioreddoor@gmail.com

Dates: Friday 21st February 2014 Or Saturday 22nd February 2014

World peace diet author

AUTHOR of The World Peace Diet, Will Tuttle, will be in Daylesford next month.

Dr Tuttle’s book, The World Peace Diet, presents a set of principles showing how people can move their consciousness forward to become “more free, more intelligent, more loving, and more content”.

The principles in The World Peace Diet incorporate systems theory, teachings from the human sciences, world mythologies and religions and apply to people of conscience from any, or no, faith tradition.

“If you could sum my message up in a simple phrase, it would be: Respect for all life,” Dr Tuttle said.

Dr Tuttle will speak at the Daylesford Town Hall on February 16 at 2pm.Tickets are $12.50 pre-show before January 10, $15 pre-show after January 10,

$10 concession and $18 at the door. Details: www.willtuttletour.org.au

Garden beds full of vegiesTWO garden beds, at the front of the Daylesford Campus of Hepburn

Health Service, are now full of vegies thanks to volunteers and donations from the community.

Spokeswoman Fiona Porter said Hepburn Health Service would be using the space, at the corner of Hospital and Jamieson streets, to grow different varieties of food that will be available for community members to take home.

“Social workers are able to use the space to take clients to talk and garden at the same time, this is then a pathway to encourage people to get involved in the community garden next to the library in Daylesford, encouraging isolated people towards healthy food options, social warming and physical exercise - a positive way to access free food,” she said.

“There is one accessible bed for people with limited mobility and one ground level bed designed to encourage children into the garden.”

The Thursday gardening group, run by Hepburn Shire Council, will maintain the garden every Thursday along with staff, community members and clients of the Hepburn Health Service. Harvested produce will be available daily from reception next to the donated bread from Bakers Delight. Excess produce will be given to Daylesford and District Food Aid. Details: 5321 6567.

12 News

New GM for tourism

NEW Daylesford resident Judith Isherwood has been appointed general manager of the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Regional Tourism Board.

Ms Isherwood’s career includes the position of chief executive of the Melbourne Arts Centre where she oversaw the $135 million redevelopment of Hamer Hall and its surrounds.

Prior to that Ms Isherwood, who moved to Daylesford late last year, was the inaugural chief executive of Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre and was the director of Performing Arts at the Sydney Opera House.

“I’m delighted that my tree change to this vibrant and progressive region has coincided with an opportunity to help further develop its reputation as a must-visit destination,” she said.

“I’ve been a regular visitor to this area many times in the past. As a resident, I now look forward to working with the tourism industry in this region with fresh eyes and perspective to take it from great to even greater.”

New Macedon Ranges Regional Tourism Board general manager Judith Isherwood

What’s in a name?THE Warehouse – Clunes is the new name of the Clunes Community

and Interpretive Centre.The name comes after a “What’s in a Name competition” where community

members were invited to submit suggested names for the centre, the community meeting room and the community activity space.

A total of 11 entries were received for the entire centre.A council report said The Warehouse – Clunes reflected the original purpose

of the building as “the former warehouse of contractors Nichol and Wallace who supplied goods to the miners, farmers and residents, of what was then a very busy mining town”.

“The new facility will continue to supply goods and services to the community and is considered a contemporary name with strong historical connections, linking new and old.”

Despite entries for the meeting room and activity space, it was decided that the Clunes Community and Interpretive Centre Special Committee be authorised to determine their names.

Other names included the Cameron Centre - after Donald Cameron, who was the first settler in Clunes, in 1839, the Roz O’Brien Centre - after the person who started the museum, the Djadja Wurrung Community Space - in recognition of the first community in the Clunes area and the Plastic Building of Clunes - whose author said “the building is in Clunes and should be made of bricks like the museum it was built on, but it is made of glass and wood and doesn’t fit in with the rest of the town”.

Meanwhile, the information centre at the Clunes Bottle Museum will remain in operation. Works are also due to start at the museum in February to remove asbestos from the roof.

A council spokeswoman said new volunteers had been recruited to The Warehouse and recruitment would be remain ongoing.

News 13

Natures Wheel

Massage Therapy and Body Mechanics

Therapies available: Relaxation Massage, Deep Soft Tissue Massage, Myo Facial Manipulation, Therapeutic/Remedial Massage Reiki For Bookings: Phone: 0400 017 623 Email: paul@natureswheel.com.au

New public art policyDance into Health with Wu Tao ~ the amazing dance & meditation program that will leave you feeling energised, balanced & peaceful in just one hour!

LOOKING FOR EXERCISE, FUN, RELAXATION, STRESS-RELEASE, BETTER SLEEP?

FREE INTRO Class Thurs 30 January at 5:30pm – to book contact Jayanti/Jane on 0417 037 320, 5345 7023 or jtsouthwell@hotmail.com

A NEW public art policy has been adopted by Hepburn Shire Council.

A council report said council’s current Cultural and Art Policy and Action Plan was last reviewed in 2009 and no longer relevant.

“In its place, the draft Public Art Policy provides a framework for council to make decisions about public art in Hepburn Shire,” the report says.

Key areas covered in the policy include council’s financial contribution to public art, the establishment of a public art panel to provide expert advice to council about public art, the selection and management of public art, dealing with donations and bequests of public art, potential sites for public art, ongoing maintenance of works of art, “accessioning/recording of public art works and deaccessioning” (sic) works of art.

“The draft policy does not provide any direct financial implications for Hepburn Shire Council.

“It recommends, in future, that council consider funding specific public artwork through the annual budget bid process. Additionally, it supports identifying funding for public art opportunities via promoting artful design and integrated art through existing council budgets.

“Public art and community art projects that are tailored to diverse sectors such as young people, older people, children, diverse cultures, lead to an enhanced sense of wellbeing of the participants, as well as greater community awareness of these sectors of our community.”

Daylesford Bushwalking Group open to new members each Friday

By Paul Laurence

OUR walk, January 11, was through the very picturesque Doctors Gully area and was well attended by the group - although the weather was quite on the warm side.

The walk covered quite a large area taking the walk time to three full hours. The weather of late has been a real test of ability to consume sufficient amounts of fluids and some additional nourishment in the course of the walking morning.

Please remember to ensure you do have a generous amount of fluids as dehydration is a real concern. Also food for energy is paramount.

To join the walks, meet on Fridays at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre on Camp Street at 9am where the walk will commence. All walkers are welcome to join this exciting group of bushwalkers, be it for only one walk or on a more permanent basis.

The group does not walk on days of total fire ban.

Club history p8.

14 Community Events

Community EventsAustralia Day Celebrations

Australia Day Eve - Saturday, January 25

Civic Reception at the Daylesford Town Hall, 7.00pm citizenship ceremony, Hepburn Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards and Daylesford Rotary Awards.

Australia Day – Sunday, January 26

Clunes - 5.45am - Sunrise walk with pancake breakfast at Mount Beckworth Reserve. Meet at the dam. Includes flag raising ceremony followed by breakfast.

Clunes - 5.30pm - Collins Place. Community barbecue with entertainment by Highway 8. Includes flag lowering ceremony.

Creswick - 8.30am - Park Lake Reserve. Flag raising ceremony, entertainment and free barbecue breakfast. Tickets for breakfast are available at Hepburn Shire Council, Creswick office and the Creswick Visitor Information Centre.

Glenlyon - 5.30pm - Glenlyon Recreation Reserve. Flag lowering ceremony, entertainment and free barbecue.

CRESWICK’S Miss Muddy, a five kilometre obstacle race for women, has been postponed.

The event, at the Novotel Forest Resort, had been planned for March 16 but will now be held on November 30.

Miss Muddy is a 5km obstacle race, exclusively for women and is designed to suit all levels of fitness. It also raises money for female charities.

The change of date comes after the slide needed for the event could not be rented in March.

Registrations: www.missmuddy.com.auMeanwhile, the Forest Resort Golf Club at

Creswick will be among three clubs to host the Ballarat District Golf Association annual 54-hole tournament.

The event runs from January 24 to 26 starting with Friday at Ballarat Golf Club, Saturday at Creswick and Sunday at Midlands Golf Club.

The tournament was played at Creswick for the first time last year.

Trentham - 11.30am - Town Square. Flag raising ceremony, entertainment and free barbecue.

Petanque in French

French speaking evenings around a game of petanque will be held at Lavandula every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm. Gate entry is $4 per day or $12 for a year’s membership. Details: Rosie on 0481 326 009 or rosie.laszlo@gmail.com

Creswick Market

The market is held on the third Saturday of every month at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, Victoria Street from 9am until 1pm Free live band and more than 50 stalls. Details: creswickmarket.com.au

Hepburn Wildlife Shelter

To raise money for the shelter, ZombieHire.com will host a giant exhibition match of Zombie Chess at the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, February 15. Details: facebook.com/events/241171006048642/

Got an event happening? Email dhslocal@gmail.com

Creswick Woollen Mills

wishes its customers a wonderful

Australia Day! Support an Australian family-owned company

The Creswick Mill is the last coloured woollen spinning mill in Australia

Great specials on blankets, throws, picnic rugs and scarves too!

Open all weekend (including Australia Day and Monday)

Artedeco

Artedeco at shop 3/27 Vincent Street, Daylesford specialises in Art Deco, 20th Century and Vintage and the shop is piled high with an everchanging selection of pieces bought on European and American buying trips.

With a diverse collection of the best pieces from these eras, there is furniture, lighting, porcelain, original posters and everything else to furnish your home.

If you are interested in vintage and couture fashion there is original pieces from 1920 to 1960 including beautiful dresses, costume jewellery from the Art Deco period to the 1960s, hats, and purses all purchased from the best collections in Europe and the U.S

This month we have just added our new collection of original vintage from New York, some fabulous jewellery, martini glasses and lemonade sets for Summer and some fabulous new furniture.

At Artedeco everything is chosen for its quality, originality and condition. . They are members of the Australian Art and Antique Dealers Association and CINOA guaranteeing you are buying genuine pieces and have been Antique dealers specialising in Art

Deco for 12 years.

The shop is open 7 days 10.00 to 5.00pm.

Artedeco, 3/27 Vincent Street, Daylesford 3460T 0407321865

www.onlineantiques.com.au

16 News

Crowds line the street at the Savoia Hotel

It was a who’s who of the region at the Savoia Hotel in Hepburn as Sam Johnson made his way home as part of his unicycle ride around Australia.

Mr Johnson has raised more then $1 million towards breast cancer research.

He started his epic ride after his sister Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The well-known actor was born in Daylesford Hospital and worked at the Savoia Hotel in younger years. Mr Johnson will finish his ride at Federation Square on February 13 at 11.45am.

News 17

Sam Johnson rides home to hero welcome

And the crowd goes wild: Sam Johnson gets a rock star reception at Hepburn, above.

On yer bike: Sam Johnson rides down Main Road with a very pink biker entourage.

18 News

Presents ........... Beginners Level 1 Golf Clinic

For Give Golf a Go level 1 participants and people with limited or no previous experience.

StructureThe course consists of five sessions. Three 90-minute group sessions, one session of reduced hole golf with club mentors and a final 9-hole Ambrose event followed by a BBQ meal.

Participants will learn the basic skills of grip, swing, chipping, putting and pitching.

Basic rules and etiquette will also be covered. Cost

$50 includes all sessions, a Golf Victoria “showbag” and free unlimited golf on non-competition days for the month

following the clinic. Equipment can be supplied or you can BYO.

Clinic 2Thursdays - February 6, 13, 20, 27 and a final 9-hole

Ambrose/BBQ on March 6.Time: 6-7.30pm (hopefully it will be cooler)

Limited places for each clinic so register early.Contact Jan Thompson on 5348 4840, 0412 499 872

or strongjan@bigpond.com

Goldfields OrgansBy Bronislaw Sozanski

The 2014 Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields Festival came to Daylesford, with two

outstanding concerts on Thursday, January 16.At the Uniting Church, Christopher Wrench gave a

superlative display in an organ recital entitled Beyond Bach using the music of CPE Bach as starting and finishing points.

With one piece by JS Bach at its centre the program focused on lesser known material from Telemann and Mendelssohn.

Wrench’s playing has a natural fluidity and sense of direction, with the narrative clearly outlined in music perfectly suited to this particular instrument.

The Khalil Gudaz Sitar Ensemble, at the Daylesford Town Hall, moved the festival away from western traditions into the fascinating colours of sound from India and Afghanistan.

The style is largely improvisatory, built on complex, repeated rhythmic patterns, similar to jazz but with a unique scale and harmony structure. The sitar playing generally started in a relaxed manner, building gradually to a frenetic state driven by the percussionist.

The technical skill required was comfortably handled by Gudaz, a virtuoso of his instrument.

The critical relationship between sitar and tabla was expertly handled with the cadential signposts clearly understood.

Trash troubleOVERFLOWING bins at

Lake Daylesford have been brought to the attention of Hepburn Shire Council.

Chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond said the waste contractor had started daily checks over the holiday periods.

Larger and more bins were other options also being investigated with the help of regular lake walkers identifying hotspots.

Technology which allowed bins to send an SMS before they were overflowing was also being looked at, he said.

Motion for ALP resignation

DAYLESFORD ALP Branch members are calling for the removal of Mary-Anne Thomas as the candidate for the Legislative Assembly seat of Macedon in this year’s

Victorian state election.At a recent meeting members unanimously moved a motion asking

Ms Thomas, a Northcote resident who was moving to Kyneton this month, to resign from the seat and that “the will of local ALP members, as expressed in their pre-selection plebiscite, be respected”.

“Ms Thomas was the preferred candidate of less than one fifth of local branch members according to the results of the local plebiscite,” the motion says.

The motion says the decision of the Public Office Selection Committee to overrule the “overwhelming will” of local branches in the Macedon pre-selection was “anti-democratic, disempowering and disrespectful to local members and embarrassing to the party as a whole”.

“This branch believes that the continued endorsement of Ms Thomas is not only a violation of the principles of the ALP but seriously damaging to the broader interests and objectives of the party.

“As a mass-membership social democratic party the ALP depends on a broad, active and enthusiastic membership.”

The motion says that Christian Zahra secured 81 per cent of the local vote.

“Christian lives within the electorate, is a proven marginal seat campaigner and has the confidence and support of local party members. It is unprecedented for the POSC to overturn such a high local vote,” the motion says.

Ms Thomas was preselected late last month to take the place of outgoing member Joanne Duncan.

Wednesday 6pm – 8pm

20 News

CHRISTMAS Cheer: It was all smiles with the handing over of a plaque to commemorate Daylesford’s Royal Hotel raising the largest amount of money

through its tin rattle for Christmas Cheer.Manager Bethany Corris, above right, thanked both locals and out-of-towners for their

fantastic effort. “We have a great group of locals here,” she said.Christmas Cheer organiser Carmel Thannhauser, above left, said Daylesford’s Farmers Arms

Hotel had also raised a huge amount through its Friday night raffle.Ms Thannhauser earlier presented a plaque to hotel owner Susanne Devine. “Through Christmas Cheer we were able to give food hampers to more than 400 families and

individuals along with gifts for more than 500 children.”

Arty TrenthamTHE Annual Trentham Easter Art & Craft Show will be

held from April 18 to 21.Judges this year are Mark Payne for art and Helen McRae for

craft. Entry forms will be sent out to all artists on the show’s mailing list at the end of the month with entries closing April 2.

The show’s opening night is Thursday, April 17 and the awards will be announced and presented. Works will be available for sale from 7.30pm along with supper and drinks. Cost is $15.

Entry enquiries to Dorothy on 5424 1813 or tawnyfrogmouth@hotmail.com with general enquiries to Jill on 5424 1483 or jillmccallum@live.com

Tibbits on display at museum

IN THE 1860s AND 1870s well-known watercolour artist William Tibbits painted many building and mining

scenes in towns around Ballarat. Many paintings were of houses and gardens – some in Daylesford.

One house was a typical miner’s cottage in Stanhope Street, the then home of Henry and Janet Green and their 12 children.

Recently Eric, the great-grandson of the couple, and Margaret Smith from Gippsland visited tracing their family history. They visited the Daylesford & District Historical Society and brought with them the Tibbits’ painting of the Stanhope Street cottage.

The society will display this painting, and with three other Tibbits’ paintings, as part of its museum collection, over two weekends, January 25 and 26, and February 1 and 2.

The museum, at 100 Vincent Street, Daylesford, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Coming Soon In Feb, check The Rex website for screening info

22 Just for Fun

If you go down to the woods today...Words and images by Alison Pouliot

FOLLOWING a recent mass migration from their native habitat of the bedroom, mattresses appear to have comfortably adapted to pretty much all of the wombat’s habitat types.

While commonly seen in swampy riparian woodland areas and roadside verges, they’re also partial to shrubby foothill forest. Unlike most species they are seemingly indiscriminate to differences in geology, soil type, altitude, water availability, aspect or other environmental factors.

Scientists are currently trying to understand their means of reproduction, which so far, has remained a mystery. Asexual reproduction in the form of budding has been suggested based on numerous observations that one mattress very quickly becomes two, although identical genetics with the parent mattress have not yet been established. Researchers have so far not been able to directly observe the budding process most likely because it occurs after darkness. While moonlight may be a trigger in the process, the absence of daylight is thought to play a greater role.

Although the Wombat mattress population is steadily growing, many threats exist for mattresses such as rain, fire, piss, mould, 4WDs and Clean Up Australia Day. It is also not known, for example, how climate change or UV radiation may affect their future survival. It is likely that they are highly susceptible to sudden changes in weather as well as longer term climate shifts. Of longer term concern is the probability of inbreeding and loss of genetic variation in small fragmented populations. Poaching could also become a serious issue.

To date researchers have been perplexed as to their means of dispersal. It was originally thought that they may have multiple life phases, somewhat like slime moulds, which have a creeping phase during which feeding and growth occur and an immotile reproductive phase.

Others have suggested that mattresses may be highly social organisms similar to ants. Once a queen mattress has mated it may be fertile for the rest of its

life, flying to new locations to start a new colony, biting off its wings on landing. However, rather than using wings for flight, the prevalence of rubber tyres in the vicinity of the mattresses could provide further clues to their mobility. The discovery of springs inside mattresses has also prompted further suggestions that they can bounce over large distances, similar to macropods.

Most promising is the theory of the assistance of a mammalian vector in their distribution. This cutting edge idea arose following the detection of homing hormones in mattresses. The discovery of highly specialised cells – known colloquially among researchers as boomerangocytes – represent a significant breakthrough in possibilities for reuniting mattresses with their vectors.

As the orchids push through the earth and birds tends their nests, readers can rest assured that this story has a happy ending in knowing that the mattresses will soon be back in the bedrooms they came from.(First published in Wombat Forestcare’s November 2013 Newsletter - reprinted with permission.)

Gig Guide 23

The Gig Guide!Perfect Drop, Daylesford

Friday, January 24 - Shing a Ling with Dusty Stylus - 8pm - lateSaturday, January 25 - Family Farm - 6pm - 9pm

Glenlyon General Store, Glenlyon

Sunday, January 26 - Australia Day Extravaganza - Jali Buba - 1pm-3pm

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham

Sunday, January 26 - Australia Day Extravaganza - Family Farm - 1pm

Radio Springs Hotel, Lyonville

Friday, January 25 - Zeptepi - 6pm-9pmSaturday, January 25 - Mr Scott Cameron on piano - 12pm–4pm

3 Howe Street, Daylesford // (03) 5348 3367 Open every day (except Wednesday) 8am – 5pm

Simple food. Simply Italian.

rednonna

Old Hepburn Hotel

Saturday, January 25 - Michelle Parsons - 9pm - late

Sunday, January 26 - Australia Day Official Triple J

Hottest 100 Party - noon

24 News

Dinner: Thursday - Tuesday from 6pmLunch: Friday - Tuesday from 11amBreakfast: on weekends from 9amCoffee & Cake: always available Locals Night: all welcomeCurry & Hot-Pot Night Tuesdays $18Fish Night Fridays: $26.50 with glass ofFish Night Fridays: $26.50 with glass ofhouse wine (a la carte dining also available)

105 Vincent St Daylesford Vic 3460Tel 03 5348 4224 daylesfordhouse.com

The German

Country Restaurant

DAYLESFORD HOUSE

Robbie Burns Dinner

Saturday 25th January

Bagpipers, Kilts, Single Malts and a

whole lot of Scottish fun!

All proceeds go to the CFA

$75Bookings: Sandra 5423-4225

7:30pm, Barfold Estate, 57 School Rd, Barfold

THE GARDENBy Jackie Airey

WE HAVE recently returned from a trip to Tassie, taking in Hobart, Bruny Island, the Huon Valley and Channel Towns. Lots of gardening going on down there.

It’s a very productive region, with apples, pears, peaches, plums and, best of all, the fattest cherries and plumpest raspberries I’ve eaten. Farm gate stalls are common and very popular with locals and tourists alike. The character they bring with them got me to thinking.

Our climate is similar here in this pocket of the Central Highlands and yet from our wonderful soils springs nowhere near a similar amount of produce. This is not to criticise.

We have a couple of fabulous berry farms – but why only a couple? Organic vegie producers abound in our region, but the ones who have tried the farm gate idea have not survived – does anyone have a theory, considering the number of tourists we have streaming up this way every weekend?

On a less political note, we experienced two lovely old fashioned things down

on the island that gave us real pleasure. One was a big, fat bumble bee, slowly making his way all around a voluminous pink hydrangea in a garden in Battery Point, Hobart. He and the bush were hanging over a front fence, right at eye level, and he was so loaded up with pollen, that he resembled a rotund old gentleman in a yellow cummerbund.

In no hurry at all, he was not the least bothered by the two heads leering at him and greeting him in some foreign tongue. We don’t have bumble bees on the mainland, so we felt particularly privileged to be able to enjoy this fellow at such close quarters.

Popping up in gardens everywhere we went, was a plant that seems to have fallen out of favour/fashion here: large flowered fuchsias. They weren’t in twee little hanging baskets, these were shrubs with sizeable trunks, festooned with dangling ballerinas in billowing skirts.

I know they are a bit “granny’s garden”, but that’s probably what I like about them – they made me nostalgic for some of the older gardens I have known from times not so fraught with climate problems and lack of water.

These fuchsias don’t like frost, so that’s a problem for us here, but if I can just find the right spot, out of the wind, with only early morning sun and afternoon shade, frost protection, soil that is friable, rich and moist with good drainage, then maybe, if I can find anywhere that sells them, perhaps ….

02/02/14

Music Review 25

SINGER Paris Payne took time out between gigs for a chat with The Local’s Kyle Barnes.

KB: How did you get involved in the music scene?PP: From the time I was eight I wanted to be a singer.

I studied for a while in my early 20s with classical vocal training. My life took other paths. Twelve years ago, I decided, “this is it”. No more delaying, I am going to do what it takes to get out there and sing. I got back into vocal training, but more importantly started practicing with friends who were jazz musicians.

Went to open mic nights, recorded a CD and started getting gigs. Have done over 200. The time with the musicians was invaluable. It’s like tightrope walking, you can study all you like, but the only way to become a tightrope walker, is to get on and fall off until you have the muscle memory and the inner awareness to feel comfortable with it.

KB: What do you sing?PP: Jazz. Emphasis on the golden era of music

1920s-40s songbook

KB: And what music do you like most?PP: To listen to - jazz, R&B, soul. To sing - jazz.

KB: What are some of your best gigs - or places you enjoyed the most?

PP: The best have been listening gigs - as opposed to background music. I have done several shows as part of Words in Winter and other events, where there is the

story behind the music, as well as the songs. The audience has really engaged and appreciated the music so much more, knowing some of the anecdotes. Love that kind of gig. My biggest thrill is working with wonderful musicians, it’s inspiring and uplifting. I am privileged to have that.

KB: How important is the music scene to this region?

PP: Very important. For the population size of this region, there is an amazing amount of excellent live music on offer and great venues who host music performance. I am proud to have been part of that history by renovating and opening The Palais in 1996, which was a showcase for many musicians.

KB: And is the scene healthy at the moment?PP: Yes, in quantity, but perhaps not so much in

terms of people realising what a treasure they have on offer with great music in a variety of genres in a regional area. There are a lot of “background music” gigs.

KB: Where can people find you?PP: Thanks for asking! I perform in several

band lineups. Birdland at Radio Springs on January 25 and February 8, both lunch time. Late Night Radio, a fun bigger band, with vocalist Louie Payne, who doubles as my gorgeous husband, at The Grande on January 25 for a dinner show. And with Truly, Madly, Deeply on Saturday, February 15 as part of the Art of Elegance Fair at the Progress Hall in Maldon.

Music Review

26 News

Welcome to The Farmers ArmsOpen 7 days a week for lunch and dinner

No bookings are required, simply come in, grab yourself a seatand order food and drinks at the bar

For more information about the pub and also our current menu,please visit our website:www.thefarmersarms.com.au

1 East Street Daylesfordph. 03 5348 2091

Photos, food and fun at Lavandula

IT WAS all about photos, food and fun, with a bit of history thrown in the mix, at Lavandula’s recent Lavender Festival. Images: Donna Kelly

Dining Review 27

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DINNER FROM 6PM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

THE GRANDE HOTEL PRESENTSTHE GOLDEN SOUNDS OF THE 1930'S...

SATURDAY JANUARY 25TH 7:30PM3 COURSE DINNER SHOW $65

Grande doors openBy Glen Heyne

IT HAS been more than four years since the beautiful 1920s Grande Hotel closed its doors on fond memories of years of quiet drinks, family celebrations and special events. So it was with great delight

that Peta and I accepted an invitation to a “pre-launch” dinner by new owners, Ian and Jodie Hawkins.

Since purchasing this delightful testament to gracious 1920s art deco architecture, the Hawkins have been busily transforming the hotel beyond its original glory into a tasteful, thoroughly modern retreat.

It is an adventurous work-in-progress, with dining facilities and 11 guest rooms, newly refurbished in simple, modern style and, ranging from standard to deluxe spa rooms now open for business.

Works underway include a massive expansion of the multilevel balconies and terraces, a Mediterranean-inspired boulevard cafe and a massive landscaping project, including sweeping terraced gardens down to the banks of Spring Creek at the foot of the adjoining bushland.

DiningAfter a tour we decided to forego

the lounge/dining room with its cosy atmosphere and fireplace, and chose a table in the formal dining room where we could enjoy the forest views.

The Grande features a menu crafted by regionally renowned, hatted-chef, Andrew Dennis, and an extensive, similarly sourced wine and ale list.

We always have a problem when we eat out. lf there are more than two dishes listed we can never decide which way to go. This night was no different. The menu, although not vast, offered too many tempting delights.

Fortunately Renee, our ever-helpful and caring waiter, saved the day.EntreesFor entrée, Peta chose saganaki and herb salad - lemon-crumbed and pan-

fried Kafalograviera cheese served with thinly sliced radish and greens. It was beautifully presented and a great start to the meal. ($12)

I chose the crumbed Tuki lamb cutlet, served with coriander and green chilli relish - a succulent plump cutlet from Tuki Estate complemented by a suitably tangy relish. ($7) Entrees are priced from $7 to $16.

MainsNow to the main course and an easy

decision for Peta whose eyes lit up at the sight of slow roasted suckling pig, baby turnips, snow peas and almond tarator. At the promise of crackling, it was a no brainer. Her eyes grew wider when it arrived - a generous mound, roasted to perfection and again, beautifully presented. She refused to share the crackling! ($36)

After much indecision I settled on the cinnamon and sugar cured grilled duck breast, harissa roasted nectarines, Lebanese cabbage salad, pomegranate molasses. lt was simply the best duck dish we had ever had. Again a generous serve. Finely sliced, beautifully cooked breast enhanced by the supporting salad which featured walnuts and pomegranate. ($36)

Mains priced from $26.00 - $36.00 Sides priced at $7 were on offer but we found the mains needed little support.DessertsAfter two generous courses we were quite content to call it a day but Renee

insisted that we couldn’t possibly leave without at least trying the desserts.Peta went for the lemon verbena creme brûlée, poppy seed glass biscuit.

Judging by the way it disappeared it certainly did not disappoint. ($12)I, always a sucker for pistachios, rapidly devoured a serve of boysenberry,

white peach and pistachio frangipani tart, buttermilk and vanilla ice cream and brandied peach. ($15) Desserts are from $12 to $15.

At present dinner is served at The Grande on Friday and Saturday evenings with plans to expand to other nights.

28 Business Guide Promote your business here from just $25!

Daylesford Newsagency & Tattslotto45 Vincent St, Daylesford5348 2061Newspapers, magazines, Tattslotto, drycleaning, stationery, photocopying and more.We stock The Local!

ian petty legal

53 North Vincent Street Daylesford 34605348 1080 Fax by arrangementianpettylegal@gmail.com

Promote your business here from just $25! Business Guide 29

CLASSIFIEDS

COMING

SOON!

Find out more at localbizwww.com.au

For your new business website

Scalable, flexible, to do businessOn time, to spec, no surprisesHandover to you or a hands off plan

Country Environmental WasteMario and Jeanette

Weekly/fortnightly/monthly rubbish collections0434 170 482 | 5348 4605cewpl@iprimus.com.au

DAYLESFORD FLOOR COVERINGSYour LOCAL flooring experts

cnr East and Mink Streets, DaylesfordPhone for a chat about your flooring needs on

(03) 5348 4097

Moss Shading SolutionsFor Hepburn Shire’s total shading solutions talk to Brian & Deborah Moss

Exterior AwningsFolding ArmTension systemsDrop screenTraditional canvas

Internal BlindsRoller & sunscreen Roman blindsShutters

RING FOR QUOTATION / ADVICE

5348 4045

8B, 38 EAST ST, DAYLESFORD

(NO SHOWROOM)SOMFY MOTORISATION SPECIALISTS

Community Information 31

For all your power equipment needs we service all makes and modelsSales, Service and Spare Parts

1 Howe Street Daylesford 5348 2649

Qualified Arborist - Jason ScholtenTree & Stump RemovalTree PruningStorm Damage RemovalMulch Sales

Emergency: 000Springs Medical Centre: 5348 2227Daylesford Hospital: 5321 6500after hours GP Helpline: 1800 022 222Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000Poisons Information Centre: 131 126Life Line: 131 114

SES: 132 500Hepburn Wildlife Shelter: 5348 3932Hepburn Vet: 5348 4851Daylesford Vet: 5348 1088Hepburn Shire: 5348 2306CFA Bushfire Information Line:1800 240 667

Important Numbers

32 Sport

Howe Automotive

Automotive Electrician on site Servicing all automotive air conditioning

Front end wheel alignments 4X4 Servicing and repairs

Your Safety is our priority

19 East Street Daylesford Ph: 53482389Repairs@howeauto.com.au

Barefoot bowls kicks off at Daylesford

BAREFOOT Bowls has started at the Daylesford Bowling Club. Everyone is welcome Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. See bowling club staff for bookings. Or call 5348 2310.

Left, Wendy Goodwin goes for a roll while Nigel Dempster knocks the froth off a beer.

Image: Kyle Barnes