Long standing secretary of Friends of Daylesford’s Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Patrice O’Shea has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the environment and secondary education in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Ms O’Shea said she did not “feel entirely worthy” of the honour but it was a “lovely and generous thing” for someone to nominate her.

For many years Patrice O’Shea lived near the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford and she and her children would enjoy the surrounds of the Victorian-era gardens.

Following her retirement in 2009 she joined the Friends of Wombat Hill Gardens where she has been secretary since 2010.

Over that time the Friends have made an enormous contribution to the garden. They have funded projects and lifted the garden’s profile with the council and the community, advocating for its maintenance and development.

The fundraising, garden projects and weekly activities including weeding and pulling out blackberries give the volunteer group a chance to contribute to the community by maintaining the historic and beautiful gardens.

“You keep saying you will give it away when you have done everything that needs to be done, and that hasn’t happened (at the gardens) yet so we are still soldiering on,” she said.

“It’s a place that is enormously beautiful and it gives people who visit the gardens great pleasure.”

Patrice has been much loved and admired driving force in the Friends activities.

Patrice is also honoured for her contribution to secondary education. She taught at Ballarat Grammar for nearly three decades as an English and history teacher. She led a school house and became assistant head of the school.

Words & Image: Supplied

Nine new members have recently been appointed to Ballarat’s Heritage Advisory Committee.

The Heritage Advisory Committee provides an advocacy platform for Ballarat’s citizens, communities, groups, organisations and businesses relating to heritage matters across the whole municipality, including rural areas and urban areas.  

In March 2024, an expression of interest was advertised for new community representatives to join the committee to help sustain the municipality’s heritage.  

Applications were received and considered against the following criteria:

• Lived experience and/or experience that expands on or fills a gap in the existing committee members.
• Skills and competencies to participate in this committee.

Nine new members have since been accepted and officially appointed at the May council meeting.  

Four members were elected as the official community representatives, while another five have been co-opted to join the committee as their skills, experience and interests are considered valuable to the committee.  

Two new members are under 25, which encourages diverse views and wide representation on the committee.  

The membership of Heritage Advisory Committee:  

Community Representatives:

• Harrison Morton – interested in issues of heritage, housing and development.
• Nicole Davydova – a student of anthropology.  
• Elizabeth Marsden – an arts and heritage professional.  
• Dr David Waldron – a history and anthropology lecturer at Federation University.

Co-opted members:

• Christine Segaert – has a passion for heritage preservation.
• Aydon Edwards – interested in historical architecture and heritage protection.  
• Paul Gordon-Smith – actively involved in local government consultation.
• Merle Hathaway – a community-focused member of multiple organisations.  
• Samantha Fabry – a heritage professional with international experience.  

City of Ballarat Councillor and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Cr Samantha McIntosh said it’s fantastic to see so many new faces with a keen interest in Ballarat’s heritage.  

“The committee’s purpose is to provide an advocacy platform for Ballarat’s heritage matters,” she said.

“The committee is crucial in assisting the City of Ballarat and delivering the Council Plan, a city that conserves and enhances our natural and built assets.

“This is such an important group of very committed volunteers with exceptional talents and it is great to see so many come forward wanting to be a part of this advisory group.” 

CFA firefighters battled a large factory fire filled with reptiles in Kilsyth South earlier this month.

Firefighters were called to the structure fire at Canterbury Road at around 8.28pm on June 3.

The incident occurred at a reptile facility which housed over 540 animals including snakes, crocodiles and lizards.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Renkin, who was on scene, said there was a large amount of smoke when crews first arrived.

“Firefighting crews could see there were flames coming from the roof space and they quickly gained access to start combating the fire. A ladder platform was used to gain access to the roof which helped contain the fire,” Dave said.

“As a safety measure none of our firefighters went near the room that contained venomous snakes and Ambulance Victoria was on scene to assist if required.

“Once the fire had safely been extinguished the owners and wildlife carers started to remove reptiles and animals. Sadly some were lost in the fire but many were saved.

“No day is ever the same in this job.”

Victoria Police was also called to the scene. Thirteen CFA units responded alongside FRV. The incident was deemed safe and under control at 9.44pm. The cause of the fire was being investigated.

Words & Image: CFA

The Kyneton Town Hall will be illuminated purple this Saturday, June 15, in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

WEAAD is held globally each year on 15 June to raise awareness of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and to highlight the importance of the rights of older people.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Director Community Maria Weiss said elder abuse can take many forms including physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual, and is often carried out by someone known and trusted by the person (i.e. a family member, carer or friend).

“Research by Senior Rights Victoria suggests that up to 14 per cent of older people in Australia may experience elder abuse,” she said. 

“Elder abuse is often hidden, so it’s important we as a community look out for any signs of it and empower and support our vulnerable residents to report this behaviour or seek help.”

Warning signs may include an older person seeming fearful, anxious or isolated, injuries, an absence of personal care, or unexplained changes to legal documents or finances.

The council has implemented a range of initiatives through its PARTICIPATE Positive Ageing Plan 2020-25 aimed at supporting older residents in the community, including:

• the introduction of an age-friendly community directory, consisting of a range of supports and information including organisations specialised in seniors advocacy and elder abuse prevention
• social activities via the Village Connect program designed to promote inclusion and an opportunity for residents aged over 55 to come together in a safe environment and discuss issues relevant to them
• digital scam awareness workshops to teach older residents about common scams and tips to stay safe from them, as well as what to do if they’ve been scammed.

“Council will continue to look at ways we can proactively support and empower our older residents and ensure they feel safe and secure in their community,” Ms Weiss said.

If you are experiencing elder abuse, or concerned about an older person, you can get help by calling Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821.

The Hepburn Shire Council has extended the consultation period for its draft Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn strategy by two weeks, until 26th June, allowing more time for the community to submit feedback.

The construction of these plans, as part of Future Hepburn, has been a long-term project with the council keen to continue to hear from the community.

To date the council has also held face-to-face meetings in each of its townships, attracting many interested individuals. Online there have been thousands of visits to the Participate Hepburn site, and around 500 people have completed the survey.

Councillors and planning officers have attended community sessions and spoken to many interested parties since the release of the draft documents on 1 May.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood: “Thank you to all who have already lodged their submissions. We know there is a lot of detail and so we’ve decided to extend the consultation period so we can gain more insights from the community.

“Though the deadline is extended by a fortnight, it will still give us time to fully consider that feedback and work to adopt the strategy in early September.

“I encourage every resident to access the information via Council’s ‘Participate Hepburn’ page. This is a once-in-a-generation planning strategy that will guide development for many years to come.

“The submissions will all be considered by councillors, and I can assure community members that we are taking all feedback into account and will continue to do so before we consider possible adoption.”

Hepburn Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Bradley Thomas: “Community engagement has been integral in providing further local knowledge.

“The small, but highly skilled strategic planning team have gathered great insights from the community and submissions to date, which they will review and provide recommendations to councillors.”

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate a suspicious fire in Wendouree last month.

It is understood two males forced the doors open at a gym on Howitt Street about 3.20am on Saturday, 25 May.

Police were told they poured accelerant inside, at the front of the building and in the carpark, before lighting it.

No one was inside the gym at the time of the incident.

The large fire in the reception area caused significant damage.

The two males fled on foot and headed east on Howitt Street.

Investigators have released CCTV and images of two men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

One man is described as being of a tall, stocky build. He was wearing a hoodie, clack gloves, shorts and Nike runners.

The description of the second man is unknown.

Police are working to establish the exact circumstances of the fire and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information wass urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

Recently named one of the most welcoming places on the planet by Booking.com, Daylesford has been announced as one of 17 finalists at this year’s TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.  

Daylesford will be competing in the category ‘Top Small Tourism Town’ (population between 1,500 and 5,000) against Heathcote, Koroit, Maldon and Sorrento. 

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the council was thrilled to be a finalist in the Top Small Tourism Town category, and it was great to collaborate on this submission with our tourism partner Daylesford Macedon Tourism.  

“We need the public to get behind us and vote for Daylesford. Make sure to share this far and wide and let’s make Daylesford the winner,” Cr Hood said.  

Each year the TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards showcase the value of tourism to the towns and communities across Victoria and celebrate the diversity and outstanding regional destinations of our state.  

The Top Tourism Town Awards aim to recognise and reward towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to tourism and to increasing visitation to the destination; that offer an excellent visitor experience; and exhibit collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community to make their town the best destination it can be. 

The Awards are presented in three categories:  

• Top Tourism Town – those with a population of over 5,000 people,  
• Top Small Tourism Town – those with a population between 1,500 to 5,000 people,  
• Top Tiny Tourism Town – those with a population below 1,500 people. 

“Daylesford is known for its beauty in every season, from the splendour of the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens to the tranquil Lake Daylesford.

“Our town boasts a vibrant arts community with galleries, studios and an engaging calendar of events. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy its gourmet restaurants, boutique wineries, distilleries and breweries, while the town’s rich heritage is illustrated through its beautifully preserved heritage buildings.

“Daylesford is an ideal escape for couples and families, presenting visitors with natural beauty, culinary experiences and indulgent wellness experiences,” said Cr Hood. 

Voting is open between Monday 3 June and Monday 24 June 2024 at www.vtic.com.au/toptourismtown. Anyone who casts a vote will go into the draw for a prize.  

The winners of the 2024 TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards will be announced on Thursday 25 July 2024.

Vandalism is hindering progress toward an early opening of Creswick’s Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) mountain bike network.

The possibility of an early opening of a portion of trails remains a possibility at this stage.

But Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas, says progress towards an early opening is being hindered by individuals breaking into the construction site, bypassing, damaging and otherwise vandalising site exclusion measures with the intent to ride the trails before they are open.

“This trespassing is causing damage and could lead to injury as the site is an active construction zone and trails signage is not yet in place,” Mr Thomas said.

“These site exclusion measures are a mandatory part of the project and are intended to maintain the safety of the public, contractor and to protect the trails asset.”

Site exclusion measures include orange flag bunting, segments of temporary fencing, chain across road junctions and signage.

“Instances of trespassing on the construction site and individuals riding the trails before they have been formally opened are slowing the progress of trails construction and delaying the opportunity to open some trails months ahead of schedule.

“This is one of our biggest risks for the project at the moment, without even mentioning the cost implications of repairs from the damage.

“Please do not attempt to ride the trails of Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) before they are formally opened.

“Let our team do their work of building a world class network of mountain bike trails and please don’t delay a potential early opening of a portion of the trails, that everyone can then enjoy.

“If anyone witnesses trespassing on the construction site or any acts of vandalism, please report this to Victoria Police,” said Mr Thomas.

You have probably taken cuttings or slips and been astonished, if not pleased, when you discover that some of them have “struck”.

Better still, with persistence, care and attention the percentage of ‘takes’ increase and you are starting to feel a bit ‘green thumbish’ and it’s probably time to branch out and have a try with the various other methods of propagation and other less easily handled species.

In 1672 Robert Sharrock (1630–1684), an English churchman and botanist, published his treatise The History of the Propagation and Improvement of Vegetables, which showed the various methods of propagation in vogue at that time.

Interestingly enough many of the improvements are our principal methods of plant propagation. For instance, a branch that was to be taken off to become a cutting can be made a whole new plant by a method known as aerial layering or marcottage.

It’s done by removing a 1cm layer of bark with a razor-sharp knife. This is repeated about 1cm further down on the opposite side of the stem, so that between the two the stem is bare without completely cutting off the sap flow.

After dusting the cuts with a hormone rooting powder an ‘egg’ of a mixture of sphagnum moss and peat moss, barely damp, is broken in half and each half wrapped around the stem to cover the cuts.

Finally, clean polythene is then wrapped around the egg and secured, bottom first with adhesive tape.

The host plant will continue growing as usual meaning the graft is receiving continual nourishment. You will know the graft has taken when the new rootlets start poking their little noses against the window.

Once you feel sufficient root growth has been achieved the stem can be cut just below the egg and planted into a suitably sized pot of similar soil mix. The host plant’s stem can be cleaned up with a sharp blade for it to shoot again.

Inarching

This is a form of grafting which means, unlike cuttings, neither the root stock, nor the scion plant die in the process because it does not remove a portion of the parent plant until it has been established as a separate entity.

A long, thin inward cut is made on a branch which becomes the scion and a matching cut is made on a sturdy seedling planted in a container which is then moved into a position so that the scion and stock can be bound together.

The head of the stock is shortened and the plants left in position until growth recommences on the scion – indicating that it has taken with the stock.

The scion is then immediately severed below the junction with stock and a new plant is formed. Non-hardy rhododendron and camellia species are largely propagated by this means.

There are many other interesting forms of plant propagation with stems, not only hardwood, but also softwood and half-ripened cuttings.

The production of further lilium bulbs by their scales is a form of leaf cuttings for one. If there is a plant that doesn’t produce flowers and thus seeds for the next generation there’s always a botanist on
hand to find the way.

That’s why I’m proud of my botanist grandfather, E.B. Heyne who did much to design and establish Melbourne Botanic Gardens, before moving to Adelaide to establish what is now South Australia’s oldest
continuous and now, recently named, leading nursery.

I’m also proud of the achievements of my only recently late, younger brother Garry and now his son and daughter, whose capable hands will take the sixth generation business to even greater heights.

You can have a look at what they do at www.heyne.com.au

Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

Tour Europe via Canberra – a capital with wine

The Canberra District is a wine region that often flies under the radar but is well worth visiting. Most of the vineyards are actually in NSW.

It has an eclectic array of grape varieties but is known for shiraz viognier blends made famous by Clonakilla.

It is a region blessed with characters and engaging winemakers. It was established by a band of highly educated researchers and academics who initially worked in the nation’s capital and then went on to buy country properties and plant grapes.

Two such early pioneering families were Ken and Judith Helm in the Murrumbateman sub-region and Sue and David Carpenter at Lark Hill.

Ken has notched up an impressive 47 vintages and specialises in riesling, having been inspired by the wines of Germany. Putting your nose into a glass of his wine transports you to the Mosel immediately.

They are floral, perfume-driven and have a softer green apple acid profile as opposed to the lemony, lime, citric acid of say, Clare Valley.

Try his 2023 Helm Classic Dry Riesling to see the difference. He also does a superb 2023 Premium Riesling that is more intense and has a longer palate length and lovely minerality, with a touch more acidity and built to age. There is also a Half-Dry Riesling and a pleasant Riesling Rose.

Sue and David have been joined by their winemaking son Chris and are perched at Bungendore overlooking Lake George. It’s the highest vineyard in the area and in their white portfolio they produced an excellent Grüner Veltliner.

It all started in 2002 when wine writer Jancis Robinson visited from the UK and suggested planting
Grüner.

There were none planted commercially in Australia at the time but they finally found a few vines being grown by Tasmanian winemaker Graham Wiltshire.

Lark Hill 2022 Grüner Veltliner is a beautiful intense wine with touches of tropical fruits, struck match and minerality. It has a nutty, textured and fleshy palate with slight creamy notes.

At the Carpenters’ vineyard in the Murrumbateman region they grow shiraz and sangiovese. Their 2022 Scuro is a 50/50 blend of the two grapes and is a lovely cherry and sweet, oak-driven wine with a textured, velvety, medium-bodied palate.

For more on Helm and Lark Hill go to my website.

Clive Hartley is an award-winning wine writer, educator and consultant. His 305- page full colour book Australian Wine Guide (7th ed) is available for purchase from Paradise Books in Daylesford or via his website – www.australianwineguide.com.au

A Biggest Morning Tea held at the Daylesford Bowling Club has raised $2700 for the Cancer Council.

Organiser Carol Collins said almost 100 people attended the now annual event.

Carol said she had plenty of help from friends who provided tasty treats for the May 27 fundraising morning.

Australia-wide, this year’s Biggest Morning Tea events together have raised more than $9,501,817 after 26,397 hosts registered to hold morning tea events nation-wide.

The Words in Winter Festival returns to Daylesford this August, where a mix of LGBTIQA+, First Nations, local and visiting writers will explore the theme ‘connection of the heart’.

With over 30 events featuring poetry readings, children’s events, workshops, and author’s talks, the festival promises something for people of all tastes and appetites for interaction.

Set to run from Augst 23-25, Words in Winter is a literary and arts festival held in August in the Hepburn Shire and surrounding districts.

It’s a celebration of words, stories and ideas in all their forms shared by locals and visiting presenters through readings, poetry, theatre, music, talks, workshops, author talks, and exhibitions.

Among programmed events, “Clean Pages, Filthy Ink” is a spoken word poetry reading that delves into the intricate themes of cultural identity and political uprisings.

Through powerful verses and vivid imagery, Antonio Montaine explores the complexities of navigating cultural heritage in a world marred by social and political turbulence.

This performance promises to provoke thought, stir emotions, and ignite conversations about the intersections of personal identity and collective struggle.

The DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, has launched its 10-year Djandak Wi (Country Fire) Strategy, Dhelkunya Wi, which means ‘healing fire’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter described dhelkunya wi as a tool to change the way fire is used in the landscape.

“Djandak Wi is about using the right fire in the right place at the right time,” Mr Carter said.

DJAARA received $3,191,000 in funding in 2022 through the Victorian Government’s Traditional Owner Cultural Fire Grants Program.

Can you see yourself in orange?

Members of the public are being invited to meet the members of the SES Daylesford Unit, on the Midland
Highway, on Sunday, June 16 from 10am to 2pm.

The upcoming unit open day promises a chance to learn about the opportunities to get involved in community engagement and volunteer work.

The local unit is keen to recruit new members and current members say there’s a role for everyone.

“Whether you like to be in on the action or are a people person with an interest in community engagement, there’s a role for you here at the Daylesford Unit,” a unit spokesperson says.

Words & Image: Supplied

It feels like the world has gone and got itself a bit tangled up at the moment.

On the local front, it feels like we have more issues with our council than we know what to do with. And particularly around three major issues.

It almost feels like there is a revolt in the wings with the Rex debacle costing us ratepayers around $5 million and no word from the Local Government Inspectorate on who was up who, and who was paying.

Then there is this whole restructure debacle that, although it is not the fault of Hepburn Shire Council, I believe is being led by the men in black from Spring Street.

And not Glenlyon’s Spring Street. I am talking about the Melbourne street of power and money misuse. But of course, the focus and energy of the locals is directed at our council.

And then there is the crescendo, the triptych of tyranny, “the budget”, which depending on who you ask is a $4 to $5 million dollar hole year-on-year for at least the next couple of years.

Most assets of any value we had in the piggy bank were caught up as sweeteners in the Rex, traded like horses to bring down the apparent cost of the building.

So here we are battered and broke and is it time to call time of death for the council and hand the whole “chuck wagon” of a show back to whoever handles these things in Spring Street.

Has the community had enough? And if administrators were brought in, where does that leave the restructure plans? And is it better the devil you know trying to pull us from the dank dungeon of debt?

Lots of questions and the answers seem to be a bit homogenised for my liking, a little too PC and press ready.

Back on the world scale, and in case you have been sleeping under a rock, Donald Trump has been found guilty of falsifying business records to cover up an affair with a porn star – making him the first former US president in history to be criminally convicted.

But with less than six months before the election, I reckon the wriggly slug of a man will appeal and tie things up in all manner of legal complications. His backers will vote him in, and when he gets found guilty again, he will simply pardon himself using his presidential powers.

Actually, under that great free nation’s law, the good old USA, you can become president even if you are a criminal. It just means you can’t possess a gun but you don’t need one when you have your own personal army.

The world’s on its head rant over