Words: Kevin Childs | Images: Kyle Barnes

FOR some time now there’s been a belief that print is dead. Many say
the world is all online.
A chink of proof that this may not be ironclad is in the story of Chris
Olver of Yandoit.
Just over five years ago this paper told of his Wild West/Aussie outback model
village. Chris featured with his battered hat, rifle and Bowie knife.

The article was spotted by a representative of the Wolf Creek films, TV series and
touring show, who asked Chris if he’d like to go to a 40th anniversary celebration of
the film Mad Max in Maryborough. The Wolf Creek crew and those with Mad Max
are mates.
Chris, for 30 years a gravel truck driver, agreed but changed his mind. His wife
Shirley thought he was wrong. “Go,” she said, “you have nothing to lose.”
Putting on an old cowboy hat and red chequered shirt and strapping on a Bowie
knife he headed off. “When I turned up in Maryborough a bloke named Fletch, who
runs a car TV show in Sydney, came up to me. He thought I was John Jarratt, who
he’d interviewed recently.
“I was off to a pretty good start.”
Chris met the Wolf Creek representative, who made a short video that was sent to
Jarratt. Back came the word that Chris had the job of playing Mick Taylor as a stand-
in for Jarratt at shows around the country.
Then he was in the world of Wolf Creek, which features a sadistic outback pig
hunter called Mick Taylor who grabs his chance when he comes across a busload of
tourists from around the world. Their outback encounter is unimaginable.
Actor John Jarratt made Mick Taylor his own in two films and two TV seasons.
Chris has now been doing it for about four years, touring country Victoria,
including Melbourne, Adelaide and New South Wales, sometimes with Jarratt but
mostly with the Wolf Creek truck and crew.
The spin-offs include a fan club, Wolf Creek car badge, a Mick Taylor statue
($750), a pig-sticker hunting knife, a game and a pink cameo stretch gun sling.
Along the way there’s been some fun, such as when Chris was asked if the Wolf
Creek show would appear at a cancer fundraiser in tiny Lexton in Western Victoria.
“There were about three dozen people out front. A woman of about 24 looked a
bit worried as I did old Mick, so I picked up one of our movie props, half a human
leg with bone sticking out the top and blood running out of it.
“I went over to her and said in a raspy Mick Taylor voice, ‘Meet Sally or what’s
bloody left of her’. As the crowd laughed she looked at me and said in a stuttering
voice, ‘My-my-my name is Sally.’
“I had to do some quick thinking because she was a bit shaky, but she had a
little boy of about five, so I coaxed him up and we chatted and they both had photos
taken, so it turned out okay.”
Chris is full of praise for John Jarratt, “a great bloke. If I need to know anything I
ring or text him. He answers me straight away. He has a huge following.”
Jarratt appeared with Chris and others at the recent Australia Day Musicland
Theatre show in Melbourne. “The place was packed. It can make you a bit nervous
but I got through it okay.”

Back home in Yandoit Chris shows his Wolf Creek museum, its props including
a charred body, severed limbs and a skull, posters, signed photos and, dominating
the space, a sky blue 1977 Ford F250, a replica of one in the film, signed within by
Jarratt, and a massive 1978 HX Holden Statesman Caprice, used in the TV series.

At age 77 Chris is not sure how long he’ll keep playing Mick. “It’s a fair build-
up before each show. I don’t shave for well over a week and I’m down in the bush to
practise the Mick Taylor laugh a lot. It’s not easy to do. And I practise Mick’s voice.”
(“What are you buggers doin’ ‘ere?” he rasped when we arrived.)
“Shirl has to put up with me as Mick, which can be a bit trying.
“At the end of it all,” he says, “it’s good to get home, have a shave, get cleaned up
and get back to being me.”

Words: Eve Lamb. Images: Nadine Jade

Daylesford has turned on sparkling conditions for the Labour Day long weekend’s ChillOut festival with many thousands partying hard to the theme ‘Find your Wings’ across the multi-faceted long weekend just passed.

During Thursday’s Opening Night event at the town hall, ChillOut committee member and Hepburn Shire Council’s Councillor Tessa Halliday said: “The need for a symbol of pride is still relevant, we have come a long way but until we can say that every member of the LGBTIQA+ community is safe, accepted and included we still have work to do. We are lucky to live in a very supportive community however this doesn’t mean that there aren’t people in our community that are struggling with their identity or sexuality. The symbol of pride lets them know that they are important to the community and that they are safe to be themselves. The Big Rainbow says ‘you are safe here’. Daylesford is also a haven for LGBTIQA+ visitors, a place where they feel safe to be themselves, where they may not be able to at home.”

A gleeful and large crowd of locals and out-of-towners packed out the Daylesford Town Hall for the opening night where ambassador Sally Goldner flicked the switch and turned on Town Hall’s rainbow lights.

From there the partying ranged widely across comedy, dance, discussion, all ages events and activities including one of the most robustly attended Sunday street parades – transforming Vincent Street – in the event’s history.

The array of multi-faceted festival fun traversed the ChillOut Fundraiser Feast, speed dating, Find Your Wings exhibition launch and the gender and sexuality panels at the Savoia Hotel.

On the laughter front, there were some particularly notable dynamic duos performing. Diamond & York or Sass & Secrets dispensed hilarious shows, and Frock Hudson and Polly Filla welcomed festival-goers with bubbles to a relaxing evening at Splish Splash.

On Saturday the All Ages Sound Shell event was a vibrant gathering of community, rainbow families and young LGBTQIA+ people… while the bush dance – was “a toe tapping rooting rooting yeehawing party”.

Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Brian Hood was among those well impressed with the overall festival.

“The past weekend saw another successful ChillOut event. Recognised as a culturally important and nationally celebrated LGBTIQA+ pride event it supports Queer pride for all regional people,” he said.

“Events across the weekend were well-attended and Daylesford’s streets were well adorned with colourful decorations. And in a piece of great timing the Big Rainbow was installed and launched in time for ChillOut. The rainbow symbolises Council’s ongoing commitment to inclusiveness, diversity, respect and pride for our LGBTIQA+ community and allies,” Cr Hood said.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Robert Cowen who is known to frequent the Bendigo area.

The 34-year-old is wanted on warrants in relation to burglary and theft matters.

Cowen is described as 170-180cm tall, of medium to thin build, with light coloured hair and blue eyes.

Investigators have released an image of Cowen in the hope someone may be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.

He is known to frequent the Bendigo area but it’s believed he may have travelled to Tasmania.

Anyone with information about Cowen is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online via the Crime Stoppers website

Words: Eve Lamb

They’re armed, “dangerous” and said to be headed to The Palais, Hepburn Springs for an April 1 evening showdown.

The Ukulele Death Squad (UDS) have grown bigger and better since their 2017 inception, bringing a new sense of anarchy to the humble ukulele.

The Squad bring a frenetic energy to the uke with their own flamenco, RnB and folk style and since 2019 they’ve been joined by some additional performers further enhancing the thumping rhythms, outrageous solos and sensual sax for which they’ve gained a strong following.

The Adelaide Fringe Award winning and critically acclaimed act have sold out show after show and those who make the Palais evening gig coming up Saturday April 1 are advised to “expect the unexpected and throw out everything you thought you knew about the uke”.

Police impounded the cars of an unlicensed and a suspended driver in Hoppers Crossing last Monday night after they were spotted speeding and driving erratically.

Officers from Westgate Highway Patrol were on patrol when they noticed the two cars driving in convoy on Mossfield Drive about 9.30pm last Monday, March 6.

The pair were allegedly driving erratically and at speed as they continued onto Bellbridge Drive with police detecting both cars travelling in excess of 100km/h in a 50km/h zone.

The Audi station wagon, driven by a 32-year-old man, and the Holden Captiva, driven by a 33-year-old woman, were intercepted and searched.

The duo was arrested after police found a quantity of cannabis in the man’s vehicle and a quantity of methylamphetamine and suspected GHB in the Holden.

The man has been charged with numerous drug, speeding and traffic offences including driving whilst suspended.

The woman has been charged with possessing a traffickable quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing GHB, speeding and traffic offences including unlicensed driving.

They have both been bailed to appear before Werribee Magistrates’ Court on 30 November this year.

Police impounded both vehicles for 30 days at a cost of $997 each.

Brimbank Divisional Response Unit are investigating an armed robbery that happened in Hillside last month.

It is understood two men arrived at a service station on Melton Highway in a blue BMW 3 series sedan about 2.15am on Saturday, 4 February.

They got out of the vehicle, with the registration plate WHT842, and filled several jerry cans with petrol.

Police were told one of the men entered the store, produced what is believed to be an imitation firearm, then demanded cash and cigarettes.

The man stole cigarettes then the two men fled the scene in the vehicle.

There were no injuries.

Police have released CCTV of two men they believe can assist with their enquiries.

One of the men is described as Caucasian, aged in his 20s with brown hair and a moustache.

The other man is also described as Caucasian and in his 20s, with a long brown beard.

The vehicle is also believed to be linked to two other incidents at another service station on Melton Highway in Taylors Lakes where fuel was stolen on 3 and 4 of February.

On these occasions the vehicle was displaying registration plates Q88844 to the rear of the vehicle and the front registration had been changed to V53961.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has dashcam/CCTV footage or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers website online.

Words: Eve Lamb

Carole King Hits and Rarities is coming to the Palais, Hepburn Springs, Friday March 24.

The SupperClub Friday gig is being proudly presented by FOJAM which is a contemporary international arts and music organisation showcasing the diversity and vitality of Jewish identity, culture and life.

Carole King Hits and Rarities will be FOJAM’s first regional Victorian event in its almost a decade-long history and it will bring some of Australia’s best established and emerging vocalists to the Palais-Hepburn with FOJAM paying tribute to one of the great living legends in songwriting of all time.

Featuring an all-star cast of incredible and dynamic performers including Harry James Angus (former frontman and founder of The Cat Empire), Emily Lubitz (Tinpan Orange), Jem Cassar-Daley, Esther Edquist (Sweet Whirl), Freeds and emerging star Jemma Cher.

Supported by a talented backing band with Jonathan Zion as Musical Director and bass player, Luke Howard on piano, Andrew Sylvio on drums and Fran Swinn on guitar, the SupperClub gig offers a journey of surprise and nostalgia traversing this songwriting queen’s catalogue, with each singer performing a hit and a rarity, that you may well know – but may not know was written by one of the greatest Jewish songwriters of our time, Ms Carole King.

Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a suspected suspicious house fire in Winchelsea.

Emergency services were called to the McDonald Drive residence following reports of the blaze in the early hours of last Tuesday morning, March 7, just after midnight.

The fire spread to a neighbouring property causing significant damage to both homes.

It is believed the first premises was unoccupied at the time of the fire however four people from the neighbouring home were lucky to escape without injury.

A woman from another home in the street was taken to hospital with suspected smoke inhalation after she tried to assist at the scene.

Detectives have set up a crime scene and it was expected an arson chemist would attend the scene.

Anyone with information or witnesses are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police were investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash which occurred in Trafalgar last Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to the Princes Highway near Sunny Creek Road after reports a motorcycle rider had lost control of his bike and crashed about 1.15pm, last Tuesday March 7.

Police located the rider but he could not be revived.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who saw the bike prior to the crash or with dashcam footage is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit Crime Stppers online.

The Hepburn Shire Council is keen to receive community input as it develops its Hepburn Shire Indoor Aquatics Provision Feasibility Study and Business Case.

Community members are now being encouraged to participate by completing a survey which takes approximately 10 minutes. But those hoping to have some input had better hurry as the survey closes on Friday 24 March 2023.

Last April the council had adopted the Hepburn Shire Council Aquatics Strategy which sets down a 10-year priority plan that will guide the future strategic direction, infrastructure development priorities and asset management planning for aquatic facilities.

A key part of the Aquatics Strategy was the identified need for access to indoor all year-round aquatics provision to support the needs of Hepburn Shire residents.

Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Brian Hood says the council is keen to hear from the community to help inform the Hepburn Shire Indoor Aquatics Provision Feasibility and Business Case.

“We need to carefully consider council’s ability to fund and operate any potential future indoor aquatics provision opportunities,” Cr Hood said.

“The community survey will help us fill in some information gaps and get community input into their proposed use of current indoor aquatics facilities and ideas on future indoor aquatics facilities and provision.”

Community members are encouraged to participate by completing a survey which takes approximately 10 minutes. The survey closes on Friday 24 March 2023.

Questions regarding the survey can be directed to Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Team at sportrecreation@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

And anyone keen to learn more can head online to https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/aquatics-feasibility-study where they can also complete the survey.

A report released late last month outlines the challenges Australia and the world need to overcome to avoid being thrust back into a pre-antimicrobial age where simple infections are deadly and some surgeries are too risky to perform.

Australia is seeing a growing ‘silent pandemic’ of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – when bacteria and other microbes become resistant to the drugs designed to kill them, such as antibiotics, usually from misuse or overuse.

The report, Curbing antimicrobial resistance: A technology-powered, human-driven approach to combating the ‘silent pandemic’, calls for greater national coordination and a focus on streamlining commercialisation processes for new antimicrobial resistance solutions and technologies.

It was developed by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and initiated by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.

Branwen Morgan, Lead of CSIRO’s Minimising Antimicrobial Resistance Mission, said AMR was recently designated one of the top 10 public health threats facing humanity by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“AMR could render some of the most critical antimicrobial drugs ineffective, undermining modern medicine and making us vulnerable to drug-resistant infections,” Dr Morgan said.

“It is responsible for over 1.27 million deaths globally each year and the number is rising.

“In Australia, modelling suggests AMR could potentially be responsible for over 5000 deaths annually.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the discovery of a man’s body in Lysterfield on Saturday March 4.

Emergency services responded following reports a male had gone missing in water off Logan Park Road.

The man, believed to have been using a paddle board, was last seen in the water by passers-by just after 2.30pm.

A search of the lake was conducted with the assistance of Air Wing, divers from Search and Rescue, Water Police and SES.

The 38-year-old Clayton man was located deceased just before 9pm.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Missing Person Squad detectives have charged a man in relation to the suspicious disappearance of Rosebud man Jake Bradford.

The 21-year-old was reported missing by his mother on 29 January.

His disappearance is being treated as suspicious and is being investigated by detectives from the Missing Persons Squad.

Local police conducted a number of enquiries following this report, including several public appeals for assistance.

Detectives arrested a 25-year-old woman of no fixed address on Thursday, March 2 and she remains in custody on unrelated matters.

A 25-year-old Korumburra man was arrested on Saturday March 4 and has been charged with one count of murder.

He had been remanded in custody to appear before Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 6 March.

Investigators believe Jake became involved in an altercation in the Foster North area on or around 24 January.

Anyone with any other information regarding his disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at Crime Stoppers online.

Local households in Hepburn shire and surrounds will be able to access a new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus within weeks, as the state government drives down the cost of living across the state.

The $250 Power Saving Bonus will be re-opened to all eligible Victorian households from 24
March, including those that received payments under previous rounds, when they visit the
state government’s bill-busting Victorian Energy Compare website.

Since the current round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus launched on 1 July 2022, more than
1.7 million households have received the nation-leading cost of living support.
Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website,
where customers can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas – potentially
saving hundreds of dollars.
Victoria has cut its emissions by more than any other state, tripled the amount of renewable
energy and created thousands of clean energy jobs with the state setting a renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035.
To help meet this target, the government is reviving the State Electricity Commission and
bringing back government owned renewable energy – to drive down energy costs and help
create 59,000 jobs.
The state government is also reducing cost of living stress through the new Energy Assistance
Program, a free service providing energy consumers experiencing hardship with one-on-one
assistance.
The Energy Assistance Program is a $3.75 million initiative that will help Victorians struggling
with power bills to navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and concessions, find
and switch to better offers, and address billing errors.
The program is being delivered in partnership with community partners Anglicare Victoria and
Community Information & Support Victoria.
The state is also helping Victorians save on their household energy bills through the $1.3 billion
Solar Homes Program by installing solar PV systems, batteries, solar hot water and heat
pumps.
To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832.
To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.

Hepburn Shire Council has been trailling the use of crushed glass and recycled road pavement as asphalt additives for road sealing at two Creswick locations.

The trials have been conducted along Creswick’s Victoria and Pearman streets.

The asphalt was made up of about 3% crushed glass, 5% binder, 10% recycled road pavement and 82% crushed rock.

The council reports that it used 9.4 tonnes of crushed glass, the equivalent of about 18,800 glass jars or bottles.

It says it’s now investigating “lots of ways to incorporate the five Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle) in our day-to-day operations and projects”.