with Eve Lamb

Today we’re tackling a short sharp little gem of a walk known as The Cork Oaks Track.

Traversing the northern east-west flank of Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve just out of Clunes this under-acknowledged little beauty is noteworthy for several reasons, the most obvious being its namesake – the cork oaks (Quercus suber). More on them when we reach them…

As mentioned, this is a short walk, only 6.5 kms the round trip, but don’t be fooled. By the time you’re finished with it you’ll feel like you’ve had a decent little workout as it does pack a couple of pulse-raising small punches of elevation.

The first challenge is getting to the starting point. We enter the Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve at its north-eastern end, by vehicle, having driven from Clunes and taken the Maryborough Road, followed by Cemetery, Golf Course, Pickford’s and Kierces roads to reach The Dam located within in the Reserve.

There’s one or two points where extra careful driving may be called for, particularly depending on recent rainfall activity and the degree of gravel road maintenance that’s occurred since.

The Dam. This is our starting point, on the north eastern flank of Mount Beckworth. It’s a top little picnicking spot with tall native water grasses making a sweet habitat for various birds. Above us a black kite shoots the breeze and from here we first start out on the Dam Track skirting around the northern edge of The Dam itself before we encounter the first short sharp little climb.

By this stage we’ve already enjoyed plenty of native flora, eucalypts full of blossom and the drowsy afternoon drone of working bees, and some native casuarina as we climb the Beckworth lower flank with its rocky granite ridgelines.

The Oval. We reach The Oval. It’s a small flat grassy plateau offering excellent views back to the east over the volcanic plains with their ‘mammeloid’ hills rollicking away to far shimmering horizons. At this time of year, late spring, The Oval itself is a tangle of native, and some not-so-native grasses interlaced with intricate indigenous wildflowers.

From here there’s a very gentle climb, gaining great views to the west, across agricultural land and the distant Waubra wind farm towers. Leaving The Oval, we join the Yellow Box Track for a short while, and the trail weaves through splendid examples of the namesake yellow box gums and some remarkable
rocky outcrops and large boulders festooned with rugged lichens. The track is pretty well signposted and soon we find the turnoff to the Cork Oaks clearly marked ahead.

Snakes We’ve reached mid-walk, the sun’s beating down, late afternoon and, camera in hand, I’m admiring yellow native paper daisies in full brilliance and magnificent swirls of bark on old growth gums, when I almost step on a brown snake.

Fortunately it’s about as happy to see me as I am it and when I see it, all of a school ruler’s length from my boot. It’s already sliding away from me about as fast as its belly muscles can carry it. At this point, my trusty walking companion for this expedition – Paddy H – declares a lunchbreak.

Refuelled, we head on toward the Cork Oaks through an undulating and visually interesting section of trail. The woodland all around is dry but with all of those rocky boulder features and views, it’s also imposing with a grandeur all its own, not to mention generous wafts of that classic hot Aussie bushland scent that you can only get by doing exactly this.

Lucky. Having almost stepped on a highly venomous brown snake I’m pretty vigilant at this point in our trek and we count ourselves lucky to have had such a peaceable warning encounter as the track now descends toward a dry watercourse; dry yet, in late November, still green enough along its immediate riparian zone to suggest the sort of small life forms that attract plenty of hungry reptiles.

The Cork Oaks After crossing the dry creek bed there’s only a few hundred metres left to walk before we finally reach the Cork Oaks. They’re nothing if not a surprise packet out here on the western flank of the Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve.

Prior to doing this walk I’ve done a bit of research and discovered that these 40 odd mature exotic trees were planted here back in 1965 as a then Forests Commission Victoria trial. The goal was to determine the viability of growing cork oaks (Quercus suber) for domestic commercial uses and came about following some fairly intense lobbying by a persistent and well-connected captain of industry of the day.

My research also informs that cork oaks occur naturally around the western Mediterranean and that cork from cork oaks has been used since ancient times as bottle stoppers, footwear, insulation and floats for fishing.

Since the 17th century the production and export of cork had been an important industry in Portugal and Spain, the bark first harvested when the trees were about 25 years old and thereafter at nine to 12 year intervals.

Unfortunately, it appears nothing much beyond an interesting diversion for the more horticulturally-minded boffins in the Forests Commission ever really came of the trial. Beyond the living legacy that endures of course.

Today the western edge Mount Beckworth cork oaks are one of the very few traces remaining of a handful of early cork oak trials conducted by the Forests Commission Victoria last century. This little remnant trial plot features some truly beautiful trees with their corrugated trunks and wizened leaves offering welcome shade in a frequently parched land.

We arrive and fling down our backpacks for a while to lie back in the oaks’ silvery shadows and appreciate these imposing specimens and their novel place in history, along with a well earned coffee or two.

Time slips away easily here, but don’t leave it too long to start heading back if you’ve taken on this walk toward dusk as the return leg may seem longer than you’d think, particularly the last descent from The Oval back to The Dam which can be super slippery, particularly when it’s really dry.

This is a top shelf little walk for its views and unique points of interest. If you’re sampling it in the warm part of the year, just watch out for the snakes.

Images: Eve Lamb

Words and Image: Eve Lamb

One fun feature of the monthly Clunes Farmers & Makers Market is the number of folk and their four-legged buddies who can reliably be seen roving about, soaking up the vibe.

It’s a colourfully assorted and sociable spectacle that means young local entrepreneur, 12-year-old Daniel Whitehead is one busy lad on market days.

A while ago Daniel started up his own natural baked dog treat businesses, accordingly named Daniels Doggy Delights. With a little help from his mum Del Whitehead, the enterprising young local has quickly built up a legion of loyal followers who eagerly sniff out the Daniels Doggy Delights stall every market day.

Daniel says the product range is thoroughly taste-tested by his family’s dogs including his dog Spot.

“I think Spot will probably eat everything except the tuna treats and the banana, blueberry and peanut butter bones,” Daniel says.

“I just wanted to make my own business and my Mum thought it was a good idea. The first market I did I sold absolutely everything so I thought I might just continue it.”

Daniel says that besides the handy boost to his personal finances, he especially enjoys the social aspect of the Clunes Farmers & Makers Market that happens on the second Sunday of the month.

“Mostly I enjoy meeting the new people and chatting with other stallholders,” says Daniel, not one to pass up a useful opportunity for a little market research.

“I’d just like to ask my repeat customers if they have any ideas for any new products.”

Market media spokeswoman Daniela Palumbo has lived in Clunes for 12 years and is also a regular stallholder along with her mother Yolanda. Together, mother and daughter operate their stall selling tempting traditional Italian treats that they bake.

“The market’s growing. We used to average 18 to 20 stalls and we’re now averaging 30 plus,” Daniela says.

“I think the word has gotten out that we’ve got a pretty good market and in the last 10 months or so we’ve been really getting the word out on social media.

“In the earlier days mostly we were getting local people but now we’re reaching out to Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong and the market’s been growing a little bit bigger every Spring to Summer.”

Live music is part and parcel of the market that transforms the little town’s main shopping strip with the evocative historic facades that have long made it a favourite among filmmakers.

“Four or five months ago Daniel told us he was interested in having a stall and we said ‘Yes. Absolutely’,” says Daniela whose dog Bobbin numbers among the Daniels Doggy Delights fans.

“I have to hide them from Bobbin,” Daniela says. “There’s been a couple of months where he’s been totally sold out.”

Market chairman, Clunes local Graeme Grigson says Daniel’s stall is one of several new additions to join the market over recent months.

A professional beekeeper who also has a honey and bee product stall at the market, Graeme is encouraging more local residents to get along and enjoy the monthly attraction, including next month’s pre-Christmas market that’s all set for Sunday December 10.

Walking their dog Louie, Clunes’ Sue and Doug Jeffreys are among the market regulars who routinely stroll along to just about every monthly market to snap up some quality produce.

“We love the fresh veggies,” says Sue. “The garlic is fabulous.”

The range of regular stalls is diverse and products include all manner of desirables like herb and vegetable seedlings, live poultry and eggs, boutique chocolates, wines and gins, and hot food and coffee stalls. Another interesting new addition is the stall of Bowenvale resident John Wright who’s been doing some pretty amazing things with old timber pallets.

John upcycles the otherwise discarded pallets, turning them into unique items of folksy furniture, each creatively adorned with assorted recycled metal objects.

“I’m not into it to make money. It’s about reusing and recycling – and the creative aspect,” John says.

Graeme says the market has now been running since April 2015 and those who make it happen each month are feeling pretty pleased with the direction it’s heading as they look ahead to it entering its 10th year of operation.

In the Hepburn Shire’s recent Transport Survey at least 75% of people who responded said their lives would be improved with access to better transport.

What people said was a bit more complicated than that and now four teams of people are working on ‘unpacking’ those different issues, but in the meantime, people also said, “Help! We’d love some shopping trips so we can get on top of Christmas!”

As part of the Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn project, and in particular with the support of Central Highlands Rural Health, the Clunes Neighbourhood House now has several shopping bus trips scheduled before now and Christmas. They are:

BOOK: Monday, 27th November, Big W and Stockland, Wendouree

BOOK: Wednesday, 6th December, Delacombe Town Centre

BOOK: Wednesday, 13th December, Maryborough shops

All trips depart at 9am sharp at Clunes Neighbourhood House, 6 Templeton Street and leave to return to Clunes 2pm sharp. Book online or pop into Clunes Neighbourhood House on Tuesday – Thursday, 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Places are limited to 10 and preference is given to older people, the local neighbourhood house’s manager Lana de Kort says.

Timothy Kevin Hayes (1950 – 2023)
Tim Hayes was a community leader and internationalist who rejuvenated the township of Clunes and saw its population double.
Tim (pictured above with former Prime Minister Julia Gillard) had strong family connections to the Victorian Labor Party, especially at the time of the DLP split of 1955 and wrote about this in his chapter ‘Faith of our Fathers’ in The Great Labor Schism: A Retrospective (2005) edited by Costar, Love and Strangio. This interest in politics shaped his public life.
In 1998, after working in local government, Tim and his partner, Michael Waugh, purchased an impressive historic building which was once the old Telegraph Hotel. It had been a Cobb & Co coach terminus and was one of the places the founding fathers discussed federation and the constitution. At the time the impressive building was known as Keebles Country House and was run as elegant accommodation and a restaurant. The pair continued to run this business for eight years.
Tim recognised the value of tourism in renewing country towns and called a committee together to form a sister city relationship with Coloma in the US. Like Clunes, it had been the place of gold’s first discovery. The sister city relationship was officially acknowledged by the El Dorado County Board in February 2000. Tim and his committee held annual celebrations in the extensive grounds of Keebles which raised funds for local clubs and groups. These had an American theme, were joined by US officials, and often celebrated Broadway musicals.
At this time Tim joined the staff as administrator of the newly created year 9 residential campus of Wesley College in Clunes. Tim was the interface between Wesley and the Clunes community. His background in hospitality and local government stood him in good stead as did his wickedly irreverent sense of humour and his impeccable understanding of how to make things work. Under his leadership Wesley and Clunes formed a strong relationship which endures to this day.
In 2001 he was instrumental in setting up a Clunes committee to steer the celebrations of 150 years since gold discovery. These were so successful the events won the Judges Award for Best Tourism Association Event in the regional section at the 2002 Goldfields Tourism Awards.
His love of theatre saw him form the local amateur society where its annual productions included the musical, The Boyfriend and the Australian classic, Dimboola.
He and his partner established Widow Twankey’s Confectionary Emporium and ice cream parlour as a fantastical shop on Clunes’ main street in the theme of Aladdin. The bright colours and magical display of confectionery created a tourism icon and assisted the reinvigoration of Fraser Street. They operated this business until 2021.
In 2006 he was elected councillor and in 2007 became mayor of Hepburn Shire. One of his most outstanding achievements was the $3.23 million redevelopment of the Clunes Museum and Interpretive Centre and significant renovations to the Clunes and District Agricultural Showgrounds.
In 2007 he, along with Graeme Johnstone, Linda Newitt and Tess Brady, was a founder of Clunes Booktown, a long-running project which significantly enhanced tourism and prosperity in the town. Its annual festival attracts around 15,000 visitors and is a highlight of the regional calendar.
For 10 years Tim ran the secretariate ensuring that the organisation was well-run but flexible enough to be creative and embrace opportunities. He oversaw the 2010 bid to join the International Organisation of Booktowns, the first membership offered to a town in the Southern Hemisphere.
He served on several community and local boards including as Chair of the Central Highlands Regional Libraries Corporation (2010-2012) and as a member of the Community Bank Creswick and District taking an active role on the board from 2014 until 2021 where he served as a member of the Business Development Committee and the chairperson of the Audit & Finance Committee.
Whip-smart, funny, and a person of great substance, Tim’s contributions to his community will be counted for many years to come.
Tim died on October 28, 2023 after an illness and is survived by his partner Michael Waugh.
Contributed: Tess Brady

Words & images: Eve Lamb

For those of us who’d never heard of a “Ga Ga Pit”, the special ribbon-cutting occasion at Clunes Primary School last week provided a quick learning curve.
For the school’s students, though, it was the culmination of some fairly impressive lobbying to get a Ga Ga Pit of their own.
For local members of the Historical Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia (Ballarat Branch) cutting the ribbon on the brand new Ga Ga Pit was a particularly satisfying experience after they’d earlier donated $5000 for it to be built, courtesy of their annual truck show held over the March Labour Day weekend at Clunes Showgrounds. The Local’s Eve Lamb headed to the school to find out more and snap a few photos.
Above: Clunes Primary School students demonstrate how Ga Ga ball is played in the new pit that was purpose-built by school council members using the $5000 donation from the club. Turns out Ga Ga is a game played by children and big kids alike, a fast-paced form of handball or dodgeball played in a hexagonal or octagonal pit, with its own set of rules.
“Ga Ga is a Hebrew word that means Hit Hit and it’s been played all over the world,” school principal Sonia Jardine said, providing the uninitiated with a crash course on the finer points of the sport that’s recognised as especially valuable for building motor skills, fitness and social skills. “In Victoria they started through the YMCA camps.”
Below: Club committee member, Clunes’ Jon Paine cuts the ribbon on the Clunes Primary School’s new Ga Ga Pit. This year the club also donated $5000 to the Male Bag Foundation for prostate cancer, and another $5000 to help tackle motor neuron disease.

“Every year for the past 14 years the club has held its annual truck show at the Clunes showgrounds. We are a not-for-profit and all of the proceeds go to good causes.”
Below: From left, Clunes vintage truck enthusiasts Janet Braithwaite, Lorraine Hogan and Ken Corney (who rolled up in his 1929 AA Ford Truck) with club committee member Clunes’ Jon Paine.

Below: Clunes Primary School principal Sonia Jardine tells all assembled for the Ga Ga Pit launch that receiving the donation from the club was a wonderful surprise.
“When the club secretary presented me with the cheque I nearly cried,” she said. Ms Jardine said
students had earlier embarked on a persistent campaign to get a Ga Ga Pit for their school, after
sampling one while on camp at coastal Queenscliff.
“They’ve written me persuasive texts…it’s been a very compelling argument and the decision was
made that we would listen to the voice of the students.”

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

The 160th anniversary Clunes Show has been along time coming but it’s finally looking like all
systems go for Saturday, November 18.
“It’s not just that it’s our 160th anniversary show but that it’s also been more than three years in the
making,” Clunes and District Agricultural Society secretary Gayle Wrigley says.
“It’s been stop-start, stop-start for the last three years, first with Covid and then last year with the weather.”
Having contended with prolonged precipitation in the lead up to last year’s attempt, they’d just managed to get the centrepiece arena to thumbs-up stage when the heavens opened again.
“We got 30mm of rain and there was just no way we could run it,” Gayle recounts last year’s eleventh hour disappointment. “That was devastating. I can tell you there were tears.”
This time there’s an even steelier determination among the volunteer committee to ensure the big 160th anniversary show will go on.
“The phones are ringing and we’re getting a sense that people really want to see it back and want to get through the gates,” Gayle says.
The longstanding event packs an enviable reputation among the state’s remaining true classic country show experiences, particularly for staging crowd-rousing old fashioned entertainment.
The gumboot throw, tug-o-war, keg throw and ladies’ wood splitting events are keenly contested by
locals and visiting ribbon raiders and just as keenlywatched from the sidelines.
“We’re now the only show in Australia that still runs the ladies’ wood splitting,” committee president
Jenny Redpath says. “We usually get anywhere from 12 to 20 women entering and there’s cash up for grabs.”
Among the local women with their sights set on taking home the wood splitting cash prize and ribbon
is Clunes’ Beth Campbell, a former winner. Jenny says all of the favourite show day attractions will be back, including time-honoured drawcards like the equestrian program, Midlands Axemen’s woodchop display, ferret racing, homecrafts pavilion, showbags, rides and grand parade.
There’ll be the full complement of agricultural competitions, shearing displays, the dog high jump, live acts including the Ballarat Pipe Band, a food and wine pavilion and the 25th anniversary running of the
Bute Ute Competition.
“We’ll also have some new attractions including the Strongman Competition, the Mediaeval Combat
Competition and the Header Simulator. That was a great attraction at the Melbourne show this year,”
Gayle says. “We’ve also got Sandy Creek Clydesdales coming. We haven’t had them before.”
Jenny says the majority of the community will be involved in some way or another.
“The CFA does the morning breakfast. The school does Devonshire tea and sandwiches throughout the
day, the cricket club runs a barbeque, the footy club does the bar and the school will also be running the cow poo lotto as well.
“We have also done a book which has a history and a timeline. One of our committee members and a past president have put that together and it will be available for purchase on show day.”

Organisers of Clunes Booktown say the festival will be back again next year despite earlier news that “severely reduced funding” will impact the event program.

Creative Clunes CEO Sue Beal said in a report that chairperson Kadir Hussain had “explained that due to severely reduced funding there will need to be a significantly reduced festival program for 2024”.

A public relations spokesperson said Clunes Booktown had a four-year funding agreement with Creative Victoria which ended on December 31.

Creative Clunes Inc manages the annual festival and in a community newsletter earlier this month, the organisation’s CEO Sue Beal gave a report on the Booktown AGM held last month.

“The Board will continue to seek funding for the event so they can deliver as full a program as possible,” Ms Beal said in this month’s community newsletter report.

A public relations contact for Creative Clunes had since told The Local that “Clunes Booktown has a four year funding agreement with Creative Victoria which will be coming to an end on 31 December 2023.

“Creative Clunes are in the process of applying for additional funding for future festivals.

“In the meantime, Clunes Booktown will return to Clunes on 23 & 24 March 2024…The Clunes Booktown program should be out before the end of the year.”

with Eve Lamb

Clunes-based artist Kate Edwards is especially renowned for her personality-packed ceramic pieces. Her talents have seen her work selected multiple times among the finalists in the Clunes Ceramics Award. Kate shares her passion for art by teaching at a local secondary college and her work has won this talented local creative plenty of fans who love the joyful nature of her original creations.

Eve: Hi Kate, How should we best describe your artistic style? Does it fit into a particular arts genre?

Kate: I love the elemental process of ceramics but also bright colours and patterns. My ceramic sculptures and mosaics reflect this. Last year I returned to study to support my daughter and started painting as well.

Eve: How did you come to art?

Kate: As a child of the 1970s growing up in the outer east of Melbourne, handcrafting was very popular. My mother sometimes wove the fabric to make my clothes and I was a dab hand at macramé. Childhood mud pies developed into pottery and then into ceramic sculpture.

Eve: How did you nurture your innate arts talent?

Kate: I originally moved to the Central Highlands to complete my degree in visual art, but I keep the learning alive by attending master classes and workshops with visiting artists quite regularly.

Eve: Where do you do most of your art work?

Kate: I am presently between studio spaces completing work where and when I can. My dining table at my home in Clunes hasn’t seen many meals lately as it currently hosts all my latest artistic endeavours.

Eve: Which artists have influenced your work?

Kate: So many, from Etruscan and Aztec ceramics, through folk art and modern painters. I’m a bit of a magpie really, picking up shiny ideas from everywhere and weaving them into my art.

Eve: Are there any other factors that have influenced your practice?

Kate: I do love travel. Trying to stand in the same spot Van Gogh painted a scene in Arles helps me link in with artists through time. Collecting souvenirs that inspire me with exotic designs and colours; although I wouldn’t recommend loading up your suitcase with Moroccan plates and dragging it through the Paris Metro. Gardening is another major obsession of mine.

Eve: What is your media of choice?

Kate: Ceramics is my first love, and mosaics, but sometimes it is fun to just draw and paint.

Eve: What is your subject matter of choice?

Kate: Ask anyone and they will say “cats, birds and foliage”. I did try to delve into more deep and meaningful themes at university but I had to admit it wasn’t me. Why cats, birds and foliage? Because they give me joy.

Eve: Have you ever worked in any other areas?

Kate: My mother was a teacher and I was adamant that life wasn’t for me but after attempts at being a radiographer and several public service positions I found my calling as an arts educator.

Eve: What are you working on at the moment?

Kate: Just for fun, I am currently painting in gouache a series of angels in the style of gilded Byzantine icons, with cat’s faces, of course.

Eve: What work, goals or projects do you have in mind for the future?

Kate: In my ideal world I would build the perfect studio and spend half my time making and selling art and the other half travelling the world, but between work and my responsibilities caring for my mother and my children I have so little time and money. Hopefully I will get closer to my dream in retirement.

Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?

Kate: I have had work selected in the Clunes Ceramics Award three times. It’s such a privilege to see my work displayed beside the work of famous ceramicists.

Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up that you would like to let others know about?

Kate: I am hoping to attend the exhibition “Picture This” at the Possum Gully Art Gallery in Adelaide Lead on the Melbourne Cup weekend.

Eve: What would you rate as the biggest challenges in being a professional working artist today?

Kate: For me I would say “finding headspace”.

Eve: And, for you what are the greatest rewards?

Kate: Taking a piece of earth and creating something never seen before.

An alternative greenfield site to host community sport and active recreation is being considered for Clunes.

To investigate this option further the Hepburn Shire Council is inviting community members to apply to join a Clunes Recreation Provision Feasibility Project Advisory Group (PAG).

In a recent media release, the Hepburn Shire Council says: “During the development of the draft masterplan for the Clunes Recreation Reserve, community interest has evolved to consider an alternative option in servicing the future provision of sport and active recreation at an alternative greenfield site in Clunes”. 

The PAG would work with the council to provide input into the development of the working draft Clunes Recreation Reserve Masterplan and determine how quality infrastructure could be provided that promotes community connection and active participation in Clunes. 

Expressions of interest to join the PAG are open until 5pm on Wednesday 13 September 2023 and can be made via Council’s Participate Hepburn website. 

Community pop-in session 

The local council will also hold a pop-in session in Clunes for the community to discuss the PAG with its Sport and Active Recreation Team.

The session will be held this Saturday September 9 with people able to drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm at the Ulumbarra Room at The Warehouse – Clunes.  

The Hepburn Shire Council has released draft masterplans for Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes and is inviting the community to have a say on the future direction of these important community sites. 

The draft masterplans are available at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/clunes-open-space-masterplan, with feedback accepted until 5pm on Friday 22 September.  

The council will also hold a pop-in session in Clunes for the community to discuss the draft Queens Park and Pioneer Park masterplans. The session will be held this Saturday 9 September, with people able to drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm at the Ulumbarra Room at The Warehouse – Clunes.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the masterplans seek to identify and address gaps in infrastructure requirements and so community input is essential. 

“These masterplans aim to improve accessibility and safety, but also to increase participation, visitation and connections for the community. Local voices are vital in making sure we get this right,” said Cr Hood. 

The draft masterplan includes 18 potential actions at Pioneer Park and 17 at Queens Park. 

Some of the ideas for Pioneer Park include new accessible paths, better seating, improved lighting, off-street car-parking, establishment of a formal lookout point at the historical sign and marker, along with new interpretive and wayfinding signage. The draft masterplan also suggests investigation of upgrades to, or the possible relocation of, the skate park. 

Improvement ideas for Queens Park include accessibility upgrades to gravel tracks and carparks, improvements to lighting along the Creek Walk, better wayfinding signage to town centre and public toilets, playground improvements, new seating and picnic settings, refurbishment of the crumbling Queens Park Fountain, tree planting, and safer pedestrian access and connections. 

“The draft masterplans are aspirational. Works are not yet included in the council’s long-term financial planning, but they seek to guide future investment in these community assets,” Cr Hood said.

“The scope and cost of works would need to be considered in the context of other council priorities, expenditure and the availability of external funding sources,” he said. 

Words and Images: Eve Lamb

It’s Friday on a chill mid winter afternoon in Clunes but the sounds emanating from the town’s Attitude building have a distinctly sunny edge. The weekly ukulele group gathering is in progress.

This fun little group has been happening now for the past couple of years, ever since Attitude started and the pandemic lockdowns ended.

Attitude – Ageing Well (its full name) is a community-led initiative that provides a range of social, intellectual and physical activities for people aged 60 plus – but all ages are welcome.

“It’s lots of fun,” says uke group leader, Clunes’ Victoria Reeve who is blessed with a singing voice that can hold a tune. Several years ago now, she took up playing ukulele out of a long-held wish to learn a musical instrument of some type.

“I used to regularly go to the Ballarat group before the pandemic,” Victoria said.

A couple of years ago a friend, who wanted to learn to play this personality-packed little stringed relative of the guitar, urged Victoria to start a group anew in Clunes.

“At the time, I said ‘but I’m only a beginner myself and largely self-taught’, and she said ‘well that’s better than what’s currently available which is nothing’.”

The group started meeting informally at Victoria’s house but the response was strong and now it meets every Friday from 3pm to 5pm at Attitude Clunes headquarters in Fraser Street.

“We’ve now got a core group of about five or six who are pretty consistent and we always welcome new members,” Victoria says.

“Basically we just love playing and singing. We play a few songs from as far back as the 60s but mostly from the 70s, 80s and 90s and also a couple of modern ones as well.”

The focus is wholly on having fun, and socialising while enjoying music, but the weekly sessions do tend to reap results in terms of participants’ musical ability.

“It’s really good to have that regular meeting because it keeps you honest,” Victoria says as we discuss the importance of practice, practice, practice.

As group leader Victoria brings to the gatherings not just a love of music but also a professional background as an educator, albeit in the area of tertiary-level literary studies. She still works as a writing teacher for both adults and children, and also leads regular exercise classes as part of the Attitude program as well.

She says the reasons locals decide to pick up a uke and join the group sessions are many and varied.

“One of our members considers it her ‘me’ time and certainly singing together releases all of those positive brain chemicals. People learn best when they are happy and enjoying themselves,” she says.

“One of our members is a really good muso and had a career where she’s performed but everyone has their own reasons for coming along.

“One of our members just wanted to be able to play ‘Happy Birthday’ for family members, and another one likes to go caravanning and he wanted to be able to sit around the campfire and play.

“With the uke it’s such a fun little instrument. It’s hard to be dogmatic or didactic about it.”

For Victoria learning to play this fun little instrument was the fulfilment of a lifetime wish that began as a child. It helped that she could sing.

“There was a local group, since disbanded, that had started meeting here in Clunes back a couple of years before the pandemic and I took to it quite quickly. I went and bought my first uke and I now have five or six which is more than any human being needs,” she laughs.

“Because it only has four strings it is easier than guitar and it’s a nice portable little instrument.”

Those interested in taking on the uke may be inspired by the likes of uke super group, The Ukulele Death Squad, (Google it if you aren’t already familiar) which demonstrates what’s potentially possible with this slightly humorous and humble little instrument.

But there’s absolutely no pressure to perform at all for the Clunes group regulars.

“The group has a lovely social quality,” Victoria says. “There’s no pressure to perform. It’s a really nice way to make friends, sharing an activity. I would recommend it to anyone if they’re feeling a bit isolated.”

Group regular Sandra Nichols says that before the group started she had purchased a ukulele but had then left it sitting, unplayed, until the group came into being.

“I think playing a musical instrument is really good for the brain, and we sing as well which is really uplifting,” says Sandra who encouraged Victoria to lead the group.

All of the uke players agree the gatherings are a great mood boost.

“Music makes you feel good,” says Deb James who, like fellow group regular Graham Quemard, likes to take her uke on caravanning trips and take it out around the campfire.

If you’re interested in rolling up for one of the Friday arvo uke sessions at Attitude you don’t even need to possess your own ukulele as the group can provide spares for those keen to give it a go.

Those keen to place dibs on borrowing one and getting along for a session can contact Victoria on 0420-432-931.

Words: Linda Newitt

Clunes
Graeme and his wife June moved to Clunes in 1997 from Melbourne where they had raised a family of three while working as secondary teachers. Graeme, the maths whizz with a penchant for drama and theatre, June with an expert knowledge and passion for music and love of gardening.
They purchased the former Duke of Edinburgh Hotel and transformed it into The Dukes B&B. June working on the garden, Graeme on the premises. They were licenced and put in a coffee machine (only the second one in Clunes).
A gregarious host, Graeme’s provision of massive, cooked breakfasts soon became legendary, as did the nights when the tipple was from the top shelf.
Graeme soon joined in community life, always ready to lend a hand, run with a good idea and help in any way to promote the town. And he had plenty of fun along the way. As a former drama teacher and enthusiast, he was part of the Clunes amateur theatre group and directed two plays. Whenever there was a film made here in Clunes, Graeme was usually to be counted among the extras, including Ned Kelly back in 2003. He was also instrumental in establishing the pétanque piste in Collins Place and an enthusiastic member of the Clunes Golf Club. And the smaller private moments of generosity and caring, such as helping to tutor a student.
Clunes Tourist and Development Association
One of Graeme’s first forays into community life was through the Clunes Tourist and Development Association. At a time when the town was in decline he worked closely with a small team of other enthusiastic locals, notably Jane Lesock and former local councillor Michael Cheshire, to bring a new energy to the group. As part of the CTDA he was for 12 years the Clunes representative on the Hepburn Regional Tourism Board, with countless trips to Daylesford, day or night, to ensure Clunes got its fair share of publicity and acknowledgement. Graeme’s time on the CTDA included many years as president, eventually retiring from this role in 2009.
One of the CTDA’s early efforts to promote the town during this time was to include a Clunes calendar of events in the Words in Winter festival emerging in Daylesford – it would be a precursor to bigger things to come with Booktown. Other significant annual community events flowed from the CTDA’s work during this time, including the much celebrated Clunes Community Dinners and Clunes Citizen of the Year Awards. Graeme was a recipient of this award in 2014, named Clunes Male Citizen of the Year. He was Hepburn Shire Citizen of the Year for 2015.
Clunes International Booktown
With the town in rural decline, community members started to look for a way to revitalise the town while at the same time holding on to its history. Again, joining with a few other committed locals, the notion of a Booktown was born, with the first festival held in 2007. The original crew of Graeme, Tim Hayes (Clunes’ then local councillor), Tess Brady and Linda Newitt founded Creative Clunes and worked together to develop the Clunes Booktown concept and festival for over 10 years. Graeme was chair and deputy chair during his time with Creative Clunes.
Clunes Ceramics Award
Graeme was also an assiduous advocate for the arts. Inspired by June’s love and growing talent for pottery, Graeme set up the idea of a biennial Ceramics Award. The first event was held in 2009. Graeme forged links with the Hugh Williamson Foundation for funding and later with Castlemaine and Ballarat Art Galleries.
Free Lending Library
A long-time member of the former Free Lending Library Committee of Management, Graeme went to work to preserve the historic building. Again, as part of a small but enthusiastic team, including Denise Fordham and Phil Taig, he helped secure funding through the Hugh Williamson Foundation to undertake the necessary engineering reports and then to carry out repairs to stabilise the 1882 building. In February 2023, Clunes Neighbourhood House was able to move into the building and give it a bright, second life. The town is indebted to Graeme, who was also a member of the Clunes RSL sub-branch after an early career in the Royal Australian Navy, for his commitment, enthusiasm and tireless work.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett has handed out a petition to Clunes businesses and community groups encouraging locals and road users to show their support for speed reduction and safety improvements on the town’s Bailey Street bridge.
The petition seeks to reduce the speed limit from 60kmh to 40kmh over the Clunes bridge. The petition is at the Clunes Pharmacy, Widow Twankeys, Clunes Newsagents, Clunes IGA, @Fifty Two, Valley of Gold Service Station, Clunes Neighbourhood House, BOOM Clunes and O’Hara’s Café Bakery. Or sign online at www.marthahaylett.com.au.

Words: Darren Lowe

Following its sell-out success last year, Winter Sounds is returning to Daylesford in August with a great line-up of Australian artists performing in a range of local venues.
From August 17-20 the line-up including Mo’Ju, Gareth Liddiard, Jen Cloher, Tex Perkins & Matt Walker,
Adalita, Watty Thompson, Jess Ribeiro, Martin Frawley, Leah Senior, Coda Chroma, Skyscraper Stan and Jarrah Olive will play gigs around the region – Daylesford, Glenlyon, Bullarto and Clunes.
Winter Sounds is produced by the team behind the successful Riverboats Music Festival and supported by Visit Victoria and the event’s director Dave Frazer says: “Winter Sounds is about providing audiences with the opportunity to experience extraordinary performances in extraordinary spaces, and we are so excited to be rugging up and returning to the Daylesford region this winter.”
For one of the unique shows in the series, take the train to the Bullarto Hall for sets by Gareth Liddiard, Adalita, Martin Frawley and Jess Ribeiro. After a half hour journey through the Wombat State Forest on the Spa Country Railway, wander up the bush track to Bullarto Hall, where the fire drums will be roaring and the Mountain Goat tinnies will be on ice.
Alternatively, audiences can take a leisurely drive to Clunes, where Watty Thompson and Leah Senior will perform in the Clunes Town Hall.
In Daylesford, the phenomenal vocals of Mo’Ju, supported by Ballarat’s Coda Chroma, will play the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday night, while Jen Cloher and Tex Perkins & Matt Walker will take over St Peter’s Catholic Church for two evening concerts.
Both buildings will be spectacularly lit by the team from RTR Productions to showcase the buildings’ architecture. Tickets on sale at www.wintersounds.com.au

They’re a fairly fiesty and active lot out Clunes’ way … and they plan to stay that way.

The little goldfields town’s local neighbourhood house, the local Attitude – Ageing Well in Clunes group, and the Central Highlands Rural Health have formed a pioneering partnership aimed at ensuring locals’ more mature years are among the best they’ve ever had.

Backed by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network, they’ve recently launched their Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn project.

The initiative is shire-wide and aims to empower people entering the next stage of their lives in a healthy and fulfilling manner.

It aims to create a suite of programs that will enhance the lives of people aged 50 and over, or 45 years or older First Nations people in the community.

The strategies include developing a Clunes ‘healthy ageing hub’ prototype, and focusing on establishing information and connections in Daylesford, Trentham and Creswick. Link: www.ageingwithattitude.org