Words and image Eve Lamb

EV drivers have been well pleased to discover that the new fast charge station at Creswick is finally up and running. For some it can make the difference between getting home – or not.

The Local, using an all electric Nissan Leaf, put it to the test in recent days and found it reasonably fast and in useful proximity to the town’s supermarket across the main road.

The public PlugShare website, that lists the locations of charge stations Australia-wide and provides a constantly updating forum for EV drivers to share vital information, shows the new station has been in steady use since coming online mid-May.

One EV user commented on the PlugShare site: “very handy location especially as there are only 2 AC CCS2 plugs at RACV Goldfields”.

The 50 kW Chargefox station offers CCS/SAE type and CHAdeMO type charging with two dedicated parking spaces, and was installed beside the town’s Albert Street  visitor information centre in December.

It had been expected to be up and running by late February, but Business Development Specialist with Chargefox, Zachary Whittaker confirmed that commissioning had been delayed by a couple of factors.

“This project was delayed due to construction not being finished at the visitor centre and vandalism that occurred just prior to opening,” he told The Local.

The earlier vandalism had included the cutting of thin retractable rope guide lines connected to the charge guns, and some graffiti which had been spray painted in the general area.

The vandalism appeared random, however, and did not appear to have been targeting the new station as it also encompassed wider infrastructure in the immediate area and had since been fixed or cleaned up.

In the May edition of their new sustainable issues e-newsletter, council staff provided some information about the project:

“Council and Hepburn Energy are working together with Chargefox, the Victorian Government, Central Highlands Water and Fells Electrical to install three 50kW fast chargers in Creswick, Trentham and Hepburn Springs.  
“That will take the total number of public EV chargers in the shire to five …
“Watch this space for news on a public launch and full details over the coming months,” the council newsletter states.

The Victorian Goldfields UNESCO World Heritage bid has been given a hefty boost thanks to $3.8 million announced in the Victorian budget for championing Victoria’s outstanding heritage.
World Heritage listing of a limited number of globally significant sites is forecast to deliver real
and long-lasting benefits that will be shared by communities and people right across the Goldfields region, including in little local towns like Clunes and Creswick which have a significant part in the area’s golden past.

World Heritage status is expected to bring world-wide recognition and attention and is a proven, powerful catalyst for unlocking transformative opportunities for local communities. It’s estimated to be worth $1 billion to the region over 10 years. Connecting the world with the Victorian Goldfields is forecast to grow the area’s global visitor market, driving sustainable tourism and jobs.
Meanwhile, a targeted tourism investment strategy is expected to start delivering benefits in the short-term.
The bid is the initiative of a regional partnership made up of the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive and 13 local councils led the City of Ballarat and the City of Greater Bendigo.
Chair of the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor says a tourism masterplan currently being developed features exciting World Heritage Journeys which will disperse the increased visitors – and visitor dollars – throughout the region.
“It will take in our smaller regional and rural communities meaning there are no winners and losers, only winners.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor, Cr Annette Death, said it was pleasing to see more funding provided for the bid to join about 20 other Australian sites currently showcased on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
“This worldwide recognition would complement our own tourism initiatives here in the Macedon Ranges and our own unique heritage, which we’re currently inviting submissions on to help inform a revised Heritage Strategy.”
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson OAM says that leveraging and strengthening community pride is a vital part of the work.“Locals have told us they are proud of what we have. Our unique heritage is a key reason they want to live and work here.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf says that unlocking the benefits needs strong collaboration between local communities, businesses and industry.
“It will take everyone working together. The bid merely opens up the opportunities. Importantly, Traditional Owners will be able to tell their own stories about the impact of the gold rush and share those with visitors in the ways they choose.
“We urge everyone to get involved in shaping an exciting, sustainable and prosperous future.”
Locals keen to get involved in co-designing an exciting future for the Goldfields region and to learn more about the bid are being invited to visit www.goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au

The Hepburn Shire Council has reported that works are being carried out to improve the road pavement and drainage along the West Berry Road in Creswick North.

The road will be closed during the day to facilitate the works and detours will be in place.

Works are expected to be completed in early June.

The contractor will then move to Daylesford-Clunes Road, Lawrence for similar repairs.

The restoration of Creswick Town Hall is close to completion with scaffolding expected to be taken down in coming days.

As part of the conservation project, the historic hall’s clock face has been meticulously cleaned and painted by a signwriter, a new flagpole was installed in recent days, the repaired and painted cast iron cresting followed it soon after, perched upon a new copper clad roof.

Chimney pots and chimney heads have been carefully restored and painted and the parapets, facades and windows are nearly complete.

With scaffolding now expected to come down, the Hepburn Shire Council has requested pedestrians and onlookers to keep their distance to allow scaffolders to get the job done.

The project is funded through the council along with a $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, and $432,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.

Words and image: Eve Lamb

Creswick’s upcoming Repair and Share event is pretty much what the name suggests.

Organised by local sustainability group Transition Creswick, it’s all about repairing broken items, similar to the successful Repair Cafe concept that’s keeping serious volumes of perfectly fixable stuff out of landfill in many communities already.

To get the ball rolling, a couple of months back Transition Creswick tested the waters by running a Repair Cafe event at Creswick, with a little help from the established Daylesford Repair Cafe.

About 40 people turned up at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre hall with things that needed repair, and many broken or not-working things were fixed. It all went so well that now Transition Creswick is getting set to hold another similar event.

The upcoming Repair and Share event is set for Sunday May 28 and will take place from 1 to 4pm, once again in the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre hall.

Transition Creswick facilitator Tim Drylie says everyone is welcome to roll up with items that need fixing – and, in this case, also with goodies to share.

He says the Repair and Share concept will incorporate a share table where locals can share and swap intrinsically valuable things like home-baked cakes, or that excess quince crop that would otherwise go to waste in the back yard, or those eggs the chooks have laid in over- abundance.

Tim says it’s hoped the concept will become a regular monthly fixture, and he also says more people with handy repair skills of all kinds are encouraged to get in contact as their abilities will be very welcome.

This includes things like the ability to provide basic bicycle repairs, mechanical repairs, ceramic repairs and even IT know-how. A volunteer fixer who is a qualified electrician would also be most welcome, Tim mentions.

“The Daylesford Repair Cafe has been very successful over several years and has made a big difference in terms of stuff not going to landfill,” he says.

 “We ran our first Repair Cafe a couple of months ago in conjunction with the Daylesford Repair Cafe as a bit of an outreach. It was very successful and we had people with all sorts of repair skills including clothes mending, knife-sharpening, bike repairs, ceramics repairs and small appliance repairs 

“Repair and Share is a slightly different approach but we have a strong affiliation with the Repair Cafe. At the moment we’re putting the structures in place to ensure it’s all done safely and the checks and balances are done. It’s with the broader idea of having a community exchange market down the track, enabling non-monetary trading.

 “It’s also about good conversation. These sorts of events are very good for community connectedness.

 “There is a natural abundance that we can all bring to our community that helps build resilience.

“I think a lot of people are experiencing frustration at having appliances break down. Built-in redundancy is an issue, and it might be something as simple as needing a bike tube changed or a sweater darned.

 “We’re tapping into expertise that may not otherwise be valued as much in our current economy, and it’s often very satisfying for people who have these sorts of skills to give back in this way.

“Of course unfortunately some things can’t be repaired, and it may be a matter of referring people to someone else with the expertise to help.”

Transition Creswick is auspiced by the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre and some of the other projects with which it’s also currently involved include the Hepburn EV Bulk Buy scheme and the creation of an Indigenous food garden.

Those who would like more information, or who think they may have useful repair skills to contribute are encouraged to contact Transition Creswick at transitioncreswick@gmail.com

Creswick Theatre Company has been having a wickedly good time preparing to stage dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace.

The script by American playwright Joseph Kesselring was written in 1939 and sweeps its audience into the world of two (seemingly) dear older ladies, the Brewster sisters, who live with their nephew in Brooklyn. 

The gals are sweet and welcoming older ladies who just happen to have a personal practice of murdering single men – to save them from being lonely. 

“It’s a farce,” says director of the Creswick Theatre Company version, Jenni Sewell. “It’s a very funny script, subtle but clever, and there’s bits in it where we just crack up in rehearsals.”

The original Arsenic and Old Lace made its Broadway debut in 1941, enjoyed a successful three-year run, and went on to be made famous by the 1944 film adaptation directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster.

The Creswick Theatre Company production features a cast of 13 and is being staged over June 16-25 with four evening shows and two matinees, and tickets are on sale through Humanitix online.

Jenni says they’re selling, so best not mess about if you want to be sure of catching it.

“We have a seating limit so if people really want to see it they should get tickets.”

Elly Kries has one of the lead roles as Martha Brewster and, when The Local dropped in on a recent rehearsal, was obviously having a rollicking good time getting into character for the part. But there are challenges.

“It’s really hard when everyone’s breaking up laughing, not to crack up yourself and just keep performing the part,” Elly said.

“It’s a great script and I do like playing dress-ups and being someone else for a little while.”

There are plenty of strong character parts including Elaine the minister’s rather naughty daughter played by Imogen Nooney.

“She’s a bit saucy, a bit more worldly then a minister’s daughter really should be,” Imogen said of her character.

Delacombe’s Ellen Scott plays Officer O’Hara, an interesting character as well.

“He could best be described as duplicitous,” Ellen said. “He lives one life to earn his keep but has been writing a play… for twelve years.”

Like many of his fellow cast members, Ballarat’s Chris Andrew has been with CTC for a while and has appeared on stage in previous productions with this lively little community theatre company. For Arsenic and Old Lace he’s playing Dr Reverend Harper.

“It’s a challenging role but I love it,” he said. “It’s heaps of fun. I love being on stage and bringing fun and laughter for the audience.”

Tickets are through Humanitix.com

In Creswick Martha Haylett MP opened the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick on May 5.

To celebrate, the Hepburn Shire Council is now inviting local residents to “join the fun at the Dirty Pig and Whistle ride event at Hammon Park on Saturday 20 May”.

Those interested are invited to get along, watch some of the races, try out
the jumps and the pump track, learn about the Creswick Trails and enjoy a
free coffee and face painting (10am to 12pm) at this fun community event.
Everyone is welcome.

Hammon Park is the trailhead for the Creswick Trails, a 60-kilometre network of mountain bike trails destined to be the site of the 2026 Commonwealth Games mountain bike events.

Hammon Park is a community-focused reserve with a cycling theme and includes cycling
jumps, pump track, cyclocross elements, children’s play area, learn to ride
bike track, BBQ area and space for a variety of events.

The reserve was funded through a grant from Regional Development Victoria’s Regional
Tourism Infrastructure Fund, a generous contribution from the Creswick
Community Bank and Council’s capital works funds.

Words: Eve Lamb

Fancy a wild pine mushroom risotto? A crisp dandelion and wild brassica salad? Or an elderberry cocktail perhaps?

These are some of the sorts of wild food delicacies that may result as local teacher and experienced food forager Irina De Loche prepares to share her passion for enjoying the bounty of nature that’s out there just waiting to be gathered and relished.

Over the past three years, Irina has already become well known at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre where she teaches yoga, dance and pilates. But later this month Irina is also facilitating the new Free Fresh Food Foraging workshop.

Humans are historically foragers and where the land and forests have not suffered the ravages of the modern world many cultures still forage on a daily basis, she says.

Much of the plant life in Australia is introduced and exotic species now outnumber indigenous ones. But if there’s one positive to take away from this it’s that many of them are edible and medicinally beneficial, and if you fancy the idea of gathering free fresh food, this workshop is probably for you.

“Before I moved to Ballarat seven years ago, I lived in Melbourne near the Merri Creek and I would often see the Greeks, Croatians and Lebanese ladies there gathering wild food along the creek – a lot of foods that many people just don’t know about but that are highly nutritious,” Irina says

A qualified teacher with plenty of French, German and Russian heritage, she has previously taught at Melbourne’s CERES School of Nature and Climate  and has completed a wild weeds course, complementing her long-held passion for the natural world and living sustainably with nature.

Those who get along to this month’s foraging  workshop can expect not just to learn a whole lot about the wild foods that are under our noses and that often go unappreciated as “weeds” but to also to learn a fair bit about the pleasures of “forest bathing” into the bargain.

“There are so many health benefits in just being in nature and letting your body be healed by the forest,” Irina says.

“I am going to be supplying notes on how to identify edible plants and I’m also hoping to give people some recipes.”

Actually learning how to I.D. the edible underappreciated wild plants that exist around us –“things like wild brassicas, nettles, sow thistle, dandelions, acorns, hawthorn berries and pine mushrooms” will be a main aim of the workshop.

Learning how to saviour  “weeds” and wild foods that go under the radar despite their considerable nutritional values is often largely about  knowing how to prepare them properly, and Irina plans to enlighten workshop participants with quite a bit of  know-how on this front.

She says the workshop will involve a walk through the landscape to teach participants how to identify the edible plants as they naturally appear growing in the environment.

“The Europeans have been using acorns for years and years…Stinging nettles are another amazing one, used for detoxing in Europe, and amazing in soup. You just need to know how to prepare them to remove the sting,” she says.

“Many of these plants are delicious and nutritious and so many have valuable medicinal qualities as well. I want people to be able to identify food that’s free.

“I’m also keen to wean people away from the idea of killing everything with weed killer, and to perhaps set aside a part of their own garden for these sorts of plants.”

The three-hour-long  afternoon Foraging for Free Fresh Food workshop is part of the new term two program of courses, workshops and activities currently on offer through the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre.

The workshop is set for Sunday May 21 from 12 to 3pm, but Irina says that if the weather is no good for foraging the date may change as she’s particularly keen to get people out in the environment, actively identifying the free fresh food that’s out there.

More information about the workshop and how to register to attend is available from the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre.

Two months after it was scheduled for activation the new public EV charge station at Creswick
remains yet to be activated.
The 50 kW Chargefox station was installed beside the town’s visitor information centre in Albert Street in
December and had been expected to be up and running by late February.
But it still remains to be switched on, leaving local EV users asking “when?” and “why the delay?” as they
fork out the EV Road Users Charge and check the public PlugShare website, that lists locations of charge stations nationwide, for updates.
Both the Hepburn Shire Council and Hepburn Energy, collaborators in the new station’s installation,
declined to speak publicly, citing a “state government embargo”.
However The Local’s various enquiries, including of Chargefox itself, suggest the new station will likely
be activated in the next couple of weeks pending arrangements involving Chargefox and Powercor.
The PlugShare website was listing the new station as “Coming soon” while stating also that “parks have been painted and wiring begun as of 23/12/2022”. Comments posted on the site illustrate EV drivers’ frustration at finding the station still unusable.
Meanwhile the number of charge stations that are operable in Hepburn Shire does include the Creswick
RACV Forest Resort’s 7kw type 2 Chargefox free charge station, while others listed across the shire include:
Daylesford – 25kw Chargefox public charge station, front of town hall, Vincent Street & 22kw Tesla
Destination station, the Lake House, King Street.
Hepburn Springs – Hepburn Springs Recreation Reserve – two slow
charging power outlets on side of building open 24/7;
Peppers spa retreat free 10 amp slow charge wall plug for
hotel guests to use, Tenth Street
Musk – Prani Glow Day Spa 7kw Tesla Destination charger
Lyonville – Radio Springs Hotel Bed & Breakfast 14kw Tesla Destination charger
Newlyn – Newlyn Recreation Reserve, slow charge power point inside toilet block, (power outlet three metre power lead required)
Others in the area include:

Kyneton – 50.065kw Evie Network fast charger in Hutton Street;

Newstead – Newstead Enviro Shop J-1772, type 2 charge station;

Castlemaine – Castlemaine 50.065 Evie Network fast charger, Market Building carpark;
two 10 amp slow charge outlets at Castlemaine Park and Garden parking, Downes Road; 5kw Tesla Destination charge station, Campbell Street Lodge.

Woodend – 50kw Evie Network charger at 124 High Street.

In addition to the still-to-be activated Creswick site, new charge stations are slated for Hepburn Springs and Trentham in coming months after Chargefox secured $159,500 through the state’s Destination Charging Across Victoria Program to install the new 50 kW DC
fast-chargers at the three local locations and Apollo Bay.

Words and Image: Eve Lamb

If you need to ‘spend a penny’ or get changed for a swim or other sporty activity at Creswick’s beautiful Calembeen Park then you will no doubt notice the facilities to hand have recently become quite a bit swankier than they use to be.

The upgraded Calembeen Park facilities were opened in recent days – Friday,
March 24 – by Ripon MP Martha Haylett.

Fr thse who havewn’t checked it out already, the upgrades include refurbishment of the public amenities (three accessible unisex changerooms with toilet, shower and baby change facilities), an
accessible footpath leading from the changerooms to the lake concourse, an all abilities accessible
car parking space, drinking fountain, park furniture renewal and landscaping.

The $425,350 project was funded in partnership by the Victorian Government and
Hepburn Shire Council.

Calembeen Park’s two beautiful waterways are home to birdlife and waterlily displays.  Chinese miners first mined at the site for shallow alluvial gold between the 1850s and 1860s and it became a Chinese settlement.

The first recorded use for swimming was around 1910 and Calembeen Park’s lakes precinct is now increasingly popular for swimming, fishing, walking, the local park run which started in recent times, and cycling.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the upgrade of these facilities was an important step in improving accessibility and connectivity at Calembeen Park.

“Calembeen Park is a much-loved community gathering spot and these upgraded facilities improve access for the community, but particularly those with a disability,” said Cr Hood.

with Darren Lowe

Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn
Saturday, April 1 – Ukulele Death Squad
The Ukulele Death Squad has grown bigger and better since its 2017 inception,
bringing a frenetic energy to the uke with their own flamenco, R&B and folk style.
Saturday, April 2 – Fanny Lumsden
ARIA Award, eight times Golden Guitar, AIR award winning Australian
artist Fanny Lumsden released her third studio album, Fallow, on Cooking Vinyl
Australia/Red Dirt Road Records, which took out Best Country Album at the 2020
ARIA Awards, and swept the field taking home five CMAA Golden Guitar Awards
including Album of the year, Female artist of the year, Single of the year Fierce, Video
clip of the year and Alt Country Album of the year.
Friday, April 7 – Reg Cole Quartet
The Reg Cole Quartet is an original jazz/soul/Latin outfit which formed in
the mid 90s while its members Zac, Sergio, George and Justin were all studying at
Melbourne University. They were regulars at venues like The Uptop, the Nightcat and
released a number of recordings. After a long hiatus the guys have recently re-formed
and are recording an album of new tunes which they’ll be performing alongside some
of their more popular pieces from the 90s.
Saturday, April 8 – The Rechords
A dynamic trio on stage, The Rechords demonstrate a passion for all things
Americana when it comes to the music they deliver, whether it be celebrating the
songs of artists who have influenced their journey or putting their all into the songs
they’ve created with the flavours of early country, rhythm & blues, rockabilly and alt
country.
Sunday, April 9, 2pm – CloudWine Music
CloudWine Music is an Australian acoustic duo consisting of Pri and Troy, two
musicians who have combined their talents to create a unique and soulful sound.
Their music is a blend of classics and modern hits, stripped back to their acoustic
roots and infused with their own unique style.

Odessa at Leavers Hotel, Creswick
Sunday, April 2 – Sunday Sesh – The Cartwheels (Dave & Wendy pictured)
Thursday, April 6 – Ernest Aines and Simon Phillips
Saturday, April 22 – Piano Wizard and owner birthday bash
Farmers Arms Hotel, Creswick
Sunday, April 2, 3pm – Lake Mist
Got a gig? Email news@tlnews.com.au

Creswick’s Hamond Park Trail Head is expected to open next month – weather permiting – according to the Hepburn Shire Council’s latest update on the project.

Crews are reported to be making great progress at the town’s Hammon Park with a new pedestrian and cycling bridge installed this month.

The Melbourne-manufactured bridge has been designed with guidance from the North Central Catchment Management Authority and meets the required guidelines for a flood-prone area.
 
Work is also moving well at the rest of the trailhead, with the underlayer for the rubberised softfall in place at the all-abilities playspace. The BBQ and picnic setting have been installed under the shelter, with connections to services taking place soon.
 
The whale tail – a challenging cycling jump structure – was opened in time for the recent March Labour Day long weekend and proved to be a popular activity for riders.
 
 

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

In the weeks since it was publicly floated as a thought bubble, the Calembeen Polar Bears swimming group has quickly caught on as Creswick’s inland answer to the coastal Icebergers.

You know them. That early morning hardcore swimming set that enjoys crisp dawn dips in the sea – even if it’s mid-winter with a wind chill factor of minus three.

Clunes’ Paul Payne, a keen cold water devotee himself, came up with the idea and took to local online community notice boards, inviting others to join the new Calembeen Polar Bears swimmers.

The Bears roll up for early morning dips in Creswick’s Lake Calembeen at 9am Wednesdays and 7am Sundays – regardless of weather – and all, going swimmingly, will continue doing so right through the year.

“I didn’t realise there’d be this much interest and I’m a bit humbled to be honest,” Paul says. “We couldn’t believe there wasn’t a group established already.

“I put an ad on the Clunes and Creswick (online) noticeboards and there was a big response. We’re getting about 15 people now, but I’m there every day at dawn.

“I got through to May last year. But this time we’re hoping to egg each other on and keep going as it cools off. The whole idea is that it’s a bit social.”

As with the Iceberger groups well established in coastal parts, the Polar Bears note the accepted science that a brisk encounter with chilled water – aka cold water immersion therapy – is really good for one’s general well-being.

“Cold water immersion therapy triggers the mammalian dive reflex,” Paul says.

You can look it up, but effectively it means that being exposed to a chilly dip in nowhere-near-warm H2O really makes you know you’re alive, slows the heart rate and improves mood.

Those who regularly practice it like the Bears and the ‘bergers swear by the glowing mood boost and enduring positivity that follows such brisk encounters.

While it’s a known fact that Creswick gets frosty in winter, Paul and the other Bears – even ones like Creswick’s Rowena Miller who just quietly admits “I hate being cold” – are prepared.

“I have lived in North America and I lived in New York for 20 plus years,” Paul said. “I used to show up every New Year’s Day to take part in the big swim to Coney Island. It’s good for the skin. It’s really good for everything.”

Among the regulars to show up lakeside on a recent mid-week swim is trauma psychologist Louise Earnshaw. Louise is currently residing at Sandon, and knows more than your average person about cool – and healthy – ways to enhance one’s sense of wellbeing.

“The tropics are my natural habitat. I’m from northern New South Wales but my house in the Byron Shire was destroyed in the floods,” Louise said.

“You could say I am an aquatic nomad. This is for my wellbeing. When cold water triggers the mammalian dive reflex the parasympathetic system kicks in.

“Thirty seconds with your face in a bucket of iced water will calm one’s emotional overload. It’s an aquatic meditation.”

Paul says Lake Calembeen is a great little swimming spot as it’s reputed to have some health-giving mineral qualities.

“And the steep drop-off means there’s no frozen mud to wade through in winter,” he says.

The group now has its own Facebook page and the Bears say all are welcome to get along and experience the pleasure for themselves.

Hepburn Shire Council says repairs to the Creswick Town Hall are progressing well, with recent fine weather providing ideal conditions for masonry and render restoration to the building exterior, along with replacement of roofing and spouting sections. 

The decorative orbs and bases (poised on various points on the parapets) have been carefully removed for repairs and in some cases completely reproduced in the builder’s workshop. The cresting cast iron elements have been carefully disassembled, cleaned and repaired ready for paint and installation once new copper roofing has been installed on the top of the clock tower. Paint work will start soon, along with installation of new access ladders installed inside the tower.

This project has been funded with thanks to the Victorian State Government, the Australian Government and Council.

More heritage works… Conservation works have also begun at two historic buildings in Creswick – the Mechanics Institute and Gold Office. The focus is on improving stormwater management and reducing moisture in the fabric of these important heritage buildings. The project is funded by the Hepburn Shire ouncil and is expected to be completed by May.

with Eve Lamb

Creswick’s Lyn Cooke has established herself as one of Victoria’s leading wildlife artists. Her work is admired for its detail and beauty as she challenges herself to capture not just the physical appearance
of her subjects but also their intrinsic nature – or “jizz” as the birdos call it. Here this talented local artist shares some insights into her love of portraying our exquisite native wildlife.

Eve: How do you prefer to describe your artistic style?
Lyn: Realism, in that I attempt to represent the natural world in a detailed and accurate manner. I don’t always succeed, but at least my subjects generally have the appropriate number of eyes or legs.
Eve: How did you come to art?
Lyn: In common with many artists, I have had an enthusiasm for drawing ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I am largely self-taught.
Eve: Which artists have influenced your own work?
Lyn: Too many to list, but I will mention Ray Harris Ching and William Cooper. There is a long tradition of wildlife art in Australia beginning with the illustrations of Lewin and the Goulds, and continuing until the present day.
Eve: What is your media of choice?
Lyn: After sketching my main subject matter, backgrounds are usually done with an airbrush and pigmented inks. Watercolour paint is then applied, often combined with gouache (an opaque water based medium). Detail is gradually built up using very fine brushwork and a lot of patience.
Eve: What is your subject matter of choice? Why so?
Lyn: I am known for my wildlife paintings. This is a consequence of my interest in natural history. Nature offers a vast range of subject matter and inspiration. Australian fauna, particularly our beautiful and varied birdlife, is my preferred subject matter.
Eve: Have you ever worked in any other area besides art?
Lyn: I was a primary teacher for a couple of decades, but I think I survived largely unscathed.
Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?
Lyn: Finding that I could make a living from my art was a major achievement. I’ve always been passionate about not starving to death.
Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special events coming up?
Lyn: My studio is open most days by appointment and work can also be seen at Overwrought, Blampied. Other exhibitions and contact details can be found on my website www.lyncooke.com
Eve: What do you think are the main challenges for practicing artists today? And the main rewards?
Lyn: Art allows me to share the beauty of our natural environment and, hopefully, help people to appreciate its beauty and the need to preserve it. On a personal level, it is a creative, absorbing and relaxing activity – when things are going well. I don’t know how an artist retires: old artists never die; they just draw flies.