By Donna Kelly

Great to see the Daylesford Guide Hall getting the renovations it needs for a new generation of Guides. And apparently Brownies are now Junior Guides.

I was a Brownie as a kid. And then a Guide for a bit. Neither were really my cup of tea. Even then I had problems with authority and it might have been the 70s and things might have been a-changin’ but not so fast at good ol’ Franga.

We had to wear our uniforms and I remember forgetting my hat. I was getting told off when I replied that you weren’t meant to wear hats inside – probably because I watched my rapidly balding father remove his hat as he entered buildings.

“Aha,” was the retort. “That is just men. Think about the Queen, she always has her hat on.” And thus started the life of a republican.

We also got snap inspections – on what we had in our pockets. Now, at the time, I was about seven, and my mum washed our clothes and we put them on clean – and empty. But apparently to Be Prepared – thanks Baden-Powell – you had to have all manner of things in your pockets. Bits of string to tie stuff up, elastic bands for wayward hair, coins for emergency telephone calls, a packet of matches for a quick billy boil. I had nothing. Nada. I was officially unprepared.

It was also awful with the Guide Hall just over the way from the Scout Hall.

As we learnt the right way to sweep and sew, we could hear the boys hooting and hollering and having the most jovial time. Of course, looking back, I hope they were having a jovial time and not hollering for any other reason.

I remember well the only game we did play was where we turned a small mixing bowl, filled with flour, upside down and the leader, Kanga perhaps was her name, gently pushing five-cent coins into the mix.

The fun part was leaning over, with our hands firmly behind us, picking the coins out of the flour with just our teeth. It was my turn, and all was going well, and it looked like I might have finally nailed something, when my cousin reached forward and pushed my entire face into the bowl. It was like blackface but in reverse.

Everyone, but me, even Kanga, laughed and laughed. Hmmm.

I have two other vivid memories of Brownies. Mucking around inside the hall when the session was over and someone calling out “someone’s grandfather is here” and of course it was my balding, older dad, coming to pick me up.

I remember not even correcting the kid, just getting my stuff and wandering off to the car. Dad was in another memory. We had to gain as many badges as we could and I was going for the apparently easy Homemaking one. How hard could it be?

The handbook suggested that if your parents went out for dinner you quietly prepare a cuppa for their homecoming. So out came the good china, the silver cutlery, a little sugar bowl, milk in the tiny jug and some of those lovely square mint chocolates you used to get after dinner. And typing this I realise that is why they were called after dinner mints.

Anyway, I left it all in the dining room and snuck around into the hall when I heard them arrive. I was feeling pretty happy until I heard my Dad shout “what’s all this shit” and Mum trying to quieten him down.

They never mentioned anything about your dad coming home half cut. You know, the wonderful 70s. I am sure it is all different. And if those ads for “dads for us” are anything to go by, so is parenting 101.

One last thing, and this is nice. I wrote a column back at Christmas about a bloke who was signwriting, by hand, the two butcher shops in Daylesford. Beautiful calligraphy. He told me during Covid he used to scroll through the phone book and randomly choose names and send them wonderful notes of hope – with no return address.

I said I could have done with one of those – and one arrived last week.

Robert Holbery, I think you’re special too. Just sayin’…

By Donna Kelly

So, we just hit the 300th edition of The Local. That’s a pretty big milestone for a little local paper. Well, not so little. This edition is 104 pages. Massive.

It created a little bit of consternation at the office. You see, our printer can only do 80 pages – something to do with staples. So as we reached 72 pages of real estate, The Local side of things was looking a bit sad. Just 8 pages for all the news, well no news, just adverts.

I was reaching for a chardonnay when I realised there was a solution. Two publications. And insert House.Land.Home.Premium into The Local. Problem solved.

And that is how we are at 104 pages. Seventy-two of real estate and 32 of local news. No wonder I am tired.

So what do you write about in a column for such a noteworthy event? Hmmm.

I have decided to go rogue and talk about three of some of the most fun times in my career. All which happened while working on the Centralian Advocate in Alice Springs. A corker of a paper where, when I arrived, was told by the editor to park any “Mexican ideas”, which I think meant any progressive thoughts about indigenous issues. I kid you not. Anyway, racism aside, here are my three top fun times.

First, when we first arrived, (and of course Kyle came along) I was sent to the Camel Cup. Yep, annual event, good fun. But being youngish, and having no money, we looked at the beer prices and decided just one would have to do. But then we found the Media Tent. Free booze! (Remember, these are the good old/bad old days.)

So we got stuck in and then went to check out the races. And watched as a jockey fell off his camel and dropped a little pouch of something. Being kind, and street smart, Kyle collected it up and returned it to the jockey who then asked if we would like to partake of a little gunja. Why not? Of course, like Bill, we never inhaled.

Anyway, after a bit we wandered off, me still holding a glass of chardy, to try and find the way to the highway but eventually came across some Aboriginal people who kindly told us we were heading the wrong way into the bush and pointed us back to the road where we hitchhiked a lift in the back of a ute.

The driver dropped us at the Todd River and Kyle jumped out first, gesturing for me to follow. I leapt into his arms, a tad lighter at that stage of life, and he caught me, before we went hurtling down into the dry river bed.

Well trained, I jumped up, fullish glass still in hand and off we stumbled home to Caterpillar Court. Fun times.

Alice Springs was also Ground Zero for all the nutters in Australia. They headed for the local newspaper office to talk about their adventures and trips – on bikes, on pogo sticks, on unicycles (Sam is not a nutter), and even on ponies.

Luckily we had a young cadet, Crispin, and it was his job to take on all the people who thought they were the only ones to ever make the trek across the centre of Australia.

One day we had a couple come in who said they had spent the night on a space ship before their arrival into Alice. “Great,” I said. “Just one moment.” And I ducked out the back calling out “Crispy, one for you.” Only seasoned journos know how nice it is to duck shove a nut job.

Final story. A very nice female journo was talking to a contact who we all knew she fancied. She chatted and flirted over the phone as she sort of interviewed him and then finished the call – with – drum roll please: “All I need from you now is a headjob.” I kid you not. She looked like a deer in headlights, dropped the phone down and fell to the floor.

Being the deputy editor, I said she had to call back immediately and ask for a head shot. She refused. The story never ran. Just sayin’…

February 26, 2024 is the date of the 300th edition of The Local – in print and online – celebrated with a massive 104 pages of news, features, columns and real estate.

The first edition of the news magazine hit the stands on September 2, 2013. It was just 20 A4 pages, printed locally, with a distribution of only 500 copies.

The Local now covers the length and breadth of Hepburn Shire and beyond, keeping to its commitment of Connecting the Community.

Editor Donna Kelly said The Local was all about exactly what was stated on her email signature. Local journalism – it’s about connecting the community, sharing stories and telling the truth. On a good day -sometimes all at once.

“We started The Local because people told us there was a need for local news by local people – not news by those who lived in Ballarat, or even Sydney, and thought they knew what locals wanted,” she said.

“So we found a local printer and an InDesign program at a dodgy market stall – and off we went. No
business plan, no forward thinking.

“In fact we were going to publish monthly but we pretty quickly realised that people wanted the read and so the second edition was produced just two weeks later.”

Donna said the idea was to bring mostly good news “because we all turn on the television or radio in the morning and it’s all bad news”.

“We didn’t want to chase ambulances or spend days in courtrooms, or even hours in council chambers
working as minute takers.

“We talked to locals about what mattered to them, about good news, inspiring stories, all the great festivals we have and all the amazing people who live here in this fantastic community.

“And that worked. People wanted to read about that and then advertisers wanted to be in the paper because people were reading it. A win-win for everyone.

“We certainly don’t believe print is dead – we are online at tlnews.com.au but all of our printed editions
find their way out of our baskets – even taken home by people for their neighbours or to send to a friend or family member who has moved from the area so they can still keep in touch. That’s local. That’s relevant.”

General manager Kyle Barnes said he had been told many times, while working for another media outlet, that he should start something for the locals.

“Donna is a journo by trade and former editor and all that, and while I was a bit sceptical about starting up a publication we just bit the bullet and got it happening.

“Business cards and all that guff came later, we just jumped in at the deep end and gave it our best shot, and here we are at the 300th edition.

“I used to worry that we would run out of stories but Donna assured me that would never happen and it never has.”

Kyle said he wanted to thank The Local crew for their hard work and dedication.

“As any small business owner knows it’s all about who has got your back, and our crew has been just amazing. During Covid they went above and beyond and we could not have done this without them.

“And thanks also go to our advertisers. I hope everyone supports them because they are the reason you have a free read each fortnight.

“Our other motto is Love your Locals.”

There are so many festivals and exhibitions to choose from as the Labour Day long weekend rolls into the Central Highlands.

First up, ChillOut. The long-running LGBTIQA+ festival is huge and happening right over the weekend, from March 7 to 11.

There are too many events to list here but the Grand Parade along Vincent Street on Sunday is always a hit (feel free to cheer on The Local) and then head to Victoria Park to relax for the afternoon. Check out pages 14 and 15 (This edition of The Local, online and hard copy) for loads more ideas.

If art is more your thing, head to Newstead and surrounds for the Newstead Open Studios Art Trail happening over the long weekend and also March 16 and 17.

There are plenty of talented artists who are opening their studio doors so people can take a peek inside to see how they work and create their amazing pieces.

Head to page 7 to read about ceramicist Sarah Koschak, whose fascination with pottery began as a small child and never really left.

And Newstead Hub is hosting Mysterious Landscapes over the weekends of March 2 & 3, 9 & 10 & 11, 16 & 17 and 23 & 24 with the opening on Sunday, March 3 at 2.30pm.

Another great event is the Clunes Historic Vehicle Show, happening at the Clunes Showground on Sunday, March 10. There are trucks, cars, tractors, engines and caravans on display – maybe make a weekend of it and take up the offer of camping.

Women are also celebrated in March with International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8. The Cosmopolitan Hotel is holding an inaugural charity lunch that day with proceeds to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health.

And the International Women’s Day Heather Mutimer Honour Roll event will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Thursday, March 7.

And that’s all just for starters. Read the rest of The Local for more great events, festivals and exhibitions happening throughout March. Oh, Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival is coming up. Check out the back page. Words: Donna Kelly

By Donna Kelly

Wow. Daylesford is the fourth most welcoming place on earth. Who knew. Well the good folk at Booking.com and they are busy spreading the word.

I know, it is easy to be cynical. A few people are saying things like: “Have they had a look at Grapevine?” or “Have they ever been in the Coles carpark on a Friday afternoon?”

I get it, not everyone is welcoming all the time. But I reckon that Daylesford and actually the Central Highlands is a pretty awesome place.

When we moved up here 19 years ago we loved the friendly nature of the people on the streets and in the shops and in the pubs. We chatted to strangers, made new friends and enjoyed wandering around the region, finding things to do and places to see.

And I will say one thing, it was a big change from Frankston, or Franganistan, as we born and bred people are allowed to call the city. I would take a pub in the Central Highlands over a pub in Frankston any day of the week. Sorry Franga.

When I saw the accolade for Daylesford I did stop and wonder if people were still as welcoming and I reckon they are. For our front cover photo we gathered a few people up.

Neil from the Bowlo always offers a big welcome whenever we are there and I get a hug and a kiss now Covid has wandered away, and Roger from Herbal Lore always has a smile. (Roger even made and gave away free sanitiser during Covid. Talk about above and beyond.)

Emma from Springs Medical always has time for a chat and young Pasha from Daylesford Meat Co. stopped after the photo shoot to talk us through the best way to cook a steak.

Then I just had a quick look through this edition. There’s Raman who’s only been here a short while but spends his time creating food and friendships. Check out page 20. And read page 5 about Rob and Annie from Mind Your Pet who for 19 years have provided welcome advice to pet owners.

I used to work next door at the old Advocate office and we shared hundreds of greetings and smiles and coffees – with Theo and the late Geof. Good times.

Oh, the Scottish Country Dancers on page 7 want more people to get involved and “everyone is welcome” regardless of their ability.

Then there’s the Historic Vehicle Show coming up at Clunes, which Jon says “is a time for everybody to come and enjoy themselves and relax”. Go back to page 8 if you haven’t already read the story.

I guess at the end of the day, if we are welcoming and also get some good publicity to increase our visitor numbers, that’s a great thing. I know we sometimes grumble about the tourists but we do need them if the region is going to thrive again.

We are also competing against many other one-day from metro Melbourne drives like the Mornington Peninsula and the Dandenong Ranges, and plenty of other overnight destinations including interstate and overseas again.

So if we can be welcoming, and it takes no longer than being taciturn, in fact, I think it’s quicker, why not?

I love that people come here and have the chance to enjoy what we probably take for granted too often. Friendly faces, fresh air, great stores, fantastic food and a wonderful free paper. Not many places have their own local newspaper these days.

Just sayin’…or maybe you’re welcome.

By Donna Kelly

It’s been a long time since I wore a mask but I did recently. It was on a little New Year break on a shortish flight to Queensland.

Covid was riding another wave and I thought “why risk it?” and donned my mask at Tullamarine. I thought I could just wear it on the plane and then when everyone had settled down, take it off and sip a chardonnay.

Wrong. I felt like I was on the Covid Express. From every corner of the plane came a cough or a sneeze or a snuffle. It was like an Emergency Room Orchestra, a splutter here, an ah-choo there.

If someone had started farting it would have made the trifecta. So I kept my N95 mask on for the two hours and decided to forego the beverage. If you know me, not an easy choice…

But it got me thinking about the pandemic. Not that I would ever want to go back there – and does it feel like a bad dream now to anyone else? – but some things were OK.

Wearing masks while shopping, for example. If you wore a decent mask, and in mid-winter, and let’s face it, mid-summer, a beanie, you were pretty much unrecognisable.

So you could do the whole supermarket run without a chat in sight. Bliss. Sometimes…you know what I mean.

Masks also meant you could have a glass of wine with lunch and still visit the doctor without the risk of being asked about your alcohol intake.

Of course that is no more than two standard drinks a day, with two days off each week. Of course.

And then there were the lockdowns. Boring yes but Kyle did manage to perfect two dishes, seafood linguine (thanks Claire) and a lovely ramen, he created on his own.

He only got it wrong once when he used a vegan chicken stock. Makes you feel better but just not the same.

I did not do the sourdough thing, too hard to keep feeding the stupid starter, but I did learn how to cook perfect baguettes. And I only burnt myself once.

We have a stock standard oven so I put a bowl of water in the bottom to create steam. Of course
I forgot when I opened the oven and out it blew. If you are interested, in the recipe not the steam burns, Google Chef John and baguettes.

We kept working so we didn’t get to clean out the pantry but we did learn that while you couldn’t buy chicken to save yourself, no-one wanted duck.

So that was a nice change from the tins of tomatoes and bags of rice I had stocked up on. I don’t
know why. Herd mentality perhaps.

There was also some time out which was OK. We got to know the characteristics of every magpie that landed in the garden – and even named them.

I think it was about then we started realising we were going downhill with our mental health. Sort
of kidding, sort of not. I mean, when Kyle calls out “hello, Uncle Bulgaria”, life has taken a turn for the worse.

Anyway, it’s coming up for our next vaccine, number five or six I think. I know a lot of people are not worrying anymore but what’s another vaccine in the scheme of things. It doesn’t harm anyone else so I just go along and get it done. And if I think I need to wear a mask I don’t mind popping one on.

I think on the plane about 10 per cent of the passengers were wearing them, which is about the same number of people who have not had Covid. Number crunching – anyone?

I just wish the people wearing the masks were also the people on the plane coughing and spluttering.

Yes it might be a summer cold but I don’t want one of them either. Just sayin’…

Want to be a part of one of the longest running heritage festivals in Daylesford? Then you need to keep a couple of dates free.

The Daylesford Highland Gathering, founded in 1952, is keen to hear from people from all walks of life who would like to become members – and hopefully committee members.

The current committee, made up of John McColl (president), David Smith (vice president), Anne Heriot (secretary), Bob Orr (treasurer and life member), Keith and Rosalind Pyers (life members), Rhonda Smith and Barbara McColl, have given 20 years of service – Keith and Rosalind have actually clocked up 40 years each – and would like to see some new blood, and perhaps younger people, take over.

John said most of the committee were at the “retiring stage” and while they had enjoyed seeing the December festival thrive, it was time to step down.

“We are holding a public meeting for new members to sign up in February and then we hope that some of them will take up committee positions at the AGM in March.”

Anne said her involvement was all about the Scottish heritage of the event – and a long-held love of Scottish dancing.

“I started as a Highland dancer here when I was just four years old and I danced every year for 14 years. I love the history of the event and we want that to continue for another 72 years at least.

“I still dance with the Ballarat Scottish Country Dancing Association in Daylesford’s Masonic Hall every fortnight – and we all danced at the event last year. It’s always lots of fun.”

Keith said a new committee would be offered as much assistance as needed and with 20 years of hard work already done, all the processes were well in place.

“We have a very strong financial position, thanks to our strong and perhaps partly Scottish committee, and we built a great shed at Victoria Park which has the latest equipment in it.

“The Hepburn Shire Council has been very supportive each year and we also get excellent support from local businesses.

“It’s also great from a volunteer point of view that you hold the gathering in December and then it’s pretty much time out until October apart from a few things to tie up.

“We’ve also just recruited the Daylesford Football Netball Club to help with some of the heavy lifting in the leadup and on the day.

“It’s a very viable operation and this wonderful group of people are only stepping away because they are getting a little older. Being able to continue this heritage is something to be very proud of.”

A public meeting to recruit new members will be held at the Mitchell Hall in Daylesford (next to the Uniting Church in Central Springs Road) on Wednesday, February 21 at 7.30pm. The AGM will then be held at the same venue on Wednesday, March 6 at 7.30pm.

The history of the Daylesford Highland Gathering Founded in 1952 the Scottish festival has become an integral part of Daylesford’s diverse culture. It is the second-oldest event in the local calendar, runner-up only to the Daylesford & District Agricultural Show, which started in 1865.

Held in early December it is the first event of the new season of Highland Gatherings in Victoria each year with its location of Victoria Park offering a beautiful summer setting.

Hepburn Shire Council has helped the committee for 40 years with shire workers erecting the dancing platforms and ensuring Victoria Park is in its best condition.

Since the foundation years in the 1950s many distinguished citizens have acted as Official Openers and taken on the honourable role of Chieftain.

The list is impressive and includes state governors, current and ex state premiers, police commissioners, federal and state ministers, future prime ministers, local MPs (both state and federal)
and even a bishop.

A red-letter day was when Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop graced the event as a dignitary.

The Daylesford Highland Gathering is now an important part of local experience and brings colour and music to the community as well as drawing attention to the strong Scottish ancestry of Victoria’s Western District.

Words: Donna Kelly. Committee image: Kyle Barnes. File image: Contributed

The Local Publishing Group has been awarded Best Regional Home & Country Lifestyle Media Publishing Group 2024 in APAC Insider’s eighth annual Australian Enterprise Awards.

APAC spokesperson Kaven Oscar Cooper said to determine the results, “our judging panel and research
team take into consideration the commitment, expertise, and innovation demonstrated by nominees through nomination information, voting information, and any supporting evidence you have supplied – plus results from their own extensive research”.

APAC’s website says over the years it has been committed to shining a light on the very best of
Australian business.

“Australia is known for its diverse and resilient economy, with the country experiencing an
uninterrupted period of growth over the three decades prior to the Covid-19 outbreak of 2020.

“In the years following the pandemic, Australian industry has experienced various challenges but has been recovering at a quicker rate than many of the world’s other top economies.

In fact, Australia currently ranks as the 12th largest GDP worldwide, which it has achieved
despite its much smaller population in comparison to the countries placing higher in the list.

“Through the Australian Enterprise Awards 2024, APAC Insider recognises the key players driving
innovation across the variety of sectors that make up Australia’s dynamic business market. We use a strict merit-based approach to assess all nominees.”

Editor Donna Kelly said The Local Publishing Group was thrilled to receive news of the award.

“We found out a little while back we were nominated, not sure who by, and then they let us know
we had won.

“It was all a bit surprising but also such a great thrill. You always hope you are doing a good job – and we do get lots of very nice feedback – but when something like this comes into your inbox it’s lovely. Made my day.”

General manager Kyle Barnes said the industry had been challenged during the pandemic but now it was back on track and stronger than ever.

“We had a few moments there when we thought we might have to just produce a digital publication but really, if you are not in print, then you’re not really a newspaper.

“And our readers still love print. Even when they have already read us online at tlnews.com.au, they still
pick up their printed copy from around the shire.

“We know that every edition gets snapped up – and some people have collections back to the first edition in 2013.

“We also want to thank our clients and readers. We do it for them really. This is their award.”

By Donna Kelly

Sometimes I wonder if the world is going mad. Or is it me? Probably me.

During the Christmassy period we looked at footage from one of our cameras and found someone wandering on the property, with their dog, later seen peering through the front door.

We were away for a few days at the time so I posted the image on social media and asked if anyone knew “this clown” and asked them to email me if they did.

I mean, in the country things do go missing, so you need to be a bit careful. And Glenlyon has a pretty nice community who looks out for each other. So, just putting the word out as well. Who knows who’s next.

Then I got an email from “the clown”.

He said he was really sorry, was just interested in having a quick look and promised not to return. All good.

Nah. Of course he didn’t apologise. He said he was just wanting a look at the school, which everyone knows is up for rent while we try town life (as in Daylesford) for a bit, without the agent. Strike one.

Then he said he entered through the main entrance but of course another one of the cameras spotted him walking across the yard. Strike two.

Finally he said having a beer while walking a dog under our Eureka flag on our property was acceptable in his world. Strike three.

I wrote back and mentioned that in any logical world it was trespassing, we have an agent for a reason and a simple sorry would have been appreciated.

I think that was a pretty reasonable reaction. Nothing too crazy. Told the police not to worry about it. And didn’t think much more about it.

Until last week when I noticed a comment from a new participant under the original “anyone know this clown” saying they think I am the clown. WTAF? Apparently people should be allowed to wander on private property. Who knew?

I wonder if anyone has told the police, lawyers and the courts this snippet of information. Going to make a hell of a difference to the court lists.

The other thing that was a bit nuts this week was someone posting, again on social media, that a certain business was not offering great service. Just their personal opinion – no facts to back anything up. Who does this stuff?

Wouldn’t you just mention it to their face, or send an email or even just stop going there. Nah, rather be a keyboard warrior.

The annoying thing was, and there was a torrent of comments saying how wonderful this business actually is, it was also one of the many essential services that saw us through the pandemic. And they did it really well then too.

As did many other businesses, trying to survive yes, but also dealing with a pretty hard-to-handle public at times. I remember one staffer in a shop saying to me that the big takeaway from Covid was who were the arseholes.

So, although Covid is slowly wandering away, or at least not as scary as it was once, a big shout out to those businesses who kept their doors open and made us feel welcome and safe. And cared about QR codes, licences and wearing masks and providing sanitiser.

We, and many others, remember you. That goes to Tony too, our delivery driver, who fortnight in and out, and weekly for a bit there, delivered local good news to our readers.

Oh, and to our staff who when we said we had to let people go because we were doing it too hard, offered to work for free, to help us ride out that initial storm.

Let’s be kind everyone. Been a tough few years. And everyone has their own recovery time. But please, unless you would like to rent a wonderful old school, keep off my property. Just sayin’… (Oh, I deleted my social media post.)

A free workshop, produced by Justice Connect, “Preparing for your future: A conversation guide for the LGBTIQA+ community” is specifically designed to encourage older people to engage with the process of future planning.

A facilitator from Justice Connect will expertly lead people through the conversation guide, answer questions and help discuss ideas.

The workshop, on Monday, January 29 at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, is funded by Justice Connect, The Country LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program – Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and the Silver Rainbow Social Club – Castlemaine and Hepburn Shire.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health spokesperson Belinda Brain said talking about older age was not always easy.

“However planning now means that you take the steps you need so you can live the life you want as you age,” she said.

“People are invited to attend this free 2.5-hour workshop that will help them clarify what matters most to them and help them communicate their wishes and decisions to the people around them.”

The workshop runs from 11am to 2pm and lunch will be provided with RSVPs essential for catering. Register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFYFJan29

Words: Donna Kelly

By Donna Kelly

First of all, Happy New Year! It’s 2024 already – and the years just keep rolling around. My lovely Nan told me once that time goes faster as you get older, and it’s true. But getting older is also a privilege not open to everyone.

So who’s complaining.

This edition came out on January 1 and, as usual, we decided on a retrospective edition with just a few of the stories we wanted to share again, including the sad loss of a couple of wonderful community stalwarts. Vale Harold and Serge.

Of course, you can’t cover everything and some things are best left in the past.

We mostly try to be a good news publication but it’s hard sometimes. You know what I mean. It’s not that we are not thinking about those situations but just not bringing them to the fore. I hope everyone is OK.

And I hope you have enjoyed the past year of editions of The Local – we love putting it all together and have a fantastic crew who do all the hard yards. Thanks to all of them for their work, commitment and, most of all, friendship and support.

Also thanks to our advertisers. I hope that you do support them. It is not because of us, but because of them, that you have a lovely free read each fortnight. Have a look through the pages each edition and if you can thank them by using their services it would be much appreciated.

Now, as I said most of this edition is looking back but we do have new adverts, check them out, and also a bit of a distressing story on the potential closure of the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Or DEECA. Formerly DELWP.

If you check out our story on page 4 by journo Eve Lamb you will read that the departmental threats come after the shelter, that’s been operating for 22 years, has refused to reapply to renew its authorisation (or licence) due to the imposition of conditions which its operators say are “unrealistic, unreasonable and absurd”.

Those operators are Gayle Chappell and Jon Rowdon. Both very experienced and trained wildlife carers who have basically put their lives on hold for those 22 years and dedicated themselves to saving wildlife. Day in, day out, night in, night out, theytake in injured wildlife and nurse them back to health.

There is no funding. They are helped by amazing volunteers who wash and dry bedding, make up formulas, feed animals around the clock, provide compassion, raise funds and collect donations of
sheets and blankets and anything that could possibly help an animal in need.

As far as I know no injured animal has ever been knocked back. They all get the care, and love, that they need in the most stressful time of their lives. I remember seeing Jon in town during the 2009 bushfires and he looked exhausted. Fifteen years ago – and still they continue with their life’s work.

I don’t know what’s going on with the department, but surely the fix is a helping hand not a fist. Maybe some of the department’s cost to change its name could have gone to wildlife shelters. I don’t think an injured joey gives a stuff if the overriding wildlife body is DEECA or DELWP.

Hmmm. Maybe if the shelter is shut down we take any injured wildlife to the nearest DEECA office? And if it’s after five, perhaps we drop them off at a manager’s home for the night. I am sure they wouldn’t mind doing the 2am feed.

This is just bureaucracy gone mad. This is an essential service. You help not hinder. Gee, a thank you might even be nice as well, for 22 years of service to the community. Oh, stop the press, read page 4 about a fundraiser at the Hepburn Golf Club! It’s such a great cause. Just sayin’…

By Donna Kelly

Kyle and I are having an orphans’ Christmas this year. I literally am an orphan now, and one of his parents lives in another state and one in another country.

Now it may sound sad, especially if you are used to big celebrations, but we have had some of our best Christmases alone.

Two were in Queensland, one in Cairns and one on the Gold Coast. The Cairns one was quirky. We bundled up some chicken and bread rolls and champagne (simple tastes) and headed to some waterfalls known as the Crystal Cascades.

It was really hot and muggy and we ate and drank a little and then decided to go for a swim. But the water was dark and we kept thinking about crocodiles and in the end we freaked ourselves out and packed up the picnic.

We then headed back into town, watched a James Bond movie at the cinema and then had dinner at a Chinese restaurant – which was packed with Chinese tourists oddly enough. Wouldn’t you think they would be at an Australian restaurant sampling kanga and emu meat. Eating the coat of arms of Australia.

Quick fact. The emu and the kangaroo were chosen for the coat of arms because neither of them can walk backwards. So Australia is always moving forwards. Hmm.

The second Queensland orphans’ Christmas saw me working for the day. I was a Japanese speaking driver guide – back in the 90s – and the day started with picking up my itinerary from a darkened Gold Coast office about 3am then driving to collect my passengers from Brisbane Airport about 4.30am.

Then it was a day of fun, taking them to their hotels, then off to a sheep/ whipcracking place for breakfast, then Movieworld for the day, then out to dinner.

Kyle, who was not working that day, kept calling asking when I would be back. I finally turned up about 9pm and found a veritable seafood feast spread out on the floor as an indoor picnic. It was fantastic but had not been without difficulty.

Kyle had gone to buy all the goods from a local supermarket but at the checkout his card was declined. The staffer, instead of saying “do you have another card?” said nastily “you don’t have any money in your account”. So Kyle said something equally unpleasant back and stormed off.

Of course, he rallied, worked out his finances and returned, after a shift change, and shopped again. He is nothing if not determined.

Not sure what we will do this year, but I am sure lots of food and drink will be involved. And a few calls to friends and family. Maybe a present or two.

It’s been another funny, peculiar, not ha-ha, year. Covid is still sort of wandering around, but at least we don’t have that same fear which I don’t think anyone from other states understand.

And that terrible accident has taken its toll on many people and continues to be in the headlines.

So I hope you get a chance to have a bit of a silly season. I think we all need a bit of silliness or joy or whatever makes you smile. And drink the champagne (unless you are an abstainer!) and eat the pavlova and spread a bit of good cheer.

Our next edition is out January 1, 2024. The New Year. So this is my chance to say thanks for reading, for advertising, for supporting and for enjoying a publication that is all about Connecting the Community.

Have a wonderful Christmas, or whatever it is that you do, and catch you in the New Year. I hope it’s a good one, without any fear. Just sayin’…

By Donna Kelly

I thought Heather Mutimer’s story on Madame Xenia Borovansky, the niece of the great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, and who moved to Daylesford, was fascinating. It’s on page 13 (this edition of TL if you want a read).

You never know who has been/is here, in this region. I often wonder about the former life of the Glenlyon Primary School. I used to be able to imagine the kids running around outside, sitting in two classes by the two blackboards, things slowly changing all the way to gaining pen licences.

Now, of course, it’s more of a house, and it takes some imagination to think about kids in the kitchen and living area – but their footprints are still there. Some would be long gone, others still living in the region with their schoolday memories.

Hopefully they were halcyon days, and not too terrible with a mean teacher wielding a strap. And if they were I hope they went on to bigger and brighter things.

It’s not all about schooling, as we all know. I know lots of people who wish they had been encouraged to take up a trade rather than stay at school for that piece of paper.

Although, by the age I am now, which I need not divulge, many are keen to get off the tools with sore knees and backs and joints that need little groans to get moving in the morning. Still better than the alternative.

I also really liked Eve Lamb’s story on The Daylesford Foundation. This is a fantastic group of people who just get in there and get things done. They don’t ask for publicity, they don’t ask for recognition. The only reason we managed to finally get a story on them is because they want more young people to know about their scholarships.

So if you know someone who needs a hand, a young person who could do with a leg up, then get in touch with them. They are good people and they know how to make a difference.

I also loved chatting to signwriter Robbie Holbery for the story on page 5. We talked for about 40 minutes about this and that. Yes, he’s a great signwriter but was also with the Carlton Football Club, had the Hawthorn Football Club asking for him to recreate a shop window for its museum and was a regular runner in the Stawell Gift.

He keeps to beautiful copperplate and does everything by hand. Doesn’t even use anything to steady his hands as he works on the glass windows of shops from Melbourne to Daylesford and anywhere in between.

And he takes the time to chat to passers-by, loves a compliment and is very complimentary about everyone he meets. In that 40 minutes he never had a negative word to say about anyone or anything.

And who but a wonderful person would spend Covid, not cleaning out their pantry, or lamenting the state of the world, but writing wonderful copperplate letters of hope to complete strangers from old phone directories and posting them off without a return address? What a great guy.

Finally, I received some very nice notes about the last edition of The Local. It was a tough one to write, with the accident still very much vivid in everyone’s minds, and from what people said, we did well. We wrote with compassion and sincerity and love. And that’s what we try to do each edition. Well, less of the love perhaps, but certainly the sincerity.

We really do try to “Connect the Community” and I think we did that in the last edition. I hope you are getting ready for the silly season. Sometimes we need a bit of silliness. Just sayin’…

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes

Above The Greens, the Daylesford Bowling Club’s bistro is back up and running with some great fare on offer from chef Geoff Wellington.

Geoff, who is a bit of a raconteur, got his career start in hotels and has also spent a fair bit of time in clubs already – so he knows how to provide well priced, good food for the community.

By his own admission, Geoff is not into fine food, but he is into hearty meals with loads of flavour. And that shone through when we arrived last Wednesday in time for the first day of opening. (Mind you, some people had popped in on the Monday not realising the bistro was closed, so Geoff just cooked them up a meal. How good is that. Welcoming and hospitable.)

We started with the traditional bruschetta ($12.90) with Turkish bread topped with Spanish onion, tomato, toasted garlic, EVO and cheese. It’s a big serve and really tasty with a great combo of flavours. Off to a good start.

Next up were the vegetarian arancini balls ($15.90) atop a tomato relish served with balsamic glaze and parmesan. These deep-fried rice balls had a deliciously crunchy breadcrumb coating and were just yum. We had three between us and I scored two before Kyle knew what was happening.

Oh, drinks. This is a club so you are still only paying genuine 1970s prices. A pot of beer is from $5.80 – $7, a schooner is $8.20 – $9 and even a pint is just $10-$11.50. Wines are from a tiny $6.50. I guess there are also non-alcoholic drinks available…

We decided to share a main, the serves are big, and Geoff served us up the nasi goreng ($34). Rice based, it was loaded with jumbo prawns, big hunks of juicy chicken and peas, and flavoured with onion, chilli, garlic and ketjap manis.

As is per tradition, on top was a lightly fried egg with the yolk just folding into the meal. This is really good. Slightly sweet, slightly hot. I guess umami is the best description – covering all the flavour bases. And certainly enough for two.

We were pretty done by this time but there are plenty more mains to choose from. Of course there are all the club classics but there’s also a few different dishes to try like the jambalaya risotto, the cauliflower steak or the bbq pork stirfry.

One dish I have not seen for a while, might provide a challenge, The Beast. It’s an 800gm rump steak ($68) cooked to your liking with a choice of sauces or an additional $12 for the surf ‘n’ turf sauce with prawns and calamari in a creamy, garlic white wine sauce. You also get a beer, wine or soft drink as part of the deal.

Now I am not much of a red meat eater but I do know a few people who will take on that challenge and I know couples who will share it for something special.

If you are keen on dessert, there is pavlova with coulis, berries and cream or sticky date pudding, both $12. Kids’ meals are all $14 and seniors get a great deal on weekdays with a main for $20 or a main and dessert for $25.

So find your way down to Above The Greens and settle in for a nice arvo or evening with great food and service. And you’re bound to find a local to chat to at The Bowlo.

Nine-year-old Willow has taken home the 2023 Daylesford & District Agricultural Show Best Exhibit by a Junior Contributor, sponsored by Robert Nathan.

The Daylesford Primary School student entered a chocolate sponge with vanilla butter cream in the decorated cake section. She also entered a painting of a tree, which took second prize.

Willow, who also won the Florence Liversidge Encouragement Award in Junior Cooking, said she had been very excited to win, after leaving it a little too late to enter last year.

The year 4 student, who loves cooking cakes and cookies, said she would definitely encourage others to enter next year’s 150th show. “It’s really good fun.”

Show president Don Harvey said up to 2500 people headed to Victoria Park for the show with 551 dogs shown on the day.

“We had about 1400 prepaid tickets and then another 1000 or so people through the gates, so we were pretty happy with the attendance.”

Don said the weather had also been kind, with “abysmal weather” on the Friday night clearing for the Saturday show, with just a bit of rain starting before it ended at 3pm.

Don thanked his “hard-working committee” who had put in many hours, especially in the lead up to the show, and said with their experience it was now possible for the show to take a new direction in coming years.

“We also had more than 60 volunteers on our list, which was fantastic. I think it was the best show we have had in 20 years.

“So it’s really a big thanks to everyone who came along and to the hard-working committee and all the volunteers. I feel sure there are several in the committee who will be able to take over the president’s role in the future.” Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes