I really need to drop the kids off at the pool, build a log cabin, drop anchor, grow a tail, lay some cable, let the dogs out… you know, do a number  two.  

But I am not allowed. Not for six months now.  And, one day, in the near future, it just ain’t going to be pretty. I have Hepburn Shire Council to blame.  Last year I diligently jumped through hoops, made my way through obstacles and asked “how high, sir?” so HSC would allow me to turn one bit of land into two.  

One of the headscratchers was a water garden,  pictured, which was insisted on by one of the many officers who float in and out of  employment in the hallowed halls of HSC’s planning office.  

But it’s not entirely true that we had to install said water garden, we were, in fact,  given a choice. The first was to install a water garden which is a soak pit for the tank  overflow, if any.

Historically the overflow had been making its way out to large gutters  in the main street of Glenlyon for more than 150 years.  

The second was to put $5000 into the council coffers. I kid you not. The garden  was obviously the cheaper option but even if it wasn’t I would have rather paid  $10,000 for the garden than donated to the council’s Christmas party.  

But back to my toilet tantrum.  Part of the deal was to close off my septic pit, one that never gave any trouble and  was in perfect working order. But I am for tweaking things especially when it comes  to environmental issues.  

So, I dropped a further $14,000 on a new fandangled septic system in September  last year which the good people from Ballan Plumbing installed in a day with little  interruption.

The paperwork was quickly expedited to the body that made me install  the thing in the first place, yes, HSC, along with a command that we don’t use the  toilet until they sign off on it.  That was in September and it is now March. A long wait for a long drop. WTF.  

Meanwhile, the latest big council news is that HSC are asking for more rate  money, in fact a 10 per cent hike from all ratepayers. But I have to pose a question – if we hand over more money to HSC will anything change?

Ten per cent is a lot of  extra money to find and I am sure they need it, but so do I.  I am not sure what the alternative is to handing over the money because I can’t  see another council absorbing our debt and issues. Who would want that? Macedon  Ranges? Mt Alexander?

So, what happens if the HSC can no longer afford to keep  the lights on and no neighbouring council wants to pick us up?

Would the state  government have to step in and find commissioners to get us back in the black?

And how did all this start? Well, it is no secret that the Inspectorate report has  been leaked all over Facebook by “Council Watch” and most of the answers are there.  

We have had it in our possession for a couple of years but given some of the  litigious players in the report and a sense of self-preservation for our small newspaper  we haven’t been able to release it into the public domain.  

As we always said it is a very interesting read. And I am sure that a lot of the  planning criteria was fast-tracked. I bet they didn’t have to install a water garden or  wait six months to go for a poo.  If you see me around, be kind and don’t give me the shits.  Won’t be pretty, rant over….  

Newspapers usually see plenty of giant pumpkins, but Glenlyon’s Ralph Stewart has grown a giant apple.

And oddly enough it’s called a Monty’s Surprise Dwarf Apple.

Now it’s been picked and weighed in at almost a kilo, it will be turned into an apple pie for Ralph,
wife Sue and the grandkids.

Yum. And it’s surely got to keep the doctor away… Mind you, Ralph says “it’s just an apple”.

Image: Kyle Barnes

Radical Fields Arts and Community, a non-profit artist organisation based on Djaara Country in Glenlyon, is holding its second annual Harvest, a one-day regional arts festival in a paddock celebrating creativity, community and  local culture.  

The event, on Saturday, March 22 from 10am to 5pm at Lyonbank Farm (259 Back Glenlyon Road) Glenlyon, is free, open for all ages and abilities and the perfect way to experience the region’s vibrant art scene.  

Creative director Ryan Kennedy said the one-of-a-kind arts festival presented artworks, artists and knowledge holders to engage the imagination and express your creative spirit.  

“Since its inception in September 2023, Radical Fields Arts has fostered collaborations with local artists, community groups, and residents – from the elderly to farmers – resulting in window installations, land art, community meet-ups, and storytelling  workshops.  

“Harvest is the culmination of these efforts, bringing together 10 regional artists and six community groups who will present performances, installations, and creative activations at the historic Lyonbank Farm.  

“Our one-day arts festival brings together regional artists and community groups to celebrate creativity in a beautiful, open-air environment. It’s an experience that invites you to explore, create,  and connect with others.”  

Festival-goers can look forward to a variety of exciting  activities, including: a meditative walk with Castlemaine Zen; a clay activation led by artist Minaal Lawn of Castlemaine Clay; a  performance by the Kyneton Dog Obedience Club; and a tractor  pull exhibition featuring athletes from Daylesford CrossFit.

The  event supports the Glenlyon Fire Brigade with a raffle offering great prizes. Featured artists include: Delia Allen (Ballarat), Tas Wansbrough (Ballarat), Martin John Lee (Castlemaine),  Hayley West (Castlemaine), Lixa Brandt (Yandoit) Gav Barbey  (Daylesford), Minaal Lawn (Glenlyon), Paul E Mason (Glenlyon),  Kim Percy (Daylesford) and Rhae Kendrigan (Mildura).  

Regional Arts Victoria CEO Jo Porter said artists were very respectful collaborators.  

“It’s not like people coming in and saying ‘we have better ideas’. They are more likely to ask ‘can we bring our ideas?’ That is actually a really important aspect of moving to a regional community. That sense of generosity and respect.”

Radical Fields has received financial support from Regional  Arts Australia and Regional Arts Victoria, Pride Foundation  Australia, Bendigo Bank, Australian Cultural Fund and a host of  private contributors.  

Link: www.radicalfields.com  

Words: Contributed  

If the first day of 2025 at Glenlyon was anything to go by, the year ahead is looking pretty good…

The annual Glenlyon New Year’s Sports Day was a ripper. And the Glenlyon Sports Club have the photos to prove it.

Posting on social media, the club records that “it was full on New Year’s Day as hundreds of people rallied to enjoy the New Year Sports Day at the Glenlyon Reserve. What a cracker of a day”.

Events included the Glenlyon Mineral Water Drinking World Championship, an array of wood chopping competitions, the highly competitive Gum Boot Throw, and many more crowd-pleasing spectacles with proceeds raised going to Daylesford and surrounding district hospitals, charities, and youth groups.

The annual and well attended event was held in perfect conditions and even made the state media – notably including The Age, plus some coverage on the Today Show Chanel 9 with a comp winner interviewed.

The woodchopping competition, in particular, was a ripper and pulled in big crowds.

Images: Courtesy Glenlyon Sports Club

with Eve Lamb

Glenlyon’s Claire Clifton is a great example of how being told you’re no good at something may just lead you to become very good at it indeed. Claire’s passion for using creative art to express the inner self – particularly that which does not readily find expression any other way – has led her to produce powerful and award-winning abstract works, to find immense joy in her own life and recently, to establish a very special program that helps others de-stress and tap into their own inner creative spirit. 

Eve: I hear you’re a member of the Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative and part of a series of pop-up exhibitions at the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre. 

Claire: Yes. I only joined them a few months ago. There is a community spirit for creativity. It’s so important. It gives people that opportunity to express themselves. Everyone’s got a story. 

Eve: What is your own journey to becoming an artist? 

Claire: I was totally not an artist. I was told that very firmly by a teacher at school, that I was not a painter anyway. So I went to textiles and interestingly when I did it, it came out abstract. That gave me the opportunity to create in a less traditional way.

I didn’t start painting until 1996, with some encouragement from a friend. Naturally it was abstract. The very first painting I did I still have. It’s called Onward and Upward. I looked at it and thought – ‘that’s my life’. 

Eve: And I understand that you also love painting in a tactile way using your hands. 

Claire: Yes, to have paint on your hands is fabulous. I love the way the paint moves under your hands. I go through a lot of gloves. When there’s no words for what you are feeling it’s a way to express those feelings.

When I was going through my cancer journey it helped me to somehow articulate what I was going through. 

Eve: Can you tell me a bit more about that journey? 

Claire: I had breast cancer in 2010. A full year of therapy, radical surgery, chemotherapy, the whole catastrophe. And through that came the chance to exhibit through the Cancer Council.

When you sit down with some paints, pencils or even just one pencil you will learn something about yourself every time.

Eve: I hear that you have taken that passion in another direction as well. 

Claire: I completed the Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapies Training Course through Soul-Full Mind College, a 12-month course, which I did last year. I graduated with honours which was nice. It was the best thing ever. 

Eve: Have you worked in any other fields? 

Claire: Yes. I worked for 40 years in medical reception. I was a practice manager for a paediatrician in Geelong and I have also managed hospitality venues, a few of those. But this is what I love. It only took me 60 years. 

Eve: You do give the impression that you have found your passion in life. 

Claire: I love it. This is about self discovery through the creative arts and it’s about joy. We all spend so much time in fight or flight. Your body can’t heal when it’s in fight or flight.

I now work with groups or individuals with the program I have developed called Untangle You which I developed during the course last year. It’s for anyone. 

We do meditation and breathing to become utterly relaxed and then we can start to create. The empowerment that comes from that is just exquisite. People always want to learn but they don’t necessarily want to be taught.

I am hoping to run a parent and child event probably through the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre through this summer break. 

Eve: And what’s happening with the pop-up art exhibitions at the Visitor Centre? 

Claire: The Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative is having a different member artist each exhibit their work solo for four to six weeks at a time right through 2025. I’m January I believe which means I’d better get going. 

Telstra is currently upgrading its Glenlyon mobile base station to bring 5G coverage to the area.

Mobile services in the area are expected to be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are carried out.

The site was scheduled to be switched off from Monday, December 2 until today, Friday, December 6, with some disruptions also scheduled for Monday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 10 as call testing and integration of the network is tested.

There are not expected to be any disruptions during the weekend.

The cat is now out of the bag. TL HQ (AKA The Old Glenlyon Primary School) is on the market with rumours and speculation whirring about the future of The Local. (It’s all good…)

And the old story stands true, if you don’t know what you are doing in a small town, just wait a moment and the townsfolk will tell you.

So, after 20 years of enjoying our wonderful home, creating a business (The Local) in what is arguably one of the best offices I’ve ever worked from, we have decided to hand over the role of custodian of the school to the next people.

I never really thought of myself as the owner of the school, it was more like it owned us and we were simply the caretakers, and it has been an absolute pleasure and honour.

But The Local is a lot of work alongside my other commitments, which these days include visits now and again to the Gold Coast writing for boating industry magazines.

Yes, my other dream job. I mean, who wouldn’t want to write about and capture the joys and handling characteristics of gin palaces while clipping down the humpback highway at outrageous speeds. Dipping a toe into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, seeing how the other half live and not having to pay for the fuel.

So, we are going to downsize and live in the lovely town of Daylesford where life is a little more convenient, the watering holes are but a stagger away, and yes, it will be business as usual for The Local which these days is mostly run by Donna.

I simply keep the air in the tyres in terms of logistics and bookwork. The decision has been a five-year back and forth arm wrestle with her indoors, but finally we are ready to make the move. It’s not easy.

The Glenlyon School is not just a home but also a very special place shared by generations. God knows it’s so hard to make the decision to sell your home, let alone to sell something with so much history that gets all the ooohs and aahhs as visitors come through the doors.

A place where the crew from The Local have spent many a relaxed afternoon shooting the breeze in the aptly named “boardroom”, a 16-seat long table positioned under the 150-year-old oak tree.

So I hope this puts to rest anymore rumours that we are off, and that we are simply doing what many people do, decide it’s time for a smaller home and one that is a bit closer to amenities.

But that’s enough about our journey and on to the current affairs of the day, starting with old Trumpy and the strange claim immigrants are “eating the cats and dogs” in Springfield.

Except the woman who started the rumour, found her cat alive and well under the house, and then popped next door to humbly apologise to her neighbours for the baseless accusation. I doubt a spare cup of sugar is now available.

And then we move on to the discriminate killings that are going on in the Middle East which have turned indiscriminate. Killing innocent people who just happen to be in the same place at the same time as the target.

Who dreams this kind of madness up, the world’s in enough of a pickle as it is and now it won’t be long before an upgraded mobile phone could be your end.

Finally good news, and closer to home, huge congratulations to all of our sporting heroes involved in this year’s football and netball finals.

And especially to the efforts of the Daylesford Seniors Netball and Football teams who had a cracker performance in the Grand Finals. Congratulations. And commiseration to Hepburn netballers – so close but no cigar. Rumour rant over…

By Donna Kelly

Hmmm. So Dan Murphy’s is appealing a Victorian Liquor Commission decision and still trying to open a store in Daylesford.

Back in August, the Commission decision was the first using the new definition of “harm” under the Liquor Control Reform Act, a landmark decision.

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas said the decision was made namely on the basis that granting the licence could pose a public risk, encourage harm (particularly to minors) and have adverse social impacts.

In announcing its decision the Commission concluded “that granting the Licence would be conducive to or encourage harm, specifically to minors”.

“In particular, the Commission concludes that there is an appreciable risk that granting the Licence would result in an increase of secondary supply of alcohol to minors in Daylesford and (therefore) an increase in alcohol consumption by minors and (therefore) increased harm from the misuse and abuse of alcohol by minors.

“This conclusion is driven by the accumulation of a number of factors … deriving from the ‘particular local, social, demographic and geographic circumstances’ of Daylesford.”

But Dan’s apparently knows better and is giving it another go. I guess, if you were sceptical, you would think owners, The Endeavour Group, would be just a little bit worried it could lead to more knockbacks in other small towns.

Daylesford leading the way. Or do they just think we all have the right to cheap alcohol? Not sure. But it is a bit of a body blow to many in the town.

As Kyle, just over there to the left, has written, we have put our wonderful Glenlyon property up for sale. So many people say they would love it, and we did for many years. And still do but there comes a time when you realise you are getting a bit older and it’s time for some downtime in between getting The Local out each fortnight.

I remember when we first bought the property, we were so excited. Mum called it “a ruin” at the time but we just thought it was full of potential and fun.

We loved everything about our move from Frankston to the country – our home, its history, the people, the surrounding region. We even got rugged up and sat at the Glenlyon Store enjoying mulled wine during winter. Outside!

But it is time to call time, and we will look for somewhere in Daylesford, closer to restaurants and pubs, and supermarkets and stores. To be honest, the taxi ride home from Daylesford was always a bit of an adventure, thanks to the great, late, Serge. Miss him and his “hello lovers”.

I worked out I have lived in about 25 homes so far. And apart from perhaps 22 years all up at 2 The Range, Frankston, the second longest has been at Glenlyon.

There have been some strange places. Japan twice, in Niihama in the island of Shikoku and Ome, about an hour from Tokyo, Alice Springs, Karratha in northern WA and quite a few places around Queensland.

Then there is Caulfield, near the track, and Mordialloc, where we felt like we lived in a retirement village. Now and again an ambulance would arrive during the night and the next morning someone would tell us, “another one of us has gone”. I kid you not.

Anyway, time for a new caretaker for the school, and hopefully someone who gets the history, potential future and myriad possibilities. And The Local will continue, in a new office, with the same passion for sharing stories and connecting the community. Love this place. Just sayin’…

YARN Australia are holding an event in Glenlyon today Sunday 25th August.

YARN Australia is a social enterprise focused on creating relationships and connections through storytelling between Indigenous Aboriginal Australians and all people, with a vision of unity for Australia.

Today’s ticketed event takes place from 11.30am to 1.30pm with more information available from yarnaustralia.com and bookings limited to 100 attendees.

The Glenlyon Sports Club has announced its donations to charities, community groups and sporting clubs from funds raised at its annual New Year’s Day Family Sports Day at the Glenlyon Reserve.

Secretary Evan Davis said the sports club committee valued the financial support given to it by local sponsors to be able to donate these funds back into the local community.

“And to the patrons on New Year’s Day who turn out year after year to celebrate the New Year, your attendance is also vital the success of this community day.

Lastly, a huge shout out to the tireless volunteers who put in countless hours beforehand, on the day of the event and in the aftermath.

Your contribution is recognised and greatly appreciated. We look forward to doing it all again in 2025.”

Those to receive donations are: Ballarat Cancer Research Unit $500; Central Highlands Rural Health – Daylesford Health $5000; Central Highlands Rural Health – Trentham Health $1200; Daylesford Christmas Cheer $800; Daylesford Community Brass Band $500; Daylesford Girl Guides $500; Daylesford Junior Football and Netball Club $500; Daylesford Junior Tennis $500; Daylesford Preschool $500; Daylesford Riding For The Disabled $500; Daylesford Senior/Junior Pipe Band $500; Daylesford Volleyball $500; Denis Beddoe Boxing Gymnasium $400; Glenlyon & District News $300; Glenlyon Adult Riding $500; Glenlyon Pony Club $500; Glenlyon Recreation Reserve upgrades $500; Grove of Gratitude $500; Hepburn Junior Football and Netball Club $500; Hepburn Preschool $500; New Year’s Eve Gala Daylesford $200; Royal Children’s Hospital $300; St Johns Ambulance $500; and Trentham Junior Football and Netball Club $500.

Glenlyon mum Claire Clifton could not be prouder of her son Jonathan Smith who took out first place in the Northern Shears Senior Competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo last weekend.

Jonathon, who plaits his substantial beard so he can see the sheep and stop them chewing on it while being shorn, also placed third in the Sports Shear Victorian State Final Senior Competition.

Claire said shearers were judged on speed and technique as well as gaining penalties for second cuts – short pieces of wool left on sheep to be shorn off – and any cuts on the sheep. The lowest point score wins.

“As an industry, farmers want as much wool staple as they can in the best possible quality to get best prices. Therefore, shearers need to be clean and accurate and with often many thousand sheep to get through, time is of the essence.”

Claire said Jonathon, who lives in Inverleigh with his wife and two children after growing up in Freshwater Creek, has had a lifelong passion for shearing, working mainly in the southern and central districts of Victoria with occasional sheds further north.

“Like many shearers, he continues to battle back injuries and after several nerve block procedures, is preparing for surgery in the coming months. Of course, he is adamant to fit in the surgery around his shearing competitions and shed work.”

Jonathon’s next major competition will be Royal Geelong Show in October.

Main image: Claire Clifton

Radical Fields, an emerging contemporary arts group based in the Central Highlands has launched its winter fundraiser and is accepting tax deductible donations until July 24. 

Headed by director Ryan F Kennedy along with artists Anthony Sawrey and Gav Barbey, arts manager Madeleine McClelland and marketing/business strategist Dana Ronan, the group’s arts and cultural program looks to connect people and place through the practice of ‘serious play’ in artistic processes.

“We work collaboratively with artists and the community,” says Ryan, “to create works of art that explore rural living in fields of agriculture, science, sport, mind/ body, home, and storytelling.”

The group, recently incorporated as a non-profit community association, emerged in 2023 to energise the local arts ecology and engage with artists and audiences in new and unexpected ways.

It set about initiating a six-month arts program centred around monthly meet- ups at the Glenlyon market and held their inaugural ‘Harvest’ at Lyonbank Farm last March.

Since that time the group has been busy planning their 2024/25 Seasonal Program culminating in its next Harvest event. In the meantime Radical Fields has announced its partnership with the Australian Cultural Fund to conduct its winter fundraiser.

ACF is a Creative Australia funding body that passes 100 per cent of donations to artists and arts organisation projects.

“With more than 50 per cent of our budget going directly to our artists, facilitators, and writers, Radical Fields is proudly committed to regional arts and culture,” says Ryan.

“We are grateful for all contributions, big or small and the help they offer to the sustainability and quality of our regional arts. As a team we look forward to delivering a stellar season and encourage any interested people and businesses to get in touch to find out how we can create together.”

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Link: www.artists.australianculturalfund. org.au/s/project/a2EMn000009fPN3MAM/radical-fields-seasonal-program

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured several Regional Development Victoria Tiny Towns Fund grants to improve facilities and infrastructure in various small towns across the shire. 

The council was making no secret of the fact that it was “very pleased” to be planning upgrades for outdoor fitness equipment in Trentham, shade sails in Clunes, a masterplan for Victoria Park in Daylesford, an accessible equestrian ramp at Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and playground relocation at Newlyn.

The council is also pleased to auspice the Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee, who were successful in obtaining a $50,000 grant towards a landscaping project at the popular Lyonville Hall. 

The council had supported community groups in various ways to successfully apply for funding. 

Successful projects that the council will lead are –  

• Queens Park (Clunes) shade structure – $45,000 

• Newlyn Recreation Reserve playspace upgrade planning – $18,750 

• Victoria Park, Daylesford Masterplan Development – $50,000 

• Accessible Equestrian Mounting Ramp Glenlyon Recreation Reserve – $37,500 

• Trentham Outdoor Fitness Equipment Installation – $44,970 

The council has funded contributions to each of these projects in the adopted 2024/25 Budget.  

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said that federal and state funding streams are critical for small rural councils to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure. 

“It’s encouraging to see this investment being made in our smaller communities. These funds will enhance our facilities and enable greater participation in community activities around the shire,” Cr Hood said.

“Together with respective community groups and committees, we will begin work to plan the delivery of these works now so the benefits of these projects can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Except for the war years and Covid, the New Year’s Sports Day at Glenlyon has been run every year since 1857 – but some of the “older” members joke that they can’t quite remember back that far!

Entertainment throughout the day, at the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve, includes
Midlands Axemen’s Association wood chopping event.

In memoriam of Harold Suckling, who sadly passed away earlier this year and who had for over 50 years been both competitor and announcer at Glenlyon New Year’s Day, a new event will be run
in his name to honour the contribution he has made to the sport and the club.

Novelty events will also be held such as Bullboar Eating and Mineral Water Drinking competitions, children’s running races later in the day along with face painting and magic workshop, other children’s activities, women’s nail driving and gumboot throwing competitions.

The Daylesford Brass Band will perform and equestrian events will be run
throughout the day along with the running of the much-acclaimed Glenlyon Cup.
Catering is provided by St Michaels Primary School and there is a licensed bar
onsite.

People are encouraged to come along with their chairs/rugs/picnics and celebrate
the New Year under the wonderful shade offered by the massive old oak and elm
trees.

This community-minded event is wholly run by volunteers with all monies raised
donated back into local charities/sporting clubs.

Due to rising costs the gate fee has risen to $15 but those under 16 are offered
free admission.

Once inside the reserve, all events are free to enter and a gate prize of a voucher
worth $500 will be drawn on the day.

Glenlyon Sports Club has its own Facebook page for more information or email
glenlyonsportsclub@gmail.com

See you there to welcome in 2024!

Using a motorbike to “paint” with doesn’t just produce a fairly unique work of art in the landscape.

It also produces a pretty decent physical workout. Just ask local artist Tony Sawrey (also known in his other guise as a writer for The Local).

Tony is among a group of several artists currently planning or creating work as part of the six-month-long arts project that is Radical Fieldz.

It’s the brainchild of Glenlyon artist Ryan Kennedy (aka RFK).

The project started in October and involves a series of arts events taking place every month at Glenlyon through to March 16 when they culminate in a day-long outdoor event.

This will take place on a yet-to-be publicly disclosed private estate and will feature a range of unique works including installation and performance pieces.

Tony’s motorbike “painting” will be among them and he was happily working on his creation when The Local caught up with him on site recently.

“I do a lot of artwork, painting and installations, in outdoor environments but it’s the first time I’ve used a motorbike,” he said.

“In this case we’ve laid out a roughly 90 by 80 meter wide design. We’re thinking come April we might put in rye grass (in the soil cut up by the bike’s tyre tread) which will strike pretty quick.

“And we’re hoping that will be growing by the time the final event happens – the final harvest,” Tony said.

“I’ve got to do ongoing work with this, just running the pattern until we can turn up some of the dirt.

“I’ve wanted to do something like this for years, but it really takes that collaboration with someone like Ryan which is why the Radical Fieldz program is so interesting and different.

“There’s a lot of collaboration involved. It’s transforming something which has a prosaic use and creates something else out of it.”

Ryan, or RFK as he is also known, will also have site-specific work included as part of the final culminating event on March 16 as will not only other artists, but also a few less likely suspects.

These include a local ornithology group and a local fitness group who are getting involved in various interesting ways.

“I’m working with several community groups to reframe how they work in the community through the lens of art,” RFK says.

“We’ve got Daylesford CrossFit joining us and we’re literally doing a tractor pull. We’ll be working in teams. It will be a choreographed piece, basically an exercise to drag the tractor across the field.

“We’re also working with FLOCK which is the Friendly Little Ornithology Club, and Castlemaine Zen will be doing a meditative walk to really set the tone of awareness and intention for the day of the event.”

In the lead up to the day-long March harvest event, there’s an ongoing series of events featuring artists attending the monthly Glenlyon market that happens each third Saturday of the month.

This is followed in the afternoon, after the market, with a different co-creative arts event at the Glenlyon community dam.

“We are doing a community sound composition at our next event on December 16,” RFK says.

“We’ve got a sax quartet, a cellist, an eastern European band, some friends with fascinating horns and engines to rev and we’re going to be exploring sound.

“We’ve also been given a grant and we’re going to do some work on a big painting event on Saturday, January 20 from 2-6pm with the Glenlyon Progress Association.

“We’re going to be working on a mural out the front of the Glenlyon Shire Hall.

“It will be like an abstract map of the town highlighting what the town’s about, referencing landmarks around the town.

“I just felt like there was room for a constant and creative space within the community and that’s something I wanted Radical Fieldz to offer.

“I feel like the more we empower the community to be creative the more interest they have in our own work as artists.”

With the location of the March 16 culminating harvest event to be revealed closer to the occasion, RFK can divulge a bit more of what may be expected on the day.

“Expect something you probably haven’t seen before,” he says.

“We’re on Facebook and Instagram and I am encouraging local artists and community groups that want to get creative to get in touch with us. “The program is unique and we’ve got a lot of creative individuals around there.”

Words and Image: Eve Lamb