Who would dream for us to be better if it were not the artist? And who would show us the way if it were not for the storyteller?

Jamaica Osorio, cited in Emergence Magazine,  October 2024  https://emergencemagazine.org/ 

 

Welcome to the November edition of Localising Leanganook ‘s e-newsletter. Enjoy our feature article prepared by Ira from Murrnong Mammas Exclusivity at Harcourt Organic Farming Coop.  The newsletter also includes regular updates on upcoming local events for the month of November, plus activities that contribute towards localisation.  We hope you enjoy it.

Cheers, Nikki, Keppel, and Laurel

Note to Contributors and Readers

Localising Leanganook’s e-news continues to grow from strength to strength reaching more than 700 subscribers. The monthly newsletter  includes an ever expanding range of localising events, programs and creative initiatives  in  our central Victorian region.  If you’ve got items for inclusion in future editions, let our editing team know – (nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au). To help our editing team please email through information you’d like included in the following format: program/project/event name plus date, time and location if relevant; summary of event/issue/program, in word format; accompanying photo as a jpeg or png.

November’s edition includes:

1. Feature Article:
   
2. Arts and Culture
3. Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
4. Ecology and Environment
5. First Nations
6. Sustainable Living Resources
7. Building Community
8. The Spirit and the Sacred
9. Local Government News
10. Workshops and Courses
11. Letters
12. Food for Thought

Feature Article: Exclusivity at Harcourt Organic Farming Coop 

Prepared by Ira- Murnong Mummas

Diversity at Harcourt Organic Farming Co-op goes beyond what’s cultivated from the land—it also encompasses the people who work and contribute to it, as well as truly valuing the countless generations of Djaara people who have been custodians of this place for time immemorial. This commitment to inclusivity
is central to HOFC’s identity, and something we are working hard at developing further.

Inclusivity here is grounded in collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility. Each member brings unique insights and experiences, and these are valued as integral to the decisions we make together. As a co-op member, I personally feel valued for my distinct perspective, knowing I can openly share my past and present experiences, whether as a First Nations person or someone from a Gender-Diverse background. My way of thinking and being in the world is respected—and it’s this foundation of respect that makes fostering collaboration and shared responsibility possible. Without truly feeling welcomed here, I wouldn’t be able to do the work that I do effectively.

The co-op takes a community-centered approach, creating opportunities for not only those working the land but also for the broader community to connect with, learn from, and appreciate it. Each enterprise brings people together in unique ways. Whether it’s the delight of supporting and enjoying the milk from
Sellar Farmhouse Creamery through a *CSA subscription,  (https://www.sellardairy.com.au/how-to-buy/#CSA-SUBSCRIPTION-FAQ), gathering to learn with community (and cake!) with *The Orchard Keepers’ Fruit Crew program (https://theorchardkeepers.com.au/volunteering/), or learning to cultivate and cook with Bushfoods with Murnong Mummas on the Bushfoods tours, each initiative fosters connection. This engagement helps the wider community understand our work and the passion that drives it—making our efforts deeply meaningful. Growing here is about more than produce; it’s about inviting others to walk with us, to learn, share, and appreciate this land together.

Inclusivity is central to how we operate. We make decisions collectively, ensuring that everyone’s voice is represented. “Being here is about sharing power and responsibility, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard in shaping the future of the land.” At HOFC, each member’s voice is valued, with our collaborative model aiming to foster a true sense of belonging and purpose. By committing to inclusivity, we create an environment where every perspective shapes our work, ensuring that the diverse needs of both the land and our community are respected.

HOFC members face Leanganook during the on-farm Cultural Competency Workshop held by Djaara “We acknowledge that we live and farm on Djaara country… we are grateful to Djaara for their leadership and commitment to working towards Djaara management of Leanganook”.  We hope that by sharing our journey of connecting with Djaara, we can inspire other landowners and farmers to take a similar path. By listening to and respecting Djaara’s values and aspirations for Country, we aim to weave these into our vision for the land HOFC is on. Walking together with First Nations Peoples to care for the land is essential to us, as it brings mutual benefit. We are committed to reconciliation and to continually educating ourselves about First Nations cultures and
challenges, so we can serve this land and honor those who have cared for it for countless generations.

“It’s not just about farming but about how we interact with the community and the land in a way that benefits everyone involved.” The co-op emphasizes the importance of diverse voices—whether through the active involvement of First Nations enterprises like Murnong Mummas, relationship building with communities like Djaara, or through collaborative land ownership and farming practices. Inclusivity is not only about representation but about shaping decisions collectively, ensuring everyone in the community, including those interacting with the land, contributes to its future direction and sustainability.

REPORTS ETC REFERENCED IN THIS ARTICLE
All quotes within this article have been taken from the following reports, plans and papers which were a part of the WWF Innovate to Regenerate Grant, all of which can be found at https://hofcoop.com.au/innovate-to-regenerate-grant-from-wwf-australia/
You can learn more about what collaborative farming means to us in this briefing paper:  https://hofcoop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/HOFC-Collaborative-land-ownership-Briefing-Paper

You can learn more about our plans for the farm and how we have approached documenting this in our Whole Farm Plan: https://hofcoop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Whole-Farm-Plan_HOFC_Thriving-Rural_Working-

You can learn more about what values drive action at HOFC in our Small Farm Viability Case Study Report: https://hofcoop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HOFC_Small-farm-Viability-Case-Study-Report-1.pdf
You can learn more about HOFC’s commitment to valuing Djaara’s input in this blog…https://hofcoop.com.au/2024/07/11/listening-to-djaara/

2. Arts and Culture

Maldon Folk Festival

November 1st -4th

Maldon Folk Festival, located in Central Victoria, has been held annually for more than five decades. Experience the legendary festival atmosphere, showcasing an abundance of music, and dance in the historic, National Trust Classified Maldon township.

Each year we provide a long weekend of quality folk, bluegrass, a little jazz, a little blues music, and dance and interactive workshops at affordable prices, to suit all age groups. All venues are walking distance from the centre of town and have access for people with a disability.

Yandoit Cultural

Bendigo musician Matthew Burke will perform at Yandoit Cultural – Guitar and vocals.

Matthew will perform covers and original songs including songs from Ricki Nelson, Neil Diamond, America, Alan Jackson and Buddy Holly.

Matthew will include songs from his own albums and share some of the stories associated with his music.

When: Friday November 8^th, 2024,  7.00pm

Where: Yandoit Cultural- the old church in the bush, Uniting Church Rd, off High St, Yandoit.  

Entry by donation- support our local musicians.

For more information and to book:  https://yandoitcultural.org/

Newstead Arts Hub- What’s On

• Nov Workshop – 3 Sundays in November – Plein-air oil painting with Mark Dober
• Nov Exhibition: Places Revisited…Again! Bill Beasley
• Unleash – Art Auction: Nov 9. Come along to buy great art, support the Hub and have fun!
• Hub Writers Group: Let’s Shut Up and Write! Next sessions –  Nov 22

Dig around for that piece you’ve been longing to sell or the one that no longer fits on your wall. Click on red button above and be part of this wonderful event. 2D and 3D work in all styles are welcome . We’re creating a fabulous fun auction event with food, wine & those great Hub vibes !! Need more info ? Get in touch – info@newsteadartshub.org

EOI for 2025 – Calling all artists- Exhibition spaces at the Hub

We’ve opened up our calendar for 2025!

Unleash your Hidden Art Submit your Auction piece!

The Hub is a wonderful exhibition space and we love to see all kinds of art from all kinds of artists, at all ages and stages. Email us at info@newsteadartshub.org to discuss your ideas or submit a short proposal at https://newsteadartshub.org/venue-hire/. Don’t worry if it’s not a fully formed idea yet…just a sentence or two will get the ball rolling! We are also keen to hear of your ideas for workshops and events, all ideas are welcome no matter how big or small! Let’s talk about all things Art. EOI’s Close 31 October!

 

Newstead Writers Group: Monthly ‘Let’s Shut Up & Write’! Fourth Friday, each month – 1pm to 5pm.  
Our next afternoon session is Friday 22 Nov, 1-5pm –   The Hub Writers Group is self-organising and supports everyone to write at their own pace. We have tables and chairs, so you only need to bring what you need to write.   In the evening you can join the first ‘Writers Read’ event on Friday 22 November 6.30-8pm.  This is an invitation to read something you have written, perhaps at a Newstead Writers Shut Up and Write session, or elsewhere in your writing life. Poetry, prose, experimental – any form but you will only have three minutes!  This will be a super-supportive environment to take the plunge. An old hand at reading your work? This event is for you too!  We’ll order pizza, wine and other refreshments, with a $10 donation at the door to cover food and venue. All writers welcome. Please let us know you are coming by email to leni.shilton@me.com or text 0466612972.

Young Writers Holiday Writing Program Advance notice for secondary students.

First session Dec 14, 2-4, January check in online, Session 2 – Feb 15.

Want to learn more about the art of writing, and work on your own writing project? Newstead Writers invites senior secondary students to a summer holiday writing program.  Award winning local writer Cate Kennedy will host two workshops at the Newstead Arts Hub during the school holidays. Working with you, Cate will explore the principles of great writing, how to release your inner creativity and support your holiday writing goal. Contact Leni Shilton leni.shilton@me.com or 0466612972 for all queries.

More information for all events and programs: https://newsteadartshub.org/whats-on/

 

Radius Art Gallery- Hepburn Springs

 

Movie and Meal Night: Asian Feast and Magical Film –Sunday 3rd November from 5.30pm

Feast & Flicks is our monthly celebration of food and film. This month join Charlie Si for a succulent 3 course banquet followed by a screening of the classic Studio Ghibli “Arrietty.

INFO + BOOKINGS

Living with Wildlife Book Launch 

 

Join local wild life expert Tanya Loos as she celebrates the publication of her latest book Living with Wildlife.  Possums in the roof? Echidnas in the garden? Living with Wildlife is packed full of advise and is an essential resource for all nature lovers.

BOOKINGS + INFO

Saturday 10th November | 4 – 5.30pm

 

Self Discovery and Creative Play Workshop

 

Would you like to explore the way you express your creative imagination?  Join local artist Gav Barbey for an immersive and participatory exploration of yourself. You will be led on a journey of self-discovery via art play, nature, movement & sound- Saturday 23rd November| 10am – 3pm

BOOKINGS + INFO

Northern Arts Hotel

THE COOLROOM DIARY [Click on links for event details]
MUSIC GIGS  [Usually at 7.30pm, Sunday at 6 or 6.30pm]
Friday 18 October | Jesse Lawrance Album Launch ‘Some Little Town’
Saturday 19 October | Castlemaine Chamber Players Heaven & Earth 3
Sunday 20 October 6pm | Miguel Rios live at The Coolroom  [W]
Friday 25 October | The Moonee Valley Drifters
Saturday 26 October | Twin Cinema album launch – Archipelago
Saturday 2 November | Hetty Kate Trio Australian Tour
Sunday 3 November, 6pm | Road to Tangier: A Satirist’s Journey
Saturday 9 November | Sally Ford & The idiomatics
Friday 15 November | Thieving Magpies – A World of Music [W]
Saturday 16 November | Kavisha & Charles: Island Songs [W]
Sunday 24 November 6pm  | Tom Woodward Revolving Doors Album Tour
Friday 29 November | Jeff Lang Album Launch More Life
Saturday 30 November | Goldfields Folk & Roots: Summer Folk
Saturday 7 December | Peter & The Wolves: Summer Soirée
FILM
Sunday 20 October 2.30pm | To Thank the Room Encore Screening
Monday 21 October 6pm, | To Thank the Room Encore Screening final.
SPOKEN WORD & REGULAR GROUPS
Thursday 17 October, 4pm | Maine-ly Ukes
Thursday 17 October ,7.30pm | Guildford Folk Club at The Coolroom
Saturday 19 October, 2.30pm | Celtic Singing Circle
Saturday 26 October 2.30pm | PoetiCas
Monday 28 October 5pm | Make a Zine, Encore!
NORTHERN ARTS HOTEL
Ongoing | Ethiopia, Hudad Plateau: A Self Portrait Series
Every Tuesday | Potluck Dinner from 7.30pm
Nightly Dusk to Dawn | Wimble St Wall 
[W] – World Music

3. Food Growing, Farming and Food Security

Harcourt’s Fruit Crew

Read MOU and Apply for Fruit Crew 24/25

 

We’re delighted to announce the launch of Fruit Crew, our volunteer exchange program, for the 2024/25 season!

Joining Fruit Crew will give you a chance to learn fruit-growing skills, connect with your local organic farm, and have fun outdoors with a team of like-minded people. We ran the program in the 2023/24 fruit season, and it was hugely successful! Here’s what some of last year’s Crew had to say about their experience…

Being in a joint venture outside and contributing to organic food growing for the community. A massive healing contrast to my paid job. Working with great humans with similar values and…. The amazingly delicious fruit!

Learning about setting up and managing orchards. Also like bartering for goods and services with my skills and labour.

My good friend was doing it and invited me as I think she thought my mental health would benefit. Once on deck I felt the benefits of the physical “doing” and I loved learning so much. The gratitude of our hosts and the cake and coffee at break time were the icing on the cake (sometimes there was icing!!)

I wanted to learn more about growing fruit well. I also wanted to meet people in town with similar interests and food values. The fruit was a huge bonus!

I love that it’s a community engagement thing and educational also. I see it as free therapy being out in the air working in the earth.

I wanted to be involved in something that I felt strongly about (organic practices in growing food) and help those who are willing to do that.

A chance to learn and embed techniques, meet lovely people, and give back to a visionary farm so important to our community.

Fruit Crew runs at our farm in Harcourt on Wednesdays and Thursdays with shifts available in the morning, afternoon, or both. It will start this year on Wednesday, October 23. We ask that you only sign up for Fruit Crew if you can commit to at least 20 half-day shifts for the season. We offer an exchange of 5kg of fruit for each shift, plus you get a Skills and Theory lesson each week on a range of fruit-growing topics. There will be lots of yummy cake provided for morning and afternoon teas. 🎂😀

A new innovation this year is the introduction of Fruit Crew Leader positions to help guide and support our amazing team of volunteers. We’re also downsizing the orchard and focusing on more local markets and less wholesale. It’s part of a shift towards a more circular economy, not-for-profit, community-based model. Our goal is to create a truly sustainable long-term model for the Orchard Keepers so we can keep supplying delicious organic fruit to the community for many years to come.

Please get in touch if you have any questions, and we hope to see you in this year’s Fruit Crew.

Mt Franklin Organics

Two Fold Bakehouse

Local bread for the local community.  Read our story

By ordering Thursday bread you are joining our bread family of farmers, millers and bakers who work to regenerate the land and value small scale, local food systems. Your support means we can bake to order, with no bread going to waste. Thursday bread, ordered online weekly as a one off, or monthly as a subscription with pick up each Thursday from Daylesford, Yandoit or Kyneton hubs.

Daylesford Sunday Railway Market 
September: 1st, 15th and 29th, October: 13th, 27th, 2024

Hepburn Wholefoods Collective Fresh bread every Thursday from 3:30pm

 

 

Food Pantry- Castlemaine – The CCH Food Pantry is open for anyone and everyone!

This initiative aims to complement the existing services provided by The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul in the Shire of Mount Alexander, addressing the increasing demand for food relief in our community.

No appointments are necessary, simply drop into Community House, see our friendly reception staff for directions to the pantry, and then help yourself.

When: 9.00am – 3.00pm, Monday to Friday
Where: Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton St.

Donate: Want to make a contribution?  Cash donations go a big way to supporting this free community service.  If you are in the position to help, we greatly accept good-quality non-perishable food and toiletry item such as: Pasta, noodles and rice, Canned fruit, vegetables and soups, Tea, coffee and spreads, Flour, sugar and sauces, Long-life milk and breakfast cereal, Shampoo, tooth paste and sanity products etc, Dog or cat food

 

Castlemaine Seed Library

On the board for October we have Flat Leaf Parsley, Rainbow Chard, Garlic Chives, Dill, and Mixed lettuce, which can go in the ground now. For planting early, on a warm windowsill or in a greenhouse we have Mass Cross Cucumber, Coloured Corn (this is very pretty, and can be ground up for maize or popped), Butternut Squash, Lebanese Zucchini and more tomatoes….

Purple Ukrainian, (gorgeous, purple, egg-shaped tomatoes), Rouge de Marmande, (great for sauce or dehydrating), Beefsteak, (big ones), Lemon Drop, (a prolific, round, yellow cherry tomato), the mixed cherry tomatoes, (lots of different colour tomatoes in that mix), and Tomatillo, which is great for salsa.

Flowers are Echinacea, Oriental Poppies, a wildflower mix and Tallest Sunflowers.

The next working bee is Thursday November 7th, usual time, 11am in the library foyer.

 

4. Ecology and Environment

Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation.  What is ours to do? (Laurel Freeland, LL eNews Co-editor)

In 2018 I attended the ‘Great Debate – can we reverse global warming within a meaningful time frame?’ at the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne.  One of the speakers was Paul Hawken.  He arrived early and sat down in the seat next to me at the front on my left.  He immediately voiced that he didn’t to talk to anyone as he wanted to relax and be prepared.  I nodded understandingly and didn’t speak.  In my lap was a copy of his recently published book, ‘Drawdown, The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming.’

He couldn’t help himself though.  Conspiratorially he leaned towards me and told me he was very nervous as he didn’t like debates.  I laughed and explained to him that ‘The Great Debate’ wasn’t really a debate.  He relaxed visibly and we began chatting.   Arriving shortly after was a secondary school from a posh girls college in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne who sat on my left.  We all had a great conversation and he signed my book. I asked the school girl if she or her school library had  copy of the book.  No, she said. We continued chatting and I clued her up about getting one into her school library.  Hawken started to fossick in his bag and pulled out some cash.  Reaching across me he passed her $35.  She freaked and asked me what she should do.  ‘Go to the back of the auditorium and buy the book of course,’ I commanded.   She returned with the book, and he signed hers as well.  It was a heart warming interaction.  The ‘debate’ proceeded and all the speakers were well informed and erudite.  The answers were all there.  It is worth a listen: https://soundcloud.com/monashmsdi/2018-sustainable-living-festival-the-great-debate

In 2024 I am re-examining what is mine/ours to do.  Where can I/we have the best impact? What is my capacity? It is inspiring to see many regenerative and climate activities happening in this bioregion.  In the meantime you might like to answer the questions below from the book ‘Regeneration – Ending the climate crisis in one generation.’  It has multiple ideas well researched ideas of how we can do this.  The checklist below is from the book of the same name. Paul Hawken (2021) Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation

Regeneration: Paul Hawken’s Climate Check List

A Climate checklist is informed by straightforward principles. They help guide out endeavours from farm to finance, cities to clothing, groceries to grasslands, and are applicable to every level of activity: people, homes, groups, companies, communities – and countries too. Guidelines are yes or no. Every action either moves towards a desired outcome or heads away from it.  The number one guideline is the fundamental principle of regeneration.  The remaining are outcomes of that principle.

1. Does the action create more life or reduce it?
2. Does it heal the future or steal the future?
3. Does it enhance human well-being or diminish it?
4. Does it prevent disease or profit from it?
5. Does it create livelihoods or eliminate them?
6. Does it restore land or degrade it?
7. Does it increase global warming or decrease it?
8. Does it server human needs or manufacture human want?
9. Does it reduce poverty or expand it?
10. Does it promote fundamental human rights or deny them?
11. Does it provide workers with dignity or demean them?
12. In short, is the activity extractive or regenerative?

How you apply, score, or evaluate these principles is up to you.  Most of what we do does not tick all the boxes. However, like a compass, it shows us the direction and where to go. By employing the guidelines, you pivot and begin, action by action, step by step, bit by bit to create regeneration in one’s life. What am I eating?  Why? How am I feeling? What is happening in my community? What am I wearing? What am I buying? What am I making?

YIMBY Composting

• Yimby aims – To reduce methane emissions by diverting organics from landfill and using localised transport; To close the loop on (re)cycling food organics in our local community and to grow the availability of good soil, with compost.To build community resilience by connecting people in neighbourhoods and building skills

YIMBY exists because we value community-led solutions to global problems and trust that, with support, communities are more adaptive and responsive when we work together.

YIMBY is a community-run backyard composting project based in Castlemaine, Victoria.

YIMBY is a dedicated group of volunteers, and partially paid employees of The Hub Foundation, who coordinate the program.

To our knowledge there is no other program like this in Australia.

For more information: https://www.yimbycompost.com/

The Town Folk Festival will be held on Saturday 16th of November with YIMBY supporting this event through composting food scraps, as well as collecting drink cans for recycling. All CDS proceeds will go towards buying more straw for our composters. You can register to volunteer at the festival here 

 

Mt Alexander Sustainability Group – MASG E-news October 2024

MASG AGM – November 13, 7.30 pm
Memberships are due
Wash Against Waste trailer – volunteers needed in November
Getting off gas workshop
Rising Tide
Energy Breakthrough – Maryborough
Get involved with MASG

Central Vic Climate Defenders

A rising tide of Central Vic climate defenders are preparing for non-violent coal disruptions. 

A growing number of Central Victorians will travel to Newcastle in November 2024 to the People’s blockade of the world’s largest coal port, to demand policies on capping and reducing fossil fuel exports.  Thousands are expected in a mass, non-violent protest.

Bernard Tonkin says “non-violent direct action (NVDA) involves peaceful resistance and civil disobedience to protest unacceptable corporate or government actions. No developed country has more to lose than Australia from climate change-fueled extreme weather. Perversely, Australia has no policy to reduce its fossil fuel production for export.”

Organisers of the blockade, Rising Tide use NVDA to stop coal ships entering or leaving the coal port. It is a technique used by people outside the official channels of power (that’s most of us) who are reaching for the biggest levers out of necessity.  NVDA can be disruptive, uncomfortable, inconvenient, but it is also by far the most effective way of shaping politics and policies.  An enormous problem like climate change needs to be tackled with action that is commensurate with the size of the problem. That means that our actions must be collective. NVDA is one of the biggest levers that we’ve got. In the case of  blockading Newcastle port, cars and commuter trains and buses are not held up, only ships entering the harbour, and most of these are huge coal containing vessels.

The local organisers are planning on taking photos of supporters with them as they paddle into the shipping lanes.  Not everyone can take time off work to travel to the Newcastle protest in November, but huge numbers of Australians would love to see urgent reductions to Australia’ fossil fuel exports, and support direct action in principle. “We plan to take a bunch of vicarious protestors on the kayaks with us”, says one of the local CVCA organiser’s, Serena Everill.

When you see us on a Saturday morning around town in the weeks leading up to the November protest jump into one of our kayaks for a photo op.  People are also welcome to send in photos of themselves in any sort of boat to cvca@gmail.com “Come along and show your support, even if you’re not planning on traveling to the Blockade yourself.  We would love to take your photo with us into the shipping lanes”, says Serena.

Susie Burke PhD,  Member of Central Vic Climate Action,  M: 0430042087  www.susieburke.com.au

 

Natural Newstead- Sacred Encounters- Geoff Park’s blog

I’ve witnessed courtship and mating between Sacred Kingfishers on several occasions over the years. Once observed, the pattern can be recognised and with luck provides an opportunity for some action-packed encounters.

The female typically perches on an exposed site and patiently awaits the arrival of the male that has been feeding nearby. Once sighted the female rocks forward and produces a series of harsh vocalisations, similar to those heard later in the season around the nest.

Mating is brief, perhaps ten to fifteen seconds at most, with the male grasping the feathers at the base of the female’s bill throughout copulation. The male often brings an offering such as a skink or insect, although this wasn’t the case in the encounter shown below.

Egg-laying will commence over the next week or so – the nest site has already been selected.

Photo: Sacred Kingfisher (female), Loddon River @ Newstead, 26th October 2024

Read on blog

Seeding Our Future: Seed Collection Workshop- Connecting Country

Connecting Country is pleased to announce an exciting new project; Seeding Our Future which is funded by the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants. The Seeding Our Future project focuses on building the populations and connectivity of local flora species through community engagement and educational workshops. 

One of the key threats to local flora populations is seed security, particularly those species occurring in low numbers and fragmented populations that lack genetic diversity. Local plant populations are already highly fragmented and isolated. With this we are witnessing the reduction of genetic diversity across populations which will be exacerbated by severe weather patterns and could eventually lead to the extinction of rare indigenous plant species. This will have enormous repercussions for many local vertebrates and invertebrates who rely on specific plant species for habitat and food sources. 

To protect biodiversity from extinction, the Seeding Our Future project offers local community the opportunity to take direct action to increase flora populations across the region. Through the collection of seed and growing of indigenous plant species, particularly those that are rare, we can increase genetic diversity and population of local indigenous flora, creating resilient ecosystems and seed banks for our future.

To kick the project off we are hosting a Seed Collection workshop with Seeding Victoria, in Castlemaine on Saturday 9 November 2024. This workshop has also received funding support from Cassinia Environmental, Natural Resources Conservation Trust and the Victorian Government BushBank program.

The day will involve;

• The nuts and bolts to seed collecting: You will learn species identification, what permits you need to obtain for collecting seed, OH&S, collection techniques, extraction and storage.

• Field Trip: We will have a look at the OH&S components of seed collecting, observing what’s flowering and what will be ready to collect in the coming months.

• There will be an opportunity to order seed-collecting equipment on the day.

• Learn about how the NRCT Seed Bank Revolving Fund works and how to obtain a discount for seed-collecting equipment.
• Introduction to the BushBank Program: How to get involved in collecting seed for the $30M Government program and access funding to undertake biodiversity planting on your property.

When: Saturday 9 November 2024, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Tea Rooms, Downes Rd. Castlemaine  Cost: $30.

For more information: https://connectingcountry.org.au/

Biolinks Alliance- Connecting Central Victoria

At Biolinks Alliance, it’s been a busy few months leading into Spring – from continuing our on-ground cutting-edge projects to holding events that enable conventions to be challenged and innovations to prosper. This includes our Monthly Webinar Series, as well as our hugely popular Rewilding Central Victoria Symposium that brought together experts and practitioners to speak about the latest research and projects, and offer those in attendance a chance to learn, share and collaborate.

Alongside this Symposium – we’ve been working with Melbourne Water and Network Member Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, as well as Upper Maribyrnong Catchment Group and Macedon Ranges Shire Council, to set up a large-scale biolink repair project that eventually looks to go from Melbourne all the way to Echuca.

As always, we are incredibly grateful to all our supporters. With government investment in nature and biodiversity so limited, we continue to rely on philanthropic funds for the projects we are bringing to life and all of our work to restore function to ecosystems to keep going.

Town Folk Festival – Castlemaine

 

A single-day music festival on Dja Dja Wurrung Country / Castlemaine on Saturday November 16th 2024, Town Folk celebrates the diverse, compelling and exciting sounds which live under the ever-widening umbrella of folk. Set across 4 stages, all a short walking distance from one another, this is a family-friendly afternoon-into-evening of performances, food, drinks and friendly faces.

Town Folk Festival

Wombat Forestcare newsletter

Wombat Forestcare is a community group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural ecosystems of the Wombat Forest and surrounding areas.

The Wombat Forest contains a diverse range of native plants and animals, including a number that are listed as rare or threatened, such as Powerful Owl and the Wombat Bush Pea. As well as these natural values, the Wombat is a significant water catchment area, giving rise to six rivers.

Wombat Forestcare engages in a range of activities. These have a strong focus on community involvement and education, and include undertaking flora and fauna surveys. We also enjoy the social aspect of a forest group, with picnics and bushwalks for people who love being in the bush.

https://www.wombatforestcare.org.au/newsletters/WombatForestcareNewsletter69_Sept_24.pdf

North Central Catchment Management Association

This month’s edition encourages citizen scientists to spring into action, with Frog Month Victoria and the Aussie Bird Count taking place, so why not put the smartphone to good use and get out and about in your backyard, paddock or local reserve with an app in hand to record what is living where.

https://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/documents/1578/North_Central_Chat_-_October_2024.pdf

5. First Nations

Malamiyi Mang – Then and Now, Festival of Djaara Arts – Launch on Thursday, 31 October, 6pm

The three day events begins with Djandak Wi Exhibition October 31^st October 6pm.  The whole event runs from Thursday 31 October to Saturday 2 November 2024, this three-day event will showcase the best of Djaara art, design, fashion, music and Culture.

DUMAWUL Hub, 273–277 Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo

Experience the creativity of over 12 Djaara artists inspired by Cultural Burns restoration on Djandak. The exhibition features a diverse mix of paintings, weavings, and photographs, showcasing Djaara culture through contemporary art.

Marna Muyupilap (Made by Hand) Fashion Show

When: Thursday, 31 October, 7:30pm

Download the program here

 

6. Sustainable Living Resources

Plant Selector- choosing indigenous plants

Calling all gardeners in the Mount Alexander Shire! PLANT SELECTOR is your essential tool for choosing indigenous plants that will not only thrive in your garden but also support local wildlife. With expert local plant knowledge at your fingertips, you’ll be able to confidently select from 100 native species adapted to the unique conditions of our region.

Calling all MAS gardeners! PLANT SELECTOR is your essential tool for choosing
indigenous plants that will not only thrive in your garden but also support local
wildlife. With expert local plant knowledge at your fingertips, you’ll be able to
confidently select from 100 native species adapted to the unique conditions of
our region. Start growing a garden that meets your needs and benefits nature.

Many of us make hasty choices in nurseries, resulting in wasted money and very dispiriting results. Use PLANT SELECTOR to identify the right plant for you, your garden and for the environmental conditions of your site. Simply filter the list of 100 plants to find the plant you need, based on criteria that include plant height, tolerance to drought and waterlogging, horticultural uses and the wildlife that you want to attract and support through habitat creation. By growing local plants in local gardens, you can help create win-win landscapes that support both the wellbeing of people and biodiversity in our shire.

This tool was created by Dr Cassia Read at the Castlemaine Institute. Over many years, Cassia recorded ecological and horticultural information about local species suitable for gardens. This information has now been made accessible to all gardeners in the Shire, as a searchable online tool. Development of this tool was made possible through support from the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Community Grants Program. Local plant experts Frances Cincotta (Newstead Natives) and Ian Higgins (Friends of Campbells Creek) rigorously reviewed the tool and provided local insights about growing these plants. Frances also shared her records of local flowering times. Cassia continues to maintain and update the website.

All plants included on this website are found growing naturally across Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country). We acknowledge the work of Dja Dja Wurrung in caring for Djandak over millennia and we hope that Plant Selector will support the essential work of healing this upside-down Country.

To use the tool visit: https://ci.org.au/plantselector .

Cassia Read (Ph.D.) Ecology | Education | Design- Central Victoria- cassiaread@gmail.com

Castlemaine Free University- From AI to Fungal Dreaming

Grounded- Affordable Community Housing and Treadmill Economics

Ready for some hard truths and fresh ideas? In this month’s update, we’re tackling the Australian Government’s Help to Buy scheme—aka “treadmill economics”—and why it’s spinning in circles without offering real solutions for housing affordability.  We’re also sharing exciting highlights recent media interviews and a presentation, including Karl’s insights into why Community Land Trusts are an important affordable housing model. Dive in for the latest events, media features, and a global spotlight on AOCs push for housing as a social good and human right in the US!  Let’s keep the momentum going!

https://mailchi.mp/grounded/help-to-buy-treadmill-economics?e=d98ac1c09e

Newkind Social Change Conference: People Planet Purpose

Newkind Conference is multi-disciplinary, cross-sector, social change empowerment event designed to inspire and initiate more effective social change efforts by individuals and organisations, so we can collectively work towards a more just, equitable and sustainable world.

When: Saturday 2nd – Tuesday 5th of November on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Redbank, Victoria.

Newkind is a festival-style social change conference that creates a space for people to come together to celebrate our humanity and inspire positive social action. Enjoy 4 days of discussion panels, workshops, arts, and entertainment with meals included while camping under the stars. Rest Repair Redesign.

For more information : https://www.newkindconference.com/

Degrowth Central Victoria

7. Building Community

Castlemaine Community Coop – AGM

Just a reminder that the Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday 12th November 2024, from 5.30 – 6.30 pm, at Castlemaine Town Hall.

All members are encouraged to attend.

Before the AGM business proper we will give members an update including the results of our due diligence on the Hub building and the debenture funding mechanism we will be proposing for buying it.

Affordable Housing Trust Advisory Committee

. Mount Alexander Shire Council has formally appointed six members to the inaugural Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust Advisory Committee. Council established the trust as an independent charitable organisation in June 2024 to hold land and money to be used for affordable housing solutions.

And now the newly established advisory committee will support the trust to deliver local affordable housing options.

Selected for a range of skills and experiences, the committee members are responsible for making sure any affordable housing options coming out of the trust are informed by local community need and objective evidence, balanced, inclusive and fair.

Council welcomes the following committee members:

• Delphine Laboureau-Ormancey
• Gary McClure
• Jacqui Watt
• Laura Keogh
• Liam Wilkinson
• Natasha Williams

Grounded- the Future of Housing

Grounded is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our voluntary board! After two years of dedication and hard work, we’ve had some turnover and a few open positions are now available. A special thank you to Bo Kitty, who has resigned as our chair after two years of remarkable leadership. Bo’s sense of urgency and ability to break down complex concepts for everyone made her an invaluable part of our team. We’d also like to thank retiring board members Lenka, Elle, Lewis, and Kathryn for their commitment and contributions to Grounded.

Now, we’re looking for new board members to help steer our growing organisation!

We need individuals who are passionate about affordable housing and committed to supporting Grounded’s mission. Specifically, we’re seeking expertise in:

• Finance & Investment: To guide Grounded’s growth

• Property Law: To help navigate the legal landscape for CLTs

• Urban Planning: With a focus on housing affordability

👉 Apply below, deadline is 14 October, or contact us for more details on hello@grounded.org.au 

APPLY NOW

DOWNLOAD A 2024 YOUTH AWARDS NOMINATION FORM

 

Local news from across Hepburn Shire and beyond

Confirmed Future for Daylesford Town Hall

Older Women Tackle the Housing Problem Themselves

More articles: https://thewombatpost.com.au/

8. The Spirit and the Sacred

The Grail Chapel

 

We have an auspicious weekend coming up, Diwali, Samhain, The Day(s) Of The Dead, All Saints Day and All Souls Day, extending from Next Thursday evening until Sunday and beyond. This is what the Celts call a ‘thin time’, when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, a time for commemorating and communing, a time for giving thanks and celebrating joyfully.

Saturday 2nd 6pm Beltane Bonfire  (For our celebration on Saturday evening we ask that as well as picnic fare to share, you bring a photograph of a beloved ancestor, as well as a song, poem or story to share and your musical instruments.)

Sunday 3rd November Eucharist 11 am followed by shared lunch

Sunday 1st December Advent Eucharist 11 am followed by shared lunch

All enquiries to Ken Killeen – Johannine @hotmail.com    https://www.grailcommunity.com/

9. Local Government News

 

Elections and Meet the Candidates

 

The Mt Alexander based group – Really Local and the Hepburn based groups – Chamber of Peoples  and Hepburn Matters have completed their meet the candidates sessions. Local Government ballot papers have been posted and will be counted over the next week or two followed by  announcement of new councillors.

Watch this space for an update in our next edition.

Photo: Harcourt Meet the Candidates,  organised by Really Local

Workshops and Courses

Film-making Workshops- Club CDoc

Letters

Can we turn back the clock? 

I write this letter out of a love for humanity and for this beautiful planet that we call Mother Earth. The late Richard Buckminster Fuller, a famous architect and inventor, once said “There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth”. What he meant was we are all caretakers or crew, and we all have a responsibility for our survival. And yet we still have a great hurdle to overcome, and that is our failure to acknowledge those who look a bit different from us, or come from a different racial or cultural background. We may not realise it, but the First Nations People of this country have given us a wonderful gift. It is as if they knew instinctively, if you care for the land and all it provides, it will always look after you. So I want to thank them for looking after Mother Earth sustainably for at least 60,000 years. If, on the other hand, you look upon our Earth as a “cash cow”, an unlimited source of obtaining great wealth, then you are only fooling yourself. Sooner or later, all of the old-growth forests, all the lakes, rivers and oceans, that make up the habitats of all Earth’s wondrous creatures including humankind, will be gone. So it brings me great sadness to learn that the government that was “going to tackle Climate Change” has just given the go ahead for the expansion of 3 huge coal mines in NSW.

The Doomsday Clock, the symbol of the likelihood of a human-made, global catastrophe is at 90 seconds to midnight! It warns how many metaphorical “minutes to midnight” humanity has left. Set every year since 1947, by the “Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists” it is intended to warn the public and inspire action. Can we turn back this clock?

Trevor Scott, Castlemaine, October  2024- (also published in the Castlemaine Mail and the Bendigo Advertiser)

Food for Thought

Milkwood- you can subscribe to the Milkwood e-news : https://mailchi.mp/milkwood/wild-food-mapping-a-celebration-giveaway-and-owl-friendly-rat-solutions

Biolinks Alliance- The Critical Role of Pollinators In Protecting Biodiversity Webinar: https://biolinksalliance.org.au/knowledge-hub-blog/2024/10/28/the-critical-role-of-pollinators-in-protecting-biodiversity-webinar

This webinar offers an intriguing look at how pollinators and other invertebrates are the backbone to our ecosystems.  Insects do all sorts of weird and fascinating things. Hear from Ecologist Dr. Mark Hall, Senior Biodiversity Officer at City of Greater Bendigo, about:

🐝a range of insect pollinators you can see in your garden or bushland
🐝how we can help them
🐝what they do that makes them so special.

Watch Now

 

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