What’s On

Love doesn’t just sit there like a stone. It has to be made like bread. Remade all the time. Made new. 

(Ursula LeGuin, cited in Milkwood Newsletter,  March 2024)

Welcome to the April edition of Localising Leanganook’s e-newsletter. There’s lots of local news and events as well as a thought-provoking feature article, in podcast format, on Cycles of Renewal – an interview with permaculture co-originator and Hepburn Springs resident David Holmgren.

Cheers, Nikki, Keppel, Laurel, and Samantha

Note to Contributors and Readers

As you can see, Localisising Leanganook’s e-news grows 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 the May or 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

April’s edition includes:

Feature Article: Reskillience Podcast

1. Arts and Culture
2. Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
3. Ecology and Environment
4. First Nations
5. History, Books and Libraries
6. Sustainable Living Resources
7. Building Community
8. Local Government News
9. Workshops and Courses

Letters – 

Food for Thought

Feature Article- Reskillience Podcast

Looking for fresh ear food? Reskillience is a podcast born and raised in Hepburn featuring lots of familiar voices. It explores the intersection between permaculture, rewilding and non-irksome self help, highlighting the hard and soft skills that’ll help us stay resilient into the future. Hosted by Catie Payne and released every Monday, Reskillience brings you provocative and peace-loving convos with people like David Holmgren, Meg Ulman, Suzy Muir, Su Dennett, Patrick Jones, Devon Harris and many, many more. David’s episode “Cycles of Renewal” is a great place to start. 🎧 Have a listen on iTunes, Spotify or wherever podcasts bloom.

Arts and Culture

CresFest- Creswick’s Folk  and Roots Festival

When: Friday April 5th to Sunday April 7th

Where: Assorted venues in Creswick

This CresFest World Podcast created by Neil Adam. What other festival goes to this much trouble to tell you the stories behind the music – ten episodes and more coming weekly, with in depth interviews with artists past and present.

For more information and to book: https://cresfest.com.au/

Home

Northern Arts Hotel

THE COOLROOM DIARY [Click on links for event details] MUSIC GIGS  [Usually at 7.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm]

Friday 29 March | The Cartwheels
Saturday 30 March | The Great Unknown
Friday 5 April | The Duck Downpickers
Saturday 6 April | Jack Pantazis Group
Friday 19 April | Michael Plater + Friends
Saturday 27 April | The Anticlinal Fold 
Saturday 18 May | Dave Graney & Clare Moore
FILM
Sunday 31 March | Secret Movie Matinee
SPOKEN WORD & REGULAR GROUPS
Thursday 28 March, 4pm | Maine-ly Ukes
CASTLEMAINE PRIDE
Sunday 21 April 2.30pm | Pride Secret Movie
Monday 22 April 7pm | Pride CFU: LBGTiQA + Asylum Seekers
Thursday 25 April 7pm | Best of BQFF Short Films
Friday 26 April 7.30pm | Kaiyah Mercedes + Candice Alisha

Newstead Arts Hub

Through My Eyes: Exhibition – Dawn Robinson 
Weekends Sat 6 – Sun 28 April, 10am-4pm
In this exhibition, sculptor and artist Dawn Robinson, explores the interplay of natural and urban environments. Her new series of limestone sculptures and abstract expressionist paintings are full of contrasts; movement & stillness, solidity & emptiness, negative & positive, light & dark. Dawns’ captivating works explore and test these dualities. Sat 6 April, 2.30pm: To celebrate the opening of Through My Eyes, Dawn has arranged some special treats for us.
There will be tastings of award winning Macedon Ranges gin from Travelling While Standing Still and gorgeous sounds by Smith & Appleby Duo Jazz

Slow Stitching: Workshop
Sat 14 April, 10am-3.30pm – $110 Full $100 Members 

Scrap Piecing in the ‘boro’ style with Liz Sardone. Boro stitching is an art form that grew out of necessity in medieval Japan. Using slow, meditative stitches, scraps are transformed into something beautiful and practical. In this workshop you will use  pre-loved fabric scraps to construct your own piece of cloth, then turn it into a small bag.  BOOK HERE After a brief outline of the history of Boro, you will select your fabric scraps and decide how they go together. Liz will teach you different stitching techniques and you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful piece of fabric. This workshop will suit people who have done some stitching and who have access to a some old and used fabrics (or you could visit your local op shop!).The ultimate in upcycling and repurposing.

Finding your Creative Self Through Experimentation
Workshop:  Sat 27 April, 10am-3pm – $135 Full $120 Members

A fun, mixed media workshop for beginners, facilitated by the fabulous Julie Patey. Julie will guide you in exploring colour, texture & materials. Using wet and dry media to create abstract imagery which could lead to paintings, fabric design, cards or artworks. Come for the joy of playing with materials in a friendly environment. No pressure to create a finished piece. It’s all about enjoying the process. Ages 12-100! No experience necessary. BOOK HERE  Julie is a Central Victorian artist who exhibits regularly across the country.The love of paper and its potential to take stains, textures and colours is endlessly fascinating to her. She concentrates on mood and texture and the memory of the landscape. Natural pigments are combined with both collagraph and etching to create textual nuance.

Radius Art Gallery- Hepburn Springs

• Peter Sparkman’s Photographs delve into the lives, loves and interactions of our local queer community.  The images span the past 15 years of ChillOut Festival. MORE INFO UNTIL SAT 13TH APRIL
• Julian Assange Film – “The Trust Fall” at Radius.  27^th & 28^th April from 7pm  Tix will be $15 with some $ to Julien (also to Radius and the film company).  P.  Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcYOv2SorgY
• Spoontastic – again some details below.  A quirky culinary exhibition as Radius is transformed by giant spoons hanging from walls & ceilings.  A long table will be laid out for a meal in the middle: set with hand crafted bowls, cups and plates. During the exhibition a number of dining-performances allow audience members to sit at the table and partake in a shared meal and story together. REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

76, Main Rd, Hepburn Springs

Food Growing, Farming and Food Security

The Orchard Keepers

Harcourt’s fruit is still available at market and online sales for a couple more months! The Farm Shop will still be open for collection of pre-ordered fruit. Please note, it will only be staffed until about 1pm Wed-Fri, but if you’ve ordered a box it will be in the black fridges (inside the door to the left) with your name on it. Thanks so much to everyone who has visited the farm this season.

Hepburn Wholefoods

Opening hours: Mondays 9.30-11.30am
Wednesdays 2-4pm
Thursdays 3-5pm
Saturdays 11am-1pm

Location:   11 Perrins Street · Daylesford.  Find us here,

Mt Franklin Organics

Give your garden beds a boost with green manure seeds – fava beans and oats&peas $8/500g. Also broad bean seeds.

A range of organically gown fruit and vegetables,  as well as trees and organic seeds.

Available at Daylesford’s Sunday Market or  PICKUP from farm on Saturday, (180 church Rd, Mt Franklin, come down the driveway and park at shed, your order will be there).   Please pre-order produce by FRIDAY EVENING.

Ecology and Environment

Support Local Climate Activists

Dean Bridgfoot, Laura Levetan and Bernie Tonkin, – 3 Castlemaine Climate Activists, who occupied the Bendigo NAB, were tried for trespass at the NAB bank in Bendigo during the first week of  March. They have  each been fined and welcome contributions from other concerned climate activists to help pay their fines

Please contact Bernard- bernard.tonkin@gmail.com if you can help out.

Wildlife Nest Boxes- Newstead Landcare

Newstead Landcare and Wildlife Nest Boxes are installing twenty new nest boxes. Meet us at Rotunda(less) Park from 9:30am on Sunday 7 April 2024 for a short on-site talk from Miles Geldard of Wildlife Nest Boxes. Miles will talk about the importance of nest boxes and hollows for our local wildlife, share some of his learnings from years of experience building and installing nest boxes, and answer questions from the audience. Hollow dependent fauna can be found throughout Australia, however, some of them are on the threatened species list. It’s generally understood that species decline is primarily driven by habitat loss. Installing a nest box helps restores this habitat – it is a form of emergency housing for wildlife.

Food and organics collection starting in Hepburn Shire  

A weekly food and garden organics bin collection is coming for township households in Creswick, Trentham, Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs, following on from the successful trial held in Clunes since 2021.  The new lime green-lidded bins and kitchen caddies will be delivered in mid-to-late-March, with the collection starting just after Easter on 8 April. Here’s a short video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01fO0jXNEP4

2024 Nest Box checks

Connecting Country is seeking volunteers to monitor the Brush-tailed Phascogale during April and May  2024. This nest box volunteer role involves: Travel within the Mount Alexander region, Following safety procedures, Carrying ladders and equipment to sites, Helping to navigate to sites, Writing observations and recording data, and Taking photos. For more information on our nest box monitoring – click here

If you are interested send a brief email to anna@connectingcountry.org.au

 Photo by Geoff Park

Safeguard Harcourt’s wildlife corridors: Petition

Harcourt Valley Landcare Group have been busy working on a campaign to protect Harcourt’s wildlife corridors and biodiversity assets from inappropriate development, for future generations. Harcourt is a special part of our region, and has significant vegetation that is critical habitat for threatened species such as the Brush-Tailed Phascogale, Brown Toadlet and Sun Moth Orchid, as well as many majestic large old trees and habitat corridors. The Harcourt Valley Landcare Group have started a petition on Change.org, to request the Mount Alexander Shire Council protect such natural assets from inappropriate development and ensure our wildlife and biodiversity thrive into the future.

Posted by Connecting Country:  https://connectingcountry.org.au/

Join Harcourt Valley Landcare Group’s call for Mt Alexander Shire Council to protect wildlife corridors that allow safe passage for our precious native species from Leanganook (Mt Alexander) to the Walmer Forest. These wildlife corridors include roadside vegetation corridors like Elys Lane, Douglas Lane, Shady Lane and Eagles Rd; and waterways such as Barkers Creek and Picnic Gully Creek. We call for strong protections for Large Old Trees, habitat for the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Brown Toadlet and Golden Sun Moth Orchid. Click hereto sign the petition and for more information.

Bird of the Month

Bird of the month is a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District.

Varied Sitella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera): The Varied Sitella is a small grey bird that is often hard to see, although it is widespread in our region. One distinguishable behaviour is that it often runs down a tree trunk or branch or hangs upside down as it searches for food. A gregarious species, it can usually can be seen in groups of 2 up to 20 when foraging in its preferred woodland haunts.

As the name implies, plumage can be quite variable within the species and there is extensive and complex variation in different geographical areas. DNA evidence supports a few distinct subspecies, and there is widespread hybridisation between these different subspecies – all in all a bit confusing!

It can be found across Australia (but not Tasmania) in a variety of habitats from southern Victoria all the way up to Cape York, in Western Australia and is also lightly spread throughout the inland.

At times it can be found foraging in mixed species flocks which include Buff-rumped and Striated Thornbills and occasionally Scarlet Robins. It is rarely seen on the ground, preferring to move along tree trunks and in the foliage. It tends to favour higher spots on trees compared to other bark-feeding species such as Treecreepers and Crested Shriketits and can be seen 8-14m above ground level, which of course makes observation that much more tricky.

The Varied Sittella is a small songbird native to Australia. Photo: Damian Kelly

Sustainable Living Resources

Repair Cafes

Castlemaine: Last  Sunday of each month, 10am to 1.00pm  at Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton St.  For further information join our Facebook group, visit our website or call Chris on 5470 5508.

Repair Cafés are about keeping things out of landfill, saving you money, and giving members of the community the opportunity to volunteer. Bring along broken household appliances, sewing repairs, toys, etc. Learn bicycle maintenance. Join the Mending Circle and swap tips on crochet, darning, knitting, hand sewing, etc. or learn to do these so your clothes continue to be usable. There’s also help with mobile phones, wiping information before recycling, settings etc.

Daylesford: Third Sunday of each month, 1pm-4pm _ Tner April Cafe will again be  at Radius Gallery,  76 Main Road, Hepburn Springs, For further information: Nikki 0432 232 073 or  https://www.facebook.com/daylesfordrepaircafe/

Gold Coin donation.

Creswick Repair and Share : Third Sunday of each month at Creswick Community House and hall

Degrowth Central Victoria

Degrowth Central Victoria has been meeting regularly over the past few months. Degrowth aims to achieve socio-political equity and ecological sustainability in our everyday practices. Degrowth addresses questions such as — How can we be more ecologically efficient? How can we care for one another and Earth more?

Castlemaine Community Investment Cooperative

The Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative was launched on the 6 of March with about 60 founding members joining in singing and playing Big Yellow Taxi with Lena Mitchell and Meg Corson. There were community guardian sculptures by Eliza Jane Gilchrist. Directors – Warwick Smith and Angus Gratton – provided updates on the preparations for the the co-ops proposed first investment in the Hub, and the board answered questions from the audience.

Solar offer for Hepburn Shire locals

Have you heard about our Hepburn Solar and Battery Bulk Buy? We are working with long-term solar partners Solar Savers to offer a bulk buy on solar PV, and also batteries.

Get in touch on 1300 548 598 to discuss with one of the Solar Savers team or visit www.solarsavers.org.au

Free Mulch

Are you looking to give your garden some extra TLC? Hepburn Shire  transfer stations have mulch ready and waiting in Daylesford, Trentham and Creswick. And guess what? It’s absolutely FREE if you roll up your sleeves and load it by hand.

If you need assistance loading, our trusty front loader machine at the Daylesford site is on standby for just a small charge of $12 per load.  The mulch comes from the green waste you all shared during our free disposal period in November. Your contributions are coming back to help your gardens grow.

Building Community

Castlemaine Free University

For Palestine Fundraiser

Jumpleads- Programs to grow your community impact

FREE programs: For creatives, local leaders & regional communities.
A feast on offer! With lots of practical & supportive initiatives for you to: progress ideas, take care of yourself & others, grow your community impact.

All delivered by Jumpleads, Make a Change & Pop Up Art

Programs include local leadership, big weather, supercharging community energy, and climate conversations.

Local Government News

Community Grants

There are three grant opportunities currently open via Hepburn Shire for community groups.

Council’s Quick Response Grants – support community groups who may have experienced an unforeseen disruption, urgent issue or to facilitate small projects. Grants of up to $1,000 are available until the allocated budget is exhausted.

Biodiversity grants – for  community-based projects that enhance and protect the biodiversity of our Shire.

Sustainable Hepburn grants – for community-based projects and initiatives that aim to reduce future impacts of climate change.

Biodiversity and Sustainable Hepburn grants close on 8 April. More information on grants here. 

Workshops and Courses

Alexander Technique Workshops in Daylesford

Foot Workshop | Walk with Ease     + Smart Yoga Workshop

When: Sunday, 14th April, 2024

Where: Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre

Cost: $80 per workshop or $140 for both

Bookings:  https://www.alexanderschool.edu.au/daylesford

Highly engaging & interactive workshops.  David Moore is an Alexander Technique of 35 years experience,  Director of the School of FM Alexander Studies in Melbourne, and  an internationally renowned yoga teacher and author.  His book, Smart Yoga brings fresh and practical insights into how the Alexander Technique can contribute to yoga practice: https://www.alexanderschool.edu.au/smart-yoga-by-david-moore

Smart Yoga book will be available for sale ($45).  David is available for Introductory One Hour Lessons, $110 (GST Included). Lessons will be held in Hepburn Springs, on Saturday 13th April.

For all lesson bookings, contact Peter O’Mara 0439 761 150  Any enquiry/chat is welcomed.

Letters

NAB Climate Protesters on wrong side of law and right side of history.

 Three climate protesters fined in court in March maintain they are on the ‘right side of history’, even though found to be on the wrong side of the law. The magistrate said they had a moral not a legal case. Bernard Tonkin, a carpenter and domestic violence men’s counsellor; Laura Levetan, retired lecturer in carbon economics and senior corporate strategy advisor; and Dean Bridgfoot, a veterinarian, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrate Court this week charged with trespass.

Following a vigorously contested three-day trial – in which the 3 protesters represented themselves in court, without a lawyer – Magistrate Joanna Metcalfe today found the trio Guilty of trespass. Unusually for a charge like trespass, the Castlemaine residents all pleaded Not Guilty and employed a rarely used defence. In at-times emotional testimonies in court the protesters said they had had no choice but to escalate their campaign of non-violent direct action as all previous efforts – such as writing letters, to stop NAB bank’s financing of coal, accelerating climate change – had failed.

The trespass charges and trial stem from a protest at the Bendigo NAB branch on 31 March, 2023 – part of a wave of protest action at more than 60 NAB branches nationwide to ‘Move Beyond Coal’.  A group of Central Victorian citizens, including the three defendants, entered the Bendigo NAB branch asking to talk to a bank manager about their climate concerns. They also intended to show a film highlighting NAB’s ‘greenwashing’ while funding coal projects with billions of dollars. The group handed out popcorn to customers, and asked to speak to the bank’s senior management, a request which was refused. The Bendigo 3 defendants were arrested when they refused to leave the bank and were charged with trespass. Four months later NAB withdrew its planned financing of Whitehaven Coal.

The accused 3 sought to establish that their refusal to leave the NAB Bendigo bank branch during the March 2023 protest was reasonable and necessary conduct when faced with the threat of harm caused by climate change, and by NAB’s $1b financing of new coal projects in particular.

Magistrate Joanna Metcalfe permitted the 3 to use the defence of Duress never before used in an Australian environmental court case.

Contact Defendants: Laura Levetan, 0412 887 835; Dean Bridgfoot, 0403 160 091; Bernard Tonkin, 0459 472 558; bernard.tonkin@gmail.com

Food for Thought

Deep Time Diligence: Tyson Yunkaporta in conversation with Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee in Emergence Magazine-  https://emergencemagazine.org/interview/deep-time-diligence

North Central Chat- Information from North Central Catchment Management Authority:

North Central Chat March 2024 | North Central Catchment Management Authority (nccma.vic.gov.au)

Milkwood’s Recipe for growing green manures for our gardens: 

https://www.milkwood.net/2021/03/12/how-to-grow-green-manures/

Local Futures- lots to read and listen to about promoting localisation globally including Planet Local Voices- podcasts and video clips 

https://www.localfutures.org/

Transition Network Australia-Inspiring and supporting local communities as they build a sustainable future- You can subscribe to their newsletter.

Home

Ballarat Gold Mine put on notice after tunnel collapse

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-10/ballarat-gold-mine-put-on-notice-after-tunnel-collapse/100450092

Stories of Transition- Transition Australia

Online Stories of Transition for 2024, on the theme of exploring community land use. Monday 8 April 2024 8.00pm- 9.15pm AEST (6.00pm WA, 7.30pm SA) 

Read more and register here for zoom link

Agrariansim and the Relocalisation of farming – Chris Smaje

Chris Smaje is an author, small-scale farmer, social scientist, and food system analyst. In this episode, Chris explains how the organization of food systems is ultimately an energetic question; one that, in the modern era, has been answered by an over-reliance on cheap fossil fuels. He argues that, in a future of lesser energy abundance and mounting crises, localized food systems will be vital for survival. Listen to the podcast or  Watch the video

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I think the task before us is to re-learn what it means to walk as if everywhere is a temple. To approach how we are in relationship to the Living Earth as if it were a temple.
Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee- Emergence Magazine

Welcome to the February/March edition of Localising Leanganook’s e-newsletter. There’s lots of local news and events as well as a thought-provoking feature article on de-growth and supermarkets.  Let our editing team know (Keppel, Laurel, Samantha and Nikki) if you’ve got items for inclusion in the March/April edition – (nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au).

1. Arts and Culture
2. Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
3. Ecology and Environment
4. First Nations
5. History, Books and Libraries
6. Sustainable Living Resources
7. Building Community
8. Local Government News
9. Workshops and Courses

Letters 

Food for Thought

Feature Article- Angst in the Aisle by Peter Yates

I went to the supermarket. I do that sometimes. More than I want to. More than I intend to. I have principles. It’s just hard to stick to them all the time.

I just stood there, stunned. Partly it was the plenitude. Row after row of stuff. Partly it was the bright lighting, the bright packaging, the cacophony of attention-seeking plastic. Partly it was the fact that most of this stuff was stuff that nobody needs, that is nutritionally dubious at best. Partly it was because so much of this stuff is produced and packaged and delivered and put on a shelf because it might draw you or I into a ‘comfort purchase’, a momentary hit of sugar, fat, salt and dopamine.

In that supermarket, with its exhortations to buy, buy, buy; with its lies about freshness; its lies about affordability; its lies about caring for the consumer, the farmer, the environment, I felt like I was entrapped in a great snarl of evil – a fabric of falsity, woven of threads that are designed to conceal, though I fear that the deception is barely necessary, so normal is the violence embodied in all that stuff.

Hannah Arendt wrote about the “banality of evil”. She was writing about the (almost) unspeakable violence of the Holocaust. I don’t want to diminish the trauma of that event with a glib comparison – but I don’t think that I am. The banality on display on the supermarket shelves is as crushingly banal as a 1930’s German functionary accepting morally repugnant instructions because he needs a job. And the end result – the destruction of living ecosystems, the destruction of a planet – is not less than the extermination of a people. It just happens more slowly and seems to happen a long way away. What I think I felt, what paralyzed me in the supermarket that day, was that part of the destruction of the planet was very present and very immediate, because I felt a part of myself starting to die in that place.

All that stuff.

I could go along and put some of it in my trolley. In the end, when I had recovered a little, when I had pushed down the moment of lucidity, I did go along and put some things in. Everything in plastic. Nice clean plastic. Durable, hygienic plastic. The yogurt I picked up comes in plastic. The yogurt will be gone in a day or two. The plastic container will be around for a few hundred years. Perhaps it will be buried out of sight in a landfill? Perhaps it will slowly decompose in the sun, breaking into ever smaller pieces until the particles are so small they can enter the blood and brains of children and small birds. The cows that gave the milk probably didn’t have terrible lives (in Australia at least). But it is true that their milk production is dependent on their producing calves every year, and that the calves were removed soon after birth, causing genuine grief and trauma. My yogurt is infused with a mother’s sorrow. It doesn’t make it taste better, but it does make it much cheaper.

I didn’t buy the bacon. It too was in plastic, but it is the lives, and deaths of the pigs that trouble me here. Pigs are social and intelligent, I’ve kept them on the farm at times, humorous, cheeky and boisterous, I had to give them up because I hated killing them. But the lives of the pigs that go for supermarket bacon? These are lives confined, on concrete floors where a pigs’s strongest urge – to dig – is thwarted. Their pig-ness is irrelevant to their lives. These are not so much pigs as economic units. They are future bacon. Living their short, miserable, un-realised lives before they are forced onto a crowded truck, delivered to an abattoir where they are gassed en-mass, dismembered and soaked in vats of saline. In that saline is a solution of nitrates that will give you and I colon cancer.

One of the things that gets me into the supermarket is peanut butter. True, I can get it from other sources, many of them allowing me to grind my own. But the nuts always seem to be undercooked. I have a favourite brand at the supermarket. The nuts are grown in Queensland. The soil rich red soil of Kingaroy is ploughed and enriched with synthetic fertilisers. It is sprayed with herbicides. The peanuts are sown and grow under the protection of repeated applications of insecticide and fungicide. The only life allowed in that field is peanuts. After harvest they are shipped to New Zealand, where someone knows how much to roast a peanut. Given the strictness of New Zealand’s quarantine, one wonders what the raw nuts are treated with? They are then shipped back to Australia, where I buy them, somewhat shame-facedly. In a plastic tub. The tubs are good. I use them for lots of things. But there are limits. There is poetry under the label (Aren’t they cute, these Kiwi’s?)

It’s Christmas, so the supermarket is full of chocolate. Is there a product in the world (other than some of the minor ingredients of your smart phone), that is more ethically dubious than chocolate? There is the deforestation making way for the cacao plantations, and the deforestation making way for the oil palm that is used in many (most?) cheaper brands. There is the child labour, there is the below-living-wage labour and there is the slave labour. There is the sugar, a vast industrial crop sustained by synthetic inputs that wash into and pollute waterways, a further stress on the already devastated Great Barrier Reef.

The canned veggies and beans seem innocuous enough. But these days, every can is lined with plastic. The cheap Italian tomatoes seem a good buy. But understand that the canned tomato industry is Mafia controlled, and the cheapness come from the exploitation and forced labour of undocumented migrants. Have you ever grown your own tomatoes and bottled your own passata? Then you know how crap those commercial versions really are.

Don’t go down the water aisle! Do you even realise there is an aisle dedicated just to bottled water? Water, pumped from aquifers that are owned by the people, owned by the ecosystem, and put in plastic bottles, with or without sugar, bubbles or colouring. Water brought to you from the other side of the world. Water that costs more than petrol. Drink the water, throw the bottle away. Somebody is prepared to lie to you that the bottle will be recycled.

I could go on. You know I could. But I’ll spare you, and myself. I consider my point made. That supermarket is the focal point and enabler of countless industrial processes that extract value from the world and from people. The value that shapes every facet of every contributing activity is economic optimisation. The environment, the animals, the soil, the workers: there is no room for care of these things.

And we go to the supermarket because? Is it the cornucopia of stuff? Is it the convenience of having everything in one trolly? The easy parking? Is it the cheaper prices and the ‘specials’ that make our budgets a little easier to manage? Whatever the reason, we go, and in going we participate in a thousand acts of banal evil.

(https://degrowthcentralvictoria.substack.com/p/angst-in-the-aisle)

Arts and Culture

Michael Leunig’s Cartoons in Music and Song Come to Yandoit

When and Where: Saturday, March 9^th, 7.30pm at  Yandoit Cultural, Uniting Church Road, (off High St) Yandoit

After a sell-out performance in Castlemaine in late January, Fay White and musical friends are bringing this fabulous concert to Yandoit Cultural on Saturday March 9^th at 7.30pm. Castlemaine resident Fay White, composer and choir leader, was commissioned to write songs drawing on Leunig’s poems and images that are short, can be learnt by ear and are easy to learn for novices and experienced singers.  Leunig’s images will be projected and the concert will include songs, stories and audience participation in song.

The concert will be in two halves, followed by refreshments at the end.

“Fay White is a poet of our times. For the past five decades she has written songs that reflect and inform contemporary living.  Fay’s singing compels and inspires. She can turn a crowd into a choir in three minutes.” 

Entry by donation– Suggested donation: $15/10. Monies raised will contribute towards the Dharrak Djanga Bush Tucker Project run by Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation, based in central Victoria.  Bookings Essential: ycfcpg@gmail.com or Nikki  (0432 232 073) or Alison (0415 555 081)

Waking Up a Fiery Love For The Earth- Book Launch

Join us for the launch of Susan Murphy’s new book, A Fire Runs through All Things: Zen Koans For Facing The Climate Crisis (Shambhala, 2023).

Susan will be in conversation about the ecological heart of the Dharma, its potent resonance with indigenous sense of Country, and how to wake up a fierce love for the earth.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage in the most fiery questions of our time.

What: Book Launch and Conversation with Susan Murphy
When: Monday March 18, 2024, 5.45pm for a 6pm start — 7.30pm

Where: Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker St, Castlemaine
Cost: FREE- (Nibbles provided, drinks will be available for purchase at the bar)

Copies of the book will be for sale and Susan will be available to sign them after the conversation.

Co-hosted by Castlemaine Zen and Localising Leanganook

About Susan Murphy: Susan is a familiar presence in Castlemaine. In 2015 she gave a keynote address at Local Lives, Global Matters. This conference gave birth to Localising Leanganook, a thriving network of members committed to viable economies, social and ecological justice, reclaiming democracy and revitalising spirit.Susan has also written numerous books on Zen and the climate crisis we face, including Upside-Down Zen, Minding the Earth, Mending the World, and Red Thread Zen. Since 1999 she has been teaching and leading Zen retreats in Victoria (Melbourne Zen Group), Tasmania (Mountains and Rivers Zen, Hobart) and New South Wales (Zen Open Circle). She is widely recognised nationally and internationally for unearthing the ecological heart of the Dharma, and the potent resonance of Zen mind with indigenous sense of Country.

Singalong Book Launch-New Book- A Basket of Songs

Castlemaine’s Trace Balla and Andrew McSweeney invite you to come along to a singalong book launch for a new book A Basket of Songs.

When and Where: 11 am Sat 16 March 2024 – the Good Op Shop, 4 Lewis Drive, Castlemaine

The Castlemaine Launch will be in the courtyard cafe (yes you can buy cuppas and cake!) of the Good Op Shop (yes you can go op shopping before and after!).

Trace has written the lyrics and stories behind the songs, and illustrated the book. Andrew McSweeney has made them into songs- the book comes with music sheets as well as a link to online recordings.

Cost $20- cash or card- (correct cash is faster!)

Northern Arts Hotel

THE COOLROOM DIARY [Click on links to see event details]  MUSIC GIGS  [Usually at 7.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm]

Saturday 17 February | Langue de Chat | French Musette and Chansons
Saturday 24 February  | Peter and the Wolves 
Friday 1 March | Andy Baylor’s Cajun Combo
Saturday 2 March | Smith & Holiday
Friday 8 March |  Mic Conway & Friends
Saturday 9 March |  Emma Gilmartin and Gianni Marinucci
Thursday 14 March | Curtis Eller and Gleny Rae
Sat 16 & Sun 17 March | The Sentimental Bloke
Friday 22 March | Keppel Cassidy and The Constant Gardeners
Saturday 23 March | Maggie Jackson NY Jazz Trio
FILM
Sunday 18 February 2.30pm | Secret Movie Matinee
SPOKEN WORD & REGULAR GROUPS
Thursday 15 February, 4pm | Maine-Ly Ukes
Thursday 15 February 7.30pm | Guildford Folk Club
Saturday 17 February, 2.30pm | Celtic Singing Circle
Saturday 24 February, 2.30pm | PoetiCas
Monday 4 March, 7pm | Castlemaine free Uni | Wage Peace

Forest Film Society

Season 5 – March to September 2024
Venue: Glenlyon Hall
When: First Friday of the month – March 1st, 2024
Time: From 6.30pm for a bowl of home-made soup and bread or BYO snacks/drinks/plate/glass etc.
Film commences at 7.15pm
Cost: See membership options below
Scheduled films
March 1 – EMPIRE OF LIGHT – drama (UK 2022)  A drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times, set in an English coastal town in the early 1980s. Writer/Director: Sam Mendes. Stars: Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Collin Firth.

Here’s the trailer link: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi193119513/?playlistId=tt14402146&ref_=tt_pr_

https://www.facebook.com/p/Forest-Film-Society-3461-100057428709294/

Newstead Arts Hub- Events in March

Mysterious Landscapes – Weekends Sat 2 – Sun 24 March, 10am-4pm
Opening celebration Sun 3 March 2.30pm – all welcome

Mysterious Landscapes explores shared artistic connections to nature, myths and the imaginary realms. Join the three artists – Kaye Dixon, Jane Wells and Margund Sallowsky – to discover the mystic, the uncanny and the dark corners of the world we inhabit through a powerful combination of photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Kaye Dixon combines painting, photography, and the alchemy of cyanotype to present prints and sculptures on the theme of Bone Women: Re-membering the Journey Home. Jane Wells presents sculptural figures constructed from found items and other materials on the theme Internal worlds. Margund Sallowsky’s work, Iceland from the Air is a series of landscape and aerial images shot from a helicopter, offers abstracted landscapes accompanied by audio stories and sagas from Icelandic mythology.

Barry Lacey Bonsai- Weekends Sat 2 – Sun 24 March, 10am-4pm
Barry is a local legend and much loved member of the community. Come along to see his spectacular exhibition of beautiful bonsai, which he has masterfully shaped and tended to over decades.Barry hopes that this exhibition will encourage people to try the art of bonsai. He says, ‘With the right help anyone can learn to make a bonsai, the art is to make your bonsai look old’.

Newstead Open Studios Art Trail-  9, 10 & 11, 16-17 March, 11am-5pm

Newstead Open Studios Art Trail will offer visitors the chance to look behind the scenes in local artists’ studios over two weekends 9,10 & 11 March (the long weekend) and 16-17 March, 11am to 5pm.  There will be lots of beautiful and diverse art for sale at each of the studios, you might even make a purchase or two. Look out for the Art Trail guide, available NOW, or join the Newstead Open Studios mailing list.

For more info re whats on: www.newsteadartshub.org

Cresfest’s Folk and Roots Festival

Enjoy three days of dance and music in the beautiful heritage town of Creswick. A huge range of performers, from international stars to local newcomers, will entertain you over the weekend of Friday 5 April – Sunday 7 April.

More than concerts, you’ll have the chance to participate through a dense packed program of workshops including singing, dancing and playing. Learn new skills and take part in the mayhem when KlezFest comes to CresFest and the streets are filled with klezmer dancing.

Budding performers can enter our IGA Busking Competition for great prizes or sign up for open mic spots. It all happens on the streets of Creswick, the weekend after Easter in 2024, and during the school holidays.

Kids 12 and under are free and we cater for them across the weekend with our (new) KidsOwn KidZone in 2024.

Castlemaine Documentary Film Workshops

WORKSHOP
Editing workshops for film makers of all levels
Saturday 2 March at  Senior Citizens Centre, Castlemaine > Workshop

SCREENING
The Disappearance of Shere Hite
Thursday 7 March & Saturday 9 March Theatre Royal, Castlemaine > The Disappearance of Shere Hite

CLUB CDOC Club CDoc is an informal get together for makers and lovers of film … people interested in story, creative non-fiction and media more broadly. It will be a regular event, happening the first Thursday of every month. No booking required, just roll up.

Thursday 7 March — 6:00pm Casual drop-in on the 1st Thursday of the month
The Love Shack > March Club CDoc

LOCALS DEADLINE
Submit your film by 1 May- if you are toying with the idea of making and entering a short documentary film into LOCALS 2024 – (seeing it on the big screen at Theatre Royal on Opening Night of the Festival) – then this would be the perfect opportunity to sound out your film idea with others who might help you, and get inspired to make it.  Locals 2024

Event on Facebook

Food Growing, Farming and Food Security

Mt Franklin Organics

Daylesford Sunday market again this week. However for those of you who can’t make it to the market, you can come to the farm after 2 pm pm on Saturday   180 church Rd, Mt Franklin, come down the driveway and park at shed, your order will be there. FOR PICKUP from farm on Saturday,  please preorder produce by FRIDAY EVENING. Please call or text me on 0412 517 013 to let me know beforehand.

 Produce list- Rhubarb  $4.50, Strawberries  $4.50 punnet, Carrots  $5/bunch. Green beans  $6.50/500g, Zucchini  $5/kilo,  Zucchiniflowers  $1.20, Spring onions $3/bunch, X-large new season garlic $3/each or 4 for $10, Garlic 250 punnet  $7.50, Blackberries   $6/punnet, Chioggia beets ( italian heirlooms) $5/bunch, Chives, garlic chives,  thyme, tarragon, sage, Vietnamese mint  $2.50/bunch, Dutch cream potatoes from wombat organics $4/kg, Sebago potatoes  (good roasting)  $4/kg, Cherry and heirloom tomates  $7.50/500g, Sweet  basil $3.50/bunch, Thai basil  $3.50, Green gage Plums $7.00/kg, Apples “Gravenstein ” $5/kilo, Fig trees $12 -$30 depending on size, Red or black currants  $8

Huge selection of organic seeds $4.00 each/packet. Happy to rycycle small punnets and pots to reuse. To find out whats fresh and available, subscribe to Florian’s newsletter: newsletter@mtfranklinorganics.com.au

Two Fold Bakehouse

 

We bake naturally leavened, organic loaves, using organic stoneground flours, and work with the seasons; changing our loaves to suit what’s growing around us. We support regenerative agriculture and small family farms, who together form a part of a movement towards a local grain economy.

Buy bread weekly on Thursday, ordered online weekly as a one off, or monthly as a subscription with pick up each Thursday from Daylesford, Yandoit or Kyneton hubs. Daylesfore Sunday Railway market Fortnightly. Hepburn Wholefood Collective – Fresh every Thursday from 3pm

Castlemaine Seed Library

Next working bee 7th March 11am, at Castlemaine library. All welcome!

On the board this month you will find: Amaranth, Carrot, Coriander, Dill, Garlic Chives, Globe Artichoke, Leek (cross), Mixed Lettuce, Royal Oak Leaf Lettuce, Mustard, Wasabi Mustard, Radish, Flat Leaf Parsley, Rocket, Spring Onion, Landcress, Swiss Chard (silverbeet) and Watercress.

Orchard Keepers- Castlemaine Weekly Market

Specials on 10kg boxes of ripe plum seconds this week – perfect for a bottling session so you have delicious organic plums all winter

CLICK HERE TO ORDER SPECIALS at our online shop

Getting here

• Come to 69 Danns Road, Harcourt. There is a Harcourt Organic Farming Co-op property sign at our entrance, then a long driveway to the farm carpark. The speed limit on the driveway is 25 km/hr. Please drive slowly and enjoy the view of the cows and kangaroos.
• Park in the carpark at the big green shed. Please don’t park on the concrete apron (as we need access to the shed to bring fruit in and out) or in front of the blue shed (this is Sellar Dairy and Tess needs to be able to access her shed). Come to the Farm Shop and we’ll show you where to pick

Growing Abundance and Fruit Harvests

• Join us for our Summer Gathering with the Food Links Project on Wednesday March 6th to launch our ‘Year of Abundance’.
• Keep an eye out on socials and your email inboxes for updates about upcoming blackberry, apple and pear harvests.
• Please get in touch if you know of a tree that would love to be harvested by us

Over the past few weeks, our new Harvest Coordinator Thea has been harvesting plums, pears and blackberries which are making their way to Castlemaine and Maldon Community Lunches. With a hotter summer than we’ve has a for a few years, fruit is ripening noticably sooner than we’ve become a little accustomed to. We’ve been in a bit pof a transition period over summer with a change in Harvest Coordinators, so it’s exciting to be getting into the swing of things now, feeling ready to go with apple and pear season upon us already!  Keep an eye on your emails for details about harvest in the coming weeks.

https://www.facebook.com/thegrowingabundanceproject/

Ecology and Environment

Natural  Newstead

Geoff Park’s regular blogs are a good way to learn more about native grasslands, plant and bird species. One of the signature plants is Tufted Burr-daisy Calotis scapigera, considered rare in the district, and a magnet for insect pollinators including butterflies, wasps and native bees.  To learn about volcanic grasslands and Geoff’s latest post go to or subscribe to Geoff’s blog: https://geoffpark.wordpress.com/

Bird of the Month

Welcome to Bird of the month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. 

Brown Goshawk: Solid looking Brown Goshawk in Campbells Creek, showing the heavy brow, long rounded tail and middle toe is similar length to other toes. Photo by Jane Rusden

Observed one morning when walking through the bush on my block, a Brown Goshawk pursued an Australian Owlet-nightjar in a fierce dog fight, flying at full speed down the gully, dodging trees by millimetres. The Brown Goshawk managed to catch the desperate Owlet-nightjar just before they saw the two humans, then they tumbled to the ground still locked together. the poor little Owlet Nightjar looked stunned and worse for wear, while the Brown Goshawk flew up into a tree, reluctant to loose it’s prey. The Owlet-nightjar at least got a bit of a breather, before both birds went their separate ways. I have no idea if the Owlet-nightjar survived the lethal body-puncturing talons of the Brown Goshawk, but the Goshawk certainly went hungry that morning. Read more: https://connectingcountry.org.au/bird-of-the-month-brown-goshawk/

Connecting Country

The Misunderstood Magical Mistletoes: ABC Online Article

Connecting Country has a long history of raising awareness about the often misunderstood native mistletoe in our region and the benefits it provides to a large array of birds, insects and marsupials. Our bird walk for beginners along Forest Creek, Castlemaine VIC, highlights various patches of healthy eucalypt and acacia species that host the semi-parasitic mistletoe plant and provide a healthy ecosystem function for many of our woodland birds. Read the full article on this link.

Photo competition

Connecting Country – To celebrate our Instagram debut and celebrate our latest project – Habitat Trees for Phascogales – we’re hosting an exciting giveaway for one of our Instagram followers via a photo competition. We will be giving away a phascogale nestbox* for the best large old tree photograph taken in the Mount Alexander region during February 2024. To enter, simply upload your favorite photo to Instagram and tag @connectingcountrycastlemaine. Link to competition details:

We would love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts in the comments, and join the conversation using our official hashtag, [#connectingcountrycastlemaine]. Your feedback will help shape the content you want to see!

Brush-Tailed Phascogale!

The brochure is aimed at educating our community and raising awareness of the Brush-tailed Phascogale and their habitat needs. It is available for download immediately – Click Here, or you can pick it up from the Connecting Country office in Castlemaine VIC.  The brochure is part of our ‘Habitat trees for Phascogales’ project that aims to protect and enhance habitat stepping stones for the Brush-tailed Phascogale and other native fauna, by protecting existing large old trees on grazing land.

Lerderderk Track Project (from Wombat Post- 2/2))

The Great Dividing Trail Association last week launched a project which involved the installation of interpretive signage along the 87km Lerderderg Track from Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh.

The signage is installed on large trailhead signs at entry points to the Track and on trail marker posts along the Track. Signage tells the history and the stories of the people who lived and worked in the area and the unique flora, fauna and geology of the Wombat and Lerderderg State Forests. The stories on the signage are brief but each sign includes a QR code which links to more extensive information and images on the GDTA website (gdt.org.au)

About 40 members of the GDTA  watched last Sunday as Mayor, Cr Brian Hood and Mark Rak, Chair of the Community Bank Daylesford and District, unveiled a trailhead sign at the Lake Daylesford Lookout in Bridport Street. The ceremony started with a smoking ceremony Welcome to Country by local Dja Dja Wurrung elder, Uncle Ricky Nelson. After the ceremony, GDTA President, Tim Bach, led a pleasant walk along the Lerderderg Track from the Lookout to Jubilee Lake and back.

“Our goal was to make the Track more interesting and attractive for walkers and cyclists,” said Tim Bach. “It’s easier and more compelling to engage with your environment if you know the stories that are embedded in it.”

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, congratulated the GDTA on the completion of their project. “We’re very fortunate to have a beautiful, natural environment surrounding us,” he said. “This project will enhance the experience of visitors to the area and make their visit more meaningful.”

The interpretive signage project is the second stage of the GDTA’s work to refurbish the Lerderderg Track. The Track was built by the GDTA as the final stage in the 310km Great Dividing Trail Network which includes the Goldfields Track from Ballarat to Bendigo. In recent years, the Lerderderg Track had fallen into disrepair. The GDTA obtained a substantial grant from Victorian Department of the Environment (currently DEECA) in 2018 to renew posts, signage and other infrastructure along the Track. This first stage of the refurbishment was completed in 2020.

In 2022, additional funds were obtained from Moorabool and Hepburn Shire Councils and from the Bendigo Community Banks in Daylesford, Trentham and Bacchus Marsh to design and install interpretive signage and develop web-based resources to enhance the visitor experience for users of the Lerderderg Track.

“We’re proud to support this project by the GDTA,” said Mark Rak. “We have a good relationship with the GDTA and also supported their publication of the Central Victorian Highlands Walk and Ride Circuits Booklet which has been very popular. Since the Bank was established, we have reinvested more than $1.25 million in community projects like this for the benefit of our local community.”

Local historical societies in Daylesford, Blackwood and Bacchus Marsh provided information, images and inspiration for the project.

For more information see www.gdt.org.au/tracks/lerderderg-track/lerderderg-track-interpretive-signage

North Central Catchment Management

Keeping you up to date with all the Landcare and WaterWatch news – dates, new appointments, new projects in link below.

North Central Chat February 2024 | North Central Catchment Management Authority (nccma.vic.gov.au)

First Nations

Nalderun Annual Report

Nalderun is a not-for-profit Aboriginal run and led organisation, on Djaara Country in Castlemaine, under the guidance of Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.

Nalderun is a Dja Dja Wurrung word which means ‘all together’ , because we believe by moving forward together we can make the change needed for our children, local mob and the wider community in the region to thrive. We know what our Community needs, as we are a part of it. Over 12 years we have seen our children become stronger, proud and deadly.  Nalderun came about through the work and legacy of Uncle Brien Nelson who believed that sharing is the way forward for everyone. Aunty Julie McHale has also worked tirelessly for over 40 years and has carried on this legacy which we continue today.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZTpKbuc-lN-tY3PYrzZpsYvo9JrrxWdl/view

Newstead Post-Referenum Ally Group

A new group has formed in Newstead.  Arising from a post-referendum gathering, local people from Newstead are meeting monthly to connect and learn as allies in practical and visible ways.   It is early days for this self organising group and already themes and possible activities about how to be good allies to first Nation people are beginning to emerge.  Themes so far are – connection, learning, field trips and events, practical and visible allyship.  Possible activities – field trips like Franklinford, making signs about caring for country and more, book sharing sessions,  supporting local indigenous events, history of local region.  For more information about next group meeting contact Andrew Shirres on andrewshirres@gmail.com  or Laurel Freeland laurelfreeland@bigpond.com

History, Books and Libraries

2023: Dr Deborah Wardle  Subterranean Imaginaries and Groundwater Narratives. Published by Routledge, Environmental Humanities series.

https://www.routledge.com/Subterranean-Imaginaries-and-Groundwater-Narratives/Wardle/p/book/9781032218816

2024: Susan Murphy’s new book, A Fire Runs through All Things: Zen Koans For Facing The Climate Crisis (Shambhala, 2023).

“The koans point firstly at ourselves-at the very nature of “self.” Until we hold “self” as a live question rather than its own unquestioned answer, we’re stuck looking on from the “outside,” hoping to engineer change upon a problem called “climate crisis,” all the time oblivious to the fact that we’re swimming in a reality with no outside to it, an ocean of transformative energy. Do we dare relinquish our wish for absolute control and fearlessly surf the intensity of our feelings about the suffering earth?” See details of book launch March 18 in Arts and Culture section of this newsletter.

Sustainable Living Resources

Sustainable Hepburn Day

Saturday, 16 March 2024

10:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Volunteer shifts available

More info

 

 

Castlemaine Community Co-operative Official Launch

When and Where: Wednesday 6 March, 5:30pm- 6.30pm, Castlemaine Town Hall.

Come along and hear about our vision, where we are up to, and what help we need to set up our first offer (to buy the Hub).

Members and friends  are welcome. You can also join beforehand  at: https://castlemaine.coop/join/   $40 annual full/ $20 Concession/Strapped/Under 18

You can also buy a founding member t-shirt for $20/$15.

 

Focus on Trees – Tree Photography Workshop with Alison Pouliot

 

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM AEDT

2905 Lancefield-Tooborac Rd2905 Lancefield-Tooborac Road Tooborac, VIC 3522

More info  about the event

More info about the  large old trees project here

 

 

International Women’s Day 2024

♦  Hepburn Shire

♥ Silver Apron Award- Hepburn Wholefoods Collective

Friday 8 March 5.30 – 7.30pm
Hepburn Wholefoods Collective, 66A West St, Hepburn

Mt Alexander Shire

My Home Network- Castlemaine and Surrounds

Tiny Homes On Wheels (THOW), vacant dwellings, collective housing models, tenants working group

For more info or to join a MHN working group-, contact Kaz cneilson@castlemainehealth.org.au

For more information 

Mt Alexander sustainability group- (MASG)

Online Permaculture series: Do with Su: Season Two is on pre-sale now!

Learn seven more essential homesteading skills,
including cheesemaking
and Su’s guide to bulk foods
– from permaculture’s radical grandma.

Building Community

Castlemaine Free University Wage Peace Event

Monday 4th March, 7pm Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker St, Castlemaine

WAGE Peace is part of a global campaign for Earthcare not warfare.

Local Government News

♦  Mount Alexander Shire

Reflecting on Australia Australia Day – Survival Day 🖤💛❤️

Watch the event, which was filmed live, on our YouTube channel.

Mayor, Matt Driscoll, shares the latest Council news

Repairs to the Market Building: Read more about these works

Flood recovery works continue Learn more about these works

Have your say by signing up to Shape Mount Alexander

Find out what’s on in the shire

♦  Hepburn Shire

♣ Kerbside bin collection is set to change in townships in Hepburn Shire, with a weekly food and garden organics service starting on Monday 8 April. Read more about this service.

♣ The annual Community Satisfaction Survey for Councils is underway and you may receive a call from National Field Services. We want to hear how you think we’re performing. From roads to parks and open spaces, community support and more, this is an important opportunity to give us your feedback.

♣ Update on structure plans: One of the major components of our strategic planning project, Future Hepburn, is the development of structure plans for Trentham, Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford/Hepburn and Glenlyon. These structure plans will guide the future development in each township to 2050. Find out more

♣ Central Springs Reserve refresh : The rejuvenation of Central Springs Reserve is underway, with a major project starting to install new mineral spring pumps, a shelter with an electric BBQ, new park furniture, landscaping and connecting path network.
Find out more.

♣ Solar savers for pensioners: Get in quick to secure one of the last few places in this year’s Solar for Pensioners program. More info

♣ Reconciliation advisory opportunity
We are inviting expressions of interest to join our Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC).  Complete an expression of interest by Thursday 15 February. Want to have a chat about the RAC to see if it’s for you? Call our Reconciliation Officer on (03) 5348 2306.

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Workshops and Courses

Nature course for Hepburn, Mitchell and Macedon residents: Are you passionate about the environment and keen to learn more about nature? If so, consider becoming a nature steward. The ten-week program kicks off in March.
Find out more.

Build Your Organisation’s Capacity to Support Autistic People:

online 90 min webinar run by Castlemaine resident, Samantha Wittenberg. For teachers healthcare professional, first responders or parents, this event is designed to equip you with practical tools and resources to enhance your capacity to support Autistic individuals.
To book and find out more

Letters

Castlemaine based Trevor Scott’s statement  to the Magistrate at his court hearing in January 2024:

“Your Honour, I’m 76, a retired architect, a father & stepfather of  five children and grandfather to 5 more. I live in central Victoria.  Millions of human lives have already been lost to Climate Change caused by Global Heating, not to mention the lives of  billions of wildlife creatures. Many species have already become extinct, all of the above due to storms, fires, floods and other disasters around the world. This is something that our state and federal governments continue to ignore; in fact they make matters much worse by opening new coal mines and continuing to export coal while not counting the cost of its emissions. I’m no longer prepared to expose myself, my children and grandchildren to this threat, so blocking the shipping channel in the Port of Newcastle on 26^th November last year without permission was an opportunity I took to shine a light on this predicament. I regret that I had to break the law to do this and I regret that the Court’s time has to be spent on my defence, when I have always been hopeful that in the light of scientific evidence, common sense would prevail”.

This was my statement to the court when my case came up before the magistrate in Newcastle on Thursday, 25^th January.  Earlier I had pleaded guilty to the charge of occupying a waterway with a vessel, with more than a hundred others, at the entrance to the Port of Newcastle without permission. It was actually an only-just seaworthy raft made from 44 gallon drums tied together with bamboo poles and wire and there were five of us on board with 4 paddles.

Pertinent to this is the statement issued in April last year by Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN:- “Climate activists are sometimes depicted as dangerous radicals. But the truly dangerous radicals are the countries that are increasing the production of fossil fuels”.

We know from recent announcements by Environment Minister Plibersek that during this climate emergency which we are currently experiencing, not only has the export of coal increased, but also new coal mines have been opened and existing mines have been expanded. So, in my eyes the need to protest has not gone away. My journey to Newcastle in November last year was the 4^th time I had travelled there to protest against the largest coal port in the world.

In 2016 I was part of a group of locals who drove up to Newcastle in a van powered with recycled oil from a fish and chip shop. We had our canoes stowed neatly on a trailer following close behind. This action was called “Breakfree from fossil fuels”. At the time Tony Abott was PM and he infamously declared that he would “turn back the boats” referrring to the boats that arrived on Australian shores carrying “illegal immigrants”. I recall that the “Breakfree” action was one of the first of its kind in Newcastle where a solution was negotiated. What I mean by this is that with more than 2,500 people taking part in this action and their safety being of paramount importance, Nicola Paris and the other organisers were able to negotiate with the Police and the Harbourmaster for our safe occupation of the entrance to the port for a whole day. So the very next morning, actually the Sunday of that weekend, more than 100 of us got into our kayaks and canoes and whatever else would stay afloat, and paddled out into the water. I remember how much we laughed at the sign that someone was holding up that said “Look Tony, we stopped the boats!”

My second visit was in 2019 and the huge stockpiles of coal were our target. The coal was enclosed in a large fenced-in area where there were huge machines that loaded it into the ships. Early in the morning someone cut the wire and about 50 of us broke into the enclosure. Many of us locked on to one of the coal loaders, once again effectively shutting down the port for a whole day. I recall being held in police custody for an hour or so, and then being released without being charged. As we walked back to the buses that we had come on, we noticed much to our amusement, that there were 3 police officers on horseback, carefully guarding the hole that we had made, earlier that morning in the fence.

My third visit to Newcastle was in 2020 during the Covid pandemic. I planned to do an arrestable action – lock on to the railway line and stop a coal train that would have been carrying hundreds of tons of coal to the port. I was all set to do it the next day, but unfortunately the group that was called Blockade Australia, held an emergency meeting that evening and the action was sensibly called off. It was agreed that rather than being arrested and charged for a Covid offence, which was very likely, we would abort until that emergency was over.

So this, my fourth visit to Newcastle in November of last year, was the first time that I actually took part in an arrestable action, and actually got arrested. Although initially there were 109 of us who were arrested, eventually only 99 of us were given notices, and ordered to attend court on 11^th January of this year.  As it turned out, my case was adjourned to Thursday 25^th January but, following legal advice from the EDO (Environment Defenders Office) in Sydney, I decided to plead “guilty” and not return to Newcastle for the hearing.  I heard later that those who appeared before Magistrate John Chicken on Thursday came from Queensland, Victoria, and Canberra – as well as locally. Apparently many represented themselves, though the Environmental Defenders Office took up the case for a few. In the end, probably due to the large number of us offenders, the EDO was not able to defend us all, and I ended up putting my case to the court in a written plea.  As in the previous hearing, this one on 25^th January included people from a broad range of professional backgrounds such as teaching, nursing, psychology, environmental engineering. It even included a 97 year-old minister of the Uniting Church and a former Navy serviceman. Of the 36 people who entered a plea on Thursday, 30 had their charge dismissed. The largest fine was $400. The ruling for each individual’s case was based largely on their prior record, the court heard. I was one of the lucky ones in that category and did not receive a conviction, a fine or even a good behaviour bond.

Magistrate Chicken said the protesters had “noble intentions, albeit they ended up in an infraction of the law”. He said they were motivated by “selflessness” and “out of genuine concerns for the climate and the future of the earth”, which was a mitigating factor in sentencing. And he praised police for their handling of events as they unfolded. “In all of the material before me, there has not been one suggestion of inappropriateness of police on the day,” he said. While Magistrate Chicken said peaceful protests were important in democratic societies, they should take place legally. “There is no suggestion the protest was anything other than peaceful,” he said. “There’s no doubt that the people involved in this protest were all doing so out of a genuine desire to better the world. There is not one person here who has been charged with this offence who did so out of an act of selfishness.”

So maybe the tide is turning. If magistrates and judges are at last realizing the need for real action on the climate, maybe there’s still hope that our leaders will wake up too. But we’re not there yet. Join us this year in November when Rising Tide plans to have 10,000 people join in a protest lasting 10 days. You can contact Rising Tide at  www.risingtide.org.au, or for details on local action call myself (Trevor Scott) on 0412 250 392 or Serena on 0408 550 110.

Food for Thought

Watch this short video (2 minutes) about our recently completed 138-hectare Spring Plains Watershed Repair Pilot Project.

This pilot project offers a beacon of hope and demonstrates what can be achieved through simple but strategic ecological interventions.

New episodes from Planet Local Voices, new video and podcast series featuring cutting-edge thinkers, writers, movement-builders and activists from across the world.

https://www.australianunity.com.au/wellbeing/community-and-relationships/why-kids-need-older-people-in-their-lives

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/soul-search/tim-winton-ningaloo-reef-and-religion-spirituality/102287044

https://charleseisenstein.substack.com/p/horror-and-the-process-of-compassion

Sustain food network – https://sustain.org.au/

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I will train myself to look deeply to see your true nature: you are my loving mother, a living being, a great being—an immense, beautiful, and precious wonder.

(From Ten Love Letters to the Earth, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh- cited in Emergence Magazine 24/12/23)

Welcome to the January/ February edition of Localising Leanganook’s e-newsletter. There’s lots of local news and events as well as a thought-provoking feature article on Housing and Community Land Trusts. Let our editing team know (Keppel, Laurel, Samantha and Nikki) if you’ve got items for inclusion in the February/March edition – (nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au).

1. Arts and Culture
2. Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
3. Ecology and Environment
4. First Nations
5. History, Books and Libraries
6. Sustainable Living Resources
7. Building Community
8. Local Government News
9. Workshops and Courses

Letters 

Food for Thought

Feature Article: It’s Time for a Housing Disruption- Karl Fitzgerald

What’s on in Central Victoria

Arts and Culture

Newstead Live 2024

Where: multiple venues around Newstead (see website for details)

When: Thursday 25th January – Sunday 28th January

Cost:weekend pass $160, youth/student weekend pass: $90, day and evening passes $50-90 – see website for details

Australian folk-roots music festival in the historic country town of Newstead. Newstead Live Music Festival takes place over the last weekend in January, when a range of diverse and highly regarded international and national artists perform in live music venues, concert spaces, workshops, impromptu sessions, spoken word performances and open-mic sessions. Music for all ages and a variety of genres.

For more information and to book tickets: https://www.newsteadlive.com/

Mechanics Lane Spring/Summer Program- Castlemaine

When: Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 January 2024

What: Street Latin Dance: Summer Salsa

Where: Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine

This is an outdoor space that runs live music, performances and community events. To view our upcoming events, visit Mt Alexander shire’s Events Page.

For more information contact Sam Thomas, Creative Programs Officer on 5471 1700 or s.thomas@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Learn easy, sizzling salsa steps in a group class, then put them into action with some of the hottest Latin tunes. It’s all about fun and encouragement with top-notch dance instruction.

Yandoit Cultural and Yandoit Faith Community

We’ve recently received the good news that the lease at Yandoit Uniting church has been extended for a further 12 months. This has been supported by the Castlemaine Uniting Church minister and church council as well as regional Presbytery.  So, for 2024 Yandoit Cultural is planning a varied program of  music,  spoken word, Open Mics, with an emphasis on local, acoustic and quality. Our historic church is an intimate community space, seating 100/110 people, with excellent acoustics. Let us know if you’d like to perform and/or give it a go with at of our seasonal Open Mic’s . (Nikki on 0432 232 073)

We will also be establishing a ‘faith community’ at the old church in the bush- something we, as a community, can develop in a way meaningful to us in these times. The faith community will be supported by Minister Sarah Tomilson. We will be holding a faith community dreaming/visioning session towards the end of January/early February. Contact Nikki if you are interested in participating- nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au or 0432 232 073.

Guitar Concert- Music of Spain and South America

When: 6.00pm, Friday 23rd February, 2024

Where: Yandoit Cultural– the historic church in the bush, Uniting Church Rd (off High St), Yandoit.

Classical Guitarist, Darcy King returns to Yandoit Cultural in collaboration with Ross Morris (UK), a partnership formed during their studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. With a programme of solo and duo music for guitar, this concert is a celebration of the vibrant and expressive music of Spain and South America.

Entry by donation.  Bookings: ycfcpg@gmail.com or Nikki on 0432 232 073

Open Mic- Locals sharing stories, songs, poems, history and more

When: Sunday February 11^th, 2pm

Where: Yandoit Cultural– the historic church in the bush, Uniting Church Rd (off High St), Yandoit

Join us at Yandoit Cultural for an afternoon of stories, song, music, poetry and history shared by locals. Anyone and everyone can have their 5-10 minutes. You’ll enjoy a variety of performances and you’ll discover and experience the many talents within our neighbourhood and surrounds. And stay for a country-hospitality afternoon tea at the end, where you’ll meet other locals and Open Mic contributors.

Entry by donation.  Bookings: ycfcpg@gmail.com or Nikki on 0432 232 073

Castlemaine Johannine Community aka the Grail Community

The Castlemaine Johannine Community practises ‘pagan Christianity’, a spirituality based in the mystical tradition of St John and the Rosicrucians, and grounded in deep reverence for the sacredness of the Earth and the wisdom of the ancient Celtic, Aboriginal and Native American spiritual traditions. Through both inner and outer work, we seek to collaborate with the Christ impulse to create bring healing and renewal to our communities and the Earth. We meet monthly for eucharist services and other special events shaped by the sacred calendar of the seasonal Christian and Celtic festivals.

February’s events include the Lammas/Lughnasadh service on 4^th February from 11am followed by a shared lunch, the Ash Wednesday/Valentine’s Day service on 14^th February at 7.30pm, and a Full Moon service on 24^th February at 8pm.

Where: the Grail Chapel, 75 McMillans Rd, Green Gully

Cost: all events are free, donations are welcome

Enquiries: contact Ken Killeen on 0423 194 878 or email johannine@hotmail.com

The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel

Upcoming events:

27th Jan: The Anteclinal Fold with Jo Huf $18-22 + booking fee

3rd Feb: Daniel Champagne $30 + booking fee

10th Feb: The Amazing Magic Lantern Music Show $15-20 + booking fee

17th Feb: Langue de Chat French Musette Quartet $18-22 + booking fee

24th Feb: Peter and the Wolves $18-22 + booking fee

All events start at 7.30pm.

For more information and bookings visit: https://events.humanitix.com/host/the-coolroom-at-the-northern-arts-hotel

Inkwareny Artists of Yuelamu come to Castlemaine

When: Throughout February 2024- Opening Friday 9^th February at 5-7pm.  Katherine Coff from Nalderun will open the exhibition. The gallery will be open over three weekends in February: 9,10,11, then 16,17,18 and 23,24,25.  11am -4pm.

Newstead Arts Hub- Musical Instrument makers…  plus much more

The Hub will host a brilliant array of musical instrument makers during Newstead Live 2024. A chance to see and hear some of the most skillfully crafted instruments around, and to talk to the makers about their craft.

Radius Art Gallery

An art space for the inspirational creative people living in a radius around us.

https://www.radiusart.com.au/

The Tap Room- Mill Markets

A variety of music, locally brewed beer and pizzas made on site,  at the Mill Markets complex . For details go to: https://www.facebook.com/castlemainetaproom/

Theatre Royal- Castlemaine

Cinema, music, pizza and more .

https://www.theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/

Castlemaine Art Gallery- Ancestor Treasures: First Nations Tools and Adornment on Jaara Country

Many of these items are being exhibited for the first time in Ancestor Treasures, under the direction of Uncle Rick Nelson (Jaara), Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Elder; Alvin Darcy Briggs (ADB) (Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Ngarigo Walbunga), Artist; Tiriki Onus (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung), Associate Dean of Indigenous Development and Head of the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development, University of Melbourne; and Sharnie Hamilton (Djaara), Cultural Values Manager, Djandak.

This exhibition follows a private viewing for First Nations people of the region. Ancestor Treasures also includes traditional tools made by contemporary artist ADB (Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Ngarigo Walbunga), in response to the Collection, and a video by First Nations photographer James Henry in collaboration with Henry Harmony Nelson’s Descendants – the Saunders family from Mooroopna, documenting their Meeting at Marna bulatj dharak (Meeting of arms), Lake Eppalock.

Registered as significant on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register (VAHR) [2015], the majority of these works were obtained by settler Australians through largely unknown means and primarily donated during the early years of the Museum’s operation. These works hold significance for First Nations communities across Australia. In 2019, three items were repatriated, while the rest of the Collection has since been safely rehoused in handcrafted museum storage.

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

Castlemaine Documentary Festival Call-for-Entries for LOCALS Opening Night Showcase

Real stories, Real Issues, Real Characters, Real Conversations.

Be part of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s tenth anniversary and realise your big screen dream. We are calling for filmmakers (from all walks and experience levels) to submit a 6-minute documentary film for screening at our LOCAL’S Opening Night showcase. Works can be about anything in any style and entry open to all who live, work, play (or have some meaningful connection) with Regional Victoria.

Deadline is May 1, 2024. Entry is free. For support and advice with editing for screen, attend our full day Workshop for filmmakers, led by Bergen O’Brien and Rob Buttery. Happening March 2, 2024 in Castlemaine.

For more information, visit: https://cdocff.com.au/locals-2024/

Food Growing, Farming and Food Security

Mt Franklin Organics

A variety of fresh organic veggies, fruit and seedlings. Available at Daylesford’s Sunday market or order and pick up from Florian on Saturday afternoon.

To get updates via the newsletter, subscribe : newsletter@mtfranklinorganics.com.au

Orchard Keepers- Harcourt Organic Farming Coop

A variety of fresh organic fruit including: boxes of plums and apricots, you-pick and by the kilo available at

Castlemaine Farmers Market weekly on Wednesday afternoon, Farm Shop in Harcourt and Wesley Hill Market, weekly on Saturday morning.

The Farm Shop will be open on Friday 26 January- 10 am to 4 pm; and Sunday, 28 January-  10 am to 1 pm.

You can pick-your-own (PYO) fruit or buy it pre-picked.

There’s also the beginning of Gravenstein  apples-  a very old heritage variety from Europe. They’re not like modern apples – the flavour is more complex, with both sweet and tart flavours.

For more information: https://hofcoop.com.au/

Trewhella Biodynamic Berry Farm

It’s blueberry harvest time. After a couple of challenging years from which much has been learnt to improve the flavour of our Blueberries,we’re now back on track & just commenced harvest.

To access our berries contact via email or txt to 0408 548 359 or leave a message on (03)53485593.

Hepburn Wholefoods

At Wholefoods, we are continually trying to keep packaging waste to a minimum by talking to our farmers and suppliers about packaging, ordering bulk whenever possible, and re-using buckets and bags.  This is by no means a perfect system, but it helps. There’s a few ways you can help us as well. We welcome donations of large clean un-labelled jars; Sometimes packaging can be returned for re-use. This includes medicinal cream brown jars, clean egg cartons, clean berry plastic containers. We have a compost system behind the shop that takes small food scraps, and we also sometimes need donations of straw to add to the compost. You can also help by tending to the wicking beds – watering, weeding and harvesting are all welcome.

Where: 11 Perrins Street · Daylesford

Opening Hours: Mondays 9.30-11.30am; Wednesdays 2-4pm;Thursdays 3-5pm; Saturdays 11am-1pm

Two fold Bakehouse

LOCAL BREAD FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. 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.

Where can you buy our bread?  THURSDAY BREAD, WEEKLY; 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- FORTNIGHTLY . HEPBURN WHOLEFOODS COLLECTIVE-Fresh bread every Thursday from 3pm

Ecology and Environment

Natural Newstead

Geoff Park’s regular blogs are a wonderful way to learn more about local bird species. Here’s a Diamond Firetail which recently arrived at the Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve (between Clydesdale and Strangways). An adult arrived first, announcing its presence from a distance with a couple of mournful whistles, followed by a wary juvenile. Both birds drank and bathed briefly before departing. It’s always good to see evidence of successful local breeding by this declining woodland bird.

To see more or to subscribe to Geoff’s blog: https://geoffpark.wordpress.com/

Mapping Precious Large Old Trees

Connecting Country is asking the local community to map our precious large old trees, through their online mapping portal. The mapping portal aims to engage with the community about the importance of the old, and often large trees of central Victoria, as part of Connecting Country’s larger project, ‘Regenerate before it’s too late’. Anyone can access the mapping portal. To date, we have mapped over 30 old trees on the database and are keen for the community to continue mapping trees that are important to them and our local wildlife.

Coppiced long-leaved box of Chewton- Joel B: Its story is literally etched on it – first lopped, it has regrown with multiple branches, having survived a wildfire, multiple axe wounds and sawn-off branches, this is a living example of bush resilience!

The mapping portal is now open for any community member to record the old trees in your area. You will need to register with the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) (its quick, easy and free), then upload a photo and enter the field details needed for the survey. The portal will ask you simple questions about the tree location, size, species, age (if known), health status and habitat value. By recording these trees, you will help build our understanding of the large old trees in our region, and contribute to the largest biodiversity database in our country. As the database grows, you can also access the portal to learn about other wonderful large old trees in our area and view the photos.

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

Wombat Forest Care

Wombat Forest Care’s December 2023 newsletter includes stories on mountain skinks, salvage logging, Blue Mount’s woodland herb-land, and a variety of birds that live in and visit the forest including the white-bellied cuckoo shrike, blue winged parrot, and rufous whistler and the barking owl. There’s also information about the Victorian State of Environment Report 2023.

Visit the website –https://www.wombatforestcare.org.au/ 

Don’t Undermine Daylesford

First Nations

Australia Day – Survival Day Event 

Join us for a free, family-friendly event on Friday 26 January from 10.00am at Castlemaine’s Victory Park. The day will include a Welcome to Country, citizenship and awards ceremony, and Survival Day concert programmed and hosted by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.

The line-up will offer some incredible performances. Last year’s Survival Day concert saw world-class musicians such as Bart Willoughby, Yung Warriors, Tjimba Possum Burns, Darcy Spiller, The Rattlers, and more.

Where: Victory Park/Djaara Park, Castlemaine

When: Friday 26th January from 10am – 2pm

Self-reflection Conversations- Djaara Country

When: 4 x Tuesdays: Feb 20th, 27th and March 5th and 12th, 5.30-7.30pm

A series of facilitated conversations for and by local non-Indigenous people to reflect on privilege, allyship and structural racism. Created in conversation with Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation.

To work in effective allyship, non-Indigenous people need to reflect on our understanding and attitude surrounding significant events impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and our own beliefs and values – privilege, structural racism and cultural bias. It is only when we have some knowledge and critique of the dominant culture and its systemic racism, and our own ingrained and often unacknowledged privileges and biases that we can go with open hearts and minds to find ways to work with and support First Nations people.

To book in or find out more email reflectionconversations@gmail.com

Overview of Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation

by Floria Maschek

Nalderun (Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation), meaning ‘all together’, is a local Aboriginal run and led organisation and registered charity that predominantly focuses on providing opportunities for young, local First Nations People, whilst also supporting their families. The organisation also provides historical and cultural learning opportunities to the extended community, instilling the values of Country, truth telling and Indigenous world views, having many partnerships in government, community, education and health. Connection to Country, Community and Culture is at the core of Nalderun’s work – walking together for a thriving future for all. 

For more click here:     Walking Together- Nalderun overview (final).doc

History, Books and Libraries

History of Werona

Local historian Ken James has produced a book about the history of Werona, a village on the outskirts of Mt Alexander and Hepburn shires. Ken has previously written books on Guildford, Sandon, Strangways and Joyces Creek to mention a few. The book is 265 pages in length and made up of 11 chapters, 16 appendices, a list of references as well as a surname index.

It is to be launched at Strangways at Don & Floss Hepburn’s residence on Sunday March 3 at 2pm.  To determine the number of copies to be printed Ken is taking pre-orders. If you are interested in ordering a copy, contact Ken on 0457 600 668 or knjames47@gmail.com  If you wish to attend the launch, contact Carmel Longmire for details on 0427 766 256 or longmire3@bigpond.com

Free IT help for seniors at Castlemaine Library

Need help navigating the ever-changing digital world?  Access free one-on-one training and support at your local library.

Drop in or give us a call, tell us what you would like to know about or learn, and we’ll make an appointment for you.

Where: Castlemaine Library and other Goldfields Libraries

When: during library hours

Cost: free

Happy Birthday, Dickens

Andrew Barrie shares his exuberance over the life, time and works of Charles Dickens in celebration of Dickens’ birthday (7th Feb, 1812).

When: Thursday 8 February, 5.30-6.30pm

Where: Castlemaine Library 

Sustainable Living Resources

Do with Su: Online Permaculture Series

Join renowned permaculture elder Su Dennett as she shares her passion for food and nourishment, and her wisdom on the household non-monetary economy with a generous dash of frugal hedonism.

Where and When: online and  access any time

Cost: $45 for 7 sessions plus resources, $75 including access to a live Q and A with Su, $295 including a private online Q and A with Su

Bookings and more information: https://hub.holmgren.com.au/lp/do-with-su/season-one/online-permaculture-series/

Castlemaine Free University: Creative Community Participation for Social and Environmental Change

Participatory designer and Castlemaine resident Dr Michael Chew explores a range of creative grassroots experiments reflecting community participants’ engagement with environmental sustainability and social justice, Michael offers space for discussions around using creative participatory methods in community engagement projects.

Where: Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker St, Castlemaine

When: Monday 5th February at 6.30pm for 7pm start

Cost: free, drinks are available  for purchase from the bar.

Newstead Solar Farm

Construction of the Newstead Solar Farm is underway and will be completed in the first quarter of 2024.Households in Newstead will be able to formally sign up to source their electricity from the farm next year.* We expect this will be in May and will update you when that offer becomes available. Solar tracking systems are going in. Solar panels will be installed next. Next will installation and connection of Battery, Power line to be extended from the Pyrenees Highway to the site, and Panels to be connected. (Underground wiring will mean sheep can graze beneath the panels.)

Watch out for two key next steps in the first half of this year. They are: a community open day on site; and an offer from our farm builder and electricity retail partner Flow Power to sign up as customers. You have previously signed an expression of interest (EOI) via the RN website so don’t need to do so again. When the retail offer becomes available, Flow Power will email you inviting you to formally sign up.

For more information: www.renewablenewstead.com.au   e: info@renewablenewstead.com.au 

Sustainable Hepburn Newsletter

Find out what’s happening around sustainability and the circular economy  in Hepburn Shire.  The newsletter includes:

• Sustainable Hepburn Day on Saturday 16 March 2024 at Victoria Park in Daylesford;
• Nature Stewards- short educational course which aims to foster a connection with nature and provide ways to get active for the environment. The ten-week program will allow people to discover more about their local environment, connect them with others in their community, and help them learn how to volunteer for nature as a citizen scientist, advocate for nature or a nature guide.  Find out more here. 
• the soon-to-be-released Circular Hepburn Toolkit for Businesses;
• Purchase low-cost e-waste items at Creswick and Trentham Transfer Stations.  Electronic items that pass safety inspections are available through the Resource Recovery Shops (aka tip shops). The function of second-hand items cannot be guaranteed, and they are sold as-is.
• Food and garden organics collection coming soon- a weekly kerbside collection of food and garden organics for township residents in 2024, which will help to divert thousands of tonnes of organic material from landfill.
• Solar Savers program- For more information, including eligibility and the special rates charge, visit Hepburn Shire Solar Savers;
• Establishment of Sustainable Hepburn Community Advisory Committee- a diverse group who represent business and community leadership across the Shire and who share a passion for making our Shire more sustainable.
• Noxious weed guide-  explains which weeds are noxious and ways to manage them, as well as providing images to help residents identify common weeds. The guide is available at transfer stations, customer service hubs and online. 
• Biodiversity assessments inform township planning as part of the ‘Future Hepburn’ program.  For more information check out Future Hepburn

To subscribe to the Sustainable Hepburn newsletter go to: https://vic.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ed7363da7342d76568c38d847&id=ac5ba36264

Repair Cafes

Castlemaine: The Cafe resumes for 2024  on Sunday January 28th, 10am to 1.00pm  at Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton St.  For further information join our Facebook group, visit our website or call Chris on 5470 5508.

Repair Cafés are about keeping things out of landfill, saving you money, and giving members of the community the opportunity to volunteer. Bring along broken household appliances, sewing repairs, toys, etc. Learn bicycle maintenance. Join the Mending Circle and swap tips on crochet, darning, knitting, hand sewing, etc. or learn to do these so your clothes continue to be usable. There’s also help with mobile phones, wiping information before recycling, settings etc.

Daylesford: The Cafe resumes for 2024 on Sunday February 18th, 1pm-4pm , this time at Radius Gallery,  76 Main Road, Hepburn Springs, as part of the Sustainable Living Festival. In addition to repairs there’ll be a clothes swap, an exhibition of repurposed and environmental themes; a chance to fix, learn, up-cycle, swap and share knowledge; and a series of talks and speakers to inform and inspire us with sustainable journeys & information.  For further information: Nikki 0432 232 073 or  https://www.facebook.com/daylesfordrepaircafe/

Gold Coin donation.

Castlemaine Seed Library

The First working bee for the year is Thursday 1st Feb 2024. 11am at Castlemaine library, as usual. All welcome! Come along and pack seeds with us.

We are having a quick AGM on Friday 26th January 2024, at 3pm, in the Hub Plot garden.  There will be tea and cake, and we’d love to see you there.

Hands on Seed Saving Workshop – Start the year with some solid, useful training in seed-saving by coming along to our Hands-On Seed-Saving Workshop at Newstead Community Garden.  Gregg Muller will be facilitating the workshop. The garden is ready so the workshop will be  17th February.  

Building Community

Tiny Towns Funding Available

Funding is available through the Tiny Towns Fund for local government and community organisations to deliver infrastructure projects to build stronger local connections. The fund offers grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to deliver infrastructure projects, such as hiking trails, splash parks, playgrounds, barbeques, community hall and library upgrades, public art and more. Applications open until February 25, 2024. Further rounds will be available from 2024. Eligible applicants include community and non-profit groups and councils in towns with under 5,000 people across regional Victoria and outer metro-Melbourne.

To find out more about the fund, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tiny-towns-fund.

Fixed wireless broadband for Sailors Falls

A fixed wireless broadband project at Sailors Falls will replace existing satellite service providing improved mobile and broadband connectivity to Sailors Falls and surrounding areas in the Hepburn Shire.

The rollout schedule will be published on the carriers’ websites once contracts are executed.

Resident-led Housing

Wombat Post

A community run newsletter for Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and surrounds published every Friday afternoon.

The most recent edition includes an update on Dan Murphy and the VCAT decision: In VCAT case P493/2023 – Banco Properties v Hepburn Shire Council, VCAT has denied the appeal which would have allowed the sign ( to be installed on the corner of Central Springs Road and Bridport Street, Daylesford. VCAT agreed with Council and the objectors that the sign was not in keeping with the aesthetics of the area. The original design of the sign had a height of 6.4 metres, width of 1.6 metres, and a panel area of 10.2 square metres. The sign was to be double sided, and internally illuminated with a lux level of 1500 and have Dan Murphy’s face on it. However, the applicant changed the sign prior to the hearing, to the design below and to reduce the height to 5.0 metres, change the width to a maximum of 3.2 metres, increase the overall area of the sign, and reduce the internal illumination to 1000 Lux.

Local Government News

Have your say with Shape Mount Alexander

Help us prioritise our budget spend for 2024-2025
We have a nifty new online budget tool where you can tell us how you’d allocate our budget. Tell us how much you’d spend on roads, arts, venues, waste management and more. Sign up to Shape Mount Alexander

2024 Community Grants

Do you have an idea for a community project or event? Apply for the next round of Community Grants to get it up and running. Applications open on Monday 22 January and close on Monday 12 February. Apply for a Community Grant

Free pool entry on 26 January

Our outdoor pools in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Maldon and Newstead are open for summer fun. Each pool offers lap-lane swimming, aqua aerobics, swim classes and free entry on Australia Day!

Find out what’s on in the shire

Upcoming Council meeting

Our next Council meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 20 February. To raise a question at the Council meeting email the Governance team at governance@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or write to them at PO Box 185, Castlemaine VIC 3450. Messages must be received by 12.00pm on the day of the meeting. You can also Livestream the Council meeting via YouTube

Hepburn Shire Community Grants Program

The Grants program has reopened for Round 2.   Submit a project idea for funding of up to $5,000. Applications close on 12 February 2024.

The Community Grants Guidelines are available at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants.

Workshops and Courses

Systemic family Constellations

When: Sunday February 18th, 10am – 4pm

Where: Wesley Hill Hall

Explore dynamics within yourself and within your family system.

For more information:  amyjonesroberts@yahoo.com.au 

Letters

THE PEOPLE’S BLOCKADE OF THE PORT OF NEWCASTLE, Trevor Scott, Castlemaine

The People’s Blockade of Newcastle Harbour, and the largest coal port in the world, was always going to be big. It was well organised from start to finish by the climate action group, Rising Tide.  Around 500 visitors from all around Australia zeroed in on Newcastle between November 24-27, 2023 and camped at the reserve adjacent to Horseshoe Beach. Up to 2,500 more arrived over the next 4 days to support and take part in the blockade. Camping on the reserve was authorised by the city council and it all went smoothly except for a few motorists who received parking fines.

Horseshoe Beach, at the mouth of the harbour was a colorful and spectacular scene over the weekend of 24th-27^th November. The tiny beach was awash with canoes and kayaks and seaworthy vessels of every shape, size and colour. There were inflatables, yachts, pedal driven vessels and even a few rafts made of bamboo. By agreement with the police and the harbour master, we occupied the shipping lanes and kept the coal ships at bay for 30 hours from 10am on the Saturday morning to 4pm on the Sunday afternoon. The vigil was maintained throughout Saturday night and into the wee small hours of Sunday morning by canoeists and kayakers working in shifts.

What was not so widely known was a secret plan for as many of us as possible to continue to block the shipping lanes after the cutoff time of 4pm Sunday. During the protest, there were many, many people on the beach. Most of the better-known climate action groups were represented: Extinction Rebellion, the Pacific Climate Warriors, Knitting Nanas, Doctors without Borders, Bob Brown Foundation and SS4C (school strikers). The Greens were also represented. Most of these groups had little marquees higher up on the beach. Although the main action was to stop the coal ships, the blockade also included many activities for children such as face painting, sand sculpture, and kite making to name a few. There was even a pirate school taking place in the Kids’ Tent. One of the highlights on Saturday was an inspiring speech by former Greens leader and champion of the Franklin River Blockade, Bob Brown.

On Sunday, the second day of action, at around 3.30pm, we slipped into our canoes and kayaks and headed out. I looked around for a boat but almost all had left the shore. So we were directed to the remaining vessels, a couple of rafts made from 44 gallon drums tied together with bamboo poles and wire ties. They looked seaworthy enough so 5 of us with our life-jackets and paddles, clambered aboard. As the police boats lurked about in the background, we paddled out and joined the flotilla. I felt really empowered to be part of this mass protest. I felt that I was in exactly the right place at the right time. After staying out on the water for at least an hour longer than the 30 hour deadline one of the police boats came alongside and told us that by remaining in the shipping lane we were breaching a maritime law, and that if we didn’t desist, we would be under arrest. At this stage, every one of us was aware that this was our opportunity to make a powerful statement. So we remained in the channel until the police boat pulled alongside and we were informed that we were under arrest. Most of us arrestees were charged and given CAN’s (Court Attendance Notices) for January 2024. 

Food for Thought

Degrowth Central Victoria (and the World) -A collection of writings concerned with the need, philosophies and practicalities of degrowth, with particular emphasis on Central Victoria, Australia, but with relevance to, and sometimes contributions from, the World. Click to read Degrowth Central Victoria (and the World), by Peter Yates- https://degrowthcentralvictoria.substack.com/

Return of the Fourth Bark Petition to Yirrkala – https://thewombatpost.com.au/2023/12/22/return-of-the-fourth-bark-petition-to-yirrkala/

Friends Don’t Let Friends Destroy Themselves – Charles Eisenstein Essay, 29/12/23 – https://charleseisenstein.substack.com/p/friends-dont-let-friends-destroy

Transcript of conversation with my son Philip – Charles Eisenstein– https://charleseisenstein.substack.com/p/transcript-of-conversation-with-my?utm_source=substack&publication_id=427455&post_id=139831485&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&isFreemail=true&r=1r08bh 

Post Carbon Institute- Indigenous voices on the great unravelling – with Dilafruz Khonikboyeva, In our conversation, she discusses how people can live through collapse while maintaining their core identities and values, by grieving, but then drying their tears and carrying on.  https://holdingthefire.buzzsprout.com/

Final Snapshots of Planet Local Conference : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLcItcv-Djo

Milkwood Permaculture skills and blog : https://www.milkwood.net/

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Swiss Italian Festival – Landscape Art Prizes at Radius Gallery

Congrats to the winning entries from the 2023 Swiss Italian Lanscape Prize:
PETRUS SPRONK AWARD (FIRST PRIZE) JULIE KLUWER; RADIUS EXHIBITION AWARD (SECOND PRIZE)DAVID ROSENDALE; PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD (THIRD PRIZE)PAMELA GLEESON

Radius committee will meet soon to plan our exhibitions for next year.  If you have a body of work ready or a group show you would like to curate reach out now via our online application- radius@designscope.com.au

Art works are available for sale.

Lease extended for Yandoit Cultural 

Yandoit Cultural‘s lease with the Uniting Church has been extended for a further 12 months. This enables the old church in the bush to continue hosting musical concerts, story-telling, Open Mic events, local oral history, film screenings,  and much more.

Musicians who play at Yandoit Cultural express their delight at the excellent acoustics, the intimate feel of the place and also the warm welcome they receive by audiences.  With an emphasis on local, acoustic and quality Yandoit Cultural is keen to support and show-case the breadth of talent across our region.

The community of Yandoit and surrounds greatly appreciates the support provided by the Castlemaine Uniting Church Minister, Church Council, Regional Presbytery in seeking this extension to the lease, enabling our much loved local church building to continue in community hands as a local cultural centre.

Castlemaine and Surrounds Summer Market Art Exhibition

The Market Art exhibition features work from over 100 local artists (ages ranging from 23 to 101!), and is on at the historic Market Building until March.

When: 9.00am-5.00pm, daily (except Chirstmas Day)
Where: Market Building, 44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine
Cost: Free

Resident-led Housing Workshop

Daylesford Tragedy- Support Available

The tragedy in Daylesford that led to the death of five people and significant injuries to others in Daylesford- This event impacted many within the community. Clinical Psychologist Ingrid Morgan at Springs Medical provided advice for people impacted. Ingrid wrote that it’s OK to feel awful, on edge or jumpy, or want to avoid certain places. This is very typical after experiencing something traumatic and to try to give yourself space to experience these things. Read the rest of Ingrid’s advice on Hepburn shire’s website.

If you need to talk to someone there is help available. Central Highlands Rural Health can be contacted on (03) 5321 6551 to arrange an appointment. Head to Health can also help and are available on 1800 595 212

What’s On at Goldfields Libraries

Lots happening over the pre-Christmas/New Year/holiday period including:

• Free IT help for seniors: Need help navigating the ever-changing digital world?  Access free one-on-one training and support at your local library.

Drop in or give us a call, tell us what you would like to know about or learn, and we’ll make an appointment for you.

• Big Summer Read– JOIN. BORROW. PLAY. WIN- The BIG Summer Read is back! Read 10 books over summer and be in the running to win great prizes, including book vouchers and gift vouchers from EB Games and Smiggle. To get started, visit the library or register online here.  Return your reading record by 31 January for your chance to win a prize (Beanstack App participants will have automatic entry). Prize winners announced Friday 9 February. For children and young people up to 18 years.
• StoryWalks

StoryWalks are a fun and educational activity that places a children’s story (literally a book taken apart!) along a popular walking route in the community. They are a physical activity and a literary experience in one. Goldfields Libraries regularly host StoryWalks across the region. We currently have StoryWalks in:

• Castlemaine – Castlemaine Train Station. West side along Barkers Creek Trail (Gingell St). Download map.
• Heathcote – Heathcote Playspace, 126 HIgh Street. Download map.
• Kyneton – Shared path next to Kyneton Primary School and Kindergarten. Between Victoria and Edgecombe Streets. Download map.

What’s on at Goldfields Libraries

Quick Response Grants 

These Hepburn Shire grants are now open for community groups to apply for a grant up to $1,000. The funds may be used to help facilitate small projects, or provide support towards an unforeseen disruption or urgent issue. Applications are assessed monthly. Learn more

Twilight Artists Market- Castlemaine

The Castlemaine Artists Market lights up the centre of Castlemaine with a wide diversity of artist stalls, demonstrations and workshops in the creative and performing arts each month. There are children’s activities, live music and food and drink available for purchase.

The Twilight Market will be held Saturday 16 December at Western Reserve, 3-7pm.

Bring your kids, bring a friend; come gather on the grass and enjoy the atmosphere of this fantastic local market. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique and beautiful Christmas present. The Twilight Market will host young singer songwriters involved in the Mt Alexander Shire FREEZA program as well as an exciting participatory workshop in African drumming facilitated by Gianni Boragine.

Newstead Arts Hub- Create a woven boat form

A new workshop with Jodie Goldring  on Sunday 21 January 2024,  10am-4pm at 8A Tivey Street NEWSTEAD

Learn how to use natural materials to weave a decorative boat by adapting the traditional basketry technique of ribbed construction. Weave around a forked branch and cane ribs learning a technique called randing.

All materials included and no experience is needed. Jodie will explain how to collect, dry and prepare your own materials to use at home. Bookings open now

3. Ecology and Environment

On the lookout for Drought Refuge Pools

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is on the lookout for drought refuge pools – natural bodies of water that stay full, even during dry times. These refuge pools are often fed by groundwater and provide a valuable home for our native species, particularly small-bodied fish, water bugs, and platypus. Such refuges were worth protecting.

“Landholders are under no obligation to tell us what’s on their land, but if they’re interested in restoring one of these refuges and adding to the lifestyle benefits of their property, we’re willing to help,” Mr Hogan said. “If you think you may have a drought refuge on your property, or know of one, we’d love to hear from you. We have an online survey available where you can tell us all you know about the pool, including where it is.”  The survey is closed but community members can also nominate drought refuges by calling North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or by emailing asha.bannon@nccma.vic.gov.au.

Castlemaine Seed Library

Our last working bee of the year is Thursday 7th Dec 2023 11 am at Castlemaine Library
There is no working bee in January, so we will resume in 2024 in February.

Save the date: Thursday 1st Feb 2024

For more info: https://www.castlemaineseedlibrary.org.au/

The Buzz project: promoting pollinators of central Victoria, is a Connecting Country project that aims to celebrate and expand community knowledge on the smaller heroes of our local ecosystems, the insect pollinators. The project has been running throughout 2023 and has included a presentation with local entomologist Dr Mark Hall covering ‘Native pollinators on your property: who, where and what they do?’ followed by a field trip that took a further look into ‘promoting native pollinators from property to landscape.’

And while that particular type of mistletoe is not native to Australia (and in fact is an environmental weed), there are a number of plants we call mistletoe in Australia that are native and have another species “kissing” underneath them at this time of year. The mistletoes in question are a group of semi-parasitic shrubs, often associated with Eucalypts – Amyema, Muellerina and Dendrophthoe species. The faunal species in question is the Imperial Jezebel butterfly (among others). Read more about this his spectacular butterfly species here

Photo: Imperial Jezebel (Delias harpalyce)

Biolinks Alliance

Biolinks Alliance was formed in 2010 by community conservation groups in Central Victoria who recognised that in order to halt environmental and species decline in Victoria, large-scale landscape restoration was necessary. This scale of work would require coordination of effort and knowledge as well as new and innovative approaches. Here are links to just two of their projects:

Latest news from our Spring Plains Watershed Repair project

Heathcote Local to Landscape pilot project

You too can get your hands earthy and be part of the nature movement here in Central Victoria. We are continually looking for more people to get involved in our work. There are many ways to help. Contact us to find out more about how you can support our organisation. We’d love to hear from you!

North Central Catchment Management

The North Central Chat is a newsletter with info about birds, trees, regenerative agricultural, water catchment levels, river detectives, landcare, nature stewards, soil moisture and much more…

North Central Chat December 2023 | North Central Catchment Management Authority (nccma.vic.gov.au)

Subscribe to the North Central Chat here.

Connecting Country

Mt Franklin Organics

Local Food can Save the World- a short film

Fire Season and Fire Plan

Interview with World Renowned author and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté 

Gabor speaks about his own history, including his grandparents who died in the Holocaust, and his current thoughts on Palestine / Israel. In this in-depth interview, he offers a vision for healing personal and global conflict. Dr. Gabor Maté shares his own journey raised Jewish, and also his experiences visit to Gaza multiple times.

Understanding De-growth – a few articles, podcasts and video clips

The Andes-Amazon Ecocultural Corridor

Conversation between Charles Eisenstein and Andes-Amazon Conservency AAC’s Executive Director Rebecca Allen to talk about this conservation work, which is coming from a different paradigm than a lot of environmental philanthropy. The work of the AAC is not about “protecting” land from human beings. Rather, human beings — namely, the four indigenous nations of the region — are understood to be essential parts of the ecosystems that need protection. Secondly, the vision and planning for the protected corridors comes from the local people themselves, not the foreign NGO. Just as no organ of the human body can function if it is cut off from the other organs, so also does the vital organ of earth we call the Amazon depend on surrounding ecosystems.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Small & Slow Solutions- David Holmgren interviewed by Nate Hagens for the The Great Simplification podcast.

In the episode, David discusses his experience within the permaculture movement and what it might look like for more systems to be designed using permaculture in the future. While often thought to be an agricultural tool, permaculture thinking is meant for designing human systems to be embedded in nature – an important principle for a future where societies will need to re-synchronise with natural flows. What does it mean for permaculture design to ‘scale up’, and how is it different from how we usually think about growing a system? How will permaculture design change as we move through different phases of resource availability? More importantly, how can the ‘small and slow’ foundation of permaculture help human societies adapt to a lower throughput future as we navigate The Great Simplification?

You can watch/listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Biolinks- Big Restoration – the new movement of hope for nature.

Sharing our expertise in large landscape restoration, Dr Sophie Bickford, Biolinks Alliance Executive Director, was invited to speak at Trust for Nature’s John Paul Memorial Lecture, 
In September, speaking alongside two other esteemed conservation leaders, Keith Bradby, CEO of Gondwana Link and Eamon Nathan, General Manager of Reconnecting Northland – Sophie shared insights into Biolinks Alliance’s work and how we restore and reconnect large landscapes across Central Victoria, amplifying community driven conservation efforts. Make sure to watch it now

When Only Love Remains

A conversation between Charles Eisenstein and Michal Halek: “Her words shine with the kind of wisdom that is available to those for whom death has dispelled all illusions about what is important and what is not. It is my wish that the information that her words, her voice, and her presence carry may reach the darkest corners of our personal and collective consciousness. It is the medicine the world needs right now.”

Here is the audio version on Soundcloud. Here is the video version on YouTube

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The horizon is one of the perceptual fault-lines that runs between white and Aboriginal ways of understanding country. There’s an assumption amongst white observers of traditional Aboriginal painting that the horizon is absent. But it is omnipresent, hovering in the space around the paintings. If you sit beside the painters while they work, you feel the horizon all around you. The strangeness is in our habit of hanging the paintings on walls, which must provoke a sense of vertigo, seeing the ground so precariously tilted. Desert paintings are not closed. Laid on the ground, they become part of the earth, open-sided, leading off to connected journeys. 

(Mahood, Kim: Position Doubtful- Mapping Landscapes and Memories, Scribe, 2016,  p.35)

Welcome to the September/October 2023 edition of Localising Leanganook e-news. With the spring equinox just past, the Dja Dja Wurrung six seasons calendar reminds us that we are in Lawan and Murnong time ( September-October) –  the time for collecting seeds including Murnong (yam daisy) and the time when Lawan (the Mallee fowl) make their nests and lay their eggs.  This edition includes another feature article-  about the Castlemaine Rites of Passage-  as well as a diverse array of events and activities within central Victoria to enlighten, inspire and uplift. We hope you enjoy it.

We welcome  suggestions and information for future editions- email- nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au

Nikki, Samantha, Keppel and  Laurel

Contents

Feature article – Castlemaine Rites of Passage- John Terry

What’s happening in Central Victoria?

1. Arts and Culture
2. Building Community
3. Ecology and Environment
4. First Nations
5. Food Sovereignty, Security and Farming
6. Sustainable Economies
7. Sustainable Living
8. Democracy and Local Government

Letters- (none this edition but we welcome your letters)

Food For Thought

Feature Article: Castlemaine Rites of Passage

Castlemaine Rites of Passage is a group of local people, all volunteers, who have seen the lack of rites of passage in our community and chosen to do something about this. In 2010 and 2011 men from a community group in South Australia were invited to Castlemaine to run rites of passage events for boys and men with the intention of seeding a local group. Since that time the local process has continued and evolved, focusing on acknowledgement, support and celebration of participants as guiding principles.

Rites of passage are intrinsic to many cultures around the world. In these traditional communities boys on reaching puberty are taken into rites of passage both to acknowledge significant transition they are moving through and to acknowledge each young person’s uniqueness. There is ample evidence that young men could well find their own ways, often involving risk taking behaviour, if adults in their community don’t provide rites of passage experiences for them. Arne Rubinstein an Australian GP who has developed rites for young men, notes that many boys do not relate to images of being a man commonly portrayed in media and on the internet, which can leave them feeling unseen and trying to play out roles that are not authentic to themselves.

The Castlemaine program centres around a long weekend shared together out in bush in the local area, with other activities leading into and following this. Participants are challenged in different ways whilst spending time connecting with men, the natural environment and themselves. Participants are supported to be present to the challenges as well as joys of transitioning into manhood in our society. The program involves families and the broader community in support of the boys and men participating.

As well as events for teenage young men and adult men, Castlemaine Rites of Passage has recently begun holding events for teenage girls and women. For more information visit the website: https://castlemainerop.org/  

(John Terry- Chewton)

1. Arts and culture

Climate Concert- Castlemaine

This concert will bring the community together with music for climate justice. Being involved in the fight against the climate crisis can be overwhelming and depressing, so this concert will uplift the community with music, encouraging people to take action.

When: 11 November, starting at 6:30

Where: Goods Shed on Kennedy Street in Castlemaine

Donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-organise-a-climate-concert

If you are interested in supporting us to organise this, please get in touch by emailing:  arlofoynhill@gmail.com

School Strike for Climate Film Fundraiser 

What: Movie-  How to Blow up a Pipeline, hosted by Central Vic Climate Action, Castlemaine SS4C, and the Theatre Royal.

When: this coming Thursday the 28th, at 7:30pm.

Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

We are heading out of the hottest ever recorded summer in the northern hemisphere, and bracing for the impacts of an extreme El Niño summer on this continent. This film explores the validity of extreme actions in addressing the climate crisis, the question of terrorism, and the use of property damage and sabotage of fossil fuel infrastructure as activist tactics. It challenges the narrative of individual responsibility for the climate emergency.

You can buy tickets for the screening on this link. Funds raised from this screening will go to our School Strike 4 Climate group in Castlemaine, to help us organise our Climate Concert on November 11th, 6:30pm at the Goods Shed. Attending the movie screening will really support us to make the concert a success! I’ll send out another email about the concert soon, and the link to buy tickets for the climate concert is here.

Newstead Arts Hub- Artists’s Talks

Finding a voice: Spring Series of artists’ talks 

• Melinda Harper – Thurs 7 September, 5.30 pm – BOOK HERE
• David Frazer, Thurs 12 October 5.30pm – BOOK HERE
• Kynan Sutherland, Thurs 9 November 5.30pm – BOOK HERE

These talks are free, but please book to help with catering.

Django Fretts Gypsy Jazz Quartet returns to Yandoit Cultural

When: Saturday October 21^st,  5.00pm

Where: Yandoit Cultural, Uniting Church Road (off High Street), Yandoit

Entry by donation

The Django Fretts are a gypsy jazz quartet from Castlemaine. They are returning to Yandoit after their much-loved concert in August last year. Formed in 2015, the Fretts have an extensive repertoire of tunes taken from the Django Reinhardt songbook as well as a few American jazz favourites. They have played extensively around the goldfields region, honing their up-tempo sound at markets, gigs, and festivals. A set from the Django Fretts will evoke the mood of 30’s Paris with authentic gypsy jazz melodies and acoustic improvisations.

For more information or to book: nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au or  mobile- 0432 232 073, or https://www.facebook.com/yandoitcultural

Swiss Italian Festa returns to Hepburn

When: 26-29 October 2023

Where: assorted venues around Hepburn Springs and Yandoit

The early Swiss Italian settlers came in significant numbers to the towns of Hepburn Springs, Hepburn and Daylesford, and surrounding townships such as Shepherd’s Flat, Yandoit, Guildford and Blampied. These early Swiss Italian settlers came for the gold, but also to escape the poverty and political upheaval in their home regions. Many of the early Swiss Italians stayed on because this region reminded them so much of home. They played a key part in the preservation of the mineral springs and spas which are the region’s trademark, not to mention, the early vineyards, wineries, olive groves, bakeries and dairies, and brought many cultural and culinary traditions. Most notably, they established Australia’s first macaroni factory at Hepburn Springs, and created the bullboar sausage, using local ingredients but based on their homeland traditions.

Learn about, experience and celebrate this heritage : https://www.facebook.com/swissitalianfesta/

 Our Swiss Italian History, Music and Stories at Yandoit Cultural

When:  Sunday October 29^th, 1.00pm

Where: Yandoit Cultural, Uniting Church Road (off High Street), Yandoit

Entry by donation

As part of  the Swiss Italian Festa,  2023. Yandoit and surrounding hamlets, was home to many Swiss-Italian migrants who settled during the 1850’s. Some mined for gold,  some created farms, some set up bakeries, some built houses from local stone, while others grew grapes for wine.  A number of the original families have remained in the neighbourhood for generations. This special event, as part of the Swiss Italian Festa, will bring together decendants from some of the original Swiss Italian settlers, to share memories, tell stories and play music they brought to Australia. There might even be a bus tour to some of the stone houses in the area.

For more information or to book: nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au or  mobile- 0432 232 073, or https://www.facebook.com/yandoitcultural

Early Music Saltbush Ensemble to play Daylesford’s Christchurch

When: Saturday September 30th, 2.30pm

Where: 54 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

The Saltbush Ensemble collaborate with various Early Music artists developing unique and varied programs for an Australian audience and responding to an increasing insatiable thirst for historical or Early Music The name of the ensemble was inspired by the native Australian Saltbush plant which grows in many varied environments and is particularly renowned for its rejuvenating properties in salt ravaged landscapes. Like a Saltbush, the rekindling of Early Music in Australia is rejuvenating the traditional classical music scene bringing new perspectives and repertoire into the fold.

The  concert will commence at 2.30pm at Christ Church on Saturday 30 September . Visit the Christ Church Concerts Facebook
page to book https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1040691

On the couch with Beck Lister

Where: Sunday October 29th, 4pm

When: Radius Art Gallery, Main St  Hepburn Springs

For more information: Anvil Productions-  https://www.anvilproductions.com.au/

Rebecca: 0409 201262 or Joanne: 0422 380700

Northern Arts Hotel

PROGRAM AT THE COOLROOM SUMMARY
MUSIC GIGS [Usually at 7.30pm]
JEFF LANG & LUKE WATT | Fri 22 Sept [sold out]
THE CARTWHEELS | Sat 23 Sept
ANDY BAYLOR & The Central Victorian Serenaders | Fri 29 Sept
NICK ELLERBY | Single Launch ‘This Love’ with BRECKIN | Fri 6 Oct
LET’S GET LOST | Tribute to Chet Baker | Sat 7 Oct
MIDNIGHT MANTRA | with Melinda Traves | Sat 14 Oct
CASTLEMAINE CHAMBER PLAYERS | Heaven & Earth II | Sat 28 Oct
FILM
NO SUNDAY MOVIE MATINEE FOR NOW
CDOC | Senses of Cinema: Screening + Q&A with John Hughes  | Sat 7 Oct 2pm
SPOKEN WORD & REGULAR GROUPS
Guildford Folk Club | Thurs 21 Sept at 7.30pm
PoetiCas with Ross Donlon | Sat 23 Sept at 2.30pm
CFU presents The Tao of Civilisation | Mon 2 October at 7pm
OTHER
Vale Lok Thornton
Another Roadside Attraction | Wimble St Wall | Nightly

Newstead Arts Hub – Poetry @ the Hub with Melbourne poet Peter Bakowski and inspire your inner poet. 

When: Friday 27 October, 7.00 – 8.30pm  
Where: Newstead Arts Hub
Booking:BOOK NOW: $20 or $15 concession.

His pep poetry talk will follow the regular Shut Up and Write Session from 4-6pm on Friday 27 October – so please stay on – bring your own dinner or food to share and we will order in pizza before the Newstead Arts Hub Poetry Pep Talk Event begins at 7pm.

Newstead Arts Hub- Random Weaving

Create a contemporary basket using the modern basketry technique of random weaving, guided by expert basket maker Jodie Goldring.
When: Sat. 21 October, 10am-3.30pm
Where: Newstead Arts Hub
$130, includes all materials pre-prepared by Jodie Golding 
BOOK NOW: for more details and to book go to our website

 

Daylesford Ceramic Collection and  Exhibition – 2023

Opening : Sat 16th September 3-5pm

Exhibition Dates : 16th of til the 30th September

Where: Radius Gallery, Main Street Hepburn Springs

The Daylesford Ceramic Collection is a celebration of the amazing array of local artistic practitioners who use clay as their medium to express, explore and create.

Meet Author-  Chris Hammer

An opportunity to meet leading Australian crime novelist Chris Hammer in person in Castlemaine. A journalist for more than 30 years, Chris’ books have atmospheric Australian settings, a range of colourful characters, intricate plots, descriptive language and emotional depth.

When: Monday October 9th, 5.30 -6.30 including book sales and signings.

Where: Castlemaine Library

Lake of Scars film screening

Explores the beautiful, mysterious, scarred trees, middens and stone scatters of Lake Boort. Presented by the late, great Uncle Jack Charles.

When: Thursday 5 October, 5-6:30pm

Where: On the big screen in the Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine.

2. Building community

Local Futures Summit

When: 29 Sep – 1 Oct
Where: Bristol, UK and online
Program & booking link: https://planet-local-summit.localfutures.org/programme/

Local Futures is dedicated to renewing ecological and social well-being by strengthening communities and local economies worldwide.

Drawing on Local Futures networking and movement building over four decades, the three-day Summit will be our biggest, boldest and most international event yet. It will bring together leading minds and activists grappling with our planet’s most pressing challenges.

You can buy tickets for a single day, for two days, or for all three. And, for those unable to join us in Bristol, our affordable livestream ticket offers the chance to tune into approximately 16 hours of content, including all plenary sessions. (Free livestream tickets are available for those who need them.) Book tickets

Full Planet Local Summit program available here. Program highlights  include:

● Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining) explores the links between community and the sacred.
● Charles Eisenstein joins Bayo Akomolafe and Manish Jain in conversation.
● Mika Tsutsumi, a leading investigative journalist from Japan, examines tech dictatorship in the plenary session: ‘The Matrix of the Global Economy’.
● Activists from five continents present their projects in a rapid-fire format.
● Actress Nathalie Kelley performs ‘Visions of the Future: A Short Play in Two Acts’.

And here’s a snapshot of summit break-out sessions (day one):

1) In Search of Wisdom for a Broken World- — with Iain McGilchrist and Bayo Akomolafe

2) From Deadlihoods to Alivelihoods- — with Manish Jain and Salim Dara

3) What Can I Do? Taking Meaningful Action-— open space facilitated by Fiona McInnes-Craig

4) Leading the Way to Local Food Prosperity- — with Jon Jandai, Saad Dagher, Nelson Mudzingwa, Ruby van der Wekken and Morag Gamble

5) Living Lightly Locally- — with Keri Hopeward

6) Right Here, Right Now! Strengthening Local Economies — with Jay Tompt and Diego Isabel La Moneda

Offers and Needs Market

The Offers and Needs Market is one of the most effective methods for revealing local wealth, rapidly deepening connections, and regenerating economies. In the two-hour guided process, folks meet to identify and exchange their passions, knowledge, skills, resources, and opportunities. A powerful yet simple process which shifts the narrative around community resources, creating a culture of trust, empathy, and connection. 

Where: Castlemaine Community House
When: 12 November, 10 – 12am
More details: contact Samantha at samantha.wittenberg@gmail.com or 0490501671

Hepburn Seniors Festival

FREE ‘tickets’ for yourself and one friend (over the age of 55): https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/events

On 3 and 4 October 2023 (during Seniors Festival), at the Town Hall, the Embolden 2023 National Symposium on Ageism and Respect for Older People is coming to Daylesford!

This symposium, by Celebrate Ageing Celebrate Ageing – Building Respect for Older People is Australia’s only national event that aims to combat ageism and build respect for older people, by emboldening and building the capacity and confidence of service providers, policy makers, community leaders and the older people within our community.

To Register for this event and to obtain tickets go to: Embolden2023 National Symposium | Humanitix

Ticket prices as follows: Waged – $650.00   Unwaged – $70.00

Eddie Wyman, Positive Ageing Officer
Mobile: 0438406538 • Phone: 0353216494 • Email: ewyman@hepburn.vic.gov.au

Housing for the aged information session

One in six people experiencing homelessness in Australia are aged over 55, with older women adversely affected. Learn about risk factors for homelessness and where you can go to access support.

When: Monday 16 October, 1-3pm

Where: Castlemaine Library 

The Wombat Post

Daylesford and Hepburn’s independent community on-line weekly newsletter connecting the community. You can subscribe and receive a link each Friday afternoon in your inbox.

https://thewombatpost.com.au/

The Old is Beautiful Workshop – Hepburn U3A

When: Thursday October 5th

Where: Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre

A free workshop.

For more information: https://www.dncentre.org.au/

North Central Chat

Here’s links to both the September and the October 2023 edition of the North Central Chat, featuring Biodiversity Month,  Aussie Bird Count, National Water Week and our very own Chicks in the Sticks.  There’s also online courses for Environmental Volunteers, including some webinars next week on targeted recruitment and engaging young people; engaging diverse groups in environmental volunteering; and an introduction to Indigenous cultural awareness.

North Central Chat (nccma.vic.gov.au)

North Central Chat September 2023 | North Central Catchment Management Authority (nccma.vic.gov.au)

Save the date for Chicks in the Sticks –Saturday October 28th.

Jumpleads Team- supporting local initiatives

Jumpleads is a social enterprise that ‘jump starts’ arts and community initiatives to change cultures and invigorate communities for a better future.

Find out more: www.jumpleJumpleads NFP . It includes Make a Change & Pop Up Art programs  ads.net

Jumpleads is responding to calls from people making a positive impact in their community, such as Bendigo Sustainability Group, pictured here.

3. Ecology and Environment

Castlemaine Free University- the Dao of Civilisation- Freya Matthews

 

What: A rare opportunity to hear from Freya Matthews, one of Australia’s most important eco-philosophers. Freya imagines our transformation to an ecological civilisation supporting the biosphere.

When: Monday October 2nd, 2023, 6.30 for 7pm start

Where: Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker St, Castlemaine

A free event

 

 

Seeking landholder for mammal surveys: MSGV

The Mammal Survey Group of Victoria has recently contacted us, as they are seeking sites on private land for wildlife surveys, including phascogales and sugar gliders!

Please see the information below provided by the Mammal Survey Group of Victoria and contact Kathy directly if you are interested in being involved.

If you are curious about the mammals in your area and own a property with a significant amount of native vegetation or have undertaken revegetation activities, we would love to hear from you. Property owners and families are welcome to participate.

Email Kathy Zonnevylle kathyz@optusnet.com.au for a chat. For more information about the Mammal Survey Group of Victoria, please click here

Recording the large old trees of central Victoria

Connecting Country has a mapping portal, aimed at helping community citizen scientists map the old, and often large, trees of Central Victoria. Database entries have been fed in over the past 12 months and we have now reached 25 large old trees entered into the portal. The majority of the entries have been around the Maldon, Welshmans Reef, Chewton, Castlemaine and Guildford areas, with a variety of citizen scientists taking some excellent photos and providing data about the tree species, age, height and habitat values.

The interactive mapping portal is part of Connecting Country’s larger project, ‘Regenerate before it’s too late‘ , engaging the community in the importance of old trees and how to protect them.  Over the next two years (2024-2025), we will continue to host community workshops and develop engagement resources. We will also help local landholders with practical on-ground actions to protect their large old trees and ensure the next generation of large old trees across the landscape.

We are asking the community, including landholders, Landcarers and land managers, to map their favourite old trees across our region. Anyone can access Connecting Country’s new online mapping portal. The portal uses BioCollect, an advanced but simple-to-use data collection tool developed by the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and its collaborators. BioCollect helps users collect field biodiversity data for their own projects, while allowing the data to be easily copied into the ALA, where it can be publicly available for others to use in research, policy and management. This allows individual projects to collectively contribute to science across Australia.

For more information and to join the mapping team : https://connectingcountry.org.au/large-old-trees-growing-in-the-cloud-or-mapping-large-old-trees-progress-but-more-needed

iNaturalist Workshop

When: Friday October 6th, 2023

Where: Castlemaine Community House

Local naturalist and Castlemaine Field Naturalist Club member Euan Moore will hold the workshop and will cover a range of skills including: How to set up an iNaturlist account and profile, How to upload photos to iNaturlist; How to reach out to naturalists and scientists on iNaturlist to confirm, verify or identify your sightings.

iNaturalist is an online platform that allows all curious citizen scientists to record sightings and identify all kinds of species including, insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, plants, sea life, coral, and fungi.

Natural Newstead Blog

Geoff Parks regular blog on local birdlife is well worth subscribing to. Here’s a taste of the September 26th blog:

On the subject of migrants

In some recent posts I’ve remarked about the arrival of spring migrants, a number of which have now appeared – White-browed Woodswallow and Rufous Songlark, to name two.

A less obvious species, but a migrant nonetheless, is the Australian Reed-Warbler. This plain-looking songster can be found in wetlands areas wherever there is tall cover, such as that provided by reeds and cumbungi.

They generally arrive in mid-September each year and announce their presence with rich, scolding calls as they dart between patches of vegetation. While somewhat furtive they will often appear at the top of a plant stem to investigate their surroundings. In my experience they disappear from local breeding sites in early autumn and apparently move north for the winter, although small numbers do remain in some years.

To subscribe: https://geoffpark.wordpress.com/

Alliance for Responsible Mining Regulation (ARMR)

This group includes individuals and groups from central Victoria concerned about the expansion of mining. The group has prepared a 10 point plan. Lock the gate signs are also available. If you wish to be kept informed or to contribute, email armrvic@gmail.com

 

 

4. First Nations

Large old tree walk: with Uncle Rick Nelson – sold out

 

Although sold out, please register your interest for future events through the booking link.

This cultural walk is part of Connecting Country’s larger project, ‘Regenerate before it’s too late‘
This is a free event for limited numbers, with lunch provided.

For catering and logistical purposes, please register your attendance – click here

When: Saturday 14 October 2023 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Dry Diggings Heritage Park, Golden Point 3451 (exact location will be revealed once you book)

 

Voice to Parliament Information session

What’s On program  All events are free, but many require bookings.

Voice to Parliament Referendum: Information Session 

What: Join Public Law Lecturer Dr Balawyn Jones as she discusses what the Voice is, what a Referendum is, and how they will impact our Australian Constitution from a legal perspective. Ask all the questions you need to to feel informed to vote on October 14

When: Wednesday 4 October, 5.30-6.30pm
Where: Castlemaine library
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/voice-referendum-information-session-tickets-709235260757\

Democracy for Dinner

Democracy for Dinner supports a Yes outcome in the upcoming referendum to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. We came to this position by listening to local First Nations voices, individually and organisations, by reading the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Dja Dja Wurrung DJAARA Statement, and meeting to discuss how this aligns with our goals as an organisation. Ultimately, we came to the view that a Yes outcome from the referendum is the best for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, for all Australians and for democracy in Australia.

A ‘Yes’ outcome is good for democracy – https://mailchi.mp/…/a-yes-outcome-is-good-for-democracy

First Nations Artist Commission – Call for applications!

Castlemaine Library has an exciting opportunity for First Nations artists living or working on Djaara Country.

Click here to request a full copy of the Expression Of Interest, with Artist Brief, budget, and details of how to apply.
Applications close 14 October 2023.

Walking Together Article

Prepared by Floria for Friends of Nalderun

This edition is entitled Place and Context

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aLy6TL5LHIQ7oNzPbfSrTWIOp7AH9GLFNSZ1hh2F4Os/edit

5. Food Sovereignty and Food Security

Hepburn Wholefoods Collective

Opening hours: 
Mondays 9.30-11.30am
Wednesdays 2-4pm
Thursdays 3-5pm
Saturdays 11am-1pm

Location: Hepburn Wholefoods Collective, 11 Perrins Street, Daylesford
Website: https://www.hepburnwholefoods.org.au/
Membership: $40 per year, $20 per year concession, FREE for volunteers.
If you are able to volunteer time as a shop attendant, fresh food wrangler and shop beautifier, digital content creator & storyteller or cleaner, please contact members@hepburnwholefoods.org.au

Earlier this year HWC was invited to participate in a project with the Open Food Network, along with 6 other Community Food Enterprises (CFEs), to assess the needs and gather evidence of the public value of the Victorian CFE sector. You can read the full report here, and also view an infographic of HWC’s impact here.

TwoFold Bakehouse

Delicious sourdough bread baked in a wood-fired oven in Daylesford. You can order and have your bread delivered every Thursday to Kyneton, Yandoit  as well as pick up from Daylesford.  Every fortnight TwoFold bakers are at the Sunday Daylesford market. Monthly subscriptions are available.

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. https://twofoldbakehouse.com/

Mt Franklin Organics

Fresh produce, seedlings and seeds available.  Florian is now back at the Daylesford Sunday market.

For more information or to subscribe to Florian’s newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/mtfranklinorganics/

Natural Beekeeping Course

Where: Castlemaine

6. Sustainable Economies

New Economy Network Australia NENA 2023 CONFERENCE “LIFE AFTER CAPITALISM?”

When: 17-19 November
Where: Canberra
See program and register: https://www.neweconomy.org.au/nena-events/conferences/2023-conference/registration/

Anyone wanting to join a group to share accommodation in Canberra and transport from the local areas can email samantha.wittenberg@gmail.com

WEBINAR RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE! Visit our website to watch and listen to our amazing events held so far this year!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE JULY JOURNAL!  As always, we hope these articles provoke discussion and debate, and provide hope and insight into how we can build a new, just and sustainable economy. Please get in touch with the Journal team if you are interested in contributing to these discussions.
If you are a NENA member, join the directory to promote your work!

The Degrowth Network Australia (DNA)

Castlemaine has started up a Degrowth group. Contact Anitra Nelson for more information: anitra.nelson@unimelb.edu.au

The DNA brings together people interested in degrowth from all around the country, to discuss degrowth issues, to share what we are up to and to plan! Meetings are on the second Wednesday of every month, from 12-2pm (East Coast/AEST), 10am-12pm (WA), 11.30am-1.30pm (SA)

Email degrowthnetwork@proton.me if you have questions and wish to be added to the email list. Next meeting : 12pm AEST Wednesday 11 October.

For more information: www.facebook.com/degrowthnetworkaustralia

Also, for folks outside of Melbourne, we are hosting a degrowth spring festival on October 8th and you are all welcome to join. You can find more info on the Facebook event here – www.facebook.com/events/s/degrowth-spring-festival/683265497197775/

7. Sustainable Living Resources

Glass recycling available at Castlemaine and Maldon

Did you know that glass bottles and jars are accepted at the Castlemaine and Maldon transfer stations?

Drop them off in the purple bins so they can be recycled separately and turned into new products.

How to recycle your glass

Democracy and Local Government

‌Mt Alexander Shire Open Day and Meet councillors and staff ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Subscribe here to receive regular emails with the latest news and information from Hepburn Shire Council.

Milkwood Permaculture Living Handbook

This handbook is a small offering to help you cultivate big change by creating more connection and purpose in your daily life, with you as a valued resident of your ecosystem, at its centre. ‘This book is all about igniting the can-do, cultivating the possible, calming the chaos, delivering the doable. And, above all else, connecting and caring for the community. It’s a home, a safe place to come and grow hope in what is a challenging world.’ Costa Georgiadis

https://www.milkwood.net/2023/08/15/a-peek-inside-the-milkwood-permaculture-living-handbook/

Fact Checking the Yes/No Pamphlet

Revegetation in a changing climate

The event was recorded by  Ally from Saltgrass Podcasts.

Artists and the Practice of Agriculture: Politics and Aesthetics of Food Sovereignty in Art Since 1960

Deep Listening to Nature- a new book- Andrew Skeoch

https://listeningearth.com/andrewskeoch/book_about.html

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Basically a privileged person is somebody who in fact doesn’t have or doesn’t need community because they can meet all of their needs with money. Because if you have enough money in modern society, you don’t need anybody or anyone or anything. You don’t need the people around you because you can pay somebody else to do whatever they’re doing. You don’t need the ecosystem around you, you don’t need the soil around because you can pay to import food from somewhere else. You’re completely independent of your relationships, except for the one one relationship that matters in modern society to sustain life, which is money, or so it seems, but as the study you cite demonstrates, it’s not actually true that we can meet all of our needs with money. But what money does is it replaces human relationships. So in an Amish community, there’s no such thing — as far as I know — as insurance on your home. Because if your home burns down, the community will get together and build you a new home. That’s your insurance. And your insurance payment is all the times that you helped somebody else build their house. So you don’t need insurance in that community. Well, any society that lives in that way is a ripe target for development, as it’s called, for economic growth, because you can replace that community function with a paid service. And so what’s happened in the modern era is that one after another, human relationships have been replaced with paid services. Everything from growing food to taking care of children to making entertainment. It’s not just the survival needs, it’s also: What does it take to live well? To be fully human? And if you don’t make your own music any more but you download it from Spotify, then that’s another service that’s been converted into money. And also ecological services get converted into something that you purchase. And that strips away what actually makes life rich. So you ask what to do about it, and on the broadest level, it’s to reclaim to restore, to recover, to regenerate the lost relationships to come into relationship again … but to turn that idea [of privilege] on its head and embrace the knowledge of what actually makes life rich, what makes life good, and to say, ok, it’s time to enrich ourselves again. It’s time to reclaim the lost relationships.

Charles Eisenstein, from  an interview on the Regenerative Agriculture podcast, episode 86

Welcome to the August/September 2023 edition of Localising Leanganook e-news. As the sun starts peeking through the clouds and the dazzling bloom of wattles fills the bush with golden yellow colour, we sense with anticipation the coming of spring and the return of warmer weather. This edition includes another fascinating feature article from one of our editors (Keppel) and a rich, soulful array of events and activities from our amazing community to enlighten, inspire and uplift you. We hope you enjoy it.

Keppel, Laurel and Nikki

Contents

Feature article – The Forgotten Third Way: Social Threefolding and its Role in Supporting Social and Ecological Renewal

What’s happening in Central Victoria

1. The arts and culture
2. Building community
3. Ecology and the environment
4. First Nations
5. Food growing, farming and food security
6. Sustainable economic initiatives
7. Sustainable living resources

Letters

Food For Thought

Feature Article

The Forgotten Third Way: Social Threefolding and its Role in Supporting Social and Ecological Renewal

By Keppel Cassidy, Kyneton 

What socio-economic framework will give us the best chance of creating a thriving, ecologically sustainable society? Capitalism, socialism/communism or something else? This question, which was the subject of both a major global power struggle and intense academic debate in the 20^th Century, is surely just as relevant today as it was then, if not more so. The collapse of the Soviet Union and its allies in the late 20^th Century seems to have been largely triggered by the failure of their economic model, and since that time socialism and communism have largely been in retreat, notwithstanding a surge in support in the 2010s in the USA and many countries in Western Europe led by activist politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn. However on current evidence, capitalism is also failing to fulfil its promises. Poverty and inequality are rising across the world, and power is becoming concentrated in fewer and fewer hands through the concentration of ownership in media and business, undermining democratic processes. Meanwhile quality of life continues to decline for many people, forced to work longer and longer hours to make ends meet, with less and less time for all that makes life meaningful. Finally, the Earth’s ecosystems are at crisis point on multiple fronts: biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, soil degradation, resource depletion and climate change are all coming together to generate an existential crisis for the web of life and for humanity.

A Third Way between capitalism and communism
Many attempts have been made to find a ‘Third Way’ that will provide the roadmap to lead us to a healthy, prosperous society that communism and capitalism have failed to achieve. Following the Great Depression of the 1930s, a broad consensus emerged in the non-communist Global North to adopt Keynesian, social democratic economic policies, including protectionist industrial policies, public ownership of key utilities such as transport and infrastructure, publicly funded education and healthcare, and a strong welfare safety net. Following the turn towards neoliberalism in the 1970s and 1980s, left-leaning parties led by politicians such as Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Gerhard Schroeder sought to combine socially progressive policies with a free market, neoliberal economic platform. This move was politically successful but led to both short- and long-term negative social and economic impacts, some of which are playing out today with the rise of an impoverished, angry class in many countries who are turning towards conservative populism, as demonstrated by the support for politicians such as Marine Le Pen in France, Donald Trump in the USA and Pauline Hanson in Australia.

Social threefolding: the forgotten ‘Third Way’
Yet there are ‘Third Way’ frameworks that are more than just a politically expedient halfway compromise between capitalism and communism. One of the least known, but in my view most profound of these is what has become known as social threefolding, developed in the early 20^th Century by the Austrian philosopher, educationalist and visionary Rudolf Steiner. I believe that social threefolding offers a lens through which we could develop both small- and large-scale policy that could overcome many of the problems that have been created through capitalism and socialism, and also to facilitate the urgent transition to an ecologically sustainable society. Steiner argued that the social threefolding approach wasn’t an intellectually constructed conceptual framework, but instead a reflection of the kind of society humanity is already reaching towards, albeit in a fumbling and stumbling way. He emphasised that, to be successful, social and economic structures needed to be suited to the present evolutionary stage of humanity, being neither regressive (belonging to the past) nor too advanced for our current level of moral and spiritual development. In this way, the functioning of communities and societies can support the individual and collective evolution of humanity rather than hindering it.

Steiner described the threefold society as being an ‘organism’, and this picture can help us to grasp it as a living reality rather than an abstract system. The foundation of this society is that it is built on three interconnecting spheres: the cultural sphere, the rights sphere, and the economic sphere. Whilst these three spheres are interdependent and interact with each other, they each have their own distinct identity and needs, and must be allowed to operate autonomously according to these. I will describe each of the spheres in turn below.

Cultural sphere
The cultural sphere governs all of those activities connected with learning and growth for the individual and society. This includes all levels of education, the arts and all forms of spiritual practice. Here, we find and develop new ideas and practices that will benefit society as a whole. It is also where we engage in work to remedy existing problems for the benefit of society – thus it includes all kinds of health care, social work and welfare. The key concept that must guide the cultural sphere is freedom: people must be free to think for themselves, try new approaches and debate the best way forward for us to gain the full benefit of their knowledge. Steiner emphasised the importance of educators having autonomy over what and how they teach for this reason, and likely would have extended the same expectation to health care professionals. A social threefolding approach also requires freedom of speech to be strongly protected, because only when there is the ability to discuss theories and practices freely can the best knowledge emerge.

Rights sphere
The rights sphere governs those institutions that determine the rules by which we live together, so that the dignity and worth of each person are honoured. This includes the political system, the legal system, and institutions that are involved in upholding and enforcing laws, including the police and a variety of government agencies (for example in Australia, the Fair Work Commission, state and local government planning officers and state environmental protection agencies). The key concept that must guide the rights sphere is equality. This reflects a belief in the sacredness of life, and the dignity of all people regardless of characteristics such as race, culture, gender, sexuality, ability or belief. Thus laws should apply equally to all people and not be differentiated based on power, privilege or personal characteristics.

Upholding human dignity also requires that individuals be treated fairly and with respect by others: hence acts that oppress or harm another person are prohibited, such as intimidation, theft, all kinds of abuse and homicide. In the workplace, the rights sphere should ensure that workers are paid fairly for their work: Steiner’s simple yet profound prescription was that each worker, no matter how grand or humble their profession, should receive sufficient payment for the product of their labours such that they and their dependents could meet all of their needs for living well until the next product should be completed. In this statement, he predated concepts such as fair trade and a living wage by several decades.

Economic sphere
The economic sphere governs all activities that are concerned with meeting our material needs for surviving and thriving in the world. At their most basic, these include shelter, food and drink, clothing and all kinds of tools and equipment for facilitating access to these. Thus this sphere governs all of those who are involved in the production, distribution and consumption of goods. The key concept that must guide the economic sphere is brotherhood/sisterhood, meaning that we engage economically with others with the goal of benefiting both ourselves and them, based on a feeling of kinship with them. Another, more contemporary term for this consciousness is solidarity. Put simply, our focus becomes co-operation rather than competition.

You will likely notice that it is in this sphere that we see the greatest departure from orthodox economic approaches. Neoliberal capitalist theory proposes that people’s primary economic motivation is self-interest, and that being free to pursue personal wants, whatever these may be is the ‘engine’ that will drive the economic activity needed to generate prosperity for the good of society. The social threefolding approach recognises that people need to be able to act autonomously to meet their economic needs, but argues that action driven by purely egotistical desires will frequently lead to destructive impacts on others, as both socialist theorists and indigenous societies have long recognised: the oppression of the weak, harm to community cohesion and the destruction of nature to name a few.

On the other hand, the motivation of free co-operation borne out of a sense of solidarity acknowledges and takes advantage of the primacy of the impulse towards survival and material wellbeing in humans, the motivation of Ananke or necessity. Yet it encourages us to bring the light of awareness to this impulse, so that we perceive that we will survive and be happiest when all of those with whom we interact economically also survive and thrive. And it recognises that, freely chosen, co-operative action is actually the most efficient and powerful way of meeting needs: indeed Steiner often pointed out that the material comforts we enjoy today are entirely dependent on our co-operation with others through the economic sphere: the farmers who grow the food that we eat, the manufacturers who produce the clothes we wear, the builders who built the house in which we live, and many others. All the social threefolding approach does is make these relationships conscious, and call on us to infuse them with a sense of solidarity, which can also be understood from the perspective of the rights sphere as respecting the rights and dignity of others.

How can social threefolding help to create a healthier, more just and sustainable society?
I have been contemplating this question over the last week, and have a few initial thoughts came to mind, though these are likely not exhaustive. Firstly, I think one of the most important things social threefolding does is to separate out the three spheres and their three different human impulses, while emphasising that each is equally important: the impulse to learn and grow, the impulse to live harmoniously and respectfully together, and the impulse to meet our needs for physical survival and health. These can be roughly mapped onto Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and like Maslow’s work provides an antidote against the human tendency to obsessively focus on one thing at the expense of others. For economists often concentrate their attention solely on material prosperity, which meets the needs of the economic sphere, but ignores our need for a supportive community and opportunities to grow and express our unique potential. On the other hand, those who concentrate exclusively on freedom of self-expression or creating a just society without considering how we are going to sustain ourselves are also not going to meet the community’s needs.

Secondly, a unique insight of social threefolding is that the work of each sphere is right for that sphere only, and they should not be muddled up. To give an example of this, we can consider those who subscribe to a libertarian philosophy, which demands freedom in all areas of life. In relation to the speech, thinking, creativity and indeed the need to ‘follow one’s own star’ – in short, the cultural sphere – this demand is a vital and justified one. But my freedom in the rights sphere must clearly be curtailed where it impacts on the rights of others, otherwise society will become either a lawless ‘Wild West’ or a place where the strong and powerful oppress the weak. In the economic sphere, freedom might seem a justifiable goal, and indeed it has a place there. But Steiner made it very clear that humanity needs to transcend egotism in the economic life, so that we each employ our individual gifts primarily for the benefit of the community, rather than for personal gain. It is not hard to see that we have a lot of work to do in this area at this point in human evolution!

Thirdly, I think that Steiner’s understanding of the economic sphere brings an important theoretical ballast to our emerging sense that the desire for material gain is the wrong driver for the economic life, yet it also answers the criticisms of big state socialism – that it is inefficient and hampers individual initiative – and provides another way to approach the challenges of this area. He emphasised that the state’s role should be confined to the rights sphere, for example setting and enforcing laws regarding fair dealings between employers and workers, and between sellers and consumers. But he called for the formation of ‘associations’ that brought together the producers, distributors and consumers in any given area to collectively guide economic policy in their domain so that the needs of each group are met. This is a radical idea that, as far as I’m aware, hasn’t been applied on a large scale in any society. But we can see in some movements and initiatives the first stirring of the kind of social consciousness that is required to do this:

• In the fair trade, food sovereignty and consumer supported agriculture (CSA) movements, where consumers and distributors choose prices that are sufficient to meet the needs of the producer;
• In various forms of ethical and social impact investing, notably the Triodos Bank, where borrowers and lenders sit down at a yearly meeting to work out an interest rate that will balance the needs of each group
• In the co-operative movement, especially those co-operatives that are set up at a community level to meet an identified community need, and also in community businesses that are operated for the same reason, such as the Bendigo Bank community banks

Finally, because social threefolding shifts the focus of the economic life to co-operatively meeting needs, it is highly compatible with the need to transition to an ecologically sustainable way of life that is confronting humanity in this time, as has been articulated in the environmental, degrowth and transition towns movements. Steiner’s emphasis on cultivating a reverence for life infuses all his teachings, and echoes those who call for us to reawaken our deep connection with nature, what Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh called our sense of ‘interbeing’, our sense of wonder before its sacred mystery, and our responsibility to protect it, as indigenous cultures the world over recognise. At the same time, social threefolding offers a practical pathway to a new economic and social life that does not require us to become egoless, perfect beings, nor machines, but real human beings learning, loving, striving and growing together towards the better world our hearts know is possible. And the beauty of it is that we can begin to implement this awareness at any level: individual, family, workplace or community – it doesn’t have to begin on a whole of society level.

I hope that this introduction to social threefolding has given you a glimpse into this profound social model and its potential for transforming our future. There is much more to it than I have articulated here, so please explore the references below if you would like to go deeper. Note that the Wikipedia entry on social threefolding is an excellent, accessible place to start.

References:

Goetheanum Section for Social Sciences (nd.). Threefolding 100 years 1919 – 2019. Accessed on 25/08/2023 from https://socialnew.goetheanum.org/threefolding/

Large. M. (2016). Rudolf Steiner’s Vision for our Social Future: Openings for Social Threefolding. New View, 81, 3 – 9.

Steiner, R. (2000). Towards Social Renewal: Rethinking the Basis of Society. Translated by Matthew Barton. Hudson NY: Anthroposophic Press. (Note: an online translation is also available at http://www.threefolding.org/archiv/800.html.  

Wikipedia (nd.) Social Threefolding. Accessed on 25/08/2023 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_threefolding

What’s Happening in Central Victoria

1. The Arts and Culture

Arts and Photography Prize

The revamped Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival Art and Photography Prizes are now open for entries. The Photography and Art Prize will be on display the 31st – 11th of September 2023 at The Old Auction House Gallery in Kyneton. Prize pool of $1,700:  the overall winning piece with a daffodil $700, and open themes in the mediums of Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour and Sculpture each taking a $200 prize. Entries are $10 a piece, apply via link, and applications close Sunday 20 August at 5pm.
https://daffodils.goodhands.link/artandphotographyprizeentry/

Castlemaine Free University – Towards Eudaemonia

WHERE — Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine
WHEN — 6.30 pm for 7 pm, Monday 4 September 2023
FREE — the event is free, and drinks can be purchased at the bar

Towards Eudæmonia-  ‘Expect a rich mélange of words, images, sounds and conversation. All in opposition to modernity’s disenchantment of our world…’

Circus Mania

When: 27 Sept – 1 Oct 2023

Where: Western Reserve Castlemaine

A 5-day and night circus festival in beautiful Castlemaine, showcasing the world-class talent that is in and in fact all-around Victoria.

Featuring an extraordinary contemporary Circus, saucy Cabaret and family-friendly Entertainment, this festival has something for everyone, all taking place inside ‘The May Wirth’, a stunning 350-seater traditional circus tent.

The Day the School Went Under

A hilarious comedy show presented by Daylesford Youth Theatre as part of the Words in Winter Festival.

When: Saturday 26 August

Where Daylesford Town Hall, Vincent St

Tickets $15/$10

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1088886

Documentary Filmmaking Masterclass

A 3-hour masterclass with three of the documentary world’s most experienced practitioners.

Tony Jackson, Bergen O’Brien and Sam Dinning share tips and tricks to help you create a compelling short documentary.

When: 9 September, 2 – 5 pm

Where: Northern Arts Hotel

Cost: $50/$40

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1099262

Maldon Landscape Prize: Essence of Place

The inaugural Landscape Prize 2023 Essence of Place is presented by Maldon Artist Network (MANet) and EDGE Galleries. Entries close 8 September 2023. First prize $10,000 and People’s Choice Award $1000 for the online exhibition winner. For more information go to the MANET website.

Mapatazi: Girlz Guitar Onslaught

Sunday, 27 August 2023, 11 am – 3 pm

Goods Shed Arts

$35 Full / $25 Concession

Calling all women/girls/non-binary electric guitarists & bass players from beginners to advanced to make some noise in this electrifying workshop without pressure to perform in public. Feel what it’s like to be part of the Mapatazi (pronounced Map o’ Tassie!) en masse onslaught of guitars.

Community-spirited yet professional in the outcome. Mapatazi’s original music hints at ambient washes, heavy metal riffs and anything in-between. In the workshop, we’ll try out some new ideas composed especially for an onslaught of guitars. This may include rock riffs ambient washes, and anything in between. You don’t need to read music. All the pieces are designed for players of different skill levels.
All ages are welcome. BYO instrument, amplifier, leads & lunch.

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: A Feast of Music 2023

When: 9 – 10 September 2023

Where: Hotel Bellinzona – Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

MCO’s “A Feast of Music” chamber music festival lights up Daylesford and Hepburn Springs this September 9 & 10. Magnificent chamber music, an orchestral concert & a musical dinner. Directed by MCO Artistic Director Sophie Rowell, and with special guests acclaimed pianist Kristian Chong and French horn virtuoso Peter Luff. Packages and single tickets are now on sale.

To book tickets: https://mco.org.au/event/a-feast-of-music-2023/

Newstead Arts Hub

NerdROM Node 1: Sound and Music 

Sat 2 Sept, 7pm onwards. Free  
Come along for this inaugural event exploring sound and music using live electronics. Experience the creativity of four performers from Newstead and Castlemaine: Barfield, Nicky System, Paul Britton and Aimee Chapman. Live projection art will accompany the performances. Free entry. Drinks available

Finding a voice: Spring Series of artists’ talks’ 

Three talks: Thursdays 7 Sept, 12 Oct, 9 Nov – at 5.30pm

Join us for our Spring Series of artist talks. Hear three local, accomplished artists speak about finding and sustaining their own artistic voice. These talks will be of interest to anyone working in creative fields, as well as art loving members of the public.

• Melinda Harper, Thurs 7 Sept 5.30pm – BOOK HERE
• David Frazer, Thurs 12 October 5.30pm – BOOK HERE
• Kynan Sutherland, Thurs 9 November 5.30pm – BOOK HERE

These talks are free, but please book to help with catering

While We Live: an exhibition 

Weekends: Sat 9 Sept – Sun 2 Oct, 10am-4pm
Opening event Sat 9 Sept 2pm
Experience this new body of work by James Healey and Hugh Wayland. Their photographs explore links between analogue and digital, contrasting the urban and remote environments in which we live and move. It includes images captured spontaneously while travelling by car, walking or meeting people, as they went about their daily lives

Exhibition spaces at the Hub
Get out of the studio and into the Hub where our great exhibition spaces await your work. We’ve got some gaps in our calendar and a great team to help you hang and promote your work. Bookings now open for 2024!  Email us at info@newsteadartshub.org or submit a short proposal at https://newsteadartshub.org/venue-hire/.

Northern Arts Hotel program

Music, film discussions and more each week.

Here’s the link to the latest calendar of events at the Coolroom: https://northernartshotel.com.au/the-coolroom/

Project Ludwig – A Family Concert at The Daylesford Convent

Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: The Convent, 7 Daly Street, Daylesford
Tickets: Adults: $30, Children: $10, Family: $60
Bookings: https://asq.com.au/artfuel/tickets/430/sale

The Artamidae Quartet will hold a family-friendly, interactive concert featuring Beethoven’s Opus 18 string quartets, where you decide the program!

This special choose-your-own-adventure style event will allow concertgoers to learn about music of Ludwig van Beethoven’s famous Opus 18 string quartets and to speak personally with the musicians about their favourite music before choosing what they would most like to hear.  The audience decides the program! Experience your very own, unique, Beethoven string quartet. A different program every time!

For more information: https://thewombatpost.com.au/2023/08/25/project-ludwig-a-family-concert-at-the-convent/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Fri+25+Aug+2023&utm_campaign=Local+News+for+Daylesford+and+Hepburn+Springs

The Taproom – Shedshaker Brewing

Upcoming gigs:

Aug 26 – Yes23 Art Auction Fundraiser

Sep 8 – Tribute – Rolling Stones

Sep 10 – Tango Mood

Words in Winter

A weekend of writers, story-tellers,  poets, artists and more. This years theme is ‘Out of the Shadows’.

When: August 25, 26 and 27th

Where: Assorted venues around Daylesford and other locations in central Victoria

For program: https://wordsinwinter.com/

Words in Winter- Open Mic at Yandoit Cultural

Stories, song, poetry and local history.

The theme for this year’s Open Mic session is “around the hearth”- that place where we gather in the winter. All welcome.

When: Sunday August 27th, 2pm

Where: Yandoit Cultural– the old  church in the bush, Uniting Church Rd,  (off High St) Yandoit

2. Building Community

Goldfields Libraries StoryWalks

For more information: https://www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/storywalk

Hepburn Life – Council Newsletter Out Now

This month’s edition includes information on an upcoming agricultural forum for farmers, seniors week activities and subsidised compost bins for shire residents. Follow the link below to read the newsletter:

Hepburn Life

Saturday Philosophy in the Library

On the first Saturday of each month, the library has hosted philosophical discussions. Meet up with like-minded people to enjoy a session of thought provoking ideas run by the Central Goldfields School of Philosophy. There is a new subject each month – come to one, some, or all!

Saturday 2 September 10-11:30
Saturday 7 October 10-11:30
Saturday 4 November 10-11:30

More information at practicalphilosophyvic.org.au

Seniors Week Community Lunches and Mini Expos

Castlemaine Community House is hosting the Seniors’ Week Festival again for Mount Alexander Shire. The theme for the statewide festival is Love, Live and Learn.

Seniors are invited to come and enjoy community lunch for free, and chat with mini-expo vendors

3 October: Castlemaine (Town Hall)

4 October: Maldon

6 October: Harcourt

3. Ecology and the Environment

Ballarat Tailings Dam Concerning Local Residents

An article was published this week in the Guardian online about a new tailings dam for the Ballarat Goldmine that was recently approved by the City of Ballarat, a decision that is being challenged at VCAT by a concerned local residents group.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/23/new-tailings-dam-at-ballarat-goldmine-will-not-increase-risk-to-residents-operators-say

Biolinks Alliance Newsletter

On-the-ground works start at Spring Plains
Local students bringing life back to Snipes Creek
Restoring and reconnecting glider habitat
Fundraising for Biolinks Alliance on a journey of a lifetime
Rewilding Central Victoria – expert panel event
Large Old ‘Hero’ Trees and their life-sustaining hollows webinar
Volunteer opportunities
Meet the team – Ellie McKenna, Biolinks Alliance Relations Manager
Donate to support our work

For more information about the Biolinks Alliance: https://biolinksalliance.org.au/

To subscribe to the Biolinks Alliance newsletter: https://biolinksalliance.org.au/sign-up

Climate Changers Documentary

Follow renowned Australian environmental scientist Tim Flannery as he searches for leadership in tackling climate change in this documentary. Where are the leaders who will drive change, and how might they succeed where others have failed?

When: 17 September at 5.30pm

Where: Theatre Royal

Cost: $25/$22

Bookings: https://theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/

Community Carbon – Landowners Wanted for Revegatation Pilot Project

The Northern Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) are looking for interested landowners for the Community Carbon project, which aims to support revegetation efforts restoring critical habitats, connecting fragmented landscapes and addressing biodiversity loss.

For more information and how to apply, please visit https://connectingcountry.org.au/community-carbon-growing-to-net-zero-in-central-victoria/

Free Environmental Video Program- Stories to Action

Where: Greater Bendigo region

Seeking young people (12-25) interested in using creativity to help inspire a more sustainable world! The Stories to Action program will support you in creating your own videos about the environment and sustainability, and use them to inspire positive change in the broader community. You can be involved as a co-designer and/or participant. Applications are assessed as they come in. Closing at latest by Mon Sept 11th.

For more information and to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08rvD2kZXRmr73WJuzrnxm_qxmIgoFFflaXSmazFf6WirWg/viewform

Native Wildlife and Rodent Poisons Alert

Planet Local Summit- Re-framing the Climate Debate

When: September 29- October 1st, 2023

Where: livestream (plus in situ in Bristol UK)

The Planet Local Summit is shaping up to be one of the biggest gatherings focused on localization/decentralization in history. Among those joining us are powerful voices reframing the climate debate:

• Charles Eisenstein, author of ‘Climate: A New Story’.
• Camila Moreno, the world’s preeminent analyst of the COP climate negotiations.
• Jack Harries, youth leader for climate education and documentary filmmaker.

“Even if we cut carbon emissions to zero, if we don’t also reverse ongoing ecocide on the local level everywhere, the climate will still die a death of a million cuts. The most important global policies would be those that create conditions where we can restore and protect millions of local ecosystems.”– Charles Eisenstein Newstead blog

4. First Nations

Concert for the Yes! Vote

When: 7pm, Thursday 14 September 2023

Where: Theatre Royal Castlemaine

A collaboration of fourteen-plus outstanding Indigenous leaders, musicians, storytellers, writers and artists to raise money and spirits in support of the YES in the forthcoming Australian referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Voice and recognition in the Constitution and to celebrate Indigenous culture in central Victoria. A night with a substantial Welcome to Country, songs in the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung languages, mighty anthems from great Australian songwriters, powerful words from renowned writers, music that unites cultures, a soundscape of this continent and a big sing-along.

All proceeds go to the local YES23 campaign.

For more information and tickets: https://theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/3c7b2f5a-6d5e-456b-b24e-dab686e35e75?Event=17429

5. Food Growing, Farming and Food Security

Castlemaine Seed Library Working Bee

Come and join Castlemaine Seed Library volunteers to help pack seeds for the seed library program

When: 7 September at 11am

Where: Castlemaine Library Foyer

Eating Democracy: The True Cost of the Food We Eat – Crowdfunding Campaign

The Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $30,000 to publish its new book, Eating Democracy: The True Cost of the Food We Eat, and they need your help to reach their target!  Through the stories of everyday people from different cultures, Eating Democracy explores the true cost of the food we eat, and the benefits to health, community and the planet from making ethical food choices.

To support the campaign, you can make a donation at: https://www.pozible.com/project/eating-democracy

If you’d like to spread the word about the campaign, please share the Eating Democracy Promotion Pack among your networks.

The campaign closes on 19th September, so please share widely to support this important work from AFSA.

Harcourt Organic Farming Co-op (HOFC) dairy is back at the market

Tess from HOFC is pleased to announce that the milk drought has broken, and she will be selling milk and yoghurt again at the weekly Castlemaine Farmers’ Market

Read the full article here

6. Sustainable Economic Initiatives

Unleashing Local Economies in a Global Game – webinar

Economist Michael Shuman and Kai Lofgren from Regen Melbourne in conversation exploring how innovative, place-based approaches to economic investment can help to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Organised by: Castlemaine Institute in partnership with Regen Melbourne and Small Giants Academy.

A free event.

When: 31 August from 8-9am (yes, am!)

Where: online

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/conversation-local-investment-in-a-global-game-with-michael-shuman

7. Sustainable Living Resources

Hepburn @ Home

A 6-session series of free online workshops on sustainable living, put together by the team from the Good Hood, full of practical information on composting, low waste cooking, electric vehicles and much more

When: starting 16th August

Where: Online

Cost: free

To register, go to: tinyurl.com/hepburnathome

Kinship Natural Building Festival

A two day, hands-on workshop in methods of building with natural materials, including cob, mudbrick, natural renders and earthen floors. Sleep overnight in the solar-passive ecologically designed and fire-resilient Earthship ‘Kinship’ featured in lead articles, radio shows and news stories across local, state and national media.

When: 25 – 26 August, starting 10am

Where: 19 Ward St, Kinglake

For all enquiries and bookings, contact Daryl Taylor by phone on 0497097047 or email kinship.kinglake@gmail.com

Letters

Camp Reserve Destruction

By Trevor Scott, Castlemaine

Already many of you have written to this newspaper about the redevelopment of the Camp Reserve in Forest Street, Castlemaine. In his recent letter, Ian Braybrook says “those who know the history and continuously use the Camp [Reserve] are content with the council plan” but how well do they know the history and, is he aware that in a recent survey carried out by MASC, 51% of those surveyed, voted against the plan. If you stand at the south end near the entrance and look westwards to the top of the highest point on Gingell Street, you will see the mature, native species trees that have to be removed. You will also realise that the flat area needed for basketball courts and a grandstand with change facilities, has to be cut out of this hill, irretrievably changing the look and appearance of the reserve.

As an architect and long time resident of the town, I am concerned that the proposed plan will change the landscape drastically, and I really wonder if the extra cost of tree and earth removal, site drainage and retaining walls, all to be borne by ratepayers, is justified when the grandstand and proposed facilities could more easily and definitely more cheaply, be built on the flatter part of the site at the northern end.

The history of this area goes back more than 150 years, to a time when everywhere you looked you would see miners panning for gold. History tells us that their tents and shanties were perched on the hill that they now want to remove. Surely history is not just a list of events in a book; it is also very much about the places where these events occurred. I think that unless we move forward with respect for our history, we make these proposed changes to the Camp Reserve at our peril.

Food for Thought

1. Conversation between Dr Iain McGilchrist  and Charles Eisenstein

An inspiring, thought provoking discussion between two of our favourite writers: Charles Eisenstein, author of Sacred Economics and The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible and neuroscience researcher Dr Iain McGilchrist, author of The Master and His Emissary and The Matter With Things.

https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/54a759a8-9f3d-4d61-af54-33a2de6adcfc?j=eyJ1IjoiMXIwOGJoIn0.G02aCM2Cp7ysJHksn1gXNVa3sOmvog4DCk9a9mTztOA

2. Animals in the Room – Why We Can and Should Listen to Other Species, by Melanie Challenger in Emergence Magazine

Anyone who develops deep knowledge of other species by living alongside them for years realizes something both obvious and essential: we are not the only lives that matter…

https://emergencemagazine.org/essay/animals-in-the-room/?utm_source=Emergence+Magazine&utm_campaign=112aaedacd-MelanieChallenger%E2%80%9420230813&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_73186f6259-112aaedacd-356493622

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“My blood”, writes Stan Grant, who has both Irish and Wiradjuri forebears, in ‘Talking to My Country’, “the blood of Moyne and Belabula. White and black: two worlds that even within me, bend to each other but still can’t quite touch”. / And is that not us too? – two worlds, bending, but never touching? / Who is Australia? Why Australia? Where is Australia? It is the great question to which we must all make an answer later this year, and that is the question of whether or not we support the voice. / The Uluru Statement from the Heart was an invitation to finally meet, to finally touch. / Whether I wish to be or not, I am a child of this country. In seeking to understand it I have come to see that we must make a new start, a better start if our imaginings are to go further, if we are to create dreams that might liberate, stories we might live better by.

Richard Flanagan: ‘Our inauthentic heart – What the voice to parliament means for the stories we tell’ (The Monthly , July 2023, ps 36-38)

Welcome to the July/August 2023 edition of Localising Leanganook e-news. There are some changes afoot and here’s what you will find:

Changes to Localising Leanganook e-news

Feature Article- A Thrutopian Mindset

What’s Happening in Central Victoria?

1. Bendigo Share and Repair Shed launched
2. Repair Cafes are Expanding
3. Smoking Ceremony for Renamed Creek
4. Guildford Folk Club
5. Yes to Voice to Parliament
6. Yandoit Milking Cooperative
7. Wararack- Community Climate Transition Plan
8. Wararack and MASG Networking Drinks
9. Ballarat Zero Emissions Alliance Workshops
10. Mt Alexander Sustainability Group (MASG) Programs
11. Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize
12. Loddon Mallee Climate Change and Health Framework
13. Castlemaine Library Event- The Emotional World of Primary School Kids
14. Wild at Art- Threatened Species Art Competition
15. Connecting Country- Bird of the Month
16. Stories of Transition- on line event- Transition Australia
17. New Economy Network of Australia- Conference Proposals
18. Northern Arts Hotel
19. Saltgrass Podcasts and Interviews
20. Wombat Forest Care
21. Don’t Undermine Daylesford
22. Contra Guitar Duo
23. Calling All Artists- Newstead Arts Hub
24. Coiled basketry – a workshop with Jodie Goldring
25. Hub Writers Group: Monthly ‘Let’s Shut Up & Write’
26. Words in Winter- Daylesford
27. Words in Winter- Open Mic at Yandoit Cultural
28. Harcourt Organic Farming Cooperative- Orchard
29. Castlemaine Weekly Farmers Market
30. Mt Alexander Shire’s Climate Change Strategy
31. Hepburn’s Sustainability Advisory Group
32. Future Hepburn – Join our Community Engagement Pool
33. National Tree Day
34. Central Victorian Biolinks Alliance
35. Alliance for Responsible Mining Regulation
36. Newstead 2021 Project- Community Meeting
37. Diamond Firetail – A Vulnerable Local Species
38. Hepburn Shire’s Age-friendly Declaration Expo
39. North Central Catchment Management Info
40. Revegetation Success in a Changing Climate event
41. Sustainable Hepburn News and Sustainable Hepburn Advisory Committee
42. Walking Together
43. Mt Alexander Shire News
44. Castlemaine Free University
    
45. Seeds of Renewal Leadership Course
46. Community Battery
47. VNI West Transmission Lines Update
48. Winter Workshop series for Soil Health and Fruit Trees
49. Castlemaine Seed Library
50. Refugee Support in Daylesford

Letters

Food for Thought

Changes to Localising Leanganook e-news

Welcome to the July/August edition of Localising Leanganook e-news. You will notice changes to this and future editions. The call out to establish an editing group has borne fruit and there are now three new locals joining Nikki Marshall to prepare the newsletter (Keppel Cassidy, Laurel Freeland, Samantha Wittenberg ) .  Each edition will begin with a thoughtful quote;  followed by a feature article; an abbreviated  ‘what’s happening in our neighbourhood’  section with links to further information; a letters section; and a ‘food for thought’ section with links to articles, podcasts, books etc.

We welcome your feedback, letters and what’s happening updates. Just click on ’email us’ at  https://leanganook.org/contact/ 

The Localising Leanganook e-news started in 2017, following on from Local Lives Global Matters- a Conference for Future’s Sake–  held in Castlemaine in October 2015. The e-news encourages and provides information about localising initiatives in central Victoria which sustain viable local economies, act on social and ecological justice, reclaim democracy and revitalise spirit.

Feature Article

Cultivating a Thrutopian Mindset to Seed a Viable Future for All-  by Laurel Freeland, Newstead

Many of our current debates about climate change are based on polarised beliefs about either/or, right and wrong, us/them which arise from binary, fragmentary views of the world.  The trajectory of this perspective leads us to further extremes – perpetual wars within and between ourselves, groups and nations that impede our collective ability to take the actions needed to create a viable future for all life.

There are many ways to create the future.  There is a growing awareness that individually and collectively we have agency to contribute to a way of being in the world that engenders greater social, ecological, economic and political equity.  Whatever we are focusing on now is what will create our future.

Some great minds have contributed to a way of being-and-doing in the world that takes us beyond globalisation, corporate interests, economics as the primary measure of success, excessive extraction and an ever-widening gap between rich and poor.  We know this old story well and we know it is not working for the good of all.

Many indigenous cultures considered the impact of their practices on the next seven generations. And many contemporary thinkers have recognised that catastrophising and blaming is not sufficient to motivate the changes needed if we are to survive this precarious time on Earth.

Professor Rupert Read is one of our contemporary thinkers who recognises this and sees that we can cut through the false binaries of dystopian and utopian futures by telling different stories – ones that recognise the precarious place we find ourselves in and which show possibility –   a pathway out.  He calls this Thrutopia.

A Thrutopian Mindset

Cultivating a Thrutopian mindset is one way we can cut through these polarities to generate life enhancing stories that seed a viable future for all life.   In 2017 Professor Read was asking himself, ‘How do we get to a position where we’re able to have a sort of realistic picture for how the future could be?  How do we aim for that future to be as good as possible?’  He recognised the dilemma that, despite the urgent need to take action on climate and other planetary boundaries that humanity has exceeded, the message just wasn’t working.

Concurrently, many of his contemporaries were on a similar path – Rob Hopkins – From What Is to What If; Charles Eisenstein – A New Climate; Paul Hawken – Drawdown; Joanna Macy – The Work that Reconnects; and others were generating possible futures by offering solutions and processes, showing what is working, how to do more of it, how to imagine a viable future,  and acting on what we are called to do.

Even the IPCC in its 2023 summary report began writing in a more accessible way than its previously indecipherable scientific jargon, ‘This report recognises the interdependence of climate, ecosystems and biodiversity and human societies and integrates knowledge more strongly across the natural, ecological, social and economic sciences than earlier IPCC assessments. The assessment of climate change impacts and risks as well as adaptation, is set against concurrently unfolding non climatic global trends, which are biodiversity loss, overall unsustainable consumption of natural resources, land and ecosystem degradation, rapid urbanisation, human demographic shifts, social and economic inequalities and a pandemic.’

A way of writing and communicating that recognises the gravity of our planetary situation and which offers a viable possible future is sorely needed.

Prof. Read wrote a short paper, ‘Thrutopia: Why Neither Dystopias Nor Utopias are Enough to Get Us Through the Climate Crisis and how a Thrutopia could be.’

A Thrutopian mindset is the foundation from which we create a viable future for all beings, one that we would be proud to leave for the next seven generations. It involves examining who and how we are being and a change of mindset individually and collectively.

Professor Read coined the concept and the term Thrutopia that was published in his article of the same name in the Huffington Post in 2017.

Telling stories is powerful.  The ‘right and wrong’ game has been a big story on this planet.  It has generated a lot of collective stupidity.  We need stories that cut through binary perspectives that can generate collective wisdom.

There is a germ of hope if Thrutopia remains present in any vision that we are trying to get behind for the future.  From this mindset we can tell stories that seed possibility and inspire actions.

References:

Huffington Post (https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/rupert-read/thrutopia-why-neither-dys_b_18372090.htm

Manda Scott, Accidental Gods, Episode #122) (https://accidentalgods.life/transformative-connection/

Karen O’Brien, You Matter More Than You Think, Quantum Social Change for a Thriving World.

IPCC Climate Change 2023 Synthesis –  Summary for Policymakers. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/

What’s Happening in Central Victoria?

1. Bendigo Share and Repair Shed launched

Where:  120 Garsed Street, Bendigo

It includes a new Tool Library, the Useful Bin, Upcycled Textiles, a Food is Free station and a one-stop recycling space and the Bendigo Repair Cafe. To find out more contact Elsie — elsie@commoners.coop — For more info https://www.mckeanmcgregor.com.au/pages/real-estate/blog/13516/the-bendigo-share-repair-cafe-a-sustainable-haven-for-repair-and-reuse

2. Repair Cafes are Expanding

In addition Bendigo’s Share and Repair shed (see above) , Castlemaine, Daylesford and Ballarat continue to grow in strength. Recently Creswick started  Repair and Share.

Castlemaine: last Sunday of the month, 10am to 1pm at Casltemaine Community House. The July cafe (30/7)will have a focus on apple computers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/castlemainerepaircafe/

Daylesford: Third Sunday of the month, 1-4pm at Victoria Park Pavillion. Regular workshops inlcuding welding,  creative darning and mending, basic plumbing and more.  https://www.facebook.com/daylesfordrepaircafe/

Creswick: Next Repair and Share- Sunday August 6th, 1-4pm, at Creswick Neighbourhood Centre. The August session will include a workshop on how to make recycled denim dog toys. This is an  initiative of  Transition Creswick and includes a community lunch and produce swap.  Foe more information : Tim Drylie 0425 716 544 or facebook:  https://fb.me/e/3JyILUUnx

Ballarat: Every 4th Saturday, 1-4pm at Barkly Square. Subscribe to the newsletter here: https://breaze.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe…

3. Smoking Ceremony for Renamed Creek

Renaming of the old Jim Crow creek to Larni Barrumal Yaluk was celebrated on July 18th with a smoking ceremony at Franklinford.  “Bringing a Dja Dja Wurrung presence back to Country is significant for Dja Dja Wurrung People’s health and wellbeing. We are also pleased to share our language and heritage with the wider community” said Rodney Carter, Djarra CEO .

“Larni Barramal Yaluk means ‘the creek that flows through the home or dreaming place of the emu’.

Elder Uncle Rick Nelson performed a smoking ceremony and Jason Kerr played the digeridoo.

4. Guildford Folk Club

When: 3rd Thursday of each month, 7.30pm

Where:  Northern Arts Hotel, Barkers St, Castlemaine

One of the region’s oldest continuous music gatherings, meeting monthly for over 30 years. The emphasis has always been on participation and the sharing of folk/acoustic songs, music and the spoken word. These enjoyable evenings take a “round-robin” approach with participants taking turns to share a song, tune or poem, with others joining in when appropriate. Contact Jeanette Gillespie if you wish to participate: jfgfolk@gmail.com or 0414 732 667.

5. Yes to Voice to Parliament

Central Victoria has a number of groups and activities to support the indigenous voice to parliament referendum. Kitchen Table Conversations (KTC’s) are being held around the region including at Newstead Arts Hub. Other local communities are invited to hold KTC’s- thoughtful conversations about the referendum, encouraging people to talk together, read and consider a range of information and then make their own decision on how they want to vote.

Several meetings have been held at Castlemaine library to support the Voice, thanks to Vic Say. Next meeting is Saturday July 29th, 12noon.

Bendigo (electorate) for Yes is meeting regularly at Newstead Hotel on Friday evenings. Newstead Arts Hub will be hosting several small round table discussions using the Together Yes resources: please book to come along . Dates are: Wed 9 and 30 August, 5.30-7.00pm (refreshments provided). Or you can book a space at the Hub if you would like to hold your own small group conversation – email info@newsteadartshub.org .For further info contact Dimity – 0475 260 051. .

For more information about Together Yes or to register as a small group discussion host go to https://togetheryes.com.au/

10. Mt Alexander Sustainability Group (MASG) Programs

21. Don’t Undermine Daylesford

A group of concerned locals who have come together in response to  mining exploration projects close to Daylesford, including homes, spring water  and aquifers.

The risks posed by mining operations to our community are too great to ignore.

https://dont-undermine-daylesford.website/

22. Contra Guitar Duo

When: Saturday 29 July, 7pm (concert at 7.30pm)

Where: Newstead Arts Hub, 8a Tivey St, Newstead

Queensland-based Contra Guitar Duo – Hamish Strathdee and Emma-Shay Gallenti-Guilfoyle.

23. Calling All Artists- Newstead Arts Hub

Exhibition spaces at the Hub
Bookings now open for 2024!  Email us at info@newsteadartshub.org or submit a short proposal at https://newsteadartshub.org/venue-hire/.

Experimental Print Prize: entries open now 
Entries are now open for the Experimental Print Prize auspiced by Castlemaine Art Museum.  For all the details go to the CAM website. Entries close 23 July 2023.

Maldon Landscape Prize: Essence of Place
The inaugural Landscape Prize 2023 Essence of Place is presented by Maldon Artist Network (MANet) and EDGE Galleries. Entries close 8 September 2023. First prize $10,000 and People’s Choice Award $1000 for the online exhibition winner. For more information go to the MANET website

24. Coiled basketry – a workshop with Jodie Goldring

Where: Newstead Arts Hub, 8A Tivey St, Newstead

When: Saturday 22 July, 10am-3.30pm

Learn how to use natural plant fibre to coil a functional basket.

Newstead Arts Hub

25. Hub Writers Group: Monthly ‘Let’s Shut Up & Write’ 

When: Last Friday, each month – starts at 1pm.

Where: Newstead Arts Hub, 8A Tivey St, Newstead

The Hub Writers Group is self-organising and supports everyone to write at their own pace.

More info: Dimity on 0475 260 051

26. Words in Winter- Daylesford

A weekend of writers, story-tellers,  poets, artists and more.

This years theme is ‘Out of the Shadows’.

When: August 25, 26 and 27th

Where: Assorted venues around Daylesford

For program: https://wordsinwinter.com/

27. Words in Winter- Open Mic at Yandoit Cultural

Stories, song, poetry and local history.

The theme for this year’s Open Mic session is “around the hearth”- that place where we gather in the winter. All welcome.

When: Sunday August 27th, 2pm

Where: Yandoit Cultural– the old  church in the bush, Uniting Church Rd,  (off High ) Yandoit

28. Harcourt Organic Farming Cooperative- Orchard

EOI for an exciting farming adventure now open! 

An “instant orchard” business opportunity available right now at our organic farm in Harcourt.

29. Castlemaine Weekly Farmers Market

Castlemaine Farmers Market Weekly

When: 2:30-5:30pm

Where: Camp Reserve.

30. Mt Alexander Shire’s Climate Change Strategy

You can view the final documents here:

• Climate Change Strategy
• Action Plan 2023/2024

The strategy sets six long-term climate change response goals for Council. These focus on integrating climate action, supporting just and equitable transitions, enhancing our natural environment, incorporating climate into our infrastructure planning and renewal, supporting community connections, and moving toward a circular economy. Council’s role in fulfilling these goals is clarified through action areas, with the Action Plan 2023/2024 guiding the coming financial year’s delivery.

For further information: Melanie Marshall- m.marshall@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Subscribe to Council’s Sustainability News here.

31. Hepburn’s Sustainability Advisory Group

Are you passionate about Sustainability and the Environment? Join council’s new Sustainability Advisory group to help guide our sustainable action plan. Sign up below before Monday 31 July.

https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/sustainable-hepburn-community-advisory-committee

32. Future Hepburn – Join our Community Engagement Pool

Our towns are changing, growing, developing. What do we want to save and protect? How do we want to grow? Future Hepburn is a once-in-a-generation project to design how our towns look in 30 years. Be part of our focus groups. Council is calling for community members to sign up to part of a community pool to advise and give input. Your input into neighbourhood character, transport connections, biodiversity, agricultural land, bushfire, town structure plans is important. Help develop Structure Plans for Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Trentham, Glenlyon, Clunes or Creswick.

Register for the Community Engagement Pool at: https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/future-hepburn

33. National Tree Day

A family planting celebration.

When: Sunday July 30th, 10am -12noon.

Where: Railway St, Chewton

34. Central Victorian Biolinks Alliance

Community-connected conservation across Central Victoria

Connecting Country’s Feathered Five includes the small but striking Diamond Firetail. It is a tricky bird to find, but not impossible.

Their conservation status was unfortunately recently upgraded to Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. It means that over the last 10 years, the population has an estimated decline in the region of 30-50%, with a high probability of declining further in the future.

Photo: Damien Kelly

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

38. Hepburn Shire’s Age-friendly Declaration Expo

THEME: ‘Getting to know each other’.

Event time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm 27 July 2023

Event Place: Trentham Pavilion – 25 Falls Rd, Trentham.

To RSVP:  The Hepburn Shire Age-friendly Declaration Expo: 27th July, 12pm-3pm, Trentham Pavilion (office.com)

39. North Central Catchment Management Info

Find out more about water management in our region via the North Central Chat:

North Central Chat July 2023 | North Central Catchment Management Authority (nccma.vic.gov.au)

40. Revegetation Success in a Changing Climate event

When: Tuesday 1 August 2023

Where: Anglican Church Hall, Castlemaine

Organised by: Connecting Country

The event will address how we plan revegetation in a changing climate. The event will feature presentations from Sasha Jellinek (University of Melbourne), DJAARA and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA), and a Q&A panel session to finish. 

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

41. Sustainable Hepburn News and Sustainable Hepburn Advisory Committee

You can sign-up to the Sustainable Hepburn e-newsletter. Council will report back on the progress with the strategy we co-designed with the community in 2022. Find out how we can work together to reach a circular, zero emission, climate resilient and biodiverse Shire.

Subscribe to Sustainable Hepburn e-news

Expressions of interest are still open for the Sustainable Hepburn Advisory Committee. Find out more!

42. Walking Together

This month’s theme is NAIDOC – For Our Elders, prepared by Floria from Friends of Nalderun. 

  Copy of Copy Walking Together – NAIDOC WEEK 2023

43. Mt Alexander Shire News

Projects now open for input

Communications and Engagement Strategy Plan to improve the delivery of communications, as well as support the community to engage and participate in Council decision making.

Draft Waste Management Strategy  A high-level vision for Council’s waste management services for the future, with a focus on reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

Castlemaine Railway Precinct Master Plan   Draft Masterplan for Castlemaine Railway Precinct.

Future housing in Maldon and Newstead What types of housing are needed to accommodate population growth in the coming years.

Amendment to Local Law 13 passes – Removing requirements for people wishing to camp or occupy a caravan or tiny home on wheels on private property, where there is an existing dwelling.

44. Castlemaine Free University

When: Monday August 7th, 6.30 for a 7pm start

Where: Northern Arts Hotel

Learn about Occupy French style as Yoann tells us about living in the Notre Dame de Landes ZAD established to prevent a rural area becoming an airport.

For more information: anitra.nelson@unimelb.edu.au

46. Community Battery

Hepburn Energy is one step closer to becoming Australia’s first energy park on the distribution network with wind turbines and battery storage, thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program.

For more information about the Hepburn Energy community battery project see their website.

For more information on the Community Batteries Program visit the federal government website.

47. VNI West Transmission Lines Update

via Wombat Post 2/6/ 23  https://thewombatpost.com.au/

VNI West, is the government’s plan to deliver 500 kilovolt overhead transmission lines from Bulgana, south-east of Stawell in Victoria, to just north of Jerilderie in NSW.  The project is part of the state government’s push to reach its target of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035 but it has consistently drawn criticism from  farmers and landowners who are concerned about the impacts on their land.

The preferred route in the north of the state is different from the route which and been advised to landholders. The new route will cross the Murray River north of Kerang rather than at Echuca. The proposed route will then pass through Boort, Charlton, west of St Arnaud and through Navare. The link will join the Western Renewables Link at at a new terminal station at Bulgana.

The proposal for the Western Renewables Link remains unchanged. An earlier proposal for a terminal station at Mount Pleasant has been removed but the proposed route for the Link through Hepburn Shire remains unchanged. Hepburn Shire Council still has serious concerns about the increase in size of transmission line towers and the abject lack of genuine consideration for undergrounding lines.

“Farmers will face the unwelcome prospect of massive easements around transmission infrastructure on their property, thereby restricting agricultural activities in this incredibly productive land,”  said Hepburn Shire Mayor.“We encourage the community to continue to make their voices heard throughout this process, including the upcoming Environmental Impact Assessment process.”

The VNI West Project Assessment Conclusions Report is available on the AEMO website.

48. Winter Workshop series for Soil Health and Fruit Trees

at Harcourt Organic Farming Coop.

49. Castlemaine Seed Library

The Castlemaine Seed Library volunteers meet once a month to package up all the saved seeds – if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, contact them via  castlemaineseedlibrary@gmail.com

The Castlemaine Seed Library is free and everyone is welcome to use it during Library opening hours. The Library also has a great collection of gardening and seed saving books available to borrow too!

Donations of saved seeds are also welcome.

For enquiries-  visit www.castlemaineseedlibrary.org.au  

1.Biolinks- Rewilding Central Victoria workshop recording

Could the topical conservation approach ‘rewilding’ restore nature at the extent and speed we urgently need here in Central Victoria?

 podcast and video recording from the day 

https://thewombatpost.com.au/2023/06/09/the-voice-we-must-accept-the-invitation-of-first-nations-people/

3. Transition Australia videos

Three new videos: stories of Transition Darebin, Transition Dubbo and Active Hope online; HEART NATION online book club; Cohousing webinar .

three new videos‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

4.  The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need

by Thomas Mayo & Kerry O’Brien (2023 Hardie Grant Explore) 96 pages.

5. Transitioning to clean energy would reduce the volume and harm of mining dramatically

6. Shifting Landscapes: Volume 4 –  Emergence magazine

7. World Localisation Day recordings

Online event recordings from World Localization Day 2023, including two powerful webinars featuring the voices of leading localizers from every continent.

New Economy Network Australia:

• Localizing our economies in the face of global corporatism
• Local resilience after fire and flood
• Localizing our food systems
• Local solutions to Australia’s housing crisis
• Building governance systems for localization

The Gift of Local Interdependence webinar with Pat McCabe/Woman Stands Shining & Helena Norberg-Hodge.‘Why localisation is the path to human wellbeing’ – Resurgence Talk with Helena Norberg-Hodge

World Localization Day webinar hosted by the Sloth club (in Japanese and English) – with Keibo Oiwa and Helena Norberg-Hodge.

Virtual panel on Education, Art and Culture – hosted by the Alliance for a Local Future (Mexico) and Local Futures (in Spanish).

The Reconomistas ‘Twinning REconomy Places’ webinar with Jay Tompt.

Village green India ‘InstaLive’ Sanjana Kaushik in conversation with Kunzang Deachen (Local Futures Ladakh), Alex Jensen and Henry Coleman (Local Futures).

Food Forest ‘InstaLive’ with Pacha Light and Henry Coleman (Local Futures)

8. Wedge issue: rich soils of Melbourne’s fringe under siege from development

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/02/wedge-issue-rich-soils-of-melbournes-fringe-under-siege-from-development

9. Marisa Holmes’ Occupy Wall Street, reviewed 

— https://www.ppesydney.net/a-human-geography-of-the-space-of-the-square/ — is the latest release in the Alternatives and Futures series

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Published in the Wombat Post   16/12/22

15. Rethinking Democracy- Democracy 4 Dinner

You can subscribe to Castlemaine’s Rethinking Democracy newsletter and posts .  The posts are part of Democracy for Dinner’s new channel ‘Rethinking Democracy’, all about what is working in democracy, what isn’t and how we can keep citizens at the centre.

Subscribe

16. Food for Thought ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

1‌6.1  On the Road with Thomas Merton – Emergence Magazine 18/12/22

16.2   Wetland Bounty – Natural Newstead Blog Post:  https://geoffpark.wordpress.com/

16.3 New podcast episode – Dr. Iain McGilchrist – Rediscovering wisdom in a world gone mad

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Gratitude and reciprocity are the currency of a gift economy, and they have the remarkable property of multiplying with every exchange, their energy concentrating as they pass from hand to hand, a truly renewable resource. I accept the gift from the bush and then spread that gift with a dish of berries to my neighbour, who makes a pie to share with his friend, who feels so wealthy in food and friendship that he volunteers at the food pantry.

To name the world as gift is to feel one’s membership in the web of reciprocity. It makes you happy—and it makes you accountable. Conceiving of something as a gift changes your relationship to it in a profound way, even though the physical makeup of the “thing” has not changed. A woolly knit hat that you purchase at the store will keep you warm regardless of its origin, but if it was hand knit by your favourite auntie, then you are in relationship to that “thing” in a very different way: you are responsible for it, and your gratitude has motive force in the world. You’re likely to take much better care of the gift hat than the commodity hat, because it is knit of relationships. This is the power of gift thinking. I imagine if we acknowledged that everything we consume is the gift of Mother Earth, we would take better care of what we are given. Mistreating a gift has emotional and ethical gravity as well as ecological resonance.

Robin Wall Kimmerer

https://emergencemagazine.org/essay/the-serviceberry/

Welcome to the November/December edition of Localising Leanganook. In this edition you will find information about:

1. Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition– Another step towards Reconciliation
2. Ausnet Transmission Towers and VNI West Update
3. Upcoming Climate Action in Bendigo- Central Vic Climate Action
4. Housing in Mt Alexander Shire- No Room at the Inn?
5. Castlemaine Seed Library
6. Climate Emergency- Mt Alexander Shire and Wararack – your feedback
7. Christmas Carols at Yandoit Cultural with Castlemaine Choir
8. Hepburn Matters- A Community Meeting on the Future of the Rex
9. Some Democracy Thoughts- Democracy 4 Dinner
10. Northern Arts Hotel- What’s On
11. Managing Natural Shelter Belts
12. Mt Franklin Organics
13. Kavisha Mazella concert at Yandoit Cultural raises money for Ukrainian Refugees
14. Keeping Plastic out of Landfill
15. Climate Emergency Letter
16. Housing Affordability in Hepburn Shire
17. Growing Abundance and Fruit Trees
18. Shape Mt Alexander- Have your say
19. Sustainable Agriculture- Building Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactors
20. Alliance For Responsible Mining Regulation Launches 10 point reform plan
21. Climate Action Court Case
22. River Detectives- 2023 Registrations
23. Story Telling Masterclass
24. Hepburn Wholefoods
25. Flood Resources
26. New Economy Network-  Housing Week Recordings
27. Walking Together – Jan Wositzky
28. Mt Alexander Shire- Community Reference Group – 10-year Climate Change Strategy
29. Wombat Forest Care
30. Farmers for Climate Action
31. Loddon Campaspe- Development of a Regional Food Systems Framework
32. Transition Australia
33. Climate: The Long Game-  Castlemaine Free University Reading Group 2022–2023
34. Repair Cafes
35. Renewable Newstead- Solar Farm takes a big step forward
36. Harcourt Organic Farming Cooperative
37. Mt Alexander LETS
38. Food for Thought

1. Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition – Another Step Towards Reconciliation

A contribution from Ed Butler, (Manager, Communications and Customer Services Mt Alexander Shire Council) to WALKING TOGETHER – towards Makarrata

“This is a story my father told me. It’s hugely important to pass it on to our children, and our children’s children”  – Uncle Rick Nelson

The Mount Alexander Shire community has taken a huge collective step towards Reconciliation this month with the opening of the extraordinary Boorp Boorp Boondyil exhibition. The exhibition, which now has a permanent home in the historic Market Building in Castlemaine, is the result of nearly a decade’s work of Uncle Rick Nelson and his father Uncle Brien Nelson, along with numerous other First Nations community members and allies.

Boorp Boorp Boondyil, which loosely translates to ‘passing knowledge to the children’, was produced by Uncle Rick with support from local children themselves, alongside Nalderun Aboriginal Education Corporation, Sharing Stories Foundation and Mount Alexander Shire Council. The exhibition also features artwork by First Nations artists Alvin Darcy Briggs and Aunty Marilyne Nicholls.

Photo: Uncle Rick Nelson

Boorp Boorp Boondyil is pronounced ‘Boorp’ as in ‘torpedo’ and ‘Boondyil’ as in ‘book’, and is a name gifted to the project by Uncle Rick.

This permanent exhibit will provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to walk through an interactive space, where they will learn the history of the area, including the story of the Eagle, the Bat and the Crow, the Creation Story of the Dja Dja Wurrung in the Mount Alexander region, as told by the Nelson family. The exhibition also includes important cultural lessons about living on Country and bush foods, medicine, waterways and weaving.

It welcomes visitors onto Jaara Country, and serves as a starting point to learning more about the rich history of this land’s traditional custodians. Boorp Boorp Boondyil also includes immersive and interactive opportunities to discover Dja Dja Wurrung language, and Jaara stories and teachings. Vitally, this was first and foremost a Dja Dja Wurrung project – Uncle Rick was hired as a Council staff member for a full year as project leader, overseeing the design and development of the exhibition and its content. A demonstration of self-determination, with the institutional backing of the local Council, is a wonderful example of how far this community has come in recent years.

The exhibition was launched by Uncle Rick, Mayor Bill Maltby, and Maree Edwards MP in front of a huge and enthusiastic crowd, featuring performances by Alvin Briggs and Justice Nelson. The region’s journey towards reconciliation continues, and has a long way to go. A permanent exhibition, created and led by an Elder, that shares – and enhances – the space of the historic Market Building, will serve as a central space on which residents and visitors can begin or continue their own journeys for years to come.

Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation is a service that supports the Aboriginal Community, led by Aboriginal people. Many people and organisations in the Mount Alexander Shire contribute to Nalderun; the name is a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning “all together”.

More information can be found at www.nalderun.net.au

2. Ausnet Transmission Towers and VNI West Update

Join the thousands of members of the Moorabool and District Power Alliance (MDPA) by subscribing your email address at https://www.stopausnetstowers.com.au/get-involved/ Joining MDPA costs nothing. MDPA are the umbrella community group challenging the Western Renewables Link (WRL) a project that includes a proposed $470m substation on 17 Ha of prime agricultural land in Newlyn near the Swiss Mountain. This proposed substation is to be the launching pad for the proposed 85m tall VNI West powerline project which will cut through parts of Hepburn and Mt Alexander shires on its way to Bendigo.

Within the next 2 weeks MDPA are launching a federal court action aimed at forcing Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to take the WRL project back to the drawing board. The VNI West powerline project will need to be reconsidered if the MDPA court challenge is successful.

The VNI West powerline was the subject of two Hepburn Shire organised community meetings at Yandoit Mechanics Institute on October 12. Three senior staff members from AEMO outlined AEMO’s logic for the need for VNI West and the process for deciding on the 85m tall powerline’s viability and its route. At these very well attended community meetings AEMO stressed VNI West is expected to be completed within 9 years (the next day a ministerial media release reduced this to 6 years) and has been declared a project of national significance by state and federal ministers.

AEMO said that no decision has been made on the specific route for the powerline at this stage (specifically whether it follows the existing Ballarat to Bendigo powerline route through Werona, Yandoit and Clydesdale, Strangways, Muckleford). AEMO also mentioned that the existing 35m tall line traversing our area may be pulled down after the new line is completed. AEMO also asked that we send them any comments or concerns via the project email address at VNIWestRITT@aemo.com.au. Thanks to Hepburn shire for organising these meetings and to the 3 AEMO people for making the effort to come to our little community!

Please consider joining MDPA and adding to the thousands of MDPA existing members. Every member helps MDPA show the Federal Court the breadth and depth of their community support in getting local voices involved in the location of powerline infrastructure traversing our communities. Success in MDPA’s Federal court challenge will reduce the probability of VNI West cutting through and destroying our beautiful area. Contact Richard Johnston (0422 150 010) if you’d like more information.  www.stopausnettowers.com.au/get-involved/

With thanks to Richard Johnston, Yandoit Hills

The power of people is stronger than the power people – Let’s stand together to make a difference and Stop AusNet’s Towers.

The Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance has uncovered fundamental flaws in the Western Victorian Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (West Vic RIT-T) which was undertaken by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Save our farms, towns and communities. AusNet’s towers will be a blight on the region for generations. The proposed overhead transmission line project will have a 100-year impact on our communities.

The transition to renewable energy doesn’t need to leave an army of transmission towers and a massive terminal station in its wake. Destroying the uniqueness of Western Victoria. There are better solutions that are not being considered.

• Overhead powerlines are a proven bushfire risk
• They will destroy Victoria’s highest producing agricultural land
• They will decimate endangered species’ habitat
• They will impact on property values
• Tourism and the Environment will suffer

About our Legal Action – fighting the WRL also fights VNI West.

We have developed a comprehensive legal fight backed by significant public funding to date however to progress this challenge and force this project back to the drawing board we need to raise a further funds. We all face significant financial loss if these towers and the terminal station are built. Dig deep and tell your friends and neighbours. Every donation helps.

Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance

3. Upcoming Climate Action in Bendigo- Central Vic Climate Action

WHAT? Central Vic Climate Action is planning an action targeting NAB in Bendigo

WHERE? the NAB building, 57-59 Mitchell St, Bendigo

WHEN? Friday 2^nd December, 2022 at 3.15pm until 5 .00pm

WHY?  In 2022 we are in a climate emergency and yet:-

• Whitehaven Coal plans a large expansion of its coal mines in NSW!!
• NAB bank agrees to lend them millions of $’s for the expansion??

• COP27 fails in Egypt – countries do not agree to significantly reduce carbon emissions, nor to aid Pacific island nations already suffering!!

This is NOT acceptable and we need people to join us at the bank on Friday to raise awareness about NAB and its deadly link to this rogue coal company, Whitehaven.

We are planning a fun event with movies and singing etc. So bring along your pop corn and your deck chair. Most importantly bring along your friends and meet us outside the bank in Mitchell Street.

RSVP Trevor 0412 250 392 or Laura 0412 887 835

Please let us know if you are coming; and please advise if you have any skills such as banner/placard making, photographing, filming etc.

4. Housing in Mt Alexander Shire- No Room at the Inn?

What: Discussion about Affordable Housing with My Home Network, organised by Castlemaine Free University

When: Monday December 5th, 7pm

Where: Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine

5. Castlemaine Seed Library

‘Nice weather for ducks’ was my father’s favourite thing to say when it was raining. My vegetables are enjoying it, as I don’t have irrigation, they are used to growing with as little water as possible. Now I see how big everything would be if I did have irrigation! After the October rains we are left with a new dam and fragrant swamp to the side of our house, (house, studio and sheds not flooded, fortunately) where the frogs noisily enjoy themselves every evening, and two sets of ducks have raised lots of little baby ducks.

Working Bee: Thursday 1st December will be the last working bee for 2022. If you would like to join our friendly group at the library at 11am for seed packing, we will be delighted to see you there! My thanks to our regular volunteers, for all your help packing seeds, making up labels, re-stocking the board, helping to plan what next, growing out seeds to test varieties and donating seeds. Nice work, team! There’s no working bee in Jan, so we are back at it in February.

Seed donation

Gregg from Useful Seed has once again generously donated lots of seed to the seed library. There will be some variety in the plants that grow from some batches of these seeds. Gregg grows lots of varieties of the same plant together to create landraces, plants with a lot of genetic diversity. They develop over time through the plant’s ability to adapt to the environment it finds itself growing in.

As Gregg says: ….we want to offer genuinely new varieties, developed for home growers….we ‘mix up’ varieties through intentional crosses, so gardeners can select new varieties that suit their purposes from the resulting hybrid swarms.” (http://www.usefulseeds.com/)

So, for example, if you find that a particular corn plant thrives in your garden, or grows faster, or grows a lot of cobs, or grows very sweet cobs, save seed from that one. We note on the packet where our seeds come from, so read the packs to know if you have Useful Seed, and expect some diversity in the resulting plants.

6. Climate Emergency- Mt Alexander Shire and Wararack – your feedback

Consultation session

There is a strong commitment across the shire for communities to work together to respond to the declaration of a Climate Emergency by Mt Alexander Shire Council in 2019.

As a part of this journey Mount Alexander Shire Council and Wararack are partnering to run two, two-hour community consultation sessions that we would love for you to be a part of.

The Wararack ask:

Wararack is a coalition of local people in support of a shire-wide, community led building of generative and regenerative ways of living in response to the climate crisis. We seek to promote action that helps us collectively reach zero net emissions, better prepare for climate impacts, to embrace change and to forge new ways of doing and thinking about things. Our goal is to reclaim a climate-safe future for the next generation and beyond. We are currently defining the process for this transition. For this we would love to hear from you.

The first hour of each session will focus on what we need to transition to move from our current ways of living to collectively build resilience, equity and care for Country into our systems and culture while we transition to zero net emissions. 

Council’s ask:

Council is about to develop a 10-year Climate Change Strategy. Our shire is already facing climate change impacts. We know we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, whilst continuing to adapt to impacts like extreme weather. But what does this look like in practice? How can Council best support the transition we know is needed? And how does Council prioritise its tight resources for the best outcomes?

We plan to use the second hour of each session to explore these questions. 

When and Where:

There are currently two workshop sessions to choose from.

• Register here for session 1 = In person – Wednesday 7 December 12.45 for 1pm start and 3pm finish at the Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine
• Register here for session 2 = Online – Wednesday 7 December 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Zoom meeting 

Session Facilitators:

Sharon Fraser from Wararack

Amy Brand and Rob Law engaged by Council for development of the strategy

Further Information:

Click here for more information on Wararack.

Click here for more information on Council’s Climate Change Strategy process.

Have any additional questions? Please email climatechange@mountalexander.vic.gov.au and/or connect@wararack.org and a member from the relevant team will get back to you.

 

Survey

Mt Alexander Shire Council is asking residents to share their views on climate change to help inform the development of the new 10-year climate change strategy.Through this survey, the shire hopes to get a strong sense of the areas our community are most concerned about when it comes to climate change, and areas they’d like Council to focus on.  Please complete our survey at https://shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/climate-change-strategy-2023-2033

The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete, and provides an option to go in to a draw for a $100 voucher from a local business. It closes on Sunday 11 December.

7. Christmas Carols at Yandoit Cultural with Castlemaine Choir

A night of carol singing with the Castlemaine choir, led by Jane Thompson and James Rigby. As well as singing there’ll Christmas stories, a visit from Santa and supper under the eucalypts.

When: Sunday December 11^th, 7pm

Where:  Yandoit Cultural– the old Uniting Church in the bush- Uniting Church Rd, Yandoit.

 

8. Hepburn Matters- A Community Meeting on the Future of the Rex

When: Tuesday December 6th at 7pm

Where: Radius Gallery, 76 main Road, Hepburn Springs

Hepburn Matters Inc.  was formed by Rethink the Rex group to advocate for local assets.  Hepburn Matters is asking for your support as they advocate for community assets! Sign the petition calling on Councillors to favourably consider bids for THE REX that include provision for community use and heritage protections.  https://chng.it/yjgYm2d5

9. Some Democracy Thoughts- Democracy 4 Dinner

 Democracy for Dinner, based in Castlemaine,  is preparing a regular newsletter. Here’s some excerpts:

Election day is pretty much what every Australian equates with democracy, but it hasn’t always been the case. As David Van Reybrouk argues in his excellent book Against Elections (full review in an upcoming newsletter!), democracy was never intended to be purely ‘representative’, and not only ‘electoral’ either. 

There are many examples of other democratic systems already in use around the world. We will explore these further in future posts and newsletters, but here is a taster of two of the most impactful:

Direct democracy – essentially, voting on issues, rather than representatives (or, worse, parties). We have direct democracy in Australia (though rarely) via referenda. In other countries this is much more common.

• In Switzerland, for example, representative democracy is coupled with a citizens initiative system. Any citizen of voting age can proposed constitutional amendments (‘popular initiative’) or seek a referendum on a law passed at any level of government (‘optional referendum’). (Switzerland also has a more sophisticated ‘bottom up’ federalism model, which has local cantons collecting taxes).
• Even the United States, many states have ‘ballot initiatives’ at any given election. At the recent US mid-terms, for example, there were a plethora of initiatives asking questions on abortion, climate action, voting rights and legalising marijuana. Most of these are legally binding (or highly influential) on State legislatures

Direct democracy can be great, where the situation is relatively simple, or where the issue is significant in the public mind and people have had access to good information to make up their minds. But it just can’t work for everything. The problem with direct democracy is that it can be highly susceptible to reactionary, surface level responses, and is easily manipulated by misinformation (if you believe the hype, something like a direct democracy model is part of Elon Musk’s long-term plan for Twitter – which should be fun to watch).

Deliberative democracy – deliberative approaches allow a small number of people, often chosen to be representative of the population, to consider a complex issue, hear from experts and reach a view through considered dialogue.  A well-functioning parliament ought to be a deliberative mechanism, but the proliferation of political parties and partisan voting has all but extinguished this.

More effective examples involve citizens assemblies or citizen’s panels, chosen at random (but can be weighted for demographic characteristics for example). There is really strong evidence that given an opportunity to deliberate, people make better choices.  Successful examples are big and small: in Victoria some water authorities are using citizen panels to set prices, local governments are required to use deliberative approaches by the 2020 Local Government Act. Iceland held a citizen panel for its constitutional reforms, Ireland did the same for the constitutional reforms that enshrined a right to an abortion.

Expect to hear much more on this in future newsletters. In the meantime, our friends at Change Politics are hosting an event on 7 December to hear directly from the Secretary-General to the President of Ireland about the Irish experience. Or ‘how politics can make room for people. Check it out by clicking the button below

https://events.humanitix.com/how-politics-can-make-room-for-the-people-learning-from-the-irish-story?mc_cid=420c7cafeb&mc_eid=6cd3a562b2

For more information and updates from Democracy for Dinner: https://www.facebook.com/DemocracyforDinner/

Send Democracy 4 Dinner an email if something has caught your eye that you want to discuss, or to book your place in one of our events: info@democracy4dinner.org

10. Northern Arts Hotel- What’s On

FILM
Secret Matinee Film | Sun 27 November at 2.30pm
Brooklyn Arts Hotel Documentary Crowd Funding Request

MUSIC
Open Mic Livestream at the Coolroom | Wed 23 November
Maine-ly Ukes | Thurs  24 November
Guildford Folk Club @ The Coolroom | Thurs 24 November
Ernest Aines & Jack Skellern | Fri 25 November
The Pardoners | Sat 26 November
The Jam Tarts Celebrating Xmas | Fri 2 December
CDoc Club Mighty Horse | Sat 3 December
The Maine Course Celebrating Xmas | Friday 9 December
Maggie Sings Christmas with her NY Jazz Quartet | Saturday 10 December
SPOKEN WORD | TALKS  | WORKSHOPS
PoetiCas at the Coolroom | 26 November
CDoc Club Masterclass for Story Tellers | Sat 3 December
CFU | No Room at the Inn? Housing in Mt Alex Shire | Mon 5 December
Northern Arts Book Club
PROJECTIONS
Another Roadside Attraction Live Nightly in Wimble St

11. Managing Natural Shelter Belts

Shelterbelts guide now available

Native shelterbelts are great for providing stock with shelter and shade, and can also help mitigate erosion, control pests and support native wildlife. Connecting Country has long advocated for the use of native shelterbelts in our landscape, as they provide a variety of services for agriculture and the environment. We are excited to have access to a recently published guide by the Sustainable Farms program at the Australian National University (ANU) on planting and managing native shelterbelts. It is an excellent resource for farmers and other landholders. Please read on for details and the link to the guide.

Planting native shelterbelts on farms is a significant act of land stewardship, one that also delivers demonstrated productivity and biodiversity benefits.

Shelterbelts are generally linear strips of vegetation, intended to provide shelter, shade and wind breaks. Well-managed and diverse native shelterbelts can have productivity benefits for cropping and grazing enterprises while supporting hundreds of species of birds, mammals, invertebrates, frogs and reptiles.

This management guide details the science behind shelterbelts and outlines how to create effective shelterbelts on farms.

Shelterbelts  can be a strip of newly planted trees and shrubs, or can involve the restoration of existing remnant vegetation. Shelterbelts can also incorporate other landscape features such as paddock trees, farm dams, creeks and rocky outcrops. All forms of shelterbelts can significantly improve on-farm biodiversity and deliver productivity benefits to livestock, crops and pastures.

About 85% of the original woodland vegetation has been lost across southeast Australia, and in some regions just 3% remains, predominantly on farms. Planting shelterbelts is one way to help restore this native vegetation cover, and improve habitat connectivity for wildlife.

Australian research indicates that the total amount of native vegetation across a property or the broader landscape is more important than the size of individual patches or plantings. Even small shelterbelts can make a worthwhile contribution to biodiversity. Livestock and wool productivity gains, increases in crop and pasture production, more pollinators, and reductions in costly crop and pasture pests, such as red-legged earth mites, have all been associated with the introduction of shelterbelts on farms.

To download a copy of the ANU’s new guide to shelterbelts – click here

Published by Connecting Country on 16 November, 2022: https://connectingcountry.org.au/

 12.Mt Franklin Organics

Veggies, herbs and seedlings are available at Daylesford’s Sunday market or directly from Florian’s farm behind Mt Franklin, on Saturdays between 11 and 2. Please CALL  beforehand – mob 0412 517 013.  Address is 180 Church Rd,  Mt Franklin come down the driveway and  park in front of the shed with verandah. 

Fresh produce: LAST CHANCE (there might not be a lot of locally grown spuds this year)- Dutch cream potatoes  (also good for planting ) $4.50/kg

Fresh herbs $2.50/bunch.

Seedlings $3.50 or any 3 for $10.00

Chives, garlic chives,  basil, mint, thai basil, Vietnamese mint,  oregano, tarragon, parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, horseradish,  comfrey, snowpeas,  artichokes,  lettuce (3 varieties ), spinach, pak choi, nasturtiums,  marigolds,  lebanese cucumber,  zucchini ( golden, black and striped), pumpkins( qld blue, musquee de provance,  butternut) sweet  corn, green beans, spaghetti squash, sunflowers,

Chillies  (jalapenos, pepperoncino, red and yellow cayenne)

TOMATO PLANTS

rouge de marmande, tommy toe, black russian

green zebra, jaune flamme, oxheart, indigo apple, black krim, yellow cherry, chocolate stripes, aunt ruby, violet jasper, tigerella, black cherry, trifelle, purple cherokee, blueberry and more.

Also

Boysenberry plants  $7.00

Rhubarb plants $7.00

Banana passionfruit plants  $8.00

Red AND black currants $8

About 50 varieties of organic seeds available as well.

Follow Mt Franklin Organics on Instagram    – mtfranklinorganics or facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mtfranklinorganics/

13. Kavisha Mazella concert at Yandoit Cultural raises money for Ukrainian Refugees

It was a full house at Yandoit Cultural on November 13^th thanks to singer, songwriter and story teller Kavisha Mazzella, accompanied on base-guitar and violin by Nick Lyon. Ukrainian born Michael Olijnyk introduced the concert with background information about the Ukraine and Russia.

And from our generous community we raised $2150. This money will go directly to a church on the Polish border where 90% of refugees are finding sanctuary. No administration costs will be deducted and monies will contribute towards shelter, food and medicine especially as the winter draws in.

If you would like to make a donation email Nikki: ycfcpg@gmail.com

14. Keeping Plastic out of Landfill

Collaboration between the Good Op Shop, Mt Alexander Sustainability Group and Castlemaine Secondary College.

The Good Op Shop and Castlemaine Secondary College are working together to raise money to buy the school machines that will shred plastic bottle lids, melt them down and turn them into a new product to sell. These machines use an exciting new technology that can make interesting products such as USBs, plastic sheets, pens and pots for plants from recycled bottle lids. Once a mold has been created, the shredded recycled plastic is poured in and shaped into a new product. This will help to keep more out of our landfill and reduce the amount of plastic that is only single use.

We want the students of Castlemaine Secondary College to learn about a circular economy by being a part of it and making enough money to create new molds and new products. Both The Good Op Shop and the Castlemaine Secondary School are contributing money to the purchase, but we still need to raise $10,000 to buy the machines. The school has set up a bottle lid recycling system and The Good Op Shop and the school will be one of the plastic bottle lid recycling collection points.

By helping the next generation to learn about recycling, to be a part of it and to benefit from it, we hope they will continue to find new ways to recycle more and more products and reduce waste into the future.

Please help to raise $10,000 so that we can purchase the machines for the school and help the students find ways to better look after the environment in the future. The Good Op Shop and Castlemaine Secondary College will contribute $5,000 but we still need $10,000 more to buy the machines.

https://www.mycause.com.au/…/the-next-generation-recycling

15. Climate Emergency Letter

Two years ago I wrote to this newspaper (The Age) about the ills of jet travel in a climate emergency. Yet, in spite of the carbon footprint of jet planes being significantly under-measured in the past, last Saturday’s Age was awash with ads and articles promoting travel to overseas destinations. Australia, particularly NSW, continues to suffer from extensive flooding and, if you watch the national news you’ll know that floods, fires and extreme weather events are not confined to Australia, they are everywhere around the world. Six years ago I was part of a huge campaign to stop the Adani coal mine. Today this mine is proceeding. The Northern Rivers area has had a one in one hundred year flood not once, but five times this year and yet, one of the big four Australian banks has a plan to lend billions of dollars to a large coal company, so that it can embark on yet another huge project. The big question for me is are we going to continue to be lemmings rushing to the edge of the cliff- top ready to jump or, are we going to step up and demand that our government puts and end to this nonsense?

Trevor Scott, Castlemaine

16. Housing Affordability in Hepburn Shire

Please share your views  on housing supply and affordability in Hepburn Shire

Like in many areas of Victoria, it is getting harder for people to find a permanent home in Hepburn Shire that they can afford and meets their needs. It is affecting people on lower incomes but also people in key jobs that are needed to support our local services and business, like hospitality, tourism, farm workers, nurses and other carers.

There are more than 300 households in Hepburn Shire that are either homeless or are in housing stress – unable to afford their basic needs after paying for housing.

Hepburn Shire Council is currently seeking input from the community about what Council could do to help the situation. Most factors that drive housing affordability are outside the direct control of local government and the community. However, there are some things we can do to encourage more affordable housing to be available in the Shire. The feedback from the community will help us develop an Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan to guide our work.

Your views are important. The Strategy aims to increase the supply and availability of permanent homes for people in Hepburn Shire that are affordable and suitable. It is really important that we hear all views and perspectives to inform the actions we might take.

How to participate: We’ve analysed research and data on the issue of housing affordability in the Shire – and put together ‘A Home in Hepburn Shire: Issues and Options Paper’. We’d like to hear your views on the different options. You can provide your feedback until Sunday 4 December 2022.

Visit www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/affordable-housing  or scan the QR code at the end of this letter to complete the survey, read the Issues and Options Paper and find out more. You can call us on (03) 5348 2306 or email shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au if you would like us to send you a hard copy.

You can also register your interest to attend our Affordable Housing Solutions Forum on the evening of Wednesday 8 February 2023, where we will bring together different perspectives to discuss and prioritise potential actions based on the community feedback and other research.

If you, or your group, would like to arrange a meeting to discuss council’s Affordable Housing Strategy & Action Plan,  contact Damien Kennedy, Acting manager, Strategic Planning on 5421 6422.

17. Growing Abundance and Fruit Trees

 

A call out for fruit!  It is the time of mulberries, cherries and apricots. If you have any of these trees in your back garden or orchard and you need help harvesting and making use of your fruit, please get in touch at hello@growingabundance.org.au.

18. Shape Mt Alexander- Have your say

Mt Alexander Shire is looking for feedback on a number of Council projects and initiatives.

Castlemaine Heritage Study
Help us strengthen heritage protections for Castlemaine.

Climate Change Strategy 2022-2033
Work with us to protect our shire from the threat of climate change.

Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy
We’re planning for growth, housing and neighbourhood character in Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton.

Active Transport Strategy
Work with us to plan for the future of active transport.

Have your say on local projects ‌ ‌ ‌

19. Sustainable Agriculture- Building Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactors

Johnson Su composting bioreactors were being constructed by farmers from the Mt Alexander Regenerative Agriculture group last month.
The Johnson-Su bioreactor composting method is a no turn, self-aerating compost system that breaks down the compost material aerobically. The end product is a microbially diverse fungal and nutrient rich compost product which has the consistency of clay. This product has many uses, it can be mixed into a slurry and used as a seed coating prior to sowing. The product can also be used to make a liquid extract that contain a rich and diverse community of soil microbes, especially fungi. The extract needs straining to remove all the solids before being sprayed onto the paddock or directly into the seed furrow.

The participants all contributed to building a Johnson-Su composting bioreactor either for themselves or helping others. The workshop was run by Ross Davey and Michael Mason from Central Victoria Regenerative Farmer group. They have built many of these units for themselves and other group members using the compost extract on their own properties.

For more information: Darren Bain, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator
Ph: 5440 1893 M: +61 419 560 348
E: darren.bain@nccma.vic.gov.au

20. Alliance For Responsible Mining Regulation Launches 10 point reform plan

As Victoria continues to experience a boom in minerals exploration and development, it is essential that we learn from past impacts. While mining helped build the state’s economy in the 19^th century, the current boom threatens regional communities and farmland, and will use increasingly scarce surface and groundwater. All proposals must be carefully scrutinised and managed to avoid reckless and short-sighted approvals so that this and future generations of Victorians are not exposed to even more social, economic, and environmental harm.

In 2021, a range of local groups concerned about the impacts of mining started to meet to share skills, strategy and knowledge. Over time, this informal network developed into the Alliance For Responsible Mining Regulation (ARMR). ARMR calls for an overhaul of mining regulations that must result in better outcomes for the community and environment. ARMR has launched a blueprint for reform of the laws around mining in Victoria.

ARMR believes that Victoria’s Mining Act must be updated to reflect current social, economic, and environmental conservation and biodiversity expectations, including fair compensation for directly and indirectly affected landholders and communities. Legislation and regulations must enforce international best-practice, and include the prohibition of upstream and wet tailings dam facilities to remove the ongoing negative impacts on communities, soils, and water and to alleviate the risk of a catastrophic dam failure and subsequent impacts on neighbouring communities and the environment. Royalties must be brought in line with those of other states and licensing must include the addition of a levy to secure funding for the rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites and the reclamation of Victoria’s many legacy sites

Robyn Grant, President of Mine-Free Glenaladale, said:

“Mine-Free Glenaladale is grateful that ARMR is drawing attention to just how broken mining regulation is in Victoria. It’s time for politicians and decision-makers to start acting for communities, local economies and the environment and to put a stop to mining companies being able lie about resources and profitability and then to walk away leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak behind.”

“What will it take for political parties of all persuasions to start acting responsibly when it comes to mining regulation?”

“ARMR’s 10-point-plan clearly shows what must be done if governments are to have any hope of gaining community trust in mining regulation.”

“The ARMR document is the only thing Mine-Free Glenaladale has seen that clearly outlines what is wrong with mining regulation in Victoria and what must be done to avoid further destruction of communities, local economies and the environment.”

“ARMR’s 10-point-plan gives a path for overcoming the shoddy mining regulation that is costing Victorian communities and their environments dearly, and that is leaving all Victorian taxpayers with massive clean up bills while mining company directors slink away from the messes they’ve made.”

Kirsty McDonald, member of Save the Campaspe said:

“Victorian Mining Regulators are consistently failing to protect communities and the environment, preferring to focus on mining company profit and short term gains.  Regional communities, the health and wellbeing of families, environment and biodiversity across Victoria is baring the full brunt of this bias towards mining companies which in turn is leaving a toxic legacy and land rendered useless for future generations.”

“With Fosterville Gold Mine acknowledging that their proposed expansion could affect regional groundwater resources, never has it been more important for Victorian Mining Regulators to protect downstream primary producers, families and communities that rely on this vital groundwater.”

“Local and State Governments need to stop being short sighted and start putting protections in place that prioritise families, environment and our waterways because mining companies have proven time and time again they will abandon the mine and fail to rehabilitate it.”

“ARMR’s 10 point plan is a responsible, considered, evidence-based approach, with lived experience of mining being a major catalyst for the call to overhaul Mining Regulation in Victoria.”

Col Finnie, Administrator, No Drilling (and no more gold mining) in our Valleys group in north eastern Victoria said:

“The atrocious record of gold mining in Victoria is a “sleeping” environmental travesty in many parts of the state. ARMR is an alliance of many activist groups throughout Victoria aiming to put focus on the detrimental effect of gold mining in this State. The long history of no rehabilitation of mine sites and environmental damage and the apparent disinterest by politicians of all colours motivated the formation of the alliance”.

Further comment

Robyn Grant, President of Mine-Free Glenaladale, 0438 571 586; Col Finnie, 0428315487; Dr Dora Pearce PhD, Environmental Epidemiologist, Ballarat, 0438197373

The AFMR has been meeting regularly for the past 6-9 months to share concerns about mining between communities across Victoria. This initiative has been fostered and supported by Friends of the Earth. Though this process the Alliance has developed a 10 point plan designed to bring Victoria’s mining regulations in line with world’s best practice.

Central Victoria has been ravaged by mining in the past and there are a number of active active mine sites operating within the region.

The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) Rehabilitating Mines Report (2020) paints a stark picture of some of the problems with mining regulation Victoria¹. However, the report limits itself to an assessment of the rehabilitation of mines in Victoria and fails to draw attention to, and evaluate, the numerous other aspects of mining approvals and regulation that demand a complete overhaul of the related legislation and regulations, and of any Memoranda of Understanding between Government Departments charged with regulating mining related matters.  The VAGO report clearly illustrates the consequences of the ongoing failure to separate the licensing and regulatory roles of Earth Resources (ERR). This conflict has led to persistent regulatory failure and has caused significant, and long-term, harm to Victorian communities, local economies, and the environment. It has also unnecessarily and unfairly left Victorian taxpayers with the massive financial burdens associated with mine rehabilitation and the reparation of watercourses and landforms.

The ARMR Alliance consist of the following groups: Bendigo & District Environment Council; Don’t Undermine Steiglitz; East Gippsland Alliance; Gasfield Free Bairnsdale; Let’s Stop Proposed Mining in North East Victoria; Maldon Community Alliance; Mine-Free Glenaladale; No Gold Diggings Castlemaine; No Gold Drilling (and No Gold Mining) in our Shire Valleys; No Mining Yandoit Region; No Wombat Gold; Save Huntly Streamside Reserve; Save the Campaspe; Wombat Forestcare; Dr Dora Pearce PhD, Ballarat, Victoria.

A 10-Point Plan has been developed and is being sent to state MPs and candidates prior to the state government election scheduled for November 26th. Here’s the 10 poitnplan. Send this to your MP’s/candidates.

1. Where conflicts occur over approvals and licensing, mining regulation and related authorities, including ERR, DHHS, EPA and DELWP, must prioritise community and environmental health, and the protection of existing economies local economies, over resources development.
2. The Minerals Resource and Sustainable Development Act and Regulations to be amended to require a social, economic and environmental impact analysis to assess an area’s suitability for mining before an Exploration Licence is granted. Farmers to be given veto over exploration licences.

3. Effects of climate change on water availability be factored into all EESs with security of potable water for human consumption, agricultural/horticultural industries and environment flows into the future taking priority over water for mining.

4. The Environment Effects Act and EES process must be modernised in line with recommendations of the VAGO inquiry and in line with best practice in other states and territories. Penalties to apply for intentionally misleading decision-makers and local government and communities should be fully funded to facilitate their responses, including the acquisition of scientific and technical expertise and relevant legal fees.

5. All mining project proposals to model the impacts of climate change and to include Scopes 1, 2 and 3 Reduction in emissions from mining companies must be included in the Victorian Climate Change Strategy.

6. All Workplans are to be made publicly available and all proposed Variations to Workplans will require a supplementary Environment Effects Statement with an opportunity for meaningful public consultation.

7. Victoria to implement the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. New upstream tailings dams must be banned, and there must be an immediate moratorium on modification of existing tailing facilities. Independent auditing, including dam wall failure assessment, of tailings facilities must be conducted. Downstream community emergency plans must be developed in consultation with communities and emergency responders, be formally approved and made publicly available.

8. Rehabilitation bonds to be set to reflect the point of maximum disturbance and post closure management. Rehabilitation must be ongoing and not left till mining ends. Bank guarantees must be real, redeemable and covered by collateral. Bonds must be held by an independent organisation with zero cost to Bonds to be redeemed by the State if mines have been left in Care and Maintenance for three years.

9. The MRSD Act to require full, adequate and fair compensation for directly and indirectly affected and neighbouring landowners, including for loss of opportunity and amenity and impacts on lifestyle, physical and mental health. Mining companies to pay the full costs of wear and tear on State and Local Roads and for accelerated depreciation of local infrastructure including waste disposal facilities. Fees and royalties to be raised to same levels as other states and redistributed fairly to local inhabitants and municipalities that bear the significant external cost associated with mining.

10. To protect worker, community and environmental health, monitoring and reporting (including air quality, noise, emissions and water) must meet world’s best practice standards including at frequencies and sensitivities to permit timely and meaningful responses. Monitoring required is to be determined by independent experts in consultation with communities and relevant agencies and authorities and reports are to be made immediately publicly Failure to comply with monitoring, reporting and response requirements to carry deterrent penalties.

The 10 point plan can be accessed here.

To find out more or join the Alliance contact: John Lewis – johnlewis@arcimedia.com.au or Debra Waters – hello@nominingyandoitregion.com

21. Climate Action Court Case

In May 2021, a group of youth climate activists sued environment minister Sussan Ley and the Australian Government over the approval of a huge expansion of the Vickery Coal Mine in Central NSW, in a case that became better known as the “Duty of Care” case. In the final judgement, Judge Modecai, surprisingly enough, said  “The ruling on the case is very clear. It is difficult to characterise in a single phrase the devastation that the plausible evidence presented in this proceeding forecasts for the Children. As Australian adults know their country, Australia will be lost and the World as we know it gone as well.Lives will be cut short. Trauma will be far more common and good health harder to hold and maintain. None of this will be the fault of nature itself. It will largely be inflicted by the inaction of this generation of adults, in what might fairly be described as the greatest inter-generational injustice ever inflicted by one generation of humans upon the next”.  At the time Minister Ley announced that she would appeal the decision in the Federal Court, an appeal that she subsequently won. I and my fellow XR activists at that time were outraged by the minister’s decision, because, in appealing, we believed that she was admitting that neither did she have a duty of care to the young climate activists, nor to future generations. So, on 5th August of last year, in the leadup to the Federal Election, to highlight the fact that his government did not have a “Duty of Care”, I “superglued” myself  to a marble-faced column outside Josh Freydenberg’s office in Camberwell. After 5-6 hours my hand slipped off the column, but this did not stop the police from arresting me and charging me with “Wilful Damage” to the building. I pleaded not guilty to the charge, mostly on the basis that I believed that there was no damage. Anyway that was a little over a year ago and, after a series of Zoom calls and adjournments, the case has finally been deferred to the magistrates Court in Castlemaine. The case will now be heard on 28.10.22, that is next friday at 9.30 am………….so I was wondering if, in the follow up to the floods that we are experiencing, this might be a good opportunity to remind Castlemaine people of the Climate Emergency, and ask the question of the “43% PM and environ minister Tanya Plibersek” if they have a “Duty of Care?’ And if they do, will they reduce emissions by much more than 43 per cent? Will Tanya immediately cancel all the proposed fossil fuel projects that are on her desk, and “Where’s the plan to phase out the export of Australian coal and the plan to remove the billion dollar subsidy on fossil fuels?’ You said, Tanya, when I asked the question on the subsidies about 6 years ago, that it couldn’t be removed because it would destroy the livelihoods of the farmers. Fast forward to 2022 and Climate Change is threatening to destroy the lives of everyone, not just the farmers!

Sincerely, Trevor Scott, Castlemaine 

22. River Detectives- 2023 Registrations

Registrations for the 2023 River Detectives program will open on Monday November 28 for schools and youth groups in the North Central CMA region.
As in previous years, priority will be given to schools that are within CMA priority project areas. These are;
• Bendigo Creek Citizen Science project
• Tullaroop Catchment Restoration Project
• RiverScan Native Fish Recovery (Gunbower and lower Loddon area)
• Caring for the Campaspe
• A Healthy Coliban Catchment
• Ramsar Kerang and Gunbower
• Castlemaine Urban Waterways
If you are a current River Detectives school, you will receive a registration pack over the coming weeks. New schools are encouraged to apply by heading to the River Detectives website after November 28 and clicking on the ‘apply now’ link. To find out more about the program and how it could work in a school near you visit https://www.riverdetectives.net.au/

For more information: Tania MacLeod, Citizen Science Coordinator North Central CMA Phone: 03 5440 1845 Email: tania.macleod@nccma.vic.gov.au

 23. Story Telling Masterclass

A MASTERCLASS OF STORYTELLING and aMIGHTY HORSE EVENING OF LIVE MUSIC at The Coolroom, Northern Arts Hotel.

MASTERCLASS OF STORYTELLING FURTHER INFORMATION

After the roaring success of LOCALS at this year’s Castlemaine Documentary Festival, we’ll be doing it all again in 2023! In 2022 people from Castlemaine and surrounds, of all ages and experience produced an impressive slate of short documentaries to play on the festival’s opening night, and Theatre Royal was packed to the rafters with an eager audience ready to experience what our local talent had to offer.The Castlemaine Documentary Festival is again calling for aspiring and established filmmakers to create some brand new short documentaries that tell the inside story of Castlemaine and our surrounding region.We’re super-excited to offer you encouragement and support so get yourselves ready!

We’ll be looking for short documentaries on the people and places that define our wonderful part of the world. They could be profiles of inspiring locals, captivating historical tales,  or contemporary stories about issues that are important to our neighbourhood and region.

The brief is incredibly broad and it is up to you! Even if you have little experience – or none at all – never fear, we’ve got you covered!

On December 3^rd at The Northern Arts Hotel Club CDoc is running a Storytelling-Masterclass with three veterans of the documentary world on hand to inspire and educate you. Producer/Director Tony Jackson,  Editor Bergen O’Brien  and Producer Kate Pappas will be running a 3 hour masterclass of tips and techniques to help you create a compelling short documentary. Whether you’re planning on shooting a grand production or a simple film shot on your phone, Tony, Bergen and Kate will help you tell the best story possible.

Melbourne based Kate Pappas is Executive Producer for Wild Bear Entertainment. She has produced over 50 hours of television for ABC, SBS and National Geographic. Her recent credits include feature documentaries Playing With Sharks (2021 Official Sundance Selection/ Nat Geo /Disney+) and Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy (NITV). Kate is currently overseeing 44 hours of science, history and wildlife production for the ABC.
Castlemaine local Bergen O’Brien has over 20 years’ experience as a film and television editor.  Three times shortlisted for the Walkley awards for best documentary his work appears regularly on the ABC and SBS, and his recent feature length and critically acclaimed documentary ‘Hating Peter Tatchell’ (executive produced by Elton John) has been seen in cinemas around the world.
Castlemaine local Tony Jackson is an award-winning producer/director with thirty years’ experience making television and documentaries for broadcasters across the world. He’s twice been nominated for a Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism, is the winner of a Screen Producers Australia Award, and recently won the AIDC award for best documentary for his film Our African Roots.

24. Hepburn Wholefoods

Whilst we are looking forward to a lot more variety in fresh produce as our local farmers gear up for the growing season, we are also aware that many of our farmers and producers are battling flood conditions which will be continue to affect their properties and crops. Supporting local farmers by purchasing their produce throughout the year, whenever it’s available, is one of the ways we can keep our local food system strong.

Organic? There’s been a string of articles in the newspapers lately about the use of pesticides in Australia, and how it compares to other parts of the world such as the well regulated European Union. As such we’ve noticed a renewed interest amongst our members about the status of the products in our shop.

Wholefoods has always had a deep commitment to organic and regenerative farming practices and we attempt to purchase organic, biodynamic and spray free products whenever possible. We do not however exclusively stock certified organic products. Our 2021 survey showed that organic status was a first priority for a lot of members (38%). However many members gave top priority ranking to other factors, such as buying in bulk to reduce packaging (23%) and buying direct from farmers (15%).

Our purchasing guidelines specifies three main areas of consideration when choosing products:

• Locality – Choosing products that are produced or grown in our local area, or as close to here as possible, reduces emissions associated with transport and storage, and supports local food security by strengthening supply and demand.
• Production – Choosing products from producers that practice organic and regenerative agriculture ensures healthy chemical free food, promotes local biodiversity, soil health and carbon sequestration.
• Packaging – Choosing products that are available in bulk with minimal packaging reduces emissions of excessive package manufacturing, decreases landfill and helps to minimise harm to water sources and the local environment.

Other considerations include delivery options and whether it is possible to purchase directly from producers, popularity (‘staple’ products) and ethical practices in product development and processing.

Recipe submissions- If you have a recipe idea brewing, we’d love you to put some time aside to write it down and send if through.

Cookbook Recipes can be submitted via the link on our website.

Opening hours

Mondays 9.30-11.30am
Wednesdays 2-4pm
Thursdays 3-5pm
Saturdays 11am-1pm

Location: Hepburn Wholefoods Collective · 11 Perrins Street · Daylesford, Vic 3460 · Australia
and yes, you can join or renew your membership at the shop!

Membership: $40 per year, $20 per year concession, FREE for volunteers.

25. Flood Resources

Financial support for flood-affected farmers
Agriculture Victoria has advised of the ‘Victorian Primary Producer Flood Relief Program’ support package available for flood-affected farmers:
• Primary Producer Clean-Up Relief Grants: $10,000 grants to cover the cost of the clean-up and get businesses up and running again
• Primary Producer Concessional Loans: Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover the short-term business expenses.
• Primary Producer Transport Subsidies: Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock.
To find our more and understand eligibility and application processes, visit: Rural Finance or contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425.

Photo: ABC News

26. New Economy Network-  Housing Week Recordings

Scroll down for recordings

NENA Housing Week 2022

27. Walking Together- A Reflection from Jan Wositzky

Makarrata = ‘coming together after a struggle, facing the facts of wrongs and living again in peace.’

This column is written by Jan ‘Yarn’ Wositzky OAM

Walking Together. To travel, physically or metaphorically, side by side, to a destination. Let’s call it towards Equality, Dignity and Respect – though we need Dignity and Respect to even begin. And who’s walking? On the one hand there’s Indigenous, Aboriginal and First Nations people of various tribal/language groups. But what should we whitefellas call ourselves? For surely to dignify ourselves alongside Aboriginal/Dja Dja Wurrung people, we need a good name?

Europeans? Colonists? Migrants? White Australians? Settlers? None of it works, does it? We’re the post 1788 people without a proper name. How undignified! Aboriginal people have called us many things, including ‘Balanda’ (Hollander) and ‘Gubba’ (government man) – but the name we most often use for ourselves is ‘Settlers’. However ‘Settlers’ is a colonial conceit.  Our coming was, and is, very unsettling for Indigenous people. So before we take a first step, let’s be honest and call ourselves the … Un-Settlers. The first Un-Settler in Djaara country was Major Mitchell in 1836, followed by squatters, gold diggers, industrialists and now us.

And, before we stride out, so as to begin with appropriate humility, a timeline: Aboriginal footprints have marked this land for at least 60,000 years; transfer that to an hour on the clock and the Un-Settlers of 1788 arrived at six seconds before the hour. And by God – yes, by Him! – they made rapid work of clearing the trees, changing the rivers and imposing our story on this continent. However Indigenous stories pre-date Adam and Eve by millennia, so of course in this Walking Together it’s surely Indigenous people who should be leading the way.

For a start, they’re writing arguably the most powerful television (Redfern Now), theatre (Blackie Blackie Brown), literature (Dark Emu), dance (Bangarra), history (The Australian Wars) as well as the most generous and evolved political documents (Uluru Statement from the Heart).  They are the natural teachers, we the natural students, in this land.

However, digesting all the knowledge that Aboriginal people have to offer is not going to be enough to get us to the end of the walking, as equals. Hanging a dot painting on your wall or buying a ticket to First and Forever, A Celebration of Blak Excellence at Hanging Rock on November 27 – not worth missing! – cannot in itself get us there.

There’s another side to this – knowing who we are and who we have been in this country. And in the centre of that is a mighty moral and practical problem: the original sin for Aboriginal people is that the British came and took their land; and now it’s us Un-Settlers who have inherited that land; and even though we might support Sovereignty, Land Rights, Self Determination, Justice and Truth Telling, we’re not giving back our house blocks, are we? I’m not. And you? So, to walk together as equals we need to resolve this problem, in our hearts and politically. For a start, it was colonial governments that sanctioned this original theft, so this nation has a massive reparation bill to pay. Maybe then we can really start to walk together.

But to take heart, we’ve come a long way. At high school in the 1960s I was given an essay topic with a preamble which stated that ‘when the First Fleet arrived, Aborigines, who had weaker genes, simply melted away, like mist in the morning sun. Then came the question: “For the remnants, which is best – assimilation or integration?” I dearly wish I still had my essay to read, but at least those who wish to keep telling those lies are now discredited.

Once we were not on the walking together journey at all. Now some of us are making steps as best we can. One day we’ll catch up. And to get there what we Un-Settlers need, desperately and deeply, is to come to terms with who we are and what we have been. Then we can begin Walking Together, in dignity and respect, as equals.

And to finish: how many Indigenous people died in Queensland’s Frontier Wars? Approximately 62,000. And 61,519 Australians died in the First World War.

Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation is a service that supports the Aboriginal Community, led by Aboriginal people. Many people and organisations in the Mount Alexander Shire contribute to Nalderun; the name is a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning “all together”.

More information can be found at www.nalderun.net.au

28. Mt Alexander Shire- Community Reference Group – 10-year Climate Change Strategy

Council is committed to addressing the current and future impacts of climate change on the health, economy and well-being of the people of the Mount Alexander Shire and to its environment.

We’ve made steady progress in delivering our Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality 2020-2025 as captured in the recently released Progress Report, including:

• Electricity for Council operations is sourced from 100% renewable wind power
• Almost all street lights have been upgraded to low-energy LEDs
• We’ve purchased our first electric vehicle which marks the beginning of our transition to a fully electric fleet.

Council’s operational emissions are an important part of the puzzle, but there’s much more to be done.

That’s why we’re developing a 10-year Climate Change Strategy. The Strategy will provide strategic direction to enable Council to focus and prioritise its efforts on emissions reduction and adaptation within its own operations and within the broader community. There are many community initiatives focused on climate change within the shire, so we look to collaborate and complement rather than replicate this important community work.

How can you get involved?

We recognise the significant expertise and good will within our communities, and that we need to develop our climate response together.

October 2022

We are forming a Community Reference Group to guide Strategy development and support community engagement. We are looking for Shire residents who understand the challenges posed by climate change, and want to contribute to our Shire’s climate response. People who can bring ‘word on the street’ into the conversation and make sure we’re hearing from a broad range of community members. Find out more or apply to join the group at Climate Change Strategy 2023-2033 | Shape Mount Alexander. Applications close Tuesday 1 November.

November 2022

We are currently busy reviewing community feedback from past climate-focused surveys and events. In November we’ll present the key themes from past feedback, and check in to make sure we’re heading in the right direction before developing the draft strategy. We will also hold stakeholder interviews with community groups active in this space.

February to March 2023

We will seek community views on the draft strategy, before it goes to Council for endorsement. You can register to receive updates on the project via the Shape platform.

For more information: Melanie Marshall  |  Climate Change Coordinator  |  Mount Alexander Shire Council – mmarshall@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

29. Wombat Forest Care

Gang Gang Cockatoos

How are Gang-gang Cockatoos Callocephalon fimbriatum are faring in the Wombat Forest and surrounds? This beautiful bird was listed as ‘Endangered’
in March this year, mainly due to a sharp decline in their estimated population. There was a major loss of habitat in 2019–2020 bushfires, but declines had also been recorded throughout their range prior to the fires. Fortunately the Wombat was not impacted by fire during the summer of 2019–2020, but there was a loss of many thousands of trees in the extreme wind event of June 2021. Gang-gangs are the least studied of the cockatoo family. To understand the environmental factors leading to their decline it is important to collect data regarding their locations, breeding and food sources.

Dr Michael Mulvaney and an informal group of people and community organisations have been monitoring Gang-gang nest hollows in the Canberra region and
Michael is beginning to coordinate and encourage widespread monitoring of Gang-gang nests this breeding nesting ecology across its range, so that more informed and effective conservation of this magnificent cockatoo can occur. Like so much of the fauna in the Wombat, Gang-gangs are reliant on tree hollows for breeding and not just any hollow will do. It has to be the right size; roughly 30cm x 30cm, but with their strong beaks Gang-gangs can enlarge a smaller
hollow. Both sexes chew the sides of the hollow and use the wood chips and fragments to line the nest. If you are walking in the Wombat Forest and surrounding area in the next few weeks, please keep an eye and ear out for Gang-gangs and look for hollows with chew marks at the entrance.

Boobook Calling
Anyone living close to the Wombat Forest, or a patch of bush with some fairly sizeable trees, has a good chance at this time of year to hear the very familiar call of the Southern Boobook Ninox boobook. From around mid-August, as the days lengthen, the two hoot call, so much a part of the Australian bush, starts to be heard throughout the forest following a long period of silence during the coldest days of winter. Calls are often continuous and can go for well over an hour, usually from the same spot. Unlike the Wombat’s other Ninox owls, the Powerful Owl and Barking Owl, where the male voice is noticeably deeper than the female’s, this is not the case with the Southern Boobook where the difference between the sexes is barely discernible. Both sexes can engage in these long bouts of “territorial calling” at this time of year, which is mainly used as a warning to other Boobooks, both male and female, to keep away from an established territory. Occasionally, owls from neighbouring territories, usually the male, will engage in periods of aggressive calling to each other. The double hoot call is believed to be performed through a closed bill with both wings pressing against the body as each sound is emitted. This sounds tiring but a lot of effort is put into protecting breeding territories. While the core breeding territory can be reasonably small, possibly only several hectares, home ranges will be much larger and can overlap with a neighbouring pair’s territory. Another call in their repertoire is what’s known as “braying”, which is mainly given by the female during the breeding season and will most likely indicate an active nest in the near vicinity. It is hard to describe, but is a little like the sound made by sheep but with a vibrating element to it. The Southern Boobook is generally thought to lay eggs between August and November in southern Australia. However, well-known raptor expert, the late Jerry Olsen, believed laying can sometimes extend into February.1 This would be very late for any Wombat Forest birds when you consider the time from an egg hatching to fledging is over 70 days, meaning juveniles will be fledging when the weather is starting to cool and there is a noticeable decrease in the available food supply. Although recently fledged juveniles feed on birds and mammals brought to them by their parents, their own early prey capabilities are mainly limited to invertebrates. It is probably the reason why most Southern Boobook eggs are laid in spring, ensuring that when
chicks fledge in early summer, prey items like moths and beetles are at their peak abundance. The juvenile (or chick) of the Wombat’s three Ninox owl
species all have a very similar cricket-like trill that they gradually lose as they become independent from their parents. The young Southern Boobook’s trill is slightly shorter than the other two owls and very insect like, and particularly high-pitched. Last year on a cool evening in late March, just off Countess Track, I was quite surprised to see and hear two Southern Boobook juveniles, calling frantically, no doubt hoping to attract the attention of a nearby parent. In the Wombat, these urgent calls are usually heard during the warmer months, so maybe these youngsters were a pair of late starters and still some time from making their own way in the world.
1. Olsen, J. (2011). Australian High Country Owls. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne

30. Farmers for Climate Action

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farmers for Climate Action
https://farmersforclimateaction.org.au

31. Loddon Campaspe- Development of a Regional Food Systems Framework

The Healthy Loddon Campaspe (HLC) initiative is a Victorian Government funded project aimed at improving health outcomes in the Loddon Campaspe region – the heart of Victoria. There are six local government areas involved: City of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and Mount Alexander Shire. HLC has recently received funding from the Victorian State Government for a further four years.
The development of a Regional Food Systems Framework will help guide the work of local government and key stakeholders in creating a healthy, equitable and sustainable regional food system.
The framework will align with and leverage key strategic policy, investment and initiatives at the LGA, state and national level and be informed by world’s best practice. The framework will identify recommendations (short and medium term) for HLC and its stakeholders to implement across the region.

Why a Food Systems Framework for the Loddon Campaspe region?
There are a variety of policies, plans and initiatives from across the region that highlight the need to focus on the food system, especially in relation to health, including:
• Findings from the 2019 Active Living Census
• Healthy Loddon Campaspe (formerly Healthy Heart of Victoria) regional workshop findings
• Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans 2021-2025 from all six Local Government Areas (LGA’s)
• Greater Bendigo Food System Strategy
• Bendigo and Region City of Gastronomy
• VicHealth Local Government Partnership

Implementation of the framework will further benefit the region through:
• Increasing food security
• Increasing access and consumption of healthy food through policy and environmental change in key settings (i.e. workplaces, education settings, sport and recreation facilities)
• Increasing access to culturally appropriate and local food
• Increasing community knowledge and skills related to healthy food
• Increasing climate change adaptation to reduce its impact on health
A mapping and assessment of the regional food system is underway to get an understanding of the current landscape.
Following this, two workshops involving invitees from all parts of the regional food system will be conducted to further understand the current food system and then plan for what the food system framework will look like.
The final framework document will be developed by Foodways Consulting, in partnership with the HLC working group and reference group.
Timelines
Planning for the framework commenced in June 2022. The final Regional Food Systems Framework, including key recommendations, will be completed by December 2022.
How will we share the results and information?
Key stakeholder and broader community engagement will be undertaken throughout the framework planning and development process.
Following the development of the Regional Food Systems Framework, the results and key outcomes will be shared with all HLC stakeholders and the six local government areas.
What will we do with the framework once it’s complete?
Recommendations from the final Regional Food Systems framework will be assessed by HLC and used to provide direction on future projects within the region.
HLC will collaborate with other stakeholders and groups to implement key actions as appropriate.
For further information email hlc@bendigo.vic.gov.au

32. Transition Australia

Transition Australia is part of an international movement of local communities coming together to re-imagine and rebuild our world.

We invite you to take one more step: become a paid-up, signed-up member of Transition Towns Australia Inc. Why do that? Well – it gives you a stronger voice in our decisions (‘though we’ll listen to you anyway), you can join the committee if you wish, and it actually helps us pay the bills. We are a group of volunteers dedicated to connecting people or groups like you to strengthen our collective effectiveness by sharing stories and resources and bringing people together in online events across Australia.

We run on a shoe-string and we need your support. You could be one of the foundation 100, that is, our first 100 members, each paying $20/year to cover our basic annual costs: website maintenance and improvement, Insurance, CRM subscription and Zoom subscription (and we can give YOUR GROUP a zoom link for your meetings).

So, by joining Transition Australia:

• You are becoming part of an Australia-wide network of individuals and groups working to build a localised, sustainable and just future, from the ground up.
• Your membership fee will help to cover some of our basic running costs – and that means a lot to us.

We are writing to you as a representative of your group or organization – your organisation can apply to join as an Associate Member $10/year. A Member has voting rights, an Associate Member does not (but we encourage individual people within a group to join as Members and thus exercise voting rights). We invite groups to become Associate Members as a way of expressing support for the purposes of Transition Australia:

Our Purposes:

supporting the effectiveness of Transition Towns and other not-for-profit organisations in Australia that are working to advance an ecologically regenerative and socially just future by:

1. raising and distributing funds to support the ability of these organisations to carry out activities that advance an ecologically regenerative and socially just future;
2. providing a platform for all people interested in creating an ecologically regenerative and socially just future so they can identify common needs and community-led possibilities for positive change, discuss best practices and share inspiration and learnings;
3. curating, developing and distributing tools, training and other resources to support organisations to carry out activities that advance an ecologically regenerative and socially just future; and
4. engaging with the public, private and civic sectors across Australia to advance the aims of ecological regeneration and social justice in regard to public policy and decision-making processes; and
5. being affiliated with the international Transition Network and liaising with other national Transition Town Hubs and national not-for-profit sustainability groups in seeking to achieve an ecologically regenerative and socially just future throughout the world.

Read more about what we do

Read about the history of the movement and our values and principles

Read our official rules (constitution)

Apply for membership

33. Climate: The Long Game-  Castlemaine Free University Reading Group 2022–2023

WHAT?
What can our responses to climate change tell us about ourselves, our society and humanity? This reading group will meet fortnightly to
select and discuss readings from significant but accessible books on moral, philosophical, long term and holistic paradigms for addressing the ongoing
existential threat of climate change. The group will meet at a mutually agreed time after 6pm for around 90 mins, on the second and fourth Thursdays of the
month.

WHO?
The reading group will start with a book chosen by the group’s convenor, local engineer, and climate activist Malcolm Robins — the just published What we
Owe the Future: A Million-Year View by renowned philosopher William MacAskill. The first session will take as its subject and title ‘The Long View’ from Part 1 of this authoritative and readable book. After working together through this book, group participants will be able to choose their own next reading and discussion challenge from a range of stimulating works.

For an introduction, see short article — https://theconversation.com/what-do-we-owe-future-generations-and-what-can-we-do-to-make-their-world-a-better-place-189591

WHERE? Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine, 3450
WHEN? TBC but after 6pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month
FREE Drinks available for purchase
Castlemaine Free University
For more details and to subscribe to our e-list — https://anitranelson.info/cfu

34. Repair Cafes

Our Repair Cafes will be back again in January 2023

Daylesford– Sunday January 15th, 1-4pm at Victoria Park Pavillion, Ballan Road

Castlemaine–  Cafes in New Year-  Sunday Jan 29th, 10am to 1pm, rear of 30 Templeton St, Castlemaine

Petition on The Bower’s website. It has a letter to treasurer re Right to Repair. Including “In France, businesses have to state clearly how long spare parts will be available for. In Sweden, you can claim the cost of repair as a tax deduction. Other measures can help to make it easier, more convenient and cheaper for you to repair regular household and personal items such as whitegoods, clothing, bicycles and much more. “

Click the link to access it. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/right-to-repair?source=direct_link&

Article by Chris Hooper, Coordinator Castlemaine Repair Cafe- a contribution to International Repair Day- the anniversary of the start of Repair cafes in 2009.

International Repair Day was established in 2017 to promote the value and importance of repairing, including at community events like Repair Cafés or Restart Parties. The first International Repair Day was organised on 21 October 2017. This year Repair Day is on October the 15th.

Once, years ago there were many repair shops and appliances and equipment were made to be repaired. Now things aren’t even made to last so long and if you attempt to repair them you may lose your warranty, if you still have one.

Repair Cafes started in the Netherlands 13 years ago as a way for people to learn to repair and attempt to save their household things from going to landfill and so save money. There are now Repair Cafes all around the world including many close to our region including Bendigo, Daylesford, Woodend to name a few. Australia currently hosts over 40 Repair Cafes.

The right to repair is seen as a key step for the European Union’s plan to achieve circular economy by 2050in the framework of the European Green Deal, the EU’s roadmap to reach climate neutrality by 2050. It’s about not tossing things away and buying new. If you have the skills maybe offer to help a friend to repair something or join other repairers at your local Repair Cafe.

Sydney Library of Things and  Repair Cafes.

https://transitionaustralia.net/

35. Renewable Newstead- Solar Farm takes a big step forward

A small crowd attended the community information session in Newstead inSeptember to hear the great news that Newstead’s solar farm has the green light to go ahead. After years of negotiations and work, we are delighted that our partner, Flow Power, has declared their support for the project and will begin construction in earnest in the first quarter of next year.

The project includes a three megawatt (MW) solar farm, capable of producing more than enough energy for Newstead, and a battery that can store 5MW energy. The battery will store excess solar power generated and then dispatch it into the grid as required. This may be at night or when it’s cloudy and the panels aren’t collecting much solar energy.

Local people will be able to become Flow Power customers and know that their energy is the greenest energy available. A project to generate local energy that’s renewable and competitively priced. It will be available for everyone in our community to sign up for but completely optional. You can choose to buy from the Newstead solar farm or not.

Flow Power’s Head of Energy Projects, Tom Harrison, and Project Engineer Lachlan O’Brien attended the meeting. They answered detailed questions about the site, the storage battery and management plans. They said having a relationship with the local Renewable Newstead team helped bring the project to fruition.

The company is involved with at least 11 other energy generating ‘farms’ around Australia. Most are solar. Two harvest energy using wind.

Renewable Newstead, with the help of a $1.1 million Victorian Government grant, will pay the landholder lease costs and the cost to connect the farm to the electricity grid.

We want to help you understand how the farm can benefit your household/ business and our community and why you can be proud of having it here.

Please keep in touch with our news here and also feel free to email back any questions you have and we’ll try our best to answer (and we’ll try to pop them up on our Q and A page here).

Visit our website

36. Harcourt Organic Farming Cooperative

So, it’s been raining…You’ve probably noticed we’re in the middle of a La Niña – it’s been a bit hard to ignore! The last time we had this much water running on the farm was 11 years ago, in the 2010/11 season. That year the big dam overflowed so hard it had a current running through it for weeks. Then we had minor flooding in 2015. Last spring was pretty wet, and this year there’s no sign yet that things are easing yet – it’s raining as I write this.

It’s now completely obvious that “1-in-100-year” events are happening much more often.

We’re fine and very glad we live and farm on the side of a hill. Things could be so much worse, and we’re thinking of the communities north of us in Echuca, Swan Hill, Rochester, Kerang, Lismore, and many places in between. Hundreds of farms and houses have flooded and communities have been cut off for weeks. And of course, a number of people have lost their lives.

Yet in Australia, we’re relatively well off. This year flooding in Pakistan has killed almost 1,500 people, and more than a million have been displaced. There have been severe floods with millions affected in Colombia, Gabon, Indonesia, Chad, the Philippines, Venezuala, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mexico, Cambodia, South Sudan, Trinidad and Tobago, India, Thailand, and Ghana – and that was just in October!

We’re grateful that we’re safe and fairly well-resourced. But extreme seasons like this definitely have an impact on food production, and if you’re not a farmer it can be hard to know what’s really going on. So we thought we’d share the impact of this very wet spring on your local food supply, from the perspective of one farm.

The dairy (by Tess)

Even though the constant rain has made it hard to stay positive, I’m becoming more and more aware of how lucky I am in the dairy this season. For me, it’s about managing the logistic of it being wet, not how to deal with loss.

The cows are mostly fine in the wet except for Quartz who hobbles around with her sore feet which I am constantly trimming and poulticing. The paddocks are sodden, with an inch of water sitting on most areas. This means that it is very difficult to manage the herd without causing damage to the soil as they pug up boggy areas.

The mobile milking parlour is becoming less mobile as the locations I can find to park it where the cows can come to be milked, the calves can spend the night and I can drive to every morning are seriously limited to the side of the road/track.

I was on the phone a lot last week talking to other producers who I work with and it made me really appreciate my situation. So many stories of farmers spending all their time fixing fences due to trees and flood waters, farmers not being able to drive onto the paddocks to plant or harvest crops, crops stunted by the lack of heat, fungal infections, or completely wiped out by flood waters. There are some tough times ahead.

Yet driving out to collect our grain from Burrum Biodynamics last week we crossed over Bells Swamp, usually only recognisable as a swamp because of the dry red gums. This year it has burst into life, with water, growth, birds, and insects everywhere. It’s a good reminder that it’s us humans and our systems that are struggling the most, much of the natural world is thriving.

The market garden – Gung Hoe Growers (by Mel)

After having two previously cooler and wetter spring/summers I thought I knew what we were up for. However after watching my fellow grower friends live through full La Nina on the southeast coast of NSW for the last 2 years, when the rain didn’t stop I got in touch. Get another off-farm job was their immediate suggestion and a list of crops to not grow alongside a list that they had seen do well in the relentless wet, boggy conditions.

So I was fortunate enough to be able to (hopefully) find shifts at a local winery for events and had the most interesting experience working on a wedding whilst watching the weather radar come through with a front spotted with red (the heaviest) dots. Here we were, warm and dry (very grateful for rooves and that we live in a place where buildings are pretty good) whilst I was watching the weather outside pummel the crops, drown the garlic, wash away seeds, cause root rot and fungal disease and stunted growth due to water logging and the much much cooler weather. This year our spring crops either didn’t grow or died.

As a small business with not much buffer, we can’t really afford months and months of no crops as well as paying wages (hence my third job). We have been unable to get onto the field to prep beds for planting due to how wet its been and have to take the moments of dryish and sun to do what we need to. Unfortunately, this has meant a lot more hoeing (tilling) than we’d planned for, but we’ve done our best to keep it at a minimum.

This was our year to see what was possible, what we could do, the team and I, but I think I’ve accepted the fact that seasonality is becoming ever more a myth and this is the new future of farming. With no capital, we are unable to invest in the infrastructure we need to protect ourselves from the growing extremes and unknown. To say this season has been a rollercoaster doesn’t really express the stress and fear and emotional toll it is taking. Ever grateful for our Gung Hoe team on site and the background support who make it possible to turn up every day.

If there was ever a time to support your local producers, and plant some food in your own backyard, it’s now. Everyone across the board has been affected and I expect to see food chain disruptions in the following months. The bush has been resounding with life and vibrancy however and I am so aware of life brimming in other areas that aren’t the market garden. Making sure I keep that in sight also keeps the scales more balanced.

The orchard (by Meg from The Orchard Keepers)

This wet & wild weather has meant bogged tractors, a plethora of fungal diseases on the stonefruit, low pollination (bees only like to visit on sunny days!), hail damage, wet toes, and lots of jobs we just can’t do until it dries out. As we look across the orchard, we see a whole lot of trees under stress due to the wet weather.  We are about to lose an entire block of peach and nectarine trees, and some cherries too. Apricots are struggling and many of our plums will be hail damaged. Despite our best care, and support from Katie and Hugh, overall, we are looking at a low yield for this season. On the upside, there have been stunning rainbows, loads of lovely beneficial clover coming up under the fruit trees, and we certainly have not had to irrigate yet!

Because of all this, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all of our weekly box CSA subscriptions for this season. In ordinary circumstances under a CSA model, our members would be with us through ups and downs and if we were 10 years in and they had tasted our apricots before, we might ask them to hang in there with us. But with the existing pressures of the season, the additional pressure of filling boxes was going to be too much for our team. We know for many of you that participating in the CSA represents a large outlay for your household budget and feel that the state of the crop this season is too much risk to pass on to our members. We’ll be selling fruit locally and in Coburg over the summer instead, and offering a lighter ‘Friends and Lovers of the Orchard Keepers’ or “FLO(C)K” subscription that will include two boxes throughout the season and access to our events.

Build your connection to the orchard and with us 

We have some summer workshops coming up for any keen home orchardist (discounted prices for CSA members). If you are laboring over fruit trees in your own home, you might like to consider honing your skills and coming along.

Carr’s Organic Fruit Tree Nursery (by Katie)

We made the mistake of weeding before the day we got 100mm of rain. Bad idea. Our nursery rows run north-south downhill, and without the ground cover of the weeds, the topsoil just got washed down the hill and deep gullies formed alongside the young trees and seedlings that we’ve planted in the last couple of months.

We lost a few trees but were able to find most of them at the bottom of the hill and replant them. We had to scrounge topsoil from between the rows to fill in the gullies, so the whole nursery looks a bit messy – and it’s annoying that there’s so much soil at the bottom of the hill where we don’t want it!

Losing topsoil meant we also lost organic matter and nutrients, which we’ll now have to replace. We do this anyway – we usually weed, then compost, and then mulch, but we didn’t have time to do the composting and mulching before the rain. If we had, or if we’d left the weeds in place until after the worst of the weather, the soil probably would have had enough protection.

We’ve also now dug proper drainage ditches around the nursery to direct the runoff around the nursery, rather than through it. We’ve learned a lot this season about how to cope with a super-wet spring, but we’d rather not go through another one for a while!

 

The property

Our soil here at Harcourt is famous for its variability. We have topsoil in some places, clay in others, and massive granite boulders that make their presence felt in orchards and paddocks. This year our normally dry creek is running a banker and the dams have been overflowing for weeks. The soil is unstable. Trees have fallen over, sometimes onto fences.

The constant rain and extra traffic mean the driveway has washed out. This has made it hard for our people to get to work, and impossible for customers to come and pick up their produce. Kind neighbours have lent us their shed as a temporary pick-up point, and some of our farmers are having to do deliveries.

Getting through

Lost crops, dead fruit trees, and cows with sore feet. More work, more worry, and fears about the future – that pretty much sums up the negative impact of this weather pattern for everyone on our farm. For you – our lovely customers and supporters – that translates into less food we can offer you this season. The responsibility of not growing as much food as we’d like weighs heavily on our co-op members.

But it’s just a season! And even though we’ve had some losses, our diversity has pulled us through again, and we’re still on track to produce plenty of food. Thanks for your support, not just for us but for every farmer that’s going through this wet, wet season.

37. Mt Alexander LETS

“Eat locally grown, food in season.” Freshly picked, locally grown, low miles travelled fruit & veggies, homemade preserves, for your family.

Trading days on Duke Street Castlemaine: Every Saturday morning: 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Maldon Community Market: 9am to 1:30pm @ Maldon Neighbourhood Centre @ 1 Church Street, Maldon, second Sunday of each month.
This market can carry home grown produce – fruit & vegies, preserves – relishes, pickles, jams, sauces, soaps & plants. There is no kitchen baked goods at this market.
“WHOLE FOODS PROJECT” Available at Ma LETS on Duke Street trading days, every Saturday. Organic, Bio- dynamic, wholesale prices, offering a selection of dry goods in size for kitchen use only to start the project. No Bulk orders @ this stage.
The items supplies available now all @ 4 Pods per bag. Chick peas, Red lentils, Quinoa, Mung beans, Sunflower Kernels, White, Brown & Jasmine rice,
White Heritage, Wholemeal & White Spelt flour, Rolled Oats, Semolina, Whole grain, Pitted dates, Sultanas, Cashews, Walnuts

*Contact list:
Secretary: Matt Gibson 0423140881 email: gibbo68@hotmail.com
Treasurer Transaction Manager: George Ryan 54762710 email: transmanager@gmail.com
Ma LETS newsletter: Loretta De’nham malets.editor@gmail.com
Come to the Trading days to trade your home grown produce, ideas & do you weekly grocery shopping.

38. Food for Thought

38.1 https://artistasfamily.is/2022/11/15/stinging-nettle-for-arthritis-and-allergies-neopeasant-medicine-food-series/

38.2 Life After Progress: Technology, Community and the New Economy – a new collection of essays by Helena Norberg-Hodge and her colleagues at Local Futures. The book is now available from our online store.Some of the essays ask us to rethink our most basic assumptions about progress, poverty, and happiness, while others shine light on the root causes of our multiple crises: from climate change and income inequality to terrorism and right-wing authoritarianism. All point towards the most strategic steps we can take to bring about a healthier, happier world.As Bayo Akomolafe writes in his foreword:“This book is a cartography of sensations guiding us through the din of demise. A map to shake you out of the complacency of being so thoroughly found, so thoroughly intelligible, so worryingly available to the imaginations of the familiar.”

38.3 https://artistasfamily.is/2022/11/27/permaculture-community-sufficiency-regenerating-ecological-culture-and-economy-2/

38.4 Living in an ecovillage

Life in an Ecovillage

38.5. Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh, by Helena Norberg-Hodge, is now available as an audiobook.

Translated into more than 40 languages, Ancient Futures is a rare first-hand account of an indigenous culture that had avoided the worst impacts of colonialism. It therefore serves as an invaluable lens for questioning deeply held assumptions – ubiquitous in the modern, globalized world – about who we are, and what ‘prosperity’ and ‘progress’ really mean.

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