Collaboration brew at Holgate's

Norway brewer Ingrid Skistad gets some tips from Holgates head brewer Paul Holgate. Photo: Chris Fleming

On Friday, Nick Rhodes, one of the brewers from Woodend's Holgate Brewhouse, flies back to Melbourne from Norway, while leaving Holgates and taking the long way back to Norway via an Aussie holiday is Ingrid Skistad a junior brewer at Nøgne Ø.
The two of them have just spent a month at each other's respective breweries, sharing and gaining experience, as the result of a project that, in Nick's case at least, began over lunch at Josie Bones during the last Good Beer Week in Melbourne with Nøgne Ø founder Kjetil Jikiun.
"We had a chat about brewing and travel," says Nick.
"I asked if I could work at his brewery and Kjetil said he had a young brewer who was keen to travel too, so why didn't we swap?
"That's how craft brewing works - often it comes down to a conversation and an idea. A week later, when he got back to Norway, my email was sitting waiting for him; then I just had to get Holgate interested in the idea."
Nick has been brewing at Holgate for nearly two years, while Ingrid has been at Nøgne Ø since graduating from Herriot Watt University in Edinburgh in 2011. As part of their swap, they will be creating a collaboration brew on either side of the world: an Imperial Red Ale that they have devised between the two of them via email over the past eight months.
It's nearly all bottled. Nick will make the last batch then it will probably be launched in mid-April under the Half A World Away label.
"This has been a chance for me to spread my wings," says Nick.
"It's been a bit of an adventure as well as a chance for some professional development, both for myself and for Holgate. I have a lot of respect for the way in which Nøgne Ø goes about brewing and marketing their beers. They are very much about quality - they are the uncompromising brewery after all - just sticking to what they want. I'd drunk Kjetil's beers and seen a few things about him on YouTube and it seemed he had the same basic ideas about how craft beer should be made as I do."
As for Ingrid, the trip Down Under is the result of an even longer period of pestering her boss.
"The brewer's exchange started when Nøgne Ø's head brewer, general manager and the production manager all were going to a brewing convention in the USA," Ingrid says.
"Before they left I told them I would not mind it if they found someone somewhere who would take me in for a brewer's exchange, and the further away, the better - I was in an adventurous mood! When they came back, Kjetil had found three possible breweries who were interested.
"As it turned out, Holgate Brewhouse was the first of the three to give a positive reply. And as I've never been to Australia, but always wanted to go, I was thrilled!
"I've been able to gain some insights to how a small brewery is operated in an other part of the world. Seeing how Holgate resolves issues in the brewhouse and in other aspects of the production and sales has given me valuable experiences to take home, I think."
But the swapping of the brewers isn't the only thing in Holgate's diary for Friday. It's also the launch of its 1000th brew, an Imperial Indian Pale Ale named the Melenium Falcon, after the fact it is the 1000th and because of the hop variety. Indeed, many will find it their 1000th good reason to drop by Holgate Brewhouse on a Friday night!

Choose your partners ... it's time to relay

Melanie and Matthew Foley, with their children, Alexander, Millie and Cooper, are donating an award to the Lancefield Macedon Ranges Relay for Life to be given in memory of Melanie's mother, Carol Ladgrove.

It's a dance competition, so get your scootin' boots on!

If you are near Lancefield Park around 6pm this Saturday you may get the urge to twirl your partner or bust a few energetic moves. Lots of others will be doing just that on the footy oval that gives way to the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life for one weekend every March.
The Carol Ladgrove Award will be contested in the form of a dance competition that will challenge teams to put their best ballroom, rock 'n' roll, disco and Gangnam style dancers on the track for a lap like no other.
Chief dance judge, Melanie Foley, cared for her mother Carol at her family's Romsey home before she died in May last year. She had fought a long battle against Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
Carol danced in the rain with family members at last year's Relay For Life and a month later achieved her goal of celebrating her 60th birthday.
Melanie's husband Matt instigated the idea of donating an award to be given out at the Relay in memory of his mother-in-law. The dance competition was chosen by the family because of the joy that music and dance gave Carol, even when she was very ill.
The winning team will receive $500 towards its fundraising total. It should be enough incentive to inspire some spectacular costumes, if not plenty of fancy footwork to make the judging tense.
Teams will also be invited to test their strength in tug of war contests and to keep their shirts and hats on during slip, slop, slap and slide races. Prize money donated by the Romsey and Lancefield Community Banks will also go into the winners' fundraising banks.
Over the past 12 months, teams have again tried various ways of raising money for the Cancer Council Victoria. Barefoot bowls, golf, sausage sizzles, old time dancing, trivia nights, raffles and dinners have been enjoyed in the name of Relay For Life.
About 25 teams will participate in the overnight Relay at Lancefield Park this weekend. Registrations will be taken up until Saturday afternoon. Cancer survivors and carers are invited to join in the first lap to 'Celebrate, Remember, Fightback' at 3pm. It is not necessary to be in a team but individuals must check in at the registration office before walking on the track.
For more information visit www.relayforlife.org.au, ring 1300 656 585 or contact Kelly Milne on 0419 319 429.

Edwardian elegance

Local business owners, Emma Sonno from Weddings & Events by Ladyz that Lunch and Christine Lauder from The Dressing Table, with local actors, Suzanne Sandow, Don White and Katherine Nowland share some afternoon tea Downton Abbey Style at the Kyneton Bluestone Theatre.

A Downton Abbey garden party will raise funds for the Kyneton Bluestone Theatre restoration.
Local businesses are hosting the event in support of local performing arts.
"Downton Abbey has captured everyone's imagination and this fundraising event gives people the opportunity to dress up and immerse themselves in the charm of an Edwardian garden party for a really worthy cause," Christine Lauder from participating business, The Dressing Table, said.
The party is on Sunday, March 17, in the grounds of historic Skelsmergh Hall, Carlsruhe.
It will recreate the elegance of an Edwardian Garden Party.
Tickets include musical entertainment by The Really Cool Big Band, sumptuous high tea showcasing local food producers, a cash bar with regional wines, Edwardian fair games, raffle and prizes for most elegantly dressed.
Tickets for this event can be purchased from the Macedon Ranges Council box office on 1300 888 802 or at www.mrsc.vic.gov.au
To find out more or offer your support go to www.gardenparty.net.au or like Downton Abbey Garden Party on Facebook.

High action sport

As horses and vehicles weave their way around an obstacle course at high speed, it's hold-your-breath time, as you will discover on the long weekend when The Australian Carriage Driving Society's Victorian Branch hosts this year's state championships at Romsey.

Forget the Queen and Phil waving from their carriage as they enter Ascot races. Horse drawn vehicles are exciting - a high action adventure sport, great not only for the participants, but spectators as well.
As horses and vehicles weave their way around an obstacle course at high speed, it's hold-your-breath time, as you will discover on the long weekend when The Australian Carriage Driving Society's Victorian Branch hosts this year's state championships at Romsey.
This event is the direct equivalent in the riding world of a three-day event, only it is driven and obstacles are driven around not ridden over.
On the first day, Saturday, March 9, beginning at 8.30am, it's the driven dressage phase judged by three judges looking for correct paces, accuracy and obedience in a pre-set test.
Sunday, March 10, will see the marathon phase of the event. Horses and drivers will all be revved up and ready to take on what is considered to be the most exciting phase of the competition. Driven over approximately 18 kilometres and divided into three timed sections, it will incorporate the host property and extend through some of the local area.
On Monday, March 11, horses, drivers and vehicles will take on the the cones section which is a timed course through cones similar to witches hates with balls on top and will be rated on precision and speed.
It will all take place on a private property, Greenvale Equestrian Centreat 53 Sheehan's Road in Romsey and is free for everyone wanting to go have a look.
Enquiries welcome to event secretary, Cheryl Dowling, on 0414 772 806 catara23@live.com.au

Dead and buried - Plans for funeral parlour denied

Jack Werrett

A proposed funeral parlour in a Woodend residential area was knocked back at a Macedon Ranges Council meeting on Wednesday night, despite a recommendation by a planning officer to approve the application.
An alternate resolution calling for the planning permit to be refused was proposed by West Ward councillor Jennifer Anderson, with the motion seconded by South Ward councillor John Letchford.
A vote ensued, with the new motion denying the planning permit for the funeral parlour on the corner of Jeffrey St and Forest St carried easily, eight votes to one.
The result was met with resounding applause and cheers from residents surrounding the proposed site who had gathered in strong numbers at the meeting to voice their concerns about the venture.
Both Cr Anderson and Cr Letchford, along with South Ward councillor Russell Mowatt, spoke against the proposal for the parlour.
Libby Moloney, the proposal had to be turned down on planning grounds, "as it allowed for commercial land use in an area that has a residential focus".
Cr Mowatt said the proposed location of the funeral parlour was inappropriate "as it would intrude on the neighbourhood character and identity of the residential area and put it at risk for future generations".
West Ward councillor, John Connor, was the only councillor to speak in favour of the proposed funeral parlour. He commended the applicant and referred to the need for such a service in the Woodend community.
Earlier, emotions were on show as those for and against the proposed funeral parlour had their say.
Residents of Jeffrey St who would neighbour the proposed parlour voiced their concerns about impact of a funeral parlour business in a residential zone.
The issues of traffic, parking and noise were points all raised by residents along with their major argument concerning the commercial use of land in a residential zone.
Those for the funeral parlour included local Woodend GP, Dr Anne-Marie Elliott, who outlined the need for a local funeral parlour in an aging community, and Shevaun Noonan, a Woodend resident who is terminally ill. Ms Noonan gave a moving address regarding how the proposed business responds to her needs.
Applicant Libby Moloney was the last speaker to address the council and called on the councillors to make a brave decision and approve what she described as a business that is here "to support and serve the community".
Ms Moloney told the Guardian she was "deeply saddened" by the outcome.
"I'm astounded that our elected representatives could be influenced by such a small group of residents without regard for the broader social good," she said.
"To dismiss the planning officer's recommendation for what appears to be political gain makes me ashamed of our shire and I seriously question what value they place on the professionalism of their own planning department.
"I have lived here all my life and I am beginning to despair for what is becoming of our town."
While Ms Moloney could not say whether she would be appealing the decision, she told the Guardian this morning that she has had overwhelming support to do so.

Muir leads young Aussies

Gordon Muir with some of Australia's emerging athletes at the finishing line in Sydney.

Flying Start Fitness coach, Gordon Muir, is flying high after his experience coaching Australian junior athletes at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival earlier this year. 
The Kyneton runner and four-time AFL boundary goal umpire was one of seven coaches who worked closely with 60 Australian 16-year-old athletes who competed against 140 athletes from China, Brazil and New Zealand in the track and field programme. The competition featured 1700 athletes in total across multiple sports.
"I was thrilled to receive an invitation from Athletics Australia to apply for the position and overjoyed when my appointment was confirmed," Muir said.
Muir's coaching role consisted of assisting the training requirements of athletes in the lead-up to the games, queries regarding recovery, nutrition, race preparation and tactics, ensuring athletes were properly warmed up for their races and preparation before and immediately after races. He and the other coaches also assisted team managers and the team leader with the logistics of coordinating the team. 
Muir said the festival provided a great opportunity for up and coming athletes and staff to gain experience that replicates the Olympic Games. They stayed in a games village, ate in a communal food hall, had strict curfews, drug testing and information sessions, opening ceremony with the pride of wearing their nation's colours and the experience of competing in international competition. 
Some of Australia's finest athletes have competed at these games. Olympic gold medalist and world champion Sally Pearson heads the list ahead of Australian 1500-metre record-holder Ryan Gregson and 1500-metre Olympic semi-finalist Zoe Buckman. Muir highlighted some of the top performers at the festival to keep an eye out for in the future, including 800-metre and 1500-metre runners, Hugh Nicklason and Jonas Aranda, 800-metre runner Georgie Wassal, 3000-metre runner Bri Ilarda, 5000-metre walker Nathan Brill and thrower Matt Denny. 
Muir has been a competitive athlete for the past 20 years and has been coaching for the last five years. He has enjoyed remarkable success with Rochelle Kennedy who has won national and state titles, was a silver medallist at the Commonwealth Youth Games and more recently won the bronze medal in the 1500 metres and silver in the 800 metres at the Victorian Junior Track and Field Championships two weeks ago. She is currently with the Under 19 national squad.
His current athletes have made a 'flying start' to 2013, tasting success on the professional running circuit recently with Tarryn Fisher winning the Women's 400 metres final at The Daylesford Gift and Indiana Cooper winning the 1600-metre final at The Ringwood Gift.
"I have no doubt there are a number of athletes in the Macedon Ranges who have the potential to follow in Rochelle's footsteps and those of the Australian Youth Olympic Festival athletes," Muir said, "I'd love the opportunity to help them realise their potential, while also helping runners of all levels achieve their goals."
Muir has received an invitation to apply for a coaching position with the Australian team for the Oceania Championships in Tahiti in June, in which Australia will have an Under 18s and senior team.
To find out more information about the Flying Start program, visit Facebook - Flying Start Fitness or contact Gordon on - 0425 111 765.

Woodend Cricket Club report

The Woodend and Wallan Cricket Club's celebrate Pink Stumps Day last Saturday at the Gilbert Gordon Oval. Photo: Chris Fleming


Barry Mann

Well Pink Stumps Day went off, with the ladies having great fun and the Woodsmen triumphant across all senior grades, except for the Oncers. All teams now look like playing off in finals which is a great result and something the committee, coach 'Johnno' and all of his assistants can be proud of.
SENIORS
McIntyre Cup - The Woods played Wallan at the GeeGee. They followed up this week to get Wallan all out for 104. Stembridge took five and Matthews, four. We then had a bat, just to show the ladies our skills with the blade, and made 3/88, with coach 'Johnno' getting 53. We called it quits at that stage as it was too late in the day to go for an outright. This puts our primaries fifth on the ladder with one home and away game to go. So, if either of Riddell, Wallan or Sunbury lose next week, and we get up against Romsey, we're in. Just keep winning boys! 
C Grade - The Seconds played Romsey at Romsey and made 287 last week. This week it was the Grant McDonald show, with the old-timer (that's fair enough isn't it, Macca?) getting 6/55. Who said fast bowlers don't have any brains? Macca's been around long enough to remember every GDCA batsmen's weaknesses, and he knows how to exploit them. Mitchie Hannan chipped in with 2/33. This puts our boys clear on fourth and safely in the finals, and they will likely play a powerful Diggers Rest side in the semis. If I were Diggers, I'd be nervous!
E Grade - The Terds played Ashfield at home (Racecourse) and made 198 last week thanks to 97 from Dale Ranson (welcome back Dale). Both sides knew they had to win to play finals. The Terds bowled and fielded beautifully to get the Ashers all out for 126. The Kaiser (Pete Koller) was at his cunning best to snag 4/27, with Grayham Hannan (Shocker) assisting with 2/28 and Bomber (Big O'Malley) with 2/19. Kezza Else clean bowled the key Ashers bastman P Muir with a beautiful in-swinging yorker and Luke Mann did the same to break an important partnership that threatened. This gets us to third, ahead of Tylden (who were on top early on in the season) on percentage, and we can't be kicked out of finals. Well done boys, a good reward for a stellar second half of the season.
One Day Comp - The Oncers, in a surprise to everyone, went down to Romsey at Romsey. We made 71 off 14 overs, Captain Max with 26 and the Samurai with 27. Romsey made 4/74 in reply. What happened boys? Ah that's right, there was a wedding on (congratulations to Bear O'Meara) and half the team wasn't there! Oh well you don't get married every day, and Liam's new wife will soon be a cricketing widow. She'll get to know that cricket is life, life is cricket! 
JUNIORS
Woodend Tempest (Under 16) - Woodend played Bacchus March Green, batted first and made 4/153 last week. This week we rolled 'em for 90 off 40 overs. Awesomely even bowling performance with four bowlers (Cubley, White, Niven, Thompson) getting two each. This puts our boys third in a pretty close competition and guaranteed of playing finals as long as we don't stuff up the next game!
Under 14 East - Our Saplings played the Wallies at Wallan and made 99 last week but got rolled this week when Wallan put on 2/151, including an opening partnership of 121. Xavier Tras was the highest score with 38. Cricket can be cruel sometimes boys, but heads up, you are placed fifth and still a chance of making the final four.
Under 12 East - In Round 11 for our Seedlings, we played Sunbury United Black at Woodend Primary. Sunbury batted first and made a very healthy 6/182 of 24 overs (ouch!). We replied with 6/110. It's all good fun, at least most of the team got a bat!
PINK STUMPS
Woodend Cricket Club celebrated Pink Stumps Day in style on Saturday. The club raised more than $4000 for the McGrath Foundation. 
"We'd like to thank the local community for their kind donations," Woodend Cricket Club president Ronan Hume said.
The club wishes to thank Alyssa Kate and Matt Wlesh for donating more than $6000 worth of equipment on the day. This included the pick to lift Midland Express/Macedon Ranges Guardian photographer Chris Fleming in for the aerial photos. 
NEXT FUNCTION
The club is hosting a Trivia Night and Auction on March 2. The cost is $10 per person with BYO food and nibbles and drinks at bar prices. There will be raffles and games throughout the night and cash prizes for first and second placed tables. There will be great items in the silent auction and a live bid auction running during the night. Money raised will go to the McGrath Foundation. To book, contact Ronan on 0417 552 247 or email - ronan.hume@team.telstra.com

Enter the world of smoke and mirrors

World renowned hand shadow artist, the unusualist Raymond Crowe returns with his new work of wonder Curiosities.

Delicate, poignant, extraordinary. Miss it at your peril!

Enter the world of smoke and mirrors of light and shade. World renowned hand shadow artist, the unusualist Raymond Crowe returns with his new work of wonder Curiosities.

His show is a dazzling display of skills and artistry rarely seen on the world stage.

Be enchanted by his imaginative creations and collections of ventriloquism, smoke painting, puppetry, performing fleas, shadow play and comedy. Also featuring an interactive dinosaur, silhouette cutting and his 19th century physionotrace machine!

Also returning to the stage with Raymond after a 99 year absence, one of the world's first cartoons, Winston McCay's 1914 ground breaking interactive animation (inspiring Disney, Looney Tunes to Pixar) Gertie the Dinosaur.

It's on this Sunday, February 24 at 7pm at the Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street. Seating bank. Bookings: 1300 88 88 02 or via www.takeapeek.com.au or any Macedon Ranges Customer Service Centres (Romsey, Gisborne, Woodend or Kyneton). All Tickets $39.90 Concession $34.90

Refuelling at Gisborne

 Helitacks refuel at Dixon Field, Gisborne, on Monday night. Photo: Chris Fleming

Waterbombing helicopters refuelled at Gisborne on Monday evening - an event not seen in town for about 15 years.

A crowd of about 50 people watched on at Dixon Field as 10-12 helitacks came and went, some twice, between 5pm and 8.30pm.

The helicopters were refuelling at the site to attend to the Epping and Donnybrook fires.

"They would work and then come back for rapid refuelling, which is when the engine is still running, then they were sent away to work again," Gisborne CFA captain, Sam Strang explained. 

The Department of Sustainability and Environment coordinated the refuelling as the responsible body for the State Aircraft Unit Victoria.

Two aviation fuel trucks provided the fuel.

A Gisborne CFA unit was on site to provide "fire coverage" during hot refuelling which poses a fire risk.

Gisborne SES also attended.

"It was rather exciting. It was very interesting, and it was good that we could help out in some way," Capt. Strang said.

Six helitacks stayed overnight with a view to deploying again on Tuesday. Unfortunately most were struck on site for a further one to two days due to cloud cover and unclear visibility.

Capt. Strang said it was very unusual to host a helitack refuelling operation at Gisborne. 

He recalls the last one occurring during a fire at the Macedon pine plantation in the 1990s.

Itching for a bargain?

Macedon Fire Brigade's Steev Carrigg and Phil Wilkinson invite you to support the brigade at its annual flea market fundraiser on Saturday.

Macedon Fire Brigade's annual flea market is on again tomorrow - Saturday, February 23 - in the car park of the railway station, behind the fire station on the corner of Smith and Victoria streets.

The flea market will have the usual auction, bric-a-brac, books, kids toys, bikes, small electrical goods, big boys' toys (lawn mowers, tools, etc.), plants and of course the food kitchen. Food and drinks will be available all day from 10am, and amusements, including games alley, jumping castles, face-painting and and coloured hair spraying will all be there. 

The brigade is aiming to make this the most successful flea market ever and is hoping to make considerable progress towards raising the funds needed for the replacement of its brigade-owned tanker, which was purchased in 1997 with funds raised with the support of the local community. Despite fundraising efforts each year, the brigade has been unable to raise the amount needed as vehicle costs have escalated and resale value of its existing vehicle has dropped over recent years. 

So, even if you are unable to go along to the flea market, but would still like to help support the local brigade, please consider making a donation towards the replacement of its tanker. You can drop in to the fire station any Sunday morning or you can mail it to: Macedon Rural Fire Brigade, PO Box 282, Macedon, 3440. Your support will be greatly appreciated and will help the brigade continue to provide the highest level of emergency services to the local community.

Amusements, food and stalls commence at 10am. Auction commences at 11am.

Parlour decision looms

Funeral director, Libby Moloney, is proposing a funeral parlour at Forest Street, Woodend, which she said is an ideal location.

Woodend residents opposed to a funeral parlour application in a Residential 1 Zone are awaiting the outcome of next week's council meeting. Photo: Chris Fleming

Kylie Kitchen

A funeral parlour application in residential Woodend will come before council next Wednesday.

Macedon Ranges Council has received a number of submissions to the proposal, from local supporters and objecting neighbours.

The application is for a 'change of use' permit to allow for body storage, preparation and viewing, and funeral planning to take place at the dwelling.

Residents have submitted objections to the proposal arguing against location suitability, noise, smell, and traffic.

Applicant, funeral director and Woodend resident, Libby Moloney of Tirra Funerals, said the business is well-suited to the Forest Street area.

"Given the home-based nature of my work, to find a home nestled in that mixed use already makes it the perfect place," she said.

"The stretch between High Street and Forest Street is already a mixed use zone with the church, police station, court house, historical society."

Ms Moloney said the nature of her business is discrete.

"Most of my business in in the people's homes - it's gentle, quiet," she said.

"It's an integrated end of life, after death and funeral care service.

"We walk along the journey with the family (from palliative to care to the funeral service) and be a support throughout the journey."

Ms Moloney said the proposal is about offering a personal, home-based and green funeral service.

"Very, very soon the Macedon Ranges is going to need another funeral parlour," she said.

"You could get a McDonalds type one in an industrial area or you can get me.

"I've received incredible support. Our community really wants natural, sustainable end of life options and I'm here to offer them."

Families living in Forest and Jefferys streets said they are dismayed at the prospect of a mortuary among their homes.

Neighbours fear that if the application is passed it will set a precedent for commercial ribbon development along Woodend's main entrances.

One neighbour said the developer should take advantage of vacant commercial land in the town's centre. 

"Why take up cheaper housing sites for commerce in our residential areas? We can't understand why such an application is even being considered in a residential area.

"If passed, a precedent is set for further unwelcome commercial development along Forest Street. 

"The loss of housing sites to commerce puts tremendous pressure on council's stated aim of keeping future growth within present town boundaries and places rural land at risk of development."

Some residents said the application is inconsistent with Residential One Zoning that sets out to "encourage residential development that respects neighbourhood character". 

"The shire's stated policy is to avoid expansion along major entry roads and to keep business development in the centre of town," a neighbour said.

"Why should we have a mortuary among one of the most historic and attractive streets in our town?"

Project your art

Images promoting the upcoming Kyneton Music Festival are being projected onto the facade of the Kyneton Mechanics Institute in the lead-up to the event. Two artists will be given the chance to project their art onto an indoor or outdoor structure or space in the inaugural Projection Art Award. Photo: Chris Fleming (projected image: Erin Neale)

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is trialing a new artform in the region by giving two artists the chance to project onto an indoor or outdoor structure or space, such as a shop window, rock-face or building façade.

The inaugural Projection Art Award is funded by council, with $2000 on offer for two artists, plus access to either a short or long range projector. One award will be given for an indoor work and one for an outdoor work. 

Council's coordinator of cultural development, Robyn Till, said that artists of all backgrounds and experiences from within or outside the region could apply, as long as their work addresses a distinctly 'local' story.

"Our theme is 'Stories Within', to encourage artists to use local cultural or historical material, events or stories as inspiration for their projections.

"We invite artists to explore ways of producing captivating imagery about our region using this exciting visual medium," she said.

The award will be curated by Kent Wilson, who works as an artist, curator and writer, and lives locally in the Macedon Ranges. 

The proposed works must result from active engagement with the local community and/or local historical or cultural resources, but Ms Till said that artists are free to explore the story's artistic expression however they choose.

"This is an exciting opportunity to engage with a local community to produce an original piece of work for public exhibition," she said.

To apply, artists must submit a proposal for their artwork by April 1, 2013, with works to be exhibited publically prior to June 30, 2013. More information about the award can be found at www.mrsc.vic.gov.au or by contacting the curator via kent@kentwilson.net

Offering a hand up

Kyneton's Katy Condliffe will again use her nursing skills to help provide medical camps and medical education in Kenya.

'Hand up, not hand out' is the motto on Katy Condliffe's latest volunteer trip to Kenya.

The Kyneton local and Melbourne nurse is visiting Kenya for the third time, having found a passion for international volunteering. She is thrilled to have local supporters, Gisborne Medical Centre nurses, Kay Healey (Katy's aunty) and Robyn Moylan joining her on the trip.

"Can you imagine living in a world where the life expectancy was a very young 48 years? Can you imagine being pregnant when six in every 100 women die of pregnancy-related complications and even more babies die within their first year? Could you live in a country where AIDS is more common then medical professionals?" Katy asked.

"This is the country we are going into."

Katy, Kay and Robyn will put their nursing skills to use, as part of a team of nurses and allied health workers, to assist with medical camps in Odede - a town so small and remote Google Maps doesn't list it.

"Our role in Odede is to 'hand up, not hand out', meaning our knowledge, skill and education are the most valuable gift we can offer this community," Katy said.

The medical camps aim to empower the people of Odede and surrounding villages.

"A team of African and international doctors and nurses travel to a selected community and provide free health care to over 300 people is just one day," Katy said.

"Unlike hospitals in Australia, healthcare in Africa is never free and is rarely affordable."

The team will also provide health education to help ensure continued health in the community.

"We will be working clinically in our chosen profession in local hospitals and clinics, providing community health education and promotion to establish long-term health goals," Katy said.

"We aim to work closely with the local Kenyan health professionals to give up-to-date education and advancements in health care so they can continue to provide best quality health care long after we are gone.

"We are also very excited to be working in the newly opened community health care centre in Odede, built by the dedication of previous World Youth International volunteers."

Katy, Kay, Robyn and the team will depart for Western Kenya in three weeks to live and work for three months.

"I am extremely proud to be a part of such an amazing group of dedicated individuals and to see it in action," Katy said.

"Every member of the team has paid their own way to get there and is supporting themselves while in the country with no income."

EVENT

A movie afternoon and fundraiser will be held on Sunday, February 24, 3.30pm, at Westgarth Cinema, 89 High Street, Northcote.

This will raise funds for the these medical projects and more during the trip to Kenya.

The cost is $25 for movie (Silver Linings Playbook) and homemade cupcakes and afternoon tea.

A deposit payment is required by Sunday February 17.

Account Name: K A Condliffe, BSB: 733 234, Westpac Account: 502 116, reference: movie and (your name).

If you are unable to make the cinema but would like to help, a donation can be made at www.mycause.com.au/page/nursesinactionapril2013

Katy can be contacted on 0418 604 745 or at kcondliffe@hotmail.com

Green festival grows

Edgars Mission farm sanctuary founder, Pam Ahern and resident sheep, Tim with young supporters, Miah and Safara Kennedy. Photo: Chris Fleming

Kylie Kitchen

Green living ideas are gaining more attention each year at the Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival (MRSLF).

Attendance numbers were up again in the Woodend festival's fourth year - a 20 per cent increase seeing more than 1,000 people at the event last Saturday.

MRSLF coordinator, Alastair Fleming, said more stalls and improved stalls hooked more festival-goers.

A total of 62 stalls were set up at the event, offering green living ideas, displaying sustainable business practices, and demonstrating the simplicity of small changes with big differences.

Attendees were particularly impressed by an electric car display and the smoothie peddlers (who use the power of bicycles to blend drinks). 

Talks including, 'The Case for Climate Emergency' by Phillip Sutton, and 'The Transition Decade' by Giselle Wilkinson were also popular.

Children were well catered for with tailored activities and the opportunity to meet Edgar's Mission farm sanctuary residents, Timmy the sheep and his alpaca friends.

Alastair says more people are aware of the festival now, and its appeal is growing as people learn more about the need for a greener future.

"People come and they find things - they are looking for information and products - I think everybody wants a more sustainable future," he says.

"There's always an underlying desire to do more sustainable things on a personal level, just making sure you recycle your garbage or putting solar panels on your roof, or supporting businesses that provide fresh and organic produce.

"It's such a broad subject (sustainability). People are concerned about the environment. We're now moving into a dry spell, which moves it back into your consciousness. People are thinking we are now beginning to see the effects with floods and bushfires."

Alastair thanks all of the hard working volunteers who contributed to the festival this year, doing everything from baking cakes to taking tickets at the gate, operating the food stalls and managing the kids' activities.

"It's an incredible story of commitment to deliver a really great event," he says.

"That's the nice thing, it's a festival by the community for the community."

Industry advice on offer

Matthew Rogers of The Staple Group will be facilitating a free workshop for young musicians in Kyneton on March 1.


The organisers of the upcoming Kyneton Music Festival are excited to announce that they will be presenting a professional development workshop as part of the festival.
Facilitated by Matthew Rogers (The Staple Group), the workshop is aimed at young artists and those wishing to pursue a career in the music industry.
Rogers' ability to combine his passion for representing the incredible talent of artists with his sharp and progressive approach to the music industry has led him to work at companies such as Media Arts Lawyers and The Mushroom Group.
The workshops will be an opportunity for local artists to network and seek advice from more experienced artists, and for industry professionals to offer structured and comprehensive advice on how to advance your career in the music industry. Workshops will be free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend.
Part 1: Case Study - Stonefield
Part one will cover the development of Australian rock band, Stonefield. The four Findlay sisters from Darraweit Guim won the 2010 Triple J Unearthed High contest, and the band has received strong radio support.
Touring both nationally and internationally, Stonefield went on to record two successful EPs, the most recent Bad Reality in 2012.
Topics to be discussed with the sisters and their manager include the songwriting process, the people they have worked with over the years, the experiences they have garnered and how those experiences have shaped their progress. Would they change anything? Check in and check it out.
Part 2: There are people out there to help your career…
The musician looking to move out from the garage but doesn't know where to start will love Part Two. This panel is filled with those in the know; from the heads of the Australian Independent Record Label Association, Pledge Music, The Staple Group and Teamtrick Management, to working musicians. The information covered will be geared to those looking to kick-start their career and will also include advice on touring, getting your music heard and approaching the right people to advance your career.
Friday, March 1, Kyneton Town Hall, 4pm - 6pm. FREE
For more details: info@kynetonmusicfestival.com.au

Ancient art being revived

Kate Ellis of Lauriston is the only full-time hedge-layer in mainland Australia, and quite possibly the only female hedge-layer in the southern hemisphere.

The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo will be held once again on February 15, 16, and 17, 2013. 
This event has grown into the most successful alternative farming expo in the southern hemisphere and each year more than 450 exhibitors present their products, services and skills.
An interesting practitioner who will be demonstrating her skills at Seymour Expo is Kate Ellis of Lauriston, the only full-time hedge-layer in mainland Australia, and quite possibly the only female hedge-layer in the southern hemisphere.
The first written reports about hedges came from Julius Caesar in his battles for Gaul in northern Europe. The local tribes had constructed hedges by cutting and laying small trees, binding them with brambles and thorn to achieve a stockproof barrier to keep in stock and keep out marauding tribes. The Britons of the same era probably had similar barriers and when the Anglo-Saxons settled in lowland Britain they continued the practice, mainly using hawthorn trees. 
Kate lived in Europe for 10 years, which included five years in Scotland gaining her PHD in Environmental Science at St Andrews University, and that is where she discovered hedge-laying and became fascinated. It has turned into her full-time work and passion. She learnt the craft from a couple of hedge-layers in Tasmania, and still works with them to revive her skills.
"In Australia," explained Kate, "The hedges are all either hawthorn or elm. I use willow for binding and whatever suitable timber I can find for the stakes. Finding and cutting the willow from the banks of rivers and creeks is very labour intensive.
"I've been doing this commercially for three years. I started with my own 100-metre hawthorn hedge and people kept stopping on the road to find out what it was all about."
The concept of laying a hedge appears fairly straightforward, but in practice is much harder, requiring skill and experience. The aim is to reduce the thickness of the upright stems of the hedgerow trees by cutting away the wood on one side of the stem, in line with the course of the hedge. The stem is then laid down towards the horizontal, along the length of the hedge. Knowing how much to leave when cutting the stem to keep the hedge alive is just one aspect of the art of hedge-laying.
Kate said that the hedges need to be about eight feet high to start laying and end up at the usual fence height of four feet. The traditional tool used is a Staffordshire billhook - a rather intimidating implement made by blacksmiths.
Hedge-laying is currently undergoing a revival in the United States and United Kingdom and there is plenty of interest here from people who have seen Kate's work.
"I'm trying to revive the old crafts because we can't all have jobs in town. We need these crafts to sustain life in the country. Not everything has to be nailed, drilled or wired, and the old ways are aesthetically attractive.
"It's going full circle. I'm making a living doing this, because there is plenty of work. I have a 300-metre hawthorn hedge to lay in Kyneton Botanical Gardens. It wouldn't last another 20 years in its current situation. I will restore it in the traditional manner and it will regenerate."
Kate has expanded her skills to include other offerings such as woven fences - which are known as wattle fences - hurdles, 'tipis' for climbing plants, tree guards and lattices, all made in the traditional way, usually using willow.
"My clients usually have beautiful properties and they are keen to continue the historical aspect of hand-made features. I'm about to start traditional fencing with cleft timber for posts.
"What attracted me to these crafts was essentially their aesthetic appeal, but also the sustainability factor that they use locally sourced, natural materials."
Visitors to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo can book their tickets and family passes on-line to avoid delays at the gate. Simply go to www.seymour-expo.com which also has details of the lecture programs.
There is something for everyone to see and do at the 2013 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
Full details of the event can be found at www.seymour-expo.com
FAMILY PASSES GIVEAWAYSeymour Alternative Farming Expo and the Macedon Ranges Guardian are giving away complimentary family passes to five lucky readers. These tickets are valued at $40 each. To enter, post or email the following information to The Guardian Expo Ticket Giveaway, 3 Market Street, Kyneton, 3444, or edit@elliottmidnews.com.au by close of business, Tuesday, February 12.

2013 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo
Ticket giveaway entry
Name:
Address:
Phone: 
(Winning entrants will be required to collect their tickets from the Guardian office in Kyneton by Thursday, February 14)

The art of sustainability

Bakery Lane Gallery exhibition curator, Caite Farrugia, with Woodend textiles artist, Pamela Monteith. Photo: Chris Fleming

An art exhibition opening in Woodend tomorrow is likely to shift perceptions of everyday objects and materials. 
Revive will showcase 15 artists and what they have created from discarded and unwanted bits and pieces. 
It is being held in association with the Sustainable Living Festival this Saturday in Woodend and curator, Caite Farrugia, says the fresh and contemporary exhibition will portray how art can shape a future of sustainability. 
"Revive is about deepening the relationship between contemporary art and the notions of environmental sustainability. It will also engage the viewer to enjoy, explore and be educated. We believe that the artists involved will inspire, communicate and educate our viewers about the morals of sustainable art," Caite says.
The exhibiting artists represent diverse creative fields including sculpture, interior design, fashion, furniture, jewellery, wall art, film, novelty giftware and architecture. 
Woodend Wine Store is also embracing the sustainability theme, with a guest winemaker from an award-winning biodynamic vineyard. 
Gille Lapalus, head winemaker at Sutton Grange Winery, uses only biodynamic preparations for pests and diseases, and removes weeds by machine. Influenced by European practices, his wines are made with minimal intervention. He avoids adding chemicals, and only uses natural yeasts and tank water. 
Revive opens at Bakery Lane Gallery, 42b Anslow Street, Woodend on February 9 and runs until February 24. The gallery is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. A gold coin donation to assist Woodend Ambulance is being asked of visitors to the exhibition. Black Anther Gallery, located on the same site at rear, will also feature pieces from the exhibition as well as an exhibition of sustainable textile designs. Details: Caite 0413 764 234.

Peace message to the PM

 Gisborne students Vanessa Bolton and Naomi Keane, Riddells Creek GP Dr Jenny Grounds and Japanese teacher Noriko Ikaga with the 2,000 hand-folded peace cranes presented to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister this week.

Gisborne Secondary College students have urged the Federal Government to sign a treaty against nuclear weapons.
A group of 13 students from the year 10 and 11 Japanese class presented 2,000 peace cranes to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Senator Jan McLucas, on Monday morning.
The Gisborne students went on a school trip to Japan last September/October as part of their Japanese studies.
They spent time in the city of Hiroshima learning from local students about how the city was destroyed by a nuclear bomb in World War II, killing 140,000 people. 
"We saw how the city was damaged and thought, 'this is so wrong and this shouldn't happen anywhere in the world'," GSC Japanese teacher, Noriko Ikaga said.
Following the bombings, paper cranes became a symbol of world peace for Japanese people.
The Gisborne students would like to see the Australian Government join other nations in calling for negotiations on a treaty to outlaw and eliminate nuclear weapons.
"Although we don't have nuclear weapons here we still haven't signed a treaty against them," Ms Ikaga said.
The Gisborne students made 1,000 of the paper cranes, most while on the Japan school trip. 
They agreed to make the cranes as a gift and peace message to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, at the suggestion of ICAN organisers (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons). ICAN plans to have bundles of 1,000 cranes - symbolising support for nuclear disarmament - delivered to every president and prime minister worldwide.
The students had already made 1,000 hand-folded paper cranes at home to bring to Japan as a traditional peace symbol before ICAN made the proposal.
"It's tradition to make 1,000 cranes when we go to Japan to show you support world peace. Many people in Japan do this," Ms Ikaga said.
"When we got this invitation from ICAN we were just finished making 1,000 cranes to take to Hiroshima where the bomb was dropped.
"(The idea) came from ICAN. They though it would be good to have local students get involved, it would be nice to have support from kids here. When I asked them I wasn't sure if they would want to make 1,000 more cranes, but they said, 'yeah, yeah, we want to do it'.
"Once we got to Japan we bought paper, most of them we made in Japan. (The students) just found time on the train when we were going to a different city."
The remaining 1,000 peace cranes were hand-folded by Hiroshima students.
Riddells Creek GP and Medical Association for Prevention of War president, Dr Jenny Grounds, presented the 2,000 peace cranes to Senator McLucas at Gisborne Secondary College this week.
Senator McLucas travelled from Queensland to accept the cranes on the Prime Minister's behalf. 
"She was a lovely, lovely lady. She told us the reason why she became a politician is she is against uranium mining," Ms Ikaga said.
"She said she will get a response from Julia Gillard for the students."
More than 140,000 paper cranes have already been delivered to leaders worldwide, and messages of support have been received from the presidents of Afghanistan, Cyprus, Greece, Kazakhstan, the Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Slovenia, Switzerland, Tunisia and Vanuatu, as well as the Secretary General of the United Nations.
www.icanw.org/resources/paper-crane-project