Barfold's got a few secrets...

Valerie Hornbuckle

There's a secret life to lots of places around and about which a carload of people on their way to somewhere other would not even guess let alone stop to explore.

Barfold Hall is one such place. It sits as any well cared for little wooden building would beside the Kyneton-Redesdale Road not giving any hint of its past life. It's survived some of the fiercest bushfires the district has known, the latest was being on the edge of the roaring flames which whipped by it destroying countryside and homes nearby on Black Saturday 2009. But survival aside, this building didn't begin life as the Barfold Hall. It was originally the Emberton State School several miles away from where it now stands. When finished being used as a school, it was occupied by workers constructing the railway line, acted as a meeting place from time to time, and more. Then in 1894 it was purchased by the Mechanics' Institute Committee for the sum of 25 pounds and taken by bullock team to its present site in 1906.

There was also a railway line running through Barfold, although its existence is a little more obvious than the hall's past given that the raised up area the railway track went along can be seen parallel to the road in the paddocks. A station was at Barfold just nearby the hall on the Redesdale side, although it was more in the form of a hut rather than a grand structure we are familiar with in the towns of the district.

The railway did more than transport passengers. A true reflection of the agricultural life of the area, it was a means of getting stock to markets which leads us to another feature no longer seen in its full form beside the Barfold Hall. The remnants of stock yards (the first ones were constructed in the early 1890s) could be clearly seen there until recent days. Almost gone now, they were a major trading area for farmers in the district. Sheep came from far and wide, sometimes being walked over land for several days to the Barfold sales. When sold, sheep were often loaded up into stock trucks pulled by locomotives and chuffed down the line to major centres such as Newmarket in Melbourne.

The closure of the Kyneton to Redesdale rail line in 1954 meant the end of rail transport of fat lambs and other stock after the sales. They had to go by road. Stock sales at Barfold continued for about three years after the rail line closed, then after that stock was trucked to Kyneton, Newmarket or perhaps Bendigo for sale. And that was certainly the end of an era for the Barfold district, and indeed, the surrounds of the little hall. So next time you drive through Barfold, there are a few things to think about, aren't there?

(Thanks to the Kyneton Historical Society for allowing us to photograph the old pictures.)

 

The Barfold Hall today. It still looks very much as it did more than 100 years ago.

A relic from the past dating from the days when the surrounds of Barfold Hall were a hive of activity.

Remnants of the rail line can still be seen on a private property beside the hall.

Sheep were taken by truck from the yards when the rail line had closed. This photo is dated 1957.

 Fat lamb sale at Redesdale around 1956

Love your bugs!

Dr Saul Cunningham leads the bug diversity field walk and seminar.

"Love your bugs!" This is the catch cry, and the final words of advice from CSIRO scientist, Dr Saul Cunningham, at his Bugs Biodiversity workshop at the Baynton Hall last month. 

About 50 people attended this event hosted by North Central Catchment Management Authority and the Baynton Sidonia Landcare Group as part of the 'Protecting, linking and enhancing priority remnants in the Kyneton Woodland' project.

Dr Cunningham spoke of the practical aspects of insect habitat during a walk on a nearby property which has been only lightly grazed and where fallen trees have been left in place, thereby providing habitat for a myriad of insects. 

Scientific data demonstrate that insects have the most effective mechanisms in the world to assist in nitrogen transfer, soil infiltration and pollination. Because of their variety, adaptability and enormous numbers (there are over 10 million varieties of insect, and probably more), their impact is more rapid and positive than say that of birds. 

Typically, we think of biodiversity as involving exotic birds, vulnerable whales or magnificent rainforests. But biodiversity really takes the form of millions of small creatures, like insects. Dr Cunningham's presentation focused on the positive role of insects in soil improvement, pest control and pollination.

Soil improvement is a key consideration to many in our area, and insects are a critical part of the process and speed up the work of the microbes. They also increase the infiltration rate of moisture into the ground - by as much as 30 per cent. 

How can we assist in achieving this improvement on our land?

· Reduce or avoid wide spectrum insecticides;

· Leave appropriate levels of soil residue;

· Increase heterogeneity in the landscape, i.e. ensure a variety of crops/grazing/native vegetation;

· Allow for patches of non-agricultural land, e.g. road margins, drainage areas, revegetation. No matter how small, these 'islands' will provide a breeding habitat for insects, allowing them to carryout their beneficial works.

Pest control by insects is efficient because generally it is carried out by other insects. Providing non-agricultural patches in the landscape helps support the predator insect communities that provide pest control.

Insect pollination is Dr Cunningham's area of expertise and he noted that pollination by insects affects both the quality and quantity of most orchard and broadacre fruit and seed crops (with the exception of grains). Bees are the key pollinators as they focus on flowers. Insect communities typically contain a few major species and a large number of smaller representations. It is this constant diversity which can be of such value in agriculture i.e. many species doing a job is better than one, and this diversity is most likely to provide a service under a wider range of conditions and in the face of adversity. 

What can we do to assist insects to work for us?

· Provide patches of non-agricultural land e.g. scattered or isolated trees, and fencelines adjacent to grazing land; these will serve as both food and nesting options. 

· Avoid broad spectrum insecticides.

· Encourage patch heterogeneity e.g. smaller field sizes.

The imported honey bee also needs to be managed. The arrival of the Varroa Mite is imminent in Australia, having already decimated honey bee populations elsewhere in the world. Research published by scientists including Dr Cunningham clearly demonstrates that wild bees (which are not affected by the Varroa Mite) are more important to production than honey bees. 

We live in a human-modified landscape where land use is intensifying and therefore biodiversity is reducing. How do we achieve biodiversity?

· Protect isolated trees

· Fencelines and paddock margins

· Reduce broad spectrum insecticides

· Manage soil erosion

· Off-farm influence by the community to encourage all of the above.

Everything we do is a help to get it started.

Many small contributions add up across the landscape to make an impact.

This event was funded through the Australian Government's Clean Energy Future Biodiversity Fund.

Students pitch in to address maintenance woes

Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters (left), with Kyneton Primary School student council members, Maggie Copeland and Chloe Meyer, and school council president, Fiona Copeland. The student council is pitching in to raise funds to repair the school's toilets.

Angela Crawford

The desperate need for Kyneton's K-12 Education Precinct to be realised has been further highlighted by increasing maintenance issues faced by both Kyneton Secondary College and Kyneton Primary School.

The most recent example is Kyneton Primary School's antiquated heating system, which broke down during first term and is awaiting repair, hopefully before the students return to school.

School council president, Fiona Copeland, said the maintenance budget won't cover all that needs to be done. 

"It's an old boiler system and needs parts - it's blown out the budget really, the winter's coming in and we really need to have it working," she said.

"There's a lot of things that need repair and issues that have been tagged as priority."

A general clean up and painting of the school's toilets is also needed, so the student council has taken up the task of raising the funds itself.

The students held a 'Guess the Easter Eggs in the Jar' competition before the end of term and raised $120 for the effort.

Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, visited the school for an assembly last week and was shocked to learn the students had to fundraise themselves to repair the toilets.

"It is shocking enough that young students are fundraising to fix the toilets, however, it's not the only maintenance issue at Kyneton Primary. Other issues challenging the school maintenance budget include a heater that needs repair, loose roof slates and leaking guttering," she said. 

"Principal Wendy Pearce and the Kyneton Primary school teachers are doing an outstanding job. Whilst the teachers, staff and school community are working hard to ensure their students receive a quality education, the state of the school buildings and facilities is appalling."

"Public school maintenance and maintenance budgets are the responsibility of the Victorian State Liberal Government but they are clearly failing meet the funding needs our schools."

Ms Chesters said the Federal Government's National Plan for School Improvement will provide a fairer school funding model for all schools.

"Negotiations are continuing ahead of COAG and we're working hard to secure a deal with all states and systems," she said. 

 "We're asking the State Liberal Government to pay their fair share and commit to the National Plan for School Improvement."

In favour of growth

Woodend was a key focus of an independent panel's interim report on Planning Scheme Amendment C84.

Kylie Kitchen

Critical changes to a significant planning document were accepted by Macedon Ranges Council and are now open to public scrutiny. 

Council has adopted independent panel recommendations to Planning Scheme Amendment C84 for the purpose of consultation. 

The C84 document's function includes implementing the shire's settlement strategy and its plans for population and infrastructure, and reviewing the Local Planning Policy Framework.

The panel made recommendations in an interim report last September, following a hearing in June. 

The panel criticises C84 for its unsubstantiated directions.

Macedon Ranges Residents Association (MRRA) secretary, Christine Pruneau, was among those vocal about the interim report at its release last year. She said it would be a huge job for council to fix what it had gotten wrong, labelling C84 as "not policy-neutral". Ms Pruneau fears Macedon Ranges' sensitive landscape will be at risk if the document fails to make clear statements and justifications against development pressure.

Residents have the opportunity to comment on the range of changes council has accepted and considered, under the panel's interim recommendations before C84 returns to the panel for a final hearing. 

Woodend was a key focus of the report. 

Among the more significant directions is to delete a line stating no more greenfield land is required in Woodend to 2036. Another direction asks council to identify preferred and non-preferred greenfield development areas when it prepares a Woodend Structure Plan.

Developers may see opportunity in the changes. Villawood executive director, Rory Costelloe, praised the panel report last year and said that as a result, Villawood will return to council with a smaller Davies Hill proposal. 

The panel recommends a justification for Woodend's modest growth, adding reference to its rail and freeway access and its infrastructure, as well as environmental constraints and preservation needs. 

The interim report directs investigations into development to the south of both the Riddells Creek and Kyneton railway lines. 

In Romsey, the panel asks council to delete statements ruling out further rezonings, and that it qualify statements on infrastructure constraints.

It also recommends changes relating to small towns and whole-of-shire directions. 

Planning and environment director, Sophie Segafredo's report to council last week, assessed the panel's interim report.

"Amendment C84 was noted by the panel as seeking to redress the longstanding weakness in location planning policy by implementing the settlement strategy. The panel, however, also noted the difficulty of planning for an extended timeframe, and the need for ongoing monitoring, review and adjustment of planning strategy.

"The panel considers the shire's attributes, including transport and community infrastructure, creates a predisposition in favour of accommodating growth, however this is subject to the caveat that landscape and environment values are protected.

"The investment made in the development of the MRSS (Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy) by the council and the local community required Amendment C84 to proceed. By implementing the recommendations .... the significant but critical changes to Macedon Ranges LPPF (Local Planning Policy Framework) can be made and council's adopted approach to planning for growth implemented."

The changes to Amendment C84 will begin exhibition this month at council's offices and via its website. The changes will be exhibited for four weeks and will be open to feedback.

Macedon Ranges Blue

Macedon Ranges Blue is the local autism awareness campaign, part of the national, Autism Speaks Light it up Blue initiative. See article, Light on autism awareness (Guardian, 28/03/13), for more information.
Local Events during Autism Awareness Month:

April 2 
World Autism day 
Landmarks will be lit up blue 
Romsey - tree, fountain and shops
Woodend- clock tower Gisborne- fountain
Lancefield - businesses and shops

April 1 - 7
Blue autism awareness displays
Visual displays and information in business windows in Romsey 

April 4
Fundraising dinner for Playconnect autism spectrum disorder playgroup 
Sicilian Vespers Restaurant, Main Road, Romsey
Tino Fichera, 5429 3909

April 6
* Barbecue at Romsey Skate Park 
Short walk and balloon release
Kids activities
Romsey Lions Reserve/Romsey Skate Park 
12 - 2.30pm
* Lions Club visit with Righteous pup (autism spectrum disorder trained companion dog)
Romsey Lions Reserve/Romsey Skate Park 
* Romsey Football Club 
Blue practice match players run through blue banner and wear blue arm bands

Each Friday
* Playconnect, ASD playgroup for children from diagnoses to school (2-6 years) 
Romsey Community Hub 
* All Abilities kids health and fitness programs
Kids come and try day
Romsey Community Stadium
Mel Traynor, 0430 370 361

April 10
Macedon Ranges support group 
Morning tea 
Ethic Cafe, Woodend
Fiona Le Nepveu, 5421 1693

April 20
Pie eating competition
Fundraiser for the Macedon Ranges Autism Specturn Disorder Support Group 
Giveaways and prizes
Country Cob Bakery, Mollison Street, Kyneton 
10.30am 
Kate Neale, 0427 226 645

April 24
Macedon Ranges support group lunch 
Country Cob Bakery, Mollison Street, Kyneton 
12.30pm
Kate Neale, 0427 226 645

April 22
Question and answer session
Professor Tonge
Autism and adolescence
For parents, school staff, youth workers
Cobaw Community Health Woodend, 47 Forest Street 
6 - 8pm
Supper provided
Cobaw 5421 1680

April 29
May 6
May 13
Autism spectrum disorder in preschool years
Three professional development sessions for kinder and childcare staff
Cobaw Community Health Woodend, 47 Forest Street 
6 - 8pm
Fiona Le Nepveu 5421 1693

Month of April 
* Primary and secondary schools awareness activities
Cobaw staff will provide talks to schools in Macedon Ranges
* Macedon Ranges schools get on board to fundraise and raise awareness and acceptance of difference
Blue activities
For Amaze (Autism Victoria)
* Amaze will offer the Supporting Differences program to schools in the Macedon Ranges
To raise awareness of differences in the classroom and understanding students with an autism spectrum disorder

End of April 
Raffle drawn 
Fundraiser for Macedon Ranges Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group


For more information on these events, please contact Macedon Ranges Blue organiser, Shantelle Grant on 0411 444 447. 

Cooking up a storm

Woodend SES volunteers cook up a storm for breakfast for 250 campers at Hanging Rock last weekend.

The annual Camp Out at the Rock was held last weekend, an event in which Hanging Rock Reserve is opened to the public for camping one night per year.

The Woodend SES provided a barbecue dinner and a barbecue breakfast for all campers.

Campers enjoyed a campfire, a night walk around the base of Hanging Rock with the ranger and the screening of the classic film, Picnic at Hanging Rock.

This year, in excess of 250 campers enjoyed the mild weather and the amazing location, along with the culinary skills of Woodend SES volunteers as they prepared 500 sausages, 200 hamburgers, 10 kilograms of bacon, 20 dozen eggs, 40 loaves of bread, 100 hash browns, six kilograms of onions and other culinary delights!

This year's Camp Out raised in excess of $1400 for the Woodend SES which is a great outcome as the unit this week launches its new campaign to raise $160,000 for a new rescue truck, to replace one that was removed from service in late 2012 in a state-wide safety alert and recall.

If you would like to make a donation or enquire about joining the SES, contact the unit on 5427 2932.

Easter bunnies out to play

Easter came a week early in Woodend. 

Little kindergym bunnies hopped around the Buffalo Stadium Kindergym at its Easter celebrations last Friday. 

Kindergym classes resume after the school holidays on Friday April 19.

Best friends Alice and Isla, 21 months, inspect each other's new bunny faces.

Darcy, 6 months, is transformed into a cute little rabbit.

Sam and Niamh, 2, get the giggles playing in the ball pit.

 

Leah, 2, and Patrick, 23 months, dressed for the occasion and ready for playtime under the parachute.