Edition 18 Autumn 2014

FREEEdition 18 - Autumn 2014

Visual Arts for Foothills

The Foothills is distributed by Les Mills to 4,226 homes in Tecoma, Upwey and Upper Ferntree Gully. Total distribution of 7,000.

Community news from Upper Ferntree Gully, Upwey & TecomaEmail your ideas to:[email protected]

Rod Moss has been a resident of Alice Springs since 1984. His paintings are a result of his unique and close relationship with the Arrente community of Whitegate, one of several town camps on the outskirts of town. In his carefully constructed and referenced paintings he presents the Whitegate families in everyday life situations, with strong connectedness through country and kinship.

Whitegate - Where Art and Life CollideThe exhibition brings together the photography Rod bases his paintings on and the stories behind them. They create an intriguing and intimate portrait of the families of Whitegate amongst the on-going struggle with health issues, alcoholism and violence.Rod is the author of A Thousand Cuts, published in 2013 and The Hard Light of Day which won the NT Book Award and the Prime Minister’s Award

The Disrobing of Adrian Hayes, 2009 by Rod Moss

Exclusive to Foothill MembersIn the spirit of the Arts Burrinja are offering Foothill readers the chance to win a double pass for a theatre package valued at $136. Details are on page 8. But hurry! – Entries close 19th March.

for Non-fiction in 2011. Rod Moss is represented by Anna Pappas Gallery in Melbourne and Fireworks Gallery in Brisbane.

Burrinja Gallery 28 March - 22 June 2014Open Tue - Sun, 10.30am - 4.00pm Free Entry

Continued on page 9

2 The Foothills, January February 2013

Coonara Community House22 Willow Rd

Upper Ferntree GullyVIC 3156

Phone: (03) 9758 [email protected]

EditorMarina Cook

Sub EditorSally Dusting-Laird

DesignersSophie FitzGeraldEmily FitzGerald

Jessica Hardy

PhotographerDarren Clarke

Customer Liasion & AdvertisingMargaret James

([email protected])

ContributorsTerry Barca

Sally ConnellAndrew FullagarJanette GarbuioKaren GeorgeDavid Jewell

K L JoyCoral KennedyNic Kirkwood

Kumara KulathungaErica Kurec

Athene ThompsonIngrid WardJulie Welsh

Sandi Wallace

PrinterNewsprinters Pty Ltd.

Views and comments expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of any member of The Foothills newspaper

or Coonara Community House unless acknowledged as such. Products and

services listed or advertised in the newspaper should not be considered as endorsments. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy or editorial

content, The Foothills newspaper takes no responsibility for errors.

Editor’s Letter

ADVERTISING PRICES

(Per edition & incl. GST)Full175 x 237mm

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Deadline for next edition 31st January 2013

The Foothills

The Foothills now have aFacebook page.Like us to �nd out what ishappening in the local areaof Upper Ferntree Gully,Upwey and Tecoma,and upcoming stories.

THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR IS APPROACHING.DO YOU HAVE YOUR BUSINESS PLANS OR PERSONAL GOALS IN PLACE?

MARINA COOK, ENTREPRENEUR AND TEACHER AT RMIT WILL SHARE OVER 15 YEARS OF MARKETING EXPERIENCE TO GET YOU MOTIVATED.

THURSDAY 3 APRIL 2014 7 - 9 PMCOONARA COMMUNITY HOUSE 22 WILLOW RD UFTGCALL 9758 7081 [email protected]. $25 DONATION TO ATTEND. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO OXFAM.

For me, The Foothills is synonymous with the Arts. Our community has some amazing people who are creative in the most unusual ways. In our backyard, we have an organisation which is a Victorian Museum Award Winner 2013 (Burrinja of course), an author in the making, many poets, sculptors, painters... you name it - The Foothills has it!

If you haven’t guessed by now - the theme for this Foothills is all about ‘Arts in the Foothills’.

From painting and photography to performing arts, our community thrives on this uniqueness. Art is also expressed in movement, digitally, by the music we listen to and ideas which flow.

This edition has had many great artists - and whether you are a writer, photographer, painter or enjoy being part of a community based newspaper - we invite you to join us and have the chance to get your work published.

I’m now based in Coonara Community House every Thursday between 9 and 12pm. So come on down and share your ideas. Or if you would like a base to write your stories (as we have a classroom of computers you can use) or need some general tips and tricks - it would be great to catch-up. And of course, it will give me a chance to catch-up with the regulars.

Next edition ( Winter - June to August) will be about ‘Celebrating Life’s Achievements and Experiences’. Therefore, we will be looking at personal stories of local people, businesses and community groups who have achieved their goals. If you know anyone who has achieved many great things personally, professionally or for the greater good (ie. for our community), then drop us a line at [email protected].

RegardsMarina Cook

P.S. In the spirit of the arts - Burrinja are giving one lucky reader a double pass for a theatre package. See p. 8.

The Foothills, January February 2013 3

By KL Joy

Darren Clarke came to The Foothills newspaper 18 months ago as staff photographer after Marina Cook, editor of the paper, saw one of his photos on Facebook. He was at that time a self confessed Mr Mum, and thought it would be a great opportunity to get out and about, and expand his ‘hobby’ into something more.

No one knew at that time he would become well renowned in the Foothills for his images that have documented major changes; have had his first exhibition as a solo artist; and be sought after in the wider community for his work.

Darren has always loved photography, he first dabbled in early twenties but didn't really ‘catch the bug’ until his honeymoon with his second wife Leanne, when they went on a hot air balloon flight over Yarra Ranges eight and half years ago. Darren got his first digital SLR when their eldest son, Joel, was born in January 2007, and he started to express himself in a more artistic ways. He realised photography was an art form that had so much scope in this digital age. I remember first meeting Darren as we both waited to pick up our sons from Kindergarten at Tecoma Pre School three and a half years ago. He was quiet, but through Facebook, I got to see a side to him that we could connect on, Photography!

Darren liked to play with the images he took in photoshop, sometimes asking his ‘FaceBook hive mind’ for feedback as he’d tweak them. Darren is a stay at home father to 3 boys with his wife Leanne; Joel (7yo) Isaac (5yo) and most recently Joshua (16 weeks) are followed on Facebook by his 600+ followers on his page D. Clarke’s Photography.

Matthew, his son from a previous marriage also makes a number of

Darren ClarkeArtist Photographer

appearances in Darren’s work too. One of the images of Matt and his Fiancée was much sought after at the exhibition in December but unfortunately it wasn’t for sale.

Darren has photographed at Burrinja Theatre with their production of “The Club’ with John Woods; RUCCIS circus shooting a number of their shows, and some personal shots of the performers too. If you know the man as I do, you’ll understand his other passion, music, and this drives him to photograph the local talent like Belgrave Drummers Circle and his friend Steven Sparkman, a guitarist who often has the camera pointed his way! Nothing escapes this man’s artistic eye from the simple ‘pamphlets pictures’ for the Cats Corner; to one of the seminal images of the No Macca’s in Tecoma protest; the two flags flying over the old Hazelvale dairy (the Southern Cross, and the red flag).

He makes sure he is out and about to all the local festivals too; the Yarra ranges Downhill Festival, Belgrave End of the Line Festival, The Great Train Race and Belgrave Survival Day where, to snap an image is not the case for this man; the imagery he shares is poetic. His greatest passion though is for the landscape that surrounds us in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, east of Melbourne. The dedication he shows getting up sometimes in

the middle of the night to capture ‘that shot’ is awe inspiring.

It is no wonder that people like Marina and his family and friends encouraged him to exhibit his work. He is a humble man; when he put a call out through the FaceBook hive for donations of frames in good condition for him to be able mount his work he was inundated. He has gained a lot of encouragement, and support due to the gratitude he shows personally to each comment on his photographs, so it was no surprise to me that his first solo exhibition in December 2013 was a sell out!

Darren’s support within the FaceBook community is a two way street; he runs a ‘WHAT’s THIS?” competition each week at the same time. People tune in from all around the world to follow that competition and it is a lot of fun to follow the conversation each week.

His work always makes me feel. Evocative images, layered with emotion and thought, with a depth that is often missing in other peoples work, two dimensions seemed to come to life and move of their own will in Darren’s pictures. My life is richer with his art work in my life and my home.

For further information about the man and his work head over to see his images at www.facebook.com/D.Clarke.Photography

Photograph by Darren Clarke


By Kumara Kulathunga

Psychological problems may occur in children of any age, and can even begin as early as infancy. If you are concerned about any problematic or unusual behaviour, or notice delay in your child’s development, then this may be the time to make an appointment with your General Practitioner. The doctor can discuss a possible referral to a psychologist who specialises in assessment and treatment of children. If you or any of your family or friends have children who exhibit some of the following signs, then making an appointment with your doctor and obtaining a referral along with a Child Treatment Plan to a psychologist is recommended:

• Aggressive behaviour Excessive irritability

• Excessive shyness Hyperactivity

• Repetitive behaviours Difficulty relaxing and self-soothing

• Hurting themselves in any manner• Not joining in with family and peer

activities • Staying in their room for extended

periods of time• Persistent nightmares, and/or night

terrors • Sexualised behaviours• Excessive outbursts and meltdowns

without a noticeable cause, and slow to calm down

• Sleep disturbances, either over-sleeping or under- sleeping

• Refusing to go to school, and

Child Psychological Services constantly complaining of physical complaints

• Delay in meeting developmental milestones, for example with language, motor skills – walking,

• Preferring to play on their own for lengthy periods, difficulty in social situations

• Excessive crying, and alternating between excessive clingy behaviour, seeming to emotionally detached from you

• Noticing the child looking sad for at least two weeks and not seeming to enjoy playing with toys or engaging in their usual fun activities

• Noticing whether the child is developing rituals and becoming angry when the routine is changed

• Experiencing difficulties in school, bullying, coming home “cranky” a good deal of the time

• If you notice your child putting him/herself down a lot, and lacking in self-esteem and confidence

• Easily distracted, and noticeable attentional difficulties

• Appetite disturbances, either over-eating or under eating

• Elimination problems, with excessive bed wetting, and/or soiling following successfully completing toilet training

Further information please contact: Mount Medical Clinic on (03) 8288 1350.

Lizz Scott, Child Psychologist at Mount Medical Clinic



By Julie Welsh

Sandi Wallace is an award winning crime writer and soon to be a thrice-published crime author. She has a particular knack for creating truly memorable female characters, full of grit and effortless determination. So how did a quietly spoken, petite blonde lady from the hills happen to write about crime and how did she land her book deal?

Sandi tells me that at the age of six she knew she wanted to be a writer and soon after, she fell in love with crime fiction. As she talks about a childhood filled with crime novels and film, her eyes shine with inspiration. “I was hooked on the crime genre,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to be a crime author.”

In adulthood, Sandi established a career in fitness training but she continued to enjoy writing in her spare time. She worked on a crime novel, she took writing classes and had articles and stories published, including her column here at The Foothills. Then came a time when she decided to make her dream come true. She wanted her own series of crime novels.

Sandi braved the almost-impossible odds of landing an

Sandi Wallace - The Art of Crimeagent or publisher in Australia. She wrote, rewrote and polished her crime novel then submitted it to an agent. She was busy working on the second book in her series when she got the call. The agent wanted her story. “She started talking advances, royalties and plans for publishing,” says Sandi, “It was so exciting.” But then the agent had one stipulation. “She said that crime wasn’t selling and asked if I could write in more romance.”

At this point Sandi shows me her office, complete with heavy timber desk, shiny black and silver antique typewriter and a wall of sticky notes marking out every scene of her novel. She sits at her desk and drops her head in her hands. “After the call I was sitting here like this. I was thinking, ‘should I do it?’ I wanted to be published, I’d worked so hard. And then I looked up.” Sandi points a finger at the items around her room; the Alfred Hitchcock poster. “Crime.”An Agatha Christie poster. “Crime.” A bookcase lined with novels. “Crime, crime, crime. Everything in here is crime. I had my answer. I’m a crime writer.”

She turned the deal down.

With renewed determination, Sandi submitted her book direct

to a publisher and kept on writing, including entries in writing competitions. She made the longlist in the 2013 Ned Kelly Awards Sandra Harvey Short Story Award and won “Best Investigative Prize” in the prestigious 2013 Scarlet Stiletto Awards. It was a huge honour to be recognised alongside best selling crime authors. But nothing could be more exciting than what happened next.

The publisher who Sandi had submitted her book to approached her during the prize ceremony night. She told Sandi that she was going to publish her books. The series. Sandi grins as she tells me, then moves on to explain the next process of mentors and editing, rewrites and writing the third novel. I can’t help but smile too, as it occurs to me that I might know where she gets the inspiration for those female characters.

Watch out for future editions of the Foothills to read more about Sandi’s crime novels, including release dates. Or visit her webpage at facebook.com/sandi.wallace.crimewriter to keep up to date. Sandi’s prize winning crime story ‘Silk Versus Sierra’ has been published in the ebook, Scarlet Stiletto Short Stories 2013 and can be purchased at clandestinepress.com.au and amazon.com.au.


TASTE ALL CULTURAL FOODS... ONLY $5 EACHfacebook.com/MulticulturalHarmonyFestival

Join us to enjoy ethnic food and non-stop entertainment by Hungarian, Polish, Italian, Indian, Austrian, Egyptian,Filipino, Greek, Chinese, Chilean, El Salvadorian, Afghani, Russian, Iranian, Irish, Indigenous Australian and many more!


The team at Burrinja have programmed a very special package for locals to sample some of the best touring entertainment around and they are giving away a double pass to one lucky local Foothills reader.

‘We were delighted to put together a package where locals could get a set of quality, diverse and entertaining shows at an affordable price. We put every effort into making our shows accessible and really hope we can inspire people to step out and try something new’ Zachary Exner, Burrinja.

Long Gone Lonesome Cowgirls Friday 21 March at 8.00pm

Set in far outback Queensland in the 60's, an unlikely friendship forms between two women of wildly different temperaments, united in their abandonment by the men in their lives and their passion for all things country and all things American.

Vicki is a submissive housewife and conforming Catholic, forever awaiting the arrival of her itinerant bulldozer-driving husband. Into her small-town

existence comes Rae, a brash, lusty and hard-living barmaid, abandoned on the roadside by her rodeo-riding husband of five weeks.

Together they grope their way through the confusions of the not-so-swinging sixties towards independence, carried on dreams and the songs of Hank Williams and Patsy Kline.

The Travelling Medicine ShowSaturday 3 May at 8.00pm

‘Step Right up Ladies and Gentlemen and put your pennies on the line’

Rejoice as you enter a world where Cabaret, Burlesque and Comedy Collide in the phenomenon of the Porcelain Punch Miracle Cure, the extraordinary ‘Elixir of immortality’. Curer of incurable conditions, bestower of beauty and extender of the under endowed. Experience Amazing Acts, Fantastic Feats, Exquisite Oddities and Old Fashioned Integrity Guaranteed or your money back!

Melbourne International Comedy Festival RoadshowSunday 15 June at 7.00pm

It’s that time of year again - the ultimate comedy roadtrip returns to the Hills!

Continued on page 9

Free Theatre Sampler Package From Burrinja

Long Gone Lonesome Cowgirls

ENTER TOWINTICKETS


Continued from page 8

We’ve let the superstars of Australia’s biggest comedy festival off the leash and on to the road. From Hobart to Hong Kong and back, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is a comedy odyssey, bringing a raft of the world’s best comedy to one big show for a raucous night out.

Every year audiences are wowed by our incredible lineups, and this year is no exception. With a mix of local heroes and international stars as well as the hottest newcomer discoveries of the Festival, we’ve got all your comedy bases covered.

If you would like to attend one or all the shows - pricing is:Adult $34Concession $30 Jarmbi $28 Group of 6 or more $26Sampler Package $68 (all three for one low price)

Bookings for the Sampler Package via Phone, 03 9754 8723 or in person at the Burrinja Box Office only.

Warning: Performances may contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.


The VCE Creative Showcase is an exhibition which celebrates the talents of our best and brightest VCE art students from across the Yarra Ranges Council area, providing them with an opportunity to present their work in a professional context as part of a high profile event.

The exhibition is challenging, insightful, beautiful and moving. It offers audiences a unique and creative perspective on life through the eyes of the next generation, often exploring a wide range of media from sculpture to photography, stop motion animation and ceramics.

Burrinja Cultural Centre | Jarmbi Gallery15 March - 13 AprilOpen Tue - Sun, 10.30am - 4.00pmFree Entry

Visual Arts for FoothillsVCE Creative Showcase 2014: On the Edge

Open Studios Exhibition: BalanceThe Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Weekend features an eclectic range of artists and media against the backdrop

of one of Melbourne's most beautiful and popular tourism destinations.

The Open Studios weekend, featuring 32 local hills studio locations, is one of the most anticipated events for the region's cultural calendar, attracting art minded visitors and tourists since 2004. Featuring Hills artists working across a range of mediums – as varied as painters, potters, wood carvers, digital artists and textile artists – the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program provides a unique insight into our artists' work environments as well as their art.

Coinciding with the Open Studios weekend is the annual Open Studios Exhibition at Burrinja Gallery. This year’s group exhibition theme of ‘Balance’ was chosen by the artists and is sure to generate some new and interesting work. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see and experience work from each of the artists in one gallery, making Burrinja a great place to start the Open Studios weekend tour.

Exhibition Opening: Friday 17 AprilBurrinja Cultural Centre | Jarmbi Gallery18 April - 18 MayOpen Tue - Sun, 10.30am - 4.00pmFree Entry

SPECIAL OFFER$25 SPRAY TAN

One $25 spray tan valid on presentation of this ad.Must be booked and used prior to

31 May 2014.


Make 2014 your year for music.

The Dandenong Ranges Music Council have been creating opportunities for music making since 1979. Thousands of people have sung, played, danced , learned and performed with a diverse range of music groups and ensembles. The Yarra Ranges is famous for it's choirs, bands, orchestras, musical theatre and special projects with guest professional artists. The DRMC previously won the Music Council of Australia's award for the most musical

community in Australia.

DRMC ensembles include New Horizons Concert Band for Senior Beginners, Dandenong Ranges Big Band, Dandenong Ranges Orchestra – all ages, all abilities, Ranges Young Strings – for school aged students with minimum 18 months of lessons, Singularity – SATB group for people with advanced music reading and vocal skills, Happy Wanderers – singing group who perform each week at Nursing Homes.

All Ages, All Abilities, All Music

The New Horizons Concert Band performing at Parliament House

To advertise herecontact The Foothills at

[email protected] or call Coonara Community House on

9758 7081

The DRMC is also thrilled to announce the Yarra Ranges Council will support the establishment of Musical Theatre for Artists with Disabilities in 2014. This project will include workshops and a performance during Term 2 2014.

Make 2014 your year for learning a musical instrument, joining a group or volunteering. DRMC can help you to find a group or form a new one. Call DRMC on 9754656 or email [email protected] or check out the website www.drmc.org.au


On the 6th December, Ambulance Victoria lodged a planning application with the Shire of Yarra Ranges to construct a 3 vehicle station at 1-3 Rocksleigh Ave, Tecoma.

Ambulance VicGood Neighbour?

By Sally ConnellMusic Co-ordinator

Music plays an important part of school life at Tecoma, each child from Prep to Grade 6 participates in a 45 minute class music lesson. During these lessons children are given the opportunity to play tuned and untuned percussion instruments, learn how to read and write music and appreciate different styles of music.

An extension of these lessons is our school choir and orchestra.

The choir is open to students from grades 3 – 6, we rehearse once a week and perform at many different concerts, retirement places and school functions. In recent years we have performed at the Belgrave Lantern Festival, Belgrave Christmas Carols and the Kidzsongs festival run by the Dandenong Ranges Music Council. We sing a diverse range of songs and styles and often add movement to them.

Orchestra is open to students from prep to 6, we have a couple of teachers that play with the orchestra as well! Orchestra plays pieces of music ranging from film music to classical and rehearses at lunchtimes. The orchestra has performed at UDEC festival, Tecoma Arts festival and Christmas Concert.

We also have a couple of performing arts groups.

For the past couple of years we have had three grade 6 girls who have

conducted a Prep –grade 2 dance group. This is open to any student who enjoys dancing! The leaders choreograph the dances and organise their costumes. They have performed at school functions, retirement places and at the Burrinja Open Day.

Cheer Leading is also conducted by grade 6 children and is offered to grades 3 and 4 children. This group only started in 2013 but they performed at the Burrinja Open Day in October.

Both these groups are offered during lunchtimes.

In addition to our classroom program, Tecoma offers an instrumental program. There is a diverse range of instruments offered, piano, guitar, voice, drums, saxophone, clarinet and flute. Most of these lessons are conducted during class time. Every six months we hold a music evening to give these children an opportunity to perform.

Every two years the school produces a school production. Every child is involved from Prep to Grade 6. Children in Grades 5 and 6 have the speaking parts and the rest of the school sings and dances. In 2013 Tecoma performed The Enchanted Faraway Tree.

I have taught and co ordinated music programs for the past nine years and have enjoyed every moment of it. Music is such an important part of a child’s education, we are very fortunate at Tecoma that we can offer such a diverse program

Music at Tecoma Primary School

The Upwey, Belgrave and Cockatoo Gembrook Community Bank® branches along with Olinda branch presented the annual education scholarship awards to local primary and secondary students just prior to Christmas.

Community Bank® Company Chairman, Peter Marke, said 20 scholarships were awarded to students who had demonstrated a commitment to their studies.

“The successful students have either been recognised by their school for their excellent work in the classroom and/or they have demonstrated a record of service to their school or community and show leadership attributes,” Mr Marke said.

“Since 2002, we have awarded $27,000 in educational scholarships to local students and those funds have been of fantastic benefit to the successful pupils and their families.

“Students have used these funds to assist with the cost of books, stationary and also extra curricular activities like music, sport and school excursions.”

Mr Marke said 16 primary school students received a $150 scholarship and four secondary school students each received $250. Nathan Elder, a student at Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School Primary School was one of the Scholarship recipients.

“This is just another way our Community Bank® branches work with the community to achieve better outcomes for all.”

Bank Education Scholarships for Students


By Sandi Wallace

In 2006, the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) took on the fitness industry to substantially increase the copyright fees for the use of music in group exercise classes.

Under this plan, the cost of a PPCA licence would increase by about 1500% for a ‘typical fitness centre’. (Note: this is just one of the four copyright licences applicable to use of music in fitness centres, but I won’t bog down my column with explanations of the other fees.)

A fierce battle followed over the next few years, via the Copyright Tribunal and a Federal Court appeal, ultimately resulting in a more reasonable outcome.

Unfortunately, by then permanent damage had been done.

The PPCA purportedly sought a better deal for recording artists and recording companies, but while the court battle waged, many instructors and fitness centres moved away from original music, opting to use high-quality cover versions not subject to the exorbitant fees in group exercise classes, arguably costing the artists a significant chunk of current and future income.What the legal action proved is that music is integral to exercise, particularly in places where people congregate together and join classes.

When I teach my circuit and cycle classes, music sets the mood and energy level of the group. It soothes, entertains, triggers memories, sets off endorphins (a ‘natural high’), demands more and/or encourages effort.

The type and tempo makes the difference between a good circuit class and an awesome experience. My cycle classes are even more music-driven. I pre-choreograph the workouts based on

how the music and lyrics ‘talk to me’. Sounds crazy, but they do and not just to me, I see regulars experience this too. They see patterns, anticipate changes and charge through the workouts, sometimes a fraction ahead of me!

In every class, I see participants use the music to zone out from and ‘get through’ the muscular burn accompanying hard work, while at other times the music drives them to higher levels. I’ve also seen clients work harder than their usual standard in response to tunes they find irritating. A little of that goes a long way, but it does show the breadth of the power of music in exercise.

Besides these more obvious physical responses, music also sets up subliminal responses for breathing, posture and control. Along with that, the warm up and cool down tracks especially provide

Music and Motion

opportunities for us instructors to send messages to our people through the lyrics. We can establish a fun, party atmosphere and finish with thanks, I can’t wait to see you again, you are champions, you are free!

The real art of music in exercise is to marry the two with the audience and instructor’s style. Then, even if the music isn’t always to the individuals’ personal tastes, they will be swept into the moment and motion, achieve what they came for (or more), feel positive, invigorated, relaxed, released or–what I personally aspire to for my clients–all of the above.

The Zumba class featured in the image above is held at Upwey Community hall every Wednesday at 7.30pm with Akarsini Ashman.

Zumba Class, Upwey Community Hall - Photograph by Darren Clarke


By Karen George

This theme of this edition of The Foothills is art. I’ve always loved working with craft and now I feel I can express myself with food. I always enjoy presenting the food to please the eye and hopefully it pleases the tastebuds too. Take the time to put your food on a nice plate, arrange it well and enjoy what you’ve created.

This recipe is a I saw Jamie Oliver create and I’ve made some tweaks to suit me. He is very creative and messy when he cooks and this is slightly messy but very colourful and quite delicious.

Pumpkin & Spinach Rotollo

12 sheets of fresh lasagne1 small butternut pumpkin (boiled or baked)Fresh herbsSalt & pepperOlive oil250g frozen spinach1 sliced red onion1 clove crushed garlic50g pine nuts¼ tsp nutmegSmall block of cream cheese1 jar pasta sauce1 cup of tasty cheese

1. Mash cooked pumpkin and add fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Set aside to cool. In a frypan, place

Cooking on a BudgetArt Through Cooking

some olive oil and gently soften onions & garlic. Place frozen spinach in microwave for about 30 seconds to speed up defrosting process and add to onion mix when soft. Add pine nuts and nutmeg and set aside to cool.

2. Lay out your 12 lasagne sheets and spread pumpkin evenly on each sheet, add a layer of spinach on top of pumpkin. Cut cream cheese into long strips, approx. 1cm thick. Cut them the length of the narrow end of the lasagne sheet. Lay the strips on top of the spinach towards the end of the sheet. Roll up the sheet with the layers inside. Once all sheets are rolled up, cut each roll into three.

3. In an oven proof dish, pour in your pasta sauce. Stand each of the rolls upright in the sauce and pack them in tight. Top with the cheese and bake in the oven at approx. 180ºc until golden brown. Enjoy!

Pumpkin and Spinach Rotollo

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Chronic Pain & Illness

Management

Groups and Workshops

Adults and Children

Yarra RangesCounselling

100 Main St Upwey 8288 1744 www.yarrarangescounselling.com.au [email protected]


www.tvag.org.au

By Erica Kurec

Lee bought a house in Tecoma in early 2009 just after the Black Saturday bush fires, wide eyed with mild terror at the thought of moving into a fire-prone area. She had fallen madly in love with the forest and to her happy surprise, she discovered she had moved into an artistic community. Lee had moved from a place of big blocks of sea and sky to an enclosed green space of forest which was to inspire her work in a very powerful way. This would be profoundly reinforced when Lee encountered a brush with mortality soon after settling in.

Lee had taken up ceramics 10 years earlier after a career in painting, drawing and printmaking. During this time her mother, a passionate gardener had begun making coil pots for her garden which became a shared pleasure for Lee and her mother Raie. When Raie died Lee inherited her little kiln in Aspendale and began working in clay. In this she was joined by her own daughter Kirsty who proposed taking this activity on seriously. Lee decided that further study would be necessary and has subsequently gone on to become a study junkie: she recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Ceramics at Chisholm Institute, Dandenong winning several prizes for her work. She is about to embark on a Master's degree at RMIT in Visual Arts and Ceramics to push her work into a more experimental

area. Lee now in her 60's, is excited by the prospect of developing her lifelong passion even further and is prepared to invest whatever is necessary to achieve this.

Lee has gradually built up an operational ceramic studio in a new shed with gas and electric kiln with plans to offer ceramic workshops which will include drawing, surface decoration and glaze. Over the years Lee has done a great deal of teaching in art centres, community houses and secondary schools. Her collaboration with other Hills artists has resulted in exhibitions and studio shows which have drawn a wide range of visitors and customers.

In her work, Lee has been investigating ancient forms with a drawn surface. The forest has inspired her with mythological influences - fairytales, middle-eastern and biblical

myths, Japanese printmaking and surrealism. These influences have led to motifs of cryptic figures inhabiting forested spaces. Lee has a very strong passion for story pots from the archaic world: the Etruscan, Minoan, Meso- American. These inform both functional and non-functional ware. Her work is mostly wheel thrown with altered shape and added coil. Lee uses multiple layers of satiny glazes of varied colours with lots of inlay and overlay with carving into the surface. This creates soft sensual surfaces with subtle layers of delicate colour.

As well as preparing for the opening of her new studio to students and other potters, Lee has plans for exhibitions and remains a member of the Yarra Ranges Open Studio Program. Her recent work will be exhibited at the upcoming Warrandyte Pottery Expo to be held during the last weekend in February.

Tecoma TalentsLee GrollerArtist / Potter

Lee Groller


By Erica Kurec

The protesters at the McDonald's site in Tecoma have been labelled as 'rent-a-crowd', hippies, dolebludgers, etc by those who see no problem with the fast food chain setting up shop in our town. This is clearly untrue as the following profile of a regular protester at the picket line proves.

Marcel Leereveld, an elder in our community has lived in Belgrave South for the past 48 years in a house which was originally built in 1904 by Sophie Giles. Ms Giles set up the first primary school in the area from the lounge room in this house. The room remains but these days it is adorned with many paintings by Marcel's artist wife Alida.

Marcel and Alida migrated from Holland in 1952 with 2 children - Rob aged six and Laura aged one

www.tvag.org.au

Profile of a Protestor

and half. They were sponsored by the Esperanto Society and lived in Melbourne for a year or so during which time Marcel obtained qualifications to teach French in private schools. They moved to Tasmania where Marcel taught French, German, Esperanto and Classical Greek at the Quaker School in Hobart for over 7 years . Meanwhile, Alida studied art which she then taught at Fahan Private School for Girls.

Moving back to Victoria, Marcel became Head of Languages at Caulfield Grammar where he introduced Spanish, Latin, German and Esperanto. Alida at this stage was running pottery classes and painting. After twenty one years at Caulfield Grammar, Marcel took up a position at Wesley teaching Indonesian and French for a year then heading up the Holiday Program of Extra Studies for Victorian Matriculation students for 5 years. In his last year, Marcel had more than a thousand students undertake this Program with a staff of 35 teachers across the curriculum.

Whilst Marcel speaks 5 languages fluently - Dutch, Esperanto, English, German and French, he studied several more - Danish, Latin, Greek, Italian and Spanish!

Living in Belgrave South and teaching at Caulfied Grammar and Wesley, Marcel involved himself in the local Progress Association for more than 30 years. For 5 years he attended Council Meetings 3 times a month often into the early hours

and reported Council's deliberations to the Association. He and others were deeply concerned about various commercial proposals being put to Council as they wanted to keep Belgrave South free from inappropriate development. It was due to the Progress Association's very vocal opposition to SafeWay building a store in the area as well as a major petrol station that these developments were abandoned.

Marcel is against large scale business organisations such as McDonalds moving into the Hills, ruining the local atmosphere and local traders. Hence his involvement in the anti-McDondalds movement in Tecoma. His stated reasons are -

1. The obvious traffic congestion.2. The devaluation of personal property owned in Tecoma once McDonalds moves in.3.To protect local small business culture from large corporate complexes.4. Fast food outlets should be banned from being built in close proximity to schools.

At the age of 95, Marcel has attended demonstrations and stood on the picket line in all weathers to voice his protest against McDonald’s moving into Tecoma. He has been interviewed by print and TV reporters and intends to continue protesting for as long as it takes.

Marcel Leereveld


Upwey Township Group Inc.Working together for Upwey

What will Upwey look like in ten and twenty years? Who is thinking ahead? What plans are in place to ensure we retain its character, but allow appropriate and needed development? I think it’s fair to say that due to often-cited funding constraints there is very little long-term thinking. In fact to plan beyond next year requires enormous effort to overcome resistance and hurdles. Late last year, and to their credit, Council held township planning sessions to initiate discussion with communities. From this, Upwey Township Group (UTG) proposes to develop a Community Plan over the next twelve months or so. We have secured funding for a facilitator to engage all members of our community including traders, groups, clubs, and of course residents. It will be enlightening to capture thoughts from the talented resourceful mix that is Upwey. UTG and Council will be promoting this shortly so please think ahead and let us know what you would like to see.

Upwey Township

The Friends of Glenfern have a well-earned break over Christmas, but 2014 brings heaps of new activities and interest. This year we plan to build a frog pond at the old quarry site. Nearby, we’ve just erected a beaut picnic table for which we’re grateful to Cr Noel Cliff for funding. At the same site we’re gradually taming the weeds, and turning it into a welcoming destination – it’s a battle!

Now is the time to renew your membership if you haven’t already. Your membership is important to us because it gives us more clout in attracting grant funding, and

Upwey Tecoma Community, Recreational and Sporting Hub (UT CRASH)We feel that 2014 will bring important advances to this project. We’re delighted to have the $500,000 Grant recently confirmed by the Federal Government. Furthermore, as you read this, we are hopeful that Council will have approved the plans to go to design stage. This will provide more accurate estimates of costs and a focussing towards final design. Within a couple of years, the Upwey and Tecoma communities should be enjoying the broad range of benefits at this wonderful facility.

Glenfern Valley Bushlands UTCRASHmotivates our volunteers. And no, you don’t have to come to working bees. Forms are available on-line at www.glenfernvalleybushlands.org.au.

By the way, have you seen our new entrance and wall? It certainly makes a statement and is safer too. We’re indebted to Mandy Nicholson for her Aboriginal Spirit designs on the gate and information pedestal.

Next working bee is Saturday March 15th. It will be easy-paced and friendly, so we hope you can make it, especially if you’re a first-timer!

The famous Upwey Billycart and Skateboard Races bring our Main St alive. A big thank you to all the volunteers who work so hard to create this fun family day. Special thanks to the CFA, RSL, Scouts and Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club for their extra support.

Don’t forget to put March 29th in your diary. The Grassroots Market returns, bringing vitality and interest to our town. There will be plenty of stalls with local produce and crafts, or meet some of your local groups and clubs. Alternatively, just come for a chat, enjoy the vibe and then visit our local traders for great products and friendly service.


RTO 3733 ABN 65554350180 22 Willow Rd (P.O. Box 7041) Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156T 03 9758 7081 F 03 9758 5402 E [email protected] W www.coonarahouse.org.au

COONARA COMMUNITY HOUSE

Learning to Eat AgainWhen you have spent your whole life eating whatever and whenever you want and then all of a sudden be told you are not allowed to eat the food you love... for the rest of your life, it can be a shock to the system.

‘Food allergy occurs in around 1 in 10 babies born in Australia today’

(Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia 2013) ‘Hospital admissions for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have doubled over the last decade in Australia, USA and UK’

(Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy)

A new project, funded by a Knox City Council Community Development grant, aims to provide a safe, family-friendly supporting environment and network to address these food and health issues at a grassroots level.

This initiative will be conducted at CCH’s new kitchen facilities at Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully.

Our goal is to address food intolerances and health allergies, and how to, as a Family and a Community (not just the individual) manage them, as food allergies are becoming a major public concern.

The project will include monthly workshops aimed at sharing and comparing information and knowledge and also the development of a local website to do the same.

Workshops planned for the next few months include:

Coeliac Awareness WeekEaster Treats

Australia’s Biggest Morning TeaWinter Warmers

See page 20 for details

For more information contact Coonara Community House 97587081


Computer skills

Computers for the timid - Featuring Intel Easy Steps14INTCOM1234This is a beginner’s class for those who are scared of the computer and may require a supportive environment to develop confidence. Learn to type simple documents, insert pictures and save them safely.Mondays 9.30am - 12.00pm28th April - 23rd June (No class long weekend)$30 tuition & $20 amenities ($10 concession) $5 materials

Next Step in Computers - Featuring Intel Easy Steps14COMSTE1234This class is for those who have done ‘Computers for the Timid” or who have basic knowledge of the computer but would like to build on their skills and confidence. This class will still be at a basic level, but the next step on from what you have managed with plenty of support.Wednesdays 9.30am - 12.00pm4th May - 25th June$30 tuition & $20 amenities ($10 concession) $5 materials

iPads for beginners14DIGLIT1234Lucky enough to receive an iPad for Christmas? This short course will take you through the features of the iPad and show you how to use it to access the Internet and a range of social media tools and apps.Thursdays 9.30am – 12.00pm 8th May - 26th June$20 tuition & $20 amenities ($10 concession) $5 materials

Pathways courses

Turn your Passion into Income14SMABUS1234In the process of exploring the potential market for your product or service? Thinking of or try to turn your passion for art, cooking, upcycling, travel, etc into a small business? Marina will assist you to develop a business plan for the establishment of your new business or the growth of one that is relatively new. Ideal for those who are just putting their toes in the water via market stalls or through a small online shop, this short course includes all aspects of business planning with an emphasis on marketing.Thursdays 6.30pm - 9.00pm24th April - 5th June$30 tuition & $20 amenities ($10 concession) $10 materials

Introduction to Diversional Therapy or Working in Leisure and Health14INTDIV24This short course will give you a hands-on taste of providing leisure and health activities for seniors and those with a disability. Learn about this growing area of employment and prepare for entry to an accredited training program in term 3 if you chose.Mondays 9.30am - 12.30pm12th May - 23rd June (No class long weekend)$30 tuition & $20 amenities ($10 concession) $20 materials


Pathways courses (cont.)

Introduction to Counselling and Communication Skills14INTCOU24This comprehensive introduction will enable you to develop a basic understanding of how psychology theories impact on Community work (or other client centred work ) today.You will also develop a basic understanding of Behavioural Science theories and practical skills in listening and talking to others.The course also includes developing an awareness of personal boundaries and ethics in Counselling practice. You will also be guided to identify ways in which the course will help you in your career or career development plans.Fridays 9.30am - 12.00pm23rd May - 27th June$30 tuition & $20 amenities ($10 concession) $10 materials

Professional Writing - An Introduction14INTWRI1234Join Marina Cook, Editor of The Foothills community magazine and learn how to write for our paper with the potential to go on to greater things!Thursdays 9.30am - 12.00pm24th April - 26th JuneFees waived in return for volunteer contribution to The Foothills

Hobby & recreation courses

Bee Keeping ClubMeetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday of the month 7.30 - 9.30pm. Annual membership $35 per person or $50 per family.Term 2 dates: 9th April - DVD Queen of The Sun & checking hive for winter, 14th May - Guest speaker ‘Roof Top Honey’, 11th June - Guest Speaker Russel Goodman of Department of Primary Industries & honey competition.

Prana meditationPrana (a Sanskrit word) means life force or life energy. This gentle guided meditation helps to clear stagnant energy and stress .You benefit by improved mental activity, vitality, energy, relaxation and sense of peace. This meditation technique provides tools to help manage physical pain and illness and cope better with stress. It is suitable for beginners. All you need is a willingness to experience deep relaxation and wellbeing. It is not recommended if you are pregnant or under 16 yrs.Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm22nd April - 24th JuneCost $120 members, $130 non members

Masterchef for kidsIf you are 8-12 years old and have always wanted to learn to cook, this class is for you. Create yummy simple meals, slices and snacks that you can eat or take home on the day and learn the skills to be able to cook independently.Thursdays 4.30pm - 6.00pm1st May - 19th June$130 including ingredients

Community activities

Free Hearing ChecksFirst Monday of the month1.00 - 3.00pmBookings are essentialPhone Coonara on 97587081

House Membership 2014Only $20 per year. Members receive discounts on recreational courses and childcare fees as well as free events several times a year.

Gully GardenersThis group meets at Coonara Community House on the first Thursday of every month from 2.00pm – 3.30pm. Share gardening tips and listen to guest speakers. Afternoon tea provided. Gold coin donation.3rd April - Preserving and sharing your harvest. Bring along recipes and samples of preserves, jams and sauces that you have made from your garden produce.1st May - Josie will show you how to arrange a vase of flowers and greenery from your own garden.5th June - Make a mosaic stepping stone for your garden.3rd July - Guest speaker to talk about salvias.

Friday Night Social Friday night social at CoonaraFor those looking for an alternative to pubs and clubs join us for a casual Friday evening of “Living in the 70s” trivia fun. Soup provided for supper. Gold coin donation. Friday 6.30 - 8.30pm20th June

First Aid

Level 2 First Aid / CPR UpdateDelivered by Revive2surviveRTO21688Level 2 First Aid9.30am - 4.00pm $160CPR Update9.30am - 11.30am $70Saturday 17th May


Learning to Eat Again Project

Coonara Community House has gained funding through the Knox City Council Community Development Fund to hold a series of workshops aimed at providing self-help for those who have food intolerances and allergies in their family.

Coeliac Awareness WeekHow to have a gluten free children’s birthday party.Wednesday 6.30pm - 8.30pm12th MarchGold coin donation

Easter TreatsExploring dairy free and low sugar alternatives.Wednesday 6.30pm - 8.30pm2nd April

Australia’s Biggest Morning TeaWe’re making it an afternoon tea and we’re showcasing good tasting food for those with food intolerances and allergies.Thursday 2.00pm - 3.00pm 29th May

Winter WarmersLet’s cook up warming soups with dumplings and puddings without gluten. Join us for lunch and bring along your successful recipes to share.Tuesday 12.30pm - 2.00pm 17th June

Accredited training

Coonara Community House is a Registered Training Organisation approved to deliver training in the following Nationally Recognised Qualifications, in 2014:

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & CareCHC30113Via flexible delivery online and one Saturday per month in classroom.July 2014 - December 2015

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & CareCHC30113Mondays 9.30am - 3.00pmJuly 2014 - March 2015

Certificate IV in Leisure & HealthCHC40608Mondays 6.30pm – 9.00pmJuly 2014 - September 2015

Certificate IV in Community DevelopmentCHC40808Thursdays 9.30am – 3.00pmAugust 2014 - September 2015

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and CareCHC50113Mondays 9.30am – 3.00pm (and one Saturday per term)July 2014 - December 2015

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and CareCHC50113Flexible online and one Saturday per fortnight in classroom.This model requires student to work in a centre at least 2 dyas p/week and approx. 6 hours p/week independent study.July 2014 - December 2015

Diploma of Leisure & HealthCHC50512Wednesdays 6.30pm - 9.00pm and one Saturday per term.July 2014 - November 2015


Massage

We provide services to assist in making your pregnancy, labour, birth, and beyond as natural and the best that it can be.

Craniosacral therapy Doula support

calmbirth childbirth education classes

www.tlcbirthandbeyond.com.au

By David Jewell

When one hears the term “Arts” one usually thinks of painting, pottery, the performing arts, or even photography and basket weaving. All very cultural and enlightening. Although some may make their living from the “arts”, most people are involved recreationally for many different reasons often associated with personal satisfaction and personal improvement. These are why there is a very wide variety of arts - there is a wide variety of individuals.

But mention "Arts" in conjunction with the word “Martial” and often a dark cloud appears as an afterthought. Yes, martial arts are recognised as a way of personal improvement and satisfaction but the word martial seems to have negative overtones. Wikipedia defines martial arts as “codified systems and traditions of combat practice, which are practiced for a variety of reasons: self-defence, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental, physical and spiritual development”. Although more commonly associated with eastern fighting arts, the term was originally used in Europe as early as the 1550s deriving from the ‘arts of Mars’, the Roman god of war but is really a term that is barely appropriate to the fighting systems of today, particularly in a military world of AK47s and Abrams tanks.

Today, when you mention ‘martial arts’ what often comes to mind are really martial sports such as judo, karate, Muay Thai, or European fencing, boxing or wrestling - competitions between combatants with a set of rules and a scoring system. The introduction of most people to martial arts is through a school sports program or a local club with more emphasis on the competition (or martial) aspects than the ‘arts’ aspects. Many students only train for a short time or change clubs and styles in a hope of learning more, neither approach really being a way to find the deeper meaning of ‘Art’. An emphasis on competition, of coming home with a trophy or medal, may boost self confidence in the short term but true satisfaction comes from the confidence obtained through years of study. This is the same as it is for any art - the more you learn the more you realise how much more there is to learn and improve upon.

Taekwondo is well known as an Olympic sport but here are a number of various styles of taekwondo with different emphasis on the spectrum between sport and Art. The Olympic style concentrates upon players learning the rules of the game, improving their skills and being as quick as they can in order to win a medal at club, State, National or International level. Thus an attraction

The Art of Self Defence for younger participants. At the other end of the spectrum is the more traditional Art of Rhee Tae Kwon-Do with foundations in the Korean military. Here, the concentration is on each individual improving each technique to the best of their ability, understanding the application of each technique, all the while improving their personal health and fitness. There is no involvement in competitions, except with the competition to always be improving one’s self both physically and mentally. At the Upwey Tae Kwon Do Club, which studies Rhee Tae Kwon-Do, the current average is 10 years of study and ongoing. Teenage members may have youth and enthusiasm on their side but older members have understanding, patience and ‘indomitable spirit’ developed through adoption of techniques into their own skill set. This leads to great self awareness, self confidence and self defence, that is making the techniques your own by absorbing what is to be learned in terms of expanding an individual’s capabilities via these techniques, and thus improving one’s self through the study of an Art.

Upwey Tae Kwon Do meets each Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm in the Howarth Hall at Upwey Primary School. For more information please phone 9754 2252.



By KL Joy

Shaping the future generation is not an easy task in this day and age of high tech toys. While the basics of art and craft have been around for a while, they struggle to get a look in when there is an electronic alternative around and yet, the Ferntree Gully Library’s Craft programmes are always booked out!

With activities like “Flyday” with Peter Hope, it’s no wonder. I talked with Sue Wootton, Youth Services Librarian, and Peter Hope, a semi retired primary school teacher who donates his time and effort to the school holiday programmes all year around.

Sue says, with the five activities that run throughout the school term she is a busy woman! Gully Gumnuts encourages reading from 0-3 year

go off to the craft stations to create their masterpieces.

Peter Hope, volunteers his time and resources to return to his first passions – science, arts and teaching. Retired in 2005 from teaching art at primary school, he was picked up by La Trobe University in Bundoora for a federally funded special initiative as well as lecturing to the next generation of Primary School teachers. He combines crafts with the wonderment of ‘how things work’ together. Today, we looked at flying machines and made rotor copters, paper aeroplanes, and kites amongst other things. With enough project material to last 3-4 hours, the 90 minutes that is set aside at the library for the activity is really only a starting point. Most children go home and continue to explore. One mother I spoke with only recently discovered Mr Hope’s library activities and said, as a school teacher herself, she was pleased when her 6yo came home and continued on with the activity; it gave her 2 extra hours where he was completely absorbed! Another woman I spoke with said, as a family day care worker, “it’s a great place to socialise, and as some of the children are soon to start Kinder, it gives them an idea of the community that they will be going into”.

Peter Hope has nearly two years worth of school holiday programs in development and looks forward to the time he spends with the Ferntree Gully Library crew each school holidays. His passion for craft, science and teaching is a great joy to witness, and he now has a stable following. With all of his activities running for free, it’s no wonder they book out each time!

Ferntree Gully LibraryCraft and the Community

• Imagination and Creativity

• Science and Movement

• Motor Skills and Early

Childhood Development.

olds; preschool story time and craft; and afterschool story and craft time; the focus shifts subtly as the age increases. The commonality is the love of reading that is encouraged. She talks about how the imagination is stimulated through reading, with the craft activity giving the children a sense of accomplishment while expanding the motor skills as they grow and learn and change. In Gully Gumnuts, the children have a colouring in sheet to take home and do, but reading is the primary source of enjoyment; in the preschool programme, the children have a story read to them, they sing songs, and then do a small craft activity. The afterschool programme is where the artistic nature and imagination come to fruition. Each child has the same tools and equipment to work with and is given an idea of ‘how’ the project ‘could’ be put together, and then they

Ferntree Gully Library’s Craft Program


Rowville and Ferntree Gully Community Bank® Branches

Back to Basics

Delicious on sandwiches and with a lovely cheddar cheese.

5 large cucumbers, trimmed, cut into 5mm-thick slices2 small brown onions, halved, thinly sliced1 tablespoon salt375ml (1 1/2 cups) vinegar (apple cider is nice but can be any vinegar)215g (1 cup) caster sugar2 teaspoons mustard seeds2 teaspoons coriander seedsLarge pinch of ground turmeric

1. Place the cucumber, onion and salt in a bowl. Toss to combine.

Bread and Butter Pickled Cucumbers

Cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge overnight to soften. Rinse the cucumber mixture in a colander. Pat dry with paper towel.

2. Place vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and turmeric in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring,

Cucumbersfor 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Add the cucumber mixture. Bring to a simmer.

3. Transfer the mixture to clean, dry glass jars. Seal and invert for 2 minutes. Set aside for 1 day to develop the flavours.


It’s that time of year when you either have lots of a certain fruit or vegetable in your garden or none! Cucumbers can be really prolific for a relatively short space of time. Here are some great ways to make the most of them.

1. Tarnish remover: If you’re finding tarnish on your stainless steel kitchen taps and appliances? Rub it off with a cucumber slice. Not only will it remove years of tarnish, it will leave it streak free and your hands will thank you, and your kids won’t be put at risk from a dangerous chemical.

2. Shoe polish: Cut a slice off of your cucumber and rub it on your shoe. It will not only shine it up, but it will repel water.

3. After sun relief: If you have had a little too much sun on your skin and you don’t have any aloe, rub some cucumber on it. Some doctors even use cucumber to treat patients with irritated skin and sunburns.

4. Relief puffy eyes: The photochemical in cucumbers makes the collagen in your skin tighten, thus the lack of puffiness. Some claim that you can rub a cucumber on a problematic spot of cellulite anywhere on your body to lessen the visibility of it! Apparently it has the same effect on wrinkles?

5. Crayon on the walls: Take an unpeeled cucumber and rub the crayon off of the walls in the event that your little darling left you some art. You can also use this technique to erase a pen mistake.

Getting Creative with your Cucumber Glut

By Coral Kennedy

"My Garden is my most beautiful masterpiece." Claude Monet. Monet created his garden at Giverny, France and used it for inspiration for many of his well known masterpieces.

Our own Margaret Preston was inspired by garden flowers and Australian natives when producing her still life paintings and prints.

Ellis Rowan a self taught artist, naturalist and explorer gained the approval of botanists for her paintings of wild flowers, birds and insects, for their detail and accuracy. In a time when few women were recognised for their art especially by their fellow artists. Fortunately a large collection of her works are held at the National Library of Australia.

Closer to home is the garden Lambley created by David Glenn and wife Criss Canning at Ascot. Criss uses flowers from the garden as inspiration for many of her paintings.

Locally the Dandenongs became the place where many famous Australian artists came to paint. The Box Hill Artists Camp was set up by the Heidelberg school. The movements most famous members included Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, Charles Conder and Frederick McCubbin whose works include many famous local landscapes.

Coral’s Garden John and Sunday Reed created a retreat for artists at Heidi. Known as the Heidi Circle. Albert Tucker. Sidney Nolan, Lawrence Hope, Joy Hester all painted here. This is the site of Heidelbergs Heidi Museum of Modern Art. Sunday Reeds garden is still maintained at the old cottage.

Monsalvat site of another art colony at Eltham. Established by Justus Jorgensen 1934. Clifton Pugh was among local tradesmen and aspiring young artists who worked on the Great Hall when building resumed after World War 11. Today Monsalvat is a place where established and emerging artists come to display and perform their work. In 2013 it was the scene of one of "Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries." Entitled "Murder under the Mistletoe."

Art and Literature abound in the Hills. C. J. Dennis lived in a modest dwelling in Toolangi during the quieter years of his life. It was here that he wrote some of his most popular works. "The Sentimental Bloke." And "Ginger Mick"

Edna Walling well known locally because of the village she built at Bickleigh Vale In Mooroolbark

Walling worked with the natural landscape to build her gardens where she used a lot Australian Natives along with her English Cottage plants. She favored local stone and materials as did Ellis Stones who she employed to build stone walls, pools and paths in her gardens. His artistic eye and sense of space allowed him to work without plans. Edna's plans were a work of art in themselves, illustrating both a master of design and a skilled artist with pen and brush.

Sadly these plans are all that remains of a lot of her gardens.

I hope some of you will be inspired to do more extensive reading of the great artists of your region

Coral’s garden


By Janette Garbuio

After visiting Italy many times to visit relatives in the Italian mountains (The Apennines – where the Tuscan/Emilia-Romagna Hills resides), I had recognized the many unique opportunities in my hometown, where not many foreigners are aware of. The Italian landscape offered many possibilities for me to paint ‘plein air’ (painting outdoors), transposing the light and colour of my surroundings into my artwork. I wanted to share this experience with fellow artists and that is how my painting tours to Italy started.

What I would expect from a painting tour would be companionship with like minded people as well as being encouraged and guided by a committed artist who knows how to deal with painting the outside environment. I would also expect a plethora of subjects that I could work with – landscapes, cluster of buildings, people or all three in the same scene.

The peacefulness in the Valle di Dragone (Valley of the Dragon), gives the artist the tranquility to concentrate on the watercolour painting workshop, as well as give them ample opportunity to explore the unique area. The hills boast and array

Watercolour Painting in Italy

of ancient stone buildings, towers and churches, which range from 10th to 18th century.

Part of my role is to ensure everyone is prepared and arrive in Italy safely. Painters can choose to travel by plane with me or our meeting place in Bologna with the hotel central to the railway station and close to the airport. Therefore, for painters who want to have a holiday beforehand they are free to do so before joining us.

Using our private air-conditioned bus, gives us an opportunity to visit places, which are undiscovered by other painting workshops. Each day includes a visit to a different town. The tour is structured, so there is a relaxing day (ie: visit a small town or village close to the accommodation) between visiting larger cities like Modena and Lucca. This allows the painter to simply soak in the atmosphere, while visiting contrasting towns.

Information about what to bring, maps and history are given out before and during our tour. We also speak Italian, therefore I can converse on your behalf if there are any issues. Painters also tend to bring their non-painting partners as there is so much to experience and learn.

The areas we visit is also enriched with history, in which have stories that need to be told. Many people who have come on these tours enjoy the history behind the towns and the colourful characters as they state it translates into their pictures – giving much more meaning than just being ‘a landscape or a house’.

There are plenty of opportunities for photographs, walking and a bit of shopping – if you choose to. These tours cater for all types of artists – people who want to paint all day to some who choose to go for a walk in the morning and then paint all afternoon. The choice is yours.I always give an opportunity to travel with me to Venice by train and stay with me at my accommodation or you can make other accommodation arrangements in Venice. Venice has an international airport so it can be an economical way of travelling to and from Australia.

I simply love to show people the real Italy and have the experience of being treated as a “Paesano” not like a tourist. The name Paesano Tours was derived because Paesano means ‘country connections’ or ‘friends considered as family’. I am a ‘paesano’ because my parents come from this mountain region and belong to the town, so any artists and friends who come on this tour are also treated like extended family.

We are proud to have Ev Hales conduct a watercolour painting tour with us in Italy. Her May trip is all booked out and there are only a couple of places left for the September 2014 tour. In the next few months, we will be confirming a new tour with Ev Hales for September 2015. For more information please view our website www.paesanotours.com or ring me on 03 9758. Otherwise, you can email me on: [email protected]

Buon viaggio!

Watercolour painting in Italy


We are a non-gaming traditional RSL. Our venue is family friendly and offers regular entertainment, bar and bistro. Our gardens and deck provide stunning views of the nearby hills. We have function rooms for hire, ideal for birthdays and business meetings. Find us on Facebook or visit our website.

UPWEY / BELGRAVE RSL1 MASTGULLY RD UPWEY 9754 3665

We open at 2.00pm Monday to Saturday, 10.30am Sundays.Our bistro hours are 6.00pm Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays).The museum is open 10.30am to 2.00pm every Thursday and Sunday.

www.upweybelgraversl.org.au [email protected]

The ANZAC Spirit

Unidentified men of the 1st Divisional Signal Company as they are towed towards at Anzac Cove at 6 am on the day of the landing.

The legend of ANZAC was born on 25 April 1915, and was reaffirmed in eight months’ fighting on Gallipoli. Although there was no military victory, the Australians displayed great courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship. Such qualities came to be seen as the ANZAC spirit.

Many saw the ANZAC spirit as having been born of egalitarianism and mutual support. According to the stereotype, the ANZAC rejected unnecessary restrictions, possessed a sardonic sense of humour, was

contemptuous of danger, and proved himself the equal of anyone on the battlefield.

Australians still invoke the ANZAC spirit in times of conflict, danger and hardship.

During the war the legend of ANZAC became the proud possession of all in the AIF and most Australians. Since then, the anniversary of 25 April 1915 has been commemorated each year as ANZAC Day.

By Terry Barca

The object of art is not to make saleable pictures. It is to save yourself.

Any cleanness I have in my own life is due to my feeling for words.

The fools who write articles about me think that one morning I suddenly decided to write and began to produce masterpieces.

There is no special trick about writing or painting either. I wrote constantly for 15 years before I produced anything with any solidity to it.

[…]

Following the Artist Life

The thing of course, is to make yourself alive. Most people remain all of their lives in a stupor.

The point of being an artist is that you may live.”

Sherwood Anderson 1927 in a letter to his son.

Whenever I have pursued an artist life I have been poor and happy. Whenever I have worked at making a buck I have been strangely uneasy; but I suffered in relative comfort.

I don’t have a choice, I HAVE to write.

I love the way I feel at the end of a successful writing session.

I’m writing this long after I should have stopped for the day, but I finally

got it ——- I finally worked out what I wanted to tell you.

Honestly, it would have been better if I had just left you with the above quote.

It says it all so much better than I could.

It has an added significance for me because it is a letter from a father to a son. I have two sons and although we have talked many times about the pursuit of happiness [we home schooled our boys] I have never written it down.

So here it is, for them and for you.

The pursuit of the artist life, whatever that may mean for you, is to live.

You can find Terry’s work on araneus1.wordpress.com.


Upper Ferntree Gully is one of 65 locations across Victoria to receive an automated roadside Fire Danger Ratings sign thanks to a $1.4 million Victorian Coalition Government investment.

Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue said the signs would provide residents with the latest fire-risk information in time for summer.

“Victoria is the first state to develop and roll out automated Fire Danger Rating signs, so we’re leading the country with this technology,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“Signs will display the daily Fire Danger Rating, which indicates the severity of a fire if one were to start.

“The advantages of an automated sign are that it can be updated remotely instead of manually, and an additional alert message can be changed immediately, ensuring motorists will receive the most up-to-date information on changing conditions.”

Upper Ferntree Gully’s new Fire Danger Rating sign on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road is one of 57 new automated signs currently operational.

A total of 65 automated signs will be rolled out across the state in highly visible, high traffic locations.

The signs display the daily Fire Danger Rating by weather district and are automatically updated from the CFA website using an RSS feed and 3G technology.

The automated signs are in addition to approximately 350 static fire danger ratings signs across the state that CFA brigades manually update each day of the fire season.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the Fire Danger Rating from 1 November each year. Fire Danger Ratings are forecast up to four days in advance.

Mr O’Donohue said that while the signs were one way to obtain the latest Fire Danger Rating information, Victorians were encouraged to seek fire information from a variety of sources.

“Fire Danger Ratings aren’t weather forecasts – they tell you how bad a fire would be if one started. You need to plan your response to these ratings and discuss them with your household so everyone is clear on what your actions will be in these conditions,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“If the Fire Danger Rating indicates a Severe or Extreme Day and a fire starts, it could be unpredictable and fast moving.

“A rating of Code Red means that if a fire started, it could be uncontrollable.”

Fire Danger Ratings are also available on the CFA’s website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Mr O’Donohue said that while the signs were one way to obtain the latest Fire Danger Rating information,

Victorians were encouraged to seek fire information from a variety of sources.

“Fire Danger Ratings aren’t weather forecasts – they tell you how bad a fire would be if one started. You need to plan your response to these ratings and discuss them with your household so everyone is clear on what your actions will be in these conditions,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“If the Fire Danger Rating indicates a Severe or Extreme Day and a fire starts, it could be unpredictable and fast moving.

“A rating of Code Red means that if a fire started, it could be uncontrollable.”

Fire Danger Ratings are also available on the CFA’s website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

What Fire Danger Rating is it Today?

Fire danger rating sign - Photograph by Darren Clarke

By Nic Kirkwood

Many of you will be familiar with Channel 31, and may watch the Community TV station for that touch of local Melbourne community spirit in its programs which seems to be lacking on commercial Television these days. Most of the Programs made for Channel 31 are made by affiliated community groups around Melbourne and Geelong, the local one for the Foothills area is Metro TV.

Art In Residence via Metro TV has just enjoyed its first season- hosted by myself and was filmed in your backyards and showcased the wonderful variety of Art, Artists, Musicians, Exhibitions, Theatre and Festivals we have in the Outer Eastern area and Dandenong Ranges.

Continued on page 29

Art In Residence



We met a myriad of inspiring people who have art in their lives, such as the fantastic and dynamic group of folks who are the 1812 Theatre. Located in Upper Ferntree Gully they offer top notch performances throughout the year that compare with anything you can see down in Melbourne, and for a fraction of the price!

We also spent the day up at Clematis with Foothills Photographer Darren Clarke who you all know from “Where’s Darren” And “What’s this?”. We explored some of the hidden Puffing Billy hot spots for photographers and generally had a great day chatting and waving to the Puffing Billy trains going past.

We met Wood Sculptor Ronnie Sexton whose 9 piece Woodhenge was like a religious experience to behold, Ronnie spoke of her childhood in Ireland and what inspired her to create such wonderful pieces.

We also popped into Melbourne Town from time to time, on one such occasion we followed the Valkyries from the Wagners Ring Cycle as they paraded downtown to Fed Square.

These and many more appeared on the series, if you missed them you can watch “Catch Up TV” on the Channel 31 website under “Art In Residence”. And stay tuned for Art In Residence’s second series later this year.

Art In Residence is proudly supported by Coonara Community House and Knox City Council.

By Athene Thompson

Seemingly beguile, he staresThere is nothing he can do to preventthe inevitableShe does not love him, nor will she everHe tried to captivate through captureBut it was in vainLove did triumphBut not for him

His time is drawing to a closeFor he has lost her to anotherHis dream is a fading illusion nowThe lovers danceAs he throws himself into what washer prisonFarewell is etched in his heartFate knew best and let him go before sunset

Author NotesAfter seeing Swan Lake performed by the Russian Ballet I was strangely intrigued by the character of Rothbart and his dark love for the Swan Princess.

Rothbart’s Weakness

By Ingrid Ward - Extract from InVerse ©

Brilliant lines, gems of wisdom,Come to me, come to me!I am supposed to be able to write all manner of poetry!

Where are you, lines of deep and profound meaning?Or you others with comic and frivolous leaning?

They are all in my mind there, somewhere,Like acrobats leaping, flying through the air!Alas! today they will just not be still,For me to form and write on paper as I will.They find it much more fun for yet awhile instead,To continue with their acrobatics in my head!

Brilliant Lines


For a single weekend this autumn, you are invited to experience the world that unfolds within the working studios of artists in the charming Dandenong Ranges. The 2014 Dandenong Ranges Open Studios will take place on May 3 and 4 and is an opportunity for art lovers to take a behind-the-scenes look into the life and work of the region’s finest designers, painters, makers and sculptors. The 2014 program will see over 30 sculptors, painters and designers across the hills open their studios. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, classes and demonstrations and purchase pieces directly from the artists.

We are excited to announce that Emma Jennings will take part in Open Studios this year. From her garden cottage studio in Ferny Creek, Emma makes intricate paintings in gouache and watercolour on traditional Japanese papers, museum grade prints and cards with archival bamboo paper, and a large range of

Immerse Yourself in a World of Endless Creativitydecorative wrapping papers. Emma said, “In studying nature and traditional handmade objects, I aim to slow down the creative process, focusing on quality, workmanship and beauty. From an early age I collected seed pods, branches, leaves, sticks, flowers and feathers. I remember hanging and displaying them in my bedroom, creating a bird’s nest type of enclosure. I guess I have always felt most comfortable with nature around me. Enveloping me. I feel anxious if there is no window to open, a view onto a garden, or access to something natural right at my fingertips.” Open Studios coordinator Amy Middleton said, “Emma Jennings is so delightful and her detailed work is testament to the sweetness of her character. I am thrilled with the standard of artists taking part in the program this year. As well as those studios that are renowned for being part of Open Studios, we also have some incredible new talent for visitors to enjoy.”

An artist who is new to the Open Studios program is Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan. Jessie is a studio

artist at Burrinja working with a range of media. Her mosaics feature an exploration of crockery and organic design reflecting over two decades of experience in the Fine Arts and influences from her French and Australian backgrounds. When chatting to Jessie about what Open Studios meant to her, she said, “Not only does Open Studios bring local artists' to the fore, it further encourages and consolidates the importance of the creative life in the Hills. As local artists, we are valued.”

People planning on visiting the open studios can download a guidebook complete with information on the weekend’s events, participants, studio opening times and places to eat from the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios website www. openstudios.org.au

Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Weekend 3rd and 4th of May 2014All studios are open between 10.00am and 5.00pm


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Edition 18 Autumn 2014