LUCAS / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020

THE LUCAS CHRONICLE IS A FREE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PROUDLY IN THIS EDITION BROUGHT TO YOU BY CENTRAL PARK SPRING GARDENING AND LUCAS CRG LOCAL VOLCANOES YOUR SOURCE FOR COMMUNITY STORIES IN LUCAS

Integra acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

LUCAS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER LUCAS CENTRAL PARK Welcome to the Spring edition of the Lucas Community Newsletter, The Lucas Chronicle. Grab a cuppa and take the A PLACE FOR EVERYONE! time to read up on some stories from the people who live, work and learn in Lucas and surrounds. Thank you to everyone who has contributed We know you have all been eagerly Making up the space is to this edition. Contributions are welcome awaiting the opening of the Lucas 200 Red Gum Sleepers from the Lucas community, you can Central Park. This project has evolved submit stories or story ideas by emailing into a community space that is much 1816m3 of oval top soil [email protected] larger than first anticipated and the end result is amazing. Since our last update 2,501m of pathways A big thank you to those community groups and locals who contributed to this edition. there have been some more additions 3,403m2 of concrete to the Central Park Space including planting, goal posts for the full size AFL 4 slides oval and soccer goal posts. 7 swings IN THIS EDITION There are some additional minor works 40,000 plants such as a public toilet and BBQ facilities We hear from local Lucas Veterinary Clinic with that will be completed in coming months. 2 BBQ’s some great tips on caring for your pets skin. Drinking fountains will be turned off to 12,000 hours worked Our friends at Wilsons Fruit and Vegetables begin with, as are all drinking fountains share a great recipe from Tim Bone. We meet across Ballarat currently. The BBQs will And much more… Michael Unwin and hear about our local initially have a timber plate until power winery and take a trip to Birdsong Nursery. is finalized. Thanks everyone for your patience in recent months. We also have some great tips from Avalon The landscape crew and project Nursery for spring gardening as well as a managers have put many hours into the look at a local Lucas garden. Plus info from space and we are so happy to hand it our local schools and early learning and over to the community! Image by: Kristy Kinnersly much more! LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020 WELCOME TO SPRING! COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE

How great is it to see the sunshine creeping passed- usually November in Ballarat. back in and gardens doubling in size with If you haven’t already, now is the time the perfect cocktail of sun and rain? to start things like tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant, cucumber and summer herbs The Lucas community garden is like basil. Pumpkin, squash and zucchini flourishing, with everything in it suddenly varieties will go in soon too. coming to life after a sleepy Winter, including, unfortunately, the weeds! Some things can go directly in the garden Beetroot greens are looking lush and now too- this week we’ve planted some healthy, though they’re still small below rainbow silverbeet seeds, marigold the soil. Onions and garlic are growing and cornflowers. Cornflowers are both strongly too- they’ll be ready to harvest beautiful and edible, did you know? Edible mid Summer hopefully. Brassicas have flowers are a fantastic addition to liven up burst into flower with the warmer weather, the look of Spring and Summer salads- try you may have noticed lots of cheery yellow pansies, nasturtiums, calendula petals, recently, up until we pulled them to make cornflower and borage flowers, or flowers room for new Spring planting! from pea, bean and brassica plants! The community garden team has gone Volunteer catch ups at the garden will through some changes recently, with the hopefully resume soon in small groups, latest group of volunteers forming an and in line with Covid-19 safety protocols. official incorporated committee keen to see Make sure to keep an eye on the Lucas the garden thrive and become a permanent Community Garden Facebook page for fixture in Lucas. Keep an eye out for updates. New committee members and some other upcoming changes around regular volunteers are most welcome the community garden too- a produce and and much needed, so please get in touch seed swap box will be on its way, along if you’d like to be part of the project in with some clearer signage to help everyone some way. know what to pick and when. [email protected] Right now we’re planting some seedlings for Spring that will be transplanted into LUCAS COMMUNITY GARDEN the garden after the risk of frost has

SPRING GARDENING TIPS FROM AVALON NURSERY

AVALON NURSERY BALLARAT

Spring has well and truly sprung, and new specialised plant food. Mulching your life is appearing throughout the garden, gardens with an organic based mulch from bulbs emerging and blooming to such as pea-straw or bark retains much deciduous trees budding into leaf and needed soil moisture as the weather gets flower. The weather is getting warmer, warmer, as well as inhibiting the growth and all of the garden projects that you of unwanted weeds. have been thinking about over winter can get started. Mid spring is a great time to start on your spring and summer veggie gardens – it is The most important thing to do for your the perfect time to get your blueberries the heat of summer arrives. Traditional garden before planting is to prepare the and strawberries in, and start planting garden favourites such as Hydrangeas soil – this goes for preparing to plant and planning your spring and summer come into season in late spring and early the smallest seedling to the tallest tree. crops, such as carrots, beans and peas. summer, and summer bulbs such as Adding organic matter to the soil such as Tomatoes can be started as well, but need Lilliums, Gladioli, Peonies and Dahliahs compost improves the soil’s structure, to be protected from the cold in hothouses can be planted from mid spring onwards. as well as adding nutrients, improving until the risk of frost is gone, this is aeration and drainage, and creating an usually around the start of November The friendly and knowledgeable staff environment for beneficial soil microbes – or around Melbourne Cup day, as the at Avalon Nursery in Haddon can help and earthworms to thrive. traditional wisdom goes. you with all of your spring gardening needs; you can visit David, Joanna and Your existing plants deserve a bit of If an edible garden is not the garden of their team at 41 Kopkes Road, Haddon. nurturing too; they will benefit greatly choice, early spring is an ideal time to get Open Weekdays 8.30am – 5.00pm, open from an application of liquid feed or other plants established in the garden before Weekends 8.30am – 4.00pm. LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020

A COLOURFUL SPACE

BY SANDRA CLOUGH then later in the day is exposed to the I am not one that knows all plants and Sandra moved to Lucas from Melbourne west sun , you do have to select the plants their names, I basically have learnt a little in 2016, to be close to family. Her favourite Gardening is a great form that like the full sun, I only have one small over the years and go on the advice of area of her garden is her back yard, with of relaxation and it is area that is a little protected and this is some nursery people and read the labels all the colour she has established she where the Standard Gardenia is. A recent of something I like. I have had some plants can enjoy it from her kitchen and living such a pleasure as there addition to this area is a Hydrangea and that have not liked the cold weather in room. The colours as well as perfumes is always something new some Hellebores. Ballarat, Melbourne weather is more of a flower garden are a delight and temperate and does not have the extreme being able to pick your own flowers for popping it’s head up Not all my plants are purchased some frosts that can occur here. inside or for others is something Sandra have been cuttings etc from friends and enjoys. Her grandchildren also love as I say I split and replant some of the If you would like your garden to be featured coming to see her beautiful flowers. The plants once established thus one or two or know someone who would, get in contact pots can eventually go a long way. at [email protected] house Sandra purchased here in Lucas garden. I also don’t have to constantly was 6 months old and the front garden attend the garden as the plants look plan was set out. Here is a little on how after themselves once established, I she utilised what she could from the do prune the roses a few times when existing garden while making positioning they are flowering to encourage new SEARCH FOR changes and additions to help the garden flowers, and of course prune back hard thrive as described by Sandra… once a year. WILDLIFE COMPETITION The basic front design has iceberg roses I think a lot of people do not put in and Azaleas predominantly, these plants gardens similar to mine as they are can withstand the winds from the north under the impression that they are We had the great suggestion from one of and the afternoon sun. I have since added a lot of work and take a lot of water. our residents to run a wildlife search in a few perennials like nemesia, these can Once established this is not the case and around Lucas! Residents had three be split and replanted throughout the if you have done the groundwork prior weeks to get their photos into the Lucas garden. I added some Eternal or winter to planting. Daphne shrubs and re positioned, re Chronicle facebook group. The garden in the back of the house is planted the Diosma, that was in the Congratulations to 11 year old Charlotte a lot softer , it has various coloured garden when I purchased the house, to be and 4 Year old Marshall who both won perfumed standard roses, azaleas and like a hedge up against the house. When a years subscription to the National many other perennials , some similar to in flower this is very showy. Geographic from Lucas Post. the front, like the nemesia, but I also have I have added a few other perennials to granny bonnets , ( columbines -Aquilas), And congratulations to Kelvin add colour and shape to the garden, cornflowers, poppies , hollyhock and Colling and Katherine Scott who both won some of these do die off in the winter but some bulbs and annuals. This is much $50 Avalon Nursery Gift Vouchers. And come back once the warmer weather is more what I consider to be a flower who both kindly donated their winnings here. One of these is a tubular leafy plant garden with some small and medium to the Lucas Community Garden. What an with trumpet style yellow flowers, I have flowering shrubs. amazing community we have! multiple of these plants and when they are all in flower they add colour to the A nice feature is my Standard Gardenia, You can see here the winning kids images garden throughout the summer. which was in a pot for years and once I – ladybug by Marshall 4 years old and moved here, I put it in the ground, it has Frog by Charlotte 11 years old. I do not generally water the garden more doubled in size and flowers profusely than once a week even in the summer due for weeks now. As this garden like the If you have an idea for a competition to the mulched bark that is all over the front, has the North sun all day and please get in touch [email protected] LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020 LUCAS PRIMARY SCHOOL

What a very different term of learning Another great whole school event during it has been! After a short time at school remote learning was our Sports Colours we were back to remote learning for the Day. Everyone dressed up in their remainder of Term 3. Teachers worked favourite team colours and participated hard to provide engaging learning tasks in some online fitness activities with for students to complete at home and our PE teacher, Mr O’Loughlin. It was supported students to stay connected an excellent way to get active and stay through online class meetings and connected as a school community. individual conferences. We were so impressed with the positivity, enthusiasm We are so excited to be going back to and commitment shown by our students onsite learning on the first day of Term and families during these challenging 4. It will be wonderful to all be back at times. It was a great team effort between school together, learning in the classroom, home and school. reconnecting with friends and enjoying our amazing facilities. Our first whole school One of the highlights of the term was our event will be our Book Week dress up day Virtual Disco. Students, staff and families in week 3. We can’t wait! Image supplied by Lucas Primary School dressed up in their disco outfits and joined in this online event in their homes. If you would like to know more about Students showcased the dance moves Lucas Primary School, please refer to our they had been learning at school with website at lucasps.vic.edu.au or contact WHAT’S HAPPENING AT Miss Moir in Performing Arts and also the school on 5338 5000. Enrolments enjoyed dancing to some old favourites for Prep to grade 6 are now being taken like the Macarena and Nutbush. A fun for 2021. JOURNEY EARLY LEARNING night was had by all.

Here at Journey Early Learning Lucas afternoon group time we talked about we understand the significance of nature what dragonflies eat, where they live and education in providing an important if we had ever seen them flying around. BIKE RIDING PROGRAM foundation of experiences to support our children in making sense of the world The dragonfly was the talk of the room for around them. the rest of the day as the children drew HOPES TO KICK INTO GEAR pictures of it and constructed it out of all One of our educators Monique recently different resources within our room. Over found a dragonfly and decided to bring it the week we incorporated fictional and JANE MCERLAIN down to the Kindergarten room for us to non-fictional stories about Dragonflies PHYSICAL EDUCATION examine. We placed it in a glass jar so we into our reading area and read them SIENA CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL could all get a closer look at it. together during our group times. Everyone wanted to hold the dragonfly This is one of the many learning Being new to the Siena community this to get a closer look at its big eyes and experiences our Kindergarten children year I was quick to notice that many beautiful wings. We discovered that participate in daily. If you’d like to learn students ride to school. Other teachers when we rotated the glass jar the light more about Journey Early Learning had also noticed that it was more than hit the different panels on the Dragonfly’s Lucas Kindergarten learning experiences, they had seen riding at other schools eyes, giving the illusion its eyes were please contact us on 9005 4650 or head to they had worked at. At this point I had not following us. We had a discussion with the journey.edu.au. had the chance to familiarise my self with children about why it might not be alive the Lucas suburb. Upon taking my first anymore and we all agreed that maybe ride, I was excited to see the fantastic it had passed due to old age. During our paths and design of this Suburb it was Image Supplied by Journey Early Learning perfect for riding. Here at Siena we had a plan to promote and encourage more students to ride to school. However, with the remote learning taking over we have had to put this on hold. We hope and pray that 2021 will allow us to deliver our bike riding programs.

Search for The Lucas Chronicle group on facebook to find these stories and more! LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020 COLOUR ME IN!

llustration by Katherine Scott of Olive Apple Moss @oliveapplemoss LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020

the next chapter

land now ALFREDTON ROTARY selling OUR DEVELOPING PARK AND OTHER PROJECTS

Alfredton Rotary is made up of around lovely area to watch birds in the wetlands need, in our community. The project got 25 volunteers who get together to make or a shady spot for a walk or picnic. We its start from a a difference – in our local community have plans to develop the park over time and further afield. We plan and organise to include a BBQ shelter, seating and ‘Pick My Project’ grant from the State a range of different projects, big and indigenous plant garden and will continue Government for $180,000 and was small and are happy to welcome new to have working bees to achieve this. developed further with generous support community-minded people to join us. Community members are very welcome to of the Oliver Foundation and other be involved in this project. organisations and suppliers. This project You may have noticed the new is almost reaching its end point with the community park we are developing, Another project that we are involved new facilities soon to be occupied by across Remembrance Drive from the in is providing sandwiches to over 20 Uniting staff. Lucas shopping centre. You will see the local primary schools, for children in blue Rotary sign if you take the Link need. The fresh cheese sandwiches are Alfredton Rotary members also support Road and you may have been involved in frozen by school staff and distributed communities overseas, with health and one of our planting bees as we establish when needed. This project has been educational needs for people in need trees around the perimeter. It is very running for the last 4 years and in and have currently filled a container exciting to be involved in the first stages that time with fantastic support from with hospital beds and first aid materials of a new park and we have been very Ballarat Grammar, Nature’s Cargo, bound for a new medical clinic in the gratified to see community members Cain Property, Eatup and Woolworths Kerangasem region in remote, northeast getting involved too. There is also an we have provided almost 24,000 Bali. We thank Ballarat Health Services opportunity to pay $25 to have a tree sandwiches to hungry kids. and St John of God Hospital for assistance named for an individual or family, so with this project. We have many projects, that your contribution will be recorded Alfredton Rotary members are also both one off and ongoing that people can for posterity. Anyone who would like to heavily involved in assisting Uniting to get involved with. completely refurbish an old furniture do this should email David Sanders - Our meetings are on Monday nights [email protected] store to become a new home for the Breezeway Meals project. This from 6pm-7pm – currently held mostly We are very lucky to have the wonderful redevelopment includes a commercial via zoom, so if you would like to get Mullawalla Wetlands behind the park, kitchen, café area, laundry and bathroom involved or find out more, contact home to a number of endangered species, facilities, adverse weather shelter and David Sanders whose email is above so in the future, the park could provide a other facilities for the people most in [email protected]

more info at CONNECTING TO THE BALLARAT - grange.live SKIPTON RAIL TRAIL

MARXSEN PARADE MOORE WAY GROAT STREET

PATERSON STREET BALLARAT-SKIPTON RAIL TRAIL

TREMAIN DRIVE Here in Lucas we have great proximity to Shortridge Drive, where you will be able LILBURNE STREET

BEASTON WAY MELLISH STREET

EVANS WAY ELEANOR DRIVE TOWN the wonderful Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail to link up with the path that runs back G CROWTHER DRIVE IN G CENTRE E LL W AY

SHORTRIDGE DRIVE INGENIA COLTMAN PLAZA and it is such a wonderful asset for the through our park links through the centre GRAINGER PARADE PARKSIDE TREMAIN DRIVE

MARXSEN PARADE

LEE ROAD

PATERSON STREET BOOTH CLOSE community. Here is some information of Lucas. As we continue to build west in

BROWNFIELD DRIVE FULLER LANE NOR DRIVE TRACKS + TRAILS ELEA SODERSTROM STREET we have for the proposed plan for the the future, the path will wind around a

JOLLY PARADE MERZ STREET

WADE PLACE BRIND WAY

ELEANOR DRIVE CROWTHER DRIVE connection of Lucas and the trail. The new wetlands and open space we are

TUCKER PLACE

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A

R QUIRK ROAD A P

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GOLD A TUNBRIDGE STREET H

G A YOU L

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C KERNICK STREET ’ 1km O McNAMEEARE BOULEVARD area that Lucas connects to the Rail building west of Shortridge Drive before

ELEANOR DRIVE

LUMSDEN WAY HERE HARRIS DRIVE YATES STREET Trail is proposed to have a well-designed continuing further west and meeting CENTRAL EDUCATION BLUE PARK COPPERWAITE STREET PRECINT

O’CALLAGHAN PARADE MORRELL STREET

LORENSINI ROAD

CROWTHER DRIVE HEATHCOTE DRIVE interface with native and exotic planting, the rail trail close to where it crosses 3km SHORTRIDGE DRIVE

MESSENGER PARADE

O’SHANNASSY PARADE

ELEANOR DRIVE park furniture, a beautiful wetlands and Cuthberts Rd. The last links of this path MESSENGER PARADE COMING SOON DALY DRIVE

RED O’SHANNASSY PARADE a number of areas that will connect will be constructed with the adjacent

BAYFIELD STREET LUCAS HILLMAN GROVE LIFESTYLE OVERALL STREET MARSH LANE

km DALY DRIVE LOTON LANE 6 BUCHANAN DRIVE you directly to the Ballarat Skipton Rail stages. We need to protect any native

MCLEOD STREET

GROSE LANE CRAVEN STREET MARSHALL ROAD

HOLGATE ROAD MATHESON STREET

WILMOTT STREET

O'SHANNASSY PARADE MCLEOD STREET

McTAGGART STREET Trail. The footpath on Cuthberts Road grasses and vegetation that are present LOVETT WAY MORE SELLS ROAD BREW LANE

SUTCLIFFE STREET INFO GITSHAM STREET WARBURTON DRIVE will eventually continue all the way west in the rail trail reserve and are working DALY DRIVE WARBURTON DRIVE RAWLINGS STREET

SELLS ROAD PENGELLY ROAD

McCALLUM STREET

MARSHALL ROAD

CHAMBERS WAY DAWN to the rail trail. Right now it stops at with community groups and Ballarat City RAWLINGS STREET PARK

HUNTER STREET HOLGATE ROAD

McCALLUM STREET WILMOTT STREET BASTOW LANE CAHILL CLOSE CRAVEN STREET the bend of Marshall Rd, however part Council to ensure its protection. CUTHBERTS ROAD MATHESON STREET

CAHILL CLOSE CRESENT

ROONEY ROONEY CRESENT MATHESON STREET

KEWLEY GROVE

DRIVE of the next stage of works just starting LEPP STREET

RBURTON WA (Lucas stage E3) is to extend the path to LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020 INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR OF LUCAS, CR TILLIE

Tillie I am sure that you know about Well, my family doesn’t quite know how the Be Kind campaign which the that happened. They are actually quite Ballarat Council are running? proud of my appearance in the magazine. Yes, I am, and feel sure that if the Mayor of I thought they may have been a little Ballarat, Cr Ben Taylor, had enough time jealous, but they have been big enough to he would have discussed this matter with be happy for me. me. However with stage 3 restrictions It is well known that you have a large it does make it difficult at the moment following on Instagram. How many do as my voice just comes out as a Woof. you have now? Is it true that you have It is soooo embarrassing. One thing I do had many offers to endorse branded know is that Cr Taylor would be happy clothing and accessories? with Lucas using the Be Kind slogan. As most of you would know I am kind in Well, yes, both are true. At the moment lots of ways: I share my puppy love with I have over 20,000 followers on my anyone who might need it : I’m always up instagram account, which my PA handles for a pat or belly rub, and also happy to sit for me fortunately. They also make sure on someone’s lap to offer support. that I only support one company which is Australian and donates generously to What has been your favorite part of the RSPCA . I know that is important to being Mayor of Lucas so far? be transparent with gifts, but no one yet the room in the treatment centre. I see my dining table.. Tillie’s view is that canines That would be going to the animal shelter has offered me a see-through raincoat! friends there who are having treatment are usually much kinder than humans as with and handing over some I am not troubled by canine trolls on and the lovely staff - we snuggle, I get lots they don’t make judgements. If another money. They need it so much....you should Instagram because they are all kind, not of pats, I get cheese and share the puppy canine looks dangerous they put their see them!!! They don’t even have their own like some that my family tell me about. love. I have been a Delta dog for 4 yrs now. noses in the air and walk away. Most of couches and have to put up with beds on But they are humans. Haven’t they heard Now that, my PA says, is what kindness is us don’t like other canines who fight or the floor. The people there are really kind about being kind? all about. are aggressive. and help the animals. They are pawsome! You are a Delta Therapy dog Tillie. Are you related to the singer called Debra Tillie you are quite an ambassador What does that mean? Delta? for everyone in Lucas and for dogs The Delta society trains and provides Maybe we need to listen to Tillie’s words around the world. People seem to volunteers and their dogs and their Aww, I wish I was. When she was sick with of wisdom and try really hard to be kind really look up to you and take notice humans work as a team to provide help cancer I could have given her cuddles. to everyone we meet. We will leave the of what you say. How do you feel where it is needed. My PA tells me no! But nope, you won’t be getting me on any physical contact to the canines though. about that? to boast, but I am fairly sure that I am shows anytime soon. A smile or kind word often makes a big difference. I feel very humbled. And when the message the only Delta therapy dog who is also a A final few words about kindness from is Be Kind then that’s even more pawsome. Mayor. Oh my Woof ! I get rather busy at the Mayor, Cr Tillie and her PA, Debra Simple acts of kindness can change a times. My human, who rather likes to be person’s day. Getting your photo and a story into The called my PA, goes with me to he Ballarat Tillie: Australian Women’s Weekly must have Oncology and Haematology Centre once a We often discuss kindness at home, Be Kind whoever and wherever you are. been quite a coup for your PR team. week. I do a rather superb job of working especially when we are all sitting at the

LUCAS TO WELCOME LORETO COLLEGE

Recently Loreto College announced that and use of the 13.5 hectares”. it has signed contracts to acquire land in Lucas at the corner of Cuthberts Road and Integra General Manager Matt McCabe Finches Road. welcomed the news that Loreto College have announced plans to expand in the For the past two years the College has Ballarat western growth corridor. been working to identify and source a suitable parcel of land that would allow “We are thrilled with the news that Loreto for ambitious future plans. The location have announced further expansion in Lucas provides a large greenfield site plans. Loreto are an amazing institution at the heart of major residential growth who have been educating young women in Ballarat. in Ballarat for 145 years and worldwide for over 400 years. We feel privileged to Recently retired Principal, Ms Judith change. The overarching strategic goals Principal Michelle Brodrick said, “It is have such a leader in the provision of Potter and past Board Chairs, Mrs for the new campus indicate an exciting exciting to be able to expand and provide education expanding in Ballarat and wish Geraldine Frantz and Mr Shane Carey step in its evolution, which will serve to new opportunities for learning through the college well through their planning envisioned the new campus, inspired by reinforce its reputation as a leader of the development of a new campus to and design phase”. Loreto Ballarat founder, Mother Gonzaga girls education. Current Board Chair, Mr complement the existing Lake Wendouree Barry as a role model for expansion Luke Dunne said, “We look forward to site. We will now enter into a period of The expansion will help to meet the and innovative change. Historically, now working with our College community, consultation with staff, students, families growing demand for Catholic education the College has always been attuned Local and State Governments to bring this and the community on the design, features in the Loreto tradition in the region. to the impact of social and economic dream to fruition.” LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020 BIRD LIFE IN LUCAS

BIRDSONG NURSERY AND GARDENS

….A BEAUTIFUL PLACE WITH A LARGE HEART

In May 2017 Ron and Karen Grey purchased the business suffered badly during the Tiny Birds Takeaway is a delightful cook in many different places from the house and land, knowing that they lockdowns but they made the most of the surprise. The coffee is superb, as is Karen’s restaurants to an Officers’ mess, mature wanted to maximise the potential of this situation by doing some improvements on wide selection of food. Everything is made age student and then working in the field of beautiful parcel of land. After many other the property and garden. on site in the van, where Karen starts social welfare. ideas were explored they decided on cooking each day at 4am. There is a new Karen also gave up her job in a social Apart from Ron and Karen themselves, one starting a Nursery from scratch, focussing menu each week. It is lovely fresh food, welfare to focus fully on developing the of the keys to Birdsong’s success is that on native Australian plants, with a food van served with flair on vintage china at a very business. They still had a small clientele they have gone slowly and don’t make rash to both entice and refresh those that come reasonable price. The cakes are a delight. base who remained very loyal and provided decisions. They make improvements or do out to Birdsong. Native plants and herbs are used as much a small amount of income. major projects as they have the necessary as possible and most fresh produce comes With a good home on the property they had finances. They also do almost everything from their veggie garden. no rent to pay and set about converting Since moving here they have had four themselves and aren’t afraid of hard work. different family members living with them their block into what we see today. They One thing that they were unable to do Now that they are busier two daughters but now it’s just the two of them and the would to sit on the veranda before Karen themselves was to source, collect and place also help out in the cafe at the weekends animals. The dogs are the security guards, left for work and listen to the birds the large number of rocks around the garden and a son when needed. the talking Cockatoo is the Concierge as singing. There were kookaburras, magpies, and nursery, as well as doing foundation he greets and farewells the guests. He is The last words on Birdsong are from the Bronzewing pigeons, wrens, cockatoos, work in preparing the terraced garden beds a very popular member of the Birdsong owners: At the end of the day when we rosellas, galahs, and beautiful honey eaters, and extending the dam. Warwick Pitcher has family and children love him. There are also finally get to put our feet up we usually feel and the list keeps growing . obviously been more than just a contractor two miniature Mediterranean Donkeys. It is physically exhausted but emotionally it is for them. His most recent work is the Hence the name Birdsong. While waiting a lovely place to take children. just so satisfying to know that we love what enormous structure inside the entrance, for their nursery permit they began selling we have created and what we do every day. which is worth a close inspection. plant stock through markets and building Ron’s role is the Jack of all trades. He is The fact that it brings joy as well as a sense the builder and carpenter, nurseryman and a clientele base as they went. Along with Ron and Karen previously lived in the of peace to those who visit makes us feel head gardener and the finance manager. some prior knowledge, they learnt about NT in a remote Aboriginal community, an so blessed and fortunate it is almost surrel. As Karen quipped “We have many rocks in the plants as they went. Both Ron and experience that few ever have. They were We feel like we need to pinch ourselves at our garden but Ron is my rock and what a Karen are very knowledgeable about cut off from the outside word for six months times as we have been so lucky. gem he is.” which of the mostly native plants grow in of the year, only able to access Darwin ’Some people win Tattslotto. We feel that we particular conditions. They planned their by air as flood waters in the wet season He is responsible for all of the magnificent have won with Birdsong.’ garden with a view of what they would wood work around the nursery, even would isolate them. By comparison Ballarat stock in the nursery. Visitors can see what tables and chairs and the naturally shaped must almost feel like living in another Birdsong Nursery and Gardens is offering many of the plants available to purchase Red-gum slabs serving as tables on the country, with cold winters that could not a free Devonshire tea to the first five look like when mature. house verandah. be imagined by Territorians. Ron had spent people (not all in one group!) who mention over forty years in the Northern Territory, There are many outbuildings, most of the this article. Karen works in the nursery, is the concept but for Karen coming to the Ballarat area others have been repurposed. The most and business developer and also the was a homecoming. Contact details: recent one is for the indoor and potted designer, the PR person and secretary. Birdsong Nursery and Garden plants and pots, which was previously a They have both worked in a myriad of jobs, 9 Baglin St, Smythesdale, Vic. 3351 blacksmith’s workshop. However her main claim to fame is the places and conditions. and have both worn Ph. 0416 057 713 Small Birds Takeaway which operates many hats throughout their lives. A few Birdsong and Tiny Birds Takeaway food van Website: Birdsong Nursery & Gardens from a registered food van near the of Ron’s have been: Butcher, Fishmonger opened on Australia Day this year, 2020. Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm business part of the nursery. She started , caravan park owner/operator, and fine After operating for around three months the takeaway because of her extensive sportsman. Karen has been a bookbinder, the COVID Pandemic hit. Like most, background in hospitality. LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020

Recipe ROASTED BEETROOT & PICKLED ONION SALAD

SCRATCH, LICK, BITE… SPRING HAS ARRIVED!

With the onset of the warmer weather, there parasite control program. If there is no relief is often a steady increase in the number of and your pet is still itchy once infections have patients who are presented to veterinary cleared and parasites have been ruled out, an clinics with itchy skin. elimination diet will then be recommended to determine if there is a dietary component to These pets are often miserable, have the itchiness. (Interestingly, gluten is rarely trouble sleeping and spend a good part responsible, with chicken or red meat more of their day noisily licking, scratching and likely to be implicated). biting at themselves. This can be disruptive for the whole family! Often, itchy pets will Allergy testing is also available and is often scratch or overgroom so obsessively that the only way to definitively identify the inciting they create wounds on their skin that allergens. At the present time, the only reliable further add to their discomfort. way to diagnose allergies (pollen, dust, etc.) in dogs and cats is through intradermal allergy So, what can be done to help your itchy pet? INGREDIENTS testing, commonly called skin testing. This The most common causes of itchiness in pets process can lead to the production of vaccines Olive oil 1/2 cup white sugar Salt & pepper 1/4 cup table salt are allergens from four broad categories; that can offer a degree of relief to some 4 medium beetroots 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar Insects (Fleas, mites, flies, mosquitoes etc), patients, but it is a costly process. 4 cubes of marinated meredith 1/2 cup brown sugar Food (usually protein based), Plants (pollens dairy Goat Cheese 1/2 cup crushed walnuts If the underlying reason for your pet’s 100g of rocket 1/2 cup pepitas from grasses and trees, ground covers, etc.), itchiness cannot be identified and eliminated, 1 red onion, finely sliced 1/2 cup picked fresh mint leaves and Contact allergens (certain plastics, fabrics 1/2 cup white vinegar medical management can help achieve etc.). However, pets can also present with effective relief from itchiness in many cases. itchiness that is secondary to an underlying disease process. Skin infections can also Medical management involves varying METHOD cause itchiness. Very rarely, the scratching combinations of, corticosteroids, 1. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees 3. For the pickled onion, mix the and licking is actually a behavioral problem. antihistamines, fatty acids, skin barrier celsius. Slice off the tops of the red onion, white sugar, table salt (Think OCD!) protectants, shampoos, diet and other beetroot but don’t peel them. Cut and white vinegar in a bowl. Let medications that temper the body’s response each beetroot into 8 wedges. Place sit for half an hour. Your vet will begin with a thorough history in a roasting pan and drizzle to allergens. Your veterinarian will tailor a and physical examination. Next it is important with a good amount of olive oil. 4. In a small, dry frying pan, long-term management plan for your pet, as Season with salt and pepper. to make sure that your pet is on a very strict toast the walnuts and pepitas well as a treatment protocol for dealing with Roast in the oven for approx 1 hr separately until golden. parasite control program. Parasites are the or until beetroot is soft but not any flare ups that may occur. mushy. You will want a bit of most common cause of itchiness in domestic texture. Remove the beetroot and 5. To build the salad, place the pets. A single flea bite can cause a pet to be If you have an itchy pet, your vet can work let cool. rocket in a nice serving dish, drizzle with olive oil and give a itchy for quite a prolonged period of time with you to improve your pet’s level of comfort toss to coat. Top with drained which explains why we don’t necessarily need and give your four legged family member 2. For the balsamic glaze, place pickled onion, beetroot, goats the balsamic vinegar and brown to see fleas on our pets to be suspicious of much needed relief from the unsettling and cheese, walnuts and pepitas. sugar in a small saucepan. Bring Drizzle with balsamic glaze (you a so-called flea bite allergy. Similarly, fox all-consuming need to scratch! to the boil. Lower heat and will have left over glaze) Place mites can be transmitted in fox scat; your dog simmer until reduced by half and torn mint leaves on top and finish Happy pets; happy family! is nice and syrupy. Place graze with a final drizzle of olive oil. doesn’t necessarily need to come into contact in a squeeze bottle and put in the with a fox to get mange. This information has been brought to you by the fridge. It will thicken as it cools. Excessive scratching can result in a Lucas Veterinary Clinic secondary skin infection and these further 9 Merz Street contribute to itchiness. So, your vet will also Lucas 3350 address any secondary bacterial or fungal PH: 5303 9000 infections at the time of implementing a LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020

Saddleback Hill. Credit: victorianvolcanoes.com OUR VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE

BY BEN WILKIE - HISTORIAN

Western Victoria brings to mind images of Around the region we can also see squatters, goldrushes, and pastoralism; lush, shields, which are volcanic hills formed by green pasture, vast pastoral properties, and the slow and gradual build-up of lava. There stately homesteads. Ballarat, of course, is are also numerous lakes, such as Lakes synonymous with the Eureka Stockade and Gnotuk and Bullenmerri near Camperdown, with gold. At their peak, the Central Highlands which were formed when magma welled-up and Western District were the source of much and met groundwater, producing a very violent of Australia’s pastoral and mining wealth. eruption. Sometimes, such as at on the south-west coast, combinations of these Much of this success was thanks to the volcanoes occur. natural setting of western Victoria: its verdant countryside and gold-bearing geology. A key to By dating the eruptions across the region understanding this natural setting is volcanic geologists know that activity has very slowly activity. Volcanoes contributed to western moved from east to west. The earliest Victoria’s rich soil and, for goldminers, lava volcanoes in the had covered ancient, gold-bearing riverbeds; erupted around 4.5 million years ago, or following these ‘deep leads’ produced some perhaps up to 7.8 million years ago. Most Selected volcanoes around Lucas. Credit: Ben Wilkie. of the region’s major gold discoveries. The recently, last erupted about earliest European explorers in the region 5450 years ago, while nearby The name of the lake comes from the left. This is another example of a large, often remarked on its old volcanoes and erupted shortly afterwards. Tower Hill and name of the Burrumbeet balug clan of the highly eroded double scoria cone. The crater the rich landscape they had created. Many in the south-west erupted about Wadawurrung people who lived there; on Weatherboard Hill’s first hill is made of the region’s beautiful homesteads were 37,000 years ago, and near ‘burrumbidj’ means ‘muddy water’. While prominent by a windbreak planted around crafted from volcanic bluestone. Hamilton is 46,700 years old. Mount Rouse it seems unlikely people were present to its crater rim. Turning left off Remembrance at Penshurst erupted 284,000 years ago. Our Many Lucas residents will have by now witness the eruptions around Ballarat, it Drive, Edmonston Road, Shanty Lane, and local giant, , erupted about summited the peaks of the Central Park is now well-established that Aboriginal Weatherboard Road all provide close-up views. 210,000 years ago. Australians saw the eruptions at Mount hill, taking in the wonderful panoramic Further north-west is Ercildoune and Gambier and Mount Schank; the eruption at views across the city and beyond. Looking Apart from Mounts Warrenehip and Buninyong, much further north-west is Lexton – in the Mount Gambier was similar in power to the east, over the city and towards the Western there are numerous other volcanoes around swathe of land between Lucas and Lexton explosion of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland in 2010. Freeway to Melbourne, we can see Mount Ballarat. Lucas residents taking the Ballarat are dozens upon dozens of volcanoes. The Aboriginal people also witnessed Tower Hill’s Warrenheip. To the south-west, along the Link Road towards Wendouree can spy, if area to the west and north-west of Lucas is last eruption, and very probably also saw A300, we can see Mount Buninyong. These they are careful, a series of highly-weathered marked particularly by old, eroded scoria Budj Bim and Mount Napier erupt. Names are just two familiar examples of western volcanoes just north of Miner’s Rest – Mount cones – many of which can be seen from the for volcanoes and lava, as well as volcanic Victoria’s volcanoes. Blowhard, its smaller neighbour Mount Lucas Central Park hill. Indeed, Ballarat is Pisgah, and their much larger, double-peaked creation mythologies and old stories, are found Stretching 410 km from Melbourne to Mount surrounded by hundreds of volcanoes, and companion, Mount Hollowback at Bald Hills. in Aboriginal cultures across western Victoria. Gambier, the Newer Volcanics Province they extend all the way east to Geelong and Mount Hollowback can be seen driving out covers the area of Australia’s most recent Following Remembrance Drive underneath Melbourne and all the way west to Mount Gillies Road towards Creswick, and is a very volcanic activity. Ballarat sits within its Central the Avenue of Honour Overpass brings us Gambier. They are an integral part of our old scoria cone with two eruption points. Highlands subprovince, with the Western well into the countryside. To the right as we unique countryside. Closer to town is Mount Rowan between Gillies approach Lake Learmonth is Saddleback Hill: Plains and Mount Gambier subprovinces There is much more to discover around the Road and the Midland Highway, a distinct, 2.97 a steep, if very eroded, double scoria cone, extending out to the west. state for the eager -spotter, but a million year old scoria cone and crater. which suggests two eruptions. Turning right at There are over 400 volcanoes in the Newer question that often arises is: Will there be These aside, north-west of Lucas is a Davenport Road takes us along the northern Volcanics Province, producing a wide variety another eruption? The short answer is yes wonderful volcanic landscape. Taking slopes of the volcano where outcrops of basalt of volcanic landforms. and – judging by past eruptions as well as other Remembrance Drive out of town, we first can be seen. Looking north, out over Lake Mount Buninyong are both good examples of measures of underground volcanic activity, come to Lake Burumbeet. A small hill at the Learmonth, we can see Brown Hill, a small what are called scoria cones, which are types the Newer Volcanics Province is well overdue north-west corner of the lake – one can pass it scoria cone. Beyond Brown Hill, still to the of volcanic mountains built up by ejected for another eruption. For now, however, we on the Western Freeway towards Horsham – is north, we can see Fraser, Vaughan, and Baird material. There are also ancient lava flows, can simply enjoy these sleeping giants and the dubbed Mount Callender and is in fact a very Hills in the foreground of Mount Bolton, which and other features such as those that can be landscape they have created for us. old scoria cone. Adjacent to this hill, on the is not a volcano. seen around Ballarat at Devils Kitchen and Lal lake, is Callender Bay, which was formed by Lal Falls where water streams have cut into If we continue along Remembrance Drive the explosion of a maar volcano. the volcanic rock. we soon come to Weatherboard Hill on the LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020

Ballarat’s newest property Images: Supplied management LUCAS KINDERGARTEN experts REBECCA BORRELLI

What an unexpected year 2020 has proven to Through hardship comes strength and our and individualised routines are comforting Now accepting be. The Covid-19 pandemic has had such a community at Lucas Kindergarten has indeed and distracting. Where they are the leaders devasting impact on the whole world and its shown us this. Every day, the children arrive of positivity and resilience. affects continue to be felt by our community at kinder and are excited to share their time new residential Covid-19 will forever be imprinted on us every day. Our community has faced many with their friends and educators. They are as a time of great challenges. However, for challenges through this time and with our engaged and have a safe space to express listings us at Lucas kindergarten, it will also be region slowly reopening, our resilience is very themselves through many different avenues remembered as a time where children’s clear. This is shown in our children and young such as dramatic play spaces, art mediums, strength and resilience prospered and our people also. quiet cubbies, music and movement to community were a pillar of support for name a few. Through their interactions, The world very quickly and unexplainably each other. discussions, exploration, experimentation and changed for our children. The community making choices within the kindergarten, they Contact Lucas Kindergarten at: was filled with uneasiness and anxiety. There are actively working to make sense of their were restrictions placed on them. Their home P.O Box 4044 Lucas, VIC, 3350 world again. life changed with parents being home more 46 O’Shannassy Parade often as they worked from home or sadly We are thrilled that in such challenging times Lucas VIC 3350 lost their jobs. Their siblings were learning Lucas Kindergarten can offer a secure place 0419 034 174 remotely. People are wearing masks. The where children can continue to grow, learn [email protected],au kindergarten was relocated. So many and thrive. Where children feel a sense of changes and so much uncertainty. belonging and security. Where familiar faces

SPOTLIGHT ON INTEGRA

KYM SQUIRE

We would like to say a big warm welcome and to introduce you all to Kym Squire! Kym It’s a great industry to be is our newest team member in Land Sales and Property Management here at Integra. involved in. You are exposed Kym had her first experience in the land to so many different aspects, development industry working on the industries and people on a well known Lake Gardens development. day to day basis – no two It was a flagship development for Ballarat and for Kym it was an exciting days are ever the same! time to get started in the industry. That experience led her to further studies in Real Estate where she obtained her Real Estate Agent’s Licence, followed by a Bachelor of Property in 2016. Kym has been working in the land development the word that comes to mind for Kym is and real estate industry for over 20 ‘sporty’! All four family members are die years now and has been involved with hard Richmond supporters, so have been everything from land sales, new home pretty happy for the last few AFL seasons! building, residential house sales and Kym’s kids are always busy with sport and Welcome Kym we wish you all the best in for a new home, please get in touch with property management. 20 years on from have played basketball, netball, athletics, your new chapter! me via phone or email – I look forward to taking on her first role Kym is still having AFL and rowing – and that’s just in the chatting with everyone! fun and loving the industry. last twelve months! As a family they are I’m looking forward to working with both heavily involved with basketball and also landlords and tenants to achieve great (03) 5322 5915 / 0412 715 922 / Kym is married with two kids and when love footy Sundays when the BFNL is in outcomes. If you’re a landlord looking for [email protected] asked to describe her family in one word, full swing. a property manager, or a tenant looking LUCAS BALLARAT / / ISSUE 03 / / SPRING 2020

We have now realised our dream of having a vertically-integrated working winery, where everything is done right here on site, and within the boundaries of our favourite city. What can you tell us about your plans for the future of the vineyard and cellar door? I am so excited about the opportunities that this site affords us. Our cellar door is already well-frequented by our customers who have been part of our following since Beaufort. And Ballarat locals are genuinely thrilled to have a winery that they can call their own. We are loving the steady flow of new and familiar faces coming out to see us. We also have a lot of tourists itching to come to our cellar door and we’re excited by the prospect of welcoming people from further afield now that we have some relief from Covid restrictions. And, of course we are still distributing to restaurants and bottle shops.

We have now realised our dream of having a vertically- integrated working winery, where everything is done right here on site, and within the boundaries of our favourite city.

In the near future our visitors will be able to experience the entire wine making process. Being a working winery, they can already see the grapes growing on the vines; but they will also be able to witness the harvesting, wine making and bottling. Then of course, they can sit by the fire or out under the veranda taking in the views, enjoying a cheese platter, whilst one of our experienced staff members helps them find the right wine for their preferences. We have so much space here, the opportunities really are endless. We have a number of exciting events and projects in the pipeline- collaborating with so much of the talent we have here in this part of the world – OUR OWN LOCAL WINERY so stay tuned! There are many people living in Lucas who may like to visit the vineyard and Recently we took a trip out to Michael Unwin presents a wealth of opportunities for us I originally studied horticulture in New cellar door. When is the best time to Wines which is just up the road from us here in to grow a wide range of grape varieties. I’ll Zealand, before travelling to Europe in 1985. visit and what should visitors expect? Lucas. We were so excited with what we found be able to flex my ‘innovation muscle’ by I worked for a champagne maker and therein We are open 7 days a week, almost every day that we wanted to share it with everyone. So growing some grapes that many local people piqued my interest in grape growing and of the year (we do try to spend time with the here is a little interview with Mike, who is of have never even heard of, yet also tap into wine making. I then travelled all over Europe family for special occasions like Christmas!). course the namesake, chief winemaker and my experience with New Zealand styles and studying winemaking and learning from, We’re really passionate about creating a innovative thinker behind Michael Unwin Wines. European varieties. and working with, some of the most highly ‘village type experience’ because European regarded and forward-thinking experts in villages, where I learned so much about wine You were previously operating in the You’ve travelled and made wine the field. making, are at the heart of everything I do Grampians Region. What spurred the around the world. What makes the here. People are welcome to drop past and move to this scenic 100-acre property? Australian wine industry unique? For 8 years I was a flying winemaker, travelling grab a nice bottle of wine to take home for the between New Zealand and Europe. The business operated out of Ararat from In Europe, the wine industry is renowned weekend or they might prefer to sit and catch the year 2000 and then Beaufort from for being hampered by bureaucrats and red My wife Cat and I came to Australia in 1995 up with friends over a few glasses of locally 2004, but my wife Cat and I, and our three tape. In Australia, we have the opportunity to and I worked at some of the oldest wineries produced wine and a cheese platter, while children considered Ballarat home. When the establish a business within one generation. in the country. In 2000 we started “Michael soaking up the sun and taking in the views. We opportunity came up to purchase the farm at And of course, the Aussie sun and soil allows Unwin Wines” in a disused weaving mill in also offer free tastings with our experienced Windermere – just ten minutes out of town – us to grow a fabulous variety of grapes and Ararat and in 2004 the purpose-built winery in cellar door staff. And, we have a variety of it was too good to pass up. produce unrivalled wines. Beaufort came to life. We purchased the farm disused barrels available for purchase for From a winemaker’s perspective, the high How did Michael Unwin Wines begin? at Windermere, Ballarat in 2014 and finally gardening or home décor projects. altitude and corresponding cool climate opened our doors there in February 2020.