THE
FORREST POST
JUNE 2020
Banner image by Tannar Coolhaas
FREE
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and waters around us, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We respect their cultural heritage, knowledge, beliefs, and relationship to this land that was never ceded.
What will Forrest look like in 2030?
Birth of the Bike
Local artist Brad Burton has created another amazing sculpture completely from bike parts. Many hours of painstaking design and welding has resulted in this life size horse and if you take a closer look, you will see where the name comes from. Stroll down Frizon Street to view this wonderful art.
The Forrest Gateway Project team, in collaboration with Deakin University’s Local SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Program team have collated data from 5 years of studies, reports and community engagements to create a draft strategic plan for the future direction of our town. We invite you to:
1. Comment on the DRAFT Forrest & District Plan go to www.forrestvictoria.com until June 15 2. Contribute your knowledge to the Historical Timeline for the Plan. 3. Add your Community Infrastructure ideas (any changes to current infrastructure, and suggestions for new projects) Have your say on the Draft Forrest & District Plan at www.forrestvictoria.com by June 15 For more information please contact Emma Ashton forrestgatewayproject@gmail.com
TIMELINE for the FORREST & DISTRICT PLAN STAGE 1 – Data collection (2015-20) COMPLETE STAGE 2 - Outline of Plan
COMPLETE
STAGE 3 - Write the Draft Plan
COMPLETE
Distributed via Forrest Website, Forrest Facebook, and emailed to local community groups and clubs
STAGE 4 – PRESENT DRAFT PLAN
NOW OPEN FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT 1-15 JUNE
• Released for community comment, distributed as Stage 2 • Process for prioritisation of community challenges • Peer Review
STAGE 5 – Finished Plan endorsed by Council END JUNE 2020
STAY AWARE OF COVID-19 • STOP THE SPREAD • FIND THE POST ONLINE @ ISSUU
2 THE FORREST POST - JUNE 2020
Regenerative Agriculture Prompted by participation in a Colac Otway Shire regenerative agriculture conference last year, five local farmers embarked on a research project over summer to gauge the viability of multi-species cover crops around Forrest. Run by the Upper Barwon Landcare Network with support from the Forrest Gateway Project, the trial was run on properties in Barwon Downs, Gerangamete and Murroon, including two dairy farms, two beef and one sheep and beef operation. The September conference; ‘From the Ground Up: Growing Regenerative Agriculture in Corangamite’, informed attendees about the potential of regenerative farming practices to improve soils and productivity by moving away from monoculture cropping, whilst simultaneously enhancing the environment and storing carbon. Regenerative practices are based on the concept of farmers working with nature rather than against it – for example, allowing natural insect predators to protect crops without sprays, moving away from set-stocking of ruminants in paddocks which damages grasslands and soils, and discontinuing over-tilling which destroys the soil structure. Traditional cool season pastures around Forrest are dormant for much of summer and early autumn, so the project aimed to highlight the advantages of summer-active multi-species crops to produce highquality feed over the warmer months, and evaluate whether there were benefits to soil health and better environmental outcomes. Farmers sowed as many as nine annual species of grasses, legumes, brassicas and other broad leaf varieties in their trial paddocks, including tillage radish, sorghum, millet, cowpea, forage rape, leafy turnip, buckwheat, sunflowers and linseed. The participants are currently being canvassed for their views on the success of the trial, but most were satisfied with the results, and suggested they would be likely to employ multi-species cover cropping as an annual strategy. Marina Lewis, a spokesperson for Citizens in Colac Otway Shire for ACTION on the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, said the trial reflected an encouraging shift away from the negative environmental impacts of industrial agriculture and hoped local government would continue to support regenerative initiatives.
“Regenerative agriculture is a great way to improve production, enhance income streams, improve biodiversity as well as reduce carbon in the atmosphere,” Dr Lewis said. “It is proposed that Colac Otway Shire continue to support the growth of regenerative agriculture in the shire for the multiple benefits it brings to farmers, growers and communities, through follow-up workshops and conferences and further development and support of local networks.” “Our local area already has outstanding leadership in regenerative practice with the Otway Agroforestry Network based in Birregurra now internationally recognised. Charles Massey, for example, in his wellresearched book on regenerative practices ‘The Call of the Reed Warbler’ acclaims this local initiative not only for its capacity to restore landscape function but also for ‘building economic, ecological and social resilience into rural communities and landscapes.’” Marina also recommends Ross Garnaut’s highly regarded 2019 book ‘Superpower: Australia’s Low Carbon Opportunity’, if you’d like to read about the evidence that storing carbon in soils, pasture, woodland forests and biodiverse plantations can make an exceptional contribution to meeting our carbon emission targets whilst strongly supporting Australia’s advanced agricultural sector. Stuart Walmsley
The Forrest Post is auspiced by the Forrest Men’s Shed. Every effort is made to remain current, accurate and non-partisan. Feedback, submissions and advertising are encouraged. Submissions may be edited. You can request an electronic version by email, find us on Facebook or online at issuu.com/theforrestpost for back issues Contact: theforrestpost@gmail.com Contributors S tuart Walmsley, Pauline Rostos, Tannar Coolhaas, Gillian Brew, Olivia Deson, Ken Widdowson, Renee, Taylor, John Frizon, Nick Romanowski. Design: Gillian Brew Print: Forrest Primary School. All contributions to be received the 22nd of the month.
3
Greenhood orchid Photo John Tann
Winter It’s Winter and everything seems to close up, die down and hibernate. Branches are bar, people hunker down in their homes next to wood fires, eating home-made soup and wearing thick warm jumpers and beanies. And of course Winter is again the time of the Winter Solstice, the longest night and the shortest day on June 21st. It harks back to a traditional time of celebration, festivals, singing, dancing and fires, a symbolic death and birth of the Sun! But although June and July bring bleak mists and freezing winds, the special season of “Chinnup� (cockatoos) for the indigenous people of Southwestern Victoria from late May to the end of July.brings an abundance of life amongst the birds, animals, plants, insects and even the stars with the return of the Aquila constellation (Bunjil, the Creator Spirit and Wedge-tailed Eagle Dreaming) . Chinnup was depicted by cockatoos, fungi and a lifestyle that included clothes and totems. Many bands moved to rock shelters in the hills for refuge. Long cloaks were made from possum skins. Old people and pregnant women rubbed emu fat into their skin for protection from the cold. For ornamentation they wore kangaroo teeth necklaces, hat mats and nose-piercing.
In the woodland areas plants appear such as coral fungi on mossy ground and boletus fungi in wet litter. The first of the winter orchids appear such as tall greenhoods, helmet orchids and flowering chocolate lilies.Many early wattles flower and and cranberry heath. Among the mammals, possums have young in their pouch, sugar gliders give birth and echidnas are searching for mates. Several bird species are nesting; brown thornbills, scrub wrens, divebombing magpies. Many birds are active and on the move. Shrike tits tear bark from manna gums and we hear the first calls of the fantail cuckoos. Yellow-tailed cockatoos are on the move as well as satin bower birds. Newly flowering eucalypts attract honey eaters and noisy miners call at dawn. The powerful owl is laying its eggs. Frogs are actively calling and ponds are full with little water creatures. In the wetland areas large flocks of pink-eared ducks are seen on lakes. Swans and coot graze on lake shores and lapwings are nesting on eggs. Chinnup is indeed a busy season! Pauline Rostos Source: www.bom.gov.au/iwk/gariwerd/chinnup.shtml
Some examples of the exotic fungi to be found in Forrest and surrounds.
Photos by Tannar Coolhaas
4 THE FORREST POST - JUNE 2020
Vale Michael Mcnamara Michael James Mcnamara, beloved son of Sandra Mcnamara (Smythe), sadly passed away on the 30th of April. Michael grew up in Forrest, attending Forrest primary school from 2001 to 2008. His childhood in Forrest created everlasting memories for the ones he shared these years with, and friends who have since come to consider both Michael and Sandra as family.
gentle person with a heart of gold. His bright eyes and beautiful smile will always be remembered by those who knew him.
His caring nature included a deep respect and love for animals and insects, such as scorpions, beetles and spiders, as well as caring for his three pet cats Porridge, Shadow and Lulu.
It takes a village to raise a child and Forrest was Michael's Village for 11 years. He had many adopted sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles and grandparents who were always there when he needed them for the good times and the bad. The years in Forrest were the happiest of his life and a part of him will always remain there. -
His strength and love always inspired the ones around him, reminding us to appreciate life and to be respectful and kind to each other. Loved deeply by the people in his life, Michael was a warm and
We love you Michael, your memory will always be cherished by those who were blessed to have been a part of your life and through your mother, whose love for you will never die. Olivia Deson
Sandra Mcnamara
The origin of the Otways In 1968 I attended a Geology Adult Education Course and after some interesting visits around Melbourne and Geelong, the lecturer said in the last session “I might as well tell you this, but don’t attach too much importance to it, its only a theory, but some geologists believe that the continents are actually moving and they were originally a part of a larger land mass, you can see how some of them fit together like jigsaw pieces”. How exciting to be there on the cusp of new learning. Nowadays you can’t talk about any land-forms without referring to the theory of Continental Drift. Well it’s to continental drift that we go to understand the creation of the Otways. We are not experts but here is what we have discovered so far. If anyone has better research please let us know. About 145 million years ago Australia was attached to Antarctica, as you can see from the diagram.. As the super continent began to fragment, the Antarctic drifted away from southern Australia opening up a huge inland lake from present Geelong to Warnambool. Around this freshwater lake dinosaurs roamed and their fossil remains have been discovered at Cape Otway. Over millions of years the lake was filled with sedi-ment running off from the volcanic area of Western Victoria. Geoff Spiers has found fossil leaves in the quarry up the Kaanglang Road from this period. Then tectonic forces
raised the whole Otway range to a height of 2000 feet. These forces are not explained but there’s a tendency for the surface of the earth to bounce back after being depressed with heavy deposits of sediment. The whole process occurred between 145 and 66 million years ago We are struggling to account for our wonderful heathlands but we believed that about 2 million years ago Victoria was inundated with a shallow sea all the way to Mildura resulting in the sandy Mallee and its salt problem. The sea lapped around the base of the Otways depositing large sand dunes which I think became those wonderful wildflower areas of Anglesea, the Bambra Road and Forrest surrounds. If you drive up Thomson’s track you can see where the heathland with its grass trees stops and the mountain vegetation takes over. Ken Widdowson, Forrest Historical Society.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
The news on local business ABC news reported on local Forrest businesses and preparations for the easing of restrictions and the likely influx of visitors over the Queens Birthday long weekend.
5
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Forrest Caravan Park lease Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking feedback from members of the Forrest and district community in a survey regarding the future of the Forrest Caravan Park lease.
"I think we're going to see quite a few bookings, particularly from Melbourne and Geelong because it's not far to go, and obviously people have been cooped up in the city for months and they're just dying to get out into nature," Michelle Davidson Forrest Guest House.
Council resolved at its February meeting to consult the community on the area of land to be included in an upcoming Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the lease. Council has determined to test the market by inviting EOIs from operators interested in running a new caravan park. Prior to embarking on the development of an EOI document, Council wants to hear from the community about its views on the lease, particularly the area of land the lease might cover.
"We're conscious of the need to be on top of clearing and cleaning tables as soon as people leave before the next people sit down," Mandy Bishop - Platypi Chocolates.
The online survey is available until Friday 3 July and can be accessed at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/forrestcpl or via Council’s website at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au Council’s Economic Development and Tourism team is also arranging video conferences or phone conferences with community members who would like to talk to officers. People interested in having a conversation can contact the Economic Development and Tourism team on 5232 9400 during business hours, or email ecodev@colacotway.vic.gov.au
Bluewater pool facilities to reopen "We're normally a pretty bustling sort of place, we'd see up to 200 people a day over the weekend, so the 20-person restrictions don't work for us," Sharon Bradshaw - Forrest Brewing Company
"We want you to come and visit but please actually be patient and be respectful," Sally Richardson - Forrest General Store. Source: www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-30/otways-forrest-welcomesreturn-of-overnight-stays-victoria/12290774?fbclid=IwAR1n0EiW0Gus 44Iu70VBOs1Mle88ozV2Z15LE6vbZDjF0w9BJvS1MDhUS0Y
Colac’s Bluewater indoor pool facilities will reopen Monday 1 June with a number of measures in place to ensure safety and compliance with current Victorian Government COVID restrictions. “A booking system will operate to ensure we adhere to the 20 patron rule. This will mean that any person within that allocated 20 will need to be using the pool, no spectators will be allowed. "Bookings for sessions will open the day before." Colac Otway Shire Council Chief Executive, Peter Brown Colac Otway Shire Council has started scheduling the staged reopening of facilities in accordance with State Government direction, while reminding the community that a State of Emergency remains in place and the community’s safety is the priority.
6 THE FORREST POST - JUNE 2020
Neighbourhood House Update Hello from the Forrest & District Neighbourhood House. Although we are not offering any activities in house at the moment, there is plenty to do online and outdoors. As restrictions ease around the amount of people that can share space outdoors, we would like to know any activities you might be interested in. Obviously the weather is cooling down and chances of wind, rain and everything in between is possible but if you are interested in being involved in a walking, jogging/ running, nature appreciation group, or any other kind you can think of, please let me know. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Cancer Council Biggest (takeaway) Morning Tea. We raised nearly $600! Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you to Libby Coker for kindly sponsoring our community lunch the last few weeks which made the fundraiser possible. Biggest thanks goes to our spectacular volunteer Rhona Fraser for the hours of cooking she put in to make it happen, including sharing her secret family recipes!
In recognition of Neighbourhood House week and Volunteer week, we would like to thank all of you who support the F&DNH in all of the different waysphysically, emotionally, financially, gifts from your gardens, local businesses, well wishes in the street, kind words of support, facbook likes and comments and so many more. Renee Taylor
Forrest & District Neighbourhood House - JUNE 2020 DUE TO COVID-19: UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, THE F&DNH WILL CLOSE IT'S PHYSICAL DOORS BUT WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH FACEBOOK, EMAIL OR ON THE PHONE. PLEASE GET IN CONTACT IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE OR WOULD LIKE TO TALK. EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT FDNH STUDIO FORREST - Art Group: Wednesdays at 1pm now connected online, please enquire if you would like to be a part of this group BOOKCLUB 1st Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm VIA ZOOM, please contact for meeting details. This month's review is You Will Be Safe Here by Damian Barr COMMUNITY LUNCH 12.30pm Thursdays: Pick up at the hall or order home delivery. $5 per meal if you can spare it or donation. Please adhere to health and safety measures and physical distancing at all times FOOD SHARE PANTRY: is stocked each Thursday with bread, fruit and veg from ALDI collection. Feel free to leave fruit and veg from
your own garden. Please adhere to health and safety measures and physical distancing at all times DANCING: check the Mind Your Groove (MYG) Facebook Group for info of weekly dances and music sharing YOUTH GROUP Weekly catch ups each Thursday at 4pm via ZOOM, please contact for meeting info. SOCIAL BIKE RIDE: Sunday mornings Time not set at the moment so please check in at the end of the week if you are interested. (Weather permitting). Suitable for all skill levels and families. Please wear approved helmet, suitable clothing, footwear and bring water.
Are you interested in attending outdoor activities (weather pending) with groups up to 10 people? Eg regular walking/ trail running group, outdoor fitness classes, singing etc, please contact Renee on 5236 67597.
Don’t forget to ‘like’ our Facebook page for up to date info and events! facebook.com/forrest.neighbourhoodhouse OPEN HOURS: Tues & Wed 8.30am-3.30pm, Thurs 8.30am-3.30pm AT THE HALL, FRI 8.30am-12.30pm. Please contact the coordinator Renee if you have any queries, program requests or would like to run a program T: 5236 6597 E: forrest.nh@gmail.com A: Community Hub - 47 Grant Street, Forrest 3236
7
MISSING
MERRYL HILTON 26 Murray St, COLAC, VIC 3250 t: (03) 5231 6661 e: merrylhilton@oneagency.com.au www.oneagencymerrylhilton.com.au
Please contact Charee Crabbe 043265553 if you have information on their whereabouts
TRIPP BUILDING
PTY LTD
PLEASE GIVE US A RING BEFORE COMING TO GET PERSCRIPTIONS
New Homes... Extensions... Renovations... Small jobs and all other building work
Reg. Builder: DBU-12327
Peter Tripp
MBA Member: 099036
5237 7348 / 0429 799 829
Peter Tripp 5237 7348 / 0429 799 829
Monday - Friday 40 Main Street Birregurra, VIC 3242 9:00am - 5:30pm Saturday Ph: (03) 5236 2288 9:00am - 12:00pm Fax: (03) 5236 2280 Email: birrepharmacy@hotmail.com
MATHEW SILVEY PLUMBING • New homes & renovations • Hot & cold water services • Spouting & downpipes • Stormwater
• Motorised drain cleaning • 1.5t excavator hire • Solar hot water installation • Roofing
Mobile: 0417 342 531 Licence No. 47995
P:
5267 2266 E: accounts@allaboutmowers.com.au www.allaboutmowers.com.au
Our café doors are closed but we are working hard behind • New homes & renovations • Motorised drain cleaning the scenes. • Hot & cold water services • 1.5t excavator hire Get your chocolate • Spouting & downpipes • Solar hot water installation fix online or call • Stormwater • Roofing 0433 362 639. Free local Licence No. 47995 delivery. PIZZA now available for pickup on Fridays
MATHEW SILVEY PLUMBING Colac’s new specialist yarn shop
Everything you need for your next creative project
Knitting and crochet wool and yarn:
• Patons • Cleckheaton • Rowan • Irish Tweed • Sock Wool • Needles ... and more ORDER WITH US ONLINE OR GIVE US A CALL 139 Murray Street Colac www.marchyarns.com.au
Phone: 03 5231 3652
Mobile: 0417 342 531
www.platypichocolate.com.au
8 THE FORREST POST - JUNE 2020
A musical heritage "Music hath charms that soothe the savage breast� The most ancient of cultures recognised the power of music whether individually for meditation and introspection, or communally to achieve a common bond and pass on stories and knowledge. Since European settlement of the Otway Ranges, musical entertainment has been a popular pastime. Early settlers would travel many miles to attend a good "knees up� in someones home or shed or one of the many community halls that were built as the settlements flourished. Early pioneers invariably included at least one family member with some musical training and these skills were passed on during leisure periods long before the invention of the radio or the television. As civilisation advanced in our "neck of the woods� musical training became more specialised and music teachers would travel around the ranges. One intrepid teacher comes to mind, Mrs Barbour. A resident of Krambruk North on the Wild Dog Rd, (when the road was barely wide enough for one vehicle), she would drive her tiny Morris Minor to students' homes to teach piano.
Originally printed in Otway Life Magazine 2020 This involved travelling the entire Otway area from Lavers Hill to Bambra and everywhere in between on narrow roads in all weathers, sharing the road with log trucks, milk trucks, and roaming livestock. She survived all this without accident except for once, while parked to allow a farmer to herd his cattle past her on the Wild Dog, her vehicle was pushed sideways off the edge by an impatient heifer. She was a little late for her lessons that day. The year's end would be celebrated with a concert at the Deans Marsh Hall where the students would exhibit their skills to the parents, interspersed with comedy skits and small dramatic scenes rehearsed in the weeks prior. This type of training by dedicated teachers no doubt added a richness to the locals' lives that may not be appreciated as much as it ought. Today there is a resurgence in learning and participating in musical adventures. Fine instrument makers have found their way into the area and community singing and instrumental groups can be found throughout the ranges.
John Frizon
John learned piano from Mrs Barbour as a child in Forrest and music has continued to play an integral part in his life.
Blue wrens Superb fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus, locally known as blue wrens) are common in the Otways, and several groups may be found in just a hectare of lightly-timbered country. Adult males are black-masked with pale-blue cheek patches that shine brilliantly under ultraviolet light. Younger males look more like the drabber females, and even the adult males shed their blue finery outside the breeding season. Looking at these tiny birds it is hard to believe they have descended from carnivorous dinosaurs, yet their territorial games and manic cascades of song are unmistakably aggressive. From our front door you can hear up to a dozen males calling from different directions, threatening each other even as they hunt for small insects. As some of them are over 100 metres away, this is an impressive volume of sound for a bird weighing just a few grams. The two males in the photo are probably brothers, sharing a small harem of closely-related females, and co-operating to drive off potential rivals. Their abrupt movements and nervous, jerky flight make them hard to photograph except when a group parades outside our windows, which
Two male Superb fairy-wrens
is also the only time we are likely to see a male courting a female with the gift of a flower petal. Two eggs are later laid in a domed nest a metre or so above the ground, and the entire group helps feed the hatchlings until they can forage for themselves, within just 40 days of hatching.
Visit Forrest online at www.forrestvictoria.com
Nick Romanowski