Elpho Info

Spring 2023 Volume 99

The Community Newsletter of Elphinstone

Inside...
Message from our Councillor
What's happening at
Elphinstone Primary School
Plastic Free Gardening
Wildlife Whispers
Creek Tunnel planting
CFA Update
What's On EPA Update
Friday 15th September - Spring BBQ (see pg3) Health Corner
Sunday 17th September - Community Fire Awareness Session (see pg4)
Mid September - Plastic Free Gardening - Soil Blocker Workshop - TBC (see pg13) Competition
Sunday 22nd October - Coliban Channel Walk - TBC (see pg3)
and more...

School Camp see page 14 CFA update see page 4

Thank you to Kyneton RSL

for supporting the printing
of this edition of Elpho Info.
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Elphinstone General
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2 Elpho Info
 Spring Competition
Elphinstone Progress
Association, Inc. (EPA)
Spring BBQ – 15th September 4.30pm
Elphinstone Progress Association is planning a BBQ at Sawpit
Gully Reserve to celebrate Spring on Friday the 15th of September.
This is an event for everyone in the community, and will likely have
the noise and energy of lots of kids on their last day of the school
term, as we the organisers are parents of primary school kids and
also plan to invite kids from surrounding primary schools. Come
along whether you have kids or not and celebrate the changing of the
weather with a social BBQ.
Coliban Channel Walk – 22nd October
In a follow up to our last Coliban Channel Walk, which had lots
of interest, we are planning another Water Channel Walk on Sunday
October 22nd. We will put up details on the exact time and meeting
place on FB and the community noticeboard. You can also email
elphinstoneprogress@gmail.com for more details.
Elphinstone Progress Association, Inc Membership
$5 per household
Date:
Name/s:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Thank you for your support
Trace Balla's New Book 'Leaf-light'
Nikki from Red Box Wildlife Shelter has donated
a signed copy of local author, Trace Balla's book
"Leaf Light" for this edition which is written
about the people and wildlife of Dja Dja Wurrung
country. Trace has included two of our joeys in
her beautiful book, Winky and Boo. Trace
is a huge supporter of the Shelter.
Email elphoinfo@gmail.com the title of Trace's
new book with your name or leave a note at the
Post Office addressed to Elpho Info with
the title, your name and number.
Please note that prize must be picked up at the
Elphinstone Post Office.
Welcome New Residents!
It’s exciting to see new people coming into the community and
we have a created a welcome letter for new residents detailing the
different community groups in the area, which is available from
the post office. You can also find all of that information on our
community website www.elphinstone.vic.au
Be a part of your Progress Association
EPA memberships are only $5 per family and are greatly
appreciated to help cover our yearly association fees. See
membership form below or at the post office. EPA meetings are
quarterly and all members are welcome (but not required) to attend.
Our next meeting is on October the 30th, with the AGM from
7.30pm and general meeting from 8pm.
Complete and cut
out this form,
then return to Post Office
in an envelope with $5.
Elpho Info 3
Elphinstone CFA Update
Get ready for the fire season
The potential is for a more active fire season over the summer
months than we have experienced in the last couple of fire danger
periods. It’s important for all of us to prepare for the coming fire
season.
Brigade preparation
Refresher training is being undertaken by brigade members
as part of our preparation for the fire season. This includes all the
basics such as pumping and draughting water from various water
sources. We are also doing mandatory training in how to respond
and use the safety equipment on the tankers to protect the crew in a
burn over situation. In addition, there is an awareness program for
members about hazardous trees that have been impacted by fire and
how to stay safe when operating in bush areas.
Community preparation
It’s a good time for all of us to prepare our properties for the fire
season. To give you guidance on what to do, the brigade will once
again be holding a fire awareness session …
You’ll be able to check the daily Fire Danger Rating in our district
Make sure you’re ready for the fire season by taking note of roadside FDR signs, checking the CFA website or
VicEmergency smartphone app.
Community Fire Awareness Session
Sunday 17 September 2023 at 10.30am
If you would like to know more about your local CFA, please
Elphinstone Fire Station contact Secretary Gerard Kelly on 0402 456 758.
All community members are invited.
Our guest speaker is Glenn Brown, Mt Alexander Shire
Fire Prevention Officer
Join us after the session for morning tea.

Here are some key recommendations for preparing your property:

• Keep woodpiles away from your home
• Remove all flammable materials from under the house
• Store flammable liquids away from the house
• Get rid of dry grass, leaves twigs & loose bark from around your home
• Prune shrubs away from trees
• Cut back overhanging branches – with no branches within 10m of
buildings.
You can find more information on how to prepare your property on
the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-
your-property
Planned burns
When undertaking any planned burns at your property in the
lead up to the fire danger period, make sure fire services are aware.

Local Painter
Please give the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
(ESTA) prior notification by calling 1800 668 511. You’ll be asked to
providing your name, address, contact phone number, size of pile
being burned and the time of the planned burn off. It’s also a good
idea to inform your neighbours before you have a burn off. Ph 5474 3109
New Fire Danger Rating System
Just a reminder that there is a new Fire Danger Rating system in
place that has four levels: Moderate (green), High (yellow), Extreme
(orange) and Catastrophic (red). Each level has an action-oriented
message to encourage people to take action to protect themselves and
others in the face of fire risks.

4 Elpho Info
 Pete the Plumber
A joyful and interactive performance from

e
Pete the Plumber and his pet water drop,

g t i m
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S p ri n
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by instruments made from plastic pipes, hoses

Fu n !
and gloves for kids to have a go. Guaranteed
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m e
Ages 4-10 years.

i
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t
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g
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r i n
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Full school holiday program at

Castlemaine
Pete the Plumber and his pet water drop,
Droppo. Through music, song and lots of
ncgrl.vic.gov.au/holidayprogram Drawing from Nature silly jokes, they will take you on an epic
Library
water cycle journey. Pete will bring along
Join local author and artist Trace Balla for his fascinating array of simple, enchanting
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he School something from the Nature Table.
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MON 18 SEP, 11AM-12PM
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MON 18 -THU 28 SEP

Need help with repairs,Movies

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Enjoy great kid’s movies on our giant screen.
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Spider-Man: Across
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Drop in for Mario Kart all afternoon in the
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Phone 0418 346 830
Prompt and reliable
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School
Holiday Elpho Info 5
Program
A message from
our Councillor
On July 18th I attended the official
celebration of the renaming of Jim Crow Creek
that flows past the volcano of Mount Franklin,
or Lalgambook in the old language. Many people
would know this little mountain, maybe even visited the campsite
in the deep crater. The creek line lies to the west of Lalgambook,
mainly in Hepburn Shire, with a small section running into Mount
Alexander Shire through Franklinford town and Yandoit district to
join the Loddon River near Newstead. The name Jim Crow was used
by the first European inhabitants of the district for the mountain, the
creek and the whole district. Perhaps it was because Edward Stone
Parker, assistant Protector of Aborigines had set up his Aboriginal
Protectorate Station at Franklinford in 1841. which provided a short-
term refuge for the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Whatever the reason,
the name Jim Crow has strong associations with racial segregation
practises in southern American states in the 19th and 20th centuries
and was hence deemed offensive to Dja Dja Wurrung people. And so
it was that in 2021 Hepburn Shire Council began a process of asking
its community what they thought of changing the name of the creek
to a Dja Dja Wurrung name meaning Home of the Emu.
Changing the name of a place is a long, many-stepped
bureaucratic process, including consulting all landowners involved.
One of the final steps is for the local council, in this case two local the name, but with a bit of practice, in time for the council debate,
councils to agree to the name change. I’m pleased to say that both it rolled off my tongue easily enough, especially when I realized that
councils voted unanimously for the change to the Dja Dja Wurrung ‘Yaluk’ is a widespread Aboriginal word for ‘creek’.
name of Larni Barramal Yaluk. At first I found it a challenge to speak Fast forward to the official celebration, at the Franklinford
Streamside Reserve, bounded by a tight 180 degree turn in the creek
just out of the town. It being a wet winter, the creek was racing along

Veterinary Surgeon
in fine form. The day was cold and it grew colder. Rain threatened.
I parked my car alongside many others, many of them government
utes and smart 4WDs, pulled up my collar and walked down to
the celebration site, feeling virtuous that I was standing in for the
Mobile:
Mobile: Metcalfe:
Metcalfe: Malmsbury:
Malmsbury: Mia Mia mayor who was unavailable and hoping that the speeches wouldn’t
Mia Mia: Elphinstone go for too long. Would there actually be many Djaara people there I
wondered, among all the bureaucrats and politicians? Was this just a
token event?
There were about 50 of us, all hoping the rain would hold off
when Castlemaine’s Uncle Rick Nelson, local Traditional Owner
arrived with his bucket and branches to perform the smoking
Small animal ceremony and Welcome to Country. We were all exhorted to get
ourselves properly ‘smoked’, scooping smoke over ourselves and
veterinary cleansing the soles of our feet, to ensure all unwanted entities were
sent packing. After a slow start, I watched young Djaara people,

work by leading the way for us all, stepping forward with confidence into
the smoke. This was their event, their celebration. Then came the
speeches: DJAARA CEO Rodney Carter, the Surveyor General of
appointment Victoria in a splendid hat and winter coat, the mayor of Hepburn
and me. Although different things were said, there was a theme we
all touched on, of honouring country by giving the creek a name in
the old language, the language that had been spoken in that place for
tens of thousands of years. Is it fanciful to say that language comes
from country?
And as we spoke, the rain clouds drifted off towards Castlemaine
Dr Julie Kendall m: 0447 573 247 and the sun came out. Speeches done there was time to socialise,
to network, to go down to the creek and admire the water flow.
e: metcalfe.vet@gmail.com People lingered. There was a great feeling of happiness. It was quite
remarkable.

6 Elpho Info
Planting Day at the
Elphinstone creek tunnel
We had a very successful day planting at the creek tunnel
on Sunday 13th August. The sun was shining and 7 adults and 6
children turned out to help with planting seedlings and Blackberry
removal. We planted a range of indigenous shrubs, trees and smaller
pollinator plants in areas previously cleared of Blackberry and the
plan is to continue to plant local species along the creek as we make
headway against the Blackberry.
The project is committed to simple, effective methods of
Blackberry removal. Last year for National Tree Day, the first
working bee was held on the site and we were faced with a 3m high
wall of dead and living canes. The initial approach was to flatten
these by laying a marine ply board on top and then jump on top
to flatten canes. Gumboots, an extra layer of coveralls and eye
protection was mandatory for this job! The flattening proved very
effective at bringing down the tangle of canes and allowing us to
access deeper into the infestation. We divided up the area into zones
to test what other methods were worthwhile doing. One area was
only flattened, the second was flattened and large canes were lopped have emerged in areas already cleared, and start the process again.
back. Revisiting in Spring, it was evident that lopping had a greater In Autumn we had seating installed – recycled concrete bridge
impact on slowing recovery of the Blackberry, so that’s what we’ve pylons – and it’s that much more inviting having a non-prickly
been doing ever since. We’ve found that once these methods have place to sit! With so much Blackberry and Gorse taking off around
been applied, it’s fairly easy to locate where canes have rooted and town I’d be keen to hear other’s experience with managing weedy
chop out the roots. Dead and chopped canes are left on the ground spots. The project is being documented online at instagram.com/
where they fall and provide a thick mulch which is suitable to plant elphinstonecreekcare. Send a message to share your experiences or to
into. At follow up working bees, we chop out any sneaky plants that chat weed issues.

AJ CHAPMAN
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Elpho Info 7
Wildlife WhispersBy Nikki Medwell
So often I hear people talk about hitting a kangaroo with their car and
then placating themselves by saying; “Oh it hopped away. It was ok”. I also
see these types of comments on social media.
The truth is, they are generally not ok. Rescuers can tell you of the
horrific injuries they see from the ones that “got away” and/or shelters can
tell you about the fallout firsthand.
From hopping on actual bone as their legs have been broken to
bloating and withering in pain from internal injuries.
If you hit a kangaroo with your car; PLEASE phone in what happened
and give the location. You won’t be asked to go searching for the injured
animal or obligated to do anything else.
It’s a choice; do I or don’t I? And it’s just a phone call.
(Wildlife Victoria operate 24/7 – (03) 8400 7300)
Years ago, we had come into care the sweetest of little boys; Boo. We
raised him from a velvet (just starting to fur), not yet hopping and oh so
tiny. Over the years he has moved across the lands that are his home and
that we call Elphinstone.
When we have been sick he has returned home and sat vigil with us.
“Protecting” us during our perceived vulnerable stage. We consider him a
friend and love him dearly.
Our feelings for him are no different to how most people feel about
their companion animals, whether that be a dog, a cat or a horse. It doesn’t
matter the species; they are all loved by those that know them.
Mr Boo was hit by a car in May 2023. Despite seeing no initial
injuries, he literally dragged himself across our lawn to the house one
night and with some coaxing made it inside where he lay by the fire. He
slept for 36 hours.
At first we thought he’d come off second best when challenged by
another male but as time went on, signs started to appear.
Without going into the nitty gritty of it all, Mr Boo had a broken
toe amongst other things. The shard of bone that had broken away had
not pierced the skin so there was no infection. However, over time as he
started to move about, the bone moved and pierced the skin opening up
the foot to bacteria.
So, then we began to fight that whilst treating other conditions and
injuries that are consistent with car accidents.
The infection got between his first toe bone and his toe nail and after
weeks of trying to save it, the toenail was removed by our Ambassador
veterinary surgeon Dr Mark.
Mr Boo’s relief was instant, his recovery sped up now the pain and
infection were gone.
Had Mr Boo not had humans he could turn to for help, his outcome
would’ve been a lot different and the world a sadder place for his loss.
This is just a snippet of how suffering can last for many months by
Boo as a baby and Mr Boo after his recent surgery. A wonderful friend to us that
gave us the privilege and trust to care for him in his hour of need.
8 Elpho Info
these gentle native animals when “it hops away” after being hit by a car.
Please, just phone the incident in.
“Animal rights are not a gift we give to animals. They are a birthright
we have taken from them.” – Ryan Phillips
If you find an orphaned joey, please call it in immediately. Not only
is it illegal to keep this joey without a permit, the damage that is done
to it during it’s time away from the correct type of care is detrimental to
its overall survival.
We have two joeys currently in care that MOPS (Members of the
Public) decided would be nice to keep for a week or longer then after a
period of time surrendered them once the novelty had worn off and/or
the joey started to show signs of distress and failing health.
These poor little souls have already gone through the loss of their
mother, their entire family and life as they know it and then have to
fight to survive the disservice dished out to them from people that
think keeping them would be ‘cute’.
Shelter operators like us have a terrible time trying to reverse the
damage done and it is very upsetting and sadly, sometimes we can’t.
We are also lied too. Unlike humans, joeys never lie and they very
soon tell us what has been happening to them. Especially if we are told
they came straight from the wild as people do not want to admit they
have had them illegally.
For instance, when a wild joey arrives they are petrified of humans
and generally are not interested in drinking the formula we offer as it’s
not mums milk and it’s not mums teat.
So, when a ‘wild’ joey is surrendered by a MOP with a story of how
they just found it reacts to the kettle boiling and jumps out of their
pouch and makes their way to the kitchen to wait for their bottle, well,
we kind of know at that point who is lying.
But then the hard work really begins.
We have seen them so hungry they will eat their own waste, we
have seen broken bones knitted incorrectly because help was not
sought, coats in poor conditions, stress that causes scouring that can
lead to intestinal thrush, damaged mouths due to incorrect teats being
used which has led to pneumonia and that’s just a quick rundown on
things we face here.
Newt arrived after a MOP had him for 5 days. The tendons in his
feet had been so badly compromised that his feet were curled up like
a fern frond. We had to sedate him and give him pain relief before
straightening his feet and splinting them. A week later wounds opened
up where wire had cut through his little legs splitting the flesh apart.
5 days was enough for the MOP so it was time to ‘get rid of him’.
Had Newt come into care the day he was found hanging in a fence,
his treatment would’ve started straight away and his pain minimised
immediately.
Most shelters are happy to keep in contact with MOPS that do the
right thing and keep them up to-date on the progress of the animal
they rescued. So please, again, get joeys to a registered carer and/or vet
ASAP. (Please always speak to a wildlife rescue group BEFORE freeing
from a fence and stand well back)
Never give a joey milk or food whilst in your care as you wait for
a rescuer to arrive or syringe any liquids into their mouth as this can
cause asphyxiation. Glucose water lapped by the joey is acceptable but
only if the joey is showing signs of hunger and/or dehydration. Though
again, this is best done by a wildlife carer.
Keep them away from children and domestic animals. Especially
dogs and keep handling to a minimum.
Newt with his feet in splints and wounds bandaged. The insert
is how he arrived after 5 days like this. Feet locked in this position.
Unable to hop and in pain.

Snippets:
• The Netherlands
parliament voted in
favour of a resolution
being developed to ban
the sale of kangaroo
leather from Dutch stores.
The Dutch consider
kangaroo leather as
undesirable due to the
tremendous cruelty
involved in the nightly
slaughter of our native
animal.
• Mount Alexander
Council recently passed
a motion to ban the
slaughter of the kangaroos
of the Shire. So, the
kangaroo families we have
all grown to love and look
forward to seeing have a
chance to live in safety.
This is the second council
to pass this motion with a third council about to follow suit at the time of
writing this column. The ripple effect has begun.
• When I say; “The World is Watching”, I am being serious. We are
contacted regularly from people and organisations across the globe in
regards to our kangaroos and asking if the inherent cruelty they hear about
is true. Recently we heard from the Deputy Major of the 14th precinct of
Paris about sponsoring one of our joeys as he and his fellow companions
have been watching Australia with great interest in how we are choosing to
treat our kangaroos. Jérôme Marchand from Paris is the proud “Godfather”
(as he describes it) of Newt and recently sent an email to our council
congratulating them on following their moral compass and acting in the
interest of the majority of their residents.
• RBWS has recently offered up sponsorship packages to supporters that
wish to help in the raising and caring for the kangaroos that find their way
to us in need. You can take a peek at the different and varying ways you
can help under the “Sponsorship” tab at the top of our homepage: www.
redboxsildlifeshelter.com.au
• Did you know? “Incorporating kangaroo dung or facilitating their
presence can improve restoration outcomes in degraded grasslands” –
#
Wildlife Emergency numbers:
Rescue - Wildlife Victoria: (03) 8400 7300 Free 24/7 service
Rescue - WRIN: 0419 356 433 Central Vic Region
Free 24/7 Service
Cruelty - Castlemaine Police: (03) 5470 4100 or 000
Cruelty - DELWP Epson branch: (03) 5430 4444
– ask for the Snr Wildlife Officer
Report shooting and/or dog attacks via email to:
ocr@delwp.vic.gov.au and copy in:
lily.dambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au
Roaming and menacing dogs - contact the council on: (03)
5471 1700 (AH) 0418 807 859
Snake catcher – Adam Leslie from Castlemaine
0431 874 523 (Fee applicable)
Guevara-Torres & Facelli (2023).
• Don’t forget: World Kangaroo Day is October 24th. If you’d like to help
celebrate it, please contact us on via the email address listed below. We’ll be
facilitating a Pouch and Joey puppet show put on by the Mount Alexander
Shire Girl Guides for the Castlemaine Senior Citizens.
• And lastly; the Maldon Winter Festival that celebrated kangaroos raised
over $5000 for RBWS which will be going towards an ultrasound machine.
There were so many participants to thank. From the organisers, the
artists and the shop keepers. Certificates of Appreciation along with other
brochures have been put together in presentation folders to say THANK
YOU to all involved. The Taproom – Shedshaker Brewing in Castlemaine
also raised over $200 and local author Trace Balla’s book “Singing for Joeys”
that is downloadable on our website and is still raising funds. The story is
magical and the illustrations left blank so it can be coloured in. Support has
trickled in from far and wide. For which we are incredibly grateful.
From Scott, Nikki and the El-Roos – thanks for caring. The world is
watching.
Red Box Wildlife Shelter, Elphinstone VIC
Contact: elroos3448@gmail.com
Visit our FREE online educational program: www.kangaroorangers.come
Kangaroo A Love Hate Story is now available FREE online. Please watch
this award-winning documentary which exposes Australia’s own wildlife
trade. Or contact us to watch a screening here in our education and training
room. Visit: https://tubitv.com/movies/569707?utm_source=justwatch-
feed&tracking=justwatch-feed

Meet the El-Roo’s 'Louie'

Louie was kept by members of the public for an unknown length of time and then
dropped into a forest where he was luckily found by someone collecting firewood.
He was/is considered a ‘failure to thrive’ due to all the incorrect ways he was dealt with
prior to coming into care. It has taken him a long time to generally just feel good, have his
coat return to a good condition and achieve a normal and healthy appetite that helps with
his energy levels.
He is a dear little boy that likes nothing more than to be nursed in his pouch as he
sleeps sucking his thumb.
Just like a human child, he looks to self sooth and settles when held close and gently
cradled against our chest where he can hear our heartbeat.
His desire for love, security and safety is no different to anyone else’s on the planet.
Due to his history, he is a nervous little chap that still ‘wets the bed’ and when he does,
he scrambles out and hops up on the bed and wakes me. I always have a clean pouch next
to my head that I open for him to roll into and then I tuck him under the doona with me
next to my body for warmth and comfort. There he stays until his 4am bottle.

Elpho Info 9
 Council
news
Become one of our valued Calling all local businesses!
School Crossing Supervisors Applications are now open for the Mount
Alexander Business Awards.
Our School Crossing Supervisors are an essential
part of school and road safety, and a valued part of It’s easy to enter, and only takes a couple of
our community minutes – plus, there are cash prizes up for grabs.
One of our School Crossing Supervisors, Jeremy, Enter the awards by Monday 18 September at
said: “I really like the idea of how the role allows mountalexander.vic.gov.au/BusinessAwards2023.
one to participate with the school community.”
“I like the interaction with the children and Visit us at Council’s Open Day
parents, developing those relationships, and most
importantly for me, creating a safe environment on We’re hosting an open day where residents
busy Barker Street for the children and parents ... can stop by for a chat with each department at
plus the awesome dogs I also get to meet and pat.” Council. It’s an opportunity to learn more about
our roles and responsibilities, and ask questions.
Elphinstone Ra
We have a number of roles open across the shire.
Save the date: Monday 23 October, 1.30pm
Jan about the roleFeb
Find out more and apply at Mar Apr May Jun
mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Work-with-us. More details coming soon.
‘20 43 63 38 131 66
Working together for a healthy, connected shire
‘21 92 15 86 9 48
mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700
‘22 100 0 60 86 44
‘23 6 15 46 68 38

Rainfall
Elphinstone Rainfall in mm’s - Comparing 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023
300

243
240
180

131
146 116
120

106
92100 86 86 94 85 80 82
67 76 75
63 60 66
52 60 69 67
4844
60

43 38 68 39
35
24
37 3127 38
15 46 9 38 44
6 0 15 23
0

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10 Elpho Info
Health Corner By Naturopath
Iron Susan Lintott
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiency in
the world, affecting over one billion people, and here in Australia it’s
thought that up to 5% of the population has iron deficiency anaemia.
When you’re fatigued the first mineral that comes to mind is a
shortage of iron. Indeed, you need iron to transport oxygen, your
prime energy source. Other symptoms of iron depletion include pale
skin, breathlessness on exertion, hair changes/hair loss, nail changes,
tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and occasionally strange cravings for
non-food substances! This is most commonly a craving for ice, but
can also include dirt, coal and other substances.
While ageing can lead to decreased iron absorption and possible
iron depletion, and menstrual loses certainly decrease a woman’s iron increases 3-fold on taking an iron supplement and then reduces
status; you also need to ensure that you don’t get too much of this again after 24 to 48 hours. This hepcidin is lowest in the morning
essential nutrient. Iron has the power to be a double-edged sword. and at night time, which is why it’s best not to supplement with iron
While just enough will do you nicely, too much of this powerful in the middle of the day. Keeping your iron supplement to less than
metal can cause oxidation in the body, contributing to a myriad of 45mg per dose is also important for absorption and for decreasing
inflammatory health conditions. iron toxicity in the gut.
Recent studies are showing that ferritin (previously believed to I could go on but I won’t, except to say that it’s important to have
be a good indicator of storage iron) is not very reliable. Blood tests a good amount of iron, not just for your oxygen carrying capacity,
are still the key to finding out what your iron status is, just make sure energy and circulation, but for good immunity, a healthy thyroid and
your transferrin and transferrin saturation are tested and interpreted brain function.
by someone who knows how to read them. If you want help with any aspect, be it helping you to understand
The highest sources of iron in our diets are from meats, namely your blood test results, guiding you with your diet or helping you to
liver, lean red meat, poultry, fish, oysters, clams, shellfish and organ find the best supplement for you, feel free to get in touch.
meats. Vegetarian sources include egg yolks, nuts, legumes, fruit, For good health,
dried fruit, raisins, dark molasses and vegetables.
Susan.
Vitamin C is critical for iron absorption. Vitamin C deficiency,
whether from not eating fruit or smoking cigarettes (or other factors
that decrease Vit C), is a frequent cause of iron depletion. While
quitting the ciggies might not be so easy for some, eating fruit is

Elpho Info
super simple, with some of the richest sources being kiwi fruit, black
currants, berries, citrus and raw capsicum. That said, if your iron
stores are good to high, you’ll be better off eating your vitamin C rich
fruit away from iron heavy meals to avoid iron overload.
If your iron levels are inadequate, you’ll probably need to
supplement. If you’ve tried supplements and they caused you Susan Lintott
constipation or digestive pain then Theyou
Community
most likely Newsletter
different form of iron and/or a different dose.
of Elphinstone
just need to try a
Naturopathy
A key component of supplementing is the timing of it. Nutritional and herbal medicine
Name ________________________________
Supplementing every second day, either in the morning orBusiness
evening, ________________________________
Dietary and lifestyle advice 0401 764 050
will increase your absorption of iron. Want to know why? (Feel Relaxation and deep tissue massage info@susanlintott.com
Contact
free to skip aheademail don’t!) The body releases something calledPh _______________________________
if you _________________________________ Located in Elphinstone www.susanlintott.com
hepcidin,
Thank which
youdecreases iron absorption
for advertising in theinElpho
the intestine
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 Councillor Listening Post at the Elphinstone Post Office
Come and have a chat outside the Elphinstone Post Office
on the first Friday of the month, 8.30 am to 10.30 am
Local ward councillor Christine Henderson is available at
the Post Office to meet with residents, hear about any
council-related concerns and answer questions.
Come and have a chat.

The next Elpho Info is the Summer/December edition 2023

Articles and advertising for the Summer 2023 edition of the Elpho Info are due by Friday November 24th 2023 to
elphoinfo@gmail.com or via the Post Office.
All community contributions are welcome.
For advertising prices and enquiries email elphoinfo@gmail.com or grab a form at the Post Office.
The Elpho Info is a member of the Community Newspapers Association of Victoria and can be read online at: www.elphinstone.net
Find us on Facebook | search Elpho Info or visit www.facebook.com/ElphoInfo
Elpho Info is published by the Elphinstone Progress Association and is produced by volunteers. Elpho Info is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
Contributions of news items, articles, photos, ideas and letters are welcome as are advertisements which help to cover production costs.
Circulation is currently 300. Thank you to Mount Alexander Shire Council for their continued support in the form of advertising.
Elphinstone Info wishes to advise that the views or remarks expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the editor or of the Elphinstone Progress
Association. No endorsement is implied by the listing of advertisers, sponsors or contributors. We are not liable if there are any mistakes or inaccuracy.

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Elphinstone
PLAYGROUP
FOR HIRE
ELPHINSTONE RECREATION HALL
2023 2 Olivers Lane, Elphinstone, 3448

New Day: Tuesdays

NEW DAY: TUESDAYS 9.30 - 11.30
Follow us on Facebook for more information
9:15 - 11:15am
Features
During school terms Main Hall 20 X 40 metres with two gas heaters
Renovated kitchen with oven cooktop, dishwasher,
at the Elphinstone Recreation Hall two refrigerators, pie warmer and wall urn
Crockery and cutlery for 80
Olivers Lane Modern sound system
Children’s playground and cricket oval
Please bring $3 and a piece of fruit to share Fees and Charges: Equipment Hire:
Daily hire $100 Trestle Tables $10
For more information contact Half day hire $50 Chairs $1
Two hours $20 Crockery & Cutlery per setting $1
Tara 0478 809 621 Grounds (day) $50 Pie warmer $30
Kids party (4 hours) $20 BBQ trailer $55
or join the 'Elphinstone Playgroup' Bond $100 Bond $50
Facebook group Bookings Contact: elphrechall@gmail.com
Elphinstone Hall Facebook Page www.facebook.com/elphrechall/

12 Elpho Info
News from Elphinstone
club rooms was a major undertaking by the Council. It is looking very
strong neat and tidy. Hopefully in a few weeks it will be used for a
fundraising gardening workshop, for the Hall.

Facilities Committee
The Elphinstone Hall Facilities Committee has recently held their
Annual General meeting on the 17th of August at 6:30 pm.
We farewelled Adrian Hills, our treasurer for the last few years,
who has a busy life with family and work commitments. We thank
Adrian for his service and wish him well.
We welcome to new members to the Committee Nikki, Lens and
Gillian Maskell. Nikki is new to town and very enthusiastic about
joining the local community. Gillian was voted in as our new treasurer
and with her business acumen, she is sure to do a sterling job.
The chairpersons report reflected on the year gone, which saw
birthday parties for young and older persons, dog training sessions,
a fabulous Christmas party and several family gatherings as well as
a steady trade in equipment hire. The structural repair of the cricket
I have left the last piece of exciting news to the end. The council has
made available from their operating budget, an amount of $12,000 to
works at the Elphinstone Reserve. It has been such a huge task keeping
the grounds in order. Christine Henderson our hard working local
Councillor managed to finally convince the Council the Reserve was
too large for the Facilities Committee to manage with volunteers and a
limited budget. An amazing feat, thank you, Christine.
I wish to thank Greg Carr for his tireless efforts in mowing and
whipper snippering the reserve for the last few years. He did this
as a volunteer, using his own equipment and at his own expense. A
wonderful effort.
The hall is available for hire, and currently we have a special on
children’s birthday parties. Four hours for $20.
To book go to the Elphinstone Recreation Hall Facebook page or
email at elphrechall@gmail.com or ring, Jacqui on 0428 937 029.

Gardening without plastic

Who would like to learn how to start their seeds off on their
journey to greatness without plastic and without having to wash spider
infested pots and trays? Well, I have the answer! Soil blocks. If you're
not already aware, I am a mad keen vegetable grower who likes to do
things differently. About 10 years ago, I read a book called the New
Organic Grower written by Elliot Coleman. He only uses soil blocks in
his organic market garden. Soil blocks are not a new innovation, the
Aztecs used cubes of rich mud over 2000 years ago. The Dutch have
been using soil blocks for the last 80 years. If you want to buy seedlings
in Holland, you take along your container and select what you want, all
grown in soil blocks.
I manage to buy a couple of soil blockers and designed and made Buk Choy seedlings “potted on” by picking up the little soil blocks and putting
several less expensive, and certainly less expertly made, ones. My them into the holes in the larger ones. Quick and easy.
husband actually made the ones I use now, as mine needed refinement
beyond my capabilities.
You can use a range of materials to make your soil block mixture,
including worm castings, sieved compost, sand, peat, coco peat,
vermiculite or perlite and some fertiliser, such as blood and bone. I
mainly use worm, castings, blood and bone, and a bit of sand and or
perlite.
The soil blocker is pushed into the moist mix and the handle
pushed down, and the unit pulled up to release the perfectly formed
blocks of soil with a little dent for the seed. The beauty of soil blocks is
that the roots don’t grow in circles and become pot bound as the roots
stop growing when they reach the air,
If you would like to learn more about soil blocks and make some Empty larger soil blocks.
to take home and try, I’m hoping to run a couple of to our workshops
in the old cricket club rooms in mid September as a fundraiser for the
Elphinstone Recreation Hall. Cost would be $40 which would include
plans for your home built soil blocker. There may be a few homebuilt
ones for sale for a modest sum, if I am able to convince the expert to
make some. It is just like playing mud pies, and who didn’t like that
when they were a child.
I am looking for expressions of interest. If you would to attend a
workshop, please go to the Hall Facebook page to register your interest
or email elphrechall@gmail.com, or ring Jacqui on 0428 937 029.

Small soil blocks with newly germinated Buk Choy seeds. In the foreground
Japanese cucumbers potted on a day ago.

Elpho Info 13
What’s happening at Elphinstone Primary School
BENDIGO EXCURSION
We all met at the Castlemaine train station and travelled to the
Bendigo train station, where we stopped for a snack. Then, got on a bus
that took us to the Ulumbarra Theatre to watch the Melbourne Symphony
Orchestra (MSO), it was so cool. Everyone was in tune. My favourite was
the violin.
Then we walked down to the Bendigo Art Gallery. There we saw
some of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen. Then, we looked at the
Australiana exhibition and there was some very cool information. Next, we
moved on to my favourite room - the ice cream room! On the wall were
one hundred different types of ice creams! But don’t get too excited, they
were made of clay.
Then we got a bus back to the train station, had a snack and got on
the train with many tired kids. On the way back I sat with Billie, Derek
and Charlie. Thanks, so much Mr and Mrs Mawson and Mrs Rollinson for
making it possible. – Adele
CELEBRATING 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL FOR PREPS
On the 28th July, we celebrated the Preps milestone of completing
their first 100 days of school. Preps enjoyed making hats, eating cupcakes
and receiving their certificates. Mr Stewart reminded them that they have
another 1300 days to go until you reach the end of grade 6!
BOOK WEEK
Book Week ran from the 19th to the 25th of August. During class
students read books that won the Children’s Book Council of Australia
Awards this year followed by writing a review. ‘Frank’s Red Hat’ was given
5 stars by many students. ‘Where the Lyrebird lives’ was reviewed as a very
calming book. The ‘Bev and Kev’ story prompted many discussions about
how the characters were helping each other. Finally, during library students
read ‘Tiny Wonders’ and created their own garden inspired artwork. To
finish off the week students and teachers came to school dressed up as their
favourite book character.
PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISING
In July, we were super thrilled to announce that Earls Heavy Haulage are
donating a whopping $25,000 towards the school’s playground project. This
extremely generous donation has made the dream of the playground upgrade
become a reality, especially with the additional school fundraising occurring.
We can’t thank Jake and his family enough for their very kind gesture!
TRIVIA NIGHT
We recently held a Trivia Night which was successful both in terms of
fun and funds raised. There wasn’t a spare seat in the house as 80 people
packed into the Elphinstone Hall. It was wonderful to have school families,
friends and assorted locals joining us for the event. Trinity organised and
hosted the event and had our brains thinking overtime to complete the
questions. The night raised just under $4000 to go towards the playground
upgrade. We are extremely grateful to Trinity and all of the wonderful
sponsors that made the night successful.

SWAN HILL CAMP

In August, the Grade 3/4 students went on their three-day camp to the
Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement.
When we first arrived we to our rooms and then we went to the music
shop. I think the old instruments are better than the current ones! Over the
rest of the camp we played with old toys and games. I think the sack race
was the best. We went on a paddle steamer which took us to NSW, it was
pretty cool. We all loved the horse and cart ride and going in the old dodge.
The sound and light show at night was amazing. We went to the pioneer
school. My favourite part was the writing. We also made butter, watched a
PIP’S ADVENTURES blacksmith make nails and had a scavenger hunt. We did so much I can’t
At the beginning of Term 3 remember it all except it was all so much fun! – Greta.
a new member joined the P-2
Classroom. Pip the Australia 5/6 CASTLEMAINE SECONDARY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE DAY
Post Koala joined our class to be Recently the 5/6 students went to Castlemaine Secondary College for
a support to students with their an Experience Day. Students chose the music room for their experience.
learning and to go on adventures Students were able to have a go at playing the brass, woodwind and string
with the students. Each weekend instruments.
Pip goes home with a student. Feedback from the experience included:
Then, students write a recount of “I can’t believe I could be good at playing the violin or the flute” – Adele.
what they got up to in Pip’s diary to
“I can’t believe how big it is, my legs are tired from all of the walking and the
share with their peers on Monday
people there are so tall, like really huge nearly 10 metres tall” – Bella (Harley
morning. Pip has had so many
also agreed).
adventures already, we can’t wait
for to see what else he gets up to. “The saxophone was really cool” - Harley.

14 Elpho Info
 Lynden Bookkeeping
ABN 98943174455

Certified Bookkeepers

Follow Elphinstone Primary School on Registered BAS Agent 26019166

Facebook to keep up to date.
@elphinstoneprimaryschool
Local to Elphinstone Area

Lindsay Matheson 0422 711 758

Elaine Matheson 0400 457 606

lynden.bookkeeping@gmail.com

Bowen Therapist
Carole Kernohan
Qualified practitioner since 2004
Member of BAA & BTAA
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t: 5472 4160 e: energy@enviroshopnewstead.au Phone 0407 372426 to make an appointment.
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Elpho Info 15
Helping you
do business
Starting or expanding your business?
Our Business Support team can help you with:
• Permits and registrations
• Connecting with local business networks
• Information on workshops and events
• Funding opportunities Scan the QR
code for more
• Grants and funding opportunities information

Get in touch with the

Business Support team:
business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
03 5471 1745