Elpho Info

Summer 2023 Volume 100

The Community Newsletter of Elphinstone

Supported by

Thank you to Kyneton

RSL for supporting the
printing of Elpho Info.
 Available from the
Elphinstone General
Store all year round.
Kitchen Door Sales &
Tasting direct to public.
Makers of Traditional & Contemporary Ph 03 5470 6128
Puddings to enjoy all year
Workspace Castlemaine, Room 24, 1 Halford St

Elaine Matheson Celebrant

Visit the website for full list of products
www.pudforallseasons.com.au
Locals Discount when you mention this advert at our kitchen door.

Weddings
Water Deliveries & General Cartage Elopements
10,000 Litre Water Loads
Vow Renewals
Grass Slashing
John Growcott 0407 506 666 Baby Naming
My Motto is:
It is your day and your way.
Contact me on:
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or give me a call 0400 457 606

Central
Goldfield’s
Tree Service
tree removal
tree pruning
stump grinding
chipping
log splitting

Jarrod Archer
Qualified Arborist
0458 955 229
jarrodarcher4@gmail.com
Local to Elphinstone

2 Elpho Info
 Summer Competition
Colour in the Christmas Roo
Prize includes a Christmas Advent
calendar, a kangaroo playset and a
beautiful children's cup and plate set.
Pick a colouring sheet up at the Post Office.
Colour in and submit your colouring
sheet to the Post Office with
your name and a contact by the
8th of December.
Please note that prize must be picked up at the
Elphinstone Post Office.

Elphinstone Progress
Association, Inc. (EPA)
Summer BBQ – 19th December 4.30pm
Following on from a terrific Spring BBQ, the Elphinstone
Progress Association is planning a BBQ at Sawpit Gully Reserve to
celebrate Summer on Tuesday the 19th of December. This is an event
for everyone in the community, and will likely have the noise and Coliban Channel Walk
energy of lots of kids on their last day of the school term. Come along October saw another enjoyable Coliban Channel walk, it was
whether you have kids or not and celebrate the start of the festive great to have a few new faces on the walk including Steve Charman,
season with a social BBQ. Burgers and sausages provided. who is in the process of publishing his second book about the Coliban
Water Channel! The first book is called Exploring the Coliban Main
Clean Up Elphinstone Day Channel. We will keep you posted on the next walk, or perhaps
Our next trash walk will coincide with Clean up Australia Day
bicycle ride, that the EPA organises along the channel in the new year.
next year, March 3rd. More details will be posted on the community
notice board and on FB beforehand. Be a part of your Progress Association
EPA memberships are only $5 per family and are greatly
Welcome New Residents! appreciated to help cover our yearly association fees. See membership
It’s exciting to see new people coming into the community and
form below or at the post office. Our next meeting is on February 5th,
we have a created a welcome letter for new residents detailing the
at 7.30pm, and all local residents are welcome to attend.
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

Elphinstone Progress Association, Inc Membership

$5 per household
Date:
Name/s:
Address: Complete and cut
out this form,
Phone:
then return to Post Office
Email: in an envelope with $5.
Thank you for your support
Elpho Info 3
Cricket Back in Action
Late November saw the return of cricket to the Elphinstone
Recreation Reserve. Taradale, with a couple of Elpho locals in
the team took on Muckleford. The ‘Fuds’ batted first and players
combined with some strong partnerships at the top of the order from
Trevor Butcher (15), Jack Smith (36) and David Leathem (59) seeing
them to a score of 5/163. Doug Stone (1/19) and Lyndon Vearing
(2/27) opened the bowling well for Taradale, with Kym Szegedi and
12 year old Noah Maltby also bowling tight but without the reward
Print design and Printing
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Matt 0448 747 277
4 Elpho Info
of wickets. Under usual conditions 163 would be considered a small
target at Elphinstone. However, overnight rain softened the ground
and made scoring a lot slower than usual.
Brock Fletcher (68) and Pete Fleming (13) put on an opening
stand of 39 to get the run chase off to a good start. After Fleming was
removed Taradale’s batters mostly didn’t hang around long enough
to give Fletcher the support required. Richard Shill provided some
resistance in the middle overs but was out to a great catch from a
very well hit ball that would have crossed the boundary. Excellent
late over hitting from Lyndon Vearing (32*) got the Taipans close
to the target. But it wasn’t enough as Taradale
finished their 40 overs on 8/150 to go down by
just 13 runs.
It's not too late to get involved. Playing B
Grade cricket at Taradale is a great way to get
involved in the sport for young and old, all
genders and abilities. We play with a focus on
enjoyment, inclusion and development. Training
is on Thursday nights at Taradale Rec Reserve
from 5pm. We also have people come down who
are simply lovers of cricket and enjoy the social
connection without playing. If you’re up for a
bit more competition, we also have a side in A
Reserve who play a more competitive brand of
cricket, but still with the same principles of fun,
inclusion and development.
If you like to find out more check out the
Taradale Cricket Club page on Facebook. Or,
contact Trinity Mawson on 0412135860.
mainFM is an award winning radio
station based in Castlemaine,
broadcasting music, community
news, talks and specialist programs
and events throughout a large
area of Central Victoria, serving
our community.
With over 100 local volunteer
presenters with a passion for
radio, our programs are varied
and diverse with over 70 shows
across the program grid,
transmitting 24 hours a day
and streaming online via
mainfm.net
LISTEN LOCAL
Local Painter
Ph 5474 3109
 ELMA Update Down with the Queen -
(Elphinstone Land European wasp control program
Management Assoc.)
In early September, the Taradale
Landcare group held a very informative
session on European wasp control. The
method was developed by Laurie Nicholl, a citizen scientist from
Campbells Creek who has observed the European wasp for 15 years.
Laurie is pre-emptive in his approach, targeting the queen before
she makes a nest of 5000 male wasps. When the queen comes out
of hibernation, she is hungry and seeks carbohydrates. The simple
honey and red labelled vanilla solution is very attractive to her but is
also her downfall. The trap is cheap to make, and is non-toxic, except
to the Queen European wasp, and the ingredients and materials are
easily obtained.
The Elphinstone Land
Management Association,
ELMA agreed to help fund,
make and distribute the
traps from the Elphinstone
Post Office. A trap making
workshop was held on the
17th of September and was
attended by Gerard, Greg,
Julie and myself. We made
around 45 traps although
we could have made more had
we had more bottles. Thank
you to the participants, the
people who donated bottles,
EMLA and to Gill and Dave
who had their veranda littered
with traps for a few weeks.
The citizens of Elphinstone
embraced the idea and used
the recipe from the Facebook
posts to make their own wasp
traps, as well as collecting
around 100 traps from the Post
Office and donating money
towards their cost. I trapped 18
European wasps Queens and
from what others have reported around 130 Queens were trapped. A
Queen can produce 5000 male workers per nest and lay 500 Queens
in Autumn. As you can see we have put a dent in the European wasp
population. As Laurie Nicholl says, for this program to work it needs
people power and that is just what you all did.
Bravo.
Hopefully, this will be an ongoing program. I may even pitch the
idea to the Mount Alexander Shire Council.

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Elpho Info 5
A message from
our Councillor
Waste Management
Managing the waste produced in the Shire
is one of Council’s core functions. The Federal
and State Governments set the rules for what and
how waste must be collected and disposed of. State Government
charges Council a levy for every tonne of waste that goes into a
landfill. One of Council’s big contracts is with a waste collection
service. Veolia trucks have been emptying bins around the Shire
for the past decade or so. The tendering process for the next waste
collection contract is currently underway.
In the bad old days, all household waste went into one bin. Then
in the early 1990s something called recycling was introduced. People
became used to having two bins, although to this day what should
go into the recycling bin remains a mystery for some of us. It’s often
argued that recycled materials end up in landfill, or in vast storage
sheds, because in this country at least, we lack the ability to process
the materials into products which are cheaper, or the same price as
new ones. One exception is metals which can be smelted, refined
and reused economically. Paper and cardboard can also be used to
manufacture new paper and cardboard.
Another challenge to true recycling, turning the material into
something useful, is contamination by broken glass. Which is why
households in the Shire will be receiving a third bin in the next year
or two, with a purple lid, just for glass. This is Council’s next step in
implementing the State Government’s four bin policy. Those of us
who are keen to get in early can take glass to the Castlemaine transfer
station (the old tip site) where a glorious purple skip adorns one side
of the transfer station area. Of course, it’s important to remember that
we can now reclaim ten cents on drink bottles and cans so marked.
The service station in Chewton is the place to take them. What
happens to the glass that’s collected? It would be nice to say that it’s
all melted down and turned into new bottles. However, the truth is
probably that only a small fraction is truly recycled – new bottles,
crushed glass for road base, or melted and spun into insulating
material – while the rest wait for a bright future when imported
bottles become more expensive than ones made from recycled glass.
Plastics present similar problems to would-be commercial recyclers.
Next comes the Big Baddie of waste – FOGO, short for Food
Organics and Garden Organics. While gardeners know FOGO as
essential ingredients of that most valuable of garden resources-
compost – many household waste bins contain up to 50% FOGO.
Elphinstone Post Office
and General Store
5473 3200
Weekdays 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturdays 8:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 12noon
Public Holidays 8:00am - 12noon
Gill and Dave
6 Elpho Info
Veggie scraps, leftovers, grass clippings, prunings all heading for
landfill where they decompose underground, producing methane,
a powerful greenhouse gas. By contrast a well-managed compost
heap or bin will produce CO2 and fertiliser for the garden, while
halving the amount of waste that goes in the bin. In addition,
compost is kept ‘cooking’ and healthy by adding plenty of ‘brown’
material. Torn up cardboard, paper are excellent ingredients. Enter
the State Government’s fourth bin, the FOGO bin. While these bins
are already in use in urban councils, it’s more complicated in a shire
like ours. Many households value their FOGO and don’t want to bin
it. There’s even a community composting hub, YIMBY operating in
Castlemaine, where volunteers collect household food organics on a
weekly basis and deliver them to one of several back garden state-of-
the art hot compost facilities. The resulting compost is a high value
product, used in the gardens of those who run the facilities. Council
is yet to be told whether we must introduce a fourth bin for everyone,
or if we’ll be allowed to run a hybrid FOGO management system that
could better fit our community.
All these changes, challenges mean that it’s a great time for
Council to release its ten-year plan for managing waste in the
Shire: The Mount Alexander Shire Council Waste Management
Strategy 2023-2033, which was adopted by Council at the November
council meeting. Being a long-term strategy, it’s high level, with
four overarching goals: Reduce waste generation, increase resource
recovery, support a local circular economy and minimise the
environmental impact. Those familiar with waste management
campaigns will recognize the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle theme. It’s not
rocket science. The first and most important way to manage waste
is to reduce the amount of it. I’ve recently been responsible for
emptying out a home, prior to sale. Everything had to go. A lifetime’s
accumulation of Stuff. Each item had four options: sell, op shop, give
away, throw out. A depressing amount was thrown out. Op shops
were overloaded, even quality items were unsaleable, friends and
family politely declined and another item went into the skip. We
Australians live with a lot of Stuff and throw away so we can buy
more.
The second goal is to increase the recovery of reusable and
recyclable materials. This is where glass and organics collections
come in, as well as looking at the possibility of establishing a resource
recovery centre at the Castlemaine transfer station.
Under the third goal of supporting a local circular economy,
the main focus area is to introduce local processing of recyclable
and reusable materials. It would be a great win if we had a local
commercial composting facility, working in tandem with an
expanded YIMBY operation. No FOGO in our waste, or being carted
long distance to a remote facility, all being converted to valuable soil
food for sale to local farms and gardeners.
The fourth goal of minimizing environmental impact covers
public place recycling and how to minimise illegal dumping.
A ten year strategy, with action plans for each year, evaluation of
all the actions at the end of the year to gauge level of success, reviews
every four years and a Community Waste Reference Group assisting
staff in drafting actions and assessing performance. What will success
look like? A thriving local composting industry supplying local
agricultural businesses with high grade fertilizer, waste bins emptied
fortnightly due to less waste in bins; glass and textile recycling
plants operating successfully in the State; repair cafes established in
several local towns; all local food and take-away businesses using
biodegradable containers; no rubbish dumped in the local bush.
Optimistic maybe? It’s up to all of us in the end. Let’s hope we can
head in the right direction, make progress.
Free green waste disposal available
Mount Alexander Shire Council is offering free green waste
disposal to help residents prepare homes and properties for the
upcoming fire danger period.
Residents can dispose of green waste at no cost at the
Castlemaine and Maldon transfer stations from Saturday 25
November to Monday 11 December.
“Council is encouraging residents to take advantage of the
free green waste disposal period to clear their property of fire
hazards ahead of the bushfire season,” said Luke Ryan, Emergency
Management Coordinator at Mount Alexander Shire Council.
“It’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of fire around your
property in the lead-up to summer”, said Mr Ryan.
“Things to do in your garden to prepare for summer, include
pruning bushes, cutting overhanging branches, clearing out gutters
and relocating piles of wood away from buildings”.
• Normal green waste disposal fees will apply to businesses or
Green waste disposal information residents acting on behalf of businesses.
• Green waste includes garden waste such as grass, sticks and Normal gate fees will apply before and after the free green waste
branches that are less than 10cm in diameter. disposal period.
• The green waste must be free of contaminants such as rubbish and For more information, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/
declared noxious weeds, and removed from plastic bags prior to Waste-and-recycling or call 5471 1700.
disposal.
• Loads containing items other than green waste will be charged For tips on vegetation removal visit
accordingly. www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/clearing-trees-and-vegetation
• Residents are also encouraged to compost as much material as For more tips on preparing your property ahead of the Fire
possible at home. Danger Period visit the Council’s fire prevention page at www.
• Proof of residence in the shire will be required. mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Fire-Prevention

Veterinary Surgeon AJ CHAPMAN

Mobile:
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Metcalfe: Malmsbury:
Malmsbury:
Mia Mia: Elphinstone
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Calder Hwy, Elphinstone, 3448
For all your Backhoe &
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Small animal Quarry and Road Supplies
veterinary Grader hire
Driveway & House Sites
work by Winching service
Skidsteer service
appointment Bobcat on tracks (good for wet areas)
Andy has 30 years local
knowledge & experience

For Further information phone:

Dr Julie Kendall m: 0447 573 247 0408 507 770
or 5473 3294
e: metcalfe.vet@gmail.com

Elpho Info 7
Wildlife WhispersBy Nikki Medwell
When a dog attacks a kangaroo there are a few things that
happen all too often;
• some owners of the dog will refuse responsibility
• some will blame the kangaroo
• some have no basic recall skills for their dog
• quite often, if at the scene, will leave as they know what their dog is
doing is prosecutable
• more often than not, will not offer to help pay for the rehabilitation
of the kangaroo that nearly always ends up with shocking infections
and exposed wounds
• The lack of caring for our most iconic native animal is shocking
So, wildlife carers and rescuers everywhere are left to clean up
the mess and incur all the costs associated with this. It comes with
the territory and we wear the brunt because of our love for animals
and we forge ahead with pride and determination to not let apathy
or cruelty of others hinder our work. But seeing and cleaning
these wounds every few days is so distressing. If a dog or a cat was
presented with the same wounds, the media would be reporting
on it with the pet owner screaming blue murder. Yet this same
person can totally ignore the suffering of another animal. Cognitive
dissonance…….
I will once again spare everyone the image of our latest dog attack
victim. With clear puncture wounds, Morpheus also has a large gash
across his throat. He was lucky to survive this brutal attack.
He has been treated for infection and his wounds cleaned.
He has been given pain relief and anti-inflammatory meds.
He has been placed in a private hut with a small yard, complete with
food, water and bedding.
We can see him via a camera mounted in his area via our phones and
desktop computers.
To our donors and volunteers everywhere, thank you for all the
help you give us. It shouldn’t be our jobs as a collective to clean up
other peoples messes but here we are.
Special thanks to our Elphinstone team members; Bert, David,
Nikki and Bernie
“Some will follow their heart to the ends of the earth, fully aware it
may isolate them in the end.
But they have no choice, ignoring their heart is a betrayal they
cannot live with.” – Jm Storm
A message from our State Government
8 Elpho Info
On a more positive note
and thanks to Maldon Inc.
and many local artists, enough
funds were raised to purchase
an ultrasound machine for our
onsite treatment room.
Once the funds were
available, Maldon Inc.
proceeded to reach out to
medical supply companies
asking what they could do for
the amount raised.
We were thrilled when a
Melbourne based company
donated a top of the range
ultrasound machine and visited
to install it. They also donated
Dr Mark using our newly donated several accessory pieces, gel and
ultrasound machine a custom fitted trolley.
They were happy to take a token fee but wanted to donate this
machine out of the love for kangaroos.
This item is a game changer for our wildlife and especially those
impacted by car accidents.
It’s true, it really does take a village!
On October 24th (World Kangaroo Day) celebrations were
worldwide. Here in the Shire there was colouring in competition
and then there was the inaugural “Pouch and Joey” puppet show
performed by the Mount Alexander Girl Guides at Ellery House,
our local aged care facility. The girls gave an informative and fun
play and afterwards handed out handmade cookies in the shape of
kangaroos and “roo poo” which the residents found amusing. (they
were cherries coated in chocolate)
The girls read out this message to open the play:
My name is ****** and I’d like to begin by acknowledging the
Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today and pay my
respects to Elders past and present. This respect includes the kangaroo,
another first Australian that has cared for this land for millions of years.
The puppet show you will see today will be performed by the Mount
Alexander Girl Guides in celebration of the upcoming World Kangaroo
Day on Oct 24th.
We believe in co-existing with kangaroos that share their land with us.
We believe that as future leaders we should use our potential now to
start educating people with facts about this amazing animal and exposing
the myths surrounding it.
Many of us here have already achieved our Roo Ranger badges and
taken our pledges which we will share with you all at the end of the play.
We have learnt that female kangaroos can only have one baby a year.
Just like humans.
But unlike humans they can hold off giving birth until conditions are
favourable.
We have learnt that their roadways are ancient paths handed down
to each generation so they can find food and water and that it is humans
that cross their roads, not the other way around.
We have learnt that they have a beautiful family structure and share
the same wants and desires to live in peace as we do.
They are kind, loving and gentle and seek out silence.
We are lucky to live in a region where we can go to school and see
these ancient creatures grazing from our windows. This beautiful scene is
something that we must preserve as they are here on our watch and are
entitled to be here for future generations also.
C.S Lewis wrote about Narnia, a beautiful land filled with beautiful
creatures. A place where everyone would like to visit.
But where we are now is the most beautiful place on Earth and the
kangaroo is one of the reasons for this.
We hope you enjoy our play and get to feel the magic that is unique to
the kangaroo.
The puppet play starts.
I certainly felt old when the kids had no idea to me referencing “Punch and Judy”
The theatre set was made by Elphinstone volunteer David
and RBWS volunteer Fiona made the curtains from some lovely
indigenous artwork representing the footprint of the central
Australian red kangaroo.
This set, along with all the accessories (puppets and director’s
chair etc) is available for hire FREE of charge. Schools will also
receive a master copy of Margaret Warners educational book;
Kangaroo Footprints. (Limited numbers)
If you know of a group or school that would like to borrow the
set, please contact us at: elroos3448@gmail.com
Local delivery can be arranged.
Titbit: Independent research company ‘Pureprofile’ recently
conducted a poll on the support for kangaroo protection:
• 98% of Australians think it’s important to protect kangaroos as part
of a strategy to safeguard Australian ecosystems
Meet the El-Roo’s
'Pollyanna'
#
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 - DECCA 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)
• 64% think Australians should take a stance against commercial
killing of kangaroos
“The survey shows that most Aussies want the kangaroo killing to
stop. Australia has taken a stance against the killing of wild elephants
for the sales of ivory and hunting of wild whales for the sales of
meat and other body parts and we now turn our attention to our
own backyard.” – well known and respected Australian movie and
documentary maker Mick McIntrye
And last but not least;
• Please leave water bowls out for our wildlife over the summer
months.
“Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle” –
 Charles Glassman
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.com
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
Pollyanna is a very special little Elphinstone girl. Her Mumma Holly was the
shelter’s matriarch and has helped me raise all the orphans that have come into care.
Mumma Holly has been the adoptive mother to so many. Free to go, she opted to
remain on the grounds and help.
Recently she got sick and despite Dr Marks best efforts to save her, she passed
peacefully after 3 days of valiantly fighting for her life.
When Mumma first came into care I was forced to remove her baby as she was
too sick to clean her and we suspect her milk had dried up. So for 3 days I would
feed and toilet her daughter right next to her. This helped her and Pollyanna.
Holly was able to pass knowing her young daughter would be cared for.
Normally someone so small would go to a carer that specialises in pinkies but I
made a promise to Holly; and so began the 4 hourly feeds of specialised formula
and lack of sleep on my part.
Pollyanna was 900 grams when her mum passed so I needed to quickly source
and purchase all the correct formulas and some teeny-tiny bottles and teats
Now she is a precious 1900 grams little girl whose head pops up out of her pouch
every 4 hours, on the dot! Need to know the time? Pollyanna can tell you about
‘bottle time’
Elpho Info 9
 Council
news
Cr Driscoll elected Mayor Make a splash this summer!
Cr Matthew Driscoll is the new Mayor of Mount Outdoor pools in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Maldon
Alexander Shire Council. Councillors elected and Newstead are open until Monday 11 March.
him Mayor for a one-year term at the November
Council meeting. Find out more at mountalexanderpools.com.au.
Cr Rosie Annear is the new Deputy Mayor. Australia Day – Survival Day
Read details at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/News. Join us for our Australia Day – Survival Day
community event on Friday 26 January.
Bin collection over Christmas The event starts at 10.00am with a Welcome to
Country from Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick
There will be changes to kerbside bin collection Nelson.
over the Christmas and new year period.
The day includes a citizenship and award
Monday 25 December collection will take place on ceremony, and a concert programmed by
Saturday 23 December. Uncle Rick. Elphinstone Ra
Monday 1 January collection will take place on Visit mountalexander.vic.gov.au in the coming
Saturday 30 December.
Jan Feb Mar Aprwho’s performing!
weeks to see May Jun
Find out more at mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
‘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 35 37 39 38
24 55 3127
15 46 9 38 44 46
6 0 15 23 12
0

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10 Elpho Info
Health Corner
unhealthy foods then giving yourself a hard time about it isn’t the
By Naturopath answer! Acknowledging what’s really going on, in a way that’s kind to
yourself, is an excellent first step in working out whether or not you want
Summer Health Susan Lintott to and/or are ready to change your food choices. Emotional Freedom
Technique (also known as Tapping) can be a very effective tool for
Staying on track with your health goals… and outsmarting the overcoming cravings if you find that cravings are stopping you from
Christmas temptations! achieving your health goals.
Between Christmas catch-ups and summer celebrations, the temptations As always, please get in contact if you’d like assistance with your health.
to overindulge at this time of year can be alluring. Wishing everyone a fabulous festive season,
Susan.
If you’ve previously found it hard to maintain weight and stick to healthy
choices over the Christmas holidays you are not alone. On average
Australians gain 0.8-1.5kg over the Christmas period. One to two
kilograms might not sound like much but researchers have identified
that weight gained over the holiday period is rarely lost.
Holidays and special celebrations are a wonderful time to bring people
together and food is often a focal point. There are many ways to enjoy
get-togethers and not totally lose track of your healthy living goals.
Focus on the occasion and being with friends and family, not only on the
food and drinks!
Maintain your weight throughout the holidays by being careful about
your food choices, not only at parties & events, but every day. Don’t try
to lose weight over the Christmas season. Instead, aim to maintain your
current weight.
Here are some great tips to avoid significant weight gain and stay feeling
good over summer.
1 Fill up at breakfast - Start your festive day with a healthy, protein
rich meal, like eggs and mushrooms, to avoid snacking before the big
Christmas Day lunch or festive functions. Remind yourself of your
health goals before you leave home. Christmas Coleslaw
2 Water down - Drinks contain empty calories, and it’s easy to knock Pomegranates, high in antioxidants, including Vitamin C and
them back in the Christmas spirit. Keep your water up, ideally 8 glasses anti-inflammatory substances, are a powerful fruit to help boost
a day or more in summer, and have a glass of water between alcoholic your immunity.
or sweet drinks. Spice it up with sparkling water and lemon or orange For a healthy festive salad combine the following ingredients:
slices, and set a limit on the booze. 1 large beetroot, cut into 1 cm cubes and roasted
3 Make smart swaps - Christmas Day is a healthy eater’s biggest 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
challenge; many of us consume an extra 6000 calories just on that day
alone! You can still enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner without the guilt or 1/2 red cabbage, shredded
heavy feeling, by making a few smart swaps. the fruit of 2 pomeranate
For instance, choose low-fat nuts like chestnuts, and avoid too many 2 tbs creme fraiche or sour cream
peanuts, as they’re high in calories. Pretzels and popcorn are other smart 1 tbs, apple cider vinegar
snacks. Your choice of green leaves such as rocket or parsley.
Avoid filling up on sugary snacks, and skip the buttered rolls at lunch.
If you’re making a pie, use healthier filo pastry, and serve fruit and
vegetable sticks to keep the hungry ones going between meals. Take a photo (because it will look amazing) and enjoy. Yummo!
4 Make it a veggie affair - One of the best tricks to filling up on fresh fare
over Christmas is to go for the veggies first. Load your plate with plenty
of variety, and keep a small portion of the plate for meat and treats.
5 Get active - Let’s face it, Christmas time is meant to be about relaxing,
taking time out, and being with the ones we love. So while you shouldn’t
feel bad about taking a day or two off the gym or boot camp, it’s still
important to be active. Why not include the whole family and enjoy a
pre- or post-lunch walk? Or take a cricket set or ball down to the park Susan Lintott
and get everyone moving. Keeping active isn’t just fun, it will also help
manage your appetite and prevent unnecessary snacking. Naturopathy
6 Acknowledge your everyday cravings - The first step to getting on top
of your unhealthy cravings is to be honest with yourself about what’s Nutritional and herbal medicine
happening. Whether it’s drinking to beat anxiety, scoffing sweet foods Dietary and lifestyle advice 0401 764 050
as an energy or emotional pick me up or indulging in soft cheeses Relaxation and deep tissue massage info@susanlintott.com
as a ‘reward’ for all of your hard work, if you find that you’re craving Located in Elphinstone www.susanlintott.com

Elpho Info 11
 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 Autumn/March edition 2024

Articles and advertising for the Autumn 2024 edition of the Elpho Info are due by Friday February 23rd 2024 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: https://elphinstone.vic.au/news/ 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.

Like to see your ad in Elpho Info?

Contact elphoinfo@gmail.com for prices and details.

Elphinstone
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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
Elphinstone Recreation Hall News
ground fence to the nets to prevent vehicles from
driving on the ground.
The installation of a drinking water tap has been
Spring was fairly quiet at the Elphinstone Hall, except for a couple requested for the hall. A quote has been sought from
of very busy weekends in October which saw the Kyneton Weavers and the Mt Alexander Shire Council.
Spinners having their masterclasses in weaving. There were a couple
of children’s birthday parties, as well. The children’s birthday party A request for the taps at Sawpit Gully to be modified has been
special is still current. If you would like to book, just ring or email for a lodged with the Mount Alexander Shire Council to prevent water theft,
booking. (Jacqui, 0428 937 029, elphrechall@gmail.com) which has been occurring recently. The freestanding tap will have to be
held on to obtain water and when released will shut the water off. The
Graham and his men have been mowing the cricket oval every two tank tap will be fitted with a vandal proof device.
weeks in anticipation of the Taradale cricket club playing there, but it
was not to be. The ground had been sprayed for broadleaf weeds and On Thursday, 9th
the damage to the surface repaired by the Mt Alexander Shire Council. November and Friday,
A new barrier has been installed from the perimeter of the cricket 17th November, a couple
of members of EMLA,
Wayne, Michael, and
myself did some work
at the Arboretum.
They were at least 30
Radiata pine trees
growing among the
native vegetation, some
3 m tall. These were cut
down and placed on the
heaps. Whipper snipping
and further pruning
was performed around
the entrance to the
Arboretum. It is looking
a lot neater.

Kyneton Weavers and

Spinners workshops
The Kyneton Weavers and Spinners hired the Elphinstone
Recreation hall for two weekends in October for Elizabeth Calnan,
from Sydney, to teach advanced weaving. This masterclass was for more
experienced weavers and involved reading designs and using weaving
software programs, such as the fibre works. The threads used were very
fine cottons and wools but silks can also be used.
The looms ranged from four to eight shaft looms and can cost up to
$3000 for the larger ones. They looked very impressive when all set up.
These classes were purely to teach the techniques used for the
different patterns using the fibre works program, with participants Elizabeth and Dianne
using each other’s looms to practice each pattern.
After participating in these classes the Weavers will no doubt
go on produce fine scarves, rugs, knee, rugs and amazing fabric for
multiple uses. I was shown some beautiful finished products with some
featuring the Summer/Winter pattern. One side is a light colour for
summer and the other side is a dark colour for winter.
The scarves were so beautifully made with intricate patterns that
looked amazing and felt so wonderfully soft.
If you would like to learn weaving or spinning, the Kyneton
Weavers and Spinners meet on the first Saturday of the month at
the Red Brick Hall at 23 Yaldin Street, West Kyneton. For further
information, ring the president Dianne den Elzen on 0492 345 935.
New participants most welcome.

Elpho Info 13
What’s happening at Elphinstone Primary School
CAMP OVER A small group attended the Hot Shots Tennis tournament at
After several years’ hiatus we held our popular whole school Castlemaine Tennis Club. There were hundreds of students from
sleepover and it was a huge success. The students are extremely across our district battling out on mini courts with soft bounce balls.
grateful for the opportunity and they would like to thank parents and Everyone enjoyed themselves and played some good tennis along the
carers for bringing in and setting up their tents. We would also like to way!
thank Katie, Casey, Aiden and Zara for cooking the delicious tea and Lastly, just before the end of term 3, our school participated in
Susan for vacuuming the classroom the next day! We would also like the Swim Safety program ran by the Kyneton Sports and Aquatic
to give a huge thank you to Katie and Trinity for stepping in to help Centre. Students learnt swimming techniques and general skills that
out so the night could go ahead. Here is what Harley had to say: are needed to keep afloat. Everyone was able to identify what they
At 3:30 we started the school sleepover with setting up the tents need to do if someone needs help and the rules they need to abide
and swags. Me and dad set up the tent so Greta, Bella, Billie, Lisa by around all different bodies of water such as rivers, dams and the
and I could Sleep on the oval. Afterwards we got called inside so ocean. Students were also taught strategies to rescue someone if
that we could list some rules and make sure that they knew who was they’re in trouble in the water.
sleeping inside and out. After we had that ‘mini meeting’ we set up
for dinner. We had sausage, mashed potatoes and vegetables. It was
delicious. For dessert we had Bubble O Bills and Paddle Pops over the
campfire. Then, we got to roast marshmallows! My favourite is the
white marshmallows but Mrs. Mawson Thinks the pink ones are WAY
better. Then we went inside to watch a movie called Flushed Away. It
was very funny and everyone loved it. After that we all brushed our
teeth and went to bed. When me and a couple other people woke up we
went to the playground to watch the sunrise. Breakfast was served. I
had a DELICIOUS cheese jaffle. We did a Scavenger hunt based off of
the book Deltora Quest, in which we had to find all the gems, we had
riddles to help us find them.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
On Friday November 10th, students gathered at the cenotaph,
opposite the pub, for a brief Remembrance Day reflection. Pictured
here is Harley laying a small
bunch of rosemary on behalf
of the Elphinstone school
community. Some students
were keen to find out about
the local names listed on
the monument—so we will
look at undertaking research
projects next year which
will be exciting. We would
like to invite anyone in our
community to share their GRADE 5 and 6 CAMP
family story with the students Our grade 5 and 6 students had a great time at Anglesea, the
next year. If you’re interested highlight was definitely the surfing with the ‘Go Ride a Wave’
please contact the school in instructors, with bike riding along the picturesque Anglesea River,
the new year. the flying fox and the climbing wall. We shared the facility with
students from Taradale, Chewton and Langley, and look forward to
FUN FRIDAY CLUBS our next 5/6 camp at Melbourne next year.
We are all excited about clubs this term with the return of Dave Our group walked down to the beach together. Once we got there
with his Woodworking class, Ben running the cooking club and we had to choose a wetsuit then listen to the instructions and safety
Trinity joining the trio of Dads with the Bike Riding Club. We are procedures, then we finally got to hop into the water! I caught some
so lucky to have these wonderful dads coming in and offering their awesome waves and so did the others, Ashton even stood up on his
expertise. The students are very grateful for the opportunity to learn board! We all had an awesome time. Harley Grade 6
and develop new skills.
We did rock climbing and it was so much fun! I was on the
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION climbing wall when I fell off the because my hand slipped on one of the
The Prep/2 class enjoyed the Kickball Tournament held at grips I was holding onto but I was safe and didn't get hurt. I only got a
Harcourt. The students demonstrated good sportsmanship and quarter of the way but I was proud of trying. Archery was lots of fun,
embraced the fun that comes from playing with others. We competed one of my arrows went over the wall and landed on the other side of
against lots of other schools and it was a great chance for our the building. Luckily nobody was walking past! Adele Grade 5
students to see old friends from Kinder and make new friends.

14 Elpho Info
 Follow Elphinstone Primary School on
Facebook to keep up to date.
@elphinstoneprimaryschool

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Elpho Info 15
Elphinstone CFA Update
The fire season ahead
Firstly, congratulations to Matt as editor and all the local content
contributors and sponsors who have helped Elpho Info reach the
100th edition milestone. Elpho Info continues to be a valuable
means for the brigade to put out important fire safety information to
the community.
The brigade has completed the mandatory pre-season training
for our operational members. We are now focusing our training on
the main emergencies we will face such as running grass fires.
The district is likely to be more fire prone than we have
experienced here in recent years. The countryside is drying out and
this coupled with some windy weather has already resulted in grass
fires.
Please take care if you are mowing your property. It is best to do
this in the morning when conditions are cooler and there is some
moisture. Most fires start in the afternoon when the temperature is
higher and grass and scrub is drier.
Call outs
The brigade has had a busy year with 67 emergency call outs
and we still have the month of December to go. Of these call outs,
New Fire Danger Rating System
around one-third were incidents in our brigade area and the rest
As previously mentioned, there is a new Fire Danger Rating
were incidents where the brigade provided support to neighbouring
system in place that has four levels with each level having an action-
brigades.
oriented message to encourage people to take action to protect
Fire restrictions themselves and others in the face of fire risks.
Fire restrictions for 2023/24 have been announced for On days that are rated catastrophic, if a fire starts and takes hold,
municipalities in Victoria. This includes Mount Alexander Shire lives are likely to be lost. These are the most dangerous conditions
Council where the Fire Danger Period began on Monday 13 for a fire. Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. Once
November 2023. a fire starts you might not be able to leave and help might not be
Fire restrictions are now in force which means you cannot burn available. For your survival, you need to leave bushfire risk areas.
off unless you have a permit or comply with certain requirements. If Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the
you don't obtain a permit, you could be breaking the law and may night before.
be prosecuted. Penalties for lighting fires illegally during the Fire On days rated extreme, fires will spread quickly and be extremely
Danger Period and on Total Fire Ban days include large fines and dangerous. If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your
possible imprisonment. property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location
well before the fire impacts. Reconsider traveling through bushfire
risk areas on

KYNETON
You’ll be able to check the daily Fire Danger Rating in our district
by taking note of roadside FDR signs, checking the CFA website or
VicEmergency smartphone app.

RSL If you would like to know more about your local CFA, please
contact Secretary Gerard Kelly on 0402 456 758.

37-39 Mollison St, Kyneton

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Bookings are essential.
Please phone 5422 6735
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