Elpho Info

June 2019 Volume 82

The Community Newsletter of Elphinstone

Friday 21 June | 5.30 P.M Elphinstone Arboretum,

Friday 21 June | 5.30 P.M Olivers Lane, Elphinstone

Elphinstone Arboretum,

Olivers Lane, Elphinstone

WINTER
WINTER
SOLSTICE
SOLSTICE

Serving hot soup

BYO supper & refreshments

Serving hot soup
Gold coin
BYO donation
supper &or renew your
refreshments
membership for $20
Gold coin donation or renew your
membership for $20

Brought to you by Elphinstone Land Management

Association (ELMA)
Brought to you by Elphinstone Land Management
Check our Facebook page for updates
Association (ELMA)
Check our Facebook page for updates

Elpho Info is printed with the

generous assistance of
Mt Alexander Shire Council
& Print Together
 Welcome to your local
Featuring our own Elphinstone Cider,
Elphinstone Pale Ale and Sawpit Ale.
Catering for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan,
plus steaks and all your pub favourites.
Open: Wednesday to Friday 3pm,
Saturday and Sunday - 11am
Lunch: Saturday and Sunday 12:30pm
Dinner: Wednesday*, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6pm
Courtesy pick-ups & drop-offs Thu - Sat nights (bookings essential)
* reduced menu

5473-3165 info@elphinstonehotel.com.au
St Patricks Day fundraiser at the Elphinstone Hotel.
TheElphinstoneHotel elphinstonehotel Special thanks from Andy on page 4.

ANZAC day
dawn service
Over 30 locals payed their
respect and attended the dawn
Elphinstone Hall
Cnr Elphinstone & Sutton Grange Road, Elphinstone
service at the Memorial on Wright
Street on a cold ANZAC day Features
morning. The group listened in to - Large car park - Main hall is 20m wide x 40m long
the ABC radio broadcasting the - The flooring is polished floorboards - 95 chairs - 20 tables
dawn service from the Australian - Full kitchen with oven, cooktop, urns, kettles,
War Memorial. Big thanks to pie warmer & two large refrigerator
Chris and Mani for organising the - Comprehensive crockery, cutlery & coffee/tea cups for 80 people
morning and providing the free - Sound equipment - Two large gas heater
breakfast across at the pub. - Two playground, one with sandpit - BBQ trailer, fully equipped
- Internal toilets, with showers
- Ramp access to hall, with disabled toilets
Fees and charges
Half Day $50
Full Day from 9am - $100 (including equipment below)
2 hrs & Below - $20
Grounds (Outside of Hall) access to two Playgrounds - $50
Trestle tables - $10 - Chairs - $1
Crockery & Cutlery - $1 per setting - Pie warmer - $30
BBQ trailer 24 hr - $55 (Gas Bottle Refill via Elphinstone Post Office/Milk Bar)
Plus $50 bond or each item above
Contact: elphrechall@gmail.com www.facebook.com/elphrechall/

2 Elpho Info
 ELMA UPDATE (Elphinstone Land Management Association)
It seems we have seen the last of the
warmer weather with the sudden cold snap
but we’re thankful for some much needed
rain in recent weeks.
We have slowly been chipping away at
the mulch, spreading it over the memorial
garden and the claret ash trees and the plants
are thriving as a result. We plan to mulch the area along the footpath
opposite the school and give those plants some TLC. We lost a few
wattles at the arboretum over summer which is surprising as they are
usually very hardy plants but given it was so dry, we’re fortunate we
didn’t lose more. The remaining seedlings planted last year by the
students from Elphinstone Primary are doing exceptionally well.
Wayne and Robyn picked up more seedlings from our friend
Frances Cincotta at Newstead Natives to fill out the memorial garden Robyn & Mike with V-Line representatives
and to replace the ones we lost at the arboretum and we’ll be planting
them over the coming weeks. These include lomandra, hop bush,
correa, melaleuca wilsonii, gold dust wattle and bushy needlewood.
We will set a date for a working/planting bee so look out for details on
the noticeboard.
After lobbying V-Line, VicTrack and Council for years about
the infestation of weeds along the north side of Diggers Way,
predominantly cape broom and blackberry, Robyn, Mike and I met
with representatives from V-Line on site in May and we’re pleased to
report their response was very positive. V-Line will commence works
soon with a groomer set to remove the mass of weeds along Diggers
Way with follow up spraying in spring and ongoing weed management
after that. We also requested the cypress tree and three dead and
unsightly trees near the crossing (opposite the entry to Urquhart
Street) be removed and that the work area be tidied up. V-Line will The weed infested roadside along Diggers Way
remove the trees and work has already commenced on tidying up the
work site. ELMA would like to take this opportunity to welcome Elpho
Info’s new editor, Matt McDougall, a fellow ELMA member, who has
Our fourth annual Winter Solstice event takes place on Friday 21st
taken on the role. Support Matt where you can, whether it be through
June at the Rec Reserve. Bring the family to enjoy the bonfire, farewell
advertising or contributing to the Elpho Info with an article of interest.
the darkness and welcome the light. ELMA will be serving soup again
You might like to interview a member of our community who has
for a gold coin donation. Please bring chairs, supper, beverages and
some interesting stories to tell or provide some history of the town.
don’t forget the marshmallows for the kids! 5.30pm start.
 By Sue McLennan

Elpho Info Editorial

We’ve had rain, an election, an unfortunate BBQ incident and
an even more unfortunate fire in Elphinstone since the last edition
and now you have me as the new editor! Thanks again to Amity for
her hard work and thanks to the Elphinstone Progress Association,
Elphinstone Facilities Committee and the Council for their help
getting this edition off the ground. Let’s just say there’s a little more
work involved than I first thought when I took on the role. I’ve
got a new printer due to the council not printing the newsletters
anymore and it’s now printed by a local Castlemaine business on
recycled paper. There is always an electronic version uploaded for
anyone to view at www.elphinstone.net. Printing will now be a cost
to Elpho Info and therefore will need to raise more funds to continue
producing our important quarterly newsletter. The council will be
contributing to the costs but I will be re-structuring the ad pricing
to cover the remainder. There will be a slight increase in price and
there will be colour options... I will contact current advertisers in the
coming financial year and new advertisers are very welcomed.
More importantly... we have a person who records rainfall! I have
a rain gauge! I’ve learnt how to make a graph and we have a rainfall
chart again. All the regular contributors are in and I hope to get
some more for the next issue. There’s so many interesting people in
our area with stories to tell. Nikki from Red Box Wildlife Shelter has
a heart warming story about Mr Boo on page 6.
The winter solstice is coming up and what better than a bon
fire with hot soup to celebrate the shortest day. Also time to check
your smoke alarms, see the CFA update. Meanwhile, residents are
proposing paths around town including one connecting the Post
Office to the Hall which will be great for safer commuting out there
without a car. The ‘Active Living Census’ is coming to a close on the
16th of June so please fill out the census or jump online to fill it out
as it will help with prioritising funding in our area, and you could win
a prize! See our councillors piece for more info. Lastly, I’ve learnt that
flossing is not just something done before brushing... it’s a dance! See
the Facilities Committee article on page 10 for a snap shot and some
of the great activities they have lined up.
Contact elphoinfo@gmail.com for any articles, ads or suggestions.

Elpho Info 3
Elphinstone CFA News - Thanks from the Captain
The summer fire season is now behind us and fire restrictions have
been lifted. However the work of the brigade continues with road
incidents and structure fires featuring in recent call outs.
On Saturday 18 May, the brigade responded in quick time to
a significant local structure fire in Wright St. The brigade was on
scene within 3 minutes of the call. The fire fight was underway with
water being applied 1 minute later. Andy Chapman who was the
Incident Controller declared the fire under control after 20 minutes.
Unfortunately around half the building was lost in the fire, but
thankfully no one was injured and the fire did not spread to adjoining
properties. Andy expressed appreciation to the team and also to our
neighbouring brigades for their good work at this incident.
We’ve now moved into winter and, with the recent cold snap, our
home heaters are providing much needed warmth. This is the time to
ensure that you have smoke alarms in place and that they are working.
Changing batteries and doing a test of each smoke alarm is a must as
only working smoke alarms save lives. To find out more about smoke
alarms, please go to cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/smoke-alarms
The brigade is now the proud owner of a new Ford Ranger dual
cab ute. This trade-up was funded by the brigade and will ensure
ongoing operational flexibility. The ute is valuable in many ways
including as a command vehicle at fires and as transportation for
relief crews. Captain Andy has praised the skill and hard work of
Lieutenant Phil Mune who, along with Andy, swapped over the
communications and other equipment from the old to the new ute.
Special thanks must go to Chris and Mani from the Elphinstone
Hotel for their support of the brigade’s fund raising effort again this
year. The lucky tickets and St Pats Day gathering at the pub raised
over $2,500 for the brigade. Thanks also to all who donated raffle
prizes and locals who came along to enjoy the Irish stew and the fun
of the day.
If you would like to know more about your local CFA, please
contact Captain Andy Chapman on 0408 507 770 or Secretary Gerard
Kelly on 0402 456 758.

You are invited

to our monthly
ELPHO JAM SESSIONS Jam Sessions
These sessions are informal get-togethers of people who want to make some music and have some fun!
at Elphinston
e.
Aimed at the over 50’s, but open to all. We play Electric Blues, R’n’B, 60’s, Rock & more...
Sessions: 3rd Saturday of the month (1:00pm - 4:00pm) For more information: email: elphojamsessions@gmail.com

Elphinstone Post Office AJ CHAPMAN

and General Store
5473 3200 EARTHMOVING
Weekdays 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturdays 8:00am - 1:00pm Andy & Kath Chapman & Girls
Sunday 8:00am - 12noon
Public Holidays 8:00am - 12noon
Calder Hwy, Elphinstone, 3448
Gill and Dave For all your Backhoe &
Tip Truck requirements
Quarry and Road Supplies
Grader hire
Myotherapy/Remedial Massage Driveway & House Sites
Relaxation & Deep Tissue Massage
Trigger Point Therapy Andy has 30 years local
Lymph Drainage Massage knowledge & experience
Muscle Testing and more For Further information phone:
All this is available on your doorstep at Sutton Grange
Contact: Vivien Pells 0408 507 770
Assoc.Dip.App.Sc.(Myotherapy)
0412 882 402 or 5473 3294

4 Elpho Info
Update from the Elphinstone
Progress Association, Inc. (EPA)
In 2014 when the EPA first launched the Elphinstone
Community Plan, one of the key goals, based on community
feedback, was to improve the ‘town centre’. We subsequently were
successful in obtaining a grant to have a professional design drawn
up and Council then produced some engineering designs for that
work. It’s taken some time, and more steps than I’d care to recount in
this article, but improvements to the crossing area are now tentatively
scheduled to commence in the next 2-4 months! Meanwhile, a little
further up the hill, where the bus shelters are, is also on our radar.
Meanwhile, there has been a change in ‘management’, for want
of a better word, of the Elpho Info. Not only do we have a new editor
but we also have a new community group managing the funds,
the EPA. To cut a long story short, when the Elpho Info started
the advertising money was paid to an Elphinstone Community
Association. That group then effectively ceased to exist in an
independent not-for-profit form when the Council turned it into a
sub-committee of Council charged with managing the Elphinstone
Hall. It has been a legacy of that change that the Elpho Info has still
collected advertising money and paid it to that Committee. This has
now been rectified with the EPA coming on board to manage the
funds connected to the Elpho Info so that incumbent editors can be
reimbursed for printer cartridges and other sundries more easily,
and in the event of any profits they can be directed to community
projects.
Meanwhile some enthusiastic residents contacted the EPA about
footpaths around town, specifically connecting the Post Office to
the hall. Young families follow the route at least weekly as they make
their way to Playgroup. There is plenty of room on the side of the
road for a basic footpath and the EPA is happy to support these
residents’ request to Council.
If you have any ideas for Elphinstone, please contact the EPA at
epa@elphinstone.net
Please become a member of the EPA. It’s only $5 a year per
household. The more members we have the more representative we
are of the community. Becoming a member does not mean you have
to come to meetings. Membership envelopes can be collected and
handed in at the Post Office/Shop.
Elpho Info 5
Wildlife Whispers
By Nikki Medwell
Did you know a Western Grey Kangaroo from
Gippsland Victoria is the only wild animal in the world
to ever win an award for bravery?
Lulu was rescued from the pouch of her deceased
mother by a farming family that raised her on their
property. (Note, unless authorised please phone a wildlife
carer if you come across orphaned wildlife for advice)
Leonard Richards was 52 when knocked unconscious
on his farm when checking for storm damage. Lulu
alerted the family in the house by barking (the term
used for the sound a kangaroo makes) and acting out of
character to get their attention.
Lulu returned to Leonard and stood over him. The
family believe Lulu had rolled Mr Richards partially over to keep his
airway clear. He was then evacuated by helicopter to Melbourne.
Quote; “I’d be pushing up daisies if it wasn’t for Lulu.” Mr
Richards said.
Now let me share a story with you closer to home.
My husband (Scott) had major knee surgery just over a year ago
and when he returned from hospital, he was laid up in bed in a full
leg brace, from ankle to groin. During his recovery time, our first
raised and released Eastern Grey Kangaroo named Mr Boo returned
home after a 6 month “walkabout” with his mob.
About a week into Scott’s recovery, Mr Boo started pacing at
our bedroom window and appeared to be quite agitated. With those
big hands capable of knocking a window in I started to walk to the
back door with him following me the length of the house under our
verandah. I opened the door to see what was bothering him when in
he shot! With no time to do anything but call out; “INCOMING” I
ran up the hall worried he might jump and land on a rather fragile
leg. With Scott bracing for impact, Mr Boo launched himself from
the doorway and cleared my husband safely, landing next to him.
Ignoring the knee he proceeded to pull the blankets off my
husband’s feet and then began to cover the foot belonging to the
operated leg, with a clear saliva. This literally ran from his mouth.
Not knowing what to do we simply watched.
Mr Boo licked and cleaned the entire foot and then lay down on
the bed refusing to leave Scott’s side. He stayed there all day and all
that night with me delegated to the couch.
The next day I took my husband to see his surgeon as the
attention Mr Boo gave the foot worried us. It had been slightly off
colour but that was to be expected due to the brace and trauma to
the leg.
The surgeon took one look at the foot and said he was glad
we came in when we did as it was displaying early stages of blood
poisoning! Luckily, with extra antibiotics, the condition began to
subside within 24 hours.
This kangaroo knew there was something wrong with the foot
before we did, and he knew from outside of the house!
These animals are incredibly intelligent, incredibly loving and
want to share a happy relationship with us. As carers of these animals
we are privy to a lot of fantastic stories from people that spend
time with them, getting to know them, their personalities, likes and
dislikes etc.
6 Elpho Info
Did you know each one looks completely different to the other?
They simply share a similar body shape, (just like us). But that’s about
it.
When we recall some of the incredible creatures we have
raised, who are out there in the Elphinstone area, we miss their
personalities.
Peanut: he would be one of these fun loving and mischievous lads
that liked a beer on a Friday night after work (if he had been human);
Rocky: he would’ve been a lawyer for sure and drank martinis at
a flash bar in the city;
Holly: she would be that lady that took in everyone else’s kids and
fed them all…..and housed them too!
When you look out over Elphinstone and see kangaroos, please
remember Mr Boo and his kin are out there, and each one is capable
of incredible things when we let them into our lives.
After such a harsh summer, and with the land refreshed with
green pick, small mobs can be seen coming together to graze, then
separate and head their separate ways after socialising. Mobs aren’t
getting bigger, they are simply coming together to be social.
We try our best to offer a free community service to the good
people and wildlife of Elphinstone and we couldn’t do it without you.
What we would like you all to know is how grateful we are for your
support and your willingness to change your perceptions on our
native animals.
It is because we feel supported by you all that we would like to
offer you the chance to watch the documentary; “Kangaroo a love
hate story” locally and for a small donation to cover overheads
which ultimately will go towards the animals feed here.
If it can be screened in cinemas around the world, including
every state of Australia, and to our politicians in Canberra, then it
can be screened here too.
We are agents for the movie which we can show here in a small
private function room for couples or for a group of friends and
neighbours etc. with tea, coffee and cake, all provided.
Now whilst we are happy to welcome you to Red Box Wildlife
Shelter, we are also amenable to discussing the possibility of
dropping the DVD to your home at a set time and date.
We have already had several locals watch the movie that they
all claim they learnt an incredible amount from. It is due to the
interest expressed by others in the district that we are making this
offer available.
 If you are interested in this offer, please send an email to:
elroos3448@gmail.com
Lastly, I would also like to thank several locals who have called
for help with injured kangaroos.
Thank you Amy, Helen, Adrian, Susan, Angela and Chris.
Not only did they end the suffering of an injured animal, but they
discovered how very easy it is to get assistance when needed.
With a visit to Elphinstone Primary School recently the children
raised a very good point in regards to the aqueduct that runs through
the area.
There are no guarantees wildlife can escape this if they fall in,
especially if injured. If you have the aqueduct running through your
property or are nearby, please check it regularly.
Numbers to call for help:
Wildlife Victoria: (03) 8400 7300 – they will source the closet
rescuer to you. (In the month of April 2019, Wildlife Victoria took
3,519 calls for wildlife in need. That’s a lot of good people and a lot of
minimised suffering)
WRIN: 0419 356 433 (local rescue group)
WRES: 0427 301 401 (local rescue group)
Thank you again for the support, respect as neighbours and for
the donations of items always needed by shelters. We feel lucky to be
part of this community and welcome your contact any time. Scott
and Nikki Medwell
The greatest ethical test that we are ever going to face is the
treatment of those who are at our mercy – Wild Animals Australia

Bowen Therapy with Carole Kernahan

I have been giving Bowen treatments for over
15 years. I have helped to relieve back pain,
tennis elbow, migraines, frozen shoulder etc &
improve general wellbeing.
Fully qualified and a member of BAA & BTAA.
Please call me if you are interested to find out more or to
organise a treatment in Taradale.
Phone 0407 372 426 Elphinstone Ra
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

‘18 56 9 25 13 91

‘19 14 15 7 4 111

Rainfall
At last we had some rain! The grass was pushing through in under a week after the rain. What a relief for any growers in the region and
really, for all of us. We were on super water rations at our house before hand, time for a composting toilet I think. The month of May had our
biggest rainfall last year and it looks like it will be similar this year. I only have a very little $9 Nylex rain gauge on my property so my records
are not super accurate. Let me know if you have something more accurate.

Elphinstone Rainfall in mm’s - Comparing 2018 to 2019 end of May

120

111

91
96
72

59 62
56 53
49
40
48

31
25
15
24

14 13 12
9 7 4
0

‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19 ‘18 ‘19
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Elpho Info 7
A message from
our Councillor
By now every household should have
received a copy of the Active Living Census.
This survey is an initiative of the Loddon
Campaspe Regional Partnership, one of nine
regional partnerships set up by the Victorian Government in 2016, to
work on the most important priorities for people in their local area.
Loddon Campapse comprises six councils: Mount Alexander, Bendigo,
Central Goldfields, Mount Macedon, Loddon and Campaspe. You
might have been to one of the regional assemblies that have been held
each year. The first regional assembly, held in Bendigo, came up with
five priority areas, one of which was health. By 2018, this priority area
was refined to “Healthy Heart of Victoria Initiative: More people, more
active more often”. Evidently people in the Loddon Campapse area are
the unhealthiest in the state. A quarter of us are seriously overweight,
half of us don’t eat the right food and don’t exercise enough. Against
that sobering background, the aim of the survey is to find out from as
many residents as possible what we do in the way of physical activity,
where we like to exercise, a bit about our eating habits and general
state of health and most importantly, what would help us to be more
active, more often. I strongly urge everyone to do the survey. This kind
of census survey is very rarely done because it’s expensive. But the
information that comes out of it is very valuable for councils, helping
us choose wisely between many competing priorities and supporting
grant applications to State and Federal governments.
The most popular form of exercise by far is walking. It’s certainly
my choice. No equipment needed beyond a pair of serviceable shoes,
a good hat, sunscreen, water bottle and some comfortable clothes.
8 Elpho Info
While Elphinstone doesn’t have a wealth of concrete footpaths, the
local roads are not too busy and most are pretty safe to walk along.
The network of tracks in our local bush provide great walking
opportunities. If you’re interested in exploring the Fryers Ranges
or other bush areas in our region, such as Mount Alexander, the
community website cartography.id.au has a set of maps showing all
walking tracks and features, put together by a local highly-skilled
mapping enthusiast. It’s definitely worth a look. If reading a map on
your phone is not your thing, hard copies of all maps are available
from the Castlemaine Information Centre in the old Market Building
in Mostyn Street, at the cost of a dollar or two per map. Also, if you
think there’s a bit of public land that’s worthy of a map but which
doesn’t feature on the website, you can contact the author and he’s
likely to take up your challenge.
Another very pleasant walking experience is the track beside the
Coliban Main Channel which runs through Elphinstone. While the
channel is covered as it passes through the town centre, it opens up
south of the town. The track can be accessed from Diggers Way, close
to where that road meets the old Calder Highway, followed down to
where it crosses the old highway, then on to where it meets Wright
Street. From there walkers and cyclists can return to Elphinstone
central via the beautiful Wright Street with its broad roadside reserve
featuring mature trees and native vegetation. The Channel track
continues along the eastern edge of the forest to south of Taradale.
This section features in several of Taradale’s District Walks (for more
information see http://www.taradale.vic.au/taradale-by-track-and-trail/
or pick up a pamphlet in Taradale)
One issue in regard to the Channel track is that access at several
of its entrance points is via a stile rather than a narrow gateway, which
makes it very impossible for anyone with a pram or heavy bike. One
of my current projects is to negotiate better access for all walkers and
cyclists. I’ve located a contact person in Coliban Water but not much
progress has been made to date. It would certainly help move things
along if local people let it be known that Channel track access is
important to them. The survey might be one way to do this.
The survey is available online until Thursday 16 June at
www.srcentre.com.au/ALC.
Everyone who completes the census before 16 June will be in the
running for a chance to win bikes, food and shopping vouchers from a
prize pool valued at $12,000.
Elphinstone Playgroup
Since the beginning of the year, it has been wonderful to welcome
some new families to Playgroup. It is such a great way to meet and
build connections with other people living in the area.
Playgroup is for children aged 0-Kinder and their parents/carers.
It is an informal setting with free-play, craft and outdoor activity.
Bring along a piece of fruit to share and $3. Tea and coffee is provided.
We meet every Tuesday morning of the school term from 9.15-
11.15am. You will find us at the Elphinstone Recreation Hall in
Oliver’s Lane.
If you know anyone who is new to the area with Playgroup aged
children, encourage them to come along. We are a very friendly group
of people, with kids who love to play!
Tuesday 9:15 - 11:15am
(During school term)
Elphinstone Town Hall Recreation Reserve
Contact: Katie 0435 450 810
Erin 0407 401 406
Health Corner By Susan Lintott
Winter Aches and Pains
Chronic pain can be frustrating, overwhelming and a source
of anxiety. New controlled studies have shown certain herbs
and minerals may be useful for long-term pain management, of
osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, two of the leading causes of chronic
pain in Australia.
Magnesium, known for its role in energy production, is also
Curcumin, extracted from the ancient Indian spice turmeric, an important mineral for relaxation when it comes to muscles and
has been consumed for medicinal purposes in India for centuries. the nervous system. The role of magnesium is to encourage normal
Studies have shown that curcumin from turmeric helps reduce and healthy muscle contraction and relaxation. For sleep onset and
inflammatory levels and can reduce pain levels for people with maintenance, adequate muscle relaxation is required and magnesium
mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Most of the recognised benefits of may assist sleep in a variety of conditions.
curcumin have been attributed to its powerful anti-inflammatory
Magnesium supports healthy bone formation maintenance
and antioxidant properties and naturopaths are able to provide
and structure, and aids normal growth and development of strong,
you with a new form of curcumin with improved bioavailability
healthy bones. Magnesium also helps provide relief of muscular
increasing the absorption by 27 times the normal rate, maximising
aches, cramps and spasms and reduces the frequency of nocturnal
the anti-inflammatory benefits. Taken at the right dosage, curcumin
leg cramps.
has shown to improve symptoms, walking distance, and blood
measurements of inflammation for people with arthritis. Magnesium supplements vary greatly and taking a form that’s
highly bioavailable (well absorbed) will make a difference to how
Vitamin D levels, essential to normal bone and cartilage
effective it is.
metabolism, can have a significant impact on both osteoporosis and
osteoarthritis. As we rug up in the colder months be aware of how Fine-tuning your diet to be more anti-inflammatory can
much sunlight you’re getting and how much skin is exposed. If you’re help greatly with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and
spending less than half an hour in the sun each day consider getting healing your gut can be of assistance particularly with autoimmune
a Vitamin D test and/or supplementing with the base level dosage of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
1000iu/day. This inexpensive vitamin can go a long way to preventing Drop Susan a line if you would like to know more or book in for
the disabling discomfort that can come with these conditions. a massage to assist with muscular aches.

4 tonne excavator
tip truck / bobcat hire

- house & shed site cuts

- trenching / drainage / driveways
- landscaping & design
- scrub / harbour destruction
- post hole augers / various sizes
- supply road gravels
- all general earthworks / hourly hire
- taradale / elphinstone & surrounds
- contact: vange
- po box 53, taradale, 3447
- email: vaeearthworks@gmail.com

Elpho Info 9
News from Elphinstone Facilities Committee
Elphinstone Facilities Committee is one of the passionate
community organisations in town in which local volunteers donate
their time and expertise to maintaining and improving public
spaces in Elphinstone. The Elphinstone Facilities Committee has
delegated responsibilities to Sawpit Gully reserve, together with the
Elphinstone Hall and Recreation reserve at Oliver’s Lane.
The Elphinstone Facilities Committee has been hard at work
fundraising for new projects at the hall including two successful
BBQs and car boot sales at the two recent elections. Funds raised will
be allocated to two projects underway at the Hall and Sawpit Gully.
We are looking to undertake minor renovations to the existing
kitchen at the Elphinstone Hall to upgrade the space. These include
the addition of an instantaneous hot water boiler, dishwasher and a
new larger oven.
We have also proposed the addition of a long table at the Sawpit
Gully which council has indicated they are in support of. We have
seen the playgroup and other local families meet at Sawpit Gully for
gatherings and events and currently large groups need to be spread
between three separate picnic tables. A long table and attached
seating will accommodate the use of the space by larger groups and
it is hoped that it will facilitate more community gatherings! We
are currently gathering resources and plans for fabricating a table.
If you have expertise that would be helpful we encourage you to get
in touch via email at elphrechall@gmail.com or by messaging us
at the Elphinstone Recreation Hall Facebook page. The council are
currently assessing the damage to the BBQs and assure me they will
be fixed as soon as possible!
Our committee is currently liaising with the community and
Council about building footpaths around Elphinstone. Many
Children of Elphinstone demonstrate the dance move ‘Flossing’,
while waiting for dinner at the Sawpit Gully reserve.
Councillor Listening Post at the
Elphinstone Post Office
First Friday of the Month
9:00am to 11:00am
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.
10 Elpho Info
playgroup families currently walk to the hall, illustrating the need
for a safe pathway for prams, walkers and small children on wheels
between Sawpit Gully and the Elphinstone Hall.
Events
There is a Walking Club meeting each Sunday afternoon at 2pm,
meeting outside the Elphinstone Pub for 1-1.5 hr walks around the
local area. Participation is by gold coin donation and walks vary
in intensity on a weekly basis. See the Elphinstone Recreation Hall
Facebook page or call Lynette on 0400 941 725 for updated details on
weekly hikes.
We intend to open the hall this winter for a Come and Try Carpet
Bowls day. The Hall has a full store of carpet bowls equipment and
we are looking to schedule carpet bowls at a new time this season to
enable younger members of the community to join in. Keep an eye
on the community noticeboard outside the Elphinstone Post Office
and General Hall the Facebook page for future events.
We will schedule another Op shop tour later this year, following
up on our successful inaugural tour of 2018 that took in op shops in
Kyneton, Lancefield and Woodend. We intend to organise pickups
in Chewton and Castlemaine for the next event. Like and follow the
Elphinstone Recreation Hall Facebook page for updates on all of our
up and coming events.
Hall activities
The Elphinstone Playgroup continue to use the hall on a
weekly basis, each Tuesday morning during the school term time.
The hall has two playgrounds, a sandpit and a number of indoor
play equipment, craft supplies. Sessions run from 9.15-11.15am.
Elphinstone Playgroup welcomes young children and their families
to come along during these times or contact can be made via the
Elphinstone Playgroup Facebook page.
Kyneton Spinners and Weavers will be running two workshops
later this year for experienced weavers at the Elphinstone Hall on
the 12/13 October and 19/20 October. Contact Alison Roan on
0438022460 for further information.
The Elphinstone Hall is available for hire with facilities including
a fully equipped kitchen with pie warmer, chairs and tables and table
settings. Rates for hall hire are $100 per day, $50 per half day and we
have introduced a new rate of $20 for under 2 hours use. Bookings
via the Elphinstone Recreation Hall Facebook page or 0400 941725
for bookings and further information.
Samantha Downing
Secretary
Elphinstone Facilities Committee
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Next Edition of Elpho Info is September 2019

Articles and advertising for the September 2019 edition of the Elpho Info are due by Friday August 23rd 2019 to
elphoinfo@gmail.com or via the Post Office.
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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.

Elpho Info 11
What’s happening at
Elphinstone Primary School
Working Bee
Earlier this term we held a working bee and the garden beds look fantastic!
We managed to plant all of our garlic from last year, so hopefully we will
have plenty to share, or sell, towards the end of the year. It is wonderful to
see so many parents chipping in and helping out when and wherever they
can. The following week we held a PEPS (Parents of Elpho Primary School)
lunch with pies and pastries kindly supplied by Marama and Chris form their Grist Bakery—so we thank
them for their ongoing generosity. At least I could do is give you a free plug in the Elpho Info!
SAFETY Day
Several weeks ago, students in the middle school visited Harcourt Recreation Reserve to attend the SAFETY
Day hosted by emergency services organisations such as Police, CFA and SES. Here is what a couple of our
students had to say:
Nathan: I learnt that the CFA will occasionally do planned burns. So when a fire starts it’s not as bad because
the CFA has already burned all the little stubble. Then in summer it’s a lot easier for the CFA to put the fire out.
Kane: I learnt what the SES stands for ‘State Emergency Service’ we also went to the CFA where the fire truck
was. We went to the RACV and when you crash you should wear a helmet. We went ESTA and they get the
calls from 000 and talk to the emergency people like police, fire brigade, SES and paramedics. After we got a
show bag and a lot of stuff with in it. We won a teddy from a treasure hunt!
ANZAC Day
Just before ANZAC Day Alan came to visit us and hold an ANZAC Day ceremony. Alan is a Vietnam
Veteran and he represented the Castlemaine RSL. He gave us a little lesson all about the origins of ANZAC
Day and its importance to us. Alan told us that his date of birth got picked out of a barrel so he had to go
to the Vietnam War for 1 year or go to jail for two. This was called conscription. He had to go and he made
it back home. Alan also read the Ode and we repeated “Lest we Forget” after him. He then explained his
Service medals he was wearing. We had a minute of silence and after that he played a recorded CD of the
Last Post. We then went down to the Cenotaph to place a wreath that he bought in. When Alan was talking
about conscription my mind went straight to my oldest brother who is two years from eighteen. I would be
upset if he had to go to a war. By Fianna Grade 5.
AFL 9 and Netball
AFL 9’s and netball at Wesley Hill was a great success last term, we teamed up with Maldon in both football
and netball and the students had a great time competing against other Castlemaine and district schools. Miranda
opted for Netball, while Tegan, Fianna and Kane played in the 9’s tournament.
Vandalism over the Easter Break
Thank you to the Eagle, Davis, Downie and Gardner families
to alert me and help clean up the yard after a senseless act of
vandalism at the school over the holidays. The vandals managed to
smash fluoro globes all over the school and there was broken glass
everywhere. The cover of our bore pump was completely destroyed
and the site was an absolute mess. It was great to think we have eyes and ears out and that, as a
collective, we were very disappointed (to say the least) of the intruders stupidity and mindlessness.
 Brendan Stewart - Principal

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