1

There was music pumping down Station Street in July, as Melbourne’s The Smith Street Band put together their third album.

Lead singer Wil Wagner said their original plan was to record on a beach in Vietnam, but when they found the Otway Loft on the internet it seemed perfect.

‘This is such a relaxing way to do what normally adds ten years to your life,’ said Wil. ‘If it starts getting a bit tense inside you just go out on the deck and think, “Yeah what stress?”’

‘Doing it here takes it back to friends hanging out together and playing music, which is what it’s all about,’ added producer Jeff Rosenstock.

Who would have thought that a Forrest holiday house would be an ideal recording studio?

‘We wanted a wider sound, to challenge ourselves – more than guitar, guitar, bass and drums,’ said Wil. ‘Everything in the house is resonating. There

is so much natural wood, so many cool spaces to record.’

‘We did some guitar work down the passage of the train and it added a cool echo,’ he said.

Listen closely and you will hear rain on the roof and the fire crackling on some tracks. ‘Jeff had to scare a cockatoo away while we were recording, which is much better than a tram in

Melbourne,’ laughed Wil.

The music is a mix of folk, punk and rock and their songs tell stories with energy and passion.

‘All my songs are about emotion,’ Wil told the crowded bar at the Wonky Donkey on Friday the 25th to cheers and fist pumps.

The boys are friendly and genuine and have engaged with the locals over recent weeks. A gig at the Wonky Donkey was a good way to thank the town for having them.

A Facebook tip off drew fans from Melbourne, Warrnambool and Geelong. Mark Watson drove 4 hours from Morwell. ‘This was a great chance to see Wil play up close and mix with the band afterwards,’ he said.

The album, ‘Throw Me in the River’ (shh it’s a secret!), is released internationally in October. The boys head from Forrest to Philadelphia and will be touring when it comes out.

Smith Street records in Station StreetAUGUST 2014

What’s openin town?Some of our businesses are taking a break over late winter; others are open for business as usual.

Forrest BreweryClosed for a quick break Monday 18th August - Wednesday 3rd September.

Re-opening on Thursday 4th September in time for Father’s Day on Sunday 7th.

Forrest GuesthouseClosed for the month of August for a family break and further renovations. Re-opening Monday September 1, 10-4 daily with dinner Friday and Saturday nights.

The Corner StoreFriday Saturday 9am - 4pmSunday 10am - 3pm

Wonky DonkeyOpen 7 days for lunch and dinner.

August 2014

Above, Wil Wagner waits to take the stage at the

Wonky Donkey

Local talent shone at the recent Colac Eisteddfod, with seven children competing on the piano. Broomfield boys, Kai and Joe, won their categories while Jarrah Ashton received a Highly Commended award. Kai also received the John Radcliff Award for overall primary school winner. He has been invited to perform at Da Capo at COPACC on

30th August (7pm), an event showcasing Colac and district musicians. All seven competitors have been taking piano lessons through the Forrest Primary School on a Friday afternoon. The Eisteddfod is an annual event, but it was a first appearance for the Forrest children. Indi Ashton, Lily and Claudia Schumann and

Kohima Sprunt also played wonderful pieces, indicating a bright musical future for Forrest.

Mini musos!

Kai Broomfield accepts his award from Sokoka Miyake

Co

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un

ity

C

ale

nd

ar Football & Netball

august 9august 16

Simpson (away)Sth Colac (Home)

CHurCH ServiCeS2nd & 4th Sundays

anglican services, 11.15am

1st Sunday

uniting Services,10.30am

St James Church, Grant Street, Forrest

CyCliNGeverythursday

brew Crew Social ridesDepart 6.15pm from Forrest brewery

october 11

‘Chase the dog’event in support of beyond blue:chasethedog.com.au

youtH Groupaugust 8 5.30-7pm, Forrest Hall

teNNiS Clubaugust 16 aGM, the brewery, 8pm

Free HeariNG teStSaugust 20 From 1pm outside the hall

TRIPP BUILDING

Peter Tripp 5237 7348 / 0429 799 829

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40 Main Street, Birregurra VIC 3242Ph: (03) 5236 2288 Fax: (03) 5236 2280

Delwyn Seebeck has a lion’s appetite for her community. This was recognised last month when the Forrest and District Lions Club successfully applied for a Melvin Jones Fellowship, which recognises

the altruistic embodiment of the Lions Foundation.

The award was presented by District Governor Phillip Johnson at the club’s annual Changeover Dinner, attended by Mayor Lyn Russell, local and visiting club members. Members of her family also attended the surprise presentation.

‘I do what I do because I can,’ said Delwyn in her acceptance speech.

And what a list of things she has done! Along with raising four children and running a dairy farm, Delwyn has been incredibly generous with her time and energy.

In 21 years of membership of her local Lions Club she has convened the Soup Fest, writes the club bulletin, held all positions of office several times over, and has recently taken on an executive role at a District level.

Delwyn has helped out at a variety

of sporting and recreation clubs, including committee roles with the Colac & District Football Netball League, Gerangamete Tennis Club and Polwarth Tennis Association, where she has helped organise competition draws.

Passionate about families on the land, Delwyn has worked tirelessly with farming federations and the Rural Financial Counselling Service, to champion support for farming families through tough times.

As a farmer alongside her late husband John, she found time for their 4 children’s school and kinder committees and was a trained counsellor for the Nursing Mothers’ Association.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship was fitting recognition for so many years of community service.

Lion-hearted

Delwyn (right) celebrates with daughter Emma

August 20142

Caspers Accommodationa true Ride-in Ride-out experience

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August 2014 3

22 March 1922–23 July 2014Forrest lost a legend last month; a true gentleman, quiet and considerate, with a terrific sense of humour.Frank was the second eldest of Alfred and Queenie Frizon’s four children. His father worked at Henry’s mills at Mount Sabine and his mother ran a milkbar and post office on Station Street.Frank attended primary school in Forrest, then went to Ballarat at 12 to continue his education, completing his Leaving Certificate. During this time Frank saw his family only at Easter and Christmas. After a short time at the Mount Sabine mills, Frank moved to Geelong, working for the Ford Motor Company for 6 years. He remembered this as a very happy time, and loved his job as a fitter and turner.Frank became skilled at intricate tasks—some pieces of machinery he made had to be accurate to half-a-thousandth of an inch. He was well

respected at Ford and sometimes the senior manager would visit to watch him working.In 1946 Frank was summoned by Queenie to join his brother Cliff to manage a sawmill his father had bought. He worked 6½ days a week, taking Saturday afternoon off to play football and have a few beers at the pub afterwards. ‘I played footy for Forrest for about 9 years. I was 36 when I gave it away—or when they asked me to give it away!’ said Frank recently.The Frizons paid their employees over award rates. ‘Mill wages were very low and I always thought that if we could afford it, we should pay the workers well,’ said Frank.He developed a reputation for fairness and paying the workers before himself. Frank sold the sawmill in 1991 and retired, aged 69.Frank married June London in 1957. In 1958 Allan was born, followed by Paul in 1960.

A recent fall resulted in a broken hip and Frank was recuperating in Geelong when he died, aged 92. A private family funeral was held on July 29. Forrest locals are left with fond memories and the legacy of Frank’s hard work and commitment to the town over a lifetime.

With thanks to Ken Widdowson for content

Vale Allan Francis (Frank) Frizon

The Cob Clinic in ForrestAcupuncture &

Massage TherapiesAndrew & Shizu

(03) 52366 493colacotwaychinesemedicine.com

The Wonky Donkey is a newly renovated family friendly pub in Forrest Victoria

wonkeydonkey.com.au

• Good honest hearty pub food• Weekly changing specials• Beer garden

• Woodcutters Bar with pool and sports TV• Children’s playground• Take away menu• “Kick Ass” coffee

Enjoy a full cooked country-style breakfast

Relax in our large hydro-therapy spa pool

Soak up the Otway Valley views from your private suite

Your Hosts - Bob & Carol

www.forrestrivervalley.com.au

Couples ACCoMModAtion

4 August 2014

Forrest & District Neighbourhood House Program

First Monday of the Month BINGO 1-3pm. $5 for 2 books & arvo tea

Tuesday 1-4pm Free counselling with Lena CollopyBooking essential 0487 244 310Wednesday 6.30-8pm Tai Chi with Seona Gunn $10/8conc

Thursday Gentle Exercise Class 10-11am. $2Mind Games 11am-12noon. $2Community Lunch 12.30-2pm $6Southern Otways Food Co-op 3-6pm.

Friday (School Term) Diploma/Cert IV Visual Arts10am-4pmNext Youth Group 8/8/14 5.30-7pm

REGuLAR ACTIVITIES at the Forrest Hall (unless indicated otherwise)

For more info contact Gillian Brew T: 5236 6591 Office Hours: Mon 10-5pm & Thur 10-6pm

august update 2014

NEW IN TERM 3 We are now independentlyIncorporated! Congratulations to the New Management committee and THANKYOu for showing your support of F&DNH Inc. Feeling the Forrest LOVE!Exquisite Corpses Friday 15th Aug 1-4pm Unique joint art experience using textiles, watercolour or pen and pencil. FREE Random Weave Basketry Sat 24th Aug 10-4pm Collect local materials and weave an attractive basket. $50. Lunch inc.

Geotechnical RepoRtsRisk assessmentscomputeR DesiGnslope stabilityWateR supplyFaRm Damsbush FiRe assessmentsite classiFications

Consulting EnginEEr

MICHAEL DELAHUNTY beng mieaust

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The lights were flashing, coloured patterns flashed across the ceiling, music was pumping and the dancers were racing around the floor.

The time, 6.30pm on Saturday evening and the party makers were aged under 11, some as young as 3 and 4.

This was the first event organised by the newly formed Forrest youth group. 12 year old Abi Upson, who helped to organise the night, explained that this was a trial event to see how much interest there was in a dance at the hall.

‘We’re really happy with the turn out, although they’re not really dancing,’ she said as a couple of

boys ran across the floor.

Supper options of pizza and sausage rolls were really popular with the

kids and the dance floor filled up once the tummies were full.

The group hopes to arrange events for Forrest teenagers in the near future, including a dance for older kids.

‘Sometimes there needs to be things on for our age group,’ said youth group member Nat Lane. Plans include camp outs, a giant sleepover in the hall, movie nights and maybe a karaoke night.

The group meets every second Friday night at the hall to plan activities for Forrest’s teenagers and as leaders for the younger children in town.

Contact the Neighbourhood House for more information.

Let’s dance!

Youth group members Jet Tung, Abi Upson and Nat Lane at the dance

The Forrest Post is an initiative of the Forrest and District Community Group. Every effort is made to remain current, accurate and non-partisan. Feedback, submissions and advertising input are encouraged. Submissions may be edited. You may request an electronic version by email delivery.

Contact theforrestpost@gmail.com Editors Mandy Bishop, Mary Dracup Layout/design Laura McKinnon Contributor Pauline Rostos© Forrest and District Community Group Printed by Geelong Printworks Pty Ltd, Grovedale

5August 2014

What has brought you to Forrest?

I’m the acting principal of the Forrest School. My wife Leanne has been the business manager here for some time. She’s told me what a great school it is, and I’ve always enjoyed working in smaller settings, so I was keen

to come here. I love the Otways.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

I’m a maths major. I love seeing children’s faces light up when they ‘get’ something, and I’ve given them the guidance to work it out independently – I think it’s fantastic. The other thing I enjoy is assisting children when they are facing challenges in their lives.

I’ve worked in a number of smaller schools – I was principal at Deans Marsh for 9 years, and Lismore for 6 years. I think we develop better rounded students in smaller schools – better citizens and leaders. The children are given more opportunities and

guidance at a younger age. I also like the composite classes because students can see the next step in their learning, and when they get there they guide the next students through.

What are your plans?

We’ll carry on living at Irrewarra. I expect to be here for at least 18 months, and my first aim is to continue developing strong links with the community, to continue the good work that Tara has done. We need to call on the expertise of the community and there are opportunities for the school to be involved in community projects too. I also need to ensure that the early learning centre here, with pre-school and after-school care, is sustainable and can grow. I love the job!

Who’s New

Darryl Harty

A child’s view: Zac KurzmanWhat year are you in at school and what is your favourite subject?

I’m in Year 6 at Forrest Primary School. My favourite subjects are maths and sport. I love to play football and tennis.

What do you like to do after school?

As well as football I like bike riding and playing on the computer, either alone or sometimes with friends.

Tell me something about your family?

I live in Barwon Downs with my Mum, Robyn, and my Dad, Phillip, and also my two younger brothers, Braeden and Jaxon, a dog, a guinea-pig and 12 chooks. My other closest relative is

my Nan and she lives in Blundy Street, Forrest.

What do you love about Forrest and how could the town be improved, especially for kids?

I love the mountain bike trails and I would love to see a better park that includes things like a skateboard park, and something set up for kids and their interests, like a youth club!

What are your hopes and dreams?

I would like to become a builder, or a tennis player, or maybe even both.

APPLIANCE

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Mr Harty with Kye Tung and Bryanna Crabbe

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6 August 2014

Andrew and Shizu Broomfield are building a house from Forrest mud. Mud is an ancient building material, but the way Broomfields are using it to form their house is brand new. There is philosophy and logic in their choice.

In his twenties Andrew was keen on mud bricks, but as he travelled through Asia and the Middle East he saw people building in freer forms. They used whatever they had on hand – cob – just formed around some kind of lattice.

At the same time, Shizu was living in Japan, where she saw many traditional buildings made of earth, residential and industrial buildings and also temples, with beautiful natural shapes.

Together in Forrest they thought about

rendered straw bales, but wanted thinner walls. They returned to the idea of mud, but with a cavity in the middle to improve insulation. Andrew invented a new method of forming twin 100 mm skins

of mud around pairs of metal bracing straps, with a 100 mm cavity between them. The straps are attached to the posts and window frames, and the cavity is bridged with metal rods and pieces of wood for added strength.

They built their ‘cob clinic’ as a trial. They found that not only did it work, but the process was enjoyable.

Shizu describes it as ‘like sculpting, or clay-play’.

With an earth floor, their simply shaped, north-facing house will be made of the most natural, non-toxic and s u s t a i n a b l e materials they can find.

Thinking about and trialling their method has taken time, and building will continue to be a slow process as family life, work and play all get in the way. But Andrew and Shizu are confident that the house they build will be worth the wait – and their journey is important too.

Sculpting a light, smart house of Forrest mud

Andrew, Joe, Kai and Shizu Broomfield

Forming a smart, light cob wall

All your hairdressing and beauty requirements for ladies, men and children.

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Or join the Brew Crew, on a socially orientated mountain bike ride from 6.15pm, followed by PIZZA

Takeaway pizzas also available

7August 2014

Fond Forrest farewell

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Tears, laughs and tall tales flowed at the farewell for Rose McAlpin and Jim Fell at the Wonkey Donkey on 1 August.

Around 60 Forrest locals, past and present, turned out on a freezing night to mark the end of the Rose and Jim era at the Forrest General Store and Post Office.Susan Langridge recounted the history of Rose and Jim reluctantly re-opening the post office in their plant nursery 20 years ago when the previous post office manager lost her licence. They had sold the general store and post office a few years before and were starting to

enjoy an easier life running a nursery across the road. If Rose and Jim had not stepped up, Forrest could easily

have been left without a post office at all, which would have threatened the viability of a shop as well. Susan noted that it was ‘a very good thing’ that Rose and Jim were willing to step back into the seven-day-a-week job, as ‘we’ve found out, from other towns in this area, that a town without a shop struggles’.Susan also thanked Rose

for her faithful 20-year service to the Forrest Hall, while others remembered Jim’s quirky customer service – especially when serving lollies. Loyal staff member Kay McDonald reminded Jim one final time that she didn’t need to be told how to make a salad sandwich!Rose and Jim have retired to Clifton Springs. They said they were looking forward very much to using their present of a night on the Blues Train and accommodation at the Queenscliff Vue Grand Hotel – and the scotch that was also popped into their bag.

Thank you from Rose and JimThank you to all who joined us at the Wonkey Donkey for dinner on Friday 1 August. For so many to come out in the cold and make such a terrific night for us was very humbling. Thank you also to the many who apologised for not being able to get there.Special thanks to Susan Langridge,

who organised the night, and all those who contributed to our wonderful present.We have enjoyed our last 30 years here and hope you will make the new owner Sally Richardson welcome too.

Rose and Jim

8

There are seven sugar glider sub-species, three of which occur in Australia. In Forrest you will find the sub species Petaurus breviceps breviceps, which is blue-grey in colour with a dark dorsal stripe, cream to grey belly and a grey and black tail, which sometimes has a white tip.

In the wild, a sugar glider’s life expectancy is 4-6 years. Their natural diet consists of sap, insects and insect larvae, along with pollen from flowers – wattle pollen is a favourite as it is high in protein.

Sugar gliders are polygamous in the wild and breeding begins in June/July. Young gliders spend 70 days in their mother’s pouch, leaving the nest and weaning at 110-120 days.

Sugar gliders are a vocal species with a range including barking, shrill yapping

and a defiant gurgling chatter. When we moved to Forrest we heard them vocalising from the trees – this was one of the first native mammals we heard at night. We installed some nest boxes high in our trees and some gliders quickly took up residence. We are now able to see them as they emerge at dusk and we see many gliders on our property when we spotlight for them at night.

Sugar gliders are can be kept in captivity and they will become friendly. Never take animals from the wild – they must be purchased from a licensed keeper/breeder. You need a Basic Wildlife Licence to keep this species in Victoria. More information is available on the DEPI website.

Amber Yarde

Forrestgate Alpacas and B&B

Sugar glider

August 2014

The tennis season is fast approaching and Forrest Tennis Club is seeking more players, hoping to build on its triumphant seniors’ maiden A-grade premiership earlier this year.

The Forrest club wants once again to field junior teams, and attract more senior players. The club is in the Polwarth and District Tennis Association, with junior matches played on Saturday mornings and seniors in the afternoons around Colac and district, against other clubs.

The season runs from early October until March 2015, with a 6-week break over the summer holidays.

The association offers four grades for junior players, catering for boys and girls aged 8 to 16, of all playing abilities. Teams are made up of four players, with a parent who understands tennis basics needing to be present each week.

The senior competition is open to male or female players aged over 16. The PDTA usually offer three levels of competition, dependent on the number of teams entered.

Tennis at Forrest is a great way of keeping fit, having fun and being part of the Forrest sporting community!

Parents, children and senior players interested in playing tennis this season, please contact club president Mark Murnane on 0429 015 664 or at mark@swaynmccabe.com.au.

The club’s annual general meeting will be held on Saturday 16 August at 8 pm, at the Forrest Brewery.

Anne Murnane, Secretary, FTC

Anyone for tennis?

YOURRIDESTARTSHERE

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