| IndyWatch Central Victorian News Feed Archiver | |
 |
Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day |
|
IndyWatch Central Victorian News Feed was generated at Castlemaine VIC IndyWatch. |
|
Monday, 17 July
16:48
The short walk: a gentle stroll down Whisky Gully Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests
A large group came to Mount Alexander last Sunday. The walk began at Dog Rocks then travelled south along Whisky Gully on the eastern side of the mount. On reaching the Leanganook Picnic Area the group headed north along the Goldfields Track to Dog Rocks. The winter sunshine was perfect for meandering along the gully. Fungi expert Joy Clusker provided expert help with identification backed up by Liz Martin who navigated the route. Unfortunately we had missed the best fungi months in May and June but there were still plenty around as well as abundant moss displays. Liz Martin sent us the following photos.
Walks leader, Joy Clusker, taking a closeup.
13:26
Adults Acrobalance Castlemaine Circus Inc
Cost: $290/term (10 weeks pro rata). Come for a free trial.
For enquiries or bookings: enrol@castlemainecircus.com.au
OR call Caz on 0422 799 923
OR go online to enrol.
09:51
The long walk: creek valleys, category 1 climbs Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests
A hardy group of five set out in brilliant frosty weather yesterday for FOBIFs June long walk. Walk conditions were perfect, as was the length of the walk, estimated as between 12 and 24 kilometres. We suspect the second estimate was a little subjective.
Middleton Creek, July 16: check last weeks post to see how the water levels have dropped..but the creek is still running strongly.
The walk covered the wonderfully various country at the south end of the Diggings Park: substantial moss covered rock walls, wide green valleys, rocky ascents, unusually impressive giant eucalypts. The south point was the strongly running Middleton Creek. Fungi were in abundance, and the recent wet weather had given the bush a particularly lush appearance.
Our thanks to Jeremy Holland for as usual providing an intriguing route through little known corners.
Next months walk is in the wildflower hotspot of the Maldon Historic Reserve. Check the website for details.
09:51
A downbeat note: the destruction goes on Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests
A downbeat note for FOBIFs walkers along Wewak track yesterday was the sight of yet more evidence of timber theft along this track.
Wewak Track, July 16: FOBIF has regularly reported destruction of this kind along the track.
Wewak track seems to be a favourite spot for timber thieves, and their efforts are threatening to strip this picturesque track of its better trees. Parks Victoria seems to be powerless to stop the destruction. Thieves operate comfortably, sure in the belief that the last person they can expect to see in this bush is a ranger: readers of this site will be familiar with our observations on the under resourcing of our parks.
Weve been assured by Parks in the past that the problem is being tackled at the distribution end. The method doesnt seem to be working: and of course things are not helped by the explosion in the cost of home heating.
09:25
Conquering my bogey bird Natural Newstead
In recent years Ive been quietly pursuing this bird, the Eastern Barn Owl.
Often regarded as a boom and bust species the Eastern Barn Owl is relatively common in the district and can be found across the Moolort Plains and in wooded farmland areas. Its numbers fluctuate with those of its major prey, rodents.
Why then has it been my bogey bird?
Ive observed it on a number of occasions, usually at night in the car headlights or sadly deceased on a country road it hunts low to the ground and vehicle strike is a major threat to this beautiful owl. A few times a bird has departed from its roost before I could raise the camera.
Late yesterday afternoon, acting on a tip-off, I finally managed to photograph an Eastern Barn Owl. High up in a veteran Yellow Gum the bird emerged cautiously from a large hollow and basked for a few minutes in the fading winter sunshine. What a thrill!
Barn Owls are a cosmopolitan species, for a long time most forms were classified as Tyto alba, with separate races regarded as subspecies. Recent taxonomic studies have placed the Australian form as a distinct species, Tyto delicatula. Unlike the majority of Australian owls Barn Owls can breed continuously as long as food is abundant. The spot where I observed this bird was typical of an ideal breeding site, possibly one that has been in use for many years.
Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day
Sunday, 16 July
08:41
On Ya Bike for a 60-kilometre round trip Newstead 2021
We invite you to join Newstead Walks and Wheels at 10 am on July 30 for our longest group ride yet an approximately 60-kilometre round trip starting and finishing at Newstead. We will start at the Newstead Park, diagonally opposite the IGA in Lyons St. If the full distance is too daunting then there []
Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day
Saturday, 15 July
17:50
Scarlet Robins establishing territories Natural Newstead
Birds were scarce during a visit to the Rise and Shine mid-week.
Spotted Pardalotes, Weebills and White-naped Honeyeaters could be heard calling, along with a pair of Scarlet Robins sweet notes piercing the cool air.
At this time of year they are establishing territories, so if you find a pair in late winter there is a fair chance theyll remain in the same area to breed as soon as the spring warmth arrives.
Scarlet Robins are mostly perch and pounce foragers, often alighting sideways on a tree trunk as they scan the woodland floor for insects. Their calls can vary in volume, in this case the male was singing softly, uttering an occasional single note contact call between snatches of song.
Scarlet Robin (adult male), Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve, 12th July 2023
Friday, 14 July
16:12
Ballarat International Foto Biennale unveils full program, showcasing some of the worlds biggest names in photography "IndyWatch Feed Vic"
Returning for its 10th year, the bi-annual Ballarat International Foto Biennale will once again turn the regional Victorian city of Ballarat into a temporary cultural archive, boasting an artefact repository of global significance from 26 August to 22 October 2023, with tickets now on sale.
Featuring more than 2000 breathtaking photographic works across galleries to laneways, city streets to businesses, and historic buildings, the eight-week-long event includes some of the worlds biggest names in photography, capturing the imagination of art-lovers and culture crusaders around the country.
Keep up with the latest in regional art and local events here.
This years Festival theme is The Real Thing the title of Russell Morris 1969 six-minute surround-sounding musical trip which was fresh to ears at the time. Like Morris song, the 10th edition of this years Foto Biennale will be all-encompassing, embracing the viewer in an all-immersive experience.
CEO of Ballarat International Foto Biennale Vanessa Gerrans described this years event as a moment of reflection; an event that encourages visitors to question and decipher, and above all else, explore.
We have reached far and wide into all corners of the world to bring together the greatest collection of photographs that have documented our generation. Its up to the viewer to have an opinion as to what is real and what is not. This event encourages curiosity, and we invite all to experience the city of Ballarat through a different lens, said Vanessa.
Exclusive to the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is the world premiere of People Power Platon where audiences are encouraged to get up close with portraits taken by New Yorks renowned Platon of headline makers and shakers of today.
People Power Platon exhibition to make world premiere at Ballarat International Foto Biennale
The work of internationally celebrated Indian street photographer Vineet Vohra will be highlighted in an in-depth display of the popular documentary-style photographers most important works. Considered one of the most influential street photographers o...
10:10
Singer-songwriter Didirri announces Australian headline tour for October "IndyWatch Feed Melbourne"
Dropping another teaser from his upcoming and very long-awaited debut album Caught In The Act, out Friday 4 August, Warrnambool born-and-bred singer-songwriter Didirri has announced a 10-date headline Australian album tour today, returning home this October after an impressive run of global touring.
In celebration of his debut album, the Caught In The Act Tour will span capital cities and regional towns throughout VIC, NSW, ACT and QLD, with Didirri enlisting a full band to bring the album to life.
Didirri Caught in the Act Tour
Thu 5 Oct | Sooki Lounge | Belgrave VIC
Sat 7 Oct | Sound Doctor | Anglesea VIC
Thur 12 Oct | Howler | Melbourne VIC
Fri 13 Oct | Theatre Royal | Castlemaine VIC
Fri 20 Oct | Leftys Music Hall | Brisbane QLD
Sat 21 Oct | Solbar | Sunshine Coast QLD
Thur 26 Oct | UC Hub | Canberra ACT
Fri 27 Oct | King St Bandroom | Newcastle NSW
Sat 28 Oct | Marys Underground | Sydney NSW
Sun 29 Oct | La La Las | Wollongong NSW
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Caught In The Act is the regional alternative artists much awaited and anticipated debut album, which takes fans on a moving journey across eleven exquisite new tracks. Didirri openly explores subjects, questions and themes we are encouraged to avoid. Holding true to his mission to make music for lovers and over thinkers, Didirris uninhibited lyrics tug at raw nerves, while his charming melodies soothe hearts and minds.
Caught in the Act is a labour of love during the lockdown periods in Australia. I have put so much of myself into these songs and really dedicated my heart to this album, Didirri says.
Earlier cuts from Caught In The Act, including Begin Again, Obsolete Machine and You Know Whats Good For You have been spun at community radio, added to double j and ABC, and received widespread playlisting across Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon, as well as receiving praise from the likes of NME, MILKY and Happy Mag.
Didirris previous releases, 2020s Sold for Sale EP and 2018s Measurements EP, culminated in sold out tours locally and abroad, and breathtaking performances at Splendour In The Grass, The Great Escape, Latitude and Primavera Sound. Last year, Didirri continued to captivate audiences, completing an 11-date solo tour, a national theatre run supporting Kate Miller Heidke, and slew of UK dates including The Great Escape.
For ticketing info, visit...