Oak & Swan Sourdough

There's something unique and welcoming strolling amidst outdoor, rural farmers market stalls, especially if the sun is shining. The combination of radiating colours, freshly baked treats and the wafts of delicious aromas tease and excite our senses. The greenery, the music, the simultaneous echoes of happy conversations, the diverse, local products and beverages all contribute to the endearing, uplifting and personal ambiance of a community hub. One stall holder, who regularly frequents Foster's monthly Prom Country Farmers Market in South Gippsland is Betsy Evans, typically accompanied by one of her two helpful sons.

Betsy is a delight. Her approachable, friendly manner emanates her enjoyment of market days as she cheerfully engages with fellow stall holders and customers. Betsy along with her husband, Greg, are wholesalers and meeting customers is a rare opportunity, especially loyal, reoccurring ones.

"That's why market days are very special," Betsy claimed.

Betsy and Greg along with their three children are the proud owners of Oak & Swan Sourdough – a small family-owned and operated, organic wood-fired bakery on a beautiful, undulating, one hundred acre property in Mirboo North.

Betsy was born in Leongatha and grew up eating delicious, homemade bread emerging fresh and hot from a combustion stove. Her English grandmother, who sadly passed away two years ago, was Betsy's most significant influencer in life and, along with Betsy's mother, passed down her knowledge and skills. Consequently, Betsy learnt and loved to bake bread at a young age.

Having lived in various parts of Gippsland over the years, Betsy and Greg were continually drawn to return to the familiar rolling, green hills of South Gippsland. It was seven years ago they moved back from East Gippsland to create a permanent paradise for themselves, and for their children to grow up in.

Betsy voiced, "It's hard work striving to be self-sufficient, while managing a business and maintaining a regenerative farm model, but such a privilege to live on a rural property. Our children, Liam 12, Lucas 11 and Stella 9, love spending time outdoors and each are a wonderful help on the farm. That's when they're not tearing down the driveway on a mattress-topped billy cart!"

The lush, picturesque land boasts a substantial fresh-water gully, a large, spring-fed dam (great for swimming in during long summer days) and native trees. Aged pines stand proudly on top of a hill, while young planted trees grow between paddocks. The farm also showcases a large vegetable garden, approximately fifty fruit trees - from citrus to nuts to avocados - and beef cattle. The family laboriously plants over one thousand native trees each year to continue the regrowth cycle of wood burnt in the bakery's wood-fired oven.

The Oak & Swan Sourdough manifested through Betsy's love for bread, while Greg's handy plumbing background proved vital to bring the project into fruition. Sourdough - made from unsifted, freshly-milled flour, which makes the bread much tastier and more nutritious -  became the speciality through a growing awareness and passion for good food. The bakery was named in light of two beautiful, one hundred and twenty year old oak trees growing beside the farm dam, which host the nesting of swans.

The Evans family create their sourdough from scratch using only organic flour, rain water and salt. Each week the flour is freshly stone-ground milled in an Austrian grain mill, ensuring its natural goodness without additives. It is then added to a starter culture, initiated from organic wholegrain flour and rain water, before each bake. Depending on which type of bread it is to be, organic wholegrains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, herbs, fruit, spices, rain water and salt are added. The ingredients are then slowly and gently mixed in a one-arm mixer before the dough is long-rested. It is then divided and shaped by hand before being long-rested again. Once ready, the loaves are loaded into the wood-fired oven for baking.

The oven is a forty loaf Allan Scott oven. Built into the side of the bakery, it is fired with the farm's pine and scrap hardwood before each bake. Once the oven is heated and the fire burnt away, the ashes are raked out and the internal bricks are cleaned with a damp cloth. The dough loaves are then loaded inside with a wooden peel. Several batches of bread are baked by the residual oven heat. In between firings, the oven's retained heat is used for drying fruit, toasting ingredients and other baking requiring a lower temperature.

The Evans family has come a long way establishing their lifestyle, business and their sales of goods through retail stores. Besides sourdough breads, they also offer muesli crackers, pancake mix, an assortment of sweet buns and milk-fresh flour. As a wholesaler, their popular products are requested from areas of Warragul to Kilcunda and back to Meeniyan.

However, Betsy confesses, "Small business owners are challenged in these pandemic times. It hasn't been easy and the unforeseeable future is impossible to read. I feel for all the small operators, but we need to stay positive and hopeful."

Betsy's beloved, ever-encouraging grandmother instilled in her to follow her dreams. Betsy was taught, anything is possible if you have the confidence to believe in yourself and the courage to take risks. With this inspiring guidance the Evans family's aspirations will surely continue to blossom, while we have the opportunity to reap the delectable rewards.

Delicious sourdough 

Stunning Mirboo North property in South Gippsland.

Please Do The Right Thing ...

Visiting my local IGA supermarket last week I was disappointed to see a few customers not wearing masks. I couldn't help but notice their naked faces among a sea of eyes I have involuntarily become accustomed to. I was told this happens periodically infact, only that morning a maskless couple with a young baby visited the store, adamantly unwilling to conform. It just so happened police were in close vicinity and pulled them aside, however the undaunted couple continued to complete their shopping before leaving the premises. Mask or no mask, why would these parents put their infant at risk when it only takes one person to shop? 

Sometimes customers enter the supermarket while talking on their phones or daydreaming and forget to sign in with either the Victorian government check-in app or on paper, both of which are prominently situated just inside the shop's entrance. The astute staff take notice of this and politely remind these people to do the right thing. While most cooperate, some shoppers blatantly lie, stating they registered when they did no such thing. Checking in is imperative to manage Corona virus contact tracing if the need arises.

Furthermore, I was informed customers sporadically scold one another for not obeying safety measures, while staff too, are often abused in the process, yet these issues are not isolated to the Tarwin Lower supermarket. In communication with other local stores, these unpleasant situations occur across the board.

The majority of IGA supermarkets are family-owned businesses. If they needed to close due to shoppers' negligence, it would prove a serious problem to us all. The entire staff would be required to enter isolation, while shops would be forced shut for thorough cleaning and sanitising. The adverse impact on our small communities would be considerably dire on many levels.

Luisa, the Tarwin Lower IGA proprietor along with her husband, claimed "Employers endeavour to create a safe environment for their staff and customers. Thankfully the majority of shoppers comply. It's typically a hand full of challenging people who rebel and just don't seem to take this harmful and unpredictable Corona virus seriously."

I admit, I find it a nuisance to clutch my phone, mask, shopping bag, list, purse and car keys as I make my way across the supermarket carpark, all the while wishing I had more hands. Often I annoyingly forget one or the other and find myself retracing my steps. However, this is a part of our unfavourable, (hopefully) temporary situation. If it keeps us safe and moves us toward normalcy, isn't it worth the effort?

Let's get back to masks. It is stipulated at present face masks must be worn by anyone twelve years and over indoors and outdoors at all times, unless we are at home with the usual occupants, or exercising strenuously enough to exert ourselves. Some people, of course, are excused by lawful exemptions for various health reasons, yet some without masks, conveniently and wrongly voice this justification when confronted.

I have yet to meet anyone who enjoys wearing face masks. I feel they erect walls between ourselves and others, concealing imparting, valid, non-verbal communication through our facial expressions. While our eyes may now be more deeply observed and regarded, conversations can be hindering. Often it's difficult to hear or understand a person, not to mention how uncomfortable masks are to our natural breath. Nevertheless, face masks, which reduce the risk of infection, protect not only ourselves, but those around us.

The Covid-19 virus is transmitted predominantly by inhalation or respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe. Masks are primarily intended to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets, which is essentially relevant for asymptomatic or presymptomatic infected carriers, who feel well and may be unaware of their contagion to others.

We have been extremely fortunate in Gippsland with minimal Corona virus diagnoses over the past eighteen months, but we mustn't become complacent. We're all aware of how quickly this virus can spread, especially the dreaded Delta strain. It's in our best interests to remain motivated and on high alert to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

I'm certain most of us are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by this drawn out, inconvenient way of life. The 'peek-a-boo' lockdown games are agitating and draining. Imagine though, just for a moment, lying in an intensive care bed desperately clinging to every breath with the assistance of a ventilator, or praying for a dying loved one in hospital, who you can't even visit to kiss goodbye. THAT would be overwhelming!

Yes, we live in a democratic society, but isn't it our civil duty to do whatever we can to collectively minimise and suppress this malicious Corona virus? The only and quickest way to keep our region safe and regain some lifestyle normality is to abide by the protective protocols imposed. Use common sense, continue to diligently wear masks, practice good hygiene, adhere to social distancing, check or sign in wherever you venture and get Covid tested if you feel unwell.

... and PLEASE have the jab, so our suffering, anguished world can safely, finally come out of hiding!

Celebrating an Initial Milestone

Arriving at the first anniversary of South Gippsland Voices newspaper, I'm surprised how quickly the time has flown. It seems only a few months ago I excitedly answered a Facebook post headlined, "Looking for writers". Being an avid scriber, I immediately jumped at the chance to apply and messaged the author with half an essay in an attempt to win him over. I remember the instant reply red something like, "Well, you can certainly write - a lot!".

Since then this refreshing, diverse newspaper has graciously granted me a platform to express personal experiences and investigated topics we can either all relate to or which concern us. There have been many and varied articles over the last twelve months.

I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Submitting mindful, weekly articles to South Gippsland Voices has kept me accountable, not only to the newspaper, but to my own writing commitment. Writing has become a passionate (almost) daily habit, which showers me with many, valuable, holistic gifts.

During the last year, besides wrestling with the unpredictable, looming pandemic cloud, life has thrown some spontaneous, thought-provoking curve balls in my direction. These have accentuated my understanding of mastering essential skills to retain a decent level of sanity, such as feeding my soul with passionate, stimulating nourishment. Taking care of within, first and foremost, offers mental tools to conquer, repair or harmonise whatever may arise externally. Writing plays a significant and nurturing role in that for me. It releases pent up emotional friction and elucidates it into comprehensible and insightful perspectives. It's so powerful to see my inner world materialise into black and white.

On the flip side, as a volunteer feature writer for this vibrant and informative paper, I've been able to share topics of interest, which have allowed me to meet many talented and inspiring South Gippslanders. I've gained invaluable knowledge and awareness through interviewing locals and researching information I'd never before entertained. I've also enjoyed writing articles on subjects from left field.

I'm so thankful for this opportunity South Gippsland Voices has given me and I appreciate all those who have taken the time to read my articles. Some of you have kindly responded through emails, which I love to receive. I'm proud to be a part of this newspaper and I look forward to its advancing future.

Happy first anniversary South Gippsland Voices!

The Benefits of Furry Friends in Residential Aged Care

Recently, I was saddened to hear of the passing of a pet, which played a significant role in one of Victoria's regional aged care facilities.

Oscar was a beautiful, dark grey coloured cat, who often showed his unapologetic, even feisty side to care staff. Facetiously, he would suddenly jump out of residents' wardrobes or wait behind corridor corners to surprise unsuspecting nurses and typically succeed in frightening the living daylights out of them. However, with residents he was always on his best behaviour.

Oscar sat still with the elderly and took it all in his stride. Whether he was having his hair lovingly brushed 'against' the direction of his hair growth or patted like a dog, he didn't flinch. His intuition too, was phenomenal. He would suddenly curl up on a resident's bed and continually remain by their side offering quiet companionship. A palliative diagnosis would soon follow his calming vigil. Oscar was undeniably a precious, entertaining and loved asset of the facility. He eventually fell ill and after a long and happy life, passed at seventeen years of age.

The love and friendship pets offer in residential aged care is significant. They can raise morale and improve quality of life, while providing valuable insights about the residents. Research shows pets can boost health by helping to reduce blood pressure and confusion, and offer a general uplifting sense of well-being. Most residents have owned at least one fluff ball in their lives and the joy of past connections is either remembered, or the unconditional love animals extend is embraced and appreciated.

Having a live-in cat (pet), in aged care may elevate the mood and decrease loneliness. Even if there is a language barrier, everyone capable of patting a cat (and likes them), enjoys and understands the meaning of giving and receiving love. Faces typically light up and cuddles are welcomed.

Pets have great power to re-engage residents, who may be unresponsive to other therapies. A furry friend can enable the elderly to feel needed and comforted, while the premises feels more homely with a permanent and affectionate pet.

In view of the calming nature of animals, pets have a positive effect on people suffering dementia. Their soothing nature may help confused residents to communicate and articulate themselves more. Often the expression of non-verbal communication and actions are heightened. There is evidence to suggest pet therapy can help a person with dementia engage with what's happening around them.

Hillside Lodge Nursing Home in Korumburra, affiliated with Gippsland Southern Health Service, cares for thirty residents and one friendly, grey, long-haired feline. Lilly is adored (and at times overfed) by both the Hillside Lodge residents and staff, who take great joy in her company. Lilly is amusingly known as a transgender cat. Having arrived at the facility thought to be female and christened with her chosen name, it was later discovered Lilly was male! By then he and the residents were accustomed to his name, so 'Lilly' it remained.

Being an elderly resident himself at approximately fourteen years of age, Lilly loves to make himself comfortable among the residents or on their laps when they congregate in common areas. He also interchangeably lounges on people's beds to be admired and spoilt. Wherever he chooses to wander, there are opportunities for him to be showered with nurturing gestures. Needless to say, Lilly feels completely at home at Hillside Lodge, while the facility wouldn't be the same without him.

Pets generally offer so many advantages toward our wellbeing. Patting their beautiful, soft fur is an instant stress release and brings us immediately into the present moment. Aged care residents, without the worry of pets' holistic care, are able to enjoy the playful, gentle and loving company of four legged friends, as they subconsciously reap the countless benefits. In turn, fortunate cats like Lilly, are given a safe home and relish in the never-ending attention and adoration bestowed on them by an extended, nurturing family.

Oscar holding a comforting vigil on the late Luciano's bed.

Lilly, the friendly fluff ball at Hillside Lodge, Korumburra, Victoria.

Resetting our Sanity

I cringe as I once again write words relating to the pandemic. I'm sick of the constant gloomy Covid-19 news coverage and I feel it's vital I shine more light on how important it is to nurture our mental health. My motivation arises from a personal nature and I'm wondering if others are experiencing similar sensations. I seem at times to be losing my marbles and I blame it on what I call, Corona-induced Brain Mush.

Usually organised and prepared for any activity great or small, I'm all over the shop lately, flying clumsily by the seat of my pants. My memory often fails me, I have difficulty putting two words together as I write, and my zest for any pursuit lacks its usual depth. Often, for a split second, I just don't care about anything anymore - but of course, I do.

Recently I bumped into an acquaintance I hadn't seen for a long while. We shared friendly words and our encounter significantly brightened my unsettled mood. Later that afternoon, as I mowed my lawns and happily reminisced of our spontaneous meeting, to my horror it suddenly occurred to me I had called my friend by the wrong name, in fact numerous times! I frantically rang him to apologise profusely, feeling like a complete fruitcake.

Often I fail to remember names, period. I don't easily recognise people wearing beanies and masks and when I do, their names escape me until after our brief meetings. I'm also usually oblivious to which day of the week it is, especially if lockdown prohibits me from attending my specific days of employment.

After the fifth lockdown ended, I organised to enjoy a meal with dear friends at the local hotel. By the time we left, the venue was filled with patrons and it was wonderful to see the pub so supported. Surprisingly though, I felt a little overwhelmed and uncomfortable surrounded by such a large crowd of people. I found this bizarre and I'm convinced too many prolonged periods of isolation are to blame.

Each time we come out of lockdown I discover my work pants have shrunk! The instant gratification of delicious, sweet chocolate soothes my soul, but oozes down to my waistline leaving lasting, unwanted evidence of its enjoyment. This isn't healthy, nor does it lift my sombre mood as I attempt to fasten my strides.

My constant worries for overseas loved ones trying so hard to survive, weigh heavily on my shoulders, while concerns for the global unpredictability of the future leave me feeling on edge. Writing usually lifts my spirits, but the solitary diversion requires persistent concentration I seem to lack. Continual, incoming, distractive thoughts annoyingly bombard my mind.

Sometimes, just for a second, I close my eyes and wish to beam myself into a completely different (Corona-free) life. However, the thought of my daily responsibilities and my precious pets quickly pull me into line. I continue to plod along as best I can, yet these days, with a touch of apathy.

Through the daily, fluctuating Covid-19 numbers announced in Australia and around the world, my waking 'Each day closer to normality' mantra, which has kept me going throughout this last year, has lost its effective power. I need to dig deep to find a new, empowering slogan, but it's difficult when dreams I wish to fulfil are now mere flickers of light retreating into the far distance. I fear I may soon kiss them goodbye forever as they vanish into oblivion.

BUT, and there is always a 'but', no matter how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting our mental wellbeing, there are a range of helpful strategies and informative expert advice to lean on. Research shows that mental health issues were at least twice as prevalent last year compared to pre-pandemic times. The continuing, incalculable progression throughout this year surely hasn't lessened the pressure. If anything, it's escalated. We need to become increasingly creative to better support ourselves and our tribes.

We may not be able to personally control things like the economy or the virus itself, but we can control our own actions and strive to form 'feel good' healthy habits, which may assist us to rise above our emotional disharmony. Perhaps, with good intentions we initially set goals to nurture ourselves throughout the Victorian virus-induced restrictions, but eventually felt too tired, too busy or were too focussed on others to maintain our ambitions. For those who remained committed, well done! For the rest of us, now is the time to either get back on the horse or set new, constructive, achievable goals. By taking good care of ourselves we're in far stronger positions to cope, as well as help those around us.

Implementing simple activities, such as a half hour walk to start our days, while deeply breathing in the fresh, crisp air, will stimulate blood flow and encourage our endorphins to dance. This will help set up our days in a positive way. Sharing the walk with a friend, even better. A session of daily yoga stretches or basic physical exercises can release built up tensions and toxins in our muscles and joints. By aiming to incorporate these practices at the same time each day, habits will easily form and will reset and recharge our wellbeing.

Our diets too, need constant attention, especially mine it seems! If we eat heavy, fatty foods, we consequently feel lethargic and unmotivated. If we eat colourful, nutritious meals, we're energised and light on our feet. Our moods reflect our eating habits and listening to our bodies to find a comfortable balance is beneficial for our mental and physical health.

Maintaining social contact with friends and family is vital. Whether it's face to face or virtual, keeping in touch with trusted souls and sharing our feelings is healthier than bottling them up. Withholding negative emotions can disrupt the normal function of our stress hormones and may lower the strength of our immune systems.

If we're feeling downhearted, a powerful game changer is the art of gratitude. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on all the goodness we can be thankful for in our lives, helps to regain our perspectives of how lucky we are, especially living in Australia. Although there are those among us who have devastatingly lost family or friends to Covid-19, we've escaped the brunt of the pandemic wrath if we compare it to other parts of the world. However, I certainly don't wish to disparage the passing of any loved ones. People have lost their nearest and dearest under extremely tough conditions, which makes the grieving process all the more difficult.

Another meaningful and joyous task we could implement into our daily lives is the gift of giving. I strive to accomplish at least one good deed every day. There are countless, creative ways to perform acts of kindness. Endeavour to notice opportunities as they arise.

In between our responsibilities, chores and (intermittent) work, let's prioritise pockets of time to lose ourselves in uplifting, self-nurturing activities. Let's read a book, have a power nap, hug our pets more, nurture our gardens, jump puddles with our kids, try out a new recipe, meditate, write a letter, a poem, draw, do a crossword, a puzzle or connect with a friend we haven't spoken with for a long while. Let's indulge in any interests on a regular basis, which make our hearts sing.

Life, as we knew it, has dramatically changed with a new Covid-19 norm in place. As we journey through the upheaval and try to adapt, self care and holistic wellbeing is imperative and requires daily attention and effort. Let's reassess our lives and establish effectual, healthy fundamentals to assist us through this unprecedented time, in the hope we again one day reach a more familiar and secure lifestyle.

If you are struggling and seek support, Beyond Blue offers a Corona Virus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.
By calling 1800 512 348 you can talk to a trained counsellor 24/7. Alternatively, you can connect with the online chat forum to share your experiences.

Let's do whatever it takes to keep our cups full, one small step at a time if need be. This wretched pandemic will not defeat us! (I think I may have just discovered my new mantra!)