On the Brink
Australia has a large number of frog species and, as previously mentioned in this column, many are threatened or endangered due to a variety of factors such as habitat loss, disease (especially chytridiomycosis), invasive species, climate change and extreme weather events. Australia is doing a lot of scientific and on-the-ground
Forest Yarns
Over the years, the Rushworth forest has thankfully been spared from a major conflagration. One of the reasons might be that box ironbark forests are less susceptible to big fires than other forest types. The main species of trees do not shed their bark each year, leading to a build-up
Cooks Column
The older I get, the more I love time-saving, labour-saving ideas for cooking. I’ve been lured into the world of frozen vegetables and marvelling at how quick it makes meal preparation and how little waste it produces. No more wilting or soggy vegetables in the drawer of my fridge.
Cooks Column
Ingredients 300g chorizo (chopped) 1 onion (chopped) 1 clove garlic (chopped) 1 cup risotto rice 2 tblspn olive oil 3 cups stock 2 tspn oregano or Italian herbs 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes 300g parmesan cheese 30g butter 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves Method Pre-heat oven to 200ºC. In a
Garden Hints & Tips
There is a small group of people who are making changes in the background, not under the cover of darkness but in the fresh air and daylight with positive attitudes working towards the same goal.
Cooks Column
This is an American recipe, so I have used a conversion chart to get the weights calculated. The cake is made in a “Bundt” tin, a hole in the middle. A large springform would work too. Instructions: Pre heat oven to 160 C Thoroughly grease a Bundt tin and set
Garden Hints & Tips
We have started seeding and our tiny seeds are popping their heads up through the soil to greet our Spring weather and start a life as a tree, plant, grass or groundcover. It still amazes me that something as tiny as a grain of sand can end up being a
50 Years Ago
Cr. Ron Hickson opened the new Toolleen Sporting Centre, which had been a big achievement for a small district. The multi-purpose pavilion was to become the hub for local sporting clubs, community groups and for public meetings. A series of grants and ratepayer contributions had combined to enable erection of
Forest Yarns
In a town where the timber industry was important for many years, it is perhaps unsurprising that locals invented things that had a connection to the industry. One such invention was devised by Eric Ollov Risstrom Junior of Rushworth. Eric was the son of Eric Ollov Risstrom Snr, who was
Garden Hints & Tips
Although not my favourite season, that goes to autumn, spring does bring a magical time to the garden. It never ceases to amaze me how plants just seem to explode into leaf and flower, seemingly doubling in size overnight, which brings me to some of my most favourite springtime plants.
Cooks Column
Use up some of the beautiful bounty of citrus fruits that are in season to make this delicious slice. It all comes together to then bake in layers. Serve with yoghurt, cream or ice cream or on its own. Preheat oven to 170c Ingredients: 4 eggs 1 cup of sugar
Garden Hints & Tips
Spring is here and it never ceases to delight me to see the garden begin to burst with colour. If you can, it is a lovely time to walk around your neighbourhood. It is also a great opportunity to see what grows well in your area. Many exotics (not native