Established in 1981 as the
proudly serving Melton and Moorabool
18 JULY, 2023
12496404-AV22-21
FREE DIGITAL EDITION
SIG N U P N O W!
From waste to fashion Artist Ruth Downes is holding an exhibition that repurposes found and upcycled materials – from razors to masks, piano keys to aircraft headsets – into wearable art, at CS Gallery. ‘Barely Wearable: body adornment for the age of overconsumption’ is a continuation of Downes’ passion for re-appropriating everyday materials and objects to celebrate their beauty. Downes said that as long as she can remember, she has always been “obsessed” with wastage and recycling. “I’m naturally frugal and always try to make a little go a long way. While my artwork does make a strong environmental statement, my starting point was really a fascination with these ’low value’ materials that tend to be invisible in our affluent culture,” she said. “These everyday materials have an intrinsic beauty that I cannot ignore so I hope others will learn to treasure them too. While this alone will not solve our many and varied environmental problems, a change in mindset is essential to tackle the bigger picture.” Barely Wearable will be on display at CS Gallery from July 18 to October 29.
Ruth Downes with her work ‘Tickle the ivories’. (Supplied)
‘Common sense’ rail plan By Liam McNally About 80 Diggers Rest residents gathered to form their own preferred plan for the level crossing removal on Old Calder Highway on Wednesday, July 12. As a part of the state government’s statewide level crossing removal plan, the crossing is due to be replaced with a bridge over the rail line in 2025. The government is undertaking site investigations in the area to decide the best place for the new bridge. Some residents became concerned about the level crossing removal proposals after a site investigation work notification letter was sent
to residents in November last year. The investigation works letter, which has been seen by Star Weekly, highlights an area from the end of Stan-Payne Reserve, over the railway line, and up the railway line parallel to it and Tame Street, to Diggers Rest-Comadai Road. The area appears to cover parts of residential properties sparking fears that if the plan goes ahead certain properties may be up for compulsory acquisition by the government. In recent months the government has held community consultations but has not confirmed the final design for the bridge or if any privately owned land will be earmarked for acquisition.
The state government confirmed designs are yet to be finalised, but some land outside the rail corridor may be required. A spokesperson said the government will continue to consult affected property owners and the local community as the project progresses. Diggers Rest resident Bob Rau organised the Wednesday town meeting at the Bowling Club, after being encouraged by the Level Crossing Removal team to create a vision for the bridge that residents support. Mr Rau said the starting point for the meeting was that although no official decision had been made, residents assumed the current preferred option was the path the investigative
works are on, which was of “great concern”. During the meeting residents “almost unanimously” decided on one of five options for the bridge Mr Rau drafted, which would cross the railway line further south and include a bypass road connecting the Old Calder Highway to Plumpton Road. “I have never seen an example of such a unanimous decision in 30 years … People said it would not disturb the people in residential streets nearby,” he said. “I was particularly pleased with the turnout, the government should be entrusting the intrinsic common sense of the good people of Diggers Rest.” The residents’ proposed plan will be submitted to the government.
PREPARED DAILY USING LOCALLY SOURCED FRESH AND SEASONAL PRODUCTS Delivery through Uber, DoorDash & MENULOG Open Monday to Sunday for pick-up and contactless delivery. Order at our website online or Menulog
Mention this ad for 10% off
Shop 5/11 -17 Station Road Melton South (Next to Ruby’s & Coles)
Ph 8732 9170 | www.frilled.com.au 12606205-AV20-23