A Win for the Community
DNC wholeheartedly congratulates the six members of the Daylesford community (Ms Krystyna Szokolai, Ms Gina Butera, Mr Mark Dickenson, Ms Jennifer Bray, Ms Irene Holub and Ms Lynda Poke) who led the application for the internal review of the Victorian Liquor Commission’s decision to grant a licence for a Dan Murphy’s outlet on the corner of Bridport St and Central Springs Road in Daylesford.
Also thanks to the members of the community who appeared as witnesses or experts including Andrea Furness, Dr Shelley Bowen, Professor Hal Swerissen, Dr Greg Stewart, Peter O’Mara, Lesley Hewitt, David Ferguson, Dr Jenny Beacham, Debra Rauber and Basil Eliades. The time and effort they took to prepare and present before the Commission was fundamental to the case presented and to the outcome.
The eventual refusal of the licence was a classic case of community action skilfully implemented by these community members through a long and demanding process.
The Commission conducted public hearings (in which the six community members played a lead role) as part of their Review from October 2023 to January 2024 and received further written submissions in the intervening period. A number of expert witnesses from the community also provided evidence opposing the licence. The result was the overturning of the application.
The decision includes some very important and positive findings for not only our community, but for all Victorian communities.
The main reason the Commission decided to refuse the license is that it would cause harm to the local community, especially minors. It noted that there is already an underage drinking problem in Daylesford. The relative isolation of the proposed store from the town centre and community oversight and its proximity to Lake Daylesford and historical drinking spots were seen as significant risks to increased under age drinking. More generally, the Commission thought the proposed store would lead to increased alcohol consumption. It also took into account the limited local policing and the impact on local domestic violence and drunkenness.
DNC celebrates the efforts of our community members in this achievement. It reinforces our belief that Daylesford reflects a caring, resourceful, energetic community. We take care of our own and protect the vulnerable!
DNC L-o-n-g ‘Shaggy Dog” Joke of the Week
A rabbit walks into a pub and says to the barman, “Can I have a pint of beer, and a ham and cheese toastie?”
The barman is amazed, but gives the rabbit a pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie. The rabbit drinks the beer and eats the toastie. He then leaves. The following night the rabbit returns and again asks for a pint of beer, and a ham and cheese toastie. The barman, now intrigued by the rabbit, and the extra drinkers in the pub, (because word gets round), gives the rabbit the pint and the toastie. The rabbit consumes them and leaves.
The next night, the pub is packed. In walks the rabbit and says, “A pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie, please barman.”
The crowd is hushed as the barman gives the rabbit his pint and toastie, and then burst into applause as the rabbit wolfs them down. The next night there is standing room only in the pub. Coaches have been laid on for the crowds of patrons attending. The barman is making more money in one week than he did all last year. In walks the rabbit and says, “A pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie, please barman.”
The barman says, “I’m sorry rabbit, old mate, old mucker, but we are right out of them ham and cheese toasties.”
The rabbit looks aghast. The crowd has quietened to almost a whisper, when the barman clears his throat nervously and says, “We do have a very nice cheese and onion toastie.”
The rabbit looks him in the eye and says, “Are you sure I will like it?”
The crowd’s bated breath is ear shatteringly silent. The barman, with a roguish smile says, “Do you think that I would let down one of my best friends? I know you’ll love it.”
“Ok,” says the rabbit, “I’ll have a pint of beer and a cheese and onion toastie.” The pub erupts with glee as the rabbit quaffs the beer and guzzles the toastie. He then waves to the crowd and leaves…. NEVER TO RETURN!!!!!!
(Are you still with me? Hang in there, we’re close!)
One year later, in the now impoverished public house, the barman, (who has only served four drinks tonight, three of which were his), calls time. When he is cleaning down the now empty bar, he sees a small white form, floating above the bar. The barman says, “Who are you?”
To which he is answered, “I am the ghost of the rabbit that used to frequent your public house.”
The barman says, “I remember you. You made me famous. You would come in every night and have a pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie. Masses came to see you and this place was famous.”
The rabbit says, “Yes I know.”
The barman said, “I remember, on your last night we didn’t have any ham and cheese toasties. You had a cheese and onion one instead.”
The rabbit said, “Yes, you promised me that I would love it.”
The barman said, ‘You never came back, what happened?’
“I DIED”, said the rabbit.
‘NO!’ said the barman. “What from?”
After a short pause, the rabbit said, “Mixin-me-toasties.”
(Sorry, but it was worth it, wasn’t it??)
[If you’ve got a better joke, (and doesn’t everyone??) send it to admin@dncentre.org.au and we’ll publish it. (Remember, this is a family publication! 😊). We’ll even include your name if you wish – or you can protect your anonymity!]
