Community Bank Opening

 I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Daylesford Community Bank branch for the Bendigo Bank this week. The branch is owned and run by the community with the banking infrastructure supplied by the Bendigo Bank with a 50/50 profit share arrangement. Profits are then channeled back into the community through grants decided by the local owners or board to football clubs or other community enterprises. I was inspired by the huge community support and the stories told at the opening of how the town has struggled to get adequate banking services. Many years of hard work by dedicated locals has resulted in a bank that is owned by them and is one of almost 300 Bendigo community bank branches. It was inspiring for me as I work for this organisation.

 iPhone 4

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iPhone 4

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iPhone 4

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iPhone 4

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Family, Chocolate, Yabbies and Pizza

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm Macro f2.8 @ ISO 1600, 105mm f5.6, 1/40 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 280, 35mm f2.8, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 1600, 35mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 1600, 35mm f8, 1/15 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 18-200 f3.5-5.6  @ ISO 800, 62mm f4.8, 1/60 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200  2.8 @ ISO 200, 102mm f2.8, 1/100 sec

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Easter 2012

King River Valley

The King River in Victoria is a tributary of the Ovens River and ultimately flows into the Murray River. The King Valley is a beautiful picturesque high country spot and is a cool climate wine grape growing area. I was surprised at how many extensive vineyards are located here. The King River and Lake William Hovell (one of the prettiest lakes in Victoria) are crystal clear waters that offer excellent trout fishing (I'm told) . The lake has day visiting facilities, fishing from small boats and from the bank is allowed. Camping is not. With a four wheel drive  you can explore the upper King River past Lake William Hovell or tackle The Buckland Spur track. Next time I plan to tackle the Upper King River track and catch some wild trout. I settled for a camp near Cheshunt right on the river, it was a great spot hidden away and not well sign posted. See it here - Cheshunt King River Camp

 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 200, 11mm f16, 1/125 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 200, 11mm f2.8, 1/2500 sec

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Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 1600, 16mm f22, 2 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 720, 11mm f8, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 1600, 16mm f22, 1 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 450, 11mm f16, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 200, 11mm f16, 1/160 sec

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Mulwala State Forest NSW

Mulwala State Forest on the NSW side of the Murray River was a nice change from the barren and almost camp site free desert of Lake Hume. Here at Hinces Beach was great camping place despite it having been flooded recently. There were tens of Murray Cod heads pinned to a tree at the rivers edge (more than half must have been under the legal size) but I did not get more than a nibble.

 Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200  2.8 @ ISO 640, 70mm f8, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200  2.8 @ ISO 800, 200mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 560, 35mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 640, 35mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 1600, 35mm f8, 1/40 sec

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Lake Hume, Dam or Reservoir

Lake Hume is formed by the Hume Weir on the Murray River just downstream of its junction with the Mitta River. The towns of Tallangatta, Bonegilla and Bellbridge are located on the shores of Lake Hume. It is often referred to as the Hume Weir and Lake Hume by the locals but is actually a dam. The upper reaches of the Murray to the town of Jingellic. The dam is currently about 85% full and filling with the swollen Mitta Mitta and Murray rivers pouring into it at present. The strange thing about this dam is its almost entirely surrounded by private land and camping is not permitted anywhere around it where there is public access. The day visiting areas are also as  rare as the trees around its edge. Traveling the 70 or so Km upstream along the Murray to Jingellic there is a boat ramp and camping area here, which I found almost every square centimetre taken. Not surprising given the lack of accessible areas along this part of the Murray and around the Hume Weir. Beautiful place if you can find somewhere to stop and enjoy it.

  Nikon D300, Nikkor 18-200 f3.5-5.6  @ ISO 200, 18mm f22, 1/200 sec

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  Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 200, 11mm f22, 1/100 sec

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  Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 220, 11mm f22, 1/80 sec

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  Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 250, 11mm f22, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 560, 11mm f22, 1/80 sec

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