In fact, even one week after a stock truck crashed through the Antiques and Cottage Garden Nursery on the main road, there was little trace of the potentially fatal crash.
For antique shop owner John and Faye Hungerford, that can be put down solely to the generosity of Newlyn’s residents.
Local CFA members and even those keen to just lend a hand spent hour after hour banding together to help the Hungerford’s get back on their feet.
The truck had destroyed a shed, destroyed about $30,000 in antiques and came to a halt just metres from the bedroom where the couple were sleeping. “It’s a lovely, tolerant, understanding town is Newlyn,” said Mr Hungerford, a resident of 17 years. “Everybody is so generous not only with their time, but their friendship as well.” Mr Hungerford said unlike a few surrounding towns, Newlyn was continuing to grow. He said there was the perfect mix of old timers and those who had recently moved to the area. “It’s a country hamlet in a phase of transition,” said Mr Hungerford.
The basics:
Municipality: Hepburn Shire Population: 318
First settled: 1853
Main industries: Agriculture, grazing
Claim to fame: AFL star Brad Sewell played junior football with Newlyn in the Central Highlands Football League. The Hawthorn premiership player comes from a strong football family, with younger brother Myles a a triple premiership player with North Ballarat roosters in the VFL and Adam the coach of the Newlyn Cats.
Five fast facts:
1. Newlyn was named after the fishing village of Newlyn in Cornwall, England.
2. The town was put on the map in November last year when a semi-trailer truck crash through the historic antique shop, missing the adjoining house my metres.
3. The Newlyn Football Club has not won a senior premiership for 10 years. Only three different clubs have won it since the Cats last reigned supreme in 2003.
4. The original Newlyn Reservoir was completed in 1871. Enlargement of the storage to its current capacity of 3125 megalitres was completed in 1961.
5. The Restorers Shed and the Hall were established in 1886 and form the current Antiques and Cottage Garden Nursery.
Five things to do:
1. There are a number of hidden watering holes around Newlyn in which to cast a line, not to mention the expansive Newlyn Reservoir. Why not dust off the fishing rod, find yourself some bait and cast away.
2. Looking to get lost? Well the Tangled Maze is the perfect place. Located between Newlyn and Creswick, the Tangled Maze is a full-living shrub maze set among a tranquil nursery. In addition to the maze, there is also mini golf to keep the kids entertained.
3. If you are looking to get your share of culture and art then the Divayevo Arts Heritage Heritage Centre is the perfect place. Located in Barkstead, less than 15 kilometres from Newlyn, it is great spot to indulge the senses
4. One can't mention things to do in Newlyn without naming the Antiques and Cottage Garden Nursery. Run by husband and wife John and Fay Hungerford for the last 17 years, it has an extensive list of wares dating back to the 1700s.
5. A bit of exercise never goes astray. Why not head down to the local recreation reserve, the home of both Newlyn's football and cricket teams. If team sport isn't your thing, running a few laps of the oval would never hurt.