Judy Turner has been honoured at Government House, among a group of older volunteers who are making a difference in their communities. Judy is pictured, centre, with Council on the Ageing Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria CEO Ben Rogers, left, and Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner, right.
Image: Contributed
The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a former director.
Want to support local, quality journalism? Donate by scanning the QR code.
The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local Publishing Group's editorial guidelines and complaints-handling process can be found at www.tlnews.com.au We welcome all feedback.
CEO reappointed
Bradley Thomas has been reappointed for a further four-year term as Hepburn Shire Council CEO, following a decision by councillors at October's meeting.
Mr Thomas has led the organisation since May 2021.
After questions from The Local, a council spokesperson said the position had not been advertised "which is fully compliant with legislation".
"Six months prior to the expiration of the CEO contract, councillors have the right to either reappoint the current CEO or readvertise the position. In this instance, councillors chose to reappoint."
Asked if a four-year term was standard, the spokesperson said terms of a CEO appointment could be anything up to a maximum of five years. "The term is negotiated between councillors and the CEO."
The Local also asked if the Community Satisfaction Survey ratings had been taken into account - after dropping consistently over the past four years.
"Results have not consistently dropped over the four years, however a whole range of factors were taken into consideration by councillors in the reappointment of the CEO," the spokesperson, who would not comment on whether the vote for Mr Thomas was unamimous, said.
Mr Thomas said it was a privilege to continue leading the organisation and serving the Hepburn Shire community. “I’m pleased by the council’s confidence in the leadership of the organisation and excited about what we can achieve together in the next four years. While we are a small council, we do great things.”
Under 2025/2026 final budget documents on the council website, a male employed under executive services will see his wage rise from $305,000 in 25/26 to $316,000 in 26/27 to $327,000 in 27/28 and then $339,000 in 28/29.
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The next edition is out on Monday, November 17, 2025 or online on Sunday, November 16 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, November 12
Copy deadline: Thursday, November 13
Editorial deadline: Thursday, November 13
General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au
Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or news@tlnews.com.au
Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat
Writers:
Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes, Natalie Poole & Donna Kelly
Photographers: Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly
Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness
Contributors:
Darren Lowe (music), Sarah Lang (recipes), Jeff Glorfeld (US life), Bill Wootton (poetry), Dr Marita McGuirk (wildlife) & John Beetham (gardens)
Accounts: Julie Hanson | Delivery: Tony Sawrey
Springs bulk bills
Springs Medical Centre's campuses in Daylesford, Trentham and Kyneton are now all fully bulk-billed services.
The move comes after an $8.5 billion nationwide investment by the federal government.
Springs Medical GP and co-owner Dr Brad Wyer, above left, said the investment was "a real boost for regional general practice".
"We haven't seen this kind of investment in primary care in a really long time."
Springs Medical GP and co-owner Dr Holly Lewis said the centre was often the only clinic in town.
"We don't want our patients punished for living in the country. Bulk-billing is the right thing to do for our community. It means that our patients will get the exceptional care they need and won't put off seeing their doctor."
Ballarat MP Catherine King, above right, said it was fantastic to see another local clinic supporting their patients with a transition to bulk billing.
"They’re taking this step because they know a healthy community is essential, and free GP visits are a huge part of making that a reality," she said.
"People should need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to access high quality healthcare in Australia."
Words: Donna Kelly
Judy honoured for making a difference
Creswick identity and CresFest founder Judy Turner has been honoured at Government House, among a group of older volunteers who are making a difference in their communities.
Judy, 72, says she has been a musician, music educator and community activist all her adult life, and was delighted that at these awards music was recognised for its importance in community wellbeing.
"It was fabulous to be among such a dedicated bunch of older Victorians and to learn about the fantastic projects they are all implementing with the support of many thousands more volunteers," Judy said.
"It was all the more rewarding to know that music was a crucial part of two out of 10 of this year’s awards, acknowledging its importance in bringing communities together and promoting positive ageing for all."
CresFest started when Judy and a group of musical friends found time hanging heavily on their hands during Covid, and decided to try and start something lively and joyful to involve the people and the businesses of Creswick and the district.
"When a bunch of retirees get together around a table with a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits, magic can happen," she said.
Paying tribute to the hundreds of people who volunteer each year at the festival, not just across the weekend but right throughout the year, Judy said that giving people the chance to do what they are best at is what she loves most.
"We have vollies building our website, managing our database, organising volunteering, creating online marketing campaigns, writing grant applications and much more besides. Team CresFest is a thriving group and it’s been a pleasure to lead them for the first five years of the festival."
Council on the Ageing Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria CEO Ben Rogers said it was incredible to see these seniors uplifting their communities, inspiring those within them, and bettering their surrounds.
"We know that social connection is crucial to mental and physical health outcomes, and each of today’s 10 recipients work tirelessly within their own communities to accomplish demonstrable results, draw people together, and help them to thrive."
Judy said work was well underway with CresFest 2026.
She said festival goers should be on the lookout for the New Orleans Second Line Parade on Saturday afternoon.
"It's going to be really fun. Each year we have what we call an extravaganza, which is when we get people dancing in the streets. And each year it's been a differently themed one. The first year it was Brass and Bollywood and we had Bollywood dancers up from Melbourne and they worked with the Creswick Brass Band.
"There's just this fabulous mashup. Last year it was African drumming and dancing. We're also bringing back the parade which we had for the first two years.
"It'll be our fifth year and after four years we know much better how to do things and everything will be a bit more streamlined, a bit more audience focused. More things for kids to do and a whole lot of free activities in the street as always."
Judy said she fell in love with music as a child.
"I was lucky. My mum was a good piano player and she encouraged all of us. We used to sing a lot around the piano. She was a school music teacher for a while and she used to run school musicals and there were always things for us to do. And then she got lessons for all of us in whatever we wanted to play.
"I got lessons on the recorder first and then I played with a lot of kids' bands. Canberra, where I grew up, was a great place for kids' music. My high school had a fantastic music program and you could get whatever instrument of the orchestra you wanted, for free. "
Judy said while she could not choose a favourite instrument, she loved playing both the viola in classical music and the fiddle in folk music.
"I love playing the viola in classical music because you get to sit in the middle of the orchestra which is in the middle of the sound. You're completely surrounded and you get to really understand what the composer was trying to achieve.
"Playing the fiddle in folk music is wonderful because, well a bit like in an orchestra, you get that massed fiddle sound which I really love. It's horses for courses, you know. They both feed me in a way that I never would want to be without."
Judy said the difference between attending a live festival and listening to a digital platform like Spotify was huge. "At a festival you see the people doing it in real time. There's no digital interference whatsoever. If you come to a festival like ours and you get to see the real music up close and personal. The musicians are playing everywhere so you get to see them and hear them in their true acoustic setting. You see the energy and the skill, it is really inspiring."
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
"It was all the more rewarding to know that music was a crucial part of two out of 10 of this year’s awards, acknowledging its importance in bringing communities together and promoting positive ageing for all."
- Judy Turner
The Victorian Government is delivering real help, right now with over 90 different savings benefits. Like free public transport for everyone under 18 with a Youth myki from January, with savings of up to $755 per child.
Find out what you’re eligible for on the Service Victoria Savings Finder today.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
Kingston's Algerian Oak 2025 Tree of the Year
The Algerian oak (quercus canariensis) in Kingston has been named the 2025 Victorian Tree of the Year, securing more than 40 per cent of the vote.
Estimated to be over 130 years old, this remarkable tree stands 16 metres tall with a canopy spanning 31 metres, and occupies the only piece of public land in Kingston.
Currently under threat of removal to make way for transmission lines, the tree, already on the Significant Trees Register, has become the focus of strong communityled efforts to secure its retention for future generations.
The removal of the oak would not only destroy the tree itself, but also threaten the surrounding ecosystem - including native vegetation and species such as platypus, frogs, and other wildlife that inhabit the nearby Birchs Creek Nature Reserve.
While winning the title of Victorian Tree of the Year does not confer any legal protection, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) says the competition highlights the vulnerabilities faced by significant trees across the state - many of which lack consistent protection under current planning laws.
“Our planning system does not adequately protect trees, even when their significance is well-documented,” said Justin Buckley, executive manager of Gardens and Landscapes at the National Trust.
“While we welcome the state government’s recent planning amendment on canopy trees, many significant trees still face the risk of removal. At a time when our communities need more trees, canopy cover and green space, we must strengthen protections rather than allow further loss.”
Although heritage-listed buildings are protected by law, trees - even those recognised on public registers, remain exposed to removal and development pressures.
Words: Donna Kelly Images: Contributed
While an independent environmental assessment is underway, the National Trust hopes that public recognition through this award will influence decision-makers and help secure the tree’s future.
Kingston resident and nominator of the tree, Jeremy Harper, inset, said winning the title of National Trust Tree of the Year was a great honour.
“It recognises both this magnificent old tree and our community’s commitment to protecting it. Kingston already has one of Victoria’s finest Avenues of Honour, and now we can proudly say we also have Victoria’s finest tree of 2025.”
Jeremy said to receive 40.5 per cent of the vote was fantastic. "We had a pretty good feeling because it's a magnificent tree and we were the only one of the nine that was under threat. On the other hand, we're a small town," he said.
Jeremy said while winning did not give the tree legal protection "you'd think that would have some impact".
"I suppose they (AusNet) might have thought there won't be any objections over public land because it's not a private landowner. But there are community objections because the whole community owns the land."
Jeremy said he was supportive of bringing renewable energy to Melbourne.
“I wonder now if they will consider a completely different route (such as) the south side of the Western Highway on existing easements, or going underground.
"We just don't know. In the meantime, we're just rapt that we've won Tree of the Year and we think that will be a significant factor in preserving it.
"I mean, who wouldn't want to save a beautiful tree? It wasn't as though we were backing some controversial thing. It's just a beautiful tree."
Billy Timber Technology
BLOCK Watch
While The Block was a fun ride for Daylesford and the region, the auction on Saturday, October 25 was pretty cringeworthy to watch.
With high reserves, contestants and real estate agents alike were left reeling.
But there is always a winner and West Australian cops Britt and Taz, pictured above with host Scott Cam, took the top prize, leaving $520,000 richer.
Britt and Taz’s home sold to an unknown buyer through an advocate for $3.41million.
Controversial buyer Danny Wallis, who likes his auction bid to end in wacky cent figures, go figure, bought Robby and Mat’s house for $3,099,999 leaving the pair to split the profit of $109,999.
Sonny and Alicia’s place sold for $3.06million, giving them a $120,000 profit on top of the car they won.
Emma and Ben, and Han and Can, both had their properties passed in after vendor bids. House 1 and House 2 have returned to the market and will be sold via a private sale campaign.
Speaking to The Local before the auction, executive producer Julian Cress said all of the houses looked absolutely amazing at the end of the show.
"It was a mad, mad dash to the finish as always, but all of the contestants did an incredible job and they looked great.
"I think the contestants have done such a fantastic job. The homes are amazing, they're as good as anything I think that's ever been on offer in Daylesford.
"The challenge, of course, for us is trying to sell five of them in one day at auction. I'd have to think that while you could do that in Brighton because there are so many more properties for sale, but when have five houses ever sold in one day in Daylesford? Never. I guess that's the question.
"We set ourselves a very hard target and I think that's where all of our nervousness will come in. It's got nothing to do with the quality of what we're offering to the market.
"It's just the fact that at any given time, there are only so many buyers for houses in Daylesford. But if a team does not sell on the day they can still make a profit and sell the house subsequently on the market, which is something that happens in real estate quite often as well.
"We're not kidding ourselves and just assuming that they're all going to sell on the day. But you hope for the best."
Julian said there had been a 100 per cent clearance rate on auction day plenty of times. "Obviously, that's what we'll be hoping for everyone and that they all do really well. But I don't think it would reflect badly on anybody if we didn't get 100 per cent on the day. It's a big ask."
Julian said everyone had loved being in Daylesford for the show.
"Not just the contestants, but all of us, the whole crew, all the producers, camera and sound guys. All of us moved there for three and a half months. And everyone had an absolute blast living in and among that wonderful community.
"The welcome that we got from the people of Daylesford was extraordinary. And I'd like to think that we returned the favour. I've certainly had lots of local business people tell me that they've seen a lot of traffic coming to town, tourists who are visiting Daylesford because they've enjoyed watching The Block this year.
"Daylesford certainly has captured the hearts and minds of our audience. They've loved the show. It's rated very strongly. And I think the fans of The Block have really enjoyed watching the show set there. And equally, I think they'll enjoy Mt Eliza as well."
Julian said the program had just celebrated its 1000th show.
"Honestly, we never expected to get to 50 shows, let alone 500 or 1000 episodes where we are now. We're grateful for every time we get renewed for another series. We're all very grateful for the opportunity."
Living away from family and friends was always challenging, Julian said.
"Certainly, it's a big sacrifice. For the contestants and for our crew too. But on the flip side, everybody also just enjoys the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new community. And it has its real positives as well."
And did they ever work out the Daylesford vibe?
"If they sell to a local, then you've got to presume that they got Daylesford exactly right. I think all of the houses have different appeal in different ways. And to give you an idea, we had about 650 local people come through a couple of weeks ago as a thank-you to the local businesses and families and people that supported us throughout the program.
"And I'd say about 80 per cent of them told us that they really liked house number two, which was Han and Can's house."
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: File
Christmas is coming...
And yes, agreed, it's too early to talk about Christmas.
But, you know it is going to sneak up on you.
So why not get in early and book a Christmas greeting for your customers?
Just a nice and breezy 'thanks for your support'.
At the same time, for no extra dosh, you can support your local paper and independent journalism. Just sayin'...
If you are keen, get in touch with Kyle or Donna. Super affordable prices.
Kyle on 0416 104 283 or Donna on 0418 576 513.
And yes, this is a commercial plug, but if Christmas is not commercial, then what is it about? Jokes, sort of.
Fa, la, la, la, laaaaa.
Hepburn Wildlife News
In the present day, it may be hard to imagine what our landscape was like before white people came to Australia.
But one thing is for sure, there would have been many more trees, particularly huge old ones, the likes of which most people have never seen. These trees would have been home to innumerable species of animals from insects to bats, gliders, possums, birds and even koalas.
The removal of vast numbers of trees from the landscape has had many effects on the wildlife that would use them for their homes. One effect that impacts nesting birds is the influence of the wind.
When trees were sheltered by other trees the impact of the wind was reduced. But these days when we have strong winds like the ones we have experienced recently, nests can be dislodged and blown to the ground. This may be how a baby tawny frogmouth ended up on the ground, where it was discovered by a local.
Jon Rowdon from the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter says the tawny frogmouth builds nests in the forks of trees. Unlike the well-constructed nests of other birds, which can be connected to tree branches with mud or moss or even cobwebs, the tawnies' nests appear to be just bunches of twigs, with leaves in the middle. These twigs are held in place by the tree forks. So it is not such a surprise that a nest in an unsheltered tree could be blown to the ground in strong winds.
Since the baby bird has been at the shelter it has been fed every three hours, even throughout the night. The diet consists of moths, cockroaches, crickets and other invertebrates. As the bird gets older it will be taught to hunt.
Jon says that they do this by using long tweezers to drag dead insects along a branch to mimic something living. This will teach the bird to link movement to food. Jon stresses how important it is that people do not try and raise baby birds themselves as they will not learn the hunting skills that they need for survival.
The baby tawny frogmouth has been at the shelter for a few weeks now and it will soon be a fledgling. At this stage it will be moved to an aviary where it can practise learning to fly in a safe environment.
It will be a resident at the shelter for quite some time until it has fully grown and is able to look after itself in the wild.
Inspectio Building Surveying Pty Ltd
ABN: 60690459959
by Marita McGuirk
Dr Marita McGuirk is a field ecologist and environmental scientist, and a volunteer at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Marita writes monthly columns about the shelter and the animals it cares for. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just to find out more information, head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org
Inspectio Building Surveying Pty Ltd
Inspectio Building Surveying Pty Ltd
ABN: 60690459959
P: +61 404 460 527
ABN: 60690459959
E: admin@inspectio.com.au
P: +61 404 460 527
A: 28 Fraser Street, Clunes 3370.
E: admin@inspectio.com.au
P: +61 404 460 527
P: PO Box 6, Clunes 3370, AUSTRALIA
W: inspectio.com.au
A: 28 Fraser Street, Clunes 3370.
E: admin@inspectio.com.au
P: PO Box 6, Clunes 3370, AUSTRALIA
W: inspectio.com.au
A: 28 Fraser Street, Clunes, 3370
P: PO Box 6, Clunes, 3370 AUSTRALIA
We Issue Building Permits, that’s what we do.
W: www.inspectio.com.au
We Issue Building Permits, that’s what we do.
Servicing Victoria’s Midlands.
Servicing Victoria’s Midlands.
Feel Free to get in touch.
We Issue Building Permits, that's what we do.
Feel Free to get in touch.
Servicing Victoria's Midlands.
Feel free to get in touch.
If you find wildlife that needs help please contact the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter on 0409 380 327 and the Wildlife Emergency Helpline: is 8400 7300. Pop them in your phone.
Article proudly sponsored by
Just briefly...
A working bee will be held at the Tylden Cemetery on Sunday, November 30 from 9am to 12 noon.
Bring rakes, whipper snippers and other tools. Any questions contact Kath on 5424 1583.
With remand rates for young people increasing by 46 per cent year on year, 30 beds will be opened as part of a new model at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.
These beds will be for a lower-risk cohort aged 17 years and over. The new model will deliver a more intensive program of education, vocational training and job opportunities for this cohort. To support the new beds at Malmsbury, 114 staff members will be recruited to work at the centre.
The annual Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants have gone to five recipients in the Macedon electorate.
Recipients in Macedon are: Serenity in Drummond; Lyndarth Wildlife Shelter in Gisborne; Gwandalan in Darraweit Guim; The Wildlings Woodend Wildlife Shelter; and Red Box Wildlife Shelter in Elphinstone. Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said Victoria’s wildlife shelters and foster carers do incredible work to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned native animals so that they can be released back into the wild.
Nexus Primary Health (Nexus) and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) will next year become the merged organisation Omnia Community Health.
SCCH CEO David Wild said the new brand represents a shared vision to be the trusted local health partner for communities and one that empowers people to live well through care that’s inclusive, connected and grounded in local relationships. Omnia is derived from the Latin word for 'all' or 'everything'.
An application to develop a childcare centre at 23 Buckland Street, Woodend, has progressed to VCAT with six objections.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council will take part in VCAT proceedings and support the granting of a planning permit. The council’s support for the proposal requires additional acoustic treatment and detailed landscaping plans.
Gym equipment is being installed at Trentham Sportsground, to be completed by mid-November.
Installation will include a pod set up with a combination of static and dynamic equipment including: aerobic walker (cardio); back extension (back strength); tai chi wheels (mobility); bench press (chest strength); and stretch station (full body strength and cardio). Each piece of equipment will have a QR code that links to an online demonstration of use.
November is free green waste month at Hepburn Shire Council's transfer stations.
Residents using the free green waste service need to bring proof of address –licence or rates notice. If the resident wants a contractor to bring the green waste in on their behalf, they will need a letter from the resident with their name, home address and who it is bringing it in - contractor's name. Residents cannot bring in over 2m3.
The Mount Players is presenting its final performance for the year.
Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, is a fast-paced, heartwarming play that re-imagines the story of a famous boy wizard - from the perspective of the overlooked and underdog students in the Puffs house. The season runs from November 7 to 23. Link: www.themountplayers.com
Remembrance Day services will be held on Tuesday, November 11 around Hepburn and Macedon Ranges shires.
At Creswick, a remembrance service and wreath laying will be held at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial, Creswick Cenotaph, corner Raglan and Albert streets at 10.40am. Details: 0490 374 006. At Kingston, a remembrance service and wreath laying will be held at the Kingston Cenotaph at 10.45am - Kingston Cenotaph. Details: Julie on 0448 071 583.
Our history...
In the last edition of The Local, historian Natalie Poole wrote about the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Trentham Primary School.
Student Jack Watson Sleeman, 10, wrote his own history of the region, edited here for space, which appeared in the Kyneton Guardian on May 14, 1918.
"In 1856 wood splitters and pit sawyers, who were the first settlers in the Trentham district, commenced their work among the timber in the ranges, where they lived in huts. These men cut the timber (and) sent it to Kyneton to be sold.
The forest known as 'Clowes' Forest' proved to have immense quantities of valuable timber in it. This forest kept many sawmills working continuously for over 40 years. The timber was very useful for building houses and bridges, making fences, and was also good fuel.
The first steam sawmill in the district was erected by Mr. J. B. Enders in 1857. Subsequently followed by sawmills erected by Messrs. McPherson Bros., Mr Lyons, Laver Bros., Christian Bros. and others.
Gold was first discovered in March 1859, at the site of the Trentham township, and although considerable quantities have been obtained over several miles of country no rich finds have been discovered. Newbury, Garlick's Lead, Barry's Reef, and Blackwood are mining districts adjoining Trentham.
The township is situated on the River Trent, a tributary of the Coliban, on which are the Trentham Falls. The water going over the falls has a descent of 100 feet. The scenery at the Falls is very fine, it being a place of much natural beauty.
The district contains a considerable quantity of rich volcanic soil suitable for agricultural purposes, which has been the chief industry since 1860; the principal crops being potatoes, wheat, oats, rye, maize, and hay. The first farmers to come to Trentham were Messrs. Ogden, Bickley, Middlemiss, Glenn, Pearson and Watson. Sheep raising and dairying are also carried on.
The Carlsruhe to Daylesford railway, which goes through Trentham, was completed in 1880 and the first passenger train passed through Trentham on the 17th of March 1880."
Jack was awarded a scholarship at a district high school in early 1919. He went into banking after he left school and eventually returned to Trentham in his later life.
Ready for summer heat, water restrictions
Organisations are already putting out their summer warnings, although with recent rains and the dropping of water restrictions for some regions, it can be hard to keep up. The Local will keep readers updated over the summer period - we continue to print and upload over Christmas and the New Year.
Hepburn Shire Council
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Don Henderson said that heat doesn’t always feel like an emergency, but it should be treated as one.
“Heat can affect anyone, but the elderly, young children, people with pre-existing health conditions, and those living alone are especially vulnerable. For that reason, it is important to know the risks, signs of heat illness and what to do.
“To help people stay safe during extreme heat, the council has partnered with the Grampians Public Health Unit, Central Highlands Rural Health and 14 other agencies to pilot the Heatwave H.E.L.P. project in our region.
“This project focuses on bringing communities together so that they can help support each other during extreme heat, particularly heatwaves. It also serves as a timely reminder about the risk of leaving children and pets in hot cars.”
H = home and environment. You might need to make changes during extreme heat to stay cool, and if you can’t make changes, your vulnerability to heat is increased.
E = environment, including people living alone, working outdoors, or where people are isolated because they don’t have access to internet and alerts.
A = age and underlying conditions. If your body must work a little harder to function, then during extreme heat, your body will have to work harder again.
T = taking certain medications. We know that many common medications can prevent your body from cooling down naturally, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if that applies to you.
There are ways to stay safe during heatwaves: stay hydrated and keep cool; avoid the heat by staying indoors; keep in touch with others, especially older family members, neighbours, or anyone who may be isolated; and emergency apps which can often predict heat in advance so you can make preparations, and often means other risks, like fire, are more likely.
Link: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Central Highlands Water
CHW will introduce Stage 1 water restrictions from Wednesday, November 5 across the Forest Hill region including the townships of Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Newlyn North, Smeaton, and Springmount.
Continued dry conditions in the Forest Hill region have resulted in persistently low soil moisture levels and reduced natural groundwater recharge, placing additional pressure on local water resources.
The Forest Hill system is currently operating under an initial 50 per cent groundwater allocation announced in September for the 2025-26 season. These groundwater allocations are set and regulated by Goulburn-Murray Water in accordance with their Regional Groundwater Management Plan.
CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said the initial restrictions were being introduced at this time of year to help raise awareness and encourage the community to stay focused on using water efficiently during one of the driest periods on record.
“We’re closely monitoring our water supplies and how the community is using water. Our aim is to ease restrictions if the conditions improve, however, if the dry weather and soil moisture levels continue, we may need to consider higher levels of restrictions,” Mr Haydon said.
Unlike surface water storages, groundwater aquifers respond slowly to rainfall, making recovery from extended dry periods gradual. As such, ongoing community support and water-wise behaviours remain essential.
“The extended dry conditions have placed real pressure on our groundwater storages and aquifers. We thank residents, visitors and the community for their ongoing efforts in limiting their water use,” Mr Haydon said.
"Reducing household water use can make a meaningful difference. By making simple changes inside and outside the home, like taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, washing with full loads, and not watering gardens in the heat of the day, customers can lower water and energy bills, and help the environment – every drop counts," he said.
CHW: Water saving efforts and community support
Community members are encouraged to download and use the Snap Send Solve app to quickly and easily report water leaks within the community.
The app allows residents to take a photo, add a brief description, and pinpoint the location of the leak, usually in less than a minute.
CHW says it understands that many in the community may be facing costof-living pressures. Support for vulnerable customers is available through targeted plumbing assistance programs, which help improve water efficiency and reduce household costs.
There is also a customer support program for anyone experiencing difficulty paying their bill.
Agriculture Victoria
Agriculture Victoria's Rachael Campbell said with the long dry period, many farm dams were yet to fill. Support is available to assist with stock water planning and other farm management decisions.
All farmers in Victoria can register for a free one-to-one consultation with a farm management specialist. This advisory service offers a session of up to three hours (face-to-face or online) and a follow-up call, to talk through and help develop a plan for managing drought conditions. Advice can include stock feed planning, water planning and a range of other on-farm decisions.
There are also online tools to assist in farm water management. Knowing your farm water requirements allows you to plan and make informed changes as required.
Agriculture Victoria has information and tools available to help assess stock water supply and calculate how long water will last.
Reducing water losses across the farm can achieve significant water savings. For example, in the short term, repair any reticulation leaks and in the longer term, reduce evaporation from farm dams by planting windbreaks and minimising seepage.
Dairy farmers can also explore how to reduce water use in the dairy whilst maintaining milk quality by measuring water use in everyday activities such as vat and machine washing, pit activities and yard cleaning.
Improvements can then be identified that could achieve significant water savings by adopting different technologies or work practices.
Link: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Next edition: Summer outlook from the CFA.
Words: Donna Kelly
AI thinks it’s above the law
Country Press Australia is calling for urgent action to stop illegal scraping of local news.
The CPA has welcomed the federal government’s decision to rule out a copyright exemption for AI companies, but says urgent action is now required to enforce copyright laws and stop AI platforms from stealing regional journalism.
CPA president Damian Morgan, pictured, said the damage to regional journalism was no longer hypothetical or distant, it was already occurring.
“AI companies think they are above the law. They are harvesting local news stories, paraphrasing them, and delivering them back to users as answers rather than links.
“The public still consumes the journalism, but they never reach the publisher, never subscribe, and never see a local advertiser. The reporting is ours, but the commercial benefit is captured by offshore technology companies.”
Mr Morgan added that some regional publishers now operated metered or hybrid paywalls to fund journalism, but AI scraping routinely bypassed those protections, further threatening the economic base needed to keep local journalists employed.
“The problem is not only training data. These platforms are now replacing the publisher in real time. They extract our reporting, convert it into their own output, and keep the audience. That removes the economic base needed to keep journalists employed in regional Australia,” he said.
Mr Morgan said the policy failure that occurred when Meta walked away from funding news must not be allowed to repeat itself in the AI era.
“Google has remained engaged with the industry, but Meta walked away while still benefiting from Australian journalism.
“We cannot go through a second cycle where big tech uses regional reporting to drive engagement but refuses to fund the journalism that makes it possible. If AI companies want to use Australian news, they must license it and pay for it,” he said.
The CPA is calling for a national framework that ensures licensing covers both training and output; that regional publishers are explicitly included alongside larger media companies; and that there is a low-cost, fast enforcement pathway for small publishers who cannot afford lengthy litigation.
The Local editor Donna Kelly said small, independent publishers just wanted what was rightly theirs. "We love journalism but we should be paid for it."
Public Notice
LINGBOGOL CAMP AREA - CRESWICK
Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at Lingbogol Camp Area, 16 Geddes Road North Creswick on 24 November 2025 commencing at 6.30 pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Lingbogol Camp Area for a term of three years.
The current committee’s term will expire on 5 January 2026 and all positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting.
For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Louisa Watts, on 0409707372.
Council News
Council
Free green waste drop-off in November
With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to clean up your property in preparation for the upcoming fire season. Things to remember:
• Bring along proof of residency
• Separate your load - green waste should be separate from other items
• Noxious weeds should not be transported or brought to transfer stations
• Excludes commercial quantities of waste
The collected green waste is turned into mulch and is available for selfloading for free, or $12 per m3 if you need an attendant to load it for you. Learn more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/transfer-stations
The First 72 Hours Workshop
What will you do if you have no access to power, water or food? Emergencies can be hard to predict, and emergency services may be unable to reach you in a disaster.
We are hosting three events to help you prepare for emergency events.
• Saturday 22 November, 10 am – 12:30 pm, 24 Vincent Street, Daylesford
• Saturday 22 November, 2:30–5 pm, The Mechanics Trentham Book now at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/em-events
Daylesford Transfer Station works
The Daylesford Transfer Station is receiving some much-needed road repairs to improve safety for residents and staff over the next week. The works are expected to take around two weeks to complete and will include repairing both the entry and exit to the transfer station.
There will be additional traffic management measures in place during this time to move vehicles through the site safely. We ask that you:
• Follow any directions given by attendants
• Follow all traffic management directions
• Plan ahead for delays. Movement around the site may take a little longer than usual
• Be respectful to staff and other patrons
Road management plan adopted
On Tuesday 28 October, Council adopted its Road Management Plan 2025–2029 which defines Council’s role in maintaining the Shire’s roads, footpaths, kerb and channel, drainage, bridges and major culverts. It is a document that clearly defines what assets Council is and is not responsible for so that the community is aware of what Council can deliver within its existing resources.
Council maintains a significant road and path network, including approx. 588 km of sealed roads, 566 km of unsealed roads, 73 km of paths, 95 km of kerb and channel, 52 km of drainage and 210 bridges and culverts. Read the media release at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/rmp
EAT | DRINK | ENJOY
Out & About in the Central Highlands
Italian food about simplicity & a little love
Daniela Palumbo, who runs publicity for the Clunes Farmers & Makers Market, also helps her mum Yolanda Palumbo in her Italian baking business, one of the stallholders at the market. Daniela said her mother was born in Italy and came to Australia when she was four. She was a hairdresser by trade but was always passionate about baking. Daniela was born in Australia and was a laboratory technician. She chatted with Donna Kelly about Yolanda's Homemade Cakes and Biscuits.
Donna: So, how did the baking business start?
Daniela: My mum has baked my entire life so when she retired, it was a way to keep her active; markets add a social aspect too. When it all got a little bigger than anticipated I jumped on board to lend a hand.
Donna: How long do you take to get ready for a market – must be a hard push?
Daniela: We take our time baking and bake the entire month. We want our products to be at their freshest when people buy them, so small batches and frequently. The week leading up can get chaotic, especially if we have a special order thrown into the mix.
Donna: Do you get a lot of Italian clients or is everyone keen?
Daniela: Our clientele is diverse, we have many who come because it reminds them of their childhood, many who have travelled to Italy and reminisce about their trip, many who just love Italian desserts and quite a few who have dietary intolerances and are happy to have found something they can indulge in that suits their requirements and is full of flavour.
Donna: What is yours and your mum’s favourite – if you have one?
Daniela: We still love the cannoli, light lemon and real chocolate-flavoured custard in a crispy shell. We fill them fresh at the market so the custard stays fresh and the shells stay crisp. We usually sell out of them at every market, so a big seller.
Donna: What is your best seller?
Daniela: In terms of biscuits, in the traditional range, crostoli. They're a sweet citrus pasta-type dough that is fried and sprinkled with sugar. In the gluten-free range; brutti ma buoni, a light, crispy, outer meringue and slightly chewy in the centre made with roasted almond pieces. In the vegan range, d'acero e mandorle, the texture of an Anzac biscuit but made with tiny roasted almond pieces, maple syrup and vanilla bean, no refined sugars so a good option for the health-conscious, and in the not-so-traditional Italian range, definitely the tessori. Think shortbread with crushed, freeze- dried strawberry, drizzled with vanilla icing - that is also vegan.
Donna: Do you sell anywhere else apart from Clunes?
Daniela: We attend the Talbot Farmers Market and The Clunes Greengrocer also stocks our product. We supply a few things to Cafe 52 in Clunes, The Salty Sparrow in Ballarat, and Just Planet Coffee Roastary in Sunbury and Collins Street, Melbourne. We also do the odd one-off festival or market.
Donna: Why did you get so involved with the Clunes Market?
Daniela: We live in Clunes and so it just made sense to support the local market, in turn the locals also support us.
Donna: What does Christmas look like for your family – must be some great food involved?
Daniela: When you think of an Italian family you think huge, but we're small. Christmas is a time for us to get together, catch up, unwind and relax. The food is amazing and there's always too much. When I was younger most of what we sell at the market was made for special occasions only, so you knew it was a time for celebration when the baking began. For this reason there are a few things we have kept from the market, just for ourselves and to keep celebrations special.
Donna: If people want to start trying to make some Italian dishes what should they start with – or just stick to buying from you?
Daniela: Italian food is about simplicity, don't overcomplicate it. A few quality ingredients and time. If you're keen to try something it really is just about the basics and as clichéd as it sounds, a little bit of love really does make a difference.
Donna: Finally, would you like to add anything else?
Daniela: See everyone at the Clunes Farmers & Makers Market on November 9.
Just can't wait to be on the road again with Kyle Barnes
I have found myself in Queensland a couple of times this past winter. Luxury boat reviews to do, and they won't do themselves. And of course, the editor, as much as she loves the Central Highlands in winter, had to come along for the ride. And the Tesla provides a great ride - despite its diminishing brand. A few memories here.
Crush was out of control
One of the diminishing perks of being a writer is that from time to time you get a junket offered up by a company that wants some exposure. Back in 2023 Donna and I accepted a quick trip to the Brisbane Riverfire event which turned into just short of a post-Covid nightmare. We stayed at the invitation of Oaks Aurora Suites, unfortunately the lifts weren’t all working in this 67-floor building.
And just before the fun kicked off in the river a surge of tenants, friends and guests which I reckon was about 400-strong were trying to get up into the lifts at the same time. The problem was that the lift wasn’t all stops, it would only take you to your allocated floor.
The crush was out of control, so I collected our guests and made a beeline to the basement and got up that way. It only took an hour from when I left the room to pick them up from the foyer. And the promised “river view” was a glimpse between two buildings with no view of the fireworks and you were lucky to spot the planes as they flew past.
Fast forward
After a few conversations with management, Donna secured a deal to have another look at Riverfire this year. We had left our Tesla up there, as a week prior I had been doing some writing for a boatbuilding company - so it was perfect to fly in and drive home.
The over the top three-bedroom apartment Donna secured at the Oaks had been offered to us at an extremely big discount with a cost of just $500 for the night. Still big coin for a couple of journalists, but it was three bedrooms, so we got a few buddies in on the deal and halved the cost. For reference, to book this 66-floor apartment with views from the Story Bridge to Southbank is usually $2000 for the night.
Poor old Dad
My dad had even made his way over from NZ for this auspicious night and as he entered the two-floor apartment, he wondered about the people’s view from the second floor? “No, it’s all ours tonight dad, you're allowed up there as well.”
One of the first planes to come over at eye level was the EA-18G Growler, with a window-rattling, discombobulating roar as it hit the afterburners and shot skyward only 100 metres away. Dad yelled out “I got the photo” and after closer examination it turns out he had dropped his phone in the sensory overload commotion and got a photo of his sock. If you scan the QR code about 2 minutes and 50 seconds in, you can see our building from the pilot's point of view.
Rolling into Coffs with no aircon
All was forgiven with Oaks Aurora as they had certainly bunged on a fabulous night which was punctuated with fireworks in stereo from the two barges directly below us – what a feast for the senses.
We all said our goodbyes, Donna and I finished our stay on the Gold Coast - where the beaches are still recovering from that cyclone - and started the road trip back to the Central Highlands via Yarrawonga with the first stop being Coffs Harbour.
A quick plug into the map in the Tesla reveals we would arrive with 17 per cent power left. But unfortunately the car fails to consider it was around 40 degrees outside, and my princess likes it to stay around 18 inside, putting a big deficit in the battery power. As we rolled into Coffs with the air conditioning off, windows open and four per cent left in the battery, I dropped Donna at our accommodation, she went straight to the bar - and I gingerly crept the extra three kilometres to the supercharger. Made it but talk about range anxiety.
Tumbi Umbi
The next day we cautiously headed for a little place just north of Sydney called Tumbi Umbi. Great name for a town. I made sure I topped up three times that day. We stayed at the Mingara Recreation Club, a fantastic stop with club facilities and a supercharger just up the road.
A fun fact – a 250kW supercharger will charge you from zero to 100 per cent in around half an hour depending on the volume of cars being topped up.
Self-driving
Although I haven’t got the latest full-driving mode and quite frankly refuse to get it, I still have the self-driving mode which I use very occasionally as I don’t trust it. But when it comes to trying to eat a large burger while driving it is pretty handy. You just set it, sit in behind a truck, and it takes care of the drive.
However, I don’t trust it, particularly when overtaking and around other traffic, as it has a mind of its own. You can find yourself dropping from 110 to 60kph in a heartbeat which is a worry when you have someone up your backside who has no idea what is about to take place.
This is so common there is even a name for it “phantom breaking” - so no thanks. I do however quite often use the adaptive cruise control. This simply gets set and should you come up behind another vehicle stops you ploughing into the back of it. But even the cruise control suffers with phantom breaking and picking up on old roadwork zones where they have forgotten to remove the speed limit from the maps.
The road to Gundagai
The next stop was Gundagai where a trip down to the RSL revealed the latest fashion in high-vis wear, and it looked as if gyms were a bit light on the ground. Not shaming anyone though. Best efforts and all that. But the beer was cold and the bed was comfortable. However I was left with a burning question as to why that digger was so desperate to get back to his dog on the tuckerbox.
Ripped off
The awards night at Yarrawonga was the final sleep before getting back to the Central Highlands and you can read all about that in my column about us being “ripped off”.
We stopped for a couple of top-ups including the Holbrook supercharger where Donna wanted to go into the church craft shop. I reminded her of how it would go, that there would be a couple of old ducks to welcome her in and she would be guilted into buying some old rough mis-fitting knitted scarf that would cost $50 and never see the light of day again. So that put the kibosh on that.
I stopped once more at the Albury Commercial Club for another quick charge before heading to Yarrawonga, a place completely devoid of superchargers. Wandering into a club with the tinkling excited sounds of the pokies was not as good as sitting in the carpark playing another game of solitaire while waiting to charge up. Still, you should move around.
So, I wandered around the club and reflected on a time when we were much younger and Donna and I had asked the guy at the front desk to summon a dear friend of ours, Michael Hunt. Commonly known as Mike. When Mike Hunt was called over the loudspeaker, applause and laughter rang out through the club. We wanted to claim credit but were too afraid so it was a quick exit stage left. And that was our 2025 spring road trip full of fun, adventure and a few pints along the way. Scan the QR Code to see Riverfire in full action
Music & Gigs with
South Australian folk-country outfit Tin Town - Courtney Robb and Snooks La Vie, below, are excited to release their highly anticipated debut album Down in the Dirt.
The 11-track collection is stripped back, honest and warm, a reflection on family, ageing, memory and connection.
For lovers of Kasey Chambers, Paul Kelly, Kathleen Edwards and Lucinda Williams, Tin Town’s signature is their interplay.
Robb’s distinctive, earthy voice paired with La Vie’s soulful harmonica and vocals, creates a dynamic that is tender, gritty, and unmistakably Australian.
Recorded at Wizard Tone Studios, produced by Ryan Martin John (Cactus Cactus Sound) and featuring an all-star band rounding out the duo's sound; Tom Kneebone (guitars), BJ Barker (drums), Lyndon Gray (bass), Graeme Hollis (hammond organ) and Lucky Oceans (pedal steel guitar).
To celebrate the release, Tin Town will be hitting the road for a very special string of shows across Victoria this month.
Local shows are at Odessa at Leaver's Hotel, Creswick on Friday, November 21 from 7pm supporting Minor Gold and at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham on Saturday, November 22 from 3pm Link: www.tintown.com.au
Toody Cole, her band and members of Jenny Don't & The Spurs will play at the Castlemaine's Theatre Royal on Saturday, November 22.
Toody, co-founder and mainstay of iconic Oregon group Dead Moon returns to Australia for the first time fronting her own band, following three decades of appearances here with Dead Moon, Pierced Arrows and as a duo with her late great husband Fred Cole.
In Toody Cole & her band, she is joined by Kelly Haliburton and Christopher March (on drums and guitar respectively) of fellow Oregon outfit Jenny Don't & The Spurs.
Toody had a lifelong journey with Fred Cole, her dearly loved husband of 50 years, carving a unique approach with their passion-drenched raucous dirt road garage punk rock. Toody was the guts, the heart and the unyielding determination and drive of the bands she shared with Fred. Like a garage-grit Patti Smith, jaggededge Joan Jett, or even Janis Joplin’s older biker sister, Toody Cole, now 76 years young, is a ‘door-busting, ceiling-cracking riot woman’ - and a senior citizen at that.
Famously turning down a US tour with Nirvana in '92 having already committed to a 20-date run in New Zealand, Dead Moon were influential on subsequent generations of raw rock'n'rollers, from Mudhoney through to the White Stripes.
Minor Gold is performing at Odessa at Leaver's, Creswick on November 21, Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on November 22 and the Queenscliff Music Festival on November 28-30.
Blending beautiful harmonies with folk-rock, award winning duo Minor Gold will tour its second album Way to the Sun throughout Central Victoria in November.
Produced by Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist Dan Horne (Mapache, Cass McCombs, Beachwood Sparks, Circles Around the Sun), the album guides you through desert highways and coastal canyons.
Featuring Californian drummer Austin Beede and Horne’s electric bass and pedal steel, this is another beautiful piece of work, exploring Americana and 70s laidback Californian country rock.
Recorded over seven summer days at Ultimate Hair Farm studio in Glendale California, Way to the Sun slowly emerged. The heart of the album grew on the roadsongs sparked on Australian highways and finished in Middle America.
Darren Lowe
Live
Swing Time - Saturday, November 8
Live
Live
Friday, November 14
Valiant Von Thule - Friday, November 21
Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham
Marlee Grace - Saturday, November 8
Nicolas Ellerby - Saturday, November 15
Odessa at Leaver's, Creswick
Isabel Rumble and Seren Spain - Thursday, November 6
Frank Yamma - Friday, November 7
David Bridie - Saturday, November 8
Daylesford Hotel, Bar Bamford, Daylesford
Piano with Valiant Von Thule - Friday, November 7
Piano with Valiant Von Thule -
Piano with
Calling all competitors
Who doesn’t love a competition? Well, the Daylesford Show, on Saturday, November 22, has hundreds of them.
Daylesford & District Agricultural Society committee member Mary Harvey said the competitions covered a broad range of interests, levels of expertise and age levels, from pre-school to adult.
"Traditional animal competitions include chooks, horses, sheep and dogs. Our dog competition is the biggest in country Victoria, with around 400 dogs. Last year, for the first time, we had gypsy cobs, which were very popular."
Mary said the homecrafts competitions ranged from farm and garden produce, flowers and floral art, cookery, crafts such as knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving, arts and crafts, patchwork, sewing and embroidery, leatherwork, metalwork, woodwork, ceramics and photography.
"The cookery competition features a bloke's chocolate cake. This is our one menonly competition but men are eligible to enter all cookery and other competitions. Last year the winner and runner-up of the regional VAS rich fruit cake were men."
Mary said winners of Victorian agricultural show competitions go on to regional competitions. If they win there they go on to the Melbourne Royal Show. In 2024 four winners at Daylesford went on to win first prizes at the Melbourne Royal.
"There are similar competitions for juniors, with no entry fees and substantial prizes. A feature of our junior competitions is a colouring competition with three different age groups. There is also a cup and a sash for the best junior exhibit. There is a sash and a $50 prize for the best school display."
Mary said all the competition details were available at www.daylesfordshow.com or from various locations in Daylesford, Creswick and Trentham. Copies have been left at libraries, Bendigo banks and information centres.
There will be displays at the last two locations next week. Entries are due in by Friday, November 16. A very popular addition last year was a colouring competition for juniors and entries from schools and libraries in this year’s colouring competitions will be collected in the week that entries are due.
2024 Daylesford Show | Images: Tommy Campion
Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply. Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.
We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver. Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577. Keep safe, everyone.
There were plenty of entries in the Lyonville Bake Off competition.
Winners were: Decorated cakes - Holly Hatfield with Coconut and Passionfruit Curd Cake - $50 voucher from Sisko Chocolate; Cupcakes and Slices - Jacqui Siegle with Salted Caramel Fudge - $50 voucher from Kuki; Special Dietary - Maggie Natty with Flourless Almond and coconut cake - $50 Red Beard Bakery voucher; and Tarts and Pies - Jason Jones with Sausage rolls - $50 Trentham Pharmacy voucher.
Kids' Runner up - June Kupsch with The Amazing Pig Cake - $25 Daylesford Trading Co voucher and Kids' Winner - Odessa Fuller with Meringue Birds Nest - $50 Paradise Books voucher and $30 Trentham Bakery voucher.
Runner up (joint) General Cakes - Briony Milesi with Spiced Apple Cake with brown butter icing - Hepburn Distillery Classic Lyonville Gin valued at $79; Runner up (joint) General Cakes - Venetia Blackman with Zucchini, Lemon, Tarragon, Olive Oil cake with pistachio mascarpone cream - Fleur de Lyonville flower farm tour valued at $95; and Winner General Cakes - Josh, Sarah, Fern, Franklin with Almond Cardamom Tea Cake - $100 Magic Pudding voucher (donated by Wombat Forest Organics) and a bottle of sparkling rose $35 donated by Belle Property Trentham.
Ceramicists open their studios for weekend
Ceramics studios will open around Australia over November 8 and 9including the Central Highlands.
Minna Graham, pictured, of Minna Graham Ceramics says making with clay is part of the human story from ancient times.
"But it doesn’t live in history. Ceramic practice is continuous in every culture all over the world. And it’s thriving in Australia right now. More people are taking pottery classes, restaurants are using locally made tableware, galleries are showing ceramic art and artists’ markets are brimming with colourful and quirky ceramic creations.
"Over one weekend in November, ceramic artists and studios around Australia will welcome everyone from curious neighbours to collectors. City warehouses, suburban garages, farm sheds and everything in between may offer demonstrations, work for sale, great conversation and warm hospitality. Some studios get together and make their own local trail for people to follow. Some host hands-on workshops, studio tours - even kiln firings."
Desiree Radi Mansbridge will be offering demonstrations both days at noon and 2pm, watch how she makes and decorates her unique pieces. Her work will be for sale, and her new studio is open for the first time. Head to 199 Zig Zag Road, Drummond North.
Minna will also be selling her work, as well as conducting her annual studio and seconds sale, so if you’re looking for a bargain, make sure you come early. Minna will be demonstrating at 2pm both days. There will be refreshments and conversation, as well as a kids' clay play area. Head to 2 Hogans Lane, Musk Vale.
Mel Ogden will be hosting an ikebana demonstration open to the public at 12.30pm on Sunday, November 9 as well as a private workshop. At the same studio Lois Ogden will also be showcasing her embroidery. Head to 35 Leonards Hill-South Bullarto Road, Bullarto South.
Entry to all studios is free and they are family-friendly.
The artists are all members of The Australian Ceramics Association which is in its 70th year. TACA is a not-for-profit, grassroots organisation that seeks to elevate ceramics in Australian culture.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG... AND SO HAS OUR LAMB!
Our Spring lambs have been grazing on lush volcanic pastures on our farm all season - no hormones, no shortcuts, just pure Daylesford flavour that’ll make your taste buds do a little victory dance.
Perfect for finals entertaining or a special family Sunday roast.
This Week’s Incredible Spring Lamb:
HAND-TIED BONELESS LAMB LOIN ROASTS From $30 each* * $50.99/kg. Average sizes are 600-650g - $30-$34 per roast. Feeds 2-4 people
LAMB BACKSTRAPS (FAT ON) From $11 each*
Average weights are roughly 200g. Backstraps are very lean and exceptionally tender, with hardly any fat or gristle. Untrimmed backstraps have a layer of fat that adds extra flavour during cooking and allows you to cook for longer and use in a variety of dishes. Or, simply get a sharp knife and remove this layer for incredibly lean meat that is super fast to cook.
SWEET CHUNKY LOIN CHOPS
$38.99/kg
We are FAMOUS for our loin chops! Cut thick, these are possibly some of the tastiest chops you will taste! Cook them on a grill or hotplate and make sure you leave the fatty tails on during cooking. Render the fat right down, or for a leaner dish, trim the tails off before serving.
Kyle's Rant
Donna and I attended the 2025 Victorian Country Press Awards late last month. It was held at Yarrawonga. We stayed at Mulwala. That was a first. Got an executive room. Donna posted it on Facebook and someone said they had seen better prison cells.
We were shortlisted for two awards. Me for a photo of the Barefoot Barber aka Jobbo out at Wheatsheaf, Donna for her opinion/editorial pieces. I thought she would win for sure because she wrote about women getting their breast checks done - based on her personal experience.
So, I hear you ask, how did we go? Well, you either win or you are ripped off. And we were ripped off. But it's like any awards you attend. You just smile and politely clap while you look at the work they think is better than yours and you know it's not. I think that's what they call a poor loser.
But we had a good night, talked to some great people, had nice food (fish or steak), and drank too much. Which meant despite being in a room with two single beds we slept quite well.
I also met a young photographer who gave me hope for the next generation of news gatherers. She was just 30 and had moved to work on a paper at Broken Hillthe awards were also for NSW.
Anyway, once there, she was also thrown in the deep end as a journalist and was loving the challenge of both writing and taking photos. One of her photos wonwhich she said surprised her. She was what in the old days you might call spunky, as in has a great deal of spunk, but I don't know if you can call someone that now so maybe zippy is a better word.
She drank, smoked, happily shared her opinions, and was dressed in a pinstripe suit - a nice stuff-you to the dress code of cocktail wear. We are now Insta buddies and I reckon she will go a long way in the game.
Back to us, and sadly, we were meant to go to The Block auction on the Saturday but at 11am we were still in Mulwala with pretty vicious hangovers. Donna texted the PR bloke and, while she was tempted to come up with some illness or family disaster, just told the truth and he wrote back 'no worries'.
And how disappointing was The Block? I mean, we got a lot of bang for our buck during the building of it which was great for the economy and it also shone a big light on our region for people nationally and internationally, but the auction results were cringeworthy.
All that work, and missing your families and lives, for such a small amount of money. I think, at the time of writing this, there are still two houses unsold but I am sure someone will buy it.
But the reserves for Daylesford were so high, almost $3M, for properties near a main road and a busy roundabout. Just as well the roundabout is there now or whoever bought House 1 would need to up their first aid skills.
Next up for The Block is Mt Eliza. On a housing development site on Old Mornington Road. I wonder if they will discover a "Mt Eliza vibe"?
And the other news is that Adrian Portelli, or Lambo Man, is once again raffling off the five houses still sitting empty on Phillip Island after he bought the lot last year. I think I will just stick to Tattslotto. We lost but had fun rant over.
Local Lines
Under Wisdom’s Tree
For our visitors killed in the Royal Hotel tragedy.
Not even dusk
And here was dark; Hidden, as night and its secrets always are
Behind the broad bland brilliance of blue day, These few hours of light, our brief glimmer
Guided in its moiling dance
By that old piper, the much-promising Sun. Truth, and illusion, sitting at cards.
People
As people will, converging, eating, Talking, drinking; sharing the air, sharing Air’s warmth, its life, under Wisdom’s Tree.
Beneath their feet
The beautiful uncut hair of graves; And there nearby, a few feet off, just a longish reach away
The bronzed body of childhood’s memory, Its endless, ended, static forever… Kali, Kali, Rigorous Mother: Under it all
Your inescapable Ouroboros, Creation-deep earworm of your singing…
Under human voices, under Summer’s cicadas, under all
The sounds of warmth, life, hopes not yet made mist – all of which Is also you, Mother of Life Mother of Death.
How do you weave yourself
So seamlessly, scentlessly, sightlessly Into the predictable contours
Of our every day? Where you are not Is always you…
None of us knew.
Not our guests, these welcome strangers; Not us, their hosts, homesteaders here
In our small everywhere, the village of all our lives; None of us knew
You’d stolen a ride, as you always do, Invisible stowaway of every barque…
Not even dusk
And here was dark.
- Toby Sime
Toby Sime grew up in Daylesford, has written poetry since the age of eight, and was once described in the former Daylesford Advocate as a 'local young ne'er-do-well'. Sime is no longer young, but his incorrigible versifying has ensured that he has indeed ne'er done well - a testament to journalistic perspicacity.
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
Pick me, pick me!
Hi there, I am Hershey and just as sweet as the chocolate I'm named after.
I may be young, just one, but I am an old soul, although a little shy to start off. But once we get to know each other, I am as loyal and loving as they come.
The crew here say my quiet demeanour makes me the perfect companion for someone seeking a peaceful and affectionate pet.
Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine. Just call first on 5472 5277 to make sure I haven't found my new forever home.
Microchip no. 956000018520939
Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie the Kelpie & Curly the Cocker Spaniel - we picked them from the Peninsula RSPCA.
(Pick me, pick me is also proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock - where pets are family.)
Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
So Kyle and I fly Jetstar now and again. It's pretty much to do with price point. And we've always found the service fine. Until now.
I tend to notice stuff. People watching and all that. Maybe because I am a journalist or maybe that was why I became a journalist.
Anyway, I was at Melbourne Airport recently and watched a young woman run up to a Jetstar gate only to be told she was too late. The plane was still there, the steps were still there. But they have their rules. I get that.
However, when the young woman dropped to the floor pleading, crying to be let on the plane, the Jetstar employee just ignored her. Then three other women came over and I thought 'any moment now compassion will kick in'. They will either let her on the plane, or walk with her to the service counter. Neither.
The woman continued to cry, uncontrollably, rocking on the ground, her things around her on the floor, as the Jetstar staff hugged, had a few jokes and then wandered off as the plane reversed out.
I was stunned. I went over and guided her to a seat and sat next to her. She said 'they are so mean' and I agreed. But I said the plane had gone and we needed to be proactive and find another flight as soon as possible.
The woman continued to cry and said 'I'm done - I can't do life anymore'. She was just 26, a mother of three young children, one just 10 months old and I could tell life was not working out for her.
Finally she called her 'big brother' and Kyle told him there was another flight a couple of hours later and she was booked on - for $500. After half an hour we had to leave for our flight but bought her some water, chocolate and found another passenger who was happy to sit with her. I gave her a hug and she thanked me. But she was still crying.
Bloody hell. Where is the compassion? What is the point of all the RUOK? campaigns if this is how we treat fellow people. Shame on you Jetstar staff. Poorly done.
I should have left it but a day later I went online to Jetstar's complaints department. All done online now. Just type in your details and you get someone to speak to. Well, type with. This is how it went, a truncated version.
"Hi! Priscilla here. Good day Donna, Welcome to Jetstar it’s my pleasure helping you today. I can surely try and assist you with your concern.
Me: OK.
Priscilla: My deeply apology Donna. We're going to pass your comments onto our management team, so hopefully it doesn't happen again! We can see why that would be frustrating. It's definitely not the sort of experience we want you to have with us. How would you like me to proceed?
Me: I would like to talk to someone about this and perhaps get the woman some sort of compensation for the staff inaction. It was terrible to watch. Other customers were very upset as well.
Priscilla: Sorry to hear that. I ma willing to check here. Can you provide the booking reference number? Name of passenger? Email used on the booking?
Me: Her name was Jane (not her real name) and she will be easy to find because she was the one passenger who did not board that flight. She bought another ticket for the 2.20pm plane yesterday from Melbourne to Adelaide, so easy to find. She was originally on flight from Melbourne to Adelaide at 12.40pm yesterday from Gate 43.
Priscilla: Can you provide the booking reference number?
Me: No. I was there consoling her because I was worried about her mental health. Mental health of your passengers should be a priority.
Priscilla: I'll just need another minute or two. Thanks for sitting tight. Can you provide the full name of rhe passenger?
Me: No. But I am sure you can look at the flight list and find her. Jane. The passenger who was not able to board. And then got the 2.20pm flight. Can't be many passengers who book twice from the same city within hours.
Priscilla: I'll just need another minute or two. Thanks for sitting tight. My apology Donna we need the full name of the passenger?
Me: I don't have it but you do - on your flight list.
Priscilla: I can not find the booking yet here can you send email used on the booking?
Me: No I don't have it. I only consoled the woman, I do not know her. I am sure you can find her. If not please put me in touch with your Customer Care Team and I can talk to them.
Priscilla: Can you confrim how are you related with the passenger?
Me: I consoled her because she was on the floor crying/sobbing. Are you real or AI? I guess you are real because of your typos.
Priscilla: I have a case number. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"
FFS. I only hope Jane got home and is OK. Just sayin'...
Beetham's Botanicals
Well here I am penning another column for you, the reader, to enjoy...
This time I'll be featuring trees and shrubs with scented foliage and/or flowers.
Quite a lot to choose from but I hope the selection below shows a broad range from Australian natives to exotics.
And I thought I'd mention here that I have not included perennials (think aromatic herbs) and bulbs (think daffs, jonquils and lilies). These plants represent a cornucopia of olfactory moments from our childhoods, a bit too verbose I know, but after many drives past the Golden Mile on the approach to Kyneton, that drift of daffs is worth a stop to get close and have a good sniff.
1. So let's start with one of my favourite mock oranges, philadelphus 'belle etoile', a multi-caned deciduous shrub to 2m or more that symbolises fragrant blooms and will flower comfortably in dappled light. Like all philadelphus taxa, consider pruning out old wood now and then to allow new canes to form.
2. Backhousia citriodora (lemon-scented myrtle) is a slender-growing Australian native evergreen tree that may achieve 10m or more in cultivation. Although native to coastal forests of Queensland from Brissie to Mackay, this wonderful aromatic foliaged tree seems highly adaptable to all sorts of climate conditions, now and for the future. It is named after John Backhouse, a nurseryman, plant collector and Quaker missionary - what a combo. As a small anecdotal aside, there is a specimen of this tree just inside the Neerib Gates at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne where on most of my return visits over 40 years I pinch a leaf and later scrunch it up under my wife's nose to inhale that amazing citrus smell.
3. Illicium anisatum (star anise) is a medium-sized shrub to 2m and hails from Japan and South Korea and its intensely fragrant, crushed leaves are reminiscent of those aniseed balls we all - well, us older folk anyway - used to buy at the local store. I remember that you could get four small ones or later on, two large ones. Originally black coated, you would suck the living daylights out of them reducing them to a washed-out white globe. This unusual plant is worth tracking down but just give it some protection from the arvo sun.
4. Hymenosporum flavum (native frangipani) is an Aussie native evergreen tree that is seriously overlooked when planning a sensory garden for a public display or in you, the reader's, private oasis. Growing naturally in eastern NSW and Queensland, it forms an upright tree that produces an array of different, super-fragrant, coloured flowers that range from creamy-green upon opening to canary-yellow as they mature. Its slender habit and eventual height of 12m odd in cultivation make it a great selection for a corner position in the landscape.
5. Edgeworthia chrysantha (oriental paper bush) is a small manageable shrub native to southern China and northern Myanmar that flowers in mid to late winter and offers lovely perfumed flowers.
Ageing DisGracefully members, including Max Primmer, get together at the Daylesford Mill Markets cafe on Thursdays at 11am. All welcome. For information email ageingdis3461@ gmail.com, call 0427 131 249 or head to the Ageing DisGracefully Facebook page. Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.
Kind Creative Connected
Join us for a day of celebrating our past, present and future!
Welcome speeches
Student musical performance
School tours
Student artwork display
Daylesford Museum exhibition
(at the museum)
Morning tea
BBQ
Cooked food van
Memorabilia available :
150 celebration paver, to be laid as a commemorative piece in the school th
150 tea towel th
150 mug th
150 magazine including works from current and past students, staff, school council members and community members associated with the school th
