Linton News June 2026

LINTON NEWS

June

2026

Changes Ahead for Linton's Town Centre

Background

The Northern Streetscapes Project is a Golden Plains Shire Council initiative to enhance the town centres of Linton, Scarsdale and Smythesdale.

The project began in 2021 with community consultation and led to the adoption of the Northern Streetscapes Framework Plan in 2022. Proposed improvements include better pedestrian access and safety, landscaping and tree planting, upgraded street furniture, public art, seating, and improvements to parking and connectivity The aim is to strengthen the appeal and functionality of each township while respecting its unique heritage and character

The project is funded through a $1.3 million partnership between Golden Plains Shire Council and the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. Following several years of community engagement and design development, planning approvals for the Linton and Scarsdale components were granted earlier this year. Council is now preparing detailed designs and tender documents, with construction currently expected to commence in late 2026 following the appointment of a contractor

The project represents a significant investment in the future of the northern townships and aims to create more attractive, accessible and welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Implementation

The Northern Streetscapes Project has now progressed into the detailed design and implementation phase Planning approval for the Linton component was granted earlier this year, and Golden Plains Shire Council is preparing final construction documentation and tender specifications Construction works in Linton are currently expected to commence in late 2026 following the appointment of a contractor

View the Plans

Design drawings are available for residents to view in the vestibule of the Community Hub when it is open.

You can also view the plans online by going to: https://goldenplains.greenlightopm.com/public /detail/11251211pS9APBWIm or go to: https://goldenplains greenlightopm com/ Click on Planning Department

Click on the last option: Search the public planning register

Enter into the Application No. field: P25182 and click on Search

Click on the blue text: P25182

Open either of the 2 files (plans) by clicking on the blue document name.

President’s Report

What a year it has been for Linton, and what a privilege it is to reflect on everything our community has achieved together.

I want to begin by extending a genuine and heartfelt thank you to the outgoing committee. The work you have put in over the past year has made a real and lasting difference to our town, and it has set a wonderful foundation for everything that lies ahead

With the recent AGM, a new committee is now in place. Our team of local members is energised and ready to get to work. We are committed to advocating for projects and opportunities that strengthen our town, improve local facilities, and continue building the community connection and resilience that Linton is known for. We have a team with varying skill sets, and it is wonderful to see not only the executive positions filled, but several community members stepping up as general members to support the many projects in the pipeline

Your new committee consists of:

President: Rachael Gauci

Vice President: Margaret Jenkie

Secretary: Halina Sztynda

Treasurer: Scott McMahon

General Committee: Clare McMahon, Jude MacLean, Ken McLachlan, Leisle Egan, Gillian Fraser

One of our priorities this year is to improve how we communicate and operate as an association, because we want every member and every person in and around Linton to feel genuinely included and involved in how we shape the future of our town If you have ideas, feedback, or simply want to get more involved, we would love to hear from you

A community effort

None of this happens without the support of the people of Linton and the surrounding area. Every person who attends an event, picks up a piece of litter on Clean Up Day, buys a calendar, shares a post, or simply shows up You are the reason the L&DPA exists, and the reason our town continues to thrive. There are also some exciting new projects in the pipeline that we are looking forward to sharing with you.

Thank you for your ongoing support We look forward to a wonderful year ahead, together and seeing many new faces at our events and working with us on the projects.

Rachael Gauci

President, Linton & District Progress Association

Published by Linton & District Progress Association

A0015485J

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Digital access

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Printed Copies

Get your copy from the Linton Takeaway, Community Hub, Scarsdale Post Office, Skipton Roadhouse. Limited numbers available via local home delivery and post (LDPA members only)

SUNDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2026

If any groups have something planned for that date, please advise Jenny Stuart 0427 447 416

Linton local selected for ABC Youth Summit

When 16-year-old Aimee-Lee submitted her story to ABC’s Takeover Ballarat competition, she didn’t know what would happen next. Now, Aimee-Lee is one of 35 winners of ABC’s Takeover Ballarat, and she is about to take to the red carpet to see her story on the big screen.

Most of you know Aimee-Lee from behind the counter at Linton Takeaway, where her pizza-baking skills are in high demand, particularly on a Friday night It was Aimee-Lee’s personal essay about her life in Linton with her Nan Cristine and working at the Takeaway, that won her a spot in Takeover Ballarat

Aimee-Lee and Cristine Gall in Linton Takeaway

Credit: ABC, Amber Irving-Guthrie

Takeover Ballarat is a new ABC initiative that creates a powerful platform for Ballarat’s youth to be heard Winners get a unique peek into content-making as they work with producers to turn their stories into digital content for the ABC.

At first, it was nerve-wracking for Aimee-Lee when the cameras arrived, but she was able to get used to it quickly

Aimee-Lee will get to see her story on the big screen at Takeover Ballarat and participate in the Takeover summit which is held June 1 – 5 across various Ballarat locations The summit provides an opportunity and platform for young people to express their ideas, network with peers and connect with the Ballarat community.

Her Nan Cristine is very proud of Aimee-Lee’s journey and where she is now, and Aimee-Lee is excited to meet new people through the Summit and make new friends

As part of the summit, Aimee-Lee and her fellow winners will present their big ideas to improve life for young people in Ballarat This event is for friends, family and supporters of the Ballarat Takeover Winners and anyone who’s keen to come along and celebrate the region’s young people. The Ideas Presentation takes place on Thursday the 4 of June and is open to the public to attend. You can register for free tickets via the link www.ballarat.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/saleseve nt/163634. th

You can also read Aimee-Lee’s full story at www abc net au/takeover/programs/takeoverballarat

LINTON EMERGENCY RELIEF PANTRY

The month of May has been a very positive one for The Pantry, with consistently strong visitor numbers, a wonderful variety of produce available, and encouraging feedback from the community.

As The Pantry continues to grow, space is becoming increasingly important. With two volunteers on duty, the large amount of stock, and occasionally multiple visitors browsing at once, our current area can feel quite cramped We are especially grateful to the Craft Group for making shelving available to us, which has helped us make the most of the room we have.

Additional space would improve our ability to store goods, welcome visitors comfortably, and continue providing the service that the community values

In the meantime, we will continue working to make The Pantry as welcoming and attractive as possible. Over the coming weeks, we hope to add more colour and floor coverings to enhance the atmosphere and create an even more inviting space for everyone who visits

Wishing everyone a warm and cheerful June.

Your Pantry Team

LINTON AND DISTRICT CRAFT GROUP

Some craft Group members have been meeting on a Monday for an extra sewing day over winter The current special project is making stylish pet coats for all pet sizes (maybe not guinea pigs)

Anne B has been busy with her meticulous cross stitch, finishing this gorgeous needle holder, while Anne T’s Dinosaur quilt is off to a promising start.

Rosemary has been sitting in the cosy corner knitting some cosy socks for winter

a recent visitor to the craft room, completed this cute little

The Linton & District Craft Group meets every Thursday at the Linton Community Hub, from 10 am until 3 pm New members or curious visitors always welcome to pop in, have a cuppa, and see what everyone is working on.

LINTON & DISTRICT MEN’S SHED

This month at the Men's Shed has been filled with the usual banter, stories, and a few tall tales some taller than others!

The workshop has been buzzing with activity, with members tackling a wide variety of projects. Hank completed a beautiful custom-made display box, showcasing his craftsmanship and attention to detail Another eye-catching creation was a splendid mobile made from many small pieces of colourful timber, gently dancing in the breeze.

The workshop itself is looking much tidier these days, with more space available for members and their projects. Neil is currently putting the finishing touches on the dust extraction system and will then move on to several electrical upgrades to support it

A couple of our lads are feeling a little under the weather at the moment. We wish them a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back into the fold soon

As for the wood heater still no sign of it yet! Fortunately, winter hasn't quite arrived in full force.

Until next month, keep warm, stay well, and best wishes from your Men's Shed

GOLDBRUSH PAINTERS

Now that the successful Tiny Arts Exhibition in Inverleigh is over until next year, it will be a busy couple of weeks for the Goldbrush Painters Several of our group will be delivering their work in the next few days, for the Pyrenees Art Exhibition in Beaufort over the upcoming King’s Birthday weekend It’s usually a great show and offers a fabulous Devonshire Tea which is included in the entry fee.

Next Tuesday 2 June will see members attending the luncheon in the Council Chambers in Bannockburn to celebrate the closure of the Golden Spaces 2025 Winter Exhibition which has been on display for the last few months This event is gradually turning into the Art Packers Closing Lunch, with artwork being securely wrapped and returned to the artists or new owners. Those who cannot make it on the day will be able to pickup their work after it is transferred to The Well in Smythesdale

If that’s not enough, a few days later on Saturday 6 June, we will be taking a Council sponsored bus to the Bannockburn Cultural Centre for a luncheon and the launch of the Golden Spaces 2026 Summer Exhibition This event will be officially opened by the Mayor Councillor Owen Sharkey The latest catalogue of the exhibition will also be available The event also corresponds with the June Farmers Market.

“The great thing about painting is it lets you see what the world feels like”

Richard Schmidt

Also of note, one of our members, Jennifer Cromarty, is exhibiting several works with the Victorian Artists Society at the Hammond Gallery in East Melbourne from 27-31 May.

And finally latest research in 2025 and 2026 suggests that regular engagement in the arts including painting, music, dance, and theatre can slow the pace of biological aging by as much as a weekly workout Studies indicate that participating in creative activities at least once a week can lead to younger biological age, reduced stress, and stronger neural connectivityhttps://www uwa edu au/news/article/ 2023/december/study-reveals-the-artof-ageing-well

LINTON & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Report for June 2026

Visit of Ripon MP Martha Haylett

The Society organised a visit from the local State MP for Ripon, Martha Haylett, on 22 May to show her the work we are doing and talk about possible grants we could get, in particular to finish the restoration of the old library

One of the key matters considered by the Historical Society this month has been a proposal regarding the future use of the Hub meeting room, formerly the Grenville Shire Council Chamber.

At a meeting of the Hub Management Committee on 4 May, a proposal was presented to give the Food Pantry exclusive use of the meeting room, the ante room and the kitchen The Historical Society, along with other committee members, expressed concern that the proposal had been circulated only shortly before the meeting and that there had been limited opportunity for broader discussion beforehand.

The Historical Society fully recognises the role the Food Pantry plays in supporting members of our local community in the current economic climate. At the same time, we believe it is important to retain the meeting room, ante room and kitchen as shared community spaces, and to preserve the meeting room’s historical significance

Since the establishment of the Community Hub, the former Council Chamber has served as an important venue for meetings, talks, exhibitions, celebrations and other community activities It is also one of the town's most significant historical spaces, reflecting the heritage of both Linton and the former Grenville Shire.

At the committee meeting, members discussed a range of options and agreed on the importance of supporting both community food relief and the continued availability of shared community facilities. Alternative potential locations and constructive options for the Pantry's future expansion were discussed and recommended for follow-up by the Pantry These options would meet the Pantry's space needs while retaining an important community space with considerable historical significance

Discussions on this matter have required considerable time and effort from all involved. The Historical Society remains committed to working cooperatively with other Hub users to ensure the building continues to serve the diverse needs of the whole community.

We look forward to continuing to share and celebrate the history of our town and the many activities that take place in the Hub with everyone

Open days

Our next Open Days for 2026 will be on Sundays 14 June and 12 July 2-5pm, at the Resource Centre, 69 Sussex St.

Find us on: Facebookhttps://www facebook com/lintonhistory

Website - www.lintonhistory.org.au

E-Mail - enquiries@lintonhistory.org.au

LINTON

From the Past

From The Argus, 23 December 1907

OUTBREAK AT LINTON

LINTON, Sunday - Great excitement was caused here on Saturday by a fire which for some time threatened the whole town It started early in the afternoon, about a mile and a half north-west of the township Simbery’s homestead, on the Mortchuproad, was first threatened and it was saved only by the strenuous exertions of the Bush Fire Brigades Board.A changeable wind caused the fire to divide, and one branch bore down directly on the township Gascoigne’s cottage and orchard were right in the line of fire but the flames were beaten back The stable and orchard of Mr Jonathan Jennings were destroyed.Sparks were flying over the township, and several outbuildings were ignited Each outbreak was however quickly observed and the flames extinguished The residents packed all their valuables and prepared for flight but about 4 o’clock the wind died down Over 100 men were at work on the fire and assistance was summoned by telephone from Snake Valley and Scarsdale, but the fire was extinguished before they arrived. Women worked hard during the fire and Constable Brand did good work in concentrating men at the points of danger.

Artist: Martyn Haggerty

CARNGHAM LINTON FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

The Carngham Linton Football Netball Club has reached the half-way mark of its 2026 home & away season with 8 rounds completed.

In the football, the senior team has had 4 wins and 4 losses and currently sits inside the top 8. The Under 12 team has also had 4 wins to date, while our Reserves have had 3 wins. Our Under-18 and Under15 teams also compete each week and continue their positive development.

The club has performed strongly in the C & D grade netball, with both teams only having recorded one loss for the season at this stage Our B Grade and Under-17 team also sit inside the top 8, while the A Grade, Under-15s and Under-13s have all had a few wins each to remain well in contention

The club recognised National Volunteers Week from 18-24 May A day at the football and netball doesn’t just happen, as it takes a multitude of volunteers to pull it together The Carngham Linton FNC is proud to have a great Committee of Directors and an organised club positions structure filled with such wonderful volunteers

We also have roster systems for football and netball match-day roles, canteen and bar, where our players, parents and supporters are actively involved

The club is also grateful to volunteers on both the Carngham & Linton Recreation Reserve Committees, who continue to provide improved facilities for our club to enjoy.

The Carngham Linton Under 12 football and Under 13B netball team also competed in the Central Highlands League Lightning Premiership at Ballan on Sunday 17 May.

It was an enjoyable day for our young netballers, who competed in seven games for the day an made it through to the semi-final Thank you to coaches Kalani Jennings & Mikaela Novotney and all of their helpers

The Under 12 football team had 18 boys front up and were competitive in all games, winning their first game and narrowly losing the next two by a combined 9 points Thanks to coaches Ben Carey, Hunter McDonald and their other supporters, for helping to organise and run the day

After the League Kings’ Birthday bye on 6 June, Carngham Linton has its club bye the following Saturday 13 . We then head to Buninyong for Round 10 on 20 June followed by the first home game at Snake Valley on 27 June.

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GO SAINTS!!!

Football Director: Melissa Scoble 0458 001 944

Junior Football Director: Simon Brearley 0419 738 260

Netball Director: Ally Clack 0400 250 053

LINTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Our Year 6 Leaders attended a GRIP conference on Wednesday the 13 May The GRIP Student Leadership Conference is unique in that it concentrates specifically on training student leaders for their role as SCHOOL LEADERS. The style, topics, and content of this conference all focus on what the students can do RIGHT NOW. th

Our Year 6 students were quite inspired by this conference and are eager to put some ideas in place for the students, our school and the Linton community They have shared their recap below

If anyone in the community wants a tour or to get involved in our school – please don’t hesitate to come in for a chat

Appreciation

I appreciate the various excursions our students have been on in the past few weeks!

Stuart Robinson Principal

Linton Primary School stuart.robinson@educatio n.vic.gov.au

PUZZLE PAGE

Crossword

Codeword

Each letter in the puzzle is represented by a number 1-26 Can you crack the code and solve the crossword?

Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once Three letters are already in place to get you started

Solutions on page 21

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SERVICES

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SERVICES

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Golden Woady Senior Citizens

President: Doreen Ringin 5344 7474

Linton Cemetery Trust

Secretary: Karen Ronan 0492 986 759 lintoncemetery@gmail com

Linton Fire Brigade Duty Officer: 5344 7384

Linton Historical Society

President: Jill Wheeler 0439 895 939

Linton & District Men’s Shed President: Hank Tigges Secretary: Daryll Lees lintonmensshed@gmail com 0447 390 556

Linton & District Progress Association lintonprogress@gmail.com

Linton & District Craft Group

Contact: Anne Turner turner.tribe@bigpond.com 0429 449 290

Linton Community Hub Management Inc

Secretary: Janet Pathe jtpathe@gmail com

Linton Play Reading Group

David Clarke: 0447 310 565

Snake Valley CERT

Secretary/Team Leader: Simon Matthews 0411 274 623

SPORT AND RECREATION

Carngham Linton Football Netball Club

Secretary: Michael O’Beirne 0409 950 752

Linton Cricket Club

Aaron Kerr

Jim Munro 0457 894 066

Linton and District Bowling Club

President:

Craig Grenfell, 0409 956 326

Secretary: Eugene Grigg, 0429 620 406 Treasurer: Kevin Offer, 0407 528 270

Linton Recreation Reserve

Kirk McDonald 0408 843 964 Kirkmcdonald91@gmail.com

Pickleball

Jenny Stuart: 0427 447 416

OTHER

Emergency Relief Pantry

Open 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday

Daryll 0447 390 556

Goldbrush Painters

Daryl Davis 0474 070 792

Breaze Energy Solutions

Simon Reid 03 4309 4027

Country Fire Authority

Community Safety 5329 5515

Haddon and District Community House 5342 7050 haddonlearning org au Rick Bushell manager@haddonlearning org au

Wildlife Carer

Liz Howard 0490 390 146

Snake Valley Astronomical Society and Observatory

825 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley 0418 425 207 https://snakevalleyobservatory weebly com

WHAT’S ON IN JUNE

Membership Form

Linton & District Progress Association Founded in 1985, CAV ID: A0015485J, lintonprogress@gmail.com

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Single ($15 annually)

Family ($20 annually)

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Phone 1: __________________________

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I/We agree to support the purposes of the Linton and District Progress Association, as outlined below, and to uphold the Values and Behaviours of the Association in the spirit of community and respect.

Purposes of the Linton and District Progress Association

1 To promote the economic, social, and cultural development of the Linton community, while protecting and enhancing the local environment, and to publish the Linton Community news.

2.To foster relations with other associations and bodies with similar goals.

3.To promote and assist worthy causes as agreed at a general meeting by members with a majority vote.

4.To invest funds of the association, not immediately required, in such a manner as the members or committee shall determine suitable. The funds of the association shall be derived from advertising fees from the Linton News, membership fees, donations and other fund-raising activities as the committee determines applicable.

5 To facilitate government grants for applicable community projects.

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Linton and District Progress Association Inc

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