Midland Express Tuesday 27 January 2026

Rescuers allowed to enter

Morgan Reinwald

Clarity surrounding the rights of wildliferescuershas emergedsincereports surfaced aweek agothatmanyhad been threatened by state governmentofficials in fireaffected areas.

Last week, the Express spokewith multiple rescuers attempting to assist burntwildlifeinthe MountAlexander region. They allsaid theyhad been threatened by state governmentofficials when responding to urgent calls in and around Harcourt.

IanSlattery,a wildliferescuer,saidgovernmentauthorities were prohibiting them from assisting injured wildlife, even in areas whereblockades weren’tset up

"The governmentput numerous rescuers, including me, through advanced bushfirerescuetraining severalyears agobut refused to call us up or letusin,"Slattery said.

“Privatepropertyownersare calling us, highly distressed with burntwildlifeontheir property. Thesepeople arein tears, I’m telling you.

“We’re going out to rescues and DEECA [Departmentof Energy,Environmentand Climate Action]are arriving and telling us to leave,eventhreatening arrest."

Hong-Kong based photojournalist and wildlifetrade consultant, Paul Hilton, travelled across fire-affected Victoria recently and took thephoto of today'sfront page.He said he witnessed devastation and silence.

"I travelled to the region as aconservationist photojournalist hoping to documentthe aftermath formyongoing work of documenting ourrelationship with ournative forests and to help raise funds foranimal shelters. Instead, Iwas ordered to leave," Hilton said

"When Iattempted to photograph adead koala –one of countless animals killed by the fires –officials from the DEECAarrived and told us to leave immediately

“It wasbasically apress blackout,”hesaid. “I’venever come up against resistancelikethisinademocratic society."

"Whatdisturbed me most wasnot being silenced, it was whatthatsilencewas hiding.

"Wildliferescuerswerebeing turned away.Injured animals were being left without help.Inacountry thatprides itself on conservation, animals were suffering and dying out of sight, with no accountability and no public record

“Why aretheystopping wildliferescuersfromsaving animals thatare suffering?”

The Express has sinceviewedanemail sentbythe IncidentControlCentreconfirming wildliferescue responders mayenter privateproperties in the region forthe purpose of managing and supporting wildlifewelfareat the request and direction of alandholder.However MountAlexander Regional Park remains closed and is being managed by DEECA.

Slatterysaidhestillhad fears

"Departmentstaff arerenowned foreuthanising everything,"hesaid.

Read morewildlifestories on page 14.

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Shifting narrativesand advocating forchange

Jade Jungwirth

Castlemaine residentEliza Hull has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal forher servicetopeoplewith disabilities and to thearts.

Atalentedsinger and songwriter,who lives with aphysical disability,Eliza has used her voicetoshift narratives and advocate forchangefor disabled people in the arts.

"I feel really honoured thatthe work I'vedone both forpeople with disabilities and in the artsare being acknowledged," she said.

"I do feel likeI'vemade an impact. Therewas amomentatthe end of last year whereLiveNation, one of the biggest companies thatbring the biggest artists hereinAustralia and internationally, reached out and asked if Iwantedtocurateanartists with disabilities showcase. That waskind of like, 'Wow!We're really seeing some shifts here'

"It'snot all my work obviously,it'sa team effort, but the ball is rolling. Forso long Iwas pushing up amountain to try andget changetohappen but nowit's moving."

Eliza said when she movedtoCastlemaine 10 yearsago her lifechanged.

"Itwas due to amixture of things but mainly because Iwas able to startto accept thatit'sokaytohaveadisability and it'spart of who Iamand Iwantedto changethe narrativearound disability," she said.

Lack of women

TheCouncil forthe Order of Australia released an embargoed media statement the daybeforeAustralia Day andadmittedtherewas agender imbalancewith the nominations list.

"The gender balanceofthis year’shonourslist morebroadly is both acause for concern and, the Council hopes, aprompt forcommunity action,"itread.

"Weencourageall Australians to look around their community,their workplaces and the whole of our society,identify the women, as well as the men, who makea differenceand whose impact is profound and nominate them so theycan be celebrated through theOrder of Australia."

In the past 12 months, two-thirds of the nominations were men, and one-thirdof the nominations women.

"When Ihad my first child, Iwas seeking abookabout whatit'sliketobeaparentwitha disability and therewas nothing out there. Ithought, 'This is obviously something thatneeds to shift'.'

That's whenI putthe idea to theABC to putitintoapodcast series. Icouldn't believe howwell it went.Thatwas the first time thatIrealised, 'Okay, Ican do this, I can makechange'

"Being adisability advocate doesn't mean youhavetobeshifting policy or working with politicians –advocacycan liveinall differentareas. Formeit'slived in the creation of media, books and music. Changing narratives and advocating for changethrough thearts is howI'veseen it shift."

Eliza's parenting podcast, We'veGot This: Parenting with aDisability,was turned into abook, which then led to working in news andcurrentaffairs.

Shehas continued expanding her music career and become prominentinthe arts and disability space, working withorganisations likethe ARIA's andAPRAMusic Victoria to makechanges forartists with disabilities.

Eliza has just signed withSonyPublishing and is hoping to do morewriting forTV, film and music. Shehas another children's book coming outthis year called All the Ways ISee,written in collaboration with NasCampanella, ABC'sdisability affairsreporter

"I'm making anew record at themomentand it'snot about disability! I'vegot

Church vandalised

Apost-dawn attack occurred at the KynetonBaptist Churchlast Tuesdaywhen a vandal smashed windows andleftnotes for its church leaders.

It occurred sometime afterthe Express delivered the paper on thechurch doorstep at 6.15am, and before staff arrived at 8.30am. They found four windows of their reception area smashed and broken. A paintedpebble, acrucifix, and handwritten noteslaidonthe foyer floor.A staff member likened the paintedpebble to an activity sometimes completedbychurch children.

Thenotes contained profanity and jargon towardsthe practices of some Christian denominations, but notpractices completedby the Baptist faith. Thematterhas sincebeen referred to police. No stainedglass windows were impacted.

so manyother things to talk aboutlike, likerelationships and being awoman –we'relayered as people and there'sa lot of layers,but it will alwaysbeapart of who Iam. ThemomentI walk on stage, I still walk on thatstage as someone with a physical disability.I think I'll alwaysbethat representation,"she said "For me, Ialwaysthink of the young people coming forward, and Ithink that awardslikethis showthem what'spossible forsomebody with adisability.Representation is so important. Ididn't have that growing up "I think the futureisreally brightfor people with adisability."

–Find moreAustralia DayAward recipients on pages 8and 9.

VCAT RULINGSRENDER

Will Kynetonbekeptcountry?

AngelaCrawford

AVictorian Civil and AdministrativeTribunal decision thatoverruled Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil's position on aKynetondevelopmentwill see an urban commercial precinct built on theoutskirts of town.

Thefirst stageofworks will soon begin on the developmentofa $100M servicestation and retailprecinct at EdgecombeRoad.

Located1km from the town centre,the 62ha multi-stage'Cornerstone: Kyneton' precinct will include large-formatretailers, commercial warehouses, entertainmentvenues, afuelstation and food and beverage operators.

Thedeveloper,Goldfields, said the investmentwould provide asolid boost to thelocal economy, the community’srates base and the region’s jobs market

“Stage1 alone will create over 200permanentand casual jobs oncethe newoperators begin trading. Additionally,itisestimatedtogenerate75local construction jobs,”said managing director,Marco Gattino.

“Early interest in Cornerstone: Kynetonhas been extremely strong withBunnings, McDonalds, Supercheap Auto,Petstock, KFC, 7Eleven, and Shine Station Carwash taking up major tenancies in the newprecinct.”

'DETRIMENTAL IMPACTS'

VCAT approved thedevelopmentin2022 despiteMacedon Ranges ShireCouncil advising the tribunal it would have rejected the proposal forits “detrimental amenityimpacts, poor design and interfacewith its surrounds, inadequatelandscaping, and apoor layout for pedestrians within the car parking and access areas”.

Thetribunal determined the developmenttobeanappropriate addition to Kyneton’s northern industry and commercial precinct.

However, the application had attracted hundreds of objections and sawthe formation of an 830-strong lobbygroup 'Keep KynetonCountry'.

KynetonresidentLindy Priest said the VCAT decision waswrong from an environmental, economic and tourism perspective

"It’snot the reputation Kynetonneeds or wants,"she said.

“Weneed to talk abouthow we can strengthen Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil’splanning policy so we don’t getwalked over.”

In 2021, Goldfields Group hired independentconsultantJWS Research to conduct a survey of 399 Kynetonresidents. Theresultsfound 77 per cent supported the Bunnings proposal, 76 per cent supported the proposed servicecentreand 66 per cent supported the proposed fast food restaurant.

'ECONOMIC GROWTH CORRIDOR'

Goldfields general manager of retail, Hugh Doyle, said about 10,000 vehicles would pass

Congratulations to our2026 Australia DayAward winners

We’reproud to announcethe recipients of this year’s Australia DayAwards.

Theawardswerepresented at the AustraliaDay –Survival Daycommunity event on Monday26January

Congratulations to the2025winners: Citizen of the Year –NancyWhittaker Young Citizen of the Year –Harper Russell-Just Senior Citizen of the Year –BillWiglesworth Event of the Year –The Fringe Thing Inc.

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for2026,” said MayorTobyHeydon. “Your commitment to service, creativity and community spirit is truly inspiring.

“Thank youfor all thatyou do to shapea stronger,kinder and moreconnected community.”

Read moreabout the AustraliaDay Award winners at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/News

Working together forahealthy, connected shire

(03) 5471 1700

entertainmentvenues, afuel station and food and beverage operators.

the Cornerstone: Kynetonintersection daily placingthe precinct "atthe heart of the region’s booming economic growth corridor"

“Cornerstone: Kynetonwill provide newopportunities forlocal retailers seeking high-end amenityalongside major brand retailers with strong destination shoppingexposure,” Mr Doyle said.

"Webelieve ournew retail offering will act likea magnetfor shoppersinthe surrounding catchmentand work to bring newcustomersintothe Kynetoncommunity.”

Goldfields’civil tender process has recently closed and they areinthe processofappointing acivil construction grouptodeliver Stage1 of the project. Construction of Stage1 is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

Completion is scheduled forearly 2027.

Population fear in Riddells Creek

AVCATdecision last year witnessed the Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil overruled oncemore, and createdthe reality thatRiddells Creek'spopulation will double in mere yearstocome.

Thefear of some is thatthis sets aprecedentfor other large blocks of land in the township to be sold and developed. Andreal estate of this kind has already appeared on the market

On the Facebook group, Save Riddells Creek,residents have discussed the residential properties that were listed shortly after VCAT's overruling. In response to a17-hectareblock of land,one residentcommentedin the forum, "Thisdevelopment, unfortunately, threatens to fundamentally alter the town's character,and it appearsthatgovernmental bodies arecurrently prioritising their own agendas over theconcerns of their citizens"

When former mayorDominic Bonanno appeared on SkyNews to discuss his disapproval of VCAT's overruling, he notedthe town had geese. It seemingly went overthe

head of the show'shost, but residents of Riddell knewwhatitmeant; cars habitually slowdownorhalt when entering the town, while aGoose ushersits infant gaggle across the road

Oneresidenthas suggested those days arenumbered.

John Ball has lived in the Riddells Creek for40years,and said the geese in town provided greatertraffic managementand speeding mitigation than anygovernment authority ever could.

"When the population doubles, the geese will be flatout trying to hold the trafficflow. They won'thaveahope, and Ithink the council knows this,"hesaid.

"They'll be gone "I went fora walk the other dayand was taking in all the beauty,all the greenery of the landscapes, and thecharm of the town. That'll be gone too. Nothing isgoing to survivebecause all the infrastructurewill have to double to caterfor the population increase."

Morgan Reinwald

AVCATdecisionthatoverturned council'srefusal fora housing developmentinGisborne, has seen nearbyresidents voicemultiple complaints sinceconstruction work escalatedinthe past six months.

Following proposed amendments in 2025, the Rosalia Estate is expected to provide 861 dwellings on about 85 hectares of land close to thetown'scentre. Butresidents from neighbouring streets to thesite'sdevelopmentinSkyline Dr,Cherry Lane, Swinburne Ave, and Ross Watt Dr –toname afew –haveargued poor traffic managementhas hindered their daily lifeinthe past six months with the ongoing roadworks.

Macedon Ranges Shirecouncillorsunanimously blocked the developmentin2023 on severalgrounds, including its “unacceptable”responsetobiodiversity,waterways,bushfire, catchmentplanning management, built environment, and environmentand landscape values. Council also said it “failed to respond to theunique ruralcharacter of Gisborne”.

However, VCAT approvedthe developmentbecause Gisborne wasidentifiedasa growth area under StatePlanning Policy andasenior VCAT official argued, "there is no uniform existing character in Gisborne".

Now, residents have voiced frustration with the council regarding the roadworks that have occurred in the pastsix months under their delegation.

Onenearbyresident, Tristen Larsen, said the traffic arrangementhad been extremely poor and hindered his ability to travel to and from work.

"The bus servicecan't operatedownCherry Lane, Swinburne, and Ross Watt.So, the servicejust skips us and continues along Station Road. Iraised the concern withcouncil that, youknow, it'sa bit unfair forresidents who areolder,vulnerable, have families with kids thatuse the bus service, and especially,disabled people, who can'taccess this service now,"hesaid.

"I personally catchpublic transporttoand from work in the city. Iuse the bus service, and nowI have to leave home much earlier.I'm walking further,while carrying my backpack and equipment, and it'soften through adverse conditions likerain and wind, and construction zones, which isn't pleasant"."Ipersonally catchpublic transporttoand from work as I'm working in the city.I'm using abus service, and nowI have to leave home much earlier.I'm walking further while carrying my backpack and equipment.And it's oftenthrough adverse conditions likerain and wind, and construction zones, which isn't pleasant."

Another nearbyresident, Dean Markham, said manyfactorshad been considered in this project, but nota thought wasspared forthe nearbyresidents.

"I understand council has the unenviable job of attempting to manageaproject'simpact thatwas handed to them by VCAT,despitetheir objection. That is unfortunate,but that’s council'sjob. Ihaveread most of the 800-pluspages of consultants reportsand envi-

Gisborne’s furore overdevelopment COUNCIL POWERLESS Council’scomment

The Express asked the council forcommentonVCAT'srepeatedoverturning of council decisions to block housing and commercial developments in the shire. Mayor Kate Kendall provided the following response:

"Local governmentisthe closest form of governmenttothe community.AsCouncillors, we areelected to listenand represent–and ultimately makeinformed decisions on behalf of –the community

Havingninerepresentatives acrossWards

ConsultationMeetingssince September 2025, following aresolution from August 2025 that further encourages the community to havetheir say and deliverbetterplanning outcomes.

Sometimes, regardless of the decisions adopted by council–some areoverturned by a thirdparty,whether that be the Victorian Civil and AdministrativeTribunal, or an alternatedecision-maker,such as the Victorian Governmentappointed advisory committeethat approved the AmessRoadPrecinct StructurePlan last year, despitecouncil’searlier rejection of the proposal amidoverwhelming community opposition.

ronmental impact studies and the host of other propaganda paid forbythe developer and designed to enable this estate," he said.

"I have neverread anything anywhereatany time about the environmental impact of this developmentonthe existing people who livehere.

"Sowhathappens to getaction to address these problems?You can’t go to theShire, they areimpotent.You can’t go to thelocal MP,she is behind it. Youcan’t go to theMinister,she sanctioned it.You can’t go to VCAT,theypushed it through and then wiped their hands of it. So,whereisthere to go?"

Forthe past six months therehad been three temporary traffic lights setuponRoss Watt Dr,including one setupinthe driveway of aresident'shome. Oneresidentsaid he was confused because therehad been no works completedthereinthe pastsix months, despite the traffic lighthindrance. He told the Express one of the construction workersadvised that upgrades to Ross Watt Dr were halted because waterwas rising up from the ground underneath, potentially from the adjacentwetland area.

He wanted to bring this up at acouncil community information evening forthe residents scheduled aweek ago, however24hoursprior to itoccurring, council cancelled the meeting due to "high levelofinterest"

The Express asked council to confirm if waterhad impacted these works, howeveritfailed to respond before deadline.

More to come

Celebrating all Australians

Jade Jungwirth

In most partsofAustralia, January 26 is a divisiveday,one wherethe divide between fundamental beliefs is morepronounced than ever

In the shireofMountAlexander,the community is able to celebratethe complexities of those twoopposing ideologies side-byside with the dual-named Australia Day Survival Day

Since2018, the annual celebration has been embraced by manyinthe community, and the eventhas grownand flourished. It offers people thechancetocome together and celebratethe incredible and diverse country we livein, while honouring the grief and suffering it causes to many.

People from neighbouring shires, withno shared gatherings on offer, travel to Castlemaine to commemoratethis daydifferently, and conferees from neighbouring shires choose to become Australian citizens there.

MountAlexander ShireCouncil CEODarrenFuzzardspoke at Monday'sevent,saying, "Wehavelong claimed that we live in a country whereeveryone's views,beliefs and contributions arerespected, and hopefully we will all do whatwecan to liveuptothat claim in 2026"

"I cannotthank youenough, Uncle Rick, forthe generous and wise wayyou guide us through this dayand so many other days of the year,towards afuture where everyone in our shirecan feel cared for, respectedand welcomed, no matter wheretheyhavecalled MountAlexander Shirehome."

MayorTobyHeydon also spokeabout the dayand howitmeantmanydifferentthings to differentpeople.

"For manyFirst Nationspeople, January 26 can be aday of traumaand remem-

brance,"hesaid

"For many, it'sa dayoffamily,ofcelebration, of community

"Atthe council, we recognise this date is challenging formanyinour community. That's whyour AustraliaDay Survival Day honoursthe rightofFirst Nationspeople to mournaswell as theirrighttocelebrate survival, culture andcontinuity.

"This acknowledges alongand often complexhistory,while still recognising the manywayspeople choose to come together on this day.

"You mayholdinone hand aknowledge

Park closed

TheLaLarr Ba Gauwamountain bike park and campground at theOak Forest in Harcourt has been severely impacted by the recent bushfire.

Themountain biketrails and campground arenow closed until further notice.

"While the park has been significantly impacted, we arehappytoadvise thatthe campground, toilets, shelters, and the much lovedOak Forest have been unaffected," said Committee of Managementchair Trent Gibson.

"The CoMwould liketoacknowledgethe amazing work of the FFMV and CFAcrews in minimising theimpacttothe infrastructurewithin the park."

TheCoM will work closely with the DepartmentofEnergy,Environmentand Climate Action,MountAlexander Shireand the broader mountain bikeand local community to make the park safe so it canbe reopened.

of thatcomplexand long history and in the other hand thatthis is agreat country that offers so muchopportunity forsomanymillions of people from all cornersofthe earth.

"This approach has shaped our eventinto the largest annual gathering in the Mount Alexander Shire."

Rare foxattack in Romsey

ARomseyman washospitalised last Mondayafter afox attacked him on his propertyabout 6am in the morning Brad Fishlock, 51, witnessed one of his babyalpacas being attacked by the fox and went to assist his animal before the foxsunk its teethintothe side of his leg. Victoria Ambulanceconfirmed they responded to theincidentand he was taken to theNorthern Hospital wherehe underwentemergency surgery As reported by other media outlets, Advanced LifeSupport paramedics who attended the scene said he waslucky not to have severedanartery

Victoria is considered to have oneof the world's densest urban foxpopulations, although foxattacks areconsidered rare

Di to the rescue Volunteer outstanding in emergencyresponse

Angela Crawford

Di Dale wearsmanyuniforms –and every oneofthem serves her community

TheGisborne local balances her role as adetective sergeantwith Victoria Police while volunteering with both the Victoria StateEmergency Serviceand the Country Fire Authority.

Herdecades-long commitmenttohelping othershas now been formally recognised, withDiawarded an Emergency Services Medal in this year’sAustralia Day Awards.

Di hasvolunteered with the SESsince2003, serving in a rangeoffrontline roleswith the Gisborne Unit and the Central Region Unit. Today, she continues to giveher time as an operational crew member and as aleader in peer support.

Across morethan 23 yearsofservice, Di hasresponded to morethan 2200 emergencies –frommajor floods and severe storms to road crash rescues and bushfires.

Shesaidreceiving the Emergency Services Medal wasboth humbling and unexpected

“You serve thecommunityofyour ownvolition– youdon’t expectanything back,”she said. “It’sjust partofwhatwedo, trying to provide forthe community.

“The camaraderie is pretty unique with the Gisborne SES and Ifeel very proud to be apartofthat. I’velearned new skills and trained with people who have nowbecome life-long friends.”

Di’s leadership wasparticularly evidentduring thesevere storms thatbatteredthe Macedon Ranges in 2021, when she stepped into the role of divisional commander.She coordinated alarge,complex, multi-agency response across the region.

“Therewas alot of stakeholder engagement,”she said. “Wehad to work closely together to reducerequestsfor assistanceinatimely manner and reach people who were unable to leave their homes because trees were blocking their driveways.

“The devastation across the Macedon Ranges and the number of community membersaffected wasquitehorrendous.”

Di joined the SES shortly aftermoving to Gisborne, drawn by astrongsense of community

“Gisborne wasasmall community back then, and youhave avested interest in contributing,”she said. “I also wanted to build skills and knowledgetoassist the community in their time of need.”

In hercurrentrole as SES Western 2Region peer support leader,Dileads ateam thatprovides criticalsupport to fellow volunteersfollowing challenging and traumatic incidents.

Herstrongleadership, extensiveexperienceinhigh-pressureenvironmentand unwavering dedication to caring for othersunderscoreDi’soutstanding contribution to emergency services in Victoria –and to thecommunityshe has served formorethan twodecades.

Helping country townssince1971

Pharmacist and veterinary surgeon Colin Chapman has appointedaMember of the OrderofAustralia (AM).

TheNew Gisborne residenttold the Express he wasthrilled with the news,but admitted it wasquiteunexpected also.

"Way back when Ifinished school, I had no idea whatI wanted to do. Afriend of my father'srecommended pharmacy, and my crusade ever sincehas been to try andmakepharmacies out in [regional and rural] communitiesbeable to contribute to healthcareinabig way,"hesaid.

"When Ilook back, it's been alot of hardwork to getthe showonthe road, butit'snicetoget recognition forthe culmination of alot of hardwork."

In recent times, Colinwas avolunteer chairperson forIntegrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to improve Chronic Disease Management. In relation to thelatter, he said the group embedded pharmacists within remote Indigenous communities to improve their medical services.

The77-year-old is semi-retired, but is still continuing the crusadeheset outtoachieve when he began his studies in 1971; he remains involved with local pharmacywork and veterinary drugs forracehorses.

"WhatI'vereally focused on as muchasI can is rural and remote community pharmacy practice. So little towns along the corridor and other places really areable to contribute in abig waytothe healthoftheir community." he said.

OAMfor sustainable housing advocate

Lisa Dennis

Passionate sustainable housing advocate SueTurner has received aMedal of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day HonoursList forservices to thesector Sueisthe developer of Castlemaine's renowned Munro Court SustainableHousing project and author of TheMunro Court Story (2013).

Many will also recall Sueasone of the foundersand friendly facesatthe town's belovedTogs PlaceCafeinthe 90s.

Suesaidshe wasa little surprised when she received the initial email about her awardnomination and thought perhaps it wasa scam.However, on further investigation discovered it waslegitimate.

"I wasa bit apprehensiveatfirst, but then Ithoughtifit results in even one person learning the value of sustainable housing it will be worth it,"she said.

Sueisa microbiologist by profession.

"I studied at Melbourne Uniand worked at the Royal Children's Hospitalbeforerelocating to Castlemaine Hospital in HalfordStreetonthe newly established pathology team,"Sue said.

Sueand her partner at the time had alittle holidayhouse at Yandoit and used to visit weekends before she took on the role at Castlemaine Health and movedtothe region permanently in 1972.

Shebalanced raising her twoboyswith working at the local hospital, and as alocumatMaryborough, Ballarat and Bendigo, for25years before herforay into the cafe world.

"Weopened Togs in 1990 and had the town's first espresso machine introducing the Melbourne coffee culturetoCastlemaine,"she said.

Sueran the cafe foralmost adecade before handing the reins to thecurrentownersElissa and Jason. Thecafe recently celebrated its 35th anniversary

On the sale of her parents' property, Suedecided to undertakethe ambitious sustainable housing project at MunroCourt.

"I boughtthe sevenlot subdivision from Gary and Ian McClurein2000. It wasnamed MunroCourt in honour of their mum, 'MsMunro'," she recalls.

Sueenlisted the help of RobynGibson and Paul Hassall of Lifehouse Design, and her son and landscape designer SamCox to help bring her bold vision to life.

"Itwas atriangular collaboration between developer,designersand landscaper,webounced ideas offeach other," she said.

Theproject took sixyears to complete.The cluster of eightsolar passivehouses were createdtomeetthe five-

AGisborne legend

ThelateGraham Dickinson wasposthumously awarded aMedal of the Order of Australia on Mondayfor service to his community in Gisborne. Hiswidow, Fleur, accepted the awardonhis behalf and said he would have been chuffed.

"Hewas alwaysout in thecommunity and wanting to help people in anyway he could,"Fleur said.

star energy rating at the time. Each wassited to makebest use of the environmentand wasfitted with the town's first solar panels, double glazed windows,and complemented by acommunal veggie garden, chook-house, and setin nativedrought-tolerantgardens designed and built by her son SamCox who has gone on to achieve incredible success in the field in Melbourne.

"Wewereamong the first to install solar panels in the area brokering adeal withOrigin Energy to payfor the first home. At the time theywere.05kWand cost $8000 per system! These days youare looking at 3, 6even9kW.Batteries have also improved in leaps and bounds.

"But thedesign has stood the test of time and 26 years latermyhouse only costs $2 aday to run, compared to my friend's$8electricitybill,"she said.

"Best of all, we have built areal communityhere, my brother and nephewlivehereand otherswho value and respectthe sustainable housing model we have created," she said.

Suehas enjoyedwatching other sustainable housing projects, such as Neil and Heather Barrett'sambitious 'The Paddock' project, which she describes as the'grownup version'ofher project, take shapeinthe yearssince.

Suehas also been an advisor to theneighbouring WINC –Older WomeninCo-Housing project, which will see 31 small sustainable homes built as part of acohousing village.

"Itisalso greattosee the regulations placed on the wider housing industry to meetmorestringentsustainability goals. However, Ithink thereisa lotmorethatcould be done in this space,"Sue said.

"Weneed to move away from this beliefthatweneed to have thesemassivehomes thatare poorly designed and cost afortune to heatand cool.Homes should be designed with the land, environmentand sustainability in mind. With 10-star energy efficiency being the ultimate goal today," Suesaid.

"And he wasvery active withthe Anglican Church, volunteering at the op shop in Gisborne." Graham's community efforts extend well beyond thereand Fleurbelievedhereceived the medal forhis volunteer work with the Office of the Public Advocate "Hewould alwaysbeout into the community around hereand go all the wayuptoBendigo, and visit elderly people, checking up on them and making suretheywereokay,"she said.

Thecouple initially movedtoGisborne in 2002 afterGraham retired, and Fleursaid he kept himself busybygetting involved in the community This included volunteer work with the Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism (GREAT)Association, wherehehelped outwiththe Gisborne Olde Time Market andthe Australia Day Breakfast, which he would organise and emcee.

Fleur told the Express she would be spending Australia Day at the GREAT breakfast event, whereshe would feel close to him.

"Healwaysorganised the GREATAustralia Day breakfast each year,soI'll head down thereand, yeah, I'll feel close to him,"she said.

YOUCAN TEACHIN REGIONAL VICTORIA

The future is calling, and we need your help to educatethe next generation. With secondary teaching scholarships,employment-based degrees,and arange of supports to help get youintothe classroom, there’sneverbeen abetter time to become ateacher in Victoria.

Move overMyers windows

TheMountAlexander WelfareOpShop in Johnstone Street,Castlemaine, is giving the Myerswindowdisplays arun fortheir moneywith fun,quirky seasonal displays

Volunteer GlennMcGoldrick is dressing the displays utilising second-hand items he's collected from theshop, witha specially designed backdrop painted by local artist Sandy Coventry

Thesummer display, inspired by Michael Luenig'sLeSummer cartoon, features mannequins dressed in beach attire, an esky full of MAAWbeer cans and MAAWsunblock. Thereisalso abarbecue

with meatmadeout of air-drying clayand asign saying, 'Noanimals were harmed in the making of this BBQ'.

"It'sabout bringing thebeach to Castlemaine to try and makepeople smile,"Glenn said.

"We've hadatremendous response from people, and we'vebeen sending the children out heretosee what they can find in the sand. I'vehidden awatch,there are rings and band aids and even afakedog poo!"

Glenn decided to go theextramile with this windowdisplayand got in touch with Michael Leunig'sson, SunnyLeunig, who

works withthe publishing company, to ask permission to displayhis Le Summer cartoon.

"I didn't expect aresponse, or at least nota quick one, but he responded within an hour,saying his father lovedanimals and he washappy forthem to do it,"Glenn said.

"We've gottwo amazing big windows thatnoother opportunity shop in Castlemaine has got, andtheyweren't being utilised. Ifigured it wasagreat waytoget people to come up andhavealook."

Glenn is already busyplanning the autumnwindow, so keep an eyeout.

‘Camp Darwin’ open auditions

Camp Darwin,directed by Kate Stones andwritten by Arjun Raina, is the Castlemaine TheatreCompany’sfirst production for2026.

CTCwill be holding open auditions for its first theatricalproduction of 2026 this SundayFebruary 1, at their Etty St Studios in Castlemaine.

Camp Darwin is ariveting and powerful story following thejourneyofsix men repatriatedfromIndia to Howard Springs Quarantine facility at the heightofthe COVID pandemic.

For14days, these six individuals live their restricted livesinsteel dongas, the small freedom of sitting, masked, on their porches, being tested forCovid three times, each test bringing the threatofa positive result, and being movedtothe mysterious ‘red zone’.

On the 14thday,one of the men tests positive…

Gisborne-based playwright, Arjun Raina, brings to thestage apowerful portrayalof the human experience during aunique, once in alifetime pandemic. Based on his own personal experience of coming home during the heightofthe COVID-19 pandemic, the plays asks us to consider the nature of human resilience, the importanceofconnection and ultimately,the unwavering desireto return home.

CTCwelcomes peopleofall ages, genders, abilities and cultural diversities to apply.Thisplayhas anumber of roles thatsuit folk from arangeofCALD backgrounds.

Whether this is your first time, or your 100th time gettingonstage with the CTC, theylookforwardtohearing from you.

Formoreinformation on the play, including the rolesand audition preparation, head to the CTCwebsiteat: www.castlemainetheatrecompany.com/camp-darwin-auditions

Experience the energy of African folk music

Ghanaian master musician Atongo Zimba is coming to Castlemaine, offering ararechancefor locals to experience the energy of African folk musicinan intimate setting.

Atongoisknown as one of the great ambassadorsofWest African sound. He has playedWomadelaide and has just returned from packedhouses in Hobart

and the CygnetMusic Festival.

Having performed with legends like Fela Kuti andAngelique Kidjo, audiences can expect arich, immersivejourney— wherethe oral history of West African griots meets highlife, Afrobeat, jazz and funk.

Atongohas achievedinternational acclaim with hits like No Beer in Heaven.His Trio’s shows promise to connect with the soul of Ghana through music thatisjoyful, rawand rhythmically powerful. Oneshowonlyat7.30pm, this Friday, January 30.

TheCoolroom, Northern Arts Hotel Castlemaine. Ticketsand moreinformation Humanitix.

Free climate docoscreening

Degrowth CentralVictoria, Castlemaine Free University,inassociation with CentralVic Climate Action (A Rising Tide Hub),are hosting ascreening of the documentary film, TheCost of Growth,at Castlemaine's Northern Arts Hotelthis SaturdayJanuary 31

Thefilm challenges Europe’s growth story by exposing the extractivesystems it relies on and the communities that paythe price. Hear from well-known activists –Greta Thunberg, Jason Hickel, BrototiRoy andmore.

FilmmakersAnunaDeWever and Lena Hartog areactivemembersofthe international degrowth movementand have produced an astounding film thatconnectsstruggles in Serbia, Italy and Sápmi to wider fights forjustice, as in Australia, showing howcommunities resist extraction, build solidarity,and expose theviolence behind economies.

Thescreening will takeplaceatthe Coolroom,the Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker Street,Castlemaine at 7.30pm. While entry is free to all, booking is essential through events.humanitix.com/costof-growth

Thedegrowth and climateaction movements have many similarities and oftencampaign together

Thedegrowth movementisadvocating forgreater equity and democracy as we live moresustainably within Earth’s limits.

Castlemaine Free University,a working group of Degrowth CentralVictoria, supports degrowth aims by experimenting with degrowth practices in the local area. Seemoreatdegrowthcentralvic.org

CentralVic ClimateAction, with afocus on local environmental campaigns, is ahub of Rising Tide www.risingtide.org.au, sending contingents of centralVictorians to the PeoplesBlockade in Newcastle, overthe past four years. Seemoreat: www.facebook.com/ centralvictoriaclimateaction

Thescreening will be followedwith aQ&A discussion with both local degrowth and climate activists familiar with thefilm makers and interviewees.

Youcan viewa trailer on www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu70KAs_HtM

Fire relief ‘snowballs’

Acommunity-led fundraiser in WoodendonJanuary18raised morethan$56,000 forvictims of the recent Harcourtbushfire.

Local residentand Rock and Ranges BrewingCooperativecodirector PennyMorton said she felt compelled to help afterthe fires tore through Harcourt.

“Welost our beer in the fires at Harcourt Coolstore, so we held ameeting to work out whatwe were goingtodo,”Penny said “But allIcould think aboutwas everyone else who losttheir homes,their stock, and their animals.”

Just one week afterthe fire hit Harcourt, Pennyand her team had already organised afundraiseratthe VicHotel.

“Wehad twokegs of beer that hadn’t been in the coolstore, and Ithought, ‘Let’s do something good with those,’” she said. “Honestly,I thought maybe 20 people would showuptodrink our beer.”

Thingsmoved quickly from there.

“I went to see Emily at the Vic Hoteland told her my idea, and shesaid, ‘Absolutely, let’sdo this’,” Pennysaid.“Then Ispoke to Tomat600 Above, alocal wine store, and he donatedback awhole order of our beer.Itjust snowballed.”

Theteam createdaposter and shared it on social media, and before long thetownstepped up in abig way.

“Wewereflooded with offers of items to donate andauction,and in theend about 1000 peoplecame along,”Penny said.

Local businesses contributed hundreds of donations,while DJ DanielBergerand musician Sean

Francis both volunteered their time to keep theatmosphere buzzing.

Afew bagpipersfromthe City of MelbournePipe Band even joined thelineup. “Weran aliveauction with

Books pulled from shelves

Books by prominentAustralian author CraigSilvey were pulled from shelves last week, amid chargeshepossessed and distributed child exploitation material.

Silvey's novels focus on teenageprotagonists and this agegroup doubles as his intended audience. Hisnovel Runt is listed on TheVictorian Dept.ofEducation's grade four reading curriculum,and Jasper Jones is listed foryear nine.

TheDept. confirmed theyremovedall books from their Victorian Lesson Plans, whilehis allegations areinvestigated, but the onus remains on schools to change theirreading list.

Additionally,Goldfield'sLibrary Corporation confirmed all their novels of his were removedfrompublicdisplay, pending the outcome of his charges.

Matty Be,a silentauction and multiple raffles throughout the day. we evenhad ameattray!”

Pennyjoked. “I’m so proud of ourtownfor pulling this offinsuch ashort spaceoftime.”

Training for inclusivecare

Do yousupport or work with older people?

Community groups, organisations and individuals areinvited to take part in afreetwo-hour LGBTIQA+ awareness training next month. Thetraining, delivered by Val'sLGBTI Ageing and Aged Care, is being offeredatOmnia Community Health’s Kyneton site(formerly Sunbury and CobawCommunity Health) and aims to build awareness and understanding around the needs and experiences of olderLGBTIQA+ people.

‘Rainbows Don’tFade With Age’ will look at the use of language, terminology and identities, the impactsof history on the experiences of olderLGBTIQA+ people as well as aged caresector requirements regarding the provision of culturally safe and inclusivecarefor those who identifyaslesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex

Thetraining takes place from 1pmto3pm on WednesdayFebruary 18 and will be followedbyafternoon tea. To register go to www.sunburycobaw.org.au/ rainbows-dont-fade-withage.

Youcan contact the InclusiveCommunities team at Omnia CommunityHealth if youhaveany questions. Call 5421 1666 or email healthmpromotion@scchc org.au.

Bushfire recovery

Accessing support in aplace that feelsright foryou

If you are seeking supports from Dhelkaya Health following the recent bushfires, our health service is available in locations that feel safer and comfortable for you. This includes the current Harcourt Recovery Centre, Dhelkaya Health Maldon or Castlemaine campuses, and where appropriate, other community-based or home-based settings. We also have telehealth available for most programs. Our priority is to meetyou where you are, both physically and emotionally, and ensure you can access the care and support you need in away that feels right for you. If you’d like to discussalternative options, please contact our teamand we’ll work with you to find asuitable arrangement. Emailusat intake@castlemainehealth.org.au, or call 5471 3555

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Two great walking tours are coming up, each running from 9 30 to 10 30am

They’re free, relaxed, and familyfriendly, suitable for all ages and abilities. No bookings required -just turn up with your hat and water bottle! Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Explore the history and significanceof these beautiful botanical gardens, while learning how gardens adapt to adrying climate.

When: Thursday 29 January 2026

Guide: Ray Stevenson

Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum

Enjoy amorning at the museum, exploring its treasures while meeting new people or catching up withfriends. When: Thursday 26 February 2026

Guide: AlanMiller

For more information on our walking tours,call 5479 1000.

Feeding the fireaffected

TheAustralian Society forKangaroos is offering to assist MountAlexander residents with the support and protection of fire-affected wildlife.

TheCastlemaine-based organisation will provide supplementary feed forwildlifethatare moving onto privateproperties.

"Itisabsolutely tragic when our precious wildlifeiskilled and injured by wildfires, but the ones who miraculously escape arenow also at risk of starvation and dehydration as their food and water supply has been destroyedby the fire,"said ASK presidentNikki Sutterby

"Ifyou areseeing displaced wildlifeincluding birds, wallabies and kangaroos moving onto your propertyinsearch of food and water, we would love to hear from yousowecan supply them with food and support until their habitatregenerates and theycan return home.

"Wewould also liketoask residents to keep a close eyeout forfire-affected wildlifeand contact us so theycan be assessed and assisted."

Ms Sutterby said wildlifevolunteerscouldn't possibly access all impacted areas so theyneeded residents' eyes and earsout thereincase these animals needed help.

"Theymay be on their own, separated from their mob, moving strangely,looking distressed, or orphaned babies on their own,"she said.

"Don’t approach them or letdogsgonear them as this could add to theirstress and risk of shock and death. Take photos or avideo so theycan be assessed by experts and contact us immediately

"Wesincerely thank all the volunteersalready out therehelping fire-affected wildlifeand encouragethem also to contact us if theyhave identified displaced wildlifeinneedofsupplementary food."

If youwould liketobeapartofthe ASK wildlifesupport program, or you'reconcerned about injured or orphaned wildlife, call 0417 354 408 or email: AustralianSocietyforKangaroos@gmail.com.

We canmakeabig difference

Kerrie Allen, MountAlexander WildlifeWatch Inc.

This fireseasonhas begun farworse than anyone feared. More than 400,000 hectares have burned. About 260 homes, 900 structures,1000 farms and 20,000 livestock have been lost. Authorities describe the January 2026 fires as unprecedentedintheir speed, scale and destruction.

Yetamidthese staggering figures, one absenceisglaring: thereare no numbersfor wildlife. No estimates. No tallies. Just silence.

That silenceexists because wildliferescuershaveonceagain been preventedfromentering fire-affected areas to assist animals in distress. Formany, this feels likea grim replay of the 2019–20 BlackSummer fires, when an estimatedthree billion animals were affected and Australia’s wildlife response waslater found to be dangerously inadequate

TheBushfires RoyalCommission identified seriousgaps in wildlifeemergency management, calling forstronger coordination and proper integration of wildliferescue into disaster planning. Sincethen, governments have pointed to newguidelines and taskforces. Butonthe ground, manyexperienced rescuers saylittle has changed.

During the currentfires, including theRavenswood blazethat began on January 9, the DepartmentofEnergy,Environment and Climate Action hasreportedly been the only agency permittedtoassess impacted wildlife, euthanising most animals encountered. Trained independentrescuershavebeenbarredfrom affected areas due to safety concerns –which is difficult to reconcile when roadshavereopened, residents have returned, journalists have accessed burn zones, and official warnings have been downgraded or lifted.

Thelandscapes left behind tell adevastating story.Kilometres of blackened ground mean farmorethan lost habitat: they mean burned paws andwings, smoke-damaged lungs, poisoned watersources, and entirefoodchains erased overnight. Reptiles, birds, echidnas, possums, kangaroos, wallabies and countless smaller animals face slow deaths from dehydration, starvation, or infected burns if help does notarrivequickly

Time is critical. Survival ratesplummet in theweeks following afire. Even ifaccess is eventually granted, formanyanimals it will already be toolate.

If wildlife is to survivefor futuregenerations, emergency wildliferesponse must improve.But rightnow,the publiccan makea big difference.

Landholdersinfire-affected areas can placefood and water out forwildlife, away from roadsand domestic animals. Water should be shaded, refreshed regularly,and include astick or rock so small animals canescape. Suitable food includes hay, kangaroopellets, wild birdseed and sweetpotato, provided consistently while natural food sourcesrecover. Injured or orphaned animals should be reported to local wildliferescuers. Wherepossible, fences should be lowered, wildlife-friendly gaps created, and gatesleftopen during fire events to allowanimals to flee. Firesstart with terrifying ease—from cigarette butts and glass bottles to car exhausts,campfires, and unmanaged roadside vegetation. Most frightening of all, this fireseasonisfar from over. We must stayalert,takeresponsibility, and notleave wildlife to suffer in silence.

Aged care

Asymbol of hope

Jade Jungwirth

Harcourt residents

Ingrid Button,her husband Michael, 12-year-old son Oscar and two-year-old daughterAstrid were fortunate to have notlosttheir house in therecentfires.

Wanting to find away to help bring thecommunity together,Ingrid and Oscar started making little apple badges forpeople to wear

This simple act has been abeautiful symbolofthe incredible communityof Harcourt and thetown's ability to regrow

"Cutting out somefelt apples felt likethe least we could do,"Ingrid said.

"Wewenttothe Harcourt pool with everyone the other day, andwesaw people wearing them, and it really seemed to lift their spirits.

"Being aHarcourtian has taken on awhole new meaning now."

Twodaysafter the fires, Ingrid went into town with her son, who said it felt likeHawkins from Stranger Things

"Itwas asurreal experience withthe absenceof powerand communication,"Ingrid said.

Thefamily'shome, Foragers Family Farm, is on the edgeoftown, and they were one of the firsttohavetheir powerrestored. Ingrid described feeling survivor'sguilt, but still feeling all the stress and trauma, she found herself uncharacteristically getting agitatedby people.

"Coming out of Harcourt,there wasa definitestress response. Youcould tell the people from Harcourt, because we hadthis sort of glazed look,"she said.

"The Harcourt Progress Association and Victorian Miniature Railway were doing so much, and Iwas feeling useless, wanting to do something.

"100 badges later, my son looked at me and said, 'Seriously Mum?'But aday later, the bowl of apples wasempty,and Iwas getting messages from peopleasking if therewere more."

Ingrid has made abasic instruction sheet forother families to useiftheywant, but said the design wasreally simple. Felt sheets cutout into an apple and leafshape and held together with asafetypin.

They have also started making special golden apple badges forthe volunteerswho are helping with therecovery

"I didn't think something so small and insignificantwould be embraced by the community,and nowI'm known as the 'Apple Lady!'

Explorespace,psyche, touch and medicine

PainterFionna Madigan, and ceramicists

Lisa McPherson and JennyDivers, inviteyou through aportal into asoulfuland celebratory realm in which to explorespace,psyche, touch and medicine.

Fionna is an award-winning exhibiting artist whose work straddles afertile zone between realism and abstraction. Herimmersiveworks arelush and optically playful, inspired by the forms and flora of the Victorian Goldfields. Lisa McPherson is aceramist and apractitioner of East Asian Medicine. Herwork involves moving between bodies; human bodies and bodies of clay. These sensitive, hand-built forms explorenotions of touch, healing and memory

JennyDivers’ ceramic practiceisinspired by naturaland constructed landscapes through which she has lived, worked and travelled. These contemplativeforms investigate place and invitetactile engagement.

Theopening reception is SundayFebruary 8, 4pm-6pmatlot 19. Lot19isagallery thatplaces ahigh value on exhibitions that originate from thenorth centralregion; 19 McShanag Road,Castlemaine.

Opening HoursSat February 7, 10-4pm SundayFeb 8–10am –6pm (opening reception 4pm –6pm) ThursdayFeb 12 –10am –4pm FridayFeb 13 –10am –4pm ’Harcourt

Lauriston firefear

Angela Crawford

ALauriston residenthas voiced growing frustration over noxious weeds on Tranters Lane thathavebeenallowedtogrowupto six metres in height, creating aseriousfire risk.

Theland is managed by Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil, but theresidentclaims that while council workershaveattended the sitetomow grass, theyadvised theywere unable to address the weeds themselves.

“Towering, overgrownnoxious weeds have been abandoned for50years,”the residentsaid.

“Council wasadvised of the extreme fire risk last October.”

MRSC CEOBernie O’Sullivan said the council acknowledged the landowner’s concerns regarding weed managementand firerisk.

“Council has diligently investigated, considered and responded to landowner queries on this topiconseveral occasions, most recently through acting CEODom Testoni last week, and again this week,”Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Council must allocate resourcesacross the shirebased on factorssuch as assessed risk and environmental outcomes.

“Asexplained to thelandowner,thorough assessments of the section of Tranters Lane in question –which is notcurrently listed

on council’sroad register –havedetermined it is nota priority forthe roadsideweed program, nor does it requirefurther treatmentatthis time based on its assessed level of fire risk.”

However, the residentdisputed council's assessmentofthe levelofrisk and warned thatemergency vehicles did nothaveaccess along akilometre-long laneway.

"The south partofTrantersLane has been neglected for50years. Theweeds toweroveranyonewho walks by there and the dried grass itself is twometresin height,"theysaid.

"Itisillegal foremergency vehicles not to have access but the real issue is thatitis fuelled with fire, which will be imminently triggeredinthese heatwaveconditions we areexperiencing and it will decimatethe area.

"Thereare houses nearbythatare in danger."

Mr O’Sullivan said council would continue to managefireprevention in the area through routine township slashing, delivered in line withoperational priorities and site conditions.

“Inrelation to weed management, we acknowledgethe presenceofthe weed hawthorn,”hesaid.

“Weare open to ongoing conversations with landownersregarding weed removalin the area.”

Covering the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander Shires

Circulated throughout:

Kyneton,Castlemaine,Gisborne,Malmsbury,Trentham,Woodend,Redesdale, Lancefield, Romsey,Macedon, Mt. Macedon, Metcalfe, Chewton, Harcourt, Newstead, Maldon, Taradale, Elphinstone, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Barkers Creek, Sutton Grange, Baringhup, Muckleford,Yapeen. ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS

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Telephone: (03) 5422 1488

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Happy HappyBirthday Birthday Birthday Club

TUESDAY,JANUARY27

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The Compost Conversation Compostfor acause

What astart to theyearithas been! Floods, fires and alocal township severely impacted, withbuildings, business, homes, gardens and bushland burned.

YIMBY(YesInMyBack Yard)sends love to everyone who has been impacted and thanks to everyone who has helped out so far.Weknowthereissomuch work ahead.

Arequestcame from Harcourt residents worried about food spoilagedue to prolonged electricityoutages. Could YIMBYtakethe spoiled food from fridges and freezersand keep it outoflandfill?

We knew our council wasworking hard to getrecycling and landfill bins in place, but dealing with food wasteneeded adifferentapproach.

Although we can only deal with afraction of the spoiled food from Harcourt and surrounds, likeeveryone, we wanted to help out in whateverway we could and composting is whatwedobest, so….

YIMBYdelivered 200 empty buckets to BarkersCreek and the Harcourt Relief centre to collect the spoiled food in. Full bucketswerereturned to thosespots and Harcourt resident(and YIMBYcomposter) Angus Evansorganised transport.

Last Tuesday, more than adozen YIMBYcompostersand helpersgathered to start building four large compost piles to process the food scraps.With so many hands and so manyexperiencedcomposters, we were able to layerup400 kilos of spoiled food inunder twohours, carefully

blending them withlocally sourcedstraw, autumn leaves, horse manure,coffee grounds and chopped up garden prunings.

Over the next fewweeks, with more full bucketscoming in from Harcourt, YIMBYwill continuetolayer up and fill those bays.After that, we’ll turn the compost twicefor aeration and blending and leave it to curefor severalmonths, taking caretokeep it moist enough.

Themicrobes arealready gettingactive in the piles taking the temperatureover55 degrees and killing offany pathogens that mighthavecome in on the spoiled food When the piles cool,worms will do their part, improving the quality of the compost.

Ourplan is to send the estimated two cubic metres of high-grade, finished compost backtoHarcourt residents around the middle of the year forthose who will be re-establishing gardens.

We realise this is atinypart of the rebuilding and recovery process, but we knowhow importanthealthygardens and soil aretothe health and wellbeing of people and ourplace.

We wisheveryone involved in the rebuilding and recovery process everything theyneedfor thislong journey.

–Joel Meadows and Lucy Young work with *Yes In My Back Yard,(YIMBY), a community-scale composting initiativein Castlemaine and surrounds. Send questions or comments to hello@yimbycompost.com, or to book in fora compost workshop.

Local supportmattersmost

Live4LifeCEO Jeremy Wiggins is urging governments to strengthen youth mental health support in rural Australia following catastrophic bushfires and flash flooding, warning that young people will face ongoing impacts long afteremergency responses end.

Thecallcomes as Live4Life reaches asignificantmilestone, having nowsupportedmore than 38,970 young people across 14 rural and regional communitiesthrough itsyouth-led mental healthand suicide prevention programs.

“Disastersplaceenormousstrainonyoung people and families, particularly in communities whereaccess to mental health support is already limited,”MrWiggins said. “The recovery phase is wheresustained, local support mattersmost.”

Mr Wiggins waspersonally impacted by both the fires and floods earlier this month, with his household evacuatedand friends and community members losing homes and animals.

“These experiences aretraumatic and destabilising,”hesaid. “Theyreinforcethe need for prevention-focused mental healthprograms thatare embedded in communities before a crisis hits.”

Since2010, Live4Lifehas worked in partnership with local councils, schools and services to build community-wide approaches to youth mental health. Theprogram has delivered mental healtheducation to morethan38,970 young people and 3600 adults, trained 1800 youth mental health ambassadors, and supported 147 Mental Health FirstAid instructors across Victoria and Tasmania.

Live4Life’smodel has been recognised through independentevaluations and acknowledged in the RoyalCommission into Victoria’s Mental Health System forits abilitytobuild strong local partnerships and improvemental health literacy

With manyyoung people preparing to return to school, Mr Wiggins said the coming weeks would be critical.

“Some students will be returning to classrooms while living in temporary accommodation or supporting families under extreme pressure,” he said. “Wemust ensure they’renot left without support.”

@ Y YourOPINIONS

Lament for Burnt Places

Campbells Creekresident Brenda Addie has shared this poem in the wake of the recent fires.

Youhavesheltered us. Your have nurtured and nourished us Youhaveprotected us through pestilenceand plaque Andnow,itisour turn to honour youand protectyou through your vulnerability Andyourregrowth.

Maywenever lose sight of your majesty and your sovereignty Ourmessagetoyou is this: Love andrespect.

To allthe BurntPlaces, we send our tidings of lament.

Forall thelosses: thehouses, the livestock, the wildlife, the fruit, the businesses, the trees, the gardens, the electricity,the internet, the water, and the heartache.

We hear you. We feel you.

Ourhearts areheavy foryou. Together,weplantnew seeds and tend all BurntPlaces as our own, knowing that newgrowth is victory over torment.

We saluteyou Andwecare.

So the pendulumswings

KenMaas, Newstead

Simplynot listening

Bill Chisholm, Protect our Farms Incorporated, Tooborac

It’s twoweeks on sincedevastating fires sweptacross Victoria and currently there arecalls fora parliamentary bipartisan Upper House Inquiry.There definitely needs to be some sort of inquiry and remedies put in place. However, the major difficultyI see is thattherehavebeennumerousinquires and RoyalCommissions in the past and the governmentissimply notlistening.

Fuel loads continuetogrow, forest areas receivelittle or no maintenancesincethe cessation of logging (logging industry paid forand maintained alot of access tracks and valuable firefighting equipment). The recommendations forcool burning fiveper cent of the state aresimply ignored.

It is notthatpeople and organisations have nottried to inform government, governmentministersappear nottobeinterested in listening. They employbureaucrats and media representatives thathavelittle or no knowledgeand understanding about rural and regional issues.

As apast councillor and currentpresidentofProtect our Farms Incorporated, I knowthatoverthe yearstherehavebeen numerous attempts to engagewithgovernmentand Imyself wasinvolvedinafew Emergency managementisanextremely complicated and bureaucratic business that has little representation and input from actual community representatives. Themain stakeholdersinemergencies aresimply ignored.

Many of the currentgroups highlighting rural and regional issues have been born

Re.Blair Fraser,Kyneton('Which wayisKynetonheading?', Opinions, January 13). Afterthe governmentlegalised SP bookmaking with the TAB (TotalisatorAgency Board),theypromisedtwo things. Therewould be no longer anyneed again forhospital appeals nor anyother legalised gambling. Traditions (conservative/religious)are oftenso, because overtime, they have showedtowork. Includingbabyboysdressed in blue and girls in pink. It is nature 'and'(or)nuture.

Payasyou go alcohol, tobacco,gambling, sexand gluttonywerefrowned upon forgood reason; letalone highly capitalised and readily available 24/7. TheSundaySabbath wasfor peaceand reflection and family –atone time (1930s)evensport and shopping closed forthatone dayofthe week. Another governmenthardpromise was'never' to confiscate firearms, if citizens come forwardand registered them. This promise is about to be broken forthe second time. Egoism, especially with political power, corrupts the most. So thependulum swings.

Cancercommunity forum in Kyneton

CentralHighlands RuralHealth is inviting communitymembers affected by cancer to takepartin alocal Cancer Survivorship Community ForuminKyneton

Theforum isopen to people living withcancer,cancer survivors and those supporting afamily member or friend. It’s an opportunity to share experiencesofaccessing cancer services in the Macedon Ranges and help shape how CentralHighlands RuralHealth can better support peoplelocally

Feedback from the forum, along withanaccompanying community survey,will playa keyrolein improving cancer support services closer to home and reducing the need forpeople to travel long distances forcare.

CentralHighlands RuralHealth chiefexecutiveofficerMaree Cuddihy said listening to the community wasessential to strengthening local cancer services.

“This forumisabout hearing directly from our community about what’sworking, what’smiss-

ing and howwecan continue to improvecancersupport closer to home,”Maree Cuddihysaid.

"The insights we gather will help us plan services that reducetravel and better meetlocal needs."

Forum details

Date:TuesdayFebruary 3

Time: 2.30pm to 4pm

Location: AlliedHealth Gym, AmbulatoryCareCentreBuilding, KynetonHealth

7–25 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton

RSVP by MondayFebruary 2to assist with catering.

Email: allied.health@chrh.org.au

Phone: (03) 5422 9946 (select option 1)

Forthose unable to attend in person, communitymembersare encouraged to sharetheirviews by completing aCancerSurvivorship Survey.The survey canbe accessed online at bit.ly/4qErUlo or inhardcopyfromAllied Health Reception at KynetonHealth Campus.

out of frustration and disenchantment. E.g. TheCFA VolunteersGroup. Issues such as aproperCFA firetanker fleetreplacementprogram have been highlightedfor years. Volunteersshould not be expected to risk their lives in 30-plusyear-old firetankers.Along with declining numbersand ageofCFA volunteers, these issues should have been identified and addressed. Thecurrent system is notworking. We have state governmentmanaged roadsides thatare an absolutedisgrace. Residents canbefined over $1600 if they ignorea fuel hazardreduction notice, many governmentdepartments and agencies settheir ownstandards thatare farbelow whatisexpected of ordinary people. You have issues suchasmultiple access and egress points from subdivisions and rural/ urban interfaceproblems thatare basically ignored in state planning legislation and fire mitigation planning. These areonly afew of the problems thatneedtobeaddressed.

Hopefully out of this currentsituation therewill actually be some positiveresults, but this will requirebothpoliticians and bureaucratstostart LISTENING.

Whyweneed a parliamentaryinquiry

Leigh Harry, secretary, CFAVolunteersGroup Inc.

CFAvolunteershaveprotected Victorian communities forgenerations. They do so withoutpay,often at personal cost, because theybelieve in serviceand public safety

Buttoday, many volunteersare asking a serious question: is the CFAbeing governed and funded in away thatgenuinely supports

SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. Howmanyroadside breath tests did the Macedon Ranges Police ServiceArea conductbetween Dec. 18 and Jan.1?

2. This year,the Gisborne Masters Football Club will celebratehow many yearssincetheyfirst began?

3. Last week, the Express reported a logging truckwithtwo trailers rolled onto its side: true or false?

4. Which pub in theMacedon Ranges wasreported in the paper last week for being sold? (3 points)

5. What politician spoketothe Express last week forthe story,‘Wildlife burnt, respondents at odds’?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. What coloursare on the flag for Burkina Faso?

7. What is the name of the Ukrainian president?

8. What Australian nativeanimal is feared to go extinct by 2050?

9. What country is expected to have 95% of its land underwater by the year 2100, due to rising sea levels? (3 points)

10. What arethe names of the five journalists at the Midland Express?

the people who deliver frontline emergency response?

TheCFA VolunteersGroup Committee believesitisnot —and thatiswhy we are calling foranindependentparliamentary inquiry into theCFA

This is notapolitical campaign. It is acall forgovernmentaccountability in asystem thatrelies heavily on volunteerstoprotect communities across Victoria.

Across the state,volunteersare raising consistentconcerns: ageing fleetand stations, growing administrativeburden, declining morale, and alack of genuine influence overdecisions thatdirectly affect volunteer safety and operational capability

These arenot isolated complaints. They aresystemic issues raised repeatedly across districtsand regions.

Volunteer firefightersnow operateinmore complexand dangerous environments than ever before.Longer fireseasons, climate-driven risk and growing urban–rural interfaces have increased operational pressure.

Yetmanyvolunteersstill respond from stations thatare decades old and no longer fit forpurpose. Somecontinuetouse appliances beyond their intended servicelife.

These arenot choices made by volunteers. They arethe result of governmentfunding, planning and oversightdecisions.

If the Staterelies on volunteerstodeliver emergency response, it has aresponsibility to ensuretheyare trained, equipped and supported safely

CFAvolunteers want to continue protectingtheir communities safely and sustainably An independentparliamentary inquiry is the most effectiveway to ensure governmentis accountable forthe system it oversees —and forthe people who makeitwork.

HarcourtRising comes to Castlemaine

Shedshaker Brewing is hosting amassiveweekend of fundraisersfor the Harcourt bushfirerecovery over theweekend of February 20-22.

Called Harcourt Rising, each eventaims to support businesses and residents affected and bring some fun to thecommunity.

Starting on FridayFebruary 20, the Taproom will be showcasing a rangeofHarcourt wineries who lost stock to thefire. Therewill also be cocktails made withdelicious Maidenii vermouth, as Maidenii also sufferedgreatly with the loss of the Harcourt Cool Store. Theevening will also featurea DJ forthatsmooth, loungey vibe. This eventisfreewithattendees encouraged to strongly support our local producersbystocking up on greatlocal wines and vermouth!

SaturdayFebruary 21 goes to whatthe Taproom knows andloves –great livemusic.Headlining a'sell-out' show(tickets sold outa short time aftergoing liveFriday) willbeHunters (featuring membersofARIA Hall of FamersHunters andCollectors) with Paul Dempsey(Something ForKate) on vocals. Also playing areNewstead’sfinest electro-pop party band Ok Darling and Castlemaine’s premier surf rock instrumentalists Breaker Breaker

On SundayFebruary 22, it’smorelivemusic fora cruisySunday afternoon withindie pop/urban country soulstersDuncan Graham and the WayInand alt-Americana folkstersPaper Jane. Andthereisnodoubt therewill be aspecial guest or twojumping up on stage as well! There will also be art auctions, raffles and more. Entryisvia donation (with all funds going to the recovery).

Harcourt Rising is also the name of acollaborativebeer thatmany of the CentralVictorian breweries have worked on together.Brewedat Holgate with inputfromShedshaker,BendigoBrewers,Cornella Brewing, Rock and Ranges Brewing, HepburnSprings Brewing, PallingBros, Lost Watering Hole andBrewer’sCollective, the very smashable and summery pacific ale will be available to buy in cans with proceeds also to go towardsthe bushfirerecovery.The beer willbeavailable at arangeof breweries and venues.

Trentham dance

Trentham residents areinvited to adance at the NewMechanics in High Street on SundayFebruary 8from1.30 –5pm Music by Rita and Bob. Entry: $10 (includes door prize).Raffle tickets$1each.

Afternoon tea(bring aplate of food to share).Novelties and prizes. BYOwater bottle.

Enquiries to Dianna 0418 173 920 or Noellene 0428 464 664.

Trentham DanceWorking Group is auspiced by Trentham Neighbourhood Centre

‘Dineand Donate’ firerelief appeal

TheMaryborough Highland Society will dedicate the entiremonth of February to supporting local fireresponse and recovery efforts, announcing that $1 from every main meal sold will be donatedand shared between TheCentral Goldfields Group of Fire Brigades and TheHarcourt Fire Relief Fund.

Theinitiative, titled 'Dine and Donate –February',invites members, guestsand thewider communitytocontributesimply by enjoying amealatthe Highland Society throughout the month.

In addition to themeal-based donations, collection tins will be placedaround all bar areas at the Society forthose wishingtomake an extracontribution.

To furtherboost fundraising, the Highland Society will host aspecial HappyHour on Friday, February 6, during which all proceeds from the membersraffle will be donatedto the same cause.

Highland Society presidentGarry Coburn said local brigades and neighbouring communities had facedenormouspressurethis fire season.

"This is our wayofstanding beside them and helping ensuretheyhavethe resources theyneed,”hesaid.

"The Society encourages the community to getbehindthe initiative, enjoya meal, and help support those who protect and servethe region during some of its most challenging times."

Learn theart of salsa

Salsa returnstoCastlemaine with awelcoming SalsaClass and Latin Social at WesleyHill Hall this FridayJanuary 30.

Theevening combines afun group class followedbysocial dancing, offering an accessible waytoenjoyLatin music, movementand community. Thegroup classfocuses on simple, practical steps, followedbysocial dancing to a curated playlist of Latin favourites. No previous danceexperience is required, and both beginnersand experienced dancersare welcome. Wesley Hill Hall is air-conditioned and features an excellentwooden dancefloor

Theevent is hosted by a team of localdanceand music practitioners. IanPatrick (DJ Juan Opalo)isanexperienced salsa teacherand the producer of TheLatin Hour on MainFM Francis Icasiano is alongtime salsa dancer activein Castlemaine’s community dancescene and is also known forhis work with silentdisco and movement-based projects.

LeeChristison is adedicated salsa dancer with astrong feel forCuban salsa and solid technique.

Alicja Cygankabringsa broad dancebackground, including Brazilian samba, and a distinctivesense of expression to her salsa dancing. Together,the hosts create an inclusiveand supportive atmospherethatencourages people of alllevels to enjoy dancing.

Theevent willrun from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Ticketsare $20 or $15 concession. Visit events.humanitix.com/salsa-dance-classjan-2026

Farming ‘unconference’ breaks new ground

Local farmershaveturned to theircommunityina grassroots quest to position Macedon Ranges as acentre forexcellenceinregenerativeagriculture andland stewardship.

TheorganisersofGROWFestival went back to the drawing boardtoredesign the eventfor 2026, even after the bumper success of the first GROW in 2025.

This year,the all-dayprogram on FridayFebruary 20 at the KynetonRacecourse will featuremorethan 40 workshops, demonstrations, talks and discussions.

It is based on community need and interest: thecontent is effectively crowdsourcedand the eventiscrowdfunded.

Ticketsare apay-what-you-can contribution towards the cost of putting the dayon.

Theaction will takeplaceacross four themed stages or learning hubs: plants, soil, animals and people. Plus therewill be afullday of practical demonstrations and workshops in the 'GROW Paddock' on adjoining Rock House Farm.

Thesessions will be short, targetedand in smaller groupstomakepresenting morecomfortable fora broader rangeofcontributorsand to help makeasking questions feel less daunting forthe audience.

Thevolunteer organisers–membersofthe not-forprofit Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group –are describing this regenerated GROW as an “unconference”

GROW Festival’sDonna Coutts said thatbyempowering the community to create the curriculum and to attempttocrowdfund theevent,GROW2026 would be atrue test of whatthe community wanted andcould support.

“Weweremoreinterestedincollaboration and community consultation than trying to create another commercial agribusiness conferenceinacrowded events calendar,” she said.

“Regional Victoria and farmers, in particular,havehad achallenging fewseasons and we wanted above alltobe inclusive, relevant andaccessible.

“It’sasensitivetime to ask people to put their hands in their pocketsfor apriceyday out.

“Wewantedtobring everyone along with us on the journey; forthis eventtogrowfromcommunity need rather than forittobeimposed on or sold to its audience.

“Everyone who farms or looks afterland or thinks deeply about howtheir food and fibreisgrown isa stakeholder both in GROW and in the futurehealth of our food systems andlandscapes, rather than customersofa commercial enterprise.”

Therewas aconsistentthemetofeedback about the firstGROW. Thealmost 600 visitorsfromall overAustraliarated highly thesocial and networking opportunities and the peer-to-peer knowledgesharing thathappens

in healthycommunities of practice. They also reported feeling ashared sense of responsibilitytobring everyone along withthemtowards success in agriculture and improvedresilience.

“Wereckoned thatwas worth listening to,” Ms Coutts said.

Thecommunity-first ethos hasn’t limited the talenton the program– in fact, quitethe opposite.

US filmmaker PeterByck– famous as thecreator of the Carbon Cowboys –iscontinuing as part of the GROW family and will be an importantpart of the day.

“Likesomanypeople who’vesaidyes to GROW 2026, Peterwantedtocontributeagain specifically because of our grassroots ideas.”

Thelineup features other leading international and national expertsinsustainabilityand agriculture,aswell as award-winning innovatorsand practitionersfromcloser to home.

Presentersare giving their timeand sharing their expertiseasanin-kind contribution to the festival. Community groups areexhibiting and demonstrating free of charge and commercial exhibitors have made financial donations or given goodsand services foranauction of promises to seed fund GROW 2027.

GROW ticketsare available nowuntil sold outatwww growfestival.au

Woodend’s WholeTown GarageSalereturns

Woodend Neighbourhood House is gearing up forthe return of its major annual fundraiser,the Whole Town Garage Sale,taking placeonSaturdayFebruary 7alongside the Woodend FarmersMarket

Scheduled forthe first weekend in February to capturethe NewYear decluttering spirit –and to avoidthe busyMarch long weekend and Easter holidayperiod–the eventisexpected to draw strong interest from both sellersand bargain-hunters across the region.

“The Whole Town Garage Sale is oneof those greatWoodend traditions that brings everyone out,”said WNH manager Melissa Baker.

“It’sa wonderfulway to recycle, declutter, pick up afew treasures, and most importantly,come together as acommunity."We’re thrilled to be hosting it again.”

Local residents can register as sellersvia the WNH websiteorinpersonatthe House. A$10 registration feesecures aplace on the official Garage Sale map, which helps shoppersnavigate allparticipating locations. Registrations close at midnightonWednesdayFebruary 4.

Garage-sale explorerscan purchase an of-

ficial map for$5fromthe WNH at 47 Forest Street between 8am and 1pm on the event day. With dozens of sales spread across the town, shopperscan expect everything from household items and clothing to collectibles, toys,tools, and quirky surprises.

TheWhole Town Garage Sale encourages reuse, reduces waste, and helps raise essential funds to support local programs and services delivered by the WNH.

“The best part is seeing people chatting, exploring and connecting,”MsBaker added.

“Weencourageeveryone to getinvolved –whether you’reselling, shopping, or just enjoying thebuzz around town.”

As well as selling maps, the Woodend Neighbourhood House will also host its own trash and treasurestall on the day. Donations canbedropped offat47Forest Street on Thursdayand Friday, February 5and 6, between 9am –3pm

Formoreinformation and to register as aseller,visit the Woodend Neighbourhood House websitewww.woodendnh.org.au, call 5427 1845 or call in to reception. TheHouse is open MondaytoThursdaybetween 9am –3pm in January,reverting to fivedaysa week in February

MIDLAND Property &Living

Ararelifestyle opportunity

Set on approximately 12 acres, this versatile lifestyle propertydeliversexceptional potential forfamily living, hobby farming or simply embracing apeaceful rural wayoflife, all just 20 minutes from BendigoCBD

Thebeautifully updatedhome blends modern comfort with country charm.Atits heart sits achef’skitchen fitted with a stainless-steel dishwasher,brand newovenand stylish fixtures throughout. Sunlightfloods theopen-plan back living and dining area, creating awarm and welcoming atmosphereenhanced by acombustion wood heaterand split-systemair conditioning.

Thehome includes four bedrooms, master with ensuiteand walk-in robe (three with built-in robes), acentral bathroom, spaciouslaundry,separatetoiletand an additional living space at the frontofthe home –perfect as aparents’retreat or kids’ zone.

What truly sets this property apart is theexceptional land usability and impressiveinfrastructure. Thegrounds have been thoughtfully landscaped withestablished gardens, acustom dam with jettyand wide-open spaces foranimals to roam.A large fully concreted, poweredshed provides fantastic storage or workshop options, complementedbytwo carports including dedicatedaccommodation forboats,caravans or tractors.

Fully fenced and meticulously setup, this property includes solar power, extensivewater storage, designatedsheep and cattle paddocks and multiple outbuildings –ideal forthose seeking self-sufficiency,space to grow or simply the freedom of country living.

This is an exceptional lifestyle packageoffering privacy, spaceand practicality –ready forits next chapter. Properties of this calibreand versatility arerare… don’t missyourchance.

Property: Lifestyle property on 12 acres

Address: 402 Calder Highway, Ravenswood

Price: $900,000 –$950,000

Agent: Property PlusReal Estate

Contact: Kaylene Disher 0431 039512

MIDLAND Property &Living

Classic cottage and country charm

Set among aclassic country backdrop of rolling hills, pastureand open skies, 'AshviewCottage' offers arareopportunity to embraceanauthentic country lifestyle in the heart of the cherished Redesdale community.Thisisa home thatinvites youtoslow down,reconnect withnatureand enjoythe simple pleasures thatmakerural living so rewarding.

Thecottageitself isrich in personality and warmth, blending classic charm with inviting, liveable spaces. Abold and character-filled country kitchen anchorsthe home, perfectly suited to home cooking, shared meals and relaxed gatherings. Theadjoining living area is cosy and welcoming, filled with natural lightand framed by traditional cottage features and leadlightwindows thatcapture tranquil garden outlooks in every direction.

Threegenerous bedrooms provide comfortable accommodation, eachoffering asense of calm and privacy.The main bedroom is particularly spacious, with excellent storageand the flexibility to reintroducean ensuiteifdesired, adding further valueand convenience. Thereisalso scope to easily create afourth bedroom, allowing the home

to adaptasyour needs change.

Outdoors, the property unfolds into a beautifully established landscapeonjust under 2.5 acres (approx.). Matureash trees, layeredplantings and thoughtfully designed garden zones create asetting thatfeels both privateand expansive. Multiple deckedareas provide ideal spaces forentertaining, outdoor dining or quietmoments overlooking the garden. Therear paddock offers endless potential –perfect foranimals, ahobbyfarm, orchardorvegetable garden.

Redesdale itself is astandout, offering a genuine sense of community with everyday amenities close at hand. Enjoya shortstroll to the local café,school, post office,conveniencestore and the iconic Redesdale Pub, afavouritegathering placefor locals. Lake Eppalockisnearbyfor boating and outdoor adventures, while Kyneton'sshops and V/ Line services arejust20minutes away and Bendigo'scultural attractions within easy reach.

Warm, welcoming and fullofopportunity, 'AshviewCottage' deliversa country lifestyle thatfeels grounded, connected and effortlessly enjoyable.

Property: Classic cottageon2.49acres (approx)

Address: 2622 Kyneton-RedesdaleRoad, Redesdale

1940s charm with panoramic views

Discover'Cobbitty',a beautifully presented, solid brick 1940s home in one of Castlemaine's most sought-after positions, offering breathtaking views across the historic township. Setwithin established, landscaped gardens with stone wall terracing, this propertycombines timeless character with modern sustainability.

Step inside to an inviting open-plan living area, featuring double-glazed bi-fold servery windows to the east, creating aseamless indoor/outdoor dining experience.The living spaceboasts abespoke floor-to-ceiling bookcase, while the well-appointed kitchen includes hardwood timber benchtops, an induction cooktopand adishwasher forcontemporary

convenience.

Accommodation comprisesthree bedrooms, including amain bedroom with an ensuiteand euro laundry,plusa centralfamily bathroom and builtin storage. Original period details include ornate plasterwork, high ceilings, timber windows,and hardwood floorboards, which arecomplemented by modern features such as asplit systemfor year-round comfort and an integrated solar systemand EV charger forenergy efficiency.

Outdoors, enjoya secluded courtyardentertaining area, raised veggie beds, awater tank and off-street parking, all within walking distancetoCastlemaine's vibrantcafes, shops and train station.

Property: Solidbrick 1940s homeinsought-afterlocation

Address: 42 Urquhart Street,Castlemaine

Price: $995,000 -$1,050,000

Agent: Cantwell Property

Contact: BiancaWiegard0439 939 619

COMFORTABLE LIVING IN ACENTRAL GARDEN SETTING

•Well-presented and generously proportioned home set within established gardens, just ashortwalk to Castlemaine’s town centre, cafés and amenities.

•Comfortable open-plan kitchen and living area featuring agas log fire, ducted heating and evaporativecooling for year-round comfort.

•Flexible accommodation with multiple spacious bedrooms, apeaceful garden setting for outdoor living and entertaining, with the added bonus of potential to continue as asuccessful Airbnb investment.

•Approx.3.68ha of natural bushland tucked away in aquiet and sought-after Yapeen location, offering privacy and a peaceful rural setting.

•Planning Permit approved for adwelling, ideal for those seeking an off-gridlifestyle or arural retreat within ashort drivetolocal townships.

•Rolling landscape with established access, elevated points capturing attractiveoutlooks, located just minutes from Guildfordand approximately 8minutes to Castlemaine.

FANTASTIC POSITION AND STRONG RETURNS

•High-profile commercial investment in the heartofthe Castlemaine CBD, delivering astrong net annual return

•Threequality tenantsincluding alaw firm, physiotherapist and employment agency,offering asecureand diversified income stream.

•Prominent corner position on the Midland and Pyrenees Highways on an approx.1,065m² allotment, with four secure undercovercar parksallocated to each tenancy FOR SALE $1,750,000

MIDLAND Property &Living

Luxury, space and convenience

Property: Custom-designed homeonlarge allotment

Address: 31 GaffneyStreet, Castlemaine

Price: $1,450,000

Agent: BelleProperty

Contact: Narelle Waller 0408 571 131

RobWaller 0418 571 130

Set amid beautifully established gardens, this customdesigned and expertly built residencedeliverstimeless luxury,space and effortless liveability in ahighly convenient location. Aquality,one-owner home, meticulously maintained and thoughtfully updated, it is ready to move straightinand enjoy. Wide verandahs embracethe home, overlooking sandstone-walled gardens and mature deciduoustrees, creating aprivateand tranquil setting just moments from everydayamenities. Walk to thelocal primary school and daycare, with town shops, cafésand the train only 2km away

Inside, polished hardwood timber floorsflowthrough expansiveopen-plan living and dining areas, highlightedby soaring vaulted ceilings and astriking fireplace –perfect forbothrelaxed family living and elegantentertaining. The solid hardwood timber kitchen is beautifully appointed with modernappliances and awalk-in pantry,seamlessly connecting to thegenerous north-facing alfrescoareaand gardens beyond.

Accommodation comprisesthree generous double bedrooms with built-in robes, complementedbya stylish main bathroom and aprivateensuitetothe principal

bedroom.

Outdoors, the propertycontinues to impress withsealed pathways anddriveway, ample parking, town and tank water, andexceptional vehicle and storagefacilities.

An oversizedcarportprovides direct access to thehome, while asubstantial garagecomplex(13.7m x10m)with additional carport/verandah (10m x5m) and an outdoor bathroom offers outstanding versatility fortrades, hobbies or extended entertaining. Arareopportunitytosecurea refined lifestyle propertycombining craftsmanship,comfort and convenienceinaprized setting.

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

33 Newstead Road, Maldon.

3 a 1 b 4 v 2000r

•Solid brick veneer home setonahalf-acreofpark-likegrounds with maturetrees,builttolast.

•Spaciousliving with 3large bedrooms, polished timber floors, wood fireand an updated kitchen with electric and wood cooking

•Double garage& workshop, just 1.3km from historic Maldon village.

ForSale

$655,000 View

Saturday31st January: 2:00pm-2:30pm

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

106JohnstoneStreet, Castlemaine.

3 a 1 b 2 v 1225r

•Light-filled double-fronted1950s late-Decostucco home with generous rooms, original timber floorsand rich character

•Large north-facing 1225m² blockwith fruit trees and dualoccupancy/developmentpotential(STCA).

•Just1.6km to town, near schools and local shops

ForSale

$595,000 -$615,000 View

Saturday31stJanuary: 10:00am-10:30am

Narelle Waller |0408 571 131

RobWaller |0418 571 130

Lot22-38 IrelandStreet, Mckenzie Hill.

504-764r

•SelectedlotsinStage2 &3 available &titled.

•Blocksfrom504m2 -764m2

•Fully serviced residential zonedland,just4km from Castlemaine CBD and train station.

ForSale

$245,000 -$359,000 View By appointment

RobWaller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Scan to viewour currentlistings

Well positioned and full of charm

Perfectly positioned in one of Kyneton’smostconvenientpockets, 41 Jennings Street offers alowmaintenancelifestyle just moments from cafés, shops and everything Kynetonhas to offer. Thoughtfully presented, this residenceprovides aseamless blend of comfort, practicality and modern ease. Step inside to awarm and inviting homewherelightfiltersthrough the generous living and dining spaces. Thewell-appointedkitchen features amplestorage,quality appliances and excellentbench space– ideal foreverydaycooking or hosting friends and family

Comfort has been elevatedwith twobrand-newsplit systems andanew hotwater service, ensuring efficientall-season climate controland reliable modern convenience.

Accommodation includes three comfortable bedrooms –one with an ensuiteand the others serviced by aspotless centralbathroom. Aseparatelaundry with external access adds practicality, while the home’slayout makes it an effortless choicefor downsizers, investorsorfirst-homebuyers seeking amove-in-ready property.

Outdoors, the securecourtyardoffersa privatespace to relax, garden or enjoya morning coffee. A single lock-upgarageprovides additional storageand off-streetparking.

Whether you’researching foraneasy-carehome or awell-locatedinvestment in one of Kyneton’s most walkable streets, 41 Jennings Street represents an excellentopportunity

Property: Light-filled home in centrallocation

Address: 1/41 Jennings Street,Kyneton

Price: $695,000 -$745,000

Agent: RayWhiteKyneton

Contact: Tamara Mactier

Speed Queen, Electrolux, Bosch, Omega, Simpson, Dishlex, and Westinghouse. Simpso www.kentappliancerepair.com.au kynetonappliancerepairs@gmail.com

CONCRETING

ANTONIO (Dingfelder)

Valda Florence ‘Val’

3.5.1936 –18.1.2026

Beloved Wi fe of Ted(Dec) Loving Mum of Susan (Dec) &C heryl.

-Mum &Dad together again

AGraveside Service for Va l was held on 23rd January 2026 at the Castlemaine Ce me tery

Kaye LoisBourke

Kaye passed away surrounded by her family on 24th January 2026. Dearly loved wife of Rob, loving mother ofAndrew, Jacquiand Carli, mother in law of Glen, Peter,Jane and Vi

Muchloved grandma of Nicolle,Alex, Ben, Wilson,Madeline andLois. Friend to many She will be greatly missedby all who knew and loved her

Please join with us to farewell Kaye in the Chapel of MountAlexander Funerals, 12 CampbellStreet, Castlemaine on Monday 2nd February at 1.30pm.

To join with us via livestream,please visit Kaye’stribute page on thewebsite of MountAlexander Funerals

Passed away peacefully atThompson House on 20th January 2026,aged86years.

Dearly lovedwife of Ken(dec).

Loving mother andmother in law to David(dec) and Fiona, Christine andLeith, Karenand Jason.

Muchloved Nan to Josh andMeg, Alex and Meg,Andrew and Ella, Eve and Hector,and Great Nana to Beau,Hudson, Kip and Riley. To live in thehearts of those we love, is nottodie. Until we meet again

In accordance with Elaine’swishes, aprivate cremation has been held.

DETTMANN

Jennifer (Jenny)

18.11.1936 -20.1.2026

Dearly loved wife and soulmate of Hugh for 67 years

Loving motherof Fiona, Judy and Rob. Loved mother-in-law of Jim and Maree.

Adored Nana of Alexander,Hamish, Hugh,Tomand Harry Dearly missed and forever in our hearts Private Service

STOBIE (Dane)

Beverley Ann Jennifer 6.9.1937 –24.1.2026

Dear &L oved Wife of Michael ALoving Mother to Christopher,Andrew &Tim De vo ted Granny to Laura, Anabelle, Timothy,Virginia, Georgia, Edward, Richard, Isobel &S am.

The Funeral Service forBeverley will be held on Saturday 31st January 2026 at 11am at the Anglican Christ Church, Cnr,F orest &KennedyS ts , Ca

MCLEAN

Neil Keith Murdoch 13.5.1962 –9.1.2026

Loving Son of Max &Muriel (Both Dec)

MOLONEY -Denis (Dinny)

26.1.1996

Awonderful father gone to rest, For all of us he did his best, His love was great, his heart was kind, Abetter father no-one could find.

Thanks for watching over the boys and girls.

-Love Denise, Darryl, Mitchell, Taylor, Morgan and families xxxxxx

KN288293/L

Loved Bro ther of Jeanette &John Teague Proud Uncle of Bradley &Kelly; James &Katie; Jessica &Wayne. Adoring GreatUncle of Corbin, Dita, Robbie, Dany, Chris, Mia &Lily

ABig Hearted Man So sadly missed

The Funeral Service forN ei l will be held at the Leisure Centre, Bingham’s Rd, Harcourt on Thursday 5th February at 12.30pm.

AG raveside committal will be held prior at 11am at the Harcourt Ceme tery for those who would like toa ttend.

-27.1.1994 Boof, Another year passes us by but it still feels like yesterday that we lost you. Thinkingofyou always, Missing you forever Peter,Justin, Leah, Jasmine and Declan.

To view via livestream: thompsonsfunerals.com.au/ live-streaming/

In lieu of HarcourtC emetery Trust to help restore essential equipment lost in

Enve lopes ava ilable at the s ervice or ma de via the secretary at harcourtcemetery@outlook.c om

MtAlexanderAnimal Welfare

AnimalShelter Manager -FullTime

•Castlemaine Location

•Award Pay Rates +Super

We are seeking an animal welfare shelter manager to head up our team of experienced animal attendants and dedicated volunteers looking after the animals in our care.

A the manager must carry out the administrative duties required for the successful running of the shelter

The manager will also be expected to assist with the day-to-day care of the animals when needed.

Applications close February 27 at 5.00 pm For full details of the position, email: secretary@maaw.org.au

Kyneton Sports & AquaticCentre Enq: 0434 534 613

Anglican Church Hall Cnr Forest and Kennedy Sts., Castlemaine Saturday 7th February 8.30am-1.00pm Trash &Treasure, Books, Plants, Food Produce, Preserves Jams, morning Tea. Aportion of the funds will be donated to support the Harcourt Progress Association Official Bushfire Appeal.

-50potatoboxes -good condition -$50 each -Sunbeam O/H shearing plant -$300 -Ajax wool press -$130 -2water tanks -1,000 litres -$50 each -Fuel tank /safety ladder -1,000 litre -$450

The application reference number is: PA164/2025

In Person: You may look at the application and any documents that support the applicationfree of charge at: Civic Services Building –Castlemaine Corner Lyttleton Street &Lloyd Street 8.30am to 5pm -Monday to Friday

Phone: Planning Enquiries (03) 5471 1700

Online: Scan the QR Code or visit https://masc.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/MASC/Public/LogOn/ONLINESERVICES LODGE AN OBJECTION:

Any personwho may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to Council. An objection or submission can be lodged via the online services portal or can be sentinwriting via email or post: Online: https://masc.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/MASC/Public/LogOn/ONLINESERVICES

Email: info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Post: Planning Department –POBOX 185, Castlemaine VIC 3450

Town & District

GOLF results

CASTLEMAINE

Dave Stephens (20) handled Saturday's heat superbly to chalk up 42 stableford points for the overall and C-grade victory

Next best wasB-grade winner Will Dodson (12) with 38 points, while A-grade went to scratchmarker RobPrendergast with 37, on a countbackfromJasonThompson (1).

RespectiveBand Cgrade runners-upwere Kevin Gardner (15) and SamGale (23).

PeterMcCoombe and Leon Thomas were NTPs

In the early 9@9 event, Glenda Jefferies (19) wasthe winner with 19 points, twoahead of Carmel Cribbes (17).

Thursdaystableford:Afield of 41 turned out and the overall winner wasC-grader John Beet (26) with atremendous41points, on a countbackfromNorm Bellis (9) who led in the A-gradersfiveclear ahead of Ross Bottomley (6).

PeterSharrock (24) struck top form to be runner-upinC-grade with 40 points.

Megan Carroll (13) topped B-grade with 38, from Mick Kehoe(14) on 35.

GISBORNE

On Saturday,150 golfers coveredthemselves in sunscreen and took to the course to playthe game Gary Hoffman invented —Par plus.

It's wherehackers arerewarded with birdies, but notpunished fordouble bogeys It does notmakesense to me but Garyassures me it'sagreat adaptation to the original Parformat.

ScottTutton, Kallan Rogers and Robert Cotterall agree withGary,winning the respective A, Band Cgrades. Pick asurname Michelle Smith-Tamaray,won the women's event.

On Thursday, Michelle's possible husband, Simon Smith, wonthe A-grade stableford with 39 points.

Nick Peavey wonB-grade with 38 points, and DavidMasterton wonthe bandits' grade withanimpressive43points.

On Wednesday, Louise LeLievrewon the par eventwith asolid +6,ona countback from Helen Beyon. That's some good golf!

Thewomenofficially begin their season this Wednesday, followedbysome wine and food tasting.

Gisborne's North West pennantteam travelled to MandalayonSundayfor their round 3 matchand after aclose contest, went down 7-5 against Mandalay.

KYNETON

Generation Next has well and truly arrived at Kyneton, with somestunning performances in the past week.

Leading the wayis16-year-old Thomas Beachey, who made amassiveimprovementin one round, notonlybreaking 80 from the blue tees forthe first time but also slipping under 70, finishing with aone-under 69 and 48 points offan11handicap.

In Marchlast year,two months afterjoining the club, he wasa26handicapper.ByDecember he wason12and had reached thematchplay final of the club's open championship.

Hisprevious best round offthe blue tees wasan80with fivedouble bogeys on Christmas Eve, although he had a74fromthe shorter whitetees to win the Wednesdaycomp two weeks ago. That time he had fivebogeysand adouble; this time he had three bogeys,four birdies and incredibly just 22 putts.

Beachey'sblitz meant22-year-old Louis Thompson's best dayout wasleftinthe shade. Theclub greenkeeper,playing off8,had three bogeys andthree birdies to improvehis best by sevenshots and still finished four behind.

In B-grade DavidHendy (18) broke80for the first time, shooting 78 for46points. He wonbyeightfromMick McQualter (14) who wasone over afternine, then faded badly

C-grade went to the veterans, Trevor Glanfield(26) scoring 42 points to be four clear of Bede Gibson (28) who scored on every hole. Kylie Munro(12) led in the women with 38 points.

NTPswereThompson, Adam Pyett, Ivan Smolcic, Neville Yates(super pin)and Castlemaine's Greg Crowe

TheyoungestplayerinWednesday'sstableford, nine-year-old Thomas Bellis from Castlemaine, wonwith an impressive41points off29. He made fivepars and wononcountback from

ColWickham (19). RobMacRae(22) also had 41 to lead the women, and NTPswereCol O'Sullivan (2), Col Hudgson, Rachael McAndrew andJohn Waddell.

Forties arethe newThirties in theTuesday competition, with Moyra Douglas (44) improving 16 shots in aweektotally 47 and takeout C-grade by six from Terry Morley(33).

Vicki Nettleton(24) continued her strong form with44points to takeA-grade by five from Lorraine Ryan (39). B-grade went to Marg Scoble (26) with 41 from Beth Murray (28) on 37.

Namik Akkurt (7) wasbestofthe men with 39. MacRae, Robbie Schuurman and Jane StanleywereNTPs.

Thursday'snine-hole shootout had fivein contention before leftie McQualter carded 21 points to win by twofromSimon Rosenberg and Yates.

Please note:Afour-week Sundayprogram forbeginnerswith PGApro Paul Powell begins on February 15. Email \for details.

LANCEFIELD

Something forFREE!Winetastingand golf isFREE all dayatLancefield golf course this Sunday, February 1.

Sixwell-knownlocal wineries arepresenting their wares, withNTP competitions forall the family,and food vans as well.

Former presidentGlen Holland (24) was in greatforminSaturday'sstableford with 43 points. DarcyCreer (20) wasrunner-up on 40, with Trevor Lambert (1) thirdwith 39 on a countback.

Legends Ambrose: SteveDraper (18) —John Leefe(12) 63.5, from DenisDavenport (8) James Whitford(11) 64.25, Ed Godek (16) Graham Mau(15) 65.25.

Wednesdaywomen: Leanne Jeffery (28) 41 points, Janine Notman (49) 40, Carole Mee(40) 39.

Twilightpoints: Lochie Gilbert 25, Trevor Lambert 22.

MOUNT MACEDON

Abirdie, birdie start setthe scene forDaniel Graytowin Saturday'smonthly medal and Agrade with afine 74-8-66.

Jungle Burrowswas hotonhis heels with 76-9-67.

Kevin Taylor (18) had anett72tosurvive acountback and take out B-grade, while Dave Dunstan led home the C-graderswith 97-2671.

Darren Mantynen, Hamish Allen and Carolyn Doyle were NTPs

Ideal conditions forthe midweek stableford sawMikeHoiles(13) card42pointstowin A-grade in acanterfromevergreen Tony Carter (13) on 34.

JennySvendsen (28) with 39 points wasjust as dominantinB-grade, with RobBeatson (20) runner-up.Hoiles and Bubba Watson were the NTPs.

TRENTHAM

Hotconditions and hotscoring as 73 contested Saturday'sstableford

John Williams (22) excelled to carda brilliant 43 points, with fellowC-grader Adrian Siski (20) next best on 39.

PresidentChris Campbell (10) took out A-grade with 37, one pointclear of Steven O'Hagan (9), and James Dickson (15) topped Bgrade with 37 points, on acountback from Tony Donovan(12).

JennyCutter(22) wasindynamic form in the women's stableford,with 41 points.

Athree-way countback forrunner-up went to Anthea Leary (24) with 36 points.

WOODEND

Quality scoreswereproduced across all grades as 71 turned out forSaturday'sstableford,with Brian Patonproducingthe roundof theday

A-grade —Grant Davies (0) 37, from Matt Kivimets 36; B—Brian Paton(19) 39 from Joshua Cleary (15) 38; C— Jeffrey Fraser(20) 38, from JenHunter(22) 37.

In Tuesday'smixed, MauriceKelly (20) returned afine 40 pointstowin on acountback from topjunior William McLean (4).

Wednesdaywomen: Cheryl Garner (24) 36 points, fromCheryl Payne(30) 33.

This Fridaywill be extrabrightall round, with aspecial 'Let'sGlow' three-person Ambrose taking place over nine holes from 6pm.

Finally sighted: the rare Striped Wandering Golfbag.

Young winner: Nine-year-old ThomasBellis after his 41 stablefordpoints.

Unique wildlife find

When yougodowntothe woodstoday,you'resureofa big surprise whata summer it's been forwildlifeatKyneton Golf and Bowls Club.

Theclubhas had multiple echidna, wombats, foxes, kookaburras, ducks, swans, apelican, and of course 83,000 kangaroos, but this is the first known sighting in the wild of the rare Striped Wandering Golfbag.

Sometimes seen submergedinthe 14th dam,this cute fellawas found offthe fifth fairway afterthe captain yetagain demonstrated his prowess with aremotecontrolinhis pocket at the same time as putting forbogey on the 4th.

It wasthe complete performancebyour reveredleader on the waytoa stunning 25 points in the Wednesdayevent

He somewhatoptimistically named the "Wow,weare gettinggoodscoresstableford", savedfromearning the Duck of Shameona technicality.

He did getone thing right:predicting nine-year-old Thomas Bellis wasgoing to win the comp, which he did with atidy 41 points offa 29 handicap, including parsfromthe 14th to the17th.

Whosaid golf is forold people?!

—Contributed.

Golf home by three shots

KynetonGolf division one bowlers showedsufficienthunger to bounceback from acostly loss at Broadford, to edgeout finals aspirantGisborne by three shots on Saturday.

TheHighlands round 14 pennantclash at KynetonGolf had all the ingredients of asemi-final,asGisborne wasfresh from upsetting second-placed Romsey

Extreme heat threatened to wreak havoc, withthe temperaturehovering close to the "stopplay" mark of 38 degrees during the afternoon.

Only three matches across the three divisions were heated out, one being the BroadfordversusTrentham division one clash.

Theother twodraws were between Broadfordand Kilmore in division 2, and Lancefield and Kilmoreindivision 3.

Thedivision one results on Saturday didlittle to clarify which four teams will contest the semi-finals.

Runway ladder-leader Kynetontravelled to Kilmoreand wonby24shots to dentthe home side's prospects.

Thebig surprise wasthe rare defeat sustained by Greg Podesta's Kynetonfour, with Lance Whitnall securing a20-14 mar-

Dalhousie 4BBBevent

Dalhousie District Golf Association's anycombination 4BBB event could notbeheld on Australia Day as scheduled. It hadtobepostponed due to extreme temperatureforecasts in excess of 38 degrees.

Also, aconsideration wasmany interested players would have to travel through fire-affected zones to reach SeymourGolfClub.

Theassociation's heat package wasactivated.

Dalhouse has tentatively selected Sunday, March1,for the 4BBB tournmenttokick of the season.

Thedateisyet to be confirmed.

It is hoped golferswho had booked to go to Seymour on Australia Day will be able to attend when the changed date is decided upon.

Meanwhile, DDGA'sfirst junior tournamentfor 2026 is to be held at Trentham on Sunday, February 15.

This is adrawcardevent for beginnerswith an 18-hole eventas well as anine-hole event.

No better wayfor juniorstokick offthe season with plenty of prizes and giveaways

gin. To their credit, theother twoKyneton rinks had substantial victories foranoverall margin of 24 shots, and aclose look at the four rounds ahead shows Kilmoremay well be vulnerable to sliding out of the top four

Back to thecliffhanger at KynetonGolf, which wasvery much aliveuntil the very last end.

Golf won59-56 with the Wayne Turner rink drawing in alow scoring contest, Barry Godbolt producing an eight-shotmargin, and Toby Barker staying within fiveofthe strong TimRogersrink.

Trying to climb away from the danger zone, Lancefield deserves credit forbouncingback from a56-shotdrubbing by Kynetontoadaptextremely well at Woodend.

Thefour of Gary Choate,Nick Shannon, Bevand Jeff Holmes (s)made thegame look easywith awinning margin of 32 shots —the highest of the round.

Aaron Andrewsalsohad agood win, while the redoubtable Norm Bickerdyke prevailed again forthe Woodsmen.

Hard to follow form, with second-placed Romseyromping home by 54 shots against aDiggers Rest side thathad toppled Kilmoreseven daysearlier

TheRedbacks gained the maximum 16 points and aconfidenceboost forthis

Woodchop coming up

Theannual Lyon Woodchop hasbeen staged formorethan years, andthe 2026 tion is only afew da away

Each year this dr cardevent showcase axewielders, and of course the hammer heftingladies at th drivingcompetition.

TheLyonville Ha is thevenueonSat day, February 7, and attractions include bar, barbecue,barista coffee, cakes andlig lunchstall, plus raf andspinningwheelw lots of greatprizest won.

Events runfrom 10.30am to 3pm, and entryisonly $7 for adults, childrenfree.

Proceeds go towa the upkeep of the Ly ville Hall

Forfurther information, contactAnn Bremner on 5348 5515.

Saturday'sclash at Kyneton.

Currentladder: Kyneton197 points, Romsey147, Kyneton Golf 136, Kilmore 132, Gisborne 130, DiggersRest 107, Broadford89, Trentham 66, Woodend 60, Lancefield 56.

In division 2, Macedon scored an importantfive-shotvictory at Romsey to keep final four hopes alive.

Kyneton's division 2and 3sides had comfortable victories against respective opponents Gisborne and Woodend.

ALLTHE SCORES

Results of Highlands pennantbowls matches on Saturdaywere:

Division 1: KynetonGolf 59 dGisborne 56 —W.Turner 14 tied with A. Higgins 14, B. Godbolt 26 dB.Johnson 18, A. Barker 19 lost to T. Rogers 24; Woodend 50 lost to Lancefield 82 —S.Pickles 5lost to J. Holmes 37, G. Symons15losttoA.Andrews30, N. Bickerdyke30d A. Brandolin 15; Romsey 85 dDiggers Rest 31 —D Ely32dK.Stafford8,A.Young 21 dP Robinson 12, C. Austin 32 dR.Treweek 11; Kilmore46 lost to Kyneton70 —L.Whitnall 20 dG.Podesta 14, D. Carroll 15 lost to D.J. Thomas 32, M.McMaster 11 lost to Ant. Mathison 24; Broadford drew with Trentham (Incomplete due to heat).

Division 2: Kyneton70 d Gisborne 48

—N.Jamieson 13 lost to J. Evans16, M. Plowman 27 dK.Jarred 18, S. Buckley30 dB.Wylie14; Kyneton Golf 66 dDiggers Rest 51 —J.McQualter 27 dR.Beckett14, D. Bond 16 lost to R. Shears18, J. Trounce 23 dF.Kremar19;Romsey58lost to Macedon 63 —G.Gilligan 21 dG.Dickinson 15, L. Dymond 20 lost to I. Guymer 27, J. Beaumont17lost to I. Matthews 21; Broadforddrewwith Kilmore (Incomplte due to heat).

Division 3: Kyneton 63 dWoodend 49 —J.EppslosttoA.Jewell 21, S. Fenton 16 lost to T. White, E. Kennedy 33 dJ.Jewell 11; Macedon 49 lost to Mt Cottrell 54 —A Cameron 12 lost to L. Glascott20, S. Gillman 20 dD.Roche 19, M. Pjekne 17 dJ Langley15; Gisborne 36 lost to Romsey 65 —S.Lawless 11 lost to J. Fryer19, C. Butterley15lost to D. Culpan 23, J. Hunter 10 lost to M. Gilligan 23; Lancefield drew with Kilmore(Incomplete due to heat). Trentham the bye

ROUND 15

Highlands division one round 15 pennantmatchesthis weekend are: Kyneton vRomsey. Gisborne vTrentham. DiggersRest vKyneton Golf Lancefield vKilmore. Woodend vBroadford

Wayheads GDCA side

sborne District Cricket Association has announced a 16-member squad to playinMelbourne Country Week next

olific scoring Romsey coach BenWay (pictured) is of the squad.

ine battersinJarrydVernon (Gisborne captainnd Marcus Stewart (Woodend captain)will share e-captain responsibilities.

eare sixRomseyplayers in the squad —Way,pace ouis Moor and Aaron Paterson, and all-rounders evenson, Chris Burkettand Thomas Boyer. tSullivan Medallist RileyVernon and Matt Barake her Gisborne clubrepresentatives, and Kevin and paceman RhysBerry representDiggers Rest. all-rounder Harrison Sheahan is the second Wooyerselected.

eclubs each have one player in the squad —Camyton (Macedon), Damien Edwards(Sunbury United, amin Bryant (Eastern Hill all-rounder). ourneCountry Week runs forfour days leading up al rawfor theGDCAsquad is: nday, February 9— versus Warrnambool-Moyne at esday, February 10 —LaTrobe Valley at Grant Reserve, dnesday, February 11 —Bellarine Peninsula at Hopsing. sday, February 12 —South West Cricket at Port ourne. on Friday, February 13, at Spotswood or Elstern-

Steaders andRed Hats claimwins in T20

Castlemaine District Cricket Association sides enjoyedaspell last weekend due to theAustraliaDay long weekend. However, the CDCA's Twenty20 series continued last Thursdayevening January 22 with round twoclashes.

In balmyconditions, Newstead hosted Castlemaine United in the Pool Amatch at Newstead Recreation Reserve, and the Love Shack Brewing RedHatswelcomed Muckleford in the Pool Bmatch at the WesleyHillRecreation Reserve.

At Newstead, Castlemaine wonthe toss and elected to batfirst. Their openers making 34 and 20 respectively,the side lost the next twobatsman to aduck and

2runs before afill-in added 30 to seethe side eventually notchup7-126.

Thepick of the bowlersfor the hosts were SamJohnston 2-13, Chris Elderfield 2-16 and TommyPalmer2-30.

TheSteaderswasted no time racking up theruns withBen Walter making 45, SamJohnston 41 notout,Ian Garsed 15 and BradleyRichardson 14 to surpass the targetwith 3-129 and winning the match Thebest of the United bowlersclaimed 2-27.

At WesleyHill the Love Shack Brewing RedHatswon the toss and elected to bat first on their home turf

Theopenersfell cheaply before John

Getready forthe 2026

Kynetonnetball season

KynetonNetball Association is excited to kick offthe 2026 season with aFamily Registration Day on SundayFebruary 8from10am to noon at the KynetonPrimary School.

Themorning will include fun activities and mini netball games, and is agreat opportunitytomeetthe KNA committee,connect with coaches, and welcome newand returning families.

Registrations forthe 2026 season arenow open. Early registration is encouraged to assist with team planning. Support is available forfamilies who mayneed assistance, including family discounts. For help with registrations or further information, contact Nicole Backman, registrations coordinator, viaemail at kynetonnetballjuniors@ gmail.com or phone 0416 718 600.

KynetonNetball Association prides itself on being awelcoming and inclusiveclubthatpromotesparticipation and equal opportunity forall young netballers. It caters forage groups from Under 9s through to Under 16s. Teams competeinthe Macedon Ranges Netball Association wintercompetition on Saturday mornings in New Gisborne, with weekly training sessions held in Kyneton.

Howorth stood up with 23. Middle order batsman Thomas Coxmade ahandy 25 notout and BrentonJones chippedina solid 33 before he wasbowled by Declan Slingo. Slingowas on firesending each of the next three batman home fora duck. TheRed Hats all out for10-113.

Slingofinished with 4-17, Patrick Leathem 3-19 cleaning up the remainder

TheRed Hats returned fire sendingthe Muckleford opener packing fora duck.

ButDeclan Slingo17and stalwart Brett Cole 31 shored things up.Daniel Peckham 12 notout also did whathecould to keep the run rate ticking over, but all his teammatesfell forsingle digits. Muckleford

9-97 fallingshort of the targetand the Love Shack RedHatsclaiming the points forthe round.

Best withthe ball forthe RedHatswere Conna Mallett2-6,Craig Pearce 2-16 and Thomas Cox2-22.

In the thirdround in Pool ACastlemaine United will welcome BarkersCreek to the CampReservethis Thursdayevening January 29 at 6pm, and in Pool BonThursday February 5Harcourt host Muckleford at 6pm.

In Pool A, BarkersCreek is the current ladder leader,while in Pool Bthe Love Shack RedHatslead. Thetop placed sides in each pool will playoff in the final.

Cupwinner ‘cityclass’

Irish jockey Cian MacRedmond described HisFinest Hour as "definitely city class" afterwinning the 2026 Hanging Rock Cup.

From County Kildare, the 24-yearold MacRedmond came to pursue his riding career in Victoria about 18 months ago.

He hassettled in well at Ballarat, wherethereare some other trainers and jockeyswith an Irish background. MacRedmond rode awinner at his first race ride when he wasa16-yearold schoolboy. It wasatthe famous Curragh track.

He said he waspleased to be able to ride forNeil Dyer Tall fora jockey,MacRedmond usually rides at 55kg and above

Shield final forUnder 17s

Last week wasasuccessful one forGisborne District Cricket Association Under 17s players, as theycombined well to win their wayintothe final of the Kirton Shield in CentralHighlands Region.

TheGDCA representativelineup wonall three matches, and playedatthree different venues.

Afterdefeating Maryborough easily in the opening match, the Gisborne side wona close contest with astrong Ballarat combination, then accountedfor Castlemaine in their third outing on Friday.

On FridayatSeymour,the GDCA had to defeat an unbeaten Castlemaine to makethe final.

Theregion final is expected to be playedthis Sunday, February 1.

TheKirton Shield is an annual fixture, and is normally strongly contested.

In the firstmatch againstMaryborough, the GDCA side compiled 206(ZacBell 44, captain Josh Mullavey-Clark 42, IanJoyce30, Ethan Raynor 27, FinlayWatt207).

Astrongbowling performanceskittled Maryborough for106 (Bell 4-18).

Castlemaine opened the week by scoring 143, then dismissing Grampians for75.

In the second round, Castlemaine rattled up aformidable 5/346 c.c. at Newstead.

Jack Smith dominatedwith121, Declan Brasher contributed 78, and Arther Kneebone 72.

Grenville wasbundled out fora meagre87 in reply.

In acrucial second round contest, Gisborne dismissed Ballarat for136 (Felix Cameron 3-15, Mullavey-Clark 3-18) and finished up winning with 7/137 (Chase Fowler 28 notout, Mullavey-Clark 27).

Gisborne scored 161 at KingsPark, Seymour,onFriday, with Mullavey-Clark, Bell and Raynor the topscorers

In reply, Castlemaine could only manage115 (Cameron 4-28), as the GDCAsecured topspot with three wins, and Ballarat edgedout Castlemaine on percentagefor second place.

Gisborne in thehot seat

Reigning premier and McIntyreCup 1st ladder-leader Gisborne finds itself in dangerofbeing defeated by sixth-placed Rupertswood following alacklustrebatting displayonSaturday.

Gisborne batted first at GardinerReserveand never got on top of the Rupo attack.

Persistentpaceman Rhys Berry captured 6-44 to justify his selectioninthe GDCA Country Week side to play in Melbourne.

TheDragons were without RileyVernon,and Paul Sammut finishedupastop scorer with 43 in atally of 158.

Thevisitorsdug in late in theday to reach 0-15 by stumps, and need 144for an upsetvictory; Gisborne need an all-out performancefromits bowlers andfieldsmen.

Twoofthe other McIntyreCup games arepoised for interesting second dayaction.

Ahugesecond-wicket stand between captain Bryan Vance71and Matt Clayton63enabled ninth-placed Wallan to reach9/225 from 80 oversagainst Macedon.

TheCatshaveshowedplentyofcomposureunder pressurethisseason to be second on the ladder,and face another acid test.

WOODEND CRUISING

Woodend, wasinfullcontrol at Broadfordall afternoon,and nowneed another 59 runs fora firstinnings lead with all wicketsinhand

Once again the Woodsmen sharedthe wicketsaround, with HarrisonSheahan the most successful with three wickets.

OpenersHarry Lawson andJosh Eastleybattled positively forthe Woodend sideafter theydismissed Broadford fora disappointing 130.

In asensible decision, the GDCA decided allmatches would begin at 11am to avoid extreme heat.

SIX TO STEVENSON

Romseyall-rounder Taylor Stevenson(pictured) bowled almost 25 overstocapture6/100 againststrong finalscontenderSunbury United.

This is acrucial matchfor both sides.

Upul Fernando, aremarkable 52-year-old with thousandsofruns behindhim, top scored with 78 in atally of 273.

Romseyskipper BenWay will be looking forhis third-placed sidetorise to the occasion with the baton Saturday.

ALL THE SCORES

Progress scores in two-daymatches playedonSaturdaywere:

McIntyreCup 1sts: Broadford130 (R.Nolan 34, A. Wood 24,J.Nolan 21 —H.Sheahan 3-17) vWoodend 0-72 (H. Hawson 41 n.o.,J.Eastley 31 n.o.);Gisborne 158 (P.Sammut 43, J. Vernon 27, H. Luxmoore 25,L Brennan 20 n.o. —R.Berry 6-44) vRupertswood 0-15; Sunbury United 273(U. Fernando 78,H.Knott 62, L. Sherlock 36,F.Fernando 30 —T.Stevenson 6-100) v Romsey; Wallan 9/225 c.c. B. Vance71, M. Clayton 63)v

Macedon yettobat Johnstone Shield 1sts: Lancefield 183 (Harvey Lehner 81, Harrison Lehner 43 —S.Singh3-23, R. Dhawan 3-29) vHarkness 3/6; Sunbury Kangaroos 193 (C.Woolley54, R. Phillips 20 —L.Wilkins 3-41, N. Dent 3-51) v East Sunbury; Eynesbury 6/227c.c. (B. Shearson 68,R Cran 62, R. Ghazni 39 n.o., A. Mowat 26)vDiggers Rest; Eastern Hill 8/291 (B. Bryant 59, O. Newell 58, N. Fowler 38, N. Collard31, S. Feery 30 n.o.) vKilmore.

McIntyre2nds: Wallan 140(J. Mifsud 27, T. Jeffs 25, B. Fowler 23,C.Fowler 20 —I.Bobetic 3-18) vMacedon 1/29;Broadford211 (C.Stute 50,J.Nicholas 49,T.Shell 36 n.o., M. Collier 30)—G.Matthews5-33v Woodend 0-44 (D.Heaney29n.o.); Gisborne 182 (J.Shaw36, H. Brown33, W. Mooney 28 —H.O'Donovan4-38) vRupertswood 0-30; Romsey153 (N.Hoy 80 n.o.,K Ziedaitis25) vSunburyUnited 0/17.

No othermatchesscheduled.

ONE DAYFINAL

Gisborne District Cricket Association's one-day championship final takes placeatGilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend this Sunday, February 1.

Woodend playGisborne afterthe McIntyreCup sides finished in the top twopositions on the one-dayladder Last season Woodend wonthe inaugural championship by defeating Romsey, with all-rounder Warren Else man of the match.

CURRENT LADDER

Currentpositions of McIntyreCup 1sts teams in the Gisborne District CricketAssociation competition are:

Gisborne 51.19 pts. Macedon 48.65. Romsey. 48.03.

Woodend 45.54. Sun. United 40.01. Rupertswood 37.37. Wallan 20.82, Broadford. 19.92.

Dyer’sthirdCup —courserecord

nections. Originally in the stable of toptrainer Mick Price, the horse had fivestartsand was then put up forsale on-line. It washis tenthcareer start on Monday

Long-time Kynetontrainer Neil Dyer wonhis thirdHanging Rock CuponAustralia Day (Monday).Highly promising four-year-old HisFinest Hour,ridden by Irish jockey Cian MacRedmond, came with awithering burst to win the 1800m featureevent in course record time. Both Dyer and MacRedmond areconfidentHis Finest Hour will be well suited to strongermiddle distanceeventsinthe future

Avery largegroup of owners, some of them locals, were elated to win a$40,000 Cup race at the Hanging Rock track.

HisFinest Hour vied forfavouritism with Warrnambool galloperFeargal, who seta hot paceand tried to lead all the wayover1800m.

In the straightFeargal wasstrongly challenged by outsider TheMighty Spar,but HisFinest Hour gathered them up to win by just over twolengths.

Thecourse record of 1:50.46 wasalmost half asecond quicker than the time recorded by NowAnd Zenback in 2017.

WOODEND CUPSATURDAY

Kynetonand Hanging Rock Racing Club is nowbusily preparing forthe Macedon Ranges Ag Machinery Woodend CupDay to be run this Saturday, January 31, on the Kynetontrack. HisFinest Hour is already turning out to be areal 'bargain buy story' forDyerand con-

HisFinest Hour wonamaiden at Wangaratta on December 22, then wasplaced twicein citycompanybeforetackling the Hanging Rock Cup.

Prizemoneyearned is now$99,100, with confidencethere is plenty moretocome. Dyer had previously wontwo Hanging Rock Cups, his last success being with his topgalloper MrsBently back in 2002. Tonvenor washis first Cupwinner at 'The Rock' Since1990 Dyer has chalked up over 500 winners, across severalstates.

PresidentofKynetonand Hanging Rock Racing Club, GayO'Meara, made the Cuppresentations. He thankedbet365 forcontinuing to support the Cup, and other sponsorsfor the day'sracing.

O'MearacongratulatedDyer, thewinning jockey,and HisFinest Hour'sownersontheir success.

DOUBLE TO KELLY

Alana Kellytook riding honourswith adouble on theseven-event program. Thevery accomplished Kellytook out the Carlton DraughtMaiden on Himeno, and the Jack Styring OAMHandicap on Hi Tiago Theabundanceofshade at 'The Rock' waswelcomed by manyinattendance, and there wasareal holidayatmosphere.

Season launchand club open day

KynetonDistrictSoccerClubisgetting readyfor its biggest season yetand is inviting thewhole community to go along to its 2026 Season Launchand Club Open Day.

Thefreeevent will be held on Saturday February 7from11am to 2pm at Barkly Square, Kyneton, and everyone is welcome –whether you’realready part of the club, thinking about playing this year,orjust keen to check it out.

Aftera huge2025 season withmorethan 400 players, the club is expectingevenmoreplayers in 2026.

TheOpen Day is agreat chancefor currentand new players to getall the details forthe season ahead, including pre-season training times, registration information, uniform ordersand keydates.Players areencouraged to register early,asteams areexpected to fill quickly

There’ll be plenty happening on the daytokeep the whole family entertained. Enjoya free sausagesizzle, face painting, takeonthe soccerinflatables (including a fun 'run the gauntlet' obstacle course), have acrack at the penalty shootout competition, and jumpintogames and activities running throughout the day. Playerswill also be able to meetthe coaches, catchupwith teammatesand getexcited forthe season ahead, with prizes up forgrabs along the way.

Club merchandise will be available to buy on the day, and visitorscan also meetthe club’s sponsors, including KynetonShoes, aproud supporter of KynetonDistrict SoccerClub. KynetonShoes will be onsitesoplayers can easily pick up shin guards and getorganised forthe season.

Theclubisalsokeen to hear from anyparents or community memberswho mightbeinterestedincoaching junior teams, with plenty of support available.

KynetonDistrictSoccerClubisall aboutfun, community and getting people of all ages involved in the game. TheOpen Day is agreat waytogoalong, ask questions and be part of what’sshaping up to be an exciting 2026 season.

Formoreinformation, visit www.kynetonsoccer.com.

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Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton

This easy-careunit presentsanexcellent opportunity for first-time buyers looking to break intothe competitive local property market or savvy investors seeking to add to their portfolios. The front unit features an open plan layout withneat and compact living. All thehardwork has been done boasting new floor and windowfurnishings, freshly painted throughout plus theunit also includes large windows and areverse cycle split system.

JudithStevens 0438 683 484

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton