Gisborne Gazette July 2026

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From the Editor's desk

There is nothing better to do in these cooler months than snuggle up with a good read and this edition of the Gazette fits the bill.

We’ve got Maxine’s delicious pumpkin soup recipe (below) to get simmering to start.

Next up we have news about inspirational locals of all ages.

Alan Shipp recently represented Australia in over 65s cricket, demonstrating that you’re never too old to realise your childhood dreams. Likewise, Mitch Podhajski has swapped podiatry for a Collingwood jersey. (Read both their stories on page 3).

Young athlete Jonty Neethling, like Alan, is also set to represent our country in the US in athletics (see page 6) and we celebrate Under 13 futsal stars Nate and Jet who have returned from Spain where they also represented Australia (see page 34).

Local gymnasts Sophie Strano and Abigail Mecklem have also been achieving great things at the State Championships recently (page 33), with Abby also selected to compete from Australia.

And there are many more stories to warm your heart this winter. GDA Studios had a win at the Ready Set Dance Awards, and we celebrated the contribution of two amazing ladies in our local schools, teacher Helen Burgess and principal Joanne Nolan.

The stories from our regular contributors and local groups are another reminder of people in our community doing amazing things: Gisborne Men’s Shed, Gisborne Masters AFL club, Kindness to Elders and many more. It’s lovely to be part of a community which looks after each other, especially its most vulnerable.

We have also included a longer tribute to local musician Melvyn Cann, who recently passed. What an incredible life he lived and what a great role model to do what you love in life. Stay warm and well.

Katrina Buttigieg

Gisborne Gazette PO Box 9, Gisborne 3437 www.gisbornegazette.org.au

Circulation 8000

Gazette Team

Editor: Katrina Buttigieg gisbornegazetteeditor@gmail.com 0401 874 441

Production Pip Butler 0439 816 278 pbutlerhistory@gmail.com

Photographer Chris Fleming 0417 322 944

Distribution Manager

and committee members:

Bryan Power

Patsy Smith

Dorothy Murray

Deb Fleming

Maxine Barker 0438 711 138 maxineandpeter@bigpond.com

Advertising Maxine Barker 0438 711 138 gisbornegazetteadvertising@gmail.com

Social media Jenny Shipp

Distributors: Proudly distributed to letterboxes in Gisborne, New Gisborne, Macedon, Mt Macedon, South Gisborne and Bullengarook by more than 90 volunteers.

Where you can find the Gazette

Available online at www.gisbornegazette.org.au

DEADLINES FOR COPY AND ADVERTISING

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the Gazette are not necessarily those of the Gazette or its management committee unless acknowledged as such. No endorsement of products or services is implied by the listing of advertisers or sponsors. Any advice offered is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace or substitute for any professional advice. While every effort is taken in printing contributions accurately, the Gisborne Gazette takes no responsibility for errors.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Copies of the Gazette are posted to subscribers each month for an annual subscription of $37.40 to cover postage. Payment can made through direct deposit online. Please contact Maxine on 0438 711 138.

OBITUARIES

To submit an obituary for publication, please email bryanp2@bigpond.com. Please also provide a photo for publication and restrict the article to about 300 words.

If you do not receive the Gazette in your letter box, you can collect a copy at: Gisborne: Post Office, Village Shopping Centre, Priceline Chemist, Hardy's UFS Pharmacy, Gisborne Medical Centre Brantome Street, Foodworks supermarket, Hello World Travel, Gisborne Library.

Mt Macedon: The Trading Post. Macedon: Post Office; United Service Station on Black Forest Drive.

New Gisborne: Baringo Food & Wine, Station Road; Smithy's Cafe, 3 Ladd Road. Riddells Creek: Newsagency Woodend: Coles supermarket.

MINUTE WITH MAXINE Vale Anne O’Brien and Keith Hallett

A winter warming recipe:

Simple Pumpkin Soup

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1kg pumpkin

60g butter

1 onion, chopped

4 cups chicken stock

¾ cup cream

Method

1 Peel the pumpkin and chop into chunks. Heat the butter in a large pan, add the onion and cook gently, or until soft.

2 Add the pumpkin and stock and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender. Allow to cool a little, then process in batches in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to the pan.

3 Stir in the cream and stir over

The Gisborne Gazette acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community, and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging. To

a low heat to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, swirl a little more cream to serve.

HINT: If you have time, bake your pumpkin and onion, let them cool down, then process in batches in a food processor or blender until smooth and transfer to a pan and stir in the stock and cream and heat through.

Maxine Barker

Our thoughts and condolences are with Michael O’Brien and his family on the passing of his dearly beloved, wife Anne.

Anne was distributor of the Gazette for nine years.

Our thoughts and condolences are also with Helen Hallett and her family on the passing of her dearly beloved husband, Keith.

Keith was a distributor of the Gazette for 11 years.

www.gisborneoldetimemarket.org.au

Gisborne local plays in national over 65s cricket team

A boyhood dream has come true for Gisborne resident Alan Shipp to wear a 'baggy green'.

Presented by former Test player Geoff Dymock, the prestigious cricket cap was donned before Alan headed on to the field to play for Australia in the International Over 65s Quad Series held in Maroochydore in June.

Australia took on New Zealand, Sri Lanka and an Australia A team.

Playing in his first international game for Australia, Alan made a rapid-fire 25 runs and bowled nine tidy overs against New Zealand.

He has long been known for his brilliance in the field and took a spectacular catch to remove New Zealand’s top run scorer.

In the team’s win over Australia A, Alan was the top scorer with 45 runs. Australia were the competition winners after two wins and two washouts.

Alan’s 57-year cricket journey has included playing with Collingwood, Melbourne University and PEGS, and currently Rupertswood Macedon Ranges.

The captain of the Australia A Over 65s team, Archie Dudderidge, hails from Diggers Rest and he has numerous Australian caps in Masters cricket. Archie led his team with distinction against tough opposition.

Alan and Archie both play with Rupertswood Macedon Ranges Masters Cricket Club, thoroughly enjoying the positive atmosphere, camaraderie and competitiveness of masters cricket.

Rupertswood has Over 50s, 60s and 70s teams and always welcomes new players. The club has often been described as the best outdoor ‘Men’s Shed’ around. Partners also find the social aspects of the club enjoyable.

Anyone wanting information can contact Archie on 0484 337 226.

What a feat!

Six months ago, Mitch Podhajski started his own podiatry business in Gisborne, building up a solid group of clients. Now, he is playing AFL football and, in the interests of giving this last-ditch attempt at his dream "a full proper crack", he has had to give up the business.

At 27 years old, Mitch was a mature pick for Collingwood, drafted in the mid-season draft at the end of May. He said he initially considered hiring someone to continue his business (which he operated in Goode Street) while he saw how things went with the Magpies, but in the end decided that, “I want to just give this a full proper crack and not be mentally occupied by [the business]."

As well as his Gisborne start-up, Mitch had worked one day a week inside Collingwood's training HQ for 18 months as a sports podiatrist with a sports medicine clinic. Now he gets to use the front door rather than the ‘tradies entrance’.

Mitch started playing football with the Calder Cannons before transferring to Coburg in the VFL. At the end of May he led this year’s VFL goalkicking tally with 27 goals. In his first VFL game with Collingwood on 30 May, Mitch kicked his 150th VFL goal. Selected to play his first AFL match on the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, Mitch kicked his first AFL goal on his debut. Mitch is realistic about the challenge that being an older rookie presents. “Playing VFL for the primary reason to get drafted maybe stopped, honestly, three or four years ago,” he said in a club interview, “but I really understood that if it was ever going to happen, it’s going to require me to get the absolute best out of myself.”

Teacher toasted on 45 years of service

At a function held by the Education Department at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne on 31 May, Helen Burgess was one of many teachers who were recognised for their many years of service to the young people of Victoria.

Helen’s award congratulated and thanked her for the 45 years she had taught in Victorian schools.

After gaining a teaching studentship while at Oak Park High School, Helen trained at Melbourne State College and subsequently received appointments to Hatfield, Fawkner and Riddells Creek Primary Schools before taking time off to raise a family of three children Rohan, Elyse and Clinton with her husband Rocky who is an electrical engineer.

After that interlude, Helen made her way to Mount Macedon as a part-time specialist teacher in 1992. Before long she was a full-time classroom teacher in what she calls “a beautiful school” where she made lasting friendships with principals, colleagues, pupils and parents.

Now retired, Helen looks back on her days as a committed teacher with great satisfaction and pride.

End of an era at Specialist School: Joanne Nolan retires ► see page 12

Volunteer bicycle repair returns

Cyclists who have missed the volunteer repair service managed by Phil Wilkinson a few years ago will be happy to see that it has been resurrected. 'Wilkinson’s Wheels V2' has launched as a redesigned social enterprise focused on bicycle reuse, social connection, practical volunteering, and environmental responsibility.

The initiative, which began more than 20 years ago, has been reimagined for a new generation of community participation and sustainability.

Originally founded by Phil about 2003 as a volunteer initiative supporting the CFA flea market in Macedon, Wilkinson’s Wheels grew into a much-loved community movement that restored bicycles, supported affordable transport access, reduced waste, and connected with schools, refugee organisations, and community groups.

Phil said the new version of the project has been intentionally redesigned to create a simpler, lighter, and more sustainable operating model.

“The original project achieved incredible social outcomes, but over time it became difficult to manage due to storage demands, volunteer coordination, and the number of damaged bikes being donated,” he said.

“Wilkinson’s Wheels V2 is about keeping the heart of the project alive while creating a model that is practical, scalable, and sustainable for the future.”

He said the updated model allowed community members to contribute in small, manageable ways. Volunteers may help source bicycles, collect bikes, undertake simple repairs from home, assist with social media sales, or support bicycle donations to people experiencing disadvantage.

Higher-value bicycles would be professionally refurbished and sold through Facebook Marketplace, while lower-value bikes would be repaired by volunteers and donated through partner organisations to support vulnerable community members.

The initiative, based in Woodend, also introduces a new bicycle recycling and disposal service aimed at helping households responsibly dispose of bicycles that are no longer safe or practical to repair. For a small fee, unwanted bicycles will be picked up and taken to recycling facilities, reducing waste and improving the quality of bicycles entering the donation program.

“At its core, this project is not really about bicycles,” Phil said. “It’s about creating opportunities for people to connect, contribute, participate, and belong.”

Details: tinyurl.com/4mxdz6yu

Lambing workshop for Gisborne-Bullengarook

Lambing season is well and truly here, making it the perfect time for a refresher on how to care for ewes and their babies.

The Victorian Farmers Federation’s Stock Sense project is hosting a free post-lambing workshop in Bullengarook at the end of July, encouraging anyone with questions about lambing to come along.

The workshop will cover topics including improving lamb survival, recognising common post-lambing issues, and management strategies to support healthy ewes and thriving lambs throughout the season.

Stock Sense project manager Dominic Enter said the workshop was a great opportunity for any sheep producers, especially those who were new to lambing or look-

ing for a refresher. “Even for seasoned sheep producers, there is always something new to learn,” he said.

Stock Sense helps livestock producers and hobby farmers maintain and improve their animal health and welfare and farm biosecurity.

Anyone who attends a Stock Sense workshop in person this year also goes in the running to win a Stihl chainsaw prize pack at the end of the year.

The post-lambing workshop will take place on Friday 31 July at Rooks Edge B&B,1136 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bullengarook, from 10am to 2pm.

To register for the free event, head to the VFF Stock Sense Facebook page or their website at www.vff.org. au/events.

Local set to take on the world: named in Australian U20 team

If you have ever enjoyed a Sunday morning coffee on your porch or driven through the streets of Gisborne early in the day, chances are you have seen Jonathan “Jonty” Neethling flying past. The dedicated distance runner has spent years pounding the pavement around town and tackling the gruelling inclines of Mount Macedon.

All those thousands of kilometres of solitary training have culminated in the ultimate reward: the 18-year-old has been selected to represent Australia at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in August.

Jonty will wear the green and gold in the 3000m steeplechase a demanding event combining distance running with hurdles and water jumps following a spectacular season that cemented his status as the country’s top junior steeplechaser.

While Jonty’s natural engine is undeniable, his family attributes his rise to the dedicated coaching that shaped him right here in Gisborne.

His running journey began a decade ago at Little Athletics Gisborne. It was there that local coach Mark Carey first spotted the 10-year-old’s raw talent. For the next five years, Mark became instrumental in Jonty’s career, taking a headstrong, energetic kid and moulding him into a structured, disciplined athlete.

continued page 6

Dance studio recognised in business awards

Gisborne's GDA Studios has been recognised on the national stage, taking home the Ready Set Dance 'Business of the Year' award for 2026 at the Ready Set Dance Annual Confer ence.

Ready Set Dance is a globally run preschool dance pro gram, founded in Australia, that aims to get the world moving one preschooler at a time. GDA Studios has been the official Macedon Ranges location for nine years.

There are 200 studios across Australia offering the pro gram daily, so this award is a coup for GDA Studios. The award recognises "excellence in business leadership, innova tion, community impact and program delivery within the dance and early childhood education industry".

GDA Studios was founded by local business owner Sarah Morton at 22 years of age, as Gisborne Dance Academy. The business has grown from its beginnings in hired community halls to a thriving business that now serves more than 500 students from across the Macedon Ranges and surrounding regions, and operates from a new purpose-built studio in Meek Street, New Gisborne.

“This award is not just about dance," Sarah said. "It’s about community, connection and creating opportunities for re gional children, proving that big dreams can absolutely grow in small towns."

As GDA Studios continues to expand, the team remains fo cused on its founding mission: ensuring regional children have access to outstanding opportunities while feeling supported, valued and connected.

Local set to take on the world: named in Australian U20

Continued from page 5

As Jonty progressed into elite junior ranks and moved on to senior athletics, he joined his current coach, Charlotte Wilson. Under Charlotte’s high-performance guidance at Athletics Essendon, Jonty has refined his technical skills and found his absolute niche in middle-distance running and the steeplechase.

Breakthrough moment

Jonty’s breakthrough moment came earlier this year on a blistering summer day. Putting on a masterclass of endurance and grit, Jonty clocked a sub-nine-minute time of eight minutes and 51 seconds in the 3000m Steeplechase. The performance shot him into the alltime top five list for Australian U20 athletes in the event.

Because that particular race was not an official selection meet, Jonty had to back up his world-class form under pressure. He did exactly that at the Adelaide Invitational, clocking yet another sub-nine-minute time to secure his official international qualifier.

The final hurdle was the Australian Track and Field Championships, where a top-two finish was mandatory for team selection. Jonty dominated the field, crossing the line to be crowned the 2026 Australian Under-20 National Champion and securing his ticket to the United States. While earning an Australian singlet is the pinnacle of a young athlete’s career, junior sports representation in Australia comes with a tough reality: it is entirely self-funded. To compete in Oregon, Jonty has to contribute a $5000 levy to cover his flights, accommodation, uniforms and team expenses.

team

With his long-term sights set on securing a spot on the competitive US collegiate NCAA circuit in late 2027, the World Championships are crucial for his future. To help him get to the starting line, the Neethling family has launched a fundraising campaign through the Australian Sports Foundation. They hope the local community will rally behind him.

“Jonty has done all the hard work on the track," his father Ryk said. “Now, we are turning to our local community, friends, and businesses to help him clear this final financial hurdle.”

To help support Jonty: You can make a donation to his official profile page. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Visit the Australian Sports Foundation website and search for 'Fuel My Journey to the World U20 Championships' or search for Jonathan Neethling. Anna

Community groups celebrated at grant night

Nearly 40 community groups and 120 community volunteers were formally awarded funding from Community Bank Gisborne & District’s 2025-26 annual giving program on 1 June,

The event marked over $4.08 million given in community grants, sponsorships, scholarships and donations since the branch opened 18 years ago.

Held at the Gisborne Golf Club, the evening included a welcome from golf club president Alistair Boustead, and from Mal Carter, the chair of the bank's operating enterprise, Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Ltd. Branch manager Sarah Barton spoke about the role of the branch team in providing a highly personalised banking service to the community.

Grant certificates were presented to over 80 community representatives, and a speech was delivered by the 2025 Local Hero Award recipient, Deb Fleming OAM, who shared her personal reflections on the value of volunteering.

Certificates were presented to this year’s youth scholarship recipients, including Domenic Fattore from Macedon. They spoke about how these funds will support them as they embark on tertiary studies.

Mal Carter said, “Community Bank Gisborne & District is part of the Bendigo Bank network, but unlike corporate branches, we’re locally owned and operated for the benefit of the community. When you choose to bank with us, our

$4.08 million in profits have gone back to the local community since

profits stay local and help fund community projects, events, clubs and initiatives.”

Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Ltd, a certified social enterprise, gives at least 80 percent of profits back to the local community.

Leak hunters listen for gurgle and hiss

Greater Western Water (GWW) is strengthening its leak-detection program to protect water supplies as population growth, climate change and drier conditions place increasing strain on Victoria’s reservoirs.

With rainfall no longer enough to meet future demand, using water wisely is a shared responsibility. Reducing leaks is one way GWW is saving water across its network.

Since 2021, GWW’s leak-detection program has identified around 3300 leaks, accounting for approximately 8170 litres of water lost every minute.

GWW's general manager of asset planning and delivery, Ian Burton, said the focus was on proactive maintenance. “Finding leaks early, even very small ones, helps prevent bigger problems and reduces unnecessary water loss,” he said.

Because most pipes are underground, leaks are often not visible. Teams work street by street using acoustic detectors that identify sounds such as hissing or gurgling to pinpoint leaks. Repairs are then prioritised based on urgency and impact.

All areas are checked at least every three years.

For information on how to report a fault or leak, visit gww.com.au/prioritising-urgent-faults.

Gisborne Optical Centre

Providing Eyecare to the Macedon Ranges since 1980

Eye examinations for all ages

Come in and see our range of over 400 Spectacle Frames and Sunglasses to suit all budgets and needs.

Call today 5428 4100 and book an eye exam.

Hours: Mon to Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm Saturday mornings 8am to 12 noon

New battery and e-waste collection point

The council has installed a new battery and small ewaste collection cabinet in Gisborne Library, making it safer and more convenient to recycle items that don’t belong in your household bins. For more information on what batteries and e-waste you can leave at these drop points, go to mrsc.vic.gov.au/E-waste

Upcoming Environment events

In celebration of National Tree Day, join us for one our revegetation events: Tuesday 14 July, 12.30pm. Online session. This webinar will cover site preparation, plant selection and tips to help start building a more biodiverse farm. Friday 24 July, 1pm. Walk 'n’ Talk session. This walk along Jackson Creek, Gisborne, will help you discover different techniques and tools you for your own revegetation project. Book now: mrsc.vic.gov.au/Environment-Events

Hello all,

Yes, I’m back! Thank you to all the members of our community who reached out to me with messages of support after what has been a difficult two years for me personally. A lot happened in those two years; the passing of my father and the demands of the mayoral role put a lot of strain on many of my relationships, including at home. I want the community to know that I have come out the other side a better man and am ready to once again represent our community to the best of my abilities.

Congratulations to all our latest Kings Birthday Honours recipients, but a special mention must go to two remarkable locals: Patricia Kaye OAM - recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her work as a founding member of the Gisborne ambulance auxiliary in 1975 and who, over more than 50 years, has made enormous contributions to establish and advance the local ambulance service.

The 2026 Census

The next Census is on Tuesday 11 August. The Census is a snapshot of Australia’s people and housing, and tells the story of how we are changing. Instructions on how to complete the Census will be delivered to households from late July. You can complete it online, by paper, or with help from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. For more information visit www.census.abs.gov.au

EV charging station consultation

Council has been working to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in towns that are yet to see them and we are keen to hear everyone's thoughts on certain locations. The Gisborne location is in the service lane, 44 Aitken Street (near Gisborne Fish & Chips). Riddells Creek is in the Lions Park car park, Sutherlands Road. If you are interested in learning more about EV charging, head over to yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ charging-regions to participate in the ‘Charging the

COUNCILLOR'S COLUMN

With Cr Dominic Bonanno

Mary-Jane Welsh APM (usually known as Jane), recipient of the Meritorious Award Australian Police medal (APM) for her distinguished service as a member of an Australian Police force. Thank you both for your service and dedication to the community.

At our June Council meeting, we adopted the Budget 2026-27 that included a combination of items across our Council Plan, delivering initiatives across the themes of Our Environment, Our Economy, Our Places, Our People and Our Performance.

Some of those initiatives include increasing Council’s technology capabilities, which ultimately will pro-

Regions’ community consultation.Submissions close at midnight on 19 July.

Business Excellence Awards

Time is running out to enter this year's Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards, with self-nominations closing on Friday 10 July.

Businesses are encouraged to get their entries in now and take the opportunity to be recognised for the important role they play in supporting the Macedon Ranges community.

All finalists will also go in the running for the People’s Choice Award, giving the wider community an opportunity to vote for their favourite local business ahead of the gala awards celebration in November.

To find out more or submit a nomination, visit mrsc.vic. gov.au/business-awards

vide better service and efficiencies for ratepayers and residents.

There were also practical measures including an increase of the number of free green waste drop-off weeks from two to six per year.

The Budget 2026-27 endeavours to strike the right balance between delivering on tangible projects and upgrades that our community can visually see, while also ensuring that we’re continually improving those behind-the-scenes systems and processes that are often unseen.

I encourage you all to have your say in how we shape the future of the ranges by going to yoursay. mrsc.vic.gov.au and provide feedback on any open projects.

As always, if you wish to contact me, you can reach me on 0419 829 867 or dbonanno@mrsc.vic.gov.au.

Take care and see you around town!

Exchange student talks about her life in Australia

Highlights of my exchange year

As my exchange year comes to an end, I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone. Looking back, I am so grateful for all the amazing experiences, opportunities, and people that made this year so special.

First of all, I would like to thank Gisborne Rotary Club for all the support throughout my exchange. From the moment I arrived, everyone made me feel welcome and helped me make the most of my year in Australia. A special thank you also to my teachers at Braemar College for supporting me and making me feel comfortable at school from day one.

One of the biggest highlights of my exchange was definitely my host families: Sam and John, Tanya and Pete, and Sally and Edward. Thank you for opening your homes and your hearts to me. You made Australia feel like a second home, and I will always be grateful for everything you did for me.

This year was full of incredible experiences. One of my favourites was attending the Formula One Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne. As a Formula One fan, this

was a dream come true. I was also lucky enough to visit the Formula One Exhibition, thanks to Gisborne Rotary Club, which was another amazing experience.

Another unforgettable memory was going to an Ed

Lions’ latest year of service

The motto of Lions is 'We Serve' and in the past financial year the Lions Club of Gisborne and District is proud to have served those in need to the tune of more than $50,000. Much of this money has gone to local Victorian causes. By far the club’s biggest charitable donation was $42,000 to victims of this year’s Harcourt and Ravenswood bushfires.

Closer to home, $5000 in support was given to school students from families in need, whether for educational reasons and attending school excursions and/or facilitating participation in sports external to the school. Grants were made to students from Gisborne Secondary College, Willowbank Primary, Macedon Primary, New Gisborne Primary, Mount Macedon Primary and Gisborne Primary

Another to have benefited is the Lions Mobile Skin Check and Awareness Unit, which received $1273 to-

wards operating costs. This unit carried out free skin checks in our region earlier this year.

In addition, the Gisborne Foodbank received $312 from the club for a new workbench to provide more space for packing emergency relief hampers and managing food for those struggling to put food on the table. Gisborne Lions also provided the Foodbank with 60 Lions Christmas Cakes for inclusion in hampers.

A further $1000 went towards maintenance and operating costs of Lions-run camps for underprivileged, deserving, special needs and disengaged young people at Lions Village Licola, at the gateway to the Victorian Alps.

On the wider front, Gisborne Lions contributed $1000 to Lions Clubs International Foundation, the charitable and humanitarian arm of Lions International, to respond to global disasters. In the past, LCIF has provided emergency relief funds for disasters such as the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

Sheeran concert with one of my friends. It was such an amazing night and one of those moments that I know I will remember for a very long time.

The Rotary trips were also a huge highlight. I loved travelling to Queensland and visiting Airlie Beach, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The Northern Territory trip from Darwin to Uluru was another incredible experience and gave me the chance to see parts of Australia that I had only ever seen in pictures.

But more than the trips and events, the best part of my exchange year has been the people. I have met so many amazing friends at school, through Rotary, and throughout my travels. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me, included me, and made me feel like I belonged. It means so much to know that so many people accepted me and took me into their hearts.

This exchange year has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life. I have become more confident, more independent, and learned so much about myself and the world. Most importantly, I have made friendships and memories that will stay with me forever.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year so unforgettable. Australia will always have a special place in my heart.

Annina Emmenegger

“None of these contributions could have been made without the significant support of our club’s fundraising activities by the local community,” said President Russell Walker OAM. Tony Fawcett

What's happening at Community House?

The newly elected Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House (MMMCH) Committee recently met in person for the first time following the 2026 AGM and were delighted to welcome a new committee member, Sharon Bondy.

Behind the scenes, the committee continues to work hard to ensure the House remains a welcoming and inclusive hub for our community.

Friday mornings are also full of life, with our volunteer gardeners gathering to learn together and care for the community garden. All skills are welcome you don’t even have to be a gardener. This term we’ve had everyone from compost enthusiasts to a sketch artist join in.

Over May and June, volunteers refreshed the wicking beds with homemade compost, planted garlic, broad beans and murnong seeds, propagated strawberries, and prepared the gardens for winter. A new leaf storage cage has also been built, and we’d love locals to drop by with a bag or two of dried autumn leaves to support our composting efforts.

After gardening, “Permies @ The House” gathers for morning tea and a 'skill share'. Recent sessions have included CB radio communications, seed saving, propagating cuttings, connecting with New Gisborne Community Garden, and making dehydrated apple slices to share.

To find out more, follow Permies @ The House on Facebook: permiesatthehouse.

Regular programs: Playgroup: Mondays 10am to 12 noon. Craft Circle: Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. Friday Gardening Crew: Fridays 9.30am to 11am. Community Library: Fridays 10am to 12 noon. Warhammer Club: every second Sunday 3pm to 6pm. Macedon Produce Swap: First and third Saturday of every month 9.30am to 10.30am. Yoga: Wednesdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm. More information about programs and room hire is available on our website: www. mmmcommunityhouse.org, or please contact Megan at admin@mmmcommunityhouse.org .

Enrol for Term 3 at Further Education Centre

Despite the cold of winter, things are heating up here at Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre (MRFEC) for Term 3. We have some new and exciting things on offer this term. Come join us and learn something new while meeting like-minded locals.

New courses this term include Art & Drawing, Beginners Photography, Gentle Movement, Digital Devices – The Basics, and Office Ready Skills with AI. We also have some new workshops, including Create Your Own Paperback Book, Eco Dyeing, and iPhone Photography.

We have welcomed a new suite of tables this term, generously funded by Community Bank Gisborne & District. We thank the bank for its ongoing support.

Looking at a career change? Try our Career Development and Digital Skills courses. MRFEC is a 'Learn Local' organisation where you can access subsidised training close to where you live. Experienced tutors present the training, and we specialise in small classes averaging eight to 10.

These courses include Permaculture and Become a Barista – these course dates to be confirmed.

Social Media Marketing with KGMG Creative – begins Monday 10 August. Digital Devices: The Basics – begins Monday 17 August. Xero – begins Monday 24 August. Office Ready Skills with AI – begins Thursday 3 September. Bookkeeping – begins Tuesday 8 September

For more information on any of the above, call us on 5428 3799, pop in to say hello at 12 Hamilton Street or hop on to our website to enrol online at www.mrfec.net. au. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Dear Gisborne Community,

A reminder that applications for the Victorian Government’s 20 per cent Rego Rebate close on Friday 31 July. As well as applying online through the Service Victoria app, paper application forms are available from my office and local libraries. My staff are happy to assist with applicationssimply bring along your vehicle registration number, driver's licence, and bank account details. For more information and to apply online, visit service.vic.gov.au/rego-rebate.

In other transport news, full-fare passengers on the Bendigo and Sunbury lines can now tap and go using a bank card, smartphone or smartwatch. Those who prefer to use their myki can, of course, continue to do so.

I was delighted to see two remarkable locals recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List. Congratulations to Tricia Kaye OAM and Assistant Commissioner Jane Welsh APM for their outstanding contributions to our community and Victoria.

Tricia has been a dedicated volunteer and community leader for more than 50 years. As a founding member of the Gisborne Ambulance Auxiliary, she has provided invaluable support to local paramedics and contributed to numerous community organisations.

Assistant Commissioner Mary-Jane Welsh has had an exceptional career with Victoria Police, establishing the force’s first Cybercrime Division and leading efforts to combat online child exploitation.

As always, I’m here to help with any state government matters. You can email me at maryanne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au, call 5428 2138, or visit my electorate office team at Shop 14 Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne.

Have

a laugh

Beat the winter blues at Gisborne Library

The Warm Winter Read is on now until 31 August. Sign up and be in the draw to win some great prizes all for continuing your reading journey! Details are on the library's website, www.ncgrl. vic.gov.au.

School holidays promise to bring the fun with The Faraway Tree movie screening and Pop Biscuits Decoration Station to follow on Tuesday 7 July from 10.30am. Bookings essential.

The National Gallery of Victoria's Melbourne Art Book Fair brings 'Designing Letters' on Wednesday 8 July at 10.30am for families. Bookings essential.

Week One of the school holidays welcomes families to Winter Playtime at the Library, with a range of games, LEGO, and puzzles on offer. Drop in between 10am and 4pm.

LEGO Club runs over four consecutive Wednesday afternoons from 3.45pm. Please speak to Georgina at the library to book.

Minecraft on Tuesday 21 July at 4.15pm is sure to be a blast.

For adults, we have Junk Journals on Tuesday 14 July, from 2pm to 5pm and Cardmaking, on Thursday 30 July from 2pm to 4:30pm. All materials supplied.

Author Tracy Crisp joins us for a talk on Wednesday 5 August from 2pm.

For more information on programs, please visit our website or phone the library on 5428 3962. Trish Gauci

GREAT helps Gisborne Golf Club

The GREAT Association was able to assist the Gisborne Golf Club with the replacement of their trophies after the devastating 2024 fire.

The trophies now sit in a beautiful cabinet in the foyer of the new clubrooms. The new club is certainly an asset to the Gisborne community.

Karan Grieve, President, The GREAT Association

The club's new trophies are proudly displayed.

Korean Veterans’ Day

End of an era GISBORNE GOSS

After nearly three decades of dedicated service, the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School community is preparing to farewell longserving Principal Joanne Nolan, whose leadership has had a profoundly positive impact on generations of students, staff and families.

Jo’s connection to the school began in 1988 at the original Shield Street site in Sunbury. After periods of family leave and work in disability services with Moreland City Council, she returned in 1999, the same year the school was established on Jackson’s Hill.

Over the following 27 years, Jo served as classroom teacher, leading teacher, assistant principal and, since 2011, Principal. She was instrumental in establishing the Bullengarook campus in 2008 for secondary students, which has grown from 13 students to 130 today. In 2023 Bullengarook was featured in the documentary This is Going to Be Big, screened across Australia and internationally on Netflix.

Guided by her mantra for students “to be the best that they can be,” Jo championed inclusion, lifelong learning and opportunity for every student. Under her leadership, SMRSS grew into a thriving multi-campus school with specialist programs, allied health, wellbeing and careers teams supporting strong community partnerships across the Hume and Macedon Ranges Region.

Awarded the 2025 Principal’s Association of Specialist Schools ‘Principal of the Year Award', Jo shared at her farewell assembly that it has been “the greatest privilege to serve the school community”, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, inclusion and dedication to special education.

Korean Veterans’ Day is commemorated on 27 July each year. This is the anniversary of the day in 1953 when an armistice was signed to end the fighting in Korea.

This is a time for us to remember the almost 18,000 Australians who served in the war, including 340 who lost their lives.

Each of Australia’s three defence services was involved in the Korean War. It was the first war for the newly formed Australian Regular Army. Korea was the first and only time an aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy conducted wartime operations. It was also the last time the Royal Australian Air Force engaged in air-to-air combat.

Seventy-five years ago, on the eve of Anzac Day in April 1951, the Battle of Kapyong in Korea took place, in which B company of the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) were engaged in fighting the Chinese army in the Spring Offensive. Thirty-two Australians lost their lives, more than 50 were wounded, and three were taken prisoner. A US Presidential Citation was subsequently awarded to the Battalion in December 1951 by the Commander of the UN Forces in Korea, General James Van Fleet, for their brave actions.

Now, 75 years on, we pause to honour those who served in the Battle of Kapyong, and all those who served in the Korean War and post-armistice period, including those who lost their lives.

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

RSL provides camaraderie, support and advocacy for veterans’ and their families. As a result we are constantly looking to bolster our numbers. To sustain the RSL, we need new members, and welcome current and former service personnel (ADF and Allies), their families and those who support RSL, and members of Victoria’s emergency services, who are also encouraged to join. If you are interested, please contact our secretary via email at admin@gisbornersl.com.au or by phone on 0487 278 681.

Norman Smith, President Gisborne RSL Sub-Branch

JIM FOGARTY

● A new cafe, Coffee Stat!, has opened in the Macedon Ranges Health building in Neal Street.

Locals Mat Garbutt and his wife Germaine offer homemade sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and many hot and cold beverages, or you may want to try their soup during winter. They are open Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm.

Patrons of the previous cafe in the building will be happy to see this spot operating again.

MACEDON MAIL

Following the long weekend the Cats had a bye and all football teams are performing well with the Senior Men in third position, Reserves Men second, and Under 19.5s fourth. The Senior Women remain undefeated on top of the ladder.

The Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House continues to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive hub for the community. As winter settles in, a reminder about the wide range of programs on offer, including craft circle, gentle yoga, gardening, sausage sizzles and much more.

Be sure to pay a visit to the friendly locals at the MMMCH Produce Swap held out the front of the Post Office from 9.30am to 10.30am on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.

A very successful working bee involving many volunteers was held recently at the Macedon Cemetery. Lots of tidying up was completed and a flagpole installed.

For any inquiries regarding the Cemetery please go to Macedoncemetery88@gmail.com.

After a short illness, long time local Mal McInnes passed away peacefully on 19 June. Condolences to his family.

Congratulations to Mel (from Mr Cafe) and Daniel on the safe arrival of baby Romeo on 27 May, a little brother for Luca.

Good luck to Tom and Joe Greene who are travelling to China at the end of July to represent Australia in the Under 12 and Under 14 futsal teams.

Rainfall in Victoria Street for the period from 16 May to 19 June was 125mm. In the year to date we have recorded 150mm more rain than at the same time last year.

Have a great month.

Staying socially connected with Probus

The Probus Club in Gisborne is one of 1300 clubs across Australia.

The CEO of Probus South Pacific, Silvana Martignago, said at the 50th celebration of Probus in Australia: "Probus was created to ensure people had a place to connect, form friendships and enjoy life beyond work.”

At Gisborne Probus we welcome all members in our community who are retired or semi-retired to join us to make new social connections which is important as we age for our mental health and wellbeing.

Anne

The motto of Probus is: "Fun, Friendship in Retirement”.

Probus clubs are run by their members and offer activities tailored to local interests, from social gatherings and outings to hosting guest speakers. In May we enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Riddells Creek Hotel. Every month at our meetings we have an interesting and informative speaker, and time for a chat and a catch-up over morning tea.

Wanting to know more about your local Probus Club? You are very welcome to join us at our next meeting on Thursday 2 July, or contact our president, Gary Jones, on 0458 841 947 for more information.

Dianne Egan

GISBORNE CWA

We welcomed two new ladies, Deb and Maylene, with their membership certificates at our last meeting. Maylene is a keen crafter and has already won awards at our creative arts competition.

A few of our members attended the sip and paint evening in Macedon recently. Thanks to our Allison for her organisation and encouragement a fun night was had by all.

Congratulations to the Macedon branch on your 100th birthday, a wonderful achievement. Also, to Craigieburn branch, in our group, celebrating their 80th birthday. All those years they helped women and children and raised funds to assist with fire, flood and drought recovery and many other community projects.

Our condolences to Helen Hallett, our President, on the loss of your husband, Keith. Your friends are always here to support you.

Our next meeting is on Monday 13 July, and Coffee, Craft and Chat is on 20 July, both 10am at the Stadium at Gisborne Secondary College.

Christine Edwards, 0437 953 253

Gisborne Genealogical Group focuses on ancestral pile

This year we are holding our winter meetings on a Saturday, during the day. Our next meeting will be on Saturday 25 July at 2pm in the Gisborne Library, hopefully in the refurbished genealogy room.

Our topic is 'Ancestral Homes,' So bring along pictures and tell us about the homes where your ancestors lived, either overseas or in Australia. There are sure to be some interesting stories to be shared. Afternoon tea will follow, and all are welcome.

Our annual Family History All-Day Seminar will be held on Saturday 29 August, beginning at 9.30am, in the Gisborne Uniting Church in Brantome Street. The cost is $25 ($20 for GGG members) Payments can be made to treasurer Julie Dworak at contact@ggg.org.

This year’s topic is ‘Mapping Family

History’. Maps are an excellent resource when tracing your family history and are available in many formats. Guest speakers will be Dr Sue Walter (Public Record Office Victoria Archives Coordinator, Bendigo); Sarah Ryan (State Library of Victoria Map Collection coordinator) and Dr Kevin Molloy (SLV Manuscripts Collection Manager); Meg Bate (Genealogical Society of Victoria, Digital Resources Manager); and David Down (GSV Education Coordinator).

They will demonstrate the use of Australian and overseas maps, both physical and online. Morning tea is provided. BYO lunch. Put it in your diary now.

Genealogy Group volunteers are on duty in the Library on Thursdays between 1pm and 3pm, so come along if you need help with your research.

For more information about the group check the website, www.ggg.org.au

Lyn Hall

St Paul’s Anglican Op Shop Jottings

Avan has worked at the Gisborne Anglican Op Shop for more than five years.

She returned home after spending a few years in a regional city where she had volunteered at an Op Shop that benefited the families of cancer patients. Talking to her neighbour one day, she mentioned how she had enjoyed her Op Shop experience, never having been in one before.

The neighbour’s dad was instrumental in setting up the Anglican Op Shop, and soon after he dropped by to ask if she’d like to put her Op Shop experience to good use locally.

Avan agreed. She began working a couple of days a month behind the counter, and now she works two mornings a week. It is an interesting experience, connecting after many years with locals who she had met as their children went to school, pony club, or played cricket, tennis or footy together. It seems that, sooner or later, everyone drops into St Paul’s Op Shop. While Avan doesn’t always remember names, as they chat they find experiences they have in common.

Op Shop income goes to local, national and international causes that the Anglican Church of Gisborne supports, including the Gisborne Foodbank. The Op Shop is dedicated to recycling donations rather than consigning them to landfill.

Electrical items, which we are not permitted to

resell, and which we ask donors not to donate, go to an Op Shop in Melton that resells them after being checked by a licensed electrician.

We always have gently used local school uniforms, and are delighted to see them go to local kids whose families are struggling to make ends meet. Drop in, check out our stock, and say “Hello” to our friendly and helpful staff like Avan.

Jan Volkman Harris, volunteer

MACEDON CWA

After a busy month in May with our High Tea and CWA of Victoria State Conference, things were a bit quieter for Macedon CWA in June.

The main event was our Association Day. We invite members from other branches in the Central Highlands Group to hear a speaker, enjoy each other’s company and share afternoon tea.

The funds raised go to CWA of Victoria head office to assist the work of CWA in our state.

We were fortunate this year to have Mrs Lois Coggin from the Gisborne and Mt Macedon Historical Society give us a comprehensive talk on well-known artist Frederick McCubbin’s association with ‘Fontainebleau’ on Mt Macedon.

He and his family used ‘Fontainebleau’ as their summer residence and its surrounding bushland was the inspiration for many of his paintings.

The story of McCubbin’s time there is fascinating, and the fate of ‘Fontainebleau’ in the present day is a current issue.

A few of us attended a meeting to plan for CWA involvement in the Kyneton Daffodil Festival. Nice to think of warmer days ahead, although a long way to go yet.

You are assured of a warm welcome at our CWA branch meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at our Hall in Mount Macedon. Please call Anne Fyfield on 5426 2210 to find out more about Macedon CWA.

Thank you for the music Farewell to Melvyn

On 17 May this year an icon of Gisborne, Melvyn Cann, passed away peacefully in his sleep just shy of his 85th birthday.

Melvyn had called the Macedon Ranges home since 2001 and was known for regularly busking in front of Coles, IGA and at the Gisborne Markets. His music and vibrant personality (he often busked in a hot pink suit) brought much joy to the community.

Often mistaken for a homeless person due to his bohemian clothing and penchant for busking, Melvyn was in fact a highly accomplished musician who simply loved to share his music with the world.

Born to Mr and Mrs Roy Cann of Kensington Gardens in Adelaide, Melvyn’s childhood was a unique one, in which he experienced extreme highs and lows.

He contracted polio when he was 10 years old, not long after he had started learning the violin. Melvyn was unable to play the violin while unwell but he used the time he was bed-bound to study the theory of music and play and compose music on a recorder, which his mother had gifted to him. Melvyn told his daughter later in life that he learnt to compose before he learnt to play. In fact, his compositions were being played on ABC Radio before he had mastered an instrument.

latter he had entered four compositions across various instruments with solos, accompaniments and two-part singing.

At 13, Melvyn won two important music awards. He earned a three-year scholarship to the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide and an ABC Commonwealth Award for music compositions. For the

At the age of 14, Melvyn joined the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and after completing his scholarship at the Elder Conservatorium, he took up a full scholarship to undertake a PhD in Philosophy at Oxford University in England.

Melvyn is survived by his second wife and five children. His first wife, Rosemary, passed away in recent months which left him deeply grieved. She was the mother of his first three children, Rachel, Francesca and Michael. Melvyn and his second wife, Catherine, had twin girls, Sarah and

Elizabeth. Their unusual birth made the local paper as they were born at their home in Goulburn and Melvyn played the didgeridoo as they were delivered by a midwife.

When his children were young, Melvyn was a fulltime lecturer of the Philosophy of Music and the Philosophy of Medicine at La Trobe University for 28 years. However, during this time he was also a highly sought after violinist.

For at time Melvyn was the Concert Master of the Victoria State Opera Orchestra, and his children enjoyed attending dress rehearsals, picking up their father at the stage door and heading around the corner for spaghetti bolognese at Pellegrini’s in Melbourne.

Other strings to his bow included regularly playing in the ABC Showband, in concerts at the Myer Music Bowl, on TV shows, and a solo in the film Gallipoli.

Melvyn’s daughter Elizabeth fondly remembers when her father was in ICU a few years ago. He asked his family to bring his violin to him and as soon as he received it, his energy picked up. Melvyn spent a long time playing and the nurses were so uplifted they amplified his music through the speaker system from his room to the entire ICU ward.

He continued his playing when he went for respite afterwards at Warrina Aged Care in Gisborne, roaming the halls daily hoping to lift the spirits of the other residents.

This love of sharing music is how Melvyn Cann will be remembered. Indeed, he was busking outside Coles right up until the day before he passed away. Thank you for the music, Melvyn.

RIDDELLS CREEK SENIOR CITIZENS

If you are looking for something to do on a Thursday, between 12 noon and 2pm, please join us for a 3-course meal (prepared by our Chef) at the Riddells Creek Community Centre, Main Road, Riddells Creek.

The cost is $20, but if you become a member, it is $15, with a $10 annual membership fee.

We are a friendly group of seniors who would enjoy your company.

We have many indoor activities.

The premises are also available for hire: for special occasions, birthdays, funerals etc. Please call either Rose Chambers on 0407 873 273, Secretary, Phil Sanders on 0410 003 605, or President, Margaret Hutchinson on 0498 101 008 for any further information and prices.

Theatrical doings on the Mount

With two successful productions under our belt the Mount Players are now in full rehearsal for the August production, After-Light: The Dramatic Prog-Rock Opera.

The group is proud to present this brand new, original rock opera written by Zac Vanstone with musical direction by Castlemaine’s Tom Foster.

This is a contemporary piece in the vein of Jesus Christ Superstar and The Who’s Tommy, boasting a rock band live on stage with singers and dancers telling the story of Boy as he struggles through his mistakes, exorcising his demons in a journey of self discovery and ultimately redemption.

Penned during COVID, this production does explore some darker themes.

“This is a show about learning how to let go,” said composer Zac. “Following the break-up between Boy and Girl, Boy falls into a life-threatening coma. In order for Boy to wake, he must forgive the past, reconcile with the future and learn to let go of Girl. If Boy fails, his intrusive thoughts Addiction, Paranoia and Depression will consume his soul.”

Zac performed a stripped-back version of this show at the 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival which the Mount Players President, Craig Lenaine-Smith, and other committee members attended.

“What impressed me the most was the music,” said Craig. “It was incredibly evocative, with undertones of King Crimson and Pink Floyd’s The Wall. To now be able to realise Zac’s vision with a full band on stage is going to be amazing.

"Visually it takes its cues from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and 1930s German cabaret, with lots of corsetry and elevated glamour makeup.”

The season runs from 14 to 30 August.

AUDITIONS for the November production, Money and Friends by David Williamson, will be held on Sunday 12 July. For full details and to book tickets to After-Light, go to www.themountplayers.com

Karen Hunt

Photography club members shine

The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society has achieved outstanding results after participating in the annual Victorian Association of Photographic Societies Convention and Competition, held recently at Rich River Competing against clubs from across Victoria, Macedon Ranges Photographic Society achieved an impressive third place in the Open Digital Category and fifth place in the Open Print Category

One of the standout achievements came from Michelle Fox, who received a $500 voucher from Echuca Camera

House along with a Merit Award for her image 'True Grit'. Fellow member Jeni Marinier also earned a Merit Award for her image 'Cosy Pose', adding to the club’s list of accolades.

Other club members performed strongly across both print and digital sections, with scores ranging from 18 to 26 out of a possible 27.

The club currently meets on the first Monday of the month at Jubilee Hall, Smith Street, Macedon, from 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Visitors are most welcome. For more information, please email info@macedon-rangesphotography.org.au.

Jeni Marinier President

How do I advertise in the Gazette?

To advertise in the Gisborne Gazette, just contact our Advertising Coordinator on 0438 711 138 or email

The Gallery Amongst the Trees

Macedon based artist and member of The Gallery, Yvonne O’Connell, invites you to her exhibition in the focus room at The Gallery Mt Macedon from Tuesday 7 July to Sunday 2 August.

Yvonne says: “During my travels last year to various European destinations, I was inspired by the majesty of the broad leaf trees in summer. I was entranced by the dappled sunlight dancing and creating patterns on woodland floors as well as admiring the gnarled and knobbly textures of the ancient oaks.”

She was deeply saddened by the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumbria. On her return to Australia, Yvonne turned her attention to the beauty of our Australian trees, realising they were equally impressive. There began her obsession for trees!

Yvonne’s work aims to capture the essence of those observations through various mark making techniques using charcoal and acrylic paint, exploring a whole range of possibilities when she works. Yvonne says she doesn’t visualise an end result; rather she takes an explorative journey, constantly reflecting and adjusting her processes.

Yvonne hopes viewers to her exhibition will take a moment to pause and appreciate the grandeur of our natural world and the complex beauty of Australian trees because they are fundamentally important to the future of the planet as well as our own physical and mental wellbeing.

You are invited to attend the Opening on Saturday 11 July at 2pm.

The Gallery is at 684 Mount Macedon Road, Mt Macedon, behind the Trading Post. Open Friday to Tuesday, 10am to 4pm.

Art to Wear in The Gallery Meets the Makers

During August,10 textile artists will feature unique garments, hats, scarves and more.

Join us in the Gallery on Saturday August 8 and 15, from 1 to 4pm, and meet some of the makers while enjoying afternoon tea.

Entry free.

Enquiries; colleenweste@gmail; 0419 009 030 Sue Anson

Winter warmers to crochet

Craft Corner

with Mary-Beth O’ Brien

The winter season is upon us. A winter project is an absolute must to keep you warm and cosy whilst providing protection from the chills of winter.

A scarf and beanie set or blanket, maybe a jumper and/or cardigan are all worthy projects to begin. I’m currently working on a cowl in pastels, a one row v-stitch repeat. Shrugs are also very popular additions to the winter wardrobe.

Winter is the best to take time in a calm space and allow your creative side to find fulfillment in today’s crazy world where everyday events seep into daily life. Let the housework go, try asking someone else to prepare a meal and focus on a project that brings joy, admiration from nearest and dearest and a sense of true happiness.

I recently presented a first time Grandma with a baby blanket crocheted over two months in a soft cream. The delight of receiving a one-off original, hand crafted project from a friend was palpable. Lifting her spirit, providing acknowledgment of a fourth generation and celebrating her new role as Grandma.

Website to try: Ravelry, www.ravelry.com

Crochet and Conversation

The Crochet and Conversation group meets on the

Beanie and scarf crochet set

first Monday each month, at 2pm at the Gisborne Library.

This friendly group of crocheters welcomes newcomers. Bring wool, crochet hook/s and inspiration for your next project.

Masters to host Mental Health Match

Gisborne Masters Football Club will host the South Coast Sharks in the annual Mental Health Match at the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct on Saturday 4 July.

For many players, Masters football is more than a game. It is an opportunity to stay active, maintain friendships and stay connected with a supportive community. The day will feature two games, with the 45s kicking off at 3pm, and the 35s following at 4.45pm.

The match will raise awareness around mental health and support the important work of Beyond Blue.

Gisborne Masters secretary, Mark Blackburn, said the cause resonated with many members of the club.

”Mental health is something that hits close to home for many of our Gisborne Masters members. Footy isn’t just about the game. It’s about connection, mateship and having a support network when it matters most. Being part of the Mental Health Match means a lot to us. It’s a chance to raise awareness, start important conversations and support the incredible work of

Beyond Blue. Look after your mates, check in and remember you’re never on your own.”

The club invites the community to come along, enjoy a great afternoon of football and stand together behind the message of breaking the silence.

Exclusive Mental Health Match FK the Stigma merchandise, including hoodies, beanies and stubby holders, will be available on the day.

Every conversation matters. Every mate matters. Every life matters.

Mental Health Match

Gisborne Masters vs South Coast Sharks

Saturday 4 July at Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, New Gisborne. Times: 45s at 3pm, 35s at 4.45pm.

Gisborne Masters train every Wednesday at 6.30pm at Sankey Reserve, Gisborne. New players of all abilities are always welcome to come down for a kick.

For more information, visit gisbornemastersfc.com. Mark Blackburn

A holistic option for Gisborne residents suffering chronic pain

Chronic pain is usually more than a physical struggle, it can impact mental health, social connection, confidence and the ability to participate in everyday activities.

Macedon Ranges Health offers a free fourweek Chronic Pain program aimed at helping participants understand and manage their pain through practical, evidence-based strategies.

The multidisciplinary service explores pain management, movement, nutrition, mental wellbeing and strategies for daily living in a safe and supportive environment.

The program has already delivered positive results with participants consistently reporting increased confidence in self-management and greater awareness of available supports and services.

Many also report feeling less isolated and more connected to others experiencing similar challenges. Participants described the program as “very informative”, “supportive” and “perfect”, with one sharing, “Good to know I wasn’t alone”. Another said that there was “no quick fix, but there are a lot of strategies that help.”

The program runs at 5 Neal Street, Gisborne. Each session is 90 minutes.

To find out more about upcoming program dates, please contact Macedon Ranges Health on 5428 0300.

Information

and kindness presented for World Elder Awareness Day in Gisborne

June 15 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

To commemorate the day in Gisborne an 'Info Hub' was established at the 3 Little Pigs Cafe, where it was launched with a meet and greet chat session with Mary-Anne Thomas MP, local councillors Rob Guthrie and Alison Joseph, and Kindness to Elders ambassador Ian Rooney.

Information on support services around elder abuse and advice on finances when entering care and assistance with moving into care were provided by Senior Rights Victoria, Elder Rights Australia, Nixon Financial Services and The Lifestyle Managers. You can still find this information available at 3 Little Pigs.

A standout feature of the day was the handover of friendship letters and cards from the 1st Gisborne Scouts and Gisborne Girl Guides to residents at Gisborne Oaks.

The scouts are also hoping their letters might find a former member or two who may be able to assist them with the Group’s history for their 100-year anniversary next year.

Facebook: Kindness to Elders

Dental Talk Dental Talk Enamoured with enamel

Every now and then during a busy day in the clinic, I find myself pausing to reflect on the incredible complexity of the human body.

As dentists, we spend our days examining teeth, gums, bone and oral tissues. It is easy to become focused on the practical aspects of treatment—repairing a cavity, managing gum disease, relieving pain, or restoring a smile. Yet occasionally I am reminded of just how extraordinary the structures we work with truly are.

The images at right are scanning electron microscope photographs of dental tissue. What appears to the naked eye as a smooth, simple tooth is revealed under magnification to be a highly organised and intricate structure. Tiny microscopic channels, fibres and mineralised architecture work together with remarkable precision.

Looking at images like this, it is difficult not to feel a sense of awe.

Modern science has taught us an enormous amount about the human body, yet there is still so

much we do not fully understand. The more we learn, the more apparent it becomes that our bodies are not simply a collection of separate parts, but rather a vast interconnected system where everything influences everything else.

This is particularly relevant when considering oral health.

Unfortunately, oral health is often viewed as something separate from the rest of the body. We know that this is far from the truth. The mouth is connected to the body’s broader systems through blood vessels, nerves, immune responses and countless biological pathways. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular

disease, autoimmune disorders and even chronic stress can affect oral health, while poor oral health can in turn influence overall wellbeing.

The mouth is not isolated from the body—it is part of it.

This understanding reinforces an important message that we regularly share with our patients: caring for your teeth and gums is not simply about maintaining a nice smile. It is an investment in your general health.

When we take time to appreciate the remarkable complexity of the human body, it also serves as a reminder of how precious it is.

The habits we practise each day (brushing, flossing, eating well, exercising, sleeping adequately and attending regular health check-ups) may seem simple, but they support systems that are far more sophisticated than we often realise.

The human body remains a source of endless fascination and discovery. Sometimes all it takes is looking a little closer to appreciate it.

'Green Drinks' event launching in the Ranges

The Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG) is launching a new monthly networking event, 'Green Drinks', with the first session taking place on Thursday 6 August from 6pm to 7pm at the Mountain Shed, Victoria Hotel, Woodend.

Green Drinks will become a regular fixture on the first Thursday of each month at the same venue, offering a relaxed and informal opportunity for group members,

volunteers, and the wider community to connect over a shared interest in sustainability.

The initiative aims to bring together MRSG’s network in a social setting, while also creating space for the group’s Action Groups to share what they are working on with the broader MRSG community. It also provides an open invitation to environmentally minded locals who are curious about MRSG’s work and keen to get involved.

For more information, email info@mrsg.org.au.

Another day of mental health therapy.

It’s

all about the cuppa

You’ve previously read about our projects at Gisborne Men's Shed, and our equipment, and there’ll be more of that in future columns. But the most important piece of equipment in any Men’s Shed is the table that everyone sits around for a chat.

And the only essential technology required is a means of boiling water, so the chat can be lubricated by a hot cuppa. The occasional biscuit or slice of cake (in moderation) is a bonus.

Officially Men’s Health Week was a couple of weeks ago but at a Men’s Shed, every week is Men’s Health Week, with a special focus on mental health.

It is well documented that social isolation and loneliness are closely linked to emotional distress, mental illness and even suicide. They can also intensify high blood pressure, impaired immune function and hasten the development of dementia.

Isn’t it amazing that something as simple (and enjoyable) as a cuppa and a chat with a few mates can help improve your health. That’s why Macedon Ranges Health established our Shed operation 15 years ago.

If you don’t have many social connections around town, think about joining any of our Monday, Wednesday and Thursday morning therapy sessions. The cuppa is free!

Foodbank news

The Gisborne Community Care Foodbank and Gisborne Community Connector are working hand in hand to provide not only emergency relief, but also hope, connection and support for people across Gisborne and surrounding communities.

Operating from behind the Gisborne Uniting Church in Brantome Street, the Foodbank has been helping local individuals and families since June 2019. The service provides free fresh fruit and vegetables, pantry staples, toiletries and household essentials to those experiencing financial hardship.

Founded in response to growing community need, the Foodbank is powered by dedicated volunteers and the generosity of local residents, businesses and community groups. As demand for assistance continues to rise, the organisation is calling for ongoing community support through donations and fundraising efforts.

New Foodbank manager Jen Austerberry, who recently stepped into the role following Lynne Margret, said the increasing need for support is being felt across the region, with more people turning to the service for help.

Working alongside the Foodbank is new Community Connector Nicky Gallus, whose role focuses on helping people access additional services, build community connections and feel supported during difficult times.

The Community Connector role grew from the longstanding work of the Gisborne Chaplaincy Support Group, which recognised that people seeking food relief often need more than groceries — they also need guidance, encouragement and someone to listen.

Together, the Gisborne Community Care Foodbank, Community Connector, volunteers and local support services are creating a welcoming and compassionate space where people can find practical help, meaningful connection and a sense of belonging.

The Foodbank is open from 10am to 3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and Nicky is there on Wednesdays.

Bushwalkers explore old Pop Festival site

Gisborne Bushwalking Club had the pleasure of hosting a 'Welcoming Walk' and barbecue for all the new members who had joined over the past 12 months.

We started with an 8km walk through the bushlands behind Rosslyn Reservoir then back to base for a hearty barbecue. There were many opportunities for newbies to meet others and ask questions about walks and the club. It was a great day and great to see so many new faces.

A beautiful sunny - but a bit chillyday greeted walkers on a trail in Sunbury to explore the old Sunbury Pop Festival site and surroundings. With great views of Sunbury and untouched areas of Jackson Creek, it was a great journey, with everyone wondering how they pulled off the festival logistics and catered for so many people. It was a bit of a challenge for us, let alone carting in all the equipment and setting up for such an iconic event.

Hello from the Ramblers

Welcome to mid-winter!

We are now past the winter solstice and the daylight lengthens although it doesn’t seem obvious as yet.

The highlight of the past month for the ramblers has been the visit to Bald Hill reserve at Kyneton. We were blessed with a beautiful clear and sunny day.

This reserve is probably not as well known as the nearby Blackhill reserve (and commonly mistaken for!) but one not to be missed if you are in the area.

I have detailed this walk elsewhere in the Gazette

Two other walks along the Lerderderg Gorge and in Bendigo provided a busy month for members.

Come and join us. The club has something for everyone so if you would like to give bushwalking a try you can join us as a casual participant for $5 (insurance coverage) and see if it’s for you. For details about the Gisborne Bushwalking Club, please contact secretary Jenny on 0438 691 801 or our president Gail on 0419 374 603. Our website is www.gisbornebwc.org.

Deborrah

Calder master class draws the members

We often say one of the best things about a sporting club is the open sharing of information.

At Calder Fly Fishing, members readily share info about locations and techniques so when club member and 2023 bronze medallist Erhan Cinar offered to host a fly fishing masterclass, members jumped at the opportunity.

A dozen members assembled on the banks of the Goulburn River at Thornton to listen to Erhan guide us through the euro nymphing setup, flies and how to fish the water. Euro nymphing, or short line nymphing, involves heavily weighted flies and super-light line in order to deliver the flies into the zone.

After the tuition it was time for members to put the learning into practice, so we split up across the river to try our luck.

The results varied between members, but everyone walked away having learned either a new technique or refining what they already knew.

Club members Sean D’Rose landed a stunning brown trout late in the day to take the fish of the trip award.

A big thank you to Erhan and all the Calder members.

If you are interested in fly fishing or fly tying, please visit www.calderflyfishing.com.au

Simon Hall

Sean D'Rose with his impressive brown trout.

Most of our walks have been local of late, but as the fuel crisis seems to have lessened, we hope to extend our range in the near future - of course it all depends on what 'the DONALD’ decides!

Details of our weekly walks are emailed out if you care to join the mailing list; there is no cost or obligation.

You can walk with the group on Fridays or solo at your preference. Contact details are below.

Charles

(gisramblers@gmail.com)

RAMBLERS WALK Bald Hill Reserve

Distance: varies - can be up to 7km Level: Easy

This is a great scenic walk. No special footwear is required, average runners are fine, and hiking poles are unnecessary. There is a single-width track undulating through bushland with some open areas.

Getting there

From Gisborne: Drive up the Calder Freeway taking the turnoff (C326) to Heathcote. Turn right after 300m into Pipers Creek Road. After about three kilometres turn left into Mount St Marys lane. The reserve is about 600m on the left with a parking area near the entrance.

At the entrance, there is a map of the reserve with a single track leading to a T-junction and various options. The tracks are well marked with the according lengths. Just select and enjoy!

Highlights of the reserve are the granite boulders, the views from Bald Hill itself, the granite quarry and remains of the military target range (where spent .303 bullets can usually be found!) The ascent to Bald Hill is very easy - oxygen cylinders are not required!

A download of the Ramblers 7km route map is available on request.

Reenactment of epic 1927 London to Melbourne drive now in print

In late 2024, Mount Macedon resident Simon Walliss took part in the recreation of an epic 1927 drive from London to Melbourne in a 1925 Bean car, originally undertaken by Australian adventurer Francis Birtles.

Joining Sidneysiders Warren Brown and Matthew Benn, Simon travelled from Alexandria in Egypt, across

the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia and on to Dubai.

The expedition was made to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and successfully raised over $120,000.

A book of the expedition, Chance It! will be published in July.

Simon says: “I met the group in Alexandria on the Mediterranean. Famous for being founded by Alexander the Great, the city was also the home of Cleopatra and the Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city today is an amazing place to visit as there are many attractions to see.

"It was like living in a Lawrence Durrell novel. We had a drink at the famous Monty Bar at the Cecil Hotel where people like Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and, no doubt, Francis Birtles used to drink. We stayed in a colonial era hotel and had dinner most nights in their rooftop restaurant that overlooked the bay and the site of the ancient lighthouse. We were regularly served by a beautiful Alexandrene who had sapphire blue eyes. Unusual for Egypt!

"We then arrived in Giza. Driving a 1920s car with the pyramids of Egypt in the background was an amazing experience! We then drove to the Red Sea coast and our ferry crossing to Arabia. On arrival in Saudi Arabia we visited the ancient rose-red ruins of Hegra, the second city of the Nabataeans known as the Petra of Saudi Arabia.

"Being in the first Australian car to ever cross Arabia, and being invited to lunch by a local Saudi sheik who told us about his four wives, was amazing. We then arrived in Dubai which was a return to modernity.”

The book may be ordered via www.beancars.com. au at the cost of $70.

Lets Talk Skin Cancer

quiz

1. How many Triple Word squares are on a Scrabble board?

2. Which Greek letter denotes the relationship between a circle’s diameter and its circumference?

3. What is the capital city of Romania? .

4. Which Egyptian queen did Mark Antony have three children with?

5. The original members of The Seekers were Athol Guy, Judith Durham, Bruce Woodley, and who else?

6. Which 19th century composer always included a piano in his works?

7. Which Dutch painter painted the 17th century painting, The Nightwatch?

8. Which kangaroo is the largest, and also the largest living marsupial?

9. The bile duct carries digestive fluids to which part of the human body?

10. Who is the current Governor General of Australia?

Answers p39

crossword

Compiled by Chris Antoniou

Answers p39

Across

1. Mr Bean’s nemesis, three-wheeled Reliant

6. Italian supercar maker and previously a tractor manufacturer

9. Car brand most associated with the Wankel rotary engine

10. Essential in all petrol driven engines is the spark ______

11. Pioneer of the car production line, Henry ___

13. Internationally recognised shape for a stop sign ______

15. US electric car brand and the name of scientist, Nikola _____

16. German car maker with a three-pointed star logo ______

17. Japanese car maker named for the seven sisters star cluster

19. French tyre manufacturer and provider of chef’s hats

20. German people’s car

Down

2 ABS stands for Anti-Lock what System?

3 Chevrolet’s premium car brand

4 Kingswood is made by ______

5 Holden’s best-selling model

7 Four interlocking circles is the brand of what car

8 Maker of the RAV4

12 The car brand that Rolls Royce most resembles

14 Japanese car maker previously known as Datsun

18 What we call a Give Way sign, Americans call a _____ sign

Kangaroo grass in Daly Nature Reserve

The biggest problem the Friends now have in the Daly Nature Reserve is reintroduced grasses and flat weeds. These plants are mostly annuals, which grow quickly, produce copious amounts of seed and germinate readily.

We want to rehabilitate these areas by planting native trees, shrubs and perennial native grasses that are hardier and adapted to Australian conditions.

One of the grasses we want to establish further is kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra). This is a clumping grass that once established can compete with the introduced grasses.

Kangaroo grass was a staple for indigenous Australians that they would use for making bread and fishing nets.

In the reserve there are a few isolated spots of kangaroo grass which we want to nurture, so seed can be harvested, grown on and planted in areas that require rehabilitation. For this to happen it is vital that the current plants are not slashed or mown as this prevents them from producing seed. Consequently new “no go” regions have been defined, in consultation with council, so that the plants that are there are protected.

Our working bees are on the second Tuesday of each month. Newcomers are always welcome and there are tasks suitable for all ages and abilities. We meet at the Scout Hall on Howey Street, starting at 9.30am finishing around 11am with a cuppa and a chat. Friends of Daly Nature Reserve, a sub-group of Gisborne Landcare

Award-winning landscape designer joins Garden Club Expo

Jim Fogarty is one of Australia’s most internationally celebrated landscape architects and garden designers, renowned for championing Australian plants and native designs.

Fogarty is well known for his local and international award-winning garden designs that include the Royal Horticultural Society UK, Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal 2011; Best Design at the World Garden Competition in Japan 2009, and the Gold Medal and Best in Show at the Gardening World Cup in 2011.

He also received international gold medal awards at Singapore Garden Festival and the Philadelphia Flower Show, and awards at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and the Australian Garden Show in Sydney. His talents extend to television presenting and behind the scenes work for Channel 9’s Backyard Blitz (1999-2007).

Jim Fogarty designs gardens for private and commercial clients as well as designing show gardens. You will find him on social media creating, designing and talking about gardening in general. Please join us for an informative and fun afternoon with other gardeners and those who simply have a love of gardens.

This exciting event is on Wednesday 12 August. Bookings are essential, and at $35 per person includes a sumptuous afternoon tea. For more details please contact Edwina on 0407 576 545 or Louise on 0452 599 254 for bookings and general inquiries about the Gisborne Garden Club.

Gisborne Garden Club

Community invited to celebrate 'Matariki' under winter night sky

The Friends of Gisborne Botanic Gardens are inviting the community to gather beneath the stars for a special Matariki Celebration on Friday 17 July at 7pm.

Held in the Gisborne Botanic Gardens, the evening will combine culture, astronomy, conservation and storytelling, offering visitors the chance to experience the significance of Matariki, the Māori New Year, while enjoying a free, family-friendly night-time event in the gardens.

Matariki marks the reappearance of the Pleiades star cluster in the early morning sky, signalling the beginning of a new year. Traditionally, it is a time to remember loved ones who have passed, give thanks for the present, and look forward to the future with hope and renewal.

Visitors will also learn about Karatgurk, the Wurundjeri woi-wurrung story of the Seven Sisters, represented by the same star cluster. In this story, the sisters held the secret of fire until Waa the Crow cleverly obtained it, bringing fire to the wider community.

The event will feature a glow-in-the-dark critter hunt through the gardens, warm drinks and celebrating culture. Young astronomers and hobby stargazers are especially encouraged to attend. A highlight of the evening sky will be the opportunity to observe two of the brightest celestial objects currently visible — Venus and Jupiter — shining prominently above the winter horizon. Organisers hope the event will inspire visitors to look up, learn more about the night sky, and appreciate the stories that cultures have long associated with the stars.

For further information, you can contact infogisbotgard@gmail.com.

SCHOOL'S IN

Gisborne Primary's Big Freeze

This year our Year 6 community leaders worked extremely hard to host our very first ‘Big Freeze’ event at Gisborne Primary School. The Big Freeze event raises awareness and funds to find treatments and a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Many people have chosen to support this cause by wearing official Big Freeze beanies and donating money for their favourite teachers to get dunked in icy cold water. These teachers bravely volunteered themselves to be voted for the chance to be dunked.

Thanks to some incredibly generous donationsone person donating $100 and another $150! - the school raised a total of $587.40. The most voted teachers were Mrs Werrett, Mr Forrest and Mr Rosewall.

A huge thanks to the student community leaders for making this happen.

Georgia H, Year 6 Writers’ Club

Year 1/2 post office excursion

On 12 June our Year 1/2 students walked down to the Gisborne Post Office. In the leadup to the walk, stu-

dents had to write a poem to send home to their families. Students had to bring a $2 coin to pay for a stamp that would go on their letter for posting. On the day, they were all excited, except for the weather because it was freezing! They all posted their letters to home and headed back to school, and couldn't wait for their families to receive their letters.

Sadie H, Year 5 Writers’ Club

Community spirit shines for Walk to School Day

A crisp but beautifully sunny morning on Friday 22 May set the perfect stage for our annual Walk to School Day at Holy Cross. Despite the chilly weather, the warmth of local community spirit was on full display as students, parents, and friends gathered for a healthy, active start to the day.

The morning kicked off promptly from Ross Watt Reserve, where a huge entourage of students, teachers, parents, siblings and grandparents were escorted by the Gisborne police on the journey. With high energy the group made its way to school together, creating a vibrant, walking community billboard for active travel.

The Walk To School program, in its 14th year, is designed to promote healthy choices, connection with family and friends, and a reduction in traffic congestion.

A huge thank you to all who supported our community event, especially to Blacky’s coffee van who greeted us all at the end with a hot cup of coffee for the adults.

Thank you to everyone who walked alongside the kids, supervised the crossings, and showed up to support active, healthy habits.

Jane Barlow Acting Principal

New Gisborne’s chicken adventures

Recently the Year Two students took part in looking after some chicks to learn about life cycles.

The chicks didn’t arrive as chickens, they came as eggs. There were around twenty-seven eggs when they arrived.

All the Year 2s (2A, 2B and 2C) hosted families of chickens in their classrooms. The Year 2s had the chicks for approximately two weeks and they got to experience them grow; they even got to see their egg tooth chip away at the eggshell.

The Year 2s found it very interesting that all the chicks huddled under the heat lamp. The colours were really fascinating - some were caramel, one was black, but they were mostly yellow. Did you know that they shed downy fur during the first couple of weeks after hatching?

The Year 2s also had some opinions on the chicks; here are a few.

Millie: “They were very fluffy and cute.” Zoey: “They were cheeky and playful."

Isabelle said she liked learning about life cycles. Cillian said he loved seeing them in the morning.

no yolk, that they had an egg-cellent time.

6 reporter

Leadership, wellbeing and community focus at St Brigid’s

It has been a busy and rewarding few weeks at St Brigid’s Primary School, with a strong focus on wellbeing, leadership, and community connections. This term, students, staff, and families have been learning together through our whole-school RISE (Regulated, Inspired, Supported, Empowered) approach.

We welcomed Scott Wallace from Earth Centred, who worked with students on breathing techniques and practical strategies to help regulate emotions and build calm and focus throughout the day.

Scott also led a professional learning session for staff and an evening workshop for families. Breathing practices have become part of daily life at St Brigid’s, helping students develop skills they can use both at school and beyond.

Our Grade 6 students recently celebrated an important milestone in their faith journey, with 27 candidates receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Before the celebration, students participated in a Confirmation Reflection Day alongside Grade 6 students from Holy Cross, providing an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the sacrament and their growing faith.

Student leadership has also been a highlight this term. We recently launched our PLAY (Positive Leadership Activated Youth) program, with a group of Grade 5/6 student leaders trained to facilitate lunchtime games and activities for the younger students. The program has quickly become a favourite in the yard, creating opportunities for connection, inclusion and fun while helping the student leaders develop confidence and responsibility.

As the term draws to a close, our Grade 6 leaders will also be heading out into the community to visit local kindergartens, where they will share their skills and passions by leading small-group activities with younger children.

We are incredibly proud of the leadership opportunities available to our senior students and the positive example they continue to set for others in our school community.

St Brigid’s Primary School

Braemar students motivated by Melbourne Writers Festival visit

Last month a group of keen writers from Years Five to Eight had the opportunity to attend the Melbourne Writers Festival at the State Library.

We all met at Woodend train station and caught the train into the city which was a cool experience. We arrived early so we had recess outside the library before we headed in.

The hall was packed with students from about 20 schools across Victoria. We got to hear from four awardwinning authors about their experiences with writing and the inspiration behind their books. My favourite was James Foley, who has published over 25 books.

His stories were so interesting and just made me laugh, plus his performance was funny and engaging.

After the first two authors talked, we got to go out to the Melbourne Central food court for lunch. Following the author presentations, we were able to buy their books and they signed them.

When the event ended, we caught the tram to Southern Cross station and then the train home. I have to say the day was amazing and I felt inspired to write!

Mabel, Year 6

Vet Talk Vet Talk

with Dr Caitlin Retchford Veterinarian

Freedom from pain for Ruthless

After my June article championing contextualised care, it brings context to reality as I had occasion to catch up with 'Ruthless' recently.

I’ve enjoyed some fervent conversations in the street with our Gazette readers. Some of you have asked me what that would truly look like, if you thought your pet was suffering and you didn’t know what action to take. What lengths do you go to? How much is too much? Must we always seek end-point diagnostic answers? Enter example: 'Ruthless'.

It’s a little while back that we treated Ruthless, as an evening emergency presentation, with a sudden onset illness, cause unknown, clearly suffering pain.

Our decision-making for his treatment hinged on applying the most fundamental of the five freedoms traditionally applied in animal welfare: freedom from pain. His owners understood this, and it was my job to apply all my energy to it, for them and for Ruthless.

For Ruthless, the context of his care plan was that if the vets could not free him from pain, then it didn’t matter what name we got for his diagnosishe just needed to be happy.

So that’s exactly what we did. Every decision: to do fluid therapy, blood tests, pain relief, were based on his welfare, not just to gather data.

By focusing on this “freedom”, we were able to get Ruthless out of the woods, and home to fight (or laze) another day on the farm.

Now, when I see Ruthless, it reminds me where to focus, and why we do what we do. Celebrate this freedom!

Petstock Foundation finds 1000 pets a home

Petstock Gisborne took part in the national Petstock Foundation's Adoption campaign in late May. The Gisborne store partnered with Loki’s Lodge, a not for profit which focuses on finding homes for rural animals.

Petstock Gisborne’s assistant manager, Jacquelyne Tetkowski, said that since the event there had been lots of enquiries from locals to adopt animals in need of a home.

The Loki Lodge team brought their resident donkey into the Gisborne store for the adoption weekend to remind people that it was not just dogs and cats in need of loving homes.

The Petstock Foundation has announced that as a result of its Adoption campaign, 1038 vulnerable pets had been welcomed into new homes in Australia and New Zealand.

The foundation also raised more than $113,000 across Australia and New Zealand, thanks to donations from generous pet lovers. Funds will go directly to over 230 grassroots organisations, and will be put towards costs associated with pet wellbeing, including vet services and food and shelter, which are critical to charities’ ability to provide quality care for pets without permanent homes yet.

An appealing visitor turned up at Gisborne Petstock in late May to help promote Pet Adoption Month.

Has anyone seen this pet?

This 17-year-old female mini-Labradoodle has been missing from Morilla Court, Gisborne, for almost two weeks.

Named Bailey, this elderly much-loved pet requires medication and naturally her owners are very concerned.

A reward is offered for assistance with locating Bailey.

Anyone who has seen Bailey can contact owner Don on 0413 928 842 or 0439 968 655.

KIDS' QUIZKIDS QUIZ

1 How much do all the silver and gold coloured coins of Australian currency add up to?

2 What was the surname of the Australian painter with the first name Sidney who painted 27 images of Ned Kelly in 1946-47?

3 What is the atomic symbol for Oxygen?

4 What is the name of Saturn’s largest moon?

5 Who is cartoon character Bluey’s father?

6 What does the “K” in “K-pop” stand for?

7 In humans, which sense is the olfactory system responsible for?

8 Which sportswear manufacturer uses the “swoosh” in its advertising?

9 Which word beginning with “B” is both the name of the Hungarian inventor and the ballpoint pen he invented?

10 What is the capital city of Germany? Answers p39

join the dots

jokes & riddles

What is light as a feather, but something you cannot hold for more than a few minutes?

Your breath.

We cut pollution in our school by using unleaded pencils.

What should you keep after giving it to someone else?

Your word.

Why was there a bug in the computer? It was looking for a byte to eat.

Our house is only a 10-minute walk from the station if you run.

What do you get if you cross a dinosaur with a pig? Jurassic pork!

What do you call a fish without an eye?

A fsh

Teacher: Darren, if you have $27 in one pocket and $34 in your other pocket, what have you got?

Darren: Someone else’s pants!

Gisborne duo make low-stimulation mixed media kids' show

Local creative pair Darcy Prendergast and Josie Mackerras have long been tinkering away on a gentle kids' show concept, but that dream has now moved a step closer to the screen, as they have secured production funding from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

Pit Pats is a gentle mixed media show, combining the duo’s varied skills in clay animation, puppetry, live action filmmaking and handdrawn animation - but its uniqueness lies in its relaxed tone.

“We wanted to make something chill, as our

pre-schoolers are pretty sensitive to high-stimulation shows,” says Josie.

"But when our little one was born, we came to realise just how lacking the offering of lowstimulation TV was.

"Our daughter became quite overwhelmed by the high intensity sugar rush content that Youtube is awash in, so we set out to create something waayyy gentler that helps kids emotionally regulate."

To keep up to date on launch dates and releases, you can follow them on Instagram: @ Pit_pats.

SCOUTING

News from 1st New Gisborne Scouts

Exciting times for New Gisborne Joeys, Cubs and Scouts.

Applications closed for September’s Cuboree and we have 16 Cub Scouts and six Leaders attending.

Cubs had a great day out in Melbourne for a ‘Keys to the City’ activity, touring the CBD and visiting the Shrine of Remembrance. Then came the fun of a ‘Campfire and Marshmallows’ night.

On Wednesday 22 July, there will be an information night at the Church of Christ in Saunders Road, New Gisborne, showcasing all that New Gisborne Scouting offers. Running from 6.30pm to 7.45pm.

All wanting to learn or get involved with New Gisborne Scouting are welcome. Best activity ever! Contact Group Leader Russell Barker on 0400 297 025 or John Frearson on 0450 922 787.

In other news, we’re looking forward to the construction of our Trailer Bay, a home for our camping trailers and equipment.

And soon we’ll be building our Scout Hut kitchen, toilet block, meeting room and insulation.

All contributions to this project are welcome and taxdeductible.

Scouting offers proven programs, challenges and opportunities for young people and great training for leadership and support opportunities for parents. We

meet Wednesdays, 6:30pm to 8pm, and Venturers on Fridays.

Contact Group Leader Russell Barker on 0400 297 025 or via email at russell@jeem.com.au.

For Venturers call Tracey on 0407 098 032.

Presentations and pet rocks

Gisborne Lightning Guides were very excited to officially welcome Cara and Bella to the unit when they made their Promise in front of the unit and their families. They were presented with their sash, Promise badge and World badge.

Patrol leaders were also announced for the next 12 months with Alice, Imogen and Cara being elected by their peers. Congratulations on taking on this leadership role.

This month the girls made cards which were presented to older citizens on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. They have also chosen to work on their Home badge this month and have been exploring different aspects of being a family member.

They adopted a pet rock, creating boxes to house them in, discussed what to do in an emergency such as a fire and prepared an evacuation plan; considered family budgets, cooked treats and were encouraged to help with home chores.

The end of term special activity will be crate stacking facilitated by Steve and Adrian from Gisborne Scouts. The girls loved this activity last year so have been

Swimming

GISBORNE SECONDARY COLLEGE

The Swimming Carnival at Gisborne Secondary College was once again one of the highlights of the school year, bringing plenty of energy, house spirit and fun costumes to the pool. Despite storms cutting the day short, students still made the most of it, with strong participation across all year levels and the Year 12s showing up in full dress-up form.

There were plenty of close races and great moments throughout the day, keeping the atmosphere loud and competitive right until the weather rolled in. Thanks to all students and staff who helped make the day such a success, even with the unpredictable weather.

Athletics

Athletics Day brought the competition back to solid ground, with students giving their all in everything from the 100m sprint to the many field events.

The atmosphere throughout the day was unreal, especially as records were broken in the 100m and several other events. The Year 12 costumes once again delivered plenty of entertainment, and the student V teacher race was a crowd favourite, bringing out some surprisingly competitive staff members.

Macdonald House continued their strong form, taking out the Athletics Day win thanks to stand-

waiting patiently to have another go at this challenge. If you think you would like to try Guiding this year, then refer to the Girl Guides Victoria website: www. guidesvic.org.au. The Gisborne unit meets at the Daly Reserve community hall on Thursdays between 5pm and 6.30pm.

out performances and loud support from students all day. Huge credit to everyone who competed, cheered and helped create such a fun day for the whole school community.

Asher and Gus, Sports Captains

LOCAL HISTORY

Gisborne Railway Station: what might have been

Researched by Robin Godfrey

Ahistorical reference to an alternative survey made for the Diggers Rest to Woodend section of the Melbourne to Bendigo Railway attracted my interest.

Humphrey P Dixon of Gisborne, in 1981 produced an article about the town’s early times. He wrote that old residents had told him about one of the original railway surveys. Completed in about 1856, the survey ran from Diggers Rest to Woodend on a fairly straight course with a proposed station for Gisborne located south of the General Cemetery.

The line continued through the golf links, crossing Jacksons Creek at its junction with Gisborne Creek, then directly onwards to Woodend. The survey allegedly ensured a much better grade of the line to Woodend, with fewer difficulties, a smaller number of bridges, and was eleven miles (18km) shorter than the route of the eventual railway line which was built.

Dixon added that the old timers remembered the arrangements of survey pegs, and he was endeavouring to obtain a copy of the original survey from the Railway Historical Society of Victoria.

The eventual route chosen for the railway line from Diggers Rest to Woodend, completed in 1861, made a wide diversion by way of Clarkefield with New

Gisborne station situated two miles (3.3km.) north of the town of Gisborne. The diversion, also passing through the developing towns of Riddells Creek and Macedon, benefitted these towns to the detriment of Gisborne.

The outcome was that the growth of Gisborne at that time was inhibited. When the railway opened to Woodend on 8 July 1861, goods which were destined for the gold fields and settlements beyond Gisborne, bypassed the town, being delivered by rail directly to Woodend. Freight transport by road, from the Woodend railway terminus, was then taken over by carriers.

The previous burgeoning traffic of goods and people by road through Gisborne declined considerably and the population dropped away, leaving a smaller proportion mainly to service the surrounding farming community.

It is often commented that the route taken by the Bendigo railway via Clarkefield was chosen at the behest of the powerful land baron WJT Clarke, who wanted the line situating convenient

to his large land holdings extending to the north and north-west of Sunbury.

highest point of elevation above sea level on the line from Melbourne to Echuca.

The elevation of Woodend above sea level is 579 metres and that of Sunbury around 213m - a difference of 365m and the height through which the steam engine was required to pull the train.

The steepest grades of the railway line occur through the deep and heavy rock cutting beyond Sunbury (1 in 50) and the shallow but heavy rock cutting beyond Riddells Creek (1 in 56).

The limiting railway line grades for 19th century steam trains meant that Gisborne Station could not be situated central to the town. If this were the case, the grades of the line to Woodend from Gisborne would have been too steep to be practical for the steam engines.

The path of the railway line had to remain at a higher elevation, either on the south-west side of the Jackson Creek valley or on the north-east side of the wide valley.

When railway construction from Melbourne had reached Diggers Rest, in January of 1859, an article was published in The Colonial Mining Journal, Railway and Share Gazette, advocating for ‘a less expensive alternative route for the railway which bypasses Clarke’s land holdings.’

This proposition obviously was in reference to the 1856 survey on the south-west side of the Jackson Creek valley.

About three years earlier, in 1856, the Williamstown Chronicle reported that the route for the railway was chosen after extensive survey work had been undertaken to achieve the limited gradients required by the steam engines of the 19th century.

It is important to note that both the alternative route on the south-west side of Jackson Creek valley and the longer route on the north-east side of the valley, both surveyed routes, satisfied the required gradients for steam trains.

In The Argus newspaper of 2 July 1861, an article headed ‘Murray River Railway - progress of the works’ outlined the engineering challenges in the construction of the railway to Woodend, which was the

Had the original south-west route been built from Diggers Rest to Woodend, Gisborne Station was to have been located south of the General Cemetery. Clarkefield most probably would not have existed as a town. Riddells Creek and Macedon would not have had a railway.

With no station at Riddells Creek, there would be no ready access to the local basalt quarries for provision of ballast for the line being built.

Also, not having a station at Macedon would have denied ready access to hardwood timber being harvested on Mount Macedon for railway sleepers and lumber of all sorts for the burgeoning building activity in Melbourne.

The as-built route of the railway line from Diggers Rest to Woodend, on the north-east side of the Jackson Creek valley, by way of Sunbury, Clarkefield, Riddells Creek, New Gisborne and Macedon, may have been 18 kilometres longer than the south-west alternative route, but it provided convenient and better access to the resource materials required for the construction of the railway.

The outcome of Clarke gaining a railway station, Clarkefield (and another at Rupertswood), was for him a fortunate by-product of the railway.

Clarke may well have lobbied hard for the railway to be at his convenience; however, most probably, it was railway engineering practicalities which determined the choice of the north-east route to Woodend, more so than the power and influence of WJT Clarke.

Gymnastics achievement

New Gisborne gymnasts make state teams

In May, five Level 7 and one Level 8 New Gisborne based gymnasts competed in two trial competitions against the best gymnasts in Victoria for their associated level.

Level 8 gymnast Sophie Strano, under guidance from her coach Camilla Camondo, competed all four apparatuses, won the floor competition and came second on vault. This ensured she came first place all around for the first competition. A third place on vault at the following Victorian State Championships along with solid performances on the other apparatuses guaranteed the first selection by a Jets Gisborne gymnast into a State Team to represent Victoria and com-

pete at the Australian Gymnastics Championships at the end of June. We wish Sophie and all Victorian girls who made this team the very best in Sydney.

Level 7 gymnasts Abigail Mecklem, Austin Shae, Jamie Susnjara, Eliza Roberts and Willa Domantay, supported by Camilla, gave their all for their trial competitions, again competing in all four apparatuses.

Abby also succeeded in gaining selection to the State Team for the national gymnastics Boarder Challenge competition in Queensland, also in June. Good luck to her and the Victorian Boarder Challenge teams who compete at the Sunshine Coast.

Eve Strano

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Local futsal players represent Australia

Juniors on international tour

Gisborne junior futsal players Nate and Jet returned last month from a remarkable experience representing Australia on a tour of Spain.

They were based in Loret De Mar, a beachside town just outside Barcelona. Jet and Nate, both in the Under 13 boys team, proudly donned the green and gold alongside their families, who travelled with them to Spain.

Their teammates included representatives from Tasmania, NSW and Queensland. Over seven intense matches, the boys displayed grit and determination, winning two of their seven games against some very strong Spanish teams.

Jet, a defender (in futsal terms known as the Pivot), shared his most memorable moment: scoring a goal from a free kick—a highlight he’ll never forget as the whole team rushed to celebrate with him.

Meanwhile, Nate, who plays on the wing (in futsal terms known as the Ala) says one of his standout moments was when he swapped jerseys with a player from the opposing team—a gesture of sportsmanship that left a lasting impression. The club couldn’t be prouder of these young champions who are bringing global recognition to the Australian futsal community.

Kristy Mutsaers committee member, Macedon Ranges Futsal

Head coach

stepping down

The Gisborne Cricket Club announced in June that club great Jarryd Vernon would step down from his role as Head Coach due to increasing family and work commitments. However, the great news for Dragons supporters is that he will continue as a player in the coming season. The club said it was difficult to put into words the impact Jarryd had had over such a long period of time, both on and off the field.

Jarryd’s record includes being five-time First XI Premiership Captain, six-time Club Champion, Kevin Sullivan Medallist, Victorian Country Vice-Captain, multiple GDCA Team of the Year representative (including captain), First XI leading run scorer, holder of the highest individual First XI score in club history (217*), and best bowling figures of 9/84.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most consistent players the GDCA has seen over the past decade, he has also cemented himself as one of the all-time greats of the Gisborne Cricket Club.

Beyond the accolades and statistics, Jarryd has helped lead the club through the most successful period in its 170-year history. His standards, professionalism, competitiveness and tireless off-field work have helped shape the culture that exists at Gisborne today.

Petanque competition takes a breather, but social play continues

With winter well closed in, Mt Macedon Petanque Club players are looking for a rest from tournaments. However, they continue with club play days, which are on Wednesdays from 1pm to 4pm, and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10am.

These are training/social days to help hone playing skills.

A few members will be playing in a small regional competition, ‘The Golden Boule’, which is designed to

include newer and inexperienced players, so they can gain strategies and tactics in a challenging way.

This competition started on 30 May, with 11 members travelling to Avoca to play the 2025 champions, the Pyrenees Club. Unfortunately, we were unable to win, but most of the games finished with only very close margins in their favour.

The games were followed by a barbecue, where great social interaction took place.

Visit us on our Facebook page, or at mtmacedonpetanque.org.

It starts with a dream, then comes... the commitment and hard work

When most people are sleeping, a committed group of young people are starting their day at 5am on the floodlit tennis courts at South Gisborne with Antun and Mario, the head coaches at Spark tennis, before heading off to school.

This journey is fuelled by the group’s members wanting to be the best they can be in a sport that they love.

Coach Antun has been with Spark for a short time but his experiences from competing, working and coaching in Croatia and around the world flow into his professionalism and attitude to training; his personal interest in his students; and his commitment to achieving goals at any age. Come and say hello!

As is often said, it takes a village to support individ-

uals along their journey. Hats off to the parents who are giving their children this opportunity. All the best to the kids in their pursuits.

Three Tuesday ladies’ teams made the MDLTA (Mountain District Ladies Tennis Association) finals. All the best to these players! The spring season starts mid-July. We are always looking for players. These teams play from 10am to 1pm on Tuesdays.

The Macedon Ranges Tennis Association (MRTA) Thursday night tennis boasts six grades. South Gisborne enters a side, if you are interested. Remember to warm up before any exercise while the days are cold. Our website is www.southgisbornetc.com.au. Gail info@sparktennis.com.au

Club Championship and pennant champions on the Mount

It has been a successful month of golf at Mount Macedon Golf Club with the completion of three weeks of Club Championships.

The new Club Champion (and A Grade winner) is Patrick Doyle, breaking the decade-old duopoly of Alex Fraser and Jim Hynes.

B Grade went to Stuart Gunnell and C Grade to Sean Bassett. Handicapper winners were Jarrod Plowman (A Grade), Mike Hoiles (B Grade), and Michael Smitheran (C Grade).

The May Monthly Medal (and C Grade) went to Michael Smitheran with an excellent net 62. Five shots further back were Darren Mantynen (A Grade) and Hayden Phillips both with net 67. Net winner on the day was Patrick Doyle with 75

The June midweek Mug o’ the Month (and A Grade) went to Kevin Taylor with 37 Stableford points. B Grade went to Peter Semmens one shot back with 36 points.

The Division 1 Restricted Handicap Pennant team prevailed in the rescheduled Dalhousie District final 3-2 over Broadford. Well done to Nick Ciesielski, Nick Vicary, Hayden Phillips, Darren Mantynen and Captain Terry Bonnello on the day, along with all others who represented the club during the season.

Sean Bassett

Macedon Ranges Croquet Club

With winter upon us the Macedon Ranges Croquet Club has been quiet on the competition front, but on our practice days there is always a good turn-up of players who are keen to improve themselves for future competitions within the club or further afield.

On 27 May our AGM was held, with nominations accepted for all positions on the committee. With the voting completed the committee is: President, Terry Goodley; Vice-president, Penny Kystev; Secretary, Sue Wild; Treasurer, Denise Carter; Club Captain, Elizabeth Payne. Congratulations to all.

A great lunch was enjoyed by all afterwards.

If anyone is interested in having a try at croquet we are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am for 9.30am start at Dixon Field sport complex. All welcome.

Terry

SPORT IN PICTURES

THE CHURCHES

Gisborne Uniting Church

It’s a goal!

It’s that time of year again, the one of football fervour and fever. Yes a minority turn their backs on such frivolity.

In our Christian congregations there are laments for the ‘olden’ days of last century when sport was played on Saturdays and Sunday belonged to the church.

That was before the pernicious 24/7 rearrangement of work- life balance.

Members of our congregation have reminisced about those days of yore and of their sporting prowess, playing tennis, football, cricket, or even all three. That situation was helped by the fact that in many towns, large and small, the churches founded the sporting teams and filled their ranks.

Across the ages the Christian Church has had an ambivalent relationship to sport. When St Paul visited Corinth, he urged his new Christians to ‘run the good race’ and run it so well that they would win. He was talking about faith, but he sounds like someone who enjoyed the sprint.

Early Christianity had good reason to look askance at some popular Roman sports, especially the brutality of the gladiatorial arenas for which they were sometimes the hunted, losers of limb and life.

In 393, Emperor Theodosius banned the so-old tradition of the Olympic Games. Centuries later Puritans frowned on sport, as they did on many activities which caused ‘unbridled excitement.’ The term ‘spoil-sport’ enters the lexicon in the early 18th century, its meaning obvious.

Members of our congregation here in Gisborne do

not need to hide their enthusiasm for their team although usually are able to reduce their gloating over the losers.

So let’s take the field, play the game, and yell our encouragement for all good things. And this from the writer of this column, an Essendon barracker.

Janet Wood

UnitingWorld Sunday celebrations

Mt Macedon Uniting Church

UnitingWorld Sunday was celebrated by Uniting Church congregations across Australia on June 28, including Mount Macedon. The theme was Life, Abundantly This provided a chance to celebrate our global neighbours and the church family we’re part of.

UnitingWorld is the international aid and partnerships agency of the Uniting Church in Australia. It translates sustainable community development prin-

ciples through the lens of our Christian faith alongside partner churches doing extraordinary things: lifting families out of poverty, helping communities adapt to climate change, opening up education for children, and standing up for justice.

It works with and through churches and includes all people regardless of their faith, sexuality, ethnicity, ability or gender.

UnitingWorld believes that local communities are best placed to identify the solutions to their own problems.

St Brigid’s Parish Gisborne

– incorporating St Ambrose Riddells Creek and St Patrick’s Macedon

Parish Priest: Fr. John Healy

Assistant Priest: Fr. Zaher Al Mhanna

Baptism

Baptism is available each month, generally on the fourth Sunday. Please contact the parish office for the next available dates. The 2026 Baptism calendar has now been set.

Enquiries to: gisborne@cam.org.au or 5428 2591.

Sacraments

Registration is open for Sacraments to be celebrated this year.

Please contact the office at gisborne@cam.org.au if you would like to be included in information sent out for Sacraments this year.

Reconciliation – now closed

Holy Communion available to Year 4 and above and Confirmation now closed.

Sacrament fee for 2026 is $100.

Baptism details required for registration.

Normal weekend services

Saturday 6pm St Brigid’s

Sunday 8am St Ambrose

Sunday 11am St Brigid’s

Everyone welcome!

Please note that St Patrick’s Church at Macedon remains closed for repairs sustained in the storms earlier this year.

Please check the parish website for the weekday Mass schedule as it may change regularly.

Parish Secretary: Tammie Dalgleish

Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm Parish website: www.melbcatholic.org/s/gisborne Tammie

The partners know the culture and the context and so often they can see simple, inexpensive solutions. UnitingWorld helps to build leadership and organisational capacity.

UnitingWorld is an accredited development agency by AusAid and receives funding to implement development and poverty alleviation programs in the Pacific, Asia and Africa.

YEARS AGO

Lively High School Turn. Macedon or Woodend as site for a Technical School High School matters in Gisborne, particularly in their relationship to Macedon seem to have taken a lively turn of late, judging from correspondence appearing in the “Gazette”. Cr. Brady, in a letter, made a vigorous attack on Cr. Turner and exCr. Bawden and others supporting them in the position they have taken up in regard to the establishment of the school at Gisborne instead of at New Gisborne, where a site was purchased and for which moneys were subscribed by the Council and privately.

Extract from Gisborne Shire Council Meeting At the meeting on Tuesday, a letter from Mrs. Syme, Macedon, was read, thanking the council for its grant of land at Upper Macedon on which the Women’s Institute is to be erected. Woodend Star 10 July 1926

Weekly Pictures Gisborne Show Popular — Despite the wintry weather conditions, quite a large number of people turned up to see the program presented at Gisborne on Tuesday, including a car load from Macedon. Those present represented only one eighth of the township population.

Local Note. Having completed a section of 2½ miles of the North Western highway from the Gisborne hill to the edge of the [Black] forest, the C.R.B. gang has shifted to the “Curly Hill” section [towards Sunbury]. Metal for this piece of road was quarried, crushed and stacked along the roadside last spring. A start has been made at Mr. Martin Gilligan’s property. The course of construction will be in a northerly direction. It is understood that the section already completed will receive a top dressing of bitumen in the warm weather (if it holds together that long).

The “Teddy Bear” For a considerable time past, a number of people resident in the district have missed the koala or native bear. At one time, they were very numerous all over the place. Recently a mild agitation has been on foot to have the native bear re-introduced and liberated in the Bullengarook Forest and Pyrete Ranges. Last week, Mr. E. Gardiner, our wellknown sportsman, had an interview with Mr. Lewis, Inspector of Fisheries, on the subject, the result of which was that Mr. Gardiner was informed that a number of male and female bears could be procured in a few months time and sent here for liberation at a cost of about £1 each.

Gisborne Gazette 16 July 1926

WHAT'S ON

REGULAR MEETINGS

If your group is missing from this list, please email gisbornegazetteeditor@gmail.com with details.

ADULT RIDING CLUB (Gis) 2nd Saturday Robertson Res, Sth Gis. ADULT RIDING CLUB (Bullengarook) 2nd Saturday Rec Reserve AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 3rd Saturday 10am Woodend RSL. www.mrarc.org.au

BADMINTON Tues 7.30pm & Thurs 9.30am Macedon Com munity Centre; macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com or David 0419 589 425

BOTANIC GARDENS working bee first & last Thurs every month 9.30am-11am email infogisbotgard@gmail.com

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1st & 3rd Tues 10.30am, Canteena, Gisborne. Enquiries, call Lesley 0484 691 226 BUSHWALKING CLUB Various locations 0402 088 491 or secretary@gisbornebwc.org.au

CANASTA CLUB Macedon & Mt Macedon Community House Wednesdays 2pm CAR CLUB (Mac Ranges & District Motor Club 1st Wednesday, 8pm, Steam Park, New Gisb. secretary@mradmc.com.au CARERS GROUP (Mac Ranges) 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1pm Woodend RSL Cherry 5420 7132 (Note: 4th Thurs carers only)

CHAMBER POETS 2nd Saturday of month,1pm Woodend RSL COMMUNITY GARDEN Wed 9.30am Church of Christ (Facebook for updates)

CROCHET & CONVERSATIONS 1st Mon 2.30pm Gisborne Library

CROQUET CLUB Mon, Wed & Sat AM Dixon Field Terry, 0493 463 357

CWA GISBORNE 2nd Monday 10am Gis Secondary College

CWA MACEDON 3rd Tues 1pm & 7pm 5426 2210 662 Mt Macedon Rd

DALY RESERVE WORKING BEE 2nd Tues 9.30am Scout Hall, Daly Res dalynaturereserve@gmail.com

EUCRE Tues 7.15pm St Brigid’s Hall Janice, 0408 332 624

FILM SOCIETY 2nd Wed Norma Richardson Hall, Woodend 0402 299 153 or 0407 012 140 FLY FISHING CLUB 4th Wed 7.30pm MRFEC Gisborne info@calderflyfishing.com.au

FRIENDS of JACKSONS CREEK working bees 3rd Sun 10-noon

GARDEN CLUB 2nd Wed various venues Edwina, 0407 576 545

GENEALOGY GROUP 4th Thurs 7.30 Family Hist Rm, Library GIRL GUIDES Thursdays 5pm Gis Scout Hall

GISBORNE SINGERS Wed 7.30pm Gisborne Uniting Church

HISTORICAL SOCIETY open Wed 10am-4pm Court House

LANDCARE: Gisborne Landcare working bee every 4th Sat, venue to be confirmed each month, gisbornelandcare@gmail.com

LIBRARY: TODDLERS’ STORY TIME 10.30am Mon, Wed, Thurs; BABIES GROUP Fri 10.30am 5428 3962

LIONS CLUB (Gisb) 1st Thurs of month, 7.30pm 247 Station Rd

MARTIAL ARTS Thurs from 6pm St Brigid’s Hall; gisborne@junseikan.com.au

Baringo Film Club

Friday, 2.30pm Saturday.

JULY

1-4 Road Dance (French period drama)

8-11 It Was Just an Accident (Iranian)

15-18 Sentimental Values (Scandinvian drama)

22-25 Camino Skies (Aus/NZ documentary)

29-Aug

MASONIC LODGE 2nd Thurs 7pm Masonic Hall Aitken St

MASTERS AFL Wed 6.30pm all year round Sankey Reserve

OBEDIENCE DOG CLUB Sun 9am Riddell Rec Res macedonrangesdogclub.org.au

PARKRUN Dixon Field every Sat 8am start at pavilion Tom 0408 691 826

PETANQUE 2nd & 4th Sat 10am behind Ampol service station, Station Rd, Gisborne 0439 887 178

PHOENIX ART & CRAFTS 1st Thursday phoenixmrac.com

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC 1st & 2nd Mon 7pm Jubilee Hall, Macedon. macedon-ranges-photography.org.au

PICKLEBALL Monday 6.30pm & Wed 10.15am, Macedon Community Centre, macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com or David 0419 589 425

POETRY Chamber Poets 2nd Sat 1pm-4pm RSL Woodend

PONY CLUB Bullengarook 1st Sunday Rec Reserve

PONY CLUB Gisborne 1st Sunday Robertson Reserve

PROBUS 1st Thurs 10am Gary 0458 841 047 Gisborne Community Centre hall

RAMBLERS Fridays 9.15am meet Tennis Club Dixon Field

ROTARY CLUB Gisborne 1st & 3rd Tues 7pm Telegraph Hotel (email gisbornerotary@gmail.com for confirmation of venue)

RUNNING GROUP Tues & Thurs 9am, 6pm, Sun 8am Gisborne Aquatic Centre Craig 0417 775 785

RSL Gis Bowling Club For dates & times contact secretary, admin@gisbornersl.com.au or call 0487 278 681

SENIOR CITS (Macedon) Tues 11am Tony Clarke Res macedonseniors@gmail.com

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS Thurs 1-3 Buffalo Stadium Woodend, Lynne 0417 331 439

SPINNERS & FIBRE GROUP Wed 12.30 Rec Reserve, Bullengarook. Kerrie 0406 719 557

SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE 2nd Mon each month, even if public holiday, 7-8.30pm Newham Mechanics (1292 Rochford Rd)

TABLE TENNIS Wed 7.30pm Tony Clarke Res, Macedon Stan 0437 508 338

THUNDER SWIMMING CLUB 2nd Sat 5pm Gisborne Aquatic Centre www.gisbornethunder.org

TOY LIBRARY gisbornetoylibrary@yahoo.com.au Sat. 9.30-11am 71 Robertson St

ULYSSES GROUP 3rd Tues 6pm Sunbur y FC secretary@mrub.org.au

VINTAGE MACHINERY Working bees 1st Sun of month, 8.30am Steam Park; meetings last Friday of month 7pm Steam Park 0419 393 023

WRITERS (Scribes & Scribblers) 2nd Tues 10am-12 Riddell Neighbourhood House 5428 7836

YOUNG VOICES Thursdays 4.15-5.45pm House of the Rock, New Gisborne; yvmacedon.org.au or sdggome@patash.com.au

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED. LOCALLY SUPPORTED

Because of your support, we are proud and grateful to celebrate these exciting achievements.

�� Winner – Best New Branded Travel Agency Australia 2025/26 Helloworld Travel OMC Awards �� NTIA Nominee – Best Single Travel Agency in Australia 2025/26 National Travel Industry Awards

Thank you, Gisborne and the Macedon Ranges, for your continued support. These achievements wouldn't have been possible without you.

The Helloworld Travel Gisborne Team

Closing Soon Enrolment applications for Grade 5 students commencing Year 7, 2028 close on 24 July, 2026. Visit the Enrolments page of the College website to start your online enrolment application, or scan the QR code provided. Please contact the Registrar for further enrolment information.