Midland Express Tuesday 30 July 2024

Local Landcare heroes celebrated

Gisborne’s changing face

Gisborne'sfuture will include apartment living and transit-oriented development in New Gisborne with aview to preventing urban sprawl.

Last week Macedon Ranges Shire Council adopted the long-debated Gisborne Futures Structure Plan to shape the town'snext 30 years.

The plan introduces aprotected settlement boundary aimed to preserve rural landscapes and maintain rural breaks between townships.

Where that line was to be drawn has long been apoint of contention in the community,with councillors removing a proposed housing development known as Glen Junor back in 2021.

While Glen Junor is located between Gisborne and Riddells Creek to the east, there is also the Ross Watt development to the west and Willowbank in the south.

The proposed boundary instead provides an opportunity for transit-oriented development in New Gisborne between the train line and Hamilton Road. It would include aneighbourhood activity centre and allow for three-storey buildings.

"The feedback is as diverse as you could imagine," Cr Christine Walker said. "We've read submissions that are diametrically opposed."

"Council has decided to aim for its distinct district townships rather than merging of towns by constant spreading –imagine Riddells Creek joining up to Gisborne. This structure plan introduces atown boundary that will limit sprawl.

"Weare planning for different sorts of housing to become available. There are plans for apartments. We're also providing community facilities, which are in very short supply in Gisborne."

The structure plan was developed over the past several years and included four phases of community consultation.

Continued page 3.

Dice rolledongambling policy

Legal advice has terminated plans for Macedon Ranges Shire Council to categorically oppose new electronic gaming machines at its owned and managed sites.

MRSC'sstance on pokies applications formed part of its draft Gambling Harm and Prevention Policy,which hassince undergone changes and been deferred.

Legal advice highlighted concerns with having apredetermined position to oppose planning and licensing applications, and misalignment between the draft policy and the planning scheme.

New wording now states the council will "assess the social and economic impact of EGM approval applications and represent community interests in regulatory processes".

However,anadditional policy statement has been introduced that would see MRSC "advocate to the state government to freeze the municipal EGM cap in the Macedon Ranges to the current number of machines".

The EGM cap for Macedon Ranges is 355 while the shire operates well below that cap with atotal of 103 EGMs across three venues.

If successful in advocating for this change, no new application could be made unless agaming venue reduced its EGMs or closed.

STILL DANGER FOR BOWLS CLUB?

The draft gambling policy would also have implications for several community groups despite new and recent changes.

The Express reported in March, the policy threatened to shut down Kyneton Bowling Club'spokies, raising uncertainties about the club'sfuture sustainability

At the time, the policy prevented any form of gambling at councilowned or managed sites. Then, MRSC said termination of EGMs at the club was to be stipulated in its next lease renewal in 2027.

On another point, the policy also prevented the council from giving financial support for activities that receive sponsorships from gaming venues, online betting companies or other gambling providers.

Both points have been contentious in community consultation. Of 66 submissions received, 36 were unsupportive of the policy

The policy has since been updated, but still has implications, and last week councillors voted to defer decision-making until August.

The move follows requests from Kyneton Bowling Club and other

community groups for more time to assess the final document and prepare for potential impact.

About 19 submissions referenced the bowling club, highlighting concern it would need to close due to reliance on income generated through its EGMs.

New wording in the policy states "where acouncil lease holder with EGMs has alease due for renewal, council will actively engage with [them] two years before" to discuss implications of the policy

It states, "a new lease will clearly state the conditions and timing for an agreed transition period. EGMs will bepermitted for that period only".

The club will now discuss the implications of the policy with its board.

Policy wording has also changed for community groups seeking financial support but restrictions still apply

This pointisnow limited to council not providing "financial support for aspecific activity that also receives sponsorships from gaming venues, online betting companies orother gambling providers for that same activity in thatfinancial year" effective from July 2025.

"VERY IMPORTANT POLICY"

Speaking at council'smeeting last week, CrMark Ridgeway acknowledged the policy had created some concern and discussion.

"(Deferral) gives these organisationsthe time to have discussions but also gives councillors time to get out and talk to and work with some of the community organisations and maybe help with some of those concerns going forward," he said.

"The policy itself is avery important policy.It'snot something we can walk away from and in its current form it'scertainly something that we need to look at very seriously."

MRSC'scurrent EGMs are spread across Kyneton Bowling Club, Kyneton RSL and Gisborne’sVictorian Tavern. In 2022/23 they generated atotal loss of $9,089,731.

Earlier this year,the council was successful in fighting against an application for 50 EGMs at the Romsey Hotel and did so with amajority vote from the community Councillors are expected to make adecision on the Gambling Harm Prevention Policyattheir ordinary meeting on August 28.

Gisborne’schanging face

From page 1.

Cr Dom Bonanno said deciding aprotected settlement boundary "as soon as possible" was important.

"Who knowswhatthe current state government will do if they get their hands on our town without aprotected settlementboundary. It is important we get this downbefore we we're told what the boundary will be," he said.

"There has been alot of discussion about densitybut, if we truly wish to have sustainable housing models, then increased housing densities near atrain stationcan provide the critical mass to support neighbourhood activity centresand local employment opportunities."

Cr Rob Guthrie was the onlycouncillor to oppose adopting the plan in itscurrent form, siting concerns withdensity that would "destroy thearea".

"That level of density may be appropriate in an inner-city metropolitan Melbourne but is completely out of character for us in arural area," he said

Mayor Annette Death said thinking about levels of medium density was "a big change" for the Ranges but was done with consideration.

"New Gisborne is thearea that provides thatprovides the opportunity to protect what we have in Gisborne township at themoment, and to have anew innovative way of thinking abouthow we can provide housingdiversity," shesaid.

"It'sreally importantthat the community is assured we have putconsiderable thought into what that built form will look likeinto the future."

The council will nowwrite to the Planning Minister to incorporate aprotected settlement boundaryfor Gisborne. The process is expected to include further community consultation

Further work will take place in planning for Gisborne including urban designframework, planning overlays andneighbourhood character study

2022/23, gambling on EGMs in the Macedon Ranges amounted to atotal loss of $9,089,731.

Women in ar t

PaNewtients Welcome

Meet your local Councillor

Did youknowthatCouncillors run regular listening posts throughout the year?

These areopportunities to meet with your Councillors faceto-facetodiscussissues thatare important to you.

Thereare anumber of listening posts coming up:

Councillor Christine Henderson with Housing Solutions Broker ClareRichards

When: Thursday1August, 9.00amto11.00am Where: Elphinstone Post Office

Deputy MayorRosie Annear with HousingSolutions Broker ClareRichards

When: Saturday3August, 10.00am to 12.00pm

Where: WesleyHillCommunity Market MayorMatthewDriscoll

When: Thursday8August, 10.00am to 12.00pm

Where: Newstead Rural Transaction Centre

Find alistening postnear youat shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Applications have opened for the state government'sWomen’sPublic Art Program to install six new public artworks honouring remarkable women.

In partnership with McClelland Sculpture

Park and Gallery,this program will support the creation of artworks including sculptures, murals or installations.

To apply,visit: vic.gov.au/victorian-womens-public-art-program

Localwomen share storiesofpain

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas is calling on women and girls in the region to share their experiences of pain and its management to help shape future care and support for women in Vi ctoria.

The state-wide survey has just days remaining before submissions close on July 31 and has already attracted plenty of interest.

At ar ecent women’sp ain forum in Gisborne, more than 60 women shared stories with their local MP

“We’ve heard from thousands of women who have told us about not being heard, being misdiagnosed and having their conditions downplayed," Ms Thomas said.

"But we know there are so many more women and girls who’ss tories we have not heard so Ie ncourage you to fill out this survey

“We’re transforming the women’sh ealth system in Vi ctoria –a nd we’re asking women to be part of the change.”

Survey findings along with written submissions and feedback from more than 20 community forum and focus groups, will inform recommendations to the Vi ctorian Wo men’sH ealth Advisory Council by the end of the year

The survey is available in 10 community languages including Arabic, Tu rkish, Vi etnamese, Italian and Greek.

Submissions and the survey close on We dnesday,J uly 31. To contribute, visit the website: health.vic.gov.au/public-health/inquiry-into-womens-pain

Petition gets br idge moving

Apetition has prompted action to replace the deteriorated pedestrian bridge crossing over Willimigongon Creek near Clarke Street in Mount Macedon.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has approved funding for the project in its 2024/25 for works expected this financial year

Council received apetition in February with 85 signatories requesting reinstatement of abridge within six months.

The bridge was anold timber footbridge with aconcrete foundation at Clarke Street, Mount Macedon, and was not listed on the council'sasset register

In early 2023, community members alerted council officers to safety concerns, prompting an investigation.

It was identified that the concrete

foundations of the bridge had shifted significantly,rendering the bridge unsafe for pedestrian use.

Officers installed abarricade and warning signage to mitigate potential accidents or injuries, and residents were notified.

As some residents continued to bypass the barricade to utilise the crossing point, officers removed the old footbridge to mitigate the safety risk in November.

After evaluating the impact of removing the bridge, officers submitted abusiness case for its reinstatement in the 2024/25 financial year.Itwas approved in May as part of the council'sannual budget process.

Officers have identified that the bridge replacement will be asteel structure, which will better resist the elements.

Dr Dhaliwal Dr Turnbull Dr Harper

Dr Yue

Dr Smith

Dr Darshani

Dr Jayawardene

Dr Stephen

Local Landcare heroes celebrated

From page 1.

The Joan Kirner Landcare Award honours along-term landcarer in Victoria who has forged partnerships and inspired, encouraged and mentored others to undertake on-ground action.

Marie has clocked up 30 years with the local group, as well as stints on the North Central Catchment Management Board and Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest.

The Chewton resident was also instrumental in the creation of Connecting Country (Mount Alexander Region) Inc, acommunity conservation organisation driving landscape-scale restoration in the region and operating as alandcare network for 30 volunteer group.

Through her role with Golden Point Landcare Group, Marie has contributed to the planting of more than 15,000 indigenous plants in the disturbed 'upside down' gold-mining country,and through her work with Connecting Country has helped successfully protect, restore and enhance more than 13,000 hectares of the region's landscape.

Marie is also afounding member of the Post Office Hill Action Group, which was granted the right to manage a22.5 hectare site at Chewton as abushland reserve.

Marie said she knew nothing about the environment when she first arrived in the local region.

"I'm certainly not abotanist, but it was clear the environment needed help, and I was willing to learn. My career in teaching gave me asocial conscience and skills at organising and multi-tasking," Marie said.

"Getting people together to do something for the environment is so positive. It'sa wayofcreating community.Landcare is such fun, and you meet fantastic people. The first time someone called me agreenie Iwas taken aback, but now I

wear that hat with pride."

Marie was especially honoured to be nominated for the Joan Kirner Landcare Award as she was Joan'sneighbour in Williamstown for many years.

"I remember her fondly," Marie said. "Joan was avery compassionate woman."

Chewton teen and fellow Post Office Hill Action Group member,Tavish Bloom, was also awarded the Woolworths Junior Landcare Award.

The 13-year-old, who lives next to the Post Office Hill Reserve, has been amember of the local group for two years and was proud to be part of aproject installing and monitoring 28 nesting boxes in the reserve.

Among their successes are afemale brush-tailed phascogale using one of the boxes to successfully raise eight joeys last summer

Tavish said the shy,nocturnal rat-sized marsupials were his favourite local animal, "because Ihave them in the bush behind my house and Ienjoy watching them go about their lives".

Tavish has also been involved with community conservation groups such as BirdLife Castlemaine and Connecting Country's Woodland Bird Monitoring Project.

He is also akeenparticipant in his school'sResourceSmart program and Eco Club at the Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten.

In fact, last month his school was awarded the 'Student Action Team of the Year (Primary)' at the annual Sustainability Victoria ResourceSmart School Awards.

"I have been interested in wildlife and the environment for pretty much my whole life, but Istarted getting really interested when Iwas 10," Tavish said.

"I find birds interesting because there are so many different species –their be-

haviours, habitats, colours –and because they're awesome. Ithink kids with an interest in the environment should not hesitate to get out there in the bush and join their local landcare group, so we can act and help the world."

Tavish now goes on to represent Victoria in the National Landcare Awards later this year

OTHER SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Newham'sPenny Roberts was highly commended in the Joan Kirner award category

Penny has been involved with with Newham and District Landcare Group since its inception in 2004 and served as president for more than seven years.

She is known fondly among the group as 'a force of nature' due to her commitment, energy and ability to get landcare projects done.

Penny has helped increase participation on many projects andhas seen the group grow from 40 to 100families over the years.

She has also been astalwart of the group'sroadside biodiversity projects and the ambitious Cobaw Biolink.

Woodend Landcare'sNicole Middleton and Malmsbury'sJohnWalter were two of five commended in the Joan Kirner category

Other award winners or highly commended from central Victorian regionwere: Newham Primary School, whichwas highly commended in the Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award, Annalise Varner from Bendigo for the inaugural Horrie Poussard Prize andthe Mount Alexander Regenerative Agriculture Group commended in the Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare

category

Award

Chewton teen Tavish Bloom has been recognised for hiswork monitoring nesting boxes at the Post Office HillReserve at Chewton.

Pedes triansafety workss oon

Pedestrian road safety improvements are on the way for several high priority sites across the Macedon Ranges.

Victorian Government funding has been directed to projects in Kyneton, Gisborne, Woodend and Riddells Creek.

Wo odend will see ar ai se dw ombat crossing with 40km/h speed limit at High Street'ss ervice lane for pedestrian safety

Kyneton will also gain raised wombat crossings with 40km/h speed limits at Jennings Street and New Street.

Works will also take place to upgrade Kyneton'sEpping Street school crossing to araised wombat crossing with 40km/h.

Similar upgrade crossing works will take place at Fisher Street outside Gisborne Primary School.

Works in Gisborne will include pedestrian safety improvement at the Hamilton/ Aitken streets roundabout in the form of athree legs raised wombat crossing with 40km/h speed limit.

Pedestrian safety improvement are also planned for Gisborne'sFisher/Aitken streets intersection via araised wombat crossing with 40km/h speed limit.

In Riddells Creek,two raised wombat crossings will be installedwith 40km/h speed limits at Station Street and Sutherland Street.

Soft plastics recycling expands

Macedon Ranges residents can now join an expanded shire-wide kerbside soft plastics recycling pilot.

Households can recycle soft plastics by filling orange collection bags and placing them into their yellow-lidded recycling bin for collection.

Beginning last week,residentscould register in-person at acouncil customer service centre and get afree pack of 20 bags.

The pilot program is an expansion of an initial 12-month trial in Romsey and part of development of aproposed national pilotprogram.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council is leading this national pilot with more than 40 household brands participating.

Mayor Annette Death said the council’ssupport for soft plastics recycling alternatives reflected resident feedback and interest in the former RedCycle program.

“Weare confident this pilotprogram will be used by even more households, given the convenience of using aspecial bag in their own bin,” she said.

“Soft plastics are currently abig part of our waste to landfill and cannot be efficiently collected for recycling in any other way

“Wehope that this expanded pilotbenefits our residents and helps inform the next important phase of this scheme.”

AFGC'sdirector of sustainability,Barry Cosier,said the expanded pilot was the next stepfor industry and governments to collaborate in designing aproduct stewardship scheme in Australia.

“While softplastics are useful for packaging, we need large quantities tobeefficiently collected to instil confidence to invest in recycling and toremanufacture it into recycled products and packaging again," hesaid.

The Romsey-based trial selected about 2200 residents to participate, with 1737 kilograms of soft plastic recycled t hat would have otherwise gone tolandfill.

Work is also under way to bett er understand which households choos etorecycle, and the benefits of different collection methods, while brands continue to work towards the development of aproposed product st ewardship scheme.

‘Bureaucratic madness!’

Jade Jungwirth

Six years ago, Castlemaine resident Hilary Finch bought asmall red-flowering gum to replace adead tree on her nature strip.

She lovingly tended the tree, watering its roots regularly during the hot summer months and ensuring its survival in dense soil. The beautiful native, while small, is thriving.

The street in which Hilary lives is abeautiful bushy area with aunique array of trees, shrubs, plants and even asmall veggie garden along the roads edge.

Hilary,and presumably her neighbours, recently received aletter from Mount Alexander Shire Council advising them about a tree works program due to commence over the next few weeks.

Anumber of plants and trees (mostly wild growing wattle) along the road have now been tagged with fluorescent yellow dots, indicating their imminent demise and to Hilary'shorror,her beautiful gum tree also bears the mark of death.

Certain there must have been some sort of mistake, Hilary contacted the council and was informed that permits were required to plant on nature strips and her tree would not be approved as the gum nuts posed a tripping hazard.

Hilary told the Express that her redflowering gum, which would take many years to reach maturity,was nowhere near afootpath.

"And since when did gum nuts become a tripping hazard!" Hilary asked.

"There are red flowering gums all over Victoria and they are beautiful.

"Welive in abeautiful area and value our native trees and wildlife. People love individualising their gardens and verges," she said.

"This is the apex of bureaucratic madness!"

Acouncil spokesperson confirmed that pruning works on Doveton Street would be under way in the coming weeks as part of council'sannual tree maintenance program and aimed to improve tree health and public safety

"Doveton Street has been identified as apriority area for improvement, with upcoming works including the removal of dead wood, and pruning to allow appropriate clearances from roads, footpaths, street lights and signs," the spokesperson said.

"Wedonot remove healthy vegetation unless it poses asafety issue, site obstruction, or affects the flow of vehicular or foot traffic.

"Unfortunately aplanted gum tree located on anature strip on Doveton Street needs to be removed due to concerns around pedestrian safety,.

"The council has provided advice to the resident that the tree could be relocated onto the resident'sprivate property while it is still young, and able to be moved."

Council encourages residents who are considering planting trees and shrubs within the nature strip or other sites within the road reserve or park to read the policy,and if necessary,contact the council for further information.

Castlemaine resident Hilary Finch is desperate to save her beloved red-flowering gum Tree from being removed by the local council.

Cos ta in my bac kyard

Angela Crawford

ABC's Gardening Australia program paid avisit to Castlemaine last Tuesday to meet agroup of innovative composters.

Program host Costa Georgiadis explored the gardens of 'Yes In My Back Yard' members Mikaela Beckley and Sarah Newsam.

The film crew also followed the composters as they collected kitchen scraps from their neighbours.

"It was very entertaining for everyone walking by, there were alot of selfies with Costa," Mikaela said.

"He has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for people and selfies!"

Mikaela said producer Larissa Romensky (also a Castlemaine local) wanted to tell the story of YIMBY as a unique community composting initiative.

"Unlike other composting initiatives, we actually do the composting in our own back yards," she said.

"A lot of composting initiatives fade away, but we're into our fourth year and we're still growing.

"We have 24 active composters running 19 composting hubs around the Castlemaine area.

"We've got 15 people on our waiting list to become composters and we're processing the kitchen scraps from 300 households.

"We've composted 50,000 kilos of waste –we've stopped that going to landfill and we've made beautiful compost to replenish our soil in Castlemaine, which needs it!"

Sarah said Costa was friendly, down to earth and genuinely interested.

"Mikaela patiently explained the whole YIMBY system in small bites in different locations around the garden," she said.

"I did my small part, tried not to stumble over my words, tried to be coherent and say something meaningful.

"The Gymbys –Ed, Connie and their dog Gus –came to do their bit, turning the compost.

"Then interviews with Joel Meadows and Mikaela with explanations of the hows and whys of YIMBY composting.

"A speedy demonstration layering of my compost pile

and finally an interview with Lucy who brought the original idea of YIMBY to Castlemaine."

PROJECT SEEKS SUPPORT

Mikaela said the group now needed more support and funding to go to the next level.

"We're talking with council about how YIMBY sits within the framework of waste management and community building," she said.

"It's not just awaste initiative. As we're walking around our community we're meeting people and connecting and that's actually ahugelyvaluable part of the project.

MountAlexanderShireCouncil postalelection

My council, my vote

Youmustbeenrolledtovote

Ageneral ele ctionfor MountAlexanderShireC ouncil will be held in October2024.

Twoc ate gories of voters canb eenrolle dtovote in theM

State -enrolledvoters

Am Ienrolledtovote?

Youare automaticallyenrolle dfor thisele ctionif:

•you will be 18 year sofage or overon

Saturday 26 October2024and

•you li ve in MountAlexander Shireand youare on theState ele ctoral roll foryourcurrent address

Youneedtoenrol if:

•you areanAus tralian citizenage d18oroveron

Saturday 26 October2024and

•you li ve in MountAlexander Shireand youare notonthe St ate ele ctoral roll or

•you have live datyourcurrent residentialaddre ss within MountAlexander Shire foratleast amonth andhavenot yet up date dyourenrolment details, includingany changes to your postaladdre ss HowdoIenrol?

Youc an enrolonline at ve c.vic.gov.au

Youcan also download an enrolmentformfromthe we bsite. Allenrolmentapplications must be re ceived by theV ictorian ElectoralC ommissionbythe clos eofrollat 4pm on We dnesday 7Augus t2024

Howcan Iche ck my State enrolment?

Youc an checkyourenrolment detailsonline at ve c.vic.gov.au at anytime, or call 1318 32

Council- enrolled voters

Am Ienrolledtovote?

To be aC ouncil-enrolle dvoter,you must be:

•18years of ageoroveronS aturday26O ctob er 2024and

•not aState -enrolle dvoter within MountAlexander Shire.

Newrules mean youare no longer automaticallyenrolle difyou areanon-re sidentpropert yowner (e.g.alandlordora busine ss owner that pays rate s).Ifyou areanon-re sidentpropert yowner within MountAlexander Shire, younee dtoapplytoenrol if you wish to vote in theM ount Alexander ShireC ouncil election

Who else canenrol &vote?

Youmay also apply to enrolif:

•you have purchase darateable prop er ty within MountAlexander Shire sinc ethe lastele ctionbut youare a nota re sidentofM ount Alexander Shire,or

•you arenot an Australian citizenand youlivein, andpay rate sfor,apropert yw ithin MountAlexanderShire, or

•you payrate sona prop er ty youo ccupy within MountAlexander Shire andhavenoother voting entitlementwithinM ount AlexanderShire,for example you areashoptenantand payrate stothe Councilfor your tenancy, andyou have no other votingentitlement within MountAlexander Shire,or

•you areadirectororc ompany secretary of ac orporation within MountAlexander Shirethatpaysrate sto Mount AlexanderShireC ouncil andyou have no other voting entitlementwithinM ount AlexanderShire

"We've got the fungi in our compost doing lots of work to enrich the soil and then we are like anetwork above the ground connecting people and building community resilience.

"We hope that the show helps raise our profile and helps us thrive."

The episode will go to air later this year.

HowdoIapplytobeaCouncil-enrolledvoter ?

If youmeetany of theabove criteria andwishtoenrol,c ontact Mount AlexanderShire Councilon5471170 0for ac ouncil enrolmentform. Councilenrolmentforms must be re ceived by theC ouncil by theclos eofrollat 4p m on We dn esday 7Augus t2024

Howcan Iche ck if IamCouncil-enrolled?

Youc an checkyourenrolment detailsbyc ontactingthe Council on 5471 1700

Thinkingabout standingfor election?

To nominate as ac andidate forM ount AlexanderShire Council, youmus t:

•b eanAus tralian citizenand enrolled on thevoters’rollfor Mount AlexanderShire Counciland •b eeligible to be come ac ouncillor and •havec ompleted themandatory candidate training prov ided by Lo calG overnm entV ictoria before lo dgingyour nominationwiththe Election Manager

Forfur ther information, visit ve c.vic.gov.au

Enrolmentcloses 4pmWednesday 7August2024

St ate -enrolle dvoters canregisterfor free VoterAler tS MS and email reminder sat vec.v ic.gov.au

Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis (centre) with YIMBY composters Joel Meadows, Sarah Newsam, Mikaela Beckley and Lucy Young.

The Victorian Ambulance Union last week conducted avote of no confidence in the Ambulance Victoria executive.

The VAUconducted an SMS poll of its AV members and asked if they endorsed arequest that the Minister for Ambulance Services take urgent action to appoint new management that will be able to build and maintain the confidence of the workforce.

About 4200 members responded to the poll, with 97.8% of members voting to endorse the no confidence motion.

Danny Hill, secretary of the Victorian Ambulance Union, said the result was almost unanimous.

“It should serve as amassive wake up call to the AV Board and Victorian Government that the AV workforce does not have confidence in the AV executive,” Mr Hill said.

“The members sign up to be emergency workers. They feel like the AV executive

is taking the service in adifferent direction away from the core role of an emergency ambulance service.

“The biggest factors crippling the ambulance service and our members, are hospital ramping and call taking accuracy.AV’s response is always ‘that’sout of our control’. The workforce is sick of hearing that.

“The biggest improvements we ever saw to AV performance occurred when the Andrews Government appointed an administrator with aspecific goal of rebuilding AV as an emergency service.

“The situation now is as dire as it was back then and we need new leadership to break the inertia in AV.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said on Friday that the government wished to see issues between management and the workforce in AV resolved and that the minister was taking advice from her department to work to address the matter

Local Ambulance Victoria members gather at the office of Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas last Friday. Photo: Supplied

Acelebration of words

Poets, writers, creative souls and lovers of language and storytelling will delight in this year’sWords in Winter lineup.

The Trentham festival has been fostering creativity and spreading the love ofwords since its beginning in 2004.

This year organisers have promised the festival’smostambitious program yet with everything from writing workshops to evenings of sharing fascinating tales.

Words in Winter committee member Sylvia Johnson said the festival spanned several venues in the month of August with something for all ages and interests.

“This festival encourages people to have alovely time with words,” she said.

“Wehope people come out and really enjoy this event. This year is probably the most ambitious program we’ve had.”

Highlights of this year’sfestivalinclude afine dinner and book launch with chef Annie Smithers, ‘Let the Instruments Speak’ where music and expression is explored, an exploration of word origins at ‘Chew the Fat’ and ‘Squirm’ where people will share stories designed to make you cringe.

Enjoy hearing tales from Trentham’svery own community at ‘I Have aStory to Tell’,

with speakers including stories as varied as inspiring humanitarian work to thrilling stormchasing.

Twowriting workshops are also planned to get the creative juices flowing. Festival-goers can join poet and playwright Izzy Roberts-Orr for apoetry workshop or hone their skills in awriter’sworkshop with The Dressmaker author Rosalie Ham.

Much-loved festival favourites will of course make areturn including trivia pursuit and an afternoon of bush poetry,which is the roots of this very festival.

“This festival began with bush poetry and people reciting pieces atpubs,” Sylvia said.

“This is afestival for the local residents and surrounds. It fits with the local history of the town andarea.

“It has strong country roots andhas grown slightly and evolved over the years to include some dinners and other events. John McLaren has been the linchpin of this festival for years.”

Words in Winter is run by avolunteer committee with the support of the town and local sponsors. For afull list of events, details and bookings, visit the website: wordsinwintertrentham.org

Hepburn House Aged Care FacilityDaylesford

At Hepburn House we areexcited about our new extension thatisnow open to newresidents and potential staff .

‘The Village”a newwing thatfeatures 31 high quality rooms and afifteen bed state of the art wing “MemoryLane to cater forresidents living with dementia in addition to agym, theatre, Nostalgia kitchen and workshed.

Please contacttotakeaprivate tour or wander outside into the well-keptinteractivegardens and outdoor areastaking in breathtaking views of the beautiful countryside.

Annie Smithers, chef, teacher, restaurateur, ‘de fermier’ farmer and author, will launch her fourth book, Kitchen Sentimental, as part of the festival.

Short Story Readings at the Cosmo carry cash prizes.

OF WINTER Taste

It’s the season for biting winds, grey skies and long walks leading indoors to deliciously warming delights.

LITTLE SWALLOW CAFE

Thisisthe perfectmodern-d on theclassic, relaxedcountry Theinnovative andkeenche to regularlyupdatethe specia boardsothere is always some newfor thekitchen to create regularpatronstoenjoy.The menu is seasonal so ingredien areattheir best.Anexample of what youmight find on th menu is thedelicious warm la salad,whichconsistsofgrille spice-encrustedlamb strap served with beetroot puréeand asalad of turmeric pearlcous cous,pomegranate, rocket, roastedsweet potato,and roastedalmonds,tossedina house-made dressing.

Little Swallow Café

FOOK SHING

Payavisit to Kyneton’sFook Shingwhere stylisheastern furnishings setthe backdrop for what will appear on your table. TheAsian-inspired menu has been givenFookShing’sunique takeonthe traditional.The vibrantflavoursofthe food are offset beautifullywithFook Shing’srange of barofferings from localwines, beersand cocktails–justtogive you that warm Asianholiday feel in our winter when we need it the most!

Little SwallowCaféisacosycountr y cafe situated on historic Piper Street, Kyneton. Ser ving breakfast and lunch, homemade cakesand excellent coffee, teaorquality local drinks, we are open 7daysaweek forbreakfast and lunch. We arealso licensed with arange of excellent local beers, wines and spirits.

Opening Hours: 7daysaweek MondaytoSaturday8am to 3pm, Sunday8am to 2pm.

Modern south east Asian cuisine in an historic gold rush pub.

THE FARMERS ARMS

OF WINTER Taste

TheFarmers Arms Daylesford has been around for165 years so has made an impressionlongbefore thedigital age. These days it has made such apositive impressionthatithas become the‘local’ forwell, locals,and otherpeoplefrom farand wide Youcan dineinthe diningroom, whichissnugand perfect forwinter, in thecourtyard –yes thereare ‘warmer’ days in winter –and takeyourfour-leggedfriend. If agathering of family or friends forthatspecial occasionincomingupthen youcan bookthe FarmersKitchen, your ownprivate dining retreat.

Bookings

Please

THE FULL MOON SALOON

In theheart of Woodendyou’llfind abar,restaurant andnightclub all in one. As well as greatlashings of countr ystyle hospitality, you’ll find twothemedbars, footyonthe big screen andahugerangeofmocktails forthe designateddriverorsomeone doing‘Dr yJuly’ plus,ofcourse, homestyletuckerthatcan be customised to your personal tasteorprepared forthose lookingfor gluten-free, vegetarian or veganoptions

KYNETON RSL

Thekitchen at KynetonRSL makes sure themenureflectsthe seasonsso nowthe weatheriscool, expectthe best of winter warmers. Butthere is onethingthatisconstantatthe RSL –and it is perfectinall weathers so it seems–the Sunday roastavailable ever yday of theweek! It’s aclassic that notmanyestablishmentsoffer thesedaysbut it is so popularatthe RSLthatitisalwaysonthe menu Finish your roastmeal with asticky date or bread andbutterpuddingand youwill have theperfect cold weather treats.

OF WINTER Taste

SUPER SUSHI

GISBORNE FOOD AND WINE CO

Thiscasualyet sophisticatedrestaurant offers an extensive menu,winelistand cocktails. Open for brunch,lunch anddinner,the Gisborne Food andWine Co also features Experience Nights when aspecial deal is on offer. Forexample,Tuesdayispot andparma nights, Wednesdayissteak night (plusyourchoice of a beer or wine), Thursdaysare fortacos andcomeSunday, it’s ribs andrumps.

SushiCafe in Kynetoncatersfor clients wholovetasty food by providingahealthyselection ofsushi, inariand rice paperrolls andAsian-inspired hotfood that includes gyoza/ dumplings, spring rollsand,the local favouriteSuper Sushi’s very ownJapanesecurry.And if youhaveanevent,evenan office lunchtimemeeting,Super Sushican caterfor it.Just give them acall to order foryou eventinadvance

SUPER SUSHI

For13years Super Sushi Kyneton has been THE go-toplacefor Sushi.

As Winter wraps its chilly arms around us it’s the perfect time to savour our Japanese Chicken Curry,popular Karaage Chicken with Siracha mayo or asteaming bowl of Miso

Youcan slurp your way to happiness with either our Ramen or Udon Noodle bowls, each spoonful is ahug foryour taste buds.

Sushi platters always available foryour next party or event, we aremorethan happytocater to your requirements.

Letthe warmth of Super Sushi melt away those frosty blues.

Opening hours:

Mon-Sat: 10 am to 2pm

109 Mollison Street, Kyneton

Phone: (03) 4404 8637

supersushikyneton@gmail.com

supersushikyneton.com

GISBORNE

We believe in crafting unforgettable experiences through exquisitefood and atouch of romance. Nestled in the heart of Australia, our restaurant is aculinary havendesigned forthose seeking intimate and memorable dining moments.

We’realso delighted to caterto intimate gatherings forbreakfast, lunch, or dinner.Local groups and businesses, consider us your idealvenue foryour regular meetups, whether they’re weekly,monthly,oronanother schedule.Wealso have an expansive function area!

Opening Hours: MondaytoFriday11amto9pm Saturday10am-10pm, Sunday10am-9pm

Shop 1/22 Brantome St, GISBORNE Phone: 0499 088 136 www.gisbornefoodandwineco.com.au

THEATRE ROYAL

Perfectfor apre or post-showmeal –oranytime –areTheatre Royalpizzas. They areespeciallygood on PennywiseTuesdaywhenyou canenjoy cheap movies all dayand apizza andwinedealfrom 5pm. Just go on down,bookingsnot needed.And if you arewonderingwhatthe pizzasare like,one recent specialwas apizza of oven-roastedtomatoes, olive tapenade,fiordilatte, basiland atomatosugobase.

The oldest continually operating theatreonAustralia’smainland. THEATRE ROYAL BAR-CINEMA -MUSIC BOTTLE SHOPACCOMMODATION

Enjoy amovie, pizza or adrink in the Bar or Garden Bar. Memberships, Venue Hire, Accommodation all available.

Don’tforget Pennywise Tuesday$25 for any pizza &pot of beer or glass of house wine. $12.00 Movies. Midweek takeaway options also available.

Trading Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 4pm to late. Kitchen Tues. to Sun 5pm -8pm.

DOUGH SI DOUGH

OF WINTER Taste

Agood bread will add oomphtoany meal or snack. Thehandcrafted breadfrom DoughSiDough sourdoughbaker yinKyneton is somethingtodrool over.Multigrainloaves, whiteblock loaves and‘designer’ loaves such as oliveorpumpkin sourdoughare perfect to accompanysoup, acheeseboard or just as awinter warmingtreat.And they arereasonably pricedfor specialtybreads as arethe cakesand otherofferings from this baker y. Also locatedat Strathfieldsaye, Bendigo.

TAPROOM AT SHEDSHAKER BREWERY

Settle into cooler days with warmingales anddelicious pizzasat ShedshakerBrewery’s Taproom. With an ever-changinglineup of beersacrosstheir 11 taps, alongside thefinestinlocal wines, cidersand agreat range of lowand non-alcoholic drinks, youcan always find theright drop.The food menu showcases regional producerswithcheeses, smallgoodsand gourmetpizzas. Thepizza, plates andplattersmenuisavailablein-house ever yday from noon with arotatingselection of specialpizzas, share plates andsalads. As always, live entertainmentcontinues. Checktheir socials for updates.

CANTEENA

In thetapestr yofurban life, restaurantsare thevibrant threadsthat weavecommunities together.B eyondnourishingappetites, Canteena serveasastage for culturalexchangeand celebration. With each plate, chefs showcasecreativityand passion, transformingingredients into memorableexperiences. In this symphony of flavours,every visitisa journeyworth savouring.

Two Up Tue sdays

Ever yTuesday, ever yweek,wewill donate 50¢fromever y hot drink purchasedto to the KynetonRSL

On Anzac Day we will present the Kyneton RSL with adonation cheque

We remember heroes and what they gave for our tomorrow

There is something for everyone with our dark beers, traditional ales and local wines and spirits. With delicious vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options, there is something for everyone at the Taproom. Trading Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from midday to late.

We promise an intimate and relaxed dining experiencethatoffers something differentto localand visiting patrons andensures youenjoy a memorablefood experienceevery time

DiscoverThe Good Atmosphere of CANTEENA

Whatever your event or celebration, we areheretomakeyourspecial day atruly memorable one.Weare more than happytocreateaspecial menu forpar ties of 20 plus guests.

Trading Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm MondaytoSaturday; 5:30pm to 8:30pm WednesdaytoSaturday; 9:00am-3:00pm Sunday

Shop2/18 PrinceStreet, GISBORNE Phone: (03) 5420 7249 /0469 770205 canteenagisborne@gmail.com canteena.com.au

Taproom at Shedshaker

Canteena Gisborne

DAS KAFFEEHAUS

OF WINTER Taste

MOUNT MACEDON HOTEL

You’ll love thewintery drive past some largeand magnificentproperties to MountMacedonvillagewhere itspub sits in pride of place.This historic pubcelebratesthe finest localbeer, wine,food andlivemusic. Themenufeaturessomever ygood pubclassics includingsomereally good pizzas. There’salsoamenufor kids so they’llbekepthappy,too

HOME GROWN ON PIPER

DasKaffeehausisaViennesecoffeehouse,and theface of Coffee Basics, whereyou canenjoy delicious Austrian fare under theguidance of Edmund Schaerfand Elna Schaerf-Trauner,experts in all things Austrian andindeed all things coffee.Theyhavebrought more than 60 yearsoffamilytradition andthe skillofroasting andblendingspecialty coffee to this culinar yoasis in central Victoria.AtDas Kaffeehaus you’ll be enticednot only by their freshlyroastedcoffee, butthe winesand beersofEdmundand Elna’s homelandand delicious food as well

The heart of Vienna in the heart of Victoria.

Edmund Schaerf and Elna SchaerfTrauner bring oversixty yearsoffamily traditionand skill to theart of roasting and blending specialty coffee. The Schaerf family has been aleading name in the European coffeeindustry fordecades. CoffeeBasicsbrings this dedication and experiencetotheir coffeeoasis, Das Kaffeehaus, where Central Victorian industrial meets true centralEuropean glamour

Phone: (03) 5470 6270 coffeebasics.com

Homely atmosphere of a classicpub in a

Satinthe heart of the Macedon Ranges, the MountMacedon Hotelisyour destination for curated local culinary delights, local wine &spirits androtating independent craft beers.

Home GrownonPiper is whereyou’ll find an all-day breakfast andlunch menu foradelicious experience.Thiscafe use organic veggies locallysourced,and turnstoethical producersfor ingredients such as free-range eggs, free-range bacon andlocallybaked bread. Sweettreatsare baked in-house andHomeGrown on Piperser vesorganic, fair-trade coffee andteas. Themenuisafusionofclassic cafe favourites, healthyhome-grown specials andsomeSri Lankan dishes.

Come on in and warm up with a delicious hot soup! -Takeaway also available! At Home Grown on Piper,weuse organic veggies from our farm in Kyneton and other local, ethical produce suchasfree-range eggs, free-range bacon and locally baked bread to create meals that are even more special!

Our ever tempting sweet treats are baked in-house and we servegreat organic, fair-trade coffee and teas.

Opening Hours:

We are open 5daysaweek 9am -3pm Wednesday to Sunday

12-14 Piper Street, Kyneton Phone: 0425 709236 www.homegrownonpiper.com.au

KN278548/K

Spring Sculpture Prizenow open

Entries for the lot19 Spring Sculpture Prize are now open.

Open to emerging and established artists annual prize has been ak ey event in the central Vi ctorian artistic calendar since its inception in 2006.

Featuring more than $8000 worth of

prizes, independent judges and at hreeweek exhibition, the prize is beloved by artists and visitors alike.

Last year saw ar ecord number of entrants to the prize, held at lot19 Castlemaine, with judges Naomi Cass of Castlemaine Art Museum and multi-

disciplinary visual artists Lucas Maddock and Zoe Amor examining more than 90 artworks.

The 2024 Spring Sculpture Prize includes awards for Emerging Artists, Sustainability and Yo ung Artists. Entries close on September 18.

An Opening Celebration will be held at lot19 artspace in Langslow Street, Castlemaine on Saturday October 12, from 2pm, with live music, award announcements, ab ar and food. For more information, and to enter, head to www.lot19.au

Phee comes to life with local art

The 2024-2025 Phee Broadway Theatre foyer exhibition program has kicked offwith aselection of local artists taking over the space over the coming 12 months.

Exhibiting artists include Gayle Cykner,Windarring Artists, Julie Shaw,JodyGalvin, Creations from Agitation Hill, Brian Heydon and Sonia and Kristina Browning.

The theatre, which is located at Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine, is acommunity gathering place where creativity is fostered and people connect.

The program will feature something for everyone to enjoy,with new two-dimensional work changing over every two months.

Exhibitions in the 2024-2025 program include wire and

textile works, woodwork collages, mosaics, works on paper, and contemporary and traditional paintings of local landscapes.

Mount Alexander Shire Council'smanager of economy and culture, Merryn Tinkler,saidshe was looking forward to seeing the diverse selection of artwork on display over the next 12 months.

“Wehave such apassionate and creative artistic community in our shire, and it’swonderful to be able to show our support by providing afree and professional space for them to flex their skills," Ms Tinker said.

“It’salways atreat to walk through the space and be surprised by the vibrant artwork that awaits you.

Dark, funny andalittle bitreal

Meet Claire, an Aussie girl, happygo-lucky, loves acocktail, the fun one and Dai, aWelsh lad living his best life in Australia. They are acouple who’ve been together for awhile but now they need help. Your help!

You are invited into the therapy room as Claire and Dai try to hold onto the marriage that Claire is working so hard to save while Dai contemplates the meaning of life, Star Wars and the best-flavoured crisps. Yes, crisps not chips.

Welcome to Us is adeepdive into dealing with everyday life in apost-pandemic world. Acomedy that delves into the heart of the relationship, having kids and the challenge of what to do on the weekend. It’s up close and personal, it’s dark, it’s funny and alittle bit real.

With sell-out seasons at Melbourne Comedy Festival and The Butterfly Club, local actors Paul Canlan and Rexine Perry

Claire and Dai in therapy.

bring this successful show to the Macedon Ranges to kick off anew regional tour.

Friday August 9, 8pm at the Newham Mechanics Institute. Bar opens at 7pm.

Tickets at www.trybooking.com/ CRWQT or call 0487 619 473.

Tickets will also be available on the door. Cash or card facilities are available. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Christ Church Castlemaine (on Agitation Hill) 8Mostyn Street Castlemaine.

“I encourage everyone to stop by and take in the incredible artwork made by members of our very own community.”

The first exhibition, Light's Cutting Edge , opened last We dnesday and features the work of Gayle Cykner Gayle explores the stuffa ll around us, our environment, much of which we take for granted. Drawn to light and shadow,G ayle’sw ork focuses on the minutia of life, and its colour and shape.

The last show will o pen in May 2025.

The theatre foyer is located in the same building as the Castlemaine Library and follows the same opening hours.

Aconcertofsacred vocal music by Bach, Bruckner, Fauré, Haydn, Mozart, Rossini, Schubert andothers.

Book online at https://www.trybooking.com/CTDXS

Ticketsalsoavailable at the door Enquiries: 0437 569 718. 2024

Taron Stanley, joint winner of the lot19 Major Prize in 2023. Photo: Craig Gaston

The 2023 lot19 Spring Sculpture Prize was ahuge success showcasing araftoftalent. Photo: Craig Gaston

Ho rses BI RT HDA Y

ThursdayAugust 1

AS PE CIAL EQ UI NE FEA TURE

HAY! HAY! HAY! IT’S TIME FOR YOUR HORSE’S BIRTHDAY!

Well, it might officially be your horse’sbirthday on August 1but it began to be Horses’ Birthday years ago to standardise the age of racehorses who are often classified into races with aspecific age groups. August 1each year is the date all horses in the Southern Hemisphere are judged to turn one year older,nomatter what their actual foaling date is. This was implemented because of the historical lack of records of actual foaling dates. And because spring is when many horses are born, August 1was chosen to ‘capture’ as many as possible born each year.Their actual foaling date, however,is always recorded with the Australian Stud Book. But it does stand that horses foaled earlier in the breeding season will have aphysical advantage early on the racetrack based upon maturity and physical development. But all that aside, if you don’t know when your special horse’sbirthday really is, make it August 1and have afun celebration!

Liam Howley Racing is proud to be alocal stable with training facilities at both Kyneton and the beautiful Macedon Lodge. The team at Liam Howley Racing takes pride in giving all the stable’shorse owners agreat experience. They want you to feel agenuine connection with your horse and the stable. The past 12 months have been Liam Howley Racing’smostsuccessful to date and there’seven more in store for the upcoming year They’d love to have you involved. Email communications@liamhowley.com for more information.

Trixie’s abirthday girl

Meet alocal having abirthday on August 1

...This is Trixie, a17-year-old Standardbred mare who is enjoying life with her owner, Nikky,inTrentham.

Trixie’slittle quirks include reading and blowing bubbles in her water bucket (don’t stand too close!).

Nikky has owned her since 2012 and together they enjoy jumping, trail riding, showing and dressage with Trentham Adult Riding Club.

Nikky says that Trixie has given her some incredible moments and her cheeky face lights up her day

Perr ys go to soft plastic packs

Perrys would like to take this opportunity on the Horses’ Birthday to thank all of their customers who have utilised the compact chaffproducts they introduced 18 months ago. The compressed packaging allows for easier handling and packing in your ute or car boot.

They’d like to remind customers that the packaging from their oaten chaff, lucerne chaff, wheaten chaffand 50/50 dry products is fully recyclable, and customers can take their used packaging to the Kyneton Resource Recovery facility.Please check at your local resource recovery facility to ensure that they can also receive soft plastics.

The packaging utilised for these product includes already recycled materials in its composition. Since the introduction of this packaging, Perrys has reduced the amount of non-recyclable waste generated by their products by 60 per cent. This amounts to a

potential 16 tonnes of packaging kept out of landfill every year.They hope to transfer the remaining 40 per cent of their products to recyclable soft packaging over the next 18 months.

To encourage customers to continue to change over to the recyclable bags, Perrys’ 15kg compressed oaten/cereal chaffbags are currently $9 per bag. The equivalent 25kg bag price at this price is just $15. Make sure you get in store from August 1 for Perry’smassive winter sale with 30-50 per cent offwinter clothing and rugs.

Liam Howley Racing has stablesat both Kyneton and Macedon Lodge

Formoreinformation on the stable or if youwould liketo get involved, call Mikeon0402464 310 or email communications@liamhowley.com

-Adverse possession and related applications Thinking

or removing an easement

HepburnCrresigns

HepburnShire Council will have avacancy until October following the resignation of councillor Juliet Simpson last week.

Cr Simpson was elected to the Holcombe Ward in 2020, was elected as deputy mayor in November 2023 and served in various other roles. She resigned for personal reasons.

Hepburn Shire'sacting CEO Dr Karina Lamb thanked Cr Simpson for her dedication and service.

“While Cr Simpson’sresignation creates an extraordinary vacancy in the Holcombe Ward, aby-election will not be conducted so close to the end of the council term," Dr Lamb said.

"The seat will remain vacant until the outcome of the general election to be held on October 26." Cr Juliet Simpson.

Enrol to vote in council elections

Eligible residents and ratepayers are urged to check they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming local council elections by 4pm Wednesday August 7.

Electoral Commissioner,SvenBluemmel, has issued acall ahead of the enrolment deadline.

"If you’re 18 or over and you live in or pay rates to aVictorian council, enrol and have your say on the future of your local council," he said.

occupiers, company nominees and nonAustralian citizens who payrates.

The rules for council enrolment have changed. Propertyowners who don’t live in the council area but may be eligible to vote because theypay rates should contact their local council for further information.

The 2024 Victorian local council elections will be the state’slargest single election program, with apredicted 4.7 millionvoters participating in 465 individual elections across 78 councils.

Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 orchanged address can enrol or update their details online at vec.vic.gov.au/ enrolment

Anyone on the state electoral roll is automatically enrolled for their current address for theseelections.

There are also additional council enrolment categories for non-resident owners,

Moira Shire Council is under administration and will not have ageneral election this October

Further information on enrolment is available by calling 131 832 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert servicetoreceive important election reminders by SMS and email.

Nominate asenior

Nominations for the 2024 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are closing soon. The awards are an annual celebration of the many senior Victorians who share their skills, experience, time and energy with our community

Victorians are being encouraged to think about the work ofresidents in their local community and recognise their contributions before it is too late.

This year,the nominations process is more accessible than ever before. Make a nomination, through the brand-new platform at www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards by Sunday August 11

Victorians are encouraged to nominate residents aged 60 and above and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians aged 50 years and above to celebrate their contributions.

There are six awards categories, Premier’sAward for Victorian Senior of the Year, Promotion of Multiculturalism Award, Healthy and Active Living Award, Veteran Community Award, Ageing Well Award and COTA(Council on the Ageing) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.

The Victorian Seniorof the Year Awards are presented annually each October as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.

Toptown named

Daylesford has been named the best Small TourismTownfor 2024 in the TAC Victorian TopTourismTownawards

Hepburn Shire mayor,Cr Brian Hood, said there were only five finalists and the council was "thrilled to have wonagainst some formidable competition".

Daylesford won in the category ‘Top Small Tourism Town’ (population between 1500 and 5000) against Heathcote, Koroit, Maldon and Sorrento.

The award is judged on ademonstration of commitment to tourism and increasing visitation, excellent visitor experience, and exhibiting collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community

The awards were announced at an event in Lancefield last week.

DhelkayaHealths eeksvolunteer s

Volunteers are an integral part of the Mount Alexander Shire community

Volunteering provides opportunities for residents to become active in their community

There are many different volunteer experiences available within the Castlemaine and Maldon campuses of Dhelkaya Health.

Community members interested in finding out more about volunteering for the local health service are invited to attend a Volunteer Information Session on August 14 at the Maldon Hospital.

The key to choosing the right volunteering role is to find a volunteer position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing.

Ruth Hay is one of Dhelkaya Health'sNordic Pole Walking Group leader volunteers and enjoys the physical and the social benefits.

"I enjoy walking in nature while having achat. Since being in Castlemaine Ihave made many friendships through Nordic Pole walking,” she said.

Sue Arnold volunteers as a patient transport driver and said she enjoyed listening to people’s stories and being able to engage the person before and after their appointments so they didn’t feel so alone.

Dale Tudor,a dedicated volunteer at the Maldon campus of Dhelkaya Health, shared his story to inspire others to join in giving back to the community.Dale finds joy in connecting with both

residents and staff.

"There'sa lot of trust and confidence placed in me," he said, highlighting the sense of belonging he'd found through volunteering.

Through meaningful and interesting volunteer roles you can experience renewed creativity,motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

For more information on volunteering opportunities, go along to the information session to be held at the Garden Room at the Maldon Hospital campus on Wednesday August 14 from 11am-12 noon, or visit www dhelkayahealth.org.au/careersvolunteers-consumers or call Dhelkaya Health volunteer coordinator Edwina Coller on5471 3566.

FINANCIAL

Loan taxanunfair burden

To improve equity and access to higher education, the 20 per cent student loan tax on Fee-Help loans needs to be abolished, according to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia.

The 20 per cent student loan tax, formally known as a‘loan fee', is levied by the Australian Government on Fee-Help loans taken out by students studying with most independent higher education providers.

“This tax is effectively atax on learning, unfairly burdening students who choose these institutions for their education,” said Troy Williams, ITECA chief executive officer

The 20 per cent student loan tax, Mr Williams said, is highly discriminatory as it only applies to students studying with independent higher education providers.

“This creates an uneven playing field and penalises students for their choice of institution despite these providers often offering specialised and high-quality education tailored to industry needs,” he said.

The tax is incompatible with the Australian Universities Accord Final Report recommendations, which advocate for high levels of participation and attainment in higher education.

“The imposition of this student loan tax is inconsistent with the broader objectives of the Australian Universities Accord Final Report recommendations of increasing tertiary education participation through am ore inclusive approach. Removing this tax will have positive benefits by making higher education more accessible to all Australians,” Mr Williams said.

ITECA believes abolishing the 20 per

cent student loan tax is essential for fostering an inclusive, equitable and robust higher education system.

“ITECA wrote to every member of the federal parliament to raise the profile of how the student loan tax acts as adisincentive for thousands of students looking to undertake higher education,” Mr Williams said.

Dhelkaya Health L2P Program participant Kirra and volunteer instructor Patsy.

College on current site with extension to original building, added to fit growing student numbers.

Celebrating 135 years

It is quite remarkable to reflect on the courage, vision and faith of the five Sisters of Mercy who arrived in Kyneton 135 years ago and opened Sacred Heart College on Monday 29 July 1889. Ican scarcely imagine the differences that have occurred in education since that time, yet Sacred Heart College in 2024 maintains adirect link to these inspirational women through our shared Mercy heritage.

Originally situated in Wedge Street adjacent to St Joseph’s Primary School and the Convent of Mercy, Sacred Heart College moved to its current site on High Street in 1907. Over the next century, the school educated generations of young women and men, many of whom still regard the school and its teachers with great fondness and regard.

Maintaining its rich history of Catholic education in the Mercy tradition, Sacred Heart College has embraced the challenges of 21st Century schooling through its commitments to exemplary learning and teaching, authentic relationships and holistic education. The core values of Mercy education –service, hospitality, justice, compassion, respect and courage –inform all aspects of College life and provide aclear link back to the lives and work of our founders.

Sacred Heart College looks with expectation and enthusiasm to the future, one celebrated beautifully by the College’s motto, “Semper Fidelis”, Faithful Always.

Dr Darren Egberts -Principal

For more information about Sacred Heart College, including archives and alumni, visit the website: www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

Firststudents in front of the original convent,WedgeStreet, Kyneton

Vivian Dwyer Senior Learning Centre

PrincipalDarren Egberts with School Captains: Isabella McBride, Stephanie Waddington and ImogenSparrow

College with recent addition of the Chapel

Students enjoying the garde

c. 1939

SMILES

Projects backed

Projects in Gisborne and Kyneton will benefit from the state government'sCreative Projects Fund.

In Gisborne, Spindlebun will support the research and development of anew movement-based performance work, by Michelle Heaven.

In Kyneton, the funds will support Auslan Story Time with Story Box Library This will enable creation of 18 Auslan translations of children'sbooks, including filming, editing and releasing these on an online platform, freely accessible through public libraries and schools, by Story Box Library

Funds will also support development of acollaborative multi-channel video work, titled mother-tongues/other-tongues, with performances by Angeli Benipayo, Vahideh Eisaei, Luke Currie-Richardson and Weish exploring language, cross-cultural exchange and ideas of home, by Josephine Mead.

The Creative Projects Fund helps independent creatives and organisations to develop new projects, undertake professional development and take their work to national and international markets.

Backup at the Olym pics

Malmsbury chiropractor Lisa Don is heading to the Paris Olympics to support Ballarat high jumper Yual Reath.

Lisa flies out on August 4and will stay there for aweek. She has been treating Yual for about three years after first meeting his coach Paul Cleary

Name: Phone

"I'm an Olympic tragic and I'm just so excited that he wants me to be apart of this journey," she said.

"I'm honoured to be part of his team, he'sajust such alovely guy."

Yual was able to fund Lisa'sairfare for her to join him.

The athlete is originally from Sudan but has lived in Australia for 20 years. He is the current Australian National High Jump Champion and this year won gold at the Oceania Athletics Championships and the Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo,Japan. He is currently ranked eighth in the world.

Lisa Don is pictured with high jumper Yual Reath and coachPaul Cleary ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Cleaved – a stor y of loss, legs and finding family

Lisa Dennis

Locals will get asneak peek at the new memoir of former journalist and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist, Jane Cafarella, when she speaks in Castlemaine tomorrow eveing.

Cafarella is guest speaker for the next instalment of Northern Books' monthly 'Books in the Brewery' at The Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing.

The Castlemaine writer will appear in conversation with longtime Girton Grammar School english and literature teacher and friend Alisoun Downing from 6.30pm.

The print version of Cafarella's book Cleaved hits bookshelves nationally this Thursday and is written with great compassion and humour. It is astory of coping with difference; of identity, family, and belonging.

It’s the author’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease, arare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema, that meant her right leg was twice the size of her left, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life.

Abeautifully crafted story of survival, Cleaved is compelling, honest, moving and, at times, raw.

Jane Cafarella is awonderful storyteller. Her full-length and one-act plays and musical have been performed across the world. Cafarella also worked as ajournalist at The Age for adecade were she wrote and edited the popular Accent section, which focused on

women’s issues, and for many years wrote the beloved columns ANew Life Journal and Family Postcard.

Cafarella said the memoir was her first foray into traditional prose.

Cleaved will make you laugh, cry and think about the profound ways our families shape us.

"My sister and Igrew up on opposite sides of the marital war between our parents. They split when Iwas 17 and my sister was 18 and our divide became not only emotional but physical. Iwent to live with my mother who cut off all contact with the family except for my grandmother. My sister went with my father. Ididn't see my sister for 21 years or my cousins for 40 years," Cafarella said.

The story details how the sisters found their way back to each other.

"Reunion is not for everyone. There are some circumstances where is its certainly not safe or healthy for family members to reunite. But for us it has

been life-changing and we are still learning about each other and our past."

Cafarella says the story is also for children and families of children with chronic illness for which every day can be astruggle.

Thenew book has received praise from Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO William Repicci.

"The World Health Organisation estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable, disfiguring, progressive, and little-known disease called lymphedema," he said.

"In Cafarella’s new memoir, Cleaved,the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet ayoung girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity," Repicci said

"She weaves astirringand universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets arare glimpse of the impact of living with adisability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey."

Respected Australian author Hazel Edwards OAM is also full of praise for the new offering.

"It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extraordinary, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people," she said.

To book your ticket for this special evening visit www.northernbooks.com. au/janecafarella

You can get acopy of the book on the night, at Stoneman's Bookroom Castlemaine, or online at visit janecafarella.com.au

Newplans forKyneton?

Car parking in Kyneton could be removed to make way for cycling lanes, and key commercial roads reduced to speeds of 30km/h.

These are just some ofthe ideas explored in Macedon Ranges Shire Council'sdraft Kyneton Urban Design Framework.

The document is now open for public comment and has already raised someconcern among residents.

Anew speed limit of 30km/h has been proposed for Kyneton'skey commercial areas at Piper, Mollison and High streets.

The limits aim to improve safety and access but some feel the changes could be adeterrent for drivers.

"Thirty kilometres is too slow –it is just ridiculous and there is no need," one submitter told the Express

They also flagged concern over the prospect of removing car parking to introduce formal cycling lanes.

"Car parking is already hard enough to go shopping in Kyneton. We do not have the amount of cyclists to justify accommodating that," they said.

"Wewantpeople to come and shop in Kyneton and it'sgoing to make it harder to do so."

Draft framework references aneed to "investigate improvements to the cycling network" and create "cycle friendly streets".

Kyneton has existing cycling lanes along Mollison and High streets, while Piper Street has no formal cycle lane.

The draft plan states: "While it is desirable to establish consistent wide cycle lanes on the full extent of Kyneton’smain streets, due to the narrow road width of only 20 metres it is likely that wider cycle lanes can only be achieved through redesigning the cross section, for example, by removal of car parking from one side of the street."

Consultation on the draft Kyneton Urban Design Framework closes on Sunday August 4.

Drop-in sessions began last week and continue this week at the council'sKyneton office on: July 30, 9am-5pm, and August 1, 9am-5pm. For details, visit: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au

Acclaimed Castlemaine playwright and former journalist Jane Cafarella is set to officially launch her memoir Cleaved this week. Photo: Leonie Van Eyk

Youthmentalhealthinitiative winssupport

Youth mental health initiative Live4Life has been announced as arecipient of an international 2024 Kindness in Community Fund Grant.

Launched by Born This WayFoundation and made global with support from Cotton On and Cotton On Foundation, the Kindness In Community fund grant furthers Life4Life'swork empowering regional communities to support youth mental health and reduce suicide.

The local program is one of just 65 recipients worldwide selected with direct input from young people.

From nominations to identifying the shortlist, and all the way to final selection, young people in each region were engaged at each step of the grant process, ensuring their input and perspectives were central to the decision-making and reflecting their genuine needs and priorities in mental health.

Live4Life CEO Bernard Galbally said Live4Life would be putting the Fund to immediate use in helping to bring young mental health ambassadors together from all over the state for athree-day Crew Camp, where they will learn leadership, advocacy and media skills.

"Additionally,the Fund will support a positive mental health messaging social media campaign —presented by the young people of our alumni group Crew4Life —tobelaunched on World Mental Health Day in October,” he said.

Former Live4Life Crew and current Crew4Life member,Laura Crozier,said Crew Camp was an invaluable experience for Crew members.

SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledg e (1 point)

1. Who is the new president of the Rotary Club of Kyneton?

2. Which Romsey netballer celebrated 400 games on the weekend? 3. How many books are in John Marsden’s Tomorrow series? 4. Where will tv reality series The Block be filmed in 2025? (3 points)

5. Which local cricket club has secured Josh Wills for the upcoming season?

General knowledg e (1 point)

6. Li Cunxin penned amemoir about his ballet career with what title?

7. The horizontal stripes on Egypt’s national flag are red, white and what other colour?

8. Katherine Heigl played which character in tv series Grey’s Anatomy?

9. Of the following, which was not penned by Charles Dickens: The Pickwick Papers, David Copperfield, AMoveable Feast or Bleak House? (3 points)

10. How many countries

way). 10. Two: Russia and China.

Feast (by Ernest Heming-

"It provides young leaders with the opportunity to build their skills as public speakers and advocates, and it is the perfect chance to create ongoing connections with like-minded people,” she said.

Live4Life is an award-winning prevention model centred on young people themselves. It brings together communities to deliver evidence-based mental health education in schools and the wider community,creates local partnerships to lead conversations that reduce stigma, and also promotes young leaders as Mental Health Ambassadors.

In 2023, more than 6000 young people received evidence-based mental health education.

Seventy-five per cent of people with mental ill health have their first episode during adolescence. Suicide is the leading cause of death in 15-24-year-olds in Australia —and the suicide rate is 40 per cent higher in rural and regional communities.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Live4Life is also one of the organisations to benefit from funding in the Victorian Budget 2024-25.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt joined Macedon MP and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas on arecent visit to Life4Life in Woodend to hear about their support programs for young Victorians.

“I want every young Victorian who is struggling with their mental health to know that support is available –we’re delivering extra services right across the state, tailored to young people,” Ms Stitt said.

Ms Thomas said support for programs like Live4Life was vital.

“This is an important investment for young people across the Macedon Ranges to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to support their own mental health and that of their peers,” she said.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue at www. beyondblue.org.au In the event of an emergency dial triple zero (000).

Tom’sa Triple ZeroHero

TomRiordan of Woodend last week received aJunior Triple Zero Hero Award at the Triple Zero Victoria'sevent at Melbourne Museum. Tomwas just 11 when he called Triple Zero (000) last year to report adangerous e-bike in Woodend, and did afantastic job. At last week’sevent he also met with Triple Zero Victoria call taker Martha Prewett, who took his call that day and nominated him for the award.

The call came about when Tomwas out and about at the local Scout Hall and spotted someone riding‘recklessly’ on amotorised pushbike on the footpath in Woodend.

He immediately rang Triple Zero and reported it, telling the calltaker which direction the rider went and giving ahighly detailed description of the offender and their clothing.

Tomwas very helpful in his descriptions of the incident and the specific location.

answers:

Super

Twenty-one outstanding new Junior Triple Zero Heroes were recognised for their exceptional courage andmaturity while calling Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.For 20 years the Junior Triple Zero Hero awards have celebrated young callers nominated by Triple Zero Victoria’scall-takers for their clear thinking and composure during emergencies.

border Mongolia?

Quiz

1. Helen Keane.

Hope Hamilton. 3. Seven. 4. Daylesford. 5. Gisborne Cricket Club. 6. Mao’s Last Dancer. 7. Black. 8. Izzie Stevens. 9. oveableAM

Members of Live4Life’s alumni group, Crew4Life.

Triple Zero Victoria call taker Martha Prewett with Woodend’s Tom Riordan.

Attention to detail

Welcome to this stunning craftsman-built home situated on an undulating 12 acre property.Every inch of this home has been meticulously designed and constructed with the utmost attention to detail. From the exquisite spotted gum flooring to the high ceilings, no expense has been spared in creating atruly exceptional living space.

Upon entering through the front door,you are immediately greeted by abright and airy entryway that leads to the heart of the home. The openplan kitchen, formal dining area and central living space are perfect for entertaining guests. The kitchen is atrue chef’sdream featuring beautiful granite countertops, aSMEGVictorian 1100 eight burner stove with two ovens, ceramic sink and a spacious butler’spantry.The living area boasts an in-built wood heater surrounded by astunning stone feature wall, creating acosy and inviting atmosphere. The dining area can be seamlessly opened to the outside through four-panel glass bi-folding doors.

At the easterly end of the home you will find the parents’ expansive retreat. Aself-contained wing, complete with aspacious bedroom, generous walk-in robe, huge ensuite bathroom and

10.5m x4mliving area that has been plumbed to accommodate akitchenette. Having its own entry makes it excellent for dual living or short stay holiday accommodation. Also at this end is astudy or fifth bedroom, laundry/mudroom with built-in cupboards and benches, as well as athird toilet.

At the western end there are three additional generous-sized bedrooms, all with built-in robes, a three-piece family bathroom, soundproof cinema/ media room or third living area and awalk-in linen cupboard.

Data/TV cabling has been installed in all rooms, with provisions for outdoor use.

The 12 acre property surrounding the home features amix of cleared spaces and beautiful trees, providing aprivate and picturesque outlook. The home is surrounded by atwo-metre wide verandah and groundwork has already been done to create alevel area for developing the rear to your own personal style. Already established is alarge barn-style shed with power and set ona six-inch slab, perfect for storing heavy machinery The property also comes with atwo megalitre water rightand 68,000 litres of rainwater storage.

Property: Fivebedroom modern countryhome on 12 acres

Address: 137Leversha Road,Harcourt

Price: $1,300,000

Agent: Property Plus Real Estate

Contact: Di Selwood 0488 148 358

ennettStreet,

Dis coverthe char mofthi s5.8 ac re lifest ylepro pert yw ithahistor ic church an dap ar tially renovated 4b edro om heri tage home wi th timb er floors,s ash windows an dab eaut ifully renovated bathro om.Jus tminutes fromKyneton an d Daylesford,thisprime lo cationoffer sendles sp oten tial forc reat ivepur suit s.

y Historic Bluestone Victorian Property with Dual Tenancy

Thissolid bluestone an db ri ck Vi ctor ian prop er ty of fers histor ic charac terw ith ex po se db lues tone wallsand an 1870 ssho pfront. Lo cate donHighS tre et amid st vibran tc ommercial,ret ailand resi dential area s, it features 2p otential tenanc ies, theo pt iontoa dd anor th-facing dwelling (STCA) an deasyrear ac cess.Ideal forb usines su se or as an investment, it of fers $22,000 -$24,0 00 ren talp oten tial perannum

Of fere da saw ho le or se parately, an or iginal1930s period home in arevere d lo cationw ithanor ther na sp ec tand rural views,c omplimen te dby3 se parate lan dp arcels:

•12Bennett Stre et,M alms bury,(otherw ise knowna sA llotment4,S ec tion20A , Township of Malmsbury)EPR:$ 30 0,00 0

•14Bennett Stre et,M alms bury (hou se)EPR $550,0 00 -$ 595,00 0

•16Bennett Stre et,M alms bury,(otherw isek nown as Allotment 6, Se ct ion20A , Township of Malmsbury)EPR:$ 30 0,00 0

•9 -11Coghlan Stre et,M alms bury,(otherwisek nown as Allotment 15,S ec tion 20A, Township of Malmsbury)EPR:$ 40 0,00 0

2Lavender Street, Kyneton

1Donkey Gully Road, Campbells Creek

Live Your Best Life in Lovely Lavender Street Kick Ass Opportunity

Mi d- centur yb ri ck vene er ss tand ou ta sanexc eptional choi ce,b oa sting solid cons tr uc tion,a da pt ab le mo dernis at ionand aver satile floorp lanthata ppealsto aw id eran ge of ta stes.Positione dinanenv ia bleloc at ionthisc her ishe dhome ha sb eenmet iculously main tained,exten de d, an drenovated,presenting it self as move -inready withas prawlin g1,012 sqmeasymaintenance yard

Dis cover1 Donkey GullyRoa d, ac harmingpro pert ynes tled on 2t itles amid st rolling hillson308 4s qm.The lovingly up dated weatherboar dc ot tage of fers mo dern comfor tw hile retainin gi ts timeless ap peal withori ginalfeatureslike arched windows an dhighc eilings.The floorp lan features thre eb edro oms, a co sy li ving area warmed by awoo dheaterand as ty lish ki tc hen an ddinin g space.Anadjac en tretro bungalowand weather boar dout building of ferendless potential forguest ac commodat ionorc reat ives pa ces.

3084 sqm (approx)

Midl and

PROPER TY &L IVING

Afresh approach to real estate

Central Victoria’sreal estate market is witnessing afresh, innovative approach thanks to Rachel Potter and Narenna Bloomfield, the dynamic duo at Broadhurst Property.Combining their unique talents in digital marketing, storytelling and real estate expertise, they are transforming how properties are bought and sold in the Macedon Ranges Shire, Hepburn Shire, and Mt Alexander Shire.

Rachel, an award-winning copywriter,brings apassion for crafting captivating property descriptions that not only highlight the features of ahome but also tell its story.Her knackfor negotiating and genuine care for both buyers and sellers ensures that every transaction is smooth and satisfactory

Narenna, adigital marketing expert, leverages her skills in SEO, social media, website development and email marketing to maximise property visibility.Her innovative strategies and deep understanding of digital platforms guarantee that every listing reaches its full potential in today’s

online-driven market.

“We’re not just selling properties; we’re sharing stories and creating connections,” says Rachel. “Our goal is to make every property listing engaging and memorable, ensuring it captures the hearts of potential buyers.”

Narenna adds, “In today’sdigital age, it’s essential to be visible online. We’re experts in utilising digital mediums to their fullest, ensuring we engage with every opportunity to reach potential buyers and ensure your listing gets the attention it deserves.”

For anyone interested in discovering the value of their property or considering amove, Rachel and Narenna invite you to get in touch for a complimentary appraisal update. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, they provide knowledgeable guidance on all aspects of the real estate process, from building permits to zoning regulations and everything in between. Contact Rachel Potter on 0400 455 777, Narenna Bloomfield on 0408 360 384 or @rachel.and.narenna

Step intohistory

Step into history with this unique opportunity to own aheritage-listed gem. Constructed around 1854, this historic building originally served as the military officers’ quarters in the government camp, offering arareglimpse into the past. The separate residence, circa 1960, features three bedrooms, a formal lounge, akitchen-meals area, and service rooms.

Proper ty highlights

*Historic charm: The heritage listed former military officers’ quarters probably built in 1854 consist of four original rooms plus service rooms, all maintaining their authentic condition.

*Residence: Circa 1960, three bedrooms, formal lounge, kitchen-meals, and service rooms.

*Self-contained studio: Fully equipped for independent living.

*Solid brick double garage: Durable and spacious.

*Expansive land: 1200m2 on two allotments that are separately titled.

This property has arich history,having been sold by the police department in 1923 and occupied by the same family ever since. Now,itisready for a new chapter.Whether you are ahistory enthusiast or looking for aunique investment, this property offers endless possibilities.

Do not miss this rare opportunity to own apiece of Castlemaine’shistory.Attend the auction and become apartofthis heritage legacy

1268 Rochford Road,Newham

Ararehistorical cottageon5.49 acres with views andas easonalcreek

Auction: Saturday 17 August at 11:00am

ect: Saturday 3August1-1.30pmorbyapp ointment

Downsizeorrent out

This very spacious brick townhouse is set at the front of ablock of three units and is on alevel 264m2 allotment, just 700m from the shopping hub of Castlemaine.

This home is in excellent condition and features two double bedrooms with robes, nine foot ceilings, alarge two-way bathroom, aseparate toilet, and alaundry

The open-plan living and dining area is incredibly spacious complemented by ducted gas heating and air conditioning in both the living area and main bedroom.

The kitchen is large and well-equipped, offering astainless steel oven, numerous cupboards, and adishwasher

Outside, there is agenerous covered area bordered by gardens, ensuring privacy with its fencing.

Perfectly suited for those looking to downsize without compromising on space or

Property: Spacious townhouse unit with patio garden just700m from the shops

Address: 1/30 Wheeler Street,Castlemaine

Price: $625,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130 Blasi Mulholland 0417 311 733

comfort, this brick townhouse provides awalk-everywhere lifestyle in an excellent location. Note that the home is subject to tenancy with lease expiring in February 2025.

Belle Prop erty Castlemaineand Maldon.

23 Rowes Road, Maldon

3 a 1 b 2 v 3.2 w

•Unique architectural gem seton3.2 acres

•Two distinctzones featuring stone fireplace, expansive windows, country-style kitchen

•Spacious gardenwithdam, rainwater tanks & garage

Blasi Mulholland |0 41 73 11 733

Rob Waller |0 41 85 71 130 For sale $945,000 View Saturday 3rdAugust 2:00pm-2:30pm

1/77 Elizabeth Street, Castlemaine

3 a 2 b 2 v 524 r

•Mid-century past,luxetownhouse interior with lovely fenced gardens

•Main bedroomwith anorthern outlook, ensuite &built in robe.

•Private alfresco area &fully fencedgardens

Rob Waller |0 41 85 71 130

Blasi Mulholland |0 41 73 11 733 For sale $669,000 View Saturday 3rdAugust 11:00am -11:30am

420 -917 r

•Selected lots in Stage 2&3available&titled.

•Blocks from 420m2 -917m2.

•Roads &services completed Lot 22-38 Ireland Street, Mckenzie Hill

For sale

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

Rob Waller |0 41 85 71 130

Blasi Mulholland |0 41 73 11 733

Belle PropertyCastlemaine |5470 5811

167 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Belle PropertyMaldon |5475 1055

30A MainStreet,Maldon

157 High Street, Maldon

2 a 2 b 2 v 866 r

•Cottage character with leafy gardens,carport &verandahs

•Open plan livingwith central kitchen.

•2 double bedrooms with robes& 2 bathrooms.

Rob Waller |0 41 85 71 130

Narelle Waller |0 40 85 71 13 1 For sale $689,000 View Saturday 3rdAugust 12:00pm -12:30pm

Scan to viewour

Two-dwelling retreat

Atwo-dwelling retreat on 16 acres, this peaceful lifestyle property is the perfect opportunity for your tree change dreams to become areality

The main dwelling, awestern red cedar home offers two bedrooms, open plan kitchen and living, dining room, bathroom and laundry.Cathedral ceilings, timber feature walls, french doors and colonial style windows are just some of the features of this country home or getaway.There is awood heater,splitsystem air conditioner and ceiling fans for year-round comfort. Mains power and solar are connected.

The verandah wraps around part of the home and there is alarge undercover outdoor living space,

perfect for entertaining family and friends. The separate self-contained bungalow is ideal for guests and comprises one bedroom, open-plan kitchen/living/dining and bathroom. It has an air conditioner and ceiling fan for comfort.

Outdoors a9mx5mcarport, 12m x6mmachinery shed with lock-up workshop, two large water tanks and dam. Solar power,solar HW and tank water all included.

It’sall in avery private and peaceful bushland setting that ishome to an abundance of native wildlife. Located only six minutes from Newstead township and ashort drive to Castlemaine, Maldon and Daylesford.

Property: Private16acre(approx.) lifestyle property

Address: 655 Creswick-Newstead Road,Sandon

Price: $750,000

Agent: Keogh Real Estate Contact: 54721248

Foryou andyourhorses

Welcome to Mary Contessa Lodge, an exquisite haven of country living nestled on abreathtaking 42-acre estate. This stunning property,just nine years young, offers afunctional four bedroom, two bathroom residence perfect for those passionate about equestrian pursuits. Whether you’re ahorse trainer or rider,this estate provides unparalleled amenities to elevate your equine lifestyle.

Outdoor amenities include approximately 29 paddocks serviced by reliable bore water plus a stable complex featuring five stables, feed, and tack rooms. There is also aconvenient concrete wash bay and tacking up area.

The property’swater supply is from five water

tanks with a40,000 -45,000 litre capacity and unlimited bore water.Equestrian facilities at Mary Contessa Lodge feature diverse paddocks including five front paddocks, astable paddock, and apaddock with alarge dam and pump.

The 750m harness track is designed for optimal training (in need of re-surfacing) while the multiple day yards are equipped with stables for convenience.

There are 12 track area paddocks of various sizes with stables and donkey sheds.

The property has efficient laneways leading to back paddocks and the cattle yards and ramp for easy access.

Our Roots Run Deep.

Family owned for over 25 years, we are your go to team of Arborists servicing the Macedon Ranges and surrounds.

We are your local tree experts for jobs bigorsmall with alarge fleetofspecialised equipment to tackle your tree related needs. From pruning, and removal, storm recovery, stump grinding, mulching, land clearing, arborist reports and largemowing maintenance. We look after local residence’s, school facilities and businesses.

Safe procedures, atight knit crew and apositive, respectful culture are just the start of what we bring to every job. Because for us, its notjustone jobit’s a relationship.

Were here for the now and into the future and we love cultivating aconnection withyou and your land and the region we call home.

GERVASONI

RexKelvin

Died 19.07.2024 aged 92.

Son of Carlo and Lily Ger vasoni of Yandoit. Lovedbrother and uncle of Florrie,Addie, Annie,Bill, Frank, Carlo,Jean, Kevin (all dec.) and Maurie and families Rest in Peace

Geoffr y‘Peter’ 24.6.53 –24.7.24

LovedbySarah, Andrewand Nat, Cameron and Susie

Much lovedGrandad to Willie,Alby, Freddy, Ameliaand Leo Missed by Rob,Bec, Ivy,Ruby, Liam, and Jas. Optimistictillthe end.

Deaths

Chr is passed away peacefully at BendigoHospice surrounded by his loving family,aged75years

Son of Benjamin McLer non and Mary Har mer -Morr is (both dec) Cher ished brother of Bronwyn MacRitchie Lovedfather andfather in lawofAllison and Lincoln, David and Kirsty,Theresa and Dwayne,and Michael. Lovedgrandfather of 9Grandchildren. Fr iend of Tr ish.

Thank-you to all the staff at Bendigo Hospice and Bupa Bendigo,your care and compassion is unwaver ing. Abrave hear tatrest.

In our hear ts love remains, afather’sheart abondunbroken, though time has called him faraway, acher ished soul free from pain. Youfought so hard to stay just awhile, butweknowyou are nowfree

We will hold our memor ies close and all youtaught us even closer

Rest in peace dad, youwill be deeply missed andloved forever.

Allison and Lincoln, Steph,Drew, Blake, Cobyand Lane

The Road goes on foreverbut the par ty neverends

Iwill foreverbeproud to call youmyDad.

Youtaught me so much, both directly and indirectly Howyou would show us howtohavefun is howIhope to raise my kids

Your Grandkids knowthat Pa is nowupinthe stars and that youwill liveoninside each of them.

Love Kirsty,Lydia, Beau and your son David Youcan takeiteasynow,cheer io Dad.

Dad Iwill neverforget all the memor ieswemadewithyou, yabbies in the dam, adventures in the ute and the dayyou walked me down the aisle. James and Avah were so lucky to have a Papa likeyou and will miss saying "Papa lets go fora dr ive"

Youwere ever ything adad should be, youwere braveand tough till the very end Iwill love youforeverand will neverforget you. Love youDad.

Theresa (Tezzie) and Dwayne,James and Avah.

DADI’m going to miss our chats,I’m also going to miss watching the Bathurstcar race withyou and cheer ing on the fords

The hill wasjust to steep foryou to climb Love youDad Your loving sonMick

Deaths/Funerals

NEWELL

AFuneral Service to rememberthe lifeof Geoffr

Dearlyloved Husband of Gwenda. Dearly loved Stepdad of 6 and their families. Popto10and Great PopPossto9

The Funeral Service forErnie will be heldatthe ThompsonMemorialChapel, 123 Mostyn Street, Castlemaineon Friday,2nd August 2024 commencing at 2.30pm. At the conclusion of the Service,Ernie will be laid to rest at the MucklefordCemetery

KN279389/L

Christopher McLernon

Prato is seeking an experienced Chef or Pizzaiolo to takecharge of our newly refurbished operation in Piper St, Kyneton. If likeusyou're driven by consistency and the pursuit of the perfectpizza we want to meet you. Your experience in Italian food, language and culture will be highly regarded.

NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS

Section 29 of the Fair Trading Act 1999 requires the inclusion of afullnameand address (not PO BoxNumber) –inall adver tisements for the supply of goods and services.

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS advises all displayser vice adver tisements must comply with the above requirement to avoid prosecution, or provide those details to us to pass to the Dept. of Justice if requested.

CRAFT MARKET

Saturday August 3rd, 2024

9am-1pm

RMBEGG Aged Care

BOLTONHALL 22 Epping Street, Kyneton

Items Include: Knit wear,Beanies, Scar ves, Rugs,Toys, Cakes,Jams,Sauces, Books NO BOOKS OVER $1

EFTPOS AVAILABLE

IMPORTANT NOTICE DISCRIMINATION

IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL!

The Victorian Equal Oppor tunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful foranadver tiser to showany intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy,race, age,marital status,political or religious belief or activity,industrial activity,parental or carer status, physical features,disability,lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with aperson with one of the above characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. As we couldbe legally liable if we print an unlawful adver tisement, we will not accept adver tisements that appear to break the law. Formoreinfor mation about discrimination in adver tising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Oppor tunity Commission. KN275808

ASB ESTOS re mova ls and demolition services, fully insured. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

AUSSIE outbakshacks, made to order using 100 yo materials. Phone Karl 0422 564 878.

WOOD HEATER, (no fan). FIREFOX 140. 670H x550Wx480D. Very good condition. $400 ono. PH 0402 635 175.

Public Notices

BarkersCreek Recreation Reserve Committee Inc.

Notice is given of aPublic Meeting to be held at Bar kers Creek Hall on Tuesday, August 27 commencing at 7pm

The pur pose of the meetingistonominate no lessthan three(3)ormore than nine(9) persons as the CommitteeofManagement forthe Barkers Creek Reser ve forater mofthree years.The current committee’s term willexpireonOctober 31,2024.All positionswillbedeclaredopenand nominations will be accepted priortooronthe night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people,people withdisabilities,youngpeople and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged Fur ther information, nomination formsand nominee declaration formsmay be obtained by contacting your local Depar tment of Energy, Environment and ClimateAction office or at themeeting.For fur ther enquiries please contact the Secretar y, M. Grant on 5474 2696

KYNETON

Collins Newsagency -MollisonSt

Express Office -Market Street

Fika Café

Kyneton Home Hardware

Kyneton IGA

Kyneton /Daylesford Drycleaners

Watts Fresh -Mollison Street

EG Ampol Petrol Station

MALMSBURY

General Store

REDESDALE /LANGLEY

General Store

TRENTHAM /TYLDEN

IGA Country Store

General Store

WOODEND /CARLSRUHE

IGA Woodend

Newham Store

Woodend Newsagency

Carlsruhe Roadhouse

GISBORNE

Foodworks

Gisborne IGA

RIDDELLS CREEK

Riddells Creek Newsagency

MACEDON

Macedon IGA

Macedon Newsagency &Post Office

MT.MACEDON

Mt Macedon Trading post

ROMSEY

Romsey IGA

LANCEFIELD

Newsagency

Property Management Macedon Ranges

CASTLEMAINE

Ampol Service Station -Johnstone Street

Belle Property -Barker Street

Caravan Park Big -Doran Street

Castlemaine IGA -BarkerStreet

Castlemaine Property Group

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar

Cumberland -BarkerStreet

Daily Express -C/M Railway Station

Das Coffee House -Mill-Walker Street

Hot &Crusty -BarkerStreet

Jellis Craig -Mostyn Street

Lyal Eales -Barker Street

Maxi IGA -Hargreaves Street

Newsagency -Mostyn Street

Petstock -Forrest Street

Regional Enterprise -Halford Street

Tingays smash repairs -Elizabeth Street

CHEWTON /TARADALE

ELPHINSTONE

Grist Bakery -Wesley Hill

East End Servo -Main

Chewton Post Office

Elphinstone Post Office

Taradale Metro Fuel

HARCOURT

Post Office

Harcourt BP

CAMPBELLS CREEK /GUILDFORD

Mt Alexander Timber &Hardware

Campbells Creek Post Office

Five Flags Merchants

Guildford Post Office

NEWSTEAD

Newstead Grocer/Bakery

Post Office/RSD

Newstead Country Store

MALDON

Newsagency -Main Street

Maldon Information Centre

Baringhup Store

Members of Kyneton Fire Brigade celebrated 140 years of service to the community at adinner held at the Shamrock Hotel on Saturday evening.

The dinner was attended by CFAChief Officer Jason Heffernan, Commander Michael Hembrow,deputy mayor Janet Pearce, Cr Jennifer Anderson, and Mary-Anne Thomas MP,aswell as members of Kyneton Brigade and their families.

Officers of Coliban Group of Fire Brigades, representatives of neighboring brigades, and past members of the brigade were also present.

In atoast to the CFA, Cr Pearce said “CFAisabout ordinary people serving in extraordinary ways, to protect the community”.

Kyneton Fire Brigade was founded in 1884. After four shops in Mollison Street were badly damaged byfire in January of that year,apublic meeting resolved to form afire brigade. By July 1884, 140 years ago, the new brigade had 30 members. Today the brigade hasatotal of74 members, including eight junior members.

Incongratulating the brigade, Chief Officer Heffernan said “In 2024, the members of today’sbrigadecarry the pride and tradition of the founding members, in their service to Kyneton district and surrounding areas”.

Anumber of service awards were presented at the dinner,including a20-year medal awarded to Captain Greg McIntrye.

Stuart Kelson was awarded CFAlife membership, and received amedal recognising 40 years with CFA. Life membership of Kyneton Fire Brigade was awarded to longserving brigade treasurer Emma Magrath, and also to John Pearce, who has held a number of positions in the brigade through his 28 years as amember

Annual brigade awards that recognise outstanding service to the brigade were presented to Cathryn Portelli, Luke Tracey,Stephanie Sharp, Brian Wilson, Blake Dickens, Tristian Smith and Wendy Pearce.

Asurprise announcement during the evening was the naming of the most recent extension to Kyneton Fire Station as 'The RB &RGWalker Extension' and the unveiling of aplaque honouring the service of Ronda and Roger Walker

Captain Greg McIntyre thanked them for their service, and said: “Their example to the brigade is valued by members and will continue to influence the brigade for many years to come”.

Towardsthe end of the evening, one of the youngest guests, Alex, helped Chief Officer Heffernan and firefighter Riley Howarth to cut the brigade’sbirthday cake.

(Top) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presents a20-year medal to Captain Greg McIntyre. (Above) Chief Officer Heffernan presents brigade life memberships to Emma Magrath and John Pearce. Photos: Blair Dellemijn, Uniform Photography

Reflections and memories

Dhelkaya Health is offering its annual Memorial Service of Reflections and Memories as an online service once again.

The annual service, which began in 2019, provides an avenue through which loved ones, staffand the wider community can remember and give thanks for the lives of patients, residents and clients of Dhelkaya Health. This year’sservice honours those who died between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023.

Dhelkaya Health pastoral care coordinators, Danni Moore and Kynan Sutherland, have conducted the service this year

Ms Moore said it still made sense to offer this as an online service, for all sorts of reasons –the rising cost of travel making it harder for family and friends to travel to Castlemaine from elsewhere and the high levels of COVID-19 and other viruses in the community for example.

“While watching the service online is not the same as gathering in person, the feedback from family and friends is that they really value the opportunity to honour their loved ones in this way,” she said.

“Every year we make changes to

the service to improve it. This year,for example, Kynan plays classical guitar as part of it, and we’ve included new poems and reflections.”

Mr Sutherland said they wanted to create aspace for people to remember and give thanks for those they’d lost.

“The first 12 months after adeath can be very difficult, and we both believe that it’simportant to acknowledge the complexity and depth of people’sgrief. This is our way of paying our respects to those who have been part of Dhelkaya Health and their families and friends,” he said.

This year’sservice was filmed in the beautiful Garden Room at Buda Historic Home.

The Remembrance Service of Reflections and Memories is available to watch on the Dhelkaya Health website homepage at dhelkayahealth.org.au/ dhelkaya-health-memorial-service-2024

It can be accessed via any PC, phone or tablet device with an internet connection. For further information or acopy of the memorial service booklet (hardcopy or electronic), contact Danni and Kynan on 5471 3542 or email pastoralcare@castlemainehealth.org.au

Life-changing opportunity for young Victorians

Celebrating its 10th year,Country to Canberra’sprestigious Leadership Competition is opening the door for young rural leaders to embark on afive-day leadership experience designed to help them reach their leadership potential.

Successful entrants will meet with CEOs and politicians, undertake leadership training, tour Parliament House and have access to ongoing support and community as Country to Canberra alumni.

This year,entrants will draw from their own lived experiences in regional Australia as they answer the 2024 Leadership Competition question: Youcan’t be what you can’t see. How do women and non-binary leaders in your community inspire you to make change?

Country to Canberra CEO Pauline Siteaud said 10 years on, the Power Trip remained focused on empowering young rural women and non-binary people to see and realise their leadership potential.

“At Country to Canberra, we view arural

upbringing as astrength, not aliability,” Ms Siteaud said.

“Weknow regional Australia is filled with inspiring and legacy-building leaders. We want entrants to reflect on how the leaders who have paved the way have inspired them in their leadership journey.”

For 2023 Tasmanian winner Nikki Howard, the Leadership Competition was transformative.

“I strongly encourage young women and non-binary leaders or aspiring leaders to apply,” Nikki said.

“As a2023 winner,Ihave gained immense knowledge in the areas of networking, leadership and communication, all of which Ihave been able to invest into the work Iamdoing in my hometown of Devonport and across Australia.”

Country to Canberra is encouraging all eligible rural students in grades 10-12 to take part. For further details, visit www countrytocanberra.com.au. Entries close 11.59pm, Friday August 16.

Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires

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

3Market St., PO Box153,Kyneton,

Dhelkaya Health pastoral care coordinators Danni Moore and Kynan Sutherland conducted the service at Buda this year.

Seniors

Toman T Newman. BEST: Romsey :NBlair JWaldron SWilson CPer tzel LMuir MBurkett.Woodend-Hesket: DToman DBramley TDuff -tytler ARigden JLiawM White

MACEDON5.2

6.2 6.2 (38)

Macedon: TWilson 2AMorham 2LHay 2JKernan ZSmedley.Lancefield: LGiles 2B Radford2 LMcTrustyA Miles BEST: Macedon: NBridgland JWrightMDick HGovan AMorham TIndian. Lancefield: ROmearaLFellows MConlan AMiles LGiles DGiles Reser ves DIGG

(13) GOALS: Kyneton: ASalibaRHealy BES T: Kyneton: MHanna J Johnston RHealy MMcLeish ANeylon NTunzi

-12.17 (89)

Riddell: DMcGrath3O Besanko 2ACruickshank 2B Miller CFlynnJ Gardiner BWillingham REvans BEST: Riddell: BZarbBMiller ACruickshank OBesanko RHannan JDoolan.

(88)

(6) GOALS: Romsey: AFlavel3 NHoy 2MAdamson 2APaterson 2DHarrison BRichmondDPaterson. Woodend-Hesket: K Haddad BEST: Romsey :A Flavel MHoy APaterson DHarrison MAdamson MHarris. Woodend-Hesket: PPodbur yK Haddad LTierney LMitchener PWatson ALidger wood

Lancefield: LLyons 2DReynolds VMcclure.Macedon: Details N/A. BEST: Lancefield: APacers DReynolds MHiggins LMitchell ARichardt JO’Meara. Macedon: Details N/A.

GOALS: Romsey :LSegrave4JRademaker 2CO’Brien

GOALS: Castlemaine:KHuntly 4BHendersonJChester C

McConachyJHood ZGreeves.Strathfieldsaye:MHar vey

2PBlandfordD MulquinyDClohesy SMurphy. BEST:

Castlemaine:BHenderson KHuntly MHar tley ZMurley

BByrne LWilkinson. Strathfieldsaye:CJones THosking P BlandfordDMulquinyDClohesy HBehrens

(75)

Lancefield:B Sankey NBudde JBrooksH WellsRSchembriFO’Meara

(8)

GOALS: Macedon:C Noonan 2SParker BWoodburn Lancefield: DetailsN/A BEST: Macedon: TCollins SJones R Watts MJackman SLynch CNoonan. Lancefield:CHodgson T Robotham MFerguson MHeales MFor tune MLyons MELTON0.2 0.2 1.3 1.4 (10) KYNE TON1.1 1.3 1.4 1.4 (10) GOALS: Kyneton: BHateley. BEST: Kyneton: TAinslie SWhite NKorinfsky MLove JSavoiaB Kinghorn

(19)

GOLDEN SQUARE

GOALS: Gisborne: DJohnstone 5M Lord 2H Luxmoore2B

Bernacki2Z DenahyPMcKennaM Merrett.Golden Square:

TStrauch3DHird2J Rosengren2 JStewart 2R MontiZ

Wescott BEST: Gisborne:FLakeyJ Reaper JScanlon B

BernackiFSchipano DJohnstone.Golden Square: RMonti H

Burke DHirdT Strauch JRosengrenKDaniels

Reser ves

GISBORNE 3.1 7.1

GOLDEN SQUARE

GOALS: Gisborne:HDoricic 2E Williams 2J Murphy DYoung

LWeber ABrancatisano.Golden Square: WHamilton D

EdmistonTTurner BES T: Gisborne: ABrancatisano KMinns

LNesbitt JMurphyL Thiner EWilliams.Golden Square: B

Rackstraw DNorris SBurke DBaldwinNAldorki ZTickell

Seniors

GOALS: Newstead:T James 3AHunter2MRunciman2K

Smith HHall BEST: Newstead:A HunterBRichardson A Robins HHallMRuncimanAMurphy. T

AVOC A0.0 0.1 2.1

GOALS: Trentham: JRegan 4JKeogh 3EFanning 2R

Henchie ARaak JDovastonJ Elkington JMurphy. BEST:

Trentham: ZGer vasoni JCowan JDovaston JKeogh A Ferrier BHinneberg.

(9)

GOALS: Campbells Creek:D Stevens BEST: Campbells Creek:MSpencer NO’Brien MKerney JBenbowHBassett HBarnes

(51)

(44)

GOALS: Maldon:B Leonard-Shannon 3BDoyle C Buchanan MGrayC Gunn. BEST: Maldon:N Thompson D Wust MGrayA Robinson BLeonard-Shannon PLong Reser ves

(36)

WSTEAD

GOALS: Newstead:J Entwisle 4N Webster BEST: Newstead: CChapman BMcDougall BJackson WPenrose

(50) AVOC A0.0 1.2 3.4 3.4 (22)

GOALS: Trentham: JHoffman5 ANadin LKennedy BEST: Trentham: CWhelan JNadin ANadin JHoffman LWilles B Whitehouse DUNOLLY3.2 4.6 7.7 10.7

(43)

GOALS: Campbells Creek:E Tuitupou 2EHewett BEST: Campbells Creek:J WhittleE Tuitupou DButlerT Goulding JCole

GOALS: Maldon:J Cox3 JKnight3 BKitchingman 2L DaveyJConnell BEST: Maldon:J Knight BSaint NWebb T Rowbottom RDaveyJConnell

GOALS: Strathfieldsaye:R MulquinyDBell LMarchesi J Finch. Castlemaine: BKeogh CKuhle EHein JByrne BEST: Strathfieldsaye:SSiu RMulquinyLBosleyGSimpson JBlood

Castlemaine: TWilliams EHein TWilsonA Douglas DGrayC McLennan

SAND HUR

(12)

EAGLEH AWK- 9.5(59)

KANGAROOFLAT- 3.10 (28)

GOALS: Eaglehawk:ABennett 3T Calverley 2T Eliades 2RFosterRNeaves. Kangaroo Flat:T Brooks 2JLowndes BES T: Eaglehawk:NMiles LDrummond CShevlin HBourke ABennett ASpiteri. Kangaroo Flat:J WiegardM WiegardM Holt AMelis CLee BNewman

Under 18s

KANGARO OFLAT3.2 8.713.10 17.10 (112)

EAGLEH AWK1.0 1.1 1.3 1.3 (9)

STR AT HFIELDSAYE3.0 7.18.4 8.7 (55)

CASTLEMAINE 0.2 0.3 2.3 5.6 (36)

GOAL S: Strathfieldsaye: SDoher ty 2HMurrayJSchuber t JOldham TAllan ACheng LMatheson. Castlemaine: C Holman 2M McKnight2C Mclennan. BES T: Strathfieldsaye:J Chambers WHar veyA Wingrave TAllan JHayes LMatheson. Castlemaine: JBalcombe CMclennan JHoneychurch M McKnightA Bracken PLeathem

SA NDH URST

GOALS: Golden Square: LWescott 2AEaton

GOALS: Harcour t: DMcLachlan KSimmons BEST: Harcour t: KSimmons FMcAinch JArcher AMcLoughlan D McLachlan LMcKay

GOALS: Maldon: RDavey. BEST: Maldon: IMasonBDoyle CBuchanan RDaveyT Rowbottom LMason

Under 14.5s DUN

CAMPBELLS CREEK0.0

GOALS: Campbells Creek:Details N/A. BEST: Campbells Creek:LMountfordMAnderson ABrown BTaylor XWolski DVagg

NAVARRE

MA LDON 1.0 1.1 1.1 4.1 (25)

GOALS: Maldon: RQuintonO MerloJJenningsF Walls BEST: Maldon: JSmith ATurner FWalls ZTurner JJennings EEgleton

AVOC A3.4 5.98.11 10.17(77)

(1)

TRE NTHAM 0.1 0.1

GOALS: .Trentham: Details N/A. BEST: Trentham: TJames GFox HEdmondston ARyrie HThompson KWattie

CARISB ROOK 4.2 8.6 12.8 14.14(98)

(2)

(104)

(0)

GOALS: Newstead: X Britt 3 Z Dyer 2 H Blake 2 B Bright 2 JO’Brien FPur vis PWilliamsM Wong GFinning PBlake BEST: Newstead: BBrightXBritt FPilgrim MWong L Shuttlewor th FPur vis

(0) GOALS: Campbells Creek:Details N/A. BEST: Campbells Creek:MMcMahon LMorgan EMountfordM Sturgess B Pagano IMorgan

Overdue win at Murtoa

Bill West

Consistent Macedon Ranges galloper Fiftysevenyears broke through for his second career win when he racedatMurtoa on Saturday

The win for the four-year-old came after he had notched up six placings in his last nine outings.

Ridden patiently by Jack Hill in aRestricted 58 Handicap over 2050 metres, Fiftysevenyears started as a$4.40 chance and accelerated in the straight to win by 0.4 lengths from El Sordo. After the race,trainer Liam Howley praised Hill for his perfect ride.

The galloper took his stake earnings to over the $61,000 mark. Howley has notched up 29 winners during the 2023-24 season. Atrip to Mildura Cup Day the previous week yielded asecond, third and fourth for three of the most prominent gallopers in the stable.

Town &District

GOLFresults

CASTLEMAINE

The new range of Castlemaine Golf Club beanies proved to be awelcome addition in the wet and cold stableford conditions on Saturday

Brad Sturgess (12) navigated the course well to finish on Thursday,a small field turned out with Lang (9) with 36 points to capture the overall and A-grade prizes.

Gavin Lang’sgood form continued and he was runner-up with 32 points, including the only birdie for the day

Owen Scott (29) topped B-grade with 31 points, one clear of Peter Verlaan (16).

Lang headed Thursday’ssmall field with an impressive 38 points, edging out Billy Burgess (16) by one.

Klai Jermyn and Lang were the NTP winners.

GISBORNE

Mother Nature kept some away on Saturday but 80 tackled the tough conditions.

The best stableford score was 41 points from Bernie Sheahan in the Bandits’ grade, while free beer is back on at the Riddells Creek Hotel after Jarrod O’Donnell took out B-grade with avery solid 39 points.

Dutchie Shauldon topped A-grade with 34 points.

Marg Ivory continued her great form with the third best tally of 35.

Continuing to dominate almost every competition from her tower,she wonBgrade last Wednesday with 35 points, and might need to start putting some of her winnings towards aSeptember snow trip rather than aPetracca appendix jar

The women encountered 74-kilometre gusts.

Some balls didn’t like the greens and took offonlanding, other in the air floated everywhere.

But windy conditions are like water offa duck’sback for A-grader Maryanne Mocnik who had the best tally of 38 points.

KYNETON

The final of the annual C. C. Fisher doubles knockout produced aclose finish on Saturday David Ryan and David Pilcher combination proved ashade too strong for Mat Hodgkiss –Bob Bennett with a2/1 victory.

The day’sstableford was conducted in two divisions, with Nathan Thompson (13) blitzing the field for 0-14 handicappers with 40 points, from Scott Murphy (7) 38. Peter Kewniuk (21) took out the 15 and over division with 38 points, on acountback from Jonathan Beachey (15).

NTPs went to Kash Karunasena (2), Greg Purvis, Troy Magnusson and Col

Hudgson (also super pin).

Avery cold Wednesday saw Hudgson (70) arunaway winner with 39 points, plus two NTPs.

Neville Yates(17) was runner-up from David Scandrett after acountback.

Denise Murphy (18) led in the ladies with 35 points, from Rachael McAndrew and Marg Scoble both 31.

The ladies played apar 3event on Tuesday,with Denise Murphy the A-grade winner with 64-13-51 from Scoble 71-1754, and McAndrew topped B-grade with 71-22-49 from Jane Stanley 81-25-56. McAndrew and Lorraine Ryan were the NTPs.

LANCEFIELD

There’sa new Thursday competition happening at Lancefield.

It’sa case of being there at 9.30am for a10am start –all golfers very welcome! Inclement weather caused Saturday’s round being abandoned around the halfway mark.

Women’s11-hole stableford: Marlane Patterson 18 points, from LynMurchison 17 and Carole Mee 16.

Legends stableford: Denis Davenport (6) 34 points, from Stephen Morgan (32) 33 and John Leefe (14) 32.

ROMSEY

Long marker James Simpson won Romsey’sJuly Medal on Saturday after the club’sinclement weather protocol was activated to provide for a9am hit-off.

All was dry until the halfway mark when drizzle turned into rain and cold air,wet grips, soft fairways and water on some

greens were encountered.

Simpson returned 116-43-73 to edge out Ben Owen 88-15-73 on acountback, and he also won the 1860 weekly raffle!

Steve Wilkins and Anthony Lakey were ashot further back.

Mal Mottram had the least putts and shared the NTPs with Steve Wilkins and Dean Kohler.Shaun Scales produced the longest drive.

Fierce winds led to achallenging Wednesday morning.

Luke Lyons (7) and Kath Jekabsons (34) won the two-person Ambrose with 77-10.25-66.75.

Rob McDonald (15) and Kevin Dunn (22) were runners-up with 78-9.25-68.75, with David Jones (19) and Anthony Lakey (20) filled third place with 81-9.75-71.25.

TRENTHAM

The first round ofthe Winter Cup was played on Saturday,and it was atypical winter’sday at Trentham in many ways.

Overall and A-grade winner was Liam Murray with afine 77-7-68, with Huw John the grade runner-up with 82-11-71.

Andrew Hocking led home the B-graders with 85-16-69, from Paul Robinson 99-27-72.

The women’sstableford winner was Alex Evered (15) with 32 stableford points, from Claire Perston and Jenny Cutter both on 29

WOODEND

Unpleasant weather conditions failed to stop 40 intrepid golfers from turning out in

Saturday’sstableford.

Anne Roberts(37 handicap) had the overall best score with 40 points and edged out Mallacootta visitor Isaac Morris (43) in B-grade.

Scratch marker Danny Bellchambers topped A-grade with 37 points, from Jake Taylor(9) on 35.

Congratulations to Matt Collett on taking out the George Davies match play championship. He defeated president Chris Holliday 3/1 in the final.

Strong finish: Fiftysevenyears, ridden by Jack Hill, goes to the line strongly to win at Murtoa.

Photo: Pat Scala/Racing Photos

Matt Collett The Woodend match play champion for 2024.

Ahappy James Simpson with his monthly medal.

David Ryan and David Pilcher pictured after their victory in the C.C. Fisher knockout final on Saturday.

Woodend Golf Club course super and club legend, Grant Davies, celebrated his birthday last week.

Ranger s’ victory

Kyneton'swinter weather brought all the elements to agreasy Barkly Square pitch on Sunday as the division two Kyneton Rangers women'steams played their match on the weekend.

Division one had abye this week and came to support the seniors teams and division two played top ranking Moama-Echuca Border Raiders.

The last time these teams met, the Border Raiders won one-nil. This time around Kyneton Rangers were determined to take home the glory and they did not disappoint the home crowd. The stunning lineup for the day had Jo Mitchell in between the posts guarding the Rangers' goals like amare protecting her foal and not letting aball hit the back of the net. The backline held steady and strong with Isha Kuyateh, Kim 'Dicko' Dickins, Bec Cole (two goals), and Lucy Hebborn who were impenetrable keeping the ball out of the opposition'shalf majority of the game. Through the midfield was the welcomed return of Miranda Minson (one goal), supported by Remy McTaggart, Lenka Thompson (one goal), and Lucy Campbell who locked down the centre and advanced balls to the speeding forwards in Molly Wilding (one goal), Sian Hooppell(threegoals), and Samara Gelbart who were hard on the ball all the way

Coach Ron Cole mastered the on-pitch formation taking full advantage of the strengths of his players and Kyneton Rangers now enjoys Sian Hooppell as the leading goal scorer in the league with 25 goals over 10 games. Bec Cole secured asensational goal from acorner kick, and the fight of Samara Gelbart was admirable as she took on the Raider 's backline helping to secure astrongvictory for the Kyneton Rangers awhopping eight-nil.

Kyneton men'sgames saw the seniors winning athree-nil forfeit to Laverton, and reserves winning five-nil to Moonee Valley Knights. Well done Rangers!

Romsey busy on andoff the field

Romsey Football Netball Club is extremely busy on and offthe field, with various activities inter-related with the club's150th year

The annual Sponsors' Day on Saturday gave the club an opportunity to say thank-you to the generous group of individuals who support the Redbacks.

Australian Paralympics representative Patrick French came along and spoke about his aspirations asone of six members of the archery team heading for Paris in August.

The club has been assisting in fundraising for the 31-year-old local resident, who has made ameteoric rise since taking upthe sport just over two years ago.

This Saturday evening the Redbacks will hold their annual Ball in the Newnham Room.

The following Saturday,August 10,is the Reunion Round for the Redbacks. They host Diggers Rest in the second last home and away round of football and netball.

The reunion encompasses past players and officials from the 2014 senior, 1956 and 1994 reserves, 2004 B-grade

teams.

If anyone is aware of any former players or officials involved, and not on the current list, the club would appreciate hearing of their whereabouts.

Rangers celebrate gir ls

Macedon Rangers Soccer Club had aparty atmosphere this week with all of the girls' teams hosting their opponents to take centre stage at home.

Looking resplendent in purple and pink with ahuge crowd to support them, Rangers' girls put on afootballing display to highlight the growth in women and girls' football in the Macedon Ranges.

The U11girls continued their fine form to run out comfortable winners against Western Eagles to make it seven wins in arow.Champion teams are built on astrong defence and there are none stronger than Ella Schembri in goal. Her commanding display between the sticks led to herreceiving the Bendigo Bank best on groundaward.

The U13 girls hosted Kensington and you wouldn’t have known conditions were worsening with the smiles on display.A solidperformance throughout, with the attackers putting the finish to some fine build up play to run out eventual 3-0 winners. Chloe with a brace and Polly alsogetting on the scoresheet. Congratulations to Marcelle Rosenhain for the Bendigo Bank bestonground award.

The U9 girls hosted Melton and continued their growth to put in their bestgame of the season.

Kyneton Rangers player on the ball at the Kyneton women’s soccer weekend clash.

Photo: Jacquilyne Smith

Paralympian Patrick French. netball and 2014 C-grade premiership

Looking resplendent in purple and pink, Rangers’ girls put on afootballing display to highlight the growth in women and girls’ football.

Histor y-making win

Castlemaine FNC is flying high after a history-making weekend for the Magpie seniors as they achieved the club'sfirst ever win at Tannery Lane against Strathfieldsaye.

The Magpies made astrong start in the opening term kicking four goals in the slippery conditions and holding third-placed Storm to three.

Castlemaine led by four points at quarter-time.

The Magpies continued to hold the ascendency in the third slamming on another three goals to Strath'stwo to win the term and hold a13-point lead at half-time.

Castlemaine continued their work rate in the third, shutting down Storm's attempts on goal, with the home side only managing to eke out five points while Castlemaine kicked two more majors to extend their advantage to 23 points at the final change.

The last quarter was areal slog as both teams tried to find their footing and get important points on the board. Strath managed to get another over the line and keep the Magpies to just seven points, but Castlemaine held on to win by 23 points at the final siren and claim their sixth win of the season against ashell-shocked Storm.

The Magpie faithful were thrilled, and

numerous club members had atear in their eye as the final siren blew on Saturday

It was aparticularly emotional and long-awaited win for club stalwarts John Watson, Jackson Hood, Liam Wilkinson, Declan Slingo, Cal McConachy,Brodie Byrne, Will Moran and Riley Pedretti.

Kal Huntly was superb kicking four and coach Michael Hartley once again led from the front.

The Magpie Reserves also came to play and took their match right up to the highly fancied Storm only going down by two points at the final siren. Best for the Magpies was TysonWilliams.

The Castlemaine Under 18 Boys also dug deep in their contest against Strath going down by just 19 points.

Best for the Magpies was Jackson Balcombe.

Women's Football

The Under 18 Girls football side had a challenging day on the park going down to their opponents Woorinen 4.5 (29) to 6.5 (41) despite avaliant effort. Best for the Magpies was Amelia Britt. The Senior Women'sside continued their dominance of the AFL Central Viccompetition with a 165-point win over North Bendigo. Best for the Magpie Women was Rachael Stubbings.

Netball

On the netball court, A-grade lost a tough contest against Strath 17-59. Best on court was Madie Clifford and Amelia Britt. A-reserve also lost afast-paced contest 33-58 despite adetermined effort. Best was Alana Fletcher.B-grade brought their match right up to Storm but eventually lost 32-45. Best was Sarah Stace. B-reserve gave their all but went down 27-53. Best on was Carly Haddock. The 17 &Under Girls also found the going tough and lost 26-48. Best on was Rosie Jarvis. However, the 15 &Under Development Squad continued their purple patch winning 40-30. Best was Scarlett Ramsey Coming up

This weekend the Castlemaine FNC sides have the bye and will be back in action against Kangaroo Flat on August 10. The Magpie Women and Under 18 Girls footballers will also enjoy the bye. The round 16 fixture at Camp Reserve will mark the club'sSponsors and Family Day and the Seniors look forward to hosting former AFL star Leigh Montagna as part of the 2024 CarltonDraft.

The Senior Women will host Marong at Camp Reserve on Friday August 9 at 7.15pm, whilst the Under 18 Girls will tackle Golden Square at Wade Street on Sunday August 11 at 11.15am.

Riddell nowa Premier League

Bill West

AFL Victoria has decided the Riddell District Football Netball League warrants being elevated to Premier League level.

Member clubs have been verbally informed of the decision.

"One positive is that it will make it a lot easier for clubs to recruit really good players, and to retain them," the league's operations manager,Grace Bibby,said yesterday.

League CEO Jordan Doyle and the board of management had been working

hard over aconsiderable period of time to lift the status of the league.

Amove from the former 'country' designation to metropolitan level was one of the steps forward, with the Riddell League becoming astand-alone entity rather than being part of AFL Goldfields.

The move of the Kyneton Football Netball Club to the Riddell League this season, and the emergence of Gisborne Giants to the stage they expect to field sides across all levels in 2025 was part of the league's growth.

Apopulation explosion in some areas

has been taking place, or is being predicted.

KFNC president, Hayden Evans, welcomed the AFL Victoria decision.

He said he understood the Riddell League would now have the same status as the long-established Bendigo League.

"Wehave found Riddell is avery progressive organisation, and there'sno doubt our club has made the right move," he added.

The RDFNL now has four permanent staffers, having overcome limited numbers in recent months.

In peak form

Gisborne A-grade netballers demolished Golden Square by 59 goals on Saturday In one of the most one-sided clashes this season, Gisborne dominated play all over the court to end up with a76-17 margin.

The only close match for Gisborne was in the 17 and Under section. It was goal for goal with the Square winning 53-52 in a thriller

Gisborne'sother victories camein A-Reserve (74-16), B-grade (49-27) and BReserve (66-17).

Castlemaine teams had aforgettable day, failing to win amatch against Strathfieldsaye.

Scores were 59-17 (A), 58-33 (A-Reserve), 45-32 (B), 53-27 (B-Reserve) and 48-25 (17 &Under).

Women’sfinals

The stage is set for the Riddell League's women's2024 football finals, to be played this Saturday

Undefeated ladder-leader Macedon will play reigning premier Kyneton in the qualifying final. The winner will advancestraight into the grand final.

The elimination final is between Woodend-Hesket and Melton.

Scores from the final home and away round on Saturday were:

Woodend-Hesket 6.10 dRomsey 3.1, Macedon 4.16 dLancefield 1.2, and Melton 1.4 drew with Kyneton 1.4.

RDFNL games

The third-last round of Riddell District Football League matches before the finals takes place this Saturday Riddell footballers are now certain to finish on top, and are at home to arch-rival Romsey

Fifth-placed Macedon is at home to Woodend-Hesket, and arejuvenated Kyneton is at home to Lancefield.

Second-placed Wallan should have no trouble against Melton Centrals.

Reigning premier Diggers Rest has the bye after two disastrous outings in the past two rounds.

Doyle signs

Gisborne Giants Football Netball Club has made asignificant move by signing TomDoyle as the club'sfirst player for the 2025 inaugural senior football team in the Riddell League.

Doyle is the current captain of the club'sstrong Under 19.5s team.

Dedication and leadership, plus skills and experience on the field over the past two years make him avaluable addition to the senior team.

His signing comes hot on the heels of the key signings of football director Aaron McLean and senior football coach Andrew Hall.

The Giants expect to announce further key signings in coming weeks, and continue tobuildmomentum for the 2025 season.

Jack Chester celebrates after kicking agoal. Photo: Peter Banko

Saints marc hoverBulldogs

Trentham triumphed over the Avoca Bulldogs in aspirited encounter at the Trentham Reserve last Saturday in round 15 of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League season.

With three rounds to go in the home and away season, Trentham remains in third spot on the ladder.The dominant performance firming up their status as afinals contender

The Saints opened their account with aseven-goal haul in the first quarter while holding Avoca scoreless and held a 47-point lead at quarter-time.

To their credit, the Bulldogs managed to hold Trentham to just 1.2 in the second term and snuck through apoint to trail by 53 points at half-time.

The Bulldogs were finally rewarded with acouple of goals for their efforts in the third term. However,the Saints had the answers kicking another four goals to extend their margin to 69 points at threequarter-time.

The Bulldogs continued to attempt to thwart the Saints avenues to goal in the final term, but Trentham was too classy and kicked another two to win the match comfortably by 83 points.

James Regan led the way for the Saints with four and Jake Keogh chipped in three. Zachary Gervasoni and Bryce Hinneberg were among the other top contributors.

Trentham will face areal test this weekend when they take on the second-placed

Harcourt Lions who will be fresh from the bye.

Newstead recorded athrilling five-point win over Talbot on the road.

The Roos started out on apositive note kicking two goals in the first term while holding the Hawks to just four points.

Nine points seperated the sides at quarter-time.

The Steaders lifted in the second smashing on another four goals to one to extend their advantage to 26 points at half-time.

The Hawks fought their way back into the clash in the third term kicking four goals and managing to contain Newstead to three to win the quarter the bridge the gap to 20 points at the final change.

Talbot continued to throw everything they had at the Roos in the final term kicking another two goals and preventing the Steaders run on goal to hold them to just one solitary point. But the Steaders managed to hold on to win by five points at the final siren.

Tyler James kicked three for the Roos while Hayden Hall, Michael Runciman and Alex Murphy were among the other standouts.

Maldon, fresh from the bye, also bounced back with agrittywin over Navarre at Navarre.

The first term was an even affair with both sides kicking two apiece and the Grasshoppers holding aslender threepoint lead at quarter-time.

played the better footy in the second term kicking two goals to Navarre's one to inch ahead and hold anine-point buffer at the long break.

The third term was arealarm wrestle as the Grasshoppers were determined to shut down the Dons and did just that. Navarre preventing them from kicking so much as a point while only managing 1.1 to claw their way back to within two points at the final change.

The Grasshoppers continued to battle hard in the last term kicking another two goals, but Maldon sensing that victory could be snatched from their grasp dug in their heels kicking 3.2 to win by seven points.

Brodie Leonard-Shannon once again led the way kicking 3for Maldon. Noah Thompson and Damian Wust were among the other better players.

Campbells Creek lost their bout against adetermined Dunolly Eagles.

Creek once again made apositive start getting agoal on the board and held the Eagles to four to only trail by 18 points at quarter time.

To their credit, the Magpies continued to lock the Eagles down in the second term holding them to just two goals for the term but were unable to make an impact at the other end ofthe ground.

At half-time just 31 points separated the sides.

However,the Eagles lifted their intensity in the second half smashing on another 10

Gisborne pulls out all stops

Gisborne senior footballers had to pull out all stops to keep a resolute Golden Square at bay on Saturday Earlier in the season the Bulldogs won by eight goals but this time the match was at Square'shome ground in Wade Street.

Coming offa runaway margin of 127 points against Golden Square, Gisborne soon found there was no room for complacency despite early goals.

By half-time the margin was five points, and areal battle was looming.

Gisborne had agood third term and rammed home five goals to asolitary point to have the outcome under control.

While the home side finished well, it was a14.10 (94) to 11.9 (75) outcome.

Ultra-consistent ball winner Flynn Lakey was named as

Gisborne'sbest, with captain Jack Reaper,JackScanlon, Brad Bernacki, Frank Schipano and surprise packet Dylan Johnstone (five goals) also rated highly

This Saturday,Eaglehawk will be welcomed to Gardiner Reserve, with Gisborne out to make it 12 wins in succession. Sandhurst and Gisborne both have lost just one match, but the Dragons have afar superior percentage keeping them in top place. At full strength, Gisborne has the credentials to make astrong bid for back-to-back flags.

The Reserves match was rather one-sided, with Gisborne 8.5 too strong for third-placed Square 3.1.

In the Under 19s, second-placed Golden Square proved superior,defeating third-placed Gisborne 9.9 to 4.5.

goals to eventually run out winners by 97 points.

Hadley Bassett and Mitchell Spencer were among the best for Creek

In the final match of the round, Natte Bealiba pulled out all the stops to defeat Carisbrook by 60 points. The top-of-thetable Swans outfit has really hit their stride at the business end of the season and will be determined to keep that momentum going when they tackle Newstead and Maldon in the coming two rounds before face Harcourt in the final round of the season. Harcourt, Lexton and Maryborough Giants had the bye

Netball

On the netball court in A-grade matches, Avoca turned the tables with astrong win over Trentham 56-31. Best for the Saints were Tarnee Hammond and Jacqui Bell. Newstead 38 went down to Talbot 60. Best for the Steaders were Tayla Gale and Brianna Jury.Dunolly 68 defeated Campbells Creek 38. Best for the Creekers was Lillie Wrigley with 31 goals. Natte Bealiba 57 accounted for Carisbrook 34. Navarre vMaldon –noscores available at the time of going to press. Harcourt, Lexton and Maryborough had the bye. This week

This week in round 16 matches, Avoca hosts Campbells Creek, Carisbrook takes on Navarre, Lexton versus Maryborough Giants, Maldon hosts Talbot, Newstead welcomes Natte Bealiba, Harcourt tackles Trentham and Dunolly has the bye.

sessions.

Flynn Lakey –hard to stop chalking up pos-

Maldon

Trentham triumphed over the Avoca Bulldogs in amuddy encounter at Trentham Reserve on Saturday. Photos: Steve Hammond

Kyneton back in contention

Bill West

"Our season is not over yet It would be nice to get awin over one of the big three."

These prophetic words from Kyneton coach Ethan Foreman translated into reality as the inspired Tigers led throughout to topple reigning RDFNL premiers Diggers Rest by 19 points on Saturday

The Kyneton Tigers were freshened up coming offthe bye after beating Melton Centrals, and the side is now right in contention for fifth spot going into the finals.

This win was the one that Foreman, his players, club president Hayden Evans and ahost of supporters were waiting for after aseason where injuries have been areal bugbear

The upset victory also further helps vindicate the Kyneton club'smovetoleave the Bendigo league and cross to Riddell this season.

Diggers Rest, stunned the previous Saturday when thrashed 14.10 to 0.3 by a fired up Riddell, was generally expected to bounce back hard on its own territory

YetKyneton opened procee dingsonan unfamiliar ground by outscoring the Burras 3.1 to 0.3 in the first term.

Cold, wintry conditions prevailed, but the Kyneton side gained confidence, and went to half time with alead of 11 points.

The second half was alow-scoring slog and the Tigers still had ahandy lead at the last change, with the chance of Diggers Rest going down again reverberating around other match venues.

Kyneton's8.5 (53) to 4.10 (34) victory was thoroughly deserved.

"The boys deserved it, fought hard for it, it was afull four-quarter effort and proves we can go up against any side when we're on our game," Foreman said

after the game.

"I could see it in the boys' eyes, they came to play from the very first bounce with the belief that we could really match it with them.

"If we drop agame from now it will be tough to make finals so it'sall or nothing.

"If we win all three of our next matches we nearly lock ourselves in, if we win two of the three, they've got to be pretty convincing wins because we need to lift our percentage."

Kyneton occupies sixth place, behind fifth-placed Macedon on percentage.

The Cats, without the services of inspiring captain Jason Cooke, won against Lancefield largely through astrong first half that produced a21-pointlead.

The home side did not capitulate, and both sides failed to score in arealstalemate in the damp conditions in the last term.

The Cats prevailed 8.7 (55) to 6.2 (38) and Nathan Bridgland, veteran James Wright and Matthew Dick were among the Cats' best, while Riley O'Meara (again) shone for the Tigers, along with Lucas Fellows and Michael Conlan.

This Saturday,Macedon plays neighbour Woodend-Hesket at Tony Clarke Reserve, while Lancefield goes to Kyneton for areturn 'Battle of the Tigers '. REDBACKS' REVIVAL

In a'must win' encounter at Romsey Park, the Redbacks were less than impressive in the first half against adetermined Woodend-Hesket.

The home side'sfirst and only goal in the first half came from an after the halftime siren kick by Darcy Lockens.

It was adifferent story in the third term, with the revved up Redbacks applying pressure and backing one another up to pile on 4.5 to 1.1.

The trend continued in the last term; the Hawks restricted to just 1.3 in the entire second half.

Final scores were 7.10 (52) to 4.3 (27).

Once again Daniel Toman was amajor possession gatherer for the visitors, and Macedon may already be planning to try and curb his influence this Saturday Aconfident Riddell overpowered Melton Centrals to the tune of 13.11to 3.3.

While Bomber coach Aaron Bray had previous thoughts his side may not

Hawks lead in netball

Wetconditions were encountered at many of Riddell League round 15 netball matches on Saturday Reigning premier and ladderleader Woodend-Hesket fielded its strongest team for six weeks and proved too strong for Romsey,winning 58-38 to virtually wrap up top place.

Romsey'sHope Hamilton scored 24 goals in her 400th game, with Sarah Duff, Ty Coppinger and M. Lethlean rated best for the winners, with M. Minns, C. Bellette and L. Anglin the top three for the Redbacks.

With eyes on the double chance, Riddell accounted for fifth-placed

Melton Centrals 48-38.

Macedon proved too strong for Lancefield with a41-20 margin (H. Donoghue 33), and Diggers Rest and Kyneton turned on athriller which ended with a 29-29 tie.

Laura Bennie, Claire Oakley and Tilly Shepherd were Kyneton's best.

Ladder: Woodend-Hesket 48 (136.13%), Wallan 48 (109.93), Riddell 42 (118.22), Macedon 40 (106.20), Melton Centrals 32 (93.78), Romsey 28 (105.49), Lancefield 22 (88.01), Kyneton 22 (79.8), Diggers Rest 18 (76.88).

B-grade: Woodend-Hesket 44

(M. Fletcher 33) dRomsey 46 (M. Thompson 32); Lancefield 41 (T.Hammond 35) dMacedon 30, Riddell 50 dMelton Centrals 21, Diggers Rest 60 dKyneton 36.

C-grade: Diggers Rest 53 d Kyneton 29, Riddell 50 dMelton Centrals 29, Kyneton 44 dLancefield 18, Woodend-Hesket 54 d Romsey 26.

D-grade: Gisborne Giants 20 dDiggers Rest 17, Romsey 32 d Woodend-Hesket 28.

19&Under: Romsey 42 d Woodend-Hesket 21, Diggers Rest 42 dKyneton 22, Riddell 47 d Melton Centrals 15, Lancefield 28 d Macedon 25.

handle wet conditions, his view has probably changed after big wins over Kyneton, Diggers Rest and Centrals in the wet. Kamen Ogilvie, Luke Cannon and Dylan Tarczon were prominent for the Bombers.

Leading goalkicker Dean Galea managed three majors, and has the half century in sight before the finals. Ground managers will be hoping for some dry conditions to help the surfaces, which have copped plenty of use in recent weeks.

It’s 400 up! Romsey and Woodend-Hesket A-grade teams and umpires formed aguard of honour as outstanding Redbacks’ goal shooter Hope Hamilton ran through aspecial banner to play her 400th game on Saturday on averywet court. Hope and Romsey senior coach Lena Way are pictured with the banner. Afeature story on Hope’s remarkable netball involvement over the years appeared in last week’s Express.

Getting the message (from left): Romsey’s Connor Bills, Charlie Jedwab, Sam Wilson and Ethan Beer listen attentively as coach Justin Sherman delivers some home truths after a less than acceptable first term against Woodend-Hesket.

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