Midland Express Tuesday April 16 2024

Jessica chases Olympic dream

The 19-year-old fromBolindahas already met all qualifyingcriteria for the 2024Paris Olympics in dressage, riding Sabble Farm owned stallionCennin

The pair flew to Europe last Tuesday to continue their qualifying campaign in the hope of making final selection. They will be based at Krom Stables training with Annemieke Vincourt Krom in The Netherlands.

"Thisis anopportunity for selectors to see how we andourhorses perform andhandle being in the spotlight," Jessica said

"I am very determinedand excited to seewhere the journey takes us."

Three riders will be selected for theAustralian Olympic Gamesdressageteamaswellasafourth reserve rider. Final selections areexpected to be announced in late June

"It has beenone of thebiggest yearsfor Australian dressage in recent times with morethan10riders qualifyingfor the Olympics this year," Jessica said.

"I am very lucky to be where Iaminmycareer and dressage, and Iamgratefulfor the support of everyone along the way."

Jessica has spent her life around horses and currently works full-time at her family'sFuture Farms in Bolinda.

Last year was Jessica'sinternational debut representing Australia in dressage. She rode Sabble Farms' gelding Gladstone MH (now owned by Mia Heinrich) at the Future Champions Nations Cup in Hagen, Germany,placing in the top 10 in her classes.

In February,Cennin and Jessica won all tests entered at the Willinga Park Dressage by the Sea CDI in the Open Grand Prix section, as well as all classes in the Under 25 Grand Prix sections.

Jessica went on to winthe CDI World CupGrand Prix Freestyle ridingCennin at PSI Dressage and Jumping withthe starsinWerribee for thesecond year running, as well as the prestigious Aachen Challengefor thesecond year running.

Continued page4

Jessica Dertell will be theyoungest dressage rider in Australian Olympic Gamesteam history if selected for Paris2024.

Jessica Dertell with stallion Cennin

Nature-based initiatives fordementia patients

Anew regional respite project is providing much-needed support for local dementia sufferers and their carers, in avariety of dementia-inclusive outdoor locations.

Since its inception in September 2023, the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project has provided dementia-friendly therapeutic day programs, retreats and day trips for people with dementia and their carers.

The project aims to increase the quality and frequency of respite and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers, enabling the person living with dementia to be cared for at home for longer.The project is co-designed with people with dementia, their carers and rural community stakeholders and led by aconsortium of organisations.

Project manager Sandra Slattery said the pilot program, funded for three years, was very inclusive of First Nations people and LGBTQI+.

"The program is agreat way for people to learn things about caring for someone with dementia in asafe and secure environment. The carers are able to learn through practise and hands-on learning," Ms Slattery said.

"Traditional respite in aformal setting can leave people feeling anxious and guilty and this away for them to come together and have 'care friends' keeping extra eyes and ears out for the dementia sufferers, while the carers are able to relax.

“We’ve already achieved early success with numerous trips to dementia-inclusive gardens, bush reserves, wineries, outdoor festivals and overnight retreats in the Bendigo and Mildura regions, with the aim of improving quality of life for those with dementia and lessening the impact of support for carers,” she said.

“Being in nature enhances wellbeing and relaxation, rekindles memories, ignites the senses and lessens confusion and agitation. Inspired carers, experiencing the results first-hand, have already started copying our tactics by taking someone with dementia in their care into leafier environments for mutual benefit.

"Weare in the process of setting up models and tool kits for other groups to use in the future," she said.

Last Wednesday,Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters officially opened the newest GreenConnect project ‘Jin Lap' –a dementia-friendly garden to fork project at the Atisha Centre in Bendigo.

"With more than 400,000 people living with dementia in Australia, anumber expected to double by 2058 –projects like this are vital to supporting sufferers of this disease and their carers," Ms Chesters said.

Some of the upcoming outings include visiting the Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition in Castlemaine on April 24 and the Jirralinga Dingo Conservation Wildlife and Education Centre on June 21. For more information about the program and upcoming events visit www.greenconnect.org.au/activities.

Accountant investigated

AMacedon Ranges accountant is under investigation over the alleged theft of more than $3 million of clients' funds to feed his gambling addiction.

Andrew Marshall, aformer director of Langley McKimmie Accountants in Woodend, has been de-registered by the Tax Practitioners Board and is accused of siphoning funds from five clients.

One client, who had $650,000 taken from her accounts, spoke to the Midland Express and said the betrayal of their trust was "devastating".

"I had aself-managed super fund and an investment account and Ihad agoal with this guy, he was my financial planner and accountant," the client said.

"To think that this guy has helped himself to our money is just so devastating.

"I wasn't the one who gambled the money, he did, and it should be returned."

Marshall placed himself into bankruptcy last July after amassing debts of more than $4 million. His other assets, including his family home in Gisborne, have been frozen by the court as he is being sued by his former business partner in abid to recoup the missing money.

Langley McKimmie principal, Janine Orpwood, said Marshall's alleged actions did not in any way reflect the integrity and dedication of their organisation or their people.

"Langley McKimmie's focus remains steadfastly on serving our clients, and we are working diligently to remediate affected clients as soon as possible," Ms Orpwood said.

"As we understand Victoria Police's investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any further comment at this time."

Thupten Chodak, aMonkatthe Atisha Centre, provided awelcome to the launch of the ‘Jin Lap’ garden on Wednesday, followed by ceremony called ‘Attending to the Incomplete’ where carers burnt their incomplete wishes in the smoking pit.

Future plans forthe MYJC

Malmsbury residents have called apublic meeting to let locals have their say about what they would like to see for the future of the now defunct Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.

The state government closed the facility in December 2023, with clients moved to other centres.

Among facilities no longer in use at the site are alarge fullyfunctioning kitchen, heated pool, recreation oval, gymnasium and indoor basketball court.

With this in mind, the committee of the local Malmsbury Mail has announced apublic meetingonSundayApril 21 todiscuss future options for the site.

Malmsbury Mail committee member Jim Valle said that if the Victorian Government did not find away to make it cost effective, it would dispose of the land entirely, leaving it exposed to being purchased privately.

"This would render totally useless what could otherwise be agreat community asset," Mr Valle said.

President of Malmsbury Mail,Sandy Fairthorne agreed.

“Here is an opportunity for us todiscuss very important issues to our community," she said.

"We’re calling out for anyone with ideas to join us for what we hope tobeagoodoldfashioned brainstorming session.”

Deputy mayor, Cr Janet Pearce, and Cr Jennifer Anderson will be in attendance,with results of the meeting to be published in the next edition of the Malmsbury Mail

Anyone unable to attend can alternatively submit their ideas online by going to malmsbury.org

The meeting will take place at the Malmsbury TownHall at 5pm on Sunday April 21. All welcome.

From page 1.

Jessica is the youngest dressage rider to ever be named Australian Big Tour Grand Prix Champion. She has also been Under 25 Australian Grand Prix Champion, CDI YAustralianChampion (16-21 years old) and CDI JAustralian Champion (14-18 years old) on multiple occasions.

Meet Carol

Carol movedtoMount Alexander Shirein1978and planned to regenerateher property in the Mucklefordforest. She joined Connecting Country whereshe gained valuable knowledge about the local floraand fauna, and from there started to plant trees. She continues to plant trees and now has athriving veggie patch, too.

Well done,Carol!

We recently asked youwhatyou’redoing to take action againstclimate change,and youtold us stories about composting, planting trees, cyclinginstead of driving and lots more!

In April, we’ll be sharing these stories with you, with the aim to inspireand learn from each other.

Watchthisspaceand find out moreabout the climate change-makers project at shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Not only adressage rider at the highest level, Jessica has also been extremely successful in show horse competitions winning championships in open and hunter hack classes, also rider classes at Royals, HOTY events, Grand Nationals and EA Nationals. Jessica has also represented Australia in the Middle East riding endurance horses.

She has been working steadily toward her dream ofrepresenting Australia at the Olympic Games and is entering final selection "with confidence and determination".

The 2024 Olympic Games will open in Paris on July 26.

Jessica Dertell with stallion Cennin

MAIN Game to return

Castlemaine’shighly anticipated and much-loved community event, the MAIN Game, returns to the Camp Reserve on the King’sBirthday long weekend, Sunday June 9.

AKick to Kick and Information Session is being held tomorrow evening (Wednesday April 17) for those who have registered to pull on the footy boots for the Rockatoos or the Radio Galahs in2024.

Can the Radio Galahs defend their MAIN Game trophy for the third consecutive year? It’sgoing to be ahotly contested game and you will not want to miss it. So be sure to pencil in the dateonyour calendar

The MAIN Game is acommunity engagement event and major fundraiser for community radio station, 94.9 MainFM, the day centres around agame of grass roots Aussie Rules footy as the Radio Galahs and the Rockatoos go head to head in afooty friendly where community is the ultimate winner

Twofined for firewood theft

TwoKyneton residents who stole firewood from the Metcalfe State Forest for profit have been ordered to pay acombined total of $3000 and forfeit the tools and machinery used in their offending.

A37-year-old woman and 33-year-old man were found guilty of six charges each at Kyneton Magistrates Court last week.

The pair were each convicted and fined $1500 after they admitted to illegally cutting, removing and selling red stringybark timber,dumping rubbish and damaging wildlife habitat on public land in September 2022. Parks Victoria and Conservation Regulator authorised officers, with assistance from Victoria Police and the Game Management Authority,investigated and executed asearch warrant at the pair’sproperty Authorities discovered adiary with 'Firewood 2022' on the cover,which contained details of their unlawful firewood business and seized 18 cubic metres of timber,two chainsaws, abox trailer and a block splitter

During sentencing, presiding Magistrate Kelly ordered the forfeiture of these seized items.

In arelatedmatter,a39-year-old male co-offender wasconvicted and fined $3000 after he pleaded guilty to two offences related to illegal firewood theft at Bendigo Magistrates Court in February

All three offenders were caught on concealed cameras installed as part of the Parks Victoria-led Operation Centaur,targeting the illegal removal of critical habitat and hollow-bearing trees on public land.

"The court’sdecision sends aclear message that illegal firewood theft is unacceptable," said Mathew Sobey,Parks Victoria ranger team leader “It'sheartbreaking to see old-growth trees chopped down and their habitat values destroyed by illegal firewood operators seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting Victorians."

The community can report illegal firewood theft or suspicious dealers to Parks Victoria on 131 963 or the Conservation Regulator on 136 186.

The Rockatoos and Radio Galahs will battle for MAIN Game glory on the June long weekend.

Rainbow to refuge

Castlemaine Free University's monthly event next week will be held in conjunction with Castlemaine Pride and is titled 'Rainbow to Refuge'. The event will focus on the hurdles facing LGBTIQA+ refugees and asylum seekers.

Participants will hear about work being undertaken on-the-ground by not-for-profit Many Coloured Sky,support from Pride Foundation Australia, and queer perspectives on unique challenges for LGBTIQA+ refugees and asylum seekers.

What can communities do to welcome and support them finding homes and work, affirming their gender/sexuality and respecting cultures?

Hosted by Castlemaine local, Ian Gould, co-founder of Pride Foundation Australia and Castlemaine Pride committee member,the event will feature speakers including aqueer refugee with lived experience and Ian Seal, founder of Many Coloured Sky

Seal’sorganisation collaborates with Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers in Kenya and partners in Uganda, while also networking with allies across South Asia to support refugees in their respective regions.

The event will be held on Monday April 22 at the Northern Arts Hotel in Barker Street 6.30pm for a7pm start. Entry is free. Drinks are available for purchase at the NAH bar Bookings are essential at castlemainepride.org.au/astra-portfolio/ lgbtiqa-refugees-asylum-seekers

Concert fundraisers Sunday

Twoconcert events will be held in Castlemaine this Sunday to raise funds to support the people of Palestine.

From 1.30pm local band DEAD will be performing as part of an all-ages gig at ONI Streetwear at 22 Hargraves Street.

Local ageing rockers DEAD will team up with Electric Heads; the heaviest thing to come out of Chewton Primary Schoolsince... well ever! This is the last local show for DEAD before they head to the US to play the Caterwaul Festival in Minnesota next month.

The bands have chosen to donate all proceeds from the April 21 gig to Palestine

Australia Relief and Action, which supports Palestinians to live safe, happy and fulfilling lives in Australia. To book, visit www.trybooking.com/CQPDM

From 3pm the Castlemaine Theatre Royal will host afundraiser for We AreNot Numbers, supported by the Middle East Children’s Alliance, aregistered non-profit organisation. All proceeds will go to providing muchneeded food, water and electricity for the writers (and their families) from We Are Not Numbers, who –despite the very real fear of being killed –are continuing to write and tell their stories.

There’ll be anart auction and araffle made up ofdonations from many of Castlemaine’slocal businesses.

There will also be screen printing on the day,sotake along your t-shirts!

Food and drinksatbar prices. Auslan interpreted. Accessible venue. To book visit theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au

This peaceful event will have music from The Double Dole String Band, Eliza Hull, Baby Velvet, Charlie Needs Braces, Angie Hart, Nokomi Achkar,and The Freedom Singers. With poetry by talented local poets Andy Jackson and Declan Furber Gillick.

Photo: Simon Browne

Late last year, agroup of 15 local residents banded together to form Mount Alexander Refugee Support to lend ahand to refugees during the early stages of setting up alife in anew country.

Participating in an Australian government pilot program called CRISP (Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot), the local group will be matched with either afamily of four or two individuals, and be responsible for providing them with accommodation, household items and hands-on assistance as they navigate life in aforeign country.

Since its inception, MARS members have meet regularly and formed various working groups, to discuss how to best support the arrival of their refugees as they transition towards independence over 12 months.

The trained MARS members will be matched with people who have humanitarian visas to access government services, but no experience of the banking, public transport, health, education, employment, and recreational networks in the area, and who will require support and tangible assistance.

MARS member Peter McKean said his desire to be involved was due to the overwhelming numbers of refugees needing assistance.

"The United Nations High Commission for Refugees estimates there are more than 34 million registered refugees worldwide," Peter said.

"That could be any of us. We're just lucky because of where we happen to live.

"If you can do something, why wouldn't you?"

So far, MARS has had fantastic support and assistance from Castlemaine Community House, Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR), Castlemaine Mail, Midland Express,Mount Alexander Shire Council, Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, MaineMovers, the Jazz Jam, Theatre Royal, Castlemaine Uniting Church, Cassina Environmental and all the very special people who have donated, but there is astill alot to be done and the group is calling out to the broader community for support in raising the necessary funds

ArmedrobberyinWoodend

Macedon Ranges Crime Investigation

Unit detectives have arrested ateenager allegedly involved in an armed robbery in Woodend on Saturday,April 6.

Agroup of teenagers allegedly approached a16-year-old Woodend boy at the railway station about 11pm.

and supplies, and particularly to find an appropriate rental accommodation for the new arrivals.

If you are interested in supporting this worthwhile cause, visit: shoutforgood.com/ fundraisers/MARS, contact the group at: crisp.mars@gmail.com. or attend one of the two upcoming fundraising events: *Baroquail –The Music Concert. April 27, 2.30pm Castlemaine Uniting Church.

For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. au/d/australia–castlemaine/baroquial

*Damage. Aspecial screening and directors Qand A

May 2, Theatre Royal –7.30pm.

For tickets visit: www.theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/special-cinema-events

On April 7, officers arrested a15-yearold Exford boy in Woodend in relation to the robbery

He is expected to be charged on summons and will face achildren’scourt at a later date.

It is alleged the offenders threatened the victim with aknife, demanded his property and assaulted him. The offenders allegedly fled the scene with the victim’sclothes, last spotted on atrain headed to Melbourne.

The other suspects involved in the armed robbery remain outstanding.

Asmall contingent of the MARS group L-R: Sue Goding, Matt McClelland, Margot Ryan, Lee Nicholls, Margaret Grey, Lauren Jeffreys (MARS coordinator) and Sue Teltscher.

Cadella Park opensgates to public

Cadella Park

Open Garden

Cadello (Woodend North)

Sat 27 -Sun 28 April 2024

Open 10.00am -4.30pm

109 JamesRoad,Cadello Vic 3442

Thispropertydates backto1844 and themature trees are astandout feature. Witness the autumnglory of thedeciduous trees in full colour.

Entry$10 Students$6U18 free via Trybooking

https://www.trybooking.com/COSOE

Cadella Park’sextensive gardens, original circa 1845 stone homestead, and historic collection of farm buildings are set across eight acres with abackdrop of rolling pastures and views to Mount Macedon.

The property is regarded as asignificant 19th century farm complex, with roots dating back to pastoral lease maps in 1839.

In the 1930s, it housed prestigious horse racing stables (home to 1933 Melbourne Cup winner Hall Mark) and later aninternationally acclaimed murray grey cattle stud in the 1960s.

https://www.trybooking.com/COSOE

opengardensvictoria.org.au

The homestead, asizable hayshed and arestored barn are among the historic outbuildings that Cadella Park owner Jo-Ann Beck says will be extensively utilised for the opening. “Prunella Events will provide aselection of classic garden party treats, achampagne bar,and afantastic pop-up cafe serving coffee and sweet treats in the barn,” Jo-Ann said.

“Both days will feature garden tours and talks led by gardener Simon Rickard, as well as plant stalls, local produce, art andcraft, and fantastic live music.”

The farm buildings are located at the end of along, majestic avenue of towering elm trees, many of which are more than 180 years old.

Historic Macedon Ranges working farm Cadella Park is opening its gates to the public for the inaugural Cadella Park Open Garden and Fair this month. Cadella Park is locatedat109 James Road, Cadello,and is open on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, 10am-4.30pm. Tickets: adults $10, tertiary students $6 (with ID), under 18 free

Timing of the opening ensures that the garden’sdeciduous trees will be turning magical shades ofyellow,orangeand red, aresult of the region’scool climate. Anew garden bed by the pool, adesign for the front of the house, and adesign for the original cottage are among the more recent additions created by Simon Rickard.

109 Road Cadello and

Storiesofservice

Each Anzac Day,the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross provides aspectacular,evocative setting for one of the largest dawn services in Victoria.

This year it will host aservice with the theme ‘Honouring Every Role, Every Sacrifice’ to acknowledge the many different ways that Australians have, and continue to, serve and protect their country

As part of the service, the stories of local veterans will be shared, including the story of Kyneton'sJoyce Strawhorn, which will be told by school captains from Gisborne Secondary College.

During World WarII, Joyce initially volunteered in the Women’s Air Training Corps, then enrolled in the Women’sAuxiliary Australian Air Force in 1941, and finally enlisted in the Australian Women’sArmy Service.

When asked why she joined the WATC, Joyce said: “Wewere asked to volunteer,and we volunteered.”

Her first job was cooking one-egg teacakes for the TocH,a place that provided rest and recreation for service people. The WATC was also viewed as aplace to train women for possible future roles in the Air Force.

Joyce then volunteered to work at the Laverton Nurses Quarters as adomestic.

“I loved every second of it. The boys treated us like the nurses, they saluted us," she said.

"Wehad our row of seats in the camp cinema. It was alovely life, and we worked our little hearts out.”

The WAAAF was formed in March 1941 and Joyce was the 57th person to join. Towards the end of her service Joyce enlisted in the AWASand drove ambulances until the end of the war

“When the war ended all the ambulances had to line up at Spencer Street Station. We picked up people in the ambulances and drove them to hospital. They were all POWs, the ones Iremember We drove through screaming crowds.”

While Joyce was coy about revealing her age to the Midland Express (so as not to let the ladies at the Woodend Bowling Club know!), we can say she was 19 when she joined the WAAAF

The Dawn Service begins at 6am and runs for an hour.Access is via bus only.Cameron Drive on Mount Macedon will be closed to all private vehicles including bicycles.

People wishing to attend the Dawn Service are encouraged to book aseat on one of the free bus services that will operate from

towns across the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury.Bookings can be made via bookings.organscoaches.com.au/anzac or by phoning (03) 5422 1788.

Alternatively,a continuous shuttle bus service will also operate from Tony Clarke Reserve, Waterfalls Road, Macedon from 4:15am. Bookings are not required for this shuttle service. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring awater bottle and torch. Asausage sizzle, tea and coffee will be available. Agold coin donation would be appreciated, or you can donate online at www.mycause.com.au/p/328422/mt-macedon-anzac-daydawn-service-2024.

Want to run forcouncil?

Macedon Ranges Shire will have the chance to elect new council representatives this year and those interested in applying can learn more at an upcoming information session.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is partnering with the Municipal Association of Victoria to host acandidate information session on Wednesday,May 15, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Kyneton Town Hall.

In-person and online options for partici-

pation will be available.

The council will also hold four in-person informal candidate sessions that will include some recorded material from the MAV. Sessions will be held at: Romsey Hub (Mount William Room) on May 16 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and May 17 from noon to 2pm, and at Gisborne Community Centre Hall on May 23 from noon to 2pm and May 23 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Registrations are not required.

The Victorian Local Governance Association is also hosting free online sessions (registrations essential), including: Standing for Local Government on May 17 from noon to 1.30pm, and Local Women Leading Change on May 24 from noon to 1.30pm.

More information on becoming a councillor and the information session can be found on the council'swebsite via: bit. ly/3J7MBSD

Intrusivequestions, intimidation, suggestivejokes...

Gendered violence comes in manyforms.

All areOHS issues.All areunacceptable.

WorkSafeGendered Violence KN276021/L

The metamorphosisofPride

Castlemaine Pride Festival kicks offthis weekend with anine-day program featuring amyriad of events that aim to celebrate visibility and diversity in Mount Alexander Shire.

From its humble beginnings as apicnic in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens in 2018 to nine days of events in 2024, the Castlemaine Pride Festival is once again aglow with growth this year

Last year,with funding from the state government, Castlemaine Pride undertook its most comprehensive survey of local LGBTIQA+ community members to find out not only what they liked about Castlemaine Pride but also what was missing and where the festival could improve.

The new Pride committee has endeavoured to enact the community'ssuggestions and make the annual event even better

The festival officially kicks offwith Mt Alexander Falcons’ first home game and 'Pride Cup' contest against Kyneton at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve this Friday from 7pm (see page 13) followed by the ever-popular Pride Picnic in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens on Saturday

This family friendly event includes market stalls, food vans, adog show and live entertainment all day from 11am-5pm.

Castlemaine Pride committee chairperson Sherene Clow is excited about this year's program.

"The festival is bookended by two major events that are free of charge and that we hope will have something for everyone: our signature event the beloved picnic on Saturday April 20, featuring all-day entertainment and afun, family friendly vibe; and Q+ on Saturday April 27 in Mechanics Lane –anall-day event featuring queer creatives and pop up activities, culminating

in an all-ages dance event that evening," Sherene said.

Other events include the Picnic After Party at the Bridge Hotel, Bent Brushes Art Show at the Castlemaine Market Build-

Celebrating local sporting history

The Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association is gearing up to host avery special three-day major exhibition of local sporting history from 1852 to the present day

The biennial exhibition will be held at the Castlemaine Town Hall on the Anzac Day weekend, April 26-28.

The extensive display will feature memories and memorabilia across arange of sports including boxing, angling, cycling, rowing, football, horse racing, electric car racing in the 1900s, swimming, athletics, netball, tennis, cricket, badminton and much more.

The exhibition will be open from 10am-4pm each day

Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association secretary Wilson Bunton said they had received some wonderful contributions to the exhibition from local community members and had also unearthed some incredible treasures in their archives.

"The family of the late Perc Perry have loaned us an amazing collection of photographs, news articles and memorabilia to copy and feature in the exhibition. He was quite the talented sportsman starting out his football career at the Glenelg Football Club before making the move to the local region where he joined Castlemaine United Football Club. He also played cricket, badminton, tennis and arange of other sports in the local region," WIlson said.

"Wealso have afeature about the early rowing club based at Expedition Pass Reservoir at Chewton and agreat display on the Soap-Box Derbys.

"The derby held in Lyttleton Street in 1949 attracted more than 2500 spectators and saw one competitor register atop speed of 36 miles per hour!

"Wealso have alovely jam dish gifted to J Stoneman of the Castlemaine United Cricket Club for 'Best Batting Average' in the former

Wednesday Cricket competition in the season of 1905-06.

"From what we have discovered during our research, Castlemaine businesses used to close early on aWednesday to allow people to enjoy various sports," Wilson said.

The exhibition is sure to be awonderful trip down memory lane for former local sportspeople and their descendants and features many clubs that no longer exist today

Entry is just $5 adults, children 16 and under accompanied by anadult free.

The exhibition is proudly supported by Mount Alexander Shire Council.

ing, Pub Sing and Trivia at the Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing, aqueer short film screening at the Northern Arts Hotel, aNomads bush walk, acar scavenger hunt,anLGBTIQA+ tennis tournament and

LGBTIQA+ Afternoon Teaand Dance at Wesley Hill Hall just to name afew

The festival runs from April 19-28. For more information head to castlemainepride.org.au

Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association secretary Wilson Bunton browses through some of the images loaned by the Perry family.

Castlemaine Pride Festival kicks off this weekend with the signature event the Pride Picnic to be held on Saturday April 20.

Photo: Craig Gaston

Sugar FedLeopards’album to launch

Being in aband is an act of love, alove for music, for each other,for expression itself and is played on the magical strings of connection around platonic, romantic and familial feeling –it’salso abusiness.

The Sugar Fed Leopards have made it to 10 years making music together –and guess what? They still love each other! It’sa rare occurrence and something to be celebrated, so they dedicate their latest album, Love.Be in it,tothe audiences, venues and industry that have joined them in their love quest and also to the spirit of friendship, shared energy,music and nightlife.

Backup vocalist Louise Terry aka ‘Lemona Squeeze’ told the Express that the band was much like afamily, with all the highs and lows.

“We’ve grown up together,from our early 30s, and been through so much. There’sa timelessness that comes from being in the Sugar Fed Leopards, which brings an elixir of youth with it,” Louise said.

“Four of us live in Castlemaine, the rest are in Melbourne (we’re trying to get the rest to move out here), so we recorded the album in Justin’sstudio above Stoneman’sBookroom. It was alabour of love and acelebration of our 11 yearstogether.”

Adirect reference to the ‘Life Be In It’ government fitness campaign from the 80s, the album inspires people to get lovefit, through real connection and being moved by music. The reference also makes its way into the the songs with ahealthy dose of 80s sounds and feels throughout.

“It’sa distillation of sound that is retro, nostalgic, with areal Muppets vibe and anod to the Bee Gees in there

with Need YouNow,” Louise said.

“Our tongues are firmly planted in our cheeks throughout. Old Hand is areal Betty Davis,steamy tune. and Warm Toddy wasareal pleasure to write and we recorded it live at rehearsal, so there’sa real looseness to it.

“This album is the most accomplished work we’ve done. We’re more experienced after 11 yearsand that confidence comes through in the music,” she said.

Described as ‘Kath and Kim on steroids’, the band’s exuberance and unique style of music and fashion appeal to awide audience, from young children, through to octogenarians. Their ‘groupies’ arrive at gigs adjourned in sparkles, cat suits, wigs and hair pieces.

“When we perform there is agenuine joy and love that generates between us and the audience,” Louise said.

“Learning to not give ashit, gives people permission do the same. Body positivity is important and being in the band has given me asense of adventurousness.

“The world needs more exuberance and not giving a f**k. We look great, ridiculous, but great,” she said.

Ultimately, Love.Beinit is an invitation, urging everyone to find the mood, get into it, get offthe couch, come to the show and be in the music.

The Sugar Fed Leopards have taken 11 years to make this album and their story is as much atale of romance with each other and music as an ode to Love as averb and away of living, with music as the connecting thread.

Love.BeInIt is released on Friday,April 19 and performed live at Rocksteady Records, CBD for Record Store Day,and at The Night Cat on Friday,May 17.

Feast for Freedom

Castlemaine local Jill Rivers is hosting aFeast for Freedom on Thursday at the Northern Arts Hotel to raise funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre to help people seeking asylum rebuild their lives in Australia.

This will be ameal that makes adifference and Jill is cooking recipes gifted by refugees that are taken from their own cultural traditions. Every dollar she raises will go to the ASRC so it can provide essential food, housing and health services to refugees.

Malaysian refugee cook Harchana’sown recipes for traditional dishes will be on the menu including; Tauhu Sumbat with tofu, carrot, bean shoots, cucumber and sweet chilli, plus Ayam Masak Merah –a chicken sambal and ghee rice. To cover all tastes, Jill will add aLebanese falafel and tahini sauce.

The suggested donation for the meal is $40 or as much as you wish. Drinks will be available at bar prices at the Hotel, which is donating the hire of the venue in support of the cause. For more information or to donate visit www.feastforfreedom.org. au/fundraisers/jillrivers

Feast for Freedom on Thursday,April 18, 12.30pm at the Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Anzac Day services

The Kyneton RSL Sub-Branch is hosting the traditional Anzac Day march and ceremony in Kyneton on Thursday,April 25, to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

Anzac Day begins with the Dawn Service conducted at the cenotaph at 6am. Attendees should begin assembling at about 5.45am. This service will be followed by the traditional Gunfire Breakfast, which will be held at the Kyneton RSL club rooms. A gold coin donation is requested for the breakfast and all monies collected will go to providing welfare support for our veterans.

An Anzac Day march and ceremony will also take place in Trentham. The parade will form up at the Town Square at about 11.30am and march to the cenotaph at the intersection ofHigh and Market Streets. The ceremony will be followed by refreshments at the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre. Earlier in the day aDawn Service will be conducted at 6am at the cenotaph.

Anzac Day ceremonies will also be conductedat Malmsbury at 8am at the Memorial Gardens, Woodend at 11.30am and at Taradaleat 1.30pm.

The Anzac Day march in Kyneton will form up at the corner of Yaldwyn and Mollison Streets at 9.30am and step offat9.45am. The march will proceed to the cenotaph where the Anzac Day ceremony will be conducted. Following the service the march will continue along Mollison Street to the RSL where it will disband. Refreshments will be provided at the RSL following the march.

In the lead up to Anzac Day,the Kyneton RSL will be conducting its annual appeal and badges will on sale in town and at the RSL. People are encouraged to buy abadge and wear it with pride. All monies collected goes in support of veterans.

Photo: Ryan Wheatley

Gingerbeer to kick goals forFalcons

Acollaboration between Shedshaker Brewing and Mt Alexander Falcons has produced anew ginger beer that will raise money for the club and its community programs.

The Falcons Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be on sale through the club and at their home games, giving drinkers abig kick of ginger,a warm mark of cinnamon and a sweet handball of lemon myrtle.

Falcons Club president Alana Wearne said they wanted to create adrink that was tasty and available to all the Falcons fans, from the kids up.

“Wealso wanted something more than just asweet sugary ginger beer –sowe have added afew extra spicy elements to make adrink as fun and unique as the Falcons," Alana said.

“The money we will raise by selling these cans will go towards our football and community programs, such as the AFL outreach program being run at Tarrengower Women’s Prison where the Falcons players have partnered with the SupPORTPathways Program run by the Law and Advocacy Centre for Womentoprovide regular footy clinics in the prison.

“As aclub we want to support women and gender-diverse people from all walks of

life including those who are caught up in the legal system.

“Women and gender diverse people can experience additional barriers and discrimination and being part of programs that actively promotes their inclusion is apriority."

Falcons assistant coach Nicole Lord said the ginger beer was afun way to raise money for the club and the community programs it supported but it had aserious message too.

“The label on the can depicts aFalcon soaring beyond faint barbed wire –itis symbolic of the challenges and barriers that women and gender-diverse people may need to overcome," Nicole said.

“The picture visually represents the struggle for freedom and the Falcon depicts the determination to break free and dismantle the oppressive and discriminatory structures and systems that repress women and gender-diverse people.

“The combination of the faded wire and the soaring Falcon speaks to liberation and is an empowering symbol for women and gender-diverse people whether involved in the legal systems or not."

Shedshaker Brewing director Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said partnering with the Falcons was anatural fit for Shedshaker and

brewing anon-alcoholic beer for afundraiser was aworthwhile project.

“Weshare alot of values with the Falcons and have been brewing awide range of beers for many years,so it is greattodo somethingdifferent while also raising money for the club,”Jacqueline said.

“Wehave astrong relationship with the Falcs, as sponsors, as hosts of anumber of club events and running the bar at their games at Harcourt as well as being mates with players and coaching staff.

“Wecan’t wait toget back to Harcourt this Friday for the Falcs’ first home game of 2024 and cheer them on again."

The Falcons kicked offtheir second season in the Riddell District Football Netball League last Friday April 12 with an away game at Romsey.This Friday'sApril 19 home fixture against Kyneton at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve is alsothe annual Castlemaine Pride Cup clash, which kicks off Castlemaine Pride Week activities.

The Pride Cup is set to be ahuge opener with activities for the whole family,food trucks, the Shedshaker Bar showcasing the Falcons Ginger Beer,DJand much more –entertainment commences at 6pm.

More details on Castlemaine Pride 2024 can be found at castlemainepride.org.au

Shedshaker Brewing and the Mt Alexander

Biosecurity basics

Agriculture Victoria’s new podcast season ‘Biosecurity basics’ takes adeep diveinto the fundamentals of biosecurity,including practical actions listeners can take.

Program manager Kellyanne Harris said listeners would hear from people engaged in biosecurity "It doesn't matter how many animals you have, how big or smallyour property is, biosecurity is everyone'sbusiness," Ms Harris said "Every livestock owner or person living on asmall or lifestyle farm can make changes today to improve their biosecurity and help protect their property from pests and diseases."

Created in collaboration with RSPCA Victoria, the newAgVic Talk series features experts from RSPCA Victoria and Agriculture Victoria as well as farmerswho share theirknowledge on how people can build biosecurity into their day-to-dayfarming practices. Subscribe to AgVic Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or visit the website: agriculture.vic. gov.au/agvictalk

Golden glowfor Ricky

Kyneton Toyota’sRicky Turner was the proud recipient of The Business Management Excellence Gold Award at Toyota’sDealer of the Year Awards in March. The award recognises and honours Toyota dealers’ achievements and high standards of business management, and their contribution to the ongoing success and growth of their dealerships.

After many years of dedicated service to the well-known brand, Ricky was extremely proud to receive the award, which was presented to him by John Pappas, chief executive officer Lexus Australia and Cameron Cormack, GM field operations.

Dealer principal at Kyneton Toyota, TimBarrett, said the team was thrilled.

“We’re super proud of Ricky and his administration team for delivering such outstanding results and being recognised for their hard work, especially considering that the award is the highest honour in Australia that abusiness manager can achieve,” he said.

This is the first gold award for Ricky but he’s hoping it won’t be the last.

Landownerstackle invasive weed

AMacedon Ranges gorse control demonstration day has armed landowners from far wide with everything they need to tackle the invasive weed.

Pipers Creek Landcare partnered with the Victorian Gorse Taskforce and Macedon Ranges Shire Council, to present the information day

About 60 people from as far afield as Geelong observed first hand, various mechanical methods of gorse knockdown and chemical application and engaged one-onone with contractors, VGT experts and local Landcare members.

Many attendees endorsed the practical and professional demonstrations as "life changing" after years of fighting the battle with gorse with little effect. Some said they would start again, armed with agreater knowledge of what astrategic, planned approach to control really meant.

The cost effectiveness of mechanical knockdown of large infestations and follow up chemical control in subsequent years was reinforced by each demonstrator/expert, and, although expensive in year one of acontrol program, subsequent yearly costs diminished significantly as regrowth became easier to access and chemically control.

Christina Boon, VGT community engagement officer,and coordinator of the event and recently appointed VGT member Peter Sporle from Pipers Creek Landcare, agreed that control was not impossible.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel," Christina said.

"You can see something for your efforts, especially following mechanical removal and if you work in with neighbours, whole landscapes appear were you never thought possible. It’sactually liberating."

For those who missed the demonstration day,due to it being over subscribed, Pipers Creek Landcare will follow up with interested landholders. Afuture event is being planned together with the Friends of Black Hill.

Kyneton Toyota’s Ricky Turner (centre) is presented with his award by John Pappas, Lexus Australia chief executive officer (left), and Cameron Cormack, Toyota general manager of field operations (right).

Shane Carey –Macedon Ranges Green Crawler, aremotecontrolled mulcher/slasher.

Visit beautiful Buda thisautumn

Join the team at Castlemaine'sBuda Historic Home and Garden from this Thursday as the local venue plays host to aseries of captivating events for the National Trust Heritage Festival.

Delve into the fascinating story of the Leviny family, whose legacy is deeply ingrained within the walls of Buda. As you explore this accredited museum, immerse yourself in the world of Hungarian gold and silversmith Ernest Leviny and his talented daughters. Marvel at their remarkable Arts and Crafts influenced collection, then embark on ajourney through Castlemaine with Buda'snewly devel-

oped walking or driving tour,revealing the family'swider connections within the town.

On Sunday,Buda will host aLife Drawing Day with Guildford artist Bridget Farmer

Artists will have access to normally restricted areas of the beautiful Buda house, where, within the walls and the garden, models in period costume will be found, ready for you to capture with pencil on paper

The all-day session runs from 9.30am –3pm with morning tea and lunch provided.

And for atruly special celebration, visit Buda on

Farm Zone house bid refused at VCAT

Plans have been rejected for ahouse at a12.12 hectare farming property at Northumberland Road, Pipers Creek.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has affirmed Macedon Ranges Shire Council's position that it would have rejected the permit if determined within statutory timelines.

Applicants sought the permit to support ahorse husbandry operation being established, which would breed and train 'Warmblood' horses on half of the site.

MRSC determined it would not have issued the permit as the proposed agricultural uses were not sufficient to justify apermanent house on asite under40ha.

The council argued the proposal was contrary to the Farm Zone and planning policy in creating "inappropriate fragmentation which will compromise the long-term capacity of the land to be used for agriculture".

VCAT member Nick Wimbush heard from multiple expert witnesses in a hearing that spanned three days and upheld the council's decision.

Wimbush was not satisfied that

there was aneed for apermanent dwelling for the uses outlined.

"I accept that the dwelling may well be more convenient and desirable in the operation, but Iamnot satisfied that the dwelling is required or needed to support the horse husbandry operation," Wimbush said.

"In my view construction of adwelling on this property will increase the property value accordingly. In arural context this may well remove the land from production as its future value will be based on the presence of the dwelling as much if not more than the agricultural value of the land.

"Even if the horse husbandry operation is still operating, oranother agricultural use, the presence of the dwelling itself means that the property will be more likely to be attractive to the lifestyle market, and the cost may be prohibitive for productive agriculture.

Wimbush ruled the policy balance for agriculture land protection in this case "clearlyoutweighs the convenience or efficiency gains for the applicant by having adwelling onsite".

Fire Danger Period lifted

The Fire Danger Period ended at 1am on Monday for Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges shires.

While restrictions are lifting, the Country Fire Authority still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state, so Victorians need to be alert and prepared.

People must still register their burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws, as well as EPAlaws and applicable regulations.

Landowners can register their burn-offonline at: firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.

If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.

Mother's Day,May 12, for aluxurious afternoon

2pm. Sip on aglass of bubbly as you indulge in delectable treats, while acclaimed Buda tour guide Christine Lloyd regales you with tales ofthe connections between the Leviny women and renowned artists Louie Riggall and Jessie Traill.

It'sacelebration of family,friendship, service and art that'snot to be missed. Be sure to book to avoid disappointment. Visitors are also welcome at Buda seven days aweek from 12-4pmwithout an appointment.

Visitbudacastlemaine.org for more information.

tea at

Artistscan enjoy aLifeDrawing Class at Buda on April 21. Photo: Max Lesser

Classical celebration

The Gisborne Singers are busy rehearsing for their first concerts of the 2024 season.

Featuring the distinguished soprano soloist, Merlyn Quaife, and the Macedon Ranges Chamber Orchestra, the unique program includes Mozart (Exsultate Jubilate, Laudate Dominum, Regina Coeli), Haydn (Te Deum)and Handel (Zadock the Priest).

Join them for an afternoon of musical discovery as they travel through time and experience the emotions and cultural significance embedded in these remarkable pieces.

The first concert is on Sunday, April 28, at 2.30pm, Our Lady of the Rosary, Kyneton (afternoon tea provided).

Tickets are available via: trybooking.com/COHHD Asecond concert will be held on Sunday, May 5, at 2.30pm, St Mary’s, Sunbury.

Tickets are available via: www. trybooking.com/COHHN

Tickets: $55 full, $45 concession, under 12 free entry.

For enquiries, call 0480 156 263 or visit the website: gisborne.harmonysite.com

The Gisborne Singers welcome new members. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at the Gisborne Uniting Church in Brantome Street, Gisborne. Enquiries to: president@ gisbornesingers.org.au

Uniquelyhandmade

The Castlemaine Artists Market is lighting up the centre of town on Sunday April 28, 10am-2pm at Western Reserve.

It will be home to awide array of talented artists, offering demonstrations in their craft

as well as an opportunity to take home something uniquely handmade. Enjoy delicious food and drink as well as activities for the children. This month marketgoers will be treated to live music by local jazz

group, On The Rocks, and acrafting workshop led by staffand students at the Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten.

Whether you are local or visiting the area, there will be something that inspires.

Autumnsplendour

KynetonHorticultural Society's2024 Autumn Flower Show is on April 20-21.

This two-day event has more than 100 categories for gardeners to show what is growing in their autumn garden.

Categories this year include dahlias, roses, cut flowers, shrubs, foliage, pot plants, cacti, succulents and an autumn harvest of fruit and vegetables.

There is avery competitive floral art section for novice, intermediate and open floral artists.

There is also asection for children with the purpose of encouraging them to explore their creativity and interests in horticulture.

Included in the children’s section is ascavenger hunt box and any creature made from horticultural material.

This year the Autumn Flower Show will include flash mob performances on both Saturday and Sunday

Local florists have been invited to showcase their work along with acouple of local trade stands.

There will also be aplant stall, the sale of second-hand gardening books and of course handmade refreshments such asfinger sandwiches, slices and devonshire teas KHS'smodern motto is 'Show what you grow and tell what you know'.

Check out the show schedule on the website: khs1894.com and enter something from your own garden.

KHS began in 1894and has been presenting regular flower shows since that time.

Throughout its history,the horticultural society hasprovided learning opportunities through lectures, garden visits and workshop presentations on avariety of horticultural topics.

From time-to-time, musical performances were included to enhance flower shows, events and social gatherings. These traditions from the past havebeen repeated in many different forms since KHS’sinception and hopefully will continue to be repeated for many years to come.

The flower show will be held at the WattsPavilion, Kyneton Showgrounds. Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria president DonRickerby will officially open the event at 2pm on Saturday,April 20. Thepavilion will be open Saturdayfrom 1pm to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Pavilion entry is $5.

The Castlemaine Artists Market offers market-goers an opportunity to take home something uniquely handmade.

Gardeners will show what is growing in their autumn garden.

ASKTHE E p t

Q: AmIItooyoungtohhaveaWWill?

A: Everyoneovertheageof18shouldhaveaWill Youngpeopleusuallythinktheydonothavemuch toleave.However,theyoftenhavesuperannuation benefitswhichalmostalwaysincludesignificantlife insurance,equityintheirhome,digitalassets(eg. onlinebankingaccounts,socialmediaaccounts), animals,motorvehicles,personalpossessions.If thereisnoWillitisoftendifficulttodealevenwith assetsofinsignificantvalueasthereisnotanexecutor andthenextofkinhastoapplytotheSupremeCourt tobeappointedadministratoroftheirestate.Ifthere isnoWilltheIntestacyRuleswillapply,dictatinghow theestatewillbedividedandtowhom.Thismay meanthatyourassetsgotosomeonewhoyoudid notwanttogetthem.HavingaWillcanmakeiteasier foryourfamilybyhavinganexecutorandguardianof yourminorchildrenappointed.

ContactVesnaPocucatoday: Phone54721588or157BarkerSt.Castlemaine Formoreinformationrobertsonhyetts.com.au KN277777

Q:

A:

CanImakeaWorkCoverclaimfor mental/psychologicalinjuries?

Yes,incertaincircumstances.Generally,an ‘injury’forthepurposesofmakingaWorkCover claimmaybeaphysicalormentalinjury, industrialdeafness,diseaseorawork-related aggravationofapriorcondition. Thatsaid,the Actprohibitsaworkerfrommakingaclaimfor mentalinjuryifitwascausedby‘management actiontakenonreasonablegrounds’.An exampleofsuchasituationmightbewherean employeetakesstressleaveafterattendinga meetingabouttheirpoorworkperformance. Bycontrast,anemployeeofabankwhosuffers amentalinjuryasaresultofaholdupwould bepermittedtolodgeaclaim.

CallSimoneWelshat: GraingerLegal

1/40ForestSt.Castlemaine Phone54070161 www.graingerlegal.com.au

Q: Whyisitimportanttoreviewyour HomeInsurancepolicyeveryyear.

A: Whilstitisunlikelythatthephysicalnatureof yourHomehaschangedfromyeartoyear;in today’seconomicenvironmentthecostto re-build/replacehascertainlychanged! Thekeyprincipleofhavinginsuranceis“to bereturnedtothesamesituationthatyou werein,priortotheloss”.Ifyourproperty orpersonalpossessionsaren’tadequately insuredforreplacementvalue,youmaynot beabletoreplacewhatyouhadattimeof losswhichcanbedevastating.Thatiswhyitis alwaysimportanttoinsureyourassetsfortheir fullreplacementvalue.

TheadviceprovidedisGeneralinNature–ForPersonalAdvicepleasecontactyourInsuranceBroker

Callustoday:

45BMollisonStreetKyneton Phone54223333 www.simplexinsurance.com.au

Q: Areyoursolarsystemsbetterthan anyoneelse’s?

A: Greatquestion!Despiteallsolarproducts being‘approved’forsaleforbasicoperability andsafety,thereisstillawiderangeof options.WeusesolarpanelsfromTaiwan thatcarryaniron-clad30yearwarranty, madeofthelatest‘n-type’double-glass technologyforincreasedproductionand longevity.Weuseinvertersthatarestill 100%madeinAustria,withlocalservicingin Tullamarine.Ourframingsystemisratedfor allconditionsalloverAustralia.Oursystems comewithproperhomeconsumption monitoring,wherepossible.Ourworkshopis inCastlemainesowe’renevermoreandhalf anhourorsoawayfromourcustomersifany ofourinstallationsneedattention.

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Dr Jilly Gallagher Q

My child is feelingquiteunwell andI thinktheyneedtosee adoctor today. What should Ido?

We understand that it can be quite distressing for parents and caregivers when their child is unwell. We believe that children should be assessed fairly promptly and encourage parents /caregivers to contact our clinic if theyare concerned about their child’ssymptoms. We will make surethat youspeak with one of our nurses and that your child can be seen by aGP on the day-just make our reception team awareofyour concerns. Please remember, if it’sanemergency,always call 000.

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SUPER QUIZ?

‘Thank you’ for saving us

Ian Braybrook,Castlemaine

Thank you to Stephen Carthew for his letter concerning the Castlemaine State Festival ('State of the festival', Opinions, April 9).

Dysphoria? Anomie? Call it what you will but Iventure to say it probably boils down to poor management.

3. Where is Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell’s office located?

4. On which street is Kyneton Shoes located? (3 points)

5. In which town is the Autopia festival held? General knowledge (1 point)

6. Anickel is worth how much in US money?

7. In which Australian state or territory would you find Mount Conner?

8. Casper the friendly ghost is the nephew of Stretch, Stinkie and who?

9. Who released the 2024 song Texas Hold ‘Em? (3 points)

10. In what decade did Queen front man Freddie Mercury die?

No doubt the committee expects to be bailed out by the state government with yet another grant to 'the arts'.

Stephen says the barbarians may want to get in. They almostdid afew years ago Iwas one of the several thousand 'barbarians', paid up members of the Castlemaine Sports and Community Club, who planned to turn the old goods shed into amodern dining and entertainment venue.

One that the town wanted and needed, and at no cost to the community or the government.

Alas, our efforts were thwarted by the lack of Shire Council support (indeed strong and expensiveopposition) and a well organised anti-club group, initiated by business interests that feared the club would be opposition.

So six million dollars later we have a beautifully refurbished, half-empty shed, the survival of which may depend on more government handouts.

On the other hand, the planned Sports and Community Club would undoubtedly be aprofitable, thriving asset, and an amenity that the entire community would be sharing.

To those who opposed our membership should we say,“Thank you”for saving us from the evils of the Sports and Community Club and giving us theall-new,improved Castlemaine State Festival – all $6m worth.

If only treescould speak MikeGarnett,Romsey

How sad to seethe demise of alarge ash tree at the Romsey Fountain, probably from some disease.Nearby opposite Forbes Auto, another of similar age and description appears to be on the same downward path –and yet another opposite the Old Post Office (next to the Romsey Hub).

If only these mature trees could speak –they are probably 75-100 years old. Very sad to see this happening.

Clause is not retrospective Rose Latimer,Romsey

Re. the responsesinlast week's Midland Express to my letter about the Romsey pokies application.

There seems to be some misunderstanding by the counter argument writers.

Just to clarify,the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme at Clause 52:28 and Schedule to Clause52:28 is not retrospective. It only has jurisdiction over the placement of future poker machines.

The pokies in Gisborne and Kyneton were installed many years before the current Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme planning requirementsfor poker machines

Now and in the future all applications for installation of poker machines anywhere in the shire mustcomply with the legal requirements of the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme

The Planning Scheme is alegal document and any additions to it (such as Clause52:28) go through avery lengthy and rigorous process, including extensive research, public consultation and finally a review by an independent panel.

It is not apersonal opinion that poker machines should not be in shopping and community activity areas.

It is the opinion of many experts and is now reflected in the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme

Gisborne and Kyneton provide good examples of where poker machines should

not be placed. However the Planning Scheme cannot evict them retrospectively (although perhaps when the lease for the Kyneton Bowling Club grounds expires there may be an opportunity to reassess the poker machines located there).

Immoral anddisgraceful!

Lauren Williams, Maldon

Wasthat Bendigo West MP MareeEdwards onthe ABC TV news last Wednesday night, standing mutely behind Premier Jacinta Allan as the latter defended her decision to allow duckhunting to continue in Victoria, despite the recent government inquiry that found it should be banned?

Shame on you Maree! And even more shame onyour boss.You are both paid to represent the people who elected you, and most of us don’t want our native birds shot by the less than one per cent of the population who like killing them.

Tougher rulesand penalties mean nothing when there is no effective policing of the shooters…there never was, and there never will be. Same applies tothe unpopular kangaroo culling program. Weak, immoral and disgraceful!

Ambos too busy?

Name withheld, Kyneton

Afew weeks ago my father needed an ambulance at 2am. Icalled 000 and was told after abrief conversation that the paramedics in our area werereally busyand that someone would call me backwithin the hour(my father is 80, has heart disease and diabetesand has hada quadruple bypass andthe call was related to his condition).

The phone rang 45 minutes later and the lady on the phone said due to them having such abusy night if Icould get my father to the hospitalthat would be much appreciated. She also said if my dad passed out on the triptohospital call 000 again and they would come and get him.

Ihad to drive past the Kyneton ambulance depot on the way to the hospital and noticed all four ambulances were in the depot, lights were offand the door was closed and the MICA car was also in the driveway

To sayIwas disappointed with theservice from Ambulance Victoria would be an understatement.

Savingour arts

Lucas Maddock, BarkersCreek

It's horrifying to think that the Castlemaine State Festival might disappear after 48 years of community support, dedication and enjoyment.

Lesser known, but equally shocking, is the prospect that our Castlemaine Art Museum could also go down asimilar path. They're on aknife’sedge following serious funding shortfalls, making their future uncertain.

It'swell documented that the crises in cost of living, cost of doing business, and audience hesitancies after Covid lockdowns are decimating live music. It can be assumed that similar trends are affecting our visual and performing arts organisations too. We need immediate actionand investment to save our arts, or we're going to lose our cherished organisations.

Funding models that rely too heavily on ticket sales and self-generated funds –especially in visual and performing arts –are fraught. They makethe arts less accessible, require less creative risk, and place them at the whim of an increasingly precarious market. It'sahigh-risk model, promoted by our government funding bodies, that doesn't respect art’ssocial or broader economic values.And it means we could well lose some of our most cherished organisations.

At Castlemaine Art Museum wesee an incredibly efficient and lean organisation, punching well above its weight, delivering professionally curated programs, often with a local focus,year-round.CAM’sprogramming and its value for our region is irreplaceable. We also have the amazing Castlemaine Fringe Festival, which isstruggling to access major state and federal funding opportunities.

Our region is known and celebrated for its vibrant arts scene. These organisations are built on the dedication of the community and run offthe back of the tireless efforts of their already stretched staffand volunteers. The value of these organisations goes well beyond the economic stimulus they provide our region and deserve the support they need. Saving them will now require fast and effective action from our local, state and federal governments.

–Lucas Maddock is alocal arts advocate and visual art teacher at the Castlemaine Community House and RMIT.

Darren Gregor as Danny Miller and Vicki Smith as Tallulah Bankhead Photo: The Urban Sparrow

Looped to show

Mount Players presents Looped at the Mountview Theatre from May 10 to May 26.

During the summer of 1965, celebrated actress Tallulah Bankhead entered aLos Angeles recording studio to re-record (or “loop”) just one line of dialogue from her final film Die,Die My Darling What should have taken about eight minutes ended up taking eight hours.

Playwright Matthew Lombardo, using

agreatdealoftheatrical licence, offers a hilarious yet sympathetic ‘guesstimation’ as to what may have happened in that room on that day

Aspecial Mother’sDay matinee on Sunday May 12 –offers complimentary bubbles for all the mums and delicious treats at interval.

Bookings can be made via: themountplayers.com or call 5426 1892 for assistance.

Wellbeing

Keep on rocking!

Baby Boomers are the generation of people born from 1946 –1964. They invented the youth generation, the sexual revolution Baby Boomers rocked the world and it hasn’t been the same since!

Now,however,they are going through their 60s, and heavens forbid, even 70s! Arghhh! What? They really thought they’d never be old!

But, most survived the ‘drinks, the drugs, and the rock ‘n roll’, and here they are.

The good news is, according the Marianne Pattinson, practitioner and Kyneton Hypno Therapies, you don’t have to fall to pieces with bad health, aching joints, hip and knee replacements and the rest of it.

“The Boomers are now at across-roads, being given a‘wake-up’ call,” says Marianne.

“They actually do have some choice in the matter!

“They can just do nothing, as most people seem to do. Put their feet up, have little exercise, eat all the usual foods which are mainly sugar and chemically filled foods, that rob you of your health, your vitality and eventually of your life.”

This is the usual course, Marianne says.

“Or they can look around, and find the many and various healthy alternatives. We canactively make choices, that significantly increase our chances of staying, or becoming, healthy,fit and happy,for agood many years.”

Marianne explains that these these choices would include being physically active with regular walking, or cycling, gym, zumba, yoga, pilates, feldencrais, or whatever exercise you enjoy.This would be balanced by regular relaxation and renewal, with tai chi, massage, meditation.

Regular medical check ups would also be enhanced by use of natural therapies.

“And ahealthy lifestyle includes maintaining a healthy weight, and being anon-smoker!”

Marianne says that is when hypnotherapy can be very useful.

“It enables you to replace unhelpful ‘programs’ hiding in the subconscious, with the logical choices of the conscious mind. Then, you find that you can more successfully do what you really want to do, which is to have ahealthy lifestyle, maintain a healthy,more youthful body,and brain.”

Flu season warning

The flu season has been creeping forward in recent years,promptinga fast-tracked warning for people to get their vaccinations before the season arrives.

Dr Tony MacDermott, Bupa Health Services medical director,says historically low uptake of flu vaccinations could expose people to potentially avoidable harm.

“The flu season has been arriving earlier in recent years and we expect it to peak sometime in June, compared to August when the season peaked in years gone by,” Dr MacDermott says.

“The northern hemisphere flu season just gone has provided us with a

glimpse ofwhat we may see here soon -an earlier season than previous years with more cases and more hospitalisations.

“The flu is more than abad cold,it canbedeadly,and we shouldn’t underestimate it –now is not the time for flu vaccine complacency.”

Dr MacDermott encourages people to get the flu vaccine before the end of May to help ensure they are covered throughout the flu season.

“Weexpect this year’sflu season to be as dangerous as last year,especially in combination with new COVID-19 strains that have hit Australia already,” he says.

Wash your towels!

Arecent surveyfound some alarming statistics about the washing of towels with three per cent of people surveyed washing their towels just once ayear

Almost one in 10 residents surveyed only wash their bathroom towels twice a year and athird of those surveyed wash their bathroom towels just once every three months.

Dermatologist Dr Hamdan Abdullah Hamed says it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene in our everyday routines, including the use and care of bathroom towels. “Regular washing of bathroom towels is important to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk ofinfections,” hesays.

“Towels tend to accumulate moisture, creating an environment conducive to bacterial andfungal growth. Bacteria like staphylococcus aureus can lead to skin infections, while fungi like candida yeast can cause issues like athlete’sfoot or yeast infections.

“Additionally,dirty towels may contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations in sensitive individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to wash towels after every three to four uses to eliminatebacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, and allergens, ensuring optimal hygiene and minimising health risks.”

Do you know or assume?

Aussies are falling for common misconceptions and healthy food traps, with new data revealing ongoing gaps in nutrition knowledge that could be hindering their longterm health goals.

According to the latest research commissioned by global food andnutrition app MyFitnessPal, Australians aren’t in the know when it comes to the nutritional value within the food they consume, with the majority (92 per cent) reporting they have no idea how much protein, fibre, carbs, sugar and salt they eat daily

When quizzed about their eating habits, Australians continue to assume they are consuming more proteins than they actually are, while underestimating the amount of carbs and fat in food they eat.

Contrary to popular belief, seemingly

More baby screening

Victorian newborns will now be screened for two additional rare but serious health conditions, helping to identify babies at risk of developing illnesses and making sure they get lifesaving treatment sooner

The Murdoch Children’sResearch Institute recently announced the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program will now test for spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency

Commonly referred to as the heel prick test, the addition ofSCID and SMA will see the program test babies for 29 uncommon conditions making sure parents can get their children early treatment.

In Victoria, it’sestimated two babies per year will be born with SCID and eight babies with SMA.

Weakening the immunesystem, SCID affects the body’sability to fight infections due to compromised white blood cells, but early diagnosis and stem cell treatment before threeand-a-half months can be lifesaving.

SMA is aserious disease-causing progressive muscle wastage and weakness that is life threatening without treatment. While there is currently no cure, early intervention are improving outcomes.

The program is offered to the parents of all newborns within their first 72 hours of life atno cost.

healthier options such as chicken schnitzel, Caesar salad and fish tacos (approx. 490 calories) are often more caloric than‘junk food’ alternatives such as acheeseburger (approx. 380 calories).

“Between hectic family life and demanding work schedules, plus ageneral lackof nutrition education, Australians struggle to make informed decisions about the foods they choose to fuel their bodies,” says Katie Keil, chief marketing officer of MyFitnessPal.

Nutrition and food tracking can go hand-inhand when striving to meet overall wellness goals, and 18 per cent of Australians choose to lean into tracking their intake, according to the findings. More than half (54 per cent) of people surveyed who track intake say they’ve been shocked by the portions they were eating before they started tracking.

TheCompost Conversation Compost in our autumn garden

Autumn in central Victoria is pretty spectacular.Asthe rains bring aflush of green andthe nights cool, oursummer plantings, still productive, start to slow and our minds turn to the first big frost.

For many gardeners, autumn brings the peak of garden prunings; springy tomato, eggplant and capsicum stems, rambling pumpkin and zucchini vines, woody corn and sunflower stalks, tangles of bean andpea stems, seedy shoots of lettuce, rocket and basil, it can feel alittle overwhelming.

Most garden prunings are just on the carbon-rich endof balanced, so, blended with alittle kitchen scraps will compost wonderfully.When fresh, they are often wet enough to keep our piles’ moisture just right, butasthey dry,orthe more woody they are, the more water we will need toadd as we layer them in our compost.

The best characteristic about these prunings is the texture and aeration they can add to apile, but to get this benefit theyneedtobechopped up, 20cm minimum, but 10cm is even better.Left un-chopped they make the pile way too airy (and then too dry) and the long fibrous stems can bind up apile so badly it’sdifficult to turn.

Garden prunings are wonderful additions to our compost, but if we simply pile them up and leave them to decompose

on their own, they will become atangled mess and much of their benefit will be lost to our compost.

We covered techniques for chopping carbon-rich prunings in #23 'The Big Chop', you can look that up on the YIMBY website.

Organisation is key for managing our autumn bounty

Mikaela Beckley has arule that she won’t pull anything out of the garden if she does not also have the time to chop those prunings up, ready for adding to the compost. This is agood garden rule, but, if you can’t avoid or resist abig day pulling lots out of the garden all at once, Iwould recommend keeping different pruning types in separate piles to make the chopping up task easier when you do come to processing.

Prunings you plan to add to your compost over several months are best kept dry.Once wet, they will start to break down, mat and become hard to use, so keep them under cover

Ihope your autumn is spectacular, happy composting!

–JoelMeadows works with *Yes In My Back Yard, (YIMBY), acommunity-scale composting initiative in Castlemaine and surrounds. Send questions or comments to hello@yimbycompost.com, or to book in for acompost workshop

Landcare foruminBendigo

The 2024 Victorian Landcare Forum will be held May 9-10 at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre.

The provides an engagement opportunity for the landcare community to promote best practice and share stories, to grow landcare across the state.

Topics on day one will include collaborating and combining management practices, aggregating action for landscape scale impacts, water in the landscape and learning from peers. Day two will be an opportunity for bus tours showcasing landcare projects and collaborations in the Bendigo region. Participants can select between two different bus tour options. For more information, orto register,visit: landcarevictoria.org.au/2024forum

Purple beans starting to show autumn yellowing.

Welcome to Lot 1Fiddlers Green Road in the picturesque town of Kyneton. This 10 acre (approx.) land offers aunique opportunity to build your forever home (STCA) in apeaceful countryside. With an airfield and airport nearby,this property is perfect for aviation enthusiasts or those looking for atranquil rural retreat. Sur-

WiskmereHall, agrand American Gothic home nestled on approx.5manicuredacres, hasenchanted Kynetonfor 20 years. Itsdecorativetimberwork, peaked roofsand scenicCampaspeRiver frontage evokewhimsical romance.Alongdriveway leadsto an ornate fountain,inviting wishesfrom prospectiveowners. Meticulously designed, thehomeboastsparklikeviews fromevery window, bespokeappointmentsand an expansivefloorplan with5 bedroomsand 3bathrooms.Withrefined eateries nearby,it offers arare opportunityfor aunique,landmarkpropertyinaprime location.

44 Tattersall Drive, Kyneton

Build Your Dream Home in Kyneton's Coveted Neighbourhood

Elevated on aspacious1,981sqmparcelofland, this vacant blockoffersan unparalleledopportunitytobuild thehomeofyourdreamswithstunninglake views.Beinspiredbythe neighbouring residences.Outdoorenthusiasts will delight in therecreationalactivities available rightonyourdoorstep–from fishing andcanoeingtoswimmingand enjoying theplayground andBBQ facilities

In theheart of one of Kyneton'smost sought-after areas, this vacant block offers aonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunity to create your dream home withviews of theMacedon Ranges.Landofthissize(approx.1acre),intown, andwith such breathtakingvistas is just moments away fromKyneton's esteemed 'school precinct', this parcel holdsimmense value.

3,995sqm

32 Mollison Street, Kyneton

For Sale

EPR: $750,000 -$820,000

Luxury InnerTown Haven with all the Charm of Yesteryear

Thischarming1930s weatherboardcottage hasundergone ameticulous renovation. The home features aclassic façade,light filled interiorswithhigh ceilings andchicwhite andgreen tones. Renovationsinclude newstumps,new plumbing,new plasterand insulation,whilst preservingskirtingboards and doors.Three airy bedrooms, astylishbathroomand acontemporarykitchen withstone benchtopsadd to theappeal.The patioand easy-care garden enhancethisversatile property

310530 sqm

Built to last Midland

Privately located on 42 acres of mixed bushland and grazing paddocks, with three dams and state forest at the rear,this country home offers four bedrooms, open plan kitchen and living, main bathroom, separate internal toilet and laundry and it is surrounded by wide verandahs. This quality home has been built to last, constructed from solid bluestone with steel frame and a colourbond roof. Mains power is connected and there is

solar.Features include stone walls, awood heater and split system and ceiling fans. Beyond the house is a6m x6mcarport for storage of vehicles or caravan, 3m x 6m shed and 9.2m x6mmachinery shed with adjoining 12.2m x3.5m carport.

Property: Country stone homestead on 42 acres (approx.)

Address: 14 OmegaReef Road,Newstead Price: $895,000

Agent: Keogh Real Estate Contact: 5472 1248

1 1

Charmingcottage offering open plandiningliving, kitchen, two bedrooms, shared laundryand bathroom plus separate toilet.Split system,gas logfire andceiling fans for year round comfort. Outdoors,a beautifulmix of cottage stylegardens and establishedtrees, undercover decked space, agreat place to entertain. The 483sqm allotment is fully fencedand offersa single carport, additional parking in driveway andgarden shed.

$620,000—$650,000

Located only six minutes from Newstead where the conveniences of the grocer,bakery,butcher,primary school and community are close by www.keoghrealestate.comsales@keoghrealestate.com0354721248 2

50 Stephen Street,Campbells Creek

Locatedona 1308sqmcornerallotment,a beautifully presented family home with largeAmericanBarn style shed. Offeringa master bedroomwithensuiteand parentsretreat or study, kitchen/living/dining, formal dining,second lounge area, three further bedrooms, separatetoilet,bathroom andlaundry. There is agas log fire, ducted heating andcooling throughoutfor year-roundcomfort.Beautifully establishedgardens surround the home. Locatedonly afew minutes’ drivetoCastlemaine CBD.

The former Goodman’sPhoenix Hotel, circa 1870, and Bank of Australasia buildings are amagnificent, iconic and significant presence on the Scandinavian Crescent streetscape of Talbot. Together these former goldmining era buildings form asubstantial holding on a1475m2 allotment. Although joined by acentral hallway,the two properties can be and are quite separate. Each property has its own flexible arrangements of vast living areas, multiple bedrooms, individual kitchens and fabulous bathrooms.

The former Goodman’sPhoenix Hotel is now utilised as avast private residence. As we enter through the door into the central hallway,tothe right we see the original bar/billiard room with the fully accessible cellar (that’sdry and most useful) directly below

There are three separate living areas and three or four possible bedrooms, awalk-in robe/dressing room, study,a fabulous bathroom and aseparate powder room.

The provincial style kitchen features a900mm stainless Euro gas range, walk-in storage pantry and an additional butler’spantry with adjacent laundry room and an additional storage room with scope for other uses.

Now let’smoveinto the second residence, the Bank of Australasia building, most

recently used as adecadent B&B. This property comprises three possible bedrooms, two very generous living spaces, kitchen and aseparate meals area thatopens out through french style doors to ashady pergola. The decadent bathroom with walk-in shower,a deep claw foot bath, vanity and toilet will definitely impress. There’saseparate powder room here also.

The allure of space and ambience that’safforded throughout both of these residences is an inherent result of the architecture from the era. It’svery evident that alot of thought and considerationhas been invested with the restoration, renovationand updating of the properties.

70 Trio Road, Kyneton

Executive FamilyHomeon5.71 Landscaped Acres

Escape up thedelightful tree-lined drivewayand start relaxinginany of themanyentertainingzones this lifestyle property offers,all setwithin a3-minutedrive to Kynetons finestshoppingand dininglocations.

Themain residenceincludes formal andinformalentertaining areaswithanadditional colossal-sized alfresco spacewith full kitchen facilities forbig-timeparties andfamilyfunctions

Offering4large bedrooms, mainwithensuiteand walk-in wardrobing,separatesecondbathroom,powder room,laundry, andundercoverdirectaccessfromremote-controlled double garaging.

Thevastarray of workshop andmachinerysheddingwill also be idealfor theserious hobbyist andmanyanimal husbandry pursuitswithextensive watersupplyfromtanksand dam, with full electric pumpingfacilities

Thepropertyincludes extensivewater reticulation as well as qualityfencing

Live thelifeyou have alwaysdreamed of.Call nowtoinspect todayand make that dreama reality.

$1,650,000 -$1,800,000 View

|0418571

SIMONS (nee Cue)

RICHARDSON Norma. Good friend for many years. Love Maureen and family.

CROCKETT

Noel Graham

Passed away peacefully on Thursday7th March, 2024 surrounded by lovedones. We would liketoinvite those who knewhim to come and celebrate his lifeata get together on Saturday27thApril at the ShamrockHotel Kyneton between 2-5pm Please RSVP to susancrockett2@ icloud.com. Always loved... Remembered Forever

James ‘Brian’ Donkin 31.10.1943 –5.4.2024

LovedalwaysbyWendy,Kateand Will and by his5grandchildren Private Funeral.

Our sincere thanks to Dr Louisa Hope and the staff at Castlemaine Hospital forthe beautiful care given to Brianand our family

Castlemaine 5470 5951 KN277788/L

Alan Ernest Gould

5.9.1926 –9.4.2024

Alanpassed away at Bendigo Hospital in his98thyear

Lovedson of thelate Thomas Ernest and Veenie Clarice Gould. Lovedbrother of ThoraAppleton, Bess Madigan, Jack Gould and ValHellwege (all deceased).

Sleepingpeacefully withhis family.

Alan Ernest Gould

John Alfred Leavesley

John passed away peacefully in Castlemaine on 8th April2024 aged 85

Widower of hisbelovedBeryl. Survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. John wasa mastermariner,lecturer, raconteur, traveller,photographer, weatherman, columnist, veggie grower, train spotter, competitor anddreamer Forfuneraldetails please see Friday’sCastlemaineMail or John’s tribute page on the website of MountAlexanderFunerals

Castlemaine 5470 5951 KN277798/L

SHEEN

Barry Douglas

24.12.1936 –12.4.2024

Dear &loved Husband of Joan Aman,who cared for her children

Jenny,Josephine &Donald. Dear Poppy to Sean, Carly &their families

Acaring husband

Funerals

Alan Gould

Familyand friends areinvited to attend the funeralservice for Mr AlanGould, to be held in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Thursday18thApril at 2.00pm.

To join us at the servicevia livestream, please visitAlan’s tribute page on the website of MountAlexanderFunerals

Alan’srequest wasfor anydonations to be giventoWintringham Homes, please see his tribute page fordonationdetails

Loved, Inspirational &Generous Brother of Kaye Payne &family

In accordance with Barry’swish Privately Cremated KN277785/L

SKINNER

Lyle Anthony 1.7.1953 –14.4.2024

Dearly loved Husband of Sue Loving DadtoAnthony, Jill &Rosey Asimple man who loved his work &his family His legacywill live on

The Funeral for Lyle will be held on Friday19th April at 1.30pmatthe Thompson Memorial Chapel, 123Mostyn St, Castlemaine. Acommittal will follow at the Harcourt Cemetery

Castlemaine 5470 5951 KN277787/L

KN277789/L

independantly as wellasina team

We offer an excellent salary forthe rightperson. Formore information please email: admin@parsonsmotorbody.com.au or call 5472 2022

Volunteer Co-ordinator

Castlemaine Safe Space (CaSS)

CaSS is afree community drop-in centre foranyoneexperiencing emotional distress,loneliness or suicidality and is staffed by trainedpeer volunteers

Position: Paid part-time contract 6-8 hours per week.

Key Duties: volunteerrecruitment, roster preparation, organisation of training and communication/administration tasks

Position commencing: May2024

Application closingdate: April 22nd

Forfurther information see website: castlemainesafespace.org/cass-news/vc

•Roof

CASTLEMAINE

Rob Prendergast tightened his grip on Castlemaine’s 2024 club championship with a74off the stick on Saturday, following up his first round 69.

With one round to go, Prendergast looks to be a‘pastthe post’ proposition unless something extraordinary unfolds.

Billy Burgess was the overall and B-grade winner on Saturday with afine 83-15-68.

Leigh Campbell was the A-grade winner with 76-6-70, and Wayne Toohey fired 8819-69 to lead in the C-graders.

Toohey and Jayson Glenister are poised to fight out the C-grade championship.

In Thursday’s stableford, Gavin Lang (7) was in fine form, topping A-gradewith 35 points.

Harold Domanski (15) took out C-grade with 34 points, and visitor David Shields (27) led in the C-graders with 34.

In the nine-hole event, Jo Ralston claimed top spot with 19 points, one clear of Bronwyn Gudgeon (22).

GISBORNE

Alarge field of 173 men and 14 women competed in Saturday’s stableford.

Great to see the club’s junior champion, James McKibbin, take out A-grade with a solid 41 points. His father would be proud.

The man with two first names, Marty Dale, topped B-grade with the day’s best score of 44 points.

Bea Stanic won C-grade with 42 points, and Jenny O’Connor was the women’s winner with 39.

The women’s event last Wednesday was reduced to nine hole due to coring of the greens, with Jenny McSwain shining with 23 points.

On the weekend, Bobby Tucker and Terry Snyders played off in the W. E. D. Robinson Memorial match play knockout board event.

Tucker was 1-up after 15 holes, then his daughter turned up to support him.

He went on to parthe next two holes to win 3/1.

However, by the time this is published Tucker’s win and his daughter turning up will be just amemory.

LANCEFIELD

Congratulations to Marlane Pattinson for securing herfirst monthly medal!

Pattinson’s 121-45-76 on Wednesday edged outexperienced competitors

Kaylene Cruise 101-24-77 and Di Rohde 110-32-78.

There was averyclose finish in Saturday’s monthly medal event.

Aaron Cruise 103-33-70 held off Steve Gilbert 90-19-71 and Denis Davenport 79-8-71.

Tuesday stableford: It was chilly but James Whitford (12) ran hot with 43 points. Graham Mau (15) was runner-up on 38, with Wayne Mee (19) came third on 34. MOUNT MACEDON

Scores in Saturday’s parround continued the trend of quite anumberofthe field achieving handicap or better.

However, visitors found the tightfairways more challenging.

Winners were: B-grade and overall went to P. Thomas (15) +5; A–R.Payne (5) +4; C–B.Collins (21) +2 on countback.

NTPs went to J. Hozjan, T. Atkins, N Stavrinou, and J. Semmens.

There were two grades for the midweek parcompetition.

Recent rains have coloured up the fairways, and Mike Hoiles (13) returned +3 in A-grade, and theB-grade winner was fast improving Mili Peniamina (35) with +5. ROMSEY

Semi-finals of the prestigious Algie Mitchell Shield event were completed on Saturday.

Andrew Lang (1) dSteve Wilkins (0) 2/1, andMal Mottram (0) dShaun Scales(19) 4/3.

Mottram will concede Laing 12 shots in thefinal.

Ahole-in-one on the

Woodend’s Jen Hunter, Cheryl Payne and Veronica Sullivan won the Kilmore Bowl with 95 stableford points on Thursday.

Saturday’s stableford did not produce the anticipated lowscores.

Mick Squire (5) was the winner with 32 points, from John Freestone (28) 30 runner-up on acountback from Anthony Lakey.

Mottram had the longest drive, and was aNTP winner along with Squire, and Scott Williams.

The fourth round of the silver spoon and daily comp. on Wednesday saw Steve Williams the winner with85-15-70.

Kath Jekabsons 107-36-71 and Lorraine Robb 116-45-71 filled the minor placings, and Jekabsons was the fourth round silver spoon winner.

Wilkins had the least putts (29).

In the first round midweek pennant last week, Romsey played Dalhousie Veterans at Yea.

Captain Elaine Scanlon and Steve Wilkins had good wins, andJenney Hartley finished all square, with the points shared 2.5to2.5.

TRENTHAM

Ahole-in-oneonthe 15th by James Coyle was the highlight of Saturday’s stableford.

The overall and A-grade winner was James Coote (7) with an excellent40 points.

Gary Middleton (13) headed B-grade with 36 points, and Mark Myers (30) led in the C-graders.

In the women’s stableford, overall and B-grade winner was Anne McKeon (37) with 40 points.

Kristen Jensen (16) topped A-grade with 36, one ahead of Linda Marchesi (7).

WOODEND

Congratulations to Jen Hunter, Cheryl Payne and Veronica Sullivan on winning the Kilmore Bowl with 95 stableford points on Thursday.

In ideal conditions on Saturday, 50 players turned out for astableford event.

Murray Bradley (10) edged out consistent youngster Jack Robertson acountback inA-grade.

Peter Elliot (22) had39pointstofinish ahead of Dennis Barker in B-grade.

In last Tuesday’s stableford, Ron Jackson (27) kept the field at bay with 37 points.

15th by James Coyle highlighted Saturday’s stableford at Trentham.

New green boosts Gisborne club

There were plenty of positive observations made at the official opening of the new Tiger Turf synthetic bowling green at Gisborne.

The overcast Friday evening weather conditions did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the large gathering, which applauded the new facility being named the ‘Russell Walker OAM Green’.

It was pointed out that every team needs aleader,and in this case Gisborne and District Bowling Club president Russell Walker was the passionate leader who did so much to ensure the old turf green was replaced with Tiger Turf, the same surface installed at Woodend after the previous surface was wreaked by floodwaters.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’srecreation and open space manager,Simon Findlay,opened formalities.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas officially opened the green after outlining the benefits for all age groups through playing bowls.

Ms Thomas made reference to Kyneton’sChloe Stewart, who began bowls at avery young age and progressed to represent Victoria and Australia.

It is estimated the new synthetic green, which has eight rinks one direction and seven the other,will lift participation levels by around 30 percent due to the additional months the facility will be used. Having two synthetic greens will enable more bowls to be played year-round.

The old turf green that was replaced was well past its prime, and could only be used for about six months each year

The overall project cost was $568, 336, being jointly funded through the state government’sLocal Sports Infrastructure Fund ($245,164), Gisborne Bowling Club ($172,436) and Macedon Ranges Shire Council ($150,736).

Mayor Annette Death thanked the government for the funding and for supporting recreational activities, which have so many positive benefits in the shire.

“Activities such as these provide opportunities for socialization and inclusion within our community,aswellasphysical activity,all of which is apositive for our health and wellbeing,” Cr Death said.

Good dayfor locals

Bill West

At Kyneton races on Thursday, two locally trained gallopers were successful. Danielle Chapman’s recent good strike rate continued when Snappy Pierro won the Macedon Ranges Glass bench mark 58 event over $1454 metres.

After winning amaiden at Kyneton three starts back, the four-year-old was unplaced at Cranbourne, but relished being back on her home track.

Once again Jason Maskiell was on board, and prompted plenty of plaudits from connections and ‘Snappy’ supporters when he won on the $12 chance with a length between the first three runners.

The Chapman family-owned galloper has now earned just over $50,000 from her 16 starts.

Part-owner Steve Chapman was understandably elated, and praised track rider Taylor Smyth for her efforts.

“She’s atough girl,” Smyth said after the race.

Steve said aspecial mention must go to the team at Treveson Park where Snappy Pierro graduated from the special ‘deep sand fitness program’.

FSADNI BREAKS THROUGH

It was aspecial day for Kyneton hobby trainer Steve Fsadni, who won with fiveyear-old Barnage.

The lightly raced gelding ranthird at Kyneton as a$61 chance, then on November 8thenwent for aspell beforerunning second at Bendigo at his last two outings. Fsadni started second favourite at $2.90 in the 1103m Maiden and ran right up to his Bendigo form.

Jockey John Keating bought Barnage with awell-timed run and he finished strongly for agoodwin by 0.8lengths.

The mayor acknowledged the bowling club’sdedication and time spent on the project. Gisborne has about 270 members.

Mr Walker spoke about the project, thanking all involved for their support, including the government, shire council, and contractors.

He singled out Alan Higgins and Rob Paterson for aspecial mention.

Club secretary Helene Cyrulo outlined the tremendous work the club president has done, hence the decision to name the green as aform of recognition.

New fencing, retaining wall and drainage, shade structures, seating, scoreboards and rink markers were also included in the upgrades.

Wilson breaks records

Kyneton ultramarathon runner Greg Wilson is pictured on stage at the International Association of Ultra Runners Asia and Oceania 24H Championship Australia 2024 presentation ceremony in the ACT, flanked by the AURA president Simone Hayes and vice-president Matthew Eckford.

Wilson was presented as the 2023 Male Runner of the Year for his performances last year in track competition, and was joined on stage by Maree Connor, the AURA Performance Of The Year and Female Runner of the Year.

The day before the presentation, 71-year-old Wilson competed in the Australian 24 Hour Championship and improved the Australian Age Group Records he previously set in July 2022.

He ran 50 miles in eight hours, 27 mins, three secs (five mins, 42 secs faster than he did in 2022). He also broke his record for the 100km with atime of 11 hours, 14 mins, 13 secs (improved by three min, 58 secs), and his 12-hour record with 106.849kms (improved by 1.259 km).

"When Imadea comeback from along break in 2016 Ihad one aim," Wilson told the Express

"To complete the Townsville Marathon 40 years after my only marathon win in the 1976 version.

"So here we were eight years later where Icould never imagine being.

"Although Ihad to pull out of the event with aknee injury, being able to break my previous records was athrill."

Wilson's autobiography, Tales From An Ancient Marathoner,will be released later this year.

Barnage after winning the bet365 Odds Drift Protector Maiden Plate at Kyneton. Photo: Pat Scala/Racing Photos

L-R: Gisborne Bowling Club secretary Helena Cyrulo, club chairman Russell Walker, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death.

SANDHURST

GOALS:Sandhurst:FGreene 6L Tardrew4J Wharton

3L Wright3C Maxted 2JCoghlan 2J Mclean NStagg A WhartonZ PallprattL Hood Kangaroo Flat: JBateson A

GrantLEllings TBalcke BEST:Sandhurst:L TardrewN Walsh

MCampbell ZPallprattJCoghlan CConnick. Kangaroo Flat:

ALothian TBalcke JBateson DStagg LEllingsERoberts

EAGLEHAWK 0.1 3.310.9 11.12 (78)

GOLDENSQUARE1.2 4.3 6.3 9.5 (59)

GOALS:Eaglehawk:SO’Shannessy 3JNeaves2DRichards

2B Ilsley 2B Thompson IO’Sullivan. Golden Square: JBurke

3J Rosengren2 TStrauch HBurke KDaniels ZTickell BEST:

Eaglehawk:JMullenPKumaBEvans BFrost MAngoveJ

O’Brien. Golden Square: JRosengrenJ ThrelfallJ CoeJ

Burke LHolt TStrauch

STRATHFIELDSAYE4.4 4.11 8.15 13.18 (96)

SOUTH BENDIGO 3.4 6.5 8.7 10.8 (68)

GOALS:Strathfieldsaye:ASheahan 3CJames 2JSchischka

2L

GOALS:Macedon:JBulluss3NHynes2SPhelan2FLightLKrstev

JMcDonald JReeves. Woodend-Hesket: RMiranda 4MAmbler2

EBeckettB MullenKHaddad BEST:Macedon:NHynes SPhelan

JBulluss LKrstev DTonkinBMcKinley Woodend-Hesket: R

MELTONCENTRALS 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (1)

GOALS:Romsey: NHoy 8ASmith 4A Tennant3M

Adamson 2TThorogood ALott JThorsen. BEST:Romsey:

LNewnham NHoy MHoy ATennantMAdamson HNotman.

RIDDELL -5.10 (40)

KYNETON- 5.5 (35)

GOALS:Riddell: JGardiner ZChahine CHagan NMills

REvans Kyneton: JPlowman JHarrisRHealy RDubens.

BEST: Riddell: JDoolan JWilliamson ACruickshank O

Powell BZarbBDonnelly Kyneton: NFisher ANeylonZ

Ryan KFitzgerald RDubens NTunzi.

MACEDON 3.3 3.4 5.6 8.11 (59)

ROMSEY 0.1 3.3 4.3 5.5 (35)

GOALS:Macedon: TWilson 2J Wills2 SEmery2KMcLaughlin

CPower Romsey: NJohnston 2C O’Brien2MMilburn. BEST:

Macedon:J Wills TWilson AHortonALynch SEmery CBrill

Romsey: DKenyonMMilburnNJohnston CBeer BLockensATraill

DIGGERS REST4.1 8.2 10.2 11.5 (71)

WALLAN 2.2 5.2 8.5 8.7 (55)

Under 19.5s

GISBORNE GIANTS4.1 7.4 9.7 11.10 (76)

LANCEFIELD 0.1 0.1 3.3 3.3 (21)

GOALS:Gisborne Giants: JClough 4MWalsh 2NLamplugh

2J Hester JEvans ABurnell Lancefield: COsmond 2S

Jowett BEST: Gisborne Giants: JHester LBiancoJClough T

Doyle AMcSwiggan. Lancefield: NWalker WCarlin HBehan

LMcTrustyC Osmond JBrooks

WALLAN 2.0 3.5 6.5 8.5 (53)

DIGGERSREST1.3 1.5 4.6 6.9 (45)

GOALS:Wallan: MRussell 4MDatson 2B TuiteCFowler

Diggers Rest: SCornish 3N Weber JSecombe JFasham.

BEST: Wallan: WRiceJ Yendall SLawrenceMCarroll JStudd

JDejong Diggers Rest: MMandic SCornish FTaranto J

Klooster DSchwarzenbergJ Fasham.

KYNETON- 8.8 (56)

RIDDELL -8.6 (54)

GOALS:Kyneton: DetailsN/A. Riddell: Details N/A. BEST:

Kyneton: DetailsN/A. Riddell: Details

GOALS.ROMSEY: MBrown. BEST:

Jones CKing RWilson LGill South Bendigo: W MarksMMcNaughtonBHaddowCBrooks ZSims TPoyser Reserves

EAGLEHAWK 1.3 2.7 4.8 5.10 (40)

GOLDEN SQUARE 0.1 1.2 1.4

GOALS:Eaglehawk:NMiles 2L Drummond MRonchieriC

Schepers Golden Square: TTurner DEdmiston DBaldwin

MMilne BEST:Eaglehawk:M RonchieriC Webb AHanley

CRoberts EHanley NEliades Golden Square: MBillings D

Edmiston WStewart RMcCrann-Peters SPellegrino NHayes

Seniors

DUNOLLY3.2 8.5 12.7 13.10 (88)

NEWSTEAD 3.2 5.3 7.6 10.8 (68)

GOALS:Newstead: MRunciman 5RSmith 2M Williams A

HunterNLivingstone BEST:Newstead: AMayesJPedretti

ARobins JGoulton NLivingstone MRunciman

LEXTON1.3 4.5 7.7 8.8 (56)

MALDON0.2 3.5 6.7 7.10 (52)

GOALS:Maldon: NPierce 2SGreene2 CBuchananB

Leonard-Shannon BOates BEST:Maldon: DWustMGrayH

Kelly CBuchanan JCollins BLeonard-Shannon

NAVARRE1.2 8.5 11.8 15.12 (102)

CAMPBELLS CREEK1.1 1.2 2.3 3.3 (21)

GOALS:Campbells Creek: HBarnes JAllisonRDzioba.

BEST: Campbells Creek: JBenbowHBarnes RDzioba D

Slingo MStevens JPollard

HARCOURT 0.0 2.4 4.6 6.8 (44)

CARISBROOK 0.3 1.54.5 4.11 (35)

GOALS:Harcourt:PGretgrixB VazR Thiesz MNoonan T Walters JRodda. BEST: Harcourt:CAnderson TWilson BVaz PGretgrixM NoonanJ Hogg

STRATHFIELDSAYE 2.1 4.49.6 14.10 (94)

(9)

SOUTH BENDIGO 0.0 0.1 1.2

GOALS:Strathfieldsaye:J Finch 5RFox 2J Beattie 2N

Johnston JFeatherby BElkington HTeasdale ECole. South

Bendigo: JLangley BEST:Strathfieldsaye:J Beattie RFox

JFinch DLowther EFeatherby MKeuken. South Bendigo: J

Langley KJohnston TStarrDMcMahon WPurcell WCornish

SANDHURST 4.4 7.6 12.9 16.11 (107)

KANGAROO FLAT 1.03.3 4.4 4.9 (33)

Goals: Sandhurst:T Hawke2JStewart 2W Butler 2I

Carracher BCurnowCO’Farrell JVlaeminck MWilkinson

TFarrellyH GIllingham JZimmer CRobinson MLeyden

Kangaroo Flat: TBrooks JWiegardMMcSwain LStagg

Best: Sandhurst:HGIllingham WButler WPinniger I Carracher JKeating THawke Kangaroo Flat: MMcSwain J

WieggardBJones JLeersen TCollins HMcSwain) Under 18s

SOUTHBENDIGO2.2 4.5 7.6 10.8 (68)

STRATHFIELDSAYE2.1 2.2 4.3 4.3 (27)

GOALS:South Bendigo:AGray3 BStroud 2APrice

EMcMahon TRojewskiO Patton THardingham.

Strathfieldsaye: WHarvey2 JMolloyB Currie BEST:South

Bendigo:AGray OTurnbull TRojewskiBFranceL Rutter M Thomas Strathfieldsaye: AStevens BCurrieW Bartlett J MolloyT Allan DLodewijks

GOLDEN SQUARE 6.3 9.8 11.12 15.15 (105)

EAGLEHAWK 0.01.1 1.1 2.1 (13)

GOALS:Golden Square:J Wilkinson 3L McKern 2H Wright

2L Ritchie2 XGrant 2AEatonSCooke-Kingston NRoberts

OEatonLRoss. Eaglehawk: LWest KMacDonald BEST: Golden Square:OEatonN Roberts HWrightL McKern J UptonLRoss. Eaglehawk: KBurrill-GrintonJ Coates-moore APithieDMarsh TTaylorRNaughton

SANDHURST 1.44.9 9.10 12.14(86)

KANGAROO FLAT 0.10.2

MCDFNLseasonintotop gear

The Maryborough Castlemaine Football Netball League season kicked into full gear last Saturday with the remainder of the round one fixture battled out across the region.

The matches followed the highly anticipated season opener between the new look Maryborough Giants and Talbot at Hedges Oval on April 6where the Hawks emerged victors by asolitary point.

On Saturday the 2023 premiers, the Harcourt Lions, hosted fellow grand final contenders Carisbrook at the den.

Earlier in the day Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards officially unveiled the new lights at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve and the Harcourt Seniors celebrated the occasion by playing their first game under lights.

It was ascrappy low-scoring affair where both teams battled for the ascendency

In the end Harcourt won by nine points maintaining their

unbeaten streak and recording their 28 consecutive win.

Final scores Harcourt 6.8 (44) to Carisbrook 4.11(35). TheMaldon Seniors also found themselves tested in another low-scoring battle at Lexton. Lexton 8.8 (56) to Maldon 7.10 (52).

Campbells Creek made the trek to Navarre and to their credit the visitors dug deep but the Grasshoppers had all the answers booting another three to win by 81 points.

Final scores Navarre 15.12 (102) to Campbells Creek 3.3 (21).

Newstead played host to Dunolly and both sides hit the ground running.

The Roos threw everything they had at the Eagles, however,Dunolly held on to win the match by 20 points. Dunolly 13.10 (88) to Newstead 10.8 (68).

In the final match of the round Natte Bealiba 26.13

Pride round celebrated

The Castlemaine Magpie Women'sand Under 18s teams played their first home matches in the AFL Central Viccompetition at Camp Reserve on Sunday

The Pride Round consisted of many highs and lows for the U18 Girls and Senior Women'ssides.

With 12 on the field, the U18 Girls had their work cut out for them against avery physical opponent in Woorinen and went down by three goals. Expectation preceded the Senior Women'smatch as Woorinen and Castlemaine met on field for the first time since the 2023 grand final. The Tigers brought their best but it were no match for the Magpies.

(169) had astrong win over Avoca 4.7 (31). Trentham had the bye.

Netball

On the netball court A-grade action saw the Maryborough Giants post an impressive 66-29 win over Talbot on April 6. Last Saturday Harcourt A-grade 30lost to Carisbrook 43, Newstead 41 had agood win over Dunolly 36, Navarre 52defeated Campbells Creek 34, Maldon 47 narrowly lost to Lexton 51, Avoca 54 triumphed over Natte Bealiba. Trentham had the bye.

This Weekend

In round two matches this Saturday Trentham host the new-look Maryborough Giants, Talbot welcome Avoca, Dunolly vNavarre, Natte Bealiba tackle Lexton, Maldon take on Carisbrookand Newstead host Harcourt. Campbells Creek has the bye.

Falcs off to aflyer

Well if last Friday night is anything to go by,the Mt Alexander Falcons are off to aflying start. They looked unstoppable against Romsey in their first RDFNL encounter as they ran it through the middle.

The forward line looked congested but the Falcs found the space and took the game on. Running hard and chasing down the ball again and again. Romsey fought hard and didn’t make it easy! But in the end the Falcons won by 59 points.

Easy victories

The opening round of Riddell League women’sfootball last weekend produced easy victories for Mount Alexander Falcons, Kyneton and Macedon.

Scores were: Mt Alexander Falcons 8.16 dRomsey 1.0; Macedon 9.7d WoodendHesket 1.1; Kyneton 9.8 dMelton 3.2.

Twoofthe second round matches are at 7.30pm this Friday,with Falcons playing Kyneton at Harcourt, and Melton at home to Romsey

The new Lancefield team will make its debut in the competition at Gilbert Gordon Oval at 4.45pm this Saturday,playing WoodendHesket.

Gisborne positive

Gisborne Football Netball Club makes its first on-field appearance in the Bendigo League for 2024 this Saturday

After having the bye last weekend, the Bulldogs head north to take on strong Sandhurst opposition at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Gisborne held its season launch function on Saturday evening at major sponsor Castello’sVictorian Tavern (sports bar).

There promises to be considerable interest in how Gisborne performs first-up on Saturday,inboth netball and football.

Other BFNL matchesonSaturday are: South Bendigo vGolden Square. Strathfieldsaye vEaglehawk. Maryborough vKangaroo Flat. Eaglehawk the bye.

Falcons Mary Teko and Alex Kelly were all smiles after the first up win.

The Magpie Women blew away their 2023 grand final opponents Woorinen on Sunday.

Photo: Max Lesser.

The Harcourt Seniors maintained their winning streak against adetermined Carisbrook last Saturday evening under lights. Photo: Max Lesser.

Harcourt netballer Rhian Sellwood leapsfor the ball as teammate Suzie Rinaldi moves in to support. Photo: Max Lesser

Howard and Nolan ends

Generations of Howard and Nolan family members have an extremely close affinity with Riddell and its sporting bodies.

Now these family names will forever have aplace in history,asthey have been officially designated for the goals at each end of the Riddell Recreation Reserve main oval.

Now forwards and other players will be able to say they scored goals at the ‘Howard end’ and/or the 'Nolan end', instead of the north or south end (also locally known as the ‘duck farm end’ and the ‘railway end’).

Proclamation of the names came in the social room at the half-time interval of the senior football match between Riddell and Kyneton on Saturday

Asummary of the extraordinary sporting contributions made to Riddell by the two families was spelt out.

The Howard family’sfirst direct involvement began more than100 years ago, and the prolific Nolan family input dates back about 85 years.

There were 12 Nolans who played football for Riddell; and alesser number of Howards –the most notable being premiership coaches Jack and his son Ron (also aBowen Medal recipient) and Ron Jnr

The current president is James (Jimmy) Nolan, and his wife Lauren is secretary –they have three children who expect to wear the Bombers’ colours for along period.

“Both families are very proud of having this honour bestowed,” stated Gerard ‘Collis’ Nolan in summing up proceedings.

In women’sfootball, defending premiers Kyneton took on amuch-improved Melton on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers unfurled their 2023 premiership flag in front of ahomecrowd then turned their attention to amatch played in ideal conditions.

After some significant preseason changes to the players’ list, round one was abit of an unknown quantity on how the team would perform.

Kyneton had anew midfield and forward line, with Teagan Ainslie back as captain.

Tigers’ newcomer Eligh Blume impressed in the midfield and defence on debut, complementing hard onballer Ainslie and seasoned ruck Belinda Hateley

The addition of Laura Roberts (ex-Macedon Cats) was a success with her ability to work well with established goalkicker Emma Williams. They kicked six goals collectively Melton players were generally strong and physically,but Kyneton had the answers and finished strongly to win by 42 points.

Scores: Kyneton 9.8 (62) d Melton 3.2 (20).

Goals –L.Roberts4,E Williams2,M.Maidment 2, S. Harrison 1.

Best: B. Hateley,T.Ainslie, E. Blume, Roberts, J. Savoia, M. Love.

The Tigers head to Harcourt this Friday evening to take on Mt Alexander Falcons for the inaugural Pride match under lights.

Kyneton captain Teagan Ainslie Photo: Sophie McLeod

Goals scarcefor Tigers

Bill West

Buoyed after beating Woodend-Hesket by 53 points on Good Friday, Kyneton senior footballers received areality jolt at Riddell on Saturday.

The Tigers were restricted to apaltry three goals by the Bombers in alow-scoring encounter, not outscoring the home side in any of the four quarters.

“We’re not playing our best football it seems it may be aseason where anyone can beat anyone,” Kyneton playing coach Ethan Foreman said after the match.

Foreman, who played for Riddell at one stage, will be trying to get his side back on track for the clash at the Showgrounds with unbeaten Romsey this Saturday.

Assistant coach Ryan Pretty also expressed concern the Tigers were not producing “their brand of football”.

Several other Riddell League clubs were awaiting the outcome of this match with considerable interest, in the light of varying opinions about how strong Kyneton may be in the RDFNL after crossing from the Bendigo League.

The winning margin was 29 points, with both sides squandering chances for goals on quite anumber of occasions.

Riddell coach Aaron 'Skip' Bray was pleased with his side’s workrate but suggested his players should not get carried away.

Bray said the side’s intent was alot better than the week before at Macedon, and structures had been much improved.

The Bombers have not played alot of football together,

and were without prime mover Dylan Tarczon and Bowen Medal winner Brent Swallow (hamstring injuries).

Kyneton was also not at full strength, and supporters will be hoping star Cameron Manuel returns in the not too distant future.

Avery large crowd turned out at the Riddell Recreation Reserve, and (again) some spectators grumbled about the scarcity of the RDFNL Record publication.

Scoring was scarce until Matt Pannuccio finally put Riddell on the board. The game became astalemate for much of the first half.

RUCKMAN INJURED

At times there were scuffles and pushing and shoving, and Kyneton received amajor setback in the second term when experienced ruckman Jayden Eales fell awkwardly at aball up in the second term.

Play was held up for several minutes until Eales was assisted from the ground. It was feared he may have a season-ending ACL injury.

Kyneton key defender Harrison repelled plenty of forward thrusts in abusy day at the office.

In the third quarter, all 36 players were in one half of the ground for periods of time.

Riddell held awinning lead at the final break, and did not relent. The 7.13 (55) to 3.8 (26) outcome was unexpected by many.

Kyneton’s key defender Harrison Huntley repelled plenty of Riddell forward thrusts in abusy day at the office.

Some onlookers felt Riddell could have easily won by more except for poor finishing.

Recruit Dylan Podolczak was named as the Bombers’

Riddell wins in thriller

Bill West

“I’m extremely happy,” was how Riddell A-grade netball coach Emily Ktona summed up her side’s 50-41 winning performance against Kyneton on Saturday.

The Bombers drew away in the last quarter after the visitors had been in contention at the last break.

With abig win against aweakened Macedon in the first round, and avictory over aKyneton combination that had edged out reigning premiers Woodend-Hesket the same day, Riddell clearly has its sights set on going one better than last season’s extra-time runner-up.

“We only had six of our regular lineup available today, and we can only get stronger, building on our good pr-season training as asquad,” Ktona said.

The versatility of the Riddell combination was apparent as Kyneton produced some good netball, but could not sustain the effort in the last term.

Darcy Sanders, Ellen Close and Shelby Holter gave Riddell scoring options, while the defence managed to restrict the Tigers’ quality goaler Claire Oakley to 24 goals.

Both sides had several players carrying injuries at the end of proceedings.

Romsey gained confidence with a27-goal victory at home to Melton Centrals, with Charlize Bellette being dominant with 46 goals.

FLAG UNVEILED

Woodend-Hesket’s history making 2023 A-grade premiership flag was unfurled at Gilbert Gordon Oval.

Last year’s mercurial playing coach Meg Grbac travelled from interstate for the occasion, and her presence lifted the Hawks.

The home side combined well and had Georginia Bowlett, Abby Gilmore (36 goals) and Ella Tennant in fine form

The Cats tried hard, but the Hawks controlled pay to secure aconfidence boosting 55-31 victory.

The closest match of the round was in C-grade, where Macedon edged out Woodend-Hesket by agoal.

Romsey’s Hope Hamilton and Maddison went on a scoring spree in the B-grade encounter against Melton Centrals.

SCORES

Details from Riddell League second round A-grade netball matches on Saturday were:

Riddell 51 (D. Saunders 21, E. Close 15, S. Holter 12) dKyneton 40 (C. Oakley 24, M. McGrath 11, B. Nitchske 5). Best players not stated.

Woodend-Hesket 55 (A. Gilmore 36, E. Tennant 19) dMacedon 31 (L. Hickmott 16, C. Williams 15). Best (W) –G.Bowkett, Tennant, Gilmore; (M )–T.Chamra, B. Green, C. Alifraco).

Romsey 58 (C. Bellette 46, E. Grech 12) dMelton Centrals 31 (T-H. Aumua, C. Eyre, N. Aumua). Best not stated.

Diggers Rest 51 (L. Hristorska 27, L. Creed 15, L. Cannon 9) lost to Wallan 61 (M. Donegan 45, A. Pearse 14). Best (DR) –HP, Hristorska, A. Harrison; (W) –G.Stevenson, M. Wallmayer, Donegan.

best, and Huntley, along with Alex Mahoney and Cody Young, were the top three for the Tigers.

In the first tribunal case for the season, Kyneton’s James O’Sullivan was suspended for two weeks on a striking charge arising from the match against WoodendHesket.

Earlier, Kyneton Under 19.5s scored amorale-boosting victory by two points after having been outclassed by Macedon on Good Friday; the Tiger Reserves finished well in alow-scoring affair to go down by five points.

PREMIERS DOWN

Thanks to adynamic third quarter, Wallan bounced back from an embarrassing opening round loss to dethrone 2023 premiers Diggers Rest by almost five goals. This sets up abig test for Riddell.

At the same time Romsey struggled at home to Melton Centrals, and trailed for much of the match until three goals straight in the last term secured an important four points.

Talented Darcy Lockens was amatch winner with four goals for the Redbacks.

Romsey coach Justin Sherman said the club is unsure of star forward Jack Jedwab’s VFL commitments and when he will be available to play, hence the Redbacks have to find other avenues to goal.

Macedon pleased coach Al Meldrum with avery consistent effort against Woodend-Hesket at Gilbert Gordon Oval.

In the second half the Cats confined the Hawks to just three scoring shots, and deserved to take home the Bill Tunn Shield.

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