Lisa Dennis
Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine are set to receive a major facelift thanks a $12 19 million boost from the Federal Government
See story page 4
Bendigo Federal MP Lisa Chesters, Mayor Rosie Annear, and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King are excited about plans for the Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane precinct
Angela Crawford
In ashock move, the Kyneton women'sfootball team has announced its departure from the Kyneton Football Netball Club and has formed an independent club of its own.
The players and coaches have formed an incorporated entity as the Kyneton Women'sSports Club Inc. operating as the Kyneton Women'sFootball Club.
Representatives of the players and coaches stated that the primary reasons for establishing their new club were to grow women’ssport in the region, advocate for greater gender equity,and foster asafe and inclusive environment for all members and participants to enjoy football in their local community
New club president Natalie Korinfsky said that as an independent club, they could build on their proud tradition of diversity,inclusivity and safety for all players, coaches and volunteers.
"Wehave retained our exceptional playing group, coaches and support staff, many of whom have been with the team for 10 years since the Kyneton women's football team first formed in 2015," Ms Korinfsky said. "It'swonderful to see our coaches, trainers and
most importantly players signed on to our new club for the 2025 season.
"Their commitment and determination to build aclub from the ground up has been incredible."
Ms Korinfsky said the club was working with local leagues across regional Victoria and Macedon Ranges Shire Council to ensure it had aground and league to play in for 2025.
"Wehave acommittee of eight people with plenty of experience and we're really excited to establish this new club in our community," she said.
"Together,welook forward to representing our community with pride, passion and unity."
Kyneton Women'sFootball Club invites new players, volunteers and sponsors to be part of the club in 2025. Head to www.kwfc.com.au to connect or sign up as asocial member to support the club directly
Kyneton won the inaugural Riddell League women's football premiership in 2022 in its first season in the league. Last season the Tigers lost to Macedon by one point in the grand final.
KFNC president Guy Nelson declined to comment but said the club still intended to field awomen'sfootball team of its own this season.
Morgan Reinwald
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has joined more than 30 per cent of Victorian councils and once more decided against hosting Australia Day celebrations in reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.
This action has been in place since August 2023 when the council voted 5-2 in favour of moving the annual Australia Day Awards and citizenship ceremony.Toacknowledge the community that celebrates January 26, the council allocated a$5000 budget for local groups to hold unofficial and not-for-profit gatherings.
As per their website, “Australia Day/January 26 is not aday of celebration for all, especially for First Nations Australians” who make up 0.6 per cent (298 people) of the Macedon Ranges’ total population.
Mayor Dominic Bonanno said in astatement to the Midland Express,“there is not ablanket rule for all councils” and the Macedon Ranges aimed for a“respectful approach”.
“Australia Day means different things to different people, and for me, it is aday Ican both reflect and celebrate our national day,” he said.
“Wealso support by endeavouring to attend or speak at these community-led events at the request of community groups –I’m grateful to have been given this opportunity at several events this year,after which Iwill be enjoying some lamb on the barbie with my family.”
Protesters critical of the holiday graffitied ‘Jan 26 is not a date to celebrate’ and ‘no pride in genocide’ on the walls of Woodend’sReturned and Services League building.
Branch president John McCausland said the club was not holding an official event and and their facility had been booked by the local rotary club.
‘’Weare anon-political organisation so we find politically motivated behaviours very disappointing and we have received support from the local community who are similarly disappointed at such behaviour,’’ he said.
The graffiti has since been removed and reported to the police.
CELEBRATION
Mount Alexander Shire Council has also opted for a progressive position and is set to hold an ‘Australia Day –Survival Day’ event.
Mayor Rosie Annear said the strategy created “a day of both celebration and recognition” and was created in conjunction with Dja Dja Wurrung elders in 2018.
“Council’sAustralia Day –Survival Day community event is unique, and one that respects our First Nations community’sright to mourn as well as their right to celebrate survival,” Ms Annear said.
Noting the “mixed feelings” in her shire, she hopes the event will unite both sides of the debate on Australia Day Their celebrations include aWelcome to Country,a citizenship ceremony,the presentation of local Australia Day Awards, and aSurvival Day concert.
Historically,Jan. 26 recognises the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 when British convicts entered an Australia solely inhibited by Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.
Those advocating for the holiday emphasise the importance of ashared history,while some declare the day one
of mourning for Indigenous people and believe the public holiday’sdate should be changed. For many others, the historical context holds no importance and they simply take the opportunity to spend time with friends and family around the barbecue.
The Midland Express travelled across the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires to ask community members their opinion.
Auryn, 25:
“I find it’s celebrating genocide because of the specific day that’s chosen I’m not against the idea of having a national day, but its the wrong day to do it because of the context ”
Police arrested aman after tracking astolen vehicle from Fitzroy to Kyneton just after 7am last Wednesday
The vehicle was spotted being driven erratically in the Kyneton area that morning.
Stop sticks were deployed and the driver fled from the vehicle on Edgecombe Road.
The car subsequently caught fire.
CFAbrigades from Kyneton, Carlsruhe and Malmsbury were
quickly on the scene, however the electric vehicle fire made the firefighters' job more difficult.
Firefighters were able to prevent the fire spreading into apaddock near homes.
The offender was located nearby and arrested. The 24-yearold Bundoora man has been charged with theft of motor car, unlicensed driving, fail to stop when directed by police and theft of mail and was expected to appear in court last Wednesday
TwoLancefield men have been arrested following astringofburglaries at various local sporting clubs in December
Six sporting clubs in Lancefield had been burgled, including the football netball club, the pony club and the rifle club, which reported amunition had been stolen.
Macedon Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with assistance from local police, executed asearch warrant at aproperty on Millers Lane on January 13.
TwoLancefield men, aged 58 and 34, were arrested at the scene.
Anumber of items suspected to be stolen property were located and seized from the property.The pair will be interviewed by detectives.
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Lisa Dennis
Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine are set to receive amajor facelift thanks a$12.19 million boost from the Federal Government.
The works aim to link two of the town'smajor shopping areas and connect them to a range of important community facilities.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Ballarat local, Catherine King, visited Castlemaine on Thursday afternoon to announce that Mount Alexander Shire Council had won the funding through the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
The redevelopment works will transform the public space with improvements to roads, pedestrian zones, public safety,the outdoor event space, underground infrastructure and streetscaping.
The project will provide connections between the Town Centre Precinct to the Railway Precinct and integrate local Djarra art into the streetscape.
Council will contribute $250,000 towards the project, which is anticipated will take two years to deliver
MASC will partner with community organisations, including DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), Castlemaine State Festival, Castlemaine Fringe, and the North Central Goldfields Regional Library Corporation on the project.
Ms King said Castlemaine is abeautiful city with some incredible built infrastructure.
"Being able to bring that infrastructure into the way in which we use our communities in the 21st century is agreat opportunity," Ms King said.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said there had been alot of discussion about what the streetscape and CBD should look like.
"I was not at all surprised when the shire put forward aproject seeking support to bring Castlemaine into the modern era. With this funding, avery special community space will be created," she said.
Mayor Rosie Annear said the area was becoming more and more important to the community as people were struggling.
"A lot of people who are doing it tough are relying on the library,oncouncil, on the Community House, all of which are co-located in this area," she said.
"I feel like it is unlocking apart of Castlemaine that really needs that love and deserves that attention. And Ican see that the benefits are going to be huge."
Council'sdirector of infrastructure and development Michael Annear said this was council'ssecond funding application for the project and they were thrilled to be successful this time around.
"The project is apriority in the Castlemaine Streetscape Plan and Design Standards, which was adopted by Mount Alexander Shire councillors in June 2020 following several rounds of community consultation. The design is complete and we are shovel ready," he said.
"Council will manage the project. We have begun talks with stakeholders such as Powercor and the Department of Transport as there will be alot of relocation of services, undergrounding of powerlines etc, and we will be ready to put the project out to tender
You’reinvited to celebrateand acknowledge Australia Day –Survival Dayata free community event.
Theday will include aWelcome to Country, citizenship and awardsceremony, aSurvival Dayconcert, and free catering.
TheSurvival Dayconcert features livemusic programmed by DjaDja WurrungElder Uncle Rick Nelson, who will also MC.
Theconcert begins at 11.30am, and will include performances by Uncle Kutcha Edwardsand Friends, CultureEvolves, MambanegraDrumming, and more.
When: Sunday26January,10.00am to 2.00pm
Where: Victory Park, Castlemaine
Catering: Castlemaine Rotary barbecue,Konjo Mama, Lucha LibreCantina andIcecream Republic.
Cost: Free
Moreinfoatmountalexander.vic.gov.au/ AustraliaDaySurvivalDay.
Working together forahealthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700
shortly.Wehope to see some local contractors show interest in the project.
"The works will see the roads and footpaths completely removed and replaced with one continuous road surface with footpaths at the same level. It will allow smooth unfettered shared access to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and will provide improved accessibility for those with disability," he said.
It is anticipated the roads will have a10km/h speed limit.
Mr Annear said granite removed from the existing drains as part of the works would be incorporated into agranite inlay detail to honour the heritage of the area, and any excess stone will beutilisedinparks and gardens across the shire.
Apermanent community seating area and outdoor stage will be constructed at the side rear of the Castlemaine Town Hallatthe intersection of Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane. Structured as alandscape with terraced decks, this ‘stage' will support active public life within this key civic precinct to cater for various events.
"The existing disabled carpark on that site will be relocated closer tothe side entrance of the venue,"hesaid.
Council also aims tocontinue to utilise the current portable stage and space in Mechanics Lane subject tonegotiation with site owners Telstra.
Council will eventually look to install azebra crossing at the intersection of Frederick and Lyttleton Streets to provide connection from Mechanics Lane right through to Mostyn Street.
Chewton Film Society’s2025 program is set to kick offonFebruary 6with the screening of 2012 film Blancanieves –a twist on the Snow White fairytale that is set in 1920s Seville and centred on afemale bullfighter
This year the Chewton Film Society has invited some local film aficionados –Bev Orgill, Phil Orgill and Chris Hooper –tosuggest films for them.
These suggestions were then curated by Beverley Bloxham to arrive at the program for season nine in 2025.
There is ahappy mix ofold and new films, foreign and home grown, fantasy and truth, drama, romance and comedy
They portray strong women, loving men, resourceful children, good parents, fathers
and sons, atailor,anapple, abullfighter, an aeroplane, acaftan, abicycle, seven dwarves and adisembodied brain (but not all in the one film!)
Screenings take place on the first Thursday of the month atthe Chewton Senior Citizens Centre in Main Road, Chewton. Doors open at6.30pm for a7pm start(except for the winter months of June, July and August when they screen on the first Sunday of the month. Doors openat 2.30pm for 3pm). Members are encouraged to socialise and discuss the movie over alight supper after the screening.
To discover more about the society, membership prices and learn more about the 2025 program, visit chewtonfilmsociety org.au
Springs Medical in Daylesford and Kyneton has united with medical partners across the globe for aworld-first study that adopts artificial intelligence to detect heart failure.
The clinic is funded via its share of a$2million grant provided by the Medical Research Fund of Australia to trial portable AI-guided devices developed from U.S. and Singaporean-based companies over the next four years and screen patients to detect the condition in its early stages.
Professor Simon Stewart from the University of Notre Dame in Western Australia, is leading the project titled, Practice Nurses to Augment the Clinical Evaluation and Care of people at high-risk of Heart Failure (PANACEA-HF).
"It (heart failure) is the number one cause of hospitalisation for people aged over 65," he said.
"It exerts amassive burden on the health system and a late prognosis is worse than many forms of cancer
"More than half amillion Australians are walking around with afailing heart and the first time they know it, typically,is when they are hospitalised."
Heart failure is when the heart does not beat or function normally.Current systems in placetodetect it require expensive equipment and specialised doctors not available in general practices across the country.According to Professor Stewart, this is the reason for late and unpreventable diagnosis and requires urgent attention to support Australia's increasing life expectancy
"Weare at historical highs
in terms of people living with high blood pressure, poor diets and excess weight," he said.
"You could be living and walking around, not realising you have aheart problem."
The project'saim is to make early diagnoses of heart failure aregularity by simplifying the process with AI technology and readily available tools such as iPads. This has enabled nurses to lead the operation and home visits viable. If successful, Professor Stewart and his team will present their findings to the federal government with hopes to have the process funded in
every medical practice across the country
Dr James Smith, one of the clinic'sdirectors and the project'slocal principal investigator,admitted that the primary care nurses like Simone Barry, Jenny Elliot, and Kym Evans –who travelled to Canberra to present this project at Parliament House –were the true pioneers of the project.
"These guys are the real heroes of the story.They are doing all the work and hopefully it will become anurse-led project nationally," Dr Smith said.
The Australian Primary
Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged aman with murder following an assault in Golden Square on January 2.
Emergency services were initially called about 10am to ahotel on High Street.
Health Care Nurses Association has also partnered with the study and ready to upscale the training of nurses countrywide if the results are positive. The project is looking for at least 400 patients over 60 years old with one risk for heart failure and not yet received adiagnosis. This includes those with high blood pressure, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, or any other significant heart disease.
People wanting to participate in the study can contact Springs Medical in Daylesford or Kyneton on 5348 2227.
Police are investigating aspate of graffiti incidents in Kyneton on December 25, 2024, around 9.45pm.
Investigators have released animage of a man who may be able to assist with enquiries.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kyneton Police Station on 5421 2900, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Youcan also submit aconfidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following two separate fires in bushland east of Bendigo on Boxing Day in December last year
Emergency services were called to two separate bush fires near Munroe Road in Mandurang just before 7.30am on December 26.
Emergency services were also called to afire later that evening about 5.45pm in the Wellsford Forest, east of Bendigo. No one was injured and the fires were quickly extinguished.
The fires are being treated as suspicious and investigators believe the fires were deliberately lit.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report online at www crimestoppersvic.com.au
A34-year-old man of no fixed place of address was found and treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital. He died in hospital on Wednesday January 15. A33-year-old Swan Hill man was arrested in the Bendigo CBD shortly after the incident. He was initially charged with intentionally causing serious injury
Detectives have reviewed the charge and the man has now also been charged with murder
He remains in custody on remand, to appear at Bendigo Magistrates Court on April 2.
Cr Janet Pearce from Macedon Ranges Shire has recently been appointed vicepresident of the Victorian Local Government Association. VLGA CEO and returning officer Kathryn Arndt congratulated Cr Pearce on her appointment.
"I look forward to working with her as the VLGA continues its journey in inspiring and supporting councillors in good governance and empowering them to be high-calibre leaders and ethical decision makers," Ms Arndt said.
Cr Pearce, who has commenced her third term as acouncillor at Macedon Ranges, will replace Cr Grace La Vella who was promoted to VLGA president in November following the council elections.
"I am honoured to be elected asvicepresident of the Victorian Local Governance Association Board," Cr Pearce said.
"The VLGA has aproven track record of collectively supporting councils and councillors to perform at the highest level, so that they are best place to deliver consistent and enduring outcomes for their communities.
"I am excited to play aninstrumental role in that journey."
Cr Pearce said she looked forward to working with the VLGA team and her fellow board members in progressing the organisation’skey strategic objectives and supporting the local government sector in good governance.
Aman waskilled when atruck cabin collapsed on him at aproperty in Gisborne last Tuesday
It’sunderstood the 66-year-old man was working on atruck at aprivate property on Emmeline Drive when the cabin collapsed onto him about 6.45pm.
The death is not being treated as suspicious. Police will prepare areport for the coroner
TheKyneton Lions Club invites you to celebrate afreeAustralia Day breakfast at the Kyneton Mechanics Reserve on Sunday,January 26 between 8am and 10am. Go along and enjoy abacon and eggs breakfast and other refreshments. Paralympian Patrick French will be guest speaker at the event and music will be provided by The Floyd Black Band.
Take along broken household items and appliances for the volunteer fixers to attempt to repair at the first Castlemaine and surrounds Repair Cafe for 2025 on Sunday
Get help with sewing repairs or use the spare machine to do your own repairs. You could also learn to use asewing machine. Learn basic bicycle maintenance. Get Apple Mac advice or mobile info re. deleting ID or maybe advice on settings. Take along blunt knives and tools for sharpening.
Please consider the repairers and make the process easier by ensuring all items for repair are cleaned before bringing them to the Repair Cafe.
The Cafe will be held from 10am to 1pm on Sunday January 26 at the Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street. Enter via the car park and garden at the rear of the building leading to the back door
It’sfirst in, first served, so be prepared to wait, have abook or weekend paper handy but there’salso reading material on the waiting table. If the Cafe is very busy the last item accepted may be at 12.15pm. A gold coin donation is appreciated. Enquiries to Chris on 5470 5508 and leave name and number clearly if leaving amessage.
The GPspracticing at ourclinic arehighly trained and supported by ateam of friendly receptionistsand experienced nurses.
GP servicesinclude:
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OPENINGHOURS
Mon –Thu: 8:00am –7:00pm Fri: 8:00am–6:00pm
Macedon Ranges Council has released results from an audit on kerbside bins to determine how accurately households across the shire are disposing their waste.
Four tonnes of rubbish from 375 randomly selected houses tested contamination levels in their recycling, organic and general waste bins.
Findings from the report published on January 9tothe council’swebsite confirmed 31.5 per cent of the volume from general waste bins were polluted with wrong items, mainly recyclable goods and organic waste. Comparatively,13.8 per cent of recycling bins were contaminated with mostly landfill items, while four per cent of the mixed organic bins were contaminated primarily bynon-compostable packaging.
The audit concluded, “Macedon Ranges residents perform well in using green and yellow-lidded bins, but have room for improvement in sorting waste for red-lidded [general waste] bins”.
Mayor Don Bonanno said current success was due to the implementation of the four-bin system as community efforts had helped over 70,000 tonnes of waste be diverted from landfill thus far
“The war on waste is an ongoing, col-
laborative effort, and while the audit shows there is still room for improvement, Iam extremely proudofthe efforts ofcouncil and residentsoverthe past five years in particular,which has already made ahuge impact,” Bonanno said.
As part of the Macedon Ranges 20212026 Wasteand Resource Recovery Management Strategy plan, the audit was conducted in an effort “to show upward and downward trends in behaviour change” so that council goals to reduce bin contamination could be “measured and reviewed”. According to this document, the indicative cost for the audit to be completed was $20,000-$30,000.
The strategy plan also reviewed the council’sown ethical behaviours and noted it was selling single-use plastics such as water bottles and coffee cups in the Kyneton Town Hall, aquatic and fitness centres.
In its recommendations, it stated, “council could remove these problematic items and lead by example”, which it has since done with the Single-use Plastic Policy adopted in May 2023, prohibiting the procurement, use, distribution or sale of single-use plastic items in all councilowned buildings.
Bill West
As afollow-up to the recent Lancefield Gift held for the first time in about 60 years, asilver trophy presented to the 1964 winner has now been donated so it adds to local history
The winner,Gerald Walsh, and his wife Gael, were thrilled to attend the 2024 Lancefield Gift on November 16, and meet organisers and competing athletes.
Walsh, running in only his second professional sprint in 1964, won very easily at Lancefield and had to wait aweek for his prize money until his credentials were checked.
Avirtual unknown, he had switched to professional running after being injured when he was avery fast footballer
Soon after their visit to Lancefield in November,the Walsh duo had abig clean-out at their long established suburban home and they found the boxed silver tray Gerald had been presented with all those years ago.
The inscription reads:
L. A. C.
REUNION
LANCEFIELD GIFT
Donated by K. &W.Chisholm
1964
The Walsh duo decided it would only be fitting if the people of Lancefield had the trophy,and the local organising committee affiliated with the Lancefield Football Netball Club was pleased to accept the offer Lancefield and Romsey Community Bank, chief naming sponsor of the 2024 Gift meeting, was also delighted to learn the 1964 trophy was "coming home".
The Chisholm Family has along affiliation with Lancefield.
In 1946, Bill Chisholm purchased Cameron'sGeneral Store in High Street when owner Hugh Cameron retired after operating the business since 1891.
Mr Chisholm and his sister Kathleen expanded the business, and they were very community-orientated.
In 1976, the business was sold, and became aselfservice store.
It operates under the IGA banner today
Glue traps capable of trapping an animal cannot be sold or used in Victoria. Use of these traps is unacceptable as they cause significant pain and suffering to any animal caught. They are banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. If you find them for sale in Victoria, you can report them to the Conservation Regulator on 136 186 or RSPCA on 03 9224 2222 or you can report it to crimestoppersvic.com. au on 1800 333 000.
Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged aMount Macedon woman with drug trafficking following an investigation into adeath during aretreat in Clunes last year
During the investigation, police will allege they found evidence a53-year-old woman involved in the retreat was trafficking drugs.
The Mount Macedon woman was charged on summons on January 13 with trafficking adrug of dependence (psilocin).
She will appear before Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court on January 29.
The investigation was launched following the death of a53-year-old Ringwood woman at aretreat on April 14, 2024.
An autopsy was conducted however her cause of death was unable to be determined and no charges have been laid in relation to the death.
Police are continuing to prepare a report for the coroner
Murray-Darling carpet pythons are an endangered snake species that live in Northern Victoria. Slow-moving, nocturnal and non-venomous, they are one of Victoria’stwo python species.
Mostly silver with solid black blotches and stripes, the colour of their scales can vary alot.
There’sonly about 160 of them left in the wild in Victoria so you aren’t likely to see one, but you can still help to protect them.
If you hear of anyone attempting to take snakes (or any other wildlife) from the wild, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Poodle Groomer,aka Arrowelle Black, hosted alocal Poodle Community Dinner at the Five Flags Hotel at Campbells Creek on January 11
Arrow said the Five Flags beer garden was bursting at the seams with proud poodle owners and their magnificent pooches for the local networking event.
The Yapeen-based groomer said it was awonderful opportunity for poodle owners from across the region and beyond to gather, share tips and advice, and for the dogs to enjoy some socialisation.
"Thanks to the team at the Five Flags for their wonderful hospitality and to our fellow patrons for their patience and understanding with our furry friends. They certainly had afew admirers!" Arrow said.
Arrow has asmall business that specialises in poodle grooming and in particularly teaching poodle owners the skills to groom their own pets.
"I have worked as agroomer for 30 years and worked in some really big and bustling city pet salons in the past. But since making the move to regional Victoria my focus has really shifted," she said.
"I have have enjoyed working on individual dogs in my peaceful salon on my rural property at Yapeen, and have also been travelling the country running training workshops to teach poodle owners to groom their own dogs.
"I've completed two Australian tours now,passing on my skills to fellow poodle lovers across the country
"I am apoodle tragic. But they are certainly aunique breed that come with complex grooming regime and arange of complex health issues including eye issues and ear infections through to problems with grass seeds in their toes. Regular grooming is key to keeping many of these potential health issues at bay
"What Ihave found is the dogs prefer to begroomed in the tranquil surrounds of my home saloon or at home by their person, the person they trust the most. It'sless stressful for the animal and the owner.Itjust makes sense."
Arrow said as aresult of the sheer amount of upkeep required and, in more recent times, cost-of-living pressures, many dogs were being surrendered as their owners couldn't cope.
She works with the wonderful team at Chally Animal Rescue, fostering poodle rescues and grooming, training and nurturing them until they are ready to move on to their 'forever'homes.
"I am currently working with acouple of poodles that have come to me all the way from Western Australia!" Arrow said.
"Leesa of Chally Animal Rescue is my mentor.She is simply amazing and has been so encouraging and supportive. Whatever
the dogs need they get, whether its surgery or treatments. Chally take care ofitall and work hard to find suitable loving homes for these beautiful creatures.
"It is alot of work and it'salways hard to say farewell when it's time for them to moveon, but it'sjust so rewarding."
To learn more about Arrow and her work visit thepoodlegroomer.com.au or check out the The Poodle Groomer Facebook page.
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Registering with MyMedicare will initially provide the most benefit if youare an older Australian, if youneed mental healthcare from your GP,orifyou have chronic and complex healthconditions. Thereisnocharge to register for MyMedicare. Formoreinformation, visit https://www health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare
Call us today: Kyneton
The Kyneton Men’sShed is opening on Thursday nights to provide men who work during daytime hours with an opportunity to visit and learn what the Shed does and to look at its comprehensive range of equipment and facilities.
It will also give existing members afurther opportunity to work on projects and to socialise among their peers.
Co-ordinator of the new evening hours, well-known local identity Peter Stone, said the Thursday evenings would operate from 7pm to 9pm.
“I encourage men of all ages to take this excellent opportunity to find out what members do and what makes our Shed tick,’ he said.
“There will be tea, coffee and light refreshments, and guided tours of the Shed’svarious action areas. These range from woodwork and metal and welding areas through to our new laser printer,the library,computer and meeting room.
“Wehave free internet and a large flat screen television –sofor this week only,visitors can watch the Australian Tennis Open.”
The Kyneton Men’sShed is located at 2Riverwalk Boulevard, Kyneton, and is opposite Bupa Care.
Enquiries to Peter Stone 0428 590 343. The Shed is open Wednesday-Friday,10am-3pm; and Thursday 7pm-9pm.
Families andindividuals young and old are invited to amorning of activities in Romsey this week.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health will be opening the doors to its Romsey site on Thursday to those interested in finding out more about the services that are available.
There will be children’sactivities and free refreshments, and staffwill be on hand to talk about the wide range child and adult health and community services that are being delivered from the recently re-opened site, which is located next to Romsey Ecotherapy Park.
The building was first opened as acommunity health facility in 2018 following aredevelopment of the 150-year-old former school building but had to close during the pandemic. The renovations were funded by the federal government, the state Department of
Health and Human Services, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Cobaw Community Health.
The building will be open every Wednesday and Thursday offering services such as counselling, podiatry,dietetics, physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy.The not-for-profit organisation, which has been apart of the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges communities for over 40 years, is NDIS registered and is a Home Care Package provider
“Welook forward to welcoming back the local communitytothis historic and beautiful building allowing people the opportunity to receive high-quality services without having to travel,” CEO David Wild said.
The event takes placethis Thursday January 23, 10am to 12pm at 142 Main Street, Romsey
Kyneton Libraryisrunning afree and specialised program forseniors wanting assistance with their technological devices. These sessions provide a one-on-one experience to help those wanting in-depth guidance to upskill their digital abilities.
No bookings are required and participants can use the library’sdevices or bring their own.
The sessions run eachWednesday forthe remainder of the month, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Over the Moon Studio is ayoga and dance learning space in the heart of Castlemaine. It offers an integrated approach to dance education, where yoga and dance intersect, where the music informs movement and elicits artistry,and all within asupportive community!
Over the Moon’stalented and creative teachers share aculture of care with a focus on nurturing wellbeing. Students benefit from highly experienced educators in various disciplines, including creative dance (structured improvisation), classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, physical theatre, music and yoga. Indeed, former Over the Moon students who have pursued advanced dance studies have usually excelled in choreography,demonstrating the strong culture of improvised, creative dance from early childhood to adulthood.
Dance is nourishing at every age; in early childhood classes are explorative, play-based, and filled with imagination. The early childhood program is an Over the Moon speciality,which has been developed over the course of 34 years, inspired by founder Edna Reinhardt’straining at Mangala studios in Melbourne. These classes for toddlers and their accompanying adult promote strong bonding between adult and child through improvisation to music, partner yoga and visual design with materials. Together,adult and child feel calm, playful and free to express themselves through movement. As children grow,technique and discipline are developed. Teens and young people maintain their connection to their inherent creativity and personal expression.
Dance builds physical strength, flexibility and stamina. But perhaps most importantly,dance provides asocial and emotional outlet that doesn’t require words. Dance can be an antidote, aremedy,a balm. Dance invites us into our embodied experience and demands ‘listening’ with one’swhole self.
Over the Moon boasts athriving leadership program for the older dancers, who provide support and guidance to the younger dancers while practicing skills like leadership, communication, peer support and dance teaching skills. Indeed, the studio places afocus on nurturing intergenerational connections, between older and younger dancers, between teaching faculty and students, as well as between dancing families, the community at large and agrowing host of local musicians at its annual end of year picnic and dance! Enrolments for Term 1are nowopen for students from age one to adults. Visit the website at www.overthemoonstudio.com or email enquiries@overthemoonstudio.com with any questions.
Welcome to Bodyfit by Holly May pilates and yoga studio, where movement meets community!
Offering avariety of classes to suit every body and every level, they’re proud to provide reformer and mat pilates, yoga, small group and private sessions. Whether you’re acomplete beginner,more advanced, pre/ post-natal, or asenior looking to move with confidence, their highly trained instructors are there to support and guide you every step of the way.With alarge, flexible timetable featuring more than 60 classes a week running seven days, there’ssomething for everyone. From reformer pilates sessions to restorative yoga practices, their classes are designed to strengthen your body,improve mobility,and bring balance to your mind and spirit.
“Wepride ourselves on creating awarm, welcoming environment where everyone feels at home,” Holly says.
“Our community is inclusive and encouraging, making it the perfect space to focus on your health, explore new movements, and connect with like-minded people.
“Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, recover from an injury,orsimply unwind, our studio offers the perfect place to prioritise your wellbeing.
“Join us today and experience how pi-
lates and yoga can transform not only your body but your overall sense of wellness.”
Book your first class with Bodyfit and discover what makes this studio so special.
Torben Louwen-Skovdam’sInvictus journey started with asimple conversation with an old mate and colleague.
Little did he know that he would eventually muster up the courage to submit an Expression of Interest for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 –giving his life much-needed purpose.
The 40-year-old joined the Australian Army in 2008 after completing an Aquaculture degree at the University of Tasmania, where, coincidentally,healso met his wife, Renee. Growing up in Lancefield, Torben and his two older brothers enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle, exploring the bush and enthusiastically participating in Cubs, Scouts and Army Cadets, so his decision to enlist was perhaps not that surprising.
Adistinguished 16-year career punctuated with rewarding postings, operational assignments and overseas deployments followed. However,a mental health breakdown in 2022 –precipitated by undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder –led to increasingly intense anxiety attacks, increased alcohol intake, episodes of depression and suicidal ideation, and his subsequent medical discharge in July 2024.
“I grew up playing team sports –cricket, AFL, basketball –and Icontinued to play cricket and AFL throughout most of my military career,” said the father of James (15), Luke (14), Sophie (13) and Emily (12).
“After my deployment to Sudan, Ifound myself withdrawing from my AFL club in Darwin. I’d rock up, play the game and then I'd be straight out of there.
“I just wanted to be by myself and in my own head, so, Itook up distance running,” he said.
Committing to the Singapore Marathon in December 2018 meant he had an excuse not to return for the next footy season. That social avoidance continued for anumber of years.
“I’d convinced myself that it was a really great thing to have that (running) release for my mental health but, in the background, alot of things were building up and up and up …and then things just imploded,” said Torben.
“I reached out for some initial help through Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counselling) and, Iguess, that’swhere my recovery journey began.
“Learning that Invictus is about helping people with their recovery journey through sport was extremely appealing and the more Iread stories of previous participants and the value they got from the experience, the more Irealised how much Ireally,really wanted to do this.”
With no marathons or running activities of any kind on the Canadian Invictus program, Torben’sfocus is on wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, swimming and biathlon.
Of all the sports, the chair basketball was immediate. tonishment, afew months up to aTownsville SunCity introduced himself and and ascratchmatch.
Torben clearly understands yet over,but acknowledges tralia is helping his transition contributing to his rehabilitation.
“I needed the short physical rehabilitation, adjust to life outside Defence,”
“What I’m particularly experience so far is being grew up with. It'sreally with people again; feeling something bigger
“What Ican’twait for home and we’re just sitting reflecting together on terms ofmyrecovery,b moved forward, reconnecting another again.
“My family has played recovery.Without them, now,”he said
The Invictus Games Whistler,aninternational sport competition for form serving military personnel been wounded, injured during their military service, held from February 8-16,
We have welcomed Dr Lakmali to our team at Kyneton Medical Centre. She has proventobea greatassetatour practice.
Dr Lakmali enjoys the continuityofcarewith patients, that matchesour practicephilosophy, which we arevery proud of Dr Lakmali has abroad experienceinhealth within Australia, having worked herefor morethan ten years. She welcomesall patientswith her gentle and warm approach prioritising patientscareand concerns
Dr Lakmali is avery good listener and is non-judgemental. She has aspecial interest in Chronic Disease Management, Women's Health and Paediatrics. Dr Lakmali is hopefully looking to stay around our area to provide long-term care to our community.
Dr Lakmali enjoys spending time with her husband and their young daughter and lovesreading and travelling.
Medical Centre offers patientcentred carefor your family Kyneton Medical Centre, experienced medical care forthe whole family
We areopen MondaytoFriday8am-6pm and Saturday mornings9am-12pm Appointmentscan be made anytime via our website kynetonmedical.com.au
This Australia Day weekend you have the opportunity to stock up on great locally produced foods and in doing so, invest in the central Victorian farming and food-producing families who have been supplying quality foods to the Macedon Ranges and beyond for the past 21 years.
Visits to the market commence at 9am with plenty of time to get in and out to return to your long weekend activities.
Some of the highlights this Saturday include;
•Market debut –Save our Soils –Mark Rathbone –biodynamic produce from Kyabram –Watermelon, rockmelon, honeydew melons and seasonal vegetables.
•Returning –Wildwood Organics –Ben Dunn –organic produce from Clarkefield –fresh root vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, squash and leafy greens.
•Returning –Spring Creek Organics –David Tatman –organic produce from Navigators (Ballarat region) –rootvegetables, summer veg and potted herbs.
•Market debut –Red Poppy Estate –Paola and Andrew Crofts –award-winning biodynamic natural ferment wines and regeneratively produced eggs from Romsey
The market is host each month to 85 local and regional producers. Market organisers say this is the most diverse range of local produce you will find eachmonth in the Macedon Ranges and encourage new patrons to come and see for themselves!
Live music from Jarrod Shaw and The Sunsets across two entertainment and lunching areas offering refreshments and seating for shoppers to the market.
Free face-paint from Pass The Parcel Entertainment. Community barbecue this month supporting the Rotary Club of Lancefield-Romsey
Volunteers needed for the MRSG Wash Against Waste –removing plates, cutlery and food from landfill. Call Christiana to get involved –0428 542 550.
The Lancefield and District Farmers Market operates on the lands of the Wurrundjeri people. The market operates in respect and acknowledgement that sovereignty was never ceded.
This market is an initiative of the Lancefield Neighbourhood House Inc.
If you are looking for afun way to enjoy the long weekend, Castlemaine Artists Market is happening Sunday January 26! Meander through the stalls showcasing quality hand-crafted items and have achat with the makers themselves.
Delicious food and drink will be available
with live music by Ced Le Meledo on the grass, demonstrations in the creative arts, face painting for the kids plus more. Find the perfect gift for someone special whether you are local orvisitingthe area. The market will run from 10am-2pm at Western Reserve.
Lisa Dennis
Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre at Chewton has been ahive of activity over the school holiday period with visitors enjoying an up close and personal experience with wildlife at the centre.
Centre founder Tehree Gordon said they had been working hard behind the scenes for anumber of years now to redevelop the facility,lovingly care for the existing dingo population, and integrate the wildlife from their former Barwon Heads facility on one site at Chewton.
"It'sbeen an incredible amount of hard work by our small team of dedicated staff and volunteers but it'swonderful to be able to now share the space and our wildlife with the wider community and visitors to this beautiful region," Tehree said.
Tehree established the not-for-profit sanctuary at Barwon Heads 50 years ago to care for injured roos, and it later became home to many species and varieties of Australian native animals.
Tehree and husband Hamish tendered for and were successful in acquiring the 15-acre Chewton property,formerly known as the Australian Dingo Farm in 2005.
There were 295 adult dingoes and more than 200 pups on death row,facing euthanasia, when they took over the facility
True to their commitment to preserve the purity of the dingoes, they quickly implemented ade-sexing program of the many hybrid dingoes and have spent a considerable amount of time and energy since securing the facility,managing the health and wellbeing of the local dingo population and re-vegetating and enhancing the property
The new-look Jirrahlinga is fast becoming ashowplace that will ensure the conservation of Australia'snative dog.
Tehree said dingoes were largely misunderstood.
"They are not like anormal dog, they require special training and care," she said.
"For example, we had one youngdingo Ralph surrendered to us. His family had moved from New South Wales to Victoria. In NSW dingoes can be purchased like domestic pets, but in Victoria you require a licence and aproper enclosure.
"It was heartbreaking. The single mum
to five kids simply could not meet the conditions required, and was advised that even if they did strive to meet all the conditions there was still no guarantee they would win approval to keep Ralph. So they made the tough decision to surrender the pup to us, rather than have him euthanised.
"The good news is he has found a happy home and apartner here and his family can visit him any timethey like," she said.
The care of the dingo population at Jirrahlinga is supported by adedicated group of volunteer dingo walkers.
Dingo walker Andy Dunne said he had been supporting the program at Jirrahlinga for about 10 months and had found it an extremely rewarding experience. In fact, he is now training other volunteers to work with the unique native animals.
"It'snot only beneficial for the fitness and socialisation of the dingoes but also for the walkers –both physically and mentally," Andy said.
"One of my favourites is Buddy.Helost his mate some time ago. They mate for life and he is still mourning her loss. When we enjoy our walks Ineed to be wary not to pass their former enclosure. They are such intelligent creatures."
In addition to the local dingo population, Jirralinga is also home to arange of other native wildlife including koalas, wombats, roos, reptiles and birds, cared for by a dedicated team of experienced rangers passionate about passing on their knowledge to the next generation.
"It'svital that this knowledge is passed down to the younger generation. We have already lost so much of our precious Australian native wildlife and we need the next generation to step up and learn what's required to secure its future," Tehree said.
The conservation and wildlife centre is open to the public Monday-Sunday 10am to 4pm (closed Wednesdays). The ticket price includes close encounters with various furry,cuddly and scaly residents at the sanctuary.Visit www.jirrahlinga.com.au for more information on opening times, tickets. Or grab your ticket on arrival at the Billabong Cafe. You'll find the wildlife centre in Eureka Street, Chewton.
Just follow the paw prints from the Pyrenees Highway
Castlemaine-based journalist, writer and community musician Valerie Colyer has released anew book Tales That Talk to You Tales That Talk To You explores theme of identity, social justice, feminism, ageism, crime and political trends with down-toearth humour.
Aspecial launch event to celebrate the new work will be held at the Albion Art Bar in Wesley Hill this Friday January 24.
The launch will include aperformance by the Bob Wills Poor Relations Band with whom Colyer regularly moonlights on piano accordion.
Colyer worked as ajournalistacross various metro publications including The Age,and released her first book anon-fiction Hysterectomy-Whose Choice? through Random House in 1990. She has also worked as acommunity radio broadcaster and Tafe teacher.
Colyer founded the 'Reds Under The Bed Activist Cabaret' troupe in 2005 with some feisty gals passionate about music, writing and politics who shared agreat sense of the ridiculous.
These talented women created infectious original songs, satirical cabaret, musicals and black comedy sketches that were performed widely in Fringe Festival shows across Victoria and Melbourne.
Their close friendship and community involvement extended until 2020 when Colyer made the treechange to Castlemaine.
Ashort time later one of Colyer's beloved Reds friends died and this was the impetus for her to write this book to encapsulate their works, their friendship and a unique snapshot in time.
"The work draws on the wonderful solidarity 'The Reds' achieved together and shows what's possible when creative subversives unite," Colyer said.
The book also includes some of her original works and has aoverriding story featuring quirky characters from the MacIntossed Women's Prison and the O'Connor family, which weaves the songs and poems together into an entertaining 'hybrid' book of tales where society's sacred cows are challenged using absurdity and insight.
"We were standing up for issues we were passionate about, but we never took ourselves too seriously. There was always abit of fun thrown in," Colyer said.
"It was awonderful collaboration of likeminded spirits.
"For example you've got 'Donna, where's your trousers?' inspired by the old Scottish song 'Douglas, where's your trousers' in which Donna O'Connor undertakes anaked protest at the MacIntossed Women's Prison to take astand against strip searches.
"And trainee nurse Muriel Flickett, who is mistakenly jailed for fraud and decides to get revenge by devising ascheme to defraud 'Censurelink' by creating ahostof aliases."
The cover has been designed by Colyer's talented son Tom Farfalla and also features some of her quirky illustrations, which are also sprinkled throughout the pages.
"The book is self-published thanks to the support of Legion Office Works in Castlemaine and Ihope it brings asmile to people's faces," she said.
Friend and local reviewer Dr Robyn Walton said Colyer's book reflected on our society in the second half of the century in ways older readers would appreciate.
"The stories are indeed 'tales that talk to you'. They're colloquial, personal and pressing. There's aloud and clear protest in different voices and versions of self, plus subversive black humour. Each contribu-
tion tends to progress toward some sort of therapeutic hope or affirmation," Walton said.
The launch will kick off at 6pm at Albion Art Hotel in Duke Street, Castlemaine. To
RSVP or for more information, call 0437 686 813.
You can get your copy at Stoneman's Bookroom or Legion Officeworks Castlemaine.
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Tom Waits’ Rain Dogs with 10 Years of Tom is an homage to TomWaits from 1977-1987. It will be performed in ahuge weekend of performances from February 7-9 at the Theatre Royal Castlemaine, MEMO Music Hall in St Kilda and the Brunswick Ballroom.
TomWaits has captivated fans for four decades with his gritty storytelling and eclectic mix of genres. This two-hour show is performed by an eclectic mix of Melbourne’smusicians who are performing together for the first time –Dave Graney,Lachlan Bryan, Brooke Taylor,Delsinki andMaggie Alley
They are backed by an all-star band featuring Ben Franz (The Waifs), Holly Thomas (Quivers), Stacey Gray (Trial Kennedy) and Ania Reynolds (Circus OZ).
The concert promises an immersive journey through the darkly poetic and soulful world of Waits, featuring classics like Downtown Train, Clap Hands and Jockey Full of Bourbon
The audience will experience the raw emotion and enigmatic spirit of Waits’ music through his unique blend of jazz, blues, and avant-garde rock.
Dave Graney said he was looking forward to a lot of collaborations in 2025 and going further
“This show is away for me to play with some people Iwould never normally cross paths with. All concentrating on some material by TomWaits, an artist who continues to have along career,” Graney said.
“I have always enjoyed the Foreign Affairs album from 1976/7 and am doing acouple of songs from that (along with some later selections).
“It was atime when TomWaits still lived in amotel in LA and toured constantly,anodd and outstanding presence in the 70s rock scene, ascene that was nothing but oddities.
“From atime when he was struggling but filled with ambition to realise his peculiar post-
war,pre rock’n’roll, bebop vision.”
Doors open at 7pm, showtime at 8pm on Sunday February 9atthe Theatre Royal, 30 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine. Tickets are $59 from www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1315783
John Lewis, The Gold Camp is Castlemaine
Your correspondent Susan Mayfair, (‘Groundhog Day’, Opinions, January 14) reflects widespread concerns in the Castlemaine Community about the councilendorsed 2020 Master Plan for the historically significant Camp Reserve. Her ire is justifiably raised by reference to the reserve as ‘the shire’spremier sporting reserve’, acontraction of what should read ‘the shire’spremier sporting reserve for senior men and women’sAFL and cricket’. The Wesley Hill complex, with facilities for netball, cycling, basketball, junior AFL, etc., is arguably the shire’s premier sporting precinct, and elsewhere there are premier sporting reserves for tennis, soccer,swimming, lawn bowls, and so the list goes on.
This community’ssporting interests now extend far beyond traditional football and cricket. This is not to say that the sporting facilities in Camp Reserve are not in dire need of upgrade, particularly to support women’ssport.
Susan is right in drawing attention to the local community uproar when the 2019 draft Master Plan was publicly released. This plan, which replaced apreviously endorsed and community approved 2010 plan, was developed through consultation between only the council, ‘key user groups’, and aprivate consultant, with no outside community involvement. The interests of the CFNC appear to have
knowledge (1 point)
1. Which local community group visited the Bug-A-Lugs day care last week?
2. Where is the Macedon Ranges Relay for Life Fundraiser being held? 3. What happened at the Maurocco Bar in Castlemaine
been the prime focus. Little changed in the revision of the 2019 draft plan into the now council-endorsed 2020 Master Plan, with the pavilion and netball courts still to be cut into the historically significant south-west slope with removal of the reserve’sonly remaining river red gums, the date palm, and other mature trees.
Camp Reserve is an integral part of the former Government Camp precinct, arguably Castlemaine’spremier historic precinct and, as demonstrated in the 2010 plan, new sporting facilities are possible without impacting on, the historic trees and structural landscape of the Reserve.
Camp Reserve has the potential to be the most historically significant and picturesque sports and recreational reserve in Central Victoria and adrawcard to locals and visitors alike.
Name supplied,Castlemaine
Is anyone worried about dangerous semi-feral but microchipped cats loose in our communities?
While there is legislation to deal with dangerous dogs there is nothing equivalent for aggressive cats.
Ireached my tipping point of distress and frustration with this last year when such acat attacked ayoung woman neighbour in her garden, injuring her arm and putting her in hospital for four days with sepsis.
This cat had been menacing me in my garden since 2023, and this year it is back, allowed to roam free at night endangering people and wildlife despite my complaints to the owner and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
MASC does have some measures it could take, but since reporting my neighbourhood’sissueI have founditunexplainably reluctant to go directly to owners to insist on compliancewith regulations.
Instead MASC officers push the problem back onto victims: we ought to protect ourselves, collect more evidence, catch the cat in acage.
The household of the young woman who was attacked did catch the cat in acage and take it to Mount Alexander Animal Welfare. Although the attack was explained, the cat was released to its owner
Are there locals interested in working for stronger measures to beput in place and enforced in hopes of preventing more cat attacks? Ihavepointed out this need to council and MAAWbut have not been informed of any further action oneither my specific complaint or the broader issue.
Stephen Carthew, Harcourt North Rohan Wightman ('Is the Wellbeing Economy only asnappy headline?, Opinions,January 14) wonders reasonably what the new Mount Alexander Shire Council Economic Development Strategy has to do with economic development or
'wellbeing'. So do I, and others too, judging by the muted response to it.
From the report on the strategy (Midland Express,January 7) it is also hard to judge what the promoters and publishers of the strategy know about these matters.
For example, one of the strategy’s urgers is quoted: “It's about finding ways to help build acommunity that is sustainable and equitable and serves the people rather than the economy serving investors”. Hmmm. The sustainability and equity part is laudable, but how and why are these aims set against investors?
Can it be that the investors don't include those people who, for example, own, invest in and operate businesses and homes in the municipality? Or is it that these same 'investors' aren't interested in helping to build a 'sutainable and equitable community'? Or is it that investors don't have anything to do with 'the economy'?
The strategy requires “shifts from the very very (sic) local right up to the super national”. Why not right up in the very very high clouds? Puff. Flake.
(Cr)Alison Joseph, Bullengarook
Iwould just like to express my sincere thanks to the CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria, HVPFire Management, Macedon Ranges Council staffand all others who worked so hard to bring the recent Bullengarook fires under control, which burnt through the western side of my property.Thank you so much for your efforts and support!
(1 point)
6. What cats are generally the hardest to rehome because of negative superstitions surrounding them?
7. Who is Australia’s ambassador to the United States of America?
8. What is the capital city of Cambodia? 9. Who were the three hosts of the TV show Top Gear? (3 points)
10. Which famous American film director, known for their dreamy and strange films, died last week? Super
The Gallery at Mount Macedon is celebrating summer for its first exhibition for 2025.
This will be an exhibition of members' art in the Focus Room titled Summer and beginning Tuesday February 4. Summer will reflect its various motifs through textiles, paintings, multimedia, jewellery, prints and photography to name afew of the amazing skills of our members.
The annual Art Competition begins with entries open on March 1and closes March 31.The competition isopen to all Macedon Ranges and Sunbury residents to present anartwork. Information is available atwww.thegallerymtmacedon.com.au or on mobile: 0418 488 582. The Bendigo Bank is again generously sponsoring the prize money.
The public is invited to view Summer at The Gallery from Tuesday February 4toSunday March 2. Join the artists for an opening at 2pm on Sunday February 9. The Gallery is open 10am to 4pm Friday to Tuesday at 684 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon (behind the Trading Post). Enquiries to Sue Anson on 0413 581 632.
Asoughtafter lifestyle in acoveted location
ExpressionsofInterest: ClosingWednesday19February5pm
Here is arare opportunity to embrace alifestyle of luxury and comfort. Boasting an impressive home, sheds, two 23,000-litre rainwater tanks at the side of the house and another at the side of the large work/living shed …noproblem with drought years, as there is also abore and town water
This lovely picturesque family home is well positioned on approximately 20 acres of excellent grazing land and beautifully situated on aquiet country road just five kilometres from Kyneton.
The solar-powered home is of grand proportions with three bedrooms with builtin robes, ahuge main bedroom with double doors to the verandah, walk-in robe and spacious ensuite, including adouble shower.Each of these four bedrooms has the benefit of stunning views.
Step into the extensive open-plan living area with an adjacent sunken lounge. This light-filled area, with bay windows, allows beautiful views of the surrounding paddocks, only 200 metres from the Lauriston Reservoir for kayaking, fishing and barbecue areas for family entertaining. To the right and the left are picturesque views of the Mount Macedon, Mount Alexander and Denver
The well-appointed kitchen boasts abundant cupboards, agas cooktop, an electric oven, the essential dishwasher,a long island timber bench/breakfast bar,and a substantial walk-in pantry
Evaporative cooling and aDaikin three-phase, reverse-cycle system with zoned control, ensure year-round comfort.
Outside, enjoy 20 acres of fully fenced land, achook house, dog kennel, sheds, established shady ornamental trees and gardens, raised vegetable garden, fruit trees and much more.
Property: Spacious family home on 20 acres
Address: 90 Donnelly Road,Kyneton
Price: $1,750,000 -$1,850,000
Agent: Raineand Horne Kyneton
Contact: Jennifer Pearce 0427 422 508
Our superior map-based search gives you the complete view of the property market. With heritage,zoning and property overlays, you get the complete view of millions of properties across Australia, even if they’re not for sale yet. When it comes to property,with view.com.au you see all.
Enjoyed for the past 20 years by the current owner,this delightful 60s weatherboard home is ready for anew owner and anew era. Neat and tidy and with all the feels, the home offers liveable comfort with scope to further enhance over time. Many original features are intact, with some improvements, offering those seeking asense of nostalgia the opportunity to restore rather than replace.
The location, just afew hundred metres from the train station, town centre, Railway Hotel and weekly farmers market, enhances its appeal.
Atraditional entrance leads to acosy lounge on one side and main bedroom on the other.There are three bedrooms in total, the main with full wall of storage, and, in keeping with the era, the remaining bedrooms allow for freestanding robes. From the lounge you have access to the kitchen with original cabinetry,gas cooking and aspace to dine. Gas heating and ducted evaporative cooling keep the home comfortable. Asix-panel solar system helps offset electricity costs.
The bathroom has been updated and has acontemporary vanity with good storage and alarge walk-in shower.Atthe rear,a sunroom, small home office and central laundry
complete the floorplan.
Acorner allotment, the property has two street frontages with access to the large 4.6m x8.7m garage/shed through double gates in Bowden Street. Awell-established claret ash provides privacy and shade to the rear yard and deck. Aslimline water tank is for garden use and not to be discounted, the front yard is asunny space and would be perfect to pop your veggie plots.
Property: Charming cottage on corner allotment
Address: 3ForestStreet, Castlemaine
Price: $695,000-$725,000
Agent: Property PlusReal Estate
Contact: Di Selwood on 0488 148 358
Step into history with this beautifully renovated 1878 gem, originally afruit shop, now offering modern comfort with old-world charm.
Heritage appeal: Classic verandah extending over the footpath, adding aunique touch to the streetscape.
Character interiors: Spacious sitting and dining rooms with asemi-open layout, coved baltic ceiling, built-in bookshelves, baltic floors and acosy fireplace with wood heater
Fully renovated: New roof, rewired, replumbed, and insulated walls and ceilings for year-round comfort.
Country cottage kitchen: Awarm, inviting space with agas heater,leadlight French doors, and astainless-steel cooker,perfect for family meals.
Modern bathroom: Tiled bathroom with farmhouse vanity and toilet.
Outdoor living: North-facing rear garden with gate access to the train station gardens, sunny rear verandah, laundry,and astone-paved courtyard.
Expansion potential: Large, level side garden with subdivision possibilities.
Prime location: Ashort stroll to the shopping area and historic steam train station.
Investment opportunity: Established holiday letting trade, ideal for investors or those seeking acharming weekender
Don’t miss the chance to own this piece of history with future potential.
Property: Charming shopkeeper’squarters–cottage
Address: 11 HornsbyStreet, Maldon
Price: $765,000
Agent: Belle Property
Contact: RobWaller 0418 571 130
Blasi Mulholland 0417 311 733
4 a 2 b 2 v 2065r
•'Pangbourne': arareurban sanctuary with country soul
•4 spaciousbedrooms with period features, contemporary kitchen, stylish family bathroom, theatre room, custom bar&cellar storage.
•Established gardens withmature Shiraz vines, fruit trees,bespoke stonewater feature, alfresco patio deck &elevated views
For Sale
$1,645,000 View
Saturday 25th January: 12:45pm-1:15pm
RobWaller |0418571 130
BlasiMulholland |0417 311 733
4 a 4 b 4 v 75w
•Sustainable luxury, designed &built by the renownedRussell Parsons
•Nestled on 75 acres of pure central Victorian countryside with panoramic views
•Conveniently located just 10km fromCastlemaine
For Sale
$2,250,000 -$2,500,000 View
Saturday 25th January: 3:00pm-3:30pm
TimNoonan |0413464 949
Rob Waller |0418571 130
72 Castlemaine Road, Maldon.
3 a 2 b 3 v 2000r
•California bungalow set on ahalf-acre block with country garden.
•Featuring 3spacious double bedrooms, amodernkitchen with bay window&alarge, sun-filled living roomwithcosy wood fire.
•Surrounded by establishedgum trees &native plantings, located near the historic Maldon village &local bushland trails.
For Sale
$820,000 View
Saturday 25th January: 1:30pm-2:00pm
NarelleWaller |0408571 131
Rob Waller |0418571 130
Just
Trustthe Experts at ArboreaTree management to handle your tree management needs
We use the latest Arboriculture industry techniques forclimbing trees. Using ropes, harness, ascenders and descenders, advanced rigging systems and friction devices to climb safely and efficiently,while dismantling tree matter to the ground.
What can't we do?Wecan't leave our customers unsatisfied. We work to thehighestindustrystandards and qualifications to givecustomers satisfaction and surety,while our team does their job competently and safely
HASSALL –James 16th January1982 –5th January2025
Much lovedson of Robynand Michael, brother andsoul buddy to Jo, affectionate brother-in-lawtoClaire, playful uncle to Georgia and Elliotand special grandson to Trish. Charming and modesttohis extended family and friends.
Avirtuosic and original guitarist. His wit, loving nature and optimism always shone, despite majorhealth setbacks. Always in our hearts
James (Jim) Henderson
Jim passed away peacefully at CastlemaineHospital.
Muchloved husband of Gwynne for65years
Cherished father,fatherinlaw, grandfather, great grandfather, brotherand friend
Thank youtoCastlemaine Hospitalstaff fortheir kindcareand support
KN282337/L
Wendy MERRETT (Blume)
Miss you Wendy Died at home with her belovedIzzy on the 14th January2025.
It’stimetorestnow Your uniquesense of humour andart appreciation is a legacy we will rememberwithlove.
Deb,Marion, Jayanthi, Lorraine,Lesley and Liz x
Passed away peacefully at Penhall Hostel, Castlemaine
Dearly loved wife of Reg (dec)
Loved mother of Trevor, Brian and David and mother in law of Jan and Vicki
Much loved Nanny Dawn to 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren
Loved sister of Kevin (dec) and Joy and sister in law of Jack (dec)
In our hearts,
We thought of you today but that is nothing new, we thought about you yesterday too
We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame with which we will never part
God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts
Love always, Trevor, Jan, grandchildren Matthew, Danny, Travis (dec) Kylie and Mathew (dec), great grandchildren Tristan, Jak, Casey, Braxton and Tayla
Our Darling Mum and Nan Dawn
So many wonderful happy memories of you that will stay with us forever, roast potatoes will never be the same
So many happy birthday parties with all of your exquisite party treats that you would spend the week preparing
Your battle to stay with us has passed, no more pain Rest peacefully now with your beloved Reg
Dearly loved and treasured Mum of Brian and Vicki
Wonderful kind funny and loving Nan Dawn of Kelly and Tim, Renee and Elle
Great Nan Dawn of Ryan, Anna and Joshua
You will always be in our hearts and remembered every day
A special thanks to Dr Louisa Hope for so many years of her kindness and care
And a huge special thankyou to all the fantastic, loving staff at Penhall for all of your kindness and care
Until we meet again, we think about you always, we talk about you still, you have never been forgotten, and you never will
We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain, to walk and guide us through our lives until we meet again
Love from David your grandchildren Ty and Aleisha great grandchildren Jack and Charlie
To dear Dawn
My lovely sister so many good times and happy memories
Sleep peacefully, Love Joy, Jack (dec), Brett, Tracey, Wayne and families
Nanna Dawn though we grieve you now your memory will live on through us
You have lived a long and full life with love, you will live on in our hearts
For all the joy you and Reggie gave our families
May you rest peacefully
Matthew, Melissa, Jak and Casey Simms
Danny, Jayne, Braxton and Tayla Simms
Wendy passed away suddenly at her home
Dearly loveddaughter of the late Margaret and Colin Blume
Much lovedsister and sister in lawof David (dec) andJan, Geoff andJenny, Ian and Laraine
Lovedaunty of Gavin and Sharnie, Chantal and David, Aaron and Amy and great aunty of Jessica, Joel, Owen, Will, Heath and Wade Nowatrest
Forfuneral details please seeFriday’s Castlemaine Mail or Wendy’s tribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals
AService of Thanksgiving forJim’slifewillbeheldinthe
Uniting Church, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine next Wednesday (January29) at 2.00pm.
Followingthis service youare invited to stayfor light refreshments in the Church Hall.
To join us at theservice via livestream, please visit Jim’stribute page on the websiteof Mount Alexander Funerals
Familyand friends areinvited to attend Dawn’sfuneral service, to be held in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Thursday23rd Januaryat1.30pm. Followingthis servicethe cortege will leavefor the Castlemaine Cemetery. After the burial service please join Dawn’s family forlight refreshments in the Campbells Creek Community Centre To joinusatthe servicevia livestream please visit Dawn’s tribute page on the website of MountAlexanderFunerals
Patricia Floy 21.5.1936 –5.1.2025
Passed away peacefully at Ellery House. Dearly loved wife of Jack (Dec).
Loving &Devoted Mother &Mother-in-law of Damian, John, Tim &Erica; Chris &Sharon CherishedNana& Great Nana of Sophie,Harrison, Phillipa, Connor &Ashleigh; Matilda, Katherine &Oliver Reunited with Jack
The Funeral for Patricia will be held in theThompson Memorial Chapel, 123 Mostyn St, Castlemaine On Friday January 24th 2025, at 1pm Aburial willfollowatthe Chewton Cemetery.
22ndJanuary2025 commencing at 1:30pm Private Cremation
Public Notice of Precipice, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance
James Alamanos of Fryerstown, Victoria State, is not avoluntarytransactor in commerce,and is an irrefutable holder in due course of his property including the land known as Crown Allotment12A, Section 15 Parish of Fryers also known as 46 Prestidge Lane,Fryerstown, Victoria State,3451, and all associated copyrightprotectedtrade names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the land and soil jurisdiction of TerraAustralis,commonlyknown as the dominion of the Commonwealth of Australia,Public Record Number:RPP4463900051003628956603, Proclamation Date: 19th of November,2024; severing userfruct subjugationtieswith the Australian Corporation in its entirety.The occupying de facto corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist anyfurther infringement upon these copyright-protected financial instruments and cease and desist misrepresenting James Alamanos as asurname/ merchant, and/or styled In fraudulent, debased DOG-LATIN, Glossa, in all capital letters that represent afiction of law, adeceptivecontractand amalfeasance
KN282320/J
Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires
Circulated throughout: Kyneton, Castlemaine,Gisborne,Malmsbury,Trentham, Woodend, Redesdale,Lancefield, Romsey,Macedon, Mt. Macedon, Metcalfe, Chewton, Harcourt,Newstead,Maldon,Taradale, Elphinstone, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Barkers Creek, Sutton Grange Baringhup,Muckleford, Yapeen. ELLIOTT MIDLAND
3Market St., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444
Telephone: (03) 5422 1488
Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173
13 Hargraves St.,POBox 227,Castlemaine,3450
Telephone: (03) 5472 1788
Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504
am-5.00 pm Email: Kyneton: ahume@midnews.com.au
ldennis@midnews.com.au
Badminton is adynamic sport that combines, speed, agility,balance, stamina, and is a lot of fun. It gets you fit, physically and mentally,and has ahigh female participation. The Macedon Ranges Badminton Club plays at Macedon Community Centre in Waterfalls Road, Macedon.
There are two sessions per week: Tuesdays from 7.30pm, starts January 21 and the Thursday women’sgroup begins on February 6, from 9.30am.
Enquiries to David 0419 589 425 or macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com
Woodend HangingRock Petanque Club beganthe newyear at theHanging Rock Reserve lastThursdayweek with 31 members enjoyingthe balmy evening andthe beautiful atmosphere that onlyHanging Rock canoffer
The Hanging Rock Challenge continues with the three games played, aftera teamisformed ‘outofthe hat’, so onealways plays witha random team
Leadingthe pack at the moment is Rod Gell, 20,Ruth Giddings 19, Darrelle Salathiel 18, WayneMee 18,
Shirley Marshall 17,RohanDickson 16,Shane Wellington 16, Carole Mee 15 andBillSalathiel 14
That is howitstandsatthe moment, but one never knows howitwill finish! On the last night of themonth, the club runs another competition called ‘Teams Night’ in whichmembers form theirown team,and then there are winners at theend of theevening. This always adds abit more competitiveness to occasion To enquire about joiningthe club, sms Louise on 0438 302218.
Stephen Pickles won his second Woodend Bowling Club singles championship in three seasons in an absorbing final against Gary Dryden last week. Both players produced afine display,with the match in the balance throughout.
In the semi-finals, Pickles defeated defending champion Norm Bickerdyke, and Dryden accounted for Mike Dornau. Fortunes fluctuated in the final, and Pickes reached a23-17 advantage before his opponent secured six shots over the next three ends.
Twoshots on what proved to be the final end gave Pickles a25-23 victory in what was a very worthy contest. Umpiremaker Dornau commented that he would have to buy another chalk marker,asthere were so many touchers in the final.
WOMEN’S FINAL
This season’swomen’s singles final was acase of ‘Judy will win’.
The contestants were Judy Jewell and Judy Carboon, and with scores tied at 12-12 it was anyone’stitle. Jewell opened up ahandy lead, but Carboon fought back to trail by one shot. Eventually Jewell prevailed 25-18, and will now represent the club at regional level in the Champ of Champs.
The two finalists are Gemlife residents at Woodend, and this facility is home to quite a number of keen bowlers.
Bill West
The glorious uncertainty in Highlands pennant bowls came to the fore when top division one sides Kyneton and Kyneton Golf suffered unexpected defeats in round 13 on Saturday Flag-favourite Kyneton went down by four shots in athriller at Gisborne, and Kyneton Golf lost by 16 shots at Broadford. Third-placed Romsey easily gained the maximum 16 points at Trentham, and Lancefield finally showed some good form to win well against fifth-placed Diggers Rest. There are five rounds remaining before the semi-fnals, and Kyneton Golf (now fourth) face abig test at home to secondplaced Kilmore this Saturday —expect Golf to bounce back after the frustrations at Broadford!
The winning performance by sixthplaced Gisborne was by far its best this season, with all rinks very close as the Mark Kaufmann and Alan Higgins rinks won, and Peter Williams did well to get within ashot of the Greg Podesta combination. Back at home this Saturday,Kyneton should rebound against Broadford.
All season Broadford has expected to take abig scalp at home, and apart from the in-form Peter Linehan four,the other Golf combinations failed to adjust to the tricky synthetic and sustained double figure defeats.
Lancefield is still in the unfamiliar place of bottom, despite the much-needed victory where the John Parks and JeffHolmes rinks had healthy margins.
Romsey is still eyeing the double chance, making the Redbacks’ home game against Gisborne abig one.
Round 14 matches are: Kyneton v Broadford, Kyneton Golf vKilmore, Diggers Rest vTrentham, Romsey vGisborne, Lancefield the bye.
Current ladder: Kyneton 131 points, Kilmore 128, Romsey 123, Kyneton Golf 117, Diggers Rest 99, Gisborne 72, Broadford 63, Trentham 53, Lancefield 46.
TOPSIDE DOWN
Division two ladder-leader Woodend suffered asurprise five-shot defeat at home to down-the-ladder Kilmore.
Woodend and Kyneton Golf appear to have the double chance sewn up, but the
battle for third and fourth is wide open at this stage.
Ladder: Woodend 145, Gisborne 137, Romsey 94, Macedon 93, Kyneton 87, Gisborne 86, Romsey 77, Diggers Rest 66, Broadford 47.
There’sa battle royal going on in division three, with the top three sides almost locked together
There’salso atussle for fourth place, with Kyneton’s55-shot win over Macedon the biggest margin in the round.
Ladder: Mt Cottrell 140, Romsey 140, Kilmore 136, Gisborne 110, Kyneton 110, Macedon 97, Woodend 97, Lancefield 87, Trentham 70, Gisborne (4) 37. ALL THE SCORES
Division 1: Gisborne 61 dKyneton 57 —M.Kaufmann 21 dA.Mathison 17, A. Higgins 18 dJ.O’Donnell 17, P. Williams 22 lost to G. Podesta 23; Broadford 69 d Kyneton Golf 53 —D.Ellis 29 dR.Wilkinson 11,D.Kelly 14 lost to P. Linehan 26, B. Ellis 26 dT.Williams 16; Trentham 40 lost to Romsey 78 —A.Brockmuller 13 lost to M. Brundell 22, T. Cook 15 lost to N. Lynch 29, C. McKeone 12 lost to A. Young 27; Lancefield 75 dDiggers Rest 51 —J.Holmes 26 dR.Treweek 15, A. Andrews 17 lost to S. Browne 24, J. Parks 32 dP.Robinson 14.
Division 2: Gisborne 71 dRomsey50— B. Wylie 28 lost to S. Mayger 12, J. Evans 20 dJ.Fryer 18, P. Nathan 23 dJ.Beaumont 20; Macedon 54 lost to Kyneton Golf 62 --G. Dickinson 7lost to W. Turner 27. I. Matthews 28 dJ.McQualter 17, I. Guymer 19 lost to J. Trounce 23; Woodend 53 lost to Kilmore 58 —N.Bickerdyke 15 lost to S. McNmara 19, T. Lennie 17 lost to W. Coyle 25,S.Pickles 21 dS.Fitzgerald 14; Diggers Rest 75 dBroadford 51.
Division 3: Trentham dGisborne (4) on forfeit; Romsey 35 lost to Kilmore 77 —R Kozolins 14 lost to D. Langeweg 19, M. Toy 13 lost to J. Fitzgerald 25, M. Gilligan 8lost to M. Johnson 33; Woodend 84 dLancefield 46 —A.Jewell 28 dAnn Shipcott 17, T. Sturt 26 dR.Davies 21, T. White 30 dP Shannon 8; Kyneton 83 dMacedon 28 B. Rowe 29 dB.Swan9,N.Rawlings 28 dJ.Wasyl 8, J. Epps 26 dD.Summerfield 11;MtCottrell 64 dGisborne (3) 45 —B Robinson 21 dS.Fallowfield 13, D. Roach 19 dT.Shearson 17, J. Langley 24 dC Butterley 15.
Len Watson produced astunning 777-70 early on Thursday and waited with bated breath to see if this exceptional score stood up. He narrowly won the January Medal and A-grade, having the day’sbest overall tally
In B-grade, Trevor Bray 93-20-70 won in atight countback from Kevin Gardner 87-14-73, and young Thomas Bellis shone in C-grade with 106-33-73 to finish astroke ahead of Owen Scott.
Watson and visitor Simon King had three birdies, and NTPs went to Kors Van Eyk and James Vosti. Ian Shields (23) was Saturday’soverall and B-grade winner with 39 stableford 36points, one clear of Kevin Gardner (15).
Les Prendergast (9) won A-grade with 36, from Leon Thomas (13) on 35.
The early 9@ 9saw Helen McEwen (31) lead the way with 21 points, with newcomer Neressa Haarhoff(41) making an outstanding debut with 20 points.
GISBORNE
Kash Briggs returned the best score of the day with anett 65 to top B-grade in Saturday’sstroke event.
Irishman Marc Giampiccolo topped Agrade with a72, and Jason Peak peaked to win C-grade with a67. Women’swinner Karen Sanders won with anett 72.
On Saturday,some members travelled to Murray Downs for acharity event generously hosted by Murray Downs to raise money for the Gisborne Golf Club rebuild.
Agreat day on abeautiful course; Michael and Anne Hamer finished second and Bert McDermott came in third ,which was agreat result.
In the first match of North West Regional Association pennant, Gisborne won aclose battle 6.5 to 5.5. Aheavy storm with lightning andrain threatened to wreck the contest atone stage.
KYNETON
Marathon man Jason McClure carded abrilliant one under par 69 to romp to victory in the men’sA-grade stableford on Saturday
His 44 points off a7handicap included four birdies and just three bogeys.
McClure was fresh offamonth’sbreak from the game, after playing four rounds in one day to raisemoney for cancer research. Playing partner TimKirk (8) had six birdies, and was even on the back nine without asingle par to be runner-up.
Col O’Sullivan (18) had 41 pointsto finish two clear of Rob Waters in B-grade, and Pat Clohesy came third in shooting 83 offthe stick to beat his age yetagain.
Treasurer Barry Keane (23) was counting the money in C-gradewith 38 points, edging out Billy McKee (19).
Anne Bennett hosted her sisters Julie Boyer (Northern) and Sue Fitcher (Half Moon May) for their first competitive round together,and Boyer (35) starred with 46 points to street the women’sfield and earn bragging rights. Captain Julie Harris (18) was runner-up on 35.
NTPs were Kirk, Barry Murphy,Regan Williams, John Waddell and McClure (also super pin).
Thursday scramble: James Elston (8) 18 points.
Wednesday stableford: Ross Carbery (28) had 25 points on the back nine to finish with 42, two clear of Glen Harris (21) with Peter Kewniuk (21) third on 39 after acountback.
Merilyn Hoysted (30) led in the ladies with 40 points, two clear of Rachael McAndrew (29) and Harris.
Women’spresident Joan Gibbs (24) won A-grade in Tuesday’sstableford with 39 points from Trentham’sClaire Perston on 36, and B-grade went to Valme Smoors (35) with 41, from Liz Turang (41) on 36. Deb Kolman won the nine holes with 19 points, and was NTP along
with Rob MacRae and Julie McKellar LANCEFIELD
Plenty of good scores last week.
Saturday stableford: Jake Christensen (20) 43 points from Kevin McBride (22) 42 and Greg Parks (12) 38.
Wednesday ladies: Kaylene Cruise (24) 40 points, from Sandra Matthews (37) 38, and Bev Beaumont (40) 37. Twilight 10 holes: Atie between Ed Godek and Mark Cruise on 18 points.
Tuesday Legends: Wayne Mee (21) 41 points, from Steve Gilbert (17) 39, with John Leefe and Mark Balla both 38.
MOUNT MACEDON
There were three grades of stableford on Saturday Sean Smyth (11) won A-grade with 43 points, and Tony Carter (12)had 37 in Bgrade. Peter Palmer (24) amazed himself as well as adisbelieving clubhouse with just 25 putts as he chalked up 41 points in C-grade.
Paul ‘Jungle’ Borrows recently aced the 16th hole, the toughest short hole on the course, and Mike Hoiles proved miracles can happen with ahole-in-one at Murray Downs. Rob Taylorhas advanced to the matchplay final with awin on the 21st against Tony Littman Midweek competitors were initially thunderstruck last week, but the par event went ahead.
Bruce Fraser (6) wonA-grade in a three way countback, and Bubba Watson (22) finished +2 to take out B-grade.
ROMSEY
Astrong field turned out for Saturday’s 4BBB stabeford, with scoring always going to be low with calm conditions and plenty of run on the fairways.
Past club captain Andrew Clement had the best individual round with 78 off the stick and 45 stableford points.
Clement (13) and Davey Kenney (14) ended up with 50 points, five ahead of Mick Nicholls Snr (25) and Keith Hocking (23), with Craig Sandy (22) and Mick Squire (6) third on acountback with 43 points. Luke Lyons had the longest drive, and NTPs went to Bob McLennan, Nathan Moroni and Simon Donovan.
In Wednesday’sCanadian foursomes Grace Owens was welcomed, with the winners Lorraine Robb (46) and Luke Lyons (4) with 87-25-62. David Jones (18) and Hugh Williams (20) were runners-up with 86-19-67, with Darlene Baker (18) and Ron Cole (34) third with 94-26-68.
Mixed American foursomes were played on Saturday.The winners with a tremendous 63.25 score were Brenton Payne and Liam Murray Hot on their heels were Simon Carroll —Dale Height with 64.75.
Saturday Summer Cup winner with two excellent rounds was Jenny Cutter 70, 70—140, while Andrea Krelle claimed the Wednesday Summer Cup with 68, 71 —139.
WOODEND
There were 80 competitors, including visitors from Gisborne and Tocumwal, in Saturday’sstableford.
Acouple of C-graders came in with the best scores —Hunter Barker (26) had the day’stop tally of 44 points, and Jannaya James (46) returned 43. Mark Hutchison (9) topped A-grade with 41 points, from Warren Else (2) on 39. Brett McLean (10) won B-grade with 38 points, one ahead of Rod Kane and Luke Schuliga. In last Tuesday’sstableford, Cheryl Garner (21) was the winner with 21 points, on acountback from Kevin Dorney (14).
Woodend has been selected to host the Dalhousie District pennant final on Sunday,May 4.Those interested in playing pennant this season are advised to put their names on the board.
The Riddells Creek Bombers are excited to announce the arrival of their senior women'sfootball team for the 2025 Riddell District Football Netball League season. The club is welcoming women 16 years and over and no previous experience is necessary
Lauren Close, vice-president of female sport at the Bombers, said everyone was welcome.
"I have never played before but I'm absolutely loving it. Young, old, it doesn't matter,just come down," she said.
The team has about 20 women so far and is currently training Monday and Wednesday nights. Anyone interested can call Lauren on 0433 778 996 or email l.close@hotmail.com.
Riddell Cricket Club is rustling up numbers for the annual Riddell Cricket Pink Stumps High Tea!
It'sa fun afternoon to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. This organisation makes such adifference to those fighting cancer
Aticket is $50 and includes aglass of bubbles and high tea, aguest speaker, music, raffles and achance to pick afab frock or two!
Come on Riddellers -get behind this great cause and book aticket!
Saturday February 1, from 2pm. Sutherlands Road, Riddells Creek.
Book at www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1332045
Thousands are expected to flock to Hanging Rock for the annual Australia Day race meeting this Sunday (January 26).
The feature race is the 2025 Hanging Rock Cup.
Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club is very busy,with the Woodend Cup meeting to be held at Kyneton on Saturday, February 1.
The inaugural Gisborne District Cricket Association One-Day Final is to be hostedbyRomsey Cricket Club.
The drawcard match will take place between Romsey and Woodend on Sunday,February 2.
GDCA secretary,Callum Jackman, confirmed the participants followingSaturday'sMcIntyre 1sts match results. Romsey wastop of thetableand was certain of playing in the final, but Woodend'sspotwas in jeopardy with avictory needed at Gilbert Gordon Reserve. Woodendwas elated to be able to fight back and defeatRomsey by nine runs, thereby securing the other spot i the final.
If Romsey hadwon,Gisborne would have advanced to the finalafter defeating Sunbury United.
One of the fastest growing sports in the Macedon Ranges is pickleball.
Riddells Creek Tennis Club is now officially atennis and pickleball club.
The club states that "pickleball players are not only healthier,but also happier".
Pickleball is available at anumber of tennis clubs, and more opportunities may soon become available.
Castlemaine District Cricket Association senior competition continued last Saturday on another scorching hot day
AGrade completed two-day contests in round nine and AReserve played one-day matches in round 12.
Highlights of the round were Taradale AReserve openers Regan Williams (111)and Brock Fletcher's (72) 196-run partnership against Newstead at Cricket Willow
Castlemaine United AGrade bowler James Chaffey claimed 5-32 in their win over Newstead, while Muckleford AReserve bowler Andrew Butcher took 5-44 in their victory over Campbells Creek.
The Women'scomp will resume on Friday January 31, and B Grade and CGrade (Under 16) sides are scheduled to return to the crease on Saturday February 1.
The CDCA T20 grand final is also set to be contested this Thursday January 23 at the Mapson-Timmins Oval, Muckleford. The match between Pool Awinners Muckleford and Pool Bwinners Newstead will kick offat5.30pm.
Results were:
Castlemaine United 10-146 (David George 54, George Thalassoudis 20, Darcy Carroll 18, Darin Rush 17, James Chaffey 13 not out; Louis Chapman 4-42, Ciaran Gardner 2-40) defeated Newstead 10-117 (BenWalter 44, Cameron Hepburn 19; James Chaffey 5-32, Geordie McMurtrie 2-34).
Maiden Gully Lions 10-108 (Joel Logan 20, Brett Haw 18; Mark Noonan 3-16, 3-24) lost to Barkers Creek 10-268 (Bailey Henderson 97, Bodhi Robinson 51, Mark Noonan 37, Benjamin Leech 22, Kalan Huntly 19; Dallas Gill 4-68, Brett Haw 2-40, Jimmy Liersch 2-38, Adil Ali 2-62).
Muckleford 10-193 (Declan Slingo 56, Brett Cole 51, Ryan White 17, Edward Gingell 17, James Cole 17 not out, TimGingell; Jayson Glenister 4-39, Matthew Manning 3-26, Cordie McKendry 2-46) lost to Guildford 8-198 (Patrick Nicholson 81, Jayson Glenister 36not out, Matthew Manning 19not out, Angus Mychajlyszyn 19; John Watson 3-70, David Envall 2-41).
Harcourt had the bye.
Harcourt 9-245 (Koby Simmons 71, Owen Bloomfield 37, Adrian Cole 35, Jack Archer 23; Robert Brown 3-41, Connor Berry 3-50, Ben Hancock 2-39) defeated Maiden Gully Lions 8-164
(Caelan Berry 54, Robert Brown 25, Anthony Blake 20, Brodie Hogan 17, Connor Berry 16; Owen Bloomfield 3-18).
Campbells Creek 10-142 (Patrick Jones 30, Mark MacDougall 28, John Prendergast 21, Matthew Walker 19; Andrew Butcher 5-44, Nash Turner 2-14) lost to Muckleford 5-213 (Samuel Gee 53, Neville Cooper 48 not out, Marty Sharples 31, Bryn Davies 30, Private Player 21,Callan Hough 16; Leigh Walker 4-19).
Heathcote 10-88 (Tim Gleeson 18, Kyle Seidel 13, Benjamin Poulton 13, Fill-in 12; Darren Hinck 3-12, Jamie Allan 2-21, Nicholas Ryan 2-34) lost to North Castlemaine 3-89 (Gavin James 38 not out, John Howorth 28).
Newstead 8-210 (Chris Elderfield 51, Charlie Chapman 48, Kristopher Bagley 21, Travis Allen 20, Jakob Tidyman 14, Faolan Gardner 10, Steven Shovan 10, Joel Smith 10 not out; Private Player 2-18) lost to Taradale AReserve 6-306 (Brock Fletcher 72, Regan Williams 111,Steve Learmonth37not out, Andrew Young 29 not out, Steven Curnow 19; Jakob Tidyman 4-28).
Castlemaine United had the bye
The first-ever Gisborne District Cricket Association women'srepresentative side made an auspicious start by comfortably defeating Ballarat last Wednesday
Captained by Brianna Woodham (Gisborne CC) the women'steamisnow looking forward to playing aCastlemaine association team in February
"A fantastic result" was how GDCA president Simon Overden summed up the outcome at Alfredton Recreation Reserve in Ballarat.
"Could not be more proud," Ovenden said in congratu-
lating all the GDCA players, and commending Central Highlands Region for arranging the women'smatches.
Winning the toss, Ballarat decided to bat and the openers added 62 runs before Ninna Harbinson captured the first wicket.
Slowing the run rate paid off, and Ballarat finished with 4/108 from 20 overs.
Harbinson 2-15, Kim Bessell 1-14 and Nikola Cox 1-15 took the wickets.
The GDCA opening batters negotiated the new ball and
kept their wickets intact for aconsiderable time. Bessell meant business when she came to the crease and scored an unbeaten 49(nine fours, one six) from just 22 balls.
Megan Farrell made 44 and the GDCA reached awinning 2/111 in the 14th over
In the Ballarat versus Castlemaine match before Christmas, Castlemaine captain TiaDavidge scored an unbeaten 80 in atally of 5/113 c.c., and Ballarat chased it down by scoring 1/114.
Bill West
Romsey was in the box seat at the halfway mark of the all-important McIntyre 1sts match on Saturday,yet anever-say-die Woodend managed to conjure up anine runs victory
The one-day round was highlighted by three big centuries —146 off126 balls at Gisborne by Sunbury United opener Fabian Fernando, and 136 by Macedon's big hitter Alex Browne (86 balls) and Gisborne captain Jarryd Vernon (125 balls).
Gisborne remain on top of the ladder, with Woodend now second, followed by Romsey and United.
At Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend batted and openers Marcus Stewart who made 50 and Henry Lawson 35 put on 61 for the first wicket.
Romsey bowlers persevered, and the last six wickets tumbled for just 30 runs in 39.4 overs.
The last five Woodend batters scored five runs collectively,leaving dangerous hitter Warren Else stranded on 18 in a disappointing tally of 151.
Taylor Stevenson was the wrecker with 5-21, and the Redbacks could be well pleased with their efforts.
Romsey openers Adam Frost and Matt Milne 18 added 48 runs before the first wicket fell; at 3-81 spinner TomRobsonthenstruck twice throwing the match wide open.
The Redbacks, with skipper Ben Way at the crease, looked certain to win at 6/117 then three wickets tumbled, including Wayfor 20 —caught and bowled by Hamish McDonald.
Alast wicket stand carried Romsey to 142 before Lawson ended the in-
nings. To be dismissed for 142 was not what the Redbacks' and many others expected.
Robson was the trump card with 5/37, two victims smartly stumped.
When United ran out Gisborne'sace opener Riley Vernon for 5, there as elation, but Jarryd Vernon then proceeded to show his expertise and with the consistent Spencer Jones who made 49, gave the Dragons the edge.
Jarrod Catania hit 37 late from 12 balls, and the Dragons closed at 6/273 c.c. from 45 overs seemingly enough to guarantee victory for the top side.
Fernando made amatch of it, and at one stage United'srun chase was really on at2/222.
Gisborne'sexperience stood out, and late wickets tumbled with Unitedfinishing at7/248 on an entertaining afternoon where 13 wickets fell and 514 runs were scored.
The Dragons shared their wickets around.
West Indian Alex Browne was amatch winner for Macedon for the third match in succession.
He followed up an unbeaten 106 and swift 73 with ablistering 136 at Tony Clarke Reserve, sharing asecond wicket stand of186 with Cam Howlett who contributed 56.
Macedon's7/285 c.c. was always beyond Rupertswood'sreach, with allrounder DarcyDoyle capturing 4-44 to add to his earlier quick-fire 30
In the remaining match, Broadford secured an overdue win by scoring 185 (Gareth Sharp 81)and restricting Sunbury Kangaroos to 9/126 (MaceGreen 61).
McIntyre 1sts matches to be played on January 25 -February 1are: Romsey v Gisborne, Macedon vWoodend, Sunbury Kangaroos vRupertswood, Broadford v Sunbury United.
Centuries in other grades came from Hanging Rock'sSteven Zubryski (100 ret. not out), Chris Watson (Diggers Rest/ Bulla) made 115and Diggers Rest/Bulla's Lachlan Andrews 101.
ALL THE SCORES
Scores from matches in the Gisborne District Cricket Association on Saturday included:
McIntyre Cup 1sts: Macedon 7/285 c.c. (A. Browne 136, C. Howlett 56 K. Barker 4-53 dRupertswood 165 (D. Doyle 4-44); Gisborne 6/273 c.c. (J. Vernon 136, S Jones 49, J. Catania 37 n.o. —J Hughes 3-66) dSunbury United 7/248 (F.Fernando 146, L. Sherlock 34); Woodend 151 (M Stewart 50, H. Lawson 36 —T.Stevenson 5-21) dRomsey 142 (A. Frost 34 —T Robson 5-37); Broadford 185 (G. Sharp 51) dSunbury Kangaroos 9/126 (M. Green 61 —B.Hickey 3-32).
McIntyre 2nds: Woodend 6/121 c.c. Lost toRomsey 2/122 (J. Wallace 61 n.o., D.Wright 39 n.o.); Macedon 9/94(O. McAliece5-16) lost to Rupertswood 6/95 (S. Coleman 3-25); Sunbury United 8/175 c.c. (S. Gray 51) dGisborne 8/123.
Johnstone 1sts: Eynesbury 121 lost to Diggers Rest/Bulla 9/123; EastSunbury 9/184 c..c (S. Paton 66) dKilmore 127; Aintree 143 (B. Vasudevan 62n.o. —B Bryant 4-20) losttoEastern Hill 4/144 (Bryant 62 n.o.)
Johnstone 2nds: Eynesbury 101 lost to Diggers Rest/Bulla 2/102); Kilmore 2/206 c.c. (S. Suttie 98, H. Purcell 72 n.o.) lost to East Sunbury 5/208 (C. Watson 115
n.o.); Eastern Hill 8/129c.c. lost to Aintree 5/130.
Jensen 1sts —Gisborne 8/107 c.c. lost to Lancefield 3/109; Rupertswood 9/195 c.c. Wallan 85; Melton South179 dSunbury United 109; Riddell 172 (H. Fisher 41) dHarkness 153 (M. Aujla 56 -L.Castle 4-24).
Jensen 2nds: Lancefield 142 (P.Hogan 67 n.o, J. Burns 30 —J.Shaw 4-18) lost to Trentham 6/144 (G. Thomson 48); Hanging Rock 5/315 c.c. (S. Zubrycki 100 ret. n.o., F. Watt 59 n.o., J. Smith 52 )d Blackwood 9/177 (J. Hand 40 n.o. -N O'Connor 3-23, Zubrycki 3-35); Romsey 4/215 c.c. (D. Leach 68 n.o., M. Palmer 34) dMacedon 124 (S. Gray 45 —J Day 4-17, A. Liddicoat 3-9); Rupertswood 8/200 c..c dMalmsbury 126. Jensen 3rds: Harkness 9/140 c.c. (Mark Turner 78 -P.Besanko 4-5) lost to Woodend 4/142 (A. Gray 43 n.o.); Melton 9/99 lost to Sunbury Kangaroos 2/103; Diggers Rest/Bulla 3/227 c.c. (L. Andrews 101 ret. n.o., K. Davis 46) dGisborne 6/136 (J. Lang 57 n.o.); Melton South 5/181 c.c. lost to Melton Centrals 1/182; Kilmore 76 lost to Sunbury 8/78.
Club North (Broadford 5/166 c.c. d Eastern Hill 6/116; Malmsbury 9/199 c.c. (E. Kosmac 55 n.o., B. Terbeeke 45) d Wallan 115(C. Knott 3-20); Woodend 7/63 c.c. (B. Mann 40 n.o.) lost to Lancefield 3/67; Kilmore 9/134 c.c. (T.Hanson 61 n.o.) dGisborne 7/133 (G. Walker 38 —J Acret 5-18).
Club South: Hanging Rock 176 dRupertswood 90; Eynesbury 91 lost to Sunbury United 5/92; Melton Centrals 9/163 c.c. lost toWoodend 1/168 (G. McDonald 53, R. Coundon 51, C. Large 38); Harkness dGisborne on forfeit.
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