Midland Express Tuesday 11 June 2024

Montessori preschool’s plea

Amy Hume

Parents and educators are racing time to boost enrolments and save Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool from potential closure.

For almost 40 years the preschool has offered an alternative early education experience but the cost-of-living crisis and state government'snew free kindergarten offering have impacted the not-for-profit organisation. Preschool committee member Moya Grech said enrolments had dropped and reached crisis point.

"Weare trying everything to keep the doors open right now," she said.

"Enrolment numbers are not where we need them to be and the committee is overworked with members taking on multiple roles as there are now less parents involved.

"It'ssoupsetting. It'snot going to make it financially past this year if it continues as it is. We really don'twant to see it closed."

While other providers have become attractive options in offering the state government'sfree three-year-old kinder-

garten, the preschool is struggling to compete.

Committee member Nicole Paola said the state'sfree kindergarten model would require 50 enrolments to be viable for the not-for-profit and therefore was not an option.

"Our kinder is too small to have more than 50 enrolments and other services have different access to funding that we don't," she explained.

The preschool'scommittee seeks to double enrolments to ensure viability and has until August to make adecision on its future. However,they are already seeking an early years management service to step in.

"Wehope to attract the right early years management team to keep the preschool open as Montessori," Ms Grech said.

"Wedidn't want to give up without people knowing the current situation. There might be someone out there who would like to take it on."

WHY MONTESSORI?

Located in Riddells Creek, the preschool offers aunique education experience that allows children to learn through their interests at their own pace. Children follow the same

state curriculum, they just complete it differently

Current early childhood teacher /nominated supervisor Taia Ly described the Montessori model as "readiness for life".

"Our Montessori classroom can be seen as amicrocosm of society,the children are amixed-age, diverse group, which reflects reality," she said.

"Their experience in it intrinsically builds acceptance into their psyche and they learn to be part ofagroup with peerto-peer learning.

"In my years in education, I've found this structure the most reflective of how we are as social creatures. So, a child in sucha natural, guided and supported environment, they can not only thrive, but have that gift to pass on to others in their later years."

ASTRONG PAST

Jeevanie Mirando was one of the preschool'sfounding Montessori educators in 1985. She was devastated to hear its future was uncertain as it approached its 40thanniversary

Continued page 6

Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool parents, committee and educators are fighting to save a40-yearlegacy.

SilversCircus to excite!

After eight long years, Silvers Circus is coming back to wow and excite in Castlemaine!

The circus big top will go up on the space opposite the Western Reserve in the coming days and the first performance will take place this Friday and run through until Sunday June 23.

This premium modern entertainment is suitable for literally all ages, just read their reviews!

Silvers Circus has the cherished and timeless Globe of Death and Wonder Dogs, but this year they’re also bringing local audiences some new and exciting acts.

From Italy, they have the Skating Madness of Sarita and Mattia. The acrobatics and speed these two have on skates is jaw dropping to say the least.

After two years without it, Silvers Circus also has the hard-to-describe and even harder to watch Wheel of Steel returning with the daring Dominik Gasser and Mewin Garcia. For strong constitutions only!

Silvers are also very proud to announce their new Ringmaster Comic joining the team, the one and only 'Mr Walison Muh'. Bound to induce convulsive laughter and tear-stained cheeks as his interactive style of comedy will take you somewhere unexpected. You may recognise Walison from his recent very successful appearances on Australia’s Got Talent

Did we mention they have two dinosaurs? Well, they do! Come see Fluffy and Spike do their stuff on stage, live, under the mighty big top.

Most of you know Silvers delivers adifference, and this year is no different. The circus has something brand new and exciting, launching the Wunderbar! Where adults can enjoy aresponsible alcoholic beverage throughout the event. Patrons will have access to alounge area and an outdoor beer garden. Wunderbar is proud to feature arange of beers produced by Mornington Peninsula Brewery and aselection of quality Australian wines.

Whether it’s date-night, afamily affair or grandparents wanting to spoil the kids, Silvers Circus is the entertainment destination for you.

The team is expecting to be busy and they strongly advise pre-booking your desired show to avoid disappointment.

Bookings can be made at Ticketmaster or call direct on 0413 880 044.

Ringside: A$65 C$55. Elevated Front View: A$55 C$40. Elevated Side View: A$35 C$25. Booking fees apply.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

The Midland Express has five family passes for four to give away. To enter, simply drop in an envelope to our office at 3Market Street, Kyneton, marked 'Silvers Circus Ticket Giveaway' with your name, address and contact phone number on the back and you can go in the draw to win! Our five lucky winners will be drawn on Friday June 14 at 12pm.

The Wheel of Steel is returning with the daring Dominik Gasser and Mewin Garcia.

New hope for festival

The embattled Castlemaine State Festival, which entered into voluntary administration in March amid financial losses, may yet have afuture.

Administrators Glen Kanevsky and Robert Woods of Deloitte Financial Advisory have proposed anew structure for the festival and its creditors have agreed to the terms.

The Castlemaine State Festival elected anew board in December 2023, which included six new board members who brought awealth of professional experience and fresh enthusiasm to the role. The board indicated it was ready to take charge and work with stakeholders to bring back the famous biennial festival to its best for its 25th edition in 2025 and 50th year in 2026.

The board confirmed it had met all its financial commitments for the 2023 festival but despite courageous programming, the event saw fewer visitors, lower ticket sales and diminished audience satisfaction.

Significant efforts were made to return the festival to profitability after those heavy losses, however the board opted to make the necessary decision to enter into voluntary administration.

Stating at the time, “Weunderstand that this will be upsetting for the many people who have supported, enjoyed and championed our festival over many years, as it is for the board and staff.”

Glen Kanevsky and Robert Woods of Deloitte Financial Advisory were appointed administrators of Castlemaine State Festival Ltd after close of business on March 26, 2024, and took operational control.

The board said it valued their expertise and support through this challenging process and was hopeful that with the expert advice of the administrators they could put steps in place to work towards a viable future.

The assessment took into consideration funding and grant commitments made to the festival, which included $6 million from the state government to complete the fit out of the festival’shome at The Goods Shed.

“Weare grateful for the longstanding support of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Mount Alexander Shire and our patrons and donors, and we value the extraordinary community at the heart of this festival,” the board said.

In astatement released last Friday,the festival board announced that creditors of Castlemaine State Festival Ltd had resolved for the company to enter into adeed of company arrangement.

“Over the coming days we will work to execute adeed that will serve as the foundation of asustainable operating model for the festival,” the board said.

“This is encouraging news, and we look forward to sharing more about the future of the festival soon.”

We love local events!

Worldpremiere to screen

The Castlemaine Documentary Festival opens this Friday night with three big days and nights (June 14-16) of incredible real stories, real issues, real characters and real conversations at Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal.

As part of this year’s 10th annual festival, the CDOC team is thrilled to be hosting the world premiere of the film The Koalas on Sunday.

The film will screen at 2pm and filmmakers Georgia Wallace-Crabbe and Gregory Miller will join wildlife advocate, Jess Robertson and Animal Justice Party representative Georgie Purcell for adiscussion and Q&A moderated by Dr Sophie Bickford, Biolinks Alliance, following the screening.

CDOC director Claire Jager said The Koalas came at acritical time for koalas and other wild Australian species that relied on bush habitat for their survival.

On the east coast of Australia, where ancient forests meet the urban fringe, koalas are facing unprecedented challenges. The Koalas sheds light on adisturbing truth: the very entities entrusted with safeguarding our natural treasures are contributing to the demise of these emblematic creatures.

“The Koalas takes audiences on ajourney into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters –Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral and adorable joeys Hope and Pala,” Claire said.

“As these stories unfold, we witness the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young, and the wildlife carers they come into with. These seven emerge as ambassadors for all koalas facing threats to their ongoing survival.”

Why is the koala facing extinction when governments are announcing new strategies to protect them? Scientists identify the main culpritbehindthe alarming drop in koala populations is habitat loss.

In southwest Sydney, akey koala colony lies in the path of aproposed housing development. In Victoria, where the land was cleared earlier than in other states, translocated koalas persist in plantations, but what happens when the plantations are harvested? Where can the koalas go?

As the climate changes, wildfires, floods and extreme weather events are increasingly wreaking

Lot19Creations, the Maldon Heritage Network event andthe Castlemaine Rotary Truck Showare some of the local events funded through the latest round of our Event Grants program.

We’veawarded grants to 18 community groups who will sharein$40,000 to deliver events that foster connection andcommunity acrossthe shire.

One of the events that this roundoffunding will support is Run the Maine.They’ll be hosting their annual community running eventthatdonates proceeds to alocal cause

Another eventtoreceivefunding is the Victorian Miniature Railway’s Harcourt Precinct, who will be hosting the grant opening of Harcourt’s very ownminiaturerailway

Some of the other events include TheCastlemaine Show, Maldon Folk Festival and music at the WesleyHill Market.

Read the full listofrecipients at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/EventGrants.

Working together forahealthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700

havoc on wildlife, their habitat as well as on human infrastructure. After surviving for 25 million years on the Australian continent, can the iconic marsupial be at risk of extinction in the wild? The film celebrates resilience in the face of the challenges and invites audiences to become catalysts for change.

Despite the sombre realities, The Koalas embraces aspirit of hope. With high-production values, observational filming and insights from those on the frontline of wildlife rescue and ecology, The Koalas challenges viewers to become aware of wildlife, support wildlife carers and preserve native habitat in their local areas.

The film resonates with apowerful message: if we can’t (or won’t) save this iconic native species, what does it say about us and our own future?

For more on the CDOC program or tickets visit cdocff.com.au/full-program-2024/ticketing

Sexual assault at Kyneton

Detectives from theSexual Crime Squad are investigating asexualassault in Kyneton last Wednesday morning. Investigators have been told awoman was assaulted by an unknown male while walking in Epping Street about 6.30am.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Lots of Printmaking Supplies

Wonnie is one of the charismatic characters to feature.

OAMfor healthcare champion

Amy Hume

It takes courage, education and passion to transform acountry's approach to maternal child health services.

They're key ingredients to Samantha Turner's success in changing lives of women and children in countries across the world through her volunteer and advocacy work.

The Macedon resident was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the King's Birthday Honours last week for services to nursing and the community.

Sam credits an ambitious Rotary International maternal child healthcare education project in Mongolia as one of the most successful she has been involved with.

"We introduced child and maternal health education to the country," she said.

"In order to do that, we had to write and put together achildhood education curriculum and embed it into the university, and get the health department on board, people to be involved in training, and managed to roll it out across the whole country. It took about six to seven years.

"Then the government of the country funded and gave money to incentivise women to attend childhood education and it really helped reduce child mortalities in communities."

Sam is currently involved with asimilar maternal child health Rotary International project now under way in Nepal (since 2019).

Of course, there have been many challenges along the way for both projects including language barriers, negotiation and cultural sensitivities.

Sam said there was no maternal and child healthcare system that compared to the quality of what is available in Australia.

Her next goal is try to replicate it in coun-

tries around the world that don't have these supports in place.

"It would be good to take something that we've got and done so well with and take it to countries where they need the help," she said.

Sam said her early nursing career in Katherine and Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, was good preparation for her international work.

There, she was faced with similar challenges of remoteness, language barriers and ahigh level of care and education needed.

It is where she also became an educator with Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service and

that led to further study in sexual and reproductive health and work in family planning.

Soon after, she helped accredit sexual health clinics in places like Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam, Indonesia and Mongolia, as a board member and representative for Family Planning Australia.

"I started to realise that Ireally wanted to make adifference and wanted to help develop communities and invest in knowledge for long-term change," she said.

She developed, taught and lectured in special modules for Northern Territory University, Australian Catholic University Victoria and Victoria University, and was awarded for innovation in education.

Sam has been able to achieve her volunteer workwith the support of her family.

She is continuingher international project volunteer work andisalsoamaternalchild health nurse at Macedon Ranges Health whereshe has worked since 2015.

She credits Macedon Ranges' service as one of the best offered in thestate with highly experienced staffand astrongcomradery between them.

Sam is member of RotaryClub of Gisborneand Macedon Ranges where she was president 2016-17 andalsoaboard member for six year. She has also beenawardedRotary's Paul Harris Fellow and Royce Abbey Champion of Change Award (2017)

Samantha Turner was involved with ahighly success educational project in Mongolia.

Samantha Turner has been awarded an OAM for services to nursing and the community.

Montessori preschool’s plea Celebratingelders

From page 1

The preschool operates from the former Riddells Creek Primary School site. Ms Mirando recalled apassionate community rallying to repair the derelict building to introduce Montessori education.

For Ms Mirando, establishing the new preschool was an exciting challenge. She watched it grow and thrive during her 18 years educating there.

"I would be devastated if it couldn't continue," she said.

"In Montessori learning there are so many benefits. Children can learn according to their interests and it's catered to each individual's needs. Because the numbers are small, educators can really observe the children and direct them to help reach their potential."

WHAT'S NEXT?

The current priority for Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool is to boost enrolments.

Committee members have had some promising enrolment enquiries since putting the call out, but need more. They have also been transparent about future uncertainty.

"The last thing we want to do is scare people away but we have had to tell them to have aback-up option in mind," Ms Grech said.

The committee continues to seek an early years management service to continue running the preschool into the future and welcomes any interested parties to contact them.

An information session will be held at the preschool on July 25 from 7pm to 8pm.

An online option is also available. For more information, contact the preschool.

Athol Guy, of The Seekers fame, will open aKindnesstoElders Open Day at Jubilee Hall, Macedon.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 10.30am to 3.30pm to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

There will be aspecial Life Story of Athol at 11am and local girl guides and scouts, accompanied by the Country Women’s Association and Men’s Shed, will host morning and afternoon cuppas and barbecue lunch.

Gisborne RSL will also give a presentation and thank the community for the support shown them in the aftermath of recent fire that destroyed their club.

The day’s entertainment includes music and aperformance by The Young Voices of Macedon Choir.

There will also be general information on retirement and agedcare finances for those interested.

The community is asked to bring along an elder to join in the celebration.

The United Nations began WEAAD in 2011 for the world to recognise the great value elders bring to their society and to encourage ashowof kindness and respect to help prevent mistreatment and harm in their communities.

For one week from June 13, a selection of trees in the Macedon Ranges will also be adorned with purple bows to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Termed ‘trees of life’, these trees will represent the wisdom and guidance gained from elders and the unity of family and community.

Matinee of musicals

Amatinee of musical theatre billed as Sunsets Boulevard and performed by The Sunsets will be presented at the Gisborne Uniting Church, 23 Brantome Street on Sunday June 23 from 2pm. Featuring songs from Oliver!, Les Miserables, Wicked, West Side Story, Mamma Mia, Chicago and many more,

it promises to be afun andenjoyable afternoon.

Tickets for adults are $25, concession /student $20 and they can be purchased at the door or in advance from Maree on 0423 051 318. The concert will be followed by afternoon tea.

Athol Guy.

Breaking barriers

Jade Jungwirth

When Luz Restrepo received an email telling her she had been awarded aMedal of the Order of Australia for her service to the multicultural community of Victoria, the Maldon resident thought it was spam!

"It's incredible. Ifeelsoproud. Iamthe only Latina this year and Ithink in the history of the awards, there's only ever been two Latinas. It is agreat opportunity to show what I can achieve," she said.

Luz arrived in Australia 14 years ago as a refugee.

"For migrants, when you arrive here, it's like your second birthday," she said.

"July 23, 2010, my life changed.

"I am apolitical refugee. In Colombia there is no freedom of speech when you are advocating for social changes. Social leaders in Colombia are killed or are refugees.

"I had to start from scratch and create a new future. Ifound that Istill had many barriers to overcome, but Ihad my education and my capacity to re-learn and Iwas determined to give back alot of value in return for the opportunity Australia gave me and my family.

"This experience has made me abetter human, as Inow understand first hand the challenges individuals facing significant social and economic barriers must overcome."

Luz studied medicine in her native Colombia, graduated as aGPand worked in casualty, while at the same time was amother to two young daughters.

Finding that she enjoyed hospital administration more, she moved into an administrative role gaining aGraduate Diploma in Business Administration and Marketing and an MA in Communication.

When she arrived in Australia, at 45 years of age, Luz had no English, little money, no

connections and no career prospects.

Three years later she founded SisterWorks, an organisation providing employment and entrepreneurship support for migrant women to gain economic independence.

She also co-founded Migrant Women in Business, anational network that supports migrant women in micro-businesses to thrive and grow and become community leader. And now, she is acandidate in the upcoming Mount Alexander Shire Council elections.

"Throughout my journey, Ihaveidentified systemic challenges that must be addressed

to better welcome migrant families and fully integrate them into our small communities," Luz said.

"Migrant families have much to contribute socially, culturally, and economically.

"One crucial area we need to improve is increasing the representation of women, especially migrant women, in decision-making spaces.

"As aconnector, Ican facilitate dialogue between community leaders and the shire, helping to find common ground and work towards our collective goals.

"Together, we can build amoreinclusive and vibrant community."

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Dr Luz Estela de Fatima Restrepo OAM at her home in Maldon.

Roadworks continue on BlackForest Drive

The Department of Transport is continuing work to reconfigure Black Forest Drive between Woodend and Macedon from four lanes to two.

Some sections of asphalt repairs, resealing works and linemarking have been completed.

Aspokesperson said that to achieve the best results, pavement works needed to be undertaken in warm, dry conditions.

"So to ensure the best outcome, we will take abreak from these works on Black Forest Drive over the colder winter months before resuming in spring when conditions improve," the spokesperson said.

"Intersection improvements at South Road, Spencer Road and McBean Avenue will continue over the winter period.

"Please be aware of changed traffic conditions at times and follow the direction of onsite traffic management.

"In spring we will continue with sealing works and linemarking in sections along Black Forest Drive."

Audio-tactile line marking will be placed on the centre and edge line marking and agreen surface treatment will be applied on the bike lanes at intersections.

Street lighting will be installed at the new pedestrian refuge locations at Spencer Road/Greig Court and South Road and upgraded lighting will be installed at McBean Avenue.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed late 2024.

Speed limit changes

To compliment safety improvement works on Black Forest Drive several speed zone changes will be implemented in the coming weeks.

These changes include:

–South of Woodend, the 60km/h zone at South Road will be extended by approximately 160 metres. This will improve safety by slowing vehicles on approach to the new pedestrian crossing and bus stops near the South Road intersection.

–The speed from Willeys Road to south of Nursery Road will be reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. This will provide improved safety as vehicles cross bicycle lanes to enter and exit the Calder Freeway

–The speed on the exit ramps from the Calder Freeway will be reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h to improve safety as vehicles enter Black Forest Drive.

It is estimated the speed changes will add less than aminute to journey times between Woodend and Macedon on Black Forest Drive.

An unmistakable sound

Indian classical musician Poly Varghese is coming to Castlemaine’sTaproom at Shedshaker Brewing at The Mill Castlemaine this Sunday for avery special performance.

Poly plays 20 instruments, chiefly the Mohanveena, an elaborate 20-stringed guitar that creates aunique yet unmistakable sound. He also created a41-string, three-necked guitar that is something to behold.

“I am glad that everywhere Igo, there is abig bunch of Hindustani music loving audience, which is my strength.

“Rather than having abig crowd, Iprefer to play my music in front of people who can connect with my

expressions,” he told Society magazine.

He has described his music asmusic for the pickpockets and eunuchs –asheisdedicated to making his sounds accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford tickets to shows.

And dedicated heis– he was once called onto play in the Silent Valley National Park for an incredible non stop 25-hour session.

Aformer actor and musical director as well, Poly’s musical talent has taken him all over the world and now to Castlemaine for this free show

Book your table at the Taproom now so you don’t miss this very special event on Sunday,June 16.

Prendergast claims three

Prendergast Earthmoving has claimed three titles in the Civil Contractors Federation Victoria People and Training Awards.

The Kyneton business was named Training Employer of the Year and Leadership Excellence, and apprentice Keira Lupson was crowned Female Apprentice Of The Year Prendergast Earthmoving congratulated the team, giving aspecial shout-out to those involved in stafftraining.

"It'sgreat to work with atraining organisation that has trainers who not only have loads of onsite experience, but who are genuinely invested in helping our staff be the best they can be," they said.

Indian classical musician Poly Varghese is coming to Castlemaine.

TheLoveofcommunity

Angela Crawford

When Sue Love says she’ll do something, she always turns up.

It is this tenacity and commitment to serving her community of Malmsbury that has led her to receive aMedal of the Order of Australia in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

“If Isay I’m going to do something, Istick with it and Idoit, even when it’s uncomfortable and tiring. Idon’t give up,” she told the Express

Sue has volunteered for community groups since she retired as ateacher in the 1990s, first volunteering at the Collingwood Children’s Farm.

“I taught for 31 years and Iwas living in Melbourne and Ithought the Collingwood Children’s Farm was alogical place for me to volunteer, so that’s what Idid,” Sue said.

“I was involved with the very first farmers market in Melbourne, which was started at the Collingwood Children’s Farm.

“There were lots of flowers and herbs at the farm, so Istarted to making these posies called tussie mussies, and they became afeature at the farmers market and raised about $40,000 over the time of the market.”

Sue was also among agroup of people who saved the House of the Gentle Bunyip in Clifton Hill, staging a24-hour picket for more than ayear.

“We saved it,” Sue said.

“Developers wanted to make townhouses right up to the footpath, overlooking the Darling Gardens, butecumenical housing came in and negotiated with the government and it ended up being 11 affordable housing units for people in that area.

“It still looks like an 1850s house but it’s small units and sustainable for people in need.”

Since moving to Malmsbury in 2003, Sue has volunteered for the Malmsbury Town Hall Committee, Malmsbury Village Fayre Committee, Malmsbury Mail Committee, Malmsbury Farmers Market and the Malmsbury Advance Association.

She is also working with acommunity forum to develop ideas for the future use of the now defunct Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.

“The Malmsbury Mail is leading acommunity forum to try to influence how the site gets used,” Sue said.

Paraglider crashes at Elphinstone

Twopeople were injured when their paraglider crashed at Elphinstone yesterday morning.

Paramedics were called to to the scene on Potts Road just after 11am Incident controller for Elphinstone CFA, Kath Chapman, said they received the call to attend the incident at aprivate airstrip. "They were coming in quite fast, ran off

the airstrip and into the wire fence," she said.

"It tipped on its side. The man was able to get free but the female was trapped by her seatbelt.

"The woman was more seriously injured and was taken by air ambulance and the man, who had less severe injuries, was taken by road ambulance."

“We’d like to see aTAFE college there, aveterinary hospital, initiatives in manufacturing or an electrical resource centre of some kind.

“It’s ahuge piece of land and it has huge assets.”

Sue said she had enjoyed thecooperative nature of the many community groups she had been part of in Malmsbury.

“The interaction of the committees I’ve worked with is pretty significant, they’re impressive in their cooperative nature,” she said.

“It takes alot of give and take to run anything when there are so many differing opinions within acommunity.”

Gliders detected

Nest boxes installed along Smokers Creek, Hanging Rock, have recorded promising results.

The nest boxes were set up for the detection of brush-tailed phascogales and krefft’sgliders, which are typically elusive.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s environment team recently reported a total of 13 krefft’sgliders in five individual nest boxes have been observed.

They said the remaining 11 nest boxes all had active nests recorded in them indicating the movement of animals across the landscape and highlighting the importance of connectivity

Nest boxes are just one part of the council’sfauna monitoring program, which helps develop abroad picture of what species exist within councilmanaged land.

Sue Love is pictured with her Community Spirit Award given to her last year by the Malmsbury Fire Brigade.

54A Piper St, Kyneton|4404 8740 kyneton@missmaisie.com.au 62 Mostyn St, Castlemaine |4406 6750 castlemaine@missmaisie.com.au

Legendarylegacies

Twolocal schools, Chewton Primary School and Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten, have been announced as winners in the 2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards held in Melbourne last Tuesday

Chewton Primary School, which has just 87 students, was recognised with the ResourceSmart School of the Year award for its work to incorporate First Nations' perspectives into the school’ssustainability focused curriculum, and for its collaboration with local groups on regeneration and waterway pollution programs.

Awinner of the Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (Primary) at last year’sResourceSmart Schools Awards, Chewton Primary School is demonstrating that while small, it can achieve big things.

School principal Bernadette McKenna said the school’sawardnominated Reconciliation Action Plan showed its strong bond with the community

"Koorie engagement support officer Aunty Kerri and Kath Coff from Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation work with staffto ensure First Nations' perspectives and pedagogy are part of the school program," she said.

"In 2023, the school introduced aweekly sustainability class.

Students participate in Connecting to Country workshops, where they learn about biodiversity and collaborate with Post Office Hill Action groups on revegetation projects, aswell as learning about biodiversity with Connecting Country."

Also aprevious winner of the ResourceSmart Awards, the Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten haswon the title of Student ActionTeam of the Year (Primary), recognising the school'sEco Club.

The club, whichnow has 20 members, is carrying out important citizen science and other sustainability initiatives that extend beyond the school community

One of the Eco Club'sgreatest achievements is the Bird Hide project, where students dismantled an unused shelter and moved it toan area overlooking the wetlands to encourage birdwatching during recess and lunch.

Matt Genever,Sustainability Victoria’sCEO, said the winners were outstanding role models.

"This year,Sustainability Victoria marked 15 years of the ResourceSmart Schools Awards with the theme, ‘Legendary Legacies –what will you leave behind?’," he said.

"These two schools are leaving awonderful legacy for future generations and Icongratulate them on their success."

AgTech grants open

Applications areopen for grants to support agricultural tech startups that will help farmers improvetheir efficiency and adapt to newchallenges in theindustry

The AgTech Grants program invests $50,000 in eligible startups looking to build their business capability.

Delivered in partnership withLaunchVic, the grantprovides founderswith dedicated mentoringfrom startup experts to build their businesses and seize new opportunities

Theycan alsosupport activities that help create new jobs and support Victoria’seconomic growth.

Applications are open until June 30 next year or until funding is exhausted. To apply,visit: launchvic.org/agtech

Chewton Primary School (L- Rback): Awards host Geraldine Hickey, Bernadette McKenna (principal), Serena Everill (sustainability teacher), Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Action Sheena Watt, Hunter, (front): Edan, Freda, Millie, Emilia, Millie, Eidi, Quincy.

Castlemaine Steiner School L- R: Teacher Terry Willis, Freida, Luca, Casper, teacher Katherine Freeman, Sonny, Tavish with Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Action, Sheena Watt.

Laura Paterson

Stategongs forlocal projects

Local landscape projects have scooped the pool at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects 2024 VicState Awards event in Melbourne.

The jury honoured 25 winners from a total of 68 entries across 14 categories, including three Regional Achievement Award winners.

Jury chair Flynn Hart said the projects celebrated the huge contribution of landscape architecture on shaping resilient, culturally conscious, climate positive and inspiring places throughout Victoria.

“This year’saward entries demonstrate the profession’sleading position on major challenges that affect us all, now and into the future,” Flynn said.

“Weare leaders in climate-positive design, we connect people to their environment and we seek to engage all stakeholders with optimism and innovation. We are ahumble profession with clear values and strong voices for how we manage changing environments and connect the life within them.”

Castlemaine district landscape architects Catherine Rush and Michael Wright of Rush Wright Associates picked up four awards at this year's event.

These include a'Landscape Architecture Award' for their personally designed and built sand garden on their property at Glenluce, south of Castlemaine.

The husband and wife team, who have been operating their local business for 25 years, also picked up awards for their Carrum Level Crossing, Seaford Level Crossing and Victorian Emergency Service Memorial projects.

They have won dozens of awards at the prestigious event over the last two decades. Atestament to their expertise in the field.

The local couple said their Glenluce garden was aproject that began during the covid lockdowns and constructed for atotal of $13,500, proving great beauty could be achieved on any budget.

The new garden space is part of a sequence of landscapes on their threehectare property –anold farm, pub and general store site.

In designing the garden, the landscape architects questioned: “Could landscape return to its roots, and make things simple once again, where plants are the star,the earth comes alive and the spirit of our own

landscapes is once again revealed?” The answer? “Wethink so,” Rush and Wright said.

The design, primarily composed of slender dune ‘fingers’, creates ameandering, seemingly ‘natural’ set of spaces that envelop visitors in the plantings.

Plants and materials were selected to be drought-proof and fire-resistant, and bring asense of ‘the outback’ into the garden. Simplicity reigns here, with the garden free of features, concrete and “jazzy designer things”.

The pair try to use local trades and materials wherever possible.

“Our regions could benefit from landscape types derived simply from the region, rather than importing design ideas from afar,” Rush and Wright said.

Romsey Ecotherapy Park by ACLA Consultants won one of the three Regional Achievement Awards and aLandscape Architecture Award in the Parks and Open Spaces category

The project is the result of a14-year community-led initiative to transform an abandoned town primary school site into an innovative nature-based space for passive recreation. The park incorporates therapeutic gardens and water features for healing and wellbeing, acustomised place space and picnic facilities. It can also host outdoor performances and community events.

“Romsey Ecotherapy Park demonstrates an exemplary process and outcome –a park that sustains the wellbeing of the community along with an active design process that prioritises the community through an educative approach," the jury said.

UrbanFold’sCastlemaine Railway Precinct Masterplan was also honoured with a Regional Achievement Award.

The new masterplan sets out astrategic framework to connect, activate and rehabilitate the precinct and also prioritises an ongoing relationship with the Dja Dja Wurrung people.

“The strategic framework skilfully and cohesively connects, activates and rehabilitates arich collection of historical buildings, landscapes and natural features centred around afunctioning railway station,” the jury said.

All winners at the State Awards level proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards held later this year

•CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS •PENSIONERS

•CHILDREN 15 YEARS &UNDER

Castlemaine district landscape architects Catherine Rush and Michael Wright of Rush Wright Associates picked up four awards at this year’s event. Including one for their Glenluce Sand Garden. Photo: Michael Wright

Dr Dhaliwal Dr Turnbull Dr Harper

Dr Yue Dr Smith Dr Darshani Dr Jayawardene

Stephen

HarcourtLionscelebrate40years

Harcourt Lions Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month and members are looking for newcomers of all ages to join their ranks.

Club president and original Charter member Raymond Rice said the club was started four decades ago with help from Guiding Lion, the late TedCutlack of the Castlemaine Lions Club.

"The Harcourt and District Lions Club Inc was officially formed and chartered on June 5, 1984," Ray said.

There were 22 young men who formed the club with Malcolm Nancarrow elected the first president, Geoff Hooper secretary and Terry Potter treasurer.Other charter members included: Doug Boschert, Rod Chisholm, Kevin Earl, Ian Hearson, Graham Hill, John Hughs, Graham Jenkin, Norman Jenkin, Neil Maddern, Alan McLean, Neil McLean, Darren Rennie, Raymond Rice, Wayne Rice, Ian Strachan, Gary Watson, Jack Watson, John Scott and Wayne Reed.

While Kevin Earl was with the club he was known as 'Snap' and took many photos recording the club'sactivities.

Originally the International Lions Club was an all-male club but finally in 1987 women were permitted to join and become Lions.

"Subsequently Janet Mitchell decided to join and was accepted into the Harcourt Lions Club and was later voted in as the club'sfirst lady president in 20052006. Janet later married and moved to the Kyneton Club continuing her involvement with the organisation," Ray said.

Over the years the Harcourt Lions Club has been through 'feast and famine' as far as members go, but despite

this the club has still raised many funds through barbecues and other events with funds donated back into the local community

"In 2013-14 the club reached apoint where there were only six members remaining and it was expected to fold, but Grant Victor-Gordon and his family moved to the Harcourt club and they have helped to gradually rebuild member numbers over the past 10 years," Ray said.

In fact, Grant obtained agrant from 'Pick My Project', which saw VCAL students at Castlemaine Secondary College given the chance to experience working in hospitality and at the Victorian Miniature Railway at Harcourt learning many skills.

However,Grant and family have now moved back to the Castlemaine Lions Club.

Of the original 22 Charter members from 1984, Ray is the only one left in the club today.Forty yearslater he is proud to be the current president and is just as passionate about the Lions as ever

"Weare afriendly club and we always welcome new members to join our ranks so we can continue our important work for the betterment of the Harcourt district community," Ray said.

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm at the Victorian Miniature Railway Shed, 3643 Harmony Way, Harcourt with their next meeting on June 20. Members enjoy a shared meal and discussion.

For more information about the club and getting involved, write to Harcourt &District Lions Club at PO Box 100, Harcourt 3453.

Macedon Ranges

Brew - lbrew@midnews.com.au Kerrie Gleeson - kgleeson@midnews.com.au Mikaela Bruton - mbruton@midnews.com.au

Harcourt Lions Gary Selwood and Buzz Nunn man the barbecue for the Harcourt Summer Gathering.

Healthy harvesting

Students at Riddells Creek Primary School have been getting their hands dirty and learning how to grow,harvest and prepare tasty and nutritious food thanks to funding from the Healthy Loddon Campaspe Healthy Schools Project initiative.

In partnership with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, the Healthy Loddon Campaspe funding has enabled the school to purchase seeds, plants and garden tools along with kitchen equipment to expand the Stephanie Alexander kitchen garden program.

It has also enabled the school to put a rabbit proof fence around the vegetable patch to protect the produce.

Under the guidance of Aga Jones and Deb Taylor,the school’sStephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program specialists, the enthusiastic students have been tending to the various fruit, vegetables and herbs in the garden and learning how they can use the produce to create healthy meals and snacks.

“Wehave had aStephanie Alexander kitchen garden program here for about 10 years,” Aga said.

“It is such an important part of the curriculum giving students the opportunity to appreciate the joy and the rewards of growing your own produce and hopefully set them up for alifetime of positive eating habits and alove of nutritious food.”

Over the past few weeks, the grade threes and fours have been using produce from the garden to make soup to share to celebrate the progress that has been made over the past nine months since the project started.

“Wehave been able to add to our orchard with some additional citrus and olive trees plus we are currently planting alarge garlic crop which we hope to sell to the community to continue funding our program,” Deb said.

The students have been able to work with the school canteen to help make Riddells Creek ahealthier school community with more nutritious options on the menu

and staffand students more aware of how their food choices can have an impact on their health and wellbeing.

Alicia O’Brien, Healthy Loddon Campaspe coordinator,said it was exciting to be working with Riddells Creek Primary School to enhance their kitchen garden and cooking program.

“Supporting the school with membership to the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, along with garden upgrades including new fencing, shelving, wheelbarrows and rakes, has helped boost the productivity and sustainability of the school’sgarden, leading to more, better quality produce making it into the healthy recipes that students cook in the kitchen,” Alicia said.

"The project has also provided kitchen equipment such as scales and blenders, which students are using to cook healthy meals using produce from the garden. As aresult, students are gaining important knowledge about growing, cooking and eating healthy food.”

Elliot, Ameila and Charlie keeping the seedlings watered.

Documentary exploreslaw of theland

First Nations stories, including the continued 'colonisation' of Aboriginal land, are at the heart of the true history of Australia, and some of these stories are told in the 90-minute documentary, Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land

As part of Reconciliation Week’s Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival, the Theatre Royal Castlemaine screened Sinem Saban’s documentary on the life of Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM and his determined battle for recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty and law.

Sinem was born to Turkish Cypriot parents who immigrated to Australia in the early 1970s. After studying media, Aboriginal and legal studies, she was invited to join musician Michael Franti in 2004 to record the drastic effect of war on the people of Iraq and Palestine for his film, I Know I'm Not Alone.She has spent more than two decades in the Top End, particularly in the communities of Galiwin’ku, Maningrida and Yirrkala, and during that time has got to know Dr Gondarra well and learned the continuing issues facing those communities.

Sinem’s cinematography is artistic and the footage of ceremony is intriguing. Her use of archival black and white films from the ABC and other sources showed the harmony of traditional Yolgnu life in Eastern Arnhem Land. One story explained how the many centuries of international trade with the Makassans was an integral part of Yolgnu culture, only to be halted by the South Australian government in 1906. With all in the community sharing decision-making power, conflict

SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. Which Mount Alexander event was a winner in the 2024 Maggolee Awards?

2. The Kindness Collective at Kyneton is hosting an Op Shop Fashion Parade to raise funds for what?

3. Where is the Major Mitchell memorial at Golden Point located?

4. Tales from an Ancient Marathoner is the memoir title of which Kyneton resident? (3 points)

5. Artist Liz Sullivan has been named a 2024 Archibald finalist for her portrait of which Australian identity?

6. Who starred as Rachel Green in the US sitcom Friends?

7. How many parallel sides appear on a trapezium?

8. The following devices were all created by which brand: GameCube, DS, Wii and Gameboy?

9. What is pictured at the centre of Lebanon’s national flag? (3 points)

10. Which ancient civilisation is known to have occupied the Mexico and Guatemala area in around 1500 BCE to 900 CE?

resolution and judgment of community issues was determined by consensus. Despite Dr Gondarra’s efforts to convince balanda (non-Aboriginal) lawmakers of the value of traditional law, it has so far been in vain.

Having songs included in the soundtrack, songwriter Yirrmal Marika from Yirrkala performed atraditional Manikay and sang two of his original compositions, including the haunting Sunset Feeling.Yirrmal plans to return to Castlemaine in acouple of months to perform his solo show.

After the screening, aQ&A session ensued with Sinem, Yirrmal, Githabul-Ngarakwul custodian Jarmbi and Yolgnu arts coordinator and media personality Leila Gurruwiwi (who grew up in Bendigo).

Sinem asked the audience to arrange further screenings to create more awareness of First Nations' way of life and indicated the website fan-force.com/ create-screening for access to the film.

In ashort video at the end, an obviously very sick Dr Gondarra and his activist daughter, Biritjalawuy Gondarra, thanked the audience for watching.

Sinem explained, “Dr Gondarra just turned 78 years old in February so Iam just really happy for him that he will finally get some kind of acknowledgement for all that he has done in his life and the gift he will leave to all of us when he leaves the physical world.”

Local audiences can catch an encore screening of the film at the Theatre Royal on Saturday July 13 at 7pm.

–ByPeteJames Wreford Dawson

CROSSWORD

Store cattle sale

Kyneton agents yarded 1400 cattle at their May store cattle sale held at the Kyneton saleyards last month.

The yarding consisted of 730 steers, 610 heifers, 30 cows and calves and 30 P.T.I.C heifers and cows.

The cattle on offer consisted of alarge run of spring 23 drop weaner calves a/c local district breeders who should be congratulated on the presentation of their consignments.

Agoodlineup of buyers was at the rail and bid keenly on the better breeding of cattle on offer.

Cattle on offer were consigned to buyers from New South Wales, South Australia, Western district of Victoria, Gippsland and agood core oflocal district buyers. Cattle on the day sold at dearer rates than the last monthly sale with the steer portion of better bred steers selling up to $100 per head dearer while the better bred heifers were quoted up to $130 dearer than the last sale. The top $per head price for grown steers was $1810, weaner steers sold to a top of $1440. Grown heifers sold to atop of $1530, weaner heifers sold to atop of $1320. Cows and calves sold to $1800 and P.T.I.C heifers to $1600.

Grown steers

A/c Bouwman Murray grey steers weighed 536kg made $1810

A/c Hayes angus steers weighed 562kg made $1800

A/c Dobbie angus steers weighed 472kg made $1690

A/c Treggarron Pty angus steers weighed 487kg made $1680

A/c Comfort angus steers weighed 418kg made $1480

A/c Cameron angus steers weighed 496kg made $$1650

A/c Carter Angus steers weighed 405kg made $1500

A/c Pietch ,Angus steers

weighed 409kg made $1430

Steer weaners

A/ cSandilands angus steers weighed 421kg made $1440

A/c Schooling angus steers weighed 390kg made $1380

A/c Bruton angus steers weighed 354kg made $1360

A/c Turner angus steers weighed 319kg made $1280

A/c Omnizar Pty angus steers weighed 325kg made $1270

A/c Rush angus steers weighed 324kg made $1250

A/c Barker and Wall angus steers weighed 349kg made $1350

A/c Ravenswood angus steers weighed 346kg made $1360

A/c DKand HATrading angus steers weighed 298kg made $1050

Heifers

A/c Treggarron Pty angus heifers weighed 505kg made $1530

A/c Jaypeg angus Xheifers weighed 415kg made $1320

A/c Symons angus cross heifers weighed 388 kg made $1230

A/c McCarthy angus heifers weighed 350kg made $1060

A/c Turner angus heifers weighed 283kg made $900

A/c Bolinda springs angus heifers weighed 281kg made $890

A/c Seachange angus heifers weighed 245kg made $820

Cows and calves and joined heifers

A/c Mingela angus cowsand calves sixth calvers made $1530

A/c Little Rock angus cows and calves second and third calf at foot made $1580

A/c Battersby angus heifers

P.T.I.C to angus bull to calve August on made $1600

A/c Holcombe Hill angus heifers P.T.I.C to angus bull to calve August made $1540 –Compiled by Kieran McGrath, Nutrien Ag Solutions Kyneton

Super Quiz answers: 1. Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Australia Day urvival–S Day. 2. Kyneton Foodbank.

Greg Wilson.

Filmmaker Sinem Saban and Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM.

PETCARE

It wasraining cats and dogs on the Pet Care pagelast month, andthe good news is that the deluge continues with more of our readers’ much-loved fur kids taking on astarring role.

Mushroom was born on Anzac Day 2019. Adopted and reloved at 10 months old, Mushroom now adores basking in the sun and following her love of all things warm, will snuggle on aheat pack whenever one can be found.

Felix is the distinguished gentleman of the house. He rarely meows and uses the power of his gaze to communicate. This photo shows him dissatisfied at being kept waiting for dinner.Hewas raised as afoster from four weeks old and because his carers couldn’t say goodbye, they kept him. He is now 10.

LulluttheMMajjesttic lives inKKynetton wiith her two humans (she believes they are her cubs). Cubs must be present for meals and bedtime or they will be summoned. Her nemesis is atoy called Bat Boy who is now abit of awreck. Lulu loves agood game of hide and seek.

Henry is Felix’s adopted brother: his family’ssecond foster fail. He is a spritely two-yearold who loves to be the centre of loud playing so he can steal apat or cuddle or two. Never far away from children, he is awalking teddy bear.But don’t touch his belly when he stretches out, it is atrap.

Ellie is akind, sweet, caring little dog and agreat companion who travels to work to meet everyone her disability worker human mum cares for

Naughty,noisy, cheeky,and totally adorable, cavalier king charles spaniel Stella loves her walks around the gardens with her fur mummy

Your pet's holiday home away

SPECIAL DIETSCATERED FOR Situatedbetween 2major

andmuchmore

@ Y YourOPINIONS

Council not financially viable

Ian Goudie, Trentham

Hepburn Council'sdraft budget is worse than useless.

Council invites comment on the draft budget for 2024/25. Almost nobody reads it. It is very long and technical. That is why it is useless to the average ratepayer But it is worse than that. In its many pages and tables there is hidden information: that Hepburn Shire Council is BROKE. Not right out lies, only lies of omission.

What ratepayers need to be told is that council is not financially viable, going forward. This means that either rates have to go up alot, or the services provided have to be cut back, or both. People will squeal and shout but the true situation needs to be told.

For ratepayers, the essence of the budget needs to be presented on asingle page. Money in, money out, for the last couple of years and the next few,and the consequences. If the present group of councillors fail to do this they should not be voted for again.

Acting forthe environment

RayPeck, Hawthorn

It was pleasing to read about the environmental work of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council ('Acting now for the future', Midland Express,June4). To sustain the Healthy Landscapes program for five years shows commitment and 140 attending the Kyneton event shows the program’srelevance. By increasing soil carbon, not only can farmers help combat climate change, but they can also earn income from carbon credits.

Awin-win for participating land managers. Asecond program supported by the council is Trees for Schools. The teachers at Braemar College, Riddells Creek PS and Global Village Learning in New Gisborne who found the time and energy to put in successful applications are to be commended.

There is good evidence that the mental health of students improves when they do something concrete for the environment

The second Ainthe Australian Psychological Association’sACTIVATEstrategy –eight psychological strategies to tackle climate change –stands for 'Act'. Planting trees is an excellent action for school students because they can return throughout their lifetime to see how the trees are growing and observe the shade and habitat they provide.

Whysoout of touch?

Joan Reilly,SurreyHills

As visitors to regional Victoria, we are always dismayed to see so much 'road-kill' along our journey.There are few signs to encourage motorists to slow down –or avoid driving –indusk, dawn or night conditions. There is no government campaign to educate drivers about the suffering of wildlife on our roads. Transport trucks hurtle through the darkness to meet business schedules and there is no disincentive for that.

It’spretty clear that our government has no concern for wildlife. Every year,millions of dollars from Victorian taxes go into supporting the shooting of native ducks and quail for sport. Thousands of birds are left crippled, not dead.

Perhaps the Allan government’s withdrawal of funding for Wildlife Victoria ('Highest rate of trauma', Midland Express, June 4) is payback for the charity’spresence at wetlands, where their veterinary team assists wounded ducks and provides

evidence of the casualties. RSPCA Victoria no longer attends wetlands because of threats to withdraw the government support it receives for its inspectorate role.

Most voters deplore cruelty.Why are politicians so out oftouch with community views?

MajorMitchell ‘truth telling’

GeoffreyStewart,Romsey

In reference to the article ‘Monument defaced with fake blood’ (Midland Express, June 4), from ahistorical perspective there are many aspects of the article that require response.

Historians know that historical events involving human interaction are more complicated than isolated actions with no context. The article depicts Major Mitchell as acold-blooded mass murderer.Ineffect the article appears to provide justification for the vandalism of the monument connected to him.

Idonot profess to bean expert on this matter however even abrief look atthe events clearly shows that Major Mitchell was clearly in fear of his and his men’slives. That he had previously left the area due to the hostility from one particular Indigenous clan and that he was ordered back by his bosses to the same area.That the hostile clan had previously killed two white men associated with Major Mitchell’swork.

Furthermore Major Mitchell was asurveyor leading ateam of employed convicts and guided by the local Aboriginal people, he was not leading ateam of soldiers.

Historians are all in favour of the concept of ‘truth telling’ for this is howsocieties and humanity learns from the past, however no learning happens if the past is removed or vandalised by deliberate misrepresentation of the past.

The British invasion of Australia was atime of great conflict and some groups

elected to resist the invasion and others elected to seek peace. Both responses were legitimate but there comes atime when conflict stops and arespect for all cultures and heritages needs to take place.

Highly offensive

David Tuck,Clydesdale

Iamdismayed to observe that road signs at Yandoit marking the Larni Baramul Yaluk have been vandalised, presumably as an objection to the renaming of the Jim Crow Creek. The official renaming ofthe waterway acknowledges the highly offensive and racist nature of the earlier name, and was only carried through after extensive public consultation.

To the perpetrators Isay,your mess will be cleaned up at public expense, and if you choose to persist in defacing the signs, you will be caught, sooner or later,and hopefully dealt with harshly by the authorities.

If youfind the ‘new’ name too challenging to remember,you’re probably not really trying, but probably no one will be offended if you justrefer to ‘TheLarni’.

If racism is what motivates you, words fail me.

Maintain thestatusquo AndrewMcLaren, Kyneton

Here we go again! Every time anew set of geniuses accumulates at Macedon Ranges Shire headquarters they decide that chargingtheir ratepayers to take green waste to the tip would be awonderful way to save money.One or two seasons of burning off, dumping and bushfires later,they decide it wasn’t such agoodidea after all and reverse the decision. Toomuch to expect that they might short-circuit the cycle this time and maintain the economically and environmentally sound status quo?

Filmreview: ‘Furiosa: AMad MaxSaga’

Lloyd Dodsworth

The Mad Max saga has enthralled Australians ever since our parents told us we weren’t allowed to watch it. Violence. Car chases. Coarse language. Gangs. Vengeance. It’s an intoxicating mix for adrenaline junkies. Add themes of endurance, ingenuity, redemption and hope, which George Miller sprinkles throughout the franchise, and you have generation-defining cinema. For astack of films featuring arust-stained post- apocalyptic wasteland filled with individuals of questionable sanity, the focus on humanity is surprisingly high.

Don’t get me wrong, though –the car chases are incredible.

Furiosa follows the brutal origin story of the Mad Max: Fury Road heroine, originally played by Charlize Theron and here by Anya TaylorJoy, who takes up the wheel with asteely-eyed ferocity well-known to fans of her work. Furiosa transitions from brave and resourceful child into hardened and capable adult, growing up under the thumb of Chris Hemsworth’s Dementus, the addled leader of avast biker gang army.

Her journey to become the metal-armed War Rig driver for Fury Road’s Immortan Joe comprises, naturally, some of the most ambitious vehicle-based action scenes in recent memory. The War Boys make a welcome return –seeingthem scramble and vault over aweaponised semi moving at high-speed is never short of thrilling.

One of the enduring joys of these films is the cobbled-together nature of its world: every piece of furniture, every gun, every vehicle seems to have been constructed with junkyard scraps. Gloriously, we get to see it in action, with characters disassembling motorbikes mid-chase to create bigger, more destructive options, or witnessing the slow construction of the intimidating big rigs.

The Wasteland gets bigger, too. We see the infamous Gastown and, in one spectacular set piece, the oft-mentioned Bullet Farm. Furiosa is filled to the brim with beautiful, lived-in areas and details, which is afeat considering large swathes of its run-time take place in the stark desert.

Chris Hemsworth is wonderfully deranged, teasing out chuckles even while performing acts of casual brutality from atop achariot pulled by motorbikes. He provides an excellent foil to the monstrous Immortan Joe, played by Lachy Hulme, replacing the late Hugh Keays-Byrne.

Though its third act feels atad rushed, it is asmall complaint for what is an exceptionally rich film with gorgeous visuals, exciting performances and nail-biting action.

And seriously. Those car chases.

Furiosa is showing at the Theatre Royal on June 12 –7.30pm, June 13 –3pm, June 19 –8pm, 9Jul –7.30pm, 14 Jul –6.30pm and 23 Jul –7.30pm.

Aclassic one-actplay A classic one-act play

Tickets are now on sale for Castlemaine Theatre Company's winter warmer, the classic one-act play, The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard.

The play is directed by Sam Archer and features a diverse, multigenerational cast, with the usual wonderful cocktail of CTC regulars and new faces.

The action is set in the crumbling grandeur of an

opulent yet eerie manor house, and cunningly uses the meta-narrative of a‘play within aplay’.

Castlemaine Theatre Company cordially invites you to an evening of fanciful farce in the Drawing Room of Muldoon Manor with drinks served half an hour before the show in the Grand Hall and Parlour. Formal ‘50s style attire is encouraged, though not required for entry.

Join them at the newly appointed Etty St Studio, 35 Etty Street (Old CSC Senior Campus, Engineering Block) from July 5-14, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm for a7.30pm curtain, and Sundays at 1.30pm for a2pm curtain. Tickets are available through Trybooking or the Castlemaine Theatre Company website at www.castlemainetheatrecompany.com

Amenacing melodrama

Excitement is building as Cathouse Players take up residence this week at the Kyneton Masonic Centre for their production of the original version of Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton.

On the surface it may be seen as aVictorian melodrama, but it is also aplay that has defined toxic masculinity.

For reasons that are later revealed, Jack Manningham's controlling behaviour and moods consistently undermine his wife Bella, causing her to doubt her own sanity. He even cleverly involves the household's servants.

Her nightmare seems neverending, until the unexpected arrival of Rough, aformer police detective with some astounding news for her.

Opening night of Gaslight is Friday this week, at 8pm, with five more shows on June 15 and June 16, and June 22 and June 23, all 2pm matinees, with another evening show at 8pm on Friday June 21.

Tickets are $25/20 and include sherries, program, and interval refreshments. Companion card is welcome.

Bookings: www.trybooking. com/CNFMY or please call Katie/Brian on 0490 485 850.

Please note: with some confronting, adult themes, Gaslight is considered unsuitable viewing for children 16 years and under.

Artists, artists, artists!

TheCastlemaine Artists Market is lighting up the centre of town on Sunday June 23.

Visit more than 50 stallholders selling handmade quality artwork; watch and take part in live demonstrations in the creative arts. Enjoy delicious food and drink as well as activities for children. This month the Young Makers Market and FREEZA musicians join forces with the Castlemaine Artists Market to present the awesome talent of young creatives in the Mount Alexander Shire region.

Whether you are local or visiting the area, there will be something that inspires. It's on from 10am-2pm at Western Reserve.

LtoR:Michael Treloar as Jack Manningham, Di Addington as parlour maid Nancy, Maggie Browne as cook/housekeeper Elizabeth. Photo: Helen Gramberg

Join the cast of Castlemaine Theatre Company’s winter warmer ‘The Real Inspector Hound’ for anight of intrigue and fun. Photo: Stephen Mitchell

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.

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Happy HappyBirthday Birthday Birthday Club

WEDNESDAY,

FRIDAY,

SATURDAY,

I’m sure you have come across the claim that you can’t or shouldn’tcompost meat scraps and dairy products. Given how often it is repeated, it must be true mustn’t it?

Perhaps it is timetochannel our inner ‘toddler’ and ask “why?”. If we can understand the reasons ‘not to compost meat and dairy’, we will be better placed to know if we can do it and how we mightdoitwell.

Fear of attracting rats and mice to our gardens, feeding and breeding them, is usually the reason given for excluding meat and dairy.Itisbased on the assumption that people are composting pretty poorly in their backyards and don’t have the skills to manage acompost that might stop rodents raiding their compost for food.

Now,this fear is not unfounded. If we are one of those people still doing a‘dump and run’ style cool (and smelly) compost in an unprotected bin or pile, we are who the advice is targeted at, and it is probably time to give our compost alot more attention, or alternatively to send our food scraps to someone who is composting well.

If, on the other hand, we are cool composting in acontained, rodent-proof vessel (that might include atumbler,lidded worm farm or Gedye-style bin with rodent mesh folded over the bottom lip) then rodents should not be able to get to our high-value food scraps. Alternatively,wemight be hot composting, (not easy to do in acontained vessel), where the higher temperatures (55 degrees and above) stop the rodents getting to the tasty treats, and process them to be unrecognisable in afew short days.

In either case (cool or hot) we want to chop or break up the meat or dairy into small pieces and distribute them though the most active part of our pile with agood dose of carbon-rich material to balance their high nitrogen content.

The other concern with meat and dairy in compost is probably based on their fat/oil content. Dumping abig pot of ‘off’ cream on top of our compost is not good practice, it will makean airless layer in our pile and slow things down. But, diluted and mixed in with other balancing ingredients (like abit ofsawdust or shredded paper) and it will become rich microbe food and might even get our compost more active.

Analternative (but connected) option for dealing with high-value food wastes like meat and dairy,istofeed them to animals (dogs, pigs and chooks are good examples). Ican’t tell you what is safe to feed to your animals (you’ll need to do your own research or get specific advice), but Iknow my chooks process and love most of these kinds of ‘wastes’ from our house, saving us buying in feed and converting the energy and nutrient in these resources into other useful things. If you don’t have animals that can make ameal of these things, someone in your street or neighbourhood probably does.

Lastly,weneed to consider whatthe alternative to composting (or feedingtoanimals) is. If we throw waste meat and dairy in the general waste bin, they end up buried in landfill, putrefying in alow oxygen environment and producing large amounts of methane and nitrous oxide. We not only lose the value of these nutrients from our communities; we create aterrible problem at the other end.

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

Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has encouraged people to check their devices will still function, ahead of the Telstra 3G network shutdown in August.

Telstra was initially scheduled to close its 3G network and migrate over to 4G coverage at the end of June 2024, however,extendedthe network closure to allow households to prepare for the transition.

“If you currently have 3G only devices, they will no longer work after the August deadline,” Ms Broad said.

“This could impact your phone, tablet, medical devices, security systems, and more, so it is important that you are prepared beforehand.

“I urge Northern Victorian residents to make sure their devices are compatible before the migration occurs. It is also

important to check up on elderly family and neighbours, who may need assistance with accessing this information.”

If you’re aTelstra customer,orifyou have adevice that uses Telstra’smobile network, you can find out if your mobile phone is impacted by texting ‘3’ to 3498. Telstra will then respond to advise the status of the device and whether you need to take any action.

If you’re using adevice to monitor health such as medical alarms, security,orother remote safety situations, and they’re currently using the 3G system, they will stop working as the network is closed.

Information regarding the device’s compatibility with the newsignal can be found on accompanying paperwork from the manufacturer,orby contacting the provider

Physical barriers or high temperatures –both effective ways to keep rodents from getting to composting meat or dairy.

Midland

PROPE RT Y&L IVI NG

Victoriancharm and practicality

This Victorian gem is adelightful retreat with aperfect blend of period charm and modern convenience. The wide, decked verandah and tall ceilings are classic features that add character,while the updates ensure comfort and functionality.The open plan living area, complete with afireplace and reverse cycle air,offers cosy spaces for relaxation, and the gas kitchen with agarden outlook is sure to inspire culinary adventures.

The addition of alarge family bathroom, laundry with asecond bathroom, and well-fenced gardens enhance the practicality and outdoor enjoyment of the property.The steel-framed garage-workshop (9m x7.5m) is afantastic bonus, offering ample space for hobbies or projects.

Its location, set back from the main road and overlooking the surrounding landscape, provides asense of tranquillity and privacy,yet it’s just ashort drive into Castlemaine for schools, shopping, and other amenities. Overall, this home provides awonderful combination of Victorian charm, modern comfort, and practical living.

Walks along the Castlemaine-Maldon Steam train riding track are at your doorstep.

Property: Three bedroom, twobathroom home with town convenience and wonderfulworkshop

Address: 38 Maldon Road,McKenzie HillPrice: $725,000

Agent: Belle Property

Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130 Blasi Mulholland 0417 311 733

Leared Drive, Kyneton

Prime LocationAnd Family Haven

Thereisalot to love aboutthisbrick home in arguablyone of thebestspots in Kyneton. The flexible 5bed (or4plusstudy)layoutfeaturestwo living areas, arenovated kitchen andasecurerear yard witha large deck andveggiebeds Stroll to PiperStreet,soccerovals andthe Campaspe RiverWalk,all moments fromyourdoorstep.

Kyneton FringeFarm Space

8.3hafarmlet withscenicviews,zonedfor farming.Unlikely to be rezoned forresidentialuse.Nearby bore access suggests sustainableagriculture opportunities like olivegrovesorequine activities.Just6minutes from Kyneton, ideal forfarmers expandingoperations

Your Dream Home Awaits at Kyneton Bushland Resort

Explore Kyneton'scharm,renownedfor itsliability andwarmth, enhanced by thehiddengem,Kyneton BushlandResort. Minutesfromtown, this village offers amenities anda canvas foryourdream home on 45 LearedDrive's generous3372sqm parcel.Seamlessly blendwithnatureand create cherished memories in this captivating setting.

Twometiculouslycleared acreageswithpostcard views of Mt Macedon and neighboringfarmland, these properties (6.88hectaresand 5.16 hectares) are perfectfor arural retreatoragricultural venture. The region's reputationfor cool climategrape growingmakes it idealfor viticulture,olive groves or stone fruitorchards.Accessedvia asealedroadwithmains powernearby, these lots are zonedfor farmingand feature nearby bore access,supportingsustainable agricultureorequine activities

2/36 Barton Street, Kyneton

LightFilled Easy Living

Locatedinahouse-proudcul-de-sac, this meticulouslymaintainedfederationstylebrick unit offers comfortand convenience. With alock-up garageand secure courtyardit'sperfect fordownsizersand investors.Enjoy alight-filled loungeroom,spacious kitchen/diningarea,two bedroomswithrobes anda central bathroom.Conveniently locatedneareducationand medicalprecincts

21 1294 sqm (approx.)

THE BEST

329 PipersCreekRoad, Kyneton

Move In And Live Your Best Life

Experience luxury living on this 5.63-acre sanctuary boasting aspacioushome, six-stable shed, andlushlandscapedgardens.French countrykitchen,three living areas, anddouble-glazedwindows ensurecomfort.Entertain on thedeck overlookingthe picturesqueland. Convenientlyclose to schools,shops,and trainstation.

Earlier this year,wewerehonoured with notone,but TWO prestigious awardsat the2024RateMyAgent Awards,solidifying our position as thetop-performing agency in theregion. This recognition is especially meaningful as it's based on the heartfeltfeedback from our wonderful vendors and buyers

As we reach the halfway point of the year, ourcommitment to deliveringthe highest standards of professionalism and excellence remains stronger than ever.

Aheartfeltthank youtoall ourclientsfor their continuedtrust and support. Here’s to many more successful months ahead in servingour local communities!

The best of both

Property: Neatasapin, 104.5 acre(approx.) working farm with four-bedroom home

Address: 599Muckleford-Walmer Road Muckleford

Price: $1,745,000

Agent: Cantwell Property Castlemaine

Contact: TomRobertson |0473642 644

Arare opportunity awaits with 104.5 acres (approx.) of picturesque farmland of ancient gums with rich and productive soil and abeautifully manicured garden surrounding the perfectly presented four-bedroom brick veneer home. Bendigo is an easy 30 minute commute, 10 minutes to Castlemaine and ashort drive into historic Maldon, making this property the ideal country lifestyle for farming and liveability

Atree-lined poplar driveway leads to the home that sits among alandscaped garden planted with ornamental trees, pencil pines, and clipped hedges. The floorplan features entry into agenerous open-plan kitchen with dining and living. The kitchen provides an electric cooktop with an under-mount oven, an Asko dishwasher,stone benchtops, soft close drawers, apantry and bar-style seating. The north-facing living features asolid wood heater,large windows with outlooks of the surrounding landscape and asliding door to the verandah with an ornamental vine and anorth-facing 6.7m x5.1m alfresco area overlooking the garden, paddocks and dam, making the perfect place to entertain family and friends. Asecond living space is an ideal theatre room or playroom.

The main bedroom suite has views of the garden, awalk-in robe and an ensuite with ashower,toilet and vanity.Two further bedrooms are generous in size and have walk-in robes. Afourth bedroom with abuilt-in robe makes for an ideal home office. Completing the internal design is abathroom with ashower,bath, vanity,a separate toilet and alarge laundry that provides storage, access to the 7.5m double secure garage and external access to the north verandah. Additional details include an integrated solar system, ducted heating and cooling, double blinds and six large water tanks for water supply

Externally,the property is beautifully presented and set up with fenced irrigated paddocks, water tanks, adam andbore water for irrigation supply,a seasonal creek, ancient gums and an 18.8m x9mgarage, a9mx10.8m machinery shed and 9m x7.3mgarage, all with power,providing storage for tractors, tools and just about anything!

Neat as apin, this 104.5 acre (approx.) working farm with afour-bedroom home is the best of both worlds: picturesque and ideal farmland with all the convenience of ashort drive to schools, retail, amenities and the Calder Freeway for access to Bendigo orMelbourne. If arural lifestyle is what you are after,then this property is for you.

Luxurious family living

Property: Six bedrooms plus study in old Gisborne Township on 2013m2 (approx.)

Address: 105 Howey Street,Gisborne

Auction: SaturdayJune, 22 -11am. Indicativeprice:

$1,650,000 -$1,750,000

Agent: Raine &Horne

Contact: KenGrech 0418 509 710

Let’s talk REAL ESTATE

Discover this architecturally inspired executive residence, spectacularly nestled in one of Gisborne’sfinest pockets.

Located in the heart of the township on a quiet, no-through road, this home offers remarkable seclusion while providing easy access to all local amenities.

sporting facilities, this location is perfect for families.

Additional features include:

*Stone benchtops

*Polished timber floors

*Hydronic heating

*3kw ofsolar panels

With JenniferPearce Kyneton

HOME PRESENTATION NUMBER 1

Over the next fewmonths, Iwill be providing stylingtipsfor your property.

Thebedroom is oftenthe most neglected room in thehomefor decorating. Buthavingan invitingbedroom that reflects your stylecan make allthe difference. Even just some colour hereorthere can transform your room.

Have funwith qualitybed sheetsand pillows

We oftensay beddingcan be likeart foryour bedroom.

Thereare plenty of different styles,designs, and materials forbed sheetsand pillows, so youcan easily addpersonalityand flair to your bed.And whileyou’re at it,wesuggest treating yourselftoquality bedsheets andpillowsfor the best sleeppossible

Reviewyour lighting

Insteadofbright, harsh fluorescentlights

looming overyourhead, tryafew subtle anddimmablelamps.Either way, thesofter ambience of subdued lighting helpscreate an overall calmingatmospherefor relaxation. Hang interestingartwork

Banish bland wallsand look forartwork that fits your aesthetic—whether that’sanabstract painting, photographic print, still lifepainting or evenawall hanging. Artdoesn’t have to sit behind aframe…and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune

Usetexture

Mixingsmoothwith rough, sleek with organic, and weathered with newgives aroom depth and alived-infeel that’s welcoming. Startbylayering some comfythrow rugs, pillows,and cushions with excitingtextures.

This exquisite home features six bedrooms plus astudy,multiple living spaces, and ample storage throughout.

The parents’ retreat features dual walk-in robes and an ensuite, offering aprivate sanctuary

Enjoy outdoor alfresco dining, a separate gym area, and ahome theatre for endless entertainment options.

Ideal for agrowing family or those living with multiple generations under one roof, this home accommodates every need. Within walking distance to schools, shops, churches, paramedical suites, and

*Swimspa

*Built-in aquarium

*Gas log fire

Amagnificent mature oak tree graces the front of the home, providing apictureperfect visual and framing the house beautifully.The established gardens enhance the property’scharm and create adelightful outdoor space.

This stunning residence is arare opportunity in atightly held area, sure to attract significant interest. Be inspired and excited by the exceptional future this property promises.

Beautifullycurated Midland

Presenting amagnificent home of historical merit and seamless function, Harris’ Union House, 1860,’invites sophisticated living among consciously curated finishes and high-quality selections. Meticulously restored and renovated

to an exacting standard, the house retains all the classical hallmarks of its era, including symmetry, refinement and balance, yet providing wonderful modern subtleties for alifestyle suited to central Macedon Ranges living.

ALITTLE BIT OF DOVETON IN MY LIFE

•Quiet CuldeSac setting featuring 4bedrooms, 3bathrooms, modern kitchen and 2spacious living areas.

•Excellent outdoor entertaining area sheltered with open fireplace, tv mount and privacy

•Securely fenced rear yardfor pets with studio/workshop and a small area of lawn.

•Approximately 1.5 km from the railway station, the home has slab floor heating, solar panels, double carport, and established gardens making for an amazingly easy entryinto afamily home.

that seamlessly extend to an alfresco and patio

•Surrounded by well-established gardens and maturetrees that offer privacy and tranquillity

•Situated in an elevated position just Northofthe Town Centrethis building allotment of approximately 566m2 finds itself in the midst of one of Castlemaine’s most preferred residential pockets.

•Withinafew blocks of Primaryand PreSchools, tranquil bush walking tracks, cafes and the vibrant Town Centrethis delightful parcel offer adelightful Northern orientation with avista to the Buda Gardens and beyond to the rolling treed landscape.

•TheSecondarySchool, Botanical Gardens, Golf Course and The Mill Precinct areall within walking distance.

Inspect by Appointment

Threeacres within thespecialised equine zone

This large holding, within the Horse Training and Equine Services Precinct, abuts and has direct access to the well-respected Kyneton Racecourse.

Surrounded by other horse racing facilities and set over two titles, one 1.035 ha and the other 0.21 ha (creating atotal land size of approx. 1.25 ha/ three acres), this property has extraordinary infrastructure. Both the land size and shedding create an opportunity that is second to none.

Partially leased to asmallengineering concern, on aperiodic basis.

The propety is on two titles with two street frontages (Beauchamp and Lennox).

It features multiple sheds –the largest being 874 sqm with industrial air conditioner and high access doors, three-phase power,office facilities and bathrooms, tea rooms, gantry cranes –varying capacity,and boom gantry lift.

Offering direct access to the Kyneton Racecourse, often referred to as the prettiest country racecourse in Victoria due to the picturesque landscape and the beautiful established elm trees that line the track. Kyneton Racecourse is one of Victoria’s more prominent training and racing tracks and the club plays avital role in the industry,holding 13 race meetings and 10 trial meetings annually with approximately 40 trainers and 200 horses usually training at the venue.

This offers asignificant opportunity for trainers to establish atraining facility with an emphasis on convenient direct racecourse access.

Don’t let this one get away by anose.

Property: Three acres on twotitles within the specialised equine zone

Address: Road frontage to Beauchamp and Lennox Streets, Kyneton

Expression of Interest: Closing WednesdayJune19at12pm unlesssoldprior

Agent: RayWhiteKyneton

Contact: 5422 2127

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

28 Steele Street, Chewton

3a 2b 3v 704r

•Expansive living-dining stretching out to relaxingalfresco spaces.

•Bosch-appointed kitchen with butler's pantry andbreakfastbench.

•Ductedheatingand double glazed windows.

Scott Rawlings |0409675 408

Rob Waller |0418571 130 For sale $840,000-$860,000 View Saturday 15th June 1:30pm-2:00pm

420 -2488r

•Selected lots in stage two andthree now available.

•Register to secureyour lot

•Blocksfrom 420m2 -2488m2

Rob Waller |0418571 130

BlasiMulholland |0417 311 733

Belle PropertyCastlemaine |5470 5811 167 Barker Street, Castlemaine

PropertyMaldon |5475 1055

3/54 William Street, Castlemaine

2a 1b 1v 293r

•Contemporary kitchen andsunnylounge roomcomplete with gasheaterand reverse cycle air conditioner.

•Two bedrooms with central bathroom.

•Attached garage& low maintenance gardens.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Narelle Waller |0408571 131

41 Wilkie Street, Castlemaine

2a 1b 2v 682r

•Spacious front sittingroom and designed kitchen with amplecounter space &storage.

•Splitsystemheating andcooling.

•Paved outdoor entertainingarea, along with low maintenance gardens and single carport.

Rob Waller |0418571 130 Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

9:45am -10:15am

Lots 22-53 Ireland Street, McKenzie Hill

COLLINS

BATES

Alan Ross

It is with great sadness

we announcethe passing of our father

Alan RossBates on the1st

Abeautiful service reflecting Dad's life washeld on Tuesday11th June

surrounded by family and friends

Rest in Peace Dad

KevinPatrick

23.6.19.37 -29.5.2024

Passed away peacefully Lovedbrother, brother in law and uncle of Jarlath and Sonny (both dec.) and families

CHESTER

Craig Andrew 07.10.1970 -06.06.2024

Dear lovedpartner of Vikki and adored dad of Dylan and Sarah.

Loving son of Brian and Robyn (dec) and brother of Traceyand Cory

Alwaysinour Hearts

Youweresuch astrong and caring person. My heartisbroken. My body is filled with sorrow. Icannot believe that youhavegone. Iwill miss and love youeveryday. Take arest now and be at peace

Foreverinmyheart -Vikki

BRODERICK

Philip Martin 15.05.1937 –04.06.2024

Father of Elizabeth &Eamon, Ross (dec), Lyndon &Yvonne Grandpa to Paige, Shea, Tayce,Amelia and Timothy.

AMemorial Service to honour Phil’slife will be held at the Castlemaine Golf Club, Corner Pyrenees Highway and Rilens Road, Muckleford on Wednesday, 19th June 2024 commencing at 1.30pm.

Vale Phil Broderick

Castlemaine GolfClub

members were very sad to hear of the passing of Phil Broderick

Alongtimemember and an true gentleman of our club

Philwas averykeen golfer formanyyears and apopularplaying partner in our club events

Phil selflessly volunteered on many occasionsfor different activities andhis contribution, reliability and loyalty is held in the highest regard by members

Phil will be very much missed at the club by the members

We raise aglassofred to honour Phil RestinPeace Phil

COLLINS

Leslie Michael

28.03.1949 -04.06.2024

Lovedand loving partner of Maree Son of Wilfred (dec) and Pauline (dec). Adored brother of Wende (dec) and Linda. Sadly missed by his extended family

The adventures continue,safetravels

MATRICARDI -Gino

With much sadness we send ourheartfelt condolences to the Matricardi family on the loss of Gino Reunited with his belovedCesira.

Grateful to always have both in our hearts and memories Frank, Honey, Rickand Dion Vosper es

Lynette Kaye Holden (Dennis)

CherishedsistertoGayle and Steve Much lovedauntie to Brent and Shannon (dec). Already missing our games of scrabble, banter and comradery. So manytreasured memories Until we meet again.

Lovedand lovinghusband, father,grandfather and friendto Coral, Ingrid, Paisley and Sebastian. Aquiet, gentle presence foreverwithus.

OWEN – Peggy

Peggy passed away on 31.5.2024, aged 102. Belovedwifeof Hugh (dec.).

Much loved mother of Pamela (dec.),Trefor, Myfanwy and Bronwen and their partners

LovedNainto 14 grandchildrenand greatgrandma to 18

Family were everything to her,comingfrom alarge and loving family

CHESTER

Craig Andrew

Family and friends are warmly invited to aservice to celebrate

Craig’slifetobe held at the Thomas JScott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper Street, Kyneton on MondayJune 17th 2024 at 10.00am

Private Cremation In lieu of flowers donation to the RMH would be greatly appreciated. Go to: https:// rmhf-in-memoriam. raisely.com/ craigchester

MORRISON Don 23.10.1931 –02.06.2024

Peacefully at his Home Devoted Husband of Joan (Dec). Father of Kaye,Jeanette, Graeme,Robert,Judith (Dec) andtheir families.

An exemplary life, guided by thehandofGod Now held in tender lovinghearts forever OurMum &Dad Reunited In theirlove In accordance with Don’swish, aprivate Funeral has beenheld at the Franklinford Cemetery

The funeral service to celebrate the life Mr Leslie Michael Collins will be held at the Romsey Mechanics Institute, 122 Main St, RomseyonMONDAY (June 17, 2024) at 1.30pm. Aburial at the Lancefield Cemetery will follow.

Peter,Gary, Barbara, Brianand their families

would liketothank one and all fortheir attendance at Dad’s Memorial and furthermore extendour thanks to all those whopaid tribute through cards and personal conversations on Dad’spassing. Thank you.

Aservice to celebrate Lyn’slife will be held in the Church of Christ,

on Tuesday18thJune at 11.00am. To join us via livestream, please visit Lyn’stribute page on the website of Mount Alexander

Kaye Holden (Dennis)

Passed peacefully in thecare of theBendigo Hospice

Beloveddaughter of Robertand Elsie Dennis (both dec), sister andsister-in-lawof Gayle Hargreavesand Steve, Daryl (dec), Wayne(dec), Marilyn and LenardWeston, GeoffreySomerton (dec) of Bacchus Marshand Carole Auntie to Brent, Shannon (dec), Bianca,Justin, Anthony, Emma, Sarah,Kathleen and Colin Somerton, their partners and families. Ourthoughts are withher children whowill miss hergreatly, Adam,Amy andTroy, andLeah. Lynette wasalwaysthe lifeofthe party, called aspadeaspade andas thesayinggoes, shewas here foragood time,not alongtime Takenfar too soon.

Potter and Teacher Extraordinaire

Barrypassed away peacefully afterloving goodbyes, nowreunitedwith Beverley,belovedwifeof62years Cherished father of Cameron and Kirsti. Lovedfatherinlaw of Heather and Jeff Treasured Pa to Daniel, Michael, Caitlin, Brydie andAaron, Pa in lawtoLorrae,Emmaand Madi AdoredPatogreatgrandchildren Zoey, Archer, Zayne,Beau, Arlo andPearl. Manythanks to all thedoctors and nurses fortheircareand kindness

The Funeral for Gwen will be held at the Community Centre, 32 McCoy Street, Eddington on Saturday, 15th June 2024 commencing at 11.30am.

Following the Service, aCommittal will be held at the Eddington Cemetery.

AService of Thanksgiving forIvan’slife will be held in Christ Church Anglican Church, Mostyn Street, CastlemaineTOMORROW (Thursday) commencing at 11.00am. Followingthis service youare invited to stayfor light refreshments in the Church Hall. Afterrefreshments,the cortege will be leaving forthe Maldon Cemetery (arriving at approx 2.00pm). To join us at the servicevia livestream, please visitIvan’stribute page on the website of MountAlexanderFunerals In lieu of flowers please consider donatingtoone of Ivan’s chosencharity’s. Fordetails seehis tribute page.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service for Mr BarrySingleton, to be held in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Wednesday19thJune commencing at 2.00pm.

Following this service the cortege will leave forthe Castlemaine Cemetery.

Barry Singleton

KN278671/L

Ivan Morozoff

KN278672/L Castlemaine 5470 5951

Ivan Morozoff

KN278663/L

KN278644/L

KN278664/L

Lynette Holden

Castlemaine 5470 5951

BlakeleyRoad, Castlemaine

Funerals

KN278669/L

KN278677/L

KN278680/L

Employment

•Horticulturalist, Full time

•Business Support Officer –Community Partnerships, part time

•Waste Management Supervisor –Transfer Stations, Full time

Learn more: mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone 5471 1700

Working together for ahealthy, connected shire

Sadie,6 yo, desexed, f, Brindle I/W/H xBoxer.Very affectionate, alittle waryof strangers, but approach her gently and get to know her Will pull on lead but walks well with aharness. Has great recall when off lead, is cat friendly but has no time for small dogs. Likes teenagers, not suited for young children. Microchip No:

Source No.BR100938

24 Langlsow Street Castlemaine. P: 5472 5277 |maaw.org.au Mon -Sat 10-2 -Sun Closed

The Kyneton Men’sShed Incwill hold its annual general meeting at the Shed,2 Riverwalk Boulevard, Kyneton, at 11.00 am on July 5, 2024.

Allmembers are advisedthat the membership feeis$55.00and that only financial numbers willbeabletovote forofficebearers, and to stand as office bearers

PASTURE HAY. large rolls, new season, good colour. $90 ea. Last season large rolls $50 ea. Trentham. Ph 5424 1523.

The membership feecan be paid by direct deposit to: BSB: 633 000 (Bendigo Bank) Account number:195 080122

Please include your name& "KMS membership" so it is clear who the payment is from and whatitisfor Nomination formsfor thepositionofpresident, Vice President, secretary,treasurer and committee members canbeobtained from the Shed.

All enquires to thepresident, Ian Curnow, 0490814223,orthe vice president, John Mitchell, 5422 6465

WORKERS WANTED

Locale Vegetation seeks dedicated individuals for vegetation management in Kyneton!

Tipper & Chipper Operators | EWP Cutters | Mechanics

Responsibilities include assessing, trimming and removing vegetation near powerline.

Our advanced fleet and accredited systems ensure efficient service in challenging conditions

Safety and quality are paramount.

If you’re ready for a hands-on role in essential infrastructure maintenance, apply now. Previous experience with vegetation is preferred however not essential

Competitive pay - 9 day fortnights - Training provided APPLY NOW Email your CV to Dylan Britton at dbritton@localecivil com

For all enquiries and further information call Dylan on 0439 338 160

Member vacancies - Victorian Class B cemetery trusts

Are you interested in making a meaningful contribution to your community, learning new skills and preserving local history for future generations?

The following Class B cemetery trusts are seeking new volunteer trust members In this role you will gain hands-on experience in managing a public cemetery and valuable governance skills as a member of a public board Free governance training is provided THE GLENLYON CEMETERY TRUST

THE TYLDEN CEMETERY TRUST

Who should apply?

Applications are welcome from people with a range of skills and experiences including administration committees and groundskeeping

Women and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply

Current trust members whose terms of appointment are due to expire are welcome to apply for reappointment

What it means to be a Victorian cemetery trust member

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health Cemetery trusts are responsible for the management of public cemeteries including planning for future cemetery services for their communities More information about the role is available at <https:// www health vic gov au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/class-b-cemeterytrust-appointments>

How to register your interest

Please refer to the trust details below and contact the applicable trust within two weeks this advertisement date:

Victorian Class B cemetery trust Contact details

The Glenlyon Cemetery Trust 0417 030 036

The Tylden Cemetery Trust tyldencemetery@gmail com

KYNETON

Collins Newsagency -Mollison St

Express Office -MarketStreet

Fika Café

Kyneton Home Hardware

Kyneton IGA

Kyneton /Daylesford Drycleaners

Watts Fresh -Mollison Street

EG Ampol Petrol Station

MALMSBURY

General Store

REDESDALE /LANGLEY

General Store

TRENTHAM /TYLDEN

IGA Country Store

General Store

WOODEND /CARLSRUHE

IGA Woodend

Newham Store

Woodend Newsagency

Carlsruhe Roadhouse

GISBORNE

Foodworks

Gisborne IGA

RIDDELLS CREEK

Riddells Creek Newsagency

MACEDON

Macedon IGA

Macedon Newsagency &Post Office

MT.MACEDON

Mt Macedon Tradingpost

ROMSEY

Romsey IGA

LANCEFIELD

Newsagency

Property Management Macedon Ranges

CASTLEMAINE

Ampol Service Station -Johnstone Street

Belle Property -Barker Street

Caravan Park Big -Doran Street

Castlemaine IGA -Barker Street

Castlemaine Property Group

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar

Cumberland -BarkerStreet

Daily Express -C/M Railway Station

Das Coffee House -Mill -Walker Street

Hot &Crusty -Barker Street

Jellis Craig -Mostyn Street

Lyal Eales -Barker Street

Maxi IGA -Hargreaves Street

Newsagency -MostynStreet

Petstock -Forrest Street

Regional Enterprise -Halford Street

Tingays smash repairs -ElizabethStreet

CHEWTON /TARADALE

ELPHINSTONE

Grist Bakery -Wesley Hill

East End Servo -Main

Chewton Post Office

Elphinstone Post Office

Taradale Metro Fuel

HARCOURT

Post Office

Harcourt BP

CAMPBELLS CREEK /GUILDFORD

Mt Alexander Timber &Hardware

Campbells Creek Post Office

Five Flags Merchants

Guildford Post Office

NEWSTEAD

Newstead Grocer/Bakery Post Office/RSD

Newstead Country Store

MALDON

Newsagency -Main Street

Maldon Information Centre

Baringhup Store

Seniors

GISBORNE 4.3 5.9 9.9 15.9 99

CASTLEMAINE 4.1 6.2 8.3 9.4 58

GOALS:Gisborne: BBernacki4ZDenahy3 PMcKenna2 HThomas2DJohnstone FLakey HLuxmooreHManders Castlemaine: KHuntly2MHartley 2BHenderson 2Z Greeves REyreT Hickey BEST:Gisborne:B Blake BBernacki JCardillo PTrotta PMcKennaJ Normington. Castlemaine: L WilkinsonDSemmens MFilo REyreDSlingo JWatson

SANDHURST 5.2 8.6 12.8 18.8 116

STRATHFIELDSAYE 4.2 7.5 11.8 13.13 91

GOALS:Sandhurst:F Greene 7T Nally 3OPerez 2B Curnow CConnick LTardrew CMaxtedJMcleanH Free Strathfieldsaye: JSchischka2LGill2 BStevens 2MHarvey 2DClohesy RWilsonA Sheahan CJames ZCharles BEST: Sandhurst:L TardrewCMaxtedFGreene NStagg TNally J Mclean. Strathfieldsaye: CJones CErnst BLester CKing Z Charles MHarvey

EAGLEHAWK 8.3 11.5 21.7 30.9 189

GOALS:Eaglehawk:JO’shannessy 5ZBulger 4M Ronchieri4JNeaves4JMullen 3BEvans 2S Thompson 2 JO’Brien BIlsley BRowles IO’Sullivan BMcgregor DMarsh. Maryborough: Details N/A.. BEST:Eaglehawk:JMullen B Evans JNeavesBIlsley MAngove ZBulger Maryborough: K Lanfranchi CPerry ABrown AHumphrey KLooby

GOALS:Golden Square:JStewart 6T Strauch 4JBurke 2K Daniels South Bendigo: SStroobants 2JLangley ASmith PSheahan AAvery WMarks AZimmerman BHaddowW McCaig BEST:Golden Square:JStewart MEaton TStrauch RMonti HBurke LHumphrey South Bendigo: BHaddowZ Lockwood AZimmerman ASmith IMiller ZHare

Reserves

GOALS:Gisborne:T Wood 4MBarake 2HDoricic 2A Nichols LThiner JMurphy. Castlemaine: JHood 4CLyon2 JChester 2JBoykett BEST:Gisborne: ARovereBAndrews JGrinter MRamsayM Barake TWood. Castlemaine: A Frankling WMoran CMcLennan WStaples JHood JChester

Under 18s

GOALS:Gisborne:R Leedham 5J Rutten 2B Clarke JZerafa MTrakosas Castlemaine: KMartin 3ARixon MMcKnightC Holman OGiddings BEST:Gisborne: RLeedham JZerafa CJohns LEvans WWatson. Castlemaine: MMcKnightC

Mclennan ARixon KMartin TFordOGiddings

Former AFL star Neville Jetta took to the field for Castlemaine on Saturday. Photo: Peter Banko

Magpie netballer Madie Clifford works to keep the ball in play during the A-reserve match against Gisborne at Camp Reserve on Saturday. Photo: Max Lesser

Radio Galahs and Rockatoos players were all smiles with deputy mayor Rosie Annear before the start of Sunday’s MAIN Game. Photo: Max Lesser

The Radio Galahs and Rockatoos vie for the ball as the MAIN Game unfolds. Photo: Max Lesser

Notjusta sportfor older people

Kyneton Croquet Club is out to show croquet is not just asport for older people.

Last week, students from Candlebark School in Romsey took to the lawns.

After being shown the basics of the sport, the students were divided into groups to play agame. There was huge enthusiasm all around with many displaying high levels of skill.

The club has other local schools coming in the next few months and hopes to be able to hold ajunior tournament later in the year

Croquet is the ideal sport for juniors who want a game that combines skill and strategic thinking. Being a non-contact sport there is no danger of injuries and it is asport that can be played for life. Girls and boys play on equal terms. It is asport where parents and children can all play together

While the majority of people playing croquet are in the older age brackets, when it comes to state and national championships many of the top players are in their 20s having started to play while still at school. If croquet is going to grow,itneeds to shed its image of just being a sport for older people.

The club plays on Monday,Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1pm at the lawns on the corner of Ebden and Donnithorne Streets. Juniors are always welcome on Saturdays and other days during the school holidays. For more information, go to the Club'sfacebook page, call 0411707 358 or email kynetoncroquetclub@gmail. com

Town &District

GOLF results

CASTLEMAINE

The B-graders managed to impress the A-graders in Saturday'sstableford, with 11 players overall scoring 36 stableford points or better

Taylor Walsh (27) was the overall and B-grade winner on aclose countback with Wayne Toohey (19), both with 19 points.

Mark Brackley (13) had acommendable 38 points to top A-grade on acountback from Marty Beck (8).

Saturday 9at9 –fog and near freezing conditions failed to deter nine intrepid souls, as Kevin Adams (20) finished with 18 points, one clear of Jo Ralston (34).

In-form Peter McCoombe (9) had 38 points in Thursday'sstableford to hold offSamuel Grimes (16).

GISBORNE

Saturday’sstableford attracted 172 players in mild, cool conditions.

C-grader Tony didn’t Abate his enthusiasm and had the best overall score of 41 points.

In A-grade, Robert was very Lockey winning with 39 points, and the beers are on Jarrod O’Donnell who topped B-grade with 38 points. Just bring this article with you to the Riddells Creek pub.

Kerry Petersen won the women’scomp with 36 points.

The women described the weather on Wednesday as “a drift of mizzle", resulting in umbrellas raised and waterproof jackets donned. Ithought adrift of mizzle was something you would splash on asalad.

Lynne Smith was the day’sand monthly medal winner with 36 points, while B-grade went to Cheryl Blanchard with 29.

KYNETON

David Moore (0-15) handicap had the day'sbest tally of 41 points from Louis Thompson (12) on 38. Kash Karunasena (23) led in the 16&over handicappers with 38, one clear of Mick McQualter (16).

Kylie Munro (14) led in the ladies with 36 points, continuing her great form at Axedale Federation Bowl Day, where she topped A-grade with 39 points.

Munro captured the A-grade prize with 39 points at Axedale.

No-one quite played to their handicap, but after the lay-off, the medal and A-grade went to Mark Burrage (9) with 35 points, from Peter Sinclair (7).

Mili Peniamina (31) topped B-grade with 35 from Karl Pongracic (23).

There were three grades in Saturday’sstableford, with C-grader Mike Smitheram (24) the overall winner with 40 points.

Marian Orr produced her best form at the right time to clinch the women'sJune Medal last week.

C-grader Orr's 105-35-69 was three strokes clear of the other competitors and gave her an early lead in the 54-hole Min Ferris Memorial Trophy

Deb Kohlman 96-22-74 won A-grade on acountback from Julie Harris 94-20-74, and Marg Scoble won the B-grade countback from Lois Scott after both carded 97-25-72.

Silver spoon round winner was Dot Greenway with anett 72 ,while Orr,Deidre Dawes and Teaote Davies were the NTPs.

Wednesday stableford: Men –Tom May (5) 37 points from Gordon Stevens (20) 36. Ladies –Michelle Werner (20) 36 points on acountback from Julie Harris (2).

The Sizzlin Saturday stableford on Saturday had two groups in action.

LANCEFIELD

With very cold conditions and high scores all round it was pleasing to see one of the newer members in Marlane Pattinson being up to the challenge in last week’s monthly medal.

Pattinson is gradually reducing her handicap, and this time her 123-45-78 edged out Jenni Vennell 107-28-79 and Florence Meyer 114-34-80. Carole Mee NTP

Saturday stableford: Mark Balla (18) 40 points from Hugh Parks (5) 39 and Trevor Lambert (1) 35.

Tuesday Legends: The spirit of good sportsmanship was applauded with Ed Godek 88-14-74 winning on on acountback from Mark Balla 92-18-74 with Peter McGill 83-8-75 third.

MOUNT MACEDON

Afour-way countback was necessary last Wednesday to determine the SGASolutions Mug o’ the Month winner

Stuart Gunnell (11) topped A-grade with 39 from Tony Littman (9) on 37, and B-grade went to Terry Bonello with 34 on acountback from Tony Carter Life member Henri Malakunas (27)played to his handicap with 36 points, commendable given his lengthy absence and anew knee.

ROMSEY

Reasonable conditions prevailed for Saturday’s Ambrose, which went right down to the wire.

Winners were the Andrew Clement/Mick Squire duo with 69-3.75 from Mal Mottram/Logan Colley 78-11.75-66.75 with the trio of Scot Williams, Anthony Lakey andAndrew Laing third on 789.66-68.34.

Williams had the longest drive and NTPs went to Mottram (2), Squire and Davey Kenney In Wednesday’sstableford, Kath Kekabsons (34) notedupanother win with 34 points, from Steve Wilkins (15) 33 and Rob McDonald (32).

Wilkins, McDonald and David Jones were the NTPs.

TRENTHAM

Several good scores were carded in Saturday’s stableford, with the best being 41 points by Bgrade winner Gary Middleton (14).

Alan Snowden (6) topped A-grde with 39 points, and Jack Conway (22) led in the C-graders with 35.

Low-marker Terri O’Callaghan was the women’s winner with 35 points, from Jenny Clarke (34).

Semi-finals of the women’sdoubles knockout were both decided on the 18th hole.

Good luck to Carolyn Garvey –Jenny Cutter and Claire Preston –Andrea Krelle in the final.

WOODEND

It was certainly acase of 'Happy Hollidays' in Saturday'sstableford.

President Chris (13) topped B-grade with 39 points on acountback from James O'Brien, and Jenny Holliday (52) had34 points to win the women'seventbytwo points from Anne Roberts (39).

In the men'sA-grade Dan Bermingham (12)was out early to card 36 points, eventually edging out Eric Vosbergen andMick Keating for A-grade honours.

Spaces are still available for this Saturday's Ian Davies 4BBB –don't miss out.

Students from Candlebark School take to the lawns at the Kyneton Croquet Club.

Kyneton’s June Monthly ladies medal winners. Agrade winner Deb Kohlman with anett 74: Cgrade and medalwinnerMarian Orrwithacreditable nett 69 and Bgrade winner with anett 72 Marg Scoble.

Trentham, Lancefield to host cup

Trentham and Lancefield will play host to the $750,000 18-carat-gold Melbourne Cup trophy as part of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour

The 22nd edition of the annual tour will visit Trentham on Wednesday October 16 and Lancefield on Thursday October 17.

Olympic basketballer Chris Anstey successfully applied to have the cup visit Trentham where he recently reopened the revamped Hotel Trentham.

“Webought the pub last July,after spending afew months here getting to know the locals,” Anstey said. “It had shut down during Covid.”

“It sits in the middle of ahistoric street, and the street had lost its heartbeat abit, so we wanted to give it its heart back. It’sa pub for the locals, nothing too fancy

“Wealso wanted to bring some unique events and experiences to the town. Being afan of racing and having owned racehorses historically,wewanted the opportunity to bring the tour here."

The plan includes aclassic country parade down the main street.

At Lancefield the next day,StMary’sPrimary School is planning arange of community events.

Community liaison leader at St Mary's, Jo Shannon, said Lancefield had astrong horse and riding community and the school looked forward to celebrating that in October when the cup tour visited.

"The students of St Mary'sPrimary School are particularly excited about having such a prestigious event and the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup attend their little regional school," Ms Shannon said.

Trentham and Lancefield will also be part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep, which will see 24 rural and regional Cup Tour destinations across Australia be allocated abarrier for the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Representatives from each of the 24 destinations will be flown to Melbourne to watch the Lexus Melbourne Cup live on track at Flemington Racecourse and the town that draws the barrier of the winning horse will be presented with acash prize of $50,000 to put towards a charity of their choice.

This year's tour began its journey on Friday May 31, kicking offinTokyo.

Ranger juniors in top performance

Macedon Rangers Soccer Club'sU11 boys were one of three simultaneous kickoffs at home for the early start on Sunday,hosting the derby against the might of Sunbury.A well-deserved lead at half-time with some excellent passing and movement was to no avail with Sunbury finishing the stronger of the two teams.

The U13 girls hosted the late kickoffathome against Gisborne in the second club derby of the weekend. An arm wrestle in the first half saw both teams struggle to take their chances. Perhaps lifted by the support of their younger teammates, the Ranger girls ran out the second half strongly to overturn adeficit finish 2-1 winners to maintain their spot at the top of the ladder

The U12 boys hosted Truganina Lions with two evenly matched teams going head to head. Astrong first half saw Rangers go into the break with awell-fought 2-0 lead. Truganina class showed through in the second half to eventually run out 3-2 victors. Special mention to Paddy in goal who put in the performance of his club career!

The U9 girls were the only team to travel this weekend heading to Altona City.Rangers left everything on the pitch with reward finally showing for effort to celebrate their first win for the season. Goals went to Holly and Mila after conceding early to run out 2-1 winners.

The U10 boys hosted Aintree and raced to an early lead. An excellent team display saw Rangers run out the match comfortable 5-1 winners. Coach Derek said after the match the boy'sspirit throughout was excellent.

The U11girls hosted Sunshine and kept up their strong early season form. Four wins in arow –can anyone stop the U11girls!

The U9 boys also hosted Sunbury and are really starting to gel as ateam with team structure having been afocus mid-week really being reflected in the quality of football on the pitch.

Hall of Fame basketball player Chris Anstey celebrates jockey Will Price after Anstey’s successful bid to get Trentham included in the itinerary. Photo: Jay Town

Macedon Rangers Soccer Club’s U9 girls celebrate their first win of the season.

Footyand communitythe winner

Amassive crowd turned out at the Camp Reserve on Sunday for the fifth instalment of the popular MainFM annual footy fundraiser –the MAIN Game.

Congratulations to the Radio Galahs who won the prestigious title for the third consecutive year despite adetermined effort by the talented Rockatoos outfit.

Football and community were the real winners as the crowd once again got into the spirit of the event, donning the colours of their favourite sides and cheering them both as they dug deep and gave their all in the chilly winter conditions.

Highlights of the day were the debut performance by Castlemaine’s own Thompson’s Foundry Band plus local all-girl supergroup, Paddock Bomb, which provided the half-time entertainment.

The MAIN Cheer Squad once again delighted the crowd and the food stalls, MAIN Bar and coffee van kept punters fed and watered, whilst youngsters enjoyed the facepainting and the chance to enjoy akick of the footy.

Abig shout out to the MainFM organisers Steph, Sue, Alex, Steve, the commentators, the merch sellers and the fun makers. It was agreat dayall round.

Community members keen to throw their support behind the local radio station can become asubscriber by visiting their website at mainfm.net

Life members

Romsey Bowling Club has two new life members who epitomise the spirit of volunteerism.

Andrew Laing received his life membership at the club’s annual presentation night. He has spent more than 30 years in various roles, including president, with the club.

Then Greg ‘Squizzy’ Taylor became life member number 14 when he was nominated at the club’s recent annual meeting.

The amount of work Squizzy has put in to enhancing bowls at Romsey was spelt out.

He was also elected as the club’s new president, taking over from John Beaumont.

It is arole he has occupied before, and he has apositive outlook about Romsey’s future in bowls.

Last season Romsey reached the top grade grand final for the first time in its 60year history.

The Redbacks finished on top of the ladder in A-grade, but went down to the very experienced Kyneton Golf in the grand final.

The club has just cleared two of its top recruits from last season to Kangaroo Flat.

Graham ‘Big G’ Edwards and Glen Gascoyne formerly played with Kyneton Golf and Bendigo-based clubs before joining Romsey in the push for the elusive premiership.

Romsey has re-appointed Gary Templar as coach for 2024-25.

For several weeks Romsey has been playing practice bowls each Saturday, with prospective players very welcome.

Some club members have also been going to tournaments with mixed outcomes.

BFNL games

Round 9matches in the Bendigo Football Netball League this Saturday are: Gisborne vKangaroo Flat. Sandhurst vCastlemaine. South Bendigo vEaglehawk. Maryborough vStrathfieldsaye. Golden Square the bye.

‘Extra special’ victory

Bill West

“This one was extra special” was how elated trainer Liam Howley summed up the last-to-first victory by Virtuous Circle at Flemington on Saturday.

The four-year-old was having his third run since along spell after his Melbourne Cup effort in November last year.

In the interim Virtuous Circle was gelded and given every opportunity to get back to his best form, which included being runner-up in the 2023 AJC Derby.

From 17 starts, Virtuous Circle has now chalked up $776,200 in stake money.

Howley is not getting carried away with his stable star’s big run in the $150,000 BM100 Rda Daylesford Lesley Hewitt Trophy race.

“We’ll take it one step at atime,” the Macedon Ranges-based trainer said, praising jockey Ethan Brown for “a peach of aride”.

He said Virtuous Circle had worked really well since running sixth at Flemington on May 18, and he expected agood performance on Saturday.

Brown settled Virtuous Circle at the rear of the field, in direct contrast to his all the way win on imported galloper

Why Worry for the stable the previous Saturday.

Virtuous Circle, starting as a$14 chance, was the widest runner making his prolonged run in the straight.

There appeared to be several winning chances over the last 150 metres, but Virtuous Circle maintained his strong run to win by 0.8 lengths from Beltoro.

Howley made it clear he felt some critics of Virtuous Circle’s 22 months without awin were wide of the mark.

He said the galloper had afantastic group of owners and plenty of supporters, and the team at Howley Racing had done agreat job.

Gisborne on top

Reigning premier Gisborne maintained its spot on top of the Bendigo League A-grade netball ladder with a67-53 victory over Castlemaine on Saturday.

Current ladder:

Gisborne 24 pts (150.70%), Kangaroo Flat 20 (219.25), Sandhurst 20 (199.45), Strathfieldsaye 12 (90.07), Eaglehawk 8(66.34. Golden Square (60.97), Castlemaine 4(68.64), South Bendigo 4 (59.40).

Castlemaine’s only victory on Saturday came when the Under 17s played well to move into fourth place with a62-51 margin.

Ladder: Sandhurst 28, Golden Square 28, Maryborough 28, Castlemaine 16, Strathfieldaye 12, Gisborne 12, South Bendigo 8, Eglehawk 4, Kangaroo Flat 0.

A-reserve: Gisborne 79 dCastlemaine 17.

B-grade: Gisborne 53 dCastlemaine 29.

B-reserve: Gisborne 75 dCastlemaine 19.

After aholiday last weekend, the Riddell District Football Netball League will be back in action with its ninth round of matches this weekend.

It’s an interest-packed football round, with ladder-leader Diggers Rest at home to Romsey with plenty at stake for both sides.

Fifth-placed Kyneton, coming off acommendable performance against Diggers Rest, goes to Greenhill Reserve in Wallan. This is completely new territory for the Tigers.

This is the Magpies’ stronghold, and Kyneton will be looking to prove they are legitimate finals contenders.

Macedon, still afinalsprospect, is at home to Melton Centrals and should take the four points.

Riddell has not forgotten the embarrassing loss at Lancefield late last season, which dented the Bombers’ finals plans, and won’t suffer the same fate again.

Lancefield has been showing plenty of spirit, but injuries have taken their toll. Woodend-Hesket has the bye.

The Rockatoos hit the ground as the crowd cheers on. Photo: Max Lesser

Strong finish: Virtuous Circle, ridden by Ethan Brown, goes to the line strongly to win at Flemington on Saturday Photo: Ross Holburt/Racing Photos

Magpies and Bulldogs go head to head

The Castlemaine Magpies hosted Gisborne in round eight Bendigo Football Netball League action at the Camp Reserve on Saturday

The Magpies came into the match fresh offtheir Indigenous Round Shield win over Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne from a28-point victory over fellow top-four contender Strathfieldsaye Storm.

It was ahuge day for the Magpie faithful who were thrilled to welcome former AFL star Neville Jetta for aoneoffspecial appearance.

Drafted to the Melbourne Football Club in 2008, Neville played 159 games with the club. He was the first MFC player to be awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in 2018 for his work with Indigenous youth and ambassador roles with the Red Cross and Headspace. In 2021 he announced his retirement and began his position as development coach at Collingwood Football Club.

The Castlemaine club loved hosting the AFL great and said his presence lifted the side against the in-form Bulldogs outfit.

The Magpies matched it with Gisborne in the opening term with both sides kicking four goals apiece and the Bulldogs held aslender two-point lead at the first change.

Castlemaine continued the intensity in the second stanza kicking another two majors and keeping Gisborne to 1.6 to trail by only one point at half-time.

Gisborne broke the shackles in the third term and found some accuracy in front of the sticks, kicking four goals the Castlemaine's2.1 and widening the gap to 12 points at the final change.

Gisborne showed their class in the final term smashing on another six goals to the Magpies' 1.1 to claim the four points by the margin of 41 points.

The win seeing the Bulldogs sitting in second spot on the BFNL table, four points behind leaders Sandhurst.

Among the top performers for Gisborne were Brad Bernacki with four goals and Zac Denahy with three.

Jetta was among the best on ground for Castlemaine along with coach Michael Hartley who kicked two goals and Ryan Eyre. Kalan Huntly and Bailey Henderson also played well for the Magpies kicking two goals each.

The Reserves game was also atight contest with the Bulldogs managing to keep their noses in front and win the match by 18 points.

Best for Gisborne were TomWood who kicked four goals and best for the Magpies was Jackson Hood who also kicked four

The Under 18s were also well matched with Castlemaine giving their all in alow-scoring affair.But in the end Gisborne had all the answers winning by 24 points.

Riley Leedham was astandout for the Bulldogs booting five, while Kyan Martin was among the best for the Magpies kicking three.

On the netball court the Magpie 17&Under side started the day with ahard-fought win against adetermined Gisborne 62-51.

Gisborne'sB-reserve side 75 triumphed over Castlemaine 19.

The Bulldogs B-grade side 53 posted aconvincing win over Castlemaine 29.

Gisborne'sA-reserve side 79 defeated Castlemaine 17 and in A-grade Castlemaine 53 went down to adetermined Bulldogs 67 in afast-paced clash.

The Castlemaine women'sfootball sides kicked offthe weekend with contests against White Hills at the Camp Reserve Friday evening.

The Castlemaine Under 18 Girls were first to hit the ground and produced avaliant effort against adominant White Hills doing down by 66 points. Best for the young Magpies were Kate Batchelor,Olivia Muscat, Amelia Britt, Lori Whaley,Tegan Barry and Miharo WiHare.

The Castlemaine senior Women'sside onceagain demolished their opponents to the tune of 173 points to maintain top spot on the ladder,four points clear of secondplaced Golden Square. Among the best were Beppina Marshall, Tiahna Cochrane, EillishCumming, Maeve Tupper, Rachael Stubbings and Abbey Bertram.

In other news, the Castlemaine Magpies congratulate Magpie seniorwomen'stalent Aisling Tupper who made her Victorian Football League Women'sdebut for North Melbourne on June 1. Aisling is astar and very deserving of this opportunity,and the CFNC can't wait to see where it leads her!

This weekend the Castlemaine FNC sides will make the trek to the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo where they will face another test against Sandhurst, whilst Gisborne host Kangaroo Flat. The Magpie Womenand Under 18 Girls will host Sandhurst at the Camp Reserve on Sunday June 16 with the Under 18s to hit the ground at 11.15am, followed by the Women at 1pm.

Former AFL star Neville Jetta prepares to unleash akick.

Photo: Peter Banko

Gisborne’s Flynn Lakey and Castlemaine’s Bailey Henderson chase down the ball.

Photo: Max Lesser

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