Midland Express Tuesday 7 May 2024

Jade Jungwirth

Two friends who have set up apermanent campsite on their property at Campbells Creek have been told by the local council they have three weeks to move out.

Nathaniel Muller bought the two-anda-half-acre block of land in 2020, intending to use it for camping.

But now Nathaniel is permanently camped on the bush block with his friend

Beck Meyers, who bought into the property, and Beck’s two children aged 10 and seven years old.

Beck told the Express they had contacted Mount Alexander Shire Council to request ameeting but were still waiting to hear back.

“There has been so much press about how the council is becoming so much more compassionate about people’s living situations and the affordability of rent, so Ifeelsurprised anddismayed

at just howuncompassionate they are,” Beck said.

“Given the housing crisis, it feels a bit ludicrous to me, we’ve got everything here, we’re not causing harm, we’re complying with our waste system and we could just be adding to the burden and the strain that's on society to find housing for everyone."

Nathaniel and Beck had ameeting with Dhelkaya Health's crisis housing service last week, but were told there

was nothing available, other than emergency housing, which only lasts for three or four days.

“The council guidelines say the time frame has to be reasonable, so given the circumstances, we formally requested a review last Thursday. We can only hope that they consider it,” Nathaniel said.

“If they have any concerns, what are theconcerns and what can wedotoalleviate those concerns?

Continued page 3.

Beck Meyers and Nathaniel Muller were told by the local council that they could no longer camp on their privately owned property and have three weeks to find alternatives.

Draftbudget Drrafft t budget

Mount Alexander Shire Council's draft budget for 2024/2025 is currently open to the public for feedback.

The proposed budget includes an increase to average rates income of 2.75 per cent in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government. Waste charges have been increased by 2.75 per cent also to reflect the rising costs of waste management.

“Making decisions on rates and service charges is adifficult part of the budget process, and the councillors have spent alot of time discussing what’s appropriate and sustainable for both the community and the organisation,” the mayor, Cr Matthew Driscoll said.

“With the cost of materials and services ever-increasing, and with more responsibilities and expectations from various levels of government and the community, the reality is that we don’t have enough funds to do the work that everyone would like us to.

“It also means there are hard decisions tobemade when developing the budget. These aredecisions that we have discussed and thought about at length," he said.

“With that said, I’m confident that we have abalanced and fair proposed budget, and I’m proud toput it forward tothe community."

Of aplanned total spendof$47.90 million for the financial year, $9.94 million is allocated to improve infrastructure, as well as investment to improve our community facilities.

Some of the priorities include; flood protection initiatives, public art installation, recreation projects in the region. Other features include projects to boost affordable housing, continued funding for ongoing road maintenance, and the implementation of initiatives in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Early Years Plan.

Progressing multi-years projects such as the restoration ofthe

as continuing work on affordable housing solutions, the

and

Some residents highlighted to the Express that there was no mention of funding for graffiti management, which they found concerning given the high volume of graffiti in the shire, while others were concerned about the state of the roads and footpaths.

Cr Driscoll said the proposed budget was developed in consultation with the community.

“I encourage everyone to have alookatthe proposed budget, and see where we’ll be allocating funds and what areas we’ll be focusing on over the next financial year," he said.

“You can read through the proposedbudgetand have your say on the priorities, either in support or to suggest further ideas for consideration.”

Copies of the proposed budget for 2024/2025 canbeviewed at Castlemaine’s Civic Centre or online at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Feedback on the proposed budget can be made through the following channels: Online: www.shapemountalexander.vic.gov.au. Via email: info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au. By post: 2024/2025 Budget, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council, PO Box 185, Castlemaine VIC 3450.

Submissions must be made in writing and lodged by 5pm on Wednesday, May 8. Submitters will have the opportunity to address their submissions at an Unscheduled Meeting of Council on Tuesday, May 21. Council will seek to adopt the budget at the June Council Meeting.

former Wesleyan Church in Chewton are on the agenda, as well

Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail

support for the Castlemaine Art Museum.

Collisionraisessafetyconcerns

The driver of acaravan was fined after his vehicle collided with atruck at Maldon last Thursday afternoon.

Police and CFAattended the scene on the corner of High and Adair Streets, an area known to local residents as ahot spot for near misses. No injuries were sustained in the incident.

Peter Veenhuizen has lived on Adair Street near the intersection since 2017 and said he had seen an incredible

number of near misses at that location, particularly at acertain time of day when the sun glare was blinding.

"My wife heard the bang and said it was so loud," Peter said.

"If the caravan had of been afoot further forward, it could have been fatal."

Peter is part of the Maldon Traffic Group, which is interested in traffic safety around town.

The local residents have been meeting

Camperstold to move

From page 1.

“The process is complicated. We went to the planning desk and they said we should have ameeting for any specific questions, which is what we have, because it’s zoned Farming and there are bushfire overlays and we want to talk about our ideas,” Nathaniel said.

“It does feel like amazetotry and find our way through, it’s so hard to get any clear answers,” Beck said.

Beck and Nathaniel initially spoke with acouncil officer in mid-March, and were advised they were not able to camp/live on site, but that there would be some flexibility while they made other arrangements. They then applied for acamping permit and received arefusal letter in May.

“We didn’t meet the approved requirements. They didn’t say what those requirements were, or which one’s we

didn’t meet, or how we can change them,” Nathaniel said.

“We want to work with the council to make it work for us and make it workfor them."

“All we want is for the council to come to the table with us and talk about options, tell us what can we do? What is the process to comply and do it properly? And the time to do it,” Beck said.

“We’ve looked. There’s nothing affordable or available.

“I’ve gottwo young kids andama single mum with shared care. It’s alot of pressure, but here we’re so happy, so low-impact andsafe and notinapublic park."

–Mount Alexander Shire Council was unable to provide aresponse to questions from the Midland Express at the time of going to press.

for acouple of years and are working on ways to the slow the progression and number of trucks coming in and out of town.

"Weare notanti-truck," Peter said.

"It'sthe volume and size of the trucks. Irarely see trucks doing the speed limit, whether it'sup or down the hill, they don't take any notice.

"Wejustwant to provide the safest possible environment in the town, particularly with the school located on High Street."

Caroline Johnston, Director Ray Short,

Salvos seek communitysupport

Lisa Dennis

The Salvation Army Castlemaine is urging locals to donate what they can to help them in their vital work supporting the most vulnerable in our community

This year Australia'smost trusted charity is celebrating 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal and aims to raise $38 million as part of the country'slargest and longest-running door knock appeal.

Salvation Army Castlemaine captain Amy Jones said, in light of the cost-ofliving crisis, the need had never been greater

"Weare supporting more community members than ever before through our Doorways program and we are seeing new faces all the time," she said.

The Salvos team and volunteers will be out in force collecting for the Red Shield from tomorrow,May 8, at three different locations.

Youwill find their stall outside the Maldon Newsagency from May 8-11, at the Maxi IGA supermarket complex from May 13-18 and outside the Castlemaine Newsagency from May 22-25.

Ms Jones said all the funds raised locally would stay in the region to support those doing it tough in our community

"That'sa point of difference with The Salvation Army.You can make adonation to us knowing it will make adifference right here in Mount Alexander Shire," she said.

Doorways coordinator Mellita Joy said they were assisting people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

"Wehave people sleeping rough through to those with jobs and mortgages who simply don't have any money left to put food on the table," Mellita said.

"Our Doorways service is open at the

YIMBY composter

Salvation Army Hall in Kennedy Street, Castlemaine Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am-12 and community members can just call in and say hello for acuppa and afriendly chat.

"They can grab some dry underwear or socks, abite to eat or meet with one of our case workers to arrange food relief or connection to housing support or other services.

"Wecan then look to offer vouchers for food and other essentials or link them in with other services across our community all listed on the 'Help at Hand map' –such as NILS loan support, Centrelink assistance, counselling or arange of other services.

"Werecently overhauled our Food Pantry so it'sreally client-focused and clients can utilise their voucher to 'shop' for the items they need with one of our team members. Giving them dignity and achoice over the items they wish to purchase rather than just handing them a food parcel. It is about ensuring they feel heard."

Mellita said the Doorways food pantry resource was made possible thanks to the support of fundraisers such as Red Shield, which enabled them to purchase a wide array of items to keep the pantry fully stocked with items ranging from shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, to ahuge selection of food items and even pet food.

"Some people will feed their pets before themselves, that relationship and connection with their animal companion is vital to their wellbeing," Mellita said.

The Doorways food pantry also receives support from Food Bank, Foodshare Bendigo, the Salvos Shop, Hot 'n' Crusty Country Bakery Castlemaine, Fords Dairy,Don Smallgoods and arange of other incredible small businesses.

Grow It Localaward-winner Mikaela Beckley (pictured) is one of 19 YIMBYcomposters in our shire.

She collects andcomposts kitchen scraps from 20 of her neighbourseachweek, and hasprocessed nearly5,000 kilos of organics in her backyard using the unique YIMBY hot-composting method.

Amazingwork!

YIMBY(YesInMyBack Yard)isaunique composting projectbased in Castlemaine,building community,diverting organics from landfill and improving our soil

Right now, thereare 19 composters likeMikaela, collecting from over250 households in theshire,and moreare coming!

To find out more,visit yimbycompost.com. Council is aproud supporter of YIMBY

(03) 5471

"A lot of local community members will also donate fresh fruit and produce if they have excess," she said.

"Donations are gratefully received and can be dropped into during the sessions."

Assessment interviews for those seeking assistance can also be arranged by

calling the

Phone Assistance Line on 03 8873 5288. To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’sRed Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

Regional fare cap has wins

Public transport users across the state have saved more than $50 million since the regional fare cap was introduced on March 31.

The Victorian Government'sfare change has capped the daily regional fare at the same price as the daily metropolitan fare. Areturn ticket to Bendigo previously cost $68.80 but is now capped at the daily metro fare of $10.60.

“With regional fares now so affordable, public transport really is the way to see what the Macedon Ranges and surrounds has to offer," said local MP Mary-Anne Thomas.

Public transport patronage hit record numbers in December,January and February

The Bendigo Line saw 1,942,085 trips taken since the introduction ofthe Labor Government’sregional fare cap.

Salvos

The Salvation Army Castlemaine Doorways coordinator Mellita Joy, team members Sharna, Aaron, Jane and captain Amy Jones urge community members to throw their support behind the 2024 Red Shield Appeal.

Documentary winning hearts

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School's musical has gained amuch bigger audience since it originally hit the stage. It is now the centre of adocumentary bound for Netflix.

Airing on ABC last week, This Is Going To Be Big is a heart-warming two-part docu-series starring teenagers living with disabilities and neurodiversity as they prepare for their moment on stage. Their parents and teachers are with them, but the spotlight is on the teens coming of age, wanting to show who they are and what they can do.

"We hope the local community can get achance to see the documentary and gain agreater understanding of our school and the way we work,"principal Joanne Nolan said.

"We hope to open the minds of viewersastothe potential our students have and ultimately help to make the world akinder and more tolerant and inclusive place."

Filming took place at the Bullengarook campus from August 2022 to March 2023 against the backdrop of classes and lunchbreaks, as well as the auditions, rehearsals and performances of the school’s biennial musical production. Chelsea, Elyse, Halle and Josh each have their own rea-

Music teacher Darcy Nolan and drama teacher Lori Nichols are co-writers on the script for the jukebox musical, The Time Travelling Trio. It tells the story of three students doing aproject on John Farnham when they find away togoback in time tocross paths with the singer at key moments in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

School facilities manager Tony Rains is the producer of the musical, which was staged at The Mountview Theatre.

Writer and director Thomas Charles Hylandsaidhe wanted to make an authentic coming-of-age film that captured the essence of high school life.

"I wanted to depict the teenage experience with an ensemble and in amanner that felt relatable," he said.

"What Ididn’t expect was tomeet such wonderful, charming and emotionally intelligent students like Halle, Josh,Elyse andChelsea.

"Thereason SMRSS felt right was partly duetothe under-representation of the disability and neuro-diverse communities on screen.

"In addition to that, was thesimplefactthatthe school, teachers, students, parents and Iall shared avision for

Farm death Flyinfor acuppa

WorkSafe investigators are investigating the death of aman on afarming property at Mia Mia last Wednesday.

AWorkSafe spokeswoman said it was understood the man was working alone operating atractor with a rock picker attachment in apaddock when he was caught in machinery and crushed at about 4.30pm.

Kyneton Airfield will host its 15th Australia'sBiggest Morning Teaevent to raise funds for the Cancer Council this Saturday

There will be plenty of delicious food, leaf teas and of course aterrific display of new and old aircraft.

The event will be held at Kyneton Airfield, 1503 Kyneton-Metcalfe Road, on May 11 from 10.30am to 1pm. Entry is by donation.

ration, and it very much was."

What Hylandwants people totake awayfrom the documentary is "a strong feeling that we are in this together".

"There are many moments that move me, but my favourite ones tend to be quite subtle," he said.

"When you see alittle look in someone's eye, awry smile between friends, or agroan directed at your parents –all great little details that remind me of being that age. But a special mention goes to the scene in which all the students find out what roles they will get in the production."

The documentary had its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August 2023 where it won the coveted People’s Choice Award and well as the Youth Forum Award.

The film won the Australian International Documentary Conference award inthe category for Best Feature Documentary 2024. It was also short-listed forthe Australian Film Industry Award's Best Documentary earlier this year.

It is now showing atfilm festivals across Europe and North America and is expected to be available on Netflix in early 2025. Anadapted two-part docu-series premiered on ABC last Tuesday and is now available on ABC iview.

Amy Hume

sons for wanting to make the cast, and viewers are invited to learn their stories.

what this film and series could be. It needed to be acollabo-

The students on stage recreating an episode of Count Down with John Farnhamand Molly Meldrum.

Building site crackdown

The EPAand Macedon Ranges Shire Council has issued 52 infringements and seven regulatory notices during 34 surprise building site inspections around Gisborne and New Gisborne.

Twoteams staged aone-day campaign of unannounced inspections in the Willow Estate and Cathlaw Estate, checking that builders, developers and construction workers were meeting their safety,environmental and building complianceobligations.

The EPAissuedseven regulatory notices –eachone alegally enforceable order to fix aproblem by aset deadline –with two more to come.

EPAwill also issue an Infringement Notice for aduty holder that had multiple sites with repeated non-compliances that required clean-up.

Four Official Warnings are also planned, which come with no sanction but go on the official record.

Council officers issued 52 infringements for local law breaches related to building sites with lack of building site signage, incorrect management of building waste onsite, lack of toilet facilities, unsecure site fencing, skip bins oncouncil land without apermit, and general rubbish on council land.

Local Laws Officers also issued three parking fines and referred seven unsafe sites to WorkSafe Victoria for further investigation.

EPANorthwest Regional Manager Paul Ratajczyk said businesses and tradiesmust know their responsibilities.

Kyneton gym burglary

Macedon Ranges Crime Investigation Unit is investigating aburglary at aKyneton gym on April 13.

The offender entered the office area and stole acash tin. Investigators have released images of aman who may be able to assist with enquiries. He is described as Caucasian, medium build, unshaved with red/brown hair.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at via: crimestoppers.com.au

“The warnings were about sediment being discharged from sites,paint-contaminated water entering the stormwater system, plaster,brick dust or cement washing into drains and creeks –careless breaches, easily fixed but they should never have happened,” Mr Ratajczyk.

“The regulatory notices dealt with actions such as clean-up of waste, building waste and concrete scraps that were dumped on an empty block."

MRSC Director Planning and Environment Director Rebecca Stockfeld said the council would continue to take astrong regulatory approach to building site compliance.

“Wewant to ensure that people at all building sites across the Macedon Ranges are doing the right thing, for their own benefit and for the environment around them,” she said.

“Officers reported disappointment in the non-compliant state of many of the building sites recently inspected –this is simply not good enough, particularly given the warning of inspections ahead of time.

“Weencourage members of the public to support usinour monitoring by reporting any alleged breaches directly to the council for further investigation.”

While the inspections were unannounced, EPAand the Council had separately written to more than 50 companies working on the estates, reminding them oftheir responsibilities under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Community Local Law 2023.

Arecipe for success Bourkies legacy to liveon

Amy Hume

When Adam Bourke built up his bakehouse to become adefining feature of Woodend, he knew he'd done something right.

After 34 years, Bourkies Bakehouse is now an institution in the town and Adam is preparing to hand the legacy over to new owners.

What people may not know is that its baking founder almost didn't continue his early career, had the fates not intervened.

After completing afour-year baking apprenticeship, at age 20, Adam decided to try acompletely different line of work in mining and at asheep station in Western Australia.

It was alife-threatening windmill accident at the sheep station that brought him back home. Following three months recovery, an opportunity arose to purchase Woodend Hot Bread.

Adam was able to do so with the help of his father, Maurice.

From humble beginnings, with nine staff and asmall shop, the bakehouse has employed more than 400 local and junior staff over its 34 years of baking with acurrent staff of more than 40. And, of course, that unforgettable vanilla slice!

SLICE OF LIFE

One of the bakehouse's highlights was winning the 2003 and 2004 Great Australian Vanilla Slice Competition.

"That's what made us," Adam said. He developed arecipe to transform the typical Aussie 'snot block' into something

people would travel far and wide for. All it took was an afternoon of experimentation with texture and flavour.

"Our signature product is still vanilla slice," Adam said.

"The custard is the star of the whole thing but agood flaky crisp pastry is also key. That's what people come here for. We sell over 100,000 ayear. It really put us on the map.

"The bakehouse has also had consistency in putting out agood product with good quality ingredients and with staff always taking great pride in their work."

BAKERY CLASSICS

The bakehouse has also taken pride in serving up the nostalgic bakery classics with most of its recipes spanning the decades.

"Our recipes now are still the same now as they were originally," Adam said.

"We have found new things here and there but generally we have stuck to our old recipes. It has been the same meat pies, the same sausage rolls, the same pasties for 34 years."

The bakehouse won many awards for its pies and bread over years too, and Adam joked that "bakeries seem to have a competition for everything these days".

Adam said something that has really made the bakery asuccess is strong support from the community.

"We really appreciate our locals and regulars that come in each morning. We thank the local community that has supported us for years," he said.

Local residents are proud to claim the

Fatality suspends trains

Trains were suspended between Southern Cross and Sunbury at noon last Wednesday due to afatality at Diggers Rest.

The 175 passengers on board the incident train were assisted offthe service and continued their journeys on ametropolitan service.

Services resumed between Southern Cross and Sunbury at about 5pm.

AV/Line spokesperson said V/Line

bakery as their own and its strong community links have every bit to do with that.

The bakehouse has supported various projects and groups around the town over the years including the Woodend Children's Park, Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club, local scouts, Woodend Golf Club, school fetes and the Woodend Lions Club.

Adam is proud to share the bakehouse's success with wife Debbie and two children, Mitchell and Carly, who both work at there.

Adam's last day at the bakehouse will be May 19. Adam and Debbie plan to spend early retirement with family and friends,

travelling, fishing and working on the garden at home.

LEGACY TO LIVE ON

The legacy of Bourkies Bakehouse is expected to live on with new owners, Joe and Katrina Patti and Kiro and Tess Nic, taking the helm this month.

These families have been working side by side for the past few weeks to share trade secrets and perfect much-loved recipes for asmooth transition.

The new owners are excited to carry on bakehouse traditions, retain staff and continue to build strong community connections.

thanked passengers for their patience as they worked to get them to their destination as quickly and safely as possible following the incident.

"Weextendour thoughts to those affected and we will continue to provide the train driver and workers with the necessary support during this difficult time," the spokesperson said.

Adam and Debbie are pictured outside Bourkies Bakehouse.

Probus in Woodend

There are more than 400 Probus clubs in Victoria, with the latest being formed in Woodend.

On April 19 an inaugural meeting was held to determine if there was sufficient interest in forming anew club in Woodend, and the outcome was positive.

The meeting was chaired by Michael Ransom, who heads the Probus Board in Australia and New Zealand.

Described as awonderful organisation for retired orsemiretired people, Probus is very community orientated and has the motto of ‘Fun and Friendship in Retirement'.

“When you retire, sometimes you don’t have alot of friends because work has been your life; you don’t know alot of people in your community, and it can bea lonely time,” Mr Ransom said.

Chris Gilman was elected as the foundation president ofthe Woodend club, with Patricia Morgan vice-president.

Shane Doyle is secretary, and Jennifer Ryan is treasurer

Mr Gilman said the club was still finding its way,and welcomed prospective members who could help in the development of awide range of opportunities for members.

Thenew club will hold its first meeting at 10am on Friday in the Norma Richardson Hall. All interestedare welcome.

Surprisebirth at Kyneton

Last month, Kyneton Health celebrated its first birth since 2019.

On April 12, staffatthe hospital birthed Harry Lawlor after his mother Jessica Paterson presented to urgent care. While travelling at term to Bendigo, Jessica and her fiance Joel Lawlor had to make adetour to Kyneton as their baby was ready to get out.

The nursing staffofKatie Johnston, Sheryl Williams, Lauren Feroffand midwife CathPrestney,aswell as on-call GP Emma Haugh, safely birthed young Harry and provided apositive and calm experience for Jessica.

As aside note, Jessica was also born at Kyneton Health (Kyneton District Healthasitwas previously known) so her journey has come full circle.

Susan Whitfield, Kyneton Health nurse unit manager,said the team was thrilled to be able to help Jessica and Joel with the birth ofHarry

"The team responded quickly and professionally,and have been ecstatic at the incredible moment thattheyhavebeen a part of, and will never forget,” Susan said.

Jessica and Joel were full of praise for the team at Kyneton Health.

“Wecouldn’t be happier with the support and expertise provided by the Kyneton urgent care team," Jessica said.

"It couldn’t have gone smoother.Anincredible team.”

Smokealarmprogramlaunches

RACV and CFAhas announced aSmoke Alarm Installation program for regional Victoria to provide 500 at-risk residents, such as renters and elderly Victorians, with free smoke alarms.

The program also aims to increase the understanding and awareness of home fire hazards and reduce the number of preventable fire fatalities.

CFAchief officer Jason Heffernan said

it was vitalfor everyone to have aworking smoke alarm in their homes to prevent house fire fatalities.

“We’ve seen the devastating results of house fires where there wasn’t aworking smoke alarm, so this is an important program to ensure we’re helping our communities,” Mr Heffernan said.

For details, visit the CFAwebsite: cfa.vic. gov.au

Joel Lawlor and Jessica Peterson with the newborn son Harry

Celebrating 10 yearsofstories

The Castlemaine Documentary Festival is turning 10 in 2024 and celebrated the anniversary milestone with alaunch event at Boomtown Wines at The Mill, Castlemaine, last Thursday evening.

The crowd in attendance Thursday evening were welcomed to the celebration by CDOC board member Suzanne Donisthorpe who acknowledged they were meeting on Djaara Country and honoured the tradition of storytelling that goes back 60,000 years.

CDOC director Claire Jager said the evening aimed to celebrate 10 glorious years of CDOC and was achance to celebrate all those who had contributed to the success of the grassroots festival over the last decade, reminisce about all the incredible stories, characters, issues and conversations enjoyed, and provide a sneak peek at the 2024 festival program.

The audience heard from anumber of key supporting partners including Mount Alexander Shire Council arts officer Madeleine McClelland and Monash University head of media, film and journalism Shane Homan.

CDOC will return to the historic Theatre Royal for three big days and nights from Friday June 14 through to Sunday June 16 and will feature an opening night extravaganza with the rhythm and sounds of Castlemaine-based ensemble Brazazul who specialise in forró, avibrant, joyful music and dance from north-eastern Brazil.

The performance will be followed by two short films celebrating regional culture and ingenuity, with the first screening featuring Castlemaine's own Corker Orchestra, Mainsong and Brazazul, and then the first film of the weekend Winghanganha –an exhilarating cinematic journey by ac-

claimed Wiradjuri poet and artist Jazz Money.

Another 10 incredible films will screen across the weekend. The event will also see the ever-popular LOCALS showcase

Fun games and haute couture

Local Mount Macedon artist Sam Varian is part of the recently opened Imagination exhibition at Cascade Art Gallery in Maldon.

Varian is presenting new ceramic sculpture, the Candide Series – Fun Games and Haute Couture

Voltaire created the initially deluded character Candide, who after numerous catastrophes concluded that life was best lived toiling the soil, being with nature and ‘cultivating your garden’.

To explore Voltaire’s themes, Varian looked at the lunacy of things, of our contradictions and obsession with wealth in the pursuit of happiness.

“I began my series by building critically endangered species, the black rhinoceros (which is grey) and the African forest elephant, and have used metaphors of frivolity and indulgence, the playing of games and mucking about in horrendously expensive fancy dress to explore the plight of their existence," the artist said.

"Since Douglas Adams of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy fame, highlighted the plight of endangered species in Last Chance to See in 1990, they continue to be threatened by the illogical demand for horns and tusks and the destruction of their environment.

Varian’s remarkable and imaginative ceramic sculpture Peter.

"All my works are given human eyes, or more precisely green eyes like mine, to reinforce the notion that we are all connected in life, that what we do to one we do to the other.

"Sometimes things just aren’t funny and seem bleak,but the aim of my practice is that despite all this, Itry to find the humour and the beauty in things and create work that can provide some solace in the chaos.”

Ceramics is aconstant source of wonder for Varian and there is always the element of not knowing how the form and glaze will survive in the kiln –after hours of hard work it can end up in askip! One rhinoceros blew his feet off and fused onto another, one had his extremities fall off, and some required numerous firings to be ready for their debut in the Cascade Art Gallery. It is ascientifically intuitive artform, full of contradictions, like life.

Imagination exhibition is open 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday until May 26. Varian is exhibiting alongside renowned artist Dean Bowen, Jan Palethorpe and Jeff Gardner. All enquiries to 0408 844 152. Cascade Art Gallery is in the old Gothic Revival church at 1A Fountain Street Maldon. www.cascadeart.com.au

return on Saturday June 15 from 5pm featuring awidearray of local short films celebrating local filmmaking talent, and The Yurt will also return to the Western Reserve providing an intimate viewing ex-

perience and featuring family-friendly short films Saturday and Sunday morning. Tickets to CDOC 2024 are on sale now so be sure to grab yours and be part of the celebrations. Visit cdocff.com.au

Sam

Mount Alexander Shire Council arts officer Madeleine McClelland, CDOC board member Suzanne Donisthorpe, CDOC director Claire Jager and Monash University Head of Media, Film and Journalism Shane Homan are pictured at Thursday’s 10th anniversary launch event.

The impactofnatural disasters

The Macedon Ranges has faced catastrophic bushfires and severe weather events, but what can we learn from the past and how can we prepare?

Psychologist and disaster recovery and preparedness consultant, David Younger,will be meeting with members of the community to discuss the impacts of natural disasters and recovery

“Recovery often takes longer than most expect,” he said.

“After disaster,the first year can be challenging. Most do recover but it is important to re-set timelines and expectations.”

Mr Younger will discuss common recovery challenges and tips to help people recover well at Kyneton’sRed Brick Hall next week. The visit comes as the Macedon Ranges prepares to face another winter

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’smunicipal recovery manager,Amy Holmes, said the community had faced a series of extreme weather events. Many people are still living with memories from Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday bushfires.

“After Black Saturday in 2009, the Victorian Government nominated 52 of the most at-risk towns, in terms of bushfire, and several Macedon Ranges towns were listed,” Ms Holmes said.

“Over the past three years, we have been impacted by seven severe weather events including storms and floods, which resulted in damage including roads being blocked, houses being damaged or destroyed by falling trees and flood water entering houses.”

Ms Holmes said there were many challenges people could face following anatural disaster,including the need for immediate accommodation, insurance conversations and care for others.

“People can also lose asense of community if they are forced to leave their hometown after adisaster,” she said.

“These social connections are important to hold onto after adisaster to help everyone process and talk about their experiences. Older people and children may feel like they have lost their safe place and need reassurance.”

FREE COMMUNITY SESSION

Acommunity conversation on extreme weather events with David Younger will be held at the Red Brick Hall, Kyneton, on Thursday,May 16, from 6.15pm to 8.30pm.

Mr Younger will present on common recovery challenges and tips to help the community recover well. There will be aQ&A session at the end. The event is free and alight supper will be provided.

UNDERSTAND INSURANCE

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will also host an ARC Justice presentation on insurances for household and contents in both Romseyand Woodend.

The Romsey presentation will be held at the Romsey Hub on Thursday,June6,at6.30pm. An online presentation will be held on Thursday June 18 at 2pm. A presentation in Woodend will be held sometime after the September school holidays.

Those interested can contact MRSC’sCommunity Resilience and Recovery team (via: recovery@mrsc.vic. gov.au) for details.

One of the worst storms to hit the Macedon Ranges in decades occured in June 2021, cutting off power and access for towns for days. Local residents and tradies are pictured here tackling several large trees down with chainsaws to help clear the road between Lancefield and Kyneton.

Environmentalchampions nominated

Four local schools, Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten, Winters Flat Primary School, Chewton Primary School and Newham Primary School, have been nominated as finalists in Sustainability Victoria's2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.

Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten, winner of the Campus Infrastructure and Operations School of the Year in 2023, is vying for the title of 'Student Action Team of the Year (Primary)'.

After attending last year’sawards, five students launched the school’sEco Club. Now with 20 members, the club is running anumber of sustainability projects including collecting plastic lids for Lids4Kids, building and installing nesting boxes on campus, bird watching using arepurposed bird hide and the Wetland Project, which encourages stewardship and wildlife data collection.

Chewton Primary School, winner of Curriculum Leadership School of the Year (Primary) last year,isa finalist in the category of 'ResourceSmart School of the Year'.

This three-star school practises rich engagement with First Nations’ knowledge and practice working with local Elders and alocal Indigenous organisation –Nalderun. It’saward-nominated Reconciliation Action Plan reflects a strong community bond, fuelled by conscious student action, while weekly sustainability classes include Connection to Country’sworkshops on biodiversity

Winters Flat Primary School, awinner in 2022 in the category of Community Leadership for its work in bringing attention to the issue of fruit stickers, is this year afinalist in the 'Campus Infrastructure' category

The students of this five-star school and former 'ResourceSmart School of the Year'winner have helped design and build asensory garden using local and recycled materials, and now manage its maintenance. The garden aligns with the school'sCare for Environment focus, promoting wellbeing, stewardship, while providing an interactive space for students and the wider community to enjoy

Newham Primary School has also been nominated in the 'ResourceSmart School of the Year'category

This five-star school is alocal hub for sustainability in schools’ action.

The school hosts Teacher Environment Network meetings and contributed to the Department of Education’sSustainability in Schools Policy.Byjoining the Container Deposit Scheme and implementing asmart bin system, the surrounding community decreased its landfill waste.

The school campus features awetland and biodiversity outdoor learning area, making for arich learning environment for this small school of 53 motivated students.

“These schools are not only making adifference now but they’re leaving a legacy for the next generation through their sustainability endeavours," said Katie Pahlow,Sustainability Victoria.

This year’saward winners will be announced at aceremony held at the MCG on June 4.

The artofgrief

Community members dealing with loss will have the unique opportunity to work through their grief as part of an 'Art of Grieving' workshop series to be held at Castlemaine Community House this month.

The workshops on May 11,15and 22 will use creative rituals, visual and written expression, within agroup setting, to explore the experience of grief.

Workshop instigator and one of the coordinators of the series, Francis Icasiano of the not-fot-profit Beyond Words community of volunteer biographers, said it was about taking time out to honour yourself, learn and even have some fun, while breaking down the myths around grief and overcoming the silence, confusion and shame that can occur with any significant loss in our lives.

Fellow facilitators will include art teacher,grief coach and nurse educator, Samantha Rennie, and grief and loss counsellor and death doula, Annie Morabito.

"Weinvite you to join the Art of Griev-

ing group to find asupportive and caring space. Together we will learn, reflect, sew, weave, paint, draw,photograph, write, sculpt or build our lives back together," Francis said.

"Weall grieve. We do not all grieve about the same things or in the same way,but we all grieve and when we do it together it makes the invisible visible and the unbearable, bearable."

No artistic skills are required, just a willingness to heal, help others, explore and learn. It is essential that you are able to attend all workshop sessions, which are this Saturday May 11 from 9.30am to 4pm, Wednesday May 15 from 7pm to 9.30pm, and Wednesday May 22, from 7pm to 9.30pm.

The cost is $87 for unemployed/concession, $157 non-concession. The Art of Grief series is proudly supported by Mount Alexander Shire and Castlemaine Community House. Book your place at events. humanitix.com/art-of-grieving-workshop

Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten students Agnes Jennings and Caromy Bloom are pictured with some of their nesting boxes.

Jesse’sdebut single unveiled

Castlemaine-based songwriter Jesse Lawrance has unveiled his debut single, Your Way of Leaving Lawrance, aseasoned singer-songwriter with roots firmly planted in the Texas songwriting tradition, has a deep appreciation for country and Americana genres, crafting songs that are gritty and poetic.

His lyrics combine powerful imagery with deft storytelling to create moving vignettes from the raw materials of life; think Guy Clark or Townes Van Zandt.

Having honed his craft as the frontman for Melbourne-based roots outfits, The Goodtime Medicine Band and The Bon Tons, Jesse's musical journey took a transformative turn in 2020.

Amid the pandemic, he committed to daily songwriting, resulting in acollection of meticulously crafted songs that he now shares at venues and festivals across Victoria.

"I dabbled with music as akid and Iguess, started to take it really seriously at about 15 when Igot the bug and would play six, eight, 10 hours aday,whatever I could fit in," Lawrance said.

"About four years ago, the switch flicked, and while I'd always written sporadically, Istarted taking it seriously.

"It's work, you have to write 100 songs to get one good one. You show up every day, week, month, or whatever it is, and you just keep doing it.

"Songwriters love to tell those stories about the song they wrote in the back of the cab on the way to the airport or in an elevator, and yes those songs come, but for every one of those, there's days and weeks of work and if you don't show up, you miss the romance of it," he said.

"For me, it was kind of arelief to figure that out, because you're not just waiting for the muse."

Lawrance said he wasn't interested in being astar, it was the craft of songwriting that drove him, the desire to write as well as he possibly could.

He describes each song as being aworld,created in the mind. The characters have back stories and an entire novel is written in the mind, that then needs to be condensed down to athree-minute song.

"I write from different perspectives and it can be any-

thing that inspires asong, astory I've heard, aphrase I've caught on atramsomewhere, that causes aspark that opens up awhole world," he said.

"Your Way of Leaving was arealbuggertowrite. Iknewitwas aspecial song, one that Ihad to finish, because it was too good to be one of the ones that gets shelved.

"It took about ayearofgoing back, sometimes shelving it for acoupleofmonths and giving it some space.

"Lyrics is the main deal for me, the music comes intuitively to me, but it's the lyrics that Iput 80 per centofmy time into."

Dobro genius Pete Fidler joins Lawrance on the studio recordingof Your Way Of Leaving, lending colour

and shade to Lawrance's spell-binding songs, and Kat Mear furnishes the song with her soaring fiddle and haunting backing vocals.

"I've always had this fortune where I've picked out these musicians who, to my ears, are the best at whatever genre and I've asked them to play and they've said yes," Lawrance said.

"I've picked the fiddle player, the dobro player, who were the best and they were both really keen and into it. Ifeel very lucky for that."

Lawrance is also joined by his partner Honeytree Thomas, who brings asoulful,puretone to her backing vocals, joining in for for an occasional duet.

Check out the newest releases at: jesselawrance.

LISTENTO YOURBODY

MTORING M

CortinavsCortina at Winton

Afield of classic Ford Cortinas, one of Australia’s legendary cars, will race it out at on the first day of the 47th Historic Winton on Saturday May 25.

The race is acollaboration between Historic Winton, the Historic Touring Car Association of Victoria (HTCV) and Cortina Mk 1Owners Club.

Secretary of the HTCV Jim Collins said that the Mk1 Cortina has been one of the most popular cars racing in Historic Touring Cars since it was first released in 1963.

“How better to celebrate the 60 plus years of competition than to have a Cortina Challenge feature race on the short track at the Historic Winton meeting where numerous drivers would have had their first experience of historic racing,” Jim said. “The challenge is opentoall Mk1 Cortina Group Nb and Nc class logbooked competition vehicles,” Jim said.

He said that after promoting the concept of the Cortina Challenge to various Mk1 Cortina drivers they think it is agreat idea and they are all looking forward to the event and especially their ownfeature race.

“The Winton short circuit used for Historic Winton has always been considered ideal for the Cortina. The drivers will be checking that they will have the right diff ratio for their car and brakes are in excellent working order before the event,” Jim said.

Like the previous Mini Dash, Historic Winton introduced special ‘type-only’ races onto the program acouple of years ago.

Historic Winton race secretary, Peta Lee saidthatCortinashave always beenuncompromising competitors in the Group Ntouring car races against all sorts of hard-top cars, big and small.

“Spectators enjoy seeing much beloved, former everyday vehicles race and it draws quite acrowd,” Peta Lee said. “Cortinas were asmall, family car that was Ford’s competitor to the Holden Torana.

“In fact, there have been some edge-of-your-seat moments in the past in the Group N events, with Minis and Cortinas entering into close battle, so it will be interesting to see just how competitive Cortina against Cortina becomes.”

The 47th Historic Winton, Australia’s longest running and most popular historic car and motorcycle event, will be held on May 25 and 26 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla. As well as car, motorcycle and sidecar races, there will be featured anniversary marques in the Shannons Car Park.

Photo: Courtesy Peter Knights

WIN ADOUBLE PASS TO HISTORIC WINTON

The Midland Express has five double passes to give away to five lucky readers who’d like to attend Historic Winton this year on May 25 and 26 at Winton Motor Raceway nearBenalla. They are for the Saturday and Sunday which makes them terrific value aweekend adultpass is $80 making each double pass valued at $160!

To go in the draw, email vhornbuckle@midnews.com.au with the words Historic Winton in the email subject line. Include your name, address and daytime contact number in the body of the email. Your double passes will be posted to you if you are among the five lucky people to be winners.

Entries close at 5pm on Monday May 13. Only one entry per person or email address, please.

Making adifference

TheTAC L2P program and its network of volunteer mentors make an incredible difference for young Victorians who may otherwise be unable to learn to drive.

The program matches eligible young learner drivers with volunteer driver mentors to help them achieve the necessary 120 hours of driving practice.

Dhelkaya Healthruns the L2P program across the Mount Alexander Shire. Volunteer mentors are an integral and highly valued part of the TACL2P Program. The program is currently seeking more volunteers to become driver mentors.

Taylahisa young learner driver from Castlemaine. Being able to drive is key to achieving her goals in life. Having obtained her learner’spermit, the next obstacle was finding asupervising driver

That’swhere Julie comes in.

“I’ve been volunteering for the local TACL2P program for around eight months now,” Julie said.

“I had adesire to do some volunteering and L2P seemed like agreat program that helps young people in our local community in apracticaland meaningful way.”

Taylah is Julie’ssecond learner driver match.

“Taylah’sdriving is already competent and she’ssowilling to learn. She is always respectful and grateful for the time Igive her as avolunteer.”

Taylah is keen to reach her driving goals

“I can’t wait to get my licence so Ican look for work in Bendigo and have some time to myself just driving and exploring the region,” she said.

The vehicle and fuel are supplied by the program, which also funds professional driving lessons for the learner driver along the way

The L2P Coordinator is there to provide support to both the driver mentors and learners to make sure the experience for everyone is arewarding and productive one. Supporting more young people become safer drivers on our roads is acommunity effort.

For more information about volunteering or joining as a learner driver,call Dhelkaya Health’sL2P program coordinator on 5479 1000 or apply directly to the TACL2P program via the VicRoadswebsite.

Contract extendedfor managing director

The Coliban WaterBoard has re-appointed Damian Wells as managing director for an additional five years, with chairperson Bob Cameron making the announcement last week.

“I want to thank Damian for his exceptional leadership since joining the organisation in 2019. His passion, vision and commitment to his team and the community made the decision to reappoint an easy one," Mr Cameron said.

“Wehave aclear purpose at Coliban Water. To provide water and sewage services for public health and the environment. We know thecontinuity of direction that Damian brings ensures this important purpose will be delivered."

Mr Wells said it was an honour to continue as managing director

“Using Our Strategy as our true north, we will con-

tinue to drive change and build trust in the communities that we serve,” Mr Wells said.

“Over the next five years we’re putting our customers' money to work with apackage of critical projects addressing agrowing population, achanging climate and aging infrastructure. We need to build safe, reliable and resilient assets to meet the needs of our community,now and into the future.

“I love living and working in this region –and being able to contribute to the prosperity and growth of this community is of great importance to me. "

Mr Wells was appointed managing director of Coliban Water in 2019 after acareer that included work in technical and leadership roles in water,environment and regulation. He is Chair of Zero Emissions Water and the Bendigo Advisory Board for La Trobe University

Young artist afinalist

Young Gisborne artist Charlie Jackman has been named as afinalist in the Victorian 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards in the Ethical Business category

Proudly autistic, Charlie communicates a powerful message of inclusion and inspiring others with disabilities. The 17-year-old is atalented artist who runs Charlie by Art, an art micro-enterprise he co-founded with his mum.

Charlie’svibrant art works have earned commissions from prominent figures like former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews and Federal NDIS Minister Bill Shorten.

Charlie uses his platform to raise awareness and promote acceptance for the autistic and neurodivergent community.He sells thousands of his greeting cards and framed prints online, at markets and through agrowing list of stockists.

A2023 recipient of aMacedon Ranges Youth Award, Charlie is afull-time VCE Vocational Major student and works locally as a kitchen-hand.

Charlie and his family will attend apresentation dinner at the Sofitel Melbourne on June 14 for the announcement of the winners in eachcategory.A People’sChoice Award is an additional way that the Young Achiever Awards acknowledge young people. To voteinthe People'sChoice Award, visit: bit.ly/4d8tOnW

Newcitizens

Macedon Ranges Shire welcomed 27 new Australian citizens at acitizenship ceremony at Kyneton last week.

The new citizens originate from Philippines, Argentina, Malta, South Africa, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Thailand, Greece, Pakistan, Norway and Vietnam.

Girton Grammar School

Girton Grammar School offers acomprehensive and dynamic STEM program for students from prep to year 12.

With state-of-the-art science labs, early years science education, specialist science education for primary and secondary students, and afullsuite of VCE science subjects, Girton is dedicated to fostering apassion for science and technology in students of all ages.

From the very beginning of their educational journey, Girton students are introduced to the wonders of science.

In the early years, children engage in hands-on experiments and activities that ignite their curiosity and lay astrongfoundation for future learning.

In years three to six, students receive specialist science education, which allows them to delve deeper into scientific principles and encourages them to ask questions, hypothesise and experiment.

As students progress into senior school, Girton offers science and technology as standalone subjects, with a range of electives available as they progress to help them identify their interests.

In the later years, students are able to solidify their understanding of complex concepts in these areas of interest through awide array of VCE science and technology subjects.

These include biology,chemistry,physics, environmental science, psychology,product designand technology,and systems engineering.

Girton’sdedication to science and technology education is reflected in the strong VCE results achieved by students across these subjects.

The school prides itself on providing asupportive and stimulating environment with cutting-edge facilities designed to embed abstract concepts, including an immersive Lumination Learning Lab equipped with virtual and augmented reality technologies.

By offering acomprehensive

OPEN DAY

THURSDAY MAY16

AGIRTONEDUCATION PROVIDES:

• A focus on student wellbeing and individual development from Prep through to Year 12

• World leading Emotional IntelligenceEducation

• The region’s strongest VCEresults,over32% of Girton’s 2023 graduates finished in the top 10% of the State

• Extensive Music and Performing Arts programme forall Year levels

• Sports ExcellenceProgramme from Year 5

To discover theopportunities aGirton educationcan providefor yourchild, please book your placefor ourOpen Day, Thursday May 16,bycalling ourRegistrar on 5441 3114, viaemail:registrar@girton.vic.edu.au or on ourwebsite: www.girton.vic.edu.au

STEM program, Girton Grammar School equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in these vital fields and adapt to an ever-evolving world.

Whether students aspire to become research scientists, engineers or healthcare professionals, Girton is committed to providing them with asolid foundation in STEM, preparing them for asuccessful and rewarding future.

Lancefield Primary School

Lancefield Primary School, established in 1858, is situated in the semi-rural township of Lancefield where residential areas are developed alongside arural farming existence.

At the beginning of 2024 student enrolment was 192 students. Supportive and engaged parents, families and community groups contribute to the wellbeing of the school by assisting with classroom programs, whole-school activities and especially the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

LPS is aSchool Wide Positive Behaviour School with astrong focus on good mental health and social-emotional wellbeing for all. The implementation and explicit teaching of the Kimochis, Berry Street Education Model and Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships programs provides students, staffand families with

Education Week 2024 13 –17May

strong social/emotional wellbeing and mental health support and strategies. Lancefield is an inclusive school and makes reasonable adjustments to ensure all students are supported in reaching their full potential.

Specialist classes are visual arts, STEM and health and physical education. Auslan lessons are taught by classroom teachers with Auslan skills being woven into everyday interactions at school.

LPS has beautiful grounds with a variety of play areas to suit the needs of all students. Students can take part in team games and activities, climb on equipment, sit with agroup of friends or play imaginative games creating aworld of their own to share with friends. The school grounds provide spaces for all of these inclusive activities to cater for different genders, interests and abilities.

Respect Responsibility Honesty Inclusiveness

Malmsbury Primary School

Malmsbury Primary School’spositive home-school partnerships ensure that everyone knows all students very well.

“Wework as ateam; students, staff and parents, to support our students to achieve their best,” says principal Travis Pool.

Malmsbury Primary School is a welcoming, supportive school community with small class sizes. In 2024, students enjoy specialist lessons in visual arts, Japanese, Auslan, performing arts and PE.

“Weimplement astructure synthetic phonics literacy program in our junior years, and in the middle and upper years acomprehension-based program to support our students’ literacy development,” Mr Pool says.

“In numeracy,wefocus on developing strong skills in the mathematical proficiencies and provide open-ended and rich mathsinvestigations to support students in applying their skills to real life situations. STEM is embedded in our school through our environmental and sustainability work. This connects our students with their local area and teaches our students how to care for our world through asolutions-based approach.” Malmsbury Primary is running open days on Monday May 13 and Thursday May 16 from 9.30am-1.30pm. There will also be information evenings on May 8and 29 from 6pm-6.45pm. Youcan register your attendance or book school tours by phoning 5423 2284 or emailing Travis Pool at Travis.Pool@education.vic.gov.au

Education Week 2024 13 –17May

Global Village Learning, formerly known as Gisborne Montessori School, is redefining education in the Macedon Ranges by empowering learners to build communities that positively impact the world. At GVL, they believe young people have afar greater capacity than they’re often given credit for.The school’scurriculum is crafted around this belief and supported by the Edventurous Design Principles, ensuring that learning is personalised, empowered, action-based, connected, organic and adventurous. These principles forge aMontessori-inspired, learner-empowered and future-focused educational pathway.Everyoneinthe GVL learning community crafts atruly personalised learning journey.Asthe school looks to expand its New Gisborne Campus to include years 11 and12(pending approval) in 2025, GVL will provide enhanced opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.

Join the team at Global Village Learning, where they do more than educate— they aim to inspire and empower students to make ameaningful impact in the world. Enrol now and be part of acommunity committed to nurturing supportive, inclusive growth for every learner

The school is currently accepting enquiries for students from prep to year 12 for 2025. Organise atour today and explore the unique learning environment at Global Village Learning. Start you GVL Journey @gvl.vic.edu.au

Tylden Primary School

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make and Tylden Primary School may be the right choice.

At Tylden, there is afriendly rural community feel while maintaining high levels of academic achievement across all areas.

Staffare passionate professionals who strive to create alearning environment that prioritises the development of all learners. The creation of strong relationships between the school, families and community are central to Tylden PS.

The school is committed to providing students with achallenging, knowledge-rich curriculum, building their understanding of the world around them and cultivating critical and creative thinkers.

Establishing enduring foundations for all students in literacy and numeracy are fundamental to their educational approach at Tylden. Their reading program is firmly grounded in ‘The Science of Reading’ and uses synthetic phonics, phonemic awareness and decodable readers.

They focus on systematically building

students’ abilities in spelling, using abroad vocabulary and writing and comprehension skills.

Tylden Primary’snumeracy program develops fluency in number facts, number sense and problem-solving skills in a well-planned and methodical sequence from prep togradesix.

Specialist areas include ICT,Performing Arts and LOTE (German). The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is avibrant part of school life with children working together in the school’s vegetable garden and cooking the fresh produce in the well-equipped school kitchen.

Student leadership is nurtured and encouraged at Tylden PS, so whynot join the school on one of its upcoming Open Days for aschool tour with the school captains? Monday,May 13 and Thursday, May 16, 10am-2.30pm and Saturday, May 18, 10am-12pm.

Enrolment enquiries are welcome at any time, and at all levels. Call or email the school to arrange an appointment with the acting principal Paul Bracher Ph: 5424 8244. Email: tylden.ps@ education.vic.gov.au

Global Village Learning

Salesian College

Salesian College boasts along and proud history of providing high-quality education for its students.

Key to this is continual upgrades, maintenance and construction of infrastructure that provides state-of-theart facilities for not only students and staff, but also the wider community

Identifying the everchanging landscape of modern technology, equipment, resources, and how it relates to curriculum, Salesian College was proud to host the grand opening of their fully refurbished STEAM Centre and maker space earlier in the year Students benefit immensely from the hands-on experience provided by the centre’s maker space. They engage in real-world projects that foster problem-solving skills and encourage innovative thinking. This practical application of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) prepares them for future challenges and careers by enhancing their digital literacy,technological fluency,and shows them how to apply ahuman lens to an often-digital field.

Government schools: awealth of benefits

The STEAM Centre promotes interdisciplinary learning by integrating arts and design with digitally technical skills, students develop amore comprehensive understanding of how theoretical knowledge applies in practical contexts.

College principal Mark Brockhus says that the the Salesian College STEAM Centre is ahub of innovation and creativity,serving as acritical resource for both teaching and learning.

“It is equipped with advanced technology including 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics, and robotics, making it akey resource in our educational offerings,” Mr Brockhus says.

“Weencourage all areas of curriculum to utilise the resources that are on offer,sowe can provide amodern yet holistic approach to education.”

In the realm of education, parents and carers are often faced with the daunting task of choosing the right school for their children. With amyriad of options available, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. However,amid this sea of choices, one option stands out as abeacon of excellence: your neighbourhood —closest —government school. Government schools offer a wealth of benefits that make them the ideal choice for parents/carers seeking a quality education for their children. From comprehensive curricula that includes science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to cutting-edge pedagogical approaches, government schools are equipped to provide students with awell-rounded education that prepares them for success in the modern world.

One of the most compelling reasons to choose agovernment school is the inclusivity and accessibility they offer This commitment to inclusivity ensures that every child has the opportunity to receive ahigh-quality education, regardless of their circumstances. In addition to providing arigorous academic curriculum, government schools also prioritise the holistic development of students. Recognising the importance of extracurricular activities and co-curricular programs, these schools offer adiverse range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents outside of the classroom. Whether it’s participating in sports teams, joining

clubs and organisations, or engaging in community service projects, students at government schools are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop valuable life skills.

Choosing to enrol your child in a government school fosters asense of community and belonging that is invaluable for their social and emotional development. By attending their neighbourhood school, children have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with their peers, teachers and neighbours, creating asupport network that extends beyond the classroom walls. This sense of belonging not only enhances students’ overall wellbeing but also instils in them asense of civic pride and responsibility Government schools are at the forefront of innovation in education, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of students in the 21st century From implementing modern teaching methodologies to integrating technology into the classroom, these schools are committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

By choosing to enrol your child in a government school, you are not only investing in their future success but also contributing to the strength and vitality of your local community.Government schools are great schools, so take a tour of your neighbourhood government school on Wednesday May 15

EducationWeek 2024

Students in all year levels at Sacred Heart College Kyneton are offered the opportunity to participate in a broad range of STEM (science, technology,engineering and maths) related activities through learning programs, activities, competitions, incursions and excursions.

The combination of the STEM learning areas results in activities that nurture students’ skills of discovery and exploration, adding to the joy and satisfaction of experience.

The annual STEM Week activities are central to the celebrations of STEM at the college. Coinciding with National Science Week, this week offers students (and staff) the chance to enjoy everything STEM through a range of workshops and activities.

Past activities have included abridge building

competition, virtual reality workshop, binary bracelets workshop and an engineering better paper planes contest. Anew and popular addition to the activities last year was the daily Golden Brain Treasure Hunt. This activity required students and stafftosolve daily STEM puzzles to work out the coordinates to locate aGolden Brain ticket –the daily hunt got incredibly competitive but was lots of fun!

In the junior years, the school formally offers students who excel and enjoy maths and science (among other areas) the opportunity to participate in the Learning Enhancement Program.

The program allows further investigation and adeeper level of learning beyond that required by the standard curriculum. This experience can lead to possible acceleration in STEM subjects as students reach senior

school.

Opportunities for immersion and engagement in these subjects at ajunior level develops continued interest in the senior years, as seen through strong levels of enrolment in VCE mathematics and science subjects. As well as these, arange of additional STEM subjects are run in the senior curriculum across VCE and VETdisciplines. STEM pathways also continue to be popular among the college’s year 12 leavers with asignificant percentage continuing in post-secondary STEM studies and later, their chosen careers.

To learn more about the educational offerings of Sacred Heart College consider booking aplace for one of the regular college tours –bookings can be made via the college website: www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

Enrolments for Year 7, 2026 close on 26 July 2024.

Don’t miss our nextCollege Tours: Wednesday 8May (Principal’s Tour), Tuesday 11 June andWednesday 17 July. Visit the College website for tour bookings or contact the Registrar for enrolment information.

Sacred Heart College Kyneton

Kyneton High School

Kyneton High School isaninclusive public school that has been educating students in the Kyneton area for more than 100 years. Building on along, proud tradition, the school is entering anew phase with an $11million building project just being completed and celebrating the opening of abrand new STEAM building, Ngurrak (pictured), which has seen students access learning in excellent modern facilities.

At Kyneton High, staffconnect with students through goal setting, sharing aspirations and awide variety of co-curricular clubs and activities like instrumental music and interschool sports. Awide rangeofprograms is offered, from core subjects to specialised options like breadth and academic pathway electives, vocationaltraining and hands-on learning. Regardless of interests or goals, students receive support to succeed.

Kyneton High believes in workingtogether as acommunity to support students. Parents, teachers and local organisations all play arole in creating apositive and nurturing environment where students can thrive. Students’ learning needs are supported through specialised literacy support,the disability inclusion program, the student wellbeing team and the student excellence andhigh ability program.

The commitment toexcellence extends beyond academics. Kyneton High is dedicated to helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in life. Diversity is celebrated, social-emotional, interpersonal and personal learning curriculum is taught, and mutual respect is encouraged, creating awelcoming and inclusive school culture. Prospective families are invited to take part in upcoming Information Sessions and Tours of the school through May.Contact the office to book in –5421 1100 or kyneton. hs@education.vic.gov.au.

TUESDAYMAY 21 4PM AT KHS

Bookings required: 5421 1100 or kyneton.hs@education.vic.gov.au

Macedon Primary School

Nestled at the base of Mount Macedon, Macedon Primary School has aproud history of delivering exceptional education. The dedicated staffensure quality outcomes for all students, embodying the motto of Caring, Sharing, Learning as they strive for continuous excellence.

The school’scurriculum thrives in the natural beauty of its bushland surroundings, with Middle Gully Reserve providing an inspiring setting for learning. Here, students participate in Forest School, engaging in initiatives such as water quality monitoring and exploring Indigenous history.Specialised subjects like art and physical education offer avenues for creative expression and physical activity,nurturing essential skills.

Macedon Primary’soutdoor education program, emphasising teamwork and resilience, is complemented by strong parent involvement, strengthening the home-school connection and benefiting the entire community

The team at MPS eagerly await the opportunity to meet and collaborate with all families joining the Macedon Primary School community

Photo: Jessica Dimech

Photography

Langley Primary School

Education Week is an annual celebration of education in Victoria. In 2024 the theme for Education Week is Spotlight on STEM, highlighting the importance of science, technology,engineering and maths in our classes and in our everyday lives.

“At Langley Primary School we have awellestablished STEM program and shared vision in our school community for STEM learning,” says the school’sprincipal Dr Frances Langenberg.

“Our experienced staffhave abroadskillset, which we maximise to provide for broad range of STEM challenges and projects solving realworld design problems to explore student interestand curiosity,” Dr Langenberg says.

“At Langley our role is to provide high-quality state school education to all who want to enrol with us. All students have individual learning plans, and adifferentiated curriculum aligned with Victorian curriculum and daily one-to-one time with teachers. As aresult, we also have explicit teaching programs for developing essential skills in literacy, numeracy,STEMand scientific inquiry,all of which progressively advance at each year level.”

Aunique aspect of the school program is the WAVES Care and Leadership Program, which offers age and stage related approaches to social development, leadership and student mental health wellbeing.

“At Langley Primary School we believe in giving every child the chance to learn unhindered by large classsizes,distractions, bullying and strict procedures. We have found that students who, for onereason or another,may not be recognised for their unique attributes and abilities, thrive in our personalised, safe andnon-threatening family focused learning environment,” Dr Langenberg says.

Langley Primary is acountry school only 10 minutes drive from Kyneton Post Office. Families with students in any year level are invited to the school’s open day Wednesday May 15 from 9.3am-11am. If you are unable to make it to open day, contact to arrange aschooltour. Langley.ps@education.vic.gov.au or 5423 4125.

Education Week 2024

13 –17May

Bolinda Primary School

At Bolinda Primary School they believe in more than just education.

“We’re acommunity dedicated to helping children thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” says principal Jordan Chamerski.

“Academic excellence is central to our core purpose. Our synthetic phonics literacy program ensures that every child develops strong reading and writing skills from an early age, laying the foundation for future success. Our mathematics program is designed to ensure students continually use and reinforce the skills they have developed by revisiting key concepts daily.With small class sizes, we are able to work closely with students to support and guide them through their learning journey.”

In addition to literacy and mathematics, BPS offers specialist programs in visual arts, STEM, Auslan, and PE, allowing students to explore their interests and discover new passions.

“Weprioritise our students’ wellbeing, creating anurturing environment where every child feels supported, valued and empowered to reach their full potential,” Mr Chamerski says.

“Our strong student leadership program provides students with multiple opportunities to have avoice andmake apositive impact on our school community.”

One of the highlights of the school’scurriculum is its Kitchen Garden Program, where students learn about healthy eating and sustainability.All students participate in hands-on cooking sessions and have the opportunity to taste and enjoy the fruits of their labour Bolinda Primary School is committed to providing asupportive and enriching learning environment where every child can thrive.

“By nurturing the academic, social and emotional wellbeing of our students, we are shaping future leaders,” Mr Chamerski says.

St Ambrose’sschoolcommunity creates an environment with rich and diverse learning opportunities within anurturing setting aimed to inspire students to thrive.

“At St Ambrose we aim to provide a well-balanced approach to learning,” says principal Bronwyn Phillips.

“Our children spend asignificant part of their lives at school. Education therefore needs to be viewed as part of life not just preparation for it.

“It should be relevant and purposeful to engage students and serve their needs.”

The school’sspotlight on STEM supports the development of skills in critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and digital technologies.

“At St Ambrose, we have added the arts and call our work in these areas STEAM. Our students have displayed akeen interest and high level of enthusiasm in our

STEAM work and are actively involved in the problem-solving andlearning process,” Ms Phillips says.

“They also exercise their voice and agency by setting goals for their learning andplanning their path to achieve success.”

Ms Phillips saysitisalways wonderful to watch children discover new potentials within themselves while engaged in STEAM activities.

“Our STEAM Expo afternoons allow anyone interested in seeing our students’ achievements tocome in andsee what the children have been exploring and creating!

“Wewelcome you to book atour,come to our information evening, or visit us on our open days.”

Details are on the school website: www.sawoodend.catholic.edu.au

St Ambrose, Woodend

Are you searching for aprimary school environment that nurtures growth and inspires success? Look no further than St Mary’sSchool in Castlemaine.

At St Mary’stheyoffer arich and diverse learning experience that encourages students to thrive. St Mary’sdynamic educators utilise contemporary teaching methods, backed by evidence-based research, to ensure educational excellence while prioritising student well being.

Keyhighlights

*Engaging and wondrous learning environment

*Development of global competencies: character,citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking

*Holistic education within adiverse curriculum

*Emphasisonsustainability and environmental education

*Every child is valued and supported, fostering asense of belonging

Join the St Mary’scommunity for their Enrolment Open Day on Tuesday,May 14, at 9.30am. Book your tour today by contacting the school office at 5472 2270. Discover the St Mary’sdifference and unlock your child’spotential.

Enrolments for 2025 are now open across all year levels. Don’t miss out on securing abright future for your child at St Mary’sSchool.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Walking into the grounds of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish School Kyneton you will surely feel asense of welcome and care, and astrong presence of faith and pride –even before you meet any of the students, families or staff.

“Weare passionately Catholic and use our faith to guide our actions and values,” says principal Daniel Bermingham.

OLR offers aphysically pleasing environment that fosters learning and growth but it is the human connections and relationships that is the real strength.

“Wehave asaying here at OLR where ‘not only do we enrol your child, we enrol your family’. This focus on relationships and the family-school partnership drives our thinking and the realisation that the wellbeing of our students and our families is directly related and interdependent with student outcomes,” Mr Bermingham says.

The investigation and inquiry based learning program used throughout the school, and in particular in junior classes, highlights and focuses on attachment, engagement and motivating the students.

“Weare passionate about laying a foundation of learning independence and ownership where students are encouraged to take risks and to problem solve in asafe and stimulating setting,” Mr Bermingham says.

“Werealise students are all on their own unique learning and faith journeys and that

difference is to be celebrated and accepted.

Our Lady of the Rosary students ‘learn by doing’, through arigorous yet creative curriculum.

“Weare proud of our achievements and being apartofsuch an exciting and evolving Kyneton community.”

St Mary’sSchool Castlemaine

Braemar College

STEM education encourages young people to think beyond traditional classroom-based learning. However, often, the current education system and environments surrounding young people look more like what many would consider a school to be.

At Braemar College, they’ve introduced a unique subject called MAKE, atechnologybased course that serves as the school’s gateway to STEM education. This subject, available from year five, offers more than just asingle area of curriculum. It’sa knowledge-rich environment that encourages students to explore diverse writing genres, apply practical mathematics and science, and blend visual art and production design. It’sa comprehensive introduction to the world of STEM.

Braemar’ssenior school offers an elective structure that takes students’ learning to the next level. The teaching team challenge them to delve deeper into specific content and apply it to real-world problems. The college’sclasses foster interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to connect knowledge from various areas and create innovative solutions. They also engage in practical activities like robot challenges or drone flying, encouraging two and threedimensional Cartesian point mapping. Students are taught structured design cycles and then asked to apply these technologies to solve problems. This handson, practical approach equips Braemar College students with the skills they need to excel in the modern world.

Castlemaine Steiner School

During Education Week, families exploring educational options are invited to consider the unique approach of Steiner schools, where the rigour of science, technology,engineering and mathematics (STEM) is integrated with the richness of arts and humanities to offer compelling main lesson blocks of study

Steiner education, known for its holistic and developmentally informed approach to education, offers arich, creative and broadly-based curriculum that prepares students not just academically but also nurtures their innate curiosity and connection to the world. The Australian Steiner curriculum framework is recognised as equivalent in all subjects to the Australian Curriculum V9 by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority

From the earliest years, students at Castlemaine Steiner School engages with the natural sciences in ways that resonate with their experiences of the world. The STEM curriculum begins with lessons in class one exploring basic forms found in nature including straight and curved lines, which are not only foundational for handwriting and mathematics but also for understanding natural patterns and physical forces.

In the primary years, lessons in zoology or botany,and mathematics, are interwoven with artistic activities such as drawing and sculpting and narratives that bring the subject matter to life. This method helps students see the connections between scientific concepts and their everyday lives, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable.

By incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, students are also taught to appreciate the deep wisdom contained in traditional practices and to understand their relevance in modern science. This approach helps to cultivate respect for diverse cultures and the environment, fostering students who are conscious of their place within the global community

As students advance to more complex topics in physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy in the senior years, they are encouraged to explore these through direct observation and practical experiments. This hands-on approach supports students to remain engaged and active learners, who are not only recipients of knowledge but also its discoverers.

For families seeking acomprehensive education that prepares young people for the challenges of the future while grounding them in adeep understanding of the world, Castlemaine Steiner School offers an exciting option.

YourOPINIONS @

Rat-runningaccusation insulting

Eric Dearricott, Kyneton

It is very disappointing that the latest version of the Shire Council Draft Kyneton Movement Network Study continues to brand innocent drivers who use New,Bodkin and Begg Streets with the insulting term “rat-runners”.

The Draft Study recommends speed humps and other measures in New,Bodkin and Begg to deter traffic from using those streets and to reduce speeding.

Taking the shortest distance to one’s destination is both logical and appropriate given the threat of climate change in that it reduces exhaust emissions.

Doesn’t it make sense for someone travelling along Mollison Street from the south and seeking to go to the hospital to take the shorter route via Bodkin and New Streets into High Street rather than proceeding to the Mollison/High traffic lights to turn into High Street?

Beyond speed humps the study also floats aproposal that to reduce ran running, that for New,Bodkin and Begg Streets entry into them and exit from them be by left turns only –Idoubt that even the residents of these Streets would support this idea.

In contrast to its traffic calming recommendations, the Study’sAppendix G Detailed Issues and Opportunities states that rat running in New,Bodkin and Begg Streets “is practically unavoidable unless the Mollison Street/High Street intersection is significantly improved and/or asecond bridge across the Campaspe River at the southern end of Edgecombe Street is constructed”.

The Appendix states that typical traffic calming measures, such as speed humps may not be effective or supported in discouraging drivers considering the congestion that occurs at the Mollison-High Street intersection and that any aggressive traffic management treatments could push more traffic into that intersection.

It is clear from its own assessment that the council needs to direct its attention to reducing congestion in High and Mollison Streets rather than wasting our ratepayers funds on measures that are unlikely to be effective.

Iencourage Kyneton residents to read the Study,especially Appendix Gonthe 'Your Say' section of the council’swebsite and to lodge asubmission by the deadline May 13.

Free guidebooks available

MichaelKennedy,Pipers Creek

Irecently contacted the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to enquire about an unusual flock of birds Ihad sighted. They were yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

Readers may be unaware the MRSC has produced aset of five Guides to Birds and Flora in the Ranges and Insects, Grasses and Weeds in Central Victoria. They are beautifully presented, with superb colour photographs.

The council provides any of the guides by post, free of charge.

Areviewoverdue

JanetWhite,Yapeen

It was good to read other constructive comments by your readers on the question of the 50km/h limit (Ken McKimmie –April 23 and Gillian Maskell –April 30). I wonder where our councillors are in all of this? They seem to be keeping avery low profile on acritical topic.

There are other ways of approaching road safety issues in that stretch of road –a review of this blanket decision is well overdue, especially if Mount Alexander Council was not sufficiently informed of the extent of the change (as proposed by the Dept of Transport and Planning Report referred to by Gillian Maskell.)

Pokies monopoly

Leigh Plews,Castlemaine

Re. Poker machines in Castlemaine Goods Sheds (Opinions, April 23). Ioften used to wonder how the owners of the Cumberland Hotel could keep astraight face, with hundreds of citizens campaigning for their retention of amonopoly

Asafehouse for women?

AMcKimm, Malmsbury

With all of the domestic violence issues in the news recently Iwondered if apart of the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre could be separated offasasafe house for women. Ican’t think of asafer environment, with cameras, secure fencing and modern, well-equipped rooms etc.

Staff, specialists in helping complete paperwork, and offering options, food, financial help could prove aviable option.

Willnew monitoring be enough?

Huntly Barton, Greenhill BlackHillAlliance

We metwith the EPAscientist on April 24 and we appreciate their time and explanation, as to why the licence granted to Coliban WateronDecember 4has been modified. We are disappointed with this outcome and we are weighing up our options.

The new licence does require agreater degree of monitoring on river health. When discharging effluent into the river,water testing must occur weekly,atseven locations above and below the discharge point. This is for arange of pollution indicators including nutrients. This data will be published monthly on CW website.

Other monitoring is also required including twice yearly toxicity testing on the effluent, all steps in the right direction.

Fast tracking live instream monitoring at the seven sites in the Campaspe River, as promised, will be away of ensuring correct monitoring. But it will be down to the community to ensure that CW publishes this data in atimely manner that the public understand.

This new licence is driven by cost not science. In CW’sPrice Commission Report 23/28, CW admits if its licence application was not successful, it would need to spend another $50M on the Kyneton WaterReclamation Plant.

CW was not successful so took the EPAtoVCATtosecure even less rigorous discharge terms. Due to this, CW continues to have alicence to pollute. This happened in Oct 2022, for 27 days, when up to 15 million litres per day of low-quality water was released to Snipes Creek. This occurred six months after the completion of CW new storage facility.According to CW managing director Damian Wells this would never occur

The KWRP requires an injection of capital to make it compliant in an environment of high population growth and an expanding industrial area. It is also the responsibility of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to acknowledge its responsibility regarding stormwater.Stormwater infiltration into the sewage system is ahuge problem. Excess sewage cannot be stored so ends up in the trade waste ponds. Put this with an expanding abattoir that also discharges into the ponds and it means they will continue to be breached and the river will be used as adrain.

We need leadership that ensures the protection of our river environment. Asewage treatment system is required at the KWRP that produces aquality of water that does not threaten the environment of the Campaspe River.Weneed this investment now from CW

MRSC also needs to ensure that all stormwater connections are compliant. Without this the health of the Campaspe River will continue to decline, resulting in loss of habitat for native species and further

restriction on the public access.

The dilution ratio secured by CW sets an ugly precedent that could be emulated by other authorities around the state.

Will new monitoring requirements be enough to stop the decline of the health of the Campaspe River? Ipersonally doubt it.

Where is the logic, indeed

Charles Cilia, Elphinstone

In reference to the question asked by Ms G. Maskell ('Where is the logic?, Opinions, April 30). Well, the answer is very simple. There is no logic. Just like there is no heavy pedestrian traffic on the road at Wesley Hill or anywhere on the 6.4kms stretch of the Pyrenees Highway between White Gum Track and Castlemaine.

If the Department of Transport and local, state and federal politicians are concerned about the safety of all road users, the absence of pedestrian crossings between White GumTrack and the Midland Highway in Castlemaine is in itself very puzzling.

Iwould like to see evidence that aspeed review process took place with all relevant parties being provided with appropriate information to determine and implement a speed limit that appropriately balances the road environment and the safety of all road users, not just Chewton’sresidents. The speed limit then becomes realistic, consistent and consequently encourages voluntary compliance.

Victorian speed limits are considered on acase-by-case basis with detailed guidance on the application of limits provided by the Speed Zoning Technical Guidelines. The guidelines outline implementation requirements, including site investigations, crash history,road use, pedestrian activity, primary function ofthe road and community sentiment.

From my understanding from both print media and online sources, the alleged thorough investigation was carried out taking into account all speed zoning guidelines and made inferences that the change was based on concerns for the safety of the people living in Chewton and WesleyHill.

Apart from logic applied in the alleged report, one has to ask, did the report recommend that that the speed limit be abruptly reduced by 30km/h from two kilometres away from Chewton to ensure the safety of its residents? That makes as muchsense as an ashtray ona motorbike.

This is the same Department of Transport who made the speed limit 80km/h traveling toCastlemaine from the Calder Freeway onto the Midland Highway.This stretch of highway is rural, in goodcondition, sparsely populated and has thesimilar pedestrian traffic to the aforementioned stretch of the Pyrenees Highway between White Gum Track and Chewton.

If one were to apply the same logic, one has to ask, why are these residents not afforded the same safeguards as those given to the Chewton’sresidents? Yes, onehas to ask, where is the logic?

Chance foryouth to shape policies

McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is calling on passionate and engaged youths to join the federal government’sYouth Steering Committee.

“This opportunity empowers our youth to directly influence policies that impact their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and valued,” Mr Mitchell said.

The committee will collaborate closely with Minister for Youth, Dr Anne Aly,including involvement in the implementation of Engage! –astrategic initiative aimed at incorporating young voices into policy decisions.

Applications are open to individuals aged between 12 and 24. No prior experience is required.

Applications close on Sunday,May 19. For details, and to apply,visit: youth. gov.au

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. Which large supermarket chain is beginning works to open in Romsey?

2. How many Macedon Ranges brigades celebrated new tankers at the end of last month?

3. An annual community ‘spudfest’ takes place in which local town?

4. Kyneton Fire Brigade celebrates what anniversary this year? (3 points)

5. When will this year’s Woodend Winter Arts Festival be held?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. Where in the human body is the cerebellum located?

7. How many sides does an enneadecagon have?

8. According to the Iliad,who was the wife of Menelaus?

9. What is the capital city of Canada? (3 points)

10. Who was last month named the first Australian actress to be honoured with an American Film Industry Life Achievement Award?

Sitting beautifully among private gardens on just under an acre of residential land is this stunning Victorian home circa 1890 which has recently undergone amasterful renovation and extension.

Originally one of the farms that circled the town at the end of the Gold Rush era, Rosemont’sfarmhouse origins are well preserved with 11ft high timber lined ceilings, polished baltic pine floors and leadlight glass windows. Chefs will delight in the country style kitchen offering fantastic bench space centred around the 1100mm Falcon oven.

The newly finished addition is in keeping with the period style of the home yet radiates afresh, contemporary twist. The centrepiece is the light filled family room with polished concrete floors, floor to ceiling windows and oversized open fire.

Retreat to Rosemont

All living areas, including the very generous main bedroom, overlook the pool, and together with astunning bathroom, the entire expanse instantly promotes relaxation, calm and an easy-going resort style feel. Each family member will thrive in their own space as the flexible floorplan provides multiple living areas, parents’ retreat plus home office, perfect for the growing family,multigenerational living or Airbnb potential.

The picturesque garden is framed by stunning trees and there are numerous fruit trees including apples and olives, and plenty of space for aveggie patch and for the chooks to roam free. All townservices are provided along with aproductive bore with its own tank to utilise throughout the property Rosemont is without doubt arare offering.

Paula Bibby

Joanne Dunn Jasmine Vaghera

329 PipersCreekRoad, Kyneton

Luxury Living forHumans andHorses

Experience luxuryliving on this 5.63-acre sanctuary boasting aspacioushome, six-stable shed, andlushlandscapedgardens.Frenchcountry kitchen,three living areasand double-glazedwindows ensurecomfort. Entertainonthe deck overlookingthe picturesque land. Convenientlyclose to schools,shops and trainstation.

12A Lauriston Street, Kyneton

Characterand Convenience in aStellar Location

Claimafantastic Kynetonlifestyle withthissweet weatherboardcottage in the heartofthe township.The easy care 362sqm (approx) allotmentallows you to lock up,get outand enjoy thebestofKyneton’s eateries andshops,just a fewhundredmetersfromthisaddress.Neat, clean andcompletelycharming, Hyacinth House hasall of theessentials fora comfortable lifeand plenty of potential if youare seekingtovalue add.

116 Hallorans Lane, Kyneton

TELLEK –14acreestablished farmlet

‘Tellek’ is anatureloversretreatwitha spring feddam stockedwithfish, feature rock walls, established gardensand trees that attractnativebirds.Sheltered within thesurroundswithwater views is a4 bedroom,1bathroomhomewitha spacious interior.Situatedonapprox. 14 acres-made up of 2separatetitles of approx.7 acreseach.

5.55 ha (14 acres approx.)

1/7TuckerStreet, Malmsbury

Situatedonanelevated1,090 sqmcorner block, this exceptionalparcel presents theperfect canvas to build. Boasting residentialzoning andacleared landscape,itisprimedfor transformation into your foreverhome.Alternatively, if youare an astute investor,you mayseize theopportunityfor land banking, recognisingthe potential forfuturegrowth in Malmsbury

69 WedgeStreet, Kyneton

AMasterclass in Authentic Restoration

Be captivated by arguably themost admiredresidenceand privategardenin thehistoric township of Kyneton. Built in 1871,“TheLawns”isa NationalTrust classifiedtimbertownhouse setonastunning2772sqm corner allotment in Kyneton’spremier street.Anopportunitytoown of asignificant piece of Australia’sarchitectural legacy awaits

42 22,772 sqm

SOLD $1,090,000

15 MairStreet,

Kyneton

Beautiful Bungalow in the Heart of Kyneton

Step inside 15 Mair Street to experience that longed-forsenseofperiod homeliness withevery wished-fororiginalfeaturepreserved.Consider,highly decorativecornice,ceiling rosesand fireplaces,art deco lightfittings and polishedtimberfloorboards.Aprofessionaland sympathetic restoration of the second half of thehome provides amplespace anddesirable amenities for contemporary living.Aprivate andfully self-contained unit is alsopartofthe plentiful offeringshere

52 4898 sqm

176Pudding Bag Road, Drummond

Historic Brick Cottage with Enchanting Gardens 52 427.21 ha (67.24 acres)

Dating back to 1893,thischarmingcottage,withahistoryasintriguingas itsstructure,showcases aseriesofthoughtful additions over theyears Constructed frombrick,thisresidenceboasts5 bedrooms,2bathrooms, spacious living roomsand it's packed full of character. The 27.45haproperty unfoldsasadramaticridge,setting apicturesque backdrop, along with establishedfarming infrastructure such as 9fullyfenced paddocks.

16 Hunter Street, Malmsbury

Bespoke Straw Bale Retreat on 1.6Ha 52 31.6 ha

Discoverthe epitome of rural blissinMalmsbury withthisstunning4-acre lifestyleproperty. Abespoke strawbale home offers sustainableliving while thespaciousinteriorboastsfivebedrooms, twobathrooms andversatile spaces. Enjoycountry vistas,nativelandscaping andconvenientamenities just moments away

RobertBroadhurst0488 300 900 |JoanneDouglas 0402 044 780 |Sue Wilson 0418 387295 Rachel Potter 0400 455777

Potentialfor growth

This land at 299 Couangalt Road offers a unique opportunity to escape the city while staying within reach, boasting 26 acres of picturesque land with good infrastructure, the property’sprime location is one of its most enticing features.

An established cherry orchard with more than 1000 mature fruit trees, promises a bountiful harvest. Meanwhile, avineyard with 300 mature pinot noir vines offers the opportunity for residents to try their hand at winemaking. Watermanagement is akey aspect of the property’sagricultural success. with a3000kl annual allocation of recycled water from Greater Western Water, along with two large dams each holding approximately 2ml, the irrigation system ensures that the orchard and

vineyard thrive even in dry seasons. Additionally,a 50kl water tank system with apressure pump provides further support, ensuring efficient water distribution across the estate.

The property is equipped with state-of-theart infrastructure to support its agricultural and residential needs. An industrial machinery/ storage shed with an industrial cool room, three-phase power,6.6kw solar system, and wine-making equipment caters to farming operations, while amodern 1060m2 workshop/ office building provides space for administrative tasks and additional amenities such as large kitchen, storage room and toilet, offices, boardroom, and facilities plus on the second level, aspacious gaming room and storage room.

Property: 10.52haresidential land with subdivision/development opportunity

Address: 299 Couangalt Road,Gisborne South

Price: EOI -Closing ThursdayJune13@4pm. Indicative price: $4,300,000

Agent: Raine &Horne

Contact: KenGrech 0418 509 710

Arareoffer

This architecturally designed four-bedroom home, Wingrove, features commanding views towards Mt Alexander,MtFranklin, Daylesford, and the Western District. Private, and with the local visiting kangaroos on your doorstep, the property is minutes from the centre of the notable town of Maldon and has easy access to Castlemaine, Bendigo, and the train to Melbourne.

The wall of floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows makes for aperfect spot to sit, watch, and reflect on the ever changing landscape, nature at your doorstep, and weather patterns to the horizon. The floorplan features direct entry into the spacious open-plan kitchen with dining and living. Abespoke recycled timber feature wall dominates the living space with a solid wood heater,and the kitchen provides an electric cooktop, awall oven, adishwasher, abutler’spantry with combined laundry facilities, stone benchtops and along counter capturing the view and allowing for bar-style seating.

The main bedroom takes in the views and includes awalk-in robe, an ensuite with ashower,toilet and vanity and double doors opening to the front terrace. Twofurther bedrooms are at the other end of the house, one with double doors to the front terrace with the views and the second with aceiling fan. Servicing the two bedrooms is agenerous bathroom with abath, ashower,a vanity,and aseparate toilet. Design details include a 3.5Kw solar system, insulated walls, aheat pump, and aducted reverse cycle system for heating and cooling.

Amudroom leads to the rear back garden, aprivate green oasis protected from the elements with its natural stone amphitheatre. The property includes the added benefit of selfcontained private guest accommodation, independent living or currently let as Airbnb with asuper-host rating netting apassive income stream of around $30,000 per annum with the space providing an open-plan kitchenette with asitting area and abedroom with awalk-in robe. Abarn door opens into abathroom with ashower,a vanity,and atoilet. The property has afully lined double-car garage with built-in storage, acarport, and 45,000 litres of rainwater storage for the garden. The 4046m2 (approx.) grounds include quiet terraced sitting areas designed to makethe most ofthe views and alow-maintenance garden. Whether you makeityour weekend retreat toa historic town or permanent base, Wingrove is arare offer on the property market with never-to-be-built-upon views over a stunning Australian landscape.

Property: Wingrove,architecturally designed four-bedroom home

Address: 98 Parkins Reef Road,Maldon

Price: $1,480,000

Agent: Cantwell Property Castlemaine

Contact: TomRobertson 5472 1133

Portingales Lane

On 16 ha (40 Acres)

Aperfect improver’s opportunityonthe Melbourne side of Romsey andonly5kms (5 minutes) to the newColes supermarketand the town centre.

Theexisting 219 m2 (23.6 sq) residenceoffers an opportunitytorenovate or demolish and build your newdream home to take advantage of existing establishmentand viewstothe Macedon Ranges Accommodation includes 2large living areas,kitchen/ meals area, 4bedrooms,2bathrooms,and large study or couldbehomeoffice.

Land features include good soils and pastures,with infrastructureincluding a6.5mx18m machinery/ hayshed,3box stable and tack room,small dayyards with shelter boxesand cypress plantations,a1000 metretraining track,small dam and water supply reticulatedtomost paddocks from watertanks

Auction Saturday1 June at 1.30pm Reserve Price$1,250,000

View as advertised or call JohnKeating 0419 880 444

Move to thegood life

This pure lifestyle retreat is positioned on just over seven acres of picturesque landscape with a marvellous mudbrick home offering aharmonious blend of rustic charm and modern convenience.

Fully off-grid with asubstantial solarpower system, 62 Barber Road Elphinstone presents an enviable opportunity to embrace asustainable lifestyle. Step inside to discover an inviting open living space with timber look flooring, large windows and timber beam ceiling, all creating an ambiance of warmth.

The sun-room bathes the interior in natural light, offering aserene spot to unwind and soak in the surroundings.

The home comprises three bedrooms, the main featuring astunning country style ensuite, while a functional family bathroom incorporates laundry Abonus fourth bedroom or extra living space offers further possibilities.

Clerestory windows light up the kitchen, with 900mm cooker,dishwasher,the timber breakfast bar

Living extends outside, alarge paved area awaits, perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining guests.

Green thumbs will delight in the thriving vegetable gardens with hot house, while the chicken coop provides the opportunity for fresh eggs daily There is a9mx 9.5m workshop and single carport attached to the house.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the expansive grounds featuring alarge dam, mature shade trees and paddocks perfect for hobby farming.

Serviced by water tanks and a2-year-old Synergy 8kw solar power system with 16KW hour batteries.

Property: Character earthen home immersed in productive gardens with grazing and privacy

Address: 62 Barber Road,Elphinstone.

Price: $869,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130 Blasi Mulholland 0417 311 733

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

4Ellison Street, Woodend

4a 2b 2v 626r

•Just completed, spacious entertainer or family home on 626m2.

•Qualityfinishwith ducted heating and cooling, north aspect to living.

•Excellent new lawnsand fencing

Brett Tweed |0417 564 697

Rob Waller |0418571 130

4a 2b 4v 1473r

•Stunning modern home with views & polished timber floor.

•Luxe interior with 4car garage, 3-4 bedrooms, 2covered outdoor areas anda large landscapedgarden with outlook.

Rob Waller |0418571 130 Tim Noonan |0413464 949

3a 1b 2v 634r

•Two brick buildingsonForest Street.

•Main Building- Double brick warehouse, rear yard access &3 smaller rooms.

•1980s brick shop -seperate entrance.

•Zoned commerical 1.

Brett Tweed |0417 564 697

Rob Waller |0418571 130

PropertyMaldon |5475 1055

•3 double bedrooms withrobes, large 2-way bathroom,double garagewithdirect entry, kitchenwith walk-in pantry. 1Kulindi Court, McKenzie Hill

•Periodstyle brick villa in delightfulgardens with solar and reverse cycle air.

Rob Waller |0418571 130 Scott Rawlings |0409675 408 For sale $715,000 View Saturday 11th May 12:00pm -12:30pm

Thechoiceisyours

Located on awide tree-lined street within walking distance of the Bendigo CBD, 6Larritt Street Bendigo presents aunique proposition for buyers looking for dual income or dual living opportunities.

From the street you are greeted by the pretty facade and picket fence of the sites original home, a1900’sminers’ cottage. In traditional format there are four main rooms accessed by acentral hall, three bedrooms and acosy living with open fireplace. To the rear the utility rooms, kitchen, and bathroom. Outside there is alarge laundry,storage room and single carport.

Awide side driveway leads to the rear home, a

90’sMacquarie home built sympathetically to reflect the cottage style, with bay windows and weatherboard frontage. The home enjoys alarge living room and open plan kitchen meals, two generous bedrooms with built in robes, large central bathroom and separate laundry

Ashared garden separates the two and the rear home has asmall courtyard and space for avehicle. Both properties have their own metered utilities. From an investment perspective, this property has great potential. The rental income for the front and rear residences are appraised at $400 and $430 per week.

Property: Dual income or dual living opportunityinthe

The Compost Conversation

It doesn’t seem to matter how fastidious Iamabout keeping plastic from going into my compost, Istill find myself fishing little plastic things out of my finished compost – so much so, Ieven have adedicated bin next to my final bay, just for putting plastic waste in. So, you might think I’d be pretty excited about the invention of 'compostable' plastic. Hmmm, guess again.

Let’s go back to the early 20th century and the invention of plastic. These new polymers were like nothing else in nature, which gave them their amazing durability. They didn’t rot or get eaten by animals, bacteria or fungi, they stuck around. But fast forward 100 years and we are drowning in the stuff, it clogs our oceans, it's in our drinking water and it’s turning up in our body’s cells.

Plastics are made from hydrocarbons, and crude oil was, and still is, the cheapest most available ‘feedstock’ for plastic production. But crude oil is no longer spurting out of the ground from untold abundant fields like it did 100 years ago –now we have to expend lots of energy just to drill down and pump it out.

So, can’t we just grow other feedstocks for making plastic? Enter ‘plant-based’ plastics, have you seen them cropping up on your supermarket shelves recently? Problem solved? Hardly. Growing the vegetable oil to make the plastic from, uses fossil oil too; in the farm machinery, the fertilisers and pesticides, as well as the processing and transport. It is possible that ‘plant-based’ plastic uses more crude oil in its production than went into conventional plastic, and it still doesn’t break down in our compost (or anywhere else). So, we can’t just change the feedstock and say everything is okay.

Recently we have seen 'compostable' plastics appearing on our shelves, new polymers that have been designed to

mimic natural structures that will be broken down by fungi and bacteria. Problem solved? Again, not really.

Tests of 'compostable' plastics in hot compost systems have had very mixed results, some products do break down into the compost, but others claiming to be 'compostable' make it through months of high temperature composting pretty much unscathed, and, even if they do compost, 'compostable' plastics still need to be produced in the first place, energy will be expended in the making and processing, only to be used once, then thrown into a compost pile.

And, what happens if some ‘compostable’ plastic goes into the general waste? It gets buried in landfill, decomposes anaerobically and produces greenhouse gasses, potentially worse than just throwing out conventional plastic!

If all of this is making you feel alittle disheartened, it is not surprising, it is a troubling problem.

The only way forward Ican see is for us to stop producing things that only get used once. As Lucy Young says, the problem is ‘single-use’, so the answer can’t be ‘conventional plastic’, or ‘paper’ or something ‘compostable’, the answer must lie in finding things that can be used again and again, repaired and then used some more. Only then, after many, many uses and when they can no longer be fixed, might they end their life adding nutrients to our compost pile.

What things can you think of, or imagine, that fit this description?

–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!

Youth heard on issues

Future plans and actions for young people in the Macedon Ranges will be better informed following aYouth Summit held last month.

About 90 local secondary school students had their voices heard on important issues before Macedon Ranges Shire Council’syouth services team, councillors, Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, Woodend Rotary,headspace, and Djaara Balaki Wuku.

The day-long summit at the Woodend Community Centre was also an opportunity give valuable feedback on key issues outlined in the ELEVATE– Macedon Ranges Shire Council Youth Strategy 2018-2028.

Topics included public transport and isolation, environment and global warming, physical activity,art and leisure, mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drug matters, body image, career and education, school holiday program, tech space and coding.

The council is now analysing summit findings to ensure the ideas, opinions, concerns, and aspirations raised are included in relevant future plans and actions.

Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires

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

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS

KYNETON

3Market St., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444

Telephone: (03) 5422 1488

Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173

CASTLEMAINE

13 Hargraves St.,POBox 227,Castlemaine,3450

Telephone: (03) 5472 1788

Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504

OFFICE HOURS

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm EDITORIAL HOURS

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

Email: Kyneton: ahume@midnews.com.au Castlemaine: ldennis@midnews.com.au

DISPLAYADVERTISING DEADLINES

Joel showing some of the ‘compostable’ plastics that made it though months of hot composting.

KIP -Gerrit

Kyneton Lions regrets the passing of our LifeMember Gerrit.

Condolences to Valand family -Lions Club Kyneton

PAULL - Beryl

The Members of the Campbells Creek Bowling Club extend their deepest sympathyand condolences to the family of Beryl. Beryl wasLadies Treasurer for manyyears and aLifemember

STOKES –Elaine

Our dearest “E” Youalwaysmadeus feel so special and cared about our family so much.

We definitely will miss your love and everything about you.

The Sheridans xxxxx

KN278139/L

STOKES -Elaine Elaine,you were such an amazing, kind and caring lady

Your family was everything to you. You’re backwith your darling Keith. Youalwayshad time foratalk and you had abeautiful smile foreveryone

Thinking of all your family at this very sad time Karina, Malcolm andfamily xxx

LANGLEY

David Robert Amemorial service to celebrate the life of David Robert Langleywill be held at

ALLEN -William Ernest Allan ‘Bill’ 08.02.1934 –25.04.2024

Bill passed away peacefully on 25thApril 2024, aged 90 years old.

Loving husband to Joyce Allan neeHart(dec).

Brother to Percival Richard Allen. Loving FathertoPeter Allen andPennyPotts

SupportiveStepfather &Friend to Robert& Theresa, StepGrandfather &Great Grandfather to Jason, Jared, Tasha &Riley.

Grandfather to Robin and Ross Grandfather in lawtoReneeand Great Granddad to Melanie Belovedlongtime Friend and Companion to Jacqueline Gander for32years

DENNIS -Wayne Robert

22.3.1957 to 26.4.2024

Passed unexpectedly at his home

Belovedson of Robertand Elsie Dennis, (both dec), brother and brother in lawof Gayle Hargreavesand Steve,Daryl (dec), Marilyn and Lenard Weston, Lynette Holden and GeoffreySomerton (dec) of Bacchus Marsh and Carole Uncle to Brent, Shannon (dec), Bianca, Justin, Adam, Amy, Leah and Colin Somerton and theirpartners and families

Our thoughts arewithhis children who will miss him greatly Anthonyand Ann, Emma, Sarah and Kathleen, andgrandchildren,Chloe,Heidi and Brayden Wayne wassolookingforward to enjoying his retirement and timefor himselfand his family Agentle soul at rest. KN278134/L

KN278132/L

Waynepassedsuddenly at home in Castlemaine on 26th April 2024.

Loving fatherofAnthonyand triplets Emma, Sarah andKathleen Father in lawofAnn,Grandfather of Chloe, Heidi and Brayden. Brother of Gayle, Maggie, Shorty and Daryl (dec). Wayne wasa permanent resident at Don KR Castlemaine His pleasuresweresimple, his needswerefew, if hisfamily washappy, then he wastoo Rest peacefully Dad, in some placenice, some place that’s calledparadise Little didweknowthatmorning, the sorrowsthatday would bring, the loss wassudden, theshock severe, to part with oneloved so dear

We couldnot sayour last farewell, or even saygoodbye, foryou hadgone before we knew, it hasbroken ourhearts to lose you, howeveryou did not go alone, forpartofuswent with you. Your memoryisour greatesttreasure, to have and to hold in our hearts forever. Forfuneral details pleasesee Friday’sCastlemaine Mail.

Castlemaine 5470 5951

KN278116/L

STOKES -Elaine Margaret of Kyneton, aged 89 years

Passed peacefully,surrounded by her family at Bendigo Hospitalon28.4.2024.

Dearly lovedwifeofKeith (dec).

Lovedsister of Denis,Diane andNeil (dec).

Belovedmother of Stephen, Susan, Christine, Annette,Dianne and Gerard.

Loving mother-in-lawtoSuzanne,Michael, Craig, Gavin, Ronand Samantha.

Cherished NanofAdam, Ben, Rhys,Teneal, Jordan, Ashley, Maddison, Jayden, Jack Lachlan, Amyand Montana

LovedGreat Nanna to Django,Rosabel, Maisie,Logan, Noah andLottie

Wonderful friend, mum and nan to all who knewher

Aspecialladytobeloved andcherishedforever

STOKES -Elaine Margaret (Salter)

29.4.1934 -28.4.2024

Mum youare backinDads arms again after 31 years

Youfought to staywith us but Dad wascalling you.

Youare nowanother beautiful angel in the sky

Youtaught me all your beautiful qualities, howtolove, care,bekind, howtoopen my home and my heartand be me andlamsograteful forthat.

Icouldn’t have askedfor abetter Mum andDad.

We aregoing to miss yousomuch My heartwill be broken forever.

Love always Di, Ron, Lachie,Amy,Monty, Tammy, Logan, Jack RIP Mum, Nan, Nana Stokes

PAULL

Beryl Margaret 19.2.1938– 2.5.2024

Beloved Wife of Ronald (Dec). Loving Mum to Robyn& Warren; Stephen (Ice cream) &Sharon. DevotedNan to Clint &Emma; Dayne &Belinda; Jade &Rhiana. Casey-Lee& Terry; Jordan, Cassandra, Samara &Corey Great NantoTex,Carter, Austin, Dylan, Alexander, Ivy,Teddy,Beau, Otto &Coco. Mum&Dad Reunited Ourheartfelt thanks to thewonderfulstaffof ElleryHouse.

AThanksgivingServiceto honour thelifeofBeryl will be heldatthe ThompsonFamily MemorialChapel 123 Mostyn St, Castlemaine On Friday 10th May2024 commencingat1.30pm Aburial will followatthe CastlemaineCemetery

ALLEN AFuneral Service to celebrate the lifeof William Ernest Allan Allen will be held at the Thomas JScott Memorial Chapel, 5PiperSt, Kyneton on THURSDAY (May9th 2024), Commencing at1.30 pm. APrivate Cremation will follow.

Forthose unable to attend theservice, youare warmly invited to join via alivestream onBill’stribute pageat tjscottandson.com.au

KN278122/L

STOKES AFuneralMass forthe repose of the soulfor the late Elaine Margaret Stokes will be offered at Our Lady of the RosaryCatholic Church, 53 Ebden St, Kyneton on TUESDAY (May14, 2024) commencing at 1.30pm. Aburial at the Kyneton Cemetery will follow. Rosarywill be offered at the Thomas JScott Memorial Chapel at 7pm, MondayMay 13th.

5422 1488

Kyneton 3Market St., 5472 1788

Castlemaine 13 HargravesSt., Email: classifieds@ midnews.com.au

Seasonal Stallion Handler

Woodside Park Stud areseeking Stallion Handler

(Full-time,Part-Time&Casual Positions available)

Previous experience working with Stallions and thecovering shedis desired butnot essential –a keen attitudetolearnand good horsemanship skills are amust.

The successful applicant will be working closely with the StallionManager in theday to daymanagement of ourStallionsand covering of mares, plus other aspectsofstud work,such as working withMares &Foals, feeding and assisting with vetting as required.

Salarywill be commensuratetoexperience &shared accommodation will be available on site to the successful applicant.

Seasonal Stud Hand

Woodside Park Stud are seeking aStud Hand

(Full-Time, Part-Time&Casual Positions available)

The successfulapplicant will be working closelywith ourBroodmare Manager in the daytoday care forour Broodmares& Foals.

Duties will include butnot limited to assisting withvetting, pre &post-natal care forMaresand Foals &feed runs

PreviousExperience with Mares &Foals is desired, butall experienced horse persons are encouraged to apply.

Remunerationwill be commensurate to experience.Shared accommodation maybeavailable on site to thesuccessful applican

Pleaseemail

to admin@woodsideparkstud.com.au or PO Box276 Woodend 3442.

Wayne RobertDennis

KN278117/L

KN278137/L

•Venues

•Heritage

NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS

Section 29 of the FairTrading Act 1999 requires the inclusion of afullnameand address (not PO BoxNumber) –inall advertisements for the supply of goods and services.

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

PRIMARYTEACHER PART-TIME

We are seeking an enthusiasticteacher to join our team and teach Yrs 2-3. This is acomposite class of eight students.Olivet uses the evidence based approach to literacy instruction using the Scienceof Reading model.

BUS DRIVER 0.4

Part-time busdrivertodrive 12 -34seater bus. Morning andafter school runfor 3.25 hour per day5daysper weekinasplit shift. Minimum Light Rigid license. Working with children check. Driver Accreditation Certificate approvalprior to commencement.

All potential employees must comply with theCollege Child Safety Code of Conduct and Child Safety Policy.Application Form andPosition Description are availableunderemployment tabwww.olivet.vic.edu.au Applications will be reviewed as theyare submitted.Interviews and offers mayoccur prior to the closing date.Principal: StevenNicholas 89 Main Road, Campbells Creek Vic 3451 (3 km south of Castlemaine) admin@olivet.vic.edu.au 03 5472 3817

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON THURSDAY 24TH MAY1PM

on down and enjoyafreesausagesizzle.

•Learnabout Home Fire Safety

•Property Preparation.

•Tourour Station, see our Heritage of

Cobram Vic – Concrete Batcher / Agitator Truck Driver – COBR001

Yea Vic – Concrete Agitator Truck Driver – YEAA001

Kyneton Vic – Concrete Agitator Truck Driver – KYNE004

forchildren.

Public Notice of Precipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Kim Lee-Ann Gardner© andBenjamin James Gardner©ofKyneton, Victoria state is not a voluntarytransactor in commerce,and is the irrefutable Holder of DueCourse of my properties andall associatedcopyright protected Trade Names Kim Lee-AnnGardner© and Benjamin James Gardner©, sinceunrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Landand Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australisalsoknown as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 6390000510030893 01608, RPP44639000 0510030893 0108

Proclamation Date 4th dayofMarch 2024.Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australiain its entirety.Immediately cease anddesist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease desist misaddressing Kim Lee-AnnGardner© and Benjamin James Gardner©infraudulent debasedDog-Latin; Glossa

Notification of Proposal to Upgrade

the following location to improve service conditions: 19 Shannon Court,Woodend,VIC 3442 (RFNSASiteNo. 3442013)

Theproposed works on site will involve theupgrade of existing technology upon the facility including and not limited to the removal and installation of panel antennas,the installation of amini lens antenna and installation of ancillary works nbn regards the proposed as aLow Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 In these circumstances,itdoes not require planning approval from Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Further information onthese network upgrade works can be obtained by calling Ventia on +61730333735. Written submissions can be sent to Level 1, 10 BrowningStreet West EndQLD 4101 or via email to communityconsultation@ventia.com

Theclosingdatefor submissions is COB Monday 20th May2024. For generalinfo on the nbn,visit our website at www.nbnco.com.au.For further site information, visit www.rfnsa.com.au

(Site ID:3442013)Our ref: R401-3BEZ-3MAD-5106Woodend South

•Bullbars and Sidesteps

•Winches and Recovery Gear

•Suspension

CLASSIFIEDS

KYNETON

Collins Newsagency - Mollison St

Express Office - Market Street

Fika Café

Kyneton Home Hardware

Kyneton IGA

Kyneton / Daylesford Drycleaners

Watts Fresh - Mollison Street

EG Ampol Petrol Station

MALMSBURY

General Store

REDESDALE /LANGLEY

General Store

TRENTHAM /TYLDEN

IGA Country Store

General Store

WOODEND /CARLSRUHE

IGA Woodend

Newham Store

Woodend Newsagency

Carlsruhe Roadhouse

GISBORNE

Foodworks

Gisborne IGA

Riddells Creek Newsagency

MACEDON

Macedon IGA

Macedon Newsagency & Post Office

MT.MACEDON

Mt Macedon Trading post

ROMSEY

Romsey IGA

LANCEFIELD

Newsagency

Property Management Macedon Ranges

CASTLEMAINE

Ampol Service Station - Johnstone Street

Belle Property - Barker Street

Caravan Park Big - Doran Street

Castlemaine IGA - Barker Street

Castlemaine Property Group

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar

Cumberland - Barker Street

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 - Mostyn Street

Petstock - Forrest Street

Regional Enterprise - Halford Street

Tingays smash repairs - Elizabeth Street

CHEWTON /TARADALE

ELPHINSTONE

Grist Bakery - Wesley Hill

East End Servo - Main

Chewton Post Office

Elphinstone Post Office

Taradale Metro Fuel

HARCOURT

Post Office

Harcourt BP

CAMPBELLS CREEK /GUILDFORD

Mt Alexander Timber & Hardware

Post Office

Five Flags Merchants

Post Office

NEWSTEAD

Newstead Grocer/Bakery

Post Office/RSD

Newstead Country Store

MALDON

Newsagency - Main Street

Maldon Information Centre

Baringhup Store

Seniors

GOALS:GoldenSquare:RMonti4ZTickell2 MEaton2JStewart2 JBurkeDHirdZWescottLHumphreyRMcCrann-Peters Kangaroo Flat: HWhittyL Dalziel RSavy. BEST:Golden Square:RMonti J

ThrelfallJ RosengrenM EatonZShelton ZTickell. Kangaroo Flat: L

Ellings DStagg TRobertsCSmithZ RouseJHalsal

SANDHURST 11.7 28.11 41.17 54.23 (347)

(14)

Reserves

GISBORNE1.1

2J Schnoor MMilburn.

:T Smith LBraumanJButlerT George LCardillo Csteenbuck Romsey: C O’BrienJ Rademaker CBeer MForbesMMilburnJDixon

MARYBOROUGH

GOALS:Sandhurst:L Wright12F Greene 9N Walsh7

NStagg 5BCurnow5L Tardrew4C Maxted 3LHood

3JMclean 2J WhartonHFreeM Wilkinson CSmith. Maryborough: FRussell 2. BEST:Sandhurst:L TardrewN

Walsh LWrightF Greene CSmith JCoghlan. Maryborough: CPerry KLanfranchi TMyers AMedlyn JBritten FRussell

EAGLEHAWK

CASTLEMAINE1.2

(46)

GOALS:Eaglehawk:J Neaves3M Ronchieri 2B Thompson

2DRichards 2BFrost BEvans BMcgregor Castlemaine: M Hartley 2T Hickey BHenderson ZGreeves ZMurley. BEST:

Eaglehawk:B Thompson BFrost CHolmes BEvans JMullen

CLangford. Castlemaine: BHenderson KHuntlyZ Murley D Semmens HSheahan MHartley

GISBORNE 3.2 12.6 19.12 28.18 (186)

SOUTH BENDIGO 1.3 1.4 3.5 4.7 (31)

Goals: Gisborne:HLuxmoore8PMcKenna4JScanlon 3

MMerrett 3JCardillo 3ZDenahy2 SGraham 2BBernacki

DJohnstone South Bendigo: BHarveyW MarksJ Francis ZSims Best: Gisborne:BBlake JCardillo BBernackiH

LuxmooreZDenahyFLakey South Bendigo: BHaddowJ Francis ASmith TPoyser ZHareD McMahon

Seniors

GOALS:Harcourt:BGurd3B Vaz2JRodda 2BLeech L

Anderson JGartside Trentham: JKeogh 3JRegan 3A

Ferrier JCowan SKelly RThiesz. BEST:Harcourt:R Thiesz

CMcLeanKMcbride JEde JHogg JGartside Trentham: S Kelly JCowan AFerrier JDovaston HKnightJ Keogh

MALDON8.5 11.10 16.14 25.17 (167)

:FBurnell FLightL Turner JAlabaster

:RNolan CPower LWebbHElmawey J Alabaster AMcGregor Senior Womens

(14) GOALS:Lancefield: MHealesE Obrien. BEST:Lancefield: C Hodgson EConsiglio CGoldsworthyHDonovanMHealesEObrien

MDalgleish AHodgson SRose-Grigg SGalea

CAMPBELLS CREEK2.1 5.2 5.2 7.2 (44)

GOALS:Maldon:BLeonard-Shannon 7C Buchanan 3 AFarrow3NPierce 3D Wust 2MColston 2SGreene2O

Leonard-Shannon AMillen BCarter. Campbells Creek: N O’Brien 2J Wootton 2JAllison SMossMStevens BEST:

Maldon:AFarrowMGrayBLeonard-Shannon OLeonardShannon IHartley BCarter. Campbells Creek: DStevens J Wootton HBassett NO’Brien KGellatly MStevens

(79)

(52)

GOALS:Newstead: MRunciman 3DGordois 2T James R Smith. BEST: Newstead: AHunterCMckendryS ShovanH McGuireMJames APeace

(19)

Reserves

CREEK 1.2 1.32.3

GOALS:Maldon:LDavey 8SBurchell6BKitchingman

5BNeve4DRoss3 DConnell 2J Connell 2CCassidy 2T

Bishop NWebbJCox JPascoe Campbells Creek: THolborn

MKerney BEST:Maldon:SBurchellD Ross JPascoe J

Medhurst TBishopLDavey Campbells Creek: HYoung E

Tuitupou KHutcheson CDale JWhittle PTaylor-Pooter HARCOURT 3.5 7.10 10.13 15.13 (103)

TRENTHAM3.1 3.4 5.4 9.4 (58)

GOALS:Harcourt:HBrereton7MPilcher 2RHenderson 2J Barilari2 TLeech SDrechsler Trentham: JGray 2L

Whitehouse 2RSutherland TNewman GWales CWhelanS

Black BEST: Harcourt:HBreretonT KenworthyRHenderson

TLeech MPilcher SDrechsler Trentham: CWhelanSBlack A

Nadin TNewman JGray JCutler

CARISBROOK 3.1 5.38.4

(55)

3.5 4.7 (31) GOALS:Newstead: AMcConachyW Penrose FMackenzie

JThomas BEST:Newstead: CElderfield JThomas A McConachyMHepburnB McDougallLChapman

(93)

(9)

GOALS:Gisborne:MBarake 3L Weber 2E Williams 2L Nesbitt 2HDoricic 2LNalder PTrotta BAndrews. BEST: Gisborne:JMurphyZ Paterson BAndrewsBNalder LWeber MBarake

(109) CASTLEMAINE

1.3 (9)

GOALS:Castlemaine: TWilson. BEST: Castlemaine: JLord TJackson TWilson WStaples DGray CMcLennan

SANDHURST DMARYBOROUGH (FORFEIT)

Under 18s

GISBORNE1.4 4.9 6.10 13.11 (89)

SOUTH BENDIGO 1.31.3 2.3 3.3 (21)

GOALS:Gisborne:W Mackay 3M Trakosas 2JGray 2J Mudge LEvans JFloreaniJZerafaCOzanne LHannon. BEST:Gisborne:C Johns JFloreaniD LewisJ Zerafa LEvans WMackay

GOALS:Castlemaine:J Balcombe 3C De Bono 3SSieberHogg 2A RixonT Whaley MMcKnight. BEST: Castlemaine:J Balcombe ARixon CLordS Sieber-Hogg MMcKnightT Ford.

:SAherne 6BDoyle 3J Hardy 2RDavey 2 HWalls 2N Turner BDickens ATurner CBuchanan FWalls BRoberts Harcourt: DetailsN/A. BEST:Maldon:B Doyle C Buchanan BRoberts SAherne NTurner JMcLeod Harcourt: FMcAinch KSimmons LMcKay JArcher ETeed PKelly

CREEK

(1)

GOALS:Maldon:A Turner 4SGross 4F Walls 3JJennings 2O Merlo2 VJones APascoe LPascoe CampbellsCreek: Details N/A. BEST: Maldon:EDickens ATurner LPascoe J Jennings APascoe FWalls CampbellsCreek: LMountfordN Jones MAnderson EMountfordD Rowe ABrown

(107) TRENTHAM1.0

(6)

GOALS:Harcourt:Details N/A. Trentham: OHolmes. BEST: Harcourt:Details N/A. Trentham: OHolmesH Thompson A RyrieW Hopper GFox EHay

AVOCA2.7 5.12 13.14 20.17 (137) DUNOLLY 0.1 1.2 1.3

4.9 (33)

(0)

HARCOURT

GOALS:Trentham:J Reid 2CPowney DThompson. Harcourt: Details N/A. BEST:Trentham:HLeong JReid R Keighran DThompsonOMiller SBeattie Harcourt: Details N/A.

(13)

GOALS:Newstead:PBlake 2ISproat. BEST:Newstead: WBunting PWilliams WGarsed OTanner mCampbell G Finning

(51) CAMPBELLS CREEK

(37)

GOALS:Campbells Creek: EMountford4 MSturgess BEST:Campbells Creek: BPagano EMountfordMSturgess LMorgan NJones BReidie

A-League rep

The Australia’stop women’ssoccerteams from the A-League, Melbourne City against Sydney FC, played in their grandfinal on the weekend, with Sydney taking home the cup for 2024.

Girls from the Kyneton District Soccer Club had anamazing opportunity towalk on the pitch before the start of the mighty match up, representing regional soccer on the biggest soccer stage in Australia. This is agreat show of support for Kyneton from the A-League, as Kyneton strives to increase itswomen and girls participation in the sport.

Rangersfighthard

Kyneton Rangers women’ssoccer teams both played at their home ground on the new Barkly Square grounds last weekend. It was adouble header with Rangers taking on Strathfieldsaye Colts. Both were good hard games with mighty football spirit to match the A-League grand final taking place at the same time at AAMI Park.

The women’sDiv 1team hit the pitch knowing they were up for afight against the reigning table leaders in Colts. With star keeper Isha Kuyateh out with an injury,the gloves were taken on by premiere goalie, Shannon O’hara, who did astellar job protecting the goals with all the balls being fired at her throughout the 90 minutes.

The backline, in Bec Cole, Maddy Hacche and AvaColeman, was kept well busy in the game and they gave it their all while the Colts’ forwards kept torpedoing up the pitch. As night fell and the lights came on, captain Bec Cole’smassive releases to clear the backline weren’t enough to keep them at bay,but the midfield in Simone Hooppell, Lorelei Cook, Miranda Minson, and Zara Hooppell fought strongly to secured the ball to send to Kyneton’swaiting forwards, Sian Hooppell, Bronte Randle, and Emma Tricarico. On this occasion the Rangers didn’t manage to find the back of the net, but put in 110per cent across the entire match. At the fall of the nets, Colts took home the glory 9-0 as they maintain their position at the top of the ladder

The women’sDiv 2teamhad an equally competitive game as they entered the pitch to play Strathfieldsaye Colts. With the team still trying to knuckle down akeeper,this week Lucy Campbell put on the number 1strip for the game, sending kick outs from goal hurtling down the ground each time she saved an incoming ball from the opposition. Remy Mctaggart, Lucy Heb-

born and new up-and-comer Sunday Jones held steadfast in the Rangers backline doing their best to keep up with the speed of Colts’ forwards. Through the midfield Shannon O’hara (1 goal), Molly Wilding (1 goal), Lenka Thompson,BethHoughton and Amber Doolan fought hard to maintain the ball up the field to the welcoming forwards Sian Hooppell (4 goals), Evie Dowling and Samara Gelbart who were on the ball all the way.Two yellow cards were issued to new player Lenka Thompson and Lucy ‘OG’ Campbell. After 90 mins, Colts came away with the victory over Rangers 8-6.

Town &District

GOLF results

CASTLEMAINE

Marty Beck 76-8-68 failed to score abirdie in the May medal event on Saturday,but his fine score was sufficient to take home the medal, and the A-grade award as well.

The C-grade winner,Tyler Walsh, was in fine form with around of 103-34-69, which made him the overall runnerup as well.

Jim Dimopoulos continued his recent good form to top B-grade with 84-14-70.

The NTP awards went to Mark Brackley and Greg Crowe, while Ross Bottomley had four birdies in an interesting round.

In the nine at nine stableford on Saturday,Mary Harris (10) impressed with the best score of 17 points, one clear of Jan Barrett. There were 27 players competing in Thursday’sstableford, with Connie Dimopoulos (24) shining with 39 points to be the B-grade and overall winner Norm Bellis (9) topped A-grade with 37 points.

GISBORNE

Congratulations to Gisborne’sbest male golfers who finished on top of the laddering the VGA division 5pennant competition. They played Melbourne Airport GC in the final, and unfortunately went down 5/2.

Saturday’smonthly medal and stableford attracted 175 men to the course, with C-grader TomMcIntyre landing the medal with 41 points.

Andrew Buttigieg took out A-grade with 40 points, and Tony Green won B-grade with 36.

The women’swinner was Jenny O’Connor with 34 points.

Sue Raggat won the women’smonthly medal with a tremendous net 59 on Wednesday,and Helen Flentje won the silver spoon with 71.

There was also acompetition to see who could land aball in avolunteer’sFord Ranger beside the 7th hole fairway Luckily for the volunteer,no-one managed to hit the ute.

KYNETON

A-grader Nick Williamson (11) was close to his best form in the monthly medal event on Saturday He returned the day’sbest round of 98-11-67 in the Palmer,Stevens &Rennick sponsored contest to finish one clear of Colin Hudgson 76-8-68.

Nathan Thompson topped B-grade with 83-14-69 from Peter Walsh 86-15-71, and Neil Watts88-19-69 and Peter Kewniuk 94-21-73 were the top two in C-grade.

NTPs went to Terry Kot, David Moore, Jonathan

Beachley,Tim Goodwin and Mat Hodgkiss (also super pin).

Wednesday’sstableford was sponsored by long time Hepburn Springs visitor Les Healey,and first-time winner was Les Turner (26) with 38 points, two clear of Terry Kot and Colin Hudgson.

Teaote Davies (19) led in the ladies with 34, and Davies, Healey,NormBellis, Neil Watts, andJulie Harris were the NTPs.

Marian Orr (35) continued her return to form on Tuesday with the day’sbest tally of 37 points to finish ahead of Judy Quick (28) with 34 in B-grade.

In A-grade, Lorraine Ryan (19) had 36 and Julie Harris (19) 34, with Davies and Julie McKellar the NTPs.

LANCEFIELD

Di Rhode had six shots to spare in the women’smonthly medal event on Wednesday

On aday when most players struggled to produce good scores, Rhode returned 102-32-70 to win from Florence Meyer 110-34-76 and Jenni Vennell 105-28-77.

In the nine-hole stableford, Fran Beard (54) scored 13 points.

Vennell and Sandra Stevens were NTPs.

Tuesday stableford: Stephen Morgan (33) 38 points, from Peter Beard (31) 36, and Ed Godek (13) 30.

On Saturday,Mark Cruise captured the men’smonthly medal with around of 91-21-70.

He finished clear of Robert Parks 86-15-71 and Ed Godek 87-14-73.

Dalhousie Veterans on Thursday saw Lancefield players top clinch stableford grades.

Denis Davenport (5) topped A-grade with 37 points, and Malcolm Ives (20) also carded 37 in B-grade. Yea’s Alan Pell (17) finished third with 35 points.

MOUNT MACEDON

Superb autumnal plying conditions have been enjoyed in recent weeks, with the course at its very best.

The Matt Willis Electrical Mug o’ the month was at stake last Wednesday,and Mike Gorman emerged as a clear cut winner

From ahandicap of 19, he carded 40 points to emerge as the overall and B-grade winner

Tony Littman (9) had 37 point to top A-grade on a countback from Mike Hoiles (12) and Kellie Spry (29) had 36 to be B-grade runner up.

Atwo-person Ambrose was enjoyed on Saturday in a lead-up to the club championships.

Bruce Fraser (5) and Greg Mighail (9) combined to win

the handicap with 57.5, and Richard Payne (5) and Littman (8) had 62 offthe stick.

ROMSEY

The first round of the club championships took place in ideal conditions on Saturday,but only one layer managed to break his handicap.

It was pleasing to welcome former member Jim Patton, down fro Rich River for around.

Dylan Harris returned 75-7-68 to be the day’swinner, with DaveyKenney 86-13-73 and Andrew Laing 92-19-73 next best.

Stroke leaders in each gradeof the championship are: A-grade -Dylan Harris 75; B– Bob McLennan 90; C–Anthony Lakey 98

NTPs went toSimon Donovan and Dean Kohler

Robert McDonald was the scene stealer in Wednesday’sstroke event.

He finished with afine 85-16-69, and won the least putts (29) helped by an eagle chip-in on the par 58th hole.

The firstround of the women’schampionship was played in conjunction, with Darlene Baker 90-19-71 setting the pace.

Romsey’smidweek pennant team had a3-2 victory over Euroa last week.

TRENTHAM

Acountback was necessary to decide the monthly medal winner on Saturday

Gerard Hughes, the C-grade winner,took out the medal with 92-26-66, on acountback from top A-grader Kent Newton 76-10-66.

Kevin Sheedy topped B-grade with 87-15-67.

Afield of 17 ladies played for the monthly medal. Jenny Clarke 92-20-72 had the day’sbest score and topped B-grade, while Caroline Johnston’s92-18-74 was best in A-grade.

WOODEND

Plenty of interesting feats on Saturday,with one of the highlights being Maurice Rintala almost shooting his age as he fired 82-19-63 to win the Medal ofMedallists title. Then evergreen Fergus Nevin scored ahole-in-one on the 2nd hole.

Will McLean and Anne Roberts both shot nett 60 to tie for the May medal, with the former taking out B-grade. They will contest aplay-offfor the medal next month. Jake Taylorhad afine 75-11-64 to top A-grade by a stroke from Warren Else and Jack Roberts. NTPs went to Andrew Davies and Rod Kane.

The girls get ready to headontothe AAMI pitch at Saturday’s grand final.

Bec Cole, Kyneton Rangers Women’s Div 1captain, winds up to send the ball to the forward line at the weekend’s clash. Photo: Ava Coleman

Mixedfortunes forPies

Castlemaine Football Netball Club sides made the trek north to tackle Eaglehawk in round four matches on Saturday

The weekend saw footballers and netballers wearing yellow armbands for the Pat Cronin Round, which provides education, strategies and resources to empower young people so that we can end the coward punch. Pat died following abrawl in 2016 –hewas 19 years old. The weekend’saction kicked offFriday night with the Castlemaine Magpie Women’sfootball side and Under 18 Girls football side clashing against Eaglehawk.

The Under 18 Girls were first to take to the ground at Canterbury Park and served up their best footy of the year to claim their first win over the Hawks to the tune of 43 points. The Womenonce again posted abig win by 109 points.

On Saturday the Magpie Seniors found the going tough against adetermined Eaglehawk going down by 42 points.

Coach Michael Hartley once again led from the front kicking 2. The Reserves also had ahard day at the office going down by 100 points despite avaliant effort, while the Under 18s turned the tables and posted their third win of the year by aconvincing 57 points. Callam De Bono and Jackson Balcombe were on fire kicking three each and Saxon Sieber-Hogg booted two.

On the netball court A-grade went down 33-54, A-reserve had anarrow one-point win over the Hawks 41-40, B-grade lost a hard-fought battle 35-46, B-reserve lost to Eaglehawk 43-73 and the 17 &Under side netted afantastic win 52-27.

This weekend the Magpie sides will host Strathfieldsaye at the Camp Reserve on Saturday.OnFriday evening the Magpie Women will also host North Bendigo at the Camp Reserve at 7.30pm and Sunday the Under 18 Girls welcome Sandhurst at the Camp Reserve from 11.15am.

Record female numbers

Thirty years after Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club saw its first women’steamlace up their boots, the club is celebrating a record 166 female players, ranging from ages four to 54. May 3-12 is Female Football Week, anationwide initiative to celebrate the immense growth of women’sfootball at all levels of the game and promote women’simportant role in developing the game.

‘Immense growth’ is aterm that’scertainly applicable to the Castlemaine Goldfields club —from one single Under 11 Girls team in 2017 it now has 95 girls registered across seven teams from U10-U16 in 2024. Kasey Sparks is one of the women championing inclusivity for women at the club. She’sa player and coach for the Senior Women’steamand sits on the committee. She also organised Friday afternoon ‘Kicks nShakes’ at the Chewton ground over summer,tobring community together and raise money for the club. It was asmashing success.

“I love that now when an Under 10 boy comes running up to me at training and asks, ‘who is your favourite team’ and Isay Arsenal Women’s, he shrugs and says, ‘fair call’. It’ssmall conversations like this that remind you that Women’sfootball has now gained the respect that it deserves,” Sparks said.

It’snot just out on the pitch; the club also encourages female coaches, with 35 per cent of the coaching team identifying as female, and more than half the club’scommittee also.

“Wehave acommitment as aclub to be inclusive to all genders. We do not tolerate transphobia and acknowledge that all people have the right to participate in this wonderful sport. It is our responsibility to ensure everyone feels safe, regardless of their gender and identity,” Sparks said.

With growth, comes new challenges. There are currently 500 registered members and volunteers at CGFC, and Football Victoria has confirmed that Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park is the single most used football pitch in the state.

For some perspective, while 21 soccer teams share one pitch in Chewton, there are six AFL grounds across Mount Alexander Shire with anaverage of four to five teams playing at each ground. The club is currently working with the local council to advocate for new playing spaces in the future.

Keen to have akick? CGFC also runs asocial kick for women and gender diverse people from 6pmeach Monday at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park. All are welcome –no need to register, just rock up.

A$5000 winner

Bill West

Kyneton footballer Ryan Dubens was flabbergasted to find he was $5000 richer on Saturday night.

“I’ve never really won araffle of any sort …it’snice to finally win one,” he said when asked how he felt when the news finally filtered through hewas the lucky winner of Lancefield Football Netball Club’s$5000 Ball Drop.

In conjunction with Kyneton Crane Hire, the spectacular ball drop took place after the Lancefield versus Melton South football match, complete with entertainments and festivities.

Amultitude of miniature numbered footballs were released from anet hoisted high by agiantcrane, and excitement grew as they fluttered to the ground.

The winner was the one whichfinished closest toa specific point.

It turned out to be number 974, one which Ryan Dubens will never forget.

Acarpenter by trade, he has played football for Kyneton Tigersinboth the seniors and reserves teams this season, and regards the club’smove to the Riddell League as something really positive.

“I bought the ticket when we were playing at Lancefield on Good Friday, never thinking Iwould be the winner

“I’d just like to thankLancefield Football Netball Club and Kyneton Crane Hire, I’ll never forget this.”

There was some consternation when LFNC officials were initially unable to reach Ryan by phone.

He admitted he had been too busy watching St Kilda play in the AFL on television, and didn’t answer later an excited friend contacted him with the $5000 news.

Kerry Hammond, chief organiser of the novel ball drop, thanked all who had supported the club through the novel venture.

Most Courageous

Kyneton senior footballer Ethan Turner was named Most Courageous in his side’sAnzac Day win at Lancefield. Ahuge crowd turned out for the inaugural ‘Clash of the Tigers’ match, which was the first time the two Tiger teams faced offsince Kyneton joined the Riddell league.

Darby Semmens evades atackle by his Eaglehawk opponent. Photo: Peter Banko

Bulldogs’ blitz!

The football department and Gisborne Football Netball Club supporters must be wondering what is going on.

After an astonishing 286-point victory at Gardiner Reserve, Gisborne’ssenior side followed up by thrashing aseemingly overawed South Bendigo by 155 points on Saturday at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Bulldogs now have an astounding 335.92 per cent despite aloss in the opening round to Sandhurst.

Young forward Harry Luxmore was named on the bench for Saturday’s game, and seized the opportunity to impress by kicking eight goals in the 28.18 (186) to 4.7 (31) victory

Gisborne had winners in various positions, and Luxmore is seemingly serving an apprenticeship with the classy Pat McKenna in close proximity

South Bendigo had few answers as Gisborne players teamed together brilliantly and shut down opponents.

The outcome was known at half time with aled of 68 points, the only question was the final margin.

The last two Saturdays have been abnormalities as far as Gisborne’shuge scoring sprees are concerned.

In addition to Luxmore, McKenna scored four goals, and Matt Merritt, Jack Scanlon and Jackson Cardillo came up wih three apiece.

The Bulldogs’ best were named as tireless ruckman Braidon Blake, Cardillo, Brd Bernacki, Luxmore, Zac Doherty and Flynn Lakey

Gisborne Under 18s dominated proceedings in their early game, winning 13.11to3.3 after seven goals in the final quarter

The Reserves also had abig win, outgunning South Bendigo15.9 to 6.7.

This Saturday,Gisborne welcome Golden Square, the 2023 premiers, to Gardiner Reserve, and amuch tough test surely awaits the senior side than what has occurred in the last two rounds.

Headaches at ground

Individuals stealing items donated for fundraising, and irresponsible drivers going too fast, are causing problems at the Trentham Sportsground.

Trentham Football Netball Club is disheartened by recent thefts of bottles and cans from bins supplied for the Vic Container Deposit Scheme.

Proceeds from the battles and cans were to help the club’sjunior program, and an Indigenous organisation at Melton.

Club president TimWhite has also called on drivers to be mindful of their speed when entering or leaving the sportsground.

“Some clubs have had some near misses this year,and we don’t want to be the club that hits akid or elderly person,” White said.

He warned that anyone detected going too fast would be asked to park out on the road and enter the sportsground on foot.

BFNL games

The Gisborne versus Golden Square football and netball encounters at Gardiner Reserve highlight the Bendigo League’sfifth round this Saturday

Castlemaine is at home to Strathfieldsaye, Kangaroo Flat play Eaglehawk, and Sandhurst take on South Bendigo.

Abattling Maryborough has the bye, with time to reflect on two absolutely massive senior football defeats.

Creek valiant in derby

League season last Saturday.

It was aday of celebration for Campbells Creek FNC as their netballers enjoyed their first hit outs on their brand-new netball court.

In the Seniors match Campbells Creek started out on the front foot kicking two goals to open their account, but Maldon also hit the ground running kicking eight opening term goals to hold a40-point lead at quarter-time.

Campbells Creek continued to battle hard in the second term matching it with the Dons and both sides kicking three goals apiece.

At the long break Maldon led by 44 points.

The visitors stamped their authority on the game in the third term smashing on another five goals while stopping Creek in their tracks and the margin had blown out to 78 points at three-quartertime.

Creek continued to throw everything they had into the contest in the last term and were rewarded with another two goals. However, Maldon were on fire and slammed on another nine goals to run out winners by aconvincing 123 points.

The secret to Maldon's success was their multiple goal kickers with Brodie Leonard-Shannon once again leading the way with 7 and Alex Farrow, Nicholas Pierce and Callum Buchanan chipping in three each.

Joel Wotton and Nicholas O'Brien stood up for the Magpies kicking two each.

Newstead made the trek across the Moolort Plains to tackle Carisbrook.

They found the going tough early on with the Redbacks piling on four opening term goals and holding the Steaders to 1.3 to lead by 15 points at the first change.

The Roos bounced into action in the second term kicking two more majors, but Brook had all the answers kicking another six to blow the margin out to 35 at half-time.

Newstead continued to push hard in the third term kicking another three and keeping Carisbrook to two to win the quarter come within 31 points at the final change.

The battle royale continued in the final term with Newstead

holding the Redbacks to just four points and adding 1.2 at the other end. However, the home side weathered the storm holding on to win by 27 points.

Michael Runciman was ashining light for the Steaders kicking 3 and Dylan Gordois kicked 2.

Harcourt made the trek south to Trentham and just held on in a nailbiter defeating the Saints by two points and keeping their 31game undefeated run intact.

Trentham got the jump on the Lions in the first term kicking three goals to two to lead by eight points at the change.

The Saints continued topepper the goals in the second term squeezing through another three goals and holding Harcourt to just one to hold a20-point advantage at half-time.

Harcourt worked hard in the third term kicking another three goals in an attempt to bridge the gap, but Trentham kickedfourat the other end of the park and led by 27 points at the final change.

The Lions' army were nervous that their undefeated run may be about to come to an end. However, totheir credit the boys kept their cool and found another four majors while keeping the Saints goalless to inch their noses in front by two points at the final whistle.

Baxter Gurd dug deep for the Lions kicking three with good support from Braydon Vaz and Jed Rodda chipping in two each.

James Regan and Jake Keogh kicked three each for the Saints.

Inother matches Dunolly defeated Avoca in alow-scoring affair, Lexton accounted for the Maryborough Giants and Natte Bealiba had abig win over Navarre.

Talbot had the bye.

Netball

InAGrade matches Campbells Creek 48 lost aspirited encounter against Maldon 64, Carisbrook 55 defeated Newstead 32, Trentham 54 accounted for Harcourt 36, Avoca 73 had abig win over Dunolly 32, Maryborough Giants 53 accounted for Lexton 47 and Natte Bealiba 44 beat Navarre 32. Talbot had the bye.

This weekend

Inthis weekend's games Newstead host Maldon, Talbot welcome Natte Bealiba, Avoca versus Trentham, Lexton take on Carisbrook, Harcourt host Maryborough Giants and Campbells Creek are home to Dunolly.

Navarre has the bye.

Tiger women tested

Adepleted Kyneton women’sfootball side managed to hold offup-and-coming Woodend-Hesket on Sunday

The reigning premiers had some big ‘outs’, but stood tall to win alow-scoring contest by seven points.

The Hawks began well, scoring agoal against the wind and putting the Tigers on notice.

Kyneton settled the nerves and worked hard in the second and third terms to open up ahandy lead with three goals. Both teams battled the game right out, with the Tigers winning 3.6 (24) to 2.5 (17).

Once again Belinda Hateley,Tracey Ainslie and Melinda Love were very prominent, with the Hawks’ best being Katrina Bau, Maisey Crowther and Harmony Cassar.Alice

Bromley kicked both goals. Kyneton looks forward to taking on unbeaten Macedon in atop-of-the-table clash. Fridaynight’smatch at Romsey saw Macedon monopolise the ball to win 11.25 to 0.0.

On Saturday afternoon at Harcourt, Mt Alexander Falcons 9.8 defeated Lancefield 2.2.

#See football scores page for match details.

Campbells Creek hosted Maldon in the local derby in round four of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball

Campbells Creek dug deep against a determined Maldon

Photo: Max Lesser

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