Midland Express Tuesday October 1 2024.

CAM celebrates

AmessRoaddecisionimminent

Adecision is imminent on controversial plans that could change the face of Riddells Creek forever.

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny will this month determine the fate of the Draft Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme Amendment C161macr at Amess Road.

The amendment would allow ahousing development that is anticipated to urbanise and double the size of Riddells Creek.

Amess Road's housing proposal seeks to develop 131.8 hectares to create about 1360 new households and 3808 new residents.

Both Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Riddells Creek community are united in their resolve for abetter outcomes.

Riddells Creek residents have repeatedly objected to the size and density of the development, petitioning for minimum

lot sizes of 800sqm. MRSC held similar concerns, unanimously rejecting the plans last year.

Project developers have since applied directly to the state government through the Development Facilitation Program.

The program is described as “an assessment pathway for priority projects in identified sectors to inject investment into the Victorian economy, keep people in jobs and create homes for people”.

Adecision now rests with the state, however, some residents feel the community consultation process has created mistrust.

Mistrust and questions

Riddells Creek Planning Group wrote to Minister Kilkenny last month seeking the process be immediately stopped and reviewed following adiscrepancy in the number of submissions made.

Continued page 4.

Castlemaine ArtMuseum'sprestigious Len FoxPainting Awardwas celebrated on Fridayevening. Pictured is finalist Ella Dunn posing foraphotograph in front of her work. Full story, page 7. Photo: James McArdle

Fresh off his Logie Awards win in July, young Macedon Ranges acting talent Felix Cameron continues to build momentum. His portrayal of courageous teenager Eli Bell in Boy Swallows Universe has now earned him the Best Actor in aLeading Role –Australia at the 2024 Asian Academy Creative Awards, positioning him as acontender for an acclaimed international accolade this December.

Felix’s riveting performance as ayoung boy navigating difficult circumstances in the epic coming-of-age story has captivated both Australian and international audiences.

Boy Swallows Universe secured an impressive six national wins at the AACAs with the show claiming Best Drama Series and Felix's co-stars Simon Baker and Sophie Wilde winning Best Actor in

Felix wins again

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aSupporting Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role respectively.

Director Bharat Nalluri won for Best Direction and John Collee won for Best Screenplay.

The Netflix series, based on the bestselling novel by Trent Dalton, will represent Australia at the Grand Awards and Gala Finals in Singapore on December 3 and 4, 2024.

Felix Cameron has been awarded Best Actor in aLeading Role –Australia at the AACAs.

Photo: Damien Pleming

AmessRoad decision imminent

From page 1.

Last week, the group lodged arequest with the Victorian Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath to undertake investigations into the decision to admit the proposal C161macr into the DFP, the consultation process, and integrity of the technology platform Engage Victoria.

The first round of community consultations was undertaken in June/July. Community consultation only reopened in July/ August due to problems around drainage and stormwater raised during the initial consultation period.

Drainage and stormwater requirements were one of the council's key concerns, with Melbourne Water advising that adevelopment services scheme would not be prepared and maintenance of the assets would be the responsibility of council.

MRSC's most recent submission to the process highlighted alack of assessment on the impact of downstream flows, and council's responsibility as the drainage authority under the amendments, arole which had not previously been envisioned or expected.

It also raised inadequate time to review the "ad hoc changes" and key documents not being updated to reflect the changes.

"Council does not believe the development contributions plan is properly conceived with robust costings and adequate design of stormwater facilities, posing future financial risk to council," the council stated.

"The lack of costings is further compounded by the lack of due diligence on cultural heritage and contamination."

Minister Kilkenny is expected to make adecision on the plans this month but the

Council office re-opens

TheCastlemaine Civic Centre is nowopen, with our team ready to assistyou from 8.30am to 5.00pm, each weekday.

Our planning counter is also open everyMonday, Wednesdayand Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

We understand the hail storm on Wednesday11September, combined with the temporary re-location of our Customer ServiceCentre, mayhaveimpacted people’sability to pay their rates.

Thefirstrateinstalment for2024/2025was due on Monday 30 September.However,Council is extending the interestfree period untilFriday4October 2024

Rate payments can be made via:

•BPAY(internet banking)

•mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Rates

•Call Customer Serviceon54711700

•Visit Customer Serviceat27Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine

•Pop intoanAustralia Post office.

broader community is not expected to be notified of that decision until November.

MP weighs in

Last week, Liberal MP for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell weighed in on the proposed development, which she said "would ruin the country charm of Riddells Creek".

Ms Lovell saiditwentagainst longterm planning principles adopted by the shire to preserve the relaxed and spacious feeling of its country towns.

"The state Labor government is falling waybehindonits housing target, and is now trying to push inappropriate developments on small towns like Riddells Creek that will destroy thecharm and character of country villages that makes them so attractive and brings the tourism that supports local businesses," she said.

"The consultation period for the Amess Road development hasclosed, but aseries of Engage Victoria technical problems means the local community has lost trust in the integrity of the consultation process for this controversial development proposal.

"The planning minister must listen to the community’s concerns, pause the decision-making process, and start again by consulting properly with the community."

Ms Lovell has encouraged Macedon Ranges residents to voice their concern through apetition "against inappropriate housing developments that would ruin the country charm of Riddells Creek".

People can signthe petition online, via the MP's website: wendylovell.com. au/survey/save-riddells-creek-petition

Skin Cancer Clinic

Meetyourlocal candidates

Castlemaine based community group Really Local is putting on aseries of local face-to-face meet the candidates events in early this month for the contested Mount Alexander Shire Council wards of Coliban, Calder, and Campbells Creek.

Candidates for these contested wards are as follows: Calder –TonyCordy, Ken Price and Kerrie Allen; Campbells Creek –Bill Maltby and Gavan Thomson; and Coliban –Max Lesser, Phillip Walker and Kelly Ann Blake.

Really Local representative Bryn Davies said the events provided agreat opportunityfor people to meet and ask questions of their candidates before they vote.

The meet the candidates event dates are as follows: Coliban –includes Chewton, Elphinstone, Taradale and surrounds •Wednesday October 2, 6.30pm

Carsattacked

Six vehicles parked at the Malmsbury Railway Station were broken into and vandalised on Thursday,September 19.

Offenders smashed windows to gain entry to the vehicles.

Three males and one female aged in their early to mid-20s were seen in the vicinity at the time. The police investigation is ongoing.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Kyneton Police on 5421 2900.

•Chewton Town Hall, 141 Main Road, Chewton (Note change of location from Wesley Hill)

Campbells Creek –Includes (most of) Campbells Creek, and Mackenzie Hill

•Saturday October 5, 2.30pm-4.30pm

•Five Flags Merchants, 151 Main Road, Campbells Creek

Calder –Includes Harcourt, Harcourt North, Sutton Grange and (part of) Redesdale

•Thursday October 10, 6.30pm-8.30pm

•Old Railway Station, Station Street, Harcourt

To find the link and register for your local event visit reallylocal.com.au

Voting in the local council election is by post and runs from October 7, when ballot papers are due to begin being posted out, through to October 25.

Hoax 000 call

Amajor incident response was triggered last Thursday after acaller to 000 reported nine people were trapped at Hanging Rock.

Emergency services raced to the scene, however,the call turned out to be ahoax.

Has democracy left the building?

Australia is governed by arepresentative democracy implemented via three tiers –federal, state and local levels.

Words in Winter Central Goldfields Inc hasinvited experts andthe local community to consider and discuss global and Australian democratic trends and current issues that have tested democracy and the Fourth Estate –the role of the media in ademocracy and what happens when there is no critical media toinform voters and local matters.

The special event will be held at the Maryborough Highland Society on Thursday October 3and will be moderated by Castlemaine's Bryn Davies –anexperienced facilitator who has worked across arange of forums with community, government and business.

Since 2016, Bryn has led Democracy for Dinner, a Mount Alexander based platform for exploring policy issues and improving democracy. Bryn works to connect community to government and get people engaged in what council does and why it matters.

Panel members will include Chris Dickinson, Dr Dennis Muller and Janice Simpson PhD.

Chris Dickinson taught economics insecondary schools before working in various roles at the University of Ballarat. For thelast sevenyears he has taught Geopolitics and Economics classes at U3Aand spent alot of time in the garden.

Dr Denis Muller is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne and author of several books, including Journalism and the Future of Democracy (2021) and Journalism Ethics for the Digital Age (2014). He is aformer assistant editor (Investigations) of The Sydney Morning Herald and associate editor of The Age.He writes regularly for The Conversation on media issues. Janice Simpson PhD, taught politics and social economics at RMIT. She isanactivist in promoting the development of arailtrail between Maryborough and Castlemaine.

The event at 35 High Street Maryborough begins at 5.30pm. Tickets are $5 andare available at the door or online via Humanitix at events.humanitix.com/hasdemocracy-like-elvis-left-the-building

Campbells Creek Ward candidate Gavan Thomson, Really Local representative Bryn Davies, current councillor and Campbells Creek Ward candidate Bill Maltby and Five Flags Merchants proprietor Natasha Siebert invite community members to attend the Meet the Candidates event on Saturday October 5.

Newbid forMad Maxseries

You've heard of Mad Max the film franchise... now a Kyneton-based duo seeks to create Mad Max the TV mini series.

Brett Gooding and Karen Skinner have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help make it areality.

The pair has avision for a Main Force Patrol series set in aregional town sometime between Mad Max 1 and Mad Max 2 where the fight for survival heightens as civilization collapses.

"Who wouldn't love to see what happens between Mad Max 1 and 2!" Brett said.

"Action, drama, romance and the thrill of raw spectacular V8 horsepower will roar from the screen when the absolute ultimate in muscle cars and classic bikes take centre stage."

The series will include appearances of Mad Max in his incredible Interceptor XB Ford Coupe, cameo appearances by famous Mad Max characters, and other Australian icons.

Acrowdfundingcampaign will raise funds to produce a trailer, which the couple will then to pitch to Warner Bros and George Miller.

"We need to film ashort incredible trailer/teaser to showcase the brilliant features and awesome plots of

Main Force Patrol.Thiswillthenbeused to pitch the concept of an MFP miniseries to Warner Bros and George Miller," Brett said.

Much of the project has already undergone detailed planning: scripts have been written, production companies have been sourced, locations scouted, and actors lined up to start.

Mia Mia based scriptwriter Stan Ziolkowski and Bobby Barker have played alarge part of helping organise the project. The team also now has backing from National Auto Service.

Brett acquired the Mad Max Inceptor afew years ago and it has led him to meet many fans of the film franchise and fellow car and bike enthusiasts.

"I thought Ijust had acoolcar to take to car shows. Then Irealised the passion people had for these films," he said.

He has since been part of Warner Brothers and Mike Brewer Wheeler Dealers UK World Tour, 'Road to the Max' 17-day promotional documentary road trip, and other exciting projects. The couple has also supplied cars to Warner Bros for various projects.

"We have extensive Mad Max contacts," Brett said. "The MFP bike and car owners are chompingatthe bitto

Hepburn ShireCouncil postal election

An election will be held forHepburn ShireCouncil.

Check the mail foryour ballot pack

Ballotpackscontaining voting material will be mailedtoenrolledvotersfrom Monday 7October

This is apostalelection only.

If you do notreceiveyour ballotpack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacementform, or call 131832 to arrange a replacement.

Candidates

Candidates who havenominated forelection arelistedinthe ballotpacksand at vec.vic.gov.au

Aphoto and candidatestatementwillalso be includedifprovided by candidates Responses to acandidatequestionnaire, if provided, areavailable at vec.vic.gov.au

Howtovotecorrectly

Youmustcomplete your ballotpaper correctly foryour vote to count. Put the number 1 in the boxnexttothe candidateyou want to seeelected,thennumber all the other boxesinorder of your choice. Youmustnumber every box and only use each number once.

get started and be apart of the series.

"Our company, Muscle Cars and Classic Cruisers, has developed the knowledge and massive contacts in the muscle car industry over the years that can be drawn upon to source almost any vehicle to star in this series.

"Already we have an enormous growing list of people who want to help make it happen as soon as possible. Many of these are so passionate about the project they are volunteering their valuable time and resources or trying to work at cost where possible."

Predominantly the funds raised will be used to cover cost for the production company to provide director, cameramen, lighting, makeup, editors and gofers.

Costs have been also been budgeted for fuel, transport of vehicles, equipment and prop hire, editing, marketing and necessary insurance.

Brett and Karen's crowdfunding target is $50,000. To contribute to their goal, visit: gofundme.com and search 'MAIN FORCE PATROL Mad Max TV Mini Series –Trailer Pitch'.

Any individuals or local businesses interested in supporting the project financially or by providing ashooting location can contact the couple via the GoFund Me page.

Howtoreturn your ballotpack

Put your completed ballotpaper in the ballotpaper envelope,complete the declaration, then postitASAPusing the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hoursto: 79ARaglan Street Daylesford

Voting is compulsory

Voting is compulsory forall voters who were enrolledat4pmonWednesday 7August. This includes state-enrolledand council-enrolledvoters.

If you don’t vote and don’t haveavalid excuse,you may be fined.

Your completedballotpack mustbeinthe mailorhand delivered by 6pmFriday 25 October.

State-enrolled voters canregisterfor free VoterAlertSMS and email remindersat vec.vic.gov.au

Action, drama, romance and thethrill of raw spectacular V8 horsepower will roar from the screen when the absolute ultimate in muscle cars and classic bikes take centre stage.

Yankunytjatjara Country

with

Oodnadatta

CAMcelebrates painting prize

The winner of Castlemaine Art Museum’sprestigious Len Fox Painting Award was announced on Friday evening.

The Len Fox Painting Award is a biennial acquisitive painting prize and is awarded to aliving Australian artist to commemorate the life and work of Emanuel Phillips Fox (1865–1915), the uncle of Len Fox, partner of benefactor Mona Fox. The Len Fox Painting Award and generous acquisitive cash prize of $50,000 is funded through abequest from Mona Fox.

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards announced the winner and formally switched on CAM’snew lighting system supported by agrant from the state government.

The 2024 Len Fox winner is South Australian First Nations artist Nellie Ngampa Coulthard for her work Tjuntala Ngurangka –Country with Wattle (Acacia Murrayana) Elder Nellie Ngampa Coulthard paints Yankunytjatjara Country near Oodnadatta in South Australia –a desert landscape blooming with wattle remembered from her childhood.

CAM director Naomi Cass thanked the judges, Emma Busowsky and John Wolseley,and extended CAM’scongratulations to the finalists and all those who entered the award for 2024.

Judge Emma Busowsky said Nellie Ngampa Coulthard’swork wss acelebration of the beauty of nature and the artist’s

YouthNav launched

Anew online platform aims to help young people aged from 12 to 25 navigate important aspects of life.

The YouthNav website asks young users about their skills using interactive prompts and provides guidance on life topics using clickable information presented in an engaging way

The platform teaches young people skills to plan for and succeed in getting ajob, moving out of home, travelling, having their say and managing money

The toolkit was co-designed with members from the Victorian Youth Congress, and is an initiative of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

For more information, or to try YouthNav, visit: youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youthnav

The Deal released

Respected Castlemaine author Alex Miller’slatest novel The Deal hits bookstores today

Since writing the story of Lang Tzu, the main character in his 1992 novel, The Ancestor Game,Miller has worried that the true story of his ending was not told.

The Deal tells amoretruthful story of Lang Tzu, acharacter based on his dear friend.

The novel is the more straightforward story of Andy,his wife Jo and their baby daughter Henrietta intersecting with Andy’s friendship with Lang Tzu, enigmatic, charismatic and dangerous to know

Dependent on alcohol, lonely and suddenly unsure ofhis ability to recognise the quality of awork of art, Lang becomes even more dependent onAndy to help him as his life gradually spirals out of control.

Andy is drawn into Lang’sworld of art, ideas, lost love, memories and dreams. Andy’sown love of painting comes from his father,from the world of gentle English watercolours.

Gradually he becomes part of Lang’sweb of dealing, which ends with him caught up in adangerous game of misrepresentation and intrigue.

Creatinghealthyand connectedcommunities

Circulareconomyinitiatives

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abiding connection to her ancestral lands.

“It is an exuberant, joyful evocation of Yankunytjatjara Country,especially the brilliant yellow blossoms of the acacia wattle tree that abound there,” Busowsky said.

“Coulthard’sdistinctive palette, command of her chosen medium of synthetic polymer paint, and unique vision have come together in apainting of dazzling beauty and intensity that captures the shimmering light, colour,atmosphere and abundance of the landscape.

“It is these qualities that link the work to the legacy of Emanuel Phillips Fox, though Coulthard’scultural and artistic lineage is of course much older,Coulthard is a respected elder from the artistically vibrant APY Lands in South Australia, and apractising artist for over three decades.

“Tjuntala Ngurangka –Countrywith Wattle is both aworthy winner of the award and addition to apublic collection, particularly one with strong holdings of colonial and 19th century Australian painting.”

The public is invited to visit the Len Fox Painting Award exhibition at CAM until March 2, 2025.

Visitors are also encouraged to vote for their favourite work in the People’sChoice Award, cast your vote at form.jotform. com/242688643888882

Junior School Showcase

Thursday 17 October,4:00pm -7:30pm

We invite you to experience the amazing project work of our Junior School students:

•Year 7Project Respect

•Year 8Make aDifference Projects

•Year 9Major Projects

Group L-R Naomi Cass, Helen Symon KC, Maree Edwards MP, and judges John Worsley and Emma Busowsky, in front of winning entry (to right of centre): Tjuntala Ngurangka –Country with Wattle (Acacia Murrayana) by South Australian First Nations artist Nellie Ngampa Coulthard. Coulthard paints

near

in South Australia, a desert landscape blooming

wattle remembered from her childhood.

Bohemian Brunswick Street

Lisa Dennis

Anew book celebrating the evolution of the arts phenomenon that was Brunswick Street is set to be launched in Castlemaine this Saturday.

Bohemian Brunswick Street – Inviting, Thrilling &Far-reaching!!! is the third edition of the original book on the organic arts movement that evolved out of Brunswick Street and has aconnection to Castlemaine with many of those artists from Fitzroy and Northcote having subsequently settled here.

The book will be launched with aspecial event featuring fabulous music, food, friends and cocktails at the exotic Maurocco Bar in Templeton Street at 2pm.

The new offering has been penned by the original authors and Brunswick Street artists Anne Rittman and Maz Wilson of the former Pigtale Pottery and founders of the Women's Gallery.

Anne told the Express the original book focused on the institutions that popped up along the desolate street dotted with empty warehouses ashort stroll from Melbourne University and RMIT. Cafes such as The Black Cat, Rhumbarellas and Mario's and theatre restaurants such as The Flying Trapeze and The Comedy Café.

"It also focused on some of the key people who were pivotal at that time. However, the sizeable new edition delves more into the artists themselves, their stories and their diverse fields of work," she said.

"The meteoric rise of Brunswick Street was acultural explosion of art, theatre, fashion, music, sexuality, feminism, politics and culture, the likes of which we will never see again," Anne said.

The area saw three sub-cultures –grungers, bohemians and radical feminists

–rubbing shoulders.

"Many of the artists and groups that found their humble beginnings in Brunswick Street have gone on to be household names today, including the Comedy Festival and Circus Oz," Anne said.

The Castlemaine painter, filmmaker, writer and social activist said the latest adaptation of the book was really born from achance meeting with local artist Brenda Walsh who stopped to say hello at Anne's weekly stall at Castlemaine's popular Wesley Hill Market.

"Brenda Joy, as she was known then, was acountry and western singer back in the Brunswick Street days playing venues such the Champion and Marijuana House. She later attended RMIT graduating with an Bachelor of Arts Honours degree and paints the most amazing whimsical dog portraits and paintings influenced by early Christian art, the Renaissance masters and Surrealism," Anne said.

"It got me thinking that Brenda should have been featured in the book and then I began thinking about all the other incredible artists who could have been included," she said.

This sparked asix-month odyssey of discovery as Anne researched and collated information on ahost of artists linked to that time.

"We compiled aseriesof12questions to for each interviewee to really delve into their background and memories of that period," Anne said.

"The final result is agorgeous encyclopaedia-style book, which spans 16 years' work and not only celebrates the movement and the artists but encapsulates images of many of their works for posterity, capturing aunique moment in time.

"Our intention was to create the collec-

tive voice of Brunswick Street in an engaging and insightful way. This was done by way of interviews, photographs and accounts, given by creative people across abroad range of disciplines from artists, musicians and comedians to actors, writers and even supermodels," she said.

To RSVP to Saturday's launch text Anne at 0407 765 963. To order acopy of the book email annerittman6@gmail.com or text Anne at the number above.

At Saturday's launch the local screen-

writer will also be launching acrowdfundingcampaign for her next project –afeature film production, Tomboy,tobefilmed around Castlemaine and surrounds. The semi-autobiographical story tackles the life of alesbian growing up in rural Victoria in the 1960s.

"I am partnering with filmmaker Angelo Salamanca on this next project and now that the book is complete and set to go out into the world. Ican't wait to get started!" Anne said.

Car boot sale fun

Malmsbury Primary School is hosting a car boot sale, barbecue and cake stall on Sunday,October 20

The event will be held at the school's oval from 9am to 1pm where people can have their own stall or go along to pick up abargain.

Registrations for stalls close Sunday, October 13. Stallholders can sign up for a

$10 table site, $20 car boot, or $25 trailer site.

Those who have items in good conditions that they would like to get rid of but don't want astall can make adonation to the school stall. Contact Malmsbury Primary School for details via email: malmsbury.ps@education.vic.gov.au or phone: 5423 2284.

Local artist and writer Anne Rittman is set to launch Bohemian Brunswick Street –Inviting, Thrilling &Far-reaching!!! this Saturday.

Kinder works to resume

Contractors will proceed with works for anew kindergarten and maternal and child health service in Lancefield, following cultural heritage approvals.

Works paused on the High Street site (next door to the primary school) following an earlier discovery of acultural artefact on site.

Since this time, project manager the Victorian School Building Authority has been working closely with Traditional Owners and Macedon Ranges Shire Council to safely assess the site, recently receiving approval to resume works.

Council'sdirector of community,Maria Weiss, said it was important that the cultural heritage process was not rushed in respect of the artefact found.

"Council appreciates the patience of all involved in this process –from land managers and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, to current and potential kinder families –and we look forward to opening the new facility to the community next year," she said.

Construction of the new modular building –proposed to be named the Lancefield Children'sCentre –isexpectedtoresume this month. The centre is now forecast for completion by mid-2025.

In the heart of the goldfields, aquiet revolution in storytelling is taking place. No big budgets, no film studios, just a camera taken to local streets, kitchens and backyards.

This is the world of LOCALS, the Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s very own showcase of short documentaries created by everyday filmmakers from the local community.

“The idea for LOCALS sprang from enquiries that kept coming in from community members who were making films. Some were looking for guidance, others were looking for ahomefor their work. There were clearly people out there with stories they wanted to tell,” said Claire Jager, director, Castlemaine Documentary Festival.

More than 40 films were submitted in the first year of the initiative with the filmmakers coming from as far away as Gisborne and Ballarat.

After refining the program parameters and offering workshops to help any filmmakers that needed it, 22 six-minute films were submitted, proving that the stories of the community were rich, varied and worth telling. Twelve of those were selected to screen as part of the 2024 festival.

“It was areally tough call to whittle it down to the allotted time. But we couldn’t let the other films not have their moment in the spotlight,” Claire said. “And that’s where LOCALS Redux comes into the picture!”

The festival team has partnered with the Chewton Film Society for agala screening of all 22 of the locally made documentaries. Presented in two ses-

sions, and featuring 10 premieres, it’s a celebration of what makes Castlemaine and its surrounds unique, as told through the lenses of those who call it home.

Audience Choice award winner, The Making Of The Remake Of Jurassic Park, will screen in session two. It’s everything you need to know about why on earth a shot-for-shot remake of Jurassic Park is being made, right here in Castlemaine.

Another crowd favourite, Myrteza Blue,tells the story of afarmer turned landscape painter who began this pursuit at the age of 60 to help make sense of a devastating loss.

But LOCALS isn’t just about the films –it’s about supporting our community to get behind acamera and tell our own stories. And that’s where Club CDoc comes in. Through aseriesofhands-on workshops, Club CDoc connects aspiring filmmakers with industry professionals to help turn ideas into films. These workshops cover everything from shaping your story to the nitty-gritty of filming and editing. Designed to support local creators give voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.

With each new film created, the picture of our region grows richer, more diverse, and more connected. Whether it’s a family tradition, digging into local history, or documenting the world as you see it, everyone has astory to tell –and Castlemaine is ready to hear yours.

For details about the gala LOCALS Redux screening and the upcoming series of workshops, visit the Castlemaine Documentary Festival website: cdocff. com.au

Pictured (L to R) are local filmmakers Sam Hoffmann, Beverley Bloxham, Michael Harkin, Chris Hosking, Pepper Shaw and Sooz Erskine.

This time last year,Nathan Murphy was in the thick of AFL finals, about to fulfil his childhood dream of playing in and winning aGrand Final in front of 100,024 people.

Twelve months later,heisatpeace with thedecision to retire from the game for his health and turning his focus to life outside of football.

Taking the opportunity to reflect on his career and the values and support that have helped him, Nathan is keen to show his support for young people’smental health.

With World Mental Health Month in October,Nathan is encouraging everyone to get involved with LAP it UP,a charity swim event raising funds to support youth mental health and reduce suicide in rural and regional communities.

“I'd recommend everyone getting involved in LAP it UP because of the amazing benefits it has, not just on mental health but also the connections that can come from it," he said.

"Getting involved in an event that’sfor an amazing cause, you're also getting out there swimming and sharing something with so many people.”

LAP it UP runs from October 1–28. It’sanannual charity event, which invites participants all around Australia to swim laps for youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Murphythrows Muurphy throw supportbehind supporrt t behind LapitUP Lap it U

Funds raised go to supporting the award-winning Live4Life program.

Live4Life has been proven to make communities more knowledgeable, networked and resilient when it comes to youth mental health. It helps young people develop the skills and confidence they need to support their own mental health and that of their peers. Since its inception in the Macedon Ranges in 2010, more than 24,000 young people in Live4Life communities have received lifechanging mental health education, with more than 1400 volunteering as Mental Health Ambassadors. Moreover, nearly 3000 adults in those communities have trained to support their young people by undertaking accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid courses.

Nathan understands the immense benefits of normalising mental health discussions.

“I just want to encourage people to be vulnerable with other people,” he explains.

“The conversations that it can lead to are just amazing –and so rewarding as well. Aproblem shared with other people is aproblem halved. It can have ahuge impact on people'slives.

“There'snothing embarrassing about feelings and how you're actually going. I've found just sharing conversations can lead to alot of positive things.”

MountAlexander ShireCouncil postal election

An election will be held forMountAlexander ShireCouncil.

Check the mail foryour ballot pack

Ballotpackscontaining voting material will be mailedtoenrolledvotersfrom Monday 7October

This is apostalelection only.

If you do notreceiveyour ballotpack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacementform, or call 131832 to arrange a replacement.

Candidates

Candidates who havenominated forelection arelistedinthe ballot packsand at vec.vic.gov.au

Aphoto and candidatestatementwillalso be includedifprovided by candidates Responses to acandidatequestionnaire, if provided, areavailable at vec.vic.gov.au

Howtovotecorrectly

Youmustcomplete your ballotpaper correctly foryour vote to count. Put the number 1 in the boxnexttothe candidateyou want to seeelected,thennumber all the other boxesinorder of your choice. Youmustnumber every box and only use each number once.

Swimming or water play can play an important part in helping support mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s10laps or 100, freestyle, breaststroke, or even doggy paddle, LAP it UP is all about feeling good and doing something awesome for young people’smental health by supporting the Live4LIfe program.

“Toall the people who are considering donating to Live4Life, you're not just donating to an organisation, you're donating toyoung people andtheirmental health and you're investing in their future and their life.

"While it might seem small, it'salsomassive. The impactitcan have on aperson'slife and their future is really exciting.”

The 2023 Grand Final saw Nathan suffer the 10th concussion of his career.“Yeah, thatwas pretty full on,” he concedes, “going from the bestday to the worst day.”

“Since retiring, that'swhat Irealised. While Iwas so fortunate to play in front of 100,000 people, Ithink thebest thing that I've got from football is just the people that I've met.

“Just do it,get out there. The thing aboutLAP it UP,it's bringing alot of people together for this one thing, which I thinkisamazing. Youcan connect with people and that's what sport and physical activity can do.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with LAP it UP can register at www.lapitup.org.au/register/lapitup2024

Howtoreturn your ballotpack

Put your completed ballotpaper in the ballotpaper envelope,complete the declaration, then postitASAPusing the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hoursto:

RayBradfield Rooms

33 ForestStreet(entervia supermarket carpark)

Castlemaine

Voting is compulsory

Voting is compulsory forall voters who were enrolledat4pmonWednesday 7August. This includes state-enrolledand council-enrolledvoters.

If you don’t vote and don’t haveavalid excuse,you may be fined.

Your completedballotpack mustbeinthe mailorhand delivered by 6pmFriday 25 October.

State-enrolled voters canregisterfor free VoterAlertSMS and email remindersat vec.vic.gov.au

Retired footballer Nathan Murphy at Collingwood’s Victoria Park headquarters.

Faraday rediscovered

In early 1972 the most exciting event to happen in the young lives of the Howarth kids, growing up in the small hamlet of Faraday in rural Victoria, was the day their mother ran over Sally, their father's prize sheep.

While the Kingswood and the ewe escaped that incident relatively unscathed, the innocence of the three young Howarth girls was soon to be snatched away later that same year.

On October 6, 1972, the lives of people in the small community of Faraday, 70 kilometres north of Melbourne, were to change forever as two men armed with asawn-off rifle took the community's most vulnerable residents hostage –the kidnapping of six female students from their school along with their young female teacher was considered the crime of the century.

In away to make sense of the events and to shed light on the loss of innocence, the effect of childhood trauma, intense media attention and the loss of her beloved school, Robyn Howarth, the eldest of the students who were kidnapped, has put pen to paper and written an account of not only the events of that fateful afternoon but the aftermath of the ordeal.

Robyn, who was 10 at the time, told the Express the book told the story of how the innocence of an entire town, perhaps the whole of Victoria, was lost and changed forever, not only the lives of the children and their teacher but police and even politicians were transformed by the events of October 6, 1972.

Almost 52 years on, Robyn has settled at Lake Boga and has herself become a mother, grandmother, acommunity leader and adedicated maternal child health nurse overcoming the nightmares that invaded her sleep for years.

She has written the story through the lens of childhood trauma and innocence lost, depicting life on the farm with the stories that were important to her family, the heinous crime and its aftermath and the long road to recovery and justice.

Robyn is determined to reclaim the beauty of her former home and acknowledge with pride that she was educated at Faraday State School 797.

"The granite school building was closed after the event. Up until that day it was a source of pride to the community and educated their children well. This school building provided the social hub for the community to gather, mingle, share stories and celebrate events," Robyn said.

The author will be visiting the local region for author talks at the Kyneton Library on Wednesday October 9at2pm,Castlemaine Library on Thursday October 10 at 5.30pm and Stoneman's Bookroom, Castlemaine on Saturday October 12 from 1pm. Entry is free. To register for the library events visit goldfieldslibraries.com

You can get acopy of the book at Stoneman's Bookroom and Dig Cafe Newstead for $25.

Drone demo at Kyneton

Drone expert and aeronautical engineer

Culum Revell will demonstrate drones at the Kyneton Showgrounds from 12.30 to 1.30pm on Monday October 14.

Culum will pilot adrone through a homemade obstacle course, giving the audience alive video feed from the drone's perspective. He will also showcase photogrammetry by capturing aerial images to create a2D+3Dmap of the area and use thermal imaging to detect temperature variations and heat sources in real time.

Kyneton U3A organises this event, it is open to the public –you don't have to be a member of U3A Kyneton to attend. Admission is free and there is no registration.

Just go along and discover how drones can be used for sport, business and entertainment.

Need help with storm recovery?

The Small Business Bus will make a special visit to Castlemaine today to offer support to businesses impacted by the September 11 hail storm event.

The bus will be parked outside the Market Building, 44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, between 10am-4pm and will be offering 20-minute sessions with abusiness advisor, on awalk-in basis.

Advisors will be focusing on disaster resilience and will have business toolkits available. This is agood chance to get help with any questions you might have around insurance conflict, electrical testing, or building issues like damp and mould.

Mount Alexander Shire Council has also gathered some resources you can access on the council website if you've been affected by anatural disaster,this recent storm included –advice for renters, financial assistance for those suffering personal hardship, and insurance assistance.

Visitwww.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ Community-and-Wellbeing/Emergenciesand-preparation/September-2024-stormevent

Robyn Howarth will be doing author talks in Kyneton and Castlemaine this month.

Time for theBest. Party. Ever.

The Kyneton-based creators behind Threshold have found afun way to bridge the distance between grandchildren and grandparents who live apart.

‘Best. Party. Ever.’ is an interactive digital theatre production utilising technology to enhance family connections. The interactive show is hosted on Zoom and has been made especially for grandparents and their loved ones aged six to 12 who live apart.

Best. Party. Ever. is ajam-packed hour of frivolity for families to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes. Attendees can expect acrafted symphony of silly songs, parlour games, sock puppets and plenty of shenanigans that can be shared together online.

The show encourages attendees to get

ready for aparty like no other! Every year, Matt and his Gran celebrate their birthday together, and this year Gran is off exploring the world. So, they’ll have to party together online, and you’re invited!

Will you be able to help Matt pull off the Best. Party. Ever.? Will you be able to stop his evil twin brother Trevor from wrecking it all? Can you help decorate the house, make the card, crack the codes, and most importantly, blow out the candles?

The show's stars include world-renowned children’s comedian, Matt Kelly (The Listies), and Australian actress, Genevieve Mooy (Wellmania). Feedback from preview audiences has already delighted participants from as far as Korea to Rockhampton, Canberra and Adelaide.

Presented as part of the upcoming Melbourne Fringe Festival in October, this innovative and interactive show is launching with support from City of Melbourne’s ArtPlay.

Best. Party. Ever. was created by Threshold co-founders, Tahli Corin and Sarah Lockwood, with Andrew Callaghan, Matt Kelly and UB Lee.

Tahli said initial research for this latest production unearthed that many grandparents were longing for adeeper connection with their grandchildren.

"We know that many grandparents use video calls to stay in touch with their families, but engaging six to 12-year-olds in a meaningful conversation online is areal challenge!" she said.

"So, given this cohort can’t take their

Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil postal election

An election will be held forMacedonRanges ShireCouncil.

Check the mail foryour ballot pack

Ballotpackscontaining voting material will be mailedtoenrolledvotersfrom Monday 7October

This is apostalelection only.

If you do notreceiveyour ballotpack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacementform, or call 131832 to arrange a replacement.

Candidates

Candidates who havenominated forelection arelistedinthe ballot packsand at vec.vic.gov.au

Aphoto and candidatestatementwillalso be includedifprovided by candidates Responses to acandidatequestionnaire, if provided, areavailable at vec.vic.gov.au

Howtovotecorrectly

Youmustcomplete your ballotpaper correctly foryour vote to count. Put the number 1 in the boxnexttothe candidateyou want to seeelected,thennumber all the other boxesinorder of your choice. Youmustnumber every box and only use each number once.

Howtoreturn your ballotpack

grandchildren to the theatre, we have brought the theatre to them where they can make memories and build their relationship in afun and engaging way.

"I have children who live away from my parents, and Ireallywanted to nut this out for families in our situation. This relationship is precious, and we wanted to find new and special ways to nurture it."

Threshold’s work has been celebrated globally for its ability to bring families together in meaningful and engaging ways.

Best. Party. Ever. will be available October 17-20 at 10am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7.30pm for 60 minutes.

Tickets are available for $24 through Melbourne FringeFestival website: thethreshold.com.au/best-party-ever

Put your completed ballotpaper in the ballotpaper envelope,complete the declaration, then postitASAPusing the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hoursto: Woodend Community Hub 49 ForestStreet Woodend

Voting is compulsory

Voting is compulsory forall voters who were enrolledat4pmonWednesday 7August. This includes state-enrolledand council-enrolledvoters.

If you don’t vote and don’t haveavalid excuse,you may be fined.

Your completedballotpack mustbeinthe mailorhand delivered by 6pmFriday 25 October.

State-enrolled voters canregisterfor free VoterAlertSMS and email remindersat vec.vic.gov.au

Every year, Matt and his Gran celebrate their birthday together, and this year Gran is off exploring the world. So, they’ll have to party together online, and you’re invited!

MTORING M

E-scooter dos anddon’ts

Road rules

assist safety

Spring school holiday road travel is well under way and RACV is encouraging drivers to prioritise road safety and to be mindful of the road rules

The latest results from an RACV poll reveal the most frustrating driving habits on a freeway are drivers that stay in the right lane, closely followed by not letting in merging vehicles and speeding up and then slowing down.

RACV head of policy James Williams says safety on the roads must come first, with more than 206 lives (as at September 17) already lost on the state'sroads this year

RACV’sroad safety tips for spring school holiday travel are as follows

*Know the rules: Refresh your knowledge of road rules, especially those commonly misunderstood, to ensure you stay safe on the road.

For example, Transport Victoria states drivers must keep to the left when driving on any multi-lane road with aspeed limit over 80km/h unless you areovertaking or turning right or if all lanes are congested.

When merging lanes (changing lanes or joining aqueue), you must give way to vehicles already in that lane –this includes when your lane ends.Tomerge, you should indicate and change lanes when there is asafe gap in traffic and merging drivers should try to match the speed (within the limit) of the traffic they’re joining.

*Eliminate distractions: It'simportant to understand the mobile device road rules in Victoria that apply to fully licensed drivers, learners and P1 and P2 drivers. Drivers who breach the distracted driving rules face penalties of four demerit points and afine of $593 for using amobile device, including phones, when driving.

*Stay alert: Don’t start your journey at the end of along day at work. Plan 15-minute breaks every two hours and take turns driving.

*Childand pet safety: Properly secure children in appropriate car seats or boosters. Under Victoria’schild restraint road rules, all children under seven years of age must legally be seated in acorrectly fitted child restraint or booster seat.RACVrecommends reviewing the Kidsafe Victoria child restraint information for further details. While not legally required, restraining pets is strongly recommended for everyone'ssafety

*Emergency preparedness: Keep awell-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle, device chargers, aspare tyre, water,and owner’smanual.

Following atwo-year trial across the state, e–scooters will be permanently legalised beginning this month with additional safety and compliance measures including tougher penalties for misuse.

Under the changes, fines will increase for e-scooter offences including riding on the footpath, not wearing ahelmet, drinking alcohol while riding and underage riding.

New offences with significant fines will also be introduced for riding as apassenger and not wearing a helmet as apassenger

In summary,you can legally ride an escooter in Victoria if you

The main road rules will remain unchanged, including that riders must wear ahelmet, not ride on footpaths, be at least 16 years old and not drink and drive. E-scooters must not travel at more than 20km/h, and only be ridden on roads with a maximum speed limit of 60km/h orless.

*Ride on shared-use paths (not on footpaths), or roads that have aspeed limit up to 60km/h

*Are at least 16 years old

*Wear ahelmet

*Donot travel more than 20km/h

*Donot use your mobile phone

*Donot carry apassenger (dinking)

Bike law download

Abookmark to help cyclists Bike law: abicycle rider’s guide to road rules in Victoria is afree booklet and can now be downloaded by going to www.legalaid.vic. gov.au/bike-law-bookmark

The bike law booklet has information

about how to ride safely and responsibly and includes

*Road rules

*Riding in traffic

*Riding with children

*Accidents, fines and insurance safety tips

Veterans health events

The Woodend RSL will be holding two community events during Veterans Health Week this month.

On Thursday October 17 it will be offering ahealth stimulation program. This program will be held at the Macedon Reservoir under instruction. Attendees must affirm liability conditions to participate. On Sunday October 20 the RSL will be conducting alocal Woodend community walk, with other locals as a fun event –dogs most welcome.

After the walk, all are invited to gather at the Woodend RSL for achat, asnack and to view information it will have available.

RSVP by September 30 to Ken Bryce 0407 737 386.

Triggs to speak at conference

Gillian Triggs, author,academicand human rights advocate, first rose to prominence in the field of International Law

Within this combative arena, advocating in altercations as wide-ranging as war crimes, territorial disputes, Law of the Sea, sovereignty of resources and commercial litigation, she came to the attention of decision-makers at home and abroad.

In 1996 she accepted aprofessorship at Melbourne Law School, aposition she held for 10 years, before leaving for the UK to become Director of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law.Following atwo-year stint there, she returned to Australia to take up the role of Dean ofthe Sydney Law School. Upon her retirement in 2012, she was appointed president of the Australian Human Rights Commission. It was during afive-year tenure at the AHRC that she fell afoul of the Abbott and Morrison governments when she called an enquiry into the detention of children.

In 2018 she was recognised Humanist ofthe Year and her memoir, Speaking Up, was published by Melbourne University Press. In 2019, she became Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In all of her roles Gillian Triggs has been atireless campaigner in support ofchildren and the dispossessed. In the space of just four years, including the worst years of the COVIDpandemic, she visited 44 countries and witnessed the trauma ofdisplaced persons from all across the war-torn world. It has been an exhausting journey,but Gillian Triggs refuses to despair

She and her husband have aproperty in north-east Victoria and have been heartened by the work done in support of Afghan refugees bylocal communities in Shepparton, Wangaratta, Benalla and Mansfield. Although the plight of refugees is often depicted as aconcern of the Left, Gillian believes the issue transcends the narrow confines of political allegiance. She has observed that people on opposite sides ofthe political divide are often united by acommon desire to assist the displaced and disadvantaged.

‘The real support for refugees actually lies at the local level. It’soften local governments. Local mayors, local NGOs, faithbased communities, local citizens’ groups in small towns who do carry the greatest burdens day-to-day with people who are

displaced…so I’ve been very supportive of local groups and local communities.’

When Rural Australians for Refugees invited Gillian to be their patron, she did not hesitate. It is in this role that she will appear at RAR’snational conference, in conversation with renowned author Behrouz Boochani, at the Kyneton Town HallonFriday October 11

For moreinformation visit: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Events-and-Awards/Whatson-around-the-shire/Rural-Australians-for-Refugees-NationalConference

Glenlyonpavilion on pause

Hepburn Shire Council has paused the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve Pavilion construction project, which addresses the location of the pavilion at the reserve.

Council CEO Bradley Thomas said the first step in designing the renovation or replacement of the pavilion was to assess the suitability of the site in case of bushfire.

Council adopted the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve Masterplan at the April meeting, which included the need for a

new pavilion.

While it endorsed the renovation or replacement of the existing pavilion, works were undertaken to determine the best location for anew building, given the requirements of emergency overlays.

“Wehave found that unfortunately,even if we heavily managed vegetation around the building, it would still not satisfy bushfire regulations," Mr Thomas said.

"These regulations are even more

stringent with apublic building as it may be used as an informal public refuge during an emergency event.”

Works to renovate the old pavilion to significantly improve the functionality,while complying with bushfire, flood and heritage overlays, also appear to notbe viable and if the building is retained, any works would be limited.

“Concept plans will be paused while all options are considered," Mr Thomas said.

Gillian Triggs is an author, academic and human rights advocate.

The winners of the 2024 Lot 19 Spring Sculpture Prize will be officially unveiled at an opening party on Saturday October 12.

Featuring more than $8000 worth of prizes, independent judges and athreeweek exhibition, the prize is beloved by artists and visitors alike.

The opening celebration will kick offat 2pm at the artspace in McShanags Lane, Castlemaine (just offLangslow Street) and will feature live music from The Jo Huf Trio, the Lot 19 bar by Shedshaker Brewing and food from Castlemaine Fringe.

The ART!2024 Prize presentations are thanks to donors The Anstey Family, Art Supplies Castlemaine, Boomtown Wine, The Bridge Hotel Castlemaine, TomChippendall, The Mill Castlemaine, The Salvage Yard, Shedshaker Brewing, Sholto Turner,Theatre Royal Castlemaine, and more to be announced. These prizes will be awarded alongside the major Lot 19 Prize.

In 2024, organisers are also honoured to announce the newly created Chloe Gunn Prize for emerging artists.

Judges for the 2024 Lot 19 Spring Sculpture Prize are: Jock Clutterbuck, Laura Woodward and Simone Ewenson.

The exhibition continues Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm until Sunday October 27.

OpeningcelebrationforSpringSculpturePrize ExploreDurrol

Musicandartcollide

As part of its Chamber Music Series, the Anglican Church Castlemaine invites music lovers to attend Evoking the Elements –a synergy of piano music and paintings.

This special twilight concert event will take place on Friday October 18 at the Anglican Church on Agitation Hill. Evoking The Elements (earth/air/ water/fire) will combine the music of international pianist Elyane Laussade and and the works of renowned Blue Mountains artist Corinne Loxton.

Together,these two artists explore interpretations and evocations of nature’s elemental processes as reflected in the compositions of composers such as Debussy,Ravel, Liszt, Chopin and others.

The works of renowned Blue Mountains artist Corinne Loxton will feature as part of the performance.

The collaboration combines apiano recital with an installation and projection of paintings Corinne conceived while listening to the music Elyane will be performing. Corinne Loxton will display 24-30 small paintings while Elyane plays. In addition there will be aprojection of the paintings during the performance.

The concert will begin at 5pm. Ticket are $40 and $35 concession. Tickets are available at the door or via www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1286568

Walkthe labyrinth

Music and arts educator Stephen Holgate will explain the origins oflabyrinths in the ancient world during atalk in the grounds ofKyneton’sCatholic Church at 10am on Tuesday October 15. Stephen will talk about how those myths and legends were overlaid in Christianity bythe idea of pilgrimage, contemplative walking and reflecting on life.

Then, take agentle 15-minute walk around the intriguing curves and circular path of the stunning labyrinth in the church gardens.

Discover how Greek mythology meets sacred geometry Kyneton U3A organises this event, it is open to the public –you don’t have to be amember of U3A Kyneton to attend. Admission is free and there is no registration.

Enjoy aday exploring Durrol, astep back into history.Itisa quintessential example of ahill station property,anintegral component of the Mount Macedon area, aprecinct of hill station gardens of outstanding cultural significance. Originally purchased in 1878, Durrol has ahistory of long ownership. The current family has owned the property for more than 100 years.

The gardens date back to the early 20th century and incorporate an enclosed garden by the noted garden designer Edna Walling.

Visitors canwander the rock-walled paths, mossy steps and lawns while taking in the magnificent array of mature trees including maples, oaks, lindens, beech, weeping elms and ash to name but afew

This garden opening is hosted by The Mount Macedon andDistrict Horticultural Society.Funds raised are to achieve a life-sized bronze statue of Ellis Rowan, to be located in Mount Macedon. Ellis Rowan (1848-1922) was an extraordinary woman of her time and aprolific artist –painting some 3000 works that reflected her bold exploration of Australia and remote parts of the world hunting for wildflowers, rare plants, insects and birds to paint. Winner of many International and Australianart medals, Ellis Rowan will be an importantpartof an international project creating statues of historically significant women Durrol is located at 800 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon. The garden will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday,November 16 and 17. Entry $10.

Thecraftmarket wrap-up

There’ssome things you can get at acraft market that you won’t find very often but still really want.

Take for example, the knitwear and other homemade goodies that will be on sale at the RM Begg Kyneton

Aged Care Auxiliary Craft Market on Saturday October 5.

The cold weather seems to not want to leave the district so the need to rug up is still prevalent. At the market you’ll find things to snuggle up in including handmade rugs and ahuge clearance of beanies and scarves.

And because it’sstill so cold, thoughts have not yet turned to activities in the great outdoors so have alook at the books and toys the craft market will stock. Great for entertainment inside while the wind whips around the garden! And while you are keeping warm and being entertained, there will be cakes, sauces and jams to buy at the market and enjoy at home. Aweekend is all wrapped up beginning at the market, which will be at the aged care facility’s Bolton Hall at 22 Epping Street Kyneton from 9am-1pm.

Visitors can wander rock-walled paths, mossy steps and lawns.

The annual Spring Sculpture Prize unearths diverse talent.

Y YourOPINIONS

The 'perfect' murder?

BryanYoung,

Castlemaine

In the early 60s, the newspapers reported that adriver had run down and killed apedestrian.

The police found his car abandoned in his garden with him asleep on his bed in a drunken stupor

His successful appeal when he appeared in court relied on his statement that he was so drunk he didn't know what he was doing!

Some colleagues and Iwho worked at the Footscray and District Hospital wrote to The Age newspaper editor and suggested this could be used for the 'perfect' murder

The letter was not published, but interestingly the law was changed.

Recent events in the press evoke similar feelings.

The trouble with wood heating

Chris Hooper,Castlemaine

In response to Keppel Cassidy ('Barking up the wrong tree', Opinions, September 17), Iagree that we're caught between arockand hard place re. energy provision.

Resources needed to go all electric and renewable energy are enormous but my main point was that we need trees and cutting them for firewood is detrimental environmentally

From my reading, firewood is most often not plantation wood.

SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. At which local venue will jazz star James Morrison perform on October 24?

2. Who will be the keynote speaker at Bolobek Garden Fair this year?

3. Held last Friday, what did Run the Maine raise funds for?

4. How many wards are in the new-look Mount Alexander Shire? (3 points)

5. How many council candidates are running in Macedon Ranges’ South Ward this election?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. Who won the 2024 Brownlow Medal?

7. Who plays Matilda Wormwood’s father, Harry, in the 1996 film adaptation Matilda?

8. True or false: South Africa’s national flag includes all of the following colours: red, white, green, yellow, black and blue?

9. Chile’s coastline is closest to which of the following: 10,142km, 8972km, 6435km or 4566km? (3 points)

10. Australia is part of the Quad Alliance with which three other countries?

Commercial logging officially ended in January this year but timber mills that haven't shut continue to process native hardwood timbers now fed by private landholders felling forests on their properties. A lot of this is due to the government increasing 'fuel reduction' targets. Fuel breaks of up to 40 metres wide through state forests are being built and what happens to that timber? Bushfire mitigation works do not require approval. So called 'hazardous' trees are being removed. Satellite images show large areas of clearing, private logging operations, the timber from these sold as logs, firewood, sawn timber,sawdust and woodchips.

Ninety one per cent of wood removed after storms ended up as firewood. There's also agood bit of illegal firewood collection going on. It'ssad to read that someone who owns 51 hectares of native bushland laments not being able to make money from it. Maybe the government should pay people to leave trees growing?

Keppel says in heavily built up areas (townships?) renewable energies would be preferred to wood heating because smoke from wood burning fires can cause respiratory problems, maybe acontradiction to his previous comments as to reduced emissions with highly efficient burners. You just have to step outside on acold winter evening in Castlemaine and you can smell smoke, that means you're inhaling harmful particles. The trouble with wood heating is people light the fire and sit inside enjoying it not realising there'ssmoke from their fires sitting around in the cold still air outside, for their neighbours to inhale.

We've got to the stage with climate change that our energy consumption practices must change. As Keppel says, passive solar houses designed to use the sun (into living areas) to warm it through the day,good insulation etc. and maybe a few more warm jumpers.

Supporting agriculture in Macedon Ranges

Alisha Turner,Spring Hill

We would like to personally thank the six councillors for their vote and support in our application that has dragged on for nearly three years.

We set out for aboundary realignment to simply allow one additional dwelling right to enable additional family members to build and live on site to support our family farming entity that has been on this site for more than 100 years and four generations.

Atumultuous process, from lodging our application in December,2021, to receiving our new titles 18/09/2024, but this would not have been possible without councillors visiting our farm, and votingat acouncil meeting in support of our genuine andhonest farming entity

Apersonal thanks to Cr Ridgeway,Cr Pearce, Cr West,CrNeil, Cr Death and Cr Bonanno for your support towards agriculture and maintaining generational farming families.

Youcan’t buy experience and that’s what we have when it comes to farming; experience and passion and you’ve

supported keeping farming generations on the land and building our family farming unit. Now to get on with building and having more “boots on the ground”.

Carbon footprintreply

AllanKennedy,Kyneton

In reply to 'Carbon footprint disturbing' (Opinions,September 24).

Iread David Tuck's letter in the Midland Express last week and found it alittle bit offensive calling the story the week before on David and Calvin's attempts to raise money for the Cancer Council through the Shitbox Rally, a'charming story'. He has obviously not given much thought as to why they are trying toraise money. They are doing it in memory of their brother-in-law and uncle and Deb's brother. Icongratulate David and Calvin for organising afundraisingday in Kyneton on Sunday October 6atthe Kyneton Racecourse from 10am. Ihope as many people that can will support them. Itshould be afun day, I'll be there.

As acancer survivor of bladder cancer for 10 years and now having abattle with head and neck cancer for the last 10 months, I hope there are alot more people around like David and Calvin to raise money tofinda cure for this terrible disease.

Good luck to David Tuck in his venture to save the climate but whatever he does, he will always leave acarbon footprint. Ihope he doesn't need any of the cancermedical professionals in the future. Ithink we will find acurefor cancerbefore we get climate change.

Whyspecialtreatment?

Rose Latimer, Woodend

Council is to be congratulated onits excellent Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy,which complements the Gambling Policy in the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme. It is very disappointing therefore that councillors are once again supporting the presence of EGMs at the Kyneton Bowling Club. Apart from being oncouncil-owned land, the location of the EGMs goes against theMacedon Ranges Planning Scheme. This stipulates the most harmful and least harmful locations for EGMswith guidelines to reduce harm. Councillors who have voted to extend the presence of EGMs at the Bowling Club have gone against the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme by supporting the continuation of them in the most harmful of locations. That is, where people are "going about their daily business". The EGMs are next door to the public library,a playground and the Mechanics Institute and within ashopping precinct. The very worst of possible locations to minimise harm.

While the Bowling Club members always cry 'poor us' when removal of the EGMs is mooted they have already had an extremely generous run by Macedon Ranges Council over decades. The lease was even renewed shortly after council won its bid in the Supreme Court to reject them for the Romsey Hotel. Perhaps when they were first put into the Bowling Club the real harms of EGMs were little known. These days however it is well known that EGMs are deliberately designed to be addictive and in particular are attractive to and financially exploit people who are lonely or suffer mental health problems. Assuch, there is an obligation on council to have them removed from the middle of town. Then, on the financial side of things, each monthsees millions of dollars lost by players and, while atiny fraction may be donated, it is largely money not spent more broadly in the town. While the venue has been refurbished using the compulsory ‘community benefit’ allocation of EGM losses this will remain, even after the EGMs are gone.

Every other community sports club in the shire runs without EGMs. Why councillors are giving special treatment to the Bowling Clubagain and undermining their sensible policy while also going against their own Planning Scheme is impossible to understand. The decision is ablow to the town and the interests and health of the community

Very disappointing

Name supplied, Kyneton

RM Begg is along-established Kyneton community based aged care facility.Itoffers residential care, retirement units and rental units. The latter are alow-rent option and are in need of replacement. However,until that comes about the units that are serviceable have been occupied by long-term elderly tenants.

The new administrators of RM Begg have served nine-month eviction notices on the tenants of the rental units and advised the occupants of government-based services that may be able to assist them in finding alternative rental premises. Regrettably,there has been no apparent attempt by the RM Begg administrators to assist the tenantswith finding alternative premises and they now face the trauma of moving from the familiar surrounds of Kyneton to Bendigo or other towns.

It is very disappointing that such alengthy and successfully operating community-based residential facility is unable to make agreater effort to support long-term elderly residents toremain in familiar surroundings. Continuity of care for the elderly requires an ongoing commitment, which in the circumstances outlined is foundwanting, and this does not reflect well for aservice that promotes itself as offering care.

Midland

PROPE RT Y&L IVI NG

Elegancepersonified

Occupying acommanding position with undeniable street appeal, Heatherlie is arguably one of Maldon’smostbeautiful properties. From its 19th century origins, the timber home has undergone an inspired and meticulous renovation and extension to deliver stylish, contemporary indoor/outdoor living with ahint of Tuscany reflected in the self-contained Villa.

Surrounded by formal gardens with ornamental pears, vines and colourful deciduous trees you step from the impressive iron-laced verandah into an interior that seamlessly blends superb period features with every modern amenity we expect today.A wide hallway, 12 foot high timber-lined ceiling and details complements the chic, allwhite palette and gorgeous polished hardwood flooring. Light streams into every room through feature windows and french doors, while stately fireplaces abound. Including three bedrooms, two bathrooms, formal and informal dining/living spaces and asuperb family room that opens onto the covered brick paved verandahs and sparkling inground pool.

The simply stunning self-contained villa with soaring ceilings highlighted by bagged brick walls and majestic fireplace are just some of the features of this exquisite space, ideal as accommodation for extended family,friends or as arevenue generating BnB.

Only ashort stroll to Maldon’shistoric town centre, cafes, and facilities, Heatherlie will readily appeal to the discerning buyer seeking an unparalleled lifestyle in awarm and welcoming rural community Whether as apermanent home or weekend retreat, this turn-key property is all about living the good life.

Property: Heatherlie circa 1885 –stylish and contemporary.

Land size: 1012m2 (approx.)

Address: 72 High Street,Maldon

Price: $1,800,000 -$1,950,000

Agent: Jellis Craig

Contact: Leah Panos0466 878 214 TomMay 0413 996 185

Wonderfulprized Victorian

Located in adesirable and tightly held position, this oversized double storey solid brick home represents an amazing opportunity for the astute purchaser who has akeeneye for design.

Comfortable now but showing its age, this is the ideal family home situated on astaggering 2299m2 corner allotment just offthe effervescent main street of Macedon with its café culture and boutique shopping is ripe for arenovation or smart upgrade which will culminate in an impressive home in asought after locale.

Split over two levels, the home comprises a large formal living, casual family space and alarge eat-in style kitchen which accommodates adining table as well as anumber of other great spaces on the lower level. The upper level is accessed via a

lovely character style staircase situated in the front entry hall and features natural timer accents. The upper level has oversized proportions and offers four light and bright bedrooms with built-ins while the main suite affords awalk-in robe and ensuite complete with astylish Victorian washstand. The lush established allotment features many established trees and plantings and the home is accentuated by timber decking on both the lower and upper levels hinting at what could be created in the rear garden space with careful consideration and some artistic flair.A delight to inspect this home has awarmand inviting feel, exudes charm and represents an amazing opportunity to acquire afantastic property in acoveted location. *ID required upon inspection.

Discover this wonderfully restored Victorian prize on Parker Street, perfectly situated near schools, lush botanical gardens, and close to Castlemaine’sthriving shopping scene. Behind its charming yet humble façade lies a strikingly beautiful home, primed for an ideal family life.

As you approach the property, you’re greeted by an inviting northfacing verandah, the ideal spot to enjoy your morning coffee while basking in natural sunlight.

Inside, you’ll discover atruly luxurious interior that marries rich, moody tones with timeless period features like intricate pressed metal ceilings and warm original baltic pine floorboards underfoot.

The home boasts three generously proportioned double bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed with beautifully crafted built-in robes and ample storage to ensure maximum comfort and practicality

At the heart of the home, a wide central hallway,defined by a classic Victorian arch, flows seamlessly into the living spaces. The cosy lounge with split system air conditioning and working fireplace is perfect for intimate family gatherings, while the adjoining dining area features agas log fireplace

that adds both warmth andcharm.

The kitchen is functional and equippedwith the essentials, and proudly retainsits retro 70s-80s flair,offering anostalgic nod to its history while maintaining practicality for modern-day living.

The modernised bathroom includes acleverly integrated laundry,sleek modern fixtures, and ample storage. With two separate toilets, the homeisequipped to handle the needs of abusy household. Downstairs, an under-home cellar or standing-height workshop provides not only exceptional storage but also an opportunity to create awine lover’sorDIY dream space.

To elevate comfortable living while preserving its rich history,the home has been fitted with hydronic heating throughout and ceiling fans even in the alfresco area for year-round comfort.

Outdoors, the spacious deck provides apeaceful setting, overlooking adeep, level garden.

The bonus carport workshop and office space, complete with split system air conditioning and ceiling fan, offer endless possibilities for work or leisure. This is Victorian living at its finest, redefined for today’slifestyle.

Property: Luxeinterior and deep rear garden with studio

Charming countryretreat –Yourprivate sanctuaryawaits

9FountainStreet,Maldon

Grandview–

In aquiet offshoot of Merrifield Street with no through traffic and few neighbours, rests this beautiful block of almost two acres. Bushland vistas and ahaven for wildlife and home to an abundance of birdlife, it is hard to imagine that you are within easy walking distance of The Mill precinct, botanical gardens, pool and train station. For families, there are primary and secondary schools close by.Anenviable location in ahighly sought after area. There is water and power available, however the block lends itself to creating aselfsustaining lifestyle and asolar powered off-grid set up is an option. Planning permission has been granted for adwelling andboth LCA and BMP have been done. The building envelope is cleared and the current owners have re-planted approximately 200 native trees/ shrubs on the block. There is asmallstorage shed, chook pen and establishing orchard. A rare find indeed.

NOTE: If searching directions from Google, you will need to put in the address as 13A Merrifield Street. Amap is included of the block for directions with photographs on the agent’swebsite

Property: 7360m2 of land restful, yetsoclose to amenities

Address: 15 Paynter Street,Castlemaine

Price: $505,000

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

121Binghams Road, Harcourt.

3 a 2 b 2 v 8.8w

•One-of-a-kind mudbrick residencedesigned to embrace the surrounding natural beauty, including soaring ceilings andopen-plan living areas

•3 spaciousbedrooms and 2beautifuly appointed bathrooms.

•Separate studio on property providesultimateflexibility.

For Sale

$975,000 -$1,025,000 View

Saturday 5th October: 1:15pm -1:45pm

Scott Rawlings |0409675 408

RobWaller |0418571 130

5/12 Saint Street, Castlemaine.

3 a 2 b 1 v 427r

•Clean architectual lines and expansive interiors thatcreateasense of openness and light.

•3 generously sized bedrooms come equipped with built-in robes.

•Private, covered deck serves as acozyoutdoor space that can be enjoyed year-round.

For Sale

$795,000 View

Saturday 5th October: 10:45am -11:15am

RobWaller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

18/19 Reckleben Street, Castlemaine.

2 a 1.5 b 1 v 90r

•This new two-bedroom townhouse in The Paddock featuresan8star energy rating &passive solar design.

•Light-filled open-plan living with custom kitchen, recycled materials, and tranquil garden views.

•Community gardens, just minutes fromCastlemaine’s town centre

For Sale

$765,000 View

Saturday 5th October: 2:00pm -2:30pm

NarelleWaller |0408571 131

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Scan to viewour

Multiple options

Aunique opportunity is now available within the popular Wesley Hill precinct of Castlemaine. The property with three street frontages includes seven titles, with 13 crown allotments, an old brick Victorian Cottage and shedding with mains services either connected or available. Set on (approx.) 2996m2 the gently elevated parcel is ideal for aresidential development with many wonderful amenities within easy walking distance such as Wesley Hill Market, Albion Hotel, Grist Bakery Café, the garden centre, recreational amenities and heritage walking trails.

Property: Includes seventitles, with 13 crownallotments Address: 146-148 DukeStreet, Castlemaine Auction: FridayOctober 25 @11amonsite Agent: Castlemaine Property Group Contact: Brett Fitzpatrick 0419 833 510

The Passivhaus

9Penhallurick Street, Campbells Creek

This striking 8-star energy rating, three-bedroom property merges minimalism with passive house principles, resulting in abold design for futureliving. This innovative approach emphasises simplicity functionality,and sustainability,wherecomfort and style coexist harmoniously,resulting in anew standardfor contemporary homes.

$1,100,000

View Sat 5th October

10:30am-11:00am

Contact

Megan Walmsley 0411 043 324

“Oronsay” 62 Potts Road, Taradale

Sited within the beautiful countryside of Taradale, this property is country luxury at its finest.

Contemporary in design,the three-bedroom home sits within 16.3 acres (approx) of an undulating quintessential rural landscape, a100-year-old working shearingshed, and atouch of indulgence, an 18m heated indoor swimming pool. Contact Agent

Walmsley 0411 043 324

AWarm Welcome

53 Elizabeth Street, Castlemaine

This renovatedthree-bedroom 1950s home successfullycombines the warmth of the retro with the urban appeal of the contemporary without losing any of its period integrity.Astriking Agave Americana greets you upon arrival, aslice of mid-century Palm Springs. The 805 sqm (approx) property has an independent 9.2m x3.3m studio.

$695K-$725K

View Sat 5th October

10:30am-11:00am

Contact

Nick Haslam 0422 848 662 AGolden Sanctuary 16 Hornsby Street, Maldon

Tucked away from the streetscape is this private multi-faceted2914 sqm (approx) property,aunique opportunity to live and work from home 700m from the heart of Maldon. Step into the quintessential country dream with acirca 1860s two-bedroom miners’ cottage, aself-contained two-bedroom converted barnand three independent studios.

WesternRed Cedar home, elevated within its landscape with sweeping views of the picturesque Guildford landscape and the flow of the Loddon River,offers family-friendly living in an idyllic country setting.

Welcome to GuildfordPalace, agenerous 2878 sqm (approx) property on two titles. $725,000

Visualise the Potential 18 Greenhill Avenue, Castlemaine

See the vision and restorethis once stately threebedroom, double-fronted solid brick Victorian home or start again and build your dream home (STCA) in the highly sought-after Greenhill Ave. Thereare currently no overlays over the 1020 sqm (approx) property situated within walking distance of the hub of the Castlemaine.

The Compost Conversation

Sir AlbertHoward –Compost Pioneer

Back in the early 20th century, Sir Albert Howard (often called the father of modern organic agriculture) brought the Indore method of hot composting from the farms of India and China to a‘western’ audience. Hot composting, as we now practise it, is a direct descendant of that work.

Howard was born in Shropshire, England, in 1873 to afarming family. Though he studied biology and botany and worked in mycology (study of fungi) and the research of plant disease, growing up on afarm continued to inform all of his work. He believed any scientific learning about agriculture and horticulture needed to be applicable to functioning farms.

Having seen the effects of industrialisation on the farms of his home country (reduced use of animals and increase of imported fuels for machinery, rising use of artificial fertilisers, dependence on herbicides and pesticides and ageneral loss of soil heath and condition –sound familiar?), Howard was inspired by farms he visited and studied in India.

He described the peasant farmers of India and China, as well as the diseases of soil, as his great teachers. He found healthy plants grown in healthy soils were hardly affected by disease. He came to view plant disease as ahelpful warning, telling us to attend to our soil (not to try to kill the disease organism).

“The wheel of life is made up of two processes,” Howard wrote in An Agricultural Testament (1940), “growth on one side, and decay on the other… Agriculture must always be balanced. If we speed up growth, we must accelerate decay.”

Reading Howard today Iamstruck by how his thinking is so up-to-date. He wrote about the amazing relationships between roots and fungi, the importance of multi-species cropping (as opposed to monocultures), integrating animals into farming systems and the essential role of the soil microbiome. In many ways he was 100 years ahead of his time.

Howard saw how Chinese and Indian farmers used decaying plant material and manures to make humus-rich material (compost) that kept soils fertile, despite being continuously farmed for thousands of years. Howard developed these composting processes further on aresearch station and farm at Indore, India, and published guides and books for a‘western’ audience.

These books struck achord in many industrial nations, where people were beginning to worry about the effects of industrial farming on the health of soils and the people dependent on the food they provided. The organic farming movement emerged out of this inspiration and concern, spurred on by champions like Lady Eve Balfour in the UK and J.I. Rodale in the US.

As backyard composters we owe much to Sir Albert Howard, for the composting techniques he brought to light and the questions he asked about healthy soil and stable agriculture.

Over the next few weeks –inhonour of Sir Albert Howard –I’m planning to explore the uses of animal manures in our gardens and compost making.

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

Let’stalkabout falls

Dhelkaya Health’sexercise physiologist Rebecca Dine will be in Harcourt on Thursday October 17 to deliver afree presentation about preventing and managing falls.

All are welcome to attend the session at the ANA Hall and Heritage Museum and learn about this important topic.

Falls are Australia’sleading cause of injury hospitalisation and death, representing 43 per cent of injury hospitalisations and 42 per cent of injury deaths. Falls requiring

hospitalisation occur more often in adults as they get older,and are most likely to occur in the home.

Rebecca will talk about how to prevent falls, and what to do if somebody has afall.

Bookings are not required and all are welcome. The doors will open at 10.30am, to allow the one-hour session to start at 11am.

For more information, call Dhelkaya Health and ask for Rebecca Dine on 5471 3568 or Jennifer Miko on 5479 1000.

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

MondaytoFriday9.00 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

TuesdayIssue: Booking and Copy— Noon

Contemplating the works of Albert Howard and his influence on composting.

ShirleyFitch

Passed away peacefully at Castlemaine Hospital on 26.9.2024. Daughter of Bill and Maureen Nash. Sister to Muriel, Robin and Toni.

Cherished mother of Bernie,Paul (dec), Mandy, Andrewand Anthony(dec) and mother in lawtoIan and Helen. Much lovednanaand great nana to many.

Actor,director,ballet/theatrical shop manager,embroiderer, quilter and doll maker

Shirley’sfamily wouldliketothank

Dr Michael Barclay and the staff at the Geroe (Acute) Unit of Castlemaine Hospital fortheir kindness and care

Passed away peacefully at Thompson House,Castlemaine in the presence of her loving husband of 69 yearsand 5months,William (Bill), and her son Peter Loving and devoted mother of her four sons,her four daughters in laws andten grandchildren. God has youinHis keeping, we have youinour hearts

Youleft aplace no one can fill, we missyou and we always will, youshared our love,hopes and fears, thank youMum for those wonderful years.

With love from Peter,Caroline and Ben. Deep in our hearts, our memories are kept, of awonderful Mum and Nana, too special to ever forget. We will alwaysmiss and love you. xxx Dearly LovedMother and Mother in LawofNoel and Maree, Nana of Daniel and Jayde, Brett and Eden.

In silence the leavesofmemories fall, with tender love we gather them all, within our hearts we storethem deep, those special memories are ours to keep

With love from Robert, Karen, Aaron, Joshua and Michael.

Your memorywewill always treasure, in our hearts youwillstayforever. With love from Ross,Tania, Dylan, Georgia, Taylah and Ella.

Dear sister and sister-in-lawof Geoff (dec) and Liz Mason. Aunty ValtoStuart.

Fond memories of family gatherings In heavenly love abiding.

Always Remembered

Belovedsister of Robin, loved sister in lawofJenny and lovedaunt of Patrick.

Manyloved and enjoyedtimes together

Nevertobeforgotten. Resting at peace now.

RULE -Lyn 28.8.2024

Wonderful member of HarcourtCWA Dearly loved, so sadly missed.

WELCH -Valerie

Dearly loveddaughter of Harry& Cass Welch (both dec). Dearly lovedsister and sister-in-law of Ron(dec) &Noreen, and of Eileen &Kevin (both dec). Greatly lovedand loving Aunt to the Welch’s-Peter,Brendan, Caroline,Shaun, Marcus,Angelique,and their families

Also greatly lovedand loving Aunt to the Walsh’s- Tim, Jane,Rosemary,Gerardine Jon, and their families Akind, loving and generous Aunty who wasdeeplyinvolved in ourlives, alwaysshowing care Remembered Always Specialthanks to the staff at Trentham Aged Care

Familyand friends areinvited to attend the Funeral Servicefor Mrs ShirleyFitch, to be held in thechapel of MountAlexanderFunerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Friday4th October at 1pm

To join theservice vialivestream please visit Shirley’stribute page on the websiteof Mount Alexander Funerals. In lieu of flowers please consider a donationinmemoryofShirley to the Fred Hollows Foundation. Fordetails see Shirley’stribute page.

Pleaseweara touchofpurpleorlilac, Shirley’sfavourite colour

AService of Thanksgiving forthe life of MrsValda Priestley will be heldinthe Uniting Church, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine TODAY(Tuesday) at 1.30pm. Followingthisservicethe cortege will leave forthe HarcourtCemetery.

To join us at the service via livestream, please visit Valda’stribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals

WELCH -Valerie Katherine

3.11.1937 –23.09.2024

Dearly loveddaughter of Harry&Cass Welch (both dec).

Dearly lovedsister and sister-in-law of Ron(dec) &Noreen, and of Eileen &Kevin (both dec)

Greatly lovedand loving Aunt to the Welch’s- Peter,Brendan,Caroline,Shaun, Marcus,Angelique,and their families

Also greatly lovedand loving Aunt to the Walsh’s- Tim, Jane,Rosemary, Gerardine, Jon, and theirfamilies

Akind, loving and generous Aunty who wasdeeply involved in our lives, alwaysshowing care

Remembered Always

Special thanks to the staff at Trentham Aged Care

KN280605/L

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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL!

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful foranadvertiser to showany intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy,race, age,marital status,political or religious belief or activity,industrial activity,parental or carer status physical features,disability,lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with aperson with oneofthe above characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. As we couldbe legally liable if we printanunlawful advertisement, we will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. Formore information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal

Valda Priestley

Castlemaine 5470

ShirleyFitch

Funerals KN280600/L

KN280616/L

ShirleyFitch

•ExecutiveAssistant to Director CorporateServices, Full time

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

KN280610

Working together for ahealthy, connected shire

Notice is given to the Kyneton community of the CWAKyneton branch Annual General Meeting to be heldon ThursdayOctober 17th at 1130am, Watts Pavilion Kyneton Showgrounds cwakyneton31@ gmail.com

KN280602/L

Place: Upper Coliban Reservoir Dam Kyneton Springhill Road, Tylden

Date: Sunday, October 13. Time: 9am

Election of Office Bearers and Committee All members welcome

RM Begg Kyneton AgedCare

CRAFT MARKET

Saturday September 7th, 2024 9am-1pm

RMBEGG Aged Care

BOLTONHALL 22 Epping Street, Kyneton

Items Include: Knit wear,Beanies,Scarves, Rugs,Toys, Cakes,Jams, Sauces,Books HUGE CLEARANCE OF BEANIES AND BOOKS

EFTPOS AVAILABLE

GISB ORN E, 75 Mulgutherie Way, Sat &Sun Oct. 5&6 9am -5pm. Moving Sale. Furniture, tools, plants, household goods.

KYNETON, 56 Yaldwyn Street West. Saturday 5 Oct, 10am -2pm. Bikes, Tupperware, bric abrac, clothes. No earlybirds.

Melanie Stephens, Blindness awareness presentations forschools and community groups Assistance with technology and Braille forblind and vision impaired people Brailletranscription and web accessability testing Disability awareness and advocacy 0438 542 274 mickmate94@gmailcom

Contact: John Condliffe0419 397 936 johncondliffe@mail.com

October 2024 9am to 1pm Tennis Courts Car Park Wheeler Street, Castlemaine (opposite Western Reserve) Castlemaine and District Garden Club Inc. Newmembers welcome

WHEELS DEALS

Gisborne

Riddells

Jump shotwin

The Kyneton HiLo Doubles Croquet Tournament has become aregular fixture on the Victorian Croquet Calendar

Players from all over the state competed this year,with Darren Lester (Ararat) defending his title with new partner Paul Williams (Castlemaine). It took a‘jump’ shot by Darren to claim the win by bouncing his ball over an opponent ball and through the final hoop.

Their opponents Elizabeth Payne (Macedon Ranges) and Nick Quirk (Castlemaine) had to settle for second place.

The playofffor third place was narrowly won by Ian Potter (Boort) and Greg Hicks (Bendigo) over Judy Hodder (Bairnsdale) and Ian Pitt (Ballarat Western).

Croquet pennant begins

The Goldfields Croquet Association began its pennant season last week with teams playing in divisions 2and 3.

To increase the number of teams, Goldfields opened up their pennant to clubs from outside their district this year,with teams from Maldon and Kyneton joining in division 2.

In the opening round of division 2, Kyneton proved too strong for Maldon. Graham Smith got Kyneton offtoa good start with aclose 7-5 victory over Theo Stockx, while Darryl Chivers accounted for Chris Cooper 7-4. In the reverse singles, Smith and Chivers again prevailed. The doubles game was aclose affair with the Maldon pair leading much of the time before Kyneton got the upper hand winning 7hoops to 5. In the other match, Bendigo started

with Rupert.

strongly against Castlemaine with John Lillyston beating Nick Quirk 7-3 and Rod Arnold beating Steve Duffy 7-2. In the reverse singles, the results were also reversed, with Quirk beating Arnold and Duffy beating Lillyston; both results being 7hoops to 2. With the match tied at two games apiece, it came down to the doubles to decide the result with the Castlemaine pair winning 7-3.

In division 3, Castlemaine had asolid win over Eaglehawk; Paul Williams narrowly beating Judy Merrett 7-6, while Heather Crawley had agood 7-2 win over Maureen Berryman. Williams and Crawley repeated the results in the reverse singles. Eagehawk gained some consolation by winning the doubles 7-5.

The results from the remaining division 3 match are not in yet.

Riders earnribbons

Three riders from Kyneton Pony Club competed at the Maryborough Horse Trials and Combined Training Day on the weekend with all three earning ribbons.

Ruby Fraser and her horse Rupert received Best Dressage, second place in the Horse Trials and second in the Combined Training for the Grade 3Pony Club division. Claire Barron and her horse Reno were first in the Open Grade 5Horse Trials and third in the Combined Training. Meanwhile Makayla Waters and her horse Carter were third in the Grade 5Pony Club Horse Trials.

CASTLEMAINE

Afullfield of eager competitors turned out for the annual Grand Final Eve ambrose on Friday

In the men'ssection, the BuninyongCastlemaine team of Shane Burke, Tony Strong, Darren Gervasoni and Leigh Campbell won with anett 58.

The mixed winners with 61.875 were Kors VanEyk,Garry Moore, Bronwyn Gudgeon and Helen McEwen.

Ross Stevens (15) fired 40 points to take out Saturday'sstableford, with Garry Mooore (15) runner-up on 38.

The nine holes at 9am stableford went to Bronwyn Gudgeon (25) with an impressive 19 points, one clear of Genevieve Cantwell (46).

There was aclose finish in Thursday's stableford, with victory going to Peter Verlaan (15) with 36points, from Gavin Lang and Alister Campbell both 35. Verlaan and Paul Miller were the NTPs.

GISBORNE

On Grand Final Day,107 golfers teed offinwindy conditions for the stableford event.

Silvio Varrasso took out A-grade with 37 points, VicPapp topped B-grade with 35, and Mathew Willicombe won C-grade and had the day'sbest score of 38 points.

There was no women'seventon Wednesday due to heavy rains.

Free on Saturday,October12? Experience Gisborne Golf Club'sCome and Try Dayand for $10 per person, learn the basics of the game.

KYNETON

Avery hectic week of golf at Kyneton, beginning with the annual par 3tournament for the ladies.

Generous sponsor David Sullivan was present to see 108 players from various clubs participating in fine conditions.

Scratch winner with 63 was Cathy Heald (Goonwarra) on acountback from Trentham'sLisa Caines, with Di Stammers (Ballarat) third on 65.

A-grade handicap: Deb Kohlman 6717-50 from Denise Murphy 67-13-54 and Kerryn Klemm (Bairnsdale) 67-13-55.

B— Bronwyn Gudgeon (Castlemaine) 69-28-48 from Marg Scoble 67-18-49 on acountback from Bron Dwyer 70-21-49.

C—Carolyn Gravey (Trentham) 7430-44 from Karen Serrano (Riverside) 7729-48 on countback from Helen McEwen (Castlemaine) 76-28-48.

Longest drives: A— Liz Molesworth (Ballarat); B— Sue Scott (13th Beach); C—Anne McKeon (Trentham).

Wednesday stableford: Pat Clohesy (18) 36 points on acountback, with Valma Smoors the women'swinner.NTPs— Nev Yates 3, Smoors and Ross Martin.

Afull field turned out for the two-person ambrose on the Grand Final Eveholiday

Tyson Burns —Luke Drake won with 65-2.75-62.25 from Norm and Brad Cue 69-6.25-62.75.

Nearly all Saturday players were out early,then back in time to see Brisbane Lions demolish Sydney Swans by 10 goals in the AFL Grand Final.

Jason McClure (6) topped A-grade with 35 points from Jack Timmins (Curlewis) 32; B— Barry Murphy (14) 37 from Rgan Williams (13) 34; C—Brad Duncan (21) 40, from David McKelvie (29) 37. NTPs wenttoMcClure, Timmins, Col Hudgson, Peter Cameron and New Zealand visitor Martin Webber LANCEFIELD

The golfing gods were with the club, providing the bestgolfing conditions for the Lancefield Tournament on Friday

Congratulations to Bendigo'sLee McCullough on being the 2024 champion and A-grade winner with 74-5-69.

Broadford'sGraeme Hogg topped B-grade with an 84, and Darren Altham (also Broadford) took out C-grade with a 93.

Town &District

GOLF results

Handicap winners: A— Justin Ryan (Bendigo) 80-8-72; B— Bert Parks (Lancefield) 85-15-70; C— Mitch Thomas (Riverside) 102-31-71.

Ladies: Di Brennan (Lancefield) gross; handicap —Carolyn Garvey (Trentham) 116-42-74.

Saturday Ambrose: Trevor Lambert Gary Dudderidge 65 nett, from Peter McGill —Graham Mau 67.5 and John LeefeDenis Davenport 68.75.

Legends: Steve Draper (17) 40 points, from Ross Farrar (15) 39 and John Leefe (14) 37.

MOUNT MACEDON

Saturday'spre-grand final two-person ambrose produced awin for Matt Willis and Sean Smyth with anett 63.

Runners-up were Richard Payne Tony Littman 67, on acountback from Mark Burrage —Rob Taylor.

Adozen Wednesday hopefuls braved the rain hoping it would ease, to no avail. Nevertheless, all teams completed their soggy ambrose round.

Winners were Mike Hoiles, Karl Pongracic and Jezza Clare with 68-9.5-58.5. Tony Littman, B. Uren, and Rob Taylor were runners-up with 71-10.3-60.7. NTPs —Hoiles and Clare.

ROMSEY

Many members arrived to carry out alist of maintenance and improvement projects at the annual working bee at the course on Friday

Favourable weather conditions were welcomed, and much wasaccomplished. After scarifying the greens, athree-person ambrose took place on Saturday There was time to finish the golf just after noon, enabling players to go to their homes to watch the AFL Grand Final. The women'sSeptember medal event began in cold, drizzly conditions on Wednesday

Periods of heavy rain followed, with Elaine Scanlon overcoming the adverse weather to return 118-35-83 and earn the medal, one shot clear of Jenny Hartley 109-25-84.

TRENTHAM

There were 18 teams in the four-person ambrose on Saturday,with an early breakfast enjoyed before some very good scores were returned.

The winners with 63-6.75-56.75 were Paul Kenton-Burns, David Sisk, Liam Murray and Ross Fletcher,from John Bell, Gary Middleton, Rob Ellis and Jack Conway on 58.25.

The latest delivery of shirts, caps and beanies in several colours is well worth looking at.

WOODEND

The 4BBB stableford multiplier onthe Fridayholiday was hosted again by Paul and Jane Whelan, andattracted 22 pairs. Brian and Jen Hunter combined well to take the honours with 76 points, from Chris and Jenny Holliday on 72.

In last Tuesday'sstableford the winner was Ian Gilmour (28) with 37 points, from in-form Andrew Davies(3) on 36.

Lancefield Tournament winner Lee McCullough.

Ruby

Makayla with Carter.

Winners Paul Williams (Castlemaine) and Darren Lester (Ararat).

Darren Lester (Ararat) jumping an opponent to win the title with partner Paul Williams (Castlemaine).

Best for Redbacks

Recently appointed as playing coach for next season, Nathan Blair has captured Romsey's senior best and fairest football award for 2024.

Captain for the past five years, Blair had an extremely consistent season with the Redbacks, as did runner-up Corey Pertzel, with experienced campaigner Matt Burkett third.

Charlie Jedwab was most improved, and Chris Petroro took out the coaches award.

Romsey held its end of season presentation night at the Old Gaol Cafe in Kilmore.

Other best and fairest football winners were:

Reserves —Aaron Flavel, from Mitchell Adamson and Aaron Paterson.

Under 19.5s —Dylan Kenyon, from Charlie Beer and Marcus Tucker Women—Elise Putyra, from Sacchis Grigg and Laura Lonegan.

NETBALL BEST

Amy Miles, continuing to build on her fine talents, was the Redbacks' A-grade netball best, ahead of Laura Neo.

The coaches award went to Emma Grech, with Josie Lepore the riding star winner

Danni Davidson was best in B-grade, ahead of Maddison Thompson, with Charli Taylor the rising star

Amy Webbb capped offa fine season with the top C-grade award, ahead of Emily Newnham. Kobe Rademaker received the coaches award.

In D-grade, Danielle Butterley was best, from Rachel Frost, with Emily Muir the rising star CLUB AWARDS

Rising gun —Liam Muir

Leading goalkicker —Nathan Hoy

Leading goalshooter —Maddison Thompson.

Netball service award —Leigh Miles.

President'saward —Melinda Skinner and Maryanne Blair Volunteer award —Melissa Award. Cheryl Wright Award —JoAnn Carroll and Martin Storey Life members —Wayne Milburn and Alois Auer Senior

Bowls begins

The 2024-2025 Highlands pennant bowls season begins this Saturday

There are 18 home and away rounds in the top grade, with the key match areplay of last season'sgrand final between Kynton Golf and Romey

Both should be contenders again this season.

Other division 1matches are Gisborne vDiggers Rest, Broadford vTrentham, and Kilmore v Lancefield.

Kyneton, boosted considerably by abig influx of quality bowlers, has the bye.

Mt Cottrell re-joins the competition after along absence, with a team in division 3.

Romsey'sannual Grand Final Eve tournament on Friday was won by Andy Macdonald'steam, with aKilmore side runner-up.

The midweek pennant competition begins on Tuesday,October 22

First round in GDCA season

Bill West

After all the excitement of the 2024 football season dies down, Gisborne District Cricket Association's2024-2025 season begins with aone-day round this Saturday

The powerful A-grade reigning premier, Gisborne, looms large once again as the side to beat in McIntyre Cup Firsts competition.

One-day matches kick offthe season, with quite anumber of new players expected to make their debut at the top level.

GDCA president Simon Overden,vicepresident Emma Goodchild and secretary Callum Jackman are anticipating an excellent season across the various grades.

The association is now one of the largest in Victoria, afar cry from the days in the 1950s and 1960s when there were only eight teams participating —two came from the Sunbury CC, and the others from Gisborne, Romsey,Lancefield, Woodend, Macedon and Riddell.

The population explosion particularly to the south sees names like Aintree and Eynesbury participating, and Eastern Hill

astrongclub for many years in Seymour joins GDCA ranks this season.

Outstanding all-rounder Jarrod Vernon is coach at Gisborne, the side he captained to victory against Romsey in the 2023-2024 grand final. Gisborne has added strength to last season'slineup, and Romsey has prolific run-scorer Ben Wayincharge again and should be very competitive.

The Redbacks finally broke their 40-year premiership drought in 2022-2023, defeating Sunbury United, and anticipate making the finals again.

There are eight teams in the top grade, with Saturday'sone-day round (12pm start).

Broadford, the Johnstone Shield premiers on debut in the GDCA last season, have been promoted to the top grade.

Plenty of lead-up work has been carried out to make ovals as good as possible for the opening round.

Saturday'sMcIntyre Cup Firsts matches are:

Gisborne vRomsey (at Sankey Reserve). Woodend vMacedon.

Rupertswood vSunbury Kangaroos. Sunbury United vBroadford.

First round JohnstoneShield matches on Saturday are:

Wallan vEastern Hill. East Sunbury vEynesbury Kilmore vAintree. Diggers Rest/Bulla abye. McIntyre Cup Seconds comprise eight teams: Romsey vGisborne. Macedon vWoodend. Sunbury Kangaroos vRupertswood. Broadford vSunbury United Johnstone Shield Seconds —Wallan v Eastern Hill, Aintree vKilmore, Eynesbury v East Sunbury,Diggers Rest/Bulla abye Fixtures for other grades were being still being finalised when this summary was compiled.

WOMEN'S LEAGUE

The opening round ofthe Kookaburra Women'sLeague will be played on Sunday, October 13.

There are arecord eight teams competing this season,with games as follows: Macedon vKilmore.

Bacchus Marsh vLancefield Black. Gisborne vWallan.

Macedon’sWest Indian import

Bill West

ABarbados player whose father was the only West Indian test cricketer to be born in England arrives this week to play for Macedon.

Excitement is building within Macedon Cricket Club, and among players and supporters, with Alex Browne expected to be a decided asset to the club on and off the field this season.

Aclub spokesman told the Express that Browne, ahard-hitting batter and all rounder, would play for the Cats against WoodendHesket in the opening Gisborne District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Firsts match on Saturday.

Alex's father, Courtney Browne, was a member of the West Indian side that won the ICC Championship in 2004. He has been aleading administrator in cricket in Barbados.

The Macedon club is delighted to secure the services of Alex Browne, coming off an excellent season with the Thame Town Cricket Club in Oxfordshire, England.

He has been an international player with clubs in England for the past six seasons.

Last summer he played for Northern Raiders in the Warrnambool area of southwest Victoria.

Macedon has not imported players in the past, but wants to improve on its sixth position in McIntyre Cup last season.

Alex Browne's overall credentials impressed the club hierarchy and it is hoped his presence is adecided asset to both the Cats and the GDCA.

Tim Berzins was the Cats' playing coach last season, and duties are likely to be shared among several senior players this season.

Macedon hopes several other players will also lift the club's overall on-field performances this season.

The Cats have amixture of youth and experience across the club, and some of the younger brigade are expected to improve considerably with bat and ball.

Macedon Firsts play Woodend-Hesket in aone-day fixture at Gilbert Gordon Oval from noon this Saturday.

Can they do it again? Gisborne’s victorious McIntyre Cup Firsts premiership side after beating Romsey in the 2023-24 grand final played at Macedon.

Bigruckman takesBowen

Bill West

Woodend-Hesket'sdynamic on-baller Daniel Tomanwas ahot favourite to win the Riddell League'sBowen Medal for the second year in succession, but he had to share second place with Kyneton'sversatile Caleb Fisher

The winner with 21 votes was giant Wallan ruckman Chris Stewart, a 37-year-old who may well be the oldest player to ever claim the prestigious best and fairest award.

Stewart was generally rated as 'recruit of the year'and with 11 premierships behind him, added anew dimension to the league as Wallan unsuccessfully tried to break apremiership drought of 32 seasons.

The league'send-of-season'svote counts and presentations took place at Melton on Thursday night.

Last season Toman won the Bowen with 21 votes, one ahead of Riddell's Dylan Tarczon, and this season he received 18.

"Toman probably had his best season yet, but not winning more matches was probably detrimental to his prospects," Hawks' president Paul Podbury said.

The trio of Stewart, Tomanand Fisher were named as the formidable ruck/on ballers in the RDFNL Team of the Year

Tomanwas also chosen as the Most Valuable Player by opposition sides.

Each team played 16 home and away matches.

Macedon'sAlMeldrum was named Coach of the Year,and the Macedon club also had Damian Slater as coach of the senior women'sfootball team, and Katie Clarke in charge of the netball Team of the Year.Well done, Cats!

The Scarborough Medal for best and fairest in the Reserves was won by Wallan'sMatt Traynor,for the third time. Runner-up was leading goal kicker Nathan Hoy (Romsey).

The Watson Medal for the Under 19.5s were to tall Gisborne Giants captain, TomDoyle, ahead of Macedon'sHud Elmawey

Macedon'stalented young ruckman Edward Ferguson took out the Steve Turner Rising Star Medal from afield of up and comers.

WOMEN'S B&F

The senior women'sRookie Me football best and fairest went to the silky smooth ball winner Ruby Watts, whocrossed to Macedon after formerly playing with Gisborne.

Runner-up was Melton'sTayla Debono.

Watts was also the Most Valuable Player in women'sfootball, with apremiership to celebrate as well.

Lancefield, while finishing on the bottom of the ladder in senior football, was seen as avery innovative club, earning the Club of the Year award.

The Dome Security 'Unsung Hero' award went to Romsey'sdedicated president, Wayne Milburn.

Much travelled and successful goalkicker Dean Galea (Riddell) won the senior goalkicking in his first season with the Bombers, and will be back again in 2025.

Nathan Hoy was the Reserves top goalkicker,Finton Light (Macedon) and Jack Clough (Giants) shared the Under 19.5 goalkicking, and the women'stop goalkicker (easily) was Macedon'sCharlotte Noonan.

Team of the Year

The Bendigo Bank Senior Football Team of the Year in the Riddell League for 2024 is as follows:

B: Brooke Gilchrist (Wallan), Harrison Huntley (Kyneton), Edward Ferguson (Macedon).

HB: Shaun Campbell (D Rest), Ben Sonogan (Ridd), Natham Blair (Romsey).

HF: Dylan Tarczon (Ridd), Jason Cooke (Macedon), Marcus Calvaresi (D Rest).

F: Reuben Rode (Wallan), Dean Galea (Ridd), Brodie Meyers (D Rest).

Followers: Chris Stewart (Wallan), Dniel Toman (W-H), Caleb Fisher (Kyneton). Interchange: Kamen Ogilvie (Ridd), Corey Pertzel (Romsey), Jake Armistead (MC), Campbell Wearne (D Rest). Coach —AlMeldrum (Macedon).

Shepherdclaims Ryan Medal

Bill West

Kyneton A-grade defender Tilly Shepherd has won the top individual netball award, the 2024 Ryan Medal, in the Riddell League.

The 22-year-old university student was elated, and also surprised, to top the absorbing medal count by one vote at the league'spresentation night on Thursday evening.

The agile, quick-moving Shepherd played every game and felt she had a very consistent season.

"I wasn't expecting it, there'ssomany amazing players in opposition teams.

"I definitely prefer the Riddell League to the Bendigo League we started the season well (beating reigning premiers Woodend-Hesket) but things did not work out as hoped with injuries and an unsettled side."

In its first season in the RDFNL, Kyneton finished on the bottom of the Agrade netball ladder,but expects to improve significantly next season.

Shepherd's21votes to 20 medal victory has boosted club spirits at Tigerland.

Runner-up was Woodend-Hesket'splaying coach Ty Coppinger,who was looked on as astrong prospect to make it three Ryan medals in succession.

Coppinger was thrilled to lead her side to back-to-back premierships, and was also the recipient of the league'sMost Valuable Player award.

Shepherd and Coppinger both secured places in the Team of the Year

Rising star was Dakota Lister (Wallan).

Other netball awards went to the following:

Leading goal scorers: B-grade —Tarnee Hammond (Lancefield); C— Tayla Durham (Woodend-Hesket); D—Holly Mason (Gisborne Giants); 19&Under —Elizabeth Crump.

Best defender: B-grade —Beck Anstey (Riddell); C-grade —Brooklyn Anderson (Macedon); D-grade —StaceyGriffin (Gisborne Giants). TEAM OF THE YEAR

Maeve Donegan (Wallan) goal shooter,Leona Hristovska (Diggers Rest) goal attack, Madison Brown (Riddell) wing attack, Maddi Wallmeyer (Wallan) centre, Dakota Lister (Wallan) wing defence, Ty Coppinger (Woodend-Hesket) goal defence), Tilly Shepherd (Kyneton) goalkeeper.Substitutes —Katie Clarke and Caitlyn Alifrace (both Macedon, Emily Miles (Romsey). Clarke was appointed coach, and made the team for the 10th year —a fine achievement.

Elated —Kyneton’s Tilly Shepherd after winning the 2024 Ryan Medal.

Most Valuable Player and medal runner-up Ty Coppinger.

Wallan ruckman Chris Stewart wonthe Bowen Medal.

Macedon’s RubyWatts was named Best and fairest and also Most Valuable Player in the women’s football.

Woodend-Hesket’s Daniel Toman and Kyneton’s Caleb Fisher shared second place.

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