grant will help Men's Shed community activities

win a Commonwealth organisations staff do annual Gisborne vote the

The business deploys an extremely rare Land Rover ex-military SRV-SF and a fully restored ex-military Land Rover 6x6 GMV workshop, with a customised military trailer containing two purpose-built American smokers from Kansas.

"We really appreciate this acknowledgement and support and thank the CBA branch staff and voting customers," a happy Men's Shed member said.

The funding will go towards the purchase of TIG welding equipment to expand their metal-working capabilities.

Give us a few weeks to get organised, the men say (because things rarely move quickly at the Shed), then drop in any Monday, Wednesday or Thursday morning to check out our new welding equipment.

All of the ingredients are purchased either from other veteran-owned businesses or through farms in the Macedon Ranges region. Meats are hickory and cherry wood smoked for up to 14 hours and prepared and served in a traditional East Texan way. All sides, salads and sauces are made from scratch with the only purchased ready item being brioche buns.

The kitchen and trailer are powered by deep cycle batteries that are emission-free and recharge throughout the day via solar means, to reduce food truck noise and fuel use. They have partnered with several Melbourne breweries to collaborate on a specific recipe to be served with their Texas BBQ that can only be bought takeaway from the vehicle when it is deployed.

People often ask how they came up with the name. Like the restored vehicles in the set-up, there is a story behind it. The owner was involved in a major parachuting accident in 2008 with Defence, which forced a career change and rethink on how to stay connected to military units and the wider veteran community. A story that is often not told is how soldiers can and do recover from major accidents, whether those occur in training or on operations overseas.

Owner Mark Nicholson, of Gisborne, said that over the years, seeing men and women of the Australian Defence Forces go through victories and absolute tragedies, the formula has been simple: nothing improves morale like a good parachute landing with a beer and barbecue.

Market stall: Parachute Landing

Macedon Musings

With Belinda Carlton-Doney help recognise the amazing achievements of young people in the shire. The awards are open to young people between 12 and 25 who have made a significant

Well folks, we are deep in the heart of winter now.

Destructive winds have once again torn through the area. Although not as bad as in previous years, we have still seen trees and branches down. A big shout out to the SES and Vicpol for their many appearances along Black Forest and Mt Macedon Roads. They have been there often lately, clearing the road of obstacles and keeping us safe.

There goes the power out again. Smart residents purchased generators after the last black out...not me!

In the township, the electric vehicle charging station is up and running. Macedon joins other towns along the Calder to have such a station such as Woodend and Kyneton, and further afield at Wedderburn, Charlton and Wycheproof. Perfect for day trippers heading out this way. They can charge their car while enjoying a lunch at the pub. Aaargh, no they can’t! Still no pub for us…can you tell I’m a bit salty about that?

: young people who show real character and perseverance, especially in the face of adversity.

Good deeds: young people who give their time and energy to activities that support the wellbeing of another individual, group or community.

Pure imagination: young people pursuing their passion for creativity through the arts.

Nicely played: young people kicking recreational and physical activity goals.

Ash Wednesday book sells out

our going for June at College. cuppa.

All copies of the book Memories of Ash Wednesday by Bryan Power have been sold and the Gazette team wishes to thank the Gisborne News Agency, Macedon Post Office, the Trading Post and Gisborne and District Community Bank for providing outlets for the sales. For anyone who missed out, copies can be seen at the Gisborne Library, the Gisborne Genealogical Group and the Gisborne and Mount Macedon Districts Historical Society.

Skilling it: young people excelling in a mentorship program, workplace or business.

Well aware: young people who shine a light on important issues/social causes, and raise awareness in the community.

Winners will be announced at an event at Kyneton Town Hall on 10 August. Nominations close on Friday 30 June. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/youth-awards.

Luckily, we are well taken care of in the cafe department. Lazy Baker is always busy, so too the ever-popular Mr Macedon. What would we do without them? And have you noticed the newly branded Forty Street? It’s one of the many changes at the former Macedon Lounge as new owner Ve continues with his vision.

Has anyone else noticed the number of kangaroos in the area? We know they are always around, but there seem to be increased numbers this year. Usually, they are just out of range of the car headlights early in the morning (until they’re not)! Currently these jumping ninjas are merrily grazing away along the roadsides en masse…not a care in the world and certainly not worried about cars.

So, take care and drive safely, everyone.