Front page: Chris (aka now and again Mick from Wolf Creek) and Shirl Olver are are selling their unique Yandoit home. And we mean unique. Want a modern home with a historic village attached? Read all about it on page 16.
Image: Kyle Barnes
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The next edition is out on Monday, May 4, 2026 or online on Sunday, May 3 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, April 29
Copy deadline: Thursday, April 30
Editorial deadline: Thursday, April 30
General manager: Kyle Barnes - 0416 104 283 | kyle@tlnews.com.au
The Local is a registered trademark of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
The Local is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association, with editor Donna Kelly, a former director.
Want to support local, quality journalism? Donate by scanning the QR code.
The content expressed within this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Local Publishing Group Pty Ltd. The Local Publishing Group's editorial guidelines and complaints-handling process can be found at www.tlnews.com.au We welcome all feedback.
Editor: Donna Kelly - 0418 576 513 | news@tlnews.com.au
Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat
Writers:
Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly
Photographers: Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly
Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness
Contributors:
Darren Lowe (music), Jeff Glorfeld (US life), Bill Wootton (poetry), Dr Marita McGuirk (wildlife), Natalie Poole (history) & John Beetham (gardens)
Accounts: Julie Hanson | Delivery: Tony Sawrey
Lest We Forget - Anzac Day - April 25, 2026
An Anzac Day Service will be held at the Bullarto Public Hall on South Bullarto Road at 2pm. Due to the unpredictable weather the service will be held in the hall adjacent to the flag pole. The order of service is available on the day.
Kingston
Guest speaker is Ruth Ord Evans, the great-grand niece of Sister Margaret Anderson (1871-1967) who is honoured on the Avenue of Honour with Tree East 141. The service starts at 9am, assemble at the Cenotaph at 8.45am. People are then invited to the Commercial Hotel for a cuppa and to view the Kingston Remembers Resource Centre.
Creswick
Dawn Service at 5.40am - assemble at the Cenotaph for a 5.50am start, followed by the Gunfire Breakfast in the Senior Citizens Centre. Service at 9.30am at the Soldiers' Graves at the Creswick Cemetery, 141 Clunes Road.
Service 10am at the Memorial Stones, RSL Hall, 60 Albert Street. March assembly at 10.15am at the Splash Park. March commences at 10.30am followed by the Anzac Day Service at the Creswick Cenotaph. 2UP at 12.30pm at the front of the RSL Hall.
Daylesford
Dawn Service at 6.30am at the Cenotaph. Service at 10.30 at the Cenotaph after the march steps off at 10.15am. The unveiling of the newly installed WWI Memorial will take place at 1pm just to the west of the East Street, Daylesford roundabout outside Middleton Fields. (The Local will run a feature on the creation of the Memorial in the next edition, May 4. Congratulations to all involved.)
Hepburn
Service at 8am at the Hepburn Memorial, Park Avenue.
Eganstown
Service at 9am at the Eganstown Memorial in Old Main Road.
Kyneton
Dawn Service at the Cenotaph at 6am, followed by Gunfire Breakfast. Parade at 9.30am followed by 9.45am ceremony at the Kyneton Cenotaph.
Bullarto
Mary-Anne Thomas calls it quits for 2026
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas will quit politics at the forthcoming 2026 state election.
In a statement, Ms Thomas said representing the people of Macedon and serving as cabinet minister had been an incredible privilege.
"When Dan Andrews asked me to take on the health portfolio our health system was experiencing unprecedented challenges as a result of the Covid pandemic. I knew it would be hard. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how incredibly rewarding it would be.
"Every visit to a health service confirms that our healthcare workers, with their unparalleled skill, commitment and compassion are the beating heart of our worldclass system. It has been a privilege to work with you."
Ms Thomas said women’s rights were under attack from conservative political forces around the world.
"That’s why as Minister for Health, and more recently as Minister for Women, it has been an honour to deliver significant reforms to make Victoria better."
They included establishing 20 women’s health clinics, a virtual, mobile and dedicated Aboriginal women’s health clinic, public fertility care, Urgent Care Clinics, and a virtual hospital.
Ms Thomas said other highlights included reforming Victoria’s nation-leading Voluntary Assisted Dying laws to ensure they kept pace with changes in other states and territories, as well as landmark legislation to protect children born with variations in their sex characteristics.
Ms Thomas, who also took on the role of Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development through Covid, said the electorate of Macedon was made up of small towns and tight-knit communities who were passionate about sport, great education and good secure jobs for their children, as well as protecting the unique features of the region.
"As local member, our government has delivered multimillion dollar redevelopments of each of our secondary schools, two brand new primary schools, and countless upgrades to schools right across the region.
"The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is the largest infrastructure project ever delivered in the Macedon Ranges and was made possible by state and federal governments backing in our local communities. It complements the many new and upgraded sports facilities, playgrounds, parks and skate parks across Macedon."
Ms Thomas said the decision to leave politics had been tough.
"I have worked all my life for a better, fairer and more equal world, and my approach has always been to leave nothing in the tank. I realise that I can’t make that same commitment for another four years."
Premier Jacinta Allan said Ms Thomas took on the health portfolio during a one-in-100-year pandemic "and has achieved so much for our public health system, always backing our dedicated and hard-working workforce".
"As the Member for Macedon since 2014 she leaves government having made this state a better place."
During her political career Ms Thomas has been: Minister for Health June 2022 - April 2026; Minister for Ambulance Services October 2023 - April 2026; Minister for Women December 2025 - April 2026; Minister for Health Infrastructure December 2022 - December 2024; Minister for Medical Research December 2022 - October 2023; Minister for Ambulance Services June 2022 - December 2022; Minister for Agriculture December 2020 - June 2022; and Minister for Regional Development December 2020 - June 2022.
Before her election to parliament, Ms Thomas was a teacher, unionist, and a public, private and non-government organisation sector executive.
Ms Thomas's move to Macedon in 2014 was not without controversy.
In February that year, a petition calling for her removal was signed by more than 85 per cent of ALP members in the electorate.
The petition came after Ms Thomas's preselection ahead of former federal MP and Trentham resident Christian Zahra, who received 81 per cent of votes taken in a local ballot.
In the 2014 election, Ms Thomas received 14,677 votes (38.67%) behind the Liberal Party's Donna Petrovich who received 16,376 votes (43.15%). After the distribution of preferences Ms Thomas had 20,417 votes (53.79%) ahead of Ms Petrovich's 17,538 votes (46.21%)
Above right, retiring Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas
Words: Kyle Barnes & DonnaKelly | Image: Contributed More at Just sayin'... page 21
Hepburn Wildlife News
Birds and windows
Autumn in Daylesford is visually stunning. Where I live, the view is not the brilliant hues of the autumn leaves, but a bush scene with a magnificent manna gum, strikingly white after the natural shedding of the outer bark layer over summer.
The yellow box and grey box are looking refreshed after the recent rains and young wattles are producing vibrant new shoots in different shades of green.
The view I see from my window is the mirror image of the view the birds in the forest see when looking at my windows. This is why birds will fly, full on, into windows. They don’t see glass, it is invisible to them, but they certainly feel its hard surface.
Birds can sustain life-threatening injuries from flying into our windows. The degree of injury depends on physiological factors that are specific to different bird species.
Longer-billed birds can sustain damage to the brain stem, bigger birds will have more momentum and will hit the window harder than a smaller bird. An example of this is the image an owl left on a window it flew into with such force it left a full body image from the finer feathers, pictured. Small birds such as the honeyeaters and wrens have finer bones that can break when flying into a window.
Jon Rowdon from the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter says that common injuries are concussion and bruising on the brain. These injuries make it hard for a bird to perch on a branch or even look for food. Consequently, the bird will more easily be prey for other animals.
It can take a bird weeks to recover from these injuries and they must be kept quiet, calm and monitored regularly. So, if you see a bird that has been stunned or injured from flying into a window, phone the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter on 0409 380 327 or Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.
We can make our windows visible to birds by putting patterns onto them; there are many products available for this purpose, but mainly the aim is to make the windows less transparent so that they won’t be reflecting an image of nature back to the birdlife.
Some ideas from Birdlife Australia include putting patterns on your windows using soap or clay and moving bird feeders and baths away from windows.
by Marita McGuirk
FARMED . FAMILY RAISED.
GREENHILLS NATURAL NATURALLY
THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS FOR OUR LOCALS
TIME TO TURN OFF THE BBQ AND TURN ON THE OVEN. LOW AND SLOW.
Now is the time to buy cuts that are cooked low and slow for soups, braises and casseroles. Batch cook and freeze for simple and easy midweek meals. HAM HOCKS
We also carry a full range of bones for making stocks plus our range of Greenhills Beef and Lamb from our own farm, free-range chickens and beautiful free-range Otway Pork. Pop into the store for daily pop-up specials and chat to the team about some of our pre-prepared dishes and marinated meats.
Dr Marita McGuirk is a field ecologist and environmental scientist, and a volunteer at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Marita writes monthly columns about the shelter and the animals it cares for. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just to find out more information, head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org
Two websites – one local c
PaperTole by KC is the new website showcasing the papercraft works of local resident Casey Pilcher. Like traditional papertole, these products contain many detailed and seperate layers , to create highly realistic, framed 3D photographs. A process refined over 20 years of hobby interest; one-of-a-kind!
Check the website for the current Ballarat display location, new for 2026!
New
Local Music A lbum!
Casey Pilcher has collaborated with Melbourne producer Robyn Payne to release their debut album. Completed in 2025, the work is a blend of emotive ballads and powerful rock songs, and tops off years developing demos and singles.
Streaming on all popular platforms , and for download via independent host Bandcamp. CD’s also available (see website / contact form).
Please enjoy and appreciate our depth of lyrics, instrumental production, and Elise’s vocal talent.
Mr Bailey’s Minder
The Mount Players second show for 2026, Mr Bailey’s Minder, a dramatic comedy by Debra Oswald, opens Friday, May 8 and runs to May 24. Abusive, cantankerous and burned out by booze, Leo Bailey is one of Australia’s national treasures. A gifted painter and chronic alcoholic, he can no longer take care of himself. His resentful daughter, Margo, has been through a succession of minders, until Therese comes along, fresh out of jail and determined to make a go of her limited options. It’s a tough, funny, big hearted play.
Tickets: www.themountplayers.com or call 0419 329 052.
* Auditions for the August musical After-Light are on Saturday, May 16 and Thursday, May 21 at the Mountview Theatre, Macedon. Singers, dancers and musicians are needed. Contact Craig Lenaine-Smith at mountplayerspresident@gmail.com
Just briefly...
A Trentham Cemetery Walk will be held on Sunday, May 3 at noon and 2pm. Learn about Trentham's history by viewing grave sites with a member of the Trentham and Districts Historical Society. Cost is $15. Meanwhile, a Trentham Town Walk will also be held on Sunday, May 3 from 11am. Discover the stories of Trentham – a guided tour through history. Take a tour of the town’s historic sites and hear about the town's gold rush fortunes, farming and forestry. Cost is $15. Tickets: Trentham Historical Society website.
Volunteers from Breaze and Hepburn Energy who have electrified their home are offering consultations free from cost or obligation.
The closest to Hepburn Shire is at the Moorabool Landcare Festival (Ballan Library) on Saturday, May 16 from 10am to 3pm. The consultations explain rebates and how to identify the best products. Bookings: www.breaze.org.au/ceep
Hepburn Shire Council is reporting a 30 per cent reduction in the number of active planning permit applications in the past six months.
CEO Bradley Thomas said the council had worked hard over the past few months to sharpen its planning service and ensure that the team has all the resources they need to deliver for the community. The council had 124 live permit applications at the end of March 2026, the lowest levels since pre-pandemic.
Ballarat federal MP Catherine King has announced $14,800 for the Clunes Neighbourhood House for its Safe and Connected Rural Women program.
Safe & Connected Rural Women is a community-led initiative which will be facilitated by the Clunes Neighbourhood Centre in collaboration with WRISC Family Violence Support. Over a six-month period, women will co-design and test a community-led response to rural isolation.
One of two houses from The Block in Daylesford which remain unsold has had a price drop.
Han and Can’s House 2, 4 Cedar Lane, Daylesford had a reserve of $2,990,000 but was passed in with a vendor bid of $3.1m during filming last October. It is now on the market at $2.9m. Emma and Ben's House 1 at 5 Cedar Lane, remains listed with a $3m-$3.3m guide in the statement of information.
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme has seen Victorians returning more than three billion containers. That's $300 million back.
Since the scheme launched in November 2023, 5,282,798 drink containers have been returned at Hepburn Shire collection points, 10,141,217 drink containers have been returned at Macedon Ranges Shire collection points and 15,921,011 drink containers have been returned at Moorabool Shire collection points.
Edgy Veg Awards
The Edgy Veg Awards are on until April 30.
The Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires are buzzing as the Edgy Veg Awards hit the home straight, inviting locals and visitors alike to taste their way through innovative and seasonal plant-based dining.
With venues across Kyneton, Woodend, Mount Macedon and Gisborne - as well as Mount Alexander Shire - dishing up creative, veg-forward meals, the month-long competition is well underway - and momentum is building.
Participating venues across the Macedon Ranges are stepping up with inventive offerings from smoky comfort dishes to fresh, vibrant plates that challenge expectations.
Woodend venues Woodend Cellar and Bar, The Victoria Hotel, Sizzler Restobar, Paysanne Café, McQueens Woodfired Pizza, Hanging Rock Café, Holgate Brewhouse and 600 Above have embraced the challenge.
Venues across Gisborne, Riddells Creek and Mount Macedon, too: Bowl’d, Macedon Ranges Wholefoods, Mt Macedon Trading Post and 3 Little Pigs Café, have been serving up inventive veg-rich dishes, drawing in curious food lovers and regulars alike.
Diners are encouraged to visit multiple venues, cast their votes and help crown the region’s most vegelicious dishes.
The initiative is run by Veg Action and supported by Healthy Loddon Campaspe, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, RT Edgar, Snap Fitness and Community Bank Gisborne & District.
With the competition running until the end of April, there’s still plenty of time to join in. Whether people are committed vegetarians or just veg-curious, the Edgy Veg Awards offer a perfect excuse to explore the region, support local hospitality, and enjoy a guilt-free culinary adventure.
See the full range of vegelicious options and plan your tasting schedule at www.edgyvegawards.com.au/
Above, Mandy from Sizzler Restobar at Woodend with their Veg Manchurian
Image: Tiffany Warner Photography
Meet Lisa Wilkinson
An Evening with Lisa Wilkinson will be held at the Phee Broadway Theatre in Castlemaine on Friday, May 8 from 7pm.
Lisa will discuss her new book and epic tale, The Titanic Story of Evelyn
This is the never-before-told true story of Evelyn Marsden, a brave Australian nurse who was the only Australian-born survivor of the sinking of the Titanic.
It is an unforgettable story of the best and worst of humanity, a snapshot of a moment in history and a celebration of courage and resilience.
Lisa will be at the Daylesford Convent for High Tea on Saturday, May 9 from 11.30am.
The event includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, high tea and conversation followed by the opportunity to have a book signed.
A Member of the Order Of Australia, as well as a multi Walkley award-nominated and Logie award-winning journalist, Lisa has been one of Australia's most admired and respected media personalities for more than four decades.
At just 21, Lisa became the youngest editor ever appointed to take charge of a national magazine, Dolly, and managed to quickly triple circulation during the four years of her leadership. She was then headhunted by Kerry Packer to become editor of the iconic Cleo magazine.
More recently she has hosted breakfast television and The Project. She wrote her first book in 2021, the memoir, It Wasn’t Meant To Be Like This.
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
VIC STATE ROOFING
Metal Roof Specialist
To
Hepburn Shire Council news...
Hepburn Shire Council has taken action against landowners breaching planning regulations and related permits.
One landowner has continued to breach the shire’s regulations by storing many more wrecked vehicles on their land than allowed under their permit despite a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal order to comply in 2023.
Last month, officers concluded a three-day trial at VCAT asking for the tribunal to declare the landowner "in contempt" of the 2023 order, a serious charge allowing VCAT to impose substantial fines or prison time.
Similarly, two Daylesford landowners are facing penalties of up to $70,000 and $6000 respectively, for the illegal removal of vegetation.
Hachis Parmentier (the
The council's media release did not say if the landowners had been fined, had paid fines or had spent time in prison for the breaches.
Meanwhile, community groups are being encouraged to bring their project ideas to life, with the council’s Community Grants Program now officially open for applications.
To support applicants, the council is hosting an online information session where community members can learn more about the grant process, eligibility requirements, and how to submit a strong application.
The session, to be held on Thursday, April 30 from 6.30 to 7.30 pm, will also provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Not-for-profit community organisations can apply for grants of up to $5000.
premium upgrade of cottage pie)
BY SARAH LANG (IMAGE BY MATTHEW RYLE)
Scrolling on TikTok I came across this recipe by UK Chef Matthew Ryle @matthewryle. As an absolute fan of beef cheeks and mash, I had to try it. Hands down, one of the most delicious recipes I have ever cooked.
I have included some steps to the original recipe and tweaked things slightly to make it a little easier for a home cook but you will not be disappointed!
Click the QR code below to get the full recipe or head to our website below.
To see the video of Matthew and more of his recipes, head to matthewryle.com/recipes and search for Cottage Pie aka Hachis Parmentier.
Finally, two key components are now underway as part of the Daylesford Community Facilities Project at the Daylesford Town Hall.
After considering community feedback and remaining mindful of financial constraints, the council supported a long-term staged approach to the project while still supporting the reactivation of the auditorium.
This next stage of detailed planning and design has been split into two components to ensure targeted planning and delivery with a total budget of $270,000 (funded in 2025/26).
The first component is focused on developing the detailed design for the front section of the town hall while the second centres on upgrades to the auditorium.
Quotations for the auditorium upgrades close May 1.
Words: Kyle Barnes
A Schoolhouse Transformed..
Enveloped by the enchanting hamlet of Glenlyon, just 10 minutes from Daylesford , this extraordinary property offers a rare blend of history, charm, and versatility. Originally built in 1861 as the local primary school, this character-filled residence stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, now transformed into a one-of-a-kind sanctuary on a sprawling 4857sqm (approx.) of land. Two detached garden studios add another layer of appeal, each with its own veranda, kitchenette, and bathroom. These versatile spaces are perfect as guest accommodation, home offices, or creative retreats. Whether hosting family, friends, or clients, these private sanctuaries enhance the property's flexibility and allure.
This is more than a home; it's a rare opportunity to own a piece of history while enjoying a lifestyle that celebrates individuality and connection to nature. With frontage on the iconic Avenue of Federation, this property has proven potential for hospitality ventures, including cafe and Bnb rentals, with a close proximity to Glenlyon General Store , Glenlyon Dam and Daylesford.
As advertised or by appointment A Schoolhouse Transformed. A Story Retold
Unfortunately, we have experienced some technical issues with getting pet registration notices sent out in time.
Pet owners in the Shire should receive their notices in the mail from Monday 20 April. Payment is due on Monday 1 June 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience and confusion. Please reach out if you have any issues by raising a request online at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/request or by phoning (03) 5348 2306.
Tech Talk and Tea is back
These free sessions help to build tech expertise and confidence and are supported by the Good Things Foundation.
Session details:
• Tuesday 21 April: Staying Safe Online
• Tuesday 28 April: Artificial Intelligence and You
• Tuesday 5 May: Connecting with Others
Locations:
• Daylesford (at Council’s customer service centre, cnr Duke & Albert streets, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Creswick Hub, 2 to 4 pm No bookings are required, so please just come along.
Healthy Landscapes
Are you interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture?
The Healthy Landscapes short courses have been designed to assist farmers and property owners to improve their skills and knowledge about regenerative grazing, resulting in an increase in soil carbon and perennial pasture species, including native species.
Hepburn Shire farmers and property owners are invited to express their interest in participating at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/healthy-landscapes
Council’s Planning team hits a turning point
Over the past 12–18 months, Council has worked conscientiously to improve its planning processes and procedures and tighten planning regulation monitoring and compliance.
Council has seen a 30 per cent reduction in the number of active permit applications in the last six months. This is a result made possible by the rollout of several new initiatives and our ability to recruit a fully resourced planning team.
Read more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/planning-turning-point
Fire Danger Period ends
The Fire Danger Period was lifted at 1 am on Monday 13 April. This means residents can resume burn-offs, but it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly, visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/local-laws to find out more.
Old ways, work & chores
Twelve Best Roses
In honour of Mother’s Day and the many roses that will be sold roadside for this day, I bring you a story on the 12 Best Roses.
Who could have imagined that in 1904 you would have seen a competition for the 12 Best Roses. In 1914, more debate occurred for the top 12 and the commentary on what constitutes a good rose was blooming marvellous.
It was mentioned that for a rose to be classed as one of the best, it should be a vigorous grower and be fit for exhibition, garden, or decoration. They must have colour, depth, large petals and perfect form - qualities very desirable for all purposes.
The Argus had daily letters to the editor with the rose being referred to as the Queen of Flowers. Rosarians may grow roses to perfection, but this flower is not for everyone. There are many things to consider – sunshine, temperatures, soil and making sure you feed them well.
A few Trenthamites weighed in on the ongoing commentary with their top 12:
Thomas Cantwell, High Street: Madame Abel Chatenay, Frau Karl Druschki, La France, Belle Siebrecht, Souv. De Maria de Zayas, Georges Schwartz, Queen of Spain, Irish Elegance, Madame Jules Gravereaux, Chateau de Clos Vouguot, Mrs Harold Brocklebank and Climbing Perle des Jardins.
Thomas Welch, National Bank: Belle Siebrecht, Lyons Rose, Perle von Godesberg, Souv. De Maria de Zayas, La France, White Maman Cochet, Madame Abel Chatenay, Prince Camille de Rohan, Grus au Teplitz, Perles des Jardins, Papa Gontier and Madame Jules Gravereaux.
Carting hay ready to build a haystack at the Sartoris' Farm, Franklinford
J. J. Murphy, Trentham: Madame Abel Chatenay, Belle Siebrecht, Lady Battersea, Queen of Spain, Rose d'Evian, Mrs. Harold Brocklebanlc, Caroline Testout, Margaret Dickson, Mrs David McKee, La France, Madame Jules Gravereaux and The Bride.
The competition eventually closed and the top 12 for 1914 were: Madame Abel Chateney, pictured bottom, Frau Karl Druschki, pictured top, White Maman Cochet, pictured middle, Lyons Rose, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, General McArthur, Belle Siebrecht, La France, Joseph Hill, Rhea Reid, Souvenir De Maria de Zayas and Dean Hole.
(I hope your Mother’s Day is filled with joy, you reminisce about days gone by and get to smell a perfumed rose or two - Nat)
The Local would love to run some of our readers' favourite roses - a 2026 competition of sorts. Send a photo and a few details to donna@tlnews.com.au by May 1 to be included in the next edition...
On the job - Old ways, work & chores is on exhibition at the Daylesford Museum, 100 Vincent Street until Saturday, May 30.
Museum curator Gary Lawrence said the exhibition was an opportunity for residents and visitors to wander through this exhibition of artefacts, images and information.
"It will prompt your memories of older generations, perhaps grandma and grandpa. How much simpler and quicker are many domestic tasks as compared to decades ago.
"Women seemed tied to a routine, washing on Monday, ironing on Tuesday etc and always cooking. The men were often working on the farm. Work was very physical, demanding and conducted in unhealthy or dangerous conditions."
The museum is open Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. Adults $5, children free.
Mystic Drive, Yandoit - Where legend meets lifestyle
Step into a world that doesn’t come along twice.
Just 15 minutes from Daylesford, this extraordinary Yandoit property has reemerged and is now for sale.
A solid steel-frame home offering three bedrooms (with potential for four) anchors the property, surrounded by expansive shedding, multiple carports, and beautifully established gardens. Water is abundant, with dams and tanks well supplied, while three solar systems deliver serious energy efficiency.
But it’s what lies beyond the practical that makes this property unforgettable…
A fully realised “old town” setting transforms the land into a scene straight out of the Gold Rush or a Western frontier waiting for its next story to unfold. It’s immersive, imaginative, and impossible to replicate.
All of this set against breathtaking panoramic views stretching to Mount Franklin.
KL Estate Agents have taken this already remarkable property and turned it into a cinematic experience. Their signature documentary-style video, blending suspense, western, and comedy, captures not just the home, but the lifestyle, the land, and the community.
Directed and produced by Leah and Kim, this isn’t a one-off - it’s how they market every property. Their cinematic videos celebrate local businesses and community, regularly go viral, and become a treasured keepsake for both seller and buyer. Their business is rapidly gaining momentum as a result.
Bringing diverse expertise, Kim offers nearly 15 years’ experience across metro and country real estate, including pre-sale property preparation, while Leah brings a vast knowledge in subdivision, development, and real estate investing.
To check out more of their incredible marketing videos, you can view them on their YouTube channel – KL Estate Agents. And scan the QR code to see their Yandoit video! It's fantastic.
We don’t just list homes — we create campaigns that capture attention and drive demand.
Through high-impact video, social media storytelling, and targeted digital strategies, we showcase your property in a way that connects emotionally with buyers and maximises reach.
With deep local knowledge and a strong understanding of buyer behaviour, we combine data-driven strategy with creative execution to achieve premium results.
Contact us today for a tailored Comparative Market Analysis and a marketing strategy designed to maximise your property’s full potential.
Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply.
Delivery times are Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. We have an on-board EFTPOS.
You will need to be at home for the delivery with proof of age if asked by the driver. Give the Foxxy team a call on 5348 3577.
Kyle's Rant
I am not usually a tin-hat wearing, anti-jab conspiracy theorist, however there’s a bit of stuff in the news that’s made me take a second look at history.
Case in point is the latest fly-by the moon by the Artemis II, where they whipped by the piece of cheese looking for suitable landing spots, which makes me pause for thought. The Artemis III test mission is planned for 2027, and then a human moon landing is planned for 2028, with the long-term goal of building a moon base which will eventually serve as a stepping stone for human missions to Mars.
But look back to 1969 where man apparently already landed on the moon with “one small step for man one giant leap” and all that. But conspiracy theorists allege that NASA, in collaboration with Hollywood, faked the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing in a studio to win the space race.
Popular myths suggest director Stanley Kubrick filmed it, often citing alleged inconsistencies in photos, such as non-parallel shadows or missing stars, as proof of a staged set.
Another head scratcher is what happened in 1972 and why haven’t we returned in the past 54 years or just over half a century. Humans have landed on the moon six times, all during NASA's Apollo program between 1969 and 1972. A total of 12 people have walked on the lunar surface, and 24 astronauts have travelled to the moon. The last crewed mission, Apollo 17, departed in December 1972.
I guess it’s one of those riddles that will never be revealed but theories (apart from aliens who live up there and kicked us off) range from lack of funding to political focus. But as the attention is shifting to other planets for colonisation like Mars, humans need a low gravity lilypad on which to hop off to far-flung spots around the cosmos.
I suppose it’s the same as the riddle of the Iran war and why the Yanks are over there, when things from the outside appeared to be going along swimmingly. The start of the stouch was reiterating that Tehran “can never have a nuclear weapon”. And apparently, they were getting close, but who do you believe? There is so much bovine excrement being slung around by American politicians. And don’t get me started on the social media platforms which are tantamount to an echo chamber of your own beliefs.
So I can’t see why the Trump doesn’t clean up his own backyard first. He started with a nationalistic approach, going to fix everything in his great land and stuff the rest of the world but changed tack when he sidled up to his new bestie Netanyahu.
But surely Trumpster or as he now goes by “Jesus Christ” should be sorting out the US first instead of spending billions of dollars on war. After all, he has over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night and a health system that is in a spiral with life expectancy of 79, roughly four years lower than the average of comparable developed countries.
The US debt-to-GDP ratio is approximately 122%–123%, with total federal debt surpassing $37 trillion - partly because of the war. This means the nation owes more than it produces in a year.
And to give you context Australia has a 34.8% debt-to-GDP ratio. But Trump still keeps spending hard-fleeced tax dollars on a war on the other side of the world, probably to shore up some sort of real estate deal. Gaza Strip anyone?
Beyond me confused rant over…
Ed's note: Hmmm. Iran may have seemed to be going along swimmingly but I don't think as a woman I would want to be swimming anywhere around there.
Local Lines
Autumn
Cirrus streaked dawning
Raven caw magpie chortle
Essence of autumn
Buffeted dry curls
Naked deciduousness
Windfall red-gold-brown
Bitter ice reveal
Chill factoring southern wind
Murderous frost knife
Meagre sun ration
Leaden darkness afternoon
Acrid woodfire smoke
- Julie Moran
Julie finds inspiration within the minutiae of life. She is a member of Clunes Writers' Group.
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
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Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie the Kelpie & Curly the Cocker Spaniel - we picked them from the Peninsula
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Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
So Macedon MP and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has decided that 12 years in the seat is long enough. She is no longer a minister and will not stand in the November election. Fair call.
I think being a pollie would be hard work. You really can't win - well the party can - but the haters gonna hate no matter what you do.
Look at poor Dan during Covid. All that time in front of the cameras, reporting on numbers every day, locking us down, keeping us safe. And I know so many people who can't stand him - not just the cyclist.
I thought he did alright for his first rodeo. The best thing for us was that the media was allowed to travel - so we used to drive around the shire just to try to keep our sanity intact.
Anyway, well done Mary-Anne. I did ask her PR person what was next on the agenda but I was told there were no firm plans.
I would take a break too. As she said she does not have enough in the tank for another four years, but she might have enough in the bank for a well-earned break.
I like keeping my mind busy so I had a bit of a search around the internet and found a site for the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal.
The tribunal is responsible for setting remuneration for Members of Parliament, local councillors and executives in the Victorian public sector.
It's an interesting read. I found that:
The basic salary payable to an MP is $211,972 per annum;
The additional salary and any expense allowance per annum for a minister is $178,171 plus expenses of $18,964;
The electorate allowance per annum if the electorate is 500 square kilometres or more but less than 5000 square kilometres is $51,808 (Macedon is 3366 km2);
The parliamentary accommodation sitting allowance if the MP is a Minister of the Crown is $42,298;
The motor vehicle allowance per annum for an MP who does not elect to be provided with a motor vehicle if the electorate is less than 5000 square kilometres is $24,015;
The commercial transport allowance per annum for an MP if the electorate is less than 10,000 square kilometres is $5372; and
The international travel allowance per annum for an MP is $11,410.
By my reckoning Mary-Anne Thomas, and all ministers of the crown, are getting around $544,010 a year. That's $10,461 a week.
Hmmm. I think I got into the wrong profession. My weekly allowance is $50. Even when I worked for bigger news groups like Fairfax it wasn't much more. Journalism is a great game - but it doesn't pay much.
I did write to that same PR person to ask if the wage and expenses was around the half a million dollar mark, and was told it was all publicly available "and on the record for transparency and accountability". Yes or no would have done.
Anyway, Harriet Shing is the new Minister for Health, Ambulance Services and Water. Premier Jacinta Allan said Ms Shing would "bring new ideas to public health, backing our dedicated workforce, and will drive our work making health care easier and cheaper for busy families to access".
That's nice - not sure how water fits into those other portfolios - and do you get to double dip if you are minister for three areas? That would be a great wage.
Hmmm. I guess Macedon is looking for a new MP now. I wonder if Kyle would mind doing The Local on his own? Anyone want to vote for me? Just askin'...
Ageing DisGracefully members, including Max Primmer, get together at the Daylesford Mill Markets Cafe on Thursdays at 11am. All welcome.
For information email ageingdis3461@gmail.com, call 0427 131 249 or head to the Ageing DisGracefully Facebook page.
Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.
