The Local August 10, 2026 Issue 364

August 10, 2026 Issue 364 Gin Win

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

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Front page: Daylesford Spirit Distillery has come away from the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australia International Spirits Awards with a trophy for the Champion Victorian Gin for its Australian Dry Gin. And plenty of other awards. Owner Michael Samootin could not be happier. Read all about the wins on page 19.

August 10, 2026 Issue 364 Gin Win

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.

The next edition is out on Monday, August 24, 2026 or online on Sunday, August 23 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, August 19 Copy deadline: Thursday, August 20 Editorial deadline: Thursday, August 20 General manager: Kyle Barnes - 0416 104 283 | kyle@tlnews.com.au

Front image: Contributed

Editor: Donna Kelly - 0418 576 513 | news@tlnews.com.au Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

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.

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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.

After-Light

After-Light is the Mount Players' third show for 2026.

Penned during Covid by Zac Vanston, it explores some darker themes including break-ups and induced comas. The Mount Players is proud to present this totally original and contemporary piece for the first time on stage in its complete form. The season runs from Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 30 at the Mountview Theatre, Macedon.

Tickets: www.themountplayers.com or 0419 329 052.

Pictured, Zac Vanstone, the writer and director, who also plays The Past, mid-air, with Tim Allan playing John Doe, on floor Image: Karlana Santamaria

Writers: Kevin Childs, Kate Foulds, Natalie Poole, Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly Photographers: Kate Foulds, 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

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News 3

And they're back...cleared of all charges Hepburn Shire's five councillors and former CEO Bradley Thomas have been cleared of all criminal charges.

The councillors, Don Henderson, Tony Clark, Shirley Cornish, Pat Hockey and Lesley Hewitt, are now back at work.

A council media release said last week a representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) attended the hearing of private criminal matters, brought against the six by a local resident and businessman, David Penman.

"The DPP took over all matters, and the charges have been dismissed. The DPP having reviewed all the evidence determined that there were insufficient grounds available to proceed with the prosecutions.

"Once the charges are formally withdrawn by His Honour Magistrate, councillors will be reinstated under section 228(5)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

"This is a great outcome for democracy and our community."

Last Friday, Mayor Cr Tony Clark said he was pleased to confirm that the councillors who were previously stood down had now been reinstated.

"We look forward to resuming council business and making the decisions needed to keep projects and initiatives moving forward.

"Following the Director of Public Prosecutions’ dismissal of the private criminal charges this week, there is no evident need for the Minister for Local Government to appoint an administrator.

"This normally applies when a council has fallen foul of its governance responsibilities, but our situation is unprecedented because council and the administration did nothing wrong.

"With councillors now returned and able to form a quorum at council meetings, governance is restored in Hepburn Shire under your elected representatives.

"I am disappointed that the Local Government Act 2020 did not afford councillors protection from such private prosecutions.

"The standing down of councillors in this way was an attack on democracy and governance in the local government sector. We look forward to amendments that protect against this type of action in the future."

The Local believes that the councillors who were stood down will be paid retrospectively.

An ABC report said Mr Penman "was a little surprised" by the DPP stepping in.

"They [DPP] hadn't been in contact. I thought the charges were particularly strong. But obviously, it's politically sensitive.

"I'm not suggesting that played a role but had I elected to play my role in the [courts] then it would've been different."

Mr Penman told the ABC he would accept the DPP's decision.

"This is a democracy. I've always said the courts are where democracy plays out.

[If ] that's the decision of the DPP, then I accept that."

Cr Tim Drylie, in his July councillor column titled "When the system fails local democracy", said individuals were responsible for their conduct.

"Governments and parliaments have a different responsibility. They must create laws that remain fair, proportionate and workable even when people are angry, persistent or determined to use every legal process available to them.

"Any Victorian council could be placed in the same position. Good government means accepting responsibility for the systems within its control.

"Hepburn’s community should not lose its democratic voice because those systems were not strong enough to protect it."

Meanwhile former council CEO Bradley Thomas has been appointed chief commercial and financial officer on the Bendigo Kangan Institute's executive team.

Its website says Bendigo Kangan Institute is the registered entity for four trading brands – Bendigo TAFE, Kangan Institute, eWorks, and VETASSESS.

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Hepburn Shire Council

Cr Brian Hood

Cr Tim Drylie

Cr Tony Clark

Cr Shirley Cornish

Cr Don Henderson

Cr Pat Hockey

Cr Lesley Hewitt

CEO Janet Dore

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News 7

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has called on the Minister for Planning to pause a decision on Amendment C164 – Clarkefield Township Development.

Councillor Cassy Borthwick has been elected the new mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Cr Borthwick will serve as mayor until the November elections. Cr Borthwick said in recent days, she had been reminded that local government was at its best when it remains close to its community. "Through conversations with residents, we continue to learn from their experiences, concerns and aspirations."

The Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education will close St Mary’s Primary School, Clarkes Hill at the end of the 2026 school year.

Executive director Tom Sexton said the decision had been made after the 2027 forecast of enrolments falling below the level required for non-government schools and the anticipated impact of the proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

"While DOBCEL supports fair and appropriate remuneration for teachers and staff, the associated increase in staffing costs means long-term viability can no longer be assessed by enrolment numbers alone." St Mary’s Primary School opened in 1946.

Hepburn Shire residents are invited to hear from the organisations which support communities before, during and after emergencies at a free Emergency Services Panel on Tuesday, August 18, 10am to 12.30pm.

Hosted by Hepburn Shire Council, the Emergency Services Panel will bring together representatives from emergency services, essential service providers and government agencies to share practical advice, answer questions and help residents better prepare for a range of emergencies. The event will be held at the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick and includes lunch. Bookings: eventbrite

The Creswick Friendship Shed is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is looking to reconnect with past members.

The Shedders are also seeking old photographs, newspaper clippings, memorabilia and stories that capture the history of the shed over the past 25 years. If you were once a member, or know someone who was, they would love to hear from you and help spread the word. Email: communications@chrh.org.au

The council wants what it calls major unresolved planning, infrastructure, safety, environmental and financial matters to be independently reviewed and addressed.

"Council is seeking greater certainty that any future growth in Clarkefield is safe, sustainable, well-serviced and in the best interests of current and future residents."

The state government has extended the time Victorians have to access a 20 per cent vehicle registration rebate.

Victorians now have until August 31 to apply. A driver with one car gets up to $186 back and a family with two cars gets up to $372 back.

Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward has announced a new round of the Small Regional Presenters program.

The program brings top artists to regional venues and builds local talent.

Community groups and not-for-profits can apply for grants of up to $16,750.

Applications are open at: www.visitrav.net.au

The Board of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation has appointed Cassandra Lewis as the organisation's group CEO. Board chair Rebecca Phillips said the board was confident in Cassandra's ability to lead the organisation into the future. “Cassandra distinguished herself through her values-driven leadership, strong understanding of DJAARA and commitment to Dja Dja Wurrung people. With six years as general manager, she developed a clear understanding of our members, our priorities and the work needed to strengthen the organisation for the future.”

Bullarto Station has new heritage features thanks to $42,000 from the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.

Works have seen heritage-style cabinetry installed in the Station Master’s office, new furniture for the Lamp Room waiting area and picket fencing around the station grounds. The funds are also supporting the installation of floodlighting to improve visibility and safety around the station grounds. A water tank has also been installed.

The station is part of the Daylesford Railway, a fully volunteer organisation.

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Our winners 9

Champion win: Daylesford Spirit Distillery Daylesford Spirit Distillery has come away from the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australia International Spirits Awards with a trophy for the Champion Victorian Gin for its Australian Dry Gin.

And if that's not enough, the Mt Franklin business took home three gold medals, four silver medals and a bronze medal across its range including Triple Cask Single Malt Whisky, New World/Contemporary Gin, Citrus Gin and Miner’s Gin Navy Strength.

Distillery owner Michael Samootin, who moved to the Daylesford region in 2020, said his products had "struck gold again".

"We're definitely the highest awarded and more importantly, awarded the most amount of gold medals and recognition as far as a distiller is concerned.

"We have strived really hard to not only get local and regional recognition, we've pushed for state and national recognition. And now with overseas-based recognition, we are the bartender's choice of gin and tonics voted by Fever-Tree for the whole of Australia.

"We won the Fever-Tree Cup out of hundreds of distillers who went up against us. And now we've won Australian Champion Gin as well for our Australian Dry Gin. "It's taken us seven years to achieve this recognition from the Melbourne Royal Australia International Spirits Award, which is the most difficult and competitive competition to enter here in Australia. And we beat all the big guys."

Michael says part of the secret is the Mt Franklin water and never taking shortcuts. "We use traditional distilling methods and don't use any artificial flavours or colours. All our products are all natural. We use the water from Mount Franklin and that just improves the product out of sight right across the board.

"It's the true artisan craft of distilling that we're extremely proud of and we compete head-to-head, not just with the local distillers, but also with the national and international distillers as well. We have put Daylesford on the international map now. We are exporting too - a Daylesford-made product."

Michael said winning the Champion Gin was the tough one.

"That has taken me seven years to win."

For people keen to have a look behind the scenes, and make their own gin, masterclasses are on offer. And Michael - never one to rest on his laurels - has chocolate and coffee liqueurs comin up next, and another sure to be award-winning whisky.

Brigette De Poi, who has worked in sales and marketing for the company for the past year, said winning the awards had been amazing.

"We won an award for everything we entered which we were really humbled by. And you realise just how much people enjoy our products. Personally, I think the secret is the balance - that is something Michael is incredibly good at - his recipes are all balanced.

"You don't get individual flavours overwhelming others on your palate. You get everything beautifully balanced - nothing's fighting or competing."

Brigette said the awards were also vindication for Michael's recipes.

"He's worked so hard and to get this recognition around the world is incredible.

There is such a thriving gin industry in Victoria and with some amazing gins out there to be told that you are a cut above the rest is so incredibly humbling and exciting."

Brigette, who has worked in the gin industry for 15 years, said it also made her role easy. "Once people try our product I never have a problem selling it. It speaks for itself and how good it is."

Link: www.daylesfordspirit.com.au Above, Michael Samootin and Brigette De Poi at the awards Words: Kyle Barnes | Images: Contributed

Advertorial

News from Your Local Health Service

Creswick Aged Care visit

A host of MPs visited Creswick Aged Care recently to mark the final stage of the federal government's aged care wage increases.

Among those attending were, pictured from left, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King MP, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles MP, Loren Phelps (Creswick Aged Care) Nicole Allan (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation assistant secretary), Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae MP, Lee Drury (Creswick Health Director of Nursing) and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP. The visit underscored the significance of the milestone as registered and enrolled nurses in aged care received a further increase to their take-home pay.

The delegation toured the home, met with residents and staff, and experienced the warm and welcoming environment that has become a hallmark of the service.

The visit also provided an opportunity to showcase Central Highlands Rural Health's person-led approach to care, which places residents' individual needs, preferences and goals at the centre of decision-making and daily living.

CHRH deputy CEO Phil Catterson said the wage increase was a positive step for the aged care workforce and the people who rely on their care.

"This outcome is a well-deserved recognition of the important work our dedicated aged care nursing staff do every day to support older Australians.

"Nurses are the backbone of our organisation, and we want them to feel valued and fairly rewarded for the incredible care they provide.

"Supporting and retaining a strong nursing workforce is essential, not only for our health service but for the future of healthcare in our region. We want nursing to remain a career of choice, ensuring our communities continue to receive the very best care for generations to come."

As always, residents were keen to welcome visitors and share their experiences, with many taking the opportunity to stop for a chat during the tour.

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Out & About

Hepburn Wildlife News

by Marita McGuirk

Article proudly sponsored by The Local Publishing Group

Wombats are very social creatures. At the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter, the 13 orphaned wombats sleep cuddled up to each other.

They are very playful and love to chase each other, playing just like you would see baby lambs or puppies playing. They are very inquisitive animals, following each other around to see what’s going on. When volunteers at the wildlife shelter are stationary such as when washing bottles that are used to feed the baby animals, the volunteer will often find a baby wombat sitting on their feet nibbling and trying to undo shoelaces; they seem a bit obsessed with shoelaces.

The reason that there are 13 orphaned wombats at the shelter is that their mothers have been hit and killed by cars or some other motor vehicle. Sometimes the driver stops, often they don’t, and the injured animal is left lying by the roadside, trying somehow to protect its baby. Sometimes the animals are lying injured for hours before anyone notices them and it is then left to the concerned passers-by to seek help for the dying mother and her baby.

Why people don't stop their cars to check on animals that they have hit is a question that is often asked. Wildlife Victoria has reported a 288 per cent increase in the number of wildlife hit by cars in the past 10 years. As drivers of motor vehicles, surely we have a duty of care to check on any animal that we may have accidentally injured with our vehicle, as we would for any human? Even if this just means phoning Hepburn Wildlife Shelter or Wildlife Victoria and letting them know of the injured animal.

Something we need to consider as we drive through our beautiful, forested landscape is the distance we need to stop, if there is an animal on the road or about to cross the road.

Research has shown that a driver doing 80kph will need 69m on a dry road and 85m on a wet road to stop. If you are doing 60 kph you will need 45m on a dry road and 54m on a wet road: www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/road-safety/driving-safely/stopping-distances Another point to consider is the silence of electric cars. If you are driving an electric vehicle, how will animals even know that you are approaching if the road is windy and surrounded by forest? Maybe slowing down and having headlights on low at all times is an answer.

Feeding time for orphans at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter | Image: Barb Davies Jon Rowdon from the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter says that many local wildlife carers are Dr Marita McGuirk is a field ecologist and environmental scientist, and a volunteer at overwhelmed by the number of orphaned animals that are coming into their care - animals the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Marita writes monthly columns about the shelter and the who have lost their mothers due to car strike. animals it cares for. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just to find out more We can help stop this. As we rush from place to place, spare a thought for the wildlife. information, head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org Every creature has a right to live. Please slow down.

Council News Criminal charges dismissed A representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions dismissed the private criminal matters against five Councillors and Council’s CEO. Councillors will be reinstated in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020. This is a great outcome for democracy and our community.

Outdoor dining and trading We’re reviewing our Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy and want businesses, community members and visitors to have a say. Attend a drop-in session (Clunes, Creswick, Trentham or Daylesford) to provide feedback in person or complete a short survey at www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/odtp Have your say before Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Affordable Housing Working Group Be part of a community-led, stakeholder working group. Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from community members, organisations and stakeholders to join a community-led Affordable Housing Working Group.

The working group will not be a decision-making body of Council. Council’s role will be to act as an enabler and connector where appropriate.

Submit your EOI by Friday 14 August 2026 at www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/ahwg

Emergency advice you need to hear The Emergency Services Panel brings experts together to help you prepare for emergencies.

Tuesday 18 August 2026, 10 am – 12:30 pm Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Creswick Learn more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/em-events

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Out & About 13

Celebrate our Festival opening & explore the Hub

As the countdown to Words in Winter 2026 enters its final stretch, excitement across Daylesford and Hepburn is palpable. In the next edition of The Local, you’ll find our single-page program grid, where you can check out every speaker, talk and ticketed event scheduled across our town's iconic venues and plan your festival journey. But before the main stage spotlights turn on, we want to invite you to the heart and soul of the celebration: our Festival Opening and Festival Hub.

There is no better way to launch the festivities than together, on Djaara country.

Our official Festival opening kicks off on Wednesday, August 26 from 5pm to 6.30pm at the Daylesford Town Hall. The event features a Welcome to Country from Aunty Alison McRae, alongside student readings from Daylesford Secondary College, live music from the Daylesford College Jazz Band and The Honeytones Choir, pictured above, and our Hall of Fame induction. It is completely free, family-friendly and open to all. Consider this your personal invitation to come down, meet the creative minds behind the festival and officially kick start the festival.

The celebration continues over the weekend and right in the heart of town at the Festival Hub. Located in the Town Hall, the Hub is designed as a warm, welcoming home base where readers, locals, and visitors gather to connect, create and celebrate.

The Hub will be open during the opening event on Wednesday evening, and throughout Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 4.30pm with free entry.

Whether you are looking for a quiet moment between events or a place to inspire young minds, the Hub is packed with drop-in community activities all weekend long.

You can participate in The Community Book Swap by bringing a pre-loved book to swap for a new treasure or stop by The Society of Silent Readers Nook and settle in for a quiet chapter. The Festival Hub also celebrates local talent with our Curiouser Creations Schools and U3A Exhibition, alongside an interactive typewriter station where you can contribute to The Unstable Draft.

Young readers and aspiring writers are equally catered for, with storytime sessions featuring Dee White and Michelle Pleasance, plus writing workshops led by Emma Gourlay and Stuart Orr. Tickets for the full program are selling fast, so now is the time to explore the full line-up, book tickets and plan your festival weekend at www.wordsinwinter.com.

Don't forget to keep an eye out for our front-page feature and one-page program grid in the next edition. In the meantime, you can pick up a printed program from Paradise Bookshop, Daylesford Library or the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

The Local is a proud media partner of WIW.

Two oboes, a baroque bassoon, two recorders & a harpsichord The program profiles a series of now highly underrated expatriate composers (Pepusch, Finger, Keller, Loeillet and Lincke) who made their way in the London theatre scene near the end of the baroque period.

William Babell was a local Englishman, and his sublime F major concerto is positioned as a magnificent centrepiece.

Step into the vibrant musical world of early The ever-inquisitive approach and vast collective eighteenth-century London, where a remarkable group imagination of Mikaela Oberg, Adam Masters, Kailen of expatriate composers found fame and opportunity in Cresp, Nicholas Dinopoulos, Ben Hoadley and Justice the city’s thriving theatre scene.

Karol breathes new life into this program of longDrawn to the energy and ambition of London around 1720, these gifted musicians brought with them forgotten works.

London Calling will be performed at Christ Church, a rich continental style that helped shape the sound of Daylesford on Saturday, August 15 at 2.30pm. the capital’s stages.

London Calling is an adventurous recital focusing on members of the double-reed family. With two oboes and baroque bassoon positioned alongside two recorders and harpsichord this very rare concert offering is sure to captivate, surprise and delight.

This program celebrates these composers’ remarkable creativity and the stories behind their journeys - tales of ambition, collaboration and artistic exchange in one of Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DIVRG Europe’s most exciting musical centres.

Though once widely admired, many of these composers are now rarely heard. Their music reveals a captivating blend of drama, elegance and virtuosity, with a fresh perspective on a chapter of musical history.

14 Our environmentalists

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Students dig in for Schools Tree Day success Students from St Michael’s Primary School rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty as part of Schools Tree Day, joining volunteers from Glenlyon Upper Loddon Landcare to help enhance local biodiversity through revegetation works at the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and Biolink.

Bridget and Lauren play their part in the day

The planting day, held on Friday, July 24, saw enthusiastic students working alongside Landcare volunteers to plant 80 native trees, shrubs and grasses across four locations within the reserve. The activity formed part of Australia’s annual Schools Tree Day initiative, which encourages young people to connect with nature and take positive action for the environment. Schools Tree Day is part of the broader National Tree Day program, Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care initiative.

The students from years 4, 5 and 6 embraced the opportunity to learn about native plants, revegetation and the important role that healthy habitats play in supporting local wildlife. Their efforts will contribute to strengthening habitat connections within the reserve and biolink, helping create greener and more resilient landscapes for future generations.

The event provided a hands-on learning experience, giving students the chance to see environmental stewardship in action while contributing directly to a local conservation project. Volunteers were impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, teamwork and willingness to get involved throughout the morning.

A spokesperson for Glenlyon Upper Loddon Landcare said the day was both enjoyable and highly successful. "It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic students learning about native plants and revegetation while making a tangible contribution to the local environment. Their energy and commitment made the day a great success."

Schools Tree Day events are held across the country and by taking part students gain valuable knowledge about habitat restoration and environmental sustainability, while helping improve local landscapes. With 80 new plants now in the ground, the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and Biolink are set to benefit from a greener future, thanks to the efforts of St Michael’s students and the dedicated volunteers of Glenlyon Upper Loddon Landcare.

Beef Osso Bucco with Risotto Milanese Some dishes are delicious; others feel like an occasion. Beef Osso Bucco is slowly braised until meltingly tender in a rich sauce of tomato, white wine, herbs and all those glorious juices from the marrow-filled bones. Beneath it, golden Risotto Milanese brings saffron, butter and Parmesan to the party, while a scattering of lemony gremolata cuts through the richness with just the right amount of freshness.

It is generous, deeply comforting yet impossibly luxurious — the kind of meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma and has everyone hovering near the kitchen. Better still, the beef can be made the day before, when a night resting in its sauce only makes it richer. Risotto on the other hand won’t wait. Time it so it is ready just as you are ready to serve. But its final buttery flourish is well worth it.

BY SAR AH L ANG

Call us ahead of time to get them to cut the beef shin into thick 4–5 cm pieces, then call into Winespeake and ask them to choose something equally special to drink alongside it. An elegant Pinot Noir would be lovely, or let them lead you towards a French red with enough savoury depth for the slow-braised beef — perhaps a red Burgundy or silky Northern Rhône Syrah.

This is slow food at its very best: abundant, aromatic and made for sharing. Save it for someone you love — or make it simply because an ordinary weekend deserves extraordinary treatment.

Happy Cooking!

For the full recipe, use the QR code or head to our website.

daylesfordmeatco.com.au

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Out & About 15

Swiss Italian Festa returns to celebrate the heritage that shaped Hepburn

The Swiss Italian Festa will return to Hepburn Springs in October, bringing together food, wine, music, history and community for a celebration of the unique Swiss Italian heritage that helped shape the region.

Running across the weekend of October 23–25, with the traditional Heritage Dinner commencing celebrations on Thursday, October 22, this year’s Festa will place renewed emphasis on the stories, families and traditions of the Italian-speaking Swiss settlers whose influence remains an important part of Hepburn Springs today.

The 2026 Festa is being driven by a reinvigorated committee with a clear ambition: to grow the event, strengthen community involvement and once again make the Swiss Italian Festa a major attraction for both locals and visitors to the Hepburn Shire.

The story behind the Festa is one worth celebrating. Italian-speaking Swiss migrants arrived in the district during the gold rush era and went on to leave an extraordinary mark on the culture, architecture, food, agriculture and identity of Hepburn Springs and the surrounding region. Generations later, descendants of many of those pioneering families still call the district home.

In 2026, the Festa will bring that heritage to life through traditional food, wine, music, entertainment, family activities, cultural displays and special events held throughout Hepburn Springs.

The celebrations begin ahead of the main weekend with the official Festa Poster Launch at the Mineral Springs Hotel on Thursday, August 27, providing the community with its first taste of what is planned for October.

Festa week will then begin with the Heritage Dinner at the Swiss Mountain Hotel on Thursday, October 22, celebrating the people, stories and traditions behind the region’s Swiss Italian history.

On Friday, October 23, the Mineral Springs Hotel will host the official 2026 Swiss Italian Festa Launch, before the Festa’s major community celebration takes over the Mineral Springs Reserve on Saturday, October 24.

Saturday will be the centrepiece of the weekend, with the reserve coming alive with Swiss Italian food and flavours, local wines, music, entertainment, cultural activities and experiences for the whole family.

The celebrations will continue throughout Sunday, October 25, when Hepburn’s local businesses will become part of the Festa experience by hosting their own special events, activities and offerings.

It is an opportunity for visitors to explore the village, support local businesses and experience the hospitality and character of Hepburn Springs beyond the main Festa grounds.

A series of additional events and community fundraisers will also be held in the months leading up to the October Festa weekend, helping build momentum while raising funds to support the event.

Importantly, organisers want the 2026 Festa to belong to the entire community.

Local families, schools, businesses, community organisations, volunteers, producers and sponsors are being encouraged to become involved and help celebrate a story that is uniquely Hepburn.

The Swiss Italian Festa is more than a festival. It is an opportunity to celebrate where Hepburn Springs came from, share that heritage with a new generation and invite visitors from across Victoria to experience it for themselves.

Swiss Italian Festa 2026 - October 23–25. Link: www.swissitalianfesta.com The Local is a proud media partner of the Swiss Italian Festa.

First Women's Wellbeing Day comes to Trentham “Women are often the carers in our families and communities, but they don’t always make time to look after themselves,” said keynote speaker Susan Marryatt.

“We wanted to create a day where women could Made possible through the support of a Look Over relax, learn from experts, connect with each other and the Farmgate Grant, the event is a collaboration between leave feeling supported and inspired. We’re thrilled to be bringing this to Trentham for the first time.” the Trentham CWA Night Owls and the Trentham This day provides an opportunity to pause, learn Neighbourhood Centre. from experienced practitioners, connect with other The two are bringing together leading local local women and discover practical strategies to support practitioners, educators and facilitators for a full day dedicated to women’s health, wellbeing and connection. healthier, happier lives.

Tickets are $20 ($10 concession) with morning tea Running from 9.30am until 4.30pm, participants can choose from a range of workshops and presentations and lunch included. The Trentham CWA Night Owls are designed specifically around the topics local women have also offering a limited number of sponsored tickets for women experiencing financial challenges. told organisers matter most.

Applications can be made by emailing Sessions include: Better Sleep, Less Stress, More trenthamwomenswellbeing@gmail.com Life; Nutrition for Energy; Fitness and Strong Bodies; Bookings: www.trenthamnc.org.au/event-details/ Hormonal Health: Finding Support and Relief During Perimenopause; Crafting and Basket Weaving; Yoga; and womens-wellness-day Details: Susan Marryatt on Meditation and Mindfulness. trenthamwomenswellbeing@gmail.com or Kaz Williams While regional towns are wonderful places to live, access to information and specialist services can often be on president@trenthamnc.org.au limited.

Women from Trentham and surrounding districts are invited to take time out for themselves at the first-ever Trentham Women’s Wellbeing Day, to be held on Saturday, September 5.

16 Our artists

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Bigger Hearts & Arts

Since March, the Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance Ballarat has provided the opportunity for 15 people from Creswick and surrounds district, to come together on a weekly basis in Creswick to participate in Art Escape 2026.

Art Escape is a program funded by the Community Bank Creswick & District, to enable people living with dementia to enjoy painting, socialising and each other’s company. Local Dementia Alliance secretary Glenda Hipwell said that without this support the arts program would not have taken place.

“We are so grateful to the community bank as it has enabled 15 people living with dementia to enjoy this weekly outlet for their creativity. Coming together in this way the participants have been able to find different pathways to express their feelings,” Glenda said.

Glenda said the goals of Art Escape 2026 were to improve the life and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their families.

“The Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance Ballarat provides a number of innovative, creative and fun programs including Art Escape 2026 and the weekly Singing Circle in Ballarat. Each program allows participants to express themselves in different ways, reducing anxiety and improving their overall wellbeing.

“Reminiscing is so important and by singing well-loved songs, or painting past events that have, perhaps, been significant in their lives, participants’ mood and selfesteem is boosted and their sense of identity restored.”

While most participants come from Creswick and Ballarat, one participant comes from Moonambel, a round trip of 150 kilometres. Her husband drives her to Creswick for every lesson and she has not missed one.

The culmination of this six-month program is an exhibition of the participants’ art works which will be on show at Art on Albert in Creswick for September.

Gallery convenor Julie Reed said she was delighted the art would be on display and for sale. "This is exactly what the gallery is for - to showcase local artists’ work, including the 15 students, and to make the work accessible to the community."

Local artist Chris Dobson, pictured standing with participant Julie, runs the weekly programs teaching painting techniques, theory and helping everyone get their works ready for the exhibition.

The next step for Glenda Hipwell is to try and source on-going funding for Art Escape. “The six-month program has made such a difference to the lives of the participants. It would be great if the program could continue into the future.”

Words & image: Fiona Watson

Classical painting on exhibition in Daylesford Daylesford classical artist Deny Christian will hold an exhibition of her New School of Classical Painting students' work in Stanbridge Hall on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.

The exhibition will include works of drawings, pastels and oil studies.

Deny said two years ago, she and her students held their inaugural exhibition at the hall "with a fabulous variety of sketches, pastel studies and oil studies".

"It was very successful with over half of the works sold on the day of the show - so this year we are making it a two-day event."

Deny has a 50-year history of achievement in portraiture with her portraits being hung in the Art Gallery of NSW, The National Portrait Gallery and The Australian Museum.

She also won the Archibald Packing Room Prize in 1999.

Her teaching career includes at her Atelier School for 15 years in Hobart and in Daylesford since 2018.

"My teaching begins with weekly classes in drawing technique, art history and understanding classical theories and practices. With a class maximum of three students everyone gets my attention, to learn quickly and well.

"After drawing and observational skills are achieved, we move onto painting in oils from live subjects of still life, floral, interior, figure and eventually portraiture subjects.

"We work from life or from the masters' paintings. - no photographs. Students stand to the easel in natural daylight for the two-hour classes. This teaching practice is not a one day workshop but a long term commitment to the classicalart principles."

The exhibition opens on Saturday at 1.30pm and is open until 4pm. Sunday hours are 10am to 4pm

Link: www.newschoolofclassicalpainting.com

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Artists of the Central Highlands

Caitlin Marks was raised by her maternal grandparents from an early age, following the unexpected death of her mother. Her grandmother was a craftsperson and her grandfather an author and journalist, her mother's brother a musician. Caitlin says creativity has always pulsed in her background and through her veins, and she continues to find large parts of herself and her story within all these pursuits. Photography makes the creative quadrella complete. She chatted with Donna Kelly.

"I became entranced by photography at an early age. I discovered a vintage strut-folding camera on my grandparents’ bookshelf as a young child and was utterly fascinated by it. How could a box hold an image and then teleport it to a page to keep forever? Certain photographs of my mother also transfixed me. In their own magical way, photos helped my heart keep my mother alive.

"Although I never met him, there was also a direct family connection to photography - my father's father was a photojournalist. Both my grandfathers together created a published children’s book with their respective artistic trades, and that is how my mother and father had met. Travelling with my grandmother through Europe, America and Asia as an eight- and 13-year-old, I may have hijacked her Kodak 110 Instamatic on more than one occasion. There was definitely always an allure to the way photography made me feel, what it allowed me to explore and hold.

"In my early 20s I completed Honours in History at the University of Melbourne, focusing on its interplay with memory and the understanding that every story – and picture – contains more than two perspectives.

"This was also when I met my father for the first time. Before we even sat down to speak, he passed me an old orange AGFA envelope containing photographs of my mother that I'd never seen before – photographs that he had taken during their time together, capturing moments and emotions that I wasn’t aware had existed.

"It felt like it was not only my father I was meeting for the first time. And you'll never guess what my father did - and still does - for a living. That's when my attraction to photography as a medium started to make even more sense to me.

"In my late 20s and early 30s during my six-year stint in the UK I travelled extensively to Europe, the Americas and Asia with the vintage Nikon my father gave me as my constant companion. I found a combination of enchantment, joy and safety behind a camera.

"Photography allows me to experience and engage with the world creatively by enabling me to seek out connection, story and meaning. It brings me wonder by revealing the unexpected. It allows me to capture the surprising and intimate, and provides the interesting buffer of viewing from a slight safe distance through a lens when I am overwhelmed by my surroundings.

"Concepts around dying and death, loss and grief and the precarity and preciousness of life came to me from an early age, alongside the joy of creativity and story that my grandparents (and later my father) bestowed. I believe this has led me to always seek out ways to engage with the spectrum of colour, light and shade that life throws with gratitude, to glean insights to myself, and others, through creative connection.

"In turn my photography particularly draws me to ideas around illumination, colour, reflection and shadow. I relish catching a moment of intimacy, different and perhaps surprising perspectives and hidden meaning through the varied - sometimes overlapping - subjects of landscape, architecture, nature and we weird, wonderful and messy humans.

"During a time of immense change, I made the serendipitous leap with my young family to the Macedon Ranges some eight years ago, and feel privileged to continue exploring my artistry, history and present through the Ranges and surrounds. I find myself looking upward at the sky. Exploring nature and public Indigenous sites.

Experiencing the profound sense of time past and present, and connection to Earth and loved ones, it all evokes.

"I discover unique creative inspiration at every turn in this beauteous region, and fulfilment and gratitude in the artistic expression and emotion that my camera allows me to channel - to be in the moment, create new memories, remember old stories, and keep them alive. And to share them with you, the beholder, for you to wonder and discover your very own stories within."

The Old Auction House in Kyneton is run by business owners and partners Rhain and Jo DiPilla. They are passionate about showcasing emerging and mid-career artists from regional Victoria.

Caitlin features in their new Contours exhibition alongside local artists - Arthur Vaughan, Caroline Brockhoff, Di Aitken, Itta Somaia, Margaret Morgan, Melinda Privitelli and Paul Melnyczuk, all with works which respond to the natural lines, ridges and forms that shape our landscapes.

The Contours exhibition runs until August 31.

Our artists 17

18 Home Watch

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To build or not to build, that was my query

How exciting - work has started on our new house.

There are people on the site, a portable toilet, flags, lots of dirt being moved around, equipment...and we are getting information through the building portal which keeps us in the loop.

We had a meeting with the building supervisor, very nice bloke called Ben who seemed very switched on and understood our concerns.

We have a hedge that has taken ages to grow, to create a secret garden - which I call Betty's Garden after mum of course - and we were concerned that it might get a bit crushed.

But Ben assures us everyone working on the block will be careful with it - so that is great.

During the meeting, a Zoom, even though I now officially hate them after Covid, we were told we could not enter the site ourselves - pretty much only with Ben. I guess for safety and I can imagine lots of owners want to wander through the build.

So that was fine and then we asked the big question - completion time? That is when the meeting got a bit sad - the new deadline is April. FFS. Honestly when we started this process back in November last year we were told we would be in by October this year. And we shook hands on that.

So that was a bit disappointing. I don't think either of us thought October would still be a possibility but April is a long way off. I know it will come soon enough but the shine is off a little bit. Well, quite a lot for me. At least it was Kyle's idea to build so I do have that, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, onward and upward. It should start to take shape pretty quickly now although I have heard from many people that the walls and roof go up fast and then it's a waiting game for everything inside to happen. We'll see.

Kyle also asked about his secret room. The one which will open using a magic book from a bookshelf. He wanted the doors removed and nothing done to the walls - just a straight edge.

But, to get to the point where we are allowed to move in, they can't do that. They still have to go with the plan that has been approved. So he will have to do a bit of retrofitting. Which is OK. Although I know from experience that Kyle gets busy and often forgets little projects. I remember we had a pantry door that opened the wrong way and the day he changed the hinges over was very close to the day we sold.

All good. Watch this space.

Words: Donna Kelly

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News 19

Community rallies to save Kingston Avenue Three hundred people attended a community rally on August 2 to oppose AusNet’s proposal to use Kingston Road, where the Kingston Avenue stands, as one of its major construction routes.

This living memorial of 286 heritage listed trees, now 108 years old, represents the service and sacrifice made by the former Shire of Creswick’s community.

The Kingston Friends of the Avenue group, who organised the rally, want a guarantee that the road will not be widened and that AusNet won’t be given permission to use the avenue for construction traffic.

A spokesperson said there were at least 40 towers planned north of Kingston for the Western Renewables Link. AusNet is also planning to build at least 155km of new gravel access roads through Hepburn Shire.

"During the construction phase AusNet’s plan is that a huge number of construction vehicles will use the Kingston Road, including an estimated 700 return trips by concrete trucks, plus many trips by oversize heavy vehicles.

Over 2000 concrete trucks are planned to depart from the work camp in Ballan.

"Seven speakers all expressed their concerns about the damage not only to the shallow tree roots on the verge which puts the tree health at risk, but also the sanctity of this memorial. This will change the experience when visiting it."

WWI avenues and memorials consultant Dr Michael Taffe told the rally it would be the "end of the avenue as we know it”, describing as an exemplary example of one of the best stands of elms internationally.

The spokesperson said the Kingston Friends of the Avenue were heartened by the strong community support.

"The community and families of the Avenue from across Victoria assembled to demonstrate their disappointment and frustration of the proposals and plans of the Western Renewables Link to use this living memorial as an industrial transport route." The decision on planning approval for Western Renewables Link is the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.

AusNet has been contracted by the Australian Energy Market Operator to deliver the Western Renewables Link, a 190km long high-voltage electricity transmission line from Bulgana to Sydenham.

Words: Kyle Barnes | Image: Contributed

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'It's a wrap' for Tom McCathie as he plans to hit the highway Tom McCathie is one of the most recognisable characters in the region.

Even if you don't know him personally, you'll recognise his beard.

More likely you're left wondering 'where did I come across that dude'.

To put your mind at ease, the answer is Tom is an iconic Aussie actor who is a legend in the visual arts industry.

Over recent decades Tom has acted in Lord of the Rings where he played as Ornery Hunter, and to demonstrate his versatility he played parts in the ABC tele series Jack Irish, even the film production of Ned Kelly. And the film and live theatre credits roll on.

Now it's time for Tom to take a breather as he is auctioning all his equipment and memorabilia once used on his timbered property at Glenlyon.

The online auction is scheduled for Sunday, August 16.

All lots must be sold with no reserves as Tom plans to travel around Australia catching up with mates. Going under ME Auctions gavel will be woodworking machines, cars, even a giant size Bedford bus, workshop tools - all at bargain prices check out the catalogue.

Online Auction date: Sunday, August 16, starting at 10am.

Onsite Viewing: Saturday, August 15 @ 90 Henrys Rd, Glenlyon.

Enquiries & Catalogue: ME Auctions (03) 9744 4211 Tom, as he appeared in The Local in August 2014 Image: Kyle Barnes

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20 Our people

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Mary's story a medley of familiar tunes Family, friends and stories circle Mary Walsh as she settles into a week of respite at Trentham’s residential aged-care facility.

The 93-year-old Irish born mother of nine, grandmother of 21, greatgrandmother of one, friend and matriarch to many, is generous with her time.

I have an appointment scheduled with the gracious former Kyneton Hospital matron but Mary’s careful to ensure teenage granddaughter, Ada, is prioritised after taking time to visit before her birthday celebrations begin.

She also warmly encourages her friend Dawn Spiesser to pull up a chair as we chat in a light-filled corner by the window; Dawn’s little dog, Max, darting between our feet before settling on Mary’s knee.

Red song books

The soundtrack to our chat is a medley of familiar tunes drawn from red song books Mary’s daughter, Madelene, passes to one and all before sitting at the piano in the activity room down the hall.

Mary’s first respite experience is anything but quiet at 2pm on this particular Thursday afternoon, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Mary said she had always been an independent woman who loved caring for others but as the mid-winter chill set in she found herself missing the company of her son, Matthew, who had been staying with her in the Walsh family’s Trentham home on Railway Farm since Easter, before returning to Ireland.

Respite

“When he (Matthew) was gone, I missed him so much. It’s an adjustment really to come in here (residential aged care respite) and be waited on but I’m feeling good.

“I enjoy it, I love someone making me a cup of tea or sitting down to have a meal I don’t have to make, I don’t even have to make my bed, I love all of that.”

Mary may need a walker these days, but she’s dignified and upright, sitting in her woollen cowl neck dress and green spotted stockings. When I comment on her stylish outfit, she says she always wears a brooch and pearl earrings; a hat if possible.

A young woman

I sense the spirit of the adventurous young woman who grew up on a potato and cabbage farm in Ireland but went on to study nursing and midwifery in England, before setting sail for Australia to work in Kyneton’s old bluestone hospital and spent time working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Mary also nursed at Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital where highly respected country doctor and Outpost author Gweneth Wisewould, practiced.

I ask Mary if she has any special memories of Gweneth, whose photos (and story) adorn the walls of a hall we walk through during my visit.

Doctor Gwen

“She (Doctor Gwen) was of course a woman before her time; I didn’t work with her but at one stage I was a patient here.

“She was in the hospital, and she knew I was here and she wouldn’t come and see me without asking permission the old-fashioned way, asking ‘can I visit you?’ and she came in and she was admirable.

“She had a lovely command of English, that’s one thing I always remember about her and of course she was compassionate and caring.

“She’d go out to help a spud digger or someone in the dark of night...she’d use an old door as a flatboard (stretcher) and she had a paraffin oil lantern for light.

“She was my husband’s doctor and I remember at one stage her coming to our home late in the evening, it was wintertime, the fire was going and she had a lovely woman she called her secretary housekeeper with her Miss (Dorothy) Bethune.

“They were a famous family, the Bethunes and she was very aristocratic. But Gweneth was so impressive - just having a small talk by the fire was so elevating and she made a story out of nothing.”

Community focus

When I suggest to Mary the community-focused values she admired in Gweneth appear to be echoed in her, Dawn recalls their first meeting when she moved to Trentham some 16 years ago.

“Mary was volunteering at the St Mary Magdalen Op Shop when she introduced herself, she offered me a cup of tea and a chicken mayo sandwich, we sat and chatted and we’ve been friends ever since.”

Dawn said her husband, Steve, passed away quite recently and Mary visited him at RM Begg Aged Care in Kyneton several days in a row and was “with him to the very end”.

Midwifery

Mary, who relished every opportunity to work in midwifery earlier in her career and developed a passion for palliative and pastoral care in later years, said she felt she had achieved something when she helped people with a big life event.

But little things are equally important to Mary, and with hospitality and compassion coming naturally to her, she has “adopted” countless longtime and new residents over the years and is widely known and loved within the community in return.

Family and faith

However, family, faith and farm are unmistakably front and centre of Mary’s world. Mary said it was a joy to raise her children in the music-filled house her husband’s grandfather built on the family farm which is today being worked by the fourth generation.

“Tom’s grandfather built the house, built it up,” Mary said, referring to the potato property where a historic spud hut still stands today. “My youngest son, Simon, is farming prime lambs, cattle and crops - he grew a patch of potatoes just for the family.”

Mary said two of her grandsons were undertaking agricultural studies and one of her greatest wishes was for the property to continue to be productively run by family.

“I hope the farm is never sold but I can’t organise that from the grave,” Mary quips, adding she doesn’t think about dying. “I love life and I love people...I’ve always got something to look forward to.”

Pictured, above, Mary Walsh with friend Dawn Spiesser’s dog, Max, on her knee, right top, Mary and the late Tom Walsh in the doorway of the old barn on Railway Farm, inset, Mary in her nursing uniform - taken in Kyneton in the late 1950s, right bottom, Mary and Tom, front row, with their children, back row, from left, David, Eamon, Matthew, Thomas, Caroline and Patrick, middle row, Madelene, Simon and Denis, taken around 1980 Words: Kate Foulds | Images: Kate Foulds & contributed Mary & Tom image: Big Dog Bites Photography

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Let’s support our community and shop local

“Locals supporting Locals” Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, ineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.

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.

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Our history 23

Our region's history with Natalie Poole

Fern Hill forefather

William Middlemiss was born on June 5, 1831 at Dunira Estate, Perthshire, Scotland. His parents were Thomas Middlemiss and Janet Ewan.

The family sailed on 20 March 20, 1849 on the ship Saxon and while travelling William wrote a diary of his experiences. Here are some excerpts from his diary writings on Voyage on the Saxon:

March 20 - Sailed from Gravesend with 296 passengers and 40 crew.

April 26 - One passenger put in a noose and fed on bread and water, for misconduct, released the next day.

May 31 - A young woman died, committed to ‘The Deep’, was to have married on landing at Port Phillip.

June 12 - Another death being the 5th child and 6th death.

June 23 - Got sight of land, Australia!

William and his family reached Melbourne on June 29, 1849. They arrived safely at their destination and William was about to embark on a journey lasting 72 years.

He would work in Brighton, Avenel, the Wimmera and find his forever home in Fern Hill.

Upon landing, William was taken to the residence of Mr Frederick Liardet in Brighton and for the next four months was employed carting flour to Melbourne by horse and dray.

Then the owner of Avenel Estate, Mr Lloyd Jones, engaged him as a manager on his property in late 1849. He was responsible for taking out rations to the men living "He was recently made an honorary member of the Historical Society in in huts on the station, overseeing stock and ensuring the general running of the place. recognition of many valuable records of the early days of Victoria which he presented In 1853, he was offered the overseer’s position at McMillan's station Irrewarra, in the Wimmera. He stayed a few years but longed to have his own place. He left the to the society.

"When the land at Trentham was thrown open for selection 63 years ago, he Wimmera and saw land was advertised and available in the Trentham District. He selected a farm at Fern Hill, where he resided up to the time of his death." purchased land in Fern Hill in 1858 and settled down.

A colonist for 72 years and a life well lived. (Image: ancestry.com.au) He married his first wife Frances Gorman on October 1, 1858 and they had five children: William (1859), Frances (1862), Archibald (1864), James (1865) and Mary (1869). Sadly, his wife died in 1871.

William married for a second time to Janet Stewart Ferguson on May 2, 1877, and they had three children: Elizabeth (1878), Thomas (1880) and Stewart (1882).

An During 1865, advertising in the Kyneton Guardian stated Land Certificates were tiqu age wanted, of any number, with the highest price given. Apply to William Middlemiss t n e i s&V Esq. William managed to buy more land in the immediate area. One of those blocks was the Junction Hotel, at the corner of James and Pearsons lanes, East Trentham. He rented out the premises and my records show Joseph Barnes was renting this in 1876.

By 1895, William became the publican of the Junction Hotel but chose to hand it over to his son William George in 1897. Eventually, the hotel was closed in 1912 due to the Reduction Board ruling of too many hotels in the area.

William’s involvement in the local area included being a trustee of church land, a member of the Old Colonists Association, electoral registrar, Justice of the Peace, a member of the Tylden and Trentham Farmers' Union, a councillor at the Kyneton Shire for many years and also a member of the Trentham Freemason’s Lodge.

His obituary in the Argus 19 October 1921 read as follows: "Mr William Middlemiss, J.P., one of the earliest pioneers of the Trentham district, died at his residence, Fern Hill, on Tuesday, at the age of 91 years.

Public Notice DENNIS RAY THOMPSON, late of 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford, Victoria. Creditors, next of kin, and others having claims in respect of the estate of the deceased, who died 28 July 2025 are required by the Executor, NOEL JAMES THOMPSON, care of Heinz Law, 6 Dawson Street North, Ballarat, Victoria, to send particulars to him by the 10th day of October 2026 after which date the Executor may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which he then has notice.

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24 Gardens

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Beetham's Botanicals Well here I am again penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy...

This time I'll be featuring somewhat unusual ornamental fruiting trees and shrubs for the garden.

So let's start (in alphabetical order) with one of my favourite maples: 1. Acer fabri (Faber's maple) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to central and southern China and Vietnam that produces masses of burgundy coloured fruits known as samaras around December. This photograph was taken at the Bogle Arboretum in Hoddles Creek.

2. Aucuba japonica 'picturata' (spotted laurel) grows as a medium-sized evergreen shrub of garden origin that can reach 1.8m with similar width and is prized for its variegated foliage and stunning glossy red fruits that ripen in autumn. This image was taken in a courtyard garden at the Empress Hotel, Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada.

3. Dodonaea viscosa (broad-leaf hopbush) is a tallish evergreen shrub growing to 3m that is native to Africa, the Americas, southern Asia and Australasia that can be covered in winged papery capsules ripening from October through to January. This image was taken in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

4. Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia), hailing from southeastern USA, is a well-known large evergreen tree that, through maturity, can grow to 15m with a similar width. Mostly grown for its amazing highly scented large creamy white flowers, I have included it here for its orange "Smartie" like seeds that pop out from the fruiting body. This image was taken in our home garden in Hepburn.

5. Tasmannia lanceolata (mountain pepperbush), an Australian native from southeast New South Wales, eastern Victoria and Tasmania, is an evergreen variablesized shrub from around 2m to 7m high with distinct leathery leaves that when chewed yield an initial mild taste followed by a slow, hot, peppery kick favoured by bushwalkers. This species is dioecious meaning there are both female and male plants so be careful when choosing your stock if you want to get the bold reddish-purple berries that were once used as a pepper substitute. Only the female will produce the berries and so the label at the nursery of purchase should indicate this. This image was taken in a nursery in Daylesford.

So there you have it...five quite different taxa that can add colour and horticultural interest to the home garden.

Cheers John Beetham (trading as Trees in Australia 0418 375 708) Next time: The World of Conifers.

Scan the QR code to see JB's Instagram post...

Do you have a gardening question for John? He is happy to answer them whether they are about trees, shrubs, the best time to plant, the best time to trim back... Email news@tlnews.com.au and we'll make sure he gets them.

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Gigs...

Out & About 25

Movies...

Forget body obsession

Nicholas Ellerby is returning to the Shedshaker Taproom in Castlemaine.

Uniquely blending roots, alt-country, folk and blues styles, Nicholas brings his engaging, intimate yet energetic live presence back to the Taproom during his Victorian tour.

His original material harnesses his honed story-telling abilities, captivating listeners with each song. Utilising his rhythm-driven guitar playing with tasteful selfcustomised stylings and emotive vocal range, his shows are heartfelt yet playful.

Having spent most of his life on Australia’s Eastern states, Nicholas now calls the West Coast home.

Having performed as all originals four-piece, Buck Jr, for over a decade, he is no stranger to live performance and has toured Victoria, the Australian East and West Coasts and Europe.

Nicholas will be at the Shedshaker Taproom on Friday, August 14 from 8pm.

Free gig.

Adapted from the 2016 Disney version, Moana is a highly popular musical adventure film. The super-heroic Moana sets out on a mission to the Oceanic seas to save her people.

It has won praise for promoting diversity and rejecting the trappings of romance, as well as having a fine message for young girls in an age often obsessed with body image and glamour. (August 10, 4.30pm, August 15-16, 11am & August 17, 4.30.)

Robert De Niro is unforgettable in Taxi Driver (August 10, 7pm) as we watch him descend from painful to nerve-wracking to pitiful. Portraits of urban malaise are never darker, bleaker, or more claustrophobic than here.

The Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (August 13, 4.30pm, August 15 & 17, 2pm) is a psychological, black-humoured satire on corruption in office, which seems just what’s needed these days. A top cop kills his mistress and then tests whether he will be charged.

Backrooms (August 13 & 17, 7pm) bends the spaces that haunted the internet for years, into horror film as mesmerising as it is terrifying.

The classic satire The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is Luis Bunuel’s dissection of a sextet coming to dine but never eating as reality and illusion interject themselves.

(August 14 & 15, 4.30pm.)

Tuner is based on a terrific idea. A skilled piano tuner finds a well-paid side gig in cracking safes. Smart humour, critics say, plus vivid characterisations. (August 14 & 15, 7pm).

As a distinct change of pace Klute is unconventional, being both a detective thriller and a character-driven mood piece. It helped cement Alan J. Pakula’s place as one of the great directors of the 1970s, or any decade, and won an Oscar for Jane Fonda (August 16, 4.30pm).

Coming up for five screenings, starting August 17 is the hugely well received Spider-Man: Brand New Day. That week also features the ever-popular Annie Hall, The Long Goodbye, Blazing Saddles and Harold and Maude.

Link: www.daylesfordcinema.org.au (All times correct at publication.)

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26 Crossword

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Here is the crossword solution for Edition 363.

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28 Opinion

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Kyle's Rant I am so bored talking about the council, potholes and how cold it is.

Yes, it's bloody cold, we have just had a huge bunch of ratepayers' money that we can ill afford swallowed up in litigation (what was all that about, FFS?).

So I thought I'd talk about a dark theory I spotted on the 'Gram instead — a tale so dastardly it makes the one-two knock-down blow VHS gave Betamax back in the 80s look like a schoolyard scuffle.

I love a good conspiracy theory, and they frequently turn up on my Insta feed, so I thought now and then I'd share what's on there, combined with a bit of historical fact-finding courtesy of Claude (AI). This week: the story of how Big Nylon knocked off Big Hemp back in the 1930s. Which has led to our world, our bodies and our brains being overrun by microplastics, good on you, big business America.

Picture the scene. It's the mid-1930s. Some clever cookie invents a machine that can strip hemp fibre quicker than one can strip the enthusiasm out of a council meeting. Suddenly hemp is looking to industries like paper and textiles. Apparently Popular Mechanics even ran a story calling it the "New Billion-Dollar Crop".

Meanwhile, over at DuPont, the boffins have just patented nylon - a shiny new synthetic fibre destined for stockings and believe it or not, toothbrush bristles - not exactly a head-on rival to a paddock of hemp.

DuPont also happens to be sitting pretty on a wood-pulp paper process. And who's minding the Treasury at the time? Andrew Mellon, a fella with DuPont banking interests as long as your arm.

And who runs the Federal Bureau of Narcotics? Harry Anslinger Mellon's nephew-in-law, as it happens. This is starting to sound a bit like FIFA going public story with Trump's son-in-law’s brother Joshua Kushner. Again, history repeating itself for the betterment of one or two families and stuff all the rest.

So, the theory goes: these three amigos Mellon, Anslinger and DuPont cook up the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 behind closed doors, quietly strangling hemp in its cradle so nylon and wood pulp can have the paddock to themselves. Tidy story. Great villain action movie feel. The kind of thing you'd pitch as a Netflix doco with moody drone shots of empty hemp fields and weather-beaten farmers.

The Tax Act was driven far more by the reefer-madness hysteria of the era, it didn't ban marijuana (or hemp) outright: that would have run into constitutional trouble, since the federal government didn't have a clear power to prohibit a plant altogether.

Instead, it imposed a tax and a licensing/registration regime on anyone growing, selling, or transporting cannabis (industrial hemp included, since it's the same plant species, cannabis sativa).

Growers and dealers had to register and pay a tax - miss the paperwork or the tax, and you were committing a federal crime, with penalties up to $2000 and five years' imprisonment, which basically took away any profit from the farmers.

DuPont one, farmers nil, but now we have the issue from microplastics which stems all the way back to the 1930s, got one family filthy rich and caused and is still causing countless cases of cancer.

Conspiracy rant over...

Local Lines Joyeux hiver*

My garden wears a shawl of lace an icy shimmering across the grass.

Cold morning air kisses my face and air tastes sharp and bright as glass.

Chilly mornings I inch from my bed coldair coldroom coldfeet coldface in the waking day, not easy to comprehend all joy of warm and snug gone, without trace.

But, cinnamon, brown sugar and spice, hands warmed by hot chocolate, hot toast, cream and nutmeg on sugared apple pies, crispy gold potatoes, peas, gravy and roast.

There’s something about the chill and dark and all those things that winter does that adds to life a certain spark, a certain anticipatory buzz.

Its thunder and its lightning its singing percussive rain whether peaceful or when frightening, its endless coming and going again.

A backdrop for Spring and its showy excess.

We stagger outside to a whole new space.

A simple sweetness, not so dramatically intense made more precious by what it replaced. *Happy winter - Rhonda Cotsell Before retiring to Creswick, Rhonda was a librarian for 30 years in academic and special libraries, and a volunteer in the Creswick Visitor Information Centre.

Much of her writing now circles around life there, both its beauty and challenges.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.

Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Pick me, pick me!

Hi there, I am Olive, just one and still finding my way in the world.

Opinion 29

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

I am growing more confident and curious, which the shelter guys say show just how resilient and adaptable I am.

I like calm interactions and am learning to like human companionship you guys are lovely.

I would love a home with a peaceful environment and someone who understands that my trust is built gradually.

Microchip number: 95600018916797 Come and meet me at MAAWS.

What a rollercoaster for councillors, council staff and ratepayers.

Call 5472 5277 | shelter@maaw.org.au Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie the Kelpie & Curly the Cocker Spaniel - we picked them from the Peninsula RSPCA. Go Curls...

Pick me, pick me is also proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock - where pets are family.

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Last week five of Hepburn Shire's councillors - Don Henderson, Tony Clark, Shirley Cornish, Pat Hockey and Lesley Hewitt - and former CEO Bradley Thomas were cleared of all criminal charges brought against them by shire resident David Penman.

Apparently, the Director of Public Prosecutions attended the hearing of private criminal matters against the six and the DPP then took the matters over and the charges were dismissed due to insufficient grounds to proceed with the prosecutions.

The councillors have now been reinstated which a council media release said was "a great outcome for democracy and our community".

Wow. I have covered quite a few councils in my time, Frankston was memorable, but nothing like this. It was hard to keep up.

It all started back in March when Cr Don Henderson and former CEO Bradley Thomas had charges raised against them - to do with the improper handling of emails. So Cr Henderson was stood down while Mr Thomas was able to keep working.

Then a few months later, it was time for Mayor Cr Tony Clark to be stood down, shortly followed by the other four councillors after they voted for the 2026 Shire Budget.

Councillors Brian Hood and Tim Drylie were the last two standing, and were the two who voted against the budget going through.

So there was no longer a quorum and the July council meeting was cancelled although council staff were still doing their best to keep the wheels turning.

And then Mr Thomas, who had resigned, moved on and Janet Dore was brought in as an interim CEO. There was talk of an administrator being appointed.

It was, quite literally, a shit show.

But now, it seems the council is back on track - and it will be business as usual.

Although there are many questions. How much did all this cost ratepayers? Will Mr Penman be expected to pay legal fees? Can it happen again? Is there a loophole in the system that needs to be closed?

I don't have the answers and I barely have the bandwidth to cover something like this. The Local is a small business and we have to be careful with our reporting making sure we cross all our t's and dot our i's. (Grammar people, please don't come at me over those apostrophes - they are wrong but it just looks better...)

I mean, who thought councillors could end up facing criminal charges for doing their jobs? Well, maybe not well all the time, but still, they are pretty much volunteers, doing their best to manage multi-million dollar businesses.

Maybe we need to realise councils are big business and perhaps need properly paid people to oversee them? I don't know.

So because I don't know I will go back to the column from the last edition re the missing perfume.

As I said, Kyle bought me a gift online, it never arrived, I went pitbull and got the money refunded. You would think end of story. But no.

Kyle is nothing if not determined. So he went back online, bought me a jewellery box for travelling, paid for it, and it has not yet arrived. Aghhh.

I was going to unleash myself again but I received an email from Daniel who said you could go to your bank and ask them to cancel the transaction because the item did not arrive.

I didn't think about that so I reckon that might be a better way to go. And I am going to try and convince Kyle that I have a very nice life and all I need, probably more than I need, and not to buy me any more online presents. Just sayin'...

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