December 29, 2025 Issue 348 Here it comes...
20 26 The Local - The Heart of the Highlands
2 About Us
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Front page: So 2026 is just around the corner - or around a few more bends. Who knows what the year will bring? Hopefully good health, happiness and joy. Wishing all our clients and readers the very best for the New Year. In this edition we take a look at the year that was 2025. Image: Contributed
December 29, 2025 Issue 348 Here it comes...
The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria. The next edition is out on Monday, January 12, 2026 or online on Sunday, January 11 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, January 7 Copy deadline: Thursday, January 8 Editorial deadline: Thursday, January 8
20 26
General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or 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. 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.
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Writers: Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly Photographers: Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes, Tommy Campion & Donna Kelly Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness Contributors: Darren Lowe (music), Sarah Lang (recipes), 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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Just briefly...
So that was 2025...
The 2025 Christmas at Cliffy’s CFA Fundraiser raised $37,428 for local CFA brigades through the Christmas raffle and opening its doors on Christmas morning for coffee, a barbeque, ham rolls, a few mimosas, and plenty of good cheer.
Another year is coming to a close and, as is our tradition, this edition takes a look back at the year that was 2025 - with a brief bit of news, left.
There's been lots happening but we have tried to focus on the great stuff like our artists and festivals - and a bit of news. When we first started The Local, back in 2013 Kyle asked what would happen Across December, the Daylesford Hotel Friday Night Community Raffles added a further $5100, bringing the total raised and donated to local fire brigades to $42,528. if we ran out of news. I assured him that would never happen - and it hasn't. If anything we never quite get to everything on our to-do list. Firstly, there's Hepburn Shire Council, which as a ratepayer is a bit annoying, but Hepburn Shire Council continues to deliver the Daylesford Community Facilities project which will redevelop the Daylesford Town Hall to provide a as a journalist is the gift that keeps on giving. Never a dull moment. But always well handled by the communications team. I am sure they must see the emails with the library, customer experience hub and multi-purpose community facilities. At its December meeting, the council endorsed the project’s schematic design and subject line, Donna from The Local, and think, "what now?" Then there is the Phoenix@Rex, or @TheRex. I am never quite sure. Anyway, supported the staged approach recommended by officers which would see a detailed the community cinema. They are trying so hard to raise the funds to reinstate this design included in the next stage. The cost is believed to be $25 million. wonderful community asset. And there are so many people in the community willing Link: www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/dcf to help. Hopefully 2026 will be the year we can buy the popcorn and enjoy a movie Djaara, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, is planning an without a one-hour drive. Of course, Trentham punched above its weight this year winning not only exhibition at the Castlemaine Arts Museum in July next year to honour the Victoria's best Tiny Town but Australia's best Tiny Town. I have always thought there timber which fell from the Guildford Big Tree in February 2024. was something in the water there with the amount of creatives living in the town. A The Guildford biyal (red gum) has long been a culturally significant and truly deserved accolade. important tree for Dja Dja Wurrung people. It was recognised by the National Trust Over in Creswick, the Djuwang Baring Trail network is making a name for itself as the Victorian Tree of the Year in 2023. with riders from around Australia finding their way there. Although there have also been a few rumblings around traffic management - and I think cyclist rescues might A revised masterplan for Victoria Park in Daylesford has been adopted by be on the rise from some social media posts. Hepburn Shire Council. So much news...The Block, we got our national parks, Radio Springs Hotel The masterplan includes a playspace with a picnic area and toilet facilities, and closed, new authors published books, agricultural shows were held, sheepdog trials a dedicated dog off-lead area has also been included. The soccer precinct will see the happened, Rea Parklands was saved, a giant apple grown, a dog saved from a mine development of a second pitch and the netball and table tennis precinct will have shaft, artists did their thing, festivals ran. You'll find some of that in this edition but a second netball court and heating and cooling improvements to the table tennis if you really want a look back, head to www.tlnews.com.au and take a wander down building. Event-related upgrades include a new public address system, renewed ticket memory lane. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful 2026 - Donna xx office, an improved event-day office and additional power outlets.
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The Local's crew wishes everyone a happy, healthy & peaceful 2026.
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Stage 1 water restrictions now in force in the Forest Hill region
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Our artists 7
Our Artists - tlnews.com.au
Clunes’ Christine Lethlean is renowned for her beautiful textile work and well known through her role as a textiles art tutor and regional co-ordinator for the biennial Textile Palette exhibition. Read more in Issue 324.
Radical Fields Arts and Community is a non-profit artist organisation in Glenlyon. Creative director Ryan Kennedy said the group's annual festival engaged the imagination and expressed creative spirit, more in Issue 326. Setting off into the bushland with her fine art pens, quality paper, camera and fortifying thermos, Strangways artist Belinda Prest is one happy woman. She’s in her element when she has a mission of the artistic variety to complete outdoors. Read more in Issue 325.
The intricate beauty of the landscape that surrounds her is a major source of inspiration for established Daylesford artist Loïque Allain. Working predominantly with linocut printmaking and weaving, her work has seen Loïque awarded both national and state art prizes and is held in private collections around the world. Read more in Issue 330.
Jodie Fergusson-Batte is a Daylesford-based artist with a passion for painting using oil on board. Her engaging figurative works frequently feature women whose captivating ‘female gaze’ wins her plenty of fans. Jodie's innate creativity means art is always a faithful companion and a personal release throughout life’s journey. Read more in Issue 332.
Hepburn Wildlife News
by Marita McGuirk
Article proudly sponsored by The Local Publishing Group
A new arrival at the Hepburn wildlife shelter is a creature called a puggle. This is the baby form of the echidna, one of Australia’s unique egg laying mammals, known as monotremes.
Female echidnas lay one egg which they immediately pick up with pseudo pouch muscles in their belly that will hold the egg and then the puggle. The egg will hatch in about 10 days, whist the puggle will be carried for 45 – 50 days. This little puggle is approximately four weeks old. Its mother was badly injured when a landholder decided to move a pile of branches using machinery and she died soon after as a result of her injuries. When piles of branches and leaves have been in situ for a period of time wildlife will often begin to use them as a home. Some animals such as birds old enough to fly can quickly remove themselves from the pile if a person decides to burn or move it. Other animals such as lizards will be slower to move especially in the cooler weather. But the echidna’s response to danger is not to move away from it but to dig down into the earth. This is not a good move when machinery or fire are involved, because they will not have time to create a burrow and will be just putting themselves into a small hollow in the earth. This will not protect them. Echidnas will also dig a nesting burrow underneath a pile of branches and leaves where there is a constant temperature. When the mother is no longer carrying the puggle it will seal the young in, whilst it forages for ants, termites and small insects. The puggle is completely vulnerable during this time. Female echidnas do not have teats or nipples, they have a patch on their underside that exudes milk from pores. The puggle will feed by hanging upside down and gripping strongly to the mother’s underside while licking and sucking the milk patch. Gayle Chappell from the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter tells me that this makes feeding the puggle very slow as it will keep trying to turn upside down. A puggle will feed from its mother for up to 12 months. This little puggle will be a resident of the shelter for at least six months and will require feeding with specialized milk formulas relevant to its size and age. When we live so close to nature as we do in the Hepburn Shire, it is kind to consider the wildlife in everything we do. An alternate to large piles of branches stacked for burning is for landholders to create smaller piles of branches that can be left to decompose which will create safe habitat for wildlife and will eventually be compost that will enrich the surrounding soil.
Fun for all, since 1857! New Years Day, 1 January 2026 from 11am-4pm. Competitive events include woodchopping, bull-boar eating and mineral water drinking, plus novelty events, just for fun. And for the kids, there are running races, a petting zoo and a face painter. Bar and canteen available, or BYO picnic. Glenlyon Recreation Reserve. Adults $15, kids under 16 free. All proceeds donated back to community groups and local charities.
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
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Block Watch - tlnews.com.au
The television show The Block dominated much of the water cooler talk around the shire from its start thanks to the involvement of the state planning minister, to the influx of tradies wandering around Daylesford. Show personalities Shelley Craft and Scott Cam were also regulars - and Daylesford Seafood Bar owner Peter Kintzoglou, right, even named one of his offerings The Scotty Camburger. Bottom left, Daylesford Bowling Club general manager Neil Jordan got in some pickleball with one of the judges Marty Fox while The Local's general manager Kyle Barnes caught up with one of the contestants, Candice (of Han and Can fame) at one of the many functions held for the show. At the end of the show, three of the five houses sold with the other two passed in.
Block Watch 9
10 Our Festivals
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Our Festivals - tlnews.com.au
New Year's Eve 2025
Swiss Italian Festa 2025
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Our Festivals - tlnews.com.au
Words in Winter 2025 Daylesford Highland Gathering 2025
Our Festivals 11
Let’s support our community and shop local! “Locals supporting Locals”
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Remember we offer free delivery, T&Cs apply. Delivery times are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. We accept credit cards over the phone or we have an on-board eftpos machine. 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. Keep safe, everyone.
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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.
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Our people 13
Our People - tlnews.com.au
After 30 years together, Kevin Quick and Ivy Owen said "I do", marrying in Creswick on February 5. The pair met in 1994 and spent the next 14 years together travelling around Australia. Read more in Issue 325.
Kate Foulds’ debut children’s book, Grumps and the green fishing rod, was published in May. The picture book carries the stories of four generations through simple, narration and stunning photographs. Read more in Issue 330
The 49th Leonards Hill Baby Show was held at the Leonards Hill Hall, as it has been for generations. Some of those behind the show are, from left, Dot Rae, Melanie Thurstun and Ken Rae. Read more in Issue 325.
Jobbo, the Barefoot Barber, keeps busy at his Wheatsheaf barbershop offering anything from mullets to fades, and everything in-between. Women are also welcome to take a seat in his barber's chair. Read more in Issue 331.
Heather Mutimer Honour Roll
Hepburn Shire Council marked International Women’s Day on March 5 with Spring Hill's Paul Jamieson is Australia’s biggest llama farmer - by herd an event for the 20th anniversary of the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll. The number. His career has taken a journey from being a physical education five women inducted were Mary Harvey, Jessie Leggatt (posthumous), Donna teacher at Sacred Heart Primary School in St Albans in the late 1980s to Kelly, Mary-Faeth Chenery and Lynda Poke. Read more in Issue 327 current-day farmer. Read more in Issue 329
14 Opinion
Kyle's Rant
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It's the end of another long year and I am done and dusted. Feel free to fill the space below with your own rant! See you in 2026! Over and out, rant over...
Local Lines summer haiku a scorcher the dry cackle of cockies rain gauge surprise half a mil - ah the sprinkler beetroot red and invisible sunken sun warm and moist dark and cavernous armpit smack - a gum leaf hits the windscreen forgot the milk wearing green all summer long the red oak - Bill Wootton Bill finds summer a bit of an endurance test these days but at least the mowing eases off. Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com (summer haiku was first printed in January 13, 2025)
Haiku is a type of short form poetry that originated in Japan. Traditional Japanese haiku consist of three phrases composed of 17 morae (called on in Japanese) in a 5, 7, 5 pattern; that include a kireji, or "cutting word"; and a kigo, or seasonal reference.
Pick me, pick me! Hi, I'm Indi and we've met but I am still waiting for my forever home carer.
Opinion 15
Just sayin’... By Donna Kelly Well, that was a boring Christmas. Kyle and both managed to come down with some random virus which saw us unravelling all of our Christmas plans.
I have a lot of energy, am very smart and love other dogs but I am not good with small children. I do need a home with a high fence so I don't go exploring alone, but once I warm up to you I will want to stay home. I am a female, desexed, two-yearold, white and tan bull arab x staffy. Microchip no. 97810108732207 Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine or call 5472 5277. Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie the Kelpie & Curly the Cocker Spaniel - we picked them from the Peninsula RSPCA. (Pick me, pick me is also proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock - where pets are family.)
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So no overnight trip to friends in Phillip Island, or friends in Frankston. And then we cancelled our Aperitifs for Christmas Eve. But not until we had cancelled Christmas Day with friends in Melbourne. And then we cancelled friends who were coming to stay Boxing Day night. We watched a lot of television, slept a lot, ate biscuits and cheese for our wonderful Christmas lunch (and dinner) and got not one present. I know, we could have already shopped if we were planners, but we're not. However a few days before we got crook, we did make it to the 5000 Club's Christmas luncheon - and it was fantastic. We joined more than 60 people at Daylesford's Victoria Park for a three-course lunch with a mango and prawn starter, a roast meal with all the trimmings and then about six choices for dessert. Well done to all those involved - and these guys do this nearly every Friday for the entire year. Offering not just food but also friendship to anyone keen to come along. It was really heartwarming and a shout-out to all those who volunteer their time throughout our wonderful shire. So many people give their time so freely. It only works because of you. You are appreciated. Talking of volunteers, we did also get caught up in a house fire (not ours - and everyone was OK) on December 23. We were feeling pretty average by this stage and decided to travel to Woodend to "do" a Click & Collect. I just can't Click & Collect at Daylesford. I would know the staffer and would feel really lazy. So off we went. Doesn't matter where but we saw a fair bit of smoke at a house and I thought "they should not be burning off" while Kyle's immediate thought was "it's cold, they've got the fire on". Anyway, we ummed and ahhed, and Kyle did a u-turn and sure enough smoke was billowing out of the roof. We rang Triple 0 and all three emergency services arrived and I would just like to say how wonderful they all are - volunteer and professional, as in paid. The CFA was there within minutes - thank you Trentham, Tylden and Spring Hill - and I think there was another back-up team as well. I hope I did not miss anyone. They were all exceptional in not only their firefighting skills but being so kind with the homeowner offering water, something to eat, chairs, ground blankets... Then the police arrived, once again amazing, they were from Kyneton and Gisborne I think. Again, outstanding and just quietly going about their business. The ambo arrived next. I have never met an ambo I didn’t like and this bloke was no exception. Also thanks to so many people who stopped to see if help was needed. (No thanks to the grandparents who walked their three-year-old right through the scene declaring "we had no idea there was a fire, he just wanted to see the fire engines". FFS.) We are so lucky to live in this amazing region with its wonderful volunteers and professionals. I watched it unfold and felt what can only be described as gratitude. You are all amazing. True heroes. Not just today but every day. Side note: We got it wrong. Kyle, who has fire training, called 000 while I ran to the home looking for occupants. Whoops. But I can truly say together we saved a woman and her child, two budgies and a cat from a burning house. A few people who know us asked if we were triggered - we had a house fire before we moved to the Central Highlands. No, is the answer. While it certainly raised our heart rates we always felt once the living beings are out, that's the best outcome. You can always rebuild. Wishing that family a better 2026.
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News 19
Our News - tlnews.com.au September 22, 2025 Issue 341 Saints’ drought broken!
Labrador Ted and his labradoodle buddy, Penny, went missing in May sparking a huge community search. Ted was finally found down a Trentham mineshaft, with Penny nearby. Read more in Issue 334.
The Local - The Heart of the Highlands Creswick identity and CresFest founder Judy Turner was honoured at Government House in October, among a group of older volunteers making a difference in their communities. Read more in Issue 344.
Nine-year-old Mason Thompson featured when the Trentham Saints ended their 31-year grand final drought. Mason's club 'buddy' and senior player Ed Fanning hoisted him into his shoulders. Read more in Issue 341.
The Wombat Forest community joined with Extinction Rebellion, in July, to Daylesford was celebrating again, in October, after winning a two-year draw attention to what it says is environmentally damaging salvage logging long battle to stop the Endeavour Group from putting a Dan Murphy’s in Wombat State Forest. Wombat Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne said the in the town. The Endeavour Group had appealed the Victorian Liquor works were causing serious environmental harm. Read more in Issue 336. Commission’s landmark ruling citing harm. Read more in Issue 342.
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