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January 12, 2026 Issue 349 Fire devastation

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

2 About Us

www.tlnews.com.au

Front page: Fires have ravaged Victoria and at Harcourt, 30 houses and 40 sheds have been lost. With the situation still not under control, The Local's editor Donna Kelly made the decision to keep away from the firegrounds, and follow up in the next edition, out January 26. Thanks to all emergency services for your amazing work.

January 12, 2026 Issue 349 Fire devastation

The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria. The next edition is out on Monday, January 26, 2026 or online on Sunday, January 25 at www.tlnews.com.au Space bookings: Wednesday, January 21 Copy deadline: Thursday, January 22 Editorial deadline: Thursday, January 22 General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au

Image: Marc Dankers

Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or news@tlnews.com.au

Editorial page 17

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.

Same prices. Just more Dayleford. Cnr Albert & Bridport Sts

DAYLESFORD

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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News 3

Harcourt loses 30 homes in Vic fires Thirty houses and 40 sheds have been lost in the fire at Harcourt. At the time of going to press (Sunday, January 11, 2pm) 80 per cent of the fire was contained. Around Victoria more than 300 structures have been lost including those at Harcourt, 150 in the Longwood fire and a house and 12 sheds in the Mt Mercer fire. Also at the time of press, there were still 32 active bushfires and 15 warnings in place advising people to leave their communities. About 350,000 hectares have been burnt out around the state. The federal and state governments will provide a $19.5 million package to provide support to impacted communities. It will include $10 million to help get fodder to farmers, $1.5 million for emergency accommodation and $1 million for mental health support. Those from the most-impacted communities may be eligible for an immediate payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for children.

Members of Striketeam 1545, including Hepburn, Porcupine Ridge, Trentham and Leonards Hill from the Glenlyon Group, filling up the tanker at Barkers Creek Reservoir on Saturday, January 10 at 2.30am. Image: Leonards Hill CFA caption Marc Dankers Opinion: Page 17

Stage 1 water restrictions now in force in the Forest Hill region

chw.net.au/restrictions

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The police will be using every tool they have to keep the roads safe. But if you decide to drink then drive, how your holiday ends is your choice.

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Our people 7

Glen making his mark at Hepburn House

Glen, always keen to be a part of the community, Glen Heyne is the eldest fourth-generation member also put his hand up and was voted onto council for a of Adelaide’s leading nursery, where he worked year for the then Shire of Daylesford and Glenlyon. until his two younger brothers finished school.

He was also involved in the Daylesford Cinema He then entered the world of journalism writing doing all of the programs and projection for about five for gardening columns for newspapers including The years. And both Peta and Glen were on the steering Chronicle, South Australia’s Weekly Times counterpart committee of the Daylesford District Bendigo Bank. He then moved into PR and was promotions The pair finally retired in 2015 and headed overseas manager for the South Australian Festival of the Arts for travelling around Asia and Europe – with plenty of river some time. cruises. Melbourne beckoned and Glen became the Peta said Glen started having some health issues last promotions manager of the Jam Factory Shopping year and moved into Hepburn House in July for some Centre, where he met his future wife, Peta. They made the perfect team and when he finally left respite care. When those issues failed to resolve, the care the centre, both Glen and Peta ran the Prahran Festival became permanent in September. And Glen has already joined the aged care facility’s for a few years. The couple also wrote a number of gardening books cinema group, and happily took on the role of Crocodile Dundee in its annual calendar. together with Glen, and his smooth voice, always Peta said Hepburn House was wonderful. moonlighting with radio gigs – in SA and Victoria – “The staff are great, meals are all cooked in-house, about all things gardening. Victorian stations included 3AW, 3DB and 3UZ – which is great, and Glen has found friendship and takes part in all the activities. There are also outings like lunch with the latter he drove into Melbourne every Sunday at Trentham or a trip to Ballarat or the Chocolate Mill. for a five-hour stint on a lifestyle program, covering anything from legal matters, finance, pets and motoring. And I take him out most weeks. They really encourage everyone to be active. When 3UZ moved to a sports format, Glen was “He does his exercises in the morning and then takes given then midnight to dawn shift doing talk-back radio chatting with people who loved his friendly manner and part in activities and loves a chat. After he finishes his meals he always joins the ladies’ table for a chat. gentle advice. “Shelley’s (manager Shelley Simpson) door is always Meanwhile, he and Peta had made the move to open, and the staff and nurses are wonderful. Daylesford in 1986 and bought The Coach House, a “I couldn’t fault Hepburn House. And at the end of craft shop, tea room and nursery. the day, he’s still my Glen.” They then bought Daylesford Cottage Directory, an accommodation business, in 1995. After a year, Glen left Words: Donna Kelly radio and joined Peta full-time.

Image: David White (calendar) & contributed

Care at Hepburn House, Daylesford While the move to permanent care in an aged care facility can be an emotionally challenging time, Hepburn House's compassionate staff work closely with residents and their loved ones during the transition period to ensure everyone involved feels supported.

Manager Shelley Simpson said while many people embraced the move for onsite medical support, social interaction and mobility support, others found it harder to leave the home they know for an aged care facility. "Over many years we have established a truly compassionate and embracing facility – where each resident can enjoy life in safety, in comfort and surrounded by a supportive network of care professionals. "That’s because our dedicated staff and management understand the need for everyone to live their lives on their own terms, with dignity and with purpose. "It’s our residents who make Hepburn House a home and our management, staff, volunteers and visitors who help foster an empathetic and vibrant lifestyle. "With a number of options available, all rooms offer a sense of privacy thanks to carefully appointed rooms across the established Homestead and the more recent additions to Hepburn House. "I would ask anyone thinking about the move to Hepburn House for themselves or their loved ones to reach out to me because it all starts with a conversation."

Hepburn House is at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford. Email shelley@hepburnhouse.com.au or call 5348 8100. (Advertorial)

Images: George Weiss

New Year's Day Parade

Council CouncilNews Stay cool in extreme heat

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Masterplan

Extreme heat can severely impact your health and is responsible for more deaths in Victoria than all other disasters combined. If your home becomes too hot, consider: • visiting a friend or family member who has air conditioning • heading to your local library during business hours to enjoy a safe, airconditioned space • connecting with your community to see what local spaces are open and available • visiting one of our pools or splash park to stay cool. We are working with neighbourhood houses and community groups to provide more cool spaces during heatwaves. Stay connected to our socials for updates. For more information on dealing with extreme heat visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat

Council is preparing a Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Masterplan to guide future improvements, remediation and new works. The Masterplan primarily considers the grounds, trails and amenities, with the exception of the Hepburn Bathhouse which is managed separately. While there is no funding to implement any of the actions suggested in the Masterplan, it will allow Council to seek funding from future grant programs. A copy of the Masterplan map and list of proposed actions is available on Council’s Participate Hepburn website. We would like to hear what you think of the draft and how it brings your ideas from earlier engagement to life. There are several ways to have your say: • Survey that is open until 6 February 2026 at https://www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hmsr-masterplan • Wednesday 28 January - 10-11:30 am at Hepburn Mineral Springs near Soda Spring and the Soundshell • Saturday 31 January - 11 am - 12:30 pm at Hepburn Mineral Springs near Soda Spring and the Soundshell • Thursday 5 February - 11 am - 12 pm at the Council Chambers (24 Vincent Street, Daylesford)

Pool season Grab your friends and family and enjoy our pools. Entry is free! Our pools in Daylesford, Clunes and Trentham, and our splash park in Creswick, will be open until Monday 9 March 2026. For information on our usual weather policy and opening hours visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/pools

Next Council meeting The first Council meeting for 2026 will be held on Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 6 pm. You can attend in person at Council Chamber (24 Vincent Street, Daylesford) or you can tune in on YouTube.

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News 9

Double donors boost Rex fundraising Daylesford’s Phoenix@The Rex community cinema has moved significantly closer to reopening following a donation commitment of up to $40,000 from local residents Lahn, pictured right, and Anton Straney-Kraft. The couple has made an initial $20,000 donation and are personally matching a further $20,000 from the community dollar-for-dollar. If fully matched, their contribution will total $40,000 and bring the cinema group close to installing the projection and sound equipment needed to begin screening films.

Fresh momentum

Cinema group president Jules McDonald said the donation had provided fresh momentum for the project going into the new year. “We are delighted and grateful for this generosity and far-sightedness.” The cinema redevelopment has been driven largely by community fundraising following Hepburn Shire Council’s sale of The Rex building in 2022. Since then, new owners Eddy and Malinka Comelli and artists David Bromley and his wife Yuge have supported the project, with Eddy completing the partially built shell and the Bromleys contributing generously to fundraising efforts.

Volunteer efforts

Over recent months, volunteers have raised funds through raffles, sausage sizzles, a Movie Trivia night at the Daylesford Bowling Club, a Night of Magic and Music at Hotel Frangos, a Feast and Flick series at Radius, an Open Garden day at Musk and a large Indian dinner that raised $20,000. The cinema group also approached the council seeking a $50,000 contribution from reserves set aside for community facilities that would have been housed in The Rex. When that request was declined, additional private donors stepped in, including $20,000 from a retired senior business executive and his wife, who asked to remain anonymous.

A place to gather

“We used to love going to films at The Rex,” the executive told The Local recalling it as a particularly important place to gather in winter. “We are disappointed at the council’s lack of interest in a project which has such community value. For us, it’s a really good thing to support Jules and her team, who are doing all they can to make it a success.” The couple said their support was driven by both personal connection and the role the cinema would play in the town. “One way or another” they have been coming to Daylesford for 15 years. “We love the town and the people,” said the executive's wife. “It gives us great pleasure to give something back to the town. The cinema will come to fruition in the first half of the year.”

Broader support

Lahn and Anton said their decision to donate and offer a matching contribution was shaped by concern that the project could lose momentum without broader support. “Sometimes bad things can lead to good,” said Lahn. “Without council help there was a sense of hopelessness.” Lahn is a self-made health-technology entrepreneur with a background in epidemiology and biostatistics. He has worked in global public-health research and continues to work as chief scientific officer in a care-sector focused software delivery and licensing company. Anton, who grew up in Sweden, is a keen reader and local volunteer. He regularly helps with Meals on Wheels and contributes to community fundraising, including Cliffy’s CFA Christmas event.

Donations

Donations to the cinema are tax deductible and can be made via the Australian Cultural Fund at: www.artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/ a2EMn00000WGkrLMAT/daylesford-cinema-equipment-projects

VIC STATE ROOFING

Metal Roof Specialist QUALITY LOCAL TRADESMEN NEW HOMES AND EXTENSIONS REPLACEMENT FROM TILES TO METAL ROOFING RE-ROOFING OLDER HOMES METAL WALL CLADDING 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE LOCAL AREA

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Contributed

CALL SIMON FOR A FREE QUOTE e: simon.harrison2@bigpond.com p: 0418 306 602

10 News

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Just briefly... Paramedics and first responders at Ambulance Victoria’s Daylesford branch have been recognised for going above and beyond to provide best care, named Grampians Team of the Year at AV staff recognition awards held late last year.

The success was backed up by Daylesford local and Clunes Ambulance Community Officer Glenn Webster earning the region’s Outstanding First Responder Award, another of the night’s big honours. Grampians Regional Director Steve Doyle said the paramedics and first responders at the Daylesford branch clearly showed their commitment to clinical excellence and teamwork. "They consistently meet performance expectations while delivering safe, compassionate care to the community.”

From left, Clunes Ambulance Community Officer Glenn Webster, Hepburn Moorabool Acting Senior Team Manager Olivia Glanford and Daylesford Acting Team Manager Benjamin Carty accept the awards Open Gardens Victoria will see North Haven, 13 Loren Close, Ballarat North open to the public on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1. North Haven is a secluded, design-led family garden created by landscape designer Paddy Milne (The Scape Artist) over nearly a decade. Visitors enter through stone pillars and a bespoke Oregon timber gate into a calm, private sanctuary. The north-facing courtyard offers lush planting, a built-in daybed and a wood-fired pizza oven, while the raised semi-circular lawn at the rear provides space for play and relaxation. With a developing canopy and layered planting throughout, North Haven is a garden where strong structure meets soft, immersive planting - a true suburban retreat. There will be a coffee cart and some of the proceeds from this opening will be donated to WRISC - Family Violence Support. Open 10am-4.30pm.

Macedon Ranges residents will have the option to dispose of their real Christmas trees for free this January with usual green waste drop-off fees to be temporarily waived for the festive feature. Aligning with the council’s strong recycling record and waste management priorities, resource recovery facilities at Romsey, Kyneton and Woodend will accept the delivery of pine trees at no cost on weekends in January (including January 31/ February 1) during regular hours (10am-4pm).

A group of CFA firefighters is ready to fight fires in remote areas across the state following seven weeks of intensive training to become arduous firefighters.

The pilot program, a first for CFA, includes 15 arduous firefighters with the capability to attack and suppress fires in terrain that can't be accessed by a fire truck or aircraft. The crew is made up of volunteer firefighters who respond to different types of scenarios, including lightning strikes, bushfires and preventative works such as backburning operations. They can be deployed to a remote area for up to 24 hours, and are trained to walk up to 45 minutes from a vehicle. They also carry 20-kilogram packs that include a range of mechanical tools such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, hose lay packs and small pumps to help them create fire breaks or directly suppress fires by pumping water from a nearby creek or dam.

Many residents have complained on social media about overfilled rubbish bins around Hepburn Shire over the holiday period.

Hepburn Shire Council Infrastucture and Delivery Director Bruce Lucas said kerbside pickups were completed daily except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when landfills and contractors were closed. "Council’s Parks and Works team also undertook some reactive collections. Feedback from contractors also suggests that some of our public bins received dumped household rubbish which contributed to this issue."

Words: Donna Kelly Image: Contributed

Hope for Phoebe Single mum Emily Burke has been thrown into an arena no parent ever wants to even contemplate. Her daughter Phoebe, who turns three in March, was born with congenital heart disease along with a rare condition that meant she couldn't swallow because her oesophagus wasn't connected to her stomach. This meant a long time in hospital and myriad surgeries for the first year of life. In January last year there was more heart surgery and Emily realised Phoebe was not waking up properly with what seemed like seizures. But it turned out she was missing a portal vein, which takes blood from the stomach and intestines through to the liver to be filtered before it goes around the rest of the body and the brain. In basic terms her brain was being poisoned by toxins. And Emily says it’s very, very rare. “Phoebe was born with it but although there were signs no one picked it up because it's just not something that's seen often at all. It’s very complicated and very tricky to fix. I started doing a bit of a deep dive into the internet and found a surgeon overseas who's done about 120 cases of these. In Australia they’re not very confident that the procedure will work for Phoebe so that's why I found this surgeon and a lot of people within this tiny little community recommended him as well. I want the best for Phobe and she's been through so much.” Of course, the cost for overseas surgery is not covered through any insurance or government funding, so Emily started, hesitantly, raising the money needed. About $250,000. In September she opened a GoFundMe page and also reached out to Madalyn Children’s Foundation who are on board. Then there’s lots of fundraisers including a Family Fun Day at Harcourt Valley Winery on Sunday, January 25 from noon to 4pm. (*See below.) A gold coin donation will get the family in, and then there will be plenty of free activities, and a few for small amounts. There are raffles and auctions which many businesses, including those in the Hepburn Shire, have contributed to. It’s BYO but there’ll also be a sausage sizzle, a children’s entertainer, circus tricks, a giant Jenga, bocce, kids’ trivia and other workshops. Emily, who lived in Castlemaine but has moved to Geelong, said she was “tired” but determined to continue her fundraising – with about $85,000 already raised. “It's been a lot of work – she only has me, so I am doing a lot on my own but all my friends are helping with finding donations. It’s a lot of late nights and I am very out of my comfort zone, asking for money and prizes and things, but I'm finding the little community areas are really supportive. It's really kind of businesses to help us because it's the only way we can really raise money.”

Link to all events/donations: www.linktr.ee/hope_for_phoebe (*With the fires at Harcourt, please check social media for updates - in case this event cannot proceed. If it does go ahead, the day will be free for all local residents with an extra raffle to raise funds for those affected.) Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

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News 11

Glenlyon Talent Showcase: Hall fundraiser Hold on to your hats, the Glenlyon Talent Showcase is coming! There is no shortage of talent in the Glenlyon District, and now is the time to show it off.

The Glenlyon Community Hall is providing a great opportunity for all local musicians, singers, magicians, poets, jugglers...or perhaps people who can do all of those simultaneously. Glenlyon resident Keith Fletcher said a smaller talent show had been held over teh past two years and this year it was time to "make it a little bit bigger and flasher and use it as a fundraiser for the Glenlyon Hall". Keith said the show was mostly for amateurs with about 15 people expected to take place and about 60 audience members. "I'm a relatively recent arrival in Glenlyon as of two years ago and was a teacher in a previous life but am an amateur musician. I have been working with local people and particularly the Glenlyon Ukulele Group. "We love it here, it's such a great little community." Of course, Keith says, by Glenlyon distirct pretty much anyone with a connection to Glenlyon, whether by road, kinship, friendship or marriage can take part. Performers will have up to 10 minutes allotted to strut their stuff. Bookings can be made on the Glenlyon Community Hall website – go to “Live Music Events” to either register interest as a participant, or to buy a ticket. Participants get in free. Mark your diaries for Saturday, February 21. Doors open at 6.30pm with performances from 7pm. Food and drink will be available to purchase. For more details contact Keith on 0402 985 007 or head to the hall's website at www.glenlyoncommunityhall.org

Y FARM AL L E

THINKING OF OUR COMMUNITY – STAY SAFE, EAT WELL

Images from last year by Keith Fletcher

LLS GREENHI L NATURA D

With bushfire risks high, we’re sending our best to those affected and reminding everyone to cook with care. Solid fuel BBQs are off the cards for now, but we’ve got plenty of meal ideas for hot days - ask us in store!

M I LY R A

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Rump is often overlooked for Scotch, but it is incredible lean and has bangs of flavour. This means it is perfect for quick stir-fry’s, Vietnamese pho, Brazilian picanha, or just a great quick steak on the grill. Not to mention there is no better value or more versatile cut than a whole rump - we will even cut it into steaks for you at the thickness of your liking. Amazing value for premium true local grass-fed beef.

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WE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY 26 JANUARY FOR THE AUSTRALIA DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

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Head to our website or click on QR code for Rump recipes or head instore and see the team for daily specials, including easycook and no-cook meals for when it’s just too hot to cook. Stay safe everyone – and if in doubt, check the CFA site before you fire up anything!

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OPEN 7 DAYS

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12 Crossword

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W RD

CROSS

Business Directory - Support Local! Markets Daylesford Sunday Market – every Sunday First Saturday Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Market, Woodend Lions Market, Woodend Farmers Market

DELIVERING THE REGION’S BEST FREIGHT FOR OVER 25 YEARS. BULK DRY FREIGHT PRODUCE CARTAGE BULK REFRIGERATED FREIGHT PARCELS AND PALLETS

Second Saturday Trentham Community Market, Kyneton Farmers Market, Kyneton Rotary Market

FURNITURE REMOVALS FURNITURE DELIVERY ART AND SCULPTURE MELBOURNE DEPOT LARGE & SMALL TRUCKS

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Second Sunday Maldon Market, Clunes Farmers Market

Here is the crossword solution for Edition 347. (There was no crossword in the last edition.) How did you go? All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local.

Third Saturday Trentham Farmers & Makers Market, Glenlyon Farmers Market, Leonards Hill Market Creswick Market Third Sunday Talbot Farmers Market Fourth Sunday Daylesford Farmers Market

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Our advertisers 13

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Beetham's Botanicals Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy and Happy Holidays to all!

This time I'll be giving advice on preparing and planting a perennial (or herbaceous) border in your garden. These borders are quite common in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the UK, where they can often be found located in front of a stone (or brick) wall and sometimes a clipped evergreen hedge, that offer protection from (some) prevailing weather but also act as an ornamental backdrop that helps showcase the plants. In my long time as a professional landscape and garden designer, I once had the privilege of starting a long perennial border (20m long x 2.5m wide) from scratch that did have a stone wall at the rear facin north and was wide enough to accommodate three layers of plantings from front to back. So once you've sited the garden bed there is one very important initial bed preparation that requires you, or a fit young person (while you're sipping on a well earned G&T!), to double dig the existing soil which is achieved by digging a trench one spade deep (taking the soil to the far end of the border), forking over the newly exposed subsoil adding organic compost and manure and backfilling with the next spadeful of soil along the trench. This will ensure maximum growth and health of your chosen plants. If you are planting into a newly purpose-built raised garden bed then make sure to backfill with a good friable loam mixed with organic compost and manure. Once the border is ready for planting you might want to consider some irrigation as it is much easier to lay the tubing in rows parallel with the bed before actual planting. And now to choosing the plants that will please your palate. The genera I have listed below will display a cornucopia of colours that will flow from early spring through to autumn. You can be bold as you like with vibrant reds and oranges or more subdued with paler hints of cream, yellow, blue and mauve. Each genus is followed by a capital letter in brackets to represent its growth habit: (S) = small, (M) = medium and (T) = tall. Early spring: crocus (S), helleborus (S), hyacinthus (S) & narcissus (S) Mid to late spring: echium (T - see image top right - good for height!), iris (S & M), papaver (M) & paeonia (M) Late spring to early summer: achillea (M), chrysanthemum (M), coreopsis (S), delphinium (M), hemerocallis (S & M), lupinus (M), romneya (M - see image middle right) & salvia (S, M & T) Mid summer to autumn: anemone (M - see image lower right), aster (S & M), dahlia (M & T), echinacea (M), helianthus (M), nerine (S), perovskia (M), salvia (S, M & T - what a fab genus), sedum (S & M) & solidago (M) And don't be afraid to pay homage to the prairie-style gardening that attempts to mimic the Northern American drylands by planting ornamental grasses such as calamagrostis (M & T), miscanthus (M & T) and pennisetum (M).. These look great with their strap-like leaves swirling in the breeze and, for those in frost-prone areas, attract morning frosts that add an unexpected bonus as the border rests over winter. So, as I write this, we are sweltering through an unsettling three-day heatwave here in the Central Victorian Highlands, nevertheless you, my reader, will soldier on (perhaps after a icy cold beer or whatever tipple is of your choice) knowing that gardening can be cruel and yet sometimes amazingly satisfying.

Cheers JB (trading as "Trees in Australia") Next time: Significant trees in Victoria... Scan the QR code to see JB's Instagram post...

Gig Guide

with Darren Lowe

Spice of India, Daylesford Join Lake Mist - Vanessa Craven and Zdena Schwangmeier - for an unforgettable live performance blending award-winning originals and inspired covers. Folk, blues, alt-country, jazz, swing, and Indian influences come together in a vibrant, euphoric musical journey you won’t want to miss. Dates: January 17, 24 & 31. Bookings: spiceofindiarestaurant.online or acousticsessions.com.au Odessa@Leavers, Creswick Harvesting Joy - Saturday, January 17, 5pm-late (Tickets $60 @ humanitix) Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford Double or Nothing Duo – Saturday, January 17, 2pm-5pm Dayglow Disco with Mr. Smith DJ - Sunday, January 18, 2pm-5pm Danny Ross – Saturday, January 24, 2pm-4pm Dayglow Disco with Mr. Smith DJ – Sunday, January 25, 2pm-5pm Got a gig happening? Email news@tlnews.com.au All gigs correct at time of publication.

daylesford bowling club & Bistro Your Community Club

HAPPY HOUR 6 - 7pm Every Friday

OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER

MEMBERS, GUESTS & VISITORS ALL WELCOME! OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 10am Bookings strongly advised

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8 Camp St - Daylesford | 03 5348 2130 www.daylesfordbowlingclub.com.au

Let’s support our community and shop local! “Locals supporting Locals”

Restaurants, Bakers, Butchers, Cafe’s, Local vineyards, Distillers, Brewers and of course each other.

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.

16 Opinion

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Kyle's Rant

Happy New Year to all, and it is fantastic that as we turn the corner into 2026 we have taken the Auld Lang Syne song seriously, which asks if old acquaintances should be forgotten, answering with a call to remember and share a "cup o' kindness".

But a sneak peek into the year reveals it’s still everyone for themselves in the broader world and the dirge might as well not have been trotted out for the NYE celebrations. Case in point: Venezuela has experienced severe economic collapse, political repression and a humanitarian crisis over the past decade. But does that give Trump the right to take a cake walk into the president’s crib and perform a snatch and grab on him and his wife? This will ultimately see the guy and his bride rot in prison in the States tied up in court battles on trumped-up charges to hold him there (pun intended). When the bullshit of the drug boat bombings first hit the news late last year, one could be forgiven for shaking one’s fist in the air and screaming 'go Trumpy, knock that drug war on the head'. However, a peek behind the curtain reveals drugs that head into the States are by and large from Columbia and Mexico. And although there is a thriving drug trade in Venezuela, particularly to Europe, the place is better known for the fact it is heaving in gold, huge deposits of diamonds and gargantuan rare earth minerals. But the pièce de résistance is that Venezuela has about a fifth of the world's proven crude oil reserves. Venezuela leads all countries with 303 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, outnumbering Saudi Arabia and representing almost 20 per cent of global reserves. So, there is now no need to put the hammer down on Greenland. This leaves the Danish once again to turn their attention back to their cycling, Lego sets and their unique cultural concept of "hygge" (cosiness). The lands to the south of America are now where old yellow top has turned his attention, which is probably too global for us in the Central Highlands to give any thought to. Or is it? That cheap oil in Venezuela was a chink in the Chinese powerhouse economy because it, to a large degree, propped up China's economic rise and rise – not to mention Russia’s dependence on the Texas T. So, what happens now that the oil line has dried up for the two giants? I don’t like to think too close to bedtime about it and don’t want to spread propaganda, as this is simply the opinion of one man who couldn’t even make the audience on Deal or No Deal - a story for another time. However, if I was in China’s shoes I would look to another country reasonably close by with lots of resources to fill the gap. Someplace with wide open borders, who is short on defences and their nearest allies are on the other side of the world. Except for a tinpot nation next door who have one or two navy ships and the residents roll their Rs and love a good cup of tea. It wouldn’t surprise me if the horse trading is already going on behind closed doors and Australia was one of the fine fillies getting bid on. Watch this space rant over…

Local Lines Cancer

Struck by a rampant disease? Tell me it ain't so, please? Is the knocking sound your knees? Can't find a day you can seize? Your future's in the deep freeze? Wired-up taking your ease? Will you break your back if you sneeze? Aghast at the medical fees? Nobody's palm you can grease? Lost your mind-keeping keys? Like stuck in a storm in high seas? Waiting for a kindly breeze? Your meds are from Darrell Lea's? - James Baillie James is an old man scribbler.

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, I am Jaya, a three-year-old bundle of energy and laughter.

Opinion 17

Just sayin’... By Donna Kelly

I love to take part in spirited games, and am quite goofy and quirky. My idea of fun includes a bit of rough play, making me a perfect companion for active play sessions - although it means I am best suited to a home with no small children. Microchip No. 956000016306643 Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine or call 5472 5277.

A huge thank you to all the emergency services personnel for all you have done and are still doing as we go to press on Sunday.

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.)

We just went into Daylesford and watched as about eight tankers drove off towards Harcourt. Most local, one from Miners Rest, all doing the same thing, leaving their homes and families to do their best for other people's homes and families. You are all heroes. All amazing. I don't think it is until something like these fires happen that we realise how much we expect our volunteers to just put everything down and help save our properties, often putting their own lives at risk. We left early on Friday. We have no intention of staying to defend and don't want to get in the way because we left it too late to go. We also made the decision not to go full on with coverage of the fires. Everyone has already seen all they need to see on television and social media. In the next edition, we will do a bit of a deep dive. Talk to some firies and also ask if they have the equipment they need. Hopefully that's a yes, and if not, we really need to work on that. As I said there is a real expectation that the emergency services are there to help, at any time, and you would hope they have all they need. Anyway, our real thanks to all, and I hope everyone is staying safe as possible. Oh, if you need mental health counselling make sure you put your hand up. It does work.

My original colum - cut a bit short. I was scared of dogs as a kid. Once I was riding past a house and one ran out and bit me on the thigh. Maybe not quite a bite, but a definite teeth-baring incident.

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So my parents in their wisdom bought me a dog for my sixth birthday. A corgi. I named her Susie. Susie was a great dog. She had to sleep outside, which I thought was mean, but I guess it was the day and age. But we spent a lot of time together - I remember pouring a beer into her bowl for Christmas because in dog years she was an adult. I also remember crying into her fur when life seemed unfair. My next dog was Rosie, who Kyle and I found at the Pearcedale RSPCA. She was a kelpie cross and had been left in a box with her puppy brothers and sisters. Two years later we picked up Curly from the same place. He was two - a cocker spaniel cross - and after one fight they were best friends for life. We moved to Glenlyon when they were five years old and the school was like a giant dog run. Which turned out to be great because every time we took them down the Glenlyon Reserve for a wander, we were approached by dogs off their leads. Now Curly loved people but, for some reason, not dogs. So when dogs came charging with owners calling "don't worry, they're friendly" we freaked out. It's not just a Central Highlands thing. It happened in Karratha and Harvey Bay. Recently, there's been a lot of chatter on social media about dogs at Lake Daylesford. We can't report on it because it's still being investigated. But there's nothing like dogs to get people onto their phones and keyboards. For the record there are only two dogs-off-leash areas in Hepburn Shire. At Trentham's Sportsground Reserve and one at Clunes - but that one is not listed on the council website so I'm not sure where it is. One more, at Victoria Park, is on its way. But already people say it's too small. It's a dog's life. Just sayin'...

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Glenlyon Sports Day welcomes 2026 Image: Julia Irwin

Images (middle row): Ryan Kennedy

Images (bottom row): Keith Fletcher