The Local July 28, 2025 Issue 337

Wuthering Heights

The Local - The Heart of the Highlands

Front page: Red was the colour de jour as 100+ people headed to the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens on July 19 for The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever. Head to page 19 for the story and more images. And scan the QR code there for a short video to get the real vibe of the event.

Image: Donna Kelly

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.

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

The next edition is out on Monday, August 11, 2025. or online on Sunday, August 10 at www.tlnews.com.au

Space bookings: Wednesday, August 6

Copy deadline: Thursday, August 7

Editorial deadline: Thursday, August 7

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

Writers:

Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes, Natalie Poole & Donna Kelly

Photographers: Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly

Graphic designer: Dianne Caithness

Contributors:

Darren Lowe (music), Sarah Lang (recipes), Jeff Glorfeld (US life), Bill Wootton (poetry), Dr Marita McGuirk (wildlife) & John Beetham (gardens)

Accounts: Julie Hanson | Delivery: Tony Sawrey

BLOCK Watch

Final tools down

The filming of television show The Block had its final hurrah on Friday, July 18 with a gathering of hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft, the contestants and a host of media showing up at the Raglan Street, Daylesford site.

The houses were open for inspection, but with an embargo on any identifying photos, and in House 1 Scotty gave a short speech saying after number crunching he could reveal the production spent $8 million in the town.

“That's on catering, cleaning, challenges that we do. And that's not including employment, employing local people as well.”

Scotty said community service was also a part of the show’s mantra.

“We re-did the cinema, which would have cost a fair bit. And we did the Hepburn Springs Bathhouse. Whenever we come to a town like Daylesford, we really embrace the local community for what they offer us. Pete and Zac from the Seafood Bar, they named a hamburger after me. The Scotty Camburger. And it was very popular. They sold thousands, apparently. It’s still on the menu.”

Scotty said the town was also known for its hatted restaurants and some which are “just off a hat”.

Shelley said the cast and crew had all enjoyed their time in Daylesford.

“The ladies, and the gentlemen, we hit the shops a fair bit of time. I think we supported a fair bit of the community in the fashion stakes of town.

“We felt really welcomed, we felt really loved.”

Special guest, Ballarat MP Catherine King thanked the show on behalf of the Daylesford community “for taking care with us”.

“It's really important. This is a really beautiful community. I really do want to thank you for the way in which you've worked with the community and worked so hard to make sure that this place is showcased. You've done that and invested (in the area) and taken care. To the contestants, this is a life-changing experience for all of you. Thank you for being part of our community for all the time that you have been.

“We're delighted to hear that you've spent so much money in the district and you've enjoyed the restaurants. But what you've also done is you've showcased what regional Victoria is like.

“I look forward to seeing your finished product. I watch every season. And I'm very glad to have met some of the amazing people who have been part of it. “

Words & bottom image: Donna Kelly

The Block is now airing on Channel 9 on Sundays at 7pm

Above, the cast and hosts of The Block at the housing site, below, Kyle Barnes shows contestant Can the previous edition of The Local

Our region's history with historian Natalie Poole

James Lane Railway Station opened on February 16, 1880 on the Carlsruhe to Trentham Line. Its name was changed to Fern Hill Railway Station on April 15, 1880. Why, may you ask? The discovery of ferns in the area could be a possible reason or there simply may be no explanation for the name change.

The introduction of the railway saw Fern Hill become an important transport hub which enabled the expansion of the area. The Railway Hotel and Clowes Store relocated to the station precinct in 1879 and 1880 respectively. The Post Office opened in 1882. They were all taking advantage of the increased numbers coming to town and capturing a share of the railway business in the process.

However, some farmers in the area were not happy with the railway department and the lack of action on acquiring the ‘necessities’ for the railway station.

The Kyneton Observer of March 23, 1882 reported on the Tylden and Trentham Farmers Union meeting.

Mr Hanson had the attention of the meeting citing the very great inconvenience existing at the Fern Hill Railway Station, lacking a weighbridge, cattle, sheep, and pig yards. Also, there needed to be more suitable and commodious passenger waiting rooms, in place of the present shed - and promised to the residents about six months earlier.

Mr Hanson urged the union to take the matter up but it would take many years for his wish list to be completed.

Fast forward to 1886 and the Fern Hill area was still progressing rapidly. Tenders were awarded for the erection of railway station buildings in that year. The sheep and cattle yards followed in 1888, and the long-anticipated station master's residence was erected late in 1889.

The immediate area around the railway station had a hotel, post office, mechanics' hall, butchers, post office and a general store all in close proximity and life’s necessities were taken care of. But where there is progress, there is also opportunistic behaviour.

The Kyneton Observer of August 11, 1887 reported on a robbery of a case of brandy from the Fern Hill railway station towards the end of the previous week. "Mr M O’Connell, who keeps a hotel in James Lane, took delivery of sundry goods, which had arrived with his order by rail from Melbourne, and removed part of them in his cart, leaving the balance for a second load.

"On returning to the station, he noticed that a case of brandy was missing, and though a diligent search was instituted the case was not discovered, and Mr O'Connell had to return without it."

Another incident was reported in the Ballarat Star of May 7, 1890, this time letter stealing.

"Mounted Constable Mahoney, this morning arrested a lad, aged 16 years; named John Thorneycroft, on two separate charges of stealing letters addressed to Fern Hill, and the property, in trust, of the Postmaster General.

"The date of the first alleged offence is 11th April, and that of the second, 18th April. Much regret is expressed for the lad’s family, who are well and favourably known throughout the district. The accused has for some years been employed in conveying the mail bags to and from Fern Hill railway station and East Trentham."

Even with the bad behaviour of a minority, Fern Hill Station was known for transporting timber, potatoes, hay and of course, passengers.

The Timber, Spuds and Spa book shows the statistics of the station over the years. In 1890: Passengers 8002, Goods-in 802 tons and Goods-out 5985 tons. By 1930, the passenger numbers were down to 1451 but the tonnage in was 1350 and tonnage out 6311. With passenger numbers on the decline due to the motor vehicle, the stationmaster was removed on June 18, 1930.

The Fern Hill Railway Station was closed to all traffic on July 3, 1978. It was a historical reminder of what a bustling centre Fern Hill had been.

In March 1998, the area fell victim to an arsonist, and the disused but historic railway station is no longer. It is unknown whether anyone was charged.

Note: Some of the buildings listed above still exist as private homes.

Images: Top two images courtesy of Trentham Historical Society, 1970

Bottom image courtesy of Greg Coker, 1991

Talkin' 'bout my g-g-generation...

Talkin' 'bout my g-g-generation

The Who sang "hope I die before I get old".

Oops - too late, says Jeff Glorfeld

One year ago my mother sold her home and moved into an "assisted living" facility. But that's not where this story starts.

Eight years ago, she and my father sold the family homestead and moved into a "manufactured home" in a community for residents older than 55 years - an upmarket trailer park. But that's not where this story starts.

Thirty years ago my mother and father signed up for something called long-term care insurance. Every month they paid premiums on two policies, and year by year those policies grew. But that's not where this story starts.

It starts 75 years ago; my grandparents - my mother's parents - moved from Los Angeles in southern California to Redding in rural northern California. They bought 16 hectares of rocky hard scrub land and built a house with their own hands.

Grandma died young: stroke, hospital, gone. Grandpa remarried, smoked and drank and died, without much lingering. His wife didn't smoke or drink and lived on, and on, and on. Dementia set in, and my mother, with a husband and three young children of her own to manage, had to find care for her. In-home help was elusive and the quality was poor to adequate. There were places called nursing homes, which amounted to a hospital bed, minimum staff interaction, and not much else. Money was an issue - the family wasn't poor and wasn't wealthy and, anyway, private facilities weren't readily available.

My mother learned a lot, finding care for her father's wife, knowledge she used when called upon to manage the final years of her two elderly aunts. The key lesson was that she was not going to end up like those old women, in institutional facilities and relying on the ministrations of family members. Hence the long-term care insurance.

My parents took over the family property, and when the land and stairs became too much, moved into their up-market trailer park. My wife Carol and I left Australia in 2018, bought the homestead, and assumed responsibility for my parents' wellbeing, with the aid of their by now substantial long-term care insurance.

It took work to get to grips with the policies, but soon enough we hooked up with an in-home healthcare company. My father was in poor health and my mother is extremely demanding but we finally were linked up with some good care-givers. One woman came in Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and another worked four hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Both women had low-level nursing qualifications that allowed them to help my parents shower and dress. They could make certain that they took all their medications but they couldn't handle the medications - that job fell to me or my brother. My dad became completely incontinent so the nursing daily duties included cleaning him and making up the beds and doing laundry.

Both caregivers were required to fill out daily reports on their activities because the insurance company had strict criteria regarding the services they would pay for. It was considered a viable task for them to help my parents eat meals but not to prepare them. Which, as it turned out, was what my parents required the most. Both women were happy to bend the rules and prepare meals but neither had any culinary abilities. But that worked out all right because it gave my mother, an accomplished cook in her time, nearly endless opportunity for complaint and criticism.

The cost of these services was not cheap but my parents had amassed a good amount of money in their long-term care policies.

My father died in February 2024 - he was 93 and his passing was mercifully quick. My mother decided she could no longer justify having full-time in-home care, and, with her eyesight failing, she didn't fancy staying in her house alone, and she didn't want to live with me and Carol, so she asked me to look into care facilities.

Redding, California is typical of many medium-size cities, full of old geezers. One of the only growth industries around here is in geriatric healthcare. With a population of 92,000 people, the area has 18 facilities offering various levels of "assisted living" care.

We settled on one of the older, smaller developments, which offers assisted living and the opportunity to transition to the next stage of ageing life, memory care, for those dealing with the onset of dementia. It has studio and one-bedroom apartments, and just a few with two bedrooms. Not many couples survive intact into old age, and where my mother lives most of the 150 or so residents are women.

My mother rents an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment. Her living space, filled with her own possessions from her previous homes, is comfortable and is combined with a kitchen of sorts that has a sink, fridge, microwave and storage space.

Bill and Margie Glorfeld - in one of their last photos together, and below, the assisted living Margie has now moved into

All the residents have a 24/7 call-button, which they carry at all times. It can be used for anything from a health emergency to needing help reading the label on a jar.

We have taken the option of having staff manage her medications. Meals are from a cafeteria, serving wholesome but institutional-type food, which is a problem for my mother, who has extremely specific likes and dislikes. There is a library and an exercise room, lovely grounds with paved footpaths, and ongoing social events. For this she pays $US7000 a month.

For the last five years of his life my father was not capable of taking care of himself. For my mother it's been more like three or four years. He died in a hospital but generally speaking he lived his final years at home. My mother still lives "independently". None of that would have happened had they not had the foresight to plan for it, decades in advance. There is no safety net in the US for growing old.

After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, former Wheatsheaf resident Jeff Glorfeld, and his wife Carol, went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past seven years he has survived bushfires, snowstorms and drought. And Trump. And Covid. And Trump again. The cicadas and locusts didn’t arrive. Well, not yet. Jeff is also the voice behind The Down Under Hour which is broadcast every Wednesday at 1pm, in California, on radio KKRN 88.5FM. The show can be live-streamed at KKRN.org In Victoria that’s 7am Thursday. Several programs have been archived on the website.

Home care queries but changes are afoot

After last edition's Home Care articles in The Local, a number of people have been in touch with further accounts of incidents involving a range of care providers.

One woman said she had called after months of waiting for help, only to find her husband's name had been removed from the waiting list.

When she explained to the staff member that she had been waiting for a long time, the staffer told her bluntly to try elsewhere. The staffer reluctantly returned her husband's name to the list.

One issue not touched on in the last edition was the fees being charged to home care clients - which seem high and not at market value.

Central Highlands Rural Health was the only provider to send through its Community Services Fee Schedule. It is easy to see how a client could quickly use their subsidies - especially for unforeseen visits by nurses on weekends and public holidays.

The fee, (excluding GST) for personal, home or respite care is $77 per hour from Monday to Friday. It rises to $113 per hour on weekends, and weekdays after 6pm. Public holidays are $148 per hour and public holidays which fall on weekends are $185 per hour.

A registered nurse receives $140 an hour on Monday to Friday, $211 for weekends, $281 for public holidays and $349 per hour for public holidays which fall on weekends.

An enrolled nurse receives $117 for Monday to Friday, $176 for weekends, $235 for public holidays and $293 for public holidays which fall on weekends.

Allied health professionals receive up to $199 per hour for Monday to Friday.

For property maintenance or gardening the going rate is $90 per hour.

The Local sent a list of questions to CHRH last week. We asked about the high fees charged and if the staffer received that amount? We also queried if the client could choose to use services from other people to stretch their funding further.

Finally, The Local asked if the care management fees of CHRH's 120 client was attributed equally the organisation was receiving almost $1.5 million in management fees - where does that money go?

In response, CHRH Care at Home Manager Jo Cocks said the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website provided comprehensive information on the Home Care Package program.

"This resource outlines key program details for both community members and service providers, including obligations, fee structures, and service lists," she said.

“As a public health service, CHRH operates under strict regulatory oversight. Our programs and services, including the Home Care Package program, are subject to regular reporting, audits, and accreditation processes. CHRH has been assessed as compliant and meets all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

"As the new Aged Care Act highlights, choice and control sit firmly with the individual, and we fully support that approach. We encourage anyone considering a Home Care Package to do their research when choosing a provider. It’s important to compare not just services, but also pricing and how those services are delivered."

From November 1, 2025, the federal government will introduce a new Support at Home program that will replace the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, and from no earlier than July 1, 2027, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme will transition into Support at Home.

The changes are in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, from 2018 to 2021.

Support at Home will have eight classifications for ongoing services, replacing the four Home Care Package levels. Each classification will have a budget for participants to access services and annual budgets will be broken into quarterly budgets.

Participants can carry over unspent funds of up to $1000 or 10 per cent of the quarterly budget (whichever is greater). Ten per cent of each participant's quarterly budget will be set aside for care management delivered by their service provider.

The new End-of-Life Pathway will give participants who have three months or less to live access to a higher level of in-home aged care services. This aims to help them stay at home for as long as possible.

From November 1, 2025, the federal government will also run a pooled funding trial for older people in group settings - such as a retirement village.

Trial participants will have the option to use some or all of their funding to access services on a more flexible or as needed basis (for example, a mini-bus service).

Some of the feedback on the last edition of The Local included:

"Your article summarised what we as a community have always known about aged care. I am greatly disturbed by the cost of administration, how can there be a justification of 30 to 35 per cent being paid as fees. When I read about the wages paid to senior executives of the companies and the profits made by the organisations running the schemes I am a little disgusted. Making money out of the suffering of the aged. I guess an inquiry into the fees charged is warranted."

Meanwhile, a woman wrote to The Local

"I have just been reading your article re Aged Care - help or the lack of it. Some years ago, when my husband, now deceased, required safety rails in the bathroom he approached Hepburn Council who eventually sent around an assessor.

"We already had the rails and all we needed was a handyman to attach them. However, the assessor eventually sent around the handyman who insisted on fitting his own rails. As a result, I have, in their boxes unused, a 900mm grab rail and 2 x 450mm grab rails. I would gladly give these to your needy elderly, and if needed, pay for someone to install them - unfortunately to do so myself is a little beyond my scope." If anyone would like the rails please email donna@tlnews.com.au

Please be someone really in need, in the spirit in which they are offered. (Ed's note: There are many home care agencies. CHRH was just the only one to send its feeswithout being asked. So full disclosure from the agency.)

Words: Donna Kelly

FIRST STOP DISABILITY SERVICES

F irst S top D isability S ervices have been supporting our local NDIS Participants since February 2019, by engaging experienced support workers who work and live in your community.

We deliver essential services assisting our clients to reach, surpass, and conquer their goals.

Contact us to find out more:

email: support@fsdservices.com.au

phone: 0402 010 266 web: www.fsdservices.com.au

How we can help:

Plan Managed or Self Managed Participants

• Plan Management

• Assistance with personal care activities

• Development of life skills

• Assistance with daily routines

• House tidying

• Community and social participation

• Transport

Hepburn House's Memory Lane Unit

Hepburn House's Memory Lane, a 15-bed unit built specifically to assist residents with dementia, is now open!

Hepburn House is at 1 Hepburn Rd, Daylesford. Book a tour of the new unit or the existing accommodation and living areas.

For everything Hepburn House has on offer head to www.hepburnhouse.com.au or call 5348 8100.

Blue trees offering mental health resilience

A striking blue tree, made of steel and created by Overwrought at Blampied, has been erected in the grounds of the St Peter's Catholic Church in Daylesford.

Parish spokesperson Leonie Keynes said Blue Trees was a national movement that used the powerful image of a painted blue tree to spark conversations around mental health and remind people they are not alone.

The St Peter’s initiative is between the church, St Michael's Primary School, also in Daylesford and Call Your Mates Hepburn.

“The tree must be dead to be painted blue, which you see in some parts of the Hepburn Shire, but as the Daylesford church grounds had no dead trees, we opted for the steel one,” Leonie said.

“The parish along with the school collaborated to sponsor the steel, blue tree. The blue tree serves as a visible reminder to check in with each other, to speak up and to keep the conversation going around mental health.”

Call Your Mates Hepburn is a local volunteer group dedicated to improving mental health support and connection in rural communities.

On its website, Call Your Mates says no-one should be left without the mental health support they need.

"Based in the Hepburn Shire, we are dedicated to ensuring that people in our community can access additional mental health care when they need it most.

"We are committed to fostering a stronger, healthier community where mental health support is available to everyone. Because sometimes, all it takes is a check-in, a conversation, and a little extra support to make a world of difference."

Link: www.callyourmateshepburn.org

If you or someone you know needs help (most available 24/7):

Lifeline

Crisis support & suicide prevention.

13 11 14

Beyond Blue

Help with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.

1300 224 636

Suicide Call Back Service

Support for those at risk, concerned loved ones, and the bereaved.

1300 659 467

MensLine Australia

Free counselling for men.

1300 789 978

PANDA

Support for perinatal anxiety & depression (pregnancy to first year).

1300 726 306

Available weekdays, 9am – 7.30pm

1800 RESPECT

Support for those experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence.

1800 737 732

headspace

Mental health support for young people (12–25 years).

1800 650 890

Beyond Blue

Help with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.

1300 224 636

Kids Helpline

Counselling for children and young people (5–25 years).

1800 551 800

QLife

Anonymous, LGBTIQ+ peer support and counselling.

1800 184 527

Available 3pm – midnight, 7 days

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

Pictured, from left, St Michael's principal Tim Hogan, Call Your Mates Hepburn' s Pauline Hawker, Kate Larsen and Ann-Maree Mackley, and Father Marcello Colasante

Just briefly...

Ballarat's Eureka Medical Centre is now a fully bulk billed service.

In November 2023 the federal government tripled the bulk billing incentive for pensioners, concession card holders and children. Since then 9 out 10 GP visits for this cohort of eligible patients have been bulk billed.

Kingston residents are mounting a campaign to save a huge 130-year0old Algerian oak in Kingston, to be cut down if the Western Renewables Link goes ahead as planned.

Jeremey Harper said one of the 85-metre towers (the height of a 25-storey building) is to be erected right next to Kerrins Bridge, an arched bluestone structure built in 1883, and as the nearby tree is directly under the proposed transmission lines, AusNet says its removal is required. People can sign a petition at the Commercial Hotel in Kingston and make a submission to the WRL Environmental Effects Statement by August 22. Copies of the petition available at jerrawh@gmail.com

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is partnering with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health on a community event marking Homelessness Week 2025, to raise awareness of the issue and local supports available.

The event will be held on Tuesday, August 5 at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute, from 11am, followed by a networking and service expo at 11.45am including a morning tea. The event is free and open to everyone. Link: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ Homelessness-Week

A virtual women’s health clinic is now open to all Victorian women and girls of any age – offering free, expert medical advice, treatment and care for a range of women’s health needs.

Led by specialist nurses, the clinic can provide medical advice remotely via telehealth, either online or on the phone – including endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion. Contact1300 003 224 or head to www.each.com.au/services/virtualwomens-health-clinic

Open Access Libraries are being rolled out in Hepburn Shire.

Community members will be able to head to their library and pick up their holds, borrow books or use the printer between 8am and 8pm, seven days per week. Security will be upgraded to ensure a safe environment, including automatic sensor lighting, security cameras and safety alarms. Open Access will be launched this year at The Mechanics Trentham and The Warehouse – Clunes, and next year at Creswick Hub and Daylesford Library.

Sheepvention will host the first Women in Agriculture luncheon this year with the help of Agriculture Victoria.

Held over August 4 and 5 at the showgrounds in Hamilton, Sheepvention brings together agribusiness, machinery, livestock and professional services in the heart of Australia’s pastoral region. Link: www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au

Your say...

Re The Local front page stories of June 30 and July 14 reporting ‘Forest destruction grief’, many in the ‘Wombat Forest community’ have a completely alternate view.

The repeated reference to ‘salvage logging’ occurring is incorrect as salvage logging is the felling of trees whereas what in fact is being conducted is storm debris cleanup of some of the uprooted trees from the June 2021 ‘Big Storm’ where over a million trees were uprooted in an extra-tropical cyclonic event.

Members of the forest community are thankful these works are being conducted strategically along roadsides and near townships providing much improved firefighting access.

Additionally hollow and moss-covered logs and many others are retained to meet Ecological Vegetation Class benchmarks for habitat and environmental health.

- Gary McIntosh, Bullarto

Letters, like this one from Gary, are always welcome. Keep them short and sweet, or long and interesting. Email donna@tlnews.com.au

Any addressed Dear Sir will be deleted. You know why. :)

Bendigo Bank closing

The Bendigo Bank agency at Clunes will close on October 21 this yearwhich means the Clunes NewsXpress Newsagency might also going.

Owners Cynthia and Craig Drewer say they cannot afford to continue the business without the bank's partnership.

Cynthia, pictured, said ideally someone would take on the Tattslotto and newsagency and keep the business going.

"Otherwise when bank closes we’ll have to walk away. Craig has already started applying elsewhere. Fingers crossed it continues. It’s too much of a hub in town not to keep going."

A Bendigo Bank media release, dated July 22, says Bendigo Bank’s purpose is to feed into the prosperity of its customers and the community.

"The bank operates the second-largest regional branch network and has more branches per customer than any other Australian bank. Bendigo Bank’s agency model, established more than 30 years ago, enabled the Bank to offer limited banking services via third parties in areas where there was not enough customer demand to sustain a branch.

"Following a review, Bendigo Bank has concluded that its agency model can no longer be supported due to decreasing customer use and other relevant factors and will be retired from October 2025."

Social media has gone into overdrive with the news, evenly divided with anger towards the Bendigo Bank and appreciation for Cynthia and Craig.

"Bendigo bank and shareholders mission statement should change as they are not for the community. Craig and Cynthia are very caring people, they do a wonderful job for the community."

"I hate to see this for you both, and (with) the amazing supportive service you give to all of us in Clunes. I'm always so grateful to you guys. I hope we don't lose you."

"So sad to see this happen. Cyn and Craig such beautiful people."

"As a community we will lose a couple who for the last eight years have fought their own fights including Covid and robbery, and now for this to happen is typical of large corporate groups who have only money on their minds and sod the small towns and communities. Well done to Craig and Cynthia for everything you have given to Clunes."

"I am shocked by these actions. Especially when Craig and Cynthia have been so loyal. They do a wonderful job for the community."

"The bank has given Clunes a real kick in the guts. After years of gloating about their support of small towns, their decision to close agencies will have a lasting effect on the small towns selected. Withdrawing banking services is not community minded. Further funds could be saved by the Bendigo Bank withdrawing the ‘Better Big Bank’ advertisement. We would like to congratulate Craig and Cyn on the excellent job they have done. They don’t deserve this treatment."

In March 2019, The Local reported that Clunes residents gathered to support all affected by the attempted burglary of the Bendigo Bank ATM from the Clunes Newsagency. About 500 people took part in the March 17 event, arriving with foldup chairs and picnic baskets, with a few donning green and orange for St Patrick's Day. The gathering was billed as a "Picnic on Fraser".

Cynthia and Craig were swamped by locals wanting to reassure and support them.

"We're overwhelmed," Cynthia said at the time. "We've had so many people come up and hug us, tell us they're right behind us. It's just amazing."

Words: Donna Kelly | File image: Kyle Barnes

Trentham Top Tiny Tourism Town

Trentham is the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town in the Tiny Tourism Town category - for its "charm, community spirit, and visitor appeal".

As the Victorian winner, Trentham will now be considered for a national award.

Hepburn Shire Cr Brian Hood, long-time councillor for the previous Coliban Ward and resident, said winning the small town tourism award was fantastic recognition for the town of Trentham and its wonderful people.

“Trentham really is a hidden gem, perhaps not so hidden any more. Visitors enjoy Trentham’s walking trails and forest, the iconic Trentham Falls and a very warm welcome from locals and traders – from boutiques, eateries and our fabulous pubs to accommodation providers. This award is a great result for a great community. Congratulations to all who make this a fantastic place.”

Mayor Cr Don Henderson said the recognition was a celebration of Trentham's vibrant community and unique offerings.

“I would like to extend a big thank you to Steve Wroe and the dedicated team at Daylesford Macedon Tourism, whose outstanding work in preparing the award submission, in collaboration with council’s Economic Development team, played a pivotal role in this success.

“The video beautifully captures the essence of our tiny treasure, Trentham. We would also like to thank the amazing local businesses featured in the video, helping to showcase exactly what makes the town so special. And of course, to everyone who voted and supported our campaign. We invite everyone to come and experience Trentham for yourselves.”

Daylesford Macedon Tourism CEO Steve Wroe said: “When you have such great towns in your region it gives you a head start, but thanks to the DMT team for their amazing work on the submission.

“And as always, a huge thank you to the team at Hepburn Shire Council. Their unwavering support and commitment to sustainably growing the visitor economy makes all the difference.”

Warrnambool was named Victorian Top Tourism Town (population 5000+) and Mount Beauty won the Top Small Tourism Town Award (population 1500-5000) and Trentham took home the Top Tiny Tourism Town Award (population <1,500). The silver award for Top Tiny Tourism town went to Halls Gap with the bronze going to to Whitfield.

Inset, back from left, Bradley Thomas & Steve Wroe, front from left, Shire Visitor Experience Officer Libby Rigby & Economic Development & Visitor Economy coordinator Bridgette O'Brien Words: Donna Kelly

VIC STATE ROOFING

Metal Roof Specialist

Funding for creatives PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING

Hepburn Shire artists Marcelle Bradbeer, Bek Saltmarsh, Aleks Danko and Irene Holub are among 115 recipients who will share in more than $1.5 million from the Creative Projects Fund.

The grants support diverse projects spanning design, dance, literature, film, fashion, visual arts and music.

Fine art photographer Marcelle Bradbeer has received an Uncovering Talent grant that will support the project Climate Adaptation Photography Project: Fish Factory Residency & Exhibition.

This will support Marcelle to participate in a residency at Fish Factory in Iceland to document climate-adaptive living through photography. The project will culminate in an exhibition in Victoria.

Bek Saltmarsh has received an Uncovering Talent grant to support Un-weaving Uniformity, a project that seeks to reclaim and subvert the visual language of school uniform, by recreating its plaid using a combination of traditional Aboriginal weaving techniques and loom weaving.

Aleks Danko has received a Projects grant to support material and production costs for A(GAP)E - A Verklempt Snare exhibition at McClelland Sculpture Park+ Gallery in 2026.

Irene Holub has received a Projects grant to support producing and performing Manifesto of Silences - 1880, an experimental opera exploring the impact of the Milan Conference on the deaf community, engaging diverse audiences and driving innovation in performance

The Creative Projects Fund supports Victorian artists, creative collectives and small businesses to bring their projects to life. Grants back the development of new creative work, projects that drive innovation, professional development and careermaking opportunities, and initiatives to reach new audiences and markets.

To increase equity of access to these opportunities and ensure projects reflect the diversity of Victorians, the latest round of the program included streams for First Peoples and Deaf and Disabled creatives, and a separate focus area for creatives who have not previously received Creative Victoria funding.

One third of the recipients are based in regional or outer-metropolitan areas.

MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station within the Golf Course, 36 Golf Links Road, Hepburn VIC 3461 RFNSA: 3461003.

2. Removal of six (6) existing panel antennas and three (3) existing 5G panel antennas from the existing monopole. Installation of six (6) new panel antennas (each 2.6m long) and three (3) new 5G panel antennas (each 0.8m long) at a height of 35m. Removal, relocation and installation of ancillary equipment including tower mounted amplifiers, mounts and cables, etc.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

4. Please direct to Lynette Brandwood, Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra at telstra.submissions@servicestream.com.au, 0429 392 255 or by post to: Service Stream (Wireless) - Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm Thursday 14 August 2025.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3461003

Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46 072 369 870

Telstra Ltd A.C.N. 086 174 781

Amplitel Pty Ltd A.C.N: 648 133 073

UP AND AWAY!

Four Daylesford College students reflect on their dreams, determination and the power of opportunity.

At Daylesford College, the Year 12 students aren’t just preparing for final exams - they’re getting ready to launch into unique and exciting futures. From music to travel, leadership to languages, four students show how the right environment can help any dream take flight.

Meet Arlo, Hayley, Matt and Lily. Each has carved out their own path by discovering their passions, setting goals and leaning into new experiences.

“Find something you love”

For Arlo, that “something” is jazz. A bass player and cryptic crossword creator, he’s aiming for the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. “The jazz band has been a constant since Year 7. The vibe’s always great - you’re jamming with people from all year levels.” He credits the school’s music program and its instrumental teachers for showing him that music can be a serious path. Arlo’s also had feedback from cryptic crossword legend David Astle - “he gave me some pretty harsh feedback, but also some great tips.”

“Leadership wasn’t part of the plan.” Hayley, one of this year’s School Captains, didn’t always imagine herself in the role. “In Year 9, Mr Cowan convinced me to attend the School for Student Leadership. It changed everything - I was suddenly surrounded by people thinking big.” She’s since taken on many leadership roles including a Rural Youth Ambassadorial role and is headed into criminology, with hopes of a PhD. “Daylesford College gave me the confidence to back myself. The staff genuinely care.”

“Languages opened up the world for me” Matt is an Italian student at school and teaches himself French at home. “Italian really took off for me here - the teachers make it

interesting, the excursions give it context, and we’ve had native speakers visit too.” He urges younger students to stick with hard subjects: “If you push through, it’s so rewarding.” After exams, he’s planning a gap year in Europe to travel, speak Italian and French, and explore his next steps. “Because I worked hard, now I’ve got options.”

“You can be academic and still take a break.”

Lily balances her love of psychology with her passion for music. “Psychology was love at first class. I took it in Year 10 and never looked back.” She’s off to Europe for a gap year, then university to study psychology with a music minor. She credits her teachers’ support - “I sent my VCE English teacher 50 drafts of one SAC and she read every one. That kind of support is huge.”

Advice for the next wave

Asked what they’d tell their younger selves, the answers are clear. “Don’t let school consume you,” says Lily. “Do your best, but take a breath.” Hayley suggests, “Just do the next thing.” Matt’s tip? “Break it down and chip away.” Arlo adds, “Choose subjects you actually care about - it makes all the difference.”

More than just academics

These four talk just as passionately about community as they do grades. “School is where you find your people,” says Arlo. Matt jokes, “Arlo’s biggest regret? Not doing Italian in Year 9.”

So, where to next?

Hayley’s heading to uni. Arlo hopes to join the Conservatorium. Matt and Lily are off to Europe. Each is stepping into the world with a sense of purpose. As Matt puts it: “Whatever you’re into - music, languages, science, leadership, sport - it’s all here. You just have to jump in.”

And that’s the message: if you come to Daylesford College, you can go anywhere.

Council news

Message from the Mayor

The announcement that Trentham has been named as Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town comes as no surprise to the many visitors who flock to the area. These things do not just happen but are largely due to the events and tourist businesses in the area and the friendly reception that visitors get when they visit. It is great to see businesses benefit from what has been a lot of hard work in recent difficult times. A huge well done to all involved.

Back to more mundane things. It is important that we all realise the huge impact upon our landscape, and more importantly our farmers, of the huge transmission lines that are dissecting our Shire. We can all make submissions, and I urge everyone to have their say. Do not think for one moment that it only affects the farmers who are directly impacted or leave it to others. If you need help, please reach out to council officers or contact one of the groups who are living and breathing this project every day.

Remember, this is not about opposing renewable energy but ensuring that these lines are put underground where they will be safer and have less impact. Who wants to come from the other side of the world to visit what has been described as the most intact remnants of our gold mining history, that produced so much of the world’s gold, only to gaze upon ugly intrusive powerlines? Our Shire and region is dependent upon our rich farmland and once it is gone, it is gone forever.

Recently Council has celebrated our new plans for future reconciliation with Traditional Owners. As part of that we have signed an MOU with Djaara Timbers who have reopened the old Dwyer’s Sawmill on the outskirts of Daylesford. Trees that are useful and need to be removed because of damage in our parks or on our roads, will be made available to make valuable items and teach traditional skills. Previously most of this timber would require chipping and be wasted. This partnership venture is the first in Australia according to DJAARA.

The fight must also continue regarding what Council considers an unfair and unaffordable Emergency Services Volunteer Fund that in itself seems fair that all properties contribute. How that levy is collected and how it is apportioned is a huge problem, especially for farmers who will be asked in many cases to fork out tens of thousands of dollars. You may well ask is this column all about farmers? Our farmers are experiencing real problems with a severe drought along with a host of other issues. The impacts of this drought will affect future breeding stock and the viability of our farms well into the future.

Cr Don Henderson, Mayor

Council Plan 2025–2029

The Council Plan 2025–2029, along with a range of other key strategic documents, was adopted at the June Council Meeting. Throughout this Council term, you will see our Council Plan domains and their icons used to show how various projects and initiatives align with the outcomes outlined in this important plan. The three domains are:

Hepburn Life – Supporting connected, healthy, and engaged communities.

Future Hepburn – Managing growth and infrastructure while preserving the character of our towns.

Hepburn Working Together – Focusing on the future through strong decision making and a skilled workforce.

Take a look at the icons below or for more information visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/council-plan

Have your say - Albert Street Daylesford Council Plan 2025–2029

Have your say on the concept plans for Albert Street, Daylesford. Four concept plans have been prepared which provide safety improvements for Albert Street, from Duke Street to the Midland Highway/Howe Street in preparation for an application to the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program.

Complete the online survey before Sunday 10 August at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/albert-street-daylesford Hard copy surveys are available at our Duke Street Customer Service Centre.

The Block to showcase our region

The Block officially began airing on Sunday 27 July. Hosting the show has been a fantastic opportunity for our Shire, providing significant economic benefits while highlighting our stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant community to millions of viewers nationwide.

The production has delivered a welcome boost to local businesses, including accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, tradespeople, and suppliers. Make sure to tune in to see some familiar faces, and parts of Daylesford and our Shire.

Smart Apps for Emergencies

Have you prepared yourself to stay informed and connected during emergencies? Open to all skill levels, the Smart Apps for Emergencies workshops can provide as much support as you need to download and set up apps that help you to be notified in case of an emergency e.g. bushfire, flood, call for help, report hazards, plan for emergencies.

• 24 Vincent Street, Daylesford, Thursday 7 August, 11 am – 12 pm

• The Mechanics Trentham, Thursday 7 August, 2:30–3:30 pm

• Creswick Hub, Friday 8 August, 2:30–3:30 pm Book now at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/em-events

Cr Don Henderson Cr Lesley Hewitt Cr Brian Hood Cr Tony Clark Cr Tim Drylie Cr Pat Hockey Cr Shirley Cornish

EAT | DRINK | ENJOY

Out & About in the Central Highlands

The Secret History of Sharks: John Long

Sharks live in our consciousness. Each summer brings reports of swimmers or surfers being “attacked”.

A new book by a local shark expert reveals, however, that they do not set out to attack humans as in the hit film Jaws, but may take inquisitive bites or make a mistake in murky water. And of 500 types, most bites are caused by just three species: white, tiger and bull sharks.

Their longevity is amazing: scientists found by dating eye proteins that Greenland sharks live up to 390 years and could exceed 500 years.

These are just a few of the facts disclosed by John Long, a Daylesford resident for a year, and a prolific author whose latest work, The Secret History of Sharks, has been published globally. John, who turns 68 next month and is pictured in Central Park, New York on July 2, 2024, the day his book was released, sees this book as the culmination of his life’s work.

This began when he gathered shark’s teeth at the age of seven in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Beaumaris. At age 13 he topped a Victorian competition with a hand-written scientific study, complete with maps and drawings.

Some of his information seems almost inconceivable: such as a giant fossil shark in Italy up to 11 metres long and 90 million years old. He is almost exultant as he shows a video of a cage with the deadliest shark on the planet.

He spent three “fantastic” hours in the only place in the world where the bottom of the ocean can be reached, as well as six hours in a surface cage.

Then there is the goblin shark, resembling the Alien in sci-fi movies, it has spindly teeth that poke out in all directions, can reach seven metres in length and has a bizarre head with an elongated flat paddle-shaped snout full of receptors to find prey such as squid or small fish in its dark deep ocean habitat.

Away from sharks, he and other researchers recently made headlines around the world when they found that fossilised claw prints on the banks of the Broken River near Mansfield suggest that the ancestors of reptiles, birds and mammals evolved about 40 million years earlier than thought.

The discovery hints at their emergence in the ancient southern continent of Gondwana, rather than in the northern hemisphere. Researchers say the trackways of these creatures, called amniotes, represent the oldest evidence of these creatures on Earth.

With the 50th anniversary of Jaws upon us, John writes of the frenzy of fear caused by the film, leading to the killing of thousands of these “magnificent beasts”. He quotes the film’s director, Steven Spielberg: “I truly, and to this day, regret the decimation of the shark population because of the book, and the film.”

For this is a creature with a superb sense of smell, with special power that detects faint electric fields of other living creatures (that may be buried under sand).

Some sharks are, he writes, virtually unchanged from when dinosaurs roamed about 150 million years ago. Some change their colour as camouflage on the seabed.

“The patterns of adaptation, survival and extinction that we see in the long evolutionary history of sharks mirrors the trends in the evolution of all life,” he writes, “they can teach us about our own evolutionary journey.” They survived five global mass extinction events, several involving harsh conditions similar to those predicted by climate change models for our planet in the not-too-distant future.

“I think we can learn valuable lessons from these consummate survivors in how to cope with rapid changes to our environment. What worked for them might well work for us.”

In his years of searching, John has found fossil sharks in outback WA and during his four expeditions to Antarctica, where he narrowly escaped falling into seven mountain crevasses while out alone hunting for the Holy Grail of fossils.

John won a national award for a children’s book on evolution, one of many he has written.

“Sharks was the idea of a New York editor. I wrote a 150-page submission which then went out for bidding. The winner was Penguin Random House, one of the world’s largest publishers.”

He has two documentaries in development. His 55 articles written for The Conversation website have reached 2.7 million readers, he says, and he featured on two recent episodes of Britain’s popular History Hit podcast.

John has written or edited over 30 books that fill his home bookshelf, 220 peerreviewed papers and 160 popular science articles, including a book on the origins of sex.

He retires next month as Strategic Professor in Palaeontology (the study of fossils) at Flinders University, in Adelaide.

In Daylesford, he and his wife, author Heather Robinson, have found everything they want, he says, a great coalition of ideas and friendships. “We have been coming here for a long time and we love it.”

Anyone keen to know more can hear from John at Hotel Bellinzona on Saturday, August 23 at 11.30am as part of the annual Words in Winter festival. Heather will also talk about her book, Beyond the Books: Culture, Value and Why Libraries Matter during the festival, at Stony Creek Gallery on Saturday August 30 at 5.30pm.

For the full program head to www.wordsinwinter.com Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Heather Robinson

Readership

The Local has a shelf life of two weeks and is picked up by everyone. And unlike traditional newspapers that can be read in less time than it takes to boil an egg, we have great stories, profiles and news. Just sayin’

Home delivery

The Local is delivered straight onto your computer screen and devices in a downloadable, easy-to-read and printable version.

Reach

The Local now reaches 15,000 people from Newlyn in the east to Kyneton in the west, from Blackwood in the south to Guildford in the north and everywhere in between.

Hook, Line and Misadventure: Cliff Barnes

Fishing was part of Cliff Barnes’ life from the beginning. He muses that he must have used up eight of his nine lives along New Zealand's Northland coast but, on a recount, concedes he has used up the lot.

"I must have been crazy," is a thought that often occurs to the father of The Local's Kyle Barnes, as he reflects on life at the grand age of 80.

Among Cliff’s many scrapes with death was when his boat smashed against the rocks and sank. Another time, he fell overboard and was left fully clothed, treading water as his pilotless vessel motored away into the distance. On yet another occasion, he was stuck in a big marine cave on a distant archipelago for a week waiting for a storm to blow itself out, with no sustenance but a rotting octopus and the rusty radiator water from his boat’s engine.

Cliff is widely regarded as the best longline fisherman of his generation, said to have the Midas touch. But he never let anyone winkle out his secrets for the best spots. His answers ranged from evasion to outright lies. “Over there,” he would sometimes say, keeping his arms crossed and thus giving no clue to where “there” was. Other times he would say “at such-and-such an island” when he had been nowhere near.

He started with nothing – no money, no schooling, no training and very little support. What’s more, fate dealt him a few unfavourable blows on his voyage through life. Through it all, he remained buoyant. Cliff’s adventures and innovations are a testament to his intelligence, flexibility, courage - some might say foolhardiness - to take great risks; the character to pick himself up and start again when things went wrong; an immense capacity for hard work, and an intensely competitive spirit - and why he guards his secrets so closely.

His story also presents an insight into the social history of life on Struggle Street, New Zealand, in the fifties and sixties and how much times changed as the fishing industry went from being a wild-west free-for-all to the highly regulated export industry that it is today.

Cliff sees the sea - and life - with a fisherman’s eyes. His self-deprecating humour and positive attitude helped him ride out numerous hair-raising ordeals, and in the end, look back on his life as a ‘bloody good story’.

"Fishermen," says Cliff with a chuckle, "are the greatest liars unhung".

Cliff grew up in Wellington and Wairarapa, before his family moved to Waiheke Island. He later plied his trade as a fisherman in Northland. He knows everything he knows through trial and error. He lives in Whangerei, and on the road in his camper.

Author David Hastings is a retired journalist, historian and language teacher. He has perviously written four books: Over the Mountains of the Sea, Extra! Extra!, The Many Deaths of Mary Dobie and Odyssey of the Unknown Anzac Pictured, two legends at the 2015 ChillOut Festival, Daylesford's Max Primmer and fisherman, and father of Kyle, Cliff Barnes | Image: Kyle Barnes Below, Cliff in his fishing days in the 1980s Hook, Line and Misadventure, published by Harper Collins, is available at Paradise Bookstore in Daylesford. For a chance to win one of two copies, head to Kyle's Rant on page 22. Or make the old bugger happy and just buy a copy...

Proudly partnering over the years with these great events!

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever

Red was the colour de jour as 100+ people headed to the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens on July 19 for The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever.

The event is held at locations around the world where participants recreate the music video for musician Kate Bush's 1978 song Wuthering Heights.

The inspiration was Shambush!'s The Ultimate Kate Bush Experience, which took place in 2013 in Brighton, England, as part of Brighton Fringe, created by performance collective Shambush! who attempted to set an unofficial world record for the most people dressed as Kate Bush in one place, with hundreds attending.

Wuthering Heights is the only novel by the English author Emily Brontë, initially published in 1847 under her pen name Ellis Bell. The main themes of the novel are love, passion, and vengeance. It is the love between Heathcliff and Catherine that runs through the novel, though it assumes dangerous proportions as the plot thickens with Catherine rejecting Heathcliff and choosing Edgar Linton.

Kate Bush wrote her chart-topping debut single when she was just 18 years old. She told the BBC about the origins of a literary love song that began a unique career in music.

It became an unexpected number one hit in 1978 – the first song written and performed by a female artist to reach the UK top spot. What makes the single even more idiosyncratic is that its title and story are borrowed from Emily Brontë's 1847 novel – but it was actually a television series that spurred Bush to write the song.

"Well, I hadn't read the book, that wasn't what inspired it. It was a television series they had years ago," she told Michael Aspel in a BBC interview in 1978.

As a teenager she had come across the end of an episode of a 1967 BBC adaptation of Brontë's tale of doomed love. Its startling imagery had captivated her.

"I just managed to catch the very last few minutes where there was a hand coming through the window and blood everywhere and glass. And I just didn't know what was going on and someone explained the story."

Bush was 19 years old when the single was released. Born in July 1958, the youngest of three children, she grew up in an artistic household in Kent, England.

Her father, a doctor, and her mother, a nurse, surrounded their children with music, and encouraged them to learn instruments from an early age. Both of her older brothers were heavily involved in music and poetry, and she would join them performing Irish and English folk songs at home.

Jenny Jordan, one of those who took part, said she went "for the pure joy of dancing with a group of women, especially to a song like Wuthering Heights". "Getting your costume ready, gathering a few friends and doing a few practice runs builds the anticipation. And what an atmospheric place to dance, the Wombat Hill gardens are unbeatable. It was great fun and I loved being there. I'm so grateful to organisers Gary Thomas and Tuesday Telford Perkins for making it happen."

Words: Donna Kelly, Wikipedia and BBC | Images: Donna Kelly

Because that’s what facts do. They get in the way of wild theories, sensational headlines, and stories that are just too good to be true. And that’s the point.

Real journalism isn’t about chasin g clicks or stirring outrage. It’s about accountability. It’s about getting the story right, not just being the first to talk about it.

It’s about knowing your community and knowing what matters most.

Because when the truth matters, shortcuts don’t cut it.

We believe facts make stories stronger, not weaker. That’s why everything we publish is grounded in independence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and the community we are part of.

Truth isn’t a single person’s point of view.

It’s a responsibility. And it’s one we take seriously.

Trust journalism to deliver you the truth.

Out & About...

The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens will hold their Taylor & Sangster Lecture with guest lecturer John Hawker in Stanbridge Hall, Daylesford on Thursday, August 7 from 5.30pm.

In 2022, Mr Hawker carried out a Tree Collections Report for the gardens commissioned by Hepburn Shire.

He was part of a group tasked with this job including John Beetham, John Binnion and John Harvey.

Mr Hawker is a horticulturist with over 40 years’ experience working on botanic and historic gardens with qualifications in Agricultural Science, Horticultural Science and Viticulture.

He commenced work at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in December 1982, moved to Urban Design in 1990 and Heritage Victoria in 1995. In 1989, Mr Hawker was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study overseas the conservation and management of botanic and historic gardens.

John worked for 23 years at Heritage Victoria assessing places for the Victorian Heritage Register providing advice on their protection and conservation. He retired in January 2019. John has undertaken numerous garden surveys, and participated in heritage studies and master plans.

Since 1982, he has also been involved in the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees and contributed to the Trust’s publications on Cemeteries: Our Heritage and Conserving Our Cemeteries. John is a co-author of Elms in Australia BYO aperitifs with RSVPs by August 1 to Friends secretary Denise Robinson at lake.dc43@gmail.com

Genuine Battery Price Reductions

New 2025 Government Solar Battery Subsidy In Place

Here’s the lowdown:

• Subsidy is valid for all approved batteries, and all Central Spark’s batteries are approved.

• Funding is scaled to the storage capacity of the battery, so the larger you install, the more subsidy you’ll receive (the larger you install, the more back-up power you’ll get).

• Funding amount reduces in 2026, so try to decide this year. The market is already getting busy, so try to decide soon.

• Customers will get only one chance to claim, so make sure you choose a decent battery size that suits you.

Fellowship for Adam

Hepburn Springs resident Adam Fawcett has been awarded the 2025 Kerri Hall Fellowship for Performing Arts at State Library Victoria.

Adam plans to spend the next year researching the history of performing arts across regional Victoria, with plans to create scripts for an audio drama series and podcast.

As part of the fellowship, Adam will receive $15,000 in funding, one-on-one support by a specialist librarian and an office in the library's dome annulus for one year.

Adam is interested in uncovering the lost stories of performing artists whose contributions shaped regional contemporary life, and also the importance of community spaces dedicated to arts and theatre.

The Kerri Hall Fellowship for Arts is held in honour of State Library Victoria librarian Kerri Hall, who grew up in regional Victoria and cared for the library's performing arts collection, including theatre bills, programs, photos and other manuscripts and ephemera.

Adam is an accomplished playwright, producer and screenwriter who lives and works in Hepburn Springs on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Image: Jarrod Barnes Photography

WHAT TO DO:

• Contact Central Spark for a quote

• We’ll take the time to look at your power usage patterns and assess your current system to give you sensible upgrade options

IT WORTH?

• Small battery, around $1,800 subsidy

• Medium battery, around $3,900 subsidy

• Large battery, around $5,850 subsidy or more

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.

Gigs with Darren Lowe

Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham

Phil Smith - Saturday, August 2

Freya + Tom McGowan - Saturday, August 9

Dead Beat Daddios - Saturday, August 16

Jeremy Beggs - Saturday, August 23

Andrea Robertson - Saturday, August 30

Odessa at Leaver's Hotel, Creswick

Wendy Rule - Friday, August 1

Jeremy Beggs - Saturday, August 2

Mark Wilkinson - Friday, August 8

The Incomplete Folk Singer - Friday, August 22

Joyce Prescher - Saturday, August 23

Jordie Lane - Sunday, August 24

Sharon and Slava Grigoryan - Saturday, August 30

Shedshaker Taproom, Castlemaine

The Incomplete Folk Singer - Saturday, August 23, 7.30pm (pictured)

For the past two decades, stalwart of the Adelaide folk scene, AP D'Antonio, has delivered his unique take on traditional country, folk and blues with charm and musicality to burn.

From big city dive bars to small-town country fairs and the bright lights of TV studios, AP's raw vulnerability and freewheeling style has won over audiences of all ages and persuasions. His new one man show, The Incomplete Folk Singer, finds AP in his element, showcasing his musical heroes through intimate performance and jovial storytelling. (Image: Catherine Leo)

All gigs correct at time of publication.

Blood Orange Honey BBQ Ribs

BY RICHARD CORNISH

Sweet, smoky, sticky and so delicious these pork ribs are the perfect finger-licking accompaniment for a get together with friends or as a meal for the family. You will need plenty of napkins or even wet towels to get your fingers clean when eating this very moreish treat. Blood oranges have extra flavour and will be in stores until mid-spring. If you can’t find them, try navel oranges. Hint: Zest citrus before juicing them as it is much easier. Serves 4-12.

• 2kg pork ribs

• 1 blood oranges

• 6 tablespoons honey

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked salt

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon Fancy Hanks Chicken Salt (optional)

Zest one of the oranges and then juice both. Place the other juice and other ingredients, except pork, in a medium non-reactive saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 until the mixture thickens. Allow to cool. Place the ribs in a shallow tray and pour over the marinade. Mix well to cover the ribs with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

To cook preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the ribs on a baking tray, cover with foil and bake for 2 hours. Remove foil and place under the grill to brown. Serve hot with ice-cold beer and damp cloths to wipe your hands.

For more recipes visit daylesfordmeatco.com.au

Richard Cornish, award winning journo, food writer and author, is writing a series of recipes for his favourite local butcher, The Daylesford Meat Co.

INCREDIBLE FLAVOUR

One bite and you’ll taste the difference that beyond free-range, pastureraised and grass-fed meat makes.

BETTER FOR YOUR BODY

Nutrient-dense, hormone-free, no nasty vaccines or chemicals and no feed lots or added water to bulk it up.

BETTER FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Your dollars stay right here in Daylesford, supporting local farmers and families who in turn, support other local businesses creating a healthy, sustainable local economy.

Beetham's Botanicals

Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy...

This time I'll be featuring exotic plants with ornamental bark, flowers and foliage. FYI, I plan on championing Aussie native plants in an upcoming article that fits these categories. Stay tuned.

So let's start with bark. Often this stunning character is overlooked when designing a new garden or adding interest to an established one.

Here's what I think are a few gems: acer griseum (paperbark maple) from China (widespread), pinus patula (weeping Mexican pine) from Mexico (widespread) and ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty' (variegated Chinese elm) from garden origin. Each of these species have the added bonus of autumnal foliage (maple), weeping foliage (pine) and variegated foliage (elm).

Next are flowers - well just let's just open Pandora's Box shall we, I mean what was I thinking? Soldiering on I've chosen an eclectic group of climbers, perennials, shrubs and trees for your perusal.

I've had to truncate the list somewhat with the exclusion of popular plants such as camellias, hydrangeas, irises, Japanese flowering cherries, peonies and rhodies for example.

So here we go - akebia quinata (chocolate vine) from China, Japan and Korea, calodendrum capense (cape chestnut) from Africa (widespread in the south), clematis x jackmannii Daniel Deronda (Jackmann's clematis) from garden origin, cornus Eddie's white wonder (dogwood) from garden origin, leucospermum high gold (pincushion) from garden origin, magnolia Star Wars (magnolia) from garden origin and salvia corrugata (ribbed sage) from Southern America.

And now for something completely different (a nod to you know who and if you, the reader doesn't, then I guess I'm showing my age (sob)). Ah, yes, foliage, which is yet another subjective category with all of us having our faves.

So I've decided to throw a few of mine into the mix. Araucaria araucana (monkey puzzle tree) from Southern America (Argentina & Chile), catalpa bignonioides (Indian bean tree) from Northern America (South-Central and Southeastern USA), liriodendron chinense (Chinese tulip tree) from China and Vietnam, magnolia delavayi (delavay's magnolia) from China, and paulownia tomentosa (empress or princess tree) from China and Korea.

So there you have it, a little snapshot into the myriad choices available to us all when we venture out to see what may be in our local nursery and beyond.

Cheers JB (Trees in Australia)

Next time: a stroll through some of the botanic gardens of the world I've had the privilege to visit

Scan the QR code to see JB's instagram post

*RSL BBQ & Te

*Family Friendly *Dog Frien Stallholder & General Inquiri socials@clunesvic org au

A fortnightly program in the Daylesford Dharma School Prep classroom to nurture school confidence and curiosity. Available for 4-5 year olds. Commencing Friday 15 August 2025, 10 - 11.30 am

Classroom activities include purposeful play, problem solving, nature based creative learning and age-targeted social-emotional activities in the daily rhythm of classroom life. Take a beautiful first step into school life in an environment built on kindness, curiosity, and joy. Don’t miss out. Places are limited to 12 children.

info@dharmaschool.com.au • 5348 3112

Nestled amidst the charming streets of Daylesford, Eureka Pizza Daylesford captivates hearts as a haven for Italian food enthusiasts. Indulge in the rich flavours of traditional Italian cuisine, expertly crafted pizzas, delectable pastas, and hearty parmas. With a history dating back to 1972, the restaurant’s passion for culinary excellence shines through in every bite. As the second branch of the beloved Eureka Pizza & Bistro from Ballarat, Eureka Pizza Daylesford promises an extraordinary dining experience in the heart of Australia’s Spa capital.

Kyle’s Rant

David Hastings is a journalist, writer and English teacher based in Auckland, New Zealand. He has worked in London, Melbourne and Auckland in newspapers and in broadcasting. He was TV news editor at the ABC in Melbourne from 1983 to 1987.

In his latest book he writes: "In the spring of 2022, an email with the subject line, 'book thought', dropped into my inbox. It was from Kevin Childs, an old friend and veteran journalist, who at the age when most old journos have long since hung up their quills, was still plying his trade on The Local, a lively news magazine that covers the Central Highlands of Victoria."

This refers to a meeting between Kevin and my father Cliff Barnes, a man of many words and a frequent visitor to our piece of paradise. Who on this auspicious Sunday afternoon I was not terribly happy with. No big deal, just a father and son spat. So I got on with drinking and telling raucous jokes in the corner of the bar, like most Sundays after deadline, and left him to his own devices. He and Kevin started chatting...and this meet-cute was the catalyst to David writing a book about the adventurous old bugger. A New Zealand-based, risk-taking, commercial fisherman who sunk his boats on more than one occasion, used up all nine lives, and then some.

His story, through David's amazing words, is now available from Daylesford's Paradise Bookshop and you can feel the danger of the man through the pages. I am risk averse, quite the opposite to Cliff, perhaps from growing up around the man.

One of my first memories, around five, involved him asking me if I could swim. I said I had been learning to float at the Ngunguru Primary School, where a creek to the beach doubled as our pool. And like that he flung me over the side into the brine to see if I could or was embellishing my abilities. Unfortunately the latter was true.

Another time, eight now, he wanted to check if there was any voltage coming from the end of a spark plug, so asked me to hang on to it. As he kicked the engine over I gave out a yelp and he quickly returned to looking for the fault. Clearly no voltage issue. A spark plug produces 12,000 to 45,000 volts.

More sparks when I was 18 and he taught me how to test a battery by simply arcing a screwdriver from one terminal to the other, If the spark is white, it’s dead and if it’s blue, it’s okay. I took this knowledge to my marine engineer’s class and was told to get out - something about sparks not being desirable on boats. Thanks, Dad.

As his deckhand he usually was inside the wheelhouse with my step-brother and myself working out the back. I once found myself on fire as he had lit the stove in the wheelhouse with a paper towel and tossed out the burning remnant onto the back of my jumper where it quickly took hold.

Another time we were pulling up snapper in the freezing winter and I had a wrestle with a particularly big unit which smacked me in the nuts with its tail. At the same time the boat violently pitched and rolled which ended with me being washed around the deck, cuddling the snapper, covered in hooks. Dad (aka Slipper Skipper as he was eventually known) was standing at the door of the warm wheelhouse with Milo in hand yelling “get up there’s no sleeping on the job”.

For my part in the book there were plenty of fun adventures and hard knocks and reading it gives me a better sense of what made the man and how he came to be the briney battler that he once was and still is to a lesser degree. It also pointed out a few amazing parallels that I have had in my life at the same age as Dad - a cleaning business and skipper for Hikurangi Fisheries among many.

For your chance to win a copy of Hook, Line and Misadventures, let me know in 25 words or less why you want to read about an old man’s memories of nearly killing himself at sea a few times. Who knew he had a book in him, rant over.

Local Lines

Field Notes – (Not quite Poetry)

You write poems disguised as emails. I write dispatches from the dripping edge –roof leaks, radiator clamps, surf forecasts. Still, I read you.

Sometimes your words come in on a different frequency, one I catch late, like a faint station just past the static.

But once it’s there - it stays. You send the ache and the light. I send the shape of the day held together with cable ties.

It’s not poetry. But it’s not nothing.

I don’t always hold the thread like you. But I haven’t let it go.

There’s a stretch of beaches here –unnamed on the maps. Somewhere between the storm and the calm that follows, maybe we meet there.

You with your metaphors, me with my toolbox. Bring a pen. I’ll bring the duct tape.

Crido writes poetry on the land of the Dja Dja Warrung people where story telling is part of the landscape.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Hey there, I am Patch.

I am bright, playful and full of energy, but still learning the ropes of the world and I can be a little shy in new situations. I am only one-year-old...

But I am very smart and pick things up quickly. Oh, I love to chase tennis balls. It's my favourite thing in the world.

I have been told I have the classic kelpie drive so no wonder I really thrive when I have a job to do or an activity to focus on. I would love an active person or family and a big yard to run around in. Microchip no. 956000018509724

Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine. Ph: 5472 5277. (Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie the Kelpie & Curly the Cocker Spaniel - we picked them.

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

Just sayin’...

By Donna Kelly

First up, a huge congratulations to Trentham and its wonderful people for being awarded the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town in the Tiny Tourism Town category. That should keep the lovers of alliteration happy.

If I didn't live in Glenlyon, and had more money, I would happily live in Trentham. It has great businesses including fantastic pubs, a local IGA supermarket, The Mechanics Trentham has just celebrated its first anniversary and then there are the people.

I have always thought there was something in the water in Trentham to have so many creatives in the one town. (The Little Gallery Winter Show has just wrapped up but you can still buy tickets for the raffle - which will be drawn on August 1.)

The town just pumps. It used to be only on weekends but we had a meal at the Trentham pub during the week recently and it was really busy.

To celebrate, The Local is going to do a Trentham special in the next edition - so keep an eye out for that.

Next up, The Block has finally wrapped up with it now screening on Sunday evenings on Channel 9.

We were lucky enough to be invited to the media event on Friday, July 18 and meet all the contestants and have a chat to hosts Scotty and Shelley.

It was really interesting going through all the houses, each with a different style, although I am not sure the pools will get a good workout even during summer.

Maybe just one communal pool would have been better. They could have put a cover on it and called it the Daylesford Indoor Aquatic Centre...and charged an entrance fee.

Or skip the pool and create a communal gathering space and call it The Hub. Perhaps Hepburn Shire Council could have one day made the move from its rented premises in Vincent Street to 9 Raglan Street.

The show, that is The Block, seemed to have changed a bit this year. No allnighters, a family visit after just two weeks away, lovely furnished caravans for all the contestants rather than bunking down on a mattress on the floor. The couple of times we went to the site during production, you would always see a few of the contestants in their deck chairs enjoying a bit of a natter.

One of the contestants also told me they had been pleasantly surprised by the very dry weather during the weeks of construction. They had thought the rain would be a problem but it had luckily held off. Not so lucky for the farmers, but still... I reckon a lot of people from our region will be watching the show, not so much for the houses, but for the special projects with the Rex Cinema, Hepburn Bathhouse and Daylesford Men's Shed...and hopefully the final auction will give a push to the currently pretty stagnant real estate market. Watch this space.

Finally, sad news for Clunes with the imminent closure of not only their Bendigo Bank agency but also the newsagency.

Picking up your papers, buying a magazine, trying for a Lotto win and just doing local banking are all really important activities for small towns. Stores provide community hubs - sometimes the only interaction a person will have for the day.

Closing them down might make economic sense but not community sense. I don't know the answer though. Clearly the bank has crunched the numbers and quite a few of their local agencies are closing this year. But it can't always be about the numbers. Like home care for the elderly, there is a human element that should override dollars. But it generally doesn't. Just sayin'...

Business Directory - Support Local! Markets

Here is the crossword solution for Edition 336.

How did you go?

All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local

Every Sunday - Daylesford Sunday Market

First Saturday - Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Makers Market, Woodend Farmers Market, Woodend Lions Market

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

Second Sunday - Maldon Market, Clunes Farmers Market

Third Saturday - Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market, Glenlyon Farmers Market, Leonards Hill Market, Creswick Market

Third Sunday - Talbot Farmers Market,

Fourth Sunday - Daylesford Farmers Market, Trentham Station Sunday Market

Trentham Top Tiny Tourism Town

The Local is showcasing Trentham in its August 11

If you have a story idea contact Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or donna@tlnews.com.au

To advertise your business contact Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au Space

by August 6. Editorial by August 7.

Business Directory - Buy Local

Stories of Survival: Words in Winter festival brings voices of resilience to Daylesford

This August, the Words in Winter festival will bring to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs extraordinary tales of human resilience, featuring artists who have transformed war, displacement and trauma into powerful art. From besieged Sarajevo to Somali refugee camps and the Palestinian struggle, their stories offer profound insights into the human capacity to endure and create.

From Sarajevo to Safety

Edita Mujkić's memoir Between Before and After recounts her harrowing escape from Sarajevo during the 1992 siege, when she fled with her two children while her husband remained trapped in the war zone. The book, which details their 600-day separation, has been recognised with several literary awards, including being shortlisted for the 2024 Memoir Prize. Mujkić's upcoming conversation, alongside author Dani Netherclift (Vessel) and hosted by Sumitra Singam, will explore how to transform trauma into beautiful stories.

Edita Mujkić conversation: Light from the Dark – transforming trauma into beautiful stories: Saturday, August 23, 1.30pm-2.30pm

The Transformative Power of Poetry

Somali-Australian artist Mo Sudi brings his multilingual performance My Temporary Name Was Refugee! to Daylesford Hotel’s Bar Bamford on Saturday, August 23. The work combines spoken word in English, Somali and Arabic with live calligraphy, reflecting his journey from Kenyan refugee camps to becoming a celebrated poet in Australia. Drawing on Somali oral traditions and the communal ritual of shaah tea, Sudi's performance creates what has been described as a therapeutic, immersive experience that bridges cultures and histories.

My Temporary Name Was Refugee! with Mo Sudi: Saturday, August 23, 4pm-5pm

Palestinian Stories Through Music and History

Yousef Alreemawi's Understanding Palestine event on Saturday, August 30 at Spade to Blade Catering offers a unique blend of historical analysis and cultural performance. Yousef wears many hats: he's a respected academic in Arabic language and culture, a translator, writer, proofreader, podcast producer, curriculum developer, refugee advocate, and political analyst - deeply engaged in the intersections of art, identity, and justice. Alreemawi brings both scholarly expertise and personal experience to his exploration of Palestinian identity. The presentation will include stories, music and Palestinian food, providing audiences with multiple pathways into understanding and learning about Palestine.

Understanding Palestine with Yousef Alreemawi: Saturday, August 30, 1pm-4pm

Safeguard Your Heart

And for those seeking to channel personal or collective hardship into art while safeguarding their well-being, psychiatrist and writer Sumitra Singam will lead a transformative workshop, Writing Trauma Without Traumatising Yourself, on Saturday, August 23 at Radius Art, Hepburn Springs.

This practical session blends trauma-informed techniques with creative writing, guiding participants - whether memoirists, fiction writers, or poets - to explore difficult narratives without retraumatisation.

Attendees will learn how trauma shapes neurobiology, how to stay grounded during the writing process, and engage in live exercises to practise these skills. Ideal for anyone navigating trauma’s complexities, the workshop underscores the festival’s ethos: storytelling as a tool for resilience, recovery, and connection.

Writing Trauma without Traumatising Yourself with Sumitra Singam: Saturday, August 23, 10am-12pm

A Festival of Shared Humanity

These artists demonstrate how trauma can be reshaped through creative expression. Mujkić's memoir transforms wartime terror into a testament of love and endurance. Sudi's poetry performance makes language itself a home for those who have lost physical ones.

Alreemawi's work shows how cultural preservation becomes an act of resistance. These artists don't just share their stories - they invite us into deeper understanding.

Their work offers local audiences not just performances, but portals to build meaningful connections across lived experiences.

The artists' varied approaches - through memoir, poetry, and discussion - demonstrate the many ways creative expression can help process difficult experiences while building bridges between communities.

Full festival program: wordsinwinter.com

Around

the Town

Program –Words in Winter festival 2025

This year’s Words in Winter festival brings creativity to every corner of our town with the Around the Town program. Dive into Re-Page Art, a community exhibition transforming old books into stunning artworks, displayed across local venues from July 25 to August 31.

Don’t miss Phone-a-Poem, an interactive poetry experience at Paradise Bookshop, Daylesford Library, and the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre from July 28 - August 31, pick up a handset and let the words transport you.

Experience the spontaneous magic of Guerilla Poetry, where multilingual readings will pop up in cafés from August 22-24, blending languages and cultures in unexpected moments.

For a delicious twist, visit Two Fold Bakehouse at the Daylesford Sunday Railway Market on August 10 and 24 - every bread purchase comes with a free poem, story, or recipe, and two lucky buyers will win Golden Tickets to exclusive Words in Winter events.

From book art to surprise poetry and baked-in storytelling, this year’s festival invites you to explore, listen, and be inspired - all around town. Check out the full festival program and book tickets: www.wordsinwinter.com