Front page: Labrador Ted and his labradoodle buddy, Penny, went missing on May 29, sparking a huge community search and online campaign. Luckily the pair were found on June 2 - with Penny barking at the top of a mine shaft, with Ted down below. Darcy McClure-Wallace from Oscar 1 Emergency Response helped Ted to safety. Read the story opposite.
Image: Ethan Brown
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The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The next edition is out on Monday, June 30, 2025. or online on Sunday, June 29 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, June 25
Copy deadline: Thursday, June 26
Editorial deadline: Thursday, May 26
General manager: Kyle Barnes on 0416 104 283 or kyle@tlnews.com.au
Editor: Donna Kelly on 0418 576 513 or news@tlnews.com.au
Sub-editors: Nick Bunning, Lindsay Smith & Chester the Cat
Writers: Eve Lamb, Kevin Childs, Tony Sawrey, Kyle Barnes, Natalie Poole & Donna Kelly
Photographers: Kyle Barnes & Eve Lamb
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)
Delivery | Tony Sawrey
Ted and Penny's amazing Trentham adventure
There can be few moments of relief greater than the recovery of a much-loved missing pet as the rescue of labrador Ted from a Trentham mineshaft earlier this month illustrates.
A big team effort on Monday, June 2 saw Trentham CFA and Bendigo’s Oscar 1 rescue team safely rescue Ted from where he was trapped down an eight-metre deep mineshaft in Trentham bushland.
Ted and his labradoodle buddy, Penny, had gone missing four days earlier on Thursday, May 29, sparking a huge community search and online campaign after the dogs’ owners, Chantal Henderson and her family discovered them missing.
Luckily, a neighbour finally heard Penny’s frantic barking and was then able to locate Penny guarding the top of the shaft with poor Ted stuck below.
The canine pair were found on Pronk Track in Trentham around noon.
A quick call was made to Triple Zero, and the Trentham Fire Brigade and Oscar 1 swung into action, with help from Hepburn Shire Council staff and Forest Fire Management Victoria.
Ted was kept calm with food and water until rescuers could safely bring him back up about three hours later, into owner Chantal’s waiting arms.
A very relieved Chantal had plenty of praise for all concerned with the rescue, posting on social media:
“Our family is ever so grateful for all the support and well wishes we have received these past five days.
“Thank you to Ruth and her daughter for their perseverance searching the bush after hearing their barking. Without you they would never have been found.
“Penny was found guarding Ted who had fallen down a straight eight-metre mine shaft some time before or around Friday lunchtime. Both dogs are in unbelievable condition, a little lighter than usual, but otherwise excellent.
“Thank you to our rescuers, Trentham CFA, Hepburn and Moorabool shire rangers/officers, Forest Management and CFA Oscar 1 Mine Rescue.”
Trentham CFA Captain David Wheeldon said: “When we arrived, as you would expect, Penny was quite agitated, but luckily one of our firefighters knew the owners because they lived next door to them.
“We were able to get a hold of them to come down before Bendigo’s Oscar 1 crew started the rescue process.
“Throughout the morning, we were providing Ted with plenty of food and water.
“The members of Oscar 1 descended down the eight-metre shaft to safely extricate Ted and hand him back into the arms of his owners - happy, healthy and well.”
The incident serves to highlight the ongoing dangers posed by old mine shafts in the area.
While on scene, Trentham Fire Brigade members had worked with Forest Fire Management Victoria to locate and red-tape a number of open mine shafts in the area in an effort to help prevent future incidents.
Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Supplied
“Penny was found guarding Ted who had fallen down a straight eight-metre mine shaft. Both are in unbelievable condition, a little lighter than usual, but otherwise excellent. Thank you to our rescuers, Trentham CFA, Hepburn and Moorabool shire rangers/officers, Forest Management and CFA Oscar 1 Mine Rescue.”
- Chantal Henderson
Our region's history with historian Natalie Poole
Carl Schulz – Publican, entrepreneur and philanthropist
Albert Julius ‘Carl’ Schulz migrated to Australia from Germany in 1884. Carl, as he preferred to be known, went to Milawa, Victoria and pursued the occupation of bricklaying.
He was hard working and money conscious and within a short time, in the early 1890s, was able to purchase the Moyhu Hotel.
The thrifty purchase gave him leftover funds which allowed him to rebuild the hotel, making sure all the necessary conveniences were installed, which included new furnishings, and hot and cold running water.
While the publican of the hotel, he also built a bakery, a doctor’s residence, Moyhu’s first public hall and the local saleyards. The reserve at Moyhu is named the Carl Schulz Reserve in his honour.
When his wife Marion Wolstenholme died in 1915, Carl decided to retire and seek a quieter lifestyle. This did not last.
In 1922, he went on to to purchase the Lagoon Hotel, Kiewa. He built the business up over three years and sold the hotel at a great profit.
Carl’s next venture was in the town of Trentham. He took over the victualler's licence (it authorises the licensee to sell and dispose of liquor on the specified premises) from Victorine Fitzgerald on what was known as the Bank Hotel on May 12, 1925. In December that year significant alterations were approved to the hotel at a cost of £5000.
In January 1926, Carl acquired the freehold of the hotel and was due to commence alterations. Unfortunately, before the building works had begun, the wooden hotel was extensively damaged by fire and a large portion of the hotel had to be demolished. The morgue out the back remained intact and continued to be used during the rebuild.
Carl finished the extensive rebuild in March 1927 with the new name ‘Hotel Trentham’ in honour of the town. The advertisement in The Argus newspaper on March 12, 1927 read ‘HOTEL TRENTHAM Newly Built Brick Building. All newly furnished, every convenience, hot and cold water; terms moderate, 6 private garages; 1 mile from Trentham Falls. CARL SCHULZ, Proprietor’.
He continued to operate the hotel until becoming seriously ill in September that year, when he had a paralytic stroke. The business was sold to Jim Bennett of Melbourne on March 31, 1928. Sadly, Carl passed away in May, 1929 and is buried in the Milawa Cemetery.
Carl will be remembered for his rebuild of the iconic Hotel Trentham and also giving freely to charitable and worthy causes in the town. He came to Trentham with a big idea and although it didn’t go as planned, he is still remembered.
A not so funny story
On October 20, 1928 a newspaper article says a George Poole was found burned to death in his bed in his room at Hotel Trentham on October 12. The licensee Mr Bennett noticed a smell of burning, and on investigation found Mr Poole dead and the bed still smouldering. Fortunately Carl had the foresight to rebuildin brick, or it could have burnt to the ground, again.
Images: Above, the opening of the Hotel Trentham in 1927, with thanks to the Trentham Historical Society Below, the hotel today, Natalie Poole
World Kettlebell Championship wins
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Daylesford Integrate Fitness owner Beth Whiting, left, and above right, has come away from the World Kettlebell Sport Federation World Championships with gold and silver in the elite class.
The championships were held in Italy from June 5 to June 8.
Posting on social media, Beth said it had been "a huge weekend filled with amazing lifting and wonderful humans".
"By far my highlight of the championships was being here as a coach and watching Shirlene Nevill, (above left), lift. I was beyond proud to watch her step onto the platform. The competition was absolutely fierce in her division this year and Shirlene definitely held her own, performing flawless reps.
"My goal for years has been to qualify for the Elite class. I was absolutely honoured to step up and lift beside the finest lifters in the world. Particularly in the elite female relay - what an experience. I came away with a silver and gold in the Elite class so pretty happy with that."
Shirlene came fourth in each of her three lifts including in the Masters One-Arm Long Cycle (10-minutes) and in the Masters Military Snatch. She said watching Beth, her coach, compete at an Elite level was awe-inspiring and motivating.
Beth thanked the team at Girevoy Sport Australia, the home of Kettlebell Sport Australia and her coach Shannon Pigdon "for always believing in me".
In 2023, Beth returned from the World Kettlebell Sport Federation championships in Hungary with three gold medals, one silver and two bronze.
Beth says being good at kettlebells is all about a combination of mental and physical resilience and the ability to keep going, no matter how tough that going gets.
The kettlebell itself is a hollow ball of iron with a handle made of iron, weighing from eight kilograms to 50kg. They are all the same size with the same handle, just the weight and colour vary.
Competitions include single and double lifts and range from 10 minutes to half marathons of 30 minutes and full marathons of 60 minutes. The competitor’s weight, the weight of the kettlebell and repetitions completed all come into the equation.
Beth runs fitness classes - and kettlebell training - for all abilities and ages at Integrate Fitness, a purpose-designed space off East Street, Daylesford.
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: @integratefitnesspt
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 Plan Managed or Self Managed Participants
Are you looking for a Home Care Package provider? How we can help:
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BLOCK Watch
Filming for the The Block has ended with the show due to be aired in early August - before the five houses on the Raglan Street, Daylesford site go up for auction.
A spokesperson said the show's builders Nine In Six were at the site, doing maintenance on the houses and gardens, until the end of the auctions which were likely to be late October or early November. Real estate agents for the houses will also be doing private open for inspections.
Central Highlands residents, who have watched The Block houses rise up from the former sheep paddock, can watch promotions go to air later this month.
Along with spending plenty in the town's cafes and hotels, like the Daylesford Hotel pictured above with a "thank you" from executive producer, Julian Cress, the show's contestants have also helped out a number of organisations.
They include the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, the community theatre - Phoenix at The Rex, and the Daylesford Men's Shed. The show has also shone the spotlight on local products such as the Daylesford & Hepburn Mineral Springs Co.
One of the The Block's three judges Marty Fox and contestants headed to the Daylesford Bowling Club for a pickleball challenge and Daylesford Primary School students toured the site. The first appearance of the cast members was at the ChillOut parade in March.
Homeware lifestyle store, Cedar & Sage Daylesford joint partner Sally Collinson told realestate.com that her store's Daylesford candle was set to feature in the winning bathroom in the first week of the show.
Daylesford was originally going to be The Block's 20th series in 2024 but after locals complained, it was moved to Phillip Island. Words: Donna Kelly
The story of Hepburn Wildlife Shelter
The story of Hepburn Wildlife Shelter started in 2005 when founders Jon and Gayle purchased an 11-hectare bushland property adjoining the Hepburn Regional Park specifically for the running of the wildlife shelter and planned to establish a permanent and lasting treatment and care facility for wildlife in the region.
From there they put everything they had into wildlife care: income, time, personal space, scientific training and significant emotional investment.
As the shelter continued to grow it became apparent that caring for myriad injured and orphaned native wildlife that found themselves at the shelter would become a 24/7 commitment for Jon and Gayle.
With no available government funding, the shelter grew with support from generous donors and volunteers from throughout the region.
Today Hepburn Wildlife Shelter houses an average of 100 animals (wildlife) in care at any one time and in addition to those it receives around 1000 wildlife calls to respond to each year.
Many of the patients require intensive care and treatments and some small orphans need feeding every two hours.
A typical day is dominated by the regular rounds of feeding (and toileting of very young ones) and cleaning but at any time this routine can be interrupted by a call to action to attend to a diverse and often shocking variety of animals in distress.
Calls vary from dehydrated lizards, baby birds fallen out of nests and bats discovered in roof spaces, to the horrors of mangy wombats with flyblown wounds, kangaroos caught up in fences or fallen down mineshafts.
Then there are animals of all varieties involved in grisly road traumas with severed or broken limbs, concussion and bloody wounds – even in the worst cases, there are always orphaned pouch young to consider.
At the current level of support for their work Gayle and Jon must provide the vast majority of the funds for the care work at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter, as well as the expertise and the physical work.
Additional volunteer help at the shelter is essential to the operation in order to keep up with the workload. Issues such as drought, bushfires, wildlife culling, prescribed burning of wildlife habitat, residential and commercial development and increased traffic on the roads all contribute to the workload. Fortunately, everyone enjoys their work immensely!
Dr Marita McGuirk will return with her column on July 14. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just find out more, head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org
Article proudly sponsored by The Local Publishing Group
Show presenters Shelley Craft & Scott Cam
Image: Kyle Barnes
Image: David White Inset: Marita McGuirk
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Drought conditions cause for concern
Metal Roof Specialist
Stage 2 water restrictions will come into force from Tuesday, July 1 in Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs.
Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said the initial lowerlevel restrictions were being introduced to raise awareness and alert the community for the need to continue its focus on remaining water efficient.
“We’ll continue to closely monitor our water storages, the community usage patterns, and weather forecasts. Our goal is to lift restrictions as soon as conditions allow, but if dry weather and soil conditions persist, further restrictions may be necessary,” Mr Haydon said.
Daylesford has just experienced its driest summer-autumn period since 1991 making this a significant dry period. This has resulted in storages falling to approximately 30 per cent. At the same time last year, storage levels were at 64 per cent. Hepburn Shire has now been declared to be in drought.
Historically, water storage levels in the Daylesford and Hepburn region are particularly sensitive to long dry spells due to the size of the catchment and volume of the storages, especially as demand increases during summer and early autumn months. Positively, it has been shown the storages can fill up quickly with good rainfall levels.
“The extended dry conditions have placed real pressure on our water storages. We thank residents, visitors and the community for their ongoing efforts in limiting their water use,” Mr Haydon said.
“By acting now, we can together preserve existing local water supplies and ensure storages can meet community needs until storage levels recover and the current major supply system augmentation works are completed.”
To secure the region’s future water needs for the next 50-plus years, CHW is investing in more than $25 million in water infrastructure upgrades.
This includes the construction of a 17-kilometre underground raw water pipeline from Blampied to the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant, connecting to the Goldfields Superpipe.
Upgrades to the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant are also progressing, with design and construction now underway.
The works are set for completion by mid-2026.
Free water
Under the Water Act 1989 a person has the right to take water, free of charge, for their domestic and stock use from a waterway or bore which they have access to by a public road or public reserve or if they occupy the land on which the water flows or occurs, or in the case of a waterway if they occupy land next to it and the bed and banks of the waterway have remained the property of the Crown.
In relation to water, domestic and stock use means use for household purposes, watering of animals kept as pets, watering of cattle or other stock, irrigation of a kitchen garden and watering an area not exceeding 1.2 hectares for fire prevention purposes with water from a spring or soak or water from a dam.
A kitchen garden is one used solely in connection with a dwelling and has no produce for sale.
Annual Water Outlook link: www.chw.net.au/community/future-waterplanning/annual-water-outlook
Water saving tips link: www.chw.net.au/education-sustainability/savingwater-at-home-and-work
Words & image: Donna Kelly
Just briefly...
Trentham is a finalist in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. With its gold rush-era streetscape, warm community vibe and gourmet food scene, it’s no surprise Trentham has landed in the spotlight. Think waterfalls, fine dining, cosy pubs, boutique stays and country charm. Link: www.vtic.com.au
The North Central Catchment Management Authority is on the lookout for volunteers to help monitor the health of two key waterways.
The CMA’s WaterWatch team is keen to recruit volunteers for sites along the Coliban and Little Coliban rivers, as well as Kangaroo, Birchs, Creswick, and Tullaroop creeks. Details: citizenscience@nccma.vic.gov.au or 0447 824 514.
Hepburn Shire Council's Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) have won two gongs in the LGPro Awards - Outstanding Small Rural Council Initiative, and Community Assets and Infrastructure (Projects $5 Million - $20 Million) and Population less than 50,000.
Council CEO Bradley Thomas said the awards were testament to the collaboration between the council, community members, traditional owners and land managers for the $9.4 million project.
Guildford's Raymond Pattle received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for services to his town in the King's Birthday Honours.
Mr Pattle's achievements include being a member of the Guildford CFA, the Guildford Hall Committee, the Guildford History Group, Guildford Grumpies Car Club, Castlemaine Historical Society, Guildford Cemetery Trust, Guildford Banjo Jamboree, the John Powell Reserve Committee, Save Our Store campaign, Guildford Primary School, Guildford Grumpies Men’s Shed, the Guildford Grumpies and the Guildford ANZAC Day Dawn Commemoration Service. He is also the co-author of Guildford Cemetery: Commemorating 150 Years Since the First Burial 1871-2021, A History of Guildford and A History of Tarilta.
Coming soon...
Motoring memorabilia and rare farm equipment, including stationary engines, are among 450 lots assembled over three paddocks at two properties at Yandoit and Muckleford, all to be auctioned online on Sunday, June 22.
The starting point was when local identity and president of the Mt Alexander Vintage Engine Club, Stephen O'Connor, decided to step back from his passion projects. His vast collection of passenger cars, vintage tractors and cropping equipment is up for auction. The club's other members then got involved. The auction starts at 10am. Details and inspection: Martin or Annie on 0403 894 455.
The next Christ Church concert will feature Unholy Rackett + Ensemble 642 on Saturday, July 5 from 2.30pm.
The performers are: Brock Imison - soprano, alto, bass, quint bass curtal, Simon Rickard - soprano, tenor, bass octave bass curtal, Laura Vaughan - viola da gamba, Hannah Lane - baroque triple harp and Nick Pollock - theorbo, baroque guitar. This concert centres around the earliest ancestor of the bassoon, the curtal, today often referred to by its German name, the dulcian. Christ Church is at 54 Central Springs Road, Daylesford. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/eventlist/christchurchconcerts
Northern Books has a number of events coming up in July.
A High Tea with Jacinta Parsons will be held at The Convent, Daylesford on Sunday, July 6. Demystifying Dementia, with aged care educator and dementia care expert, Rose Capp and writer and playwright, Sean Wilson, will be held at The Taproom in Castlemaine on Tuesday, July 15. Finally, A Day Festival of Books, Writers and Poets will be held in the Garden Room at Castlemaine's Buda Historical Home on Sunday, July 27. Link: www.northernbooks.com.au
Artist Nick Dridan will give a talk about the artworks he created for the Allegories – Nick Dridan Exhibition as well as discuss his art practice at the Cental Goldfields Art Gallery, at 1 Neill Street, Maryborough on Sunday, June 22 from 2pm. Free entry.
Early Learning Victoria Enrolments now open for 2026
The Victorian Government has opened a new early learning and childcare centre near you.
Programs available
Early Learning Victoria Clunes (interim name)
3 Paddock Street, Clunes
Early Learning Victoria is a Victorian Government organisation. We provide high-quality early childhood education and care for young children.
• We celebrate each child’s unique strengths and interests, helping them grow and learn.
• Our high-quality programs, run by qualified staff, let children explore and learn through play and in nature.
• Our centres are welcoming, inclusive and are a part of the local community.
• Many centres also provide additional support services, like maternal and child health, allied health, and playgroups.
• Long day care
• Free Kinder for three- and fouryear-olds
Fee assistance available
Government subsidies like Child Care Subsidy and Free Kinder can help with fees.
The Departure: Ethical, personalised death care
Hayley West asks: “Are we ready for death?” And through her newly established service The Departure, she can help to answer such a question.
Not just another conventional funeral provider, The Departure is intended to champion ethical, personalised and environmentally conscious death care, blending creativity with compassion.
Based in Castlemaine and servicing Central Victoria, Hayley strongly believes that we should embrace the realities of grief, the inevitability of death, and the acceptance of mortality while crafting meaningful rituals that honour both the departed loved one and those left behind.
Hayley has been what she describes as a ‘death literacy advocate’ for over 20 years through talks, exhibitions, and residencies as an artist and researcher. And since 2021, with her weekly radio show ‘Dead Air’ on Maine FM.
But her interest goes back further than that.
“Since I was a child I’ve had a lot of death in my life,” she says. “The first was my sister who died at three years old when I was six. From there I have experienced seven significant deaths before the age of 40.
“But my family was very much a death-denial family and nothing was talked about. For instance, when my sister died, her photographs were taken out of the house and she was never spoken about again.
“Then later on in my 20s I began to see (the theme of) death creep into my art work and I began to research extensively into the whole death and funeral industry.”
The Departure offers all those familiar services such as assistance with body preparation, death certificates or transport, but more importantly, The Departure wants to normalise the conversation around it and let people be aware how many choices there are when it comes to end-of-life processes.
“The funerals I had attended were so conventional and run of the mill, nothing interesting, nothing exceptional. I wanted to see something more sincere, more personalised, much more a part of life.
“And as people are really thinking about choice it is the right time to start as an independent death worker and do death differently.”
Options include engaging a death doula or (end-of-life midwife) who helps a dying person and their family navigate the end-of-life process. There is the possible use of shrouds or ecologically friendly cardboard boxes (to specification) instead of ornate coffins.
Funeral services can be held at home with choices for live bands, transport (ute or horse and carriage anyone?) or even flash mob dancers and the gesture of leaving one's record collection for mourners to take.
The most important thing to note here, Hayley says, is the process of death and dying does not have to be talked about in whispers or hidden away behind the walls of a funeral home or crematorium. It can be an open celebration of the deceased's life and everything they were about.
Readership
Hayley sees that the character of the funeral industry is changing partly due to the emergence of assisted dying laws which have opened up conversations about death and dying and on whose terms. She sees that the rituals associated with death, especially in western countries, had been taken away from us.
“We used to tend to our dead, or someone in the community would. I think now people want to claim a little of that back. So much of the practices of the modern funeral industry have been stripped back to the point where they are just like McFunerals.”
Words & image: Tony Sawrey
“But my family was very much a death-denial family and nothing was talked about.
For instance, when my sister died, her photographs were taken out of the house and she was never spoken about again.”
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’
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Council News
Council
Feedback for draft documents under review
The Hepburn Together consultation for the five draft strategic documents closed last week.
The feedback, which includes close to 200 submissions via Participate Hepburn, hard copy surveys, email and findings from the Deliberative Engagement Panel, is being collated and considered by Councillors and Officers before potential amendments are made to the drafts.
The final documents will be considered for adoption at the June Council Meeting.
A report of the feedback received will be made available on the Hepburn Together project page, www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au
Emergency Services Panels
Join representatives from emergency management agencies at two free events happening in the Shire.
Hear from agencies like the CFA, SES, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Forest Fire Management, Parks Victoria, the Red Cross, Telstra and more about the roles and responsibilities they have in responding to emergencies.
• Creswick Town Hall, Thursday 26 June 10 am – 12:30 pm
• The Mechanics Trentham, Thursday 26 June 2 pm – 4:30 pm Each session will be followed by light refreshments. Visit our website for more information, www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/em-events
Listening posts
Come share your ideas and chat about what matters to you with Councillors and senior Council Officers.
• Glenlyon Hall on Saturday 21 June 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm
More information at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/listening-posts
Final rates instalment reminder
The final instalment for 2024/2025 Annual Rates and Charges was due on 31 May 2025. Council has begun issuing reminder letters through our partner CollectAU. Please rectify any outstanding balances promptly or contact Council directly to discuss a payment arrangement or hardship matters. More information at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/rates
Youth Mental Health First Aid training
Do you work with young people as an employer, caregiver or volunteer? Learn to recognise the signs of a youth mental health crisis and what action to take.
In partnership with Youth Gurus, Council is offering free accredited youth mental health first aid training for adults.
The blended training course consists of online and face-to-face components. Face-to-face sessions:
• 23 June, Creswick
• 7 July, Trentham
Register your interest at https://forms.gle/TWYNMnfBWuoFweaj8
EAT | DRINK | ENJOY
Words in Winter 2025: Light in the Dark
The crisp winter air is settling over Daylesford and Hepburn while the 24th annual Words in Winter Festival is preparing to spark warmth and wonder with its 2025 theme, “Light in the Dark”.
Running across two weekends (August 22-24 and August 29-31), this beloved event will transform venues - from the historic Hotel Bellinzona to the vibrant Yandoit Cultural Centre - into hubs of storytelling, creativity, and connection.
This year’s festival celebrates the power of words to illuminate, offering a rich program of local and visiting authors, live performances, and interactive workshops.
Whether you’re drawn to the polished charm of a literary salon or the raw energy of an open mic event, festival producer Devon Taylor assures there’s a space for every story lover. “We’ve crafted each venue’s atmosphere to reflect the diverse ways stories can be shared and celebrated,” Devon says.
A highlight for 2025 is the introduction of Re-Page, a town-wide exhibition that breathes new life into forgotten books. Guided by lead artist Michelle Newton of ReAwear Design, this exciting project aims to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the magic of repurposed literature.
“We're inviting artists to transform discarded books into extraordinary works of art,” explains Michelle. “It's about finding beauty in the unexpected - just like our festival theme.”
The festival could not exist without its volunteers and opportunities are now open for those eager to contribute behind the scenes. Morgan Williams of Radius Art says: “Words in Winter is more than an event - it’s a gathering of curious minds and kindred spirits.”
Mark your calendars: the full program launches in early July at www.wordsinwinter. com. Join us to celebrate stories, creativity and the warmth of community - because even in winter’s depths, there’s always light to be found. Call to artists: Submit your book-inspired creations by 15 July to be part of this unique exhibition. Whether you're a seasoned artist or first-time creator, Words in Winter welcomes your vision. Visit www.wordsinwinter.com/re-page for submission details.
Words & image: Contributed
The Local is proud to be a media partner with Words in Winter
Artist Michelle Newton ReAwear Design
‘Cloudburst ’
The Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative (DRAC) invites you to shop ‘n’ stop for a moment and view some of our works around town. Thanks to the generosity of traders who have partnered with us, we are pleased to display artworks which are on sale, c an brighten up a wintery July and bring some colour to our grey skies. We would like to thank these businesses for their support of a community arts initiative, and we hope this may become an annual event. Keep an eye out for our huge DRAC exhibition at Stanbridge Hall in September. Our partners with thanks, Steve Birnie (DRAC Pres.)
* Bendigo Bank
* Daylesford Brewing Co.
* That Bargain Place
* Creswick Natural Fibres
* Jackies on Vincent
* Muffins & More
* Daylesford Trading Co.
* Enki
* Daylesford Visitor & Information Centre
* Discover Daylesford
* Clayfire
* Cellarbrations
Artists of the Central Highlands with Eve
Lamb
Whimsical, powerful and fantastical are just a few of the words that spring to mind on viewing the work of Glenlyon sculptural ceramicist Rowena Hannan. This ceramics artist draws on classic mythology, folklore, legend, spirituality and the natural world as she creates highly engaging and original pieces that capture the imaginations of all fortunate enough to see them. Rowena has her Clayscape studio in the bushland just out of Glenlyon and will be among the artists represented in the upcoming Little Gallery Winter Show, a fundraising favourite on Trentham’s annual arts calendar set to open from July 11.
Eve: Your work is quite remarkable, all sorts of flights of fancy. What inspires you?
Rowena: I’m interested in responding to the environment which I’m in and also personal history. A lot of my earlier work has a bit of a religious context to it and I’m interested in story-telling. Mythologies, stories of Greek mythology. Stories of the Christian saints, Pagan stories...when we moved up here I began responding more to the environment. My work started evolving, looking at the spirituality in the natural environment. Some of the pieces, like these Kangaroo Girls, are also a bit about play too. Sometimes my children tell me my work is scary, but it’s just that whole idea of putting on masks. They’re not animals. They’re not humans. They’re somewhere in-between. The face is more about the spirit.
Eve: How long have you been here now? Why did you choose here?
Rowena: We bought the (bushland) property about nine years ago now. I always wanted to have somewhere around the area. I wanted to have a treed block and wanted to build a garden. And it’s just such a lovely community too. I grew up in Williamstown and then lived in Yarraville.
Eve: You have also travelled.
Rowena: Yes. I really wanted to do residencies, work in a studio, absorb the culture, and I spent a month in Vallauris, the French medieval town revived in the 1950s through Picasso coming to the area. It’s famous for its ceramics. All of those beautiful pots that he did came out of the Madoura pottery there.
I went to a symposium years ago in China and I spoke on how you can teach spatial awareness through ceramic education. I had a professional scholarship through the school I was working at. So that was pretty exciting and I think that really opened my eyes to what was out there. I met lots of ceramic artists from around the world. Some I’m still in contact with which is really lovely. That sort of lit the flame, really. Now that I’ve retired from full-time teaching it’s allowing me to do some things that I previously couldn’t do. This year, in a couple of months, I’m lucky enough to be going to Barcelona.
Eve: What will you be doing there and for how long?
Rowena: I’m working at the Taller Gingell Foundation. They offer a residency where they give you a studio and an apartment in the middle of Barcelona. I’ll be working there looking at Art Nouveau architecture and responding to that. I’ll be there for five weeks.
Eve: And you’ve previously worked full-time as a teacher.
Rowena: I was head of art at Firbank Grammar for about eight, nine years. I taught there for 23 years. Then I went to Korowa Anglican Girls’ School and was head of art there. I still exhibited. I exhibit every two years. My last exhibition was in Fitzroy. But it takes a bit longer to get a body of work done when you’re actually teaching.
Eve: I understand you are still teaching.
Rowena: Yes and I love it. Clayscape is the name of the studio space here and on Monday mornings I teach a nine-week course called Constructing the Figure and Form. It’s a really lovely group and a lovely way to start the week.
Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or other special events coming up ahead?
Rowena: Yes. I usually have work at Stony Creek Gallery in Daylesford, and I will be exhibiting some work as part of the upcoming Winter Show at Little Gallery in Trentham. One of the people there encouraged me to apply and I was really chuffed. I’m looking forward to it.
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.
Musicians Paul Wookey and Kris Mizzi will sit together in The White Room at Glenlyon and share songs on Saturday, June 28 from 2pm. It is one of Paul's last performances as a solo artist.
Paul Wookey has been a stalwart of the Australian Folk and Americana scene, picking and singing his way both here and overseas for more than 50 years. His award-winning songs, his prowess as a guitarist and his witty banter, charms his audience.
Winner of 2017 Troubadour Award as well as 2021 Folk Alliance Australian Solo Artist of the Year, Melbourne singer/songwriter Kris Mizzi is making waves throughout the folk circuit across the country.
Kris has spent most of his life dedicated to his work as a songwriter and performer. Born in Moe he spent his years balancing life as a travelling musician. BYO drinks and a plate to share, and head to 31 Morton Street, Glenlyon. Donations: $30 at www.events.humanitix.com
Gigs with Darren Lowe
Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham
Luke Watt - Saturday, June 21, 3pm-5pm (free)
Victoriana Gaye, pictured - Saturday, June 28, 3pm-5pm (free)
Abby Dobson (Leonardo’s Bride) with support Freya Josephine Hollick - Saturday, June 28, 8pm (Ticketed gig)
Jess Parker - Saturday, July 5, 3pm-5pm (free)
Emmy Ryan - Saturday, July 12, 3pm-5pm (free)
Odessa at Leaver's Hotel, Creswick
Lior - Saturday, June 21
Debra Byrne - Friday, June 27
Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble - Saturday, June 28
Mande Spirit - Saturday, July 5
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford
Late Night Radio - Saturday, June 21, 8.30pm-10.15pm
Dolly's Disco Bingo - Thursday, June 29, 5pm-9.30pm
Maggie Jackson NY Jazz Duo - Saturday June 28, 8.30pm-10.15pm
Music Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Music Development Office and with help from the federal and state governments, is offering $2500 travel bursaries to help passionate regional Victorian music workers attend the Regional and Remote Music Summit in Byron Bay for July 23-25. The bursaries can be used for travel, accommodation, and per diems. Plus, summit registration is free for bursary recipients - thanks to the support of MusicNSW. Applications close Monday, June 16. Link: www.musicvictoria.com.au All gig times correct at time of publishing...check with the venue.
Cloudburst in July
Cloudburst - it's coming your way during the month of July.
The Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative (DRAC) has partnered with the kind support of Vincent Street traders to showcase some of their work and herald their coming September Stanbridge Hall exhibition.
The cooperative has been gifted some wonderful support from Daylesford's main street retailers who have offered space in their shops to help showcase the work of cooperative members.
DRAC is a resident-led, not-for-profit community initiative founded as a result of the lack of spaces for our Hepburn Shire artists to show, meet and network.
The contribution of semi-professionals, hobbyists and amateurs to the cultural economy of the shire often goes unnoticed and yet by number and volume of work alone, they are the largest producers of creative works in this region. DRAC is a response to this issue.
The cooperative’s inaugural exhibition last year was the result of nine weekend pop-ups over the previous two years, providing both experience and confidence to members.
The cooperative has a ‘community give-back’ clause in its constitution and the show provided enough funding to purchase 15 Backpack Beds for Homeless thanks to the creative donations of members and businesses within the town.
This year, Stanbridge Hall will again host the 2025 exhibition and the cooperative is looking to support the work of the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter, given the drought conditions affecting the region over the summer.
Look out for the works of art and please compliment the business for its support of our work. Regards to all, DRAC management. Words: Contributed
prices almost always rise towards the end of Autumn, start of Winter as demand increases but supply is reduced due to the time of year. Stock up your freezer with these great prices! Strictly limited stock so get in quick.
Beetham's Botanicals
Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy…
This time I’ll be recommending some important jobs to be done in the home garden during winter...although not exhaustive it will give you an insight into keeping busy at this cold time of year.
1. First up my priority would be to ensure all your garden tools are shipshape after thorough cleaning, sharpening and oiling. With winter pruning high on the agenda secateurs, lopper and saw will certainly be on call.
2. Pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs is ideal as their sap flow is at a minimum and so reduces "bleeding" of pruning cuts. There are a plethora of books dedicated to plant pruning so a visit to a bookstore is advised or you could adopt the online approach. Either way there is no real rule of thumb with winter pruning so being sure of what you're doing is vital.
3. Soil preparation and improvement can be done now to ensure the best conditions for old and new plantings while they wait for the warmer weather to arrive. So adding (organic) compost that can be enriched with animal manure (I find sheep is the best) will add structure to the soil and as it breaks down it slowly releases nutrients...and don't forget Aussie natives hate phosphorous.
4. It's also time to start pruning back of perennials and sub-shrubs such as perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage), asters, salvias (sages), achilleas (yarrows), ornamental grasses and penstemons. This involves cutting off spent flowers and foliage (often to the ground) and here's a tip - I like to leave some basal stalks that help protect the plant from being trodden on.
5. Planting in winter can be restricted due to the increasing cold but there are still plenty of options open. Consider planting asparagus crowns, garlic bulbs and allium seedlings (chives, garlic chives & spring onions) and with soil prep completed you can plant new perennials and, after division, old ones from your garden. This is also the best time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs that are often sold bare-rooted at a nursery although containerised stock is also offered but is usually more expensive and you've got to dig a bigger hole.
6. Finally, look out for winter-flowering plants at the nursery and any other gardens you come across. These may include camellias, daphnes, hellebores, magnolias (late), rhododendrons and wattles. And here's a short list of not so common species: chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), cornus mas (cornelian cherry - see image), hamamelis (witch-hazel - see image), mahonias, prunus mume (flowering apricot), sarcococca spp. (sweet box) and viburnum farreri (fragrant viburnum - see image).
Cheers John Beetham (Trees in Australia)
Next time: Garden design & construction during winter Scan the QR code to go to JB's Instagram
Traditional treaty
Dja Dja Wurrung People of the Central Victoria area are the first Traditional Owner group to register intent to negotiate a Traditional Owner Treaty.
Under Victoria’s Treaty Negotiation Framework, Traditional Owner groups across the state can negotiate their own treaties, which will reflect the aspirations and priorities in their local areas.
DJAARA (the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) acting on behalf of Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara) started that process with a formal notification to the Treaty Authority – the independent body established to oversee negotiations for a statewide Treaty and Traditional Owner treaties.
Dja Dja Wurrung Reserved Seat Holder at the Assembly and a director of the DJAARA Board, Djaran Murray-Jackson, said local treaties would provide a mechanism for Aboriginal communities to use local knowledge to come up with practical solutions at a local level.
“Local Treaty will be led by our mob and focus on the issues that are important here on Dja Dja Wurrung Country,” said Mr Murray-Jackson.
“Country, our connection to the land, is such an important part of who we are as Aboriginal people. So, there’s no doubt that initiatives around land and caring for Country, as articulated in our Dhelkunya Dja, Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan, will be a focus for the negotiations.”
Rodney Carter, who is the Dja Dja Wurrung Group’s CEO, said communities thrived when local people could call the shots about local decisions and when there’s a sense of connection and understanding.
Words: Donna Kelly
REMOVALISTS
LET US HELP YOU MOVE TO YOUR HOME WITH OUR CARING FRIENDLY TEAM
No matter if you are moving to our region for the first time, moving to the big smoke or just moving down the road - we will take care of
Cornus mas - cornelian cherry
Viburnum farreri - fragrant viburnum
Hamamelis - witch-hazel
A rich weave: Saori exhibition returns to Clunes
The Celebration of Saori Exhibition has returned to Clunes, showcasing more than 100 original woven works by over 35 artists from across Australia.
The biggest saori weaving exhibition in Australia, it launched at the Clunes Warehouse on Saturday, June 7 and continues through to Sunday, June 22.
A visual explosion of colour and texture, it’s a great chance to revel in the unique saori method with some special opportunities to learn more about this niche meditative weaving technique.
Co-ordinated and curated by accredited saori teacher, Clunes' Prue Simmons of Dyeing To Weave studio, the exhibition brings together students from across Australia who are supported through Prue’s studio weaving programs.
Prue says the exhibition was extremely well received when it was held last year, attracting visitors from all around Australia, and is expected to become a biennial event.
“This is still such a burgeoning craft here in Australia and my passion is to share what saori weaving is and the powerful creative potential it has,” Prue says.
Among those with work represented, Evansford’s Jayne Newgreen’s background is in photography and marketing.
Jayne, pictured left with Prue, says she became hooked on the saori weaving technique while attending one of Prue’s retreats.
“The freedom that saori allows is something I couldn’t quite capture with my photography,” Jayne says.
Works in the exhibition are accompanied by artist bios including concise stories behind each piece.
Saori is a freestyle weaving style which originated in Japan during the 1960s. A modern take on traditional weaving, it celebrates self-expression, mindfulness, and innovation over rules or repetition.
The exhibition is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10am to 4pm.
Now Open DAYLESFORD
ORDER ONLINE or DINE IN
Words & image: Eve Lamb
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.
The saying “the best thing since sliced bread" originates from the invention of the bread-slicing machine in 1928.
It was made popular by the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri and their slogan "the greatest forward step in the baking industry since bread was wrapped". This slogan was used to advertise their pre-sliced bread, which was a major convenience at the time.
I know this because I asked Google, but unlike the Google of 2024 we now have an AI overview. This means AI is answering the question based on information all over the web and summarising that into an answer.
When did an AI summary happen? You can’t get away from it and it seems it is a very recent invention. As The Local’s resident cruciverbalist (crossword producer) I am always Googling to get ideas for clues. God help me if the police get into my search history should an experimental dish involving mushrooms goes south. So, I know the look and feel of Google well and have just noticed this latest iteration of the animal. It is as if it happened overnight, and a quick Google about Google reveals the following:
"AI summaries, specifically in the context of search engines, began to emerge in May 2024. Google introduced AI Overviews, a generative AI-powered feature that provides summaries at the top of search results, initially in the US and later expanding to more countries, including Australia."
But surely the answers are “best guess”. I am satisfied the gargantuan acumen of the beast is combing a lot more material than I could ever get my hands on to come up with the answers. However, does it just work on a numbers game, if there is enough digital information saying that the balance of answers points to answer A. And a little bit of conjectured information pointing to answer B, surely answer A will win, without the input of human moderators.
And let’s take the case where you get AI to flood the interweb with misinformation. For example, "the USA has just invaded Canada". And when I say flood the interweb, take what you think is flooding and then multiply it by a zillion fake websites all reporting the same thing. With fake images, videos and fake AI generated reports, I generated the video in the QR code below in two minutes using a free online tool. The guy doesn’t exist, I just asked for a red head with uncle overtones in his voice throwing his arms up in the air. I overlayed my voice at the end to create a mumble under his breath.
There is an article published by Forbes back in 2017 saying Facebook shut down an artificial intelligence engine after developers discovered that the AI had created its own unique language that humans couldn't understand. Researchers at the Facebook AI Research Lab found that the chatbots had deviated from the script and were communicating in a new language developed without human input. It is as concerning as it is amazing – simultaneously a glimpse of both the awesome and horrifying potential of AI.
But here is a quick tip if you don’t want the AI bit to answer your Google question. Just add the F-word to your questions. No more AI summary.
Keep reading your local newspaper and stop scrolling rant over…
Local Lines
Friday night had some good moments
too fast for his own legs had more time than he knew trips over his shadow
been carrying something all week knew the contact was coming the mental side of coming back from a knee
feeds the forwards a kick to space ends up over the line
somehow finds some space floats up an inverted torp-looking thing that's home if it's got the wheels
- Bill Wootton
Bill follows the Pies and Fridays often find him in front of the tele when a trip to the G is a bridge too far.
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
Hi
I
I
Microchip no. 956000018529222.
Come
Ph: 5472 5277.
(Pick me,
Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
Spent some birthday time on the Gold Coast and talked to the locals, as you do. Their memory of Covid is so different from those of us who spent it in Victoria.
And they feel sorry for us - although they are probably over all the Mexicans who have moved up over the past few years.
I reckon, like those who moved from Melbourne to the country, some have returned. Queensland is not a life for everyone. For me, summer is way too humid. I don't mind the heat but the humidity leaves me dripping.
I think it must be an age thing. Kyle and I lived in Cairns many years ago, in our young days, and we didn't have aircon in the house or the car. We never thought about it.
We also spent time in Brisbane and Main Beach on the Gold Coast - and once again, not a thought was given to the heat. You just put up with it.
And the country is not for everyone either. As people came up in their droves, often to homes bought online, I thought of the surprise they would get when they tried to call Uber Eats or Door Dash.
Or realised they had to get wood for those lovely fires - and that wood is expensive unless you want to cut it yourself and then it is a lot of hard work. Even carrying wood inside has its perils. Hello, fairly large huntsman or angry European wasp hibernating from the cold.
But back to Covid. In Queensland it was more of an inconvenience and getting vaccinated was pretty much the same. When I told locals I was up to number seven or eight, they nearly had a fit. (Although I must admit it was running rife up there the past couple of weeks, along with the flu. So maybe a few more arms came up for the jab.)
I remember making a run north in 2021. The previous year had been an absolute nightmare, with not only Covid but also losing my mum. And then in 2021 that terrible storm ripped through the region. I think it was on a Wednesday and on the Saturday Kyle came home from the gym and asked "why is the bin inside?".
I told him we were driving to Queensland that day. Split decision - just go. And so we did. We made it to the NSW border that night and did a big fist pump as we entered Albury.
A few days later Victoria was in lockdown again but we had made it out. I remember staying in Liverpool the next night at some club and a few people were coughing. As we drove away we heard about a little lockdown for Liverpool but we just kept going. Our bad.
But all of that is behind us now, as our mental health slowly heals, well for me anyway, and it's time for all our festivals to roll back onto the calendar. Love that!
After a few years of cancellations or scaled-back events, it seems like we are back on track and The Local is very proud to be media partners with lots of organisations. We're talking ChillOut, Foto Biennale, Spudfest, Swiss Italian Festa, Words in Winter, CresFest, Daylesford Art Show...just to name a few.
I hope everyone gets out and supports these events because funding is hard to find, and without bums on seats, it's easy for them to lose their way. And that is something we don't want to happen.
Our community, as much as the keyboard warriors would have you think otherwise at times, is a wonderful place to work and live and just be. And we have great people and fantastic events which should always be celebrated.
If Covid taught us anything, and sometimes I wonder, it is that life is to be lived. And if that's looking at art, talking about books, celebrating cultures, and even enjoying a simple spud, let's do it. Just sayin'...
Ageing DisGracefully members, including Max Primmer, get together at the Daylesford Mill Markets cafe on Thursdays at 11am. All welcome. For information email ageingdis3461@gmail.com, call 0427 131 249 or head to the Ageing DisGracefully Facebook page. Ageing DisGracefully is an initiative of Hepburn House.
W RD CROSS
Business Directory - Support Local! Markets
Here is the crossword solution for Edition 333.
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
Business Directory - Buy Local
Print Is Dead. Just Don’t Tell Microsoft.
A tech giant joins the magazine resurgence.
By Sarah Grevy Gotfredsen
Print magazines weren’t expected to survive the digital age, yet they’re still holding on, if not always thriving. In 2024, several news stories highlighted a small but notable resurgence. Publications like Vice, Nylon, and Playboy, which had previously abandoned their print editions, began reviving them, albeit in limited runs.
Print shifted from the default medium to a luxury item - a premium add-on for those willing to pay extra. And now, as Axios reported recently, even corporate storytelling is going analogue, including among companies driving the digital revolution.
Last week, Microsoft launched Signal, a 120-page magazine targeting business leaders. The first issue includes an essay by Bill Gates; a Q&A with Satya Nadella, the CEO; and a lifestyle section at the back.
Steve Clayton, the vice president of Microsoft’s communications strategy, told me that he was inspired to launch Signal after reading an October 2024 New York Times story about the success of Costco Connection, a magazine that the retail chain launched in 1987 and is now the third-largest magazine in the country, with a circulation of over fifteen million copies each month.
Signal doesn’t have quite the same ambitions in terms of reach, Clayton said, but it encouraged him to experiment with the print format. “We’re in this world where everything seems so ephemeral,” he said this week, while showing me the magazine on a Zoom call. “It was time to do something that was almost the opposite of that.” The magazine’s name is a nod to cutting through the noise.
The comeback of print - both in traditional media and corporate storytelling - seems driven partly by nostalgia and a craving for the tangible.
In the words of Belle Cushing, who wrote about the resurgence of high school newspapers for CJR last year, print is “cool again”, one student said that newspapers have a throwback appeal, kind of like Polaroid cameras.
Others said that they offer a break from the constant online news cycle and all-consuming apps like TikTok. (In an interview for [an] edition of this newsletter, Kelsey Russell, an influencer who talks about the news on TikTok, described getting a print subscription to The Times as a revelation. “Our algorithms are aggregated to show us things that will make us pay attention, and many times those things are negative,” Russell told Yona TR Golding. “I realized when I read print, I would actually process what I was reading.”)
Older people are feeling the pull toward print as well. Clayton said he deliberately chose not to publish Signal’s content online, as people tend to skim long PDF files. “We want this to be something people sit with, read, and cherish,” he said. If the first issue of Signal proves popular, the magazine will be published quarterly going forward.
Signal’s articles are written by a mix of in-house staff, which includes former journalists, and contributors from Delayed Gratification, a UK-based magazine that operates under the slogan “last to breaking news.”
Indeed, faced with newsroom layoffs, journalists are increasingly pivoting to careers in corporate storytelling. The Times' article about Costco Connection described how a cartoonist from the Oakland Tribune joined the magazine after relocating to Washington State (home to Costco HQ).
Other migration destinations have included the Red Bulletin, a lifestyle magazine published by Red Bull Media House, which has a monthly print run of 1.4 million copies. Even Hinge, the dating app, paired with literary writers to produce No Ordinary Love, an anthology of dating stories meant to connect with a Gen Z audience.
Of course, the number of print magazines making a comeback remains limited. Airline magazines, for example, have mostly gone digital - a shift exacerbated by the growing availability of onboard Wi-Fi. The final edition of Hemispheres, United Airlines’ in-flight magazine, was published in September of last year.
As Lucy Schiller wrote for Columbia Journalism Review at the time, it marked the end of an era. But, while the evolution of print may have branched off in a slimmer, less traditional, and at times more corporate direction, it continues to move forward nonetheless.
Above, Kyle Barnes reads a copy of The Local in the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub in Fleet Street, London, under a painting of someone reading - proving print stands the test of time
Ed's note: The Black Cab driver who dropped us off there some years back, said "young Charley Dickens" used to be a regular.
Republished with permission of Tow Center for Digital Journalism's Publishing and Events director Hana Joy, Columbia University, US Originally published May 22, 2025 - www.towcenter.columbia.edu
