Front page: Four years after the state government pledged to create 60,000 hectares of new national parks and conservation reserves, community and conservation groups are demanding it deliver on its original commitment. Read the story by Donna Kelly on page 6
Image: Sandy Scheltema
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.
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, July 14, 2025. or online on Sunday, July 13 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, July 9
Copy deadline: Thursday, July 10
Editorial deadline: Thursday, July 10
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
Planning uncertainty
A group of Daylesford residents are calling on Hepburn Shire Council to resolve issues around the former landfill and transfer station in Ajax Road.
The group, who asked not to be individually named, said the issue had been “festering for more than five years with the council failing to resolve it despite a number of promises”.
“During Covid restrictions in 2020 Hepburn Council exhibited Amendment C80 to its Planning Scheme with many items across the shire. Hidden away in the detail was a proposal to force in a 500-metre buffer around the Daylesford Transfer Station which would prohibit or severely restrict any new housing being built or renovations taking place.”
The main reason from the council was that there could be methane gases coming out of the former Daylesford landfill which was closed in 2004 and capped with a clay base.
Eventually the council abandoned the buffer but last year exhibited a draft Structure Plan for Daylesford which proposed to again introduce the buffer. Later in the year the council planners introduced a requirement that anyone wanting to build within 500 metres needed to engage consultants to check their property for methane gas.
The group believes that there are no issues with the former landfill and/or transfer station but if there are the council is legally liable to address these rather than attempting to penalise residents.
“We estimate that the council has spent much more than $100,000 on several messy failures to honestly progress and resolve this. It could have been resolved at least three years ago if the council had any commitment to working with the community on this issue.
“In 2024, the council engaged another environmental consultancy firm which again stated, in December, that testing for methane gases should be conducted and that they had not received adequate information from the council.”
Earlier this year the group engaged town planning lawyers who advised the council they were not following proper process and had failed to gather evidence.
Council CEO Bradley Thomas then wrote to the group that the council had identified the need for further work including gas monitoring and testing would start in mid-April with the results to be publicly available and reported to the EPA.
The group says testing did not happen, rather a desk-top analysis was conducted, but it did not provide enough information including council reports that the landfill had been capped with clay exceeding EPA guidelines.
“The affected residents have had enough of the council dishonouring undertakings, misleading us and treating us as they have stated, as ‘confused’.”
Mr Thomas told The Local he had been meeting with the group of concerned residents, and after the final testing currently underway, everything would be finalised within 12 months.
He said, in hindsight, it had “probably dragged on for too long and I'd agree with that”.
But Mr Thomas said the council was working now to finalise the issue “once and for all”. “To do that we need to do some testing like gas monitoring to have a really clear picture that there's no health and safety risks or anything like that. And then we won't need to put a buffer in or change any of the planning rules around the transfer station.
“When the landfill closed down, it was appropriately capped, so there are no problems. We're not expecting any significant works, we just need to finalise the testing and then we can work through a process and there is nothing that is happening there that we didn't expect. That's a good outcome. We've got no evidence that anything's wrong.”
Mr Thomas said the issue was raised five years ago when the council was working on the structure plan and a Development Design Overlay led to the 500-metre buffer around the transfer station.
“It's really the flow-on from that. In hindsight, we should probably have got the testing done, moved forward and put a line in the sand on it a bit quicker. I think in hindsight, if I had my time again, we'd probably do the testing (then).
“We just had some other projects that had a greater priority. You can't do everything at once.”
Words: Donna Kelly
Future guidance
Hepburn Shire Council has formally adopted a suite of key strategic documents - including the 25/26 Budget, to guide the future of the shire. They are the Council Plan 2025–2029, 2025/26 Budget, Financial Plan, Revenue and Rating Plan, and Asset Plan.
Mayor Cr Don Henderson said the shire was entering an important new chapter, "with a renewed commitment to improving our community responsiveness, providing essential services and ensuring our financial sustainability, and that is reflected in these plans".
"The development of these important strategic documents has been informed significantly by our community. Through the work on the Financial Vision conducted last year, the community surveys held this year, and the work of our Deliberative Engagement Panel, we have been able to incorporate a broad range of perspectives."
The council received nearly 200 community submissions during the final consultation period, with most community members focused on shaping the Council Plan and Budget.
Cr Brian Hood told councillors at the June meeting that he would not support the adoption of the budget in its current form.
"The budget presents an illusion. The $5.5m underlying deficit to be incurred this year becomes a $0.5m surplus next year - due to an additional $2m income from rates and a $4m reduction in cash costs (from $35m to $31m).
"Cash flow is projected to break even or be marginally positive in future years after a decrease of $1.5m in 25/26. The claim that it 'ensures there are sufficient cash reserves to sustain service delivery and fulfil obligations' simply isn’t true. The budget and plans explicitly state that not all services and obligations will be met."
Cr Hood said with the adopted budget there would be no cash to fund construction of new assets, for co-contributions to grants or for emergencies.
"Therefore, the ability to fulfil budget and plan commitments and provide essential services will be severely compromised when there is inevitably insufficient cash to fund them."
Cr Hood said the council should have asked for an extension of time to allow for further budget considerations and start genuine discussions with the state government on the shire’s viability. Words: Donna Kelly
VIC STATE ROOFING
Metal Roof Specialist
Our region's history with historian Natalie Poole
Kattemingga film set, Newbury. "There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around..." is a famous line from the Banjo Paterson poem.
Kattemingga, meaning ‘hill of trees haunted by spirits’, is notable for being the filming location of The Man from Snowy River television series, changed to Snowy River: The McGregor Saga for overseas audiences, along with productions such as The Ponderosa, Gundown, The Mole and Gunslinger. Small budget films, commercials and documentaries were also produced on the site.
Built in the 1990s, Kattemingga was a modern-day ranch constructed on a 60-hectare property in Newbury which blended accommodation with rustic charm and a small touch of Hollywood magic. This setting attracted visitors and cinematographers from all over Australia and even the Americas.
The location and grounds were totally isolated, and film crews could shoot footage in a 360-degree rotation without any interference from power lines, houses, cars or roads and with an open plain of land before them.
The film set area had the ability to transform from a western-style environment to representing the landscape of Australian bush life. The buildings had different finishes: logs for a Western influence and hardwood palings for the bush. Such metamorphoses enabled the production of multiple film genres including dramas, action, spaghetti westerns and adventure as well as reality television.
The Man from Snowy River (1994-1996) ran for 65 episodes and showed the adventures of Matt McGregor (Andrew Clarke), a successful squatter who was widowed and raising three children, Colin (Brett Climo), Rob (Guy Pearce) and Danni (Sheryl Munks). Other actors included Josh Lucas and Olivia Newton-John.
Matt is the hero immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem - The Man from Snowy River, and the series is set about 25 years after that famous ride was undertaken.
Locals worked on series and also have happy memories of other activities undertaken at the lodge such as horse-riding, holiday gymkhanas, bushwalking and children's camps for Trentham Primary School and Kyneton's Sacred Heart College.
There were carnivals at the film set (the children would dress up in olden day clothes and get their photo taken), Christmas in July celebrations, conferences or workshops and movie nights with favourites being Phar Lap and, of course, The Man from Snowy River
Over time, the film set became rundown and encountered public safety issues and the filming of low budget movies or visitors to the site were no longer permitted. However, it was used occasionally by students and independent filmmakers who needed the buildings as backdrops.
In 2015, custodians Nola Whitehouse and Gary Matheson passed the baton to the Newbury Buddhist Monastery. The rolling countryside, surrounded by the Wombat State Forest, provided the peace and seclusion needed for meditative learning.
The cherished memories and the fun and laughter of the many film crews, locals and visitors saw the final curtain call. The horses would go on to greener pastures –Spook, Choco, Chuca, Cinnamon, Rajah, Barney, Yankee, Dolly and Thumper, to name just a few, had completed their final ride at the lodge.
While movie making in the area has declined, a procession of TV programs (Postcards, Getaway and others) regularly showcases the beautiful offerings of the area.
Sadly, the Kattemingga film set was found engulfed in flames by the Trentham Fire Brigade on May 8, 2016. Another piece of local history lost to the ravages of fire.
Images, clockwise from top, the set used for Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (Bibliophile), the series' DVD cover, Kattemingga Church (Bibliophile) and Kattemingga Saloon (Keith Osborne)
Four years on...and still no new parks in sight
Four years after the state government pledged to create 60,000 hectares of new national parks and conservation reserves, community and conservation groups are demanding it deliver on its original commitment.
On June 24, 2021, the government accepted expert recommendations to give forests and woodlands across Wombat, Wellsford, Mt Cole and Pyrenees forests increased protection as national parks and other conservation areas.
Wombat Forestcare's Gayle Osborne said the community’s patience had worn thin. "We don't want more hollow announcements or empty rhetoric. The government must immediately legislate the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park.
"These delays mean the Wombat Forest continues to be managed as a state forest rather than for the conservation of its biodiversity. The ongoing salvage logging significantly degrades habitats by disrupting natural processes and compacting soils.
"If the parks had been legislated as promised, Parks Victoria would be the forest manager and with its focus on ecological preservation, Parks Victoria would probably have adopted a different position on the log removal."
Ms Osborne said after extreme weather events, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action deployed a Rapid Response Team to assess and respond to environmental damage and recovery efforts.
"A draft internal working document authored by DEECA’s Rapid Response Team was obtained under Freedom of Information and points to the risks to flora and fauna from storm clean-up activities.
"The longer we wait for the legislation, the longer it will be before we have strategies in place for the preservation of species and new walking tracks and interpretive signs to welcome visitors to enjoy the forest. Expressing our disappointment that the state government has failed to legislate the promised park."
Victorian National Parks Association nature conservation campaigner Ben Gill said the delays had eroded public trust. "These constantly broken promises betray communities, like mine, who've fought for decades to make sure our precious wildlife has a future. Instead of seeing legislation pass, we’ve seen bulldozers and chainsaws carve up the very habitat that should be safe in new expert-recommended national parks."
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Sandy Scheltema
state government spokesperson said: "The government announced in 2021 that it would create three national parks, two conservation parks, and seven new and expanded regional parks in the state’s central west – this includes the WombatLerderderg National Park covering more than 44,000 hectares between Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh. The new national parks will be created by linking existing state forests, parks and reserves. Legislation to create three new national park will be introduced into parliament as soon as practical.
"The great outdoors are to be experienced and admired, not locked away. Our focus is bringing more families to the bush and more jobs to the regions – while making sure keep our forests healthy for future generations to experience and enjoy.
"Forest Fire Management Victoria is responsible for managing bushfire risk on public land to protect communities and the local environment. No timber harvesting is taking place in the Wombat State Forest, no trees are being removed unless they present a hazard and no clear-felling is occurring in these operations."
A
Help for homeless
by
to help solve hidden homelessness with its latest "infill project".
Spokespeople Mary-Faeth Chenery, pictured above, and Peter Duncan, right, said Hepburn Shire Council’s recent Housing Strategy documented an unmet need for 300-plus affordable homes.
The pilot project aims to demonstrate how landowners can make a huge difference for someone needing affordable housing while also improving the value of their own properties.
All financial aspects of establishing the dwelling will be managed by Safe Place Homes, and may include initial purchase via a mortgage, or land lease arrangements with the owner - with the total cost around the $150,000 to $200,000 mark.
A tenancy manager will help identify suitable tenants who will probably be older women in need of affordable housing, or other suitable tenants.
The tenant then pays rent, covering the mortgage interest and utilities, and the landowner commits to renting the unit for 10 years.
“The rules around second dwellings changed recently and so we have decided to focus on a single project this year of infill housing,” Ms Chenery said.
“We have visited two sites so far of people who are open to considering a second dwelling on their land and we hope to hear from other landowners.
“We're also trying to find a local modular builder or some form of inexpensive, sustainable building that we can do to fit within our budget.
“Hopefully once the model is set up and we've got the contracts it will be fairly straightforward and then we can document the first one and show how well it's working.”
Ms Chenery said the organisation works with community housing providers who then recommend one or two people with the homeowner then able to interview them as well, to ensure they are a suitable match.
“We’ve been talking with the Hepburn Shire’s housing officer and the planners about making this speedier than usual. There is a 10-day approval process if you fit the criteria for it, and we're hoping to massage this one so that it does.”
Ms Chenery said she was unaware of any similar projects in Victoria and hoped this would become a model for other regions.
“Whatever we learn, we share,” she said. “We certainly hope to pull this off within 12 months and we are three or four months into the project. So hopefully by the end of the year.”
Mr Duncan said the removal of the need for planning permission for a second small dwelling had allowed for the project to proceed.
"We would deal with all of the building permits, in discussion with the owner, and owner would help with the design work."
Mr Duncan said it was hoped the mortgage would be repaid withing 10 years but if not, Safe Place Homes would take care of any deficit, through charitable contributions.
The rent, or mortgage repayments, would be capped at the affordable housing definition of 30 per cent of disposal income.
Mr Duncan said he was unaware of the project being carried out anywhere else in the state "but if the pilot proves successful, you can be quite sure we'll be trying to publicise it around the state".
Link: www.safeplacehepburn.org
Words: 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 chasing 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.
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Safe Place Homes, a co-operative association started in 2017
Daylesford’s David Hall, pictured below, wants
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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.
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
• Transport
BLOCK Watch
No seatbelts cause a ruckus for The Block
With the first trailer for The Block now airing across Australia, presenters Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft have found themselves in hot water – after being filmed “driving” a truck with no seatbelts.
In the sneak peek Scotty reveals the new contestants, where they're headed (Daylesford) and which familiar faces are returning.
"This year we've packed up the whole shebang and we're heading for somewhere special," Scotty says from the driver's seat of his truck.
On The Block’s Facebook page, where presumably fans of the show head, there is plenty of interesting, and inane, chatter about the lack of seatbelts and the location.
“Where’s your seatbelts?”
“Obviously CGI… not a good example for the youngins watching though is it.”
“Older model Kenworth fitted with waste (sic) belts.”
“LOL. Everyone complaining about no one wearing seatbelts - it’s pretty obvious they aren’t actually driving.”
“How irresponsible of Channel 9 to advertise in prime time showing celebrities driving on country roads and not wearing seatbelts. Clearly not aware of the road toll related to driving on rural roads.
“Clearly you are not a first responder or work in a hospital telling people they now have a lifelong disability from a preventable incident.”
“Do a 2000km trip on outback roads and you'll see why us truckies don't wear seatbelts.”
“Ya might wanna flip them long vehicle signs Scotty or Mr NVHR might jam a pineapple up ya freckle cob.”
“Hopefully it's about building and designing, not keeping up with the Kardashians.”
“Real country yeeha. Only yehaa’ing is all the bareback ridding (sic).”
“It would be great to see a show centred around relocating and renovating homes affected by the recent and not so recent floods in rural communities.”
“Daylesford is the best place to live.”
“Gee has Scotty thought about this ? Who wants to live out in the middle of nowhere?”
“Yup they’re in Daylesford and they have picked the shittiest block of land too so good luck trying to get your moneys (sic) worth."
“Wow Darren (on horse) has been working out.”
And then the random...“Hello gorgeous I know it's awkward texting you because we don't know each other or have any friends in common...
Readership
“But looking at your amazing beautiful attractive profile picture I would like to be friends with you if you don't mind. We can be friends.”
No one seemed to complain about Scotty’s dog Frankie taking the wheel in one of the shoots.
The program goes to air in August ahead of auctions in October or early November.
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Nine Network
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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Water security strengthened by pipeline
The Daylesford and Hepburn region is one step closer to ensuring long-term water security needs are met, with the final stage of the Daylesford Water Supply upgrade now underway.
With 17 kilometres of 400mm diameter raw water pipeline already installed and pump capacity upgrades near complete, the project enters its final stage to upgrade the existing water treatment plant. The $25 million total investment represents the largest ever water-funding investment by CHW into the Daylesford water supply system.
Once complete, it will enable high-quality treatment of more than 300 million litres of supplementary water to be delivered into this system per annum, boosting urban water supply needs during times of drought or low rainfall.
The new pipeline will provide water to supplement Daylesford’s existing surface water supplies at Wombat and Bullarto reservoirs.
CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said the investment supported the longterm liveability, growth, and economic prosperity of the region.
“This project is a significant step forward in securing the region’s water future for the next 50-plus years. By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure today, we’re ensuring that communities like Daylesford and the Hepburn region have a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come.
“During periods of dry climate and drought, the pipeline will complement Daylesford’s two existing major surface water sources - Wombat and Bullarto reservoirs - strengthening the region’s overall water security.”
WATER AND WASTEWATER PRICES FROM 1 JULY 2025
Central Highlands Region Water Corporation has resolved to set the following water and wastewater tariffs, fees and charges for the period commencing 1 July 2025 and continuing until notice is given of a new tariff. The tariffs, fees and charges are normally due for payment no later than 28 days after the date of issue for the notice. Payment of the accounts can be made at any of the Corporation's offices or by any means described on the account. Late payment of any amount due may bear interest at the prescribed rate as set in accordance with the Water Act (1989) as from the date due until the amount is paid.
Basis of Calculation: Access Fee: The appropriate Access Fee indicated below is divided by 365 days then multiplied by the number of days in the billing period.
Water Volume Charge: A two tiered tariff pricing structure applies to all residential customers to encourage sustainable water usage. The two tiered tariff charges a higher rate per kilolitre as water consumption increases from tier one to tier two. To calculate the water volume charge: The water usage
component of the bill is determined by the number of kilolitres used. A two tiered tariff pricing structure will be applied, based on water consumption. The threshold between the two tiers is calculated on a
basis and is charged on a quarterly basis.
Wastewater Volume Charge: Non residential disposal charges will be calculated on the volume of water recorded by the meter installed on the water service pipe which is then multiplied by the appropriate discharge factor. The calculated wastewater volume exceeding the allowance (180 kilolitres per annum) during the financial year is multiplied by the appropriate tariff per kilolitre.
The State Government provides concessions for holders of concession cards and not-for-profit organisations. Assistance may also be available through the Utility Relief Grants Scheme and Central Highlands Water’s Customer Assistance Programs.
Waterways Charge $68.60 per annum.
This charge is collected on behalf of Melbourne Water, who use the funds to look after rivers and creeks and manage drainage and floodplains in your area.
Please contact Central Highlands Water on 1800 061 514 for any enquiries regarding your account, current prices or available concessions. GST does not apply to water and wastewater prices. A full schedule of current charges including miscellaneous fees and charges is available on the Central Highlands Water website at www.chw.net.au.
Wallace / Bungaree/ Mt Egerton
CHW board of directors, from left, Linda Scott, Lynne McLennan, Scott Williams, chair Angeleen Jenkins, managing director Jeff Haydon, Dianne Smith, independent Aboriginal delegate Renee Bosworth and Mark McKenzie
Harcourt farm co-operating organically
Harcourt Organic Farming Co-Operative is looking for people to set up farm enterprises on their 38 hectare property beneath Mt Alexander. This is a fantastic opportunity for all those aspiring farmers out there who lack good viable agricultural land to make their dream a reality.
“We are open to new enterprises doing all sorts of interesting agricultural projects,” says co-founder Katie Finlay, “and are very keen for people to approach us.”
Katie's family has been growing fruit in the area for three generations. The property which today's HOFC sits on was established in the 1870s with some of the oldest continuously running orchards in the valley.
Katie and her husband Hugh took over the farm from her father in the 1990s and ran the orchard for more than 20 years before founding the co-op in 2018.
“There were lots of different factors which brought this move about. We had been through the drought, then a big flood and we were pretty burnt out and knew we needed a succession plan.
“But we were aware that there were young farmers who wanted to get into farming and who couldn’t access the land and so the idea of a co-op just evolved. We got both federal and state funding to help us decide what model we would set up including the services of co-op and farm leasing experts.
“Then last year we got some additional funding from the World Wildlife Fund that let us create a comprehensive plan on small farm viability.”
Katie says there are two different levels to the model they have set up. As the owners of the property Katie and Hugh hold conventional leases with each individual enterprise.
But together with all of their tenants they have established the co-op. This structure means everybody has an equal voice, a cohabitating of the land as it were, levelling out the traditional power imbalances between landlord and leaseholder.
Farmhouse Creamery, a micro-dairy run by Tessa Sellar milking 10 cows using sustainable farming principles and sold locally via subscription and weekly farmers' markets.
The Orchard Keepers headed by Katie and Hugh manage an organic fruit orchard growing cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples and pears. Carr’s Organic Fruit Tree Nursery, under the mentorship of Merv Carr, Katie's father, who has been grafting and budding heritage fruit trees for over 50 years, Katie and her sister Liz Carr continuing the family tradition here growing a variety of heritage fruit trees for sale in winter as bare-rooted trees.
“We also have bushfoods on the property as part of Murnong Mummas, an Indigenous-led social enterprise involved in the native foods and botanicals sector,” says Katie.
“Since we set up the co-op, we’ve had a really strong commitment to working with First Nations people acknowledging the pre-colonial history of this place. Part of that commitment is working with Murnong Mummas and other indigenous organisations to help achieve their aims.”
Even though the co-op is tiny compared to typical industrial scale agricultural operations, Katie feels it is important to maintain all these businesses and be open to other new enterprises that may want to share their resources.
“These little farming enterprises are actually vital to local communities' long term food security,” she says. “If we just rely on large scale agriculture we are really vulnerable to supply chain breakdowns that may come with any form of economic and social disruption.”
Above Katie with Jedda at Harcourt Organic Farming Co-operative Words & image: Tony Sawrey | Scan the QR code for a little video
Today the co-operative has several enterprises making use of the land within this structure. This includes Sellar
Just briefly...
The winners of the Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards 2025 have been announced.
The winners for the Excellence in Customer Service awards were: Agribusiness and Primary Production – Josh's Rainbow Eggs; Health and Wellbeing – Macedon Ranges Aqua Aerobics; Hospitality and Accommodation – Woodend Cellar & Bar; Professional, Retail and Service – Riddells Creek Nursery; and Trades and Manufacturing – Magnum Signs.
Agriculture Victoria has issued a warning for producers trying to navigate their way through the drought.
"The green pick available on swampy land or dried up billabongs and dams may seem a boon for producers, however, it’s important to check for toxic weeds and plants in swampy areas before allowing stock access for grazing," senior veterinary officer Paul Beltz says. "There are many plants that grow where the land is usually wet and rarely dried out which could cause issues." Farmers anywhere in Victoria can register now for a one-on-one farm advisory consultation, to take stock and discuss the best way forward for their business. Head to www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
The 11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale will receive $26,800 in support from the federal government’s Festivals Australia program.
Ballarat MP Catherine King and Biennale CEO Vanessa Gerrans visited the National Centre for Photography in Lydiard Street with Natimuk artist, Dave Jones and Wadawurrung artist, Dr Deanne Gilson to see plans for the upcoming installation titled Life Force Mumu Mirri. The public art project will see a large-scale illuminated installation of a bogong moth on the facade of the National Centre for Photography over the 60 days of the Biennale program.
The Environmental Effects Statement for the proposed Western Renewables Link project will open for public exhibition from June 30.
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Don Henderson said the council has allocated significant funding to support a comprehensive submission, reflecting strong community concern and a clear opposition to the project. “We have made our opposition to this project very clear, over many years. It not only impacts prime agricultural land, but it threatens our visitor economy.”
Links: Engage Victoria: www.engage.vic.gov.au or Western Renewables Link: www.westernrenewableslink.com.au
DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation has launched two strategic documents - the revised Dhelkunya Dja, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Country Plan (2014–2034), and Wuktjarrang – Trading Our Way, DJAARA’s first Economic Strategy.
Interim Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Cassandra Lewis described the Dhelkunya Dja Country Plan as the foundational roadmap and 20-year vision for Dja Dja Wurrung People, Country and Culture. “Ten years ago, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation was a small, single entity, with a modest team, focused primarily on securing rights and recognition for Dja Dja Wurrung People. Today, we are a large, thriving organisation with multiple enterprises that enable us to achieve more goals, across many fronts.
Hepburn Shire Council is hosting a rang of emergency preparedness workshops for all ages in July and August. Link: www.hepburn.eventbrite.com.au.
Readership
Your say...
Hepburn Shire is on life support.
Whatever you think about assisted dying for people, the shire council should be allowed to die with dignity - put out of its misery.
They can still pick up the garbage, do some road work, but they are not doing other things that need to be done. One of these is called statutory planning.
If you need to make a change to your property, you apply for a permit. You wait for months, and months. And then more months.
This can be solved quickly. It needs management performance. They complain about lack of money, but really what is needed is competence. The ability to get the important things done.
On the internet you will find “Know Your Council”. It shows the performance of your council compared with the other 56 councils in Victoria. A few years ago Hepburn came near the top for planning. Now it is near the bottom.
The short-term solution is to get someone in there to clear out the planning backlog. The longer term solution is that Hepburn Shire is too small to be viable. It needs to be broken up and the pieces added on to bigger shires. Hepburn Shire RIP.
- Ian Goudie, Trentham
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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.
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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.
EAT | DRINK | ENJOY
Out & About in the Central Highlands
Enrolment applications for Grade 5 students commencing Year 7, 2027 close on 25 July, 2025. Visit the Enrolments page of our College website to start your online enrolment application, or scan the QR code provided. Contact the Registrar for further enrolment information.
www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
Little Gallery showcasing regional art
Trentham's Little Gallery is set to host its annual Winter Show fundraising exhibition, a mid-year showcase of regional fine art, opening on Friday, July 11 at 5.30pm.
This year's artists are Dale Cox, Nadia Kliendanze, Julie McKenzie, Mark Dober, Jill Nobel, Antoinette Braybrook, Neil Matterson, Brian Falkenberg, Rowena Hannan, Diane Thompson, Maxine McKee, Jonathon Lane, Fiona Orr, Jennifer Leggett, Jody Galvin, and Emma McAdam-Marmont in collaboration with Struan Hopwood along with the Little Gallery resident artists Rose Wilson, Helen Cottle, Kim Haughie, Maria Coyle and Jimmy Rix.
Founding director Rose Wilson says each year the gallery sources 16 artists from the region, including emerging as well as established and award-winning painters, print makers, sculptors and ceramicists.
As well as the fundraising, the show gives the opportunity for local artists to exhibit collectively and celebrate artistic diversity while placing Central Victoria as a premier destination for art.
The gallery relies on the Trentham community for its ongoing support which has been critical to its success as a small regional artist-run gallery spanning 14 years. And the show is a way the gallery can give back. As a not-for-profit gallery the proceeds on all sold artworks are donated to a local charitable organisation which can benefit the community in some way.
This year's benefactor is Trentham Health and funds will go towards its Treehouse Program which supports people living at home with dementia. The program promotes independence and engagement by maintaining social and community connections in a positive, safe environment, to live well and to remain part of their local community. In addition, it provides families and carers an opportunity for some respite.
Little Gallery's collective of artists also donate a piece of high-quality fine art in the annual raffle for the benefactor.
This year's Winter Show falls within NAIDOC Week and guest speaker is exhibiting Indigenous artist Antoinette Braybrook, the founding CEO of Djirra which supports First Nations women and children experiencing family violence.
The show will run July 12 to 28 with the gallery open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm.
Winter Show
Opening: Friday 11th July 5.30pm
Guest speaker Antoinette Braybrook Proceeds donated to Trentham Health
Annual fundraising art exhibition 12–28th July 2025
Open Thursday to Monday 10am–4pm www.trenthamlittlegallery.com
Pictured above, Little Gallery resident artists, from left, Rose Wilson, Maria Coyle, Helen Cottle and Kim Haughie
Message from the Mayor
A great deal is happening on the Council front.
The recent budget included a charge for the first time to release dogs and cats that have been impounded. After 1 July any dog or cat that has been impounded will require a $300 release fee be paid before release. The most important thing is that a dog or cat has an up-to-date microchip and is registered so that the owner can be contacted. Our rangers will make every effort to return the animal to the owner before impounding. In other words, a free ride home on the first occasion. Repeat escapees will be impounded and incur the release fee. The public has been very concerned about roaming dogs and cats and the fee has been introduced to encourage responsible pet ownership and containment. Other shires have fees in excess of $500.
With a suite of strategic documents adopted at the June Council meeting, the hard work begins to rebuild the Shire to be financially sustainable. A great deal of work has been done by Councillors, Council staff and the community to contribute to this effort. The documents consisted of the Council Plan 2025–2029 (including the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan), the Financial Plan 2025–2035, 2025/26 Budget, Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–2029 and the Asset Plan 2025–2035. All of these documents will work together for the immediate, medium- and long-term future. Whilst some staff positions may no longer exist, that does not mean we will not be involved in supporting the community to see that important programs continue, but they may have to be done differently. On the extremely important issue of roads there will be no cuts. Some services will have hours cut back and Council will be looking to share the delivery of services by joining forces with surrounding shires to benefit all parties.
In recognition of the impact of rate increases, pensioners will receive a further $21 discount. There will also be a reduction for the food and garden organics bin collection of $40.
It is important to note that not all properties will see a 10 per cent increase. Some properties will be less and some more because the 10 per cent is an average across the entire Shire and all rating differentials. The important thing to remember is that those who are having trouble meeting quarterly rate payments can contact our Rates department and apply for alternate payment arrangements.
Trentham restaurateur and artisan farmer Annie Smithers received an award of merit from the French ministry of Agriculture and Food. I attended Parliament House to see the award presented by the Ambassador of France. A well-deserved award and international recognition.
Council Plan, Budget and other strategic documents adopted
At the Council Meeting on 24 June 2025, Council formally adopted a suite of key strategic documents that will shape the future of our Shire, including the Council Plan 2025–2029 (incorporating the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan), Budget 2025/2026, Financial Plan, Revenue and Rating Plan, and Asset Plan. These important strategic documents will help to guide the future of the Shire.
Visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au for more information.
Draft Integrated Transport Strategy
Council has released a draft Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) for community feedback. The ITS forms part of Council’s Future Hepburn strategic planning initiative. The draft focuses on designing and advocating for a transport system for people of all abilities.
The draft ITS is the result of several years of research and community engagement, beginning with the Local Transport Forum (2018), a benchmarking study (2019), and ongoing consultation through the Hepburn Together Community Vision and Council Plan 2021-2025, and township structure plan surveys in 2023 and 2024. It’s time for you to review the draft and have your say. Feedback is open until Friday 11 July 2025.
Learn more or have your say at www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/future-hepburn/transport
Victoria Park Masterplan
Have your say on the Victoria Park Masterplan (Round 1). This project will develop a concept Masterplan for Victoria Park that meets the needs of regular and occasional users of this beautiful space.
Established user groups will have the opportunity to attend dropin consultation sessions with Officers. The broader community can complete a short survey on Participate Hepburn.
A second round of consultation will be scheduled when the draft version of the Masterplan is ready for public exhibition.
This project is jointly funded through the Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns grant funding stream and Council.
Visit www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/vicpark-masterplan to learn more about the project.
School holiday program
Looking for something fun and educational for the kids these school holidays? Our Hepburn Libraries holiday program is packed with hands-on activities and creative workshops to keep children engaged and active. From making kaleidoscopes to critter sculptures, join in the school holiday fun. Limited spots available so book now to secure your child’s place. See what’s on this school holidays at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/school-holidays
Cr Don Henderson Cr Lesley Hewitt Cr Brian Hood Cr Tony Clark Cr Tim Drylie Cr Pat Hockey Cr Shirley Cornish
Cr Don Henderson
Our artists
Cath Jamison and Aurora Kurth will present Sass & Secrets - a magical cabaret promising a touch of Broadway and a splash of Vegas - at Radius Art in Hepburn on Saturday, July 19. Cath is a multi-award-winning illusionist and mentalist while Aurora is a comedy chanteuse. Both are Hepburn locals.
Cath, above left, says Sass & Secrets is a wickedly funny, theatrical cabaret featuring awe-inspiring magic, mind-bending mentalism, powerhouse singing, and physical comedy mayhem.
"This is a show made specifically to lift spirits and to take the crowd out of the everyday and into a world of wonderment and imagination. Highly interactive, this work engages directly with its audience – there are moments of call and response, group sing-alongs and acts where members of the audience become stars of the show."
Cath said the show started in 2019 and was performed for the Melbourne Magic Festival. "We're two quirky girls, talented women so we thought let's try and put something together that's a little different. Magic, music and comedy.
"That's why our shows are very hard to explain. There's a lot of interaction and improvisation and interaction between Aurora and me. And then Covid hit."
With a few years of Zoom performances under her belt, and then rejoining Aurora for corporate gigs, the pair received some funding for Regional Arts Victoria's Connecting Places tour.
"It was perfect for us because we love performing in small towns and small venues and you can really connect with people. We've both done places like Her Majesty's but we love these small shows. They are so much fun. And so we went on tour and did 10 shows from St Arnaud to Corryong to Archie's Creek, all around Victoria, and we had great reaction.
"And now we're doing Sass & Secrets in our hometown. And people will really have to be prepared for the unexpected. I do the mind reading and Aurora goes into the crowd and improvises. But don't worry, we know who to approach and who to leave alone."
Cath said she started dabbling in magic after being given a magic kit as a child. "I was always trying to make the dog disappear but it didn't work, it always barked.
"But then I went to magic school and while I was there I was also doing an apprenticeship in horticulture, working at places like the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Exhibition Building gardens.
"And for many years I was a professional gardener but I was also a professional clown. I won Australia's best busker juggling chickens. Finally, I thought, I love being a magician. It is so much fun. And with all that experience with busking and clowning and mask work, I was able to learn how to really interact with people close up. And even on stage, I can still send out the interactive vibes, even reach someone right at the back of the room."
Aurora said she was one of those kids who lived for drama class and school musicals. "I went to St Martin’s Youth Arts Centre as a teenager and basically never looked back. I’ve always known I wanted to perform, I never had a backup plan, which in hindsight was either very brave or very foolish.
"The beauty of this job is that no two weeks are ever the same. Last weekend I was singing showtunes at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival with Clare Bowditch. The month before that I was singing opera while dodging acrobats in Rouge at QPAC and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Now I’m belting out Bowie in rehearsals for a show at the Arts Centre next week, and in a couple of months I’ll be back on stage in a straight play. I love switching hats - it keeps things spicy.
"My first memory of Hepburn Springs is from the '80s - Mum and Dad brought me here and I remember splashing around at the old bathhouse and wandering through the forest like a pint-sized wood nymph.
"Fast forward a few decades, Mum moved here permanently, and I’d visit from Castlemaine, then from Melbourne. I fell hard for the place all over again, the forest, the lakes, the characters, and the sense of peace you just can’t get in the city. Now I’m a full-time local when I’m not on tour.
"Now, Sass & Secrets is taking a final bow. I’m off to Europe soon, and Cath’s booked out with solo shows. So this one-night-only in Hepburn Springs is a kind of homecoming and a fond farewell."
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: James Penlidis & Nicole Cleary
shop local!
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
Jess Parker - Saturday, July 5, 3pm-5pm
Emmy Ryan - Saturday, July 12, 3pm-5pm
Jesse Lawrence and Pete Fidler - Saturday, July 19, 3pm-5pm
Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier - Saturday, July 19
Pete Daly - Saturday, July 26
Odessa at Leaver's Hotel, Creswick
Mande Spirit - Saturday, July 5
Stiff Gins - Sunday, July 20
Zoj - Friday, July 25
Dave Favours and the Road Side Ashes - Saturday, July 26
Meg Washington - Sunday, July 27
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford
Muso Corner - Thursday, July 3, 7pm-10pm
Swing time - Saturday, July 5, 8.30pm-10.15pm
Oscar LaDell - Saturday, July 12, 8.30-10.15pm
Blow-ins comedy night - Friday, July 18, 9pm-11pm
Winter Sounds 2025
Regional Victoria’s Winter Sounds is back again transforming Daylesford and surrounding villages into a ‘haven of music, community, and midwinter magic’.
Taking place across four days from August 14 – 17, Winter Sounds celebrates live music in intimate, unusual and atmospheric spaces, from familiar country halls and bush schools to historic churches and aboard vintage trains across the region.
Now in its third year, Winter Sounds 2025 will feature acclaimed Australian artists alongside emerging talent, offering a diverse mix of rock, folk, alt-country, soul, and contemporary sounds.
For this recipe and more, head to our website daylesfordmeatco.com.au
6-8 lamb chops (forequarter, chump and leg chops all work beautifully)
2 large onions, sliced
2 carrots, small cubes
2 sticks of celery, small cubes
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tin diced tomatoes
3 cups of quality beef stock
½ cup tomato sauce
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown malt vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp cornflour dissolved in about 100ml water olive oil and a small dollop of butter. salt and pepper
Served up with a mountain of buttery mash and whatever vegetables were growing in the garden (always have to have three different colours), this hearty casserole was pure comfort in a bowl. The lamb falls off the bone, and that rich, flavourful gravy seemed to get even better the following day.
Preheat oven to 160ºC.
To make the sauce, in a bowl combine the tomato sauce, worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar and a dash of the beef stock. Mix thoroughly to combine. Add the slurry of cornflour and stir, making sure there are no lumps. Set aside.
Put some olive oil in a large heavy bottomed casserole dish or Dutch oven on high heat. Quicky sear the chops – just to give them some colour. Remove chops and set to the side.
Turn down to medium heat.
Add a small knob of butter and saute the onions until soft. Add the garlic and stir for a minute or two and then add the tomato paste and again, cook for a minute or so, stirring.
Add the tomatoes, the chops and beef stock. Then pour over the sauce. Put the lid on and place in oven.
Cook for about 2½ hours. You can check after about 1½ hours and give a gentle stir. Depending on the thickness of the chops, it will be ready anywhere from 2 to 2 ½ hours when the gravy is rich and dark and the chops are falling off the bone.
Dish up with creamy mashed potatoes and your favourite seasonal vegetables.
MUMS TIP’S:
Don’t skip the vinegar - it adds that special tang that makes this casserole unforgettable – but as you cook this recipe over and over, you will learn to adjust the above ratios to suit your own tastebuds.
This will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, so make a double batch for those busy weeknights when you can pop leftovers back in the oven.
Beetham's Botanicals
Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy…
This time I’ll be giving tips and advice on garden design and construction that can be initiated during winter.
I'll briefly start with some facts about myself. I began my horticultural life back in the late 1970s working at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne as a surveying assistant to plot all the living plants growing in the gardens and it was this introduction to thousands of plants that gave me the confidence I carry today.
So when it comes to setting up garden designs and subsequent construction I draw back on my acquired knowledge over nearly 50 years. The following tips and advice will not include specific details such as lengths and widths of sleepers for example, but will give some ideas about landscape materials, irrigation, soil preparation, garden-bed orientation and plant selections.
1. Drawing up a plan of your garden, whether it's a new one or the rejuvenation of an older one, can seem daunting with many options available but important elements such as the property location and orientation, climate and soil profile(s) will certainly narrow down the choices. So the first thing is to locate north, east, west and south directions, check your local climatic conditions (i.e. minimum and maximum temperatures, prone to wind, etc) and find out what soil type(s) are on your property.
2. Now you can begin by setting out garden and vegetable beds, irrigation, lawns, paths, paving, retaining walls, steps and any other elements such as water features, pergolas and water tanks to mention a few. Here's a tip - write down what you want in the garden, things like style, favourite plants, veggie garden and landscape features - and then fit them into the landscape.
3. As part of your garden design it is worth noting that to retrofit an irrigation system can be a nightmare so be smart and think of the positioning of drippers, microsprays and pop-ups - if you're considering having lawn. If you have a machine such as a mini-excavator on site it could be used to dig trenches to lay irrigation piping, otherwise it's by hand.
4. Your choice of landscape materials could make or break a good garden design so here's a few tips. If you're using rocks as garden edges, retaining walls, rockeries or features, be sure to choose appropriate sizes that will blend into the landscape giving a natural appearance. Giant rocks in a small courtyard for example would be overpowering and cumbersome. Mixing timber (sleepers) with rocks is a good marriage as are serpentine paths filled with a gravel that matches surrounding elements. The choice of new soil to plant in is very important so I recommend a good all-round loam loaded up with organic compost - using rich volcanic soil is OK if that's what you've got already.
5. So to plant selections. Now that you've worked out orientation, soil type, local climate and landscape elements, it's simply a matter of putting the jigsaw together. Sounds easy, not really, there are many other factors to consider including root invasion, pet friendliness and everything happening at once, so the tip here is to have a seasonal approach to what plants go in, creating interest all year round. Of course I could go on about impending climate change but that'll be another article in itself.
6. Here's some plants for you to peruse: daphne odora (winter daphne); malus trilobata (Lebanese crabapple) - flowering in late spring, fruiting and showing coloured foliage in mid-to-late autumn; ginkgo biloba (maidenhair tree) - interesting leaves that start going bright golden yellow in late autumn; dichroa x versicolor (evergreen blue hydrangea) - starts flowering in late summer continuing through to very early winter; callistemon citrinus white Anzac (white-flowering bottlebrush) - flowering late spring; and Elaeocarpus reticulatus prima donna (blueberry ash)flowering early summer followed by small blue berries.
Cheers John Beetham (Trees in Australia)
Next time: The implications of Climate Change on plants Scan the QR code to go to JB's Instagram
CLUNES FARMERS
Renowned musicologist
2nd SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 9AM- FRASER STREET CLUNES
2nd SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 9AM- 1PM, FRASER STREET CLUNES
Next Market: July 13th Next Market: July 13th
World-renowned pianist and musicologist Dr Leslie Howard will perform and illustrate the works of Beethoven, Liszt and the Russian Romantics at an afternoon at The Brewery at Buninyong on Sunday, August 10.
“If there is a pianist alive who knows Liszt’s piano music more thoroughly, intimately and directly than Leslie Howard I would like to meet him – or her – but I doubt that there is anyone on the planet who does,” wrote Guy Rickards for Musical Opinion, reviewing Leslie Howard’s 2021 piano recital at London’s Wigmore Hall.
Victoria’s first discovery was in Clunes... GOLD GOLD
Victoria’s first discovery was in Clunes...
*VFMA Accredited
London-based Aussie pianist Dr Howard is the first and only person in the world to have recorded the complete solo piano works of legendary Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt, who is regarded as one of the greatest pianists and most popular piano composers of all time. This mammoth project, which took Howard decades to complete, now comprises a 100-CD set and includes more than 300 premiere recordings.
Howard has received enormous praise and numerous awards for his Liszt recordings, including the Guinness World Record for the Largest Recording Series by a Solo Artist, six Grands Prix du Disque and the Medal of St Stephen, presented to him by the President of Hungary. He has also held the title of president of the British Liszt Society since 1987.
In addition to his impressive recording career, Howard maintains a busy international concert schedule, which has seen him perform regularly around the world for more than 50 years.
*Artisanal Produce
*Family Friendly
*Artisanal Produce *Family Friendly
*Wood Raffle *Food & Coffee *Live Music
*Wood Raffle *Food & Coffee *Live Music
*RSL BBQ *Dog Friendly Stallholder & General Inquiries
The performance is being held as a fundraiser for local communties through Goldfields Recreation and Dance, an incorporated, not-for-profit group formed initially for the love of music and dance.
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
The world’s gone and got itself into a bit of a pickle again, and if you think it doesn’t affect us down here floating around in the Pothole Shire, you are wrong.
Let’s start at your bottom line. The effect carries over to your super, fuel prices and, when things get real grubby, freight prices, if the Houthi see fit to upset the trade route known as the Red Sea shipping lane with attacks on vessels.
This has historically forced many shipping companies to reroute their ships around the Cape of Good Hope, a much longer route, causing delays and disruptions to global trade. Also, the Strait of Hormuz, another crucial shipping lane, is another point of concern due to regional tensions.
So yes, we are all in it but don’t worry, because if you have been around long enough or simply read the Bible, the Middle East has been battling it out for centuries. And I’m not being flippant about the Middle East or its people, these are documented tussles that have gone on well before the birth of old mate JC.
A quick Google reveals the following:
• Abraham’s 318 against the Armies of Shinar (Babylon) – Genesis 14 • Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites in Exodus – Exodus 14 • The Israelites Fight Back against the Amalekites – Exodus 17:8–16 • Israel Opposes the Midianites and Moabites – Numbers 31:1–11 • Israel’s Rules of War – Deuteronomy 20 (Exod 23:24; Lev 18:21–24; 19:24; 20:2–3; Deut 18:9–14) • Israel Marches on the City of Jericho – Joshua 6 • Israel’s Struggle with the City of AI – Joshua 7–8 • Joshua Leads Israel against the Five Amorite Kings – Joshua 10 (Deut 9:5) • King Jabin of Hazor with a Great Army Opposes Joshua and Israel – Joshua 11 • Israel’s Continuing Conquests – Judges 1:1–11 • Ehud Leads Israel against the Moabites – Judges 3:12–30 • Barak Leads Naphtali and Zebulun against Sisera, the Commander of Canaan – Judges 4 • Gideon’s 300 Rise Up against the Midianites – Judges 7–8:21 • Israel Wars with Its Own Tribe of Benjamin – Judges 19–20...
And if you Google a list of wars in the Middle East, you will see there is almost one every few years with a lot of blood spilled and innocent lives lost.
More recently there was the Gulf War, better known as Operation Desert Storm, an armed conflict between Iraq and a 42-country coalition led by the United States.
And then there was the 2003 Iraq War, also known as the Second Gulf War, which began with a US-led invasion on March 20, 2003, with the stated goals of disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and ending the rule of Saddam Hussein.
And there seem to be similarities with the 2003 hunt for “weapons of mass destruction” and the current Iran situation, with large discrepancies in intelligence, not actually being able to reconcile the weapons, and did the bunker busters go down deep enough or were there actually any weapons getting readied.
This exact same thing happened in 2003, when no actual weapons or chemicals were discovered and large patchy "porkies" flooded the news' headlines.
The whole shebang seems to be about religion and more recently oil, and there are some big players, profiteers and politics at work here.
So, let’s relax, turn off the TV and stroll around the garden, as there is not much we can do about it. And if you’re a believer in whatever religion, maybe a quick prayer for the innocents, as you can’t choose where you where born.
War – what is it good for – absolutely nothing, rant over…
Local Lines
Ode to a Bat
Twinkle twinkle little bat. Why were you designed like that?
Face of fox but wings of bird seems impossibly absurd.
Yet you do such wondrous things, oh flying fox with magic wings.
I hear you long ago evolved from walking mammal - problem solved.
And birds ate so much food all day you had to hunt a different way.
You grew fine wings, now fly by night. Nectar, fruits, are your delight.
You spit out fibre, seeds and pips and plants are sown. New Eucalypts!
Your sight at night is extra good, enabling you to locate food.
And with your super, sniffy nose, you're never hungry I suppose.
Your fur holds pollen, perfectly and carries it from tree to tree
which helps new life to germinate on hunting missions. Silent - late!
Nocturnal, flitting. Batmobile. Incredible! Yet you're for real.
- Alison Pithers
Alison’s love of rhyme began with Rupert Bear annuals in England. More recently she has found inspiration in walking around Clunes and Creswick, where her ‘rhyming motor’ switches on automatically.
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
Pick me, pick me!
Hello there, I am Blossom, a seven-month-old ball of joy.
People say my sweetness is infectious and while I am a little shy I think that just makes each moment of trust earned a precious reward.
I love to cuddle, check out all the toys and want a calm home to let my personality shine through.
Microchip no. 956000018507167.
Come and meet Blossom at MAAWs in Castlemaine.
Ph: 5472 5277.
(Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie & Curly - we picked them. Pick me, pick me is also proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock - where pets are family.)
Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
I think it's time to address the elephants in the room. No, not my drinking, or Kyle's obsession with potholes. It's two white elephants. Or what could become white elephants.
(From our friends at Wikipedia: A white elephant is a possession that its owner cannot dispose of without extreme difficulty, and whose cost, particularly that of maintenance, is out of proportion to its usefulness. In modern usage, it is a metaphor used to describe an object, construction project, scheme, business venture, facility, etc. considered expensive but without equivalent utility or value relative to its capital (acquisition) and/or operational (maintenance) costs.)
The first is the "hub" at the site of the Daylesford Town Hall - with a projected cost of $15-$20 million
Now I personally love the word hub because it was on one of my favourite ABC TV shows, Utopia. It is an Australian comedy series that follows the working lives of a team in the fictional Nation Building Authority, a newly created government organisation. The series explores the collision between bureaucracy and grand ambitions. Hello The Rex - which was going to be called the Hepburn Hub.
The council's latest incarnation of the hub will cost, as I said, about $15 to $20 million. But as we all know the shire is broke. Like looking under the couch cushions for loose change broke. So why the pretence of being able to afford this new hub?
And even if it is all smoke and mirrors, maybe to look like we are still going strong, why would you spend $375,000 on even more feasibility/consultancy studies - as provided for in this most recent budget. Good grief. Just stop.
And then there is the timeline offered for our enjoyment on the now titled Daylesford Community Facilities - a project investigating the potential of a community hub at Daylesford Town Hall.
Apparently in 2013, 53 per cent of respondents nominated the Daylesford Town Hall as their preferred site for future community facilities. Hmmm. Then the council bought The Rex instead.
As we know, The Rex turned into a disaster, but after selling it at a loss in 2022 the council then resolved to conduct a planning project that would review possible solutions for staffing accommodation and community facilities.
And in 2023/24 attention returned to the town hall and the council resolved to endorse the feasibility of locating a library and multi-purpose spaces on the site of the town hall and for officers to proceed with the schematic design.
Now the design is in progress, see one of the artist images below, and delivers on the scope to provide a library and multi-purpose spaces. Backstage and customer service facilities have also been incorporated into the design.
It all looks great and very modern - Jetsons and all that - but personally I think we just keep to what we have and let the whole idea go for now. But that's just me.
The other white elephant is the ongoing push for an acquatic centre for the shire. Anything to do with creating pools costs a lot of money and even more to keep going. (And do you build it at Daylesford or Creswick? Glenlyon please.)
So while I, like many people, would love a local heated pool all year round, once again, the shire is broke. And we have a tiny rate base, even with those higher rates, compared to other shires and cities so maybe we just keep heading to Ballarat or Kyneton. Not ideal but you have to live in the world you have.
As council CEO Bradley Thomas says on page three regarding finalising issues around Daylesford's former landfill site, which closed 20 years ago, you can't do everything at once. Just sayin'...
Business
Here is the crossword solution for Edition 334.
How did you go?
All words in the crossword appear somewhere in the same edition of The Local
For Sale
Oak Roll Top Desk with golden finish marked with "Entirely English Make H.L.L" on the original lock. Fitted interior with cubbies, drawers, pull-out ledges, locking mechanism for the drawers and specialised compartments. In excellent condition with original hardware and minimal wear. Price: $3500. Call 0418 588 855.
Off to markets...
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
Third Saturday - Trentham Farmers Market and Makers Market, Glenlyon Farmers Market, Leonards Hill Market, Creswick Market
Every Sunday - Daylesford Sunday Market
Second Sunday - Maldon Market, Clunes Farmers Market
Third Sunday - Talbot Farmers Market, Fourth Sunday - Daylesford Farmers Market, Trentham Station Market
Business Directory - Buy Local
Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa
Hepburn's Swiss Italian Festa is happening on October 24, 25 and 26 and promises to be a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture and lifestyle - with a feast of music, food, wine, art and sport. Kyle Barnes chatted to co-secretary Michele Green, pictured below.
Kyle: Are you new to the committee?
Michele: I've been on the committee for the past three years but only just become an office bearer. I'm not Swiss or Italian, but I've learnt about the heritage, and it's really interesting. So I feel like I'm kind of richer for it. There was a hiatus for a couple of years with Covid and I think, at that stage, they probably weren't sure about where it was headed. But there was certainly a view that they wanted to make sure that this continued. And that's mostly been driven by Jenny and Eddie Beacham. They're really quite amazing drivers of community projects.
So this year we've kind of recalibrated and rethought about how to best deliver the Swiss Italian Festa in keeping with its purpose and origins. That is obviously to celebrate the Swiss Italian culture and heritage and what they brought to the community.
And I think what's exciting this year is that we've got a very new, much younger committee and very enthusiastic committee members. And we now have our first project manager, Cathy Cole. It is about celebrating community. And we need to get young people, schools, families very much involved.
Kyle: Do you need more volunteers?
Michele: We would love more people to volunteer at the Festa or if they want to have involvement in some of the school projects. One of the things that we're very keen on is to get the schools on board and the school children participating. And this is from primary school through to secondary school. Then you have the parents' participation. So yes, we are really keen to have new volunteers, also because we're a community-based organisation. We don't have ongoing funding and are really keen to get sponsors who can contribute or donate to our raffles and other initiatives.
Kyle: Can you give a bit of a run-down of what's on offer?
Michele: Sure, on the Saturday, October 24 we have the Hepburn parade starting early afternoon and that is followed by lots of fun activities down at the Hepburn Pavilion with food vans, art activities, a treasure hunt, music, acts, fireworks and the lantern parade. A big day celebrating our Swiss Italian cultural heritage.
Then on Sunday, October 26, we have a choir performance at St Peter’s Church, Yandoit heritage tours, Hepburn tours with Daisy's Walking Tours and activities at Lavandula. We have also some exciting competitions like the children’s art competition, home-made passata competition and the school poster competition.
I also need to do a shout-out to our festa partners - Yandoit Cultural Society, the Daylesford & District Historical Society, The Phoenix Cinema@The Rex, Radius Art and Belle Real Estate.
Kyle: Are you looking for fresh ideas?
Michele: Absolutely. The thing we've done is reflect on the previous years and thought, how can we do this better? We're going to try and really tap into that, use the pavilion at that beautiful old bottling plant building down in Hepburn for activities. And we're also looking at the types of activities we might have within that pavilion over the Swiss Italian Festa period.
The Hepburn Bathhouse is very happy to work with us and facilitate workshops and activities within the old bottling plant. So we're going to take advantage of our our natural heritage as the space for activities. It's a beautiful old space. There's a lot happening!
