Cosmic Horror
The
Local - The Heart of the Highlands
Front page: Erik Horvat grew up in Daylesford, has always been creative, and at just 25 already has his first book on sale, The Sleep Walking Game, at Paradise Books, along with various online booksellers. Read the now Sailors Falls resident's story by Donna Kelly on page 13.
Image: Kiara Clifton
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The Local is a fortnightly community publication covering the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The next edition is out on Monday, October 20, 2025 or online on Sunday, October 19 at www.tlnews.com.au
Space bookings: Wednesday, October 15
Copy deadline: Thursday, October 16
Editorial deadline: Thursday, October 16
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
New exhibition: Hatch – Match - Despatch
Jack & Marjorie Green (nee Miller), 1957
Hatch – Match - Despatch is a new exhibition by the Daylesford Historical Society to be held at the Daylesford Museum on Saturday, October 11 from 11am to 3pm.
The exhibition draws on three significant stages of life: birth, partnering and passing. The museum collection is showcased to highlight these events and includes baby bonnets, christening gowns, wedding dresses and mourning outfits.
Many wedding photos from local and district families will be shown and the community is encouraged to bring along their family photos to have them digitised into the community collection. The exhibition is curated by fabric conservator Larry Edwards and generously supported by the Rosalind Pyers memorial exhibition support fund. Daylesford Museum is at 100 Vincent Street, Daylesford. Entry costs are $5 for adults with children and society members free. Link: www.daylesfordmuseum.net
John & Edith Clark (nee Phillips), 1953
So, nobody beats Dan Murphy’s? Daylesford does. Twice!
Daylesford is celebrating, again, after winning a two-year long battle to stop the Endeavour Group from putting a Dan Murphy’s in the town.
The Endeavour Group appealed the Victorian Liquor Commission’s landmark ruling citing harm, to refuse a licence to operate in Daylesford in 2024 and have been arguing their case in VCAT throughout July and August 2025.
Former Hepburn Shire councillor Jen Bray was one of the original 204 community members who objected, and has seen the process through to the Liquor Commission hearing and now the VCAT review hearing.
“I am thrilled with the result,” Ms Bray said. “On the one hand it feels miraculous that a small community like Daylesford could win against a huge corporate giant like Dan Murphy’s. That only happens in the movies.
“But on the other hand, the Tribunal’s decision to refuse the permit makes perfect sense. It’s obvious to us that this liquor store is in the totally wrong location. It’s a family-friendly educational precinct across the road from a kindergarten, primary school, swimming pool and bus stop. That’s going to have a huge impact on young people in our town. ”
Mayor Cr Don Henderson said it was not just a win for the community and the council, but for everyone into the future who will now be protected from the risks and harm associated with alcohol.
“I know that this outcome was achieved by the grit and determination of our community. Thank you to those who stood alongside the council as we fought to keep our community safe.”
In upholding the Commission’s decision, VCAT stated: “Put simply, we have decided not to grant the liquor licence because of particular local, social, demographic and geographic circumstances.
“The premises is located in an education and family friendly area with children of all ages present throughout the year. The location of the premises means that children going to and from school, in care, at school or at leisure will be exposed to this packaged liquor premises.
“There is a risk of harm to minors from exposure to the premises and the potential for normalisation of alcohol associated with this location. This is a circumstance where precaution is warranted.”
History
The decision to overturn the liquor licence for a Daylesford Dan Murphy’s in August 2024 was the first time the new definition of “harm” under the Liquor Control Reform Act had been used to refuse a licence. The packaged liquor licence was for proposed premises located at 63 Central Springs Road, Daylesford.
On July 26, 2022, Victoria Police advised that it did not object while on August 12 Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas advised that the council objected.
Another 204 objections were lodged to the original application.
Responding to an inquiry by The Local in February this year, Endeavour said it believed the Commission erred in its decision and did not appropriately consider the positive community benefits of having a Dan Murphy’s in Daylesford, particularly in relation to the community’s concerns about underage drinking.
“Like the community, we were concerned about the claimed levels of underage drinking and the alleged provision of alcohol to minors in Daylesford. If these claims are true, we believe that there are a number of opportunities for existing licensees and the community to work together to address this issue," a spokesperson said.
“Dan Murphy’s does not sell alcohol to minors and has an industry-leading approach to the requirement for identification to prove that our customers are adults.”
It said that 44 million customers nationwide were reached in the 2024 financial year with messages about responsible drinking – the equivalent of reaching every adult drinker three times throughout the year.
“We also have a ‘refusal of service’ policy that prohibits sales based on the risk of underage drinking and secondary alcohol supply and we exclude patrons from our premises for problematic behaviour.”
Endeavour said up to 30 new jobs would have been created as well as offering “local products that can be enjoyed responsibly by the Daylesford community and tourists alike”.
“Daylesford is a unique community with a rich history and a strong sense of identity. Our goal would be to respect and contribute positively to the local heritage and culture, ensuring that our presence aligns with the community’s values.”
Above, residents celebrate the first win in August last year
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
Region recognised at 2025 Melbourne Show
Daylesford Show winners, representing the Midlands Group, have done well in the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show in a number of categories.
1st State Final Junior Photography went to Gracie Hetherington with 1st State Final Crochet going to Charlotte Godfrey.
3rd State Final Senior Photography went to Beck Walker and the State Finalist in Rural Ambassador representing Daylesford Show and Midlands Group was Charlotte Cain.
Gracie said she was surprised but pleased by her win – of a photo taken at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne looking out onto the cityscape.
Photography had been a hobby but a couple of years ago she got her first camera and is now doing media studies at Ballarat Grammar.
The 17-year-old said she hoped to work in the media or communications in the future, and had already done public relations work experience at the Richmond Football Club.
Charlotte, who took up crocheting during the pandemic, using YouTube as her teacher, said her win was “incredible”.
“It's insane because I've never entered any competition ever.” She went to the show, with her son, on the first day, to check out her ribbon. “There's no way I'd have been patient enough to wait any later.”
Charlotte said she chose Pinocchio after looking for ideas online. “I thought that would be really cool because he articulates the bends in his arms and legs. A way of doing something a bit different.”
Beck said her photo was of the St Andrew's Church in Sturt Street, Ballarat through its ornate iron gates. Judges comments were: "Demonstrates creativity and originality. Beautiful composition, symmetry and colour bringing a fairy-like image."
Charlotte is a sixth-generation farmer from Carisbrook, Victoria, with a lifelong passion for agriculture. Growing up on her family’s farm, she has been actively involved in the sheep industry from an early age, exhibiting poll Dorset sheep, judging at local shows, and contributing to agricultural committees.
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: VAS & contributed
Gracie Hetherington
Charlotte Godfrey
Charlotte Cain
Beck Walker's image
$13M for Creswick's John Curtin Aged Care
Creswick’s John Curtin Aged Care has received federal funding of $13 million for a new 18-bed residential support wing and refurbishment of 35 smaller existing rooms.
John Curtin Aged Care was established in 1986 with 65 permanent rooms as well as 19 independent living units which surround the facility. Every room at John Curtin looks out over a garden space and this will be preserved.
At the funding announcement on Wednesday, October 1, Ballarat MP Catherine King said former Prime Minister Bob Hawke opened the facility, naming it in honour of Creswick-born former Prime Minister John Curtin.
Board president Sue Craven said the grant will enable John Curtin Aged Care to provide improved care to all its residents and meet the demand for more residential aged care beds in the area, taking pressure off Ballarat hospitals.
"This project has been a wonderful team effort by our treasurer Richard Ainio, our CEO Steve Bruechert, our finance manager Simon Coope and our infrastructure committee members Malcolm Hull and John Edwards.
"I extend my congratulations to them all and extend our gratitude and thanks for their contributions.
"I would also like to thank Minister King for supporting this grant application and recognising the importance our facility holds within our local communities."
"I hope to see you all at John Curtin Aged Care over the Creswick Garden Lovers weekend on November 8 and 9."
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
Trail traffic impacts causing resident concern
"Unintended traffic impacts" since the opening of the Djuwang Baring all-abilities 60-kilometre mountain bike trail network in Creswick, will see Hepburn Shire Council spend at least another $300,000 on the project.
After community feedback since the second and final stage of the trails opened in November 2024, the council commissioned a traffic engineering firm to undertake an independent assessment of the area and prepare a traffic management plan for the precinct.
A report to last month's council meeting said "the trails network has been widely embraced by riders and has seen a significant boost in local business activity, however the influx of visitors to the site has resulted in some unintended impacts on the nearby residential area".
Key issues were increased traffic including local, nonlocal and commercial vehicles, dust and amenity issues along unsealed roads used for parking and/or trail access, parking pressure during peak periods and pedestrian safety risks along the shared connections between the trails, parking and Hammon Park areas.
Public submissions to the council included support for treatments including at St Georges Lake Road, the increase in formalised parking and pedestrian connections, traffic calming on Moore Street and a shuttle pick-up area at Hammon Park.
Works to be carried out immediately include: upgrading St Georges Lake Road to a sealed surface, realigning St Georges Lake Road intersection; installing speed humps and associated infrastructure (eg. lighting) along St Georges Lake Road; undertaking a speed limit review on St Georges Lake Road; implementing relevant signage across the precinct and establishing a pick-up zone on Moore Street for commercial shuttling, on a trial basis project. The cost is $300,000.
Another nine medium-term works and four longterm works have not yet been costed.
In conclusion, the council report said "while Djuwang Baring presented a fantastic opportunity for regional tourism, local business and supporting participation and active recreation, council acknowledges that it is essential to balance patronage with residential amenity and safety".
"It is recognised that the traffic management plan will not satisfy all submissions however it seeks to manage traffic, dust, parking and pedestrian safety whilst providing the opportunity to implement a staged treatment approach, acknowledging the resources and funding available to council."
Council CEO Bradley Thomas said funding for the short-term works would come from savings on the project which was originally costed at $9.4M but would come in at $8.8M.
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: File
"While Djuwang Baring presented a fantastic opportunity for regional tourism, local business and supporting participation and active recreation, council acknowledges that it is essential to balance patronage with residential amenity and safety."
New owners for Bellinzona
Travel + Leisure Co., a leading leisure travel company, are the new owners of the historic Hotel Bellinzona in Hepburn Springs.
The property will become part of Club Wyndham South Pacific, the region’s biggest vacation club.
Established in 1903 and reopened in late 2020 after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, Hotel Bellinzona is among the most prominent hotels in the Hepburn Springs region.
Renowned for its elegant interiors, attentive service and high-end dining, the property offers the perfect blend of heritage charm and contemporary indulgence, making it a favourite among travellers from Melbourne and beyond.
Club Wyndham South Pacific owners and guests staying at the 43-suite property can expect a king-sized bed, bespoke artwork, modern furnishings and an ensuite with a walk-in shower. Six executive suites – the hotel’s largest suites – also offer a bath. All guests enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s heated indoor pool, spa and sauna.
There is a 160-seat gourmet restaurant, the Virgin Kitchen, and the 40-seat Lobby Bar offers a cigar lounge-style design. Six conference rooms and two private dining rooms – capable of accommodating up to 650 guests – make the hotel one of the premier venues in a town renowned for its weddings.
Following the purchase, the hotel will be renamed Club Wyndham Bellinzona Hepburn Springs, Daylesford, and become the 68th resort available to Club Wyndham South Pacific vacation owners.
Travel + Leisure Co International Operations president and managing director Barry Robinson said the property was "an extraordinary addition to our portfolio – a property rich in character, elegance and connection to place”.
“We are honoured to carry forward its remarkable legacy while offering it to our Club Wyndham owners. Daylesford is the heartland of wellness in Australia, and this strategic move gives our owners access to a destination that has long been on the radar of discerning travellers.”
Travel + Leisure Co. oversees more than 100 properties in the Asia Pacific region, over half of them in Australia. The business developed four shared ownership vacation clubs with more than 100,000 members: Club Wyndham South Pacific, Club Wyndham Asia, Accor Vacation Club and Accor Vacation Club Asia Pacific.
Words & image: Contributed
Rea-Lands motion lost
An attempt to try to stop Hepburn Shire Council from selling the bequeathed Rea-Lands Park in Daylesford, or changing its use, was lost at last month's council meeting.
On July 29 this year the council moved to request CEO Bradley Thomas to prepare a briefing report for councillors with the history of the Raglan Street park, and whether the site could be considered for sale or other use by the council.
Cr Hood's notice of motion last month asked the council to acknowledge that the land was "generously bequeathed in 1982 to the citizens of Daylesford for their use and benefit by a former shire councillor and shire president, Betty Rea".
He also asked officers to include in their report additional information that would: investigate how the land could be held in perpetuity as a council asset on behalf of the community for their use and benefit; consider how the land could remain to be known as ‘Rea-Lands Public Park’ in perpetuity; and provide information on re-zoning the land as a Public Park and Recreation Reserve.
The motion was moved by Cr Brian Hood and seconded by Cr Tim Drylie with support from Cr Lesley Hewitt - who originally raised the July motion. Those against the motion were Cr Shirley Cornish, Cr Don Henderson and Cr Pat Hockey. Cr Tony Clark abstained which is counted as a "no" vote. The motion was therefore lost.
Betty’s son Stefan, a former police officer at Daylesford, told The Local in August that he clearly remembered his mother expressing her desire that the land be made available as a park for the citizens of Daylesford and for visitors to the area for future generations,
Stefan said his mother would definitely not have been in favour of selling the land to fund other projects. “She wanted it to remain as a parkland. Obviously, it's been developed by the Daylesford Community Food Gardeners. They've done a superb job with where they've got it to today with further tree plantings and other facilities that are there.
“I think she would have been very proud and impressed when they took over the role. She would have been more than satisfied that it was being used for a community park and community purpose here.
“The suggestion for it to be sold off and the funds used by council for any other event, she would have been totally against, as I am and I'm sure quite a lot of other locals are as well.”
Words: Donna Kelly
Locals do their Block getting in
They came in their hundreds, ignoring sputtering rain, with children in tow, phone cameras poised and verdicts ready.
After two and a half years of planning, plotting and producing, the famous five houses of The Block went on public show in what organisers say was a “thank you” day. And so the mayor and other well-known locals joined the folk from nearby Cliffy’s, tradies and other eyeballers for the best free show in town.
After having images of the houses, their builders and the show’s contestants beamed into their homes for months, there was little doubting the keenness of the 600 who lined up to have their names ticked off before getting past the obscuring fence and heading for House No.1.
Groups played Pick Your Favourite, peeked into wardrobes, gazed at the giant skylights, and some enormous barbeques. The sheer size of the houses caused a stream of comments, while some of the contestants happily chatted to the visitors.
Another observation, about a bedroom, was more to the point: “Perfect to get away from the kids!”
Said another local: “They certainly ring all the bells and whistles.”
Nearby a young visitor called proudly: “We’ve got one of those.” The abundance of features made it unclear as to what she was referring.
The visitors had to either take off their shoes or to slip on blue plastic covers. Signs warned them not to use the lavatories.
One sightseer ignored a Keep Off the Grass sign to tweak an ear of a large sculpture of a lounging kangaroo, another goggled at a pickleball court, an outdoor spa and a below-ground wine cellar.
“It’s House One,” cried one enthusiastic visitor, on completing her tour. “I called it from the day the contestants walked in.”
All of this is not to deny that naturally there was some criticism as some sightseers closely inspected the finishes.
This was the only day the houses were open to the public. Other bumper tours are to follow, including a VIP night, sponsors’ day inspection and a real estate event. All of this leads up to THE big day, the auction of the houses on Saturday, October 25.
The day after the 600 made their visits, some people who must have missed out were at the locked gates, peering in at the five houses of Daylesford seen around the world.
Words & images: Kevin Childs
VIC STATE ROOFING
Just briefly...
The rollout of free pad and tampon vending machines is helping remove barriers to work, education and community life.
In Hepburn Shire vending machines are at Central Highlands Rural Health and the Daylesford Library. Once the rollout is complete, up to 1500 free pad and tampon machines – both smart and battery-operated – will be available at more than 700 public locations across Victoria. Sites will include regional libraries, hospitals, TAFEs, train stations and other community hubs.
Until October 19, Victorians can cast their votes for their favourite pie, bánh mì and potato cake – with the top entry in each category to be crowned Victoria’s Pick.
Food has always been part of Victoria’s story – from country bakeries serving up generations of family recipes, the suburban fish and chip shops feeding locals after Friday night sport, and the family-run Vietnamese bakeries behind the iconic bánh mì. Every vote cast is a chance to back the local legends who turn everyday bites into state pride. Link: www.bit.ly/vics-picks-vote
Community groups are encouraged to bring their creative ideas to life in 2026, with the next round of the Small Regional Presenters program open.
Regional community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for the program with grants up to $15,000 available to support the presentation of events, as well as enabling local venues and presenters to build their skills and capacity, develop long term plans for their businesses and reach new audiences.
Central Highlands Water advises customers within its Forest Hill water supply system, due to experiencing extremely low groundwater levels, Goulburn-Murray Water has announced an initial 50 per cent groundwater allocation in September 2025 for the Newlyn Zone.
This is a key part of the Loddon Highlands Water Supply Protection Area. The CHW Forest Hill groundwater supply network includes the townships of Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Smeaton, and Springmount. Continued dry conditions have resulted in persistently low soil moisture levels and reduced natural groundwater recharge. Without sufficient rainfall to replenish underground aquifers, groundwater levels remain lower than desirable across this zone.
Daylesford Primary School is one of 30 more schools which will share in over $16 million from the state government to undertake 31 maintenance projects between them.
The school was allocated $545,783 to rebuild five ramps across the school.
Nominations for an award that recognises women's vital contributions to the local government sector in Victoria are open until October 24.
The inaugural Mary Rogers Award is named after Victoria’s first woman councillor, Mary Rogers, who was elected to Richmond council in 1920. Nominations are open for three award categories - Mary Rogers Award, Emerging Woman Leader Award and Gender Equality Council Champion Award. Link: www.vlga.org.au/governance-leadership/local-government/maryrogers-awards
Hepburn Shire Council is holding a Positive Ageing Expo at The Mechanics Trentham on Tuesday, October 28 from 10am to 3pm.
The free, fully catered, 55+ community event celebrates healthy ageing and brings together people from all walks of life to connect, learn, and thrive. Speakers include: Dr. Brad Mitchell from Ulysses Motorcycle Club; Linda Black from Rebel Elders; Jackson Fyfe from Deakin University; Dean Mawby from Stronger Longer Gym; John Bradshaw from LiveUp; and Central Highlands Rural Health. Registrations: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/pae-2025
Two-year Memorandums of Understanding with the ChillOut Festival, Clunes Booktown, The Great Trentham Spudfest and CresFest have been announced by Hepburn Shire Council.
ChillOut Festival will receive $20,000 financial support per year and $10,000 in-kind support per year and Clunes Booktown will receive $16,000 financial support per year and $7500 in-kind support per year.
The Great Trentham Spudfest will receive $16,000 financial support per year and $7,500 in-kind support per year and CresFest will receive $10,000 financial support per year and $6000 in-kind support per year.
Help for farmers
The rollout of the Duties and Fees Relief Package will waive fees for farmers over the next financial year and deliver more than $10 million in relief to Victorian producers.
To relieve the financial pressure for farmers across the state, livestock duties will be waived in Victoria for the sale of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs until September 30, 2026. This means that any producer who would normally be required to pay livestock duties is exempt.
Primary producers will no longer have to pay standard order processing fees for NLIS tags until June 30, 2026 – the cost of the tags will still be required. All other livestock fees will be frozen at the same rate as last financial year.
Beekeepers won’t have to pay their two-year registration fee for their hives until September 30, 2027.
Dairy farmers will receive a discount on their 2025/26 licence fees which will be reflected in their milk payments from dairy manufacturers. Farmers don't have to apply, they will receive a refund in their next milk cheque. DFSV is working directly with manufacturers to apply this discount.
PrimeSafe, Victoria’s regulator for commercial abattoirs and meat productions, will provide drought-affected primary producers with a relief payment if they hold both a PrimeSafe Licence and a Property Identification Code.
Biosecurity Victoria is waiving fees for nursery and horticulture producers for this financial year, including the service fees for arrangement applications, arrangement audits, verification inspections, area and property freedom approvals, and related travel costs. Other plant biosecurity services fees for 2025/26 will remain at the same rate as 2024/25.
Food safety registration fees will be waived for horticulture and crop producers in the 12 south west Local Government Areas currently experiencing the worst drought conditions. For all other primary producers outside these 12 LGAs the fees will be capped at the same rate as 2024/25.
For more information on the duties and fees covered by this package, and the full range of supports available to drought-affected farmers and communities, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
pollen season is here
Hepburn Wildlife News
The arrival of spring in Victoria is identified by the flowering of the many species of wattles and the sound of baby birds crying out to be fed.
There are three distinct stages of growth for baby birds: the nestling, which is the very young bird that has not been out of the shell for long and is too young to leave the nest; the branchling, which is a bird that may leave the nest to explore nearby branches but is unable to fly; and the fledgling, which is the bird that has left the nest and is learning to forage and fly.
In all three stages the baby bird is still dependent on its parents for food and protection. Each species of bird has different requirements and birds will often stay with their parents for up to a year learning hunting and survival skills.
Just because a bird can fly doesn’t mean it is an independent animal - we have all seen the baby magpies calling out for food as they fly from place to place.
It is not normal for baby birds to be running around on the ground (except for ducks). So, if you find a baby bird on the ground the chances are that something has happened and if it has fallen out of a tree it may have damage or bruising that is not apparent and may be life threatening if not addressed. We may think we are doing the right thing by putting a baby bird in a temporary nest we have created.
Gayle from the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter tells me that the problem with this is that then the parents must divide their time between two different nest sites and often these chicks will die from exposure or starvation.
The baby magpie at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter was found by the roadside. In present times unless you are in a rainforest, much of our forests lack a dense shrubby layer. So, when a baby bird falls from the tree they have no way of climbing back up. In times gone by the bird would have been able to access the tree via the tall shrubby layer of plants in the forest.
Gayle stresses the importance of not feeding baby birds, as people generally will not understand their nutritional requirements. Baby birds have very fast growth rates and can sustain feather damage in 12 hours of not receiving adequate nutrition. For this reason if you find a baby bird on the ground it is best to avoid taking it to a vet because it may not be fed as quickly or as often as it needs. It is best to call a wildlife shelter for advice.
by Marita McGuirk
Dr Marita McGuirk is a field ecologist and environmental scientist, and a volunteer at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Marita writes monthly columns about the shelter and the animals it cares for. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just to find out more information, head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org
Public Notice
SWISS ITALIAN FESTA ROAD CLOSURE
Main Road in Hepburn Springs will be closed on Saturday 25 October from 11 am to 1:30 pm to accommodate the Street Parade taking place from 12 pm to 1 pm.
Please note traffic controllers will be onsite setting up from 9 am.
The Swiss Italian Festa is a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture and lifestyle. Join us for a feast of music, food, wine, art and sport which brings together the local community and visitors.
Check out the full event program at https://swissitalianfesta.com and see you there.
So in this spring season, if you find a baby bird on the ground, call the wildlife shelter for advice.
The Hepburn Wildlife Shelter phone number is 0409 380 327 and the Wildlife Emergency Helpline: is 8400 7300. Pop them in your phone.
Article proudly sponsored
Council planning applications delays tough
An article in the last edition of The Local (Issue 341, September 22) raised the ire of some in the planning industry. The article raised the issue of harassment against Hepburn Shire Council staff with CEO Bradley Thomas saying it had to stop. Here are the thoughts of building designer Stephen Schenk and Julie Lee. And a right of reply by Mr Thomas.
Building designer Stephen Schenk, owner and operator of Unicorn Architecture in Daylesford, says he first approached Hepburn Shire Council in 2022 to talk about planning delays.
“I had a meeting with CEO Bradley Thomas and five or six senior managers and pleaded with them to treat this as a destination for planners, not a training camp for young kids out of university.
“And I said if they didn't pay suitable wages, they were going to lose all their planners and within three weeks, three of them left and went to Mount Alexander.”
Since that time, unacceptable delays in planning applications have continued, he says. There’s also a lack of communication.
“I have customers who have been waiting 12 and 18 months for a permit and they've documented their phone calls and their emails to the council and they've got six and eight months’ worth of calls that have never been returned.
“Now, they're happy that a permit might take a while, they understand that. But the fact that they're being blatantly ignored and never getting a return call to keep them advised… I've got clients threatening legal action against me for not doing my job.
“My entire portfolio is within the shire, making the council my single largest stakeholder. Every decision impacts my clients, and I have an obligation to keep them updated. The council’s lack of communication places me in a difficult position.
“And there’s no-one to hold the council accountable. I have written to the Local Government Inspectorate, Catherine King, the state planning department. And I get nothing back. They currently have 175 applications outstanding. That's crazy.”
Stephen said he had told the council to think of building designers, architects and planners as “cash cows”.
“People buy a property, they pay land rates. Once they engage us, we pay planning fees. We pay for property reports. We pay for building reports. Then we're paying bin rates, we're paying planning fees for the septic to go in. This is where the council's money comes from.
“The planning permits that are outstanding at the moment are going to help you over time create a bigger income for the shire. Instead, they put rates up by 10 per cent.
“All we want is communication. Every other builder, planning person, architect, designer are all saying the same thing. There's no communication.”
Stephen said his own mental health was suffering and he admits he has used inappropriate language at times with council staff and officers.
“I do get frustrated and angry and I know I am turning into someone I don’t want to be. But there have been so many broken promises. I have closed the office, and work from home now, because it's better to financially cut your losses eventually than go bankrupt. And that is where council are pushing me at the moment.
“The CEO (Bradley Thomas) consistently portrays himself and the council as victims, while failing to acknowledge that these issues stem from council practices. The situation will not improve until accountability replaces defensiveness.
“As long as governing bodies ignore this behaviour and until systemic change occurs, ratepayers and professionals like myself will continue to raise concerns. In the meantime, the CEO will continue to frame criticism as ‘harassment’ while avoiding accountability for poor service delivery.”
Town Planner Julie Lee, owner of Clunes-based NR Links, said while it had been a nightmare over the past few years, she believed things could be looking up.
“They have two planners and there are another two starting next week. One from Pyrenees and one from Mount Alexander – which tells me that they're paying the right amount because no-one’s going to move from Mount Alexander and come down (in wages).
“So, the planning team is back to double what it has been for many years plus they have a cadet town planner and two administration staff – one is sharing with Central Goldfields Shire which is what I have been pushing for since last year.”
Julie said she believed while the staff numbers will be up, it will still take a long time, perhaps a year, to get through the backlog of planning applications. She last heard there were 180 outstanding.
“It is legislated in the Planning and Environment Act that a council has 60 days plus 30 days to process referrals for an application. As well, town planning is a state statutory requirement for councils, and other items are not, and funds should be channelled from different areas to meet their statutory requirements. I understand why the council have to make cutbacks but it's a statutory responsibility.”
Julie said people also had the opportunity to take their planning matters to VCAT – at a cost of about $3000-$4000.
“I do think people need to be fairly proactive and not get angry, but know that if this happens again, you've got these steps you can take. And we should be working through our councillors and getting them to stand up as well.
“I know that, tragically, staff are crying, but homeowners are trying to get planning permits through.
“These delays also mean development, monies, tourism opportunities, accommodation, new retail etc, all go elsewhere, and this has a critical impact on our community. What has been happening is not normal, but hopefully the future is looking better.”
Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas said the turnaround times on planning permits was "absolutely not where we want it to be but that's pretty consistent across the state".
"We need to do things to improve that and we certainly are - we've increased resourcing within the planning team over the past couple of years.
"Planners do come and go from time to time, so sometimes we're fully staffed, other times we're not fully staffed. We've just been through a bit of a recruitment drive, so we do have some more staff coming on in the short term, but there's a whole range of factors that contribute to where we are.
"Part of that is complications of the planning system. We're obviously trying to get the decision right, not just rush it. Often we've got to get more information off the clients and off the people that are putting their applications through. We've got to get to referral agencies.
"I think also it's important to note that planning is not just planning permits, the planning team is also doing enforcement when people do the wrong thing. The planning team is the one that really puts through the submissions in regards to Dan Murphy's, the Western Renewable Link Project...
"So there's a lot happening in that space. At the end of the day, we know we need to get better in terms of our planning permit turnaround. We're certainly doing that with more system improvements.
"We're trying to work with everyone. I know people might be frustrated but they can still conduct themselves in a professional manner when dealing with us."
Words: Donna Kelly
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Erik hoping cosmic horror starts his career
Erik Horvat grew up in Daylesford, has always been creative, and at just 25 already has his first book on sale, The Sleep Walking Game, at Paradise Books, along with various online booksellers. The Sailors Falls resident chatted with Donna Kelly
Donna: How did you get into words?
Erik: I moved here when I was eight and I've always been very creative. I always liked reading and I also do a lot of painting and sculptures. All sort of things. This is the first book I've written – and like a lot of creative people I was always too scared to try to make anything of it because there's too much competition out there. And perhaps I'm not as good as I think I am.
There are two quotes from authors who got me going. One is the comic book artist Alan Moore who said ‘As a prospective writer, I would urge you to not only read good books. Read terrible books as well, because they can be more inspiring than the good books. If you are inspired by a good book, there’s always the danger of plagiarism, of doing something that is too much like that good book. Whereas, a genuinely helpful reaction to a piece of work that you’re reading is, ‘Jesus Christ, I could write this shit!’.
The other one was Ernest Hemingway who said the first draft is always shit. And that's when I started to write. Overnight. And this is that book.
Donna: No spoilers but what’s the book about?
Erik: It's cosmic horror. Cosmic horror was invented by H.P. Lovecraft and it's incomprehensible creatures, things from other dimensions…not to do with space necessarily but it's more that the world doesn't work how we think it does. And that is terrifying. The Netflix series Stranger Things is cosmic horror.
Donna: Hmmm. Don’t you get nightmares with all this on your mind?
Erik: I'm really drawn to horror but I am also a very paranoid, fear filled-person. I suppose writing horror gives me power over it.
Donna: What is your writing style?
Erik: I wake up first thing in the morning and I start writing and I won't stop until about 2pm when I then have to go to my night shift at Cellarbrations. I do it seven days a week, just almost obsessively. I'll just write until I can't anymore.
Donna: Who is publishing your book?
Erik: That is a bizarre story within itself. I submitted to a bunch of publishers and there was a small independent publisher in Melbourne who picked it up. It was run by one guy who was also an established writer. They were about to start printing when all of sudden the man died.
All operations had to cease because it was all tied up in his will and some legal issues. So at the risk of waiting another couple of years for that to resolve, one of the senior editors said the book was finished, ready to go and I had still retained all the rights. So I self-published it but I did have a contract.
Donna: Do you have another book ready to go?
Erik: I do. I've written several books. I have another one that I'm polishing up just a little bit more and then I'm going to look for a literary agent in the United States.
Donna: Do you hope to be a full-time writer?
Erik: That's the dream. But dare I dream that? It is terrifying having a book out. Even though I have many, many friends, I am an intensely private person and getting everyone to read something I wrote…I would love them to be made into movies. My partner said what if they make it into a movie and butcher it.
But I would take that paycheck. That would be cool. And outside our store is a basket of The Local – it would funny to flick through it and see myself in it. That would be fantastic.
The Sleep Walking Game is available online at booktopia, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.
Image: Kiara Clifton
It is the mid-1970s when Otis Thompson comes to work on the mysterious Spicer Farm: a sheep and cattle station in the middle of nowhere.
But it doesn’t take long before Otis begins to notice that not everything is quite what it seems. There is an old barn that is locked up and barricaded shut, a man with only one thumb that he is sure he has seen before, and nobody has seen the owner of the farm, Mr Spicer, in over a year.
He has locked himself away inside the farmhouse, only passing on messages and instructions to the farmhands through his wife, Mrs Spicer.
And as Otis wonders why no one else has noticed that something is terribly, terribly wrong on Spicer Farm, he begins to slowly slip into insanity – suffering from paranoid delusions, insomnia, chronic nightmares and vivid hallucinations, all while he obsesses over what they might be hiding in that mysterious barn. And as he slowly uncovers more and more of their secrets, he finds that the truth defies his understanding of reality, and he is faced with a Lovecraftian horror that threatens to consume what little is left of his fragile mind.
- Erik Horvat
Fundraiser for research into childhood allergies
Patricia Ilhan’s daughter was severely allergic to tree nuts. Patricia and her late husband John (of the Crazy John’s mobile phone business) found out when their daughter was just one. John ate a jar of peanuts and kissed her on the face.
“She was unrecognisable. She looked like an alien. We called the doctor and he told us ‘just don’t give her any peanuts’.”
Patricia and John felt that was not good enough. “There was nothing being done in the marketplace, there was no education at schools and there were no doctors who really understood the problem. We felt that we were given this child for a reason and we were lucky enough to be in a position to make change so we started the Australian Food Allergy Foundation. And to be honest today Victoria is still the safest state to raise a child with a food allergy.” Her daughter is now a healthy 24-year-old.
Patricia, who more recently co-founded the Centre for Paediatric Allergies at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, said this has become her life’s work and the couple’s legacy.
Every year she raises money, around $200,000, to pay for a fellowship at the centre to train up a doctor to be an allergy specialist.
“They go off after the 12 months and treat children specifically who have severe food allergies - this year is the seventh one we've done so there's six other doctors running around there who can see children. Australia is not a third world country and kids shouldn't have to wait 18 months to see a specialist.”
Money is raised every year at a different event and this year Patricia will hold a private dinner at her home, Lyonbank Estate in Glenlyon. She had also hoped to hold an Open Garden Day and Prestige Car Show but that has been postponed due to some planning issues.
The dinner, black tie, will be held in November in an event with emcee Mike Snell, who does many events for the Epworth Hospital at Crown Casino, and with about 150 invited guests.
Patricia says once that is done and dusted, she will get back to planning the open day at her home, which she bought three years ago.
She finishes chatting with a story about a builder she employed to do some renovations on that property.
“I had a fabulous builder do some renovations when we first bought it and his wife was expecting a baby. So she had this beautiful baby boy Fraser and the father was making eggs one morning and Fraser was in his high chair, and yes, it just went from bad to worse very quickly. He was allergic to eggs. The father was so distraught that he couldn't get into the ambulance with his son so the wife had to go - and I sent them straight to the Epworth. They now have a 12-month plan to help desensitize him.
“It's always the parents who try to mistakenly poison their children and their babies. And they feel so guilty but it is not their fault. They just need to take action, hopefully it is OK, and they get the help and plans they need for the future.”
Links: www.facebook.com/FoodAllergyAU/ | www.instagram.com/p/ DPKwn3FkuTK/ Donations: emf.org.au/your-impact/research/paediatric-allergies
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
Council News
Council
Emergency Services Expo 2025
You are invited to this year’s Emergency Services Expo at Victoria Park, Daylesford, Saturday 25 October, 10 am to 2 pm.
• Fun, family day out.
• Free sausage sizzle, ice cream, doughnuts, face painting and coffee.
• Watch live fire and rescue demos and participate in cyber security workshops.
• Meet your local heroes, first responders and community engagement teams.
• Learn how to prepare your property, family and animals for emergencies.
Learn more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/es-expo
Community electrification program
Hepburn Energy will be hosting Saul Griffith, engineer and Chief Scientist at Rewiring Australia. He will discuss his latest book Plug In! The Electrification Handbook, which provides practical advice for everyday Australians on upgrading their homes and cars.
Hepburn Energy will also be officially launching their regional community electrification program with non-profit BREAZE Inc.
• Wednesday 15 October, doors open at 6 pm.
• Hotel Bellinzona, Hepburn Springs.
Book now at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/community-electrification
Daylesford Avenue of Honour tree works
We are sad to report that we need to remove some trees from the Daylesford Avenue of Honour.
We have become aware of some wood decay and tree death while conducting recent tree risk mitigation audits in line with our Tree Management Plan.
Old age, recent storms and damage has led to tree death and wood decay. Twelve trees (out of 184) will need to be removed along the Midland Highway and Daylesford-Malmsbury Road.
We have been working with the Daylesford RSL and Heritage Victoria. Our Parks team will replace the memorial trees next winter.
The timber from these trees will go to DJAARA Timbers for milling, in line with our Resource Recovery MoU with DJAARA.
Positive Ageing Expo 2025
Mark your calendars for this year’s Positive Ageing Expo. After a successful event in 2024, we are set to return with energy, inspiration, and community spirit.
• Tuesday 28 October, 10 am to 3 pm.
• The Mechanics Trentham.
• Free entry and everyone is welcome, from older adults to families and carers, professionals and anyone curious about how to age well.
• Special guests, live music, stalls, local groups and free lunch. Learn more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/pae-2025
EAT | DRINK | ENJOY
Out & About in the Central Highlands
Koos on the move back to the Netherlands
Koos Hulst is on the move, to the Netherlands to be precise, where he met his ex-wife Carol in 2002. The couple fell in love, moved in together and with Carol an Australian ex-pat working for Shell, they talked about the future. Stay in the Netherlands or move to Australia? The latter won. In 2006 they moved to Australia and chose Daylesford for their home because they had bought a property, Sault Estate, and had plans to develop that into a wellbeing centre. Koos chatted with Kyle Barnes.
Kyle: Are you still involved with Sault?
Koos: Our plans for development of Sault into a well-being centre, planning-wise all went very, very swiftly and efficiently, but as soon we had our planning permits and architectural plans, we pretty much ran out of money. We hoped that we could get some third-party capital, co-investors, but that coincided with the global financial crisis. Everybody was tight-fisted and we couldn't get any investors so in 2007 we had the planning permit and in 2009 we split up and each went our own way. The property has been sold and after that I started initially doing property maintenance, cutting grass, trimming trees… Gradually I moved into inspection and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems. And that grew from one customer in 2012 and now I have over 200.
Kyle: You have been quite involved in the community.
Koos: At the advice of my ex-wife I joined CFA in 2007. And I'm still a member, but I moved from the Daylesford CFA to Leonards Hill, because we moved to Sailors Falls. That's still taking a chunk of my time. I'm the secretary and treasurer of the brigade, and that's quite enjoyable. Later on, I became a founding member and member of the board of Hepburn Wind. As most people know, Hepburn Wind established Australia's first community-owned wind farm in Leonards Hill. And I did that for four or five years.
Concurrently, I also joined the steering committee for the establishment of the community bank in Daylesford, part of the Bendigo Bank organisation. That was very satisfying to see that both the wind farm and the community bank came to fruition.
More recently, I joined the Rotary Club of Daylesford, where I'm acting as the secretary, which is very nice, because that creates a bit of fellowship and friendship amongst the members.
Kyle: So where are you off to and why? Will we see you again?
Koos: I'm heading back to the Netherlands. And initially, I'll move in with my sister, which gives me the opportunity to find my own accommodation, or I'm probably looking for something to rent. There’s nothing I don’t like about being in Australia. If I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't be here still after almost 20 years. It's more that the attraction of going back to the Netherlands, being able to spend more time with my family and friends, that is drawing me back. After long years of nagging by both my family and my friends to return to the Netherlands, they finally succeeded to sway me in that direction. Will I be back? Never say never, finance permitting. I’ll come and check on the friends that I've made here in Australia, and in particular in the Daylesford area.
Kyle: Anything else to add?
Koos: The last years of my life in Australia have been revolving very much around work. I have no family here so if I want to do some work on a Sunday, who's going to stop me? I've been working quite hard and I'm looking forward to winding down a little bit. I hope I'll find some work in the Netherlands but not as crazy as here.
Kyle: Finally, did you know the Netherlands was just rated number one place to retire?
Koos: Is it? I didn't know that!
Walking 240km to raise money for Glenlyon
Glenlyon CFA volunteer Shaun Gedge is walking the walk, literally, to raise money for his brigade.
The former Englishman is taking on a just over 240km solo hike raising money for his brigade to help pay for breathing apparatus and a 4x4 ultralight tanker.
“The breathing apparatus will enable us to safely fight a car/house fire without the risk of breathing in toxic gases and smoke. The ultralight will enable us to navigate harsh terrain that our much larger tankers would not be able to do.”
Shaun has already raised $3098 on his CFA-authorised GoFundMe page but hopes to reach $5000, or more. His walk will take him around the response areas of the eight brigades that make up Glenlyon Group, part of District 15, over eight days, walking about 28kms a day, depending on the terrain.
“Glenlyon Rural Fire Brigade is a small brigade and as a team we are committed to protecting lives and property, supporting our communities and working as one with our emergency service partners. We respond to a wide range of calls within our area including bushfires, hazardous material incidents and vehicle accidents. As a brigade we rely on funding and donations to be able to keep our station running.”
Shaun, who joined the Glenlyon CFA about a year ago, was ready to do a reconnaissance drive last Saturday for his walk. “It’s as far up north as Franklinford, as west as Daylesford and Leonards Hill, and takes in Trentham as well. It's bush tracks. It’s solo camping but there’s a couple of people who say they might want to come and pitch a tent with me.”
Shaun said he has only just realised how big a deal the walk is, and he is not new to the distance, but perhaps the wildlife. “I did a 160-kilometre walk in the UK, again a charity walk, for the Air Ambulance. I thought why not do one here. We do have snakes, they're just not quite as deadly as the ones over here.”
The 21-year-old arrived in June last year after meeting his girlfriend, from Glenlyon, in the UK. “I decided that after college Australia was a very nice place, and I wanted to move over here for good.”
Shaun heads off on Saturday, October 18. To donate, head to his GoFundMe page or scan the QR code. Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
Bake Off memories
The morning sun spills gently over Bremner Avenue as the Lyonville Hall begins to stir. By 9am, the quiet country air is buzzing with excitement - cars pull up, arms cradle cake boxes, and the hall doors swing open to welcome a flurry of bakers and volunteers.
Inside, the scent of cinnamon, chocolate, and buttery pastry begins to mingle with freshly brewed coffee, setting the tone for a day that’s as warm and inviting as the community itself.
Entries arrive in waves each lovingly placed on display tables by volunteers who move with practised precision.
These unsung heroes have spent days baking behind the scenes, preparing savoury and sweet delights for the cake stall, and now they’re busy as bees ensuring everyone is well fed and caffeinated.
Spectators begin to flow through the hall, admiring the artistry and imagination on display. Outside, the spring sunshine beckons. Families gather under the trees, sipping tea and nibbling on slices of cake, while children play nearby.
As the judges make their rounds, tasting and deliberating, a hush falls over the crowd. The suspense builds - who will win? The day winds down with full bellies, happy hearts, and a renewed appreciation for the community that makes it all possible. The 2025 Lyonville Bake Off is on Sunday, October 26 from 10.30am.
Above, judge Dot Fuller, with a helper, checks out a cake at last year's event
Words & image: Contributed
Budburst is back
Budburst is back for another fabulous weekend.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, this is a once-a-year opportunity to go beyond the cellar door, sip rare wines not found anywhere else, and meet the passionate people who craft some of Australia’s most exciting cool-climate wines.
Over two festival days, more than 20 winemakers across 15+ Budburst venues will open their doors, to offer wine tastings, varied food and entertainment offerings, while sharing their stories. From established icons to hidden gems, Budburst is all about connection - between the makers, the wines, and wine lovers.
Budburst is a must for wine enthusiasts, culture seekers and weekend wanderers Victoria wide and beyond to get lost in the wine, the produce and the magic of Macedon Ranges.
Festival hours run from 10am to 5pm each day, with tastings, curated food menus, and the chance to chat directly with the winemakers at every stop.
Participating wineries include: Attwoods Wines (Mount Monument); Cleveland Estate (Mount Monument): Cold Acre (Hanging Rock); Double Oaks Estate; Granite Hills; Hanging Rock Winery; Hesket Estate; Hunter-Gatherer Winery; Kyneton Ridge; Lane’s End (Wilimee); Lord Malmsbury Vineyard (Paramoor); Lyons Will Estate; Metcalfe Valley (Kyneton Ridge); Midhill Vineyard; Mount Monument Winery; Mount Towrong; North Wines (Hunter Gatherer); Paramoor Parkside Winery and Farm; Passing Clouds (Paramoor); Red Poppy Estate and Wilimee.
With so many wineries to choose from there is a wide range of food, music and art offerings to serve as perfect enhancements to the discovery of the Ranges. From local vendors to winery and estate grown produce, discover quality bites and musical delights, getting lost in a magical weekend in the vines.
Festival passes start from $39 and weekend passes are only $52.
Designated drivers and children under 18 are invited to join the festival for free. Also, checkout the hop-on/hop-off Budburst weekend bus routes.
Link: www.budburst.com
Categories: •Kids •Decorated Cakes •General Cakes •Cupcakes & Slices •Tarts & Pies •Special Dietaries
& cake stall fundraiser
Community event with 100% of proceeds donated to the Lyonville Hall
Funds sought at no cost
Hepburn Shire Council is being offered a chance to make a serious investment in arts and culture, with no cost to ratepayers or its budget.
The Phoenix@The Rex Cinema Group says following the sale of The Rex, the council set aside $2.1 million, specifying that it is to be used for community facilities that would have been housed in The Rex Hub under council ownership.
The group says the council could now allocate the $50,000 requested by them from this reserve fund. This money would help in purchase of equipment without any impact on ratepayers or the budget.
The allocation sought from the council is for group-owned equipment, not for the Rex building. The state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment needed will cost $140,000, including installation and freight.
If the council allocated $50,000 to the cinema, a third of the cost of this equipment would be met. The rest would come from continued fundraising, sponsorship and possibly an interim leasing arrangement. Operating costs will be kept low by the group’s commitment to a volunteer-run, community, not-for-profit organisation.
Group vice president Professor Linda Hancock said fundraising had raised $70,000 in six months to get the cinema to the point where The Block was able to come in and create an exciting and attractive interior décor for the cinema and bar/ café area. “But it’s like a pub with no beer – we have a beautiful cinema but cannot operate without equipment.
“We are grateful for the generous community support. In one evening, at the showing of The Block’s depiction of its work on the Rex, nine people bought nameplates for the backs of seats at $350 each for three years. Another 21 have been sold. What we seek at this final stage is council support so that it seizes the chance to forge a positive relationship with the group, grounded in a shared purpose and community pride.”
Professor Hancock said such a step needed an open vote by the council. “Our Group hopes that this will happen in the interest of transparency and helping restore community confidence. We trust that councillors will demonstrate a positive commitment to the cinema and agree to allocate the $50,000 requested.”
daylesford bowling club & Bistro
Your Community Club
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.
advised
Pop-up tour at Newstead
Songstress Anna Smyrk, who is releasing a new song Garden-Variety Grief, and heading on a pop-up garden tour, is performing free all-ages shows in community gardens across Victoria before heading to Europe and the US.
Anna is kicking off the tour with a show at Newstead Community Garden on Saturday, October 18 at 2pm.
“For me, the things that really help in dark times are music, community and nature. I wanted to bring all those things together on this tour and create some moments of connection outside of the usual places you go to hear live music,” Anna says.
Pack a picnic rug or folding chair, a picnic to enjoy and books for the book swap. Garden-Variety Grief is at www.annasmyrk.lnk.to/Garden-VarietyGrief
Our Spring lambs have been grazing on lush volcanic pastures on our farm all season - no hormones, no shortcuts, just pure Daylesford flavour that’ll make your taste buds do a little victory dance.
Perfect for finals entertaining or a special family Sunday roast.
This Week’s Incredible Spring Lamb:
HAND-TIED BONELESS LAMB LOIN ROASTS From $30 each* * $50.99/kg. Average sizes are 600-650g - $30-$34 per roast. Feeds 2-4 people
LAMB BACKSTRAPS (FAT ON) From $11 each*
Average weights are roughly 200g. Backstraps are very lean and exceptionally tender, with hardly any fat or gristle. Untrimmed backstraps have a layer of fat that adds extra flavour during cooking and allows you to cook for longer and use in a variety of dishes. Or, simply get a sharp knife and remove this layer for incredibly lean meat that is super fast to cook.
SWEET CHUNKY LOIN CHOPS $38.99/kg
We are FAMOUS for our loin chops! Cut thick, these are possibly some of the tastiest chops you will taste! Cook them on a grill or hotplate and make sure you leave the fatty tails on during cooking. Render the fat right down, or for a leaner dish, trim the tails off before serving.
Image: Michelle G Hunder
Local Lines
Sipping shiraz
Winter arrived with a vengeance
Lashed out its forked tongue
Laced with ice and snow
Laid its wet blanket
Over a parched landscape
Desperate for a taste of moisture
Kyle’s Rant
reach its closest point to the sun around October 30, 2025, at a distance of about 210 million kilometres, just inside the orbit of Mars. The interstellar comet’s size and physical properties are being investigated by astronomers around the world. It should remain visible to ground-based telescopes through September 2025, after which it will pass too close to the sun to observe. It will reappear on the other side of the sun by early December 2025, allowing for renewed observations.
Meanwhile the conspiracists are puzzling on how its trajectory is so spot-on that it can skim over the top of our solar system and how when it gets here it will be hiding on the other side of the sun for a month or so - the chance of this occurring is less than one in two hundred million. Then there is the fact there is no tail to this comet, which actually doesn’t make sense. There is also some sort of glow on its bow, which some are referring to as headlights. Some in the astronomy game have even sided with the aluminium-lid lovers club to concur that we might have a mothership on our hands. And it must be true because I have seen it for myself on YouTube.
I am hoping that if we are expecting an otherworldly visit, it’s just to pick up that amazing bloke who has stopped seven wars and is now in charge of the Gaza Strip. Donny, an all-round nice guy according to himself, a bloke that has been screaming from the rooftops to whoever will listen that he is the new messiah.
Well, maybe the little green men have been listening and just maybe they need him up there in their world to save their galaxy, far, far away. Maybe this bloke really is the messiah, a great negotiator and all-round fixer upper of world problems and the “Nano-Nano” men from Planet Ork want to give him a crack saving their galaxy. Perhaps they feel his talents are misplaced down here and want to give him a chance on the universal stage. I mean, he's already saved the world, according to MAGA.
Anyway, my message to you all is don’t pay your taxes until Christmas. Let's see how this whole thing plays out, and if we have to send our great white hope up to Planet Fukoffski for a while so be it.
Good luck rant over…
(Ed's note: The Local does not endorse not paying tax bills...)
Kangaroos leave the safety
For grass that lines the highways
Oblivious to the danger
Of speeding traffic
Their dead bodies are everywhere
Topped by black crows
Who scatter with the buffeting wind
Of passing trucks
I have felt the harshness
It seems determined to enter my bones
Remain a stubborn visitor
In six weeks it will step aside
Allow spring to spread its wings
Let the sun burst through
Lay a pink tinge
Over a frozen ground
Already buds are pushing
Their earth blanket aside
Anxious to show their resilient faces
Not to be beaten by a determined foe
Eventually the sun will arrive
Like a fiery ember
Over the horizon to spawn its warmth
Like a blast from a furnace
In the meantime
We huddle around the fire
Sipping shiraz
Kevin Mutton
Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.
Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
Kevin is a Trentham poet who has been writing poetry for fifty years. He is always inspired by what happens around him.
Hi there, I am Halloumi, a young and sweet two-year old boy with a gentle soul.
I am a bit shy but will warm up quickly, especially if you're offering a gentle scratch behind my ears.
My favourite pastimes include cuddling in cosy corners and quietly observing my surroundings. I am the perfect companion for someone looking for a calm and loving friend to share quiet moments with.
Microchip no. 956000018368612
Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine. Just call first on 5472 5277 to make sure I haven't been snapped up.
Just sayin’...
By Donna Kelly
Lots of things happening around our shire this edition.
First up, some people were not happy with Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas having his say in the last edition.
Basically Mr Thomas said that council staff were being given a hard time by ratepayers and the harassment needed to stop.
Now some people wrote on social media that he had gone whining to his mates at The Local for the "puff piece".
Just not true. I had been watching Facebook posts and was pretty horrified at some of them so asked if someone at council wanted to address them. So not initiated by Mr Thomas and I don't think a puff piece. Although I am open to bribes for good news. Jokes. Maybe.
Also, are we friends with the council? I think we have a professional relationship but we don't hang out together. And I reckon we've done a few columns that the council has read and thought were not that nice. All's fair and all that.
Anyway, two people in the planning game had their say in this edition and I get where they are coming from. When your life is about getting planning applications happening for clients, and they are not happening, life is not great.
Absolutely keep it polite but when your clients are threatening to sue you because they are not happening, then life is getting pretty bad. We had one planning issue - a simple subdivision - that took three years and I was close to exploding any time we could get anyone on the phone. So times that by 100 and you get the picture.
But if you read the story, things may be looking up. Perhaps.
Another council story which I noticed in the minutes from the last meeting was that unintended traffic impacts since the opening of the Djuwang Baring all-abilities 60-kilometre mountain bike trail network in Creswick, will see Hepburn Shire Council spend at least another $300,000 on the almost $9 million project.
Is it just me, or would you think that part of the project's early days would have included a traffic management plan. Did no-one think: "World class bike trackmore traffic, dust from unmade roads, parking congestion."
It's so Utopia. And I love that the report's conclusion is that "while Djuwang Baring presented a fantastic opportunity for regional tourism, local business and supporting participation and active recreation, council acknowledges that it is essential to balance patronage with residential amenity and safety". I don't even know if it is a balance, surely amenity and safety come first? Followed by patronage. And maybe at the start of all that a decent traffic assessment? Sigh.
Then there was a little media release sent out from the state education department. I think it was them. Maybe it was Mary-Anne Thomas's people. Hard to keep up.
If you read the Just Briefly section, you will have seen that Daylesford Primary School is one of 30 schools to share in over $16 million to undertake 31 maintenance projects between them.
That's great news and then you read the school was allocated $545,783 to rebuild five ramps across the school. That's $109,156 per ramp. Now I don't know what sort of ramps these are - I imagine for mobility - but it seems a lot. I guess it's right.
When we had old dogs we built a ramp to the deck. Two bits of wood for sides and two bits for the ramp. Just one dog wide. And that is where we came undone. We imagined the dogs would look before they ramped, and if one dog was already on the ramp, they would wait. Yes, we are quite stupid. 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.
Pick me, pick me is run in memory of Rosie the Kelpie & Curly the Cocker Spaniel - we picked them from the Peninsula RSPCA.
(Pick me, pick me is also proudly supported by Daylesford's petstock - where pets are family.)
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
Beetham's Botanicals
Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy...
This time I'll be focusing on exotic trees (and one rare shrub) with spring blossoms that are part of the botanical family rosaceae and include the genera of exochorda (pearl bush), malus (flowering apple), prunus (flowering cherry), pseudocydonia (quince) and pyrus (pear).
However I would like to pay tribute to another group of potential spring flowering candidates biting at my heals that include (in alphabetical order): amelanchier (service berry), azara (azara), camellia (camellia), Cchoisya (mexican orange), daphne (daphne), enkianthus (enkianthus), laurus (bay tree), magnolia (magnolia), osmanthus (sweet holly), pieris (lily of the valley bush), rhododendron (rhododendron), stachyurus (spiketail) and viburnum (viburnum).
So here we go.
From top, Plena Chinese quince & Snow White
1. Exochorda serratifolia Snow White (pearl bush - see image) is a deciduous rare medium sized shrub to 2m high which features clear white flowers with prominent anthers that are tightly wrapped in a bud looking like a green and red striped tennis ball. The species is originally from Asia-temperate (China Manchuria and NorthCentral) and Korea (both North and South) but the cultivar Snow White is what we see here in cultivation. I planted a specimen at home a few years ago and cut it back by half after its first flowering and now it looks great, laden with buds.
2. Malus ioensis plena (betchel crab - see image) is yet to come into flower here in the Central Highlands but is well worth the wait as this smallish deciduous tree to 7m or so kicks goals in the latter part of October with blossoms pink in bud opening to a flurry of truly double pinkish-tinged, white flowers that (in good years) smother the whole plant. Tiny little crabapples may follow but are not edible for humans. This tree is being used as street plantings in Kyneton and there is a lovely specimen you can see from the road growing in the Convent Gallery in Daylesford.
3. Prunus Sato-zakura group Tai Haku (weeping Japanese flowering cherry) has been planted by me in our back garden in Hepburn and right now is at its glorious best. The graft is set at just over 2m and after judicious pruning we can now sit in a chair under its spreading canopy. And here's a little tip, watch out for vertiginous shoots that can appear from under the graft and head skywards at an alarming ratethese need to be cut off.
4. Pseudocydonia sinensis (Chinese quince - see image) is strongly related to chaenomeles (japonica or flowering quince) and is sometimes included as a species of it. This unusual species has many attributes that not only include its spring blossoms that initially open into a tulip-like flower and later produce a large fruit that can be treated the same culinary way as the common quince (cydonia oblonga), but has extra bonuses such as mottled peeling bark and an array of fine autumnal coloured foliage. Under the right conditions this deciduous, semi-evergreen Chinese tree may reach 10m but can produce suckers so best to keep on top of it and nurture a single main trunk.
Proudly
5. Pyrus salicifolia (willow-leaved pear) has been noted as being one of the most ornamental of pears as it has beautiful emerging silver-grey leaves - they do eventually green up - that can be seen among the clusters of blossoms. This species (native to Asia-temperate (Iran, Russia (Caucasus) and Turkey) may become a tree of around 7m and would go well planted alongside purple-leaved plants such as corylus avellana Purpurea (purple-leaved hazelnut), deep-green foliaged, evergreen plants such as luma apiculata (Chilean myrtle) and one of my faves, pseudolarix amabilis (golden larch), a deciduous conifer from China with emerging feathery golden green foliage that later turn to yellowy-bronze in autumn.
And so there you have it dear reader, a snapshot (I told you I liked using that word) of spring flowering plants that give us locals joy after emerging from our (seemingly) long winter. Happy plant hunting & remember you're only as good as your soil.
- Cheers JB (Trees in Australia)
Next time: Broad-leaved Plants for the garden
Scan the QR code to see JB's Instagram post
partnering over the years with these great events!
The 2025 Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials
The Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials took place at the Dean Recreation Reserve last Sunday, October 5.
Held under the auspices of the Victorian Working Sheep Dog Association, the event attracted 43 dogs and 23 handlers from across the state with judging by Norm Severs.
The association supports close to 200 members and coordinates about 30 trials statewide each year.
All donations from the well attended Dean event will be going this year to the Newlyn-Dean Fire Brigade, CFA.
Dean Recreation Reserve Committee president Brian Maher said while it was always great to watch the trainers, the stars of the show were the dogs.
"They manoeuvre three sheep around a course on the command of their handlers, while being judged on time and ability. "
Words & images: Tony Sawrey
Scan the QR code for a short video.
Judge Norm Severs
From left, Jimmy Dodge (Snake Valley), Barry Paton (Warrnambool) ,Brian Maher (Dean Recreation Reserve Committee president) and Johnny Tuddenham (Ross Creek) with dogs Bess and Cash
Heavy lifting at Daylesford Games
Fran Fitzpatrick is the president of the Highland Games Heavy Events which are traditional feats of strength including the caber toss, hammer throw, stone put and weight for distance. She is looking forward to this year’s Daylesford Highland Gathering on November 6 with about 20 athletes taking part in those events, including some from interstate. Fran, pictured above, talked with Kyle Barnes.
Kyle: How did you get involved in the heavy events?
Fran: The heavy events have been around for a hundred years but we didn't have a women's division until 2018, so I was always involved because my boyfriend as a teenager used to do the gathering, used to do the heavy events in the off-season of athletics. Once Nick Weaver and the Maryborough Highland Society decided to include women with equal prize money I trained exclusively for the heavy games.
Kyle: I hear you have won quite a few championships.
Fran: I was the Australian Women's Champion from 2018 to 2023 and then I decided to concentrate on getting myself to the World Championships in Florida for 2024. I trained about 20 hours a week and a lot of that was in the dark out the front of my shed under a spotlight. I got there and won seven out of nine events and was 2nd place in the other two events, along with six world records.
Kyle: Can you describe the events?
Fran: The events in the heavy games are a stone put, which is similar to a shot put, and then there's what they call a brain mass stone, which is a shot put again but it's an extremely heavy stone. Then we do what's called a weight for distance, which is a light weight of 14lbs and a heavy weight of 28lbs. Then we do the two hammer throws, a light hammer and a heavy hammer. Then we do a caber toss and then a weight over the bar which for women is 28lbs and we start at 9-feet, so you've got to do a vertical throw and hope it goes over the bar. In 2024 I won both the shot puts, the light weight for distance, the weight over the bar, and both the hammers.
I'd spent a lot of time getting ready so it was quite rewarding when it all came through. It's amazing the Scottish, they have such an affinity with throwing things, don't they? I think it's all weapons of war, it all comes from being able to throw stuff at your enemies, I guess. Here's a big log, take that!
Kyle: What is your involvement with the Daylesford Highland Gathering?
Fran: I am president of the Victorian Heavy Events and committee member Chris Sinclair asked me to see if the heavy games could come back to the Daylesford Gathering. Last year was fantastic but this year is even bigger and better. With the Victorian Highland heavy events we offer training days and backyard events which get everybody ready to do the competitions at the gatherings. That way everybody's confident, everybody's safe and the crowd are all safe also, we're not going to throw something towards the crowd because everyone's done their training. We have coaching by some very experienced people.
Kyle: Can anyone have a go?
Fran: We take all fitness levels and all skill levels although you must do a training day before you can come and compete at a competition. If someone sees what's going on with the heavy events at the Daylesford Highland Gathering, they can come and talk to us any time. We also have some corflute signs around the perimeter of our throwing area and that directs people to our website and we also have a merchandise stall.
Kyle: Are you competing on the day?
Fran: Definitely. I'm going to try and do all of the events.
Kyle: Sounds like a great day. Anything else you would like to mention?
Fran: Just that the Daylesford Gathering is probably the best in Australia at the moment. The chieftain of the entire event was our original coordinator, Billy Binks, so it was just a wonderful gesture that the Daylesford Committee offered Mr Binks to be the chieftain and we were very proud that he was our former coordinator. He kept the Highland Games alive in Australia, so that was very nice. The Daylesford event was quiet for a few years, but it's come back and it's come back big and it's just going to get even bigger, so we're very proud to be involved.
Link: www.daylesfordhighland.com/ Image: Contributed
The Local is proud to be a media partner with the Daylesford Highland Gathering.