LINTON NEWS
December 2025
Come along and share in a relaxed, welcoming evening at our Linton Community Christmas Barbecue.
Enjoy a free barbecue, fun games, and the chance to meet neighbours—old and new—as we celebrate the spirit of our wonderful community.
Everyone is truly welcome. If you’re new to Linton, or simply unsure because you feel you won’t know anyone, just look for our friendly hosts (you’ll spot them by their festive Christmas accessories!). They’ll be more than happy to introduce you around and help you feel right at home.
Let’s come together, connect, and make this a Christmas gathering for all.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
President’s Report
As we approach the end of another year, it’s hard to believe how quickly Christmas is sneaking up on us far too quickly for my liking!
I was unable to attend the most recent Linton & District Progress Association meeting due to a short trip to Queensland, and I’m grateful to Gillian for stepping in as “Madam Chair” in my absence. I was interested to learn that a decision was made at the meeting that the replacement ‘Welcome to Linton’ signs will describe Linton as “Rich in history, nature, and community”
I’m looking forward to seeing Linton light up with Christmas displays once again If you’re decorating your mailbox this year, don’t forget to register your creation at the Linton Takeaway or by emailing linton progress@gmail com
Registered entries will go into the draw for a $100 voucher, to be awarded at our muchanticipated Community Christmas BBQ
Coming up:
Community Christmas BBQ Tuesday, 16 December, 6:00 PM, opposite the Linton Takeaway. (And if Gillian has her way, I may even be dressed as a Christmas tree!)
Next LDPA Meeting Tuesday, 20 January, 7:00 PM, at the Linton Community Hub
Warm regards,
Margaret Jenkie
President, Linton & District Progress Association
Published by Linton & District Progress Association
A0015485J
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Contributions from the community are welcome and encouraged. Please email news items to news.linton@gmail.com and the Editor will be in touch with you
Deadlines
The deadline for contributions to this newsletter is the 25th of the month Please adhere to the deadlines to guarantee inclusion in the next issue
Digital access
Linton & District Progress Association
President: Margaret Jenkie
Vice President: Gillian Fraser
Secretary: Halina Sztynda
Treasurer: Scott McMahon
Social Media Coordinator: Rachael Gauchi
Email: linton.progress@gmail.com
Colour pdf via email Ask to be added to the distribution list by emailing news.linton@gmail.com or view online at https://issuu.com/lintonnews/docs/
Printed Copies
Get your copy from the Linton Takeaway, Community Hub, Scarsdale Post Office, Skipton Roadhouse Limited numbers available via local home delivery and post (LDPA members only).
Some final words for 2025
It has been a pleasure to serve on the Linton & District Progress Association over the past 12 months as Editor of the Linton News, and more recently as Vice President since May
This year, I’ve been genuinely touched by the positivity and support within the LDPA Seeing strong attendance at our meetings and witnessing the energy people bring to discussions has been truly encouraging.
I’m proud to work alongside Margaret, Scott, and Halina, each of whom approaches their role with enthusiasm and diligence. Our Secretary, Halina, has achieved an impressive amount in a short time: sending out key correspondence, and coordinating visits from three different representatives of the Golden Plains Shire Council to explore Linton’s potential and help us plan for the future
Recently, we were thrilled to welcome Rachael Gauchi to the Association as our Social Media Coordinator. Rachael has already gone above and beyond: designing the posters and flyers for the Linton Community Christmas Barbecue, contributing creative ideas to make the event extra fun, establishing new Facebook and Instagram pages for the Association, building a new Linton website, and initiating a Linton Calendar for 2026
Rachael is also playing a vital role in the muchneeded rebranding of the Progress Association, which we’re excited to continue in 2026.
I also want to acknowledge how seriously the Linton & District Progress Association upholds its core values: inclusivity, collaboration, empowerment, transparency, and sustainability. These values guide our actions and are reflected in the way we communicate respectfully, volunteer wholeheartedly, advocate for our community, act responsibly, and adapt as needed
Thank you to everyone for your support And if we haven’t met yet, please come and say hello at the Christmas Barbecue on 16 December (Yes, I will be in costume.) I’d love to meet you.
Gillian Fraser
We’re seeking stunning images to feature in the 2026 Linton, Victoria Calendar, and we’d love to showcase your work.
Please send your photos to news.linton@gmail.com by 10 December
Selected images will be announced on 12 December on the “Linton, Victoria, Australia –Community” Facebook page.
Conditions of Entry
You may submit as many photos as you like.
Photos should ideally reflect one of the following themes: History, Nature, or Community.
Images must be high resolution (minimum 300 DPI) and in JPEG or PNG format.
Photos will appear in landscape orientation in the calendar.
Please ensure you have permission from anyone featured in your photo.
Include your name, email address, and phone number with your submission.
Each selected photograph will be credited to its photographer in the calendar.
The calendar will go to print by 15 December, and pre-orders are welcome via email at news.linton@gmail.com until then. Additional copies will also be available for purchase after 27 December. Pick-up only. $20 each.
We can’t wait to see Linton through your lens!
LINTON & DISTRICT CRAFT GROUP
Oaks Day in November saw Craft Group members momentarily put down their projects to gather around the table for High Tea. Everyone bought their own fine china and a selection of delicious savoury and sweet treats There were fascinators, frocks and flowers galore
Meanwhile craft work continued throughout the month Di has been working on a lovely quilt for her great granddaughter while Jenny completed her stunning quilt
New member Lauren has been using a traditional Japanese embroidery technique called Sashiko while Fid agreed to model one of the dog coats knitted by Janet for the Ballarat Animal Shelter.
The Linton & District Craft Group meets every Thursday at the Linton Community Hub, from 10 am until 3 pm New members are warmly welcomed
CARNGHAM LINTON FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB
The Carngham Linton Football Netball Club has resumed senior pre-season training in Ballarat for the 2026 Central Highlands Football and Netball League seasons.
The club also held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12 November at the Carngham Recreation Reserve. Thank you and congratulations to the following members who were elected to Committee Office Bearer & Director positions for the 2026 season:
Executive-
President - Greg Spratling
Vice President - Daniel Beard
Secretary - Michael O’Beirne
Treasurer - Jessica Sculley
Football - Melissa Scoble
Netball - Ally Clack
Non-Executive-
Communications - Renae Loader
Social - Mia Clack (co-coordinating with Lucy O'Loughlin)
Bar - Rex Drinkwater
Merchandise - Zane Ross
Junior Football - Simon Brearley
Committee positions are still available for the following positions of Volunteer Coordinator, Revenue Director, Catering Director, Membership Director, Facilities Director and Junior Netball Director Those interested can contact Michael O'Beirne on 0409 950 752, mwobeirne@hotmail com or by Facebook messenger for more information
The club is accepting players to fill the five football and eight netball teams for the 2026 season. In the football, we field senior, reserves, under-18, under-15 and under-12 teams In the netball, we have A, B, C & D grade senior teams, as well as under-17, under-15 and under-13 junior teams We are also accepting children aged 5 and over for Auskick and NetSetGo programs
We are always encouraging more parents, members and supporters to get involved and assist in the many jobs required on game day If you think you would like to help but are unsure of what is required, club members will be more than happy to train you
The Carngham Linton FNC wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe new year!
Carngham Linton FNC Snake Valley Community Swap Meet
The Carngham Linton FNC Snake Valley Community Swap Meet will be held at the Carngham Recreation Reserve on Sunday 8 February 2026.
Gates will be open to stall holders from 7 00am and to public from public 8 00am to 1 00pm $25 sites for stall holders, $5 for public admission, Under 18 free
The stalls will be made up of about 90% automotive related items and 10% bric-a-brac.
Canteen and barbeque facilities also running at the Swap Meet For site bookings and further enquiries contact 0429 422 640
GOLDBRUSH PAINTERS
Fridays at the Linton Community Artist’s Facility now regularly see 10-12 of us occupying all available space in the room Still no efficient heating and/or cooling available but we cope hey, we are Artists with lots of hope!
It has been a busy month for the Goldbrush Painters with Buninyong, Daylesford, Birregurra and Lucas Art Shows now put to bed. Congratulations to our Jennifer Cromarty for taking out ‘Best in Show’ at both Daylesford and Birregurra for her pan pastel works, ‘Hello Thomas 4’ and ‘Girl with Egg’ Well done Jen
The launch of the Golden Spaces 2025 Winter Exhibition at The Well in Smythesdale on November 18 was well attended with an enjoyable conversational brunch had by all
The afternoon of Thursday December 4 will see us board a bus to Bannockburn for the Twilight Market with its 100+ stalls and the launch of the Golden Spaces 2026 Summer Exhibition. Several of our members have their work in this Golden Plains Shire initiative that is facilitated by Dr. Fiona Lee and her Arts and Culture Curatorial Working Group
“One morning, one of us ran out of black; it was the birth of Impressionism ”
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
November in the Men’s Shed
A limited amount of production this month. Delivery of a coffin, making bird nesting boxes, polishing chess boards, never ending picture frames. Otherwise, the lads enjoy the company in the reccie room where politics and other divisive topics are forbidden.
Setting up for the Town Wide Garage Sale, which we held in the Workshop, giving visitors a good look at our wonderful setup of machines and stores of wood.
The Sausage Sizzle outside provided visitors with sustenance, and valuable revenue for our Shed. A positive. We may have a new project from visitors.
Socially One of the lads turned seventy somethingth. We surprised him and family by gate crashing the soiree.
We have held our yearly AGM. (I am sure someone has pinched some calendar days).
Hank Tigges is our President for the next year, and all are very happy with the promotion. All other Office Holders are unchanged.
We have decided that operating hours are unchanged during the "silly season", and any gents in Linton with an item or project to attend to, an ideal opportunity to see it done.
We are open Mondays and Wednesdays 11am to 4pm. Drop in and meet the members. You will be surprised at the collective experience and knowledge of the boys.
For the rest of 2025, be well and safe. Next instalment in Feb. ‘26.
Happy Christmas to all! Frank
LINTON EMERGENCY RELIEF PANTRY
It is always a wonderful time spent in the Pantry getting to know our visitors and their life stories.
December will see some alteration to the supply and deliveries of the produce for us to dispense. We will be getting no produce for 24 days. That means careful management of orders, so stock can be kept in ideal conditions, and about the right amount to see us through.
The CWA have made a wonderful donation to help enable us through December. As usual, we would be so grateful for more.
We will make an approach for another outlet to increase our visibility in 2026. First steps are being taken, and will not affect the operation at the Hub. Also, maybe to no avail.
Visitors have noted our floor coverings. (What floor coverings?) The Pantry floor will be adorned with linoleum in the near future.
This time of year is not always bright and cheerful for some of us. The Railway Hotel has it's annual Christmas dinner. We are seeking generous patrons who may sponsor a meal for one or two of our needy at the Christmas lunch.
A terrific new addition to all charities like ours. Threads Van will be at our location one one Thursday a month 9am to 3pm, where they will be giving away new clothing.
If perchance a caller cannot find what they need, we can call Ballarat, register the individual, who can attend Ballarat to find a broader range.
The Pantries, sponsored by Food Bank, are a tremendous boon to many in our neighbourhood, and we welcome all who call in for a little respite.
All best wishes to Linton for the Christmas time, and into 2026.
Your Pantry and it's volunteers.
LINTON & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Report
for December 2025
Self-guided Historical Audio Tour of Linton and Surrounds
We have been working away on our historical audio tour during the last month and this is nearing completion Readers might remember we received Community Strengthening Grant from the Golden Plains Shire for $3,960 to develop this There will be 3 tours – one up and down the main street, one around the outer town perimeter, and one around the outskirts of the town.
The audio has been recorded, the smartphone app downloaded, and we have been trialling it using both ourselves and newcomers to town as guinea pigs. Soon people will see it being advertised with posters and flyers around town and we will be keen for people to try it out and give us feedback
Open days
We had lots of visitors on the day of the Town Wide Garage Sale which was our November Open Day Our final open day for 2025 will be on 14 December 2-5pm.
We would like to wish everyone in Linton a very happy and peaceful Christmas season. We will take a break in January and resume again in February.
FROM THE PAST
The Grenville Standard 21 December, 1918
An interesting comment on the ‘attractive bevy of girleens’ in their ‘abbreviated skirts’ at Christmas 1918 A sign of things to come?
LINTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
Merry Christmas!
I would like to take the chance to thank the wider Linton community for their ongoing support during 2025. I hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas. We look forward to continuing to provide great learning and wellbeing opportunities to the young people of Linton in 2026.
Our students have been diligently completing end of year assessments and rehearsing for our concert We also recently found out that we had received a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden grant for 2026 which means we receive $2500 to establish a school garden. This will be a terrific addition to our school community!
Groundworks
Community members may have noticed the exciting works taking place on our school grounds. Our bike track is already in use –which the kids are loving. We have also had our new court project begin in earnest with lots of demolition and concrete involved so far Excitingly, this is scheduled to be completed prior to the start of the 2026 school year – another exciting space for our students and the community to use!
I appreciate a brilliant year of learning and fun. Thanks to all!
We would also like to acknowledge Gillian for all of her work with the Linton News ��
Stuart Robinson Principal
Linton Primary School
stuart.robinson@education.vic.gov.au
PUZZLE PAGE
Crossword
Codeword
Each letter in the puzzle is represented by a number 1-26 Can you crack the code and solve the crossword?
Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once Three letters are already in place to get you started
Solutions on page 19
Sudoku
COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SERVICES
Coffee, Cake ‘n Chat
Join us at the Hub (former Shire Offices)
Tuesday mornings - 10.00am
$3 for bottomless coffee and cake
Sponsored by the Linton & District Progress Association
Linton Community Hub Management Inc
President: Daryll Lees
Treasurer: Jennifer Cromarty
Secretary: Janet Pathe
NB: Any correspondence can be sent to the Secretary via Janet Pathe jtpathe@gmail.com
COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SERVICES
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Golden Woady Senior Citizens President: Doreen Ringin 5344 7474
Linton Cemetery Trust Secretary: Karen Ronan 0492 986 759 lintoncemetery@gmail com
Linton Fire Brigade Duty Officer: 5344 7384
Linton Historical Society President: Jill Wheeler 0439 895 939
Linton & District Men’s Shed President: Chris Prestwich lintonmensshed@gmail.com 0493 662 924
Linton & District Progress Association lintonprogress@gmail com
Linton & District Craft Group
Contact: Anne Turner turner.tribe@bigpond.com 0429 449 290
Linton Community Hub Management Inc
Janet Pathe jtpathe@gmail com
Linton Play Reading Group
David Clarke: 0447 310 565
Snake Valley CERT
Secretary/Team Leader: Simon Matthews 0411 274 623
SPORT AND RECREATION
Carngham Linton Football Netball Club
Secretary: Michael O’Beirne 0409 950 752
Linton Cricket Club
Aaron Kerr
Jim Munro 0457 894 066
Linton and District Bowling Club
President:
Craig Grenfell, 0409 956 326
Secretary: Eugene Grigg, 0429 620 406 Treasurer: Kevin Offer, 0407 528 270
Linton Recreation Reserve
Kirk McDonald 0408 843 964 Kirkmcdonald91@gmail.com
Pickleball
Jenny Stuart: 0427 447 416
OTHER
Emergency Relief Pantry
Open 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday to Sunday
Daryll 0447 390 556
Intergenerational Play Group
Mel melunderscoreking@gmail com
Goldbrush Painters
Daryl Davis 0474 070 792
Breaze Energy Solutions
Simon Reid 03 4309 4027
Country Fire Authority
Community Safety 5329 5515
Haddon and District
Community House 5342 7050
Wildlife Carer
Liz Howard 0490 390 146
Snake Valley Astronomical Society and Observatory
825 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley 0418 425 207 https://snakevalleyobservatory .weebly.com
WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY
Membership Form
Linton & District Progress Association Founded in 1985, CAV ID: A0015485J, lintonprogress@gmail.com
Membership type:
Single ($15 annually)
Family ($20 annually)
Contact details:
Name 1: __________________________
Phone 1: __________________________
Scan the QR code to complete and submit this form online (See below for payment instructions)
Address: __________________________________________________________________
I/We agree to agree to support the purposes of the Linton and District Progress Association listed below
Purposes of the Linton and District Progress Association
1.To promote the economic, social, and cultural development of the Linton community, while protecting and enhancing the local environment, and to publish the Linton Community news.
2 To foster relations with other associations and bodies with similar goals.
3 To promote and assist worthy causes as agreed at a general meeting by members with a majority vote.
4 To invest funds of the association, not immediately required, in such a manner as the members or committee shall determine suitable. The funds of the association shall be derived from advertising fees from the Linton News, membership fees, donations and other fund-raising activities as the committee determines applicable.
5 To facilitate government grants for applicable community projects.
How you would like to receive your copy of Linton News? (tick as many as you like)
By email Collect from shop or Community Hub Post / hand delivery
Payment
Direct bank transfer to:
Linton and District Progress Association Inc
BSB: 633-000
Account no 144 797 362
Please put your name in the payment reference
Submit form
By email: lintonprogress@gmail com
In person: to a LDPA committee member
Thank you for your membership