LINTON NEWS
Swoop, There It Is!
How to Outsmart Magpies This Spring
Ah, spring. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and somewhere overhead, a magpie is sharpening its beak and planning a stealth mission worthy of ASIO.
Yes, swooping season is upon us that glorious time of year when some of our black-and-white feathered friends trade their worm-hunting duties for aerial ambushes on unsuspecting pedestrians and cyclists. But fear not! With a little know-how, you can enjoy the season without becoming a bird's personal dartboard
SO, WHY THE SWOOP?
Magpies aren’t trying to ruin your day; they’re just overprotective parents. During breeding season (typically August to October), they guard their nests with the enthusiasm of a bouncer at a VIP club If you get too close, they might divebomb you to say, "Hey buddy, keep it moving "
TOP TIPS TO DODGE THE DIVE
Here’s how to stay safe (and stylish) this swooping season:
1. Know Your Local Magpies
Some magpies swoop, most don’t. In fact, here in Linton, plenty of residents have actually made friends with their local maggies. Many households report the same birds on their property year after year, often waiting patiently for a snack or a friendly chat But just a few streets over, another magpie might take one look at your bike helmet and declare war. Moral of the story? Know your neighbourhood ... and your birds.
2. Wear a Helmet or Hat
Magpies love to swoop at the back of your head, so give them something to aim at (preferably not your scalp) A wide-brimmed hat, helmet, or even a bucket if you’re feeling bold, can make all the difference Bonus points if you add some googly eyes; they hate being watched.
3. Eyes on the Back of Your Head
Literally. Stick fake eyes on your helmet or hat. It sounds silly, but magpies prefer sneak attacks If they think you’re watching them, they’ll usually back off (They’re brave, but not that brave )
4. Dismount and Walk
Cyclists are magpies' favourite moving targets. If you're riding through a known swooping zone, hop off and walk your bike Most birds are less likely to attack pedestrians, and you’ll look like a seasoned local in the know
5. Don’t Fight Back
Waving sticks or yelling may seem satisfying, but it can make things worse. Magpies remember faces Do you really want to be that person on their hit list next year?
EMBRACE THE SEASON, RESPECT THE BIRDS
Spring in Linton is one of the loveliest times of year, and our local magpies, cheeky as they are, are part of what makes the bushland so alive If you’re lucky, you might end up with a feathered friend like many Lintonians already have Just give them space, stay alert, and maybe keep a fun hat handy.
Happy spring, and may your walks be peaceful and swoop-free
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
President’s Report
Dear Readers,
After a lovely time spent at my second home in Betoota, it’s wonderful to be back among our vibrant and welcoming community here in Linton
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the LDPA meeting on 19 August. It’s always inspiring to hear such a range of thoughtful and enthusiastic ideas for the future of our town.
At the meeting, Karen Sherlock shared an update on the Blue Tree Project Our application to paint a selected dead tree is currently with the Council for approval The project has already attracted attention, with an article on Linton’s involvement featured on the front page of the Golden Plains Times This is a great recognition of our community’s creativity and commitment.
We're also pleased to report that, after a long wait, extra picnic tables and chairs have been installed at the public barbecue area opposite Linton Takeaway. Stools have also been added nearby to provide a place for our barbecue chefs to sit and relax This project was funded through a grant received from Golden Plains Shire several years ago Sincere thanks go to Eugene and Chris Grigg for their persistence and efforts in bringing this to fruition
Our next LDPA meeting will be held on Tuesday, 16 September at 7PM at The Community Hub. Everyone is warmly invited; we’d love to see you there and hear your ideas.
Warm regards,
Margaret Jenkie President, Linton & District Progress Association
Published by Linton & District Progress Association A0015485J
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Linton & District Progress Association
President: Margaret Jenkie
Vice President: Gillian Fraser
Secretary: Halina Sztynda
Treasurer: Scott McMahon
Email: linton progress@gmail com
Spring in Linton: A Golden Season Returns
As the last traces of winter melt away from the hills and gullies, Linton begins to wake from its seasonal slumber Spring has arrived, and with it comes a renewed sense of vitality and charm across our historic goldfields town.
Nestled among the rolling landscapes of western Victoria, Linton in spring is something special. The morning mist still drapes gently over the streets and bush tracks, but by midmorning the sunlight spills across the paddocks, glinting off dewy grass and stirring native wildflowers to life. Wattles blaze with gold along the Glenelg Highway, echoing the riches that first brought settlers to these lands.
All through town, front gardens begin to bloom once more; daffodils nod beneath the verandahs of homes, and the scent of eucalyptus fills the air as local birdsong returns in full chorus, led, of course, by the everterritorial magpies.
On the Linton Rail Trail, walkers and cyclists are out again, taking in the crisp air and the vibrant new greenery that lines the old railway path.
Linton’s farming families are busy too. Lambs frolic in the lush paddocks, and the longer days bring with them renewed activity in sheds and fields.
As we move into the season of warmth and regrowth, community life in Linton begins to bloom again. The footy season winds down, and plans for community gatherings begin to take shape. There’s a quiet pride here: a sense of place, of history, and of belonging that feels especially alive in spring.
So whether you're tending the veggie patch, enjoying a stroll through our bushland trails, or simply basking in a bit of sun on your porch with a cuppa in hand, spring in Linton is a gentle reminder: life is good here, and there’s always something worth looking forward to.
CARNGHAM LINTON FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB
The Carngham Linton Football Netball Club completed its 2025 home and away season on Saturday 16 August. Thank you and congratulations to all the players, parents and volunteers for their great participation this year.
The 17 & Under netball team qualified for the finals in fifth position and played Clunes in an elimination final at Waubra on Saturday 23 August. Carngham Linton played well to record a 23 to 15 victory and advance to a semi-final against Newlyn. We wish the team all the best for the remainder of the finals series.
The club also held its first ever Vote Count Presentation Night for the 17 & Under netball and Under 18 football team at the Linton Recreation Reserve on Wednesday 20 August The night was a wonderful success, with those in attendance looking splendid in semi-formal attire and enjoying a threecourse meal Congratulations to Alana Burns and Caleb Scanlon for winning the Best & Fairest for those grades in the netball and football respectively A full list of award winners will be published with other grades in the next newsletter
We were very fortunate to have both Jo Dash and Gerard Fitzgerald attend the night as guest speakers Jo is a former long-time coach of the Ballarat Pride Senior State League representative netball team, whilst Gerard formerly played VFL/AFL with Geelong and was a three-time Premiership coach of North Ballarat in the VFL. Both spoke about their sporting journey and provided valuable motivation and advice for players in our top-age junior teams on how to make the most of the opportunities going forward.
Thank you to the Committee members and senior players who organised the event and provided catering for the night.
The Carngham Linton FNC Vote Count Presentation Day for other junior teams will be held on Sunday 14 September at the Carngham Recreation Reserve The Senior Vote Count Presentation Night will then be held at the Sebastopol Bowling Club on Friday 19 September
GO SAINTS!!!
Football Director: Melissa Scoble 0458 001 944
Netball Director: Ally Clack 0400 250 053
Junior Football Director: Nicole Allen-Green 0404 588 061
Junior Netball Director: Jan Haines 0417 186 744
17 & Under Netball and Under 18 Football Vote Count Presentation
17 & Under netballers playing in the Elimination Final
LINTON & DISTRICT CRAFT GROUP
Several Craft Group members have been working on a special sewing project for the past few Mondays - making colourful dog blankets for the Ballarat Animal Shelter.
Last year the Group donated 45 dog blankets to the Shelter and no doubt this year will an increase in the number donated.
Jenny completed this beautiful quilt for her granddaughter, to be treasured for many years
meets every Thursday at the
from 10 am until 3 pm New members are warmly welcomed
Anne is working on some fine cross stitch pieces
The Linton & District Craft Group
Linton Community Hub,
Craft Group was happy to welcome back Margaret from a very busy time at the Beetoota Hotel in far south west Queensland.
LINTON & DISTRICT MEN’S SHED
The month of August at the shed has had many members with the Wanderlust.
One returning from four months walkabout, another away and back, another overseas for several weeks, and another off to the warmth of Queensland.
But recently, we have had ten or so regularly enjoying the ambience of the recreation room, leaving our wonderful workshop open to any Linton residents, boys and girls, for them to achieve a project They will be working side by side with members producing items ready for the Town wide Garage Sale in November Any advice or cooperation will be happily given.
A lot of old timber not suitable for projects has been sorted, thanks Doug, and is now being used for members’ comfort
A project completed for the CWA, a hall cabinet to match one that has been there for many years.
Having now the floor space, a dust extraction system ready for installation can be undertaken
Our Insurance provider has asked for a complete inventory of everything in the Shed, for valuation and risk. A big task, but ideal opportunity for us to realize just how much we have Thanks again Dougie A great many of the tools and machines will be on display at the Town Wide Garage Sale
All electrical equipment has been tested and tagged by a registered Electrical Contractor.
We wish for warm weather on the day, and great attendance and interest from the community
Warm regards to you all,
The Linton and District Men’s Shed
THE LINTON EMERGENCY RELIEF PANTRY
August in the Pantry has seen more than a gradual improvement in the Pantry’s fortunes
We are receiving a greater variety of produce, which makes organising the display a pleasant challenge Fresh and perishable, dry goods, refrigerate in containers and frozen meals Such so that feedback from our visitors is very positive
More good news is we have achieved 100 visitors in one week. Our previous high was 80. A quiet circumstance to ponder Greater need and the public now coming by the Pantry, or many generous among you to express their positive views towards us, and leaving a donation. This has enabled us to search for a new freezer. Not cheap.
The donation tin is visible, but may I mention we have always promoted a monthly major sponsor A reminder to you all if an individual or organisation,
club or Incorporated identity willing to support us in that way will receive a Certificate and wider acknowledgement on Facebook if they so desire.
This has enabled us to purchase a new Laptop, a boon to us with planning and logistics
We acknowledge our success as the shelves are nearly depleted by close on Sunday.
Our head honcho is off for respite in warmer climes, so our volunteers are being well organised and know their responsibilities.
If, for any reason you are to visit us, we are here from 10:00am until 2:00pm on Thursday through Sunday
Wishing you all good healthy eating from,
Your Emergency Pantry
Linton Town Wide Garage Sale
Sunday, 9 November 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Calling All Linton Residents!
Are you (or your group/organisation) keen to be part of this year’s Town-Wide Garage Sale?
Now’s the time to start planning! Registrations are open just send me a text or give me a call (but please, no contact before 8:30 a.m. even organisers need their sleep!).
Participation is $10, which covers:
* A spot on the printed town map
* Online advertising
* Newspaper ads in The Courier
* A visible marker for your sale ... possibly a colourful Bali-style flag this year!
Please note: You’ll need to organise your own insurance.
Let’s make this year’s sale the biggest yet!
Jenny Stuart 0427 447 416
LINTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
Active kids!
We have had an exciting few weeks with various celebrations.
Recently I have completed some significant administrative tasks including updating our annual Emergency Management Plan (EMP) and today participating in an OH&S Assurance visit. Linton Primary School is on the DET BARR (Bushfire at Risk Register) register, meaning we will relocate on forecast Extreme fire rating days (to Delacombe PS) and close on forecast Catastrophic days Community members may see communication about this, or our fire shutters down over the fire season. It also means we need to follow strict compliance around plants and vegetation within 10m of our building
Early in the term our students participated in a free dress day for Homelessness Awareness As part of this we held a ‘can drive’ and gold coin donation. Our students proudly donated $13 and two boxes of non-perishable foods to Daryll and the team at the Linton Pantry
Science Week & Book Week
These are the best weeks during the school y Students and staff participated in a range engaging science activities – with our f experiments (edible slime) being a delic highlight.
All students and staff dressed up as t favourite character last Friday to celebrate end of book week. We had Harry Potter’s, Ma a Minion, cowboys and cowgirls as well as a L We appreciate everyone for their efforts.
Melbourne Camp
We are off to Doxa Melbourne City camp next week Students are excited to go bowling, visit Parliament House, Eureka Skydeck, and the MCG amongst many other attractions. The few days in the city give our students invaluable experience. We will be getting the train down and only using public transport around the city We will get some student reports in the next edition!
LINTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
2026 Foundation Enrolments
Enrolments for 2026 Foundation students have commenced If you know of any families that will be sending children to Linton Primary School, please encourage them to come in and grab an enrolment form from the office If any other local families would like a tour, please do not hesitate to contact the school
I appreciate seeing everyone dressed as their favourite book characters!
Stuart Robinson Principal
Linton Primary School
stuart.robinson@education.vic.gov.au
GOLDBRUSH PAINTERS
Members of the Goldbrush Painters continue with their refusal to let the current cold conditions dampen their spirits by making a showing every Friday at the Linton Community Hub for the weekly session Membership to the informal group has been steadily growing and there is a good mix of media being used, from watercolours and pastels through to acrylic and water mixable oil paint This, along with the usual banter, always makes for an interesting couple of hours of activity and exchange of methods and ideas
Members have also been busy bringing artworks to completion for entry in the next Golden Spaces exhibition that will be launched later in the year.
In other news one of our members, Jennifer Cromarty, has produced a striking pan pastel portrait of Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens MP Jennifer has entered the piece in the Portia Geach Memorial Award 2025 which is Australia’s most prestigious art prize for portraiture by women artists
Janene Rae, another member of our collective, continues in her quest to produce stunning images of her beloved birds with this fine example of an owl.
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Albert Einstein
LINTON & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Report for September 2025
Annual General Meeting Sunday 14 September
Preparations are underway for our AGM
Our speaker will be our President, Jill Wheeler, and the topic for her PowerPoint presentation will be:
How
Gold Created Linton – A Nuanced History
Jill will describe how the discovery of gold in May 1855 on the Emu Hill pastoral run commenced a transformation of this peaceful landscape, which ultimately developed into a permanent settlement named after the Scottish family who first farmed here She will discuss the impact on the indigenous people, the pastoralists and the environment, the influence of the Chinese miners, and the lives of women and children on the goldfields
There will be a brief formal meeting beforehand to present the Annual Report, the Financial Report, and to elect the Committee of Management for 2025-26. Supper will be served at the conclusion
Apart from that, it has been a quiet month regarding events for our society. We had an Open Day on 10 August and there is another one coming up in September Work goes on behind the scenes however, with answering research requests, exploring possible grants we could apply for and sorting and cataloguing our collection.
Open days
Our next two open days will be on 14 September and 12 October 2-5pm, at the Letty Armstrong Resource Centre.
You can find us on Facebook –https://www facebook com/lintonhistory - or on our website www lintonhistory org au – or we are on email at: enquiries@lintonhistory.org.au
FROM THE PAST
NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS OF THE REMOVAL OF THE OLD RAILWAY HOTEL 1902-1903
Ballarat Star, 23 December 1902
From the Grenville Standard, 10 January 1903
From the Grenville Standard, 17 January 1903
Golden Rainbows Film Fest
Golden Plains Shire Council is excited to announce the Golden Rainbows Film Fest (the Film Fest) is set to captivate audiences in September 2025.
Presented by the Golden Plains Youth Council (formerly known as the Youth Activation Committee), the Film Fest is an all-ages, fully supervised event that will feature four film screenings throughout September to be held on:
Friday 5 September from 4 to 8pm at the Y, Bannockburn – featuring ‘Love, Simon’
Friday 12 September from 4 to 8pm at the Linton Bowls Club – featuring ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’
Friday 19 September from 4 to 8pm at The Well, Smythesdale – featuring ‘Kinky Boots’
Tuesday 23 September from 1 to 5pm at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre – featuring ‘A Nice Indian Boy’
As part of the Film Fest, Council is also taking the opportunity to showcase the talents of young people across the Shire by displaying a touring exhibition of artwork and written pieces by LGBTQIA+ young people and their allies
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey encouraged community members to attend the events.
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 Thursday to Sunday
Intergenerational Play Group Contact Mel melunderscoreking@gmail com
Euchre Group – Contact: Renee 0461 257 903
Goldbrush Painters – Contact Daryl: 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
Membership Form
Linton & District Progress Association Founded in 1985, CAV ID: A0015485J, lintonprogress@gmail.com
Membership type:
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Family ($20 annually)
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Phone 1: __________________________
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Address: __________________________________________________________________
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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.
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Linton and District Progress Association Inc
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Account no 144 797 362
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