Midland Express Tuesday 13 June 2023

OAMfor winemaking pioneer Romsey ‘bottomoflist’

AmyHume

Romsey residents are imploring Macedon Ranges council for greater investment in their town through its 2023/24 Draft Budget.

Comments that the draft budget ‘failed Romsey’ and appeared to put the town at the ‘bottom of the list’ were aired in submissions earlier this month. Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association president Jenny Stillman said there was a“crisis of confidence in Romsey which has affected the business community”.

She highlighted several significant businesses for sale in Romsey and aneed to invest in the town.

“Our need for visitor product and aboost in confidence

–for both prospective businesses operating and those that are currently there –iscritical,” she said.

Ms Stillman said town improvement projects such as aFive Mile Creek master plan would help build business confidence.

The group is also advocating for aongoing role in specialised maintenance to ensure Romsey Ecotherapy Park continues to be astrong town and tourism asset.

“We, in the eastern corridor,cannot afford to lose quality assets,” Ms Stillman said.

“It’saplea from the heart and the knock-on effect to our business confidence cannot be underestimated. These are two elements we feel could make some difference to that.”

Community group Better Futures Romsey backed the

call for greater investment.

BFR representative Cassy Borthwick said the draft budget “lacks imagination” and “lacks investment” in Romsey

She said the draft budget failed Romsey on many fronts including limited investment in infrastructure and alack of action around vacant commercial landholdings.

Ms Borthwick’ssubmission also included suggestions for roadupgrades, crossings, beautification of key town entry points and championed asecondary school with a trade/agricultural focus. She said numerous vacant and inactive valuable commercial sites in Romsey also prompted BRF tocall for a‘commercial vacancy tax’ to encourage reactivation of the town.

Continued page 4

Heart of Vienna

Newham’sJohn Ellis has been awarded aMedal of the Order of Australia in this year’sKing’sBirthdayHonoursfor his service to the winemaking industry. Full story, page 5.

Photo: Jacqui Henshaw

Amy Hume

From Anzacs to The Man from Snowy River,Leslie Binns has been the creative mind behind some of Australia's most iconic filmmaking.

The talented art director and production designer from Kyneton has more than 40 credits to his name. On Monday he also added Medal of the Order of Australia to his achievements for service to the performing arts.

"When the letter came Iwas thrilled –blown away," he said.

"I have met so many creative and talented people in different arts departments over the years and it has been aprivilege to work with them."

His career in the film industry has spanned four decades in Australia and across the world.

Earlier works included Skippy, The Hands of Cormac Joyce (1972), and Eureka Stockade Miniseries (1984), then Robinson Crusoe (1997) with Pierce Brosnan in Papua New Guinea.

But perhaps the most memorable for Kyneton locals was Healing (2014) based on the true story of alow-security prison in Gippsland.

It was shot at Campaspe Downs and involved close work with raptors from Healesville Sanctuary.

"Every project is very different and all have their challenges and high moments," Les said.

It's production design for Moby Dick (1998) that Les credits as one of his biggest challenges to date.

To create the magic of Moby Dick,Les built one of the world's largest horizon tanks from scratch with underwater tracks

and hydraulic arms for whale pieces, and two wave machines.

It took Les 16 weeks to bring to life the Pequod –Herman Melville’s fictional 19thcentury Nantucket whaling ship from the 1851 novel. Les also constructed much of the featured whaling town and parts of the whale itself.

His work on Moby Dick saw him nominated for an American Emmy for outstanding art direction.

It was also Les' brilliant creative mind behind the sets of Home Alone 4,design behind Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001), and Salem's Lot Miniseries (2004).

Les has been made alife member of The Society of Australian CinemaPioneers for his industry contribution.

His artistic talent is not confined to the screen. Les has also illustrated books and produced many other creative works.

Some of Les’s set designs.

Leslie Binns at work in his studio.

Council news

Council proud to win multiple awards

We’reproud to announcethatCouncil is the recipient of twoawards, both of which recognisethe delivery of twovery different projects Boorp Boorp Boondyil, an extraordinaryexhibition dedicatedto sharingJaarastories and teachings, is one of the inauguralwinners of Reconciliation Victoria’s2023MaggoleeAwards. This award celebrates and recognises strong partnerships between Victorian localgovernmentsand FirstNations Peoples.

StanleyPark NorthPlaySpace in Harcourt,aspacewith trees, accessible swings,a climbing wall, apple boxesand more,has won LGPro’sCommunity Assets &InfrastructureInitiative($5 million and under).This awardrecognises initiatives thatbenefitthe community, showcase partnerships and manage community assets. Well done to everyone who worked on thesecommunity projects. Find out more at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/News

Sexoffence charges

Chargeshavebeenlaid againsta protective services officer from Transit and Public Safety Command following aninternalinvestigation. The male PSO hasbeencharged with historical sexual

offending against twovictims in Gisborne in 2006 and 2007, before he joined Victoria Police.The 31-year-old has been summonsed toappear before amagistrates courtatalater date

Wins for youth projects

Woodend Neighbourhood House’s Woodend xLevel-Up and Macedon Ranges Shire Council’sArt Space projects have received funding in the 2023 Victorian Youth Fest grants.

Victorian Youth Fest is amonth-long celebration in September,which provides grants of up to $2000 to eligible organisations to host events, led by and for young people aged between 12 and 25.

Part activation, part exhibition, Art Space is aconcept connecting young people in the Macedon Ranges through the unique tapestry of rural life –focusing on challenging societal bias and stereotypes of youth mental health.

An art exhibition, workshops and an

Counselling available in Castlemaine

Lifeline Loddon Mallee is offering affordable grief andloss counsellingservices foradults in Mount Alexander Shire.

Location: SpencleyBuilding, 142 Cornish Street,Castlemaine

Fee: $30

Bookings: Call 0473 221 662tobook an appointment

Find out more at lifelinelm.org.au/counselling. To reachLifeline’s helpline,call 13 11 14.

Learn to be inclusive in an emergency

Join us at the Disability InclusionEmergency Preparedness Forum to learn howtomakeemergencymanagement moreinclusiveof people with disability and carers.

When: Friday16June, 10.00am to 3.00pm

Where: CastlemaineFireStation, 383BarkerStreet, Castlemaine

Cost: Free (lunch included)

Find out more on the home page of ourwebsite.

Employment opportunities

BusinessSupportOfficer –Community Partnerships –part time

Heritage and Urban Design Officer –fulltime

Civic Facilities Officer –parttime

Clinical Governance –seekingindependent representatives

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday 19 June

Manager People and Culture –fulltime

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday 3July

Find out moreatmountalexander.vic.gov.au/Current_vacancies.

Upcoming Council meeting

ThenextCouncil meetingisat6.30pm on Tuesday20June

5471 1700

interactive live art event will be delivered in the first week of the term three school holidays. The program will be shaped byyouth leaders involved in the Macedon Ranges Live4Life Program.

Woodend Neighbourhood House will provide an inclusive youth-focused event in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council youth team and Level-Up Gaming Events during Youth Fest 2023.

The event will use gaming activities to help breakdown stigma associated with social isolation.

Applications supporting regional and rural events, and underrepresented community groups were prioritised through the Youth Fest program.

Romsey ‘bottom of list’

From page 1

COMMERCIAL VACANCY TAXCALL

BFR believes afinancial penalty would motivate property owners to either sell or open for business.

“We’ve got 24 vacant sites within the town –some of them land, some of them buildings, all in varying shapes and sizes,” Ms Borthwick said.

“It seems inappropriate that they should be able to increase in value while they’re not being utilised and holding opportunities back for potential investment and economic growth for Romsey and the East Ward.”

Ms Borthwick said she understood St Kilda was exploring asimilar option. Another submission to the council identified successful models operating in the USA.

However,Macedon Ranges Shire Council’sdirector of corporate, Adele Drago-Stevens, said such adifferential rate proposal would “likely contravene ministerial guidelines”. Under the Local Government Act, councils can declare adifferential rate for any land, which may include ahigher rate for properties that are commercial/industrial

properties. Council currently charges commercial/industrial properties at 20 per cent more than the general rate.

Drago-Stevens said vacant land sites, even those that were commercial/industrial, were currently charged the general rate. It is not until it is built on that it has the higher differential rate applied.

“Council can declare differential rates for vacant or unused property, however,ifonly asmall number of properties are affected, as would be the case in the Macedon Ranges, this rate is likely to contravene ministerial guidelines,” she said.

“Therefore, it would not be appropriate to only select vacant commercial properties in townships and charge them adifferential rate.

“Broadly,the council supports commercial sites being purposefully used and we continue to explore arange of options to support local businesses and bring the best out of our towns.”

The council will consider all budget submissions for determination at the Scheduled Council Meeting to be held June 28.

OAMfor winemaking pioneer

Angela Crawford

John Ellis is atrue pioneer of winemaking in the Macedon Ranges.

Arguably the first person in Australia to make amerlot, cabernet merlot, cool climate chardonnay and fumé blanc, he has also worked tirelessly to build up the food and wine tourism industry in the region, and indeed across the country

This, together with decades spent in numerous executive roles on industry bodies and as anational wine show judge, has now seen him awarded aMedal of the Order of Australia in this year’sKing’sBirthday Honours for his service to the industry

John graduated from Roseworthy College dux of his class and began his career in the Barossa Valley,going on to become the first winemaker at Rosemount Estate in NSW and later Tisdall Wines.

“I was headhunted to set up Peter Tisdall’soperation in Echuca and that’swhen Ireally started to understand the regions of Victoria and what grape varieties were suited,” he said.

In 1982, John and his wife Ann established Hanging Rock Winery at Newham with aview to creating cool-climate sparkling wine.

“Webought this place to grow grapes to make sparkling wine in particular,but there’s more to making wine than just making one thing, so we bought grapes from wherever we could, mostly from the Heathcote region, and made arange of table wines to complement the sparkling wine,” John said.

“The sparkling wine also takes along time so we didn’t release the first sparkling wine until 1992/3.”

John has held executive positions on

many regional and national industry associations, including the Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association, Macedon Regional Tourism Association, Victorian Food and Wine Tourism Council and Victorian Wine Industry Association –which was tasked with defining the state’sgeographic indications for its various wine growing regions.

“I was the executive officer at the time. The really tricky regions were initially the Macedon Ranges and the King Valley,” he told the Express

“Later Iwas given the task to help split Heathcote from the Bendigo region, which was the hardest of them all it took alot of negotiating.”

John was also integral to the development of the annual Budburst Food and Wine Festival in the Macedon Ranges.

“Wetried to lead by example here as to the sort of thing that you could do to attract people to the region by attracting them to us first, so we invested heavily in that,” he said.

“It’sa successful festival in that it draws people into the region for the weekend, and that’swhat tourism is really about, it’sabout staying for awhile.”

John’sson Rob is now chief winemaker at Hanging Rock and his daughter Ruth manages the business. He credits his wife and his children for much of his success.

“I couldn’t have done it all without the help of my family,inparticular my wife Ann, without her holding the fort at the winery,none of this would have been possible,” he said.

“And when you have alife ambition, when you’re setting something like this up, that your kids might be involved we’ve got both of them involved so we’re very pleased about that, it’sthe most important outcome of them all.”

Truck driver killed

Aman died after his truck struck atree in Shelbourne, just north of Maldon, in the early hours of last Thursday morning. The rig was travelling along Newbridge Road when it appears the vehicle struck a fallen tree, left the road and hit atree. The crash scene was located by apassing motorist who raised the alarm shortly before 4am.

The driver,who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and will prepare areport for the coroner.The man’s death marked the 141 fatality on Victorian roads in 2023. The toll was at ashocking 16year high entering the long weekend, up on 103 deaths for the same period last year

We'reHiring

Nurse- Division 1or2

FullTimeorPart Time

Duetoongoing high patientdemand, we currently haveanexciting opportunity fora nurse to join ourteam!

With alarge team of GPs, nurses and medical receptionists, teamwork is highly valued and encouraged in our practice, enabling us to offer high-quality healthcare in arelaxedand friendly environment.

If you, or someone youknow wouldlike more information,please email Leanne Gamble at lgamble@campaspefp.com.au

Hanging Rock Winery’sJohn Ellis with his son, Rob.

Last chance to claim $2950 Solar BatteryRebate

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The $2950 Solar Victoria Battery Rebate is available to eligible customers until June 30 only.But, as Paul Blackman from solar specialists Central Spark says, it’sbest to get in right away to avoid the last-minute “application rush”.

Solar Victoria advises customers interested in the rebate to first contact an authorised solar retailer for aquote. It’svery easy to claim asolar battery rebate. Contact Central Spark for abattery system quotation and they’ll help you submit. It’sthatsimple.

Paul says Central Spark can customise any solar system for any application –solar batteries included. Central Spark can put ameaningful solar battery package together from just under $13,000. And including the rebate the ‘sting’ has been taken out of the expense so now is the time to order your system.

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What motivates solar owners to install abattery? “It’sabout making better use of otherwise wasted export of solar to the grid,” says Paul.

“It’sabout continuing the journey toward electrifying homes with clean energy and gaining more independence from the power companies.”

Call Matt, Nadyne or Paul to talk about securing this very special rebate, the largest rebate of its kind, or any of your solar requirements including going offgrid completely.Central Spark Victoria are the dedicated experts in the region.

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Food for the soul sou

Jade Jungwirth

The Cup of Kindness Community Food Vanisa new initiative designed to offer alittle help to local people who are doing it tough.

The little green and purple van will be parked in Mechanics Lane Castlemaine (just down from the library entrance) every Thursday from 10am to 2pm serving free hot soup and sandwiches, alongside tea and coffee.

The Cup of Kindness is the brainchild of Di Thorpe who originally purchased and ran the community food van in Ulverstone in Tasmania.

"I tried running the Cup of Kindness in Ulverstone but as asmall community,the concept didn't take. We moved the meals to the church hall and on the first night there was only one person but now,three years on, they have 70 people attending," Di told the Express

"I moved here last year and the van was full of stuffand gathering dust while Ibuilt atiny home. So once the house was finished, Inoticed there was a real need here and Ithought the van would be perfect for this community."

Di enlisted help from members of the Maldon Baptist Church and the Castlemaine Church of Christ and before long volunteers were chopping vegetables, stirring pots and

making sandwiches. "I'm in the process of getting part of the sign changed to say 'food for the tummy and soul'. And in summer we're going to start serving ice creams," Di said.

"I love it. But the funny thing is, Idon't like cooking and I'm

not very good at it!"

Last Thursday was the little van'sdebut appearance and Di and fellow volunteers Karen and Denise went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt welcome, including supplying warm coats and scarves to those in need.

Sports precinct work to resume

Works will resume on the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct’sfirst stage this month following the appointment of builder Monaco Hickey MacedonRanges Shire Council has been working with administrators and potential contractors on aresolution following the announcement ofLloyd Group going into voluntary administration and works pausing in late March.

MRSC CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said securing the priority project’sfuture, given the difficult circumstances, minimised the impact on the project’s momentum.

“As part of the agreement, the contractor has agreed to re-engage existing subcontractors and site staffwherever possible," he said.

"This was an important consideration for the council, knowing there were a number of local companies and workers on the books previously.”

Melbourne-based Monaco Hickey is adivision of wholly Australian-owned business Roberts Co. Roberts Co is a national tier-one construction company that delivers major projects in many sectors including commercial, health, education, hospitality and residential.

The Cup of Kindness team is looking at applying for the next round of council grants next month but in the meantime is reliant solely on donations, so if anyone is interested in donating food, clothing or their time cooking or serving, email Di at diannet@protonmail.com

Work on stage one ofthe Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct began last year,with significant progress made since, including site setup, drainage, utility connections, building foundations, earthworks on the new oval and structural works on the sports hub.

The firststage includes athree-court sports hub, anatural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

Stage one of the New Gisborne project is targeted for completion by mid-2024.

Denise served Anne acup of piping hot soup at the Cup of Kindness Community Food Van at last Thursday’s debut.

Park of theYear

Romsey Ecotherapy Park has been crowned Park of The Year at Parks and Leisure Australia’s2023 VIC/TAS Regional Awards of Excellence.

The park was awarded for its innovative design and strong community collaboration which was the culmination of a14-year community led initiative by Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc.

The group, with the help of Macedon Ranges Shire Council, set out to create aregionally significant place to enhance health and wellbeing for all ages and abilities.

Aplan was created for an innovative nature-based space for passive recreation, incorporating visual cultural elements, unique sensory and therapeutic opportunities and capacity for open-air performances and events.

The park officially opened in October 2022 and features aclimbing forest, ropes

course, flying fox,water features, asensory garden, a‘woodland ramble’ and an events space with picnic and barbecue facilities.

Adding tothe innovative design are numerous sculptural installations highlighting the talent of local artists and aspecial ‘Story Telling Chair’.

The design also includes sustainable features such as solar lighting and recycled and locally sourced materials

Existing trees were retained and more than 4000 native and exotic plantswere added with an emphasis on texture, scent and floral display as well as resilience and low water usage. The park was designed by ACLA Consultants, built by Commercialscapes and made possible through the support of various contributors.

As aVIC/TAS Region winner,the Romsey Ecotherapy Park will contend for the National Park of the Year award in October 2023.

Pictured from left are MRSC business support officer Maryanne Mocnik, MRSC open space and recreation manager Simon Finlay and ACLA Consultants lead architect Michael Black.

Woodend in for top tourism title

Woodend has been named afinalist in the 2023 TACVictorian TopTourism Town Awards.

The Macedon Ranges town is competing for the top title in the small regional Victorian town category alongside Heathcote, Koroit and Sorrento.

Award finalists have demonstrated astrong commitment to tourism, excellent visitor experience, and strong collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said Woodend had many elements that made it atop tourist destination.

“Woodend has abeautiful natural environment with views of Mount Macedon, the iconic Hanging Rock just astone’sthrow away,delicious local produce, amazing cafes and restaurants, an awardwinning brewery and amazing wineries close by,” she said.

“There is always something to see and do too, such as regular markets and the annual Woodend Winter Arts Festival."

Woodend was named most liveable regional town in Victoria earlier this year in aPwC study

Cr Death encouraged people to show their support and vote for Woodend in this year’sVTIC awards.

“Awards like these help get the word out about our beautiful region and attract more visitors, who ultimately end up supporting our local businesses by buying products, dining in our cafes and restaurants, or staying in local accommodation,” she said.

“Woodend’schance to win is based on apublic vote andvoting only takes amatter of minutes –we’d love to see it come out on top among some impressive competition.”

As an extra incentive, voters can go into the draw to win aluxurious weekend for two in Melbourne.

Woodend’snomination comes ayear after Mount Macedon won the Victorian TopTiny Town award for 2022, followed by bronze at the national awards.

Voting is open now until June 22 at 5pm. State winners will be announced on July 26 and will go on represent Victoria in national awards.

To make your vote count, visit: vtic.com.au/toptourismtown

Aloveofadventuring A love e of adventuring

Angela Crawford

The joy of seeing young people learning and adventuring is the reason Alex Forrest has dedicated decades to the scouting movement.

The Mount Macedon resident'spassion began as achild spending several years as ascout himself, but it wasn't until the early 1980s, when Alex'ssons joined cubs and his daughters joined guides, that he got involved as an adult in scouting.

"In the 1990s Ibecame an assistant district commissioner in the Kew district," he told the Express

"I was in uniform for four or five years and then decided I'd be more use and have more fun out of uniform, and over the years I've been district chairman, district treasurer,region chairman.

"Then when we moved up here Icalled the local region commissioner up here and asked if he could use an extra body

"From there Igot involved in property management for scouts and became amember ofthe branch property committee and then Iwas elected to the branch executive committee (the board ofScouts Victoria) and spent nine years as chairman of the property committee.

"Since then I've been involved with the local Macedon Ranges district having alot of fun."

Alex said his involvement in scouts was fulfilling for two reasons.

"When Iwas young Iwas brought up to believe that we had certain benefits and privileges because of what the people before us did, and therefore we had an obligation to build on that foundation and leave something better for the kids following us," hesaid.

"Scouting is very much oriented towards kids having fun and adventure but in asafe environment.

"What we do is not just helping kids now,but building their abilities and their resilience so they can then live happy and effective lives down the track.

"That, and just watching the kids have aball!"

In 2017, Alex was awarded the National Presidents Award for Eminent Achievement andMeritorious Service to Scouting Australia.

He has now been awarded aMedalofthe Order ofAustralia for service to youth through Scouts in this year's King's Birthday Honours.

Healthy choicesinyourown backyard

Soon you will begin to see more of the region’s growers and fresh food retailers in acampaign to target healthy eating and supporting locally grown produce.

The recently-launched SupportOur Own. Choose Locally Grown multi-media campaign is being promoted across local media including television, online and social media.

Harcourt growers The Orchard Keepers and Kyneton retailer WattsFresh featuretohelp spread the word about benefits of eating fresh local produce.

The campaign is an initiative of Healthy Loddon Campaspe.

Coordinator Alicia O’Brien said the Loddon region was spoilt for choice when it came to healthy local options.

“There is ahuge variety of produce grown within the Loddon Campaspe region for the community to choose from including apples, avocadoes, oranges, pears, potatoes, tomatoes and leafy greens,” Ms O’Brien said.

“Our region has awide selection to choose from, as well as awide selection of places to buy locally grown.

“The campaign also aims to increase community knowledge around healthy food, and how simple it is to eat and cook with locally grown fruit and vegetables.”

The campaign focuses on some of the main benefits

of locally grown fruit and veg including: good health, fresher food with lower miles travelled, seasonal produce, support for the local economy,and accessibility

As part of the campaign, Healthy Loddon Campaspe has created an online resource page for the community to access at: healthyloddoncampaspe.au/chooselocallygrown

The page lists local growers, retailers and farmers markets that grow and sell locally grown produce, as well as providing information on in-season fruit and vegetables, and recipes using locally grown and in-season produce.

Dean Lamb from Watts Fresh in Kyneton is supporting the campaign as astockist of awide variety of produce, including locally grown.

Pictured is Ingrid Phyland from The Orchard Keepers in Harcourt. Ingrid grows pears, apples, cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums.

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King’s BirthdayHonours

Literacytrailblazer recognised with OAM

Castlemaine teacher,educational consultant and author Rosemary McKenry has received aMedal of the Order of Australia for service to education in this year's King's Birthday Honours.

Rosie said she was shocked to receive the award honour

"There are so many amazing teachers working in our Indigenous communities and in the English as aSecond Language space. Ifeelalittle embarrassed to be singled out," Rosie said.

The fact the awards are the first under King Charles held special meaning for the retired educator

"I actually had the opportunity to meet a young Prince Charles while Iwas living and teaching at aschoolinPapua New Guinea in the 1960s with my first husband and our three little boys," she said.

"He visited our school with fellow students from Timbertop and Ifound him to be alovely boy."

Rosie later worked as ateacher and educational consultant working with Koorie students in the Shepparton region, which led her to co-author the book Deadly eh, Cuz! :Teaching Speakers of Koorie English (1996).

She also worked as ateacher of spoken and written English at Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE from 1998-2007 and with Greek students in Richmond, which inspired her book See Youse Later: Teaching Literacy to Australians, Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Educational Council (2005).

"I met agirl there who made me realise that students wanted to learn Australian English in order to fit in with the other kids," she said.

In the late 90s and early 2000s Rosie enjoyed numerous stints working in Western Australian schools, including Indigenous communities in the Kimberley

"It was life changing. Icame to understand that English was asecond or sometimes third language for these children, and educational methods and resources needed to recognise this and capture the local language and teachings for future generations," she said.

Rosie co-authored Mandajarra Nyikina:

Twoarrested over thefts

A19-year-old and 25-year-old from Reservoir have been arrested and charged in relation to aspate of thefts from motor vehicles in the Gisborne area in May.

Both men will appear before the Heidelberg Magistrates Court on June 20.

Celebrate adult educators

Nominations have opened for the Victorian Learn Local Awards, which celebrate excellence in the adult and community education sector

Categories at this year’sevent celebrate trainers, leaders, learners, and Learn Local programs –including the Ro Allen Award for Pre-accredited Learner (skills for study and life).

Cultural Resources for Nyikina Language and Cultural Codes, Madjulla (2004).

The educator settled in Castlemaine in 1998 and married her second husband Bruce Mitchell in 2004 at Buda.

Bruce has joined Rosie on various trips to the west and the pair have also collaborated on anumber of educational projects.

Rosie said one of their highlights was working with South Sudanese employees at Don KR Castlemaine.

"I have been amember ofRural Australians for Refugees for many years, and Iwas impressed by the generosity of the Castlemaine community from the outset. We had afantastic pool of community volunteers who assisted us in this work," Rosie said.

"They have alovely classroom up there, but it soon occurred to Bruce and Ithat the majority of English as aSecond Language educational material is geared towards young children.

"Together,weproduced 50 books through his company 'Publishing &Data' covering three levels targetedfor teens and adults and these books have since been sold all over Australia and in other countries."

The prize pool totals $84,000, with organisation award category winners each receiving $10,000, individual category winners receiving $5000 and all category finalists receiving $1000.

To explore the categories and make a nomination, visit: vic.gov.au/learn-localawards

Castlemaine OAM Rosie McKenry is proudly pictured with her husband and longtime collaborator Bruce Mitchell.

Soil removed fromsupermarketsite from supermarkeet t site

Lisa Dennis

Work has begun to prepare the old Castlemaine gasworks site for aproposed new Woolworths supermarket.

Four Lantrak trucks have removed two mounds of soil from the Lascorp Investment Group site on Duke Street.

The activity sparked intense debate on local social media site Castlemania as some community members welcomed the beginning of works while others raised concerns about potential contamination of the soil.

One local objector and business person has been vocal about the toxic nature of gasworks sites and several other community members voiced concerns that the site should be cleaned up and the soil managed appropriately

Others argued the new supermarket would see all surfaces sealed –a welcome result for the neighbouring school and wider community

One resident claimed the soil had previously been removed and dumped in local bushland by another contractor before being spotted by aneighbour and ordered back to the site by the Environment Protection Authority

An EPAspokesperson told the Express it was aware of the Duke Street site, and the developers understood their obligations to be compliant with the Environment Protection Act.

"Work to remove soil from the site must also comply with the regulations and the soil taken to afacility licensed to accept it," the EPAspokesperson said.

"EPAuses the online Wastetracker system to ensure that is happening."

Earlier this year,a spokesperson from Lascorp Investment Group assured residents the soil on the former gasworks site

would "be dealt with according to its classification and if required will be removed and taken to disposal facilities in Melbourne".

ALascorp spokesperson told the Express that Lantrak was engaged to assist with managing the removal of some stockpiles on site in preparation for the development.

"All soils have been classified by an independent environmental consultant and taken to alicensed EPAreceiving facility," the spokesperson said.

"Pre-commencement and preparatory activities are well advanced in the lead up to commencing the works on site.

"Weare looking forward to the commencement of this exciting development

to deliver for Castlemaine and surrounding areas afirst-class supermarket and retail experience, inclusive of upgrades to public roads and park area."

Mount Alexander Shire Council had originally granted apermit for asmaller 1500m2 supermarket development –a potential Aldi store –and two specialty shops at the site in April 2018. However, the developer then submitted plans for a 3300m2 supermarket to cater to alarger Woolworths store layout.

The developer took the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal when council failed to make adetermination on the new permit in the prescribed time.

Council later voted against supporting the larger supermarket.

In December,VCATset aside council's decision, paving the way for the Woolworths store subject to alengthy list of conditions.

Lascorp has stated that once the permit process is completed, abuilder appointed and the project begins, the build itself should only take between 10-12 months to complete. Acouncil spokesperson said council had not yet received any notification of abuilding permit beingissued for the supermarket site.

"The developer is preparing documentation to meet the conditions of the planning permit," the spokesperson said.

Alocal community member snapped this image of the Lantrak trucks on site late last month. Photo: Supplied.

A local y membbeer snapppeed of month Supplied

Familiesdisadvantaged

The recent capping of public transport fares has been celebrated by many in central Victoria, in particular individuals who regularly commute to Melbourne, but the new pricing structure has resulted in the eradication of the popular Family Saver Ticket, putting families travelling with young children at adisadvantage.

Castlemaine resident Nina Trikojus told the Express that as amother of two young children, aged seven and three, the fee change had resulted in an increase in fees for her family

"The family saver ticket has been taken away,sofor someone with kids, the price has increased for short trips," Nina said. "With the new fare structure, it now costs me $9 for just two stops, whereas previously it was amaximum of $6 and this will increase to $13 when my youngest turns five."

Nina said that as someone who homeschooled her children, it was important to be able to take them to Bendigo for educational outings and she regularly travelled to Woodend to visit family AV/Line spokesperson told the Express

Snowseekers plan ahead

Victoria Police is urging those travellingtohit theslopestoplan ahead after thousands of visitors had their trip disrupted lastyear duetoinadequate planning.

Lastyear’ssnowseasonresulted in arecord number of visitors heading to Victorian snowfields.

While the majority of visitors were preparedfor the conditions, about 5700vehicles wereturned around by policeand authorised officers at Mt Hotham alone fornot carryingappropriatewheelchains to drive in the snow.

VictoriaPoliceand authorisedofficerswillagain be conducting random vehicle checks, bothatalpineresorts and the roads leading to resorts, this year to ensure wheel chain compliance. Wheel chains are acrucial piece of equipmentwhen driving in alpine conditions, preserving the stability and traction of thevehicle’swheels on roads affectedbysnow or ice.

that the regional fare cap was proving popular with Castlemaine passengers.

"There have been more than 33,000 trips taken from Castlemaine Station in the first two months since the cap was introduced," the spokesperson said.

“The cap is benefiting the overwhelming majority of Victorians, with passengers paying the same maximum daily fee no matter where they’re travelling.”

According to V/Line, the family traveller tickets (which permitted up to two children to travel for free with afull-fare paying adult) were made unavailable when the regional fare cap was introduced on March 31.

"I think it'spretty unfair and avery Melbourne-centric viewpoint," Nina said.

"What'shappened is great for some people, but we rarely go to Melbourne and as acountry family,who prefer to stay in the country,it'smademefeel alittle hard done by

"I've always taken the train when Ican because it'sbetter for the environment and (was) more financially viable, but the new fares are only favouring aportion of the population."

It is alegal requirement to carry suitablewheel chains at all timesduring thesnow seasonand theymust be fitted whendirected to do so.

When thecapping of regional fares came into effect in March, the Family Saver Ticket disappeared –resulting in an increase in fees for families travelling short distances.

Checkthe wood is good

Illegalfirewood operators are being put on notice, as theConservationRegulator and Parks Victoria urge people to source their winterfirewood from reputable sellers and report dodgy dealers.

They sayfirewood theft from public land is asignificant problem across Victoria that heavily impacts critical wildlifehabitat and cultural heritage.Muchof thestolen timberissoldonto unsuspecting customers.

Firewood sellers can only sell timber sourcedlegally from awholesale supplier, commercial wood lot or from private land with the permission of thelandowner followingguidelines.

It can be difficultfor customers to recognisereputablefirewood sellers, so buyers are encouraged to ask wherethe wood is from andifthey can get areceipt.

Buyers should reportdetailsabout suspicious sellers or firewood theft from public landbycalling 136 186.

Authorised officers are patrolling forests, parks and reserves.

LOCALS returns to C-DOC

Castlemaine Documentary Festival

opens this Friday

For opening night LOCALS returns and attendees will once again enjoy a wonderful selection of creative short-form storytelling from locals of Castlemaine and surrounds.

In 2022 Castlemainians of all ages and experience produced an impressive slate of short documentaries to play on the festival’sopening night. The Theatre Royal

was packed to the rafters with an eager audience ready to experience what the local talent had to offer

In 2023 LOCALS is back with another selection of documentary shorts made by locals of Castlemaine and surrounds.

Thirteen local filmmakers will present adiverse range of intriguing stories up on the big screen. Once again, the colour and diversity of local voices is set to impress.

From explorations of 'What Makes a

Local' to a'moment of nature and its innate choreography', contemplations of the 'power of kindness in the context of aTruck Show' and insight into the creative process behind dance troup Lady Fun Timesand the birth of Castlemaine Fringe, LOCALS 2023 definitely celebrates arich and vibrant community

Go along to hear local stories told by local voices at the festival'sopening night. Bookings via cdocff.com.au

Anyone caught cutting or taking timber illegally from public landcan face on-thespot-fines of $740 or amaximum penalty of $9246 and/or one yearjail if the matter is taken to court.

Chainsaws, trailers and vehicles can also be seizedifthey’re detected as being used for the offending.

For people looking to collectfirewood, the autumn firewood collectionseason from publicland is open until June30in designated areas.

People may collectamaximum of two cubic metresof firewood per person per day andamaximum of 16 cubic metres of firewood perhouseholdper financial year Only fallen timber withouthollowscan be collected.

We couldn’t have done it without you.

We’ve completed one of the biggest projects ever in Powercor and your communities are safer for it.

Over the last 6years, we’ve rolled out 22 Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters across communities in central, northern and western Victoria.

Thank you for your patience while we’ve worked hard to deliver these safety devices in your communities.

REFCLsare reducing the risk of powerline-related bushfires. They are protecting around 300,000customers serviced by 17,800km of powerlines.

Therollout followed the 2009Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations and it’sbeen amassive undertaking by our dedicated team.

Thesupport of everyone in our communities has helped us to deliver it safely

While this project is finished, we’re now onto our next challenges. This includes making sure our network is supporting the greater electrificationofhomes,businesses, cars and transport. Eachyear, we’re also integratingmorerenewableenergy from both largesolar andwindfarms androoftop solar systems

Campaigners come together

Join the Central Victoria Australian Conservation Foundation Community to discuss the next steps for forest defenders following the Victorian government's announcementthat logging will cease at the end of 2023.

Activists have worked long and hard to protect our native forests. Throughout those demanding times, both young and old camped out, faced bulldozers and aching cold. They spent days and nights in what was often damp and rugged bushland.

Their commitment was to protect the mountain forests that harboured endangered species including the greater glider, the leadbeater’spossum, phascogales, koalas, eagles,and lyrebirds. They worked tirelessly while watchingwildlife habitat being decimated by indiscriminate logging.

Now there is time to draw breath. It’sa good time for everyone to come together and join in celebrating this win for the environment.

Go along and join campaigners at 7pm on Monday June26atthe Northern Arts Hotel for apanel discussion on the next steps along with aQ&A session.

To talk attendees through the issues will be Cam Walker,campaigns coordinator for Friends of the Earth, and Amy Calton, campaign coordinator for the Wombat Action Group.

The group has also invited Brendan Sydes, ACF’sbiodiversity policy advisor and former EJA lawyer

Amy and Cam will provide first-hand insight into their vision for the future.

Amy warned of the needfor vigilance as the government could now legally get out of wood pulp but that remained to be seen. She said it was vital make sure the government held to its promise with ecologicallypositiveoutcomes.

In arecent radio interview,renowned forest ecologistProfessor Lindenmayer spoke of the potential for supporting affected contractors; and liaising with First Nations people in restoring these iconic forests, foreseeingbenefits for all communities.

The Northern Arts Hotel bar will be open and light refreshments will be provided by ACF Community Central Victoria. Bookings canbemade at northernartshotel.com.au/the-coolroom

Expert advice in a supportive environment

Specialising in Family Law, Criminal Law &Intervention Orders

Christian education in the heart of CampbellsCreek

The team at JS Lawhas more than 50 years of combined experience in family and criminal law, servicing Central Victoria.

We understand the long-lasting impacts family and criminal lawmatters can cause,and approach all cases with compassion and respect.

Learn theimpacts of vaping

In response to agrowing concern about vaping among young people, Castlemaine Library is hosting acommunity information night this Thursday

Back by popular demand, this free information session presented by community health nurse Bron Grieve will include the most up-to-date information on vaping from ahealth, government and legal perspective and is aimed at supporting and informing the community and young people in the world of vaping.

Ms Grieve and Leading Senior Constable Wayne Cairnes from Victoria Police will be there for any questions you may have.

Parents and carers can hope to gain a better understanding of what vaping is, why our youth are doing it, and what the health risks are. The discussion will provide ample opportunities for parents to ask questions and feel better informed about how they can support their young people to not vape, or stop vaping.

Castlemaine Library manager Jess Saunders said they had organised this session in response to hearing from both primary school and secondary school staffand families that this was agrowing concern.

"The library prioritises health literacy and communication, and this session will be vital to understanding what we can do as acommunity with these concerns,” Ms Saunders said.

Ms Grieve said many young people believed that vaping was safe; that it was just water vapour

"In fact, 38 chemicals contained are listed as poisons on the Australian Poisons standard," she said.

"Research tells us that while the adverse health effects of vaping are still largely unknown, it is evident that vaping

is becoming amajor health concern, and the laws around vaping have recently tightened as well."

Vaping –A Community Information Night

Bring your dancing boots

Would you like to enjoy some good old-fashioned country fun?

Lauriston Community Hall is the place. On Saturday June 17 at 5pm the well-respected bush band ‘EATYAGREENS’ will be playing some great country music and calling dances.

Bring the family and friends to this warming and welcoming event.

Children under 16 are free and for adults, it’sa modest cost.

Sausage sizzle, sweets, tea and coffee are provided; byo drinks and your dancing boots. Optional dancing of course, but think how fit you could get!

Support your local halls. Book at: www.trybooking.com/CHYKZ

Backing for heritage bid

The Victorian Goldfields UNESCO World Heritage bid has been given a boost with $3.8 million announced in the Victorian Budget for championing Victoria’soutstanding heritage.

World Heritage will bring worldwide recognition and attention and is estimated to beworth $1 billion to the region over 10 years. It is expected to grow the global visitor market, drive sustainable tourism and jobs.

Meanwhile, atargeted tourism investment strategy will start delivering benefits in the short-term.

The bid is the initiative of a regional partnership made up of the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive and 13 local councils including Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Hepburn.

Chair of the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive, Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor,said atourism masterplan currently being developed featured exciting 'World Heritage Journeys' to disperse visitors throughout the region.

“It will take in our smallerregional and rural communities meaning there are no winners and losers, only winners,” he said.

Macedon Ranges mayor,Cr Annette Death, welcomed the funding.

will be held from 5.30pm-7pm this Thursday at Castlemaine Library.Thisisafree event, but bookings are required and can be made at www.goldfieldslibraries.com

“This worldwide recognition would complement our owntourism initiatives here in the Macedon Ranges and our ownunique heritage, which we’re currently inviting submissions on to help inform arevised Heritage Strategy,” she said.

To get involved in co-designing an exciting future for the Goldfields region and to learn more about the bid visit: goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au

Mount Alexander Shire youth development officer Shannon Lacy, police officer Wayne Cairnes, CSC wellbeing team member Shera Blaise and community health nurse Bron Grieve are pictured with some of the vapes that can be found in the local community.

Harnessing beneficial fungi

Beneficial fungi are disappearing from our soils at an alarming rate, but one nursery in Harcourt is hoping to reverse the trend.

Carr’sOrganic Fruit Tree Nursery in Harcourt is the only Victorian supplier of certified organic fruit trees, which makes them quite ararity.But does it really matter if fruit trees are grown organically?

To answer that, Katie Finlay from Carr’s nursery explained that we had to head into the soil.

“You've probably heard about the wonderful world of microbes beneath our feet. There are literally trillions of bacteria, fungi, worms, and many other organisms living in the soil," Katie said.

“They're collectively called the ‘soil food web’ or the 'natural fertility system' because it explains the way that plants naturally get their food from the soil. The system works perfectly because it has evolved with plants over the last 500 million years.”

Katie said there was aparticular type of fungi that lived in very close association with most plants, including fruit trees.

"They’re called mycorrhizal fungi and they’re incredible, because they actually live inside the plants themselves," she said. "They burrow into the plant root and deliver moisture and nutrients in exchange for food from the plants.

"Not only do these fungi feed our fruit trees and vegies, but amazing new research is showing that they even help plants communicate between themselves, warning each other about things like aphid attack."

Despite the fact that 90 per cent of our food plants depend on these all-important mycorrhizal fungi, they are under attack. These fungi are fragile and are easily damaged by most modern agricultural practices like tillage, insecticides, fungicides, and weed sprays.

“It’sreally alarming. Some estimates say that 90 per cent of mycorrhizal fungi have already disappeared from our soils," Katie said.

"One of the worst culprits is artificial fertilisers. It’slike giving the plants adiet of junk food, which interferes with their relationship with the fungi.

"Over time, the fungi die out, and then the trees become dependent on fertilisers to get their food. It’sa vicious cycle."

In an attempt to reverse this damaging trend, Carr's Organic Fruit Tree Nursery uses arange of techniques to make sure the fruit trees are colonised with mycorrhizal fungi right from the beginning.

“Weuse things like green manure crops, minimum tillage, and woodchip mulch to encourage and protect the soil fungi," Katie said.

"Weaim to produce trees that are already colonised with the all-important mycorrhizal fungi when we send them to their new homes.

"It helps to recolonise the soil, and it’s the best way to make sure they’ll grow strongly right from the beginning.”

Katie said there was plenty you could do in your garden to support mycorrhi-

zal fungi, particularly if you couldn’t get organic trees.

“Planting agreen manure crop where you’ll be planting your fruit trees is agreat start, but you can also make ahuge difference by dipping the roots in anatural inoculant like worm wee or using areally good quality compost when you plant," she said.

Abig lifeswitch

Nearly three years ago Cathy Jacobs and her husband John Kent, together with their daughter Georgie, took over the reins at Spring Hill Nursery in Tylden. It was a big life switch for Cathy,who left the world of national and international television news and program making after 30 years. But the garden has always been her happy place. And she’sfound that running aplant nursery and garden instead of journalism is not all that different!

Find out why,when she joins Kyneton Horticultural Society for its next speaker night on June Monday 19, 7.30pm at the Kyneton Football Club rooms, Showgrounds, Mollison Street Kyneton.

Bring anything of horticultural interest from your garden for the show and tell table (no longer acompetition), and any produce or excess divisions, cuttings, fruit or veggie harvest items you'd like to share.

Invite family or friends to the speaker nights ($5 guest entry). The more the merrier!

The team at Carr’s orchard are passionate about the benefits of planting bare-rooted organic fruit trees.

Photo: Brendan McCarthy

Cathy Jacobs and her husband John Kent, together with their daughter Georgie, took over the reins at Spring Hill Nursery in Tylden.

Time to rug ru them up

PETCARE

We have been lucky enough to already see aflurry of snow land in our region, which is aclear indication that winter is upon us.

Bearing this in mind, animals will also be feeling the drop in temperature just as much as we are, and may need some extra care to help keep them warm.

Have achat to your vet or staffatthe local pet store to see what they have available for rugging up over the winter.Different types ofmaterials will bebetter suited to certain lifestyles. Achat to aknowledgeable person can help you make the right choice. Jackets andrugs should also be removed if staying inside, to help prevent sores and rubs.

Keep an eye on dogs or cats who tend to curl up close to heaters or fireplaces, they can pose aburns risk

Equine and production animals will need shelter from winds and rain, and provisions of adequate food if their environment becomes too wet.

Older pets who are already affected by arthritis, or ageing pets who are developing arthritis and joint soreness, may express their discomfort alittle more over the coming weeks.

If you are concerned about your pet for the winter period, book in for acheckup with your veterinarian to make sure they are comfortable for the winter

(Information provided by GisborneVeterinaryClinic)

PIC for peace of mind

Horse owners are asked to take asimple step for aspecial friend and register for aProperty Identification Code or PIC.

Agriculture Victoria’smanager of livestock traceability,Ben Fahy,saidPICs provided horse owners an extra level of protection during emergencies.

“If there’sa flood, fire or disease outbreak, we may need to make contact with concerns specific to your animals, or for emergency relief and recovery activities within an impacted area,” Mr Fahy said.

“Getting aPIC is quick, easy,and free via the Agriculture Victoria website –all that’srequired is your contact details, the number of horses and the parcels of land where they’re kept.”

All Victorian properties with livestock, including horses, are required by law to have aPIC, an eight-character code essential for contact and traceability pur-

poses.

“PICs are required whether you keep a horse for recreational, agricultural or competitive purposes –evenfor your brood mare in the paddock,” Mr Fahy said.

“When horses are on agistment away from home, it’sessential that those properties have PICs, which can be applied for by the horse owner or service provider.”

Livestock owners should regularly review their PIC details, and update any changes that have occurred such as change in property address, species of livestock or changes to personal details.

When livestock are offered for sale, given away or bartered via online or print media, the PIC of the property at which the livestock are kept must be included in the advertisement. Register for aProperty Identification Code today via the Agriculture Victoria website, or call 1800 678 779.

Thebest of mates

Rescue puss Shashimi was our Pet of the Month alittle while back. Now after being solely in charge of the humans in his Maldon household for about 15 months, he has apal, another rescue cat called Sprout. The newcomer was gently introduced to ginger ninja Shashimi over afew days. At first they spent their nights apart and were only together for supervised ‘greetings’. But such is the delightful nature of these two ‘pound pussycats’ that they are now inseparable only taking time from their togetherness to play with their owners and have amuch-loved cuddle. They are pictured playfully patting their paws together before having asnooze, together ofcourse!

Stories of survival andhope

Next week marks the 25th anniversary of Refugee Week. Originating in the UK in 1998, to counter hostility toward refugees and asylum-seekers, it has since spread worldwide.

While highlighting the hardship and injustices confronted by displaced persons, Refugee Week aims also to celebrate the contribution made by refugees to their host societies and to foster greater understanding between communities.

In keeping with this theme of inclusion and celebration, Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees will host an event this Sunday afternnoon at Kyneton Town Hall.

From 1pm, prominent refugee advocates will share their stories of escape, survival and hope.

It will be an afternoon of sober reflection but, with popular comedian TomBallard as host and Emcee, there’ssure to be a sprinkling of humour as well.

The afternoon’sprogram will conclude with the drawing of MRRAR’smajorraffle and the launch of astudent writing competition. Local traders have donated raffle prizes totalling over $2500 in value. The writing competition, sponsored by Lions Australia and Aesop’sAttic Bookshop Kyneton, offers prizes worth $200 in each of three age categories, and is open to all secondary students living or studying in Macedon Ranges Shire. Winning entries will bepublished in the Midland Express

Tickets for Sunday’sevent are selling fast, though some are still available online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/refugee-week, by phone: 1300 888 802 or byemail: comedevadmin@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Lizzy Kuoth fled war-torn South Sudan. She mentors young people, striving to promotesocialcohesion. She and her fellow guests are grateful for the second chance at life they have been given and want to share their lessons learned with others.

Musical highlights from Savoy

The Savoy Singers will perform aconcert at the Gisborne Uniting Church on Sunday June 19 at 2pm.

The Singers have been providing entertainment to a huge variety of community and fundraising groups for more than 45 years. The group'sorigins stem from Melbourne’sSavoy Opera Company and most of the current members have performed in principal roles with Savoy Opera and other leading musical theatre companies.

This year’sconcert features well-known highlights from the wonderful musicals we all grew up with.

The Singers last performed at the Uniting Church in 2018.

"The reception and response from the audience was wonderful and we look forward to performing once again for the people of Gisborne," spokesperson James Johnson said.

Tickets are $25 adult, $20 concession/student, and can be bought at the door or from Maree on 5428 3852. Afternoon tea will follow the concert.

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SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledge (1

point)

1. Edgar’s Mission is fundraising to build what structure damaged by the 2021 storms?

2. Jirrahlinga is what type of conservation centre?

3. What does Chin Chin Farm grow on a commercial scale?

4. Castlelmaine Jazz Festival celebrated its opening night with aparty at which venue last week? (3 points)

5. Chef Curtis Stone has named arestaurant in Mexico after which Macedon Ranges town?

General knowledge

(1 point)

6. The Big Freeze is afundraiser to rally behind people with what diagnosis?

7. Which actor starred as Peter Parker in Spider Man: No Way Home?

8. Where in the human body would you find the ulna bone?

9. How many stars appear of the flag of Puerto Rico? (3 points)

10. Who has been appointed as the 30th Governor of Victoria?

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

NO. 9063

Nature touristsnot gunfire

Ratepayer, farmer and business owner (name witheld), Castlemaine

What is it with the Victorian Government and the relentless slaughtering of our native wildlife? ('Destruction coming to our backyard', Midland Express, May 30).

People live in and visit our beautiful regions to enjoy our unique native wildlife –not to have to witness it cruelly killed for the benefit of afew in the petfood industry

Iopen the Herald Sun and Isee 40-plus tourism pages full of our beautiful wildlife and landscapes –not dead animals or tins of Chum.

Wake up Mount Alexander Council. Our shire is lucky enough to still have some wildlife when many others no longer do.

Our precious wildlife are running out of safe places, and the least we can do is appreciate and protect what we are fortunate to still have.

Iwant nature tourists not gunfire, and I’m sure almost everyone feels same as me.

Important meeting HuntlyBarton, Greenhill

Last week’sarticle in the Midland Express announcing the potential merger of RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care with a Tasmanian provider Respect, also advised of ameeting to inform the community of the proposal.

Isuggest that holding the meeting at the Epping Street facility,which means all participants will require aRAT to attend, does not encourage members of the public to participate. Surely the meeting should be held awayfrom the aged care facility where the risk of COVID infection is reduced, for both residents and the public.

The board needs to understand that the organisation, RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care, was created by this community over 64 years ago. It is still held in high regard by the local community who have shown their support by volunteering time and fundraising efforts to benefit this organisation over many years. Our community cares about the future of our not-for-profit, community based organisation.

Irequest that the RM Begg Board arrange for the meeting to take place away from the facility where the attendees are not discouraged by covid restrictions and can attend freely

If there is aneed to inform the residents, then this should be done in house after the public meeting.

Perhaps the Macedon Ranges Shire Council could be approached to provide such aspace for this important meeting.

This has got to stop RodHadfield, Chewton

Do people understand what is going on with this kangaroo cull? There is no way they can survive with such aslaughter

Their babies will die cruelly,the world will condemn us. Look at what happened to the Tasmanian tiger

It makes me ashamed to call myself a human, this has got to stop.

Isuggest you write to your member of parliament and council to voice your concern.

Open letter to Regional Roads Victoria BruceDudon, Woodend

For some time now the roads ofVictoria have been in adamaged state.

In particular,the Woodend-Daylesford Road and the Calder Freeway at Carlsruhe.

While there are many roads in need of work, Iask,for how much longer must the Tylden Road be limited to 40km/h?

The road has been in abad way for more than 12 months and many motorists are not obeying the speed limit.

The worst section is between the Woodend railway crossing and Harpers Road, about one kilometre in apotentially dangerous condition.

The Calder Freeway,mainly under the Springvale Road bridge, isn’t near as bad, however,why is through traffic being limited to 60km/h and for how much longer?

If you are restricting speed then surely someone should be working there.

Money may be short butifhuman lives are important why are you failing them?

We don’t want anyone elseinjured Paul Ruff,Kyneton

My wife Kerri and Igrew up with the parents and family of the woman who was killed outside our back gate on Trentham Road near the Kyneton Railway Station. Our son, who was waiting for Kerri as she walked home from Sacred Heart College, witnessed the incident.

We don’t want anyone else injured for want of asafe footpath.

We have been troubled bythe dangers walking to and from the station over the years andremain frustrated by the inability of Macedon Ranges Shire Council to identify asafe way forward.

Notwithstanding, the offered solutions back in 2021 still remain available.

1. Stabilise andlevel the groundto the fence on the east side of Trentham Road over the hill, with asafety barrier and extended footpath along the fenceline to Kyneton-Springhill Road.

2. Negotiate with owners to purchase a suitable width for apath tothe top of the hill from the Kyneton end, then extend the path along the fenceline to Kyneton-Springhill Road.

3. Install suitable pipes to handle the expected runoffalong the drainage easement between 53 and 52 Hill Drive, and develop asuitable pathway over the pipes. Then extend the pathtoLauriston Reservoir Road. The path would be along the fencelines of Hill Drive to Trentham Road, then along the fenceline to Kyneton-Springhill Road.

4. The bestsolutionfor the future of south Kyneton, as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, move the rail crossing to anew bridge over the railway line south of the Kyneton Railway Station.

Back in 2021, MRSC offered an interim offer,they cleaned up the growth along the Hanson Plant fence, but the staffcontinue to park their cars under the trees, and the walking surface is dangerous as it hasn’t been maintained, dangerous in daylight, treacherous in the dark.

Look who's talking

TomAllen, Welshmans Reef

To the honourable Premier Daniel Andrews.

To the 'Sporting' Shooters (of animals) and all those who support them, Isay this: it is not kangaroos and other native species that are in plague numbers across the face of the planet.

Do Ieven need to elaborate?!

Whydon't we have asay about it?

Kate Orr,Castlemaine

Re. 'Unbalanced view', Opinions, June 6.

After reading, in the recent edition of the Express,the heartfelt and moving letters re the proposed cull of kangaroos in our shires, and the ongoing tragedy of “roo-related vehicle damage”, to then see another letter from ahuman defending the indefensible, implying that humans and their needs outrank any animal, even one on our nation’scoat of arms, appalled me. Reducing roo numbers will certainly give humans more space on the roads to drive at 100km/h (and sadly more opportunities for young daredevil drivers to lose their lives on these same roads).

Why is it so hard for us to co-exist with

wildlife? Why,instead of killing offthe problem, are we not looking at introducing enforceable lower speed limits on country roads, particularly where wildlife is at risk?

Why do some people defend the cruel and indiscriminate slaughter of animals in their own environment, with arguments about less greenhouse gases, and not having to feed them?

Maybe we should be more worried about having no animals left to keep the grass down in bushland areas. Grass andbushfires are agreater threat to greenhouse gas reduction efforts than roos are.

Ialso took issuewith this correspondent naming the cull 'harvesting' as if living sentient creatures are ears of wheat.

He should perhapstalk to some of the wonderful people who regularly go out at night to rescue or euthanise animals suffering after being hit by speeding cars or shooters.

Whodecided about this statewide killing and why don’t we, the inhabitants of these shires, havea say about it?

We have stopped logging in native forests. Let’skeep some animals alive to live in them.

Wasapermit applied for?

TW Bird, Lancefield

To the Macedon Ranges Shire Council: Can Iask when will Ireceive areply to the email Isent you on Jan25, 2023.

Just in case the email found its way to the trash bin let me re-ask the questions: Regarding the half barrels on the footpath of High Street, Lancefield, was a permit applied for and issued before the placement of said half barrels?

Regarding the half barrels on the footpath of High Street, Lancefield, has a permit been applied for and issued annually for said half barrels?

Regarding the half barrels on the footpath of High Street, Lancefield, has the MRSC ever sighted evidence of public liability insurance required for such items placed on footpaths?

Homeless evicted by shire and CFA

BernardTonkin, Castlemaine

I'm not happy about Mount Alexander Shire Council dealing with homeless people camped next to the Castlemaine Fire Station in Barker Street as atidiness issue.

It would appear the council issued a 'Tidy up Property' order (in the form ofan eviction notice) to the owner of the land (CFA) who has then tackled the problem in away over the top risk management driven manner by fencing offthe area.

I'm disappointed by the shire's(Iguess local law officers) approach –that is someone'shome not just atidiness problem. Perhaps we need to face upto the untidiness ofhomelessness given as asociety we have failed these people through negative gearing, neglect ofother housingrelated policy driving inequality etcetera –such that now we have the outrageous situation of the wealthy sitting on empty houses (estimated as 1000 empty homes I've heard in our shire!) while the poor get moved on from homelessness to even more homelessness.

Let'sstop running away from our problems. I'd like full transparency around the decision-making between the shire, and the CFA. I've endeavoured to offer some occasional support to this man and his partner who kindly offered to fix my bike when Ifirst met him.

I'm pleased to hear about 'The Break Castlemaine' and appreciate their advocacy here. Please understand that the system is completely overwhelmed with no public housing or accommodation options. People are being put in motels for varying periods by welfare providers or given tents. Evicting people from situations like this and providing alist of welfare providers at the bottom of the eviction notice as if they can be accommodated by services is afailure to grasp the situation we are in in my view

Professor Margaret Gardner.

Rentersand investorshurt

Land tax increases announced in the recent Victorian State Budget will only worsen the current rental crisis facin Victorians says the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

Quentin Kilian, CEO, REIV,saysthe decision is abackwa step that fails to address the shortage of affordable rental housing that’simpacting Victorian renters.

“This is atax on families –not the big end of town. The government is seeking to recoup the budget debt offshortterm solutions that will hurt mum and dad property investor and Victorian renters, while exacerbating the structural housing supply issues facing the state,” Mr Kilian says.

Small businesses will also be impacted as land tax is not just payable on residential but also on commercial and industrial property

According to Australian TaxOffice data, more than 70 pe cent of Victorian property investors own only one rental property,with 43 per cent of that group earning under $100,000 p.a.

“This announcement will ultimately drive mum and dad investors out of the market as the cost of maintaining a rental property outweighs futureproofing family finances. T biggest impact will be felt by people with smaller holdings a the tax free threshold drops from $300,000 to just $50,000 disproportionately impacting everyday Victorians investing secure their future.

“Larger land taxes are adisincentive for investors which w ultimately drive rental prices upwards as supply fails to cat up to demand. Renters already doing it tough –are also set to suffer under this new levy.This is not good news for Victorians,” Mr Kilian.

He says the REIV urges the government to urgently reconsider its position and review ways in which buying an holding property can be incentivised, rather than targeted b growing costs.

“More needs to be done to future proof sustainable, accessible, and affordable housing for all Victorians,” he says.

ForSale: $1,950,000 -$2,100,000

Inspect: By appointment

Acountry classic

Sublime district views capturing the Upper Coliban Reservoir and Mount Macedon are the backdrop to this most picturesque 40 hectare holding, of prime farming land that includes substantial frontage to the reservoir.With the home perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the captivating vista.

The home was constructed circa the 1960s and is atestament to the fine quality of the time. The considered floorplan makes for awonderful family home, with ablend of cosy nooks in which to retreat and flowing living spaces for family and friends to gather.The transition from indoors to out works with ease from the living, kitchen and dining zone, to either the front verandah to take in the stunning view,ortothe crystal-clear swimming pool to lounge about in the sun-drenched courtyard.

The home is enveloped in acharming English garden, interspersed by towering Eucalypts with amajestic Manna Gum proudly taking centre stage in the front garden.

Farming infrastructure is designed for cattle and horses. Five fully fenced paddocks for rotational grazing allow for 30 head of cattle. At the same time, the stable is ideal for the equine enthusiast comprising atack room, two stables (with provision to install more), a feed room and ahorse wash. This is complemented by alarge shed with aconcrete floor and power.Ample water is provided by rainwater tanks, acombined capacity of 80,000 litres, alarge dam to service stock and abore to maintain the garden.

Foxton is also home to “The Lodge”, aself-contained cottage designed for dependent living for one occupant only.Options to repurpose the cottage will require council approval.

Property: Fine 1960’shome plus dependant person’s cottage,40hectares and horse facilities

Address: 925Kyneton Springhill Road,Kyneton

Price: $2,980,000

Agent: Jellis Craig

Contact: TomMay 0413 996 185

Jenny Stewart 0408 389071

Quitedivine

Situated on a1017m2 corner allotment right in the heart of Malmsbury isthis unique landmark property –aformer Presbyterian Church, circa 1873. With beautiful original features retained, a number of updates have brought this divine, multi-purpose residence or commercial space up to date. It features an expansive single living/dining space, alarge bedroom with afireplace, ahuge outdoor deck, and amodern kitchen and bathroom. You’ll also find stunning baltic pine floorboards, a classic soaring ceiling, dado panelling, sash windows, ornate light fittings, and stunning french doors throughout. Situated adjacent to the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens, enjoy views of the historic Town Hall and Malmsbury Cricket Ground from the large block.

Property: Heavenly 150-year-old church conversion on 1017m2

Address: 90 Mollison Street,Malmsbury

Price: $875,000 -$925,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: 5470 5811

Ripefor rejuvenation

This home is an absolute gem, located in atranquil neighbourhood with exceptional convenience. Ripe for rejuvenation or redevelopment (STCA) featuring atraditional floor plan, aseparate lounge, dining room, functional kitchen, and meals area, along with three good sized bedrooms plus afamily bathroom. Step outside to find aprivate backyard with agenerous undercover entertaining area. With adouble garage at the back and awide concrete driveway for easy access and parking, there’sroom for more than two cars.

For those who love the great outdoors, this 1012m2 property is adream come true. Close to the Campaspe River Walk for bike rides or walking the dogs. The foodie precinct of Piper Street is just around the corner

Property: Peaceful surrounds in highly sought after location

Address: 47 WedgeStreet, Kyneton

Price: $950,000 -$990,000

Agent: Raine &Horne

Contact: Jennifer Pearce 0427422 508

Let's talk REAL ESTATE

ARE YOUFINANCIALLYREADY TO BUY AHOME?

We seeitalot.Enthusiastic families andindividualscomingto open for inspections, checking outthe market and daydreaming about having their own little piece of the GreatAustralianDream

There’sjust onething: They aren’t quite sureiftheycan afford it

So howdoyou know if youare readytotakethe leapornot?This handychecklist is agreat placetostart.

Contacta Broker or financial Institution

Agoodbrokerisa ‘go-between’for youand the banks.A broker canact on your behalftohelpdetermine howmuch youborrow. Afinancialinstitution can offer asimilartypeofservice however theyare unlikelytoshoparound forthe best dealfor you. Getpre-approvalfirst

Agood thing to do beforeyou start shoppingfor your dream home.Inshort, pre-approvalgetsyourloansortedsoyou know howmuchyou canspend

Savings history 'Genuine savings'isa term used by lenders to define fundsthat a homeloan applicanthas savedthemselves over time.Australian lenders have required borrowers to save at least 5% of the purchase price of aproperty in abankaccount in their name

Loan repayments

Many people will tell youthatcoveringyour loan repaymentsis just thesame as rent. Butifyou don’tfactor changes to interest ratesaswell as your capacity to coverthese expensesovertime

then youmight be in trouble

Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage Insurance is acondition of home loanborrowing whereyourmortgagelendermay requireyou to make aone-off payment to protect thelenderagainst the eventwhereyou might failtomakeyourhomeloan repayments.Thisinsurance protects thelender andin manycases wherethe depositisless than 20%, the borrower will need to payit.

Stampduty

Stamp dutyisa tax chargedbythe governmenton the sale of property. The percentage rates on stamp duty in Victoria vary based on dutiable value of the property 10% deposit on signing?

In astandardproperty sale, thedeposit must be paidwhenyou exchange thesigned copiesofthe salecontract with the vendor, afteryouroffer hasbeen accepted. If youbuy at auction,you will sign thecontractand paya deposit on the spot.

Other costs to be considered

It is importanttofactorinthe following variable costswhenyou buy ahome:

•Conveyancer/Solicitor fees• Buildingand pest inspection

•Homeand contentsinsurance

•Disbursements at Settlement

•Removalist costs• Wastedisposalcosts

The best waytokeep costs in check is to plan

rh.com.au

KN272085

with Jennifer Pearce

3

1

2 1

3

1

3000 1017

2 1 308

2 4 4 2213

With an abundance of water,tucked away and just five minutes into Kyneton, sits this fantastic property with two houses -anabsolute rarity

The 19 acres gives everyone room to spread.

The newer home has two living areas, the living room with the warmth of asolid fuel heater,the kitchen and dining areas, with views over the paddocks. The office sits quietly at the front of the house. The three bedrooms, all have robes, are supported with the family bathroom with arelaxing spa. The main bedroom has aspacious walk-in robe and ensuite. The quality residence has been constructed for both comfort and functionality.Consider. double glazing, insulation in both the ceiling and walls, remote roller shutters, ducted vacuuming, vinyl plank flooring, generous storage and the adjoining automated oversized double garage that allows you to bring your groceries straight from the car and into the pantry via the internal door

Outside, the large 10m x7.5m shed with aconcrete floor,power and two automated doors has a3.9m

height clearance for the safe storage of caravans, trailers or horse floats with the addition of ahigh set double carport. Afabulous bonus is the farm manager’soffices and quarters with additional shedding. With its own Sebastopol Road entry,this private space incorporates an open plan kitchen, dining and living area with asplit system, wood heater,two generous bedrooms and a bathroom.

The farming infrastructure includes stables with six stalls, asaw dust area and power connected, three large and three small paddocks, two secure day/night yards with walk-in walk-out shelters, ahorse wash, a float shed and a700m trotting track.

Also noteworthy are the two dams, abore and tanks holding 90,000 litres at main house 22,500 litres at manager’shouse, providing ample water supply to the property

Move straight in with your horses or animals and benefit from years of carefully developed infrastructure.

Property: Tworesidences on 19 acres

Address: 239Sebastopol Road,Kyneton

Price: $1,495,000 -$1,530,000

Agent: RayWhiteKyneton

Contact: TamaraMactier 0429 136 635

Aday to restore degraded bushland

The best time to plant atree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now,and Connecting Country needs your help!

Connecting Country is partnering with local landcare groups and Mount Alexander Shire Council to deliver aNational Tree Day event on Sunday July 30.

The day will be open to everyone to participate and will include planting indigenous plants for habitat and learning more about our local landscape.

The tree planting event aims to empower the younger generations to take direct action in healing the land and tackling climate change. This is what they have asked for Mount Alexander Shire Council recently surveyed young people in our local area. Our young people reported they want opportunities to plant trees,make homes for wildlife and to undertake practical actions to address climate change.

How you can help: sponsor acommunity planting day!

Connecting Country is raising funds to purchase local native plants and host a Community Planting Day on National Tree Day 2023, to support the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook community –young and wise –tohelp heal the land.

Through this project, Connecting Country aims to connect people of all ages with nature and restore degraded bushland.

The sponsored plants will be provided by local indigenous nurseries.

Youcan sponsor the day by donating funds to go towards the purchase of the plants, stakes and guards.

If you wish, you can attend the community planting day,get your hands dirty and plants the plants you have sponsored. However,ifyou can’t attend the event, your contribution will be guaranteed and the community will plant for you!

Degraded bushland

The Mount Alexander region of central Victoria has along history of removing native vegetation for gold mining, agriculture and timber and firewood harvesting, leading to many areas of degraded bushland, with little understorey,orsuitable habitat.

In Australia, it can take hundreds of years for trees to form natural hollows.

Due to the profound environmental change caused by European colonisation and the gold rush, many trees in our region are still young and have little understorey or ground cover

Connecting Country has nearly two decades of experience in restoring these landscapes, and will oversee the event, to ensure the maximum benefit for local wildlife and community

To donate to the Community Planting Day,visit Connecting Country'scampaign: givenow.com.au/fundatree, or call in to the Castlemaine office.

Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires

Circulated throughout: Kyneton, Castlemaine,Gisborne,Malmsbury,Trentham, Woodend, Redesdale,Lancefield, Romsey,Macedon, Mt. Macedon, Metcalfe Chewton, Harcourt, Newstead,Maldon,Taradale, Elphinstone, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Barkers Creek, Sutton Grange, Baringhup,Muckleford, Yapeen.

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS

KYNETON

3Market St., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444

Telephone: (03) 5422 1488

Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173

CASTLEMAINE

13 Hargraves St.,POBox 227,Castlemaine,3450

Telephone: (03) 5472 1788

EDITORIAL HOURS

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

Kyneton: ahume@midnews.com.au Castlemaine: ldennis@midnews.com.au

DISPLAYADVERTISING

Photo: John Ellis

Photo: John Ellis

InstyleKitchens&Cabinetsaremanufacturersand InstallersofResidentialandCommercialcustom Cabinets&Joinery.

OurbusinessisbasedhereinKyneton,andwe manufactureandassembleallyourjoineryhere onsiteinourfactory

ForthebuildersandtradiesandDIY,wesupplyall typesofcustomflatpackstosuityourneedswith orwithouthardware.Bringyourdesignandideas intous,andwithourlatestTechnologySoftware wecanhelpyoubringthatnewkitchentoreality.

Wealsocutandrouteallourown“ShakerStyle doors”.WespecialiseinKitchens,Bathroom, Laundry,Wardrobes,CustomCabinets,Retailand CommercialJoinery.

Passed awayatElleryHouse, Castlemaine Hospital on 4thJune2023, aged84years

He willbemissed by hislovingwifeVal, childrenJuliet, William,Caroline andgrandchildren Thomas,Matilda, Elizabeth and Alice

Father-in-lawtoJamie,Patrick and Micaela.

With tears we sawyou suffer, we watched youfade away, ourheartswereslowly breaking as youfought so hard to returnhome Thanksfor alifetime of memories, we will always love and rememberyou.

Special thank youtothe staffat Ellery House andDrMungifor their understanding and care of Nick

In keeping with Nick's wishes aprivate funeral will be held

Glenis Mackie (nee Lochhead)

Passed away 5.6.2023 at Maldon Hospital Aged Care aged 85 years

WifeofGeorge(dec), will be greatly missed by Andrew, Robyn, Colin, Elizabeth, Catherine and their families

An adventurous spirit, youlived your life in your ownuniqueway

Tributes when

Contact our friendly staff Kyneton 5422 1488 | Castlemaine 5472 1788

Deaths/Funerals

PERRY Owen

It is with great sadness that Kyneton Men’sShed acknowledges the death of Owen Perry. Owen wasalong time member and great contributor to theShed, and worked tirelessly on avariety of projects -some his ownand others for the community His quiet presence will be greatly missed.

WILSON

LindsayGordon

Died Saturday 3rd June 2023, peacefully surrounded by his devoted girls Much lovedfather to Marnie and David, Tania andJohn, Nicole and Mark

ANNISON Barbara

The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Mrs Barbara Annison will be held at the Church of The Resurrection Anglican Church, cnr Mt Macedon Rd & Honour AveMacedon on MONDAY,June 19, 2023 at 2.00pm. Private Cremation No flowers by request

KN272140/L

Inloving memory

Thefuneralservice to celebrate thelifeof Mr Owen Richard Perry will be held at the Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper St, Kyneton on THURSDAY (June 15, 2023) commencing at 2pm Private Cremation.

Forthose unable to attend, youare invited to be apartofthe servicevia a livestream which can be accessed on Owen's Tributes page on our website: www tjscottandson.com.au

Carrie James

Thank youfor your condolences and messages,help and love shown to us at this very sad time

Love Doug, Joy, Travis and Melissa.

Always loved and Remembered

Passed away peacefully at Penhall Hostel aged 97 years.

WifeofNorm(dec).

Mother of Ken(dec),Ron andGraham, mother in lawtoAnn and Helen. Grandma of Matthew and Jodie, Jeremyand Penny, Janineand Adam, Grantand Sally,and Renee. Great Grandma of Ross andHarriet.

READE - Joan

18th September 1937 -8th June 2023

Loretta passed away peacefully on Saturdaymorning 27th May2023 with her family by her side

Dearly belovedwifeofBarry.

Much adored mother of Louise, Jane,Rachael and Bronwyn.

Affectionate mother-in-lawtoPeter Ellis, Craig (dec) and Peter Mews

Treasured sister of James(dec), Stanley(dec)and Brenda and sister-in-lawtoLal (dec), Marle (dec), Norman (dec) and Elaine

Much lovedGrandma to Evie,Jethro, Elliott and Llewyn.

The family are sograteful forthe wonderful care offered to Loretta by the staff at Maldon Hospital. Aprivate memorial service will be held forLoretta on Friday16th June at 11.00am and youare welcome to join us via livestream.

Fordetails please visit Loretta’s tribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals

Farewell to our belovedMum andNan. Survived by Husband Eddie,Sisters Nancy and Marie,and BrotherAnthony Children Terry,Marie,Bernadette,Therese, Danny,Peter,Gab and Luke Grandchildren Rebecca, Stephanie,Carla, Hanorah, Alana, Ella and Joey GreatGrandchildren Elsie and Neve

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Joan Reade will be held at St Mary’sCatholic Church, 78 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine TODAY(Wednesday) commencing at 11am.

At the conclusion of the Service, Joan will be laid to rest at the Harcourt Cemetery followed by awake at the OldTea Rooms(Pipe Band Hall) Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

In lieu of flowers,donations to St Mary's Catholic Churchor St Vincent de Paul Castlemaine in Joan’s honour would be appreciated.

Aservice of Thanksgiving forthe lifeofMrs Carrie James will be held in the Uniting Church, BarkerStreet, Harcourt on Tuesday20th June commencing at 12.00pm, and will be followed by refreshments in the church hall. The service will be livestreamed forthoseunable to attend.

Fordetailsplease see Carrie’stribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals

Aservice to celebrate the life of Mrs Glenis Mackie will be held in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Monday19thJune at 11.00am.

Aprivate cremation will follow this service

The service will be livestreamed forthose unable to attend. Fordetails please see the tribute page forGlenis on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals

Glenis wanted her lifetobe celebrated with colour

CUE -Charles 12.6.2010. It's been along 13 years for abrother I miss so much. Raymond.

DYSON

Laurel Marie 1933 —2015

My one and only, youare with me 24 hours aday Iwill neverforget you. My silent tears continue to flowfor you. Your loving husband. Kevin

BarbaraLoretta Weaver 25.1.1938 –27.5.2023

KN272145/L

Castlemaine 5470 5951

Glenis Mackie

KN272138/L

KN272101/J

Caroline Edina James (Carrie) 31.3.1926 –12.6.2023

it’s difficult to put into words

NickBrereton

ROBUST

CARNEY/PERKINS

It’s aboy! Blair,Courtney and Max are proud to announce the safearrival of their beautiful boy, Lyle Wolf Carney on the 13th of May2023 weighing 8lb 07oz. Another perfect bundle to love.

SPAGHETTI

Sacred HeartCollege is aMercy school situated in Kyneton andsurrounded by the beautiful Macedon Ranges

The College currently educates 820 Students from Years 7-12.

The following part-time position (approximately 0.5 FTE) is available from Monday10July –Friday15September 2023. Although it is aone-term replacement position, there is astrong possibility of ongoing employment.

• English (Year 9– 11), Humanities, Religious Education

Additionally,the College is seeking applicants forthe following 12-month traineeship (startdate 10 July 2023):

• Information Technology trainee

The role description, selection criteria and application form areavailable on the College website (www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au) or are available upon request from the Acting Principal’sPA, Loretta Hanns, email: lhanns@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

Sacred HeartCollege is committed to promoting the safety,wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Applications are to be emailed to:

The Principal, Dr Darren Egberts: principal@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

Applications close: Monday19June 2023 at 4.00pm

AMinistryofMercy Education Limited

ABN 69 154531870

Employment

POSTIE JOB ON AMOTORCYCLE CASTLEMAINE

4hours aday,deliveryonly, MondaytoFriday

Flexible starttime (school drop off friendly )

•Must be able to pass Police checkand have amotorcycle licence

•Must be able to work unsupervised.

•Must be reliable,all safety gear supplied, award wage paid $28.91 per hour plus 10.5% super

•Must be able to pass drug and alcohol checks at random Send resume to pccont15@outlook.com Or phone Peter 0438 665 383

KN272143/L

GERALDINE MARYPHELAN late of 60 Dettmans Lane, Kyneton, Victoria, Teacher, deceased. CREDITORS,nextofkin,and others having claimsinrespect of theEstate of the above named deceased,who died on 12 November 2022 are requiredbythe Executor,ANNA FRANCESCAHORWOOD c/o the undermentioned Solicitors to send particulars to her by 18 August2023, afterwhich date the Executor mayconveyor distribute the assets, having regard onlytothe claims of whichtheythenhavenotice.

Mulcahy &CoLegal 300BGillies Street North WENDOUREE,VIC 3355

FOUND ADVERTS ARE PUBLISHED FREE!

Garage Sales

CAMPBELLS CREEK, 72 Moscript St. Sat. 17 June -Sun.18June. 9am -3pm. No early birds. Books, DVD's, tools, clothes, furniture, bric-abrac, etc.

Tenders

Wanted To Sell

CECILIA COTTAGE available now, aclassic 2 bedroom home to go on your land. See countryex presshomes.com.au. Locals opportunity first. $220,000 incl. GST &6 year warranty, insurance, new stumps &building permits. Ring Nick 0414 783 218.

and Snorkels

•Canopies and Awnings

•Roof Racks &Drawers

•Big Bore Exhausts

•Rear Protection Bars

•Setups and Accessories

8BourkeStKyneton

Myrtleford –

Rochester –

Wangaratta – Concrete

Mildura – Concrete

– WANG002

Contractor – CCSMILD03

Shepparton – Concrete Cartage Contractor – CCSSHEP07

Mansfield – Concrete Truck Driver – MANS003

Lake Cooper

Quarry/Loader Operator

LKCQ004

PORTS WRAP SP

Aday for the Ms

With grading rounds completed, Gisborne Soccer Club’s season is now in full swing.

Coming offa bye, Vince’s U12s were lucky to secure a home game.

The girls had astrong start but it was aday for the Ms, Martha was unstoppable, pushing her opponent wide, driving forward and like adog with a bone the ball was always going to be hers. Not to be outdone, Maddy shone in the sunshine, scoring much to the delight of

Gisborne women showpromise

On Sunday,Gisborne women’ssoccer team had high hopes of improving significantly on their previous outing against Westgate.

On that occasion, Westgate was too strong, securing a7-1 victory in State League 3West. The surface had improved considerably at Dixon Field after heavy rain last week, and there were periods of sunshine but largely cloud cover

In the first half Gisborne players showed plenty of promise, scoring agoaland keeping the visitors reasonably in check.

Acouple of mistakes in the second half led to Westgate securing goals, and the final margin was 5-1. Westgate is in third place on the ladder,and Gisborne fifth.

Seniors

GOALS: South Bendigo: SStroobants 6BHarvey4 WKeck 4

NHorbury2BHaddowSGriffiths OWhiteIMiller.Gisborne:

JReaper 2MMerrett 2BBlake 2H Doricic LEllings BEST:

South Bendigo: BHaddowMCameron RWalsh SStroobants

BHarveyB Torpey.Gisborne: MMerrett MLordLSpear J

DenahyJFox FLakey

CASTLEMAINE

GOALS: Sandhurst: ACollins 5L Wright4J Coghlan 4L

Coghlan 2N Walsh LHoodNStagg.Castlemaine: BKeogh

2JHoodD Wilson BByrne BEST: Sandhurst: JCoghlan Z

PallprattNStagg ACollins MWilkinson JNihill.Castlemaine:

RPedretti BBrowne-KerrMFilo KMartin DWilsonEMaltby

KYNETON 4.04.7 7.10 10.15 75

KANGAROO FLAT 0.42.6 2.10 4.13

GOALS: Kyneton: CManuel 3EForeman 2H Yunghanns 2

HSheahan TQuinn FRandall.KangarooFlat: MTrewhella

SBarnes NKeogh XDingfelder-Hope BEST: Kyneton: H

Huntley HYunghannsB McGeeM Comben MCrozier J

Safstrom. Kangaroo Flat:M Trewhella JRouse ZRouse R

O’KeefeKSymons XDingfelder-Hope

STRATHFIELDSAYE 8.613.13

MARYBOROUGH

GOALS: Strathfieldsaye:LSharp7CMcCarty 6J Schischka

3J Wilson 2JBreretonPBlandford DMulquinyDClohesy L

Bonney LWebb.Maryborough: AGavriliadis 2CFreeman 2J

Postle BEST: Strathfieldsaye:DClohesy CMcCarty RWilson

LSharpD MulquinyJ Schischka. Maryborough: MJohnston J

Lohmann REgan LDunne JSwattonL Guelen

Reserves

GOALS: Gisborne: TCassidy 6CFlynn TSparks BEales

DGrazules.SouthBendigo: MLong4 RHarveyJ Stokes D

Fuzzard BEST: Gisborne: MJinkins TCassidy CFlynnBEales L

Thiner TSparks.South Bendigo: MLongB Waterman JNalder

DMcMahon BNalderT Wastell

GOALS: Eaglehawk: CRoberts2A Bennett 2T Eliades R Foster JGreenwood NMiles RWellington. Golden Square: J

Salathiel 3MEaton LHumphrey DNorrisD BarrettAJenkyn

BEST: Eaglehawk: EHanley MStoreyM RonchieriC Attwater

JVroom CRoberts. Golden Square: HBurke AJenkyn M

TreacyJStewart SPellegrino DNorris

102 MARYBOROUGH

GOALS: Strathfieldsaye:H Teasdale 3ASheahan 2J Finch

BElkington RFox LWhiteSMurphyC James HSextonR

Duncan. Maryborough: JMoroney DNitschke BJacobs

BEST: Strathfieldsaye:H Teasdale CJames SMurphyJ Reinheimer CDole JStephens.Maryborough: JShayB Jacobs

JMoroney BForti SShovanT Myers

GOALS: Kyneton: LBeattie 2MHanna.KangarooFlat: I

Lowndes BSavyBNewman BEST: Kyneton: HIngleton N Tunzi MMcLeish DYarwood BGanim. Kangaroo Flat:M WiegardD Stagg PMurphyD Dempster TCollins MMitchell

Under 18s

MARYBOROUGH

STRATHFIELDSAYE

GOALS: Maryborough: TBond 9R Muscat2 KConstable Z

Potter CRead.Strathfieldsaye:J Daniels 3J Cheesman 2L

McKern. BEST: Maryborough: TBondLHurse DNitschke

TMyers OTatchell JLovel.Strathfieldsaye:JCheesman L

McKernH Behrens ZGrieveJDaniels

SANDHURST

CASTLEMAINE

GOALS: Sandhurst: ACarr5 J Artavilla 3X Austin 2I

Tzouroutis 2DUerataOMorrisT Bake JAustin. Castlemaine:

ARixon AGoddardT Whaley BEST: Sandhurst: ACarrJ

English JArtavilla XAustin OMorrisDUerata. Castlemaine:

TScoble BVan egmond NLordB Robinson AGoddardB

McConachy

GOLDEN SQUARE

EAGLEHAWK

GOALS: Golden Square:FMcConville 3JMcMahon 3M

Lowery 2Z TickellNJenkynX Carter Jwilkinson DEdmiston

TTurner. Eaglehawk:T Calverley BEST: Golden Square:

JMcMahon NRoberts FMcConville RMcCrann-Peters P

Docherty OEaton. Eaglehawk:K Burrill-GrintonNEliades S

O’shannessy RNaughtonN Reed

her teammates.

Indie had the back line focused and not much got past her girls, especially with the overlap expertise Chloe showed and as ever Avafound the back of the net onmultiple times, supported byLucy who contained her excitement unlike the team that were overjoyed with her conversion. Dynamo Darcy made several important plays at crucial moments. The girls remain undefeated and sang their song with passion and gusto.

GOALS: Gisborne: HThomas 3RLeedham

These Gisborne players enjoyed the chance to play at Dixon Field on Sunday

Close call: Gisborne and Westgate players battle for the ball close to the sideline.

Town &District

GOLFresults

CASTLEMAINE

Rain receded in time for Saturday’s stableford to go ahead. In consistentform lately, Norm Bellis (16) carded 20 points on each ninetofinish with 40 –the best tally for the day.

Les Prendergast (9) returned 37, Martin Jenkins (16) 36, and Darren Gervasoni (15) came in with 35.

See Friday’s Castlemaine Mail for coverage of the King’s Birthday weekend of golf.

KYNETON

Wet weather was the big winner for much of the week, though Saturday was passable with low temperatures, but dry over all.

The Tuesday ladies decided it as too wet to tackle the course; Wednesday was not much better with sevenintrepid souls playing nine holes before deciding it was far too wet to complete their round.

Sizzlin Sensations sponsored Saturday’s stableford(thanks Glenn).

Billy McKee (21) had thebest round with 20 points, two better than fellow B-graderNoel Alldis (17).

Glenn Cook (10) topped A-grade with 37 points, with Jason McClure (5) next beston35.

Denise Murphy (14) led in the ladieswith 32 points, fromAnne Bennett (36) on 30.

NTPS went to Denise Murphy (2) plus super pin,,Mat Hodgkiss (2), Neil Watts, Col O’Sullivan and ReganWilliams.

LANCEFIELD

The new drawcard Tuesday event which extends over 10 weeks begins this week, with amajor prize available for the player who accumulates most points

The more you play, the more points you earn. Areal incentive for players with and without handicaps (Just $10 around and no green fees!).

Rain played havoc early in the week, with the Legends disbanding and heading for cover after just six hiles.

The Wednesdayladies call their comp. Off without aball being struck.

On Saturday, the qualifyingpairs for the 4BBB eventwere Ed Godek –Graham Mau, Trevor Lambert –Barry Flentjar, Mark Andrews –Gavin Woodward, and Dale Schmidt –Alistair Beard.

Other played astablefordevent, with David Morgan (21) the winner with 36 points, from Todd Lambert (7) on 34 MOUNT

MACEDON

Terry ‘Tiger’ Penney hasbeen circling the winners’ podium at Mount Macedon Golf Club for several weeks, andhis day of reckoning came last Wednesday.

Last Wednesday’s Gentlemen escaped theorst of the precipitation to completed the BendigoBank’s June Mug o’ the Month stableford.

“This is the first round where Ihaven’t had awipe,” was the comment from ‘Tiger’ before slapping his drive out of bounds

From his 35 handicap he recoveredto snare the mug with 31 points, on acountback from runner-up Tony Littman (11) and Joel Scanlon.

Only one player was able to achieve handicap despite perfect conditions on Saturday.

A-grade: Bruce Fraser (7) 35 points, from Littman (11) with 34; B–PhilThomas (15) 34, from Marcus Ward (12) 32; C–Peter Semmens (22) with 37, four ahead of Roger Burden (29).

ROMSEY

Saturday’s Softconditions led to players being beware of any shots being plugged, and 30+kph winds made some nervous approaching the greens.

There was aclose finish, with Mitch Atlas 78-5-73 edging out Luke Lyons85-11-74, with Andrew Clement (NTP third with 86-9-77.

With adverse weather possible, anine-hole Mulligans was completed on Wednesday.

Club champion Darlene Baker (16) came in with 19 points, Hugh Williams (19) had18, and Rob Slade (16) was third with 17.

TRENTHAM

Despite some cold and damp conditions, afield of 59 turned out for Saturday’s stableford.

The best score came from B-grader Rod Maddern (15) with 38 points, ahead of Tim Goodwin on 37.

Darrin McLean won A-grade with 36, and Peter Gainey (25) as best of the C-graders with 35.

Alex Evered excelled in the women’s ranks with 38 points, while Kath Keating was the B-grade winner with 30.

To preserve the condition if the course, anyone using acart must only drive it in the rough, not on fairways. Do not Drive up steep slopes, and avoid wet areas.

WOODEND

Despite rain during the week and acart ban, acompetitive field turned out for Saturday’s stableford.

Best score of theday was 38 points fromA-grader Glenn Wright (4); Matthew Payne (4) carded 37.

The B-grade winner was Wayne Stott (18) with 37 points.

The prestigious Ian Davies Memorial Tournament takes place this Saturdfay, with all competitors wished ‘Good Luck’.

Distinctive new beanies are in stock just in time for winter warmth. Don’t miss out!

Change of scenery

Arecent change of scenery for some of the young footballers from Gisborne Rookies was welcomed recently

With ateam having abye, atrip to Gisborne Golf Club’snew 10-bay driving range proved to be awelcome change of scenery from training sessions and regular matches.

Some of the young Rookies showed enough to

indicate they may be able to add golf to their sporting pursuits in the future.

The driving range is 270 metres in length, and can be utilised by both club members and visitors to hone their driving skills.

Other practise facilities at the Gisborne club include achipping green, three practise nets, and a six-hole putting green.

Dalhousie championship

Dalhousie District Golf Association’smen’s championship takes place at the Hidden Valley course this Sunday.Itpromises to provide abig test for both scratch and handicap contenders.

The prestige event is the 27-hole DDGA Championship, with low markers from various clubs out to snare the major trophy

There’salso ajunior championship at stake, as well as Band

C-grade championships. Handicap events for A, Band C-graders over 27 holes will also be hed. Then there’sthe 18-hole handicap events to be decided (maximum handicap 36).

$5000 bonanza forclub

Lancefield Bowling Club members were elated to receive a$5000 Volunteer Grant on Friday “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community and their value is beyond measure," long-serving federal district parliamentarian Rob Mitchell said.

“I am proud to be part of agovernment that recognises the worth of these unsung heroes, and also aims to assist community groups in the services they provide.”

The Member for McEwen said for arelatively small club, Lancefield had done atremendous job dating back to its formation in the 1960s.

And LBC vice-president JeffHolmes was quick to point out the Lancefield club’sgreat record in grand finals (The Tigers have played in the last six divi-

sion one grand finals, with two flags in the past three seasons in Saturday pennant).

Mr Mitchell explained the grants program provided vital funds for various not-for-profit organisations, whether this was for training, equipment or reimbursement of costs, and enables community groups to focus on valuable work they do.

Mr Holmes said Lancefield was pleased tobe largely aself-help club, and the $5000 would beput to very good use.

The club members (volunteers) assist inclusionof vulnerable people in community life.

For along time Lancefield BC has held areputation for fine cooking/afternoon teas, and the welcome visit also saw this aspect of the club.

Welcome visit: McEwen MP Rob Mitchell was the bringer ofglad tidings in the form of a$5000 federal grant.

Trying golf: Some of the Gisborne Rookies are pictured putting the driving range to good use.

Galahs claim MAIN Game victory

The Camp Reserve was asea of colour last Sunday as MainFM’sannual footy match fundraiser was staged at the historic reserve.

The event raises important funds to support 94.9 MainFM to keep community radio live.

The MAIN Game 2022 was awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the Mount Alexander Shire Council’sAustralia Day Ceremony and is an event the whole family and furry friends can enjoy,with live local entertainment from the Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band to open proceedings and six-piece ensemble The Presbyterians at half-time.

The crowd’sfoodand beverage needs were covered with abarbecue, pizzas, fresh doughnuts to accompany coffee and milkshakes and the MAIN Bar Players had been fine tuning their skills and improving their fitness since training began in April and took to the ground with gusto. The Radio Galahs were determined to bounce back after last year’sfirst loss to the Rockatoos.

The Galahs did just that powering home to take the win in aspirited contest. However,the real winner was community with afantastic day enjoyed by all.

If you missed out on the fundraiser don’t despair, you can still support MainFM by becoming adigital subscriber at mainfm.net

Hard-fought grand final

The autumn squash season came to aclose this week at Macedon Ranges Squash Club.

The season Grand Final played at Kyneton was ahard-fought tussle, with the team of Mark Wiegerink (captain), Pat Chisolm, Damien Hadfield and Phil Smith emerging on top by 3 sets to 1.

Runners-up were the team of Mark Boyer (captain), Andy Hall, Gary Murphy and Eva de Groot.

The winter squash season kicks offinKyneton next week onMonday nights. Social play will also resume in Romsey (Tuesdays) and Kyneton (Thursdays).

New and returning players are welcome. Email macedonrangessquash@gmail.com for more information orto register interest.

KBA results

This week saw another highly competitive week for Kyneton Basketball Association’sU10 and U12 domestic players. Unfortunately the crazy weather has caused some havoc on the courts on Wednesday and the U14 domestic games had to be postponed to this week.

Here are the latest weekly results across all of KBA programs brought to you by major sponsor Macedon Ranges Ag Machinery:

Winter Domestic Competition

MondayMixed U10

Bulls 20 def Lakers 10

PDellios 18, XBrown 6

Nets 26 def Bucks 14

HCollard 10, HMether 10

Suns 12 def Knicks 4

JTrott 6, RReynolds-Almond 4

MondayMixed U12

Seahawks 20 def Falcons 13

LChettle 10, NWhite7

Vikings25def Titans 17

MKome 12, BJeffrey 10

Panthers 22 def Broncos 12

Giants 42 def Raiders 40

WednesdayMixed U14

Games to be held this week

Bendigo Domestic U12 Girls Div 4

Aztec Girls Gold 20def Kyneton Tigers 15

LJaremenko, LEvans, MGibbons 6, H Zanussi 7

VJBL FridayNights U12 Boys

Keilor 47 def Kyneton Tigers 41

JCampbell 15, HLiebelt 11

U14Boys

Geelong United 36 def Kineton Tigers 28

HSkinner 114, CForshaw 8 U14 Girls

Kyneton Tigers 22 def GelongUnited 18

LBradley 10, HTaylor 4 U16 Boys

Collingwood 54 defKyneton Tigers38

MAli 12, CEve, KSmillie 8 U18Boys

Geelong United 58 def Kyneton Tigers8

DFrancis 18, TVroom 12 U18 Girls

Kyneton Tigers40def Sandringham 37

BConway 11,L Obrien 10 U20 Boys

Kyneton Tigers62def Coburg 35

BThompson 21, NMulugeta, LRanking 10

Drubbing for Gisborne seniors

There were ominous signs for Gisborne senior footballers when fourth-placed South Bendigo rattled on eight goals to two in the first term on Saturday

To their credit, Gisborne regrouped with an excellent second quarter of football, outscoring the Bloods five goals to two to trail by 17 points at the long break.

The personnel on the field bore little resemblance to the powerhouse Gisborne side that captured the 2022 BFNL premiership, and opposition clubs seemingly no longer fear the ‘Dogs.

The final score was 20-16 to 8.15, amargin of 68 points.

Six goals to nil in the third term saw the home side take full control on their new headquarters at Kennington.

As aresult of this defeat, Gisborne dropped over 10 per

cent, slumping to 89,18% and eighth position on the ladder

Matt Merrett turned in one of his best games for the Bulldogs, and Macklan Lord, Liam Spear,Jedd Denahey, James Fox and Flynn Lakey were also prominent.

Captain and staunch defender,Jack Reaper,had astint up forward and produced two goals.

It was adifferent story for Gisborne in the Reserves and Under 18s.

Sitting in second place on the ladder,the U18s dominated play and came home with a59-point victory

The young side is second on the ladder,behind Golden Square on percentage.

In the Reserves, Matt Cassidy starred upforward,kicking six of his side’s10goals.

Thefinalmargin wasthree goals and the Reserves sit in fourth place, no means assured of afinals berth with three sides looking to move up into finals contention.

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

At Gardiner Reserve on Saturday,the Bulldogs will be looking for substantial victories in all three grades against Maryborough. Maryborough seniors have yet to break the ice this season, and have amiserable percentage of 17.38.

Gisborne has aPastPlayers and Officials Reunion on Saturday,and hope to see aflood of their supporters present. It’sachancetoreminisce with premiership players from the 2013 netball and 2003 football sides, and maybe instil some moving up the ladder spirit for the rest of the home and away matches.

Memories from apremiership

The Woodend and Hesket football clubs amalgamated in 1974, and the first senior premiership for the Hawks came in 1978.

It was an incredible effort to win the Riddell League’s second Division grand final, after trailing Broadford by five goals at half time.

The Kyneton Guardian in 1978 wrote up the see-saw grand final in detail, and on June 3someofthe premiership players got together at the Woodend-Hesket versus Romsey match at Gilbert Gordon Oval to relive the fond premierships of the victory.Much-travelled coach of the

Hawks was Neville Massina, who kicked his 100th goal for the season with alone goal in the grand final.

Positional moves by the Hawks paid offafter half time as Broadford found ahealthy lead whittled away Sixteen-year-old Alan ‘Pud’ Williams came offthe bench to kick two vital goals for the Hawks, and John Torpey led the way with five majors. The Hawks hit the front in the last two minutes of lay to win 13.15 (92) to Broadford 13.14 (92). Best players listed for the Hawks were defender Ron Keating, tireless ruckman Ken Mangan, D. Kelly,D.Herrod, M. Walker,Torpey and G. Beck.

Woodend-Hesket also chalked up apremiership in 1983, defeating Lancefield by 16 points.

The historic 1978 victory was achieved by the following:

B: G. Meehan, D. Kelly,Ron Keating.

HB: Ian Williams, G. Moras, G. Morrison.

C:C. Gatehouse, J. Torpey,T.Bowen.

HF: D. Herrod, T. Gladman, M. Keating.

F: P. Sonsie, N. Massina, A. Vosilatis.

Rucks: K. Mangan, M. Walker

Rover: G. Beck.

19th –A.Williams, 20th –P.Hewitt.

Pictured (L-R): Autumn squash season winning team of Damien Hadfield, Mark Wiegerink, Pat Chisolm and Phil Smith.

The Radio Galahs take to the field as the crowd cheers on. Photo: Max Lesser

RDFNL games

The ninth round of Riddell District Football Netball League matches takes place this Saturday,following afortnight’srecess for the King’sBirthday weekend.

Last season’sfootball premiers, Riddell, has struggled and sits in fifth place on the ladder

The Bombers travel to Wallan with the Magpies coming offa loss against secondplaced Woodend-Hesket.

ARiddell victory may be the trigger needed to ignite the Bombers in the second half of the season.

Sixth-placed Macedon has not given up on making the finals, but need to win at Tony Clarke Oval against Romsey

The Redbacks missed out by agal against unbeaten ladder-leader Diggers Rest on June 3, and will be anxious to stay in the hunt for aprime position going into the finals. Lancefield should be able to chalk up its second win of the season at home to Western Rams, and Diggers Rest will prove too strong for Melton Centrals.

Woodend-Hesket has the bye.

The week offhas been arespite for some players who have been carrying injuries.

MCDFNL games

The halfway mark of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League season has arrived –with round 9taking place this Saturday

There are eight rounds of home and away matches remaining before the qualifying and elimination finals on August 26 and 27.

Matches this Saturday are:

Harcourt vRoyal Park.

Natte Bealiba vTrentham.

Maldon vCarisbrook.

Avoca vTalbot.

Lexton vNavarre.

Dunolly vNewstead.

Maryborough Rovers vCampbells Creek.

BFNL games

Round 9matches in the Bendigo Football Netball League on Saturday are as follows:

Gisborne vMaryborough.

Castlemaine vSouth Bendigo.

Strathfieldsaye vKyneton

Kangaroo Flat vGolden Square.

Eaglehawk vSandhurst.

Tigersfaceacrucial test

Having won comfortably against Kangaroo Flat on Saturday,Kyneton senior footballers know they are in for atough encounter against fourth-placed Strathfieldsaye this weekend.

After asluggish start to the season, the Tigers are back in finals contention, buoyed by narrow victories against Gisborne (two points) and Eaglehawk (one point).

The catch-cry of Kyneton supporters is simple –‘Keep winning’.

So the clash at Strathfieldsaye is one that both sides have invested in as far as getting four points is concerned.

The match at the Kyneton Showgrounds last Saturday loomed as atricky one, with the Kangaroos obviously improving with the scalp of Eaglehawk to their credit.

Aslippery surface did not make things easy,and there were passages of congested football in the first half, with just six goals scored to that stage. The home side led by13points.

Agood third term saw the visitors restricted to four points, and Kyneton had the match virtually wrapped upon aday where forwards battled to pose problems

for defenders.

Harry Huntley continued his recent good form, and Hamish Yunghanns won plenty of possessions and Brad McGee, Mitch Comben, Mason Crozier and Jake Safstrom proved their worth once again.

The match fizzled out with the Tigers scoring three last quarter goals, to two by the opposition.

Cam Manuel, following his after-thesiren heroics at Eaglehawk, finished with three goals and is Kyneton’sleading goalkickers in aseason where forwards are not producing bags of goals.

Strathfieldsaye had agood workout for the encounter with Kyneton, thrashing Maryborough by 134 points.

Keeping vastly experienced Strathfieldsaye spearhead Lachlan Sharp in check may be vital to Kyneton’sprospects on Saturday

Despite being restricted to asolitary goal in the second half, Kyneton Reserves hung on to beat Kangaroo Flat by two points.

The Tiger Reserves are now in fifthspot on the ladder

Kyneton Under 18s won their fourth

match for the season, running away in the second half to prevail 7.7 to 2.4.

The young Strathfieldsaye side is ahead ofthe Tigers on percentage, with both sides keen to collect the points this weekend.

Clean sweepfor netballers

Gisborne netballers were in fine form on Saturday,winning all five matches against South Bendigo.

At this stage of the season, Gisborne is confident its five teams can make the finals.

The club congratulates top shooter Claudia Mawson and mid-courter Kirby Elliot on being selected in the 2023 Bendigo League’sopen representative side.

The team will join the recently qualified BFNL 17&Under side at Netball Victoria Association’sopen championship finals this Sunday

Matches take place at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.

While Gisborne won all five matches on Saturday,Kyntonand Castlemaine found the going tough against highly rated opposition in Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst.

Scores from all matches were:

A-grade: Gisborne 59 dSouth Bendigo 27, Kangaroo Flat 72 dKyneton 34,Sand-

hurst 55 dCastlemaine 34, Strathfieldsaye 69 dMaryborough 39, Eaglehawk 63 dGolden Square 35.

Current ladder: Sandhurst 32, Gisborne 24, Kangaroo Flat 24, Castlemaine 22, South Bendigo 18, Strathfieldsaye 14, Kyneton 14, Maryborough 8, Eaglehawk 4, Golden Square 0.

A-Reserve: Gisborne 66 dSouth Bendigo 27, Kyneton 32, Sandhurst 65 d Castlemaine 36, Eaglehawk 51 dGolden Square 37.

Ladder: Gisborne 32, Sandhurst 28, Kangaroo Flat 20, South Bendigo 20, Castlemaine 16, Eaglehawk 16, Strathfieldsaye 16, Kyneton 8, Golden Square 4.

B-grade: Gisborne 61 dSouth Bendigo 28, Kangaroo Flat 45 dKyneton 37, Sandhurst 63 dCastlemaine 21,Strathfieldsaye 39 dMaryborough 34, Eaglehawk 46 dGolden Square 41.

Ladder: Sandhurst 32, Kangaroo Flat 28, Gisborne 24, Strathfieldsaye 18,

South Bendigo 18, Eaglehawk 16, Golden Square 12, Kyneton 8, Castlemaine 2, Maryborough 2.

B-Reserve: Gisborne 45 dSouth Bendigo 33, Kangaroo Flat 82 dKyneton 19, Sandhurst vCastlemaine (no score listed), Strathfieldsaye 48 dMaryborough 24, Eaglehawk 48 dGolden Square 21.

Ladder: Sandhurst 28, Kangaroo Flat 28, Eaglehawk 24, Gisborne 20, Strathfieldsaye 16, SouthBendigo 12, Castlemaine 12, Golden Square 8, Kyneton 4, Maryborough 0.

17&Under: Gisborne 56 dSouth Bendigo 19, Kangaroo Flat 72 dKyneton 7, Sandhurst 54 dCastlemaine 37, Golden Square 63 dEaglehawk 29, Maryborough 36 tied with Strathfieldsaye 36.

Ladder: Gisborne 32, Sandhurst 28, Golden Square 24, Maryborough 22, Strathfieldsaye 18, Kangaroo Flat 14, Castlemaine 10, Eaglehawk 8, South Bendigo 4, Kyneton 0.

Hamish Yunghanns handballs away.

Kyneton’s Mason Crosier marks the ball with support from Hamish Yunghanns, Hayden Eales and Harry Huntley

Bigweek forMagpies

It was abig week for the Castlemaine Magpies as they farewelled their mate Dallas Keogh-Frankling on Friday in amemorial service at St Mary'sCatholic Church in Castlemaine.

Members of the Castlemaine FNC, Kyneton FNC, Harcourt Cricket Club and other clubs formed aguard ofhonour as his cortege left for the Harcourt Cemetery

His dad Mark said Dallas continued to make everyone proud through his ability to bring people together and by showing the widespread impact he had onthe community during his young life.

Dal'swakewas held at the CFNC social rooms and the club thanked their volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Club officials said they were sure Dal would have been pleased to see the footy kicked around on the day despite the stuffy suits and dress shoes.

On Saturday the rain held offasthe Castlemaine teams tripped up the Calder to the Dragons' den at the Queen Elizabeth Oval for Round 8.

The Magpie netballers were eager to test themselves against competition leaders Sandhurst in what proved to be adifficult day for the local netballers.

The 17/U team fought valiantly scoring 37against the Dragons 54 with Sarah McLean showcasing her skills in tough conditions.

BReserve 15-61 had atougher time of it but never bowed their heads. Best on Court was Julia Soldatos.

BGrade 21-63 also had achallenging day.Shae Denahy was Best on Court.

AReserve dug deep but the Dragons made the most of every opportunity winning 65-36. Best for the Magpies was Abbey Grindal.

AGrade put onashow against the ladder leaders scoring 34to the Dragons 55. Magpie Coach Fi Fowler was put to the test in defence and named Best on Court for her role in restricting the Dragons from extending their 20 goal margin.

The Under 18 footballers did their best to continue the positive momentum following their round seven win over ladder leaders Golden Square. However,Sandhurst proved astrong adversary opening their account with asix goal first quarter effort they were never headed and went on to win by 88 points.

Goal kickers for the valiant Pies were Archie Rixon, Aidan Goddard and Tate Whaley.Best were Tyson Scoble, Ben Van egmond, Nick Lord, Bodhi Robinson, Aidan Goddard and Ben McConachy

With abolstered list, CFNCs Reserves had their best game of the season scoring two goals against second-placed Sandhurst. The 46 point margin at the final siren was something to be proud of. Lachy Hyland achieving Best on Ground. Other top

contributors included Joel Wootton, Jordan Cochrane, Laine Gibson, Tyson Cochrane and Camblar Kays.

The Senior footballers welcomed three young guns making their Senior debut on Saturday Wilson Staples, Archie Rixon and Kyan Martin.

Castlemaine started strongly kicking two goals to the Dragon'sthree in the opening term to only trail by one goal at quarter time.

The Magpies continued to thwart the home sides opportunities in the second entering half time just four goals down.

Castlemaine continued to test the Dragons in the third quarter kicking three goals to Sandhurst'sfour for the term. At three quarter time 34 points separated the sides.

The Dragons shut down any forward movement in the final quarter however, kicking away from the Magpies to win by 85 points.

Riley Pedretti put on astand out performance whilst youngster Kyan Martin was named within the best in aterrific effort in his debut senior game. Brodie BrowneKerr,Matt Filo, David Wilson and Ethan Maltby were also top contributors.

The Magpies ended the day together with aclubdinner at The Bridge Hotel Bendigo.

The Central VicWomen'ssideenjoyed aleague bye but the Magpie Under 16 Girls and Boys sides hit the park at Wesley Hill in Bendigo Junior Football League competition on Sunday

The Under 16 Boys lost atough battle to adetermined Maryborough by 86 points. Best were Mitchell McKnight, Oliver Britt, Oscar Giddings, Magnus Britton and Ngolueth Nyok.

The Under 16 Girls side also had a tough battle against Golden Square going down by 25 points. Best were Tayah Williams, chloe drew,Tegan Barry,Maddyson Hewson, Chloe Butcher and Lori Whaley

The Magpie Under 14s had aterrific 26 point win away over Rochester.Best were Zachary Thompson, Max Morgan, Jack Archer,Max Matheson, Archie Thompson, Jakoby Noulton.

This weekend the Castlemaine FNC sides host South Bendigo in round nine action.

The club reminds members it has rescheduled its Dynamic Duos evening to this Saturday June 17. Buy your ticket via the Magpies website.

The Magpies Sponsors/Life Members Day will take place in Round 10 versus Maryborough at the Camp Reserve on Saturday June 24.

Senior Women'sFootball side has another week'srest this week courtesy of the bye before they host North Bendigo at the Camp Reserve for anight match onFriday June 23 at 7.15pm.

Congratulations to Wilson Staples, Archie Rixon and Kyan Martin who made their Senior football debut Saturday against Sandhurst.

The Magpie Under 16 Girls gave their all against Golden Square at Wesley Hill on Sunday. Photo: Max Lesser