Midland Express Tuesday 3 October 2023

a second opinion

One Lancefield ratepayer has proven the worth of asecond opinion after challenging aMacedon Ranges Shire Council edict.

John Matthews was one of 12 High Street residents told to move their fence and garden to accommodate anew council footpath last year

The council notified residents last May their properties were within the road reserve, ranging between 300mm-800mm, and they would need to foot the bill to correct it. Twelve residents of the 14 fronting the works would be impacted.

Mr Matthews and others challenged the claim, and the council reviewed construction plans for the work to proceed without moving fence lines.

Those footpath works are now complete but the possibility of any similar future request regarding his property boundary

didn't sit well with Mr Matthews.

Since then, he and another neighbour have engaged an independent surveyor to confirm the boundaries of their properties. They said the council'sreport was inconsistent with the result.

"I was quietly confident that my fencing was in the right place," Mr Matthews said.

"For peace of mind Ineeded to ask a surveyor myself. They found my fenceline is within about 100mm of the boundary

"I felt the need to do this because the letter to residents was clear that 'at this time' they would not be seeking changes to the fences.

"There has been alot of stress for residents around this whole situation. I was quoted about $25,000 to remove and replace my front fence. That would be in addition to gardens and or moving the water meter."

When the Express asked the council why the independent and council survey

results differed, director of assets and operations Shane Walden responded:

“Council identified there were anumber of properties that have fences encroaching on the roadreserve –the largest of which was approximately 800mm encroachment. Council did not indicate that all were 800mm."

Mr Matthews said the council was not forthcoming with information at the time of its initial contact and created stress for residents.

He said he had to request acopy of the council'ssurveyjust to learn how far they believed his property encroached the road reserve. The shire survey ofthe area that he obtained indicated his property was about 600mm out.

Mr Matthews has now registered his independent property survey to title. He encourages other ratepayers to conduct their own research if they feel something is not right.

Rockpaddockfunds put aside

Funds from the proceeds of sale of Hanging Rock'sEast Paddock will be invested in an interest-bearing account and held until Macedon Ranges Shire Council resolves to direct them.

Councillors moved the motion at their ordinary meeting last week following transfer of the land at 139 South Road, Newham, to the Victorian Government.

MRSC endorsed the sale at its meeting on May 25 following a lengthy negotiating process. Sale and transfer was made on June 30.

The Department of Energy,Environment and Climate Action and council officers are continuing to progress the necessary steps to

permanently reserve the land for public purpose.

An officer report to councillors stated work to determine the best use of funds for the community is ongoing and will be allocated through council’susual budget processes.

"Council is considering arange of options for the allocation of the proceeds of sale, in line with the intention to contribute the funds to the betterment of the community," it said.

The council will continue to work with DEECA on the Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan, and in its role as Committee of Management.

Amy Hume

John Matthews challenged the council after he was told to move his fence to make way for afootpath.

Afamily of ducks was rescued from the Gisborne Fountain in the centre of Gisborne on Saturday morning.

Several people called Wildlife Victoria after realising the danger the ducks were in, trapped at the fountain in the main intersection of town.

Rescuer Sue Anderson said she and fellow rescuer Norm Martin ushered the three adult ducks and eight ducklings to safety slowly,inorder not to cause them stress.

"Norm stopped the traffic and we directed the ducks across to

Come along to jobs andtraining expo

Areyou looking fora job?Maybe youwant acareerchange? Or an opportunity to upskill?

Don’t missthe MountAlexander Jobs and Training Expo on Wednesday11October from 11.00pm to 3.00pm at the Castlemaine Town Hall.

Fordetails, visit bit.ly/MtAlexJobSeeker

Meetthe friendlyfaces at Council

We’rehosting an open dayfor youtocome and meet Councillors and Council staff.It’sachancetomeet the teams who servethe community every day, ask questions, find out moreabout whatwedo, and speak to your Councillors.

When: Monday23October,1.30pm-4.00pm

Where: Castlemaine Town Hall.

To find out more, call 5471 1700 or visit mountalexander.vic.gov.au/OpenDay2023.

Employment opportunities

BusinessSupport Officer –Engineering –Part time,fixed term Applications close 9.00am on Monday9 October Risk Coordinator –Full time,ongoing HealthyLoddon Campaspe Project Officer –Part time, fixed term Audit and Risk Committee Independent Member –Fixed term Applications close 9.00am on Monday16October Visit mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Upcoming Council meeting

ThenextCouncil meeting is on Tuesday17 October,6.30pm

Working together fora healthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700

Aitken Street and 400 metres down to Jackson Creek," Sue said. "Weevenaskeda couple of tradies to move from their table and seats so we could walk past them.

"They were as happy as Larry."

Sue added that this successful rescue was agood example of why it was important to have dogs onleads so they don't chase the wildlife.

Anyone who encounters injured wildlife is asked to contact Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.

DucksrescuedatGisborne ViewClub fashion parade

The Castlemaine View Club will be presenting afashion parade at the Castlemaine Golf Club, Pyrenees Highway,Muckleford, on Monday,October 9. Fashions are by the popular Cabella Mia group.

Tickets are $20 per head and can be purchased at www.trybooking.com/cktru or by phoning Judy on 0406 580 116.

Afternoon tea is provided and there will be excellent raffle prizes. All proceeds on the day will go to the Smith Family's'Learning for Life' program, a children'seducation charity that helps disadvantaged young Australians to succeed at school so they can create better futures for themselves. The View Club welcomes one and all to an afternoon of fun and fashion. Please arrive at 1.30pm for a2pm start.

Celebrating youth

Kyneton Rotary celebrated young people and their contributions to bettering the community at aYouth Night last week.

Loki Perch Nielsen, scout patrol leader and attendee at the South Korean International Jamboree, was guest speaker for the event. Kyneton Rotary was one his sponsors.

Also attending was youth exchange student Mila Pereira who is going to Spain to study nextyear, and Caspian Bouchier of Rotary's National Youth Science Forum. Kelley Twoney, scout and attendee to the New Zealand Jamboree, and Tegan Hickey, apastsponsored NYSF student attended.

Group Leader Corinne Twoney gave a report on the Kyneton Scouts. They were all joined by members, family and friends at the Shamrock Hotel, which put on great meals for the occasion.

Ballet’s rising star

AmyHume

From page 1

The 19-year-old has been preparing for David Hallberg’s Swan Lake and, soon, Fredrick Ashton’s The Dream, which will travel to Sydney

“The feeling is euphoric receiving an offer of any kind, but this one especially,” Laura said.

“I watched The Australian Ballet for years growing up, and they informed what Iknew as professional ballet. I aspired to be apartofthe company in Australia one day.”

As astudent, Laura’spath took her on what she describes as “a full circle adventure” after not being accepted into The Australian Ballet School three years earlier

She was instead accepted into the English National Ballet School, in London, and left the country to train at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

It was abig step for a16-year-old, made even more difficult as ongoing uncertainties created new challenges world-wide.

“It felt like the right thing to do if Iwanted to pursue ballet,” Laura said.

“It was amazing –meeting and learning from so many inspiring figures, and friends from across the world.

“Watching famous ballerinas regularly and even meeting some at the Royal Opera House stage door was surreal.”

Laura performed her first-year ballet piece at the Roundhouse Theatre, acontemporary ballet piece, Grace and Gravity, to raise funds for war-torn Ukraine, and has also danced at Sadler’sWells Theatre.

Other highlights were performing at aTheatre Royal Netflix premiere in Convent Garden and aGeorgeBalanchine professional repertoire (ballet and jazz fusion) for her graduating show in July.But one role that holds many memories is dancing the ‘Giselle’ Act One solo. She has performed this role in New Zealand in 2019 at the Alana Haines Australasian awards, National Cecchetti competition and for an audition reel earlier this year

“With many great moments also came some of the biggest challenges, like being away from family during

pandemic lockdowns and getting injured at the beginning of graduate year,right before audition season,” she said.

Still, Laura wouldn’t change athing.

“I built resilience during this time and learnt more about looking after my body /mind equally,aswell as enjoying other aspects of life,” she said.

Laura was just four years old when she fell in love with dance. She recalled the magic from the front rows of a local dance concert featuring Snow White at the Kyneton Town Hall.

“One student was performing asolo and wore abright, hot pink, bedazzled tutu and tiara. This was the first thing that attracted me to ballet: the chance to dress up and

wear the costumes onstage,” she said.

Her parents didn’t delay enrolling her in ajazz class at the same school: Carmel Amelia School of Dance. At her insistence, the very next year she would begin ballet training there too, across Gisborne and Woodend.

She travelled to dance competitions across the state, to Sydney for nationals, and many local residents will recall her concert-starring role as Thumbelina.

“At the theatre for the week of dress rehearsals, concerts or competition time was always the best part. All of us loved the theatre buzz,” she said.

“It felt like abig family,the comradery of receiving troupe awards together and performing alongside each other in full glam was fun.”

Laura was 11 when she began atthe Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Melbourne. At this time she also performed as Clara in The Nutcracker with a small youth company in Melbourne. Nomatter where she has been performing, Laura said “being part of acollective appreciation for dance and gifting it to people is afeeling like no other”.

“Performing and dancing on stage to me feels like a celebration and appreciation for the artform,”Laura said.

“I love getting the costume on, letting my body respond to the music, but mostly showing what joy dance can bring.

“Dancing has this powerful capability to liberate, communicate, story tell and celebrate music and movement simultaneously.”

Laura encourages young dancers to work hard and pursue their dreams.

“There’sanopportunity to learn and grow with anything life surprises you with. There’salways going to be rocky times, in amongst the amazing ones,” she said.

“I think being open, curious and willing to take on the challenges –asmuch as the exciting opportunities –is what’s helped me alot. Every situation is determined by how you choose to look at it, and so with apositive outlook and courage you can achieve anything you put your mind towards. Where there’sawill, there’saway.Enjoy the ride and embrace it!”

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Performing ‘Giselle’ variation at Victorian Collegeofthe Arts SecondarySchool, 2019, forCecchetti Society competition.

Next gendiv vans deployed

New larger and safer police divisional vans are taking to the roads, with the first of the fleet delivered to Kyneton.

The next-generation Ford Ranger vehicles –specially developed for Victoria Police –have begun replacing more than 250 existing vans in the force'sfleet.

The vans are ANCAP five-star safety rated, boasting features including 360-degree camera technology with cameras on the front, side mirrors and rear to assist with manoeuvring.

The larger prisoner pod has storage for police kit bags and operational equipment, which previously had to be put inside the vehicle'scabin.

All new divisional vans are fitted with a steel bullbar and LED lightbar to enhance member safety,provide additional lighting, reduce downtime from animal collisions and provide extra stability –countering the prisoner pod’sweight.

Previously only vans in the country and urban fringe had bullbars.

The divisional van is considered the workhorse of Victoria Police'svehicle fleet, with vehicles changed over once they reach 90,000km or three years in service.

Some vans in regional areas travelmore than 15,000km amonth –the equivalent of

driving from Melbourne to Perth and back twice.

The next-generation Ford Ranger XLT– themost innovative vehicle Victoria Police has put on the road –has a2.0L Bi-Turbo 154Kw engine with a10-speed automatic transmission, offering better performance and fuel economy

The previous model was asix-speed automatic.

Autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring and assist are among the new models’ additional

Expo ahit

Last month'sNational Insect Expo at Woodend attracted awhopping 7000 visitors, making it one of the largest event in shire after the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival and Woodend Winter Arts Festival.

Expo director Bert Candusio said the numbers included 925 locals, 5243 visitors from across Victoria, 748 from interstate and 39 international visitors from as far as Copenhagen, Tokyo, Wellington, Brussells, New Delhi, San Francisco and Madrid.

"Webelieve these were international collectors looking to make connections with other collectors and source new specimens," Mr Candusio said.

The encouraging numbers augur well for next year's event planned for late September/early October

features.

Kyneton last month became the first area to get the new vehicle with Stawell to follow in coming weeks. It'sexpected15 new divisional vans will be delivered each month, with the changeover to take two years.

Superintendent Andrew Miles said the vehicles were bigger, better and would keep members safer

"Be it in the city or out in the bush, we know they'll be put to good use in helping police keep the community safe," he said.

Fashion parade at Gisborne

Parades of Kays Classic Fashions are always popular and you have the chance to see one on Monday October 16 when the Gisborne Uniting Church hosts aparade of this season's latest summer clothes at 1.30pm at the Church in Brantome Street Gisborne. There will be great brands at low prices to suit ladies in sizes 10-24, as well as a‘specials’ rack. Entry is $10, which includes afternoon tea and door prizes. This is awonderful opportunity to purchase some updates for your summer wardrobe and enjoy afun, social outing as well.

Practice ‘cruel and dangerous’

Jade Jungwirth

Wildlife activists are calling on Mount Alexander Shire Council to advocate against the state government'sKangaroo Harvest Management Program.

The council recently received apetition with 2450 signatures requesting immediate action and calling the practice cruel and dangerous. Signatories say it has anegative impact on residents and undermines the environmental and tourism values of the shire.

Senior Victorian wildlife rescuer and Maldon resident, Ian Slattery,isone of the wildlife activists calling for aban on the program.

Aformerexecutive in telecommunications, Ian first began volunteering with Wildlife Victoria after witnessing the carnage the 2009 bushfires caused to our native animals.

"I was watching the footage on TV –koalas with burnt feet walking down the road," Ian said.

"When Ifirst started volunteering Ithought that given my lack of knowledge and the challenging nature of the work Iwould only work as atransporter.But within afew months Iwas rescuing my first possum in Malvern.

"When we moved to Maldon in 2013, Ineeded to do alot of additional training, because the types of animals are so different to those we worked with in the city.There were alot of kangaroos, koalas, wombats and wallabies and nine out of 10 need to be euthanised.

"Initially,Ihad Ihad to rely on the police to put the animals down, but Itrained to operate acaptive bolt gun and arifle, so Iwas able to euthanise them humanly.I also trained to use atranquiliser gun which enabled me to transport injured animals to nearby shelters.

"Most people don't know how the kangaroo harvesting program really operates.

"It'sall about money.Selling meat for human food, pet food and leather for football boots.

"Weare not overrun by kangaroos. That is apopular myth spread by the meat industry."

Mr Slattery said wildlife advocates estimated that the numbers taken by govern-

ment surveys were vastly inflated –byat least four times.

"Kangaroos are light-footed creatures. They eat different grasses to livestock and are tip feeders, which mean they only eat the tips of the grass," he said.

"They don't do damage to crops and they are not apest. In fact, they help reduce bush fire risks by keeping the undergrowth down.

"The commercial harvesting of kangaroo'sisanimmense form of cruelty.It occurs in the middle of the night and the shooters, using high powered rifles, sit on the back of aUte, in all weather conditions, shooting kangaroos from adistance of 200 metres

"I get called out the morning after to the carnage that is left. Kangaroo'swith their limbs shot off, hits in their stomach and back, and quite often their jaw shot off. The animals are often still alive and Iamcalled to euthanise them.

"Their joeys, called collateral damage, are left crying for their mothers and Ihave to dart them and take them to ashelter."

If anyone is interested in becoming a Wildlife Victoria volunteer or donating essential funds, visit www.wildlifevictoria.org.au

Wildlife rescuer Ian Slattery is one of the activists calling for an end to the Kangaroo Harvest Management Program.

Abanner in the grounds of the Anglican Church in Castlemaine calling on the public to vote Yesatthe upcoming Voice Referendum was vandalised overnight on Saturday night. Fr Ian Howarth said he and other parishioners were saddened that someone had committed such awilful act.

"Everyone has aright to express their own opinion without interference, so long as it is done peacefully," Fr Howarth said.

"That is at the heart of the democratic principles of this country.Violent protest is not!

"It is ashame whoever is vandalising signs like ours at the moment does not have the courage to come and talk about it.

"That'swhatthe Uluru Statement from the Heart is calling for,toinvite all Australians into the conversation and apath for change.

"Wedo not need to be afraid. Embracing reconciliation is key to moving forward as anation together with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples coming together as one."

Hunter’suphill fundraiser Hunter’s s u uphill

Gisborne'sHunter Williams is cycling 3500km through Europe to raise funds for Australian families caring for someone with an eating disorder

The 19-year-old is raising funds for Eating Disorders Families Australia and his campaign, Hunter’sUphill Fundraiser,pays tribute to the challenges families face.

“Looking after someone with an eating disorder can really feel like you are riding uphill alot of the time,” he said.

Setting offfrom the Czech Republic a month ago, Hunter has raised more than $10,000 and still has about two months of cycling in front of him.

Highlights so far have included the hospitality of people he has met along the way, and an epic climb to the peak of amountain range in Albania, where he watched the sun set and rise in the company of two wild dogs.

“Without adoubt, the most challenging part is the loneliness. Spending so much time in aforeign country away from my family and friends has been really difficult,” Hunter said.

“Thankfully,Ihave found the amazing hospitality of fellow backpackers and locals incredible, with many offering me aplace to sleep for the night and to have awarm shower.”

Acomplete bike-packing amateur,Hunter describes his journey as an emotionally maturing experience. He faced two weeks of rain when he first set out, meaning his camping equipment and other belongings remained sodden.

He then faced extreme temperatures and aday of multiple flat tyres, but he said he tried to take each day as it came and set small goals for himself.

“On the first few days of my ride, Iwas thinking about several people very close

to me who have suffered and are suffering from eating disorders, and how horrible this is for both them and their families,” Hunter said.

“I would like the funds Iraise to be used to continue the amazing educational network EDFAprovides and to sustain the community of families who can then share

their otherwise silent struggles.”

EDFAcurrently supports more than 3000 members, holds more than 90 online support group meetings and education webinars each year,and has varied specific support groups.

Hunter’sjourney will take him from the Czech Republic through parts of eastern

Europe, down to Greece and he will then travel via ferry to Italy before finishing his journey in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

To check out Hunter’sfundraising page, visit: uphill-fundraiser-2023.raisely.com

EDFAisanACNC-registered charity.All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Hunter Williams is cycling 3500km through Europe.

NewSeason

Firearms found

Tenfirearms buried 20 years ago were unearthed on avacant residential property in Huntly, just out of Bendigo, last month.

Officers from the Central Victorian Firearms Office received an anonymous tip-off as part of the National Firearms Amnesty that the items were under a concrete slab on the recently sold Hehir Road property.

Local police, with assistance from Search and Rescue officers used amini excavator to jack hammer the firearms out on September 22, about 11.15am.

The firearms, all in excellent condition, were in poly pipe and wrapped in garbage bags full of motor oil.

They included arevolver, asemi auto .22 rifle cut down to ahandgun, three Ruger 10/22 semi auto rifles, aFieldman semi auto .22 rifle, and four Ruger Mini14 .223 semi-automatic centrefire rifles (assault rifles).

TheCompost Conversation

–withJoel Meadows

Hours: Monday-Saturday10am-4pm Sunday11am-3pm

54A Piper St, Kyneton|4404 8740 kyneton@missmaisie.com.au

62 Mostyn St, Castlemaine |4406 6750 castlemaine@missmaisie.com.au

Leading Senior Constable Mark Wilkinson said people could hand any firearm to police with complete anonymity and would not be prosecuted under the National Firearms Amnesty.

“The firearms seized on Friday are of acategory that the average firearm licence holder cannot legally possess and they will all be destroyed at the Forensic Science Laboratory in the coming weeks,” he said.

Areyou aged 70 years or older?

Youmuststill vote in the2023Referendum

Thereferendum will be held on Saturday14October 2023.Voting is compulsory even if youare 70 yearsofage or older.

If youcan’t makeittoa polling place on votingday,you maybe eligible to vote early.

Formore information go to www.aec.gov.au or call theAEC on 13 23 26

AppropriateCOVID-19safetymeasureswill be in placeatall pollingplaces

Voting is compulsory forAustraliancitizens aged 18 years andolder.Ifyou don’t vote,you maybeprosecuted. Voting more than once is acriminal offence.

2023 Referendum,Saturday14October

aec.gov.au| 13 23 26

Authorised by theAustralianElectoral Officer forVictoria, 2Lonsdale Street,Melbourne,Victoria

Pre-soaking for happy summer compost

Now that the weather is getting warmer, our compost piles can start to suffer from drying out too much.

Letting our compost piles dry out will force our compost microbes to go into a dormant mode, protecting themselves from the dry with an impervious layer and taking abreak from their composting work. We don’t want this to happen.

Drying out is particularly aproblem for open compost piles, or ones where the bay sides are very porous, but can afflict closed, Geddie-style plastic bins too.

The answer would seem to be simple, if our compost has dried out, ’just add water’, but if you’ve ever had aproblem with dry compost, you’ll know this does not always work as aquick-fix remedy.

I’m sure you know the experience of standing with ahoseand watering adriedout garden bed or pot-plant and watching the water just shed off or through the soil. This is asign our soil has gone ‘hydrophobic’ (literally scared of water) and the same thing can happen to our compost piles –itisafunction of our soil or compost microbes going into their protective mode and forming water-shedding waxy coatings.

If your pile has dried out too much, don’t stand there for hours with the hose running, this will just wash nutrients away

Christian education in the heart of Campbells Creek

from the pile and waste water. The best way to rectify adry pile is to pre-soak some carbon-rich ingredients like straw, leaves or old rotted wood-chips in atub or bucket of water for aday or two before adding them to the compost pile.

This pre-soaking gets the fibres of the carbon-rich materials fully charged with water and is an effective way to introduce lots of extra moisture to the pile in away that the water won’t just drain away. These water-charged carbon-rich materials will then slowly soak their excess moisture into the compost pile, gradually wetting and reactivating the dormant microbes.

Iuse an old 200-litre plastic drum cut in half to pre-soak my carbon ingredients in the dry weather, but a20-litre bucket works well too, though you might need a few on the go.

Preventing your pile from drying out in the first place is always the better option, and pre-soaking your carbon-rich ingredients over the warmer months is agood practice to help keep the moisture content of the pile just right.

Next week we’ll have alook at how to test for the ideal moisture content in your compost pile.

–JoelMeadows works with Yes In My Back Yard, (YIMBY), acommunity-scale composting initiative in Castlemaine and surrounds. Send questions or comments to hello@yimbycompost.com

The best way to rectify adry compost pile is to pre-soak some carbon-rich ingredients like straw, leaves or old rotted wood-chips.

The unlucky viking

Lisa Dennis

Castlemaine author and Monash University adjunct research associate, Cathrine Harboe-Ree AM, recently released her first book with aspecial launch event at Buda Historic Home and Garden.

The Unlucky Viking: ASagaofSealing &Shipwrecks in the Southern Ocean and its companion offering, Diary of the 190607 Voyage of HNMS Cathrine of Tønsberg, detail the fascinating life of her adventurous, seafaring Norwegian grandfather Captain Anders Harboe-Ree.

Cathrine told the Express the unique project began after her father was sent her grandfather's original diary by arelative living in the Faroe Islands.

"My Dad passed away not long after and the precious document fell to me," she said.

"With the assistance of my mother Eva Harboe-Ree and daughter Anna Ree-Cutler, Ihave translated and edited the original diary into English and the story evolved from there."

The Unlucky Viking tells the extraordinary tale of ayoung Harboe-Ree who at 25 was shipwrecked on his first voyage at the helm of small sailing vessel 'Cathrine', the author's namesake, while seal hunting on the remote and desolate subantarctic Crozet Islands in 1906.

Determined to save his 14-man crew, the captain and two companions attempted to sail a5.8 metre whaleboat 7300 kilometres to Australia across the wild Southern Ocean to raise the alarm.

On the ninth day of this perilous journey, the trio were fortunate to cross paths with another ship, the remaining crew were subsequently rescued. Harboe-Ree returned home to Norway aheroand waseven knighted for his bravery.

But two years later Harboe-Ree was involved in asecond shipwreck of alarger vessel, which saw 75 men stranded on the equally bleak Prince Edward Islands.

This time there was much more at stake and Harboe-Ree was ridiculed and subjected to lengthy court battles on his return.

Cathrine said these were the most dramatic but not the only misfortunes faced by this unlucky, modern-day Viking.

Echoing the old Norse sagas, this book is agripping story about shipwrecks and survival and an important contribution to sealing and Antarctic history.

Her grandfather even painted aland-

scape of the second shipwreck where it lay beached in the Prince Edward Islands that now hangs on Cathrine's wall.

"The diary was awonderful source of information and also features some fantastic sketches, as well as entries by 61-yearold expedition leader Norwegian antarctic explorer Henrik Johan Bull who was highly respected in his field," Cathrine said.

The book was officially launched by Dr Andrew Lemon, author of the book Poor Souls They Perished, the story of the wrecking of 'Cataraqui' Australia's worst ever civil maritime disaster, in which 400 lives were lost in Bass Strait in 1845.

The afternoon also saw aperformance of songs about the shipwrecks by Cathrine's daughters Anna and Karolina ReeCutler.

The books are available now at local bookstores and online.

So what's next for Cathrine? Well, the author plans to explore the life of another Norwegian adventurer, the zoologist and polar explorer Johan Koren who was shipwrecked with her grandfather in 1906.

Castlemaine author Cathrine Harboe-Ree is pictured with her book, the diary companion, aportrait of her adventurous grandfather and his painting of the second shipwreck on the Prince Edward Islands.

Flint Hilltosupportbrigade

Woodend'sFlint Hill garden promises acaptivating botanical experience and is opening to the public this Saturday to raise funds for the Woodend Fire Brigade.

This is aone-offchance to visit one of the finest gardens in the state, which includes mature trees and plantings that are listed on the National Trust tree register

Agrand vision, which began in the 1930s, has matured into one of the great woodland gardens of Australia. The nine-acre garden is surrounded by an impressive eucalypt parkland with views to Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock.

Magnificent specimen trees form acanopy over sweeping lawns bordered by hundreds of majestic rhododendrons.

The unique display of trees include alucombe oak on the main lawn north-east of the house, a caucasian fir south-east of the house and abishops pine near the spectacular mature rhododendrons.

Other major trees include many gums, large oaks, alarge peppermint and three very large sequoias. Winding walks also lead to formal ponds and alake.

Numbers are capped, so bookings are encour-

aged. All proceeds will support the purchase of much-needed equipment for the Woodend Fire Brigade, which is a100 per cent volunteer service.

Woodend Fire Brigade 2nd lieutenant and community safety officer,Sue Hobbs, said the funds would go alongway to supporting the brigade.

“The CFAprovides the Woodend Fire Brigade with vehicles and equipment to suit its brigade risk profile, however,the brigade’stankertwo, rehab and forward control vehicle are actually partly –or wholly –funded by the Woodend Brigade (and community)," she said.

"Wealso purchase specialist equipment on our own behalf, that is not covered by the CFA. Hence, the importance of raising funds to maintain our fleet and service to aquality that we believe will best serve our community.This would not be possible without the generous support of our community."

Flint Hill will open to visitors supporting the fundraiser on Saturday,October 7, from 10am to 3.30pm.

Entry is $15 for adults, children under 15 free.

For more information visit: woodendcfa.org/flint-hill

Come see the Cup

The 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is heading to RDA Oaklands on Sunday

Join the RDA crew from 10am to noon for achance to see the Cup up close and hear from special guest speakers, see demonstrations from riders and enjoy light refreshments.

RDA Oaklands runs avaried horse riding program catering for children and adults with disabilities. Their activities are varied, and their coaches are passionate about helping riders to excel in their field of interest, be it, therapeutic balance, strength and coordination work, sessions to enhance communication and social skills, riding skills, horse handling, dressage, trail riding, show jumping, competitions or getting them on the path to the Special or Paralympics!

The group is also looking for volunteers.

If you are interested, come forward onthe day to introduce yourself or contact the group via rdaoaklands@gmail.com

Whether your interest is working with disabled children as asidewalker or leading one ofthe well-trainedhorses, no experience is necessary as training will be pro-

vided. Youwill find it very rewarding. RDA Oaklands is located at 60 St Johns Road, Oaklands Junction. It operates Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays (not during school holidays).

The 2023Lexus Melbourne Cup Tourisheading to RDA Oaklands.

Woodend’s Flint Hill garden promises acaptivating botanical experience.

From underthe staircase under the

Live arts organisation Punctum is hosting avery special concert event this coming Sunday

Over the past two years in partnership with the Australian Art Orchestra and with support from the Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund, Punctum has piloted aprofessional development program inviting regional musicians and sound artists to explore new music forms through collaborations and share the results with audiences.

The pilot program sees artists working toward ashowcase in the Sunday Sonix Concert Series at Punctum’sICU studio space in Castlemaine. The past two years of the program has seen established, mentoring artists working with local emerging artists to extend their practice through new modes of making and working.

Artists have included local percussionist and sound producer Justin Marshall from Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, and Courtney Barnett’sbass player Bones Sloane.

For the October 8edition of Sunday Sonix, regionally based Iranian-born, Persian Kamancheh and Qeychak musician, singer, songwriter,and choral director,Gelareh Pour,will share the results of her collaboration and enquiry with audiences.

Gelareh has aMasters of Ethnomusicology at The University of Melbourne, where she completed unique academic research on ‘The Lives of Iranian Women Singers in Diaspora’. She is an accomplished performer with arigorous approach to collaboration and creative cross-cultural exchange. She has performed in Iran, Tajikistan and throughout Europe and Australia.

Gelareh is working with renowned music engineer,producer and sound artist Myles Mumford who has engineered and mixed

Zulya and the Children of the Underground and the legendary group The Scientists among others.

In addition to producing and engineering, Myles is amulti-award-winning composer and performer.Hehas composed for concerts, theatre, contemporary dance, with his work being performed by ensembles such as The Glass Percussion Project, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Onomatopoeia Ensemble, The Tasmania Clarinet Quartet, and Textor.His music can

be heard regularly on 3RRR, PBS, 3MBS, ABC Classic and Radio National. In arare performance he will be sharing his original sounds recorded in-situ live alongside Gelareh.

Also joining Gelareh is Carolyn Connors, acelebrated vocalist and composer,and Aimee Chapman, aCastlemaine-based performer and well-known electronic producer.All will share their work arising from Gelareh’sinquiry into sonic responses to the unique spaces in which our daily lives

play out. Following the OctoberSunday Sonix concert, the final Sunday Sonix concert of the series will be presented on November 5and will be led by Aviva Endean with celebrated local and international artists.

Stay tuned via What’sOnonPunctum’s website.

The Sunday Sonix Concert Series: From Under the Staircase is on from 5pm on Sunday October 8atPunctum ICU, 1Halford St Castlemaine.

Bookings: punctum.com.au/whatson

Gelareh Pour is an accomplished performer with arigorousapproach to collaboration and creative cross-cultural exchange.

Family fun

Bring your family and friends along and visit the Romsey Market on Sunday

The market is now situated on the service road that runs alongside the Romsey Skate Park in Main Street, corner White Avenue. Lots of arts, crafts, jams, preserves, handmade goods, woodwork and much more. Food stalls and great coffee, also doughnuts and the famous Lions’ sausage sizzle. Also buy aticket or two for the chance of winning abeautiful handmade wooden rocking horse for someone special for Christmas. Stallholders who wish to have astall, contact Angela on: 0456 797 153.

AdultArt

Morethan a‘who-dunnit’

Remember Columbo,the long-running and popular series screened on television?

There’sanopportunity to see the play,and true to form, it’snot a‘who-dunnit’, but a ‘we-saw-it-happen-but-will-he-get-awaywith-it?’ scenario.

Columbo –Prescription: Murder by William Link and Richard Levinson will be presented by Kyneton’snot-for-profit Cathouse Players, in their cosypop-up theatre, at Kyneton’sMasonic Centre.

Trapped in aloveless marriage, eminent New York psychiatrist, Dr Roy Flemming, has devised afool-proof, perfect planto rid himself of Claire, his neurotic and possessive wife.

His affair with his patient, Susan Hudson, a young New York actress, has become the catalyst for abizarre plot to impersonate, deceive and kill. With the unwelcome arrival on the crime scene of our hero, Lieutenant Columbo, this skilfully written play will thoroughly entertain, right up to its stunning and surprise ending.

Artistic director Bette Sartore’s cast and creatives include some of their usual suspects: Frank Sartore, Ross Tempest, Katie Fitches, Nicole Katiforis, and joining the Cathouse family are Erin Brass andMichael Treloar,with acameo performance from Quentin Berlatier

Stage manager is Brian Fitches, assisted by Di Addington and Maggie Browne, with sound and lighting techie, Helen Gramberg. Columbo is playing October 20-29 for six shows, tickets are $25/20, all-inclusive.

Enjoy Friday evenings with wine and cheese, or ‘high tea with bubbles’ served at matinees.

Doors open30 minutes before show time.

For bookings visit: trybooking.com/CJZQZ Card facilities are available. Companion

Thetruthofsmall townliving

Anew production by Castlemaine Theatre Company threatens to reveal the hidden secrets of people living in small towns, including those in our region.

Under Milk Wood is set in Wales, and Dylan Thomas finished writing it in 1953, but it explores themes that will still resonate with people in Newstead, Guildford and Chewton alike.

“We’re finding so many ways to relate to these small-town characters,” director Michelle Dorian says.

“They have local gathering places –itmight be the town pump rather than acafé –and they know each other’sbusiness.”

CTC’s2023 production of Under Milk Wood is unusual in that it brings the words, which are best known as aradio play,to life on the stage. “This play is more like poetry than astraight narrative piece; it shows the inner lives of the characters,” Michelle says. “I wanted to work with ateam to try and create the dreamy mood in atheatrical way.Everyoneisbringing incredible ideas.”

The production is certainly acommunity effort, withvarious contributors helping to realise the vision.

“Our set-designer,Roddy Ramos, ran with the dream idea in an unexpected way,” Michelle says.

“And we have various creative people gathering costumes and making props that really feed the imagination of audiences.” Twenty-four hours in the life ofasmall town… apoetic, lilting and humorous portrayal of the dreams, hopes and regrets of aseaside community.Don’t miss this Castlemaine version of Under Milk Wood,you may see glimpses of your neighbours on stage!

CTC’sproduction of Under Milk Wood, By Dylan Thomas plays October 26to November 5atthe Phee Broadway Theatre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine.

Thursday,Friday,Saturday at7.30pm. Sunday Matinee at 2pm.

Tickets at castlemainetheatrecompany.com or at the door, $29/$25/$18. Drinks and snacks will be available at bar prices half an hour before. Cash or card accepted.

CaptainCat with Drowned and First Voice.

Take the plungeand reset

Business Kyneton is marking Mental Health Awareness Month with avery special event aimed at small business owners aptly titled RESET.Thisone-of-a-kind mental health day on October 31 at the Mechanics Institute in Kyneton is aimed at empowering and rejuvenating small business owners in the area. It promises to be an unforgettable experience featuring adiverse range of activities, from enlightening talks by a world-renowned communications expert to invigorating virtual reality experiences.

Reasons to attend

Expertinsights: Elevate your communication skills to awhole new level with the guest speaker,a world-renowned communications expert. Gain actionable insights into effective leadership and business communication that will give you acompetitive edge. Virtual reality experiences: Take abreak from your busy schedule and explore new dimensions of relaxation and stress management through cutting-edge virtual reality experiences.

Breathworkand massages: Let certified

What is Castlemaine SafeSpace?

Castlemaine Safe Space is different from any other service because it honours their visitor’sautonomy by not calling external services for intervention without permission.

CSS believes that for many people experiencing asuicidal crisis, emergency departments are the most immediately accessed or only form of support. However,they believe busy emergency departments are not ideal locations for people who are in psychological/emotional distress.

Everyone is welcome to attend the CSS during opening hours. No referral or appointments are necessary.Inthe future the people at CSS hope to connect guests with awide range of other community based services such as housing, relationship counselling or financial assistance, to help address the causes of their distress. Everyone who attends safe space is treated with respect, kindness, and compassion.

The safe space is one of four pop-ups being piloted across Australia, co-designed by Roses in the Ocean. In 2021 the Every Life Matters Network received funding to set up asafe space in Castlemaine. Then in early 2022 the Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group was formed, to lead anddrive the development of this community designed, led and managed safe space in Castlemaine. This project has been made possible by

Every Life Matters who received an initial grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and funding support from Mount Alexander Shire Council, Roses in the Ocean and Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership.

The safe haven concept was initially based on the UK mental health charity Mind’s2011independent inquiry into acute and crisis mental health services. This research found that people wanted asafe place to go in times of crisis,tobe treatedinacaring and respectful way, with areduction in the medical emphasis of usual acute care. The report also acknowledged the benefits of peer support. One of the main principles of asafe space is promoting autonomy,selfdetermination and choice and control for guests, in particular for those that have had poor experiences with voluntary and involuntary hospitalisation who would therefore not seek help of any kind in the future with clinical services.

The safe space concept relies on offering:

*Analternative to emergency departments and other emergency clinical services.

*A place to fill the gap between what is on offer now and what is more palatable for guests.

*Analternative in terms of agency and personal choice of guests concerning treatment options.

professionals guide you through breathwork sessions to centre your mind and body Enjoy luxurious massages that will leave you refreshed and ready to conquer your business challenges.

Networking and community: Engage with other like-minded small business owners over adelicious lunch provided by local businesses. Create meaningful connections that can lead to partnerships and growth opportunities.

Ice bath challenge: For the truly brave, an exhilarating ice bath experience can be tried. Plunge into the icy depths and emerge revitalised both mentally and physically Special lunch: What’sbetter than delicious food? How about food that’slocally sourced and free? Enjoy amouth-watering lunch provided by some of the finest local businesses in Kyneton.

Get your tickets

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to invest in your mental well-being while enhancing your business skills. To secure your spot, visit: businesskyneton.com.au

HaavveeTThheeCCoonnvveerrssaattiioon n

CastlemaineCommunity Lunch &Mini-Expo

Thebest2 course vegetarian lunchintown! Join us fora delicious lunch, fabulous companyand amini-expo of local supports formentalhealth.

$7. suggesteddonation

12.30pm,Tuesday 10th October

Castlemaine Town Hall

‘ChattyLunch’atCommunity Lunch

We believe havinga chat canbrighten anyone’s daysoif you’re lookingfor someone to chat too, keep an eyeout for our “havea chat”tableatCommunity Lunch!

12.30pm,TuesdaysduringOctober

Castlemaine Town Hall

SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. In which month are the Umbilical Brothers coming to the Kyneton Town Hall?

2. Who will be the MC of Romsey Primary School’s annual fundraiser comedy night?

3. On what date was Run the Maine held this year?

4. Who did Gisborne U18s footballers defeat to earn back-to-back premierships after this football this season? (3 points)

5. Which three Macedon Ranges towns will the MND Daniher’s Drive visit this year?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. In which country would find Zadar and Split?

7. Which Australian Prime Minister disappeared at sea?

8. Who was the last King of France?

9. Who penned the popular children’s horror series Goosebumps? (3 points)

10. The following are all breeds of what: Azawakh, Mudi, Chinook, and Otterhound?

Treat alllaw breaking equally

John Shaw, Woodend

Recent examples of corporate misbehaviour have highlighted thedisconnect within our legal system.

If an individual transgresses the consequence can be severe, i.e. jail.

If acorporation transgresses, the only consequences are fines.

The decision makers within the corporation seldom have to acceptany responsibility.Their corporate criminality is not a random event, buta conscious process of 'taking apunt' on what they can get away with.

Recent events such as (a)Qantas selling tickets for non-existent flights is just a form of sophisticatedtheft; (b) the ongoing existence of casinos despite being found to be unfit to hold alicence. The 'unfitness' relates mainly money laundering of illegal gains, much of which involves the exploitation of fellow Australians; and (c) the egregious behaviour of PwC has seen one person lose apractising licence (two years) and those running PwC walking offinto the sunset dragging large bags of cash behind them.

In all three, no individual has had to accept any consequence for their law breaking.

The issue of corporatecriminality has implications for anyreader who has superannuation.

Super is predominantly invested in Australian or foreign-owned corporations. The conundrum is this –most people want high returns on their super, companies that behave illegally/unethically produce greater profit/super returns, and in the same way, it'seasier not to think/act on corporate criminality

The problem is that our children/grandchildren are entering aworkforce where, increasingly,the culture is one of "what can we get away with?/whatever it takes" rather than "What is the right thingtodo?"

Thecheapeningofour standards does not contribute to our collective mental health nor confidence in our legal system.

The change thatisrequired is to treat all law breaking in an equal fashion.

Employment in acompany should not provide a'get out of jail free' card when law breaking occurs.

Ashameful cop out

RayPeck, Hawthorn

It'shard to disagree with Clare from Kyneton (Opinions, September 12) who argues the referendum slogan should be, "If you don't know,find out!".The No campaign'sslogan, "If you don't know,vote 'no'", is ashamefulcop out.

It is ablatant attempt to encourage those who are unsure to take the easy option and vote No.

On the other hand, the Yescampaign’s message, with Farnham's"you're the voice, try and understandit",ispositive and encourages responsibility

The Electoral Commission’sreferendum booklet is in our mailboxes and online at aec.gov.au/referendums/files/pamphlet/ referendum-booklet.pdf

It'sall we need to understand the Yes and No argumentsand make up our minds

We were notasked

R. and M. Evans, Kyneton

It was upsetting to read in Midland Express on Tuesday August 29, the news that Macedon Ranges Shire Council will not be hosting Australia Day events. No councillor asked our opinions! This is a decision that will divide people. Youcannot change history!

Aprevious MRSC voted down the opening prayers before council meetings without consultation. They disregard the feelings of residents. Who gave themthe right to decide? We note that two councillors were absent.Congratulations to

Crs Neil and Bonanno for opposing the changes.

We wholeheartedly support the comments of R. Young, TomO’Dea and Chris Richards in Midland Express September 12, and Tonia Todman, Midland Express September 19.

We no longer celebrate Commonwealth Day on May 24. Will Remembrance and Anzac Days be nextonMRSC agenda?

We urge MRSC to reconsider this decision and restoreAustralia Day to its rightful placeinour history,and respect the opinions of residents.

Elevengoodreasons

Clare,Kyneton

Recently apamphlet was delivered to our mailbox listing 10 reasons why we should vote no to the Voice Referendum.

Here are my 11 good reasons for voting

YES

–First Nations people have asked us for aVoice

–Itisa modest ask –itisfor ADVICE only: what the Voice calls for will not be binding on government

–The status quo is not to be tolerated any longer.Just look at theClosing the Gap statistics! We have to takeour courage in both hands and trynew options

–Having First Nations people’sadvice guide decision making should result in better decisions, leading to more effective spending of the government dollar on First Nations programs

–Itisthe right thing to do

–Itistime: no othernation in the world so ignores their First People’srights and dignity

–Itcosts me and the rest of the 97%of us nothing

–The overwhelming majority of Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people support constitutional recognition through aVoice

–The Uluru Statement from the Heart was developed through an extensive democratic process of 13 regionaldialogues

–The Voice does not confer special rights on anyone!

–While enshrining aVoiceinthe constitution means it can’t be removed at the will of politicians, how its members are elected and its functions can be changed to ensure it stays relevant into thefuture

So Iamvoting YES! on October 14, and Ihope you are too!

Onward with the brave newworld

TomAllen, Welshmans Reef

Iwas flicking through the Midland Express the other week (as you do) and came across the 'businessadvisory page (ask the experts). Youwill all be overjoyed to know that there now exists anew insurance component on offertogowith all the other ridiculously overabundant types of insurance components on offer.Now,ifyou have an internet profile you seriously need to consider 'cyber insurance'. Seriously?

Aaahhh: to people these days not have aridiculous numberofcosts here there and everywhere already? Aren't the 'cyber security experts/task force people meant to be developing 'cyber technologies' to deal with this huge, global and growing problem anyway? (perhaps,itwouldseem, not).

Many of you maywell be complacent that yourchosen financial institution already holds an 'insurance net' in place should an internet baddie get their mitts upon your hard earned. Iwould strongly advise to call into your financial holding point of choice in order to categorically confirm this because should an 'unauthorised individual' get their porkers upon your money pot, you maybeinfor aseriously rude shock.

Postscript: It really should be mandated by law that all monies held should be fully insured against cyber crime, whichever Australian (or indeedinternational) financial institution is involved, the onus should

emphatically not have to be upon the individual to pay this. Banking internet security data firewalls must be at alevel whereby there is virtually zero risk of this type of (potentially devastating) breach occurring. And for everyone else: for God'ssake do not give out sensitive account details over the phone!

It’s time to sayYes

MargaretAugerinos –CEO,Centre for Non-Violence

Tricia Currie –CEO, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee

Julie Oberin –CEO,Annie North Trudi Ray–CEO, HavenHomeSafe Damian Stock–CEO,ARC Justice Kate Wright –CEO, Centre Against Sexual AssaultCentral Victoria

Australia is on the cusp of ahistoric decision in the advancement of First Nations equality and justice.

As not-for-profit organisations living and working on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Yorta Yorta and Wurundjeri country,weare committed to walking in solidarity with First Nation communities in thepursuit for equality,justice and truth-telling.

We write this open letter as First Nations communities face backlash against what is asimple ask: the opportunity for them to be able to have avoice on issues that directly affect and impact their lives, children and kin.

We are concerned not only in the amplification ofmisinformation over the upcoming referendum, but also about the harmful narratives taking place across our communities.

Our organisations acknowledge our privilege and will use that to amplify the continuing impacts and oppression of colonisation and systemic racism on First Nations people.

At atime where we are about to turn the page on one of our most important chapters, we mustask those of us who do not identify as AboriginalorTorres Strait Islander toacknowledge and accept our role in the living history of colonisation, and ongoing oppression of First Nation families and communities.

We have aresponsibility to recognise and acknowledge the enduring trauma inflicted on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as aresult of colonisation and systemic racism.

We also recognise the strength and resilienceof Aboriginaland TorresStrait Islander peoples in their fight for equality, justice and truth-telling.Werecognise and deeply respect the diversity oflived experience and voicewithin FirstNation communities and regard aVoice to Parliament asanimportant step towards equality and justice.

We have been givenaninvitation asa nation, to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations people of these lands andwaterways and, toacknowledge their sovereignty and sacred connection to them. We also have aninvitation touphold the unique human rights of Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islanderpeoplesasoutlined bythe United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; to seek afuture where they have power oftheir voice, rights, destiny,and that their children flourish. This invitation is tohave aconstitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.

On October 14, we have achance to re-write history and undothe lie ofterra nullius, to undo the constitutional mistake of the past where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not recognised as the First Nation peoples of these lands –over 60,000 years of continuous living history and culture –older thanany other culture in the world –exists today on the very lands weare privileged to call home.

We haveanopportunity to begin as a nation, ajourney of healing.

It’stime for equality.It’stime for justice. It’stime to say Yes.

Stein. 10. Dog.

Worn tyresaffect braking

As vehicles continue to evolve, over the years there have been general improvements made to braking components helped by additions such as ABS, electronic stability control and similar aids that have resulted in the average stopping distances being reduced.

While these technologies allow vehicles to come to astop under awide range of conditions in asafer manner,one basic factor –the condition of tyres –isa often overlooked.

Amajor part of vehicle safety and braking performance is good quality tyres. A vehicle with all the ingredients of agood braking package won't be able to function at its absolute best if its tyres are in poor condition.

Basically,the better grip tyres have on the road surface, the better the braking will be.

Tyres without sufficient tread will feel

the need to 'lock up' and activate ABS so 'wasting' those extra braking capabilities. The effectiveness of ABS lessens as tyres wear because it senses when awheel is about to lock up and adjusts braking pressure to prevent this. Atyre that skids on braking has less traction than one that is not skidding, so ABS comes in earlier

The tyres of new passenger cars in Australia must have 8mm of tread as a minimum.

Testing has shown that braking from 80kph to astandstill in avehicle with only 3mm of tread took an extra 9.5 metres compared to avehicle with new tyres. The same car with 1.5mm tread –the legal minimum –needed an extra 18.6 metres compared to the car with new tyres.

So the message is clear,you and your passengers are safer on the road if the vehicle'styres are in agood condition.

Classicsfor charity

Acar club was formed in the Macedon Ranges this year by like-minded enthusiasts with the end goal to help disadvantaged youth around the Macedon Ranges.

Calder Classics is for everyone who enjoys their much-loved older cars and would like to help out in some way

The club holds barbecues, coffee runs, winter drives and pub lunches at various destinations around the Ranges and eventually plans to hold avariety of events including acar show to add to their financial charity pool.

The main plan is to help outdisadvantaged youth, mainly in years 11 and 12, with scholarship of about $1000 each to help pay for fees, books and uniform expenses so there is less financial stress and the student'sfocus can be on doingtheirbest to achieve their future educational goals.

While helping out younger people, the club also helps classic car owners –manyof whomare in their senior years –get out and about, meet people and show offtheir adored vehicles.

New members are invited to join the Calder Classics club for a$50 annual membership for permit plateholders and $30 annual membership for families and singles. Email calderclassics@yahoo.com and alsojoin and the Facebook page named Calder Classics.

Blind spots around trucks

People need to be aware of the significant blind spots that exist around trucks and large vehicles, says Jerome Carslake, senior manager of the National Road Safety Partnership Program, Monash University Accident Research Centre.

"The truck design and where the driver is positioned, such as further back, can impede their vision when on the road," Carslake says.

"Pedestrians and car drivers often pull out or walk in front of trucks thinking they have full vision or the truck can simply stop, which is where accidents can happen.

"While there are safety technologies available to reduce risks on the road, it is essential for drivers to be aware of the road safety measures they can take to reduce the risks of truck incidents, which is to give trucks the space they need to operate."

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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

Birthday Club

The enchanting Liebeslieder Waltzes

The Gisborne Singers are rehearsing hard and polishing their German in preparation for an upcoming concert featuring Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes

The work features piano four hands, astyle popular in the 19th century where two pianists play simultaneously on one piano. Talented choir accompanist Anna Clarke Zuidland will be joined by guest pianist Elyane Laussade.

Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes is a collection of love songs in the Ländler style. Liebeslieder translates as love song and the lyrics come from Georg Friedrich Daumer’s Polydora,a collection of folk

songs and love poems.

The concert will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, Macedon, on Sunday, October 29, at 2pm.

Ticket pricing is adult: $55 and student/senior: $45. Entry is free for children aged under 12 years.

Tickets are available via: trybooking. com/CIWMG or via the Gisborne Singers website: gisborne.harmonysite.com

The Gisborne Singers rehearse on Wednesdays at the Gisborne Uniting Church in Brantome Street.

Enquiries to: president@gisbornesingers.org.au or phone 0408 156 263.

The Great Ocean Road adventure included camping and anighthike through bushland.

Scouts build outdoor skills

Kyneton Scouts travelled to the Eumeralla Scout Camp to build on their outdoor activity skills over September 9-10.

The Great Ocean Road adventure included camping and anight hike through bushland.

They shared the experience with 150 super scouts from around the Lerdederg region and were tasked with navigating through the bushland over six hours to compete at activity check points including building and lighting acampfire with flint /setting up camps.

After setting up camp, the scouts were required to carry all their food and cooking equipment on the hike.

They were scored ontheirability to plan and cook ahealthy and nutritious camp meal to sustain them onthe hike.

With the final three hours of the hike takingplace after sunset /inthe dark, the scouts were tested on their ability to remain focussed and resilient while finding their way through uneven and unusual surroundings.

Scouts left the experience with skills that will help them plan successful future adventures like the upcoming Adventurous Journey of four days and three nights, which they must eachcomplete as part of their Peak Award.

The Gisborne Singers are rehearsing hard for an upcoming concert.

31 Mollison Street, Kyneton

Open Wed5.00pm -5.30pm &Saturday10.30am-11.00am

For Sale

EPR: $860,000 -$940,000

Period HomeRefurbished to Perfection

Thisclassic brickhomeisashandsomeastheycome,especially afterhavingbeen lavishedwithloveinrecentyears.It’sbeenupdated andupgradedinall of theright areaswhile still retaining itsproud retrocharm.The threerobed bedroomsare serviced by twonew bathrooms, beautifully tiledwithfloatingvanitiesand one withabath. The secure property alsoboastsvaluablelaneway access fromPohlman Street.Located in Kyneton’sheart,just afew blocks fromthe main shopping hub, guarantees aconvenient andcosmopolitanlifestyle amongst your localpubsand cafes.

40 Weeks Lane, Lauriston

SnowdenPark

20 DrakeStreet, Malmsbury

EPR: $1,075,000 -$1,175,000

PlentifulOfferings in aCharmed Setting

Notonlywill thewhimsicalcharm of theresidenceand setting romance youat20Drake Street,uponaninspection, theinvestorand future planner in youwill alsobeshouting YES! Yousee,bybecoming theproud purchaserofthisproperty, opportunitypresents itself threefold.Firstly, afullyrefurbished two-bedroom miner’scottage fronts Drake Street.Secondly,awidesidedriveway introduces theprivate,independentand very endearingbarnstyle accommodation.And lastly, at the rear of theproperty, fronting BennettStreet,a 1,539sqmparceloflandisripefor subdivision(STCA).

Inspectbyprivate appointment

For Sale

EPR: $2,400,000- $2,600,000

Snowden Park is an impressive86.14ha property borderedbyKangarooCreek andthe Wombat StateForest. Upon arrival, behold panoramic viewsofthe valley andlushrolling hills.A charming 2–3-bedroom cottagecapitalises on this outlook witha glazed sunroomand spaciousdeck. Thepropertyboasts10paddocks withlaneway access forstock movement,10dams, aboreand reticulated watering system andanAmericanstyle barn withaconcretefloor.

3

1

6

86.14 ha (approx.210 acres)

24 Fosters Lane, Kyneton

Open Saturday 12.00pm -12.30pm

For Sale

EPR: $1,600,000 -$1,750,000

Renovated 4Bedroom Homestead On Established Acreage

On theedgeoftown, this is averypicturesque property on 7.82 hectares(20 acresapprox.)withanattractive tree-lineddriveway. Youarrivetoarecently renovated family home whichhas been openeduptocreateaneasyfamily environmentthroughout. The carefully considerednorth-facing orientation ensuresthe kitchen,spaciousfamilyliving, anddiningareasare filled with natural lightall year-round.Numerouspaddocksoffer amultitude of uses with greatfencing,a reliableboreand shedinfrastructure.

7.82 ha (20 acres approx.)

10 Rennick Avenue, Kyneton

Open Saturday 11.15am -11.45am

For Sale

EPR: $1,050,000 -$1,150,000

Contemporary Riverside Home with Spectacular Views

Discovermodernliving at itsfinestinthismeticulously designed4yearold custom build. With 4bedrooms, 2bathrooms and2livingareas, thejourney beginsasyou crossthe thresholdintoagrand entryway that leaves an indelible impression. An expansive living areaisa testamenttograndeur,boasting high rakedceilingsand asliding doorthatleadtoaspaciousdeckfor outdoor dining

42 2608 sqm

41 Hallorans Lane, Kyneton

PrivateGarden Lovers’ Retreat

Open Sunday 11.00am -11.30am

For Sale

EPR: $1,090,000 -$1,190,000

Welcometothisdelightfulrenderedbesserbrick home locatedonaspacious 1.99Ha (5 acre)block.Thischarming2 storeyhomeoffersaflexiblefloorplan with4bedrooms,2 bathroomsand ahomeoffice. The open plan kitchen and living area are perfectfor family living.Downstairs, thehomeoffers2bedrooms plus asun-filledhomeoffice, andaspaciouslaundry withample cupboard storage. Upstairs,you will find 2light filled bedrooms andamodernbathroom.

42 21.98 ha (5 acres)

59 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton

Timeless and ModernFlair

Open Saturday 10.30am -11.00am

For Sale

EPR: $780,000 -$850,000

Nestled withinapartofKynetonrenownedfor itscloseknitfamilycommunity, this remarkablehome isn'tmerelyahouse –itweavestogethergreatlayout anddesignchoices that will be embraced by theseasons of your family's life Craftedwithcare by DennisFamily Homes, theexteriorboastsatimeless facade,whilethe interior is acanvasfor your future plans.

42 2719 sqm

We areextremely proudtobeannounced thewinner of theAgency of theYearAwardsfor Kyneton. The RateMyAgentaward acknowledge agents in ourindustrywho go aboveand beyond fortheir vendors.To winthismeans to have received thehighest satisfactionratingacross theregionfrom ourtransactionsinthe 2022 calendar year.Thank youto allour vendors andpurchaserswho took thetimetorateour service, we appreciate your kind reviews andsupport

Pictureperfect

Your next home could be this picture perfect country home and large barn-style shed, nestled on five acres (approx.) of peaceful and tranquil bushland to enjoy

The home opens into ahallway through entry at the rear door.Tothe right amagnificent sunroom, featuring awall of windows and french doors, soaking up the sun and relishing in the stone wall gardens and rural outlook.

The master bedroom is further down the hallway with built-in robes and alarge ensuite bathroom. The remaining two bedrooms are generous in size. There is ashower-bath in the family bathroom which also has its own beautiful features.

Beautiful bamboo floors, leadlight windows and high ceilings are just some of the gorgeous characteristics found throughout the home.

The country-style kitchen offers timber benchtops, gas

cooktop, electric oven and beautiful timber feature walls.

At the other end of the home the spacious dining and living area, with fireplace in the centre, have glass doors opening out to awest-facing veranda, overlooking the bushland beyond. There is an easily accessible European laundry.Externally there is an extensive building consisting of small shed with sink 2.1m x3.9m, workshop 4.4m x3.6m ,shed 4.4m x4.5m with mezzanine and adjoining carport 4.1m x10m. The workshop and shed have excellent access for extra storage.

Highlighted by solar panels paired with micro-inverters, Zappi car charger and two Tesla batteries for home power is ahuge bonus for running costs.

Located only 8kms from Castlemaine, 30kms to Kyneton and aconvenient 5kms to the Calder freeway

An outstanding home offering excellent country living, this private paradise is sure to impress upon inspection.

33 acres

Property: Privateparadise on fiveacres (approx.)

Address: 9McCayReservoir Road,Chewton

Price: $1,250,000

Agent: Keogh Real Estate

Contact: 5472 1248

1-37 JohnstoneStreet, Castlemaine

-Unbeatable locationonlymomentsfromheart of Castlemaine

-Polished timber floors,highceilings, leadlight windows, splitsystem,solar -Singlelockupgaragewithdirectaccesstohome

-Easytomaintainfront

89 MolloysLane, Guildford

-Rusticoff-gridstone home with completeprivacy

-30acresmainlytimbered land with twodams

-Two carports and 6m x9mmachinery shed

-Located 20 minutesfromCastlemaine andDaylesford

Macedon Ranges

Midland

Fabulous family living

An exceptional offering in central Castlemaine, this private home is well considered with loads of natural light, carefully designed updates and the gardens you’ve dreamed about. This home is ready to deliver fabulous family living from the minute you move in! As you step inside you will be greeted by acosyliving space with glass sliding doors leading to the front deck. There is awell-appointed kitchen with gorgeous stone bench-tops, Velux skylight, gas cooking, dishwasher and awalk in pantry

There are three bedrooms, two with buil -in robes, and all with beautiful garden outlooks.

The bathroom has been updated with shower,bath and separate toilet offthe laundry

Outside parking for two cars in provided in the attached carport.

The many established trees add aparkland feel and the property enjoys aborrowed landscape from nearby crown land

What truly sets this property apart is the outdoor paradise that awaits you. Enjoyed from every angle there are spaces perfect for all seasons including the expansive front deck, secluded rear courtyard and the elevated backyard.

Property: Three bedroom homeset in outdoor paradise

Address: 3Landseer Street,Castlemaine

Price: $769,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130 Blasi Mulholland0417311 733

Langley 1029 Kyneton-Redesdale Road

“Strathjoy”-40.47Ha(100 Acres)

Executors Realisation Sale

Opportunitytoacquireaverygood small farm acreage, with greatimprovementpotential.

Theexisting circa 1960’sresidenceisripe foratotal renovation/extension or demolish and build your dream designcountryhomeonalternativesites to take advantage of the beautiful aesthetic amenityofthe property

Features include twoseparatetitles of 80 and 20 acres,excellentgreyloam volcanic soils,water supply from twosmall dams and one large dam fedfrom seasonal watercourse also frontage to Sandy Creek,two 9m x18m storage sheds,5 main paddocks with very attractiveviews.

Auction Saturday28October at 2pm

ReservePrice $1,200,000 Terms of Sale 10 %deposit,balance90days

To View call John Keating 0419 880 444

Woodend

14 Collier Street

Location, location,location.

Exceptional opportunityfor first home buyer,downsizer or investor to secureanexcellent145m2 (15.6 sq) brick veneer residenceon523m2in one of Woodend’s most treasured precincts in close walking distancetoall communityfacilities

Accomodation comprises lounge,kitchen/meals area, 3bedrooms,sunroom, bathroom and laundry, plus integratedgarage

Embraceall of Woodend’s idylliclifestyle with coffeeshops,shopping,schools, sporting facilities and V/Line station all only minutes away.

Auction Saturday28October at 11am

Reserve Price $875,000

Terms of Sale 10% deposit,balance30, 60, 90 days

To View call John Keating 0419 880 444

Opportunity awaits

Within walking distance to schools, sporting facilities, Kyneton Hospital and medical services this is your opportunity to buy your first home at an entry level price point, purchase asmart investment or perhaps to downsize. As soon as you walk through the front door,you’ll have asense of belonging.

This immaculate home comprises three spacious bedrooms with the main bedroom offering an ensuite and walk-in robe. The kitchen/meals living area is open plan with modern appliances including gas hot plates, electric oven and the essential dishwasher Other features of the home include agas ducted heating with anew motorand reverse cycle split system for year-round climate control, a new gas hot water service plus agarden watering system and a10,000 litre rainwater tank

An automatic electric gate makes the backyard secure for for kids and pets to spread their wings in the established and low maintenance garden.

There’salso asingle car garage with lined double shedding in the rear for caravan or more car accommodation. The rear shed is fully lined with atoilet. and laundry sink, perfect for the serious handyperson or someone looking for an idyllic man cave. This is agreat opportunity to secure ahome in the buoyant Kyneton market.

15 LawrencePark Dr.Castlemaine 'AMARILLI'

On a607 sq.mt block, 3bed,2 bath, brick home with enticing garden. Open plan kitchen/dining room, astudio /potential 2nd living area with facilitiesadd to thepotential. 2car garage, 2 privatecourtyardsfor entertaining, all services including solar areconnected. $825,000

LISTINGS WANTED

We have buyerslooking forRural AcreageinCastlemaine &District. HomesinCastlemaine $500,000 upwards.

Propertieswanted in Muckleford,Harcourt, Faraday, Guildford, Newstead, Fryerstown &Taradale

Property: Three bedroom home with good shedding and more

Address: 69 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton

Price: $710,000 -$750,000

Agent: Raine &Horne Kyneton

Contact: Jennifer Pearce 0427422 508

635Woodbrook Rd.Walmer

Spacious home in charming bush setting. 3bedroom home on approx.26acres of delightful bush. Inviting living/dining area workable kitchen. Propertyalsohas abrick studio which canbea4th bedroom or self contained living space. 3car carport. $1,380,000

Lifestyle and location uncompromised

Located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, Wingara has been lovingly and meticulously transformed into the ultimate lifestyle property encompassing 1.25-acre (approx.) grounds, the property’sexcellent infrastructure, the home’sfaçade and sophisticated internal appointments.

Be reinvigorated by this peaceful setting, also on the doorstep of Kyneton, Woodend, Daylesford and Trentham for first class dining, shopping and entertainment options. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate being astone’sthrow from the Wombat State Forest and Coliban and Lauriston reservoirs.

Inside, the residence is both stylish and comfortable. Large windows, afresh white colour scheme and floating floors are timeless design choices. Awood heater with heat transfer brings the country charm and there is also split system heating and cooling.

Part of the generous light filled open plan living area, the kitchen has been refurbished including Caesarstone benchtops and adjoins the dining space with sliding glass door access to alarge decked alfresco.

There are three robed bedrooms and acharming, independent studio with apowder room and wood fire, offers aspecial fourth.The home’sstunning bathroom features floor to ceiling tiles, astepless shower and encourages relaxation in the deep soaker bath. Outside, the gardens are flourishing thanks to the renowned rich red soil and underground

spring water.Picnic under elder,ash and birch trees while admiring the native bird life. There are established raised veggie patches and fruit trees to harvest from as well as a large chicken run.

In addition to the double carport with undercover access to the home, extensive infrastructure includes afour-car garage with an adjoining workshop and additional garden shedding with wood storage space.

There is also aspring water bore delivering 9000 litres per hour,installed back-up generator,heat pump hot water andwireless NBN connected to the home and studio.

Property: Three bedroom home with independent studio offering afourth

Address: 1419 Kyneton -Springhill Road,Springhill

Price: $1,100,000 -$1,200,000

Agent: RayWhiteKyneton

Contact: TamaraMactier 0429 136 635

Helen Jens 0404 834 926

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

43 Church Street, Maldon

3a 2b 2v 687r

•Relaxed countryliving in modern surrounds with gardens and character.

•Living-diningroomwith glass doors that open to an Alfresco area

•Largedouble carport with storage

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Narelle Waller |0408571 131

For sale

$895,000 View Saturday 7th October 12:00pm -12:30pm

107B Gingell Street, Castlemaine

3a 2b 2v 446r

•Specialentertainer townhouse with treetop outlooksand cityconvenience.

•3 double bedrooms withrobes

•Largekitchen with stone benches.

•Delightful, private gardens.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Narelle Waller |0408571 131

For sale

$1,045,000 View By appointment

40

4a 1b 4v 3.5w

•Picturesquerural settingsoclose to town.

•Enter via thequaint front veranda into the lounge room with woodheater.

•Spaciouscoveredentertaining area.

•The openmeals andliving area.

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Belle PropertyCastlemaine |5470 5811 167 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Belle PropertyMaldon |5475 1055 30A MainStreet,Maldon

belleproperty.com

For sale $735,000 View Saturday7th October 12:15pm -12:45pm

3Woodman Drive, McKenzie Hill

4a 2b 4v 558r

•Lovely lifestyleinprizedWoodman Drive neighbourhood.

•Entry hallway, 2living areas, open plan dining& living room

•Private, well fencedlevel garden.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Scan to viewour currentlistings

For sale

$725,000 View

Saturday 7th October 11:30am -12:00pm

McManus Road, Barkers Creek

Our locally based companyprovidesarchitectural drafting and design services for residential and commercial builders, investors, newhome owners and property developers acrossthe Macedon Ranges and wider Melbourne.

We at Dreamworx aimtodeliver quality and specialised building design and drafting services forour clients, we aim to takethe stress out of the design aspect of your domestic or commercial project. Our services include,building design, architectural drawings, town planning and construction drawings as well as building permit packages, consultation and subdivision.

BEST Michael

19 Oct 194224 Sep 2023

Passed away at Kyneton Hospital on 24 September after fighting acancer battle with great courage

Loving husband of Frances and stepdad to Jo (Max), Libby (Pete) and Jamie (Tracey).

Sadly missed by his special little dog Princess Pearl. No funeral as per Michael's wishes but aget together for friends and clients to be advised

KN274220/J

COCKS -Elaine

Manytreasured memories of our lovely dancing friend who litupour world with her smile

Rest peacefully Elaine -Old Time Dancing in Kyneton

KN274229/L

TOBIN

AnthonyJohn 'Tony'

11.6.1939 -26.9.2023

Much lovedand loving husband of Beryl. Loving father of Paul Shaun, Tim, Leigh and their partners and Pa to 8grandchildren. Peace at last.

Passed away at home on 26th September 2023 aged 73.

Apatient sufferer at rest

We will always rememberyou. In keeping with Leon’s wishes, aprivate cremation hasbeen held.

John LeonardHolland

7.9.1937 –28.9.2023

Passed peacefully at Arcare Castlemaine

Devoted husbandtoPauline (dec).

Much lovedfather and father in lawto

Jane and Mark, Melinda and Tony Proud and loving Poppyto Jaida, Millie and Christian.

Special great PoppytoSalvador

Friend to Paul, Hunter,Vic and Carly Loving brother to Bruce (dec), Barbara and Max. Funeral arrangements to follow.

Castlemaine 5470 5951

KN274244/L

Catherine (Cath) Polinelli

Passed away on 25th September 2023 aged 94.

BelovedwifeofJack(deceased).

Lovedmother of Christine, Sue and Laurie, lovedmother in law of Sigy and Heather Grandmother of Stephen, James, Katina, Melissa, Liesel, Jarrod, Aidan, Nakita, Larisa and Tony Wonderful Great Grandmother of eleven.

Adetermined woman who loveda challenge,she will be fondly remembered forher love of sportand gardening.

Manyhappymemories

Rest in Peace

COCKS Elaine Joyce

29.9.1940 -25.9.2023

Beloveddaughter of Ella and ErnCocks (both dec.).

Lovedsister to Gloria and sister-in-lawto Darrel (dec.).

Much lovedaunt of Rosalie,Trevor(dec.), Andrew, Marion, Sam and Caitlin.

RestinPeace

KN274193/J

COCKS Elaine Joyce

KN274240/L

MITCHELL (nee Goodall) Jean Veronica

COCKS Elaine Joyce

KN274194/J

Lovedfriend and companion of Kevin for18years Will be sadly missed. Much loved companion forDad. Alwayssohappyand so full of love forour whole family

Nowresting peacefully

Love always Peter,Lyn, Colleen, Julie,Trevor, Brian &families.Xx

HOWE

Ailsa Margaret.

Died peacefully at Bendigo Hospice after ashortillness on September 26 2023. Aged 89. LovedwifeofJohn (dec).

Cherished mother of David, Anthony(dec), Chris and Stuart(dec). Adoredgrandma of Jack Achaptercompleted, apage turned, alifewell lived, arestwellearned.

KN274227/J

MCDONALD (nee Ferguson) Glenda Joy 14.02.1952 –27.09.2023

Belovedwifeof Wayne(dec.).

Loving mother of Lara and Trevor Daughter of Barrie (dec.) and Thelma. Cherished sister to Graham, Julie (dec) Adele,Lisa and families

Foreverinourhearts

KN274242/L

SPITERI -Mary

Passed away peacefully on 25th September 2023.

Lovedwifeof Dominic(dec).

Loving mother of Carmen, Joe (dec), Raymond and Michael. Nunna to Jason, Sharlene,Luke, Danielle,Matthew, Rebecca,Clare,Kyle, Joel, Emily and Melissa and their families

Foreverinourhearts

KN274225/L

In loving memory of MumtoPeter, Mother-in-lawto Ellen and Sandra. Nanato David andErin. Step-NanatoRoss, Sally,Christian. Great-Nanato Nell, Eleanor,Paddy, Giselle and Ned Funeral Service to be held at St Mary's Churchat195 High St Kangaroo Flat on Friday, October 6at1.30pm Enter to car park behindstreet at major Hwy

KN274255/L

TOBIN

AnthonyJohn DearTony(Pa), memories of chatter, banter andlaughter over abeer or two. OurSaturday quaddies will never be the same.

R.I.P Old Boy. -LoveLeigh, Cazz, Tahlia, Lucy &Jesse

KN274246/L

WILLIAMS

Peter “Bullant’’ Apast President, player, great friend and legend of Kyneton Golf Bowling Club. Bullant wasa wonderful character who could put smiles on all our faces wheneverweneeded it. Will be greatly missed by all at our club Deepest sympathies to Betty and the family and Peter’s manyfriends

WILLIAMS

Peter Charles 'Bull Ant'

6.5.1944 -24.9.2023

Lovedhusband of Betty Loving father of Steven, Maxine &Greg. Father-in-lawofChris, Glenn &Sarah. PoppytoNathan(dec), Sarah, Rachael &Lachlan.

Foreverinour hearts

KN274231/L

Always loved and Remembered

The Funeral Service forElaine Joyce Cocks will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Cnr.Powlett & Yaldwyn St. West, Kyneton on FRIDAY (6th October,2023) at 10.30 a.m. Aburial at the Tylden Cemeterywill follow.

KN274192/J

HOWE

The funeral service to celebrate the lifeof Mrs Ailsa Margaret Howe will be held at the Norma Richardson Hall, 15 Buckland St, Woodend on FRIDAY (Oct 6, 2023) commencing at 10.30am

Aburial at the Woodend Cemetery will follow.

KN274226/J

MCDONALD Glenda Joy

The funeralservice forGlenda will be heldat GavanHall, High St, Broadford on Monday, October 9at11am. Burial will follow at the Broadford Cemetery. Then warmly invited backtoGavan Hall forrefreshments

KN274243/L

SPITERI

The funeral service forMarySpiteri will be held at the Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel 5Piper Street, Kyneton on THURSDAY (5th Oct. 2023) at 11am Aburial at the Woodend Cemetery will follow. Those unable to attend are warmly invited to join the service via livestream which canbeaccessed on Mary’stribute page at tjscottandson.com.au

KN274252/L

SPURR John Matthew 15/12/1963 16/09/2023

Afuneral service to celebrate thelifeof Mr John Matthew Spurr will be held at 11am, Friday6th October,2023, Mulqueen Family Funerals Chapel, 15 –25Bridge Street Bendigo

At the conclusion of service the cortege will leave fora burial at Bendigo Lawn Cemetery.

To viewthe livestream of the service, please go to www.mulqueen.com au/livestream

KN74219/J

TOBIN

The funeral service to celebrate the lifeof Mr AnthonyJohn

‘Tony’ Tobin will be held at the Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper St, Kyneton on TUESDAY (Oct. 10, 2023) commencing at 11.00am.

Aburial at the Kyneton Lawn Cemeterywill follow.

KN274241/L

WILLIAMS

The funeral service to celebrate the lifeof Mr Peter Charles Williams will be held at the Kyneton Town Hall, 129 MollisonSt, TOMORROW (Wed. Oct. 4, 2023) commencing at 11.00am. Aburial at the Kyneton Lawn Cemeterywill follow.

Forthose unable to attend,you canbea partofthe service via alive-stream which can be accessed on Peter’s Tribute page at www tjscottandson.com.au

KN274232/L

Catherine Polinelli

Funeral Mass to celebrate the lifeof Mrs Catherine Polinelli will be offered in St Monica’s Catholic Church, High Street,Kangaroo Flat TOMORROW (Wednesday) commencing at 11.00am. Aprivate cremation will followthis service

The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

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

In Memoriam

CIOPICZ -Marian

09.10.2014

Going backthrough the years

Alone the path we trod Ibless the years we spent together Andleave therest to God

To your resting place Iwander

And tend it with loving care

No one knows how muchImiss you As Iturnand leave youthere

But there is aplace in my heart

That is yours alone

KN274224/J

Apiece of my life, only youcan own Fordeepinmyheart, memoryiskept To love andcherish andnever forget Our treasuredmemories will neverfade as the ninth year passes Your devotedwife, Carolyn. AmazingDad of Letricia, Stuartand Tamara. Loved MazofCraig, Katie and Brent. Adored PoppyofJemma, Alyssa, Riley, Ebony, Sullivan andHarrison. Great-Poppy of Zachary

KN274222/L

Leon Donald Blakeley

Castlemaine IGA Plus Liquor

Vacancy available nowfor

AGrade Electrician rade

is amale, desexed, 1yearold, black/tan, Dobermann. He is an easy going, happy chappy,has a beautiful temperament and veryplayful. He requires ongoing training, Eager to learn and wants to please. House trained and dog and cat friendly Microchip No

LP RECORDS

Rabbit traps, old bottles, tins, fishing rods, records, toys, Australian coins, advertising signs, oil bottles, cast iron items.

TOPCASH PAID Richard 0417 415 336

WANTED TO BUY

Sweet Moodle pupfor sale. MC # 956000013028831. Source #MB205767 Castlemaine Ph 0416 084 018 familydogsvictoria. com.au

Seeking IT Teacher at Tarrengower Prison!

Bendigo Kangan Instituteislooking for an IT Teacher to join its Corrections Education Team at TarrengowerWomen’sPrisonMaldon. You must have:

•

• Excellent communicationskills

• Problem solving skills

• Able to work in a team and autonomously

• Competent in database applications/digital presentations/Windows software packages/spreadsheets/publisher/excel/PowerPoint/Moodle

If you’re interested (or haveany queries); send your resume to careers@kangan edu.au, subject ‘IT Teacher –Tarrengower Prison’. NOTE:BKIreservestherighttowithdrawthisadvertisedpositionatany stage.

ArtExhibition &sales by Chris Moule ABrush with Nature

Pen&Ink drawings, watercolour &oils

fridge,oven/microwave &more,EC,X70891. $28,000 ono Castlemaine area. Ph 0409 799 560 KN273989/L

How to place aCLASSIFIED

Classified DEADLINES

SAHARA LANDCRUISER 2019. 200 series,8cyl. 81,000km. Immaculate car,excellent tyres, electric trailer brakes, other extras.Rego: BFG 652 Feb. 2024 $118,000

Ph: 0444 528 074

Vehicle Advertisers

Private vendorsofmotor vehicles advertised forsale must include in their advertisement:

•Cash price of vehicle

•Ifcar is registered, registration number

•Ifunregistered, the engine number

From July 1, 2019, it will be an offence to advertise a dog or cat forsaleunless the advertisement includes the animal's MICROCHIP NUMBER and the SOURCE NUMBER generated by the PetExchange Register Offences applytoboththe person selling the pet, along with the publisher that publishes anon-compliant advertisement.

From July 1, 2019, membersofthe public will be able to access limited information on the Register,regarding advertisersofdogsand cats. Consumerswill be encouraged to checkthe validity of abreeder or individual's source number before they acquire apuppy,kitten, dog or cat.

Errorsinrepeat advertisements must be notified to our office immediatelyafter appearance of the first advertisement.

Thepublisherdoesnot accept liabilityfor errors in repeat advertisements that are not drawn to our attention upon the first appearance No allowances can be made forerrorsnot materially affecting the effectiveness of the advertisement. Position cannot and will not be guaranteed. All claims foranadjustment or credit must be made within seven days after billing date.Wereserve the right to revise and restrict anyadvertisement we deem objectionable and to change the classification when necessary to conform to the policy of this newspaper.In the event an advertisement is omitted from publication, we assume no liability forsuchomissions.

Nissan Pulsar Hatch 1.6 ltr auto 148,000kms, Newtyres &battery, Auto just serviced, Rego Oct 2024 RWC, VGC, DH9 1KX, $4,800

Ph: 0404 467 125

KN274057/L KN274092/J

SP

Town &District

GOLFresults

CASTLEMAINE

What aSaturday for Garry Moore, Peter McCoombe and Gavin Lang –all Collingwood supporters they filled the top three places on the podium in the stableford event.

Moore (16) was the best with 39 points, McCoombe (11) had 38, and Lang (8) had 36.

GISBORNE

Magpies were swooping on Saturday as 100 golfers took to the course for ashotgun start stableford.

President Alastair Boustead topped A-grade with asolid 34 points, and John Heron led in the B-graders with 3

Former Sunbury dairy farmer Bill Dillion excelled with 42 points in C-grade.

Karyn Sanders took out the ladies comp with 37 points.

The magpies were also out and about on Wednesday,with seven ladies chalking up eight birdies. A-grade: Kathy Richards 33 points; B– Margaret Power 42; C– Leanne Delaway 34.

Also, congratulations to the women’sinterclub team on finishing runner-up in the interclub competition.

KYNETON

Over 100 ladies challenged the course for the annual Par 3Day sponsored by David Sullivan last week.

Congratulations to all winners, specially Kylie Munro, for her hole in one on the second hole.

This was very exciting, being the first hole in one for the tournament, and coming from alocal made it extra special.

Munro, Lorraine Ryan and Anne Bennett were Kyneton players who shared in NTPs. There were plenty of prizes available on areally fun day

Judy Quick came third in the B-grade handicap with 72-20-52 after athree-way countback.

Afour-person Ambrose was held on Friday as afundraiser for Kyneton Cricket Club, attracting 72 starters on aperfect day for golf.

Ateamoflocals comprising Jonathan Beachey,Tom May, Matt Waters and Dan Murray came in with awinning 63-7.37555.625, with aCraigieburn quartet runners-up.

Longest drives came from Kylie Munro and TimKirk. NTP winners were Denise Murphy (2), Matt Hodkiss, Scott Murphy,Damian Summers and David Austin.

Astableford round was played on Grand Final Day,with Regan Williams (13) again on fire with 42 points in division 1.

Division 2went to Paul Moore (31) with 39 points, and the women’swinner was Kylie Munro (19) with 32 points.

Munro, probably inspired by her hole in one earlier in the week, claimed two NTPs and the super pin, with Terry Gamble, Paul Law and Neil Wattsalso NTP winners.

LANCEFIELD

Postponed from earlier in the year,the 27 holes Lancefield Open proved awinner on Friday (public holiday).

With exceptional weather and an immaculate course, the field not only attracted Dalhousie District players, but members of clubs from as far away as Rich River,Garfield, Huntingdale and Medway

The Open Champion was Medway’sChristopher Biffin (7 handicap) with 114off the stick.

Lancefield’sMatt Darby 128 and Wayne Mee 145 were the respective Band Cgrade scratch winners.

Handicap 27 holes: A– Lee McCullagh (Rich River) 113.5; B–Bert Parks 117(Lancefield) and C –Dean Budde 110.5 (Lancefield).

NTPs went to Huntingdale’s

Cameron Pascoe (2), Mark Fountain (Seymour), Chris Hanson (Broadford) and Wayne Mee.

Saturday’sAmbrose winners were Todd Lambert, Sandra Stevens and Glen Holland with 59.5, from Trevor Lambert, Denis Davenport and Gary Dudderidge 60, and Steve Gilbert, Ken and LynMurchison 60.167.

Wednesday women’sstableford: Kaylene Cruise 36 points (and two NTPs), from Sandra Matthews 33 on acountback from Anne Robinson.

Nine holes –DiBrennan.

Legends: James Whitford (14) 41 points, from John Leefe (17) 38, and Mal Ive (26) 37.

MOUNT MACEDON

The pairing of Braydn Beattie and Alex Fraser were winners of Saturday’stwo-person Ambrose with agross score of 63, from Darren Mantynen and David Watt 65.

Winners of the Mega Draw were Trevor Atkins and Marcus Ward.

The midweek end-of-themonth event was an aggregate four-ball competition.

With all teams graded on handicap, the runaway winners with 111points were Alex Fraser, John Dawson, Peter Semmens and Graham Marshall.

Peter Sinclair,Mike Hoiles, Bubba Watson and Karl Pongracic were runners-up on 102.

Areminder that the club'ssixmonths summer membership has commenced. Interested golfers should contact the club website for details.

TRENTHAM

Saturday’sGrand Final Ambrose attracted 19teams, and remarkably,two tied on 53.375.

The countback resulted in a victory for Simon Ovenden, Darrin McLean, Brenton Payne and

Shane Robinson, with Andrew Holdsworth, Robin Wilson,Nathaniel Slater and new member Albert Velose the runners-up.

WOODEND

Full marks to talented youngsters Ned O’Connor and TajWarren on their efforts in Saturday’s par event.

O’Connor (28) handicap finished with the day’sbestscore of +5towin B-grade, and Warren (7) topped A-grade with +3. In the midweek event there were acouple of outstanding scores.

Les McGowan (21) cam in as the winner with 42 stableford points, from Sam Barker (11) on 41; the latter is surely headed for singe figures soon.

All junior golfers (nine to 15 years) are encouraged to participate in the holiday golf program beginning at Woodend on October 10.

Mount Macedon Ladies Get Into Golf graduates enjoy aswing analysis session at Drummond Golf-Niddrie.

Perfect shot: Kyneton’s Kylie Munro aced the second hole during the big Par 3Day.

Friday’s Ambrose winners (from left) Tom May, Matt Waters, Jonathan Beachey and Dan Murray.

Rangerscompetitive at cup

The Kyneton Rangers Under 9s entered ateaminto the Keilor Cup for the first time ever,which was played over the long weekend.

In their first match on Friday,the Rangers came up against avery strong team, the Keilor Wolves (who were the eventual champions) and competed strongly.While they lost 3-0, there was excellent defending by Tarquin Cameron, Sam Mertikas and Owen Adams and some incredible saves by goalkeepers Matthew Mertikas and Charlie Hudson.

In their second match, the Rangers played Watsonia Heights FC. In the first half, the Rangers were dominating play and had many chances on goal, but it was still 0-0 at half-time. Early in the second half, Flynn Osmond broke the deadlock and scored the Rangers' first goal. From then on, the Rangers played even better, with some excellent passing and teamwork setting up some phenomenal goals to Lukasz Bankowski, Matthew Mertikas and Ernie ‘The General’ Rogers. Flynn Osmond then scored his second goal with acracking strike from long distance to seal an outstanding 5-0 win.

With the Rangers finishing second in group 4, they qualified for the Quarter Finals on Sunday where they came up against another quality team, the Essendon Royals who finished on top in group 1. It was an extremely tight match with not much separating the two teams. Zeke Scott, Freddie Michel, Lukasz Bankowski and Flynn Osmond were looking dangerous in the first half with precise passing and dribbling but were unable to convert. The Rangers' defence was under intense pressure but were quelling every attack with some outstanding efforts by Matthew and Sam Mertikas, Owen Adams and Tarquin Cameron and incredible saves by goalkeeper Charlie Hudson who was acommanding presence in goals.

Just before half-time, Essendon scored with along-range floater that was too high for the keeper and went in. Not deterred by going down agoal, the Rangers fought valiantly in the second half with the whole team defending brilliantly making the job a little easier for keeper Charlie Hudson. The Rangers pressured Essendon constantly and created several opportunities to equalise with some narrow misses and one hitting the post. Unfortunately, the end result didn’t go their way with the Rangers losing aclose contest 1-0.

Despite the result, coach Daniel Scott was so impressed with boys.

“I knew we had alot of talent in the group, but wasn’t too sure how we would match up with the metro teams, but Ithink the weekend has showed that we are certainly capable of matching them and beating them," Scott said.

"I couldn’t be prouder of the boys for the way they played, the effort they put in and how they conducted themselves representing the Kyneton Rangers."

Mountain bike skills program

Castlemaine Rocky Riders are this month offering anew program, run by women for women.

CRR president Natalya Garden said the group had been successful in receiving a'Change our Game' grant to help increase participation by women and girls in sport and active recreation.

The program aims to get more women out on the trails, more often, by reducing barriers to women’sparticipation in mountain biking.

It offers affordable access to professional training and equipment, skill development, mentorship, leadership pathways, and community building opportunities.

The program will include three mountain bike skills sessions, atrailside maintenance workshop and guided ride, with lots of opportunities for participants to develop social and community connections along the way

The club has engaged the services of Bendigo/Castlemaine-based business Trailhead Coaching, as well asutilising certified Castlemaine Rocky Riders coaches, so that they will have ateam of three coaches who are women.

Eighteen participants are signed up for the fully funded course and are amixture of novice to experienced riders, who bring with them awealth of life and riding experience to createadynamic and diverse group.

Castlemaine Rocky Riders is anaffiliated member of AusCycling and acknowledge their support in offering arange of membership options from free trials to monthly subscriptions.

Bowls to roll

The Highlands pennant bowls season begins this Saturday,with the blockbuster division one encounter on the Kyneton Golf green.

Golf, the reigning premiers last season after a65-46 grand final victory over Lancefield, face upto Romsey,a club that has yet to win adivision one flag.

This could be the time the Redbacks create history, with some very strong additions to the side which bowed out to Golf in the preliminary final last season.

The other division one matches are Gisborne vKyneton, Kilmore vTrentham, and Broadford vDiggers Rest. Lancedfield has the bye.

There are nineclubs in division one, nine in division two, and eight in division three.

The Highlands match commiittee wishes all bowlers well for 2023-2024, whether playing in the Saturday or midweek pennant competitions.

Castlemaine Rocky Riders on asocial ride.

Kyneton Rangers Under 9s competed in the Keilor Cup for the first time over the weekend.

Kyneton’sworld classM70 rep

Kyneton ultramarathon legend Greg Wilson has been selected to represent Australia’sM70 in WANDA’sWorld Age Group Marathon in Chicago this weekend.

The exclusive event invites just one female and male representative per country for each age division.

The WANDA event will be Greg’sfirst overseas marathon in almost 30 years. He turned 71 in June.

“The Townsville Marathon is only one Idoevery year,soInearly fell offmyperch when they asked me to compete,” he told the Express

Greg’sathletic pursuits have astrong link to Townsville.

After attending Woodend Primary and Kyneton High, Greg joined the Australian Army in 1969 aged 17.

He was apromising cyclist with alocal club and within ayear was posted to Townsville, North Queensland, and took up running.

“On the track Ihad plenty of wins in North Queensland, Country Queensland and Army Championships,” he said.

“There was no distance running except the annual army cross country.In1971, Iwon this event and was suddenly alocal celebrity.Ialso came third in the Queensland 10 Mile Champs.

“Eventually adistance running club was formed and Iwon the first event held just before Ileft for active service in South Vietnam. Ireturned in 1975-76

and won almost everything in North Queensland.

“A week before Ileft again for Victoria, Iwon the Townsville Marathon, taking 19 minutes 30 seconds offthe record in two hour 38 minutes 30 seconds. It was the only marathon Iwon in my career! Later they changed the course so that record still stands.”

Thirty years later the Townsville Road Runners group tracked him down to attend areunion. After that he began annual visits and, although he was no longer running regularly,one of those visits happened to coincide with the annual running festival.

“I raced a10kmand was disgusted at how unfit and slow Iwas. Iforgot that happens as you age,” he said.

“I decided to do something about it. The next year (2016) was the 40th anniversary of my marathon victory.Idecided to train just to see if Icould still complete that distance.

“I had lost an hour over the 40 years but finished in three hour 27 minutes. It seemed ashame to waste all that training and acouple of months later in Perth was the World Masters Marathon Championship.

“I improved to three hour 24 minutes and was sixth in my M60-64 age group (at 64). Our Australian team won gold in the team event.”

He decided not to retire completely,and aimed to run 10 Townsville Marathons before his “body rejected the plan”.

He has never missed ayear and 2024 marks number 10.

Croquet pennant and tournament

With almost one third of the rounds of the Northern Districts Croquet Association spring pennant now completed, the contenders are starting to press their case for the leaderboard.

Division 1leaders Kyneton Blue had abye this week, while Quarry Hill Rosellas took on the Macedon Ranges Mt. Gisborne team. Even with both their regular QH Rosellas’ players unavailable, super-subs Ruth Iser and Jo Bury were too good for Mt. Gisborne, with Bury winning both her singles matches, giving the Rosellas a3-1 gameslead into the doubles. The Rosellas won the first doubles 7-5, but Mt. Gisborne came back with alast-hoop 7-6 victory in the second doubles.

After 3rounds, Kyneton Blue tops the leaderboard with 10 points to the QH Rosellas on 5points.

In Division 2, acatch-up Round 2match wasplayed this week, between Kyneton Black and Kyneton Red. This turned into an epic 412 hour battle for supremacy,with local bragging rights at stake. Pat Fahy won both his singles games for the Red team, but teammate Darryl Chivers lost to both Graham Smith and George Lund, making it 2-2 games before doubles. The first doubles went to the Red team on the final hoop 7-6, but the Black team tied-up the match at 3-3 games with their own 7-6 win in the second doubles. Even the countback of total hoops scored was identical at 37 each, so the rarely-used ‘best-of-five hoops’ tiebreaker was triggered. The Red team powered through for a3-0 hoops result to take the win, after atense and exhausting struggle.

In Round 3matches, Smith and Lund bounced back like the current champions they are to defeat the Kyneton Green team 5-1 games. Bill Caddaye gave the Blue team their only win, defeating Smith 7-5, but they went very close in one doubles match, losing just 6-7 at the final hoop.

Kyneton Red took on the Quarry Hill Galahs, with David Wauchope filling in for the unavailable Pat Fahy.The singles were amixed bag, with two wins apiece, and no clear dominance. However,inthe doubles, the Galahs were too strong, winnng both for a4-2 games match win.

After three rounds, Kyneton Red and the QH Kookaburras are tied at 10 points each (although Kyneton has a hoop advantage), with these two leaders set for ashowdown in the next Round 4. Current Champions Kyneton Black and the QH Galahs are tied for third.

Division 3iseven hotter,with three teams from three different clubs all tied at 15 points, and only seven hoops separating them. Macedon Ranges Mt. Robertson played Kyneton Yellow to avery close result. Pennant debutante Jenny Symons, who started playing croquet just last summer,filled in for the unavailable Margaret Parker in the Kyneton Yellow team, scoring her first ever Pennant singles win 7-4 on debut. After the singles, it was locked at 2-2 games. The doubles couldn’t split the two teams either, with each team scoring a7-3 win, making it 3-3 games. However,Kyneton took thewin on hoop countback 35-33, the closest result to date in this spring pennant.

Macedon Ranges Mt. Towrong took on the Maldon Maple team, but Maldon proved too strong, with Ann Metz

winning both her singles games, then combining with Damien Kennedy to win both doubles, for adecisive 5-1 games win. Norma Mills gave Mt. Towrong their only win, with alast hoop 7-6 win over Kennedy

The remaining match was between Maldon Square and Macedon Ranges Mt. Charlie.

The experienced pair of Noeline Richardson and Lyn Robinson, two stalwarts of the Macedon Ranges croquet club, cleaned up all four singles matches. But comebacks are possible in croquet, and the Maldon team of Robin Northover and Gavin McCarthy came back towin both the doubles games 7-5, meaning Mt. Charlie took the match 4-2 games.

Meanwhile, croquet players from across the state took part in the inaugural Kyneton High/Low Doubles Golf Croquet Tournament, held at the Kyneton Croquet Clubon September 29.

The High/Low format combines partners of different skill levels into pairs, which provides for avery even competition.

Congratulations to winners Darren Lester (Ararat) and Norma Mills (Macedon Ranges). Runners-up were Denie Etherson (Ballarat Western) and Jane Klemenz (Belmont). Third place went to Marie Spokes (Essendon) and Elizabeth Payne (Macedon Ranges). Kyneton turned on great weather for the day,and the response from the visitors was extremely positive. It is hoped this Kyneton tournament will now become aregular fixture on the Victorian croquet calendar

Greg is pictured competing at arecent Townsville Marathon.

Norma Mills, Darren Lester,Damien Hadfield, Jane Klemenz, Denie Etherson. Darren Lester going for hoop 4.

Toman–byone vote

Bill West

In an enthralling vote count on Thursday night, Woodend-Hesket’s star onballer Daniel Toman hung on to win the Riddell League’s2023 Bowen Medal by one vote from Riddell dynamo Dylan Tarczon.

And Hawks’ outstanding defender Tayissa Coppinger won her second successive Ryan Medal for the best A-grade netballer,sharing the award with Riddell’sEllen Close and Wallan’sGemma Grimmond on 20 votes.

The presentation night held at Melton proved to be an absolutely astounding one for Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club players.

“It’shard to believe our players have done so well across the board tonight,” Hawks’ co-president Anne-Louise Lindner said as the excitement level cooled down. Copresident Paul Podbury had similar thoughts.

Toman won the Hawks’ club best and fairest easily,and was generally accepted to be abig Bowen chance after averyconsistent season.

Originally astarjunior at Woodend, the 31-year-old carpenter plays his trade on the football field with ultimate precision.

Although the winner of different awards during his football career, Tomanrates the Bowen as his number one individual achievement, especially being with his home club, which he joined again after playing with Sunbury in the Ballarat League.

He admits having big ruckman TimMartinonthe field had helped him; Toman finished up with 21 votes, and Tarczon 20, with Martin –a former dual Michelsen Medal winner with Sandhurst –inthird place. The threesome all made the Team of the Year Toman is hoping Woodend-Hesket can make another bold bid for the elusive football premiership next season.

The last Bowen Medal to be won by aHawk went to outstanding rover Shane Muir back in 1984. Muir also won the medal in 2081, and wen on to be atopliner at Kyneton.

An audience of around 280 attended, with the legendary Brian Taylor as host, only afew hours before Collingwood prepared to win the AFL Grand Final against Brisbane Lions.

Taylor praised the RDFNL for its operational leadership, rating it highly across Victoria.

Cricket to begin

Gisborne District Cricket Association’s2023-24 season begins this Saturday

The elite McIntyre Cup firsts competition has eight teams, instead of 10, this season. Macedon earns promotion after winning the Johnstone Shield last season.

Romsey won its first top grade premiership for 40 years last season, and captain-coach Ben Wayisback at the helm looking for further overall improvement. The Redbacks shocked top-of-theladder Gisborne in one semi-final, then accounted for Sunbury United in the grand final.

Gisborne’sace all-rounder and Sullivan Medallist Jarryd Vernon will be looking for strong performances from his side.

There are first and second divisions in both the McIntyre Cup and Johnstone Shield, with the Jensen Shield catering for some of the other clubs.

One-day fixtures this Saturday include:

McIntyre Cup Firsts: Macedon vSunbury United, Romsey vSunbury Kangaroos, Rupertswood vWoodend, Diggers Rest/Bulla vGisborne.

Johnstone Shield Firsts: Wallan vRiddell, East Sunbury vKilmore, Aintree vEynesbury,Broadford abye

Jensen Shield Firsts: Hanging Rock vSunbury, Aintree vMalmsbury,Melton South vSunbury United, St Anthonys vLancefield.

CHANGE IN COACHES

Woodend-Hesket will have new senior football and netball coaches next season. With Josh Pound stepping down for the football role, captain Alistair Rae has been entrusted with the coaching position, after being captain and assistant coach for the past five years. His leadership qualities have been very evident.

Rae and his family are believed to be looking to move permanently to Woodend. Coppinger has been appointed as senior netball coach, taking over from star defender Meg Grbac who won the 2021 Ryan Medal and led the Hawks to their first-ever A-grade flag this season. Grbac is moving to Queensland.

Wallan was Club of the Year with 1030 points, with Woodend-Hesket on 1027, and Macedon third on 987.

Basketball comp to begin

The Kyneton Country Basketball League competition begins October 7and runs until the middle of December The men’sand women’steams are now gearing up for a great season with Brendan McCarthy coaching the men’steam

and Ash Clark coaching the women’steam. The association expects to have agreat season ahead competing with teams in the north west region of Victoria and playing six games at home in Kyneton.

So close: Dylan Tarczon (at left) and Daniel Toman after the exciting Bowen Medal count. Photo: Bill West

Tripledeadheat

The count to decide the Riddell League’sRyanMedal winner for the top A-grade netballer resulted in anervetingling triple dead heat.

The medallists are 2022 winner Tayissa Coppinger (Woodend-Hesket), Ellen Close (Riddell) and Gemma Grimmond, from Wallan. Each received 20 votes.

Hot on their heels was Western Rams goal shooter Malia Suemanutafa and Woodend-Hesket coach Meg Grbac, the 2021 winner

Twomedals in arow for Coppinger was another triumph for the Hawks, as she captained their first ever A-grade premiership side with a46-37 victory in extra time against Riddell.

Coppinger missed four home and away matches, and some felt this may cost the talented defender achance

this season.

Close has been aloyal Riddell netballer for years and was finally rewarded with the top individual award. Woodend-Hesket took out the Player of the Year awards in football and netball via Daniel Toman and Meg Grbac. The latter was also the best A-grade defender Co-president of Woodend-Hesket, Paul Podbury, received the 2023 Unsung Hero award for his outstanding services as an administrator and aplayer

The 19&Under netball best and fairest was shared by Maddy Brown (Riddell) and Jess Martin (WoodendHesket).

Romsey’sDarcy Lockens was the Steve Turner Rising Gun award winner from astrong field of young contenders.

Footy team of the year

The Bendigo Bank Football Team of the Year was announced at the Riddell League’send of season presentation function on Thursday evening.

B: Brodie Gilchrist (Wallan), Marcus Stapleton (Woodend-Hesket), Bryce Williamson (Riddell.

HB: Corey Viani (Wallan), Ben Sonogan (Riddell), Marcus Calvaresi (Diggers Rest).

C: Riley O’Meara (Lancefield), Dylan Tarcon (Riddell, TomAlkermade (Riddell).

HF: Shane Morris (Wallan), Jack Jedwab (Romsey), Hadyn Ross (Riddell).

F: Declan Phyland (Macedon), Dylan Jobson (Melton Centrals), Mitchell Day (Diggers Rest).

On-ballers: TimMartin (Woodend-Hesket), Daniel Toman (Woodend-Hesket), Steven Boyall (Wallan).

Interchange: Nathan Rayment (Romsey), Riley Patterson (Woodend-Hesket), Jake Armistead (Melton Centrals, Jaycob Hickey(Diggers Rest).

Coach –Josh Pound (Woodend-Hesket).

The Charles Watson Medal for best in the U19.5s went to Marcus Tucker (Romsey). Runners-up were TomDoyle (Gisborne Giants) and Hud Elmaway (Macedon). HABIB SHINES

There was plenty ofapplause when Woodend-Hesket’s Miriam Habib finished strong to win the inaugural best player award for the women’sfootball.

Habib received 19 votes, three clear of versatile Kyneton star TaylahMoore.

Coach of the Year was Kyneton’sPhil Hawkes. The Tigers went through the season unbeaten.

Senior football best defender was Woodend-Hesket’s Marcus Stapleton.

Matt Traynor (Wallan) easily won his second successiveScarborough Medal in the Reserves.

Team of the Year

The Riddell League’sGreater Western Water netball Team of the Year is:

Goal keeper –Meg Grbac (Woodend-Hesket).

Goal defence –TyCoppinger (Woodend-Hesket).

Wing defence –Hayley Rodgers (Woodend-Hesket).

Centre –Madison Brown (Riddell).

Wing attack –Maggie Lind (Romsey).

Goal attack –Malia Seumanutafa (Western Rams).

Goal shooter –Shelby Holter (Riddell).

Reserves –Katie Clarke (Macedon), Gemma Grimmond (Wallan), Amy Starzer (Riddell).

Coach –Meg Grbac.

Ellen Close (Riddell) and GemmaGrimmond (Wallan). Atright:Tayissa Coppinger (Woodend-Hesket).

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