Thekeepersoftraditional and lost trades from local areas and farflung cornersofthe world will gather at Hanging Rock to showcase the finestlevelsofhuman craftmanship.
TheLost Trades Fair is back this year in the region where it began, on March28and 29. It is acelebration of skill, knowledge, craftsmanship and human talentfrommorethan 150 artisans.
From the UK therewill be artisans specialising in iconography, gold leaf,bookillumination, sacred geometry and
scissor making. From theUSthereisa silhouettecutter, woodturner,tintypephotographersand chairmakers. And from Swedena craftswoman, woodcarver,heddle maker and textile artisan.
Master woodturner AshleyHarwood will fly in from Charleston, South Carolina, to join 150+ artisans at Lost Trades Fair.Ashleywill be demonstrating the skills and techniques she is renowned for, from large-scale bowls to the most delicatespindle work in her famous seaurchin orna-
ments. Shewill be at Lost Trades demonstrating on the lathe throughout the entireweekend and will also be presenting as part of the Artisan Insights talks on the main stageatthe fair
Forthose who would likea whole daylearning about woodturning, Ashleywill be running an exclusiveone-day seminar at the workshop of chairmaker Glen Rundell in Tylden on Saturday April 4.
Continued page6
Silversmiths and jewellers Stephen Walsh and Rachel Grose
The 2026 Mineral Springs Festival Raffle is on!
1st Prize: $5,000 travel voucher from
2nd Prize: 65 inch Hisense TV from Harvey Norman Bendigo RRP $1,199
3rd Prize: The Stables, Malmsbury $500 Celebration Voucher
4th Prize: RB Sellars $500 Gift Card
5th Prize: Taradale Country Cottage 2 night stay RRP $500 6th Prize: Watts Fresh Kyneton $150 Voucher
7th Prize: Long Paddock Cheese Castlemaine Hamper RRP $120
8th Prize: Sisko Chocolate $100 Voucher All proceeds to Taradale Community Groups
Let’stakebackthe track
Jade Jungwirth
Thesecond annual Take Back the Track eventwill be held in Castlemaine on Sunday, February 15.
Anational campaign, the walk/run is away to raise awareness about theviolence, harassmentand intimidation experienced by manywomen and gender-diverse runnersand walkers.
Last year'sevent sawmore than 150 communities across the country organise events forthe inaugural Take Back the Track day, with morethan 1000 people participating nationwide.
More than 200 people participatedinthe Castlemaine event, includingserious runners, gentle strollers, young families, teens and elderscoming together to sayenough is enough.
Theevent wasinitiated by enthusiastic Castlemaine runner and FirstNations woman, Sissy Austin, who wasassaulted in 2023 while running in the Lal Lal StateForest in Ballarat
“The awfulexperienceI had, matched with theloveofrunning,inspired me to startTake Back the Track,”Sissytold the Express.
“I spenta year healing myself and reconnecting to the love of running, and that waskind of moreofa personal journey. Then Igot to aplace in my journeywhereI wanted to bring women and genderdiverse runnersalong withme
in taking backthe track."
Sissytold theExpress that the Take Back theTrack movementwas acall to communities across the country to take action, and Castlemaine wasthe first to organise an event.
“Everyone knows that runnersand walkersloveand have aconnection to Country –Taking Back the Track is about celebrating and protecting that, as well and calling on men across the country to be in solidarity with us outonthe track, so women and genderdiverse runnersfeel less alone," said Sissy.
“TakeBack the Track is about an elimination of those thoughts thatyou have priortogoing for arun, ‘I’vegot to wait forthe
sun to rise’, or ‘I better notrun therebecause it doesn’t feel quiteright'
“All those internal feelings thatwomen and gender-diverse runnersand walkersknowtoo well. It’s replacing those with, ‘No, I’m going to go fora run’ and ‘I feel free and safe to do so’.”
Castlemaine's Take Back TheTrack community/walk run along the Campbells Creek Trail will begin at 9.30am, starting at the Campbells Creek Park, 102 Main Road. Theself-guided walk is approximately 7km long and will conclude at the Botanical Gardens playground. A community gathering will follow from 11am to 1pm and include an acknowledgmentofCoun-
Grantsflow to Newstead
Renewable Newstead and Flow Powerare pleased to offerthe next round of Community Grantstobeawarded in early 2026.
This is the second round of funding, which has arisen as aresult of the work done by Renewable Newstead working with FlowPower on the successful SolarFarm Project.
Thereisa grantof$5000 every year for10 yearsfor projects benefiting theNewstead community.The criteria is fairly broad. The grantprocess is managed by the Newstead RuralTransaction Centre in conjunction with reps from FlowPowerand Renewable Newstead. Last year Flow Powerwas delightedto support the Newstead Arts Hub’sInstrument Makers Gallery at theannual Newstead Live Music Festival, wherea variety of instruments and artists were showcased. In addition, Flow Powersupportedthe engagementofa local graphic designer to assist aresearch project thataids the Newstead township and surrounds. Do youhaveaproject thatneeds funding?
Apply nowtoreceiveupto$5k this financial year
Applications must satisfy the following aims: –Tosupport programs thatoperate in and provide benefit to local communitiesfromthe Newstead Energy Project.
–Tosupport programs thataddress community needs in at least one of the following areas: increase access to and/or use of renewable energy; support energy literacy and education; conserving and rehabilitating the environment; improving the wellbeing of the local community; supporting FirstNations Communities; reducing energy poverty
Programs need to be delivered within 12 months. Programs who have already received funding from aprior year can apply again. Applications close March1
Applications should be submitted to info@ newsteadrtc.org
Forfull criteria and moreinformation, contactDon Culvenor at Newstead RTCon0427 573 536 or email deculvenor@gmail.com
try, speeches and acommunity picnic.
Afreeshuttle bus servicewill be available back to Campbells Creek at theend of the community gathering.
Fora shortercourse, participants mightchoose to join the course at entry points along the track into Castlemaineat Princess Street,Lewis Drive, Elizabeth Street,Roberts Avenue, Johnstone Street,Forest Street or Gingell Street
*Thisisaninformalvolunteer-organised community event—all runners/walkers areresponsible fortheir own participation, includingsun protection, hydration, first aid, general safety and anyassociated health risks.
Volunteersfromthe 2025 Take Back the Track event.
This photowas takenon film
Thelast timea celluloid imageappeared in this paper wasprobably 25 yearsago
Morgan Reinwald
In aworld whereevery phone has acamerathat cantakethousands of photoscost-free, and highcalibredigital cameras produceimages of microscopic detail, filmphotographyseems somewhat redundant.
It's afinancially draining and timely process that produces less detailed images. Butaccording to John Umina, who owns and runs afilm lab in Kyneton, "film is definitely notdead. If anything, film is increasing evermorethese days".
Hisbusiness, Lumina Labs, has witnessed anew generation of people takeupthe medium. In an era wheretechnology has become so intertwined with in every facetoflife– staring at the work computer, watching the TV,checking the time, or calling a friend –thereisa desiretodothe opposite. John felt thatdesiretwo decades ago.
"I discoveredfilm myself,maybe 20 yearsago," he said.
"I wasstuckina corporatejob, and Iwas punching numbersall dayinfront of acomputer,doing some programming, and Ithought, 'there'sgot to be moretolifethan zerosand ones'
"I found afilm camera,and went outshooting in the streetsofMelbourne and got addicted to street photography. Ijust rapidlyfell in love with film from there.
"I wasraised in Bendigoand came back to livein country Victoria. Andwhen Igot here,I didn't want to go backwards and forwards to theMelbourne film labs, and Ithought,'well,weneed aresource here'.And that's really wherethe lab wasborn.
"You don't need to go to Melbourne. Thereisa really large communityoffilm photographersinthe Macedon Ranges. Thepeople hereare communitybasedand that'swhy Ilikeliving here.
"You know, forthe last twoweeks, our profits went towardshelping the firerelief, andweraised
$2000, which just shows the type of people we have living here."
ButJohn's labisn't only developing filmfor the locals, or anew generation of photographers. People from across the country aresending him film,and his lab runs workshops foranyone wanting to learn howtoprocess and develop film at home themselves.
"Film is alwaysgoing to be niche,"John said, "It's nevergoing to be mainstream. Andit'snot going to be foreveryone, but morepeopleare trying it.
"Theyfind an old camera– their grandparents' camera, or their parents camera– theyshoota roll, and they'relike, 'this is awesome'.
"The thing about film photography isn't sometimes thepictures, it'sthe haptics. It's howthe cameramakes youfeel when you'retaking apicture. It's pulling theshutter,winding it. It's clicking, it'schanging theaperturebyhand, it'sbeing more actively involved in taking the picture, which is abstracted by digital cameras.
"IfI takea pictureofmybackyardwitha phone and it gets sentuptothe cloud, thealgorithm makes the sky look better.Thenitcomes back to my phone and it'snot even what camethrough the lens. It's altered by acomputer before Ishare it. That's alevel of interferencethatIdon't want with my pictures.I'd like to have the picturethatItook."
Taking photosisa process of documenting your life, and film photographymakes it special. John's photo of his father'sfridge, depicting asix-pack of VB, half-eatenfood stored in recycled vegemite jars, gravy, sausages and milk, says so muchabout a generation of Australia, without saying anything at all. Anditwas shotonfilm.
To view this photo andhis work of the region and beyond, head to John's Instagram page, 'neatism'.
Or,tohaveyour ownfilm developed, head to luminalabs.com.au
Applications arenow open forthe next round of Community Grants.
Theprogram supports local groups and individuals who are developing newand emerging community projects.
Come to adrop-in session to talk through your grant application and its eligibility
Maldon drop-in session
When: Wednesday11February,12.30pm to 2.00pm
Where: Maldon Visitor Centre
Castlemaine drop-in session
When: Wednesday11February,4.00pm to 5.30pm
Where: RayBradfield Room (next to Victory Park)
Applications close Monday23February
Find out moreand apply at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Grants.
Fatal collisioninNewham
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives areinvestigating the circumstances surrounding afatal collision in Newhamlast Tuesdayevening.
Emergency services were called to reports of acollision between acar andatruck near the intersection of Egans Lane and Three Chain Road about 7.20pm.
Thedriverofthe truck, aMalmsbury man aged in his 40s, wastaken to hospital with
serious injuries. Their passenger,a 67-yearold PipersCreek man, died at the scene.
Thedriverofthe car is assisting police withtheir enquiries. Thecircumstances surrounding the collision areyet to be established and an investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footageorinformation is urgedtocontact Crime Stopperson1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
'Originally from DerryinIreland Icompleted my Medical Degree in Belfast in 2018.
Ithen spent 3years working in avariety of surgical and medical specialties in Ireland beforemoving to Melbourne in 2021 whereI spent time working in avariety of specialties such as Emergency Medicine, Paediatricsand Psychiatrybeforedeciding to startrural GP training in Elmore2025.
Ihavereallyenjoyedthe transition to general practice,particularly the continuity of care and sense of community.Myareas of interest include chronic disease management, paediatrics and mentalhealth.
In my free time Ienjoyplaying soccer,gaelic football, bouldering and going to footy games as tragic Essendon supporter.'
the whole family We areopen MondaytoFriday8am-6pm andSaturdaymornings 9am-12pm Appointments can be made anytime via our website kynetonmedical.com.au
Aportrait of John Umina taken on film by Elijah Clarke.
Forsale: apieceofKyneton’s history
Morgan Reinwald
Ahistoric military building in Kynetonwill be sold amid the DepartmentofDefence's latest announcementtosell68propertiesin their real estate portfolio.
TheKynetonDrill Hall,locatedin the town's centre,was listed in the federal government'slatestventure to sell off military-owned sites. It includes training facilities, museums, islands, golf courses, and is expected to generate$3billion for the Defencebudget. However, an estimated $1.2 billion of these funds will be used for administrativeand relocation costs.
Taxpayers will also save an estimated $100 million per year in maintenancecosts forthe ageing facilities.
Minister forDefence, RichardMarles, said an audit wasconducted, and following its advice, the decision to sell wasbased on the national interest.
“Inorder forthe Australian Defence Forcetoprotect our nation and keep Australians safe,itmusthaveaDefenceestate thatmeets itsoperational and capability needs,"hesaid.
“For manyyearsthis has notbeen the case, with manyDefence sitesvacant, decaying, underutilised and costing millions of dollarstomaintain. That is whythe Albanese Governmentisundertaking themost significantreform to theDefenceestatein Australia’s history.
“Weknowthis is significantand challenging reform, but we areclear-eyedand committed to seeing it through, because it is the rightthing to do in the national interest.”
HISTORICALSIGNIFICANCE
TheKynetonDrill Hall wasbuilt in 1903 and washometocountry Victoria’s first significantunit of armycavalry,the volunteer Kynetonand District MountedRifle Corps. Until recently,the 430Squadron Air Cadets used the building formorethan 40 years, until theywereforcedtorelocate to
Gisborne Secondary Collegein2020, after astructuralassessmentdeemed it "dilapidated"
Former cadetatKyneton, Michael Jerman, spoketothe Express last year about the Drill Hall
“This organisation in Kynetonhas inspired and encouraged hundreds of teenag-
Stolen car found, man arrested
A35-year-old Maidstone man wasarrested formultipleoffences on January 27 after he wasfound driving avehiclestolenfromMountMacedon.
Twodaysearlier the vehicle wasstolenfromDouglas Road and had the victim's handbag inside containing bank cards.
Macedon Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives chargedthe man with burglary, theft of motorvehicle and obtain property by deception in relation to numerous transactions on the victim’s bank cards.
Theman is expected to appear at the KynetonMagistrates Court at alater date
ersoverthe years,”hesaid.
“The squadron wasthe first to enrol female cadets in Australia in 1981 and encouraged leadership and discipline in away that wasa benefit to thewhole community."
Figureheads in the Macedon Ranges have also spoken up sinceits sale became known.
Kyneton'sRSL presidentMikeGretton
said "mybiggest fear is someone will get hold of and demolish it,"while former mayor the Macedon Ranges Noel Harvey said, "I hope it doesn't become an extension of the car park" Harvey added, he is currently in contact withthree local organisations interested in keeping it available forcommunityuse.
TheKynetonDrill Hall is one of 68 properties nowconsidered surplus to the needs of the DepartmentofDefence.
Youth Fest grants open
Applications have opened forgrantsto deliver events as part of this year'sVictorian Youth Fest in September
Grantsofupto$2000 arenow open to schools, local governmentand communityorganisations working alongside young people aged 12 to 25 to create youth-led events during the festival.
Successful organisations will be required to partner with young people to design, coordinate anddeliver events thatput youth voices, leadership and creativity frontand centre
Applications close at 1pm on March4.To apply,orfor details, visit the website: vic.gov au/youth-fest-grants
Help shape theskatepark
Skatersand residents nowhavethe chance to help shapethe redesign of KynetonSkatepark.
Theproject will include anew skate park, apump track, and additional youth–focused spaces, and Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil is nowgathering feedback.
Currentskate facilities at the siteare worn and outdatedand no longer meetthe needs of Kyneton’syoung people or the broader community
Theupgrade has been identified as ashorttermpriority in the Macedon Ranges Shire Skateand BMX Strategy 2023.
Funding from the Australian Government has been secured to support both the design and construction of the newfacility.
Thecouncil has appointedConvic, specialist skate andyouth spacedesigners, to lead the design process.
People nowhavethe chancetoshape how the newskate park andsurrounding spaces will look and work —including elements like the skate park layout, pumptrack features and basketball half court —beforethe design is finalised.
An online survey is nowactivevia: yoursay. mrsc.vic.gov.au/kyneton-skatepark and submissions will close on February 24.
Aworkshop will be held about the project at the KynetonMechanicsInstitutetoday (Tuesday, February 10) from 5.30pmto 6.30pm.
Discoverthe lost trades
Continued from page1
Andthen thereare thelocal specialists. Take,for instance, KynetonDrystone Wallers. They areinternationally renowned for their ability to build stone walls with no concrete or mortar.That mightbedeemed counterintuitiveina world built on rigid materials. Butthis centuries-old trade is better; whereconcrete resists movement, until it fails, dry stone walls accept it and becomes stronger when the ground moves, tightening instead of cracking. Stone rests on stone, guided by gravity,friction and careful human judgment. Andwhen they'rebuilt properly,theylastfor centuries, withstanding floods and fires.
DEMONSTRATIONSAND WORKSHOPS
Theethos behind the fair is discovery; introducing youtothe talentedmakersinthiscountry,and beyond, who arepursuing careersinlost arts, rare trades andforgotten crafts. Artisans at the fair will be demonstrating and sharing their trades skills
throughouteachday.Get up closeand see demonstrations from bootmakers, bookbindersand leatherworkers. See glassmelted, fly fishing rods cast, whips cracked, candles dipped, knives made, denim jeans constructed, clocks assembled, and so muchmore.
Furthermore, staged presentations and workshops mean you will be able to seeall aspects of these tradesupclose; learn what drives the people behind these unique crafts, see their materials, techniques and challenges, or,haveagoattryingitout yourself
Tickets give access to parking and full entry to Hanging Rock, so thereistime to climb therock, explore, watchlivedemonstrations, have agoatmanyofthe trades or just bring apicnic, relax and takeinall thatthe weekend offers
They areavailable online rightnow,until sold out.
Forall thedetails, head to losttradesfair.com.au and follow the workshop page links to find dozens ifworkshops happening after Lost Trades Fair with visiting artisans.
Woodcarver Carol Russell.
Parky Pals
offer
support
Thelocal Parkinsons Disease Support group will resume on FridayFebruary 20 with a presentation about FirstAid specifically focused on P. D. issues.
The‘Parky Pals’astheyare known arenow in their third year with awide rangeofeducation and information sessions as well as social interaction forall interested community members.
Thegroup falls under the umbrella of Dhelkaya Health and communitynurse, Melodie Cameron, organises local health professionals to come and speak with the group as well as online presentations from Fight Parkinsons Victoria.
Social events also keep people connected with the lighterside of lifewhile managing acomplexmedical issue. Everyone is welcome and can just turn up on the third Fridayofeach month 10.30am to 12 noon at the Castlemaine Golf Club PyreneesHwy in Muckleford
If youwould likefurther information please contact Melodie at mcameron@castlemainehealth.org.au
Woop Woop to host free event
Woop Woop Mini Golf andSculptureGardens at Harcourt has reopened its doorsand is inviting everyone to come together fora free community dayand fundraiser as part of the symbolic 'Harcourt Reopen'event on Saturday February 21.
From 9am to 4pm,the focus is simple. The gatesare open. Entryisfree. There’ll be a free sausagesizzle, free activities forkids and adults, and free mini golf forall ages.
Woop Woop owner Judy Gleesonsaid everyone waswelcome to roam andexplore the venue’s four acres of sculpturegardens —to wander,sit, play, sharea laugh, or simply take it all in.
Theday is open to Harcourt locals, friends and families, and the wider community
"The eventisalso achancefor well-wishers from outside the area to come along, spend time in Harcourt, and connect with the local community in arelaxed, informal way,"Judy said.
Woop Woop itself wasalso affected by the fires. Judy said therewas damagetoplants, the mini golf course, infrastructure, apergola and some of the sculptures, but she’s clear thatit pales in comparison to whatmanyothersinthe community have lost
“Ifthe firehad come just 30 metres closer, the sculpturegardens, the buildings and our home would have been gone,”she said.
“I honestly don’t knowhow the manyCFA volunteers, emergency services and other volunteersstopped it so close. Ican’t thank them enough.”
Thefireraged through the nearbycreek bed thatbordersthe expansivesculpturegardens createdbyformer ownersAndyand Melva Graham and burntrightuptothe edgeofthe newly completely mini golf course.
"Weonly just finished building the nine hole course at thestart of December and it really complements whatMelvaand Andy built here.
We'd hadagreat response in the first part of the school holidays andwe'djust hosted our first children's party,"Judy said.
"We've opened up to our friends in the Harcourt communityinthe wake of the fire, just to givethe kids aspacetogoand taketheir minds offthings fora little while. It's sucha lovely placetospend afew hours."
Alongside the free activities, the February 21 eventwill include aJumbo Fundraiser Auction with funds to go to theHarcourt Progress ReliefGroup to support community members and local businesses affected by recent events AMega Raffle will also be held, with funds raised going to theHarcourt CFAand their
families.
Judy said offering everything forfreewas an intentional choice.
“This is our wayofgiving back,”she said. “It’sabout opening the doors, helping people and well-wishersconnect again, and reminding ourselves thatcommunityreally matters.”
Thereare no bookings or ticketsrequired. “People can just turn up,” Judy said. “Come as youare.Havea bit of fun. Spend time together.”
Woop Woop Mini Golf and SculptureGardens owner Judy Gleeson is pictured on one of the holes of the newly completedminigolf course just metres from the burntout creek bed
Facing down thefire
Bushfirephotographer shares personal experience
Jade Jungwirth
Harcourt resident, Katherine Seppings, is incredibly well-informed about bushfires, having collaborated on and illustrated The Complete Australian BushfireBook 1986 and TheComplete BushfireSafetyBook 2000 with her mum,JoanWebster OAM.
Over the past four decades, Katherine's knowledgeoffires has continued to grow, particularly through photographing numerous firefields post-fire. Herimageshave contributed to research and agreater understanding of whatprotections and vegetation will help save homes from burning.
When the firethatstarted in Ravenswood South on January 9jumped the freewayand racedtowards the township of Harcourt, Katherine felt confidentshe would be safe in town, given her extensive knowledge.
"I knewtherewas no burnable stuff in the garden, it'sa very wet, fire-retardant garden in terms of its vegetation. I'vegot a greatbig spark shield with the claret ashout the front, the lawn is non-existent, it'sdirt," she said.
"The only thing Ineeded to be concerned about wasmyroofspace,asIhadn't had time to install ametal gutter guard. ButI had aladder up to my roof space, waterinthe bath and trough, watertanks, and my water pistols thatIknewcould shootwater to the extremities of my roof spaceifembers entered.
"I had my hat, my gloves, my mask and I wascoveredinlongcottoncoverings, and I had avery good vantagepointfromhere. I could see wherethe firewas, and Icould see the waythe wind wasblowing from my neighbour'sflag, which wasacting as awind sock."
Katherine outlined the conditionsthat lead to severe fire danger days –largely relatedtoa weather trough pulling hotair down from CentralAustralia, which is then metwith asoutherly wind coming up that pushes the systemout
"A finger of fireblown from theNWturns into ahandoffirebecause of thatwind changefromthe SW,which pushed the fire up thevalleyand up the mountain,"she said.
"While those twopatterns arecolliding, youget fluctuations, so it'sstill roaring from the NW and pushing hardfromthe south
Photo:MayaRose
and west. Iwas watching the flaggobackwardsand forwards, and sometimes it would hoverfromthe West. It waslikethis wind battle thatgoes on. To know what'shappening with thewind, youcan understand whysome of the ground is burntand some is unburnt.
As the firecamecloser,the other residents on her streetlefttheir homes, leaving her on her own. Communications broke down, and theonly wayshe wasable to get updatesonthe firewas from her daughter, who wasstaying in Tasmania!
"I could see whatwas happening, and yes, Iwas scared, but mainly because Iwas on my own."
Twice, policeturned up in Katherine's street, tellingresidents to leave,and the second timeshe waspersuaded, against her better judgement, to follow aman to aproperty in North Harcourt via the only road out.
(Atthis time, the CFAwas saying it wastoo late to leave andtotakeshelter indoors)
"Inthis ‘survival’ state, my brain wasn't working properly,and youcould see the
terror on his face,ashewas telling me to get out,"she said.
ThepropertywhereKatherine sheltered waswell-preparedfor the fire, which arrived roughly an hour and ahalf later.
"Wewererightupthe end of Eagles Road, and behind us wasthe Reservoir.Itwas like awar zone with helicopters going in and out refilling, trucks refilling,"Katherine said.
"This performance, which wasbeing directed in Bendigo, wasremarkable! Iwas just so impressed by the manoeuvres and planning of who wasgoing whereasthey savedhouses.
"The mountain, of course, wasbeing burned. They weren'ttrying to protect that; theywere protecting assets, and theydid, even though we lost many, theyprotected many.
"I wassafe, and my home wassafe, and I am very grateful to thestriketeam thatprotected the town, and the couple Istayedwith who defended their home, and to thegrader driver whocreated adirt road along their fenceline, wherethe grassfirewas stopped."
Procedure fully bulk billed:
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KatherineSeppings has spentoverforty years learning about fires and the best methods for saving lives, properties and livestock.
TakenbyKatherine at her house in Harcourt on FridayJanuary 9.
Search forNewsteadmural artist
MountAlexander ShireCouncil is seeking expressions of interest from artists fora newpaidpublicart commission in Newstead.
Council is refurbishing thepublic toilet block on PanmureStreet, awell–used visitor rest area near the community centre and main street. As part of this upgrade, an artist will be commissioned to create awrap-around muralthatreduces graffiti and brings local stories to life.
MountAlexander Shiremayor,Toby Heydon, said the project would celebrate whatmade Newstead unique.
“Public art plays apowerful role in celebrating who we areand the placeswecall home,"hesaid.
"This project is awonderfulopportunity foranartist to help tell some of Newstead’sstories, which aredeeply connected to the Loddon Riverand the local environment.
“We’re excited to seehow artists interpret the themes shared by residents and bring them to lifefor everyone to enjoy.”
Communityengagementhighlighted strong interest in themes centredaround the Loddon River, local plants, culturally significanttrees and the town’s environmental values.
LocatedonDja DjaWurrung Country, the river has long sustained and shaped human life– from thousands of yearsof Traditional Owner connection through to
morerecentcolonial histories of mining and agriculture.
Theselected artist will have the opportunitytorespond to thetheme ‘Caring for the River’ and will work with the Newstead Landcaregroup to explorestories of recovery and rehabilitation on the riverbanks.
Theproject briefand technical information areavailable under Public ArtProjects on the council’swebsite.
Submissions arewelcome from artists across the shireand region.
Timeline
EOIs close: March2
Successfulartist announced: April 2026
Conceptdevelopment: April–May 2026
Muralinstallation: June 2026
Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inchas opened submissions forthe Queerthentic LGBTQIA+ Regional ArtPrize2026, inviting queer artists living and working in regional areas to put forwardtheir work forconsideration.
This year Queerthentic willbeexhibiting from April 30 –May 25, to coincide with IDAHOBIT celebrations.
Queerthentic celebrates LGBTQIA+identity,lived experienceand creativeexpression, while shining aspotlightonthe depth and diversity of queer artistry outside metropolitan centres. Theprizehas become an important platform forregional artists, creating opportunities forvisibility,connection and professional recognition.
Theselected works will be exhibited at TheOld Auction HouseinKyneton, with the exhibition showcasing awide rangeof contemporary practices, from painting and photographytomixed media and sculpture Artists areencouraged to submit work that reflects theirauthentic selves and personal narratives.
Atotal of $2000 worth of prizes will be awarded as part of the 2026 Art Prize, supporting artists at differentstagesoftheir creativejourney. Theoverall winning artist will also win asoloshowatThe OldAuction Housein2027. Theprogram is proudly supported by Pride Foundation Australia, GiveOUTDay andAustralian Communities Foundation.
Submissions arenow open, with entries closing on April 17.All eligibility criteria, submission requirements and keydates can be found on theentry form —artists areencouraged to followthe link belowfor full details. Formoreinformation and to submit,visit: www.mraai.org.au/queerthentic2026
From MacedonRangestocentrestage
Preeshita Shah
From the Macedon Ranges to thestages of Sydney,Angus O'Farrell is living his theatre dreams.
TheAlice Miller School studentisone of four winnersofthe 2025 John Bell Scholarship, selected from 88 applicants across the country fora week working alongside some of Australia's leading actorsand theatreprofessionals at Bell Shakespeare'sWalsh Bayheadquarters.
"I sawthe email and texted my drama teacher straightaway. Iwas like, 'Ann, Igot it!' It wasjust very exciting,"hesaid.
That drama teacher,Ann Browning, had been the driving forcebehindAngus's application. While studying ShakespeareinEnglish class, she recognised something in him worth nurturing.
"Myteacher waslike, 'you have to do the scholarship, it'll be so cool',”Angus recalled. “As Istarted learning the monologues, Ithought 'I'vereally gottodothis'."
Forhis monologue, Angus chose Benedict's speech from Act2,Scene 3of Much AdoAbout Nothing,playing whathedescribes as "this big buffoon-typebachelor guy"
Theweek in Sydney wasa whirlwind of workshops, rehearsals and masterclasses that Angus said went by "in ablur"
"We'dhavea workshop during theday Then we’d go into the Julius Caesar rehearsals, which were going on next door to thetheatre. We'd popinand watch the cast and crew do their thing, sometimes getting up and joining them,”hesaid.
Oneofhis biggest revelations waswitnessing the collaborativenatureofprofessional theatre. He watched the actorsplaying Cassius and Brutuswork through asingle scene with their director,playing it 20 different ways
"Itreally felt likewatching an acting masterclass, the waytheyhad done so much work before theygot there. It waseye-opening, how
youreally need to be prepared, especially with something likeShakespeare,"hesaid.
Thehighlightofthe week came on Thursdaywhen John Bell himself workshopped the students' monologues
Going last in his group,Angus satwatching the othersperform, running over his lines in his head. "I waslike, don't mess it up," he said.
"He'svery honest and just has such adeep understanding of the text. He's plainly going to tell youwhathethinks youneedtoimprove in akind way, which wasreally comforting," Angus said.
Another greatmomentcameonFriday, when the four scholarship recipients performed acomedy piecethey'dcreated throughout the week, poking fun at the Julius Caesar cast.
"The whole physical comedything, which we'd worked on witha bunch of professionals, wasjust so fun andthe cast as an audience were just laughing. It wassuch awelcoming group to perform to."
Theexperiencehas clarified Angus'sfuture in ways he didn'texpect, particularly afterconversations with Bell Shakespearestaff about the fluid natureoftheatrecareers.
"I hadn't even considered thatcareerscan be free-flowing and nuanced. Youdon't have to do the same thingall thetime. Youcan be a stageactor and youcan be ascreen actor and youcan do Shakespeareand then youcan be a teacher," he said
Angus remains in touch with his three fellowscholarship recipients, bonding over daily sushiruns to theIGA and long conversations on the dock.
"Now I've got threefriends from across Australia, which is really cool," he said.
"Everybody who cares about it should do it, or at least audition. It's just sucha funand eyeopening experience."
Be among thefirst to exploreawhole newlifeatGemLife NewGisborne–a brand-new over-50slifestyle resort in the heartofthe spectacularMacedon Ranges region Join us foranexclusive previewofStage One, coming soon You’ll meetthe creatorsbehindthe communityand learnabout theresort’sstylish,low-maintenancehomes with modern comforts, premiuminclusions,and energy-smartfeatures. Getready to discoverthe exceptionallifestyle amenitiesto come,including $20million of resort facilitiescentredarounda historic restored century-oldhomestead.
DATE Thursday and Friday,5-6 March2026
TIME Session 1: 10am to 12pm Session 2: 2pm to 4pm
WHERE Baringo Food &Wine Co. (Platform 3) 283Station Road, New Gisborne RSVP Register online by Tuesday,3March at GemLife.com.au/gnginfo
John Bell Scholarship winners(lefttoright)Wajanoah Donohoe, Safiah Sawal, Angus O’Farrell and Rori Doherty (front).
Workshop facilitator Violet Coco
Getinvolved in theaction
TheBob BrownFoundation, in partnership with the local CentralVic Climate Action Group, is running ahalf-dayactivist workshop on February 22 at WesleyHillHall.
Theworkshop will run from 11am to 3pm and will be facilitatedbyexperienced climate activist Violet Coco
“Community action is whatalwayshas createdchanges in society,not waiting on governments or corporations,"Violetsaid. "In this time of aclimate emergency,it'smore import than even that we getactive.
"This half-dayworkshop is the perfect opportunity join othersinyour area and get involved with frontline action.”
Topicswill include; the history and context of direct action, training on howto‘lock on’, roleswithin actions, de-escalation and peacekeeping, legals briefing foractivists, and finding opportunities to getinvolved.
Theworkshop is free, but registration is recommended to assist with catering. Registerbyemailing: Violet@BobBrown.org.au
MRRARbreaking down barriers
Awelcome barbecueheld recently at the Woodend Children’s Park broughttogether refugee families and local supporters, marking the start of the year forMacedon Ranges RuralAustralians for Refugees.
Despitecool and blustery weather,about 30 refugees and asylum seekerstravelled from Melbourne to attend the event. Coordinatedwith support from the Melbourne-based Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project, the gathering aimed to welcome newarrivals and introducelocal residents to people MRRAR has supported formorethan 20 years.
Visitorscamefromcountries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Papua NewGuinea, Indonesia and Syria. Children enjoyedthe playground and informal games of soccer, with one participanthaving previously worked as asoccercoach in his homecountry
Eventorganiser KarenPierce said the afternoon highlightedthe importanceofbuilding connections within the community
“When people gettoknoweachother,barriersare broken down,”she said.
"We’re reminded thatasylum-seekersare no differentto ourselves and, but foranaccidentoffate, theycould be in our position, and we in theirs."
MRRAR is nowturning its focus to planning forthe year ahead. Apublic meeting formembers, supportersand interested community memberswill be held at the Norma Richardson Hall,15 Buckland Street,Woodend, on Saturday,February 14, from 1.30pm to 4pm.Attendancecan be registered by emailing mrrar.refugees@ gmail.com.
Themeeting will be chaired by Gisborne resident, Deborah Rhodes, who has abackground in international aid and has written extensively on facilitating changeindiverse cultural contexts. She said shewas looking forwardtohelping guide the group’s work in 2026.
About 30 refugees and asylum seekerstravelled from Melbourne to join local supporters at the event.
ETcare Akind way to trainyourdog
Awalk through BlackHill Reserveorthe trails of MountMacedon should be the highlightofyour day. Butfor manylocal dogowners, behaviorslikelead-pulling or reactive barking turn these outings into astressful chore.
Natalie, founder of Crazy Kind Calm,knows this feeling well. Despitegrowing up with traditional "do-as-you’re-told" dogtraining models, it washer golden retriever, Luna, who changed everything.
"I growled at her oncewhen she wasyoung and she just melted into apuddle,"Natalie recalls. "I realisedIdidn’t raise my voicetoget my children to do things, so whywas Idoing thattomypup?
"Itfelt horrible forme, so Ican only imagine whatitfelt likefor her.Theydon't speakour language; theydon’t need to be shown who ‘the boss’is, theyneed guidance, notintimidation."
This realisation drove Natalie to change careersand embark on helping dogs and their families understand each other
Having gained qualifications locally and overseas, she holds a nationally accredited Certificate 3inDog Training and Behaviour,is acertified ProDogTrainer,and has completedthe Aggression in Dogs Master Course in addition to manyconferences and workshops. She’s constantly learning about the latest techniquesand research to help as manydogsaspossible liveexcellentlives in their families.
With dozens of five-star Google reviews andhundreds of happy clients, Natalie’s approach is research-based and designed to avoid using fear,orintimidation, focusing instead on positivereinforcement and 'game-based' training methods thatprovide real results.
"Training is 80 per cent the human end of the leash,"Nat explains. "I teach ownershow to encouragethe behaviorstheylikewhile managing or stopping theones theydon’t. We want dogs to thrive in our confusing human world, notjust surviveit."
Whether youare raising apuppy or struggling with areactive adult dog, Natbrings world-class expertise to your doorstep. Ready to swap the chaos forcalm?Join nearly athousand local families who have transformed their partnership withtheir dogs. Visit crazykindcalm.com.au to viewservices and book your session or email natalie@crazykindcalm.com.au.
Lauraand Mayuran alwaysknewthat if theyweregoing to add apet to their family,theywould adopt, notshop. So off Mayuran drove onecold evening, to an adoption centre in Woodend. He came home with Leanne –aquiet catwith asoft presence, who learned to love curling up close to thetwo shenow trusted most Yearswentbyhappilyinthe house of twothatbecame three. Then Mayuran, Lauraand Leanne latermoved house, which they were excited forbecause it came withtheir first backyard. Thefences were high, and it seemed safe enough for Leanne to explorethe outdoors. Buton her very first dayoutside, she scaled the fenceand disappeared in wonder; she couldn't findher wayhome.
Lauraand Mayuran searched but she wasnowheretobefound. They putfood,
waterand litter outside, hoping familiar smells mightguide her home. It didn't work, but theydidn't giveup. Hearing that outdoor cats aremost activeinthe early hoursofthe morning, they began waking at 4am, and daybyday,traversed through the cold dark streets and called her name.
Shewas nowheretobefound and early mornings grew heavier; thehope harder to hold.
On the 11thmorning, in the still, predawn hours, theyspotted afeline in the distance, roaming the road;itwas thin, lost, scuffed from afight, and unmistakably,theirLeanne.
Shewas reunited withthose with whom she belonged. AndLeanne purred with vibrating rumbles louder than ever before. Forthis feat,she has been donned the Express' Petofthe Month.
WhereisLeanne today? Continuing the good life– snuggled and safe at home.
Natalie’s approach is research-based and designed to avoid using fear,orintimidation, focusing instead on positivereinforcement and ‘game-based’ training methodsthatprovide real results.
@ YourOPINIONS
Building amore inclusivesociety
PatHealy,Chewton
Australian history includes much that is worth celebrating on Australia Day. Unfortunately thatdoes notinclude the “rich inclusiveheritageunequalled in the world’ thatAndrewBanks claims we have ('Howto build social cohesion', Opinions,February 3). Andthatiswhy so manypeople and organisations, including MountAlexander Shire Council, nowalsorefer to Australia Day as Survival Day
January 26 marks asad dayinthe centuries-long history of this land we call Australia. Aday when armed British invadersillegally claimed the land foranEnglish monarch on the other side of the planet. They then went on to slaughterthe Aboriginal population with guns, poison and disease and steal their land, their wagesand their children. Andit wasmanydecades before whiteAustralia even agreed to awardthe Aboriginal people formal citizenship in the land their ancestors had cared foruntold generations.
Andinthe 19th centuryAustralia was proudly amongst the first to draftdemocratic constitutions and givewomen the vote.But at the sametimetherewas widespread and government-approved racism thatsaw vicious anti-Chinese riots and discriminatory policies and laws thatdeveloped into the shameful WhiteAustralia Policy thatlasted until the 1970s.
Andinthe 20th century, wavesofpostWWII European immigrants who came to seek apeaceful lifeawayfromthe destruction left by war, were metwith hostility,
exploitation, discrimination and cruel labels thatresonatedfor generations. Andmeanwhile the locals continued their internecine holy wars –Catholicsagainst Protestants–thatdivided so manyfamilies and splintered so-called Christian communities.
Andtodayitall continues with the slursof Islamaphobia and anti-Semitism spoken in our parliaments while peopleare attacked and killed on the streets and beaches because of their religious faith –remember Cronulla as well as Bondi. Meanwhile Neo-Nazis parade in our cities and governments hustle to stop them by bizarrely passing laws thatlimit our rights to protest discrimination and hatred.
So yesAustralia does have much to be proud of but sadly thatdoes notinclude “a rich inclusiveheritageunequalled in the world”.But thereisnothing to stop us from beginning to build one now. Andwemustbegin with ashared truthtelling aboutour past to showthe reality –good and bad –that can giveusasolid base forbuilding amore inclusivesociety forour future
Be careful what you wish for
RobBakes, Kyneton
Following the Midland Express article about the Bunnings/McDonalds/KFCdevelopment ('Will Kynetonbekeptcountry?',January 27) the big question to address, in my opinion, is the danger thatthis initiativewill drivea stakeintoour flourishinglocal community and undermine ourvaluedcountry town character
Firstly,a country town likeKynetontypically relies on astrong centralisedbusiness
Potential restrictions
Water storages servicing townships in the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander Shires areatlowerthan averagelevels, and authorities warn thatrestrictions maybeput in place.
Coliban Watermanaging director,Damian Wells, said the combination of record-breaking heatand thebushfireemergency in Harcourt createdanunprecedented challengefor the region’s water network.
“It’snormal to seewater use jumpduring astretchofextremely hotdaysaspeopletry to stay cool and hydrated and peaks during the afternoon and evening when residents watertheir lawns and gardens,”MrWells said.
“Wewerealso supporting thebushfireresponse, including putting emergency managementplans in place, working with theCFA to identify watersourceslikereservoirsand firehydrants, and assessing and repairing damagetowater and sewerinfrastructure
“While we areunlikely to seewater restrictions forurban customersthis summer, if our waterresource position does notimprove, restrictions maybenecessary in some parts of the region next summer,” Mr Wells said.
In recent times, Castlemaine recorded asharp increase in water use, reaching 14.9 megalitres on Thursday, January8 —upfrom8.8 megalitres the week before.Usageclimbed again on January 27 to 15.9 megalitres.
Kynetonset its ownnew daily record on thesameday with6.3 megalitres.
PermanentWater Saving Rules apply in Victoria at all times; a hand-held hose with atrigger nozzle, drippersand sprinklerscan only be used between 6pm and 10am;a broom must be used to clean a hardsurface, rather than ahose.
Coliban Water’sthree reservoirsnearKyneton,which supply the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander region, have resulted in below-average levels amid recent events
They have amaximum storagecapacityof69,390 megalitres and arecurrently at acombined 59 per cent capacity.Bycomparison, capacity satat65per cent this time last year
Thelast time waterrestrictions were in placewas in 2012.
district.The McDonald'sdevelopmentcreates an activitycentreseparateand remote from the centre of town. It is astepinthe direction of the horrible urban sprawl we see in Sunbury,and nowGisborne is going down the drain as well. Thereare better ways to promote growth without sacrificing ourvillagespirit.
Secondly,I contend thatthese large corporateinterests thatGoldfields is furiously promoting, have no real loyalty to thelocal community.Their motivation is to suck in as manycustomers as possible, by whatwehave seen in the past as questionable means.
Thirdly,this initiativeisnot so good forlocal employment. We arealready served well, forinstancefor hardware, garden supplies and takeawayfood by local businesses who largely employlocals. Thepredatory business model manycorporations adoptisaimed at weakening this local competition.
Be careful whatyou wish forifyou value Kyneton'scountry character and the contribution of genuine local business to community life. We have recently been reminded by the business communityofhow importantit is to shop locally.Perhaps the"shop locally" request should be expanded to include "shop locally at genuine local businesses"
Politicalprescience?
BryanYoung, Castlemaine Insanity is repeating the same thing and expecting different results. This can be mistakenly attributedto Einstein.
Whoeverwas responsible forthis apt quote,weretheyprescientabout some of our political leaders?
SUPER QUIZ?
Local knowledge (1 point)
1. In which local town wasthe World’s Ugliest Lawn title awarded?
2. Whoishosting the Home is Wherethe Harcourt tattoo flash day?
3. Wheredoes KynetonDistrict Soccer Club call home?
4. Which club claimed title of OneDay Champions recently?
(3 points)
5. At which local naturalattraction did policeshut down an illegal rave earlier this year?
General knowledge (1 point)
6. Whoplays William Shakespeareinthe 2026 film Hamnet?
7. What is the typical colour of the gemstone citrine?
8. In which country is Brownsea Island is located?9. Whocamefirst: Incas, Aztecs or Mayans?
(3 points)
10. Howmanycountries border Chile?
Disappointingfailure
Barb Reader,Kyneton
TheDecember 2, 2025 edition of the paper included areminder to readersfromthe KynetonFood Collectiveonthe importance of supporting local businesses and the part theyplayinthe social fabric.
Therole of local businesses in supporting the wellbeing of the community,particularly our young people, should be valued. It is sad, therefore, to seethe newKynetonSkatepark will notbedesigned by our local and highly experienced designersfromKynetonand Woodend. It is adisappointing failureby Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil nottosupport twolocals who have livedand worked in the area foralmost 10 yearsand have consistently worked fornew and improvedskatepark facilitiesacrossthe shireinthattime.
Your voice, printedand heard
Do youhaveaburden, concern, yarn, or poem to share?
At the Midland Express, your opinions matter, andit'sthese insights thathelp shape our communityconversation. Whether it’salocal issue, anational matter,orsimply areflection on everydaylife, it gives insightintothe collective consciousness of centralVictoria at thetime of publication. Andyour voicedoes matter
If youwould liketoshareyourviews with our readership, consider submitting alettertothe editor.Please keep your contentconcise and focused, and include your full name and town for publication. Or,depending on thesituation, keep your name anonymous. Allletters aresubject to editorial review.Tocontribute, email your letter to acrawford@midnews.com.au We look forwardtohearing from youand amplifying conversations thatmatter.
At Early Learning Victoria, we offerhigh-quality,government-run education and childcare. Our welcomingcentres offerlong day careand Free Kinder forthree-and four-year-olds. We’reexcited to supportyour child through their learning journeyasthey discoverthe world around them.
Atruly charming antique fair
TheMaldon Antique Fair willreturn on February 14 and 15, marking its18th year at the Bill Woodfull Reserve. Held annually,the fair has become afixtureonthe regional events calendar,attracting tradersand visitorsfrom across the country.Overthe years, it has built areputation as one of Victoria’s most popular antique fairs. Organisersattribute the event’songoing success to severalfactors, including the wide rangeofqualityitems
on offerand the dedication of traderswho travel long distances to participate.Extensiveadvertising has also helped ensurestrong public awareness and attendance. However, the venue itself is widely regarded as one of the fair’sgreatest assets. TheBill Woodfull Reserveoffers aflat, open layout withexpansivegreen lawns, providing easyaccess forvisitorsand an inviting setting forboth tradersand patrons.
PoetiCasreturns this month
Poetry lovers areinfor atreat this month, withPoetiCas returning to Castlemaine to welcome distinguished poetProfessor LynMcCredden.
Themonthly poetry gathering will take placeonSaturday, February 28, at the Northern Arts Hotel, 359Barker Street, from 2.30pmto4.30pm. Entryis$5. Professor McCredden has spent 15 yearsteaching literatureatDeakin University and is widely recognisedfor her powerful, insightfulpoetry. Herwork has been published extensively,including in her acclaimed collection Wanting Only Sheisalso well known forher writing on major Australian literary figures suchas James McAuley, LesMurray,Nick Cave, VincentBuckleyand TimWinton
This special afternoon offers arare opportunity to hear one of Australia’s leading literary voices read from her own work in an intimate,welcoming setting. Professor LynMcCredden.
TakeupScottish Country Dancing
Looking fora funway to stayactiveand meetnew people?The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group invites you to join them every Thursdayafternoon from 1–3pm at BuffaloStadium in Woodend. This is social Scottish country dancing –lively,inclusiveand nothing likethe competitiveHighland dancing manypeople imagine. Dancersmoveinsets, learning avarietyof steps and formations at arelaxed pace. No special outfits or experience are required. Comfortable, flatshoes areall you need, along with asmile and asense of fun. Youdon’t need to bring apartner either –everyone is welcome.
With astrong emphasis on friendship, laughter and gentle fitness, the group offers awonderful waytokeep both body and mind active.
Fordetails, contactLynne on 0417 331 439 or Norm on 0408 592 609.
Therelaxed atmosphereencourages social interaction, withmanytradersusing the eventasanopportunity to reconnect with colleagues and long-standing friends. Visitors,inturn, benefit from the knowledgeand enthusiasm of exhibitorswho arepassionate about their fields.
Thecombination of adistinctivevenue,experienced tradersand awelcoming environmentcontinues to underpin theMaldon Antique Fair’spopularity after18years
Cute as abutton:A charming Trenthamclassic
Positioned close to Trentham's villagecentre, this classic 1950s weatherboardwill appeal to lovers of heritagehomes with warmth, simplicity and enduring charm.Elevatedand filled with natural light, it enjoys leafyoutlooks and sunsets thatadd to its unmistakably homely atmosphere.
Set on an expansiveapprox.1,952sqm allotment, the homeisrich in original character,with hardwood floorboards throughout, original sash windows (some partially refurbished), and light-filled interiors thatframe leafy, flora-filled views from almost every vantagepoint.
Recent updateshavebeenthoughtfully executed, allowing youto move straightinand enjoy. Theprovincial style kitchen anchorsthe home, complementedbya recently renovatedbathroom, while the sunroom and laundry have also been upgraded, enhancing both functionality and everydaycomfort. Theresult is ahome thatbalances period charm with modern practicality
Living and dining zones arewarmed by awood heater, with additional comfort provided by ceiling fans, creating an inviting atmosphereyear-round. Step out to therear deck and take in the outlook as the sun sets, aquintessential Trentham ritual, while frontand rear decks extend the home's connection to its beautiful surroundings.
Additional features include agreenhouse, town water, LPGgas, NBN fixed wireless, insulation throughout, and convenient access under the house. Zoned LowDensity Residential within HepburnShire, the property offers excellentscope forfutureextension or enhancement(STCA), while remaining perfectly liveable as is.
Ideal forfirst-homebuyers, those seeking aweekender or treechange, or buyerswanting apartially renovatedhome with room to add value, this is aresidencethatadapts easily to its next chapter, whether as afull-timehome, arefined escape, or aboutiqueAirbnb opportunity
Just moments from Trentham's cafés, shops and community heart, this is timeless country living withviews,warmthand unmistakable villageappeal.
Privately positioned at the rear of apicturesque five-acreallotment, this beautifully designed Fasham and Johnson residenceisa peaceful country retreat, capturing uninterruptedsoutherly views to MountMacedon and sweeping vistas across the Carlsruhe farmland. Thoughtfully sited to maximise privacy,the home is surrounded by established garden and hedging thatcreates astrong sense of seclusion and quiet.
Thesurrounding gardens area standout feature, with immaculately maintained park likegrounds enrichedbya balanced mix of matureEuropean trees, nativegums andstone retaining walls thatadd structureand character.Meandering paths and well placed seating areas invitemoments of relaxation, while the landscape extends to include aproductivevegetable garden, established fruit trees and twowell fenced paddocks.
Inside, the home offers awarmand welcoming atmospherewitha well considered floorplan comprising three bedrooms, twocomfortable living areas and tasteful updates throughout. Oneofthe twoliving spaces features acharming wood fireheater, ideal for cooler months, while underfloor heating twosplit systemair conditionersand double glazed windows provide consistentyearround comfort
Thekitchen is both practical and inviting, finished in warm honeyoak tones and equipped with quality Miele appliances. Large windowsframe beautiful rural views across the gardens and farmland beyond, filling thespace with natural lightand creating aconstantconnection to thelandscapewhile cookingorgathering with family and friends.
Theupdated main bathroom is modernand well finished, offering clean lines, quality fittings and adeep soaking bath thatisideal forunwinding without feeling overdone.
Additional features include abore, tank water,a largeshed and workshop which provide excellentsupportfor arelaxed rural lifestyle.
With its privatesetting,expansiveviews andcarefully maintained grounds, this propertypresents an exceptional opportunitytoenjoycomfortable and well balanced country living in aserene and highly desirable location. Situatedjust moments from the beautiful Kynetontownship, the property offers very convenient access to theCalder Freeway, localschools and hospitals.
•Set on the peaceful fringe of historic Chewton, surrounded by established gardens and natural bushland
•Light-filled two-bedroom cottage with central bathroom and open-plan kitchen, meals and family flowing to the frontverandah
•Tranquil outlooks across Crownland,nativegrasslands and forest creating arelaxed countryfeel
•Walk to village cafés,school and hotel,with Castlemaine just five minutes away forshopping, dining and rail connections FOR SALE $590,000
378
QUALITYOFF GRID SANCTUARY
•Approx.143 acres of privatenativeforest just minutes from Maldon offering completeprivacy,wildlifeand a peaceful off-grid lifestyle
•Qualitysustainable home with double glazing, polished concreteslab,solar powerand 30kW battery storage foryear-round comfort.
•Spacious open-plan living with flexible 3–4 bedroom layout and strong connection to the surrounding landscape
•Excellentinfrastructureincluding double carport, shedding,extensive water storage and full off-grid systems ready forself- sufficientliving
•Approx.108 acres just 400m off sealed Strathlea Road featuring grazing pastures,shade trees,dam and excellentfencing
•Ideal sitetobuild your dream home (S.T.C.A.) with spacefor livestock,recreation or apeaceful country retreat
•Stunning rural outlooks to MountTarrengower, Mount Alexander and MountKooroocheang with StateForest at the rear
•Close to CairnCurranand Tullaroop Reservoirs and easy access to Maldon, Castlemaine and Daylesfordfor the perfect lifestyle FOR SALE $650,000
SandyCreek Road, MALDON
114 Fryers Road, CHEWTON
Bespoke luxury living in a private garden sanctuary
This beautifully crafted, brand-newcustombuild offers space, lightand refined finishes in atranquil, landscaped setting.
Set within aprivate, leveland fully landscaped garden, this home's deceptively spacious design boastsexceptional storagethroughout.
Double glazing and ducted reverse-cycle air conditioningprovideyear-round comfort while thesun-drenched, north-facing living, dining and entry spaces boast burnished polished concrete floors
Theexpansivemodern kitchen comescomplete with stone bench tops,featuring 600mm cooker,dishwasher,stunning skylightand generous butler'spantry
Threedouble bedrooms all have luxurious carpetincluding asuperb large main suitewith walk-in robe and large ensuite with separatetoilet.
Astylish main bathroom has both showerand bath and a separatepowder room
Theprivatenorth-facing alfresco patioseamlesslyconnects to lawns and garden, while an extralarge two-car garage with concrete floor, features external and internal access through convenienthallway with mudroom.
This propertyisaneasywalk to forest trails, primary school, local pub andcaféwith the town centre conveniently locatedjust under 3km away
Brand new, beautifully finished and ready to move in and enjoy!
•Three bedrooms, updatedkitchen, timber floors, wood fire& reverse-cycle air conditioning
•Walktolocal amenities, established gardens and double garage
ForSale
$645,000 View
Saturday14th February: 1:15pm-1:45pm
Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733
RobWaller |0418 571 130
76 GingellStreet, Castlemaine.
2 a 1 b 4 v 1376r
•Neat1950s timbervilla in the heart of Castlemaine.
•2 bedrooms, large sittingroom with fireplace, original retrokitchen / meals with stainless steel cooker and old bread oven.
•Established gardens, well-fenced,carport, workshop shed and walkingdistancetotrain station /shops.
ForSale
$639,000 View
Saturday14th February: 10:00am-10:30am
RobWaller |0418 571 130
Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733
Scan to viewour currentlistings
MIDLAND Property &Living
Thecomplete package
Delivering instantimpact, this impressivefour-bedroom plus study residencebuilt by QuantumHomes showcases arefined contemporary design setwithin beautifully landscaped grounds and enjoying awide streetfrontage-ideal foreasyboatorcaravan access.
Soaring ceilings enhancethe sense of spacethroughout, while multiple expansiveliving zones provide flexibility and comfort forthe modern family.Atthe heart of the home, the sleek stone-benchtopkitchen is superbly appointedwithpremium appliances, including an induction cooktopand twoovens, and flows effortlessly to theopen-plan dining and living area. Afull wall of stacker doorsconnectsthe interior to avast,undercoverenclosed alfresco, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor entertaining experience
Adding to thehome'simpressiveentertainmentcredentials is every man'sdreamaseparateman cave or dedicatedentertaining spacecomplete with abuilt-in bar and reverse-cycle split system, making it the perfect year-round retreatfor hosting friends, watching the game or unwinding in comfort
Adedicatedhome theatrecatersperfectly to movie lovers,while accommodation is generous and thoughtfully zoned. Themaster suiteoffersa true retreatwith walk-in robe and aluxuriousensuite featuring an oversizedshower, double vanity and stylish pebbledetail finishes. Theremaining bedrooms arewell serviced by the main bathroom with bath and shower, with excellentstorage throughout including walk-in and built-in robes. Completing the packageare ahostofquality extras including an automatic integrated triple garage, ducted heating, ceiling fans, powder room,instantgas hotwater system, 5kWsolar systemwith22panels, watertank, large garden shed and abundantstorage options.
Positioned conveniently close to schools, shopping precincts and freewayaccess, this outstanding home combines space, sophistication and practicalityina highly sought-after setting.
Big corner block,great mountain views,compact2bedroombvhome
Sitting proudly on its 1032 sq metre(approx.) block,this homehas uninterrupted panoramic viewstoMountMacedon andisinthe Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ5). Thehome has abig lounge room with viewsand awood combustion heater, akitchen/meals combinedroom, 2bedrooms with BIR’s, bathroom and laundry. Thegarden offers scope forveggies anda peaceful green haven. Thehome sits on concrete stumps,has an electric HWS and tworear sheds
Asubdivision (STCA)isapossibility
Ashort driveora20minutes’walk to shops,VLine,cafes,such an offering is ideal forafirsthome buyer,aninvestororadeveloper (STCA).
Auction 21 Februaryat11am
Reserve
Price$635,000
Contact RayCashmore0419 851334 or John Keating 0419 880 444
Gisborne
20 Hurst Street
Truly,the CompletePackage!
4bedrooms,2 lounge rooms, bigentertainer’s kitchen,new carpets, double glazingthroughout,fabulous al fresco, spapool, wood-firedpizza oven, greatside access fit foraboat or caravanand alarge studio complex –all on adelightful block of 1050 squaremetres approx.with viewstothe mount. This is an appealing, beautifully-presented, high qualityhome.
Price$1,320,000
Contact RayCashmore0419 851334 or JohnKeating 0419 880 444
the surrounding
Including Castlemaine and the Macedon Ranges.Trustedserviceagentsfor topbrandslike Miele,Asko, Speed Queen, Electrolux, Bosch, Omega, Simpson, Dishlex, and Westinghouse. Simp www.kentappliancerepair.com.au
REAPER
Arthur Ronald Family and friends are warmly invited to the funeral service for Arthur Reaper to be held at the Thomas JScott Memorial Chapel on FRIDAYFebruary 13th 2026 at 10:30am followed by aburial at the Kyneton Lawn Cemetery For those unableto attend please go the the livestream link on Arthur'sTribute
Ronald 10.4.1942 -2.2.2026 Loving husband of Janette.Adored dad of Suzanne,Andrew and Stevenand father-in-law of Carl, Sheridan and Katie. Devoted pop of Jack &Lauren, Grace, Thomas and Harriet and great-poppy of Amelia and babyon the way! Loved by all.
•Gardener–CrewLeader Area 3, Full time •Building Inspector, Full time •Civic Facilities Cleaner, Casual Learn
Beloved husbandofJessie (dec).
Dearly loved father to Patricia, Julie, Dianne, James and their families. Adored grandfatherof13, great grandfather of 12. Youwerehappy,smilingand always content, your pleasures were simple, your needs were few Thank you for all theyears we shared, we will miss your smiling face.
Achapter completed, a pageisturned, alife well lived, arest well earned Treasured memories
Aservice to celebrate Jim’s life will be held in the Church of Christ, Blakeley Road, Castlemaine on Friday13thFebruary at 1.30pm.
Aburial service will be held for Jim at the Fryerstown Cemetery at 4.00pm.
eager for achallenge, who is passionate about regional media and their communities.
This position is full-time located in Kyneton. Our company publishes other publications including the Castlemaine Mail and the Central VictoriaTourist News.
The
•Ability to work autonomously and as
the
To
Sacred Heart College is aMercy school situated in Kyneton and surrounded by the beautiful Macedon Ranges. The College will educate approximately 920 Students fromYears 7-12 in 2026.
Sacred Heart College is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
Applications are invited for the following position: Sch
If you enjoy working with and relate well to young people and would like to assist students with additional learning needs to become independent learners, then we would like to receive your application.
This position is a12month replacementposition (with the strong possibility of ongoing employment in 2027).
The position is to start as soon as possible.
The Role Description andApplication Form are available on our website: www.shc kyneton.catholic.edu.au
Please ensure you include acover letter addressed to the Principal, Dr Darren Egberts.
Applications are to be uploaded to our employment website no later than
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Principal, Dr Darren Egberts by phoning 5421 1200 AMinistry of Mercy Education Limited ABN 69 154 53 1870
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Danielle Chapman has trained race horses foralmost 30 years, and Sunday wasa very special dayasshe landed her first double.
"Itwas really exciting to watch Snappy Beau and SnappyTycoon win at Ararat,and our favouritejockey Jason Maskiell rode both of them,"Danielle said yesterday.
Listed as aKyneton-based trainer,she finds thefamily'stwo ruralproperties at North Woodend areideal to preparea small team.
"Thereare four in work at present, and Ijust train forour family (three generations)and all our horses have 'Snappy' in their names.
SNAPPYTOM
This comesfromSnappyTom,a Redoute'sChoicesired galloper originally trained by GaiWaterhouse back in the early 2000s.
Thegalloper came on themarket as he wasa 'roarer',and it wasnot fashionable to persevere with such horses at that time.
"Wetook apuntand purchased him, and afterhehad athroatoperation, he went on to win fiveraces and over $300,000 forus,"Chapman explained.
Nowa pampered 24-year-old, Snappy Tomislooked afterlikea family member at North Woodend.
Chapman has areputation forbeing successful withwell-bred galloperswho have hadproblems, and restoring them to race condition.
"It'sinthe blood, and Ionlytrain for our family members."
Danielle's husband, Steve, has been able to find someofthe galloperswho are suitable to tryand race
The'Snappy'galloperscarry the red, whiteand black coloursused by Danielle's great-greatgrandfather when he wasa trainer in Melbourne.
Notall of the 'Snappy' ownerstravelled to Ararat on Sunday.
Having his seventhstart,four-year-old SnappyBeauwon the firstrace, the Butch PowerMaiden Plateover1100m, by 1.5 lengths.
Sent out as favouriteinthe Millear Family Handicap over1100m, Snappy Tycoon took hisstakeearnings to overthe $150,000 mark, winning by three lengths. Today(Tuesday) Snappy Secret is expected to runatthe eight-eventKyneton meeting.
Bill West
Having just his thirdracestart, well-bred three-year-old ValiantSun brokethrough for his first win on Thursday.
In the strong Kynetonstable of Liam Howley, ValiantSun wasa$200,000 purchase at the Karaka sales in NewZealand in 2024.
By TheAutumnSun from Valley Girl, he had notraced sinceOctober 30, but had run well intrialsatSeymourand Caulfield in January
Ridden in thePrestigeJayco Maiden by Jack Hill at the Colac Gold Cupmeeting, ValiantSun travelled in fifth placefor much of the 1600m
Jockey Jack Hill wound thegelding up for astrongfinish, and the $9.50 chancebeat Shrewness narrowly,withfavourite Abbey's Crossworda close third.
"Heisa horse we have alwayshad ahigh opinion of," trainer Howley said afterthe race He commended the large group of owners, and said he was"very excited to see whereValiant Suntakes us this preparation, and beyond"
Thetrainer disclosed some final shares arestill available in "some exciting twoyear-olds hitting the track soon".
AhighlightofThursday'smeeting was four winnersridden by Dean Yendell, including Cupwinner Active Duty,trained by LindseySmith.
Bill West
SnappyTycoonridden by Jason Maskiell after winning at Ararat.Photo:Adam Trafford/Racing Photos
CASTLEMAINE
Town & District
GOLF results
Scoring wassharp across all grades as 63 vied forthe monthly medal on Saturday
Nick Woodman stole the showwith a stunning 82-22-60, nine shots ahead of fellowC-grader ClintMcLeod 101-32-69.
Taylor Walsh (11) topped A-grade with a nett 70, ashotclear of MatthewO'Brien (5), while B-grade went to MountAlexander's Paul Long with 85-14-71, from Bradley Cruise nett 73.
Ross Bottomleyand Megan Carroll were spotontoearn NTPs.
With the popularity of the early Saturday 9@9 eventcontinuing to grow,ithas been renamed 9B49.
Jo Ralston (19) playedsuperbly to win with22stableford points, one ahead of Sally McOrist (14).
Astrongmidweek turn out of 47 contested the medleypar event.
Close finishes led to countbacks, and Will Dodson (11) finished with +4 from steady par golf in A-grade. MatthewO'Brien (6) lost the countback.
Mark Frankling (16) finished squaretowin B-grade from PeterKepsner (13), and Tony Olson (20) finished +1 to edgeout Alister Campbell (18) in C-grade.
Overall the top10placegetters finished very close together
Dodson and Ross Stevens claimed NTPs GISBORNE
TheGisborne Northwest Regional pennantside has finishedontop of the western division ladder,and will host the division final at Gisborne golf course this Sunday. Go yougood things!
At the weekend 213 players took to the immaculate course (Well done, Govand crew)for the Monthly Cupand abit of stablefordfun as well.
BrettSchofield showedheismorethan an equation to solveyour Body Mass Index by winning the D-grade and monthly cup withasolid 44 points.
Twoyoung sons of guns were winnersaswell.
Jackson Lee, who inherited his father's 'jeans',won B-grade with asolid 42 points, and Samuel McMahon wonA-grade with 38.
Bart McDermott, who is nota young gun or ason of one —unless his name is Bert wonC-grade with 41 points.
Local newspaper celebrity,Melanie Daly, wonthe women's eventwith 41 points.
Brendan Leeworehis best jeans on Thursday and wonthe A-grade open comp with38points.
Legendary presidentAlastairBoustead putdown the new building drawings for a momentto win B-grade with 38 as well.
Shaun Coppins wonC-grade and the Thursdaymonthly medal with 40 points Hope he's Coppin OK with all the publicity Wednesdaywomen:The first round of their monthly medal, the silver spoon first round, and the finalround of the Murray HeardTrophywereheld.
CongratstoKathy Richards who wonthe medal with 38 points,and the Murray Heard eventaswell.
'Bandit' Marg Barker wonA2with 37 points, and Rose, who is neverwrong, always Wright, wonB1with37points.
Beth Whelan scored 37 points to win the B2, and is the February rep. In the silver spoon competition.
KYNETON
Practicemakes perfect, or at least good enough to win the men'smonthly medal.
Adam Pyett, atop six finisherinthe two previous medals, credited aconfidenceboosting practiceround on Fridaywithhelping him reach the top.
Aftera nett 70 in December and 68 in January,hewantedtomakesureofthe top prize. He opened with fivestraightparsafter starting from the 15th, then cruised to anett 66 from a14handicap to win B-grade and the medal by one shot.
Five players finished on 67, none better than B-grade runner-up Kash Karunasena (14) who wasthree over nett after10, then playedthe rest in six under,including a pitch-ineagle on the 14th.
TimKirk(9) wonA-grade by one from ScottMurphy(8) who stalled his charge with atriple bogey.
Threeplayers finished on 67 in C-grade, Dave Evans (20) winning on countback from Jarrod Lee(23) and Ewan Wright(26). Though the latter wasfeeling every bit the winner afterreceiving the all-clear from cancer treatment. Barb Grant (21) wasbest of the women witha73, on acountback from Kylie Munro (11).
NTPswenttoDavid Pilcher,Neville Yates,
David Ryan,Rob McRae(super pin)and Daniel Dubens.
Robbie Schuurman (27) wonthe first women's medalofthe year with 40 stablefordpointsonTuesday, one clear of Marg Scoble (25). Terry Morley(32)won B-grade with 37, on acountback from JennyKerr (31).
Themain midweek contest sawa cascade of scores in the 40s. LesTurner (29) romped home with 43. Pilcher (9) carded his best round of 74 to be runner-up from Daryl Atwell (28).
Scoble wasthe leading woman with 39 points.
Thenine-hole Thursdayscramble was spiced up by Terry Gamble chipping in twice forbirdies and 19 points, but Craig Fitzpatrick managed to beat him by one.
Signing up: Already 22 women have signed up forthe four-week programfor beginnersstarting this Sundaywithprofessional Paul Powell. Email\for details.
LANCEFIELD
Long handicappersdominatedthe women's monthly medal event on Wednesday.
Samantha Strano took thehonourswith 108-44-64, from Glenda Bentley109-44-65 and Carole Mee107-39-68.
TheSaturdaymen's medalwenttoa consistentBert Parks with 84-15-69, from Ed Godek86-16-70 and Denis Davenport 80-8-72.
Other results in abusyweek were:
Legends: Davenport (8) 39 points, from Godek (15) and Luke Schembri (27) 37.
Twilight: CoreyLoBosco23points, from Adrian Irving 21.
Thursday(DDGA Veterans)stableford: Ulli Popovic (33) 40, from SteveCoker (18) 38, and Saowapa McDowall (25) 37.
MOUNT MACEDON
Mark Burragereturned 40 points to win B-grade and overall honoursinSaturday's stableford
Nick Ciesielski (10) and Carl Obst (24) were therespectiveA and C-grade winners with 37 points
Theindividual highlightwas Mark Shepherd'seagle on the par 417th hole.
Therewas aclose finish as B-graders dominatedthe mid-week MugO'the Month, sponsored by TJ Scott& Son.
John Collins (23) wasthe winner with 38 points, closely followedbyRob Taylor (19) and PeterSemmens (22).
Mike Hoiles (11) topped A-grade with 33 points from thatman Burragewith32.
Collins and evergreen Tony Carter were NTPs.
TRENTHAM
Kath Keatingcertainly had aweek to remember at Trentham.
On Saturdayshe shota nett 66 to take out the women's medal, following up on her Wednesdaymedal success.
Trish Mann wasunlucky,missing out after acountback.
Stalwart BobPenrose wasthe men's monthly medal winner with 78-16-62, the first time he has managed to shoothis age. A greatachievement.
John Smithwick wasthe B-grade runnerup with 77-14-63.
CraigCotton(10) took out A-grade with a nett 64, with Chris Campbell runner-up.
TimFletcher had an impressive82-19-63 to win C-grade.
Saturday'sround wasalso aqualifier for the men's singles knockout
Memberswerepleased to welcome visitors from five differentclubs.
WOODEND
Plenty of lowscoresinSaturday'smonthly medal round on Saturday.
Theend result wastop junior William McLean and B-grader PeterMcBridehad excellentnett63s andwill play-off forthe men'smedal.
JenHunterwon the women's medalwith 91-20-71.
A-grade: W. McLean 67-4-63, with Chris Hale runner-up on 64; B— P. McBride 82-19-63, from Myles Moxley77-11-66; C— Larry Davis 91-26-65, c/b from Jordan Veitch 89-24-65. Therewas atightleaderboardinTuesday'sstableford:A —MurrayBradley(9) 35 points, on c/bfromAndrew Davies(1) 35. B— Andrew Blain (20) 36, from IanGilmour (25) 35.
Midweek women: Frances Bowen11043-67 from Veronica Sullivan 95-26-69 and Cheryl Garner 96-25-71.
Woodend'steams forDalhousie pennant this season areabout to be announced.
Happy HappyBirthday Birthday Birthday Club
WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY11
Aiden Macdougall Di Manno .turns 9
SUNDAY,FEBRUARY15
Reuben O'Sullivan turns 12 HenryCoulthard turns 6
Club Birthday
AGE LIMIT 13 YEARS OLD (Register once only)
NAME (PRINT)
ADDRESS.............
DATE OF BIRTH
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
Fitzpatrick leads BFNL
BrettFitzpatrick has been appointedasthe newchair of the BendigoFootball Netball League.
Oneofthe newcomersonthe 'newlook' nine-member board, Fitzpatrick accepted the topjob when theboard held its first meeting last week. He grew up in Castlemaine, where he has conducted areal estate enterprise since 2002.
Fitzpatrick, avery talentedfootballer and cricketer, played 162 AFL/VFL games. He has awide background in community sport, and occupied various coaching positions over theyears
An AFL lifemember,hehas served on the VCFL boardand the AFL CV Commission.
"It'sanhonour to be appointedchair of the BendigoFootball Netball League.
"The BFNLhas aproud history and astrongfuture, and Ilook forwardtoworking closely with ourclubs, boardand stakeholdersto continue strengthening ourcompetition,"Fitzpatrick said.
Todd Deary wasappointedasBFNL vice-chair,and he looks forward to working collaboratively to ensurethe BFNLremains astrong, well-governed and communityfocused competition.
BroadfordFootball Netball Club will makeits debut in the BFNL this coming season.
Clubs goingstrong
In the Macedon Ranges, Kynetonand Lancefield, small borerifle clubs arelong established, having stood the test of time.
Target shooting over20metresisregarded as avery safe sport. Membersrangefrom12-year-olds up to veterans in the seventies and eighties.
"Ifyou arelooking fora newsporting pursuit,why notgiveshooting atry" is the messagetoa growing area population.
TheKynetonclub, locatedatits rangenear the corner of Beauchamp and Jeffrey streets, shoots on Thursdays,from7pm to 11pm Clubs across the world caterfor beginnersuptothose of Olympic standard. TheKynetonclubinvites anyone interested to attend on Thursdays,orcontact the club by email.
STATEWINNER
TheLancefield club, formed in 1953, has its rangeinthe Lancefield Park and shoots from 7pmto9pm on Mondays andWednesdays.A very competitiveclub, Lancefield recently wonthe State Benchrest small bore20metre competition.
Theclubhas both maleand female members, and had agood attendanceatits recent annual meeting.
Anyone interested is invited to come along on practicenights, or email the club forfurther information.
Kyneton’sAnthonyMathison takesHighland’sareatitle
AnthonyMcCabe
Kyneton'sAnthonyMathison took out this season's Highlands playing area Singles title in astrong performanceofdrawbowling over DiggersRest'sDevendra Shukla playedatWoodend Bowling Club on Sunday.
Mathison started strongly,scoring 3onthe first end, gaining the momentumthatsaw him taking 4 shots on both the 13thand 17th ends to take out the game on the 20th end. Playing offfor the region final in the afternoon, Mathison wasunable to continue
through, eventually losing to theBallarat playing area champion CraigFordfromVictoria Bowling Club. Thegame, playedover21ends, sawFordtakea commanding 15 shots to 2bythe ninth end before Mathison wonthe matand extended the length of the ends to commencea revivaltotakehis scoreto10 by the 15th end. Ford then regained the matand shortened the ends to his advanceand, managing the strong blustery winds thatcameintoplayinthe laterstages, proceeded to take command and finishedoff thegame winning 25 shots to 12.
Bowls double spot speculation
Bill West
Just twomorerounds leading into the Highlands division one semi-finals, and the glorious speculation about which team will securesecond spotand thedouble chance continues.
Round 16 playedingood conditionson Saturdaydid nothing to clarify which side will face up to flag favouriteKynetonin the second semi-final. In fact, the situation became even moreclouded: Kyneton, with just one defeat,will finish on topbya huge margin —it's60points at present and may increase even further with down the ladder Trentham and Broadfordbeing Kyneton's opposition over thenexttwo Saturdays Nowit'ssimply acase of four teams battling forthree available places —second, thirdand fourth
KynetonGolf made avaliant bid to upstagethe visiting Kynetonlineup on Saturday, andthe eventual margin of just afive shots deficit (51-46) wasenough forGolf to think hardabout thedouble chance. Ironically,Golf slipped to fourth spot as Romsey gained the maximum 16 points against old rival Lancefield, with twoofthe three rinks decided by just one shot. Nowsecond, Romsey playKilmoreand
Woodend before the finals, and the ball is truly well in theRedbacks court.
BROADFORD HOODOO
TheBroadfordgreen can be something of ahoodoo forvisiting sides, irrespectiveof their position on theladder
This time it wasfinals contender Gisborne which failedtofind the answers, with Broadford—after apoor performanceat Woodend sevendaysearlier —winning by 15 shots. Gisborne is nowfifth, buthas abig chancewith matches against Woodend and DiggersRest awaiting before the finals.
Ascenario whereGisborne win twice and makethe topfour is realistic when one considersthatthird-placed Kilmoreface the daunting task of playing Romsey and KynetonGolf
Kilmore'fell in'byone shotatLancefield in round 15, but bounced back to demolish Woodend 63-46, with so muchatstake
Full marks to Trentham fora determined 60-45 victory at home against DiggersRest.
The'Spud Diggers' have seemingly escaped from thethreatofrelegation with this victory
ALL THE SCORES
Scores from round 16 Highlands pennant matches on Saturdaywere:
Division 1: KynetonGolf 46 lost to
Kyneton51— W. Turner 11 lost to G. Podesta 20, A. Plowman 21 dD.J.Thomas 12, B. Godbolt 14 lost to Ant. Mathison 19; Trentham 60 dDiggers Rest 45 —R.Justice 24 dR.Treweek 9, P. Hanson 17 lost to R. Davies 19, R. Dobinson 19 dP.Robinson 17; Broadford58 dGisborne 43 —D.Ellis 22 d A. Higgins 14, D. Kelly16dR.Walker 14, R. Chapman 20 dB.Johnson 15; Romsey 68 d Lancefield 54-- D. Ely23d A. Andrews11, A. Young 22 dJ.Holmes 21, C. Austin 23 d A. Brandolin 22; Kilmore 63 dWoodend 46 —L.Whitnall 29 dM.Dornau 9, D. Noonan 16 lost to T. Lennie 22, M. McMaster 18 d N. Bickerdyke15.
Division 2: Macedon 58 dKyneton52 —G.Dickenson 22 dM.Plowman 16, I. Guymer 24 dM.Smoljo 15, I. Matthews 12 lost to M. Cheep21; Romsey 57 lost to KynetonGolf 63 —G.Gilligan 19 lost to J. Trounce26, L. Dyamond 20 dD.Bond 19, J. Beaumont18drewwith J. McQualter 18; Kilmore74dDiggersRest 53 —A.Cassidy 20 lost to L. Wels 22, M. Hodgson 30 dL D'Lima 14, K. Campbell 24 dJ.Beckett17; Gisborne 63 dBroadford56 —B.Wylie20 lost to R. Campbell 23, J. Evansd A. Cowen 16,I.Ball 26 dK.Inness 17. Division 3: Mt Cottrell 77 dKilmore36 J. Langley22d K. Campbell 15, S. Taylor 27
dC.Wright 6, L. Glascott28dS.Bloomfield 15; Lancefield 45 lost to Romsey 78 —J Smith 11 lost to J. Fryer27, Alan Shipcott 11 lost to D. Culpan 31, P. Shannon 23 dM Gilligan 20; Gisborne 73 dWoodend 44 —J Hunter 23 dT.Sturt 15, S. Lawless 26 dA Jewell 16, C. Butterley24d J. Jewell 13; Macedon 62 dTrentham 52 —S.Gillman 24 dI.Bruton 11, A. Cameron lost to M. Kemp 25, B. Wasyl23 dG.Laurie 16. Kynetonthe bye
Matches in Highlands division one pennantbowls this Saturdayare: Kynetonv Trentham Lancefield vKynetonGolf. KilmorevRomsey. Woodend vGisborne. DiggersRest vBroadford.
ahead of runner-up Sophie Stokes and third placegetter Andrea
Runnerstoconvergefor Castlemaine Gift
Theannual Castlemaine Gift returns to theCampReserveonSundayFebruary 22.
Themeeting will featurea full dayofprofessional, handicap running thatlasts for about sevenhoursofnon-stop action.
Theday starts at 10am withthe heats of the Junior Castlemaine Gift forboysand girls aged from fiveto13years
Then the professional meeting begins at about11am with racesover70m, 120m Gift formen and a120m Gift forwomen, 120m Veterans sprintfor men and women (over35 years),300m formen and women Veterans, men’s,and women’s 400m races, an 800m and a1600m.
Thereisalso an Under 18 120m forbothboysand girls and aRestricted 400m.
Competitorscome from across Victoria and interstate to compete from manyand varied backgrounds, ages and occupations.
They will viefor morethan $31,500 prize moneyand sashes, trophies and giftsfrom sponsorsand local traders. Organiser Darryl Nettleton saidtherewerenoathletic events like it in the shireand this year wasgoing to be bigger and better than ever
If anyone is interested in supporting the meet, thereare stilleventstobesponsored, including theOpen 70m eventsoemail Darryl at nettleton2011@bigpond.com.
Forup-to-date information, visit castlemainegift.org.au and to register visit the Victorian Athletic League websiteatwww.val.org.au
Junior runnerscan register on the morning of the event.
Soccerseason startswithabang
What afantastic waytokick offthe season!
TheKynetonSoccerClubSeason Launch and Open DayonSaturdaywas agreat success, with players, families and communitymemberscoming together to celebratethe start of another exciting year
It waswonderful to seesomanynew and familiar faces, plenty of energy on the pitch, and areal buzz around the club. Theclubsends abig thank youtoeveryone who camealong, helped out, and made theday such a positivestart to theseason. "We’dalso liketosincerely thank our sponsorswho camealong to support the day–we truly appreciate your ongoing support of our club and community," aclub spokesperson said.
"Training officially starts this week forall of our competitiveage groups, from Under 12s rightthrough to Seniors, and we can’t wait to seeeveryone back on the field.
"Here’stoagreat season ahead!"
Pre-season training through February forcompetitive teams (U12 -Seniors) includes grading and team division. Afterteamsare separated, training timesmay alter UNDER 12 GIRLS
Wednesdays andThursdays; 5.30pm -6.30pm
Starting WednesdayFebruary 11
UNDER 14 GIRLS
Tuesdays andThursdays; 5.30pm -6.30pm
Starting TuesdayFebruary 10
UNDER 16 GIRLS
Tuesdays andThursdays; 5.30pm -6.30pm
Starting TuesdayFebruary 10
UNDER 12 BOYS
Tuesdayand Wednesday5.30pm -6.30pm
Starting TuesdayFebruary 3
UNDER 14 BOYS
Wednesday; 5.30pm- 7pm
Starting WednesdayFebruary 11
UNDER 16 BOYS
Tuesdayand Thursday5.30pm -6.30pm
Starting TuesdayFebruary 10
UNDER 18 BOYS
Tuesdayand Thursday5.30pm -6.45pm(commenced)
SENIOR MEN
Wednesday6.30pm -8pm (commenced)
SENIOR WOMEN
Thursday6.30pm -8pm (commenced)
Allnon-competitiveage groups will commence training in March. Daysand times to be confirmed.
Please see our websiteand socials forupdates. Senior competitions start April 11. Alljunior competitions start May2
Carey wins gold
At the recent Victorian Country athleticschampionships in Albury over theAustralia Day weekend, Gisborne runner Mark Carey came waywiththe gold in the men's 60-plus 2000-metre steeplechase. It wasMark'sfirst win at the championships afterfiveprevious attempts. Mark representedthe South BendigoAthleticsClub.
2025 Castlemaine Women’s 120m Gift winner Ruby Crisp crosses the line
Hearne Photo: Jamesons Photography
Tons of runs in CDCA
Castlemaine District Cricket Association A Grade sides returned to thepitch to wrap up daytwo of round eightlast Saturday.
AReserveand BGrade contestedonedaymatchesand CGrade battled out day twoofroundseven
On Thursdayevening the grand final of the one-dayseries wasalsocontested with BarkersCreek emerging victorious.
Highlights of the round were North Castlemaine AGrade batsman Karsen Beer's 123 notout in their win overHarcourt, Muckleford AGrade Luke Filer's124 notout in their victory over Newstead, and Taradale BGrade batsman KymSzegedi's101 retired notout in their win over Newstead. Best with theball wasNewstead AGrader MatthewCulvenor with 6-95.
Resultswere: AGrade DayTwo
BarkersCreek 10-389 (Chris McKnight 121 notout,DarbySemmens 77, Bodhi Robinson 76, Kyle Gellatly 5-106) defeated Guildford10-212 (HadleyBassett 49, Cordie McKendry 46, Charles Bunting 36, Alex Ross 23; Nash Robinson 3-35, Andrew Stephens 2-1, BaileyHenderson 2-33).
Castlemaine United 10-130 and 5-d/76 (2nd innings Declan Brasher 30 notout; Adil Ali3-36)vMaiden Gully Marist 10-84 &6-72(2nd innings JimmyLiersch 27, Adil
Women’s cricket
Lancefield Blackcaused an upsetby defeating Macedon in KookaburraAgrade women's cricketonSunday.
At Tony ClarkeReserve, Macedon struggled to reach8/42, with Luzanne de Kock amatch winner with 4-10. Black then compiled 1/43, withNat Jeffery unbeatenon31.
In the other A-grade match, Bacchus Marshscored4/137 (Sarah Bamford50 ret., Kim Bessell 26) and Wallan did well to replywith 3/138 (Megan Farrell 50 ret., Terrie Hayden 32 n.o., and Kia Montgomery 31).
Kilmoreforfeited to Gisborne. Broadfordscored4/117 in the B-grade matchagainst East Sunbury BrookeJeffery 44, Maddison Benham 22, Melodie Bassett 21 led the way. East Sunbury wasrestricted to 5/102 —Rebecca Kirk 45 n.o. —Lana Ward 3-23.
Newstead 9-215 (Sam Winnard31, Ben Walter 28, Jackob Tidyman 26, Rhys Smith 25; John Watson 5-69, Brandon Weatherson 2-55) lost to Muckleford 8-216 (LukeFiler 124 notout; MatthewCulvenor 6-95).
AReserve OneDay
Maiden Gully 10-192 (Brett Haw24, Joshua Brown24, AnthonyBlake23; Alexander Hardwick-Young 2-16, KostyaHale 2-22, Beau Ely2-29)defeatedCastlemaine United 10-144 (Brian Brasher 36, Beau Ely27, Kyle Judd; BenHancock 3-10, Robert Douglas 2-16, William Trew 2-41).
Harcourt 8-140 (Adrian Cole 36,Lachlan Mika 28, Mark Hickman 25 notout;Steven Shovan 4-19, Gerald Chapman 2-21, Nick Ebery 2-34) defeated Newstead 10-136 (Faolan Gardner 24, Kris Walter 15, Lachlan Park 15; AlfieUren2-16, Mark Hickman 2-22, Macklin 2-28).
Muckleford 10-100 (Marty Sharples 45; Ethan Crocker3-9,Elliot2-17, Noah Maltby 2-19, SteveLearmonth 2-25) lost to Taradale
182 for‘Chook’
Ablazing 182 from Eastern Hill allrounder Nathan 'Chook' Fowler wasa keyhighlightfromGisborne Association cricket on Saturday.
Fowler,who plays football for Seymourand has very strong Wallan connections, took thelong handle to the hapless Harkness attack in McIntyre 2nds.
He slammed 12 sixes and 11 fours, the 182 coming from just 135 deliveries. Eastern Hill made amammoth 9/483.
Thecentury wasone of six in Saturday'sround.
Otherscame from Joshua Nolan— 103 forBroadfordinMcIntyreCup, Nathan Powell —141 forRupertswood and Brendan Delaney(Woodend) 130 in McIntyre2nds, Hayden Szczykulski (Eastern Hill) 105 and Mark Hourigan 103 in McIntyre2nds, Gisborne DistrictCricket Association's Melbourne Country Week team waslooking forwardtobeginning its campaign yesterday.
10-201 (Lachlan Maltby 43, Andrew Young 37 notout,Steve Learmonth 35; Neville Cooper 4-46, Nash Turner 2-25, Craig Tingay2-42.
Heathcote4-119 (Tim Gleeson33, Cale Polson 29, BradleyPolson 21, Damian Jacques 20 notout;Fletcher McAinch 2-23) defeated North Castlemaine 8-118 (Benjamin Cue25, FletcherMcAinch 17 notout, Charlie Baker16not out; Cale Polson 3-14, Fraser Maddren 2-21, Nick Malavisi 2-30). BGrade OneDay
Taradale 2-260 (Kym Szegedi 101 retired notout,AndrewVance76not out, Andrew White35; defeated Newstead 7-146 (Adam Sewell 50retired notout,Percy Blake17; Doug Stone 3-16, Leigh Bennett2-18).
Hepburn3-157 (Des Gilmore59, Harry Rees 18; Alex Hekman 3-14, Nathaniel Lowe 2-16, Daniel Bell 2-19) defeated Heathcote10-153 (Nathaniel Lowe 48, CoreyShiell 40, Isaac Pedretti 27 notout).
MiaMia vCastlemaine United –forfeit. BarkersCreek, Campbells Creek Colts and Muckleford had the bye.
Women
Playwill resume with round seven matches this FridayFebruary 13 afterround six matches were cancelleddue to the extreme heat.
CGrade (Under 16) DayTwo
Castlemaine United Gold 10-134 (Otis Whitesmith 20, LouisParsons 19) lost to ColtsPhelans 7-157 (Brett Coon 52 retired notout,JackSmith 32 retirednot out, Judd Ross 25; Zane Davidge3-21, Reuben
O'Sullivan 2-1).
Barkers/North/Harcourt 10-186 (Brayden Allan51 notout,Declan Kirke32; Mitchell Sturgess 3-43) defeated Campbells Creek 1-126 (Blackwood Ulman Jones 19, Mitchell Sturgess 12, JhiMcKenzie 10; Jack Gibson 3-8, Declan Kirke 2-14).
Muckleford 8-162 (Jack Smith 50 retired notout,Callum McGee39not out, Francis Walls32; Charlie Jardine 3-7, Axel Purcell 3-17) defeated Carisbrook 10-149 (Axel Purcell69, Joshua Nalder 21; Abraham Isdale 2-3, Aihen Turner 2-8) Laanecoorie 9-80 (William Crumpton17; DarcyMinster 2-4, Jessie Francis 2-7, Abel Harris-Davies 2-11) lost to Castlemaine United 8-261 (Declan Brasher 50, Darcy Minster26; Dean Liddicoat2-38, William Crumpton2-41).
Newstead had the bye. T20 champs decided BarkersCreek Cricket Club 4-154 (Bodhi Robinson 50, HarryLawson 37, Bailey Henderson 30, Nash Robinson 23 notout) claimed one dayhonoursinthe T20 grand final showdowncontested at WesleyHill lastThursdayevening February 5defeating the Love Shack Brewery RedHats10-73 (Craig Pearce 27, Kyle Humphrys16, Zac Hinck12; HarryLawson 5-8, Mark Noonan 2-15, Chris McKnight2-30).
Barkers batted first racking up quick runs, before the RedHatscametothe crease. They started strongly in reply but Lawson and teammatesMcKnightand Noonan claimed vital wickets to end the side'schances of chasingdownthe target required.
Maiden Gully Marist AGrade batsman JimmyLiersch is pictured in action at Camp Reserve. Photo:Max Lesser
North Castlemaine’s John Howorth made 44 in the RedHatswin over Harcourt at Wesley Hill. Photo:Max Lesser
Keymatch in thebalance
Bill West
Thecrucial McIntyreCup matchbetween Romsey and Gisborne is in avery interesting stage, with both sides thinking theyhavea winning chanceafter the first day'splay.
In asee-sawafternoon at Romsey Park, the reigning premiersscoreda healthy 266, setting the Redbacks asubstantial task.
Ascoring rate averaging just overthree an over would getthe ladder leaders home; equally,Gisborne's varied attack will fancy its prospects.
Spencer Jones 48 and BrentonCook 38 provided Gisborne witha good opening stand, and at one stagea mammothscore appeared possible.
Romsey'sbowlersstuck to theirtask, with wicketsshared around. All-rounder Taylor Stevensonfinished with 3-51 in a very economical display.
Thehome side waspleased to be able to dismiss the dangerous Vernon brothers relatively cheaply. Matt Barake helped hold the innings together andtop scored with 56 in atally of 266.
WOODENDONTOP
Astrongteam performanceenabled second-placed Woodend to scorea formidable 8/319 against Wallan.
Specialist coachJacques Du Toit attacked the bowling to score70—his highest scoresincejoining the club this year
Highly talentedyoungster OlliePrice compiled afine 78, and alateflurry of runs from Hamish McDonald and Harrison Sheahan carried the total to 8/319 when a declaration wasmade.
Themove paid off, with ZacBell dismissed before stumps.
Aspecial mention to GDCA Under 17s captain Hamish Mullavey-Clark, who bowled 25 overs to capture5/102 in a milestone senior performance.
He appearstohaveafine temperament, plus ample ability,and epitomises Wallan's policy of giving young players every opportunity
Woodend'svaried attack should be able to bowl theside to victory on Saturday.
MACEDON STRUGGLE
Macedon needs sevenSunbury United wicketsfor less than 100 runs to snatch a remarkable victory
Severalbatsmen made starts, but the Cats could notgoonwith the job at Tony ClarkeReserve.
Atally of 140 waswell belowpar,with the highest individual score25.
To their credit, pacemen Cadel Howlett and Ed Ferguson captured threeUnited wicketsbeforestumps, but the visitors have plenty of depth and should take the points.
CENTURYTONOLAN
Joshua Nolanfinally brokethrough for an overdue century, holding the Broad-
ford side together aftera lacklustrestart against the in-form Rupertswood.
Nolan topscoredwitha patient103 in atotal of 233. AshleyWoodcontributed 56.
Rupertswood captain Matt Twentyman made an unbeaten151 against Gisborne in the previous round, and his wicket will be aprize one forBroadfordwhen playat HarleyHammondReserveresumes.
ALL THE SCORES
McIntyre Cup1sts: Macedon 140 (E. Raynor 25, C. Clayton 25, C. Howlett 22 S. Perera 3-16) vSunbury United 3/40 (P Kiriella 25 n.o. —Howlett 2-16); Romsey vGisborne 266 (M. Barake 56, S. Jones 44, B. Cook 38, P. Sammut 35, R. Vernon 29 —T.Stevenson 3-51); Woodend 8/319 dec. (O.Price78, J. Du Toit 70, H. McDonald 42 n.o., H. Sheahan 32 n.o., D. Eastley 31 —H.Mullavey-Clark 5-104 (26 overs)v Wallan 1/5; Broadford233 (J.Nolan 103, A. Wood 56 —R.Berry 3-38, K. Barker 3-74) vRupertswood.
Johnstone 1sts: Lancefield 196 (A. Sinclair 65 n.o., L. Mitchell 36, Harrison Lehner 36, Harvey Lehner 30 —J.Nelson 7-55; Eastern Hill 9/483 (N. Fowler 182, M. Brown64, B. Bryant 58, O. Newell 52, D. Fulco43) vHarkness; Eynesbury 177 (I. Ghazni 46 —N.Fairweather 4-33,S.Partridge3-30) vKilmore; DiggersRest 226 (T.Krizanic 53, J. Grant41, J. McDonald 37 —M.Green 5-47 vSunbury Kangaroos 0-7.
McIntyre 2nds:Gisborne 111 (R. Scott 26 -D.Jewell 3-19) vRomsey4/58 (N. Hoy 26 n.o.); Rupertswood 9/360 (N. Powell 141, W. Honner 70, B. Robinson 59 n.o., R. Davis 37 —C.Ball 5-100) vBroadford;Woodend8/340 c.c.(B. Delaney130, L. Sheahan 54,C. Gardner 39, J. Pettigrew 37, D. Heaney 31 —B.Funnell 7-73) v Wallan; Macedon 143 (I. Bobetic 35, C. Axton 23, B. McKay22—S.Hateli 3-18, T. Cummings 3-38) vSunbury United 3-39. Johnstone 2nds: Kilmore135 (R. Pollock 38 -K.Jones 5-51, C. McLaughlin 4-35) vEynesbury 3/98 (McLaughlin 32, K. Jones 27 n.o.); Eastern Hill 7/305dec. (H Szczykulski 105, B.Speechley93, R. Grant 40, S. Brown30 n.o. —Q.Abbas 4-71) v Harkness 0-17; Sunbury Kangaroos 95 (C Davis5-19, S. Morris 4-26) vDiggers Rest 4/58; East Sunbury 9/259 (M. Hourigan 103n.o., C. Watson 41 -S.Taylor3-51) v Lancefield.
Jensen Shield (One-day):Malmsbury 7/168 (M. Pruden 54, T. Logan24, A. Sims 24 —G.Sandow 3-35) lost to Hanging Rock 1/169 (L. Vincent99n.o. PP 63 n.o.); Gisborne 8/248 (G.Buskes 57, L. Camsie 49, S. Freeth 48)d Blackwood 171 (J Hand 46, M. Sherpa 31, A. Willis26- T. Susnjara3-36); Romsey 7/191 (P.Brady 71, M. Parker 33,S.Day 29) dSunbury United 152 (D.Furnell 83 —M.Palmer 3-26, A. Ryan 3-29); Woodend 7/202 (T Bannan 47, A, Cavric 46 n.o., A. Gray45, J.
Walker 28 —H.Leong 3-35) dTrentham 9/196 (Leong 61, J. Shaw 51 -D.Schober 4-18; Rupertswood 7/240 c.c. (B.Marshall 59, J. Crump 51, B. vanden Heuval 29, B. Pearson26 n.o. -P.Cashen 3-22) d Riddell 216 (B. Marshall 59, J. Crump51, B. vanden Heuvel 29, B. Pearson26 n.o.) dRiddell 216 (J.Taylor57, Cashen 44, H. Johnson 27 n.o., H. Castle 25 —S.Adam 4-28;Wallan6/281 (K. McKechnie 58, A. Avola31 ret., H. Sandhu 29) dMacedon 60 (E. Singh 6-12), Jensen 3rds: Riddell 7/180 (O.Arthur 85 n.o.) dMelton South(4) 6/169 (M. Sharma 58, S. Dhamija34); Melton South (3)6/183 (D.Shelley43n.o., K. Rajendran 41, D. Liistro38) dAintree 117(S. Kotta 68 —T.Springfield 3-10, H. Hunt 3-27); Melton Centrals 109 (B. Outten 52 n.o. —D.O'Donovan 4-8, M. Edwards3-27, M. Braddy 3-44) lost to Rupertswood 6/110; Sunbury 7/93 (N. Walker 28) lost to Eynesbury 4/98; Melton 8/183 (G Boon 52, M. Cawsey 51 n.o., M. Rybicki 45 -H.Vincent3/37) lost to Hanging Rock 9/184 (B. Nicholls 53, M. Shanahan 40, M. Mouser 28 —J.Schwarze3-33, H. Straughair 3-38); DiggersRest8/136 (K. Singh35, J. Sorraghan 32 n.o., J. Altay28 n.o.) dKilmore107 (Sorraghan 4-11). Club North: Malmsbury Gold 3-166 (H. Tautkus50, J. Lewer28) dKilmore 7/129 (R. Toussaint37n.o., G. Pollock 29;
Eastern Hill 193 (T.Hanson 92, R. Graham 30 —A.Batra 4-24, A. Dodd 3-31) d Wallan 171 (J.Dodd50, B. Bingham 35Russell 4-24); Malmsbury Green 9/151 (R. Blizzard34, D. Nolte30 —L.Freeth 4-17, Z. Kays 3-27) lost to Gisborne 4/152 (Z. Anderson 50 ret.); Broadford 7/175 (D.Saunders35n.o. —B.Reid3-32) d Romsey 134 (J.Alaxander 38 —A.Culpin 3-30); Woodend 1/217 c..c (B.Marks 52 ret, D. Edwards51ret.,G.Davies 43 ret., O. Close 32) dKyneton115 (L. Arnup 35,K.Campbell28— E. Marks 5-7, S. Hume 3-27); Lancefield 4/164(S. Mahony 44, P. Collins 32, C. Stein 31 n.o.) lost to Hanging Rock 0/165(C. Johns52ret.,N Tonkins 51 ret.,M.Fisher 25 n.o.). Club South: East Sunbury 9/110 (J Walsh3-5, P. O'Donovan3-17) lost to Rupertswood 3/112 (O'Donovan 47 n.o., A. Batcheor 31); DiggersRest139 (J Rohde70, M.Weaver46n.o.— M. Furnell 3-17) drew with Sunbury United 7/139 (A. Srivastava 30); Eynesbury 8/147 (M. Brown50 ret. —D.Payne 3-31) dSunbury 71 (P.Jones 5-13); Melton South 3/179 (M.Truswell 51 ret.,A.Yates 50 ret.,M Ehsan 34) dMeltonCentrals 9/156 (N. Brar 52 -Truswell 3-7);Bacchus Marsh 8/213 (P.Griffiths 51 n.o, M.Bayly 47) dWoodend 182 (O.Cumming 26 —H Majewski 3-16); Melton vGisborne (no scorelisted).
GDCA look to rebound
Gisborne DistrictCricket Association's women'sside playBallarat association tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.
Thematch is at Maddingly Park, Bacchus Marsh, from 6.30pm. Gisborne will be looking to bounceback afterlosing by 29 runs to Castlemaine at Newstead last week.
Abrilliant80fromjust 46 balls by TiaDavidgewas amatch highlight, instrumental in Castlemaine scoring 8/144 c.c. At onestageDavidgeslammed threesixes from one over, which yielded 27 runs but theGDCAcurtailed other batterssuccessfully Castlemaine ended up scoring 8/144 c.c
TheGDCA side looked readytolauncha run scoring spree, only to see asuperb leg-side stumping remove captain Brianna Woodburn for19, and prolific scoring Kim Bessell wasbowled for11.
Gisborne finished up with 9/115 from 20 overs
Thematch waslivestreamed from Newstead, lifting theprofile of women's cricket
Ready to go:The GDCA women’s team plays again on Wednesdaynight, againstBallarat.
Dual talent: Woodend’sJacques Du Toit (atleft)scoredaquick-fire 70 and helped inspire teenage younggun Ollie Pope, who topscoredwith78, in amassive8/319 declaredagainstWallan on Saturday.
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