Midland Express Tuesday 14 March 2023

The true cost of housing crisis

Jade Jungwirth

"I can't save money. I'm trapped paying way too much for rent and paying for rooms Idon't even need and Ihavenoautonomy or agency over my own life. There's no reason it should be this way. We've allowed economics to trump reality and people's existence," Steven said.

The Express recently interviewed Steven*, alocal man in his mid-40s who is currently housed through the federal government's National Rental Assistance Scheme, which began in 2008.

The program assists tenants in specific rental properties by providing 20 per cent of the rent for aperiod of up to 10 years. It will be concluding in 2026.

"I'm not homeless, but Iaminaprecarious situation," Steven said.

"I worked as an engineer until 2016 and have been receiving the Disability Support Pension since 2017 due to suffering from major depression.

"The property I'm in is athree-bedroom unit, which is way too big for me and costs 50 per cent of my income. This was the only property offered to me and there are no rentals in the area that are cheaper.

"It's said that if rent costs 25 per cent of your income it equals stress and if it costs 30 per cent it equals incredible stress. For me, my rent is 50 per cent of my income."

One of the conditions that Steven must abide by to maintain his NRAS eligibility is an annual review to prove his income, which significantly increases his stress and has an incredibly negative impact on his mental health.

"As well as major depression, Ialsosuffer from chronic anxiety," Steven said.

"That is one of the reasons housing is so crucial to me. Having asecure home is inexplicably entwined with my mental health and has been acorecomponent of my existence for many years.

Continued page 8.

Paediatric intensive care nurse Grace Larson is breaking down barriers of distance and affordability for rural families seeking infant and child first aid training Full story,ppage 6

Grassfires pose threat

Jade Jungwirth

Alarge grassfire at Cairn Curran Reservoir near Baringhup on Saturday required the response of 12 tankers, one big fill, a number of smaller vehicles and air support from Firebird 3.

CFA crews from Maldon, Walmer, Newstead, Baringhup and Carisbrook CFA battled the blaze in difficult terrain that included rabbit burrows, bull rushes and wet sand.

As bigger trucks became bogged and amechanical issue sent Maldon's Tanker 1backtothe station for repairs, the fastmoving grassfire spread quickly, burning through approximately 25 acres.

The fire, which is believed to have been caused by amotor-

bike being ridden through long grass, is under investigation.

While attending the scene, Firebird 3became aware of asecond fire afew kilometres away at Goughs Range Road, Welshmans Reef, threatening ahouse on the property.

The air crew was able to contain the fire quickly and several trucks were diverted from the Cairn Curran fire to assist with clean up. The cause of that fire is believed to be from use of an angle grinder.

Aman at the scene was treated for upper body burns and flown by air ambulance to the Alfred Hospital in astable condition. These incidents provide atimely reminder to be careful using equipment in grassy areas where, despite the cooler weather, the grass remains dry.

Irrigation pipeline completed

Angela Crawford

Work on an irrigation pipeline designed to divert treated wastewater from the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant to irrigators is now complete.

Known as the Kyneton Recycled Water Irrigation project, the 14-kilometre pipeline networkwill pump up to 300 megalitres of recycled water to farmland to reduce the risk of the plant discharging excess wastewater to the Campaspe River.

A60-hectare farm at Barfold, Crofton Park, is the first –and sofar only –property to sign on for Class Crecycledwater for irrigation.

The project waspart of acommitment made in 2021 by Coliban Water to upgrade the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant, after the water authority was convicted and fined for discharging treated wastewater from the plant to the river in breach of its EPA licence.

At the time, CW managing director Damian Wells acknowledged the breaches and apologised for the impacts they had on

downstream landowners and the environment.

“In response to the operational shortcomings at the water reclamation plant, we have fast trackeda $17million investment to upgrade the plant with the Kyneton Solutions Project," Mr Wellsthen said.

Politicians andstakeholders were given atour of thenew irrigation pipeline earlier this month and congratulated the project partners on its completion.

“The completion of thefinal stageof works is an important milestone signalling change for the Kyneton community and the Campaspe River,” localMPMary-Anne Thomas said Not all were so complimentary however, with some landowners describing the effort as merely a"short-term solution".

Karen Hayman, one of the team leaders of 'Keep Kyneton Country' under the umbrella of theMacedon Ranges Sustainability Group, said the money would have been better invested in upgrading the treatment plant so it could process on demand highquality water that was appropriate to go into

Car fire

our waterways.

"The Campaspe River will still be used as adrain when these lagoons are full in times of heavy rainfall," Ms Hayman said. "Irrigation is not required when rainfall isheavy like last winter.

"$38M would have ensured the best outcomes but instead$20Mspentonapipeline that after two years only one landholder has been found to have the ability to invest in (for the required) irrigation infrastructure and the Campaspe River continues to be poisoned."

Greenhill landowner Huntly Barton agreed.

"I have done themaths on thecost of taking on this water and in my situation it's not viable," he said.

"To be viable we would need longer, hotter summers, andaswehavesaidon numerous occasions our soil types around here are heavy clays so require little water before there is run off.

"What CWforgets is that farming land along theriver is in small holdings andwe do nothave the capacity to invest in such projects," he said

Northbound traffic was brought to astandstill on the Calder Freeway last Friday as emergency services attended to acar fire just north of the Malmsbury exit about 2.45pm.

Police blocked the Bendigo-bound lanes of the freeway for about an hour before opening asingle lane to traffic as the CFA tackled the fire.

brigade

The driver of the car was treated by CFA

members for minor injuries at the scene. Aboatbeing towed by the vehicle was safely detached and did not catch fire.

Photo: Brian Wilson, ietsystems.com.au

Alarge grassfire broke out at Cairn Curran Reservoir near Baringhup on Saturday. Photo: Julie Hough

Join in theIrishtradition

From Bourke Street to Trentham East, the last remaining St Patrick’s Day march is now an annual modern celebration, bringing the Hepburn Shire and Macedon Ranges together to celebrate the best of Irish culture.

Since 1887, the Pig and Whistle Hotel has nestled on aquiet corner in Trentham East, aliving remnant of the

Council news

town’s early history and its Irish settlers.

In what will be aweekend-long affair from March 1719, the Pig and Whistle is honouring atraditional Irish menu and, of course, plenty of Guinness.

Live music from Irish instrumentalists and roaming dancing will transport you back in time.

On Sunday at 11am, join the community out the front

We’re improving roads across the shire

We’recontinuing our work to improve roads acrossthe shire, making them safer forall road users.

One of the projects we’reworking on is improving FogertysGap Road. Thenextstage of works to upgrade the road start this month, and will involvereconstructing a2.24km stretchbetween Woodbrook Road and Leversha Road, which is due to be completed by mid-May. Find out moreatmountalexander.vic.gov.au/CapitalWorks.

Employment opportunities

ApprenticeGardener –full time

Senior Project Engineer –full time

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday20March

Maternal and Child Health Nurse –casual, ongoing

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday27March

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

Upcoming Council meeting

ThenextCouncil meeting is at 6.30pm on Tuesday21March.

Watchthe livestream at youtube.com/c/MountAlexanderShireCouncil. At the February Council meeting, Councillors adopted the GovernanceRules (incorporating Election Period Policy)and Meeting Procedures Local Law, followinga period of community engagement. Fordetails visit mountalexander.vic.gov.au/News

Working together for ahealthy,connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700

of the old Sacred Heart Church to learn history and folklore, hear from Irish locals and follow behind bagpipes.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the march to the Pig and Whistle and encouraged to be part of the all-day festivities.

The Pig and Whistle Hotel islocated at 705 James Lane, Trentham East.

Gisborne plan ‘just not on’

TEAOFEARTH LOOSELEAFTEASARE HAND BLENDED IN THE MACEDON RANGES OF VICTORIA,AUSTRALIA WE’RE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL QUALITYUSING ONLYORGANIC INGREDIENTS INCLUDING FRESHLYPICKED HERBS AND FRUITSTO ENSURE MAXIMUM POTENCYAND GOODNESS IS DELIVERED IN EVERYCUP EVERY CUP

Amy Hume

An amended development plan for Gisborne's Ross Watt Road has failed to gain the support of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Decision on the hotly contested large-scale development will fall to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal later this month.

Speaking to the council's position last week, Cr Anne Moore said the plan as presented was "at all levels, just not on".

"The amount of angst in our community that this has brought about is beyond belief," she said.

First lodged in November 2021, the subdivision layout plan included in the application for the 85-hectare residential site proposes 700+ lots, a

childcare centre and neighbourhood shops.

The property at 89 Ross Watt Road is situated between the Rosslynne Reservoir and the Calder Freeway northeast of Gisborne town centre.

Cr Moore said the development plan was "out of character for the area" and the council needed to created asoftinterface between townships.

"I do hope that VCAT takes agood hard look at this and thinks maybe this isn't right because of its visibility from the Calder and visual impacts from surrounding townships," she said.

Councillors unanimously sided with planning officer advice to refuse the development plan on several

grounds including its "unacceptable" response to biodiversity, waterways, bushfire, catchment planning management, built environment, and environment and landscape values.

The council rejected the initial plan in 2022, which attracted more than 50 community submissions at the time.

Acompulsory conference was facilitated at VCAT in November and December between the council, the applicant and several referral agencies.

The parties could not agree on the outcomes of the development plan application or the outcome of the planning permit.

AVCAT hearing for the amended plan is expected to be held later this month.

“Tea has alwayshad asoothing effect on me —thistranslates to my tea blending. Ilove the comfort of the tea making ritual whichopens up my intuitive self. The warmth in my hands and the herbal flavours and scents help me wakeupand listen with all my senses”

REBECCA MOORE Founder ·Tea Master

The subdivision layout plan forthe 85-hectare residential site proposes 700+ lots, achildcare centre and neighbourhood shops.

Building a sisterhood

AmyHume

Paediatric intensive care nurse Grace Larson is breaking down barriers of distance and affordability for rural families seeking infant and child first aid training.

Through The Sisterhood Project she aims to provide free essential paediatric first aid training for vulnerable groups, in an aim to curb child mortality rates in rural Australia.

Her work so far has seen her named one of five Victorian finalists in the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The Mia Mia mother of three has spent 14 years as apaediatric nurse. She is also the co-founder of business PEADS first aid and education training. It is through this work she recognised an important need not being met.

"One of the things Inoticed through training was that the people attending the courses were not always those from areas or backgrounds with the greatest risk of experiencing asituation where they would need to intervene," Grace said.

"There is plenty of research that identifies rural areas are more likely to experience infant or child deaths from accidents, and the risk is even greater for those that are also from lower socio-economic or nonEnglish speaking backgrounds.

"These children are dying at ahigher rate than their metropolitan counterparts and part of that is due to limited access to knowledge or skill-building in first aid.

"It could be for any number of reasons such as not having disposable income to take acourse, language barriers or not having physical access to training in their area.

"It doesn't mean people shouldn't live

Crash at Maldon

Maldon Fire Brigade, Victoria Police, CERT and Ambulance Victoria attended the scene of asingle-vehicle car accident at Watersons Road Maldon on Sunday.

in remote, rural or regional areas, we just need to find away to empower them with the knowledge and skills that they need.

"We wanted to remove these barriers for people with the goal of making areal differences to child mortality statistics.

"We can't keep on teaching the same groups of people and expecting abetter outcome."

The Sisterhood Project has been crowd-funded to pilot some short courses, which solidified aneedfor theservice.

Grace said the AgriFutures' $15,000 bursary would fundtwo training programs specific to foster carers and young mothers.

Agroup of 30 youngmothers in the Shepparton area have already been identified for the first program.

Training would include CPR, drowning prevention, choking response, managing illness and other vital skills.

"We know that this training will have a ripple effect in the community in that these mothers will pass on their knowledge to others and make this abiggerconversation in their own circles," Grace said.

The state winner is expected to be announced in April. They will also represent Victoria at the national awards with a further $20,000 cash prize at aceremony at Parliament House, Canberra, in September.

The driver was transported to hospital in Bendigo via road ambulance. Police are investigating the cause. Photo courtesy of Maldon Fire Brigade

We have hundredsofBegoniasand Fuchsiasfor sale in pots, hangingbasketsand on display. Theideal UNIQUE GIFT (SpecialOccasions, Birthdays,Mother’sDay)

Formoreinformation please go to: www.whitehousenursery.com.au/tuberous-begonias/ PhoneJesse 0419 002651 or PeterHarris on 0400 313703

Milestone show

Lisa Dennis

MainFM's mainstay guitar pop show, 'It's aJangle Out There', will celebrate its 500th show this Thursday.

To mark the milestone, presenter Josh Meadows will host aspecial outdoor broadcast of his weekly show live from The Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing and will welcome some very special guests in the form of one his favourite bands –Melbourne three-piece Redspencer.

Be sure to get along to Shedshaker or tune into the live broadcast from 5pm-7pm to help Josh celebrate the occasion.

Josh told the Express it was hard to believe he had clocked up his 500th show.

"I started back in 2013. Iwas among anew band of presenters that came on board when Martin Myles was the station manager," he said.

"The show is all about 'jangly' guitar pop. You know those ringing electric guitar notes you find in songs like Ticket to Ride by The Beatles or This Charming Man by The Smiths.

"I share music from the 60s through to today and so many people are really into that sound.

"I have listeners tune in from all over the world. Ihave regulars tuning in from

PowerSaving Bonus is back

Every household can soon access a new round of the state government's $250 Power Saving Bonus.

The bonus will be reopened to all eligible Victorian households from March 24, including to those that received payments under previous rounds.

Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website, where customers can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas –potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

The state government has also launched the new Energy Assistance Program, a free service providing energy consumers experiencing hardship with one-on-one assistance.

The Energy Assistance Program is a $3.75 million initiative that will help Victorians struggling with power bills to navigate the energy market, apply for eligible grants and concessions, find and switch to better offers, and address billing errors.

The program is being delivered in partnership with community partners Anglicare Victoria and Community Information and Support Victoria.

To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, visit: compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.

California, Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom and even Spain. We have amassed abit of afollowing.

"I'm not the only one either, MainFM caters to adiverse array of programs about ahuge number of topics such as Hayley West's 'Dead Air', which deals with death, and thanks to our On Demand streaming service people can tune in online anytime, anywhere and enjoy our shows."

Josh said he loved delivering his weekly show live.

"There is something magic about the medium of radio, that immediacy and connecting with the audience," he said.

"I managed to continue to deliver the weekly show right through COVID. In fact, it was really amazing to be able to maintain that connection with the community during that time."

Josh said presenting the weekly show had never been achore, in fact it was a real pleasure.

"It's been incredible to be able to play the music Ilike and to be able to interview the artists Ireally admire," he said.

"However, Ialso enjoy that interaction from the community. We have atext service and people can text in their requests.

"One of my highlights was during last year's floods where people were texting

and phoning in updates and Iwas able to provide the latest updates live and assist the community in real time about road closures etc."

When he is not volunteering on the radio waves, Josh works as amedia adviser for the Australian Conservation Foundation.

He thanked all the MainFm station managers that had supported him along the way and helped the community radio station continue to grow with initiatives such as The Main Game and annual Radiothon, including Martin Myles, Tina Helm, Fionna Allan and current manager Steph Riddel.

"A big shout out also to our MainFm media and IT expert and long-time volunteer Steve Charman for his work behind the scenes," Josh said.

The presenter said he was thrilled to welcome Redspencer to Castlemaine for the live broadcast.

"They have been incredible, arranging time off work to be able to travel up for the gig and Iamsuper grateful. They will be sharing music from their new album, Dreamworld

"It's going to be arealcelebration.The broadcast will begin at 5pm and the band will hit the stage at 6pm," he said.

It’saJangle Out There presenter Josh Meadows is looking forwardtopresentinghis 500thshowwith alive gig this Thursday.

The true cost of housing Thhe truue c f h hoousiing crisis

From page 1.

"Housing is the most present and visceral component of my condition."

Steven describes the unit that he lives in as being 'the cheapest they can get away with' with very little energy efficiency, including large, unshaded glass doors and gas appliances that are expensive to operate.

He struggles to heat and cool the house and despite trying to fill gaps in the building he is left paying about $100 amonth on power bills, anumber that increases in extreme heat.

"Being poor is expensive," Steven told the Express

Steven has attended several forums aimed at formulating solutions to the affordable housing crisis.

"The people making decisions are never the ones being subjected to the decisions they are making," Steven said.

Steven has also become involved with My Home Network, which is trying to find viable and creative housing solutions for people living in the region.

My Home Network is hearing that renters are increasingly being forced to leave their homes; away from family, support and community, to find affordable rentals elsewhere. Elders in the community are faced with a lack of appropriate retirement housing or the inability to afford to downsize and employers say they cannot find workers partly due to the affordable housing shortage.

Statistics from May 2022 indicated there were 64 homeless people in the shire and more than 200 families seeking assistance with ashortfall of 100 safe and affordable rental homes, 589 social housing units, and much-needed crisis and transition housing, numbers that will have increased significantly over the past year.

According to My Home Network, there are arange of factors driving the crisis, including; rents and housing prices increasing faster than wages, amismatch between household size and dwelling types, and insufficient government investment in social and affordable housing over many years.

"Themedian price for housing in Mount Alexander Shire is currently $720,000 and rental affordability is at13per cent, which means 87 per cent oftenants cannot afford arental," MHN's Carolyn Neilson said. Inresponse to his own situation and that of others like him, Steven has devised asimple solution to try to help people free themselves from the rental trap and the ensuing cycle of poverty.

"I think people need to be on apathway toremoving themselves from renting, such astiny houses orspecifically designed shipping containers," Steven said.

"It's time we start rethinking what is acceptable."

*Steven is afictitious name in order to protect the interviewee's anonymity.

Parenting teens

Following the unprecedented success of last year’s Parenting in the Modern World talks, the first of Castlemaine Library's 2023 series will kick offthis Thursday.

The topic for this month'stalkis'Tweens and Teens' and touches on subjects most parents canrelate to Presentedbyexperienced community health nurse, BronGrieve, it will provide information and tips on communicating, negotiating the world of porn, media and technology, and how to talk to teens about sex.

Bron is apassionate health communicator and youth advocate,and she will include in hertalk somecurrent statistics on each topicthat may surprise you.

“It is really hard to keep up with the everchanging landscape that our young people

areliving in," Bronsaid

"Let me helpyou navigatethis world of teens and tweens so our young people can be the best, healthiest and happiest people they can be, and we can stay connected to them throughout."

Castlemaine Library manager Jess Saunders saidthese talks were very well attendedlast year, and were back by popular demand.

"We listened to the feedback from participants last year,and have adjusted our topics to include the information you’ve asked for," she said.

Tweens and Teens will run from 5.30pm7.30pm at Castlemaine Library.

Light refreshments will besupplied, and there will beaQ&A session at the end Book at goldfieldslibraries.com

EXCELLENT HEALTHCARE –CLOSE TO HOME

andSwanHilllines

As part of Victoria’s BigBuild,we’re building Melbourne AirportRail. Connecting Victorians to MelbourneAirport forthe firsttimewitha newrailservice.

Coachesreplace trains in both directions

Bendigoand Echuca lines 18 to 19 MarchSouthernCross to Gisborne

Swan Hill Line 18 to 19 MarchSouthernCross to Bendigo

Checkbeforeyou travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Kyneton Medical Centre offers patientcentred carefor your family Kyneton Medical Centre, experienced medical care forthe whole family We areopenMondaytoFriday8am-6pm and Saturday mornings9am-12pm Appointmentscan be made anytime via our website kynetonmedical.com.au

9-11Market Street,Kyneton –5422 1397 reception@kynetonmedical.com.au www.kynetonmedical.com.au

Signs of people sleeping rough in Castlemaine

Photo courtesy of Ian Braybrook

Dr Christpher Priest Dr Annamarie Perlesz Dr JennyDelle-Chiaie Dr TimothyStobie

Dr Russell KohDrAsh Arul Dr Dilly Rajapaksa Dr Milo Murphy

The newly formed Castlemaine Women's Shed celebrated National Women's Shed Week last Saturday at Castlemaine Community House.

The women's shed originated from a Facebook group established in 2017 by Zoe Astrid.

“I originally came up with the idea when Inoticed so many single women were living in town and didn’t have handy skills that would enable them to do things for themselves," Zoe said.

The shed operated as aFacebook platform for followers to communicate and connect until 2021, when Johanna Winchcomb and Alona Kanigher organised (and cancelled) aseries of public meetings throughout the era of COVID restrictions.

By 2022, aworking group had formed

and over the past 12 months the group has explored many options for seeking a suitable venue for their activities and alegal structure for the group.

Asurveyofthe Facebook followers gave the group aclear indication of the skills followers wished to learn including; carpentry, welding, home maintenance, car maintenance, and access to atool library.

Late in 2022, the working group approached Castlemaine Community House and were thrilled when they agreed to support the initiative.

Castlemaine Women's Shed is currently running demonstrations and workshops on the first Sunday of the month with the ultimate aim to have ashed of their veryown one day. TheShed has set up aGoFund Me page to raise funds to assist with spray

painting and fitting out their generously donated trailer.

"The trailer needs alot of tizzing up, so we are hoping that members of the public with the relevant skills can donate their services to our cause," Johanna said.

"We would really like to thank Castlemaine Community House for supporting us and providing avenue without any costs, Josie Berto, our secretary who set up the Go Fund Me, which has raised $600 to date, and avery big thank you to Peter Bettens from Country Wide Building Services for the donation of his old tradie trailer," said Johanna who told the Express that she was in the right place, at the right time, when she met Peter.

"We also really want to thank Robert Buckler for the donation of his father's tools,

Tim Grey who donated arange of hand tools, and Di Forrest from Guildford and Anna Brown for helping out with storage."

The women's shed recently held abird box-making workshop that was well supported by local businesses (Like Butter, Mount Alexander Timber and Hardware, Mitre 10, Dales Paint Right) with support from Phil Pengelly at Castlemaine Men's Shed, Erin McLaine and Sue Hauck.

"Mount Alexander Timber and Hardware also donated a$50 gift voucher to go towards ourlogo competition winner and John the Potter (Gleeson) donated three coffee breakers for our guest speakers," Johanna said.

If youwould like todonate to the group visit: www.gofundme.com/en-au and search Castlemaine Women's Shed.

Castlemaine Women’sShedcelebrates owning their veryown tradie trailer,kindlydonated to the group by Peter Bettens from CountryWide Building Services.

Photo: Max Lesser

Aid desperately needed

Help is needed by the Mount Alexander East Timor friendship group to assist aremoteTimorese region whose crops for the season have been destroyed by storms.

The Friends of Lolotoe recently heard from Felly Maja, the teacher-librarian they have connections with, that the area suffered devastating storms that had destroyed their crops resulting in severe food insecurity for the coming months. The region is very remote with incredibly difficult roads.

At its last meeting, the group decided to set up aStorm Dam-

ageReliefFund to provide rice and oil. This will be given out via the in-country committee members working in Lolotoe.

Friends of Lolotoe has committed $2000 AUD of the group's funds and they are are requesting donations from the Mount Alexander community to add to this.

If you would like to make adonation (every little bit helps), the banking details are account name: Friends of Lolotoe, BSB: 633000 and Account number: 135490555. Reference: your surname +STORM

Kyneton town garage sale

Got too much clutter around the house? Books you'll never read again? Acouch that just doesn't fit in well?

What you no longer want might just be what someone else is looking for.

Find out at the Kyneton Whole Town Garage Sale on Saturday March 18 when, if you don't want it, you can sell it!

It will be the perfect opportunity to set up a'saleroom' in your own front garden –orvisit someone else's to find exactly what you want to fill that gap in your kitchen, laundry, loungeroom or even garden shed.

It certainly is afun way toshopand sell!

Buy amap for$5between 8am-noon on the day from Kyneton Community House of properties offering things for sale. KCH is at 34 Mollison Street Kyneton.

Lolotoe students learning in the garden.

More than scones

The Country Women’s Association Victoria is synonymous with many things, nothing more iconic than scones and jam. While CWA scones and jam may be lovingly made, there is much more to the CWA than ascone recipe.

The CWA of Victoria, with hundreds of branches around the state, is bound by a common core value: supporting vulnerable women, children and families.

There are now many evening branches, assisting the CWA to be current and accessible to women.

The Woodend evening branch, known as the ‘Woodend Eves’, is continually supporting the next generation and last year focused on supporting young people.

Not only did the branch make a donation from its fundraising efforts to Live4Life, acommunity organisation based in Woodend that focuses on youth mental health, but after months of work the branch launched an inaugural Community Scholarship Award.

The branch offered the four local primary schools an award for grade six students entering high school to help their families with the increasing costs of living and education costs.

Award criteria includes: commitment to the community, advocate for social issues, focus on friendship and personal development.

Gratitude for the award was evident on

the recipients' faces, and those of their families and the wider school communities.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing women that make up the Woodend Eves," branch president Lucy Olson said.

"Finding an enduring way through the scholarship program to promote the values of the branch is awonderful way to be able to cement ourselves in our local community."

This year, the branch aims to focus on supporting women through positive friendship, supporting disaster relief causes and connecting with the elderly in the community.

Branch members plan to have guest speakers on these topics and focus some of their donations and volunteer time to these sectors.

All CWA members are volunteers who give their time, kitchens and home craft skills to sell, with the funds going straight back to the community assisting vulnerable women, children and families.

"Next time you see the CWA selling their wares outside alocalnewsagency, at alocal market or at an event, know that you have alovingly made homemade gem that gives back to the community," Ms Olson said.

For more information about the Woodend branch of the CWA, visit their Facebook page or go to the CWA website to find your local branch.

From left: CWAWoodend Eves branchmember Krista Ball, Woodend Primaryprincipal Diana Ellis, Woodend PrimarySchool Community Awardrecipient Ellie Norman and CWAJunior Eves memberOctavia Ball.

An Estonian n connection coonneeccttion

Angela Crawford

Acelebration of the 105th anniversary of Estonia's first-gained independence was hosted at the home of Kyneton resident, Lembit Marder, last month.

Lembit was born in Melbourne to Estonian immigrant parents who fled their homeland towards the end of WWII when the Russians began to occupy the country.

They came to Melbourne at the invitation of an uncle and settled into asizeable community of Estonians who felt Australia was far enough from the war-torn ravages of Europe that they felt safe here.

"In those days it was almost impossible to think that Estonia would ever get its freedom again," Lembit told the Express

"It was very set under Soviet rule and that was it, but of course towards the late 1980s when Gorbachev came into power and Glasnost and Perestroika began to happen, there was a glimmer of hope that not only Estonia but the other Baltic states and former Soviet republics would gain their freedom again.

"And of course that occurred as we all know."

Soon after Estonia gained its second independence, Lembit took out an Estonian passport and someyears later met the Consul General for Estonia in Melbourne, who offered Lembit the role of Honorary Consul for Estonia in Victoria. In this role, he assists Estonian travellers with various needs, facilitates business connections between Estonia and Victoria, and liaises with Estonian dignitaries and others.

"It's an honorary role so Idon't getpaid for it, but Idoitfor the love of the country and the people," he said.

"There's people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Estonia that I've got to know and they've stayed with me in Melbourne.

"I've had the ambassador stay with me overnight you do

Christian education in the heart of Campbells Creek

make good connections and people value the work that you do."

Lembit began his career as aqualified meteorologist and worked at airports issuing aviation forecasts. He later drifted into information technology and worked in Silicon Valley in the US, managing corporate websites for two networking companies, Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks.

He has also worked as asystems analyst, asenior business analyst and most recently completed asystems transition contract with Services Australia.

Lembit is the former chairman of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia and treasurer of the Estonian House Cooperative in West Brunswick, aformer picture theatre.

"In the heyday of Estonian activity in Melbourne, we'd have hundreds of people there, we'd have multiple events during the year, Independence Day, Mother's Day, Christmas Eve, folk dancing classes, language classes, craft classes but with diminishing numbers of Estonians wanting toget involved in that, the need has fallen right off," he said.

"The Estonians that are out here travelling, backpackers and the like, they don't need that Estonian fix, they're here to enjoy the Australian wayof life, mixing with Australians, getting to know Australians.

"The Estonian House in Melbourne is now really too big for any function these days, it was fine in the 1970s and 80s, but those days have gone."

Lembit and his partner Jo made the treechange to Kyneton six months ago and found afive-acre property on Bald Hill Road with sweeping views of the countryside.

"We'd been looking around for the last year or so and we came across this property and as soon as Isaw it Ithought 'yes, the view is something to really treasure'," he said.

Lembit Marder at his Kyneton home

Conservation on your land

Have you ever thought about how to better protect, improve and enhance the environment on your land?

Hear from Kyneton’s Dr Sophie Bickford, executive director of Victorianbased Biolinks Alliance, at the upcoming Kyneton Horticultural Society event to find out.

Discover more about community connected conservation and how small and accessible initiatives on your land can contribute to greater impact for the environment across central Victoria.

Learn from those who are actively restoring ecosystems on their land and ways you can join projects that look to build resilience in the environment for future generations.

Biolinks Alliance has aunique role as apartnership and capacity-building organisation for arange of environmental groups and networks across the district.

It focuses on ensuring the significant momentum for community-driven conservation on public and private land is supported, coordinated and amplified.

Dr Bickford is aconservation ecologist deeply motivated to apply her expertise to real world ecological-social problems. Go along to hear her and bring neighbours and friends who may be interested.

It's on Monday March 20 from 7.30pm at the football club rooms, Showgrounds, Mollison Street, Kyneton. It's afree event for Kyneton Horticulture Society members, $5 for guests.

Dr Sophie Bickford.

The Revolution of Music Thhe e Musi

Lisa Dennis

An exhibition of Ned Middleton's latest larger than life works, The Revolution of Music,will launch tomorrow at The Taproom as part of the upcoming Castlemaine Fringe Festival.

One of the Castlemaine artist and Shedshaker Brewing team member's eye-catching works has also been installed in the window of Jellis Craig Real Estate in Castlemaine as part of the Fringe's 2023 Art Windows Trail

Ned’s 2022 exhibition at Lot 19 Gallery, The Big Reveal,was ahuge success and spurred him on to create this new offering in 2023.

Working alongside artist Tobias Richardson, Ned paints bright, colourful paintings of his favourite pop and rock stars. He applies araw, unedited style to his painting, tapping into his inherent feel for colour and line. His works are bold, tough and unique, with atouch of hilarity.

Tobias said Ned's inaugural exhibition was very successful with nearly all his paintings being sold.

"He continues to go from strength to strength as a painter and Idon't see him stopping any time soon,"

Tobias said.

The Express caught up with Ned last week as he installed his work in the window of the Mostyn Street based real estate agent.

"It’s of the band The KLF –aLiverpool band from the 1990s –and depicts ascene from the official music video of the song, Justified and Ancient,which included an appearance from country artist Tammy Wynette," Ned said.

Tobias and Ned enjoy listening to music while they work in the studio. Tobias said he introduced Ned to The KLF and now he's obsessed.

"And in turn he introduced me to Miley Cyrus," Tobias said.

Ned said his latest works include this month's Castlemaine PubSing feature artist Annie Lennox, George Michael, the B-52s and punk singer Amy Taylor from 'Amly and The Sniffers'.

The artist invites the community to come along to his launch at The Taproom tomorrow, Wednesday March 15, at 6pm. Ned has created aplaylist of music for the event featuring the represented pop and rock stars! Those in attendance can enjoy aShedshaker brew and one of their famed pizzas.

Ned's latest exhibition will coincide with World Down Syndrome Day (March 21). The theme of this year's WDS Day is 'With Us, Not For Us' .The human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working 'with' others to improve their lives.

Ned certainly embodies this leading abusy lifestyle

which includes his art, dance at Movement Zone, and work in the kitchen and bottling team at Shedshaker Brewing.

He is proud to be part of the 'Able Radio' crew, which presents aweekly community radio program Fridays from 1pm to 3pm on MainFM 94.9.

Don't miss the launch of Ned's latest work, The Revolution of Music,atThe Taproom at 1Walker Street, Castlemaine, on March 15 from 6pm onwards. The exhibition will run until April 11.

For more on the Fringe Festival see our feature on pages 27-30 or for more details about the Fringe Art Windows Trail visit www.castlemainefringe.org.au

Lights,camera, catch ‘em

Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are uniting to tackle aggravated burglaries including those that result in motor vehicle theft.

The new campaign –called ‘Lights. Camera. Catch ’em.’– calls on the community to share what they know about this type of offending and submit footage of suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers Victoria CEO Stella Smith said regularly reviewing CCTV cameras and sharing any suspicious activity recorded, could assist investigators and

help protect the community.

“We need the community’s assistance to help police catch perpetrators and prevent any further home break-ins or people’s cars being stolen from their own driveway," she said. The new campaign is putting offenders on notice that anyone in the community could be watching.

The community is urged to share CCTV footage and any information about suspicious activity with Crime Stoppers via: crimestoppersvic.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.

Castlemaine artist Ned Middleton is pictured at Jellis Craig with his vibrant artwork featuring The KLF.

Localatnational helm

Kyneton funeral director Kelly Scott has been named national president of the Australian Funeral Directors Association.

It follows on from her role as the association's senior vicepresident and interestingly, she makes up the very first father and daughter team to be voted in to the presidential role.

Kelly is afourthgeneration funeral director at TJ Scott and Son Funerals. Her father John also served as AFDA president.

"You never come into arole like this without an understanding of what, and most importantly, who, has come before, and Istart my tenure on an incredible foundation with the titans of our industry behind me," Kelly said in her inaugural speech as president at the AFDA gala dinner and convention recently.

"Havingworked with my Dad for over 30 years Ican honestly say my early memories of what AFDA meant was, to be honest, time away from our business It wasn't until many years later Iunderstood and appreciated his commitment to give back and more importantly, be part of acommunity that understands and supports you in the most demanding of professions," Kelly said.

"My belief is that as each person passes through this role we have an obligation to offer the best of ourselves –towork to our strengths and share the passion that drives us forward.

"My passion is community and connection."

Kelly also thanked her family for their support and that of the team at TJScott and Son.

"Their support means taking on arolesuchasthis is possible and Iamvery grateful for their encouragement to do so."

Kaweka not Kalimna

Kaweka Wildflower Sanctuary is abeautiful ‘hidden gem’ in Castlemaine.

The reserve was given to the people of the district more than 50 years ago, and has been lovingly looked after by locals ever since.

Would you like to join this congenial group of nature-lovers?

Kaweka committee president Judith Tregear said the small group was in need of new members in order to remain active.

"We have irregular seasonal working bees and occasional meetings," Ms Tregear said.

"The meetings are enjoyable and quick, and the working bees are for weeding, planting, watering, and path and other general maintenance.

"People often confuse Kaweka with Kalimna, but they are completely separate reserves.

"If we don’t get afew new people, the committee is in danger of having to go into recess."

The Kaweka committee is having its triennial AGM at 5pm on Wednesday March 15.

The main entrance is at the corner of Turner and Hargraves Streets. The meeting will be there, next to the beautiful big rock.

"Please feel free to come along, even if just to see what we do there," Ms Tregear said.

Specialising in Family Law, Criminal Law &Intervention Orders

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

KN268826

NewAFDApresident KellyScott is pictured with her father and former AFDApresident John Scott.

Kaweka Wildflower Sanctuaryisabeautiful ‘hidden gem’ in Castlemaine

Telephone: (03) 5472 1788 Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

Kyneton: ahume@midnews.com.au

ldennis@midnews.com.au

Birthday Club

WEDNESDAY,

Newrecruitsjoin ranks

CitiPower and Powercor have recruited anear-record number of apprentices and trainees as part of their annual program, with 34 recruits starting at 12 locations including Kyneton, Bendigo and Maryborough.

The intake includes line workers, underground cable jointers, designers, testers, electrical fitters and substation electricians.

Taking up one of those roles at Kyneton is local Seb Morris who began his four-year apprenticeship as aline worker just over amonth ago.

The 18-year-old weighed up his options after graduating school and wanted work that involved hands-on learning.

"Straight out of school Iwas not too keen on going to uni but Iwanted to get into arolethatgave me good opportunities and experience," he said.

"It's been agreat role –everyone is really nice and it's been agreat learning curve."

Head of field services Ross Young said the significant recruitment was an example of the importance CitiPower and Powercor placed in developing their workforce.

“We’re really proud to recruit such a large contingent of apprentices and trainees this year,” Ross said.

“It’s avery busy time for our networks and we’re seeing enormous change, we’ve got very large maintenance and major projects programs, we’re seeing significant customer connections growth and we’re delivering aonce in ageneration transformation of the energy system.”

The recruits range in age from 17 to 35, with some joining straight from high school while others have begun asecond career after working as an electrician, forklift driver, plumber and carpenter. Ross said the recruits were chosen from afield of 850 after undergoing an intensive selection process.

“The majority of our field workforce would have come through the apprentice or trainee ranks at one point,” Ross said.

“By being part of our field teams, they will be on the frontline of operations –playing amajor role in integrating renewables into the network, building stronger infrastructure and providing critical responses during major weather events.”

CitiPower and Powercor’s apprenticeship program is also the only opportunity in Victoria for apprentice line workers to start with anetwork business directly.

Since 2001, CitiPower and Powercor have recruited almost 500 apprentices and trainees as they build their trades, technical and operational workforce.

Thriving Communities grants programopen

Greater Western Water has opened the next round of its Thriving Communities grants and sponsorship program.

From now until April 6, organisations and community groups can apply for funding through two different programs; local community sponsorships up to $5000 and community grants up to $20,000.

General manager of strategy and partnerships, Kessia Thompson, said following the success of the inaugural funding round, GWW was excited to see what the next round would hold.

“We've already seen some of the recipients from last year kick off their projects, encouraging everything from connection, learning and celebration, to wellbeing of People and Country," she said.

“In 2023, we want to build on that success. Applicants may have projects with a focus on equity, opportunity or inclusivity or they might be dedicated to helping the

environment, individuals or industry to thrive."

An example of asuccessful grant from the last round was the Little Book of Resilient Riddell, led by the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House.

“The initiative will explore how the town would survive and thrive following adversity," Ms Thompson said.

"It will see collaboration across the community with groups including Cool Change, Scribes and Scribblers, the Riddell Roundup and the local primary school come together to bring the book to fruition.

“As aresult of this project, the township will have increased capacity to organise, coordinate and respond to adversity in the future."

To find out more about Thriving Communities, and to apply, visit the website: gww.com.au/about/community/grantssponsorships

Sebastian Morris has joined the Kyneton Powercor depot as an apprentice lineworker

YourOPINIONS

Justice system the siren

John Herron,RiddellsCreek

My recent piece in the Midland Express concerning third world roads, autocratic regimes and working in all continents raised some interest.

However, if roads are the canary, the justice system is the siren.

Afunctioning justice system in these one-party states once operated; however, justice and the security forces like elsewhere became stacked with party operatives and relatives.

Take one country Iworked in.

The son of an ex-president worked as the state lawyer and then ran an arm of the court system. Party operatives were appointed to judicial posts as rewards and the heads of the justice portfolios were regime operatives.

When aproblem arose, the regime had an Inquiry to make the issue go away. If operatives had to appear they said they couldn’t remember.

The rule of law still existed but it was applied selectively to opponents of the regime. Even footballers were allowed free passes to ravage the population.

People became wary of reporting crimes. If amember of the security forces or their extended family were on one side, you could be charged. Local security forces operated with impunity and could arbitrarily arrest children or the elderly. Those charged could be denied legal representation. Crime investigation vanished so people ceased reporting crime. The regime used these stats to say their crime enforcement was effective.

Women soon were not safe in the streets. The sight of apolice car generated fear. There was no way to report errant security force activity. The judiciary or justice portfolios had permanent tenure and were exempt scrutiny.

Reporting incidents to alocal politician was out of the question as they usually had professional and personal ties to the security forces.

The fear of being arbitrarily arrested grew.

Soon the population rose in the streets and the regime problems seemed to disappear overnight. An election was held –rigged –and the regime returned and doubled down.

Until the next popular uprising.

Luckily we live we Victoria.

Notall the people

BarrieMusgrove,Romsey

In reference to the letter 'Gambling raises its ugly head' (Opinions,March 7), not all the people of Romsey were against poker machines in Romsey pub, only afew and aone-sided council that allows pokies in Kyneton but causes the closure of the Romsey pub for six years.

The same people that wanted pokies banned play Tattslotto and bet on the races. Some people like the right to spend their money as they like without other people telling them what they can do.

If you don’t like the pokies don’t play them, nobody is twisting your arm, but don’t tell others what they can do.

Ask more than the small minority what they want. Ifor one are all for pokies and some form of entertainment for locals. As Isaid, the weak Macedon Council allows it in one side of the shire but condemns it elsewhere.

Better safety controls needed G. Fisher,Woodend

Local MP Georgie Purcell has slammed the proposed road solution for Black Forest Drive ('MP slams road solution', Midland Express,March 7).

She claims she travels on the road regularly and that Black Forest Drive is a “hotspot for near misses, wildlife strikes

and collisions”. She demands that cyclists using the road regularly must have assurances that safety improvements will be implemented for them to ride on Black Forest Drive.

Ihave driven on Black Forest Drive on an almost daily basis for the past 30 years. When Black Forest Drive became asecondary road in the early 2000s, traffic was reduced to negligible numbers. Irarely see more than 10-15 cars travelling either way. School times, when buses are picking up or dropping off students, is the time of day when the road is at its busiest.

Contrary to Ms Purcell’s perception that cyclists are the unsafe victims in the proposed road changes, they are part of the problem. They ride in large numbers at high speed with little regard for vehicle traffic, often riding across lanes, swerving in front of oncoming vehicles and turning onto side roads without warning causing vehicles to break suddenly. Also, when cyclists dress in dark colours it makes it very difficult to see them, especially if one is driving into the sun. The worst I’ve experienced was amale cyclist riding at high speed, at the head of the pack, hands off his bike with his eyes glued to his mobile phone. Icouldn’t determine if he was taking aselfie or watching amovie!

Ms Purcell would be better served doing something to ensure better safety controls for all road users on Black Forest Drive and in general by demanding that cyclists be required to undertake the same level of training and licensing that car drivers are required to undertake before taking to the roads.

Someoneelse’s problem

BarryMiller, Kyneton

What alovely developer’s impression, shown on page three of the March 7edition of the Express.All that detail; the new petrol station, fast food restaurant, Bunnings, and now oodles of new residences, with oodles of new people.

And, of course, if you look closely, absolutely NO development of the appalling Edgecombe/Saleyards/Pipers Creek Road intersection. Because that’ll be someone else’s problem –chiefly the emergency services.

Still hasn't happened MatthewNickson, HangingRockAction Group

One hundred and eighty years ago, in March 1843, Hanging Rock was first named and mapped by Europeans. It was called Diogenes Mount.

One hundred and thirty nine years ago, in October 1884, after much community representation to the then Victorian Government, the Hanging Rock Reserve as we know it today was established.

Thirty four years ago, in November 1989, the then former Shire of Newham and Woodend purchased the adjoining East Paddock with the intention of incorporating it into the Hanging Rock Reserve as Crown Land. This never happened.

Ten years ago, in August 2013, Macedon Ranges Shire Council proposed a major tourist development for the East Paddock. Nine years ago, in May 2014, the then Victorian State Government, after much community representation, intervened to stop the development. It also required the MRSC to rezone the East Paddock. This never happened.

Four and half years ago, in August 2018, the MRSC agreed to “begin discussions on the future ownership of the Council-owned East Paddock”.

Nine months ago, in June 2022, the MRSC voted to “continue the process to sell the East Paddock at Hanging Rock to the Victorian Government”. This has still not happened!

Perhaps Joan Lindsay was right in her novel Picnic at Hanging Rock when she writes:

“Everything begins and ends at exactly

the right time and place”. Regarding the transfer of the East Paddock to the Victorian Government, I only wish Iknewwhen!

Aclearmajority GaryHoffman,Macedon

One might wonder where Georgie Purcell has been for the past year or so following her comments regarding the proposed changes to Black Forest Drive ('MP slams road solution', Midland Express,March 7). There have been multiple information/ feedback meetings in the area, at which a clear majority of the local community were opposed to the initial proposal (based on cherry-picked data to bolster the argument).

Thankfully, local MP Mary-Anne Thomas took note of the feedback and the proposal was altered to better reflect the majority’s wishes.

It should also be noted that the initial proposal was almost identical to changes made to Black Forest Drive more than a decade ago, which proved to be adisaster and were soon reversed.

Regrettably there have beenfatalities on the road, but not because of the condition or set-up of the road. Accidents have generally been caused by driver inattention or inappropriate driving tothe conditions. These accidents could have happened anywhere.

Benefit to whom?

Karen Hayman, Keep KynetonCountry

Themedia releasefor the Kyneton Recycled WaterIrrigationproject announces such ‘enormous benefits to thecommunity andthe environment’ but the reality is it does notsolvethe ongoingimpactsof an outdated Kyneton WaterReclamation Plant managedbyColibanWater

The plant cannot process and treat high-quality water on demand that can be safelypumped into our waterwaysinto the future

Kyneton is been targeted forunprecedented growth so thesituation long-term is very alarming Keep Kyneton Countrywillbenoting these issues directly to ourpoliticalrepresentatives

Themedia release joyfully notesthe $7.5Mspent on a14-kilometre pipelineto supposedly give accesstonumerouslandowners to irrigate as amajor benefit.

Benefit to whom?

Only one landowner, Crofton Park, has hadthe financialresources to make the hugeinvestmentinthe irrigation infrastructurethatisrequired to take up thisoption.

Otherlandowners have donethe maths andsee this as not aviable investment for the average farmer and landowner.

If best practice was inplaceasnoted by independent water scientists, our sewerage treatment plant would be upgradedto produce high-qualitywaterlike manyother Victorian regional treatment plants.

Then all landowners alongThe Campaspe Rivercould take theopportunity to directlyirrigate at verylittle expense, our precious waterways would be forever protected and platypus could hopefully return tothe river.

Quotes were$38Mtoupgradethe plant

So farestimates are $25M-plusspent onshort-term solutionsratherrecommended scientific acceptedbest practice

Iwould like to remind community members thatwewere originally madeaware ofthe illegaldumpingofwater into the Campaspe because landowners along this waterway hadstockaborting anddying and they collectively investigated andthe river was found to be toxic.

The EPA’s responsetothe latest permit applications by Coliban Wateris still unknown. an applicationfor a‘licence to pollute theCampaspeRiver’, which we can only hope will notbegranted.

1. Where is the nursery Grow Locals located?

2. American Truck Historical Society Australian Chapter’s 2023 Truck of the Year winner was from which shire?

3. When was this year’s Taradale Festival held?

4. Where will this year’s Castlemaine Idyll be held? (3 points)

5. Which water authority operates the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant?

General knowledge

(1 point)

6. Round one in the 2023 AFL season begins on what date? (Bonus point: which two teams will play?)

7. How many sides does anonagon have?

8. Who voiced the character Donkey in the film Shrek?

9. Where was Australian TV series The Secret Life of Us set?

(3 points)

10. What has more bones in the human body: hand or foot?

BellePropertyextends its reachinlocal region

Belle Property is excited to announce the opening of three central Victorian offices in Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maldon.

The agencies will be led by the respected Waller family of Castlemaine, Rob and Narelle Waller, together with lead agent Tim Noonan as principal and co-director of Bendigo office.

Operating for more than 30 years as Waller Realty, the family name is synonymous with ahigh-quality level of personalised real estate services and involvement in the local community.

Rob Waller said joining the Belle Property group was astrategic move designed to position the company for future growth into Bendigo’s growing premium market, and already well-known areas of Castlemaine and Maldon.

“We’ve long admired Belle Property’s premium marketing and extended network covering all arms of real estate and property services," he said.

"The culture, values and direction of the brand align perfectly with ours and we look forward to harnessing the power of Belle Property to provide an even greater service to the people of Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maldon and surrounds."

Mr Waller said the group’s internal training systems and affiliations with Sitchu Magazine and online international portals Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE) were also drawcards.

“Belle Property has an all-encompassing offering of exceptional marketing, national and global reach, together with strong support from the head office team," he said.

"We would love to grow our team and believe Belle Property will help us attract quality people who share our passion for excellence."

Belle Property CEO Peter Hanscomb welcomed the Waller Realty team to the group.

“Regional Victoria is athriving market that we have been looking to expand into for a long while. I’m thrilled to welcome Rob, Narelle, Tim and the entire team to Belle Property and Ilook forward to seeing their business grow and thrive," Peter said.

“Our extensive training, head office support and connectivity to our 170 office-strong network across Australia will be available to the team and they will see the benefits of our premium marketing in their local area.”

Burns planned

Castlemaine, Macedon and Taradale are among the locations earmarked for upcoming planned burns to reduce bushfire risk.

Forest Fire Management Victoria will take advantage of favourable weather and forest conditions to undertake planned burns in the coming weeks to reduce the threat of bushfires.

FFMVic deputy chief fire officer, Scott Falconer, said planned burning was one of the most effective ways we could reduce the impact bushfires had on people, property and the environment.

"Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark and sticks as well as shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose arisk to communities," Mr Falconer said.

High priority burns are also planned on public land near Avoca, Bendigo, Heathcote and Maryborough.

People in these communities may see and smell smoke, and some roads and forests may be closed for public safety while these works are being undertaken.

Maintenance funds

New Gisborne and Yandoit primary schools will share in $7.8 million of Term 1Planned Maintenance Program state government funding.

New Gisborne Primary School will receive funds for works on the school's Shelter in Place building and Yandoit Primary School will put its funds toward maintenance works including roof and window repairs, and repainting.

Aspecialised evaluation process ensures maintenance support goes where it is needed, when it is needed.

Tim Noonan and Rob and Narelle Waller are proud to lead Belle Property in the central Victorian region.

PUPPYPRIDE

After the success of last year’s first Puppy Pride, Kyneton will once again be filled with excited and inquisitive dogs when the the LGBTIQA+ community, friends and family come together to celebrate their adored fur kids. The afternoon will start with agroup dog walk from the Mechanics Institute at 11am, which will head along Mollison Street to the gardens where there will be various food and market stalls, activities, competitions and plenty of space to sit with friends and soak up the atmosphere.

“The focus of Puppy Pride is on gathering together as acommunity, enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings and appreciating the many ways dogs improve our health and wellbeing,” said Belinda Brain from Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, organisers of the event.

“From reducing stress to improving our fitness, dogs can also increase our social interaction and of course provide companionship,” she said.

Puppy Pride, held with support Macedon Ranges Shire Council, is on Sunday March 26 from noon-2.30pm. For more details email puppy.pride@scchc.org.au or phone 5421 1666.

Maldon Swap Meet

Maldon March Swap Meet is happening this coming weekend on Sunday March 19.

It will be held at the Maldon Racecourse Reserve on the corner of Bendigo and Lewis Roads. Gates will open to the public at 7am -evenifits raining!

Admission $5. Kids free.

No bookings are needed and stall set up can be done on the Saturday. Stall fee is $20 for a6x6 metre site. For all enquiries please text Mark on 0414 244 842 (text is preferred).

Sunday Sunsets in Malmsbury

Enjoy ashared Sunday roast lunch and entertainment from the Sunday Sunsets ladies at the Malmsbury Hotel this month.

Sunday Sunsets comprises Macedon Ranges vocalists Tasha Luke, Helen Keenan, Rexine Perry and Lucy Watson.

Tickets are $55 and includes shared roast platter and dessert. Drinks are available at the bar. The lunch will be held on March 19 from 12pm to 3pm. Doors open at midday.

To purchase tickets, visit: trybooking.com/CGIYX

Throughthe eyes of Martha Iserman

Explore the world as you’ve never seen it before through the eyes of watercolour artist and scientific illustrator Martha Iserman in her current solo exhibition at Kyneton.

As ascientific illustrator, Martha has worked with some of the leading universities and organisations such as The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and The Field Museum of Natural History Chicago. It was there that she honed her skills capturing the true nature, habitat and essence of her subjects. She has taken this astep further by taking familiar subjects in nature and transforming them in whimsical and fantastical images.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, USA, where her facilitation with bugs and creatures developed on the local marsh lands, she now resides in the Dandenong Ranges where she is investigating and capturing an exciting new world.

View Martha Iserman’s Solo Exhibition exploring Australian insects and the forest floor at The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton, on display every day until March 27.

Flowers on show

Prepare for afabulous display when Kyneton Horticultural Society hosts its annual Autumn Flower Show.

The event will be held at the Watts Pavilion, Kyneton Showgrounds, as part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.

Show highlights include dahlias, roses, cut flowers, shrubs, pot plants, cacti and succulents, floral art, vegetables and a children’s section. An excellent range of plants will be available for sale grown by the KHS members –anideal time to do your autumn planting!

With agrowing presence of new gardeners due to the pandemic, KHS president Nicholas Scott encourages everyone of all ages to participate to show what you can grow. This is ashowfor all who love gardening and gardens.

The event will run on Saturday April 1

from 1pm to 5pm and Sunday April 2from 10am to 4pm.

Refreshments and raffle tickets available. Admission is $5.

For more information visit the website: khs1894.com to download an entry form. Alternatively, entry schedules will be available from the shire offices in Mollison Street.

The flower show is proudly sponsored by Kyneton Garden Supplies.

Awelltravelleddog

If you are going on adriving holiday this Easter, and taking your family dog with you to enjoy it to, keep in mind there are certain requirement in place –some of them law –which dog owners need to abide by.

When travelling with adog it is up to the owner or person in charge to make sure the animal is looked after appropriately by providing it with at least these minimums

*Food(over alongdistance of course)

*Water (take abottle filled with water and abowl)

*Protection from heat or cold

*Asafe position on the vehicle.

The Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals Act and Regulations includes the following:

*Itisillegal to put dogs in the boot of asedan type car but dogs can travel in the cabin of the car or behind acargo barrier in the back of wagon or SUV type vehicle.

*Itisalso illegal to leave an animal unattended inside acar for more than 10 minutes when outside temperatures are at or above 28 degrees celsius.

*Itisalso against the law to transport adog if it is not appropriately tethered or caged on back of ute or trailer.

*Also, dogs on the metal tray of aute or trailer when outside temperatures are at or above 28 degrees celsius without the

dog having access to an area of insulating material protecting the dog from contact with the metal surface is also illegal treatment of the animals.

Dogs travelling inside acar are best transported on the back seat restrained by aspecial harness or in behind acargo barrierinthe cargo area of the vehicle.

Dogs should not be allowed to travel with their head out of the car window because this can allow particles of dirt can enter adog's eyes, ears and nose.

And remember to take regular breaks from driving to let your dog have some exercise and atoilet break –justaswedofor ourselves!

Atoxic time for dogs

Easter is only afew weeksawayand we will be slowly stocking up on goodies that are confronting us each time we enter the supermarket.

The deliciousness of the chocolate we consume contains a product called theobromine. Theobromine is something that is not compatible with dogs, and can cause toxic effects when eaten.

Theobromine can affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system in our pets, so it is important to keep the chocolate out of reach.

Other risks that can appear during the Easter period include some sugar-free chocolates and sweets that contain an additional artificial sweetener called xylitol, which can also cause toxic effects in dogs. Hot cross buns can also pose ariskwith the contents of sultanas and raisins causing significant damage to kidneys.

Clinical signs seen in an animal who has ingested chocolate can vary on the amount and type of chocolate but can begin with gastrointestinal upsets, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive urination and increased thirst.

PETCARE Home wanted

Storm is abeautiful, rather elegant 10-month-old boy who has oodles of character and plenty of love to give.

He is currently at Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter and needs someone to welcome him into their lives as amuch-loved family pet.

Storm is desexed and the unusual mix of brown tai ridgeback/kelpie cross is officially numbered MC#956000015876758.

If you're looking for anew pet, look no further than Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter. With ahugerange of cats and dogs of all ages, colours, and sizes, there's something to suit every home. Call 5472 5277 to make an appointment and the friendly staff will happily introduce you to Storm and walk you through the adoption process.

From there, symptoms can then progress to hyperactivity, increased heart rate, hyperthermia, pancreatitis, depression, heart arrhythmias and heart failure, tremors, seizures and coma.

These are more than enough reason to ensure your chocolate stays out of reach of pets.

In the case where your pet may have consumed chocolate, it is advised you obtain veterinary attention as soon as you can.

As an alternative treat for dogs, there is aproduct similar to chocolate, without containing theobromine, called carob. This can be purchased at vet clinics or pet stores as aspecial treat for your friend. (Information provided by Gisborne Veterinary Clinic.)

RonHoward –afitting farewell

After playing junior football at Sunshine, he was recruited to play with Footscray as an 18-year-old in 1958. The legendary Ted ‘EJ’ Whitten used to drive him to training and matches as he did not have acar

After 30 games with the Bulldogs, hamstring injuries and the chance to play in the VFA with Sunshine led to 76 games in five years before areturn to Riddell beckoned.

Whitten and the 1956 Olympic Games were important influences. Ron’s return led to hope in the town. The U16s had just won aflag and the playing coach was simply inspirational; early victories were scarce but belief returned, and Ron won the league’s top individual award, the 1967 Bowen Medal. There is plenty of evidence to show he changed the culture of the club in a positive way.

Dynamic rover Wayne Richardson and dual Bowen Medal winner Alan Retallick were two more of the home-grown stars.

With Howard at the helm as coach, mentor and teacher –and ahero to many –Riddell won the 1970 flag beating Woodend easily in the grand final. The coach’s son Ronald was the team mascot.

Ron’s inspirational six goals in 25 minutes in the semi-final against astrong Sunbury side was one of the greatest individual performances seen in the Riddell League. He finished with eight after still recovering from abroken jaw. He was amidfield powerhouse who also knew how to go forward and kick goals when they were most needed.

Eventually retiring as aplayer and coach in 1980, he left alegacy of astrong, confident and successful football club. No coincidence that since 1970, Riddell has been the most successful club in the league with 12 football premierships. Fair play and sportsmanship were to the fore, win or lose.

Ron’s cricket deeds for Riddell are also legendary, being apowerful allrounder and brutal batsman with an approach to hit the ball as hard and far as he could.

His innings of 101 out of 108 in just 10 overs at Woodend is still talked about; fast bowlers often suffered the most from his belligerent batting, being walloped for sixes and fours.

Ron is one of the town’s greatest ever sportsmen. He became alife member of both the football and cricket clubs and the Riddell League, and was captain and/or coach of premiership teams across three decades. His feats are part of folklore.

Bill West

“We’ll not see his like again young people should take him as arolemodel.” This was one of the many comments that flowed from speakers at acommemorative farewell to the late Ron Howard, alegendary figure who led by example and brought Riddell Football Club back from being ‘easy beats’ in the 1960s to become apowerhouse club.

The Sunday function was appropriately held at the clubrooms overlooking the oval where Ron’s football and cricketing feats were extraordinary; then there was his positive community and family impact, his work success and initiative with Massey Ferguson and Malleys, and 30 years as aleaderinRotary. And much more, including the quality Howards Restaurant established in the heart of Riddell.

Amemberofaniconic Riddell family, Ron passed away last month after battling illness for some years. His wife Lorna’s unwavering support for 66 wonderful years was warmly acknowledged, as were family and friends.

Alife well lived was reflected on and highlighted by four individual speakers, namely Peter Osborne, Dean Moore, David Hutchins and Peter Richardson. Master of ceremonies, Gerrard ‘Collis’ Nolan, welcomed the large gathering, stating he was proud his family had almost 80 years’ association with the Howards –with Jack Howard (captain-coach) and Jack Nolan playing in Riddell’s 1947 premiership side when seven-year-old Ron was amascot.

Times were tough and challenging for families when Ron was growing up in Riddell; he went to the state school and then Sunshine Technical College, riding abike to Clarkefield to catch the train, which did not stop at Riddell then. He took up an apprenticeship as afitter and turner, an later studied business management at RMIT.

He also served as acouncillor with Romsey Shire and did many years of volunteer work with the Anglican Church in Gisborne.

Ron lived life as he played sport, with the same determination, fierce desire, courage, commitment, loyalty and old-fashioned values. Life was there to be embraced and enjoyed, no matter what hand you were dealt.

It was quite amazing that in his late 20s, he was managing the major plant of Malleys in Sunbury after earlier being with Massey Ferguson, where he designed the augers to go on the harvesters.

He designed the Malleys Tuckerbox and at its peak, the plant employed 400 workers.

Ron knocked back offers of key jobs interstate as he thought they would be too disruptive to the family.

The next opportunity was opening the restaurant which drew patrons from near and far.

For the last 20 years he worked part-time with close friends Ken and Helen Bellchambers who run the audio-visual business at Flemington racecourse. Ron was particularly proud to have been part of the crew that installed 30,000 metres of camera and fibre optic cables at the course.

Ron loved the race track, the buzz of the Spring carnivals and seeing all the champions run; unbeaten sprinter Black Caviar was his favourite.

“WhenIwas akid,hewas my hero,”one of the old timers declared. The quick retort was –“He was everyone’s hero”.

Vale Ron Howard. An all-time great. On the field. And off it.

Flashback: Ron Howard(at left)presents Gerrard‘Collis’ Nolan with his RFNC life membership medal in April, 2019.

JackHoward–premiership captain--coachin1947, and his son Ron with the 1970 premiership Cup. Ronald Howard(Ron’sson) went on to playintwo Riddell premiership sides.

Ron Howardiscarried from the ground on the shouldersofNorm Price and tireless ruckman Peter Richardson after the 1970 grand final triumph. Price was the Riddell publican and president of the Bombersthrough the yearstoclub fought its waythrough the doldrums leading up to 1970.

Art, culture and good times

Castlemaine State Festival, held March 24 to April 9, is 17 days of art, culture and good times. are open studios to explore, live acts, exciting conversations to be involved in, and works from central Victorian artists side-by-side with the very best from around Australia and the world. It’s achance to explore Castlemaine and the region through creativity of all types. Take alookinside this liftout for afew festival highlights.

Ella Hooper and Jem Cassar-Daley

Opening this fantastic pairing is Jem Cassar-Daley, whose debut EP, I Don’t Know Who to Call, won her New Talent of the Year at the 2022 NIMAs and has drawn comparisons to Missy Higgins and Carole King

To close the night, Ella Hooper will treat you all to an hourlong set Since dominating the charts with Killing Heidi in the 90s, Ella has released a swathe of solo records that showcase her incredible vocals, most recently, Small Town Temple, and live she’s like your funny mate with the outrageous dance moves Wednesday, March 29, 8pm Western Reserve Big Top, Fores Street, Castlemaine. Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

Brat Kids Carnival

BRIEFS FACTORY

Dancing, yelling and hula-hooping is all definitely ENCOURAGED at this super-fun afternoon show – and that goes for the parents too Briefs Factory are putting on this high-energy Brat Kids Carnival show that aims to get the young ’uns expressing themselves and intrigued by circus Wednesday April 5, 4 30pm Western Reserve Big Top, Castlemaine Tickets via castlemainefestival com au

For the love of song

Castlemaine Art Museum’s beautiful heritagelisted Sinclair Gallery comes alive with a passionate and unique collaboration between renowned printmaker and local artist David Frazer and some of the most iconic Australian and International songwriters of ageneration: Paul Kelly; Don Walker; Nick Cave; Nick Lowe and Tom Waits. Two great artforms entwine: imagemaking and songwriting –together they reach into our hearts in profound ways. Frazer’s most recent collaboration with Tom Waits is aworld premiere. CAM presents Frazer’s handmade books and prints, lit from the sky above. For the Love of Song includes handmade illustrated books, endorsed and signed by the recording artists, as well as a huge suite of linocuts, broadsheets (images from the book), and Frazer’s magnificent wood blocks, works of art in themselves. March 24 –May 21, Thursday/Saturday/Sunday 12pm-4pm, Friday 12pm-6.30pm.

Castlemaine Art Museum: Sinclair Gallery, 14 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Admission: Free.

Your house proud Festival supporter.

MARCH 24 - APRIL 9, 2023

Vika and Linda

Singing harmonies releases oxytocin, so the bonding hormone will be in abundance for this gig. Vika and Linda Bull learned to sing in the Tongan church and through grooving to sibling pop groups of the 1970s.

They love the ‘blood harmony’.

For decades, they lent their powerful voices to others such as Paul Kelly and John Farnham, but recently they’ve thrived in their own right.

In 2020, they released their career anthology, Akilotoa and gospel album Sunday (The Gospel According To Iso),both of which went to #1 and #2 in the ARIA charts respectively. In 2022 they each received amedal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Now they bring their band The Bullettes and their good vibes to Castlemaine. Sunday, April 2, 8.30pm. Western Reserve Big Top, Forest Street, Castlemaine. Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

How veganism can save us

Emma Hakansson’s book, How Veganism Can Save Us,challenges us to change habits that will in turn help reverse environmental devastation, improve our overall health, and save animals from the violent and oppressive system they have been born into. She’ll be in conversation with Edgar’s Mission founder and director Pam Ahern.

Tuesday April 4, 11am. Castlemaine Goods Shed, Kennedy Street, Castlemaine. Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

Sacred and sublime

THE GESUALDO SIX

An evening both sacred and sublime can be expected from these award-winning British consort singers.

The versatility of The Gesualdo Six is demonstrated by their albums, among them English Motets,which showcases their virtuosic vocals with anod to the 14th16th centuries; Fading,paying homage to the ancient service of Compline and awarded Vocal Recording of the Year by Limelight; Josquin’s Legacy,celebrating High Renaissance composer Josquin des Prez and which Gramophone’s editor recommended “unreservedly”; and Tenebrae Responsories, taking inspiration from the shadows of Holy Week’s Tenebrae services.

Abit of hush, please.

Thursday, March 30, 6pm. Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street. Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

Artistry and advocacy

JAGUAR JONZE

“Don’t wanna stand in front of asilentcrowd with no weapon,” Jaguar Jonze, sings in Know My Name,fromher blistering alt-pop debut album BUNNY MODE

At turns claustrophobic, furious and liberating, it reflects the artist’s experiences in the music industry, as well as sexism and racism, and has resulted in afusingofartistry and advocacy in her dynamic live performances.

Having now featured in Vogue Australia’s 21 Women of 2021 and The Australian’s 100 Cultural Leaders List 2022, Jaguar Jonze herself has become the ultimate weapon.

Saturday, April 1, 7.30pm. Western Reserve Big Top, Forest Street, Castlemaine. Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

Castlemaine Fringe Festival celebrates30yearsin2023!

Castlemaine Fringe is celebrating it’s 30th birthday with abumperprogram of more than 60 free and low cost events between Friday March 17 right through until Sunday April 2. Events are happening across the Mount Alexander Shire, with ahuge diversity in programming, and something for festival goers of all ages.

The 17 day festival starts with abang at the Phee Broadway Theatre and Mechanics Lane Precinct on March 17. Join us on our opening night for a celebration under the stars featuring a10piece soul band, asamba band andDJs whowill have you dancing in the street.

The streets themselves will be alive with art thanks to the Fringe Art Windows Trail. We have paired over 80 artists with participating businesses to showcase art installations, paste-ups and takeovers in shop windows and businesses throughout the shire including our smaller, satellite towns, made possible with generous support from FRRR and ANZ Seeds of Renewal and Mount Alexander Shire Council. You can find the map and listing of installations at https://www.castlemainefringe.org. au/art-windows.

Throughout the program you’ll find arange of venues hosting live music, workshops and comedy events, quizzes and karaoke nights with extensive food choices and delicious drinks. There are social interest features, film screenings and literature and an exciting theatre program from around the world including apresentation of works from brought to us by the Ukraine Fringe Festival.

And the fun keeps going as the Fringe partners with the Castlemaine State Festival to program a series of “after parties”, taking over the Festival Big Top on Castlemaine’s Western Reserve with cabaret, disco and DJs, licenced bars and foodtrucks. For more information and to book tickets go to https://www.castlemainefringe.org.au, visit our Facebook page or pick up your copy of the 2023 Castlemaine Fringe Festival program, available at the Visitor Information Centre and outlets through the shire.

Above: The Reactivate Street Partywill once again light up the streets

Diana Domonkos.

Left: The giant lit up submarine sound system returns forthis year’sextravaganza.

small batch handcrafted

Photo:

Castlemaine Fringe Festival 2023

Social impact and theatre

This year’s Fringe includes asocial impact program with arange of workshops, asession exploring ADHD in creatives, ascreening of The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone in partnership with Transcend Australia, aHarmony Day Community Lunch celebration and the Scrabble Battle fundraiser for IAMSOMEONE African support program. Our theatre program also includes great representation from local artists presenting works at the Phee Broadway and Bridge Hotel and musical theatre with MacBeth -Murderonthe Dancefloor.

Livefrom Ukraine

As the bombs started falling in the Ukraine in 2022, actors took shelter in their local theatre, and over the following day performed and filmed ‘The Book of Sirens’.

At this event producer and director Alex Borovenskiy and actress Anabell Ramirez will be joining us live from the Ukraine to present ascreening of this production and will join us afterwards for aQ&Aonarts, culture and their vision for Ukraine Fringe 2023.

Things are super hard for theatres and artists in the Ukraine with the ongoing war.

Exercise Classes

But artists must make art and their arts community is looking to the future. Plans are underway and Castlemaine Fringe is proud to support the FIRST EVER UKRAINE FRINGE FESTIVAL, and will be donating all profit from this event to https:// www.ukraine-fringe.com

You can join this event in Person, by attending the screening at the Theatre Royal, or you can join us online and watch at home (we will send you aticket link).

You can also grab aPizza &Pint at the Taproom with $5 from every sale going to support our fundraiser.

Fringebringshome the laughs

Cheer up with acomedy show or two!

If you were going to see out the end of the world, the Bridge Hotel isn’t abad place to do it... Cloverlea is apost-apocalyptic comedy about two ageing soap opera stars who still think they are on the show that ended when the world did. Catch them on Wednesday March 29 or Thursday March 30 at The Bridge.

The Taproom hosts Sydney comedian Thao for anight of laughs on Thursday March 23. Winner of Short &Sweet comedy and winner of multiple open mic contests, Thao’s comedy is just like Marmaladesharply sweet!

Joining Thao on the bill is Melbourne’s Jarryd Goundrey, “Australia’s least decorated soldier”. Asoldier turned stand-up comedian, he is currently touring across the nation. Jarryd has sold out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and opened for Dave Hughes, Joel Creasy, Kitty Flanagan, Jimeoin and more.

Fringe has also partnered with Melbourne

Sydneycomedian Thao and Melbourne’s Jarryd Goundreywill feature at Fringe.

International Comedy Festival to host a Class Clowns workshop and performance for young people aged 14-18 years. Participants need to be working on a3-5 min routine (stand-up, clowning, comedic performance) and will have the help of a professional comedian to polish it before presenting it to aliveaudience!

Register and get more info here https:// www.comedyfestival.com.au/classclowns/ calendar

The BlackCat will feature at the Phee

Castlemaine Fringe Festival2023

FREE FRINGE MUSIC

The Dance Collective Workshop

Fringe 2023 features afullline up of inclusive dance workshops and performances by dance leaders from across Victoria. There will be Contemporary, HipHop, Breakdance, African, Soul Funk 18+ &Silver Tops 60+ dance workshops plus Parkour, DJ’s and more! $30/$15 Under 6Free. Saturday March 19, 12pm –4pm, Mac’s Shed, Corner of Kennedy &Parker Street, Castlemaine.

Join the Monster Mash!

For our younger audiences, families and friends join us in Victory Park on Saturday March 25 for the MONSTER MASH! An all ages monster themed party with free entertainment, flash-mobs, face-painting and costume workshops from 3pm-7pm. Younger audiences may also like to check out the program for Soggy Circus in the Phee Broadway, The Dance Collective Dance-Battle, Youth Open Mic, 10,000

and the extensive program of activities for teens at Mechanics Lane!

Saturday night streetparty!

The Monster Mash is followed by the hotly anticipated REACTIVATE street party featuring four stages, agiant litup submarine sound system, more than 100 performers, live music, street theatre and projections. Kicking off at 5pm in Mechanics Lane this is abumpertobumperline up featuring hip hop, ACommunity Pubsing, the MaCapella Choir, That Gold Street Sound, Movement Zone, circus acts and so much more! This is definitely anight not to be missed, and one to invite your out of town friends to.

Theheartof CentralVictoria property

With Jellis Craig, you’ll get morethansimply big numbers and exceptional properties -expect real resultsand real advice from genuinepeoplewho truly know your neighbourhood. Because it’s ours too.

Kazoo’s

Sundays are FUN-DAYS with free live music gigs throughout Castlemaine. Catch local legends M79 at the Theatre Royal, get into the Latin groove of Son Cuba and feel the infectious beats of The Afrobiotics. Check the Daily Calendar on page 4ofthe liftout for full details and get out there and shake it up!

Castlemaine

Castlemaine Fringe Festival 2023

17th March - 2nd April

Exceptional drag and ‘boylesque’ turns

DIRTY LAUNDRY by BRIEFS FACTORY

You’ll be picking glitter out of your smalls for weeks thanks to Briefs Factory, the Australian collective known for their outrageous queer cabaret shows.

Dirty Laundry is led by Fez Faanana, aka Shivanana, with alineupofthe most beloved Briefs boys, as well as some shiny new talent, and you can expect a night of exceptional drag and ‘boylesque’ turns, as well as acrobatics and raucous, unapologetic comedy.

This crew has being selling out festivals worldwide for 10 years, so don’t even think about missing out on your opportunity to party.

Tuesday April 4, 8pm. Western Reserve Big Top, Castlemaine.

Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

Middle-age insights

NIGEL MARSH

It’s fair to say Nigel Marsh has middle-age –and how it intersects with our careers –thoroughly covered in his books: Fat, Forty and Fired; Overworked and Underlaid; Fit, Fifty and Fired-Up;and Smart, Stupid and Sixty

He’s also used to grilling other people via his podcast The Five of My Life, which extracts the stories behind the favourite film, book song, place and possession of high-profile personalities.

F For his festival appearance, he’lll be talking about his own insights, then in the second half he’ll be interviewing beloved children’s author Andy Griffiths for a live recording of The Five of My Life

Fri March 31, 4pm Castlemaine Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy Street, Castlemaine

Tickets via castlemainefestival com au

Pure acrobatic energy

When ASimple Space toured the UK, The Daily Express awarded the show five stars and called it “Cirque du Soleil with afistful of grit”. Adelaide-based circus company Gravity &Other Myths has now performed the show across 34 countries, pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus.

What’s special about this show is the raw intimacy of the performance, which does away with the smoke and mirrors of lighting, makeup and contrived theatrical overlay in favour of the pure energy and exceptional skills of the seven acrobats –so close you can hear every breath.

Saturday March 25, 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday March 26, 2pm and 7pm.

Western Reserve Big Top, Forest Street, Castlemaine.

Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

Chill melodic style

This will be quite the homecoming.

By the time he was 16, Kian Brownfield had surpassed the status of local legend and became an international sensation with his four-times platinum single Waiting.

Five years on, KIAN has been polished and held up to the light by Republic Records –home to his idol Stevie Wonder but also his contemporaries in chill melodic style, The Weeknd, Lorde, Drake and Jack Johnson.

His latest EP, Shine, was produced by Ariana Grande collaborator Willie Tafa, with guest spots from Jerome Farah and members of 1300.

Shine details the pressures and growth that KIAN has experienced over the past few years. While he still has “feelings deeper than aswimming pool” –ashesangonhis previous EP, BLISS, the waters now seem distinctly more sparkly.

Friday, March 31, 8.30pm. Western Reserve Big Top, Forest Street, Castlemaine. Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

Provocative avant-garde

Are they false idols or merely leading acommunion?

This provocative electronic group from Perth is fronted by Molly Priest, who often bares her torso, tattooed with athick black cross, and top surgery scars. Alter Boy have asharedlove of avant-garde theatre, and many of their songs dissect religion and their experiences of queer community and gender fluidity (the alternate spelling of ‘alter boy’ is deliberate).

Several band members identify as members of the deaf/hard of hearing community, so Auslan interpretation is integral to, and features in their work.

Tuesday, March 28, 8pm. Western Reserve Big Top, Forest Street, Castlemaine. Tickets via castlemainefestival.com.au

CSF2023PLANNER

Mr Riley’s Cottage c1861

Built by Mr Riley in 1861, this double brick two-bedroom cottage set within the tranquillity of a peaceful and private location is the essence of the quintessential country charm. Be enthralled by the songs of the birds, the borrowed landscape of the river red gums along the banks of Campbells Creek, agarden planted with fruiting and ornamental established trees, and a mixed planting of both Mediterranean and natives that seamlessly merge into the surrounding landscape. You will instantly fall in love with Mr Riley’s cottage.

Situated on a662m2 (approx.) corner allotment, with Crown land on two sides of the cottage, it features entry into formal living with aperiodfront door with half circle glass above, adouble sash window capturing the landscape, and agas heater, an adjoining main bedroom with another double sash window capturing the landscape, and two-door access. Central to the cottage, the second living space has an original fireplace with aNectre solid wood heater, an adjoining second bedroom/ study and an updated kitchen with dining. The north-facing kitchen/ dining provides an original fireplace with aperiodLux solid fuel stove, afreestanding gas cooktop with an electric oven, adishwasher, plenty of storage and french doors leading to a courtyard with avine-covered pergola. Abathroom with abath, shower, toilet, and alaundry/ boot room with external access completes the floorplan.

Updates to the cottage include a3.3kw solar system, Noirot electric panel heating, screen doors and window screens, insulation in the ceiling, and the property is on town water and sewerage. Period details include granite windowsills, timber shiplap detailing, and raked and cove ceilings.

Aprivate back garden with an olive tree hedge, herb garden, meandering gravel paths, a2000 litre water tank with pump, acarport with attached shed and asecond water tank provide alow maintenance lifestyle.

With walking tracks leading to Castlemaine at your doorstep, ashort stroll into Campbells Creek or afive-minute drive into Castlemaine for additional retail and amenities, Mr Riley’s cottage offers aprivate country lifestyle with period charm and modern liveability.

Property: Double brick, two-bedroom cottage in peaceful location

Address: 10a PrincessStreet Campbells Creek

Price: $795,000-$825,000

Agent: Cantwell Property Castlemaine

Contact: Nick Haslam 5472 1133

Price

47 Powlett Street Kyneton

2 a

1

Movestraightintothismid-centurymoderntreasureand enjoy thefabulouslocation,classicoriginalfeaturesandsomesignificant upgrades

On asuperbcornerblock,you maywishtoinvestigate the subdivision potential (STCA).

Original features includehigh ceilings, decorative cornice, vintage lightfittingsand hardwoodfloors.

Doubleglazing,areversecycleairconditioner,ductedheatingand solarpanels arewelcomedadditions.

This Saturday 18 March11.00am

As advertised or by appointment

1,031 sqmapprox

115Gingell Street Castlemaine

$595,000

698sqm approx

Acharmingfaçadeandthoroughly modernrearextensionseamlessly combinepastandpresentdelivering sophisticatedyetrelaxedliving.With ductedheating,split-systems,vineyard, delightfulgardensandboutiqueorchard.

3 a 2 b 2 c

Price

Land

2,065 sqmapprox

Lenander 0401 472346

KN 27 0330

Spacious and light

Ideally located within afive-minute drive to Castlemaine, this lovely four-bedroom residence has an ‘as-new’ feel and will offer afamily acomfortable, modern lifestyle.

This property ticks all the boxes for ahome with plenty of space and a great floor plan. It consists of four goodsized bedrooms, two living areas, two bathrooms, an entertaining alfresco area and alarge rear yard. The home’s façade is astandout feature with its soaring raked Colourbond roof-line. The residence is to the centre of the large 909m2 block, and there’s plenty of scope to add further landscaping to the front. Apavement driveway takes you to the double-car garage with access points to the hallway and the rear yard for convenience. Aformal lounge is found immediately upon entry –a lovely room with quality carpet and three considerable windows, the perfect spot to settle down with abook or enjoy agames night with the kids. Adjoining the lounge is the private master suite with awalk-in robe and ensuite. The entrance hall leads through to aspacious open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, full of natural light and garden views. The designer kitchen is adelight for entertainers and keen cooks –it features an island bench with sink, ample

OPEN Saturdays &Wednesdays 11am-3pm

cupboard and drawer storage, stainless steel appliances, Caesarstone benchtops and an excellent-sized walk-in pantry. The home feels fresh and bright throughout due to its cool neutral colour palette and modern fixtures. Quality craftsmanship and great interior design choices give the fouryear-old residence ahigh-endfeel. The remaining three bedrooms are to the rear of the home; each includes abuilt-in robe and block-out roller blinds. Discover the family bathroom, separate WC, laundry, and linen press near the bedrooms. Additional features of this quality home include ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, and solar hot water. Designed with entertaining in mind, the main living area opens to the alfresco room –agreat spot to store the barbecue and enjoy many nights watching the kids or pets run amok on the lush lawn in the backyard. The yard is securely fenced on all sides and includes well-established yet low-maintenance plants and arainwater tank. Side access is also available from the front. Surrounded by other new, high-quality homes, this is an outstanding location just ashort drive from Castlemaine’s main shopping and dining hub, with easy access to schools, kindergarten, childcare and aged care options.

FORSALE

8BULL STREETCASTLEMAINE

Fully renovated, four bedroom (three double and one single bedroom) heritage home centrally located. Great new roof, weather boards and stumps. The kitchen, butlers pantry,laundry,powder room and bathroom have had complete makeovers. Ducted gas heating throughout, new floor coverings, freshly painted insideand out.Undercover parking for one, ample off street parking for additional car,caravan or trailer

Moreinfo/photos at domain.com.au

$895,000

Ph: 0418 584 868 to enquire

Property: Impressivefour bedroom family home

Address: 15 Carloway Drive, McKenzie Hill

Price: $765,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: 5472 5811

PRICE

OPEN THIS SATURDAY 3.30pm -4.00pm

ForSale

EPR $800,000 -$880,000

Welcome to this stunning1950s brickhomewith3generousbedrooms, study,and numerousperiodhighlights. The home hasrecentlyundergone asympathetic renovation to create alarge open plan kitchen,meals andliving area, perfectfor entertaining familyand friends. Thislow maintenancepropertyoffersa serene andquiet lifestyle in ahighly sought-after area, just astone's throwaway from Kyneton'sschoolsand retailhub

656 sqm

2Castles Crescent, Kyneton

Family Living in a Prime Position

ForSale

EPR: $620,000 -$670,000

Locatedinahighlysought-afterposition with an abundanceofpotential, this propertyprovidesimmediate livability with asolid construction andfamily-friendly floor plan on agenerousallotment. It is an idealentry pointintothe soughtafterKyneton township.The home's proximity to theKynetonhospitalwould be particularly appealingtomedical employees,whilethe lock-up2car garage and 2bay carportwould suit tradespeople seekingadditionalworkspace.With itsspacious layout,low maintenancegardens, and easy access to theCalder Freewayand expressV-Line service, this property is perfectly suited forfamilies, first homebuyers, andinvestors lookingfor acomfortableliving experience

3 2 4 716 sqm

OPEN THIS SATURDAY 1.45pm -2.15pm

29 Trevor Drive, Taradale

Tranquil 10 Acre CountryOasis

ForSale

EPR: $860,000 -$940,000

Thisneat1980s brickhomeoffersthe perfectblendofcomfortand convenience in aprivate,secludedlocation, consisting of approximately 4.18Ha (10acres) of fertilelandthatispartbush andpartclear pasture. Acircular driveway leads to an unassuminghome that revealsasurprising privateoasis,cherished and hidden from view.Witha greatlayoutthatboasts3bedroomsand 2bathrooms, this home is perfectfor familiesseekingspace.Guestsare greetedwithan inviting L-shaped lounge anddiningarea that leadsthrough to thekitchen and meals area,overlookingalarge coveredentertainingdeckwithgrape vinesand a landscaped pond

ForSale

EPR $1,295,000- $1,425,000

Don’tlet this unassumingfaçadedeceive you, what lieswithinbelies belief Thisstunning3-bedroom plus studyhome masterfullyblendsold andnew to create an impressive yetrelaxed atmosphere.The modern,minimalist beauty is gallerylike, butthe home is not without characterand warmth thanks to the framedgarden, wormychestnutfloors, exposedbrick,stone surfacesand carameltonesthatoffseteachother beautifully. Completelyrebuilt, this 1940s home is practicallybrandnew,offeringthe latest in contemporary design and aesthetic appeal andincontext withits surroundings

20 Epping Street, Kyneton

SOLD $1,040,000

CA 5, 119 Honeysuckle Road, Lauriston

50 Dettmanns Lane, Kyneton

ForSale

EPR: $420,000 -$460,000

Thispicturesque 7.05 hectare (17.42 acre)acreage offers agently undulatingterrainthatissuitable forarange of activitiesincluding grazing, permaculture, andespeciallyviticulture. Historyenthusiasts will appreciate that thepaddock is home to theformer 'MushroomGold Mine'which wasabandonedinthe 1890s afterbeing floodedbyanearby spring.Dottedwithmature Eucalypt gum treesand enjoyinganeastern orientation, thepropertyoffersfar-reachingdistrictviews.

Mushroom Mine Paddock - - -

SOLD$810,000

148 Mollison Street, Malmsbury

Contemporary3Bedroom Family Home

7 05 ha

Private Sanctuarywith District Views

ForSale

EPR:$980,000 -$1,070,000

Come home to your private2ha (5 acre)sanctuary on thefringeof Kyneton. Thisspectacular lifestylepropertybeckoning families,city professionalsand retirees alike, offers 2paddocks, atenniscourt,an orchard, open lawn spacesand established gardens. The updated brick veneer features 3robed andcarpetedbedrooms, 2living areasand an extensive undercover outdoorentertainingspace.Kyneton’s schools, supermarkets andshops are just over 2kms awayoraccess theCalder Freeway,deliveringyou to Melbournewithinthe hour

3 1 2 2.04 ha (5 acres)

SOLD$1,550,000

ForSale

EPR: $780,000– $850,000

Enjoypanoramicviews fromthismeticulously presented 3bedroom,2 bathroom home built12years ago.Withanopenplanlayout, combining kitchen, mealsand living area, 3spaciousbedrooms,all featuringBIRs anda master withensuite,thishomewillbeideal foryoung couples, families,and downsizerswho want lowmaintenance but plenty of space

3 2 2 1,469sqm

40 Honeysuckle Road, Lauriston

Undulating Acreage with Numerous LifestyleOptions

ForSale

EPR $1,675,000

Offering secluded living in one of theregion’smost coveteddistricts, Allan Valley Farm’s 38.5 hectaresapprox. (95acres approx.) is dividedinto5paddocks andiseminentlysuitablefor arange of grazinginterests–pursuitswhich are already very successful in thedistrict.The 16 year old home provides3lightfilled bedrooms, anorth facing,openplan living environmentwith adjacent kitchen/ meals (which comeswith aFalconoven) wood fire heaterand auxiliary splitsystemunit. However,thisisapropertythattruly celebratesthe importance of family andthe outdoors:alarge undercoverentertainingareahas hosted numerousbirthdays andget togethersfor large numbers.

3 1 2

38 5 ha (95 acres)

for sale

Faraday School House c1869

1Faraday School Road, Faraday

Faraday SchoolHouse readslike aclassic period novel, starting with arichhistory withstrong community spirit, then adrama with an act of bravery and ending in abeautifully restored home. Today the schoolhouse still stands proud, along with two additional buildings providing amulti-faceted property on just over 2.1 acres.

t: 54721133

cantwellproperty.com.au

275 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Position Perfect

34 Gaulton Street, Castlemaine

Located in historic Gaulton Street with its majestic ancient elm trees, this three-bedroom doublefronted weatherboardVictorian cottage is perfectly positioned. Externally the north-facing back garden is privately highlighted by established trees and a low-maintenance garden. Fully fenced, the property also features off-street with acarport.

Best of Both Worlds

$749,000

View Sat 18th March 12:00pm-12:30pm

Contact TomRobertson 0473 642 644

14 McKendry Street, Castlemaine

Located within walkingdistance to town on alarge 6329sqm this 1980s three-bedroom brick home, elevated with fantastic views, is within aquiet bush setting, opposite the Diggings National Heritage Park, the Goldfields walking track, has atwo-street frontage to both McKendry and Preshaw Streets, making it an opportunity too good to pass.

$850,000

View Sat 18th March

1:30pm-2:00pm

Contact Nick Haslam 0422 848 662

Easy Living 117 Gingell Street, Castlemaine

This two-bedroom brick veneer home is set on 459 sqm the home features asunny living room and adjoining dining open to the kitchen via abreakfast barand bench. The central hall leads to two bedrooms, abathroom, and alaundry.Ifyou are looking for adownsizer, an investment, or your first home, this fuss-free property is an easy choice.

$629,000

View Sat 18th March

10:00am-10:30am

Contact Megan Walmsley 0411 043 324

Mid-Century Potential

3Merson Street, Castlemaine

Ideally located mid-century brick three-bedroom home on aspacious 822 sqm offers instant liveability with the potential to add your design touch to turnitinto your dream home. The home features alivingroom, acentral contemporary kitchen and an adjoining dining/ sunroom or second living space overlooking the back garden.

$950K-1.02M

Contact Rory Farley 0448 883 699

Perfect Opportunity

9Short Street, Guildford

With 4679 sqm or just over an acre(approx) to play with and arecent update and freshly painted inside and out, this three-bedroom 1980s brick veneer home is an ideal opportunity in aperfect location. An original weatherboardtwo-room cottage provides aunique multifaceted opportunity to work from home as aconsulting room, or studio.

$635,000 View Sat 18th March 1:45pm-2:15pm

Contact TomRobertson 0473 642 644

Ready to

Go

53 Woodman Drive, McKenzie Hill

Neat as apin inside andout, this four-bedroom home in the popular and fast-growing McKenzie Hill is readytoadd your personal touch. Set on 608 sqm, the home offers agenerous open-plan kitchen with dining and living, sliding doors leading to the fully-fenced back garden, and acovered alfresco entertaining area and asecuredoublecarport.

$749,000

View Sat18th March 1:00pm-1:30pm

Contact NickHaslam 0422848 662

$735,000

View Sat18th March 11:45am-12:15pm

Contact TomRobertson 0473642 644

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Gas and electric: ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, dishwashers, dryers.

Phone or text 0423 128819 info@dbhlservice.com.au

allgeneralearthworks,freequotes.Rubber trackbobcat,5tonexcavator,tiptruck.

FORD (nee Hill) Barbara Winifried

12.7.1934 -3.3.2023

Loving wifeofthe late Bob Ford

Lovedmother of Robert,Dale, Richard and Robin. Grandmother of Robert,Paris, Jonathan, Lewis and Rowan. Greatgrandmother of Maya Lovedand remembered always.

HENDRIKS

Johannes A. W.

Passed away peacefully on 11th March2023

BelovedHusband, Father and Da. Dad, Thank you forbeinganamazing father and friend.

“Goodas Gold”

Foreverwith Mum.

Love always, John &Therese

McKIMMIE -Col

5.3.2023

To Wendy and family, So hardtobelieve Col has left us He will be sadly missed butwillremain in our hearts forever.

Love Barry, Danna, Hollie,Sharna and partners

KN270366/L

McKIMMIE Colin

Much loved brother in lawof Maurius and Sandra, loveduncle of Jason, Emma and Brett and great uncle of Declan. Love and thoughts to Wendy,Marissa and family He will be greatly missed.

Deaths

PassedawayinCastlemaine on 8thMarch 2023, aged90years surrounded by his family Dearlyloved husbandof Lynette (dec)and Chris. Sadly missed by Gillian andAndrew; Angus,Ariane,Renee andLavinia; andHamish, Helkeand Finn.

Alifewelllived

Lindsay(Noel)Brown

McKIMMIE Colin Arthur

Passed away at Royal Melbourne Hospital on Sunday 5th March 2023, aged 75. Resultofaccident.

Lovedbrother of Ken, brother in lawof Yvonne. Uncle of Stephen, Mark, Michael and Colinda and families Sadly missed.

McKIMMIE Colin Arthur

31.08.1947 –05.03.2023

Loving husband of 50 years to Wendy Father of Marissa and Father-in-Lawof Troy Pa of Keelyand Zoe. No longer in our lives butalwaysin our hearts Keep on restoring those cars

KN270352/L

GeoffreyThomas Lucas

8.5.1948 –10.3.2023

Passed away peacefully at the Castlemaine Hospital on 10th March2023 with familybyhis side. Dearly lovedhusbandofLorraine.

Lovingfather and father in lawof Greg (dec)and Tracy andfriendtoMike, Paul and Angela. Muchloved Grandpa to Kayla andBrodie Damienand Sherrin Emily andGrace GreatGrandpa to Fletcher, Hunter andFaun.

Acourageous battle, fought with strength and determination. GonefishingwithGreg

Foreverinour hearts. Gone Fishing

GeoffreyThomas Lucas (Geoff)

8.5.1948 –10.3.2023

KN270360/L

Passed away peacefully at ElleryHouse Aged Care Castlemaine on 5th March2023, aged 97 years young.

Dearly lovedhusband of Grace(dec).

Loving Father andFather in Lawof Gordon andSue,Audreyand Peter, Maree and John, Wayne (dec), Tricia andRoger.

Much lovedPaofAaron andCara, Nathan and Kristal, Kimberley, Courtneyand Elise,Lauren andDerek, Sarah and Dan, Meagan and Brock, Stuart(dec) andHeidi, Warrickand Magda,and Kate Oldman Pa of Jenna, Finn, Lily, Harry, Oliver, Cooper, Mahli, Monique,Phoebe, Patrick, Layla, Sienna,Harrison, Ella, Archer, Oli, Aiden and Emily Great friendand companion of Mabel Bettie (dec)

It’s notwhatwewrite, It’s not what we say, It’show we remember you in our ownspecial way. Youwill be foreverinour hearts

Dearly lovedfatherand mate of Paul, dearlyloved father in-lawofAngela. Devoted Grandpa of Emily andGrace Dad Iwillmiss,cherish andremember youforever, your great stories and mateship over someverytrying times in our livesand battles youfought. Your love,kindness and happiness will alwaysberemembered, not only by me butalso by the manyothers that have knownyou Love your sonPaul.

Icouldn’t have asked forabetter father-in-law, love Angela Iwillmiss everything aboutyou Grandpa, love Emily

Iwill missall thefun times likecutting wood andfires at the dam, love Grace.

Reunited with Greg, hopeyou enjoythe fishing.

Gone Fishing

SMITH -Edie

Lovedsister in lawto Rubyand Gordon (dec) Lovedauntie to Lyndall, Dawn, Neil, Glenda, Noelene and families

Happymemories

KN270363/L

SMITH -Edie

Lovedsister in law to Yvonne and Charlie (dec) Lovedauntie to Colin, Merril, Leonie Rodneyand families Foreverinour hearts

KN270364/L

Tributes

HENDRIKS

The Funeral Service forMr. Johannes A. W. Hendriks will be held at the ThomasJ.Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper Street, Kyneton on FRIDAY (March 17th 2022) at 10.30 a.m Aburial at the Kyneton Cemeterywill follow.

Those unable to attend are warmly invited to join the service via livestream which can be accessed on Jan’seTrubuteat tjscottandson.com.au

KN270388/L

McKIMMIE

Family and friends are warmly invited to aCelebration of the lifeofColin Arthur McKimmie to be held at The Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper St, Kyneton on Friday, March 17th, 2023 Commencing at 2pm. Private Cremation.

KN270353/L

SMITH

The Funeral Service forThe Late Colin Arthur Smith will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1A PakingtonSt, Kew on Thursday, March 16, 2023 commencing at 11.00am. Private Cremation

CHESHIRE -Tim

25.01.1983 to 16.3.2019 (Resultofaccident)

Four yearswithout your support, your wit, your love for, andyour unwavering support forus, your family ‘Grief is the price youpay forlove’ Mum, Nick, James and Andrew, Elissa, Chona, Tait, Owen, Royce Jack and Sophia.

KN270377/L

PERKINS –Daryl

3.9.1987 -16.3.2019

Four years ago the night you left us the pain is still with us It's hard to let go of someone you love so much. Your ever loving family Mum, Dad, only brother Aaron xxx KN270339/L

KN270382/L

AServiceofThanksgiving forthe lifeofMrMalcolm Barker will be held in the Baptist Church, 32 Church Street, KangarooFlat TODAY(Wednesday) commencing at 11.00am. Aprivate cremation will follow. The service will be livestreamed forthose unable to attend.

Fordetails visit Malcolm’s tribute page on the website of MountAlexanderFunerals

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service for Mr Geoff Lucas, to be held in the Church of Christ, BlakeleyRoad, Castlemaine on Tuesday21stMarch commencing at 11.00am. Following this service youare invited to stayand join the family forrefreshments

The cortege will leave thechurch at 2.00pm forthe Newstead Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed forthose unable to attend.

Fordetails visit Geoff’s tribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals Geoff would have preferred youtowear casual clothes

Castlemaine 5470 5951

KN270383/L

KN270359/L

Malcolm Barker

Bendigo 5447 0927

Malcolm Barker

Funerals

Geoff Lucas

when it’s difficult to put into words

NIGEL BUTCHER

Thank You

CASUAL SALES ASSISTANT Gisborne

TheButcher family

Employment

We are seeking an experienced retail sales assistant to join the team at our busy iconic store Applicants must be flexible with hours and available to work weekends if required.

Employment

includes butisnot limited to: Ability

to use

KN270322/L KN270331/L Position foraprivate property in Gisborne South. We have acasual job available fora couple of days per week.

TRUCK DRIVER REQUIRED

HR License necessary, early starts

5-6 days aweek, need to be reliable -ontime.

Drug and alcohol testing.

Excellent conditions, job startinMay

Please no time wasters

Send enquiries to info.xcav8@gmail.com

KN270378/L

We are looking foradriver/operator HC licence to operate arange of trucks and equipment and be self sufficient and motivated. This driving work is local.

Material is transported in liquid semi tankers to and from various sites and requires heavy combination and tanker skills Training availabletosuitable person, mechanical knowledge and advantage.Good administration skills required forrecord keeping.

Youwill also help with machineryoperation and to record plant operations

•Full time

•Salary-negotiable

To apply please call 0425 757 700 or email clearstreamproducts@gmail.com

KN270205/L

Three miniature male shorthair dachshund puppies, currently7 weeks old.

Microchip 956000015843177 -Source

Pet Deaths

LOLA O’Brien

25.9.2008 -7.3.2023

KN270371/L

Saturday18thMar

8am -1pm Newstead Park, Lyons St. Variety of stalls, food and drink Stallholders welcome, site cost $10. 0427 506 843

$3000 neg. Phone 0408 243 605 Livestock KN270258/L Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Kyneton RSL Sub-Branch Inc. to be held at the Kyneton RSL Sub-Branch at 5pm on Wednesday, 22 March 2023 KN270354/L

KN270215/L

Plus Liquor

Employment opportunities forthe following Store Manager

Deli Manager

Full and Part Time positions available Experience request. Resume to be emailed to kynetoniga@ hotmail.com

Employment

Welshman’sReef Water Sports Club (Caravan Park)has an on-site livein Caretaker/s Position vacant. This position wouldbesuitable foracouple and is on acontract basis

KYNETON KN270298/L

Castlemaine IGA

Plus Liquor Vacancies available for Liquor Shop Manager (experience preferred) 38 hrs per week.

Bookkeeper Part time,must have experience in MYOB Resume to be emailed to hkshunkang@ hotmail.com

Employees wanted in Regenerative Forestry

Based in central Victoria, wood4good is currently recruiting for operational staff willing to get their hands dirty working with trees for our firewood season across the region With opportunities to progress to tree establishment, silviculture, harvesting and team leadership or consulting

We are looking for people to fill forest-hand roles manually processing and harvesting biomass and firewood

Applicants must be physically fit, have a current drivers’ licence and be eager to contribute to an exciting company dedicated to regenerative forestry practices Chainsaw qualifications and/or medium rigid truck licence will be viewed favourably

Women and people of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply

Position descriptions available on request

If you’d like to work with us, please email your resumé and a cover letter to: info@wood4good com au

Applications encouraged by Wednesday 22nd of March

KN270268/L

The positioninvolves the everyday running of the Caravan Park on the shores of LakeCairnCurran.

Prerequisites are:

» Current Working with Children's Check

» Current drivers licence

Iwas just apup when we first met Iloved youfrom the start, youpickedmeupand took me home and placed me in your heart. Good times we hadtogether, we shared all lifecould throw butyears passed all too quickly, my time has come to go Iknowhow much youmiss me, Iknowyour heartissore, Isee the tears that fall when I’m not waiting at the door Youalwaysdid your best forme

Castlemaine and District Netball Association are seeking past netball players that playedinour first year of competition in 1962. Also Committee members of the same year Contact Ken via email Ken@navos.com.au

» First Aid Certificate LevelII

» Current National Police Check (within 3months) Forajob description or to lodgean Expression of Interest email: welshmansreefwsc@gmail.com Applications close April 10, 2023 Only genuine applicants need apply

Your love wasplain to see foreventhough it brokeyour heart to set my spirit free

So please be bravewithout me, one daywe’ll meet once more forwhen you’re called to heaven I’ll be waiting at the door

KN270385/L WANTED TO BUY Antiques Collectables Singleitemsor collections Call Bob 0418 394 623 Wanted To Buy KN270370/L KN270379/L

CLASSIFIEDS

SAVE KN 26 68 03 KN270310/L

Kyneton 5422 1488

IMPORTANT NOTICE DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL!

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or activity industrial activity parental or carer status physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act As we could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement, we will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law For more information about discrimination in advertising contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission

KN265461

Iamshattered -Daryl

Public Notices

Event by Woodend Lifestyle CarersGroup roup

KN270327/L

Macgregor’sFarm

78 Old Lancefield Rd,Woodend North cnr Barkers Road

Saturday, 1st April2023 10 am –3 pm

If youare interested in participating on the sales side call our Secretary on 0418638 791 to book your spot.

Garage Sales

KYNETON ALP, Super Garage Sale, Sat March 18. 71 Wedge Street. 8am to 2pm. No early birds.

KYNETON , 98 Beauchamp St., Sat., 18 Mar. 8am -2pm. Cash only. Something for everyone.

CASTLEMAINE Anglican Church, Cnr Forest & Kennedy Sts. Sat. 18 Mar. 8.30am -1.00pm. Trash &treasure, books, plants, food produce, jams and preserves. Morning tea available.

Golf worthy premiers

Bill West

Kyneton Golf turned back the clock to some of its glory days by convincingly winning the Highlands division one 2022-2023 pennant grand final against Lancefield on Saturday.

It was Golf’s first flag for seven years, but winning from fourth place on the ladder was no real surprise when the winner’s experienced and motivated lineup is analysed.

For starters, ateam with the unflappable trio of Adrian Plowman, Barry Godbolt and Peter Linehan as skippers –(the latter two chalked up their fifth flag, the previous four being with Lancefield) is going to be hard to beat when the chips are down.

Golf won the first semi-final against Gisborne by 20 shots, then downed top of the ladder Romsey 57-50 in the preliminary final, then took control after the tea break to wrap up a68-46 victory.

Well before the last ends were played Golf supporters, and some on the green, were in celebratory mode as Lancefield’s bid to make it three premierships in arow wasscuppered.

Fine conditions, aperfect green and a top finals venue at Kyneton greeted all, with the division 1and three grands finals, and the division 2preliminary final being played. After atight battle,Diggers Rest beat Macedon by seven shots in the division 3 grand final, and Diggers Rest outclassed Romsey in the division 2preliminary final.

The division 2grand finalisonatKyneton this Saturday, between Macedon and Diggers Rest, to culminate the pennant season.

But back to the big one, with plenty of anticipation obvious when the Lancefield and Kyneton Golf sides lined up to be wished well by Ballarat Highlands Region president Ian Guymer.

Of particular interest was the draw which produced aLinehan versus Aaron Young contest.

QUICK START BY GOLF

Golf was very keen to make amends for their shock loss to the Tigers in last season’s grand final, when Lancefield also came from fourth place.

The Golf brigade, immediately grabbed seven shots across the board with 3, 2and 2, but the Tigers dug in and made it aclose contest like their second semi-final effort against Romsey.

With plenty of top bowls played, and some not as good as expected, Golf grabbed multiples just before the tea break to edge to a35-27 overall lead.

On resumption, Lancefield needed to more than match their opponents to stay in contention, but it did not happen.

“Bowls in the head” was the exhortation for Golf, and the confidence level grew as some Golf players lifted.

Encouraging shouts of “Woodheap”, “Bubba” and “Toby” echoed across the green and Golf made the most of the mo-

mentum. Former champion Wayne Turner was pleased to be back on the big stage with another flag in sight.

It’s fair to say the Golf skippers overall received more help than their counterparts, with draw bowls from Golf being more consistent in the latter stages, leading to multiple numbers.

In the end of 63 ends, the best side on the day had won, with all fours up, and a healthy margin of 22 shots.

Premiership medallions were handed out, and players congratulated one another. There has long been agreat rivalry between Golf and Lancefield.

“No matter the result, you have done an outstanding job and made our little club proud," Lancefield president Jeff Smith said in apre-game message tothe Tigers

Toby Barker paid tribute to the Golf players across the board, and the supporters behind the scenes.

FINAL SCORES

Scores from all matches on Saturday were:

DIVISION 1Grand Final: Kyneton Golf 68 dLancefield 46 R. Seymour, R. Turner, S. Taylor, A. Plowman (s) 26 dC Jolly, G. Charles, D. Safstrom, B. Holmes 12; B. Plowman, P. Cameron, R. Wilkinson, P. Linehan (s) 23 dP.White,P.Shannon, A. Andrews, A. Young 18; C. Schmidt, W. Turner, A. Barker, B. Godbolt 19 dG.Choate, H. Matthews, J. Parks, J. Holmes 16.

DIVISION 3Grand Final: Diggers Rest

58 dMacedon 51 –Peter Marriner (s) 23 dMargaret Cameron 18, Addam Icely 9 lost to Adrian Grant 20, Ross Grant 26 d Lindsay Gent 13.

DIVISION 2preliminary final: Diggers Rest 81 dRomsey 44 –Rod. Treweek 41 dBernie Groom9, Bob Reidy 15 dAndrew Laing 24, Mark Clohesy 25 dP.Chalmers 11.

Midweek bowls

Yesterday (Tuesday) the grand finals in Highlands midweek pennant bowls were scheduled to be played on the Kyneton Golf green.

In division 1, undefeated Gisborne went in against Kyneton as astrong favourite after asecond semi-final 79-48 victory.

Gisborne was scheduled to play Diggers Rest in the division 2final, hoping to make amends for anarrowsecond semi-final defeat.

Preliminary final scores last week were:

Division 1: Kyneton 73 dKilmore 47 –A.Matheson 22 dC.Hodgson 14, Allan Matheson 21 dK.Mayberry 20, N. Jamieson 30 dS.Hawkless 13.

Division 2: Gisborne 66 dTrentham 47 –Ian Ball 32 dM.Bruton 11, D. Wesney 13 lost to R. Justice 21, K. Jarred 21 dR.Dobinson 15.

Kyneton Golf division one premiers.

Photo: Peter Ryan

Croquet makes a start

Afterhavingbeenunable to complete acroquet pennant season forafew years, firstly due to COVID and then last year because of flooded lawns, the Northern District Croquet Association ismaking another attempt.

Already difficulties have arisen, with theDivision 1 match between Kyneton Blue and Quarry Hill Rosellas having to be postponed because of the unavailability of players.

Division 2did get under way and the two Kyneton teams got off to agoodstart. Playing at home, Kyneton Red led Maldon Laburnum three games to one after the singles with Darryl Chivers winning both his games against Theo Stockx andGavan McCarthy. Bill Caddaye beat McCarthy but went down to Stockx.

The Kyneton pair then won the first doubles game to take an unassailable lead although Maldon gained some consolation winning thesecond doubles game.

It was an identical result in theother Division 2 game between Kyneton Black andQuarry HillKookaburras. Kyneton's Ruth Gallpen won both her singles games against Gayle Deary andJohnMurdoch while Graham Smith went down to Murdoch before beating Deary. Kyneton sealed the win in thefirst doubles game but then went down in thesecond game.

In the Division 3match between Kyneton Yellow and Macedon MtCharlie, results began in thesame pattern. Pat Fahy won both his single games against Liz Harnden and Lyn Robinson while Judy Aldred lost to Robinson but beat Harnden for athree-games-toone leadtoKyneton after the singles. The Macedon pair then won the first doubles game giving them a chance of tying up the result but Kyneton snuffed that out with agood win inthe second doubles game.

In the remaining Division 3match, Macedon's Mt Towrong wanted to make it clear Kyneton are unlikely to get things all their own way. Playing fellow Macedon team Mt Robertson, the MtTowrong pair of Elizabeth Payne and Olwyn Snape proved far too strong with asolid performance winning all sixgames against Susan Butcher and Sue Wild.

Tournament success

The Lancefield Ladies Open tournament for 2023 held on Thursday attracted golfers from various district clubs, and there was averytight finish to see who would emerge as the Open Champion.

Rated an outstanding success, the day had many winners both on and off the course.

Sponsored by Lancefield's Parkside Winery, represented by strong supporter Jenny Ward, the tournament saw Aand B-grade compete in astroke format, while the C-graders played stableford.

The club was pleased to welcome Dalhousie district women's captain Glenda Woods and secretary Elaine Scanlon.

The championship was in doubt until the final hole, with Yea's Adrienne Anglin being successful. A12handicapper,

Town &District

GOLF results

KYNETON

The annual Irish Day at Kyneton last week drew 100 ladies from various clubs, with sponsor David Sullivan acknowledged for his continued sponsorship.

The Kyneton trio of Deidre Dawes, Tracey Bramich and Beth Murray were the A-grade winners with 79 points, six clear of Gisborne runners-up Andrienne Fievez, Kth Keating and Lynne Smith.

The Kyneton/Trentham combo of Irene Kocicz, Cate Thomas and Lorna Beaumont excelled with 88 points in B-grade to finish ahead of Castlemaine’s Marj Lang, Patricia Sharrock and Lynne Smith.

Longest drives came from Judy Quick (Kyneton) and Trish Barry (Belvoir Park), and the Axedale team won the best fancy dress award.

Wednesday stableford: Terry Gamble (7) won with 37 points from Pat Clohesy (16) on 35, and the highlight was an eagle on the 8th hole that earned Ross Foreman the eagles’ nest.

Marg Scoble and Veronica Maher won the Canadian foursomes at the presidents/ captains day at Trentham last week, with Tracey Bramich an NTP and three Kyneton players secured raffle prizes.

Saturday stableford: A-grade –Glenn Cook (11) with 38 points on acountback from Pete Robbins (8); B– Billy McKee (23) 40 points, one ahead of Peter Kewniuk (21.) Ladies –Robyn MacRae (21) with 32.

Sunday was the annual Par 3Day,

sponsored by Robyn MacRae.

Glen Cook won A-grade with 59-7-52 on acountback from Tim Kirk 59-7-52, with Jing Biscocho 60-16-44 seven ahead of Wangaratta’s Billy Dodd.

Diane Rutecki 81-33-48 captured Cgrade from Josephine Biscocho 81-32-49. The scratch winner was Bernie Hinck with 70.

LANCEFIELD

Congratulations to low-marker Denis Davenport on winning the 2023 match-play knockout. He edged out Dale Schmidt 2/1.

In Saturday’s monthly medal event, the very consistent James Whitford was the winner with 88-18-70, ahead of Cameron Milward and Mark Andrews.

The Wednesday twilight aggregate went right down to the final night.

The battle royal between Trevor Lambert and Barry Flentjar has been tight for weeks, the former leading by 47 points to 45 going into the last round.

Barry scored six points, but Trevor received 1.5 to become twilight champion by 0.5 points. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Legends: James Whitford 88-17-71, from Peter McGill 82-10-72.

The course will be closed for the next two weeks following coring today (Wednesday).

MOUNT MACEDON

Ideal conditions led to athird of Saturday’s stableford field achieving handicap or better.

she finished astroke ahead of Jenny Hartley (Romsey) and Helen Dennett (Kilmore).

Results were:

Champion –Adrienne Anglin 95.

A-grade gross –Helen Dennett 96; handicap –Glenda Woods (Seymour) 97-20-77.

B-grade –Jenney Hartley (Romsey) 96; Jennei Vennell (Lancefield) 101-28-73.

C-grade –Bev Beaumont (Lancefield) 36 points, from Pam Hunter (Hidden Valley) 35.

NTPS –Christine Fisher (Mandalay) and Helen Findlay (Alexandra).

In Lancefield's nine-hole event the previous day, Robyn Stevens (35) had 16 points to win on acountback from Florence Meyer.

Nelson Bay GC’s David Shepherd (20) took overall and C-grade honours with 41 points, edging out the unlucky Matt Salter on acountback.

David Watt (11) had 35 points to take out A-grade, and Nathan Fairley (14) topped B-grade on acountback.

The midweek Kip McGrath Education Centres’ three-person Irish stableford was brightened by acolourful array of shirts.

John Andrew, Ian Flannery and Neville Clark had 76 stableford points to win on acountback from Mark Burrage, Brian Walsh and Henri Malakunas.

Thanks went to Karl Pongracic for this sponsored event, the generous bottles of wine and the barbecue.

ROMSEY

Players in Saturday’s Ambrose had to adapt to changed conditions after greens had been cored andnew grass allowed to grow.

Athinking game! The majority of teams finished well under par.

Winners with 64-10.16-53.84 were Mick Squire (5), Keith Hocking (31) and Mick Nicholas Senior (25), from Davey Kenney (14), Luke Lyons (13), Dylan Harris (12) and ChrisManktelow (36) were net best with 66-9.37-56.63. NTPs –Pat Chisholm (2).

On March 7, Beryl Cole, Jenny Hartley and Darlene Baker represented Romsey in theHidden Valley Bowl, and teamed well with acombined 93 stableford points

to be beaten by aHVteamfor themajor prize on acountback.

Hartley continued hergood form at Lancefield’s tournament to winB-grade with 96-21-75, just oneshot behind overall winner Adrianne Anglin (Yea). Five points in Player of the Year forJenny!

TRENTHAM

An excellent field of 124turnedout for Trentham’s annual Charity Day on Saturday.

Atotal of $5000 was raised to assist Very Special Kids Glen Osmond Farm retreat at Woodend.

Janet Hawkins, who with her late husband Bernie provided their property for VSK, was there to accept thedonation

Out on the course, the scratch prize went to Neanger Park’s quartet of Ben and CraigGardner,Jeremy Molloy and Anthony Masters with 59

They edged out Trentham’s Simon and Tim Ovenden, Darrin McLean and Shane Robinson who took out the handicap prize with 59-6.875-52.125.

WOODEND

Members and guests made the most of afine track and beautiful weather on Saturday.

Mighty Mick Keating (handicap 9) produced awinning 42 stableford points.

Russ Brosnan (8) was runner-up on 41 Areminderthat membership renewals are open, noting thegolfgodsoften bring good fortune to thememberswho renew on time.

Well done: Parkside Winery’sJennyWardwith BevBeaumont –arelativelynew player becoming verycompetitive from along handicap.

Megnow aSaint!

Talented Castlemaine Magpie Women's footballer and 2022 premiership captain, Megan Ginnivan, has been selected to play for the St Kilda VFL Women's side in 2023!

The announcement comes just aweek after fellow Magpie Tia Davidge was selected to play in the same competition for Essendon and indicates the depth of talent in the 2022 Castlemaine Magpies Central Vic Women's premiership side.

CFNC president Caleb Kuhle said Meg's footy comeback had been nothing short of extraordinary.

"She captained our Senior Women's Premiership side to victory last season after several years out of the sport. An agile midfielder, we can't wait to see where Meg's tenacity and drive take her this season," Kuhle said.

Ginnivan follows her younger brother Jack into the elite football ranks with the young footballer currently in his third season at Collingwood in the AFL.

Meg told the Express she was absolutely thrilled to join the Saints.

"I was invited to atrial day back in September and have been training with the Saints and Collingwood since October while Idecided which way Iwanted to go," Meg said.

In the end, St Kilda was the club Meg chose to call home.

The 26-year-old is elated to take the next step in her football journey.

Meg was part of the Castlemaine Football Netball Club Youth Girls squad that won their inaugural flag in the Bendigo Junior Football League Youth Girls competition back in 2013.

The side vying for back-to-back honours in 2014 and just falling short.

Meg had aspell from the sport in the intervening years finishing school and studying university at Ballarat before starting a career in human resources.

She will be juggling her full-time HR role with Petspiration Group (Petstock) with her training and match schedule.

"Apart from acouple of footy games at uni, Imainlyplayed netball until Ijoined the inaugural Castlemaine Football Netball Club Women's side in the Central Vic AFL Women's competition in 2022," Meg said.

"It was amassive honour to captain the side and be part of an incredible season, which culminated in apremiership win. It was pretty epic. It's something Iwill never forget," Meg said.

The footballer will still pull on the boots for the Castlemaine Magpies when her Saints commitments allow.

"It will open the door for someone to step

Wilson to attempt record

Kyneton's Greg Wilson will take on alongstanding 48-hour Australian Age Record at the National 48-hour Championship at Canberra this month.

He will attempt to break 'legend' Cliff Young's 70s record of 264.9km which Cliffy has held for about 30 years.

Greg will also attempt to break the current standing 200km 70s record of 35 hours 32 minutes and 15 seconds.

Turning 70 last June, Greg's longest event to date has been 24 hours but he is eager to make the record attempt.

"It's abit cheeky trying to break Cliffy's record but someone has to try. While he's alegend, he's only human, and if he can do it, why can't I?" he said.

Football and netball boost

Applications have opened for the state government's 2022-23 Country Football and Netball Program.

The program supports new facilities, replacements and upgrades to existing facilities at football and netball clubs across rural, regional and outer metropolitan Victoria, so they can meet growing demand and welcome even more members.

Grants of up to $250,000 are available to redevelop and build new ovals and netball courts, install LED sports lighting, and build new or redevelop existing pavilions.

There’s also astrongfocus on supporting clubs in communities that have recently experienced natural disasters such as floods, or clubs in communities that are experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, strong population growth or other economic challenges.

up into the role," Meg said.

The midfielder's talent in the Central Vic comp brought her under the notice of VFL selectors.

Meg said she had already met some incredible athletes in her time training with the two VFL sides and she looked forward to continuing to develop her skills at this higher level of competition.

Can youhelp?

KFNC on hunt forvolunteers

Here’s your chance to help support the Kyneton Football Netball Club in 2023!

Volunteers are required to assist with various jobs beginning early next year from game day set up to on-field help.

President Hayden Evans said the club was only as good as the volunteers who assisted it.

"By registering as avolunteer with our club, you are providing an irreplaceable service that benefits the local community and increases social cohesion," he said.

"Our club relies on volunteers to ensure we can remain sustainable.”

Volunteering is agreat way to meet new people and contribute to the community. If you have particular skill set, have extra time to spare –whether it’s afew hours ayear or every week of the season –the club wants to know!

If you can help, complete the online form at kynetonfnc.com/ volunteer, email manager@kynetonfnc.com or call 0407 308 938.

All volunteers aged 18 years and over who will be working with children must complete aWorking with Children Check.

"I recently enjoyed my first practise match with the side and Ican't wait forour first game on March 25," she said.

Meg said she would love to take the next step into the AFLW once day.

"At this stage Iamjust focusing on this opportunity. There is so much to learn. Just being able to play at VFL level is such an honour. Iaim to give it my all," she said.

Launched in 2005, the program is apartnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria that’s invested more than $35 million into more than 550 projects across the state.

Applications close on March 27. For more information about the program and to apply visit: sport.vic. gov.au

Tobin Connell and Belinda Moore.

Meg Ginnivan is proudlypictured with her Saints guernseyafter her signing.

Lisa Dennis

Grand final contendersdecided

It was amassive weekend of Castlemaine and District Cricket Association action with the AGrade andAReserve sides playing semi-final bouts on Saturday and preliminary final clashes on Sunday. The BGrade,Women’s and CGrade sides battled out semis to decide who would contest the CDCA grand finals and strive for premiership honours in 2022-2023. Highlights of the rounds were North Castlemaine AReserve batsman Karsen Beer’s 111 and Harcourt AReserve bowler Ethan Nicholson’s 5-19. Results were as follows:

AGrade -Semi Finals

Barkers Creek 7-184(cc) (N Newlan 71, LStabler 34; JP Brasher 3-21, LA Chaffey 2-49) dCastlemaine United 87 (B Leech 4-26, LStabler 3-7, SSmith 2-18).

Muckleford 7-136(cc) (BC Cole 36; CGardner 3-23, T Reece 2-24, JMeredith 2-36) lost to Newstead 8-137 (T Reece 67; JR Watson 4-22, TGeddes3-18)

Preliminary Final

Castlemaine United 136 (D Rush 61; TReece 3-24, SWinnard 2-25, JMeredith 2-28) lost to Newstead 9-176(cc) (I Garsed 58, BWalter 37; CJ Warren 2-26, CJ Kays 2-30).

After their semi final win Barkers Creek won their way through to the grand final and will take on the winner of

Sunday’s preliminary final Newstead in a‘Best of Three’ grand final series at the Camp Reserve this Saturday, March 18 and Sunday March 19 with afinal game on March25ifrequiredtodecidethe winner.

AReserve -SemiFinal

Harcourt 2-99 (T Cox 58 not out) dMuckleford 96 (E Nicholson 5-19, CCassidy 2-9). North Castlemaine 3-252(cc) (K Beer 111, GJames 82 not out; GMcMurtrie 2-60) dCastlemaine United 228 (B McMurtrie 73, TR Brasher 34 not out; JDaff 4-24, AFerres2-45).

Preliminary Final

Muckleford 5-134 (R White 43 not out, DZ Slingo 32; N Ryan 2-22, KBeer 2-25) dNorth Castlemaine 7-130(cc) (K Beer 42; DEnvall 4-27, MSharples 2-25).

In the AReserve grand final this Saturday, Harcourt will take on Muckleford at the Wesley Hill Reserve to decide a winner.

BGrade -Semi Finals

Muckleford Maroon 159 (TR Gingell 49; MO’Brien

2-12, LBunton 2-15, BRogers 2-24) lost to Maiden Gully Marist 4-215(cc) (C Green 68, MRogers 52 not out, S McKenzie 40 not out, RFisher32; CButcher 2-41).

Castlemaine United Gold 7-149(cc) (L Kneebone 71; L Farrington 3-25, TBrereton 2-27) lost to Harcourt 5-152

(M Simmons 58; GO’Sullivan 3-39).

In the BGrade grandfinal this Saturday, Harcourt will host Maiden Gully Marist at Harcourt Recreation Reserve.

Women’s -Semi Finals

Newstead 1-138 dGuildford 39(cc) (FP Gardner 2-5). Hepburn 4-68 (J Sowula 2-7) vBarkers Creek 4-94(cc) (D Kraak 2-8). Newstead will now host Barkers Creek in the grand final this Friday evening at the Newstead Recreation Reserve from 6pm.

Women’s cricket continues to grow in the local region. Be sure to get along and support the sides on Friday evening. There will be food available and the bar will be open.

CGrade Junior/U16 -SemiFinals

Muckleford 4-181(cc) (PJ Leathem 51 not out, SGross 49 not out) dCastlemaine United Gold 9-106 (G O’Sullivan 49; AIsdale 2-3). Harcourt 7-184(cc) (K Simmons 51 not out, MChamberlain 50 not out) lost to North Castlemaine/ Guildford 6-207(cc) (Z Hinck 55 not out, JHardy 48, M Matheson 30; DMcLachlan 2-21, FMcAinch 2-37).

In this weekend’s CGrade grand final, Muckleford will face North Castlemaine/Guildford at Mapson Timmins Oval Muckleford in atwo-day match over Saturday and Sunday. Play will commence at 8.45am each day. Best of luck to all the grand final contenders.

Secondchancefor Redbacks

Bill West

Romsey’s McIntyre Cup cricketers lost their qualifying final to Bacchus Marsh by 22 runs at the weekend, but stay in the finals race as a‘lucky loser’.

Playing at home, the Redbacks bowled tightly for much of the time to restrict the Marsh to 6/193 c.c. from 80 overs, with D. Dickinson unbeaten on 58 and T. Dickinson scoring 50. Taylor Stevenson claimed 3-48.

Romsey’s run chase began badly, with Stevenson and Nathan Hoy back in the pavilion with just seven runs on the board.

When Redbacks’ top bat Ben Way was caught in the covers for 25 there was ecstasy among the visitors, and Malcolm Mine’s departure for 37 left Romsey struggling at 5/68.

Wickets fell at the wrong time when arecovery was in sight. Tim Dale top scored with 51 in afinal tally of 171 from 73.2 overs –four bowlers shared the wickets.

Romsey has done well to have its teams in the semi-finals in the top three grades, with two semi-finals at home.

The Redbacks’ McIntyre Cup lineup will go to Gisborne thinking it has areal chance.

Gisborne’s huge tally of 8/401 c.c. was highlighted by opener Vernon’s 210 (24 fours, two sixes) before an errant ramp shot ended his innings (see story above).

Jarryd Vernon 71, Will Mackay 39 and Mick Allen 29 added to the run spree with Rupertswood skipper Andrew Pizaro taking 5-117.

The remaining qualifying final saw 621 runs scored at Langama Park, with Sunbury United all-rounder Ashan Randaweere starring. He made 101 in ascore of 8/346 c.c.

He followed up with 7-75 as Diggers Rest-Bulla scored 275 (I. Massalage 60, M. Lakshan 60, C. Perera 56. Damien Edwards scored 132 for United in ahuge partnership with Ranaweera.

MACEDON RECOVERY

There were two remarkable Johnstone Shield semi-finals.

In one, fourth-placed Macedon looked down and out losing early wickets cheaply, but Chad Walker 79 and Chris Axton 62 came to the rescue.

The Cats scored 216, then stunned ladder leader Bacchus Marsh by skittling them for 149 (Cam Howlett 4-27).

Slow scoring and batsmen failing summed up the match on the main Romsey oval.

Romsey struggled to reach 93 (M. Richardson 31 –Brett Buttler 4-30) against Kilmore, then hit back with the ball late on Saturday. Finally Kilmore was dismissed for 79 (C. Marienfeld 3-7, D. Paterson 3-29) and Romsey reached 1/75 in the second innings before the game was declared over.

HANGING ROCK AFTER FLAG

Jensen Shield ladder-leader Hanging Rock was in fine form at home, dismissing Diggers Rest/Bulla for 125 (N. Crosland 38 –S.Zubrycki 3-16, J. Milson 3-18, N. Maxwell 3-35)

The Rock batters hit up 5/131 (Liam O’Meara 42) and look forward to the grand final against Rupertswood, who scored 8/204 against Bacchus Marsh’s 200.

Tim Dale (at left) made 51 and Adam Frost 18, but it was not enough to rescue Romsey in the run chase against Bacchus Marsh on Sunday The Redbacks stay in the finals as ‘lucky loser’ in the qualifying finals

The division 1match between Bacchus Marsh and Macedon was dominated by bowlers, with the Marsh recovering from 6/25 to make 102 (X. Felice) then bowling Macedon out for 60 (R. Watson 5-11). The Marsh made 127 in the second innings.

Melton South 218 thrashed Aintree 96 in the other semi-final.

Jake Thorsen scored an unbeaten 138 and M. Chew 67 in adivision 2tally of 7/261 from 65 overs. Macedon managed ameagre 53 in reply.

GDCA FINALS

March 18 and 19 sees abig weekend of finals for the Gisborne District Cricket Association.

#McIntyre Cup semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday –Gisborne vRomsey (Gardiner Reserve); Sunbury United vBacchus Marsh (Langama Park).

#Johnstone Shield Grand Final –Romsey vMacedon (No. 1oval at Romsey)

#Jensen Shield Grand Final –Hanging Rock vRupertswood (Hanging Rock).

#Division 1Grand Final –Bacchus Marsh vMelton South (Maddingly Park).

#Division 2Grand Final –Romsey vBacchus Marsh (Romsey No. 2oval).

#Division 3Grand Final –Bacchus Marsh vEynesbury.

BarkersCreek defeated Castlemaine United in their semi-final showdown on Saturdayatthe Camp Reserve to make their waystraight into this weekend’s‘Best of Three’ grand final.

Photo: Max Lesser

Despite a top effort, the Muckleford A Grade side went down to Newstead at Wesley Hill on Saturday, giving the Newstead side the chance to play Castlemaine United on Sunday Newstead claiming their second win of the weekend to secure their spot in the grand final

Photo: Max Lesser

Magnificent 210–thenhospital!

Bill West

Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve was full of high drama on Saturday as one of the brightest young stars in McIntyre Cup cricket made asuperlative record-breaking run-a ball-210, with promise of more to come in the qualifying final.

Then Riley Vernon was struck down as an attempted ramp shot off Rupertswood fast bowler John Lane went horribly wrong, the ball rocketing into his head. The match stopped and immediate help was summoned.

The 22-year-old Gisborne opening bat ended up being rushed to aMelbourne hospital by ambulance and may not play again this season, even if the flag favourite makes the grand final.

Riley sustained afractured orbital bone in an eye socket, with cuts above and below a completely closed eye.

Yet he sounded remarkably resilient in the Royal Melbourne Hospital when the Express spoke to him by phone on Sunday afternoon.

Riley was hoping to find out if he could have repair surgery this week, and is resigned to missing this weekend’s knockout semi-final against Romsey.

His 210 retired hurt innings was abig part in Gisborne reaching 8/401 c.c. from 80 overs against Rupertswood on Saturday.

Jarryd Vernon, Riley’s older brother and Gisborne captain, made aquick 71 to continue his remarkable run-scoring season.

He said it was a“wait and see” situation regarding Riley’s recovery Gisborne had to win the semi-final before wondering whether Riley could be available for the grand final.

“We always enjoyed hitting balls in the backyard together Ithink we helped one another become better at the game,” Riley said of his brother.

In some ways Riley could be described as having lived in the shadow of his gifted

older brother on the sporting field. Jarryd recently scored 178 for Gisborne, and he said his brother had batted extraordinarily well against Rupertswood.

“I’ve never played in amatch where a double century has been scored,” Jarryd said.

Match umpire and GDCA life member Mick Jensen said Riley’s innings was chanceless, one of the best he has seen over his long time involved with cricket.

HARMAN’S RECORD GOES

Saturday’s double century broke Gisborne’s all-time highest score record of 199 not out by quality bat Steve Harman.

“I’ve practised the ramp shot and scored several fours with it on Saturday Iguess it was just one too many,” Riley quipped.

For aperiodhetried his luck with Richmond and Essendon in Premier League but found time commitments difficult to meet, especially with studying as an apprentice glazier (he works with his family’s well-known Macedon Ranges business).

Spotswood Cricket Club also had the talented youngster in its lineup at one stage.

Riley said he loved playing with Gisborne, and hoped to remain there next season.

The well-known Gisborne sporting family thanks all the well wishers who have contacted them since hearing of Riley’s unfortunate injury.

Rupertswood made 229 on Sunday and never looked likely to threaten Gisborne’s massive tally.

Second-placed Romsey just failed to chase down Bacchus Marsh’s moderate score of 194, but stay in the finals due to being the highest placed lucky loser on the ladder (That leap from fourth to second with an outright over East Sunbury was agodsend for the Redbacks).

The other McIntyre Cup semi-final at the weekend is between Sunbury United and Bacchus Marsh.

Lancefield claims premiership

Lancefield Cricket Club won the Club North Grade premiership by five wickets on Saturday, after its bowlers confined Gisborne to 9/123 from 35 overs to put the Tigers in the box seat.

Jason McDonald made avaliant 62 not out (11 fours) despite an injured leg, and prolific scoring opener Peter Sankey contributed 36.

Gisborne slumped from 1/49 to 6/59 in amid-innings collapse.

Ultimate Man of the Match

Matthew Bowden captured 3-25 from seven overs, Owen Phillips 2-15 from five, Pail Rix 1-14 from seven, with Luke and Nathan Malone taking one apiece.

Gisborne opening bowler

Daniel Mousley gave his side a chance by dismissing openers

Nathan Malone and Christian cheaply after their semi-final heroics, but athird wicket stand between Duane Milligan 41 and Luke Malone 39 steadied the Tigers.

Aquick unbeaten 30 from Bowden carried the home side to 5/125 with 10 overs remaining.

Coach Andrew Richardt was pleased with Lancefield’s performance over the season, with several new players filling in at times.

The Tigers also won apremiership in this grade three seasons ago, pre-COVID.

Lancefield’s presentation evening takes place for juniors and seniors this Saturday, from 5pm.

Lancefield cricketerswerethrilled to win the GDCA’sClub North Grade grand final agaimst Gisborne on Saturday. Pictured are (from left –backrow): Nathan Louws, BodeyDittloff,HuonWells, CoreyAnderson, Owen Phillips, Damian Cusack(captain), Duane Milligan, Simon Donnellan, Christian Keogh, Paul Rix. Front –Nathan Malone,MatthewBowden –Man of the Match, Luke Malone.Photo supplied.

Riley Vernon is pictured when he was playing for Central Highlands Region Plenty of “Get Better Soon” messages have been flooding in

View By Appointment Contact Agent

ForSale $1,400,000 -$1,500,000 Web rh.com.au/kyneton

Jennifer Pearce 0427 422 508 jennifer.pearce@kyneton.rh.com.au

36 Campbells Court, Kyneton

OH WHATABEAUTY!

•2 zoned living spaces, 2outdoor entertaining areas, 3water tanks& bore

•Westfacing verandah to shieldthe rooms from the summer heat

•A spacious kitchen/family/dining, with craftsman builtcrisp whitecabinetry

•Kid’sretreat room with doubleexternal access to an undercover playing space.

•Large capacityshedding ideal for everyone

Auction This Saturday

A 4 B 2 C 6

View Saturday 18th of March 10:45 -11:15am

ForSale$880,000-$950,000 Web rh.com.au/kyneton

Judith Stevens 0438 683 484 judith.stevens@kyneton.rh.com.au

34 Breakneck Road, Malmsbury

Discover ‘SPRINGFIELDS’

•Set on just over one acreofprime real estate

•The houseiswellinsulated and has both heating and cooling

•A great view of vegetablegardenwith sheep wandering among the maturetrees

•Abundant water supplyfromtanksand auxiliary bore

•Thereisahuge shed with concreatefloor (and power) to house6cars

Just Listed

A 3 B 2 C 2

View Saturday 18th of March

12:30 -1:00pm

Auction Saturday 18th of March 1:00pm

Web rh.com.au/kyneton

27 Deep Lead Lane, Kyneton

AFaded Beauty6.5 acres approx

•This home was builtonagrand scale withHUGE kitchen.

•Highlypolished timber floors and gas-log

fire

•Verandahrunsfullwidth of thehouse

•Onceoccupied by adog lover with about 20 dogkennels and adjacent dog runs

•Land area is abeautiful 6.5acres

Jennifer Pearce 0424 422508 jennifer.pearce@kyneton.rh.com.au

Kyneton 5422 2678

13 High St, Kyneton rh.com.au/kyneton

View By Appointment Contact Agent

ForSale $1.3M -$1.4M Web rh.com.au/kyneton

AModern

RuralRetreat,

493C Heathcote-RedesdaleRoad, Heathcote

•12acres surrounded by vineyards and rollingcountryside

•Modern passive solardesign -light-filled and efficient

•Stylish kitchen with 900mm s/steel cooker and stone benchtops

•2 living zones, cosy wood fire, reverse cycleheating/cooling

•3 robed bedrooms, 2bathrooms,achoice of 3alfresco zones

Judith Stevens 0438 683484

judith.stevens@kyneton.rh.com.au

A 4 B 2 C 5

A 3 B 2 C 2