Midland Express Tuesday 15 November 2022

Show time!

Jumping for joy: The Kyneton Show returns for the first time in three years this weekend and these youngsters can’t wait to jump in to the 160th grand annual show See main story inside for show highlights

Pictured practising for the free farm inspired parkour obstacle course are Ruby (left) and Maggie Stanton, 11, of Sidonia, with Oliver Sheawick, 9, and below, Henry Sheawick, 7, from Barfold

Photo: Sloane Griffin Photography

About the rebate

TheHome Heating and CoolingUpgrades Program will help Victorian households improve their thermal comfort by offering rebatestoupgrade gas heaters, electric heaters and wood heaters with energy efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners. Those with no heating mayalso be eligible

Through upgrading ahome heating system, applicants can improve their quality of life, provide jobs fortradespeople,producebroader environmental benefits by reducing gas emissions and improving local air quality,and pave the way forthe electrification of Victorian households as the statetransitions to arenewable energy future.

Under the program, eligible households can receive: »$1,000 towardsthe cost of an energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner; »$200 towardsthe cost of decommissioning their outdatedgas heater(if an existing gas heaterisbeing replaced); and »$500 towardsthe cost of upgrading their switchboard(if an upgrade is required to install the rebatedreverse-cycle air conditioner).

Agrand tradition

Awoodchop challenge, shearing and whip cracking demonstrations, sheep, cattle, horses, poultry, alpacas, dog agility and show dogs, even aminiature donkey. That’s just part of the lineup as the Kyneton Show returns this weekend with more free activities and events than ever to mark the 160th grand annual show.

“It is one of the oldest shows in Victoria that’s still running and the 160th is agreat time to be celebrating the importance of country shows,” Kyneton Agricultural Society president Andrew Ferrington said.

It will be ashow for the region after the Castlemaine, Bendigo and Lancefield shows were cancelled because of the recent floods.

The Kyneton Show began in 1858, running until the military occupied the showgrounds during World War II then continuing every year until COVID shut down community gatherings. The ag society ran afree fireworks display last year when the pandemic postponed the 160th show asecond time.

“Last year’s fireworks kept the show alive for everybody. It gave people hope that life would get back to normal and the show would be back, bigger and better than ever,” secretary Josephine Rutledge said.

Old favourite, the woodchop, returns to the show after along absence with demonstrations during the day on Saturday.

Three generations of Kyneton axemen, Patrick, Chris and Regan O’Toole, and Castlemaine father and son team, Glenn and Dale Hansford, will demonstrate the four classes of competition, from the traditional underhand and standard block to the teamwork of cross cut saws and the American innovation, the hot saw, where hotted up chainsaws roar through the logs in aspray of fine woodchip.

Mr Ferrington said the show maintained strong links to agriculture, recognising the strength of farming in the district and welcoming newer landowners. This year there’ll be tips from experts on farming, fencing, bee keeping, looking after the land and yourself, with free health and lifestyle checks for all in the new Life on the Land section.

More than 2000 entries are expected in the pavilion competition –everything from champion rose and best sponge to upcycled clothing, decorated pet rock, even home brew. There’s an expanded competition for LEGO lovers of all ages with ahuge new dedicated section on display under the grandstand.

It’s also afamily tradition for Ms Rutledge who is the third generation of her family to work on the show committee. Her grandfather, Bartholomew served on the committee while her father, Michael O’Sullivan senior, and brother Michael, have both served as presi-

dent of the agricultural society.

This is Ms Rutledge’s 10th show as secretary.

“I have such beautiful memories of attending the show with my family and friends and Iwantother children growing up to have that beautiful experience as well,” she said.

While the rides, sideshows and showbags are the biggest thing to come to town, the show is asafe alcohol-free zone for local kids to hang out with their friends –asimplepleasure many have missed out on in the last few years with the cancellation of most community events in the last two years.

The ag society has kept admission at pre-pandemic prices and kids 14 and under enter free.

“One of the big things we focus on is providing great value for money and when you are inside the gate, there’s lots of free things to do,” Mr Ferrington said.

But the show’s not just for kids or those with kids.

“It’s ashow for the whole community, for young and old and everyone in between, for families, all abilities there’s something for absolutely everyone,” Mr Ferrington said.

“We look forward to agreat day for everyone to enjoy.”

What’sonatthe show

Just some of the free events and activities you’ll find at this weekend’s Kyneton Show.

Carnival, 5.30 –10pmFriday Nov. 18 (no alcohol, no pass outs)

Night time fun with all the fireworks, ute muster, laser tag, rides, sideshows, showbags, live music, camel rides and more.

Show Day, Saturday Nov. 19 from 9am -4pm

The carnival and camel rides continue plus all the animals and hours of free fun:

·See 2,500+ entries in the pavilion competition –Watts Pavilion, LEGO under grandstand

·See stud sheep, alpacas, fleeces, cattle, even aminiature donkey plus the popular poultry pavilion, the dog show on the bottom oval and the spectacular horse competition on the main oval

·Woodchop and sheep shearing demonstrations through the day

·10.30am Children’s pet parade –free

entry

·Kids can climb all over our Country Parkour obstacle course till they're worn out

·Art andcraft activities, face painting and more in the marquee -all free

·Try Paddy’s crazy bikes or aquieter mount with free pony rides and the Lion's train

·5.30-10pm: Pose with areplica Mad Max Interceptor or jump on the Toecutter’s motorbike

·NEW Life on the Land section with expert tips on fencing, farm security, bee keeping and more plus the latest tractors and historic farm machinery

Admission:

14 and under -free ticket 15-17 years $5

Adults $15 Concession $10 Family pass $30 (2 adults, 4children) 2day family pass $50 www.kynetonshow.org.au

The KynetonShowcelebrates the best of old and newwith afocus on the district’sfarming history. Barfold boy, HenrySheawick, 7, test drives an old tractor forthe free agricultural-themed parkour obstacle course.Photo: Sloane Griffin Photography

Classiccar stolen

Macedon Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance after aclassic Ford Falcon, vehicles and property worth $300,000 were stolen during aburglary in New Gisborne last month.

Police have been told unknown offenders driving two utilities attended acommercial property on Hamilton Road about midnight on Monday October 17.

It is believed they gained entry by cutting alocked gate to the property and once inside stole a1971blue/green Ford Falcon XY GT registration 8999H8 replica sedan worth $130,000.

The offenders also stole atruck and trailer and used aforklift inside to load the truck with aride-on lawn mower, water tanks, tools, water pumps and electric tools.

They fled the scene, driving two utes, one with the trailer attached and in convoy with the stolen Ford Falcon and truck.

Investigators have released images of stolen Ford and trailer in the hope someone may recognise them.

Anyone who has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Pedestrian struck

It

Wanted fortheft

Police are investigating atheft that occurred at afastfoodstore in High Street, Kyneton, about 7.30pm on November 5.

Investigators have released images (pictured) of awoman who may be able to assist with enquiries.

Anyone

Apedestrian was taken to hospital after he was hit by acar in the Woolworths car park at Kyneton last Wednesday afternoon. The Hepburn Shire man, aged in his 60s, was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital with a suspected broken ankle and other injuries.

is believed the victim may have been bending down to pick something up when the vehicle collided with him. Police confirmed no one was at fault in the incident.

with information is asked to contact Senior Constable David Fernandes at Kyneton Police Station on 5421 2900.

Assessing wa a

As flood repair work continues across the region, the North Central Catchment Management Authority is assessing damage done to local waterways and the assets built to protect and enhance them.

For the past 25 years, the North Central CMA has been working alongside farmers and community groups to improve the condition of rivers such as the Campaspe and Loddon, as well as wetlands of international significance.

Fencing and revegetation has created conditions for native plants and animals such as fish, platypus, water rats and the water bugs they feed on to survive and thrive.

North Central CMA program delivery executive manager, Rachel Murphy, said the floods had impacted alot of that work.

“We’ve been working closely with communities before, during, and after these floods, and that work continues every day,” she said.

“Part of that work from now on will be understanding the full extent of the impact of recent flooding on our waterways and wetlands.”

Ms Murphy said the North Central CMA wanted the community’s help to assess the damage.

“We’re keen to hear from landholders who have noticed flood damage to waterway fencing and revegetation, or significant bank erosion,” she said.

“We’re putting aregister together to help identify priority locations where we may be able to support recovery efforts.

“We’ve created an easy to use online survey for people to enter in as much information as they can about any damage to waterways on their property or in their area.

“From there, we hope to get back in touch with people over the coming months to undertake more detailed impact assessments.”

People can go to www.bit.ly/cmarepair, follow the links on the North Central CMA website –www.nccma.vic.gov.au or call 03 5448 7124.

Fatal crash at Redesdale

Police are investigating afatal crash in Redesdale on Sunday November 6.

It is believed acar crashed into atreeat the intersection of Lyell Road and Church Lane North about 2.20pm.

The female driver, who was the sole occupant of the car, died at the scene.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash and anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dash cam footage of the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

The Loddon River in flood.

Wendy

Circus Mania hits feverpitch

Lisa Dennis

Excitement is building for this weekend’s inaugural Circus Mania Festival as the ‘May Wirth’ Big Top was erected in Castlemaine last week.

Circus Mania organisers and local circus performers, Caz Walsh and Mason West of Red Canvas Productions, have been working hard behind the scenes for months and are delighted to finally see the event coming together.

“Our Suitcase Circus troupe began rehearsals under the big top and at the Castlemaine Circus facility at The Goods Shed on Monday and international adult circus ‘Rogue’ have been here for aweek doing creative development at Castlemaine Circus,” Caz said.

“They have also been generously sharing their skills through masterclasses with both Castlemaine Circus trainers and students,” she said.

Circus Mania opens this Thursday evening and runs through until Sunday and will feature three incredible shows:

–The adventure filled and educational ‘Big Tops and Tiny Tots’ aimed at youngsters aged three to seven years.

–Anall ages ‘Suitcase Circus’, set in the glory days of the past, full of awe-inspiring, gasp-worthy tricks from amesmerising cast of world-class performers.

–And ’Rouge’ circus for grown ups (MA15+), which is adecadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and twisted burlesque.

There will also be ahost of other entertainment and activities across the four days of the event.

“We will have apop-up garden bar with offerings from locals Shedshaker Brewing, live music on Thursday and Friday featuring blues talent Jarrod Shaw, food trucks

and of course circus staples such as popcorn and fairy floss," Caz said.

“If you’ve ever dreamed about running away to join the circus, on Saturday and Sunday you can also try your hand at our circus skills sessions with the team from Castlemaine Circus."

Some of the young Castlemaine Circus performers are also set to feature in the festival.

“Each day as part of Suitcase Circus there will be one performance from the aerial teams at Castlemaine Circus featur-

ing local performers aged 16-18. It will be awonderful opportunity for them to showcase their skills under the bright lights of the big top,” Caz said.

Tickets for all shows are selling fast with just 20 tickets remaining for Sunday’s Suitcase Circus and tickets for ‘Rouge’ quickly being snapped up.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the response to the event and we can’t wait to share this incredible festival with our community,” Caz said.

For tickets visit circusmania.com.au

Circus Mania co-organiser and Suitcase Circus member Caz Walsh, RougeperformersPaul Westbrook and Jessie McKibbin and Suitcase Circus performer Maddy Burleigh are thrilled to bring circus to Castlemaine

Gasleak detected in High Street

Quick response to agas leak avoided potential disaster on Wednesday.

Apasser-by called Triple Zero to report astrong smell of gas outside the Kyneton Community House shopfront on High Street shortly before 5.30pm.

Two crews from Kyneton Fire Brigade were quickly on the scene and used gas de-

tectors to source the leak, which was found to be on the footpath in gas valve covers.

The brigade donned breathing apparatus and set up aprecautionary house line while waiting on aresponse from the gas company. Police diverted eastbound traffic for just over an hour while the scene was made safe.

Lions celebrate 50 years

Castlemaine Lions Club will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this Sunday at agathering at the Lions clubhouse in Kennedy Street.

All past and resent members and partners are invited to attend the afternoon tea

from 2pm, have atourofthe present facility, view the club’s collected history and celebrate 50 years of service to Castlemaine and district. RSVP for catering purposes to Ken on 0428 721 809.

Twocrews from Kyneton Fire Brigade were quicklyonthe scene of agas leak in Kyneton last Wednesday. Photo: Btian Wilson, ietsystems.com.au

Exquisite art+craft

The Phoenix Macedon Ranges Art and Craft Group's annual exhibition and sale returns this December.

Go along and see the group's exquisite art and craft work and speak to the artists who created them.

The group has members creating with paint, glass art, ceramics, jewellery, paper craft, woodwork, textile art and knitted crafts.

All items are handcrafted and made locally by the artists.

Original works are on display and for sale and entry is free.

The Phoenix Macedon Ranges Art and Craft group was formed after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires that decimated the Macedon Ranges area and affected many local artists and craftspeople.

The group promotes friendship, learning and interest in arts and crafts and helps to produce the motivation to work towards agoal, namely its exhibitions and sales.

Held at the Old Gisborne Court House, 4Hamilton Street, the show is on Saturday December 3, from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday December 4, 9am to 4pm (to coincide with the Gisborne Olde Time Market on Sunday).

It's been at least adecade since any of them have had ahaircut.

Now mates, John Crozier, Lucas Paladino and Jarrod McQuade, are about to lop off of their prized dreadlocks in the name of mental health.

Through their fundraiser, Cut the Dread, they aim to raise $20,000 for Youth Live4Life.

It's abig move for the trio who grew up together in Woodend and have become known for their hair but all for agoodcause.

"It's just ahairstyle but it's definitely defined who we are. It will be abit of ashock to the system," Jarrod said.

"We wanted it to be for agood cause and the first idea that came up was mental health.

"It's an important discussion. If people break their arm or leg, they get it fixed, but if people have mental health concerns it's not always spoken about."

Growing up in aregional area and working as tradies, the young men felt they ticked alot of boxes for at-risk groups and wanted to set an example.

"We want people to know that it's okay to talk about mental health and that there are resources available," Jarrod said.

"People need to know that, whatever they are going through, they don't need to do it alone."

Their chosen organisation, Youth Live4Life, is anon-profit that began in the Macedon Ranges and now supports young people right across Victoria.

Live4Life is the only mental health education and youth suicide prevention model designed specifically for rural and regional communities.

It delivers teen and accredited youth mental health first aid training in schools and the wider community, create local partnerships to lead

The trio began aGoFundMepageand have already raised $6000 toward their $20,000 target.

The dreadlock shave will take place at the

The

To make adonation, visit: gofundme.com/f/ cut-the-dread

conversations about mental health that reduce stigma, and promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors.

Full Moon Saloon, Woodend, at 1pm on Saturday, November 19.

event will include hamper prizes (donated from local businesses), live entertainment, silent auctions, and food and drink.

Trio (from left) Jarrod McQuade,Lucas Paladino and John Crozier will lop off their locks to raise funds and awareness formental health.

Recycled water release continues

Greater Western Water will continue to release controlled amounts of Class B recycled water in Deep Creek until the plant is back to safe operating levels.

GWW announced last Thursday it planned to continue releases from the Romsey Recycled Water Plant due to to recent heavy rainfall in Romsey and Lancefield.

"Right now, storage levels are at 102.2 per cent –safe operating level for the plant is 95 per cent. As soon as we reach safe operating levels, we’ll be able to stop the release," GWW stated.

"The recycled water from our Romsey Recycled Water Plant being discharged into Deep Creek continues to meet the Class Bstandard.

"We also comply with the chief veterinary officer’s approved method of Helminth removal of at least 25 days lagoon detention, as per Victorian guideline for water recycling (EPA Victoria).

"We only release when there are adequate flows in the creek for the release to meet aminimum 1:10 dilution ratio, to minimise environmental impact. Independent testers will continue to take daily samples unless weather conditions, safety concerns or logistical difficulties make it unsafe do so."

GWW launched anew website on November 5where regular updates and water quality reports are available.

For more information visit: gww.com.au or call 13 44 99.

Skate parktoexpand

GisborneSkate Parkisearmarked for expansion to cater for all users andskill levels.

MacedonRanges Shire Council is about to release its Draft GisborneSkateParkReview detailing potential future upgradesand additions.

The proposal includesexpansion to the south, developmentofafor malisedpump trackinplace of the currentBMX track,and landscape infrastructure including shelters, seating andbins.

Areport to council last month stated "the existing facility falls

short in itslack of diversity"and doesn't align with currenttrendsfor all user types (skate, scooter and BMX)and skilllevel.

The skate parkreview follows a strong community push in 2020 led by then nine-year-oldGisborne lo cal Thomas Gilmour.

Frustrated by thelack of diverse infrastructure, he rallied more than 700 youth to call forimprovements to the park

The Draft GisborneSkatePark Reviewisexpected to be available on Macedon Ranges Shire Council's website thismonth.

Localwriter wins the Furphy

Local writer Cate Kennedy is the winner of this year's Furphy Literary Award with her short story Art and Life, an insightful look at ayoung classical violinist whose busking career takes an instructive turn.

"Art and Life,isquite humorous on the surface, but it's really an allegory," Kennedy said.

"The boy has no self-regulation and keeps sliding back into his persona, so often, that the real him doesn't exist anymore.

"It's asatirical look at the rabbit hole of creating personas online, especially for young people, and in particular during COVID. "Just because being online is easy and convenient, doesn't mean it doesn't come at acost; both psychological and social. We should really be out in the hurlyburly of the world bumping into people."

Art and Life is featured in The Furphy Anthology 2022,alongside 16 short stories written by amixture of newcomers and established writers.

"The book displays the works of 16 voices, giving people aglimpse of the world. The stories are sad, happy, funny, and amixture of all three," Kennedy said.

"Short story competitions like this give readers an opportunity to explore new authors."

Kennedy is the author of two collections of short stories, one novel and three volumes of poetry.

She works as awriting mentor and

Alifeofvolunteering

Aspecialevening will be held next week to celebrate Jean and Doug Hedington’s life of volunteering for Kyneton. For more than 50 years these two have supported Vision Australia, the Kyneton Agricultural Show committee, Vision Australia, the Uniting Church and the Kyneton Horticultural Society to name afew.

On Monday November 21 at 6.30pm there will be aplanting of aspecial commemorative tree to honour their work in the grounds of the Kyneton Uniting Church, corner of Ebden and Yaldwyn Street West. All are welcome to attend, with refreshments served at the Kyneton football club rooms afterwards. Come and give thanks for these two who have given so much to our town.

teacher living in Castlemaine with her 16-year-old daughter and agigantic book collection.

"I was abig reader all through childhood," she said.

"I must have been around nine or 10 years old and Ithought, 'I want to know how it works, how they have done this?' Like amagic trick. Iwanttobeable to do this trick, all the tricks."

On writing short stories, Kennedy said short stories gave us aglimpse, like ashot you knock back, reading it in one sitting.

"I've always loved short stories. They're like asmall diving pool. Where you can only do one thing really well in ashort time, go down, and come up again," she said.

"With short stories creating avoice that feels real is so important. Letting the reader hear that voice... it's very intimate. And you can't waste aword."

Head down to the Taproom at 6pm on Tuesday, December 6for the Books at the Brewery: Christmas Event (put on by Northern Books) to buy acopy of the anthology and to hear Kennedy and fellow authors, Frank Bongiorno and Julietta Henderson, speak.

Tickets can be purchased at: www. northernbooks.com.au/christmas-event

kyneton.nsb or woodend.nsb

Cate Kennedy.

An accidental olivist n accccidental oliivvist

A local leading light of olive growers will be guest speaker at Kyneton Horticultural Society's last speaker night for 2022

On Monday November 21, Rob Pearse will enlighten the audience about, you guessed it, growing olives

His talk is about the journey from virtually knowing zilch about horticulture, to becoming an olive grower This happened almost by accident, and today, 14 years later, the self described 'Accidental Oliv ist' has a successful olive business

Olive’s Olives was established in 2008 and is a family run, 300 tree grove in the heart of the Macedon Ranges just north of Kyneton Rob now also mentors the own ers of several other groves in the region who love olives but have no knowledge regarding the harvest ing/pruning/maintenance involved in successfully operating an olive grove

The business proudly sells di rectly to the local community, provi dores, restaurants, accommodation businesses, and vineyard cellar doors in the Macedon Ranges

The talk starts a little later than usual, due to the planting of a commemorative tree in the uniting church grounds at 6 30pm, so it will be about 8pm at Kyneton Football Club Rooms, Showgrounds, Mol lison Street, Kyneton

Everyone is welcome

Rob Pearse is a local leading light of olive growers

Writerscelebrateplace, story, nature

The inaugural Mountain Writers Festival was adraw for booklovers and naturelovers alike.

Held earlier this month, the festival was the flagship event for the Macedon Ranges Literary Association and carried the theme ‘Place Story Nature’.

It was the first Australian literary festival to solely focus on environmental and ecological writing, and the impact

literature has on issues such as habitat, water, species and climate change.

Festival director Sonia Orchard said state government funding for the event enabled afantastic program.

“It has enabled us to reach out to Australia’s top environmental writers, thinkers and performers, and put together the kind of line-up and festival that Macedon Ranges locals can be very proud of,"

Sonia said.

The 2022 program included Peter Garrett, Costa Georgiadis, Sarah Wilson, Scott Pape, Evelyn Araluen, Aaron Fa’aoso, Joëlle Gergis, and ahostof leading names in climate change, Indigenous literature, politics, arts and entertainment.

The festival also featured the first readings of aplaycommissioned by MRLA to

commemorate the night of Ash Wednesday nearly 40 years ago, where 300 residents and their animals took shelter in the Macedon Railway Hotel as the bushfires raged outside.

Lending their talent to the performance were Shane Jacobson, Nadine Garner and Angourie Rice.

The festival ran over one weekend, November 4-6.

Jacinta Parsons, Costa Georgiadis and Hannah Moloneyham it up forthe camera.

Photo: Fiona Wood

Evelyn Araluen, Aaron Fa’aoso and Declan Fry.

Photo: Fiona Wood

Harcourt resident Margaret Carr was travelling home by car on November 5 when an enormous gum tree fell directly in front of her vehicle.

"As you can imagine it was areal shock," Margaret told the Express."It was unbelievable, almost surreal, and completely out of the ordinary. Iwent abit numb and just sat there trying to catch my breath."

The tree had been dislodged from its waterlogged roots by recent significant rainfalls.

During the month of October, Harcourt residents experienced four separate flood incidents, causing an enormous amount

of damage including asignificant number of fallen trees, and damage to roads and houses.

"It really was terrifying," Margaret said. "The neighbours came out and said they had heard the roots snapping. Ididn't hear anything, just saw it fall."

The SES was called and atractor arrived shortly after to move the tree to the side of the road.

Call VICSES on 132 500 for assistance with floods and storms. Requests will be logged at the 24 hours call centre and a local volunteer may contact you for further details. For all life-threatening emergencies contact 000.

Harcourt resident Margaret Carr narrowly escaped getting hit by this enormous gumtree erlier this month.

Dosed doco to screen

Castlemaine's Theatre Royal will screen the Canadian documentary, Dosed 2 The Trip of aLifetime,this coming Sunday at 1.30pm.

Organised by the Victorian Goldfields branch of the Australian Psychedelic Society, the screening and panel discussion will be followed by aperformance in the courtyard by the local psychedelic rock group, Aplegate.

Dosed 2 follows Laurie, aterminally ill cancer patient and loving mother of four, as she is granted the right to legally use magic mushrooms to treat her end-of-life anxiety. She then embarks on aremarkable journey of personal transformation and healing while exploring lesser-known possible cures for cancer, like cannabis oil.

The film also features experts such as Dr Gabor Maté, Paul Stamets, Dr Dennis McKenna, Sharan Sidhu and Dana Larsen.

After the screening, there will be apanel discussion featuring some of Australia’s leading figures in the use of psychedelics in medicine. Panellists include Dr Justin Dwyer –a psychotherapist and researcher at St Vincent's Hospital, Dr Karen Hitchcock –MDand author, and Dr Martin Williams –president of PRISM (Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine).

Also on the panel will be Dr Margaret Ross.

Dr Ross is the chief principal investigator for Australia’s first psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy study at St Vincent's Hospital.

Psilocybin is the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms.

When asked why this research was important, Dr Ross said agrowing number of healthcare professionals and academics could see the therapeutic potential of psychedelicassisted therapies for arange of mental health/health conditions.

"We still need more research to understand this more thoroughly," she said.

"Unfortunately, psychedelic-assisted therapy research was thwarted in the 1970s for political reasons, not scientific reasons.

"In fact, the data was achieving quite positive results. This very valuable research stopped for decades. So we have some catching up to do."

To book visit theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au

Dr Margaret Ross will be among the panel speakers.

Your chanceto share in $6000

We’re sliding headlong into Christmas and that means one thing! The Midland Express’s Christmas Candy Card is back! It’s your once-in-a-year opportunity to share in the chance to win great cash prizes and vouchers.

It’s easy, it’s fun, and it will help you get your Christmas shopping done!

Take part and go in the draw and you could win the first prize of $2000, the second prize of $1000 or one of six $500 vouchers for our readers. How good would that be in the lead up to Christmas?

All you need to do is collect Express Christmas Candy Card the participating businesses in or the Midland Express or Castlemaine Mail offices (see addresses below). Posters will be displayed by businesses taking part so it’s easy to see where to go. They also have acandy cane on their advertisements the Midland Express to let readers know they are part of this fantastic promotion.

*Onthe back of each card space for five puzzle pieces numbered 1-5.

*From Tuesday November Tuesday December 6, adifferent puzzle piece will appear each somewhere in the Midland Express.

*Collect all five puzzle pieces stick them to the back of your *Oncecompleted, drop the in to 3Market Street, Kyneton, to PO Box 153, Kyneton Vic 3444, alternatively drop it in to 13 Hargraves

Street, Castlemaine, or post to PO Box 227, Castlemaine Vic 3450.

*The Christmas Candy Card promotion winners will be drawn on Tuesday December 13 @noon and all winners will be notified by phone.

So pick up aChristmas Candy Card and get going –you might be one of the lucky ones getting acall! (And here’s ahint to help you on your way –this week’s Midland Express puzzle piece is on page 18.)

Letusnot forget them

The following speech was given by Alan Lane of the Castlemaine RSL sub-branch to the people gathered at Friday’s Remembrance Day commemoration

“On May 5, 2011, afrail old man died in Perth. The sort of death that happens in nursing homes every day. But this was no ordinary loss. With the passing of Claude Choules, the final link to World War One had broken.

About 70 million people fought in that dreadful conflict. Mr Choules was the last man standing, so to speak. A mighty bond, worn down to asingle slender thread, itself now broken.

An age had ended. Its sole surviving voice forever mute.

Claude Choules was there on this day, 111 years ago. The day the guns fell silent. The day that peace began. But if November 11 was the end of the war, it was the end of innocence too. Never again the ‘laughter of unclouded years.

The armistice forged that autumn morning was abitter, partial peace. But then again, it always is.

Because human nature is weak and the summons to war lies never far away.

That is how this memorial to one war came to be opened in the midst of another.

And how hardly aday has passed since 1941 when Australians have not been abroad on active service, half of that time in combat operations.

The truth is we are agoodnation in an imperfect world. Apeople of peace so often called to war.

Fighting other nations, but really fighting deeper foes: tyranny, injustice, persecution, and greed. Never for national gain. Never for purposes other than what we judged to be right.

With the immense sadness of 102,000 names, it is right to conclude that our nation, and especially the young people of our nation, have always accepted the cost and burden of war. If we pay that price willingly, we never pay it lightly.

Because war is aprofound responsibility for any nation to undertake. Is it not surprising that men like Claude Choules and Charlie Mance (another highly decorated soldier) who saw the worst of war, became the most fervent sons of peace, and so often shunned observances such as this.

They knew what we only see, ‘through aglass darkly’. Privy to the joyless irony of conflict: that the aim of war is peace -and the price of peace is all too often war.

An unbearable paradox is witnessed by endless rows of pale, identical gravestones, and mud-soaked fields that even now still yield up their dead.

There are many tributes to war –memorials, wreaths, poems, and songs. All of them reaching for the unsayable. All of them falling necessarily short.

Perhaps the only memorial that fully touches the enormity of war is silence.

It was in silence that so many of our veterans wrapped themselves in when they came back. Having seen and done things too awful to ever bring into the sanctity of their own homes. Or to share with people who could never understand. The things of which there is nothing left to be said. Things for which words and symbols fail.

And contemplation remains our best and only gift. In the wisdom and dignity of our silence, therefore, let us not forget. It is little enough to ask of us who gained so much, from those who gave so much. So in our still and grateful hearts, let there be only silence. That on this day, and on every day, in every month and season, we will remember them.”

Masie Douglas, Eddie Farthing and wifeMargFarthing. Eddie is wearing his ownmedals and those of his father who served in both wars.

$6,000 GIVEAWAY

Christmas Candy Card HOW IT WORKS

C•Collect your Christmas card from any of the participating businesses in your town or from the Midland Express office at 3Market Street, Kyneton or 13 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine.

•Onthe back of your card there will be 5puzzle pieces to collect.

•Each piece will be numbered 1–5

•Each week anew puzzle piece (1-5) will appear in the Midland Express commencing Tuesday 8th November until Tuesday 6th December 2022.

•Collect all 5pieces and paste or stick on the back of the card. Once completed drop the card into 3Market Street Kyneton or post to PO BOX 153, Kyneton Vic 3444 or 13 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine or post to PO Box 227 Castlemaine.

•The Christmas card promotion will be drawn on Tuesday 13th December @12noon and all winners will be notified by phone.

• Prizes –* $2,000 First Prize *$1,000 Second Prize *6x$500.00 vouchers

•Ads will be displayed as Run of Press in the paper

•Each business that participated will have aCandy Cane on their ad to indicate they are part of the promotion.

•Each business will have aflyer in their window to show that they are part of this promotion, during the promotional time.

Let’stalk Leet t t’’s s t talk Wirra-Lo Wirraa-LLo o wetlands weettlands revival reviivval

Damien Cook from Wetlands Revival Trust will share his work on restoring Northern Victoria's wetlands in aNewstead Landcare presentation tomorrow.

Akeennaturalist for 35 years, Damien has developed asound knowledge of flora and fauna ecology, identification, and habitat requirements.

He is arecognised expert in wetland, riparian and terrestrial ecology, particularly in the factors affecting the establishment and management of aquatic and wetland plants, and the revegetation of terrestrial grassland and woodland ecosystems.

The Wetland Revival Trust has been working with the current owners Ken and Jill Hooper since 2014 to repair and preserve the precious wetlands of Wirra-Lo.

Wirra-Lo is one of the last strongholds of the nationally vulnerable growling grass frog in Northern Victoria and its wetlands support breeding habitat for the endangered Australasian bittern.

“The woodlands at Wirra-Lo are home to grey-crowned babblers, another threatened species," Damien said.

"To date 127 species of wildlife, including 100 species of birds, 12 species of reptiles 126 species of indigenous plants have been observed at covenanted property is also of high cultural significance, supportmound. the local Aboriginal community to provide training and emand management activities.

to all those interested at, at Newstead Community Centre, 7.30pm. Tea and coffee will be served after the talk. donation with proceeds going to afundtopurchase and maninformation and how to make atax deductible donation, go to:

Damien Cook, restoration ecologist and director of the Wetland Revival Trust.

Everything from watercolour and acrylic to felt needling and woodcraft can found at one of Newham's newest private gallery spaces.

Artist Kerttu Rintala has opened her home gallery to the public for the first time and is encouraging people to make it part of their weekend journey to the area.

Wandering through her gallery space, Kerttu's love for the natural world is evident in her most popular pieces, which feature roses and Australian wildlife.

Those who frequent the Newham General Store may have spied her bird paintings often displayed there.

Animals feature heavily in her work but her pieces also go beyond the expected. Vibrant and colourful streetscapes take

on awhole new style and there is even some traditional intricate Finnish himmeli on display.

"People should prepare to be surprised," Kerttu said.

Kerttu moved with her family from Finland to Australia 1964 and moved to Newham with her husband 32 years agoafter falling in love with the local landscape.

Her gallery Anne-Li Art, at 35 Robertson Drive, is open each Saturdayand Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Small works like prints, cards and framed paintings are ideal for Christmas gifts, as well as arange of items such as printed mugs andtea towels. Larger works could make the perfect feature piece. Or just visit the gallery to browse the creative space.

Kerttu Rintala is welcoming people to her gallery.

Viewthe world differently

The news: We read it, we watch it, we listen to it, we scroll our devices looking for it.

But how aware are you of the choices you are making and how they are affecting your health –and your life?

Cate Mercer, editor/publisher of The Art of Healing,iscelebrating 20 years of producing her magazine and says there has never been amore important time to raise awareness around our health and news choices.

“We are so bombarded with news, information and notifications these days. We all know this. But what are we doing about it?”

Cate asks.

Doomscrolling is an example of how looking for news has been taken to the extreme. Described as the activity of endlessly scrolling and consuming (mostly negative news), it has been found that during times of uncertainty we feel more compelled to watch the news –but this can affect mental wellbeing. The World Health Organization says the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a25per cent increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.

“So what Iaim to do with The Art of Healing magazine, is give my readers lots of different ways they can view the world, from a hopefully more positive perspective,” Cate says.

“I try to do this using both text and imagery in the magazine, through specific books Iselect from publisher release lists, from presenters Iapproachfromalot of different events Iattend.”

Creating The Art of Healing in the garage of her Byron Bay home in October 2002, Cate says she is grateful to be able to continue to produce the magazine.

She will be giving atalkabout the media and what it takes to produce amagazine in today’s climate at the Coolroom @The Northern Arts Hotel on Monday, November 21 from 7.30pm. Tickets $15 available from Eventbrite: coolroom.eventbrite.com. The evening will include amagazine giveaway for each attendee. Magazines and books will also be available for purchase.

Dance with the lights down low

Maldon and Castlemaine are part of the movement that is dancing in the dark.

The two towns will host regular events where people can turn up the tunes to dance, boost their mood and release their inhibitions with the lights off –and,all completely sober.

Participants are mums, dads, students, lawyers, baristas and anyone from 12 to 100 years old.

The one thing they have in common is that in the dark they come

alive, shake the blues away and get lost in the music.

The movement has been successful around the world since it began in 2009 and now it’s coming to Maldon and Castlemaine.

The Castlemaine sessions will be held once amonth on Tuesdays at West End Hall, Woodman Street, from 8pm to 9pm. Entry is $10.

The Maldon sessions will be held at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, 1Church Street, on Fridays from 8pm to 9pm. Entry is $10.

Mini fete

Amini fete at Kyneton’s Uniting Church Hall will raise funds for Friends of Vision Australia (Kyneton).

There will be plenty of goodies and stalls to browse including cakes, craft, plants, produce, and lots of trash and treasure. Morning tea and lunch will also be available.

The fete will be held on Saturday, November 26, from 8am to 2pm.

Working bee

Tylden Cemetery Trust is host aworking bee at the cemetery from 9am on Sunday November 27.

BYO rakes, spades, whipper snipper, mower etc.

Enquiries to Kath Morrison 5424 1583.

Cate Mercer,editor/publisherofThe ArtofHealing.

Photo/stylist/jewellery: Fiona Orr

Joyous laughter-filled adventure

Lisa Dennis

The Midland Express had the opportunity to attend the matinee performance of Castlemaine Theatre Company’s latest production Peter Panto: Or One Flew Over the Second Star on the Right last Sunday.

There was only one way for this reporter to sum up the performance, simply ‘joyous’.

Ahuge crowd of all ages packed the Phee Broadway Theatre to catch the CTC’s first show since the pandemic struck and the enthusiasm was palpable.

The divine Nurse Ratched (aka Seamus Curtain-Magee) greeted the audience and gave us the run down on engagement throughout the pantomime –with the audience encouraged to boo and hiss the baddies, warn the heroes and heroines of imminent danger and generally engage in the performance.

The crowd was certainly happy to do just that. In fact, it's hard to recall such colourful interaction between and audience and acast.

The play is Peter Pan with atwist and the audience loved the storyline, the references to Castlemaine, and the host of colourful characters showcasing the rich arts talent of the community.

There were also some more serious moments and teachings to offer touching on themes such as consent, equality and inclusiveness.

From cheeky rising young star Stanley Kearns who plays Michael Darling to emerging talent Milly Karimi who played Wendy, the incomparable Bridget Haylock as

Captain Hook and endearing John Willis cast in the role of Tinkerbell, every performer gave their all bringing moments of tenderness, warmth and downright hilarity to the stage.

Director Kate Stones even made acameo as the crocodile when a cast member was struck down by illness –proving the old adage ‘the show must go on’.

The panto was punctuated with

some fantastic musical numbers including some more poignant moving moments and some fabulous song and dance numbers where the audience was encouraged to sing along with the cast.

All in all, this was afabulous show coupled with fantastic costumes, set design, lighting and sound, and really encompassed what community theatre is all about.

Be sure to get along and catch it for yourself.

Peter Panto: Or One Flew Over the Second Star on the Right continues this weekend with shows Friday and Saturday at 7pm and the final performance this Sunday November 20 at 2pm.

For tickets visit www.castlemainetheatrecompany.com/whats-on/ ticket-sales

Double win for Express

The Midland Express had asuc cessful night at the Victoria Country Press Association annual awards dinner on Friday, claiming two titles for 2021-22.

The newspaper was awarded Best Digital Advertisement Award (open circulation) for Greenaway Bins' 'Time for aClean up' and Best Advertising Feature Award (over 6000 circulation) for the Central Victoria Football and Netball Season lift-out 2022.

Express sales manager Lynda Brew congratulated the team on astrong effort.

"These awards are acollaboration of the whole team and of course we couldn't do any of this without our advertisers who make this ad and special feature what they are," she said.

The awards were presented adinner and ceremony at the RACV Club in Melbourne on Friday.

Pirate Cecco (Leah Fistric), Pirate Skylight (Sarah Cody), Captain Hook (Bridget Haylock), WendyDarling (MillyKarimi) and Pirate Starkley(Paula Russell) aboardthe JollyRoger Photo: Stephen Mitchell

Wellbeing

The nutrition andmentalhealth link

Learn the latest science on how your gut microbiome and nutrition can improve your mental health while nourishing your mind, body and soul.

Experienced nutritionist Louise Nicholson (pictured) is presenting aseminar, ‘Optimising your Mental Health through Nutrition’, at Chiropractic Life Kyneton on November 24.

Participants will benefit from aworkable understanding of the gut microbiome and how, by sound nutrition, they can positively influence their mental health.

The seminar will educate on the physiology that determines our mental health and about the gut-brain axis and how we can self-monitor our own stress levels.

Louise Nicholson has been asportsnutritionist with the Fitzroy Football Club, the Triathlon Association of Victoria and the AFL Umpires Association, while training as an athlete herself for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Over the past 15 years, Louise pursued her passion for paramedics, gaining asecond science degree and going on to lecture at Victoria University.

She also worked within the community where she cared for patients severely impacted by chronic disease brought on by failing food and healthcare systems.

Driven to help people understand how, through nutrition, they can prevent and improve their health, Louise has

undertaken further studies in the gut microbiome leading to the development of nutrition education courses designed to contribute to improved wellness, performance and productivity.

Through these modules, Louise aims to positively impact an unsustainable health burden on society and educate us on the land we depend upon for our sustenance and good health.

Louise’s mission is to bring the latest science on nutrition to individuals and organisations and create amovement where we recognise the importance of respecting the natural food chain and in so doing, nourish our health and ensure the survival of our environment that feeds us.

Book your place

Optimising your Mental Health through Nutrition will be held at Chiropractic Life in Kyneton on Thursday, November 24 at 7pm. Cost is $27. Bookings are via Eventbrite.

This is the first talk in aseries of 14 to be held. Starting in February seminars will cover different topics every month.

Some of the topics planned for 2023 are Nutritional Strategies to Manage Hormonal Health, and Bone Health, its link to Heart Health and Longevity and Dementia, and Maintaining Peak Brain Health Through Nutrition.

Horses helping families

Elizabeth Hannah, together with her five horses, practises Equine Assisted Therapy on abeautiful property near Kyneton.

Participants are telling how happy they are with the outcomes of the therapy, including one named Elena.

“Elizabeth and her incredible horses have helped me regain my sense of self and worth,” Elena says. “I am so happy and thankful that Idecided to call her, as this therapy has been life changing for me.”

Family involvement

While therapy sessions with participants are usually 1:1 (really 1:2 including the horse!) the involvement of parents, carers or support people in the therapy work is strongly encouraged, Elizabeth says.

“A parent or guardian usually accompanies children to the sessions and acts as an observer,” she says.

“This means they witness the work their children are doing in the yard. This can be beneficial in bringing about changes in the home.

Building relationships

“Participants often seek help with their relationships with other people –family members, friends, colleagues.

“At times another person will join in a session with aparticipant for the purpose of improving their relationship,” Elizabeth says.

The following may occur

*Participant may take aleadership role, sharing the knowledge and skills they have gained during their sessions. This has been particularly helpful with siblings.

*Participant and the other person work together in the activities with the horse. Elizabeth has seen siblings who generally don’t get along very well, quietly and calmly brushing ahorse together. The calm state of the horse, Elizabeth believes, helps them with this. If there is adisagreement during the time together this is worked through. Elizabeth is always present. The aim is for the participants to experience away of managing conflict that can be repeated at home.

“The two may see qualities or strengths in each other that they don’t normally notice,” Elizabeth says.

“Often aparentisobserving the activities in the yard and they mayalso notice things about the way their children are interacting. “These observations may be talked about during the reflection time at the end of the session and perhaps later on at home.

“Family members and carers of participants can gain relief from stress through attending sessions and acting as observers.

“They usually find it relaxing to sit on the verandah and watch the session.”

See advert for contact details.

Take control with hypnotherapy

“With the festive season approaching, many people will find they are eating too much and/or consuming too much alcohol, which can lead to not just being overweight, but also to many other life-threatening diseases, such as heart ailments, Alzheimers, poor nutrition and cancer, to name just afew,” says Marianne Pattinson of Kyneton Hypno Therapies.

“Fortunately, hypnotherapy is asafe, available and inexpensive means to enable people to have some control over lifestyle choices.

“It works by eliminating ‘cravings’ for un-

healthy foods that most overweight people have.”

Weight-loss hypnotherapy helps to boost your metabolism, and make you want to exercise much more than you do, Marianne says.

“Hypnotherapy has also been found to be the most effective way to give up smoking.”

Marianne says you should be able to benefit after just two sessions and suggests you might like to take control before you face the indulgent end-of-year excesses.

Nutritionist Louise Nicholson is presenting the seminar ‘Optimising your Mental Health through Nutrition’.

Wellbeing

WelcometoSprings Medicalopenday

The pandemic has held off many things happening in the past few years, including the official opening day of Springs Medical in Kyneton.

Unable to have an official opening back in 2020, the people at Springs Medical now want to give the community the chance to come in, see the medical centre’s facilities and get to know the team.

On Saturday November 19 from 1pm-3pm, the general public and community stakeholders are invited by Dr Sandeep Dhaliwal and Dr James Smith to go meet everyone and see what services are offered at Springs Medical.

Originally located in 89B Piper Street, after the first year Springs Medical took on the renovations of 89 Piper Street and the practice now combines the two buildings.

Attendees will be shown the new clinic, the treatment rooms and be taken through the services provided at Springs Medical.

Some of the new equipment will be on display and explained, too. For example, Springs Medical has recently acquired aslit lamp for Kyneton, which is useful viewing eye issues.

One of the centre’s directors, Dr James Smith, will give abrief speech and will be available for any questions.

There will be plenty to find out about Springs Medical on open day.

Visitors will find out that they have ahigh percentage of bulk billing doctors for pensioners, Health Care Card holders and children under 16.

Also available for patients are aphysio, exercise physiologist, podiatrist and psychologist.

Springs Medical also offers onsite pathology, aSaturday service/clinic and the expertise of visiting specialists such as Dr Manny Cao for colonoscopy /gastroscopy and Dr Sam Hardwick (gastroenterologist, hepatologist and endoscopist).

Springs Medical experts also provide aged care, chronic and complex care, health assessments, iron infusions, venesection, skin checks /skin cancer clinic and surgery, clinical aviation medicals, women’s health procedures e.g. cervical screening, Implanon insertion plus steroid joint injections, travel medicine clinics, alcohol and drug management.

Of course, you’ll be able to find out more at the open day.

Vaccinate againstJEV

All staff working on stud farms in areas affected by the floods are now eligible to be vaccinated against japanese encephalitis virus Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has announced

While there are currently no confirmed cases of JEV in Victoria, the recent flooding and heavy rainfall can mean greater risk of infections spread by mosquitoes.

“I’d like to thank the state government for opening up the vaccination eligibility criteria,” says TBA chief executive officer, Tom Reilly.

“It has been an extremely challenging time for farms in the state, many of whom are now faced with ahuge clean up as aresult of the floods. This announcement provides peace of mind to farm owners and their staff, so they can continue their daily operations without the risk of contracting JEV.

Vaccination against JEV is now available for anyone aged two months or older who: *Lives, or routinely works, in ahigh-risk

area and spends significant time outdoors (four hours per day), for unavoidable work, recreational, educational or other essential activities

*Isliving in temporary or flood-damaged accommodation that places them at an increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes

*Is engaged in the prolonged clean-up of stagnant waters following floods.

The vaccine is free for people who meet these criteria and is available from local councils and local public health units, including some COVID-19 vaccination hubs. Select GPs and community pharmacies can also provide the vaccine itself for free, but may charge afee for the administration.

Everyone should focus on preventing being bitten by mosquitoes. This includes wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellents, clearing stagnant water around your home, and avoiding areas with lots of mosquitoes, especially at dusk and dawn.

Masterclass and music

After the roaring success of LOCALS at this year’s Castlemaine Documentary Festival they’ll be doing it all again in 2023!

In order to assist entrants to prepare for the 2023 event, CDOC is hosting aStorytelling Masterclass at Castlemaine’s Northern Arts Hotel with three veterans of the documentary world next month.

CDOC director Claire Jager said people from Castlemaine and surrounds, of all ages and experience, produced an impressive slate of short documentaries as part of their inaugural 2022

LOCALS event to play on the festival’s opening night. The Theatre Royal was packed to the rafters with an eager audience ready to experience what the local talent had to offer.

CDOC is again calling for aspiring and established filmmakers to create brand new short documentaries that tell the inside story of Castlemaine and the surrounding region.

“We’re super-excited to offer you encouragement and support so get yourselves ready!” Ms Jager said.

“We’ll be looking for short documentaries on the people and places that define our wonderful part of the world. They could be profiles of inspiring locals, captivating historical tales, or contemporary stories about issues that are important to our neighbourhood and region. The brief is incredibly broad and it is up to you!

“Even if you have little experience –ornoneatall –never fear, we’ve got you covered!”

On December 3CDOC is running amasterclass to inspire and educate you.

Producer/director Tony Jackson, editor Bergen O’Brien and producer Kate Pappas will be running the three-hour

Books +music

The Castlemaine Anglican Church Book Fair is on from 9am to 3pm on Saturday November 19 in the Parish Hall (enter from Mostyn Street).

Second-hand books, including classic and modern works, crime fiction, sci-fi, cooking, art, faith and philosophy, history, geography and more.

Cakes, jams and preserves.

Local acapella group, The Blenders, will sing from 10am; Shakespeare readings from 11am; Wind in the Willows reading from 12:30pm. Refreshments served. Door prize ticket with $2 entry.

Kinder celebrates

Former South Castlemaine Kindergarten students and staff are invited to a50th birthday celebration at the kinder on Tuesday November 22.

The special event will begin at noon and run until 2pm and will see the opening of atime capsule created by students and staff back in the year 2000!

To RSVP, email the kinder at southcastlemaine@ykinders.org.au

masterclass of tips and techniques to help you create a compelling short documentary. Whether you’re planning on shooting agrand production or asimplefilm shot on your phone, Tony, Bergen and Kate will help you tell the best story possible.

Melbourne-based Kate Pappas is executive producer for Wild Bear Entertainment. She has produced more than 50 hours of television for ABC, SBS and National Geographic. Her recent credits include feature documentaries Playing With Sharks (2021 Official Sundance Selection/ Nat Geo /Disney+) and Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy (NITV). Castlemaine local Bergen O’Brien has more than 20 years’ experience as afilm and television editor. Three times shortlisted for the Walkley awards for best documentary his work appears regularly on the ABC and SBS, and his recent feature length and critically acclaimed documentary Hating Peter Tatchell (executive produced by Elton John) has been seen in cinemas around the world.

Castlemaine local Tony Jackson is an award-winning producer/ director with 30 years’ experience making television and documentaries for broadcasters across the world. He’s twice been nominated for aWalkley Award for Excellence in Journalism, is the winner of aScreen Producers Australia Award, and recently won the AIDC award for best documentary for his film Our African Roots

The masterclass will be followed by an evening of live entertainment by Castlemaine alternative/rock band Mighty Horse at The Coolroom at Northern Arts Hotel.

For tickets for the masterclass or both special events visit cdocff.com.au/events-coming-soon

Buttlejorrk’s46thexhibition

Buttlejorrk’s annual art exhibition is acelebration of creativity, friendship and lifelong learning. What began in 1976 as a group of potters wishing to share their knowledge and hold joint exhibitions, like some of the founding members who are still active, has just got better with age!

While many members still focus on ceramics, the group has diversified over the years and now includes many artforms as members expanded their interests and new members joined. This year they welcomed two new members: Samantha Gardiner, an artist who creates expressive mixed-media paintings, and David Bowden, ametal sculptor who creates imaginative works

from recycled materials.

The exhibition includes 12 current members who are looking forward to showing their work and celebrating the supportive creative community of the Macedon Ranges with their extensive range of art including painting, sculpture, jewellery, textiles metalwork and woodwork.

All work is for sale and this is an ideal opportunity to purchase a unique, locally handmade piece of art for yourself or someone special this Christmas.

The Buttlejorrk Annual Group Exhibition is on display until December 5atThe Old Auction House in Kyneton.

Christmas carols

Theinternationally renowned Australian Chamber Choir will return to Castlemaine to perform their 2022 Christmas Concert at the Anglican Church on Agitation Hill on Sunday November 27 at 3pm.

The concert will feature Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece ‘Ceremony of Carols’ with the choir accompanied by harpist Melina van Leeuwen.

The concert will also feature music by great the European composers Scheidt, Sweenlinck and Louis Daquin.

There will also be afirst performance of two new Australian Christmas carols by Alan Holley and aUkrainian carol.

The choir has made many highly regarded recordings and also has performed concerts online.

Bookings at auschoir.org or call 0452 531 750 or there will be tickets at the door.

Local band Mighty Horse will entertain with rock to skaand folk to countrytocap offthe December 3event.

Experts E Exxperts

Q: HowdoIknowwhenmycar needsawheelalignment?

A: Werecommendthatyougetawheel alignmentcompletedifyouhavenoticed thatthereisunevenwearonthetyres,the steeringwheelisnotstraight,also,ifyou noticethatyourcarpullstoonesidewhile driving.Apartfromreducingtyrewearthe correctalignmentcanalsoimproveyour fueleconomyandreducevehiclewearand tear.

At Springs Medical, we welcome new and existing patients to all of our clinics, includingSprings Medical Kyneton.

Some of our GPs also offer bulk billing for concession cardholders and children aged 15 and under.It’ssoimportant to have anyhealth concerns addressed by a medical practitioner as soon as possible. Formoreinformation about our clinics, or to book your appointmentonline, visit our website www.springsmedical.com.au.

Our friendly reception team arealso ready to help –you can call us on 5422 1298.

Dr James Smith

Callustoday.

PJsTyres-271BarkerStreet,Castlemaine Phone(03)54722088 www.pjstyres.com.au KN268221

A:

CallCarolineGraingerat:

GraingerLegal 1/40ForestSt.Castlemaine Phone54070161 www.graingerlegal.com.au

Ifyou’vebeenseriouslyinjuredasaresultof atransportaccidentwhereanotherdriverwas atfault,youmaybeabletoclaimdamagesfor painandsufferingfromtheTAC.Thecurrent maximumamountclaimableinVictoriais $591,910. Damagesforlossofearningsare sometimesclaimableinadditiontopainand sufferingdamages.Ifyouthinkyou’reeligible tomakeaclaimfordamages,contactCaroline Graingertoarrangeafreeappointmentto discussyourclaim. KN267823

A: Anyoneovertheageof18canbeappointed asexecutor.However,youneedtobeaware thatanexecutorisleftwiththestressand responsibilityinvolvedinadministeringyour estateatatimewhentheymaybegrieving. Assuchitisimportantthatyouensurethat yourexecutorwillhavethetimeandcapability tocarryouttherequiredduties,evenifthat meansappointingmorethanoneexecutor.Talk toustodaytodiscussyourcircumstances.

Q: Canyoucopy/restoreourold FamilyPhotos?

A: WecancopyandrestoreyouroldB/W& Colourphotos,slides,andnegativesandthen printthemashardcopiesorsendthemtoyou indigitalformat Withyearsofexperienceusingphotoshop,you willbesurprisedhowgoodwecanmakethem look

ContactVesnaPocucatoday: Phone54721588or157BarkerSt.Castlemaine Formoreinformationrobertsonhyetts.com.au KN268176

Callustoday: Chapman’sofCastlemaine Phone54705302 77MostynSt.Castlemaine

Callustoday: PeterMachell-MortgageChoiceWoodend 87HighStreetWoodend Phone54274262 www.mortgagechoicewoodend/ peter.f.machell.com.au

Huntly Barton is running for the state election representing which party?

At which venue did Backyard Fest take place?

Which circus is visiting Castlemaine on November 17-20? General knowledge (1 point)

Who were the winners of The Block 2022?

Australian sporting star Ash Barty retired from tennis at what age?

An Alcazar is best described as which of the following: acelebration, decorative arch, palace /fortress, type of dining room, or dance? 9. When Doves Cry, Purple Rain and Raspberry Beret are all songs by which music artist?

(3 points)

10. Prince Hans of the Southern Isles appeared first in which Disney film?

YourOPINIONS

Disparity of interest

Robin Stewart,Romsey

Alan Kennedy's letter ('Forgotten senior citizens', Opinions,November 8) rightly draws attention to the disparity between the interest and funding Macedon Ranges Shire Council devotes to youth and sporting facilities compared to senior citizens.

More concern for the wellbeing and interests of the shire's senior citizens would be welcome.

Agood start would be for MRSC to support Hume Shire's current application to the state government for an increase in the base rate of the pensioner rate rebate, which Ibelieve has not changed for many years.

MRSC appears to be cutting existing services to the shire's elderly, not improving them.

Be warned!

Ross Cornell, Malmsbury

Anyone intending to travel to Ross Street Malmsbury using the detour along Baldry Street/Racecourse Road, be warned!

Due to ongoing neglect, this detour is now unsuitable for anything other than sixwheel drive, tracked vehicles, hovercraft or the more robust types of dirt bikes ridden by competent operators.

Travellers would be well advised to carry asupplyvehicle spares –tyres, springs, shock absorbers and universal joints. Vehicles should be fitted with awinch, air-intake snorkel and GPS navigation system.

An adequate supply of food, water and afirst aid kit should also be carried in case your vehicle falls into one of the numerous holes or creek crossings on the road. Pack ashovel and be careful not to stray from the track or you will have to dig yourself out of the many swamps on either side of the road.

Notification should be given to local authorities as to times of departure and return. Take great care.

Road condition worsening

Bruce Dudon, Woodend

Iamconcerned about the state of the Woodend-Tylden Road.

It must be at least 12 months since it first got bad and the condition has been worsening.

The speed limit is now 40kph. Aspeed limitthat is useless unless you are very brave and stick to it while B-doubles and other motorists choose to ignore the limit and are breathing down your neck.

Idounderstand VicRoads is very busy across the state with so much road repair of importance, however, unless the 500 metres of Tylden Road is repaired very soon, we may be questioning why someone was seriously injured or worse.

Unfetteredgrowth

Huntly Barton, independent candidate for Macedon

If lamelected Iwillinvestigate what Victoria Development, Creative Victoria and Working Heritage have or are doing with the $12m spend on the Old Primary Kyneton Primary School site.

It was local community that saved the site, and it is the community that should take responsibility.

It seems ridiculous that the well-established Castlemaine Art Gallery is threatened with closure and Labor government is seeking to establish anew gallery in Kyneton.

It doesn’t make sense for the two towns to be competing when there are major galleries in Bendigo and Melbourne, an hour either way.

Ibelieve Kyneton’s gallery needs can be met through an association with Castlemaine Gallery or find alternative community uses for this public precinct.

This government is apro-development.

Unfettered growth is having adrastic

effect on our waterways in the seat of Macedon and other regions.

Platypus, rakali habitat is being destroyed by polluted water entering our streams.

If Iamelected Iwill have an inquiry into all water authorities. We need to know how board members are selected and who they are accountable to. Their debt levels are of great concern and threatens their viability.

Greater emphasis needs to be placed on the quality of water being released into our streams.

Development cannot be at the expense of water quality and biodiversity of our waterways.

This Labor government's Statement of Planning Policy, which relates to the Macedon region, should be relevant to allwater authorities.

Population growth should be well planned and allnecessary infrastructure and environmental protection in place before growth happens.

Showconsideration

Stefan Nechwatal, Sailors Falls

Last week we took atrip to Castlemaineto the Pyrenees Quarries where we handpicked stone and stacked it in my box trailer up to asafe weight totow home.

Towing aheavy trailer is not afun exerciseatthe best oftimes, but Ihad not reckonedonthe selfish, intimidating tactics of asilver Mazda driver asIwas about todepart from the Castlemaine outskirts.

Waiting stationary at theMaldon Road to Midland Highway t-intersection, Igave way to many cars approaching from my left and when Ispied areasonable break in thesouthbound traffic, Imovedforward facing Daylesford. Naturally, taking off from astand start, Ihad to respect my clutch and was not able to go raring off down the road.

This driver, from probably 250 metres back, suddenly sped up to therearofmy rock-laden trailer and freaked me out as he drew levelwith mywindow, as he leant on the horn to show his displeasure.

Iwas inshock as he continued this tirade as he was still on the wrong side of the road andfacingoncomingtraffic.

Ihope he reads this letter and has a personal think back to his actions that were completely unwarranted and apart from lacking abit of patience hadchosen to show mewho was boss, in no uncertain terms.

It was road rage! Hecould have easily caused an accident.

Ihad athink about the drama as I drove home and considered that people who live in country towns are aware that they often share the roads with folk who are pulling trailers, caravans and such and that itissensible to show consideration, because one day they may be towing a heavy load themselves.

Regime change essential

Lee Little, Macedon Ranges John Herron, Derryn Hinch's Justice Partycandidatefor Northern Victoria Region

Acursory glance at thelatestnewsof ourJusticesystem and you mightbemistaken that we live in some dystopian Mad Max society.Violent crime –especially against young women –light or no sentencing, bail in five minutes and criminal psychiatricpatients roamingMelbourne parks wherechildren play.

As much as peopleare horrified by events that are now commonplace, there isthe misconception(or hope) that these things will not happen to them.

Our families, the Littles andHerrons, know all toowell thattheseevents can indeed happen to you. We have lost what was most dear to us –our daughters Alicia Little and Courtney Herron –to volent crime inVictoria. Theirdeaths, like so many other women, were entirely preventable.

As if the eventsthemselves weren't horrifying enough, the attitude and action (or lack thereof) of the various justice and law enforcement apparatus of the govern ment leave you bewildered.

The perpetrators of thesecrimes are frequently released early in deals done to avoid scrutinyofthe broken justice system.

Or to protect careers. Suddenly, the victims arethe enemy of the state, and we are left to fight alone.

It is something the readers may not appreciate unless you walk in ourshoes We sincerely hope you don’t.

If the Andrews Government returns for another round of its dystopian management, nothing will change. Agovernment that cannot or will notprovide basic security andsafetyfor our citizens –par ticularly our daughters, wives, sisters and friends –isa danger to us all.

We ask youtothink very carefullythis coming November.

Weigh station needed

ColMcKimmie,Kyneton

Theabandoned weigh bridge at Carlsruhe could be used as adrive on-off facility for caravans, trucks, trailers no need for staff!

Adigital display on apole could be read from all types of vehicles.

There is aweigh station just past Kerang on the highway where it's easy to check your weight.

People needtobeable to weigh their vans so they know it is safe to tow the weight.

This makes the roads safer for everyone!

Forthe record

PeterShaw, secretary, MountMacedonand Macedon Business and TourismAssociation

We wish to correct the record relating to an article that appeared in your November 8edition on page 24 titled 'Festival a Finalist'.

On May 1, 2016, the owners of one of Mount Macedon’s oldest hill stations reached out to this organisation looking for better management solutions for visitors to Macedon and Mount Macedon during autumn.

One of our members was at the forefront of discussions with other like-minded interest groups, which culminated in a community meeting heldonDecember 15, 2016.

In May 2017, one of our committee members (the late Judi Smith) suggested that we provide 'showbags' to Autumn Leaves Festival visitors that would contain local tourism-related information as well as member promotions of their businesses.

As can be seen from the above, the statement that the festival was “launched in 2021” is patently incorrect and is disingenuous to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly from 2016 to provide visitors into the townships of Macedon and Mount Macedon with abetter experience.

It is extremely disappointing that the shire council is takingcredit for something that initially they didn’t want to know about, until the opportunities and benefits were pointed out to them by this organisation and others, andthey then put measures in place to better manage the influx –albeit that some would say they still haven’t got it totally right.

In closing, the Autumn Leaves Festival is certainly worthy of nomination, and hopefully success, in the 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards as it is has become a major drawcard to thedistrict –but credit should be attributed to those in the local community who foresaw the benefits well before the council, which is now claiming

152 Donnelly Road, Kyneton

Cherokee Road, Kerrie

Couzens Lane,Romsey

HoweyStreet, Gisborne

'Woodbine' 30 Donalds Road, Woodend

4 a 2 b 2 c

One of Woodend’soldestpropertiesisoffered forsalefor thefirst timein60years.Originallyahumblecottage,itisnowabeautifully restored &extendedcountryhome.Ithas remained true to its heritage &isenveloped in an exquisitegardenwithin 36 acres, encompassing clearedfields&aplanting of some 28,000 trees along theboundaryproviding completely privacy.

Thec1870 cottagewas onceasingle-roomdwelling, now reimagineditprovidesthe conveniences of modern times.The architect-designed extensionissuperblyconstructed &isentirely complementary.Thegardenissimplyadelight,createdwithinthe framework of establishedtrees &underplantedwith an array of perennials. Outbuildingsincludeaworkshop/studio& garage/ machineryshed. Zonedruralconservation &inthree titles allows thepossibility for1.5ha to be sold if desired

Auction Saturday 3rdDecember11.00am

Inspect By appointment only Land 14.97haapprox

Price Contact Agent

TomMay 0413 996 185

LeannePearman 0400 947 799 Woodend 5427 2800

24 Old Drummond Road Taradale

3 a 1 b 2 c

Setinthe heartofthe sleepy hamlet of Taradale,Pindaraisa secluded miners cottagebuiltinthe 1890’sgoldrush. With gorgeous viewsfromevery window this property is so Whimsical from thetime youarriveyou won’twanttoleave

Comprising threebedroomswith luxurious wool carpets, open plan living /dining with cosy open fire,plusabuilt in fire placeand splitsystem. Thecountry Kitchen hasnew appliances andthere is an additional bright 2ndlivingat therearwhich isfullycarpeted

Meanderingpathwaysleadthroughthe,prettyestablishedgarden andthe north-eastern orientationprovides all-daysunshine. The pebbleddrivewayallows ampleparking,some rustic shedding Theoriginalred brickcreamerysitspoisedand readyfor an office conversion or artstudio.

Private Sale

Inspect

As advertised or by appointment

Land 5,792 sqmapprox

Price $995,000 -$1,090,000

JennyStewart 0408 389 071

TomMay 0413 996 185 Woodend 5427 2800

Opportunity knocks

Ithinkweare allfeeling it: theneedto tighten our beltsafter looseningthem after the globalpandemic, and notjustfrom eating toomuch.

The increaseininterestrates have put us all on edge. Is this thetimetosell, is it the time to buy? We areall scratching our heads andwondering if we areabouttodive deep intoa recessionpool.

Here in regionalVictoria, we have seen prices stabilise andevendrop, butthere are still buyers out thereseeking their sliceof country propertypie.These buyers seem to have aclearer idea of what theyhave to spendand astrong knowledgeoftheir budget, despitethe interestrateincrease cutting theamountofmoney buyerscan borrow

Whilstauctions arereturning to thecity, out hereinKyneton we areseeing aproperty cyclelastaroundtwo monthsonthe market.Thereare stillbuyersout there, smart ones who arewatchingthe market

decrease andare probablyabletoget the pricetheywant on aproperty.

Withbuyersstill in shock afterthe recent interestrateincreases, we arefinding that well-presented properties,requiring little or no renovations or extraworkrequired ourtop selling homes. Buyersare cautious of theirbudget andare notwanting to spend anyextra

Over summer,wewill be seeing more properties come on themarket as interest ratesreturn to more normal levels andwe work throughthe disastrous floods and overwhelming wetseasonoverspring. What’sexciting aboutthischange in the market is seeingsome incrediblybuyers beingaware of what theywant and being realisticwith their budgets

Areyou interestedinthe Kyneton property market?Booka momentwithJennifer Pearce,the region’sleading real estate agent at raineandhorne.com.au

Looking to downsize, invest or purchase your first home? This property has plenty of positives. Located in the heart of town and within close proximity to sporting facilities, the Kyneton leisure centre, the school precinct (both primary and high school) and surrounded by history, this area won’t disappoint.

This quality brick home has stood the

test of time and boasts plenty of natural light, offering three bedrooms, central bathroom, kitchen/dining area and spacious lounge.

Additional features include rear/side access, spacious backyard, double bay shed and gas heating.

Don’t allow this opportunity to pass you by.

with Jennifer Pearce

This unique Maldon property,set behind alongpicket fence, offers adelightful cottage, aseparate studio with abathroom, alarge garage converted to a3rd living/workspace, and an additional storage outhouse. All of this is set on a1350m2 block, just minutes from the heart of Maldon. An ideal home-weekender,astute investment for short- or long-term stays or perfect downsizer home, there’splenty of scope to utilise the range of living, work and storage spaces as you need. The light-filled main home is bright and welcoming throughout. Built just 10 years ago, the weatherboardresidence incorporates attractive features such as wooden sash windows, tall skirting boards, quality drapes with pelmets, awood heater and light wood flooring. The bathroom and kitchen have built-in white cabinetry,and modern touches have been seamlessly integrated into the country styling using neutral colours and simple design.

MOUNT ALEXANDER VIEWS -LAND RELEASE MCKENZIE HILL

Enjoy

NOW SELLING STAGE 2- STAGE 1SOLDOUT Register now!

Available lots include:

Lot 23 :420m2 -$245,000 -Lot 25 :420m2 -$245,000 -Lot 27 :467m2 -$259,000

Lot 28 :917m2 -$375,000 -Lot 29 :720m2 -$345,000 -Lot 30 :720m2 -$345,000

Lot 31 :808m2- $359,000- Lot33: 480m2- $265,000 -Lot 19 :672m2 -$287,000

Lot 20 :656m2 -$287,000 -Lot 21 :650m2 -$287,000 -Lot 34 :480m2 -$265,000

Lot 35 :608m2- $289,000- Lot37: 686m2- $309,000 -Lot 38 :730m2 -$330,000

make

areready

change to Castlemaine. The welcoming front porch leads to the central hallway,three bedrooms, two with carpet and the thirdwith floorboards, and acentral bathroom with shower over bath. Thereisaloungeroom with corner window and gas heater,70s styleeat-in kitchen, large laundry,separatetoilet and second entrance area. The 1940s home has been well maintained over the decades with paintwork, flooring and finishes all in excellent condition, thereislittle to do except move in and enjoy.The home could be further improved with renovations or extension with space available for this to be realised with alevel 705m2 garden.

Set on just under half an acreand an easy 5-minute drive to Castlemaine’sshops, services, Railway Station and schools this classic period home has been in the second owner’shands for the past 33 years. With all the iconic features including hardwood timber floors, framing and finish plus creative cornice, high ceilings, frosted glass sliding doors, low maintenance aluminium window frames, cut stone firesurround with mantel piece and original kitchen formatting; this carefully maintained home is seeking anew custodian. Thereare 3double bedrooms with built in robes, acentral 4-piece bathroom with corner inset vanity,toilet, shower cubicle and hip bath plus aseparate large laundry The kitchen and dining area has 2cookers, original benches and cupboards, and is semi open to the generous east facing lounge.

Historic

MIDLAND PROPERTY& LIVING

Magnificently set within beautifully landscaped garden surroundings on 10 acres, this elegantly reimagined Edwardian estate encapsulates all the character and quality synonymous with the era, with sought-after modern ease.

Old and new shows through the original 1910 part of the home, with soaring ceilings, stunning leadlight and baltic pine floors exuding the grace and refinement of the original era before leading to the luxurious new family spaces. Beyond established English-style gardens, you are greeted by the grand return veranda offering panoramic views and where each room enjoys private access to take in the serenity of its surroundings.

The new grand entrance instantly captivates with original hand-made herringbone brick floors and high ceilings, opening via glass doors to the home office and library where aChimenea Phillippe fireplace creates undeniable warmth. Walk on into the grand family and entertainer’s domain with asecond Chimenea Phillippe and agourmet kitchen beneath cathedral ceilings. Natural light and spaciousness abound, with generous Carrara marble surfaces, asuite of quality appliances, including a1200mm Artusi cooker, awalk-in pantry and butler’s domain.

The sumptuous full-width master suite is an indulgent space and retreat, with aluxe walk-in robe and ensuite with double marble-top vanity, large walk-in shower and separate toilet. An additional three spacious bedrooms with built-in robes are served by

alarge contemporary bathroom with deep free-standing bath and awalk-in shower, two powder rooms and alarge laundry with an adjoining mudroom.

Highbank is sited spectacularly where the original stone Highbank homestead stood from 1848.

Two deep lead water bores, 75,000ltr water storage, proven fertile soil and alarge yabby-filled dam add to the picture plus aone-bedroom self-contained separate cottage with its own driveway and garden also offer an earning potential.

Inspections strictly by private appointment only.

The welcoming front porch leads to the central hallway, three bedrooms, two with carpet and the third with floorboards, and acentral bathroom with shower over bath. There is a loungeroom with corner window and gas heater, 70’s style eat-in kitchen, large laundry, separate toilet and second entrance area.

The 1940’s home has been well maintained over the decades with paintwork, flooring and finishes all in excellent condition, there is little to do except move in and enjoy. The home could be further improved with renovations or extension with space available for this to be realised with alevel 705m2 garden.

The property includes aworkshop and carport with further room for off street parking, landscaped paths, garden beds and lush green lawn areas.

Tee off right almost from the front door or take astroll with your dogs and enjoy the wonders of the Kaweka nature reserve.

Nestled in the very popular Kaweka Street cul-de-sac, super close to the Mount Alexander Golf Course, Kaweka Nature reserve and schools, this immaculately maintained home makes asmart choice for your next investment or if you are ready to make the tree change to Castlemaine.

Derelicthotelsells at Gisborne

The

The

Listed on the market with price expectations of about

$2

planned

Built in 1847, the historic hotel was delicensed in 1867 and had previously been used as aboarding house, a private residence, aschool and abowls clubhouse.

heritage-listed yet derelict Macedon House at Gisborne sold earlier this month after being passed in at auction.

auction attracted considerable interest with about 80 people gathered to see the sale of the former Macedon Hotel on asubstantial 20,950-square-metre block.

million, the property at 1Kilmore Road sold for $2.525 million through joint agents Broadhurst Property and GrayJohnson. The three bidders were all developer-builder business representatives from the local area. The property was passed in at $2.3 million but sold just 20 minutes after the auction to the highest bidder. It was astrong result for the vendors who paid $1.36 million for the site in 2018 and

to restore the former hotel, construct aresidence as well as anumberofunits.The new buyer, abuilder based in the Macedon Ranges, has now taken on the substantial restoration job.

With 40 years in the landscaping/earthmoving industry there is not much owner/operator

Justin Brown hasn'tachieved.

He works with the customers vision and turns it into reality he also offers free quotes and advice.

All jobs, big or small, they do it all. They have all the machinery and knowledge to complete the projects required.

They supply all gravels, soils and pipes. From town to hobby farms to large farms, covering all the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires.

Check out Justin's website for more details: www.jbearthmoving.com.au

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

FRIDAY,

SUNDAY,

MONDAY,

Funfor everyone at the truckshow

Excitement is gathering for the 2022 HHA and Larsen’s Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show.

It is being held November 26 and 27 at the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and is the local service club's major annual fundraiser.

Live music will be performed by the Country Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Roadshow starring Peter Coad OAM, the Coad Sisters, and the Jim Hermel Band is sure to be ahit. While the band is aregular at the Tamworth Music Festival and performs across Australia, this will be their first appearance in Castlemaine. They will be on stage from 5pm to 8pm on the Saturday evening and again on Sunday at 10.30am and 2pm.

Host Miss Minnie Trucker is delighted to be introducing Tamworth graduates Craig Lloyd and Elisha Francesca to the stage.

Aresident of the Macedon Ranges, Craig recently had his latest single, ranked third on the country music charts

while Elisha is an emerging singer-songwriter based in Melbourne.

Local entertainer Tim Tim has arange of fun activities lined up on both days for the children. There will also be face painting, ajumping castle, and achair ride to keep kids entertained for hours at no cost. In addition to the amazing trucks on show, the miniature truck enthusiasts will be over on the netball courts and the Pioneers and Old Residents have loaned part of their recent History of Transport in the Mount Alexander Shire display for viewing in the clubrooms.

Add to that catering on site and you have the perfect weekend to entertain the whole family.

Admission is $15 for adults or $25 for afamily (under 16 free) with proceeds raised going to support local community projects and youth scholarships administered by the Rotary Club of Castlemaine.

For further information on the program and online ticket sales go to: castlemainetruckshow.com

Newbooktolaunch

Kyneton author M. K. Jacobs will launch her new book In the Shade of the Mountain in Woodend on December 3.

Set in in Crete, 1941, In the Shade of the Mountain is an emotionally complex story set to take readers on ajourney.

As the youngest son growing up on avast South Australian sheep station, Andrew Mitchell earns his living as agambler, fighter and aconman.

He certainly knows that the fastest way to make money is to tell people what they want to hear. He was often so good at it that he made aliving from it until Andrew enlists for awar spread over three fronts.

His goal is desertion; to run and join the local Greek resistance movement and vanish from the war without remorse, only there is one small problem …the new price on his head.

Adesire to survive and the desire to get home to his love will drive Andrew to all ends of his convictions in this work by new Australian author M. K. Jacobs.

The book launch will be held at Woodend Neighbourhood House on December 3, at 2pm.

This will be an afternoon tea function with book reading and signings, and books available for purchase.

Local entertainer Tim Tim will entertain the youngand youngatheartatthisyear’sTruckShow.

M K Jacobs

It’s aboy

Darryl,Denise,Taylor, Liv andMorgan are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of their first grandchild &nephew.

Lennon ‘Lenny ’ Sheridan

Born13.11.2022 at 4.07pm 3.86kg or 8lb 5oz.

Thank you Em andM itchy

RayofSunshine

KN268269/L

BALDWIN Jean 03.11.2022

Will be sadly missed by all her friends at CWAKyneton.

KN268257/J

HARRIS -John 13.2.1937 -1.11.2022 Dearly lovedbrother of Geoffrey and Geraldine Loveduncle of Natasha, Jarrod and Mikaela and their families

Foreverinour hearts

KN268184/L

FROST Nigel Wayne

Agraveside burial service forNigel Frost will be held on FRIDAY 18th November2022 at 10:30am, LancefieldCemetery, CemeteryRd, Lancefield

This will be followed at 12 noon by a memorial service and wake to celebrate Nigel’slife.

MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS

BALDWIN Jean

5.6.1939 -3.11.2022

On behalf of the President and Members of Kyneton Probus, we wish to send our deepest sympathyto Jean’sclosest friends Jean wasa beautiful soul, alwaysparticipated and contributed where ever she could. She will be sadly missed by all who knewher

KN268223/L

Deaths

Greg passed at home 2nd November 2022 at the age of 70 years.

He will be dearly missed by his children Roryand Ian. Foreverinour hearts Achapter completed, apage is turned, alifewelllived, arest well earned.

Family and friends are invited to attend Greg’sfuneral service, to be held in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Friday18thNovember at 2.00pm.

Aprivate cremation will follow.

Castlemaine HARRIS -John

President Grant, members and partners express deep sympathytoall the Harris family John wasanactive and valued member of the club for28years John wasan outstanding business leader through the family business Castle Bacon.

Service above self

KN268255/J

MACHAR

Donald William Frederick 17.10.1942 -13.10.2022

Late of Preston, Kyneton and Birregurra Only son of William and Eileen Machar (both dec.)

Brother to Gwenda Rodriquez and Wilma Szabo Uncle to his nieces and nephews (2 dec.) May he Rest In Peace

KN268167/J

MUIR

Lawrence Ernest 20.6.1938 -4.11.2022

Passed away peacefully withfamily in Townsville, North Queensland Partner in lifeof Nanette Irene MUIR (deceased).

Dearly lovedfather and fatherinlaw of Caroline &John, David &Rai, Alexandra &Jack.

Dearly loved Grandfather to Edwina, Christopher, Nickolas,Lily,Scarlet, Oscar &Olivia.

Foreverinour hearts

KN268230/L

RomseyCricket Club, 20 Park Lane, Romsey

All are warmly welcomed to attend his burial and service

Please wear a splashofcolouror Hawaiian shirt.

Natural Grace Holistic Funeral Care 5427 3112

KN268265/L

MACHAR

The Funeral of Mr.Donald Machar will be held in the Chapel at WesleyPlace, 15 Skene Street, Colac,onThursday, November 17th, 2022 commencing at 11 am. In accordance with family wishes, Donald will be Privately Cremated. Please see www quinnfunerals.com.au forlive-stream details Quinn Funerals Colac 5231 2052

MUIR

Lawrence Ernest

The Funeral Service to Celebrate the lifeof Mr.Lawrence Muir will be held on Friday, 18th November at 11am at Kings Chapel, 45 Geelong Road, Torquay. Aburial at Bellbrae Cemetery will follow Forwebcast details, see Lawrie’s eTribute Page at kingsfunerals.com.au

KN268231/L

IMPORTANT NOTICE DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL!

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful foranadvertiser to showany 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 aperson with oneofthe above characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. As we couldbe legally liable if we printanunlawful advertisement, we will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. Formore information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

KN265461

Gregor David Withers

Appointments to the BoardofDirectors

Central Highlands Rural Health

The Department of Health is pleased to invite applications forpart-time board director positions of Central Highlands Rural Health with terms of office commencing from 1July 2023.

These positions provide an exciting opportunity formembers of the Victorian public with relevant experience and qualifications

Safeand high-quality healthcare forall

is apriority of the Department of Health. Applicantsfor board

must be able to demonstrate and provide evidence in supportofthe capabilities theyidentify in their application We encourage applications fromwomen,people of all ages,Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people,people with disability,people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans,gender diverse,intersexand queer (LGBTIQ+) people

Applications close at Midnight on Monday, 21 November 2022

Forfurther information, including position descriptions, capability framework and howtoapply, please visit https://www.health.vic.gov.au/applying-for-board-director-positions

Rix up to the challenge

Bill West

Taking on the presidency of Lancefield Football Netball Club is a huge challenge as far as Paul Rix is concerned.

“But I’m really excited about it,” Rix said after being elected unopposed as the Tigers’ new leader last week as the club prepares to celebrate 150 years of football in 2023.

He said the 150th celebrations would be for everyone with both past and present involvements with Lancefield Football Netball Club, the official name adopted at the meeting.

Rix, asuccessful roofing contractor, came to Lancefield nearly 30 years ago. He and wife Michelle –chief netball coordinator/ coach –and their family of three have enjoyed aclose involvement with both junior and senior sport at Tigerland.

Outgoing president Mark Morgan did not seek re-election, and was praised for his dedication and loyal contribution to the club.

The well attended annual meeting was informed the club is in avery sound financial position, and the first night of pre-season football training was very encouraging.

The new president said he believes the club has averystrong committee for 2002-2003; preparation of aspecial history book covering the club’s 150 years is well under way.

Rix has been involved in various roles with the Tigers. Squads. They include Auskick coordinator for six years, Under 10s junior premiership coach, assistant coach of the Reserves, and Calder Cannnons football development coach for six years.

Other elected at the meeting were:

Vice-president, Joe Schembri.

Secretary, Stacey Deimos.

Treasurer, Tammie Dalgleish.

General committee –Chris Dynon, Nick Walsh, Loraine Kraus, Barry Hunt, Kerry Hammond, Michelle Rix, Lucas Jowett, and Darren Robinson.

On Sunday the Tigers held senior netball trails for the selection of Under 19s, and A, Band C-grades.

The second round of trials takes place this Saturday from 9.30pm, with all prospective netballers welcome.

KBA preps forroundone

invest in coaching courses and uniform replenishment for our domestic teams as examples.

ery

Kicking off this Friday, November 18, with two of the association's eight teams having home games down at Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre from 8pm.

"As acommunity driven association, we are very appreciative of the continued support we receive from local businesses within the area," KBA president Luke Dietz said.

"Their support allows KBA to

"KBA has been lucky enough to have anumber of long-term sponsors that have supported for many years, acknowledging Hendersons the Gas People, Eve-trans, and Young Engineers.

"We also welcome The Milko as anew sponsor to the association.

"With thanks to all, KBA is super excited to announce that Macedon Ranges Ag Machinery has continued on as major sponsor for another two years."

Macedon Ranges Ag Machin-

“Our son Fletch has grown up playing for KBA, we are in a position tobeable tosupport a grassroots association and are very happy to align ourselves with KBA,” Alex said

Luke said KBA would love to get as many people from the community down to support their teams with home games.

"Follow our KBA Facebook page tokeepacross the fixture. It’s exciting times atKBA," he said.

Trentham stunner,Romseyscrapes in

Bill West

After beginning the bowls season in a blaze of glory, Trentham stumbled, but there was amajorrevival as theSaints stunned Highlands division onefinals contender KynetonGolf by 21 shotson Saturday.

Andunbeaten ladder-leaderRom seyhad to pull outall stopstowin by a solitary shot against bottomofthe ladder Broadford

Aweakened Lancefield combination, without theservicesofregular skippers Bevand JeffHolmes, did agreatjob to hold abelow-full strength Kyneton at bay by four shotsand stay in second sport afterthe completion of sixrounds.

Third-placedGisborne wasvery happy to eclipse Kilmoreina low-scoringencounter

Golf madethe trip to Trentham looking to rebound afterathree-shotdefeat at thehands of Romsey,but could not hold theBarry Mahar and HarryPlias rinks, whofinished acombined 35 shotsahead of their opponents

Without dependableAdrianPlowman, PeterLinehan played as skipperfor Golf andhad aresounding 14-shotmargin over Corey McKeone, but theSaints were

never threatened.

Romseymay have beenapprehensiveabout playing on Broadford’snew syntheticgreen,and thematchwas tight throughout,witheachsidehaving arink up,and onetied.

There is abreak frompennant in all divisions this weekend.

Ladder: Romsey85points, Lancefield 64, Gisborne 51,Kilmore46, Kyneton Golf45, Trentham41, Kyneton26, Broadford26.

In contrast to theexcitingfinishes in the topdivision, second division pro duced wide margins

In abattlefor fourthspot at Romsey, Woodend stayed in touch during thefirst halfbefore theAndrew Laing quarter finished with aflourish with some excellent bowls to win by 18 shots.

The Redbacks gained themaximum 16 points and at thisstage the topfour havea very handybreak on theopposition.

Kyneton demolishedKilmoreby56 shots, the widestmargin of thewhole round.

Trentham had areally good day, with its division 3sidetoppling ladder leader Diggers Rest by 12 shots to moveinto third spot.

Scores in all matcheswere: DIVISIONONE

Trentham71d KynetonGolf 50 –B Mahar(s) 32 dA.Barker 15,H.Plias 27 dB.Godbolt 9, C. McKeone 12 lost to P. Linehan26.

Kyneton48losttoLancefield52– A. Macdonald 15 lost toC.Jolly21, A. Mathison13losttoA.Young 16,M.Smoljo 20 dD Safstrom 15

Kilmore 42 lost toGisborne52– W. Coyle21dP.O’Farrell15, J. Reimann 10 losttoP.Williams 22,P.Newell 1lost to D. Beardmore20.

Broadford 51 lost to Romsey 52 –R Chapman16tied withC Austin 16,D Elllis 17 lost toM.Brundell20, D. Kelly 18 dD.Ely 16

DIVISIONTWO

Romsey 71 dWoodend 48 –B.Groom 18 dS.Pickles 17,A.Laing 28 dM.Dornau10, J. Fryer 25 dG.Symons21.

Broadford 32 lost to Kyneton88– W. Fisher16 lost to C. Bermingham 23,J Goring9 lost to H. Drinnan 31,J.Bruce 7 lost to R. Ackroyd 34.

Kilmore 84 dMacedon 54 –J.Hawkless 24lost to G. Dickerson 27,C.Hodgson 26 dI.Goymer 15,D.Taffe 34 dB Halpin 15.

Diggers Rest 73 dGisborne 49 –R

Treweek 22 dA.Higgins 15, B. Reidy 26 dB.Wylie14, M. Clohesy 25 dR Paterson20.

Ladder:Gisborne 81, Diggers Rest76, Kyneton Golf60, Romsey 58, Woodend 42, Macedon 34,Kyneton33, Broadford 26

DIVISION THREE

Gisborne80dWoodend45–P.Wellington21dT.Sturt18, J. Hunter 31 dC Staggard 16,T.Woodlock 28 dA.Jewell 11.

Diggers Rest 56 lost to Trentham68 –P.Mariner 27 dD.Walsh7,L.Wels 7 lost to I. Van derWerrf 32,R.Grant 22 lost to P. Urlick29.

Romsey 60 dLancefield 46 –C.Dean

14 lost to P. Shannon 20,J.Boyce31d B. West 11, M. Toy15tied with K. Johnson15.

Macedon 70 dKilmore35–L.Gent

18 dW.Cannach 11,A.Grant 31 dC Wright10, M. Cameron 21 dG.Crump

14

Romsey 60 dLancefield46– C. Dean

14 lost toP.Shannon 14,J.Boyce 31 d B. West11, M. Toy15tiedwithK.Johnson15.

Ladder: DiggersRest 63,Macedon 59, Trentham58, Kilmore 54,Gisborne 51, Woodend40, Romsey 32,Lancefield 27

Aculmination of nine months of hard work from the entire Kyneton Basketball Association committee comes together as KBA celebrates its debut into the VJBL competition for season 22/23.

proprietors, Alex and Trav Young, are locals and took over the business in Piper Street just over 18 months ago.

Macedon Ranges Ag Machineryproprietors, Alexand Trav Young, are continuing asKyneton Basketball Association’smajor sponsor foranother twoyears.

Patience pays off

Bill West

Fresh from winning the 2022 Kyneton Cup with Station One, local trainer Liam Howley produced New York Hurricane in fine fettle to win at Pakenham last week.

Having his seventh race start, New York Hurricane ran on strongly in the straight after jockey Craig Newitt had angled for arun around the home turn in aMaiden for three-year-olds.

Starting as a$2.90 favourite, New York Hurricane overhauled leader Gold Governor in the last few strides to win by 0.4 lengths.

Described as areal value purchase for $70,000 from the @Inglis Sales and @threebridgesthoroughtbreds, the three-year-old Manhattan Rain from Al Dhakira gelding looks like he will appreciate alongerjourney than the 1400m at Pakenham.

He has already recouped his large group of owners, including Langdon Thoroughbred Raing, nearly $87,000 in prizemoney.

Howley expressed thanks to the owners and the team behind New York Hurricane.

He predicted that “more wins are in store” in the future.

Town &District

GOLF results

Trentham

Scratchmarker

Aprevious Trentham championship winner in 2017 and 2017, Ovenden made good use of his excellent first round of 70 to keep the field at bay.

He finished with 70, 75, 74 for the 54 holes, with Lief Louwen-Skovden 78, 70, 55 –223 and last year’s winner Robin Wilson 70, 76, 72 –223 tying for second place.

The club was fortunate the championships were able to be played in reasonable weather conditions across the three rounds.

The B-grade title went to Marc Merrigan with three consistent rounds of 83, 81, 82 –246, while Austin Dochery clinched C-grade with 96, 84, 101 –291

On the final day Liam Murray 77-10-67 took out the Medal of Medallists award.

Murray will also play-off for the November medal against Brenden McMenamin.

The day’s B-grade winner was Rob Ellis with 87-17-70, with C-grade going to Peter McBride with 92-22-70.

Fine and cool conditions greeted Trentham bowlers for their par event on Saturday.

The best score was +3 from B-grade winner Graeme Smith (16).

Robin Wilson (1) took out A-grade with

+1, and C-grade winner Ewan Wright (19) had the same score to top C-grade.

Wilson, Paul Robinson and Russell Hanson all recorded eagles.

Using three sticks and aputter, the women’s stableford went to Caroline Johnston with 32 points, from Julie Hanson 30.

Castlemaine

Aerogard was an essential requirement to combat the multitudes of mozzies at Castlemaine on Saturday.

The overall stableford (and B-grade) winner was Andrew Dzioba (28) with 39 points.

Hot on his heels were the A-grade placegetters Lachlan Brown (7) and Ian Gilmour (8) on 38 points.

Jason Lester (23) shot 35 points to be the B-grade runner-up.

Kyneton

Semi-finals of Kyneton Golf Club’s 2022 championship were played on Saturday.

The open section semi-finals resulted in Jason McClure defeating Mark Sciberas, and Matt Waters accounting for Terry Gamble 2?1.

B-grade: Glenn Cooke dJonathan Beachey 4/3, and Tien Ho dTerry Kot2/1.

C-grade: Paul Law dJing Biscocho 1-up, and Phillip Barratt dPaul Moore 6/4.

The finals take place on Saturday, November 26, with the McClure vWaters contest over 36 holes, and Band Cgrade over 18 holes.

The best score in Saturday’s stableford

Sun shines forspring open

It's been adifficult time for local croquet clubs this year.

The Northern District Croquet Association pennant season had to be abandoned part way through with so many matches having been postponed due to unplayable lawns, and interclub matches between local clubs have been deferred to later in the season, so the Kyneton Croquet Club members couldn't believe their luck when they got alovely sunny day last week for their spring open competition.

With 23 players from 10 clubs around the state entered to take on players from Kyneton, the downpour the day before the event had club officials wondering if yet another event would be cancelled.

With so little play on the lawns in recent months, greenkeeper Craig Vincent had them in excellent condition so fingers were crossed for agood day. In the end, the sun came out and it turned out to be avery successful day.

After four rounds of competition, George Train from Drysdale was aclear winner being the only undefeated player.

All visitors were very appreciative of the work put in by Kyneton to make it such an enjoyable event. And the next day, the heavens opened up again!

was 37 points from A-grader David Moore, with David Pitcher (13) on 33 in the same grade.

Neil Watts (23) topped B-grade with 33 points by one from David Austin (24, ,and Kylie Munro (29) was the women’s winner with 32.

NTPs went to Tien Ho 2and super pin,, Cooke, Munro, Austin, Pat Clohesy and Teaote Davies.

The first round of the midweek championship was played last Wednesday.

Col O’Sullivan 96-24-72 had the best score on acountback from Ross Martin 84-12-72, with Tracey Bramich 102-22-80 the women’s winner.

Tuesday ladies: Tracey Bramich (22) 33 points, from Teaote Davies (26) 24.

Nine holes –Vicki Nettleton (28) 19 points..

Lancefield

Golf returned in earnest at Lancefield last week with the greens staff flat out mowing to reduce the number of lost and plugged balls.

Jenni Vennell stole the limelight by clinching the women’s Medal of Medallists title for 2022, and the Novembermedal as well with around of 105-27-78.

The next best score was 114-32-82 from Anne Robinson, while the nine hole stableford went to Bev Beaumont with 13 points.

Some good scores by some of the younger brigade highlighted Saturday’s

stableford.

Shane Skidmore (19) was the winner with 41 points, from Trevor Lambert (1) 39 and Mason Memmolo (6) 38.

Tuesday Legends: James Whitford 95-16-79 on acountback from Ed Godek 97-17-80 and John Wilson 105-25-80.

Romsey

The quarter finals of the John Laing Shield all provided close contests at Romsey on Saturday.

Bob McLennan dMickSquire 2up, Dean Kohler dAndrew Clement 1up, Mal Mottram dLukeLyons 1up, Shannon Wright dPat Chisholm 2/1.

The day’s stroke winner was Mitch Atlas with 83-7-76, from Mick Nicholls Jnr 90-13-77.

Wednesday stableford: Darlene Baker (19) 36 points, from Steve Wilkins (15) 32.

Friday social golf (from 4pm) over nine holes is now on at Romsey for $5 per participant –membership/handicap not required.

Woodend

Some really good scores were fired in Woodend’s stableford on Saturday.

Mick Fitzpatrick (16) wasthe winner with 40 points, on acountback from Neville Bottams (9). Matthew Stevens (20) and Daniel Sipthorpe (12) both returned 39.

The club’s annual meeting takes place this Saturday, November 19, at 5pm, with adraftconstitution already sent to members to be proposed for adoption.

Simon Ovenden led throughout to clinch Trentham Golf Club’s 2022 championship by amargin of four strokes.

Kyneton Croquet Club memberscouldn’t believe their luckwhen theygot alovelysunnyday last week fortheir spring open competition.

Well timed finish Craig Ne witt aboard Kyneton galloper New York Hurricane winning at Pakenham Newitt had also won the 2022 Kyneton Cup for trainer Liam Howley the previ ous week Photo: PatScala/ Racing Photos

Tennis star’s step up

Winning her first women’s open tennis title is another step forward for very talented 14-year-old Juliette Debrincat.

An up-and-coming star at Riddells Creek Tennis Club since the age of 10, Debrincat won the open title in the open zone series tournament, which concluded at the Bendigo Regional Tennis Centre on November 1.

The convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory in the final against Summer Jones was one of the highlights of the tournament held at the Bendigo Regional Tennis Centre.

Proficient on all surfaces, Debrincat attends Salesian College in Sunbury.

In October she was amember of the Victorian team that competed in the Australian Hardcourts Championships at West Beach Adelaide.

Debrincat excelled at the Sports Association of Catholic Co-Education Secondary Schools tournament last month.

Rising quickly through Riddells Creek Tennis Club ranks to play in the A1 team, Debrincat is giving herself every opportunity to improve further in the sport.

“Tennis is fast becoming the sport of choice for women and girls and with players like Juliette coming up through the ranks, we know that the future looks very bright,” RDTC president Fiona Walker stated earlier this year.

Cricketreturns to thepitch

Clubs score funding

Twelve Macedon Ranges sporting clubs soon will bolster their coaching skills, administration expertise, or score new sports equipment.

They are the latest recipients of the state's Sporting Club Grants Program, which provide grants of up to $1000 for uniforms and equipment, and up to $5000 for training coaches, officials, volunteers, and club improvements.

Grant recipients are:

Kyneton and District Adult Riders Club Inc (safety equipment, $1000)

Kyneton Angling Club Inc (equipment, $1000)

Kyneton Croquet Club Inc. (mallets, $1000)

Kyneton Little Athletics Centre Inc. (high jump mats, $1000)

Kyneton Basketball Association (first aid training, $2000)

Macedon Ranges Bowling Club (jackets $1000)

Riddell Cricket Club Inc (uniforms/equipment $1000)

Riddells Creek Tennis Club Inc (equipment $1000)

Romsey Tennis Club (nets $1000)

Woodend -Hanging Rock Petanque Club Inc (training/upskilling $2000)

Macedon Ranges Basketball Association Inc (web services $5000)

Macedon Rangers Soccer Club Inc (foldable goals $1000)

Following recentfloodingand rain events,the majority of Castlemaine District Cricket Association sides were finallyable to return to local grounds last Saturday with somespirited matches battledout.Results wereasfollows:

AGrade

At Camp Reserve,Castlemaine United hosted Guildford andmanaged to record afirst-innings win

Castlemaine won thetossand elected to bat first making 9-156 (C Alridge 54 not out, BBrasher 32. AParsons 5-26, A Ross 2-21, DWebster2-29)toGuildford 138 (N Webster 40.JChaffey3-24, N Kearton3-27, LChaffey 2-21).

Maiden Gully Marist 84 (T Bubb 29 not out. JMeredith 5-24, SReece 3-14) was defeated by Newstead 6-159 (B Walter 34, CHepburn33not out, TReece 32, I Garsed 28.B Haw 2-25, JMorgan 2-32)

Muckleford

AReserve

No play– all matches declared a draw.

BGrade

Harcourt 117(SFoxall 36, OBloom field 27. CWarren3-22, CBaker 2-10,L Kneebone 2-21)was defeated by Castlemaine UnitedGold 7-160 (L Kneebone 48, MThilakasiri 29, DBrasher 27.S Foxall 2-7).

Maiden Gully Marist 117 (M Rogers 60, RFisher30. KGardener 6-22, L Chapman 2-10) tied with Newstead 117 (L Chapman 55, SCarmichael 25, AFoy 4-21, ABlake 2-7).

Castlemaine United Blue6-66 (J Smith 3-20, MKennedy2-20) defeated Muckleford 9-62 (S Penrose 3-5, MPenrose 3-14), SMoran2-9).

Muckleford Maroon 3-89 (N Cooper 29)defeated Guildford 84 (T Williams 33. HCoombes4-12, CEdwards3-22).

Women

Harcourt6-48drew with Castlemaine United 6-48.Newstead2-166 (D McNabb 27 not out)defeated Barkers Creek 9-63 (D McNabb5-7,MBourne 4-8, ERighetti 2-2, FGardner 2-4).Castlemaine United Blue 8-61(CBlack 2-11) losttoHepburn 3-109. Guildford drew with Maiden Gully Marist.

CGrade

CGrade sides began atwo-day fixture. Muckleford 2-17 vCastlemaine United Gold 55 (J Nuttall 30. CButcher 2-0, ALayne 2-9). Castlemaine United Blue vNorth Castlemaine/Guildford 5-214 (M Matheson 50, RWebster 34, ZHinck 33). Harcourt 1-49 vNewstead 5-62 (K Simmons 3-11, MChamberlain 2-13).

#CommitToStage2NOWcallout

As the state election campaign enters its final weeks, Macedon Ranges Shire Council is calling on the local community, sporting clubs, associations and representative groups to mobilise their networks and advocate to all political parties for stage 2ofthe Macedon Ranges Regional Sport Precinct.

Mayor Jennifer Anderson said council welcomed the recent commitment by the Liberal candidate for Macedon, Dominic Bonanno, of $9.5 million if the Liberal-National Coalition is elected.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this announcement, however, the completion of Stage 2ofthe projectisnot certain until we have commitments from all parties," Cr Anderson said.

“Stage 1construction is under way and on track to be completed late next year, but without the final funding required to complete stage 2, the project won’t include anumber of important sporting and community facilities and features."

The precinct will encompass a15-hectare regional park providing facilities for arange of sport and recreation activities.

Stage 2includesthree additional courts, change rooms, cricket nets, afunction room, additional car parking, apractise oval,

outdoor multi-sport courts, additional sports pavilion amenities and further landscaping.

“The sooner we can secure the balance of funds, we can get the ball rolling on the detailed design, tendering for aconstruction contractor, coordinating all the necessary permits and approvals while stage 1isbeing completed and ultimately, deliver this vital community infrastructure sooner," Cr Anderson said.

“Our local families, businesses and community groups are passionate about getting this project completed—this includes having the facility ready for tournament, training and event purposes for use during the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“The local community and council have been workingtirelessly for many years to deliver alegacy precinct for this region; and we need everyone’s help to spread the word and call on all candidates to commit to supporting stage 2ifelected,” she said.

To get involved and find out more about the project, visit mrsc. vic.gov.au/MRRSP, sign the local community’s change.org petition and use the hashtag #CommittoStage2NOW on your social media posts to help spread the word.

Juliette Debrincat after winning the open women’stitle at Bendigo.

vBarkers Creek was de clared adrawand Hepburn hadthe bye.

‘Runmachines’makeittough

Bill West

Several top batsmen in McIntyre Cup cricket have already signalled that bowlers are in for atough time this season. That’s the obvious message with two one-day rounds played, after the first four scheduled rounds were abandoned due to excessive rain.

Gisborne skipper Jarryd Vernon has scored 156 runs without being dismissed in successive Saturdays, as well as taking six wickets. Surely six votes already in the Sullivan Medal voting.

On Saturday, Vernon rattled up an unbeaten 81 (12 fours, one six) from just 60 deliveries as his side reached 1/135 in reply to 133 (Vernon 4-18, Mick Allen 4-25). Riley Vernon chipped in with 39 not out for the Dragons.

This weekend the Woodend versus Gisborne match at Gilbert Gordon Oval sees the home side having to find away to dismiss Jarryd Vernon cheaply, and Allen and Leigh Brennan as well.

The Woodsmen bounced back from aloss against Romsey by accounting for Wallan by 40 runs at Greenhill Reserve.

Quality opener Marcus Steward scored 80 to go with his 47 against Romsey, Warren Else 30 and Harry Lawson 28 as Woodend compiled 6/190 c.c.

Ablazing 80 from Keiran Aiken threatened to derail Woodend before he was bowled by Hamish McIntosh, and the Magpies wilted to be out for 150 with Lawson collecting four wickets.

Sunbury United’s Liam Sherlock is another top batsmen who will be making it hard for bowlers as he made 71 to follow on his previous 67 as United reached 7/179 to overhaul Diggers Rest/Bulla’s 7/178 c.c.

Romsey captain-coach Ben Way is another target for opposition bowlers and he has yet to be dismissed this season.

This time it was allrounder Corey Day who shone for the Redbacks. Day claimed 5-17 from his nine overs and young spinner Jake East 4-28 as Rupertswood succumbed for 133. Day made 30 and Way remained unbeaten on 29 as Romsey scored 5/118 in 29.5 overs in atune-up for abig match at Wallan on Saturdfay.

In the other McIntyre Cup match Bacchus Marsh dismissed East Sunbury for 98 and replied with 5/101.

CENTURY TO HOWLETT

In Johnstone Shield, Macedon opener Cameron Howlett scored 105 not out from 113 balls at Tony Clarke Reserve with the Cats posting a formidable 6/233. Tim Berzins 48 and captain

Daniel Trotta 41 kept the scoreboard moving.

Gisborne was never in the hunt, being bowled out for 108.

Kyneton made 8/150 c.c. (Kyle Cordy 60, M. Harrison 41) before bundling Romsey out for a meagre 42 (N. Tunzi 5-7, Tom Boyer 3-11).

In other Johnstone Shield matches Riddell 127 all out lost to Eynesbury 5/128, Aintree 168 lost to Sunbury United 4/174, and Kilmore made 117 and Bacchus Marsh scraped home by scoring 9/118 (Josh Buttler 5-22).

In Jensen Shield, Blackwood could not field afull side and was bowled out for just 36 by Lancefield, with the Tigers rattling up 1/39 (V. McClure 29 n.o.).

Hanging Rock showed plenty of spirit to defeat Bacchus Marsh. Chasing 8/151, Hanging Rock compiled 4/156 (Liam O’Meara 55, Brandon Nicholls 37 not out to follow his unbeaten century the previous Saturday, and T.G. Place 32).

Rupertswood’s 9/160 c.c. proved too much for Malmsbury 9/106 (Quentin Kebble 47), Sunbury Kangaroos 144 lost to St Anthonys 8/147 (Z. Gilbert 62), and Wallan 9/105 c.c. lost to Diggers Rest/Bulla 5/109.

In division one, Woodend made 7/161 (captain Brett Gardner 58 not out) and restricted Trentham to 6/101.

Melton South rattled up 8/254 led by 103 from opener Saeed Bashir, and Macedon replied with 140. Joseph Barham took 3-37 and then made 34 for the Cats.

In other division one matches, Gisborne 55 lost to Rupertswood 1/59, East Sunbury bowled Kilmore out for 96 and replied with 7/100, and Aintree 124 lost to Bacchus Marsh 2/130.

At Clifford Oval, Macedon’s division two side compiled 8/142 (Malcolm Davies 40, Scott McCann 40) to defeat Rupertswood 136.

Kyneton 4/129 (Regan Williams 43, Hayden Walker 41 n.o.) defeated Malmsbury 116 (Chris Gannim 40), and Sunbury United 6/190 c.c. toppled Diggers Rest/Bulla 6/127.

Romsey 147 (Cameron Armstrong 60, Matthew Chew 25) defeated Riddell 69 (Michael Boland 29 –Aaron Ryan 3-15, Chew 3-18).

Kilmore 9/147 defeated Hanging Rock 9/131 (Peter Connor 42 n.o.) in division three.

Club North: Gisborne 5/139 (Peter Sankey 42, M. Weier 38 n.o.) dWoodend 132 at Bullangarook, and Malmsbury 86 was overhauled by Kilmore 4/87 (Chris Peggie 70) in amatch played at the Lancefield No. 2oval

Macedon’s 2/216 c.c. was highlighted by an unbeaten century from StephenGray (retired) and 61 n.o. by Dale Taverna. Wallan could only score8/78 in reply.

Back to Bombers

Malmsbury struggles

Malmsbury CricketClub’s four sidesfailed to secure avictory at the weekend, despitesome good individualperformances.

In Jensen Shield,the Berrieswent to Rupertswoodwith the home side reaching 2/95in20overs; aswitch to spinput the brakes on with MattCox 3-22 and N. Coxand T. Logan two wickets each restricting Rupo to 160

After asolidstart with the bat, QuentinKeeble hittinga fine 47, the Berries collapsed on hisdeparture andwere out for106 with 10 overs remaining.

Division twoplayed at Kyneton and made 116 (Chris Ganim 40,G.Nelson20) againsta good attack

WithKnott andKosmac bowlingsuperbly, the Berries had an outside chance, butReganWilliams and Hayden Walker soon snuffedout hopes.

TheBerries headed to Lancefield in Club North to hostKilmore,and scored adefendable 87 (S. Tautkus 26, D. Turner 25).

At 3against aGisborne /9 Kilmorewas in strife,but bighitting Callum Peggie blasted aquick 70 (five sixes)toend the gameearly.C.Rogers andS.Sharp werethe best of thebowlers.

Aweekend highlight for Malmsburywas 11-year-oldAlexis Taylor gettingher first-ever wicket bowling her flippersagainst Gisborne on Friday evening.

Gisbornescored 1/107 c.c. and theBerries were out for64 as NikolaCox scored36and Charli Busbycollected 4-5 for Gisborne.

Prolific ball winner Matt Panuccio (pictured) is returning to Riddell after spending one season with Gisborne, and ending up being amemberofthe Bulldogs’ 2022 premiership side. Riddell has re-signed many of its 2022 topliners, though versatile Tim Walsh is returning to Gisborne.

To the rescue: Struggling forruns against Riddell, Romsey’sdivision twoside was rescued by aprolongedlast wicket partnership between allrounder MatthewChew (at left) and Logan Collins. Theysurvived for10overs and added 37 runs to pave the wayfor agood win, with Chewcapturing three wickets as well.

Warming up! Romsey’sMcIntyre Cup cricketers, with captain-coachBen Wayinthe centre,havechalked up twowins from twomatches and their warming up routine would probably impresssome keen soccer fans.